Hipgnosis/Courtesy of San Francisco Art ExchangeA new exhibit celebrating the 50th anniversary of the famed Hipgnosis album-design team, which created surrealistic covers for classic albums by Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Paul McCartney and many more rock legends, will open this Saturday, November 10, at the San Francisco Art Exchange (SFAE). The "Art of Hipgnosis" exhibit will include more than 60 pieces available for viewing and purchase, including fine-art prints, proof sheets and original artwork designs from albums like Pink Floyd's Pulse, Led Zeppelin's Presence and Peter Gabriel's 1980 self-titled solo effort, a.k.a. "Melt." The exhibit also will feature rare photos of various artists, including a collection of previously unseen pics of The Rolling Stones taken by Hipgnosis co-founder Aubrey "Po" Powell for the band's 1973 album Goats Head Soup. On Saturday, an invitation-only opening reception will be held at SFAE that will be attended by Powell, who launched the company in 1968 with the late Storm Thorgerson. The first cover they created was for Pink Floyd's second album, A Saucerful of Secrets. Hipgnosis' most iconic design is probably the cover of Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon, but other covers created by the company include Floyd's Wish You Were Here and Animals, Led Zeppelin's Houses of the Holy, McCartney and Wings' Venus and Mars, AC/DC's Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, Yes' Going for the One and Genesis' The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway. "I'm thrilled to work with the San Francisco Art Exchange on this exhibition to celebrate 50 years of Hipgnosis work," says Powell. "[The gallery owners] have a lot of sympathy and respect for the kind of work that we did. They're prepared to put the radical ideas that we came up with and display them to the public as art." Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Uh-oh! It could be you, or it could be us, but there's no page here. China Aviation Daily | Nov. 08, 2018 The Russian Helicopters Holding Company (part of Rostec State Corporation) signed a contract for delivery of 20 Ansat helicopters for Chinese Association for Disaster & Emergency Rescue Medicine (CADERM) during Airshow China 2018. The rotorcrafts will be delivered to the customer in multi-purpose configuration. The helicopters are to provide primary medical care and emergency medical evacuation of patients and can be used in difficult terrain and in remote areas with hindered transport accessibility. In addition, the medical module of Ansat provides for resuscitation, intensive care and monitoring of the main bodily functions of an injured person during transportation to a hospital. "The fact that we sign the contract today means that Ansat helicopters fully come onto the international market. These helicopters have proved to be very effective during implementation of the air ambulance development program in Russia, and now they will also save lives in China. The production capacity of Kazan Helicopter Plant will provide for supply to both Russian and foreign customers. We plan to validate the Ansat certificate in China before the end of 2018 and to supply all machines under this contract in 2019 and 2020," stated Russian Helicopters CEO Andrey Boginsky. The signing of this agreement brings cooperation between China and Russia in the field of civil aviation to a new level. The acquisition of Ansat helicopters for the CADERM indicates the highest level of trust in our technology," said Anatoly Serdyukov, industrial director of the Rostec Aviation Cluster. In Russia Ansat medical helicopters are successfully used for providing air medical services. These helicopters save people in the Volgograd Region, the Kurgan Region, the Kirov Region, the Kostroma Region, the Pskov Region, the Nizhny Novgorod Region and in Tatarstan. Since 2017, as part of the federal project on ensuring timely provision of emergency medical care to citizens living in remote areas of the Russian Federation, 11 Ansat medical helicopters have been handed over to regional emergency services, and seven helicopters will be delivered before the end of the year. Besides, in September 2018 Russian Helicopters, the National Air Ambulance Service (NSSA) and Avia Capital Services LLC signed a contract for supplying 104 medically equipped helicopters of this type. Ansat is a light multipurpose twin-engine helicopter. Its serial production is deployed at Kazan Helicopter Plant. According to the helicopter certificate, its design allows converting it into a cargo version or into a passenger rotorcraft that can lift up to seven people. In May 2015, the modification of the helicopter with a medical module was certified. Ansat is certified for use in the temperatures ranging between -45`C and +50`C. High-altitude tests of Ansat have been successfully completed, which confirmed the possibility of its use in mountainous terrain at altitudes up to 3,500 meters. In August 2018 the Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsia) gave Kazan Helicopter Plant an approval for the main change in increasing the capacity of several assemblies and systems of Ansat based on the results of certification, which makes the helicopter more attractive for operators and potential customers. Contributed by Russian Helicopters Chevalliers heart-rending 1930 novel of the young Jean Dartemonts time in the French army is a powerful mix of horrific battlefield scenes and poetic language. In one chapter, relief troops find that the soldiers theyve been dispatched to help are all dead, and in page after page, the details create a feeling like being inside a Hieronymus Bosch painting of the damned. While on leave, Dartemont discovers that French civilians are eager to continue a war they believe is covering the army in glory, and they condemn him for his doubts. Dartemont tells his priest, The God of infinite mercy cannot be the God of the plains of Artois. And he concludes, This war has killed God, too. 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 Anyone who has followed his career, which has also included time at Noma in Denmark and Mugaritz in Spains Basque region, will see how Speros travels have influenced his menu at Reverie. Two of the best dishes are a moist dark bread that packs in sunflower seeds and rye berries, served with sweet housemade butter speckled with leek ash, and a two-pound slab of rib-eye dressed with strips of lardo and presented with glistening fried padron peppers. The former makes a great mop for some of the sauces to follow, while the latter (billed as txuleta) calls to the cave dweller in us. The White House years are the period of time on which Obama has had the least time to reflect. There are moments that she speeds through and others where she recites her methodical approach to planning her first-lady programs, intentionally focusing her Lets Move initiative on children so as to avoid being accused of overreach. She contends that the firewall between the Office of the First Lady and West Wing was solid mentioning that her husband called her to the Oval Office only once. That was after the tragic Newtown shootings. They both mourned, and she links the gun violence there to the urban shootings in her hometown and expresses her disbelief regarding the congressional failure to pass gun-control legislature. After Whites life smoothed out with the help of his foster parents, he found himself drawn to music first the trumpet, then the tuba, which he learned partly with the help of a self-teaching tape. That gave him the confidence to go to the Baltimore School for the Arts, ready to audition for admission. There was just one problem. In his freshman year in the General Assembly, he developed a website to collect the signatures that are required to petition laws to the ballot, a process that means legislation that has been passed does not take effect unless it is also approved by a popular vote. 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 Health care was the subject cited most frequently by Marylanders as the most important issue facing our country. Among the 28 percent of residents who cited it as the top issue, 59 percent voted for Jealous, who campaigned on Medicare-for-all. Forty percent chose Hogan. Those who think their families are falling behind financially went for Jealous, with 57 percent voting for the Democratic nominee and 41 percent for Hogan. The vitriol of the campaign now in the past, Elrich says he is looking toward his transition he has already sent out 180 invitations to be part of his team and thinks his tenure will surprise those who didnt support him. A former teacher who was backed by progressive organizations and unions, he said his door is open to everybody, including developers if they offer to talk. Core DC was awarded the contract Nov. 1 by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, according to federal public records. A spokesman for the Bureau of Prisons said the halfway house will open March 1 in an existing building at 3400 New York Ave. NE in an industrial area near the Maryland line cut off from neighborhoods by Route 50 and railroad tracks. The driver sped off, authorities said. Police later caught Barnes and the driver in the 2200 block of Rand Place NE. Investigators recovered a large black garbage bag from behind the passenger seat of the Mercedes and in the bag was nearly 3,000 grams of the synthetic drug FUB-AMB. The driver of the car still faces charges, officials said. The Ventura County mass shooting that left 12 dead Wednesday became a grim test case in a persistent debate about how places such as schools, nightclubs and houses of worship should steel themselves against shooters and how police should respond to them. The massacre, and others like it in recent months, show how difficult devising an effective strategy to head off an attack can be and the exceptionally high cost it can exact on those on the front lines. She refers to the case at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit as an enormous nightmare and is deeply conflicted about her role and its implications, not just for her legacy but because of what a decision could mean for Trump and what she sees as his more sweeping blocks. Were not on the same wavelength, she said, which is why this is so horrific for me. According to a search warrant application filed in court, the bodies were discovered by patrol officers after a man who called 911 said his girlfriend had called him to say her mother had been killed. OCarroll said Friday the caller was not certain of the exact address, and it was initially hard for officers to figure out where to go. But several members questioned whether the state did enough to understand the makeup of the local community and the impact of the compressor station. After a lunch break, board member Ignacia Moreno moved that the vote be delayed a month to give the board more time to consider information the board received from the public, the Department of Environmental Quality and Dominion Energy. In Las Vegas, Anderson stood near the stage, on the same side of the field as the Mandalay Bay hotel, where a gunman fired shots out of the windows of his suite. Anderson saw a man next to him get shot and dove on top of his then-girlfriend to shield her. When the gunman stopped shooting, Anderson and his group of friends ran out an exit and two miles to their hotel. Everyone in Paradise, a community of 27,000 people about 180 miles northeast of San Francisco, was ordered to get out. The extent of the injuries and damage was not immediately known. Butte Countys fire chief, Darren Read, said two firefighters and multiple residents were injured. 3 million have fled Venezuela crisis, U.N. says: The number of refugees and migrants from Venezuela has risen to 3 million worldwide, the United Nations said. The U.N. refugee agency and the U.N. migration agency said 2.4 million of them are in Latin America and the Caribbean and the rest in other regions. Citing data from national immigration authorities and other sources, the agencies said Colombia has the highest number of refugees and migrants from Venezuela, with over 1 million. Peru is next with over 500,000. Most say they are fleeing Venezuela's imploding economy. The pressure began in the spring when the Russian prosecutors office opened a probe into the magazines receipt of money from the Fund in Support of Freedom of the Press. The fund was created by the magazine to receive donations from readers and other supporters. The fund had been designated a foreign agent under a restrictive 2012 Russian law that was part of Mr. Putins attempt to curtail independent voices, including nongovernmental organizations. More recently, the designation has been broadened to include news media. Ms. Albats said she believed all the money in the fund came from Russian nationals, so a report was not necessary. But the prosecutor said because it came from a fund designated a foreign agent, the money was foreign. The magazine immediately complied and filed a report, but the prosecutor went to court anyway, eventually winning approval of the big fine on Oct. 25. Now, the largest of those plans, the Central States Teamsters, is failing. Of the 50 largest employers paying into the plan in 1980, only three contribute today, according to testimony in Congress this year. Promises once shared across an industry are now borne by this tiny remnant. The modest, but livable, pensions earned by hundreds of thousands of workers and their spouses will soon be cut in half or worse unless something is done. The only way to successfully shape public sentiment in the era of Donald Trump is to have a message that is clear, concise, compelling and repeated over and over and over again, Jeffries said. Do we address every single outrageous thing that comes out of his mouth, or do we govern, and message accordingly, on our terms? For us to keep the majority we have to stay on message, which means a focus on kitchen table, pocket book issues that unify the American people. Trumps preplanned decision to fire Attorney General Jeff Sessions after the midterms by means of an undated resignation letter, clearly written to be used at the presidents will was a hint of what is coming. At some point in the presumably not too distant future, special counsel Robert S. Mueller III is going to submit his final report. Mueller may even indict some more people, maybe some close to Trump. In January, when the new Democratic House of Representatives takes over, further investigations will open, perhaps into Trumps history of suspected tax fraud, perhaps into his business relationships with Russia. I dont know which of these things bothers the president most, or what exactly he is hiding. Regardless of the details, he will need tools to deploy when they are revealed. Suburban-friendly planks should be part of this platform, too, but not to the extent they conflict with TIGR priorities. After all, based on data from the Voter Study Groups 2016 VOTER Survey, I estimate that there are about 5.9 million TIGRs and 3 million Romney-Clinton voters. Come 2020, the GOP will need to gain only a dozen or so seats to retake the House, a mark it can easily meet by focusing on working-class Democratic districts and some close, mixed seats that Republican candidates barely lost this week. Republicans should not write off the suburbs, but they need to recognize that so long as Trump is in the White House, their ability to retake them will be limited. Plainly, the surge in female candidates on the Democratic side was partly in response to antipathy toward Trump for all the familiar reasons. Yet, as Trump said Wednesday during a contentious news conference, he and Republicans now have no choice but to work with Democrats if they want to get anything done. Trump said he thought this more likely now that the numbers will force both parties to the table. Sessions reserved his most egregious actions, however, for immigrants a group that cannot defend itself through the political process because they cannot vote. He defended Trumps travel ban, which barred entrance to the United States to tens of thousands of people from predominantly Muslim countries. He imposed quotas on immigration judges, which the judges themselves have said make it impossible to provide fair hearings to those whose cases they are adjudicating. He made it harder for victims of rape and gang violence to obtain asylum in the United States. He sought to punish cities and towns that chose, as is their right under the Constitution, to leave immigration enforcement to the federal government. He was a vocal proponent of ending protection for dreamers, the young undocumented people to whom Obama granted relief from deportation. (A federal court of appeals ruled Thursday that the decision to rescind protection was arbitrary and unlawful.) And perhaps most cruelly of all, he promoted and defended Trumps family separation policy, in which young children were forcibly taken from their parents for months at a time, often without even accounting for where the children were sent and held, as a way of deterring immigration to the United States. The progressive National Partnership for Women and Families, a nonprofit advocacy group that pushes hard for such programs across the country, praised D.C. Council member Elissa Silverman (I-At Large) and others for their highly effective work in 2016 to pass one of the nations most generous policies guaranteeing workers paid family and medical leave. At the time, the National Partnership spelled out the benefits of the citys law explicitly in a news release: It makes paid leave accessible to virtually every private sector worker in the District. Employees who must care for a new child or a seriously ill family member or who are seriously sick themselves will be able to take time away from work without jeopardizing their ability to cover their basic expenses. Deputy editorial page editor The acting attorney general of the United States is a crackpot. Matthew G. Whitaker, installed in the job by President Trump to replace Jeff Sessions, was asked in 2014, during an ill-fated run in the Republican senatorial primary in Iowa, about the worst decisions in the Supreme Courts history. Whitakers answer, to an Iowa blog called Caffeinated Thoughts, was chilling. There are so many, he replied. I would start with the idea of Marbury v. Madison. Thats probably a good place to start and the way its looked at the Supreme Court as the final arbiter of constitutional issues. Well move forward from there. All New Deal cases that were expansive of the federal government. Those would be bad. Then all the way up to the Affordable Care Act and the individual mandate. Reasonable people can differ over the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act. Maybe theres some space to debate the New Deal-era cases that cemented the authority of the regulatory state. But Marbury? This is lunacy. For any lawyer certainly for one now at the helm of the Justice Department to disagree with Marbury is like a physicist denouncing the laws of gravity. Decided in 1803, at the dawn of the new republic, Marbury v. Madison is the foundational case of American constitutional law. It represents Chief Justice John Marshalls declaration that the Supreme Court possesses the ultimate power to interpret the Constitution and determine the legitimacy of acts of Congress. In Marshalls famous words, it is emphatically the duty of the judicial department to say what the law is. The untested new Constitution provided that the Supreme Court possessed the judicial Power of the United States, but it did not define what that power entailed. With one judgment . . . Marshall would chisel judicial review into the American system, Cliff Sloan and David McKean explain in their book, The Great Decision. The ruling, asserting clearly and unequivocally that the Supreme Court did indeed possess the power to strike down an Act of Congress as unconstitutional . . . laid the foundation for the American rule of law. This is not a controversial position, at least in mainstream legal thought. On occasion, Supreme Court nominees, including Antonin Scalia and Neil M. Gorsuch, declined to state their agreement with Marbury. But this coyness is not because they differ with the ruling; rather, it is because they fear stepping onto the slippery slope of assessing past cases. More commonly, Marbury is the uncontested subject of lavish judicial praise. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. endorsed it during his confirmation hearings, and expanded on that view in a 2006 C-SPAN interview. Marshalls decision meant we have the courts to tell what [the Constitution] means and whats binding on other branches, Roberts said, and that important insight into how the Constitution works has been, I think, the secret to its success. But if you think, as Whitaker seems to, that Roberts is too much of a squish (hes not a good person to point to when it comes to actually just calling balls and strikes in practice, Whitaker said of Roberts in the 2014 interview), consider Robertss predecessor as chief justice, William H. Rehnquist. In his book on the Constitution, Rehnquist described Marbury as the linchpin of our constitutional law. Or consider Justice Brett M. Kavanaughs comments during his confirmation hearings, describing Marbury as among the four greatest moments in Supreme Court history. Kavanaugh offered a more extended defense of Marbury in a 2014 Notre Dame Law Review article. Its my submission, Kavanaugh wrote, that Marbury v. Madison continues to mark the proper approach for constitutional interpretation. Yet we seem to have, as the nations chief law enforcement officer, a man who begs to differ. Is this still his position? If so, how does that view that the court in Marbury was too assertive in exercising its power square with Whitakers simultaneous beef that the court was inadequately assertive in striking down laws during the later New Deal era and when dealing with the Affordable Care Act? Thats not the only troubling question about Whitaker. During a 2014 Senate debate sponsored by a conservative Christian organization, he said that in helping confirm judges, Id like to see things like their worldview, what informs them. Are they people of faith? Do they have a biblical view of justice? which I think is very important. At that point, the moderator interjected: Levitical or New Testament? New Testament, Whitaker affirmed. And what I know is as long as they have that worldview, that theyll be a good judge. And if they have a secular worldview, then Im going to be very concerned about how they judge. Marbury was wrong. Religious tests for judges. If you thought the big worry about Whitaker was how he would handle special counsel Robert S. Mueller III, that might be just the beginning. Read more from Ruth Marcuss archive, follow her on Twitter or subscribe to her updates on Facebook. Over the course of this week, our delegation will participate in the U.S.-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit, the East Asia Summit and the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting . We will announce new deals and initiatives, many with significant financial backing from U.S. taxpayers and our business community. And we will reiterate the presidents pledge of renewed partnership. The United States will work with like-minded nations from India to the Pacific islands to advance our shared interests. Together, we will stand up to anyone who threatens our interests and our values. Now, there is spirited disagreement among thoughtful people concerning whether such disproportion constitutes a violation of the Constitutions Eighth Amendment proscription of cruel and unusual punishments. There is disagreement concerning whether the Eighth Amendment as originally understood by those who wrote and ratified it was intended to forbid only certain methods of punishment, or to assign to courts the task of enunciating standards of proportionality in sentencing. There is disagreement about what the modern court has done in incrementally circumscribing states discretion in punishing juveniles: It has held that the Eighth Amendment forbids capital punishment for children younger than 18. And that it forbids life imprisonment without parole for juveniles convicted of non-homicide offenses. And that it forbids this is the issue in Chandlers case mandatory life imprisonment without possibility of parole for juvenile homicide offenders unless they have demonstrated such irretrievable depravity that rehabilitation is impossible. Of course, NRA leaders arent going to follow the logic where it goes. Theyre not even going to follow the groups own reasoning from point A to point B say, from statements of concern about mental illness to efforts to do something about it. If the NRA were serious about mental health in the United States, it could publicly proclaim support for politicians who seek to expand health-care coverage for all Americans, and especially to those who support single-payer health care, which would cover mental health care and substance abuse treatment . And why not? The NRA thrives on a faux-populist platform, in which it attempts to pit average Americans in the heartland against snobby, rich coastal elites. Want to stick it to the man? Tax him and pay for universal health care. All in all, then, a Democratic Party that has dominated the popular vote across all federal offices enjoys only a narrow elective majority in one half of one branch of the federal government. And Trump and Republican senators are using their control of the rest of the government to promote policies that will extend and entrench the Republican skew in elections. The Supreme Court will likely soon hear a series of cases in election law that review the very practices that underwrite Republican power. Pay no attention to anyone who whines that well, yes, the Democrats did manage to take the House, but they didnt . . . and then goes on to bemoan Beto ORourkes loss in Texas or one of the other near misses. A bigger wave would have been nice, but control of the House was the big enchilada of this election, and Democrats grabbed it. Trumps life is about to change in ways he will not like. Hopefully if Tuesdays midterm elections are any indication that finally may begin to happen. There has been a shift in the politics of gun control; no longer is it a third rail to be avoided at all costs. In Washington state, voters overwhelmingly approved a ballot measure to strengthen the states gun laws. Across the country, Democrats who openly supported sensible gun law reform won House seats and some governorships. My generation has been defined by gun violence. We have been defined by continued and repeated inaction by our elected officials, said Stephen Paolini, 22-year-old campaign manager for Washingtons Initiative 1639. I hope tonight this victory is a message to our elected officials: Enough is enough. I asked some of my historian friends to reflect on the lessons of 1918 for our post-election America. They cited some common themes: the fragility of the world order, then and now; the big, sometimes disastrous outcomes that can begin with small events at the margins; the moral hubris that dooms inflexible leaders to failure; and the humility that allows great leaders to see events through the eyes of adversaries, and thereby avert disaster. The 21st-century FBI, for all its flaws, has escaped the darkness of Hoovers shadow, a legacy of warrantless wiretapping and vengeful attacks against the directors enemies. It is in great part the creation of Mueller, who ran it from 2001 to 2013. It is decidedly not a political tool to be manipulated by presidents. It is as independent as a hog on ice once launched, it has a mind of its own. Ive been convinced of this while working on a five-hour documentary about how the FBI has confronted presidents who violated their oath of office. (Enemies debuts Nov. 18 on Showtime.) The FBI has faced down five commanders in chief who threatened to run the ship of state aground: in the Watergate scandal, in the Iran-contra imbroglio, in the Monica Lewinsky affair, in the matter of post-9/11 spying on Americans and in its criminal investigation of the Trump team. Its record isnt perfect, but it has by and large upheld the rule of law. But these parallels are wrong, both historically and in the present. While Murdoch and Roger Ailes founded Fox News with the intention of establishing a conservative network, MSNBC was launched as simply a chattier, more Gen-X version of NBC News. Even after the network leaned in and attempted to develop into a Fox News for progressives starting in 2006, it has never played the same role as Fox. Thats partly because the left doesnt have the same suspicion of mainstream media and partly because MSNBC still tries to model balance. Its morning show is anchored by a conservative, former Republican congressman Joe Scarborough. (The reverse would be unthinkable for Fox.) And it has become whiter and more conservative in the Trump era. Melissa Harris-Perry and Al Sharpton are both out at the network, while Nicolle Wallace, White House director of communications under George W. Bush, now anchors the 4 p.m. hour. Proponents of political tit-for-tat will argue that Democrats would be fools to grant Republicans the powers that Republicans purposely denied them. But if Democrats truly care about democracy and the rule of law, this is a chance to prove it, by sharing power once more. In many mature democracies, and in the United States until quite recently, the minority legislative party has an important role in overseeing the executive branch. Even if Republicans benefit and even if they eventually retake control and undo the reform again this is about protecting our country. And the more strongly the norm is defended, the more difficult it becomes to undo. I understand the desire to tidy up the sprawl of democracy. There were more than 6,000 state legislative seats up for election this year, plus thousands of sheriffs and school board members, judges and county commissioners. There were 155 statewide ballot measures and even more local ones. And the results were, I suppose you could say, all over the map. Grand narratives are attractive but unattainable, as the contours of individual races are as unique as the people running in them. Candidates have personal strengths and weaknesses; constituents interests may not align perfectly with party agendas; precincts have their own unique brews of social and economic forces. New York Citys only Republican borough elected a Democrat to Congress on Tuesday, which had far more to do with commute times on Staten Island than with President Trump. But Whitaker seems to have been more than a figurehead. He spoke about inventions of the companys clients in online videos including a special hot-tub seat for people with mobility issues. He also penned a response to at least one complaint writing a threatening email in which he cited his role as a former U.S. attorney, according to court filings. The contest to replace retiring Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) is one of three that remain unresolved nationwide. While Republicans are certain to control the Senate next year, the strength of their majority could be less than it appeared on Tuesday. On the ground in Broward County, protesters took to the sidewalks outside election offices in Lauderhill to demand the ouster of Brenda Snipes, the supervisor of elections, who has faced a string of accusations of mismanagement over the past decade. The scene was reminiscent of the partisan street fights that accompanied the contentious presidential recount of 2000; for three hours, about 200 people shouted and waved signs. In front of Russia which is at our borders and which can be threatening, I would like to start a security dialogue with Russia, which is a country I respect and which is European, Macron said in the interview, conducted during his tour of the main battlegrounds of World War I in northeastern France. We have to have a Europe that can defend itself alone and without only relying on the United States in a more sovereign manner. Trump has sought to distance himself from close associates once they fall out of favor or become embroiled in controversy. Trump, for example, sought to minimize the role played by his former campaign chairman Paul Manafort after he faced tax- and bank-fraud charges. Trump also sought to minimize the legal work done for him by his former personal lawyer Michael Cohen as he faced federal charges. Brian Kemp has abused his power and used the secretary of states office as a taxpayer-funded arm of his campaign and he is bullying elections officials into hurriedly certifying the election despite all the votes not being counted, she said. Trump said that the former first lady was no doubt paid a lot of money to write her book, but he reserved his harshest words for her husband: Ill never forgive him for what he did to our United States military. Ill never forgive him for what he did in many other ways, which Ill talk to you about in the future. Some races have yet to be called. But as of Friday, more than 100 women had been declared winners in the 435 House races nearly three dozen more than are serving in the current Congress. Nearly all the newcomers are Democrats. The number of Republican women will decline when the new Congress is seated in January, potentially dropping to as few as 13. Ruth Bader Ginsburg has been through a lot more than three broken ribs and is functioning at a high level. I think hopefully we count on her for quite a while longer, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said in an interview. But the court is susceptible to illness or death for openings on the part of any of them. And we need to be aware and wary about the potential imminence of another opening. The president has said repeatedly hes not going to dismiss the Mueller investigation, McConnell said Friday in Kentucky, according to the Associated Press. Hes said repeatedly its going to be allowed to finish. That also happens to be my view. In past elections, Pelosi has been able to rely on the niceties of Capitol Hill politics, which dictate that after an internal party vote, lawmakers drop objections they might have and cast their votes for their colleagues choice. In 2016, for instance, 63 Democrats opposed Pelosi in the closed-door caucus, but only four did so on the House floor. An independent auditor or a certified public accountant must examine the associations books. It is important for members of the new board to be satisfied that the developer, while controlling the association, properly paid all of its obligations to the association and that those payments came from the developers funds and not from the association. Keep in mind that while the developer is in control of the association, they also have access to the association funds. Often, this access is unlimited. You want to make sure that funds which should have been paid by the developer are not inadvertently paid out of association proceeds. Somali officials said police officers and hotel security guards shot and killed four militants as they attempted to burst through a hole that one of the blasts opened in a wall of the Sahafi Hotel, which is frequented by government officials and appeared to be the main target of the attacks. At least two other militants were reported killed when they detonated their suicide car bombs. Hong Kong was guaranteed a degree of political autonomy and freedom as part of a 1997 handover agreement between China and Britain that ended British colonial rule in the territory. But Chinese authorities, deeply alarmed by the eruption of pro-democracy protests in 2014 known as the Umbrella Movement, have tried to instill a sense of patriotism and have tightened political controls in ways large and small. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Heavily strained ties between Washington and Moscow are influencing decisions on who should join the Afghan talks, according to a former senior U.S. official. The U.S., of course, is naturally skeptical, but thats only because the Russians are convening it, said the former official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss views on U.S. diplomacy. Macron and Merkel, too, have had a fine partnership. Internal pressure from the more conservative factions of her shaky coalition government forced Merkel to resist some of Macrons European proposals notably his plans for further economic integration. But she has been a tireless defender of the E.U. since before Macron emerged onto the scene. Her absence will likely leave Macron on his own in the defense of an ever greater union. 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. They will arrive at a border where more than 7,000 U.S. soldiers have been ordered to deploy in an attempt to deter more illegal crossings. But record proportions of those crossing illegally today are women with children who simply turn themselves in to U.S. border agents and state a fear of return. Civil rights advocates say Sessionss move rolls back progress made under the Obama administration. During those years, the Justice Department opened 25 investigations into law enforcement agencies in cities including Chicago, New Orleans, Cleveland and Ferguson, Mo., and was enforcing 14 consent decrees and other agreements. After the 2015 death of Freddie Gray, who suffered a spinal cord injury while in the custody of Baltimore police, the Justice Department reached an agreement that called for officers to be trained in resolving conflicts without force. Authorities have said they think Sayoc is responsible for mailing 16 possible explosive devices to people considered foes of President Trump, including former president Barack Obama, former secretary of state Hillary Clinton, former attorney general Eric H. Holder Jr., liberal billionaire George Soros and others. Sayoc was arrested last month and charged with five counts. Even after he was in taken into custody, authorities continued to recover packages they think he sent through the mail. Though U.S. military officials have continued to publicly defend the Saudi-led coalitions efforts to avert civilian casualties, privately they have expressed a feeling of being stuck between a rock and a hard place. U.S. military leaders, many of whom have years of experience working closely with Persian Gulf allies, see Saudi Arabia as a key partner in the counterterrorism fight that has dominated Pentagon operations since 2001. They also share Riyadhs concern about Irans reach through proxy forces and want to show support for the kingdom as it grapples with repeated missile and other attacks from the Houthi rebels. It wasn't smooth sailing. Embarking on the project in 2015, she had little idea how annoyed Greer would be with anyone attempting a biography. Kleinhenz had read Christine Wallace's 1997 Untamed Shrew "but it was not until I was well advanced in my research that I discovered the full extent of Greer's opposition to that book, and was shocked by her venomous attacks on its author". She had herself written to Greer about her plans to use the archive and Greer's response was one of snide indifference she would neither interfere nor assist her. There was reason enough to fear that she too would cop it when her book was published. In May 2013, Germaine Greer gave 500 boxes of correspondence, manuscripts, drafts and various other memorabilia, to her old alma mater. Melbourne University paid $3 million for the collection, a treasure trove for feminist scholars, cultural historians and would-be biographers. A seminar, "Celebrity, Fandom, and Germaine Greer's Archive: Navigating the 'General Correspondence' Series" was recently held in Sydney, and many more might be expected. But Elizabeth Kleinhenz's fine biography is the first major work drawing on the archive to appear in print. Germaine. By Elizabeth Kleinhenz On the face of it, this new biographer might have seemed a worrisome prospect to her cantankerous chosen subject. Unlike Wallace, a political journalist and author of John Hewson's biography when she approached Greer, Kleinhenz is a relative unknown, if with a distinguished career as a teacher, education consultant and researcher. In 2013, the year of Greer's donation, she had published her first biography, of the Melbourne academic Kathleen Fitzpatrick. To put it plainly, and as tactfully as I can, Kleinhenz's public persona is as straight and respectable as Greer's is outrageous and flamboyant. But Kleinhenz's true credentials come from a more telling quarter. Greer's near contemporary, she is typical of the generation of women for whom The Female Eunuch's impact was critical. "Who was this Germaine Greer," she wondered, "who changed my life and the lives of millions of women?" It's Kleinhenz's premise that The Female Eunuch ignited "ordinary women" as books by more "established" second-wave sisters did not. I could take issue with this (none of the writers whose books came out at the time were in any way established) but it would do nothing to dismantle the fact of Greer's reach. Who remembers Kate Millett or Shulamith Firestone or Dorothy Dinnerstein or a host of other authors whose arguments carried far more weight with feminists of the day than Greer's did? Yet for good or ill, Greer among them remains the symbol of our 1970s feminism. Kleinhenz's approach is as imaginative as it is conventionally linear. Using interviews with key figures as well as the archive material, she tracks Greer's life from its beginnings in January 1939, as the first-born of two siblings, the first to experience the discord between their parents, and ends with her attempt to connect with her native land by resurrecting a Queensland rainforest. But to leave it there detracts from Kleinhenz's achievement. Hers is a well-rounded, sympathetic portrait of a remarkable human being, in a narrative that grips from the start. She shows how the contradictions that can infuriate us are the flip side of Greer's ever-questing mind, how for all the strength of her scholarship, Greer's preferred method is to throw out ideas to be tested rather than sustain a coherently structured argument. When Roger Rogerson was offered between $2 million and $5 million to deliver a message, his response was that he wanted ten million and a jet to fly him to Cooma jail to discuss the business on offer. A District Court jury has heard that the corrupt former detective, who has since been jailed for life for murder, was the go-between in an alleged extortion attempt on wealthy murderer Ron Medich. Roger Rogerson was jailed for life for the 2014 murder of student Jamie Gao. Credit:Daniel Munoz The initial approach to Rogerson has been aired via a series of taped phone calls made between prison inmate Shayne Hatfield and his former partner Linda Monfrooy. Both have pleaded not guilty to being involved in a conspiracy with Lucky Gattellari to extort $15 million from Medich in return for Gattellari changing his evidence. Traditional owners protesting fracking. Credit:Environs Kimberley Paul Kelly, Jimmy Barnes, John Butler, the band Midnight Oil, Missy Higgins, Tim Winton, Fiona Stanley, Janet Holmes a Court, Carmen Lawrence and Peter Newman have joined to call for the state government to ban gas fracking in Western Australia. The McGowan Government was elected on a platform of banning fracking in the South West with a moratorium elsewhere, including the Kimberley and Mid West, pending the results of an inquiry. The inquiry has now reported to the government but its content remains under wraps and the government is expected to announce its decision any day now. The group of Australian public figures called on Premier McGowan to ban fracking through the whole state, not just the South West. In a WA first a Perth council has upended the usual planning process, placing community ideas front and centre and bucking a planning system thats increasingly angered residents in recent years. Perth suburbs are shaped by town planning schemes, which are supposed to be based on a corresponding town planning strategy document that sets out local values and visions. Many Perth councils are in the process of drafting strategies in order to update their schemes. In recent years, developments being approved such as this seven-storey building on King William Street, Bayswater, have caused controversy in the city. Credit:Yolk Property Normally councils draft a strategy, put it out for public feedback then make (minimal) changes, in a process nicknamed Design, Advise and Defend; and they've been copping heat for it. South Perth council has dealt with years of protests from community groups over town planning scheme amendments and a newly recently drafted strategy has caused even more unrest. Perth CBD training provider the Australian Institute of Commerce and Technology (AICT) has gone into liquidation following the national regulators decision not to renew its registration. AICT on Murray Street has offered diplomas and certificates in business, IT and English to international students but has been in hot water since 2016 when the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) found out the centre was teaching unauthorised VET courses to high school students. An image from the AICT website. Credit:AICT. WA schools had to write to 1100 families with the news students certificates might have to be voided. Tafes had to pull together to ensure students were not disadvantaged and the Education Department had to chase AICT for refunds. WAtoday then revealed multiple different students enrolled at the school had been found by police and border force officers at various times not to be genuine students, but criminals involved in sex work, human trafficking and drug dealing. Manila: The Philippines' anti-corruption court on Friday ordered the arrest of former first lady Imelda Marcos after finding her guilty on seven counts of graft during the two-decade rule of her husband and former dictator, Ferdinand Marcos. Marcos, 89, famous for a huge collection of shoes, jewellery and artwork, is facing dozens of protracted graft cases that have hounded her since her family was toppled in an army-backed popular uprising in 1986. The court ordered Marcos, a congresswoman, to serve six to 11 years in jail for each of the seven counts of graft. She was charged for making seven bank transfers totalling $US200 million to Swiss foundations during her term as Manila governor. Marcos and her representatives did not attend the legal hearing on Friday. She could not be reached for comment and text messages and phone calls to her lawyer were not answered. WSU Honors Hinckley Collaboration Winners for International Service, Scholarship November 8, 2018 OGDEN, Utah Weber State University geosciences professor Adolph Yonkee has been named the 2018 John S. Hinckley Fellow, and the Dumke College of Health Professions International Healthcare Project has been honored with the 2018 Exemplary Collaboration Award. The awards will be presented at a luncheon Nov. 9 at 12:30 p.m. in the Hurst Center Dumke Legacy Hall. Hinckley Award Geosciences professor Adolph Yonkee is a world-renowned expert on how mountains form and the nature of movements along major faults, such as the Rocky Mountains and the Andes Mountains of South America. During his 27-year tenure at Weber State, he has developed a sustained and internationally recognized research program, funded by numerous external grants, including seven major grants from the National Science Foundation since 2008. The grants have supported collaboration with multiple universities. Yonkees research program has resulted in more than 30 presentations at scientific conferences since 2008 and 16 peer-reviewed publications in leading geoscience journals, including Earth-Science Reviews and the Journal of Structural Geology. In 2017, the Geological Society of Americas Structural Geology & Tectonics Division recognized Yonkee and co-author Arlo Weil, geology professor from Bryn Mawr College, with its Outstanding Publication Award. This award is given annually for a published work of exceptional merit that significantly advances science in the area of tectonics. What is remarkable about Dr. Yonkees extraordinary research contributions is they were made without sacrificing the quality of his teaching and service, wrote Andrea Easter-Pilcher, College of Science dean in the nomination letter. Throughout his WSU tenure, Dr. Yonkee has received strong student course evaluations and continually works to improve his teaching. Yonkee has mentored numerous undergraduate research experiences and included students in field research from Utah to the Andes Mountains. He also served as chair of the Department of Geosciences for 15 years from 1997-2012. Collaboration Award Making connections and providing healthcare services, a group of 32 students and community members participated in the Dumke College of Health Professions International Healthcare Project. The group traveled through Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam working to improve healthcare processes in the communities that asked for help. Led by health professions faculty Janelle Gardiner, Julie Rhodes, Julie Gee and Kristine Bouwhuis, the group was honored with the 2018 Exemplary Collaboration Award. In Thailand, group members spent time at an orphanage focused on rescuing children from trafficking. In Vietnam, they studied the difference in nursing education from that of the U.S. In Cambodia, group members provided well-child checkups for 350 children. They also taught neonatal resuscitation and other emergency procedures to healthcare employees. This trip will forever impact my professional life, said Jackson Pohlman, a senior in nursing. Nursing instructors, BSNs, RNs, LPNs, CNAs and non-medical professionals came together and helped teach a critical skill that will help the future generations in Cambodia. This trip was one that I will never forget. Thank you to the nursing instructors, donors and the group of students who helped make this experience happen. The Annie Taylor Dee School of Nursing and the Dr. Ezekiel R. Dumke College of Health Professions helped sponsor the event. Organizers plan to take groups each year to determine how their teaching was implemented and what follow up is needed. For photos, visit the following links. photos.smugmug.com/Press-Release-Photos/2018-photos/November-2018/i-BpLbfbH/0/48a14b51/S/CambodiaBabies-S.jpg photos.smugmug.com/Press-Release-Photos/2018-photos/November-2018/i-BDw7hL4/0/4cdc4d09/X2/IMG_2448%20%281%29-X2.jpg https://wsuucomm.smugmug.com/Press-Release-Photos/2018-photos/November-2018/i-6GcnbDM/A photos.smugmug.com/Press-Release-Photos/2018-photos/November-2018/i-dJKZJRB/0/6831ac61/L/IMG_2452%20%281%29-L.jpg photos.smugmug.com/Press-Release-Photos/2018-photos/November-2018/i-kkC896q/0/b8a708aa/X2/field%20crew-X2.jpg photos.smugmug.com/Press-Release-Photos/2018-photos/November-2018/i-kpQN6hF/0/45d58cc5/X2/valle%20fertil%20north%20end-X2.jpg Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University. Concurs de granturi adresat COMUNITATILOR (APL) pentru sporirea rezilientei lor la schimbarile climatice si FEMEILOR ANTREPRENOARE in vederea dezvoltarii unor afaceri prietenoase mediului GREENWICH Greenwich will salute the service of the towns veterans in a series of events throughout the Veterans Day weekend. The centerpiece will be the annual Veterans Day Patriotic Walk down Greenwich Avenue, which will lead into a ceremony at the towns World War I memorial at Arch Street. The walk is open to veterans and their families as well as anyone in the public who wants to show support. Those taking part in the walk are invited to bring photographs of relatives and friends who served in the military. A Greenwich Police Department motorcycle escort will lead the way, accompanied by local youths from the Greenwich Boy Scouts and the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich. The walk will start at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, with the ceremony at the memorial scheduled to start promptly at 11 a.m. That is the traditional time to observe the armistice that ended World War I the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. The ceremony is hosted by Greenwichs American Legion Post 29 and the Veterans Appreciation Council. The Greenwich Veterans Day Patriotic Walk and ceremony are a wonderful way to honor our veterans and all those who are continuing to serve in the armed services to protect the freedoms we hold so dear, said state Rep. Livvy Floren, R-149, a member of the council. We are here because they were there. The forecast calls for sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-40s on Sunday. But the ceremony will be moved inside to the nearby Public Safety Complex if it is cold or rainy. Dean Gamanos, a town resident and veteran, will deliver the keynote address at the event, which marks the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. The ceremony, led by American Legion Post 29 Commander Peter LeBeau, will culminate with the laying of a wreath at the base of the memorial. Floren will also present the Young Person of the Year Award to James Heavey, son of town Chief of Police James Heavey. He is president of Greenwich High Schools senior class and was recently given the Connell Award at Boys and Girls State as the delegate who most represented the programs ideals. Afterward, veterans and their families are invited to the Redmens Home Association at 17 E. Elm St. at noon for a luncheon. David DAndrea of the association said he expected nearly 160 people to attend. Its one of our main causes along with giving scholarships for Greenwich students and supporting adult day care programs for our seniors, DAndrea said. Weve had a lot of veterans in our organization, and thats really fueled our efforts. They deserve our support, and they deserve to be honored. The veterans of the past and the veterans of today are the ones that gave us our freedom and protect it. Were so grateful to them. The luncheon is open to all. Veterans and their families will get priority seating. The USO Girls will also put on a patriotic performance to show off the associations support for veterans. Also, at 5 p.m. Sunday, the Byram Veterans Association will host its annual parade starting at its headquarters at 300 Delevan Ave. An open house will follow at Hornik Hall, which is the groups headquarters. At 10:30 a.m. Saturday, the Cos Cob Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10112 will hold its annual ceremony at its memorial on Strickland Road, across from the Bush-Holley House. Parking is available at the nearby marina. The post, which recently marked its 50th anniversary, holds ceremonies on Memorial Day and Veterans Day every year. The public is encouraged to attend. On Monday, which is the Veterans Day holiday, Greenwichs public schools will hold ceremonies and events to recognize veterans both locally and across the country. In many schools, veterans come in as speakers, and special assemblies and classrooms lessons on Veterans Day are scheduled. The annual Cos Cob School ceremony has been canceled due to the flooding damage there. But the district promises to make up for it next May with its Memorial Day ceremony at the reopened school. kborsuk@greenwichtime.com GREENWICH Reconstruction work Cos Cob School could begin as early as next Monday, now that a contractor has been chosen to make repairs after a flood closed part of the building last month, officials said Thursday. The Greenwich Public Schools administration is working with Wernert Construction Management and various town departments to expedite the contract and insurance approval processes so the work can begin as soon as possible, according to a statement released Thursday afternoon. STAMFORD Diane Sloyer interpreted three swastikas with the words good luck scribbled in chalk on downtown sidewalks this week as a challenge to the Jewish community. It is disturbing, said Sloyer, CEO of the United Jewish Federation of Greater Stamford, New Canaan and Darien. It is hard to wake up in the morning not knowing what we are going to see on that particular day. Police are looking for a man wearing a backpack who was caught on surveillance video near the Ferguson Library around 3:30 a.m. Thursday. One of the swastikas with the message good luck and a picture of a heart was drawn on the sidewalk outside the Broad Street library. Similar drawings were found Thursday morning in front of 285 Bedford St. and 11 Forest St. Sloyer called the swastikas blatant symbols of antisemitism and hate. It is disturbing and unnerving and I certainly hope they catch the person, she said. The incident occurred about two weeks after 11 people were killed during a service at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh in the deadliest attack on Jews in the U.S. Stamford Assistant Police Chief Tom Wuennemann said the last antisemitic incident in the city occurred in August 2017 when swastikas and other graffiti were discovered spray painted on the walls of the Academy of Information Technology and Engineering on High Ridge Road. One month earlier, a Stamford man used his own feces to smear a swastika and a Star of David on a window near the entrance of the Rich Forum Media Center on Atlantic Street. Lt. Tom Scanlon said officers have been speaking to downtown business owners and examining security videos. Police have released pictures of the suspect, but have not captured an image of the persons face. Scanlon said police are also investigating whether the swastikas were related to the South Asian holiday of Diwali, known as the festival of lights that ended Thursday. In religions like Hinduism, the swastikas are drawn on doorsteps as a way of welcoming people into their homes. We need to identify who this person is and get an understanding of his background and try to understand his motivation before we can get a definitive idea of the meaning of the drawings, Scanlon said. Whether he was trying to cause alarm or whether there is a Diwali connection is relevant. Swami Balgopal, founder of the Wilton Hindu Temple, said the Hindu swastika is similar to the Nazi symbol, but turned slightly and usually includes dots. Balgopal said the swastikas drawn in Stamford appeared to be Nazi symbols. Police presence has been increased downtown and officers were stationed Thursday night at the library, which held the seventh annual Saul Cohen-Schoke Jewish Family Service lecture. Rabbi Daniel Cohen, of Congregation Agudath Sholom, said its important to bring the community together. Its another reminder for all of us of the importance of building bridges in our community, Cohen said. We need to rise above this divisivenessto fight the darkness and bring light. jnickerson@stamfordadvocate.com STAMFORD Its rare to have three elected boards at one meeting, and even more odd that they unanimously approve the same item, but it happened Wednesday night. Theres an emergency. The mold task force needed the boards to quickly approve a lease for space in a South End office building so Westover elementary students can return to school on Tuesday. The Westover building on Stillwater Avenue was closed Oct. 31 because it is infested with mold. Mayor David Martin formed the task force, which evaluated more than a dozen sites before choosing a building on Elmcroft Road owned by developer Building and Land Technology. Martin and his staff worked with BLT Wednesday to draw up a lease, and that evening brought it to the Board of Education for approval. From there, Martin and his staff took the lease to legislative chambers, where the Board of Representatives was having its regular monthly meeting. Members of the Planning Board and Board of Finance, who also must approve city leases, joined them. The rest of the room was packed with parents. Members of all the boards seemed to want to know the same thing how much is the rent? The answer is $1.36 million, plus $187,000 for utilities, to lease 108,800 square feet from now until the end of June. The lease includes an option to rent another 24,200 square feet, which will be available Dec. 1, for an additional $321,000, including utilities, through June. Director of Administration Mike Handler, who helps head the task force, said he expects that all the space will be needed, so the cost will amount to $1.87 million to house Westover students in the building through the end of the school year. The agreement includes other options to lease the space for summer school, and for the 2019-20 school year, if needed. Its possible other schools affected by mold will need the rooms once the Westover building is reopened, Handler said. Board members asked about the cost of refitting the office building, once home to Pitney Bowes, for Westover students. The estimate is $1 million, Handler said. If more is needed, the boards must authorize it. Its a good deal in a crisis situation, he said. BLT is doing it at cost, so were paying what it costs them, and they are working around the clock to get it ready, Handler told board members. We are building a school out of raw office space in less than a week. I think it is a generous offer from the developer. BLT developer of Harbor Point on the South End, one of the largest projects in the nation is among the citys biggest property owners. According to the lease, the company is charging the city $20 per square foot. The price is quite competitive, said finance board Chairman Richard Freedman, a real estate developer. The city cut a very fair deal, especially for a building like this, Freedman said. The large building near Kosciusko Park is empty except for about 100 BLT employees. For the first couple of weeks until a bus pull-up area and separate entrance are created students will have to walk through the lobby with BLT employees. School security guards and police will ensure their safety through the lobby, said Assistant Superintendent Tamu Lucero, a task force member, and classrooms will be segregated. They havent done anything yet about a playground. We want the (Westover) principal and staff to help us decide once they are there, Lucero said. BLTs crew now is refitting the bathrooms for elementary schoolers, Handler said. But not everything will be ready by Tuesday, including a gymnasium. Until there is a cafeteria, the school districts food service vendor, Chartwells, will prepare lunch elsewhere and bring it to the Elmcroft building. Buses and books There are other logistics almost 270 Westover students who walked to the Stillwater Avenue building will have to be transported to Elmcroft Road. We have to add five or six buses, Handler said. Police will help direct traffic. There is enough money to cover the costs of the temporary Westover school, though it hasnt been decided yet whether it will come out of the city or schools budget. But the price tag for removing mold from all 25 school district buildings is unknown. Whats the plan to pay for this? Board of Finance member Mary Lou Rinaldi asked. We dont have a full plan, the mayor said. We are looking to see where we can save money, but the magnitude of this is large and unprecedented. The 20-year-old Westover building was closed after inspections found mold in the sheet rock of interior walls, in the insulation, and in the glue behind the wallpaper. Moisture entered where window caulking has separated from the brick exterior, along faulty gutters, and from broken windows, condensation on pipes, and poor drainage around the building. The cost of replacing supplies is another unknown. Handler said, for example, that some books from Westover tested positive for mold spores. If they cannot be cleaned, the school district may have to buy $500,000 worth of new ones. After each board voted to approve the lease, Martin took out a pen and signed it. In other business, the Board of Representatives approved, unanimously and without discussion, the appointment of Mark McGrath as the citys new director of the Office of Operations. McGrath, a retired Air Force commander who will oversee many of the departments involved in mold remediation, said he expects to start the job Monday. acarella@stamfordadvocate.com; 203-964-2296. GREENWICH The young, graduating women wore white and cradled flowers in a 1942 portrait of Goucher Colleges May Court. For two of them, life would change forever with just two questions. Do you like crossword puzzles? Are you engaged to be married? The women who answered Yes to the first and No to the second would later become the code-breakers who shortened the United States involvement in World War II by one year and saved countless lives. But no one knew about them at the time. The government had sworn them to secrecy. The Goucher women and others like them tell their stories for the first time in Code Girls, the book Greenwich Reads Together chose for 2018. Award-winning author and former journalist Liza Mundy captivated her audience at the Cole Auditorium of the Greenwich Library Wednesday night as she told listeners about her book, the culminating event in a series of community programs based on the work. World War II was a moment of what we would now call inclusion, Mundy said. It was a moment where we needed all hands on deck. Code Girls is part of a trend in books and movies that tell stories of important minority involvement in American history. Mundy referenced Code Talkers, the story of Navajo Indians recruited by the Marines to develop an unbreakable code that clinched American victories in the South Pacific, and Hidden Figures, about the African-American women who were the brains behind launching astronaut John Glenn into space during the Space Race. I think theres a new receptivity to the role these groups played in U.S. history, Mundy said. Mundy explained the prejudices facing women who yearned for higher education in a culture fixated on marriage, and how code-breaking offered to women the chance to deviate from the mold and serve their country. A lot of people think that war is just for men, Greenwich Academy sixth-grader Mairin Anderson said after the talk. If every single person in the world could read this book, it would change the whole worlds view of women. Anderson read Code Girls, and later learned the library recommended middle schoolers read Mundys version for young readers. She is glad she opted for the advanced level, however, even though it took her a long time and she did not understand some parts. These 10,000 women got so far with no one knowing at all how this war has been affected by them, she said. The women who comprised more than half of Americas code-breaking forces never received any credit after the war. Congress recognized a group of code-breaking men soon after the war, effectively writing women out of history, Mundy said. The government prevented the women from talking long after it declassified memos with information about their contributions because it never told them they could speak up. No one bothered to tell them that they could tell anyone, Anderson marveled. She was not the only member of the packed audience captivated by Mundys talk. Shes an amazing speaker, said attendee Lori Jackson, who was delighted by the small connections between her life and those of the characters in Code Girls. Her mother graduated during the time of books setting, 1943, and Jackson attended Chatham Hall, a private school in the same town as Chatham High School, where one of the code breakers taught. The societal expectations the code girls faced, such as earning an Mrs. Degree during college, feel so remote, she said. History seems so short when looking at it from this side, she said. jo.kroeker@hearstmediact.com In one of Tuesdays biggest local upsets, 22-year-old Democrat Will Haskell defeated longtime Republican lawmaker Toni Boucher in the race for Connecticuts 26th Senate District. Haskell pointed to voter turnout. I attribute our victory primarily to people who dont normally vote every two years who decided to vote this year, Haskell said. I think we tried to convey just how much was at stake on Nov. 6 environmental quality, voting rights, women's reproductive health and freedom, all of which will be decided by the state Legislature. Those non-typical voters showed up and had their voices heard. Haskell said an unprecedented campaign of voter engagement and mobilization helped him and other Democratic candidates. While acknowledging Republican President Donald Trumps unpopularity among many voters, the Wilton Democrat refused to write too much into the presidents role in the 26th District race. Although my campaign spent a lot of time talking about Trump, what I saw at the polls was primarily enthusiasm about our forward thinking and positive vision, and how I hope to bring that to the Legislature, Haskell said. Democrats see blue wave Haskells victory wasnt the only political upset in and around Norwalk on Tuesday evening. Democrat Douglas Stern, a first-term Norwalk councilman, defeated past school board member and former state House Republican Leader Lawrence F. Cafero Jr. in the race for Norwalk-Wilton Probate Court. Lucy Dathan, a New Canaan Democrat and newcomer to politics, beat Norwalk Republican Fred Wilms, a former city councilman and longtime chairman of the citys tax board, in the race for the 142nd District seat in the state House. She traced her candidacy to the 2016 presidential election. I woke up after Trump won and knew I had to do something, she said, but expressed disbelief Tuesday evening that she had beaten Wilms. I cant believe we did it. My seat has never been held by a Dem and I cant believe it, Dathan told fellow Democrats at the Norwalk Inn & Conference Center on election night. I feel like were riding the blue wave. Its still too early to tell what happens in the rest of the country, but I really feel the blue wave is here. And we hope that we see more. State Sen. Bob Duff, a Norwalk Democrat, counted Dathans win among a number of victories by women candidates nationwide on Tuesday and noted she won in a district whose boundaries were changed. It was gerrymandered Republican. They said, Hey, you give Cranbury, Silvermine, Brookside, West Norwalk and a little bit of New Canaan in there, and Democrats can never win, said Duff, who was re-elected. But we have somebody here who knocked on over 5,000 doors She knocked on the hottest day, the rainiest days, the coldest day, every day out there. Stern wouldnt speculate Wednesday why he defeated Cafero Im no political scientist but noted voter turnout was high. He said participating in a Democratic primary election for the probate race in August drew attention that otherwise wouldnt have been paid. He said he campaigned at train stations and elsewhere and publicized his candidacy on Facebook. Im not claiming that any single thing had to do with us doing well, Stern said of Democrats victories. I think it was a combination of a lot of things, some of it the political climate regarding Hartford, regarding Washington, and some of it was run-of-the-mill hard work during campaign season. Norwalk Mayor Harry W. Rilling, a Democrat, congratulated the local Democrats on their victories, which he attributed partly to Trump and partly to the work of the candidates themselves. Its grassroots campaign that gets the job done, Rilling said. Theres no substitute for pounding the pavement, making the telephone calls, getting out there and meeting the public, waiving the signs, going to the railroad stations, doing the hard work to tell people who we are, what we represent. Ed Camacho, Norwalk Democratic Town Committee chairman, found several factors working in Democrats favor. High voter turnout usually bodes well for Democrats and much of that turnout came from cities, he said. The big cities just have larger numbers and theyre typically Democratic, Camacho said as results were still being tallied Tuesday evening. The fact that we had such huge (turnout) numbers and we have large cities with huge numbers, that probably will have made the difference tonight. Voter turnout in cities such as New Haven eroded Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob Stefanowskis initial lead over Democrat Ned Lamont. Stefanowski conceded defeat Wednesday morning. Trump, party lines Boucher, a Wilton Republican, released a statement Wednesday morning expressing confidence in Haskell and thanking voters for her 22 years service in the General Assembly. It is a big responsibility and and I am sure he will devote his energies to serving the people well, Boucher said. I am deeply thankful to the voters for having given me the rare and extraordinary honor of serving them here at home, on local boards and in the Legislature in Hartford. I have always put every ounce of passion, commitment and energy into these roles with the ultimate objective of serving my constituents well. Wilms, who was running for a third term, traced his loss to voters associating Republicans with Trump. He said he felt saddened and disappointed by his loss. I care deeply about Norwalk and our state and I devoted these past four years to making both of them better places, he said, indicating he couldnt overcome anti-Trump sentiment among some voters. There was a huge wave of anti-Trump voters who simply voted party lines, without regard to the actual candidates themselves, Wilms said Wednesday. I am honored that my vote total went up from four years ago, plus for the depth of support I received from thousands of Norwalkers. I wish Lucy Dathan the very best as our new state representative. Cafero told fellow Republicans who had gathered at The SoNo Ice House on election night that the GOP has some soul searching in its future. If we are internally uncomfortable with something that has nothing to do with finances, has nothing to do with smaller government, but might in our heart of hearts feel like its rude, inappropriate, cruel or mean, lets do the right thing and call them out, said Cafero. Whether its the president of the United States or someone in our little town council. Mark Suda, Norwalk Republican Town Committee chairman, said Wednesday he expected his party would win some races and lose others. Caferos loss came as a shock. In all races, there always is a better candidate. Whether hes Republican or Democratic, that person should win the race but its not always the outcome, said Suda after congratulating all winners. I felt going into this Larry was the better candidate. Lavielle wins narrowly State Rep. Gail Lavielle was the only opposed Republican to be re-elected in Norwalk, but her margin of victory was the slimmest of her political career. Her race was decided by only 382 votes across Norwalk, Wilton and Westport, and she received 197 less votes than her Democratic challenger, Stephanie Thomas, in the city. Lavielle attributed the close races in the region to local dissatisfaction with national politics. Clearly, a lot of people thought it was more important to send a message than it was to fix what has been going wrong in Connecticut for so long, she said. Quite a number of people wanted to send a message about Trump and others may have wanted to send a message about Congress. Thomas, on the other hand, cited her door-to-door, grassroots campaigning as the impetus behind her own success and that of other candidates including Haskell. We spoke with people as recently as this past weekend who said theyve lived here for 20 or 30 years and no politician has ever come to my door, Thomas said. Everybody talked about feeling like nobody was listening, that no matter what voters were saying, no one was really listening. WESTPORT A controversial boat that broke free from its mooring and washed up on the Saugatuck Shores during a September storm has still not been removed, and nearby residents are becoming increasingly frustrated. You have a case where a guy has presumably just abandoned the boat and stuffed junk on board and I dont know why our harbor should let that happen, Todd Freeman, a resident who lives near Saugatuck Shores, said. Even before the boat washed close to shore during the Sept. 17 storm, the boats owner, Ed Train, received criticism from Westport residents who called his boat disheveled. Train, who lives in Weston, has maintained permits to dock his two boats at the Westport shore for the past 20 years and himself admitted his boat could use some TLC. It would be easy for someone not involved in the process to say its just sitting there and nothings happening, but thats absolutely not the case, Train said, adding he has worked on formulation of a plan to remove the boat every day since it became unmoored. Financial challenges have made it difficult to hire a salvage company to remove the boat, Train said. Freeman and other residents who live near Trains washed-up boat reached out to First Selectman Jim Marpe with concerns, including the boat may hit telephone and power wires close to the shore. Theres a chance the boat will break up, and if it does, youre going to have a serious mess on the beach, Freeman said. At the time Trains boat washed up on the Saugatuck, onlookers reported an oily smell and expressed concern contaminants may have leaked from the boat. It presents the town with a very tricky situation in determining who is responsible for removing private property from private property, Marpe said. He noted the boat has to be removed during an astronomical high tide, which wont occur for another two to three weeks. The town is not paying for it. Thats in part why this has taken so long. Its a challenge for Ed to fund it. Thats where weve had to be careful as a community as to how much we could or couldnt do to ensure taxpayer money wont be involved, Marpe said. Deputy Police Chief Sam Arciola has worked to help Train facilitate removal of the boat. This is unlike your normal boat,. Its a cement sailing vessel, which is large and much heavier than other vessels, Arciola said. Despite the barriers to removal, Train said he expects the boat to be gone by the end of the month and is taking away every item from the boat in the intervening time to make it lighter. Some residents have been supportive while others have been less so, Trian said. People that are supportive look at me like Im a victim of mother nature and circumstances, and the people who are negative look at it like I interrupted their narrative of a picture-perfect Westport," Train said. svaughan@hearstmediact.com; 203-842-2638; @SophieCVaughan1 WESTPORT Three months after concerns about pervasive mold closed Coleytown Middle School, options for remediation or a complete rebuild of the school have emerged, and so have each plans estimated cost. The Board of Education hired Mount Kisco based KG+D Architects to investigate what it would take to remediate the building and on Monday, the firm presented three options to the board. The first option to remove and replace all of the schools exterior walls and renovate the schools interior and roof would cost an estimated $25 million, based on industry standards, KG+D predicts. The second option is to remove and replace both Coleytown exterior and the HVAC system, and complete renovations similar to those included in option one. This would cost an estimated $35 million, KG+D said. The third, nearly $70 million, option is to demolish the existing school and construct a new one. We have much more information than we did before, BOE Chairman Mark Mathias said, adding the board does not yet know when it will decide on one of the three options. The BOE has already requested upward of $800,000 for work related to Coleytown this year, all of which the Board of Finance has approved, BOF Chairman Brian Stern said. Next Wednesday, the BOF will vote on whether to appropriate an additional $284,558 for mold remediation, reconstruction, and professional services at Coleytown. As a town, we clearly prioritize good education for our kids. Its an important part of our brand and our community and we will continue to do that. Well have a little financial crunch, but well figure it out, Stern said, noting the $800,000 came out of the towns general fund. Top on the agenda is to decide where Coleytown students will attend school in the fall of 2019, Mathias said. For the rest of this school year, Coleytown sixth-graders have been relocated to Bedford Middle School while the seventh- and eighth-grade students are housed at Staples High School. The board plans to choose a location by mid-December, to give the administration time to create a budget for the 2019-20 school year. The budget is expected to be presented to the BOE by the first week of January, Mathias said. In the scenario that Coleytown will remain closed for the upcoming school year, the administration will plan to house the displaced students in the seven other Westport schools or in a rented space, Superintendent Colleen Palmer wrote in a letter to district parents Nov. 1. The administration is currently searching for a real estate agent to assist with finding a property the district could rent, Palmer wrote. A committee, with one representative from several stakeholder groups, including the Representative Town Meeting and Board of Finance, will convene soon to study and provide recommendations for the future of Coleytown and Westport school facilities, Mathias said. We have to keep the membership small for expediency right now, but well make sure its open to public comment and collaboration, Mathias said. In the meantime, the BOE has put out a request for proposals for the addition of six modular classrooms at Bedford Middle School to ease the crowding caused by the addition of Coleytown seventh- and eighth-graders, Palmer wrote. Additional lockers and a revised scheduled have also been put in place at Bedford to better accommodate the Coleytown students at Bedford, she added. The modulars will likely be installed mid-January, Mathias said. The Board of Education will next meet on Nov. 19. svaughan@hearstmediact.com; 203-842-2638; @SophieCVaughan1 Local women were honored for making a difference in the lives of those effected by poverty or incarceration. The organization World Impact Topeka hosted the "Women Who've Changed the Heart of the City" luncheon. Topeka Mayor Michelle De La Isla, Topeka Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Tiffany Anderson and Work Impact Senior Vice President Lisa Entz were honored for helping empower women in Kansas prisons. Mayor De La Isla say she doesn't serve the community with an intent to get recognized. "It's just reaffirming to me that my heart is on the right track and we just need to keep on advocating for everybody so that our community is a place for prosperity for all," she said. Dr. Anderson invited students who help uplift other young women as her guests Thursday. 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. (CNN) Here's a look at the life of former Philippines First Lady Imelda Marcos. Personal: Birth date: July 2, 1929 Birth place: Manila, Philippines (some sources say Leyte Province) Birth name: Imelda Remedios Visitacion Romualdez Father: Vicente Orestes Romualdez Mother: Remedios Trinidad Marriage: Ferdinand Marcos (May 1, 1954-September 28, 1989, his death) Children: Irene, Ferdinand Jr. "Bongbong" and Imee Other Facts: Her nickname in the Philippines was the "Iron Butterfly." Wife of the late Ferdinand Marcos, who ruled the Philippines for 20 years until he was ousted in 1986. The Marcos family were accused of stealing billions of dollars from the Philippine people during Ferdinand's presidency. She is famous for her lavish spending while first lady. At the time of husband's ouster from office in 1986, she left over 1,000 pairs of shoes and more than 800 purses behind when fleeing to Hawaii. Timeline: 1954 - Imelda marries Ferdinand Marcos 11 days after meeting him. December 30, 1965 - Marcos becomes First Lady of the Philippines at her husband's presidential inauguration. September 21, 1972 - President Ferdinand Marcos signs a martial law decree, which he publicly declares two days later. December 7, 1972 - Is stabbed in her arms and hands during an assassination attempt by Carlito Dimahilig. 1975-1986 - Appointed governor of Metropolitan Manila. 1978-1986 - Appointed Minister of Human Settlements. January 17, 1981 - President Marcos lifts martial law. February 1986 - The Marcos family flees to Hawaii after the Filipino people oust Ferdinand Marcos from office. He dies three years later in exile. 1990 - Marcos goes on trial in New York for racketeering. The charges allege she stole from the Philippines National Bank and invested the money in the United States. She is later acquitted of the charges. November 4, 1991 - Marcos returns from exile to the Philippines and is arrested the next day for tax fraud and corruption. She is released on bail. 1992 - After returning to the Philippines, Marcos runs unsuccessfully for president. 1993 - Goes on trial in the Philippines for corruption and is found guilty. 1995-1998 - Serves in the Philippines House of Representatives. February 7, 1998 - Declares her intent to run for president. April 29, 1998 - Withdraws from the presidential race. October 6, 1998 - The Philippine Supreme Court overturns her 1993 corruption conviction. Marcos faced a 12-year prison sentence and $4.3 million fine. November 2006 - Marcos launches a fashion line, "The Imelda Collection." July 2007 - The Philippine government loses its case claiming rights to $4.7 million in Marcos' account after 10 years of prosecution against the Security Bank and Trust Co. March 10, 2008 - A Philippine court acquits Marcos in a 17-year-old case of 32 counts of illegal transfer of wealth totaling $863 million in Swiss bank accounts. May 11, 2010 - Marcos wins a seat representing Ilocos Norte province in the Philippine House of Representatives. September 9, 2010 - A Philippine court orders Marcos to repay the government almost $280,000 for funds taken from the National Food Authority by Ferdinand Marcos in 1983. February 2016 - The Philippine government approves the auction of Marcos' jewelry collection worth approximately $21 million in total. MARIJUANA retailer National Access Cannabis Corp. will open its third government-licensed cannabis store in the province today. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 9/11/2018 (1108 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. MARIJUANA retailer National Access Cannabis Corp. will open its third government-licensed cannabis store in the province today. The Meta Cannabis Supply Co. store is located at 79 Keeshkeemaquah Dr. in Portage la Prairie, on reserve land belonging to the Long Plain First Nation. It is NACs third Manitoba location, following a store that opened Wednesday in Opaskwayak (near The Pas) and a Winnipeg store on Pembina Highway. Long Plain owns 51 per cent of the Portage la Prairie store, NAC chief executive officer Mark Goliger said. "Were just very excited to be working with Long Plain, and to provide them some economic development through this store," he said. NAC plans to open 10 stores in Manitoba by early 2019, including locations in Brandon and Selkirk, plus three more Winnipeg stores. Goliger said some of the planned Winnipeg locations "could open very soon," but NAC is taking a cautious approach in the face of a countrywide shortage of legal cannabis. "Well continue to build our stores and to achieve licences, (but) we also have to be careful because we want to do well by the community and provide them with the cornucopia of cannabis options that we can get from suppliers," he said. "But for now, opening up all the stores that we could across the province theres just not enough product." National Access Cannabis sells cannabis, but doesnt grow it. NAC and other licensed cannabis stores in Manitoba source their products from federally regulated cannabis producers through the Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries Corp. "Theyre the ones who talk to the suppliers," Goliger said. "Everybodys frustrated, including customers... I think everybody had this huge hype of the change, going from illegal to legal, and all of a sudden, theyd walk into a store and it would be like, endless different varieties and supply," he said. However, Goliger said customers at NACs newest store should expect to find cannabis for sale: "We have supply in Portage la Prairie." Goliger said he expects Canadas cannabis supply shortage to be resolved eventually. "This is a plant, it takes time to grow, and that same analogy works for this industry in flipping from illegal to legal," he said. "Its the seed that was planted on Oct. 17, and it doesnt overnight just sprout a fantastic flower." solomon.israel@freepress.mb.caTwitter: @sol_israel A Winnipeg nurse responsible for looking after sick babies has directly written to Manitoba's health minister, saying nursing overtime levels are out of control. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 8/11/2018 (1109 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A Winnipeg nurse responsible for looking after sick babies has directly written to Manitoba's health minister, saying nursing overtime levels are out of control. The nurse, who asked to remain anonymous in media reports, took issue with statements Cameron Friesen made to the Free Press last month. In an Oct. 5 article, the minister said: "We're standing up against misinformation that the opposition parties are peddling by suggesting that nurse overtime is at some record level. They're just wrong. It's false and the public deserves to be in possession of correct information... I would say at this point in time (it's) so far, so good." Download Letter from NICU nurse to health minister The nurse wrote to Friesen on Oct. 31, saying she was a "trifle confused" by his comments, and the situation is "so far from good." "I have worked in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) for more than 30 years. In those decades, I have never seen the amount of voluntary and mandatory overtime that is occurring," she said. "In the space of nine days, I personally worked three sixteen-hour shifts, then 20 hours, then 12 hours, and one more 16-hour. I would like to say this is anomalous, but it has become the 'new normal' in the NICU." DAVID LIPNOWSKI / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES On Oct. 31, an anonymous nurse wrote a letter to Manitoba health minister Cameron Friesen: "I have worked in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) for more than 30 years. In those decades, I have never seen the amount of voluntary and mandatory overtime that is occurring." In August, 70 NICU nurses co-signed a letter to St. Boniface Hospital president Martine Bouchard and Friesen detailing frustrations about their working conditions. "We are feeling stressed, burnt-out, and exhausted," they wrote. "It has reached the point where parents are staying overnight in the NICU because they are fearful about the quality of care their baby will receive from exhausted nurses staying for prolonged shifts." When talking to reporters Thursday, the health minister said he takes front-line workers' concerns seriously. "No one is denying that more nurses were working overtime. No one was denying that somehow in the long term that would not create challenges on sustainability," Friesen said. Friesen said the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority took a number of interim steps this year to try and dial back reliance on overtime. It resorted to a more permanent solution Wednesday -- a $3.2-million funding boost for NICU units at St. Boniface and the Health Sciences Centre. The minister said the additional funds will be put toward increased staff and beds on both wards. WRHA probes infant deaths In a report sent to the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority in September, St. Boniface Hospital president Martine Bouchard said there were seven fatalities reviewed by the hospitals perinatal morbidity and mortality committee that were deemed preventable. "We cannot confirm without a doubt that (four) neonatal deaths... were directly related to understaffing issues," Bouchard wrote. click to read more In a report sent to the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority in September, St. Boniface Hospital president Martine Bouchard said there were seven fatalities reviewed by the hospitals perinatal morbidity and mortality committee that were deemed preventable. "We cannot confirm without a doubt that (four) neonatal deaths... were directly related to understaffing issues," Bouchard wrote. In an Oct. 31 letter to Manitoba Health Minister Cameron Friesen, a St. Boniface neonatal intensive care unit nurse raised the deaths as a serious concern -- especially in light of increased nurse overtime. "Staff exhaustion and moral distress are not a sustainable way to deliver health care," she wrote. "We need safe working conditions. Lives depend on it." Friesen said the WRHA's chief medical officer investigated the information, and initially found the babies' deaths occurred between 2009 and 2012. "So its very troubling to me that someone would use that data to try to suggest that a transformation in the health-care (system) that is taking place now, that theres some kind of connection (to the infant deaths)," he said Thursday. "Out of an abundance of caution, we are having the WRHA continue to investigate the situation to see if theres something else to be learned." Bruce Roe, vice-president and chief medical officer of the WRHA, weighed in after saying hes confident based on his review there have been no critical incidents related to resource or staffing issues. Bouchard clarified in a statement to media Thursday evening information contained in her business case -- which was tabled in the legislature Thursday -- wasnt accurate. In fact, we have since confirmed that the cases reviewed by the St. Boniface Hospital perinatal morbidity and mortality committee in 2015 were cases dating back to the 2009-12 period. We apologize for the confusion created by the inclusion of this information, she said. Bouchard also thanked the St. Boniface NICU team for its work. They have shown great perseverance, a high level of commitment to their colleagues, and above all, they have provided excellent and compassionate care to infants and families during an admittedly challenging time. Close "The investment we announced is significant. I think it does demonstrate that government is responding to these real needs," Friesen said, not ruling out the possibility of more future funding announcements. Last year, St. Boniface Hospital's NICU experienced a 42 per cent increase in babies born with symptoms of drug addiction and withdrawal. It also reported a 10 per cent to 15 per cent increase in deliveries requiring admission to the NICU. The statistics were laid out in a business case sent Sept. 26 to Real Cloutier, WRHA president and CEO, from Bouchard. In her report, Bouchard said the St. Boniface NICU has been consistently understaffed over the years, and relying on nurses to work overtime was "unsustainable." "Additionally, mandatory overtime, exhaustion, and moral distress currently being experienced are a result of chronically functioning over capacity. The impact of other staff being seconded to NICU leaves other units at risk and creates a domino effect," she wrote. Both Bouchard's report and the NICU nurse's letter were tabled by the NDP during question period at the Manitoba legislature Thursday. Darlene Jackson, president of the Manitoba Nurses Union, said the situation at St. Boniface's NICU worsened after the province began Phase 1 of its Winnipeg health-care overhaul last fall. JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Last year, St. Boniface Hospital's NICU experienced a 42 per cent increase in babies born with symptoms of drug addiction and withdrawal. She said there were 1,792 incidents of nurses working mandatory overtime shifts at St. Boniface from Jan. 1 to Oct. 31, many of those in the NICU and women and children's programs -- compared with 328 incidents of mandatory overtime during all of 2017. Jackson emphasized nurses have been sounding the alarm on their increased overtime hours since March, and claimed the province and the WRHA didn't respond accordingly. "I think its shameful that they were not listening to the front-line health-care workers out there who have been begging for help," she said. "It just makes you think that had this government taken those nurses seriously in March, and put the funding out then and hired the nurses then, (now) were into November. Wed have some pretty experienced nurses out there right now, but here we are now funding a program thats in crisis." NDP Leader Wab Kinew agreed with the nurses' assertion. "The government has been slow to respond," he said. "But even their response to date doesnt address the impact of this ripple effect." with files from Larry Kusch jessica.botelho@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @_jessbu Members of the Manitoba legislature were sitting well into the evening Thursday to debate a flurry of bills on the last day of the session. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 8/11/2018 (1108 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Members of the Manitoba legislature were sitting well into the evening Thursday to debate a flurry of bills on the last day of the session. Among the last bills to be debated were five held over from the spring sitting, including the governments climate and green-plan legislation. The bills were assured passage under house rules, as they were introduced prior to a set deadline and the fact the Tories hold the vast majority of seats in the legislature. The governments budget-implementation bill was also among the last to be debated. Earlier this week, the legislative assembly passed Bill 29 (the Wildlife Amendment Act), which will restrict night hunting. This bill required co-operation from the Opposition NDP and the Liberals to proceed as it had not been introduced early enough to ensure passage under the rules. Premier Brian Pallister called Bill 29 one of the most important pieces of legislation in the session, which began late last fall. "We did an extensive amount of consultative work there. As you know, there have been injuries (due to night hunting), people have been placed in danger. Weve had people lose their lives," he said Thursday. Several Indigenous leaders have threatened to challenge Bill 29 in the courts, saying it infringes on the rights of their people. They also allege they were insufficiently consulted on the legislation. They had asked the province to hold off on the bill or risk a lawsuit. The premier brushed off the threatened legal action Thursday, saying the threat of lawsuits "seems to be an inherent tactic that some want to use. Its been used for decades, and it wont stop." MLAs will convene for a new session the fourth of the 41st Manitoba legislature on Nov. 20, with the reading of the speech from the throne. NDP Leader Wab Kinew said hes calling on the government to make environmental protection and reinstituting "a price on pollution," or carbon tax, the centrepiece of the next throne speech. "Its my hope that as we move past this session that well be able to get that issue focused on what it really ought to be, which is a conversation about the environment and how were going to be able to preserve the air, water and land for future generations," Kinew said. He said the government should also focus its attention on the labour market. "I think that the issue of jobs, as our economy gets disrupted by technology and automation, is also a major concern," he said. larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca Calling it a step towards reconciliation with Indigenous people, the federal and provincial governments will be installing new highway signs recognizing First Nation communities in Manitoba over the next three years. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 9/11/2018 (1108 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Calling it a step towards reconciliation with Indigenous people, the federal and provincial governments will be installing new highway signs recognizing First Nation communities in Manitoba over the next three years. Each of the two levels of government will contribute $200,000 to the project to purchase and install directional highway and community-boundary signs that will reflect the traditional name of each community. First Nations will be consulted to ensure the wording of signs is correct, the governments said. Currently, most signage does not reflect communities traditional names. "This is a unique project. Im very proud of it. I think this is a step towards reconciliation, a step towards recognizing the unique culture and language of First Nations in Manitoba," Saint Boniface-Saint Vital MP Dan Vandal said at the announcement Friday at the Manitoba Legislative Building. "With these new signs, we are recognizing the meaning and significance of traditional names, as well as the culture and language associated with them." Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler, whose department will install the signs, said the province places highway signs recognizing towns that dont even exist anymore, yet there are First Nations in Manitoba that are not marked on the provinces highways. "Why wouldnt we give recognition if theres 1,600 people living in a community and theyve never even had recognition that their community even exists, considering they were there first?" he said. Schuler said the project will improve community visibility from the provinces major highways. There were no First Nations leaders at Fridays announcement. However, Belinda VandenBroeck, a member of Opaskwayak Cree Nation, who said a prayer before the event, said it was important culturally correct signage be installed. "Our language is so, so important," the residential school survivor said. "We cant afford to lose it. We need to keep speaking it, thinking it, living from it." larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca The provincial government has stepped in to help the Bear Clan continue its patrols on the streets of Winnipeg's North End. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 8/11/2018 (1109 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The provincial government has stepped in to help the Bear Clan continue its patrols on the streets of Winnipeg's North End. The government announced Thursday it will provide $200,000 for Bear Clans supplies and administrative needs, some of which will be administered through the Winnipeg Police Service. Premier Brian Pallister told reporters the provincial funding was due, "in part," to the uncertainty over future federal contributions to the organization. "The Bear Clan does some great work," he said. "We wanted to demonstrate our support for the work theyre doing." Pallister also encouraged Manitobans to support crowd-sourced funding that benefits the group. He said his family plans to make a contribution. The Bear Clan is an unarmed group of volunteers who patrol the North End several evenings a week. Highly visible in fluorescent vests, they offer practical support to homeless people, sex workers and people struggling with addictions. The news of the province's contribution came a day after the Free Press revealed that Bear Clan might lay off some staff in February, as they waited to hear whether Ottawa would extend more cash for administrative expenses. Last fiscal year, the federal Liberals gave Bear Clan $100,000 through the Urban Programming for Indigenous Peoples (UPIP) fund, which Ottawa has effectively frozen after an overwhelming number of applications. The huge demand for UPIP, and the uncertainty caused by freezing that funding, highlights how Ottawa is grappling to provide funding and services to Indigenous people as they increasingly migrate to cities like Winnipeg. In the 2016 census, 51.8 per cent of people self-identifying as Indigenous reported living in urban areas. "There has to be some reallocation, or additional resources," said Damon Johnston, president of the Winnipeg Aboriginal Council. Ottawa is used to funding band councils on reserves, as well as some Metis and Inuit governments. But it doesnt have the same legal agreements with charities and organizations. Johnston says there are many Indigenous-related groups in Winnipeg that dont fit into the funding structures Ottawa and the province use to administer programs for Indigenous people. Thunderbird House, for example, faces a huge demand in the city, but declared itself in crisis this summer after a series of short-term funding programs wrapped up. "We need improved resources an improved relationship so that we can address these things in a better way," Johnston said. In September, he helped found the Winnipeg Indigenous Executive Circle, so these groups can work together to find funding and collaborate in the programs they offer. On behalf of that group, Johnston took part in a Toronto meeting Oct. 24 to 25, held by the federal department's Indigenous Services Canada. ISC is looking to craft a strategy with these groups on how the federal government can support Indigenous groups. For now, UPIP has been maxed out, because 500 groups applied for funding from a grant that was meant for around a hundred groups. "There is such fantastic work being done out there by so many organizations [that] its challenging to be able to support all of them," ISC Minister Jane Philpott told the Free Press on Thursday. ISC may turn groups to existing, untapped federal funding programs in other departments. Philpott said her staff might also liaise with the provinces and foundations about what funding they can put up. "Historically, the federal government hasnt always played a strong role in terms of supporting programs and services in urban settings, off reserve. This is an area that we are continually hearing about, and are looking for ways that we can provide more support." UPIP had allocated multi-year funding to major groups like Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre and the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Eagle Urban Transition Centre, but gave smaller groups a one-time allocation. Bear Clan co-founder James Favel argued that small groups need consistent funding to keep the lights on. Though Ottawa had not extended a second request for proposals, Favel said it ought to do so for programs that didn't secure multi-year funds. -- with files from Larry Kusch dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca A 54-year-old man is Winnipeg's 17th homicide victim after he and a 30-year-old man were each stabbed repeatedly in the upper body by the same attacker during an argument Tuesday night inside a building in the 100 block of Garry Street. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 8/11/2018 (1109 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A 54-year-old man is Winnipeg's 17th homicide victim after he and a 30-year-old man were each stabbed repeatedly in the upper body by the same attacker during an argument Tuesday night inside a building in the 100 block of Garry Street. Police found both men critically injured just after 6 p.m. They were rushed to hospital, where the older man died. The other victim was treated and has been upgraded to stable condition. Winnipeg Police Service Const. Tammy Skrabek said homicide investigators identified the attacker, a 39-year-old man on a statutory release release after serving two-thirds of a federal prison sentence and issued a Canada-wide warrant for parole revocation. The suspect was arrested Wednesday evening outside of his residence. "It is believed that the male arrested was previously known to the 54-year-old but not to the 30-year-old," Skrabek said, adding the two victims were visiting with each other when the suspect showed up. She said investigators found out there had been an argument between the three men in the hallway of the building, occupied by short-term residents. The younger victim was stabbed several times after the situation escalated into a physical fight. The suspect fled but returned a short time later to confront the 54-year-old man, who was stabbed numerous times by the suspect, who fled in a vehicle. Skrabek said investigators are still trying to piece together the events to explain why the suspect would attack one man and leave, only to return to attack the other. "The only indication now is along the lines of unfinished business," she said. "Somebody just witnessed this (first attack) and perhaps, just retaliate against that." Kristopher Derek Watt of Winnipeg is in custody facing charges of second-degree murder and attempted murder. ashley.prest@freepress.mb.ca Two Winnipeg men who allegedly held two workers hostage during an armed robbery at a business Wednesday were arrested, and the hostages were released without injury. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 8/11/2018 (1109 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Two Winnipeg men who allegedly held two workers hostage during an armed robbery at a business Wednesday were arrested, and the hostages were released without injury. Officers, including the tactical support team, responded to a call at about 10:10 a.m. from a customer who said a robbery was taking place at a business in the 500 block of Young Street. The customer said two masked men had entered the business and had locked the door. "The area streets were locked down for about an hour while this unfolded. While it wasn't a long armed and barricaded situation, it was a situation where we suspected that people inside did have a firearm and that we did have hostages," Const. Tammy Skrabek said Thursday. "We wouldn't go into that (business) without first attempting to contact the people inside and negotiate the safe release." Police said one of the masked men was armed with a handgun. He threatened a male employee who had tried to run out, Skrabek said. Another employee got into a struggle with the other suspect and the customer was able to escape to call police. The suspects demanded money and began to search the building. Skrabek said one of the suspects came out on his own after police secured the area and, after the tactical unit went in and searched the building, the other suspect was found inside. She said one of the suspects was allegedly familiar with the business. "So we believe the intent was robbery. What was behind that robbery, we don't know if it was just for money or money for drugs," she said. "It was, on the surface, a planned robbery." Police also found an airsoft gun and the disguises used by the suspects. Daniel Joshua Stewart, 29, and Christopher Roy Whiteside, 33, are both facing double counts of armed robbery using a restricted or prohibited firearm, pointing a firearm, forcible confinement, uttering threats and disguise with intent. Stewart is also charged with possessing a weapon. ashley.prest@freepress.mb.ca The Winnipeg Art Gallery hopes a recurring exhibit every two years will transform it into a stage for contemporary Indigenous art worldwide. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 8/11/2018 (1109 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The Winnipeg Art Gallery hopes a recurring exhibit every two years will transform it into a stage for contemporary Indigenous art worldwide. "Launching in conjunction with the opening of the WAG Inuit Art Centre, the Winnipeg Indigenous biennial will celebrate the voices of the artists. Canada is experiencing a renaissance of Indigenous art and the gallery is honoured to be part of this exciting movement," director and chief executive officer Stephen Borys said Thursday, during an announcement in the gallerys main hall. The first exhibit (an expected selection of work from 60 Indigenous artists) is planned for 2020, when the Inuit Art Centre is due to open, Borys said. The exhibition series is intended to build on the success of the gallerys 2017-18 Insurgence/Resurgence event, and will include commissions, artist residencies, education and outreach programs. The first biennial a play on the well-known Venice Biennale, which celebrates the heritage and culture of European art will showcase Indigenous art from Canada, New Zealand and Australia, partly because they share a similar colonial history. Grouped around the theme of "To Draw Water," an Ojibwa language concept, the initial exhibit will reflect how many Indigenous nations focus on issues of sustainability, climate change and the environment. Its timed to coincide with Manitobas 150th anniversary and to respond to the 2015 Truth and Reconciliation Commissions calls to action, recognizing the power of art and its role in understanding and reconciliation. Thursdays announcement was made against the backdrop of a fitting art loan: the vibrant mural Androgyny, by famed Ojibwa painter Norval Morrisseau. A couple of days ago, the epic work hung in Rideau Hall, the Governor Generals residence in Ottawa. The acrylic on-canvas work depicts the Anishinaabe perspective on the interconnectedness of creation. A massive 3.6 metres by six metres, it now fills the back wall of the gallerys grand hall, on loan from Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada. Morrisseau (1931-2007) created the mural as a gesture to reconciliation, long before the national conversation turned to the concept, said Jaimie Isaac, WAG curator of Indigenous and contemporary art. Androgyny was presented by the artist to prime minister Pierre Trudeau in 1983. "The history there is (Indigenous artists) Daphne Odjig and Norval Morrisseau co-founded what they cheekily called the Indian Group of Seven... and created the legacy here in Winnipeg and beyond for contemporary Indigenous art," Isaac said. That alone makes Winnipeg a natural home for the ambitious initiative announced Thursday, she said. "I see it as relevant the Winnipeg Art Gallery would support this, and I see it as having a mushroom effect across Canada and North America," she said. Isaac and the biennial exhibits other co-curator, Julie Nagam, shared high hopes for its future. "When Jaimie and I did Insurgence/Resurgence, I dont think we were prepared for the kind of reverberations we got from it, so (this) is building on that excitement. Its radically changing this space from a stone fortress to a more active busy place, along the idea of blowing the roof off," Nagam said with a smile. alexandra.paul@freepress.mb.ca I grew up surrounded by the memories of two world wars not my own memories, of course, but those of the adults whose lives unfolded around me. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 9/11/2018 (1108 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Opinion I grew up surrounded by the memories of two world wars not my own memories, of course, but those of the adults whose lives unfolded around me. On this 100th anniversary of that first Armistice Day, such personal memories of the Great War are gone forever. Obituary pages bear grim witness to the rapidly dwindling number of veterans and others who remember what the Second World War was like, as well. National Archives of Canada A First World War soldier places stones on a Canadians grave near Vimy, France, in June 1917. A century after it ended, many question why the war was fought. Soon, only those who have been involved in Canadas longest and smallest wars will be left to remind the rest of us what service "for Queen and Country" can mean. Geordie Sutherland certainly knew. Every Sunday, he greeted me at the door of my church in Selkirk, wearing his navy blue legion blazer and a red regimental necktie. Only serious illness or a reluctant holiday would make him leave his post. As the years went by, he yielded to my curiosity and talked a little about the Great War. Born in Scotland, he had emigrated to Canada as a youngster, only to lie his way past the recruiters and enlist when he was 15 years old. Discovering his age just before the boat sailed, the army decided he was too young to die, and left him at home for another year. Geordie eventually got his wish and shipped over to Europe. After having both mumps and chickenpox, he made it to France in time to fight in the Battle of Passchendaele in 1917, where he was wounded, likely by shrapnel. After the war, he returned to Ontario with his first wife, a war bride. Later in life, he moved to Selkirk with his second wife, becoming a fixture at the legion, in the church and around town. From that time forward, however, he told no one not even his family or closest friends about his wartime experiences. They were too painful for words. Even many years afterward, only the tears in his eyes and a thickening of his Scottish brogue (if he could speak at all) revealed just how much pain came to mind on days such as Nov. 11. When the guns fell silent on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the world sighed with relief. What we need to remember, 100 years later, however, is that the Great War should never have been fought at all. The sacrifices of 1914-18, made by both those who died and those who lived, and the pain of their families at home, accomplished nothing good. It was obviously not "the war to end all wars," because "the Great War" became known as the First World War after the second one began in 1939. In fact, the ink was not even dry on the Treaty of Versailles in 1919 before people were discussing, fearing and planning what they called "the Next War." As a historian, over and over again I have come to the conclusion that the Great War was unnecessary, that it was the product of the arrogance and stupidity of leaders whose warped view of the universe was not tempered by contact with reality, evidence or common sense. Four years of worldwide industrial warfare destroyed four empires, shattered two more and (more ominously) opened to door to conflict between two new empires in the Pacific (America and Japan) and the development and use of atomic weapons. When you add to that devastation the vindictive and pigheaded terms of the Treaty of Versailles, by 1919, the foundations were laid for the rise of communism and fascism and a next war that would be worse. Without the Great War, in other words, life in the rest of the 20th century would have been very different. So, when the church bells ring out across Canada at sundown on Nov. 11 this year, ringing 100 times to mark the centennial of that armistice, with every stroke of every bell, we should remember the sacrifices that were made by people we will never know, in a war that should never have been fought. But if we really want to honour their sacrifices, we cant just ring a bell. They would want us to find a way to settle our differences other than by fighting. They would also want us to reject leaders who demonstrate the same bad judgment that in 1914 launched the planet into a century filled with conflict. No one who starts a war expects to lose it but next time around, there will be no winners. Everyone will certainly lose. One year, in late fall, I got a message that Geordie had finally decided to tell me about his experiences when I came home from university at Christmas. To my deep regret, by then he had taken that secret pain to his grave, unshared. This year, especially, I will remember him. Peter Denton is adjunct associate professor of history at the Royal Military College of Canada. Court Strikes Down Marylands Partisan Gerrymander Common Cause Georgia v. Brian Kemp Baltimore Becomes First Big U.S. City to Ban Water Privatization They Dont Really Want Us to Vote: How Republicans Made It Harder 'Vermont Day' at the Edward Kennedy Institute in Boston Smithfield Foods is In The HOGhouse What Does Sessions' Departure Mean for Criminal Justice? Matthew Whitakers Appointment Threatens the Rule of Law Oil Companies Spent Record Amounts to Successfully Block WA Carbon Fee 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. Mettler-Toledo International, Inc. is a supplier of precision instruments and services. The firm manufactures weighing instruments for use in laboratory, industrial, packaging, logistics, and food retailing applications. It also manufactures several related analytical instruments and provides automated chemistry solutions used in drug and chemical compound discovery and development; and also, metal detection and other end-of-line inspection systems used in production and packaging and provides solutions for use in certain process analytics applications. Its operations are conducted by the following segments: U. S. Operations, Swiss Operations, Western European Operations, Chinese Operations and Other. The U.S. Operations segment represents certain of the company's marketing and producing organizations located in the United States. The Swiss Operations segment includes marketing and producing organizations located in Switzerland, as well as extensive R&D operations that are responsible for the development, production, and marketing of precision instruments, including weighing, analytical, and measurement technologies for use in a variety of industrial and laboratory applications. Th Read More iShares S&P 500 ETF's stock was trading at $275.41 on March 11th, 2020 when Coronavirus reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Since then, IVV stock has increased by 71.0% and is now trading at $470.82. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. 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.. Airbus SE engages in the design, manufacture, delivery and provision of aerospace products, space and related services. It operates through the following segments: Airbus Commercial Aircraft, Airbus Helicopters and Airbus Defence and Space. The Airbus Commercial Aircraft segment develops, manufactures, markets and sells commercial jet aircrafts and offers aircraft conversion and related services. The Airbus Helicopters segment deals with the development, manufacture, marketing and sale of civil and military helicopters. The Airbus Defence and Space segment covers systems and services in the field of defence and space for governments, institutions, and commercial customers. The company was founded on December 29, 1998 and is headquartered in Leiden, the Netherlands. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Banco Santander: 2 & 3 Triton Limited, A & L CF (Guernsey) Limited (f), A & L CF June (2) Limited, A & L CF June (3) Limited, A & L CF March (5) Limited, A & L CF September (4) Limited, AFB SAM Holdings S.L., ALIL Services Limited (b), AN (123) Limited, ANITCO Limited, Abbey Business Services (India) Private Limited, Abbey Covered Bonds (LM) Limited, Abbey National, Abbey National Beta Investments Limited, Abbey National Business Office Equipment Leasing Limited, Abbey National International Limited, Abbey National Nominees Limited, Abbey National PLP (UK) Limited, Abbey National Property Investments, Abbey National Treasury Services Investments Limited, Abbey National Treasury Services Overseas Holdings, Abbey National UK Investments, Abbey Stockbrokers (Nominees) Limited, Abbey Stockbrokers Limited, Ablasa Participaciones S.L., Administracion de Bancos Latinoamericanos Santander S.L., Aduro S.A., Aevis Europa S.L., Afisa S.A., Albert., Aljardi SGPS Lda., Alliance & Leicester, Alliance & Leicester Cash Solutions Limited, Alliance & Leicester Commercial Bank Limited, Alliance & Leicester Investments (Derivatives) Limited, Alliance & Leicester Investments (No.2) Limited, Alliance & Leicester Investments Limited, Alliance & Leicester Limited, Alliance & Leicester Personal Finance Limited, Altamira Santander Real Estate S.A., Alternative Leasing FIL, Amazonia Trade Limited, Amherst Pierpont, Andaluza de Inversiones S.A., Aquanima Brasil Ltda., Aquanima Chile S.A., Aquanima Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Aquanima S.A., Arcaz - Sociedade Imobiliaria Portuguesa Lda., Argenline S.A. (b), Asto Digital Limited, Athena Corporation Limited, Atual - Fundo de Invest Multimercado Credito Privado Investimento no Exterior, Atual Servicos de Recuperacao de Creditos e Meios Digitais S.A., Autodescuento S.L., Autohaus24 GmbH, Auttar HUT Processamento de Dados Ltda., Aviacion Antares A.I.E., Aviacion Britanica A.I.E., Aviacion Centaurus A.I.E., Aviacion Comillas S.L. Unipersonal, Aviacion Intercontinental A.I.E., Aviacion Laredo S.L., Aviacion Oyambre S.L. Unipersonal, Aviacion Real A.I.E., Aviacion Santillana S.L., Aviacion Suances S.L., Aviacion Triton A.I.E., Aymore Credito Financiamento e Investimento S.A., BEN Beneficios e Servicos S.A., BRS Investments S.A., BZW Bank, Banca PSA Italia S.p.A., Banco Bandepe S.A., Banco Madesant - Sociedade Unipessoal S.A., Banco PSA Finance Brasil S.A., Banco Popular, Banco Santander (Brasil) S.A., Banco Santander (Mexico) S.A. Institucion de Banca Multiple Grupo Financiero Santander Mexico como Fiduciaria del Fideicomiso 100740, Banco Santander (Mexico) S.A. Institucion de Banca Multiple Grupo Financiero Santander Mexico como Fiduciaria del Fideicomiso 2002114, Banco Santander (Mexico) S.A. Institucion de Banca Multiple Grupo Financiero Santander Mexico como Fiduciaria del Fideicomiso GFSSLPT, Banco Santander - Chile, Banco Santander Consumer Portugal S.A., Banco Santander International, Banco Santander International SA, Banco Santander Mexico S.A. Institucion de Banca Multiple Grupo Financiero Santander Mexico, Banco Santander Peru S.A., Banco Santander Rio S.A., Banco Santander S.A., Banco Santander Totta S.A., Banco Santander de Negocios Colombia S.A., Banco de Albacete S.A., Bansa Santander S.A., CCAP Auto Lease Ltd., Canyon Multifamily Impact Fund IV LLC, Capital Street Delaware LP, Capital Street Holdings LLC, Capital Street REIT Holdings LLC, Capital Street S.A., Carfax (Guernsey) Limited (f), Carfinco Financial Group, Carfinco Financial Group Inc., Carfinco Inc., Casa de Bolsa Santander S.A. de C.V. Grupo Financiero Santander Mexico, Cater Allen Holdings Limited, Cater Allen International Limited, Cater Allen Limited, Cater Allen Lloyd's Holdings Limited, Cater Allen Syndicate Management Limited, Centro de Capacitacion Santander A.C., Certidesa S.L., Chrysler Capital Auto Funding I LLC, Chrysler Capital Auto Funding II LLC, Chrysler Capital Auto Receivables LLC, Chrysler Capital Master Auto Receivables Funding 2 LLC, Chrysler Capital Master Auto Receivables Funding 4 LLC, Chrysler Capital Master Auto Receivables Funding LLC, Cobranza Amigable S.A.P.I. de C.V., Community Development and Affordable Housing Fund LLC (g), Compagnie Generale de Credit Aux Particuliers - Credipar S.A., Compagnie Pour la Location de Vehicules - CLV, Comunidad Laboral Trabajando Argentina S.A., Comunidad Laboral Trabajando Iberica S.L. Unipersonal en liquidacion (b), Consulteam Consultores de Gestao Lda., Consumer Lending Receivables LLC, Crawfall S.A. (b), Cantabra de Inversiones S.A., Cantabro Catalana de Inversiones S.A., Darep Designated Activity Company, Decarome S.A.P.I. de C.V., Deva Capital Advisory Company S.L., Deva Capital Holding Company S.L., Deva Capital Investment Company S.L., Deva Capital Management Company S.L., Deva Capital Servicer Company S.L., Digital Procurement Holdings N.V., Diners Club Spain S.A., Direccion Estratega S.C., Dirgenfin S.L. en liquidacion (b), Ebury, El Corte Ingles, Elavon Mexico, Electrolyser S.A. de C.V., Entidad de Desarrollo a la Pequena y Micro Empresa Santander Consumo Peru S.A., Erestone S.A.S., Esfera Fidelidade S.A., Evidence Previdencia S.A., Financeira El Corte Ingles Portugal S.F.C. S.A., Financiera El Corte Ingles E.F.C. S.A., Finsantusa S.L. Unipersonal, First National Motor Business Limited, First National Motor Contracts Limited, First National Motor Facilities Limited, First National Motor Finance Limited, First National Motor Leasing Limited, First National Motor plc, First National Tricity Finance Limited, Fondos Santander S.A. Administradora de Fondos de Inversion (en liquidacion) (b), Fortensky Trading Ltd., Fosse Funding (No.1) Limited, Fosse Master Issuer plc, Fosse Trustee (UK) Limited, GTS El Centro Equity Holdings LLC, GTS El Centro Project Holdings LLC, Gamma Sociedade Financeira de Titularizacao de Creditos S.A., Gesban Mexico Servicios Administrativos Globales S.A. de C.V., Gesban Santander Servicios Profesionales Contables Limitada, Gesban Servicios Administrativos Globales S.L., Gesban UK Limited, Gestion de Instalaciones Fotovoltaicas S.L. Unipersonal, Gestion de Inversiones JILT S.A., Gestora de Procesos S.A. en liquidacion (b), Getnet Adquirencia e Servicos para Meios de Pagamento S.A., Global Vosgos S.L. Unipersonal, Grupo Empresarial Santander S.L., Grupo Financiero Santander Mexico S.A. de C.V., Grupo Financiero Santander SAB de CV, Guaranty Car S.A. Unipersonal, HQ Mobile Limited, Hispamer Renting S.A. Unipersonal, Holbah II Limited, Holbah Santander S.L. Unipersonal, Holmes Funding Limited, Holmes Master Issuer plc, Holmes Trustees Limited, Hyundai Capital Bank Europe GmbH, Iberica de Compras Corporativas S.L., Independence Community Bank Corp., Insurance Funding Solutions Limited, Interfinance Holanda B.V., Inversiones Capital Global S.A. Unipersonal, Inversiones Maritimas del Mediterraneo S.A., Isla de los Buques S.A., Klare Corredora de Seguros S.A., Landcompany 2020 S.L., Langton Funding (No.1) Limited, Langton Mortgages Trustee (UK) Limited, Langton Securities (2008-1) plc, Langton Securities (2010-1) PLC, Langton Securities (2010-2) PLC, Laparanza S.A., Liquidity Limited, Luri 1 S.A. en liquidacion (b) (e), Luri 6 S.A. Unipersonal, Master Red Europa S.L., Mata Alta S.L., Merciver S.L., Mercury TFS, Mercury Trade Finance Solutions S.A. de C.V., Mercury Trade Finance Solutions S.L., Mercury Trade Finance Solutions S.p.A., Moneybit S.L., Mortgage Engine Limited, Motor 2016-1 PLC, Motor 2017-1 PLC, Mouro Capital I LP, Multiplica SpA, NW Services CO., Naviera Mirambel S.L., Naviera Trans Gas A.I.E., Naviera Trans Iron S.L., Naviera Trans Ore A.I.E., Naviera Trans Wind S.L. (b), Naviera Transcantabrica S.L., Naviera Transchem S.L. Unipersonal, NeoAuto S.A.C., Norbest AS, Novimovest Fundo de Investimento Imobiliario, Open Bank Argentina S.A., Open Bank S.A., Open Digital Market S.L., Open Digital Services S.L., Operadora de Carteras Gamma S.A.P.I. de C.V., Optimal Investment Services SA, Optimal Multiadvisors Ireland Plc / Optimal Strategic US Equity Ireland Euro Fund, Optimal Multiadvisors Ireland Plc / Optimal Strategic US Equity Ireland US Dollar Fund, PBE Companies LLC, PECOH Limited, PI Distribuidora de Titulos e Valores Mobiliarios S.A., PSA Bank Deutschland GmbH, PSA Banque France, PSA Finance UK Limited, PSA Financial Services Nederland B.V., PSA Financial Services Spain E.F.C. S.A., PSA Renting Italia S.p.A., PagoFX Europe S.A., PagoFX HoldCo S.L., PagoFX UK Ltd, PagoNxt Merchant Solutions S.L., PagoNxt S.L., Parasant SA, Patagon.com, Pereda Gestion S.A., Pingham International S.A., Popular Spain Holding de Inversiones S.L.U., Portal Universia Argentina S.A., Portal Universia Portugal Prestacao de Servicos de Informatica S.A., Prime 16 Fundo de Investimentos Imobiliario, Punta Lima LLC, Punta Lima Wind Farm LLC, Retop S.A., Return Capital Servicos de Recuperacao de Creditos S.A., Return Gestao de Recursos S.A., Riobank International (Uruguay) SAIFE (b), Rojo Entretenimento S.A., SAM Asset Management S.A. de C.V. Sociedad Operadora de Fondos de Inversion, SAM Investment Holdings S.L., SAM UK Investment Holdings Limited (b), SANB Promotora de Vendas e Cobranca Ltda., SCF Eastside Locks GP Limited, SDMX Superdigital S.A. de C.V., SMPS Merchant Platform Solutions Mexico S.A de C.V, Sancap Investimentos e Participacoes S.A., Santander (CF Trustee Property Nominee) Limited, Santander (UK) Group Pension Schemes Trustees Limited, Santander Ahorro Inmobiliario 1 S.A., Santander Ahorro Inmobiliario 2 S.A., Santander Alternatives SICAV RAIF, Santander Asesorias Financieras Limitada, Santander Asset Finance (December) Limited, Santander Asset Finance plc, Santander Asset Management - S.G.O.I.C. S.A., Santander Asset Management Chile S.A., Santander Asset Management LLC, Santander Asset Management Luxembourg S.A., Santander Asset Management S.A. Administradora General de Fondos, Santander Asset Management S.A. S.G.I.I.C., Santander Asset Management UK Holdings Limited, Santander Asset Management UK Limited, Santander Back-Offices Globales Mayoristas S.A., Santander Banca de Inversion Colombia S.A.S., Santander Bank & Trust Ltd., Santander Bank National Association, Santander Bank Polska S.A., Santander Brasil Administradora de Consorcio Ltda., Santander Brasil Gestao de Recursos Ltda., Santander Brasil Tecnologia S.A., Santander Capital Desarrollo SGEIC S.A. Unipersonal, Santander Capital Structuring S.A. de C.V., Santander Capitalizacao S.A., Santander Cards Ireland Limited, Santander Cards Limited, Santander Cards UK Limited, Santander Chile Holding S.A., Santander Consulting (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Santander Consumer (UK) plc, Santander Consumer Auto Receivables Funding 2013-B2 LLC, Santander Consumer Auto Receivables Funding 2013-B3 LLC, Santander Consumer Auto Receivables Funding 2018-L1 LLC, Santander Consumer Auto Receivables Funding 2018-L3 LLC, Santander Consumer Auto Receivables Funding 2018-L4 LLC, Santander Consumer Auto Receivables Funding 2018-L5 LLC, Santander Consumer Auto Receivables Funding 2019-B1 LLC, Santander Consumer Auto Receivables Funding 2019-L2 LLC, Santander Consumer Auto Receivables Funding 2019-L3 LLC, Santander Consumer Auto Receivables Funding 2020-B1 LLC, Santander Consumer Auto Receivables Funding 2020-L1 LLC, Santander Consumer Auto Receivables Funding 2020-L2 LLC, Santander Consumer Bank, Santander Consumer Bank AG, Santander Consumer Bank GmbH, Santander Consumer Bank S.A., Santander Consumer Bank S.p.A., Santander Consumer Banque S.A., Santander Consumer Credit Services Limited, Santander Consumer Finance Benelux B.V., Santander Consumer Finance Global Services S.L., Santander Consumer Finance Oy, Santander Consumer Finance S.A., Santander Consumer Finance Schweiz AG, Santander Consumer Financial Solutions Sp. z o.o., Santander Consumer Finanse Sp. z o.o. (b), Santander Consumer Holding Austria GmbH, Santander Consumer Holding GmbH, Santander Consumer International Puerto Rico LLC, Santander Consumer Leasing GmbH, Santander Consumer Mediacion Operador de Banca-Seguros Vinculado S.L., Santander Consumer Multirent Sp. z o.o., Santander Consumer Operations Services GmbH, Santander Consumer Receivables 10 LLC, Santander Consumer Receivables 11 LLC, Santander Consumer Receivables 3 LLC, Santander Consumer Receivables 7 LLC, Santander Consumer Receivables Funding LLC, Santander Consumer Renting S.L., Santander Consumer S.A., Santander Consumer S.A.S., Santander Consumer Services GmbH, Santander Consumer Services S.A., Santander Consumer Technology Services GmbH, Santander Consumer USA Holdings Inc., Santander Consumer USA Inc., Santander Consumo S.A. de C.V. S.O.F.O.M. E.R. Grupo Financiero Santander Mexico, Santander Corredora de Seguros Limitada, Santander Corredores de Bolsa Limitada, Santander Corretora de Cambio e Valores Mobiliarios S.A., Santander Corretora de Seguros Investimentos e Servicos S.A., Santander Customer Voice S.A., Santander Digital Assets S.L., Santander Drive Auto Receivables LLC, Santander Equity Investments Limited, Santander Espana Merchant Services Entidad de Pago S.L. Unipersonal, Santander Espana Servicios Legales y de Cumplimiento S.L., Santander Estates Limited, Santander F24 S.A., Santander Facility Management Espana S.L., Santander Factoring S.A., Santander Factoring Sp. z o.o., Santander Factoring y Confirming S.A. E.F.C., Santander Finance 2012-1 LLC, Santander Financial Exchanges Limited, Santander Financial Services Inc., Santander Financial Services plc, Santander Finanse Sp. z o.o., Santander Fintech Holdings S.L., Santander Fintech Limited, Santander Fundo de Investimento SBAC Referenciado di Credito Privado, Santander Gestion de Recaudacion y Cobranzas Ltda., Santander Global Consumer Finance Limited, Santander Global Facilities S.A. de C.V., Santander Global Facilities S.L., Santander Global Operations S.A., Santander Global Services S.A. (b), Santander Global Sport S.A., Santander Global Technology Brasil Ltda., Santander Global Technology Chile Limitada, Santander Global Technology S.L., Santander Global Trade Platform Solutions S.L., Santander Guarantee Company, Santander Holding Imobiliaria S.A., Santander Holding Internacional S.A., Santander Holdings USA Inc., Santander ISA Managers Limited, Santander Inclusion Financiera S.A. de C.V. S.O.F.O.M. E.R. Grupo Financiero Santander Mexico, Santander Insurance Agency U.S. LLC, Santander Insurance Services UK Limited, Santander Intermediacion Correduria de Seguros S.A., Santander International Products Plc. (d), Santander Inversiones S.A., Santander Investment Bank Limited, Santander Investment Chile Limitada, Santander Investment I S.A., Santander Investment S.A., Santander Investment Securities Inc., Santander Investments GP 1 S.a.r.l., Santander Inwestycje Sp. z o.o., Santander Lease S.A. E.F.C., Santander Leasing LLC, Santander Leasing S.A., Santander Leasing S.A. Arrendamento Mercantil, Santander Lending Limited, Santander Mediacion Operador de Banca-Seguros Vinculado S.A., Santander Merchant Platform Operations S.A. de C.V., Santander Merchant Platform Services S.A. de C.V., Santander Merchant Platform Solutions Mexico S.A. de C.V., Santander Merchant Platform Solutions S.A., Santander Merchant Platform Solutions Uruguay S.A., Santander Merchant Platform SolucoesTecnologicas Brasil Ltda., Santander Merchant S.A., Santander Mortgage Holdings Limited, Santander Paraty Qif PLC, Santander Pensiones S.A. E.G.F.P., Santander Pensoes - Sociedade Gestora de Fundos de Pensoes S.A., Santander Private Banking Gestion S.A. S.G.I.I.C., Santander Private Banking UK Limited, Santander Private Banking s.p.a. in Liquidazione (b), Santander Private Real Estate Advisory & Management S.A., Santander Private Real Estate Advisory S.A., Santander Real Estate S.A., Santander Retail Auto Lease Funding LLC, Santander Rio Asset Management Gerente de Fondos Comunes de Inversion S.A., Santander Rio Trust S.A., Santander Rio Valores S.A., Santander S.A. Sociedad Securitizadora, Santander Secretariat Services Limited, Santander Securities LLC, Santander Seguros y Reaseguros Compania Aseguradora S.A., Santander Servicios Corporativos S.A. de C.V., Santander Servicios Especializados S.A. de C.V., Santander Technology USA LLC, Santander Tecnologia e Inovacao Ltda., Santander Tecnologia Argentina S.A., Santander Tecnologia Espana S.L.U., Santander Tecnologia Mexico S.A. de C.V., Santander Totta SGPS S.A., Santander Totta Seguros Companhia de Seguros de Vida S.A., Santander Towarzystwo Funduszy Inwestycyjnych S.A., Santander Trade Services Limited, Santander UK Group Holdings plc, Santander UK Investments, Santander UK Operations Limited, Santander UK Plc, Santander UK Technology Limited, Santander Wealth Management International SA, Santander de Titulizacion S.G.F.T. S.A., Santusa Holding S.L., Services and Promotions Delaware Corp., Services and Promotions Miami LLC, Servicio de Alarmas Controladas por Ordenador S.A., Servicios de Cobranza Recuperacion y Seguimiento S.A. De C.V., Sheppards Moneybrokers Limited, Shiloh III Wind Project LLC, Sociedad Integral de Valoraciones Automatizadas S.A., Sociedad Operadora de Tarjetas de Pago Santander Getnet Chile S.A., Socur S.A., Sol Orchard Imperial 1 LLC, Solarlaser Limited, Sovereign Community Development Company, Sovereign Delaware Investment Corporation, Sovereign Lease Holdings LLC, Sovereign REIT Holdings Inc., Sovereign Spirit Limited (f), Sterrebeeck B.V., Suleyado 2003 S.L. Unipersonal, Summer Empreendimentos Ltda., Super Pagamentos e Administracao de Meios Eletronicos S.A., Superdigital Argentina S.A.U., Superdigital Colombia S.A.S., Superdigital Holding Company S.L., Superdigital Peru S.A.C., Suzuki Servicios Financieros S.L., Swesant SA, TIMFin S.p.A., TOPSAM S.A de C.V., Taxagest Sociedade Gestora de Participacoes Sociais S.A., Teatinos Siglo XXI Inversiones S.A., The Alliance & Leicester Corporation Limited, The Best Specialty Coffee S.L. Unipersonal, Time Retail Finance Limited (b), Tonopah Solar I LLC, Toque Fale Servicos de Telemarketing Ltda., Tornquist Asesores de Seguros S.A. (b), Totta (Ireland) PLC, Totta Urbe - Empresa de Administracao e Construcoes S.A., Trabajando.com Mexico S.A. de C.V. en liquidacion (b), Trabajando.com Peru S.A.C., Trans Rotor Limited (b), Transolver Finance EFC S.A., Tresmares Growth Fund Santander SCR S.A., Tresmares Santander Direct Lending SICC S.A., Tuttle and Son Limited, Universia Brasil S.A., Universia Chile S.A., Universia Colombia S.A.S., Universia Espana Red de Universidades S.A., Universia Holding S.L., Universia Mexico S.A. de C.V., Universia Peru S.A., Universia Uruguay S.A., Uro Property Holdings SOCIMI S.A., WIM Servicios Corporativos S.A. de C.V., WTW Shipping Designated Activity Company, Wallcesa S.A., Wave Holdco S.L., Waypoint Insurance Group Inc., and Wirecard (Technological Assets). The following companies are subsidiares of Barclays: Adler Toy Holding Sarl, Aequor Investments Limited, Alymere Investments Limited, Alynore Investments Limited Partnership, Analog Analytics, Analog Analytics Inc, Analytical Trade Holdings LLC, Analytical Trade Investments LLC, Analytical Trade UK Limited, Archstone Equity Holdings Inc, Ardencroft Investments Limited, B D & B Investments Limited, B.P.B. (Holdings) Limited, BB Client Nominees Limited, BBAIL SAS, BCAP LLC, BIFML PTC Limited, BMBF (No.24) Limited, BMI (No.9) Limited, BNC Brazil Consultoria Empresarial Ltda, BNRI ENG 2013 Limited Partnership, BNRI ENG 2014 Limited Partnership, BNRI ENG GP LLP, BNRI England 2010 Limited Partnership, BNRI England 2011 Limited Partnership, BNRI England 2012 Limited Partnership, BNRI Limehouse No.1 Sarl, BNRI PIA Scot GP Limited, BNRI Scots GP LLP, BPB Holdings SA, BVP Galvani Global S.A.U., Barafor Limited, Barclay Leasing Limited, Barclaycard Funding PLC, Barclaycard International Payments Limited, Barclays (Barley) Limited, Barclays Aldersgate Investments Limited, Barclays Alzin Investments S.a r.l., Barclays Asia Limited, Barclays Asset Management Limited, Barclays BR Investments S.a r.l., Barclays BWA Inc., Barclays Bank (Suisse) S.A., Barclays Bank Delaware, Barclays Bank Ireland PLC, Barclays Bank Ireland Public Limited Company, Barclays Bank Mexico S.A., Barclays Bank PLC, Barclays Bank UK PLC, Barclays Bayard Investments S.a r.l., Barclays Bedivere Investments S.a r.l., Barclays Bordang Investments S.a r.l., Barclays Brasil Assessoria Financeira Ltda., Barclays CCP Funding LLC, Barclays Cantal Investments S.a r.l., Barclays Capital (Cayman) Limited, Barclays Capital Asia Holdings Limited, Barclays Capital Asia Limited, Barclays Capital Canada Inc., Barclays Capital Casa de Bolsa S.A. de C.V., Barclays Capital Derivatives Funding LLC, Barclays Capital Effekten GmbH, Barclays Capital Energy Inc., Barclays Capital Equities Trading GP, Barclays Capital Finance Limited, Barclays Capital Futures (Singapore) Private Limited, Barclays Capital Holdings (Singapore) Private Limited, Barclays Capital Holdings Inc., Barclays Capital Inc., Barclays Capital Japan Securities Holdings Limited, Barclays Capital Luxembourg S.a r.l., Barclays Capital Mauritius Limited, Barclays Capital Nominees (No.2) Limited, Barclays Capital Nominees (No.3) Limited, Barclays Capital Nominees Limited, Barclays Capital Principal Investments Limited, Barclays Capital Real Estate Finance Inc., Barclays Capital Real Estate Holdings Inc., Barclays Capital Real Estate Inc., Barclays Capital Securities Client Nominee Limited, Barclays Capital Securities Limited, Barclays Capital Securities Mauritius Limited, Barclays Capital Trading Luxembourg S.a r.l., Barclays Claudas Investments Partnership, Barclays Claudas Investments S.a r.l., Barclays Commercial Mortgage Securities LLC, Barclays Converted Investments (No.2) Limited, Barclays Corporation Limited, Barclays Direct Investing Nominees Limited, Barclays Directors Limited, Barclays Dryrock Funding LLC, Barclays Electronic Commerce Holdings Inc., Barclays Equity Holdings Limited, Barclays Equity Index Investments S.a r.l., Barclays Europe Client Nominees Designated Activity Company, Barclays Europe Firm Nominees Designated Activity Company, Barclays Europe Nominees Designated Activity Company, Barclays Executive Schemes Trustees Limited, Barclays Financial LLC, Barclays Financial Planning Nominee Company Limited, Barclays Funds Investments Limited, Barclays Funds and Advisory Japan Limited, Barclays Global Service Centre Private Limited, Barclays Global Shareplans Nominee Limited, Barclays Group Holdings Limited, Barclays Group Operations Limited, Barclays Group US Inc., Barclays Index Finance Trust, Barclays Industrial Development Limited, Barclays Industrial Investments Limited, Barclays Insurance Guernsey PCC Limited, Barclays Insurance Services Company Limited, Barclays Insurance U.S. Inc., Barclays International Luxembourg Dollar Holdings S.a r.l., Barclays Investment Management Limited, Barclays Investment Solutions Limited, Barclays Investments & Loans (India) Limited, Barclays Korea GP Limited, Barclays Lamorak Investments S.a r.l., Barclays Leasing (No.9) Limited, Barclays Leto Investments S.a r.l., Barclays Long Island Limited, Barclays Luxembourg EUR Holdings S.a r.l, Barclays Luxembourg Finance S.a r.l., Barclays Luxembourg GBP Holdings S.a r.l., Barclays Luxembourg Global Funding S.a r.l., Barclays Luxembourg Holdings S.a r.l., Barclays Luxembourg Holdings SSC B, Barclays Marlist Limited, Barclays Mauritius Overseas Holdings Limited, Barclays Mercantile Business Finance Limited, Barclays Merchant Bank (Singapore) Ltd., Barclays Nominees (George Yard) Limited, Barclays Nominees (Guernsey) Limited, Barclays Nominees (Jersey) Limited, Barclays Nominees (Manx) Limited, Barclays Oversight Management Inc., Barclays Payment Solutions Inc., Barclays Pelleas Investments Limited Partnership, Barclays Pelleas Investments S.a r.l., Barclays Pension Funds Trustees Limited, Barclays Principal Investments Limited, Barclays Private Asset Management (Monaco) S.A.M, Barclays Private Bank, Barclays Private Clients International Limited, Barclays Receivables LLC, Barclays SAMS Limited, Barclays Securities (India) Private Limited, Barclays Securities Japan Limited, Barclays Security Trustee Limited, Barclays Services (Japan) Limited, Barclays Services Corporation, Barclays Services Jersey Limited, Barclays Services LLC, Barclays Services Limited, Barclays Shea Limited, Barclays Singapore Global Shareplans Nominee Limited, Barclays Switzerland Services SA, Barclays Tenedora De Immuebles SL., Barclays Term Funding Limited Liability Partnership, Barclays UK Investments Limited, Barclays US CCP Funding LLC, Barclays US Funding LLC, Barclays US GPF Inc., Barclays US Investments Inc., Barclays US LLC, Barclays Unquoted Investments Limited, Barclays Unquoted Property Investments Limited, Barclays Wealth Management Jersey Limited, Barclays Wealth Nominees Limited, Barclays Wealth Services Limited, Barclays Wealth Trustees (India) Private Limited, Barclayshare Nominees Limited, Barclaytrust Channel Islands Limited, Barcosec Limited, Barsec Nominees Limited, Blossom Finance General Partnership, Branchcall Computers (Pvt) Limited, Braven Investments No.1 Limited, CP Flower Guaranteeco (UK) Limited, CP Newco 1 Limited, CP Newco2 Limited, CP Newco3 Limited, CP Propco 1 Limited, CP Propco 2 Limited, CP Topco Limited, CPIA Canada Holdings, CPIA England 2008 Limited Partnership, CPIA England 2009 Limited Partnership, CPIA England No.2 Limited Partnership, CPIA Investments No.1 Limited, CPIA Investments No.2 Limited, CRE Diversified Holdings LLC, CREW Tahoe Holdings LLC, CREW Tahoe LLC, Calthorpe Investments Limited, Capton Investments Limited, Carnegie Holdings Limited, Central Platte Valley Management LLC, Chapelcrest Investments Limited, Charles Schwab Europe, Claudas Investments Limited, Claudas Investments Two Limited, Clydesdale Financial Services Limited, Cobalt Investments Limited, Compania Regional del Sur S.A., Compania Sudamerica S.A., Condor No.1 Limited Partnership, Cornwall Homes Loans Limited, Crescent Crown Land Holding SPV LLC, Crescent Legacy LLC, Crescent Plaza Residential L.P., Crescent Plaza Residential LLC, Crescent Plaza Residential LP LLC, Crescent Real Estate Member LLC, Crescent Resort Development LLC, Crescent TRS Holdings LLC, Crescent Tower Residences GP LLC, Crescent Tower Residences L.P., Curve Investments GP, DBL Texas Holdings LLC, DMW Realty Limited, Desert Mountain Development LLC, Desert Mountain Properties Limited Partnership, Develop Training Group Limited, Dorset Home Loans Limited, Durlacher Nominees Limited, EWRD Summit LLC, Eagle Financial and Leasing Services (UK) Limited, East West Resort Development V L.P. L.L.L.P., East West Resort Development VII LLC, Equity Limited Partnership, Equity Value Investments No.1 Limited, Equity Value Investments No.2 Limited, Erimon Home Loans Ireland Limited, Expobank, FIRSTPLUS Financial Group Limited, Finpart Nominees Limited, First Assurance, Foltus Investments Limited, Full House Holdings Limited, Gallen Investments Limited, Global Dynasty Natural Resource Private, Globe Nominees Limited, Gracechurch Services Corporation, Grays Station LLC, Grupo Financiero Barclays Mexico S.A. de C.V., Hawkins Funding Limited, Heraldglen Limited, Holding Stuttgarter Strae GmbH, Hurley Investments No.1 Limited, Imalivest Mineral Resources LP, Investors In Infrastructure Limited, J.V. Estates Limited, JV Assets Limited, Kirsche Investments Limited, LTDL Holdings LLC, La Torretta Beverages LLC, La Torretta Hospitality LLC, La Torretta Operations LLC, Lagalla Investments LLC, Leonis Investments LLP, Liability Partnership, Long Island Assets Limited, Long Island Holding A LLC, Long Island Holding B Limited, MK Opportunities GP Ltd, MK Opportunities LP, MVWP Investors LLC, Maloney Investments Limited, Marbury Holdings LLC, Menlo Investments Limited, Mercantile Credit Company Limited, Mercantile Leasing Company (No.132) Limited, Meridian (SPV-AMC) Corporation, Mintaka Investments No. 4 Limited, Mira Vista Development LLC, Mira Vista Golf Club L.C., Mountainside Partners LLC, Murray House Investment Management Limited, Naxos Investments Limited, Nile Bank, North Colonnade Investments Limited, Northstar Mountain Properties LLC, Northstar Trailside Townhomes LLC, Northstar Village Townhomes LLC, Northwharf Investments Limited, Northwharf Nominees Limited, OGP Leasing Limited, Oakes Millers Ltd, Ownership Trustee Limited, PIA England No.2 Limited Partnership, Palomino Limited, Pecan Aggregator LP, Pelleas Investments Limited, Pelleas Investments Two Limited, Pippin Island Investments Limited, Preferred Liquidity LLC, Preferred Liquidity Limited Partnership, Procella Investments LLC, Procella Investments No.1 LLC, Procella Investments No.2 LLC, Procella Investments No.3 LLC, Protium Finance I LLC, Protium Master Grantor Trust, Protium Master Mortgage LP, Protium REO I LP, R.C. Grieg Nominees Limited, RVH Limited, RVT CLO Investments LLP, Razzoli Investments Limited, Real Estate Participation Management Limited, Real Estate Participation Services Limited, Relative Value Holdings LLC, Relative Value Investments UK Limited, Relative Value Trading Limited, Roder Investments No. 1 Limited, Roder Investments No. 2 Limited, Ruthenium Investments Limited, SPM GP Limited, Securitized Asset Backed Receivables LLC, Servicios Barclays S.A. de C.V., Societe Civile Immobiliere 31 Avenue de la Costa, Solution Personal Finance Limited, Southern Peaks Mining LP, Standard Life Aberdeen, Surety Trust Limited, Surrey Funding Corporation, Sussex Purchasing Corporation, Sutton Funding LLC, Swan Lane Investments Limited, TPLL LLC, TPProperty LLC, Tahoe Club Company LLC, Tahoe Club Employee Company, The Logic Group Enterprises Limited, The Logic Group Holdings Limited, Third Energy Holdings Limited, US Real Estate Holdings No. 2 Limited, US Real Estate Holdings No.1 Limited, US Real Estate Holdings No.3 Limited, US Secured Investments LLC, Union Center LLC, United Counties Bank, Verain Investments LLC, Walbrook Group Ltd, Wedd Jefferson (Nominees) Limited, Wessex Investments Limited, Westferry Investments Limited, Wilmington Riverfront Receivables LLC, Woolwich Homes Limited, Woolwich Plan Managers Limited, Woolwich Qualifying Employee Share, Woolwich Surveying Services Limited, Woori BC Pegasus Securitization Specialty Co. Limited, and Zeban Nominees Limited. 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 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. Bird Construction Inc. operates as a general contractor in Canada. The company primarily focuses on projects in the industrial, commercial, and institutional sectors of the general contracting industry. It constructs industrial buildings; and performs civil construction operations, including site preparation, concrete foundations, metal and modular fabrication, mechanical process work, underground piping, and earthwork for clients primarily operating in the oil and gas, liquefied natural gas, mining, and nuclear sectors. The company also engages in the construction and renovation of office buildings, shopping malls and plazas, big box stores, hotels, and selected mixed-use condominiums and apartments; and the construction of hospitals, post-secondary education facilities, schools, recreation facilities, prisons, courthouses, government buildings, and long term care and senior housing, as well as environmental facilities, such as water and wastewater treatment centers, composting facilities, and biosolids treatment and management facilities. It serves clients in the commercial, institutional, retail, multi-tenant residential, industrial, mining, water and wastewater, energy, civil, light industrial, and renovation and restoration sectors. Bird Construction Inc. was founded in 1920 and is based in Mississauga, Canada. Read More The Boeing Co. is an aerospace company, which engages in the manufacture of commercial jetliners and defense, space and security systems. It operates through the following segments: Commercial Airplanes; Defense, Space and Security; Global Services; and Boeing Capital. The Commercial Airplanes segment includes the development, production, and market of commercial jet aircraft and provides fleet support services, principally to the commercial airline industry worldwide. The Defense, Space and Security segment refers to the research, development, production and modification of manned and unmanned military aircraft and weapons systems for global strike, including fighter and combat rotorcraft aircraft and missile systems; global mobility, including tanker, rotorcraft and tilt-rotor aircraft; and airborne surveillance and reconnaissance, including command and control, battle management and airborne anti-submarine aircraft. The Global Services segment provides services to commercial and defense customers. The Boeing Capital segment seeks to ensure that Boeing customers have the financing they need to buy and take delivery of their Boeing product and manages overall financing exposure. T Read More Boston Pizza Royalties Income Fund is a limited purpose open-ended mutual fund trust. The Trust indirectly, through the Boston Pizza Royalties Limited Partnership (Royalties LP), acquires the trademarks and trade names owned by Boston Pizza International Inc. (BPI), including Boston Pizza and other related items, logos and designs used in connection with the operation of Boston Pizza restaurants in Canada. The Trust's sources of revenue include royalty income, distribution income and interest income. The Trust invests in Boston Pizza Canada Limited Partnership (BP Canada LP) to increase the Trust's interest in franchise sales of Boston Pizza Restaurants in the Royalty Pool. The Trust distributes all available cash from operations to the Trust unitholders after provisions for cash required for working capital and other reserves considered advisable by the Trust's Trustees. Boston Pizza GP Inc. is the managing general partner of the Trust. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Aramark: 1ST & Fresh LLC, AIL Servicos Alimenticios e Participacoes Ltda., AIM Services Co. Ltd., AMP Limited Partnership, ARA Catering and Vending Services Limited, ARA Coffee Club Limited, ARA Coffee System Limited, ARA Food Services Limited, ARA Marketing Services Limited, ARA Offshore Services Limited, ARAMONT Company Ltd., Active Industrial Unif, Alcatraz Hospitality, AmeriPride Services, American Snack & Beverage LLC, Aramark (BVI) Limited, Aramark Airport Services Limited, Aramark American Food Services LLC, Aramark Asia Management LLC, Aramark Aviation Services Limited Partnership, Aramark B.V., Aramark Beverages Limited, Aramark Business & Industry LLC, Aramark Business Center LLC, Aramark Business Dining Services of Texas LLC, Aramark Business Facilities LLC, Aramark CCT Trustees Limited, Aramark Campus LLC, Aramark Canada Ltd., Aramark Canadian Investments Inc., Aramark Capital Asset Services LLC, Aramark Catering Limited, Aramark China Dining Services (Shanghai) Limited, Aramark China Holdings Limited, Aramark Chugach Alaska Services LLC, Aramark Cleaning S.A., Aramark Cleanroom Services (Puerto Rico) Inc., Aramark Cleanroom Services LLC, Aramark Co. Ltd., Aramark Colombia SAS, Aramark Concessions Services Joint Venture, Aramark Confection LLC, Aramark Construction Services Inc., Aramark Construction and Energy Services LLC, Aramark Consumer Discount Company, Aramark Correctional Services LLC, Aramark Defence Services Limited, Aramark Denmark ApS, Aramark Distribution Services Inc., Aramark Educational Group LLC, Aramark Educational Services LLC, Aramark Educational Services of Texas LLC, Aramark Educational Services of Vermont Inc., Aramark Entertainment LLC, Aramark Entertainment Services (Canada) Inc., Aramark Executive Management Services USA Inc., Aramark FHC Business Services LLC, Aramark FHC Campus Services LLC, Aramark FHC Correctional Services LLC, Aramark FHC Healthcare Support Services LLC, Aramark FHC Kansas Inc., Aramark FHC LLC, Aramark FHC Refreshment Services LLC, Aramark FHC School Support Services LLC, Aramark FHC Services LLC, Aramark FHC Sports and Entertainment Services LLC, Aramark FSM LLC, Aramark Facility Services LLC, Aramark Food Service LLC, Aramark Food Service of Texas LLC, Aramark Food and Support Services Group Inc., Aramark Global Group S.a.r.l., Aramark Global Inc., Aramark GmbH, Aramark Gulf Limited, Aramark Gulf Limited Catering Services LLC, Aramark Healthcare Support Services LLC, Aramark Healthcare Support Services of the Virgin Islands Inc., Aramark Healthcare Technologies LLC, Aramark Holding Deutschland GmbH, Aramark Holdings GmbH & Co. KG, Aramark Holdings Ltd., Aramark Industrial Services LLC, Aramark Intermediate HoldCo Corporation, Aramark International Finance S.a.r.l., Aramark International Holdings S.a.r.l., Aramark Inversiones Latinoamericanas Limitada, Aramark Investments Limited, Aramark Ireland Holdings Limited, Aramark Japan Holdings Limited, Aramark Japan LLC, Aramark KSA LLC, Aramark Kazakhstan Ltd., Aramark Lakewood Associates, Aramark Limited, Aramark Management GmbH, Aramark Management LLC, Aramark Management Services Limited Partnership, Aramark Manning Services UK Limited, Aramark Mexico Group, Aramark Mexico S.A. de C.V., Aramark Monclova Manufacturing de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Aramark Monclova Support S.A.de C.V., Aramark Norway SA, Aramark Organizational Services LLC, Aramark Partnership Limited, Aramark Personnel Services, Aramark Peru S.A.C., Aramark Peru Servicios de Intermediacion SRL, Aramark Processing LLC, Aramark Property Services Limited, Aramark Qualified Opportunity Fund, Aramark Quebec Inc., Aramark RBI Inc., Aramark Rail Services LLC, Aramark Receivables LLC, Aramark Refreshment Group, Aramark Refreshment Services LLC, Aramark Refreshment Services of Tampa LLC, Aramark Regional Treasury Europe DAC, Aramark Remote Workplace Services Ltd., Aramark Restaurations GmbH, Aramark S&E/QCF Joint Venture, Aramark S.A., Aramark S.A. de C.V., Aramark S.R.O., Aramark SARL, Aramark SCM Inc., Aramark SM Management Services Inc., Aramark SMMS LLC, Aramark SMMS Real Estate LLC, Aramark School Catering Facility Ltd., Aramark Schools Facilities LLC, Aramark Schools LLC, Aramark Senior Living Services LLC, Aramark Senior Notes Company LLC, Aramark Service Industries (China) Co. Ltd., Aramark Services Inc., Aramark Services SA, Aramark Services of Kansas Inc., Aramark Services of Puerto Rico Inc., Aramark Servicios Industriales S. de R.L. de C.V., Aramark Servicios Integrales S.A., Aramark Servicios Mineros y Remotos Limitada, Aramark Servicios SRL, Aramark Servicios de Catering S.L., Aramark Servicos Alimenticos e Participacoes Ltda., Aramark Sports Facilities LLC, Aramark Sports LLC, Aramark Sports and Entertainment Group LLC, Aramark Sports and Entertainment Services LLC, Aramark Sports and Entertainment Services of Texas LLC, Aramark Sub Investments Limited, Aramark Technical Services North Carolina Inc., Aramark Togwotee LLC, Aramark Trademark Services, Aramark Trustees Limited, Aramark U.S. Offshore Services LLC, Aramark Uniform & Career Apparel Group Inc., Aramark Uniform & Career Apparel LLC, Aramark Uniform Holding de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Aramark Uniform Manufacturing Company, Aramark Uniform Services (Canada) Ltd., Aramark Uniform Services (Matchpoint) LLC, Aramark Uniform Services (Rochester) LLC, Aramark Uniform Services (Supply Chain), Aramark Uniform Services (Syracuse) LLC, Aramark Uniform Services (Texas) LLC, Aramark Uniform Services (West Adams) LLC, Aramark Uniform Services Japan Corporation, Aramark Venue Services Inc., Aramark WTC LLC, Aramark Workplace Solutions (UK) Ltd., Aramark Workplace Solutions Yonetim Hizmetleri Limited Sirketi, Aramark Worldwide Investments Limited, Aramark-Clarksville Club, Aramark-FINCO of Texas LLC, Aramark-Gourmet DPS LLC, Aramark-KWAME of St. Louis LLC, Aramark-SFS Healthcare J.V. L.L.C., Aramark/Dasko Restaurant and Catering Services S.A., Aramark/GM Concessions Joint Venture, Aramark/Giacometti Joint Venture, Aramark/Globetrotters LLC, Aramark/Gourmet HE-1 LLC, Aramark/Gourmet HE-2 LLC, Aramark/HF Company, Aramark/HMS LLC, Aramark/Hart Lyman Entertainment LLC, Aramark/Martin's Stadium Concession Services OPACY Joint Venture, Aramark/QHC LLC, Aramark/SFS Joint Venture, Avendra, Avendra Canada Inc., Avendra Gaming, Avendra Replenishment, Avoca, Avoca Handweavers Designs Limited, Avoca Handweavers Limited, Avoca Handweavers NI Limited, Avoca Handweavers Shops Limited, Avoca Handweavers UK Limited, Beijing Golden Collar Dining Ltd., Boompjes Hotel BV, Brand Coffee Service Inc., BuyEfficient, CDR Mantenimiento Integral S.A., Campbell Catering (Belfast) Ltd., Campbell Catering (N.I.) Ltd., Campbell Catering Holdings Limited, Campbell Catering Limited, Campbell Catering Ltd., Campbell Catering Services, Canadian Linen and Uniform Service Co., Canyonlands Rafting Hospitality LLC, Catering Alliance Limited, Caterwise Food Services Limited, Central Multiservicios S.R.L., Central de Abastecimiento Limitada, Central de Restaurantes Aramark Limitada, Central de Restaurantes Aramark Multiservicios Limitada, Central de Restaurantes S.R.L., Centrapal S.R.L., Centro de Innovacion y Servicio S.A., Cliff House Hospitality, Comertel Educa SLU, Comertel Residencia SLU, Comertel SA, Complete Purchasing Services Inc., Corporate Coffee Systems LLC, Crater Lake Hospitality, D.G. Maren II Inc., Delicious on West Street LLC, Delsac VIII Inc., Distributor JV Limited, Dongguan Best Property Management Co., Doyon/Aramark Denali National Park Concessions Joint Venture, Effective Partnerships Limited, Filterfresh Coffee Service, Filterfresh Coffee Service LLC, Filterfresh Franchise Group LLC, Fine Host Holdings LLC, Food JV Limited, Freedom Ferry Services, GTB Gastro Team Bremen GmbH, Gestion de Alimentacion y Limpieza Colectivadades SLU, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve Concessions LLC, Glen Canyon Rafting Hospitality, Glenrye Properties Services Limited, Golden Collar, Good Uncle Services, Gourmet Aramark Services LLC, Guaranty Energy Group 1981, HPSI Purchasing Services LLC, Harrison Conference Associates LLC, Harrison Conference Services of North Carolina LLC, Harry M. Stevens Inc. of New Jersey, Harry M. Stevens Inc. of Penn., Harry M. Stevens LLC, Hunters Catering Partnership Limited, Institutional Processing Services, Instituto ICS S.A., Inversiones Aramark Chile Limitada, Inversiones Centralcorp Limitada, Inversiones Palm Limitada, Inversiones en Aseo y Mantenimiento S.A, Irish Estates (Facilities Management) Limited, L&N Uniform Supply LLC, Lake Tahoe Cruises LLC, Landy Textile Rental Services LLC, Lifeworks Restaurant Group LLC, Lotus Facilities Management, MESA, Masterplan, Medical Equipment Solutions & Applications Sagl (MESA), Mill Mount Weavers Limited, Muir Woods Hospitality, MyAssistant Inc., New Aramark LLC, Nissho Linen, North Rim Hospitality, Old Time Coffee Co., Olympic Peninsula Hospitality LLC, Orange Support Services Limited, Overall Laundry Services Inc., Paradise Hornblower LLC, Pelican Procurement Services Limited, Philadelphia Ballpark Concessions Joint Venture, Prem Hospitality Limited, Premgroup Franchise Services Limited, Premier Management Company (Dublin) Limited, Premier Partnership (Catering) Limited, Quebec Linge Co., ReMedPar, Restaura Inc., Rocky Mountain Hospitality LLC, Rushmore Hospitality LLC, SeamlessWeb, Seguricorp Servicios S.A., South Rim Hospitality LLC, Spokesoft Technologies Limited, Stuart Cabeldu Catering Limited, Sun Office Service Inc., Tarrant County Concessions LLC, The Aramark Foundation, The Original Food Company Limited, Travel Systems LLC, Trinity Hospitality Services GmbH, Trinity Hospitality Services SARL, Trinity Purchasing N.V., Vector Environmental Services Limited, Vector Workplace and Facility Management Limited, Veris Plc, Veris Property Management Limited, Veris UK Limited, WearGuard, Wilderness River Adventures, and Yosemite Hospitality LLC. 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 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 Carnival Co. &: 1972 Productions Inc., 6348 Equipment LLC, A.C.N. 098 290 834 Pty. Ltd., A.J. Juneau Dock LLC, AIDA Kundencenter GmbH, Adventure Island Ltd., Air-Sea Holiday GmbH, Alaska Hotel Properties LLC, Barcelona Cruise Terminal SLU, Bay Island Cruise Port S.A., Belize Cruise Terminal Limited, CC U.S. Ventures Inc., CCL Gifts LLC, CSSC Carnival Italy Cruise Investment S.r.L, Carnival (UK) Limited, Carnival Bahamas FC Limited, Carnival Bahamas Holdings Limited, Carnival Corporation & plc Asia Pte. Ltd., Carnival Corporation Hong Kong Limited, Carnival Corporation Korea Ltd., Carnival Corporation Ports Group Japan KK, Carnival Finance LLC, Carnival Grand Bahama Investment Limited, Carnival Investments Limited, Carnival Japan Inc., Carnival License Holdings Limited, Carnival Maritime GmbH, Carnival North America LLC, Carnival Port Holdings Limited, Carnival Ports Inc., Carnival Support Services India Private Limited, Carnival Technical Services (UK) Limited, Carnival Technical Services Finland Limited, Carnival Technical Services GmbH, Carnival Technical Services Inc., Carnival Vanuatu Limited, Costa Crociere PTE Ltd., Costa Crociere S.p.A., Costa Cruceros S.A., Costa Cruise Lines Inc., Costa Cruise Lines UK Limited, Costa Cruises Shipping Services (Shanghai) Company Limited, Costa Cruises Travel Agency (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Costa Cruzeiros Agencia Maritima e Turismo Ltda., Costa Group Digital & Strategic Services GmbH, Costa International B.V., Costa Kreuzfahrten GmbH, Cozumel Cruise Terminal S.A. de C.V., Creative Travel Lab Ltd., Cruise Ships Catering & Services International N.V., Cruise Terminal Services S.A. de C.V., Cruiseport Curacao C.V., D.R. Cruise Port Ltd., Ecospray Technologies S.r.L., F.P.M. SAS, F.P.P. SAS, Fleet Maritime Services (Bermuda) Limited, Fleet Maritime Services Holdings (Bermuda) Limited, Fleet Maritime Services International Limited, GXI LLC, Gibs Inc., Global Experience Innovators Inc., Global Fine Arts Inc., Global Shipping Service (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Grand Cruise Shipping Unipessoal LdA, Grand Turk Cruise Center Ltd., HAL Antillen N.V., HAL Beheer B.V., HAL Cruises Limited, HAL Maritime Ltd., HAL Nederland N.V., HAL Properties Limited, HAL Services B.V., HSE Hamburg School of Entertainment GmbH, Holding Division Iberocruceros SLU, Holland America Line Inc., Holland America Line N.V., Holland America Line Paymaster of Washington LLC, Holland America Line U.S.A. Inc., Ibero Cruzeiros Ltda., Iberocruceros SLU, Information Assistance Corporation, International Cruise Services S.A. de C.V., International Leisure Travel Inc., International Maritime Recruitment Agency S.A. de C.V., Milestone N.V., Navitrans S.R.L., Ocean Bahamas Innovation Ltd., Ocean Medallion Fulfillment Ltd., Operadora Catalina S.r.L., P&O Princess American Holdings, P&O Princess Cruises International Limited, P&O Princess Cruises Pension Trustee Limited, P&O Properties (California) Inc., P&O Travel Limited, Prestige Cruises Management S.A.M., Prestige Cruises N.V., Princess Bermuda Holdings Ltd., Princess Cays Ltd., Princess Cruise Corporation Inc., Princess Cruise Lines Ltd., Princess Cruises and Tours Inc., Princess U.S. Holdings Inc., RCT Maintenance & Related Services S.A., RCT Pilots & Related Services S.A., RCT Security & Related Services S.A., Roatan Cruise Terminal S.A. de C.V., Royal Hyway Tours Inc., Santa Cruz Terminal S.L., SeaVacations Limited, SeaVacations UK Limited, Seabourn Cruise Line Limited, Shanghai Coast Cruise Consulting Co. Lda, Ship Care (Bahamas) Limited, Sitmar Cruises Inc., Spanish Cruise Services N.V., Sunshine Shipping Corporation Ltd., T&T International Inc., Tour Alaska LLC, Transnational Services Corporation, Trident Insurance Company Ltd., Westmark Hotels Inc., Westmark Hotels of Canada Ltd., Westours Motor Coaches LLC, Wind Surf Limited, and World Leading Cruise Management (Shanghai) Co. Ltd.. The following companies are subsidiares of Cummins: Anvl, Apollo FC Holdings Ltd., Atlantis Acquisitionco Canada Corporation, Atlantis Holdco UK Limited, Brammo, CIFC Worldwide Partner C.V., CMI Africa Holdings BV, CMI CGT Holdings LLC, CMI Canada Financing Ltd., CMI Canada LP, CMI Foreign Holdings B.V., CMI Global Equity Holdings B.V., CMI Global Equity Holdings C.V., CMI Global Holdings B.V., CMI Global Partner 2 C.V., CMI Global Partners B.V., CMI Group Holdings B.V., CMI Group Holdings Cooperatief U.A., CMI International Finance Partner 1 LLC, CMI International Finance Partner 2 LLC, CMI International Finance Partner 3 LLC, CMI International Finance Partner 4 LLC, CMI International Finance Partner 5 LLC, CMI Mexico LLC, CMI Netherlands Holdings B.V., CMI PGI Holdings LLC, CMI PGI International Holdings LLC, CMI Turkish Holdings B.V., CMI UK Finance LP, CMI UK Financing LP, Cherry Island Renewable Energy LLC, Consolidated Diesel Company, Consolidated Diesel Inc., Consolidated Diesel of North Carolina Inc., Cummins (China) Investment Co. Ltd., Cummins (Xiangyang) Machining Co. Ltd., Cummins Africa Middle East (Pty) Ltd., Cummins Afrique de l'Ouest, Cummins Americas Inc., Cummins Angola Lda., Cummins Argentina-Servicios Mineros S.A., Cummins Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Cummins Aust Technologies Pty. Ltd., Cummins BLR LLC, Cummins Battery Systems North America LLC, Cummins Belgium N.V., Cummins Botswana (Pty.) Ltd., Cummins Brasil Ltda., Cummins Burkina Faso SARL, Cummins CDC Holding Inc., Cummins CV Member LLC, Cummins Canada ULC, Cummins Caribbean LLC, Cummins Center of Excellence Singapore Pte. Ltd., Cummins Centroamerica Holding S.de R.L., Cummins Child Development Center Inc., Cummins Colombia S.A.S., Cummins Comercializadora S. de R.L. de C.V., Cummins Corporation, Cummins Cote d'Ivoire SARL, Cummins Czech Republic s.r.o., Cummins Deutschland GmbH, Cummins Diesel International Ltd., Cummins Distribution Holdco Inc., Cummins EMEA Holdings Limited, Cummins East Asia Research & Development Co. Ltd., Cummins Eastern Marine Inc., Cummins Electrified Power Europe Ltd., Cummins Electrified Power NA Inc., Cummins Emission Solutions (China) Co. Ltd., Cummins Emission Solutions Inc., Cummins Empresas Filantropicas, Cummins Energetica Ltda., Cummins Engine (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Cummins Engine (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Cummins Engine (Shanghai) Trading & Services Co. Ltd., Cummins Engine Holding Company Inc., Cummins Engine IP Inc., Cummins Engine Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Cummins Engine Venture Corporation, Cummins Enterprise LLC, Cummins Filtration (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Cummins Filtration GmbH, Cummins Filtration IP Inc., Cummins Filtration Inc., Cummins Filtration International Corp., Cummins Filtration Ltd., Cummins Filtration SARL, Cummins Filtration Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Cummins Filtros Ltda., Cummins Franchise Holdco LLC, Cummins Fuel Systems (Wuhan) Co. Ltd., Cummins Generator Technologies (China) Co. Ltd., Cummins Generator Technologies Americas Inc., Cummins Generator Technologies Germany GmbH, Cummins Generator Technologies India Private Ltd., Cummins Generator Technologies Italy SRL, Cummins Generator Technologies Limited, Cummins Generator Technologies Romania S.A., Cummins Generator Technologies Singapore Pte Ltd., Cummins Ghana Limited, Cummins Ghana Mining Limited, Cummins Global Financing LP, Cummins Global Technologies LLP, Cummins Grupo Comercial Y. de Servicios S. de R.L. de C.V., Cummins Grupo Industrial S. de R.L. de C.V., Cummins Holland B.V., Cummins Hong Kong Ltd., Cummins India Ltd., Cummins Intellectual Property Inc., Cummins International Finance LLC, Cummins International Holdings Cooperatief U.A., Cummins International Holdings LLC, Cummins Italia S.P.A., Cummins Japan Ltd., Cummins Korea Co. Ltd., Cummins LLC Member Inc., Cummins Ltd., Cummins Maroc SARL, Cummins Middle East FZE, Cummins Mining Services S. de R.L. de C.V., Cummins Mobility Services Inc., Cummins Mongolia Investment LLC, Cummins Mozambique Ltda., Cummins NV, Cummins Namibia Engine Sales and Service PTY LTD, Cummins Natural Gas Engines Inc., Cummins New Zealand Limited, Cummins Nigeria Ltd., Cummins Norte de Colombia S.A.S., Cummins North Africa Regional Office SARL, Cummins Norway AS, Cummins PGI Holdings Ltd., Cummins Power Generation (China) Co. Ltd., Cummins Power Generation (S) Pte. Ltd., Cummins Power Generation (U.K.) Limited, Cummins Power Generation Deutschland GmbH, Cummins Power Generation Inc., Cummins Power Generation Limited, Cummins PowerGen IP Inc., Cummins Research and Technology India Private Ltd., Cummins Romania Srl, Cummins S. de R.L. de C.V., Cummins Sales and Service Korea Co. Ltd., Cummins Sales and Service Philippines Inc., Cummins Sales and Service Private Limited, Cummins Sales and Service Sdn. Bhd., Cummins Sales and Service Singapore Pte. Ltd., Cummins Sinai ve Otomotiv Urunleri Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Cummins South Africa (Pty.) Ltd., Cummins South Pacific Pty. Limited, Cummins Southern Plains LLC, Cummins Spain S.L., Cummins Sweden AB, Cummins Technologies India, Cummins Trade Receivables LLC, Cummins Turbo Technologies Limited, Cummins Turkey Motor Guc Sistemleri Sats Servis Limited Sirketi, Cummins U.K. Holdings Ltd., Cummins U.K. Pension Plan Trustee Ltd., Cummins UK Global Holdings Ltd., Cummins UK Holdings LLC, Cummins Vendas e Servicos de Motores e Geradores Ltda., Cummins Venture Corporation, Cummins West Africa Limited, Cummins West Balkans d.o.o. Nova Pasova, Cummins XBorder Operations (Pty) Ltd, Cummins Zambia Ltd., Cummins Zimbabwe Pvt. Ltd., Distribuidora Cummins Centroamerica Costa Rica S.de R.L., Distribuidora Cummins Centroamerica El Salvador S.de R.L., Distribuidora Cummins Centroamerica Guatemala Ltda., Distribuidora Cummins Centroamerica Honduras S.de R.L., Distribuidora Cummins S.A., Distribuidora Cummins Sucursal Paraguay SRL, Distribuidora Cummins de Panama S. de R.L., Dynamo Insurance Company Inc., Efficient Drivetrains, Efficient Drivetrains (Beijing) New Power Technology Co. Ltd., Efficient Drivetrains (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Hilite International, Hydrogenics, Hydrogenics Corporation, Hydrogenics Europe N.V., Hydrogenics GmbH, Hydrogenics Holding GmbH, Hydrogenics USA Inc., Markon Engineering Company Ltd., Nelson Burgess Ltd., Nelson Industries, Newage Engineers GmbH, Newage Ltd. (U.K.), Newage Machine Tools Ltd., OOO Cummins, Petbow Limited, Power Group International (Overseas Holdings) B.V., Power Group International (Overseas Holdings) Ltd., Power Group International Ltd., Quickstart Energy Projects SpA, Shanghai Cummins Trade Co. Ltd., TOO Cummins, Taiwan Cummins Sales & Services Co. Ltd., Worldwide Partner CV Member LLC, Wuxi Cummins Turbo Technologies Co. Ltd., Wuxi New Energy Automotive Technologies Co. Ltd., and ZED Connect Inc.. The following companies are subsidiares of EnerSys: ABSL Power Solutions Inc., ABSL Power Solutions Ltd., Acumuladores Industriales EnerSys SA, Alpha Alternative Energy Inc., Alpha Broadband Services Inc., Alpha Innovations Industria e Comercio de Produtos Eletronicos Ltda., Alpha Innovations Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Alpha Mexico Network Power S.A. de C.V., Alpha Tech Energy Solutions India Private Limited, Alpha Technical Services Ltd., Alpha Technologies Ltd., Alpha Technologies Pty. Ltd., Alpha Technologies Services Inc., Alphatec Technologies (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., Argus Research Ltd., Batterias Hawker de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Battery Power International Pte Ltd., Coppervale Enterprises Inc., DCPM Engineering Sdn Bhd, EH Batterien AG, EH Europe GmbH, EH Global Holdings GmbH, EH Swiss Holdings GmbH, ENAS Industrial Batteries Morocco Sarl, EnerSys (Chaozhou) Huada Batteries Company Limited, EnerSys (China) Huada Batteries Company Limited, EnerSys (Chongqing) Huada Batteries Company Limited, EnerSys (Jiangsu) Huada Batteries Company Limited (94.7%) *, EnerSys (Luxembourg) Finance Sarl, EnerSys (Yangzhou) Huada Batteries Co. Ltd., EnerSys A/S, EnerSys AB, EnerSys AD, EnerSys AE, EnerSys AS, EnerSys Advanced Systems Inc., EnerSys Argentina S.A., EnerSys Asia Limited, EnerSys Australia Pty Ltd., EnerSys BV, EnerSys BVBA, EnerSys Battery Private Limited, EnerSys Brasil Ltda., EnerSys Bulgaria EOOD, EnerSys Canada Inc., EnerSys Capital Inc., EnerSys Cayman Euro L.P., EnerSys Cayman Holdings L.P., EnerSys Cayman Inc., EnerSys Delaware Inc., EnerSys Delaware LLC I, EnerSys Delaware LLC II, EnerSys Delaware LLC III, EnerSys Delaware LLC IV, EnerSys Delaware LLC V, EnerSys Energy Products Inc., EnerSys Europe Oy, EnerSys European Holding Co., EnerSys GmbH, EnerSys Holdings (Luxembourg) Sarl, EnerSys Holdings UK Ltd., EnerSys Hungaria Kft., EnerSys India Batteries Private Ltd., EnerSys JSC, EnerSys LLC, EnerSys Ltd., EnerSys Malaysia Sdn Bhd, EnerSys Mexico Holdings LLC, EnerSys Mexico Management LLC, EnerSys Participacoes Ltda., EnerSys Reserve Power Pte. Ltd., EnerSys S.r.l., EnerSys SARL, EnerSys SNC, EnerSys South East Asia Pte. Ltd., EnerSys de Mexico II S de R.L. de CV, EnerSys de Mexico S de R.L. de CV, EnerSys s.r.o., EnerSys sp. z o.o., EnerSystem Chile Ltda., Enersys Aku Sanaya Dis Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Esfinco LLC, Hawker GmbH, Hawker Power Systems Inc., Hawker Powersource Inc., Hawker Systems GmbH & Co. KG., ICS Industries Pty Ltd, ICS Industries Pty Ltd., ICS Sheet Metal Pty Ltd., Industrial Battery Holding Ltda., International Communication Shelters Australasia Pty Ltd., Lancord Pty Ltd., Lenmic Pty Ltd., MIB Energy Sdn Bhd, N Holding AB, National Infrastructure Pty Ltd., National Infrastructure Services Pty Ltd., NaviSemi Energy Pte Ltd., NaviSemi Inc., New Pacifico Realty Inc., NorthStar Battery Company LLC, NorthStar Battery Company LLC, NorthStar Battery DMCC, Outback Power Technologies Inc., Powercom (NSW) Pty Ltd., Powersonic S de R.L. de CV, Purcell Systems, Purcell Systems Inc., Purcell Systems International AB, Quallion LLC, Riverfront Holding S. de R.L. de C.V., Shenzhen Huada Power Supply Mechanical & Electrical Co. Ltd. , SiteTel Shanghai Co Ltd., SiteTel Sweden AB, Telecomponents & Supply (Hong Kong) Ltd., The Enser Corporation, UTS Holdings Sdn Bhd, UTS Technology (JB) Sdn Bhd, UTS Technology (PG) Sdn Bhd, YCI Inc., and Yecoltd S. de R.L. de CV. 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 TCF Financial Corporation operates as the financial holding company for TCF National Bank that provides various financial products and services in the United States and Canada. It operates through Consumer Banking, Commercial Banking, and Enterprise Services segments. The company offers checking, savings, and money market accounts; certificates of deposit; individual retirement accounts; debit and credit cards; and check cashing and remittance services. It also provides investment management and custodial services, trust services, financial and estate planning, and retirement planning and employee benefit programs; residential, consumer, and small business lending products; and consumer real estate secured lending, consumer loans, loans secured by personal property, and unsecured personal loans. In addition, the company offers loans and lines of credit, deposits, cash management, capital market products, international trade finance, letters of credit, foreign exchange management services, and loan syndication services. Further, it provides commercial and industrial, commercial real estate banking, and lease financing; and treasury services comprising investment and borrowing portfolios, as well as manages capital, debt, and market risks. As of December 31, 2020, the company operated 478 branches, including 373 traditional branches, 102 supermarket branches, and three campus branches located in Michigan, Illinois, Minnesota, Colorado, Ohio, Wisconsin, Arizona, and South Dakota; and 1,062 ATMs. TCF Financial Corporation was incorporated in 1987 and is headquartered in Detroit, Michigan. Read More National Bank of Canada engages in the provision of commercial banking and financial services. It operates through the following segments: Personal and Commercial, Wealth Management, Financial Markets, US Specialty Finance and International (USSF&I), and Other. The Personal and Commercial segment involves in banking, financing, and investing services offered to individuals and businesses as well as insurance operations. The Wealth Management segment focuses on the investment solutions, trust and lending services, and other wealth management solutions offered through internal and third-party distribution networks. The Financial Markets segment includes banking and investment banking services and financial solutions for large and mid-size corporations, public sector organizations, and institutional investors. The USSF&I segment comprises specialty finance expertise activities of subsidiary ABA Bank, which offers financial products and services to individuals and businesses; and activities of targeted investments in certain emerging markets. The Other segment encompasses treasury activities such as asset and liability management, liquidity management and funding operations, certain no 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 Thermo Fisher Scientific: 236 Perinton Parkway LLC, 27 Forge Parkway LLC, ABR--Affinity BioReagents, ACI Holdings Inc., ARG Services LLC, ASPEX Corporation, Abgene Inc., Abgene Limited, Acoustic Cytometry Systems Inc., AcroMetrix LLC, Acros Organics B.V.B.A., Advanced Biotechnologies Limited, Advanced Scientifics (ASI), Advanced Scientifics Inc., Advanced Scientifics International Inc., Affymetrix Biotech Participacoes Ltda., Affymetrix Biotech Shanghai Ltd, Affymetrix Inc, Affymetrix Japan K.K., Affymetrix Pte Ltd, Affymetrix UK Ltd, Afora S.A.U., Ahura Scientific, Alchematrix Inc., Alchematrix LLC, Alfa Aesar, Alfa Aesar (China) Chemical Co. Ltd., Alfa Aesar (Hong Kong) Limited, Allergon AB, Alphine Mountain Limited, Ambion Inc., Apogent Denmark ApS, Apogent Finance Company, Apogent Holding Company, Apogent Technologies Inc., Apogent Transition Corp., Apogent U.K. Limited, App-Tek International Pty Ltd, Applied Biosystems B.V., Applied Biosystems Finance B.V., Applied Biosystems International Inc., Applied Biosystems LLC, Applied Biosystems Taiwan LLC, Applied Biosystems Trading (Shanghai) Company Ltd., Applied Biosystems de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Applied Scientific Corporation, Avances Cientificos de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Avocado Research Chemicals Limited, B.R.A.H.M.S. Biotech GmbH, B.R.A.H.M.S. GmbH, B.R.A.H.M.S. UK Ltd, BAC BV, BAC IP BV, Barnstead Thermolyne LLC, Beijing Phadia Diagnostics Co Ltd, Bender MedSystems GmbH, BioTrove Corporation, BioTrove International Inc., Bioanalysis Labsystems S.A., Biochemical Sciences LLC, Biolab, BmT GmbH Laborprodukte, Bonsai Tecnologies - Sistemas para Biotecnologia e Industria Unipessoal Lda, Brammer Bio, Bumi-Sans Sendirian Berhad, CAC Limited, CB Diagnostics AB, CB Diagnostics Holding AB, CEPH International Corporation, CHK Holdings Inc., CRS Robotics, CTPS LLC, Capitol Scientific Products Inc., Capitol Vial Inc., Cellomics Inc., CellzDirect Inc., Cenduit GmbH, Cenduit LLC, Cezanne S.A.S., Chase Scientific Glass Inc., Chromacol Limited, Clintrak, Clintrak Clinical Labeling Services LLC, Clintrak Pharmaceutical Services LLC, Cohesive Technologies (UK) Limited, Cohesive Technologies Inc., Columbia Diagnostics Inc., Compendia Bioscience Inc., Comtest Limited, Consolidated Technologies Inc., Consultores Fisher Scientific Chile Ltd, Core Informatics, Core Informatics LLC, Core Informatics UK Ltd., D-finitive Technologies Inc., DCG Systems B.V., DCG Systems C.V., DCG Systems G.K., DCG Systems GmbH, DCG Systems Korea Ltd., DCG Systems LLC, DPI Newco LLC, DSM Pharmaceutical Products Inc., Dharmacon, Diagnostix Ltd., Dionex (China) Analytical Ltd, Dionex (Switzerland) AG, Dionex (UK) Limited, Dionex Austria GmbH, Dionex Benelux B.V., Dionex Brasil Instrumentos Cientificos Ltda, Dionex Canada Ltd., Dionex China Limited, Dionex Corporation, Dionex Denmark A/S, Dionex Holding GmbH, Dionex I LLC, Dionex Pty Ltd., Dionex S.A., Dionex S.p.A., Dionex Singapore Pte Ltd., Dionex Softron GmbH, Dionex Sweden AB, Distribution Solutions International Inc., Doe & Ingalls Investors Inc., Doe & Ingalls Limited, Doe & Ingalls Management LLC, Doe & Ingalls Properties II LLC, Doe & Ingalls Properties LLC, Doe & Ingalls of California Operating LLC, Doe & Ingalls of Florida Operating LLC, Doe & Ingalls of Maryland Operating LLC, Doe & Ingalls of Massachusetts Operating LLC, Doe & Ingalls of North Carolina Operating LLC, Doublecape Holding Limited, Doublecape Limited, Drakeside Real Estate Holding Company LLC, Duke Scientific Corporation, Dynal Biotech Beijing Limited, EGS Gauging Ltd., EGS Gauging Technical Services Company, EP Scientific Products LLC, Ecochem N.V., EnviroEquip Pty Ltd, Epsom Glass Industries Limited, Equibio Limited, Erie Electroverre S.A., Erie Finance Limited, Erie LP Holding LLC, Erie Scientific Company of Puerto Rico, Erie Scientific Hungary Kft, Erie Scientific LLC, Erie U.K. Limited, Erie UK 1 Limited, Erie UK 2 Limited, Erie UK Holding Company, Erie UK Senior Holding Limited, European Laboratory Holdings Limited, Eutech Instruments Europe B.V., Eutech Instruments Pte Ltd., Eutech Instruments Sdn Bhd, Ever Ready Thermometer Co. Inc., FEI Asia Pacific Co. Ltd., FEI Australia Pty Ltd, FEI CPD B.V., FEI Company, FEI Company Japan Ltd., FEI Company of USA (S.E.A.) Pte Ltd., FEI Czech Republic s.r.o., FEI Deutschland GmbH, FEI EFA Inc., FEI EFA International Pte. Ltd., FEI Electron Optics B.V., FEI Electron Optics International B.V., FEI Europe B.V., FEI France SAS, FEI Global Holdings C.V., FEI Hong Kong Company Limited, FEI Houston Inc., FEI Italia Srl, FEI Korea Ltd., FEI Melbourne Pty Ltd., FEI Microscopy Solutions Ltd, FEI Munich GmbH, FEI Norway Holding AS, FEI SAS, FEI Saudi Arabia LLC, FEI Servicos de Nanotecnologia Ltda., FEI Technologies Inc., FEI Technology de Mexico S.A. de C.V., FEI Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., FEI Trondheim AS, FEI UK Ltd., FHP LLC, FRC Holding Inc. V, FS (Barbados) Capital Holdings Ltd., FS Casa Rocas Holdings LLC, FS Mexicana Holdings LLC, FSI Receivables Company LLC, FSII Sweden Holdings AB, FSII Sweden Holdings I AB, FSIR Holdings (UK) Limited, FSIR Holdings (US) Inc., FSUK Holdings Limited, FSWH Company LLC, FSWH II C.V., FSWH International Holdings LLC, Fermentas China Co. Ltd, Fermentas Inc., Fermentas International, Fermentas Sweden AB, Fermentas UK Limited, Fiberlite Centrifuge LLC, Finesse Scientific Equipment (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Finesse Solutions AG, Finesse Solutions Inc., Finnzymes Oy, Fisher Alder S. de R.L. de C.V., Fisher Asia Manufacturing Ventures Inc., Fisher Bermuda Holdings Limited, Fisher BioImage ApS, Fisher BioPharma Services (India) Private Limited, Fisher BioSciences Japan G.K., Fisher BioServices Inc., Fisher Bioblock Holding II SNC, Fisher CLP Holding Limited Partnership, Fisher Canada Holding ULC 1, Fisher Canada Holding ULC 2, Fisher Canada Holding ULC 3, Fisher Canada Limited Partnership, Fisher Chimica BVBA, Fisher Clinical Logistics LLC, Fisher Clinical Services (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Fisher Clinical Services (Bristol) LLC, Fisher Clinical Services (Colombia) LLC, Fisher Clinical Services (Korea) Co. Ltd, Fisher Clinical Services (Mexico) LLC, Fisher Clinical Services (Peru) LLC, Fisher Clinical Services (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Fisher Clinical Services Colombia S.A.S., Fisher Clinical Services GmbH, Fisher Clinical Services Inc., Fisher Clinical Services Japan K.K., Fisher Clinical Services Latin America S.R.L., Fisher Clinical Services Limited Liability Company, Fisher Clinical Services Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Fisher Clinical Services Peru S.R.L, Fisher Clinical Services Pte Ltd., Fisher Clinical Services U.K. Limited, Fisher Emergo B.V., Fisher Germany Holdings GmbH, Fisher Hamilton China Inc., Fisher Hamilton Mexico LLC, Fisher Holdings ApS, Fisher Internet Minority Holdings L.L.C., Fisher Laboratory Products Manufacturing (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, Fisher Luxembourg Danish Holdings SARL, Fisher Manufacturing (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Fisher Maybridge Holdings Limited, Fisher Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Fisher Scientific (Austria) GmbH, Fisher Scientific (Hong Kong) Limited, Fisher Scientific (M) Sdn Bhd, Fisher Scientific (SEA) Pte. Ltd., Fisher Scientific A/S, Fisher Scientific AG, Fisher Scientific Australia Pty Limited, Fisher Scientific Biotech Line ApS, Fisher Scientific Brazil Inc., Fisher Scientific Central America Inc., Fisher Scientific Chile Inc., Fisher Scientific Colombia Inc., Fisher Scientific Company, Fisher Scientific Company L.L.C., Fisher Scientific Costa Rica Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada, Fisher Scientific Europe Holdings B.V., Fisher Scientific GTF AB, Fisher Scientific Germany Beteiligungs GmbH, Fisher Scientific GmbH, Fisher Scientific Holding Company LLC, Fisher Scientific Holding HK Limited, Fisher Scientific Holding U.K. Limited, Fisher Scientific Holdings (M) Sdn Bhd, Fisher Scientific Holdings (S) Pte Ltd, Fisher Scientific International LLC, Fisher Scientific Investments (Cayman) Ltd., Fisher Scientific Ireland Investments Unlimited, Fisher Scientific Ireland Limited, Fisher Scientific Japan Ltd., Fisher Scientific Jersey Island Limited, Fisher Scientific Korea Ltd, Fisher Scientific Latin America Inc., Fisher Scientific Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Fisher Scientific Mexicana S. de R.L. de C.V., Fisher Scientific Mexico Inc., Fisher Scientific Middle East and Africa Inc., Fisher Scientific Norway AS, Fisher Scientific Operating Company, Fisher Scientific Oxoid Holdings Ltd., Fisher Scientific Oy, Fisher Scientific Pte. Ltd., Fisher Scientific S.A.S., Fisher Scientific S.L., Fisher Scientific SPRL, Fisher Scientific The Hague I B.V., Fisher Scientific The Hague II B.V., Fisher Scientific The Hague III B.V., Fisher Scientific The Hague IV B.V., Fisher Scientific The Hague V B.V., Fisher Scientific U.K. Limited, Fisher Scientific UK Holding Company 2, Fisher Scientific UK Holding Company Limited, Fisher Scientific Unipessoal Lda., Fisher Scientific Venezuela Inc., Fisher Scientific Worldwide (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Fisher Scientific Worldwide Holdings I C.V., Fisher Scientific Worldwide Inc., Fisher Scientific de Mexico S.A., Fisher Scientific of the Netherlands B.V., Fisher Scientific spol. S.r.o, Fisher Servicios Clinicos (Chile) LLC, Fisher Servicios Clinicos Chile Ltda, Fisher WWD Holding L.L.C., Fisher Worldwide Distribution SPV, Fisher Worldwide Gene Distribution SPV, Flux Instruments, Fuji Partnership, G & M Procter Limited, G V Instruments Limited, GV Instruments Canada Ltd., GV Instruments Inc, Gatan Inc, General Scientific Company Sdn Bhd (M), Genomed molekularbiologische und diagnostische Produkte GmbH, Gerhard Menzel B.V. & Co. KG, Gold Cattle Standard Testing Labs Inc., Golden West Indemnity Company Limited, Goring Kerr Detection Limited, Greenville Service Company Inc., HENO GmbH i.L., Hangar 215 Inc., Helmet Securities Limited, Henogen, HighChem, HyClone International Trade (Tianjin) Co. Ltd, Hybaid Limited, I.Q. (BIO) Limited, IDnostics AG, ILS Laboratories Scandinavia AB, Inel Inc., Inel SAS, InnaPhase Inc., InnaPhase Limited, IntegenX, Intrinsic BioProbes Inc., Intrinsic Bioprobes Inc., Invitrogen (Shanghai) Investment Co. Ltd., Invitrogen Argentina SA, Invitrogen BioServices India Private Limited, Invitrogen Europe Limited, Invitrogen Finance Corp., Invitrogen Holdings LLC, Invitrogen Holdings Ltd., Invitrogen Hong Kong Limited, Invitrogen IP Holdings Inc., Invitrogen Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Ion Torrent Systems Inc., Ionalytics Corporation, JSC Thermo Fisher Scientific, Jouan LLC, Jouan Limited, Jouan SA, Kendro Containment & Services Limited, Kendro Laboratory Products Ltd, Kettlebrook Insurance Co. ltd., Keystone Scientific, KonTEM GmbH, Kyle Jordan Investments LLC, LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION, LTC Tech South Africa PTY Ltd., La-Pha-Pack GmbH, Lab Vision (UK) Limited, Lab Vision Corporation, Lab-Chrom-Pack LLC, Lab-Line Instruments Inc., Labomex MBP S. de R. L. De C.V., Laboratoire Service International - L.S.I, Laboratory Management Systems Inc., Laboratory Specialties Proprietary Ltd., LambTrack Limited, Laser Analytical Systems Inc., Liberty Lane Investment LLC, Liberty Lane Real Estate Holding Company LLC, Life Sciences International (Poland) SP z O.O, Life Sciences International Holdings BV, Life Sciences International LLC, Life Sciences International Limited, Life Technologies AS, Life Technologies Australia PTY Ltd., Life Technologies BPD AB, Life Technologies BPD UK Limited, Life Technologies Brasil Comercio e Industria de Produtos para Biotecnologia Ltda, Life Technologies Chile SpA, Life Technologies Clinical Services Lab Inc., Life Technologies Co. Ltd., Life Technologies Czech Republic s.r.o., Life Technologies DaAn Diagnostic (Guangzhou) Co. Ltd., Life Technologies Europe B.V., Life Technologies Finance Ltd., Life Technologies Finland Oy, Life Technologies GmbH, Life Technologies Holdings PTE Ltd., Life Technologies Inc., Life Technologies International B.V., Life Technologies Japan Ltd., Life Technologies Korea LLC, Life Technologies Limited, Life Technologies Magyarorszag Kft, Life Technologies New Zealand Ltd., Life Technologies Norway Investments US LLC, Life Technologies Polska Sp z.o.o., Life Technologies SA, Life Technologies SAS, Life Technologies s.r.o, Linkage Biosciences Inc., Linkage Biosciences S.a.r.l., Loftus Furnace Company, Lomb Scientific, Lomb Scientific (Aust) Pty Limited, MTI-GlobalStem, Marketbase International Limited, Matrix MicroScience Inc., Matrix MicroScience Ltd., Matrix Technologies Corporation Limited, Matrix Technologies LLC, Maybridge Chemical Company Limited, Maybridge Chemical Holdings Limited, Maybridge Limited, Medical Analysis Systems Inc., Medical Analysis Systems International Inc., Medical Diagnostics Systems Inc., Metavac LLC, Microgenics Corporation, Microgenics Diagnostics Pty Limited, Microgenics GmbH, Microm International GmbH, Microm Laborgerate S.L.U, Molecular BioProducts Inc., Molecular Probes Inc., Molecular Transfer Inc., NAPCO Inc., NERL Diagnostics LLC, NOVODIRECT GmbH Labor- und Industrie- Megerate, Nalge (Europe) Limited, Nalge Nunc International (Monterrey) LLC, Nalge Nunc International Corporation, Nanjing WeiKangLe Trading Industrial Co Ltd, NanoDrop Technologies LLC, National Scientific Company, Navaho Acquisition Corp., Neomarkers Inc., New FS Holdings Inc., NewcoGen PE LLC, Nihon Dynal K.K., Niton Asia Limited, NovaWave Technologies Inc., Nunc A/S, ONIX Systems Inc., OXOID CZ s.r.o., Odyssey Holdings Corporation, Odyssey Luxembourg Holdings S.a r.l., Odyssey Luxembourg IP Holdings 1 S.a r.l., Odyssey Luxembourg IP Holdings 2 S.a r.l., Odyssey Venture Corporation, Omega Data Systems, One Lambda Inc, Onix Holdings Limited, Orme Scientific Limited, Owl Separation Systems LLC, Oxoid (ELY) Limited, Oxoid 2000 Limited, Oxoid AS, Oxoid Australia Pty. Limited, Oxoid Company, Oxoid Deutschland GmbH, Oxoid Holding SAS, Oxoid Holdings Limited, Oxoid Inc., Oxoid International Limited, Oxoid Investments GmbH, Oxoid Limited, Oxoid N.V., Oxoid New Zealand Limited, Oxoid Pension Trustees Limited, Oxoid Senior Holdings Limited, Oxoid UKH LLC, PAX - DSI Acquisition LLC, PE AG, Pacific Rim Far East Industries LLC, Pacific Rim Investment LLC, Panomics L.L.C., Panomics S.R.L., Patheon, Patheon API Inc., Patheon API Manufacturing Inc., Patheon API Services Inc., Patheon Austria GmbH & Co KG, Patheon B.V., Patheon Banner U.S. Holdings Inc., Patheon Biologics (NJ) LLC, Patheon Biologics Australia Pty Ltd, Patheon Biologics B.V., Patheon Biologics LLC, Patheon Calculus Merger LLC, Patheon Cooperatief U.A., Patheon Development Services Inc., Patheon Finance LLC, Patheon France SAS, Patheon Holdings B.V., Patheon Holdings I B.V., Patheon Holdings II B.V., Patheon Holdings SAS, Patheon I B.V., Patheon I Holding GmbH, Patheon Inc., Patheon International AG, Patheon Italia S.p.A., Patheon KK, Patheon Life Science Products International GmbH, Patheon Manufacturing Services LLC, Patheon Pharmaceuticals Inc., Patheon Pharmaceuticals Services Inc., Patheon Puerto Rico Acquisitions Corporation, Patheon Puerto Rico Inc., Patheon Regensburg GmbH, Patheon Softgels B.V., Patheon Softgels Inc., Patheon U.S. Holdings Inc., Patheon U.S. Holdings LLC, Patheon UK Limited, Patheon UK Pension Trustees Limited, Pelican Acquisition Corporation, Perbio Science (Canada) Company, Perbio Science AB, Perbio Science BVBA, Perbio Science France SAS, Perbio Science Inc., Perbio Science International Netherlands B.V., Perbio Science Invest AB, Perbio Science Nederland B.V., Perbio Science Projekt AB, Perbio Science Sweden Holdings AB, Perbio Science Switzerland SA, Perbio Science UK Limited, Phadia AB, Phadia Diagnosticos Ltda, Phadia GmbH, Phadia Holding AB, Phadia International Holdings C.V., Phadia Korea Co. Ltd, Phadia Luxembourg Holdings S.a.r.l., Phadia Malta Holdings Limited, Phadia Oy, Phadia Real Property AB, Phadia Sweden AB, Phadia Taiwan Inc., Phadia US Inc., Phadia s.r.o., Pharmacaps Mexicana SA de CV, Phenom-World B.V., Phenom-World Holding B.V, Phenom-World Innovations B.V., Phinotex, Pierce Biotechnology Inc., Pierce Milwaukee Holding Corp., Pierce Milwaukee Inc., Polychromix, Power Sweden Holdings I AB, Power Sweden Holdings II AB, Power Sweden Holdings III Aktiebolag, Princeton Gamma-Tech Instruments LLC, Princeton Security Technologies, Prionics AG, Prionics Asia Ltd., Prionics Deutschland GmbH, Prionics France SAS, Prionics Italia S.r.l., Prionics Lelystad B.V., Prionics USA Inc., Priority Air Express LLC, Priority Air Express Pte. Ltd., Priority Air Express UK Limited, Priority Air Holdings Corp, Priority Solutions International, Promedica Pty Limited, Proxeon, Proxeon Biosystems ApS, Qiagen, REP GBP I-B Blocker Inc., Raymond A Lamb Limited, Remel Europe Limited, Remel Inc., Richard-Allan Scientific Company, Robbins Scientific LLC, Robocon Labor- und Industrieroboter Gesellschaft m.b.H, Rupprecht and Patashnick, Rupprecht and Patashnick (R&P), Russell pH Limited, S.C.I. du 10 rue Dugay Trouin, SCI Inno 92, STC Bio Manufacturing Inc., Samco Scientific (Monterrey) LLC, Samco Scientific LLC, Saroph Sweden AB, Schantz Road LLC, Seradyn Inc., Shanghai Life Technologies Biotechnology Co. Limited, Shanghai Thermo Fisher (C-I) Trading Co. Ltd, Shanghai Thermo Fisher (S) Trading Co. Ltd, Southern Trials (Pty) Ltd., Specialty (SMI) Inc., Spectra-Physics AB, Spectra-Physics Holdings Limited, Spectra-Physics Holdings USA LLC, Spectronex, Staten Island Cogeneration Corporation, Sterilin Limited, Stokes Bio Ltd., Sweden DIA (Sweden) AB, SwissAnalytic Group GmbH, Systems Manufacturing Corporation, TFLP LLC, TFS Breda B.V., TFS LLC, TFS Singapore HK Limited, TFSL Financing GP LLC, TFSL Senior GP Holdings 2 LLC, TK Partnership, TKA Wasseraufbereitungssysteme, TMOI Inc., TPI Real Estate Holdings LLC, TSP Holdings I LLC, TWX LLC, Technology Design Solutions Pty Ltd, Thermedics Detection de Argentina S.R.L, Thermo Allen Coding Limited, Thermo Asset Management Services Inc., Thermo BioAnalysis LLC, Thermo BioAnalysis Limited, Thermo BioSciences Holdings LLC, Thermo CIDTEC, Thermo CRS Holdings Ltd., Thermo CRS Ltd., Thermo Cambridge Limited, Thermo Cayman Holdings Ltd., Thermo Corporation, Thermo DMA Inc., Thermo Detection de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Thermo Dutch Holdings Limited Partnership, Thermo EGS Gauging LLC, Thermo Eberline Holdings I LLC, Thermo Eberline Holdings II LLC, Thermo Eberline LLC, Thermo Electron (Calgary) Limited, Thermo Electron (Chile) S.p.A., Thermo Electron (Karlsruhe) GmbH, Thermo Electron (Management Services) Limited, Thermo Electron (Proprietary) Limited, Thermo Electron A/S, Thermo Electron Australia Pty Limited, Thermo Electron Export Inc., Thermo Electron Holdings SAS, Thermo Electron Industries, Thermo Electron LED GmbH, Thermo Electron LED S.A.S., Thermo Electron Limited, Thermo Electron Manufacturing Limited, Thermo Electron Metallurgical Services Inc., Thermo Electron North America LLC, Thermo Electron Pension Trust GmbH, Thermo Electron Puerto Rico Inc., Thermo Electron SAS, Thermo Electron Scientific Instruments LLC, Thermo Electron Sweden AB, Thermo Electron Sweden Forvaltning AB, Thermo Electron Weighing & Inspection Limited, Thermo Elemental Limited, Thermo Environmental Instruments LLC, Thermo Fast U.K. Limited, Thermo Finland Holdings LLC, Thermo Finland Holdings MT1 B.V., Thermo Finland Holdings MT2 B.V., Thermo Finnigan LLC, Thermo Finnigan Limited, Thermo Fisher (CN) Luxembourg Holding S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher (CN) Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher (CN) Malta Holdings Limited, Thermo Fisher (CN-I) Luxembourg LLC, Thermo Fisher (CN-II) Luxembourg LLC, Thermo Fisher (Cayman) Holdings I Ltd., Thermo Fisher (Cayman) Holdings II Ltd., Thermo Fisher (Finland Holdings 2) LLC, Thermo Fisher (Finland Holdings) Limited Partnership, Thermo Fisher (Gibraltar) II Limited, Thermo Fisher (Gibraltar) Limited, Thermo Fisher (Heysham) Limited, Thermo Fisher (Kandel) GmbH, Thermo Fisher CHK Holding LLC, Thermo Fisher China Business Trust, Thermo Fisher China Business Trust II, Thermo Fisher Costa Rica Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada, Thermo Fisher Cyprus Holdings LLC, Thermo Fisher Detection Mexico LLC, Thermo Fisher Diagnostics (Ireland) Limited, Thermo Fisher Diagnostics AB, Thermo Fisher Diagnostics AG, Thermo Fisher Diagnostics AS, Thermo Fisher Diagnostics Aps, Thermo Fisher Diagnostics Austria GmbH, Thermo Fisher Diagnostics B.V., Thermo Fisher Diagnostics GmbH, Thermo Fisher Diagnostics K.K., Thermo Fisher Diagnostics Limited, Thermo Fisher Diagnostics NV, Thermo Fisher Diagnostics S.L.U., Thermo Fisher Diagnostics S.p.A. , Thermo Fisher Diagnostics SAS, Thermo Fisher Diagnostics Sociedade Unipessoal Lda, Thermo Fisher Eurobonds Ltd., Thermo Fisher Financial Services Inc., Thermo Fisher GP LLC, Thermo Fisher German Holdings LLC, Thermo Fisher Germany B.V., Thermo Fisher India Divestco Private Limited, Thermo Fisher India Holding B.V., Thermo Fisher Insurance Holdings Inc., Thermo Fisher Insurance Holdings LLC, Thermo Fisher Investments (Cayman) Ltd., Thermo Fisher Israel Ltd., Thermo Fisher Production et Services SAS, Thermo Fisher Project Cyprus LLC, Thermo Fisher Re Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Asheville) LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Australia) C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Barbados) Holdings Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Breda) Holding BV, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Bremen) GmbH, Thermo Fisher Scientific (CN) Limited Partnership, Thermo Fisher Scientific (China) Co. Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific (China) Holding Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific (China-HK) Holding Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific (DE) Holding S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Ecublens) SARL, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Finance I) B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Finance I) S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Finance II) S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Finance III) LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Finance III) S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Fuji) LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Guangzhou) Co. Ltd, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Holding II) B.V. & Co. KG, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Hong Kong) Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific (IVGN) B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific (IVGN) Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Johannesburg) (Proprietary) Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Mexico City) LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Milwaukee) LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Mississauga) Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Monterrey) S. De R.L. De C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific (NK) LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific (PN) Austria Holding GmbH, Thermo Fisher Scientific (PN) UK LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific (PN) UK Limited Partnership, Thermo Fisher Scientific (PN-I) SRL, Thermo Fisher Scientific (PN-II) SRL, Thermo Fisher Scientific (PN1) UK Ltd, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Panama) B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Panama) Dutch LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Praha) s.r.o., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Real Estate 1) GmbH & Co. KG, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Real Estate 1) S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Schweiz) AG, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Shanghai) Instruments Co. Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Shanghai) Management Co. Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Suzhou) Instruments Co. Ltd, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific AL-1 LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific AU C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific AU II Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific AU LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific AU Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Africa Proprietary Ltd, Thermo Fisher Scientific Aquasensors LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Australia Pty Ltd, Thermo Fisher Scientific B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific B.V.B.A., Thermo Fisher Scientific BHK (I) Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific BHK (II) Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Baltics UAB, Thermo Fisher Scientific Beteiligungsverwaltungs GmbH, Thermo Fisher Scientific Biosciences Corp., Thermo Fisher Scientific Brahms LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Brasil Instrumentos de Processo Ltda., Thermo Fisher Scientific Brasil Servicos de Logistica Ltda, Thermo Fisher Scientific C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Cayman Investments LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Chemicals Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific China (C-I) LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific China (S) LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific China Holdings I B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific China Holdings II B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific China Holdings III B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific China Holdings IV B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Chromatography Holdings Aps, Thermo Fisher Scientific Chromatography Holdings S.a r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Cyprus I C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Cyprus I Ltd, Thermo Fisher Scientific Cyprus II C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Cyprus II Ltd, Thermo Fisher Scientific Cyprus III C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Cyprus III Ltd, Thermo Fisher Scientific Cyprus IV C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Cyprus V C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Denmark Senior Holdings ApS, Thermo Fisher Scientific Erie 1 Financing (Barbados) SRL, Thermo Fisher Scientific Erie Financing (Barbados) SRL, Thermo Fisher Scientific Erie Financing S.a r.l, Thermo Fisher Scientific Europe GmbH, Thermo Fisher Scientific FLC B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific FLC Finance C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific FLC II B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific FLC LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific FSIR Financing (Barbados) SRL, Thermo Fisher Scientific FSIR Financing S.a.r.l, Thermo Fisher Scientific FSUKHCO Financing (Barbados) SRL, Thermo Fisher Scientific Falcon Senior Holdings Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific Finance Company BV, Thermo Fisher Scientific GENEART GmbH, Thermo Fisher Scientific Germany BV & Co. KG, Thermo Fisher Scientific GmbH, Thermo Fisher Scientific HR Services Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Holdings (Cayman) I, Thermo Fisher Scientific Holdings (Cayman) II , Thermo Fisher Scientific Holdings Europe Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific IT Services GmbH, Thermo Fisher Scientific India Holding LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific India Pvt Ltd, Thermo Fisher Scientific Investments (Luxembourg) S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Investments (Malta) Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Investments (Sweden) LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Investments (Sweden) S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Investments Malta (Sweden Financing) Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Invitrogen Financing (Barbados) SRL, Thermo Fisher Scientific Japan Holdings I B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Japan Holdings II B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Japan Holdings III B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific K.K., Thermo Fisher Scientific Korea Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific LSI Financing (Barbados) SRL, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life CV GP Holdings II LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life CV GP Holdings LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Enterprises C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Enterprises GP LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Financing (Barbados) SRL, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Financing (Cayman), Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Financing C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Financing Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Holdings I C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Holdings II C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Holdings III C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Holdings Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life International GP Holdings LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life International Holdings I C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life International Holdings II C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments GP LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments I S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments II S.a r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments III S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments IV S.a.r.l, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments Malta Holding I LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments Malta Holding II LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments Malta I Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments Malta II Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments US Financing I LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments US Financing II LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life NL Holdings GP LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Netherlands Holding C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Senior GP Holdings II LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Senior GP Holdings LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Senior Holdings C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Senior Holdings II C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Senior Holdings Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Switzerland Holdings GP LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Tech Korea Holdings LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Technologies Enterprise Holding Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Technologies Investment I LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Technologies Investment II LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Technologies Investment UK I Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Technologies Investment UK II Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Technologies Investments Holding LP, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Technologies Israel Investment I Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Technologies Israel Investment II Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Technologies Luxembourg Holding LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Luxembourg Enterprise Holdings S.a r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Luxembourg German Holdings S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Luxembourg Life Technologies UK Holding S.a r.l, Thermo Fisher Scientific Luxembourg Sweden Holdings I S.a r.l, Thermo Fisher Scientific Luxembourg Sweden Holdings II S.a r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Luxembourg Venture Holdings I S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Luxembourg Venture Holdings II S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Thermo Fisher Scientific Malta Holdings LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Messtechnik GmbH, Thermo Fisher Scientific Mexico City S. de R.L. de C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Middle East Holdings Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific Milano Srl, Thermo Fisher Scientific NHK Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific New Zealand Holdings, Thermo Fisher Scientific New Zealand Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Norway Holdings AS, Thermo Fisher Scientific Norway US Investments LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Odyssey Financing (Barbados) SRL, Thermo Fisher Scientific Odyssey Holdings Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Operating Company LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Oy, Thermo Fisher Scientific PN2 C.V, Thermo Fisher Scientific PN2 LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific PRB LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific PRB Malta Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific PRB S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Panama I Cayman Ltd, Thermo Fisher Scientific Peru S.R.L., Thermo Fisher Scientific Pte. Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific Re Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific SL, Thermo Fisher Scientific Senior Financing LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Senior Holdings Australia LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific South Africa Proprietary Ltd, Thermo Fisher Scientific SpA, Thermo Fisher Scientific Spectra LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Spectra Malta Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Spectra S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Spectra-Physics Holdings Luxembourg I S.a r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Spectra-Physics Holdings Luxembourg II S.a r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Spectra-Physics Investments Malta Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Switzerland Holdings C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific TR Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Taiwan Co. Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific Vermogensverwaltungs GmbH, Thermo Fisher Scientific West Palm Holdings LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Wissenschaftliche Gerate GmbH, Thermo Fisher Scientific Worldwide Investments (Cayman), Thermo Fisher Scientific eCommerce Solutions LLC , Thermo Fisher Senior Canada Holdings LLC, Thermo Foundation Inc., Thermo Gamma-Metrics Holdings Pty Ltd., Thermo Gamma-Metrics LLC, Thermo Gamma-Metrics Pty Ltd, Thermo Holding European Operations LLC, Thermo Hypersil Ltd, Thermo Hypersil-Keystone LLC, Thermo Informatics Asia Pacific Pty Ltd., Thermo Instrument Controls de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Thermo Kevex X-Ray LLC, Thermo Keytek LLC, Thermo LabSystems Inc., Thermo LabSystems S.A., Thermo Life Science International Trading (Tianjin) Co. Ltd., Thermo Life Sciences AB, Thermo Luxembourg Holding S.a.r.l., Thermo Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Thermo MF Physics LLC, Thermo Measurement Ltd, Thermo Measuretech Canada Inc., Thermo Neslab LLC, Thermo Nicolet Limited, Thermo Onix Limited, Thermo Optek (Australia) Pty Ltd., Thermo Optek Limited, Thermo Optek S.A., Thermo Orion Inc., Thermo Portable Holdings LLC, Thermo Power Corporation, Thermo Process Instruments GP LLC, Thermo Process Instruments L.P., Thermo Projects Limited, Thermo Quest S.A., Thermo Radiometrie Limited, Thermo Ramsey Italia S.r.l., Thermo Ramsey LLC, Thermo Ramsey S.A., Thermo Re Ltd., Thermo Scientific Microbiology Pte Ltd., Thermo Scientific Microbiology Sdn Bhd, Thermo Scientific Portable Analytical Instruments Inc., Thermo Scientific Services Inc., Thermo Securities Corporation, Thermo Sentron Canada Inc., Thermo Sentron Limited, Thermo Shandon Inc., Thermo Shandon Limited, Thermo Suomi Holding B.V., Thermo TLH (UK) Limited, Thermo TLH L.P., Thermo Trace Pty Ltd., Thermo-Fisher Biochemical Product (Beijing) Co. Ltd., ThermoLase LLC, ThermoSpectra Limited, Trek Diagnostic Systems LLC, Trek Diagnostic Systems Ltd., Trek Holding Company II Ltd., Trek Holding Company Ltd., Trex Medical Corporation, USB Corporation, Union Lab Supplies Limited, United Diagnostics Inc., VG Systems Limited, Westover Scientific Inc., ZAO PE Biosystems, eBioscience GmbH, eBioscience Ltd, eBioscience SAS, and picoSpin LLC. Imperial Brands PLC, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, imports, markets, and sells tobacco and tobacco-related products. It offers a range of cigarettes, fine cut and smokeless tobacco, papers, and cigars; and next generation product (NGP) portfolio, such as e-vapour products, as well as oral nicotine and heated tobacco products. The company sells its products under various brands, including Davidoff, Gauloises, JPS, West, L&B, Bastos, Fine, Winston, News, Parker & Simpson, blu, Kool, Horizon, Jade, Cohiba, Montecristo, Romeo Y Julieta, Backwoods, Skruf, Golden Virginia, Rizla, and Knox in approximately 160 countries worldwide. It also provides logistics services that include the distribution of tobacco and NGP products for tobacco and NGP product manufacturers; and various non-tobacco and NGP products and services. In addition, the company is involved in the management of a golf course; marketing of papers; restaurant business; distribution of pharmaceuticals, POS software, and published materials and other products; printing and publishing activities; and provision of long haul transportation, industrial parcel and express delivery, advertising, and support management services. Further, it owns the trademarks; and retails its products. The company was formerly known as Imperial Tobacco Group PLC and changed its name to Imperial Brands PLC in February 2016. Imperial Brands PLC was founded in 1901 and is headquartered in Bristol, the United Kingdom. Read More Rise Gold Corp. operates as a mineral exploration company. It primarily holds interest in the Idaho-Maryland Gold Mine Property that comprises approximately 93 acres surface land and approximately 2,800 acres of mineral rights located in the Grass Valley mining district of northern California. The company was formerly known as Rise Resources Inc. and changed its name to Rise Gold Corp. in April 2017. Rise Gold Corp. was founded in 2007 and is based in Vancouver, Canada. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Brinker International: BI INTERNATIONAL SERVICES LLC, BI MEXICO HOLDING CORPORATION, BIPC GLOBAL PAYROLL COMPANY LLC, BIPC INVESTMENTS LLC, BIPC MANAGEMENT LLC, BRINKER AIRPORTS LLC, BRINKER ALABAMA INC., BRINKER ARKANSAS INC., BRINKER ASIA INC., BRINKER BRAZIL LLC, BRINKER CANADIAN HOLDING CO. ULC, BRINKER CANADIAN RESTAURANT CO. ULC, BRINKER CB LP, BRINKER CB MANAGEMENT LLC, BRINKER FHC B.V., BRINKER FLORIDA INC., BRINKER FREEHOLD INC., BRINKER GEORGIA INC., BRINKER INTERNATIONAL PAYROLL COMPANY L.P., BRINKER LOUISIANA INC., BRINKER MICHIGAN INC., BRINKER MISSISSIPPI INC., BRINKER MISSOURI INC., BRINKER NEVADA INC., BRINKER NEW JERSEY INC., BRINKER NORTH CAROLINA INC., BRINKER OF BALTIMORE COUNTY INC., BRINKER OF CARROLL COUNTY INC., BRINKER OF CECIL COUNTY INC., BRINKER OKLAHOMA INC., BRINKER OPCO LLC, BRINKER PENN TRUST, BRINKER PROPCO FLORIDA INC., BRINKER PROPERTY CORPORATION, BRINKER PURCHASING INC., BRINKER RESTAURANT CORPORATION, BRINKER RHODE ISLAND INC., BRINKER SERVICES CORPORATION, BRINKER SOUTH CAROLINA INC., BRINKER TEXAS INC., BRINKER VIRGINIA INC., CHILIS BEVERAGE COMPANY INC., CHILIS INC. a Delaware corporation, CHILIS INC. a Tennessee corporation, CHILIS INTERNATIONAL BASES B.V., CHILIS OF BEL AIR INC., CHILIS OF KANSAS INC., CHILIS OF MARYLAND INC., CHILIS OF WEST VIRGINIA INC., Grady's Inc., MAGGIANO'S OF ANNAPOLIS INC., MAGGIANO'S OF HOWARD COUNTY INC., MAGGIANO'S OF KANSAS INC., MAGGIANOS BEVERAGE COMPANY, MAGGIANOS HOLDING CORPORATION, MAGGIANOS INC., MAGGIANOS OF TYSONS INC., MAGGIANOS PROPERTY CORPORATION, MAGGIANOS TEXAS INC., PEPPER DINING HOLDING CORP., PEPPER DINING Inc., and PEPPER DINING VERMONT INC.. iShares MSCI Mexico ETF's stock was trading at $35.82 on March 11th, 2020 when Coronavirus (COVID-19) reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization. Since then, EWW shares have increased by 32.0% and is now trading at $47.27. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. iShares MSCI World ETF's stock was trading at $82.24 on March 11th, 2020 when COVID-19 reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Since then, URTH stock has increased by 64.9% and is now trading at $135.62. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. The following companies are subsidiares of Becton, Dickinson and: (Bard Istanbul Healthcare Limited Company), Accuri Cytometers, Accuri Cytometers Inc., Adaptec Manufacturing Singapore, Alverix, Alverix Inc., Atto Bioscience, BD Holding S. de R.L. de C.V., BD Infection Prevention BV, BD Kiestra BV, BD Kiestra Total Lab Automation, BD Rapid Diagnostic (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., BD San Luis Potosi S.A. de C.V., BD Switzerland Sarl, BD Ventures LLC, BD West Africa Limited, BDX INO LLC, Bard (Thailand) Limited, Bard ASDI Inc., Bard Access Systems Inc., Bard Acquisition Sub Inc., Bard Australia Pty. Limited, Bard Benelux N.V., Bard Brachytherapy Inc., Bard Brasil Industria e Comercio de Produtos Para a Saude Ltda., Bard Canada Inc., Bard Chile S.p.A., Bard Colombia S.A.S., Bard Czech Republic s.r.o., Bard Devices Inc., Bard Dublin ITC Limited, Bard EMEA Finance Center Sp.z o.o., Bard European Distribution Center N.V., Bard Finance B.V. & Co. KG., Bard Financial Services Ltd., Bard Finland OY, Bard France S.A.S., Bard Global Holdings I LLC, Bard Global Holdings II LLC, Bard Global Holdings III LLC, Bard Healthcare Inc., Bard Healthcare Science (Shanghai) Limited, Bard Hellas S.A., Bard Holding SAS, Bard Holdings Limited, Bard Holdings Netherlands B.V., Bard Hong Kong Limited, Bard IP Holdings Inc., Bard India Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., Bard International Holdings B.V., Bard International Inc., Bard Korea Ltd., Bard Limited, Bard MRL Acquisition Corp., Bard Malaysia Healthcare Sdn. Bhd., Bard Medica SA, Bard Medical Devices (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Bard Medical R&D (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Bard Medical SA (Proprietary) Limited, Bard Mexico Realty S. de R.L. de C.V., Bard Norden AB, Bard Norway AS, Bard Pacific Health Care Company Ltd., Bard Peripheral Vascular Inc., Bard Poland Sp. z.o.o., Bard Productos Plasticos e Medicos Ltda., Bard Reynosa S.A. de C.V., Bard S.r.l., Bard Sdn. Bhd., Bard Shannon Limited, Bard Singapore Private Limited, Bard Sourcing Office Singapore Pte. Ltd., Bard Sweden AB, Bard UK Newco Limited, Bard de Espana S.A., Becton Dickinson (Gibraltar) Holdings Ltd., Becton Dickinson (Gibraltar) Limited, Becton Dickinson (Gibraltar) Management Limited, Becton Dickinson (Mauritius) Limited, Becton Dickinson (Pty) Ltd., Becton Dickinson (Thailand) Limited, Becton Dickinson A.G., Becton Dickinson A/S, Becton Dickinson Argentina S.R.L., Becton Dickinson Asia Holdings Ltd., Becton Dickinson Asia Limited, Becton Dickinson Austria GmbH, Becton Dickinson Austria Holdings GmbH, Becton Dickinson B.V., Becton Dickinson B.V. Saudi Limited Company, Becton Dickinson Benelux N.V., Becton Dickinson Biosciences Systems and Reagents Inc., Becton Dickinson Canada Inc., Becton Dickinson Caribe Ltd., Becton Dickinson Croatia d.o.o., Becton Dickinson Czechia s.r.o., Becton Dickinson Dispensing Belgium BVBA, Becton Dickinson Dispensing Denmark A/S, Becton Dickinson Dispensing France SAS, Becton Dickinson Dispensing Ireland Limited, Becton Dickinson Dispensing Norway, Becton Dickinson Dispensing Spain S.L.U., Becton Dickinson Dispensing UK Ltd., Becton Dickinson Distribution Center N.V., Becton Dickinson East Africa Ltd., Becton Dickinson Euro Finance Sarl, Becton Dickinson Europe Holdings S.A.S., Becton Dickinson France S.A.S., Becton Dickinson GSA Beteilgungs GmbH, Becton Dickinson Global Holdings I Inc., Becton Dickinson Global Holdings II LLC, Becton Dickinson Global Holdings IV LLC, Becton Dickinson Global Holdings V LLC, Becton Dickinson Global Holdings VI LLC, Becton Dickinson Global Holdings VII LLC, Becton Dickinson Global Services Centre Sdn. Bdn., Becton Dickinson GmbH, Becton Dickinson Guatemala S.A., Becton Dickinson Hellas S.A., Becton Dickinson Holdings Limited, Becton Dickinson Holdings Pte Ltd., Becton Dickinson Hungary Kft., Becton Dickinson India Private Limited, Becton Dickinson Industrias Cirurgicas Ltda., Becton Dickinson Infusion Therapy AB, Becton Dickinson Infusion Therapy Holdings UK Limited, Becton Dickinson Infusion Therapy Systems Inc., Becton Dickinson Infusion Therapy Systems Inc. S.A. de C.V., Becton Dickinson Infusion Therapy UK, Becton Dickinson Insulin Syringe Ltd., Becton Dickinson International Holdings II Pte Ltd., Becton Dickinson International Holdings III Pte Ltd., Becton Dickinson International Holdings Pte Ltd., Becton Dickinson Israel Ltd., Becton Dickinson Italia S.p.A., Becton Dickinson Ithalat Ihracat Limited Sirketi, Becton Dickinson Korea Holding Inc., Becton Dickinson Korea Ltd., Becton Dickinson Ltd., Becton Dickinson Luxembourg Finance S.a.r.L., Becton Dickinson Luxembourg Global Holdings Sarl, Becton Dickinson Luxembourg Holdings II S.a.r.L, Becton Dickinson Luxembourg Holdings III S.a.r.L, Becton Dickinson Malaysia Inc., Becton Dickinson Management GmbH & Co. KG, Becton Dickinson Matrex Holdings Inc., Becton Dickinson Medical (S) Pte Ltd., Becton Dickinson Medical Devices (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Becton Dickinson Medical Devices (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Becton Dickinson Medical Products Pte. Ltd., Becton Dickinson Medical Technology (Jiangsu) Co. Ltd., Becton Dickinson Netherlands Global Holdings II C.V., Becton Dickinson Netherlands Holdings B.V., Becton Dickinson Netherlands Holdings II B.V., Becton Dickinson Norway AS, Becton Dickinson O.Y., Becton Dickinson Overseas Services Ltd., Becton Dickinson Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd., Becton Dickinson Penel Limited, Becton Dickinson Philippines Inc., Becton Dickinson Polska Sp.z.o.o., Becton Dickinson Portugal Unipessoal Lda., Becton Dickinson Pty. Ltd., Becton Dickinson Research Centre Ireland Limited, Becton Dickinson Rowa Germany GmbH, Becton Dickinson Rowa Italy Srl, Becton Dickinson S.A., Becton Dickinson Sample Collection GmbH, Becton Dickinson Scot Financing L.L.P., Becton Dickinson Scot Financing L.P., Becton Dickinson Sdn. Bhd., Becton Dickinson Slovakia s.r.o., Becton Dickinson Sweden AB, Becton Dickinson Sweden Holdings AB, Becton Dickinson Switzerland Global Holdings SarL, Becton Dickinson Technology Campus India, Becton Dickinson U.K. Limited, Becton Dickinson UK Financing I Ltd., Becton Dickinson UK Financing II Ltd., Becton Dickinson Venezuela C.A., Becton Dickinson Venture LLC, Becton Dickinson Verwaltungs GmbH, Becton Dickinson Vostok LLC, Becton Dickinson Worldwide Investments Sa.r.L., Becton Dickinson Zambia Limited, Becton Dickinson and Company Ltd., Becton Dickinson de Colombia Ltda., Becton Dickinson de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Becton Dickinson del Uruguay S.A., Benex Ltd., Biometric Imaging, Bridger Biomed Inc., C. R. Bard, C. R. Bard (Portugal)-Produtos e Artigos Medicos e Farmaceuticos, C. R. Bard Do Brazil Productos Medicos Ltds., C. R. Bard GmbH, C. R. Bard Inc., C. R. Bard Netherlands Sales B.V., CME America LLC, CME Ltd., CME Medical (UK) Limited, CME UK (Holdings) Limited, CRISI Medical Systems, CRISI Medical Systems Inc., Caesarea Medical Electronics, Cardal II LLC, Care Fusion Development Private Limited, CareFusion, CareFusion (Barbados) SrL, CareFusion (Shanghai) Commercial and Trading Co. Limited, CareFusion 213 LLC, CareFusion 2200 Inc., CareFusion 2201 Inc., CareFusion 302 LLC, CareFusion 303 Inc., CareFusion Asia (HK) Limited, CareFusion BH 335 d.o.o. Cazin, CareFusion Corporation, CareFusion D.R. 203 Ltd., CareFusion France 309 S.A.S., CareFusion Germany 318 GmbH, CareFusion Iberia 308 S.L., CareFusion Israel 330 Ltd., CareFusion Italy 312 S.p.A., CareFusion Manufacturing LLC, CareFusion Mexico 215 S.A. de C.V., CareFusion Netherlands 328 B.V., CareFusion Netherlands 503 B.V., CareFusion Netherlands 504 B.V., CareFusion Netherlands Financing 283 C.V., CareFusion Resources LLC, CareFusion S.A. 319 (Proprietary) Limited, CareFusion Solutions LLC, CareFusion U.K. 244 Limited, CareFusion U.K. 305 Limited, CareFusion U.K. 306 Limited, Carmel Pharma AB, Carmel Pharma Inc, Cato Software Solutions, Cell Analysis Systems Inc, Cellular Research, Cellular Research Inc., Clearstream Technologies Group Limited, Clearstream Technologies Limited, Clontech Laboratories Inc, Corporativo BD de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Cubex, Cytopeia, DLD (Bermuda) Ltd., DVL Acquisition Sub Inc., Davol Inc., Davol International Limited, Davol Surgical Innovations S.A. de C.V., Difco Laboratories Incorporated, Distribuidora BD Mexico S.A. de C.V., Dutch American Manufacturers (D.A.M.) B.V., Dymax Corporation, Embo Medical Limited, Enturia de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Enturican Inc., FJ International Inc., FlowCardia Inc., FlowCardia LLC, FlowJo LLC, Franklin Lakes Enterprises L.L.C., GSL Solutions, Gamer Lasertechnik GmbH, GenCell Biosystems, GenCell Biosystems Ltd., GeneOhm Sciences, GeneOhm Sciences Canada Inc., Gentest Corporation, Gesco International Inc., Gesco International LLC, HandyLab Inc, HandyLab Inc., IBD Holdings LLC, Ionotophoretics Corporation, JoHome LLC, Kabushiki Kaisha Medicon (Medicon Inc.), Liberator Health and Education Services Inc., Liberator Health and Wellness Inc., Liberator Medical Holdings Inc., Liberator Medical Supply Inc., LifeBond, Limited Liability Company Bard Rus, Loma Vista Medical Inc., Loma Vista Medical LLC, Lutonix Inc., Med-Design Corporation, Med-Design Investment Holdings Inc., Med-Safe Systems Inc., MedChem Products Inc., Medafor Inc., Medegen LLC, Medinservice.com Inc., Medivance Inc., NAT Diagnostics, NAT Diagnostics Inc., NOW Medical Distribution Inc., NOW Medical Distribution LLC, Navarre Biomedical LLC, Navarre Biomedical Ltd., Neomend Inc., Nippon Becton Dickinson Company Ltd., Omega Biosystems Incorporated, P.R.C.(Isialys)Societe a responsabilitie limitee(Societe a associe unique), PT Becton Dickinson Indonesia, PharMingen, PreAnalytiX GmbH, Pristine Access Technologies Inc., ProSeed Inc., Procesos para Esterilizacion S.A. de C.V., Productos Bard de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Productos Para el Cuidado de la Salud S.A. de C.V., Puls Medical Devices AS LC, PureWick Corporation, Roberts Laboratories Inc., Rochester Medical Corporation, Rochester Medical Ltd., Saf-T-Med, Safety Syringes, Safety Syringes Inc., Sendal S.L.U., SenoRx Inc., SenoRx LLC, Shield Healthcare Centers Inc., Sirigen, Sirigen II Limited, Sirigen Inc., Sistemas Medicos ALARIS S.A. de C.V., Specialized Cooperative Corporation, Specialized Health Products Inc., Specialized Health Products International Inc., Specialized Health Products International LLC, Staged Diabetes Management LLC, Straub Medical, Straub Medical, Straub Medical (US) LLC, Straub Medical (United Kingdom) Ltd., Straub Medical France, Surgical Site Solutions Inc., TVA Medical, TVA Medical GmbH, TVA Medical Inc., Tepha, Touchstone Medical Limited, Tri-County Medical & Ostomy Supplies Inc., TriPath Imaging, TriPath Imaging Inc., Vas-Cath Incorporated, Vascular Pathways Inc., Velano Vascular, Venetec International Inc., Venetec International LLC, Y-Med Inc., and Y-Med LLC. iShares MSCI Taiwan ETF's stock was trading at $36.70 on March 11th, 2020 when COVID-19 (Coronavirus) reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization. Since then, EWT shares have increased by 80.4% and is now trading at $66.20. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. The following companies are subsidiares of Tenet Healthcare: 1 Subsidiaries of this entity in which Tenet Healthcare Corporation directly and indirectly held a 95% ownership interest at December 31 2020 are set forth in the table below., 25 East Same Day Surgery L.L.C., 300 PBL Development LLC, 45th Street MOB LLC, 601 N 30th Street I L.L.C., 601 N 30th Street II L.L.C., 601 N 30th Street III Inc., AHM Acquisition Co. Inc., AIG Holdings LLC, AIGB Global LLC, AIGB Group Inc., AIGB Holdings Inc., AIGB Management Services LLC, AMC/North Fulton Urgent Care #1 L.L.C., AMC/North Fulton Urgent Care #2 L.L.C., AMC/North Fulton Urgent Care #3 L.L.C., AMC/North Fulton Urgent Care #4 L.L.C., AMC/North Fulton Urgent Care #5 L.L.C., AMI Information Systems Group Inc., AMI/HTI Tarzana Encino Joint Venture, APN, ARC Worcester Center L.P., ASC Old Co. LP, ASC of New Jersey LLC, ASJH Joint Venture LLC, Abrazo Health Network EP Clinical Services LLC, Abrazo Surgical Outpatient Center LLC, Advanced Ambulatory Surgical Care L.P., Advanced Center for Surgery Vero Beach LLC, Advanced Regional Surgery Center LLC, Advanced Surgery Center of Metairie LLC, Advanced Surgery Center of Sarasota LLC, Advanced Surgery Center of Tampa LLC, Advanced Surgical Care of St Louis LLC, Advanced Surgical Concepts LLC, Advantage Health Care Management Company LLC, Advantage Health Network Inc., AdventHealth Surgery Center Celebration LLC, AdventHealth Surgery Center Mills Park LLC, AdventHealth Surgery Center Wellswood LLC, AdventHealth Surgery Center Winter Garden LLC, AdventHealth Surgery Centers Central Florida LLC, AdventHealth Surgery Centers West Florida LLC, Adventist Midwest Health/USP Surgery Centers L.L.C., Alabama Cardiovascular Associates L.L.C., Alabama Digestive Health Endoscopy Center L.L.C., Alabama Hand and Sports Medicine L.L.C., Alamo Heights Surgicare L.P., All Star MOB LLC, Allegian Insurance Company, Alliance Surgery Birmingham LLC, Alliance Surgery Inc., Alvarado Hospital Medical Center Inc., Ambulatory Surgical Associates LLC, Ambulatory Surgical Center of Somerville LLC, American Institute of Gastric Banding Ltd., American Institute of Gastric Banding Phoenix Limited Partnership, American Medical (Central) Inc., Amisub (Heights) Inc., Amisub (Hilton Head) Inc., Amisub (North Ridge Hospital) Inc., Amisub (SFH) Inc., Amisub (Twelve Oaks) Inc., Amisub of California Inc., Amisub of North Carolina Inc., Amisub of South Carolina Inc., Amisub of Texas Inc., Anaheim Hills Medical Imaging L.L.C., Anaheim MRI Holding Inc., Anesthesia Partners of Gallatin LLC, Arizona Care Network Next L.L.C., Arizona Health Partners LLC, Arlington Orthopedic and Spine Hospital LLC, Arrowhead Endoscopy and Pain Management Center LLC, Asia Outsourcing US Inc., Aspen Healthcare, Atlanta Medical Center Inc., Atlanta Medical Center Interventional Neurology Associates L.L.C., Atlanta Medical Center Neurosurgical & Spine Specialists L.L.C., Atlanta Medical Center Physician Group L.L.C., Atlantic Coast Surgical Suites LLC, Atlantic Health-USP Surgery Centers L.L.C., Avita/USP Surgery Centers L.L.C., BBH BMC LLC, BBH CBMC LLC, BBH DevelopmentCo LLC, BBH Imaging Jasper LLC, BBH NP Clinicians Inc., BBH PBMC LLC, BBH SBMC LLC, BBH WBMC LLC, BCDC EmployeeCO LLC, BHC-Talladega Pediatrics LLC, BHS Accountable Care LLC, BHS Affinity LLC, BHS Integrated Physician Partners LLC, BHS Physician Performance Network LLC, BHS Physicians Alliance for ACE LLC, BHS Physicians Network Inc., BHS Specialty Network Inc., BT East Dallas JV LLP, BW Cardiology LLC, BW Cyberknife LLC, BW Hand Practice LLC, BW Office Buildings LLC, BW Parking Decks LLC, BW Physician Practices LLC, BW Retail Pharmacy LLC, BW Sports Practice LLC, Bagley Holdings LLC, Baptist Accountable Care LLC, Baptist Diagnostics LLC, Baptist Health Centers LLC, Baptist Physician Alliance ACO LLC, Baptist Physician Alliance LLC, Baptist Plaza Surgicare L.P., Baptist Surgery Center L.P., Baptist Womens Health Center LLC, Baptist/USP Surgery Centers L.L.C., Bartlett ASC LLC, Baylor Surgicare at Baylor Plano LLC, Baylor Surgicare at Blue Star LLC, Baylor Surgicare at Granbury LLC, Baylor Surgicare at Mansfield LLC, Baylor Surgicare at North Dallas LLC, Baylor Surgicare at Plano LLC, Baylor Surgicare at Plano Parkway LLC, Bear Creek Surgery Center LLC, Beaumont Surgical Affiliates Ltd., Bellaire Outpatient Surgery Center L.L.P., Berkshire Eye LLC, Bloomington ASC LLC, Blue Ridge/USP Surgery Centers LLC, Bluffton Okatie Primary Care L.L.C., Bluffton Okatie Surgery Center L.L.C., Bon Secours Surgery Center at Harbour View LLC, Bon Secours Surgery Center at Virginia Beach LLC, Bozeman Health/USP Surgery Centers L.L.C., Bozeman MOB LLC, Briarcliff Ambulatory Surgery Center L.P., Bristol Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, Broad River Primary Care L.L.C., Brookwood - Maternal Fetal Medicine L.L.C., Brookwood Ancillary Holdings Inc., Brookwood Baptist Health 1 LLC, Brookwood Baptist Health 2 LLC, Brookwood Baptist Health 3 LLC, Brookwood Baptist Imaging LLC, Brookwood Center Development Corporation, Brookwood Development Inc., Brookwood Diagnostic Imaging Center LLC, Brookwood Garages L.L.C., Brookwood Health Services Inc., Brookwood Home Health LLC, Brookwood Occupational Health Clinic L.L.C., Brookwood Parking Associates Ltd., Brookwood Primary Care - Homewood L.L.C., Brookwood Primary Care - Inverness L.L.C., Brookwood Primary Care - Mountain Brook L.L.C., Brookwood Primary Care - Oak Mountain L.L.C., Brookwood Primary Care - Vestavia L.L.C., Brookwood Primary Care Cahaba Heights L.L.C., Brookwood Primary Care Hoover L.L.C., Brookwood Primary Care The Narrows L.L.C., Brookwood Primary Network Care Inc., Brookwood Specialty Care - Endocrinology L.L.C., Brookwood Sports and Orthopedics L.L.C., Brookwood Womens Care L.L.C., Brookwood Womens Diagnostic Center LLC, C7 Technologies LLC, CGH Hospital Ltd., CHIC/USP Surgery Centers LLC, CHN Holdings LLC, CHRISTUS Cabrini Surgery Center L.L.C., CHVI Tucson Holdings LLC, CML-Chicago Market Labs Inc., CRNAs of Michigan, CS/USP General Partner LLC, CS/USP Surgery Centers LP, California Joint & Spine LLC, Camp Creek Urgent Care L.L.C., Camp Lowell Surgery Center L.L.C., Captive Insurance Services Inc., Cardiology Physicians Associates L.L.C., Cardiology Physicians Corporation L.L.C., Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Associates L.L.C., Cardiovascular Clinical Excellence at Sierra Providence LLC, CareSpot of Austin LLC, CareSpot of Memphis LLC, CareSpot of Orlando/HSI Urgent Care LLC, Carmel Specialty Surgery Center LLC, Carondelet St. Marys-Northwest L.L.C., Cascade Spine Center LLC, Castle Rock Surgery Center LLC, Catawba-Piedmont Cardiothoracic Surgery L.L.C., Cedar Hill Primary Care L.L.C., Cedar Park Surgery Center L.L.P., Centennial ASC LLC, Center for Advanced Research Excellence L.L.C., Center for the Urban Child Inc., Central California Healthcare Holdings LLC, Central Carolina Physicians - Sandhills L.L.C., Central Carolina-IMA L.L.C., Central Jersey Surgery Center LLC, Central Texas Corridor Hospital Company LLC, Central Valley Quality Alliance LLC, Central Virginia Surgi-Center L.P., Centura Ventures Surgery Centers LLC, Centura/USP Colorado Springs Surgery Centers L.L.C., Chalon Living Inc., Chandler Endoscopy Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, Charlotte Endoscopic Surgery Center LLC, Chattanooga Pain Management Center LLC, Chesterfield Ambulatory Surgery Center L.P., Chesterfield Anesthesia Associates of Missouri LLC, Chico Surgery Center L.P., Childrens Hospital of Michigan Premier Network Inc., Citrus Heights ASC RE LLC, Clarkston ASC Partners LLC, Clarksville Surgery Center LLC, Coast Healthcare Management LLC, Coast Surgery Center L.P., Coastal Carolina Medical Center, Coastal Carolina Medical Center Inc., Coastal Carolina Physician Practices LLC, Coastal Carolina Pro Fee Billing L.L.C., Coastal Endo LLC, Colorado GI Centers LLC, Commonwealth Continental Health Care Inc., Community Connection Health Plan Inc., Community Hospital LLC, Community Hospital of Los Gatos Inc., Conifer Care Continuum Solutions LLC, Conifer Ethics and Compliance Inc., Conifer Global Business Center Inc., Conifer Global Holdings Inc., Conifer Health Solutions LLC, Conifer Holdings Inc., Conifer Patient Communications LLC, Conifer Physician Services Holdings Inc., Conifer Physician Services Inc., Conifer Revenue Cycle Solutions LLC, Conifer Value-Based Care LLC, Conroe Surgery Center 2 LLC, Coral Gables Hospital Inc., Coral Ridge Outpatient Center LLC, Corpus Christi Surgicare Ltd., Covenant/USP Surgery Centers LLC, CreAtiv Management Company Inc., Creekwood Investors LLC, Creekwood Surgery Center L.P., Crown Point Surgery Center LLC, DH/USP SJOSC Investment Company L.L.C., DH/USP Sacramento Pain GP LLC, DMC Detroit Receiving Hospital Premier Clinical Co-Management Services LLC, DMC Education & Research, DMC Harper University Hospital Premier Clinical Co-Management Services LLC, DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital Premier Clinical Management Services LLC, DMC Imaging L.L.C., Dallas Surgical Partners LLC, DeTar/USP Surgery Center LLC, Delray Beach ASC LLC, Delray Medical Center Inc., Delray Medical Physician Services L.L.C., Denton Surgicare Partners Ltd., Denton Surgicare Real Estate Ltd., Denville Surgery Center LLC, Des Peres Physician Network LLC, Desert Cove MOB LLC, Desert Regional Medical Center Inc., Desert Ridge Outpatient Surgery LLC, Desoto Surgicare Partners Ltd., Destin ASC RE LLC, Destin Surgery Center LLC, Detroit Education & Research, DigitalMed Inc., Dignity/Abrazo Health Network LLC, Dignity/USP Folsom GP LLC, Dignity/USP Grass Valley GP LLC, Dignity/USP Las Vegas Surgery Centers LLC, Dignity/USP Metro Surgery Center LLC, Dignity/USP NorCal Surgery Centers LLC, Dignity/USP Phoenix Surgery Centers II LLC, Dignity/USP Phoenix Surgery Centers LLC, Dignity/USP Redding GP LLC, Dignity/USP Roseville GP LLC, Dignity/USP/John Muir East Bay Surgery Centers LLC, Doctors Hospital of Manteca Inc., Doctors Medical Center Neurosciences Clinical Co-Management LLC, Doctors Medical Center Orthopedics Clinical Co-Management LLC, Doctors Medical Center of Modesto Inc., Doctors Outpatient Center for Surgery LLC, Doctors Outpatient Surgery Center of Jupiter L.L.C., EPHC Inc., EPIC ASC LLC, East Atlanta Endoscopy Centers LLC, East Cobb Urgent Care LLC, East Cooper Coastal Family Physicians L.L.C., East Cooper Community Hospital Inc., East Cooper Hyperbarics L.L.C., East Cooper OB/GYN L.L.C., East Cooper Physician Network LLC, East Cooper Primary Care Physicians L.L.C., East Portland Surgery Center LLC, East West Surgery Center L.P., Eastgate Building Center L.L.C., Effingham Surgical Partners LLC, Einstein Montgomery Surgery Center LLC, Einstein/USP Surgery Centers L.L.C., El Mirador Surgery Center L.L.C., El Paso Center for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy LLC, El Paso Day Surgery LLC, El Paso Urology Surgery Center Curie LLC, Emanate/USP Surgery Centers LLC, Emanuel Medical Center, Emerson Surgery Center LLC, Encinitas Endoscopy Center LLC, Endoscopy Center of Hackensack LLC, Endoscopy Center of South Sacramento LLC, Endoscopy Consultants LLC, European Surgical Partners Ltd., Eye Center of Nashville UAP LLC, Eye Surgery Center of Nashville LLC, FMC Medical Inc., FMCC Network Contracting L.L.C., FPN Frisco Physicians Network, FREH Real Estate L.L.C., FRS Imaging Services L.L.C., FSC Hospital LLC, FSH IT Services LP, First Choice Physician Partners, Flatirons Surgery Center LLC, Folsom Outpatient Surgery Center L.P., Fort Bend Clinical Services Inc., Fort Worth Hospital Real Estate LP, Fort Worth Surgicare Partners Ltd., Foundation Bariatric Hospital of San Antonio LLC, Foundation San Antonio Borrower Sub LLC, Fountain Valley Regional Hospital and Medical Center, Fountain Valley Surgery Center LLC, Franklin Endo UAP LLC, Franklin Endoscopy Center LLC, Fresno Surgery Center L.P., Frisco Medical Center L.L.P., Frontenac Ambulatory Surgery & Spine Care Center L.P., Frye Regional Medical Center Inc., FryeCare Boone L.L.C., FryeCare Morganton L.L.C., FryeCare Physicians L.L.C., FryeCare Valdese L.L.C., FryeCare Watauga L.L.C., FryeCare Womens Services L.L.C., GCSA Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, Gamma Surgery Center LLC, Gardendale Surgical Associates LLC, Garland Surgicare Partners Ltd., Gastric Health Institute L.L.C., Genesis ASC Partners LLC, Geneva Surgical Suites LLC, Georgia Endoscopy Center LLC, Georgia Gifts From Grace L.L.C., Georgia Musculoskeletal Network Inc., Georgia North Fulton Healthcare Associates L.L.C., Georgia Northside Ear Nose and Throat L.L.C., Georgia Physicians of Cardiology L.L.C., Georgia Spectrum Neurosurgical Specialists L.L.C., Georgia Spine Surgery Center LLC, Glen Echo Surgery Center LLC, Golden Ridge ASC LLC, Good Samaritan Medical Center Inc., Good Samaritan Surgery L.L.C., Grapevine Surgicare Partners Ltd., Grass Valley Outpatient Surgery Center L.P., Graystone Family Healthcare - Tenet North Carolina L.L.C., Great Lakes Surgical Suites LLC, Greater Dallas Healthcare Enterprises, Greater Northwest Houston Enterprises, Greenville Physicians Surgery Center LLP, Greenwood ASC LLC, Greystone Internal Medicine - Brookwood L.L.C., Gulf Coast Community Hospital Inc., HCH Tucson Holdings LLC, HCN Emerus Management Sub LLC, HCN Emerus Texas LLC, HCN Laboratories Inc., HCN Physicians Inc., HCN Sunnyvale Holdings LLC, HCN Surgery Center Holdings Inc., HDMC Holdings L.L.C., HMA/Solantic Joint Venture LLC, HMH-USP Surgery Centers LLC, HMHP/USP Surgery Centers LLC, HNMC Inc., HNW GP Inc., HNW LP Inc., HPI Holdings LLC, HPI North LLC, HPI Physicians LLC, HSRM International Inc., HSS Palm Beach Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, HSS/USP Surgery Center LLC, HUG Services Inc., HUMC/USP Surgery Centers LLC, Hacienda Outpatient Surgery Center LLC, Hagerstown Surgery Center LLC, Hardeeville Medical Group L.L.C., Hardeeville Primary Care L.L.C., Harlingen Physician Network Inc., Harper-Hutzel AHP Services Inc., Harvard Park Surgery Center LLC, Haymarket Surgery Center LLC, Hazelwood Endoscopy Center LLC, Health & Wellness Surgery Center L.P., Health Horizons of Kansas City Inc., Health Horizons of Murfreesboro Inc., Health Horizons/Piedmont Joint Venture LLC, Health Services CFMC Inc., Health Services HNMC Inc., Health Services Network Care Inc., Health Services Network Hospitals Inc., Health Services Network Texas Inc., HealthCorp Network Inc., Healthcare Compliance LLC, Healthcare Network Alabama Inc., Healthcare Network CFMC Inc., Healthcare Network DPH Inc., Healthcare Network Georgia Inc., Healthcare Network Holdings Inc., Healthcare Network Hospitals (Dallas) Inc., Healthcare Network Hospitals Inc., Healthcare Network Louisiana Inc., Healthcare Network Missouri Inc., Healthcare Network North Carolina Inc., Healthcare Network South Carolina Inc., Healthcare Network Tennessee Inc., Healthcare Network Texas Inc., Healthcare Partners Investments LLC, Healthmark Partners Inc., Healthpoint of North Carolina L.L.C., Heart and Vascular Institute of Michigan, Heritage Park Surgical Hospital LLC, Hershey Outpatient Surgery Center L.P., Hialeah Hospital Inc., Hialeah Real Properties Inc., Hickory Family Practice Associates - Tenet North Carolina L.L.C., Hill Country ASC Partners LLC, Hill Country Surgery Center LLC, Hilton Head Health System L.P., Hilton Head Regional Healthcare L.L.C., Hilton Head Regional OB/GYN Partners L.L.C., Hilton Head Regional Physician Network LLC, Hilton Head Regional Physician Network Georgia L.L.C., Hinsdale Surgical Center LLC, Hitchcock State Street Real Estate Inc., Holston Valley Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, Holy Cross Hospital Inc., Home Health Partners of San Antonio LLC, Hoover Doctors Group Inc., Hoover Land LLC, Horizon Ridge Surgery Center LLC, Hospital Development of West Phoenix Inc., Hospital RCM Services LLC, Hospital Underwriting Group Inc., Houston Northwest Partners Ltd., Houston PSC L.P., Houston Specialty Hospital Inc., Houston Sunrise Investors Inc., Hyde Park Surgery Center LLC, ICNU Rockford LLC, Imaging Center at Baxter Village L.L.C., InforMed Insurance Services LLC, Integris/USP Health Ventures LLC, International Health and Wellness Inc., Irving-Coppell Surgical Hospital L.L.P., JFK Memorial Hospital Inc., JFP UAP Sugarland LLC, Jackson Surgical Center LLC, Jacksonville Endoscopy Centers LLC, Journey Home Healthcare of San Antonio LLC, KHS Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, KHS/USP Surgery Centers LLC, Kingsport Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, Laguna Medical Systems Inc., Lake Endoscopy Center LLC, Lake Health Care Facilities Inc., Lake Lansing ASC Partners LLC, Lake Surgical Hospital Slidell LLC, LakeFront Medical Associates LLC, Lakewood Regional Medical Center Inc., Lakewood Surgery Center LLC, Lancaster Specialty Surgery Center LLC, Lansing ASC Partners LLC, Lawrenceville Surgery Center L.L.C., Lebanon Endoscopy Center LLC, Legacy Warren Partners L.P., Legacy/USP Surgery Centers L.L.C., Leonardtown Surgery Center LLC, Liberty Ambulatory Surgery Center L.P., Lifemark Hospitals Inc., Lifemark Hospitals of Florida Inc., Lifemark Hospitals of Louisiana Inc., Lone Star Endoscopy Center LLC, Longleaf Surgery Center LLC, Los Alamitos Medical Center Inc., Lubbock ASC Holding Co LLC, MASC Partners LLC, MCSH Real Estate Investors Ltd., MH Memorial City Surgery LLC, MH/USP Bay Area LLC, MH/USP Brazoria LLC, MH/USP Kingsland LLC, MH/USP Kingwood LLC, MH/USP Kirby LLC, MH/USP Main Street LLC, MH/USP North Freeway LLC, MH/USP North Houston LLC, MH/USP Richmond LLC, MH/USP Sugar Land LLC, MH/USP TMC Endoscopy LLC, MH/USP West Houston L.L.C., MH/USP Woodlands Parkway LLC, MSH Partners LLC, MSV Health/USP Surgery Centers LLC, MVH/USP Surgery Centers LLC, MacNeal Management Services Inc., MacNeal Medical Records Inc., MacNeal Physicians Group LLC, Magnetic Resonance Imaging of San Luis Obispo Inc., Magnolia Surgery Center Limited Partnership, Manchester Ambulatory Surgery Center LP, Maple Lawn Surgery Center LLC, Marion Surgery Center LLC, Mary Immaculate Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, Mason Ridge Ambulatory Surgery Center L.P., Mayfield Spine Surgery Center LLC, McLaren ASC of Flint LLC, Meadowcrest Hospital LLC, Medical House Staffing LLC, Medical Park Tower Surgery Center LLC, Medplex Outpatient Medical Centers Inc., Medplex Outpatient Surgery Center Ltd., Memorial Hermann Bay Area Endoscopy Center LLC, Memorial Hermann Endoscopy & Surgery Center North Houston L.L.C., Memorial Hermann Endoscopy Center North Freeway LLC, Memorial Hermann Specialty Hospital Kingwood L.L.C., Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Surgical Hospital L.L.P., Memorial Hermann Surgery Center Brazoria LLC, Memorial Hermann Surgery Center Cypress LLC, Memorial Hermann Surgery Center Katy LLP, Memorial Hermann Surgery Center Kingsland L.L.C., Memorial Hermann Surgery Center Kirby LLC, Memorial Hermann Surgery Center Main Street LLC, Memorial Hermann Surgery Center Memorial City L.L.C., Memorial Hermann Surgery Center Northwest LLP, Memorial Hermann Surgery Center Pinecroft LLC, Memorial Hermann Surgery Center Preston Road Ltd., Memorial Hermann Surgery Center Richmond LLC, Memorial Hermann Surgery Center Southwest L.L.P., Memorial Hermann Surgery Center Sugar Land LLP, Memorial Hermann Surgery Center Texas Medical Center LLP, Memorial Hermann Surgery Center Woodlands Parkway LLC, Memorial Hermann Surgery Center The Woodlands LLP, Memorial Hermann Texas International Endoscopy Center LLC, Memorial Hermann West Houston Surgery Center LLC, Memorial Hermann/USP Surgery Centers II L.P., Memorial Hermann/USP Surgery Centers III LLP, Memorial Hermann/USP Surgery Centers IV LLP, Memorial Surgery Center LLC, Memphis Urgent Care #1 L.L.C., Memphis Urgent Care #2 L.L.C., Merced Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, Mercy/USP Health Ventures L.L.C., Metro Specialty Surgery Center LLC, Metro Surgery Center LLC, MetroWest HomeCare & Hospice LLC, Metrocrest Surgery Center L.P., Metropolitan New Jersey LLC, Michigan ASC Partners L.L.C., Michigan Pioneer ACO LLC, Michigan Regional Imaging LLC, Mid Rivers Ambulatory Surgery Center L.P., Mid State Endo UAP LLC, Mid-State Endoscopy Center LLC, Mid-TSC Development LP, Middle Tennessee Ambulatory Surgery Center L.P., Midland Memorial/USP Surgery Centers LLC, Midland Texas Surgical Center LLC, Midwest Digestive Health Center LLC, Midwest Pharmacies Inc., Midwest Specialty Surgery Center LLC, Millennium Surgical Center LLC, Mobile Imaging Management LLC, Mobile Technology Management LLC, Modesto Radiology Imaging Inc., Monocacy Surgery Center LLC, Mountain Empire Surgery Center L.P., Munster Specialty Surgery Center LLC, Murdock Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, NHSC Holdings LLC, NICH GP Holdings LLC, NKCH/USP Briarcliff GP LLC, NKCH/USP Liberty GP LLC, NKCH/USP Surgery Centers II L.L.C., NKCH/USP Surgery Centers LLC, NMC Lessor L.P., NMC Surgery Center L.P., NME Headquarters Inc., NME Properties Corp., NME Properties Inc., NME Property Holding Co. Inc., NME Psychiatric Hospitals Inc., NME Rehabilitation Properties Inc., NSCH GP Holdings LLC, NSCH/USP Desert Surgery Centers L.L.C., NUCH of Georgia L.L.C., NUCH of Massachusetts LLC, NUCH of Michigan Inc., NUCH of Texas, Nacogdoches ASC-LP Inc., Name of Entity, National ASC Inc., National Ancillary Inc., National Diagnostic Imaging Centers Inc., National HHC Inc., National Home Health Holdings Inc., National ICN Inc., National Imaging Center Holdings Inc., National Medical Services II Inc., National Outpatient Services Holdings Inc., National Surgery Center Holdings Inc., National Urgent Care Holdings Inc., National Urgent Care Inc., Network Management Associates Inc., New Dimensions LLC, New England Physician Performance Network LLC, New H Acute Inc., New Horizons Surgery Center LLC, New Medical Horizons II Ltd., New Mexico Orthopaedic Surgery Center LLC, New Salem ASC RE LLC, Newhope Imaging Center Inc., North Anaheim Surgery Center LLC, North Atlantic Surgical Suites LLC, North Campus Surgery Center LLC, North Carolina Community Family Medicine L.L.C., North Central Surgical Center L.L.P., North Denver Musculoskeletal Surgical Partners LLC, North Fulton Cardiovascular Medicine L.L.C., North Fulton Hospitalist Group L.L.C., North Fulton Medical Center Inc., North Fulton Primary Care - Willeo Rd. L.L.C., North Fulton Primary Care - Windward Parkway L.L.C., North Fulton Primary Care - Wylie Bridge L.L.C., North Fulton Primary Care Associates L.L.C., North Fulton Pulmonary Specialists L.L.C., North Fulton Womens Consultants L.L.C., North Garland Surgery Center L.L.P., North Haven Surgery Center LLC, North Miami Medical Center Ltd., North Shore Medical Billing Center L.L.C., North Shore Medical Center Inc., North Shore Same Day Surgery L.L.C., North Shore Surgical Suites LLC, North State Surgery Centers L.P., NorthPointe Surgical Suites LLC, NorthShore/USP Surgery Centers II L.L.C., Northern Monmouth Regional Surgery Center L.L.C., Northridge ASC RE LLC, Northridge Surgery Center L.P., Northwest Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, Northwest Georgia Orthopaedic Surgery Center LLC, Northwest Regional ASC LLC, Northwest Regional Surgery Center LLC, Northwest Surgery Center LLP, Northwest Surgery Center Ltd., Novant Health/USP Surgery Centers LLC, Novant/UVA/USP Surgery Centers LLC, OCOMS Imaging LLC, OCOMS Professional Services LLC, OLOL/USP Surgery Centers L.L.C., Okatie Surgical Partners L.L.C., Oklahoma Center for Orthopedic and Multi-Specialty Surgery LLC, Old Tesson Surgery Center L.P., Olive Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, Olive Branch Urgent Care #1 LLC, Ophthalmology Anesthesia Services LLC, Ophthalmology Surgery Center of Orlando LLC, Optimum Spine Center LLC, OrNda Healthcorp, OrNda Hospital Corporation, Orlando Health/USP Surgery Centers L.L.C., OrthoArizona Surgery Center Gilbert LLC, OrthoLink ASC Corporation, OrthoLink Physicians Corporation, OrthoLink Radiology Services Corporation, OrthoLink/ Georgia ASC Inc., OrthoLink/Baptist ASC LLC, OrthoLink/New Mexico ASC Inc., Orthopedic Associates of the Lowcountry L.L.C., Orthopedic South Surgical Partners LLC, Orthopedic and Surgical Specialty Company LLC, PAHS/USP Surgery Centers LLC, PDN L.L.C., PHPS Inc., PHPS-CHM Acquisition Inc., PHS/USP Health Ventures LLC, PM CyFair Land Partners LLC, PMC Physician Network L.L.C., PPRE LLC, PSS Patient Solution Services LLC, Pacific Endo-Surgical Center L.P., Pacific Endoscopy and Surgery Center LLC, Pain Diagnostic and Treatment Center L.P., Paley Institute Global LLC, Palm Beach Gardens Community Hospital Inc., Palm Beach International Surgery Center LLC, Palm Valley Medical Center Campus Association, Palos Health Surgery Center LLC, Paramus Endoscopy LLC, Park Cities Surgery Center LLC, Park Plaza Hospital Billing Center L.L.C., ParkCreek ASC LLC, Parkway Recovery Care Center LLC, Parkwest Surgery Center L.P., Patient Partners LLC, Peak Gastroenterology ASC LLC, Pediatric Surgery Center Odessa LLC, Pediatric Surgery Centers LLC, Physician Performance Network L.L.C., Physician Performance Network of Arizona LLC, Physician Performance Network of Detroit, Physician Performance Network of South Carolina LLC, Physician Performance Network of Tucson LLC, Physicians Performance Network of Houston, Physicians Performance Network of North Texas, Physicians Surgery Center at Good Samaritan LLC, Physicians Surgery Center of Tempe LLC, Physicians Surgical Center of Ft. Worth LLP, Physicians Surgery Center of Chattanooga L.L.C., Physicians Surgery Center of Knoxville LLC, Piccard Surgery Center LLC, Piedmont ASC LLC, Piedmont Behavioral Medicine Associates LLC, Piedmont Cardiovascular Physicians L.L.C., Piedmont Carolina OB/GYN of York County L.L.C., Piedmont Carolina Vascular Surgery L.L.C., Piedmont East Urgent Care Center L.L.C., Piedmont Express Care at Sutton Road L.L.C., Piedmont Family Practice at Baxter Village L.L.C., Piedmont Family Practice at Rock Hill L.L.C., Piedmont Family Practice at Tega Cay L.L.C., Piedmont General Surgery Associates L.L.C., Piedmont Internal Medicine at Baxter Village L.L.C., Piedmont Physician Network LLC, Piedmont Pulmonology L.L.C., Piedmont Surgical Specialists L.L.C., Piedmont Urgent Care Center at Baxter Village L.L.C., Piedmont Urgent Care and Industrial Health Centers Inc., Piedmont/Carolinas Radiation Therapy LLC, Placentia-Linda Hospital Inc., Pleasanton Diagnostic Imaging Inc., Point of Rocks Surgery Center LLC, Practice Partners Management L.P., Premier ACO Physicians Network LLC, Premier ASC LLC, Premier Adult and Childrens Surgery Center LLC, Premier Endoscopy ASC LLC, Premier Health Plan Services Inc., Premier Medical Specialists L.L.C., Prince William Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, Professional Anesthesia Services LLC, Professional Liability Insurance Company, Pros Temporary Staffing Inc., Providence/UCLA/USP Surgery Centers LLC, Providence/USP Santa Clarita GP LLC, Providence/USP South Bay Surgery Centers L.L.C., Providence/USP Surgery Centers L.L.C., Pueblo Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, R.H.S.C. El Paso Inc., RE Plano Med Inc., RHC Parkway Inc., RLC LLC, Reading Ambulatory Surgery Center L.P., Reading Endoscopy Center LLC, Reagan Street Surgery Center LLC, Redmond Surgery Center LLC, Renaissance Surgery Center LLC, Republic Health Corporation of Rockwall County, Resolute Health Physicians Network Inc., Resolute Hospital Company LLC, Resurgens East Surgery Center LLC, Resurgens Fayette Surgery Center LLC, Resurgens Surgery Center LLC, Rheumatology Associates of Atlanta Medical Center L.L.C., Richmond ASC Leasing Company LLC, Rio Grande Valley Indigent Health Care Corporation, River North Same Day Surgery L.L.C., Riverside Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, Rock Bridge Surgical Institute L.L.C., Rock Hill Surgery Center LLC, Rockwall Ambulatory Surgery Center L.L.P., Rocky Mountain Endoscopy Centers LLC, Roseville Surgery Center L.P., Roswell Surgery Center L.L.C., SCNRE LLC, SFMP Inc., SFMPE - Crittenden L.L.C., SL-HLC Inc., SLH Physicians L.L.C., SLH Vista Inc., SLPA ACO LLC, SLUH Anesthesia Physicians L.L.C., SMSJ Imaging Company LLC, SMSJ Tucson Holdings LLC, SPC at the Star LLC, SRRMC Management Inc., SSI Holdings Inc., Sacramento Midtown Endoscopy Center LLC, Safety Harbor ASC Company LLC, Saint Agnes/Dignity/USP Surgery Centers LLC, Saint Agnes/USP Surgery Centers LLC, Saint Francis Cardiology Associates L.L.C., Saint Francis Cardiovascular Surgery L.L.C., Saint Francis Center for Surgical Weight Loss L.L.C., Saint Francis Hospital Billing Center L.L.C., Saint Francis Hospital Medicare ACO LLC, Saint Francis Hospital Pro Fee Billing L.L.C., Saint Francis Hospital-Bartlett Inc., Saint Francis Medical Partners East L.L.C., Saint Francis Medical Partners General Surgery L.L.C., Saint Francis Physician Network LLC, Saint Francis Quality Alliance LLC, Saint Francis Surgery Center L.L.C., Saint Francis Surgical Associates L.L.C., Saint Francis-Arkansas Physician Network LLC, Saint Francis-Bartlett Physician Network LLC, Saint Thomas Campus Surgicare L.P., Saint Thomas Surgery Center New Salem LLC, Saint Thomas/USP Surgery Centers II L.L.C., Saint Thomas/USP Surgery Centers L.L.C., Saint Thomas/USP Baptist Plaza L.L.C., Saint Vincent Physician Services Inc., Salmon Surgery Center LLC, Same Day Management L.L.C., Same Day SC of Central NJ LLC, Same Day Surgery L.L.C., San Antonio Endoscopy L.P., San Fernando Valley Surgery Center L.P., San Gabriel Valley Surgical Center L.P., San Martin Surgery Center LLC, San Ramon ASC L. P., San Ramon Ambulatory Care LLC, San Ramon Network Joint Venture LLC, San Ramon Regional Medical Center LLC, San Ramon Surgery Center L.L.C., Santa Barbara Outpatient Surgery Center LLC, Santa Clarita Surgery Center L.P., Savannah Endoscopy Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, Schertz Surgery Center LLC, Scripps Encinitas Surgery Center LLC, Scripps/USP Surgery Centers L.L.C., Seaside Surgery Center LLC, Shands/Solantic Joint Venture LLC, Shelby Baptist Affinity LLC, Shelby Baptist Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, Shore Outpatient Surgicenter L.L.C., Shoreline Real Estate Partnership LLP, Shoreline Surgery Center LLP, Shrewsbury Surgery Center LLC, Sierra Pacific Surgery Center LLC, Sierra Providence Health Network Inc., Sierra Providence Healthcare Enterprises, Sierra Vista Hospital Inc., Silicon Valley Outpatient Surgery Centers LLC, Silver Cross Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, Silver Cross/USP Surgery Centers LLC, Sinai-Grace Premier Clinical Management Services LLC, Siouxland Surgery Center Limited Liability Partnership, Solantic Corporation, Solantic Development LLC, Solantic Holdings Corporation, Solantic of Jacksonville LLC, Solantic of Orlando LLC, Solantic/South Florida LLC, South Carolina East Cooper Surgical Specialists L.L.C., South Carolina Health Services Inc., South Carolina SeWee Family Medicine L.L.C., South County Outpatient Endoscopy Services L.P., South Denver Musculoskeletal Surgical Partners LLC, South Florida Ambulatory Surgical Center LLC, South Fulton Health Care Centers Inc., SouthCare Physicians Group Neurology L.L.C., SouthCare Physicians Group Obstetrics & Gynecology L.L.C., Southeast Ohio Surgical Suites LLC, Southern Orthopedics and Sports Medicine L.L.C., Southern States Physician Operations Inc., Southwest Ambulatory Surgery Center L.L.C., Southwest Childrens Hospital LLC, Southwest Endoscopy LLC, Southwest Orthopedic and Spine Hospital LLC, Southwest Orthopedic and Spine Hospital Real Estate LLC, Southwestern Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, Spalding Regional Medical Center Inc., Spalding Regional OB/GYN L.L.C., Spalding Regional Physician Services L.L.C., Specialty Surgery Center of Fort Worth L.P., Specialty Surgicenters Inc., Spinal Diagnostics and Treatment Centers L.L.C., Spine & Joint Physician Associates, Springfield Service Holding Corporation, St. Augustine Endoscopy Center LLC, St. Christophers Pediatric Urgent Care Center - Allentown L.L.C, St. Josephs Hospital Surgical Co-Management LLC, St. Josephs Outpatient Surgery Center LLC, St. Josephs Surgery Center L.P., St. Louis Physician Alliance LLC, St. Louis Surgical Center LLC, St. Louis Urology Center LLC, St. Lukes/USP Surgery Centers LLC, St. Marys Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, St. Marys Hospital Cardiovascular Co-Management LLC, St. Marys Hospital Surgical Co-Management LLC, St. Marys Levee Company LLC, St. Marys Medical Center Inc., St. Vincent Health/USP LLC, St. Vincent/USP Surgery Centers LLC, Stockton Outpatient Surgery Center LLC, Subsidiaries of USPI Holding Company Inc., Suburban Endoscopy Center LLC, Summit View Surgery Center LLC, Sun View Imaging L.L.C., Sunrise Medical Group I L.L.C., Sunrise Medical Group II L.L.C., Sunrise Medical Group IV L.L.C., SurgCenter Camelback LLC, SurgCenter Northeast LLC, SurgCenter Pinellas LLC, SurgCenter Tucson LLC, SurgCenter at Paradise Valley LLC, SurgCenter of Deer Valley LLC, SurgCenter of Glen Burnie LLC, SurgCenter of Palm Beach Gardens LLC, SurgCenter of Plano LLC, SurgCenter of Southern Maryland LLC, SurgCenter of St. Lucie LLC, SurgCenter of White Marsh LLC, Surgery Affiliate of El Paso LLC, Surgery Center at Mount Pleasant LLC, Surgery Center at University Park LLC, Surgery Center of Atlanta LLC, Surgery Center of Canfield LLC, Surgery Center of Columbia L.P., Surgery Center of Coral Gables LLC, Surgery Center of Okeechobee LLC, Surgery Center of Pembroke Pines L.L.C., Surgery Center of Peoria L.L.C., Surgery Center of Richardson Physician Partnership L.P., Surgery Center of Santa Barbara LLC, Surgery Center of Scottsdale LLC, Surgery Center of Tempe Real Estate II L.L.C., Surgery Center of Tempe Real Estate L.L.C., Surgery Centers of America II L.L.C., Surgery Centre of SW Florida LLC, Surgical & Bariatric Associates of Atlanta Medical Center L.L.C., Surgical Clinical Excellence at Desert Regional LLC, Surgical Elite of Avondale L.L.C., Surgical Health Partners LLC, Surgical Institute Management LLC, Surgical Institute of Reading LLC, Surgical Specialists at Princeton LLC, Surgicare of Miramar L.L.C., Surginet Inc., Surgis Inc., Surgis Management Services Inc., Surgis of Chico Inc., Surgis of Phoenix Inc., Surgis of Redding Inc., Surgis of Victoria Inc., Sutton Road Pediatrics L.L.C., Sylvan Grove Hospital Inc., TENN SM LLC, TFPS IV L.L.C., TH Healthcare Ltd., TH International Services Florida LLC, THV Park Cities LLC, THVG Arlington GP LLC, THVG Bariatric GP LLC, THVG Bariatric L.L.C., THVG Bedford GP LLC, THVG Bellaire GP LLC, THVG DSP GP LLC, THVG DeSoto GP LLC, THVG Denton GP LLC, THVG Fort Worth GP LLC, THVG Frisco GP LLC, THVG Garland GP LLC, THVG Grapevine GP LLC, THVG Irving-Coppell GP LLC, THVG Lewisville GP LLC, THVG North Garland GP LLC, THVG Park Cities/Trophy Club GP LLC, THVG Rockwall 2 GP LLC, THVG Valley View GP LLC, TLC ASC LLC, TMC Holding Company LLC, TOPS Specialty Hospital Ltd., TPG Hospital LLC, TPR Practice Management LLC, TPS VI of PA L.L.C., TRMC Holdings LLC, TSPE LLC, Tamarac Surgery Center LLC, Tempe New Day Surgery Center LP, Templeton Imaging Inc., Tenet Business Services Corporation, Tenet California Inc., Tenet Central Carolina Physicians Inc., Tenet EKG Inc., Tenet El Paso Ltd., Tenet Employment Inc., Tenet Finance Corp., Tenet Florida Inc., Tenet Florida Physician Services II L.L.C., Tenet Florida Physician Services III L.L.C., Tenet Florida Physician Services L.L.C., Tenet Fort Mill Inc., Tenet Global Business Center Inc., Tenet HealthSystem Bucks County L.L.C., Tenet HealthSystem Graduate L.L.C., Tenet HealthSystem Hahnemann L.L.C., Tenet HealthSystem Medical Inc., Tenet HealthSystem Nacogdoches ASC GP Inc., Tenet HealthSystem Philadelphia Inc., Tenet HealthSystem Roxborough LLC, Tenet HealthSystem St. Christophers Hospital for Children L.L.C., Tenet Hilton Head Heart L.L.C., Tenet Hospitals Limited, Tenet Network Management Inc., Tenet Patient Safety Organization LLC, Tenet Physician Resources LLC, Tenet Physician Services - Hilton Head Inc., Tenet Rehab Piedmont Inc., Tenet Relocation Services L.L.C., Tenet SC East Cooper Hospitalists L.L.C., Tenet South Carolina Gastrointestinal Surgical Specialists L.L.C., Tenet South Carolina Island Medical L.L.C., Tenet South Carolina Lowcountry OB/GYN L.L.C., Tenet South Carolina Mt. Pleasant OB/GYN L.L.C., Tenet Unifour Urgent Care Center L.L.C., Tenet Ventures Inc., TenetCare Frisco Inc., Terre Haute Surgical Center LLC, Teton Outpatient Services LLC, Texan Ambulatory Surgery Center L.P., Texas Endoscopy Centers LLC, Texas Health Venture Arlington Hospital LLC, Texas Health Venture Baylor Plano LLC, Texas Health Venture Carrollton LLC, Texas Health Venture Centennial LLC, Texas Health Venture Ennis LLC, Texas Health Venture Fort Worth L.L.C., Texas Health Venture Granbury LLC, Texas Health Venture Heritage Park LLC, Texas Health Venture Keller LLC, Texas Health Venture Las Colinas LLC, Texas Health Venture Mansfield LLC, Texas Health Venture Plano Endo LLC, Texas Health Venture Plano LLC, Texas Health Venture Plano Parkway LLC, Texas Health Venture Texas Spine LLC, Texas Health Ventures Group L.L.C., Texas Orthopedics Surgery Center LLC, Texas Regional Medical Center LLC, Texas Regional Medical in Sunnyvale, Texas Spine and Joint Hospital LLC, The 6300 West Roosevelt Partnership, The Ambulatory Surgical Center of St. Louis L.P., The Healthcare Insurance Corporation, The Healthcare Underwriting Company a Risk Retention Group, The Huron Corporation, The Outpatient Center LLC, The Southeastern Spine Institute Ambulatory Surgery Center L.L.C., The Surgery Center at Jensen Beach LLC, The Surgery Center at Williamson LLC, The Tresanti Surgical Center LLC, Theda Oaks Gastroenterology & Endoscopy Center LLC, Titan Health Corporation, Titan Health of Chattanooga Inc., Titan Health of Hershey Inc., Titan Health of Mount Laurel LLC, Titan Health of North Haven Inc., Titan Health of Pittsburgh Inc., Titan Health of Pleasant Hills Inc., Titan Health of Princeton Inc., Titan Health of Sacramento Inc., Titan Health of Saginaw Inc., Titan Health of Titusville Inc., Titan Health of West Penn Inc., Titan Health of Westminster Inc., Titan Management Corporation, Titusville Center for Surgical Excellence LLC, Toms River Surgery Center L.L.C., Total Joint Center of the Northland LLC, Tower Road Real Estate LLC, Tower/USP Surgery Centers LLC, Treasure Coast ASC LLC, Trophy Club Medical Center L.P., True Medical Weight Loss L.P., True Medical Wellness LP, True Results Georgia Inc., True Results HoldCo LLC, True Results Missouri LLC, Tucson Digestive Institute LLC, Tucson Hospital Holdings Inc., Tucson Physician Group Holdings LLC, Turlock Imaging Services LLC, Turlock Land Company LLC, Tuscan Surgery Center at Las Colinas LLC, Twin Cities Ambulatory Surgery Center L.P., Twin Cities Community Hospital Inc., UAP Las Colinas Endo LLC, UAP Lebanon Endo LLC, UAP Nashville Endoscopy LLC, UAP Scopes LLC, UAP of Arizona Inc., UAP of California Inc., UAP of Missouri Inc., UAP of New Jersey Inc., UAP of Oklahoma Inc., UAP of Tennessee Inc., UAP of Texas Inc., UCC Tucson Holdings LLC, UMC Surgery Center Lubbock LLC, UMC-USP Surgery Centers LLC, USC/Norris Cancer Hospital, USP 12th Ave Real Estate Inc., USP Acquisition Corporation, USP Alexandria Inc., USP Assurance Company, USP Athens Inc., USP Atlanta Inc., USP Austin Inc., USP Bariatric LLC, USP Beaumont Inc., USP Bergen Inc., USP Bloomington Inc., USP Bridgeton Inc., USP Cedar Park Inc., USP Chesterfield Inc., USP Chicago Inc., USP Cincinnati Inc., USP Coast Inc., USP Columbia Inc., USP Connecticut Inc., USP Corpus Christi Inc., USP Creve Coeur Inc., USP Denver Inc., USP Des Peres Inc., USP Destin Inc., USP Domestic Holdings Inc., USP Effingham Inc., USP Encinitas Endoscopy Inc., USP Fenton Inc., USP Festus Inc., USP Florissant Inc., USP Fort Lauderdale Inc., USP Fort Worth Hospital Real Estate Inc., USP Fredericksburg Inc., USP Fresno Inc., USP Frontenac Inc., USP Gateway Inc., USP HMH Surgery Center at Shore LLC, USP Harbour View Inc., USP Houston Inc., USP Indiana Inc., USP International Holdings Inc., USP Jersey City Inc., USP Kansas City Inc., USP Knoxville Inc., USP Little Rock Inc., USP Long Island Inc., USP Louisiana Inc., USP Lubbock Inc., USP Maryland Inc., USP Mason Ridge Inc., USP Mattis Inc., USP Michigan Inc., USP Midland Inc., USP Midland Real Estate Inc., USP Midwest Inc., USP Mission Hills Inc., USP Montana Inc., USP Morris Inc., USP Mt. Vernon Inc., USP Nevada Holdings LLC, USP Nevada Inc., USP New Hampshire Inc., USP New Jersey Inc., USP Newport News Inc., USP North Carolina Inc., USP North Kansas City Inc., USP North Texas Inc., USP Northwest Arkansas Inc., USP OKC Inc., USP OKC Manager Inc., USP Office Parkway Inc., USP Ohio RE Inc., USP Oklahoma Inc., USP Olive Inc., USP Orlando Inc., USP Philadelphia Inc., USP Phoenix Inc., USP Portland Inc., USP Reading Inc., USP Richmond II Inc., USP Richmond Inc., USP Sacramento Inc., USP San Antonio Inc., USP Santa Barbara Surgery Centers Inc., USP Securities Corporation, USP Silver Cross Inc., USP Siouxland Inc., USP Somerset Inc., USP South Carolina Inc., USP Southlake RE Inc., USP St. Louis Inc., USP St. Louis Urology Inc., USP St. Peters Inc., USP Sunset Hills Inc., USP TJ STL Inc., USP Tennessee Inc., USP Texas Air L.L.C., USP Texas L.P., USP Torrance Inc., USP Tucson Inc., USP Turnersville Inc., USP Virginia Beach Inc., USP Washington Inc., USP Waxahachie Management L.L.C., USP Webster Groves Inc., USP West Covina Inc., USP Westwood Inc., USP Winter Park Inc., USP Wisconsin Inc., USP-HMH Surgery Center at Central Jersey LLC, USP/Carondelet Tucson Surgery Centers LLC, USP/SOS Joint Venture LLC, USPI Group Holdings Inc., USPI Holding Company Inc.1, USPI Holdings Inc., USPI Physician Strategy Group LLC, USPI San Diego Inc., USPI Stockton Inc., USPI Surgical Services Inc., Ulysses True Results NewCo LLC, Underwood Surgery Center LLC, United Anesthesia Partners Inc., United Real Estate Development Inc., United Real Estate Holdings Inc., United Surgical Partners Holdings Inc., United Surgical Partners International, United Surgical Partners International Inc., Universal Medical Care Center L.L.C., University Surgery Center Ltd., University Surgical Partners of Dallas L.L.P., Upper Bay Surgery Center LLC, Upper Cumberland Physicians Surgery Center LLC, Urgent Care Centers of Arizona LLC, Utica ASC Partners LLC, Utica/USP Tulsa L.L.C., VB Brownsville LTACH LLC, VBOA ASC GP LLC, VBOA ASC Partners L.L.C., VHM Services Inc., VHS Acquisition Corporation, VHS Acquisition Partnership Number 1 L.P, VHS Acquisition Subsidiary Number 1 Inc., VHS Acquisition Subsidiary Number 11 Inc., VHS Acquisition Subsidiary Number 12 Inc., VHS Acquisition Subsidiary Number 3 Inc., VHS Acquisition Subsidiary Number 4 Inc., VHS Acquisition Subsidiary Number 5 Inc., VHS Acquisition Subsidiary Number 6 Inc., VHS Acquisition Subsidiary Number 7 Inc., VHS Acquisition Subsidiary Number 8 Inc., VHS Acquisition Subsidiary Number 9 Inc., VHS Arizona Heart Institute Inc., VHS Brownsville Hospital Company LLC, VHS Chicago Market Procurement LLC, VHS Childrens Hospital of Michigan Inc., VHS Detroit Businesses Inc., VHS Detroit Receiving Hospital Inc., VHS Detroit Ventures Inc., VHS Harlingen Hospital Company LLC, VHS Harper-Hutzel Hospital Inc., VHS Holding Company Inc., VHS Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital Inc., VHS Imaging Centers Inc., VHS New England Holding Company I Inc., VHS Outpatient Clinics Inc., VHS Phoenix Health Plan Inc., VHS Physicians of Michigan, VHS Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan Inc., VHS San Antonio Imaging Partners L.P., VHS San Antonio Partners LLC, VHS Sinai-Grace Hospital Inc., VHS University Laboratories Inc., VHS Valley Health System LLC, VHS Valley Holdings LLC, VHS Valley Management Company Inc., VHS West Suburban Medical Center Inc., VHS Westlake Hospital Inc., VHS of Anaheim Inc., VHS of Arrowhead Inc., VHS of Huntington Beach Inc., VHS of Illinois Inc., VHS of Michigan Inc., VHS of Michigan Staffing Inc., VHS of Orange County Inc., VHS of Phoenix Inc., VHS of South Phoenix Inc., Valley Baptist Lab Services LLC, Valley Baptist Physician Performance Network, Valley Baptist Realty Company LLC, Valley Baptist Wellness Center LLC, Valley Health Care Network, Vanguard ASC LLC, Vanguard Health Financial Company LLC, Vanguard Health Holding Company I LLC, Vanguard Health Holding Company II LLC, Vanguard Health Management Inc., Vanguard Health Systems, Vanguard Health Systems Inc., Vanguard Holding Company I Inc., Vanguard Holding Company II Inc., Vanguard Medical Specialists LLC, Vanguard Physician Services LLC, Ventana Surgical Center LLC, Veroscan Inc., Victoria Ambulatory Surgery Center L.P., Virtua-USP Princeton LLC, WHASA L.C., Walker Baptist Affinity LLC, Walker Street Imaging Care Inc., Warner Park Surgery Center LLC, Watermark Physician Services Inc., Webster Ambulatory Surgery Center L.P., Wellington Endo LLC, Wellstar/USP Joint Venture I LLC, Wellstar/USP Joint Venture II LLC, West Boca Health Services L.L.C., West Boca Medical Center Inc., West Boynton Urgent Care L.L.C., West Bozeman Surgery Center LLC, West Palm Healthcare Real Estate Inc., West Suburban Radiation Therapy Center LLC, Westgate Surgery Center LLC, Westlake Hospital LLC, Westlawn Surgery Center LLC, Westminster Surgery Center LLC, Westminster Surgery Centers LLC, White Fence Surgical Suites LLC, Willamette Spine Center Ambulatory Surgery LLC, Wilmington Endoscopy Center LLC, Wilshire Rental Corp., Winter Haven Ambulatory Surgical Center L.L.C., Wisconsin Specialty Surgery Center LLC, Wymark Surgery Center LLC, and YNHHSC/USP Surgery Centers LLC. 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Ltd., AGA Medical Belgium, AGA Medical Corporation, AGA Medical Holdings Inc., ALR Holdings, AML Medical LLC, APK Advanced Medical Technologies LLC, ATS Bermuda Holdings Limited, ATS Laboratories Inc., Abbott, Abbott (Jiaxing) Nutrition Co. Ltd., Abbott (UK) Finance Limited, Abbott (UK) Holdings Limited, Abbott AG, Abbott Asia Holdings Limited, Abbott Asia Investments Limited, Abbott Australasia Holdings Limited, Abbott Australasia Pty Ltd, Abbott B.V., Abbott Bahamas Overseas Businesses Corporation, Abbott Belgian Investments, Abbott Bermuda Holding Ltd., Abbott Biologicals B.V., Abbott Biologicals LLC, Abbott Bulgaria Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Capital India Limited, Abbott Cardiovascular Inc., Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc., Abbott Delaware LLC, Abbott Diabetes Care Inc., Abbott Diabetes Care Limited, Abbott Diabetes Care Sales Corporation, Abbott Diagnostics GmbH, Abbott Diagnostics International Ltd., Abbott Diagnostics Technologies AS, Abbott Doral Investments S.L., Abbott Equity Holdings Unlimited, Abbott Equity Investments LLC, Abbott Established Products Holdings (Gibraltar) Limited, Abbott Finance Company SA, Abbott Financial Holdings SRL, Abbott France S.A.S., Abbott Fund Tanzania Limited, Abbott Gesellschaft m.b.H., Abbott GmbH & Co. KG, Abbott Health Products LLC, Abbott Healthcare (Puerto Rico) Ltd., Abbott Healthcare B.V., Abbott Healthcare Costa Rica S.A., Abbott Healthcare LLC, Abbott Healthcare Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Healthcare Private Limited, Abbott Healthcare Products B.V., Abbott Healthcare Products Ltd, Abbott Holding (Gibraltar) Limited, Abbott Holding GmbH, Abbott Holding Subsidiary (Gibraltar) Limited, Abbott Holding Subsidiary (Gibraltar) Limited Luxembourg S.C.S., Abbott Holdings B.V., Abbott Holdings LLC, Abbott Holdings Limited, Abbott Holdings Poland Spoka z ograniczona odpowiedzialnoscia, Abbott Hungary Korlatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag, Abbott Iberian Investments (2) Limited, Abbott Iberian Investments Limited, Abbott India Limited, Abbott Informatics Asia Pacific Limited, Abbott Informatics Canada Inc, Abbott Informatics Corporation, Abbott Informatics Europe Limited, Abbott Informatics France, Abbott Informatics Germany GmbH, Abbott Informatics Netherlands B.V., Abbott Informatics Singapore Pte. Limited, Abbott Informatics Spain S.A., Abbott Informatics Technologies Ltd, Abbott International Corporation, Abbott International Enterprises Ltd., Abbott International Holdings Limited, Abbott International LLC, Abbott International Luxembourg S.ar.l., Abbott Investments Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Ireland, Abbott Ireland Financing Designated Activity Company, Abbott Ireland Limited, Abbott Japan Co. Ltd., Abbott Kazakhstan Limited Liability Partnership, Abbott Knoll Investments B.V., Abbott Korea Limited, Abbott Laboratories (Bangladesh) Limited, Abbott Laboratories (Chile) Holdco (Dos) SpA, Abbott Laboratories (Chile) Holdco SpA, Abbott Laboratories (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Abbott Laboratories (Mozambique) Limitada, Abbott Laboratories (Pakistan) Limited, Abbott Laboratories (Philippines), Abbott Laboratories (Puerto Rico) Incorporated, Abbott Laboratories (Singapore) Private Limited, Abbott Laboratories A/S, Abbott Laboratories Argentina Sociedad Anonima, Abbott Laboratories B.V., Abbott Laboratories C.A., Abbott Laboratories Finance B.V., Abbott Laboratories GmbH, Abbott Laboratories Inc., Abbott Laboratories International LLC, Abbott Laboratories Ireland Limited, Abbott Laboratories Limited, Abbott Laboratories Limited - Laboratoires Abbott Limitee, Abbott Laboratories NZ Limited, Abbott Laboratories Pacific Ltd., Abbott Laboratories Poland Spoka z ograniczona odpowiedzialnoscia, Abbott Laboratories Products B.V., Abbott Laboratories Residential Development Fund Inc., Abbott Laboratories S.A., Abbott Laboratories SA, Abbott Laboratories Services Corp., Abbott Laboratories Slovakia s.r.o., Abbott Laboratories South Africa (Pty) Ltd., Abbott Laboratories Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Abbott Laboratories Trustee Company Limited, Abbott Laboratories Uruguay S.A., Abbott Laboratories Vascular Enterprises, Abbott Laboratories d.o.o., Abbott Laboratories de Chile Limitada, Abbott Laboratories de Colombia S.A., Abbott Laboratories de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Abbott Laboratories druzba za farmacijo in diagnostiko d.o.o., Abbott Laboratories s.r.o., Abbott Laboratories(Hellas) Societe Anonyme, Abbott Laboratorios S.A., Abbott Laboratorios S.A., Abbott Laboratorios del Ecuador Cia. Ltda., Abbott Laboratuarlari Ithalat Ihracat ve Ticaret Ltd.Sti, Abbott Laboratorios Lda, Abbott Laboratorios do Brasil Ltda., Abbott Limited Egypt LLC, Abbott Logistics B.V., Abbott Management GmbH, Abbott Management LLC, Abbott Manufacturing Singapore Private Limited, Abbott Mature Products International Unlimited Company, Abbott Mature Products Management Limited, Abbott Medical (Hong Kong) Limited, Abbott Medical (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Abbott Medical (Portugal) Distribuicao de Produtos Medicos Lda, Abbott Medical (Schweiz) AG, Abbott Medical (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Abbott Medical (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical Australia Pty. Ltd., Abbott Medical Austria Ges.m.b.H., Abbott Medical Balkan d.o.o. Beograd (Novi Beograd), Abbott Medical Belgium, Abbott Medical Canada Inc./ Medicale Abbott Canada Inc., Abbott Medical Danmark A/S, Abbott Medical Devices Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical Espana S.A., Abbott Medical Estonia OU, Abbott Medical Finland Oy, Abbott Medical France SAS, Abbott Medical GmbH, Abbott Medical Hellas Limited Liability Trading Company, Abbott Medical Ireland Limited, Abbott Medical Italia S.p.A., Abbott Medical Japan Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical Korea Limited, Abbott Medical Korlatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag, Abbott Medical Laboratories LTD, Abbott Medical Nederland B.V., Abbott Medical New Zealand Limited, Abbott Medical Norway AS, Abbott Medical Overseas Cyprus Limited, Abbott Medical Sweden AB, Abbott Medical Taiwan Co., Abbott Medical U.K. Limited, Abbott Medical spoka z ograniczona odpowiedzialnoscia, Abbott Middle East S.A.R.L., Abbott Molecular Inc., Abbott Morocco SARL, Abbott Nederland C.V., Abbott Nederland Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Netherlands Investments B.V., Abbott Norge AS, Abbott Nutrition Limited, Abbott Nutrition Manufacturing Inc., Abbott Operations Singapore Pte. Ltd., Abbott Operations Uruguay S.R.L., Abbott Overseas Cyprus Limited, Abbott Overseas Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Overseas S.A., Abbott Oy, Abbott Point of Care Canada Limited, Abbott Point of Care Inc., Abbott Poland Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Procurement LLC, Abbott Products (Philippines) Inc., Abbott Products (Spain) S.L., Abbott Products Algerie EURL, Abbott Products B.V., Abbott Products Distribution SAS, Abbott Products Egypt LLC, Abbott Products Limited, Abbott Products Limited Liability Company, Abbott Products Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Products Operations AG, Abbott Products Operations LLC, Abbott Products Romania S.R.L., Abbott Products Tunisie S.A.R.L., Abbott Products Unlimited Company, Abbott Resources Inc., Abbott Resources International Inc., Abbott S.r.l., Abbott Saudi Arabia Trading Company, Abbott Scandinavia Aktiebolag, Abbott Sociedad Anonima de Capital Variable, Abbott South Africa Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Strategic Opportunities Limited, Abbott Trading Company Inc., Abbott Universal LLC, Abbott Vascular Devices (2) Limited, Abbott Vascular Devices Limited, Abbott Vascular Inc., Abbott Vascular Instruments Deutschland GmbH, Abbott Vascular International, Abbott Vascular Japan Co. Ltd, Abbott Vascular Limitada, Abbott Vascular Netherlands B.V., Abbott Vascular Solutions Inc., Abbott Ventures Inc., Abbott West Indies Limited, Abbott drustvo sa ogranicenom odgovornoscu za trgovinu i usluge, Advanced Neuromodulation Systems Inc., Alere, Alere (Shanghai) Diagnostics Co. Ltd., Alere (Shanghai) Healthcare Management Co. Ltd., Alere (Shanghai) Medical Sales Co. Ltd., Alere (Shanghai) Technology Co. Ltd., Alere A/S, Alere AB, Alere AS, Alere AS Holdings Limited, Alere BBI Holdings Limited, Alere Bangladesh Limited, Alere China Co. Ltd., Alere Colombia S.A., Alere Connect LLC, Alere Connected Health Limited, Alere Connected Health Ltd., Alere Diagnostics GmbH, Alere DoA Holding GmbH, Alere GmbH, Alere GmbH (Austria), Alere GmbH (Germany), Alere HK Holdings Ltd., Alere Health B.V., Alere Health BVBA, Alere Health Corp., Alere Health Sdn Bhd, Alere Health Services B.V., Alere Healthcare (Pty) Limited, Alere Healthcare Connections Limited, Alere Healthcare Inc., Alere Healthcare Nigeria Limited, Alere Healthcare S.L., Alere Holdco Inc., Alere Holding GmbH, Alere Holdings Bermuda Limited, Alere Holdings Pty Limited, Alere Home Monitoring Inc., Alere Inc., Alere Informatics Inc., Alere International Holding Corp., Alere International Limited, Alere Lda, Alere Limited, Alere Limited (New Zealand), Alere Medical BVBA, Alere Medical Co. Ltd., Alere Medical Pakistan (Private) Limited, Alere Medical Private Limited, Alere North America LLC, Alere Oy Ab, Alere Philippines Inc., Alere Phoenix ACQ Inc., Alere Pte Ltd, Alere S.A., Alere S.r.l., Alere S/A, Alere SAS, Alere San Diego Inc., Alere Scarborough Inc., Alere Spain S.L., Alere Switzerland GmbH, Alere Technologies GmbH, Alere Technologies Holdings Limited, Alere Technologies Limited, Alere Toxicology AB, Alere Toxicology Inc., Alere Toxicology S.r.l., Alere Toxicology Services Inc., Alere Toxicology plc, Alere UK Holdings Limited, Alere UK Subco Limited, Alere ULC, Alere US Holdings LLC, Alere s.r.o., Alisoc Investment & Co, Amedica Biotech Inc., Ameditech Inc., American Generics S.A.S., American Medical Supplies Inc., American Pharmacist Inc., Antares S.A., Apica Cardiovascular Limited, Aquagestion Capacitacion S.A., Aquagestion S.A., Arriva Medical LLC, Arriva Medical Philippines Inc., Arvis Investments Limited, Atlas Farmaceutica S.A., Avee Laboratories Inc., Axis-Shield AD III AS, Axis-Shield AD IV AS, Axis-Shield AS, Axis-Shield Diagnostics Limited, Axis-Shield Ltd., BBI Animal Health Limited, BBI Diagnostics Group 2 Public Limited Company, Banco de Vida S.A., Bioabsorbable Vascular Solutions Inc., Bioalgae S.A., Biohealth LLC, Biosite Incorporated, Bosque Bonito S.A., Branan Medical Corporation, Brandex Europe C.V., British Colloids Limited, CFR Chile S.A., CFR Interamericas EL Salvador Sociedad Anonima de Capital Variable, CFR Interamericas Nicaragua Sociedad Anonima, CFR Interamericas Panama S.A., CFR Pharmaceuticals, California Property Holdings III LLC, CardioMEMS LLC, Caripharm Inc., Cephea Valve Technologies, Cephea Valve Technologies Inc., Colibri Medical Aktiebolag, Comercializadora y Distribuidora CFR Interamericas Honduras S.A., Concateno South Limited, Concateno UK Limited, Consorcio Tecnologico en Biomedicina Clinico-Molecular S.A., Continuum Services LLC, Cozart Limited, Dextech S.A., Diagnostik Nord GmbH, Distribuciones Uquifa S.A.S., Domesco Medical Import-Export Joint-Stock Corporation, Duphar International Research B.V., Endocardial Solutions, Epocal (US) Inc, Esprit de Vie S.A., European Chemicals & Co, European Drug Testing Service EDTS AB, European Services S.A., Evalve Inc., Evalve International Inc., FARMINDUSTRIA S.A., Fada Pharma Paraguay Sociedad Anonima, Fadapharma del Ecuador S.A., Farmaceutica Mont Blanc S.L., Farmacologia Em Aquicultura Veterinaria Ltda., Farmacologia en Aquacultura Veterinaria FAV Ecuador S.A., Farmacologia en Aquacultura Veterinaria FAV S.A., Fernwood Investment S.A., First Check Diagnostics LLC, Focus Pharmaceutical S.A.S., Forensics Limited, Forestcreek Overseas S.A., Fournier Pharma Corp., Fournier Pharma GmbH, Fournier Pharmaceuticals Limited, Framed B.V., Gabmed GmbH, Garden Hills LLC, Global Analytical Development LLC, Globapharm & CO LP, Glomed Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Golnorth Investments S.A., Gynocare Limited, Gynopharm Sociedad Anonima, Gynopharm de Centroamerica S.A., Gynopharm de Venezuela C.A., Hi-Tronics Designs Inc., IDEV Technologies Inc., IG Innovations Limited, IMTC Finance B.V., IMTC Holdings B.V., IMTC Technologies Inc., Ibis Biosciences LLC, Igloo Zone Chile S.A., Igloo Zone S.L., Inmobiliaria Naknek S.A.C., Innovacon Inc., Instant Tech Subsidiary Acquisition Inc., Instant Technologies Inc., Instituto de Criopreservacion de Chile S.A., Integrated Vascular Systems Inc., Inverness Canadian Acquisition Corporation, Inverness Medical (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Inverness Medical Innovations Australia Pty Ltd., Inverness Medical Innovations Hong Kong Limited, Inverness Medical Innovations SK LLC, Inverness Medical Investments LLC, Inverness Medical LLC, Inverness Medical Shimla Private Limited, Inversiones K2 SpA, Inversiones Komodo S.R.L., Ionian Technologies LLC, Irvine Biomedical Inc., Kalila Medical, Kangshenyunga S.A., Knoll UK Investments Unlimited, LLC VeroInPharm, Laboratoires Fournier S.A.S., Laboratorio Franco Colombiano Lafrancol S.A.S., Laboratorio Franco Colombiano del Ecuador S.A., Laboratorio Internacional Argentino S.A., Laboratorio Synthesis S.A.S., Laboratorios Lafi Limitada, Laboratorios Naturmedik S.A.S., Laboratorios Pauly Pharmaceutical S.A.S., Laboratorios Recalcine S.A., Laboratorios Transpharm S.A., Laboratory Specialists of America Inc., Lafrancol Dominicana S.A.S., Lafrancol Guatemala S.A. Sociedad Anonima, Lafrancol Internacional S.A.S, Lafrancol Peru S.R.L, Lake Forest Investments LLC, Lightlab Imaging Inc., Limited Liability Company Abbott Laboratories, Limited Liability Company Abbott Ukraine, Limited Liability Company VEROPHARM, Lung Fung Hong (China) Limited, Mansbridge Pharmaceuticals Limited, MediGuide LLC, MediGuide Ltd., Medscreen Holdings Limited, Metropolitana Farmaceutica S.A., Midwest Properties LLC, Murex Argentina S.A., Murex Biotech Limited, Murex Biotech South Africa, Murex Diagnostics Inc., Murex Diagnostics International Inc., Natural Supplement Association LLC, Negocios Denia Sociedad Anonima, Neosalud S.A.C., Nether Pharma N.P. C.V., NeuroTherm LLC, Normann Pharma-Handels GmbH, North Shore Properties Inc., Novamedi S.A., Novasalud.com S.A., Nutravida S.A., OJSC Voronezhkhimpharm, Omnilab Iberia Sociedad Limitada, OptiMedica, Orgenics France SAS, Orgenics International Holdings B.V., Orgenics Ltd., PBM-Selfcare LLC, PDD II LLC, PDD LLC, PT Alere Health, PT. Abbott Indonesia, PT. Abbott Products Indonesia, Pacesetter Inc., Pantech (RF) (PTY) LTD, Pembrooke Occupational Health Inc., Penagos S.A., Pharma International Sociedad Anonima, Pharmaceutical Technologies (Pharmatech) S.A., Pharmatech Boliviana S.A., Polygon Labs S.A., Quality Assured Services Inc., RF Medical Holdings LLC, RTL Holdings Inc., Ramses Business Corp., Recben Xenerics Farmaceutica Limitada, Redwood Toxicology Laboratory Inc., Rich Horizons International Limited, SC VEROPHARM, SJ Medical Mexico S de R.L. de C.V., SJM International Inc., SJM Thunder Holding Company, SPDH Inc., Saboya Enterprises Corporation, Salviac Limited, Scanax AS, Sealing Solutions Inc., Selfcare Technology Inc., Shandong Abbott Dairy Product Co. Ltd., Shanghai Abbott Medical Devices Science and Technology Co. Ltd., Shanghai Abbott Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Shanghai Si Fa Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Sinensix & Co., Spinal Modulation LLC, St. Jude Medical, St. Jude Medical AB, St. Jude Medical ATG Inc., St. Jude Medical Argentina S.A., St. Jude Medical Asia Pacific Holdings GK, St. Jude Medical Atrial Fibrillation Division Inc., St. Jude Medical Brasil Ltda., St. Jude Medical Business Services Inc., St. Jude Medical Cardiology Division Inc., St. Jude Medical Colombia Ltda., St. Jude Medical Coordination Center, St. Jude Medical Costa Rica Limitada, St. Jude Medical Europe Inc., St. Jude Medical Export Ges.m.b.H., St. Jude Medical GVA Sarl, St. Jude Medical Holdings B.V., St. Jude Medical India Private Limited, St. Jude Medical International Holding, St. Jude Medical LLC, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings II, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings NT, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings SMI S.a r.l., St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings TC S.a r.l., St. Jude Medical Mexico Business Services S. de R.L. de C.V., St. Jude Medical Middle East DMCC, St. Jude Medical Operations (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., St. Jude Medical Puerto Rico LLC, St. Jude Medical S.C. Inc., St. Jude Medical Systems AB, St. Jude Medical Turkey Medikal Urunler Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Standard Diagnostics Inc., Standing Stone LLC, Swan-Myers Incorporated, TC1 LLC, Tendyne Holdings Inc., Tendyne Medical Inc., Thoratec Delaware LLC, Thoratec Europe Limited, Thoratec LLC, Thoratec Switzerland GmbH, Tobal Products Incorporated, Topera GmbH in Liquidation, Topera Inc., Tremora S.A., Tuenir S.A., TwistDx, UAB Abbott Laboratories, UAB Abbott Medical Lithuania, Union-Madison Realty Company Inc., Unipath Limited (dba Alere International/aka Cranfield), Unipath Management Limited, Unipath Pension Trustee Limited, Veropharm, Veropharm Limited Liability Partnership, Vida Cell Inversiones S.A., Vida Cell S.A., Vivalsol, W&R Pharma Handels GmbH, Western Pharmaceuticals S.A., X Technologies Inc., Yissum Holding Limited, ZonePerfect Nutrition Company, eScreen Canada ULC, eScreen Inc., ( ), and Abbott Laboratories Baltics. The following companies are subsidiares of NRG Energy: 3279405 Nova Scotia Company, 3283764 Nova Scotia Company, 7549709 Canada Inc., 7644868 Canada Inc., 7711565 Canada Inc., AC Solar Holdings LLC, Ace Energy Inc., Agua Caliente Borrower 1 LLC, Agua Caliente Solar Holdings LLC, Agua Caliente Solar LLC, Allied Home Warranty GP LLC, Allied Warranty LLC, Arthur Kill Gas Turbines LLC, Arthur Kill Power LLC, Astoria Gas Turbine Power LLC, Bayou Cove Peaking Power LLC, Beheer-en Beleggingsmaatschappij Plogema B.V., Berrians I Gas Turbine Power LLC, BidURenergy Inc., Big Cajun I Peaking Power LLC, Bluewater Wind Delaware LLC, Bluewater Wind Maryland LLC, Bluewater Wind New Jersey Energy LLC, Boquillas Wind LLC, Cabrillo Power I LLC, Cabrillo Power II LLC, Camino Energy LLC, Carbon Management Solutions LLC, Carlsbad Energy Center LLC, Carlsbad Energy Holdings LLC, Chester Energy LLC, Chickahominy River Energy Corp., Cirro Energy Services Inc., Cirro Group Inc., Citizens Power Holdings One LLC, Commonwealth Atlantic Power LLC, Connecticut Jet Power LLC, Cottonwood Development LLC, Cottonwood Energy Company LP, Cottonwood Generating Partners I LLC, Cottonwood Generating Partners II LLC, Cottonwood Generating Partners III LLC, Cottonwood Technology Partners LP, Delaware Power Development LLC, Devon Power LLC, Doga Enerji Uretim Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Doga Isi Satis Hizmetleri Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Doga Isletme ve Bakim Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Dunkirk Gas Corporation, Dunkirk Power LLC, EHI Development Fund LLC, EME Eastern Holdings LLC, EVgo Services LLC, Eastern Sierra Energy Company LLC, Ecokap Power LLC, El Segundo Energy Center II LLC, El Segundo Power II LLC, El Segundo Power LLC, Elkhorn Ridge Wind II LLC, Energy Alternatives Wholesale LLC, Energy Choice Solutions LLC, Energy Curtailment Specialists, Energy Plus Holdings LLC, Energy Plus Natural Gas LLC, Energy Protection Insurance Company, Everything Energy LLC, Forward Home Security LLC, GCP Funding Company LLC, GenOn Energy, Geostellar Inc., Gladstone Power Station Joint Venture, Goal Zero, Goal Zero Europe GmbH, Goal Zero LLC, Granite II Holding LLC, Granite Power Partners II L.P., Green Mountain Energy, Green Mountain Energy Company, Green Mountain Energy Sun Club, Gregory Partners LLC, Gregory Power Partners LLC, Hanover Energy Company, Huntley IGCC LLC, Huntley Power LLC, Independence Energy Alliance LLC, Independence Energy Group LLC, Independence Energy Natural Gas LLC, Indian River Operations Inc., Indian River Power LLC, Intellastar LLC, Ivanpah Master Holdings LLC, Ivanpah Project I Holdings LLC, Ivanpah Project II Holdings LLC, Ivanpah Project III Holdings LLC, James River Power LLC, Kaufman Cogen LP, LSP-Nelson Energy LLC, Long Beach Generation LLC, Long Beach Peakers LLC, Long Beach Power LLC, Louisiana Generating LLC, MEC Esenyurt B.V., MEC San Pascual B.V., Maplekey UK Finance Limited, Maplekey UK Limited, Meriden Gas Turbines LLC, Middletown Power LLC, Midway-Sunset Cogeneration Company, Midwest Finance Company LLC, Midwest Generation EME LLC, Midwest Generation Holdings I LLC, Midwest Generation Holdings II LLC, Midwest Generation LLC, Midwest Generation Procurement Services LLC, Midwest Peaker Holdings LLC, Mission Bingham Lake Wind LLC, Mission Del Cielo LLC, Mission Energy Construction Services LLC, Mission Energy Holdings International LLC, Mission Energy Wales LLC, Mission Funding Zeta LLC, Mission Midway-Sunset Holdings LLC, Mission Midwest Coal LLC, Mission Minnesota Wind LLC, Mission Watson Holdings LLC, Mission Wind Boquillas LLC, Mission Wind New Mexico II LLC, Mission Wind Owaissa LLC, Mission Wind Pinnacle LLC, Mission del Sol LLC, Montville IGCC LLC, Montville Power LLC, NEO Chester-Gen LLC, NEO Corporation, NRG Acquisition Holdings Inc., NRG Advisory Services LLC, NRG Affiliate Services Inc., NRG Alexandria LLC, NRG Arroyo Nogales LLC, NRG Arthur Kill Operations Inc., NRG Asia-Pacific Ltd., NRG Astoria Gas Turbine Operations Inc., NRG Astoria Power LLC, NRG Audrain Generating LLC, NRG Audrain Holding LLC, NRG Bayou Cove LLC, NRG Berrians East Development LLC, NRG Bluewater Holdings LLC, NRG Bluewater Wind Massachusetts LLC, NRG Bourbonnais Equipment LLC, NRG Bourbonnais LLC, NRG Brazoria Energy LLC, NRG Business Services LLC, NRG CTA Holdings LLC, NRG Cabrillo Power Operations Inc., NRG Cadillac Inc., NRG Cadillac Operations Inc., NRG California Peaker Operations LLC, NRG Capital II LLC, NRG Carbon 360 LLC, NRG Cedar Bayou Development Company LLC, NRG Chalk Point CT LLC, NRG CleanTech Investments LLC, NRG Coal Development Company LLC, NRG ComLease LLC, NRG Common Stock Finance I LLC, NRG Common Stock Finance II LLC, NRG Connected Home LLC, NRG Connecticut Affiliate Services Inc., NRG Connecticut Peaking Development LLC, NRG Construction LLC, NRG Cottonwood Tenant LLC, NRG Curtailment Solutions Canada Inc., NRG Curtailment Solutions Inc., NRG DG Development LLC, NRG Development Company Inc., NRG Devon Operations Inc., NRG Dispatch Services LLC, NRG Distributed Energy Resources Holdings LLC, NRG Distributed Generation PR LLC, NRG Dunkirk Operations Inc., NRG ECOKAP Holdings LLC, NRG ESA Joint Development LLC, NRG El Segundo Operations Inc., NRG Energy Center Eagles LLC, NRG Energy Center Oxnard LLC, NRG Energy Fuel LLC, NRG Energy Fuel Services LLC, NRG Energy Gas & Wind Holdings Inc., NRG Energy Holdings II Inc., NRG Energy Holdings Inc., NRG Energy Inc., NRG Energy Labor Services LLC, NRG Energy Petroleum LLC, NRG Energy Services Group LLC, NRG Energy Services International Inc., NRG Energy Services LLC, NRG Equipment Company LLC, NRG Fuel Cell CA1 LLC, NRG Fuel Resources LLC, NRG Fuel Transportation LLC, NRG GTL Holdings LLC, NRG Gas Development Company LLC, NRG Generation Holdings Inc., NRG Gladstone Operating Services Pty Ltd, NRG Granite Acquisition LLC, NRG Greenco LLC, NRG HQ DG LLC, NRG Holding Leasing Vehicle 7 LLC, NRG Home & Business Solutions LLC, NRG Home Services LLC, NRG Home Solutions LLC, NRG Home Solutions Product LLC, NRG Homer City Services LLC, NRG Huntley Operations Inc., NRG Identity Protect LLC, NRG Ilion LP LLC, NRG Ilion Limited Partnership, NRG Independence Solar LLC, NRG International LLC, NRG Kaufman LLC, NRG Latin America Inc., NRG Lease Co LLC, NRG Lease Development LLC, NRG Limestone 3 LLC, NRG Maintenance Services LLC, NRG Mesquite LLC, NRG Mextrans Inc., NRG MidAtlantic Affiliate Services Inc., NRG MidCon Development LLC, NRG Middletown Operations Inc., NRG Middletown Repowering LLC, NRG Midwest Holdings LLC, NRG Midwest II LLC, NRG Montville Operations Inc., NRG NE Development LLC, NRG Nelson Turbines LLC, NRG New Roads Holdings LLC, NRG NewGen LLC, NRG North Central Operations Inc., NRG Northeast Affiliate Services Inc., NRG Norwalk Harbor Operations Inc., NRG Ohio Pipeline Company LLC, NRG Operating Services Inc., NRG Oswego Harbor Power Operations Inc., NRG Oxbow Holdings LLC, NRG PacGen Inc., NRG Peaker Finance Company LLC, NRG Portable Power LLC, NRG Potrero Development LLC, NRG Power Marketing LLC, NRG Procurement Company LLC, NRG Project Company LLC, NRG Reliability Solutions LLC, NRG Renter's Protection LLC, NRG Repowering Holdings LLC, NRG Residential Solar Solutions LLC, NRG Residential Solar Solutions Leasing II LLC, NRG Retail LLC, NRG Retail Northeast LLC, NRG Rockford Acquisition LLC, NRG Rockford Equipment II LLC, NRG Rockford Equipment LLC, NRG Saguaro Operations Inc., NRG Security LLC, NRG Services Corporation, NRG Sherbino LLC, NRG SimplySmart Solutions LLC, NRG Solar Arrowhead LLC, NRG Solar CVSR Holdings 2 LLC, NRG Solar Dandan LLC, NRG Solar Guam LLC, NRG Solar Ivanpah LLC, NRG Solar Ring LLC, NRG Solar SC Stadium LLC, NRG Solar Sunrise LLC, NRG South Central Affiliate Services Inc., NRG South Central Generating LLC, NRG South Central Operations Inc., NRG South Texas LP, NRG Sterlington Power LLC, NRG Storage Fabrication & Delivery LLC, NRG Storage on Demand NY LLC, NRG SunCap Leasing I LLC, NRG Telogia Power LLC, NRG Texas C&I Supply LLC, NRG Texas Gregory LLC, NRG Texas Holding Inc., NRG Texas LLC, NRG Texas Power LLC, NRG Texas Retail LLC, NRG Trading Advisors LLC, NRG Transmission Holdings LLC, NRG ULC Parent Inc., NRG Victoria I Pty Ltd, NRG Warranty Services LLC, NRG West Coast LLC, NRG Western Affiliate Services Inc., NRG Wind Development Company LLC, NRG Wind Force LLC, NRG Wind LLC, NRG dGen Advisory Services LLC, NRGenerating German Holdings GmbH, NRGenerating International B.V., NRGenerating Luxembourg (No. 1) S.a.r.l., NRGenerating Luxembourg (No. 2) S.a.r.l., New Genco GP LLC, New Jersey Power Development LLC, Norwalk Power LLC, O'Brien Cogeneration Inc. II, ONSITE Energy Inc., One Block Off The Grid Inc., Oswego Harbor Power LLC, Pacific Generation Company, Petra Nova CCS I LLC, Petra Nova Holdings LLC, Petra Nova LLC, Petra Nova Parish Holdings LLC, Petra Nova Power I LLC, Pure Energies Group, Pure Energies Group ULC, Pure Energies Installation Inc., Pure Energies Solar Services Inc., Pure Group Inc., RDI Consulting LLC, RERH Holdings LLC, Reliant Charitable Foundation, Reliant Energy, Reliant Energy Northeast LLC, Reliant Energy Power Supply LLC, Reliant Energy Retail Holdings LLC, Reliant Energy Retail Services LLC, Restoration Design LLC, Roof Diagnostics Solar Holdings LLC, Roof Diagnostics Solar and Electric LLC, Roof Diagnostics Solar and Electric of NY LLC, Saguaro Power Company a Limited Partnership, Saguaro Power LLC, San Gabriel Energy LLC, San Joaquin Energy LLC, San Juan Energy LLC, San Pascual Cogeneration Company International B.V., Sherbino I Wind Farm LLC, Solar Partners I LLC, Solar Partners II LLC, Solar Partners VIII LLC, Solar Power Partners, Solar Pure Energies ULC, Somerset Operations Inc., Somerset Power LLC, South Texas Wind LLC, Station A LLC, Sunrise Power Company LLC, Sunshine State Power (No. 2) B.V., Sunshine State Power B.V., TCV Pipeline LLC, Tacoma Energy Recovery Company, Taloga Wind II LLC, Texas Coastal Ventures LLC, Texas Genco GP LLC, Texas Genco Holdings, Texas Genco Holdings Inc., Texas Genco LP LLC, Texas Genco Services LP, US Retailers LLC, Valle Del Sol Energy LLC, Vienna Operations Inc., Vienna Power LLC, WCP (Generation) Holdings LLC, Watson Cogeneration Company, West Coast Power LLC, XOOM Alberta Holdings LLC, XOOM British Columbia Holdings LLC, XOOM Energy BC ULC, XOOM Energy California LLC, XOOM Energy Canada ULC, XOOM Energy Connecticut LLC, XOOM Energy Delaware LLC, XOOM Energy Georgia LLC, XOOM Energy Global Holdings LLC, XOOM Energy Illinois LLC, XOOM Energy Indiana LLC, XOOM Energy Kentucky LLC, XOOM Energy LLC, XOOM Energy Maine LLC, XOOM Energy Maryland LLC, XOOM Energy Massachusetts LLC, XOOM Energy Michigan LLC, XOOM Energy New Hampshire LLC, XOOM Energy New Jersey LLC, XOOM Energy New York LLC, XOOM Energy ONT ULC, XOOM Energy Ohio LLC, XOOM Energy Pennsylvania LLC, XOOM Energy Rhode Island LLC, XOOM Energy Texas LLC, XOOM Energy Virginia LLC, XOOM Energy Washington D.C. LLC, XOOM Ontario Holdings LLC, XOOM Solar LLC, and eV2g LLC. Nuveen Massachusetts Quality Municipal Income Fund is a closed ended fixed income mutual fund launched by Nuveen Investments, Inc. The fund is co-managed by Nuveen Fund Advisors LLC and Nuveen Asset Management, LLC. It invests in the fixed income markets of Massachusetts, United States. The fund primarily invests in undervalued municipal securities and other related investments which are exempt from regular federal and Massachusetts income taxes. It seeks to invest in investment grade securities that are rated Baa/BBB or above by S&P, Moody's, or Fitch. The fund employs fundamental analysis with a focus on bottom-up stock picking approach to create its portfolio. It benchmarks the performance of its portfolio against the Standard & Poor's (S&P) Massachusetts Municipal Bond Index and Standard & Poor's (S&P) National Municipal Bond Index. The fund was formerly known as Nuveen Massachusetts Premium Income Municipal Fund. Nuveen Massachusetts Quality Municipal Income Fund was formed on January 12, 1993 and is domiciled in the United States. Read More Rowan Companies PLC (NYSE:RDC) released its earnings results on Wednesday, October, 31st. The oil and gas company reported ($1.13) EPS for the quarter, beating the Thomson Reuters' consensus estimate of ($1.15) by $0.02. The oil and gas company earned $192.90 million during the quarter, compared to analysts' expectations of $179.39 million. Rowan Companies had a negative trailing twelve-month return on equity of 9.19% and a negative net margin of 42.12%. The business's revenue was down 33.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted ($0.16) EPS. View Rowan Companies' earnings history. Power Financial Corporation provides financial services in Canada, the United States, Europe, and Asia. It offers life, disability, critical illness, and health insurance products, as well as wealth savings and income products, and specialty products. The company also provides financial products, including employer-sponsored defined contribution plans, individual retirement accounts, enrollment services, communication materials, investment options and education services, fund management services, and investment and advisory services. In addition, it offers protection and wealth management products, such as payout annuity products; reinsurance products; and sub-advisory services. Further, the company provides mutual funds, pooled funds, segregated funds, separate accounts, and other investment vehicles; securities, mortgages, and other financial services; and investment management services. It offers its products primarily through distribution network of third-party financial advisors, consultants, and independent financial advisors. The company was founded in 1984 and is based in Montreal, Canada. Power Financial Corporation is a subsidiary of Power Corporation of Canada. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of General Motors: 2140879 Ontario Inc., ACAR Leasing, ACAR Leasing Ltd., ACF Investment, ACF Investment Corp., AFS SenSub, APGO Trust, Adam Opel, Adam Opel GmbH, Aftermarket (UK), AmeriCredit, AmeriCredit Consumer Loan, AmeriCredit Consumer Loan Company Inc., AmeriCredit Financial Services, AmeriCredit Financial Services Inc., AmeriCredit Funding, AmeriCredit Syndicated Warehouse Trust, Annunciata Corporation, Argonaut Holdings, Argonaut Holdings LLC, BOCO (Proprietary), BOCO (Proprietary) Limited, Banco GMAC, Banco GMAC S.A., Baylis (Gloucester), Boco Trust, Boden Brussels, CHEVYPLAN, CHEVYPLAN S.A. Sociedad Administradora de Planes de Autofinanciamiento Comercial, Cadillac, Cadillac Europe, Cadillac Europe GmbH, Carve-Out Ownership, Carve-Out Ownership Cooperative LLC, Chevrolet Deutschland GmbH, Chevrolet Sales (Thailand), Chevrolet Sales (Thailand) Limited, Chevrolet Sales India, Chevrolet Sales India Private Ltd., Chevrolet Sociedad Anonima de Ahorro para Fines Determinados, Controladora General Motors, Controladora General Motors S.A. de C.V., Cruise, DCJ1, DCJ1 LLC, DMAX, DMAX Ltd., Dealership Liquidations, Dealership Liquidations Inc., Delphi Energy and Engine Management Systems UK, Delphi Energy and Engine Management Systems UK Overseas Corporation, EDS (Electronic Data Systems), FAW-GM, Fundacion Chevrolet, G.M.A.C., GCAR Titling Ltd., GM (UK) Pension, GM (UK) Pension Trustees Limited, GM APO Holdings, GM Administradora de Bens, GM Administradora de Bens Ltda., GM Asia Pacific Regional Headquarters Ltd., GM Auslandsprojekte, GM Automotive, GM Automotive Services Belgium, GM CME, GM Canada Holdings, GM Canada Limited, GM Components Holdings, GM Components Holdings LLC, GM Cruise, GM Cruise Holdings LLC, GM Cruise LLC, GM Defense, GM Eurometals, GM Eurometals Inc., GM Europe Treasury, GM Finance, GM Finance Co. Holdings LLC, GM Financial, GM Financial AB, GM Financial Canada, GM Financial Canada Leasing, GM Financial Canada Leasing Ltd., GM Financial Colombia Holdings LLC, GM Financial Colombia S.A. Compania de Financiamiento, GM Financial Consumer, GM Financial Consumer Discount, GM Financial Consumer Discount Company, GM Financial Del Peru, GM Financial GmbH, GM Financial Holdings LLC, GM Financial Insurance Services, GM Financial Mexico Holdings, GM Financial Mexico Holdings LLC, GM Financial Real Estate, GM Financial de Mexico, GM Financial de Mexico S.A. de C.V. SOFOM E.R., GM Financial del Peru S.A.C, GM Global Business Services, GM Global Propulsion Systems -Torino S.r.l., GM Global Purchasing and Supply Chain, GM Global Technology Operations, GM Global Technology Operations LLC, GM Global Tooling, GM Global Tooling Company LLC, GM Global Treasury Centre Limited, GM Holden, GM Holden Pty Ltd., GM Holdings U.K. No.1 Limited, GM Inversiones Santiago Limitada, GM Investment Trustees Limited, GM Korea, GM Korea Company, GM LAAM Holdings, GM LAAM Holdings LLC, GM Mexico Holdings, GM Mobility Europe GmbH, GM PSA Purchasing Services, GM Personnel Services, GM Personnel Services Inc., GM Philippines Inc., GM Plats (Proprietary), GM Regional Holdings, GM Regional Holdings LLC, GM Retirees Pension Trustees, GM Retirees Pension Trustees Limited, GM Subsystems Manufacturing, GM Subsystems Manufacturing LLC, GM Technical Center Korea Ltd., GM Viet Nam Motor Company, GM-DI Leasing, GM-DI Leasing LLC, GMAC - Instituicao Financeira de Credito, GMAC Administradora de Consorcios, GMAC Administradora de Consorcios Ltda., GMAC Banque, GMAC Continental, GMAC Espana de Financiacion, GMAC Holdings (U.K.), GMAC Lease B.V. (aka Masterlease Europe), GMAC Nederland N.V., GMAC Prestadora de Servicios de Mao de Obra Ltda., GMAC Servicios, GMAC UK, GMAC de Venezuela, GMAC-Prestadora de Servios de Mo-de-Obra, GMACI Corretora de Seguros, GMACI Corretora de Seguros Ltda, GMAM Real Estate I, GMCH&SP Private Equity II, GMCH&SP Private Equity II L.P., GMF Australia Pty Ltd, GMF Europe, GMF Europe Holdco, GMF Europe LLP, GMF Floorplan Owner Revolving Trust, GMF Funding, GMF Germany Holdings, GMF Global Assignment, GMF Global Assignment LLC, GMF International, GMF International LLC, GMF Leasing LLC, GMF Leasing Warehousing Trust, GMF Wholesale Receivables, GMGP Holdings, General Motors (China) Investment Company, General Motors (China) Investment Company Limited, General Motors (Thailand), General Motors (Thailand) Limited, General Motors - Colmotores, General Motors - Colmotores S.A., General Motors Advisory Services LLC, General Motors Africa and Middle East, General Motors Africa and Middle East FZE, General Motors Asia, General Motors Asia LLC, General Motors Asia Pacific Holdings, General Motors Asia Pacific Holdings LLC, General Motors Asset Management, General Motors Asset Management Corporation, General Motors Australia, General Motors Australia Pty Ltd., General Motors Austria, General Motors Austria, General Motors Auto, General Motors Auto LLC, General Motors Automobiles Philippines, General Motors Automobiles Philippines Inc., General Motors Automotive Holdings, General Motors Automotive Holdings S.L., General Motors Belgique Automobile NV, General Motors Belgium, General Motors Chile, General Motors Chile Industria Automotriz Limitada, General Motors China LLC, General Motors Daewoo Auto and Technology, General Motors Daewoo Auto and Technology CIS LLC, General Motors East Africa, General Motors Egypt, General Motors Egypt S.A.E., General Motors Espana, General Motors Europe Holdings, General Motors Europe Limited, General Motors Financial Chile, General Motors Financial Chile Limitada, General Motors Financial Chile S.A., General Motors Financial Company, General Motors Financial Company Inc., General Motors Financial International, General Motors Financial Italia, General Motors Financial Suisse, General Motors Financial UK, General Motors Financial of Canada, General Motors Financial of Canada Ltd., General Motors Finland, General Motors France, General Motors GBS Hungary, General Motors Global Service Operations, General Motors Global Service Operations Inc., General Motors Hellas, General Motors Holden Australia, General Motors Holden Australia NSC, General Motors Holden Australia NSC Pty Ltd., General Motors Holden Australia Pty Ltd., General Motors Holdings LLC, General Motors IT Services (Ireland) Limited, General Motors India Private, General Motors India Private Limited, General Motors International Holdings, General Motors International Holdings LLC, General Motors International Operations, General Motors International Operations Pte. Ltd., General Motors International Services Company, General Motors International Services Company SAS, General Motors International Services LLC, General Motors Investment Limited, General Motors Investment Management, General Motors Investment Management Corporation, General Motors Investment Participacoes, General Motors Investment Participacoes Ltda., General Motors Investments, General Motors Investments Pty. Ltd., General Motors Ireland, General Motors Israel, General Motors Israel Ltd., General Motors Italia, General Motors Japan, General Motors Japan Limited, General Motors LLC, General Motors Limited, General Motors Manufacturing Poland, General Motors Nederland, General Motors New Zealand Pensions, General Motors New Zealand Pensions Limited, General Motors Overseas, General Motors Overseas Commercial Vehicle, General Motors Overseas Commercial Vehicle Corporation, General Motors Overseas Corporation, General Motors Overseas Distribution, General Motors Overseas Distribution LLC, General Motors Peru, General Motors Peru S.A., General Motors Poland Spolka, General Motors Portugal, General Motors Powertrain (Thailand), General Motors Powertrain (Thailand) Limited, General Motors Research Corporation, General Motors South Africa, General Motors South Africa (Pty) Limited, General Motors Suisse, General Motors Taiwan, General Motors Taiwan Ltd., General Motors Technical Centre India, General Motors Technical Centre India Private Limited, General Motors Treasury Center, General Motors Treasury Center LLC, General Motors Turkiye, General Motors UK, General Motors Uruguay, General Motors Uruguay S.A., General Motors Venezolana, General Motors Ventures, General Motors Ventures LLC, General Motors Warehousing and Trading (Shanghai), General Motors Warehousing and Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., General Motors de Argentina, General Motors de Argentina S.r.l., General Motors de Mexico, General Motors de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., General Motors del Ecuador, General Motors del Ecuador S.A., General Motors do Brasil, General Motors do Brasil Ltda., General Motors of Canada, General Motors of Canada Company, General Motors-Holden's Sales, General Motors-Holden's Sales Pty. Limited, GigaPower LLC, Global Services Detroit, Global Services Detroit LLC, Global Tooling Service Company Europe, Global Tooling Service Company Europe Limited, Go Motor Retailing, Go Trade Parts, Grand Pointe Holdings, Grand Pointe Holdings Inc., Grand Pointe Park Condominium, Grand Pointe Park Condominium Association, H.S.H., Haines & Strange, Holden New Zealand, Holden New Zealand Limited, IBC Pension Trustees, IBC Pension Trustees Limited, IBC Vehicles, Lease Ownership Cooperative, Lease Ownership Cooperative LLC, Lidlington Engineering Company, Lidlington Engineering Company Ltd., Limited Liability Company "General Motors CIS", Master Lease Germany, Maven Drive, Maven Drive LLC, Millbrook Pension Management, Millbrook Pension Management Limited, Monetization of Carve-Out, Monetization of Carve-Out LLC, Motor Repris Automocio, Motors Holding, Motors Holding LLC, Motors Properties, Motors Properties (Trading), Multi-Use Lease Entity Trust, North American New Cars, North American New Cars LLC, Omnibus BB Transportes, Omnibus BB Transportes S. A., OnStar Connected Services Srl, OnStar Egypt Limited LLC, OnStar Europe, OnStar Europe Ltd., OnStar Global Services, OnStar Global Services Corporation, OnStar LLC, OnStar de Mexico, OnStar de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Opel Bank, Opel Danmark, Opel Group, Opel Group Warehousing, Opel Leasing, Opel Norge, Opel Sonderdienste, Opel Southeast Europe, Opel Sverige, Opel Szentgotthard Automotive Manufacturing, Opel Wien, P.T. G M AutoWorld Indonesia, P.T. General Motors Indonesia, PIMS, PIMS Co., PT. General Motors Indonesia Manufacturing, Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center, Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center Company Ltd., Prestadora de Servicios GMF Colombia S.A.S., Rapid Motor Vehicle Company, Reliance Motor Car Company, Riverfront Holdings III Inc., Riverfront Holdings Inc., Riverfront Holdings Phase II Inc., SAIC GM (Shenyang) Norsom Motors Co. Ltd., SAIC GM Dong Yue Motors Company Limited, SAIC GM Dong Yue Powertrain Company Limited, SAIC GM Wuling Automobile Company Limited, SAIC General Motors Corporation Limited, SAIC General Motors Investment Limited, SAIC General Motors Sales Company Limited, SAIC-GMAC Automotive Finance Company Limited, SAIC-GMF Leasing Co. Ltd., Servicios GMAC S.A. de C.V., Shanghai Chengxin Used Car Operation and Management Company Limited, Shanghai OnStar Telematics Co. Ltd., Sherwoods (Darlington) Limited, Sidecar Technologies, Skurrays Limited, Stam-Terberg Autobedrijven B. V., Strobe Inc., VHC Sub-Holdings (UK), Vauxhall Defined Contribution Pension Plan Trustees Limited, Vehicle Asset Universal Leasing Trust, Vickers (Lakeside) Limited, Vision Motors Limited, WRE, WRE Inc., and Zona Franca Industrial Colmotores SAS. North American Construction Group Ltd. provides mining and heavy construction services to the resource development and industrial construction sectors in Canada and the United States The company's Heavy Construction & Mining division offers constructability reviews, budgetary cost estimates, design-build construction, project management, contract mining, pre-stripping/pit pioneering, overburden removal and stockpile, muskeg removal and stockpile, site preparation, air strip construction, site dewatering/perimeter ditching, tailings and process pipelines, haulage and access road construction, tailings dam construction and densification, mechanically stabilized earth walls, dyke construction, and reclamation services. Its Equipment Maintenance Services division provides fuel and lube servicing, portable steaming, equipment inspections, parts and component supply, major overhauls and equipment refurbishment, onsite haul truck brake testing, onsite maintenance support, under carriage rebuild, machining, hose manufacturing, and technical support services, as well as welding, fabrication/repairs, weld certification, and inspection services. As of December 31, 2020, the company had a heavy equipment fleet of 626 units. The company was formerly known as North American Energy Partners Inc. and changed its name to North American Construction Group Ltd. in April 2018. The company was founded in 1953 and is headquartered in Acheson, Canada. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Xerox: A B S Digital Limited, Acorn Business Machines (Holmfirth) Limited, Alloy Acquisitions Corp. LLC, Altodigital Networks, Altodigital Networks Limited, American Photocopy Equipment Company of Pittsburgh LLC, Amici, Arena Group, Arena Group Holdings Limited, Arena Group Limited, Arizona Office Technologies Inc., B 2 Business Systems Limited, Back2Business Limited, Bessemer Insurance Limited, Bessemer Trust Limited, Boise Office Equipment Inc., Bright Ceramic Technologies Inc., Bunch CareSolutions, Business Systems (North Wales) Limited, CPAS Systems, CREDITEX - Aluguer de Equipamentos S.A., CTX Business Solutions Inc., Capitol Office Solutions LLC, CareAR Holdings LLC, CareAR Inc., Carolina Office Systems Inc., Carr Business Systems Inc., Chicago Office Technology Group Inc., ComDoc Inc., Concept Group, Concept Group Limited, Connecticut Business Systems LLC, Consilience Software, Continua Limited, Continua Sanctum Limited, Conway Technology Group LLC, Copyrite Business Solutions (Holdings) Limited, Copyrite Business Solutions Limited, Copytrend Limited, Criterion IT Limited, Customer Value Group, Dahill Office Technology Corporation, Digitex, Digitex Canada Inc., Docucentric Holdings Limited, Document Systems, Document Systems, Eastern Managed Print Network LLC, Elan Marketing Inc., Electronic Systems Inc., Fovia (Innovation) Limited, G-Five Inc., GDP Technologies Inc., Global Imaging Systems, Global PR Corporation, Groupe CT, Gyricon LLC, Healthy Communities Institute, Heritage Business Systems Inc., ITEC Group, Image Technology Specialists Inc., ImageQuest Inc., Imagetek Office Systems, Impika, Impika SAS, Inland Business Machines Inc., Institute for Research on Learning, Integrity One Technologies Inc., Intrepid Learning, Invoco Group, Irish Business Systems, LRI LLC, LaserNetworks, LaserNetworks Inc., Lateral Data, Learn Something, Lewan & Associates Inc., Limited Liability Company Xerox (C.I.S.), M & S Reprographics Limited, MRC Smart Technology Solutions Inc., MT Business Holdings Inc., MT Business Technologies Inc., MWB Copy Products Inc., Mail A Doc Limited, Merizon Group Incorporated, Michigan Office Solutions Inc., Minnesota Office Technology Group Inc., Mitral Systems Limited, Mr. Copy Inc., Nemo (AKS) Limited, NewField IT, NewField Information Technology LLC, NewField Information Technology Limited, Northeast Office Systems LLC, Osprey Business Systems Limited, PARC China Holdings Inc., Pacific Services and Development Corporation, Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated, Platinum Digital Print Solutions Limited, Precision Copier Service Inc., Quality Business Systems Inc., Quilver Business Services Limited, R. K. Dixon Company, RRXH Limited, RRXIL Limited, RRXO Limited, RSA Medical, Rabbit Copiers Inc., Reflex Digital Solutions (UK) Limited, Reprographics Egypt Limited, Saxon Business Systems Inc., Smart Data Consulting, SoCal Office Technologies Inc., Stem Networks Limited, Stewart Business Systems LLC, Stewart of Alabama Inc., StrataCare, Talegen Holdings Inc., Tektronix - color printing, Text Comm Limited (in receivership), The Xerox (UK) Trust, The Xerox Foundation, Time Business Systems Limited, Triton Business Finance Limited, Una-Stem Limited, Veenman B.V., Veenman Financial Services B.V., WDS, WaterWare Internet Services, XC Asia LLC, XC Global Trading B.V., XC Trading Hong Kong Limited, XC Trading Japan G.K., XC Trading Korea YH, XC Trading Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., XC Trading Shenzhen Co. Ltd., XC Trading Singapore Pte Ltd., XEROX CZECH REPUBLIC s r.o., XESystems Foreign Sales Corporation, XFS Secured Borrowing 2020-1 LLC, XHC Acquisition Corp., XMPie, XMPie Inc., XMPie Ltd., XRI Limited, XRO Limited, Xerox (Europe) Limited, Xerox (Ireland) Limited, Xerox (Nederland) BV, Xerox (Romania) Echipmante Si Servici S.A., Xerox (UK) Limited, Xerox (Ukraine) Ltd LLC, Xerox A/S, Xerox AG, Xerox AS, Xerox Argentina Industrial y Comercial S.A., Xerox Austria GmbH, Xerox Bulgaria EOOD, Xerox Business Equipment Limited, Xerox Business Services Bulgaria EOOD, Xerox Business Solutions Inc., Xerox Business Solutions Southeast LLC, Xerox Buro Araclari Servis ve Ticaret Ltd. Sti, Xerox Canada Inc., Xerox Canada Ltd., Xerox Canada N.S. ULC, Xerox Capital (Europe) Limited, Xerox Capital LLC, Xerox Computer Services Limited, Xerox Comercio e Industria Ltda, Xerox Corporation, Xerox DNHC LLC, Xerox Dienstleistungsgesellschaft GmbH, Xerox Distributor Operations Limited, Xerox Egypt S.A.E., Xerox Equipment Limited, Xerox Equipment UK Limited, Xerox Espana S.A.U., Xerox Exports Limited, Xerox Finance AG, Xerox Finance Leasing S.A.E., Xerox Finance Limited, Xerox Financial Services B.V., Xerox Financial Services Belux NV, Xerox Financial Services Canada Ltd., Xerox Financial Services Danmark A/S, Xerox Financial Services Finland Oy, Xerox Financial Services LLC, Xerox Financial Services Norway AS, Xerox Financial Services SAS, Xerox Financial Services Sverige AB, Xerox Foreign Holdings LLC, Xerox Foreign Sales Corporation, Xerox GmbH, Xerox Health Care LLC, Xerox Hellas AEE, Xerox Holding Deutschland GmbH, Xerox Holdings (Ireland) Limited, Xerox Holdings Inc., Xerox Hungary Trading Limited, Xerox IBS Limited, Xerox IBS NI Limited, Xerox India Limited, Xerox International Joint Marketing Inc., Xerox Investments Europe B.V., Xerox Israel Ltd., Xerox Italia Rental Services Srl, Xerox Kazakhstan Limited Liability Partnership, Xerox Latinamerican Holdings Inc., Xerox Leasing Deutschland GmbH, Xerox Leasing GmbH, Xerox Limited, Xerox Luxembourg SA, Xerox Mailing Systems Limited, Xerox Manufacturing (Nederland) B.V., Xerox Maroc S.A., Xerox Mexicana S.A. de C.V., Xerox Middle East Investments (Bermuda) Limited, Xerox N.V., Xerox Overseas Holdings Limited, Xerox Overseas Inc., Xerox Oy, Xerox Pensions Limited, Xerox Polska Sp. z o. o, Xerox Portugal Equipamentos de Escritorio Limitada, Xerox Products Limited, Xerox Products UK Limited, Xerox Professional Services Limited, Xerox Realty Corporation, Xerox Renting S.A.U., Xerox Reprographische Services GmbH, Xerox S.A.S., Xerox S.p.A., Xerox Secured Borrowing 2020-1 LLC, Xerox Servicios Compartidos Guatemala y Compani Limitada, Xerox Servicos e Participacoes Ltda, Xerox Shared Services Romania SRL, Xerox Sverige AB, Xerox Technology Services India LLP, Xerox Technology Services SAS, Xerox Telebusiness GmbH, Xerox Trading Enterprises Limited, Xerox Trinidad Limited, Xerox UK Holdings Limited, Xerox XHB Limited, Xerox XIB Limited, Xerox Xf Holdings (Ireland) DAC, Xerox de Chile S.A., Xerox del Ecuador S.A., Xerox del Peru S.A., Zeno Office Solutions, Zeno Office Solutions Inc., Zoom Imaging Solutions Inc., and inVentiv Patient Access Solutions. iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF's stock was trading at $38.50 on March 11th, 2020 when COVID-19 reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization. Since then, EFV shares have increased by 32.5% and is now trading at $51.02. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. The following companies are subsidiares of Sealed Air: A.P.S. (Holdings) Limited, AFP Trading (China) Co. Ltd., AFPTOH LTD, APS Automated Packaging Systems GmbH & Co. KG, APS Verwaltungs-GmbH, Air Ride Pallets Hong Kong Limited, Austin Foam Plastics Inc. (dba AFP Inc.), Automated Packaging Systems, Automated Packaging Systems Asia Holding Company Limited, Automated Packaging Systems Comerciale Importacao do Brasil Ltda., Automated Packaging Systems Europe, Automated Packaging Systems LLC, Automated Packaging Systems Limited, Automated Packaging Systems Southeast Asia Co. Ltd., B+ Equipment, B+ Equipment SAS, Beacon Holdings LLC, Biosphere Industries, BluPack (New Zealand), Blue Dot Packaging Pty Ltd., Cactus (Shanghai) Trading Co. Ltd., Cryovac (Malaysia) SDN. BHD, Cryovac Brasil Ltda., Cryovac Holdings II LLC, Cryovac International Holdings Inc., Cryovac LLC*, Cryovac Leasing Corporation, Cryovac Londrina Ltda., Cryovac Packaging Portugal Embalagens Ltda., Cryovac-Sealed Air de Costa Rica S.R.L., DELTAPLAM Embalagens Industria e Comercio, Diversey, Diversey J Trustee Limited, Diversey Trustee Limited, Entapack Pty. Ltd., Fagerdala (Chengdu) Packaging Co. Ltd, Fagerdala (Shanghai) Foams Co. Ltd., Fagerdala (Shanghai) Polymer Co. Ltd., Fagerdala (Suzhou) Packaging Co. Ltd., Fagerdala (Thailand) Limited, Fagerdala (Xiamen) Packaging Co. Ltd., Fagerdala Leamchabung Limited, Fagerdala Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Fagerdala Mexico S.A. de C.V., Fagerdala Mexico Supply Chain S.A. de C.V., Fagerdala Packaging Inc. (Indiana), Fagerdala Singapore Pte Ltd, Fagerdala Singapore Pte. Ltd., Getpacking.com GmbH, Invertol S. de R.L. de C.V., JSC Sealed Air Kaustik, KRIS Automated Packaging Systems Holding Company, Kevothermal LLC, Kevothermal Limited, Nelipak Holdings, Pack-Tiger GmbH, Polyrol Limited, Polyrol Packaging Systems LLC, ProAseptic Technologies S.L., Producembal- Producao de Embalagens LTDA, Reflectix Inc., SLD Air Packaging Paketleme Malzemeleri Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Saddle Brook Insurance Company, Sealed Air (Asia) Holdings BV, Sealed Air (Barbados) S.R.L., Sealed Air (Canada) Co./CIE, Sealed Air (Canada) Holdings B.V., Sealed Air (China) Co. Ltd., Sealed Air (China) Limited, Sealed Air (Israel) Ltd., Sealed Air (Korea) Limited, Sealed Air (Latin America) Holdings II LLC, Sealed Air (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Sealed Air (New Zealand), Sealed Air (Philippines) Inc., Sealed Air (Singapore) Pte. Limited, Sealed Air (Ukraine) Limited, Sealed Air Africa (Pty.) Limited, Sealed Air Americas Manufacturing S. de R.L. de C.V., Sealed Air Argentina S.A., Sealed Air Australia (Holdings) Pty. Limited, Sealed Air Australia Pty. Limited, Sealed Air Australia Real Estate Pty Ltd, Sealed Air B.V., Sealed Air Belgium N.V., Sealed Air Central America S.A., Sealed Air Chile SpA, Sealed Air Colombia Ltda., Sealed Air Corporation (US), Sealed Air Cyprus Ltd., Sealed Air Denmark A/S, Sealed Air Finance B.V., Sealed Air Finance II LLC, Sealed Air Finance Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Sealed Air Funding LLC, Sealed Air General Trading LLC, Sealed Air GmbH (Germany), Sealed Air GmbH (Switzerland), Sealed Air Hellas SA, Sealed Air Holding France SAS, Sealed Air Holdings (New Zealand) Pty. Ltd., Sealed Air Holdings South Africa Proprietary Limited, Sealed Air Holdings UK I Limited, Sealed Air Holdings UK Limited, Sealed Air Hong Kong Limited, Sealed Air Hungary Ltd., Sealed Air Investment and Management (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Sealed Air Japan G.K., Sealed Air LLC, Sealed Air Limited (Ireland), Sealed Air Limited (UK), Sealed Air Luxembourg (I) S.a.r.l., Sealed Air Luxembourg (II) S.a.r.l., Sealed Air Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Sealed Air Management Holding Verwaltungs GmbH, Sealed Air Multiflex GmbH, Sealed Air Netherlands (Holdings) I B.V., Sealed Air Netherlands (Holdings) II B.V., Sealed Air Netherlands Holdings V B.V., Sealed Air Norge AS, Sealed Air OY, Sealed Air Packaging (India) Private Limited, Sealed Air Packaging (Shanghai) Co. Limited, Sealed Air Packaging (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Sealed Air Packaging LLC, Sealed Air Packaging Materials (India) LLP, Sealed Air Packaging S.L.U., Sealed Air Peru S.A.C., Sealed Air Polska Sp. Zoo, Sealed Air Pty Limited, Sealed Air S.A S., Sealed Air S.r.l., Sealed Air South Africa (Pty.) Ltd., Sealed Air Svenska AB, Sealed Air Taiwan Limited, Sealed Air UK Limited Partnership, Sealed Air US Holdings (Thailand) LLC, Sealed Air Uruguay S.A., Sealed Air Verpackungen GmbH, Sealed Air de Mexico Operations S. de RL. de C.V., Sealed Air de Venezuela S.A., Sealed Air s.r.o., Shanklin Corp, Shanklin Corporation, TTS-Ciptec, TXAFP Asia Pacific Ltd., TXAFP GP LLC, and Trigon Industries. The following companies are subsidiares of Eaton: ADF Systems SARL, Abeiron III Limited, Aeroquip (UK) Limited, Aeroquip Financial Ltd., Aeroquip Iberica S.L., Aeroquip International Inc., Aeroquip Limited, Aeroquip do Brasil Ltda., Aeroquip-Vickers, Aeroquip-Vickers Canada Inc., Aeroquip-Vickers International S.a.r.L., Aphel Technologies, Argo-Tech, Arrow Hose & Tubing, Arrow-Hart S. de R.L. de C.V., Azonix Corporation, Babco Electric Group, Beijing Internormen-Filter Ltd. Co., Beijing Yoosung Shinhwa Automobile Parts Co. Ltd., Blinda Industria e Comercio Ltda., Bussmann International Holdings LLC, Bussmann International Inc., Bussmann S. de R.L. de C.V., Bussmann do Brasil Ltda., CBE Services Inc., CEAG Notlichtsysteme GmbH, CI ESI de Colombia, CTI-VIENNA Gesellschaft zur Prufung elektrotechnischer Industrieprodukte GmbH, Cambridge International Insurance Company Ltd., Cannon Technologies Inc., Centralion Industrial Inc., Chagrin Highlands III Limited, Cobham, Componentes de Iluminacion S. de R.L. de C.V., Cooper (China) Co. Ltd., Cooper (Ningbo) Electric Co. Ltd., Cooper B-Line Inc., Cooper Bermuda Investments Ltd., Cooper Bussmann (U.K.) Limited, Cooper Bussmann Hungaria Kft., Cooper Bussmann LLC, Cooper Capri S.A.S., Cooper Colombia Investments Ltd., Cooper Controls (Watford) Limited, Cooper Controls Limited, Cooper Crouse-Hinds (LLC), Cooper Crouse-Hinds (UK) Ltd., Cooper Crouse-Hinds AS, Cooper Crouse-Hinds B.V., Cooper Crouse-Hinds GmbH, Cooper Crouse-Hinds LLC, Cooper Crouse-Hinds MTL Inc., Cooper Crouse-Hinds Pte. Ltd., Cooper Crouse-Hinds S. de R.L. de C.V., Cooper Crouse-Hinds S.A., Cooper Csa Srl, Cooper Edison (Pingdingshan) Electronic Technologies Co. Ltd., Cooper Electric (Changzhou) Co. Ltd., Cooper Electrical Australia Pty. Limited, Cooper Electrical International LLC, Cooper Electronic Technologies (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Cooper Enterprises LLC, Cooper Finance (Canada) L.P., Cooper Finance Group Ltd., Cooper Finance USA Inc., Cooper Germany Holdings GmbH, Cooper India Private Limited, Cooper Industrials, Cooper Industries (Canada) Inc., Cooper Industries (Electrical) Inc., Cooper Industries Colombia S.A.S., Cooper Industries FZE, Cooper Industries Finance B.V., Cooper Industries Finanzierungs-GbR, Cooper Industries Global B.V., Cooper Industries Holdings (Canada) Inc., Cooper Industries Holdings GmbH, Cooper Industries International LLC, Cooper Industries Japan K.K., Cooper Industries LLC, Cooper Industries Malaysia SDN BHD, Cooper Industries Middle East LLC, Cooper Industries Poland LLC, Cooper Industries Romania SRL, Cooper Industries Russia LLC, Cooper Industries Trading Limited, Cooper Industries UK Subco Limited, Cooper Industries Unlimited Company, Cooper Industries Vietnam LLC, Cooper Interconnect, Cooper International Holdings S.a.r.l., Cooper Investment Group Ltd., Cooper Investment Group S a.r.l., Cooper Investments Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH, Cooper Korea Ltd., Cooper Lighting LLC, Cooper Lighting de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Cooper Menvier France SARL, Cooper Mexico Distribucion S. de R.L. de C.V., Cooper Netherlands Investments Ltd., Cooper Notification Inc., Cooper Offshore Holdings S.a.r.l., Cooper Power Systems LLC, Cooper Power Systems do Brasil Ltda., Cooper Pretronica Lda., Cooper Safety B.V., Cooper Securite S.A.S., Cooper Security Limited, Cooper Shanghai Power Capacitor Co. Ltd., Cooper Switzerland Investments Ltd., Cooper Technologies Company, Cooper Univel S.A., Cooper Wheelock Inc., Cooper Wiring Devices Inc., Cooper Wiring Devices Manufacturing S. de R.L. de C.V., Cooper Wiring Devices de Mexico S.A de C.V., Cooper Xi'an Fusegear Co. Ltd., Cooper Yuhua (Changzhou) Electric Equipment Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Copperlogic, Cutler-Hammer Electrical Company, Cutler-Hammer Industries Ltd., Cutler-Hammer SRL, Cyme International T & D Inc., D.P. Eaton Electric, Digital Lighting (Dong Guan) Co. Ltd., Digital Lighting Co. Limited, Digital Lighting Holdings Limited, Dongguan Cooper Electronics Co. Ltd., Dongguan Fu Li An Electronics Co. Ltd., Dongguan Wiring Devices Electronics Co. Ltd., E. Begerow, E.A. Pedersen Co., EIC Holding GP I, EIC Holding GP II, EIC Holding GP III, EIC Holding GP IV, EIC Holding I LLC, EIC Holding II LLC, EIC Holding III LLC, EIC Holding IV LLC, EIC Holding V LLC, EIC Holding VI LLC, ETN Asia International Limited, ETN Holding 1 Limited, ETN Holding 2 Limited, ETN Holding 3 Limited, EX Innovations Limited, Eaton (China) Investments Co. Ltd., Eaton Aeroquip, Eaton Aerospace LLC, Eaton Ann Arbor LLC, Eaton Asia Investments Corporation, Eaton Automation G.m.b.H, Eaton Automation Holding G.m.b.H., Eaton Automotive Components Spolka z.o.o., Eaton Automotive Spolka z.o.o., Eaton Automotive Systems Spolka z.o.o., Eaton B.V., Eaton C.V., Eaton CHB LLC, Eaton Capital Unlimited Co., Eaton Controls (Luxembourg) S.a.r.l., Eaton Controls (UK) Limited, Eaton Controls S. de R.L. de C.V., Eaton Corporation, Eaton ETN Offshore Company, Eaton ETN Offshore II Company, Eaton Electric, Eaton Electric & Engineering Services Limited, Eaton Electric (Japan) Ltd., Eaton Electric (South Africa) Pty Ltd., Eaton Electric (Thailand) Ltd., Eaton Electric AS, Eaton Electric ApS, Eaton Electric Company Ltd., Eaton Electric G.m.b.H., Eaton Electric Holdings LLC, Eaton Electric Limited, Eaton Electric Manufacturing Middle East LLC, Eaton Electric S.I.A., Eaton Electric S.a.r.l., Eaton Electric S.r.l., Eaton Electric SPRL, Eaton Electric Sales Ltd., Eaton Electric Spolka z.o.o., Eaton Electric d.o.o., Eaton Electric s.r.o., Eaton Electric s.r.o. (Slovak Republic), Eaton Electrical (Zhongshan) Co. Ltd., Eaton Electrical Equipment Co. Ltd., Eaton Electrical IP G.m.b.H. & Co. KG, Eaton Electrical Ltd., Eaton Electrical Products Limited, Eaton Electrical S.A., Eaton Electrical S.A. (Venezuela), Eaton Electrical Systems Limited, Eaton Electro Productie S.r.l., Eaton Elektrik Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Eaton Elektrotechnika s.r.o., Eaton Energy Solutions Inc., Eaton Enterprises (Hungary) Kft., Eaton Enterprises Limited, Eaton Enterprises S. de R.L. de C.V., Eaton FZE, Eaton Filtration, Eaton Filtration (Denmark) ApS, Eaton Filtration (Italy) S.r.l., Eaton Filtration (Poland) Sp. z.o.o., Eaton Filtration (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Eaton Filtration BVBA, Eaton Finance (Ireland) Limited, Eaton Finance S.a.r.l., Eaton Fluid Power (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Eaton Fluid Power Limited, Eaton Fluid Power S.r.l., Eaton France Holding S.A.S., Eaton Germany G.m.b.H., Eaton GmbH & Co. KG, Eaton Holding (Austria) G.m.b.H., Eaton Holding (Netherlands) B.V., Eaton Holding (UK) II Limited, Eaton Holding G.m.b.H., Eaton Holding I B.V., Eaton Holding I Limited, Eaton Holding II LLC, Eaton Holding II Limited, Eaton Holding II S.a.r.l., Eaton Holding III B.V., Eaton Holding III Limited, Eaton Holding III S.a.r.l., Eaton Holding IV S.a.r.l., Eaton Holding IX S.a.r.l., Eaton Holding International LLC, Eaton Holding LLC, Eaton Holding Limited, Eaton Holding S.a.r.l., Eaton Holding SE & Co. KG, Eaton Holding SRL, Eaton Holding V B.V., Eaton Holding V S.a.r.l., Eaton Holding VI B.V., Eaton Holding VI S.a.r.l., Eaton Holding VII B.V., Eaton Holding VIII S.a.r.l., Eaton Holding X S.a.r.l., Eaton Holding XII B.V./S.a.r.l., Eaton Holec AB, Eaton Holec OY, Eaton Hydraulics (Luzhou) Co. Ltd., Eaton Hydraulics (Ningbo) Co. Ltd., Eaton Hydraulics (Proprietary) Limited, Eaton Hydraulics LLC, Eaton Hydraulics Systems (Jining) Co. Ltd., Eaton I Spolka z.o.o., Eaton II LP, Eaton III LP, Eaton IV LP, Eaton India Innovation Center LLP, Eaton Industrial Clutches and Brakes (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Eaton Industrial Corporation, Eaton Industrial IP G.m.b.H. & Co. KG, Eaton Industrial Systems Private Limited, Eaton Industries (Argentina) S.A., Eaton Industries (Austria) G.m.b.H., Eaton Industries (Belgium) BVBA, Eaton Industries (Canada) Company, Eaton Industries (Chile) S.p.A., Eaton Industries (Colombia) S.A.S., Eaton Industries (Egypt) LLC, Eaton Industries (England) Limited, Eaton Industries (France) S.A.S., Eaton Industries (Ireland) Ltimited, Eaton Industries (Israel) Ltd., Eaton Industries (Italy) S.r.l., Eaton Industries (Japan) Ltd., Eaton Industries (Jining) Co. Ltd, Eaton Industries (Korea) Limited, Eaton Industries (Luxembourg) B.V./S.a.r.l., Eaton Industries (Morocco) LLC, Eaton Industries (Netherlands) B.V., Eaton Industries (Philippines) LLC, Eaton Industries (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Eaton Industries (Spain) S.L., Eaton Industries (Thailand) Ltd., Eaton Industries (U.K.) Limited, Eaton Industries (Wuxi) Co. Ltd., Eaton Industries Company, Eaton Industries EOOD, Eaton Industries G.m.b.H., Eaton Industries Holding G.m.b.H., Eaton Industries Holdings Ltd., Eaton Industries II G.m.b.H., Eaton Industries KFT, Eaton Industries LP, Eaton Industries Manufacturing G.m.b.H., Eaton Industries Panama S.A., Eaton Industries Pte. Ltd., Eaton Industries Pty. Ltd., Eaton Industries S. de R.L. de C.V., Eaton Industries SAC, Eaton Industries Sdn. Bhd., Eaton Industries s.r.o., Eaton International B.V., Eaton International Corporation, Eaton International Industries Nigeria Limited, Eaton Japan Co. Ltd., Eaton LLC, Eaton LP, Eaton Leasing Corporation, Eaton Ltda., Eaton MEDC Limited, Eaton Madeira SGPS Lda., Eaton Manufacturing G.m.b.H., Eaton Manufacturing II G.m.b.H., Eaton Manufacturing III G.m.b.H., Eaton Manufacturing LP, Eaton Middle East LLC, Eaton Moeller B.V., Eaton Moeller S.a.r.l., Eaton Phoenixtec MMPL Co. Ltd., Eaton Power Quality (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Eaton Power Quality AB, Eaton Power Quality Limited, Eaton Power Quality OY (Finland), Eaton Power Quality Private Limited, Eaton Power Quality S.A.S., Eaton Power Solution Ltda., Eaton Production International G.m.b.H., Eaton Protection Systems IP G.m.b.H. & Co. KG, Eaton S.A.S., Eaton S.r.l., Eaton SAMC (Shanghai) Aircraft Conveyance System, Eaton SE, Eaton Safety IP G.m.b.H. & Co. KG, Eaton Safety Limited, Eaton Senstar Automotive Fluid Connector (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Eaton Services S.a.r.l., Eaton Solutions S. de R.L. de C.V., Eaton Switzerland Holding I GmbH, Eaton Switzerland Holding II GmbH, Eaton Technologies (Luxembourg) S.a.r.l., Eaton Technologies G.m.b.H., Eaton Technologies IP G.m.b.H. & Co. KG, Eaton Technologies Private Limited, Eaton Technologies S. de R.L. de C.V., Eaton Technologies S.A., Eaton Trading Company S. de R.L. de C.V., Eaton Truck Components (Proprietary) Ltd., Eaton Truck Components S. de R.L. de C.V., Eaton Truck Components Spolka z.o.o., Eaton Truck and Bus Components (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Eaton US Holdings Inc., Eaton Worldwide LLC, Eaton-Powerware, Electromanufacturas S de R.L. de C.V., Electrum Group Ltd., Elpro Technologies Pty. Limited, Ephesus Lighting, Ephesus Lighting Inc., FHF Bergbautechnik GmbH & Co. KG, FHF Funke+Huster Fernsig GmbH, FHF New World GmbH, Fast Eaton (Xi'an) Drivetrain Company Ltd., Fifth Light Technology Ltd., Funke+Huster (Tianjin) Electronics Co. Ltd., Funke+Huster GmbH, GeCma Components electronic GmbH, Georgetown Financial Services Ltd., Gitiesse Asia Pte. Ltd., Gitiesse S.r.l., Green Holding Company, Green Motion, Guangzhou Nittan Valve Co. Ltd., Hein Moeller Stiftung G.m.b.H., Hernis Scan System do Brasil Comercio E Servicos LTDA, Hernis Scan Systems - Asia Pte. Ltd., Hernis Scan Systems A/S, IE Power, Illumination Management Solutions Inc., Iluminacion Cooper de las Californias S de R.L. de C.V., Innovative Switchgear Solutions Inc, Institute for International Product Safety G.m.b.H., Integrated Hydraulics, Integrated Partial Discharge Diagnostics, Intelligent Switchgear Organization LLC, Internormen Filters Private Limited, Internormen Technology, Jeil Hydraulics, Kaicheng Funke+Huster (Tangshan) Mining Electrical Co. Ltd., Lian Zheng Electronics (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., MP Group SAS, MTL Instruments (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, MTL Instruments B.V., MTL Instruments GmbH, MTL Instruments LLC, MTL Instruments Private Limited, MTL Instruments SARL, MTL Italia Srl, MTL Partners II Inc., MTL Partners Inc., Marina Power and Lighting, Martek Power F SAS, Martek Power GmbH, Martek Power Limited, Martek Power Limited (UK), Martek Power S.A. de C.V., Martek Power SA, McGraw-Edison Development Corporation, Measurement Technology Limited, Menvier Overseas Holdings Limited, Micro Innovation Holding, Moeller Electric (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Moeller Electric Ltda., Moeller Electrical Equipment (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Moeller Holding Gmbh & Co. KG, Moeller Industria de electro-electronicos do Amazonas Ltda., Morestana, Nittan BVI Co. Ltd., Nittan Euro Tech Spolka z o.o., Nittan Global Tech Co. Ltd., Nittan Valve Co. Ltd., Norex AS, Ocean Technical Systems Limited, Oxalis Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, Oxalis Group, Oxalis Group Limited, PKL LLC, PT. Eaton Industries, PT. Fluid Sciences Batam, PerkinElmer - aerospace division, Phoenixtec Electronics (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., Phoenixtec International Corp., Phoenixtec Power, Pigozzi, Polaron Components Limited, Polimer Hortum Teknolojileri Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Polimer Kaucuk Sanayi Ve Pazarlama, Polimer Kaucuk Sanayi ve Pazarlama A.S., Power Distribution, Pringle Electrical Manufacturing, Productos Eaton Livia S.L., Pulizzi Engineering, RTE Far East Corporation, RTK Instruments Limited, Riseson International Limited, Rizhao Yoosung Shinhwa Automobile Parts Co. Ltd., Rolec Comercial e Industrial, SOURIAU, Santak Electronics (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., Santak Electronics Company Limited, Saturn Insurance Company Ltd., Scantronic Benelux B.V., Schreder-Hazemeyer, Scoremax Limited, Sefelec GmbH, Sefelec SAS, Semelec SAS, Senyuan International Holdings Limited, Senyuan International Investments Limited, Shinhwa Precision Co. Ltd., Shinhwa Takahashi Precision Co. Ltd., Silver Light International Limited, Silver Victory Hong Kong Limited, Standard Automation & Control LP, Sure Power Inc., TGM Automotiva, TT (Ireland) Acquisition Limited, Tai Ah Electrical Ltd., Taiwan Nittan Industrial Co. Ltd., Telkom Kenya, The MTL Instruments Group Limited, The Oxalis Protection Technology India Private Limited, Tractech, Tractech (Ireland) Limited, Tractech Industries (Ireland) Limted, Tripp Lite, Turlock B.V., Tuthill Coupling Group, U.S. Engine Valve Company, UPE Electronics (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., Ultronics, Ultronics Nordic Sales AB, Ulusoy, Vickers International Inc., Vickers Systems Limited, Viking Electronics Inc., WPI-Boston Division Inc., Winner Hydraulics Ltd., Wireless Power and Communications AS, Wright Line, Wright Line Holding Inc., Wright Line LLC, and Zhenjiang Daqo Eaton Electrical Systems Co. Ltd.. The following companies are subsidiares of Quaker Chemical: AC Products Inc., Applied Surface Concepts Holdings Ltd. , Binol AB, Binol Biosafe OY, Commonwealth Oil Corporation, DA Stuart India Private Limited, DA Stuart Shanghai Co, ECLI Products LLC, EFHCO LLC, Engineered Custom Lubricants, Engineered Custom Lubricants GmbH, Epmar Corporation, G.W. Smith and Sons, GH Holdings Inc., GHG Lubricants Holdings Limited, GHGL London Ltd., GHI Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Global Houghton Ltd., Houghton (Shanghai) Specialty Industrial Fluids Co. Ltd, Houghton Argentina S.A., Houghton Asia Pacific Co. Limited, Houghton Australia Pty. Ltd., Houghton Benelux BV, Houghton CZ s.r.o, Houghton Canada Inc., Houghton Denmark AS, Houghton Deutschland GmbH, Houghton Europe BV, Houghton Holdings Limited, Houghton Iberica S.A. , Houghton International, Houghton International Inc., Houghton Italia S.p.A., Houghton Japan Co. Ltd., Houghton Kimya Sanayi AS, Houghton Magyarorszag Kft, Houghton Mexico S.A. de C.V., Houghton Oil (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd., Houghton Polska Sp. Zo.o., Houghton Romania S.R.L., Houghton S.A.S., Houghton Sverige AB, Houghton Taiwan Co. Limited, Houghton Technical Corp., Houghton Ukraine ToV, Houghton do Brazil Ltda., Houghton plc, Internationale Metall Impragnier GmbH, Lubricor Inc, Lubricor Inc., Lubricor Mexicana S.A. de C.V., Lubricor USA Inc., MIH Acquisition Company LLC, MX Systems International Ltd, Maldaner GmbH, NP Coil Dexter Industries, New Houghton Brazil Inc., Norman Hay Engineering Ltd., QH Chemical Limited, QH Europe BV, QH Holdings Limited, QH International Limited, Quaker (Thailand) Ltd., Quaker Australia Holdings Pty. Limited, Quaker Chemical (Australasia) Pty. Limited, Quaker Chemical (China) Co. Ltd., Quaker Chemical B.V., Quaker Chemical CV, Quaker Chemical Canada Holdings Inc., Quaker Chemical Canada Limited, Quaker Chemical Europe B.V., Quaker Chemical Holdings South Africa (Pty) Limited, Quaker Chemical India Private Limited, Quaker Chemical Industria e Comercio Ltda., Quaker Chemical Investment Management (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Quaker Chemical Limited, Quaker Chemical MEA FZE, Quaker Chemical Operacoes Ltda., Quaker Chemical Participacoes Ltda., Quaker Chemical S.A., Quaker Chemical S.r.l., Quaker Chemical Services EURL, Quaker Chemical South Africa (Pty.) Limited, Quaker China Holdings B.V., Quaker Denmark ApS, Quaker Houghton (Finco) Ltd., Quaker Houghton Holdings Limited, Quaker Houghton Holdings Ltd., Quaker Houghton International LP, Quaker Houghton Ltd., Quaker International Holdings LLC, Quaker Italia S.r.l., Quaker Russia B.V., Quaker Sales Europe BV, Quaker Shanghai Trading Company Limited, Quaker Spain Holding SLU, Quaker Specialty Chemicals (UK) Limited, SB Decking Inc., SIFCO Applied Surface Concepts (UK) Ltd, SIFCO Applied Surface Concepts LLC, SIFCO Concepts Sarl, SIFCO Concepts Sweden, Sterr & Eder Industrieservice GmbH, Summit Lubricants Inc, Summit Lubricants Inc., Surface Technology (Coventry) Ltd, Surface Technology (Dalian) Co Ltd, Surface Technology (East Kilbride) Ltd., Surface Technology (Leeds) Ltd, Surface Technology Aberdeen Ltd, Surface Technology Australia, Surface Technology Holdings Ltd., TecniQuimia Mexicana, Tecniquimia Mexicana S.A. de C.V., Thai Houghton 1993 Co. Ltd., Ultraseal Asia Limited, Ultraseal Chongqing Limited, Ultraseal Germany GmbH, Ultraseal International Group Ltd, Ultraseal Machinery Dongguan Ltd, Ultraseal Shanghai Limited, Ultraseal USA Inc., Unitek Servicios De Asesoria Especializad S.A de C.V., Verkol S.A.U., Verkol SAU, Wallover Enterprises Inc., Wallover Oil Company Incorporated, Wallover Oil Hamilton Inc., and Wuhan Quaker Technology Co. Ltd. Stantec Inc. provides professional consulting services in the area of infrastructure and facilities in Canada, the United States, and internationally. The company provides consulting services in engineering, architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, surveying, environmental sciences, project management, and project economics. It also offers water, transportation, and public works; transportation planning and traffic engineering; and resource assessment, mine development, reclamation, hydrology, and geotechnical and infrastructure engineering services, as well as urban planning, traffic assessments and optimization, environmental impact assessments, and public consultation services. In addition, the company provides structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and hydraulics engineering services. It serves urban regeneration, infrastructure, education, public and private sector, tourism and leisure, and waste and water sectors, as well as office and commercial, residential, and retail and town centers. The company was formerly known as Stanley Technology Group Inc. and changed its name to Stantec Inc. in October 1998. Stantec Inc. was founded in 1954 and is headquartered in Edmonton, Canada. Read More Tate & Lyle PLC, together with its subsidiaries, provides ingredients and solutions to the food, beverage, and other industries in the United States, the United Kingdom, other European countries, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Food & Beverage Solutions, Sucralose, and Primary Products. The company offers texturants; nutritive sweeteners, such as high fructose corn syrup and dextrose; health and wellness ingredients; and stabilizers. It also provides industrial starches for paper, packaging, and industrial adhesives; acidulants, such as citric acid; and commodities comprising corn gluten feed and meal for animal nutrition, as well as corn oil and ethanol. In addition, the company engages in the treasury and insurance businesses; and provision of research and development services. Tate & Lyle PLC was incorporated in 1903 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom. 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 Bank of America Corp. is a bank and financial holding company, which engages in the provision of banking and nonbank financial services. It operates through the following segments: Consumer Banking, Global Wealth and Investment Management, Global Banking, Global Markets, and All Other. The Consumer Banking segment offers credit, banking, and investment products and services to consumers and small businesses. The Global Wealth and Investment Management provides client experience through a network of financial advisors focused on to meet their needs through a full set of investment management, brokerage, banking, and retirement products. The Global Banking segment deals with lending-related products and services, integrated working capital management and treasury solutions to clients, and underwriting and advisory services. The Global Markets segment includes sales and trading services, as well as research, to institutional clients across fixed-income, credit, currency, commodity, and equity businesses. The All Other segment consists of asset and liability management activities, equity investments, non-core mortgage loans and servicing activities, the net impact of periodic revisions Read More 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. The following companies are subsidiares of CVS Health: @Credentials Inc., ACS ACQCO CORP., ADMINCO Inc., AE Fourteen Incorporated, AHP Holdings Inc., AMC - Tennessee LLC, APS Acquisition LLC, ASCO HealthCare LLC, ASI Wings LLC, AUSHC Holdings Inc., Accendo Insurance Company, Accordant Health Services L.L.C., Active Health Management Inc., Administrative Enterprises Inc., AdvancePCS SpecialtyRx LLC, AdvanceRx.com L.L.C., Advanced Care Scripts Inc., Aetna, Aetna (Beijing) Enterprise Management Services Co. Ltd., Aetna (Shanghai) Enterprise Services Co. Ltd., Aetna ACO Holdings Inc., Aetna Asset Advisors LLC, Aetna Behavioral Health LLC, Aetna Better Health Inc., Aetna Better Health Inc., Aetna Better Health of California Inc., Aetna Better Health of Florida Inc., Aetna Better Health of Kansas Inc., Aetna Better Health of Michigan Inc., Aetna Better Health of Missouri LLC, Aetna Better Health of Nevada Inc., Aetna Better Health of North Carolina Inc., Aetna Better Health of Oklahoma Inc., Aetna Better Health of Texas Inc., Aetna Better Health of Washington Inc., Aetna Capital Management LLC, Aetna Card Solutions LLC, Aetna Corporate Services LLC, Aetna Dental Inc., Aetna Dental of California Inc., Aetna Financial Holdings LLC, Aetna Florida Inc., Aetna Global Benefits (Asia Pacific) Limited, Aetna Global Benefits (Bahamas) Limited, Aetna Global Benefits (Bermuda) Limited, Aetna Global Benefits (Europe) Limited, Aetna Global Benefits (Middle East) LLC, Aetna Global Benefits (Singapore) PTE. LTD., Aetna Global Benefits (UK) Limited, Aetna Global Benefits Limited (DIFC UAE), Aetna Global Holdings Limited, Aetna Health Holdings LLC, Aetna Health Inc., Aetna Health Insurance (Thailand) Public Company Limited, Aetna Health Insurance Company, Aetna Health Insurance Company of Europe DAC, Aetna Health Management LLC, Aetna Health and Life Insurance Company, Aetna Health of California Inc., Aetna Health of Iowa Inc., Aetna Health of Michigan Inc., Aetna Health of Ohio Inc., Aetna Health of Utah Inc., Aetna HealthAssurance Pennsylvania Inc., Aetna Holdco (UK) Limited, Aetna Holdings (Thailand) Limited, Aetna Inc., Aetna Insurance (Hong Kong) Limite, Aetna Insurance (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Aetna Insurance Company Limited, Aetna Integrated Informatics Inc., Aetna International Inc., Aetna Ireland Inc., Aetna Korea Ltd., Aetna Life & Casualty (Bermuda) Ltd., Aetna Life Assignment Company, Aetna Life Insurance Company, Aetna Medicaid Administrators LLC, Aetna Multi-Strategy 1099 Fund LLC, Aetna Network Services LLC, Aetna Partners Diversified Fund LLC, Aetna Pharmacy Management Services LLC, Aetna Resources LLC, Aetna Risk Assurance Company of Connecticut Inc., Aetna Rx Home Delivery LLC, Aetna Services (Thailand) Limited, Aetna Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Aetna Student Health Agency Inc., Aetna Ventures LLC, Aetna Workers Comp Access LLC, Alabama CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Alaska CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Allina Health and Aetna Insurance Company, Allina Health and Aetna Insurance Holding Company LLC, American Continental Insurance Company, American Drug Stores Delaware L.L.C., American Health Holding Inc., Arbor Drugs, Arizona CVS Stores L.L.C., Arkansas CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Badger Acquisition LLC, Badger Acquisition of Kentucky LLC, Badger Acquisition of Minnesota LLC, Badger Acquisition of Ohio LLC, Banner Health and Aetna Health Insurance Company, Banner Health and Aetna Health Insurance Holding Company LLC, Banner Health and Aetna Health Plan Inc., Beauty Holdings L.L.C., Best Care LTC Acquisition Company LLC, Busse CVS L.L.C., CCI Foreign S.a R.L. (R.C.S. Luxembourg), CCRx Holdings LLC, CCRx of North Carolina LLC, CHP Acquisition LLC, CP Acquisition LLC, CVS 2948 Henderson L.L.C., CVS 3268 Gilbert L.L.C., CVS 3745 Peoria L.L.C., CVS AL Distribution L.L.C., CVS AOC Corporation, CVS AOC Services L.L.C., CVS Albany L.L.C., CVS Bellmore Avenue L.L.C., CVS Care Concierge LLC, CVS Caremark Advanced Technology Pharmacy L.L.C., CVS Caremark Indemnity Ltd., CVS Caremark Part D Services L.L.C., CVS Caremark TN SUTA LLC, CVS Foreign Inc., CVS Gilbert 3272 L.L.C., CVS Health Solutions LLC, CVS Indiana L.L.C., CVS International L.L.C., CVS Kidney Care Advanced Technologies LLC, CVS Kidney Care Health Services LLC, CVS Kidney Care Home Dialysis LLC, CVS Kidney Care LLC, CVS Manchester NH L.L.C., CVS Media Exchange LLC, CVS Michigan L.L.C., CVS Orlando FL Distribution L.L.C., CVS PA Distribution L.L.C., CVS PR Center Inc., CVS Pharmacy Inc., CVS RS Arizona L.L.C., CVS Rx Services Inc., CVS SC Distribution L.L.C., CVS State Capital L.L.C., CVS TN Distribution L.L.C., CVS Transportation L.L.C., CVS Vero FL Distribution L.L.C., Campos Medical Pharmacy LLC, Canal Place LLC, Care Pharmaceutical Services LP, CareCenter Pharmacy L.L.C., Carefree Insurance Services Inc., Caremark Arizona Mail Pharmacy LLC, Caremark Arizona Specialty Pharmacy L.L.C., Caremark California Specialty Pharmacy L.L.C., Caremark Florida Mail Pharmacy LLC, Caremark Florida Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark Hawaii Mail Pharmacy L.L.C., Caremark Hawaii Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark IPA L.L.C., Caremark Illinois Mail Pharmacy LLC, Caremark Illinois Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark Irving Resource Center LLC, Caremark Kansas Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark L.L.C., Caremark Logistics LLC, Caremark Louisiana Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark Maryland Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark Massachusetts Specialty Pharmacy L.L.C., Caremark Michigan Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark Minnesota Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark New Jersey Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark North Carolina Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark Ohio Specialty Pharmacy L.L.C., Caremark Pennsylvania Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark PhC L.L.C., Caremark Puerto Rico L.L.C., Caremark Puerto Rico Specialty Pharmacy L.L.C., Caremark Redlands Pharmacy L.L.C., Caremark Repack LLC, Caremark Rx L.L.C., Caremark Tennessee Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark Texas Mail Pharmacy LLC, Caremark Texas Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark Ulysses Holding Corp., Caremark Washington Specialty Pharmacy LLC, CaremarkPCS Alabama Mail Pharmacy LLC, CaremarkPCS Health L.L.C., CaremarkPCS L.L.C., Central Rx Services LLC, Claims Administration Corp., Cofinity Inc., Compscript LLC, Connecticut CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Continental Life Insurance Company of Brentwood Tennessee, Continuing Care Rx LLC, Coram Alternate Site Services Inc., Coram Clinical Trials Inc., Coram Healthcare Corporation of Alabama, Coram Healthcare Corporation of Florida, Coram Healthcare Corporation of Greater D.C., Coram Healthcare Corporation of Greater New York, Coram Healthcare Corporation of Indiana, Coram Healthcare Corporation of Massachusetts, Coram Healthcare Corporation of Mississippi, Coram Healthcare Corporation of Nevada, Coram Healthcare Corporation of North Texas, Coram Healthcare Corporation of Northern California, Coram Healthcare Corporation of Southern California, Coram Healthcare Corporation of Southern Florida, Coram Healthcare Corporation of Utah, Coram LLC, Coram Rx LLC, Coram Specialty Infusion, Coram Specialty Infusion Services L.L.C., Coventry Consumer Advantage Inc., Coventry Health Care National Accounts Inc., Coventry Health Care National Network Inc., Coventry Health Care Workers Compensation Inc., Coventry Health Care of Illinois Inc., Coventry Health Care of Kansas Inc., Coventry Health Care of Missouri Inc., Coventry Health Care of Nebraska Inc., Coventry Health Care of Virginia Inc., Coventry Health Care of West Virginia Inc., Coventry Health Plan of Florida Inc., Coventry Health and Life Insurance Company, Coventry HealthCare Management Corporation, Coventry Prescription Management Services Inc., Coventry Rehabilitation Services Inc., Coventry Transplant Network Inc., D & R Pharmaceutical Services LLC, D.A.W. LLC, Delaware CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Delaware Physicians Care Incorporated, Digital eHealth LLC, District of Columbia CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., E.T.B. INC., Echo Merger Sub Inc., Eckerd Corporation of Florida Inc., Employee Assistance Services LLC, Enloe Drugs LLC, Enterprise Patient Safety Organization LLC, EntrustRX, Evergreen Pharmaceutical LLC, Evergreen Pharmaceutical of California Inc., Express Pharmacy Services of PA L.L.C., FOCUS HealthCare Management Inc., First Health Group Corp., First Health Life & Health Insurance Company, First Script Network Services Inc., Florida Health Plan Administrators LLC, Garfield Beach CVS L.L.C., Generation Health L.L.C., Geneva Woods Health Services LLC, Geneva Woods LTC Pharmacy LLC, Geneva Woods Management LLC, Geneva Woods Pharmacy Alaska LLC, Geneva Woods Pharmacy LLC, Geneva Woods Pharmacy Washington LLC, Geneva Woods Pharmacy Wyoming LLC, Geneva Woods Retail Pharmacy LLC, Georgia CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., German Dobson CVS L.L.C., Goodhealth Worldwide (Asia) Limited, Goodhealth Worldwide (Global) Limited, Goodyear CVS L.L.C., Grand St. Paul CVS L.L.C., Grandview Pharmacy LLC, Group Dental Service Inc., Group Dental Service of Maryland Inc., Health Care Management Co. Ltd., Health Data & Management Solutions Inc., Health Re Inc., Health and Human Resource Center Inc., HealthAssuance Pennsylvania Inc., Healthagen LLC, Highland Park CVS L.L.C., Holiday CVS L.L.C., Home Care Pharmacy LLC, Home Pharmacy Services LLC, Hook-SupeRx L.L.C., Horizon Behavioral Services LLC, Idaho CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., IlliniCare Health, Indian Health Organisation Private Limited, Innovation Health Holdings LLC, Innovation Health Insurance Company, Innovation Health Plan Inc., Interlock Pharmacy Systems LLC, Iowa CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., JHC Acquisition LLC, Kansas CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Kentucky CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., LCPS Acquisition LLC, Langsam Health Services LLC, Lo-Med Prescription Services LLC, Lobos Acquisition LLC, Longs Drug Stores, Longs Drug Stores California L.L.C., Louisiana CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., MHHP Acquisition Company LLC, MHNet Life and Health Insurance Company, MHNet Specialty Services LLC, MHNet of Florida Inc., Managed Care Coordinators Inc., Managed Healthcare LLC, Martin Health Services LLC, Maryland CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Med World Acquisition Corp., Medical Arts Health Care LLC, Medical Examinations of New York P.C., Melville Realty Company Inc., MemberHealth LLC, Mental Health Associates Inc., Mental Health Network of New York IPA Inc., Meritain Health Inc., Merwin Long Term Care LLC, MetraComp Inc., Minor Health Enterprise Co Ltd., MinuteClinic, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Alabama L.L.C., MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Arizona LLC, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Florida LLC, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Georgia LLC, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Hawaii L.L.C., MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Illinois LLC, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Kentucky L.L.C., MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Louisiana L.L.C., MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Maine L.L.C., MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Maryland LLC, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Massachusetts LLC, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Nebraska L.L.C., MinuteClinic Diagnostic of New Hampshire L.L.C., MinuteClinic Diagnostic of New Mexico L.L.C., MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Ohio LLC, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Oklahoma LLC, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Oregon LLC, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Pennsylvania LLC, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Rhode Island LLC, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of South Carolina L.L.C., MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Texas LLC, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Utah L.L.C., MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Virginia LLC, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Washington LLC, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Wisconsin L.L.C., MinuteClinic L.L.C., MinuteClinic Online Diagnostic Services LLC, MinuteClinic Physician Practice of Texas, MinuteClinic Telehealth Services LLC, Mississippi CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Missouri CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Montana CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., NCS Healthcare LLC, NCS Healthcare of Illinois LLC, NCS Healthcare of Iowa LLC, NCS Healthcare of Kansas LLC, NCS Healthcare of Kentucky Inc. (Oh, NCS Healthcare of Montana LLC, NCS Healthcare of New Mexico LLC, NCS Healthcare of Ohio LLC, NCS Healthcare of South Carolina LLC, NCS Healthcare of Tennessee LLC, NCS Healthcare of Wisconsin LLC, NIV Acquisition LLC, Navarro Discount Pharmacy, Nebraska CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., NeighborCare Holdings Inc., NeighborCare Inc., NeighborCare Pharmacy Services Inc., NeighborCare Services Corporation, NeighborCare of Indiana LLC, NeighborCare of Virginia LLC, New Jersey CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Niagara Re Inc., North Carolina CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., North Shore Pharmacy Services LLC, NovoLogix LLC, OCR Services LLC, Ocean Acquisition Sub L.L.C., Ohio CVS Stores L.L.C., Oklahoma CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Omnicare, Omnicare Holding Company, Omnicare Inc., Omnicare Indiana Partnership Holding Company LLC, Omnicare Pharmacies of Pennsylvania East LLC, Omnicare Pharmacies of Pennsylvania West LLC, Omnicare Pharmacies of the Great Plains Holding LLC, Omnicare Pharmacy and Supply Services LLC, Omnicare Pharmacy of Tennessee LLC, Omnicare Pharmacy of the Midwest LLC, Omnicare Property Management LLC, Omnicare of Nebraska LLC, Omnicare of Nevada LLC, Omnicare of New York LLC, Oregon CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., PE Holdings LLC, PHPSNE Parent Corporation, PP Acquisition Company LLC, PRN Pharmaceutical Services LP, PT Aetna Management Consulting, Pamplona Saude e Beleza LTDA, Part D Holding Company L.L.C., PayFlex Holdings Inc., PayFlex Systems USA Inc., Pennsylvania CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Performax Inc., Pharmacy Associates of Glenn Falls LLC, Pharmacy Consultants LLC, Phoenix Data Solutions LLC, Precision Benefit Services Inc., Prime Net Inc., ProCare Pharmacy Direct L.L.C., ProCare Pharmacy L.L.C., Prodigy Health Group Inc., Professional Risk Management Inc., Pt. Aetna Global Benefits Indonesia, Puerto Rico CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Red Oak Sourcing LLC, Resources for Living LLC, Rhode Island CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Roeschens Healthcare LLC, RxAmerica, Schaller Anderson Medical Administrators Incorporated, Scrip World LLC, Sheffield Avenue CVS L.L.C., Shore Pharmaceutical Providers LLC, Silverscript Insurance Company, Soma Intimates, South Carolina CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., South Wabash CVS L.L.C., Specialized Pharmacy Services LLC, Spinnaker Bidco Limited, Spinnaker Topco Limited, Stadtlander Drug Company, Stadtlander Pharmacy, Sterling Healthcare Services LLC, Superior Care Pharmacy LLC, Sutter Health and Aetna Administrative Services LLC, Sutter Health and Aetna Insurance Company, Sutter Health and Aetna Insurance Holding Company LLC, T2 Medical Inc., TCPI Acquisition LLC, TargetPharmacy, Tennessee CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Texas Health + Aetna Health Insurance Company, Texas Health + Aetna Health Insurance Holding Company LLC, Texas Health + Aetna Health Plan Inc., The Vasquez Group Inc., Thomas Phoenix CVS L.L.C., Three Forks Apothecary LLC, U.S Healthcare Holdings LLC, U.S. Healthcare Properties Inc., UAC Holding Inc., UC Acquisition LLC, UNI-Care Health Services of Maine LLC, Universal American - Medicare Part D Business, Utah CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., VAPS Acquisition Company LLC, Value Health Care Services LLC, Vermont CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Virginia CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Virtual Home Healthcare L.L.C., Warm Springs Road CVS L.L.C., Washington CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Washington Lamb CVS L.L.C., Weber Medical Systems LLC, Wellpartner LLC, West Virginia CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Westhaven Services Co LLC, Williamson Drug Company LLC, Wisconsin CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Woodward Detroit CVS L.L.C., Work and Family Benefits Inc., ZS Acquisition Company LLC, Zinc Health Services LLC, Zinc Health Ventures LLC, bSwift LLC, and iTriage LLC. There is not enough analysis data for Wienerberger. 4.4 Community Rank Outperform Votes Wienerberger has received 82 outperform votes. (Add your outperform vote.) Underperform Votes Wienerberger has received 43 underperform votes. (Add your underperform vote.) Community Sentiment Wienerberger has received 65.60% outperform votes from our community. MarketBeat's community ratings are surveys of what our community members think about Wienerberger and other stocks. Vote Outperform if you believe WBRBY will outperform the S&P 500 over the long term. Vote Underperform if you believe WBRBY will underperform the S&P 500 over the long term. You may vote once every thirty days. Previous Next Zayo Group Holdings, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides bandwidth infrastructure solutions for the communications industry in the United States, Canada, and Europe. The company operates in six segments: Fiber Solutions, Transport, Enterprise Networks, Zayo Colocation (zColo), Allstream, and Other. The Fiber Solutions segment provides dark fiber, and fiber-to-the-tower and small cell mobile infrastructure services for carriers and other communication service providers, Internet service providers, wireless service providers, media and content companies, large enterprises, and other companies. The Transport segment offers lit bandwidth infrastructure solutions comprising wavelength, Ethernet, wholesale IP services, and SONET services through its metro, regional, and long-haul fiber networks for carriers, content providers, financial services companies, healthcare, government entities, education institutions, and other medium and large enterprises. The Enterprise Networks segment provides connectivity and telecommunications solutions comprising Internet, wide area networking products, managed products, and cloud based computing and storage offerings to medium and large enterprises. The Zayo Colocation (zColo) segment offers data center infrastructure solutions consisting of colocation space, and power and interconnection services to a range of enterprise, carrier, cloud, and content customers. The Allstream segment provides cloud VoIP and data solutions, such as voice offerings; and unified communications, as well as telecommunications services, including Ethernet, and IP/MPLS VPN solutions. The Other segment provides network and technical resources to customers in designing, acquiring, and maintaining their networks. Zayo Group Holdings, Inc. was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in Boulder, Colorado. Read More FRANKFORT - A hold in place has now been lifted in the Frankfort-Schuyler Central School District. The district office tells NewsChannel 2 they were told by police to "hold in place" due to an unspecified incident which happened off of school grounds, and this hold in place was a precautionary measure. The situation was resolved and the "hold in place" was lifted before dismissal. NewsChannel 2 has reached out to the Frankfort Police Department for additional information. Utica, N.Y. - The entire student body at John F. Hughes Elementary School in Utica honored 19 veterans on Friday during the school's 3rd annual Veterans Day Commemoration Ceremony. Either a student or staff member at the school introduced a loved one who served our country in the U.S. Military, 19 in total. John F. Hughes Elementary School Principal Elizabeth Paul introduced her father-in-law, 93 year old Charles Henry Paul who served in the Pacific during World War II, "It's quite an honor to have my father-in-law who's been such an exemplary role model for not only his children but his grandchildren, and he's my father-in-law but he's more like a dad to me." Charles Henry Paul still hears pretty well at the age of 93 and he still remembers thing very well, including the day he came back home to the U.S. in 1946, "It's kind of hard to describe how it felt. I came home, I got home early in the morning, my mother and father were still sound asleep and I rapped on the door and my father came and opened the door, and I kind of set it off to one side so he couldn't see me, and he looked out, and when he saw me he grabbed me and then my mother came out." You can almost envision that day from the way he describes it. As the oldest veteran on stage, Paul was the recipient of a U.S. flag presented by the Proctor High School R.O.T.C. students during Friday morning's ceremony. Paul said that was truly an honor that he will also never forget. 3rd grader Skyy'Asia Harrison introduced her grandfather, Robert Harrison Sr. of Utica who served in the U.S. Army. Robert Harrison Sr. said it was an honor to be recognized along with the other 18 veterans on stage. He says he makes it a point to thank other veterans for their service, especially the ones, like Charles Henry Paul, who are older than he is, "It's an honor to see them. When I go to the VA hospital from time to time, when I see them, I tell them thank you. One guy says, why do you keep telling me that? Because I said, so if wasn't for you I wouldn't have been here to serve." 5th grade teacher Jessica Charles, who started this Veterans Day Commemoration Ceremony at Hughes three years ago, teared up as she spoke to the packed house. She told us afterward that she was thinking of her grandfather, Theodore Chwazik, "My grandfather was a World War II veteran. He was a prisoner of war (captured in France the day after D-Day in 1944) and he was one of the few veterans that I know who was willing to share their story, and he was such a large part of my life growing up but this is one way that I can honor him even though that he is no longer with us." Charles says she can see, in the way the students were glued to each speaker, just how much this assembly meant to them, and she says this annual program is aimed at thanking all veterans, not just the ones that are on stage, "I'm hoping that they can see that their sacrifices, their selflessness, is not only recognized, but we honor them." UTICA -- What do you do when there's an active shooting? That's a question that was answered for some local church members at an active shooter training Thursday. Members of the Church of Christ in Utica and the general public were able to learn about what they should do if they were ever in an active shooting situation. The instructor of the training, Jose Marrero, says that most people don't practice what they would do in an active shooting situation because they think it won't happen to them. With so many mass shootings happening throughout the country, he says it's always important to just be prepared. NBC reports that there have been 307 mass-shootings in the 311 days of this year alone. Marrero says if you are ever in an active shooting situation, three tips he shared were to escape, barricade yourself, or fight as a last resort. "Let's say you were in a position where there is no escape, Marrero said. You're hunkered down. You're in a room with one door or one window. Hunker down, barricade, lock the door. Use anything and everything in that room to secure that door. If that door has no lock in it, then move a couch on top of it. Move a table in front of it. Do anything you can to survive." This comes after the recent shooting that happened at a synagogue in Pittsburgh, and the mass shooting that happened at a bar in California on Wednesday. The training instructor says it's unlikely that active shooter situations will go away, and it's important for people to have as much knowledge about these situations as possible. UTICA - Retirement suddenly became very real for outgoing Mohawk Valley Health System President and CEO Scott Perra as he introduced his successor during a press conference Thursday, in an MVHS boardroom. "I think I leave the organization in a great place and I'm proud of everything that's been accomplished and will be accomplished by this team of more than 4,000 employees, and I'm humbled to be part of the system and to be its first Chief Executive Officer," said Perra. "I have a tremendous amount of pride in this organization, but it also comes with some melancholy, any time you've dedicated 33 years of your life, literally." The national search for a new president and CEO led MVHS to Fenway Health, in Boston, and their interim CEO, Darlene Stromstad. Stromstad began her professional life as a journalist, but a job in a hospital in her 20s put her on a new career path. "In my young 20s, I ended up working in a hospital and I loved it and the rest of my life was defined by that job. Very fortunately, I came into a hospital that was doing a replacement hospital," said Stromstad. "It was transformational, and I knew that I would spend the rest of my career working my way up into transforming hospitals." Stromstad will oversee the multi-faceted process of going from three hospitals to one hospital, to be located in downtown Utica. That downtown location has given rise to the 'no hospital downtown' movement. Stromstad is aware of the group,which vehemently opposes a downtown location, and may reach out to them, in order to foster a better sense of understanding. "It is important to understand what their issues are and for us to step forward in a real time concrete way be able to address all of the concerns so that we can move this agenda forward." Stromstad, originally from North Dakota, has begun transitioning with Perra, who is retiring. He's helping Stromstad prepare to take over the reins in January. One thing that has struck the incoming CEO is the level of caring of not only the MVHS community, but the community at large. "There is no apathy here; everybody has a vested interest in what's going on," sais Stromstad. UTICA (AP/WKTV) - Protesters have converged in cities nationwide, including Utica, to call for the protection of special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into potential coordination between Russia and President Donald Trump's campaign. About 150 demonstrators gathered Thursday evening in front of the State Office Building along Genesee Street in Utica and chanted slogans including "Hands off Mueller" and "Nobody's above the law". They held signs saying "Its Mueller Time" and "Let Mueller Finish! Stop Trump!" Crowds also turned out in New York City, Chicago, Greensboro, North Carolina, Chattanooga, Tennessee, and many other places. Organizers say the naming of acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker is a "deliberate attempt to obstruct the special counsel's investigation." We are demanding of the White House and Congress protect the Mueller investigation under the rule of American life, Jen Deweerth of Indivisible MV & Citizens Action said. The only thing standing between Trump and Mueller was Ron Rosenstein and he has been removed from the supervision of the investigation. So we are very concerned that the investigation will not be allowed to continue and we will not know the truth." Trump asked for Jeff Sessions' resignation and then replaced him with Whitaker, his chief of staff. Whitaker has criticized Mueller's probe. WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) Veterans Day is Sunday and the Lafayette Gold Star Mothers need help raising more than $28,000 to honor these heroes in West Lafayette. The Lafayette Gold Star Mothers are getting prepared for the 6th annual Wreaths Across America. The mothers raise money to buy wreaths for the more than 2,800 headstones inside the Indiana Veterans Home. For the past three years the Lafayette Gold Star Mothers have been able to cover the entire cemetery. This is all thanks to members of the community who sponsor a wreath. There was a time when they didn't raise enough money to do so. "I don't want that to ever happen again," Lafayette Gold Star Mother Dana Vann said. "It was pretty sad when the last wreath was placed and you look at the next headstone and that person didn't receive one. So, we've been fortunate the last three years that hasn't happened." You can donate in honor of someone who is currently serving or because of veterans day this weekend. Placing the wreaths on one of the headstones in the cemetery recognizes that the veteran is not forgotten. "It's said that a person dies twice in their lifetime," Vann said. "They die once when they stop breathing and they die for a second time when no one says their name again and we don't go out their just to decorate the cemetery, we go out to remember people and remember their lives." One wreath costs $15, but if you sponsor two for $30 the mothers get a third wreath for free. This is if you order the wreaths through the Lafayette Gold Star Mothers website. The money is due by December 1st. You can also mail your donation into Vann. Dana Vann 745 Wexford Dr. Lafayette, IN 47905 The mothers also need help placing the wreaths on the headstones on Saturday, December 15th. The ceremony starts at noon. WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI)- If you've been through the Purdue Research Park lately, you may have noticed a new green house on Win Hentschel Boulevard. Inari, a Flagship Pioneering company, will be working in the space to "revolutionize the seed industry." The East Coast startup is creating the world's first seed foundry, and intends to disrupt the seed industry with it. It will do so by reintroducing natural genetic diversity, which will make the seed cheaper, grow faster and have an overall better performance. The company wants to develop customized seeds for specific climates around the world. CEO of Inari, Ponsi Trivisvavet, said the company's goal is to feed the world without starving the planet. Trivisvavet said that happens with crops that give more nutrition to consumers, are more resilient to climate change, have less of an effect on the environment, and give more profits to growers. As for the company's decision to plant roots in West Lafayette, Trivisvavet said Inari had been looking to open a new location in the midwest. However, she said the number one reason Inari chose to come to West Lafayette is to attract the talents from Purdue University. "Second is the top-notch facility and their relationship and collaboration with Purdue University. And thirdly, which is really important, it gets us closer to our customers, the seed companies here in the Midwest," Trivisvavet said. Greg Deason, Senior Vice President of Entrepreneurship and Place Making with the Purdue Research Foundation, said he's rooting for Inari to get its solutions into the market and make an incredible impact. "These are the kinds of things that we need to really produce for the next generations," Deason said. "We know the population of our world is expanding, that's going to put pressure on food and water quality." Trivisvavet said Inari is excited to start working in West Lafayette to solve the world's food crisis. Inari is currently recruiting and will bring 50 jobs to the area by 2023. Click here for more information on how to apply. WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Members of the Purdue National Organization for the Reformation of Marijuana laws are thrilled to hear about Michigan's latest decision to legalize recreational cannabis. "I think it's great," said member Kirby Fichtner. "There's a lot of positive aspects," added another Purdue NORML member Tyler Medsger. "I think that hopefully Indiana will get it soon, maybe we will see how it's improving Michigan and maybe that will effect how it gets legalized here," said Fichtner. But until then, these students think it may cause more Hoosiers to cross the Michigan border. "I wouldn't be surprised, it's just a way more reliable way to get it," said Medsger. "When I'm 21 possibly, but the problem is you still can't bring it back here," said Fichtner. Indiana State Police Sgt. Kim Riley said once they cross the border, they should follow Indiana laws on marijuana. "Or any other state that it is not legal as of this time," said Riley. "They have the possiblity of being arrested by that officer or police department if they are caught." Fichtner said marijuana would actually help her medically. "The solutions that were given to my doctor were injections that give you really bad side affects and they are $10,000 each injection and I need two," explained Fichtner. "Or marijuana which comes with no harmful side affects and it actually helps control the flare ups." NORML Board Member Mya Smith thinks Indiana should leave the decision up to the voters. "I have no doubt in my mind that it would become legal if they put it on a ballot," said Smith. Indiana State Police want to remind people that driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal in every state. WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Government, religious, and community members came together today at Temple Israel with the goal of talking unified peace strategies for our community. "Faith leaders and government leaders and leaders of organizations came to the same room to talk about the same issue," said Rabbi Mike Harvey of Temple Israel, who led the discussion. And that issue is stopping hate and fear from spreading through our community. The Interfaith Leaders of Greater Lafayette hosted Mayor John Dennis, District 26 State Representative-Elect Chris Campbell, leaders from the YWCA, Lafayette Transitional Housing, and Food Finders. This meeting calls as we just passed the one month mark of the shooting in Las Vegas that left 58 people dead. Eleven were killed at a synagogue in New Jersey just a few weeks ago, and most recently, last night, 12 were killed at a country bar in California. These leaders want to make sure this kind of violence does not happen in the Greater Lafayette area. We cannot stop sometimes the things that occur but we can try to prevent them from happening because this kind of community is building itself on values that are opposite of hate, opposite of intolerance," he said. "Whatever faith people have, whatever beliefs, whatever non beliefs they have, we definitely need to fight hatred in this country, said Chris Campbell. The group acknowledged the importance of the little things people do to spread the message of understanding. "The big events are very important, but little events in our community are the ones that bind us together," said Rabbi Harvey. He said that they want to create a "herd immunity against the pathogen of hate." "Meaning if enough people around this area beyond tolerance, acceptability and love of one another we create an environment where that kind of radicalization cannot exist," he said. It was also made clear that all the organizations represented at the meeting should not feel alone in this endeavour. "We need to work together as communities, as cultures, are religious faiths," said Campbell. But it's not just a battle for acceptance of religion that they are fighting for. "African Americans are in danger, Hispanics are in danger, immigrants are in danger, LGBTQ are in danger" Rabbi Harvey explained what he means by in danger. His intention in saying this is not to cause a panic. "Their rights are being trampled on, their safety is being taken away they are afraid and the truth is we can no longer hide in our silos, we have to be together." Both Rabbi Harvey and Campbell said they are encouraged by the turnout today, and hopeful that discussions like these will lead to positive change in our community. Coastal Policy Conference highlights collaboration Building a resilient Virginia: During the conference, Governor Ralph Northam signed a sweeping executive order to bolster Virginias resilience to sea level rise and natural hazards. Executive Order Twenty Four lays out a series of actions the Commonwealth will undertake to limit the impacts of flooding, extreme weather events and wildfires. Photo by David F. Morrill Building a resilient Virginia: William & Mary President Katherine A. Rowe opened the daylong event with a call to collaboration. Photo by David F. Morrill Building a resilient Virginia: Carl Hershner of VIMS spoke during the panel on "Building Resilience for our Green & Gray Infrastructure." Photo by David F. Morrill Building a resilient Virginia: A legislative panel composed of Del. Christopher Stolle, Sen. Monty Mason, Del. Keith Hodges and Del. David Bulova discussed legislative options for building resilience in the state. Professor Elizabeth Andrews, director of the Virginia Coastal Policy Clinic (left), moderated the panel. Photo by David F. Morrill Building a resilient Virginia: Chief Robert Gray provided attendees with an engaging history of the Pamunkey Tribe and their cultural emphasis on natural resources. Photo by David F. Morrill Building a resilient Virginia: Troy Hartley, director of Virginia Sea Grant College, moderated a panel on "Building a Water Economy: Louisiana's Water Campus Experience." Photo by David F. Morrill Photo - of - Hide Caption Governor's executive order calls on VIMS to help increase flooding resiliency If there was one underlying current to William & Mary Law Schools sixth annual Virginia Coastal Policy Center (VCPC) Conference on Building a Resilient Virginia, it was collaboration. Attendees came from far and wide and were ready to roll up their sleeves, share best ideas and get to work. This room knows the urgency of the conversation that were engaging in today, said William & Mary President Katherine A. Rowe during opening remarks. Rising sea levels and storms pose severe threats to Virginias coastal communities, and that means to everything that we do, to our economy, to every aspect of our community. These problems are not going to be solved by one group alone, and we all have an incredibly important part to play. Elizabeth Andrews, director of the VCPC, promised an exciting, jam-packed day, and more than delivered. VCPCs annual conference has become known as a premier opportunity for policy makers to come together to address the challenges facing our coastal communities, including sea level rise and recurrent flooding. We are excited to continue that tradition this year by bringing together key stakeholders, from government officials to scholars, non-profit representatives and business leaders, Andrews said. And we are very honored to host the Governor and such an important event for the Commonwealth. Among the groups present during the Nov. 2 event were experts from William & Marys Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS), Virginia Sea Grant, coastal planning district commissions, nonprofit organizations, legislators, the Pamunkey tribe and several groups from Louisiana. Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam capped off the day with a keynote address and by signing an executive order that calls on VIMS to leverage its long-term monitoring programs and expertise in flood forecasting to further increase the Commonwealths resilience to sea-level rise and natural hazards. Were heartened to see the governors call for VIMS to use its cutting-edge modeling capabilities and decades of bay data to help increase Virginias resiliency to sea-level rise and coastal flooding, said VIMS Dean and Director John Wells. We have a lot to bring to the table and are eager to contribute. The morning was kicked off when Andrews introduced Rear Admiral Ann Phillips, the Governors new Special Assistant for Coastal Adaptation and Protection, who gave a keynote address on coastal adaptation and protection efforts. Phillips outlined five core tenets consistent with states, coasts, and nations dealing with rising waters, including setting constant standards; getting common access to data on sea level rise; and developing a common understanding of what critical infrastructure is vulnerable to recurrent flooding. Panels then featured discussions about building resilience for Virginias green and gray infrastructure, followed by a legislative panel composed of Senator Monty Mason and Delegates David Bulova, Keith Hodges and Christopher Stolle discussing legislative options for building resilience in the state. Continuing the resilience theme, the lunchtime keynote saw Chief Robert Gray of the Pamunkey Tribe and Dr. Ashley Spivey, Director of the Pamunkey Tribal Research Center, talk about The Pamunkey as Partners in Resilience. They provided attendees with an engaging history of the tribe and their cultural emphasis on natural resources. In the afternoon, attendees heard from representatives of organizations involved in creating a water management economy in Louisiana, and how such an effort could be pursued in Virginia. Panelists included representatives of the Baton Rouge Area Foundation, LSU Coastal Sustainability Studio, and The Water Campus, a collaborative research campus in Baton Rouge that focuses on coastal restoration and sustainability. A final panel explored the economic benefits to Virginia of land conservation and ecotourism. Governors keynote Capping off the day was a closing keynote address by Governor Ralph Northam, discussing the resilience initiatives of his administration. While the challenges we face are daunting, I am excited for the opportunities we have to work together and put ideas into practice, Northam said. The governor then put words into action, signing a sweeping executive order to bolster Virginias resilience to sea-level rise and natural hazards. Executive Order Twenty-Four lays out a series of actions the Commonwealth will undertake to limit the impacts of flooding, extreme weather events and wildfires. The executive order is among the most comprehensive actions undertaken by any state to improve resilience and protect people and property from natural catastrophes. Significantly, the executive order directs the development of a Virginia Coastal Resilience Master Plan to protect the Virginia coastline from sea-level rise and extreme weather. As extreme weather events become more frequent and more intense, the safety and economic well-being of every Virginian is put at greater risk, Northam said. The actions the Commonwealth will undertake as a result of this executive order will ensure we address this growing challenge head on, setting Virginia on a path towards resilience to near and long-term natural catastrophes and enhancing our public health and economic vitality with a whole-of-government approach. The governors signing of the executive order drew a very positive response from the attendees at the conference. This is an important step for the Commonwealth, focusing the efforts of various state agencies on developing a planned, statewide response to sea level rise and flooding from storms. This approach will highlight what we can do today to address these threats, and what additional authorities may still be needed, Andrews noted. Carl Hershner, director of the Center for Coastal Resources Management at VIMS, said he was encouraged that the order calls actions that use natural and nature-based solutions whenever and wherever possible. CCRM was at the forefront of a multi-decade effort that ultimately led Virginias General Assembly to enshrine one such solution living shorelines as the preferred technique for stabilizing the Commonwealths tidal shorelines. The order on a fast track that requires most of its directives to be completed within 180 days calls on guidance from VIMS in four separate areas. Leading the statewide effort is the Commonwealths newly designated chief resilience officer Secretary of Natural Resources Matt Strickler, a 2007 graduate of VIMS and the Thomas Jefferson Program in Public Policy at W&M. As evidence of the pervasive threat that sea-level rise poses to Virginia and the nation, the executive order directs Strickler to consult not only with VIMS and the Commonwealth Center for Recurrent Flooding Resiliency, but with offices throughout state government including the Secretaries of Administration, Commerce and Trade, Finance and Transportation. The consultation also extends to local government; federal partners such as the Departments of Defense, Transportation, Agriculture, Interior and Housing and Urban Development; and non-governmental groups including civic organizations, businesses and non-profits. VIMS directives The executive orders first VIMS-related directive is for agreement on a unified projection of sea-level rise for use in the design, siting, and construction of state-owned buildings beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2020. This will ensure that all new state-financed construction follows a consistent, science-based sea-level standard that minimizes its vulnerability to coastal flooding, said Mark Luckenbach, associate dean of research and advisory services. VIMS is well-positioned to assist in this directive, having already created Sea Level Report Cards that forecast water levels for Norfolk and 31 other coastal localities to the year 2050; an interactive data graph that compares VIMS 2050 sea-level projection for Norfolk with forecasts provided by NOAA and the Army Corps of Engineers; and the first major study of recurrent coastal flooding in Tidewater Virginia. A second directive is to establish a freeboard standard for state-owned buildings, again with an implementation date for projects slated to begin in 2020 or later. Freeboard is the height of a buildings lowest floor above a given flood level. VIMS, with access to highly accurate, LIDAR-based elevation maps and operation of its own Tidewatch network and high-resolution flood models, is uniquely positioned to help determine the most effective freeboard standard for coastal Virginia localities. A third directive closely related to the first two is to work collaboratively with local governments to ensure that the statewide sea-level projection and freeboard standards are useful for local decision-making. VIMS is again ahead of the curve here, with its Comprehensive Coastal Resource Management Portals, which provide guidance on shoreline management tailored to each of the 45 cities and counties that make up Tidewater Virginia. The institute also brings decades of advisory service experience with these cities and counties, as well as with regional planning district commissions, wetlands boards, and other local stakeholders. The executive orders Virginia Coastal Resilience Master Plan will identify the most effective tools, techniques and programs for reducing the impacts of tidal and storm-surge flooding. This comprehensive plan, with input from VIMS and scores of other partners, will first identify all ongoing, planned, and proposed federal, state, and local projects to reduce flooding and flood risk; then provide recommendations for additional hazard-mitigation, flood-control, and adaptation projects to fill in gaps and improve the preparedness and resilience of the entire coastal area of Virginia for flooding and sea-level rise. The AdaptVA website, a collaboration between VIMS and the Virginia Coastal Policy Center, provides a step forward on both goals. Hershner, with nearly 40 years of providing advisory service on coastal issues in Virginia, says the executive order hits all the right notes. Its encouraging to have such a clear acknowledgement of the threat that rising seas pose to Virginias people, economy, and environment, he said. And Im really glad to see an emphasis on the fact that efforts to increase Virginias resiliency to sea-level rise should be based on the best available science. Rowe said that the challenges Virginia faces are of such complexity that they will require sustained collaboration of the kind that the VCPC has cultivated for a number of years. Todays conference, to me, illustrates the incredible power of collaboration across sectors and disciplines, Rowe said. Partnerships between government, higher education, the military and the private sector strengthen our shared interests; they are critical to solving the problem of coastal stability. When it comes to ancient civilizations, most people think of the Greeks and Romans. Its understandable, of course. Both have shaped modern society in some way, whether it be their long-lasting social, cultural, or political influences. However, there are dozens of civilizations that have been around long before the Greeks and Romans made their stamp on human history. From the ancient Egyptians to the lesser-known Jiahu people, the following article briefly explores six of the worlds oldest civilizations. 6. The Maya Civilization (circa 2600 BCE 900 CE) Ancient Maya statue on the rocks along the sea. Image credit: Underworld/Shutterstock.com The Maya Civilization was largely made up of the indigenous people of Central America and Mexico. Their hunter-gatherer lifestyle can be traced back to 7000 BCE, but the first permanent villages were built around 2600 BCE. It is around this time that the earliest developments in agriculture occurred. At their height, their population exceeded 19 million people. They built extravagant structures, temples, and pyramidssome grander than those in Egypt. Their religion is not fully understood, but the Maya people believed in a heaven and an underworld known as Xibalba. They frequently performed human sacrifices as offerings to their gods, but since they believed spirits simply moved on to the next world, there was nothing malicious about the ritualistic act. They were also expert record keepers and astrologists who were able to record lunar and solar cycles, and the movements of the planets. Today, they are perhaps most known for their calendar which marked December 21, 2012 as the end of time. Their own demise came long before that; however, historians remain puzzled as to how such an advanced civilization could suddenly collapse. Regardless, descendants of the Maya people still live in parts of Central America. 5. The Ancient Egyptians (circa 3150 BCE 30 BCE) Ancient ruins of Karnak temple in Luxor. Egypt. Image credit: Zbigniew Guzowski/Shutterstock.com The Ancient Egyptian Civilization was established when King Menesthe first pharaohunified Upper and Lower Egypt in 3150 BCE. For the most part, its people gathered along the banks of the Nile river. They are responsible for some of the greatest structures ever built, including the Great Pyramid of Giza, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The Ancient Egyptians can be defined as a civilization of firsts. They made huge advancements in math and were pioneers of medical science. They were the first people to use waterways as trade routes and to make tools from bronze. They are also credited with developing the first phonetic alphabet which was widely used due to the invention of papyrus paper, which in turn led to the development of the first postal system. Believe it or not, they were also the first people to use toothpaste and wear wigs. Because of numerous wars and invasions, their ancient cultural was slowly replaced over time. 4. The Indus Valley Civilization (circa 3300 BCE 1900 BCE) The Dancing Girl and Priest-King pottery sculptures are made with un-fired clay. Historic sculptures which were found in Indus valley city of Mohenjo-daro are today made by artists in Pakistan to be sold as souvenirs. Image credit: Faraz Akhtar Malik/Shutterstock.com Extending from modern day Afghanistan and Pakistan to northwest India, the Indus Valley Civilization covered 1.25 million kilometers, making it the most widespread civilization of the ancient world. The earliest people gathered around the basin of the Indus River, establishing farming settlements. 3300 BCE is when historians generally clock the first signs of urbanization. By 2500 BCE, the Indus Valley Civilization was thriving, its people living in dozens of highly developed and spacious urban centers. There is even evidence that houses had individual bathrooms that led to a sophisticated underground sewage system. The local people had a writing system. They were also great mathematicians. But what is more astounding is that archaeologists have found no traces of warfare or mass violence. It is estimated that they lived without armor and weapons for more than 700 years. Instead, they were a peaceful people who traded amicably with neighboring civilizations. It is perhaps this disinterest in war that led to their downfall at the hands of Central Asian invaders. Other historians, however, claim their end was due to a great flood. 3. Mesopotamia (circa 3500 BCE 500 BCE) Assyrian wall relief, detail of panorama with royal lion hunt. Old carving from the Middle East history. Remains of culture of Mesopotamia ancient civilization. Image credit: Viacheslav Lopatin/Shutterstock.com For a long time, scholars believed that Mesopotamia was the first civilization. Located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, its name means between (meso) rivers (potamos). Today, the region encompasses Iraq, Kuwait, Turkey, and Syria. For thousands of years, the early people lived in small settlements which eventually transformed into a scattering of farming communities around 8000 BCE. Built on fertile land, the idea of agriculture soon developed alongside the domestication of animals. These communities expanded into what we consider cities, Uruk being the first one around 3500 BCE. At its height, it was home to approximately 50,000 people. In addition to agriculture, Mesopotamia is known for its lucrative trade and the establishment of various industries, including masonry, metalwork, and leatherwork. Historians even consider its people responsible for the invention of the wheel. However, the region was seized by the Persians around 539 BCE. By the time Alexander the Great conquered the Persian Empire some two hundred years later, most of the Mesopotamian cities and culture had been supplanted. 2. Jiahu (circa 7000 BCE 5700 BCE) Gudi flute found at Jiahu, on display at the Henan Museum. The Jiahu settlement is located in the central plain of ancient China, an area known today as the Henan Province. The people of this settlement belonged to the countrys oldest recognized civilization. The area is rich in artifacts, making it an archaeologists dream. In addition to the usual ancient finds such as pottery and tools, people have uncovered records of the earliest examples of Chinese writing and proof that they were producers of the worlds oldest wine. One of the most remarkable discoveries was the bone flute which is considered the oldest working musical instrument. Typically carved from the wing bone of a crane, these flutes were most likely used in special ceremonies. The settlements end came around 5700 BCE when the nearby rivers overflowed and flooded the area. It is assumed that the Jiahu people left their home to settle elsewhere, even though there is no indication as to where that might have been. 1. The Indigenous Peoples of Australia (circa 50,000 BCE) Australian Aboriginal men play Aboriginal music on didgeridoo and wooden instrument during Aboriginal culture show in Queensland, Australia. Image credit: ChameleonsEye/Shutterstock.com The indigenous peoples of Australia were the inhabitants of mainland Australia and its islands before the arrival of European colonizers. It is generally believed that they originally came from Southeast Asia during a time when sea levels were low and land bridges more extensive. Research indicates that they are the oldest civilization on earth. The earliest human remains can be traced back approximately 50,000 years; however, inconclusive data suggests they might have been around as far back as 80,000 years ago. Australias indigenous peoples were hunter-gatherers, and even though they were nomadic, they had strong ties to specific areas of land they might have considered home. Once the Europeans arrived, they occupied the entire continent and spoke more than 200 different languages. Since then, they have endured immense persecution and have experienced the erasure of much of their culture and traditions. The concept of a spherical earth dates back to the 6th century BCE. From Hellenistic astronomy in the 3rd century BCE to circumnavigation in the 16th century CE, multiple scientific disciplines have put forth arguments proving the earth is round. This article looks at some of the many reasons why science has definitively proven the earth is a sphere. Circumnavigation Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, financed by the Spanish Crown, began the first successful circumnavigation of the globe. Over a period of 3 years from August 1519 to September 1522, Magellan and his crew crossed the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans departing from and returning to Seville, Spain. Many years later, the Transglobe Expedition traversed the globe vertically for a 100,000-mile circumpolar navigation. They departed Greenwich, United Kingdom in September 1979 traveling south and reached the South Pole in December 1980, then traveled north to reach the North Pole in April 1982 before setting south once again to return to Greenwich in August 1982. Constellations Constellations are groups of stars that are grouped into patterns or images. Philosophers from Ancient Greece and India noticed that depending on where you were located you would see different stars. In the 4th century BCE, the Ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle discovered that the stars seen in Egypt and the stars seen in Cyprus were different than the stars seen in more northerly regions. From these observations, he determined that the earth must be spherical, if not everyone on earth would be able to see the same constellations in the sky. Visibility Many philosophers, geographers, and sailors noticed that the curvature of the earth limits visibility when sailing. Strabo and Claudius Ptolemy both pointed out that when sailing towards objects they tend to rise from the sea as they are hidden by the curvature of the earth. In addition, taller objects like mountains are visible at greater distances. Shadows Many philosophers used observation of shadows to confirm that the earth is round. Eratosthenes attempted to calculate the circumference of earth based on these shadows when he learned that during the Summer Solstice, the sun was directly overhead in Syene leaving no shadow while in nearby Alexandria, the sun cast a shadow. This difference led him to believe that the earth was curved and as such a spherical globe. Eclipse Aristotle, in addition to his observation of the stars, also noticed that during a lunar eclipse, the earth created a round shadow on the moon. This can be observed time and time again as the earth creates a dark circular shadow that moves across the moon. The eclipse works to prove that the earth is round in two ways. Firstly, the eclipse is only visible from half the earth at a time. Secondly, for each eclipse the earth is pointed in a slightly different direction with the moon not directly positioned overhead, meaning that the shadow that appears on the moon would not be consistently circular. Time Zones As the earth spins on its axis, parts of the globe are in sunlight while others are in darkness. Ancient timekeepers determined that the sun reached its highest point in the sky at noon and organized the hours of the day against that. As the sun reaches its highest point in the sky at different times for different locations, local solar noon established the time. To standardize time, scientists in the 19th century divided the globe into 24 different time zones offset by one hour each based on a 24-hour global clock. Today, there are time zones with 30-minute and 45-minute offsets which has increased the number of time zones to well over 30 time zones. As the earth is a sphere, when traveling from one time zone to another, one can see the sun set twice. Honduras is a country in Central America with a population over 9.1 million people. Data from the International Monetary Fund indicated that the nation's GDP was $21.79 billion in 2017. According to the 2016 Human Development Report, the Human Development Index in Honduras was estimated at 0.625, and the nation was considered a middle-level economy. The World Bank estimated that close to 66% of the Honduran people lived below the poverty line with most of them living in rural areas. The data also indicated that close to 20% of the rural Hondurans survive on less than $2 daily which is considered living in extreme poverty. During the colonial era, Honduras was under the control of the Spanish, and at the time silver mining was one of the key economic activities in the country. The economy of present-day Honduras relies heavily on the natural resources which include arable land and minerals, and some of the leading industries in the state include agriculture, mining, and the textile industry. Trade is an essential component of the Honduran economy, and some of their main trading partners include the US, Guatemala, and Mexico. Agriculture Agriculture is one of the main industries in Honduras since it contributed 14% of the country's GDP in 2013. In 1999, more than 60% of the Honduran workforce held agricultural jobs. Data from the Honduran government indicated that about 6,563 square miles of the land in Honduras, which is approximately 15% of the country's area, is suitable for growing crops. Data collected in the 1980's suggested that land used for crops accounted for less than half of the total arable land in the country. The rest of the arable land in the country was either used for forestry, pastures or other government use. One of the main crops during this period was bananas, and due to the importance of bananas to the nation's economy, the country was referred to as a "banana republic". The growth of banana cultivation in Honduras attracted investment from foreign governments and several companies such as the Standard Fruit Company, and the United Fruit Company were established. Apart from bananas, other crops grown in the country included coffee, melons, and pineapples. The Nations Encyclopedia indicated that roughly 70,000 farmers grew coffee in about 14 provinces. Problems Facing Agriculture Some of the challenges that faced the Honduran agricultural sector included soil erosion, lack of adequate finances to develop the industry, and poor farming practices such as slash and burn agriculture. Another challenge that faced the sector was the insufficient use of modern farming technology and poor infrastructure in the agricultural areas. The government of Honduras has put in place several strategies to increase agricultural production in the country such as giving farmers title deeds for their land and improving infrastructure in the agricultural regions. Despite the reforms implemented by the government, constant violence in the country has slowed down agricultural development. The Fishing Industry The Honduran fishing industry is one of the nation's most vital industries in the country since it employs a large section of the workforce. The well-developed component of the fishing industry in the country is shrimp and lobster fishing. Major developments in Honduras' shrimp and lobster sector were put in place in the 1980's. Data from the Honduran government indicated that during 1992, shrimp exports contributed close to $97 million to the nation's economy. The value of the exports had increased by more than 33% from 1991. One of the major challenges that faced the Honduran agricultural sector was the unstable natural supply, and they relied on larvae got from the US. To reduce reliance on American larvae large shrimp fishing companies employed Taiwanese technicians to improve the Honduran larvae. However, the small-scale fishermen got into a feud with the larger companies because they believed that the companies were damaging the natural Honduran shrimps. Tourism Tourism is an important sector in the Honduran economy; however, it has faced a significant number of challenges. Data from the Honduran government indicated that more than 250,000 tourists visited Honduras in 1987. Tourists mainly visit Honduras to see the remains of the Mayan civilization in Copan. Copan is a major tourist attraction site since it was the capital of a major kingdom that rose to prominence during the Classic Period.Apart from archaeological sites, tourists also visit Honduras to explore the coral reefs around the Islas de la Bahia. The tourism industry in Honduras has faced some challenges such as poor infrastructure and insecurity. The Honduran government has put in place several measures to improve tourism such as enhancing the security and the infrastructure. Textile Industry The textile industry is one of the fastest growing industries in Honduras and experts believe that Honduras could become the leading textile producer in South America. Textile products from Honduras are mainly exported to foreign nations such as the US and Guatemala. To stimulate the growth of the Honduran textile industry, the government and the private sector have invested vast sums of money in reducing the environmental impact of textile production. The government has also improved the working conditions of workers in the textile industry to improve their productivity. Trade Trade is also an essential component of the Honduran economy with the primary trading partners being the US, Japan, and other nations in Central America. Data from the government indicated that the top 10 exports contributed to more than 80% of the country's top exports. Some of the main products exported from Honduras include agricultural products such as coffee and bananas, textile products and fish. Economic Growth Of Honduras In 2017 the Honduran economy grew by approximately 4.8%. The World Bank expects the Honduran economy to grow by approximately 3.6% in 2018. Some of the main drivers of economic growth in Honduras include foreign investment and exports as well as remittance from citizens in diaspora.Despite the expected economic growth, the Honduran economy still faces some challenges with the main one being insecurity. Economic inequality is also a major challenge facing the Honduran economy. China is holding a weeklong event called the China International Import Expo in Shanghai this week meant to encourage trade, sell China as an import market and send the message that the Chinese economy is open for business. Chinas motivation for doing this is obvious: Its a nation dependent on exports, and American tariffs have decreased demand for its goods. In his opening address, President Xi Jinping stressed that China was prepared to open its markets even further to international trade with the United States and the rest of the world. His remarks were clearly directed at the U.S., as he looks toward his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the G-20 meeting in Argentina later this month. But the conference has also raised questions about Chinas relations with another country thats experienced its own setbacks in U.S. relations: Russia. Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said at the expo that Moscow and Beijing are now closer than ever, and the Chinese emphatically agreed. Indeed, there has been much talk of a Russo-Chinese alliance, and the Shanghai extravaganza is a good opportunity to look closer at what this could mean. China and Russia both have serious economic problems that have been exacerbated by the United States. Russias problems derive from the decline in the price of oil, a resource on which the Russian economy is heavily dependent. The United States, along with the EU, has compounded Moscows economic woes by imposing sanctions following Russian incursions in Ukraine and meddling in the 2016 U.S. election. Chinas problems derive, at least in part, from its dependency on exports. This year, the U.S. has imposed tariffs on more than $250 billion worth of Chinese imports, and according to Bloomberg, its preparing to announce new duties on all remaining Chinese imports by December if trade talks dont go well. China is holding a weeklong event called the China International Import Expo in Shanghai this week meant to encourage trade, sell China as an import market and send the message that the Chinese economy is open for business. Chinas motivation for doing this is obvious: Its a nation dependent on exports, and American tariffs have decreased demand for its goods. In his opening address, President Xi Jinping stressed that China was prepared to open its markets even further to international trade with the United States and the rest of the world. His remarks were clearly directed at the U.S., as he looks toward his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the G-20 meeting in Argentina later this month. But the conference has also raised questions about Chinas relations with another country thats experienced its own setbacks in U.S. relations: Russia. Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said at the expo that Moscow and Beijing are now closer than ever, and the Chinese emphatically agreed. Indeed, there has been much talk of a Russo-Chinese alliance, and the Shanghai extravaganza is a good opportunity to look closer at what this could mean. China and Russia both have serious economic problems that have been exacerbated by the United States. Russias problems derive from the decline in the price of oil, a resource on which the Russian economy is heavily dependent. The United States, along with the EU, has compounded Moscows economic woes by imposing sanctions following Russian incursions in Ukraine and meddling in the 2016 U.S. election. Chinas problems derive, at least in part, from its dependency on exports. This year, the U.S. has imposed tariffs on more than $250 billion worth of Chinese imports, and according to Bloomberg, its preparing to announce new duties on all remaining Chinese imports by December if trade talks dont go well. On the surface, that Russia and China share a common, powerful adversary should be the foundation of a strong alliance. Both countries are significant military powers, and they ought to be able to support each other economically. But appearances can be deceptive. On the economic front, developing stronger ties with each other wouldnt fully solve any of their problems. Russia needs to sell raw materials, particularly oil, in massive amounts to keep its economy running. Between January and August 2018, crude oil accounted for 28.8 percent of Russias total exports and natural gas accounted for 10.9 percent, according to Russias statistics agency. China was its biggest oil importer at 22 percent, though it purchased only 1 percent of Russias natural gas exports. (As a whole, however, the European Union imported more Russian oil than China did.) Indeed, China is a big oil importer and overtook the U.S. as the worlds largest crude buyer in 2017, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The problem, however, is that Chinese imports are limited by the lack of energy infrastructure between the two countries. Pipelines are costly and take a long time to build. China, therefore, might be able to ease a bit of Russias demand for oil consumers, but it cant buy enough to keep prices high or ease the risk of further sanctions that could target its energy exports. China, meanwhile, needs to find buyers for its manufactured goods. In 2017, exports made up nearly 20 percent of its gross domestic product, according to the World Bank. The United States is its largest market, accounting for 19 percent of its goods exports, according to the International Trade Centre. With U.S. tariffs cutting into these exports and intensified competition from other exporters, Beijing needs to find new buyers for its goods. But Russia is in no position to consume enough Chinese exports to make up for these losses it purchased only 2 percent of Chinas total exports in 2017. Neither country, therefore, can provide meaningful economic support to the other. On the military front, its true that the two countries have increased cooperation in recent years. Since the end of the Cold War, China has been Russias largest arms purchaser, and according to Russian media, Beijing acquired a Russian-made S-400 air defense system in July of this year. In addition, Russias largest military exercises since the Cold War, held in September, were attended by thousands of Chinese troops. This had many speculating that the two countries were on the verge of forging a military alliance. The problem is that alliances are based on shared interests, and Russia and China have a history of mutual distrust. The two have clashed over border issues several times throughout the years and competed for influence in Asia throughout the Cold War. They also have different strategic priorities. Russia is facing what it sees as intense pressure along its western frontier and, to a lesser extent, in the Middle East. China has little interest in expending its resources to protect Russias European buffer. They might share the worlds sixth-longest international border but deploying troops and resources to Russias west, where its major population centers are located, would be a logistical nightmare for China, to say the least. (Nor would Moscow welcome or be able to support such a deployment.) China, on the other hand, faces a challenge from the United States in the South China Sea, where Beijing is trying to prevent any possible future blockade of its access to maritime shipping lanes by stationing military and naval assets on its artificial islands off its southeastern coast. The U.S. often conducts freedom of navigation operations in contested waters there to make the point that the Chinese buildup wont prevent others from traveling freely through the region and to reassure its allies in Southeast Asia. The Chinese could undoubtedly use naval support there and in the Western Pacific, but the ability of the Russians to project significant naval power in these areas is limited. The Russians do have a naval base at Vladivostok, but its blocked from ready access to the Pacific by Japan, as well as U.S. air power. While a blockade of Vladivostok isnt likely, any military action must take into account the worst-case scenario, and Vladivostok can easily become a trap for Russias fleet. It might be far-fetched, but the only way the Russians and Chinese could coordinate to thwart their major threats would be through a simultaneous attack by Russia toward the west and by China on U.S. naval assets in the east. The problem is that whereas Europe is an army issue, the South China Sea is a naval issue. The U.S. could concentrate its naval forces against China without diverting land forces from Europe. But infinitely more important is the fact that, considering all their economic problems, neither China nor Russia intends to start a world war, which this certainly would do. Though a Sino-Russian alliance would seem to be a logical counter to their common adversary, its just an illusion. All the warm gestures in Shanghai cant hide the fact that Russia and China cant help each other get out of their serious economic and strategic problems. Its an alliance that works only on paper, at best. After a year of deliberations, Amazon will reportedly be splitting its new headquarters between Crystal City, Virginia, a suburb of Washington DC, and Long Island City, Queens, located across the East River from Manhattan. The corporation has not made an official announcement and is still in the process of negotiating with the two cities. Amazon will likely announce its decision within the week, according to sources familiar with the company. Amazon, whose main center is located in Seattle, Washington, has promoted its search for a second headquarters as a national competition. In the fall of 2017, 238 cities, counties and states submitted bids to win the companys favor. Amazon said its second home would bring 50,000 jobs and billions of dollars in income. The massive transnational corporation, headed by the worlds richest man, Jeff Bezos, whose wealth is estimated at $160 billion, used the competition to extort billions of dollars in tax abatements and other inducements from state and local governments. The spectacle has highlighted the dominance of the corporate-financial oligarchy over the politicians of both major parties and the political system as a whole. The city of Newark and the state of New Jersey have offered $7 billion in incentives to the company, whose profits are derived from the brutal exploitation of low-paid, overworked employees at its distribution centers in the US and around the world. In New York, Democratic Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that the city would invest $180 million in preparing Long Islands infrastructure for Amazons arrival. It now appears that the supposed competition was a ruse to bid up the incentives provided by Amazons desired locations. It cannot be an accident that in choosing Crystal City, a virtual stones throw from the Pentagon, and Long Island City, a short cab ride from Wall Street, Bezos is placing his new headquarters at the heart of the military-industrial complex and the center of US and world finance. The Amazon CEO already owns the Washington Post, enhancing his ability to influence policy decisions at the White House and in Congress. Just weeks ago, Bezos, who is fighting to win multibillion-dollar Pentagon contracts, gave a speech urging tech companies to collaborate with the US military and national security apparatus and touting Amazons eagerness to work with the US war machine. If big tech companies are going to turn their back on the US Department of Defense, this country is going to be in trouble, Bezos said at the Wired25 summit. We are going to continue to support the DoD, he added, and I think we should. Amazon, Google and Microsoft, among other tech giants, are competing to secure a multibillion-dollar Department of Defense contract to construct and oversee the US militarys cloud computing infrastructure. The project, dubbed the Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure (JEDI), will be used to oversee every aspect of the Pentagons global operations. After backlash from its own employees, Google withdrew from the competition. Thousands of employees signed a petition condemning Googles decision to supply US drones with facial recognition software. Amazon is now the likely winner of the military contract. Bezos recently announced that he was raising the minimum wage at his facilities to $15 an hour, a move that was hailed as a humanitarian and philanthropic milestone. However, even apart from the fact that a $15 wage leaves workers in poverty, Bezos accompanied the increase in base wages with the termination of incentive and stock bonus plans, leaving many Amazon workers worse off than before the wage hike. Bowing to the demands of the Islamist right, Pakistans three-month-old Tehrik-e-Insaaf (PTI) government has ordered the countrys Supreme Court to review its decision vacating the blasphemy conviction and death sentence imposed on Asia Bibi, an impoverished Catholic woman. The government has also ordered that Bibi, who languished on death row for eight years, not be allowed to leave the country. On Wednesday, Pakistani and international media claimed that Bibi had been allowed to go into exile. But Foreign Office spokesperson Dr. Mohammad Faisal has denounced these reports. There is no truth in reports of her leaving the countryit is fake news, Faisal told Dawn News Television. It subsequently emerged that the authorities had merely released Bibi from a Multan jail and flown her to Islamabad where she remains closely guarded for her own protection. Pakistans highest court struck down Bibis 2010 blasphemy conviction and ordered her immediately freed in an October 31 ruling. While the Supreme Court framed its ruling within a defence of the legitimacy of Pakistans reactionary blasphemy laws, it said there was insufficient evidence against Bibi, including inconsistencies in the testimony of her accusers. The Islamist rightwhich has long been cultivated by Pakistans ruling elite, especially the military-intelligence apparatus, as a bulwark against the working class and a weapon in its strategic rivalry with Indiaresponded to the courts verdict with calls for immediate mass protests. From Wednesday, October 31, through Friday, November 2, Pakistan was rocked by violent protests led by the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP). In Karachi, Peshawar, Lahore and other cities, TLP supporters clashed with the police and set fire to vehicles and other property. TLP co-founder Muhammad Fatal Badri told a Lahore rally that the three-judge bench of the Supreme Court led by the chief justice deserve to be killed. Either their security, their driver, or their cook should kill them, he declared. Badri also publicly urged Pakistani army officers to mutiny against the chief of the military, General Qamar Javed Bajwa. Such threats by Islamists in Pakistan are not empty rhetoric. In 2011, Salman TaseerPunjabs provincial governor and an influential leader in the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistans then ruling partywas killed by his bodyguard after he advocated for Bibis release. Shahbaz Bhatti, the federal minister for Minorities Affairs and a Christian, was assassinated two months later, after declaring his opposition to Bibis incarceration and threatened execution. The Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the latter killing. The TLPs founding in 2015 and subsequent expansion was connected to the Pakistani states conviction and hanging of Taseers assassin. Sectarian attacksespecially those by suicide bombers linked to the TTPhave frequently targeted minorities in recent years, killing hundreds of men, women and children. The rise of the TTP was itself a product of the Pakistani states decades-long promotion of Islamic fundamentalism and US-sponsored alliance with the Afghan mujahedin, on the one hand; and the brutal methods it has usedincluding carpet bombing and colonial-style collective punishmentsin militarily suppressing support for the Taliban within Pakistans tribal areas since 2001. In a televised speech on the evening of October 31, Prime Minister Imran Khan supported the Supreme Courts ruling, admonished the protest leaders for their remarks against the judges and the military, and decried the violence and blocking of roads. He warned the protesters against pushing the state to a point where it has no option but to take action. However, two days later, as the Islamist rampage continued and the highway connecting Islamabad with Lahore remained blocked, the government pulled back from its harsh rhetoric and bowed to most of the TLPs demands. In addition to ordering the Supreme Court to review its decision, and placing Bibi under an arbitrary travel ban so as to prevent her from leaving the country, the government agreed to the immediate release of all TLP supporters arrested since the protests began. In response, the TLP issued a token apology, mainly to appease the military. A year ago this month, the TLP waged a campaign against the former Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) governments attempts to amend the religious oath taken by election candidates, denouncing the governments action as tantamount to blasphemy. This campaign, which brought the TLP to prominence, was tacitly supported by Pakistans military. The protests crippled Islamabad and involved a demand for the resignation of the minister for law and justice, Zahid Hamid, which the government carried out after the military announced it was neutral and would not disperse the protests. The threat of the Supreme Court reversing its decision, turning Bibi, who is in her early 50s and a mother of five, back to the hangmans noose, remains real. Her whole family also faces the threat of assassination or mob attack. Such attacks, resulting from blasphemy allegations, have caused the deaths of at least 65 people since 1990. Since 2010, Bibis husband has been living in hiding. Their two mentally and physically disabled daughters have had to live apart from him out of fear for their safety. Bibis lawyer, Saiful Mulook, left the country last Saturday. In the current scenario, its not possible for me to live in Pakistan, he told the AFP. I need to stay alive as I still have to fight the legal battle for Asia Bibi. The origins of Pakistans blasphemy laws lie in the British Raj, which promoted communalism as a key element in its colonial divide-and-rule strategy. They have been upheld and dramatically expanded under a succession of governments led by the military and all factions of the political elite, including the PPP, which once claimed to be an Islamic socialist party and today passes itself as the votary of Pakistani liberalism. The blasphemy laws have served to intimidate critics of the government and religious obscurantism and to harass and terrorise minorities like the countrys Christians, who make up 2 percent of the population and are largely drawn from groups historically discriminated against as low-caste and untouchable. No one has yet been executed by the state after being convicted of blasphemy, but 1,472 people were charged under the laws between 1987 and 2016, according to the Lahore-based Centre for Social Justice. The charges against Bibi, an impoverished farm labourer, emerged out of a 2009 dispute in a rural Punjab field. While harvesting falsa berries, she was asked to fetch water to share with the rest of the farmhands. After drinking from a cup next to the well, she was accosted by a Muslim neighbor of hers. The woman and the other farmhands refused to drink from the same well, claiming that being a Christian she had tainted it. As a result of the ensuing argument, Bibi was accused of insulting the Prophet Muhammad and arrested. The backsliding of the Khan government is not a surprise. Khan has long courted the Islamist right, including by championing the blasphemy laws and supporting the disenfranchisement of the several-million-strong Ahmadi religious minority. In September, Khan revoked the appointment of economist Atif Mian to his Economic Advisory Council when the TLP threatened protests against the inclusion of a member of the Ahmadi sect, which Islamic fundamentalists view as comprised of apostates. The government wants to move forward with the religious leaders and all segments of society, declared Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry in justifying Khans decision. US imperialism has played a major role in the growth of the Islamic right in Pakistan. It staunchly supported the military regime led by General Zia ul-Haq (1977-1988), whose Islamicisation campaign spearheaded a political-ideological offensive against the working class and the left, and made Pakistans military-intelligence apparatus the linchpin of the CIA operation to organise and arm the mujahedin to wage war on Afghanistans Soviet-backed government . It was under Zia that the punishment for blasphemy against the Prophet Muhammad was raised to death, or imprisonment for life. While the government appeases the Islamist right and bows before its threats of violence, Pakistans military with the support of the PTI and complicity of the rest of the political establishment uses the threat of terrorist attacks and disorder to extend its power and reach. This has included using the anti-terrorism laws against striking workers and to arrest leftists, and subjecting the press and social media to ever more severe censorship. Last week, the editors of the Dawn lamented that while the government had responded to the violent threats of the TLP leaders with talks, Editors have been threatened; the distribution of newspapers disrupted; news channels taken off air or consigned to anonymous slots for doing their job and reporting events, facts and information. One hundred years agoon November 9, 1918the revolutionary uprising of the German working class against war and monarchy reached its peak and shook the capitalist system to its foundations. Since the beginning of 1918, despite repression, draconian censorship, the imprisonment of revolutionary leaders and the support of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and trade unions for the Great War, the imperial government was no longer able to control the resistance of the working class to the war. The devastating effects of three-and-a-half years of bloody slaughter and the military defeats on the Western front led to a revolutionary crisis. In many areas, the food supply had collapsed almost completely. Although war production had increased dramatically since the summer of 1914, total industrial production at the end of 1917 was 47 percent below its pre-war level. Agricultural production had fallen by 60 percent. The famine was unimaginable. The fronts hardly moved in the last months of the war, but the great human slaughter continued unabated. Soldiers were senselessly sent to the slaughter, starved to death in the trenches or condemned to die in agony from epidemics. By that point, the First World War had been raging for four years. General Ludendorff and the Supreme Army Command delayed the armistice negotiations, and when the war finally ended in November 1918, 10 million people had lost their lives worldwide, with 20 million wounded soldiers. In addition, there were 7 million civilian victims. In Russia, under the leadership of the Bolsheviks, the working class had conquered power and ended Russian involvement in the war in October 1917. Their victory inspired the workers in Germany. Amid the butchery of the world war, the Russian revolution proved that a world beyond capitalism was possible without exploitation and war. In January 1918, the workers at the armament factories in Hennigsdorf downed their tools. Their demonstration in neighbouring Berlin was joined by 400,000 people. The January Strike is the beginning of the end of the Wilhelmine order, a volcanic eruption of all the contradictions that have been swirling in the Reich and which have not only been concealed by the truce, but have even been aggravated by it, Joachim Kappner writes in his book 1918. After that, the resistance in the factories grew and spread to the fleet and the front. In the autumn of 1918, the situation was worsening from day to day. To control the revolutionary wave and shift responsibility for the war defeat onto others, the government made a series of retreats. The reform from above was supposed to forestall the revolution from belowthat was the basic idea of the now completed about-face, Volker Ullrich remarks in The Revolution of 1918/19. On October 3, Prince Max von Baden was appointed Reich chancellor to form a government coalition with the Social Democrats, who for the first time in history assumed government responsibility. Three weeks later, General Ludendorff, the most powerful man in the Supreme Army Command, was dismissed. But the measures came too late. The revolutionary uprising could no longer be stopped. Here is an outline of the events that rapidly followed: On October 30, the sailors of the deep-sea fleet rebel and refuse to go out in a final battle, which would mean their certain demise. In Kiel, sailors fraternise with the workers and organise a general strike. On November 4, they occupy the ships and the Kiel City Hall. Workers and soldiers councils are formed. On November 5, the revolution prevails in Lubeck, on November 6 in Hamburg, then in Bremen, Hanover and Stuttgart. On November 7, 80,000 workers demonstrate in Munich and form a workers and soldiers council. One day later, Kurt Eisner proclaims the Free State of Bavaria. Events begin to accelerate. Richard Muller, who, as chairman of the Executive Council of Workers and Soldiers Councils, played a leading role in the Berlin uprising of November 9, describes it this way: After the breakfast break, things became lively. The factories emptied at an incredibly fast pace. The streets were filled with huge crowds of people. On the outskirts, where the largest factories are located, large protest marches formed, which flowed into the centre of the city. Muller describes how soldiers who had been ordered to Berlin to protect the monarchy and maintain order joined the workers demonstrations without being asked to do so. Men, women, soldiers, a people in arms flooded the streets up to the nearest barracks, he writes. In Moabit prison and Tegel prison camp, the inmates are freed. The large newspapers, the Wolff telegraph office, the telegraph department, the Reichstag building were already occupied in the first hours of the afternoon. The characteristic feature of this uprising lies in the elemental force of its outbreak, in the all-encompassing extent of its expansion and the unified, almost methodical action in all parts of the vast area of greater Berlin, Muller writes in summarizing the events. The rule of the monarchy, shattered by the war, collapses like a house of cards under this tremendous onslaught of the working class. Reich Chancellor Max von Baden announces the abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II in the morning. At noon, he hands over his office to the Social Democrat Friedrich Ebert. In the early afternoon, SPD member Philipp Scheidemann proclaims the democratic republic from the balcony of the Berlin City Palace in front of a huge crowd of people. Karl Liebknecht, the leader of the Spartacus League, shortly afterwards proclaims the Socialist Republic in the neighbouring Lustgarten. The following day, SPD Chairman Ebert forms a new government, called the Council of Peoples Representatives, which includes three majority Social Democrats (Ebert, Philipp Scheidemann and Otto Landsberg) and three members of the Independent Social Democrats (Hugo Haase, Wilhelm Dittmann and Emil Barth). The Independent Social Democrats (USPD) had been founded in April 1917 by SPD members who, under the pressure of the masses, refused to grant further war credits and were therefore expelled from the SPD. Barth is also a member of the revolutionary representatives who exert great influence in the Berlin metal industry. The Council of Peoples Commissioners takes on the task of containing, suffocating and bloodily crushing the huge revolutionary wave that has in a few days spread like wildfire across the country, threatening not only the monarchy, but also the property of the capitalists and land owners and the power of the military caste. In the summer of 1914, the SPD leaders voted to grant war credits to the German government and thus sent millions of workers into the slaughterhouse of the imperialist war. Four years later, they proved to be the most important defenders of capitalist rule. Ebert concludes a secret pact with the Supreme Army Command under General Groner. The attacks against the revolutionary workers are prepared and organized in daily, direct cooperation with the general staff of the counterrevolution. In his memoirs, General Groner wrote of this alliance with Ebert: The officer corps could only cooperate with a government that took up the fight against radicalism and Bolshevism. Ebert was ready for that. He had told Ebert on November 10 that the army had made itself available to his government but demanded that Bolshevism be combated. Ebert responded to my proposal for an alliance. From then on, we discussed the necessary measures each evening on a secret line between the Reich Chancellery and the Army Command. The alliance has proven itself. Based on this alliance, the SPD leadership organizes one blow after another against the revolutionary workers. The people's commissar for the Army and Navy, Gustav Noske, is instructed to recruit against the uprising from the scattered reactionary soldiers of the Freikorps. He takes on the task with the words: Somebody has to play the bloodhound. In the SPD party newspaper Vorwarts, calls for cooperation with the Freikorps, the precursor of the Nazi stormtroopers, appear under the headline Protect yourselves from Spartakus! The conflict between the working class on the one hand, and the Freikorps, counterrevolutionary troops and the Ebert government on the other, develops into an open civil war. But it was not until December 29, when armed fighting was raging on the streets of Berlin, that the ministers of the USPD left the Ebert government. They had acted as a left-wing fig leaf, without having even the slightest influence upon events. Karl Liebknecht and Rosa Luxemburg, who had fought since the beginning of the war against the betrayal of the SPD and formed the Gruppe Internationale and later the Spartakusbund, founded the Communist Party of Germany amid the fire of great revolutionary struggles at the turn of the year 1918/1919. Luxemburg, who had been released only a few weeks earlier from long imprisonment in a fortress, delivers the main address at the founding congress. Karl Radek delivers greetings from the Bolshevik Party. Two weeks later, on January 15, Luxembourg and Liebknecht are captured and murdered by Noskes Freikorps. Counterrevolution triumphs! With terrible cruelty, it rages against the revolutionary workers in Berlin and other industrial areas. Tens of thousands are murdered. The troops of the Social Democratic Army minister drown the revolution in blood. Today, official historiography presents the November Revolution as a democratic awakening and beginning of democracy in Germany. It was nothing of the sort. The 1918 German Revolution, as Leon Trotsky aptly put it in 1930, was not a democratic completion of the bourgeois revolution, but a proletarian revolution beheaded by social democracy: more correctly, it is bourgeois counterrevolution forced to preserve pseudo-democratic forms after the victory over the proletariat." The German bourgeoisie had already bid farewell to democratic aspirations 70 years earlier. In 1848, it had stabbed in the back the democratic revolution that had swept across Germany and large parts of Europe, and had allied itself with feudal reaction. Germanys rise as an imperialist great power then took place under the rule of the Hohenzollern regime. Prussian militarism, the authoritarian Prussian state apparatus and its backbone, the large landed property owners, served the aspiring German bourgeoisie to oppress the working class and pursue its imperialist goals. This culminated in the catastrophe of the First World War, for the outbreak of which the German bourgeoisie was largely to blame. The workers and soldiers, who rose en masse after four years of barbaric slaughter and unspeakable war crimes, did not confront the task of completing the bourgeois-democratic revolution. The bourgeoisie had long since become the ruling class under the protection of the imperial regime and had proved its historical bankruptcy with the war. The working class was faced with the task of depriving the bourgeoisie and the military caste of their material basis, expropriating the industrial barons, war profiteers and landowners, and establishing a socialist workers state. The German November Revolution was an inseparable part of the developing proletarian world revolution. One year earlier, the working class had conquered power in Russia under the leadership of the Bolsheviks. The leaders of the October Revolution, Lenin and Trotsky, had based their entire strategy on an international perspective. They understood the Russian Revolution as the prelude to the socialist world revolution. They were convinced that the contradictions of the imperialist world system expressed in the barbarity of the First World War would also drive the working class of other countries into revolution and quickly free the Russian workers state from its initial isolation. Events in Germany confirmed this perspective. While the victory of the October Revolution inspired the German workers, it provoked fear and terror among the ruling elites. Defence against Bolshevism became not only the battle cry of the utmost reaction, but also of the SPD and sections of the USPD. When Karl Liebknecht... tried on 9 November to commit the Reichstag faction of the independents to the Russian slogan All power to the Soviets, Eduard Bernstein, present at the time, reacted as if struck like lightning to his head: It brings us counterrevolution, wrote Heinrich Winkler in Der lange Weg nach Westen (Germany: The long road West). The German Revolution failed due to the lack of a revolutionary leadership. Under August Bebel and Wilhelm Liebknecht, the SPD had built the largest Marxist mass party in the world. But its leading layers allowed themselves to be dragged along by the economic upswing. They betrayed their own program in 1914 and supported the First World War. The working class did not recover from this blow in time. The USPD was founded a full three years after the beginning of the war. It emerged not on its own initiative, but because the SPD, through party expulsions, left it no other choice. Its policies always remained centrist, adapting to every bourgeois pressure, such as its participation in Eberts government. Even the most revolutionary and courageous representatives of the German working class in the Spartacus League found it difficult to break with the SPD and USPD in time. The defeat of the November Revolution had devastating consequences. It isolated the Soviet Union, contributing substantially to the growth of the Stalinist bureaucracy. Joseph Stalins increasing influence on the policies of the Communist International, in turn, became an important factor in further defeats of the international working class. Thus, in 1923, the KPD (German Communist Party) missed an extraordinary revolutionary situation due to its false policies. And in 1933, the catastrophic policies of the KPD, dictated by Stalin and strictly opposed to a united front against the Nazis, resulted in Hitler taking power without a shot being fired. Above all, however, the November Revolution left intact the power and property of all those forces that would help Hitler to power 15 years later: the industrial barons such as Stinnes, Krupp and Thyssen; the Prussian Junckers, upon whom Paul von Hindenburg and other generals relied; and the Freikorps, from which Hitlers Stormtroopers were recruited. Not even the high nobility was expropriated or abolished, a task the French Revolution had thoroughly completed 120 years earlier. A hundred years later, the working class in Germany and internationally is again faced with the same challenges as in 1918. With the intensification of the global crisis of capitalismextreme social inequality, trade war and warall the unresolved problems of the twentieth century are returning. Right-wing extremist parties are on the rise everywhere, including in Germany, as is militarism and authoritarianism. The class struggle is coming to a head. Without a socialist revolution in the foreseeable future, mankind threatens to sink again into war and barbarism. The Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (Socialist Equality Party) and the International Committee of the Fourth International are the only political tendency that draws on the lessons of the strategic experiences of the class struggle and fights for an international socialist perspective. The urgent need to build a politically independent, revolutionary socialist movement of the working class is the essential lesson of the German revolution, and remains the central task today. OXFORD, Miss. (WTVA) - An Arkansas man faces a DUI charge following a fatal collision in Oxford. On Wednesday, November 7 at approximately 6:27 p.m., Oxford police responded to Ricky D. Britt Boulevard for a reported crash involving a pedestrian. When officers arrived, they found an unresponsive man, identified as Andrew Brown, 47, in the roadway. Oxford firefighters were already on the scene performing life-saving measures on Brown. However, Brown died on the scene. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Nicholas Welch, 21, of Little Rock. Police say he was on the scene when they arrived. A blood warrant was issued for Welch. He was later taken to the Lafayette County jail and booked on the charge of DUI-1st. His bond was set at $1,118. According to state law, if a driver is DUI and involved in a fatal wreck, it doesnt automatically qualify the suspect be charged with aggravated DUI. It must be proven the vehicle was operated in a negligent manner. We are vigorously investigating the crash and the charges can be upgraded, if founded, police stated. CORINTH, Miss. (WTVA) - The Mississippi State Board Of Education has given Corinth schools a "C" grade because of federal law. The school district tried to file a lawsuit to prevent this action. The state board of education said this grade was given to the school district because of federal law. Corinth school leaders said the grade is not accurate because it uses a curriculum different than other Mississippi public schools. 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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 GILLETTE In 2017, 13 percent of the 475 arrests in Campbell County for driving while under the influence involved drugs, a percentage that has steadily increased since the Wyoming Association of Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police started collecting statistics about seven years ago. Campbell County isnt alone in experiencing an uptick in drugged driving. Across Wyoming since 2010, the percent... POWELL Like a huge puzzle, young scientists at the University of Wyoming are attempting to piece together how a mammoth died outside of Cody centuries ago. Theyre recording as much information as they can about the animals life in Park County and hoping the bones are evidence of a Pleistocene-man barbecue. There are only 16 sites in North America where archaeologists have found ea... Florida Governor Rick Scott appeared to have won his race to replace incumbent Bill Nelson in the U.S. Senate. He gave a big victory speech on Tuesday night. President Trump even called to congratulate him. But Nelson knew not to concede. The race was close, there were still votes to be counted and, in Florida, an automatic recount is triggered if the margin of victory is half a percentage point or less. As provisional, absentee and otherwise unaccounted for votes have been tallied over the past few days, the race has indeed moved into recount territory, with Nelson now reportedly trailing Scott by just over 15,000 votes, or around .18 percent, a small enough margin to ensure the recount is done by hand. Scott is not happy, and on Thursday night he called reporters to the Governors Mansion to announce he is suing the left-leaning counties responsible. I will not stand idly by as unethical liberals try to steal this election from the great people of Florida, Scott said while wondering how so many additional votes were found after Tuesdays election. The people of Florida deserve fairness and transparency and the supervisors are failing to give it to us. Every Floridian should be concerned there may be rampant fraud happening in Palm Beach and Broward counties. In addition to filling a lawsuit, which names both Broward County Supervisor of Elections Brenda Snipes and Palm Beach Supervisor of Elections Susan Bucher, Scott called for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to investigate the post-election ballot counts. A spokesman for the FDLE confirmed to The Hill that the department plans to investigate Snipes and Bucher as requested by Scott. He owns FDLE, Snipes said when asked to comment, referring to Scott. Snipes was appointed to supervise Broward Countys elections in 2003 by Republican Governor Jeb Bush, and has since been reelected to the position four times. Her performance has been sharply criticized, however, and in May a judge ruled that she had illegally destroyed votes during the 2016 election. Story continues President Trump is hot on the case, as well. Law Enforcement is looking into another big corruption scandal having to do with Election Fraud in #Broward and Palm Beach, he tweeted Thursday night. Florida voted for Rick Scott! Law Enforcement is looking into another big corruption scandal having to do with Election Fraud in #Broward and Palm Beach. Florida voted for Rick Scott! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 9, 2018 On Friday, he joked that the Russians are to blame and wrote that he is sending lawyers to Florida to expose the FRAUD! You mean they are just now finding votes in Florida and Georgia but the Election was on Tuesday? Lets blame the Russians and demand an immediate apology from President Putin! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 9, 2018 As soon as Democrats sent their best Election stealing lawyer, Marc Elias, to Broward County they miraculously started finding Democrat votes. Dont worry, Florida I am sending much better lawyers to expose the FRAUD! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 9, 2018 Scott on Thursday night singled out Marc Elias, the lawyer Nelson hired after the election, as complicit in the alleged scheme to steal the election. Senator Nelson hired one of Hillary Clintons lawyers from D.C., and one of the first things he did was tell reporters that he is here to win the election, Scott said. He does not say that he wants a full and fair election, or even an accurate vote count. Scott went on to read off a list of what he believes to be questionable comments the lawyer has made in the past. On a conference call Thursday morning, Elias said he doesnt know how many more ballots still need to be counted in Broward County, but that hes confident in his clients chances once the recount concludes on Saturday. The results of the 2018 Senate election are unknown and I think that you and the elections officials should treat it as such, he said. We believe that at the end of this process that Senator Nelson is going to be declared the winner. Nelson has accused Scotts lawsuit as being politically motivated and borne out of desperation. The goal here is to see that all the votes in Florida are counted and counted accurately. Rick Scotts action appears to be politically motivated and borne out of desperation. https://t.co/ewN4eT8tXU Nelson for U.S. Senate (@NelsonForSenate) November 9, 2018 Though it may be inconvenient for Scott that there are still votes left to be counted in two Democratic counties, theres no actual evidence that anything untoward is taking place. Broward County and Palm Beach County have only required additional time to identify and tabulate previously unaccounted for ballots. Similar post-election counts have unfolded in other tight races across the nation. On Thursday, Democrat Kyrsten Sinema moved in front of Republican Martha McSally in the U.S. Senate race in Arizona, and several House seats are still undecided as outstanding votes are tallied. Florida has long been a lightning rod for election controversy, though, and this year is no exception. Especially in Broward County, which was also at the center of the 2000 presidential recount, questions have arisen about ballot design, undervotes in the Senate race and, apparently, ballot boxes lying around in elementary schools. In Broward County, Miramar Elementary School teacher Lakeisha Sorey came across a box labeled Provisional ballots left behind at the school from Election Day & shes concerned it might have votes. She didnt look in the box because she didnt want to tamper with it pic.twitter.com/x8WOa8tfKz Marc Caputo (@MarcACaputo) November 8, 2018 Though Nelson and his team are confident hell be able to prevail, it looks like hes still going to have to make up around 15,000 votes when the recount takes place on Saturday. This is going to be tough, regardless of whether Scotts lawsuit holds water. The states gubernatorial race also looks to be headed for a recount, and the prospect of Democrat Andrew Gillum overtaking Republican Ron DeSantis appears even slimmer. But Scott and Republicans want to lock in Tuesday nights results, while Democrats just want every vote to be counted, which seems reasonable. Its the tenet upon which the United States was founded, after all. Mr. @FLGovScott counting votes isnt partisan its democracy, Gillum tweeted after Scott announced his lawsuit Thursday night. Count every vote. These Are the Victims of California Mass Shooting, Including a Survivor of the Las Vegas Massacre Another dozen lives were lost to gun violence late on Nov. 7 when a Marine Corps veteran entered a busy California bar and opened fire. Those slain in the mass shooting include a college freshman, a seasoned law enforcement officer, a recent college graduate and an aspiring Army recruit whom his father called his best friend. The victims names and ages were confirmed by the medical examiners office on Friday. Approximately a dozen others were wounded in the attack, inside the Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks during its weekly College Country Night, sheriffs officials have said. Shots were first reported at about 11:20 p.m. The gunman was found dead in the bar of suicide. These are the deceased victims: Sean Adler Sean Adler, 48 From what I understand, Adlers sister, Valarie Adler, told local TV station KNBC, Sean tried to disarm [the gunman]. That is typical of Sean. Valarie called Sean a father of two an a salesman turned coffee shop owner who also worked at Borderline caring and compassionate. He was a protector, always sticking up for people. I just dont understand, she said. I dont understand the world. The Los Angeles Times and Orange County Register report that Adler was working at the bar (and another job as a bouncer) while his new business, Rivalry Roasters, got on its feet. Both of his sons are under the age of 18, according to the papers. The Register reports that they joined him for opening day at Rivalry, working behind the counter. He gave his all, to whatever it was he did, friend Mike Nolan told the Register. He worked his butt off. He did everything he could to make this shop a reality. Jason Coffman shows a photo of his son, Cody Coffman Cody Coffman, 22 According to his heartbroken father, Jason Coffman, Cody was a young man figuring out his own path in life. He was in a limbo stage, says Jason, 40, of his son. He was going to have fun, doing his partying thing and getting it out of his system. Jason tells PEOPLE Cody wanted to go into the Army and had been talking to recruiters and getting ready to go. Story continues Jason says he heard Cody, who had been working for a moving company, died shielding others when the gunman entered. Thats my boy, Codys dad says. Hes a hero now thats how I view him: as a hero, he says. Blake Dingman Blake Dingman, 21 Dingmans mother, Lorrie Dingman, describes him to PEOPLE as such a caring person who always, always, always had a smile on his face. He emitted joy and he was really happy. He gave the best hugs, she adds. He would always give me a kiss, he always told me he loved me. Dingmans younger brother, Aidan, shared his grief in an Instagram post after the shooting. Words cannot describe the pain I am feeling. Last night my life was changed forever, Aidan wrote. I received news of gunfire at Borderline Bar & Grille from a friend. Which was where my brother was hanging out for the night, Aidan continued in his post. Me, my dad, and mom raced to the scene. Or as close as we could get. We tried for hours and hours to get in touch with Blake and got no response. At 12:00 this morning I was informed that my amazing brother was taken down by the shooter as well as his good friend Jake Dunham. Blake, I love you so much and I miss you more than you can imagine. Jake Dunham Jake Dunham, 21 Dunhams father, Ken Dunham, had previously shared how he was unable to reach his son after the shooting an unknowing echo of the same confusion suffered by Cody Coffmans father. I keep calling it but theres no answer, Ken reportedly said. It just keeps ringing out. And he always answers his phone. His mother Kathy tells PEOPLE her son, at a young age, was diagnosed with hemophilia, a rare disorder that prevents blood from clotting properly. Doctors encouraged him to swim rather than riding dirt bikes but he preferred to ride. He loved dirt biking, which he started at age 7 on training wheels, his mother recalls. He was jumping BMX bikes and everything else a child with hemophilia should not do. His passion for BMX bikes turned into a love for racing off-road trucks. He was in the process of rebuilding an engine so that he could make his truck go faster, Kathy says. Jake has always lived life to the fullest, she says. And full-throttle, wide-open or as he put it, Hold er wide! Sgt. Ron Helus Sgt. Ron Helus, 54 One of the first responders at the scene Wednesday night, Helus was a 29-year veteran of the Ventura County Sheriffs Office who was getting ready to retire. He was on the phone with his wife when he received word of the shooting, authorities have said. Police are hailing him a hero for his selfless actions. Authorities said he was shot multiple times as he entered the bar and later died at the hospital. He leaves behind a wife and an adult son. He went into save lives, to save other people, Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean told reporters. He was totally committed, he gave his all, and tonight, as I told his wife, he died a hero. Alaina Housley. Inset: Tamera Mowery-Housley and Adam Housley Alaina Housley, 18 Housley, a freshman at Pepperdine University, was with friends at the bar when the gunman, dressed all in black, started firing. Housley is the niece of actress Tamera Mowry-Housley and her husband, Adam Housley. Our hearts are broken. We just learned that our niece Alaina was one of the victims of last nights shooting at Borderline bar in Thousand Oaks, the couple said in a statement to PEOPLE. Alaina was an incredible young woman with so much life ahead of her and we are devastated that her life was cut short in this manner, the statement adds. We thank everyone for your prayers and ask for privacy at this time. Dan Manrique Dan Manrique, 33 Manrique, like the shooter, was a Marine Corps veteran but since his years of service Manrique had dedicated timing to helping others. The best way I can describe him is as a saint. He truly believed in service, friend Tim OBrien, with whom Manrique planned to open a veteran-oriented brewery, told the Orange County Register. Dan was the guy you could rely on if you ran out of gas in the middle of the night. He would help you out if something bad happened. He was there, dedicated, loyal. Colleagues at Team Red White & Blue, where Manrique was very active in helping veterans transition from the military to civilian life, mourned his death in a statement. Dans life was dedicated to serving others, during his military career and beyond, said Team RWBs executive director, John Pinter. We offer our deepest condolences to the Manrique family and ask that our Eagles around the world join us in keeping all those impacted by this tragedy in your thoughts and prayers. According to the group, Manrique worked as a radio operator in the Marines 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division. He served in the Middle East in 2007 and joined Team RWB in 2012. Sara Bergeron, a friend and fellow veteran, told USA Today that Manrique was so selfless and committed to helping veterans succeed and just thrive. He never quit on people. She said: The shooter killed someone who could have been his lifeline, who could have helped him with his PTSD, who could have understood more than anyone what he was going through. Justin Meek (center) Justin Meek, 23 Meek, who graduated in May with a bachelors degree in criminal justice, was one of the precious lives cut short in this tragedy, according to a statement from his alma mater California Lutheran University. Meek heroically saved lives in the shooting, university officials said. We will pray, begin to comfort one another in our grief, and hold the families, friends and loved ones of the victims in our hearts, their statement concludes. Cal Lutheran wraps its arms around the Meek family and other families, and around every member of this community of caring. Richard Mgrdechian, who manages the band Madison Rising, says they met Meek at a 2014 concert: He was a very nice guy. He played guitar and loved music. Mark Meza Mark Meza, 20 Meza, who worked as a bus boy at the Borderline Bar & Grill, was an alumni of the Carpinteria Unified School District, according to a statement his former school district. Mark was loved by many in our community and will be dearly missed, the statement reads. Please hold his family and friends in your hearts and thoughts at this difficult time. Kristina Morisette Kristina Morisette, 20 Morisette, a cashier at the Borderline Bar & Grill, was among the first to be gunned down during Wednesdays mass violence. Morisette was a native of Simi Valley, California. She was waiting tables the night she died, friends confirm. One of them, Carl Edgar, a bar regular who survived the Las Vegas massacre last year, tells PEOPLE that Kristina was sweet, caring, and always had a smile on her face. Telemachus Telemachus Orfanos, 27 Orfanos, a Navy veteran who went by Tel, had already survived one massacre only to die in another, his parents have said in interviews. They told the Washington Post, New York Times and others that Orfanos was at the Route 91 country music festival in Las Vegas last year, in a mass shooting there that killed 58 victims. I dont want prayers. I dont want thoughts, his mother, Susan Orfanos, reportedly said in a local TV interview. I want gun control. Susan was equally emphatic when speaking with the Times: He was killed last night at Borderline. He made it through Las Vegas, he came home. And he didnt come home last night, and the two words I want you to write are: Gun control. Right now so that no one else goes through this. Can you do that? Can you do that for me? Gun control. Carl Edgar, a Borderline regular, tells PEOPLE that Tel was working security at the bar. [He] was an extremely good friend, Edgar recalls, adding, Always said hi to me when I came in, always gave me a hug. Kevin, a high school friend of Tels, echoed that, telling PEOPLE: He was a great guy. Would never hurt a fly. Always had a sense of humor. Always joking around. You can walk into him in any of the local bars here and he would be sitting there hanging out with two or seven friends. Noel Sparks Noel Sparks, 21 Sparks was was the kind of girl that if you had friends, youd want them to marry her, her aunt Patricia Sparks told the Associated Press. A student at a local college, she reportedly turned 21 in August and the Borderline was a favorite spot Wednesday night, before the shooting, she posted a photo of her dancing there. Were in shock, Patricia said. Rev. Dr. Walter C. Dilg, senior pastor at the United Methodist Church in Westlake Village, where Sparks was raised, described her as well-liked and deeply missed. With reporting by ELAINE ARADILLAS, KC BAKER, JOHNNY DODD, SUSAN KEATING, AILI NAHAS and CHRISTINE PELISEK Broward County at center of Florida recount debate as judge orders release of ballot count originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Broward County election officials will have to disclose how many ballots are outstanding and yet to be counted, a federal judge ruled in Florida. Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips of the 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida ruled in favor of Republican Gov. Rick Scott, who filed an emergency complaint late Thursday night against Broward County Supervisor of Elections Brenda Snipes. The ruling allows for an immediate inspection of the most current information on the number of ballots both already cast and still uncounted. Scott and incumbent Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson are in the midst of a razor-thin race for Florida's Senate seat. Florida Gov. Rick Scott, center right, who is challenging U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, and his wife Ann Scott, center left, pause for a photo with attendees during a community BBQ event at Sheffield Park in Lynn Haven, Fla., Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018. (Patti Bl (The Associated Press) Philips ordered the information be made available by 7 p.m., but even after midnight, Scotts campaign told ABC News Broward County has not disclosed how many votes are still outstanding. It should be there, it should not slow down the proceedings, it should be a matter of record at this point, Phillips said in her ruling. This is information that should have already been compiled." Scotts campaign and the National Republican Senatorial Committee will also have access to those ballots, per the judges ruling. (MORE: Fact Check Friday: Election deception) The county faces a noon deadline Saturday to send unofficial preliminary results to the state. Scott spoke to Sean Hannity on Fox News Friday night and said Nelson was trying to "steal" this election. "Bill Nelson's lawyers, who is trying to steal this election, they went to federal court today trying to get the certification postponed," Scott told Hannity. "They were not able to do that, so basically tomorrow, my win will be certified by the court subject to a recount. "It looks like they are going to do everything they can to steal this election," he continued. "I'm so disappointed in Bill Nelson." Story continues PHOTO: Florida Governor Rick Scott addresses the Chiefs of Police (IACP) annual convention at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., Oct. 8, 2018. (Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images) Snipes attorney Eugene Pettis argued in court that the lawsuits were an attempt by Scott and the NRSC to slow things down. Whether theyre saying it or not, theyre interfering with the counting process, which should be Dr. Snipess primary responsibility, Pettis said, arguing that Snipes is not denying the information should be made public but that she had only 26 hours to get her job done. Pettis disputed Scott's earlier comments about the fundamental importance of protecting the vote. "I think there's something equally fundamental, which is to count the vote," Pettis said. (MORE: Florida braces for recounts in gubernatorial and Senate races) Scotts attorney Jason Zimmerman noted that his clients were not requesting Broward County stop counting votes. This is a simple request that the supervisor of elections should have provided, Zimmerman said. Scott has filed another lawsuit in Palm Beach County, which has also not finished counting its votes. A narrow margin in the votes cast in the divided state has Florida gearing up for recounts in both the gubernatorial and senate races. Nelson has not yet conceded to Scott, who currently leads by less than 0.2 percent with ballots across the state still uncounted. State rules mandate a recount if the margin is less than 0.5 percent, which looks entirely possible as Broward County and Palm Beach County, both Democratic-leaning counties, havent completed counting mail-in ballots and one of them hasnt finished counting early ballots, either. Many more counties continue to count provisional ballots. Counties face a noon Saturday deadline to report preliminary results to the state and thin margins could trigger a recount could come as early as then. PHOTO: Supporters of Ron DeSantis and Rick Scott protest the handling of election results while clashing with Andrew Gillum supporters outside of the Broward County Supervisor of Elections Office in Lauderdhill, Fla., Nov. 9, 2018. (Ian Witlen/REX/Shutterstock) Scott carried a larger lead Tuesday night, but continues to see it dissipate as more votes come in. Scott has responded by accusing county election supervisors of corruption. Scott is backed by support from the president, the GOP and Floridas current Republican Sen. Marco Rubio. Thank you @marcorubio for helping to expose the potential corruption going on with respect to Election Theft in Broward and Palm Beach Counties. The WORLD is now watching closely! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 9, 2018 A win for Republicans in Floridas senate race would only add to the stinging loss of three key Senate seats on Tuesday night in Indiana, North Dakota and Missouri, which are all states where Democratic senators faced re-election in states Trump won in 2016. But in Florida, where Nelson is awaiting results against Scott, Trump won the state by less than 1.5 percentage points. ABC News A "problematic" statue of Theodore Roosevelt outside the American Museum of Natural History in New York City that has been criticized for symbolizing colonialism and racism has found a new home, more than a year after the city announced it will be removed. The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library said Friday it has agreed to take the statue of the former president, which has stood on the steps of the museum since 1940, for a long-term loan. The agreement will let the library, which is slated to open in 2026 in Medora, North Dakota, relocate the statue for storage "while considering a display that would enable it to serve as an important tool to study the nation's past," the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation said. Lets be real, UFO culture can feel a little hoaky. Those who believe there are aliens living among us are often thought of as being a little, shall we say, out of this world. But now, those who do believe in aliens may have a bit more backup: a pair of researchers at Harvard are saying a mysterious object that recently passed by earth may indeed be an alien spaceship. In 2017, Oumuamua which means "a messenger that reaches out from the distant past" in Hawaiian flew through our solar system. According to Space.com, it is the very first known interstellar body observed within our own solar system. Little is known about the object, though Matthew Holman, director of the Minor Planet Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts, told Space.com the object was likely made up of more ice than rock. That, he explained, is because bodies that form on the outer edges of the solar systems tend to be icy. Or, according to Abraham Loeb, professor and chair of astronomy, and Shmuel Bialy, a postdoctoral scholar, at the Harvard Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, its a spaceship. "'Oumuamua may be a fully operational probe sent intentionally to Earth vicinity by an alien civilization," the pair wrote in a newly published paper submitted to the Astrophysical Journal Letters. The researchers added that the object, which was traveling at speeds of 196,000 mph, might have an "artificial origin and it may even just be a piece of space trash. "Considering an artificial origin, one possibility is that 'Oumuamua is a light sail, floating in interstellar space as a debris from an advanced technological equipment," the authors added, further suggesting Oumuamua was propelled by solar radiation. And really, thats not much of a stretch when you consider earthlings have made similar light-sails too. "Light-sails with similar dimensions have been designed and constructed by our own civilization, including the IKAROS project and the Starshot Initiative, the paper explained. The light-sail technology might be abundantly used for transportation of cargos between planets or between stars." But, you dont have to worry about E.T. coming to get you just yet. The authors further noted that the objects unusual trajectory likely means it was no longer operational, and, really, it may not even be a spaceship at all. Still, its fun to dream. "It is exciting to live at a time when we have the scientific technology to search for evidence of alien civilizations," Loeb wrote in an email to CNN. "The evidence about Oumuamua is not conclusive but interesting. I will be truly excited once we have conclusive evidence." Photo credit: NBC - Getty Images From Prevention On Friday, Michelle Obama, whose autobiography Becoming is set to hit bookshelves Tuesday, November 13, revealed that she suffered a miscarriage before giving birth daughters Malia and Sasha - both of who were conceived via IVF. Sadly, the former First Lady isnt alone with her fertility struggles. According to the U.S. Department on Womens Health, about 10 percent of women between the ages of 15 and 44 - which amounts to about 6.1 million people - struggle to get pregnant or stay pregnant. While these statistics might not be surprising, Obamas struggles, which occurred in her early 30s, sheds light on the fact that infertility impacts women of all ages and that women in their late 30s and early 40s arent the only ones undergoing the expensive fertility treatments. We were trying to get pregnant and it wasnt going well, Obama, 54, wrote in her upcoming memoir, previewed by the AP. We had one pregnancy test come back positive, which caused us both to forget every worry and swoon with joy, but a couple of weeks later I had a miscarriage, which left me physically uncomfortable and cratered any optimism we felt. She discussed the emotional impact of her infertility during an appearance on Fridays Good Morning America. I felt like I failed because I didnt know how common miscarriages were because we dont talk about them, she said. We sit in our own pain, thinking that somehow were broken. In her memoir she explains that she and Barrack decided to undergo IVF. She self-administered her fertility shots alone, to help speed up the process as her sweet, attentive husband was at the state legislature, leaving me largely on my own to manipulate my reproductive system into peak efficiency. Story continues What is IVF? In brief, IVF is a process through which multiple eggs are produced in a woman's monthly reproductive cycle through the use of injection medications which stimulate the ovaries, says Nina Resetkova, MD, MBA, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Boston IVF and Instructor at Harvard Medical School. Once the eggs are harvested through a surgery called an egg retrieval, they are combined with sperm in the laboratory to create embryos. The viable embryos are then cultured in a laboratory incubator and transferred back into the uterus to create the potential of pregnancy within the same reproductive cycle. "The process of harvesting numerous eggs and creating embryos helps to overcome the related decline in embryo quality, allowing for the selection of the best embryos with the highest potential to create pregnancy," she explains. While IVF was definitely available two decades ago, it has become more popular in recent years, as it is more readily available (with more insurance companies covering it) and also more effective, according to Dr. Resetkova, due to new technologies and laboratory standardization. Do women of all ages get IVF? According to Dr. Resetkov, the average age of a women undergoing IVF at Boston IVF is 37-38-but it's a myth that younger women never need IVF. But she points out that they do see patients for reproductive health services ranging from their teenage years through the menopause and in some cases beyond. Since Mrs. Obama was likely in her early 30s when she started IVF treatments, she would be considered on the younger side. "We recommend women under 35 seek evaluation after 1 year of trying for pregnancy and women over 35 after 6 months of trying for pregnancy, in order to capture the best likelihood of IVF success, which is age related," she explains. What causes of infertility in women? Dr. Resetkova explains that various factors can contribute to the inability to conceive and carry a baby to full term, even for younger women. These include patients with irregular menses due to causes like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), fallopian tube disease, complex medical problems or have a history of many abdominal surgeries. More recently, IVF has also been used to help couples who are at risk for a child with a genetic disease, such as Tay Sachs, adds Zev Williams, MD, PhD, Chief of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Columbia University Fertility Center. It can also be helpful for those who are carriers of genes that could result in the child being at increased risk for cancer (such as BRCA), so they can have healthy children and not pass on cancer genes. There can also be a problem when it comes to the sperm as well. "Male factor infertility, which occurs when a male partner in a heterosexual couple has low sperm count, typically requires IVF treatment and those patients tend present at a younger age," explains Dr. Resetkova. Then, there are LGBT patients who also make up the population of those getting IVF at a younger age. But, in general, younger women have the best chances of success with IVF. "The best prognosis group is under 35 years of age," she adds. Why? Dr. Williams explains that as a woman ages, her eggs are more likely to have chromosomal problems that prevents a healthy pregnancy from occurring. ('You Might Also Like',) An epic piece of Ernest Hemingway history is headed for the auction block in Los Angeles. Nows your chance to get your hands on a rare 1935 letter documenting the experience believed to have inspired The Old Man and the Sea. The letter, written by Hemingway to his friend Erl Roman, then fishing editor of the Miami Herald, tells a larger-than-life tale of his friends battle with a 500-pound Atlantic Blue Marlin in the Bahamas. From his boat Pilar, Hemingway recounted how his friend, the painter Henry Strater, struggled to catch the fish, as well as the shark attack that occurred while the giant fish was being hauled onboard. WATCH: Ernest Hemingways Famous Six-Toed Cats Come Out Of Hurricane Irma Without A Scratch The Pulitzer Prize -winning author goes on to explain that the fish likely would have weighed between 700 and 900 pounds, had some of its meat not been torn off by sharks. Importantly, Hemingway's account of the marlin catch differs from other anecdotal stories of it, one of which describes Hemingway using a machine gun' on the shark, which purportedly attracted more sharks to the feeding frenzy, the auction house wrote in the official lot description. It's likely Hemingway left out this detail, as Strater would blame its use on attracting more sharks to the marlin, depriving Strater of a world record marlin catch. WATCH: The signed, two-page autograph letter is written entirely in pencil and is accompanied by its original envelope as well as a black-and-white photo of the history-making catch. The auction, hosted by Nate D. Sanders Auctions, will take place on November 8th. Bidding for the letter starts at $30,000. While Americans across the country voted on governors, state and U.S. senators and representatives and other political appointees, numerous states also had a wide array of ballot initiatives to consider. Issues states voted on ranged from taxes, health care, voting rights, education and legalizing recreational marijuana use. In some states, voters had to make a determination on key energy and environmental regulations. Here's how several votes turned out: Arizona Proposition 127 Arizona Proposition 127, the Renewable Energy Standards Initiative, called for energy providers to require 50 percent of energy to come from renewable resources by 2030. A yes vote called for electric providers to "acquire a certain percentage of electricity from renewable resources each year, with the percentage increasing annually from 12 percent in 2020 to 50 percent in 2030." How the state voted: Arizona voters voted no, rejecting the new energy policy. It was a decisive vote, with nearly 70 percent of constituents opposing this constitutional amendment. Since the amendment was defeated, the state's existing renewable energy requirement of 15 percent by 2025 will remain in place. Florida Amendment 9 Florida Amendment 9 covered several different issues including prohibiting offshore oil and gas drilling as well as ban vaping in enclosed indoor workplaces amendment. The amendment would prohibit drilling, either for exploration or extraction of oil and natural gas in state waters. How the state voted: With over 68 percent voters choosing "yes," the amendment was approved. Environmentalists and tourism officials had feared that an oil spill could ruin beaches, according to the Associated Press. 2018 elections The Capitol is seen on the morning after Election Day as Democrats took back the House with a surge of fresh new candidates and an outpouring of voter enthusiasm ending eight years of Republican control, in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) Story continues Nevada Question 6 Like in Arizona, Nevada Question 6, also known as the Renewable Energy Standards Initiative, called on electric utilities to acquire 50 percent of their electricity from renewable resources by 2030. If it were opposed, then the existing requirement of 25 percent of electricity from renewable resouces by 2025 would remain. How the state voted: Unlike in Arizona, Nevada voters overwhelmingly passed the measure with over 58 percent of the vote in favor of moving forward with the new renewable energy standards. Both energy initiatives in Nevada and Arizona were financed by NextGen America, an advocacy group that works to fight climate change and promote a clean energy economy. Washington Initiative 1631 Washington Initiative 1631 would require a carbon emissions fee of $15 per metric ton of carbon on large emitters of carbon, such as power plants, beginning on Jan. 1, 2020. It would be "based on the carbon content of fossil fuels sold or used in the state and electricity generated in or imported for use in the state." It would also increase the fee by $2 annually until the state's greenhouse gas reduction goals are met and use the revenue from the fee to fund various climate and environmental programs. How the state voted: Washington state voters likely rejected the initiative. Votes were still being counted late Tuesday, but The Seattle Times reported that as of Tuesday evening, with over 1.9 million votes in, 56.3 percent of voters opposed the measure. If passed, Washington would've been the first state to implement a carbon tax or fee. According to the Times, proponents of the measure are already working on getting a bill passed next year in the state capital of Olympia. Opponents called Initiative 1631 "a costly, unfair and ineffective $2.3 billion energy tax that would be paid by Washington families and small businesses." Going to the US? Tommy Robinson (PA) Fifty five MPs have written to the US Secretary of State calling on America to enforce a travel ban against far-right activist Tommy Robinson. The founder of the English Defence League has been invited to speak at an event in Washington later this month. The MPs include Conservative and Shadow Cabinet politicians, such as Labours Luciana Berger and Chris Bryant, have written to Mike Pompeo. We hope you agree that it would send a terrible signal if a convicted felon deemed inadmissible to the United States such as Yaxley-Lennon (Robinsons real name) were allowed to travel to your country and speak before a prominent audience despite his conviction for previously entering the United States illegally, reads the letter, which is written in conjunction with the Hope not Hate group. Labours Luciana Berger is one of those who has signed the letter (PA) Clearly the gravity of his criminal serious record, his brazen violation of U.S. immigration law and the threat he poses to the American public will ensure that he isnt granted admission to the U.S. The MPs said that he should not be allowed to use the trip to promote his violent and extremist agenda. Robinson has not yet been granted permission to travel to the US. Tommy Robinson supporters outside the Old Bailey in September (PA) In 2013 he was jailed for 10 months after entering the US illegally on somebody elses passport. He had previously been banned from travelling to America because of a previous drugs offence. Despite this and other convictions, Robinsons reputation grew grew after he was jailed for endangering the trial of an Asian grooming gang by posting videos filmed outside court online. He was jailed earlier this year after admitting contempt of court charges but that conviction was later quashed. However, his international profile increased as a result and the 35-year-old is also reportedly said to be soon embarking on a speaking tour to Australia. The MPs letter emerged after it was also revealed that Robinson had been banned from using PayPal to raise funds. Actress Tamera Mowry-Housley confirmed that her niece Alaina Housley was one of the 12 victims killed during the Borderline Bar and Grill shooting on Wednesday night. Our hearts are broken, Mowry-Housley and her husband Adam said in a joint statement released on Thursday. We just learned that our niece Alaina was one of the victims of last nights shooting at Borderline bar in Thousand Oaks. Alaina was an incredible young woman with so much life ahead of her and we are devastated that her life was cut short in this manner. We thank everyone for your prayers and ask for privacy at this time. The pair were on social media in the hours after the shooting trying to located Housley, a student a Pepperdine University. Her college suitemate posted photos of Housley Thursday morning on Twitter asking if anyone had seen her. According to the suitemate, Housley was last seen wearing denim shorts, blue flannels and sneakers and was the only one of the suitemates that was unaccounted for at the time. My suitemate is still missing, she is wearing denim shorts, a blue flannel and sneakers, pls let me know if you know anything #Borderline pic.twitter.com/t1nUHneChW Ashley (@amowreader) November 8, 2018 Mowry-Housley, one of the hosts of the CBS talk show The Real and former star of the 90s sitcom Sister, Sister, reached out to the suitemate on Twitter asking for the latest update on her nieces location. Ashely this is her aunt Tamera Mowry Housley. Can you please DM me your information? Tamera Mowry-Housley (@TameraMowryTwo) November 8, 2018 According to the Los Angeles Times, Mowry-Housleys husband Adam Housley went to Los Robles Regional Medical Center looking for his niece but, was turned away because the hospital was on lockdown. Story continues The Times reported that Housleys Apple Watch and iPhone still showed her location at the bar. Housley told the Times that two of Alainas suite-mates jumped through a broken window to escape the bar and are at the hospital with major glass wounds. @adamhousley arrived at the hospital searching for his niece Alaina. A guard didnt let him through, saying it was on lockdown. He said Alaina, a Pepperdine freshman, was at the bar with several friends. Her Apple Watch and iPhone still showed her location on the dance floor. Andrea Castillo (@andreamcastillo) November 8, 2018 Housley said two of Alainas suite mates jumped through a broken window to escape and are at a hospital with major glass wounds. As they ran away from the bar, someone screamed Hey! Get the [sic] down on the ground! They told Housley they believe it was the gunman. Andrea Castillo (@andreamcastillo) November 8, 2018 Police confirmed that 28-year-old Ian David Long opened fire at the Thousand Oaks dance bar, killing 12, including a sheriffs deputy and himself, and injuring 15. Police said there were about 60 people at the bar at the time of the shooting. Following Mowry-Housley and her husbands statement on their niece, 4 of the 12 victims identities have been confirmed. Police confirmedVentura County Sheriff Sgt. Ron Helus and the gunman died during the shooting and the father of 22-year-old Cody Coffman confirmed his son died during the shooting as well. Before news of Housleys death, Mowry-Housleys twin sister Tia Mowry posted to social media with pleas to find Alaina Housley. Alaina Housely we are praying. We love u! If you know anything or any information please let us know. We love you! Mowry posted. Victorias Secret Fashion Show 2018 Adriana Lima. [Photo: Getty] Adriana Lima made her way down the catwalk for the last time in two decades at the 23rd annual Victorias Secret Fashion Show. Last night, the 37-year-old Brazilian model and actress, was joined by the likes of Gigi Hadid, Bella Hadid, Winnie Harlow and Kendall Jenner as they made their way down the runway at this years show, held at Pier 24 in New York City. They were joined by returning names Candice Swanepoel, Stella Maxwell, Sara Sampaio and Taylor Marie Hill. Also walking down the runway was this years Fantasy Bra wearer, Elsa Hosk. Adriana has twice held the honour of wearing the Victorias Secret Fantasy Bra in 2008 and 2010. Yesterday, she announced she would say goodbye to the show in an emotional Instagram post. The Victorias Secret Fashion Show has received its fair share of controversy in recent years, with some questioning whether it remains relevant amid its lack of size diversity there has still not been one plus size model walking on the runway. However, it is still watched streamed widely across the world, despite last years show receiving just under five million viewers the lowest ratings ever. See every look from the Victorias Secret Fashion Show 2018. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for non-stop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. For Twitter updates, follow @YahooStyleUK. Read more from Yahoo Style UK: Model calls for Victorias Secret Fashion Show boycott This years $1m Victorias Secret Fantasy Bra revealed and for the first time, you can buy it 30 of the most memorable Victorias Secret Fashion Show looks Estelle Chen. [Photo: Getty] Phoblographer Thankfully, film photography still holds its place in the world. Some shoot film because they're hipsters, while others do it because they feel deeply about the science behind it and the aesthetic it produces. Shooting film isn't easy, most people fail to get to right. But for those that nail it, the results can be spectacular. Naturally, we've featured many of the wins. And below is some film photography you'll love by photographers who love their film cameras. Prince Charles tried out some new phrases in Pidgin when he visited Nigeria's largest city, Lagos. The Prince of Wales said it was particularly special to be there after nearly 30 years, and that the only words to describe it were 'God don butter my bread,' a term in Pidgin meaning 'God has blessed me.' 'How you dey?' ('How are you?') he asked assembled dignitaries and leading politicians, as well as stars from the world of fashion, music and the arts. The Pidgin language is the widely spoken 'lingua franca' of much of west and central Africa, a way of communicating meant to overcome the barriers of Africa's many different dialects that first began in the late 17th and 18th centuries. The language is a cultural force, used in everything from Afrobeat music to movies emerging from Nigeria's Nollywood, now the world's second-largest film industry. The prince also spoke about his commitment to Lagos through The Prince's Trust initiative, which sees money invested in return for social value. The visit in Lagos was Charles' final stop of his eight-day trip to west Africa. SAN FRANCISCO (AP) A U.S. appeals court blocked President Donald Trump on Thursday from immediately ending an Obama-era program shielding young immigrants from deportation, saying the administration's decision was based on a flawed legal theory. A three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously kept a preliminary injunction in place against Trump's decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Lawsuits by California and others challenging the administration's decision will continue in federal court while the injunction stands. The U.S. Supreme Court could eventually decide the fate of DACA, which has protected about 700,000 people who were brought to the U.S. illegally as children or came with families that overstayed visas. Earlier this week, the Trump administration took the unusual step of asking the Supreme Court to take up the case even before any federal appeals courts had weighed in. It was the second time the administration sought review of its DACA decision by the Supreme Court. In Thursday's ruling, 9th Circuit Judge Kim Wardlaw said California and other plaintiffs were likely to succeed with their claim that the decision to end DACA was arbitrary and capricious. The Department of Homeland Security moved to end the program last year on the advice of just-fired Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who determined DACA to be unlawful because, he said, President Barack Obama did not have the authority to adopt it in the first place. That was incorrect, Wardlaw wrote, noting that the federal government has a long and well-established history of using its discretion not to enforce immigration law against certain categories of people. Examples include President Dwight D. Eisenhower's decision in 1956 to extend "immigration parole" to 30,000 Hungarian refugees otherwise unable to remain in the U.S. and President Ronald Reagan's "Family Fairness" program, which allowed certain relatives of illegal immigrants who had been granted amnesty to likewise remain in the country. Story continues While the federal government might be able to end DACA for policy reasons under its own discretion, it can't do so based on Sessions' faulty belief that the program exceeds federal authority, the court held. "We hold only that here, where the Executive did not make a discretionary choice to end DACA but rather acted based on an erroneous view of what the law required the rescission was arbitrary and capricious," Wardlaw wrote. "The government is, as always, free to reexamine its policy choices, so long as doing so does not violate an injunction or any freestanding statutory or constitutional protection." That said, the judges also declined to dismiss claims that the government's action might violate the constitutional rights of DACA recipients. The disproportionate effect the decision would have on Latinos might be unconstitutionally discriminatory, the court said, and the plaintiffs had also made a credible claim that it would violate due process for the government to turn around and use information they provided when they enrolled in DACA in deportation proceedings. The Trump administration has said it moved to end the program last year because Texas and other states threatened to sue, raising the prospect of a chaotic end to DACA. The administration cited a 2015 ruling by another U.S. appeals court that blocked a separate immigration policy implemented by Obama. The 9th Circuit disagreed with the New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and said one of its conclusions did not apply to DACA. An email to the U.S. Department of Justice was not immediately returned. Trump's decision to end DACA prompted lawsuits across the nation, including one by California. A judge overseeing that lawsuit and four others ruled against the administration and reinstated the program in January. U.S. District Judge William Alsup rejected the argument that Obama had exceeded his power in creating DACA and said the Trump administration failed to consider the disruption that ending the program would cause. The administration then asked the 9th Circuit to throw out Alsup's ruling. During a hearing in May, Deputy Assistant Attorney General Hashim Mooppan argued that the courts could not review the administration's decision to end DACA. The 9th Circuit rejected that notion. The administration has been critical of the 9th Circuit and took the unusual step of trying to sidestep it and have the California DACA cases heard directly by the U.S. Supreme Court. The high court in February declined to do so. It again asked the Supreme Court on Monday to take up the case after warning that it would seek review by the high court if the 9th Circuit did not issue a ruling by Oct. 31. Federal judges in New York and Washington also have ruled against Trump on DACA. ___ Associated Press writer Gene Johnson contributed from Seattle. By Daniel Trotta PHOENIX (Reuters) - Arizona voters may have to wait a week or more to learn whether their U.S. senator is Republican Martha McSally or Democrat Kyrsten Sinema, as some 600,000 ballots remained uncounted as of Wednesday afternoon. With one out of every four ballots remaining to be counted, McSally led by about 15,000 votes, less than one percentage point. Neither candidate was ready to concede, though the outcome was unlikely to tip the balance of power in the U.S. Senate after Republicans flipped three seats in their favor, extending their majority. The delayed result is a familiar feature of Arizona politics, when candidates can wait for days or weeks to learn final results. That is because of a state law that gives voters the choice of mailing in early ballots or dropping them off at polling places as late as Election Day, requiring time to be hand-processed. "I can relate. When I ran in 2016, I had to wait 10 days for my final results," said Maricopa County Recorder Adrian Fontes, who in his elected position is responsible for overseeing the count of the nearly 500,000 ballots yet to processed in Arizona's largest county. Hundreds of poll workers will hand-process the ballots in a county warehouse, which could take eight or nine days, Fontes said in a telephone interview. The Secretary of State's office will certify the results on Dec. 3, though the winner may become clear before then as the vote count gets gradually updated. "We don't think of it as quirky. We think of it as enabling as much participation in the process as possible," Arizona Republican political strategist Stan Barnes said. "Out west, we tend to take our time with these things." Only about 20 percent of Arizona voters actually went into the voting booth on Tuesday, with 80 percent dropping off or mailing ballots, said Matt Roberts, a spokesman for Arizona Secretary of State Michele Reagan. In recent years, Arizona voters have waited later and later to drop off their ballots, Roberts said. "There's no law against them holding onto their ballot until the last minute but it certainly causes a delay for close races," Roberts said. McSally has been through the wait before. She won her House of Representatives race in 2014 by a razor-thin margin more than a month after the election. That race also involved litigation, and a Superior Court judge declared her the winner by 167 votes over incumbent Democrat Ron Barber following a state-mandated recount. Neither campaign responded to a request for comment on the wait. (Reporting by Daniel Trotta; Additional reporting by David Schwartz; Editing by Scott Malone and Lisa Shumaker) Los Angeles (AFP) - A US Senate race that appeared to have been won by a Republican candidate was tilting in favor of her Democratic opponent on Thursday night, official results showed. With almost all ballots counted from the November 6 election, Democratic Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema had pulled ahead to 932,870 votes against 923,260 for her opponent, Republican Congresswoman Martha McSally, who is famous for being America's first female fighter pilot to fly in combat. A recount appeared possible in the neck-and-neck race that still had outstanding provisional and absentee ballots. When she announced her US Senate candidacy, McSally took on a new mission: shifting rightward to make herself palatable to President Donald Trump, essentially squeezing out two extremists who likely would sink the party's chances if either one snatched the nomination. Apart from the Arizona election, two more Senate races remain uncalled. Florida's election appeared headed for a mandatory recount with Rick Scott, the state's term-limited governor up by just 17,344 votes, or 0.22 percent, against Democratic Senator Bill Nelson. The race for Mississippi's junior Senate seat meanwhile will go to a runoff election on November 27 after Republican incumbent Cindy Hyde-Smith failed to reach the 50 percent threshold for an outright victory over Democrat Mike Espy, with a fellow Republican taking 16.4 percent of the vote. Hyde-Smith is expected to prevail in the runoff. Next year will mark a century since Benito Mussolini founded the original Fascist Party. And while the Italian dictator may have been killed during World War II, the idea he codified lives on as does its opposite. After the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville in 2017 led to violent clashes between white nationalists and counter-protesters, American awareness of that opposition rose dramatically. Anti-fascist direct-action movements, often known as antifa, drew support from some quarters. From others, they drew condemnation including from President Trump for what could be seen as violent tactics. In March, Merriam-Webster added antifa to the dictionary. But despite being an idea thats nearly 100 years old and that spans much of the globe, antifa is still a source of much confusion. Gord Hill, an activist and artist, is previously the author of books such as The 500 Years of Resistance Comic Book. In light of the news, his publisher asked him to turn his attention to the history of anti-fascist resistance. The result, The Antifa Comic Book: 100 Years of Fascism and Antifa Movements, is available now. He spoke to TIME about the original idea of no platform, why antifa history isnt better known and more. How much did you know about the history of antifa when you started this project? Ive been involved in anti-racist and anti-fascist struggle since the 90s so Ive been aware of developments over the last few years in that. But I did have to do a lot of research I had a general knowledge, I think maybe a lot of people do, but when I started researching fascist Italy for example, there was a lot I had to learn. Also in regards to the anti-fascist resistance, theres not a lot of history [written] about it. It does seem like people get taught in school a lot more about the rise of fascism than about the resistance to it. Why do you think that history isnt better known? I think part of it is because the anti-fascist resistance came predominantly from leftist movements including the Communist Party, Socialist Party and anarchists so generally there was a tendency to minimize what happened. Most peoples knowledge of fascist history is centered around Nazi Germany, and even there you dont really learn a lot about the anti-fascist resistance through the 20s and early 30s, again because, I think, it was predominantly communist or leftist-based. Story continues If you have heard about any kind of anti-Nazi resistance from Germany, its the White Rose or maybe its the Edelweiss Pirates, which are almost a more passive type of resistance. After World War II, Western Europe was kind of reorganized under the U.S. Marshall Plan and they began a whole anti-communist campaign. The world was divided between East and West, and I think thats part of what contributes to this minimizing of anti-fascist resistance in the 20s and 30s. How would you characterize the relationship between antifascist groups and the rest of the left, historically? The anti-fascist resistance was based in the left. It was the left that was the first primary target of fascist violence and attacks, like in Italy. Has there been anti-fascist resistance everywhere theres been fascism? I think that is fair to say. Anti-fascist resistance movements arise out of actual material conditions, like being attacked by fascist gangs and paramilitary groups, so its a self-defense response from a lot of different communities, including the leftist groups and today its the immigrant communities; people of color; lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people; all these communities that are the targets of fascist violence. In the majority of cases they begin to organize some kind of defense. Get your history fix in one place: sign up for the weekly TIME History newsletter Is there any unifying principle or tactic that you noticed coming up repeatedly in these different movements in different places and times? Generally theres an emphasis on physical and ideological confrontation against fascist movements, and again that goes back to the need to defend communities from attacks. You go right back to fascist Italy, which was the first fascist movement, and you see the first establishment of an anti-fascist resistance, and their main goals were physical and ideological confrontation. And if you look through history you see the same dynamics in all the different countries where you have fascist movements arise. One of the tactics that jumped out at me from that history was the idea of no platform, which is something you might see discussed these days, often as an affront to free speech. Can you explain what people should know about the history of the idea? The place Im most familiar with where the idea of no platform was really implemented was in the United Kingdom. It was really promoted by Anti-Fascist Action in England in the 1980s, and the general strategy is to deny fascists a public platform from which they can spread their propaganda and also organize and recruit. Thats why these large public events that the far-right has been trying to organize in the last few years have been targeted by anti-fascists to shut them down thats part of the no-platform strategy. The idea behind that is to try to stop them from spreading this poisonous political message that they have, and also trying to deny them the public space from which they can organize and carry out attacks in the streets after their meetings. Thats basically what no platform means. Is there anything that you notice these days people tend to get wrong about the history or concept of anti-fascist resistance? What I really notice, coming from the United States predominantly, is this kind of demonization of antifa and the false equivalency that its just as bad as the fascists. Antifa wouldnt exist if there werent these fascist and far-right groups mobilizing and carrying out attacks. If you look at the last couple of years, theres been over two dozen people killed by far-right and fascist groups and individuals, and antifa hasnt killed anybody. Some people might argue that, even if one causes the other, direct confrontation of the type antifa movements rely on isnt good, or that non-violent resistance is a better response to the violent rhetoric of fascism. Whats your take on that? If you look at the number of people who have been killed by fascists and far-right extremists over the last couple years or even decades, it dwarfs Islamic [extremist] terrorist attacks in the United Sates. Theyve killed a lot of people and a lot of people have been assaulted. In terms of using violent and militant means to shut down fascist organizing, I think [white nationalist] Richard Spencer demonstrates very clearly the success of militant anti-fascism. He canceled his speaking tour; he declared that antifa was winning; it wasnt fun anymore for him to go out promoting hatred. That would be my main response. The book has a number of examples of militant anti-fascism working. What about the moral side of it, the idea that violence just isnt the right response? Nazism was finally defeated through the terrible destruction of World War II, if thats what people want to go to because they think its not right to confront fascists when theyre in the streets. Confronting fascists in the streets when theyre a much smaller movement is a lot better than waging a world war to shut down a fascist state. Was there anything in your research that really surprised you? I began the book with Italy and what really surprised me was the Arditi del Popolo [a militant anti-fascist group founded in Italy in 1921], and the level of armed resistance that was carried out in the early 1920s against the fascists and their paramilitary group, the Blackshirts including urban warfare and gun battles in small towns and cities. To what extent is todays antifa connected to the early antifascists like the Arditi del Popolo? I think in Italy there probably is a fairly direct lineage. In the United States and Canada, its a different kind of situation and theres no direct lineage to these groups in the 1920s and 30s. Even antifa, which was revived by groups in the 1980s in West Germany, doesnt claim or have a direct lineage to the Communist Party antifa group that was set up in the 1930s. They modified the original antifa logo, but its a very different movement today. People do draw inspiration and lessons from these previous movements, but I think the movements of today are new. There were periods of time when [antifa movements] didnt exist or werent really mobilizing, because the far right was in decline. As they revived, then you see a revival of antifa groups. Where do you think this history is leading us next? I think for the foreseeable future were going to be dealing with the growth of populist far-right parties, as weve seen in Europe. Its really hard to predict what the future will be, but I do think there will be more intense struggles and I think this type of activity weve been seeing in the U.S., I think its going to continue for a while. Vienna (AFP) - Austria has a launched a probe into a colonel suspected of spying for Russia for several decades, Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said Friday, the latest in a string of cases where Moscow has been accused of espionage in EU states. Kurz told a press conference that the 70-year-old army official, now retired, is suspected to have begun working with Russian intelligence in the 1990s and carried on until 2018. The public prosecutor's office in Salzburg province confirmed the colonel was being investigated for the crime of revealing state secrets. Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl has summoned the Russian charge d'affaires over the matter and cancelled an upcoming trip to Russia. Russia's foreign ministry meanwhile said it was calling in the Austrian ambassador to discuss the issue. "Of course if such cases are confirmed, whether it be in the Netherlands or in Austria, it can't improve the relationship between the EU and Russia," Kurz told reporters in Vienna. He was referring to the expulsion of four Russian agents by the Netherlands in April for allegedly planning a cyber-attack on the world's chemical weapons watchdog in The Hague. "Russian spying in Europe is unacceptable and to be condemned," the chancellor added. He said that Austria was "demanding transparent information from the Russian side" and that it would consult its European partners on further steps. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said he had been "unpleasantly surprised" by the news from Vienna. "Recently our Western partners have made it a rule not to use traditional diplomacy, but instead so-called 'megaphone diplomacy' by publicly accusing us and for explanations about matters we know nothing about," he told a press conference. "We will call (the Austrian ambassador's) attention to the methods that must be used if you have questions to put to Russia," Lavrov added. Story continues - Equipment handed over - Austrian Defence Minister Mario Kunasek said the case came to light "a few weeks ago" as a result of information from another European intelligence agency. "We can't say for the moment whether this is an isolated incident or not," Kunasek said. He said that the colonel had handed over "technical equipment" including his laptop which was now being examined. Kunasek said that under questioning, the colonel said the Russians had been interested "in weapons systems, in the migration situation here in Austria in recent years". "Profiles of certain people were also created and passed on," Kunasek said. The case indicated that "even after the end of the Cold War, spying has continued and shows us the need to tighten our security network, within Austria and within the defence ministry," Kunasek said. According to Austrian press reports, the colonel was paid 300,000 euros ($340,000) for his services. - Russian links - Austria is not a member of NATO and sets great store by its status as a neutral country. As such it was one of the few European countries not to expel Russian diplomats following the poisoning of ex-spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in Britain in March. Austria's relationship with Russia has come under particular scrutiny since the far-right Freedom Party (FPOe) entered government in coalition last December. The FPOe -- which nominated Kneissl and of which Kunasek is also a member -- has had a "cooperation pact" with Russian President Vladimir Putin's United Russia party since 2016. In August, Kneissl caused controversy by inviting Putin as a guest of honour to her wedding. In addition, the FPOe Interior Minister Herbert Kickl admitted in September that Austria had been asked to take "trust-building measures" to retain cooperation with allied secret services. It followed reports that Western secret services were increasingly wary of sharing information with Austria over concerns it could be passed to Moscow. Earlier this week the Austrian Falter weekly published what it said was a document from the Finnish domestic intelligence agency in which it asked for information from partner countries but specifically excluded Vienna's BVT agency. By Francois Murphy VIENNA (Reuters) - A senior Austrian military officer is believed to have spied for Moscow for decades, Vienna said on Friday, adding to a list of recent Russian espionage cases and souring relations with arguably the country's closest ally in the EU. Austria was in the minority of EU countries that did not expel any Russian diplomats over the poisoning of former spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in Britain, which London has blamed on Moscow. Russia denies any involvement. Conservative Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, who governs in coalition with the far-right and pro-Moscow Freedom Party, has said that decision was in line with Austria's neutrality and a tradition of maintaining good relations with countries on both sides of the former Iron Curtain. Vienna is a major diplomatic center hosting many foreign officials. But Kurz hardened his tone on Friday, announcing that a recently retired colonel was believed to have spied for Moscow from the 1990s until this year. "If the suspicion is confirmed, such cases... do not improve relations between Russia and the European Union," he told reporters, without naming the suspect. The case has been referred to prosecutors and the former colonel has been questioned. Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl, who danced with Russian President Vladimir Putin at her wedding in August, has canceled a planned trip to Moscow over the case. She has also summoned the Russian charge d'affaires since the ambassador is outside the country. "For the moment we are demanding transparent information from the Russian side," Kurz said. 'UNPLEASANTLY SURPRISED' In Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said he was "unpleasantly surprised" by Vienna's allegations and Moscow knew nothing about the retired officer, news agencies RIA and Interfax reported. Russia had in turn summoned the Austrian ambassador, agencies said. Kurz repeatedly referred to a recent case in the Netherlands in which the government said Russian agents tried to hack into the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons while it was investigating the Skripal case. Western countries last month issued coordinated denunciations of Russia for running what they described as a global hacking campaign. "Based on the information we have but also because of recent events for example in the Netherlands we can very much assume at the moment that our suspicion will be confirmed," said Kurz, who has met Putin in Austria twice since the Skripal poisoning. It is not yet clear whether the case is an isolated one, Defence Minister Mario Kunasek said, speaking alongside Kurz. Austria was tipped off about the case weeks ago by an ally's intelligence service, and issues of interest to the officer or his alleged handlers included weapons systems and migration into Europe, Kunasek added. (Reporting by Francois Murphy; Additional reporting by Maria Kiselyova in Moscow; editing by John Stonestreet) Bangladeshi authorities were set to announce later Thursday a date for general elections despite the opposition crying foul and threatening protests. Chief election commissioner Nurul Huda will address the nation live at 7:00 pm (1300 GMT) to announce the date, spokesman S.M. Asaduzzaman told AFP. The vote in the South Asian country of 165 million people is likely to be held in late December although the opposition wants it pushed back to March. The opposition also wants parliament to be dissolved first and for a neutral caretaker government to take office, but Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has rejected the demands. The opposition, including the main Bangladesh Nationalist Party, fears the election will be rigged if Hasina remains in power while the vote is held. The BNP boycotted the last elections in 2014 over fears its would be rigged by Hasina. A majority of parliamentary seats were then won by Hasina'a party unopposed. The boycott triggered widespread violence across the Muslim majority country, leaving dozens of people dead and hundreds of voting booths vandalised. The ruling Awami League party and main opposition alliance, the Jatiya Oikya Front, held two rounds of discussions at Hasina's residence in the past week. But they appeared to end in failure with the deputy leader of the ruling party Obaidul Quader telling reporters that dissolving parliament was unconstitutional. "There is no scope to go beyond the constitution. We've conveyed that clearly," he said. The opposition would not say that the talks had ended in failure but they stressed their struggle would continue. They also want the election commission to defer its announcement. "We are still in movement," opposition spokesman Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said. They have threatened street protests and marches in major cities and in front of the commission. The 2014 violence prompted a massive crackdown by Hasina's government, which arrested thousands of BNP officials and confined BNP leader Khaleda Zia at her home for weeks. Story continues In recent months, the BNP's strength was further weakened after Zia was convicted and sentenced to 10 and seven years in jail in two separate cases of corruption. Her eldest son and heir apparent Tarique Rahman, who lives in exile in London, was also sentenced to life in prison over a 2004 grenade attack targetting Hasina. Analysts say despite the rejection of its key demand by Hasina and amid mounting fears of a rigged polls, BNP has no choice but to participate in the election. A no-show could result in cancellation of its party registration, they say. Google and Sephora have joined forces to make following beauty tutorials much easier. The tech giant's Google Hub' device will be available for beauty fans to interact with -- and even purchase -- at 10 of the beauty retailer's locations across the US as well as in its online store. In addition to being used as a voice-controlled smart home device, the Google Hub also plays YouTube videos; which is where Sephora comes in. Playing beauty tutorials on a voice-activated device brings advantages such as allowing makeup fans to pause the content without so much as having to put down their bronzing brush."Hey Google, show me a smokey eyes video from Sephora." "We grounded ourselves in the insight that people were looking for beauty how-to content on YouTube," Julia Chen Davidson, Google's head of partner marketing for home products, told WWD. "As the leading beauty retailer in the world, Sephora is not only the destination for millions of people for beauty, they're also the authority in terms of how to pull off that look with their beauty directors and videos on their YouTube channel." The move is the latest major innovation from Sephora, which has been hitting the headlines on a regular basis recently. The cosmetics giant has had a big year so far, hosting its first-ever major Sephoria' beauty festival in Los Angeles last month, as well as teaming up with the Museum of Ice Cream (MOIC) on a makeup collaboration back in September, launching a new omni-channel retail platform in China, and launching in-store facials in several of its boutiques across the US. Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont says the reluctance of white voters to support minority candidates explains the defeat of a number of a highly touted progressive candidates in Tuesdays midterms. I think you know there are a lot of white folks out there who are not necessarily racist who felt uncomfortable for the first time in their lives about whether or not they wanted to vote for an African-American, Sanders told The Daily Beast in an interview published Thursday. I think next time around by the way it will be a lot easier for them to do that. Sanders was referencing the defeat of Florida gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum, and the apparent defeat of Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams, two progressive darlings, on Tuesday night. Sanders campaigned aggressively for Gillum in the waning days of the race, touting their shared commitment to Medicare-for-all and tuition-free higher education during a well attended rally in Tampa, Fla. in late October. I think hes a fantastic politician in the best sense of the word, Sanders said of Gillum. He stuck to his guns in terms of a progressive agenda. I think he ran a great campaign. And he had to take on some of the most blatant and ugly racism that we have seen in many many years. And yet he came within a whisker of winning. Despite Gillums defeat at the hands of Republican representative Ron DeSantis and the fact that Abrams was still trailing in her yet-to-be-called contest with Republican Brian Kemp, Sanders was optimistic about the countrys receptivity to his progressive agenda and cited the defeat of a number of centrist, red-state Democratic senators as evidence that the partys leftward shift was politically advantageous. I think you got to contrast that to the votes of conservative Democrats who did not generate a great deal of excitement within the Democratic party, did not bring the kind of new people, new energy that they needed, and ended up doing quite poorly, Sanders said, referencing the defeat of incumbent Democratic senators Joe Donnelly of Indiana, Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota, and Claire McCaskill of Missouri. Senator warns of Trumps demagoguery 101 but tells the Guardian he has not decided whether to run in 2020 Bernie Sanders: When people are anxious and worried about the future, demagogues play to those fears. Photograph: John Locher/AP Bernie Sanders has declared that the midterm election results show a clear path for a progressive candidate to win the White House in 2020 but the Vermont senator has not made up his mind yet as to whether he will be among those running. In a phone interview from Burlington on Wednesday, Sanders, fresh off his Senate re-election victory, called Trumps us-against-them approach to government a lesson in demagoguery 101 and said he was dismayed that the presidents fear-based appeals helped strengthen Republican control of the Senate. When people are anxious and worried about the future, demagogues not just in the United States but all over the world play to those fears, Sanders said. But the Democratic takeover of the House, which ended one-party rule in Washington, was a very clear message from the American people against Trump policies, his behavior and his bigotry, Sanders told the Guardian. Reacting to the news that Trump forced his attorney general, Jeff Sessions, to resign, Sanders saw a ploy by the president to turn the attention away from his election night losses. Its not an accident that as the media is discussing last nights defeats for him and the progress that Democrats have made, he wants to change that discussion immediately by firing Sessions, he said. He continued: I think that it is absolutely imperative that the Mueller investigation looking at possible Trump campaign collusion with the Russians must be allowed to proceed unimpeded. If it is not allowed it would constitute an obstruction of justice and that would, in fact, be an impeachable offense. My hope is that Trump is smart enough to understand that. The culmination of the 2018 midterms marked the unofficial beginning of what is expected to be a long and crowded race for the White House in 2020. Sanders would join a field that could realistically number in the dozens. Story continues Sanders said he is talking to a lot of people and doing a lot of analysis about what candidate was best suited to win in the battleground states that Hillary Clinton lost. Among his possible opponents, should he run, are the former vice-president Joe Biden, Sanders fellow senators Elizabeth Warren, Kamala Harris and Cory Booker, as well as a handful of governors, mayors and business executives. Thats not counting rising Democratic stars who narrowly lost races on Tuesday Andrew Gillum in Florida, where he fell short in his bid to become Governor, and Beto ORourke in Texas, who came close to ousting the conservative torchbearer Ted Cruz with a spirited campaign that garnered attention across the nation and even internationally. The question we have to ask ourselves, Sanders said, is which of the candidates out there is going to win in Michigan, in Ohio, in Pennsylvania, in Wisconsin, in Florida. That is the challenge. Republicans won governorships in Florida and Ohio, two battleground states crucial to presidential victories. But Democrats unseated Scott Walker, the governor of Wisconsin, captured the governors mansion in Michigan, and held on to the governorship in Pennsylvania, three states that sealed Trumps victory in 2016. For a Democratic party divided over how to build a winning coalition, and which candidate can best take on Trump, the midterm elections offered few conclusive answers. And for progressives, like Sanders, who had hoped the midterm elections would prove that Democrats can run unapologetically liberal campaigns and win in battleground districts and states, the night provided little evidence. Sanders argued that ORourke and Gillum, who ran as progressives and came within percentage points of winning statewide contests in parts of the country that supported Trump in 2016, offered a blueprint for Democrats on how to win in conservative states. Their campaigns generated a level of excitement that I know has not been seen in Florida or in Texas in a very long time. He said their candidacies, though ultimately unsuccessful, were a sign that progressives were winning the contest of ideas within the Democratic party on economic policy. Take a hard look at the [House Democrats] elected to Congress next year, he said. Its not just that many of them are women or people of color many of them are progressives who won their elections demanding Medicare for All [government-backed health insurance], demanding raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour, and making public colleges and universities tuition free. As for when Sanders will announce his decision on running for president, the senator said he wanted to give the American people some time to take a deep breath before plunging back into another election cycle. I want the strongest candidate that we can have so that we can beat Trump that is the most important, he said. There are some very good people out there who have indicated they are thinking about running. I certainly dont think I am the only one. By Marine Pennetier SOMME VALLEY, France (Reuters) - French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Theresa May laid a wreath at a memorial in the Somme valley on Friday, honoring fallen World War One soldiers on the eve of the centenary of the war's end. The Somme Offensive, waged in 1916, was intended to hasten a victory for the allies against the German empire, but after four months of trench warfare, more than a million men were dead or wounded and the Great War would go on to last another two years. In a solemn ceremony at the Thiepval memorial in northern France, Macron and May honored allied soldiers who died at the Somme. The wreath they put down combined the poppy and le bleuet flowers, national emblems of remembrance in Britain and France. Thiepval's memorial stands on high ground overlooking the Somme river and commemorates more than 72,000 British and South African soldiers who died and have no known grave. May said the day's ceremonies were a time to "reflect on our shared history, but also look ahead to our shared future". "We remember the heroes who lost their lives in the horror of the trenches. As the sun sets on 100 years of remembrance, we will never forget their sacrifice," she said. The two leaders had first held a working lunch in the town of Albert, in the heart of the Somme region, at a time May is intensifying efforts to secure European support for a Brexit deal. A Macron aide declined to comment on the nature of the discussions. To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of the war this weekend, Macron will welcome world leaders including U.S. President Donald Trump, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Russia's Vladimir Putin. Macron then hosts an inaugural Paris Peace Forum, which Trump will not attend. Earlier on Friday, May laid wreaths at the graves of the first and last British soldiers killed in the war at the St Symphorien cemetery near Mons in Belgium, accompanied by Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel. More than 500 German and British Commonwealth soldiers are buried at the war cemetery. Among them is Private John Parr, a reconnaissance soldier who was killed on Aug. 21, 1914, when his commanding officer sent him into enemy territory on his bicycle to gather intelligence on German military moves. He was 17 years old. Parr's headstone stands opposite that of George Ellison, who died 90 minutes before the Armistice came into effect on Nov 11, 1918. At Parr's grave, May left a note: "In that rich earth a richer dust concealed", words taken from a sonnet written by Rupert Brooke at the start of World War One. (Reporting by Marine Pennetier in Albert, Richard Lough in Paris and Alastair Macdonald; Writing by Richard Lough; Editing by Larry King and Peter Graff) Sofia (AFP) - Bulgarian President Rumen Radev issued a stinging critique of the government's record on corruption and press freedom Friday, saying "the foundations of democracy are being threatened to a critical degree". In a televised speech, Radev said the freedom of speech won by Bulgarians after they toppled communist dictator Todor Zhivkov was now "only a memory". Radev used the speech, given to mark the eve of the 29th anniversary of the fall of communism, to mount a scathing attack on the right-wing government led by Boyko Borisov. Radev has been a thorn in the side of Borisov since he was elected in November 2016 with the backing of the opposition Socialist Party (BSP). Although the presidency is a largely ceremonial role, according to the constitution it is meant to "embody the unity of the nation". Radev said that "lobbying and corruption have permeated the entire system of government and have made it arrogant. "Corruption and the arbitrary exercise of power will endure... as long as society remains indifferent," he added. Radev also had harsh words for the press in his speech, arguing they had abandoned their role as a check on power. "Professional standards in the media have collapsed, and so has citizens' trust in the information they receive," he said. Bulgaria languishes in 111th place in the latest World Press Freedom Index compiled by journalism watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF), the worst score in the EU. An RSF report last year described Bulgaria's press industry as mired in "corruption and collusion between media, politicians and oligarchs". Radev's intervention comes just days before the European Commission is due to publish an annual report assessing the efforts of the Bulgarian justice system to fight corruption. Bulgaria, along with neighbour Romania, is subject to special judicial monitoring by Brussels, which has demanded tougher action on both organised crime and corruption among high-ranking officials. Story continues In recent weeks, prosecutors have begun proceedings against several businessman for fraud and money laundering. They have also asked for the parliamentary immunity of six MPs -- one of them from Borisov's GERB party -- to be lifted as part of an investigation into alleged tax fraud and racketeering. Analysts say that prosecutors are keen to prove to European authorities that they are capable of cracking down on such offences. Another American community has been left reeling after a mass shooting, with 12 dead after a gunman opened fire at a western themed bar in Thousand Oaks, California. The shooting began late Wednesday night in the Borderline Bar & Grill, sending people diving under pool tables and other furniture for cover. Witnesses and victims said that stools were thrown through windows to enable bar patrons to get away from the hail of bullets. A college country music night was underway when the gunman - dressed in black - shot a security guard who was standing outside the bar before entering. Witnesses suggested a smoke grenade may have been thrown. The shooting comes less than two weeks after 11 were gunned down at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. A number of members of congress swiftly called for new gun control legislation in the wake of the latest tragedy. Such calls have had little effect in recent years. Officials identified Ian David Long, of nearby Newbury Park, California, as the suspected shooter. Long was killed at the bar, and police said he carried out the massacre with a legal .45-calibre handgun that he had fitted with an extended magazine illegal in California. He had apparently shot himself. Its a horrific scene in there, Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean said. Theres blood everywhere. Long, a 28-year-old Marine veteran who may have been suffering from PTSD according to reports, had purchased the rifle legally, and burst into the bar at around 11.20pm. He had driven his mothers car there, and did not say anything before turning his weapon into the crowd, according to witnesses. Cole Knapp, 19, said he saw the gunman walk in and stop at the counter as if to pay. Then Mr Knapp said heard gunfire and saw a young woman at the counter shot repeatedly. It took a couple of seconds for people to realise what was going on and once that happened it was just utter chaos, he told Reuters. Knapp said he first helped people hide behind a pool table and then fled to the bars outdoor smoking patio, where people were unaware of the shooting, and urged them to run. Story continues Police first began identifying victims of the Thousand Oaks attack less than 12 hours after the gunmans last shot rang out, including Sergeant Ron Helus, a 29-year veteran of the Ventura County Sheriffs Office. In a press conference on Thursday, Mr Dean praised the work of his office including the sacrifice from Mr Helus for working fast in response to the shooting at the packed college night bar. At least five off-duty law enforcement officers helped to protect people. It could have been much, much worse, Mr Dean said on Thursday, just a day before he was set to retire. He added that he had been told there were 150 to 200 people in the bar, which is popular with students. Mr Dean said that his Sheriffs Office was mourning the loss of Mr Helus, who was married and had a son. The 54-year-old had been with the force for nearly three decades, and was close to retirement. He went in there to save people and made the ultimate sacrifice, Mr Dean said. He noted that Mr Helus frequently talked to his wife during his shifts, and had spoken with her shortly before he entered the bar. Hey, I have to go handle a call, he was said to have told his wife. I love you. Ill talk to you later. Cody Coffman, 22, was also killed, according to his father Jason. Mr Coffman broke down as he told reporters how his last words to his son as he went out that night were not to drink and drive and that he loved him. He added: Oh Cody, I love you son. The family of 23-year-old Justin Meek, who was also killed according to California Lutheran University president Chris Kimball, said in a statement that Mr Meek heroically saved lives. Another victim, Alaina Housley was just 18, and was a promising student at Pepperdine University with plans to study law, her family said. Adam Housley, a former Fox News correspondent, and Tamera Mowry-Housley, an actress known for the 1990s TV series Sister Sister, said their niece was killed at the bar where she had gone line dancing with friends. Other victims include Noel Sparks who was a youth camp leader and Moorpark College student. The death was announced by United Methodist Church Westlake Village. "It is with heavy hearts that we notify you that Noel Sparks was among the victims of last night's shooting. We grieve with Tony Sparks and Wendy Anderson," the church said in a statement. Daniel Manrique, 33, was a Marine veteran and focused on helping other veterans adjust to civilian life, according to friends. I have no doubt that he died a hero, shielding others from gunshots. He will forever be our hero, son, brother, and the best uncle anybody could ever ask for, Gladys Manrique Kosack, a family member said. Telemachus Orfanos was identified by his mother who said the he had survived the mass shooting in Las Vegas last year. Jake Dunham and Blake Dingman, both 21, were identified by local Los Angeles outlet ABC7. Sean Adler, a bouncer at the bar and former wrestling coach at Simi Valley High School, perished in the California shooting and was remembered by the local wrestling community. He was positive, motivational, and truly wanted the best for the people around him, read a post on the Royal Wrestling Facebook page. He was one of the victims last night at the shooting at Borderline Bar and Grill where he worked as a bouncer. In response to the shooting, president Donald Trump tweeted that he had been fully briefed on the incident, and ordered federal flags at half staff to mourn the dead. The shooter had served in the marines from 2008 until 2013, and was a machine gunner. He had earned the rank of corporal in 2011, and had received other accolades including a Combat Action Ribbon and a Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal. At an afternoon press conference, police said it would be premature to speculate on any possible motive and are working to paint a picture of the mind of Long. Officials did not have any comment on reports indicating the suspect may have suffered from PTSD. Obviously he had something going on in his head that would cause him to do something like this, Sheriff Dean had said earlier in the day. Obviously he had some sort of issues. Mr Dean told reporters that officers had gone to Longs home in nearby Newbury Park, about four miles from the bar, in April to answer a disturbance call and found him to be agitated. Mental health specialists talked with Long and determined that no further action was necessary. But, in his southern California neighbourhood where he lived with his mother, neighbours and police records shed some light on the life of the decorated combat veteran of the Afghanistan war. Long had several interactions with police over the years, and a neighbour said that the entire neighbourhood was aware of the issues, and that his mother had been frustrated that her son was not seeking help. Richard Berge, one of those neighbours, told USA Today that he had become friendly with the mother after offering to care for the familys German shepherds. He had not been inside the Long house but told that newspaper another neighbour had seen walls full of holes, which appeared to have been caused by kicking. Long had been the victim of a battery at a local bar in Thousand Oaks, and had been involved in two traffic incidents. Deputies were once called to his house last year as a result of a domestic dispute, and found that Long was acting somewhat irate and acting irrationally. Police said they are still processing the Longs vehicle and home and are not yet disclosing any possible evidence they uncovered. California governor-elect Gavin Newsom, who won the governors race on Tuesday, made clear that change needs to happen. This is America this doesnt happen anywhere else on the planet, he said. We cant let folks forget that. We cant allow this to be normalised. In Washington DC, a number of Democrats newly empowered after taking control of the House during this weeks midterm elections vowed action on gun control, an issue that politicians on Capitol Hill have notoriously failed or refused to address. Congressman Jim Himes, whose home state of Connecticut endured the deadly Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012, also attacked the lack of action on gun control. He told CNN: Im embarrassed to saymy first thought was, Here we go again, its this weeks mass shooting, and thats a really hard way to think about this. I contrast where we are today with how we all felt about Sandy Hook. He added: This is a weekly thing [and] even though its become a weekly thing, nobody does anything, especially the congress where I work. 35,000 Americans dead a year as a result of gun violence and congress cant even find its way to studying the problem. Senator Kamala Harris who represents California mourned the loss and called for action on gun control measures. My heart aches to learn about the horrific shooting in Thousand Oaks on college night, she tweeted. Praying for the injured and the families of those killed who, like so many others, have lost their loved ones to gun violence. Leaders in congress must act not some day, but now. Democrats newly empowered after their taking control of the House have vowed action on gun control, an issue that politicians on Capitol Hill have notoriously failed or refused to address. Twelve people were killed, among them a police officer, after a gunman opened fire in a bar in Thousand Oaks, California, late on Wednesday. Police believe the suspected shooter, US Marine Corps veteran David Long, who took his own life, suffered from mental health issues. Politicians in Washington have long been criticised for failing to do more to regulate access to weapons, with Republicans and Democrats alike being accused of being in the control of powerful lobbying groups such as the National Rifle Association. On Thursday, a number of Democrats said it was time for action. California senator Kamala Harris, who is considered a potential presidential hopeful in 202, urged congressional leaders that it was time to step up. Praying for the injured and the families of those killed who, like so many others, have lost their loved ones to gun violence. Leaders in Congress must act not some day, but now, she tweeted. Congressman Jim Himes, whose home state of Connecticut endured the deadly Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012, also attacked the lack of action on gun control after hearing about the mass shooting in California. He told CNN: Im embarrassed to saymy first thought was, here we go again, its this weeks mass shooting, and thats a really hard way to think about this. I contrast where we are today with how we all felt about Sandy Hook. He added: This is a weekly thing (and) even though its become a weekly thing, nobody does anything, especially the Congress where I work. 35,000 Americans dead a year as a result of gun violence and Congress cant even find its way to studying the problem. There are always people who complain that we dont blame cars for traffic deaths. And they say its people not guns. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is a federal agency whose mission is, Save lives, prevent injuries, reduce vehicle-related crashes." Rep. Ted Deutch (@RepTedDeutch) November 8, 2018 Patrons at the bar screamed in fear, shouted Get down, and used barstools to smash second-floor windows and jump to safety as gunfire erupted at the Borderline Bar & Grill, a hangout popular with students from nearby California Lutheran University, the Associated Press reported. Story continues The dead included 11 people inside the bar and a sheriffs sergeant who was the first officer inside the door, Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean said. Its a horrific scene in there, Mr Dean told reporters as he stood in the parking lot. Theres blood everywhere. Nevada congresswoman Dina Titus has failed to get much support for her support for gun reform, but vowed that will change come January, when Democrats take control of the House, Roll Call reported. Ted Deutch of Florida, whose district includes the Parkland high school where 17 children and adults were killed earlier this year, said he was planning legislation to create a National Gun Safety Administration. There are always people who complain that we dont blame cars for traffic deaths. And they say its people not guns, he said. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is a federal agency whose mission is, Save lives, prevent injuries, reduce vehicle-related crashes. He added: Im introducing legislation to create the National Gun Safety Administration. Only difference? Substitute vehicle-related crashes with gun-related violence. Its time for people to save people from gun violence. A large majority of Washington state residents believe climate change is happening and understand that humans are to blame. But, even as the state passed a measure to tighten gun control and supported congressional Democrats, voters clearly rejected a chance to take a bold step with a first-in-the-nation carbon tax. In rejecting the measure, which would have forced companies to pay for their carbon dioxide emissions, Washington voters rebuffed the policy mechanism that experts say is best equipped to stop global warming. They also underscored a central challenge of addressing climate change: even the most committed activists cannot agree on the best way to address the issue. Washingtonians agree that we must address global warming by weaning our state off of fossil fuels, says Bruce Speight, director of advocacy group Environment Washington. But voters reminded us that we dont all agree on how to do that. Washington state has become a parable for the challenge. In 2016, voters rejected a ballot measure to create a carbon tax in large part because progressive groups did not support it, arguing that its approach was too conservative. The measure would have used the revenue from a carbon tax to fund a tax cut. After defeating it, a coalition that included labor, civil rights and environmental groups among others got together to push this years measure. Instead of cutting taxes, the ballot initiative, known as I-1631, would have funded a slew of progressive causes and projects, from clean energy to relocating tribal lands threatened by rising sea levels. Ultimately, the same features that made it a win for progressives made it a no-go for others. The editorial board at the states largest newspaper, the Seattle Times, called it porous, lacking accountability and larded with special-interest payouts and recommended a no vote. And, while big local players like Microsoft and REI endorsed the measure, many others sat out the race. Story continues Likely the most significant impediment for the measure remained the longtime foe of any climate change legislation or regulation: the fossil fuel industry. A group of oil and gas companies pumped tens of millions of dollars into the campaign to defeat I-1631, far dwarfing the money raised in support. But, cleverly, that campaign did not center on denying the science of climate change like companies have in years past. Instead, it poked holes in the specifics of the carbon tax proposal and played into the skepticism of how government might distribute the tax revenue. The defeat represents a setback for those desperately concerned about reducing emissions. Approving the Washington state measure would have sent a powerful signal to other states that a carbon tax that funds government programs can be politically viable. And, at the federal level, it could have fueled proposals for programs along the lines of a so-called green New Deal favored by many progressives. Washington voters werent alone in their rejection of environmental measures aimed at tackling climate change and related environmental issues on Tuesday. In Arizona, voters soundly rejected an expansion of the states renewable energy standard, and Colorado voters turned down an opportunity to reduce significantly the scale of fracking in the state. Nevada approved a measure to increase renewable deployment while Florida voted to ban offshore drilling. The defeat of the Washington measure doesnt mean that a carbon tax will disappear from the national discussion. Indeed, the failure plays into the narrative of supporters of a so-called revenue-neutral approach to putting a price on carbon. Such a measure, like the one Washington voters rejected in 2016, would give the funds raised with a carbon tax back to taxpayers. Crucially, supporters say, such a measure has bipartisan backing, support from industry and the endorsement of some, though not all, environmental groups. To make it politically viable, we need a plan that Republicans and Democrats, industry and environmentalists can all get behind, says Ted Halstead, who heads the Climate Leadership Council, a bi-partisan group formed to push for what it calls a carbon fee and dividend. That measure, which has support from energy companies and some environmental groups, would give revenue raised by a carbon tax back to taxpayers. And, with Democrats now controlling one house of Congress, some climate change advocates plan to redouble their lobbying push with the goal of advancing legislation perhaps not next year but after the next presidential election. Were also wasting no time getting the ball rolling, says Danny Richter, government affairs vice president at Citizens Climate Lobby, a group that advocates for a carbon tax. Whatever the result, science suggests that resolution to the carbon pricing debate needs to happen sooner rather than later. An October report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the United Nations climate science body, found that the temperatures have already risen 1C as a result of human activity and are set to rise another half a degree as soon as 2030 if we dont change direction quickly. That level of temperature rise would drive a number of devastating impacts, from more frequent drought and heat waves to the potential disappearance of some island nations. With that in mind, some groups are looking to advance carbon pricing wherever they can. Economists say that a price on carbon, if it is high enough, will reduce carbon dioxide emissions regardless of what happens to the revenue. Its critical to bring all voices into the room, said Mo McBroom, director of government relations for The Nature Conservancy in Washington State, ahead of Tuesdays election. The Nature Conservancy supported the Washington state measure and continues to back the CLCs carbon dividends plan even as other groups call it a giveaway to the fossil fuel industry. We need action on climate and we are agnostic on what it looks like, she said. There are many different ways to accomplish good carbon reduction policy. Terri-Lynne McClintic, centre, is seen here in Kitchener, Ont., on Sept. 12, 2012. McClintic was in the news again after it became known that she was transferred to an Indigenous healing lodge years after a 2010 murder conviction. Photo from The Canadian Press. The woman who killed 8-year-old Tori Stafford in a field nine years ago is back in a traditional prison after spending most of 2018 in an Indigenous healing lodge. Terri-Lynne McClintic was convicted in 2010 of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison for her role in the kidnapping, rape and murder of Stafford with her boyfriend in Woodstock, Ont., in April 2009. Just eight years into her 25-year prison sentence, Correctional Service Canada transferred her from the Grand Valley Institution for Women in Kitchener, Ont., to the Okimaw Ohci Healing Lodge in Maple Creek, Sask. Public backlash forced the federal government to act. The victims father, the federal Conservatives and even the Indigenous community that houses the healing lodge expressed concern with the move. In response, the ruling federal Liberals agreed to move McClintic from the lodge to the Edmonton Institute for Women a minimum, medium and maximum security prison. McClintic was transferred late on Nov. 7, 2018 the same day as the announcement. Tori Staffords father, Rodney Stafford, shared the news on Facebook the next day. He wrote: ITS OFFICIAL!!!!! TERRY-LYNN IS BACK BEHIND BARS!! WOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! McClintic had been living at the healing lodge a minimum-medium security facility where offenders live in residential units with a bedroom, bathroom, kitchenette and living room. She had been there for nine months when the victims father learned of her transfer there. Stafford said it was mentioned in a discussion with Correctional Service Canada about a parole board request by McClintic for additional day leaves. He said the news left him feeling angry, re-victimized and let down by Canadas justice system, so he quickly attempted to gain public support for a reversal of the transfer. I would have been totally fine if Terri-Lynne had gone in, done her time, did the programs she needed to rehabilitate her life the way youre supposed to in an institution, Stafford told Yahoo Canada. And if we had been able to have our say and just be a part of things. Story continues When the transfer was reported by the London Free Press on Sept. 25, 2018, it sparked outrage across the country. Yahoo Canada polled readers on whether or not McClintic should be allowed to remain in the healing lodge, and out of the more than 10,000 responses, only 220 said she should. Rally leads to change On Sept. 28, 2018, Stafford appealed in an open letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to have McClintic returned to the Grand Valley Institution for Women in Kitchener. By then, news of the transfer had reached the highest levels of government, where it became a new point of contention between the Liberals and the Conservatives. On Nov. 2, 2018, Stafford led a rally on Parliament Hill to protest the transfer, as well as any future transfer of a child murderer to a lower-security facility. Days later, he got the news hed been waiting for. Now, not only will McClintic serve out the rest of her sentence in what Canadians recognize as a traditional prison, but federal prisoners serving long sentences can expect the same treatment. In addition to reversing the transfer, Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale announced new rules on Nov. 7, 2018, that will make it harder for federal prisoners serving long sentences to secure transfers to healing lodges. Under the new rules, prisoners wont be eligible for transfers to institutions without secured perimeters until theyre in the preparation for release phase of their sentences. The Correctional Service of Canada will have to consider inmates behaviour before transferring them, and deputy commissioner for women will provide oversight for each case, ensuring national standards are applied consistently. How close an inmate is to being eligible for an unescorted temporary absence will also be considered. These changes will help ensure the publics confidence that our correctional system is holding guilty parties accountable for breaking the law, Goodale said. While fostering their rehabilitation, so we can have fewer repeat offenders, fewer victims, and ultimately, safer communities. Goodale said healing lodges will continue to play an important, evidence-based role in the federal corrections system, and Indigenous communities will be consulted before any future transfers are made. By providing effective, culturally responsive interventions, [healing lodges] promote the safe and successful rehabilitation of Indigenous offenders, the minister said. Our government will continue promoting their valuable role in federal corrections. Geneva (AFP) - Seven opposition leaders from the Democratic Republic of Congo arrived in Geneva Friday for talks to agree on a single candidate for next month's presidential election. The group included two heavyweights in former warlord Jean-Pierre Bemba and ex-provincial governor Moise Katumbi. The talks will take place at a hotel in central Geneva and are expected to last through the weekend. They aim at bridging rifts that could hand victory to President Joseph Kabila's chosen successor, Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, on December 23. Initial "talks have already begun on the sidelines, which is where the real meeting takes place," said Adolphe Muzito, a former prime minister who has joined the opposition. Four opposition leaders have been authorised by the DRC's election overseers to contest the ballot. They are Felix Tshisekedi, head of the long-standing UDPS opposition party; Vital Kamerhe, a former speaker of the National Assembly; legislator Martin Fayulu; and former finance minister Freddy Matungulu. Katumbi and Bemba, like Muzito, have been barred by electoral authorities from taking part but wield enormous influence in their respective regions. "Everything is open, anything is possible, there is no favourite," Fayulu told AFP about the choice of a single candidate. He added that an opinion poll last month that put Tshisekedi ahead of Kamerhe, with 36 percent to 17 percent, with 16 percent for Ramazani Shadary, was "not serious." The poll was jointly conducted by BERCI consulting, a Congolese organisation, and the Congo Research Group at New York University. The December 23 elections are critical for the future of the DRC, a sprawling, mineral-rich state that has never experienced a peaceful transition of power since it gained independence from Belgium in 1960. Twenty-one candidates are standing in the presidential vote, which will be combined elections for parliament and provincial assemblies. Story continues Kabila, 47, has been in power since 2001 at the helm of a regime with a reputation for corruption, incompetence and abuse of rights. His second and final elected term in office ended nearly two years ago, but he stayed in office thanks to a caretaker clause in the constitution. Months of speculation over his intentions, marked by protests that were repressed at a cost of dozens of lives, ended in August when he threw his weight behind Ramazani Shadary, a hardline former interior minister and loyalist. On October 25, opposition parties agreed in Johannesburg to name a joint candidate by November 15. One of the challenges facing them is to overcome differences over the use of electronic voting machines -- a technology that critics say invites electoral fraud. Fayulu has threatened to boycott the elections if the machines are used, while Tshisekedi has said he will take part whether the machines are used or not. Australian surgeons on Friday successfully separated 15-month-old Bhutanese twins, Nima and Dawa, who had been joined at the torso. The team of more than 20 doctors and nurses spent six hours operating on the pair, who shared a liver but no other major organs, to the relief of the surgeons. "We didn't find surprises," said Joe Crameri, who led the surgery at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne. "We are here earlier because there weren't any things inside the girls' tummies that we weren't really prepared for," he told reporters. "We saw two young girls who were very ready for their surgery, who were able to cope very well with the surgery and are currently in our recovery doing very well," he told reporters. He said the next 24 to 48 hours would be critical to their recovery, but was optimistic about the outcome. Nima and Dawa, and their mother Bhumchu Zangmo, arrived in Australia a month ago with the help of an Australian charity, but doctors had delayed the surgery until Friday to ensure the twins were well-enough nourished to support the operation. The girls were known to share a liver, but it was not known before Friday whether they also shared part of the bowel, which would have complicated the surgery. Crameri said the girls' bowels were a bit intertwined they were not connected "in any major way". A photograph released by the hospital showed four surgeons carefully lifting one of the twins away from the other on the operating table as the pair began their independent lives. The girls and their mother spent the past month at a retreat outside Melbourne run by the Children First Foundation, which raised money to bring the family to Australia for the surgery. Elizabeth Lodge of the foundation told national broadcaster ABC before the surgery the twins already had their own personalities. "Nima's the robust one. She tends to ... always be on the top, pulling rank, as we say, and Dawa's more placid," she said. "It will be really interesting to see what will happen once the girls are separated," Lodge said, adding that the twins were "good mates". Bhutan is a poor Himalayan kingdom where doctors did not have the expertise to separate the girls, who were joined from the chest to the waist. Zagreb (AFP) - A 65-year-old man who repeatedly shoved a Croatian anti-fascist monument to topple it paid an immediate penalty for his act of vandalism when the statue fell on his leg and broke it, according to police and local media. In an incident condemned by authorities in the coastal town of Split as "savage vandalism", police said the man dislodged a bust of Rade Koncar, a celebrated leader of the resistance to Croatia's pro-Nazi Ustasha regime during World War II. But the statue toppled over and broke his leg, according to the regional paper Slobodna Dalmacija, in what some Croatian Twitter users said was the statue's revenge. "Rade Koncar breaks the legs of fascists 76 years after they shot him," centrist politician Kreso Beljak wrote on Twitter. "A clever monument breaks a fascist in Split," another Internet user wrote. The hospital in Split said the man would undergo surgery after the incident on Wednesday. Koncar was celebrated as a Yugoslav hero for his fight against Croatia's fascist government. In 1942 he was captured by Italian forces and executed at the age of 31 with several of his communist comrades. When asked by a judge if he would seek clemency, he allegedly replied: "I will not ask for mercy nor would I have it for you!" Several thousand anti-fascist monuments have been vandalised or destroyed since Croatia's independence in 1991. Critics accuse Croatian authorities of turning a blind eye to the surge of nostalgia for the Ustasha -- the former pro-Nazi regime that persecuted and killed hundreds of thousands of people, notably Serbs, anti-fascist Croats, Jews and Roma opponents. Daily Digit is the story behind the numbers that make our world work. Today were looking at the advancing migrant caravan. According to U.S. defense officials, President Trumps move to send troops to the U.S.-Mexico border could cost taxpayers $220 million. This figure could change depending on the size and scope of the mission. The Department of Defense estimates that 7,000 troops will be placed in California, Arizona and Texas in order to stop a caravan of 3,500 Central Americans seeking asylum, but President Trump has said he wants to send 15,000 troops to the border. The president has referred to the caravan as an invasion; however, a Pentagon risk assessment reportedly found that the caravan did not pose a threat to the United States. Daniel Loeb, chief executive officer of Third Point LLC. Activist investor Daniel S. Loeb, who runs hedge fund Third Point LLC, disclosed a new long position in American Express (AXP). In a new letter to investors, Loeb argues that the credit card giant could see its shares trade above $135 over the next 18 months, a 30% upside. Shares of American Express were last trading around $108 on Friday afternoon. According to Loeb, American Express, right now, is a franchise that appeared to lose its way in recent years. He highlighted the companys loss of co-brand relationships with JetBlue (JBLU) and Costco (COST) as recent examples of lost business to competitors like Chases (JPM) Sapphire Card. As a result, the stock has underperformed the SYP 500 by about 40%. We think this challenging period galvanized the franchise, forcing necessary investments and a strategic pivot that is just beginning to pay off, Loeb wrote. New CEO Stephen Squeri is re-energizing Amex by focusing on topline growth and under-appreciated structural opportunities in Commercial and International efforts we think will lead to more sustainable double-digit EPS growth going forward. Among those efforts are customer acquisition, card acceptance, and higher average spend. Loeb noted that Millennials are now half of the Platinum cards customers. Whats more, the merchant acceptance of American Express is growing at a high singledigit pace, twice that of Visa/MasterCard. Another part of the story is the growth in international and commercial, especially since American Express has relationships with about 60% of global Fortune 500 companies and is gaining share among smalle medium enterprises. According to Loeb, Wall Street is missing this. While Wall Street tries to find the next highmultiple stock to monetize the shift in B2B payments an area with ~$20 trillion of addressable spend and ~10% penetration they are missing a more obvious beneficiary in American Express, where B2B already makes up 2/3 of commercial spend. No one is better equipped to monetize the opportunity than Mr. Squeri, who previously ran Amexs Commercial division. The recent partnership with Amazon to offer cobrand cards to small businesses is testament to Amexs positioning in the commercial market. Story continues This story is developing Julia La Roche is a finance reporter at Yahoo Finance. Follow her on Twitter. By Jeff Mason and Roberta Rampton WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The day after his party lost its lock on the U.S. Congress, President Donald Trump walked into a White House press conference ready for political combat, name-checking Republicans who he blamed for losing their seats and lashing out at reporters who challenged his assertions. Republicans lost control of the House of Representatives to Democrats, but Trump shrugged that off, casting Tuesday's congressional election results as "very close to complete victory" for Republicans and saying he could negotiate easier on some issues with Democrats, anyway. Republicans kept their Senate majority. Trump briefly sought to strike a statesmanlike tone in his first public remarks after the loss, praising House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi for her hard work and envisioning "a beautiful, bipartisan type of situation" on infrastructure investments and health care. But his news conference, which stretched close to 90 minutes, quickly turned raucous when some reporters pushed him on whether his campaign rhetoric on migrants from central America was divisive - and on developments in a federal investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and any coordination between Moscow and the Trump campaign. Trump aggressively pushed back. "CNN should be ashamed of itself, having you working for them," Trump told CNN correspondent Jim Acosta, who wrestled with a White House staffer who forcibly pulled the microphone from his hands. "You are a rude, terrible person," Trump told Acosta. To PBS NewsHour's Yamiche Alcindor, who asked him about white nationalists emboldened by Trump labeling himself a "nationalist," Trump said he was insulted. "That's such a racist question," said Trump, who has made accusations of unfair coverage from the media a staple on the campaign trail. Even as Trump mused about working with Democrats, he was quick to promise a "warlike posture" if the Democratic controlled House opens investigations into his administration. "They can play that game, but we can play it better," he said. Trump took credit for his Republican Party's gains in the Senate, casting those results in historic terms. He said he "stopped the blue wave," noting 9 of 11 candidates who he stumped for in the final week of the race won. But he expressed frustration that 43 House Republicans retired rather than seek reelection, saying that hurt his party. He took at a jab at "grandstanding" congressmen from his own party whom he said would have made it difficult to get legislation through the House, had Republicans eked out a narrow win in the chamber. Trump took the rare step of mocking Republican candidates who kept their distance from him during the campaign because of concerns that his divisive messages on immigration would turn off voters - but lost anyway. He singled out Peter Roskam of Illinois, Erik Paulsen of Minnesota, John Faso of New York, and New Jersey senate candidate Bob Hugin. "Carlos Curbelo, Mike Coffman - too bad, Mike," he said, referring to losing Republican congressmen in Florida and Colorado contests. He scorned Utah's Mia Love and Virginia's Barbara Comstock. "Mia Love gave me no love," he said. "And Barbara Comstock was another one. I mean, I think she could have won that race, but she didn't want to have any embrace." (Reporting by Jeff Mason and Roberta Rampton; editing by Grant McCool) JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) The Republican wall that has stood in state capitols for much of the past decade now has a few holes in it. Democrats flipped control of seven gubernatorial offices, marking their greatest gains in several decades, and picked up hundreds of state legislative seats in Tuesday's first midterm elections of President Donald Trump's tenure. Yet those victories didn't quite reach the lofty goals of an anticipated blue wave, leaving both major parties with reason for hope on Wednesday as they look ahead to another pivotal battle in 2020. Some of the biggest wins for Democrats came in the Midwest, where Republicans had virtually wiped them out in prior elections. Democrats defeated Republican Govs. Scott Walker in Wisconsin and Bruce Rauner in Illinois while picking up open seats previously held by Republican governors in Michigan and Kansas. Democrats also flipped control of governors' offices being vacated by Republicans in Maine, Nevada and New Mexico. The Democratic Governors Association said it was their greatest number of pickups since 1982, the first midterm election of Republican President Ronald Reagan. The Democratic group's chairman, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, called it "a broad-based win" and a historically big rejection of the president's party. "For those who were troubled by the results of 2016 in the Midwest, we have proved that the Democrats can run and win," Inslee said. Yet Republicans held on to the governor's office in other key swing states targeted by Democrats, including Florida, Ohio and Iowa. Republican Secretary of State Brian Kemp also was leading in Georgia's gubernatorial race, though Democrat Stacey Abrams held out hope that absentee and the provisional ballots remaining to be counted could push Kemp's percentage below 50 percent and force a runoff. Republicans entered Tuesday's election controlling 33 governors' offices and two-thirds of the 99 state legislative chambers. The Democratic gubernatorial victories will push that closer to an even split. But Republicans will still control at least three-fifths of the state legislative chambers, even after Democrats flipped about a half-dozen chambers. Story continues The gubernatorial and legislative gains appeared to give Democrats new trifectas of power in Colorado, Illinois, Maine, Nevada, New Mexico and New York. Democrats also broke up existing Republican trifectas in Kansas, Michigan, New Hampshire and Wisconsin. Democrats ended a Republican legislative supermajority in North Carolina, making it harder for the GOP to override vetoes by Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper. Yet even after Tuesday's victories, Democrats still will have full control of the governor's office and legislature in about one-third fewer states than Republicans. The Democratic gains amount to a mere "ripple" in Republican legislative control, said Matt Walter, president of the Republican State Leadership Committee. "It is not a wave, and I would say it's a far cry short of what they should have done" during a midterm election in which Republicans had to defend far more seats, Walter said. During the first midterm election of Democratic President Barack Obama's tenure in 2010, Republicans picked up about 725 state legislative seats while flipping control of 21 chambers. Republicans then used that enhanced power in many states to redraw legislative districts to their favor after the 2010 Census. Tuesday's shift of about a half-dozen chambers for Democrats is well below the average of 12 chamber changes per election cycle dating back 1900, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Whereas "Obama's first midterm was a wipeout for Democrats," the Republican losses Tuesday are "relatively modest," said NCSL elections analyst Tim Storey. That's partly because Democrats are still "running on mostly Republican-drawn maps," he said. Both Democrats and Republicans were trying to put themselves in a strong position for the elections in two years, which will determine which party will have the upper hand in redrawing congressional and state legislative districts after the 2020 Census. But that jostling for power will matter less in some states as a result of Tuesday's elections. Voters in Colorado, Michigan and Missouri approved ballot measures overhauling the redistricting process in ways that are intended to reduce the likelihood of partisan gerrymandering by either major party. The Colorado and Michigan measures set up independent commissions to handle the task instead of leaving it to lawmakers and the governor. The Missouri measure keeps in place an existing bipartisan commission for state legislative districts but creates a new position of nonpartisan state demographer to draft maps that prioritize "partisan fairness" and "competitiveness." __ Follow David A. Lieb at: http://twitter.com/DavidALieb ___ For AP's complete coverage of the U.S. midterm elections: http://apne.ws/APPolitics New wheels: IHS Markits new Freebike electric bikes. Photo: Freebike IHS Markit (INFO), the $20bn financial data giant, is launching a fleet of electric bikes for staff in London, marking the entry of another mobility startup into the British capital. IHS Markit has partnered with electric bike startup Freebike, which will initially provide six dockless bikes at the companys London office. IHS Markits 1,400 London staff will be able to unlock the zero emission bikes using an app or a swipe card. If it proves popular, IHS Markit plans to add more bikes. Lance Uggla, the CEO of IHS Markit, said in a statement: Im delighted that were launching this initiative in the City and taking important steps to reduce pollution and congestion in such a busy area. We will be looking to expand this pilot to our other global offices in the coming months. The electric bikes can travel up to 22km per hour. Electricity generated by peddling is used to give assistance to the rider and Freebike says on its website it allows people to get around cities without breaking a sweat. Billions are going into bikes and scooters The pilot comes amid a flurry of investment into urban mobility startups such as Californian electric scooter company Bird, which has raised over $400m (305m), and Ofo, the Chinese dockless bike business that has raised over $2bn. Bird announced a limited launch into London this week. Three years ago we starting developing this dockless electric bike, really in reaction to the disruption from China, Katharine Butler, the co-founder of Freebike, told Yahoo Finance UK. Freebike was developed by Homeport, a Czech Republic-based bike company Butler cofounded with her brother 10 years ago. The company runs bike sharing schemes in 16 cities, mostly across Europe. Freebike is its first dockless bike. It currently operates in three cities in Finland, Czech Republic, and Slovakia. Happy customer: IHS Markit CEO Lance Uggla on one of the new electric bikes Butler said the recent surge of investment into urban mobility startups has been driven by longer-term investment into autonomous driving vehicles, led by companies such as Alphabets Waymo and Uber. Story continues Theres this whole smart mobility future that everybody sees, Butler said. Before we get to that the automated vehicles or the self-driving cars, the bike is seen as the stepping stone. While customers may be signing up for electric scooters and dockless bikes today, Butler said that tech entrepreneurs and venture capitalists believe those same customers can be converted into autonomous vehicle customers when the technology becomes viable. In that sense, companies like Freebike, Bird, and Ofo are more like a transport platform play rather than strictly rental companies. Everyones trying to be the Amazon of mobility a sort of one-stop shop, Butler said. Its a race for customers. This week Ford announced the acquisition of San Francisco electric scooter startup Spin, saying the deal was an important step towards realizing our ambitious vision for the future of urban mobility. Bike dump backlash The race for customers has drawn backlash from city administrators around the world as companies have flooded areas with bikes and scooters in a race to reach scale. London councils complained about the way operator oBike rolled out theirs and a photo of thousands of abandoned dockless bikes in China was covered extensively last year. There are also concerns about the lack of oversight from operators of their vehicles. Mobike was forced to pull out of Manchester after police responded to 400 Mobike-related calls in just over a year. Early this year Sheffield police said they would stop responding to calls of vandalised ofo bikes. Butler said Freebike would only roll-out by partnering with companies and councils. She said this will take care issues around oversight as the scheme sponsors would keep tabs on the bikes Theres been a big backlash against the clutter and the mess [from other dockless bikes] which is why we think our more measured and controlled approach will be popular with the cities, she said. Freebike is currently in talks with about 10 companies in London, as well as property developers and four London boroughs. Butler said she hopes to announce new partnerships in the city soon. French President Emmanuel Macron said it was entirely 'legitimate' to pay tribute to Philippe Petain as a WWI hero despite his 'disastrous' role in collaborationist France in WWII - REUTERS Emmanuel Macron has drawn fierce criticism over plans to celebrate Nazi collaborator Philippe Petains role as a great soldier in the First World War. Petain led France's Vichy regime during the Second World War and was sentenced to death for collaboration before then-president Charles de Gaulle, a longtime admirer, reduced the punishment to life in prison. But he was a hero of the First World War. A 58-year old colonel at the start of battle in 1914, Petain earned acclaim for stopping the Germans at the Battle of Verdun and assumed command of the French forces in 1917, rebuilding troop morale after a series of mutinies and other setbacks. A ceremony will be held on Saturday to commemorate the eight marshals who commanded French forces during the First World War, including Petain. "I consider it entirely legitimate that we pay homage to the marshals who led our army to victory," Mr Macron, 40, said in the eastern town of Charleville-Mezieres, part of a tour of northern France making the centenary of the Armistice. "Marshal Petain was a great soldier in World War One, its a fact, Mr Macron said, while stressing that the former leader had made "disastrous choices" during the Second World War. France's Marshal Philippe Petain at a 1941 meeting of the Council of Ministers in Vichy, central France Credit: AP But his comments drew fire from the opposition as well as Jewish leaders on a still painful chapter in France's history. Francis Kalifat of the CRIF association of French Jewish groups said he was "shocked" by Mr Macron's comments in praise of a man who oversaw the deportation of thousands of Jews. "The only thing we will remember about Petain is that he was convicted, in the name of the French people, of national indignity during his trial in 1945," said Mr Kalifat said. "Petain is a traitor and an anti-Semite," tweeted Jean-Luc Melenchon of the far-left France Unbowed party, echoing a flurry of angry postings. "Macron, this time you've gone too far! Story continues The French president will not attend Saturdays ceremony at Les Invalides in Paris, instead sending his chief military adviser. I'm not overlooking any page in our history," said the centrist president. "Political life, and human nature, are sometimes more complicated than we might like to believe. Emmanuel Macron's spokesman called the row over Petain "fake". Credit: REUTERS Mr Macron is not the first French head of state to pay tribute to Petain. Former socialist president Francois Mitterrand sparked similar howls of disapproval when he placed flowers on his tomb on the anniversary of the armistice every year. His successor Jacques Chirac put an end to the practice. A government spokesman dismissed what he called a "fake controversy", adding that even De Gaulle insisted that Petain's glory earned at Verdun, in which 300,000 French and German soldiers died, "could never be called into question. Kiev (AFP) - Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Friday refused to accept the resignation of his top prosecutor over the death of an anti-corruption campaigner following a horrific acid attack, his office said. The announcement came just hours after a top EU official urged Ukrainian authorities to identify and punish those responsible for the high-profile crime. Kateryna Gandzyuk, who worked as an adviser to the mayor of the southern city of Kherson, was attacked in July and had about a litre of acid poured on her. The 33-year-old died on Sunday after months of treatment including more than ten surgeries, sparking fresh condemnation of the government. Civil society activists accuse the authorities of failing to complete the investigation or find out who ordered the attack. General Attorney Yuriy Lutsenko this week submitted a letter of resignation to Poroshenko over the affair. A representative of Poroshenko's office said he had rejected Lutsenko's resignation, noting that lawmakers failed to approve his dismissal in a test vote in parliament this week. "He is facing important tasks," the representative told AFP in written comments on Friday. The growing controversy poses a new embarrassment for the pro-Western leader who is expected to run for re-election next year. - 'Deeply shocked' - Just a few hours earlier EU Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn said during a visit to Kiev that the international community was "deeply shocked" by the tragedy. "It's something we cannot accept," he told a news conference, urging the Ukrainian government to identify and punish those who have ordered the attack. "We all to have work hard to clear up this crime," he said. "The international community pays attention." Police have detained two people and another three have been placed under house arrest but the mastermind is believed to be at large. Two Ukrainian journalists have alleged that an aide to a lawmaker from Poroshenko's party may have acted as an intermediary in the attack. Story continues The assistant, Igor Pavlovsky, has confirmed that he was questioned as a witness but denied being involved. Gandzyuk was an outspoken critic of corruption in law enforcement agencies. She was hospitalised with burns on more than 30 percent of her body, including her upper torso, arms, and face. Her death has drawn fresh attention to a spate of assaults on other anti-corruption campaigners over the past few months. Post-Soviet Ukraine, which is locked in a conflict with pro-Russian separatists in the industrial east, dreams of joining the European Union. Poroshenko's government has sought to overhaul the law enforcement agencies and push through other ambitious reforms, but critics say corruption is still rampant and many attacks on activists and journalists remain unpunished. By Alex Dobuzinskis THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (Reuters) - A former U.S. Marine combat veteran opened fire in a Los Angeles area bar packed with line-dancing college students, killing 12 people in a mass shooting that stunned a bucolic Southern California community with a reputation for safety. The gunman, identified by police as 28-year-old Ian David Long, was found dead of an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound following the Wednesday night massacre at Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks, a suburb 40 miles (64 km) northwest of downtown Los Angeles, law enforcement officials said. Paul Delacourt, assistant director in charge of the Los Angeles FBI office, said it was too early to speculate on the shooter's motives but that he appeared to have acted alone. "We will be sure to paint a picture of the state of mind of the subject and do our best to identify a motivation," Delacourt said, adding that the FBI would investigate any possible "radicalization" or links to militant groups. Long opened fire, seemingly at random, inside the barn-style, Western-themed bar at about 11:30 p.m. PST (0730 GMT Thursday), using a .45 caliber Glock handgun equipped with a high-capacity magazine, Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean said. Long was in the Marine Corps from 2008 to 2013, reaching the rank of corporal and serving as a machine gunner in Afghanistan, and the sheriff said he may have suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder. "Obviously, he had something going on in his head that would cause him to do something like this," Dean said. DISTURBANCE CALL Dean told reporters that in April officers had gone to Long's home in nearby Newbury Park, about 4 miles (6 km) from the bar to answer a disturbance call and found him agitated. Mental health specialists talked with Long and determined that no further action was necessary, the sheriff said. "He was raving hell in the house, you know, kicking holes in the walls and stuff and one of the neighbors was concerned and called the police," Richard Berge, who lived one block away from the home, told Reuters. "They couldnt get him to come out, so it was like a standoff for four or five hours." Berge, who took care of Longs mothers dogs, said she told him following that incident she worried her son might take his own life but did not fear he would hurt her. Dean said he had been told that 150 to 200 people were in the Borderline at the time Long opened fire, adding: "It could have been much, much worse." Asked what the scene inside the bar was like, Dean said, "Like ... hell." Earlier he had described it as "a horrific scene in there. There is blood everywhere and the suspect is part of that." The Ventura County Sheriff's Department said 21 people had been treated for injuries and released at area hospitals. LATEST MASS SHOOTING The massacre was the latest shooting rampage in the United States amid a fierce debate over gun control. After a man fatally shot 11 worshipers at a Pittsburgh synagogue last month, U.S. President Donald Trump said their deaths could have been prevented if an armed guard had been stationed inside the temple. Long shot an unarmed security guard outside the bar before going inside, where he fired on security staff, CNN reported. Ventura County Sheriff's Office Sergeant Ron Helus, a 29-year veteran, was killed inside. He and a California Highway Patrol officer were the first to arrive at the bar just before 11:30 p.m. PST (0730 GMT) to confront the gunman. Trump ordered U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff at public buildings and grounds. The Borderline is popular with students and was hosting a College Country Night at the time of the shooting. Nearby California Lutheran University canceled classes on Thursday while Pepperdine University, about 20 miles away, planned a prayer service. Cole Knapp, 19, was inside the bar when the shooting began and told Reuters he saw the gunman walk in and stop at the counter as if to pay a cover charge before he heard gunshots ring out and a young woman at the counter hit with multiple rounds. "It took a couple of seconds for people to realize what was going on and once that happened it was just utter chaos," he said. Knapp said he helped people hide behind a pool table and then fled outside, alerting people on an outdoor smoking patio and helping carry a victim to an ambulance. SAFE CITY Thousand Oaks, a leafy, sprawling suburb of 127,000 people, was named the third safest city in the United States for 2018 by the Niche research company. "I've learned it doesn't matter what community you're in," Dean said. "It doesnt matter how safe your community is. It can happen anywhere." In the hours after the shooting concerned family members gathered at a nearby teen center waiting to learn the fate of loved ones. Jason Coffman wept as he told reporters that his son, Cody, 22, was among the dead. "Only him and I know how I love, how much I miss him," he said. "Oh, son, I love you so much." Actress Tamera Mowry-Housley confirmed in a statement to ABC News that her niece, Alaina, was killed at the bar. Among those outside the hospital was Ellen Rivera, who said she had survived the October 2017 slaughter of 58 people at an outdoor concert in Las Vegas - the worst mass shooting in U.S. history. At nightfall more than 2,000 mourners gathered at a local performing arts center for a candlelight vigil on behalf of the victims, singing "Amazing Grace" and praying. Loud sobs could be heard throughout the 45 minute vigil. (Reporting by Alex Dobuzinskis; Additional reporting by Bernie Woodall in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., Rich McKay in Atlanta, Doina Chiacu in Washington, D.C., Gina Cherelus and Gabriella Borter in New York and Dan Whitcomb in Los Angeles; Writing by Dan Whitcomb; Editing by Bill Tarrant and Grant McCool) Amman (AFP) - Flash floods killed seven people in Jordan on Friday, the government and civil defence said, adding that five more people were missing. The bad weather also saw over 3,700 tourists evacuated by the authorities from the world famous historic site of Petra. The deaths come more than two weeks after October 25 floods in the Dead Sea region of Jordan cost 21 lives, most of them children on a school trip. The latest downpours hit the south of the desert kingdom claiming seven lives, government spokeswoman Jumana Ghneimat said. A civil defence source told AFP that five other people were missing. "Heavy rainfall in the Dabaa region (south of Amman) prompted the closure of the desert highway (leading to the south of the country) in both directions after the area was flooded," said Ghneimat. She said two women and a child were among those killed in the floods. The civil defence source said another child died in the Madaba area, also south of Amman, when the car the child was in was caught up in waters. "Rescuers are searching for five people who are missing in that area," the source said. Jordanian army troops deployed helicopters and armoured vehicles to help search for the missing and assist residents threatened by the floods, state television reported. Authorities evacuated 3,762 tourists from the ancient city of Petra, an archeological site and key tourist destination in southern Jordan, due to the bad weather, Ghneimat said. State television said that flood water in the red-rock city of Petra and in some areas of the nearby Wadi Mussa desert had risen to between three and four metres high and flooded the main roads. It broadcast footage showing people standing on both sides of the main road in Petra and along the desert highway trying to stay clear of the floods. Jordan's ministry of education also ordered schools closed across the country on Sunday. Ghneimat urged residents of the stricken areas and low-lying regions to evacuate their homes, saying that heavy rains were expected to continue to lash Jordan Friday night and Saturday. Jordan's education and tourism ministers resigned last week after the deadly school-bus accident in the flood-hit Dead Sea region. Washington (AFP) - Florida has made a troubling return to the election spotlight 18 years after the drama that launched George W Bush's presidency, as the state braces for race recounts amid tit-for-tat accusations of fraud. Two major contests in the southeastern state, for governor and US Senate, hung in the balance Friday, three days after the contentious midterm elections that saw Democrats seize control of the House of Representatives from President Donald Trump's Republicans. Most US political races have already been settled. But Florida's ballot chaos -- rife with intrigue and Trump's accusation of abuse by officials in Democrat-heavy counties -- raises fresh questions about why the world's most powerful democracy is incapable of producing swift and accurate election results across all 50 states. Florida is not alone. In neighboring Georgia, the Democratic candidate for governor initiated legal action to ensure all votes were counted in her contest. In Arizona, hundreds of thousands of ballots were still left to be counted in a fierce US Senate battle that has Democrat Kyrsten Sinema leading Republican Martha McSally by a single percentage point. With Florida's developments raising partisan tensions to fresh highs, Trump weighed in to allege a major corruption scandal was brewing. "What's going on in Florida is a disgrace," Trump told reporters. "Bad things are going on in Broward Country, really bad things," Trump added, referring to a Democrat-heavy county where officials were slowly counting votes including absentee and provisional ballots. Florida's Governor Rick Scott, the Republican challenging incumbent Senate Democrat Bill Nelson, filed a lawsuit alleging fraud after his lead narrowed. Nelson, accusing Scott of trying to suppress votes, fired back with a lawsuit of his own to block steps that would reject thousands of mail-in ballots. Their race, and the one for governor, appear headed for mandatory recounts, which would further delay a final outcome. Story continues "Every Floridian should be concerned there may be rampant fraud happening in Palm Beach and Broward Counties," Scott said. Trump concurred, telling reporters that Scott "easily won, but every hour it seems to be going down." Scott's lead on Friday stood at 14,848 votes out of 8.2 million cast, a margin of just 0.18 percent. Nelson hit back. "Scott is abusing the full force of his public office as governor to stop a complete and accurate counting of all the votes in Florida," he said. - 537 votes - The US Senate's top Democrat fumed about Trump's pressure on the race. "In a democracy, no one -- not even the President -- can prevent the lawful counting of votes," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer tweeted. "We will not allow him or anyone else to steal this election." In a victory for Scott, a Broward County judge reportedly set a 7:00 pm (0000 GMT) deadline for county officials to turn over all voter data, arguing they failed to meet legal requirements. Broward was at the heart of Florida's bitter legal brawls in 2000. That year's recounts were halted by the US Supreme Court, and George W Bush defeated Al Gore by 537 votes in Florida, giving him the edge in the electoral college and handing him the White House. Rancor was spilling into governors' races, where Andrew Gillum in Florida and Stacey Abrams in Georgia were aiming to become the states' first African-American leaders, but the contests were tilting in favor of their Republican rivals. State law mandates a recount if the difference in a race is within 0.5 percent. If the margin is within 0.25 percent, as it stood in the Senate race, a hand recount -- slower and more thorough than by machine -- is ordered. Under Florida's election timeline, preliminary returns are due on Saturday, while official final returns -- after any recounts -- would need to be completed by November 18. - 'Highly irresponsible' - As tensions mounted, a few dozen pro-Scott protesters crowded outside Broward County elections headquarters as Republicans warned of fraudulent ballots being added to vote tallies. David Lublin, a professor of government at American University, dismissed suggestions of corruption, saying the latest statements by Trump and Scott "are highly irresponsible." Broward County officials were simply taking deliberative steps to count all ballots, including absentee and provisional ones, he said. Florida voters made history on Tuesday, amending their state constitution to automatically restore voting rights to people with felony convictions once they complete their sentences. But there still could be hurdles facing the newly enfranchised Floridians, of whom there may be up to 1.4 million. The measure, known as Amendment 4, erases a state policy of permanent disenfranchisement rooted in the Jim Crow South that blocked more than 1 in 5 African-Americans in the state from voting. The amendment, which goes into effect Jan. 8, makes it clear that people with felony convictions except those convicted of murder and sexual offenses can vote once they complete their sentences, including probation and parole. Estimates show those newly enfranchised voters, 10 percent of the states voting population, could make a difference politically but its unlikely there will be a new wave of voters casting ballots immediately. Since 2007, of the people in Florida with felony convictions who went to prison and then went through the states cumbersome process to get their voting rights restored, only 14 percent have registered to vote, according to an estimate from the Brennan Center for Justice. In Floridas August primary, turnout among formerly incarcerated people who had their voting rights restored was three-quarters of the statewide average, the Brennan Center found. (The estimate does not include people convicted of a felony who are sentenced to parole or probation.) Kirk Bailey, political director at the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida, which backed Amendment 4, said the measure is self-executing, meaning Florida lawmakers will not have a say in how the amendment is implemented. Still, the state could make it difficult for people to regain their voting rights. Once Amendment 4 goes into effect, its unclear whether the state will only allow people to vote once they entirely repay the fines and fees associated with their sentences, which can quickly add up to hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. Story continues Thats been sort of the big secret of the criminal justice system people are on probation or parole, [and] one of the conditions [of completion] is pay your fines and fees, said Marc Mauer, executive director of the Sentencing Project, a criminal justice nonprofit organization. These are indigent people and the fines and fees are quite excessive, so it doesnt get paid. Typically, if you abide by the other conditions of probation, then they just ignore the fines and fees. In February, Mauer co-authored a memo noting that 40 percent of the people waiting to have their voting rights restored in Florida had outstanding fines and fees. If that percentage is the same in 2018, Mauer estimated that the number of people eligible to get their voting rights back would drop from 1.4 million to about 840,000. Thirty states require people with felony convictions to repay all their fines and fees before they can regain the right to vote, according to a 2016 report by the Alliance for a Just Society. Nine states explicitly require repayment of these obligations in order to vote, while the remaining 21 say repayment is a condition of completing a sentence, which in turn is a condition of getting to vote again. AJS report says that to make voting rights contingent on repaying these fees is a modern poll tax. The state will also have to figure out a way for law enforcement and correction officials to share information with election officials to determine which people have fully completed their sentences and are eligible to vote. Even without formal obstacles from the state, organizers still face the challenge of educating people about their new eligibility. People with a felony conviction who are now eligible to vote might still be hesitant to vote out of fear they could be doing something illegal, said Rob Scott, executive director of the Cornell Prison Education Program in New York. Theres all kind of pet theories about what you can and cant do, in my experience, among people who are incarcerated or formerly incarcerated, Scott said. Those are taken very seriously, because a lot of times they have to do with perceived risk of re-arrest, which is like the last thing you want. Floridians affected by Amendment 4 also face many of the same barriers faced by voters everywhere. Those can include lack of transportation, hourly wage jobs that make taking time off to vote difficult, candidates that dont represent their interests, and a lack of familiarity with the process, as Kevin Morris, a researcher at the Brennan Center, wrote in a blog post this week. Neil Volz, political director for the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, the group that backed Amendment 4, said his organization would emphasize personal stories of people with felony convictions who were voting to convince others to do the same. If somebody can say Im a returning citizen, Im registering to vote, I need you guys to go register to vote, thats a powerful tool, Volz said. Lead by example. Mauer said he thinks the particular life experiences of the people affected by Amendment 4 could motivate them to turn out to vote. I meet lots of people in prison, or formerly in prison, who never had much interest in politics before, he said. And then when they come up against the power of the state justice system, it really is a motivating factor to get them engaged. Related Coverage 24 Years Ago She Lost Her Voting Rights For Pushing A Cop. She Just Got Them Back. In Historic Move, Florida Approves Automatically Restoring Voting Rights To Felons Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. The U.S. Senate in Florida race is likely headed for an automatic recount. Republican Rick Scott, who resigned as governor to pursue the Senate seat, led incumbent Democrat Bill Nelson by roughly 22,000 votes, or .26 percent of all votes cast, as of Thursday morning. Florida law requires a machine recount if the candidates finish within 0.5 percentage points of each other and a manual recount if the final margin is thinner than 0.25 points. Nelsons attorney, Marc Elias, said Thursday that the campaign is confident there are enough uncounted ballots to push the three-term incumbent over the top. Im confident that Senator Nelson and the Democrats are going to do well in terms of vote share in the days to come, because when, at the end of the day, all eligible have their votes counted and counted accurately, the fundamental truth that were going to learn is that more voters voted for Senator Nelson than Governor Scott, Elias told reporters on a conference call. Elias, a veteran attorney with experience representing high-profile Democrats, pointed to voting irregularities in Broward County, a perennial Democratic stronghold, to justify his prediction. Elias claimed that there was an unusually high occurrence of undervoting, a phenomenon in which voters ignore one race on the ballot and, in this case, only cast votes in down-ballot races. While undervoting, is common in low-profile, local races, Elias said it is unusual for voters to cast votes in down-ballot races while ignoring the top of the ticket. In a statement, Scotts campaign criticized Nelsons camp for refusing to concede the race, saying it is sad and embarrassing that Bill Nelson would resort to these low tactics after the voters have clearly spoken. A recount also appears increasingly likely in the Florida gubernatorial race as Democrat Andrew Gillum has gained ground since Tuesday night, when he initially conceded. The Gillum campaign announced its support for a recount on Thursday. A guest on Fox News Fox & Friends show suggested Thursday morning that in an active shooter situation, people should charge the gunman instead of taking cover and calling the authorities. Dr. Darrin Porcher, a former New York police lieutenant, claimed weve seen a lot of success with confronting the shooter directly during a discussion on Wednesdays deadly mass shooting at the Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks, California, where a gunman killed 12 people. And we look at what happened with the 9/11 hijackers in Pennsylvania, for example, Porcher said. There are so many people at that location, if they converge on the shooter, itll stop it. Granted, someone may get shot, he said. But the truth of the matter is this will decrease the carnage far greater than if you look to run, hide and dial 911. For the record, in an active shooting situation, the Department of Homeland Security recommends on its website to run and escape, if possible, and to hide, if escape is not possible. Fighting the shooter, it says, should be an absolute last resort. Confusingly, Porcher almost immediately walked back his gung-ho suggestion when issuing this further advice: When youre in these types of situations, you have two options: to either evacuate or shelter in place. Check out the clip via Media Matters here: Related Coverage Thousand Oaks Bar Shooting Leaves At Least 13 Dead, Including Gunman Sheriff's Sgt. Ron Helus 'Died A Hero' In California Shooting Stepdad Chokes Back Tears With Gut-Wrenching Account Of Thousand Oaks Shooting Also on HuffPost Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Paris (AFP) - The French civil aviation authority said Friday it had seized a Ryanair plane to get the Irish low-cost airline to repay illegal public aid, the latest in a string of troubles for the carrier. The EU Commission in 2014 ruled that subsidies Ryanair received from a regional authority had to be repaid, but the airline had not complied despite repeated warnings. The plane, a Boeing 737, was seized on Thursday at Bordeaux airport in southwestern France. "This measure was taken as a last resort by the French authorities after several reminders and attempts to recuperate the money failed," the DGAC civil aviation body said. "By this action, the government reaffirms its intention to guarantee the conditions of fair competition between airlines and between airports," it said. The plane "will remain immobilised until the sum is paid". It was "regrettable" that the 149 passengers on board the plane had to wait five hours before being able to take off from the Bordeaux-Merignac airport in another Ryanair aircraft, the civil aviation body added. Regional newspaper Charente Libre reported that the plane was close to take-off for London's Stansted airport when a bailiff, accompanied by police, declared it seized on the tarmac and sealed the aircraft. The airline owes the regional authority 525,000 euros ($595,000), regional officials said. The president of the regional airport authority, Didier Vallat, told AFP he expected the money to be disbursed Friday or Saturday. "Ryanair practically promised that they will pay us today," he said. Ryanair's fleet is made up mostly of Boeing 737-800 aircraft, which have a list price of around $98 million each. In October, EU anti-trust authorities opened an investigation into whether Ryanair benefited from measures at a German airport that give the Irish low-cost carrier an unfair leg-up over competitors. And last week ministers from five European governments warned Ryanair that it could face legal trouble if it ignores national labour laws after a series of strikes across the continent. The pan-European stoppages prompted the airline to cut its profit forecast, but it still expects to make profits after tax of 1.10-1.20 billion euros in its current financial year. Ryanair is also fighting an order by Italian regulators to suspend a charge for carry-on bags. BERLIN (AP) Germany's foreign minister plans to discuss the treatment of China's Muslim minority during an official visit to Beijing next week. A spokeswoman for Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said Friday that the situation in China's far west region of Xinjiang is "cause for concern in our view." China has rejected accusations that large numbers of ethnic Uighurs, Kazakhs and other Muslim minorities are being interned for the purpose of political indoctrination. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Adebahr told reporters that Maas "will raise the issue with his Chinese partners." She said that Maas, who flies to China on Sunday, will also discuss other topics including the trade dispute between China and the United States, the situation in North Korea and Berlin's bilateral relations with Beijing. MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexico's incoming government submitted a bill on Thursday to create a medical marijuana industry and allow its recreational use, part of a crime-fighting plan that would make Mexico one of the world's most populous countries to legalize the drug. The bill would permit companies to grow and commercialize marijuana. People would also be allowed to cultivate plants for private use, as long as they register in an anonymous government listing and produce no more than 480 grams (1 lb) of marijuana per year. (https://bit.ly/2qxxVDK) Smoking pot in public places would also be permitted. Olga Sanchez, designated interior minister of President-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, said prohibition has fed violence and poverty, criticizing a 12-year crackdown on drug gangs that has claimed tens of thousands of lives. "Today, the nation has taken the decision to change," she told senators. "We don't want more deaths. It will be a major contribution to bringing peace to our beloved country." Mexico would join Canada and Uruguay in allowing recreational marijuana use, as well as 10 U.S. states. Under the Mexican bill, cannabis producers would be banned from hiring minors or selling the drug to them. Lopez Obrador, a veteran leftist who takes office Dec. 1, has promised major changes to Mexico's security strategy, suggesting a negotiated peace and amnesty for some of the very people currently targeted by security forces. The coalition led by his National Regeneration Movement (MORENA) party has a majority in both houses, and other parties have also signaled support for marijuana legalization. The mounting violence of recent years and gradual legalization of the drug in U.S. states has fueled support for a change in policy in Mexico. Prominent backers of allowing marijuana use include former Mexican President Vicente Fox. Since late 2006, Mexico has used the armed forces to fight drug gangs, which are major suppliers of illegal marijuana to the United States. The gangs have splintered as they battled over trafficking routes and territory, fueling violence. More than 31,000 murders were registered in Mexico last year, according to government data, the highest total since modern records began. (Reporting by Lizbeth Diaz and Daina Beth Solomon; Editing by Dave Graham and Grant McCool) The 2018 midterm elections saw several historic firsts, including large numbers of women and the first Native American and Muslim women being elected to Congress. However, another kind of group also had a good showing candidates accused or convicted of crimes. Voters reelected two Republican Congressmen, Chris Collins of New York and Duncan Hunter of California, who are facing federal indictments for alleged insider trading and campaign corruption, respectively. Democratic New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez, whose trial on federal bribery and fraud charges resulted in a hung jury, was also reelected. And in Montana, voters reelected Rep. Greg Gianforte despite his conviction for misdemeanor assault after body-slamming a journalist. Sen. Bob Menendez Voters in historically Democratic in New Jersey reelected Menendez over Republican candidate Bob Hugin by 53.1% to 43.8%, according to the Associated Press. Menendez was accused in 2015 of accepting gifts worth nearly $1 million from a Florida ophthalmologist, and was indicted on 14 charges, including three counts of bribery and eight counts of fraud. Jurors were ultimately unable to reach a verdict in the case, and a mistrial was declared in November 2017. The Department of Justice dismissed the charges against Menendez in January 2018. Hugin strongly emphasized the accusations against Menendez in his campaign, and polls suggested that he had a chance to flip the deep blue state in light of the allegations Hes embarrassed us, Hugin said in an interview with a New York radio station. Its a disgrace. A moral failure. Its time for change. And thats what is resonating with the people of New Jersey. Newarks Star-Ledger reluctantly endorsed Menendez in a pointed editorial. This years U.S. Senate race presents the most depressing choice for New Jersey voters in a generation, with two awful candidates whose most convincing argument is that the other guy is unfit to serve, the paper wrote. Story continues In a Tweet yesterday, Menendez seemed to thank President Donald Trump for swaying liberal leaning voters by endorsing Hugin. Rep. Chris Collins Voters in western New Yorks 27th congressional district reelected Collins to the House despite accusations of insider training. Collins narrowly defeated his opponent, Democratic candidate Nate McMurray, 49.5% to 48.4%, according to the Associated Press. McMurray initially conceded his defeat, but ultimately called for a recount late Tuesday. An August indictment accused Collins of providing insider information to his son, Cameron Collins, about a biotechnology company. Chris Collins, who was a board member at the company, allegedly tipped his son off about a failed drug trial, according to the indictment. Collins, one of Trumps earliest supporters, has denied any wrongdoing, and called the charges meritless in an Aug. 11 statement. He suspended his campaign after the indictment, but ultimately reentered the race in September. The stakes are too high to allow the radical left to take control of this seat in Congress. They want to reverse the recently enacted tax cuts, impose Canadian style healthcare, inflict new job killing regulations and impeach President Trump, Collins wrote in a September 19 statement. An Important Update pic.twitter.com/UHL1XNTKhw Chris Collins (@CollinsNY27) September 19, 2018 Rep. Greg Gianforte The Montana congressman who gained Trumps praise for body-slamming a reporter has been reelected. Gianforte, who was convicted of a misdemeanor assault charge, defeated his opponent, Democrat Kathleen Williams, by a margin of 53.1% to 44.1%, according to the Associated Press. Gianforte assaulted Guardian reporter Ben Jacobs the night before he won a special election in 2017. Gianforte was sentenced to 180 day deferred jail sentence, as well as 40 hours of community service, 20 hours of anger management and $385 in fines and court fees. Speaking about the incident at a later campaign rally, Trump said, Any guy that can do a body-slam hes my kind of guy. Gianforte later apologized for the incident and donated $50,000 to the Committee to Protect Journalists as part of a settlement, according to Joel Simon, the organizations executive director. Rep. Duncan Hunter Hunter, who represents Californias 50th district near San Diego, defeated his opponent, Democratic candidate Ammar Campa-Najjar, by a margin of 54.2% to 45.8%, according to the Associated Press. Although Hunter initially seemed assured to win in the district, an August indictment accusing Hunter and his wife, Margaret Hunter, of campaign corruption seemed to create an opening for his opponent, Campa-Najjar. Voters reelected Hunter despite accusations that he spent $250,000 worth of campaign contributions on personal expenses, including family trips to Hawaii, Las Vegas and Italy and a $600 plane ticket for a pet rabbit. Hunter pleaded not guilty to the charges and called the accusations pure politics in an interview on FOX News The Story in August. Hunter also appeared to shift the responsibility to his wife during the interview. She was also the campaign manager so whatever she did, thatll be looked at too, Im sure, but I didnt do it, Hunter said. Attorney General Ken Paxton In Texas, voters reelected Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is facing a criminal indictment for securities fraud. Paxton edged out a Democrat Justin Nelson for the seat, receiving 50.5% of the vote to Nelsons 47%, according to the New York Times. Paxton will likely face a trial on two counts of first-degree felony securities fraud, as well as a third-degree felony for failing to register with the state as an investment advisor, according to the Associated Press. Paxton, who was first indicted in 2015, has pleaded not guilty. Nelson emphasized Paxtons alleged criminal history in his campaign, and included Paxtons mug shot in campaign ads. One such ad asked voters, If Ken Paxton cant follow the law, how can he enforce it. Paxton texted a statement to the San Antonio Express-News after his victory. Its an honor to serve as Texas Attorney General. Ill continue to fight to protect the rule of law, Paxton said. Tehran (AFP) - Iranian celebrities including Oscar-winning film director Asghar Farhadi and Grammy winner Kayhan Kalhor have launched a petition condemning US sanctions on Tehran and warning of the impact on ordinary people. "Once again, the United States has imposed sanctions against Iran... Every Iranian will personally pay the price," reads the petition, named "Voices Against Sanctions" and posted on change.org on Thursday. A last tranche of US sanctions were reimposed on Monday following the decision by US President Donald Trump to pull out of the 2015 nuclear deal earlier this year. "Politicians will come and go, but the fallout from their disastrous decisions will be a nightmare for generations to come," said the petition, which had picked up nearly 5,000 signatures by Friday. It was signed by Iranian filmmakers, musicians, activists and lawyers. Farhadi has received two Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film, while musician Kalhor, a virtuoso on the kamancheh (spiked fiddle), won a Grammy in 2017. Istanbul (AFP) - An Istanbul conference under the aegis of Nobel laureate Tawakkol Karman on Friday called for concrete measures to end the war in her native Yemen and an international court to judge those charged with crimes during the conflict. The conference, which was organised by Karman's foundation, urged international players including the United Nations to take "deliberate and responsible actions to end the war and restore peace in Yemen". The call came after UN special envoy for Yemen, Martin Griffiths, said in late October it aims to re-launch Yemen peace talks "within a month". Karman, who won the Nobel peace prize in 2011, was a key figure in the protests that ousted Yemeni president Ali Abdullah Saleh during the Arab Spring uprisings. The conference called for a "referendum on a draft constitution" and the holding of presidential and parliamentary elections "under UN supervision to ensure a peaceful and legitimate power transition". The participants also sought the establishment of an international court on Yemen to consider "all crimes committed by the local and international partis in the conflict". Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates lead a coalition in Yemen fighting Shiite Huthi rebels who are backed by Riyadh's arch enemy Iran. In a speech to the conference on Thursday, Karman called on Riyadh and Abu Dhabi to end their "unconstructive interference in Yemen and stop supporting terrorist groups and armed militias as well as mercenaries who have assassinated Yemenis in Aden and Taez." But she also called for an end to interference "by the mullahs in Iran to try to control Yemen by supporting Huthi militias." Saudi and the UAE intervened in the conflict between embattled Yemeni President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi, whose government is recognised by the United Nations, and the Huthis in 2015. The coalition has been waging an aerial bombing campaign in Yemen aimed at pushing the Huthis back, but the rebels still hold the key port city of Hodeida and the capital Sanaa. Story continues Pro-government forces are currently pushing deeper into Hodeida amid fierce fighting. Nearly 10,000 Yemenis have been killed in the conflict since 2015, according to the World Health Organization. Human rights groups say the real death toll may be five times higher. The severity of the campaign by Saudi Arabia has been criticised by some in the international community. Scrutiny has also increased following the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi on October 2 at the kingdom's consulate in Istanbul which caused international outrage. On The Late Late Show, host James Corden called out U.S. officials in the wake of yet another deadly mass shooting. Wednesday night, 12 people were killed by a gunman at a bar in Thousand Oaks, Calif. The shooting occurred about 30 miles from where the show is produced. A frustrated Corden asked, What can we say that hasnt been said? How do we continue to beg the leaders of this country to change this culture when they clearly wont? Officials failure to pass meaningful gun-control legislation is a significant part of the problem, he said. When votes and financing and tradition seem to matter more than peoples lives, how do we stop this from becoming the norm? As a result of the midterm elections, Democrats have taken control of the House. And since Democrats are more supportive of gun-control legislation, Corden said, I cling to the hope that the new members of Congress will step up [where] the predecessors let us down. Corden ended his statement by honoring the innocent victims of the latest mass shooting and requesting that everyone in this room, for you, everyone watching at home to take a minute of silence to remember those who were lost last night. The Late Late Show With James Corden airs weeknights at 12:37 on CBS. Watch clips and full episodes ofThe Late Late Show for free on Yahoo View. See CNN reporter Jim Acosta respond to being banned from the White House: Read more from Yahoo Entertainment: Tell us what you think! Hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, or leave your comments below. Tokyo (AFP) - A Japanese television station has cancelled a performance by the wildly popular Korean boyband BTS, after controversy erupted over a shirt worn by a member appearing to show the mushroom cloud created by an atomic bomb. The international superstars were due to perform on TV Asahi on Friday, but the station abruptly cancelled the show after a photo of member Jimin wearing the shirt went viral. "BTS's appearance scheduled for the 9th has been cancelled," TV Asahi said in a statement. "The T-shirt that one of the members wore made headlines and became controversial," the station added, saying it had discussed the "intention" behind the shirt with the band's record label and ultimately decided to "cancel their appearance". BTS issued their own statement on the row, but gave no details on why the show had been postponed. "We apologise for disappointing fans who were looking forward to this. BTS will continue their efforts to connect with fans on stage and also through music," the group said on their website. The offending shirt featured the phrase "PATRIOTISM OURHISTORY LIBERATION KOREA" repeated multiple times alongside an image of an atomic bomb explosion and another of Koreans celebrating liberation. BTS member Jimin reportedly wore the shirt last year, on August 15, when Koreans celebrate the end of Japanese occupation in 1945. Ties between Japan and South Korea continue to be soured by bitter disputes over history and territory stemming from Japan's brutal 1910-45 colonial rule over the peninsula. Last month, Tokyo reacted furiously after South Korea's top court ordered a Japanese steel giant to compensate victims of wartime forced labour programmes. BTS are the leading lights of the K-Pop phenomenon and made history earlier this year by becoming the first K-Pop band to top the US album charts, a sign of the genre's growing global appeal. Known for their boyish good looks, floppy haircuts and meticulously choreographed dance moves, the septet has become one of South Korea's best-known and most lucrative musical exports. When Sessions recused himself from the Russia probe, he failed to keep investigators off the presidents tail. That was unpardonable in Trumps eyes Sessions act was unpardonable. Photograph: Win McNamee/Getty Images In an act of unusual forbearance, Donald Trump waited a full 12 hours after the end of the midterm elections to sack Jeff Sessions. Clearly the president had been itching to get rid of Sessions for months. No matter that Sessions had been one of Trumps earliest and most vocal supporters, endorsing him when no other Republican senator was willing to embrace the untethered reality TV star as a serious political force. But the early bromance quickly soured, and for most of his unhappy tenure at the helm of the justice department, Sessions became one of Trumps favorite targets of ritualistic humiliation. The offense? In March 2017, Sessions recused himself from the Russia inquiry when it emerged he had misremembered certain meetings with the Russians during the campaign. Trump likes to claim he doesnt hold grudges witness his recent campaigning for lyin Ted Cruz but Sessions act was unpardonable. In recusing himself, the attorney general took control of the Russia inquiry out of the hands of a Trump loyalist, and handed it to Rod Rosenstein, where it remained until today. Sessions placed loyalty to his office above fealty to his chief, the same sin that got James Comey axed. The rule of law is not thriving when a special counsel investigating a sitting president needs protection from the attorney general Only having fired Comey, Trump could not fire Sessions, too at least, not without risking a firestorm that might threaten a president who had already demonstrated a strong pyromaniacal streak. That in any case is what Trumps lawyers and advisors told him, and against his better instincts, Trump listened. And so Sessions clung to his position. Cabinet officials serve at the pleasure of the president, but in this case, the beleaguered former Senator served at the presidents wrath. If Trump couldnt directly fire Sessions, he could at least make his life miserable, targeting him with a steady stream of gratuitous and belittling insults. Story continues But even that did not satisfy Trump. He quickly turned his fury against the entire Department of Justice, a vast federal bureaucracy with 100,000 employees, responsible for upholding the rule of law in the nation. In presidential tweets and interviews, the Department of Justice became rebranded the Department of justice the scare quotes signaling an unprecedented attack by the nations chief executive on his own administration of justice. Now the president can a breathe a little more easily. Sessions is gone, and in his place is Matthew Whitaker, who, as acting attorney general, formally takes charge off the Russia probe. Whitaker looks to be the kind of loyalist Trump lacked in Sessions. Whitaker has publicly warned Mueller against straying into Trumps finances, calling any such probe, yes, a witch hunt. He has also publicly mused how one might go about eviscerating the Mueller investigation without formally disbanding the whole operation. All this makes it transparently clear that Whitaker should promptly recuse himself which, alas, is precisely the reason why Trump has promoted him in the first place. The rule of law is not thriving when a special counsel investigating a sitting president needs protection from the attorney general. But it does raise the question where the protection will come from. Several Senate Republicans, including the freshly-elected Mitt Romney, who appears eager to take on John McCains mantle as the Republican partys moral conscience, have already warned against any meddling with Mr Mueller. It is also possible that Mueller and his team of seasoned savvy prosecutors have been preparing for this day for a long time. Then there are the House Democrats and their new majority. It should come as no surprise that Trump would fire Sessions to coincide with the Democrats victory. In so doing, he steals their headlines while delivering a threat. Stop me at your own peril. It will be war. A group led by prominent Democratic legal and national security experts is spending six figures on a new television ad backing special counsel Robert Muellers investigation into President Donald Trumps ties to Russia, following the forced departure of Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Sessions resigned Wednesday at the request of the president, who named Matt Whitaker as acting attorney general now overseeing the Russia investigation instead of Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein. Democratic lawmakers and others fear that Whitaker, a Trump loyalist, might soon move to dismiss Mueller and end the investigation. The 30-second ad from Protect the Investigation will start airing on cable networks Friday and is part of a six-figure ad purchase. Democracy cant exist in the dark, a male narrator says in the ad. But thats where this president wants to leave us. Tell Congress to protect the Mueller investigation. Protect the Investigation is led by an advisory board including a number of prominent Democratic legal and national security experts, including officials at the Center for American Progress, the Leadership Conference on Human and Civil Rights and the Truman National Security Project. Former CIA analyst Ned Price, a top aide to President Barack Obama who is now the director of policy and communication at National Security Action, is among the advisers. The investigation into Russian meddling has already resulted in almost 200 criminal charges and eight guilty pleas, Price said. Thats why an attack on it by the president is an attack on our democratic values and the rule of law. The American people deserve to know the truth, as embodied in the results of the special counsels investigation and they will hold lawmakers accountable. The ads launch comes the morning after thousands protested in Chicago, New York, Washington, D.C., and elsewhere asking Congress to protect Mueller. Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. When five journalists were shot dead in their own newsroom, we thought the rhetoric would change. It was June 2018, and the Capital Gazette was added to the long list of workplaces marred by gun violence in the United States. President Trump said the shooting shocked the conscience of our nation. But it wasn't shocking. The leader of the United States habitually demonises the media, referring to us as the enemy of the people. Even after the shooting, he hasn't stopped belittling the work of journalists that which is essential to democracy. Its no secret that President Trumps coining of the term fake news created a war on honest reporting, allowing him to challenge any assertion or indeed statistic that he doesn't like. And frankly, journalists are sick of it. Evidently, Jim Acosta is sick of it. In an acrimonious exchange yesterday at the Presidents post-midterms press conference, the tension between Acosta and Trump was tangible. Acosta asked the president about his demonising of immigrants by referring to the caravan of migrants as an invasion. Theyre hundreds of miles away, insisted Acosta. Trump fired back with, I think you should let me run the country; you run CNN. And if you did it well, your ratings would be much better. Ding that was round one. It escalated from there. It's significant that Trump moved beyond a personal insult to attacking the whole of CNN, a newsroom still reeling from a pipe bomb sent to its New York office last week. CNN should be ashamed of itself, having you working for them, Trump continued. Trump then closes with his signature point: When you report fake news, which CNN does a lot, you are the enemy of the people. Its here that the President continues to widen the chasm he's worked hard to create between the media and its consumers. By refusing to engage in civil discourse with Acosta and journalists as whole, really Trump is engaging in a dangerous game. Were far beyond him planting the seed of distrust in the media. The notion has grown roots. Story continues In this context, what was most shocking about the midterms press conference was Acostas refusal to back down. Journalists have, after all, been bombarded with attacks for almost the entirety of Trumps political career. Attacks about their disabilities. Attacks about their nationalities. Attacks about their gender. And truly, there havent been any reporters who publicly refused to put up with the rhetoric Trump spews daily. That all changed yesterday. Trumps framing of Jim Acosta as devoid of all moral character and journalistic integrity is frightening on a number of levels. Whats worse is that Acosta is now having his press pass to the White House revoked. As far as I'm concerned, that's a direct threat to all of our democratic rights. Let me be frank: I study and report journalism all day, every day. I believe Acostas interaction with the President was absolutely necessary. It may not have been the most respectful. It was awkward and hard to watch. But it was also a power move. Acosta was doing his job. From the first day we step into a journalism class, we are told, You are the watchdog for the people. We are told incessantly that our responsibility is to the people and to disseminate the truth because thats what journalists do. Acosta was being Americas watchdog. Above all, to be lectured on morality by a man whos spent the last three years fighting off allegations of sexual misconduct, blatantly expressing xenophobic remarks, defending neo-Nazis and destroying confidence in the entire US media would be laughable if it weren't so infuriating. And I know journalists are supposed to be unbiased. Those are just facts and not the alternative kind. You shouldnt treat people that way, Trump said to Acosta. You shouldn't treat people that way. Amen to that. New York (AFP) - The US judge overseeing the New York trial of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman ruled Thursday that the notorious drug baron could not hug his beauty queen wife, as requested, just before opening statements are to begin. Guzman has been held in solitary confinement since he was extradited to the United States in January 2017, after twice escaping from prison in Mexico, subjected to the strictest inmate security protocols in the United States. This week, with jury selection underway in a Brooklyn federal court for his trial, he asked Judge Brian Cogan, in a letter submitted by his lawyer, if he could greet and embrace wife Emma Coronel before opening statements begin next Tuesday, kicking off the substantive part of the four-month trial. But while Cogan praised Guzman's "exemplary" behavior in court and confinement to date, and for having "displayed considerable grace under pressure," the request was denied as "contrary to all" security procedures. Guzman, 61, is banned from communicating with or having any physical contact with 29-year-old Coronel, the mother of the couple's seven-year-old twin girls. The restrictions, Cogan noted, were "tailored to the government's legitimate objectives of preventing" Guzman from "coordinating any escape from prison or directing any attack" on cooperating witnesses. "This is especially true on the eve of trial, when the reality of the potential liability defendant faces if convicted may be setting in and his motivation to escape or threaten witnesses might be particularly strong." Guzman is on trial, accused of smuggling drugs into the United States over a quarter of a century, and is likely to spend the rest of his life behind bars in a maximum security US jail if convicted. A jury of seven women and five men have been selected to determine whether Guzman is guilty on 11 trafficking, firearms and money laundering charges. Paris (AFP) - A revised border between Kosovo and Serbia will not be drawn along ethnic lines, Kosovo's President Hashim Thaci insisted in an interview with AFP on Friday. He was speaking a day after a tense meeting with his Serbian counterpart Aleksandar Vucic in Brussels, where they were hosted by EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini. A range of sensitive issues remain to be settled between the erstwhile foes, including the question of their common frontier. This summer, Thaci and Vucic both raised the possibility of redrawing the border, comments that alarmed some observers. But Thaci, in Paris for WWI commemoration ceremonies this weekend, was clear on one point. "We will work together to define the borders, just like we did with Macedonia and Montenegro, but there will be no borders based on ethnic lines," he said. "Kosovo will stay multi-ethnic, Serbia as well, no population displaced. The region will be safer thanks to this agreement." The countries are seeking an agreement to end a diplomatic deadlock that has lasted for years. In 2008, a decade after the 1998-1999 war between Serbia's forces and pro-independence ethnic Albanian guerrillas, Kosovo broke away from Serbia. Serbia -- and its main ally Russia -- refused to recognise Kosovo's independence, although more than 100 countries, including the United States and most EU member states, have done so. - A 'multi-ethnic' army - Despite a tense start to the talks, Thaci remained cautiously optimistic. "Last evening's meeting was difficult but important for the final phase of the agreement for the normalisation of relations between Kosovo and Serbia," he said. "I think it is the right momentum and the right leadership to reach an agreement." Such an agreement would be "about the mutual recognition of Kosovo and Serbia, (a) legally binding agreement, an opportunity for Kosovo to join the UN because Russia will be lifting its veto at the Security council...," said Thaci. Story continues Kosovo's recent decision to create its own army, has provoked anger from its own ethnic Serb minority as well as from Serbia. NATO, which leads the KFOR military force that ensures Kosovo's security, has also expressed serious reservations. "I am the president of a sovereign country," Thaci told AFP. "The armed forces of Kosovo will be created. This is a done deal. "Nobody in Serbia can put a veto on this, whether they like it or not. "Everything we'll do will be constitutional and legal. This will be a gradual process, coordinated with our partners in NATO and the US," he added. "It is a new army, peaceful, multi-ethnic, with over 10-percent minority representation." On the banks of Ho Chi Minh City's Xuyen Tam canal the houses come in many forms. Short or tall, pieced together from scraps of wood, or metal or plastic. Some tilt precariously over the polluted water's edge. The makeshift homes are set to be demolished under long-promised government plans to redevelop the city's "black canals" -- nicknamed for the darkened hue of their waste-strewn waters -- where thousands live with no legal title to the land. That worries grandmother Nguyen Thi My, who for the past 28 years has lived on the downtown Xuyen Tam canal, eking out a living selling snacks. "It'll be a pity to move. I know this area well... and it's good for business," she told AFP from her busy home where she lives with family. It's a familiar woe in the city where land fights frequently flare up between residents and a government seen to be in the pockets of powerful developers. My's is one of 20,000 remaining households on Ho Chi Minh City's serpentine waterways slated to be demolished by 2020 as part of the city's massive renewal project that promises to replace some of the polluted canal banks with Parisian-style riverside promenades, paved roads, modern shops and buildings. Around 36,000 homes along the city's canals have already been cleared, forcing residents to move to the outskirts or accept compensation that is often lower than soaring market rates. Some canal dwellers like Le Thi Thanh are fed up with the trash -- and stench -- and say they'd happily move. "People just throw trash and defecate in the canal, so we have to live with the pollution," 61-year-old Thanh, who has been on Xuyen Tam canal for 20 years, told AFP. Thanh runs a boarding house, mostly for rural migrant labourers, and sells lottery tickets from the slanted porch of her home pieced together with old wooden doors and metal sheets. The canals of Ho Chi Minh City have not always been so coveted. Story continues Under the French, they were the city's main arteries used to move goods and people around, but as roads modernised and as the population boomed with war refugees in the 1960s, they became places to illegally settle. Today, the tide may be turning again. "There's a new elite that's emerging that's retransforming (canals) into an aesthetic place where you might sit and capture cool breezes and have views," Erik Harms, author of "Luxury and Rubble" about development in the city, told AFP. The relocations have not been easy for some former canal residents like Nguyen Van Muc, who said he was forced to move into government housing three years ago. His new house, though outfitted with ceramic tiled floors and plastered walls, is half the size of his old clapboard model on Nuoc Len canal -- and 20 kilometres (12 miles) away. "I've sent several complaint letters to central and local authorities but received no response," the former police officer told AFP. With two midterm election races in Florida likely headed toward recounts, President Trump on Friday suggested the federal government could intervene, and vowed to expose what he described as a conspiracy to benefit Democrats. Theres a lot of crooked stuff going on, Trump told reporters on the South Lawn before departing on a trip to France. All of the sudden theyre finding votes out of nowhere. On Thursday, the two top races in the state for governor and for senator appeared headed for recounts. According to state law, if less than 0.5 percent of the total vote separates the candidates, a recount is mandatory. If the difference is less than 0.25 percent, the recount must be conducted by hand rather than by machine. In the Senate race, Gov. Rick Scott, a Republican, is ahead of incumbent Sen. Bill Nelson by 0.18 percent. In the race for governor, former Republican Rep. Ron DeSantis leads Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum by 0.44 percent. According to the Miami Herald, thousands of ballots remain uncounted, including in the Democratic stronghold of Broward County, where officials have yet to disclose early voting and absentee totals. Since Tuesday, officials in the county have added to the number of ballots received, triggering a firestorm among Republicans, including the president, intent on preserving modest gains in the Senate. If you look at Broward County, they have had a horrible history, Trump said. And Rick Scott, who won by you know its close, but he won by a comfortable margin. He easily won, but every hour [his lead] seems to be going down. I think people have to look at it very, very cautiously. Trump endorsed and campaigned heavily for both Scott and DeSantis. Attorney Marc Elias has been hired by Sen. Bill Nelsons campaign in Florida. (Photo: AP/J. Scott Applewhite) The Nelson campaign has hired veteran election law attorney Marc Elias to navigate what is sure to prove a highly contentious recount process reminiscent of the 2000 presidential election battle in the state between Democrat Al Gore and Republican George W. Bush. Story continues A significant number of ballots have not yet been counted and, because of the size of Florida, we believe the results of the election are unknown and require a recount, Elias said in a statement Wednesday. The Scott campaign called Elias a hired gun from Washington, D.C., who will try to win an election for Nelson that Nelson has already lost, in an email Thursday. The soon-to-be-former governor has also called on the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to investigate the election, and echoed the president on the effort by Democrats to prevent the race from being called. No rag tag group of liberal activists or lawyers from D.C. will be allowed to steal this election from the voters in the state of Florida, Scott tweeted Friday. The night before, however, Scott and the National Republican Senatorial Committee filed lawsuits against election officials in Broward and Palm Beach counties, alleging that the supervisors are hiding information about the number of votes that have been cast and counted there. As the margin separating the Senate candidates continues to narrow, Nelson contends that his campaign simply seeks an accurate accounting of how votes were cast in the midterm election. The goal here is to see that all the votes in Florida are counted and counted accurately, Nelson tweeted Thursday. Rick Scotts action appears to be politically motivated and borne out of desperation. Elias also challenged Scott about his call for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to investigate Democratic officials in Broward and Palm Beach counties. This is not a Third World dictatorship, Elias said. We dont let people seize ballots when they think theyre losing. Florida election officials have until Saturday to count the votes and assess whether a recount is mandated. Aboard Air Force One late Friday morning, Trump said he would also mount a legal challenge. As soon as Democrats sent their best Election stealing lawyer, Marc Elias, to Broward County they miraculously started finding Democrat votes, the president tweeted. Dont worry, Florida I am sending much better lawyers to expose the FRAUD! The president also floated conspiratorial claims about vote counting in Arizona and Georgia, where races for the U.S. Senate and governor are also inching toward possible recounts that would threaten what the president described at a Wednesday news conference as a big victory in the Senate midterms for Republicans. That may explain why Trump spent much of Friday on Twitter. You mean they are just now finding votes in Florida and Georgia but the Election was on Tuesday? Trump tweeted. Lets blame the Russians and demand an immediate apology from President Putin! Nationwide, millions of votes remain to be counted not found leaving the outcome of a number of elections still in doubt, including some where Democrats are leading. _____ Read more from Yahoo News: By Marine Pennetier MAUBEUGE, France (Reuters) - President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday he had always condemned Marshal Philippe Petain, who collaborated with Nazi Germany in sending thousands of Jews to their death, but reiterated praise for his World War One military record. Macron angered Jewish groups and some political opponents on Wednesday by saying it was "legitimate" to honor Petain alongside France's other seven wartime marshals at commemorations to mark the end of the Great War this week. Petain was feted as a war hero after taking command of the French armies in mid-1917, following his victory at Verdun, a battle that killed more than 300,000 French and Germans. But his reputation was shredded when he established the collaborationist Vichy government of unoccupied France that deported more than 70,000 Jews to Nazi death camps. As criticism mounted on Wednesday, Macron's aides said that only the five marshals buried at the Invalides monument in Paris would receive an official tribute. On Thursday, the president said there had never been plans to honor Petain personally. "We are celebrating the centenary of a nation's conflict ... and it is normal that our army remembers its soldiers, and in particular its marshals," Macron told reporters in Maubeuge, near the Franco-Belgian border. "I strongly condemned the Petain of 1940 and did so without ambiguity. I also said yesterday that Marshal Petain was one of the great soldiers of 1914-18, and you cannot scratch that from history." Francois Hollande, Macron's predecessor as president, said: "History does not isolate a single period, even a military career bestowed with glory." The body that represents France's 400,000-strong Jewish community, Crif, called the idea of paying tribute to Petain "shocking". Jean-Luc Melenchon, head of the leftist France Insoumise (France Unbowed) party, called Petain "a traitor and an anti-Semite" whose "crimes and his betrayal cannot be erased from history." After World War Two, Petain was sentenced to death for treason, though then-President General Charles de Gaulle, a longtime admirer of Petain's military feats, reduced the punishment to life in prison, where he died aged 95 in 1951. Macron is spending the week visiting battlefields in northern and eastern France to honor the dead of the Great War, when 1.4 million French soldiers perished, an opportunity for a leader criticized as out of touch to reconnect with citizens. (Reporting by Marine Pennetier in Maubeuge, additional reporting and writing by Richard Lough; Editing by Robin Pomeroy) Paris (AFP) - President Emmanuel Macron faced a wave of criticism Wednesday after defending Nazi collaborator Philippe Petain, who led France's authoritarian Vichy regime, as a "great soldier" during World War I. The army announced late Tuesday that a ceremony would be held Saturday to commemorate the eight marshals who commanded French forces during WWI, including Petain. "It's right that we honour the marshals who led France to victory," Macron said in the town of Charleville-Mezieres, part of a tour of northern France marking the centenary of the war's end. "He was a great soldier, it's a fact," Macron said, though he stressed that Petain had made "disastrous choices" during World War II. His comments drew fierce criticism from rival politicians as well as Jewish leaders, reopening a painful chapter in France's history which continues to divide the nation decades on. Francis Kalifat of the CRIF association of French Jewish groups said he was "shocked" by Macron's comments praising a leader who helped deport thousands of Jews to their deaths. "The only thing we will remember about Petain is that he was convicted, in the name of the French people, of national indignity during his trial in 1945," Kalifat said in a statement. "Petain is a traitor and an anti-Semite," tweeted Jean-Luc Melenchon of the far-left France Unbowed party, echoing a flurry of angry postings, many posting an infamous photo of Petain shaking hands with Adolf Hitler. "Macron, this time you've gone too far!" - 'Complicated' - For years French leaders have treaded lightly when dealing with Petain's tortuous legacy, which his critics say left an indelible stain on the country. Yet the marshal has long been considered an excellent tactician during the Great War, not least for halting the German advance at Verdun in 1916. He also earned soldiers' admiration by advocating strategies which avoided unnecessary fighting and deaths -- though he nonetheless condoned the execution of attempted deserters. Story continues Hailed as a hero after the armistice, Petain would be called on to lead again after Germany invaded in 1940, taking over much of France. But as head of the Vichy regime, he actively collaborated with the Nazi occupiers, pursuing French resistance fighters while enacting second-class status for Jews and helping German soldiers round them up for the death camps. After the war's end he was arrested for treason and given the death sentence, which was commuted to life imprisonment given his age. He died in 1951, aged 95. "I'm not forgiving anything, but I'm not going to erase anything from our history," Macron said later Wednesday, reiterating that Petain was "complicit in grave crimes." "You're creating controversies by yourselves, my children," he admonished journalists -- echoing, intentionally or not, the paternalistic "my children" used by Petain to close a Christmas address from 1940. - Divisive legacy - Former socialist president Francois Mitterrand provoked similar outrage by placing flowers on Petain's tomb on the anniversary of the armistice for years, a practice his conservative successor Jacques Chirac quickly ended. Macron will not attend the ceremony Saturday at the Invalides military hospital and museum in Paris, sending instead his chief military advisor to represent him. The debate reflects a longtime divide along political lines, with rightwing groups often praising Petain's endorsement of what he considered traditional Catholic values. As head of Vichy France, he replaced the country's motto of "Liberty, Equality and Fraternity" with the more imperious "Work, Family and Country". The controversy came as Macron held his regular cabinet meeting in Charleville-Mezieres for the week, as part of centenary commemorations along the former Western Front. Dozens of world leaders are expected to attend an armistice ceremony in Paris on Sunday, and many will stay to participate in a peace forum called by Macron to promote multilateralism. The president's battlefield tour has been marked by protests over rising living costs, in particular fuel price increases which many blame on high taxes. Angry drivers as well as pensioners have confronted Macron during his public appearances, and thousands of drivers are expected to block roads across the country on November 17 in protest. Macron has said he understands their grievances and promised relief, but added Wednesday that "some people are sincere in their anger, and some are insincere". The beachside community of Malibu and at least 75,000 homes in Los Angeles and Ventura counties have been evacuated as multiple wildfires raged across California. Two fires burning in the region increased in size and scope just before the weekend, as the fire in Woolsey was not contained on Friday morning. Meanwhile, flames have claimed more than 8,000 acres of land and jumped over the south-side of the 101 freeway, effectively shutting down miles of roadway into the Calabasas area. Its a mandatory evacuation. What that means is, you dont have to leave, we want you to leave, Ventura County Fire spokesman Rich Macklan told reporters on Friday. But people know they cant get back in once they do leave. We want people to leave early, when firefighters ask you to, because firefighting equipment needs to come in and do [its] work. He added: If you leave early, it helps us tremendously. Scott McLean, captain of Californias Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, told reporters on Friday, one of the fires had expanded to cover nearly 110 square miles, adding it had almost quadrupled in extent overnight. Filmmaker Scott Derrickson was among those who lost their homes to the fire, tweeting out a message to his followers that he was safe, adding, thats the important thing. Schools were closed in the Las Virgines Unified School District in Calabasas throughout Friday, as Malibu Search and Rescue ordered residents of Las Virgenes Road, and those near the Ventura Freeway and Mulholland Highway, to leave the area. Malibu has about 13,000 residents and lies along 21 miles of the coast, at the southern foot of the Santa Monica mountain range. The Los Angeles County Fire Department tweeted the fire was heading to the ocean, punctuating the message with the declaration: Imminent threat! #WhoolseyFire *URGENT SAFETY MESSAGE* Fire has jumped the 101 fwy near Chesebro and is headed to Ocean Mandatory Evacuations, 101 Fwy to the coast between Las Virgenes Cyn /Malibu Cyn Rd. to the LA County line. Imminent threat! Malibu lakes residents must leave area immediately. LACounty Fire PIO (@LACoFDPIO) November 9, 2018 Pepperdine University cancelled classes on Friday at its Malibu and Calabasas campuses, with the latter evacuated. Story continues To the west, in Ventura County, Moorpark College closed due to the fire and Wednesday nights mass shooting in nearby Thousand Oaks. California Lutheran University had already cancelled Friday classes due to the shooting. Cal Lutheran said its Thousand Oaks campus is not under evacuation orders but residential students have been put on standby. The Thousand Oaks-based Conejo Valley Unified School District also closed all schools. The Los Angeles and Ventura County fire departments said multiple buildings have been destroyed or damaged, but exact numbers were not available early on Friday. The flames are being driven by Southern Californias Santa Ana winds, which blow from the northeast towards the coast. AP contributed to this report. HAGATNA, Guam (AP) A man accused of stabbing to death a Guam teenager during a burglary of her home has pleaded not guilty. Brandon Michael Acosta, 24, entered his plea Wednesday to charges of aggravated murder and home invasion, the Pacific Daily News reported . Timicca Nauta, 15, was found stabbed to death in her Chalan Koda home on Guam in June. Acosta was initially arrested in connection to a series of burglaries reported in the Dededo neighborhood at about the same time of the killing. He has remained in custody since the arrest. While locked up, Acosta told another inmate that he killed Nauta, authorities claimed in court documents. Acosta said he did not intend to kill the teen during the burglary, but "he merely made a mistake" after startling Nauta when he entered her dark bedroom, authorities alleged. The charges against Acosta were enhanced with special allegations of commission of a felony while on felony release. Acosta was charged in January with family violence. He is accused of kicking his ex-girlfriend during an argument, according to court documents. He is scheduled to appear in court again on Nov. 27. Even in deep-red states, voters embraced an array of liberal-backed ballot measures in Tuesday's election expanding Medicaid, targeting gerrymandering, boosting minimum wages, legalizing marijuana use. The results heartened left-of-center activists, who see a path going forward for circumventing Republican-controlled legislatures. With the new Congress deeply split along partisan lines, the outcome ensured that the states will serve as pivotal battlegrounds for social issues heading toward the next election in 2020. One of the strongest messages emerging from the results is that voters are eager to make the political process, including voting itself, fairer and more accessible. Michigan, Missouri and Colorado approved changes in redistricting policy aimed at reducing partisan gerrymandering through the use of independent map-drawers. A similar measure in Utah was leading in partial returns. Voters in Michigan, Maryland and Nevada supported measures calling for automatic or same-day voter registration. Several states approved new oversight of politicians' ethics. And in Florida, there was decisive approval of a measure that will enable an estimated 1.4 million people with prior felony convictions to regain their voting rights. "We see strong support for these initiatives from independents, Democrats and Republicans," said Karen Hobert Flynn, president of Common Cause. "The question is whether incumbent officials will wake up to understand that people really do want democracy and that power belongs to the people." In two Republican-leaning states, Idaho and Nebraska, voters approved measures to expand Medicaid health coverage to tens of thousands of low-income residents, while a similar measure was leading in Utah. In those states, Republican-led legislatures had refused to take advantage of expanded coverage offered under President Barack Obama's health care law. Other notable results: Michigan voters approved legalization of marijuana for recreational use, making it the first Midwestern state to do so. North Dakota rejected a similar measure, while Missouri voters backed legalization of medical marijuana. Story continues A minimum wage increase was approved in two states. An Arkansas measure will raise the wage from $8.50 an hour to $11 by 2021; Missouri's will gradually rise from the $7.85 minimum wage to $12 an hour. Louisiana voters overwhelmingly approved making a unanimous jury a requirement for convictions, scrapping a law dating from the era of racial segregation that allowed for split juries. Arizona voters rejected a massive expansion of the state's private school voucher program criticized as a move to drain money from public schools and give it to rich parents to fund their kids' private school tuition. Abortion was on the ballot in three states one voting to protect access to abortion, the other two backing anti-abortion measures. In Oregon, voters soundly rejected a measure that would have banned the use of public money to pay for abortion coverage. The measure would have left low-income women on the state's Medicaid plan to pay out-of-pocket for abortions and would have eliminated abortion coverage for public employees such as teachers and firefighters who receive health coverage under a state plan. "I couldn't be more proud of our state," said Grayson Dempsey, executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Oregon. "Oregonians showed up for reproductive rights access and made it very clear that we will not back down." In contrast, West Virginia voters approved a constitutional amendment allowing lawmakers to restrict or outlaw state funding for Medicaid abortions. In Alabama, voters added anti-abortion language to the state's 1901 constitution specifying that Alabama recognizes the "rights of unborn children." The measure does not affect abortion access unless Roe v. Wade, the U.S. Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion, is reversed an outcome considered more likely since the addition of conservative Justice Brett Kavanaugh to the high court. "Both Alabama and West Virginia have teed up state legislators to decimate abortion rights in their states and set up legal challenges that could undermine or overturn Roe on the federal level," said Elizabeth Nash of the Guttmacher Institute, which supports abortion rights. "Alabama in particular approved intentionally vague language in their rollback, making it easier to criminalize abortion and pregnancy and undermine women's health and rights." One of the biggest ballot-measure victories for liberal activists came in Massachusetts, where voters rejected a conservative-backed attempt to repeal a 2016 state law extending nondiscrimination protections to transgender people. Similarly, Oregon voters rejected a measure that would have repealed the first-in-the-nation immigrant sanctuary law. That law, adopted in 1987, prevents state and local law enforcement agencies from detaining people who are in the U.S. illegally but have not broken other laws. Jim Ludwick, one of the founders of the unsuccessful repeal movement, said he was disappointed but noted that his campaign was outspent 20-to-1. "We're regular citizens, we did our best and we didn't succeed. We're not done," he said. "I fear for my kids and grandkids, particularly here in Oregon. They're getting marginalized." ___ Associated Press writer Gillian Flaccus in Portland, Oregon, contributed to this report. ___ Follow David Crary at https://twitter.com/CraryAP ___ For AP's complete coverage of the U.S. midterm elections: http://apne.ws/APPolitics Washington (AFP) - In addition to choosing members of Congress and state governors, Americans also cast ballots on a slew of local initiatives in the midterm elections, including the legalization of recreational marijuana, limits on abortions and banning greyhound racing. - Marijuana - Michigan became the 10th state to legalize recreational marijuana, and in the future residents will be able to grow up to 12 plants for their own personal use. A 10-percent tax was imposed on marijuana sales, with the revenue to be used to fund local councils, education and transport. Missouri and Utah each legalized medical marijuana, which will carry a tax of four percent, with the funds earmarked to support health care for veterans. - Abortion - Voters in Alabama and West Virginia approved amendments aimed at limiting future access to abortion. The Alabama amendment aimed to "support the sanctity of unborn life and the rights of unborn children, most importantly the right to life in all manners." The text of the proposal stated that "this state does not protect the right to abortion or require the funding of abortion." The state makes no exception for abortions in cases where the pregnancy results from incest, rape or where the mother's life is in danger. Women's rights advocates fear the measures could lead to a challenge to the landmark Roe vs Wade Supreme Court ruling of 1973, especially at a time when appointments by President Donald Trump have swung the court far to the right. - Justice - Louisiana scrapped a law dating back to its segregated past that allowed non-unanimous decisions in juries deliberating in felony trials. The law, from 1898, allowed a jury to convict a person of felony by only 10 out of 12 jury votes, a move designed to negate the influence of black jury members who were allowed by the 14th Amendment after the Civil War to serve on juries. Its stated aim was to "perpetuate the supremacy of the Anglo-Saxon race in Louisiana." Story continues Oregon is the only other state that does not require a unanimous jury decision in felony cases, except for murder. Florida pass an initiative to restore voting rights to convicted felons who have served their sentence, except for those convicted of sex crimes or murder. That will give an estimated 1.5 million people the right to cast ballots in a key swing state in presidential elections. Colorado also voted to remove the word "slavery" from its statute books as a punishment for crime. The western state's constitution had until Tuesday's vote stated that "there shall never be in this state either slavery or involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime." - Minimum wage - Missouri approved raising the minimum wage from $7.83 dollars an hour to $12 dollars by 2023. In Arkansas, it will go up from $8.50 to $11 an hour by 2021. - The Ten Commandments - Alabama voted to allow the display of the biblical Ten Commandments in public buildings and schools. - Environment - Nevada backed a measure calling for public electricity providers to increase the amount of power generated from renewable sources from 20 percent to 50 percent by 2030. Under the western state's regulations, however, the proposal has to be approved again in a second election, in 2020, to become law. Florida banned offshore drilling in waters belonging to the state and also forbade vaping in the workplace. - Animal rights - In Florida, 69 percent of voters supported a ban on greyhound racing to come into effect by 2020, backing animal rights activists who denounce the sport as cruel. Florida has 12 of the United States' 18 dog tracks, while 40 US states ban betting on greyhound races. California passed an initiative requiring all eggs in the state to come from cage-free hens by 2022, while setting minimum cage size requirements for pigs and calves raised for veal. Alaskans however rejected a ballot measure increasing protections for wild salmon and their habitat, that would have tightened the permitting process for oil developments, mines and dams. - Tech tax for homeless - San Francisco voters backed a tax on the city's wealthiest companies to tackle homelessness, passing a measure that divided the tech community. A tally posted Wednesday showed that 60 percent of voters in the city that is home to Airbnb, Uber, Salesforce, and Twitter cast ballots in favor of "Proposition C," a local ballot measure brought about by a 28,000 signature petition this summer. Designed to rake in $250 to $300 million in taxes per year, the Robin Hood-esque measure is intended to fund housing for 5,000 people and finance mental health and housing aid services, according to its backers. Generally, San Francisco's tech bosses -- including Twitter chief Jack Dorsey and Patrick Collison of payment start-up Stripe -- resisted the proposal. But billionaire Marc Benioff, head of cloud computing firm Salesforce, pumped millions of dollars into the "Yes On C" campaign. Watch the full clip from episode 11 of The Royal Box below. The arrival of Meghan Markle into the Royal Family has had a huge impact on the monarchy. When she married Prince Harry in May, Meghan broke the mould. The former American actress has had a Hollywood career and divorced her first husband, Trevor Engelson, after two years of marriage in 2013. Divorce has been a touchy subject for the royals since the Queens uncle, Edward, abdicated in 1936 to marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson; the Queens younger sister Margaret was not allowed to wed Peter Townsend for the same reason. But Meghan and Harrys relationship has captured the publics imagination particularly after she successfully navigated her way through her first royal tour in Australia and breathed life into one of the UKs most traditional institutions. Meghan has broken the mould (Getty) I think Meghans arrival in the Royal Family has given the family another 100 years. She has suddenly made them so relevant and so exciting, Nick Bullen, an award-winning producer behind numerous royal documentaries, tells Yahoo UKs The Royal Box. Highlighting the fact that being American, an actress, mixed-race and divorced would have once excluded her from being in the Royal Family, he adds: She has just blown the doors off it and shes here in a big way. Royal life isnt all glitz and glamour on tours and Bullen, founder of TrueRoyalty.tv, points out that everyday drudgery of being a royal can be dull. Harry and Meghan are shaking things up in the Royal Family (Getty) The job is out there every day, shaking hands for people marrying in, that can be a real challenge. But could Meghan and Harry be the couple to shake it up? With forward-thinking campaigns such as the Invictus Games and Heads Together, Bullen thinks the the two of them, alongside William and Kate, could redefine the monarchy. He adds: There could be a soft revolution of what happens within the Firm. Watch the full episode below. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for non-stop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. For Twitter updates, follow @YahooStyleUK. Story continues Read more from Yahoo Style UK: Duchess of Sussex failed to fly British flag with debut royal tour wardrobe Why Meghan Markle is wearing shorter skirts while pregnant just like the Duchess of Cambridge did What Kate said when the world wanted to know why she broke up with Prince William Stacey Abrams walks to a voting machine with her nephew in Decatur, Georgia: EPA Several voters in majority black neighbourhoods throughout Georgia complained of broken voting machines during Tuesday's midterms among other issues perceived to be an attempt at voter suppression an issue which plagued the main race in the state between Democrat Stacey Abrams and Republican Brian Kemp. Ms Abrams, who was vying to become the country's first African American female governor, refused to concede to her opponent and the state's current secretary of state, saying votes "remain to be counted" despite more than 99 per cent of precincts having reported their results. Her campaign is waiting for absentee ballots, particularly in heavily Democratic counties. Mr Kemp's government office is in charge of monitoring state elections, including his own race, and critics have cried foul over missing power cords for ballot scanning machines and waits of up to three hours to vote. Georgia's secretary of state, in his official capacity, had previously closed 8 per cent of the state's polling places, citing fiscal concerns. Ms Abrams and others have said the efforts served to disenfranchise voters of colour. In two instances rulings from federal judges were required. In one, approximately 3,600 new US citizens had asked for their ballots to be counted. The state's 159 separate county boards of elections use motor vehicle records to determine voter eligibility, but the records had not been updated with these voters' new citizenship status. It resulted in their voter registrations initially being rejected. The judge ruled voters should be allowed to cast a ballot if they provide proof of their citizenship to a poll worker. The second ruling said that more than 50,000 absentee ballots, filed by voters who are travelling or stationed abroad, should be counted after being initially rejected. The Gwinnett County board of elections rejected the applications based on the state's "exact match" policy enacted by Mr Kemp, which required names on voter rolls and forms of identification to match even if slow updates of marriages, divorces, name changes or human error due to manual entry could have resulted in small differences. Story continues Gwinnett County has one of the fastest growing minority populations in Georgia. Fallon McClure, the Georgia state director for advocacy group Spread the Vote, previously told The Independent that as of 2006, the last time a comprehensive study was done in Georgia, at least 675,000 people lacked proper government-issued identification. Last month an audio recording of Mr Kemp's remarks at a campaign event was leaked to Rolling Stone. The Republican candidate could be heard discussing Ms Abrams' turnout operation, saying that it "continues to concern us, especially if everybody uses and exercises their right to vote". Protect Democracy, a voter advocacy group, also filed an emergency lawsuit just hours before polls closed to prevent Mr Kemp from presiding over the race. Stacey Abrams, during an election night party (Associated Press) Campaigners from the organisation said that Mr Kemp maintaining his government position while running "violates a basic notion of fairness. If neither candidate wins 50 per cent of the vote they will face off once again in a runoff election on 4 December. Democrats hoped for a huge rejection of Trumpism, but found two forces still hold an intoxicating political power Supporters of Ted Cruz react at his midterm election night party in Houston. Photograph: Cathal McNaughton/Reuters The expectations we carry into elections always make it difficult to objectively assess their outcome. Before the midterms, Democrats hoped for a blue wave that would decisively hand them the House and perhaps more, while Donald Trump was poised to declare victory whatever the outcome. The morning after, the results looked mixed, with neither side able to claim a sweeping victory. How, then, should we understand what happened? Most importantly of all, the Democrats took control of the House. They won the popular vote and, for the first time since 2008, independent voters who arent affiliated with either party backed the Democrats, and by a sizable margin. Democrats also won important Senate and gubernatorial races in states that will be key to beating Donald Trump in 2020, such as Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Democratic control of the House should finally see the legislative branch emerge as the check and balance on the executive which the constitution intends it to be. The Trump administration will no longer get a free ride from Congressional Republicans who had no interest in shining a light on its abuses of power. Key committees will also pass into Democratic control. The House intelligence committee, which Republicans have used to harass law enforcement officials investigating Trump and his associates, will now have a Democrat as its chair. That the Democrats have not won an even larger share of seats in Congress is largely due to gerrymandering, which gives Republicans a built-in advantage in the House. But in the long term, last nights results will also help to restore fairness to American democracy. Florida overturned a Jim Crow-era voting ban affecting 1.4 million felons, including nearly 25% of the states African American adults the greatest expansion of voting rights since the civil rights era. Meanwhile, key state-level wins will give Democrats the chance to redraw districts and undo gerrymandering. Story continues Yet the elections were not the stunning repudiation of Trump and the Republican party that many liberals, profoundly disturbed by the nations trajectory, had hoped for. A party that has ripped children from their parents at the border and put them in cages, has stolen a majority on the supreme court, and has looked the other way as nepotism, authoritarianism and chaos have taken up residence in the White House hardly suffered a catastrophic night. It avoided a complete rout in the House, made gains in the Senate, and won important governorships in Ohio and Florida. Republican supporters cheer after Iowas Republican candidate for governor won re-election. Photograph: Joshua Lott/Getty Images That it managed to do this is down to two factors that continue to deliver votes into the Republican column. The first is the power of partisanship, and the second is the power of whiteness. According to an exit poll by CNN, fully 94% of Republicans voted for Republican House candidates. Meanwhile, white voters went for Trump by a 10% margin. Among older whites and whites without a college degree (often a proxy for conservative racial attitudes), the margins were even starker. These figures show that the thorough rejection of Trumpism that the Democrats have been hoping for and which might convince his party to change course has not arrived and is not likely to arrive soon. Trumps coalition has eroded somewhat, but it will be clear to both the president and party strategists that Republican partisanship and white identity politics are still intoxicating political forces. Most worryingly of all, the voters they motivate seem impervious to recognizing or simply do not care about the broader threat to American values and democracy that the Republican party of today represents. After everything it and its leader have done in the past two years, it seems hard to imagine what it might do in the next that will finally cause a rift with its adherents. This is not normal has become a catchphrase for those outraged by the Trump administrations daily affronts to human decency, the rule of law, and good governance. But it looks increasingly like the American politics of the last two years is the new normal. For so long as Republican voters continue to treat Trump and his party as normal political forces to whom the ordinary rules of partisanship should apply, as opposed to outliers who pose an existential threat to the American system of government, change cannot come. Partisanship even makes accountability before the rule of law controversial exit polls showed that 54% of voters, including 73% of Republicans, view the Mueller investigation as politically motivated. Given that the Republican party failed to receive a stunning repudiation that might force it to change course, it seems inevitable that it will instead double down, using the power of partisanship and whiteness to cover its sins and consolidate its base. The message of the midterms is hence not only that 2020 remains competitive. It is that a much deeper problem, the continued march of one of the nations political parties away from Americas ideals and towards its darkest impulses, remains no closer to being solved. Rabat (AFP) - Thousands of students protested Friday in Morocco for the third consecutive day against a government decision to keep its clocks at summer time year round, local media reported. Pupils who now have to get up before sunrise to get to school denounced "a shameful decision" and a "farce", demonstrating in several cities, according to newspapers and social media. On October 26, the government decided to abandon plans to switch to winter time and kept the clocks in the North African country at GMT+1. Avoiding the switch saves "an hour of natural light", administrative reform minister Mohammed Ben Abdelkader said at the time. The decision also reduces electricity consumption, he was quoted as saying by official news agency MAP. The last-minute decision took many by surprise and sparked outrage and confusion, as the electronic devices of many Moroccans switched automatically from summer to winter time. Parents complained that their children had to leave home for school when it was still dark outside. A spokesman for the education ministry told AFP on Friday that schools have been authorised to adjust their timetables "according to the needs of each region". On Thursday Prime Minister Saad Eddine el Othmani said the government would be sticking with summer time, although it would set up a "mechanism to evaluate and follow up" on the decision. The European Commission in August announced a proposal to abolish switching to winter time in 2019, but EU transport ministers have said the move is not realistic and that disagreement remained over how to implement the idea. Washington (AFP) - The mother of a young man who survived last year's gun massacre in Las Vegas only to be killed by another gunman in a California bar this week has made an impassioned plea for gun control. In a video clip that has gone viral on the internet, a distraught Susan Schmidt-Orfanos rejected the habitual calls by politicians for "thoughts and prayers" after the shooting in Thousand Okas, Calfornia, that left her son and 11 others dead. "My son was in Las Vegas with one of his friends and he came home. He didn't come home last night," said Schmidt-Orfanos, whose son Telemachus was a 27-year US Navy veteran. "And I don't want prayers, I don't want thoughts, I want gun control and I hope to God nobody else sends me more prayers. I want gun control. No. More. Guns," she told ABC7 news. The gunman who attacked the Borderline Bar and Grill on Wednesday night was identified as a 28-year-old US Marine combat veteran who had served in Afghanistan. Police said he appeared to have shot himself after opening fire on the bar's patrons. A doorman at the bar and a police officer were among the dead. President Donald Trump told reporters Friday that the gunman was "a very sick puppy. He's a sick guy." "He was a war veteran and a Marine and in the war and served time and saw some pretty bad things and a lot of people say he had PTSD," said the president, referring to the psychologial condition Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. "It's a big problem. People come back and it's a horrible thing, they come back and are never the same," he said. A lone gunman killed 58 people and wounded more than 800 when he opened fire on a Las Vegas country music concert in October 2017. US media said a number of the young people who were at the bar rampage in California on Wednesday night had survived that massacre. The media also reported that in 2016, Californians voted to close a legal loophole that allows gun owners to possess high-capacity magzines such as the one used by the shooter on Wednesday. Story continues But implementation of the ban was blocked by a lawsuit filed by the California Rifle and Pistol Association, the state branch of the National Rifle Association, or NRA, and five Calfornia residents, media reports said. Schmidt-Orfanos said she doubted that any gun control laws could be effectively enforced in the current political climate, citing the lack of action after the 2012 shooting in the Sandy Hook elementary school in Connecticut that left 26 dead. "If mowing down five-year-olds at Sandy Hook didn't make an impression, nothing will," she told the Washington Post. "The bottom line is the NRA owns most of the Republican party, and probably some of the Democratic Party as well." Nov. 8, 2018, is National STEM/STEAM Day. Its purpose is to inspire youth while getting them excited about exploring and pursuing interests in the fields of science, technology, engineering, art and math. Statistics have shown that few American students tend to pursue STEM fields and that the need for STEM-oriented job skills is increasing, according to The Learning Counsel. "There are massive global issues for all of us to investigate and solve, everything ranging from climate change to disease and the advancement in technology, and we need people to solve them," said Andrea Ingram, vice president of education for Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (MSI), which is the largest science center in the Western Hemisphere. Exploratorium's Tinkering Studio The Exploratorium's Tinkering Studio provides a large, eclectic assortment of materials, tools and technologies for people to use as they explore and create. (Photo/Gayle Laird / Exploratorium) "Our next generation of innovators and scientists are right outside our doors in our neighborhoods and communities," Ingram told AccuWeather. "It's our job and responsibility as a civic leader and as a cultural institution in this community to help connect to that talent, to help build that talent and empower them to be part of the solutions to the issues that they and their children will be facing," she said. Below are four national museums that will get kids excited about exploring the fascinating fields of STEM. 1. The Exploratorium - San Francisco, California Giant Mirror exhibit - Exploratorium Giant Mirror is a curved mirror which creates images that appear to float in space. (Photo/Amy Snyder /Exploratorium) This public learning laboratory allows visitors to explore the world through science, art and human perception. "Our vision is a world where people think for themselves and can confidently ask questions, question answers and understand the world around them," according to its website. Exhibits at the Exploratorium, which first opened in 1969, aren't just designed to be observed. Visitors are encouraged to play and engage with them. The museum's website notes that it has created its own hands-on exhibits since opening 49 years ago. The Exploratorium currently has over 650 exhibits on display, including the Shadow Box exhibit. Story continues Visitors can capture a moment in time as a strobe light and giant phosphorescent screen allow them to pose and imprint temporary shadows in this long-running exhibit. "The shadow-catching phosphorescent material on this wall is the same as you've probably seen in various glow-in-the-dark' products," according to the website. "Energy from incoming light gets absorbed in this material in the form of excited electrons - that is, electrons raised to a higher energy state. As these electrons gradually de-excite, they release their energy as a visible glow." 2. Franklin Institute - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania SkyBike at Franklin Institute A visitor takes a ride on the SkyBike exhibit at the Franklin Institute. (Photo/Franklin Institute) The Franklin Institute was founded in 1824 in honor of Benjamin Franklin, America's first scientist. It's one of the oldest centers of science education and development in the United States. "Today, the Institute continues its dedication to public education and creating a passion for science by offering new and exciting access to science and technology in ways that would dazzle and delight its namesake," its website reads. It offers 12 world-class permanent exhibits that give visitors hands-on learning experiences, allowing them to learn about key science concepts in creative and engaging ways. An exhibit sure to attract curious young minds is Sir Issac's Loft. Described as a "playground of experimentation," the exhibit features chain reactions, falling objects and optical illusions that help bring life to Newton's laws in "whimsical and artful ways." 3. Museum of Science - Boston, Massachusetts Museum of Science - Boston A visitor enjoys being part of an incredible live demonstration at the Theater of Electricity at the Museum of Science, Boston. (Photo/ Matthew Modoono/Museum of Science) As one of the world's largest science centers and Boston's most attended cultural institution, the Museum of Science's 700 interactive exhibits attract about 1.5 million visitors annually. The Museum's exhibits all have tie-ins to STEM learning in some form. One of the recent temporary exhibits is Space: An Out-of-Gravity Experience. On display through 2018, it features a variety of interactives for guests to learn about the experience of astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS), including some of the feats of engineering that support astronauts in space. The Museum's Discovery Center is geared towards children up to 8 years old. Developed in collaboration with local researchers from various institutions, it aims to encourage kids to take part in STEM activities geared toward early learners. 4. Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) - Chicago, Illinois Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (Photo/Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago) Founded in 1933, MSI is nationally recognized for its award-winning educational programming that challenges kids to achieve their greatest potential in STEM education. MSI's state-of-the-art digital fabrication laboratory, the Wanger Family Fab Lab, allows visitors to dream up, design and create just about anything they can think of using cutting-edge software and equipment, according to its website. MSI emphasizes the importance of tapping into the curiosity of youth. "Curiosity is what drives society forward; it is the lifeblood of all human progress," its website reads. "[Tapping into their curiosity] means motivating them, helping them see that all of this is relevant and connected to their world, and that builds their interest and makes them want to learn more," Ingram told AccuWeather. Telemachus Tel Orfanos, 27, escaped the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history only to be killed by a fellow veteran at a bar in his hometown Thousand Oaks, Calif., on Wednesday. Orfanos, a Navy veteran, was one of 12 people killed at Borderline Bar & Grill late Wednesday when Marine veteran Ian David Long opened fire at the popular country music nightspot. A little over one year ago, on Oct. 1, 2017, Orfanos was at the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival when a gunman killed 58 people and wounded hundreds more. My son was in Las Vegas with a lot of his friends and he came home. He didnt come home last night, said his mother, Susan Orfanos. Now, Susan Orfanos says, its time for America to do something about gun control. She shook with sadness and rage as she gave reporters her message on Thursday, No more guns. Orfanos said she would refuse to accept the toothless condolences typical after mass shootings in the U.S. I dont want prayers. I dont want thoughts. I want gun control, she said to reporters. A substitute teacher, Orfanos said that if there had not been change since previous shootings, she wasnt sure what kind of massacre could make a difference, according to the Washington Post. If mowing down 5-year-olds at Sandy Hook didnt make an impression, nothing will, Orfanos said. Tel Orfanos was hardly anti-gun, his father, Marc Orfanos told the Washington Post. He was a Navy veteran and a gun hobbyist, who frequented shooting ranges and asked his parents if he could keep a gun in the house while he was living with them. His parents wouldnt let him. My take is that if theres a gun in the house, theres always a possibility of an accident, or of suicide. It increases the odds, Marc Orfanos said. Marc Orfanos said that he blamed the countrys gun culture for the prevalence of mass shootings. It is time, Marc Orfanos said, get real and put an end to this violence. A protest by anti-Brexit activists highlighting the governments no-deal plans to stockpile food and medicines (Getty) A no-deal Brexit will cause war-like shortages of basic supplies that could cost lives, the head of Brussels biggest thinktank has warned. Fabian Zuleeg, the chief executive of the European Policy Centre, made the grave claim on Friday in a bid to persuade British MPs to back any deal Theresa May makes with the EU. Speaking during a debate in Brussels, he warned: If we end up with no-deal then it really is a catastrophe. It really is a situation where it might well cost lives. The government in London, if you listen to the preparations theyre making, this is scary. This is really something and I dont believe theyre just doing this out of tactical reasons. I dont believe theyre simply trying to scare people. There are processes in place now where youre essentially talking about preparing for a war-like situation. MORE: Brexit blamed as UK forecast to be slowest growing economy in Europe Pressed on his claim, Zuleeg said he meant that there would be shortages of food, of medicine, of fuel etc rather than any kind of civil war. But he added: There are also preparations in terms of having the army on the streets, in terms of civil unrest, in terms of rioting. Its not a civil war but we are talking about a very serious thing. The government has revealed that it is stockpiling food and medicine as part of its preparations for a no-deal Brexit. But Britain would face shortages of both within two weeks of a no-deal Brexit as imports between Calais and Dover ground to a halt, according to details of a government study leaked to the Sunday Times earlier this year. Former Brexit secretary David Davis has said suggestions no-deal would lead to shortages are just scare stories (Getty) Fresh fears about that scenario were raised on Friday by Port of Calais chief Jean-Marc Puissesseau, who warned no-deal would be a disaster and lead to chaos at the border. Former Brexit secretary David Davis has hit back at scare stories about a no-deal Brexit, calling warnings over shortages nonsense. I dont think no-deal is as frightening as people think, he told the Today programme on Thursday. Story continues Davis accepted there would be some hiccups in the first year, but added: Were a big country, we can look after ourselves and we will look after ourselves very well indeed once were properly out of the European Union. The latest warning over no-deal deprivations came during a debate between Zuleeg with the deputy chairman of the Peoples Vote campaign, Hugo Dixon. READ MORE: Only small problems remain in Brexit talks, says senior EU source Dixon predicted MPs will vote down the deal set to sealed by the UK and EU in the coming weeks and argued a second referendum would then emerge as the only sensible option. But Zuleeg said it was more likely that voting down a deal would trigger no-deal by accident. I think that theres a chance that going down this route of a Peoples Vote might result in a worse outcome in the end, he said. It might be that the best possible outcome, which I would have said at the beginning of this process would be a UK which is committed to membership and remains within the European Union, is no longer possible. We might actually have to, unfortunately, optimise what we can achieve now. By Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - North Korea postponed talks with the United States on Thursday "because they weren't ready," U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said as she urged Pyongyang to implement a June deal between the two countries. Speaking to reporters before and after a closed-door U.N. Security Council meeting on North Korea sanctions, Haley said it is now North Korea's turn to act. She also criticized Russia for trying to lift banking restrictions that are intended to curb the Asian nation's nuclear program. "There's no time to stall or no time to delay or try and get past not going through with what was agreed in Singapore," said Haley, who will step down at the end of the year. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and U.S. President Donald Trump pledged to work toward denuclearization at their landmark June summit in Singapore. But the agreement was short on specifics and negotiations have made little headway. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had been due to meet North Korean officials in New York on Thursday, but the State Department said on Wednesday it would be postponed to a later date. It gave no reason for the delay. The North Korean mission to the United Nations did not respond to a request for comment. Describing the relationship between Washington and Pyongyang as "cordial," Haley said she did not think there was a "major issue" and she believed the talks would be rescheduled. The U.N. Security Council met to discuss sanctions on North Korea on Thursday at the request of Russia. Haley has accused Russia of cheating on U.N. sanctions on North Korea. After the short meeting, she told reporters Russia is looking to lift banking restrictions, which she said they are not following appropriately. "We're concerned about the humanitarian situation in North Korea, but the truth always comes out," she said. "So now we know what their agenda is, we know exactly why they're trying to do it and we're not going to let it happen." Russia's envoy did not speak to reporters after exiting the meeting. The Russian U.N. mission issued a statement later saying North Korea faces "serious humanitarian problems" due to the U.N. sanctions resolutions and urged the Security Council to fix the problem. "We consider such a situation to be absolutely unacceptable and actually violating the decisions of the council as they should not be directed against the population of the DPRK (North Korea) or the activity of humanitarian agencies," the Russian mission said. AID IN LIMBO Several requests by humanitarian groups for approval to ship aid goods to North Korea have been in limbo for months after the United States repeatedly asked for more time to consider them, an issue some diplomats had planned to raise in Thursday's meeting, according to documents seen by Reuters. The U.N. Security Council has unanimously backed sanctions since 2006 to choke off funding for Pyongyang's nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Aid groups, however, can request exemptions to send humanitarian assistance to the impoverished, isolated Asian state. Requests are made to the 15-member Security Council's North Korea sanctions committee, which operates by consensus. China and Russia have said the Security Council should reward Pyongyang for "positive developments" this year. But the United States and other Western powers say sanctions must be enforced until there is full denuclearization. "We have given a lot of carrots up until now. We're not going to get rid of the stick because they have not done anything to warrant getting rid of the sanctions yet," Haley said. According to committee documents, a September request by a U.S.-based charity and August requests by an Ireland-based aid group and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) have yet to be given the green light. "Our goal is to make sure that we don't do anything if it's going to be compromised and not go to the people," Haley said. "If it can be used in a different way, if we think they'll use if for another purpose, we are taking our time in vetting that very carefully." (Reporting by Michelle Nichols; Additional reporting by Lisa Lambert in Washington; editing by Dan Grebler, Diane Craft and Lisa Shumaker) Oslo (AFP) - Norway said Friday it was freezing all defence material export licences to Saudi Arabia over recent developments in the country and the war in Yemen. The announcement came amid international outrage over Riyadh's killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the kingdom's consulate in Istanbul in October, though Norway did not mention the murder specifically. "We have decided that, in the current situation, no new licences are to be granted for exports of defence-related products or dual-use items for military use to Saudi Arabia," Foreign Minister Ine Eriksen Soreide said in a statement. "The decision was taken after an overall assessment of recent developments in Saudi Arabia and the region, and the unpredictable situation in Yemen," the foreign ministry said. Norway sold defence material worth more than 41 million kroner ($4.86 million, 4.29 million euros) to Riyadh last year, according to Norwegian news agency NTB. The Scandinavian country has never allowed exports of arms or ammunition to Saudi Arabia, the ministry said. It said it had no indication that Norwegian defence-related products were being used in Yemen, and stressed its decision was "precautionary". Saudi Arabia leads a coalition that intervened in Yemen in 2015 to support the government there against Shiite Huthi rebels who are backed by Riyadh's arch enemy Iran. The coalition has been waging an aerial bombing campaign in Yemen aimed at pushing the Huthis back, but the rebels still hold the key port city of Hodeida and the capital Sanaa. Pro-government forces are currently pushing deeper into Hodeida amid fierce fighting. Nearly 10,000 Yemenis have been killed in the conflict since 2015, according to the World Health Organization. Human rights groups say the real death toll may be five times higher. Several aid organisations and opposition parties have recently demanded that Norway halt its defence material exports to Saudi Arabia. North Korea postponed a planned meeting with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo this week "because they weren't ready," US Ambassador Nikki Haley said Thursday. Pompeo had been scheduled to meet with top North Korean official Kim Yong Chol in New York on Thursday to push for progress on denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, but the meeting was cancelled. "North Korea said they needed to postpone it," Haley told reporters at UN headquarters, adding: "I don't think there was some sort of major issue." "They postponed it because they weren't ready." "We continue to stand ready to talk," she added. The sudden postponement came only two days after the US State Department announced the talks in New York that were also to agree on plans for a second summit between President Donald Trump and leader Kim Jong Un. Haley said she expected the talks to be rescheduled and that plans for the second summit were on track. Trump and Kim held a historic summit in June in Singapore -- the first ever between the two countries -- where they signed a vaguely worded deal on denuclearization. Little progress has been made since then, with the two countries sparring over the exact meaning of the agreement. One person was killed and two others injured following a stabbing spree in Melbourne, Australia on Friday that police say they are treating as a terrorism incident. Law enforcement officers responding to a car fire in the citys central business district were confronted by a male brandishing a knife and threatening them, Victoria police superintendent David Clayton told reporters Friday. Three people have been stabbed. Unfortunately, one is deceased at the scene, he added. Police shot and subdued the knife-wielding assailant, who later died in the hospital, Graham Ashton, the chief commissioner confirmed. Ashton added that the suspect, who has not yet been publicly named, was known to counter-terrorism officials. From what we know we are treating this as a terrorism incident, he said at a press conference. At this stage we dont consider theres any ongoing activity that the community needs to be concerned about from a safety perspective, he added. Police have cordoned off a section of the central business district in Australias second-largest city, but are not looking for other suspects. The victims identities are still unknown, but Ashton said all three, including the deceased, are men. Local ambulatory authorities said three people were assessed at the scene, according to News.com.au. One of the injured was reportedly in suspected critical condition with a neck injury, while another had sustained a head injury. The condition and injuries of the third person were not disclosed. Police have urged anyone who witnessed the incident or had footage to contact them. Victoria premier Daniel Andrews urged the public to avoid the crime scene, and thanked responding police officers. This is an evil and terrifying thing that happened in our city and state today, and we condemn it, he said. TOKYO (AP) U.S. Vice President Mike Pence will visit Japan next week to discuss North Korea and other issues ahead of two key regional meetings. Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga announced Thursday that Pence will hold talks with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and other top officials during his visit on Monday and Tuesday. Suga said Pence's visit will be an "ideal opportunity" for the two sides to discuss North Korea, China and other regional issues and reaffirm their cooperation. Pence may meet with his counterpart, Finance Minister Taro Aso, trade talks are not expected to be on the agenda. With Democrats now in control of the House as a result of Tuesday's midterm elections, President Donald Trump is expected to face a tough test of whether he can compromise with opposition lawmakers on key policies. Suga, however, said Japan's alliance with the U.S. is unwavering regardless of the election results, and pledged Tokyo's commitment to continue cooperating with Washington. Pence is to attend a meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Singapore and a subsequent summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation in Papua New Guinea on behalf of President Donald Trump. Lima (AFP) - Authorities in Peru said Thursday they had busted an alleged baby trafficking ring that included the country's former police chief. Police arrested 14 people and carried out raids on 18 properties in the southern city of Arequipa, prosecutor Rosmery Palomino said in a video posted on Twitter. They also rescued a five-month-old baby that was set to be sold for 4,000 Peruvian soles ($1,200). The gang, which included doctors, sought out women who were seeking abortions to persuade them to carry their pregnancies to term so that they could sell their babies. Civil registry officials who were part of the ring would then help carry out the necessary paperwork. The swoop was the result of an investigation that began in May and involved extensive wiretapping. The alleged ringleader was a model Cinthia Tello, whose partner, retired General Raul Becerra, was director of Peru's National Police in 2010. Tello, who was also a beauty pageant producer in Arequipa, "is the leader -- she would receive babies in her house, before handing it over to the adopter," prosecutor Miriam Hernandez told reporters. Among those arrested were a gynecologist and a pediatrician, as well as three women whose job it was to contact pregnant women who were seeking abortions. Peru has one of the strictest set of laws governing abortion in South America, with the procedure only legal in cases where a pregnancy presents a danger to the life of the mother. Imelda Marcos was found guilty of corruption on Friday and handed a lengthy prison term in a rare conviction for the former Philippine first lady accused with her late dictator husband of embezzling billions of dollars from state coffers. However, it was unlikely 89-year-old Marcos would spend much time behind bars as she is allowed to appeal the ruling and can remain free on bail as long as the conviction is not final. The verdict from the anti-graft Sandiganbayan court orders her to serve a minimum of six years behind bars for each of the seven charges that the Marcoses funnelled roughly $200 million through Swiss foundations decades ago. This leaves her potentially facing decades in prison, however the exact length of the term was not immediately clear. Ferdinand Marcos, who along with his cronies was accused of pilfering $10 billion from the Philippines, fled with his family to the US after a people's uprising ended his 20-year rule in 1986. Marcos died in 1989 while still in exile. But his heirs later returned to Manila and have since staged a political comeback. Imelda Marcos is currently a congresswoman. As a government official in the Marcos administration, Imelda was barred by law from having any outside financial interests, including in the Swiss foundations. "The couple opened all those accounts in Switzerland, and they used pseudonyms to hide their ownership. The president chose William Saunders and Imelda Marcos used Jane Ryan," special prosecutor Ryan Quilala told reporters. Marcos, in a written statement to reporters, said her lawyer Manuel Lazaro plans to lodge an appeal with the anti-graft court. "He is presently studying the decision and has advised us that he intends to file a motion for reconsideration," she added. - The Marcoses return - Marcos critics rejoiced at the news of the conviction, which came nearly three decades after the case was filed in 1991. "This points to how long and therefore frustrating the Philippine judicial system is," said opposition lawmaker Francis Pangilinan. Story continues "We hope our courts will see this through... and give no special treatment to Mrs. Marcos," he added. Court officials said Marcos, who was not at Friday's hearing, would be able to avoid incarceration by posting an as yet undetermined bail. She has the right to appeal her conviction to the Supreme Court. The court has previously undone at least one case against Imelda, overturning a 24 year jail sentence in 1993 on graft charges. She ran for congress and won while her appeal was underway. The family's notoriety stems back to Ferdinand Marcos declaring martial law in 1972. That allowed him to shutter the legislature, muzzle the free press and jail or kill those who dared to oppose his dictatorship. In the decades since his ouster the effort to recover the pilfered money has been halting and uneven. However, the Philippine Supreme Court in 2003 ordered $680 million in funds stashed by the Marcoses in Swiss banks be handed to the government. The funds had earlier been turned over by the Swiss judiciary after concluding that the funds were stolen from the Manila government. The younger generation of Marcoses have led high-profile careers, despite the dark past associated with their name. Imelda and Ferdinand's daughter Imee Marcos is the governor of the family's northern stronghold of Ilocos Norte province and helped bankroll the 2016 election campaign of President Rodrigo Duterte, according to him. Imelda's son, also named Ferdinand, almost won the separate election for vice president that year. He has put the count under protest and hopes to run for president after Duterte's term ends in mid-2022. Washington, D.C. police are investigating a self-described anti-fascist group for potential hate crimes related to a hostile demonstration it organized outside the home of Fox News personality Tucker Carlson Wednesday night. Washingtons Metropolitan Police Department responded just after 6 p.m. to a call from Carlsons wife, who was home alone when a mob of roughly 20 protesters appeared outside their home, chanting obscenities and demanding that Carlson leave town. The protesters vandalized Carlsons property, spray painting an anarchist symbol on his driveway and cracking his oak front door, according to police reports. A brief video of the incident posted to Twitter by the self-described anti-fascist group Smash Racism DC shows one protester ringing Carlsons door bell as others chant Tucker Carlson, we will fight! We know where you sleep at night! Smash Racism DC initially posted Carlsons address on Twitter, but the tweet was deleted shortly before the groups entire account was suspended for violating the platforms terms of service. Carlson told the Washington Post Thursday that his wife was home alone when the protesters arrived and, fearing a home invasion, locked herself in their pantry. It wasnt a protest. It was a threat, Carlson said. They werent protesting anything specific that I had said. They werent asking me to change anything. They werent protesting a policy or advocating for legislation. . . . They were threatening me and my family and telling me to leave my own neighborhood in the city that I grew up in. Fox News called the incident reprehensible in a Thursday statement. We as a nation have become far too intolerant of different points of view, the statement said. Recent events across our country clearly highlight the need for a more civil, respectful, and inclusive national conversation. Members of Smash Racism DC have previously targeted Senator Ted Cruz of Texas and Homeland Kirstjen Nielsen, forcing them out of Washington, D.C. restaurants by screaming and invading their personal space in separate incidents. This Sunday Nov. 11, 2018 marks one hundred years since the signing of the armistice agreement that ended fighting in the First World War. World leaders will host events in Britain, France, Canada and beyond to commemorate the centennial and those that died in the war, holding parades, laying wreaths and keeping minutes of silence. But for many people, remembrance takes a more simple form: the poppy. The story of how the poppy ended up on millions of lapels begins in the fields where the war was fought. The conflict began in 1914 when a dispute between Serbia and Austria-Hungary pulled in their respective allies in Russia and Germany, collapsing the fragile peace between Europes great powers. As Britain and France got involved on Russias side, much of the fighting moved to the wars western fronts in France and Belgium. Vast swathes of once pristine countryside were trampled by soldiers and scorched by their weapons, leaving a muddy and seemingly barren mess. But poppies, which grow when their seeds are exposed to sunlight through disturbances to soil, managed to bloom. In 1915, Lieutenant Alexis Helmer, a 22-year-old officer in the Canadian army, was killed in Belgium by an exploding shell. His friend Major John McCrae, a brigadier surgeon, was inspired by Helmers death to write the now famous poem In Flanders Fields, originally titled We Shall Not Sleep. Published in a London magazine in December of 1915, it proved extremely popular, with its three short stanzas glorifying the war dead, beginning with an invocation of the image of those flowers: Three years later and two days before the armistice agreement was signed on Nov. 11, 1918, an American professor named Moina Michael came across the poem while volunteering at the New York headquarters of the Young Womens Christian Association. She had the idea to wear a poppy as an emblem of keeping the faith with all who died,' she recalled in her 1941 autobiography, The Miracle Flower. She went to Wanamakers department store and bought two dozen small silk red four-petaled poppies, which she gave to her coworkers before making more to sell. Story continues Get your history fix in one place: sign up for the weekly TIME History newsletter It wasnt until later that the poppies arrived in the U.K., the country most associated with their symbolism today. In 1920, Anna Guerin, a member of the French branch of the YWCA, saw the poppies selling well at the American Legion convention in Cleveland. She realized that selling fabric poppies on a large scale was a practical way to fund charitable projects, particularly in Europe, where much of the population was still dealing with the economic and physical consequences of war. Guerin traveled the world for her mission, persuading leaders in the U.S., Canada, New Zealand, Australia and Britain to adopt the flowers as a symbol of remembrance. They took off particularly well in Britain, where an initial order by the Royal British Legion of 9 million poppies rapidly sold out on Nov. 11, 1921. That first poppy appeal raised 106,000, the equivalent of roughly $6 million today. Nov. 11 had already become a day of remembrance in the U.K. in 1919, with many Brits observing a minutes silence at the exact moment the war had ended the year before: the eleventh minute of the eleventh hour of the eleventh month. Poppies were quickly incorporated into the celebration, which eventually became a day of remembrance for those who died in all of Britains wars. It is normally celebrated on the closest Sunday to Nov. 11 (the two coincide in 2018). In 1922, Major George Howson founded the Disabled Society soon renamed the Poppy Factory to employ wounded and disabled veterans to make the poppies. Around 30 veterans are still employed in the factory in Richmond, southern England. The charity also supports ex-servicemen in their employment around the country. In the U.K., the Royal British Legion distributes around 45 million poppies each year, with members of the public making donations in exchange for the flowers that can be pinned on clothes or on wreaths laid at the graves of the war dead. These days, poppies commemorate not only those who died in WWI, but also in WWII and later conflicts. In the U.S., poppies are also worn for Memorial Day in May. Nairobi (AFP) - Two press freedom advocates taken from their hotel in Tanzania by security officers and questioned were released on Thursday, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) campaign group said. South African journalist Angela Quintal, who is the CPJ's Africa programme coordinator, and her Kenyan colleague Muthoki Mumo had been detained by authorities on Wednesday evening without explanation. They were later released, after South Africa intervened. South African foreign ministry spokesman Ndivhuwo Mabaya told AFP their release came about "after a lot of calls". "We need to understand the circumstances... (we) must get all the facts in order to engage the Tanzanian authorities," Mabaya added. In a later statement, the foreign ministry said the two women's passports had been returned and they were "free to leave Tanzania". "We are happy that this matter has been resolved, the two journalists have their passports and they can travel today," foreign minister Lindiwe Sisulu said. New York-based CPJ said that Quintal, a former editor of South Africa's Mail and Guardian newspaper, and Mumo were legally in Tanzania "on a reporting mission" when they were detained. "Quintal and Mumo were detained yesterday at their hotel in Dar es Salaam by immigration and security officials, taken to an unknown location, and interrogated about their work," it said in a statement Thursday. "They were allowed back to their hotel after several hours of questioning," and their passports were seized. The CPJ said its staffers' phones and computers were also seized. "While they were detained, a false tweet saying they had been released was sent from Quintal's personal Twitter account and repeated attempts were made to access Quintal's email," the CPJ said. - Increasing repression - Tanzania government spokesman Hassan Abbasi said he did not know why the two had been taken for questioning. Story continues "My office is monitoring why the so-called CPJ journalists were allowed to enter the country but later were interviewed by immigration and released," he said on Twitter. However, an immigration official alleged Quintal and Mumo had violated the terms of their entry by meeting with local journalists. "They engaged in activities different from those announced when they entered on October 31. They held meetings with Tanzanian journalists' associations when they had officially come for a simple visit," the official said on condition of anonymity. The CPJ's executive director, Joel Simon, said Quintal and Mumo were in Tanzania to try to understand the challenges journalists there are facing. "It is deeply ironic that through their unjustified and abusive detention of our colleagues, Tanzanian authorities have made their work that much easier. It is now abundantly clear to anyone who followed the latest developments that Tanzanian journalists work in a climate of fear of intimidation," Simon said. Since his election three years ago, President John Magufuli has cracked down on independent media, closing down critical newspapers while rights groups have protested against the imposition of restrictive laws on freedom of expression. Reporters Without Borders, a pressure group, ranked Tanzania 93rd out of 180 countries worldwide in its 2018 World Press Freedom Index, down 10 places on the previous year. Other freedoms are also under pressure, with a powerful Dar es Salaam official last week announcing an anti-gay witch-hunt to track down people suspected of engaging in homosexuality, which is illegal in Tanzania under British colonial-era laws. By the time Nancy Pelosi took the stage at the Hyatt Regency in Washington on Election Day, it was nearly midnight and the panic had passed. After an evening of equivocal results and occasional heartbreak, the House Democratic leader was there to assure the cheering crowd that their party had won, and she was the proof: Democrats, she said, have taken back the House for the American people! The message was met with relief more than triumph. Democrats had hoped the country would deliver a decisive verdict to President Trump and the Republicans, but it did not. Pelosis party took the nights biggest prize, flipping about 30 GOP-held seats to take over the House of Representatives. Democrats won large majorities of women, young people and nonwhite voters, according to exit polls; ran up the score among voters with college degrees; and captured contests in historically Republican suburbs of cities like Richmond, Va., Chicago and Denver. They chipped away at the GOPs edge in governors mansions, reclaimed the Rust Belt strongholds that put Trump in the White House and won the total vote by about 9 percentage points. But a President who turned the election into a referendum on himself saw plenty to like in the results as well. The GOP gained ground in the Senate, easily defeating Democratic incumbents in Indiana, Missouri and North Dakota, states that Trump won in 2016 and that he campaigned in just days before the midterms. Much of the countrys deep-red interior got redder, and Trump-hugging GOP candidates appeared to turn back strong challenges from talented DemocratsBeto ORourke in Texas, Stacey Abrams in Georgia, Andrew Gillum in Floridawho had vaulted to national celebrity. Rather than a country rising up as one to rebuke the President and reverse 2016, the election showed an intensification of the trends that put Trump in office. The Presidents party typically loses ground in midterm elections because only the opposition is roused to anger. But these were not typical midterms: turnout surged to levels not seen in decades for a nonpresidential contest. In 2018 it wasnt only Democrats who were riled upRepublicans, too, came out at high levels, perhaps vindicating Trumps strategy of ginning up his core supporters with race-based and culture-war appeals. The nation didnt come together in agreement; it drew further apart. America remains, as Trump revealed it to be two years ago, an angry and divided country whose citizens blame one another for its ills. Story continues Now, for the first time in the Trump presidency, those two sides will square off in a divided government: voters elevated House Democrats to serve as a check on a scandal-plagued President and his party. While Pelosi called for bipartisanship in her election-night remarks, the Democrats are more likely to use their control of Congresss lower houseone-half of one-third of American federal governmentto torment Trump. Already, incoming committee chairs are drawing up plans to investigate the President and his Administration, who in turn are bracing for everything from financial and influence-peddling probes to potential impeachment proceedings. Republican Senate candidate Josh Hawley ousted Democratic incumbent Claire McCaskill in Missouri The midterms revealed the politics that will inform those battles. If the fight was ugly in a year when Trumps spot on the ballot was symbolic, the year to come will be much worse. The new congressional majority looks very different from the one that preceded it. For the first time in American history, more than 100 women may serve in the House, at least 31 of them newly elected and representing at least 19 districts Democrats wrested from Republicans. The Democratic caucus will include the youngest Congresswoman ever elected, 29-year-old Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York; two of the first Native American Congresswomen; and the two first Muslim Congresswomen. Texas elected two Latina Congresswomen, Iowa sent its first two women to the House, Massachusetts and Connecticut elected their first black Congresswomen, and Colorado gave a nod to the first openly gay governor in American history. Rookie African Americans defeated Republican incumbents in majority-white districts, from New Yorks Hudson Valley to exurban Chicago to conservative Dallas. But where only a third of congressional Democrats are projected to be white and male, the Republican Hill caucus is on track to be 90% white men. The contrast sets up an even brighter divide in Washington. The Republicans who remain in Congress are the ones in the safest districts, who hewed closest to Trump. They embody a party now tethered to Trumps polarizing message of racial provocation and stringent border security. The Democrats, for their part, rode to victory on a wave of anti-Trump grassroots fervor two years in the making. The Resistance is coming to Washington, where it will confront a thoroughly Trumpified GOP. The Democratic army has its own seasoned field general in Pelosi, the once and ostensibly future Speaker who knows how to manipulate the levers of power in Washington as well as anyone. If the 78-year-old pol quashes the murmurs of rebellion in her ranksat least nine new Democratic members have said they wont support Pelosi in expected elections scheduled for late Novemberthis young, diverse, potentially unruly caucus will be led by the same figurehead of the past 15 years. In her victory speech, Pelosi vowed to find common ground where we can, and stand our ground where we cant. Elections, she said, are about the future. But as a new political fight opens in the Trump era, the future looks like a pitched battle between two starkly different versions of America. When Abigail Spanberger took the stage at her victory party at the Westin hotel in Richmond, Va., among the crowd were the members of a group called the Liberal Women of Chesterfield County. In the days after Hillary Clintons defeat, the group had formed as a kind of ad hoc postelection support group to talk through the disappointment of Trumps victory. It morphed into a political force that propelled Spanberger, a 39-year-old former CIA analyst, to Washington. Virginias 7th District, which had been in GOP hands since 1971 and is represented by Tea Party poster boy Dave Brat, was not even on the partys radar of possible pickups in the House. When Spanberger eked out a victory by just after midnight Wednesday morning, it became clear that a wave was poised to wash away the House Republican majority. The national Democratic rebellion took root in places like this: affluent communities with two-car garages and big-box stores, where educated suburban women recoiled at Trumps incendiary rhetoric and lined up behind candidates who looked and spoke like them. The progressive uprising was a leaderless movement built on a grassroots infrastructure that didnt exist two years ago. Perhaps the most powerful network, Indivisible, grew out of a Google doc of organizing guidelines thrown together by a few Democratic Hill staffers. It went up in mid-December 2016; by the end of January, it had been downloaded a million times. The clearest sign of the movements power was the Womens March, when millions surged into the streets to protest Trumps ascension in likely the biggest single-day protest in American history. The marches drew crowds all over the country, but party bigwigs were so oblivious to the budding revolt that only one of the seven candidates for Democratic National Committee chair attended any of the protests. The rest had sequestered themselves at a conference for Democratic megadonors near Miami. In short order, many of the protesters formed local Indivisible groups aimed at using Tea Partystyle tactics to pressure their local representatives. They stormed airports to protest Trumps travel ban, staged sit-ins at congressional offices over health care and flooded town halls to protest tax cuts. Six million people signed an online petition calling for Trumps impeachment. More than $1.6 billion in campaign donations was funneled to Democratic candidates through the online fundraising portal ActBlue. Volunteers used the tech-based Swing Left to knock on 2 million doors in the weekend before the election alone. Even some of those who initially voted for Trump began to have second thoughts. I believed what he said, his campaign promises, to make America great again, said Mary Joyce, a 55-year-old longtime Republican voter in the suburbs of Kansas City, Kans. I feel hes made a sham of the office. In Joyces district, Sharice Davids, a gay Native American lawyer and former mixed-martial-arts fighter, defeated a four-term moderate Republican Congressman. Kansas also rejected Republican gubernatorial candidate Kris Kobach, a Trump acolyte known for his crusades against illegal immigration and imagined voter fraud. Kansas was one of seven Republican-held governorships that Democrats won Nov. 6, including the Wisconsin seat held by Scott Walker, whom Democrats finally ousted in his bid for a third term. The Democrats flipped control of seven state legislative chambers, wins that will shape education and health care policies for millions of people and affect redistricting after 2020. In ballot referendums, three red states approved Medicaid expansion, three legalized marijuana for recreational or medicinal use, and two raised the minimum wage. Florida restored voting rights to more than a million felons, a move that could shape future elections in the nations largest swing state. Senator Ted Cruz greets the crowd after fending off Representative Beto ORourkes challenge Most notably, Democrats won back states that had been crucial to Trumps 2016 victory. In Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, Democratic Senate and gubernatorial candidates swept Republicans, shattering assumptions that Trumps 2016 victory had ushered in a permanent Rust Belt realignment. In many of these races, Democrats eschewed a focus on Trump in favor of pocketbook issues. Chief among them was health care: nationally, polls showed it was voters No. 1 issue. It figured in 57% of federal Democratic advertisements in October, a staggering reversal after years in which Democrats viewed Obamacare as a liability. Ignoring Trump was a lesson Democrats learned from 2016: the way to win, most Democrats decided, wasnt to crusade against Trump but instead to relentlessly address local policy messages. In Wisconsin, Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin coasted to re-election with a campaign that focused doggedly on the crisis afflicting the states dairy farmers. In eastern Iowa, 29-year-old congressional candidate Abby Finkenauer beat a Republican incumbent with a message that emphasized the student-debt crisis. Democrats also adopted some of Trumps populism; two years after Clinton was pilloried for her ties to Goldman Sachs, more than 70% of Democratic congressional challengers in high-priority races trumpeted their refusal to accept corporate PAC donations. Perhaps most important to the Democrats victory was their attention to local political needs rather than adherence to a strict ideology. The partys winners spanned the ideological spectrum, from middle-of-the-road moderates to insurgent liberals like Massachusetts Ayanna Pressley. Candidates like Harley Rouda in California forged a combination path, mixing pro-business rhetoric with support for single-payer health care. Watching at the White House, the President seemed to read the results as a victory that was all about him and his divisive approach to politics. Establishment Republicans had seen the President steamroll their professional politicians in 2016 with a message that emphasized banning Muslims and walling out immigrants rather than the traditional party platform of lower taxes and less regulation. The 2018 primaries, in which Republicans who broke with Trump lost to those who embraced him, made it clear the party and Trump are now effectively one. Even if some Republicans had qualms about this, the party had little choice, given the way the President enthralled the base and dominated the news cycle. At an August meeting in the White House Map Room, two of Trumps top political advisers, Bill Stepien and Johnny DeStefano, presented him with a midterm plana proposed itinerary of political travel, fundraisers and rallies that would outpace the midterm campaign schedules of recent predecessors. They considered it an aggressive plan. But Trump wasnt satisfied. Theres not enough, he said. In the final six days of the campaign, he made 11 stops to activate the GOP base. Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan urged him to focus on congressional accomplishments and the booming economy at his multiple campaign rallies. But the message was entirely overshadowed by darker ones. To confront a caravan of legal asylum seekers thousands of miles away, Trump sent more troops to the southern border than the U.S. has deployed to fight ISIS. He promised a undeliverable tax cut. He mocked the woman whod accused Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault, and blamed the media for an attempted assassination of top Democrats by a pipe bomber, who was in fact a professed Trump acolyte. Rather than salve the nations wounds after 11 Jews were gunned down in their Pittsburgh synagogue, he complained that the attack had stalled his political momentum. He tweeted about polls that didnt exist and warned that police would be on the lookout for voter fraud. Pretend Im on the ballot, he told voters at a rally in Southaven, Miss., in early October. GOP insiders reoriented to accommodate Trump, pointing the President to deep-red areas where he could drive up base turnoutan apparently successful effort that may have saved the partys candidates in Florida. At the same time, the GOP spent hundreds of millions of dollars trying to blunt the Democratic wave in suburban districts. Trump watched the election returns late into the night Tuesday in the East Room of the White House, surrounded by his wife, advisers and three eldest children. Stepien delivered running updates on the results. Others, like longtime adviser Corey Lewandowski, told the President he had played a key role in delivering what they described as a major victory. Trump happily absorbed that message, crowing about his influence on the trail in a press conference the morning after the vote. It was a great victory, Trump said. The White House argued that, in historical terms, midterm losses were to be expected and Trumps were far less than in the two wave elections during Obamas tenure. They pointed to places like Florida and Ohio as proof that Trump had energized the party. And in case anyone missed the with me or against me message he had been driving since 2016, Trump listed those Republican candidates who had decided for their own reason not to embrace him, and offered mocking consolation for their losses. For all Trumps confidence, however, the midterms have made many GOP insiders nervous. The countrys increasingly young and diverse voters swung hard to Democrats on Election Day, while the people Trump motivates are getting older. The party cant afford to cede the suburbs. And these Republican operatives worry Trumps dark and divisive message will haunt the party in 2020 and long after. For now, the action will shift to Capitol Hill, where two years of conflict lie ahead. The House GOP, purged of its moderate, swing-district members, will be even more ideological and Trump-loyal. In Iowa, a state Trump won by 9 points, two moderate Republicans lost to Democratic women, leaving anti-immigration zealot Steve King the lone Republican in the states House delegation. Ryans retirement leaves Kevin McCarthy, a Trump-friendly Californian, the favorite to lead the minority caucus. The nature of the new Democratic majority may depend on who emerges as its leader. Many Democrats benefited from Pelosis largesse in 2018, while many others have run as far from her as possible. The party is scheduled to hold a secret-ballot vote at the end of November, and despite widespread grumbling, no one has yet announced a challenge to Pelosi. If she gets the gavel back, she has a track record as a disciplined and effective Speaker, adept at corralling her diverse crew through persistence, favors and fear. Lawmakers and aides say the new House majoritys theme will be accountability, starting with legislation that includes campaign-finance reform, voting rights and ethicsa reprise of Pelosis approach the last time she took control from Republicans in 2006. The bills are still being drafted, but Democrats expect to introduce several early in the new Congress. Other legislative priorities include infrastructure and combatting rising prescription-drug prices, ideas some Republicans also support. Despite these legislative ambitions, the new Democratic majority is poised to spend the bulk of its time blocking GOP priorities and holding the Trump Administrations feet to the fire, according to Pelosi and others. Multiple House committees plan to use their subpoena power in an attempt to curb what they say is rampant corruption. The effort will be led by the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. We need to get in there and see whats happening, says Maryland Representative John Sarbanes, who sits on the Oversight Committee. Our job is to put the information in front of the American people. Many of the investigations are likely to center on the President and his family. Among the possible targets: his finances, including a subpoena for his long-hidden tax returns; his son-in-law Jared Kushners security clearances; and the entanglements of the Trump Organization, which the President declined to place in a blind trust and which Democrats allege he has used to profit from his office. Party elders have urged restraint. What Ive been telling my Democratic colleagues and friends is that they have a responsibility to use the oversight powers responsibly, in a credible way, says former Representative Henry Waxman, who led Democrats on the Oversight Committee for over a decade. If they abuse those powers, they will have no credibility. Sharice Davids, 38, will be one of the first Native American women in Congress Beyond the White House, Democrats see a target-rich environment in the Trump cabinet. Numerous departments have been rocked by scandal, from the Environmental Protection Agency to Housing and Urban Development. Even the Census, overseen by the Commerce Department, is under the microscope. The waste, fraud and abuse is plain to see, says Representative Elijah Cummings, the likely Oversight Committee chair, and the most important thing for the Oversight Committee to do is to use its authority to obtain documents and witnesses, and actually hold the Trump Administration accountable to the American people. And then theres the big one: the Russia probe. Under Republican leadership, the House Intelligence Committee split along partisan lines and pre-emptively pronounced the matter closed. Special counsel Robert Muellers investigation hasnt ended and could soon produce a report on its findings. For now, Pelosi has discouraged talk of impeachment, pointing out that she resisted Democratic pressure to impeach George W. Bush a decade ago, but she has acknowledged that the Mueller report could change her mind. The Democratic base already supports impeachment. Tom Steyer, the megadonor who spent millions on TV ads promoting an impeachment drive, says hell continue to pressure his party. The actual remedy in the Constitution is to impeach the President when you have a lawless President, he says. The White House has been preparing for this likelihood. Trumps lawyer Rudy Giuliani has openly acknowledged that Trumps complaints about the Russia witch hunt are aimed at poisoning public opinion so that any impeachment effort is seen as a purely political affair. Republicans in the Senate, Giuliani argues, will be pressured by their base to oppose impeachment, no matter what facts come out. One longtime Trump ally who will no longer be in the middle of the fight is his Attorney General, Jeff Sessions. Just 90 minutes after his triumphant press conference, Trump tweeted that he had removed Sessions, setting up a battle on the Hill to confirm a replacement who will be charged with protecting the independence of the Justice Department from political meddling and the work of the Mueller probe as it closes in on a final report. Heading into the final two years of Trumps first term as President, the situation could hardly be more fraught. Democrats and Republicans are as mobilized and divided as they have been in a generation. The House is now controlled by Trumps ardent opponents. A potential constitutional crisis looms. And the stakes for the presidency, American justice and the country as a whole just keep going up. With reporting by ALANA ABRAMSON/NASHVILLE; CHARLOTTE ALTER/BLOOMFIELD, MICH.; BRIAN BENNETT/HOUSTON; TESSA BERENSON/BOZEMAN, MONT.; PHILIP ELLIOTT/DALLAS; and ABBY VESOULIS/WASHINGTON WASHINGTON President Donald Trump will see renewed congressional probes of his campaigns contacts with Russia, have his Cabinet members spending more of their days getting grilled on Capitol Hill, and could see his long-secret tax returns become public, all thanks to Democratic wins in Tuesdays congressional elections. On Wednesday, Trump took a victory lap anyway. I was very well received by the people our country, he said during a White House news conference, referring to his frenetic series of rallies around the country in the closing weeks of the campaign. I think people like me. I think people like the job Im doing. In that 86-minute session with reporters and in a series of statements on Twitter, Trump claimed that Republicans had done extraordinarily well in the elections and had done so almost entirely thanks to him. The candidates that I supported achieved tremendous success last night. As an example, of the 11 candidates we campaigned with during the last week, nine won last night, Trump said. This vigorous campaigning stopped the blue wave that they talked about. Even Republicans were left scratching their heads about Trumps interpretation of the elections, which will give Democrats likely, California Democrat and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi the speakers gavel come January. Come on, you dont lose control of the House and call it a great night, said GOP consultant John Weaver, who ran Ohio Gov. John Kasichs presidential campaign in 2016. You dont lose seven governorships and call it a great night. You dont lose 300 [state] legislative seats and call it a great night. I think people like me. I think people like the job Im doing," Trump said Wednesday. (Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS) Rick Tyler, who worked on Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruzs 2016 presidential campaign, said Trump was correct that Democrats did not win as many seats as out-of-power parties have won in some previous midterms. It was also true, he added, that the party in power does not typically gain Senate seats in a midterm. However, he pointed out that the only reason Republicans were able to do well in the Senate was that Democrats had done extraordinarily well during Senate elections in 2006 and 2012, leaving them with a large number of vulnerable senators in heavily Republican states. Story continues The reality is, the Republicans hit the Senate map lottery. It was just a bad year for Democrats, Tyler said, adding that with the economy as strong as it is and unemployment as low as it is, the real question is why Republicans did not do better. You would have expected the Republicans to have gotten re-elected to the majority, Tyler said. They lost the House because of him. Trump, predictably, tried to sell the exact opposite story. After boasting that candidates who had appeared with him at rallies had won but failing to mention the dozens of candidates he had endorsed who nevertheless lost Trump read through a list of Republican House members who lost Tuesday and blamed them for not embracing Trump. They did very poorly. Im not sure that I should be happy or sad, but I feel just fine about it. Carlos Curbelo, Mike Coffman too bad, Mike Mia Love, he said of Republicans from South Florida, Colorado and Utah who distanced themselves from Trump because he is so disliked in their districts. But Mia Love gave me no love. And she lost. Too bad. Sorry about that, Mia. Trumps claims of great success, of course, are nothing new for him. He has claimed great success in virtually everything he has done during his adult life, from his failed casinos to his money-losing airline. In a deposition for a lawsuit he filed against an author for writing that he was not really a billionaire, Trump would repeatedly claim ownership of an asset as proof of his wealth but then, after it was pointed out to him that he didnt actually have ownership of that asset, he would argue that not owning it was, in fact, preferable to owning it. Trump used a similar strategy on Wednesday, arguing that losing the House to Democrats was preferable to holding it by a small margin because there would always be some difficult-to-please Republican members who could sink legislation. And now, we have a much easier path, because the Democrats will come to us with a plan for infrastructure, a plan for health care, a plan for whatever they are looking at, and well negotiate, he said. That, for Weaver, was a favorite part of Trumps explanations on Wednesday. You can actually pass more legislation if you dont have control of the Congress, he laughed. Did you know that? Weaver added that despite all Trumps big talk, he was obviously worried about the coming months, when the subpoenas are going to be flying down from the Capitol. For someone who says he just a great night, why did he come across as the crank from Queens? Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Florida Gov. Rick Scott suggested there was rampant fraud and called for law enforcement to investigate two counties over their election practices as the Republicans lead in the states U.S. Senate race continued to shrink Thursday evening. As the Senate contest between Scott and Sen. Bill Nelson appeared headed toward a recount, Scott repeatedly accused liberals of trying to steal the election from him in Broward and Palm Beach counties. He called out the supervisors of elections, Democrats Brenda Snipes and Susan Bucher, by name, on the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to investigate the way the counties were counting ballots. Every Floridian should be concerned there may be rampant fraud happening in Palm Beach and Broward counties, he said in a televised statement outside the governors mansion in Tallahassee. The governor offered no specific evidence of fraud, saying only that the counties were the only two in the state where there were irregularities. Every day since the election, the left-wing activists in Broward County have been coming up with more and more ballots out of nowhere. We all know what is going on. Every person in Florida knows exactly what is happening. Their goal is to mysteriously keep finding more votes until the election turns out the way they want. Tonight, I am asking the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to investigate this immediately, he added later. No ragtag group of liberal activists or lawyers from D.C. will be allowed to steal this election from the voters of this great state. A spokesperson for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but told reporters Thursday the agency would investigate. Florida law mandates a machine recount if the margin separating the candidates is less than 0.5 percent of the total votes cast. If the margin is less than 0.25 percent of the votes cast, the law requires a hand recount. Saturday is the deadline for county canvassing boards to file unofficial election results with the Florida secretary of state. Story continues As of Thursday, Scott and Nelson were separated by 0.18 percentage points. In the governors race, Republican Ron DeSantis and Andrew Gillum were separated by 0.44 percent. The goal here is to see that all the votes in Florida are counted and counted accurately. Rick Scotts action appears to be politically motivated and born out of desperation, Dan McLaughlin, a Nelson spokesman, said in a statement. President Donald Trump also weighed in with a tweet backing Scott on Thursday night, saying there was another big corruption scandal in Broward County. Law Enforcement is looking into another big corruption scandal having to do with Election Fraud in #Broward and Palm Beach. Florida voted for Rick Scott! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 9, 2018 David Becker, an election administration expert and the executive director of the Center for Election Innovation & Research, tweeted there was nothing nefarious about officials continuing to count ballots. We are literally 50+ hours from polls closing. There are still mail and absentee ballots to count all over the country, he said in a Twitter message. Its more important to get it right than get it fast. Let election officials do their jobs. All counts to this point are unofficial and have no legal effect. Scotts campaign and the National Republican Senatorial Committee also sued Snipes and Bucher separately in state court Thursday. He accused Snipes of violating the states public records laws by not turning over information about ballots Broward County had counted and the ones still outstanding. Scott and Republicans requested an emergency hearing to force her to turn over the information. Snipes has not publicly said how many ballots her office still has to count, Politico reported, as tens of thousands of new votes, including many vote-by-mail and absentee ballots came into her office. In the suit against Bucher, Scott and Republicans alleged Palm Beach County election officials failed to let party representatives properly watch absentee ballots being counted, according to the Tampa Bay Times. It isnt the first time Snipes has been at the center of controversy. Earlier this year, a federal judge said she illegally destroyed ballots in a 2016 congressional race. Her office has also been sued for leaving a constitutional amendment off ballots. Broward was the last county in the state to post its election results. Related Coverage Trump Made Ron DeSantis The GOP Nominee In Florida. He's Pushing Him Again For Governor. Florida Senate Race Headed Toward Recount Floridas Race For Governor Is In Recount Territory Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. The opportunity for innovation in a line of intimate apparel led to the latest collaboration between a fast-fashion retailer and a high-fashion designer. Japanese retailer Uniqlo has teamed up with Alexander Wang, the noted New York City-based fashion designer and eponymous founder of his own label, to create a line of innerwear made of Uniqlo's signature Heattech material, the us based dropshippers. "The last innovation in intimates was really Hanes and then Calvin Klein. But since then, there hasn't really been anything that has been done in this space that pushed the conversation forward," says Wang, 34, referring to the American classic underwear brand and the high-end fashion brand that famously used sex appeal and celebrities to sell its underwear. "Taking Heattech and applying it to this classification could really expand the narrative." The collection consists of 16 different silhouettes, divided into 10 women's items and six men's items, covering items such as underwear, tank tops, leggings, long-sleeve T-shirts and bodysuits. Many come in multiple colourways, including black, white, grey, tan and lime green, and two levels of warmth. Prices range from $14.90 for a pair of bikini underwear to $59.90 for a long-sleeve bodysuit. The entire collection hits stores globally, including Singapore, today. The full line-up will be available at Uniqlo's flagship store in Orchard Central, as well as on its website. Other Uniqlo outlets will carry a limited selection. At first glance, the collaboration looks deceptively simple. There are no distinct prints or unusual shapes - perhaps with the exception of the bodysuit, a look popular with the fashion crowd - to catch a shopper's eye. The differences are subtle, more at the micro level, and are best felt, rather than seen. While the yarn used for the Heattech fabric - known for its insulating ability to wick away moisture and convert it into heat - is the same, the partnership resulted in new ways of weaving the material. "I pushed the boundaries a lot," says Wang, about testing the limits of Uniqlo's production team. "There are a lot of little twists, like taking the rib knit and cutting it on the bias, or making certain jerseys a little drier and not too slick so they don't have that super technical feeling that you get when wearing sportswear. It feels like wearing your favourite T-shirt," he says energetically, sporting his signature tousled locks and all-black ensemble. "I hope people can enjoy it every day and that it doesn't feel like there's an expiration date to it. A lot of times, with these collaborations, they feel fleeting." A full collaboration between the global clothing giant and the Chinese-American designer has been a long time in the works. Wang first worked with Uniqlo a decade ago as part of the Designer Invitation Project, a rotating venture which invited up-and-coming designers to create small collections. His contribution at the time comprised five dresses, featuring sporty details and monotone colour blocking. Mr Tadashi Yanai, 69, chief executive of the Fast Retailing Group, Uniqlo's parent company, says of the brand's initial relationship with Wang: "At the time, you were so young, like a boy. We were searching for a great designer of Asian origin, but global as well." Since then, the brand has had sporadic conversations with Wang, always searching for the right project to serve as a collaborative platform, recalls Mr Yuki Katsuta, Uniqlo's group senior vice-president and head of research and development. "We both thought, a normal collaboration wouldn't have much meaning. A secondary version of a designer's main line wouldn't have much meaning." Wang agreed, citing his need to do something clearly different from his own offerings. "I wanted to make sure it didn't feel duplicative of anything I was already offering in my own line. This is not T," he notes, mentioning his diffusion label T by Alexander Wang. And he knows Uniqlo would not have been interested in that. "Unlike a lot of the competition out there, I've never had to send a cease and desist to Uniqlo. It is not a brand about copying, that's not who it is," he adds. In fact, this collaboration marks the first time any outside designer has worked with the brand on the Heattech line, a crowning jewel of Uniqlo's offerings. The best-selling Heattech celebrates its 15th anniversary this year with updated and improved versions released periodically. The most recent iteration, which came onto the market a few seasons ago, infuses the yarn with argan oil - found to have better moisturising properties than the previously employed camellia oil. Uniqlo, which opened its doors in Singapore in 2009, has been carrying winterwear and Heattech since the start. Despite the tropical climate, the line has done well, perhaps catering to a well-travelled population. While the company's Singapore office declined to share Heattech sales figures, a spokesman described it as a perennial favourite and one of the top-selling items during the autumn/winter months. Wang, in collaborating with Uniqlo, has also joined the limited ranks of fashion world figures who have partnered with the Japanese brand, including current collaborators Christophe Lemaire, former creative director of Hermes, and French fashion muse Ines de la Fressange, who has worked with Chanel and Roger Vivier. This strategy of capitalising on the high-fashion credibility of its creative partners has served Uniqlo well. This time, it is feeding off the inherent "cool" associated with Wang and his brand. Known for an urban, streetinspired aesthetic, the Alexander Wang brand exudes a modern, edgy style often described as the "model off-duty" look. In Singapore, the Alexander Wang brand is carried by multi-label retailer Club 21 and there is a T by Alexander Wang outlet in Ngee Ann City's Takashimaya department store. Wang started in 2005 with a limited collection of knitwear pieces and debuted a full womenswear runway collection in 2007. Since then he has added menswear, a diffusion line, footwear and accessories, and racked up accolades along the way, including the Vogue/CFDA Fashion Fund, Swarovski Womenswear Designer of the Year and the CFDA Award for Best Accessory Designer. The brand is no longer considered a fledgling label and its designer a wunderkind. In December 2012, Wang took on the role of creative director for storied French fashion house Balenciaga - a position he held till 2015. Earlier this year, the label decided to eschew a spot on the traditional New York Fashion Week calendar and concentrate on showing the collections twice a year, in June and December. It was a move designed to coincide with the pre-collection season, to better serve the buyers who would be placing orders then, and to lessen the time between showcase and availability. The brand is still 80 per cent wholesale, in terms of orders, he adds, and "the reaction from the wholesale websites and buyers has been very, very positive I think, in the end, it'll be very successful". While the designer did not elaborate on specifics for the Alexander Wang brand's presence in Asia, he did mention that Uniqlo's presence in the region was an attractive factor in their collaboration. "It definitely was something really exciting, how much of a footprint it has in Asia and knowing that's an incredibly important territory for us and where we've experienced the most brand growth," he says. "So being able to really deeply penetrate that market with something we both felt strongly and passionate about was exciting." Donald Trump has hit out again at Special Counsel Robert Mueller and his Russia investigation for Mr Mueller not being confirmed by the US Senate. The president has claimed without evidence there are conflicts that needed to be addressed. Mueller was not Senate confirmed, the president said. Why didnt they get him Senate confirmed?. Mr Mueller had in fact been Senate confirmed when becoming the director of the FBI in 2001. Because of all his conflicts, they didnt want to bring him before the Senate because he is very conflicted, Mr Trump told reporters at the White House, without giving any indication of what any conflicts might be. There is no legal requirement for a special counsel to be confirmed by the Senate. The attack was prompted by a question about a possible confirmation hearing for new acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker who wil oversee Mr Muellers probe into Russian election meddling and possible collusion with Trump campaign officials. Mr Whitaker has replaced replaced Jeff Sessions who was forced out by Mr Trump earlier this week. Mr Trump claimed that Mr Whitaker was confirmed at the highest level because he was a federal prosecutor in Iowa. He said that Mr Mueller was not Senate confirmed so dont talk to me about Whitaker. The president said that he did not know Mr Whitaker and that he had not talked to him about the Mueller probe before his appointment. Asked whether he wanted Mr Whitaker to rein in Mr Mueller, Mr Trump responded: What a stupid question. However, Mr Trump has repeated called the investigation a witch hunt and did not hold back on his way out of the White House for a trip to Paris. He called the Mueller probe a phoney hoax and a Russian hoax before repeating his denial of any collusion to get him elected in the 2016 presidential election. The White House has faced questions over some of Mr Whitaker's previous comments. One month prior to taking the post at the Department of Justice, Mr Whitaker wrote an op-ed for CNN arguing that if Mr Mueller were to continue to investigate the financial relationships without a broadened scope in his appointment, then this would raise serious concerns that the special counsel's investigation was a mere witch hunt. In August 2017, Mr Whitaker said on CNN that if the special counsel does go beyond the 2016 election and get into Trump Organisation finances unrelated to the 2016 election, and really unrelated to Russian coordination if it even exists, I think that would be crossing a red line. MOSCOW (AP) The Russian government risks missing a deadline to allow access to the Moscow laboratory at the center of the country's doping scandals, the head of the country's anti-doping agency said Friday. A deal between the World Anti-Doping Agency and the Russian government allowed the agency, known as RUSADA, to be reinstated in September in return for data from the lab by the end of 2018. "I am feeling worried about how the situation is developing regarding access to the Moscow lab," RUSADA CEO Yuri Ganus told the Tass news agency. He added that talks on how access should be granted have so far failed to agree on who exactly should be allowed into the lab and progress is needed "rapidly" as the WADA board prepares to meet next week. If Russia fails to uphold its promise, Ganus said, "we will lose trust, if not forever, then for many years." Ganus said he offered his help to Russian law enforcement, which sealed off the lab in 2016, but didn't get an answer. If Russia fails to give WADA the lab data on time, or provide samples requested by WADA, then RUSADA could be suspended again. Under new WADA rules, that would make it much harder for Russia to host major sports events. Access to the lab is also a key condition for the reinstatement of Russia's banned track and field team, which was suspended in 2015 for widespread doping. Since then, top Russians have competed as neutral athletes. ___ More AP sports: https://apnews.com/apf-sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports Moscow (AFP) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Friday accused France of ignoring UN resolutions and illegitimately holding the Indian Ocean archipelago of Mayotte. Situated between Madagascar and Mozambique, Mayotte is the only island in the Comoros archipelago which did not split from France after an independence referendum in 1974. Even though Mayotte opted to remain with its colonial-era power, the Comoros still claims control -- in which it is backed by several UN resolutions -- in a territorial dispute with France. "Despite numerous resolutions adopted by the UN General Assembly on this issue, France continues to illegitimately hold Mayotte," Lavrov told a news conference in Moscow alongside Comoros Foreign Minister Souef Mohamed El Amine. "Countries which organised the separation of Kosovo from Serbia, Mayotte from the Comoros, and have tried several times to change regimes in countries where they considered it necessary, show blatant double standards," said Lavrov, alluding to Western countries. Mayotte, comprising two islands, Petite-Terre and Grande-Terre, today has the administrative status of a French "department," roughly equivalent to a county. This entitles it to support for infrastructure, medical care, and education just as in mainland France. Its citizens, living in the farthest region of the European Union, have unfettered rights to travel, work and live in the EU. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is recovering in hospital after fracturing three ribs from a fall early Thursday morning, prompting panic from supporters worried about what it would mean or her seat on the court. Known as one of the most liberal judges on the court, which has had its conservative majority restored by two nominations from Donal trump, Ms Ginsburg has become a feminist icon. That led to people to offering to help with her treatment. She can have all my ribs, Rabia Chaudry, an attorney, tweeted. She can have all my ribs https://t.co/M7wKHXi8PY rabia O'chaudry (@rabiasquared) November 8, 2018 Ms Ginsburg fell down in her office on Wednesday evening and decided to visit the hospital after experiencing discomfort the next morning. She went home, but after experiencing discomfort overnight, went to George Washington University Hospital early this morning, the Supreme Court said in statement. Tests showed that she fractured three ribs on her left side and she was admitted for observation and treatment. Ms Ginsburg, or more commonly known as The Notorious RBG, is serving her 25th year on the Supreme Court. She is the second, out of four women, to have been appointed into the highest court of law. The 85-year-old, one of four liberal judges on the bench, is hailed as a feminist hero by women across the country for her efforts in championing womens rights in the US judicial system. Earlier this year, the Supreme Court Justice was also the subject of a critically-acclaimed documentary highlighting her judicial career, marriage and her vigorous workout routine. In 1993, President Bill Clinton appointed Ms Ginsburg to the high court. Prior to that, she served as the director for the American Civil Liberties Unions Womens Rights Project. Throughout her career, Ms Ginsburg has been persuasive in shaping laws in cases regarding gender discrimination, reproductive rights for women and LGBT rights. Some of her landmark cases include ruling: in favour of United States v Virginia in 1991, which cited the Equal Protection Clause in the 14th Amendment of the Constitution to end male-only admissions into the Virginia Military Institute; in favour of Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015, which granted the right for same-sex couples to marry in all 50 states; and against Whole Womans Health v. Hellerstedt in 2016, which would have placed strict requirements and regulations on abortion providers. Story continues Considering Ms Ginsburgs history in defending gender-equality and civil rights, the news of her hospitalisation has prompted strong reactions from people on Twitter. In addition to their thoughts and prayers, some have outright offered their own ribs to her. Wishing a swift recovery to RBG, who has had cancer twice and a heart stent put in, and until today, never missed a day on the bench. pic.twitter.com/f4xYWdNph9 Irin Carmon (@irin) November 8, 2018 how have liberal activists not physically bubble wrapped RBG yet? https://t.co/CB1GIp0Zf4 Sam Stein (@samstein) November 8, 2018 I will donate all my ribs to RBG, any internal organs she needs too. Calvin (@calvinstowell) November 8, 2018 *Immediately rips out rib cage and gives it to RBG* https://t.co/e79rL7M7ft Justin Kirkland (@justinkirkland4) November 8, 2018 Although she said she plans to serve as Supreme Court Justice until she is 90, and has even hired law clerks through 2020, there has been a lot of speculation regarding Ms Ginsburgs health. She is currently the courts oldest justice and has survived several health-related obstacles over the years: pancreatic and colon cancer, surgical heart procedure for her right coronary artery, and another case of fractured ribs. The other concern involving RBGs health is fears that her vacancy from the bench would provide the Trump administration another opportunity to appoint a conservative judge on the Supreme Court. The court currently leans more conservative with the recent appointment of controversial Justice Brett Kavanaugh October. Another thing: holding our breaths that an 85-year-old survives another 2 years (at least) is human but it's not praxis. The future of the country can't just depend on one person's health. Whatever happens to RBG, we need to be planning for how we blow up the court as we know it. David Klion (@DavidKlion) November 8, 2018 maybe... just maybe... our system of democracy is a little fucked up when our rights depend on one womans survival?? anyway wishing RBG a speedy recovery ella dawson (@brosandprose) November 8, 2018 But as on Twitter user pointed out, the reactions to Ms Ginsburgs treatment should serve as a cautionary tale of how some Americans depend on one womans health for the protection of their civil rights. Maybe, user Elle Dawson tweeted. just maybe... our system of democracy is a little fucked up when our rights depend on one womans survival?? Ruth Bader Ginsburg, 85, is up and making jokes: AFP/Getty US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is apparently up and working despite a heavy fall on Wednesday which left her with three broken ribs. The liberal judge, who at 85 is the oldest US Supreme Court justice, was treated in hospital after falling in her office, a court spokesperson said. Justice Ginsburg went home after the accident but later felt uncomfortable and went to George Washington University hospital the following morning, Kathy Arberg said. Tests showed she had fractured three ribs on her left side. She was then admitted for observation and treatment, Ms Arberg added. Her nephew, a filmmaker who has just completed a film based on his aunts life, said she was already cracking jokes. At the premier of his film On the Basis of Sex, about a gender discrimination case Justice Ginsburg tried as a lawyer in 1972, Daniel Stiepleman said: The last I heard she was up and working, of course because what else would she be doing and cracking jokes. I cant promise they were good jokes but they were jokes, added Mr Stiepleman, who wrote the script for the film with input from Justice Ginsburg herself. Justice Ginsburg was appointed to the Supreme Court in 1993 by Bill Clinton. Prior to the appointment she spent a considerable part of her legal career as an advocate for gender equality and womens rights. She is one of four liberal judges appointed to the court. The 5-4 conservative majority was restored earlier this year with Donald Trumps appointment of Brett Kavanaugh. If Justice Ginsburg were unable to keep serving, Mr Trump could replace her with another conservative, tipping the balance even further to the right. A potentially dominant 6-3 conservative majority would have major consequences for issues including abortion, the death penalty, voting rights, gay rights and religious liberty. As the oldest Supreme Court judge, Justice Ginsburg is watched closely for any signs of deteriorating health. She has bounced back from previous medical issues and has fallen twice before at her home, in 2012 and 2013, leading to rib injuries. Story continues She was treated in 1999 for colon cancer and again in 2009 for pancreatic cancer, but did not miss any argument sessions either time. In 2014, doctors placed a stent in her right coronary artery to improve blood flow after she reported discomfort following routine exercise. She was released from hospital the next day. The court next convenes to hear evidence on 29 November. She is a hero among many Democrat voters, with whom she has the nickname the Notorious RBG. A documentary film about her, RBG, was released earlier this year, and her nephews Hollywood biopic will be released at Christmas. Reuters contributed to this report A Florida judge has ordered Broward County Board of Elections supervisor Brenda Snipes to turn over all records requested by Republican Senate candidate Rick Scott no later than 7 p.m. Friday. Scott filed suit against Broward County on Thursday, demanding that Snipes comply with public-records law by revealing the number of mail-in absentee ballots her office has received, as well as how many of those have been counted thus far. Related Video: Republicans Trying To Stop Vote Count in Florida Snipes, who has a history of running afoul of election law, has refused to disclose the number of mail-in absentee ballots her office has received, choosing instead to gradually report vote counts over the three days since the election. In that time, Scotts initial lead over Democratic incumbent senator Bill Nelson has narrowed from more than 50,000 votes to just over 15,000. Snipess attorneys told the judge during Fridays emergency court hearing that their client would gladly release all records once the counting process concluded, and argued that forcing her to do so immediately would interfere with her ability to finalize the count in a timely manner. Snipes must allow immediate inspection of records plus no spoliation of records requested on or before 7 pm tonight. Ali Schmitz (@SchmitzMedia) November 9, 2018 Snipess lack of transparency regarding the vote count has led a number of prominent Republicans, including Senator Marco Rubio of Florida and President Trump, to suggest that Democrats are resorting to fraud to overturn Scotts victory. Critics of the Broward vote-count operation have cited Snipess record of engaging in dubious, and occasionally illegal, conduct at her job. A judge ruled in 2016 that Snipes violated Florida election law by prematurely destroying mail-in ballots that would have otherwise been examined as part of a lawsuit against her office. Snipes was again found guilty of violating election law in February, when a Florida judge found that she prematurely opened a number of mail-in absentee ballots. Scott indicated Thursday that he was calling for an investigation into the Broward County Board of Elections, but the Florida Department of Law Enforcement told National Review on Friday that the governor has not formally ordered an investigation. New preliminary research presented at the Society for Neuroscience 2018 conference this week has shown that singing could improve motor skills as well as the mood of patients with Parkinson's disease. Carried out by researchers at Iowa State University, the new pilot study looked at 17 Parkinson's disease patients attending a therapeutic singing group. The researchers measured the participants' heart rate, blood pressure and cortisol levels before and after a one-hour singing session, and asked participants to report on any feelings of sadness, anxiety, happiness and anger. The results showed that the participants experienced improvements in mood and motor symptoms after singing, as well as reduced physiological indicators of stress. Although the improvements did not reach statistical significance, and there were no significant differences in feelings of happiness or anger after class, the participants did feel less anxious and sad. The researchers also added that the improvements seen were similar to benefits of taking medication. "We see the improvement every week when they leave singing group. It's almost like they have a little pep in their step. We know they're feeling better and their mood is elevated," said researcher Elizabeth Stegemoller, who runs the singing group and who presented the findings at the Society for Neuroscience 2018 conference. "Some of the symptoms that are improving, such as finger tapping and the gait, don't always readily respond to medication, but with singing they're improving." The researchers did caution that the findings are preliminary data, with the study one of the first to look at how singing affects heart rate, blood pressure and cortisol in people with Parkinson's disease, however they added that singing as a form of therapy has the potential to be an accessible and affordable treatment option to improve symptoms and quality of life for people with Parkinson's disease. Story continues The findings also build upon the team's previous research that singing can help improve respiratory control and the muscles used for swallowing in people with Parkinson's disease, although they are still unsure what might be causing the behavioral changes found in the new study. "Part of the reason cortisol is going down could be because the singing participants feel positive and less stress in the act of singing with others in the group," said co-author Elizabeth Shirtcliff. Stegemoller also explains some of the benefits found in previous research in a video recorded in 2017, in which she leads a singing group for people with Parkinson's disease. The video can be found online on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNmm3uvYo_c Previous research has also found that various forms of artistic therapy can benefit different health conditions, with creative pursuits such as drawing, coloring, and clay modelling found to reduce stress, and a 2015 study suggesting that music therapy as part of palliative care can increase relaxation and reduce fatigue. Just last month, a group of Canadian doctors announced they would start prescribing free art gallery visits as part of a new pilot program to assess the benefit on health and well-being. Gondar (Ethiopia) (AFP) - The presidents of Somalia and Eritrea met with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Friday to cement regional economic ties as relations warm between the once-rival nations. Somalia's President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki arrived in the northern Ethiopian city of Gondar for the summit. They also visited a university. The meeting is intended to "cement the outcome of the Horn of Africa economic integration agreement," Ethiopia's state-affiliated Fana Broadcasting Corporate reported. The three leaders had in met in September to lay the groundwork for the agreement, the details of which remain vague. "This is a testimony, this is a witness for everyone that the history of the Horn of Africa has changed," the Somali president told officials during a speech in Gondar. "Now we are moving for regional collaboration in economic development in order to be sure that we fight poverty in this region," he added. A former province of Ethiopia, Eritrea broke away in 1993 but was back at war with its southern neighbour five years later when a border dispute sparked fighting. A peace deal ended the war two years later, but Ethiopia and Eritrea remained bitter foes after Addis Ababa refused to accept a United Nations-backed boundary demarcation. Shortly after his April inauguration, Abiy reversed that policy, leading the two neighbours to sign a peace deal last July. Abiy and Isaias have since met repeatedly around the region, and the speed of the rapprochement has surprised even veteran Ethiopia politicians. "There are things you think are impossible like normalisation with Eritrea," Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde told the South African Broadcasting Corporation on Thursday. "For Ethiopia, this normalisation is helping a lot, not just for Ethiopia and Eritrea, but the region as a whole," she said. "Our vision is to have the same kind of relationship with all our neighbouring countries." The peace deal with Eritrea unlocked a flood of diplomacy in the Horn of Africa, with Somalia and Eritrea establishing diplomatic ties after decades of animosity, while rivals Djibouti and Eritrea have also moved to ease long standing tensions. Mogadishu (AFP) - About 20 people were killed and dozens wounded Friday in a string of explosions near a popular hotel in the Somali capital Mogadishu, police said. "We are getting (information that) about 20 people died in the attack and more than 40 others were wounded. Most of these people were civilians who were passing by the area when the attack occurred," Abdulahi Ahmed, a Somali security official, said. Twin car bombs exploded in the capital within moments of each other, followed by gunfire and a third blast, sending thick plumes of black smoke into the sky, according to an AFP reporter. Mogadishu faces frequent bombings at the hands of Al-Shabaab, an Al-Qaeda affiliate which has been fighting to overthrow the internationally-backed Somali government for over a decade. The blasts occurred near the Sahafi hotel and Criminal Investigation Division (CID) police headquarters. "The target of the attack was the Sahafi hotel and even though the attackers used car bombs to make their way into the premises, the security forces stopped them," said Ahmed. "All of the four Shabaab attackers were killed outside" the hotel building, he stressed. An initial "two blasts struck the perimeter of the Sahafi hotel along the main road," said police official Ibrahim Mohamed, who earlier gave a preliminary toll of more than 10 dead. Witnesses said a third blast came from a suicide bomber who detonated an explosives-laden vest at the hotel's front entrance, as three attackers in Somali military uniform were shot at the rear entrance. - Fatalities - Abdulkadir Abdirahman, director of Mogadishus Aamin ambulance service, earlier said his team had recovered 10 bodies and 40 wounded. But Bashir Hassan Farah, another ambulance medic, later said he saw 20 dead bodies, most of them civilians. According to sources, the fatalities included the son of the owner of the hotel, Abdirashid Ilqeyte, who was killed in a Shabaab attack on the establishment in November 2015. Story continues The bombs destroyed parts of the hotel perimeter despite layered security, and several shops and other buildings nearby were destroyed. Sources said several civilian minibuses and rickshaws that were passing by when the blast occurred, were destroyed and passengers killed and wounded. "There was chaos after the blast. Some of the vehicles were buses, which caught fire. I could see people screaming as they fled the buses," witness Fadumo Ali told AFP. "This area is always dense and traffic jams are normal. This increased the casualties. Most of the dead and wounded were civilians," added Awil Mohamed, another witness. The Shabaab claimed responsibility. "Armed members from the Shabab Al-Mujahideen carried (out) a complex attack targeting Sahafi hotel in Mogadishu where senior Somali government officials stay," the militant group said in a statement quoted by a pro-Shabaab website. "The attack was opened with a martyrdom car bomb blast and the fighters made their way into the building." The Shabaab were forced out of the capital by African Union troops in 2011. But they still control parts of the countryside and attack government, military, and civilian targets, seemingly at will, in Mogadishu and towns in the region. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. The global omega 3 ingredient market was valued around US$ XX Mn in 2017 and growing at a significant CAGR over eight years forecast period 2018-2025 Precision Business Insights (PBI) in its report titled Global omega 3 ingredient market: Market Estimation, Dynamics, Regional Share, Trends, Competitor Analysis 2017 and Forecast 2018-2025 assesses the market performance over eight years forecast period over 2018-2025. The report analyses the market value forecast and provides the strategic insights into the market driving factors, challenges that are hindering the market revenue growth over forecast period. Market boost and restraining factors Increase in the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases is the key factor enhancing the growth of the omega 3 ingredients market. Rising health consciousness among the people is the attributing the growth of the market. Consumers keen towards omega 3 rich food is adding fuel for the growth of the market. Its application in various functional and food supplements is anticipating the growth of the omega 3 ingredients market. Increase in research and development activities are adding scope for the manufacturers in expansion. Free sample of this report is available upon request @ https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/omega-3-ingredients-market/#ulp-4H8Z4LpNMLEuOnnx However, the stringent government regulations are likely to hamper the growth of the omega 3 ingredients market. The global omega 3 ingredients market is segmented based on the application and geographical regions. North America is leading the global omega 3 ingredient market North America omega 3 ingredients market is the dominant market when compared with that of the other regional markets. Owing to the presence of various industries such as pharmaceutical industries and food industries, the growth of the omega 3 ingredients is found to have a significant growth in this region. The Europe region fall next to that of the North America in the global omega 3 ingredients market. The Asia Pacific omega 3 ingredients market is expected to grow exponentially in the forecasted period due to the presence of emerging economies such as China, Japan, and India. Free TOC of this report is available upon request @ https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/omega-3-ingredients-market/#ulp-c654SbFYO64MsOhu Some of the key players in the global omega 3 ingredients market include: Simris Alg (Sweden) Algisys (U.S) Polaris (U.S) Terravia (Solazyme) (U.S) Bioceuticals (U.S) DSM Nutritional Products (Netherlands) Bioprocess Algae, Llc (U.S) Neptune Wellness Solutions (Canada) Source-Omega (U.S) Some of the notable market development include In April 2018, Nordic Naturals introduces five new childrens products at natural products. The new products offer concentrated, triglyceride-form omega-3 fish oil in age-appropriate formulations for cognition, learning and attention, mood health, and more, plus a kid-friendly, fast-melt probiotic powder Need more information about this report @ https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/omega-3-ingredients-market/#ulp-14mlyhjMGhVjZqa3 Detailed segmentation By application Pharmaceuticals Pet and Animal Feed Supplements and Functional Foods Infant formula Others By geographical regions North America Latin America Europe Asia-Pacific The Middle East & Africa Get access to full summary @ https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/omega-3-ingredients-market/ About Precision Business Insights Precision Business Insights is one of the leading market research and business consulting firm, which follow a holistic approach to solve needs of the clients. We adopt and implement proven research methodologies to achieve better results. We help our clients by providing actionable insights and strategies to make better decisions. We provide consulting, syndicated and customised market research services based on our client needs. Contact to Precision Business Insights, Kemp House, 152 160 City Road, London EC1V 2NX Email: sales@precisionbusinessinsights.com Toll Free (US):+1-866-598-1553 Website @https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com Sri Lanka's largest party announced Saturday a legal challenge to President Maithripala Sirisena's sacking of parliament, a move that has plunged the Indian Ocean island nation into fresh turmoil and alarmed the international community. Sirisena announced on Friday night that he was dissolving parliament and called fresh elections on January 5, two weeks after sacking prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and replacing him with the controversial Mahinda Rajapakse. Mangala Samaraweera, finance minister in Wickremesinghe's sacked cabinet, said Saturday that their United National Party (UNP) would file a challenge with Sri Lanka's top court next week, saying the president had "kicked the constitution in the teeth". "We will go to the courts," Samaraweera told reporters in Colombo. "We will fight in the courts, we will fight in parliament and we will fight at the polls." Shortly before sacking the legislature, Sirisena also took over the police department by attaching it to his defence ministry. He also took control of the state printer, a crucial institution that publishes decrees and proclamations. He had already taken control of all state media outlets soon after dismissing Wickremesinghe on October 26. Sirisena set the election date, almost two years ahead of schedule, after it became clear that his designated prime minister Rajapakse could not prove his majority when the assembly was set to reconvene on Wednesday. This is despite several legislators saying they were offered millions of dollars to switch allegiance. Rajapakse, 72, was prime minister for two weeks without ever stepping into parliament. He will now continue as a caretaker premier until a new parliament meets on January 17. A leader of Rajapakse's party, Susil Premajayantha, said Sirisena sacked the legislature to end the power struggle and allow people to elect a new parliament. "Now we have a caretaker government with limited functions," Premajayantha said. "We will conduct a free and fair election." Story continues He accused Wickremesinghe of causing instability by refusing to vacate his official residence. - Power struggle - Rajapakse and the ousted Wickremesinghe have been battling for power for two weeks as international concern grew over the mounting turmoil in the strategically important island nation. Sirisena signed a decree dismissing the legislature in a bid to head off any revolt against his actions which included suspending parliament for nearly three weeks. Rajapakse was yet to address the nation after his disputed elevation, but early Saturday attempted to justify the dissolution. "... A general election will truly establish the will of the people and make way for a stable country," he said on Twitter. - US 'deeply concerned' - Washington's criticism of Sirisena's move was swift. "The US is deeply concerned by news the Sri Lanka parliament will be dissolved, further deepening the political crisis," the US State Department said in a statement. "As a committed partner of Sri Lanka, we believe democratic institutions and processes need to be respected to ensure stability and prosperity," it said. Just before sacking the parliament, Sirisena also inducted more ministers into his cabinet. The move was seen as giving them access to state resources in the run up to the January vote. The leftist People's Liberation Front (JVP), which regards the sacking of Wickremesinghe as unconstitutional, accused Sirisena of trying to consolidate his power grab. "Dissolving parliament at this time is illegal and goes against the constitution," JVP general secretary Tilvin Silva told reporters. Wickremesinghe had late Thursday thanked his supporters in a Facebook video for not letting Sri Lanka be "plunged into the darkness of dictatorship". It was not immediately clear if he would vacate the official Temple Trees residence following the dissolution of parliament. The power struggle on the island of 21 million people has paralysed much of the administration, according to legislators on both sides of the dispute. Beirut (AFP) - Syrian government forces killed 22 rebels overnight near Idlib province, in the deadliest such attack in an area where a recent truce is to be enforced, a monitor said Friday. Fighting erupted when government troops seized a position in a rural area in the north of neighbouring Hama province that had been held by the Jaish al-Izza group, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. Idlib and some surrounding areas are the last major rebel bastion in Syria, where the Russian-backed government has in recent months retaken much of the territory it had lost since the civil war erupted in 2011. It had threatened an assault on rebel territory, home to around three million people, but a deal for a de-militarised buffer zone around it was reached in September between Moscow and rebel backer Ankara. Several deadly skirmishes have occurred since the deal but 22 is the highest number of known fatalities in a single incident inside the planned buffer zone, the Observatory said. "This is the highest death toll in the de-militarised zone since it was announced," Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Britain-based monitoring group, told AFP. Beirut (AFP) - Syrian government forces killed 23 rebels near Idlib province on Friday, the deadliest clash to rock a buffer zone where a Russian-Turkish truce is to be enforced. The attack on a position held by the Jaish al-Izza rebel group took place on the edge of the northwestern province of Idlib, in an area due to be de-militarised. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, government forces moved in to take a high building held by the rebels in a rural area of neighbouring Hama province. Idlib and some surrounding areas are the last major rebel bastion in Syria, where the Russian-backed government has in recent months retaken much of the territory it had lost since the civil war erupted in 2011. It had threatened an assault on rebel territory, home to around three million people, but a deal for a de-militarised buffer zone around it was reached in September between Moscow and rebel backer Ankara. Several deadly skirmishes have occurred since the deal but 23 is the highest number of known fatalities in a single incident inside the planned buffer zone, the Observatory said. - Deadliest clash - "This is the highest death toll in the de-militarised zone since it was announced," Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Britain-based monitoring group, told AFP. He said at least 35 rebel fighters were also wounded in the clash but could not provide a casualty toll for government forces. It was not clear what prompted the attack, which did not appear to signal any large-scale government offensive or otherwise threaten the September 17 truce deal. The government troops pulled out of the buffer zone after the flare-up, the Observatory said, adding that the fighting went on for much of the night. Jaish al-Izza is a rebel group which was formerly supported by the United States and is mostly active in the Lataminah area of Hama province, where the attack took place. It is not a member of the main rebel alliance in the Idlib area and after initially rejecting the truce deal struck by Moscow and Ankara, it had begun complying and pulling back its heavy weaponry. Story continues The withdrawal of the most radical fighters and the removal of heavy weapons from the planned buffer zone has not happened in full but the agreement successfully averted an all-out government assault. - Turkey and Russia - Aid organisations had warned that a fully-fledged offensive on Idlib could spark the worst humanitarian catastrophe of the civil war so far. Moscow is expected to restrain Damascus while Ankara is supposed to use its leverage on the rebels, including jihadists, to get them to regroup in specified areas and halt attacks on strategic regime-held territory. Only sporadic incidents have broken out in the 15- to 20-kilometre (nine- to 12-mile) buffer zone in the past two months, killing 18 civilians and three fighters before Friday's clash. The task assigned to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is near impossible, observers say, but the pause in fighting in Idlib has been largely respected. "Erdogan knows Russia needs him to ultimately convert its military victory into a political victory in Syria," said Karim Emile Bitar, of the Paris-based Institute of International and Strategic Affairs. He has since shifted the focus to northeastern Syria, where he has been threatening a military assault against Kurdish-held areas along the border. The Kurds are the main allies of the US-led coalition in its push against the last pocket controlled by the Islamic State group in eastern Syria. In response to the Turkish threats, they have suspended their involvement in the fight against the jihadists, leaving Washington in a bind. BEIRUT (Reuters) - Syrian government forces clashed with rebels in Hama province on Friday in some of the heaviest fighting in the northwest for a year, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. The army and allied forces attacked insurgents near the village of Halfaya overnight, seizing some positions, the UK-based war monitoring group said. State news agency SANA said soldiers killed insurgents in an ambush in Hama "in response to their attacks on a military position with heavy machineguns". The Observatory said it was unclear if pro-government forces were killed. At least 22 members of the Jaish al-Izza faction died and dozens more were wounded, the highest casualty toll of fighters in the northwest in many months, it said. Intermittent exchanges of fire have broken out in northwest Syria since a deal in September between Russia, a key Damascus ally, and Turkey, which has backed the opposition. The agreement to set up a 15-20 km (9-13 mile) deep demilitarized zone staved off an army offensive against the Idlib region that is under insurgent control, including nearby parts of Hama and Aleppo provinces. The Observatory said government forces shelled parts of Jarjanaz, Khan Sheikhoun and other villages on Friday. The United Nations says nearly 3 million people live in the northwest region and has warned that a battle to restore state rule there could spark great suffering. An array of insurgents control Idlib, the dominant force being Tahrir al-Sham, an Islamist alliance led by fighters formerly linked to al Qaeda. (Reporting by Ellen Francis; editing by Mark Heinrich) DAR ES SALAAM (Reuters) - Tanzania released two staff members of the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) on Thursday, a day after they were detained and their passports seized, the South African Foreign Ministry said. Tanzanian Immigration Department spokesman Ali Mtanda said Angela Quintal and Muthoki Mumo were arrested for violating the terms of their visas by holding meetings with local journalists. "They were supposed to get a separate permit for that," he said. CPJ accused the authorities of sending a false tweet from Quintal's personal account saying that they had been released, and making several attempts to access her email account. "It is now abundantly clear to anyone who followed the latest developments that Tanzanian journalists work in a climate of fear of intimidation," said Joel Simon, CPJ's executive director. Quintal and Mumo had safely left the country after their detention, the group said. President John Magufuli's government has been criticized by opposition politicians and international rights groups for what they say is growing authoritarianism and intolerance of dissent. The government rejects the criticism. Quintal, a South African citizen, and Mumo, a Kenyan, were detained in their Dar es Salaam hotel room by immigration officers and taken to an unknown location in the country's commercial capital, according to the CPJ. The two were freed on Thursday into the hands of South Africa's diplomatic mission, South Africa's foreign ministry said in a statement. Mtanda said Quintal and Mumo were free to stay on in Tanzania as long as they heeded the terms of their 90-day visa. Quintal works as the CPJ's Africa program coordinator while Mumo is the group's sub-Saharan Africa representative. The European Union said this week it would review its relations with Tanzania after an official in Dar es Salaam threatened to launch a crackdown on homosexuals. (Reporting by Nuzulack Dausen and Omar Mohammed; Writing by Elias Biryabarema, Editing by Duncan Miriri and William Maclean) Harris County Juvenile Justice Centre, Houston, Texas: Google Maps A Republican judge released nearly every juvenile defendant who appeared before him the morning after he lost his re-election campaign in the US midterms. Glenn Devlin reportedly said it was what the voters wanted to justify his actions. After asking the offenders if they planned on killing anyone, when they responded with a negative, he is said to have let them go. The juvenile court judge in Harris County, Texas, sparked concern among criminal justice advocates about his decision making. In court, state prosecutors raised concerns over the releases of the juveniles, who were accused of everything from misdemeanours to violent crimes, The Houston Chronicle reported. "We oppose the wholesale release of violent offenders at any age. This could endanger the public, Harris County district attorney Kim Ogg said in a statement. Prosecutors said at least seven young offenders were released, including four facing aggravated robbery charges. Public defender Steven Halpert said he saw only one kept in detention. "He was releasing everybody," Mr Halpert told the newspaper. "Apparently he was saying that's what the voters wanted." The releases came despite Mr Devlins reputation for favouring incarceration. By law, youths waiting for their cases to be decided are entitled to hearings every 10 working days to decide whether they should continue their detention or be released under supervision. Mr Devlin would sometimes release juveniles charged with aggravated robbery, Mr Halpert said, but nobody has seen this before. Elizabeth Henneke, of Lone Star Justice Alliance, which works to get young offenders into treatment programmes, branded Mr Halperts decisions disappointing and shocking. "Judge Devlin appears to be abdicating the basic responsibility of any sitting juvenile judge," she said. "I'm not sure that I can wrap my arms around what he's actually doing," said the countys chief public defender, Alex Bunin. "It's a huge change and the only thing that has happened is that he was not elected so I don't know what to attribute it to other than that." Harris County District Courts and Mr Devlin have been contacted for comment. Paris (AFP) - Britain's Theresa May joined French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday to commemorate their countries' shared sacrifice in the First World War, while also discussing the more thorny issue of their post-Brexit relationship. Macron, who has spent the past week touring former battlefields of eastern and northern France, met May in Albert near the Belgian border for a working lunch as pressure to reach a deal on Britain's EU exit mounts. The two leaders then went to the nearby Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme to lay a wreath of poppies and cornflowers, the respective emblems of remembrance for Britain and France. The imposing brick arch commemorates 72,337 missing British and South African servicemen who died between 1915 and 1918 in a series of battles along the Somme river, and who have no known grave. May started the day with a visit to the Saint Symphorien Military Cemetery in Mons, Belgium, where she and Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel laid a wreath at the graves of the first and last soldiers killed on the Western Front. "A century ago British forces fought side by side with our allies in Europe on the Western Front. Today in France and Belgium we reflect on our shared history, but also look ahead to our shared future, built on peace, prosperity and friendship," May said in a statement. Yet that future has been clouded by the deep divisions over the terms of Britain's exit from the EU in less than five months. France has taken a hard line in the negotiations, with Macron insistent that Britain should not be allowed to negotiate advantages for itself as it withdraws from the bloc. Negotiators have been racing to try to agree the outlines of a deal that could be approved at an EU summit this month. - Multilateral goals - Macron, whose poll ratings have fallen sharply in recent months, will be hosting dozens of leaders converging on Paris for the 100th anniversary of the end of the Great War. Story continues US President Donald Trump will hold talks with Macron on Saturday morning before a lunch with their spouses at the Elysee Palace. Macron will then travel to Rethondes, the clearing in the Compiegne forest where the WWI armistice was signed between German and Allied forces, for a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The ceremony is another symbol of reconciliation between France and Germany, as Rethondes was also the site imposed by Nazi Germany on the French when accepting their surrender in 1940 during World War II, the Elysee said. On Sunday morning Macron will host dozens of world leaders, including Russia's Vladimir Putin, at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris for a remembrance ceremony at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, 100 years to the day after the war ended. Later in the day, Macron, Merkel and UN General Secretary Antonio Gutteres will join other world leaders and representatives of civil society, for a peace forum held in the northeast of Paris. Macron, who would like the peace forum to become an annual event on the lines of the Davos economic forum, and Merkel -- the first to speak at the event -- will underline the importance of multilateralism in the search for peace. It comes at a time when the United States has disrupted the Western order by taking a more unilateral stance in international affairs. Trump is not expected to attend the forum. But even as Macron takes the international stage, he has been dogged with domestic criticism during his tour of WWI sites this week. At several stops he has been accosted by people complaining about high fuel costs and other grievances, and also stirred controversy by suggesting that WWI general Philippe Petain deserved to be honoured. After being hailed as hero after WWI, Petain was named as head of the French government during World War II that collaborated with the Nazis. He was found guilty of treason afterwards. Jo Johnson has resigned as transport minister over Brexit Tory transport minister Jo Johnson has resigned from the government over Brexit. Boris Johnsons younger brother said that Theresa Mays proposed deal being finalised would be a terrible mistake and called for a second referendum on EU membership. He said Britain was barrelling towards an incoherent Brexit that is going to leave us trapped in a subordinate relationship to the EU. Therefore, it was imperative to go back to the people and check they are content to proceed on this extraordinary basis. His brother Boris who also quit Mrs Mays Cabinet over Brexit immediately backed Jo over the governments intellectually and politically indefensible position of the government. With great regret, I'm resigning from the Government I have set out my reasons in this article and the video below. https://t.co/hzimcS8uiR pic.twitter.com/hUN9RLzDfq Jo Johnson (@JoJohnsonUK) November 9, 2018 Unlike Boris, a leading Leave campaigner, Jo Johnson voted to remain in the EU. Boris Johnson quit as foreign secretary in July. Jo Johnsons resignation appears to have taken Westminster by surprise and is yet another blow to the prime ministers faltering government as it tries to strike a deal with Brussels over Britain leaving the European Union. The resignation is likely to increase pressure on Theresa May (PA) It has become increasingly clear to me that the withdrawal agreement, which is being finalised in Brussels and Whitehall even as I write, will be a terrible mistake, said Jo Johnson in an online article sent to journalists. He said the public were being offered an agreement that will leave our country economically weakened. He added that the deals on offer could inflict untold damage on our nation. Boundless admiration as ever for my brother Jo. We may not have agreed about brexit but we are united in dismay at the intellectually and politically indefensible of the UK position 1/2 https://t.co/QI4tMpLecc Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) November 9, 2018 In such circumstances, he argued, there must be a second EU referendum, he said. Story continues On this most crucial of questions, I believe it is entirely right to go back to the people and ask them to confirm their decision to leave the EU and, if they choose to do that, to give them the final say on whether we leave with the prime ministers deal or without it, he said. To do anything less will do grave damage to our democracy. Watch the latest videos from Yahoo For good measure he added that Mrs Mays handling of Brexit is a failure of British statecraft on a scale unseen since the Suez crisis. His resignation comes as it is thought that a special cabinet meeting could be held early next week for ministers to approve the governments draft agreement on the terms of the UKs exit. But Mrs May will then have to convince many in her own party, as well as others, she has negotiated a good deal before Britains planned EU exit next March. A brave bystander dubbed Trolley Man has been praised for his selfless actions in his attempt to halt the knife-wielding man who stabbed three people in Melbourne. Moments after a van went up in flames at 4.20pm on Friday, police shot the man as he swiped at officers with a knife. Dramatic footage captured from the scene shows officers try to apprehend the man following his stabbing attack. Trolley man rushes at the man wielding a knife. Source: Twitter While officers involved have been praised online for their quick response to the horrific incident, it was the courageous actions of a bystander with a trolley who caught the eye. Trolley Man, the hero Australia needs, one woman said on Twitter shortly after a series of videos of the attack began to circulate online. In footage the man in a black t-shirt can be seen ramming the trolley in the direction of the attacker. At one point, the man is knocked off his feet. Source: Twitter He relentlessly thrusts the trolley at the man as he swings a knife in the direction of officers. At one point, the man is sent tumbling onto his back during the altercation. But undeterred by his tumble, the man charges down the street with the trolley once more as the altercation moves across the road. Undeterred, the man charges again with the trolley. Source: Twitter Respects to Trolley Man and also to those very calm cops who remained very professional and surely prevented more people from being injured, one person wrote online. Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews led the online praise of the officers and the passers-by who came to the aid of complete strangers. One man died in hospital and two others were injured after they were stabbed by the attacker. The attacker, who moved to Australia from Somalia in the 90s, succumbed to a gunshot wound to the chest, dying in hospital half an hour after his arrival. Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton has confirmed police are treating the attack as a terrorism incident. Thank you to the @VictoriaPolice officers who responded so bravely, and the every day Victorians who came to the aid of complete strangers. Please continue to avoid the area. Anyone with information should attend Melbourne West Police Station to make a statement. Daniel Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) November 9, 2018 Trolley Man, the hero Australia needs. What an awful tragedy at Bourke Street. But can't fathom how this would of played out if our gun laws were less stringent. God bless our police #westandasone #trolleyman #bourkestreet pic.twitter.com/KGTouNsZ8A Allie (Notorious N.A.P.P.E.R) (@Metallieca) November 9, 2018 Getty Now that the midterms are over, Democrat voters are clear on one of the priorities for the leaders of their party when they take control of the House of Representatives next year - impeaching Donald Trump. According to a Reuters/Ipsos national opinion poll, 43 per cent of respondents who identified as Democrat wanted impeachment to be top priorities for Congress. Aligned with that, one in four Democrats said they would like to see Congress protect the ongoing investigation by Special Counsel Robert Mueller into whether Mr Trumps 2016 presidential campaign team colluded with Russia to meddle with the election. Both Mr Trump and Moscow have denied that charge. The investigation has been cited as a possible path to impeachment, Democratic leadership has said impeachment is not a priority and that any evidence of improper conduct much reach a level that would also gain support of Republicans. The American public at large was far less supportive of impeachment proceedings, with just 24 per cent of overall respondents listing it among their top three goals for the new Congress. The poll asked 904 Democrats and 840 Republicans throughout the US what their primary goals were for Congress to address in 2019-2020. The first priority in Congress for the Democrats is to address the US healthcare system, which may be a more likely goal - 54 per cent of respondents said it was what their party should be concentrating on. Democrats passed the Affordable Care Act, sometimes called Obamacare, in 2010. In spite of other contentious political issues flooding 2018, health care has been a priority for democrats this year. In 2017, the GOP tried and failed to repeal the Affordable Care Act, and Democrats are still on the defence. 55 per cent of Republicans also said that they wanted to focus on healthcare. However, the poll did not specify exactly if and how respondents wanted it changed. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump on Friday effectively suspended the granting of asylum to migrants who cross the U.S.-Mexico border illegally, seeking fresh ways to block thousands of Central Americans traveling in caravans from entering the United States. The order, which goes into effect on Saturday, means that migrants will have to present themselves at U.S. ports of entry to qualify for asylum. U.S. immigrant advocates rushed to court to try to block the policy. "I just signed the proclamation on asylum - very important," Trump told reporters on Friday before leaving for Paris. "People can come in but they have to come in through the points of entry." The order followed other rules unveiled on Thursday that sought to limit asylum claims. Trump made his hard-line policies toward immigration a key issue ahead of Tuesday's midterm elections. He has vowed to deploy troops at the border to stop a caravan of mainly Honduran migrants, currently edging their way through Mexico. Several hundred of the caravan started north again on Friday after a rest in Mexico City. Many of them have said they want to seek asylum in the United States, citing violence in their own countries. Trump's proclamation said mass migration on the border had precipitated a crisis and he was acting to protect the national interest. The order will be in effect for 90 days or until the United States reaches an agreement with Mexico allowing it to turn back asylum-seekers who had traveled through Mexico, whichever comes first. U.S. and Mexican diplomats have held talks over the issue this year, but there has been little indication Mexico would agree to such a pact. Mexico's interior ministry had no comment on the Trump order, an official at the ministry said. INJUNCTION SOUGHT Three civil rights groups sued on Friday in San Francisco federal court, seeking an injunction against Trump's order. The lawsuit said the order violated the Immigration and Nationality Act, which allows anyone present in the United States to seek asylum regardless of where they entered the country. "President Trump's new asylum ban is illegal. Neither the president nor his cabinet secretaries can override the clear commands of U.S. law, but that's exactly what they're trying to do," Omar Jadwat of the American Civil Liberties Union said in a statement. The lawsuit was brought by ACLU, the Southern Poverty Law Center, and Center for Constitutional Rights. Stephen Yale-Loehr, a professor at Cornell Law School, said the administration may struggle to justify the national security concerns underpinning the order, as the flow of migrants across the southern border has fallen in recent years. "We also have an obligation under international law not to return people to a country where they fear persecution," he said. Currently, migrants who cross into the United States illegally from Mexico can claim asylum, an option chosen by many families with children who hand themselves in to border guards. Asylum seekers who opt to cross at official entry points often wait for days before they enter U.S. territory. Rights groups have said the Trump administration has deliberately slowed the processing of migrants at official ports. The United Nations refugee agency UNHCR said on Friday the United States must make sure anyone seeking refugee protection and in need of humanitarian assistance can get both promptly and "without obstruction." Many of the hundreds of Central American migrants who left Mexico City on Friday to press north toward the United States boarded subways before dawn to reach the outskirts of the vast capital. The bulk of a further 4,500 people gathered at a Mexico City stadium are expected to follow them over the weekend. "We're hungry, we can't keep waiting, we're moving on," said Honduran migrant Roni Suazo at a bustling subway station. "Our mission is to go to the United States, not Mexico." (Reporting by Roberta Rampton and Yeganeh Torbati in Washington and Tom Hals in Wilmington, Delaware; Additional reporting by Lizbeth Diaz, Roberto Ramirez and Daina Beth Solomon in Mexico City; Writing by Doina Chiacu; Editing by Paul Simao and Rosalba O'Brien) Updated 11:30am: Thirteen people are dead after a gunman opened fire in a bar in Thousand Oaks, California late Wednesday night. At about 11:30pm Wednesday, a male shooter, 28-year-old Ian David Long, shot the bouncer outside the Borderline Bar and Grill and entered. Tall, wearing all black clothing and a bandana-like mask covering the bottom half of his face, he shot a young female cashier before firing at least 30 rounds from a .45 caliber Glock with extended magazines into the crowd, killing 12 and injuring 21. The shooter also threw smoke bombs and afterwards shot himself, taking his own life. Long was a Marine Corps veteran and was on active duty from August, 2008 to March, 2013. Authorities have not determined a motive for the shooting. He had several previous minor encounters with law enforcement, including being the victim of a battery in 2015. Police were also called to his house in April for a subject disturbing. Ron Helus, a Ventura County sheriff sergeant with 29 years experience, was shot and killed after being one of the first officers to respond to the shooting. He leaves behind a wife and son. The bar, popular with students from Pepperdine College and California Lutheran University, was hosting a college country night and allows under-21s in on Wednesday nights. About one hundred people were inside at the time of the shooting. Ventura County Sheriffs Office, SWAT teams, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the FBI responded to the scene. Its a horrific scene in there, there is blood everywhere and the suspect is part of that, and I didnt want to get that close and disturb the scene and possibly disturb the investigation, said Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean. Right now as far as we know there was only one handgun, but that could certainly change as we do a more thorough search of the building, the sheriff said. Dean also praised his sheriffs sergeant Helus, calling him hero. Story continues Ron was a hardworking dedicated sheriffs sergeant. He was totally committed, he gave his all and tonight, as I told his wife, he died a hero; he went into save lives, to save other people, he said. Thousand Oaks mayor Andy Fox reminded that his city is consistently ranked one of the highest with respect to the lowest crime rate per capita, were proud of that. The reality is that these types of incidents can happen really at any place, at any time, even in communities that are considered extremely safe, Fox said. President Trump wrote on Twitter that he has been fully briefed on the terrible shooting in California. Great bravery shown by police, he said. God bless all of the victims and families of the victims. Thank you to Law Enforcement. GUATEMALA CITY (AP) A U.N. commission investigating corruption in Guatemala says it has won 310 convictions in its 11 years in operation, defending its work even as President Jimmy Morales has moved to shut it down. The commission known as CICIG also says in its annual report that it has brought more than 100 cases and broken up 60 criminal networks. Friday's presentation of the report began with an ovation for commission chief Ivan Velasquez, who has been barred from the country and attended via internet. Morales has declined to renew CICIG's mandate for another two years, giving it until the end of its term next September to wrap up activities. The commission has pressed cases against the president and some of his relatives and associates. He denies allegations of illicit campaign financing. Chicago (AFP) - A US grand jury on Thursday indicted the captain of a boat that sank in a Missouri lake during a summer thunderstorm, killing 17 people on board. The vessel known as a "duck boat" went down July 19 on Table Rock Lake near the city of Branson. The amphibious vehicle, which can drive on land and float in water, carried 29 passengers and two crew. A federal grand jury charged Kenneth Scott McKee with 17 counts of misconduct, negligence, or inattention to duty that led to passengers' deaths. The charges are colloquially known as "seaman's manslaughter," US Attorney Tim Garrison told a news conference. "Each of the counts in this indictment represents a life that was lost when Stretch Duck Seven sank," Garrison said. The indictment alleges McKee failed to properly assess incoming severe weather and allowed the boat's side curtains to be lowered, which allegedly trapped passengers inside. "Further, he failed to instruct his passengers to don their personal floatation devices during the severe weather," Garrison said. The boat sank while struggling to reach shore against strong winds and high waves. The accident occurred in full view of witnesses at the lake shore, which is a popular tourist draw. A witness video showed the vessel bobbing in rough waters and eventually succumbing. A second boat made it to shore. Survivor Tia Coleman, who lost nine family members in the disaster, had said the captain told his charges, when the boat was already in the water, that they "won't need" life jackets. "When it was time to grab them, it was too late and I believe that a lot of people could have been spared," she told Fox59 TV. According to the National Transportation Safety Board, which investigated the incident, the captain had conducted a safety briefing before the boat entering the water, demonstrating how to use the life jacket and pointing out their location. Story continues The hybrid duck boats are popular with tourists but have been involved in previous fatal accidents. In 2002, the National Transportation Safety Board recommended that the vessels provide "reserve buoyancy" such as through watertight compartmentalization, to keep them afloat in the event of flooding. The advisory followed the 1999 sinking of the Miss Majestic with the loss of 13 lives in Hot Springs, Arkansas, because of "inadequate maintenance," the NTSB said. The United States and China resume top-level talks Friday after months of spiraling tension, looking to see if they can find a way forward on disputes from trade to military friction. Friday's delayed meeting in Washington comes weeks before US leader Donald Trump is expected to meet his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit in Argentina, with both sides hoping they can announce some progress. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis will spend Friday morning with two high-ranking Chinese policymakers, days after a congressional election in which Trump painted China as a bogeyman. A planned trip by Mattis to Beijing last month was canceled amid rising military tensions between the Pacific powers. But on Friday China's defense minister, General Wei Fenghe, will visit the Pentagon to a ceremonial honor cordon. The defense chiefs will beforehand hold talks at the State Department jointly with Pompeo and senior Communist Party official Yang Jiechi, a longtime architect of Chinese foreign policy who formerly served as ambassador to Washington. The talks will focus on security, but trade is at the heart of tensions. Trump has slapped $250 billion worth of tariffs on Chinese goods, accusing Beijing of nefarious trading practices, prompting retaliatory measures. While some of the Trump administration's comments on China have prompted commentators to draw parallels to the Cold War, Terry Branstad, the US ambassador to Beijing, said that Washington was not seeking confrontation for its own sake. "We want this to be a constructive, results-oriented relationship with China. The US is not trying to contain China, but we want fairness and reciprocity," Branstad told reporters on the eve of the talks. In Beijing, foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said Friday that China hopes the talks "will bring very good results", and help "deepen understanding" and "accelerate collaboration between both sides." Story continues - Flurry of disputes - Branstad said the talks would consist of "frank, open exchanges" on issues from human rights to the myriad maritime disputes in the South China Sea. "We want to achieve progress on our priorities including North Korea, and China has been a very key player in helping to get North Korea to the bargaining table," Branstad said. Trump is seeking a follow-up to his landmark summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who counts on China as his main supporter. But a meeting due this week in New York between Pompeo and a senior North Korean official was abruptly called off, the latest twist in turbulent diplomacy. With the occasional exception of North Korea policy, the United States has increasingly seen China as a meddlesome player on the international scene. In a meeting with former US secretary of state Henry Kissinger in Beijing on Thursday, Xi said it was "noteworthy that negative voices concerning China have been rising for some time in the United States," according to the official Xinhua news agency. But Xi noted that he had agreed to meet Trump in Argentina, where "the two sides can have an in-depth exchange of views on issues of common concern." China, Xi said, "is still committed to the building of a relationship with the United States that features no conflicts, no confrontation, mutual respect and win-win cooperation." Washington has been especially incensed at what it believes is widespread theft of US technology -- a charge that China denies. Xi recently wooed investors by pledging action to encourage imports, while Foreign Minister Yang Yi has insisted that China is not trying to dethrone the United States as the pre-eminent power. The Trump administration, while generally soft-spoken on human rights, has taken China to task over its mass detainment of Uighurs, the mostly Muslim minority in its northwest. A recent UN report said that as many as one million ethnic Uighurs are being kept in extrajudicial detention, some simply for outwardly practicing Islam. The Uyghur Human Rights Project, a Washington-based advocacy group that uses an alternative spelling for the ethnicity, urged the United States to raise the detentions in Friday's dialogue, saying it was important to show a "unified" global message. Beijing, after initially denying the detention camps, has described them instead as vocational training centers that discourage religious extremism. The United States on Friday insisted it was not pursuing a new "Cold War" with China, but the Pacific powers could only paper over deep differences during high-level talks. The defense chiefs and top foreign affairs officials of the two countries met in Washington for a regular dialogue that had been pushed back amid months of spiraling tensions between the world's two largest economies. After President Donald Trump's barbed comments against China in the runup to this week's congressional elections, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo turned conciliatory in tone if not always in substance. "The United States is not pursuing a Cold War or containment policy with China," Pompeo told a joint news conference. "Rather, we want to ensure that China act responsibly and fairly in support of security and prosperity in each of our two countries," Pompeo said. But Pompeo also was upfront about US concerns. While the Trump administration has generally been soft-spoken on human rights, at least with allies, Pompeo denounced China's "repression" of religious and minority groups including the Uighur community, citing a UN report that up to one million members of the mostly Muslim ethnic group have been rounded up in detention camps. And on Taiwan, while assuring his guests that the United States only recognizes Beijing, Pompeo was increasingly forthright in advocating for the self-ruling democracy, criticizing Beijing's efforts to isolate the island it considers a renegade province. The United States also took Beijing's military to task over its assertive posture in the dispute-rife South China Sea, which has witnessed a series of incidents including the buzzing of a US Navy surveillance aircraft last year by a Chinese warplane. - Talking, but not agreeing - Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said the talks were "candid" but that the two militaries looked to improve communication and avoid "miscalculation" at sea. Story continues "And we made clear that the United States will continue to fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows," Mattis said. Senior Communist Party official Yang Jiechi, a veteran architect of Beijing's foreign policy, insisted that China allows freedom of religion and criticized the United States for what he saw as its own "militarization" of the South China Sea. "There is no such problem of freedom of navigation and overflights being obstructed, so to use this issue as an excuse to military action is unjustifiable," he said. "The Chinese side made it clear to the United States that it should stop sending its vessels and military aircraft close to Chinese islands and reefs and stop actions that undermine China's sovereignty and security interests," he said. The talks come several weeks before Trump is set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of a Group of 20 summit in Argentina -- a potential occasion for big announcements on resolving disputes. While the Washington talks focused on security, trade is at the heart of tensions between the world's two biggest economies. Trump has slapped $250 billion worth of tariffs on Chinese goods, accusing Beijing of nefarious trading practices. Retaliatory measures quickly followed. Yang voiced hope for a quick resolution. "A trade war, instead of leading to any solution, will only end up hurting both sides and the global economy," he said. "The door to negotiation remains open. And let's not forget how our two sides have successfully navigated through previous rough patches in our economic and trade relations," he said. - Hard line on trade - But just as he was speaking, a top advisor to Trump, Peter Navarro, vowed to press China hard on trade. Navarro, the head of the White House National Trade Council who is known for his unorthodox economic views, said China had made empty promises to previous presidents and that Trump would not back down. "The game that China has played -- and they played people in the Bush administration like a violin -- is to do the tapdance of economic dialogue," Navarro said at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. "That's all they want to do. They want to get us to the bargaining table, sound reasonable, and talk their way while they keep having their way with us," he said. Washington has been especially incensed at what it believes is widespread theft of technology from US companies -- a charge that China denies. "How do you have a deal with somebody if they don't even acknowledge your concern? I mean, it's Alice in Wonderland," Navarro said. Pompeo has previously dubbed China as the primary adversary of the United States, but during the talks called Beijing "essential" in key areas -- including North Korea. Trump has made reaching a denuclearization agreement with North Korea a top priority since his landmark summit in June with the totalitarian state's leader Kim Jong Un. Yang said that China, North Korea's main lifeline, would enforce UN sanctions but voiced hope that Washington and Pyongyang "will meet each other halfway" and "accommodate each other's legitimate concerns." Washington (AFP) - US President Donald Trump on Friday denounced a ruling by a federal judge to halt construction of the Keystone XL oil pipeline, saying the decision had been made for political reasons. US District Judge Brian Morris argued that the Trump administration had failed to explain why it had lifted a ban on the project in a stinging setback to the president but a big win for conservationists and indigenous groups. Trump denounced the ruling as "a disgrace" while the Canadian government said it was "disappointed." Trump had granted a permit for the $8 billion conduit meant to stretch from Canada to Texas just days after taking office last year. He said it would create jobs and spur development of infrastructure. In doing so the administration overturned a decision by then-president Barack Obama in 2015 that denied a permit for the pipeline, largely on environmental grounds, in particular US contribution to climate change. The analysis of a cross-border project like this is done by the State Department. The same environmental analysis that the department carried out before denying the permit in 2015 was ignored when the it turned around last year and approved it, Morris found. "An agency cannot simply disregard contrary or inconvenient factual determinations that it made in the past, any more than it can ignore inconvenient facts when it writes on a blank slate," Morris wrote. He added: "The department instead simply discarded prior factual findings related to climate change to support its course reversal." The judge also argued that the State Department failed to properly account for factors such as low oil prices, the cumulative impacts of greenhouse gases from the pipeline and the risk of oil spills. At the White House, Trump decried the ruling as a "political decision." "I think it's a disgrace," he said, adding that it was likely to be reviewed by an appellate court, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, that he also accused of political bias. Story continues "We're slowly putting new judges in the ninth circuit." Vanessa Adams, a spokeswoman for Canadian Natural Resources Minister Amarjeet Sohi, said Ottawa was disappointed in the decision. The project is "important for good, middle-class jobs in Canada and for a successful energy export market," she added. Thursday's ruling is temporary, and requires the government to do a more thorough review of how the project might affect the climate, cultural resources and wildlife. In a statement to AFP, pipeline builder TransCanada said it was reviewing the ruling. "We remain committed to building this important energy infrastructure project," spokesman Terry Cunha said. - 'Flawed and dangerous' - The pipeline is designed to run from tar sand oil fields in Canada's Alberta province, through Montana, South Dakota and part of Nebraska, to existing facilities in that last state. From there it would flow to Oklahoma and on to the Texas Gulf Coast. The US stretch of line that needs to be built would be 875 miles (1,450 km) long. Construction of the US leg had been scheduled to begin next year. Environmental and indigenous groups sued TransCanada and the State Department in March to halt the project. One of the plaintiffs, the Sierra Club, welcomed the judge's decision. "Today's ruling makes it clear once and for all that it's time for TransCanada to give up on their Keystone XL pipe dream," Sierra Club senior attorney Doug Hayes said in a statement. "The Trump administration tried to force this dirty pipeline project on the American people, but they can't ignore the threats it would pose to our clean water, our climate, and our communities." Jackie Prange, senior attorney at the Natural Resources Defense Council, also hailed the ruling, saying: "As the court has made clear yet again, the Trump administration's flawed and dangerous proposal should be shelved forever." In Canada, Greenpeace called the decision "a big step backwards" for the project and "a huge win for aboriginal people, the environment and the thousands of people who have been fighting this pipeline for almost 10 years." Also, said Greenpeace spokesman Patrick Bonin, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government should view this decision as a harbinger of "the inevitable legal hurdles it will face if it continues to rush" an unrelated pipeline from Alberta to the Pacific coast. Ottawa nationalized the Trans Mountain pipeline in August, but has had to relaunch a part of the regulatory process after a court quashed its approval, siding with indigenous people worried that increased tanker traffic will harm whales along the coast. Following the ruling, shares in pipeline builder TransCanada Corp closed sharply lower on stock exchanges in New York and Toronto. 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. United Nations (United States) (AFP) - The United States is delaying approval of several requests for sanctions exemptions to deliver tractors, spare parts and other goods needed for humanitarian relief in North Korea, according to documents seen by AFP on Thursday. Russia asked the Security Council to discuss the delays during a meeting held behind closed doors on Thursday. North Korea is under crippling sanctions imposed for carrying out nuclear and ballistic missile tests, but UN resolutions specify that these should not affect humanitarian aid. The exemptions would allow deliveries of plumbing parts needed to repair North Korean health facilities, farm equipment such as tractors and other goods needed for humanitarian projects, according to documents seen by AFP. US Ambassador Nikki Haley said the United States "is going to take our time" to review the requests to ensure that they are not diverted to Pyongyang instead of reaching those in need. Haley accused Russia of seeking to score "brownie points" with North Korea by raising the sanctions issue at the Security Council. The United States has rebuffed calls from China and Russia to ease sanctions to reward leader Kim Jong Un for halting missile tests and opening up a dialogue with the United States. President Donald Trump's administration maintains that maximum pressure from sanctions must be maintained to compel Kim to follow through on his pledge to denuclearize the Korean peninsula. "We have given a lot of carrots up until now. We are not going to get rid of the stick, because they haven't done anything to warrant getting rid of the sanctions yet," Haley said. A planned meeting between US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and top North Korean official Kim Yong Chol to push for progress on denuclearization was cancelled at Pyongyang's request, she said. "They postponed it because they weren't ready," said Haley, adding that she expected the meeting, which will also discuss plans for a second Trump-Kim summit, to be rescheduled. Story continues "We continue to stand ready to talk." - Aid requests left waiting - Around 10.3 million people, or 41 per cent of North Korea's population, are undernourished, according to the UN office for humanitarian affairs. A request presented by Ireland in August to allow its largest humanitarian agency, Concern Worldwide, to carry out four relief projects in North Korea has yet to be approved after the United States requested more time, documents showed. Italy's Agrotec Spa company is seeking authorization to export tractors, spare parts and tractor trailers to North Korea under a European Union program to improve food security. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) submitted in June a request for a water sanitation project that is still under review, according to a Red Cross official. "The health care system in DPRK in rural areas is very fragile, 40 percent of people lack access to safe water," said a Red Cross official. "Water programs are about saving lives and halting the spread of disease such as TB. Any tightening of a definition of humanitarian action that does not include improving access to safe water affects very vulnerable people in DPRK," he said. New York (AFP) - US prosecutors in New York on Friday indicted the Florida man accused of sending pipe bombs to critics of Donald Trump with crimes that carry a maximum sentence of life in prison. The 56-year-old, who lived in a van plastered with pro-Trump and anti-Democrat stickers before his October 26 arrest, was previously hit with a five-count complaint in the sunshine state. The registered Republican, who has a criminal history and reported past as a stripper, was subsequently flown to New York and appeared in a Manhattan court earlier this week, before the 30-count indictment was unveiled. Cesar Sayoc now stands accused of mailing 16 explosive devices, despite law enforcement officials previously alleging that he sent 11 critics of the US president a total of 13 different devices. The charges include five counts of use of a weapon of mass destruction for each pipe bomb mailed to and intercepted in the New York area, targeting billionaire liberal donor George Soros, former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, actor Robert de Niro, former CIA director John Brennan and former intelligence chief James Clapper. Sayoc is charged five times with interstate transportation and receipt of explosives and five times with threatening interstate communications. Allegedly included with the bombs were a print-out or photograph of his intended victim marked with a red X. Sayoc was also charged five times with illegal mailing of explosives, five times with use of explosives to commit a felony and five times with use of a destructive device in furtherance of a crime of violence. Outside the New York area, Sayoc is also accused of sending other pipe bombs to former president Barack Obama, former vice president Joe Biden and others. The attempted bombings fanned tensions across the United States ahead of this week's midterm elections, which saw Trump retain control of the Senate but the Democrats win the majority in the lower House of Representatives. Washington (AFP) - The United States on Friday urged Tanzania to safeguard the rights of journalists and civil society, voicing concern over a growing crackdown on media, activists and the gay community. Two press freedom advocates were taken in for questioning and released Thursday, while a powerful Dar es Salaam official last week vowed to track down people suspected of engaging in homosexuality -- illegal in Tanzania. "The United States government is deeply concerned over escalating attacks and legislative actions by the Government of Tanzania that violate civil liberties and human rights, creating an atmosphere of violence, intimidation and discrimination," State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement. "The deteriorating state of human rights and rule of law in Tanzania inhibits development, economic prosperity, peace and security," she said. "We call on Tanzanian authorities to act decisively to safeguard the rights of civil society organizations, human rights defenders, journalists, health workers, political activists and all people," in accordance with local and international law, she said. She added that the United States was "troubled" by arrests and harassment of the LGBT community. The United States has had warm relations with Tanzania, which has received aid under the Millennium Challenge Corporation which is only eligible to countries that respect democratic norms. President Donald Trump told his supporters to pretend that he was on the ballot in the midterm elections, and many voters from both parties acted like he was. The estimated 114 million people who turned out to vote was within shouting distance of the 137 million who voted in 2016. But what if Trump really had been on the ballot? Out of curiosity, TIME gamed out what a presidential election would have looked like in 2018 if one were to replace votes for House candidates with votes for a presidential candidate of the same party. In this speculative face-off, the hypothetical Democrat wins the White House with 284 electoral votes, well north of the 270 needed to win. Of course, we cant assume that every person who voted for a member of Congress this year would have voted for a presidential candidate of the same party. But many would have, given that split-ticket voting has declined steadily in the past several cycles. The bad news for Trump comes in the essential states of Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, three traditionally blue states which narrowly broke for him in 2016. In this years midterms, all three cast more votes for Democratic candidates than Republicans in House races, however. Hed also face the prospect of losing Iowa from his 2016 map. But Trump gets some good news from the traditional swing states of Ohio and Florida, which cast more votes for Republicans in House races and would stay in his column. The rest of the 2016 Electoral College map would also stay the same. Overall, Trump also would appear to be on track to lose the popular vote, again. The nationwide tally from the midterm elections heavily favored Democrats, whose House candidates in 2018 received nearly 6 million more votes than their Republican counterparts more than twice the 2.8 million margin that Hillary Clinton claimed over Trump in the popular vote in 2016. The tally from the hypothetical matchup accounts for the fact that Maine and Nebraska split their electoral votes by Congressional district, which awarded one hypothetical electoral vote to the Republicans in Maines second district while Democrats carried the state, the same result as in 2016. The heavily Democratic District of Columbia is assumed to go blue, as it reliably does. Story continues This simulation does not account for the 35 Senate races to avoid double-counting voters in some states, but the aggregate House results are generally in line with the Senate results. Democrats won Senate seats in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin as well. With midterms over, the attention of election forecasters now turns directly to 2020, when President Trump will presumably run for reelection against a Democrat who will not be selected for about a year-and-a-half. Who the Democrats ultimately nominate will naturally have tremendous implications for whether this weeks results can be replicated in two years. But given that the popular vote does not translate to an electoral college victory, the results should offer some good news for those hoping that Donald Trump is one-term president. 22nd Hollywood Film Awards Arrivals Beverly Hills, California, U.S., 04/11/2018 Actor Viggo Mortensen. REUTERS/Danny Moloshok Lord Of The Rings star Viggo Mortensen has apologised for using the n-word during a post-screening Q&A for his new film, Green Book. The Oscar-nominated actor promised he would never use it again. Mortensen was discussing the race issues at the heart of the film, which is centred around a tour of the Deep South in the 1960s by Jamaican-American classical pianist Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali) and New York bouncer Tony Lip (Mortensen), who served as Shirleys driver / security. The film is named after a segregation-era road travel guidebook, The Green Book, which was used to help African-Americans navigate racial discrimination issues. Mortensen used the n-word, in full, while discussing the evolution of race relations in America. The word is only used here in its abbreviated form, with the full usage retaining the power to shock. FILE PHOTO: Actor Viggo Mortensen attends a news conference to discuss the movie Green Book at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in Toronto, Ontario, Canada September 12, 2018. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni/File Photo For instance, no one says n***** anymore, Mortensen said. Reports from the event describe the atmosphere in the room instantly changing, with one unnamed women shouting Dont say that, after the word was used. Was at a screening for #GreenBookthe movie is amazing, but at the Q&A after Viggo Mortensen just dropped the N Word and the oxygen immediately left the room. #movies Dick W. Schulz (@DickSchulz) November 8, 2018 Mortensen made a statement to The Hollywood Reporter following the event. In making the point that many people casually used the N word at the time in which the movies story takes place, in 1962, I used the full word. Although my intention was to speak strongly against racism, I have no right to even imagine the hurt that is caused by hearing that word in any context, especially from a white man. I do not use the word in private or in public. I am very sorry that I did use the full word last night, and will not utter it again. Story continues Mortensen continued, One of the reasons I accepted the challenge of working on Peter Farrellys movie Green Book was to expose ignorance and prejudice in the hope that our movies story might help in some way to change peoples views and feelings regarding racial issues. It is a beautiful, profound movie story that I am very proud to be a part of. Green Book isnt released in the UK until 1 February, 2019, but it has been tipped as an Oscar contender by critics. Mortensen has previously received two best actor Oscar nominations for his roles in Eastern Promises and Captain Fantastic. Read more Owen Wilson refuses to see newborn daughter Ezra Miller was plied with wine by director when he was underage Nicole Kidman opens up about kids and their relationship to Scientology Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, takes the stage alongside his wife, Connie Schultz, during an election-night watch party on Nov. 6, 2018, in Columbus. (Photo: John Minchillo/AP) Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown may be Americas most underrated politician. The question now is whether thats about to change. The day after a midterm election that saw President Trump losing ground in cities and suburbs while holding his own everywhere else, talk among Democrats has already turned to 2020. What did Tuesday say about how the Democrats can win back the White House? operatives and observers began to ask even before the last ballots were counted. And which candidates-in-waiting saw their stock rise as a result? So far speculation has swirled around rising star Beto ORourke, who came within 2.6 percentage points of unseating incumbent Republican Sen. Ted Cruz in ruby-red Texas. Progressives have pointed to red-state losses among centrist senators such as Claire McCaskill of Missouri, Joe Donnelly of Indiana and Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota as evidence that moderation wont work two Novembers from now; centrists have pointed to red-state losses among progressive heroes such as ORourke, Stacey Abrams of Georgia and Andrew Gillum of Florida to make the opposite argument. And the usual suspects Joe Biden, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Kamala Harris have been mentioned again and again. Few, however, have been mentioning Brown. Thats probably a mistake. [Brown] has a reservoir of wisdom the Dems could draw from, former Virginia Rep. Tom Perriello declared Tuesday on Twitter. Of all the Democrats who could plausibly play a part in the looming drama of the next presidential campaign, the raspy, rumpled populist emerged from Election Day with by far the most to brag about. Like his fellow Rust Belt Democrats Sens. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin and Bob Casey of Pennsylvania Brown cruised to reelection in a state that broke for Trump in 2016. Unlike Stabenow, Baldwin or Casey, however, Brown managed to win in a state that backed Trump by 8 percent two years ago not less than 1 percent, like the others and where Republicans swept all of 2018s other competitive contests, from governor on down. Story continues Supporters of Sen. Sherrod Brown celebrate his victory on Nov. 6, 2018, in Columbus. (Photo: Jeff Swensen/Getty Images) In fact, Brown received 280,000 more votes than his partys gubernatorial candidate, Richard Cordray, and 100,000 more than Cordrays victorious Republican rival, Mike DeWine. Brown actually won by a larger margin Tuesday than in 2012, when Barack Obama was on the ballot to boost Democratic turnout. And the gap between his victory this year and Trumps in 2016 a swing of 14.5 percentage points was wider than all but Jon Testers in Montana and Joe Manchins in West Virginia. The kicker is that while Tester and Manchin ran as moderates, and while Casey, Stabenow and Baldwin tend to legislate from the center-left, Brown has compiled one of the most liberal voting records in the Senate a record on which he proudly campaigned. According to the data journalists at FiveThirtyEight, Brown votes with Trump only 28.2 percent of the time roughly 41 percent less often than you would expect based on how strongly Ohio supported Trump in 2016. Thats the second-largest Trump-minus score in the entire Senate. For Brown, defying the odds is nothing new. As a 2017 BuzzFeed profile put it, the senator has combined a fierce populism and unapologetic progressive ideals to repeatedly win local and state elections even as Ohio has trended increasingly conservative. Hes won in cities and rural communities, old manufacturing hubs and college towns, diverse districts and mostly white districts. And now hes won 10 times in row. First elected to the House in 1992, Brown secured reelection two years later by picking off Republican-leaning workers whod previously backed Ross Perots anti-NAFTA presidential bid. In 2012, running for a second Senate term, he earned 95 percent of the black vote and outperformed his GOP rival, state Treasurer Josh Mandel, in many white, industrial parts of the state including Mahoning and Trumbull counties, where Brown took 66 percent and 62 percent of the vote respectively. On Tuesday, Brown again won both counties by 15- to 20-point margins. Brown shakes hands with workers as they leave the Ford Engine Plant in 2006 in Brook Park, Ohio. (Photo: Jamie Rose/Getty Images) As Yahoo News has previously reported, Brown didnt accomplish this by moderating his staunchly liberal views on social and cultural issues. He was one of only two members of Ohios congressional delegation to vote against the Defense of Marriage Act in 1996; hes pro-LGBTQ, pro-abortion rights, pro-gun control, and pro-criminal justice reform. (He was the first senator to oppose Jeff Sessionss nomination as attorney general.) Instead, Brown keeps winning in Ohio because he has spent his entire career obsessing, first and foremost, over the concerns of workers. Not just white workers, the way Trump did in 2016. All workers. I do my very best to fight for working people in this job, Brown told Yahoo News last year. And that means all workers whether you punch a time sheet or swipe a badge, make a salary or earn tips. Whether youre on payroll, a contract worker or a temp working behind a desk, on a factory floor or behind a restaurant counter. The fact is, all workers across this country are feeling squeezed. Other, higher-profile Senate populists Sanders and Warren tend to view the world through an anti-Wall Street lens. Brown sees everything from a pro-worker perspective. To the casual listener, Sanders and Warren can sound as if theyre bashing billionaires or bankers because theyre billionaires or bankers a message that might resonate in liberal enclaves like Vermont or Massachusetts but doesnt play as well in middle America. In contrast, Brown is always careful to remind voters that the real problem isnt corporate profits per se its that workers are no longer sharing in the wealth they help create. With Sherrod, the message works because of the messenger, Perriello explains. He has never wavered in standing up to power brokers in D.C. and even in his own party to fight for families, workers and consumers. He can sell it because people buy that he means it, that he is fighting for us. For 18 years, Brown refused to enroll in a congressional health plan, saying he would not accept federally subsidized care until the American public could also avail itself of the same option. As a state representative in the mid-1970s, he spent long days listening to tales of worry and woe at the steelworkers union hall in his hometown of Mansfield, Ohio. He went on to lead the bipartisan opposition to NAFTA, crossing then-President Bill Clinton; more than two decades later, he helped torpedo the Trans-Pacific Partnership, defying Barack Obama. In between, Brown wrote a book called Myths of Free Trade. On election night 2016, he surprised his gloomy staffers by immediately offering to help Trump renegotiate NAFTA (a promise hes kept). And when Brown rescued a shaggy black dog, he named it Franklin as in Roosevelt, the Democrat who created the New Deal. Brown looks on as Teamsters Union President James P. Hoffa voices his opposition to Mexican trucks entering the U.S. under the NAFTA deal, in Washington, D.C., in 2001. (Photo: Luke Frazza/AFP/Getty Images) When asked about a possible White House bid, the senator tends to dismiss the notion with lukewarm responses such as I dont like the idea of running for president and I dont have any real interest in that though he also admits he hasnt ruled it out. I hear it more and more, Brown conceded in a September interview with the Cincinnati Enquirer. I think about it from time to time. In truth, Brown seems much more excited about the idea that his strategy could serve as a road map for some other 2020 candidate. I hope the message that I win with the dignity of work and whose side are you on gets into the national debate, he recently told CNBC. Because plenty of my colleagues want to be president a lot more than I do. To that end, Brown has released a suite of populist policy proposals that would strengthen key labor standards to reflect an economy that increasingly relies on alternative work arrangements (temps, subcontractors, freelancers, and such). He wouldnt just raise the minimum wage and require paid sick days and paid family leave. He would also expand collective bargaining rights. He would ensure that alternative workers get benefits too. And he would crack down on employers that force people to work off the clock, refuse to pay the minimum wage, deny overtime pay, take tips, or knowingly misclassify workers to avoid paying fair wages. Finally and perhaps most potently Brown would implement what he calls a carrot and stick approach to big companies that slash labor costs to pad their profits. Republicans are going to cut taxes on the largest corporations and the wealthiest people in the country, the senator has explained. I think those companies that pay a living wage and provide health benefits and retirement benefits and dont outsource their jobs, they should get a lower tax rate. But the companies that pay $10 or $11 [an hour] so that their employees get food stamps and Medicaid and Section 8 housing vouchers? Those companies should pay a Corporate Freeloader Fee, because taxpayers have to subsidize those corporations wages. Browns plan is probably too bold to become law anytime soon but as a declaration of intent aimed directly at blue-collar Americans, it couldnt be clearer. Because he gets how much families are struggling, Sherrod knows that you make smart solutions more appealing not by cutting the idea in half but by doubling it, Perriello says. While Beltway pundits try to label ideas on a mythical left-right spectrum, people in Ohio and around the country care only about where it fits in terms of making a difference at the kitchen table. Brown, surrounded by members of his family, speaks in Columbus after his campaign victory. (Photo: Jeff Swensen/Getty Images) Who knows whether voters outside of Ohio will ever hear a message like Browns. Its possible, even probable, that Democrats will continue to shy away from so-called class warfare and resist even a progressive concept of class identity a concept that sees class not as a way to turn white workers against the rest of the electorate, as Trump has done, but rather as a way to unite all working-class Americans, regardless of their other identities, around a set of reforms that might help them withstand a 21st-century economy that has rapidly and ruthlessly turned against them: black or white, gay or straight, blue-collar or white-collar. But if 2018s divided results demonstrated anything, its that, going forward, such an approach may be the surest way for Democrats to succeed again in states like Ohio that have been trending red; to stymie Trump in purple states like Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania; and perhaps to win back the White House. Let our country our nations citizens, our Democratic Party, my fellow elected officials all over the country let them all cast their eyes toward the heartland, to the industrial Midwest, to our Great Lakes state, Brown said in his victory speech Tuesday night. You showed the country that progressives can win and win decisively in the heartland, [and] that by putting people first and by honoring the dignity of work, we can carry a state Donald Trump won by nearly 10 points. Lest anyone missed the point, Brown went on to contrast his kind of populism with Trumps and to link his winning campaign to the coming presidential election. Populists are not racists, he said. We do not appeal to some by pushing down others. We do not lie. We do not engage in hate speech. And we do not rip babies from their families at the border. We will never ever give up the hallowed ground of patriotism to the extremists at the statehouse and in the White House. That is the message coming out of Ohio in 2018, he concluded. And that is the blueprint for our nation in 2020. It remains to be seen whether the reluctant Brown will challenge Trump in two years time; his decision will probably depend on whether another Democrat is willing to pick up the pro-worker baton. And even if he does run, its unclear that his gruff, earnest, understated style would translate to a national stage where Trumpian brashness and bombast have increasingly become the norm. Still, for anyone trying to find a 2020 message in the aftermath of 2018, Browns may have been the clearest signal amid a lot of noise. _____ Read more from Yahoo News: Donetsk (Ukraine) (AFP) - Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine are set to hold elections in two self-proclaimed republics on Sunday, in an apparent bid to cement their split from the rest of the country. The elections in the Donetsk and Lugansk "People's Republics", which have been outside of Kiev's control since 2014, have been strongly condemned by Kiev and the West. "While Ukraine takes positive steps to promote peace, Russia is stoking conflict by staging sham 'elections'," the US embassy in Kiev wrote on Twitter Wednesday. It called on residents of eastern Ukraine to boycott the polls. Brussels earlier said the so-called presidential and parliamentary polls were contrary to a 2015 agreement aimed at settling the conflict. "We expect Russia in particular to make full use of its influence on the separatists in this regard," the EU said in a statement in September. Eight European countries also condemned the "illegitimate" elections in a declaration at the United Nations last month, urging Russia to prevent them from going ahead. But Moscow has rejected the appeals, insisting the vote has "nothing to do" with the 2015 Minsk peace accord. - 'Power vacuum' - Residents of the region decided unilaterally to hold the elections, Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in October. She said people there were living with "permanent threats of the use of force by Ukrainian authorities." "The November 11 elections are dictated by the need to fill the power vacuum after the death of Alexander Zakharchenko," she said, referring to a separatist leader who was killed in a bombing at a Donetsk cafe in August. Denis Pushilin, a former negotiator with Kiev, is now acting leader of the self-proclaimed Donetsk republic. Meanwhile Leonid Pasechnik, the 48-year-old former regional chief of the Ukrainian security service, is acting leader of the neighbouring republic of Lugansk, also unrecognised internationally. Story continues "Moscow has decided that the legitimisation of new leaders outweighs criticism by the West," Alexei Makarkin of the Moscow-based Center for Political Technologies told AFP. The conflict between Ukrainian government forces and the separatists broke out in April 2014, shortly after Russia's annexation of the Crimean peninsula, and has since claimed more than 10,000 lives. Ukraine and the West accuse Moscow of militarily supporting separatists, claims that Russia denies despite overwhelming evidence. The polls are also a way for the separatists to strengthen their grip on nearly three percent of the Ukrainian mainland, political analyst Volodymyr Fesenko said. "If the elections were postponed, one could imagine these territories could come back under the control of the Ukrainian authorities one day," but that is far from being the case, Ukraine-based Fesenko told AFP. - No more camouflage - While several candidates are running in each of the two regions, the current acting leaders are almost certain to prevail. Pushilin was last month received in Moscow by President Vladimir Putin's influential advisor Vladislav Surkov, a Kremlin negotiator on Ukraine, Russian media reported. "Moscow does not even bother to conceal that it is behind the election campaign in Donbass and that its winner is determined in advance," the Moscow-based Carnegie centre said in a note. "Zakharchenko was not a totally independent figure, but Pushilin is being controlled even more" by the Kremlin, it added. Unlike his predecessor, who was known for his belligerent remarks and loved strutting in camouflage uniform, Pushilin wears a formal suit in public rather than military attire. His election posters in Donetsk promise "a peaceful republic for peaceful citizens". Other posters encourage residents to vote for a region "with a Russian heart", though the campaign has largely focused on social rather than military issues. The last separatist elections were held in late 2014 despite protests from the West and Kiev, which did not recognise their results. Nine people have been burned to death as California's most destructive fire in at least a century engulfed the town of Paradise, while celebrities fled fast-moving fires in the south of the state. Only a day after it began the so-called "Camp Fire" spread to over 140 square miles in size and levelled the town, which has a population of 30,000. More than 2,000 firefighters were battling the blaze, which destroyed more than 6,700 homes and businesses. Captain Scott McLean, of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, said: "Pretty much the community of Paradise is destroyed. It's that kind of devastation. "There was really no firefight involved, these firefighters were in the rescue mode all day yesterday." He said thousands of buildings had been lost in Paradise, about 180 miles northeast of San Francisco. Jody Jones, the mayor of Paradise, said the hospital, a McDonald's restaurant, and many other businesses had been engulfed. She said: "I think we lost a high school and at least one of the elementary schools." Residents evacuated in panic with some crashing their cars. Mark Bass, a police officer, said the evacuation was "just a wall of fire on each side of us, and we could hardly see the road". Officials said all the victims were found in Paradise, including four who died inside their vehicles. Another 35 people had been reported missing and three firefighters had been injured. With fires burning in both Northern and Southern California 157,000 people have been evacuated, including much of the city of Malibu. Among the evacuees was Kim Kardashian West, the reality television star, who was forced to flee her Southern California home in Calabasas, near Los Angeles. Abandoned vehicles sit at a car lot in Paradise, north of Sacramento, California Credit: AFP Kardashian West posted on social media a video from an aircraft window showing fires raging below. She shared another video along with the caption: "Pray for Calabasas. Just landed back home and had 1 hour to pack up & evacuate our home. I pray everyone is safe." Story continues She also posted a clip from the ground showing fire fighters driving past. Smoke from the fire could be seen from the site of a mass shooting in nearby Thousand Oaks that left 12 people dead on Wednesday night. The charred remains of a burned out home are seen during the Woolsey fire in Malibu, California Credit: AP Caitlyn Jenner's home in Malibu burned down, TMZ reported, although her publicist said that had not been confirmed. The reality TV star had already evacuated. Actor Charlie Sheen said he had been unable to contact his Hollywood star father Martin Sheen and mother Janet. He wrote on Twitter: "i cannot get ahold of my parents, Martin and Janet Sheen. they are in the group, at the staging ground near Zuma Beach. "If anyone has eyes on them, please let me know that they are safe and sound in the middle of this horrific scenario." A Los Angeles County Fire Department helicopter makes a water drop on flames behind a home in Malibu, California Credit: AP Cher, who said she had lived in Malibu since 1972, tweeted that the wildfire was coming close to her home, although she said she was not on the property. "Friends houses have burned. I can't bear the thought of there being no Malibu," the singer posted. Lady Gaga posted a video on her Instagram account saying she had evacuated her Malibu home on Friday, and showing images of dark billowing smoke overhead. Other celebrities evacuated included Oscar-winning film director Guillermo del Toro, who tweeted that he had abandoned his vast "Bleak House" museum collection of fantasy and horror memorabilia. "Bleak House and the collection may be endangered but the gift of life remains," tweeted del Toro, director of Oscar best picture winner "The Shape of Water." Orlando Bloom tweeted a photo from his street showing the wildfire. The Paramount Ranch, a Hollywood filming location for decades that was recently used by the HBO series "Westworld", was also destroyed. The ranch served as a location for productions ranging from 1938's "The Adventures of Marco Polo" to TV shows "The Mentalist" and "Weeds." The set in the mountains west of Los Angeles dates to 1927 when Paramount Pictures leased the ranch and began making films there. Flames approach a house with a loud roaring sound during the Woolsey Fire Credit: Getty Actress Alyssa Milano said her home was "in jeopardy" amid her attempts to safely evacuate her five horses. The actress ultimately got the help she needed and tweeted that her horses were safe. "My children are safe. ... Everything with a heartbeat is safe." The singer Melissa Etheridge also evacuated. The entire 12,000 population of Malibu, which stretches 27 miles along the Pacific Ocean, was placed under mandatory evacuation on Friday. Welcome to the Yahoo Finance All Markets Summit: Americas Financial Future, live from Washington, D.C. This marquee event, from 8:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. EST on November 13, takes place just days after the 2018 midterm elections and it brings together some of the best minds in politics and finance. Well dig into the policy implications of the midterms as lawmakers return to D.C. and a new Congress gets set to govern. Yahoo Finance correspondents and special guests will also examine how the election will impact President Trumps agenda. The days topics and guests: TRUMP, TARIFFS AND ECONOMIC POPULISM Wilbur Ross | U.S. Commerce Secretary WHATS NEXT FOR THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY Seema Nanda | CEO, Democratic National Committee TRUMPS BRAND OF ECONOMIC POPULISM Steve Bannon | Former White House Chief Strategist BUILDING GRASSROOTS OPPOSITION TO TRUMP Neera Tanden | President, Center for American Progress and Fmr. Policy Director for Secretary of State Hillary Clinton MAKING IT IN AMERICA: REBUILDING INDUSTRY Jay Timmons | President & CEO, National Association of Manufacturers THE CAPITALS FACE AT THE CAPITOL Scott Pattison | CEO, National Governors Association TALKING TOUGH ON BIG TECH Sen. Mark Warner | Finance Committee, Budget Committee, Intelligence Committee, Vice Chmn, (D) Virginia BIG BUSINESS AND BIG GOVERNMENT Josh Bolten | CEO, Business Roundtable and Fmr. White House Chief of Staff to President George W. Bush IS BIPARTISANSHIP ACTUALLY DEAD? Kim Dorgan | Bipartisan Policy Center Doug Holtz-Eakin | American Action Forum President PRESIDENT TRUMPS AGENDA FOR 2019 Kellyanne Conway | Counselor to President Trump TAKING CARE OF ALL BUSINESS Neil Bradley | Chief Policy Officer, U.S. Chamber of Commerce TAKING ON THE TRUMP AGENDA Rep. Emanuel Cleaver | (D) Financial Services Committee, (D) Missouri Rep. Eric Swalwell | (D) Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, (D) House Judiciary Committee, (D) California FUTURE FOR UNION WORKERS Richard Trumka | President, AFL-CIO Story continues LOOKING AHEAD TO 2019 AND BEYOND Sen. Cory Booker | Foreign Relations Committee, U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary Committee, Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, (D) New Jersey Follow Yahoo Finance on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Flipboard, LinkedIn, and reddit. Earlier this year President Trump withdrew the United States from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. Now, hes reinstating all sanctions on the country that were in effect prior to the agreement. The administration said it hopes the pressure will force the country to change its ways and stop its ballistic missile program. President Trumps predecessors also began crafting their Iran policy with similar bravado; but came around to accepting and respecting the reality of Iran as they became more experienced in office. Iran's Message: https://t.co/ptmSMbOzeC Javad Zarif (@JZarif) November 6, 2018 The foreign minister of Iran responded, saying, The U.S. administration appears to believe that imposing illegal, draconian sanctions on Iran will bring about such pain on our nation that it will force us to submit to its will. How we got here: 1953: The CIA backs a plan to overthrow the Iranian prime minister. 1957: Iran signs an agreement with President Dwight Eisenhower to use nuclear energy peacefully. 1968: Iran, along with 50 other nations, signs the nuclear nonproliferation treaty to make every effort to avert the danger of such a [nuclear] war. 1975: President Gerald Ford agrees to allow U.S. material to be fabricated into nuclear reactor fuel in Iran. 1979: President Jimmy Carter bans Iranian oil imports after American citizens are taken hostage in Iran. 1987: The U.S. intervenes in the Iran-Iraq war to protect oil shipments from the Persian Gulf. 1996: President Bill Clinton approves sanctions against foreign companies dealing with Iran and Libya to strengthen our fight against terrorism. 2004: Iran agrees to halt uranium production. 2009: The U.S., Britain and France reveal a secret Iranian nuclear enrichment plant and demand that the country admit international inspectors. Story continues 2013: Iran signs the Joint Plan of Action, agreeing to curb nuclear work in return for sanctions relief. 2015: The JPOA is expanded in exchange for a significant easing of Iranian sanctions. 2016: The U.S. lifts all nuclear-related sanctions after the International Atomic Energy Agency confirms that Iran has restricted nuclear activities. 2018: President Trump reinstates sanctions on Iran. After the most recent sanctions were imposed, Iranian citizens protested, and Irans president responded, calling the move an act of economic war. Aden (AFP) - Yemeni rebels battled Friday to slow an advance by pro-government forces deeper into Hodeida seeking to recapture the city's lifeline port, launching fierce barrages of mortar fire and aiming to cut off supply routes, military sources said. The Shiite Huthi rebels, whose chief has vowed his troops would never surrender despite being vastly outnumbered, shelled government positions in the south of the Red Sea city, loyalist officials said. But despite the "intense attacks", loyalist forces made fresh advances in eastern sectors of Hodeida. The rebels, for their part, said their fighters had cut off government supply routes in four sectors of Hodeida province. On Thursday, after a week of intense battles on the outskirts of the city, loyalist troops entered residential neighbourhoods, using bulldozers to remove concrete road blocks installed by the rebels. Military sources said government forces and their coalition allies were edging towards the city's vital port through which nearly 80 percent of Yemen's commercial imports and practically all UN-supervised humanitarian aid pass. The Saudi-led military coalition which supports the government carried out air raids on rebel positions as the ground forces advanced. The Huthis have controlled Hodeida since 2014 when they overran the capital Sanaa and then swept though much of the rest of the country, triggering the coalition's intervention the following year and a devastating war of attrition. The rebels have since been driven out of virtually all of the south and much of the Red Sea coast. Government forces launched their offensive to retake Hodeida in June backed by significant numbers of Emirati ground troops. Their advance into the city of some 600,000 people has been slowed by trenches and minefields dug by the rebels around their last major coastal stronghold. The months-long battle for Hodeida, which has intensified since November 1, has killed a total of 250 combatants this month -- 197 Huthis and 53 loyalists, according to medical and security sources. Story continues - 'Mass starvation' - Human rights groups have voiced fears that a protracted battle for the city will also exact heavy civilian casualties and force a halt to vital food shipments. UN agencies say some 14 million people are at risk of famine in Yemen, which they have described as the world's worst humanitarian crisis. The World Food Programme said Thursday it will nearly double food aid to Yemen to reach 14 million people a month -- almost half the population. The WFP is providing food assistance to about seven to eight million people every day, "but the situation has now got so dire that WFP is preparing to scale up", spokesman Herve Verhoosel told journalists in Geneva. "Indications are that even greater efforts will be needed to avert mass starvation." The WFP said the violence must stop immediately to give Yemen "a chance to pull back from the brink". "Unless it does, this will become a country of living ghosts, its people reduced to sacks of bones." Nearly 10,000 Yemenis have been killed in the conflict since 2015, according to the World Health Organization. Human rights groups say the real death toll may be five times higher. Hodeida (Yemen) (AFP) - Yemeni rebels launched fierce barrages of mortar fire Friday as they battled to slow an advance by pro-government forces deeper into the port city of Hodeida, military sources said. The Shiite Huthi rebels, whose chief has vowed his troops would never surrender despite being vastly outnumbered, shelled government positions in the south of the Red Sea city, loyalist officials said. But despite the "intense attacks", loyalist forces, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, made fresh advances in eastern sectors of Hodeida. Eight days into the renewed offensive, civilians reported relentless air strikes, low-flying jets and Apache helicopters, mortars and missiles on the outskirts of the city and within five kilometres (three miles) of its strategic port, the Norwegian Refugee Council said in a statement. The Iran-backed rebels, for their part, said their fighters had cut off government supply routes in four sectors of Hodeida province, although there was no confirmation from the loyalist side. On Friday medical sources said that 110 Huthi rebels and 22 pro-government forces had been killed in 24 hours of violence, bringing to at least 382 the number of combatants killed since the battle for Hodeida intensified on November 1. Backed by Saudi air raids, loyalist troops for the first time entered residential neighbourhoods on Thursday, using bulldozers to remove concrete road blocks installed by the rebels. Nearly 80 percent of Yemen's commercial imports and practically all UN-supervised humanitarian aid passes through the port. The Huthis have controlled Hodeida since 2014 when they overran the capital Sanaa and swept though much of the rest of the country, triggering the intervention by the Saudi-led coalition the following year and a devastating war of attrition. The rebels have since been driven out of virtually all of the south and much of the Red Sea coast. - Coalition to 'capture' port - Story continues Government forces launched their offensive to retake Hodeida in June backed by significant numbers of Emirati ground troops. Their advance into the city of some 600,000 people has been slowed by rebel-dug trenches and minefields. The Norwegian Refugee Council warned further fighting could cut off roads between Hodeida and Sanaa. "There is now only one viable overland route from Hodeida city to Sanaa, and a very high risk that further aerial or land attacks on roads or bridges could sever access roads between the cities entirely," it said. This would result in "cutting the last remaining supply route for food, fuel and medicine to many of the estimated 20 million Yemenis who depend on imports through Hodeida". IHS Markit Middle East senior analyst Ludovico Carlino said he expected Saudi and UAE coalition forces to step up their assault in the coming days and "capture" the port before any talks start. "Saudi Arabia and the UAE consider the capture of Hodeida as an essential precursor to any peace talks with the Huthi movement, as this would allow the Yemeni government to have much more political leverage at the negotiating table," he said. "As such, fighting for control of the port will probably begin in earnest over the coming days, and intensify thereafter," Carlino said, warning the Huthis could "sabotage" facilities at Hodeida port if forced to retreat. Both the United States and the United Nations are pushing for peace talks on Yemen to take place by the end of the year. - 'Mass starvation' - Salem Jaffer Baobaid, an aid worker for Islamic Relief charity in Hodeida, painted a bleak picture of daily life in an account published by the humanitarian news agency IRIN. "Lately the fighting is edging closer to the city centre and I can hear it. Few people sleep through the night, and I can see the exhaustion and anxiety on my neighbours' faces," he said. Food packs last only two weeks and "sallow skin and sunken eyes -- both signs of malnutrition -- are clear indications that the people of Hodeida and Yemen can't take much more," added Baobaid. UN agencies say some 14 million people are at risk of famine in Yemen -- described as the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with the World Food Programme saying it will nearly double food aid to the country to avert "mass starvation". Unless the war stops immediately Yemen "will become a country of living ghosts, its people reduced to sacks of bones", it warned. Nearly 10,000 Yemenis have been killed in the conflict since 2015, according to the World Health Organization. Human rights groups say the real death toll may be five times higher. In Istanbul on Friday a conference held under the aegis of Yemeni Nobel laureate Tawakkol Karman called for concrete measures to end the war and an international court to judge those charged with crimes during the conflict. Lusaka (AFP) - Zambia's government accused the opposition on Friday of fuelling "xenophobic" attacks on Chinese nationals after a spate of violent incidents targeting the community and its businesses. Anti-Chinese sentiment in Zambia has grown as the government increasingly hands lucrative contracts to the country while borrowing huge sums from Beijing. Vice President Inonge Wina told parliament that "xenophobic attacks on Chinese (are) politically motivated because of the utterances that politicians make". Her intervention follows sporadic rioting in the towns of Buchi and Kawama this week when millers took to the streets to protest after rumours that a Zambian timber company had been sold to Chinese buyers. Home Affairs Minister Stephen Kampyongo blamed opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema for that unrest which erupted on Monday. "(Hichilema) made slanderous and untruthful statements... that culminated in the looting of businesses owned by Chinese," Kampyongo told parliament. Last month youths looted Chinese shops in the northern mining town of Kitwe after a Chinese employee accidentally shot a Zambian worker. "There are riots that start at universities and other learning institutions but those against the Chinese are politically motivated," added Wina. "I therefore stick to my statement that there are xenophobic attacks against Chinese." Many of us have been wondering throughout the years: What is the occupation? Is it conquering territories from another country, or perhaps a return to the patrimony? Is it the continued elimination of human rights in the West Bank, or a political bargaining chip? On Monday, we learned we can stop wondering. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter During a Likud faction meeting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that the occupation is bull. In other words, its fake news. There will be nothing, because there was nothing. It is unclear whether this spot-on definition is based on the Yesha Council's 2015 pamphlet (Occupation, bull) or perhaps the prime minister came up with it on his own. Whatever the answer may be, it seems this bull, nonsense, which has been disturbing our peace for over 50 years, doesnt exist. So, relax. Why is the occupation bull? Well, contrary to what his settler friends believe, it isnt because the time we weren't in control over the territories was but a mere break (2,000 years long) in our sovereignty, or because God promised the entire country to us about 3,000 years ago (and promises need to be kept). The reason it is now bull, is that "Strength is the key; it makes all the difference in our policy towards the Arab world." In other words: The only thing that matters in foreign affairs is power. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. (Photo: EPA) Actually, it sounds familiar. There have been many leaders who told their people and neighbors just that: Not only is occupation bull, morality is also bull. Might is right, and those who have might do as they see fit. Those who have no might have some reservations about this claim, but after all, they have no might. So stop the bull. Netanyahu also told his faction friends about the historical context: There are massive nations that conquered and displaced entire populations and the world keeps silent. Power, power, power. Lets try to understand this thesis a little bit better: First of all, Netanyahu is not really comparing us to small or medium-size countries. The comparison is to massive countries, and in other words: empires. Israel must be an empire then (and Netanyahu the emperor, apparently). Throughout history, empires have indeed done unacceptable things, and as long as they had the power, there was no one to save their victims from their claws. They didnt stop with occupation and exile (what Netanyahu called gently: population replacements). More than once they carried out massacres and genocides. Now think of one massive countrythe Thousand-Year Reich. It conquered and murdered out of complete faith in its path. No one talks about them? Well, people do talk about them. I can only assume that what he meant was that as long as these empires existed, talk was bull. As a professional historian, I have a few notes for the prime minister. First of all, Netanyahu is right in saying that the world is not a debate club or an auditorium in the humanities building. The world is full of wolves, and it isnt a good idea to be a lamb. Power is important. A country that is easy and cheap to conquer will soon become prey. But that doesnt mean that the choices are to be a wolf or a lamb. Wolves, for example, dont eat hedgehogs. Its possible to not get eaten by wolves without eating lambs. Secondly, "What is permissible for Jove is not permissible for a bull." Small and medium-size countries cannot act as though the world belongs to them. The world belongs to giants. Thirdly, the assumption that power today means power tomorrow is wrong. Look at the giants of the past. More than once their intoxication with power cost them (and others) dearly. And lastly, the occupation is not only a foreign affairs diplomacy business that the emperor deals with. It has a huge impact on the values and the character of Israel. It isnt bull. After decades of being accused of turning a blind eye, Israeli authorities are finally beginning to crack down on polygamy in Bedouin society and to this end have issued 15 indictments against alleged offenders. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter Though the practice was criminalized in Israel in 1977 and is punishable by up to five years in prison, it has continued mostly unabated in Bedouin communities. One Arab-Israeli parliamentarianTalab Abu Arar (Joint List)has made no secret of being married to two women at the same time. Its been difficult to enforce the law because were talking about a traditional society, which for decades has carried on with their daily lives without (outside intervention), Justice Ministry Director-General Emi Palmor, who headed a committee that published an extensive report on the matter, explained to The Media Line. A woman and her child walk in Rahat (Photo: Victor Cabrera) The issue with polygamy is that it borders on a religious custom, so how can we get involved? I think the state avoided dealing with this because it felt that it would be treading on very intimate grounds. However, in the end, in the past few years weve come to the realization that we must enforce the law. More than 250,000 Bedouinsa sect of tribal nomadic Muslim-Arabsreside in Israel, with the majority concentrated in Rahat and villages across the southern Negev Desert. While it is difficult to determine exactly how widespread polygamy is since not all Bedouin marriages are logged in official databases, recent Israeli government figures estimate that roughly 20 percent of all Bedouin families are polygamous. In January 2017, a ministerial committee headed by Palmor was tasked with upholding Israels anti-polygamy law and providing help to those negatively affected. This past July, the commission published a 315-page report recommending tougher law enforcement, but also advocated for allowing Sharia Courtsbased on Islamic lawto continue registering polygamous unions under limited circumstances. Civil marriages are not conducted in Israel and, as such, Sharia Courts are responsible for overseeing Muslim marriages and divorces. Although nobody in Israel has thus far been convicted of polygamy, Palmor expects that to change. Nevertheless, she noted that criminal prosecution is only one aspect of a wider approach by Jerusalem to address the issue. The governments recommendations pertain to education, employment, treatment, welfare and health, Palmor elaborated. The perception is that we have to not only prosecute people but also to educate them, encourage (higher) womens employment rates and also set up frameworks for childcare to allow women to work and thus become empowered. Justice Ministry Director-General Emi Palmor (Photo: Yair Sagi) Last month, Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked convened the ministerial committee and ordered the implementation of its recommendations. At the meeting, it was revealed that hundreds of related police reports have already been filed and that men involved in polygamous marriages will be barred from working in the civil service and education system. Despite Palmors report calling for exemptions under certain conditions, the committee emphasized that there should be no exceptions to the rule and that Sharia Courts must comply. Bedouin newspaper ad encouraging polygamy (Photo: Al Haddat newspaper) The push to eradicate polygamy follows efforts by many Bedouin activists who have spoken out against the controversial practice, like Insaf Abu Shareb, one of the communitys first female attorneys. I began addressing the issue after I saw how harmful polygamy was to women, children and our society as a whole. I could see how womens spirits were being crushed and nobody paid attention, as if Bedouin women were outside of the public discourse," she told The Media Line. Abu Shareb has for years lobbied Israeli lawmakers to implement stricter policies with regards to the phenomenon, although she argues that prosecuting those who break the law is not the ultimate goal. A woman sits on a bench near the market in Rahat (Photo: Victor Cabrera) You cant solve this problem only with enforcement. Even though its an important aspect, punishment is one side of things and has to be undertaken correctly," Shareb stressed. Married at fourteen Juliette Bader was only 14 years old when she was whisked away from her home in the Gaza Strip to Rahat, a Bedouin city in southern Israel. There, she became a mans second wife and, in the ensuing years, gave birth to two sons. But the marriage was an unhappy one. I was always cooking and with the kids at home, Bader recalled to The Media Line. I didnt have the option of going out to study. From being a girl, I (immediately) became a mother and it was very hard. I didnt know what a boy was, and suddenly I had two of my own," she said. Less than three years after her wedding, Bader decided to divorce her husband. Eventually she remarried, this time to a single man, but her childhood experience has marked her forever. There are only two reasons a woman would agree to her husband marrying a second woman: either she doesnt love him, or she wants to get rid of him because hes driving her crazy. There is no woman who wants to see her husband with another woman," she contended. Juliette Bader inside her home with some of her children in Rahat (Photo: Victor Cabrera) Now 38 and the mother of seven children, Bader runs a visitor center in Rahat, conducts guided tours of the city, and gives cooking workshops. She is one of a growing chorus of women living in Bedouin communities to speak out against polygamy. What does Islam say? Though polygamy pre-dates Islam, it is sanctioned in the Quran. In fact, under certain circumstances men are permitted to marry up to four women. The Quran lays out conditions for polygamy, Mohamad Alkuran, an imam from a mosque in the Bedouin town of Kuseife, explained to The Media Line. For instance, when there is a war and many men are killed, lots of orphans are left. In this context, when there are fewer men (in the overall population), a man is allowed to take a second wife," he explained. According to Alkuran, one of the stipulations in Islamic scripture is that a man with multiple spouses must be equal and fair with all of them, or else suffer divine retribution. Unfortunately, the majority of men who today have several wives in truth set a very negative example.The man sometimes becomes a victim of this practice, if not him then his first wife, if not her then the second wife, if not her then it is the children who suffer from his decision, Alkuran conceded. A woman and schoolchildren stand near a street in Rahat (Photo: Victor Cabrera) Polygamy: an opportunity for independence? Some Bedouin women argue that polygamy is not inherently harmful and allows divorcees, widows or older women to find companionship or even gain independence. For Ehlam Abu Jafar, a social activist and entrepreneur in Rahat, being a second wife enabled her to receive an education and pursue a career. In the beginning, my family was very much against the idea of getting married to someone who already had a wife, but it was my choice, Abu Jafar related to The Media Line. I feel as though Im different from others in the community because I live in peace. You cant tell the difference between my kids and (the first wifes kids). We eat together, we go out together. They live next door and come over freely. We live a normal life," she continued. A view of Rahat, Israels largest and only Bedouin city (Photo: Victor Cabrera) Abu Jafar, who at the age of 35 began studying and eventually graduated with an undergraduate degree, works in Rahats burgeoning tourism industry. We divide things this way: one day my husband is here, the next hes with the other wife. If today hes here with me, he eats dinner, sleeps, goes to work the next morning and comes back to his second family, but he stills sees all the children," , Abu Jafar revealed. Despite the mostly-positive experience, she does not want her daughters to follow in her footsteps."Its very difficult and I dont recommend it at all," she said. Abu Jafar may be an exception to the rule because, as Abu Shareb and others point out, women in polygamous marriages often suffer from domestic violence, sexual assault or depression. For these reasons, many argue that the Israeli government must put a total stop to the practice. A lot of women dont have any other choice, Yarona Richardson, an expert on Bedouin social and economic development who works in the Negev Development Authority, told The Media Line. If theyre too old or if they want to have a child, theres no such thing as children outside of marriage in Bedouin society. (A Bedouin woman) cant go to a sperm bank so theres no alternative. My biggest criticism is towards the (Israeli) government. Although they say they are against polygamy, and although were in a democratic country and its actually illegalthey still havent found a way to really (demonstrate) zero tolerance towards it," she asserted. Article written by Maya Margit Five years ago, Tali Ben-Aroya walked into a room at a technology company in the United States and realized that among the 30-odd entrepreneurs she was the only woman. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter Eager to address the imbalance, Ben-Aroya founded CyberGirlz, a prestigious initiative that encourages and prepares Israelis of high school age to enter the cutting-edge field of cybersecurity. Girls attend a workshop at the CyberGirlz camp in July, 2018 (Photo: David Rawlings) It wasnt the first time I was the only woman in a room (with people in the tech industry), but it was the first time in my life that I felt being a minority actually matters and makes everything much harder, Ben-Aroya recounted to The Media Line. Each year, CyberGirlza program that is part of the Rashi Foundations Cyber Education Centerhosts a special summer camp for dozens of teens, the goal being to train and ultimately recruit the next generation of women for the hi-tech sector as well as the Israeli armys elite cyber units. Were trying to expose the girls to computer science but in a way that they can relate to so that they can see how (the skills) can help them fulfill their dreams, Ben-Aroya explained. Girls in middle school dont tend to choose STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), computer science or cyber security (careers). I realized that if we wanted to make a change and if we want (equal representation), then we need to start at (a young) age. At the CyberGirlz camp, held this year near Afula in the north, dozens of teens met with army experts, went on industry tours and attended workshops. In this program I met women who serve in the army in (elite) technology units, Shahar Ohana, a 17-year-old participant, told The Media Line. That really inspired me to be more successful. File photo (Photo: shutterstock) The 2017 Global Information Security Workforce Studycarried out jointly by the Executive Womens Forum, the (ISC)2 and the Center for Cyber Safety Womenfound that women make up only 11 percent of cybersecurity professionals globally. This has contributed to there being some 300,000 cyber positions currently unfilled in the US alone. In fact, the shortage of professionals is so severe that those who complete their technical training are virtually guaranteed a job. There is zero percent unemployment, Marian Merritt, the Lead for Industry Engagement at the US-based National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE), told The Media Line. So someone who embarks on a path towards working in cybersecurity is guaranteed to not only have interesting and (well-paying) work for the near future, but also be in an area where they can influence the world in a positive way. NICE, which works with the US Department of Commerce, offers a number of mentorship programs for teens seeking to enter the world of cybersecurity. However, Merritt believes the key to addressing the issue of female under-representation in the industry must begin at home. The reason women are a little less interested in cybersecurity has to do with their awareness of these careers; they very often dont know anybody with this kind of job. Their teacher does not talk to them about these careers; their parents certainly dont talk about it either. So I would encourage us to start with parents," she explained. Though Israel has one of the worlds most advanced cybersecurity industries, one of its largest companies, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), is finding it difficult to recruit qualified candidates. Having good professional people is very rare, Camila Edry, Director of Cyber Projects at Elta-IAI, told The Media Line. There is a huge shortage of good cyber personnel all over the world. The scarcity impacts a number of important fields, such as healthcare, with cyber-attacks and leaked personal medical information having become a pressing problem. Triventures, an Israeli venture capital fund, is trying to change that. Were very interested in cybersecurity for healthcare, Michal Geva, Founder and Managing Partner of Triventures, asserted to The Media Line. Healthcare is one of the most attacked sectors. In recent years, roughly 200 million electronic health records were hacked in the United States alone. Getting women involved through educational programs like CyberGirlz could end up changing the face of this crucial industry. We need everybody, boys and girls, to enter cybersecurity careers, Merritt concluded. Article written by Maya Margit North Korea postponed talks with the United States on Thursday "because they weren't ready," US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said as she urged Pyongyang to implement a June deal between the two countries. Speaking to reporters before and after a closed-door UN Security Council meeting on North Korea sanctions, Haley said it is now North Korea's turn to act. She also criticized Russia for trying to lift banking restrictions that are intended to curb the Asian nation's nuclear program. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has agreed to accept the ceasefire understandings between Israel and Hamas, under the condition the arrangement would honor the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement reached after Operation Protective Edge, and would not include political provisions, according to London-based Al Hayat newspaper. Hamas and Fatah delegations are expected to arrive in Cairo next week to resume reconciliation talks. Russia's foreign ministry summoned Austria's ambassador on Friday after Vienna demanded an explanation over suspicions that a retired Austrian colonel had spied for Moscow, Russian news agencies reported. Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said earlier the recently retired officer, who he did not name, may have carried out spying activities since the 1990s. A $15 million Qatari cash infusion was paid out to impoverished Palestinian civil servants in Gaza on Friday, offering Hamas a potential domestic reprieve though Israel said the money would not go to the enclave's dominant Islamist group. Hamas's political rival based in the West Bank, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, has slashed Gaza budgets, beggarring tens of thousands of government employees. That has helped stoke a half-year of bloody protests and occasional shelling exchanges across the border of Gaza. Palestinian sources said the Qatari payout, received on Thursday, was the first of a total of $90 million that would come into the Gaza Strip over the next six months with Israeli approval. The Israel Police announced Thursday there is sufficient evidence to indict six suspects in Case 3000 , the investigation into Israel's acquisition of submarines and patrol boats from Germany. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter The six suspects include former senior IDF officers and close associates of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: attorney David Shimron, the prime minister's personal lawyer and his relative; former deputy National Security Advisor Brig. Gen. (res.) Avriel Bar Yosef; former Navy commander Maj. Gen. (res.) Eliezer Marom; former minister and current chairman of the Keren Hayesod, Eliezer Sandberg; former PMO bureau chief David Sharan; and Brig. Gen. (res.) Shai Brosh. ThyssenKrupp's shipyard in Kiel (Photo: EPA) Police did not recommend to indict attorney Yitzhak Molcho , another close associate of Netanyahu who was questioned in connection with the case. In Case 3000, the police investigated the purchase of three submarines and four patrol boats for the Israeli Navy from German conglomerate ThyssenKrupp. Miki Ganor (Photo: Motti Kimchi) Investigators questioned a series of public servants, businesspeople and senior politicians and army officers on suspicions of bribe, fraud and breach of trust and money laundering, among other offenses committed between the years 2009-2017. According to the police investigation, in 2009 ThyssenKrupp's representative in Israel, Brig. Gen. (res.) Yeshayahu Bareket, was unexpectedly replaced by businessman Miki Ganor, who was the driving force behind the alleged offenses. David Shimron The police suspect several senior officials were involved in Bareket's replacement, expecting to be repaid for their assistance by Ganor down the line. In July 2017, Ganor signed a state's witness agreement , under which he will be charged and convicted of tax offenses, serve 12 months and pay a NIS 10 million fine. The state dropped all other charges against him, making him the main witness in the case, who implicated all of the other suspects Ganor told police he sought out ties with different senior officials in the hopes they would agree to take bribes from him in return for helping advance ThyssenKrupp's interests in Israel. Eliezer Marom (Photo: Elad Gershgoren) He recruited the assistance of the other suspects in one of three ways: by contacting the public official with a promise to promote his private projects after the official retired from public service (as he did with Marom); by transferring money to a decision-maker through a middleman (as he did with David Sharan and Avriel Bar Yosef); or by "employing" his accomplices as "consultants" under fictitious contracts (as he did with Eliezer Sandberg and David Shimron). David Sharan (Photo: Motti Kimchi) Police received three documents in July 2017 that indicated the Germans were well aware of Ganor's methods. The documents include a clause titled "Useful expenses" for Israeli officials and officersin other words, bribes. Police also recommended to indict other, less senior officials suspected in the case: strategic advisors Tzachi Lieber and Nati Mor Rami Tayeb , a political advisor for Minister Yuval Steinitz; attorney Dov Hirsch; and former deputy national security advisor Atalya Rosenbaum Shai Brosh (Photo: Shaul Golan) Following the police announcement, attorney David Shimron said he wasn't "happy, but I'm also not concerned. At the end of the day, it's not the police, but the prosecution that decides (whether to indict). Since I didn't commit any offense, I believe this case will eventually be closed." Lawyers representing Avriel Bar Yosef and Eliezer Sandberg both said they were confident the prosecution will decide not to indict their clients. Avriel Bar Yosef (Photo: Orel Cohen) In light of the police's recommendations to indict close associates of Netanyahu, opposition head Tzipi Livni, Zionist Union leader Avi Gabbay and Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid have all called for the prime minister's resignation. Eliezer Sandberg (Photo: Shaul Golan) Moshe Ya'alon, who was the defense minister at the time and has given his testimony in the case, called on the police to question Netanyahu. Netanyahu's Likud Party said that "the attempts of the left wing to pin the submarine affair on Prime Minister Netanyahu have shattered in the face of reality. We are sorry for Lapid and Gabbay, whose desperate hope to replace Netanyahu using false allegations has once again been dashed." Syrian government forces clashed with rebels in Hama province on Friday in some of the heaviest fighting in the northwest for a year, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. The army and allied forces attacked insurgents near the village of Halfaya overnight, seizing some positions, the UK-based war monitoring group said. A group of Palestinians hurled Friday stones at the convoy of Qatari ambassador Mohammed Al Emadi, who arrived at one of the "March of Return" demonstrations sites along the Gaza border. No casualties were reported, and Emadi moved to another demonstration site. Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar attended the riots, in which the participation of demonstrators was relatively low. A $15 million Qatari cash infusion was paid out to Palestinian civil servants in the Gaza Strip on Friday, offering the enclave's dominant Hamas militants a potential domestic reprieve though Israel said the money would not go to them. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter Hamas's political rival based in the West Bank, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, has slashed Gaza budgets, beggarring tens of thousands of government employees. That has helped stoke a half-year of bloody protests and occasional shelling exchanges across the border of Gaza. Palestinian civil servants receive salaries (Photo: AFP) Palestinian sources said the Qatari payout, received on Thursday, was the first of a total of $90 million that would come into Gaza over the next six months with Israeli approval. Israel had previously agreed to the gas-rich Gulf Arab state donating materials for civilian construction projects or fuel, worried that more fungible cash donations could reach Hamas guerrillas, with which it has fought three wars in a decade. "One day, I have no money to get food or medicine for my children and now I will buy them food, medicine and clothes," said Wael Abu Assi, a traffic policeman, outside a Gaza City post office where people queued to draw their salaries. Hamas officials arrive at the post office to receive salaries paid by Qatar Observers for Qatar were present at all 12 post offices across Gaza to monitor the salary disbursements. Employees had to present their identity card and be finger-printed. Qatari envoy's Convoy stoned "Long live Qatar!" shouted youths who greeting Doha's point-man for Gaza relief efforts, Mohammed Al-Emadi, at a site near the border with Israel which has seen frequent demonstrations. "Long live Gaza!" he replied. But as the diplomat's convoy departed, some youths threw stones that smashed a window on his bodyguards' car, suggesting not all Palestinian protesters were pleased with Qatar's intervention. Al-Emadi's car was unscathed. Qatar's official news agency said the donated money would benefit 27,000 civil servants. "The salaries for the others will be paid from local revenue," it said. Qatari Amb. Mohammed Al-Emadi in Gaza Hamas has hired over 40,000 people in Gaza since 2007 but many appeared to have been excluded from the list of payees. "They told me they don't have money for me," one employee told Reuters on condition that he would not be named. "Maybe Israel vetoed my name?" Officials from Hamas, Qatar and Israel have been largely silent about the details of the Gaza payouts arrangement. But a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's security cabinet played down their significance. "This is not money that is going to Hamas activities. It is money that is going to the salaries of civil servants, in an orderly, organised manner," Environment Minister Zeev Elkin told Tel Aviv radio station 102 FM. Elkin accused Abbas, whose peace talks with Netanyahu stalled in 2014 and who is boycotting the United States because of its pro-Israel policies, of cutting salaries to "inflame Gaza, because he has not been successful on other fronts". Gaza border demonstrations "The Qataris came along and said: 'We are willing to pay this instead of Abbas, in order to calm Gaza down'. What does it matter who pays it?" Elkin said. Wasel Abu Youssef, a member of the executive committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), criticised the move. "Arrangements through Qatar and elsewhere prolong the crisis of Palestinian division," Abu Youssef told Reuters. Doha's donation, as well as UN-Egyptian truce mediation and winter rains, have tamped down the violence at the border, where Gaza medics say more than 220 Palestinians were killed by IDF fire since the protests began on March 30. Israel, which says its force prevents armed infiltration, has lost a soldier to a Gaza sniper and thousands of acres of farmland and woodland to incendiary material flown over the frontier on kites or helium balloons, while its Gaza border communities' residents have been subjected to repeated rocket barrages launched at them over the past few months. "This is one of the fruits of the 'March of Return' ," Abraham Baker, a police officer who received a full salary, said, using the Palestinian term for the protests, which demand rights to lands lost to Israel's in the 1948 War of Independence. A Palestinian, who infiltrated Friday afternoon into Israel from northern Gaza, is suspected of setting alight a greenhouse in moshav Netiv HaAsara in Hof Ashkelon Regional Council. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter At first, the IDF said the flames erupted as a result of an illuminating bomb the army fired while searching for the Palestinian. However, after a preliminary investigation, it was concluded the infiltrator is apparently the one responsible for the arson. Greenhouse set alight in Hof Ashkelon Regional Council (: ) X Firefighting teams were called to the scene, and the Palestinian was apprehended and taken for questioning. No casualties were reported. The incident occurred on the backdrop of negotiations talks between Israel and Hamas, and a $15 million Qatari cash infusion paid out to Palestinian civil servants in the strip, offering the terror organization a potential domestic reprieve though Israel said the money would not go to it. According to Palestinian sources, the Qatari payout was the first of a total of $90 million that would come into Gaza over the next six months with Israeli approval. Greenhouse set alight in Hof Ashkelon Regional Council Qatari Ambassador Mohammed Al-Emadi said that the gas-rich Gulf Arab state would continue transferring a $ 15 million payment per month during the next six months for Hamas officials' salaries and for underprivileged families in Gaza. Emadi added that $ 10 million will be transferred to provide the strip with fuel supply. "We've reached an agreement with Israel regarding the electricity problem in Gaza and the naval route," the Qatari envoy said. Emadi did not elaborate on the agreement with Israel, stating, "The UN is not involved in the Qatari grant, which is fully supervised by the Qatari committee. On Friday afternoon, as Emadi's convoy departed from Gaza, some youths threw stones that smashed a window on his bodyguards' car, suggesting not all Palestinian protesters were pleased with Qatar's intervention. Al-Emadi's car was unscathed. Meanwhile, A 28-year-old Palestinian, who was critically wounded by IDF fire during riots along the Gaza border, succumbed to his wounds. The Gogebic Range Honors band performs at the Historic Ironwood Theatre Thursday after a long day of practice. IRONWOOD - Eighty-one area high school band students gathered for a day full of music at the Historic Ironwood Theatre Tuesday. Students from six area high school band programs participated in the annual Gogebic Range Honors Band under the direction of Nicholas Enz, assistant professor and director of bands at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa. It was a long day, but a great day, according to Bessemer band director Dan Pitrone. "They rehearsed from 8 until 3 and then put on a show," he said. "There was some very challenging, standard band repertoire. They did an excellent job." Amon... By RICHARD JENKINS [email protected] HURLEY More than three of every four registered voters in Iron County cast ballots in Tuesdays mid-term election, a rate that helped the state of Wisconsin set a new mid-term turnout record. A total of 3,118 of the 4,012 registered voters in Iron County went to the polls Tuesday, a 77.7 percent turnout rate. The Associated Press reports more than 2.67 million Wisconsin voters cast ballots or 59.38 percent of the states voting age population. It marked a new record for Wisconsin mid-term participation. Five of the countys 12 tow... APPLE VALLEY, Minn. - Sydella Marie (Tiberi) Mascotti, 74, of Apple Valley, passed away peacefully Wednesday evening, Nov. 7, 2018. Sydella was born on Nov. 26, 1943, in Wakefield, Mich. She attended Wakefield High School and graduated in 1961. Sydella was active in school, sports, (1960 state high school downhill ski champion), work and family. She gradated from Northern Michigan University in 1965 with a Biology degree and later earned a Masters degree in Art from Winona State University. Sydella worked as a microbiologist before raising her family and returned to work later opening stores for Michaels Craft Company. She was a creative artist excelling in many art media, but was especially gifted in calligraphy and pottery. Sydella continued to ski and was an avid SCUBA diver. Traveling the world was another passion she pursued. Sydella is loved and missed by her husband, Paul; daughters, Kristin and Kandice and their significant others; as well as her grandchildren, Sophia, Kyle, Amelia and Miko. She will never be forgotten, leaving many loving memories. Sydella was predeceased by her father, August Tiberi, on July 4, 1967; and her mother, Sydella LeGrave, on Dec. 23, 1993. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, Nov. 10, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 407 Ascherman St., in Wakefield, with the Rev. Robb Jurkovich, celebrant. Also in attendance will be the Immaculate Conception Women's Guild Honor Guard. Luncheon will be served at the church hall immediately following the Mass. Rite of Committal and interment will take place at Lakeside Cemetery, Wakefield, in the spring. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com. Latest News Washington, DC - President Trump in Press Conference After Midterm Elections: THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. Thank you very much. Please, thank you. It was a big day yesterday. An incredible day. And last night, the Republican Party defied history to expand our Senate Majority while significantly beating expectations in the House for the midtown and midterm year. We did this in spite of a very dramatic fundraising disadvantage driven by Democrats wealthy donors and special interests, and very hostile media coverage, to put it mildly. The media coverage set a new record and a new standard. We also had a staggering number of House retirements. So its a little tough. These are seats that couldve been held pretty easily, and we had newcomers going in, and a lot of them worked very hard. But its very difficult when you have that many retirements. We held a large number of campaign rallies with large, large numbers of people going to every one and to the best of my knowledge, we didnt have a vacant or an empty seat; Im sure you would have reported it if you spotted one including 30 rallies in the last 60 days. And we saw the candidates that I supported achieve great success last night. As an example, of the 11 candidates we campaigned with during the last week, 9 won last night. This vigorous campaigning stopped the blue wave that they talked about. I dont know if there ever was such a thing, but couldve been. If we didnt do the campaign, probably there couldve been. And the history really will see what a good job we did in the final couple of weeks in terms of getting some tremendous people over the finish line. They really are tremendous people, but many of them were not known. But they will be known. This election marks the largest Senate gains for a Presidents party in a first midterm election since at least President Kennedys in 1962. There have been only four midterm elections since 1934 in which a Presidents party has gained even a single Senate seat. As of now, we picked up, it looks like, three. Could be four. Perhaps it could be two. But we picked up a lot. And most likely, that number will be three. You people probably know that better than I do at this point, because youve looked at the more recent numbers. Fifty-five is the largest number of Republican senators in the last 100 years. In the last 80 years, a sitting Presidents party has only gained a cumulative total of eight Senate seats, averaging one per decade. So, if we picked up two, three, or four, thats a big percentage of that number. So in the last 80 years you think of that only eight seats. In President Obamas first midterm election, he lost six Senate seats, including in the deep-blue state of Massachusetts. Republicans captured at least four Senate seats held by Democrat incumbents. And these are tremendously talented, hardworking people that did this Indiana, North Dakota, Florida, Missouri. We also won two open Senate seats in Tennessee I want to congratulate our great champion who did such a great job in Tennessee, Marsha and in Utah. And Arizona is looking very good. Really, very good. Shes done a terrific job. That was a tough race, and shes done a fantastic job. In each of these open seats, Democrats recruited very strong candidates with substantial fundraising and media support. We were getting bombarded with money on the other side. In the House, Republicans dramatically outperformed historical precedents and overcame a historic number of retirements the most House Republican retirements in 88 years; 43 House Republicans retired. Now, I will say this that, in many cases, they were chairman of committees, and they left because they werent chairman, because the Republicans have a rule for six years. And what that does is wonderful in one way; it lets people come through the system and become chairman. And, in another way, it drives people out. Because when theyre a chairman, they dont want to go and not be a chairman. Youre the chairman of a committee, and youre a big deal, and then all of a sudden youre not doing that anymore. So they leave. We had a lot of them leave. I guess you can flip a coin as to which system is better. The Democrats do the other. Some of their folks have been in these committees for a long time as chairman. In 2010, President Obamas first midterm, he lost 63 seats. By contrast, as of the most current count, it looks like around 27 House seats or something. And well figure that out pretty soon. We also had a slew of historic wins in the governors races the governors races were incredible against very well-funded, talented, and skilled Democrat candidates and people that worked very, very hard, respectfully, for those candidates, like Oprah Winfrey, who I like. I dont know if she likes me anymore, but thats okay. She used to. But she worked very hard in Georgia. Very, very hard. And if you look at them, we won four governors races crucial to 2020 and the presidential race: Florida, Iowa, Ohio, and Georgia. The big ones: Florida, Iowa, Ohio, and Georgia. Cant get much more important than that. They were incredible. They were actually incredible campaigns, too. Incredible. As of right now, Republicans will control the majority of governorships across the country, including three great women who worked very hard: the governors of Alabama, South Dakota, and Iowa. They worked very, very hard. Theyre very talented. By expanding our Senate majority, the voters have also clearly rebuked the Senate Democrats for their handling of the Kavanaugh hearings. That was a factor. I think maybe a very big factor. The way that was handled, I think, was tremendous energy was given to the Republican Party by the way they treated then-Judge Kavanaugh, now Justice Kavanaugh. And expressed their support for confirming more great pro-Constitution judges. Candidates who embraced our message of low taxes, low regulations, low crime, strong borders, and great judges excelled last night. They excelled. They really I mean, we have a list of people that were fantastic, and Im just going to point them out: Mike Bost; Rodney Davis; Andy Barr was fantastic. I went to Kentucky for the most part, I didnt campaign for the House, but I did actually make a special trip for Andy Barr because he was in a very tough race in Kentucky, and he won. That was a very tough race. The polls were all showing that he was down, and down substantially. And he won. And that one, I did do. Pete Stauber, of Minnesota. Great guy. Hes new and ran a fantastic race. On the other hand, you had some that decided to lets stay away. Lets stay away. They did very poorly. Im not sure that I should be happy or sad, but I feel just fine about it. Carlos Curbelo; Mike Coffman too bad, Mike; Mia Love. I saw Mia Love. Shed call me all the time to help her with a hostage situation. Being held hostage in Venezuela. But Mia Love gave me no love, and she lost. Too bad. Sorry about that, Mia. And Barbara Comstock was another one. I mean, I think she could have run that race, but she didnt want to have any embrace. For that, I dont blame her. But she she lost. Substantially lost. Peter Roskam didnt want the embrace. Erik Paulsen didnt want the embrace. And in New Jersey, I think he could have done well, but didnt work out too good. Bob Hugin, I feel badly because I think thats something that could have been won. Thats a race that could have been won. Thats a race that could have been won. John Faso. Those are some of the people that, you know, decided for their own reason not to embrace, whether its me or what we stand for. But what we stand for meant a lot to most people. And weve had tremendous support, and tremendous support in the Republican Party. Among the biggest support in the history of the party. Ive actually heard, at 93 percent, its a record. But I wont say that, because who knows. But weve had tremendous support. America is booming like never before. Doing fantastic. We have Larry Kudlow here, and he said the numbers are as good as hes ever seen numbers at any time for our country. But hes a young man, so he hasnt seen that many numbers. (Laughter.) Wheres Larry? Youre a young man. Right, Larry? And you havent been doing this too long, but theyre as good as youve ever seen. And we may have if you have a question for Larry, well do that. But I want to send my warmest appreciation in regards to Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. We really worked very well together. We have been working very well together. We actually have a great relationship. People just dont understand that, which is fine. And also to, perhaps it looks like, I would think Speaker Nancy Pelosi. And I give her a lot of credit. She works very hard, and shes worked long and hard. I give her a great deal of credit for what shes done and what shes accomplished. Hopefully, we can all work together next year to continue delivering for the American people, including on economic growth, infrastructure, trade, lowering the cost of prescription drugs. These are some of things that the Democrats do want to work on, and I really believe well be able to do that. I think were going to have a lot of reason to do it. And I will say, just as a matter of business, I was with some very successful people last night. We were watching the returns. So if the Republicans won and lets say we held on by two, or one, or three it wouldve been very hard out of that many Republicans to ever even get support among Republicans, because there will always be one, or two, or three people that, for a good reason or for a bad reason, or for grandstanding we have that too; youve seen that. Youve seen that. Plenty of grandstanding. But for certain reasons that many people youre always going to have a couple that wont do it. So that puts us in a very bad position. In other words, had we kept it, and this is no Im saying this for very basic reasons, common sense it puts us in a very tough position. We win by one, or two, or three, and youll have one, or two, or three, or four or five even, come over and say, you know, Look, were not going to along with this. We want this, this, this And all of a sudden, we cant even we wouldnt even be able to get, in many cases, out of the Republicans hands before we sent it on to the Senate. And now we have a much easier path, because the Democrats will come to us with a plan for infrastructure, a plan for healthcare, a plan for whatever they are looking at, and well negotiate. And as you know, its been very hard in the Senate because we need, essentially, 10 votes from Democrats, and we dont get those votes. Because the Democrats do really stick together well. I dont agree with them on a lot of policy, but I agree with them on sticking together. They stick together great. So now we go into the Senate. We dont have the 10 votes. And what happens? It doesnt get passed. Even if it gets out of the House, it doesnt get passed. So under the new concept of what were doing, I say, Come on. Let me see what you have. They want to do things. You know, I keep hearing about investigations fatigue. Like from the time almost from the time I announced I was going to run, theyve been giving us this investigation fatigue. Its been a long time. They got nothing. Zero. You know why? Because there is nothing. But they can play that game, but we can play it better. Because we have a thing called the United States Senate. And a lot of very questionable things were done between leaks of classified information, and many other elements that should not have taken place. And all youre going to do is end up in back and forth, and back and forth. And two years is going to go up, and we wont have done a thing. I really think, and I really respected what Nancy said last night about bipartisanship and getting together and uniting. She used the word uniting and she used the word the bipartisanship statement, which is so important because thats what we should be doing. So we can look at us, they can look at us, and we can look at them, and itll go back and forth. And itll probably be very good for me politically. I could see it being extremely good politically, because I think Im better at that game than they are, actually. But well find out. I mean, you know, well find out. Or we can work together. You cant do them simultaneously, by the way. Just think if somebody said, Oh, you can do them both. No, you cant. Because if theyre doing that, were not doing the other, just so you understand. So we wont be doing that. But now what happens is we send it to the Senate, and well get 100 percent Democrat support, and well get some Republican support. And if its good, I really believe we have Republicans that will help with the approval process and they will really help with the approval process. So it really could be a beautiful bipartisan type of situation. If we won by one or two or three, or four or five, that wouldnt happen. And the closer it is, the worse it is. This way, theyll come to me, well negotiate. Maybe well make a deal, maybe we wont. Thats possible. But we have a lot of things in common on infrastructure. We want to do something on healthcare; they want to do something on healthcare. There are a lot of great things that we can do together. And now well send it up and we will really get well get the Democrats and well get the Republicans, or some of the Republicans. And Ill make sure that we send something up that the Republicans can support, and theyre going to want to make sure they send something up that the Democrats can support. So our great country is booming like never before, and were thriving on every single level, both in terms of economic and military strength; in terms of development. In terms of GDP, were doing unbelievably. I will tell you, our trade deals are coming along fantastically. The USMCA and South Korea is finished. USMCA has gotten rave reviews. Not going to lose companies anymore to other countries. Theyre not going to do that because they have a tremendous economic incentive, meaning its prohibitive for them to do that. So its not going to be like NAFTA, which is one of the worst deals Ive ever seen although weve made some other pretty bad ones too. Now is the time for members of both parties to join together, put partisanship aside, and keep the American economic miracle going strong. It is a miracle. Were doing so well. And Ive said it at a lot of rallies. Some of you have probably heard it so much you dont want to hear it again. But when people come to my office presidents, prime ministers they all congratulate me, almost the first thing, on what weve done economically. Because it is really amazing. And our steel industry is back. Our aluminum industry is starting to do really well. These are industries that were dead. Our miners are working again. We must all work together to protect our military I have to do that to support out law enforcement, secure our borders, and advance really great policy, including environmental policy. We want crystal-clean water. We want beautiful, perfect air. Air and water, it has to be perfect. At the same time, we dont want to put ourselves at a disadvantage to other countries who are very competitive with us and who dont abide by the rules at all. We dont want to hurt our jobs. We dont want to hurt our factories. We dont want companies leaving. We want to be totally competitive, and we are. And right now we have just about the cleanest air, the cleanest water weve ever had, and its always going to be that way. We insist on it. So environmental is very important to me. And with that, Ill take a few questions if youd like. Woah. (Laughter.) I didnt know what happened. All right, go ahead, John. That was a lot of hands shooting up so quickly. Q Theres a lot to talk about. THE PRESIDENT: Theres a lot to talk about. Q Mr. President, you talked at length just now about bipartisanship. The presumed Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, talked about it last night. Im sure thats encouraging for the American people. But do you really believe, given what the relationship has been like between this White House and the Democratic Party, that that will happen? Will THE PRESIDENT: I think theres a good chance, John. I think theres a very good chance that Q If I could just finish THE PRESIDENT: it will happen. Q Wil you have to compromise on certain issues to the point where it could hurt you in 2020? And do you expect that when the Democrats take over the chairmanship of all these important committees, youre going to get hit with a blizzard of subpoenas on everything from the Russia investigation THE PRESIDENT: Well, then everything is going to come okay. Q to your cellphone use, to your tax returns? THE PRESIDENT: Ready? Then youre going to if that happens, then were going to do the same thing and government comes to a halt. And I would blame them because they now are going to be coming up with policy. Theyre the majority in the House. I expect that they will come up with some fantastic ideas that I can support on the environment, on so many different things, including prescription drug prices which weve made a big dent in already, including some of the things that were working on for the vets. Weve gotten choice approved. Weve gotten a lot of things approved. But they have some other elements that we want. There are many things we can get along on without a lot of trouble that we agree very much with them and they agree with us. I would like to see bipartisanship. I would like to see unity. And I think we have a very good chance of and maybe not on everything but I think we have a very good chance of seeing that. Go ahead. Q One question on the lame duck, sir, and one on your Cabinet. You toyed with the idea during the campaign of a shutdown before the midterms in order to secure border wall funding. Are you prepared to go on a shutdown strategy during a lame duck, since this might be your last, best chance THE PRESIDENT: Not necessarily my last chance. Q to secure that? THE PRESIDENT: Look, I speak to Democrats all the time. They agree that a wall is necessary. Wall is necessary. And as you know, were building the wall. Weve started. But we should build it at one time, not in chunks. Q But you want much more money, and you want it much sooner. THE PRESIDENT: No, we need the money to build the wall the whole wall not pieces of it all over. And we are doing it. Now we have the military. Now we have other elements of wall that are pretty nasty, to be honest with you. But its nevertheless, its pretty hard to get through it. But no, Id like to see the wall. Many of the people that well be dealing with, you know, in 2006, they approved the wall, essentially. It was a very strong border fence, but it was the same thing. And they all approved it; they all agreed. I have statements from every one of them. We have them saying, We need the wall. I mean, they sound like me. But we do need it because we have people coming and Im not just talking about the caravans. We have people coming through our border that you physically cant put that many people. Its a 2,000-mile stretch. You cant put that many people along that stretch to guard it. And even if you did, tremendous fighting would ensue. So we need the wall. Many Democrats know we need the wall. And were just going to have to see what happens. I mean, well be fighting for it. They have done everything in their power to make sure were I got the military $700 billion and $716 billion. The wall is a tiny, tiny fraction of the cost of that. But their whole agenda has been to try not giving me anything for the wall. I really believe, politically, theyre hurting themselves. I actually think, politically, thats a good thing for me. But I want to get the wall up because we need it for security. Q So no shutdown scenario for the mid for the lame duck? THE PRESIDENT: I dont know. I cant tell you that. No, I cant commit to that, but its possible. Q And can you give us clarity, sir, on your thinking currently now, after the midterms, about your Attorney General and your Deputy Attorney General? Do they have long-term job security? THE PRESIDENT: Id rather answer that at a little bit different time. Were looking at a lot of different things, including Cabinet. Im very happy with most of my Cabinet. Were looking at different people for different positions. You know, its very common after the midterms. I didnt want to do anything before the midterms. But I will tell you that, for the most part, Im extremely happy with my Cabinet. I think Mike Pompeo has fit in so beautifully. Hes done an incredible job as Q How about your Interior Secretary? THE PRESIDENT: Were looking at that, and I want I do want to study whatever is being said. I think hes doing Q Is he in jeopardy? THE PRESIDENT: I think hes doing an excellent job, but we will take a look at that in a very strong and well probably have an idea about that in about a week. Q Thank you, Mr. President. THE PRESIDENT: Okay? Thank you. Wow, this is Go ahead, Jon. He gave me a fair interview the other day, so I might as well ask him a question. Q All right, thank you, Mr. President. And picking up there, you told me the other day that you are an open book. So THE PRESIDENT: I think I am an open book. Q So point blank, if Democrats go after your tax returns, will you try to block that or will you allow them to have it? THE PRESIDENT: Well, look, as I have told you, theyre under audit. They have been for a long time. Theyre extremely complex. People wouldnt understand them. Theyre done by among the biggest and best law firms in the country. Same thing with the accounting firms. The accountants are a very, very larger, powerful firm, from the standpoint of respect. Highly respected. Big firm. A great law firm. You know it very well. They do these things; they put them in. But people dont understand tax returns. Now, I did do a filing of over 100 pages, I believe, which is in the offices. And when people went and saw that filing and they saw the magnitude of it, they were very disappointed. And they saw the you know, the detail. Youd get far more from that. And I guess we filed that now three times. But you get far more from that than you could ever get from a tax return. But when youre under audit and Im on under very continuous audit because there are so many companies, and it is a very big company far bigger than you would even understand. But its a great company, but its big and its complex. And its probably feet high. Its a very complex instrument. And I think that people wouldnt understand it. But if I were finished with the audit, I would have an open mind to it. I would say that. But I dont want to do it during the audit. And, really, no lawyer even from the other side, they say often not always but when youre under audit, you dont have you dont subject it to that. You get it done, and then you release it. So when that happens, if that happens, I would certainly have an open mind to it. Q So that means that if the audit is still on, you will not turn over the tax returns, or youll fight to block it? THE PRESIDENT: When its under audit no, nobody would. Nobody turns over a return when its under audit, okay? Yeah, go ahead. Please. Q One, I was tempted to ask you why you like Oprah so much, but I think Ill go on to the question that THE PRESIDENT: Why do I like Oprah? Q (Laughs.) THE PRESIDENT: What kind of a question is that? Q Im just asking. Just curious. But the real question THE PRESIDENT: Hes a comedian here. Q The real question is THE PRESIDENT: I do like Oprah, by the way. I do. She was a person I knew well. Came to my place in Palm Beach often. And I have a lot of respect for her. Unfortunately, she didnt do the trick. Q The real question is, you just said up here, and said from this podium, that its are you offering a my-way-or-highway scenario to the Democrats? Youre saying THE PRESIDENT: No. Negotiation. Not at all. Q that if if they start investigating you, that you can play that game and investigate them. THE PRESIDENT: Oh, yeah. Better than them. Q Can you compartmentalize that THE PRESIDENT: And I think I know more and I think I know more than they know. Q Can you compartmentalize that and still continue to work with them for the benefit of the rest of the country? Or are you THE PRESIDENT: No. Q Are all bets off? THE PRESIDENT: No. If they do that, then its just all it is, is a warlike posture. Yeah, go ahead. Q And so then the wait a minute, then the follow-up then THE PRESIDENT: You heard my answer. Go ahead. Q Well, since its Jim, Ill let it go. Q Okay. Thank you, Mr. President. I wanted to challenge you on one of the statements that you made in the tail end of the campaign in the midterms, that this THE PRESIDENT: Here we go. Q Well, if you dont mind, Mr. President THE PRESIDENT: Lets go. Lets go. Come on. Q That this caravan was an invasion. As you know, Mr. President THE PRESIDENT: I consider it to be an invasion. Q As you know, Mr. President, the caravan was not an invasion. Its a group of migrants moving up from Central America towards the border with the U.S. THE PRESIDENT: Thank you for telling me that. I appreciate it. Q Why did you characterize it as such? And THE PRESIDENT: Because I consider it an invasion. You and I have a difference of opinion. Q But do you think that you demonized immigrants in this election THE PRESIDENT: Not at all. No, not at all. Q to try to keep THE PRESIDENT: I want them I want them to come into the country, but they have to come in legally. You know, they have to come in, Jim, through a process. I want it to be a process. And I want people to come in. And we need the people. Q Right. But your campaign had your campaign THE PRESIDENT: Wait. Wait. Wait. You know why we need the people, dont you? Because we have hundreds of companies moving in. We need the people. Q Right. But your campaign had an ad showing migrants climbing over walls and so on. THE PRESIDENT: Well, thats true. They werent actors. They werent actors. Q Theyre not going to be doing that. THE PRESIDENT: They werent actors. Well, no, it was true. Do you think they were actors? They werent actors. They didnt come from Hollywood. These were these were people this was an actual you know, it happened a few days ago. And Q Theyre hundreds of miles of way though. Theyre hundreds and hundreds of miles away. THE PRESIDENT: You know what? Q Thats not an invasion. THE PRESIDENT: I think you should honestly, I think you should let me run the country, you run CNN Q All right. THE PRESIDENT: and if you did it well, your ratings would be much better. Q But let me ask, if I if I may ask one other question THE PRESIDENT: Okay, thats enough. Q Mr. President, if I may if I may ask one other question. THE PRESIDENT: Okay, Peter, go ahead. Q Are you worried THE PRESIDENT: Thats enough. Thats enough. Thats enough. Q Mr. President, I didnt well, I was going to ask one other. The other folks that had THE PRESIDENT: Thats enough. Thats enough. Q Pardon me, maam, Im Mr. President THE PRESIDENT: Excuse me, thats enough. Q Mr. President, I had one other question if THE PRESIDENT: Peter. Lets go. Q I may ask on the Russia investigation. Are you concerned that you may have indictments THE PRESIDENT: Im not concerned about anything with the Russia investigation because its a hoax. Q that you may indictments coming down? Are you THE PRESIDENT: Thats enough. Put down the mic. Q Mr. President, are you worried about indictments coming down in this investigation? Q Mr. President THE PRESIDENT: Ill tell you what: CNN should be ashamed of itself having you working for them. You are a rude, terrible person. You shouldnt be working for CNN. Go ahead. Q I think thats unfair. THE PRESIDENT: Youre a very rude person. The way you treat Sarah Huckabee is horrible. And the way you treat other people are horrible. You shouldnt treat people that way. Go ahead. Go ahead, Peter. Go ahead. Q In Jims defense, Ive traveled with him and watched him. Hes a diligent reporter who busts his butt like the rest of us. THE PRESIDENT: Well, Im not a big fan of yours either. So, you know. (Laughter.) Q I understand. THE PRESIDENT: To be honest with you. Q So let me so let me ask you a question if I can Q (Inaudible.) THE PRESIDENT: You arent you arent the best. Q You repeatedly said Mr. President, you repeatedly over the course of the Q (Off-mic.) (Inaudible) called the enemy of the people THE PRESIDENT: Okay, just sit down, please. Q (Off-mic.) (Inaudible) campaign (inaudible) and sent pipe bombs. Thats just (inaudible). THE PRESIDENT: Well, when you report fake news Q (Off-mic.) (Inaudible.) THE PRESIDENT: No. When you report fake news, which CNN does a lot, you are the enemy of the people. Go ahead. Q Mr. President, over the course over the course of the last several days of the campaign, sir sir, at the end of the campaign, you repeatedly said that Americans need to fear Democrats. You said Democrats would unleash a wave of violent crime that endangers families everywhere. Why are you pitting Americans THE PRESIDENT: Because theyre very weak on crime. Q why are you pitting Americans against one another, sir? THE PRESIDENT: Excuse me. Peter. Peter, what are you trying to be him? Q No, Im just asking a question. THE PRESIDENT: Peter, just let me just let me just tell you, very simple: Because theyre very weak on crime. Because they have often suggested members and people within the Democrat Party, at a high level, have suggested getting rid of ICE, getting rid of law enforcement. Thats not going to happen, okay? We want to be strong on the borders. We want to be strong on law enforcement. And I want to I want to cherish ICE because ICE does a fantastic job. The what they do for us is so really, its so unrecognized how good a job they do. So we want to take care of them, and we want to hold them very close because they do a good job. Q But the question, to be clear THE PRESIDENT: Okay, yeah, go ahead. Q to be clear, though, the question, sir, is, why are you THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. Sit. Sit down, Peter. Q but the question but you didnt answer my question. Just very simply, the question is, why are you pitting Americans against one another, sir? THE PRESIDENT: Im not. Q Is that how you view citizens of this country? THE PRESIDENT: No, Im not. Well, look, Ill tell you what we won a lot of elections last night. We did very well last night, and I think its going to have Q But in many ways, it divided the country. THE PRESIDENT: I think its going to have a very positive impact. I watched NBC this morning; they didnt report it exactly correctly, but thats, you know, very, very thats the fact with NBC. Nothing I can do about that. But I want this country to have protection. We want security in our country. I want security, Peter. I mean, you maybe dont think its so important. And I think when you dont have it, you are indeed unleashing crime. I feel that. Go ahead. Go ahead. Q You said you would sign an executive order on birthright citizenship. Are you still going to sign the executive order on birthright citizenship? THE PRESIDENT: You will answer youll ask me that question a little bit later. Go ahead. Q Okay. THE PRESIDENT: Go ahead. Sure. Q Thank you, Mr. President. The investigation by the Special Counsel, Robert Mueller, has been going on since last spring. Its been over THE PRESIDENT: Its been a long time. Q Yeah, its been over your head, over Republicans head during the midterms as well. Is this an opportunity for you, Mr. President, to end that investigation? Would you consider removing Mr. Mueller from his position? THE PRESIDENT: I could have ended it anytime I wanted. I didnt. And there was so collusion. There was no anything. I didnt. They went after hackers in Moscow. I dont know about that. They went after people with tax problems, from years ago. They went after people with loans and other things. Had nothing to do with my campaign. This is a investigation where many, many millions of dollars has been spent. And theres no collusion. It was supposed to be on collusion. Theres no collusion. And I think its I think its very bad for our country, I will tell you. I think its a shame. And a poll came out today by the way, from NBC or least I saw it on NBC where a majority of the people do not agree with the Mueller investigation, or it wasnt approved. They have approval and disapproval, and it had a much higher disapproval. It should end because its very bad for our country. Its Q So if its bad THE PRESIDENT: and Im not just talking about the tremendous expense. And the other thing is, they should look at the other side also. They only look at one side. Theyre not looking at all of the things that came up during this investigation. They dont do that. They should also get people that can be fair, not 13 or 14 or 17 I call them the Angry Democrats. They are angry people. And its a very unfair thing for this country. Its a very, very forget about unfair to me; its very bad for our country. Q So, Mr. President, if its un THE PRESIDENT: Go ahead. No, no, no. Please. Q Mr. President, just to make the point if its unfair to the country and its costing millions of dollars, why dont you just end it? THE PRESIDENT: Give him the mic, please. Ive answered the question. Q Okay. THE PRESIDENT: Go ahead, take the take the mic. Q Voter suppression Mr. President, voter suppression. THE PRESIDENT: Well, Ill give you voter I will give you voter suppression. You just have to sit down, please. Q (Inaudible.) THE PRESIDENT: Sit down. I didnt call you. I didnt call you. I didnt call you. Ill give you voter suppression: Take a look at the CNN polls, how inaccurate they were. Thats called voter suppression. Go ahead, please. Q Thank you, Mr. President. Q In Georgia, sir? In Georgia? THE PRESIDENT: Im not Im not responding. Im responding to Q (Off-mic.) (Inaudible.) THE PRESIDENT: Excuse me, Im not responding to you. Im talking to this gentleman. Will you please sit down? Q (Off-mic.) (Inaudible.) THE PRESIDENT: Would Q (Inaudible) but you said (inaudible). THE PRESIDENT: Excuse me. Excuse me. Would you please sit down? Please, go ahead. Q Thank you, Mr. President, now that the now that the House of Representatives has THE PRESIDENT: Very hostile such a hostile media. Its so sad. You ask me about Q (Off-mic.) (Inaudible.) THE PRESIDENT: No. You rudely interrupted him. Q You responded (inaudible). THE PRESIDENT: You rudely interrupted him. Go ahead. Q Thank you, Mr. President. Do your demands remain the same to the United States Congress on immigration in exchange for a DACA fix? In exchange for an amnesty for 1.7 million, are you willing to change any of those demands that you gave to Congress earlier? THE PRESIDENT: I think we could really do something having to do with DACA. And what really happened with DACA we could have done some pretty good work on DACA. But a judge ruled that DACA was okay. Had the judge not ruled that way, I think we would have made a deal. Once the judge ruled that way, the Democrats didnt want to talk anymore. So well see how it works out at the Supreme Court. Go ahead. Q Will you take questions from the international media THE PRESIDENT: From where? Q From the international media. THE PRESIDENT: Yeah, go ahead. Go ahead. Q Afghanistan, Mr. President. Afghanistan THE PRESIDENT: Go ahead. Which group? Where do you want me to take a question from? Go ahead, maam. Go ahead. Take the Either one. Either one. Q Okay. (Laughs.) THE PRESIDENT: Or both. Are you together? Go ahead. Q Were not together. Mr. President, how do you respond to critics who say that your message on the campaign with minorities have been polarizing? THE PRESIDENT: I dont think it has been at all. Q But is the election of two Muslim women one of them is veiled to the House, which is making history. Is this a rebuke of this message, do you think? THE PRESIDENT: I dont understand what youre saying. What? Q Is it a rebuke of this message? Do you think that this is more reflective of multiethnic and multicultural America? THE PRESIDENT: Well, that question I can only say this: If you look at the employment and unemployment numbers for African Americans, for Asian Americans, for Hispanic Americans, theyre at a historic high. A poll came out recently where my numbers with Hispanics and with African Americans are the highest the best theyve ever been. That had that took place two or three days ago, the poll. I have the best numbers with African American and Hispanic American that Ive ever had before. And you saw the same poll. So, I cant say that. I can say this: If you look at median income, you look at all of the employment and unemployment numbers, theyre doing the best theyve ever done. And it reflects it really is very reflective in the polls. THE PRESIDENT: Yes, go ahead. Q Mr. President, Im from Brooklyn, so youll understand me. THE PRESIDENT: Good. I understand you very well. Q My question is on healthcare. How is it possible to keep premiums down and cover preexisting conditions without the individual mandate to fund it? THE PRESIDENT: Well, first of all, what were doing and were if you look at the Department of Labor also Secretary separately Secretary Azar, what theyve done. Theyve come up with some incredible healthcare plans, which is causing great competition and driving the prices right down. But we are getting rid of the individual mandate because it was very unfair to a lot of people. But at the same time, were covering the people that need it. But the individual mandate was a disaster because people that couldnt necessarily afford it were having to pay for the privilege of not having to pay for healthcare. And it was bad healthcare, at that. So we are working many plans for healthcare. Were creating tremendous competition. We had Obamacare repealed and replaced. Unfortunately, one person changed his mind at the last moment. And we had no Democrat support. I have to say that. We didnt have one vote. We would have repealed it, replaced it. We would have had a large-scale, very good healthcare plan. Now were doing it a different way. Were doing it a different way. But getting rid of the individual mandate is a very, very popular thing and a very important thing. And people very much appreciate it. Go ahead. Q (Inaudible.) THE PRESIDENT: No, no. Thats enough. Go ahead, please. Q Thank you, sir. Two questions: One, I know you went through the results and you obviously studied them late last night. What lesson did you learn most from looking at those results? Was there one thing that, as you kind of reviewed them, that youll change your strategy not just for Congress, but kind of going forward? And then just a follow-up question. THE PRESIDENT: Well, I think the results that Ive learned, and maybe confirm, I think people like me. I think people like the job Im doing, frankly. Because if you look at every place I went to do a rally, I couldnt do it with everybody. But and it was very hard to do it with people in Congress because there are just too many it will be too many stops. But I did it with the Senate. I did it with Andy Barr, as you know. And and he won. He won a very tough race against McGrath. It was a very, very tough race in Kentucky, and he was down quite a bit. And I went there, and we had a tremendous, very successful some of you were at that rally. And he won that race. But I could only do that so much because there are just so many players involved. But I did focus on the Senate, and we had tremendous success with the Senate. Really tremendous success. Q Can I ask you one more one more question, sir. Mr. President, one more question, if you dont mind. Im so sorry, sir. Its a rare opportunity. A lot of people are going to be rushing to Iowa, rushing to New Hampshire. You know that the Democrats are already looking ahead to 2020. Do you want to lock down your ticket right now, sir? Will the Vice President be your running mate in 2020? THE PRESIDENT: Well, I havent asked him, but I hope so. Where are you? (Laughter.) Mike, will you be my running mate? (Laughter.) Huh? Stand up, Mike, please. Raise your right hand. No, Im only kidding. (Laughter.) Will you? Thank you, okay good. (Applause.) The answer is yes. Okay? Q Thank you, sir. THE PRESIDENT: That was unexpected, but I feel very fine. Yeah, please. Q Thank you, Mr. President. Going back to the Russia investigation and the potential investigations from the now- Democratic majority in Congress, some say that you could stop all this by declassifying THE PRESIDENT: I could. I could fire everybody right now. But I dont want to stop it, because politically, I dont like stopping it. Its a disgrace. It should have never been started because there was no crime. It is everybody has conflicts. They all have conflicts over there that are beyond anything that anybody has ever seen in terms of conflicts from the fact that people ask for jobs; from the fact that they have very good friends on the other side, like really good friends, like Comey who, by the way, lied and leaked, and also leaked classified information. Nothing happened there. It might, perhaps. Maybe something is happening that I dont know about. I stay away from it. But do you know what I do? I let it just go on. Theyre wasting a lot of money, but I let it go on because I dont want to do that. But youre right I could end it right now. I could say that investigation is over. But its its really its a disgrace, frankly. And its an embarrassment to our country. Its an embarrassment to the people of our country. And its too bad. Go ahead. Q What about the declassification of the documents? Some say that that would clear it all up. THE PRESIDENT: Well, were looking at that. Q Are you still considering it? THE PRESIDENT: No, no. Were looking at that very seriously. Declassification? Were looking at that very seriously. Q Okay. Can I ask one more question? THE PRESIDENT: Its amazing how people on the other side just dont want those documents declassified. But, no, were looking at that very carefully. I certainly wanted to wait until after the midterms. Q Can I ask you one more question, Mr. President? Okay, thank you. THE PRESIDENT: Go ahead. Q Thank you, Mr. President. You have campaigned as a pro-life President. You have defended the rights of unborn children. You now have a divided Congress. Its unlikely to pass THE PRESIDENT: Thats right. Tough. Q to pass any pro-life bills. THE PRESIDENT: Very tough issue. Q How are you going to push forward your pro-life agenda? THE PRESIDENT: Just going to push. Ive been pushing. Ive done a very good job, too. Very happy with me. But its a tough issue for the two sides. Theres no question about it. Q But what are you going to do to THE PRESIDENT: There is great division what am I going to do? I wont be able to explain that to you, because it is an issue that is a very divisive, polarizing issue. But there is a solution. I think I have that solution, and nobody else does. Were going to be were going to be working on that. Yes, go ahead, please. She took your place, but thats okay. Q Mr. President, just a quick question on rural America. In states like Indiana and North Dakota, folks turned out for Republican candidates. Could you talk a little bit about what this means for your agenda in terms of trade and the farm bill? THE PRESIDENT: The farm bill is working really well. I mean, we could have had it approved any time. But were looking to get work rules approved. The farmers want it. Id like it. The problem is, the Democrats are not giving us the 10 votes that we need. We are everybody wants it. The farmers want it. But the Democrats are not approving the farm bill with work rules. We could have it very fast without the work rules, but we want the work rules in, and the Democrats just dont want to vote for that. So, at some point, theyll have to pay maybe a price. Jeff, go ahead. Q Thank you very much, Mr. President. THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. Q Have you seen any evidence that Russia or China intervened in yesterdays election? THE PRESIDENT: Well, weve going were going to make a full report. And unlike the previous administration, weve done a lot of work on that issue. And if you look speak with the FBI, speak with the Department of Justice, speak to Homeland Security, weve spent a lot of time. It gets very little coverage in the papers. I mean, you cover the nonsense part, but you dont cover the important. This is very important. And we have been working very hard on China and Russia, and everybody else, looking into our elections or meddling with our elections. But people tend not to write about it. But we have worked very hard, as you probably heard. Q What do you what do you intend to say, sir, to President Xi and to President Putin when you meet with them later this month? THE PRESIDENT: Well, I have a good relationship with both. I know President Xi better. But I think I have a very good relationship with both. I actually had a very good meeting in Russia that you people didnt agree with, but thats okay. It doesnt much matter, obviously. Because here I am. Q You mean Helsinki? THE PRESIDENT: But the fact is that I had a very, very good meeting a very, very good meeting with President Putin, and a lot was discussed about security, about Syria, about Ukraine, about the fact that President Obama allowed a very large part of Ukraine to be taken. Right now, you have submarines off that particular parcel that were talking about. You know what Im talking about. Q That was President Putin who annexed Crimea, sir. THE PRESIDENT: That was President Obamas regime. That was during President Obama. Right? That was not during me. No, that was President Obama Q But it was President Putin who did the annexation. THE PRESIDENT: No, no. It was President Obama that allowed it to happen. It had nothing to do with me. Yeah. Go ahead. Go ahead. Go ahead. Q Thank you, Mr. President. Cordelia Lynch, Sky News. Youre a man who likes to win, but last night was not an absolute victory for you. THE PRESIDENT: Ill be honest: I thought it was a I thought it was a very close to complete victory. When you look at it from the standpoint of negotiation, when you look at it from the standpoint of deal making because its all about deal making again, if we had the majority, and we had one or two or three votes to play with, we would never we would have been at a standstill. I really believe that we have a chance to get along very well with the Democrats. And if thats the case, we can do a tremendous amount of legislation and get it approved by both parties. So I consider it to be hey, look, I won Georgia. President Obama campaigned very hard in Georgia. Oprah Winfrey campaigned very, very hard. All over the television. I said this is going to be tough. I only had me. I didnt have anybody else. And I went to Georgia, and we had one of the largest crowds that anybody here has seen, ever, at a political rally. And you know what? He won. And he won actually by, you know, pretty good margin. He won. And then we went to Florida, and they had celebrities all over the place. And a man, who happens to be very smart person, was running Ron DeSantis. And people didnt give him a chance. And I went and we had we did some great work. And theyre going to have a great governor of the state of Florida. And then we talked about the Senate, and a lot of money was pouring in for the Democrat. This is a man whos been in office for like 44 years or something. This is man who was like a professional at getting elected and being in office. So hes not Bill Nelson not easy to beat. Okay? And but they had a lot of celebrities coming out for Nelson. They had everybody coming out for Nelson. And Rick Scott won. And I helped him. And I think weve done an amazing job. And you could look at many other places if you just take a look at some of the other places. And we just got the word that, in Iowa, you have a governor who just got extended, whos Kim just got extended. And numerous other places. I think it was a great victory. Ill be honest: I think it was a great victory. And actually, some of the news this morning was that it was, in fact, a great victory. But if you look at it from the standpoint of gridlock, I really believe theres going to be much less gridlock because of the way this is going, than any other way. Q Mr. President, a quick follow-up on that. THE PRESIDENT: Sit down, please. Go ahead. Q Thank you, Mr. President. Let me ask you about one of the campaign promises you made down the stretch, which was a 10 percent tax cut for the middle class. You just talked about gridlock. Democrats, they now run the House Ways and Means Committee. If it means a tax cut of some kind for the middle class, but that means raising rates elsewhere corporations, on the wealthiest is that a trade-off that you would be willing to make, and able to enact a middle-class tax cut? THE PRESIDENT: Well, it could be. You know that this will have to be now proposed. Because if we did it now, we dont have the votes in the Senate. You dont have we need we would need 10 Democrat vote; we probably couldnt get them. If we could, we could pass it very easily in the House. But theres no reason to waste time because you dont have the votes in the Senate. But if the as an example, if the Democrats come up with an idea for tax cuts, which Im a big believer in tax cuts, I would absolutely pursue something even if it means some adjustment. Q Some adjustment on which side? The corporate? The individual? THE PRESIDENT: Some adjustment. Yeah, to make it possible. But I would love to see a tax cut for the middle class. Now, thats going to be their decision. Theyre going to have to make that decision. As you know, if we bring it up to the Senate, wed need Democrat votes 10 and we dont have those 10 votes. Q And just because the markets would and just because the markets would want to know, sir some adjustment, would that be one, two, three percent on either side? THE PRESIDENT: Oh, Im not telling you that. Im just saying, I would be certainly willing to do a little bit of an adjustment. Go ahead. Behind me. Go ahead, please. Q Mr. President, thank you very much. Two questions. One is, you had talked about leaders who had called to congratulate you. Did President Putin call to congratulate you? And will you, in fact, meet with him at lunch this coming weekend? THE PRESIDENT: Well, as I understand it, were having and I guess a lot of you are going over. Were having a lunch for numerous countries. Ill be there. I believe President Putin is going to be there. We dont have anything scheduled. I dont think we have anything scheduled in Paris. And Im coming back very quickly. Were going over theres a great event. This is an important really, its going to be very important and, I think, a very beautiful ceremony. Im looking forward to going. And were representing the incredible heroes of the world, but the heroes of our country from World War I. And so Ill be going there, and I am very proud to go there. Q And did he call you? THE PRESIDENT: I dont think we have time set aside for that meeting. Now, with that being said, were very shortly meeting again at the G20, where hell be there and Ill be there. And thats where were actually looking forward to meeting. We will be having we will be having a lunch, but I think there are many people there. Q And did he call you to congratulate you? And if I could also just invite you, since this is quite a gathering weve got here, to go ahead and talk about the staff changes that you expect in the White House, while were here. Were eager to hear about them. Is General Kelly going to stay on? THE PRESIDENT: Well, I think what Ill do is as we make changes, well sit down and talk to you about it. I mean, theres no great secret. A lot of administrations make changes after midterms. I will say that, for the most part, Im very, very happy with this Cabinet. Were doing a great job. Q But what about in the White House? What about in the White House, sir? Youve got a lot White House staff. Some have been talking about leaving. General Kelly has been rumored to be leaving. Is he? THE PRESIDENT: Well, thats okay. No, people leave. People leave. Q And is that going to happen, sir? THE PRESIDENT: People leave. I havent heard about John Kelly. But, no, people people leave. They come in, theyre here. Its a very exhausting job. Although, I love doing it, I must tell you. But its exhausting for a lot of people. Im surprised at a lot of people. They start off, theyre young people, theyre there for two years, and theyre old by the time they leave. (Laughter.) Its quite exhausting. But I love doing it. And Ill tell you, there will be changes. Nothing monumental from that standpoint. I dont think very much different than most administrations. But and we have I mean, we have many people lined up for every single position. Any position. Everybody wants to work in this White House. We are a hot country. This is a hot White House. We are a White House that people want to work with. Okay. No, no. Please. Behind you. Behind you. Go ahead. Q Mr. President, this has been a very challenging campaign. It is this has been a very challenging campaign. THE PRESIDENT: Its been a very challenging campaign. Thats true. Q It has involved quite of a lot of abuse and a lot of violence. People have died during the course of this campaign. THE PRESIDENT: Right. Q Is there any way in which you think the temperature could be lowered? Perhaps peace could break out with the media? Perhaps you bipartisan relationships across the House and the Senate may now produce some change. Or are we going to have more of the same? THE PRESIDENT: Its a very fair question. Look, I would love to see unity and peace and love, and any other word you want to use. And obviously, I think we had to, especially at this particular juncture, we had to wait until after the midterms were over. Now theyre over. If they would cover me fairly which they dont. Which they dont. Im not saying that in a hostile way. I get extremely inaccurate coverage. I can do something thats fantastic, and theyll make it look like not good. And I dont mind being having bad stories. If I make a mistake, cover it. I would like you to cover it fairly, but cover it. But when you do something terrific look how little the economy is talked about. A poll came out this morning talking about how little the three networks I dont think they included CNN but how little the three networks talk about how good the economy is. How little. Almost not at all. If President Obama had this economy and, by the way, if that administration, through somebody else, kept going, you would have had negative 4.2 instead of positive 4.2 percent growth. You would have had negative. It was heading down. But here the point is this Q (Inaudible.) THE PRESIDENT: Excuse me. I would love to see unity, including with the media. Because I think the media Ill be honest: I think its a very divisive thing for our country. And you would be amazed at how smart people are that are reading your stories and seeing your stories and watching. You would be amazed how perceptive and how smart they are. They get it. And it really does bring disunity. Q (Off-mic.) (Inaudible.) THE PRESIDENT: Excuse me. You are not you are not called on. Q Mr. President THE PRESIDENT: Go ahead. Go ahead. Go ahead, please. Q Thank you, President Trump. Shortly after your victory speech on the historic night of back in November 2016, I asked you to what single factor you most attributed this victory to. THE PRESIDENT: Say it? You have to speak up. Q Sure. On the night of your victory, I asked you, right after your speech, to what you would attribute your victory. You pointed up to the ceiling, and you said that it was God. Based off of that, how would you say, over the last two years, God plays what kind of a factor He plays in the day-to-day execution of the Office of the Presidency? THE PRESIDENT: Well, God plays a big factor in my life, and God plays a factor in the lives of many people that I know very well in this room, like your Vice President. God plays a very big role in my life. Q And one more one more back to a quick one. Quick follow-up. Which loss last night surprised you the most? And which of these unsuccessful candidates are you most likely to consider for a future administration? THE PRESIDENT: Nothing surprises me in politics. Q Would you consider any THE PRESIDENT: But there were some losses last night. And there were some victories last night that have been incredible. I mean, there were victories last night that nobody would believe, especially based on the suppression polls. They had a lot of suppression polls. Q Would you consider any THE PRESIDENT: And there were some victories last night that were very surprising, but Im not going to pick out special you know, special people. Q Would you consider any for a post? THE PRESIDENT: Its tough enough for those people to have a loss. Q Would you consider any for an administration post, moving forward? As one of the very few of the 3.7 percent unemployed THE PRESIDENT: Would I what? What? Q Would you consider any of the people who lost last night for a post in the administration in the near future? THE PRESIDENT: I know a couple of very good ones. Yeah, I would, actually. Go ahead, please. Q Mr. President Mr. President, I asked you on Monday if there was anything that you regret in your first two years. And you said that, at times, you could have and should have used a, quote, softer tone. Your critics, as you can imagine your skeptics they say theyre not holding their breath on that happening. Will you indeed have to change your tone if youre to get things passed through Congress after losing the House? And you also said you might extend an olive branch. What would that look like? THE PRESIDENT: I would love to have I would love to have Id be very good at a low tone. But when things are done not correctly about you written about you, said about you on television, on wherever it is you have to defend yourself. I would love to do a very a very even tone. Its much easier than what I have to do. I have to go around. And going around is much easier than facing somebody and being treated fairly. But when youre not treated fairly, you really have no choice. I would love to have a very even, modest, boring tone. I would be very honored by that. But you know what? When you have to fight all the time fight because youre being misrepresented by the media, you really cant do that. Q But not about the media, sir. But, sir, real quickly not about the media, but what about with Congress? THE PRESIDENT: Yes, please. Go ahead. Q Mr. President, can you tell us how you focus on the economic THE PRESIDENT: Where are you from, please? Q Japan. Prime Minister Abe. THE PRESIDENT: Okay. Say hello. Say hello to Shinzo. Q Yes. THE PRESIDENT: Im sure hes happy about tariffs on his cars. Go ahead. Q Thats my question, actually. So how you focus on the trade and economic issues with Japan? Will you ask Japan to do more? Will you change your tone? THE PRESIDENT: I dont I really dont understand you. Q How would you focus on trade and economic THE PRESIDENT: Trade with Japan? Q Yes. THE PRESIDENT: Well, were dealing with Japan right now on trade. Japan has its a great country. You have a great Prime Minister who just had a very successful election. Hes a very good friend of mine. Hes one of the people Im closest with. And but I tell him all the time that Japan does not treat the United States fairly on trade. They send in millions of cars at a very low tax. They dont take our cars. And if they do, they have a massive tax on their cars. Japan and Im not blaming Japan; Im blaming the people that were in charge of the United States for allowing that to happen. But as you know, we have close to $100 billion trade deficit with Japan. And Japan has treated us very unfairly. But dont feel lonely because you werent the only one. Q How about North Korea? How about North Korea? Q Thank you, Mr. President. Two international questions. The first one: Secretary Pompeos talks with North Korea have been postponed. What is happening there? THE PRESIDENT: Yeah, nothing Q And will your meeting still happen with THE PRESIDENT: No, were going to change it because of trips that are being made. Were going to make it at another date. But were very happy how its going with North Korea. We think its going fine. Were in no rush. Were in no hurry. The sanctions are on. Q You still expect to meet Kim Jong Un? THE PRESIDENT: No, no. Listen. Excuse me. Wait. Q Sorry, sir. THE PRESIDENT: The sanctions are on. The missiles have stopped. The rockets have stopped. The hostages are home. The great heroes have been coming home. Mike Pence was in Hawaii, where the one of the most beautiful ceremonies that anyone has ever seen for the fallen. These are great heroes. Very important. When I was running, a lot of people as many years ago as it was in many cases, grandchildren but they were asking about that. Theyre coming home and theyre being provided to us as we speak. But Im in no rush. Im in no rush. The sanctions are on. I read a couple of times, and Ive seen a few times where they said, Hes done so much. What have I done? I met. Now, Id love to take the sanctions off. But they have to be responsive, too. Its a two-way street. But were not in any rush at all. Theres no rush whatsoever. You know, before I got here, they were dealing with this for over 70 years. And I guess, on a nuclear front, for 25 years. Thats a long time. Ive been there; I probably left Singapore four or five months ago. And we made more progress in that four or five months than theyve made in 70 years. And nobody else could have done what Ive done. But Ill say this Ill say this very simply: Were in no rush. The sanctions are on. And whenever it is but that meeting is going to be rescheduled. Q That meeting but about your meeting with Kim Jong Un, sir, will it happen in the next months? THE PRESIDENT: Sometime next year, I would say. Q Sometime next year? THE PRESIDENT: Sometime sometime early next year. Yeah. Q And a quick question on the USMCA. Now that its been concluded, have you repaired your relationship with Prime Minister Trudeau? THE PRESIDENT: Yes, I have. We have a very good relationship. Q Thank you very much, Mr. President. Weve been talking a lot about division and the division that exists in this country right now. THE PRESIDENT: True. Thats true. Q And some of the statistics are disturbing, I think, to just about everyone. Anti-Semitic incidents have increased by 57 percent since 2016. Hate crimes are on the rise. Why do you think that is? And what will you do about it as President? THE PRESIDENT: Its very sad to see it. I hate to see it. And, as you know, Ive done more in fact, if you were with us the last time we met, Prime Minister Netanyahu said that, This President has done more for Israel than any other President. Those words. Those exact words. Jerusalem, protection, working together so many different things. But the big thing is Jerusalem. You know, many, many President have said they are going to build the embassy in Jerusalem. Never happened. Making it the capital of Israel never happened. Never happened. But it happened with me, and quickly. And not only did it happen, we built the embassy. That would have taken another 15 or 20 years and cost probably billions of dollars, and we did it for a tiny amount of money. Its already done. Its open. Nobody has done more for Israel than Donald Trump. And the nice part is thats not me saying it; thats Prime Minister Netanyahu. Q But what about the Mr. President, what about the divides in this country? Mr. President, what about healing the divides in this country addressing those issues, specifically? THE PRESIDENT: Well, we want to see we want to see it healed. And one of the things I think that can help heal is the success of our country. We are really successful now. Weve gone up $11.7 trillion in in worth. If you know, China has come down tremendously. Tremendously. China would have superseded us in two years as an economic power; now, theyre not even close. China got rid of their China 25 because I found it very insulting. I said that to them. I said, China 25 is very insulting, because China 25 means, in 2025, theyre going to take over, economically, the world. I said, Thats not happening. And weve gone way up. Theyve gone down. And I dont want them to go down. Well have a good meeting and were going to see what we can do. But I have to say this: Billions of dollars will soon be pouring into our Treasury from taxes that China is paying for us. And if you speak to Mr. Pillsbury, who probably is the leading authority on China he was on the other day saying he has never seen anything like it. And you know who else hasnt? China hasnt. Q And Mr. President THE PRESIDENT: But were going to try and make a deal with China because I want to have great relationships with President Xi, as I do, and also with China. Q youre talking about the economic THE PRESIDENT: Okay. Q How do you see your role THE PRESIDENT: All right. Q as a moral leader? THE PRESIDENT: Go ahead, please. Q Mr. President, just how do you see THE PRESIDENT: Go ahead, please. Please, please. Q your role as a moral leader? THE PRESIDENT: Please, please. Go ahead. Theres so many people, Im sorry. Go ahead. Q As a moral leader, though? THE PRESIDENT: I think I am a great moral leader, and I love our country. Go ahead, please. Q Thank you, sir. You said earlier in this press conference that Democrats had a choice; that you would not work with them on legislation if they were investigating you. Do you not have a choice in the matter as well? Dont you have a responsibility THE PRESIDENT: Well, I think its inappropriate no, no. I think its very inappropriate. We should get along and get deals done. Now, we can investigate. They look at us. We look at them. It goes on for two years. Then, at the end of two years, nothing is done. Now, whats bad for them is, being in the majority, Im just going to blame them. You understand. Im going to blame them. Theyre the majority. Honestly, it makes it much simpler for me. I they will be blamed. But I think Nancy Pelosi and, you know, I put that statement out on social media today about Nancy Pelosi that, if shes short of votes because frankly, I think she deserves and a lot of people thought I was being sarcastic or I was kidding. I wasnt. I think she deserves it. Shes been fighting long for it. Shes been fighting I really mean this. This was there was nothing sarcastic about it or it was really meant in with very good intentions. I think she deserves it. Shes fought long and hard. Shes a very capable person. And, you know, you have other people shooting at her, trying to take over the Speakership. And I said, if if its appropriate I said, if we can and if we will, if she has a problem, I think I would be able to very easily supply her the necessary votes. Thats not said in any way other than I really believe she deserves that position. I also believe that Nancy Pelosi and I can work together and get a lot of things done, along with Mitch and everybody else that we have to work with. I think well get a lot done. Q Mr. President, why cant you THE PRESIDENT: Okay, go ahead. Q Mr. President, why cant you THE PRESIDENT: Go ahead. Q Mr. President, why cant you do that while subpoenas are coming through? THE PRESIDENT: Excuse me? Q Why cant you work together while there are subpoenas or while there are investigations in process? THE PRESIDENT: I think we will. Look, now that the election is over the election is over. Now everybody is in love. But then I see the hostility of questions in the room. I come in here as a nice person wanting to answer questions and I have people jumping out of their their seats, screaming questions at me. No, the election is over. And Im, you know, very I am extraordinarily happy. I really am. And, by the way, Id tell you if I wasnt. Look at what happened in Florida. Look at what happened in Georgia. Look at what happened in so many locations with governorships. Nobody talks about the governorships. Look at the amount of work that was given to these other candidates against my candidate. And, I mean, Im extraordinarily happy. And if I wasnt, Id let you know. Theres nothing wrong. I mean, look, you look at midterms and you look at elections elections generally, you see its very rare that a party who has the presidency does well. We did unbelievably well. To win Florida, both the Senate and the governorship against two very talented people. Ill tell you what: We did incredibly. To win Georgia, where you had some of the biggest stars campaigning endlessly, including President Obama. You know, Ill tell you what: This was a great victory for us. And again, from a dealmaking standpoint, we are all much better off the way it turned out. Because I really believe, if the Democrats want to, we can do a tremendous amount of great legislation. Yes, please. Go ahead. Should we keep this going for a little while? Q Yes! Q Yes, I think you should keep this going. THE PRESIDENT: When you get bored, would you please tell me? Seriously, tell me. I dont want to Q Were never bored. THE PRESIDENT: Oh, no. Hopefully not. I dont want to overstay. But, yes, please. Go ahead. Q Hi, Mr. President. Yamiche Alcindor with PBS NewsHour. On the campaign trail, you called yourself a nationalist. Some people saw that as emboldening white nationalists. Now people are also saying THE PRESIDENT: I dont know why youd say that. Thats such a racist question. Q There are some people that say that now the Republican Party is seen as supporting white nationalists because of your rhetoric. What do you make of that? THE PRESIDENT: Oh, I dont believe that. I dont believe that. I dont believe well, I dont know. Why do I have my highest poll numbers ever with African Americans? Why do I have among the highest poll numbers with African Americans? I mean, why do I have my highest poll numbers? Thats such a racist question. Honestly, I mean, I know you have it written down, and youre going to tell me. Let me tell you: Its a racist question. Q And Mr. President THE PRESIDENT: I love and you know what the word is? I love our country. I do. You call you have nationalists. You have globalists. I also love the world and I dont mind helping the world, but we have to straighten out our country first. We have a lot of problems. Q And THE PRESIDENT: Excuse me. But to say that what you said is so insulting to me. Its a very terrible thing that you said. Q And Mr. President Mr. President, people have THE PRESIDENT: Okay. Please, go ahead. Go ahead. Q Youve talked about THE PRESIDENT: Excuse me. Q You talked about middle-class tax cuts on the campaign trail. How will you get Democrats to support that policy? THE PRESIDENT: You have to ask them. Q Well, whats your plan for working with Democrats THE PRESIDENT: Excuse me. Q on the middle-class tax plan? THE PRESIDENT: You know what my plan is? You know what my plan is? Ill ask them. And if they say yes, Im all for it. And if they say no, theres nothing you can do because you need their votes. Go ahead. Q Yes. Thank you, Mr. President. Francesca Chambers, DailyMail.com. You said many times on the campaign trail that you didnt want Nancy Pelosi to be Speaker. At least you suggested that. You spent a lot of time talking about her and Chuck Schumer. THE PRESIDENT: Its not a question of want. I wouldve so, let me answer it a little would I have preferred winning by two or three or four? I would almost have to think about that. But certainly, I like to win. And if I win, shes not going to be Speaker. Q What did she say to you though, yesterday, that made you give her your support? THE PRESIDENT: Honestly, we had a very warm conversation. You know, she loves this country. And shes a very smart woman. Shes done a very good job. She was really I mean, shes had a very shes had a very Q Did she promise that they wouldnt seek to impeach you? THE PRESIDENT: Shes had a very, very we didnt talk about impeaching. We didnt talk about what do you do? Do you impeach somebody because he created the greatest economic success in the history of our country? Lets impeach him because the country is so successful. Lets impeach him. Has he done anything wrong? They asked somebody, Has he done anything wrong? No, but lets impeach him anyway. And they also said, Lets impeach Justice Kavanaugh. Lets impeach him. And now they have the second woman coming out that the first or second. And I hate to say this, but it was public. And, after him, were going to impeach the Vice President. Were going to impeach Mike Pence. Mike Pence doesnt get impeached for anything. So lets impeach the President, and then well impeach the Vice President. These people are sick. And you know what? They have to get their bearing. Really, they have to get their bearing. And when you ask about division, theyre the ones that caused the division. They caused tremendous division. Q Okay. Regarding all the retirements in the House regarding all the retirements in the House, Mr. President really quickly you suggested that THE PRESIDENT: Who is retiring? Q You said that many of the retirements that happened in the House made it very difficult for THE PRESIDENT: Many retirements, yeah. Q that made it very difficult for you in this election cycle, and that it was because they were chairmans, there were chairmanships that were vacated. But Jeff Flake wasnt a chairman of a committee, and Paul Ryan also retired this cycle. So why do you think that is? Whose fault is it that there were so many retirements? THE PRESIDENT: In Jeff Flakes case, its me. Pure and simple. I retired him. Im very proud of it. I did the country a great service. Go ahead. Give him a (laughter). Give him a he is retired. Id like to call it another word, but were going to treat him with great respect. Go ahead. Q Thank you, Mr. President. THE PRESIDENT: Jeff Flake. Thats another beauty. Go ahead. Q Two questions, please. THE PRESIDENT: No, one. One. One. One. Too many people. Sorry. Q Well, all right. Its all right. You seem to enjoy this venue very much. Are you going to make the standard press conference a staple of the remaining two years? THE PRESIDENT: No. No. Q Or will you have more briefings with Sarah Sanders? THE PRESIDENT: No. You know, when I dont do the I think Sarah is fantastic. Where is Sarah? Where is Sarah? Sarah is so great. I think, Sarah, youve represented me so well and been abused. Shes been horribly treated by a lot of people. Q So shes going to stay on as Press Secretary? THE PRESIDENT: No, no. Its very interesting because Sarah was telling we were talking about it the other day. So I had a period where I figured, you know what Ill do? I wont do any real interviews. And then they start saying, Why doesnt he do why? And theyre all coming up with all kinds Then over the last couple of months I decided, Ill do a lot well stop at the helicopter, well do this, well do a lot of and then they say, Why is he doing so many press conferences? Whats wrong? What? So when I dont do them, you say, Whats wrong? When I do do them, you say, Whats wrong? And when I go in the middle, you say, Whats wrong? But in the media you know that, Jon. Right? Q (Off-mic.) (Inaudible) complained about access. THE PRESIDENT: Youre sort of right. Q (Off-mic.) (Inaudible) complained about access. THE PRESIDENT: Okay, good. Q (Off-mic.) (Inaudible.) THE PRESIDENT: No, no. You did. Excuse me. Well, you complained about access when I purposely just stayed away from the press for a while because I wanted to see how it worked. And can I be honest with you? It didnt work well. Q Mr. President, I did (inaudible) question. So Sarah will stay on as Press Secretary? THE PRESIDENT: Okay, please. Go ahead. No. Go ahead. Q Mr. President, first off, I personally think its very good to have you here because a free press and this type of engagement THE PRESIDENT: I do, too. Actually? I do, too. Q Yes. Its vital to democracy. THE PRESIDENT: Its called earned media. Its worth billions. Go ahead. Q Um, so I have two questions for you, if thats all right? Its a rare opportunity. Um, first, just a point of clarification on the tax returns issue. You brought up the audit. That doesnt prevent you from releasing them. THE PRESIDENT: I know. Sure. But I didnt say it prevented me, I said lawyers will tell you not to do it. Go ahead. Whats your next question? Go ahead. Q If, well, just on that THE PRESIDENT: Come on. Lets go. More exciting question than that, please. Q Okay. The second one: Michael Cohen recently said you called black voters stupid. THE PRESIDENT: Thats false. Q Omarosa has accused you of using the N-word. THE PRESIDENT: Thats false. Q And the rapper, Lil Jon, has said you called him Uncle Tom. Whats your response? THE PRESIDENT: I dont know who Lil Jon is. I dont I really dont. Q He was on The Apprentice. THE PRESIDENT: I dont know. Oh, he was? Okay. Oh, I see. I dont know. Q Have you ever made racist remarks? THE PRESIDENT: No. No, I would never do that and I dont use racist remarks. And you know what? If I did, you people wouldve known about it. Ive been hearing there are tapes. For years and years, There are tapes. Number one, I never worried about it because I never did. I never used racist remarks. I have never used racist remarks. Okay. Q Well, one point of fact. THE PRESIDENT: Go ahead. Q You have been a one point of fact, because you told her you have the highest approval THE PRESIDENT: Quiet. Quiet. Q amongst African Americans. THE PRESIDENT: Quiet. Quiet. Go ahead. Q Its just 8 percent, sir. Single digits. THE PRESIDENT: See, when you talk about division, its people like this that cause division. Great division. Q Point of fact, sir. THE PRESIDENT: Great no. No, point of fact is that I never used a racist remark. Thats the point of fact. Q (Inaudible.) THE PRESIDENT: Where who are you from? Q Im from Yahoo! News. (Inaudible.) THE PRESIDENT: Yahoo! oh, Yahoo! oh, good. Good, I hope theyre doing well. Q MTV Lebanon (inaudible). Sir, first question THE PRESIDENT: Where are you from? Q MTV Lebanon. Lebanon. THE PRESIDENT: Lebanon. Good. Q Yes. Thank you, Mr. President. Were so happy to be as well have this opportunity. Mr. President Erdogan said hes not going to follow your sanctions and hes going to keep buying oil from THE PRESIDENT: Who said that? Q President Erdogan. Turkey. THE PRESIDENT: I know. I know. Q And youre going to meet him soon THE PRESIDENT: I just cant understand his speak Q Okay. Youre going to meet him soon. Youre going to have this talk and some countries are going to take the same steps that President Erdogan is doing and THE PRESIDENT: So let me just say about the oil, okay? So were we imposed, just recently, the strongest sanctions in the history of our country, just about. Although I guess North Korea is there, too. But I gave some countries a break on the oil. I did it a little bit because they really asked for some help. But I really did it because I dont want to drive oil prices up to $100 a barrel or $150 a barrel, because Im driving them down. If you look at oil prices, theyve come down very substantially over the last couple of months. Thats because of me. Because you have a monopoly called OPEC. And I dont like wait. Q (Inaudible.) THE PRESIDENT: And I dont like that monopoly. I dont like it. And oil prices are coming down. So rather than deciding to be as tough as I am on most of the sanctions, what Ive done is I said, Were not going to do it that way; were going to let some of the oil go out to these countries that really do need it because I dont want to drive the oil prices up to $100 or $150 a barrel, which could happen very easily. Its a very fragile market. Very, very fragile. I know it very well. And its the absolute right decision. And theyll get tougher as time goes by, maybe, but I dont want to have any effect on the oil prices worldwide, where I drive them up. Because I consider that to be a tax, and I dont like taxes. Go ahead. Q What happened with the peace process between Israel and Palestine? THE PRESIDENT: Go ahead. Please. Please. Q The peace process is over? THE PRESIDENT: Who? Q It just came out that Jon Tester won THE PRESIDENT: Oh, congratulations to Jon Tester. Congratulations. Im sure youre very unhappy about that. Go ahead. Q Mr. President, can MS. SANDERS: (Inaudible.) THE PRESIDENT: Yes. Please, go ahead. Q Can you address the THE PRESIDENT: Well take a couple of more, and then well go. Q Can you address concerns in places like Georgia where people waited in line to vote for hours, where voting machines werent working in certain districts, and there hasnt THE PRESIDENT: Do you think thats the reason that the candidate lost? Q Well, there are concerns being raised that it wasnt THE PRESIDENT: Well, I mean, look, I wasnt involved in Georgia. I wasnt. Q I know, but are but, as President THE PRESIDENT: Other than I love the state. I do love the state. Q Yes, but as President of the United States, are you concerned about the access that people are having to voting? THE PRESIDENT: I heard it was very efficient in Georgia. I heard it was very efficient. But again, youd have to ask the state governments because just one of those things youre going to have to ask them. Yeah, go ahead. Please. Please, go ahead. Q Thank you. Thank you, Mr. President. You expressed some concerns about social media companies unfairly censoring conservatives during the election. Do you anticipate working with Democrats to regulate these companies, or are you satisfied with the way things are? THE PRESIDENT: I would I would do that. Yeah. I would look at that very seriously. I think its a serious problem. At the same time, you start getting into speech; thats a very dangerous problem. That could be the beginning. So its very dangerous. Believe it or not, Im one that really likes free speech. A lot of people dont understand that. But I am a big believer. And when you start regulating, a lot of bad things can happen. But I would certainly talk to the Democrats if they want to do that. And I think they do want to do that. Yes, sir. Go ahead. Q Former President former President Barack Obama famously said that he had a pen and a phone to use executive power on issues like immigration. Do you see yourself using executive power to get some of your immigration agenda done? THE PRESIDENT: I do. I do. I think that some of it I can use executive power on some. Not all. But I got I mean, he certainly used it. He used it on DACA. And when he did it, he said something to the effect that Im not allowed to do this, it will never hold up, but Im doing it anyway. And he did it and they found judges that approved it. We also found judges that didnt approve it, so its obviously going to be determined in the Supreme Court. And if the Supreme if the court rules in favor of what President Obama thinks they should rule which is what he said then I will probably have a deal with the Democrats in a very short period of time. We were very close to having a deal until we got that very strange ruling. Q Thank you, sir. You also made some promises about immigration during the campaign, and I want to know if youre going to follow through with them. Are you going to be aggressive THE PRESIDENT: Which one are you talking about? Q Birthright citizenship. Are you going to sign an executive order to ban THE PRESIDENT: We are looking at it very seriously. Absolutely. Q I mean, is it yes or no? Or are you THE PRESIDENT: And I believe we have the absolute right. But thats another case that will be determined by the Supreme Court of the United States. Q Are you going to send 15,000 troops to the border? THE PRESIDENT: Youve been reading the same documents as I have; you know exactly what Im doing. You know exactly what Im doing. So go ahead. Whats your next question? Q Also, on the Khashoggi matter, its been more than a month since the death of Mr. Khashoggi, the journalist. THE PRESIDENT: Yeah. Very sad thing. Very terrible thing. Q Do you think Saudi Arabia is guilty of having him murdered? And if so, what kind of punishment would be involved? THE PRESIDENT: Ill have a much stronger opinion on that subject over the next week, and Im working very closely with Congress. Were working together. Some very talented people. And were working with Congress, were working with Turkey, and were working with Saudi Arabia. And Im forming a very strong opinion. Go ahead, Jon. Go ahead, Jon. Q Mr. President, just a quick follow up. You said something about Nancy Pelosi. You said that Nancy Pelosi, she loves our country. Do you regret some of the things you said during the campaign? THE PRESIDENT: No. Q I mean, at various times, you said Democrats THE PRESIDENT: No. Q want to put a wrecking ballto our future; they want to destroy our country. THE PRESIDENT: Well, I believe that. I believe that. With their current policy, they are using a wrecking ball on our country. I believe that 100 percent. This would be a wrecking ball. But I think theres a compromise somewhere, and I think that could be really good for our country. Okay, how about one more? Q Do you regret the ad? Do you regret the ad that you did that was branded as racist ad and even Fox News wouldnt air it? THE PRESIDENT: No, I dont. No. No. No. Q NBC wouldnt air it, and other networks. THE PRESIDENT: Do I regret it? Q Yeah. THE PRESIDENT: Surprised you would ask me that question. I do not. Go ahead, please. Q Thank you, sir. And I think wed all love to have more of these, if youre willing. In 2017, shortly after you took office, your Homeland Security Department shuttered a program to counter homegrown, right-wing extremism, white supremacism, and related terrorist groups domestic terrorist groups; and redirected that funding towards fighting Islamic terrorism. Do you believe that white supremacists, terrorists, right-wing terrorists, these homegrown terrorists on that side of the spectrum are a problem, sir? THE PRESIDENT: Yeah, I do. I do believe thats a problem. Q And what is your administration going to do about it? THE PRESIDENT: I believe all hate is a problem, but I do believe that is a problem. Q What are you going to do about it, sir? THE PRESIDENT: And its a problem we want to solve. Q How, sir? What are you going to do about it, sir? THE PRESIDENT: Okay, go ahead. Q Sir sir, what are you going to do about it? You cut off the funding. Q Mr. President, youve said THE PRESIDENT: No, we have given funding for that a lot of funding. But I do believe its a problem. And can I tell you what its a problem that I dont like even a little bit. Go ahead. Q Aixa Diaz with Hearst Television. Youve said, Pretend Im on the ballot yesterday. You called it a referendum on your presidency. Many local districts across the country rejected your midterm message, particularly suburban women. How do you bridge that divide now also with the influx of women coming into Congress? THE PRESIDENT: I think my message was very well received. I mean, just look at the results. Midterm elections are disasters for sitting Presidents and administrations. This has been a very successful and, look, you can write it any way you want. And if you disagree with me this has been incredibly success when you look at the races. How about Ohio? I didnt even mention. I mentioned Florida; I mentioned Georgia. How about the governor of Ohio? A fantastic Q But whats your message to suburban women voters? THE PRESIDENT: Excuse me. Excuse me. Excuse me. A fantastic man, who was down on the polls. And everybody was talking about this person that was so great. And I went up there, and I did a rally, and they have now a great governor youre going to have a great governor in Ohio for, hopefully, a long period of time. But for four years. And Mike DeWine is a fantastic person. And I went up there for two reasons: Because I felt that his opposition was not a good person and we know a lot about him and I felt that Mike was a fantastic person. And he won. And not only did he win, he won easily. So add that to Florida, and add that to Georgia, and add that to all of the other races that we won outside, even, of the Senate races, which were the biggest of all. Because these were races that and Mike Pence can tell you, and some of the folks over here can tell you these were races that were going to be unopposed. We were not going to oppose certain of the people running certain senators. They said they couldnt be beaten. They said Heidi could not be beaten. Please, dont do it. This was a year out. Q What about in the suburban districts? How do you get those back? THE PRESIDENT: Excuse me. You no, but youre telling me about youre telling me about popularity. They said many of these people when I said 9 out of 11 but I said when many of these people these werent like easy races; they were tough races. And so I think the level of popularity the first question I was asked was about, Well, what have you learned? What about your own popularity? I think thats what I learned, is I was very well received by this great country, by the people of our great country. And Im very proud of that, because I love the people of this country. These people we are the greatest people. I love the people of our country. Q So what do you say to women, Mr. President? THE PRESIDENT: And Ill tell you something: When you look at the races that we won in Florida, which we werent expected to win; and Georgia, which we werent expected to win; and Ohio, which we werent expected to win and won; I mean, you look at some of them the number of votes that we got is incredible. So Im really happy with not only the way it came out, but the response to me as your President. And as your President, I made our country safe. Ive rebuilt and am in the process of rebuilding our military. And the jobs are here. Every one of them built here. Were going to have the strongest very shortly, were going to have the strongest military our country has ever had. Ive done more for the vets than any President has done, certainly in many, many decades, with Choice and with other things, as you know. With other things. But our vets are doing better than theyve ever done. But if you look at Choice Choice alone I mean, just take a look at what weve done with Choice. But the people of our country are very happy with the job that Im doing. And you know, one of the things Q But looking ahead to 2020 THE PRESIDENT: One of the things one of the things that they want so much is security. They want security, both at the border they want it with our military; they want it with law enforcement; they want it with ICE. You know, weve taken out thousands of MS-13 gang members thousands out of our hard to believe thousands out of our country. Women of our country, who are incredible people, they want security; they want safety. They want financial security also. Weve done that. But they want physical security. And weve taken out thousands of people that shouldnt be in this country. But we have to get strong immigration laws so they dont come in. We want laws where they dont come in, where we dont have to take them out, per se. And again, Im very honored to be with all of you. It was a great day yesterday. It was a great evening. I think we had a tremendous success. And hopefully the tone can get better. Hopefully Q How will you change that? THE PRESIDENT: Hopefully the tone can get a lot better. And I really believe it begins with the media. I really we used to call it the press. But I really Q Does it begin with you, Mr. President? THE PRESIDENT: But I really believe it begins with the media. If you would cover and there was a very interesting story written in a very good paper recently that talked about the fact that it isnt good what the media is doing, and that I do have the right to fight back because Im treated very unfairly. So I do fight back. And Im fighting back not for me; Im fighting back for the people of this country. Thank you all very much. Latest News Kennedy Space Center, Florida - The powerhouse that will help NASAs Orion spacecraft venture beyond the Moon is stateside. The European-built service module that will propel, power and cool during Orion flight to the Moon on Exploration Mission-1 arrived from Germany at the agencys Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Tuesday to begin final outfitting, integration and testing with the crew module and other Orion elements. The service module is integral to human missions to the Moon and Mars. After Orion launches on top of the agencys Space Launch System rocket, the service module will be responsible for in-space maneuvering throughout the mission, including course corrections. The service module will also provide the powerful burns to insert Orion into lunar orbit and again to get out of lunar orbit and return to Earth. It is provided by ESA (European Space Agency) and built by ESAs prime contractor Airbus of Bremen, Germany. NASAs prime contractor for Orion, Lockheed Martin, built the crew module and other elements of the spacecraft. We have a strong foundation of cooperation with ESA through the International Space Station partnership, and the arrival of the service module signifies that our international collaboration extends to our deep space human exploration efforts as well, said Bill Gerstenmaier, NASAs associate administrator for Human Exploration and Operations. The European-built service module brings together new technology and lightweight materials while taking advantage of spaceflight-proven hardware. It is comprised of more than 20,000 components, including four solar array wings that provide enough electricity to power two three-bedroom homes, as well as an orbital maneuvering system engine, a recently refurbished engine previously used for in-orbit control by the space shuttle. Beginning with Exploration Mission-2, the module also will provide air and water for astronauts flying inside Orion, which will carry people to destinations farther than anyone has travelled before and return them safely to Earth. Our teams have worked together incredibly hard to develop a service module that will make missions to the Moon and beyond a reality, said Mark Kirasich, NASAs Orion program manager. It is quite an accomplishment of ESA and Airbus to have completed the developmental work on the module and have this major delivery milestone behind us. Now that the service module is at Kennedy, it will undergo a host of tests and integration work ahead of Exploration Mission-1. Engineers will complete functional checkouts to ensure all elements are working properly before it is connected to the Orion crew module. Teams will weld together fluid lines to route gases and fuel and make electrical wiring connections. The service module and crew module will be mated, and the combined spacecraft will be sent to NASAs Glenn Research Centers Plum Brook Station in Ohio early next year where it will undergo 60 days of continuous testing in the worlds largest thermal vacuum chamber to ensure Orion can withstand the harsh environment of deep space. Once that testing is complete, it will return to Kennedy for integration with the SLS rocket in preparation for launch. NASA is leading the next steps to establish a permanent human presence at the Moon. The first in a series of increasingly complex missions, Exploration Mission-1 is a flight test of an uncrewed Orion spacecraft and SLS rocket that will launch from NASAs modernized spaceport at Kennedy. The mission will send Orion 40,000 miles beyond the Moon and back and pave the road for future missions with astronauts. Together, NASA and its partners will build the infrastructure needed to explore the Moon for decades to come while laying the groundwork for future missions to Mars. 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 latest news on Menzgold reveals that the company closed its operations on 5th October 2018. Not to worry though, the company promises to sort out all complaints from customers by making the necessary payments. Unfortunately, there may be several payment rescheduling apart from what happened on 3rd October. The need to readjust the payment date comes amidst claims that Menzgolds staff are being threatened by some of the angered customers. This is what the company said in a promise to review the dates by 8th October. The crisis at Menzgold had a lot of customers fuming because the company kept rescheduling the payment date. Angry customers felt that the company was not being truthful and kept tossing them instead of providing accurate information. Many wanted to know exactly what was happening with their dividends and why the company kept moving them round. READ ALSO: We are young, correct us when we go wrong NAM1 begs SEC, BoG Menzgold news update The latest news on Menzgold company in Ghana is that the company was having issues releasing funds because of SEC. The company, in a statement said that it was impossible to pay customers their dividends on investments made since the SEC had taken certain actions against the company. The Menzgold latest news today statement read as follows: The gold collectibles offered for trade by patrons of our gold vault market product are subject to our quality controls and traded for profit which is shared as an extra value with the product owner or trader. Any act, order or instruction, therefore, designed or decreed to forbid Menzgold from trading makes it impossible to generate any revenue whatsoever out of which extra values are charged and paid to those entitled." However, SEC came out to refute these claims saying that its directive to Menzgold, suspending its trading operations, was not to be a hindrance to their paying of customers. In fact, according to SEC, Menzgold has not yet supplied the adequate information needed after the suspension order was given. This Menzgold news today is something that is likely to worry more customers since it appears as though Menzgold is not straightforward. Is Menzgold still operating? Following the Menzgold Ghana news, on the status of the company, it is clear that things are not quite right. After the SEC(Security and Exchange Commission) asked Menzgold company to halt its trading operations, trouble started as the company failed to pay out dividends to customers for their investments. A few days later, the company hired a law firm form the UK known as Baker & McKenzie LLP in a bid to counter the SEC after suspending its operations on a temporary basis. This was a strategy on the way forward. This was to be their latest move that would give a sigh of relief to customers as the company filed law suits against the Bank of Ghana and the SEC. These suits are meant to stop the two institutions from negatively impacting its operations through their interference. Menzgold is one of the companies that wants the two institutions to quit releasing publications of statements that work against their business. READ ALSO: NAM1 is back on Twitter after a long hibernation Menzgold boss makes a statement Going by the latest news on Menzgold Ghana, in a different move, the CEO of Menzgold company made an appeal to SEC and the BoG to be patient with Menzgold. In fact he called for gentle correction and direction as the company was still young. Appiah Mensah believes that stern action will only curtail the performance of the company in international markets and make it less competitive. The CEO expressed his readiness to fully follow the directives of the two State organizations. He said this on an interview of Zylofon FM on a Monday morning. His statement is as follows. I cant say Bank of Ghana or the Securities and Exchange Commission has done us evil. We are a young company, we expect them to correct us when we go wrong so that we can be strong and do better at the international stage. All hope is not lost. We will continue to solve the problem. We will not do what they ask us not to do. We will ensure we comply with everything they ask us to do. We keep pleading with authorities. I wont say we are perfect, but if we have made any mistake, I believe some punitive measures will be on order. We will are ready to take corrections and resolve this issue. He went further to express his optimism on how the company would bounce back even if it took long. His is the hope that the company would perform better than it has in the last five years once the issues are resolved through dialogue. READ ALSO: Menzgold will not exist again - Deputy Finance Minister CEO calls for patience With this regard, Menzgold news 2018 reveals that the CEO requests the companys customers to exercise some patience as they try to resolve the issues. He said that the company was on its way towards attaining normalcy as far as its operations are concerned. He urged the clients to consider the online move to facilitate the prompt payment of their monies. He further pleaded with them not to abandon Menzgold when it was at its hardest place since it had tried their best but things were hard. This came amidst threats from customers that they would take to the streets for a demonstration demanding their money back. With the latest news on Menzgold not very promising, a good number of customers feel unsafe. Fortunately, the company, through the CEO has come out clear and apologized for their behavior before. They have accepted that there are challenges and that they are working on resolving them. The hope that the company will be back on its feet fully is something that should gladden the heart of many of its customers. READ ALSO: Customers flatly reject payment plan proposed by Menzgold Source: Yen The Ghana music awards 2018 was held on 3rd November, 2018. It took place successfully at the Ebony Lounge in Pretoria. This saw different artists perform on stage and also receive various prizes. Continue reading to know more about the Ghana music awards 2018 winners. The Ghana Music Awards was founded in the year 2000 by Charter House Production. The main goal of its establishment is celebrating the Ghanaian musicians and uplifting them to grow higher. For an artist to receive a prize in any category, he/she must be doing excellent work through their music career to project their homeland both in South Africa and Ghana. The awards are normally issued on an annual base. Some of the categories that are awarded include the promising artist of the year, gospel artist of the year, the best group of the year, new artist of the year, best rapper of the year, Hiplife artist of the year, the most popular song of the year, and so on. Here is the full list of all the winners under different categories. READ ALSO: Stonebwoy, others win big at Ghana Music Awards staged in South Africa Ghana music awards South Africa winners The Vodafone Ghana music awards 2018 event was organized by Black Eagle Production and Media Africa Studio. Some of the spectacular performances was from the following artists: Article Wan Praye Honeho Babes Wodumo Quata Budukus Late Ebonys father Maccacio Tamara Dey The lovely night saw Shatta Wale, Quata Budukusu, DJ Switch, Praye, Joyce blessings, Polamo, Drumpipo, and other famous Ghanaian artists go home with different awards. Stonebwoy was crowned as the Artist of the year in the event. Many Ghanaian artists who are based in South Africa were also honored. See the full list of all the artists who received awards below. Lifetime achievement : Elder Mireku : Elder Mireku Youth empowerment projects: Choir Master Choir Master Best international act East Africa: Vanessa Mdee Vanessa Mdee Best international act West Africa: Medosky Medosky Best International Act Southern Africa : Babes Wodumo : Babes Wodumo Best music journalist / blogger of the year: Nii Attakorah Mensah Nii Attakorah Mensah Best DJ of the year : DJ Switch : DJ Switch Gospel artiste of the year : Joyce Blessing : Joyce Blessing Promising artiste of the year : Maccasio : Maccasio New artiste of the year: Wendy Shay Wendy Shay Best group of the year: Reggie N Bollie Reggie N Bollie Hiplife artiste of the year: Quata Budukusu Quata Budukusu Best rapper of the year: Strongman Strongman Most popular song of the year: One Corner (Patapaa) One Corner (Patapaa) Highlife artist of the year: Kuami Eugene Kuami Eugene Best male vocalist of the year : King Promise : King Promise Dancehall artiste of the year: Shatta Wale Shatta Wale Reggae/dancehall song of the year: Ebony (Sponsor) Ebony (Sponsor) Best collaboration of the year: Article Wan X Patapaa (That Thing) Article Wan X Patapaa (That Thing) Best producer of the year: Master Garzy Master Garzy Best music video of the year: Citizen Welkins Citizen Welkins Artist of the year : Stonebwoy : Stonebwoy South African based new artist of the year : Aku Mercy : Aku Mercy South African based best hi-life artist of the year : Polamo : Polamo South African based best music video of the year : 9pm Africa : 9pm Africa South African based gospel song of the year : Drumpipo : Drumpipo South African based most popular song of the year : Final Solution (Do Like I Do) : Final Solution (Do Like I Do) South African based hip-life artist of the year : Final Solution : Final Solution South African based best club DJ of the year : DJ Shadow : DJ Shadow South African based best collaboration of the year : Polamo X Dj Maphorisa X Dj Bucks (Something About You) : Polamo X Dj Maphorisa X Dj Bucks (Something About You) South African based best cultural and live band group of the year : Sankofa Band : Sankofa Band South African based best gospel artist of the year : Drumpipo : Drumpipo South African based best producer of the year : C-Tea : C-Tea South African based artist of the year : Polamo : Polamo South African based promising artist of the year: Casandra READ ALSO: Ghana Music Awards 2017-2018 Ghana music awards UK 2018 The Ghana music awards UK edition happened on Saturday 6th October. Some of the winners who got awards in the various categories include: Artiste of the year : Ebony Reigns : Ebony Reigns Gospel song of the year: Obi Nyane Me by Patience Nyarko Obi Nyane Me by Patience Nyarko Gospel artiste of the year : Patience Nyarko : Patience Nyarko Reggae/dancehall song of the year : My Own by Samini : My Own by Samini Best new artist of the year : Kuami Eugene : Kuami Eugene Ghanaian traditional/cultural act : King Ayisoba : King Ayisoba Best collaboration of the year: Yaa Pono Obia Wone Master Ft Stonebwoy Yaa Pono Obia Wone Master Ft Stonebwoy Best rapper of the year : Ponobiom : Ponobiom Highlife artiste of the year : Kumi Guitar : Kumi Guitar Best male vocalist: King Promise King Promise Highlife song of the year : Bronya by Wutah : Bronya by Wutah Most popular song of the year : One Corner by Patapaa : One Corner by Patapaa UK based artist of the year : Stormzy : Stormzy UK based afro pop artist of the year : Kojo Funds : Kojo Funds Best UK based Ghanaian international artist: Micheal Dapaah READ ALSO: Popular musicians who died way too young There you have it all. Ghana music awards winners list and performers 2018 in South Africa and UK. Dont miss the next edition scheduled to be in the year 2019. READ ALSO: 5 top Ghanaian musicians according to Becca Men of the Year Awards photos and winners List of Shatta Wale awards and nominations Source: Yen.com.gh Wendy Shay has come under huge criticisms following her recent interview with a Joy FM presenter in which she described a question posed to her as dumb. In that interview, she was simply asked the question: Who is Wendy Shay, but feeling she was being belittled by the presenter, Wendy Shay got offended, called the question dumb and walked out on the presenter. Most Ghanaians have condemned her action, with most people accusing her of disrespect. READ ALSO: Ebonys father announces arrival of new Ebony Reigns in latest wild video Agiasnt this background, a photo of the Uber Driver which has been shared on social media has attracted lots of criticisms, with some people describing the photo as dumb. The photo sighted by YEN.com.gh has Wendy Shay confidently displaying her nipples, while she sat with her legs opened widely. Most of her fans and followers have said she looked ugly in the photo, with one person saying even Bukum Bankus face was prettier than Wendys. READ ALSO: Visibly pregnant Ama McBrown sings praises to God in latest video For instance, Kollynz said in the Twi language that Bukom Bankus face was presentable than Wendy Shays: kollynz: @l.sap maturity over petulant Bukum Banku face mpo nfa ne ho. Daviod also said in the Akan language that Wendy was ugly: iamdaviod: Aho)tan paa nie. Gyanie wanted to know if it was Wendy Shay in the photo or the photo was tampered with: gyanie_agye: Is this her fr fr or the pix was tampered?????like wtf..... Mhims said Wendy looked like an alien: mhims_: She looks like an alien. READ ALSO: Get a rag and clean your face Fans descend on Lydia Forson over her latest photo Bacryyuio simply wrote: Dump look: bacryyuio: Dump look. Sonia claimed that Wendy was not beautiful: soniamercedezz: Shes not beautiful at all. Nana Akua wrote that Wendy Shay scared her: nana_akua_adom: U scared methis early morning. Sasha also added that Wendy Shay looked like a man: sashabaebruce: She looks like a man. Qwame also described Wendy Shays photo as nightmare: qwame_og: Nightmare paa nie. READ ALSO: Photo of the man who stabbed Kumawood actor pops up Wendy Shay has often been in the news for mainly controversial reasons. Recently, a former news presenter, Bridget Otoo, slammed her for trying to use the late Ebony to promote her music. Bridget said it was disrespectful for Wendy Shay to ride on the painful death of the late musician to fame. READ ALSO: Man refuses to pay toll in protest of bad Tema motorway road Ghana News Today: Mariam Owusu-Poku Crowned Miss Malaika 2018 | Yen.com.gh READ ALSO: Sister Derby fires Medikal, Fella Makafui in new diss song 'Kakalika Love' 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 - Trainee teachers have been asked to explain why they should be exempted from national service - Education minister has explained that failure to do so would not guarantee permanent employment Teacher trainees have been forewarned by the Minister of Education, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, of not being employed permanently if they refused to do their national service. According to him, the trainee teachers would have to provide explanations as to reasons why they should be exempted from the compulsory national service. He noted that they were no different from other trained professionals who undertake the mandatory one year national service. Minister of Education, Matthew Opoku Prempeh Source: Supplied Source: Depositphotos READ ALSO: Trainee teachers demonstrate over compulsory national service you have to tell me why you are better than somebody else, the minister said . Napo explained that the trainee teachers cannot be permanently employed if they do not undertake their national service I heard the teacher trainees say that yes, we are going to do induction and probation but we dont want to do national service, really? When we say your induction and probation period is the same as your national service period, why dont you want to do it? Nurses do it, doctors do it, lawyers do it," he said. READ ALSO: Visibly pregnant Ama McBrown sings praises to God in latest video Yen.com.gh earlier reported some unemployed teachers on Wednesday demonstrated against the government for failing to adequately post them. The protestors converged on the Obra Spot at Circle in Accra to start their march in a bid to get the government to heed their pleas. The trainee teachers, numbering over hundred, said they are demonstrating over a directive from government to post them as National Service Personnel. READ ALSO: 6 Ghanaian celebrities who have dated and broken up with Sister Derby Ghana News Today: Mariam Owusu-Poku Crowned Miss Malaika 2018 | Yen.com.gh Your stories and photos are always welcome. Get interactive via our Facebook page Source: Yen.com.gh Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin Central, Ken Agyapong, has criticised the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for pampering the embattled Vice Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Prof. Obiri Danso. According to him, the KNUST Vice Chancellor has proven incapable of handling mattes and must therefore be sacked. The MP said Prof. Obiri Yeboah is a known member of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and has always remained loyal to John Mahama. Ken Agyapong goes tough on Otumfuo. Source: Supplied. Source: Original READ ALSO: US-based Ghanaian arrested for $5m romance fraud He said President Akufo-Addo must be reminded of how the Vice Chancellor treated him when the NPP was in opposition. If I had the power I would have sacked him long ago, hes a thick NDC member, I can give you his history. If the NDC wants us to do politics with the KNUST issue Im ready for that, the Vice Chancellor is late P.V Obengs boy, I dont know if the NPP doesnt have this information, Mr.Agyaong said on the Ekosii sen show. When we were going to KNUST, the VC refused to allow Akufo-Addo to enter the place because he was appointed by ex-President Mahama, but Katanga boys who were not happy with the Vice Chancellors decision stormed out and led Akufo-Addos entourage inside. The maverick lawmaker then switched attention to the overlord of the Ashanti kingdom, who serves as the Chancellor of the University of Ghana. According to him, the Asantehene has so far pampered and shielded Prof. Obiri Danso instead of facilitating his sack. READ ALSO: 5 high-paying jobs for people who don't like stress The NPP must wake up, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. The VC never thought there will ever be a day where therell be a change of government. Otumfuo, please stop pampering the VC otherwise we cant solve the problem. The guy has to go, he added. Meanwhile the return date for students of the University of Ghana remains unknown following disagreements between UTAG, TEWU and the government on the constitution of an interim Governing Council. Street Quiz: Ghanaians React to Increment in Sachet Water Prices - Yenkasa | Yen.com.gh READ ALSO: Visibly pregnant Ama McBrown sings praises to God in latest video Your stories and photos are always welcome. Get interactive via our Facebook page. Source: Yen Its not every day that a country gets to host British royals. On Friday 2nd November 2018, the Prince of Wales toured West Africa where he and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall toured Ghana. Read on to get Prince Charles interesting pictures and information on the visit. Prince Charles and his wife Camilla purpose for visiting Ghana was to strengthen ties in the United Kingdom and Ghana.as well as highlighting major issues in the Commonwealth Nations. Check out the activities the royal family engaged in while in Ghana below. . READ ALSO: Nana Konadu faces off with Prince Charles in highlife dance competition The First lady Of Ghana Rebecca Akufo-Addo and the president Nana Akufo-Addo welcoming the royals at Jubilee palace. Prince Charles and president Nana Akufo-Addo looking at the memorial photos at the Jubilee House During the tour, Prince Charles, Camila and Edward who is one of Prince Charles siblings visited the Christiansborg War Cemetery where they laid flowers to honor the war heroes. Christianborg is located in the outskirts of Accra. The cemetery was constructed in 1941 and the purpose of constructing it was to pay homage to the fallen soldiers from the Second World War. Camilla Paying her respect to fallen WWII soldiers Their visit to the Asantehene monarch had the King of the Ashanti hold a traditional ceremony for them. The visit was a delight to both monarchs as they had amazing chat sessions and made plans on having both the Buckingham Palace and Manhyia Palace work together in future. The Prince of Wales appreciated the durbar of chiefs and the Kings reception. Prince Charles with King Otumfuo Prince Charles was also honored to watch people of Asanteman during the Akwasidae festival. King Otumfuo, the sitting monarch of Asantehene urged Britain to help the Ghanaian economy improve its status in among top global economies. The King of Ashanti noted that illiteracy, poverty, and diseases were some of the challenges that were preventing Ghana from developing further. He asked the UK to help Ghana fight these vices, for a better life of her citizens. The Prince of Wales admired the Ashanti culture and was awed at how beautiful the people are. Camilla being gifted in Kumasi Prince Charles while giving a public lecture in Accra, Ghana. In his public lecture at the Accra International Conference Center, Prince Charles insisted on the importance of preserving the environment. Destruction of natural resources and the pollution of waters are some of the causes of climate change and global warming. The prince noted that the disappearance of Lake Chad was a concern. Use of plastic bags has contributed to the environmental destruction. The Prince urged everyone to take care of the environment so as to have a safe and clean-living area. The Prince also spoked of the negative impact of the slave trade and how it has left a bad mark in history. ..We have a shared responsibility to ensure that the abject horror of slavery is never forgotten, that we abhor the existence of modern slavery and that we robustly promote and defend the values which today make it incomprehensible, to most of us, that human beings could ever treat each other with such utter inhumanity. he said at the Accra International Conference Center. Camilla enjoying her night at the Jubilee House On their last day of the visit, the royal highness attended a state banquet at Jubilee House in Accra. The Duchess wore a gorgeous pink Anna Valentine evening dress, huge diamond earrings, and a matching diamond necklace. Prince Charles wife looked dazzling in the evening outfit and enjoyed her time sampling the tasty dishes and dancing the night away. Prince Charles age did not stop him from dancing. He is quite a good dancer and didnt shy away from showing his moves with the Ghanaian first lady. Their royal highness had a great evening together with Ghanas first family and a number of other high profiled men and women in the Ghanaian government. His highness, the Emir of Kano, his royal majesty, the Obi of Onitsha, his Imperial Majesty the Shehu of Borneo, and the Oba of Benin were among the people who were present at the state banquet. Prince Charles dancing with the first lady of Ghana. READ ALSO: Prince Charles and wife Camila arrive in Ghana Prince Charles and president Nana Akufo-Addo in the state banquet The Royals completed their successful visit to Ghana on Monday night and headed to Nigeria where they met with government officials and traditional rulers. Prince Charles expressed his joy with how well he was hosted in Ghana. The Prince of Wales said that he loved how welcoming Ghanaians are, and will always appreciate the west African country. READ ALSO: 3 wild photos of the British Royals as they arrived in Ghana Fuse ODG unhappy over Prince Charles' visit to Ghana Source: Yen.com.gh Kumawood actor, Kwaku Manu, has blamed the collapse of the movie industry for the death of his colleague, Abass Abdullai popularly known as Blinks. The 35-year-old Kumawood actor was stabbed to death Wednesday morning at Sawaba Akrem in the Asokore Mampong Municipality in the Ashanti Region. The actor was allegedly attacked and stabbed by two men during a brawl in Kumasi. Blinks was trying to intervene in a quarrel between his boss' wife and her brother. YEN.com.gh has sighted a photo of a young man believed to have been directly involved in the stabbing incident. READ ALSO: Sista Afia flaunts her big 'melons' on social media But speaking on Adom FM's Work and Hppiness show, Kwaku Manu explained that if the industry was thriving, Blinks would not be where he was at the time of his stabbing. Manu stated: Blinks was not just an actor, he was also a makeup artiste and combined the two anytime we were on location to shoot a movie". Kwaku Manu recalled how he linked the late Blinks to movie producer, Jones Agyemang which begun their friendship. Blinks was like a brother so his death really hit me. Im convinced if we were working, this wouldnt have happened to him, he bemoaned. READ ALSO: Exclusive photos and video of fire, bullets and protests at Madina-Adentan Highway The Manhyia Divisional Police Commander ACP Kwaku Buah said Abass gave up the ghost as he was being rushed to Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) for treatment. The police have mounted a manhunt for the suspects whose names have been given as Abass and Tijan. Ghana News Today: Mensa Otabil and 12 Others Sued / Prince Charles Arrives in Ghana | #Yencomgh Your stories and photos are always welcome. Get interactive via our Facebook page. Source: Yen.com.gh A mother and her 14-year-old son have reportedly been hit by a stray bullet fired by the police to disperse protesting residents at the Adentan-Madina highway. Accra-based Joy FM reports that the victims were trying to avoid the chaos which ensued following Thursdays massive demonstrations when they were hit by the bullet. The incident is reported to have happened around the West African Senior High School (WASS) stretch of the highway. READ ALSO: Ken Agyapong goes tough on Otumfuo On Thursday, majority of residents at Adenta hit the streets to demonstrate after a taxi driver knocked down another person on the highway. The victim, a first-year student of WASS, had reportedly gone to register for the Gold Track semester when she met her untimely death. The angry residents subsequently burnt lorry tyres and blocked the road in an attempt to get the governments attention to fix the footbridges on the highway. The police, called in to restore order, resorted to firing shots and teargas to disperse the angry protestants. However, one of the stray bullets is reported to have hit a mother and her 14-year-old son in the process. Angry residents of the Madina-Adentan area protesting Source: Original READ ALSO: 5 financial responsibilities of every boyfriend They were hit around the SDA junction, metres away from the scene where the riots broke. Meanwhile, about 195 lives have so far been claimed on the Adentan-Madina highway. Despite being constructed about a decade ago, the highway has neither road signs nor functioning streetlights. Ghana News Today: Adenta on Fire as Angry Residents Protest Over Frequent Deaths| #Yencomgh READ ALSO: US-based Ghanaian arrested for $5m romance fraud Your stories and photos are always welcome. Send us a message via YEN's official Facebook page. Source: Yen.com.gh - A suspect in the murder case of Kumawood actor Abass Nurudeen 'Blinkz' has been arrested - Sumaila Tijani was reportedly arrested from his hideout at Atimatim in the Tafo-Pankrono Municipality - Tijani is one of two suspects who allegedly stabbed Blinkz in a brawl One of the suspects alleged to have stabbed Kumawood actor Abass Nurudeen, popularly known as Blinkz, to death has been arrested. The suspect, Sumaila Tijani, YEN.com.gh gathered, was arrested at Atimatim in the Tafo-Pankrono Municipality. According to a report YEN.com.gh sighted on MyNewsGH.com, a source at the Ashanti Regional Police Command has confirmed that Tijani was arrested at a hideout. Abass Blinkz (Photo credit: Supplied) Source: Facebook He is currently in custody at the regional police command assisting in investigations. READ ALSO: Medikal and 5 other celebrities who have 'wickedly' broken Sister Derby's heart Reports had been rife on the afternoon of Wednesday, November 7, that Abass died after being stabbed in a brawl. The police in Kumasi later confirmed the death of the well-built actor who was popular for his roles as a 'thug' in many Kumawood movies revealing he died while trying to save his boss' wife. Preliminary investigations led Manhyia Divisional Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Kwaku Buah, to believe that the stabbing incident happened at about 10:30 am. ACP Buah narrated that the deceased also worked at Acheamfour Terminal, a bus terminal in Kumasi. READ ALSO: Medikal saved Fella Makafui's number as 'carpenter' - Sister Derby reveals in new 'diss' song (Audio) He added that the stabbing incident happened after he (Abass Nurudeen) visited his boss' house at Akorem, a suburb of Kumasi. Abass, according to ACP Buah, met his boss' wife and her brother exchanging words upon arrival. The deceased then tried to intervene. But the brother of his boss' wife got angry over his intervention and engaged him in a brawl which later turned bloody. The boss brother-in-law and another guy present came together to attack Blinkz with knives stabbing him in the process. READ ALSO: Stray bullet hit mother and 14-year-old son during Adentan-Madina highway protest Abass was reportedly stabbed in the ribs and there was another cut on his back which caused him to fall and collapse. He was immediately rushed to the Manhyia Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Earlier, YEN.com.gh had published a viral photo of the people suspected to have committed the act. Xandy Kamel Interview on Star Gist: 'Benedicta Gafah Has No Womb' Xandy Drops Bombshell| #Yencomgh: Share your views on this with us in the comments section below. Do you have a story to share with us? Inbox us on our Facebook/Instagram page and we could feature your story. To stay up to date with the latest news, download our news app on Google Play today Source: Yen Global leader in telecommunication, Huawei Ghana on Thursday, November 8, 2018, successfully launched its flagship device, Huawei Y9. The launch which took place at the Tang Palace Hotel in Accra saw attendance from many people including brand ambassadors, staff of Huawei Ghana and marketers. Among the many celebrities to grace the occasion were CEO of both the EIB Network Group, Nathan Kwabena Anokye Adisi popularly known as Bola Ray, international blogger Ameyaw Debrah, Caroline Sampson, DKB and Zionfelix. Huawei Ghana launches flagship Huawei Y9 phone. Credit: YEN.com.gh Source: Original READ ALSO: Finance Ministry approves new allowances for boards, councils According to Marketing Manager for Huawei Ghana, Dennis Fixon Laryea, the Y9 was the first smartphone to feature four Artificial Intelligence (AI) cameras as well Wi-Fi bridging, features he reiterated were rare in the smartphone industry. This is the first device in the market that has a 6.5 FHD+ display notched screen. It is also the first phone in the market that has 4 AI cameras 2 at the back, 2 in front. And this is the first device that comes with a Wi-Fi signal bridge where you can bridge your Wi-Fi to other people, Dennis Laryea said. He added that the Huawei Y9 was a youthful device which gave consumers value for their money since they were getting a handful of amazing features at an affordable price. The Y means Youth or Young, so basically this is a youthful device with very high specs at very affordable price. So we are telling people not to break their bank to get that special-feature phone they want but then you have to use a little of your money to get that special phone you want, Dennis stated. Huawei Ghana launches flagship Huawei Y9 phone. Credit: YEN.com.gh Source: Original READ ALSO: Video: Man refuses to pay toll in protest of bad Tema motorway road The launch featured a raffle draw which saw three lucky patrons walking away with brand new Huawei Y9 smartphones. Huawei Ghana launches flagship Huawei Y9 phone. Credit: YEN.com.gh Source: Original Top companies including Compu Ghana, Telefonika, Melcom and Franko Trading Enterprise were rewarded by Huawei Ghana for their dedicated partnership over the years. Huawei Ghana launches flagship Huawei Y9 phone. Credit: YEN.com.gh Source: Original Comedian DKB was the Master of Ceremony on the night and other comedians like MJ got the crowd laughing with a number of their jokes. Facebook sensation, Teacher Kwadwo, also made an appearance at the launch. The Huawei Y9 is a 5.93-inch smartphone with a 4 GB RAM and 64 GB ROM, boasting of a Kirin 710 octa-core processor. Weighing 173g, the Huawei Y9 spots a 4000 mAH battery, which ensures 65 hours of music, 9 video hours as well as up to 52 hours of GSM calls. READ ALSO: 5 financial responsibilities of every boyfriend Watch: Ghana News Today: Adenta on Fire as Angry Residents Protest Over Frequent Deaths| #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 It was a moment of sadness and grief when some Kumawood actors visited the family of their dead colleague, Abass Nurudeen aka Blinkz. Blinkz, as earlier reported by YEN.com.gh was stabbed to death on Wednesday at Akorem in the Asokore Mampong Municipality in the Ashanti Region. According to the police, Blinkz was stabbed after he tried to intervene in a quarrel involving his boss' wife. Abass Nurudeen aka Blinkz (Photo: Supplied) Source: Facebook Being a Muslim, Blinkz was to be buried on Thursday and the actors went to Blinkz's family house at Suame to condole the family. READ ALSO: Kumawood actor Abass 'Blinkz' was killed after he tried to save boss' wife - Police reveal Kumawood stars visit Abass Blinkz's family before his burial (Photo source: Nydjlive.com) Source: UGC The delegation was led by the Ashanti Regional chairman of the Ghana Actors Guild, Bill Asamoah. READ ALSO: Open your computer anytime he wants to browse - Female pastor tells bride during church service (Video) Bill Asamoah led some Kumawood stars to visit Abass Blinkz's family before his burial (Photo source: Nydjlive.com) Source: UGC Among the many Kumawood stars were actress Mercy Asiedu, movie producer Jones Agyemang. READ ALSO: Medikal and 5 other celebrities who have 'wickedly' broken Sister Derby's heart Mercy Asiedu was part of the Kumawood delegated which visited Abass Blinkz's family before his burial (Photo source: Nydjlive.com) Source: UGC In photos of the visit sighted it was obvious that the Kumawood fraternity had been shaken by the death of their colleague. READ ALSO: Photo of the man who stabbed Kumawood actor Abass Blinkz pops up Kumawood stars visit Abass Blinkz's family before his burial (Photo source:Nydjlive.com) Source: UGC Meanwhile, one of the suspects alleged to have stabbed Blinkz to death has been arrested. READ ALSO: Photo of pretty lady who sadly lost her life in the Madina-Adenta crash The suspect, Sumaila Tijani, as earlier reported by YEN.com.gh, was arrested at Atimatim in the Tafo-Pankrono Municipality. According to sources at the Ashanti Regional Police Command has confirmed that Tijani was arrested at a hideout. Earlier, YEN.com.gh had published similar sad photos of slay queens at the one-week observance of their colleague, Charlotte Abena Woodey. Ghana News Today: Adenta on Fire as Angry Residents Protest Over Frequent Deaths| #Yencomgh: Share your views on this with us in the comments section below. Do you have a story to share with us? Inbox us on our Facebook/Instagram page and we could feature your story. To stay up to date with the latest news, download our news app on Google Play today Source: Yen.com.gh -The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), has refuted claims of increasing power tariffs by 33%. The former Deputy Power Minister, John Jinapor, on Thursday, November 8, alleged that there had been a secret tariff increment by the PURC and described the act as illegal. However,the commission said it has tracked the tariff implementation within the power sector and is certain that the prevailing tariffs were the approved ones. Former deputy Power minister, John Jinapor. Credit: Supplied Source: UGC READ ALSO: Social Media users descend heavily on Fella Makafui for snatching Medikal from Sister Derby According to him, the Electricity Company of Ghanas work plan revealed the increment which independent power producers attribute to the depreciation of the local currency. Meanwhile Head of Communications at the PURC, Bawa Mounkaila, told Citi News that the allegations were unsubstantiated. According to him, Jinapor was making reference to a particular document submitted to Parliament which the PURC was not privy to. He noted that the PURC had been monitoring the tariffs being charged and had realized the prices that were gazetted on March 15, 2018, were still being charged. READ ALSO: Exclusive photos and video of fire, bullets and protests at Madina-Adentan Highway Jinapor said per his analysis, the amount had been increased by 33% to an amount of GHC 52.7 pesewas per kilowatt hour,which ultimately is passed on to the consumer. He indicated that the said price increase was carried out on the instructions of the Ministry of Energy, during the tenure of Mr. Boakye Agyarko, adding that the Minority will soon file a motion in parliament on the issue. But the PURC has denied knowledge of any such increment. It suggests that the alleged increment may apply to the deregulated market where it has no control. READ ALSO: Maturity is your ability to think - Fella Makafui explains amidst accusations of man-snatching Ghana News Today: Mensa Otabil and 12 Others Sued / Prince Charles Arrives in Ghana | #Yencomgh Your stories and photos are always welcome. Get interactive via our Facebook page. Source: Yen YEN.com.gh reported on Thursday that residents of Adentan in Greater Accra engaged security officials in a violent protest over what the residents claim is the local government's unwillingness to complete a footbridge on the highway. Later on Thursday, it was reported that Ministry of Roads and Highways is prepared to resume work on the footbridge on Monday. Ghanaians were also interested observers when students at University of Science and Technology forced matters after authorities had refused to listen to them. Violence has been used for social and political purposes for centuries. Sometimes, it bears results but not at others. YEN.com.gh lists four reasons why Ghanaians are starting to believe in it. READ ALSO: 1. Violence is the last resort As anyone might have realised after staying in Ghana for a few years, it is one of the most serene places in Africa. This is because, perhaps since 1992, Ghanaians love to be perceived as generally law-abiding. Students protesting at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. Source: Original Violence comes in when the legitimate means fail. People seem as if they are holding on to the violence option as the last of their choices. 2. No differences among the political class In fairness, there is a powerful political class in Ghana and then there is the rest of Ghanaians. This ruling class have showed very little difference even if political parties come to mind. When the people feel betrayed by their political options, the worst tends to happen. 3. State institutions are failing What experts in democratic governance will tell you is that there are certain institutions that belong to the state and not parties. This include the police, military, civic bodies etc. So if we are to imagine that Ghanaians feel these state institutions themselves are corrupt, how do we expect legitimate concerns to be address outside of partisanship? 4. It is encouraged because it works The last of our reasons is perhaps, the simplest. Violence, in which the life, property and power of authorities are challenged, tends to yield results. Violent protests at the Adentan-Madina Highway. Source: Original For some reason, Ghanaian leaders may not bother until angry actions come to play. Source: Yen - Central University which belongs to popular pastor Mensah Otabil is reportedly going down the drains - This follows the collapse of Capital Bank in August last year - The university, according to reports, is likely to be absorbed by the government Fresh information gathered by YEN.com.gh have it that, Pastor Mensah Otabils Central University is going down. In an interview with YEN, some students of the university revealed that all is not well with the school and they fear it is on the verge of collapse. Earlier, the university laid off some staff and other workers, while the registrar confirmed that the university was running on life-support. READ ALSO: Video: WASS student narrates events leading to the death of colleague at Adenta According to students, lectures have not been paid salaries for three months. Other workers at the university have also not been paid for months, the students claimed They also lamented the poor services being rendered to them on campus including "no water, no light" and others, which they revealed was making life on campus very difficult for them. Sources say the only way the university could remedy the situation is by increasing fees for the student. However, any such move would backfire owing to the fact that Central University has one of the highest school fees in the country, and students may not agree to pay more. READ ALSO: Visibly pregnant Ama McBrown sings praises to God in latest video The current situation of the university, according to the report, follows the collapse of Capital Bank last year August. GH610 million was reportedly given to Capital Bank, where Otabil served as a major shareholder, to support the bank, but the money ended up being squandered, according to multiple media reports. The money is said to have been diverted into other businesses owned by some of the bank's board members, leading to the collapse of the bank. READ ALSO: Photo of pretty lady who sadly lost her life in the Madina-Adenta crash An earlier report by YEN.com.gh detailed how owner of the bank, Ato Essien, reportedly moved the GH610m into companies believed to be owned by him and others on the board, while the rest was used as capital to secure a license for another now-defunct bank, Sovereign Bank. Consequently, Otabil, his church ICGC, Ato Essien, and other stakeholders believed to have caused the collapse of the bank have been dragged to court. YEN.com.gh would follow up on this new development and feed readers with new updates when they come in. READ ALSO: Wendy Shay markets her body in latest 'scary' photo and fans believe its dumb Ghana News Today: Adenta on Fire as Angry Residents Protest Over Frequent Deaths| #Yencomgh READ ALSO: Mention those behind $100,000 bribe Kweku Baako dares Nyanyakyis wife 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 YEN.com.gh understands that the taxi driver who allegedly knocked down a student of the West African Senior High School on the Madina-Adentan highway, has been arrested by the police. The suspect has been placed in police custody and investigations into the matter has commenced. His arrest has sparked various comments on social media from a cross-section of Ghanaians: Source: Supplied Source: Original READ ALSO: Otabil's Central University reportedly on the verge of collapse The victim, reportedly died on Thursday, November 8, 2018, as she tried to cross the road near the 'uncompleted' footbridge. This has led to a protest by the youth in the area as they are burning tyres on the main road to block cars from accessing the route. READ ALSO: Photo of pretty lady who lost her life in the Madina-Adentan car accident Ghana News Today: Adenta on Fire as Angry Residents Protest Over Frequent Deaths| #Yencomgh 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 - Former president John Rawlings had reportedly said former president Mahama led a corrupt regime - His office has denied the claims - A statement released by the office of Rawlings said he never met any Seirra Leone delegation as reported The office of former president Jerry John Rawlings has denied reports making rounds that the he said Mahama led a corrupt regime. The former military leader, according to a Daily Guides report, met with former Sierra Leonean Vice-President Chief Sam Sumana, and told him that about Mahama during their meeting. The office has thus released a statement discrediting that report, stressing that Rawlings never met with the former Sierra Leonean vice president as reported. READ ALSO: Adenta-Madina Highway crashes: Dissolve Akufo-Addo govt like KNUST Board Prof Gyampo The statement further said the last time Rawlings met with him was in late 2017. The office wishes to state that Flt. Lt. Rawlings did not meet former Sierra Leonean Vice-President Chief Sam Sumana over the weekend as reported." The last time Chief Sam Sumana called on former President Rawlings was in late 2017, Communications Director at the Office of Mr. Rawlings, Kobina Andoh Amoakwa, stated in a press release on Friday, 9 November 2018. READ ALSO: Visibly pregnant Ama McBrown sings praises to God in latest video The statement further cautioned the media "to desist from dragging the name of the former president into imaginary circumstances. According to the Daily Guide publication, Mr. Rawlings had said that President Akufo-Addo took over from the erstwhile John Mahama administration in 2017 at a time the country was already drowning in corruption with impunity. By the time this administration came into office, the country was literally drowning in the practice of corruption with impunity. This administration has, therefore, inherited a national corruption at its worst, Daily Guide claimed Mr Rawlings was quoted to have said READ ALSO: .Otabils Central University reportedly on the verge of collapse Ghana News Today: Adenta on Fire as Angry Residents Protest Over Frequent Deaths| #Yencomgh READ ALSO: Photo: Ataa, lady who was knocked down in the Madina-Adenta Highway crash 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 MOSCOW AFP Nov9, 2018- Moscow on Friday hosted international talks on Afghanistan aimed at kick-starting direct negotiations between Kabul and the Taliban militant group, both of whom sent delegations. Russia hopes through joint efforts to open a new page in the history of Afghanistan, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said as the talks opened at a Moscow hotel on Friday morning. He said that the participation of both Afghan leaders and the Taliban was an important contribution aimed at creating favourable conditions for the start of direct talks. I am counting on you holding a serious and constructive conversation that will justify the hopes of the Afghan people, he said before the talks continued behind closed doors. Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid told AFP that the militant group was sending five representatives. They will not hold any sort of negotiations with the delegation of Kabul administration, he said. This conference is not about holding negotiations with any party whatsoever -- rather it is about finding a peaceful solution to the issue of Afghanistan, he added. This is the first time that a Taliban delegation is taking part in such high-level international meeting, Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Thursday. The Air Force is reported to have rescued six chena cultivators, who were marooned by flood waters after a breach in the bund of the Alampil Niththakay Tank in Mullaitivu. Air Force Spokesman Gihan Seneviratne said the rescue operation was launched on a message received from the Mullaitivu Disaster Management Centre (DMC). The farmers who went to guard their Chena cultivations were trapped in their tree huts because of the sudden flood in the morning, the spokesman said. An MI 17 helicopter was mobilised for the rescue operation. Group Captain Gihan Seneviratne said the helicopter is still conducting search operations in the area in search of any others who might be stranded. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama) Amana Banks Chief Financial Officer Ali Wahid receiving the award for Islamic Finance Entity from Dr Aishath Muneeza, Associate Professor, INCIEF & Chairperson, Maldives Centre for Islamic Finance (MCIF) Amana Bank was adjudicated with the Gold Award for Islamic Bank of the Year in the South Asian region at the recently concluded Islamic Finance Forum of South Asia (IFFSA) Awards held in Colombo. Winning the top prize under the Islamic Bank category, Amana Bank overcame great competition from well-established and industry leading practitioners from Pakistan, Bangladesh,Maldives, India and other South Asian Countries. The Bank further went on to win the Bronze Award for Best Islamic Finance Entity and Bronze for Best Islamic Finance Product introduced in respect for its unique Apartment Financing facility. Commenting on the accolades, the Banks Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Azmeer said It is indeed a greathonour to have won this prestigious award and to be recognized as the Best Islamic Bank in the South Asia region amongst industry heavy weights.This award brings recognition not only toAmana Bank but also to Sri Lanka as a potential hub for Islamic Finance in the region. I am grateful to all our employees, customers and stakeholders for supporting the growth of the Bank which enabled us to achieve such global recognition. Amana Bank is the countrys first and only Licensed Commercial Bank to operate in complete harmony with the globally growing non-interest based banking model. With the mission of Enabling Growth and Enriching Lives, the Bank reaches out to its customers through a growing network of 29 branches, 14 Self Banking Centres and 4000+ ATM access points and has introduced an array of customer conveniences such as Internet & Mobile Banking, Debit Card with SMS alerts, Online Account Opening, 365 Day Banking, Saturday Banking, Extended Banking Hours, 24x7 Cash Deposit Machines and Banking Units Exclusively for Ladies. Amana Bank PLC is a stand-alone institution licensed by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange with Jeddah based IDB Group being the principal shareholder having a 29.97% stake of the Bank. The IDB Group is a AAA rated multilateral development financial institution with an authorized capital base of over USD 150 Billion which has a membership of 57 countries. Fitch Ratings, in June 2018, affirmed Amana Banks National Long Term Rating of BB(lka) while upgrading its outlook to Positive from Stable. Amana Bank does not have any subsidiaries, associates or affiliated institutions representing the Bank. Amana Banks Head of Deposit Mobilization Arshad Jamaldeen receiving the award for Islamic Finance Product from MafazIshaq Director of Calamander Capital Singapore Amana Banks Vice President Operations Imtiaz Iqbal receiving the Gold Award for Islamic Bank of the Year from Dr Aishath Muneeza, Associate Professor, INCIEF & Chairperson, Maldives Centre for Islamic Finance (MCIF) The Banker Magazine, the renowned expert in providing economical and financial intelligence recently recognised Amana Bank as Islamic Bank of the Yearin Sri Lanka for the third consecutive occasion when it concluded its global search for the best financial institutions operating in the unique non-interest based Islamic banking and finance space. Commenting on the accolade, the Banks Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Azmeer said It is truly an honour to be adjudged by the Banker Magazine as the Best Islamic Bank in Sri Lanka for the third consecutive year which attests to the growth momentum Amana Bank has recorded. Being the pioneer in Sri Lanka and a leader in the region in Islamic Finance we continue our commitment to provide the people friendly banking model aided by digital innovation and introduction of pioneering products and services. We are grateful to our customers, staff and all other stakeholders, for their confidence and commitment throughout our journey. Amana Bank is the countrys first and only Licensed Commercial Bank to operate in complete harmony with the globally growing non-interest based banking model. With the mission of Enabling Growth and Enriching Lives, the Bank reaches out to its customers through a growing network of 29 branches, 14 Self Banking Centres and 4000+ ATM access points and has introduced an array of customer conveniences such as Internet & Mobile Banking, Debit Card with SMS alerts, Online Account Opening, 365 Day Banking, Saturday Banking, Extended Banking Hours, 24x7 Cash Deposit Machines and Banking Units Exclusively for Ladies. Amana Bank PLC is a stand-alone institution licensed by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange with Jeddah based IDB Group being the principal shareholder having a 29.97% stake of the Bank. The IDB Group is a AAA rated multilateral development financial institution with an authorized capital base of over USD 150 Billion which has a membership of 57 countries. Fitch Ratings, in June 2018, affirmed Amana Banks National Long Term Rating of BB(lka) while upgrading its outlook to Positive from Stable. Amana Bank does not have any subsidiaries, associates or affiliated institutions representing the Bank. Gunman kills twelve after storming student night California, (Daily Mail), 8 Nov 2018-Twelve people have been killed at a country music bar in southern California after a masked gunman wearing all black opened fire on crowds of college kids before taking his own life with a semi-automatic handgun. The shooter, who has not been named publicly but has been identified by police, stormed Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks on Wednesday at 11.20pm. He first shot the bouncer then opened fire on the crowds of youngsters who were there to enjoy a night of line dancing and country music. As dozens ran for their lives and used bar stools to shatter the windows to escape, the shooter continued firing his black semi-automatic pistol and throwing smoke grenades to confuse them. When the first police officers arrived at the scene three minutes later, the gunman shot one of them multiple times before shooting himself. By the time SWAT teams arrived, he was dead. The sheriffs sergeant who was shot later died in hospital. He was Ron Helus, a 29-year veteran. In total, 13 are dead; 11 people inside the bar, the sheriffs sergeant and the gunman. According to KTLA, the gunman was 29 years old. Police are yet to identify his motive or release his name. An additional 10 to 15 victims were injured during the mass shooting, including the bouncer, a young female cashier and college students. The gunman shot himself before SWAT teams got inside. None can gainsay the obvious fact that the science of Vedic astrology rests on the Law of Karma which also implies the existence of rebirth or the circle of birth and death. Astrologers often refer to the Natal Chart or the horoscope as the Map of ones Karma. Definition of Karma The Sanskrit word, Karma that has entered the Sinhala vocabulary is in common usage in this country. Although the term, Karma is used as Kamma in Pali text books on Buddhism, the Buddhists in this country usually use the Sanskrit term in their daily lives. The word, Karma has its root in the Vedas of Brahmanism and the definition of what Karma or Kamma is, given both in Vedas and in Buddhism is basically the same. However, Buddhism unlike the Vedas denies that there is a permanent entity called Atma passing from one birth to another. Astrology,a mechanism to account for operation of Law of Karma By the way, Astrology, a byproduct of Vedic philosophy seems to have been developed as a mechanism to account for the operation of the Law of Karma encompassing the terrestrial phenomena with special reference to human beings. While Mundane Astrology has been developed for the purpose of foreseeing the significant events of the material world like wars, plagues, earthquakes, socio-political and geo-political changes, environmental transformations etc. Natal Astrology has been developed for the purpose of predicting fortunes and misfortunes in store for individuals. It is presumed that just as every natural phenomenon that occurs in the world, every fortune or misfortune that an individual has to face in life is subject to a universal law called the Law of Karma. And Astrology is the mechanism that has been designed and developed by ancient Indian seers based on the Law of Karma to gain a foresight into the future of the material world as well as that of an individual. Scholars of Vedic philosophy have classified Karma under the following laws of Nature: Law of Causation Law of Action and Reaction Law of Compensation Law of Retribution Law of Impressions Law of Causation The Law of Causation is the basic law that says that whatever happens in the universe is due to a cause. All other laws of Nature are subordinate to this fundamental law. Thoughts and actions of Man are subject to this law. A good thought will produce a good effect, a bad thought a bad effect. Similarly, a good action will produce a good reaction, and a bad action, a bad reaction. Both cause and effect constitute Karma. Law of Action and Reaction For every action there is a reaction. If you cause pain to another, you will, in turn, suffer pain. This law operates both on mental and physical planes with precision and accuracy. Law of Compensation The Law of Compensation operates in every natural phenomenon. This law will restore equilibrium, harmony and justice in the wake of every catastrophe. Every evil act will beget an evil result under this law too. Law of Retribution Every wrong action will bring its own punishment according to this Law of Retribution. He who hurts another hurts himself first. He who cheats another cheats himself first. Every wrong action while instantly punishing the doers inner self will eventually punish him by way of pain, misery, misfortune, disease etc. (c) 2018, The Washington Post Timothy McLaughlin, Ashley Halsey III, Stanley Widianto Nov 08, 2018 - JAKARTA, Indonesia - Airplane manufacturer Boeing on Wednesday issued a bulletin to airlines worldwide warning of erroneous readings from flight-control software on its planes, after a Lion Air jetliner crashed into the sea soon after takeoff, killing the 189 people on board. Boeing, which is assisting in an investigation into what went wrong in the Oct. 29 crash of one of its new 737 Max 8 jets, said it issued the bulletin as part of its usual process. The Federal Aviation Administration on Wednesday issued an emergency notice to all operators of Boeing 737 Max 8 and 9 planes. It warned airlines that erroneous sensor inputs like the one that came into play in Indonesia could cause the flight crew to have difficulty controlling the airplane, leading to possible impact with terrain. Most of our readers are familiar with the term dyslexia. But do we know details of dyslexia , what it is, how it affects life and what intervention is possible? In this weekss Health Capsule, we decided to consult Dr. Udena Attygalle, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist at the Teaching Hospital in Karapitiya, to obtain more information on the topic. How often do we take everyday skills that we possess; reading and writing for an example, for granted? Most of us have to just look at the sentences in the book or in this case the newspaper, that we are reading and our brains do all the work automatically regarding reading and interpreting the content before us. Now imagine looking at your favourite book and seeing only symbols or starting to write a letter to your friend living abroad, knowing just what to write, yet not knowing how to write it. That is the struggle that a dyslexic individual face every day. Symptoms In preschool, when we are just learning to read and write, all of us see and identify letters as symbols, explains Dr.Attygalle. But, while most of the children learn to recognise, interpret and incorporate these letters into their reading and writing, after a certain period of time, the minority continues to have difficulty with them. They usually cannot remember the letters of the alphabet, forgetting and writing letters the wrong way, for an example confusing their b s with d s. They find dictation especially hard, for an example writing cat as K-A-T instead of C-A-T. They also read in letters, pronouncing one letter of a word at a time, and being unable to grasp the meaning of the sentence immediately after reading. These children tend to read and write very slowly when compared with the other children, but can understand well if explained verbally. This is because Dyslexia is not in any way a problem of intelligence, explains the doctor. In fact, these children can be very smart, their intelligence similar to that of the children of the same age group. Their difficulties when it comes to letters will be frustrating as well as confusing to the child, his parents as well as the teachers, because they cannot figure out why he or she cant cope with these seemingly simple tasks while performing well in other aspects of life. If the child does not receive the support and understanding of his family and teachers, this may result in severe psychological distress to the child, with him being labeled as slow or stupid. Such children tend to drop out of school early, and are exposed to the risk of anger and unhealthy coping mechanisms like substance abuse. Recognising and treatment Dyslexia is more accurately described as a spectrum, states Dr. Attygalle. So, the severity of the symptoms would change from child to child. Many of these children go into adulthood without being formally diagnosed as dyslectic. But, with time, they develop their own coping mechanisms to deal with the difficulties that they face and will cope with the demands of day to day life considerably well. These children are usually identified by the class teacher and referred to a child psychiatrist or an educational psychologist. Most of the time, the child is referred with a complaint like forgetfulness or not paying attention in class, explains the doctor. There are no specific tests to diagnose dyslexia due to the variations of disease symptoms from child to child, but can be diagnosed clinically after thoroughly assessing the child, including his reading and writing skills. They are also more likely to have certain other conditions like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), when compared to other children of their age. Early diagnosis can usually result in a better outcome in dyslexia. Management is usually done by a multidisciplinary team, including educational psychologists, child psychiatrists, and speech and occupational therapists. Treatment will include special interventions in teachings which are more focused on the childs needs. Parents and the teachers will also be instructed on how to help the child cope with the difficulties. Throughout all this love and support are invaluable to the child as well. UNP MP Mangala Samaraweera yesterday charged that a sum of Rs.4 billion had gone out of Sri Lanka as the net outflow from the equity market as a result of the decision by President Maithripala Sirisena to appoint a new Prime Minister. This reaction by foreign investors will have a negative effect on the Sri Lankan economy especially in the face of the prevailing global economic crisis, Mr. Samaraweera said in a statement issued last evening. He also warned that the yield of the one dollar bond which matures in January next year had shot up to 9.9 per cent from 5.5 per cent earlier. This will double the countrys debt services, he said, adding that the increased net outflow of funds will also result in a further devaluation of the rupee. Additionally, he said the country will face issues in further borrowings to finance the total foreign debt service which stands at a staggering US$ 15 billion at present. The former Finance Minister, referring to the tax concessions given by the newly appointed regime, pointed out that the government will lose a revenue of Rs.75 billion as a result of this move. There would be no option but to increase income tax thereafter, he said. (Yohan Perera) COLOMBO (AFP) - The European Union joined a chorus of international voices demanding an end to Sri Lankas two-week-old political crisis yesterday, saying the island nations international reputation and investments were at risk. President Maithripala Sirisena on October 26 sacked Ranil Wickremesinghe, Prime Minister, replacing him with the divisive Mahinda Rajapaksa. Wickremesinghe is holed up in his official residence refusing to go, saying his removal would be illegal, while Rajapaksa is running a parallel administration from the prime ministers office. President Sirisena has suspended parliament until next Wednesday as he and Rajapaksa try to gather enough support among lawmakers to vote Wickremesinghe out, an effort that looks to be failing. Amid rumours that Sirisena may seek to delay matters further, the EU, in a joint statement with Norway and Switzerland, said that parliament should vote immediately when reconvened. Any further delay could damage Sri Lankas international reputation and deter investors, the statement said. The United States, the United Nations and several other countries including Australia have also urged Colombo to end the unprecedented power struggle and restore confidence. Wickremesinghe late Thursday thanked his supporters and urged them not to give up. In extraordinary numbers and with extraordinary courage you came out on to the streets, you spoke out, Wickremesinghe said in a video message posted on Facebook. You have not let this country be plunged into the darkness of dictatorship. For this inspiring effort, I want to thank everyone who has risen to fight for democracy and justice, he said. His supporters staged a noisy cavalcade of motorcycles, auto-rickshaws, cars and vans in the capital Colombo on Thursday. The power struggle on the island of 21 million people has paralysed much of the administration, according to legislators on both sides of the dispute. The decision by Leaders of both the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) and the All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC) Rauff Hakeem and Rishad Bathiudeen respectively to leave the country in a hurry on Tuesday night had invited much speculation and tongue wagging in local circles. The reasons for this sudden departure had many persons in political circles wondering whether this was a precursor to them leaving the Ranil faction and going over to the Mahinda faction. This line of thinking was given even more weight as the duo was seen going in for a meeting with President Maithripala Sirisena prior to departure from the island. When inquiries were made from a spokesperson for the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress about the sudden foreign visit by former minister Hakeem, he had replied that the leader had gone abroad for personal reasons and that he would be back soon. (Sujith Hewajulige) Video by Damith Out of the many non-communicable diseases, diabetes takes such a prominent place that we all know of at least one person with diabetes. While diabetes comes as Type 1 and 2, there may be instances when it could get severe, especially with age. Diabetes not only affects ones health, but also the quality of life of an individual. Statistics have proven that over 425 million people have diabetes. Diabetes can be expensive for the individual and the family. While the focus has been diverted towards diabetes mellitus, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is less spoken of. In view of the Diabetes Awareness Month which falls in November, the Diabetes Association of Sri Lanka (DASL) has planned several programmes. Hence we spoke to Dr. Chamari Warnapura, Deputy Medical Director National Diabetes Centre at DASL who shed light on GDM. What is gestational diabetes? Gestational diabetes is high blood sugar that develops during pregnancy and usually disappears after labour. It can occur at any stage during pregnancy, but is more common in the second half. It occurs if your body cannot produce enough insulin to meet the extra needs in pregnancy. Expectant women can help control gestational diabetes by eating healthy foods, exercising, and, if necessary, taking medication. Controlling blood sugar can prevent a difficult birth and keep you and your baby healthy. Prevalence According to the statistics collected by the DASL 1 in 4 persons have abnormal sugar levels. 2.1 million and 2.3 million people have diabetes and pre diabetes respectively. According to the last prevalence study, which was done in 2008, 21.8% abnormal blood sugars in total are prevalent in Sri Lanka. Dr. Chamari Warnapura said that 1 in 7 births were affected by gestational diabetes. The prevalence of high blood glucose in pregnancy increases rapidly with age and is highest in women over the age of 45. In 2017, there was an estimated 204 million women (20-79 years) living with diabetes in the world. This number is projected to increase to 308 million by 2045. 1 in 3 women with diabetes were of reproductive age. 21.3 million or 16.2% of live births had some form of high blood sugar during pregnancy. An estimated 85.1% were due to gestational diabetes. The vast majority of cases of high blood sugar during pregnancy were in low- and middle-income countries, where access to maternal care is often limited, said Dr. Warnapura. Risks to mother and foetus Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a severe and neglected threat to maternal and child health, Dr. Warnapura continued. Many women with GDM experience pregnancy-related complications including high blood pressure, large birth weight babies and obstructed labour. The mother can go on to develop type 2 diabetes within 5 to 10 years after delivery. The foetus can develop conditions such as low blood sugar, jaundice and low calcium. Babies may also have a large birth weight leading to obstructed labour, added Dr. Warnapura. Detection and diagnosis According to Dr. Warnapura, the risk assessment for GDM should be undertaken at the first prenatal visit. Women with clinical characteristics consistent with a high risk of GDM (marked obesity, personal history of GDM, sugar in urine, or a strong family history of diabetes) should undergo glucose testing (see below) as soon as feasible. If they are found not to have GDM at that initial screening, they should be retested between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation. Women of average risk should have testing undertaken at 2428 weeks of gestation, she added. Low-risk status requires no glucose testing, but this category is limited to those women meeting all of the following characteristics: Age >25 years Weight normal before pregnancy Member of an ethnic group with a low prevalence of GDM No known diabetes in first-degree relatives No history of abnormal glucose tolerance No history of poor obstetric outcome She further said that a fasting plasma glucose level of >126 mg/dl (7.0 mmol/l) or a casual plasma glucose >200 mg/dl (11.1 mmol/l) meets the threshold for the diagnosis of diabetes, if confirmed on a subsequent day, and precludes the need for any glucose challenge. Reclassification of the mothers sugar status should be performed at least 6 weeks after delivery, Dr. Warnapura continued. If glucose levels are normal post-partum, reassessment of sugar level should be undertaken at a minimum of three-year intervals. Women with pre-diabetes in the postpartum period should be tested for diabetes annually. These patients should receive intensive lifestyle management therapy and should be placed on an individualised exercise programme because of their very high risk for development of diabetes. All patients with prior GDM should be educated regarding lifestyle modifications that lessen insulin resistance, including maintenance of normal body weight through lifestyle modification. Diabetes Awareness Month The DASL has been in the forefront in spreading awareness on diabetes. One of their programmes include The Family and Diabetes which aims to raise awareness on the impact that diabetes has on the family and support network of those affected while promoting the role of the family in the management, care, prevention and education of diabetes. These aims are achieved with campaigns such as #dontsugarcoatit which is a nutritional labelling campaign spreading awareness on food labelling. The other aspect is to conduct awareness programmes for the whole family. Health tips for pregnant women As always, pregnant women with GDM should keep an eye on their diet. In order to get all the vitamins and minerals you and your baby need, you should try to eat food rich in vitamins and nutrients from different sources every day, Dr. Warnapura further explained adding, This means you should have a balanced diet with the right proportions of carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, minerals and water. In addition to that, pregnant women should also do regular exercises. Exercise means being active and it helps to lower blood sugar. When you have gestational diabetes being active every day can help lower your blood sugar. But there are a few things to keep in mind, Dr. Warnapura stressed. Pregnant women should stop exercising if they feel contractions. Also if they are taking insulin and feel that they are having low blood glucose then they should stop exercising and treat that condition instead. she said. KABC-TV(THOUSAND OAKS, Calif.) -- A college night at a popular music bar in a Southern California suburb ended in bloodshed when at least 12 people were shot dead. Witnesses recounted how they hid under tables, jumped through windows and ran for their lives. A gunman burst into the Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks late Wednesday night, firing multiple rounds at patrons and throwing what appeared to be smoke bombs. Teylor Whittler, 19, was celebrating her friend's 21st birthday inside the packed Western-style bar, which hosts a "college night" on Wednesdays that is open to people 18 and over. "I was on the dance floor dancing and all of a sudden I heard the shots," Whittler told ABC News in an interview Thursday on "Good Morning America." "I turned around and I saw it was an actual person with a gun and I couldn't believe it at first, but my initial reaction was to run and take cover," she said. "A bunch of people dog-piled on top of each other." Whittler recalled how some men in the crowd got down to block her and others on the ground, with their backs to the shooter, "ready to take a bullet for every single one of us." When there was a break in the shooting, dozens of people tried to flee out the back door and jump through windows, she said. "I ended up getting caught on the ground and stumbled over by multiple people. I got hit in the head by a stool that was being picked up to throw through a window," Whittler said. "Some guy came up behind me and grabbed me and said, 'Get up, we have to go.'" Whittler's friend, Sarah Rose DeSon, said she saw what appeared to be smoke grenades. "I was lucky enough to get out alive," DeSon said on "GMA." "It does not feel real. I'm in shock, I'm in shock. I'm terrified." Their friend, Nellie Wong, whose 21st birthday they were celebrating, said their group was at the bar with a couple of other friends whom they haven't heard from since the gunfire broke out. "We don't know if they're still in there," Wong said. "If they got out, we don't know where they are." John Hedge said he was with his stepdad near the bar's entrance when the shooting began and he thought it was a "joke" at first until he saw people drop to the floor. "I was talking to my stepdad and I just started hearing these big pops. Pop, pop, pop," Hedge told ABC Los Angeles station KABC-TV. "There was probably 12 shots before I got out the front door." A witness who gave only his first name, Matt, said he hid until he heard the gunman reload and then used a barstool to smash a window to help get others to safety. "All I did was grab as many people as I could and pulled them underneath the table and then till I heard a break in the shots and then we got people out of there as much as we could," Matt told KABC-TV. "I know where I'm going if I die, so I was not worried to sacrifice. So all I wanted to do was get as many people out of there as possible." Authorities said the alleged shooter was later found dead inside an office adjacent to the entry of the bar. The suspect has been identified as Ian David Long, a 28-year-old U.S. Marine Corps veteran, according to Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean. Long was allegedly armed with a legally purchased .45-caliber Glock handgun that had an extended magazine, Dean said. At least 12 people, including Ventura County Sheriff's Sgt. Ron Helus, were fatally shot and at least 13 others injured, Dean said. Those 13 patients were treated at local hospitals for gunshot wounds or cuts and have since been released, officials said. Thousand Oaks, located about 40 miles west of Los Angeles, is considered to be among the safest cities in the country, with good schools and low crime. It ranked third in Americas safest cities this year, according to Niche, a Pittsburgh-based company that researches neighborhoods and schools across the nation based on public data as well as resident reviews. Wednesday night's shooting is the latest on the growing list of mass shootings in the United States this year. So far, there have been at least six mass shootings in 2018, resulting in 59 deaths. This is a breaking story. Please check back for updates. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Mrs.Resta Wickremasingha came from an affluent Baptist family from Kerawalapitiya, Hendala, Her parents Mr. & Mrs. Robert de Alwis were blessed with two children, Resta and her brother Leslie. I knew her only at the tail end of her life, so whatever I am writing about her is hearsay, and thats from my husband, for she had moved closely with his parents. She was a highly qualified lady in all aspects but she had been a special chosen vessel to do the Lords work. Her preaching had been excellent, although she was not a priest. She had been much loved and respected by all who knew her, she had etched her name in he Baptist world. I came to know her only in 1970 and at that time she resided in the Principals bungalow at Carey College, Colombo. She was married to the late Dr. W. G. Wickremasingha who was the Principal of the College and also the President of the Baptist Sangamaya. They were blessed with three girls. A few years back one of them was taken to her eternal home leaving behind her husband and a young family. From the time my parents retired and came to reside at Hendala and we became members of the Hendala Baptist Church, Mrs. Wickremasingha became a dear friend to our family. My husband had the privilege of working with Mrs. Wickremasingha during his young days. He says she was a well disciplined lady. Whether it was collecting funds for the Church or attending to the maintenance of the church, she wanted everything in order and precise. He has shared with me little humorous incidents which had taken place at that time. However, much people hadnt agreed with her, my husband laughs and tells me that at the end of it the work will be done according to her advice. After meeting in the church she would drop in at my husbands parental home to have a chat with them and share her views. It was due to the concern she had for my husband and the concern her close friend and associate the late Mrs. Clarice de Mel had for me that my husband and I are sharing our lives together today. I believe that this was the last act of kindness she performed before she was called home by the master at the relatively young age of 51, her death anniversary falls on the 10th of November. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants. Lakshmie Mawala nee de Silva The air is cool and crisp, as a sublime breeze blows from the mountainside towards the patio into my room. I think of our dear friend Prianca who suddenly passed away on that Monday night, the first of October. The weekend before we had received an e:mail from him, telling us that he would not be able to be with us for Christmas as he was on the threshold of working on a new venture with a friend. When my neighbour from Colombo called us with the news, we were stunned to hear of his sudden passing. It took us a while to comprehend this sad news about our good friend. I had jogged Priancas memory, in that last e:mail to him, I recalled the first time we met him at Calvary Church, with another dear friend Damayanthi Herath, who sadly passed away many years ago in the prime of her life of cancer. Prianca was a solemn greeter in church, impeccably dressed, who took his duty as an usher very dedicatedly. Even though we left Sri Lanka in 2004, we kept in touch via e:mail and phone. Prianca and Manique became very dear to Hillary and me. I think back to the lovely times we spent after church, going to Carnival for ice cream. We enjoyed many dinners and gatherings with our Calvary Friends in our homes. We relished Black cherry cheese cake, that our sister-in-law Mano introduced us to, at the newly opened Don Stanleys at that time. Prianca loved keyboard music. I would plead with him to treat us to a bit of his piano playing occasionally at his home. The trips we did with our group of friends were memorable. It was so much fun We never missed a Purple Rain, or a Philharmonic Pop concert. We listened to lobby music at hotels, just enjoying a fun evening together. Prianca loved keyboard music. I would plead with him to treat us to a bit of his piano playing occasionally at his home. The trips we did with our group of friends were memorable. It was so much fun. Trips to Welimada, Habarana and Worlds end was such a chattering and scintillating experience. I remember most clearly how we ended up at a tourist bungalow in Anuradhapura during one of those suddenly thought of long week end trips. Despite the not so comfortable atmosphere, we enjoyed the loud taped music of the Gypsies, while we laughed at each joke, or some amusing story, while we swatted mosquitoes and ate every morsel of food that was prepared for us. There were many an impromptu trip we did together. The in-depth conversations on social issues, and religion, rationalized explanations that Prianca gave us to clear our minds. Prianca loved God deeply and would not miss hearing His word at any given opportunity. Its hard to talk about the once so happy times, but our minds are the repositories of all those lovely memories of friends who have left us. They will always be vivid and present in our lives. Prianca was such a caring brother to Manique. Prianca would remind me to be still and make those two Biblical words my affirmation. To have total reliance in God to see us through this trial In his quiet, unobtrusive way, he did all that he could as a son, and a brother, a giving nephew to his Aunt, and also to any friend who needed his help. He, as our friend understood all the upheavals Hillary and I were going through regarding our home in Colombo, the home where we spent many a time of togetherness and joy with our crowd of friends. Prianca would remind me to be still and make those two Biblical words my affirmation. To have total reliance in God to see us through this trial. He had a very real and deep faith in God. Priancas earthly life has ended. He is now past the moon and the stars. He is with Christ, In Heaven. He is now in the most profound version of home. We thank God for the most beautiful memories of our times with you Prianca. All the precious images from the stream of time will remain in the prism of our memory for always. Goodbye dearest friend. We will surely see you again. Charmaine & Hillary Candappa. Colombo Chief Magistrate Lanka Jayaratna today ordered the MP Ravi Karunanayake's daughter to appear in Court on Monday. The Magistrate said said this order was made after considering a motion filed by the CID and another filed by Mr. Karunanayke's daughter. Senior State Counsel Lakmini Grihagama supporting the motion filed by the CID said Onela Karunanayake was asked to report to the CID to record her statement in connection with the investigations into the bond scam. However, Ms Karunanayake who had reported to the C ID at 8.50 am had left at 9.05 a.m. without informing the CID. President's Counsel Shavendra Fernando appearing with Sajeewa Jayawardena for the two lawyers who had accompanied Ms Onela said she had gone to the CID on October 29 on a request by the CID to make the statement. But without recording her statement the CID had asked her to come on another day. She had reported to the CID on November 5 with attorneys-at- law Aravinda Gamage and Amila Pieris. The counsel said a person introducing himself as the receptionist had asked for the names of the two attorneys and had refused to allow them to accompany Ms. Karunanayake. Therefore Ms Onila after spending some time at the CID premises had returned home. (T.Farook Thajudeen) Several Cabinet Ministers were sworn in today before President Maithripala Sirisena at the Presidential Secretariat. The newly appointed Ministers are as follows, Johnston Fernando was sworn in as the Minister of Commerce, Consumer Affairs and Christian Affairs. C. B. Ratnayake was sworn in as the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications S. M. Chandrasena was appointed as the Minister of Plantation Industries Udaya Gammanpila was sworn in as the Minister of Buddha Sasana and Religious Affairs M. L. A. M. Hizbullah was sworn in as the Minister of Urban Planning & Water Supply Gamini Lokuge was sworn in as Labour, Foreign Employment & Petroleum Resources Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena was sworn in as the Minister of Industry and Commerce Sri Lanka Institute of Directors (SLID) in a brief statement yesterday expressed their grave concern on the current political situation and stressed it negatively affects the countrys businesses and international reputation. The Sri Lanka Institute of Directors is gravely concerned about the current political situation in Sri Lanka which is negatively impacting our local industry and international business reputation, the statement read. SLID urged the political authorities to expeditiously resolve the crisis using principles of democracy and good governance and safeguard Sri Lankas economy, security and all its people. Previously, a similar joint statement was issued by the business chambers of the country urging the political authorities to resolve the current crisis swiftly, upholding the democratic principles. A married couple obtained a shop premises in the Southern Province on lease and started a shoe business, but as the business was not profitable they informed the owner, who was based in Colombo, that they were closing up shop. As the lease period was not up and having only been in business for six months, the couple requested the owner to refund a part of the money paid on the lease. The owner refused and an argument arose which led to a quarrel. Sensing the serious trouble they would have to face, the couple requested for a months grace to vacate the premises, a request the owner of the premises readily agreed to. Before a months grace had lapsed, the owner of the premises visited the shop and to his horror, he found that the couple had not only removed the goods from the shop but the doors and windows as well before doing the vanishing trick. The dejected owner is now gathering information from his neighbours in order to track down the couple. (Upasena Liyanagama) Johnston Fernando was sworn in as the Minister of Commerce, Consumer Affairs and Christian Affairs, before President Maithripala Sirisena a short while ago. C. B. Ratnayake was sworn in as the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications while S. M. Chandrasena was appointed as the Minister of Plantation Industries by President Maithripala Sirisena. US, (Daily Mail), 8 November 2018 - President Donald Trump ditched his attorney general on Wednesday and replaced him with a former federal prosecutor who has been openly critical of Special Counsel Robert Muellers Russia probe and will now have the power to end it. Jeff Sessions was not expected to last long after Tuesdays elections, and Trump at a news conference declined to give him a boost of confidence. Trump shared the news in a tweet; a Justice Department spokeswoman said shortly afterward that Sessions chief of staff, Matt Whitaker, would have responsibility for overseeing Mueller. It wasnt immediately clear whether the regulations pertaining to the special counsel allowed Sessions had recused himself from that role early on in the Trump administration, putting it in the lap of Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein who eagle-eyed reporters spotted heading to the White House hours after the president gave Sessions his walking papers. Democrats rang the alarm in the meantime about a constitutional crisis set off by Trumps fear of being implicated in crimes by special counsel Mueller. Minister Vasudeva Nanayakkara yesterday criticized Speaker Karu Jayasuriya for what he called entertaining foreign envoys in Parliament and inquired if the Speakers of these countries would have allowed the intrusion by our envoys in the affairs of their Parliaments and States. In a letter to the Speaker, National Languages and Social Integration Minister Vasudeva Nanayakkara said he was shocked to note that the Speaker had entertained foreign Ambassadors at his Parliament office when it remain prorogued to discuss matters that concerned the President, Prime Minister and the State. Significant among those who were invited were the envoys of the US and the UK as well as those from other western countries. It is common knowledge that some of these countries actively engaged themselves in the Presidential Election held in 2015, in which you played a pivotal role to oust the then regime. Would the Speakers of these respective countries have entertained intrusions by our Ambassadors/High Commissioners in the affairs of their Parliaments and their States?, he queried. Recently, the minister pointed out that the US and the UK had been 'concerned' about alleged plots by other countries to meddle in their elections and political sphere. In this context, I fail to comprehend your tolerance of the intrusive conduct of these envoys et al in the affairs of our State, he said. He said Speaker Jayasuriya was a part of the plot to oust the government in January 2015 and colluded to compel the President to appoint a Prime Minister, who had the backing of only 48 MPs, whilst there was a sitting Prime Minister who had the support of 155 members of the House. How is it then that you find it unacceptable when the President appoints a new Prime Minister, who led a movement that received mass support in the recent local Government Elections? In doing so, have you not usurped the powers of the President, as the Constitution mandates in the assessment of the level of confidence commanded by the appointed Prime Minister amongst the Members of Parliament?, he inquired. Each lower limb is connected to the body via the hip joint which is very stable and socket type joint. It allows a vast range of movements. Each joint transfers half of the body weight when one stands upright. Talking about this part of the body, hip fractures are quite common in our present society. We spoke to Dr. Chandana Herath, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Base Hospital, Nuwara Eliya to shed light on the topic. Excerpts: Q Who are vulnerable to hip fractures ? Hip fractures are commonly seen in the elderly women who have osteoporosis and is less common in men. The bone at the hip joint will be broken after a simple fall on ones side. The peak incidents noted in the Sri Lankan population take place between the ages between 70-85 years. Q Why are hip fractures commonly associated with the elderly ? Fall prone bodily changes like poor vision, general slowness, prolonged reaction time and other medical conditions which interfere with balance and walking develop with advancing age. As I mentioned earlier, the weakened osteoporotic bone due to ageing is susceptible to fracture. Q What exactly happens during a hip fracture? There are many ways the hip can break and it ranges from two pieces to four pieces. The exact location of the fracture also matters when deciding the method of fixation. After examining the patient an orthopaedic surgeon will decide which method of treatment is suitable for a particular patient. Patients who had half hip replacement would be off the bed next day morning and they are able walk with the full weight on the operated leg. We will recommend you to use a walking frame to ensure you do not fall again. The others who had plate and screw fixations are able to walk with a walking frame the next day. A patient will be advised as to how much weight must be applied on the operated leg. Q How would you figured out if a person has a hip fracture? A patient will find it difficult to stand up and put weight on the injured side. Pain will be felt at the groin when the leg is moved. The leg will appear short and turned outwards at the foot. Q What could you do at home? Make sure that the injured person is out of danger from further injuries and splint the leg to the uninjured leg. Two paracetamol tablets can be given to the patient until he is taken to the hospital. The patient can be in a seated position if pain-free. However, it is safer for the patient to be transported while lying flat. Make sure to take all available medical records and medications with the patient. Q The procedure at the hospital ? The patient will be examined and assessed by a doctor. A plain X - ray of the hip/Pelvis will be taken to identify the fracture. Q What is the health impact of a hip fracture ? The health of an elderly person can be deranged significantly and rapidly after sustaining a hip fracture. The elderly may look healthy as long as their bodies function undisturbed. Once this homeostasis is disturbed, recovery is slower. When the patients are bed bound with a hip injury, their heart activity, blood flow to parts of the body, respiration, bowel motions, hormonal regulations and brain function are subjected to change. Developing chest and urine infections is common in these patients and may worsen the condition. They are prone to develop bedsores rapidly and existing medical conditions like diabetes could go out of control despite regular medications. Q How can these complications be prevented? Surgical fixation of the hip joint is the reliable option available. The current recommendation by the National Institute for Health Care and Excellence (NICE) UK, is to have hip surgery approximately within 36-48 hours after the injury. Alternative treatment methods can not achieve a better outcome and the strong recommendation is to perform surgery without delay. Q What are the benefits of the surgical treatment procedure? The pain will be reduced immediately after the operation and there will be a marked relief. It will help in many ways since pain has deleterious effects on body physiology. So the derangement of the body organ systems will be reduced. Q When can a patient walk again after hip surgery? The patient can be mobilised easily i.e. can be allowed to sit, transfer from bed to chair. Nursing care could be given easily. A patient can stand up the following day after surgery and slowly return to normal activities. Q What are the type of surgeries? There are three main ways of fixing the broken bone. When the fracture is at the zone 1 (shown in picture), you will need a half hip joint replacement (Hemiarthroplasty). Total hip replacement will be done during certain instances. The fractures in the zone 2 are fixed with a plate and screws (Dynamic Hip Screw- DHS). Zone 3 fractures need fixation with a metal rod (Proximal femoral nail-PFN) inserted into the canal of the bone. Q How long is the surgery? It is a major surgery. However, it is a frequently performed simple surgery and will take about 45 minutes. The patient will be anesthetised to numb the lower limbs. Incision is made over the side of the hip about 4 inches. Immediately after fixing the hip the patient is allowed to eat and drink. One needs to remain in the hospital for 1-2 days after the operation. Medical problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, previous heart problems do matter with anaesthesia. However, medical conditions are optimised before surgery and modern day anesthesia is safe. A patient will find it difficult to stand up and put weight on the injured side. Pain will be felt at the groin when the leg is moved. The leg will appear short and turned outwards at the foot Q When can a patient return home after surgery ? Generally, a patient can return home within 1-2 days. However, it may take additional 1 or 2 days if medical problems like diabetes are not under control. Q What will happen if surgery is avoided? If your fracture is in the zone 1 (Fig 1), never opt for healing without surgery because you may not be able to walk. Fractures in the zones 1 and 2 (Fig 1) might heal without a surgery. However, a patient has to remain in bed for eight to ten weeks without walking. After healing a patient will have difficulty in walking, squatting and wearing trousers. If surgery is not done the fractured leg will be painful up to one month. In addition, there is a high chance of developing complications like bed sores, pneumonia, blood clots in the calves and lungs etc. The chance of losing life is high within the 1st year after injury if surgery is not done. Further, the leg could be shortening and awkwardly healed. A patient will never be able to walk normally again. Sometimes, it may not heal at all and then would require an operation later. In such cases the operation will be difficult and the injury may get complicated. The Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) would not support any impeachment move against President Maithripala Sirisena, MP Mano Ganeshan said today. He said they are not in favour of adding more fire to the current crisis. The United National Party (UNP) yesterday said it would explore the possibility of removing President Sirisena in conformity with Article 38 (2) of the Constitution. China Unveils Carrier-Capable Drone at Zhuhai Air Show The page you requested is only available to subscribers. 1. If you are a Premium Service subscriber, please log in here to access this story: Log-in : Password : 2. If you are not a subcriber, you can: -- buy access to this page: unlimited access for seven days costs 3.00 EUR + VAT (at 20%) if applicable. Clicking on the "Ok" button below will place the item in your shopping cart and return you to our home page, where you will be able to select additional stories. -- select additional stories and services from our home page and pay for them at the same time. -- see your shopping cart. You can also see the contents of your shopping cart at any time by clicking on the "Order" tab on the navigation bar at the top of any page, or by clicking on the "Your order" light blue link in the top right-hand corner of our home page, immediately under the log-on box. By Sarah Butler and Mark Sweney 9 November 2018 (The Guardian) Icelands Christmas campaign has been banned from TV because it has been deemed to breach political advertising rules.As part of its festive campaign the discount supermarket struck a deal with Greenpeace to rebadge an animated short film featuring an orangutan and the destruction of its rainforest habitat at the hands of palm oil growers.Earlier this year, Iceland became the first major UK supermarket to pledge to remove palm oil from all its own-brand foods. Habitat loss in countries such as Malaysia a major global producer of palm oil has contributed to the orangutan now being classified as critically endangered.Clearcast, the body responsible for vetting ads before they are broadcast to the public, said it was in breach of rules banning political advertising laid down by the 2003 Communications Act.This was a film that Greenpeace made with a voice over by Emma Thompson, said Icelands founder, Malcolm Walker. We got permission to use it and take off the Greenpeace logo and use it as the Iceland Christmas ad. It would have blown the John Lewis ad out of the window. It was so emotional. [more] Galeton Borough sticking to its guns Free Access Another hurdle has been crossed in Galeton Borough Councils determined effort to save the towns signature lake, regardless of its cost or a paid consultants recommendation that it be eliminated.... COVID-19: numbers tell the story Free Access Coronavirus case counts across the region continue to rise. The numbers tell the story. In Potter County, there are now 128 active cases, meaning that the victim has contracted the... Pediatricians step up for Covid vaccine Free Access A statewide pediatrics organization is launching a campaign to educate parents, health administrators, community leaders and other citizens about the COVID-19 coronavirus and the importance of vaccinations. Pennsylvania Chapter of... Pollutions stalls Tractor Supply development Free Access Reckless waste disposal practices of yesteryear have come back to haunt another proposed business development in downtown Coudersport. Reports surfaced last week that construction of a Tractor Supply store has... Crisis in the Turkish main opposition party: The lawmaker challenges party leader Under fire for his proposal to change the language of the call to prayer, the Turkish main opposition party lawmaker declared his intention to capture the party leadership. Turkish main opposition Republican Peoples Party (CHP) lawmaker Ozturk Ylmaz claimed CHP leader Kemal Klcdaroglu feels threatened by him. "You know Im getting ready for the chairmanship, you will see me as an opponent," Ozturk Ylmaz, CHP lawmaker for the eastern Ardahan province, told reporters in parliament Friday. Ylmaz accused CHP leader Kemal Klcdaroglu of opposing him out of fear he would attract more support. Ylmaz's remarks came after the CHP's announcement on Thursday that he would face the party's disciplinary committee for possible expulsion. Ylmaz was referred to the committee because he appeared on television without permission, in violation of party rules. In a recent appearance, Ylmaz argued that the Muslim call to prayer, or adhan, should be changed from Arabic to Turkish. The debate over having mosques issue the Muslim call to prayer in Turkish rather than Arabic is wrong, had said a senior Turkish main opposition party lawmaker on Thursday. Ylmazs remarks were slammed by the party administration as well as CHP lawmakers. Ylmaz stressed that he was "backing up all the things" he said on the program, adding that "our beautiful language should be spoken everywhere." "CHP LEADER SPENT THE DEFEATED COUP NIGHT AT HOME" The lawmaker also criticized Klcdaroglus actions during the night of the July 2016 defeated coup. Ylmaz said that he called Klcdaroglu the night of the attempted coup -- July 16 -- and told him: "Give a media interview first, and you should condemn the coup from the start. But Klcdaroglu instead took hours to give an interview, said Ylmaz. Klcdaroglu spent the night of the defeated coup in Istanbul, at the home of the mayor of the Bakirkoy district. Turkey signs the Turkish battle Altay tank mass production deal Under the contract, first of 250 Altay next-generation battle tanks to roll off assembly line within 18 months. Turkey's Presidency of Defense Industries signed a contract with domestic armored vehicle manufacturer BMC for the mass production of Altay battle tanks. The landmark deal was signed on Friday for mass production of Turkeys first domestically made main battle tank. The state Defense Industries Presidency and armored vehicle maker BMC signed the contract for the Altay, a next-generation battle tank. ASSEMBLY LINE WITHIN 18 MONTHS The first Altay tank will roll off the assembly line within 18 months and will be delivered to the Turkish Land Forces. The contract includes mass production and life-cycle logistical support for 250 units. The Altay, Turkey's first main battle tank development program, includes electronic command and control systems, a 120-mm gun, and armor, all made by Turkish companies. The prototype for the Altay was unveiled at a 2011 defense show in Istanbul, Turkey's commercial capital. Kenya Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission Chairman Eliud WabukalaEliud Wabukala, a retired Anglican archbishop, became chairman of Kenyas Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission in 2017. In September, he launched a bible-based anti-graft campaign that includes an anti-corruption bible study. A recent survey found that across Kenya, obtaining birth certificates was the service most prone to bribery. Next came registering, renewing, or collecting national ID cards. Then seeking medical attention, and seeking of employment. The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commissions bible study guide is intended to help Kenyans reject the idea of a permanent bribery culture. Every member of our society has an opportunity to contribute to the success of the war against corruption. Regardless of your status in the society, you can make a difference. The Bible Study Guide inspires us to act and to believe our country can be free from corruption. EACC (@EACCKenya) September 26, 2018 In Malawi, Bishop Francis Kaulanda said last month that corruption is killing his country. He urged voters to elect a government in 2019 dedicated to transparency and fiscal integrity. Corruption is a disease . . . we want a leader that should not entertain and tolerate nonsense, Bishop Kaulanda said. In South Sudan, ranked 179 out of 180 on the Corruption Perceptions Index, a bishop wrote an open letter in August to church and government leaders, calling for an end to bribery and violence. Peter Jon Mayom, the Bishop of the Diocese of Malek, condemned corruption and called on all Christians and their leaders to set positive examples. We need a change of heart and mind, to turn to God and it is the churchs job to do that, Bishop Mayom said. In South Africa, a group of 24 religious leaders spoke out about increasing corruption and the plundering of state assets. In an October 25 statement, they called on all church leaders to exercise their pastoral and prophetic ministry in addressing the challenges we identify and encounter. In Ghana, bishops launched a nation-wide project this year to help clean up the country. Their campaign, A Clean Environment in a Corruption-free Society, targets environmental degradation, poor sanitation and corruption . . . that lead to increased poverty, hunger and sickness. The church in Ghana also has a two-year project called Shaping Hearts, Attitudes and Minds to End Corruption in Ghana that warns students about corruption. In the Republic of Congo, bishops said large-scale corruption is a primary cause of the countrys economic problems. The bishops blamed corruption and lack of transparency for the gross mismanagement of countrys natural resources. Local politicians are part of the problem, they said, along with foreign companies doing business with the Republic of Congo. They said foreign companies are involved in corrupt practices that ruin our country. ____ Richard L. Cassin is the publisher and editor of the FCPA Blog. San Francisco, CA and Nashville, TN-based venture capital firm Health Velocity Capital closed its inaugural fund, at more than $185m. Limited Partners include traditional financial investors, strategic investors as well as top executives from across the industry. Collectively, these investors represent organizations that insure more than 140 million Americans, operate almost 300 hospitals, provide software and technology to every major health system in the United States, and provide pharmacy and PBM services to more than 75% of the nation. Led by partners Bruce Crosby, Marty Felsenthal, and Saurabh Bhansali, Health Velocity Capital will be invested in innovative healthcare software and services businesses that contribute to a more affordable, sustainable, consumer-friendly US healthcare system. The funds initial investments include: Contessa Health: a provider of hospital at home services. Infusion Express: a consumer-centric operator of outpatient infusion centers serving patients with chronic conditions on high-cost specialty biologics. MDLIVE: a telehealth company serving more than 27 million Americans. OnShift: a provider of Human Capital Management and staff scheduling software to the senior care sector. Spero Health: a provider of outpatient medication assisted treatment (MAT) centers providing therapy to individuals suffering from opiate substance use disorder. Together with its investment in OnShift, the firm has more than $200 million in assets under management. FinSMEs 09/11/2018 National Grid plc (LSE: NG; NYSE: NGG), an international electricity and gas company, has launched its venture investment and innovation arm. National Grid Partners aims to source, fund and build companies addressing innovations in energy and information technology, from artificial intelligence, to smart assets, to enterprise SaaS, and distributed energy marketplaces. Lisa Lambert, Chief Technology and Innovation Officer of National Grid plc, and Senior Vice President of NGP, will be leading this operation and oversee innovation, incubation, corporate venture capital, business development, and the venture fellowship program, joined by Kareem Fahmy, Dillon McDonald, Brian Ryan and Pradeep Tagareall veterans in the technology sector. NGP is based in Silicon Valley with offices and team members in Los Gatos, San Francisco, Boston, London, and New York. It has already funded: AutoGrid, which leverages big data to analyze energy data and create real-time actionable information, aims to help with predictive maintenance and commercial industrial demand response in the US. ClimaCell, a weather forecasting company, which aims to provide by-the-minute demand response for the smart grid for business optimization as well as asset-specific outage forecasts for storm response. Leap, a marketplace for distributed energy resources that enables a more effective monetization of grid services, enabling automated trading on energy markets. Omnidian, a provider of comprehensive protection plans for investments in residential and commercial solar energy systems, which aims to optimize and control Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), data analytics and predictive capability as well as provide insight into the photovoltaic (PV) market. Sitetracker, a SaaS platform that enables growth-focused innovators in critical infrastructure industries, such as utilities and telecom, to optimize their entire asset lifecycle. FinSMEs 09/11/2018 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images(ATLANTA) -- Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp has declared victory in the gubernatorial race and says he is stepping down as the states top election official Thursday to begin his transition to governor. ABC News has not yet projected the winner of this race, which remains within 1 percentage point. Kemp's resignation comes at the tail end of a race in which he's been dogged by critics, including opponent Stacey Abrams and former President Jimmy Carter, who have urged him to resign throughout the course of the race because of potential conflict of interest as secretary of state, a position that encompasses overseeing of elections. Speaking at a press conference Thursday, Kemp said stepping down would "give public confidence to the certification process." But when asked why he chose to resign now, Kemp denied it was because of the criticism. "I wasnt really concerned about that but I think in light of where we are now, this will give public confidence to the certification process," Kemp said. "Weve had other Democrat secretaries of state serve in their own election many, many times, including a run for governor," he said. "I dont feel like anyone was better suited than myself. But not only myself, but my great team that we have in the elections division, the great partnership we have created with the county elections officials that actually run the Election Day today. But Abrams' campaign criticized how the election was handled, including Kemp's declaration of victory before all the votes have been counted, and said Kemp's resignation came only after he oversaw the election. "He decided to not resign. He decided to oversee his own election. That was not our choice. He owns this, and he owes the people of Georgia an explanation," Abrams' campaign manager Lauren Groh-Wargo said in a press conference Thursday. ABC News has not yet projected a winner in the Kemp-Abrams race because ABC News does not project races that fall within a margin of 1 percentage point, due to concerns about errors in the vote tabulation or possible outstanding votes still to be counted. In Georgia, a winning candidate needs to clear 50 percent plus one to avoid a runoff. While Kemp leads Abrams 51 percent to 48 percent, he is not more than 1 percentage point away from breaking 50 percent -- which is required for victory in Georgia. Kemp said he believes his lead is insurmountable. Republican Gov. Nathan Deal has also recognized him as the winner of the election. On Thursday afternoon, Deal appointed former Georgia Department of Human Services Commissioner Robyn A. Crittendon to fill Kemp's vacant seat. Crittendon is the first African-American woman to serve as a statewide constitutional officer in Georgia history, according to Deal's office. In the release, Deal referred to Kemp as "Gov.-elect." Abrams is not conceding as she awaits a trove of provisional ballots to be counted and prepares legal action for a potential recount. Her campaign believes there are enough votes still outstanding to force a runoff. A runoff election is required under state law if no candidate achieves a clear majority of the vote. Her campaign's legal team laid out the strategy going forward at Thursday's press conference. The campaign also said they are filing a lawsuit in Dougherty County, which was hit by Hurricane Michael, claiming that voters were denied the opportunity to cast ballots by mail during the general election. "All the votes haven't been counted. How can anybody claim a victory when there are enough votes that have not been counted that could cause a run-off here?" asked John Chandler, a member of Abrams' legal team. "We will litigate until we determine that every person's vote has been counted," Chandler said. The campaign pointed to numerous irregularities and instances where they have been told that all early and provisional ballots have been counted, only to see more vote come in after the fact. They also say they are still receiving complaints and letters from voters and supporters claiming voting issues. The Secretary of State Brian Kemp owes voters an explanation. We need to see lists, we need to see counts of every single vote. We need to see all the military provisional numbers. They all need to be counted. We do not believe any of these numbers are credible," said Groh-Wargo. Allegra Lawrence-Hardy, a member of Abrams' legal team, thanked voters for fighting to get their ballots accepted. "Stacey Abrams has been fighting for people her whole life and we are going to keep fighting for every voter," Lawrence-Hardy said. Both members of Abrams' legal team noted a particular push to count all the absentee and provisional ballots in the state. Lawrence-Hardy called for the secretary of state's office to "release all the data, all the numbers, and they need to count every single vote." Kemp, speaking at his press conference, said about 20,000 provisional ballots remain uncounted in the race -- a number that he said is not enough to put Abrams over the top. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. /. , ... With no information as to when Chinas months-long freeze on issuing new game licenses will end, Tencent is reportedly shifting its budget to weather the halt. According to an internal document picked up by Bloomberg, Tencent has asked its marketing execs to endure the hard times together by keeping a tight grip on marketing spend. Tencent is asking, per the memo, for projects to return their unspent marketing cash to the larger companys coffers if those games werent able to grab a license from the Chinese government ahead of the freeze. Tencent declined the publications request for comment on the memo. The freeze has been ongoing for most of 2018 and follows the restructuring of the internal government office that usually handles issuing licenses for games to release in China. Up until just recently, game makers could obtain a provisional green channel approval that allowed titles to launch and monetize for a period of one month, but that program was quietly shuttered just a few weeks ago. While some analysts say that the end of the freeze is in sight, Tencent and other companies that expected revenue from Chinas massive game market are still feeling the effects of the halt. In addition to this marketing shift, the company previously underwent a restructuring effort aimed at increasing its focus on corporate clients, its first major restructure in 6 years. The German government will establish a 50 million ($56.7 million) games fund to help drive the country's creative industry. As reported by GamesIndustry.biz, the fund was announced as part of the 2019 budget, and will be managed by the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure. Felix Falk, managing director of the German Games Industry Association, branded the move a "historic step for Germany as a location for games," and believes it could help the country catch-up with other notable development hubs like Canada, France, and UK. Indeed, it's another big-step forward for the German games industry, which recently lifted its ban on video games featuring "unconstitutional" symbols and themes, including Nazi imagery. Commenting on that decision back in August, Falk was again full of praise, and said it would finally allow games to "play an equal role in social discourse" in Germany. Work with your past self, create paradoxes to use to your advantage, and defeat an evil wizard (easy, right?) The Long Beach Independent Redistricting Commission approved a new redistricting map on Thursday, setting a new political landscape for the next decade. NRW will file appeal : Court orders ban on older diesel vehicles in Cologne and Bonn Bonn A Cologne Court ruled on Thursday that the cities of Cologne and Bonn must impose a ban on older diesel vehicles in order to improve air quality. The state of North Rhine-Westphalia said it would appeal the decision. Teilen Teilen Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Tweeten Tweeten Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Drucken A Cologne Administrative Court decided on Thursday that driving bans would have to be introduced in Cologne and Bonn by April of 2019. In Cologne, the ban affects the entire low emission zone, while in Bonn it affects two heavily congested roads. Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH), an environmental organization, has already won court cases for diesel driving bans in several other German cities because the nitrogen dioxide levels in the air violate the legal limit. The driving bans come into effect when the limit is exceeded. The state government of North Rhine-Westphalia wants to appeal against the decision of the Cologne Administrative Court. On Thursday, Environmental Minister Ursula Heinen-Esser (CDU) declared that driving bans had "very considerable consequences for residents, commuters and the entire business sector of Cologne". The court had not addressed the question of the proportionality of such a far-reaching decision. "For this reason we will obviously appeal. Belderberg and Reuterstrae affected In Cologne, the ban applies to the entire environmental zone. In Bonn, the diesel driving ban affects Belderberg Strae, and specifically vehicles with Euro 4 engines and older as well as petrol engines with classes Euro 1 to 3. On Reuterstrae, the driving ban includes diesel vehicles with engines up to Euro 5 and petrol engines with classes Euro 1 and 2. The municipal bus fleet is also affected. In the ruling, the court explained that the current clean air plan from June of 2012 was no longer sufficient to ensure air quality compliance and a draft update from October 15 of 2018 was also not enough. An appeal against the court ruling was permitted. Bonn's Mayor Sridharan criticizes car manufacturers Bonn's Lord Mayor Ashok Sridharan was unhappy about the ruling, saying it dealt a "serious blow to the population and business sector". The City of Bonn had spoken out against driving bans and argued that a driving ban on Reuterstrae, for example, was not reasonable because of its significance as one of the city's most important traffic arteries. It is unclear how the driving bans can now be enforced. "Now we have the worst case," says Sridharan. "If the carmakers' hardware upgrades had been done in time, we wouldn't have this problem." Sridharan said that the city administration would enter into dialogue with employers, traffic, environmental and business associations on how to deal with the situation. Cologne's Lord Mayor Henriette Reker emphasized that its not only car traffic which contributes to air pollution, but also "especially shipping traffic and the surrounding industry". Reker also stressed that driving bans should not bring the city and the local economy to a standstill. At the same time, however, she said that efforts must continue towards cleaner air. Another win for Deutsche Umwelthilfe The ruling is a further victory for the DUH, which demands compliance with the EU limits in force since 2010 and considers driving bans to be the only effective way to achieve this. Several courts have responded to environmentalists' concerns by imposing driving bans in cities such as Hamburg, Berlin and Frankfurt. Fuel supply shortage in Bonn and the region : Delivery issues becoming more acute BONN The low Rhine level continues to pose problems for gas stations, as container ships are not allowed to carry full loads. Some gas stations in Bonn and the region have already had to turn away customers. The situation could become even worse. Teilen Teilen Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Tweeten Tweeten Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Drucken A trip to the gas station is proving to be frustrating for many drivers these days - not only because of the high fuel prices. Some petrol stations have even had to stop selling fuel, because their pumps ran dry, as Stephan Zieger, managing director of the Bundesverband Freier Tankstellen (BFT) in Bonn, said. But normally the gas station gets a new supply after a few hours or on the next day. The reason for the shortfall is mainly the low Rhine level, according to a spokesman for the industry leader Aral in Bochum. It is not possible to predict which petrol stations will be affected "Not enough fuel arrives to the tank storage facilities along the Rhine, because the tankers can only transport half as much or even less regular and diesel fuel than usual," he said. The transport capacity of the ships can only be partly replaced by trucks. It was not possible to predict which petrol station it would hit, said Zieger. "It's like a thunderstorm. And you don't know where the lightning will strike. In Germany, about three million tons of diesel are sold per month. The situation varies throughout the region. A gas station in an industrial park in south Bornheim said it has not been affected by the shortages so far and they expected supplies as normal in the coming week. "At least we haven't heard that we won't get anything," said an employee. But Arwed Presuhn, managing director of the ED gas station at the Swisttal-Odendorf industrial park, is more worried about the situation. He is just going from day to day, and says the situation is more precarious for smaller stations because it is the larger petrol stations which are more likely to get the fuel supplies. Fabio Mundorf, who operates a fuel supply company in Siegburg said that so far a lack of fuel had not led to any of the stations they serviced to close, but it was unclear as to how the situation might develop in the coming weeks. Trucks and trains cant compensate for the fuel tanker ships He also pointed out that that the problem is not a shortage of fuel, but rather a logistical issue due to the low Rhine level. According to Mundorf, the amount the cargo ships normally transport cannot be compensated for by truck or rail traffic. According to personnel at the Aral station in Tannenbusch, there have been short periods where their pumps have run dry in the last three or four weeks. At the moment, the pumps that deliver E5 and E10 gasoline are empty. There was no fuel shortage at the Total petrol station in Lengsdorf on Thursday. And at the Aral station on Koblenzer Strasse, there were also no issues. Similar reports came from the Shell station on Reuter Strasse and the Jet gas station on Bornheimer Strasse. Governments around the nation are working to design the best vaccine policies that keep both their employees and their residents safe. Although the latest data shows a variety of polarizing perspectives, there are clear emerging best practices that leading governments are following to put trust first: creating policies that are flexible and provide a range of options, and being in tune with the needs and sentiments of their employees so that they are able to be dynamic and accommodate the rapidly changing situation. This years midterm elections saw the rebirth of the American socialist movement after generations in retreat.That was the post-election assessment from the Democratic Socialists of America, which backed 40 winning candidates at the state, county and municipal levels. As of Friday, 11 of this year's winning candidates had been endorsed by the national DSA organization, and 29 others had been endorsed by local chapters.Each of these candidates ran against corporate-backed Republican or Democratic political establishments on inspiring platforms demanding an end to austerity and oppression, the group said in a statement on Wednesday. We are building a pipeline from local positions all the way to national politics.DSAs biggest successes, undoubtedly, were the Congressional elections of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan.But the group is also highlighting the incredible victories " of state legislative candidates such as New York state Sen.-elect Julia Salazar, Maryland Delegates-elect Gabriel Acevero and Vaughn Stewart, and Pennsylvania state Representatives-elect Summer Lee, Sarah Innamorato and Elizabeth Fiedler. Maine state Rep. Mike Sylvester, a DSA member first elected in 2016, won a second term in a landslide.Left-wing candidates didnt win everywhere they were on the ballot, of course. At least 30 DSA-endorsed state or local candidates lost their general election races this week. Candidates backed by the progressive groups Our Revolution and Justice Democrats failed to flip a single federal House seat . As the prominent leftist activist Sean McElwee wrote in his own post-election analysis, many of the insurgent Democrats that progressives were most thrilled about were not able to pull through outside of solidly blue districts.Stewart, the Maryland delegate-elect, acknowledges the election results were a "mixed bag" for left-wing Democrats. In his state, progressive Democratic gubernatorial nominee Ben Jealous lost to incumbent Republican Gov. Larry Hogan by 13 points.But Stewart says election outcomes have less to do with competing ideologiessocialism or liberalism, centrism or conservatismthan candidate quality, fundraising and other factors."We oftentimes can overrate how important a platform is to an electorate that doesn't always have a lot of time to study policy minutiae, he says. "Yes, I did run on a bold, populist platform. I also raised more money than any candidate in the race.Politicking matters, he says. "If you have the charisma of a potted plant, a progressive platform isn't enough to win an election.Democratic socialists certainly want the Democratic Party to adopt their platform of policies. Salazar, who at 27 says shes the youngest woman ever elected to the New York Senate, made this clear when she appeared on The Real News Network on Wednesday. She said party leaders need to decide whether they will continue to capitulate to the center, or whether they are going to be more receptive to the actual base of the party -- the majority of registered Democrats and Democratic voters who, I think, share a more progressive agenda.One issue at the top of Salazars agenda is strengthening New Yorks rent laws. Stewart, in Maryland, is also focused on housing, as is Colorado State Sen.-elect Julie Gonzalesanother DSA victor who will be the only Latina serving in her chamber next year. "Denver is going through tremendous growth and transformation, Gonzales says, and the cost of living is spiraling out of control. That's a lot of what our campaign really focused on. Every Coloradan should have an affordable place to live.It remains to be seen how much influence DSA members will have in state legislatures and city halls. A few dozen victories is notto borrow a phrase for Americas most famous democratic socialist, U.S. Senator Bernie Sandersa political revolution. But it is certainly a start, and the DSA hopes to build on that foundation in the years to come.This is a movement, not a moment, says Gonzales. This is going to take time, and we plant seeds every time we engage a new volunteer to knock doors for the first time, or see voting as not a choice between the lesser of two evils but as one tool of many to achieve concrete change in our communities. Fourteen of the 35 gay, bisexual and transgender candidates who ran for office in Texas during the midterms claimed victory Tuesday night a 40 percent success rate in deep-red Texas and national and state activists say theyre confident this election cycle carved a path for a future rainbow wave in Texas.The historic number of Texas candidates who ran for offices from governor down to city council positions joined a record-shattering rank of more than 400 LGBTQ individuals on national midterm ballots this year.It shows that politics are changing and that more LGBTQ people feel comfortable to step out and run openly, said Sean Meloy, political director at Victory Fund, a Washington D.C.-based LGBTQ group that fundraised for several Texas races.LGBTQ candidates had plenty of fuel to inspire their campaigns and galvanize supporters, from Texas controversial bathroom bill to the Trump administrations plans to eliminate "transgender" from legal terms.Julie Johnson, a lesbian candidate from the Dallas-Fort Worth area, defeated Republican incumbent Matt Rinaldi of Irving; LGBTQ candidate Jessica Gonzalez ran uncontested for a Dallas-area seat after defeating state Rep. Roberto Alonzo in the Democratic primary; and Erin Zwiener, a bisexual House candidate, won a Central Texas seat by defeating Republican Ken Strange. They will more than double the number of openly LGBTQ women in the Texas House of Representatives.In Harris County, five LGBTQ judicial candidates defeated Republican incumbents Tuesday. Jason Cox, Jerry Simoneaux, Shannon Baldwin, James Kovach and Beau Miller will join the three openly gay judges in Houston. Charles Spain, a gay man, also won a seat on the 14th Court of Appeals over Republican incumbent Marc Brown.I think we are on a new path, said Chuck Smith, CEO of Equality Texas, an Austin-based LGBTQ nonprofit. [One] that demonstrates equality is a mainstream value and that extremists who seek to oppose equality are not in the mainstream."Perhaps the most recognizable LGBTQ candidate in Texas, Lupe Valdez, garnered national attention as the first openly gay candidate and first Latina to win a major party nomination in a Texas gubernatorial race. Valdez, a Democrat and former Dallas County sheriff, lost to Republican incumbent Gov. Greg Abbott by 13 points on Tuesday.Valdez talked frequently about her race, gender, sexuality and socioeconomic background during the election.Im Hispanic, female, lesbian, Democrat, Valdez said in an interview with the Tribune in May. Diversity is what made this country strong. Diversity is what will make Texas strong.In Texas 23rd Congressional District, Democrat Gina Ortiz Jones a former Air Force intelligence officer, Iraq War veteran and lesbian candidate fought incumbent U.S. Congressman Will Hurd to a virtual tie. Hurd remained less than a percentage point ahead of Ortiz Jones on Wednesday morning and the race is still too close to call.Meloy, whose Victory Fund organization contributed nearly $9,000 to Ortiz Jones campaign and raised more than $53,000 on her behalf, said Ortiz Jones run represents a historic moment that gives hope to those fighting for equality.I think it represents not only her perseverance but that a queer woman of color who is also a veteran should not be underestimated, Meloy said.Below is the complete list of winning candidates, compiled by OutSmart Magazine in Houston (candidates with an asterisk won re-election). Erin Zwiener, Texas House, District 45 Celia Israel, Texas House, District 50* Mary Gonzalez, Texas House District 75* Jessica Gonzalez, Texas House, District 104 Julie Johnson, Texas House, District 115 Charles Spain, 14th Court of Appeals, Place 4 Shannon Baldwin, Harris County Criminal Court-at-Law No. 4 Jerry Simoneaux, Harris County Probate Court-at-Law No. 1 Jason Cox, Harris County Probate Court-at-Law No. 3 James Kovach, Harris County Civil Court-at-Law No. 2 Rosie Gonzalez, Bexar County Court-at-Law No. 13 Tonya Parker, 116th Judicial District, Harris County* Beau Miller, 190th Judicial District, Harris County Sara Martinez, Dallas County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 5, Place 1* Former New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman will not face criminal charges in connection with allegations of physical abuse brought by several women he dated, a special prosecutor said Thursday.Schneiderman, a Democrat, was accused of assaulting four past romantic partners and using his office to threaten or harass the women. Among the allegations was a claim Schneiderman slapped a woman in 2016 at a home in the Hamptons.Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas, a Democrat appointed in May by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo to investigate the allegations, said in a statement that she believed the women but that "legal impediments, including statutes of limitations, preclude criminal prosecution."The statute of limitations in New York State is one year for a criminal violation, two years for a misdemeanor and five years for a felony.Schneiderman Thursday apologized for his conduct."I recognize that District Attorney Singas' decision not to prosecute does not mean I have done nothing wrong," he said in a statement. "I accept full responsibility for my conduct in my relationships with my accusers, and for the impact it had on them. After spending time in a rehab facility, I am committed to a lifelong path of recovery and making amends to those I have harmed.."A Schneiderman spokeswoman declined to describe the type of rehab facility he entered.Schneiderman, 63, served seven years as the state's top law enforcement officer and was a rising star in the Democratic Party. He was a vocal supporter of the #MeToo movement and frequently did battle with President Donald Trump.But Schneiderman resigned within hours of a May New Yorker magazine article that laid out the allegations. At the time, Schneiderman denied abusing the women, contending they had been role-playing with him.Singas spokeswoman Miriam Sholder confirmed that investigators interviewed activist Michelle Manning Barish and artist Tanya Selvaratnam -- the women identified in the magazine article -- and others they had identified through the investigation. Two other women talked to the magazine but asked to remain anonymous, fearing reprisals."Our team interviewed members of Mr. Schneiderman's security detail, employees of the Office of the Attorney General, potential witnesses identified during the pendency of our investigation, and we followed-up on each call to the tip line we established for this matter," said Singas, adding that she found no misconduct by Schneiderman's government staff.Sholder said: "We followed every lead generated by our interviews and investigative work, as well as every tip received to the hotline we established."The women accused Schneiderman of nonconsensual physical violence and said he threatened to kill them if they broke up with him. In the article, Manning Barish recalled Schneiderman pinning her on a bed and choking her and being slapped so hard that it left her ears ringing.In tweets Thursday, Manning Barish said she felt "vindicated" by Schneiderman's admission. "This is a victory for all women but we need more than words," she wrote on Twitter. "A crucial next step will be for Schneiderman to turn over all campaign contributions -- which we understand to be over $8.5 M -- to groups that combat sexual violence against women and protect those who are harmed."Schneiderman had $8.5 million in his re-election fund at the beginning of 2018, but state Board of Elections records show his account is down to $7.4 million.Singas Thursday proposed new state legislation Thursday to allow prosecutors to charge anyone who slaps, punches, shoves or kicks a person without consent for sexual gratification. Those convicted of the class A misdemeanor could face up to a year in jail."This legislation fills a gap in the law that is essential to properly sanction sexually-motivated violence that may leave the victims with deep emotional wounds, even if they do not sustain physical injuries," said Singas.Under existing law, a perpetrator who slaps, shoves or kicks a victim but does not cause physical injury could face a third-degree harassment charge only if the intent is to "alarm, harass or annoy" the victim, Singas said, but not if the intent is sexual gratification.In a statement, Selvaratnam endorsed the bill. "This experience underscores the need for legislation addressing intimate violence so all of those who experience it can come forward knowing they have protection under the law," she said.In February, Schneiderman announced he was filing a civil rights lawsuit against Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein over alleged sexual assault. And in May, Schneiderman opened an investigation into how Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. handled past complaints against Weinstein."Mr. Schneiderman is yet another powerful man who hasn't been held accountable in a court of law for his abuse of women," Sonia Ossorio, president of the National Organization for Women of New York, said in a statement. "The statute of limitations ran out on some of the charges, we will work with the legislature to strengthen laws so that some of these abuses are punishable."The current attorney general, Democrat Barbara Underwood, was appointed after Schneiderman resigned. Democrat Letitia James, who won Tuesday's election for the post, takes office in January. Hours after another mass shooting in Southern California, Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom said Thursday that he "will raise the bar" on gun control when he takes over in January.In San Francisco to feed the homeless at St. Anthony's, his first public event since winning election on Tuesday, Newsom said he would revisit some of the bills that Gov. Jerry Brown has rejected during his two terms."There are a number of things he vetoed that I would not have vetoed, and there are a number of things that I want that haven't been done," Newsom said in an interview with The Sacramento Bee. He declined to discuss specific policies.One possibility is an expansion of California's gun violence restraining order law, which allows police and family members to seek the temporary removal of firearms from someone they believe is a danger to themselves or others. Brown has twice vetoed, including in September, a measure that would also allow employers, co-workers, high school and college staff, and mental health providers to petition for a gun violence restraining order. Newsom indicated Thursday that he was open to the idea."People that are dangerously mentally ill and have previously had incidences with law enforcement, I think those red flags are appropriate and I think California can continue to lead the nation in terms of advancing prohibitions," he said at a press conference.At least 13 people, many of them students at Pepperdine University, were killed late Wednesday night at a bar in Thousand Oaks. According to authorities, the shooter used a .45 caliber Glock handgun with an extended magazine, a modification that is not legal in California.Led by Newsom, California voters in 2016 approved an initiative prohibiting the possession of magazines capable of holding more than ten rounds. Those provisions, which would require individuals to give up high-capacity magazines that were previously grandfathered in as part of a previous ban, are currently tied up in a lawsuit."So we've got to push those through, we've got to get out of the courts and we've got to implement them," Newsom said.He also blamed Congress for failing to act on what he said has become an "insane" normalization of gun violence, pointing to the muted national reaction to a mass shooting less than two weeks ago at a Pittsburgh synagogue, where 11 congregants were killed."They can do something about this at scale," Newsom said at the press conference. "But in the absence of that, we will lead." New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy broadened one of the nations toughest gun laws with a ban on untraceable firearms, including those manufactured on three-dimensional printers.The bill signing, before an audience of anti-gun activists in Trenton, had been scheduled before a mass shooting Wednesday night at a Thousand Oaks, California, bar that left at least a dozen people dead.At what point do we finally wake up to the reality that we remain the only advanced society that tolerates such horror on such a regular basis? Murphy said.The new law immediately criminalizes the purchase of parts to make ghost guns, so called because their lack of serial numbers makes them untraceable.It also disallows not only the manufacture of 3-D guns, but also distribution of their printer computer code -- enabling users to bypass licensing laws and possess plastic weapons that may go undiscovered in metal detectors. The weapons future is under legal debate nationally: A federal judge in August ordered Texas-based Defense Distributed not to sell such blueprints after President Donald Trumps administration in July settled a lawsuit allowing it to do so. New Jersey joined 20 other states in a letter criticizing the settlement. With a few exceptions, voters across the country on Election Day approved statewide proposals to reduce or limit taxes while also widely rejecting any efforts to raise them. But that wasn't the story at the local level, where several tax increases passed.Three out of four states voted to restrict tax policy. In Florida, voters enacted a two-thirds legislative supermajority requirement to pass a tax increase. Arizona voters favored a new ban on taxing services. And North Carolinans opted to lower that states income tax rate cap.Measures that limit lawmakers' taxing authority have a mixed track record. These measures happen in waves, says Wake Forest University political professor John Dinan. You might say theres a bit of a resurgence in their success judging by Tuesdays results.Only the voters in the blue state of Oregon rejected a tax limiting measure. The proposal would have expanded the states legislative supermajority requirement. That divergence between red and blue states on this issue is likely a product of the countrys increasing political polarization, says Michael Leachman of the Center on Budget and Policy Priority. But, he warns, places that have these restrictions in their constitution give [lawmakers] less flexibility to deal with situations that might arise in the future.Oregon was also the exception in what otherwise was a wide-ranging repudiation of proposed taxes, with voters rejecting a measure that would have banned any new tax on groceries. A similar ban in Washington state, on the other hand, passed.Meanwhile, proposed tobacco tax hikes in Montana and South Dakota failed , and Maine voters nixed a proposed payroll tax to fund a universal home health-care program.Revenue-raising proposals saw more success at the local level.Denver voters approved a slew of tax increases , including sales tax hikes to help fund parks and mental health services.In San Francisco, voters approved Proposition C , a controversial measure that will increase a gross receipts tax on the citys largest companies to help fund homelessness initiatives.Down the peninsula, Mountain View, home to Google, approved a so-called head tax on companies to raise money for transportation and affordable housing. Earlier this year, the Seattle City Council passed and then rescinded a head tax after threats from Amazon that the company would move jobs elsewhere.Jared Walczak of the conservative-leaning Tax Foundation says such taxes can backfire. Tech jobs in particular are highly mobile, he says, so that makes it relatively easy to push those jobs out of the area.The split on tax hikes are also a product of the fact that its harder to get such measures passed statewide. That's because getting conservative-minded voters, who typically live outside of metro areas and oppose tax increases, and more liberal-minded city dwellers to agree is usually a tall order.Education funding proposals, for example, didnt see statewide success at the ballot box -- even in a year that saw wide-scale teacher strikes and record support for raising their pay.Colorado voters easily rejected a proposal to raise income taxes for education funding. And Oklahoma voters narrowly nixed a ballot measure that would have given schools more flexibility to spend local property tax revenue how they want.The results on two property tax proposals on the ballot were split In Louisiana, a proposal designed to help phase in higher property tax payments for homeowners facing huge increases in appraisal values cruised to victory. But in California, despite being home to some of the nations highest home prices, voters opted not to expand a controversial property tax break to seniors and the disabled."Thats a win for a saner tax code, says Walczak of California's measure. The current system under Prop. 13 already creates huge inequities in the way properties are taxed, he adds.Cutting Prop. 13s restrictions on property taxes has been an ongoing discussion in Sacramento for years. But Wake Forests Dinan said the clear rejection of expanding the proposition could signal that voters are ready to listen. It could well be that the measure failed because it went against grain of where the discussion in California is moving, he says. Description GIS 08 November, 2018: Government will invest Rs 47 billion for the development of the blue economy and the transformation of the Port Louis Harbour into a regional maritime hub, highlighted the Prime Minister, Minister of Home Affairs, External Communications and National Development Unit, Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth. He was speaking today at the unveiling ceremony of the commemorative plaque to mark the 400th vessel, Alakrana, of the Chantier Naval de LOcean Indien (CNOI) in its dry dock, at the Freeport, Zone 11 in Port Louis. Government will invest Rs 47 billion for the development of the blue economy and the transformation of the Port Louis Harbour into a regional maritime hub, highlighted the Prime Minister, Minister of Home Affairs, External Communications and National Development Unit, Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth. He was speaking today at the unveiling ceremony of the commemorative plaque to mark the 400vessel, Alakrana, of the(CNOI) in its dry dock, at the Freeport, Zone 11 in Port Louis. The Director-General of the CNOI and Chief Operations Officer of IBL Marine, Mr Jean-Yves Ruellou, and other eminent personalities were present on the occasion. In his address, Prime Minister Jugnauth highlighted that Mauritius endowed with an Exclusive Economic Zone of around 2.3 million km2 and a continental shelf of 396,000 km2, has great potential to explore its marine resources and make of the ocean economy an important industry for sustained economic diversification. He elaborated on the main sectors with growth prospective which are fisheries; bunkering; marine tourism; transshipment; and petroleum. On this score, he underlined the importance of Governments Vision 2030 while adding that it is committed through various projects in line to position Mauritius as a full-fledged maritime hub. These projects are: an Island Container Terminal; a cruise terminal; a fishing port; and a petroleum hub. He further added that the cruise segment registered around 30 cruise vessel calls last year, which indicates the prominence of this sector in the country. With regard to the CNOI, the Prime Minister emphasised that the company is the only shipyard engaged in ship-building and ship-repairs in the Indian Ocean , operating within international norms. At its launch in 2001, he said, there were 90% expatriate workers and now the company has around 95% Mauritian employers which according to him demonstrates the proper transfer of knowledge which has taken place and the empowerment of more Mauritian labour. On this score, he called on private and public bodies to adapt to new changes in an era of industrial revolution so as to bring the country to greater heights. For his part, Mr Jean-Yves Ruellou, spoke of the history of the company, with only 25 workers when it started operating to currently employing more than 400 people. He added that the CNOI Shipyard with a 130m long dry-dock, a synchro-lift for vessels up to 1400 tons and more than 350m long quay, has constructed over 30 vessels, including three for Mauritius. A model of the vessel Le Pole was offered to the Prime Minister on this occasion. Le Pole is one of the biggest vessel constructed in Mauritius which can accommodate 600 passengers and 35 vehicles. U.S. Supreme Court Makes Decision Related to Obama-era Net Neutrality Rules Chicago Makes Array of Things Data Accessible via API Check Out These Cool Data Visualizations Related to Voting STiR Program Extends Deadline Bloomberg Philanthropies has chosen Anchorage, Alaska, as a 2018 Public Art Challenge, and the city will now get up to $1 million for a project aimed at finding solutions to climate change.That project is Anchorages Solutions for Energy and Equity through Design (SEED) Lab, and to make it possible the city will partner with the Anchorage Museum to convert what it describes as a neglected downtown building in the citys growing design district. In a press release , stakeholders note that the aim of the SEED lab is to foster collaborations between artists, designers, engineers and others in the community who can help draw attention to climate change and also create solutions. Plans call for projects started in the lab to be prototyped with the aid of deep community engagement.Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg visited Alaska this week to announce the prize with Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz.Alaska is experiencing the impacts of climate change twice as fast as the rest of the country, Bloomberg said in a press release. But its not too late to make a difference. Thats what the SEED Lab is all about. And by featuring a wide variety of art works about climate change, I hope SEED Lab will inspire ideas for solutions not only in Alaska, but across the world.For the Public Art Challenge, Bloomberg Philanthropies invited mayors from U.S. cities with 30,000-plus residents to propose temporary public art projects that address important civic issues while also demonstrating potential for public-private-sector collaboration, creativity and other factors. More than 200 cities applied for the challenge, and other winners will be announced in coming weeks.The U.S. Supreme Court has denied a request by the White House and telecommunications companies to erase a lower court move that upheld the net neutrality rules put in place during the Obama administration.During Obamas presidency, net neutrality rules were established with the aim of keeping the Internet free and open for all. Those rules were repealed by a Republican-controlled Federal Communications Commission in late 2017. The vote on whether to repeal the rules was 3-2, along party lines. The justices refusal of the Trump administration's and others' request to wipe away the lower court decision, however, does not undo the repeal of the policy.What it does do is leave in place the 2016 U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuits ruling that set a legal precedent with the potential to help supporters of the repealed net neutrality rules in future legal battles, should the policy again be introduced.To put it more simply, the Supreme Court was asked by the Trump administration and some telecom companies to void lower court decisions that make it possible to challenge the lack of net neutrality in the future. The court said no, giving proponents of restoring net neutrality that opening moving forward.Also, this is surely not the last weve heard of the fight over net neutrality.Earlier this year, Chicago released data from its extensive smart cities project, the Array of Things, making the info available via bulk comma separated value (CSV) download on a beta file browser site.Now, the city has also made the data accessible via application programming interface (API), with a stated goal of making it easier for developers to start using near-real-time data in applications. This is a good thing for civic technologists, as the data includes info about climate, air quality and many other environmental measurements collected by hundreds of nodes that have been installed throughout the city. This, simply put, is the sort of info that makes civic tech work possible, and getting it from a major American city with a diverse climate like Chicagos is a pretty big deal.This new API and its accompanying documentation allows users to access proven and raw data collected by Chicagos nodes. According to a blog announcing the new avenue of access, these measurements include calibrated temperature, humidity, pressure data, as well as raw air quality data, including for various gases and particulate matter, that are still under evaluation. Measurements extracted from image processing, such as pedestrian and vehicle counts, will be available in the future.Whats also worth noting for those who are interested is that the bulk downloads provide info in daily, weekly or monthly installments that date back to early 2017. The API data, however, contains only recent data that goes back one week. As a trade-off, data for the API is updated more frequently, typically within five minutes of collection.Click here for more info about Chicagos Array of Things While the midterm elections have come and gone, civic technologists have created some interesting data visualizations looking at voting data from across the country in new ways. First is an interactive data visualization built using Google search interests to map voting issues by city and state. This map shows significant spikes in the topicality of searches throughout the day in real time. The map can be narrowed by topics such as long wait times, provisional ballots, inactive voter status, voter intimidation and voting machine problems. It also shows the frequency with which these searches were made on Tuesday in real time.Second is a bit older, but is perhaps still of interest given the major impact the 2016 elections have had on the country. With this map , which was created by the, you can see how your neighborhood voted in 2016.Finally this week, the growing Startup in Residence program has extended its deadline for startup applicants to Nov. 14. STiR seeks to break down barriers between the public and private sectors by facilitating better working relationships between startups with tech skills and government agencies who need tech help to solve problems.Currently, government agencies across the country have laid out 80 tech-led challenges in 28 jurisdictions. The deadline is being extended for startups who wish to take a shot at collaborating with government on beating these obstacles. The idea, as always, is that in the end governments will get help while startup companies will get invaluable access to a relatively untapped market for their skills.Click here to learn more or apply for STiR Kansas, which moved off mainframe nearly two years ago, has activated a more recent vendor pact around hybrid cloud that, like an ongoing IT consolidation, aims at increasing flexibility, reliability and saving taxpayer dollars.After an RFP in 2017, the state hired Pennsylvania-based Unisys late last year, powering up the 62-month, roughly $40 million contract on July 1, the start of its new fiscal year. The intervening period, Chief Information Technology Officer Lee Allen said, enabled a legislative process around funding certain aspects, but now Unisys representatives are on the ground and talking with agency officials about migration scenarios.Its far from the only development in Kansas, where incoming Gov. Laura Kelly will flip the administration from Republican to Democrat in 2019. In December 2016, the state opted to retire its mainframe, migrating to a solution from Illinois-based Ensono. On Oct. 7, Allen said the state initiated the first piece of a hybrid consolidation signed off by current Gov. Jeff Colyer, that will have all agency CIOs report directly to Allen. The CITO characterized it as a hybrid consolidation model, somewhat similar to the consolidation undertaken in Nebraska.Were going to be consolidating IT around the core, kind of infrastructure services that are common across all agencies and then leaving federated the application development and business-specific services that are embedded in the agencies, Allen said, indicating that agency CIOs will otherwise remain embedded at their agencies. During the next several months, he said the state will plan the organization of staff around these core services, with an eye for deploying organizational changes during the first half of 2019, subject to level-setting with the new administration. New Chief Information Security Officer Rod Blunt, who became interim CISO in June and CISO in September according to LinkedIn , will play an active role in working with Unisys, Allen said.In a recent news release , the company said it will provide a hybrid solution to help the state modernize executive branch IT infrastructure, and will be responsible for its compute and data storage environment as well as operational support and services including data center and network security, compliance and disaster recovery. And the CITO and the company pointed out the agreement also makes cloud services available cooperatively to all state agencies as well as cities, counties, universities and other schools.Unisys will physically preserve any data that needs to remain physical, while also offering Kansas a hosted private cloud for server and storage environments; and managed third-party cloud for any other environments. The state will retain oversight over application development.It provides us, first of all, the flexibility to ramp up our technical environment as needed, as well as to manage that technical environment toward a more cost-effective model, where we dont have the always on model, where every server and every device is always running at capacity or at available capacity, Allen said, adding that while the executive branch already uses cloud in a number of areas, a pent-up demand exists, particularly around private cloud. The arrangement will also offer data center co-location; and new levels of disaster recovery and redundancy, with a primary backup at Unisys facility in Eagan, Minn., and a secondary site in Virginia.In a statement, Michael Morrison, vice president and general manager for Unisys in the U.S. and Canada, said the agreement with Kansas is designed to generate efficiency for the state while reducing operating risk and providing staffers and residents a modern digital experience.The contract squarely positions the state of Kansas as a best practices leader, using digital government services as a way to serve citizens more effectively, Morrison said.Their work together, the CITO said, represents a brand-new operating model and will allow the state to shutter its primary data center in Topeka, the capital, and several smaller server rooms across the capitol campus. The precise financial impact is to be determined, but Allen said Kansass shift to a private, hybrid cloud solution is one other states may also consider.I think this type of engagement is going to be what youre going to see some flavor of, more and more often. Were getting to leverage the best practices and security processes of a world-class service provider, so it inherently improves our security posture, Allen said. (TNS) U.S. Sen. Doug Jones is asking President Donald Trump to request approval for Individual Assistant grants for Alabamians impacted by Hurricane Michael.Jones office said a Major Disaster Declaration was approved earlier this week, but it only provided Public Assistance (PA) grants. PA funds can be used by local governments and community organizations, but not for individuals.The Alabama Emergency Management Agency has requested the IA grants and provided additional evidence to show certain Alabama counties qualify for IA assistance.The people of Alabama are grateful for the Public Assistance grants approved in the Major Disaster Declaration dated November 5, 2018, but more relief is clearly needed, Jones wrote in his letter to Trump. I am aware that a determination as to the availability of Individual Assistance (IA) grants is still under review, and I urge you to approve IA grants as soon as possible. The effects of Hurricane Michael have been devastating to our state, and without individual federal assistance, many areas may never fully recover.Individuals in several neighboring counties in Georgia and Florida received IA grantswhich Jones says Alabama residents need too.The people and the State of Alabama are resilient, but as in Georgia and Florida, the recovery efforts in this case require resources beyond their reserves, Jones said.The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has not yet approved the state of Alabamas application for an agricultural disaster declaration, which Sen. Jones supported in a recent letter to USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue.Read Jones full letter to President Trump below:2018 Alabama Media Group, BirminghamVisit Alabama Media Group, Birmingham at www.al.comDistributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. (TNS) For nearly 16 hours from Wednesday night into Thursday, caseworkers in El Paso County and elsewhere in Colorado couldnt access child safety information on abuse and neglect reports due to a glitch in the states revamped case management system.The lapse made more than 900 child welfare assessments inaccessible to county staff until just before noon Thursday, said Kristina Iodice, a spokeswoman for the county Department of Human Services.The outage marks the latest issue with the system, which county DHS workers have been grappling with since the state rolled out the new modernized version in late July.Were doing everything we can to keep children in El Paso County safe, Julie Krow, executive director of the county DHS, said Thursday morning. But were compromised because some of the tools that we have are not working effectively.The rebooted systems shortfalls include corrupt data, missing referrals and inaccurate scores related to risk and safety in child welfare reports, the Colorado Human Services Directors Association said in an Oct. 19 letter to the state DHS.Dan Makelky, president of the association and Douglas County DHS director, wrote in the letter the problems are crippling our work and putting the safety of children and families at risk, and the state isnt acting fast enough to fix them.State officials say no data was lost in the most recent outage, and they are working with county DHS departments to correct other issues and put safeguards in place to prevent glitches.We want to make sure nothing falls through the cracks, said Krystal Grint, DHS child protection manager. There was such a volume of impacted assessments, that even one lost is too many.El Paso County DHS workers first noticed that assessment information wasnt visible in the system about 8 p.m. Wednesday, after Douglas County pointed out the issue, Krow said.The problem arose when state IT staff were working to clean up the database after county workers had found that pending referrals were erroneously appearing in caseworkers queues, said Brandi Simmons, a spokeswoman for the Governors Office of Information Technology. The IT staff mistakenly included child welfare assessments in the update, making the assessments disappear from view, Simmons said.During the outage, the assessments could still be accessed with an identification number, she said.The multi-phase system revamp, known as Trails Modernization, is costing nearly $23 million, Simmons said. The project is intended to update the systems technology, which dates back to the 1980s, and make it more secure and user-friendly for DHS workers.The system overhaul was a key part of reforms promised by Gov. John Hickenlooper in 2012 after Theand 9News reviewed the cases of 72 children whose families or caregivers had been reported to the states child protection system before their deaths. The investigation found a lack of coordination between county and state officials, funding inequities and overburdened workers.El Paso Countys child welfare program fields referrals from the public as well as others who are required by law to report signs of abuse, such as school teachers and medical professionals. Reports that meet the legal requirements for alleged child abuse and neglect are assigned to a caseworker, who typically has 60 days to assess whether the allegations appear to be true.The county employs about 70 intake caseworkers who handle child welfare assessments, Iodice said. At any given time, a caseworker may be assigned 20 to 35 assessments.If the caseworker believes the allegations are true, county DHS takes steps to resolve safety concerns. Those measures might include routine caseworker visits, assistance from other organizations or, in some cases, seeking to remove a child from a home to be placed with a relative or foster parents.The Associated Press contributed to the reporting of this story. State cybersecurity operations are maturing. Chief information officers at the state level report that compared with a few years ago, it is getting easier to fund needed investments around cybersecurity due to heightened awareness tied to high-profile hacks. Vermont CIO John Quinn also holds the title "Secretary" over the relatively new Agency of Digital Services. At last month's NASCIO conference in San Diego , Quinn talked toabout plans now underway to move the state to a round-the-clock cybersecurity operation with the help of a partnership with Norwich University. An NSA Center of Excellence, Norwich is helping the state establish a security operations center by spring 2019. Max Verstappen is not getting excited about reports the Netherlands could return to the F1 calendar. It is reported that Zandvoort has been offered a potential place on the 2020 calendar by Liberty Media. But Dutchman Verstappen said in Brazil: "There is nothing concrete yet. "Of course it would be very nice if we get a race in the Netherlands. And ok, it's possible on that circuit. Great. "But now the money has to come," the Red Bull driver told Algemeen Dagblad newspaper. Verstappen was also asked about the new Vietnam grand prix for 2020. "I hope it will be an interesting circuit, I can't really tell from the drawings. I'll have to drive it," he said. One thing that caught his eye about the Hanoi layout is the long straights, which normally is a turn-off for a Red Bull driver. "But I hope by then that we have so much power that the front wheels come off the ground," Verstappen laughed. (GMM) Just two guys hanging out in Hanoi. Photo: Pete Souza Anthony Bourdains Parts Unknown will air its final episode Sunday night. Fittingly, it will find Bourdain in New York, specifically on the Lower East Side, a neighborhood that was integral to the punk music and arts scene that shaped Bourdain. To commemorate the shows end, and its lasting impact, Grub has compiled some of its best moments, including visits to a school cafeteria visit in Houston as well as to Gaza, and a meal with the great chef Paul Bocuse. Sean Brocks Waffle House Tasting Menu Season: 6 Episode: Charleston Anyone who thinks that nothing good happens after 2 a.m. has never been to Waffle House. It is indeed marvelous, Bourdain said of the southern institution, which he visited with the chef and chain superfan Sean Brock. After Brock explained his usual order (scattered, covered, smothered, chunks), he revealed his most ambitious project yet: What Ive devised, as a chef, is a tasting menu experience. A procession of diner dishes landed on the table, set to the perfect soundtrack: Vivaldis Concerto No. 4, a.k.a the Chefs Table song. The meal itself was nothing short of awe-inspiring: pecan waffles that Brock wanted swimming in syrup and homogenized vegetable oil, a patty melt, a green salad with thousand island dressing, pork chops, T-bones, eggs and, of course, hash browns. Bourdains Final Narration Season: 12 Episode: Kenya The first episode of the shows final season was also the last for which Bourdain had recorded narration. He went to Kenya with the writer and comedian W. Kamau Bell, who serves less as a guest and more as a co-host. This was Bells first visit to Africa, and he talked, movingly, about the black experience and figuring out his identity as an African-American. Over the course of the episode, they went on a Lewa Wildlife Conservancy safari, on which Bell bugged out over lions, talked to a street-wear designer, ate with boxer Sarah Ndisi of the non-profit Box Girls, and, in the last scene, visited a Masai village that works with Lewa to preserve its way of life. It was Bourdains last words of narration, though, that formed the episodes most poignant moment, and which best capture the empathetic voice the world lost this year. Who gets to tell the stories? he asks, saying that, for better or worse, he does. I do my best. I look, I listen, but in the end I know its my story. Not Kamaus, not Kenyas, or Kenyans. Those stories are yet to be heard. Visiting the Robert E. Lee High School Season: 8 Episode: Houston Throughout the series, Bourdain used his platform to try to show cities and countries as they really are and how and why they became that way. Take the episode about Houston, a sprawl in the oft-caricatured state of Texas thats also Americas most diverse city. It was this other side of Texas that Bourdain wanted to show. One of the more touching moments of the series happened not at a restaurant, but at a school, when Bourdain joined Jonathan Trinh, a Vietnam War refugee and Marine veteran who is the principal of the citys most ethnically diverse school, Robert E. Lee High School. Trinh said his students are 80 percent ESL, and, when asked what would happen to those kids without the schools English-language classes, Tran replies, They become third-class citizens but our students are very gifted, theyre talented kids. Bourdain ate with some of the kids in the cafeteria before he joined Trinh and his family at home for tamales and pupusas (his wife is Salvadoran); Trans mothers jellyfish, shrimp, and pork dish; and Viet-Cajun crawfish. Meeting an Israeli Who Calls His Gaza Restaurant a Shelter Season: 2 Episode: Jerusalem, West Bank, and Gaza One of the shows most celebrated episodes is just that, simply, for its treatment of people as people. Bourdains respectful empathy is a thread throughout the series (see Iran) people wrote essays after his death about how he made them proud of their cultures and nowhere is this more resonant than in the episodes about the Middle East. Its a region thats othered and turned two-dimensional. Countries like Israel are thought of in black-and-white terms. Bourdain shattered this perception in one episode that culminated in a moving scene in which he talked with Israeli Gatan Galkowitz, who runs a restaurant in Gaza that he calls a shelter. After Galkowitzs daughter was killed by a Hamas mortar, his reaction was to talk to anyone he could and instead of hate, he found himself standing against the suffering. Kicking Off the Then-New Series in Myanmar Season: 1 Episode: Myanmar After Myanmars repressive military junta relaxed travel restrictions in 2012, Bourdain made the country the subject of his new shows very first episode. Tourists rush to new destinations before other tourists can spoil them, treating places like collectible experiences. Travel writing and television can be voyeuristic. Bourdain, instead, used his access to a long-closed-off country to help viewers for whom this was, overwhelmingly, a first look inside Myanmar make sense of the place. He did this as he talked with a twice-imprisoned journalist, discussed the lasting effects of British colonialism, and went to a street market with punk group Side Effect. He rightly positioned Myanmars opening as a significant event for the Burmese, who had lived in a country where even having an opinion can be dangerous and were collectively holding their breath waiting to see whats next, and [whether] this loosening of government grip [would] last. (The shows accompanying website would later publish letters written by ethnic Rohingya, victims of a genocide by the Myanmar military.) Dinner With Obama Season: 8 Episode: Hanoi It was the bun cha seen around the world. Former President Barack Obama and Bourdain both happened to be in Vietnam at the same time, so they rendezvoused at a characteristically Bourdainian place. The travel host took the worlds most powerful man to a tiny Hanoi restaurant called Bun Cha Huong Lien, where they sat on squat plastic stools and talked over cold beer and grilled pork with glass noodles. It was a testament to Bourdains spirit that he took Obama to a no-frills place (locals were, reportedly, touched), and the restaurant sealed off the table. Talking Stop-and-Frisk at a Bronx Dive Season: 4 Episode: The Bronx It took Bourdain a long time, he admitted, to get to the Bronx, the overlooked, never-visited borough. Midway through this episode, he met up with comedian and late-night host Desus at a Jamaican dive called Barrys Restaurant in Wakefield, the Bronx, where Wray and Nephew flowed, people danced, and the owner, Barry, was freaking elated. At one point, Barry came up to Bourdain and Desus mid-conversation to shake Bourdains hand (twice); Desus says, this is the man right here who made today possible. There was pig-tail soup, and then the breaks were hit as Bourdain asked Desus, Do you remember your first time being stopped and frisked? Desus talked about crying the first time, how he got stopped 15 times in one summer, and the people (like Bourdain) who neednt worry about such treatment. It was an arresting way of showing the things marginalized people have to live with, even when theyre celebrating. Geeking Out Over Meeting Paul Bocuse Season: 3 Episode: Lyon Parts Unknown was celebrated, in large part, for tackling bigger issues (like the opioid epidemic in Massachusetts), but some episodes were squarely focused on the joy of food. This episode was Parts Unknown at its most rapturously gluttonous. It was also Bourdain at his best and most grateful. It saw him and his friend Daniel Boulud join the legendary Paul Bocuse, first for what amounted to a royal meal (theres a whole fish in pastry!), and then to hunt and hang out in the country with Bocuses friends and very good dog. What makes this segment with Bocuse so wonderful is how effusively happy Bourdain was, and his feeling of bewildered luckiness to be there as when he said of eating the truffle soup Elysee en croute, Never, never did I think Id get to try it, much less like this. Bourdain had access to people and places very few of us ever will; everyone seemed to want to know him. He never got jaded, though, and frequently spoke about how fortunate he felt to be doing what he did. Joining a Libyan Who Fought Gaddafi at a KFC Clone Season: 1 Episode: Libya Aired two years after the death of Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi, this episode depicted scenes of celebratory chaos people were setting off fireworks in the streets and a country with an uncertain future following decades of repression. In one scene, Bourdain went to a KFC copycat called Uncle Kentaki Fried Chicken with a young man named Jahwar who was one of the rebels who stormed Gaddafis palace. They ate fried chicken and talked about why he fought, then went to the crumbled remains of the palace. Shortly into the visit, Bourdain and company were confronted by several pickup trucks worth of local militia who werent happy they were there and wanted them to delete their footage. The tension escalated before Bourdain, Jahwar, and his crew had to quickly escape. This segment captured what Parts Unknown did best, showing the scars of war without ignoring the full humanity of the subjects, their small pleasures and affirmations of life. Theyre showing, We want to have fun, Libya Herald co-founder Michel Cousins says of the people who set off fireworks earlier in the episode. And remember, for a long time in Libya, you couldnt have fun. The Pepper Soup Season: 10 Episode: Lagos One of the shows Emmy-nominated episodes featured the best example of the series most quintessential trope: Bourdain joining a local at a hole-in-the-wall serving fantastic, unfancy food, to talk about bigger picture issues while slurping noodles or sipping on soup. While in Lagos Nigerias frenetic, pulsating capital and Africas largest city Bourdain went to a night market with the journalist Kadaria Ahmed. Rather than just accept the popular picture painted of corruption in Nigeria, Ahmed talked about why theres corruption the anti-intellectualism of the former regime, for example but also about the burdens shouldered by Nigeria. Africans and African-Americans are never going to get any respect unless theres a successful black nation, Ahmed argued. Its a sober statement, but it was set against a scene that celebrated the vivaciousness of Nigerias culture. They ate the quintessential Nigerian dish, pepper soup (it burns, it burns real good, Bourdain says), in a bustling night market, to a joyous soundtrack of Nigerian music. News Horrifying videos show how negligence leads to road accidents in Abu Dhabi Stressing the importance of concerted efforts by all government and private entities to secure the safety of road users and guarantee their right to life, the Abu Dhabi Police underscored their continuous interest in developing the traffic safety system in co-ordination with partners with a view to reaching the best response rates and providing logistical support for the injured. YLE on Friday reported that the state-owned company issued a so-called notice to airmen (NOTAM) due to widespread GPS signals disturbances in Finnish Lapland. Matti Vanhanen (Centre), the chairperson of the Parliaments Foreign Affairs Committee, has called for a thorough inquiry into the cause of a warning issued for air traffic earlier this week by Air Navigation Services Finland (ANS Finland), the state-owned company responsible for managing the use of Finnish airspace. The warning was issued on Tuesday and lifted late on Wednesday. Weve received information from different sources that GPS signals were possibly unreliable in northern and north-eastern Finland, Heikki Isomaa, the chief operating officer at ANS Finland, confirmed to the public broadcasting company. Weve also received information from the Finnish Defence Forces. The information was released as soon as we were notified. The Finnish Defence Forces has declined to comment on the issue, wrote YLE. A similar warning has been in effect in Norwegian Lapland since 23 October, the first day of the two-week Nato-led military exercise Trident Juncture 2018. Norwegian authorities detected similar disturbances roughly a year ago and believe they were caused by jamming efforts from Russia, according to YLE. Vanhanen on Friday reminded that aviation safety is a high-profile issue for Finland. We have to look into the causes of this problem and react in a way that the problem will neither persist nor recur. Were talking about an issue thats comparable to airspace violations and that must be made publicly known without delay, he commented on social media. Vanhanen told Uusi Suomi that his knowledge of the disturbances is limited to media reports. Finland, he underscored, must have a zero tolerance for jamming efforts as they can compromise aviation safety. You mustnt cause danger to civilian traffic, he said. He also expressed his doubt that the disturbances were accidental, stressing that the party responsible for the jamming has to be identified and informed that such activity will not be tolerated. In exactly the same way as in the case of airspace violations, even though verifying may be easier when it comes to them, said Vanhanen. Both Finnish and Norwegian authorities have assured that the GPS jamming will cause no hazard for air traffic as aircraft are equipped also with other navigation equipment than GPS. Isomaa also told the public broadcaster that the warning has had no impact on the number of flights operated in Finnish Lapland. Aleksi Teivainen HT Source: Uusi Suomi Stubb received more votes than expected but lost to his rival candidate by a clear vote of 127 to 492 at EPP Congress Helsinki on Thursday. Alexander Stubb (NCP), a vice-president at the European Investment Bank (EIB), has hinted at the possibility of returning to politics after losing the race to become the lead candidate of the European Peoples Party (EPP) to Manfred Weber of Germany. I got a very good feeling [from the campaign], I must admit, the former prime minister admitted to reporters after the leadership election. I really did think two years ago that politics is completely behind me. National politics still is, but it felt good getting back to the European arena because so many people reacted so strongly and positively to my defence of values. Stubb promptly clarified that he is contemplating neither running in nor seeking a senior post at the European Commission after the elections to the European Parliament on 2326 May 2019. Right now the only thing Im considering seriously is getting back home and opening a bottle of red, he retorted. Well now head back to work. This was a five-week effort. Aleksi Teivainen HT Source: Uusi Suomi Hey, universe, well leave the light on for you Earth scientists may someday turn on a high-powered megawatt-class laser beam pointed towards deep space. James Clark, a graduate student of MITs Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, wrote a feasibility study in the Astrophysical Journal, where he describes using a laser beam as a planetary beacon, which could be seen 20,000 light-years away. Clark is also the author of a new MIT report. The MIT report/study proposes how laser technology on Earth, could, in principle, be fashioned into something of a planetary porch light. Transmitting a 1- to 2-megawatt laser beam strong enough not to be obscured by the suns radiation and seen light-years away would require a telescope nearly 148 feet in diameter. Clark suggests extraterrestrial astronomers living on planets in the neighborhood of Proxima Centauri (the nearest star to Earth), would be able to detect a linear laser beam originating from Earth. I assume an extraterrestrial astronomer; who just happened to be looking at the Milky Way Galaxy through a telescope, might wonder what the straight line of light was all about. Just an FYI: as of 2017, the known universe contains at least 2 trillion galaxies. Do we really want to send a high-powered laser beam into outer space to signal extraterrestrial intelligence, and let them know where we are located? What if this guiding light/laser beam is seen by a technically-advanced civilization that decides to pay us an interplanetary visit? I am reminded of a few science fiction movies where aliens come to visit us. As I recall, the aliens (except for the Vulcans) were not very friendly to the folks living on Earth. February 2017, NASA announced its Spitzer Space Telescope discovered a star 40 light-years (235 trillion miles) away in the constellation Aquarius. This star has seven exoplanets orbiting it. This exoplanetary system is called TRAPPIST-1, and is named for The Transiting Planets and Planetesimals Small Telescope, located in Chile. Three of the exoplanets were determined to have the potential to support life. March 30, 2021, NASA is scheduled to launch the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to replace the aging Hubble Telescope, launched in 1990. The JWST is a new and much more powerful telescope than the Hubble. It will be able to gather in-depth information about the exoplanets atmospheres, including carbon dioxide, methane, water, and oxygen. It has been suggested, if astronomers on Earth ever did detect a light-signal originating from one of these three planets, we could use a high-powered mega-watt laser to send controlled pulses of light a visual Morse code, or signal lamp if you will, to the exoplanet. Earth would send a message, hope it would be understood, and then wait for a message to be sent back. What will be the message Earth sends to intelligent lifeforms living on another planet? Shouldnt we, at this stage of our social and technological development, consider the consequences of contacting what is likely a more advanced and possibly aggressive extraterrestrial civilization? Then again, maybe the extraterrestrials will only want to learn how we brew our coffee. If we were to successfully close a handshake and start to communicate, we could flash a message, at a data rate of about a few hundred bits per second, which would get there in just a few years, said James Clark. Im sure the universe is full of intelligent life. Its just been too intelligent to come here, said science fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke in 1996. On the other hand, maybe they are intelligent enough to first send an information-gathering space probe through our solar system. Last October, scientists, using the PANN-STARRS 1 space telescope on Mount Haleakala in Maui, HI, identified an unusual cigar-shaped object which was not a comet, meteor, or asteroid. The one-quarter-mile-long space object traveled through our solar system and passed by the Earth at speeds of up to 196,000 miles per hour. The object was named Oumuamua, meaning messenger, or scout, in Hawaiian. Oumuamua is the first object of interstellar origin to be observed in our solar system. Nov. 1, researchers at the Harvard Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics released a five-page paper about Oumuamua. The paper surprisingly reveals the possibility that it [the space object] might be a light sail of artificial origin. A light sail/solar sail would be used to gather solar energy to power . . . what? Harvards astronomy departments chair, Avi Loeb, suggested the object is a light sail to propel an interstellar traveling alien spacecraft using solar energy. Considering an artificial origin, one possibility is that Oumuamua is a light sail, floating in interstellar space as debris from advanced technological equipment, according to the Harvard paper. I have read the Harvard paper, and it shows many mathematical and scientific formulas to support its claims that the space object is of artificial origin. The Harvard Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics paper can be read at https://arxiv.org/pdf/1810.11490.pdf. Since Oumuamua has traveled beyond our solar system, it is now too far away for telescopes to photograph it. Oumuamua has also voyaged beyond the range of our space rockets ability to chase it down. For now, we patiently observe space using our current telescopes, and wait until the JWST is available in 2021. Someday, another Oumuamua will be seen. Hopefully, scientists will have the technologies needed to understand the composition, purpose, and origin of that interstellar visitor. We also continue to debate whether Earth should send a high-powered laser beam into outer space to signal any extraterrestrial intelligence of our existence. Like the Motel 6 commercial, where they leave the light on for us, Earth may soon be leaving its light on for the universe. For 28-year-old U.S. Air Force Captain Julian Gluck, piloting a big bomber more than twice his age is all in a days work. Gluck currently serves as an aircraft commander on the Boeing B-52H Stratofortress, flying out of Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana with the 20th Bomb Squadron Buccaneers. Incredibly, the BUFFs he pilots carry tail codes from 1960 and 61, although the bombers have since seen numerous modifications. Introduced in 1955, the B-52 is among the longest-serving airplanes in the U.S. military inventory, and certainly the oldest bomber. We have people who Ive flown with whose parents and grandparents have been associated with the aircraft, says Gluck. Seeing multiple generations of BUFF aviators is pretty amazing. When he was assigned to the B-52, Gluck says he was excited about the opportunity to be on a strike platform, especially something as historic as the BUFF. He has served in two deployments, the first with the 96th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron Red Devils to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, from which he flew 36 combat missions in Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan. The missions that I flew in the liberation of Mosul in Iraq and the Raqqa campaign are certainly the most meaningful for me, with the protection of the good people of Iraq and Syria from the extremism of ISIS, he says. His second deployment, with the Buccaneers, took him to Andersen Air Force Base on Guam, where he flew about a dozen deterrence and assurance missions for Pacific Command. The captain says he appreciates the flexibility of the aircraft and the diversity of missions that you can have with it considering its a very plug-and-play jetwe can utilize more weaponry than essentially any other platform in the world. He notes that the B-52 has an incredible ability for stand-off weaponry that I think will serve it well in coming conflicts. What weve been given over the past 10 years as far as using our [Lockheed Martin Sniper] pod to provide close imagery and targeting as well as our various weaponsour laser-guided bombs, our GPS-aided inertial-guided weapons like the GBU-38 and GBU-31is very important to being able to have precision and accuracy for helping our nation and our allies against various threats. The B-52 is really the perfect platform for what we are doing today, sums up Gluck. Asked if theres anything he dislikes about the airplane, he says, I think the jet could have benefitted from having a functional toilet, but that we make due. Nuff said. I see the B-52 as part of our nations defense for a long time, Gluck says. I think the BUFF will outlast my career, no matter how long that lasts. In recognition of his outstanding military service and volunteering efforts too numerous to list here, Gluck was recently honored as Air Force Times 2018 Airman of the Year. Im very grateful, he says. I think there are thousands of people in the Air Force who would be very deserving of it, but Im appreciative of the opportunity to represent the wonderful bomber community, aviators Ive flown withboth downrange and at homeas well as our maintainers and everyone else who supports the B-52 mission. Read more about Glucks service at airforcetimes.com/gluck. This article originally appeared in the January 2019 issue of Aviation History. Subscribe here. When Frank Woodruff Buckles, 110, died on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2011, he was the last known survivor of the 4.7 million Americans who served in World War I. Born in Harrison County, Mo., on Feb. 1, 1901, he lied about his age and enlisted in the U.S. Army on Aug. 14, 1917. The 16-year-old shipped over there in December 1917 and served in England and France as a driver. After the Armistice he repatriated German POWs. He was honorably discharged in November 1919. When the paratroopers started droppingthat was different. Nobody had ever heard of a paratrooper Those two years of his young life came to define Buckles in later years. Yet he endured a longer and far greater trial in World War II. In December 1941 Buckles was in Manila, working in the shipping business, when the Japanese invaded the Philippines. He spent the next 39 months as a civilian prisoner of war, wasting down to a 100-pound shadow of his fit prewar self. In a daring raid on Feb. 23, 1945, Army paratroopers liberated Buckles and 2,146 other POWs from the Los Banos internment camp. He was waiting with rucksack in hand. On March 15, 2011, Buckles was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. In 2008 Military History spoke with Frank Buckles [frankbuckles.org] about his experiences as a soldier and as a POW. Following are excerpts of that long evenings chat in his Charles Town, W.Va., farmhouse. How does it feel to be the last man standing? I am a little surprised that Ive been selected as the one. When did you think to enlist? Id thought about it since I was 3 years old. At such a tender age? Well, sure. Dont boys have any ambition? Dont they think of anything other than just eating and sleeping? Girls ? If you spend your time just thinking about girls, you dont get anyplace, as far as adventure is concerned. Where did you enlist? During summer vacation 1917 a rancher invited me to the [Kansas] State Fair in Wichita. While there I went around to the Marine Corps recruiter, but he told me I wasnt old enough. So I took the train to Oklahoma City, where an Army captain asked to see a birth certificate. I explained that in Missouri, birth certificates were not on record and said, Now, you dont want me to bring a Bible down here to this place, do you? He accepted me. Did you tell anyone in your family? My grandmother. She spoke very sensibly about it and said she wasnt at all surprised. Her grandfather had served in the American Revolution and was killed at the Battle of Oriskany. The first my parents knew about it was when they received a postcard saying that I was on my way to training camp. Where did you take basic training? Fort Logan, Colo. I went into the regular U.S. Army, where I was allowed to choose my service. I told them, I want to go to France. I was in a hurry. I enlisted in the ambulance service, because the French were begging for ambulance drivers. The Army then sent me to Fort Riley, Kan., for intensive training in trench retrieval. What skills did they teach you? French or British officers would outline what trenches were like. We also tested gasreal gas, too. You had to put on a gas mask. Were you scared? Sixteen-year-old boys arent afraid of anything. When did you ship out? I went to England in December 1917 on Carpathia, the ship that came to the rescue of Titanic. Some of the crew had been on Carpathia when they made the rescue and were quite willing to talk about it. Carpathia went to Glasgow. And from there soldiers went by train to Winchester. They called it a rest camp. You might be there for a week, 10 days. Then theyd put you on a ship across the channel. How did you get to France? I figured out that at the end of a certain lane [embarking soldiers] would be marching along at night, no lights anyplace, and youd just fall in line. The troops movements were all mixed up just as they got aboard, going to Southhampton. You got it made. Did you have it made? I took three men into my confidence. But that night I had to take somebody someplace. There was no fooling about in those days. You didnt waste government gasoline. And I didnt show up. The other three men followed my instructions, and they made it over to France. They came back under escort. Did they get into any trouble? Sure, two or three months of hard laborjust sawing logs with the guards. But when they would see me toodling past [laughs while shaking fist]. How did you get to France? I tried everything. I told [the area commander] that I came over here to go to France. He said, I want to go to France, too. But I have to go where the government tells me to. Finally, it worked. A company had left an officer behind, and he needed an escort to France. How were French citizens faring? They were mighty glad that we were there. The British were the same. Id fill up my plate [at mess] and turn it over to the children. In France theyd eat it right up. When we got to Germany, the children had containers and would take it home to feed the whole family. Did you encounter anyone with the Spanish flu? One night I delivered a patient to the hospital and was very tired. My lieutenant said, Why dont take that first bed in there? I did, and in the one next to me was a soldier, and I talked to him about various things. The next morning when I awoke, he was dead. How did you wind up in Germany? We repatriated a trainload of prisoners. Were you allowed to interact with the prisoners? Of course [laughs]. No restrictions. Most of them spoke English, and I learned German. Ich spreche Deutsch. When we first got into Germany, the train stopped for refreshments and coffee. The prisoners all lined upcourse, I lined up too. Then came my turn. An older German gentleman [handed me] the coffee, and I said, Danke, sir. Das Kaffee sehr gut. With that he reached down behind the counter and brought up a loaf of potato bread, cut off a slice and gave it to me. Danke, sir. Das Brot sehr gut. With that I got a piece of bolognaand I realized the importance of a foreign language. How was life in postwar Germany? During the occupation the Army found everything they could to keep the Germans busy. A busy man doesnt get into trouble. [General John Black Jack] Pershing was principally responsible for that. He was an exceptional manjust perfect for that job. We didnt have anybody who could have done it as well. What was life back home like for returning doughboys? All these poor millions coming back couldnt afford the prices. Shirts that men used to buy for 50 cents had suddenly gone up to $2.50. A lot of the soldiers wore their Army uniform for months. Nobody was interested in the war. It really amazed me. The only one interested in me was a man at the gymnasium who gave me $25 for my German belt. What did you do with your $143.90 in discharge pay? I went to Oklahoma City and signed up for business school. Is that where you met Pershing? Yes. He came to Oklahoma City and had a parade and hotel reception. I was determined to take part in that. I spoke with him, and he noticed we both had the same accent. He said, Where were you born? I said, On my fathers farm, north of Bethany in Harrison County, Missouri. Pershing replied, Just 42 miles as the crow flies from Linn County, where I was born. Did you return to Europe? I worked with the Roosevelt Steamship Co. We had the contract to carry mail to England, France and Germany from 1931 to 1938. Did you think there would be another war? Around that time I became acquainted with two Germans [who had served] in World War I. They told me: We are opposed to it, but it is inevitablewe are preparing for another war. In the German railway stations were signs that showed other states in Europe with big guns, while Germany was blank, demonstrating to everybody how it was being mistreated. But that wasnt necessarily the people. That was Hitler. What happened to your shipping line? When [World War II] started, the government converted our ships into Marine Corps transports. And that left me without a job. So I took a job at the Port of Manila with the American President Line. Were you concerned the Pacific might erupt in war? Yes, but I thought it would be after I got back. What happened to you on Dec. 7, 1941? It was December 8 out there. The [Japanese] started bombing the Philippines52 different campsand were landing all over the place. By January 2 Manila was under Japanese domination. They instructed people to come to Santo Tomas University. It covers about 40 acres in the city and has a wall around itan ideal place for a prison camp. I was in Santo Tomas at first. Then 800 men went out to Los Banos. What do you remember from the Los Banos raid? By the end of February 1945 the Japanese realized they couldnt hold out any longer. When asked what they would do with the prisoners, one of the guards demonstrated how he was going to execute them at roll call on the 23rd. Well, three men escaped and got word to [General of the Army Douglas] MacArthurs headquarters. When we saw the planes flying over, we thought nothing of it, because wed been seeing MacArthurs big cargo planes for some time. But when the paratroopers started droppingthat was different. Nobody had ever heard of a paratrooper. They landed just beyond the camp. During the night Filipino guerrillas had been hiding up in the trees. They hopped down, cut the wires and came in. What did you do? A few years before a Filipino boy had starched up my tailor-made shirts and shorts. I went to my room and brought those down. And I had a pair of knit socks. I was one of those men that always had a pair of shoes and kept them shined. I dressed and put on the rucksack with my cup and a pound of sugar in it. Three of us had saved something for the last emergency: a can of Spam, a can of beans and my screw-top coffee can full of brown sugar. We got together while waiting, cooked the beans and put sugar all over the top. And it was so deliciousahhh! Do you harbor any bitterness toward your Japanese captors? Well, what can you do? Bitterness doesnt do you any good. Were soldiers treated better on the home front after this war? No question about it. Here came, among other things, the GI Bill. World War I veterans in a position to make decisionsor corrections in this casewere quite concerned, and they helped. Did you look to settle down after World War II? I realized that I had to do it sometime. Yeah. But youd had your adventures by then? Well, I should say so! How long does it take us to learn the lessons of past wars? A century ago, on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, World War I ended with the signing of the armistice between the Allies and Germany. In hindsight, it seems almost laughable that at the time some considered it the war to end all wars. The Great War spurred the development of aviation technology and witnessed many aerial innovations, including the first bombardment of a capital city from an airplane. The hand-dropped explosives did little damage to Paris, but demonstrated the powerful psychological effect of terror bombing. The United States, late to the Allied party, found itself behind the technological curve, and scrambled to develop suitable airplanes for this new kind of war. Less than 15 years after the Wright brothers achieved the first powered, controlled, heavier-than-air flights, the U.S. was compelled to rely on the talents of British expats to develop the first indigenous American scout plane. Once more late to the party in World War II amid America First isolationism, the U.S. again found itself lagging in aviation technology. Although American aircraft companies quickly ramped up development and production of new warplanes, Britain, Germany and Japan all fielded better aircraft early in the war. The Germans, in particular, pushed technological boundaries, sometimes with significant breakthroughs, as with the introduction of the first operational jet fighter, the Messerschmitt Me-262 flown by Adolf Galland, and other times with unqualified failures, such as their attempt to develop U-boatcarried aircraft. The Japanese fielded Mitsubishis vaunted A6M Zero fighter and long-range G4M Betty bomber, but both suffered from a lack of protection for fuel and aircrews. On the Korean peninsula, five years after the end of the war in Europe, the U.S. once again went to war unprepared (detect a pattern here?). Soldiers and airmen sent to South Korea in June 1950 to stop the North Korean invasion lacked adequate equipment and supplies. The nascent Republic of Korea air force consisted of a handful of novice pilots flying training aircraft. Sent to organize and train the ROK pilots, Flying Parson Dean Hess found success by leading from the front. Which brings us to the Vietnam War, a military and political quagmire of the first order. Of the many lessons unlearned in that war, the restrictive rules of engagement foisted on military leaders by politicians were perhaps the most onerous. These led to countless aerial fiascos in which Americans put their lives on the line while following questionable tactics for dubious strategic gains. In one early-war example, U.S. fighter-bombers targeted two surface-to-air missile sites that turned out to harbor no SAMs. In todays volatile world climate, we would do well to heed the lessons of past warsthe dangers of isolationism, blind nationalism, appeasement, lack of preparedness and politicians who fancy themselves military strategists. If the next world conflict starts with the push of a button, it could well be the real war to end all wars. This article originally appeared in the November 2018 issue of Aviation History. Subscribe here. When trying to try officials, the unanswered question is whether the act is criminal When Thomas Jefferson took office on March 4, 1801, he inherited a hostile judiciary. Predecessors George Washington and John Adams had packed the federal bench with jurists whose views clashed sharply with the new presidents. Jefferson particularly chafed at the enthusiasm with which these Federalist judges had enforced the Sedition Act, which had outlawed criticism of the government. Jefferson wanted to remove these conservative judges and replace them with jurists sharing his far more liberal viewsbut how? Federal judges serve for life. Like presidents, these officeholders can be removed only by impeachment, a process the Constitution limits to individuals the Senate finds to have committed treason, bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors. The judges so vexing to Jefferson were rabid partisans who had flaunted their politics in the courtroom. However, none had engaged in criminal conduct. Impeachment and removal would hinge on whether the term high Crimes and Misdemeanors includes non-criminal conduct. As Jefferson soon learned, there wasand isno simple answer. The men who met in Philadelphia in 1787 to draft the Constitution knew the United States needed a means of ousting federal officials found to have abused their positions. The delegates, having endured the rule of an unremovable British monarch, at first focused on impeachment of an errant president. Should any man be above Justice? asked George Mason of Virginia. Above all shall that man be above it, who can commit the most extensive injustice? Without a vehicle for peaceable removal of the chief executive, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania noted, the recourse could be violence. If that occurred, said Edmund J. Randolph of Virginia, the result would be tumults & insurrections. Delegates saw impeachment proceedings as a high-reward/low-risk proposition. A good magistrate will not fear them. A bad one ought to be kept in fear of them, said Elbridge Gerry of Massachusetts. Realizing that holders of other governmental positions might abuse their positions, the delegates expanded the list of officials subject to impeachment from the president alone to the President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States. The delegates entrusted the removal mechanism to Congress. A majority vote by the House is called impeachment, but impeachment is only the filing of formal charges, known as articles of impeachment, enumerating the proffered grounds for removal. To oust a president or other official from office, the Senate must, by a two-thirds majority, convict that official of the stipulated impeachable offense or offenses. The tougher question was how to define impeachable offenses. Delegates rejected vague standards like malpractice or neglect of duty, corruption, and maladministration. They agreed on treason and bribery but wanted something more. Since 1386, the English parliament had been using the term high crimes and misdemeanors as grounds for removal of royal officials for a wide range of misconduct, including misapplication of funds, neglect of duty, and abuse of power. On September 8, 1787, after having met for more than three months in the brutal Philadelphia heat, the Convention delegates added, without debate, high Crimes and Misdemeanors as a catch-all impeachable offense. That ringing phrase lacked precision but satisfied the exhausted delegates, who also decided that even after being impeached and convicted, an official wouldnt be home free. He could also be liable and subject to Indictment, Trial, Judgment and Punishment, according to Law, they declared, without deciding whether a sitting president can be indicted or tried in criminal court. President Richard M. Nixon resigned August 9, 1974, in the face of impeachment and almost certain removal from office. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images) After the Constitutional Convention, delegates explained what conduct they took to be impeachable. To Alexander Hamilton of New York and Charles Pinckney of South Carolina, such offenses required an abuse of the public trust. A discussion between Mason and James Madison at Virginias ratification convention offered a detailed example. Mason told Madison he feared a presidential malefactor might pardon accomplices. If he did so early enough, Mason said, the president in question could prevent an investigation of his own misconduct. Nonsense, Madison replied. [I]f the President be connected, in any suspicious manner, with any person, and there be grounds to believe he will shelter him, Marshall said, the House of Representatives can impeach him. Within a decade, Congress was encountering its first impeachment case. In 1797, Senator William Blount, Democratic-Republican of Tennessee, had hatched a plot to help England wrest Louisiana from Spain. Spain and England were at war, but the United States was at peace with each. This meant that Blounts conspiracy violated American neutrality laws. On July 8, 1797, the House voted to impeach the Tennessean. The Senate expelled Blount the next day. On January 11, 1799, the upper body dismissed the impeachment charges, presumably because Blount no longer held office. Defeating Federalist incumbent John Adams in the 1800 election, Jefferson took office the following March warily eyeing the federal bench. Federalist judges were, a newspaper noted, partial, vindictive, and crueland, in Jeffersons eyes, wielders of immense power. The Constitution is a mere thing of wax in the hands of the judiciary, which they may twist, and shape into any form they please, he said. With such a judiciary in place, the president feared, all the works of republicanism are to be beaten down and erased. Political reality militated against precipitous action. Jeffersons Democratic-Republican party controlled the House 65-40, with one seat vacant. In the Senate, however, the Federalists retained a slim 17-15 majority. Before Jefferson could begin his campaign, he needed a Federalist judge to misbehave in a way that unequivocally demanded impeachment. Even before the 1800 election, Supreme Court Justice Samuel Chase had begun building a case against himself. Born in 1741, Chase had served in the Continental Congress and had signed the Declaration of Independence. However, he had an oversized ego, and his irascibility had won him many enemies, historian John B. Boles noted. In those days, Supreme Court justices rode the circuit, overseeing matters in the lower federal courts. In May 1800, Chase was traveling to a courtroom in Richmond, Virginia. During his trip, he read The Prospect Before Us, a political pamphlet written by James T. Callender. Callender, a professional rabble-rouser, at the time was vociferously pro-Jefferson and viciously anti-Federalist; in fact, Jefferson had encouraged him and sent him money. In publishing Prospect, Callender plunged vigorously into the 1800 campaign. Voters faced a choice between Adams, war and beggary, and Jefferson, peace and competency, he wrote in his tract. As Chase read Callenders attacks on Adams in Prospect, his indignation was strongly excited, by the atrocious and profligate libel, the jurist later said. Chase vowed to do something about Callender, and he had the means. In 1798, Congress had enacted the Sedition Act, making it a crime to publish any false, scandalous, and malicious writing about the president or the federal government. On May 24, 1800, Chase persuaded a Virginia grand jury to charge Callender with sedition. The indictment cited 20 anti-Adams passages in The Prospect Before Us. These included a characterization of the Adams presidency as one continued tempest of malignant passions, descriptions of Adams as a hoary headed incendiary and a professed aristocrat, and an accusation that Adams had contrived pretences to double the annual expense of government by useless fleets, armies, sinecures and jobs of every possible description. Presiding at Callenders trial in Richmond, Chase behaved less like a judge than an out-of-control prosecutor. He denied Callender time to prepare a defense, barred a key defense witness from taking the stand, badgered defense counsel, refused to disqualify a juror who admitted bias, and told the jury he thought Callender guilty. On June 3, 1800, after deliberating two hours, the jury convicted Callender. Chase sentenced the pamphleteer to nine months in jail and fined him $200. Callender served his time and was released on March 3, 1801, the day before Jefferson took office and the day the Sedition Act expired. Two weeks later, the new president, who loathed the Sedition Act, pardoned Callender. As a reward for reviling Adams, the journalist expected Jefferson to name him postmaster of Richmond. Jefferson refused, prompting Callender to turn on his former patron with the same gusto he had shown Jeffersons foes. In 1802, Callender published a series of articles alleging that Jefferson had had a sexual relationship with his slave, Sally Hemings. In 1802, John Pickering, a federal trial judge in New Hampshire, offered Jefferson a sitting-duck target for impeachment. Even before being appointed to the federal bench in 1795, Pickering, author of New Hampshires Constitution, had been known for erratic behavior, and his conduct had worsened. In October 1802, a Democratic-Republican customs official at Portsmouth, New Hampshire, alleging customs violations, seized the ship Eliza. The ships owner was a prominent Federalist to whom Pickering immediately returned the vessel. The same customs official filed suit to re-seize the ship and to collect penalties. The trial began on November 11, 1802, with Pickering in no condition to proceed. He exhibited every mark of intoxication; staggered and reeled, spoke in a thick way, said court clerk Jonathan Steele. Pickering threatened to give a damnd Caning to an attorney who had displeased him, and when court adjourned for the day, remarked, I shall be sober in the Morning. I am now damned drunk. The next morning, the judge was equally deranged or intoxicated, deputy marshal Thomas Chadbourn noted. Pickering complained about having to decide such damnd paltry matters and declared, if we sit here four thousand years the ship will still be restored. The prosecutor argued that customs duties bring the government revenue. Damn the revenue, the judge replied. I get but a thousand dollars of it. Pickering returned the Eliza to its Federalist owner, a ruling seen as blatant political favoritism. Woodcut of President Andrew Johnson, who was acquitted by the Senate after a three-month impeachment trial. The prosecutor, livid, collected affidavits from witnesses to the spectacle and sent this documentation to Jefferson. On February 3, 1803, the president referred the matter to Congress. Pickerings removal was not within Executive cognizance, Jefferson wrote in his transmittal letter, but the House has the power of instituting proceedings of redress. Privately, Jefferson told a friend, he thought Pickerings antics to be sufficient cause of removal without further enquiry. On March 2, 1803, the House, voting 45-8, impeached Pickering and sent the case to the Senate for trial. The articles of impeachment accused Pickering of illegally returning the Eliza to its owner, presiding at trial in a state of total intoxication, produced by the free and intemperate use of intoxicating liquors, and speaking in court in a most profane and indecent mannerto the evil example of all the good citizens of the United States. While a Senate trial was pending against Pickering, Chase gave the Democratic-Republicans more ammunition against himself. On May 2, 1803, while riding the circuit in Maryland, Chase turned an occasion for routine legal instructions to a Baltimore grand jury into a political tirade against Jefferson and principles the president held dear. Chase attacked the modern doctrines by our late reformers, that all men in a state of society are entitled to enjoy equal liberty and equal rights. He repudiated as the musings of visionary and theoretical writers the unalienable rights set forth in the Declaration of Independence, which Jefferson had written, and which Chase had signed. An expanded right to vote in Maryland, Chase told grand jurors, would cause society to crumble into ruins before many years elapse. The press reported Chases speech, with the National Intelligencer calling his words the most extraordinary that the violence of federalism has yet produced. Jefferson agreed. On May 13, 1803, the president wrote to Representative Joseph H. Nicholson (DR-Maryland), asking, [O]ught this seditious & official attack on the principles of our constitution, and on the proceedings of a state, to go unpunished? Although Jefferson told Nicholson it is better that I should not interfere, his letter clearly was a call for action against Chase. However, Pickering was first in line. The Senate began Pickerings impeachment trial on March 2, 1804. The 66-year-old jurist, said to be too ill to make the 12-day journey from New Hampshire to Washington, did not appear. The Senate tried him in absentia. Pickerings defense, offered by proxy, was that he was insane, as certified by an examining physician who found the judge to be wild, extravagant, and incoherent. While Pickering was unfit to sit on the bench, however, he had committed no crime. The question was whether non-criminal conduct constituted a high crime or misdemeanor, a quandary for the Federalists. The Federalists didnt want to allow Jefferson to use impeachment to remove Federalist judges for non-criminal conduct. In addition, they suspected the Pickering case was a warm-up for proceedings against Chase and other compatriots. The Federalists also knew Pickering was unfit to serve. However, in a bid to limit the removal power, they insisted the government allege the commission of a crime. If non-criminal conduct could be invoked to justify impeachment, Senator Samuel White, Federalist of Delaware, argued, every officer of the Government must be at the mercy of a majority of Congress. Since impeachment was the only way to remove a judge, Federalists by default were willing to tolerate, in the words of historian Lynn W. Turner, monstrous misgovernment of courts presided over by irremovable lunatics like Pickering. Jeffersonians, now holding a 25-9 Senate majority, had an easy target in Pickering. They employed his case to propel an expansive reading of the rubric high Crimes and Misdemeanors. If Pickerings non-criminal conduct did not suffice to justify removal, asked Senator James Jackson (DR-Georgia), How shall we get rid of the Judge? To Senator George Logan (DR-Pennsylvania), Pickerings misbehavior, criminal or not, imposed on the Senate a duty to remove him. On March 12, 1804, the Senate convicted Pickering by a 19-7 party-line vote. He was removed from office, the first American official to lose his job through impeachment. Partisans of Jefferson wasted no time in moving against Chase. Within an hour of Pickerings removal, the House impeached Chase by a 73-32 vote. The articles of impeachment against Chase dealt with four matters the jurist had handled. The most damaging charges focused on the Callender trial and Chases instructions to the Baltimore grand jury. During the Callender trial, the House alleged, Chase had displayed an indecent solicitudefor the conviction of the accused, unbecoming even a public prosecutor, but highly disgraceful to the character of a judge. As for the Baltimore episode, the House charged, Chases instructions to the grand jury had constituted an intemperate and inflammatory political harangue that was peculiarly indecent and unbecoming in a judge of the Supreme Court. On February 4, 1805, Chases trial began before the Senate, sitting as the High Court of Impeachments. Chase was one of the then six members of the countrys highest court, making his trial a major event. The Senate chamber was fitted up in a style of appropriate elegance, a crimson cloth draping each solons chair, and an overflow crowd packed the galleries, an observer reported. Presiding was Vice President Aaron Burr, who less than a year before had killed Hamilton in a duelan irony that did not escape notice. It was the practice in Courts of Justice to arraign the murderer before the Judge, the New York Evening Post noted, but now we behold the Judge arraigned before the murderer. A striking figure more than six feet tall with a repute for eloquence second to few of his day, Chase, 63, began the proceedings with a lengthy speech impugning the charges against him. His main point was the Federalist creed. No civil officer of the United States can be impeached, except for some offence for which he may be indicted at law, Chase said. Unrepentant, Chase never denied the words and actions attributed to him. The Prospect Before Us was so obviously seditious, he argued, who is there, that having either seen the book, or heard of it, had not necessarily formed the same opinion? He claimed his instructions to the Baltimore grand jury had not included anything that was unusual, improper, or unbecoming in a judge. He had spoken, Chase said, as a friend to his country and a firm supporter of the Governments, both of the State of Maryland and of the United States. Chase thoroughly wrapped himself in the cloak of free speech. Were he to lose his job because of anything he had said, he argued, the liberty of speech on national concerns must hereafter depend on the arbitrary will of the House of Representatives and the Senate. In a nod to humility, Chase asked the senators to make allowance for the imperfections and frailties incidental to man. The Federalists toed their party line. Because Chase had committed no crime, fellow partisans said, he could not be removed. If removal did not require the commission of a crime, argued Chases counsel, Federalist Robert Goodloe Harper, removal would be determined on expediency, and not on fixed principles of law. Still, Federalists squirmed; they knew Chase had acted badly. Chases conduct, Senator William Plumer (F-New Hampshire) confided in his diary, was a tissue of judiciary tyranny. Even Chief Justice John Marshall, another Federalist and a colleague of Chase on the High Court, had to admit before the Senate that if Chases behavior was not considered tyrannical, oppressive, and overbearing, I know nothing else that was so. Most Jeffersonians maintained their broad view of impeachable offenses. Representative John Randolph (DR-Virginia), who prosecuted the Senate trial on behalf of the House, attacked the monstrous pretension that an act to be impeachable must be indictable. All that is needed to make an offense impeachable, said Senator William B. Giles (DR-Virginia), is for a majority of the House & two thirds of the Senate to agree to that accusation. During the 22-day trial, more than three dozen witnesses testified. March 1, 1805, was judgment day. When shortly after noon senators filed into the Senate chamber, the galleries were packed, and anticipation was wrought up to the highest pitch, a reporter wrote. Every vote counted; attendants carried in Senator Uriah Tracy (F-Connecticut) on his sickbed. Hope and fear, according to the wishes of the individual, kept the judgment in suspense, said an observer. The Democratic-Republicans held 25 Senate seats, the Federalists held nine; 23 votes were needed for the required two-thirds majority. Burr instructed each senator to proceed to pronounce distinctly your judgment on each article. When the votes were tallied, Burr announced the result: It appears that there is not a Constitutional majority of votes finding Samuel Chase, Esq., guilty on any one article. The gallery sat in stunned silence, one Federalist senator recalled, though from their countenance they appeared not only satisfied but highly gratified. A majority had voted for removal, but that majority had not met the 23-vote threshold. On the two counts pertaining to the Callender trial, the vote was 18-16 for removal. On the count involving the Baltimore grand jury, the vote was 19-15 to oust Chase. All nine Federalists had voted for acquittal, but enough Democratic-Republicans had broken ranks to swing the result. Prosecutor Randolph was chagrined & much mortified at the result and retreated to the House to give a violent phillippic [sic] against Judge Chase & against the Senate, Federalist Senator Plumer chortled. Both Jefferson and Chase learned bitter lessons. Jefferson realized that impeachment was a bungling way to recast the judiciary. His party made no further attempts to impeach any judge. Chase learned to control his behavior on the bench and to keep politics out of the courtroom. Time proved Jeffersons ally in reshaping the bench. During his two terms, he filled 19 judicial vacancies, including three on the Supreme Court. Since 1805, the House has impeached only 16 officialstwo presidents, one cabinet secretary, and 13 judges. Of those, the Senate has removed seven and acquitted six, with three resigning before trial. Impeached presidents Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton were acquitted and remained in office. The constitutional requirement of a two-thirds Senate majority for removal is a formidable barrier and has made ouster via impeachment a rare event. The definitions of high crime and misdemeanor remain open and elusive. The Pickering case suggests no actual crime is needed, a view many legal scholars embrace. However, targets of impeachment efforts consistently argue to the contrary. The Supreme Court might never resolve the issue, since the Constitution entrusts impeachment and removal solely to Congress. Even if a crime isnt needed, there are no settled rules as to the specific level of non-criminal misconduct that warrants removal, as the Chase trial shows. The most honestand perhaps onlyanswer is, as it has been since the days of Pickering and Chase, that a high crime or misdemeanor is whatever a majority of the House and two-thirds of the Senate say is a high crime or misdemeanor. In 1839 the British invaded Afghanistan, aiming to replace a Russian-leaning emir with one more amenable to Crown interests in India. That August the British-Indian Army of the Indus entered Kabul and put a puppet ruler on the throne. Declaring victory and withdrawing most of their army, the British ignored Afghans resentment toward both the emir and the occupiers. To house the remaining force, the British built a cantonment outside Kabul in a position surrounded by hills, compounding that poor decision by establishing a supply depot well outside the cantonment. In 1841 they doubled down, placing the garrison under ailing, indecisive 59-year-old Maj. Gen. William Elphinstone, who had last seen combat at Waterloo27 years earlier. The British maintained control through the threat of force and by paying bribes to tribal leaders. But their insensitivity about local culture and ignorance of tribal politics did little to endear them to the Afghan people, and when they ended the subsidies, the simmering resentment flared into outright rebellion. On Nov. 2, 1841 a mob stormed the Kabul house of the British deputy envoy and killed him, while 4,500 nearby soldiers failed to intervene. Emboldened by British passivity, the mob looted the supply depot. While Elphinstone pondered his options, the rebels cut his supply line to India and attacked isolated outposts. In late November a British detachment tried in vain to push rebel snipers off the surrounding hills, leaving behind their dead, their wounded and their honor. Attempts to reinforce the garrison were stymied by snow-filled mountain passes controlled by the enemy. Lacking supplies, initiative and confidence, Elphinstone resolved to abandon Kabul andunder a rebel promise of safe passagemove his force 75 miles east to the British post at Jalalabad. Ominously, during negotiations the rebels murdered the chief British diplomat. Elphinstones weak reaction was to send another envoy to complete the surrender. On Jan. 6, 1842, a column of 16,500 soldiers and civilians marched from the cantonment in deep snow and subzero temperatures. Afghan tribesman immediately attacked the rear guard and looted the supply train. The column covered scarcely 6 miles the first two days, many perishing from enemy fire or the cold. The few organized armed units were unable to mount a defense, as civilians clogged the route. On the third day the British entered a narrow 4-mile pass and suffered some 3,000 casualties as tribesmen sniped from above. Lacking tents, food or fuel, the column became a mob. Over the next two days scores of British officers and their families surrendered, while the Afghans ruthlessly slew their sepoy servants. Elphinstone himself was seized while seeking to negotiate safe passage. Within six days of leaving Kabul most of the 12,000 civilians and 4,500 soldiers had perished. On January 13 a single exhausted horsemanAssistant Surgeon William Brydonrode into the British garrison at Jalalabad. Questioned about the fate of the army, he is said to have replied, I am the army. 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. 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. Lenox Memorial High School presents 'Much Ado About Nothing' in 2016. Fall Festival Of Shakespeare Celebrates 30 Years LENOX, Mass. Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, the annual Fall Festival of Shakespeare will bring hundreds of teenagers from 10 different high schools to the Tina Packer Playhouse at Shakespeare & Company. Beginning on Nov. 15, the four-day festival marks the culmination of the nine-week program that places Shakespeare & Company Education Artists in 10 high schools across Berkshire and Columbia counties. During the program, students explore creative thinking, teamwork and Shakespeare as they create a 90-minute fully-produced performance to be shared with their neighboring communities. The weekend before, Nov. 8-11, the high schools will stage performances of their plays in their own auditoriums for local audiences. The Fall Festival of Shakespeare is nationally recognized for its innovative teaching, emotional intelligence training, and philosophy of creativity and collaboration that encourages students from a variety of schools to come together and support one another. "The Fall Festival has had a significant impact on the culture of these 10 high schools and their surrounding communities for multiple generations," said Director of Education Kevin G. Coleman. "The Festival is where students embody Shakespeare's words, rigorously think, deeply feel, wildly imagine and speak without inhibition the thoughts and feelings, the joys and heartbreaks of his characters. While the Fall Festival of Shakespeare has become a celebrated tradition for our local communities and for Shakespeare & Company, its influence has been spreading across the country in adaptations from Atlanta, Georgia, to Portland, Oregon." Led by Coleman, the Shakespeare & Company education artists and technical theater designers and school mentors, the Fall Festival is a celebration, rather than a competition. Students are encouraged to delve into Shakespeares works, unpack the language, and savor the humor, intensity, and transcendent beauty of these plays. Daily rehearsals focus on students personal responses to the text and connection to the language. Students also have the opportunity to develop skills in stage combat, performance aesthetics, dance, technical theatre, costuming, stage management, marketing, and publicity during their Fall Festival experience. Tickets are $16 for adults and $10 for students, and passes for the Festival are $80 for adults and $35 for students. The $4 service fee is waived for all Fall Festival tickets and passes. Tickets are now on sale and are available online. The schedule for in-school performances is as follows: Chatham, N.Y., High School: Friday and Saturday, Nov. 9 and 10, 7 p.m. Lee High School: Friday and Saturday, Nov. 9 and 10, 7 p.m. Lenox High School: Thursday and Friday, Nov. 8 and 9, 7 p.m. Mount Greylock Regional School: Saturday, Nov. 10, 7 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 11, 2 p.m., at Williamstown Elementary School Monument Mountain Regional High School: Thursday and Friday, Nov. 8 and 9, 7 p.m. Mount Everett Regional High School: Thursday and Friday, Nov. 8 and 9, 7 p.m. Taconic High School: Friday and Saturday, Nov. 9 and 10, 7 p.m. Waldorf High School: Thursday and Friday, Nov. 8 and 9, 7 p.m. The performance schedule at Shakespeare & Company is as follows: Thursday, Nov. 15 6:15 p.m.: Lenox High School's "Midsummer Nights Dream," directed by Rory Hammond and David Bertoldi. 8:30 p.m.: Chatham High School's "The Tempest," directed by Lori Evans and Sara Holt Friday, Nov. 16 6:15 p.m.: Lee High School's "As You Like It," directed by Doug Seldin and Alison Howard 8:30 p.m.: Mount Greylock Regional High School's "Henry V," directed by Tom Jaeger and Noa Egozi Saturday, Nov. 17 1:15 p.m.: Monument Mountain Regional High School's "Romeo and Juliet," directed by Dana Harrison and Connie Russo 3:30 p.m.: Mount Everett Regional High School's "Much Ado About Nothing," directed by Caitlin Kraft and Madeleine Rose Maggio 6:15 p.m.: Taconic High School's "Hamlet," directed by Dara Silverman and Luke Haskell 8:30 p.m.: Springfield Central High School's "A Winter's Tale," directed by Lezlie Lee and Jake Merriman Sunday, Nov. 18 1:15 p.m.: Waldorf High School's "Romeo and Juliet," directed by Annie Considine and Ellie Bartz 3:30 p.m.: Taconic Hills High School's "Much Ado About Nothing," directed by Caroline Calkins and Greg Boover 5 p.m.: "The Reverence" (closing event) Williams Professor Named Math Society Fellow WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. Steven J. Miller, professor of mathematics at Williams College, has been named a fellow of the American Mathematical Society (AMS) for his contributions to number theory and service to the mathematical community, particularly in support of mentoring undergraduate research. Miller is one of 65 mathematical scientists from around the world to have been named fellows of the AMS for 2019, the program's seventh year. "This year's class of AMS Fellows has been selected from a large and deep pool of superb candidates," AMS President Kenneth A. Ribet said. "It is my pleasure and honor as AMS President to congratulate the new Fellows for their diverse contributions to the mathematical sciences and to the mathematics profession." The First President of Israel The Fellowship | November 9, 2018 Soon after Israel won her independence in 1948, the nations first president was sworn in. President Chaim Weizmann took the oath of office to serve the state of Israel on February 17, 1949. Born in Belarus in 1874, Weizmann attended school in Germany and Switzerland. In 1904 he moved to England, where he lived and worked as a professor until 1937. He and his family then made aliyah (immigrated) to the Holy Land, where he lived for the remainder of his life. While in Switzerland, Weizmann became a proponent of the Zionist movement, advocating for the return of the Jewish people to their historic and biblical homeland and the resumption of Jewish sovereignty in the land of Israel. He also strongly lobbied for the founding of a Jewish institution of higher learning, which led to the creation of Technion Israel Institute of Technology, the oldest university in Israel. Weizmann held several important positions, including president of the British Zionist Federation, president of the World Zionist Organization, and head of the precursor to the Zionist Organization of America. In 1947, shortly after World War II, Weizmann worked closely with U.S. President Harry Truman to establish the state of Israel. After being elected the first president of Israel, Weizmann served in the position until his death in 1952. Learn more about this very important Israeli You Should Know in the above documentary film from our friends at CBN. iStock/Thinkstock(WASHINGTON) -- While President Donald Trump said he "stopped the blue wave" by Democrats as a result of his campaigning for Republican candidates, there were significant wins in historically-red strongholds across the country. An exit poll analysis by ABC News showed that across the nation, Americans were ready for change in the House. Voters 53-43 said they'd rather see Democrats in control of the House after this election and the results in some historically Republican districts reflect just that. In Oklahoma, a state Trump owned by 36 points in 2016, Democrat Kendra Horn flipped Oklahoma's 5th district seat, which has been represented by a Republican for 44 years. The president won the district by double digits and GOP Rep. Steve Russell won his first election there in 2014 by 23 points. Horn edged Russell out of the seat by just two points, according to ABC projections, based on exit polling. Russell's campaign raised less than $1 million and got almost no money from outside groups. Comparatively, Horn was able to attract some national attention and pulled in about half a million dollars from billionaire Democratic donor Michael Bloomberg's Super PAC, Independence USA. Ahead of the election, ABC News partner FiveThirtyEight forecasted Horn had a one in seven chance of winning. The 5th district is now the lone congressional seat in the state represented by a Democrat. Horn told ABC affiliate KOCO-TV she planned to focus on health care and education, which was where she staked most of her campaign. "We talked about health care, we talked about education and all of these people are the ones who helped make it happen," Horn said. "It's a historic election moment for a number of reasons. I am the third woman ever elected to represent Oklahoma in Congress, and we are talking about issues that are so important." In Pennsylvania, two incumbents -- one a three-term Republican and the other a Democrat who won a special election earlier this year -- battled for the recently redistricted 17th congressional district. Rep. Conor Lamb successfully unseated three-term Republican Rep. Keith Rothfus in the race. The race grew more complex after the states Supreme Court found the old congressional map violated the state's constitution through a partisan gerrymander. As a result, experts predicted that over the long term, Democrats could expect to pick up one or two seats with the state Supreme Court's newly redrawn map. Lamb's success in the district may also have been a result of his more conservative views. He has sided with Trump -- who won the district by nearly 20 points in 2016 -- on issues involving steel and aluminum tariffs, and personally opposes abortion, but backs the Supreme Court's decision to legalize it. The Marine Corps veteran and former federal prosecutor defeated Republican Rick Saccone in a March 2018 special election in Pennsylvania's 18th Congressional District. The seat was left open after GOP Rep. Tim Murphy resigned after a report that he had asked an extramarital lover to end her pregnancy. The area had not been represented by a Democrat since 2002, when Murphy won the seat with more than a 20-point lead. Republicans tried during the special election to tie Lamb to House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, but he came out strong against those claims, saying in an ad that he wouldn't support her as the House speaker. In South Carolinas 1st Congressional District, Democrat Joe Cunningham defeated Republican Katie Arrington, in a district Trump won by 13 points in 2016. Cunninghams win is the first time Democrats will represent the district in 40 years. The district was represented by Republican Rep. Mark Sanford, who lost his primary to Arrington in June. His loss may have been tied to his willingness to criticize the president. Ahead of the primary, Trump tweeted that Sanford was "nothing but trouble" and then he endorsed Arrington. After Sanford lost, Trump wrote on Twitter that he'd "never been a fan of his." Arrington is one of 21 candidates who Trump endorsed that did not win their races Tuesday. There were still eight races undecided Wednesday. In Virginias 2nd Congressional District, Navy veteran Elaine Luria managed to unseat GOP Rep. Scott Taylor in the Republican-leaning district. The district has been reliably red since 2000, with the exception of Democrat Glenn Nye's single term from 2009-2011. It is also worth noting that Republicans in that period have not won in the Virginia Beach-area district by large margins. Former Republican Rep. Scott Rigell won reelection in 2014 with the largest margin, defeating his Democratic challenger by 17 percentage points. Complicating this year's race was a lawsuit brought by state Democrats to remove Independent candidate Shaun Brown from the ballot when her qualifying petition appeared to have forged signatures. According to news reports, many of the signatures were gathered by staffers working for Taylor. While there were names listed of people who supported Taylor, the news reports indicated that those people didn't actually sign the petition. Brown told The Virginian-Pilot she didn't know Taylor staffers were collecting signatures for her. Taylor acknowledged to the newspaper that he knew his campaign workers were collecting signatures for Brown, but said it was because they thought Brown had been treated unfairly by Democrats. A judge later ordered Brown's name removed from the ballot, citing the forged signatures. Taylor had fired his campaign manager before the petition signatures came into question, The Virginian-Pilot reported, and cut ties with his campaign consultant afterward. With only the two Navy veterans on the ballot, Luria squeezed out Taylor with a two-point lead. Luria was one of the first woman to serve her entire career on a Navy combat ship and campaigned on how her military experience could help her get things done in Washington. Having that experience of working together with people of all perspectives, all backgrounds, and accomplishing a mission is something that I think we as female veterans collectively feel we can take to Washington, she said. ABC News has not yet been able to project the outcomes in two House districts, Maines 2nd and New Jerseys 3rd, which were among 21 that voted for former President Barack Obama and then for Trump. As of Thursday afternoon, ABC News could project that Democrats currently have a net gain of 31 seats in the House, with 10 races still outstanding. For updates, go to: https://abcnews.go.com/Politics Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. First International Symposium in Mine Ventilation of South America The Mining Engineering Department of the Universidad de Santiago de Chile invites to participate in the First International Symposium in Mine Ventilation of Southamerica, which will be held in The Manquehue Hotel in Santiago, Chile, from November 19 to 24, 2018. This event is supported by SERNAGEOMIN, Instituto de Ingenieros de Minas de Chile (IIMCh) and Ministerio de Mineria de Chile. The main topics of the proceedings will be divided in follow: By Paul Craig Roberts November 09, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - When President Trump nominated Jeff Sessions as his Attorney General, the presstitutes were opposed to Sessions and declared him unfit for office. Now that he has been fired, the presstitutes are his champions. There are reports that MSNBCs Rachel Maddow has organized a protest march for today denouncing Trump for firing Sessions. https://news.grabien.com/story-msnbcs-maddow-organizing-street-marches-protest-sessions-fir CNNs Jake Tapper added his view of the firing as thats how gangsters act and got John Dean from the Watergate era to delare that Sessions firing was planned like a murder. https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2018/11/07/saturday-night-massacre-sessions-john-dean-jake-tapper-newsroom-intv-bts-vpx.cnn It is the same story elsewhere in the presstitute media. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter The presstitutes are upset about Sessions being fired, because Sessions recused himself from the Russiagate investigation, thus permitting Mueller to go beyond his mandate. Muellers indictment of Manafort, for example, has nothing whatsoever to do with Russiagate. The Trump-hating presstitutes and Trump-hating Democrats still hope to make something of the investigation that has come up completely empty after two years, whereas a functioning attorney general will close down the investigation as having found nothing and wandered off into unrelated matters. As Maddow illustrates, the presstitutes have become political activists who use their media positions not to report, but to campaign against Trump, whether it is Maddow over Sessions or CNNs Jim Acosta over the caravan from Honduras. https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2018/11/07/white-house-suspends-jim-acostas-press-pass-after-combative-briefing/ Did Acosta show any concern for Hondurans when Americas First Black President overthrew the democratically elected government and installed Washingtons man? Indeed, Larry King, a CNN host for 25 years said that CNN stopped doing news in order to do in Trump. https://thehill.com/homenews/media/415669-larry-king-hits-cnn-stopped-doing-news-to-focus-on-trump NPR plays the same game. It is Trump, Trump, Trump every day. Dr. Paul Craig Roberts was Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Economic Policy and associate editor of the Wall Street Journal. He was columnist for Business Week, Scripps Howard News Service, and Creators Syndicate. He has had many university appointments. His internet columns have attracted a worldwide following. Roberts' latest books are The Failure of Laissez Faire Capitalism and Economic Dissolution of the West , How America Was Lost , and The Neoconservative Threat to World Order . 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, on Thursday, in Abuja, inaugurated the National Action Plan for Revitalization of Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene sector. He also declared a state of emergency on Nigerias water supply, sanitation and hygiene sector. Buhari said he was aware that Nigeria did not meet the MDG targets for Water Supply and Sanitaton that needed in 2015. In his words: The Sustainable Development Goals target (6.1 & 6.2) for WASH are even more demanding as they require WASH services to be provided in adequate quantity and quality on premises at affordable prices. This cannot be achieved if we continue with a business as usual approach. It is on this premise that I fully endorse the decisions taken at the meeting of the Federal Executive Council in April this year to declare - State of Emergency on our WASH sector I call on all state governments to compliment this effort by according the sector similar recognition to enable us work together to achieve the SDG targets for WASH in 2030. He said that the federal governments support to state governments would be based on their commitment to implement the National WASH action plan in their respective states and to end open defecation by 2025. Access to piped water services which was 32% in 1990 has declined to 7% in 2015; access to improved sanitaton has also decreased from 38% in 1990 to 29% in 2015. Our country now ranks No 2 in the global rating on open defecation as about 25% of our population are praticing open defecation Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) Chieftain, Doyin Okupe, has given reasons as to why, his first son, Ditan joined President Muhammadu Buharis campaign team. On Thursday, news of Ditan volunteering for Buharis reelection campaign bid drew attention, especially because his father a strong member of the opposition, and also part of the campaign organisation, striving to see that the PDP candidate, atiku Abubakar coasts victory in next years presidential election. Ithe letter, which was made available on twitter by the Director general of Buharis campaign organization, Festus Keyamo(SAN), Ditan urged Nigerians to do everything possible, to see that PDP never comes back to power. However, in his response, the older Okupe confirmed that Ditan is in fact his son, whom he has had serious issues with, in the last 5 years. According to Okupe, this may be his sons way of getting back at him and wished him luck. He wrote: The Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has condemned the assassination attempt on Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, on Tuesday, describing the incident as a conspiracy against Ndigbo. Guardian The first son of the Peoples Democratic Party chief and former spokesman to two Nigerian presidents has formally joined president Muhammadu Buharis campaign team of ahead of the 2019 general election. Daily Times The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has charged the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and INTERPOL to help track down the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, believed to be on the run outside the country since his reported interrogation by the Department of State Services Daily Trust Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State, yesterday, met with President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House in Abuja. Tribune Nigerias Minister of State for aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, has said that contrary to reports that there were no investors for the suspended Nigeria Air project, that Nigeria was able to attract potential investors such as IsDB, AfDB, AFREXIM, US-EXIM, Standard Chartered Bank, Boeing, Airbus, COMAC/CCECC, BOAD, China-Exim, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines for the national carrier. The Nation THE proposed N30,000 minimum wage seems to have become a campaign issue ahead of next years election. Videos Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. National chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, was reported grilled recently by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) over corruption allegations. According to the report, Oshiomhole was said to have been pressured to resign during the interrogation. The APC national chairman reportedly also travelled out of the country after he being granted administrative bail. Reacting to the news, Reno Omokri, a popular critic of the APC mocked the former Edo state governor over his latest travails. He accused Oshiomhole of using DSS to lock down the National Assembly, in a bid to get senate president Bukola Saraki, leave his position. In a tweet on Friday evening, Omokri wrote: The Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) has charged the National Intelligence Agency and Interpol to track down the National chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole. According to the opposition party, the Nat chairman of the ruling party, is now on the run, after being arrested and grilled by the Department of Security Services (DSS) for corruption allegations. The PDP in a statement on Thursday evening said, the swift flight by the former Edo state governor, is suspicious and a confirmation that the president, Muhammadu Buhari his covering him from being investigated. See full statement below We charge the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and INTERPOL to help track down the factional National Chairman of the discredited APC, Adams Oshiomhole, believed to be on the run outside the country since his reported interrogation by the DSS over alleged corruption. Mr. Oshiomholes swift flight out of the country, at the heat of investigation, is suspect & goes to confirm allegations that the Muhammadu Buhari Presidency is shielding him from prosecution for fear that his investigation would implicate certain interests at the Presidency and the APC. It is ludicrous that the APC, in its lying proclivities, believes that by dismissing Oshiomholes arrest as a rumour and aiding him to momentarily flee the country, it would succeed in getting him off the DSS hook as well as sweeping the matter out of public discourse. Nigerians are already aware that Oshiomhole has not denied his investigation including his reported confession that the Buhari Presidency was in the loop of all his actions. We therefore demand that the APC and the Buhari Presidency must immediately produce Adams Oshiomhole to face investigation and prosecution in our courts. Son of Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) Chieftain, Doyin Okupe, Ditan has joined President Muhammadu Buharis campaign team. According to Ditan, in his letter, the incumbent President is the best candidate for the position. In the letter, which was made available on line by the director general of the presidents reelection campaign organization, Festus Keyamo, Ditan said Nigerians must do all they canto ensure PDP never comes back to power. Ditans father, Okupe, an ex aide to former President Goodluck Jonathan, is actively involved in the election bid of the opposition partys standard bearer, Abubakar Atiku. Take a look at letter below Running mate to Alhaji Atiku, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Petr Obi, has been accused of being tribal bigot, who bundled Northerners from his state, during his time as governor of Anambra state. According to some critics, Peter Obi marched Northerners, especially those involved in menial jobs, in trailer load back to their various states. Obi to many of hos critics, is a two-faced man, living differently from what he preaches. Latest to lend a voice to criticisms against Obi, is Kaduna state governor, Nasir El-Rufai. El-Rufai while responding to a publication on social media said Peter Obi, while on national television said that the SSS was right to detain him for 48 hours in an hotel in 2014 on the grounds that he(El-Rufai)had no business being in Anambra State. In his words: The Nobody is Above the Law Rally took place in front of the Ames Post Office on Nov. 8. They chanted things such as "we want justice!" and "we stand together for justice!" 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. Accessibility has always been a major focal point for its lineup, designed to help individuals with impairments use the devices. But going above and beyond simply sending a text message, too, as Apple reveals in a new profile the company published about a United States Navy veteran by the name of Scott Leason. Apple notes that the veteran, who is also a surfer located in Southern California, uses his newly-purchased iPhone XR to handle a variety of tasks, including checking the weather, his email, social media, and, of course, surf conditions. Leason is blind and can do all of this thanks to the accessibility features baked into iOS. Scott Leason is an early riser. By 5:30 a.m., hes checked his email, social media, the news and the weather. Hes reviewed the days surf reports via the Surfline app on his new iPhone XR, prepping for the days ride. Before the sun rises on this particular Friday, hes geared up and ready to go for his session at Mission Bay Aquatics Center in San Diego where hell surf Mission Beach. And he experiences it all without seeing it. Leason is blind. Leason was blinded after he was shot by a robber, but through rehabilitation and Apples accessibility features, he has found a way to handle a variety of every day tasks despite the disability: Accessible mobile computer technology was still nascent [in 2009], but Apples iOS was quickly becoming a user favorite. In 2012, Leason received his first iPhone the iPhone 5 and training from Sarah T. Majidzadeh, assistant chief of Blind Rehabilitation at the Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center in Long Beach. Its a lot easier to navigate with the phone, Leason says. I think a lot of the visually impaired prefer the iPhone because they can do everything on it. And VoiceOver works pretty darn good. The power and helpfulness of accessibility features can stand out even to those who might not require them, as a short story from one of Leasons surf instructors perfectly encapsulates: The first time he got an iPhone and learned how to use VoiceOver, I asked him to show it to me because you just see him tapping the screen and to me it made no sense what he was doing cause its just like this flurry of tapping and these words coming out of the phone really really fast, Paul Lang says. And when he showed me all the stuff he could do with it, it just blew my mind that he had learned how to interact with it to get all of that out of it. Hes no different than anybody else. Hes just sitting in the corner over there getting caught up on his phone or listening to music, reading, and sending text messages. Leasons story is definitely worth checking out, which you can do through the source link below. The power of the iPhone and the features that Apple has made available within iOS are still impressive, even in 2018. And as Leason points out, that independence that these devices and software can offer is something not to be ignored: Im independent, he says. Thats the best way to describe the iPhone: independence. [via Apple Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author (Good Tea), and they do not reflect in any way those of iRealHousewives.com. Cast trips are always the best part of any Housewives season and this year's vacation to Copenhagen was the Octomom of Housewives episodes, it delivered on all cylinders. We started off with all the women on their bus to the hotel where Kameron was mixing Xanax and booze. The Nicole Kidman lookalike was finally the fun Housewife we needed her to be two seasons ago, so the producers need to start pumping sleeping pills and vodka into her blood before filming to keep Fun Kameron alive. Hearing the pink obsessed, upper-class blonde girl say "Hey Hoe" repeatedly was one of the best things to ever happen on this franchise and I hope it spawns another Housewife song. Dallas needs a popstar in the cast. The Copenhagen hotel was weird, it looked like a 20 something's loft apartment in downtown LA with a weird bedroom in each penthouse suite which had no roof so everyone could look in. It was like the hole in Silence Of The Lambs and I sympathised with LeeAnne and Stephanie who couldn't masturbate in peace. Housewives trips are stressful, they should at least be able to flick their beans in private to relieve the stress. Also, those stairs were like Scandinavian lego blocks and definitely weren't safe for a gaggle of drunk women, someone's gonna break an ankle. Copenhagen is weird. Sorry to any Danish readers it looked beautiful, however, it also reminded me of an Eskimo's vagina it's cold and probably smells like fish. If you're a loyal Good Tea reader you know how I feel about Housewives vacationing in cold locales, however, these ladies brought it regardless of the climate. After Kam took three hours to unpack her OCD pink luggage, the ladies headed down to the Copenhagen restaurant with weird Danish food and alcohol no one wanted to ingest. Don't they have normal steakhouses in Denmark instead of fancy seafood? Due to Mama Dee creating fake tea that LeeAnne had called Brandi an alcoholic, the resident redhead came up with a plan to get shit faced at dinner so that LeeAnne would say it to her face. Why the fuck would LeeAnne decide to start a fight with a drunk Brandi by calling her an alcoholic at the dinner table? That plan was doomed from the beginning, even Stephanie thought it was a bad idea and I'm proud of her from finally waking up from Brandi's spell. I may not like the shit stirring ex-cheerleader but we can relate on one thing: drinking. Seeing her friends hold her back from consuming any more alcohol really is literally me anytime I decide to have one drink or 40, so I respect her liver because I know the struggle, but I don't respect her as a human being. Of course, the topic of D'Andra not attending LeeAnne's wedding dress day was brought up which indirectly caused Kameron and D'Andra to start fighting about their issues. I'm not even sure what the issue is, D'Andra claims she doesn't care what anyone says about her so why is she so aggressive about Kameron's mother-in-law saying people are talking about her. I'm confused. D'Andra took Mama Dee's advice and ran with it because she bit Kam's head off like it was a piece of bread. I understand D'Andra needed her on camera moment but she was more aggressive than a dog on heat. The Kameron and D'Andra fight was actually comedy gold. Kam kept pushing her buttons by asking questions and commenting in the background in a very passive-aggressive way which would've annoyed anyone in a conversation with her but it was fucking hilarious to watch. I finally understand Kam and she's so unintentionally funny. She'd say a little passive aggressive dig and D'Andra would reach across the table and reply like a savage pit bull while Drunk Brandi just swayed in the middle with her squinty eyes. D'Andra was literally reaching, physically and metaphorically in this fight and I loved it. I'm not even sure what they were fighting about but I am #TeamKameron because D'Andra needs to chill the fuck out and put a face mask on this season. She's way too much. After a hilarious sparring match, Kameron ended the conversation by saying "It's a slippery slope from a butt plug to a butt dart" and walked away. She just won this season with that comment. It was perfect because she said it with the conviction of a CNN anchor reporting world events and then walked away from the table like a queen. That wasn't even half of it. Then both women wound up both waiting for the elevator where Kam walked off again calling her "absolutely disgusting" which created another fight in this narrow Copenhagen hallway. It was literally the fight that would never end. D'Andra got in the elevator and they kept fighting through the elevator door that wouldn't fucking close. I'm not even sure what they are fighting about at this point but seeing Kameron and D'Andra scream at each other through an erratic elevator door with so much determination was perfection. There were so many layers. Somehow Kameron started crying and once all the ladies got upstairs the conversation kept going. It was like cockroach of Housewives fights. D'Andra was just looking for a fight to get her moment on a reality show and her two fights of the night with LeeAnne and Kameron both started when she was actually having a conversation with the other one. While Kam and D'Andra continued to fight about Kam's mother-in-law (I think) LeeAnne started to pipe in which caused D'Andra to push her, LeeAnne stood up and was seconds away from clocking her in the face but Cary was holding onto her arm. Really bitch? We almost had a physical fight and Cary's boring ass is the one who prevented it? I'm proud of all the work LeeAnne and her bowl have done to stay calm, however, D'Andra has been an aggressive brat all season who deserves to be punched right in her Hard Night Good Morning mug. D'Andra was looking to get the old LeeAnne back all season and after months of poking and prodding, she finally got a visit from her, except with less blush. If LeeAnne had actuallly touched her everyone would've carried on about it for three more seasons but D'Andra can literally poke the bear and have everyone forget about it? I hate double standards more than I hate kids on Bravo. This night just didn't end. Following the fight, LeeAnne went down into her Silence Of The Lambs bedroom and delivered her iconic monologue stating: "I'm exhausted. My weave is exhausted. The pantyliner on my underwear is exhausted." First of all, I'm not surprised her weave is tired because there is a lot of hair on that woman's head and secondly, how heavy is this bitch's flow? LeeAnne's monologue was a piece of magic Shakespeare wishes he could've written and her doing it from the hole only deepened its delivery. The exhausted monologue of 2018 basically ended the iconic night but Drunk Brandi was still looking for a moment from LeeAnne which luckily didn't happen because Steph dragged her away. Even Stephanie is seeing through Brandi's bullshit and that's when you know Brandi Redmond sucks. Nothing can top day one of the Copenhagen trip. This trip has been pretty stagnant for the most part and the producers definitely forced these bitches to step up their game if they wanted to stay on TV and that's exactly what they did. The next day D'Andra and Cary went to a cooking class while the rest of the girls got drunk at a brewery. Who the fuck wants to cook on vacation? Girls trips are for drinking, especially if there are reality TV cameras present and who doesn't love day drinking? Day drinking is the best kind of drinking one can do, just ask the alcoholics in the group. LeeAnne started crying because she was annoyed her amygdala was acting up the night before but honestly, she should've just picked D'Andra and Brandi up by their weaves and started swinging them around because they are the worst - and it would've been great TV. For night two the ladies went to Cary's cousin's album launch which took place in a back alleyway. It was very hipster and alternative and made me question if everyone in Copenhagen is stuck in the 1970s but with futuristic technology. The album launch didn't feel very official, just the cousin standing on stage with her knotty hair and a keyboard singing in a different language. I think the song was good but it was also in Danish so it could've been about anal beads and we wouldn't have known. Cary made plans to meet up with her cousins again but she probably lost their number the moment she walked out of their hipster den. airs Wednesday nights at 10pm/9c on Bravo! For International TV Listings,Please follow Sam's shady and fun celeb blog Good Tea and follow his blog on social media via Twitter ! You can also listen to Good Tea's Podcast onandPhoto Credit: Bravo District & Session Judge Court Rawalpindi Jobs 2018 via NTS Latest District & Session Judge Office Management Posts Rawalpindi 2021 Qualified and well educated candidates for the posts of Stenographer BPS-16, Data Entry Operator DEO BS-14, Junior Clerk BS-11, Computer Hardware Technician BS-11, Prayer Leader BS-11, Generator Operator BS-8, Process Server BS-07, Cook BS-07, Naib Qasid BS-03, Waiter BS-03, Mali BS-03, Sweeper BS-03, Mashki BS-02, Chowkidar BS-03, Moazan / Khadim Masjid BS-03 required for the office of District & Session Judge in Rawalpindi through NTS National Testing Services. How to Apply on District & Session Judge Office Job Advertisement Apply as per details in job advertisement. In some cases, you may apply online at vacancies after registering at https://www.jobz.pk online. Company Address: District & Sessions Judge Rawalpindi Note: Beware of Fraudulent Recruiting Activities. If the employer asks you to pay money for any purpose including processing to shortlisting, do not pay at all and report us using our contact us form. Apply as per instuctions & dates mentioned in official job ad. Govt jobs cannot be applied online here. Error & omissions excepted. FOCUS ON DEFENSE CAPABILITY DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTHEAST ASIA AND OCEANIA Shenandoah, IA (51601) Today Partly to mostly cloudy. Low 23F. Winds NNW at 15 to 25 mph, becoming E and decreasing to less than 5 mph. Higher wind gusts possible.. Tonight Partly to mostly cloudy. Low 23F. Winds NNW at 15 to 25 mph, becoming E and decreasing to less than 5 mph. Higher wind gusts possible. By Ko Dong-hwan One of the people mourning the death of Kim Woo-young posted on the late model's Instagram a photo of the back of the tattooist's head. Capture from Instagram An up-and-coming Korean male model who loved riding his motorcycle was borne out in a coffin Thursday after what he loved killed him on Mapo Bridge in Seoul. Bereft family members and friends watched as the coffin left a funeral house in Buk-gu District in Gwangju in South Jeolla Province. The tattooed model, 26, crashed into a forklift at night in September. Online photos show his motorcycle laying on the street and a police car and ambulance alongside. The model, while still holding on to life, was taken to Severance Hospital in Sinchon-dong in Seodaemun-gu District. There, despite cardiopulmonary resuscitation, he was pronounced dead. Kim Woo-young was far from ashamed of his appearance, posting photos of himself and his motorcycle on his social network site. Capture from Instagram His death became belatedly known via multiple comments online that began late in October. On the late model's Instagram on Oct. 28, username "queendom337" paid respects and posted a photo of back of Kim's head covered in tattoos. Other people then began sharing their sorrow. Kim's latest public appearance was at Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Jongno-gu, Seoul, where 2019 Hera Seoul Fashion Week was held from Oct. 15-20. The country's top designers showed off their 2019 spring and summer collections. Kim has used Instagram to update his fans about his daily life under his account name "marleyhong." In several photos he posed with his black motorcycle with rear luggage storage, either cruising down the road, or lying back over it while looking at a smartphone on his hand. He expressed his love of the vehicle, saying that riding it "cleared his mind" and gave him "inner peace." Kim appeared in the music video of "Change" by RM and Wale in 2017, which boosted his popularity. Screen capture from YouTube A Norwegian reporter based in Los Angeles has apologized to Korean actress Kim Soo-hyun after her "racist" question during a recent interview angered many of her fans. Screengrab of Flaa's Instagram By Jung Min-ho A Norwegian reporter has apologized for a "racist question" she asked Korean actress Kim Soo-hyun, also known as Claudia Kim, during a recent interview. Kjersti Flaa, who is based in Los Angeles, apologized on Instagram Thursday after her "offensive and ignorant" question enraged many of Kim's Korean fans. "Since I posted my interview with her and Ezra Miller I have realized that something I asked her came off in a way that was never intentionally meant as being anything else but curiosity, but it has later been brought to my attention that it sounded ignorant," Flaa wrote. "I am a Norwegian myself and English is not my first language and I was really impressed that Claudia could read Harry Potter in English at a very young age (since she grew up in Korea and I know that English is not her first language)." This came a week after Flaa had an interview with stars in the film, "Fantastic Beasts 2." In an interview video released on Nov. 7, the reporter asked Kim and Miller about their first encounters with the Harry Potter books. After Kim responded that she read the books when she was a middle school student, Flaa had a surprised look on her face and asked whether she was able to speak English at that age. "Ooh, but you read it in English, then? So you did speak English? That's cool," Flaa said. Kim looked slightly taken aback by her reaction, and Miller chimed in and said she is fluent in English. Flaa's remarks, which many thought came from an assumption that Kim, as a Korean, wasn't good at English, angered her fans. Many demanded her apology; some fiercely attacked her on social media, calling her "racist." On Friday, Flaa apologized again to Kim. "I have received a lot of emails with extremely unpleasant threats to me and my family after several sources are calling me racist and other terrible things. I have been totally heart broken by everything that has happened," she said. "All I wanted to do was make a great interview with her and Ezra and I am sorry to everyone that was disappointed. Now, please spread some love into this world instead of fueling it with more hatred. And if you read this Claudia, please forgive me if I offended you." President Moon Jae-in renewed his commitment to a "fair economy" Friday, saying it's time for South Korea to put a focus on inclusive growth rather than speedy growth that only enriches conglomerates. Moon made the remark during a fair economy strategy meeting involving six related government ministries agencies, stressing that South Korea has grown into one of the biggest economies in the world in a short period of time, but benefits of growth have not been shared fairly. "In the past, our people worked day and night under the goal of building a well-off nation and became an economic power ... in just half a century, but fairness was lost in the course of economic growth," Moon said during the meeting held at the Convention and Exhibition Center in southern Seoul. "The jointly achieved results concentrated on conglomerates," he said. Small and medium-sized enterprises failed to grow together with conglomerates, and the livelihoods of ordinary people became more difficult due to foul play and corruption, leading to the deepening of wealth inequality and the weakening of corporate competitiveness, Moon said. "Realizing economic democracy through a fair economy is the way to make ordinary people, back-alley businesses, small and medium-sized enterprises, and conglomerates well-off together," he said. Moon said the government has taken a series of steps to fix unfair business practices, such as big businesses preying on smaller firms, and will continue to do so going forward to ensure fair opportunities and competition. Moon said there is still a long way to go to realize a fair economy and economic democracy, but the government is doing its best to create a new economic order. He also called for parliamentary support for the passage of a series of pending bills aimed at advancing the goal of a fair economy. "Now, our economy should move forward 'together,' rather than 'fast,' and it should go further steadily," he said. "Let's make efforts together to make 'fair economy' the roots of our economy. The government will provide support for businesses to do their best." (Yonhap) President Moon Jae-in shakes hands with Samsung Vice Chairman Yoon Boo-keun at a meeting to discuss achieving a "fair economy" held at COEX in southern Seoul, Friday. / Yonhap By Kim Bo-eun President Moon Jae-in on Friday asked conglomerates to cooperate to enable smaller businesses to also prosper, at a meeting to discuss achieving a "fair economy." "A fair economy means players are guaranteed fair competition and fairly share the fruit of growth," Moon said at the meeting held at COEX in southern Seoul, Friday. "The aim of achieving economic democracy is for mom-and-pop stores, small-and medium-sized companies and conglomerates to prosper together," he said. Achieving a fair economy is among Moon's key pillars of economic policy. Another pillar is growth achieved through increasing income and innovation. "Fairness was lost in the past processes of economic growth," Moon said. "The achievements made together were concentrated on the group of conglomerates and small and medium-sized companies were unable to grow together." This was the first meeting held on the theme of fair economy. The president touched upon the achievements made so far in the past year and six months. These include the introduction of punitive measures against unfair transactions of retailers which requires them to compensate three times the amount of damages wreaked on businesses. Grounds have also been established so that subcontractors can call for price adjustments when costs of labor or materials rise. Businesses that have been accused of extortion are now banned from taking part in public biddings, and the investigation period for such cases has been lengthened. "Businesses will develop willingness for innovation if fair competition is guaranteed and they are compensated according to the work they've performed. They will be able to heighten their global competitiveness through enhancing transparency and through fair competition," Moon said. The president called on the National Assembly and government to make efforts for revisions to related regulations to achieve a fair economy. Currently, 13 related bills are pending at the Assembly. He urged the passing of bills to protect the interests of shareholders and creating a system to monitor the management as well as boosting the bargaining power of franchise stores. At the same time Moon asked that "these changes be enabled not only through regulations, but through voluntary efforts of businesses to make this the norm." "Now our economy should grow not faster but inclusively and sustainably," he said. Around 130 people attended the event, including 28 figures from the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, the government and Cheong Wa Dae attended the event. The ministers of justice, trade, industry and energy, SMEs and startups, health and welfare, and the Fair Trade Commission were present. Thirty-four CEOs of conglomerates and SMEs also attended. Participants discussed establishing means to prevent interests on loans from being unfairly calculated or imposed, creating a guide on opening, managing and closing convenience stores as well as drawing up a comprehensive set of government measures to prevent unfair practices from being imposed on subcontractors. By Jhoo Dong-chan Foreign investment banks (IBs) have been rushing to paint a bleak outlook for Korea's stock markets, saying Seoul shares will remain bearish for the foreseeable future on the ongoing U.S.-China trade dispute and disappointing corporate earnings. According to the Korea Center for International Finance, Friday, the Bank of America (BofA) said the nation's stock market is "very sensitive to the global economic cycle" and is likely to suffer side effects from the trade dispute between the U.S. and China. Adding corporate businesses also fell short of expectations in the third quarter, BofA downgraded its forecast for Korea's growth rate this year by 0.1 percentage points to 2.7 percent. Another U.S.-based IB giant JP Morgan also recently downgraded its forecast for the nation's growth rate this year to 2.6 percent because it claimed global semiconductor sales won't maintain their current boom next year. Standard Chartered agreed. "We see massive cash outflow from Korea's stock market reflecting foreign investors' fear that semiconductor boom may not last until next year," the London-based IB said in its recent analysis. "Semiconductors accounted for 20.6 percent in the nation's total exports of the first half of this year." Admitting Seoul shares are underrated at the moment, however, global IBs said it will take long for stocks to recover their real values. "The re-evaluation premises the improvement in corporate governance system while easing the country's geopolitical risks," Citibank was quoted as saying in a Korea Center for International Finance report. "It will take long." JP Morgan said there is still a lack of momentum to boost stock price rises. "Shares are underrated," it admitted. "However, corporate earnings are worsening, and the economy is still too weak." Domestic analysts said foreign IBs' analysis of the future course of the nation's stock market is reasonable. "I believe the nation's chipmakers will post solid sales even in the second half of the year," IBK Securities researcher Kim Un-ho said. "The DRAM prices will decline a bit by the end of this year, but the supply chain will be good enough to withstand the demand. It's necessary to see if they maintain the momentum next year." LG Economic Research Institute agreed the semiconductor boom won't last until next year. "Chipmakers' exports have been the backbone of the nation's economy this year, but they aren't expected to maintain the momentum next year," it said in a report released on Sept. 20. Market insiders stressed the importance of the government's role to attract more investors. "Korea's stock is huge in size, but is still vulnerable to external factors," NH-Amundi Asset Management director Lee Jin-young said during an Oct. 31 conference at the National Assembly. Organized by Rep. Kim Byung-wook of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, the conference was held to discuss the market. "The government should provide tax benefits for long-term investors while easing related laws to attract more investors." KEB Hana Bank CEO Ham Young-joo By Jhoo Dong-chan KEB Hana Bank is facing an investigation for possible human rights violations after the bank was found to have requested its Iranian customers to close their bank accounts, according to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Friday. The controversial move came as the United States has imposed economic sanctions again on the oil-rich Middle Eastern nation, forcing Korean banks to cut their ties with Iranian companies and individuals. KEB Hana Bank said it requested dozens of its Iranian customers here to close their banks via email and telephone between the end of September and Oct. 12. The lender has also suspended deposit and withdrawal services for Iranian customers here since Oct. 31. The bank's Iranian customers are currently only allowed to close their accounts. "The case is under investigation," said a NHRC official. "The agency received a petition on Oct 5. KEB Hana Bank is suspected of violating human rights of Iranian people in Korea." The NHRC stipulates it's discrimination if a certain group of people are mistreated because they are from a certain country. "I understand their concerns of being subject to the U.S. sanction, but it's unfair to unilaterally suspend Iranian people's banking service whose deposit and withdrawal transactions are nothing to do with any irregularities," Iranian Ali Karimi, who submitted the petition with the NHRC, told local daily Hankyoreh. He lived in Korea for seven years, working as an industrial designer. "I have lived and worked in Korea for years, but now feel like I'm a terrorist. Even Iranians in the U.S. have yet to be subject to such discriminating practice." KEB Hana Bank head office in central Seoul / Yonhap In this Oct. 23, 2018, photo, a tour guide gestures as she explains about a beach where people can see South Korea on the distant horizon at the Mount Kumgang resort area in North Korea. AP North Korea's key missile site has not been dismantled further since August, a U.S. website monitoring the regime said Thursday. North Korea has pledged to dismantle a missile engine testing site and a launch pad in Dongchang-ri as part of its stated commitment to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula. 38 North said satellite imagery from Oct. 31 indicates there has been no additional dismantlement activity since August. "Components that were previously removed remain stacked on the ground at both locations," 38 North said in an article posted on its website. Meanwhile, the imagery shows new equipment, possibly for ventilation, installed on the roof of a fuel and oxidizer storage bunker at the site. "While the new equipment seems to have been installed between June and July 2018, previous imagery until late October had insufficient detail to distinguish between partial roof demolition and new equipment installation," it said. The United States and North Korea have been in talks to implement an agreement reached by U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to work toward the "complete" denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in exchange for security guarantees from the U.S. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and a top North Korean official had been scheduled to meet in New York on Thursday to continue the negotiations and plan a second summit between Trump and Kim. The talks were abruptly postponed due to what the U.S. said were scheduling issues. (Yonhap) North Korea's external propaganda media on Friday lashed out at recent decisions by South Korea and the United States to launch a working group on the North's denuclearization and resume a joint marine drill. Uriminzokkiri, a website run by Pyongyang, said that the working group plan underlines a "wicked U.S. intent" to hinder and destroy inter-Korean cooperation projects. "The U.S. is about to set up an organ to directly monitor and control inter-Korean relations. It's an arrogant act. There are no grounds for the U.S. to intervene in the affairs between South and North Korea," said the website in a commentary. Seoul and Washington agreed last week to launch a joint working group for frequent and systemic discussions on denuclearization, a peace regime and sanctions on the North. On Monday, the allies resumed the Korea Marine Exercise Program (KMEP), which involves some 500 troops, including U.S. marines from Okinawa, Japan, and military equipment, such as amphibious assault vehicles. The Pyongyang website went on to warn that the public's anti-American sentiment will only further intensify as long as the U.S. interferes in inter-Korean relations. It also accused South Korea of blindly obeying the United States' arrogant and gangster-like acts. "The authorities in South Korea should thoroughly implement inter-Korean joint declarations, instead of succumbing to the U.S., if they have a willingness to write a new history in inter-Korean relations," the website said. Meari, another propaganda website run by the North, denounced the resumption of the KMEP after a lapse of six months, saying the joint drill runs counter to the inter-Korean military agreement and threatens peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula. (Yonhap) Gen. Robert Abrams, center, new commander of U.S. Forces Korea, talks to Gen. Park Han-ki, left, chairman of South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff, during a ceremony at the Korean War Memorial in Seoul, Friday, where an exhibition celebrating the 65th anniversary of the Seoul-Washington alliance was held. / Yonhap By Kim Hyun-bin Health officials are under fire for their belated response to the Japanese-made percutaneous BCG vaccination, which was found to have arsenic exceeding Japan's daily limit. Arsenic is a Category 1 carcinogen whose presence in the human body can result in the development of cancer. The criticism comes as the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety responded three months after the Japanese government's report that the product contained too much arsenic. The Japanese Drug and Safety ministry said there were no safety hazards with the vaccination, but it banned its manufacture. Korea Vaccine, the importer of the Japanese BCG vaccine, says it wasn't a late response claiming the Japanese company only informed them last month and they reported to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety as soon as they received the information. According to the ministry Thursday, the arsenic found in the vaccine was 0.039 micrograms (0.26ppm), which is 1/38 of the daily limit. The Japanese government claims the BCG vaccination could be taken daily for the duration of a person's life and encounter no problems. BCG vaccines are only taken once in a lifetime, which is the reason the Japanese drug ministry did not retrieve already distributed vaccines from stores. The International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) allows a daily dose of 1.5 micrograms per five kilograms in weight, but the dose limits are much stricter in Japan. Korea's drug safety ministry also stands by the ICH evaluation and says the vaccine is not harmful, but the ministry recalled over 142,000 products nationwide, Wednesday. Korea Vaccine says it was aware of the Japanese government's announcement to stop manufacturing the drug in August, but did not receive any information about arsenic content of the product. "At the time, the Japanese manufacturer has been waiting for the response from its drug ministry. There were no problems in the license so we waited for the results. We received the results mid-October," an official at the Korea Vaccine told Yonhap News. "Once we received the documents we translated them and reported to the ministry." The ministry also claims it reacted swiftly. "On Nov. 5, we found the Japanese drug ministry's stance, and on the same day Korea Vaccine informed us of the results," a ministry official said. "We thoroughly looked into Japan's measures and we ordered all products to be retrieved in the country." Firefighters enter the housing facility after the fire broke out in Seoul, Friday. Yonhap By Kim Jae-heun A fire broke out at one-room accommodation facility in downtown Seoul, Friday, killing seven and injuring 12. According to the fire authorities and police, the blaze occurred at 5 a.m. on the third floor of the three-story building before being suppressed at 7 a.m. Around 100 firefighters were dispatched to contain the disaster. About 50 residents had been staying at the accommodation, most of whom were day laborers in their 40s to 60s. A 53-year-old Japanese was also found dead. He was confirmed an expat living in Korea. Police officers investigate the building after firefighters put out the blaze. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul The rescue authorities also said the number of casualties could increase as a number of victims who were rescued and sent to the hospitals are in critical condition. The second and third floor of the building that were used as a "goshiwon" were completely devastated, but a seafood restaurant and a bar on the first floor remained comparatively intact. The fire authorities said there was no water sprinkler installed in the building as it was too old. Only an emergency fire alarm and an emergency descending device were available, which nobody used to escape the fire. A man looks at the damaged building. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul "I heard the noise outside and I quickly put on my pants to check what was happening outside and I saw a huge fire coming towards me. There was a ladder at the emergency exit and I came down on it but I got a burn on my back," said a man who survived from the third floor. "The fire alarm operated well normally, but it didn't ring this time. I think someone tried putting out the fire with an extinguisher too." Another survivor surnamed Cho said, "Most of the people living on the second floor evacuated through emergency stairs, but those on the third floor were rescued through windows, with some jumping from there." "I heard the landlord shouting and ran out the building," said a 20-something Vietnamese who had been staying in the building for four months. Broken windows on the third floor / Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul Meanwhile, evacuators said the fire authorities were clumsy with their rescue work in the initial response. "It took 30 minutes to install a ladder for two to three firefighters," said a 50-year-old man who lived on the dormitory's second floor. The Jongno Fire Station said the report came in late as the fire broke out early in the morning. Also the entrance was shut down, which made it difficult for people to evacuate. Police believe the fire started in room 301 after a resident turned on an electric heater. The resident tried in vain to stop the fire but had to flee. By Park Ji-won The Japanese government is considering recalling Japan's envoy to Seoul in protest of a South Korean court ruling that a Japanese company must compensate South Korean forced labor victims during the 1910-45 Japanese occupation, according to officials. "We are aware of Japan's moves to seek a temporary recall of Japanese Ambassador to South Korea Yasumasa Nagamine as one of the possible options as part of the country's strong protest against the South's decision on war victims," a source at the National Assembly told The Korea Times, Friday. "I heard the possibility has emerged as one of the options." No further details are known. The foreign ministry did not respond to a request for comment, while Cheong Wa Dae declined to comment. Top Japanese officials, including Foreign Minister Taro Kono, have been stepping up criticism against South Korea over the Supreme Court's decision ordering the Japanese steel company Nippon Steel and Sumitomo Metal to pay 100 million won to each plaintiff. Japan's far-right Sankei Shimbun newspaper said the Japanese government would file a suit against the South Korean government with the International Court of Justice unless Seoul paid the money. The two countries have long clashed over the handling of Japan's brutal colonial rule of Korea and its wartime history, particularly over female sex slaves. A scenario of Yasumasa's possible temporary return has emerged since the court ruling. In January 2017, Japan withdrew its diplomats, Yasumasa and Yasuhiro Morimoto, the consul general in Busan, to protest a statue of a girl _ commemorating wartime sex slavery _ which South Korean activists had placed outside the Busan consulate. Unification Minister Cho Myoung-gyon answers a lawmaker's question at a meeting to discuss the ministry's budget plan for next year, at the National Assembly, Thursday. / Yonhap By Kim Bo-eun Unification Minister Cho Myoung-gyon will visit the U.S. next week, to discuss inter-Korean affairs with key government officials and members of the Congress there. Cho will visit New York and Washington, D.C., Nov. 13 to 17, according to the ministry, Friday. The minister will attend the Korea Global Forum on Nov. 15 to deliver a keynote speech there. "In addition, the plan is to meet with government officials and members of Congress to discuss inter-Korean relations and means to achieve peace on the Korean Peninsula," the ministry said in a statement. Morever, Cho will visit The Korea Society, the Center for Strategic and International Studies and speak with experts there. "The minister will also meet with Korean-Americans there to share with them the government's policy toward North Korea and enhance their understanding and cooperation toward the issue of inter-Korean relations and unification," the ministry said. "We hope that through the unification minister's visit to the U.S., cooperation between South Korea and the U.S. will be further strengthened on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, the settlement of lasting peace and improving inter-Korean relations, and that there will be an expansion in understanding and support among Korean-Americans there." The visit will take place at a time when progress is slow on denuclearization talks between North Korea and the U.S. A high-level meeting between the states that was scheduled to take place this week was postponed a day after the U.S. State Department confirmed it would take place. Meanwhile, inter-Korean projects including inspections of railway sections in the North have been put on hold. The Koreas agreed earlier to hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the project to connect railways between the South and North by late October or early December. The minister will likely attempt to seek to convince U.S. officials of the need to advance inter-Korean relations and affairs during his visit. The unification ministry said an inter-Korean meeting of a team inspecting roads will take place on Monday, to discuss inspections of the road along the east coast. This is part of a project to connect roads of the South and North. By Arthur I. Cyr Perspective through examination of history is always helpful, as long as we perceive the past accurately. Extreme, overwrought rhetoric has now become commonplace, within the media as well as from political candidates. Statements include the bizarre claim that the United States is on the verge of "another Civil War." The aftermath of the previous war poisoned American politics for decades. Do we face that? Of course not, and responding effectively to this superficial and immature rhetoric should include examining in specific terms the U.S. presidential race of 1968, just 50 years ago. As the year began, the nation was experiencing a sustained violent crime wave. This was unprecedented, at least since World War II. Crime rates today are extremely low, despite the terrible problem of periodic mass killings. Additionally, urban riots, which reflected intense racial unrest, and at times violent anti-Vietnam War demonstrations, characterized our nation in those difficult years. This is absent today. Beleaguered President Lyndon Johnson became a prisoner of events, restricted in major public appearances primarily to military bases. The leaders in Hanoi of the long-term, brutal revolution in Vietnam took full advantage of the situation. On Jan. 30, 1968, during an agreed ceasefire, the Viet Cong guerillas along with heavily armed elements of North Vietnam's formidable army suddenly attacked virtually every city and town across South Vietnam. Bloody fighting went on for weeks, and sporadic action continued into the fall of the year. Initially, the enemy gained ground, killed large numbers of both Americans and South Vietnamese, and enjoyed tremendous shock effect. Confirming Hanoi's gamble, the Tet Offensive resulted in military defeat but political victory. Public support for the Vietnam War dissipated. Anti-war Senator Eugene McCarthy (D-MN) won a significant vote in the March 12 New Hampshire presidential primary. President Johnson actually won the election, but many interpreted the result as a defeat. Senator Robert F. Kennedy (D-NY) declared his candidacy. President Johnson withdrew from contention. On April 4, civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King was assassinated in Memphis Tennessee. Violent riots exploded across the nation. Heavily armed U.S. Army and Marine forces deployed to protect Washington, D.C. Shortly after midnight on June 5, 1968, an assassin fatally wounded Kennedy in a hotel in Los Angeles. Kennedy had just narrowly won the California Democratic presidential primary. Just before the California election, Senator McCarthy had decisively defeated Kennedy in the important Oregon primary a fact overlooked in many popular accounts of those days. Neither candidate was clearly winning. Meanwhile, former Vice President Richard Nixon came back from what appeared to be political oblivion to secure the Republican presidential nomination. He was the favorite of grass-roots party workers, and held off challenges from uncertain liberal Governor Nelson Rockefeller of New York and aggressive conservative Governor Ronald Reagan of California. Vice President Hubert Humphrey, the Democratic presidential nominee, initially was far behind Nixon in opinion polls, and for a time third-party racist candidate Governor George Wallace (D-AL) was a major threat to his support. Yet Humphrey, a brilliant campaigner, surged and only narrowly lost to Nixon. Opinion polls generally showed him more popular than either Kennedy or McCarthy and a stronger candidate against any likely Republican nominee. The durable American political system worked in 1968. We probably will survive 2018. Arthur I. Cyr ( ) is Clausen Distinguished Professor at Carthage College and the author of "After the Cold War" (NYU Press and Macmillan/Palgrave). At stake is how to make a reasonable, practicable model Large companies and smaller firms are standing against each other over a profit-sharing system proposed by the government. The Korea Federation of SMEs issued a welcoming statement, saying the system would "help to narrow the wide gulf between large and small businesses and stimulate small and midsize enterprises' innovative efforts." Large enterprises are strongly resisting the policy, noting that "no countries in the world are regulating to force businesses to share their profits through legislation." Some private economists are also raising their voices in opposition, criticizing the proposed system as an "anti-market idea." A profit-sharing system between large and small businesses was pushed here for the first time in 2011, by Chung Un-chan, then chairman of the Korea Commission for Corporate Partnership. The idea reflected the perception that large businesses, using their superior status, refuse to give a fair share of profits to their subcontractors, hindering the latters' growth and resulting in the polarization of corporate wealth. The proposal fell apart, however, in the face of intense opposition from large businesses, especially family-owned chaebol. The system is receiving fresh momentum seven years later, as one of the "100 administrative tasks" of the Moon Jae-in administration. The government and the ruling party are planning to finish related legislation processes by next month and to begin to implement it as early as next February. Officials, conscious of criticism concerning market principles, say they will not "enforce the system forcefully but provide incentives if businesses voluntarily adopt it." It is beyond dispute that the nation should turn the current unfair vertical relationship between large and small businesses into a fair and cooperative one based on a win-win spirit. One must be doubtful about the smooth progress of the system, however, less because of ideological opposition based on market principles and more because of the difficulties in working out a feasible model. Much more difficult than the legislation will be how to affirm and verify whether businesses involved share profits, and how to ensure proper coordination of interests between companies that adopt the system as well as fairness of contracts. If the government fails to solve these problems, the renewed attempts are highly likely to go up in smoke again. By Park Moo-jong The latest joke at "naengmyeon" restaurants in Seoul and elsewhere across the country is, "Is naengmyeon gliding down your throat?" Naengmyeon, already popular icy cold Korean noodle dish in the sizzling heat of summer, has sparked a craze anew in South Korea this autumn, thanks to an outspoken North Korean strongman, adding to the "naengjeon" or cold war on the Korean Peninsula. As the readers, especially foreigners, have acknowledged, "naeng" means cold as used in such words like "naengsu" (cold water), "naengtang" (cold bath) or "naenghyeolhan" (cold-blooded man). Naengmyeon is served in cold meat stock, generally beef, or cool kimchi soup "dongchimi" with garnishes of boiled egg, sliced cucumber and pear, and slices of beef or pork. Mustard and vinegar are the two basic seasonings whose quantity depends on taste. Originally a delicacy in Pyongyang and Hamhung in North Korea, North Korean refugees brought the dish to the South after the 1950-53 Korean War, and it has become one of South Korea's representative dishes together with "bulgogi" and "bibimbap." As reported widely both at home and abroad, the remarks by Ri Son-gwon, chairman of North Korea's Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Country, is stirring up public outrage, with opposition politicians calling for the government to demand an explanation and apology from the North. Ri's words, as you our readers know well, are: "Is naengmyeon gliding down your throat?" He allegedly quipped after one of the leaders of a South Korean conglomerate ordered more noodles during a lunch at Okryugwan, a Pyongyang restaurant renowned for its naengmyeon, in September when President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un had a summit. But the Moon administration and the ruling party has been all-out to cool down the controversy, claiming that Ri's remarks were not confirmed, in an apparent bid to put an end to the Cold War on the peninsula, which is still technically at war, in a low-key attitude toward the Kim regime. The presidential spokesman and the ruling Democratic Party of Korea floor leader sided with the North as if they were its spokesmen. "Ri's remarks have not been checked as a fact yet. North Koreans' manners and culture are a bit different from those of South Koreans ... The remarks in question are not serious enough to take away from the North's hospitality toward President Moon Jae-in." Interestingly enough, almost all the participants at the lunch denied Ri's remarks or made no comment after Rep. Hong Young-pyo, floor leader of the ruling party, made calls to each of them. Rep. Hong effectively put a gag on the nation's top businessmen. Who dares to boldly speak of what happened under a Moon government bent on reconciling with the Kim regime. The ruling camp's single-minded attitude to downplay the episode as fake news or a bad joke so as not to provoke Pyongyang only ridiculed Suh Hoon, chief of the National Intelligence Service, who earlier said, "We have to do something (about Ri's remarks), an issue that we must investigate." He should not give up his earlier stance. Naengmyeon is apparently an important item for the South-North moves toward better ties. According to media reports, Kim said during the September summit; "I've been checking news and people are talking about food a lot. So I brought some Pyongyang cold noodles for President Moon to enjoy. President Moon, please feel easy and have some delicious Pyongyang noodles that we brought." But the naengmyeon the Korean tycoons had at that time must not have been delicious due to Ri's insulting remarks. Eventually, Ri, known as a faithful henchman of Kim, spoiled the delicacy his boss had specially brought. The South needs not ask Kim to punish Ri or get him to apologize for his absurd words because Kim is responsible for what his men do, especially in talks with the South for reconciliation to end confrontation. Many South Koreans suspect that Ri could not dare to speak so rudely in official meetings with South Koreans without Kim's implied consent. Ri, himself, should take responsibility for what he said to hurt the South Koreans' feelings, though he needs Kim's consent to do so. If Ri did make such insulting remarks against South Korean leaders, either consciously or unconsciously, with the North's nuclear arms at stake, there can be little progress in South-North relations. I'd like to quote for Ri words of Matt Lauer, a former American NBC newsanchor, who quit his job over allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior toward a colleague a year ago: "There are no words to express my sorrow and regret for the pain I have caused others by words and actions. To the people I have hurt, I am truly sorry." As long as Kim does not do away with his nuclear weapons, Moon has no way to offer him economic aid unilaterally. Otherwise, naengjeon, the Cold War, will last. A good beginning is half the battle, as a Korean proverb goes. Recent developments in inter-Korean relations may remind those, especially Christians, of this passage from the Gospel of St. Matthew: "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you." Opening the North's door wide to the free world certainly requires enormous patience. Park Moo-jong (emjei29@gmail.com) is a standing adviser of The Korea Times. He served as the president-publisher of the nation's first English daily newspaper from 2004 to 2014 after working as a reporter since 1974. By Mark Peterson Sijo, the famous Korean, three-line, short poetic form, should be understood in a cross-cultural perspective. As the frog outside the well that is as a non-Korean Koreanologist I see sijo differently than most Koreans, and the view I have is that sijo is one of Korea's best contributions to world literature. When I first began teaching Korean Studies at Brigham Young University (BYU) in 1984, I came into a humanities building that held paintings featuring examples of world literature in the main hallway. There were two framed paintings for each piece of literature one was a scene from a story and one was an explanation that described the work and its author. There were, among others, "Les Miserables" by Victor Hugo, "Romeo and Juliet" by William Shakespeare, "The Divine Comedy (Inferno)" by Dante, "Don Quixote" by Cervantes, "Faust" by Goethe, "War and Peace" by Tolstoy, "The Brothers Karamazov" by Dostoyevski, "The Odyssey" by Homer, "Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain, "Tale of Genji" by Murasaki Shikibu and "The Dream of the Red Chamber" by Cao Xueqin. The Chinese selection was interesting because there were four great Chinese novels of pre-modern times "The Dream of the Red Chamber," "The Journey to the West," "The Water Margin" and the "Romance of the Three Kingdoms." The committee that selected representative works to be featured in the humanities hallway could have chosen any of the four or perhaps all of them. Where was the Korean selection? Since the Korean position I was hired to fill was in a new section of the Asian languages department (Chinese and Japanese had been there for a while), I talked to the dean about it. He said if I'd recommend a Korean selection, they would commission the artists and add a Korean representation to the hallway display. What should I have selected at the best representation of Korean literature? As I looked at the Korean options, I found a major problem the most famous works were anonymous. We don't know who wrote the best-known story, the love story of Chunhyang. We don't know who wrote the good brother-bad brother story of Heungbu and Nolbu. We don't know who wrote about the blind man's daughter, Shim Cheong. Some attribute the authorship of Hong Gil-dong to Heo Gyun (1569-1618), but there are problems with choosing that story as the best example of Korean literature. First, Heo Gyun was not likely the author because the writing style of late 16th and early 17th century Heo Gyun and the 18th century Hong Gil-dong don't match and other evidence is weak he never claimed to write it, for example. And furthermore, the story is more of an adventure tale, not a great work of fiction writing. It would be analogous to naming Robin Hood as the best example of English literature Hong Gil-dong was a kind of Robin Hood. The problem is the Korean emphasis on the scholar, and the scholar-official. The upright scholars considered writings of fiction or of stories as something below their dignity. And though they, as members of the educated class, must have written the stories, they could not deign to put their names on such simple fluff. They had to be involved with the matters of politics, and the social good, and arguments about the finer points of neo-Confucian philosophy. And not low-class story writing. One exception, and one good option, might be "The Dream of Nine Clouds" (Gu Un Mong), but here there are problems here, too. On the plus side, we have an author! Kim Man-jung (1637-1692), a scholar-official of the 16th century. But the story is centered in China. It's about a young boy who achieves greatness, passes the exams, becomes a high official, et cetera, but it all takes place in China. And the genre, "dream literature," is a well-established Chinese genre. And he first wrote it in Chinese, then translated it himself into Korean. But all in all, it would seem to me problematic to name such a Chinese-style, China-based story as the best example of Korean literature. What's left? I decided sijo was Korea's best contribution to world literature. And what did we put on the wall of the main hall of the humanities college? Jeong Mong-ju's sijo, known as the "song of loyalty." Though I die, and die again; though I die one hundred deaths, After my bones have turned to dust; whether my soul lives on or not, My red heart, forever loyal to my King, with never fade away. The answer is sijo Korea's best contribution to world literature. Mark Peterson (markpeterson@byu.edu) is professor emeritus of Korean, Asian and Near Eastern languages at Brigham Young University in Utah. SK Chairman Chey Tae-won, left, talks with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc about privatization of public enterprises in the Southeast Asian country at the prime minister's official residence in Hanoi, Thursday. Chey, who also serves as the chairman of the Korean Foundation for Advanced Studies, visited Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Friday, to deliver a speech at the first Hanoi Forum jointly hosted by the foundation and the university. / Courtesy of SK Iranians pass a CU convenience store in Tehran in this November 2017 file photo. / Courtesy of BGF Retail BGF Group Chairman Hong Suk-jo. Freely accessible local news is vital. Please power our reporters and help keep us independent with a donation today. Start your day with LAist Sign up for the Morning Brief, delivered weekdays. Subscribe Less than two weeks after the nation's collective eye last turned to a city wounded by gun violence, the cycle begins again. Chaplains and counselors deployed, condolences from national leaders, flags lowered to half-staff, vigils organized, memories shared and the anticipation over finding a motive that still won't bring a sense of peace. This time, a shooter entered The Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks and took the lives of 12 people and then himself. "You know how this goes," political consultant Kellyanne Conway said on FOX News, "you've got loved ones probably still searching for their children, you have first responders and emergency personnel treating the wounded and this investigation will continue." Though most don't receive national attention, this was the 307th shooting in 2018 alone, according to the Gun Violence Archive, which tracks this. A SAFE COMMUNITY, HEROIC ACTIONS No one ever expects a mass shooting to puncture their community. But it was particularly rattling for Thousand Oaks, an affluent suburb outside of Los Angeles ranked one of the safest cities in America. Wednesday is Borderline's regular college night. Students ages 18 and up were there from nearby Pepperdine University, Cal Lutheran and Cal State University, Channel Islands (CSUCI). People had gathered to learn a new line dance when the gunman began shooting. Witnesses seemed to recount what happened next with an eerie sense of calm. "I understood that based on the number of shots that I heard that it was likely that several people had been injured or killed, and my main priority was getting myself to safety, and then once I was far away, helping the other patrons," said Benjamin Ginsburg, a recent graduate who regularly attended college night. He called into KPCC's AirTalk to share his experience. We heard stories of heroic actions that saved lives. "I looked up and one of my friends had thrown a bar stool through the window so we could get out," said Matt Wennerstrom, a student at CSUCI. "And we pushed the glass out of the way and got as many people out through that window as possible." PREPARED FOR THE NEW NORMAL Even in this community, known for being safe, training for tragedy has become a part of being a student today. The student government at CSUCI holds active shooter seminars occasionally, including one as recently as this past spring. Cal Lutheran has a brochure on its website: Active Shooter: A Survival Mindset. Pepperdine has a page on its website with best practices for survival. Drills are standard practice in high schools, becoming more common in middle and elementary schools and even in some preschools and child care centers. Jason Coffman, whose 22-year-old son Cody was killed in the shooting, said one of the last things he said to his son was "please don't drink and drive." Instead, it was a gunman who cut his son's life short. Brendan Kelly, another regular at Borderline, had already survived the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history in Las Vegas in 2017. He said a couple dozen others who survived that shooting, which took place at a country music festival, regularly met up at Borderline. "Borderline was our safe space after," Kelly told ABC 7. "It was our our home." Kelly served in the Marine Corps. When he heard the shots, he said he immediately jumped into action, throwing people to the ground for cover. Dr. Garen Wintemute, a gun researcher at University of California, Davis, said what we're preparing to survive has fundamentally changed. "I remember when 'duck and cover' dealt with missiles that might be coming from overseas, that's what we got trained on," Wintemute said, "And these days, duck and cover refers to missiles that are coming from down the block or within the room." 'I DIDN'T FEEL SHOCK' As the threats evolve, so have the skills we're learning. Since 2015, the American College of Surgeons has offered Bleeding Control Basics courses to give bystanders the skills to potentially save lives. "As a public, our health literacy is changing as the health problems change," said psychologist Angelika Robinson. Robinson herself survived the 2015 mass shooting in San Bernardino where 14 people attending a holiday work party were killed. Waking up Thursday morning, she turned on the TV and saw familiar images of flashing police lights and loved ones waiting. "It really did hit home, and one of the emotions that I recognized was that I didn't feel shock," she told KPCC's Take Two. "Because we've dealt with incidents like this so frequently lately we've become numb and inoculated in a sense. We wait for the next one to happen and it always does." This realization made her outraged. "This can't become our baseline," Robinson said. "It can't become something that we take for granted." 'EVERYONE'S GOING TO HAVE A SAD STORY' At the Pepperdine campus on Thursday, friends and classmates awaited word about the fate of fellow student Alaina Housley. As the hours ticked by, the college students braced to get the news that inevitably came: Housley, 18, was dead. Housley's roommate, who spoke on the condition she not be named to protect her privacy, was devasted. She was also angry. "I thought I was passionate about this cause and about gun control before," she said, "but until it happens to you... like, if this keeps happening, pretty soon everyone's going to have a sad story. Everyone's going to have a friend that they've lost, if something doesn't change. Zoe Walsh, a Pepperdine freshman, said that after a gunman earlier this year killed 17 at a high school in Parkland, Florida, she organized protests at her own high school. Walsh grew up in a world where school shootings were common enough that she's been rehearsing active shooter drills since elementary school. She called it "part of our average school day." "I think the worst part is that as unreal as it feels, it's not something that's shocking in today's society because so many people have to go through this," Walsh said. "It's too frequent an occurrence and it hurts everytime, but it's never hurt like this before." Losing someone she knows has made the issue of gun violence not just a matter of her political activism. "Now it's a part of my personal emotional life," she said. "It's affecting the way I view relationships because I'm afraid when it comes to the safety and well-being of everyone that I love." KPCC/LAist reporter Aaron Schrank contributed to this report Hey, thanks. You read the entire story. And we love you for that. Here at LAist, our goal is to cover the stories that matter to you, not advertisers. We don't have paywalls, but we do have payments (aka bills). So if you love independent, local journalism, join us. Let's make the world a better place, together. Donate now. Freely accessible local news is vital. Please power our reporters and help keep us independent with a donation today. Start your day with LAist Sign up for the Morning Brief, delivered weekdays. Subscribe While the Woolsey and Hill fires burned thousands of acres in Ventura and Los Angeles counties, L.A. County's Griffith Park faced another small brush fire with smoke that could be seen throughout the surrounding area. The fire was holding at 30 acres burned for most of the day. Firefighters faced heavy brush, but there was no wind to drive the fire, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. Forward progress of the fire has been stopped, with the fire now 60 percent contained. A brush fire burns in Griffith Park, as seen from the 134 Freeway, on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018. (Photo by LAist staff) It's located in a part of the park that fire engines can't reach, according to the LAFD. Crews had to hike in through difficult terrain and determine how they were going to get water to the fire. Fire crews were set to continue fighting the fire through the night, trying to put out hot spots. One firefighter was transported to the hospital with a non-life threatening lower extremity injury. Staff at the Los Angeles Zoo move birds into an indoor classroom to protect them from the smoke from a wildfire burning nearby in Griffith Park in Los Angeles, Nov. 9, 2018. (Photo by Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images) The location is to the east and below the park's helicopter landing spot, with reports also noting that it's behind the L.A. Zoo. The L.A. Zoo will remain closed Friday due to limited access to the area, but they noted that animals and staff were safe. The L.A. Zoo staff evacuated bird show animals and some smaller primates, according to the zoo. They also turned on sprinklers and began hosing down the hillside. However, no evacuation orders were given, according to the LAFD. Smoke from a wildfire rises over the Los Angeles Zoo in Griffith Park on Nov. 9, 2018. (Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images) The following off-ramps were closed due to the fire, according to Caltrans: Riverside Drive from eastbound 134 Zoo Drive from westbound 134 Griffith Park Drive from northbound I-5 Zoo Drive from northbound I-5 More than 127 LAFD firefighters were assigned, along with additional air and ground support from L.A. County Fire, including hand crews. When the fire was first spotted, the smoke was visible, but due to its location, crews had a long hike in and couldn't physically see the fire in order to give an estimate of the acreage. #ToyonIC Major Emergency #LAFD brush fire response in #griffithpark Difficult to reach terrain but winds not currently a factor David Ortiz pic.twitter.com/qoBnEEGcpe #LAFD Talk (@LAFDtalk) November 9, 2018 This story has been updated. Hey, thanks. You read the entire story. And we love you for that. Here at LAist, our goal is to cover the stories that matter to you, not advertisers. We don't have paywalls, but we do have payments (aka bills). So if you love independent, local journalism, join us. Let's make the world a better place, together. Donate now. Freely accessible local news is vital. Please power our reporters and help keep us independent with a donation today. Start your day with LAist Sign up for the Morning Brief, delivered weekdays. Subscribe THIS STORY IS PART OF HOW TO L.A., OUR ONGOING SERIES OF PRACTICAL GUIDES FOR DAY-TO-DAY LIVING IN LOS ANGELES. By Robert Garrova and Melissa Leu When an emergency hits, it's hard to figure out where to turn for the best information. You can, of course, listen to your local public radio station (*wave*) or turn on your TV, but you'll probably also want alerts sent straight to you. California will automatically send topline emergency alerts but you generally need to opt in for notifications from counties and cities. For fires, there is no centralized system in Southern California. Each county in our region -- Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, San Bernardino and Riverside -- uses its own emergency alert system as well as social media to share the latest information. Here's a breakdown of some of those systems, and how to opt in: CALIFORNIA First things first, make sure your emergency alerts are turned on in your phone settings. The California Office of Emergency Services already sends your cellphone emergency alerts through what's known as the Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) system. It's that loud vibrating noise that sometimes comes through in the middle of the night. Changing your phone settings ensures that you get messages about all the biggies: presidential, Amber and imminent threat alerts. That last one covers information on severe man-made or natural disasters such as earthquakes, wildfires, hurricanes and tornadoes. Next, find your county and sign up: LOS ANGELES COUNTY You can sign up for a system called Alert L.A. County, which the county says "is used to contact county residents and businesses via recorded phone messages, text messages or e-mail messages in case of emergency." You can sign up here. The L.A. County Fire Department also posts regular updates on its Twitter account. The City of L.A. also has a mass notification system, NotifyLA. You can sign up here, or text READY to 888-777. The Los Angeles Fire Department also puts regular updates on its Twitter account. VENTURA COUNTY Ventura County's emergency alert system is called VC Alert. VC Alert uses 911 databases from telephone companies, so most landlines will already be in the system. If you want to be contacted using your cellphone, work phone, email, fax, or instant messaging, sign up here. Here are some additional resources for staying up-to-date with mandatory evacuations, shelters, road closures, and more: Check VCEmergency.com for the latest information. When fires are going on, this website is updated with the latest mandatory and voluntary evacuation areas. SANTA BARBARA COUNTY You can sign up for Santa Barbara County's emergency alert system here. You can also follow Santa Barbara County's Office of Emergency Management on Twitter. ORANGE COUNTY Orange County uses AlertOC, "a mass notification system designed to keep ... residents and businesses informed of emergencies and certain community events." You can sign up here. AlertOC uses 911 databases from telephone companies, so most landlines will already be in the system. SAN BERNARDINO In San Bernardino County, the emergency alert system is called the Telephone Emergency Notification System (TENS). You can sign up here. TENS uses 911 databases from telephone companies, so most landlines will already be in the system. RIVERSIDE COUNTY Riverside County uses a system called Alert RivCo to "alert Riverside County community members of urgent actions to take during disasters, such as earthquakes, wildfires, and floods." You can sign up here. Alert RivCo uses 911 databases from telephone companies, so most landlines will already be in the system. SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office has a Reverse 911 alert system. You can sign up here. CITYWIDE ALERTS Some cities also offer their own alert systems. Check your city's website to see if there is a local alert system available. ANY QUESTIONS? Hey, thanks. You read the entire story. And we love you for that. Here at LAist, our goal is to cover the stories that matter to you, not advertisers. We don't have paywalls, but we do have payments (aka bills). So if you love independent, local journalism, join us. Let's make the world a better place, together. Donate now. Freely accessible local news is vital. Please power our reporters and help keep us independent with a donation today. Start your day with LAist Sign up for the Morning Brief, delivered weekdays. Subscribe By Michelle Faust & Michelle Lanz Even if you don't live or work near a major fire, you can still be affected by smoke particles in the air. So, what's in that smoke, and how much should you worry about it? Depending on the fire, the smoke can be made up of various substances, including carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, water vapor, particulate matter, organic chemicals, nitrogen oxides, and more. Exposure to smoke can cause a range of health effects, from eye and lung irritation to asthma and premature death. Those especially sensitive to smoke include: People with asthma People with cardiovascular diseases People with respiratory diseases The elderly Young children Pregnant women Particulate matter is the main public health threat during short-term exposure to wildfire smoke, so it's crucial to protect yourself. "Really it's about common sense," said Philip Fine of the South Coast Air Quality Management District. "If you can see the smoke, if you can smell the smoke, you can tell when the particulate matter levels are really high. If you can do that, you should exercise caution." Here are some tips on how to stay safe if there's wildfire smoke in your area: STAY INDOORS Thinking of going outside? Don't. It's best to stay inside with the air conditioner on. And you're going to want filtered air. Many evaporative cooling systems, aka "swamp coolers," don't filter the air. Once you turn on the cool, filtered air, keep the doors and windows closed to keep the unhealthy air outside. You're also going to want to avoid vigorous activity -- anything that makes you breathe deeply. Do not use any indoor or outdoor wood-burning appliances or fireplaces. And when smoke subsides, you should air out your home to clear any polluted air that might be trapped inside. But what if you're stuck in a car or driving through areas of smoke? Same deal. Close the windows and doors and run your car's air conditioner. AQMD says that carbon dioxide levels can spike quickly in newer cars if vents and windows are closed and the circulation setting is on, so crack the windows once you're in there for a while to prevent grogginess. GET PROTECTED The best thing to do is to seek shelter -- but if you must be outside, being prepared is key. Wear an N95 or P100 respirator mask. These are the kind you see people use when they work with lots of debris in the air. They keep most of the smoke particles from damaging your lungs. We tested some other masks, and they didn't hold up as well. Experts recommend that anyone in a fire-prone area keep such a mask in an emergency kit. If you don't already have one, you may be able to pick one up from one of the evacuation centers that's been set up during these wildfires. The California Office of Emergency Services website has a list of locations that should have them. CHECK THE AIR Smoke isn't the only thing that can make air quality bad. The South Coast Air Quality Management District tracks smoke alerts, but also ozone and other pollutants that make the air unhealthy to breathe. You can sign up for alerts from their website or check the air quality forecast on their interactive map. Megan Larson also contributed to this story. This story has been updated. Hey, thanks. You read the entire story. And we love you for that. Here at LAist, our goal is to cover the stories that matter to you, not advertisers. We don't have paywalls, but we do have payments (aka bills). So if you love independent, local journalism, join us. Let's make the world a better place, together. Donate now. ABC News(WASHINGTON) -- President Donald Trump on Friday mocked "Mr. Kellyanne Conway," George Conway, the husband of White House counselor Kellyanne Conway, and his concerns that Matthew Whitaker's appointment as acting attorney general is unconstitutional. "You mean Mr. Kellyanne Conway?" Trump responded when asked by a reporter about the criticism. "Hes just trying to get publicity for himself. Why don't you do this, why don't you ask Kellyanne that question, all right? She might know him better than me. I really don't know the guy." The president went on to claim that though Whitaker is "very, very highly thought of," he does not know the man. "This only comes up because anybody who works for me, they do a number on them, but Matt Whitaker is a very smart man," Trump said. "He is a very respected man in the law enforcement community. Very respected. At the top of the line." Trump's claim of not knowing Whitaker came under immediate scrutiny due to an interview with Fox News' "Fox and Friends" from Oct. 11 when he said, "I can tell you Matt Whitakers a great guy. I mean, I know Matt Whitaker." The president tried to clarify the comments in a tweet sent soon after landing in France early Saturday, instead saying in the past tense he "did not know Mr. Whitaker" and had "no social contact." George Conway co-wrote an op-ed in the New York Times published Thursday arguing that President Trump's appointment of Whitaker as acting attorney general is unconstitutional because he wasn't confirmed by the Senate. "Its illegal. And it means that anything Mr. Whitaker does, or tries to do, in that position is invalid," Conway, a lawyer, and Neal Katyal, also a Washington lawyer and former acting solicitor general under President Barack Obama, wrote in the New York Times. "Because Mr. Whitaker has not undergone the process of Senate confirmation, there has been no mechanism for scrutinizing whether he has the character and ability to evenhandedly enforce the law in a position of such grave responsibility. The public is entitled to that assurance, especially since Mr. Whitakers only supervisor is Mr. Trump himself, and the president is hopelessly compromised by the Mueller investigation," Conway and Katyal wrote. It's not the first time Conway has publicly shared views opposing those of his wife's boss. Conway and Katyal recently wrote an op-ed in the Washington Post arguing that Trump's proposal to end birthright citizenship is unconstitutional. Whitaker was appointed to replace former Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who resigned Wednesday "at the president's request," Sessions said. Whitaker was confirmed by the Senate as a federal prosecutor in Iowa in 2004, but did not undergo Senate confirmation for his current position. "We cannot tolerate such an evasion of the Constitutions very explicit, textually precise design. Senate confirmation exists for a simple, and good, reason. Constitutionally, Matthew Whitaker is a nobody. His job as Mr. Sessionss chief of staff did not require Senate confirmation," they wrote. "For the president to install Mr. Whitaker as our chief law enforcement officer is to betray the entire structure of our charter document." Conway and Katyal also argued that Whitaker's appointment is particularly significant given the investigation led by special counsel Robert Mueller, which Whitaker has publicly criticized. Sessions' relationship with the president devolved over his recusal from the probe. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Framed with the stunning backdrop of the ocean and Scripps Pier, scientists and advocates from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) and the environmental group Wildcoast gathered to unveil the first Blue Carbon Restoration Project on Oct. 29, announcing an international partnership between California, Mexico and Australia. The forum took place on the SIO campus, with about 50 attendees from the Port of San Diego, City of San Diego, grad students and community members. It showcased a new effort in San Diego and across the globe to explore ways to combat climate change by protecting natural marine ecosystems. Basically, the concept is this: Carbon that remains in the soil is good; carbon that hits the air is bad. If these natural ecosystems are preserved, scientists argue, blue carbon (carbon associated with ocean systems) remains sequestered in the soil and never reaches the atmosphere. If it does, it mixes with oxygen and becomes carbon dioxide, one of the deadliest gases to our planet and biggest contributors to global warming. Government studies show carbon dioxide levels today are higher than at any point in the last 800,000 years. The increase is responsible for two-thirds of the energy imbalance causing the Earths temperature to rise, so its a major bad actor in global warming. Most ecological efforts have focused on planting more trees. However, scientists point out that while this is a worthwhile effort, it ignores what can be done with coastal wetlands to dramatically cut down CO2 levels. The four panelists who spoke at the forum were Dr. Fernanda Adame, a Research Fellow from Griffith University in Australia; Dr. Eduardo Najera Hillman, Mexico Director of Wildcoast; John-O Miles from the Carbon Institute; and Meghan Emidy, Climate Science Specialist from Wildcoast. The panel focused on the preservation of mangrove trees, sea grass and salt marshes as critical tools to combat climate change. The reason these marine plants are so important is that they have roots that grow deep into marine soil and sequester the blue carbon in that soil for their lifetimes. Adame emphasized that its all about getting the science out there to government agencies and the community. The thing thats really exciting about this project, she said, is that as a scientist you always love the places that you work in. You start doing science because you really want these places to be preserved and people to look up to them. We need this kind of partnership with someone who can take that strong science background and put it into action through conservation. Mangrove trees along the Mexican coast have roots that grow deep into marine soil and sequester the blue carbon in that soil for their lifetimes. ( Courtesy ) Mangroves matter Mexico is leading the way when it comes to conservation of mangroves. Not only do mangroves sequester blue carbon, they also provide a habitat for hundreds of fish species. According to Hillman: In Mexico, we have the legal advantage to set aside mangroves for conservation that is super important for fisheries. Mexico is the fourth country with the most mangroves on the planet. And that can help us to mitigate climate change. Miles from the Carbon Institute stressed the importance of countries working together to take on the issue. Climate change is a great problem that every nation on earth has worked to address over the past decades, he explained. In 2015, they passed the largest consensus in human history for international law the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. The goal of the agreement is to suck as much CO2 out of the atmosphere, stop as much CO2 from going up out of our factories and from our cars. Some of the most exciting new science is going on in the marine ecosystems right here the system that we call blue carbon. Miles went on to point out that these conservation efforts offer exciting opportunities for grad students and young professionals passionate about saving the planet. Grad student James Bruce, whos studying the Marine Biodiversity & Conservation Program at SIO, said he attended the forum, not only because it was required for class, but also because he is committed to the cause. Anything to do with climate change and figuring out solutions is a big deal, he told the Light. I used to work with the U.S. Coast Guard and now Im trying to find solutions, learning how to work with fisheries, and getting smart about the science. Wildcoast executive director Serge Dedina urged the audience to spread the word about how marine ecosystems can help reduce global warming. Were at a challenging time because, obviously, climate change is having a big impact on our planet worldwide, including here in San Diego. What were finding is that at the state level, the local level, with agencies like the City of San Diego, the Port of San Diego, the State of California and now with the Australian government and Mexican government, theres a lot we can do. So were not letting any obstacles get in our way. To learn more about Wildcoast and its conservation efforts, visit wildcoast.org Calling on Mr. Antonio Vitorino, the new Director- General of the International organization for Migration (IOM) in Geneva, the Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to UNO, Ambassador A.L.A. Azeez, stressed that Sri Lanka's long standing ties with IOM pre-dated its membership in that Organization, and assured continued cooperation and active support both in bilateral context as well as within multilateral fora, particularly at a time when the IOM was preparing to assume new responsibilities as the coordinator of the Global Migration Network with secretarial function for the Global Compact for Migration (GCM). Director-General Vitorino, welcoming Sri Lanka's active contribution to the common cause of global migration governance, particularly through leadership to the Colombo Process and now as the Chair-in-Office of the Abu Dhabi Dialogue (ADD), stated that as vibrant Regional Consultative Processes (RCPs), the Colombo Process and ADD had enriched the content of the final outcome of the GCM. He expressed hope that Sri Lanka would continue this role, building upon the achievements made, to be a strong advocate for effective implementation of the GCM, during the Marrakesh High Level Meeting in December 2018, and also invited Sri Lanka to announce joint projects and proposals that could be supported by donor funding. He emphasized the importance of high-level participation at the Marrakesh Meeting. Ambassador Azeez remarked that the IOM enjoyed wide recognition in Sri Lanka as a UN Related Agency and that the IOM country office has been closely working with the relevant Sri Lankan agencies. He requested IOMs support for enhancing Sri Lanka's labour mobility options, particularly through capacity and skills development, noting the need for economic and social empowerment of youth and women. The new IOM Country Representative- designate for Sri Lanka, Mr.Sarat Dash, and the IOM Advisor for Asia and the Pacific Ms. Wen Li were associated with DG- IOM, while Deputy Permanent Representative Mrs. Samantha Jayasuriya joined Ambassador Azeez at the meeting. Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to UN Geneva 9 November 2018 Central Library west entrance. LA Observed photo. The central library is the intellectual town square of downtown Los Angeles. Authors speak to book lovers gathered in the library's simply designed, elegant Mark Taper Auditorium. Exhibits, such as current "Radical Kinships," honoring 30 years of Homeboy Industries and its work among L.A. youth, tell the story of the city. The library's New Americans Initiative guides immigrants through American life rather than scorning them. The great facility, itself, is honored in Susan Orlean's excellent "The Library Book," telling the story of the 1986 fire, which all but destroyed the library. It was rebuilt through the efforts of Angelenos--rich, middle class and poor who would not let it die. Wednesday night, the library continued its community involvement with a deep dive into one of the most important aspects of civic life--the courts. It was serious and detailed. No Trump. No hot speculation on the plans of Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom. Yet the auditorium was almost filled for a conversation between Kathryn Mickle Werdigar, a retired California Supreme Court justice, and Jim Newton, an author, UCLA faculty member and editor of UCLA's public policy magazine Blueprint. The California Supreme Court Historical Society, along with Public Counsel, sponsored the event. Public Counsel is the public interest law firm that defends the city's poor and helpless. Werdegar is a restrained and modest person and it took all of Newton's journalistic skill to draw her out. Like most judges, Werdegar is sympathetic to voters confronted by long lists of appellate and other judges on the ballot. With the exception of voters getting information from sources such as the Los Angeles Times and the League of Women Voters, Californians know little about the judges. But she wouldn't do away with such elections. "I don't think lifetime appointments are a good thing," she said. The most interesting part of the conversation was when Newton asked Werdegar about how the court is dealing with societal and technical change. He mentioned privacy, water, technology and other aspects of science. These issues often end up in court, finding their way to the Supreme Court. Newton asked if the court was equipped to handle such matters. "Probably not," Werdegar replied. "Science gets ahead of us." It was a worthwhile evening and lawyer Bob Wolfe, a devoted historian of the courts, deserves much credit for helping put it together. Susan Orlean's "The Library Book" has made our downtown library a national celebrity. Wednesday night's nuts and bolts discussion of the Supreme Court reminds us of another side of the library, always working to educate and explain L.A. and bring the community together. Video: L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti responds to Thousand Oaks mass shooting Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti talks about Wednesday nights mass shooting at the Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks. Welcome Home, a memoir patchworked from the autobiographical notes, letters and photographs of Lucia Berlin, features a list: The trouble with all the houses Ive lived in. At 33 entries long, it roams from Alaska to Montana, around the American Southwest, and to Chile, Mexico and finally California and even this is an incomplete accounting of Berlins homes. Corrales Road, reads one entry: No running water, no electricity, no bathroom. Two kids in diapers. Later: Yelapa, Mexico Sharks, scorpions, coconut grove THUD THUD three kids. Hurricane. Heres Berlins great gift or, one of them: the power to spark life on the page using the sparest of words. THUD THUD, she writes, and were in a beach hut in Mexico. This economy of vivid expression captivated readers and critics in 2015, when the posthumous collection A Manual for Cleaning Women finally won the prolific short-story writer the fame that had always eluded her, 11 years after her death. Equally captivating is the life those spare words paint. Berlins stories are drawn straight from her life if she were writing today, shed be championed alongside Rachel Cusk and Karl Ove Knausgaard as a master of autofiction, though shes distinguished by having led a life more interesting than most fictions. As the list of her homes suggests, her 68 years were almost impossibly full of travel, adventure, loves found and lost, alcoholism and its defeat, and the struggle to get by as a single mother of four boys. These themes and plots sang through A Manual for Cleaning Women, and though Welcome Home is a little thin, theres a delicious pleasure in tracing the nonfictional origins of Berlins fictions. Even more deliciously, Evening in Paradise, a follow-up short-story collection, brings new fictional renderings of this astonishing life, and reveals just how full a body of rich work Berlin left behind. If it was almost impossibly full, Berlins life was also almost impossibly restless. Her son Mark has estimated that his mother moved every nine months, on average. Partly, this is a story of struggle, the rootlessness that comes with financial instability. The moving also perpetuated a rhythm established in Berlins childhood, spent hopping mining towns around the U.S. and Chile for her fathers career. Advertisement Lucia Berlin (Buddy Berlin) But read the stories in Evening in Paradise and you soon see that theres more to the restlessness. It externalized an internal drama: there was something in Berlin that she couldnt quite reconcile, but maybe the next place would fix it, or the next, or maybe the act of moving itself. In the title story, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton laugh with John Huston in a hotel bar in Puerto Vallarta. Its the early Sixties, a party during filming of The Night of the Iguana. Taylor was warm and lovely. She and Burton had big booming laughs, were simply in it, each other, the place, the life. Simply in it: the highest of praise from Berlin, whose letters to her friend Helene Dorn, published in Welcome Home, resound with biting self-criticism: she wonders how to stop imposing things on myself, to get out of myself and just be. She seems to have found this freedom, the ability to just be, only in movement. In a letter to Helene and her husband Edward Dorn, Berlins mentor, she describes flying on her third husbands plane: between the land and sky and the weather, you are part of the whole world. Compare the story Cherry Blossom Time, from Evening in Paradise, about a young mother crushed under the weight of routine. In a pet shop, shes horrified by a cage of mice running around in berserk circles circles much like those she runs with her toddler. Whats the matter with me? she frets. What more do I want? God, let me just see the good things. This anxiety with stillness creeps into Berlins stories at the structural level too. A rhythm recurs in Evening in Paradise: a moment of bliss swells, bubble-like, then pops. In a standout story, Andado, a 14-year-old girl enjoys a sumptuous weekend on a Chilean estate breakfast in bed, horseback riding, flirting with her dashing older host until the host forces the flirtation too far, into what would now be considered rape. (Berlin positions the incident in a gray area.) La Barca de la Ilusion takes us to an American family living in Yelapa, Mexico (THUD THUD), where [d]ays and months passed in an easy rocking rhythm. Just before dawn the roosters crowed and at the first light a thousand laughing gulls flew past the house upriver. But an old heroin connection tracks the father down, and pop goes the bubble. Its a rhythm of paradise found and lost, found and lost, until a ruinous end comes to seem intrinsic to happiness. If bliss is always tinged with the fear of its own loss, best to keep moving. Lucia Berlin with her son David in Albuquerque, circa 1963. (Literary Estate of Lucia Berlin) Berlin yearned to surrender to the flow of life, in stillness or motion. The trouble is, simply in it isnt a writers way of being in the world writers observe, hold back. This left Berlin painfully stuck between her enormous appetite for life and her gift for observation. In motion, she could temper that remove, but as a writer through and through, she would never fully escape it. After A Manual for Cleaning Women, Berlin was feted as one of the 20th centurys greatest chroniclers of work and domestic life. Its true she was gifted in writing these spheres, and true too that the subject matter might have kept her in the shadows, since even today domestic fiction by women is often dismissed as lowbrow or trivial. But the label doesnt do justice to the scope of her work or her spirit, this lifelong drive to get out of herself and just be. She was no kitchen-sink realist. Time and again, the stories reveal that her subject wasnt domestic life but life itself, which for her often happened to be filtered through the domestic. This comes through in the sustained tension between rootedness and movement, the domestic and the sublime. In Lead Street, Albuquerque, a young woman married to a bad painter stands on her front steps during a party, too depressed to call anybody to come see the unbelievable sunset. Go looking, and youll find this in all of Berlins domestic scenes: the unspoken sense that theres an unbelievable sunset going on somewhere, if only the characters could gather themselves to find it. This tension is the magic of Berlins work. Theres a hint in this new collection that she later found ways to reconcile her conflicting impulses. Lost in the Louvre tells of a late-life, solo trip to Paris. The protagonist feels that shes passed through life as she does the Louvre, watching and invisible far from simply in it. But by getting lost among the exhibits, she touches the sublime, losing myself until I felt as if I were flying out of time. She seems to have found a way to accept the role of spectator (in the museum, in life), and to find transcendence precisely in this role. To be simply in herself. Dying is like shattering mercury, says this protagonist. So soon it all just flows back together into the quivering mass of life. The pity is Berlin never knew that, thanks to her sometimes painful gift for watching, it will be many years before her story flows back into that quivering mass. Robins is a writer and translator in Los Angeles. Welcome Home and Evening in Paradise by Lucia Berlin (Farrar, Straus and Giroux / AP) Welcome Home: A Memoir with Selected Photographs and Letters Lucia Berlin Farrar, Straus and Giroux: 176 pp., $25 :: Evening in Paradise: More Stories Lucia Berlin Farrar, Straus and Giroux: 256 pp., $26 Big companies dont normally invest tens of millions of dollars with the expectation of losing. Case in point: The multimillion-dollar investment by two big dialysis companies in the killing of Californias Proposition 8. The ballot initiative, which was sponsored by the Service Employees International Union (which is trying to unionize dialysis clinic workers) would have capped the revenue of for-profit dialysis providers while creating incentives for them to hire more patient-care staff and pay them better. Doing what comes naturally to profit-seeking businesses, the dialysis industry assembled a war chest of more than $111 milliona national, historical record and won, defeating the initiative by a nearly two-thirds margin. The question is whether this was money well-spent for them, and the answer is: You bet it was. The industrys two leading companies, Denver-based DaVita and the German healthcare conglomerate Fresenius, together accounted for $95.5 million of the industrys spending against the measure. DaVita donated about $67 million and Fresenius $27.5 million, according to the latest figures from the Secretary of State. Advertisement The harvest can be measured in their stock prices. Measured against Mondays pre-election close, DaVitas shares soared 10.95% on Wednesday, the day after the election, closing at $76.08. Theyve since fallen back to $69.35 in midday trading Friday, still a gain of 1.14%. In terms of market capitalization, DaVita gained $1.37 billion in value Wednesday, as of this writing is still $142 million to the good. That puts its $67-million investment in the No on 8 campaign firmly in the black. Fresenius also is a winner. Its shares gained 9.3% as of Wednesday, when they closed at $43.17. As we write, theyre at $40.19, a gain of 1.75% over Mondays close. In terms of market value, Fresenius gained $1.1 billion on Wednesday compared with Monday, and is still holding on to a gain of $214.6 million. Also in the black. Its one thing to count up the gains from a successful No campaign, but one should also consider the what-if. Had Proposition 8 succeeded, its a fair bet that the shares of both companies would have cratered, both because of the paring of their California revenues and the possibility that other states would follow suit. So even if the immediate stock rises dont last, the companies almost certainly have better prospects for revenue and profit growth than they would otherwise have had. Its proper to observe that companies generally dont directly profit (or lose) from changes in their share price on the open market. But rising prices benefit them indirectly in many ways. Theyre a signal of positive sentiment among investors, which is always good for business. They make it easier to raise new capital at lower cost. If a company pays for an acquisition with its stock, obviously its better to have a higher-valued currency to spend. For the CEO and other top executives, higher share prices can have a more direct effect they factor into the executives annual compensation, even if not explicitly, and they raise the value of shares awarded to the executives as part of their pay. Senior executives typically hold sizable equity stakes in their companies; Kent Thiry, DaVitas chairman and CEO, held more than 945,000 shares in the company as of March 31. So its indisputable that the defeat of Proposition 8 served the interests of DaVita, Fresenius and other dialysis providers. The question is whether it served the public interest. For perspective, one should keep in mind the behavior of the dialysis industry in recent years, as we documented in earlier columns here, here and here. These are quintessentially self-interested players in healthcare that arguably have gamed Medicare and the Affordable Care Act to pump up their own profits, at the expense of all healthcare consumers and the government. To do so they undermined the very concept of philanthropy, by allegedly bending a purported charity, the American Kidney Fund, to their own corporate purposes. The No on 8 campaign commercials on television played ruthlessly on voter fears that the measure would force hundreds of California clinics to close. Thats an assumption based entirely on a study that the dialysis industry labeled independent, but which they paid for to the tune of $200,000. Editorial writers across the state, including at The Times, counseled readers to vote no on Proposition 8, generally because it was a union-sponsored initiative a remarkably blinkered approach that failed to take into account the relentless profiteering of firms such as DaVita and Fresenius. Is this the way we want our laws to be made? Hand-wringing over corruption in politics generally focuses on the suborning of politicians by rich benefactors. The fate of Proposition 8 reminds us that worse corruption of our political system takes place further down the ballot, in an initiative system deeply infected by greed. Keep up to date with Michael Hiltzik. Follow @hiltzikm on Twitter, see his Facebook page, or email michael.hiltzik@latimes.com. Return to Michael Hiltziks blog. If youve ever wondered how businesses can get away with making transparently false or deceptive claims about themselves or their products The Best Tasting Juice in America, Wrigleys gum is for whiter teeth, no matter what, etc., etc. the answer is an all-purpose legal dodge known as the puffery defense. Simply put, judges and regulators have ruled that when a business makes a claim that is either vague or so obviously inflated that people simply wont believe it, thats puffery, and not actionable in court. Wells Fargo, which is struggling to rebuild its reputation for integrity after a string of scandals involving consumer rip-offs, is testing the limits of the puffery defense. In a legal filing last week aimed at getting a shareholder lawsuit dismissed, the company asserted that statements that the bank was working to restore trust among its customers and trying to be more transparent about its scandals statements made by its chief executive, Tim Sloan were, well, just puffery. Well probably err on the side of overcommunicating as opposed to undercommunicating. Wells Fargo CEO Tim Sloan in January 2017, months before disclosing a new scandal Advertisement The filing says these were generic statements on which no reasonable investor could rely. Therefore, even though the banks stock price fell sharply when evidence emerged that they were false, investors dont have grounds to sue for their losses. This is just another example of corporate actors making statements to the market, and then trying to avoid liability for the representations they made, says Darren Robbins, the San Diego lawyer bringing the shareholder suit. If it sounds like a strange thing for a bank to say when its trying to present itself as a paragon of rectitude in essence, We cant be sued because no one believed us anyway just wait. It gets stranger. Wells Fargo says that even though the statements by its management fall within the legal definition of puffery, that doesnt mean theyre untrue. Wells Fargo stands behind the statements it made regarding its commitment to transparency and rebuilding trust with its customers, the bank told me by email. These statements were true then and remain so today. The lawsuit at issue concerns a scandal that erupted in public in July 2017, when it became known that for years Wells Fargo had been charging auto loan borrowers for unnecessary insurance on their vehicles. The lawsuit seeks class certification for all investors who bought the companys stock from Nov. 3, 2016 when Sloan announced at an investors conference that he was not aware of any undisclosed scandals in sales practices through Aug. 3, 2018, the day before the bank formally disclosed the auto-loan issues in an earnings report. The scam at the heart of this case was massively abusive, according to internal reports and assertions in a consumer lawsuit filed last week. Wells Fargo saddled roughly 600,000 auto loan borrowers disproportionately lower-income customers with insurance to cover the vehicles that collateralized the loans. Many borrowers, however, already had insurance, so they didnt need the additional coverage. Some didnt even know they were being charged because Wells Fargo didnt itemize the insurance fees on their loan statements. When customers made monthly payments on their loans, according to the consumer lawsuit, Wells Fargo applied them in a way that pushed as many as 275,000 customers into delinquency, resulting in some 25,000 improper repossessions. The bank didnt always fully or promptly refund the fees and late charges it owed the victimized customers, and didnt always clean up credit reports that had been sullied by its illicit behavior. Top executives allegedly knew of the insurance problems as early as 2012 but took no action until 2016, when they canceled the insurance program. The bank initially said it would have to spend $80 million to compensate the victims; as of September this year, that figure had risen to about $241 million. Regulators are justifiably furious. In April, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency folded in the auto loan case with an investigation of improper fees Wells Fargo charged to mortgage applicants, and penalized the bank $1 billion for both. It was one of the largest bank fines in history. The shareholder lawsuit focuses on the efforts by Sloan and his fellow executives to conceal the auto-loan scandal from the public. While they were trying to clean up the splatter from the banks most prominent scandal, in which sales representatives secretly opened millions of accounts for consumers in order to meet punishing work quotas, the executives consistently stated that they were investigating high and low to make sure the bank was otherwise clean and would fully disclose anything they discovered. We want to leave no stone unturned, Sloan told investment analysts during a conference call in January 2017. If we find something thats important, well communicate that. I think given our desire to be very transparent, well probably err on the side of overcommunicating as opposed to undercommunicating. Yet by then, Sloan had received a report from the consulting firm Oliver Wyman that laid out the auto-loan scandal in great detail. The scandal stayed out of the public eye until the Oliver Wyman report was leaked to the New York Times, which published a story about it July 27, 2017; Wells Fargo issued a news release fessing up to the matter that very day. The Senate Banking Committee, to which Wells Fargo had submitted written testimony in November 2016 about the fake accounts but said nothing about the auto loans, hauled Sloan into the dock in October 2017. The company, pure and simple, lied to this committee and lied to the public, Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) lectured him. That it took you 13 months to disclose such a violation of public trust just makes me incredulous. The bank maintained that it did its duty by shutting down the insurance program and notifying regulators as soon as it received the Oliver Wyman report but that it had no obligation to affirmatively notify the public at that time. What about Wells Fargos repeated assurances that it is moving heaven and earth to be more transparent and regain customers trust? Thats where puffery comes in. The defense most commonly arises in connection with advertising, as when the Federal Trade Commission investigates whether an advertising claim is deceptive. Over the years, courts have given businesses ever more latitude to make extravagant claims. Ultimately, puffery has become defined as advertising claims that ordinary consumers do not take seriously, as the Harvard Business Review observed a few years ago. But if thats so, then whats the point of advertising? The FTC has held that claims such as calling ones product the best or even the worlds best arent legally deceptive, since consumers will discount them as manifestly inflated. In other cases regulators have said that puffery encompasses assertions too vague to be proved true or false, aspirational statements (We mean to be the best) or mere opinion. Marketing experts have found increasingly that consumers can be fooled by such blunt statements consider how President Trumps increasingly fervid lies still have their believers but judges and regulators havent consistently gotten tougher on flagrant deception. Wells Fargo musters most of these arguments in its recent legal filing. Wells Fargo argues that some of the statements by Sloan cited by the shareholder plaintiffs are protected as mere opinion, including his expectation that probably the bank will err on the side of overcommunicating. The problem there is that protected opinion generally involves an utterance by a third-party not privy to all the facts, not a statement by a CEO fully conversant with the truth. Sloan was effectively committing Wells Fargo to overcommunicating in January 2017 months after he had been made aware of the auto-loan scandal and months before it was communicated to the public. What may be most important about Wells Fargos statements is that they plainly were taken seriously by the public. We know this because the banks stock took a hit after the auto loan disclosures, falling nearly 3.1% from its close July 26, 2017, through Aug. 4, 2017, adjusted for an Aug. 2 dividend, a sizable drop for a period of just over a week. Wall Street analysts were withering about the banks delay in disclosing the new scandal. Another hit to managements credibility, an analyst at Evercore ISI judged and he was far from alone. That reaction demonstrates that investors had taken the banks promises of transparency and integrity very seriously indeed the opposite of how people react to puffery. Wells Fargo may well skate by relying on the technicality of the puffery defense, especially if it draws a tolerant judge or jury. But its hard to conclude that Sloan, his fellow executives and the banks directors werent being deceitful when they promised transparency while drawing a curtain over a major scandal. Of all the companies in the land, Wells Fargo owed it to the public to keep nothing whatsoever hidden. Instead, it dug itself an even deeper hole. But weve all become inured to outright lying by businesses and politicians. If theres any lesson to be learned from the deception practiced in both spheres in recent years, its that the days of innocent puffery are over, and our lives and livelihoods hang in the balance when we dont hold business and political leaders strictly to account. Its past time for the pendulum to swing back toward truth. Keep up to date with Michael Hiltzik. Follow @hiltzikm on Twitter, see his Facebook page, or email michael.hiltzik@latimes.com. Return to Michael Hiltziks blog. For American brewers, metal tariffs are a bit of a buzz kill. This summer, as the United States, Canada and Mexico tried to cut a new North American trade deal, President Trump slapped tariffs on foreign steel and aluminum. More than a month after the countries reached a provisional agreement for the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA, those tariffs are still in place. Canadian industry has been bruised, but so have a number of U.S. businesses, including beer. In a vivid example of how Trumps trade tactics abroad can hurt business at home, the U.S. beer industry, which needs aluminum to make cans, is seeing costs rise. Advertisement Brewers say the math is simple: A cold can of beer requires a can, which requires aluminum. As tariffs roil the market, sending prices up, the cost of producing each can increases. The Trump administration has played down the impact. In a television appearance in March, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross held cans of Budweiser, Campbells Soup and Coca-Cola before the camera and called the per-can cost increase no big deal. If that goes up by 25%, thats about six-tenths of one cent, he said, holding the soup can. Who in the world is going to be too bothered by six-tenths of a cent? The Beer Institute, a U.S. trade group, says brewers are bothered. It projects that, over a year, tariffs on foreign aluminum could increase the cost of beer production by $347 million. The industry has found common cause with Canadians and others, calling on the Trump administration to scrap the tariffs before the ceremonial signing of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade deal, which may come as early as the end of the month. Wed like to see these tariffs repealed, said Jim McGreevy, president and chief executive of the Beer Institute. We were hoping that the renegotiation of NAFTA would have taken the steel and aluminum tariffs off the table, but all indications are that the tariffs will continue, he said. And that does not bode well for American beer. The impact is already being felt, said Ryan Krill, co-founder and CEO of Cape May Brewing Co., a small brewery in southern New Jersey. Krill, who started his business in 2011, says rising aluminum prices will cost him about $30,000 this year a big sum for a small team. We could get a lot of miles out of that, he said. Its a bit of a bummer. To understand why U.S. beer is having a bummer year, look to the aluminum market and to Trump. After persistent tough talk on trade, the president in March announced a 25% tariff on foreign steel and a 10% tariff on aluminum. The Trump administration argued that reliance on foreign metals is a threat to U.S. national security. The administration also wanted to put pressure on China, a leading producer of aluminum, to change its trade practices. Though many U.S. businesses support the idea of taking a tough line with Beijing, members of Trumps Cabinet, economic advisors and industry groups warned that tariffs would create uncertainty and increase costs for U.S. companies that import goods. Initially, Canada, Mexico and the European Union were granted exemptions. But as the U.S., Canada and Mexico negotiated this summer, Trump changed course, saying publicly that the move was meant to gain leverage over Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The United States has been taken advantage of for many decades on trade, Trump said in a May 31 statement. Those days are over. Earlier today, this message was conveyed to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada: The United State[s] will agree to a fair deal, or there will be no deal at all. The problem is that the U.S. and Canadian aluminum markets are intricately linked, said Matt Meenan, senior director for public affairs at the Aluminum Assn., a trade group. A piece of aluminum may cross the border five times during production. Canada and the U.S. is almost like one market, he said. So when Trump hit Canada, he also hit the United States. Tariffs on foreign aluminum benefit U.S. aluminum smelters, including Kentucky-based Century Aluminum, which is investing millions of dollars in a push to double its output. But the United States has few smelters, and American manufacturers that buy aluminum including carmakers, soda canners and beer brewers stand to lose. This is putting a question mark on future investment, Meenan said. It comes down to uncertainty. Thats already hurting business, brewers say. In a May 14 Wall Street Journal op-ed, the chairman of Molson Coors Brewing Co., Pete Coors, said Trumps trade war already was disrupting the sector. A cold can of beer on a hot summer day is as American as it gets, Coors wrote. But now that experience will cost you more. The companys U.S. business, MillerCoors, said that Trumps trade war rhetoric and tactics have since worsened irregularities in the aluminum market, particularly in relation to the Midwest Premium, a fee that largely determines the cost of buying bulk aluminum across North America. Since early this year, when Trump stepped up tariff talk, the Midwest Premium has jumped 137%, leading to $40 million in additional costs for MillerCoors, CEO Gavin Hattersley said in an emailed statement. MillerCoors does not support tariffs of any kind and believes that free and open markets are ultimately whats best for the beer industry, he said. The Brewers Assn., a trade group for independent and craft brewers, also opposes the tariffs, arguing that they undermine the Trump administrations pro-job, pro-growth agenda. The market uncertainty and financial penalties created by these tariffs negatively affect a growing manufacturing sector of the American economy: the craft brewing industry, Brewers Assn. President and CEO Bob Pease said in a June 5 statement. We urge this administration to reconsider these tariffs, as they place an unnecessary burden on small, Main Street business owners who are creating thousands of jobs and pouring money back into their local economies. The uncertainty may prevent Krill of Cape May Brewing from reinvesting in his business until the long-term impact of the tariffs becomes clear. I appreciate what they are trying to do with tariffs, he said. But it definitely has unintended consequences for small businesses like ours. Rauhala writes for the Washington Post. Juul Labs Inc., the maker of a hot-selling vaping device that is increasingly popular with teens, will stop selling most flavored e-cigarettes in retail stores, according to a person familiar with the matter. The decision follows word that U.S. health officials are preparing to step up efforts to curtail underage use of e-cigarettes. On Thursday, a senior official at the Food and Drug Administration said the agency plans to restrict sales of many fruit- and dessert-flavored nicotine pods to adult-only stores. The new curbs will apply only to cartridge-style devices, such as Juul, according to the FDA official. The Juul device has become popular with young people in part because its small size and resemblance to a USB drive make it easy to conceal. Juuls move is expected to affect 45% of its in-store retail sales, according to the person familiar with the companys plans. Tobacco and menthol-flavored Juuls would still be available in stores. Advertisement Under the FDAs planned restrictions, online sales will be allowed, but only by retailers who verify the buyers age, just as alcohol can be sold on the web as long as theres someone 21 or older to sign for the package, the agency official said. The regulations are expected to be announced next week and take effect in the coming months. E-cigarettes have created a paradox for the FDA and the companies that make them: They need to be attractive enough for traditional smokers to switch, but not so enticing that they create an entirely new class of nicotine users. Action on e-cigarettes would parallel moves the FDA has already made to ban dessert flavors in traditional cigarettes. The agency has also been examining restricting menthol flavors in cigarettes. Reducing or eliminating menthol flavor in traditional cigarettes would be a regulatory action separate from the e-cigarette proposal, said the senior FDA official. I am fairly confident there will be a legal challenge, said Lyle Beckwith, senior vice president of government relations at the National Assn. of Convenience Stores. He said he doesnt know of any data showing that vape shops do a better job of age verification than convenience stores. Spokesmen for the FDA and Juul declined to comment. Plans for the new regulations were reported Thursday by the Washington Post. Shares of Altria Group Inc., which has its own e-cigarette brands and makes Marlboro cigarettes, were down less than 1% around 11:15 a.m. PST. British American Tobacco shares fell 1.7% in London. Imperial Brands shares climbed 2.1%. Any action that slows down the growth trajectory of Juul will be a positive for tobacco sentiment, Jefferies International Ltd. analyst Owen Bennett wrote in a note. He added that it will have a limited effect on the major tobacco companies, as the vape market is a tiny part of their sales. But restrictions on menthol flavor in cigarettes that could come later would hurt tobacco companies sales. The FDA has talked for months about ways to reduce youth use of e-cigarettes, citing rising concern that the devices are creating a new class of nicotine users rather than primarily helping people transition off regular cigarettes. The FDA has called youth use of the devices an epidemic and said it would consider significant action to stop it. Vaping surged 77% among high-school-age children and about 50% among middle-schoolers in 2018, according to preliminary government data. As alternatives surge, the share of U.S. adults who smoke sank to 14% in 2017, which was the lowest measure on record and down from 42% in 1965, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About 10% of adults 18 to 24 years old lit up in 2017, down from 13% the year earlier. Juuls device accounts for almost one in three e-cigarette sales as of the end of 2017, according to the CDC. The San Francisco startup is backed by high-profile investors, including Tiger Global Management and Tao Capital Partners. Fundraising negotiations this year pegged a $15-billion valuation on the business, making its founders worth more than $800 million each. Tobacco activists said the FDA should impose even greater restrictions, including banning online sales. Its not enough, said Meredith Berkman, co-founder of Parents Against Vaping E-Cigarettes. There has to be a complete ban on flavors everywhere. Armstrong, Edney and Zaleski write for Bloomberg. Somewhere in Colorado, between the Grateful Dead concert at Red Rocks and the drive through Telluride, Mike Lawson and his son, Nainoa, became converts to the #GoRVing movement. It wasnt a change Lawson, 49, ever expected to make. Like many Gen Xers, he once viewed recreational vehicles as dinosaurs from the pre-recession era. Then he began to enjoy a fully stocked camper van with solar power, bedding, stove, running water, refrigerator and more. Wherever you end up at the end of the day, a parking lot, a river, the forest, you can just stop and spend the night, cook dinner, have a campfire, sleep, get up and go, said Lawson, who designs and builds furniture and houses. A strong economy, growing incomes and graying baby boomers have pushed the RV industry to new heights. The Recreational Vehicle Industry Assn. has predicted record sales of nearly 540,000 units for 2018. A more youthful crowd also is onboard, industry data show, with a preference for vehicles on the smaller and hipper end of the RV scale that will look good on social media. Advertisement But Lawson didnt buy his camper van. Like many younger RV fans accustomed to short-term bookings of housing and consumer goods, Lawson rented his rig. The vehicle, which was painted with a cartoonish raccoon, was supplied by Inglewood-based Escape Campervans and came equipped with everything the Marina del Rey resident needed for his trip. We are seeing an expansion in demand across all ages, said Marisa Lifschutz, an analyst at IBISWorld. The research firm has projected that rentals of RVs and camper vans will reach a record $395.8 million this year, up more than 45% from 2009 revenue. With improvements in RVs and camper vans at the manufacturing level, coupled with campgrounds offering free Wi-Fi and other amenities, millennials have been increasingly looking to rent RVs and camper vans as their choice of vacation, Lifschutz said. In addition, peer-to-peer websites have popped up that are like Airbnb for recreational vehicles, with insurance and roadside assistance as part of the package. Thor Industries Inc., the worlds biggest RV manufacturer and owner of the classic cool Airstream brand, early this year formed a joint venture with New Zealand-based Tourism Holdings Limited aimed at increasing its rental business and digital platforms. Among the ventures assets is Mighway, an RV-sharing platform in the U.S. and New Zealand that allows owners to earn income by renting their vehicles out, while renters can enjoy well-equipped RVs without having to buy one. We want to make RVing more accessible to more people and create the opportunity for them to experience the RV lifestyle, said Mighway Chief Executive Dave Simmons, who is based in Auckland. Mighway prices vary, depending on what rentals are available. On a recent day, they ranged from $72.85 a night for a modest Dodge Caravan Trailblazer to $466 a night for a 39-foot Fleetwood Expedition. One of Mighways regulars is John Flynn, a Bay Area sales manager for Aramark Corp. Flynn, 50, said he probably would buy an RV someday, when circumstances and finances permit. In the meantime, he rents. This gives us a chance to sort of test out what we think we might want to buy eventually, Flynn said. This 1975 VW camper van was rented on Maui through Outdoorsy. (Mayberry Multimedia) Outdoorsy is a similar peer-to-peer rental marketplace, which got its 2015 start after Jeff Cavins and Jennifer Young got tired of spending their days inside their San Francisco offices. Young acquired a 27-foot custom Eddie Bauer edition Airstream trailer and a GMC Sierra Denali to tow it. They toured through several states, talking to RV owners. At first, Chief Executive Cavins and Chief Marketing Officer Young ran the company from the trailers. Since then, the company has booked nearly 700,000 days of RV rental travel, and 40% of those customers are millennials, Young said. In many ways we are bringing in an entire new generation of customers, Young said. The average age for RV owners in the past has been 58. Were allowing people to come in and rent RVs at a much younger time in their life and a much lower price. Outdoorsy rentals on a recent day ranged from $85 a night for a 1971 Westfalia Campmobile for two to a 40-foot Tiffan Phaeton that could accommodate eight passengers. Young said 80% of the income goes to the RV owners. Rob Mewton, founder of Escape Campervans in Inglewood. Escape Campervans is the largest camper van rental company in North America with more than 500 vans available in 10 cities. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) Few anticipated the rise of the RV rental industry sooner than Rob Mewton, founder of Escape Campervans. Mewton moved to the U.S. from New Zealand in 2009 to open a camper van rental business, but to friends familiar with the collapsed U.S. RV market, it seemed like terrible timing. The economy was really in a bad place, but I think that really helped us, Mewton said. Buying an RV wasnt feasible for most people back then. A lot of people were looking for alternatives. Mewton started building out the first vans in his Los Angeles backyard. He trolled places like the Venice Boardwalk to find local artists and taggers that would give each camper van a unique signature. The artwork is a really strong part of our business, he said. It becomes a little piece of the holiday. Mewton rents out Ford rigs similar to a full-size conversion van, crammed with every imaginable perk, including a solar panel and LED lights. In spite of all of the additions, there is room for a queen or king mattress with the option of a sleeper unit on top. Perhaps equally important, Mewton said, was that renters wouldnt need to lug all the gear to outfit a large RV: camping equipment, bedding, dishes, utensils and the like were provided as part of the rental package. Rates range from $57 a night in the offseason to $154 a night during the busy season for a seven-day trip. You rent one from me, youre not making a monthly payment, Mewton said. Youre not covering insurance. Youre not covering maintenance. Youre not buying tires. You pick where and when you want to go and everything else is included. Foreign tourists were his first customers. I reckon I could have counted on one hand the number of Americans I rented to in the first year. Our business was almost entirely international, Mewton said. That all began to change in 2016, he said. We went from five American rentals in the first year to 40% of the business being Americans now, Mewton said. Privately held E&A Cos. in Indiana bought Escape Campervans for an undisclosed sum in 2016. Mewton stayed on to run the company until recently and still serves as a consultant. Escape Campervans now has more than 500 vehicles to rent and has offices in 10 U.S. cities. On one recent day, four British university students ended a six-week excursion in a Death Valley-themed van. They covered more than 3,500 miles, hitting just about every notable scenic spot on the West Coast. Everywhere they went, the van drew a crowd of people. It was a real icebreaker, said Ellie Tijou, 21, a business and international marketing student at Bournemouth University. We met so many people just because of our camper van. ron.white@latimes.com For more business news, follow Ronald D. White on Twitter: @RonWLATimes A Chinese-owned pork producer will sell at least $240,000 worth of ham products to the federal government as part of the Trump administrations farm bailout program, the administration said Wednesday. U.S. pork producer Smithfield, which is owned by the Chinese conglomerate WH Group, will sell 144,000 pounds of ham products to the federal government under the contract. The Agriculture Department is purchasing pork and other commodities from U.S. farmers to help offset the damage from retaliatory tariffs imposed by China this summer. The administration has pitched the relief as a necessary short-term measure to help farmers weather the trade battle. The Agriculture Department announced about $7.5 million worth of awards under the purchase program on Wednesday, according to a notice released by the departments Agricultural Marketing Service, which is administering the purchase program. Smithfield could receive more taxpayer money in subsequent rounds of the purchasing program. Advertisement The agency said in August that it would buy $1.2 billion worth of products from farmers, including more than $500 million from pork producers, but the exact timing of those purchases has not been released. The Trump administration has authorized $12 billion in overall spending for the bailout program, including direct cash payments to farmers, particularly soybean producers. The Agriculture Department said last month that Smithfield qualified for the bailout money, noting that the agency would be purchasing only goods produced in the United States. Sen. Charles E. Grassley (R-Iowa), a farmer and member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, has expressed alarm that a Chinese-owned firm could benefit from bailout money intended to help American farmers survive a trade war with China. The timing of Wednesdays announcement raised some eyebrows. It is highly suspicious that this announcement came a day after the midterm elections, said Tony Corbo, senior lobbyist at Food and Water Watch, which tracks federal agriculture programs. Congress needs to exercise oversight of this program. This is an example of corporate welfare at its worst. The USDA marketing service said in a statement last month that the products it will buy are 100 [percent] American produced. In a separate statement, the USDAs central communications office said the agency could not control whether federal money given to U.S. subsidiaries would enrich their Chinese owners. USDA does not have the ability to police whether money will eventually filter to the Chinese, a USDA spokesman said in an email. The Department goes to great lengths to ensure we have registered, approved U.S. vendors that work closely with the Agricultural Marketing Service. Smithfield has said it meets the federal governments criteria for the program. Keira Lombardo, senior vice president of corporate affairs at Smithfield, said in an email last month that the company meets the USDAs eligibility standards and that any approved vendor that can supply the requested product can bid for the contract. Lombardo also said that Smithfield is a U.S.-based company employing thousands of Americans and that its U.S. meat products are made in its nearly 50 domestic facilities. Smaller hog producers have expressed anger over the possibility of money flowing to foreign-owned businesses, noting that the bailout has been billed as a support for domestic firms. But the international reach of companies makes it hard to ensure that federal dollars stay in U.S. hands, regardless of their intended target. The White House created the bailout program unilaterally, without congressional approval, under a rarely used farm program from the Great Depression. Two senators Grassley and Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.), who is also a farmer and who narrowly won reelection Tuesday have said they will be applying for direct help from the federal government. Elon Musk frequently makes outrageous requests of his staff in his quest to remake global transportation and colonize Mars. But the terms he wanted on a loan for his rocket company SpaceX were too much even for his closest ally on Wall Street. As recently as last week, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. had been canvassing investors for interest in $500 million of Space Exploration Technologies Corp. debt. By the time interested parties showed up Wednesday at the Four Seasons hotel in midtown Manhattan for a breakfast meeting, Bank of America Corp. was running the show for a $750-million deal. The switch surprised bankers and investors, as Goldman is widely viewed as the Wall Street firm with the closest relationship to Musk. It helped take electric-car maker Tesla Inc. public in 2010, led a $1.8-billion bond sale last year and advised on his short-lived attempt to take Tesla private for $420 a share. While Bank of America has a lending relationship with SpaceX, it has been shying away from some of the riskiest corners of the corporate-debt market. Goldman balked when SpaceX, a first-time issuer, wanted wide latitude to raise additional debt in the future, according to people with knowledge of the matter, who asked not to be identified because the discussions were private. Advertisement The hesitation highlights uneasiness among banks that have been challenged by regulators over the risks theyre taking in the $1.3-trillion leveraged-loan market. Insatiable investor appetite for floating-rate debt has enabled heavily indebted companies to extract more concessions from lenders. The loan isnt the only way Musk has been trying to raise cash with SpaceX, which was founded in 2002 and last valued at about $28 billion. He also recently inquired with at least one bank about a personal loan tied to his stake in the Hawthorne-based company, a separate person with knowledge of the matter said. Representatives for Bank of America, Goldman Sachs and SpaceX declined to comment. Musk, 47, has a $24.6-billion fortune, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, split roughly between his stakes in Tesla and SpaceX. But for one of the richest people on the planet, hes relatively cash-poor. Musk doesnt take a salary from Tesla, and he repeatedly has gone to the market to buy the carmakers stock in a show of confidence in the company, which has never turned an annual profit. Musk has said the automaker will generate positive earnings going forward. Shares of Palo Alto, Calif.-based Tesla have jumped in recent weeks after a blowout quarter, reversing much of the damage done by Musks attempt to take the company private. His problematic claims to have secured funding and investor support to buy out investors for $420 a share culminated in a settlement with the Securities and Exchange Commission that bars him from serving as chairman for three years. Tesla picks an insider to be chairwoman, fueling doubt Elon Musk will be reined in Musk has indicated SpaceX wont go public until its flying to Mars. The entrepreneur also has other cash-hungry investments, including Boring Co., a start-up that aims to build high-speed tunnel networks using Hyperloop technology. A margin loan would be one way to unlock some of the wealth Musk has generated without selling equity and ceding control. For years, he has used his shares in Tesla to obtain personal loans. About 40% of his stake in the carmaker was pledged at the end of 2017, according to a filing. Although SpaceX is burning through cash, disclosures to potential lenders showed that the company had positive earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization of around $270 million for the 12 months through September, people with knowledge of the matter said. But thats because it included amounts that customers had prepaid and because it excluded costs related to non-core research and development, the people said. Without those adjustments, earnings for the period were negative, they said. The provision on additional debt that Bank of America accepted and is now marketing to investors has become standard in todays frothy loan market. And it may even be a little stricter than most. Still, many potential investors consider the loan to the rocket company risky. Bank of America agreed to arrange the SpaceX loan on whats known as a best-efforts basis, meaning that it didnt commit to fund it regardless of market appetite. But banks still must be conscious of regulatory scrutiny for the loans they arrange. Last month, a top Federal Reserve official fired off a rare public warning, saying that banks appear to be chasing increasingly dangerous deals and forgoing lender protections. The comments surprised Wall Street, which had been expecting lending guidelines to be watered down two years into the Trump administration. Scigliuzzo, Natarajan and Lee write for Bloomberg. Passengers with nut allergies soon will be able to board American Airlines flights early to give them time to wipe down their seats and tray tables to get rid of nut crumbs or dust. Food allergies have become a growing concern in the airline industry. In August. Southwest Airlines stopped serving peanuts to passengers, even though the snack had become a popular marketing gimmick for the Dallas carrier. American Airlines joins Delta, Southwest and United Airlines in allowing fliers with nut allergies to board early when they notify gate agents at the terminal. In addition, Delta has stopped in-flight service of foods that contain peanuts when a passenger who is allergic is on board. On those flights, attendants also make a cabin announcement, asking passengers not to open peanut packages they may have brought with them. Advertisement The new boarding policy at American Airlines begins Dec. 12. American said it no longer serves peanuts but cannot guarantee that passengers wont be exposed to peanuts or other tree nuts during a flight. We strongly encourage those with allergies to take all necessary medical precautions before flying, American Airlines spokesman Curtis Blessing said. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, a nonprofit advocacy group, praised the move by American Airlines, calling it overdue. We encourage all airlines to do the same, spokeswoman Angel Waldron said. She noted, however, that airlines face a tougher challenge addressing passengers who are allergic to animals while continuing to serve people who fly with service or emotional support animals. Waldron said both groups are protected by the Americans With Disabilities Act. A simple solution, she said, would be for airlines that are notified when they are carrying a passenger with animal allergies to seat that flier several rows away from the animal. hugo.martin@latimes.com To read more about the travel and tourism industries, follow @hugomartin on Twitter. The union that represents flight attendants for United Airlines is objecting to plans by the Chicago-based carrier to eliminate one flight attendant position on most of its long-haul international flights, starting in February. The airline says the move wont impact our customer experience and is meant to align Uniteds staffing levels and remain competitive with those of its rivals, Delta and American airlines, United spokesman Jonathan Guerin said. But the Assn. of Flight Attendants, which represents 50,000 flight attendants from 21 airlines, complains that one fewer flight attendant on each flight means a bigger workload for the remaining crew. It means fewer flight attendants to respond to medical emergencies, back each other up with aggressive passengers, maintain a safe space for everyone and follow through on addressing any issues of sexual assault or hostile situations, the group posted last week on its website. Advertisement The union said the airline is being run like a hedge fund, with a focus only on short-term gains. Under the change, United Airlines widebody international flights will operate with 10 flight attendants starting in February, down from the usual 11. Those flight attendants removed from the flights wont be fired but will be reassigned to other flights, Guerin said. One way the airline can reduce staffing is by preparing or pre-plating meals when planes are on the tarmac, instead of having a flight attendant do that task in the air. Guerin said the staffing change does not reflect any financial hardship at the airline. He said United plans to add up to 2,000 new flight attendants by 2019 to meet the growing demand for air travel. United Airlines employs 23,000 flight attendants. We want to continue to invest in the growth of the company, he said. hugo.martin@latimes.com To read more about the travel and tourism industries, follow @hugomartin on Twitter. DJ and music producer Aric Christopher has his Venice home up for sale at about $3.25 million. He bought the place in 2015 for $2.5 million. Located a block from the Venice canals, the walled and gated house dates to 1942 but was renovated and expanded within the last decade. A glass-paneled entry yields to an open-concept floor plan. Retracting walls of glass open to the backyard for indoor-outdoor living and entertaining. 1 / 13 Aric Christophers Venice home | Hot Property (Marc Angeles / Unlimited Style Real Estate Photography) 2 / 13 Aric Christophers Venice home | Hot Property (Marc Angeles / Unlimited Style Real Estate Photography) 3 / 13 Aric Christophers Venice home | Hot Property (Marc Angeles / Unlimited Style Real Estate Photography) 4 / 13 Aric Christophers Venice home | Hot Property (Marc Angeles / Unlimited Style Real Estate Photography) 5 / 13 Aric Christophers Venice home | Hot Property (Marc Angeles / Unlimited Style Real Estate Photography) 6 / 13 Aric Christophers Venice home | Hot Property (Marc Angeles / Unlimited Style Real Estate Photography) 7 / 13 Aric Christophers Venice home | Hot Property (Marc Angeles / Unlimited Style Real Estate Photography) 8 / 13 Aric Christophers Venice home | Hot Property (Marc Angeles / Unlimited Style Real Estate Photography) 9 / 13 Aric Christophers Venice home | Hot Property (Marc Angeles / Unlimited Style Real Estate Photography) 10 / 13 Aric Christophers Venice home | Hot Property (Marc Angeles / Unlimited Style Real Estate Photography) 11 / 13 Aric Christophers Venice home | Hot Property (Marc Angeles / Unlimited Style Real Estate Photography) 12 / 13 Aric Christophers Venice home | Hot Property (Marc Angeles / Unlimited Style Real Estate Photography) 13 / 13 Aric Christophers Venice home | Hot Property (Marc Angeles / Unlimited Style Real Estate Photography) Advertisement Among details of note is a living/dining room outfitted with a wall fireplace. The chefs kitchen has bar seating and stainless steel appliances. There are three bedrooms and three bathrooms including master and junior suites with custom closets and treetop views. Outside, the relaxed atmosphere is enhanced by lush landscaping, an outdoor fireplace and market lights. A mural painted by Venice artist KFiSH adorns an entrance to the property. Christopher often collaborates with fellow DJ Tavis Wild under the stage name Happen.Stance. The duo has performed shows in Las Vegas, San Francisco, New York City and the Burning Man festival in Nevadas Black Rock Desert. Shaun Alan-Lee of Pacific Union International holds the listing. neal.leitereg@latimes.com | Twitter: @LATHotProperty Sears Holdings Corp. is closing 40 additional Sears and Kmart stores by February 2019, including two in Southern California, the company announced this week. The announcement comes less than a month after the company once the United States dominant retailer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Since the Oct. 14 bankruptcy filing, Sears has announced 182 store closures. Two of the stores set to close by February are in California: the Sears at La Cumbre Plaza in Santa Barbara and the Kmart at 26471 Ynez Road in Temecula. All told, the company has announced the closure of 18 Sears and Kmart stores in the state since its bankruptcy filing. Liquidation sales at the stores shutting by February will begin late next week, and Sears Auto stores at these locations will also close, the company said. Advertisement Sears bankruptcy filing came after decades of decline. In the last five years, it posted losses of $6.8 billion as annual sales plummeted from $36.2 billion in fiscal 2013 to just $16.7 billion in fiscal 2017. Under the management of hedge-fund billionaire Edward Lampert who remains the companys majority stockholder and major creditor after stepping down as its chief executive in the wake of the bankruptcy filing Sears slashed its retail footprint and workforce in an effort to keep afloat as sales declined. Since 2013, the Hoffman Estates, Ill., company has closed more than 1,000 stores and cut its workforce from 226,000 employees to 89,000 this February, a number that continues to decline as additional stores shut their doors. The company also sold off many of its most valuable assets in order to raise cash. In 2014, Lampert spun out the clothing manufacturer Lands End into a separate company, becoming its biggest shareholder. In 2015, he sold 235 of the companys prime retail locations to Seritage, a real estate investment trust he created for the deal, raising $2.7 billion for Sears Holdings in the process. And last year, Sears sold its Craftsman tool brand to power-tool company Stanley Black & Decker for $900 million. But it wasnt enough. As part of its bankruptcy petition, Sears banks agreed to provide a so-called debtor-in-possession loan of $300 million, and is negotiating an additional $300 million in financing from Lamperts hedge fund, ESL Investments Inc., to help keep the company alive as it restructures. Lampert has said that the storied retail chain still has a future as a smaller, less-indebted company. But as the former retail kingpins big-box body count continues to climb, analysts told The Times that Sears runs the risk of going the way of Toys R Us Inc., which had hoped to reorganize under Chapter 11 but ended up liquidating this year. sam.dean@latimes.com Follow me on Twitter: @samaugustdean Our performing-arts recommendations for this weekend include a mythologically-inspired evening under the stars, a ballet based on a classic of Spanish literature, and an acclaimed cellist tackling some serious Bach. Also, a pre-Veterans Day salute to armed- forces members, stories from one L.A. neighborhood told in dance, and a powerhouse vocal group from Zimbabwe. The nighttime is the rite time L.A.-based junkyard opera company Four Larks is back with its latest work, katabasis. This immersive, site-specific performance piece inspired by the current Getty Villa exhibition Underworld: Imagining the Afterlife is part nocturnal processional and part Orphic mystery rite so comfy shoes and warm clothing are most definitely recommended. Getty Villa, 17985 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades. 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; other dates through Nov. 17. $25. www.getty.edu (Note: The Friday, Nov. 9, performance of katabasis has been cancelled due to fire conditions) From Russia, with passion St. Petersburgs Mikhailovsky Ballet returns to the O.C. with Don Quixote. Principal dancers Ivan Vasiliev and Victor Lebedev share the role of the love-sick barber Basilio in this full-length work based on episodes from Cervantes classic 17th-century tale of chivalry and romance in medieval Spain. Segerstrom Center, Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 1 p.m. Sunday. $29 and up. www.scfta.org Advertisement Angelina Vorontsova and Ivan Vasiliev are featured in Mikhailovsky Ballets presentation of Don Quixote at Segerstrom Center. (Jack Devant) Rosined up and ready to go Cellist and MacArthur genius grant recipient Alisa Weilerstein comes to town for a one-night-only solo recital featuring not one, not two, but all six of Bachs Cello Suites. Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Bram Goldsmith Theater, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. 7:30 p.m. Friday. $45$95. www.TheWallis.org Cellist Alisa Weilerstein will perform Bachs Cello Suites at the Wallis on Friday. (Paul Stuart) Veterans, in their own words Annette Bening, Ed Asner, Veeps Gary Cole and Days of Our Lives Kate Mansi take part in a pre-Veterans Day presentation of If All the Sky Were Paper. This work created by author Andrew Carroll and presented with live score, features dramatic readings of the personal correspondence of U.S. armed forces personnel, their family members and others, from the Revolutionary War up through more recent conflicts. Musco Center for the Arts, Chapman University, 1 University Drive, Orange. 7:30 p.m. Saturday. $25-$65; discounts available for veterans. www.muscocenter.org Annette Bening will take part in a performance of If All the Sky Were Paper at the Musco Center. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times) Jumping for joy in Long Beach L.A.-based urban Latin dance-theatre company Contra-Tiempo presents joyUS justUS, an evening-length celebration of resistance and resilience inspired by the stories of residents of South Los Angeles. Features live music by East L.A.s Las Cafeteras. Read our feature on the company here. Carpenter Performing Arts Center, 6200 E. Atherton St., Long Beach. 8 p.m. Saturday. $50. www.carpenterarts.org Contra-Tiempo dance company brings the evening-length work joyUS justUS to the Carpenter Center in Long Beach. (Steve Wylie) A joyful noise in O.C., L.A. Nobuntu, an all-female a capella vocal quintet from Zimbabwe, will draw from a wide-ranging repertoire that includes traditional African music, gospel and jazz in performances at two separate venues this weekend. Soka Performing Arts Center, 1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo. 8 p.m. Friday. $26, $30. www.soka.edu. Also at the Broad Stage, 1310 11th St., Santa Monica. 7:30 p.m. Saturday. $40 and up. www.thebroadstage.org Zimbabwean vocal ensemble Nobuntu is slated for shows at Soka University and the Broad Stage. (Werner Puntigam) UPDATES: 10:38 p.m.: This article was updated with the cancellation of the Friday, Nov. 9, performance of Four Larks katabasis at the Getty Villa. The six paintings by George Rouy at Steve Turner are steeped in art history. The British painters full-figured subjects evoke the rounded, fleshy forms of Fernando Botero or the streamlined shapes of sculptor Henry Moore. Executed in subtle gradations of one or two colors and stretching to the edges of their rectangular canvases, they nod to the flatness of monochrome painting. Reaching further back, their impossibly twisted and intertwined bodies evoke the sinuous, anatomically incorrect contortions of Jean August Dominique Ingres La Grande Odalisque. In addition to these stylistic references, the paintings also turn familiar subjects from Western art history on their heads, charting a certain ambivalence about sex and intimacy in the process. In Crushed, two figures tangle with a swan in a vague blue space. The bodies of all three are so entwined, it is impossible to tell whose limbs are whose. A large arm grips the drooping swans neck suggestively its unclear whether the bird is alive or dead. The painting is reminiscent of an oft-depicted Greek myth in which the god Zeus, in the form of a swan, rapes the princess Leda. But this ensemble is a threesome, with apparently lethal consequences for the swan. Posing in Our Image evokes the biblical story of Doubting Thomas. One of Christs apostles, Thomas refused to believe his resurrection without first probing his wounds. Rouys version instead depicts a woman fingering a slit in her own torso, her doubting arm supported by the hand of another figure whose eyes are closed in blind faith or ecstasy. Here the drama of trust and proof is turned inward in self-exploration. Advertisement A more quotidian struggle appears in Gentle Refusal. Two figures, again impossibly intertwined in bed, appear engaged in a calm detente. The figure on the left reaches for an embrace in her sleep as the figure on the right, gazing out at the viewer, pushes her head away. Executed in rich shades of red against an electric-blue background, the image captures the dusky miasma of half-conscious desire held in tension with anothers denial. At the same time that Rouys figures seem to blend into one another, they also refuse that intimate merger. They toe the wavering line between self and other, a line whose crossing could mean connection or obliteration. Steve Turner, 6830 Santa Monica Blvd., (323) 460-6830, through Dec. 8. Closed Sunday and Monday. www.steveturner.la In Luis Valdezs Valley of the Heart, two immigrant families one of Mexican heritage, the other of Japanese are living side by side on a Northern California farm at the start of World War II. Their lives become entwined not just through marriage but through the plight of new Americans forced to overcome painful obstacles and setbacks in their adopted country. Valdez, author of Zoot Suit, a landmark drama that helped launch the Chicano theater movement, is back at the Mark Taper Forum to tackle another chapter of immigrant history in California. The story of Japanese American internment is at the heart of Valley of the Heart, which opened Wednesday in a production directed by Valdez with his customary verve and wide political embrace. The play resembles at times a graphic novel brought to the stage. The characters and the dialogue have all the realism of a historical cartoon. But what is lost in subtlety of detail is partly gained in breadth of perspective. Valdez tells an epic tale about immigrant travails that speaks directly to todays controversies without having to name them. When he wants to point out a contemporary irony, his habit is to crack a joke. Theres little need to stand on a soapbox and hector audiences about the plays relevance. For as much as the cultures and languages of newcomers may change, the struggle to become part of the American patchwork remains the same. Advertisement Melanie Arii Mah as Thelma Yamaguchi in a scene from Luis Valdez Valley of the Heart at the Mark Taper Forum. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) Love binds the story. Benjamin Montano (a charismatic Lakin Valdez) is the son of Cayetano (Daniel Valdez), a sharecropper on the farm owned by Ichiro Yamaguchi (Randall Nakano), father of the lovely, independent-minded Thelma (Melanie Arii Mah). Ben and Thelma cant stop noticing each other as they go about their business on the farm. Ichiro and his wife, Hana (Joy Osmanski), would like to see Thelma marry Calvin Sakamoto (Scott Keiji Takeda), a college friend of their son, Yoshi (Justin Chien). But attraction follows its own laws, and its not long before frisky Ben and Thelma have no choice but to get married. As forbidden love develops, history comes barreling in. When Paula (Rose Portillo), Bens mother, rushes in to tell her family about the radio report shes just heard about an attack on Pearl Harbor, no one suspects just how much life on the farm is about to change. Thelma and her family are forced by the government to relocate to a series of horrible internment camps. Ben and his family, which includes his brother, Tito (Moises Castro) and his sister, Maruca (Christy Sandoval), take over the farm and the Yamaguchi house. The playwright doesnt probe all that deeply into the resentments between the families beyond the issue of interracial marriage. But he does dramatize the disparate effects of the war on these different communities opportunity for one, hell for another. Tragedy, however, has a way of uniting folks, and theres no shortage of devastating news during this period when freedom is under fire at home and abroad. Valley of the Heart sometimes seems to be shaped along the lines of a soap opera. Its not just that theres so much momentous action. Valdez adopts an and then this happened approach to the storytelling. The plot swells like an old-fashioned novel, and with so much material the broadly drawn characters can get lost in the shuffle. The staging, however, moves with a lyrical fluidity. In many ways, Valdezs direction is more theatrically resourceful, not to say daringly imaginative, than his playwriting. The use of stage assistants draped from head to toe in black lends the proceedings a Kabuki touch. The mix of aesthetics might seem ill-considered, but Valdez manages a melting pot style that is consummately American. John Iacovellis set is a masterpiece of its kind. It vividly makes space for two households while accommodating Valdezs quicksilver sensibility. Japanese screens serve as a backdrop for David Murakamis poetic projections, which situate us geographically as well as historically. The production design (enhanced by Pablo Santiagos lighting) gracefully encapsulates the sweep of Valdezs dramatic vision. That vision isnt about the psychology of the characters or even the quality of the acting, which is variable. Valdezs focus is on the American story, which is to say on the story of immigrants. Politics informs the narrative path, but the overriding agenda is one of compassion and common humanity. The play is an oasis from cable news. Bridging differences has always been difficult and hobbled by injustice, as the experiences of the Montanos and Yamaguchis remind us. But at a time when refugees are being scapegoated for partisan political ends, Valley of the Heart celebrates diversity as the true ingredient of Americas enduring greatness. Valley of the Heart Where: Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave. L.A. When: 8 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, 2:30 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sundays; ends Dec. 9 (call for exceptions) Tickets: $30-$99 (subject to change) Info: (213) 628-2772 or centertheatregroup.org Running time: 2 hours, 35 minutes (including intermission) charles.mcnulty@latimes.com Follow me @charlesmcnulty Theres a scene in the new film Beautiful Boy in which Steve Carell, playing a father checking his crystal meth-addicted son (Timothee Chalamet) into what looks like an expensive rehab facility, whips out a credit card to pay for the boys stay. Its one of many moments when you realize that, at least in the movies, the ways in which affluent families and their less financially flush counterparts deal with drug addiction is worlds apart. Depictions of drug use among poorer people often revolve around chaotic, often violent street drug scenes involving heroin, crack and crystal meth, says Harry Shapiro, author of Shooting Stars: Drugs, Hollywood and the Movies. Among poorer families, drug use is often more closely linked to poverty and deprivation, maybe also an income stream. And, of course, lack of access to treatment, usually presented as a very expensive rehab. With higher income groups, he says, the back story, where all material needs are taken care of, tends to do more with family dysfunction, divorce, emotional distance, kids for whatever reason feel they are out of place. In most movies, addiction is more often a trope where the audience is meant to understand the addiction as the social cues around the person, adds Emily Feinstein of the Center on Addiction, a New York-based nonprofit. That relates to the drug and the class and race of the group. So you have the shocking narrative, in a movie like Traffic (the 2000 film in which judge Michael Douglas daughter is freebasing cocaine) how could people with money be reduced to this? How could someone with all this potential do all this crazy stuff? Advertisement Actress Erika Christensen, left, snorts drugs as Topher Grace works on a laptop computer in a scene from Traffic. (Bob Marshak / USA Films) Movies about drugs tend to fall into three very broad categories: the crime flick, a la The French Connection; the drugs in the ghetto film, often interchangeable with crime movies, such as 1991s New Jack City and 2007s American Gangster, and the people with money doing a lot of cocaine drama, which ranges from The Wolf of Wall Street to Clean and Sober (a 1988 production with Michael Keaton as a cocaine-addicted real estate salesman) to Traffic. Luke Davies, who wrote the Beautiful Boy screenplay and says he is a former heroin user, says in an email interview that addiction is like a cyclone, it doesnt play favorites. Money means there are moments when you can maneuver a problem in a certain direction, for a while. So [in Beautiful Boy entering rehab] its less chaos for a moment. But those respites dont make it any less horrific when the cyclone bears down again. No matter what the social class, most experts think the movies do a pretty poor job in portraying drug usage and addiction. One problem is time, says Shapiro. Most films are no longer than two hours, and the film needs a central character. You only have time to see the outcomes of addiction, the dramatic injecting scenes and so on, and the narrative telescopes down to one of individual pathology. Most movies fail to portray addiction as a disease, adds Feinstein. This is a disease that changes your brain, your personality. And you dont often see relapse in the movies, and relapse is part of recovery. From left to right, Julia Roberts and Lucas Hedges in Ben Is Back. (Mark Schafer / LD Ent. / Roadside Attractions) Davies, an Australian who wrote Candy, a 2006 film in which two young middle-class lovers (Heath Ledger and Abbie Cornish) descend into heroin addiction, says most drug films consist of a lineage of deeply embedded cliches. The other is untrustworthy foreigners, people of color, working-class lowlifes and the uneducated. The middle-class kids are just having a rough trot. In fact, if Beautiful Boy is any indication, middle-class and affluent kids seem to have a lot of advantages. Carell, who plays a very successful writer (the film is based on a true story), can not only afford to pay for rehab, but can fly across the country to take care of his son after he overdoses, and has the education and wherewithal to research addiction on the internet. Plus there is always a place to come home to (the same situation applies in Ben Is Back, opening in December, in which recovering addict Lucas Hedges returns to his middle-class home). Overall, when films about addiction get it right, says Feinstein, They are good at showing you how bad it can get, how it can damage your relationships, you can lose your job, lose your life. Good depictions, adds Davies, also show the clash between a characters good intentions and their compulsions. And yet, says Shapiro, addiction is a highly complex physical/psychological/environmental social phenomenon, which films will always struggle to adequately explain, so we are often left with oversimplistic depictions. Which doesnt mean the movies themselves as stories arent moving and compelling. calendar@latimes.com As the Woolsey fire topped 35,000 acres Friday and the mandatory evacuation list approached 250,000 homes, celebrities from communities including Calabasas, Malibu and elsewhere found themselves in the thick of those forced from their homes. Like their tens of thousands of fellow evacuees were doing, famous folks such as Alyssa Milano and Guillermo del Toro gave status updates and expressed their thanks. On her Instagram stories, Lady Gaga posted photos of her evacuating her Malibu home. Caitlyn Jenner wasnt as lucky, with TMZ reporting Friday that she had lost her home as the fire spread across the hills of Malibu. Bleak House and the collection may be endangered but the gift of life remains, director Del Toro tweeted Friday after following the fires progress and evacuating on Thursday night. He was referring to his home, which holds myriad monsters and oddities. Advertisement Actors Milano, Rainn Wilson and Eddie McClintock, and musician Melissa Etheridge all found themselves displaced on Thursday as well. READ MORE: Ready for an evacuation? Heres what to pack Pulling out of my driveway with my two big dogs in the back, actress Roma Downey tweeted Friday morning. Malibu fire evacuation. Please pray for our community and the safety of our first responders. On Instagram, she posted a photo showing a clear blue sky with a billowing gray plume of smoke. Pray for Calabasas, Kim Kardashian West said Thursday night in an Instagram story, where she posted several short video clips. Just landed back home and had 1 hour to pack up and evacuate our home. I pray everyone is safe. On Friday, Kanye West, Kardashians husband, updated his Twitter feed, saying, Thank you for everyones prayers. Our family is safe and close. Later in the day, after news came out that their home had been threatened by the fire, Kardashian tweeted again. I heard the flames have hit our property at our home in Hidden Hills but now are more contained and have stopped at the moment. It doesnt seems like it is getting worse right now, I just pray the winds are in our favor, Kardashian said. God is good. Im just praying everyone is safe. I just had to evacuate my home from the fires. I took my kids, dogs, computer and my Doc Marten boots. (Husband is in NY. Horses are being evacuated by my trainer.) Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) November 9, 2018 My House has been evacuated due to nearby fires in Thousand Oaks. (The pigs & dogs are fine, thank you) Please send your prayers to the people of Thousand Oaks and the victims of the shooting that are now having to evacuate their homes and neighborhoods. Then send them some cash. RainnWilson (@rainnwilson) November 9, 2018 Pulling out of my driveway with my two big dogs in the back . Malibu fire evacuation . Please pray for our community and the safety of our first responders #malibufire #evacuation #pray https://t.co/s0BuqO4Un1 Roma Downey (@RealRomaDowney) November 9, 2018 Thats it. Weve been evacuated from Old Agoura. Things just got real. Damn. Eddie cClintock (@EddieMcClintock) November 9, 2018 Evacuated last night. Bleak House and the collection may be endangered but the gift of life remains. Thousand Oaks and Agoura are still in danger. Malibu is being evacuated. Guillermo del Toro (@RealGDT) November 9, 2018 Well, well, as if life needed to get more interesting...we have a mandatory evacuation of our home due to the #Woolseyfire . We have gone to a hotel in Santa Monica where we will stay until we can return. Send love and strength to our amazing California firefighters. #safe Melissa Etheridge (@metheridge) November 9, 2018 Thank you for everyones prayers. Our family is safe and close ye (@kanyewest) November 9, 2018 I heard the flames have hit our property at our home in Hidden Hills but now are more contained and have stopped at the moment. It doesnt seems like it is getting worse right now, I just pray the winds are in our favor. God is good. Im just praying everyone is safe Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) November 9, 2018 ALSO Gunfire, smoke and flames weigh heavily on these Westlake Village residents In just hours, notification center for families of Thousand Oaks shooting victims becomes a shelter for fire evacuees L.A. Zoo evacuates animals as Griffith Park fire jumps to 30 acres cdz@latimes.com @theCDZ on Twitter and Instagram UPDATES: 9:10 p.m.: This story was updated with the latest fire acreage and evacuations. 2:55 p.m.: This story was updated with additional information about celebrities evacuating their homes. The story was originally pubished at 1:05 p.m. Wrapping up a final dress rehearsal on Wednesday night, Gabrielle Reublin was optimistic about the shows sold-out opening the following day. A senior at California Lutheran University, she and her seven fellow student actors had been rehearsing their staging of columbinus, which centers on the Columbine High School massacre in Littleton, Colo., nearly 20 years ago. They were getting notes from their director suggestions about how to make the truth they were telling even more resonant for their local Thousand Oaks audience when their phones were suddenly flooded by calls, texts and news alerts. A gunman had opened fire on their local bar, killing 12 people. We were all in shock together, Reublin said. Before this, wed come to the show, get into it, and feel all of these horrible things, and then wed be able to go home and separate ourselves from this reality and wed be OK. But now, theres no line and were feeling this constantly now, she added. Its literally so close to home, and theres people we know who are involved. Its so hard. Advertisement The actors spent the rest of the night consoling one another, checked on friends and called their parents to tell them they were safe. Early Thursday morning, sophomore Victoria Karr was in the school chapel when a crew member of the play informed her that the school administration had canceled the first weekends performances of columbinus. At press deadline on Friday afternoon, decisions were still being made about the second weekends shows (Nov. 15-18). A rehearsal for California Lutheran Universitys student play columbinus. (Joshua Clabaugh) RELATED: After Thousand Oaks tragedy, Cal Lutheran University cancels performances of Columbine-centric play On Thursday afternoon, the cast and crew gathered in the theater department, in the same room where they had their first table read. They discussed the fate of their play, which was set to be followed by post-show conversations with its director and actors, as well as faculty members from the universitys psychology and criminal justice departments. Should they reschedule the run for the spring instead? Would it ever be appropriate, or even possible, to perform the show? We all agreed that now, more than ever, we have to tell this story, said Jordan Erickson, a junior who has lived in Thousand Oaks his entire life. Thousand Oaks is well, I mean, I guess it was considered one of the safest cities in the country. In light of recent events, this story is even more important to share with the people of this community. We as a group have gone through so much to put this play on, he went on, and we believe that theater can be used as therapy, a way to express our grief through the show and honor the people who lost their lives that night. Not every actor was on board with this decision at first. I was having some pretty serious second thoughts about doing it, because I gotta do and say a lot of really, really gross stuff, for an audience thats affected by something so eerily similar, said Jonathan Irwin, a sophomore who portrays one of the Columbine shooters in the play. But talking with the cast and realizing the importance, it changed my opinion, he continued. This show is blunt and truthful, and it doesnt really give you any room to breathe. It will force the audience to acknowledge that these things happened and are happening and are still problems. The piece in question a 2005 documentary drama written by The Humans playwright Stephen Karam and the late PJ Paparelli depicts the tragic events of Columbine on April 20, 1999, as well as its aftermath. It draws from police evidence, excerpts from the two shooters journals and interviews with parents, survivors and Littleton community leaders to illuminate the realities of Americas adolescent culture. People enter a vigil at the Samuelson Chapel on the Campus of Cal Lutheran University for the victims of the Borderline Bar and Grill shooting on Thursday. (Patrick T. Fallon / For The Times) RELATED: He was a bouncer, she loved music, he wanted to join the Army these are the victims of the Borderline shooting The cast plans to appeal to the administration by penning a letter, urging that the second weekends performances continue as scheduled, and are more necessary than ever. Theyve prepared for performances by watching documentaries, survivor interviews and news coverage on the 1999 massacre, as well as keeping up to date with the latest tragedies. While the appeal process isnt clear especially as some members of the cast have had to evacuate because of the Woolsey fire the ensemble remains devoted to putting on their performances. I feel humbled by the commitment these folks have made to the show and the material, said Brett Elliot, the plays director. The reason for even doing this play in the first place is to get the conversation going, so that hopefully we can figure out what the hell is going on and why it keeps recurring. I hope we get a chance to continue this discussion in this way, with this play. ashley.lee@latimes.com Twitter: @cashleelee Throughout his film career, director David Mackenzie has bounced unpredictably among genres and styles, from the somber 2003 drama Young Adam to the 2009 sex comedy Spread to the 2011 sci-fi film Perfect Sense. The idea of repeating old ground feels unattractive to me, he says. Each film has to feel like its a new journey. Now, on the heels of his biggest success the 2016 crime thriller Hell or High Water, which earned a best picture Oscar nomination Mackenzie, 52, has taken a journey seven centuries into the past, retelling one of the most important stories in his native Scotlands history with his latest movie, Outlaw King. Advertisement Opening today in select theaters and also streaming on Netflix, Outlaw King chronicles the rise of Robert the Bruce (Chris Pine), the Scottish ruler who waged a guerrilla war in the 14th century against a far larger English army. Epic in scope and punctuated by muddy, bloody battles, the film has drawn inevitable comparisons to Mel Gibsons 1995 hit Braveheart, which told a different version of the story of the Scottish Wars of Independence and won the best picture Oscar despite criticisms over its historical inaccuracies. Mackenzie spoke with The Times about bringing a sense of gritty realism to medieval Scotland, his issues with Braveheart and why he was happy to make a big-scale epic for Netflix. Director David Mackenzie from the film Outlaw King, photographed in the L.A. Times Photo and Video Studio at the Toronto International Film Festival, in Toronto, Canada, on Sept. 07, 2018 (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times) What was the initial germ of this movie? This was a project Ive had floating around for a few years. Id been waiting to do something in the medieval world that was a little bit more detailed and less mythological, to try to remove some of the tropes of medieval life and relate some of the physicality of what that world must have been like and this great Scottish story had been in the ether for a while. I dont really like to say it, but everyone in Scotland feels that Braveheart somehow or other misinterpreted the story and that Robert the Bruce was given short shrift in that version. That sense of needing to right the wrongs of that film was somewhere in the back of my mind as well. I dont really want to stand in opposition to that film the two films exist 20 years apart, with different sentimentalities, different methods of filmmaking, all sorts of differences. Initially, I tried not to even think of it, but I realize now its kind of the elephant in the room. Aside from Braveheart, for todays audiences, a lot of their sense of this kind of world comes, in a more fantastical way, from Game of Thrones. That was one of the challenges of the film: to stop that fantasy element and all those tropes from creeping in. I was always calling our film an anti-fantasy film. With the production design, the costumes and all of that, I said: Lets not use our imaginations here. Lets look at what we can of the evidence of what life was like. We were looking at tapestries and drawings and even things that came out of [peat] bogs. We were never going for that maximalist, fantastical extravaganza kind of thing. We wanted to demythologize these things and try to get under the skin of them. Robert the Bruce is a hugely important figure in Scottish history, but Chris Pine is not Scottish. Were you concerned going into the film that there would be an extra level of scrutiny and maybe skepticism from people in Scotland about his performance? In the course of the long genesis of the movie, there were all sorts of people we thought about, but when it came close to the film becoming a reality, it was very easy to settle on Chris. Hes got a great physical presence and great sensitivity, and hes able to delve underneath the surface of nuanced characters. The first minister of Scotland [Nicola Sturgeon] saw the film the other day, and she tweeted what a great movie she thought it was and how wonderful Chris accent was. A lot of people in Scotland are saying that, as far as theyre concerned, his accent is the best non-Scottish version of a Scottish accent theyve ever come across. Its a hard accent to do. It doesnt come easy to a lot of people. But Chris did a really great job. Chris Pine in a scene from the movie Outlaw King. (David Eustace / Netfix) The battle sequences in this film have a real sense of chaos and savagery. How did you approach orchestrating that kind of mayhem? We were trying to go for that sense of brutality, of violence that is short and messy and not very nice. Its not sexy and smooth and balletic. Its definitely not my interest to glorify violence, and I felt it was extremely necessary to show a real sense of what the sort of blunt force of medieval warfare must have been like. We choreographed the action but not in a way that it was aestheticized it was more to make it very raw and immediate. We were helped by the fact that the environment we were in became very muddy and had that kind of slippery quality. That makes it harder to do, because you have to be careful of peoples safety, but it does give a sense of the muck and blood and general chaos of it. You went back and significantly re-edited the film after it premiered at the Toronto Film Festival in September. Why? Well, I rushed the film for Toronto because we wanted to put it out on a big platform. I would have loved to have called it a work-in-progress, but I thought that would be a rude thing to say. But when I saw the film there, I wasnt happy with it, so I wanted to go back and do my best to fix it. It was really a case of going back in and scratching a few of my own itches. We only had about a week and a half to do it, and I ended up cutting about 22 minutes. I think the film plays a lot better and Im happy with it now. This is an epic film that is clearly intended to be seen on a big screen and not on an iPad. In your early conversations with Netflix, did they give you the confidence that theyd give it a serious theatrical push? Yeah, that was very much what they said. Ive really enjoyed the experience of working with them. Theyre very filmmaker-friendly, and it just feels like a very exciting place to be now. I dont know how many studios would be making a film on this level of ambition that wasnt a kind of superhero movie or that sort of thing. Its a film that was made for a sense of big scale and obviously, Im delighted for anyone to watch it on as big a scale as they can. My ideal scenario is to imagine Netflix having their own theater chain and putting out movies that, if you want to watch them on the big screen, you can, and if you want to watch them at home, you can do that too. It seems like thats a logical thing. Theres no real reason why that shouldnt happen. This movie clearly shows you can work on a huge canvas with a big budget. Would the idea of taking on something like a comic-book movie or another type of giant studio franchise film appeal to you? Id prefer to be the person starting the franchise rather than the person following in the footsteps of the franchise. Im not sure how much I could get into the idea of having to embrace so many things that are already set up. Obviously, it depends on the project and what it is. But Im definitely into the idea of making big-scale films. I really enjoyed the wider parameters of this film and the opportunities it gave me as a filmmaker. Thats something Id love to have another chance at. REVIEW: Chris Pine stars in the ripsnorting Netflix epic Outlaw King josh.rottenberg@latimes.com Twitter: @joshrottenberg I love Hanson. Yes, the band Hanson, with brothers Isaac, Taylor and Zac. It is 1997, I am 12 years old and I am not allowed to wear makeup, no matter how much I protest. And Hansons first single, MMMBop, is the hit of the summer. But Hanson is not popular the way the Backstreet Boys are popular. Theyre from Tulsa, Okla., theyre very religious (read: wholesome) and, as the boys in my sixth-grade class always say, their long hair makes them look like girls. Advertisement A few Saturdays ago, I was 12 again. Hanson yes, theyre still touring played the Greek Theatre. But as I made my way to my seat, I was dismayed to notice a sea of empty red rows in the balcony. I was suddenly a tween on the defensive again, and I felt the urge to defend the band to curse everyone who didnt understand how great they were. Of course, everyone who was at the Greek felt like kin, other women in their 30s wearing faded Hanson T-shirts from the 1990s. The chosen few who really get Hanson. Most people dont even know theyve been making music for the past two decades. Wait, Hanson is still a thing? the clueless ones ask. What do they even play after MMMBop? Plenty. Hansons new tour is called String Theory, because theyre performing each show with a 46-piece orchestra in every city they visit. Collaborating with Academy Award-winning arranger David Campbell, theyve reimagined old songs and written new ones specifically to play with a symphony. (An album of the same name was released Friday.) This is Hanson saying: Were grown-up now. Yes, well play MMMBop for you, but its going to be mellower, were nixing the drums and adding violins. No more pushing or shrieking or fainting. You may remain in your seats, and your ears wont ring the next day. Well even give you an intermission. In other words, this is exactly the kind of concert you want to attend as a 32-year-old. Except that for me, part of loving Hanson is loving the memory of who I was when I became their fan: an outsider who found kindred spirits in a band that wasnt quite mainstream. Best friends, best fans I was in sixth grade when I became a Hanson fan, and I wasnt cool. I had Harry Potter glasses and desperately wanted to hang out with the girls who bought all their clothes at Express. But there was one girl in my class who loved Hanson too: Julia. She had braces and really wanted to be friends with me, which, naturally, meant I did not want to be friends with her. But when our class took a field trip to Plimoth Plantation, we ended up sitting next to each other on the school bus. She had brought Hansons album, Middle of Nowhere, so we each took an earphone and listened on her Discman. Hanson bonded us. Every weekend, we had sleepovers during which we devoted all of our time to obsessing over the band. We made VHS tapes with recordings of all of their television appearances. We crafted collages of them from the pictures we found in Bop and SuperTeen magazines. We read and wrote fan fiction about them. We chatted about them on America Online, where my screen name was AmyZac. And on June 26, 1998, we went to our first concert ever together: a Hanson show. Which is why, when Julia moved to Los Angeles this past summer, the first thing I imagined us doing together was going to a Hanson concert. Since graduating from high school, weve lived on opposite sides of the country. While my Hanson fandom has never wavered, its something Ive had to enjoy mostly in private. Ive been to a number of their shows in town and even interviewed them for this paper but always alone. So when I saw Hanson was coming to town in October, I told her to mark down the date on her calendar. Twenty years after seeing them for the first time, we would once again come together for our favorite band. Part of loving Hanson is loving the memory of who I was when I became their fan: An outsider who found kindred spirits in a band that wasnt quite mainstream. In anticipation of the show, I pulled my old Hanson binder out of storage. Filled with hundreds of sheet protectors, the binder contains every important piece of band-related memorabilia I own. I saved the ticket stub for that first show $28.50 plus a $5 service fee along with one of my earplugs and silly string Hanson sprayed at the audience. There is also a photo of Julia and me before the show. It is distorted because it was taken on a disposable camera, but you can still see that we wore matching Roxy tank tops. I also wore a necklace that I got at a street market in downtown Boston: A glass heart containing a grain of rice floating in oil. One side of the rice says Amy; the other side says Zac. I called my mom back in Massachusetts to see what she could recall about the momentous day in our lives, since she had to escort us to the show. The details she remembered, however, werent particularly revelatory. She said there was a lot of traffic and the parking lot was endless. Lots of kids apparently arrived in limousines. She liked the music more than she expected to, but there were so many screaming girls that she was legitimately concerned she might go deaf. For Julia and I, of course, the night still conjures deep emotion. Toward the end of the concert, we left our seats and attempted to get as close as possible to the stage. The brothers kept leaning into the audience from the stage and touching concertgoers hands. Zac threw some of his drumsticks into the crowd, and Taylor kept spraying his water bottle on the audience. But we just couldnt get through, Julia recalled. And then we tried to find their tour bus, but theyd left. It somehow ended as the worst night of our lives. We didnt meet them or randomly get pulled backstage like in one of our fan fiction stories. I remember you saying: Were never going to meet them. Reader, I was obviously very over dramatic, and very wrong. Hanson with strings This past Saturday, Julia picked me up at 7 p.m. to drive to the Greek. When we arrived at will call, I picked up our tickets and found two VIP passes inside the envelope. A note explained that the pass would grant us access to a special lounge where the after party would take place. Julia, I said, handing over the sticker, this probably means were going to meet them. She took a deep breath, the thought almost incomprehensible. At promptly 8 oclock, Hanson walked onstage. They explained the ethos behind String Theory how the project was a symbol of reaching for the crazy dream. Then the show began. And being with Julia, I could get into the music. We harmonized to the songs weve known for years and analyzed the lyrics to the new songs. We danced in the aisles and posted videos to Instagram and may or may not have screamed their names a few times. Ive never done Ecstasy, Julia said when the two-hour set finished, but this has gotta be what its like to come off a drug. Hanson with the Colorado Symphony at Boettcher Concert Hall in Denver. (Rebecca Sarkar) At the risk of saying something I probably shouldnt, I think were a band that has always been underestimated. Zac Hanson After waiting in vain for an encore, we decided to wander over to the after-party space: An indoor-outdoor lounge filled with cookies and twinkly lights. We found a corner seat and tried to act like we werent watching the door like hawks. I told Julia that when Hanson arrived, I was going to approach them to ask a couple of questions about the show, and that she should come with me. Zac entered first, then Taylor, with all five of his children and his pregnant wife in tow. He was holding the hand of his 6-year-old, a redhead named Wilhelmina. Even though we seemed to be in a somewhat exclusive space, the guys were immediately surrounded by fans asking for selfies. Julia and I lurked in the background, not wanting to look like desperate fangirls but still feeling like them. We decided to approach Isaac first. I asked him how he thought Hanson had evolved since the days when Julia and I first started listening to them. He explained that this tour was about doing something really boldly different, noting that the group visualized the set almost like a movie. Julia, left, and Amy at Hansons show at the Greek Theatre on Oct. 18. (Amy Kaufman) Its definitely different for us, and its intentionally different, he said, explaining the shows more mature vibe. Were painting with bold colors in this show. You cant come to this show and just think its a pop show. Its a musical. Roughly an hour later, when there were only two people around Zac instead of 15, we decided to walk over to him. We were somewhat more nervous to talk to him because he was the member of the band who was our exact age, and when youre 12, that means hes the one you like the most. He said he was proud of the bands new material, and hoped fans like us who had been with them from the beginning felt a feeling of vindication and the feeling of coming home all in one. At the risk of saying something I probably shouldnt, I think were a band that has always been underestimated, he said, preaching to the choir. As a Hanson fan, I think you would see this show and say to yourself, You cant misunderstand. No one has ever doubted that we were talented. From day one, people have said, You play your own instruments, you write your own songs. What we have suffered from, he continued, is not a misunderstanding of ability, its a misassociation. So when you stand in this environment, it is unequivocally, without confusion, what it is. And you get to see it for that and experience it as a work, not as a piece of pop culture. Then he said he had to wake up at 3 a.m. and walked out a side door just before midnight with his brothers. Walking back to our car through empty Griffith Park, Julia and I were high off the buzz of being momentarily transported back to our childhood. But she said she was also overtaken by an odd sense of melancholy the kind you get after meeting someone who has meant so much to you. It was the never meet your heroes thing everyone always talks about how discombobulating it can be to come face-to-face with people you spent years turning into a fantasy. She dropped me off and the next morning, I woke up to an email from her in my inbox: Im twenty years past the person I was when I was twelve, and yet seeing Zac Hanson in person gave me the exact same feeling the heart-in-throat, stomach-flip that it once did. He was talking to a group of people and I was watching him through a window. I was two ages at once, and it was uncomfortable and ecstasy all in the same moment. I wonder what it would have been like if my twelve-year-old self knew that one day this would be me. I wonder if she would know the empty feeling I have now. I want so deeply to make meaning out of what it means for me now, but honestly, Ill have to make meaning for my young, insecure self: She would have loved it and cherished it for the rest of her life. ALSO At 21, Bella Thorne has 4 movies out, 18 million Instagram followers, 19 cats and the will to survive Actress Sarah Scott reported sexual misconduct on a Hollywood set and found a difficult path to a resolution How did Donald Trump become president? A slew of new documentaries tackle the question amy.kaufman@latimes.com Follow me on Twitter @AmyKinLA When Mira Sorvino was 10 years old and her parents were in the hospital with her newborn brother, she finished reading The Diary of Anne Frank and burst out crying. Her German babysitter, Paula, heard her weeping and came to see what was wrong. I said, this is so terrible, all these lives just snuffed out. All this possibility just gone. This little girl was like me. And she said, No, no, theyre all lying. Many more Germans died than Jews. Only 600,000, not 6 million, Sorvino recalled recently, with disbelief on her face. I was 10, but I was old enough to know that what she was saying was wrong. She told her parents about the experience which, says the actress, is burned into my memory, and made me committed to all these social-justice causes. It also provided an early lesson in the importance of speaking out something the 51-year-old Oscar-winner has come to be known for in the past year, since she went on the record to accuse film producer Harvey Weinstein of sexual harassment and helped ignite the #MeToo movement. Over a long, candid and sometimes difficult conversation, Sorvino opened up about the role she has played in the global reckoning, and the painful memories it has dredged up. But she also expressed excitement and optimism about her career. After decades away from the spotlight, she is in the midst of a hard-fought comeback. Advertisement Actress Mira Sorvino at Norah Restaurant in West Hollywood on Nov. 1, 2018. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) I just felt iced out....I couldnt be in any studio movies for a decade and a half. Mira Sorvino In the past year, shes played a Gwyneth Paltrow-esque lifestyle entrepreneur on ABCs Modern Family and a CIA officer in the miniseries Condor on AT&Ts Audience network. She has a role in the upcoming buddy movie Stuber, with Kumail Nanjiani, and can currently be seen in the tech drama Startup as Rebecca Stroud, an oddball NSA agent who eats the same fast-food burger every day because shes scared of food-borne illness. Her character is very, very lonely and shes chosen Mother USA as her whole identity, her whole life, her whole family, Sorvino says. Her characters quirks are a way of holding on to the Earth as its spinning. She describes the series, which is available on the streaming network Sony Crackle, as Shakespeare set in the tech world. Her character, Rebecca, speaks with traces of a Southern accent. The actress has a knack for distinctive voice work, dating back to Mighty Aphrodite, where she played a prostitute who spoke in unforgettable high-pitched yet raspy tones, and Romy & Micheles High School Reunion, where she portrayed a throaty Valley Girl. In the Sorvino household in suburban Tenafly, N.J., everyone did voices around the dinner table especially her father, actor Paul Sorvino. Though the Goodfellas star encouraged his children to pursue other careers, young Sorvino wanted to be an actor, an astronaut or an anthropologist when she grew up. Performing was always in the picture. Sorvino and her childhood playmate, actress Hope Davis, wrote and performed in a play called The Dutch Doll, which they staged for neighbors. When she had to kiss a boy (on the cheek) in a fifth-grade production of H.M.S. Pinafore, her father gave her an early acting lesson, advising her to pretend the boy was her No. 1 crush, Elvis Presley. Geographically speaking, Sorvino spent her childhood well outside Hollywood except for the brief period her family lived in California while her father starred in the short-lived CBS sitcom Well Get By. When the Alan Alda-created series was canceled, the family returned to New Jersey. Her parents decided that her mother, Lorraine, would stay at home in New Jersey with the kids while Paul worked a choice that, while understandable, contributed to the eventual demise of their marriage. Today Sorvino and her husband, actor Christopher Backus, have four kids and an agreement they cant spend more than three weeks apart. A malevolent hand As an undergraduate at Harvard, Sorvino majored in East Asian literature and culture, writing a thesis about racial conflict in China. Although she loved academics, she occasionally auditioned for film roles and sometimes felt conflicted about which path to follow. She was visiting her father in California during summer vacation when she found out, in the same day, that shed been passed over for parts in Mystic Pizza and Dead Poets Society. As she did laps in her fathers pool Sorvino has an uncanny memory for these kinds of details she went back and forth about what to do next: stay in school or take a semester off to focus on her career. The elder Sorvino had his friend, Warren Beatty, call and tell her to stay in school. She listened. Mira Sorvino with her supporting actress Oscar for Mighty Aphrodite at the 68th Annual Academy Awards 25 March in 1996. (Jeff Haynes / AFP / Getty Images) After graduation, Sorvino read scripts for Robert De Niros company, Tribeca Productions, but soon decided to focus all her energy on acting. In quick succession, she was cast in Whit Stillmans Barcelona and Robert Redfords Quiz Show. Then in 1995 came Mighty Aphrodite, a Woody Allen comedy about a man (Allen) who discovers the biological mother of his gifted adopted son happens to be a sex worker. Sorvino remains one of the few performers to win an Academy Award for a comedic performance, but fairly or not, shes sometimes cited as a victim of the Oscar curse. While she starred opposite Lisa Kudrow in Romy & Micheles High School Reunion, a highly quotable cult comedy, and in Mimic, a sci-fi thriller about deadly cockroaches directed by Guillermo del Toro, her career cooled in the years that followed her Oscar win. She remained busy in projects such as the Holocaust drama The Grey Zone and the Lifetime miniseries Human Trafficking, but the plum roles in studio releases dried up. She returned to the public consciousness last October, when she became one of the first Hollywood stars to go on the record with allegations of sexual harassment against Weinstein. In a New Yorker article written by Ronan Farrow, whose estranged father had directed her in Mighty Aphrodite, Sorvino accused Weinstein, who distributed the film, of making unwanted physical contact and chasing her around a hotel room at the Toronto International Film Festival in 1995. In a later incident, she said the film producer had shown up uninvited at her apartment in the middle of the night with what she felt were malign intentions. (Weinstein has denied all charges of sexual misconduct.) She long suspected that reporting the incident she told an employee at Miramax had a negative effect on her career. That hunch was seemingly confirmed when director Peter Jackson said he was told by Miramax to avoid casting Sorvino and Ashley Judd, another of Weinsteins accusers, in The Lord of the Rings trilogy because they were nightmare[s]. Filmmaker Terry Zwigoff said he was discouraged from working with Sorvino in Bad Santa for similar reasons. And the difficult rap seems to have gained traction in the press: some coverage of Sorvino in the years following her Oscar win cites her prickly reputation without much supporting evidence. The idea that there was this malevolent hand that actually had changed the course of my professional life was devastating to me, she says. I was like, thats why Ive had a bad downturn in my career. Why I couldnt be in any studio movies for a decade and a half. I won an Oscar. My work hasnt changed. My performances are still comparable to my old performances. Just the access was denied, says Sorvino, who acknowledges she hates talking about this period in her life. I just felt iced out, but I didnt know that it went anywhere beyond just [Weinsteins] particular films. So to feel like it was this broad-reaching thing that affected my entire career was really, really hard to handle. Because thats when I had the biggest potential to solidify my career as a leading lady, and to make the kind of economic strides that would have secured my family forever. And weve had some lean years over the last ten years. I have four kids. And to not always be able to provide for them in the way that we would like to is really awful. Deep wounds Even after her own encounters with Weinstein, Sorvino says she was absolutely shocked by the extent of the accusations against him she was aware of just one other actress, Sophie Dix, with a story similar to hers and also by the pervasiveness of the abuse that has come to light elsewhere in society. Being at the center of a cultural sea change has been challenging for Sorvino. Its been a hard year, not going to lie, she says, her eyes welling up and her body tensing as she speaks. What happened with Harvey Weinstein was not the first thing to happen to me. Sorvino says she was violently sexually assaulted as a teenager, an attack that was quite severe and terrifying and life-threatening. Although she reported it to the police, Nothing was done about it. It taught a very bad lesson to my teenage self that if you do go to the authorities, nothing happens. The experience inspired her to join the crew team while at Harvard, because her assailant had been able to completely physically overpower her. In another incident from her teenage years, a casting director tied her to a chair and gagged her with a condom presumably as part of an audition, but clearly inappropriate. All of those traumas resurfaced once I came out about Harvey, she explains. They were like festering but covered wounds. I think that a lot of people in this #MeToo generation will tell you it is re-traumatizing to speak out. Because you start examining it again, and reliving it, and history starts repeating itself in your mind. I find myself much more angry about it, because in the past I tried to make it no big deal to myself. And now I look back at the teenage self, and Im like, that is so terrible that that happened to you, and you have a right to be angry at your attacker. Mira Sorvino and #MeToo founder Tarana Burke (Presley Ann / Getty Images) The reckoning also forced Sorvino to reconsider Mighty Aphrodite, the film that made her a star. In an open letter published in January by the Huffington Post, she apologized to Allens daughter, Dylan Farrow, saying she now believed the allegations and vowed she would never work with the filmmaker again. I loved making that film, Sorvino says. It was a highlight of my memory. I will always be grateful for the opportunity and the experience, and Im very grateful for the Oscar. But, you know, its that mixed, that terrible mixed feeling. She explains that she made Mighty Aphrodite when she was a young woman in a culture that was not very MeToo at the time, where the tradition was to believe completely innocent until proven guilty, rather than where theres smoke, theres fire. You know, mea culpa. I should have looked further. When I was offered the role, I should have been like, Wait, wasnt he accused of molesting his daughter? I did not do my due diligence. And I was not nearly as aware of all these issues as I am now, and thats my fault. I will never blame that on anybody else but myself. Sorvino, who is also a United Nations goodwill ambassador to combat human trafficking, has increasingly turned to activism. She championed anti-sexual harassment legislation in California, under the hashtag #TakeTheLead, which was signed by Gov. Jerry Brown, and she continues to advocate for measures he vetoed that would ban forced arbitration and extend the filing deadline for sexual harassment claims. She also wants to work on educating young people in schools about consent and predatory behavior, with the goal of end[ing] the frat boy culture that sees women as meat. Quoting #MeToo founder Tarana Burke, she adds, If you can teach kids to not run with scissors, you can teach people to not touch other people when they dont want to be touched. The legislative wins in California are something we can show for the fight of this year, Sorvino says. We took our pain and we put our shoulders into it and this happened. ALSO Mira Sorvino joins Greta Gerwig in severing ties with Woody Allen Phoenixes Ashley Judd, Mira Sorvino talk Weinstein, Times Up on Oscars red carpet Mira Sorvino says Weinstein arrest is really good first step See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour meredith.blake@latimes.com Follow me @MeredithBlake With its connotation of repetition, and possibly boredom, the phrase You know how this goes does not seem the best expression to use in reference to a mass shooting. Unless, of course, you are Kellyanne Conway, counselor to the president. Asked Thursday morning on Fox News if President Trump had learned additional information about the previous nights shooting in Thousand Oaks beyond what he had tweeted 13 dead, including the shooter and the first law enforcement officer to enter the bar along with his blessings for victims and praise for first responders, Conway answered that the president has put it perfectly by expressing his condolences and acknowledging the investigation. You know how this goes, she continued in a quick flat tone, youve got loved ones still searching for their children, you have first responders and emergency room personnel treating the wounded, and this investigation will continue. And I know the president will stand behind law enforcement federally, state and local We wont interfere; we will completely support their work. We certainly know that 12 or so families wake up to tremendous loss and we grieve with them. Advertisement RELATED: Thousand Oaks shooting leaves 13 people dead, including gunman, and 18 injured It took less than 40 seconds for the White House spokesperson to address the years 307th mass shooting, with its bloody aftermath of 12 or so dead, 18 wounded, and many more traumatized and frightened. Thats less than half the time, and not even a tenth of the emotion, she used a few moments later when anchor Bill Hemmer asked about the presidents decision to strip CNN correspondent Jim Acostas White House press credentials after he refused to surrender a microphone during Wednesdays press conference. Conway became so visibly agitated pointing out, among other things, that the microphone belonged to the federal government that Hemmer felt obligated to insert himself into a pause and say, Im not here to pick a fight, especially with whats been happening in California. Oh, right. Conway had the decency to not actually shrug but you know how this goes, Bill. This country has indeed experienced so many mass shootings that there is a recognizable sequence of events. But Conways unthinking reliance on shorthand was chilling, a tacit admission that this administration now, officially, considers mass shootings a normal part of the news cycle. 1 / 16 From left, Alexis Tait, 23, Rachel Berg, 20, and Harrison King, 24, weep as the hearse carrying Ventura County Sheriffs Sgt. Ron Helus leaves Los Robles Regional Medical Center for the medical examiners office in Ventura. The three were inside the bar when the shooting took place. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) 2 / 16 Pallbearers move the casket of Sheriffs Sgt. Ron Helus from the Los Robles Regional Medical Center in Thousand Oaks. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) 3 / 16 A hearse carrying the casket of Sgt. Ron Helus heads north on the 101 Freeway past the Borchard Road overpass toward the medical examiners office in Ventura. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 4 / 16 Ventura County sheriffs cadets and Oxnard College Fire Academy cadets salute on the Las Posas Road overpass of the 101 Freeway as the procession carrying Sgt. Ron Helus heads to the medical examiners office in Ventura. (Michael Owen Baker / For The Times) 5 / 16 Crowds watch the procession carrying the flag-draped casket of Sgt. Ron Helus to the medical examiners office in Ventura. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 6 / 16 Jaclyn Copeland and her son, Noah Campa, 5, watch from the Borchard Road overpass of the 101 freeway as the procession passes. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 7 / 16 Jason Coffman reacts to a phone call, while he and other people wait to hear news about loved ones missing in the mass shooting in Thousand Oaks. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) 8 / 16 Assemblywoman Jacqui Irwin hugs Sgt. Eric Buschow at the command post near the Borderline Bar and Grill. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) 9 / 16 The home of suspected nightclub shooter Ian David Long is searched in Thousand Oaks. (ROBYN BECK / AFP/Getty Images) 10 / 16 The home of suspected nightclub shooter Ian David Long is cordoned with red crime tape in Thousand Oaks. (ROBYN BECK / AFP/Getty Images) 11 / 16 People huddle together in a parking lot along South Moorpark Road in the aftermath of a mass shooting at Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) 12 / 16 Chyann Worrell, left, Nellie Wong and Erika Sigman were inside the Borderline Bar & Grill when the shooting started. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times ) 13 / 16 People comfort each other after a mass shooting at the Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks late Wednesday night. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) 14 / 16 A sheriffs officer interviews a woman on the sidewalk following a mass shooting that left multiple casualties at Borderline Bar & Grill. (Michael Owen Baker / For the Times) 15 / 16 Ventura County sheriffs Sgt. Eric Buschow and Sgt. Julie Novak embrace outside the Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks after a gunman fatally shot 12 people, including a fellow deputy. ( Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 16 / 16 Sheriffs deputies search inside the Borderline Bar & Grill. (Patrick Fallon/ For the Times ) RELATED: He was a bouncer, she loved music, he wanted to join the Army these are the victims of the Borderline shooting You know how this goes the investigations will continue and the shooter will inevitably be revealed to be not an undocumented immigrant or a member of ISIS or an inner city gang member but a dangerously unbalanced white American male with easier access to guns than mental health resources. You know how this goes news outlets will begin to list the dead, many of them painfully young, all simply going about their lives when they were slaughtered for absolutely no reason beyond the fact that this is something that happens now, like car accidents and the appearance of new Netflix shows. You know how this goes there will be protests and calls for gun control, maybe a march, certainly speeches by certain politicians, and the president will blame the previous administration and suggest more people carry guns. You know how this goes we will continue to pretend that the threat of mass violence comes from other sorts of people living outside the U.S., the ones in caravans and customs lines, while legal citizens planning mass murders are ensured ready access to weapons of mass destruction. You know how this goes the NRA will continue to make huge contributions to political campaigns even as actual gun owners call for better control, and nothing will change except the body count. That number will continue to rise, with the names of our children and friends and partners and neighbors, with such regularity that a woman who speaks for the president of the United States feels comfortable answering a question about a mass murder with the phrase You know how this goes. Yes, Kellyanne. We do. Unfortunately, shamefully, horrifyingly, we know exactly how this goes. But do tell us more about Jim Acosta and that microphone. mary.mcnamara@latimes.com @marymacTV Heres a chance to blow your mind while impressing visiting relatives this holiday season (and getting everybody out of the house) at the Los Angeles County Arboretums new Moonlight Forest Magical Lantern Art Festival. The lanterns are actually large sculptures of brilliantly colored fabric with hand-painted details, stretched over frames and lighted from within by LED lights. Translation: Your social media feed will love them. The 66-piece exhibit is divided into three thematic areas. The Childrens World includes fairy-tale characters, herds of dinosaurs and frolicking pandas. The Magical China area features classical Chinese culture, such as a 70-foot-long, 30-foot-high dragon swimming across the arboretum lake, and performances by dancers and acrobats. And in the Natures Treasures section, African animals roam a surreal Serengeti Plain and undersea tunnels let visitors stroll beneath luminous whales and other creatures of the deep. Advertisement This is the first time in its 70-year history the county-owned arboretum has ventured into hosting an evening light display. But arboretum Chief Executive Richard Schulhof said he was won over by the workmanship and craft of Tianyu Arts & Culture, a Chinese company that mixes the ancient tradition of lantern art with high-tech materials to create huge displays of color, sculpture and light. The company created several unique pieces for the arboretums Moonlight Forest, such as colossal peacock lanterns, in honor of the 200-plus wild peafowl who roam the grounds; a California grizzly bear; a coyote; and California poppies. I visited some of their festivals in Virginia and Las Vegas and realized their lanterns would be a perfect fit in our landscape, Schulhof said. They just look fantastic here. Moonlight Forest Magical Lantern Art Festival When: 5:30 to 10 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays (including Thanksgiving Day), through Jan. 6. Where: Los Angeles County Arboretum, 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia Cost: $28 for adults, $25 for seniors and $23 for children 3-17; purchase online Info: arboretum.org jeanette.marantos@latimes.com Camp fire death toll rises to 86 after burn victim dies in hospital By Alene Tchekmedyian Californias deadliest blaze on record has claimed 86 lives. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) The death toll from the devastating Camp fire in Butte County, Calif., rose to 86 after an 80-year-old man died of his burn injuries, authorities said Tuesday. Larry Smith of Paradise was burned Nov. 8 while attempting to put out flames that engulfed his car, the Butte County Sheriffs Office said. He was flown to the UC Davis Firefighters Burn Institute Regional Burn Center, where he died Nov. 25. Authorities also released the name of one other person who died in the blaze: Shirlee Teays, 90, of Paradise. Of the 86 people killed, 52 have been identified. Three people are still missing. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Three more Camp fire victims identified A recovery team searches for human remains after the Camp fire. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) The Butte County Sheriffs Office on Monday released the names of three more victims who died in the Camp fire. Authorities identified the following people and have notified their families: Rafaela Andrade, 84, of Paradise Don Shores, 70, of Magalia Jean Forsman, 83, of Magalia Of the 85 people killed in Californias deadliest blaze on record, 50 have been identified. Three people remain missing. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Woolsey fire victims identified as mother and son Firefighter Adan Rodriguez douses hot spots on Mulholland Drive last month. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) Los Angeles County coroners officials Monday identified a mother and son who died trying to escape flames in the destructive Woolsey fire. Shoushan Baklayan, 82, and her son Anthony Noubar Baklayan, 57, died in a car Nov. 9 in the 33100 block of Mulholland Highway in Malibu, coroners officials said. Authorities said that the younger Baklayan died of effects of thermal injuries; investigators have not determined a cause of death for his mother. The two were among three people who died in the blaze. The third victim has not been identified. The family released a statement through their spokesman, Brian Glicklich, in which they asked for privacy as they continue to grieve. The blaze, which erupted Nov. 8, ripped through nearly 97,000 acres in Ventura and Los Angeles counties, destroying 1,500 structures. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Authorities identify the remains of 3 more killed in Camp fire By B.J. Terhune Firefighters move heavy debris while searching for human remains at a destroyed residence 19 days after the Camp fire in Paradise, Calif. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) The Butte County Sheriffs Office has released the names of three more people who died in the Camp fire. Sheriffs officials said Wednesday that the remains of the following people had been identified and their relatives had been notified: Sally Gamboa, 69, Paradise Joy Porter, 72, Paradise Dennis Clark, 49, Paradise Californias worst wildfire killed 85 people when it tore through Butte County on Nov. 8. Officials say 10 residents are still missing. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Authorities identify remains of 10 more people who died in Camp fire By B.J. Terhune Weeks after the Camp fire destroyed more than 18,000 structures in Californias Butte County, volunteers from search-and-rescue teams nationwide continue to look for human remains in the rubble. The names of 10 more victims of the Camp fire were released Monday by the Butte County Sheriffs Office, which has notified the next of kin. Helen Pace, 84, Paradise Gary Hunter, 67, Magalia Beverly Powers, 64, Paradise Sheila Santos, 64, Paradise Andrew Downer, 54, Paradise Lou Herrera, 86, Paradise TK Huff, 71, Concow Gordon Dise, 66, Chico James Garner, 63, Magalia Robert Duvall, 76, Paradise Californias worst wildfire has killed 85 people, and 11 residents in the Northern California counties where the blaze tore through in early November are still missing. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Camp fire death toll is revised to 85 Homes leveled by the Camp fire in Paradise, Calif. (Noah Berger / Associated Press) Authorities in Butte County revised the Camp fire death toll to 85 after investigators determined that, in three cases, human remains collected in multiple bags belonged to a single individual. Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea said investigators had identified 43 victims. For weeks, hundreds of searchers scoured 18,000 structures destroyed by the blaze looking for human remains, going over some areas more than once. Honea advised residents who head back to their neighborhoods in coming days to call the sheriffs office if they find bones or bone fragments. Investigators have accounted for all but 11 people reported missing in the wildfire. Crews have been working to clear tree hazards on public roads, but urged residents to be cautious because they have not assessed private properties. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Strangers from Paradise support one another in hotel lobby far from home By Angel Jennings Over the last few weeks, some Paradise evacuees have made a Best Western hotel home. They didnt know each other before the fire, though they lived in the same small town for years and frequented the same haunts. They have formed a little community at the Corning hotel around the waffle maker during breakfast, passing one another in the elevator and lounging in the lobby, Around the table, they trade stories of dodging embers and feelings of guilt. Together, they try to make sense of the tragedy that unites them. They are among thousands of Paradise residents who fled their homes the day the fire started and have not been allowed to return since. There is growing frustration at the pace of getting people back to see what is left of their properties as well as longer-term shelter plans for those who lost their homes. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Rain brings new dangers in Northern California areas burned in recent fires By Hannah Fry As a series of rainstorms begins to move across the state, officials in areas recently scarred by wildfires are on high alert for potential mudslides and flash flooding. The National Weather Service issued a warning of possible flash flooding in three counties in Northern California in advance of a storm expected to arrive late Wednesday. Forecasters predict the second in a series of three storm systems this week could drop more than an inch of rain on the Camp fire burn area in Butte County; the Carr, Delta and Hirz fires burn areas in Shasta County; and the Mendocino Complex fire scar in Lake County. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Costs from Paradise fire will likely be in the billions, Zinke says U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke returned to Paradise, Calif., on Monday, saying the cost of Californias worst fires would probably be in the billions and that care would have to be taken in rebuilding the city. When we rebuild, having a frank discussion whether its appropriate to rebuild every place is an important part of the equation, he told the Associated Press in an interview. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Some victims of Paradise fire may never be found, officials say By Rong-Gong Lin II Authorities are coming to terms with the possibility that the search for victims of the Camp fire might never be complete and that some human remains wont ever be recovered. Is it possible that there could be a circumstance where someone was completely consumed by fire and therefore we wouldnt have something that we could collect? I would say it is within the realm of possibility, unfortunately, Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea said Monday. Theres nothing easy about this. This is just an unprecedented situation, he added. Read the latest here. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print New storms bring fresh anxiety in Paradise By Hannah Fry The first of three storm systems expected in wildfire-ravaged Butte County, Calif., dropped a smattering of rain Tuesday. Forecasters predicted about an inch of precipitation, saying the relatively weak system would sputter out by early Wednesday. But a stronger storm will roll in late Wednesday, bringing with it the potential for debris flows and up to 3 inches of rain through Thursday night. The Butte County Emergency Operations Center has prepared for the rain by clearing drainage culverts of debris, said Matt Gates, public information officer for the Paradise Police Department. The California Conservation Corps also has been working on erosion-control measures for mountain slopes filled with fire-damaged pine and chaparral. Ash doesnt absorb water, which complicates things, Gates said. A third storm could bring 2 to 4 inches of rain to the charred region from Friday through Sunday. Its the intensity that can cause debris flows, said Eric Kurth, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. If the rain comes over time, theres some opportunity for it to absorb or gradually run off. When we have rapid runoff, thats when it can bring down entire hillsides. The soil in recently burned areas cannot absorb significant amounts of rainwater, so excessive precipitation can lead to fast-moving flows containing mud, debris and even trees and boulders. The devastation can be deadly and often comes without warning. The rain is also expected to complicate the already challenging search for human remains among the rubble of the Camp fire. Typically, crews scoop fire debris into a screen and sift it, looking for bone or bone fragments, but the ash and rain have mixed to form a clay-like substance, making the task nearly impossible. Officials have had to bring in water and gently wash away the clay to expose potential human remains in the charred mess. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Mountain lion P-74 believed killed in Woolsey fire By Associated Press National Park Service officials say P-74, a young male mountain lion who lives in the area burned by the Woolsey fire, probably died. (National Park Service) Officials say a mountain lion tracked by researchers probably died in a wildfire that tore through Southern California communities and wilderness areas. The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area tweeted Monday that theres been no signal from the GPS collar on the young mountain lion dubbed P-74 since Nov. 9. Thats the day the Woolsey fire swept into the central part of the Santa Monica Mountains northwest of Los Angeles. P-74 was a male born last year. Several other mountain lions and bobcats monitored by scientists in the area have been located. The huge fire charred a swath of national park land thats home to the big cats and popular among hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders. The blaze burned 1,600 structures in and around Malibu and left three people dead. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 88 dead and 203 still missing in Paradise fire zone By Rong-Gong Lin II The death toll from Californias worst fire jumped to 88 on Monday with 203 people still missing, officials said. Searchers have spent the last two weeks combing through the remains of Paradise, where much of the city was burned in the Camp fire. Officials said Monday that they had covered a good portion of the city. Its been a grim task, with most of the remains being found as just bones or bone fragments. The fire, which burned more than 14,000 homes in the Paradise region, was fully contained Sunday morning. A new rainstorm will move into the area in the coming days, and officials are worried that could make search efforts more difficult. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Officials believe mountain lion P-74 died in the Woolsey fire By Associated Press Lion P-74. (Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area) Officials say a mountain lion tracked by researchers probably died in a wildfire that tore through Southern California communities and wilderness areas. The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area tweeted Monday that theres been no signal from the GPS collar on the young mountain lion dubbed P-74 since Nov. 9. Thats the day the Woolsey fire swept into the central part of the Santa Monica Mountains northwest of Los Angeles. P-74 was a male born last year. Several other mountain lions and bobcats monitored by scientists in the area have been located. The huge fire charred a swath of national park land thats home to the big cats and popular among hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders. The blaze burned 1,600 structures in and around Malibu and left three people dead. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 296 still missing in Paradise fire zone; 85 dead As of Sunday night, the number of people missing stands at 296 in Californias worst wildfire on record. The Butte County Sheriffs Department said the death toll was at 85. Searchers spent the day looking for remains in the Paradise area, where 14,000 homes were lost in the Camp fire. The number of missing has been going down as officials connect with people whose names are on the list. As of last week, it topped 1,000. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Searching for anything that looks human: Grim work in Paradise continues By Cindy Chang At the Ridgewood mobile home park for senior citizens in Paradise on Sunday, more than 100 search and rescue workers in white jumpsuits and gas masks combed through the rubble with shovels and rakes. The surrounding pine trees were singed, ringing a neighborhood where every home had been reduced to charred, twisted wreckage. Last week, searchers found the remains of two people there, said Sgt. Dave Thompson of the Sonoma County Sheriffs Office. On Sunday, the grim, painstaking task yielded some bones, including those of two small dogs. But none were human. The searchers, many of whom are volunteers, also found a safe full of coins as they combed through Ridgewood and Ponderosa Mobile Estates next door. Were going trailer by trailer, piece by piece, turning it over for anything that looks human, said Thompson, who led an operation that drew searchers from counties such as Marin, Contra Costa, Shasta and Kern, as well as the National Guard and California Conservation Corps. Facebook photos before the fire of the Ridgewood community at Pentz and Wagstaff roads, where residents were 55 years and older, showed tidy mobile homes with well-kept gardens. The fire came over the ridge very fast, and senior citizens with limited mobility could have had trouble fleeing, Thompson said. As teams wrapped up their work, Thompson dispatched them to other neighborhoods to continue searching for people who lost their lives in the fire. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Disaster assistance operations are extended in Malibu and Agoura Hills Operations at disaster assistance centers in Malibu and Agoura Hills have been extended to keep helping residents affected by the Woolsey fire. The centers, located at the former Malibu Courthouse and the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation in Agoura Hills, are scheduled to be open through Dec. 8. Hours of operation are between 1 to 8 p.m. from Monday to Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday. At the centers, residents affected by the fire can get help filing insurance claims and applying for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. They can also receive advice on how to clean up, repair and rebuild their properties. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Woolsey fire destroyed 1,643 structures in destructive siege of Ventura County and Malibu Destruction from Woolsey fire. (Los Angeles Times) The Woolsey fire destroyed 1,643 structures as it swept through Oak Park and Ventura County and into Malibu, according to a final report released Sunday. That makes it one of the most destructive fires in Southern California history, though it pales in comparison to the 14,000 homes lost in the Camp fire in Butte County. Hundreds of evacuees from the Malibu, Agoura Hills and Thousand Oaks areas spent the holiday weekend returning to their burned-out neighborhoods to survey their damaged or destroyed homes and to begin rebuilding their lives. Some were still debating whether to stay or leave. The Woolsey fire scorched more than 96,000 acres and left three people dead before it was fully contained on Thanksgiving Day, fire officials said. Pono Barnes, a spokesman for the Los Angeles County Fire Department, said firefighters are working on encouraging residents to prepare for winter rainstorms that could move over the burn area. The whole landscape in the area has changed, Barnes said. The vegetation that was there to hold the ground together was burned off. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Rain is helping firefighters battling Northern California fire, but a new storm could bring dangers By Ruben Vives Crews work in the wreckage of a structure destroyed in the Camp fire. (Associated Press) Light rains in the area have assisted firefighters in achieving 100% containment of Northern Californias devastating Camp fire, but most evacuations and road closures remain in effect. More than 1,000 firefighters remain on site, assisting with search and recovery efforts. Full containment came as a big relief for fire officials, who noted that the rain sped up the process. Full containment was originally projected for Nov. 30. We didnt get mudslides, so that was good, said Brigitte Foster, fire prevention officer for the Lassen National Forest and spokeswoman for fire officials regarding the Camp fire. We got enough to hamper down on the fire. The rains also gave officials the ability to reduce the number of fire personnel on duty and allow some to go home for the holiday weekend. We still have plenty of resources out there to work from the containment line and make sure there are no smoldering spots along the edge, Foster said. We still have search and rescue teams working in the area. And in preparation for residents being allowed to return to burn areas and assess property damage, crews were helping clear roadways and remove hazardous materials such as trees that could fall down. Its unknown when evacuees will be able to return. There are concerns about another storm approaching burn areas this week. Rain is expected to move into the Camp fire burn areas beginning Tuesday and continue through the end of the week, according to the National Weather Service. Up to 3 inches could fall in some lower elevations, forecasters said. On Wednesday, the same system is expected to deliver a half-inch to 2 inches in burn areas in Southern California. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Woman returns to see ruins of Malibu drug treatment center: This place saved my life By Emily Alpert Reyes Along Trancas Canyon Road on Saturday, a woman snapped photos of the blackened wreckage of what was once an alcohol and drug treatment center. A wedge of scorched wall stood at a tilt, like a listing ship, peering over the Pacific below. Someone had taped business cards to a wall bordering the site, advertising a restoration business, but it was hard to imagine what could be restored. The woman, who declined to give her name, said she had been sober nearly seven months. This place saved my life, she said. She stayed in Newbury Park after she was evacuated, and it was the first time she had gotten a moment to see what had become of Creative Care Inc. There were people she had gotten to know there who are now living out of state and wanted photos. Its sad, she said. But its just material. I have sobriety. I have life, she said. And theyll rebuild. Read more here. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 50,000 displaced by Northern California fire. Where will they go? By Anna M. Phillips Across Butte County a primarily agricultural area known for its walnut, almond and rice farms towns are struggling to absorb the roughly 50,000 people displaced by the Camp fire. Through no fault of their own, the evacuees arrival has worsened the states housing crisis and raised the possibility that they could be evicted from the region again, not by fire but by a scarcity of suitable dwellings. Hotels and motels from Sacramento to Redding are full. The vacancy rate in the rental market, which hovered around 3% before the fire, has fallen to near zero. Unable to find single-family homes in the area, evacuees have resorted to renting individual bedrooms, buying recreational vehicles and purchasing travel trailers. Others are simply leaving California for other Western states with a lower cost of living. Read more here. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Northern California fire now 100% contained; 85 dead, 249 still missing Destruction from the Camp fire. (Los Angeles Times) The worst fire in California history reached full containment Sunday morning, a milestone for a catastrophic inferno that killed at least 85 people with nearly 250 people still missing weeks later. The Camp fire is now 100% contained, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said Sunday, after burning nearly 14,000 homes and consuming 153,000 acres in and around Paradise in Butte County. Much of Paradise was lost in the fire, and search and rescue crews will continue looking through the ruins for more victims. At one point, there were more than 1,300 people listed as missing from the fire. But that number has been dropping in recent days. Over the weekend, it declined from more than 400 to 249 as officials were able to confirm more people on the list were actually alive. Several days of rain last week helped firefighters get a handle on the fire. Authorities expect the removal of ash and other toxic debris from the fire will be the largest such effort ever undertaken by state officials. The amount of debris is expected to dwarf the cleanup effort undertaken from last years Northern California fires. That effort led to more than 2 million tons of toxic debris removed from 6,000 properties in seven California counties: Sonoma, Napa, Lake, Mendocino, Butte, Yuba and Nevada, said Eric Lamoureux of the Governors Office of Emergency Services. County, state and federal governments jump start the process of removal of toxic ash and other debris, and can do so at no cost to the owner, Lamoureux said. Typically, about 80% of owners give the government permission to conduct the cleanup operations, with the rest opting to do it themselves. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Schools devastated by California fire struggle to get back to the business of educating students By Rong-Gong Lin II As this region still reels from the worst fire in California history, educators are faced with the challenging task of reopening schools even as the firefighters continue their work and searchers scour the area for more victims. They are working to identify replacement classroom space for schools that were burned to ashes during the fire. Paradise Unified School District was hardest hit, with multiple school buildings lost to the fires. Charter schools in the area also suffered. Read more here. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Paradise fire search efforts pick up as firefighters increase containment The worst fire in California remained 95% contained Saturday morning. Rains helped put out the flames but also made it harder for firefighters to access some areas. The fireline that remains uncontained is located in steep and rugged terrain where it is unsafe for firefighters to access due to the heavy rains, CalFire said in a statement. With the rain passing, officials hope to intensify search and rescue efforts, with more than 400 still reported missing. The fire burned 153,336 acres and nearly 14,000 homes, with 84 dead. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Some Malibu residents still under evacuation order By Sarah Parvini In Malibu, some residents who evacuated from the Woolsey fire were still waiting to return home as officials worked to restore utilities and road access. That fire, which charred 96,949 acres and destroyed 1,643 structures, is 100% contained. Three people were killed. There is still a lot of work to be done, said Los Angeles County Fire Department spokesman Pono Barnes. Strike teams are in the area helping residents repopulate. Firefighters biggest job Friday was working with Southern California Edison and Southern California Gas Co., Barnes said. There was quite a bit of infrastructure damaged during the burn, he said. Edison is working to replace downed power lines and burned-out power poles. As many as 2,000 power poles have been replaced, he said. That is why we still have some evacuations in place, Barnes added. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print A wheelchair and gurney sit in rain amid devastation of Paradise medical complex By Gina Ferazzi The grim search for victims continued in Paradise on Saturday amid the rain. Times photographer Gina Ferazzi was struck by the image of an abandoned wheelchair and gurney in front of the destroyed Cypress Meadows post-acute medical facility. The rain is making the devastation in Paradise even more eerie and sad, she wrote. The rain is making the devastation in Paradise even more eerie and sad as abandoned wheelchairs and gurney still remain in front of the destroyed Cypress Meadows facility while search teams sift through ashes looking for human remains #CampFire pic.twitter.com/AyeD9io9FU Gina Ferazzi (@GinaFerazzi) November 24, 2018 Firefighters hand out #Thanksgiving dinners to victims of #CampFireParadise at Chico St @WCKitchen while Saphira Swisher, 6, prays before turkey dinner w/her family at a church shelter pic.twitter.com/o9Drj3dDeX Gina Ferazzi (@GinaFerazzi) November 22, 2018 Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Wildfire much worse because of climate change, new report finds By Tony Barboza Camp fires devastation. (Los Angeles Times) A new federal report found that climate change is taking an increasing toll on communities across the United States. It projects widespread and growing devastation as increasing temperatures, rising sea levels, worsening wildfires, more intense storms and other cascading effects harm our ecosystems, infrastructure and society. Among the findings: The area burned across the western U.S. from 1984 to 2015 was twice what it would have been if climate change had not occurred, according to analyses cited in the report. Earths climate is now changing faster than at any point in the history of modern civilization, primarily as a result of human activities, the report says. But the severity of future impacts will depend largely on actions taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to adapt to the changes that will occur. The report comes as California faces a series of devastating wildfires that have claimed scores of lives and burned thousands of homes. Read more on the report here. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Hes giving $1 million to help the high school students of fire-ravaged Paradise By Morgan Cook With many of their homes damaged or destroyed in the states most devastating wildfire on record, the students of Paradise High School face an uncertain future. On Tuesday, a man they have never met from a city more than 500 miles away will give them a gift he hopes will provide at least a small measure of security, support and comfort in a dark hour. Rancho Santa Fe businessman Bob Wilson plans to personally deliver a $1,000 check to each of the schools 980 students and 105 employees in Chico at a venue that has yet to be determined. Thats a total of $1 million for the wildfire victims to use as they see fit, no strings attached. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Camp fire now 95% contained, with help from rain Firefighters battling Californias deadliest fire on record continued to make progress Friday, with containment growing to 95% and the number of homes burned at nearly 14,000. The Camp fire has scorched more than 153,000 acres and killed at least 84 people in Butte County, according to California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection officials. But hundreds of residents are still missing, and thousands more have been displaced by the massive blaze. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Another Camp fire death recorded as rain lessens fire danger Rain falls Thursday on the site of a home destroyed by the Camp fire. (Justin Sullivan / Getty Images) Another day of searching, another grim finding. The death toll from the Camp fire rose by one Thursday to 84, on a day when rain seemed to halt further growth of the states deadliest blaze. By Thursday evening, the Jarbo Gap, where the fire probably started, had received just over an inch of rain in the preceding 24 hours, according to the National Weather Service. Rain totals varied across the region. The forecast calls for more. In the nearby town of Paradise, which was nearly obliterated by the fire, the forecast for Thursday night was more showers, heavy at times, with winds of 18 to 24 mph and gusts as high as 37 mph. Such winds would have fueled the fire just days ago, but instead they are harbingers of precipitation that is expected to drop three-quarters of an inch to 1 inch of rainfall Thursday night. Another 1 to 2 inches could fall Friday. The wet weather has helped bring containment of the fire to an estimated 95% as of Thursday evening. But it also brought damp, chilly discomfort to evacuees living in tents thousands of residents have been displaced and new worries about potentially deadly mudslides in burned areas. A flash-flood watch and wind advisory will remain in effect until 4 p.m. Friday. The rain also complicates the search for human remains, which could be washed away. Hundreds of people are still unaccounted for. Crews also are involved in another grim tally, figuring out exactly which homes and business burned. Officials have released a preliminary interactive map that shows the damage, house by house. Camp fire evacuees now have rain to contend with as they occupy tents in a Walmart parking lot in Chico, Calif. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Malibu schools to reopen by early December; other schools aiming for Monday Air scrubbers at work in a Las Virgenes district school library. (Las Virgenes Unified School District) Schools in Malibu survived the Woolsey fire almost intact but they got very dirty, and cleanup efforts will keep campuses closed even as residents are allowed to return to their properties. The fire killed three people, burned 97,000 acres and destroyed 1,500 structures. Malibus four schools have been closed since Nov. 9, when they were included in the mandatory evacuation zones. The tentative date to reopen Webster Elementary is Nov. 28. Point Dume Marine Science School is scheduled to reopen Dec. 3. Juan Cabrillo Elementary School should be ready between Dec. 3 and Dec. 5, pending results of air testing inside and outside for traces of lead, asbestos and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Malibu High will be back in business between Dec. 4 and Dec. 10 The district had planned a swifter reopening but slowed down out of an abundance of caution, spokeswoman Gail Pinsker said. We are hearing from parents that they want thorough cleaning and testing, which we plan, but the cleaning and testing and waiting for results take a day to more than a week, she said. Three other districts in the region also had closed campuses. Schools in Conejo Valley Unified, Oak Park Unified and Las Virgenes Unified are aiming to reopen Monday. Residents who had to evacuate included Las Virgenes Supt. Daniel Stepenosky, who estimated that about 90 families with district students lost their homes, as did two staff members. In a video update on social media, he said that everyone is eager for schools to reopen: Everyone wants to get back to a state of normalcy, to be honest with you. To that end, a crew of 200 has been working for several days, and the district had brought in 300 air scrubbers and 300 hydroxyl deodorizers. Playgrounds that are not ready by Monday will be cordoned off. Stepenosky said that a full-court press will continue because the schools are really boring when theyre empty. A worker scrubs down surfaces at a Las Virgenes district campus. (Las Virgenes Unified School District ) Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement We can make ugly pretty again: The fighting spirit of Paradise residents By Laura Newberry Camp fire victims have a Thanksgiving dinner in Chico, Calif. (Justin Sullivan / Getty Images) Anna Longacre booked her flight home months ago. Back then, the 26-year-old Army sergeant imagined the comforts that awaited her Thanksgiving week, the things that never change no matter how far away from Paradise, Calif., the military takes her. The old cast-iron stove that warmed the entire house during winter. The small stone-fruit orchard that ran along the side and back. Her dads breakfast hash browns. Annas family had lived on their 3-acre lot in the Sierra Nevada foothills for 20 years. She moved away at 18 and has been stationed in Afghanistan, South Korea and Kansas. But her heart stayed in Paradise. Instead of being home Thanksgiving morning, she found herself in a cavernous auditorium at Cal State Chico, where turkey and fixings had been prepared for evacuees of Californias deadliest and most destructive wildfire. She dragged her dad, Bruce, with her. She wanted to get him out of her grandmas house in Chico, where theyd been staying with her mom and dogs. And she had heard celebrity chefs Guy Fieri and Jose Andres were making the food. It couldnt hurt to try and have a little fun, she thought, despite everything. The father and daughter were greeted by volunteers in plush turkey hats and handed sanitary wipes at the door. Read more here. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Stories of thanks and gratitude amid the devastation in Paradise By Laura Newberry A young Camp fire evacuee waits in line to receive a free Thanksgiving meal Thursday in Chico, Calif. (Justin Sullivan / Getty Images) As of Thanksgiving Day, the devastation logged by the Camp fire in Northern California was nearly 14,000 homes, more than 150,000 acres and at least 83 lives. Some of the thousands displaced by the fire, mostly from the town of Paradise, said they nonetheless counted themselves among the lucky and found things to be grateful for this Thanksgiving. Times reporters on the ground in Butte County asked people about the meaning of this holiday. Here are their stories. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Authorities warn of fraudulent GoFundMe websites, other scams related to Paradise fire By Rong-Gong Lin II Butte County Dist. Atty. Mike Ramsey warned that scam artists are targeting Paradise fire victims seeking to rent housing. We have seen people who have no right to a particular apartment that go and rent out that apartment and take peoples money. Be very careful. Red flag: If its too good to be true, it is, Ramsey said. Another scam already happening are fraudulent GoFundMe websites seeking contributions for fire victims, he said. We encourage folks to go to the Butte County website to take a look at areas where you can legitimately and safely give your charitable dollars to, he said. He also urged residents to beware of scammers seeking to collect personal information under the guise of pretending to be insurance agents or a sheriffs deputy seeking to cross names off the list of the missing. It will be obvious that these are scammers, he said. Be very, very careful of giving any sort of personal information that will be financially disastrous to you, he said. There have been 11 cases of looting, he said, with suspects mostly interested in vehicles, such as motor homes, left behind by fire victims that fled. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Rapid DNA analysis is being used to identify dozens of California fire victims By Rong-Gong Lin II Rapid DNA analysis is being used to identify dozens of California fire victims burned beyond recognition. Of 83 victims, sheriffs officials have made tentative identifications on 58 of them, but they await DNA confirmation. Were working diligently to identify those individuals so that we can contact their next of kin and notify them, said Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea. It used to be that DNA analysis could take months before answers would firm up, but now DNA analysis can be done within a matter of hours, Jim Davis of Ande, a Massachusetts-based company that specializes in rapid DNA analysis, said at a press conference in Chico on Wednesday. Davis said his company has been asked by the sheriff to use its rapid DNA analysis method to help identify victims in a mass casualty incident the first time his company has been asked to do so for this purpose. Davis said hes working with the coroners office in Sacramento County to collect tissue samples from the autopsies of the deceased; 80% of the time, those samples are usable for DNA analysis. Butte County sheriff and California Department of Justice officials are coordinating the collection of DNA samples from living relatives. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print She lost her home and dogs in the Paradise fire. This Thanksgiving is difficult, but shes grateful to be alive By Laura Newberry Tamra Grays Facebook friends have started posting photos of their newly decorated Christmas trees. When she stumbles upon this display of normalcy, she can barely hold it together. Its hard to think about the holidays right now, she said as she sat at a table in the Chico Mall food court, where she and her husband were discussing their options with a home insurance company representative. I dont have a home to put a tree in right now. Gray and her husband, Scott, lived in their Paradise home on Oak Way for 20 years. What she will miss the most are the pine trees in her backyard and the cool shade they provided, a simple pleasure she could count on even when the mercury hit 100. At 10 a.m. on the day of the fire, Grays 19-year-old son, Dylan, came running down the street. He had gotten stuck in gridlock traffic on Wagstaff Road, and seeing the plumes of black smoke ahead of him, he ditched his car in the closest parking lot and darted home, the only one hes ever known. Theres a fire, we gotta get out, he shouted. They had not received an evacuation alert. Gray did not think the house would burn. They lived a block from a fire station. Before leaving, she touched a redwood keepsake box that contained her childrens first teeth. If I take this to a shelter, it could get stolen, she thought. She left it. The family also left three dogs behind, taking several others with them in separate cars. Grays thinking was this: if there was looting, the big dogs would protect the home. Gray found the animals remains when she returned to Paradise last week. She is consumed by guilt. Gray and her family -- four adults and two kids -- are staying in an RV as they search for a rental. Her 29-year-old daughter, Shannon, also lost her home in Magalia. I feel lost. I just feel so homesick and I cant seem to get past that yet, Gray said, tearing up. Its hard for me to think about where I want to be in the future. Just as she was being asked what she was grateful for on the eve of Thanksgiving, Grays teenage daughter, Victoria, bounded up to her in the food court with several shopping bags in her hand. I got you shoes, Victoria said, pulling out a pair of gray Champion slip-ons. They were on sale. Gray tugged off one of the brown Ugg boots she got at a shelter. She tried on a sneaker. Im grateful that my family made it out alive, Gray said, returning to the question. Its easy to answer that when its staring me right in the face. Its when Im alone that I go into a dark place. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement You could feel the heat from the flames: Paradise survivor describes horror, survival They called it their little green house in the forest. A two-bedroom mobile home with a birdbath out front on Skyway road where deer and bobcats roamed. It is likely gone, they think, because they have seen a map of the burn area a cloud of red over where they lived for four years. Steve Weathington, 67, and his girlfriend, Irene Schwab, 65, now lay their heads on green cots in an exhibit hall at the Yuba-Sutter Fairgrounds. Their possessions are few, but they made it out with their two trucks, two dogs and two cats. A fortune, they know, compared with what others escaped with. The morning the fire broke out, the couple had sat down to waffles and eggs when they noticed the sky was a smoky orange. Schwab went outside to settle a patio umbrella that was thrashing in the wind. A manager of their mobile home park had begun driving around, honking. Grabbing clothes, toiletries, medicine and the animals, Weathington hopped into his truck. Schwab followed behind in hers. It was burning on both sides of the road, Schwab recalled. You could feel the heat from the flames. It took them more than three hours to get to Chico, usually a 25-minute drive. They are grateful to be alive, to have had insurance on their home, to be capable and willing to start somewhere new. They may stay and find a place in Yuba City, a community theyve grown to appreciate. When they venture out of the shelter, an act of kindness is usually bestowed upon them. Waitresses have bought them dinner, a barber refused money for a haircut. They have picked out clothes for free and marveled over the donations that file in daily. We get a little teary-eyed because its really emotional, said Weathington, a retired commercial painter and U.S. Marines veteran, his eyes growing red. Still, the timing of everything is hard to take. The couple used to host Thanksgiving dinner for family with a spread of traditional fare, including pumpkin cheesecake and homemade biscuits. The holiday rings a bit hollow now, eliciting memories of what they once had. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Number of homes lost in Paradise fire approaches 14,000 as containment increases Firefighters continued to make progress with Californias deadliest fire, with containment rising to 90% but with number of homes burned now at nearly 14,000. At least 83 people were killed when the fire swept into Paradise two weeks ago, and hundreds are still missing, Rain helped firefighters, but the weather has made the search for victims more difficult. Precipitation has minimized fire activity and all fire lines continue to hold. Firefighters and resources continue to be deployed throughout the fire area to patrol and remove hazards, Cal Fire said Thursday morning. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Camp fire death toll increases to 83, while 563 still missing By Rong-Gong Lin II The remains of two more people were recovered in the Camp fire burn zone Wednesday, raising the death toll in the blaze to 83. One person was found in a structure in Paradise, while the other was located in a structure in Magalia, Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea told reporters at a news conference. Were working diligently to identify those individuals so we can contact their next of kin and notify them, Honea said, adding that investigators have tentatively identified 58 of the dead. Authorities have identified six more people who died in the blaze. They are: Teresa Ammans, 82, of Paradise Richard Brown, 74, of Concow Marie Wehe, 78, of Concow Kimber Wehr, 53, of Paradise Joseph Rabetoy, 39, of Paradise Joan Tracy, 80, of Paradise About 830 searchers will work on Thanksgiving to look for victims of the blaze, though the search could be suspended if rain triggers mudflows in the area. The number of people unaccounted for dropped to 563. A total of 2,052 people have been crossed off the missing-persons list. Thats a dynamic list, Honea said. You may see it go up or down depending on the information we receive during the course of the day. The blaze has scorched more than 153,000 acres and destroyed more than 18,000 structures, including 13,500 single-family homes. It was 85% contained. The heavy rain has minimized fire activity. That fire activity is almost nothing,said Josh Bischof of the California Dept. of Forestry and Fire Protection. Forecasters expect six inches of rain to fall across the burn area through Friday. Butte County Dist. Atty. Michael Ramsey said his office has put together a team to deal with price gouging. People are not allowed to jack up prices more than 10% of what they were before the fires, he said, adding that people can call (866) 323-6283 to report price gouging. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Rain pours down on tent city of Paradise evacuees, causing new problems (Ruben Vives / Los Angeles Times) Rain began to pound on the tent city of Paradise evacuees Wednesday afternoon in Chico, causing more problems for people who have already been through so much. Two women walked around holding a blanket, offering it to anyone who needed it. Standing alone, wearing a red hooded rain poncho, John Owens shivered. I dont know how much longer people can hang on like this, he said. Owens lost his home and car in the fire. He said he was clinging on to what he had left: his wife, his dog and a part-time manufacturing job. I told my boss I cant hang here for too long, he said. If its going to be like this, I wont last long. Ill have to quit my job and go to the shelter. Owens said he said he hasnt left because transportation to his job is best from where he is now. He said he has to commute between Chico and Yuba City. This stinks, he said. Despite the cold, wet weather that is coming down on him and others, Owens said hes grateful to be alive. You only got a short period of time on this place, he said, referring to Earth. You gotta have a good time. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement California fires: Volunteers out in force to make a horrible Thanksgiving a little better In Chico, where thousands of evacuees have gathered, its going to be a Thanksgiving like no other. Some people who had been living in tents at a Walmart parking lot began to move on, some going to shelters. Volunteers have also been out in force to help. Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. in Chico has been prepping a Thanksgiving meal that will feed about 2,000 people. The event is in conjunction with other groups who are putting together meals and it includes Cal State Chico and World Central Chicken. The meal will consist of turkey, pork, green beans, mashed potatoes and gravy. The meals will be served in waves starting at 11 a.m., then at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Leslie Jessee, 33, tore sheets of foil and laid them in a stack as she prepped the turkey. She said she hopes the Thanksgiving meal will bring some sense of peace for the people affected by the fire. Nearby, Ken Grossman, the owner of the beer company, worked on making the gravy. On Thanksgiving I always make the turkey, the gravy and mashed potatoes for a big family, he said. This time, its a bigger family. Grossman said about 40 of his employees lost homes to the Camp fire. He also has friends who have lost so much. Hopefully family and friends will enjoy the meal, he said. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print California fires: Were just trying to get back to normal, whatever normal really is By Rong-Gong Lin II With the public still prohibited from entering the worst-hit areas of Paradise and Magalia, the towns were silent, save for the hum of generators. The gas station was shuttered. Ponderosa Elementary School abandoned. The blackened husks of cars were still visible across the town. At the site of a gym on Pentz Road, all that remained were the contorted remains of elliptical machines atop a pile of ash. Crews worked on repairing utility lines, forcing motorists to just one side of many roads, and continued the process of looking for any signs of human remains, despite the rain. Theyre looking for basically bone fragments. And theyre just systematically going from burned house to burned house, looking to see if theres anything, said Capt. Matt Bergstrand of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection station in Magalia. A day earlier, a hearse was spotted in Paradise, accompanied by the California Highway Patrol. At the fire station in Magalia, things are still pretty devastating, Bergstrand said. Were just trying to get back to normal, whatever normal really is. I dont know what normal is really going to entail. A pretty big chunk of our area has been consumed. #paradise on Thanksgiving Eve. Quiet and wet. The acrid odor of smoke is throat scratching, lingering in the air. Crews are repairing utility lines, still searching for victims. pic.twitter.com/MeAqIYq3Yr Ron Lin (@ronlin) November 21, 2018 #paradise on Thanksgiving Eve. Quiet and wet. The acrid odor of smoke is throat scratching, lingering in the air. Crews are repairing utility lines, still searching for victims. pic.twitter.com/MeAqIYq3Yr Ron Lin (@ronlin) November 21, 2018 Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Stanley the giraffe is safe after the Woolsey fire, but Jillian Michaels isnt satisfied By Alejandra Reyes-Velarde Nicole Padilla, 17, of Diamond Bar feeds Stanley the giraffe at the L.A. County Fair. ( (Francine Orr/ Los Angeles Times)) The saga of Stanley the giraffe continues as yet another celebrity has made the animals welfare her mission despite his keepers assurances. Fitness celebrity Jillian Michaels is demanding that Malibu Wine Safaris move Stanley to a better home. In a letter to founder Dakota Semler, Michaels said that despite the Woolsey fires passing, the giraffe remains in danger as long as it is in on their property. Celebrities and tourists have visited Saddlerock Ranchs safari attraction for years to drink wine and snap selfies with the lone giraffe. But after the Woolsey fire, they used their clout to draw attention to the animals safety as the Woolsey fire roared toward the property. They and hundreds of nearby residents, strangers and animal lovers believed Stanley had been abandoned when Malibu Wine Safaris staff evacuated. A photo of the exotic animal on an open field with flames in the distance circulated on social media. Despite multiple statements made by the company, some people remained dubious. Due to the short notice given to area residents, the animals were not evacuated; instead, they were placed in an open dirt field that did not have much fuel to burn. Stanley is doing fine, said Bob Dunn after the fire passed through. Dunn, a close family friend who has helped care for the giraffe since its birth, said Stanley was completely safe. Hes healthy. Although many have moved on, Michaels isnt satisfied. Like millions of others, I saw and cannot shake off the picture of Stanley that showed flames approaching behind him, and I urge you not to keep him in the same path of danger, Michaels wrote. But fire or no fire, he needs to be moved to a place where he can thrive and hes not just waiting for the monotony of his life to be broken when someone offers him a treat. Michaels is backed by the animal rights group PETA, which has been working to identify alternate homes for the animals, should the Semlers comply with Michaels request. Giraffes special needs simply cannot be met at a roadside zoo like this, Michaels said in the letter, and if he hasnt already, he will soon begin to exhibit neurotic behavior resulting from captivity-related stress, frustration, and privation. Rebecca Smudzinski, a wildlife specialist with PETA, said young male giraffes like Stanley often travel in bachelor herds and roam large savannas. One in captivity is likely to display signs of stress, such as repetitive licking and pacing. The Woolsey fire exposed Stanleys sad, lonely life in that barren enclosure, she said. Hes got nowhere to go and nothing to do, and so he just waits for people to feed him. Organizations housing exotic animals are required to have a permit from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which follows minimal standards set by the Animal Welfare Act. The permit includes an annual inspection visit to ensure the animal is taken care of properly. But that isnt enough, Smudzinski maintained. PETA wants the animal to be moved somewhere accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries or the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which both require disaster plans to be reviewed and practiced regularly, she said. Michaels referenced Safari West in a Twitter post as an example of an organization that successfully saved exotic animals. Nancy Lang, co-owner of Safari West, said the organization was accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The staff there meet annually with law enforcement, the Humane Society and others to discuss disaster plans and practice regular drills, and partner with organizations that offer their facilities in case of emergencies. When the Tubbs fire approached their property in 2017, they had little time to react, making an evacuation impossible. Lang said whether Malibu Wine Safaris did the right thing is impossible to say without knowing their circumstance. Some of Safari Wests animals were also placed in an open field with little fuel to burn. Its unclear what disaster plan Malibu Wine Safaris had in place, but its staff only had a couple of hours to act. Malibu Wine Safaris did not respond to multiple requests for comment. .@MalibuSafaris It's 100% possible to care for exotic animals in emergency situations. Read the attached @WhitneyCummings is spot on! And if you can't prepare properly for situations like this you have NO business keeping these types of animals. https://t.co/fB00qrtNzm Jillian Michaels (@JillianMichaels) November 15, 2018 Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Homes burned in the Camp fire could contain dangerous materials including radiation and residents should stay away, health officials say An aerial view shows destruction from the Camp fire. Homes not reduced to rubble could have high levels of carcinogens, officials warn. (Los Angeles Times) Butte County health officials are urging residents not to try to move back into homes damaged by the Camp fire in Paradise. Some residents have been allowed back into Paradise to survey their homes and collect any valuables still left. There is evidence from recent fires in California that homes and property destroyed by fire contain high and concerning levels of heavy metals, lead, mercury, dioxin, arsenic, and other carcinogens. Some property may have the presence of radioactive materials, the county said in a statement. Exposure to hazardous substances may lead to acute and chronic health effects, and may cause long-term public health and environmental impacts. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Assessing the risk of mudslides in Malibu after California fires By Alejandra Reyes-Velarde If the expected rainfall on the eve of Thanksgiving day is intense enough, areas where the Woolsey fire burned would be more susceptible to mud flows than areas affected by the Camp fire, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. USGS researchers created a map that shows the probability that different fire-affected areas will experience mud flows if theres a storm that produces 24 millimeters of rain per hour, or a quarter of an inch in 15 minutes. We have historical information about where debris flows occurred, how big they were and the rainfall associated with triggering those events, said Dennis Staley, a research geologist with the USGS. The model also considers slope steepness, topography and fire severity. The dark red portions of the map indicate between an 80 and 100% chance of debris flows if rain reaches the assigned threshold for the map. Most areas affected by the Camp fire are colored yellow, indicating a 20% chance or less of debris flow. The Woolsey fire area on the other hand is mostly colored orange and red. The reason for the higher probability, Staley said, is that areas affected by the Woolsey fire are steeper than where the Camp fire burned. However, weather experts say rainfall in Southern California likely wont be intense enough for dangerous mud flows. Rich Thomas, with the National Weather Service, said there will only be about quarter to three quarters of an inch of rainfall total. Theres only a 10 to 20% chance the rain will become heavy enough to create mudflows, he said. There could be some minor debris flows, but nothing significant, he said. Rocks over the roadway, stuff like that. Still, Thompson said people should be prepared and pay attention to local authorities for evacuation orders. To the west, the area affected by the Mendocino Complex fire appears to be at higher risk, Staley said. In August, the Mendocino Complex fire consumed more than 450,000 acres, becoming the largest wildfire in state history. The areas steep terrain made it a challenge to firefighters and also increases the likelihood of mud flows. Heavy rain is expected this Thanksgiving holiday and debris flows will be a particular threat in the areas affected by the Camp, Carr, Delta, Hirz and Mendocino Complex fires, the NWS said. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print After fires, risk of Malibu mudslides will be high through the winter By Tony Barboza (Los Angeles Times) The first rain to fall over the burn-scarred areas of the Woolsey fire is expected to start Wednesday night. Forecasters are predicting it will be a weak storm, not intense enough to trigger significant flows of mud and debris although it could cause some minor rockslides and mudslides. But experts say stronger storms in the coming months have the potential to send life-threatening mudflows plowing through neighborhoods. That threat has authorities urging residents living on or below hillsides, in canyons and along stream channels to take steps to prepare their homes, keep an eye on the weather, quickly heed warnings and evacuation orders, and be ready to leave well before the rain arrives. If you can see burned hillsides from your house, you are threatened by debris flow, said National Weather Service meteorologist Eric Boldt, who works with emergency planners and other local officials to coordinate warnings. You dont want to be there when the rain starts. Theres just not enough time to wait and see what happens. Read more here. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Dramatic NASA images show destruction of California fires from space Burn zone for the Woolsey fire (NASA) Burn zone for the Camp fire (NASA) Satellite image of the Camp fire (NASA) NASA has released dramatic satellite images of the destructive wildfires in California. The data show the progression of the fires and how they burned homes, as well as satellite images of what they look like from space. See more here. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print How fires can lead to deadly mudslides Mudslides after fires (Los Angeles Times) Rain is forecast this week in the burn zones of Paradise in Northern California and the Malibu/Ventura County area in Southern California. This has prompted concern about mudflows. Soil in a burned area can be repellent to water, creating a flood-like flow on the ground that picks up rock and debris. In an area that has not burned, soil can become saturated. Pressure builds up underground, and soil starts moving and begins picking up mud and debris as it starts flowing downhill. Heres how hillsides that have been burned by wildfire become prone to flash floods and dangerous mudslides during heavy rains. How mudflows occur. (Los Angeles Times) Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Remains found above Malibu are not those of a Woolsey fire victim, but from earlier death, officials say By Jeanette Marantos A broken skull and a few other bone fragments found in the scorched hills of Latigo Canyon on Saturday came from a human who died well before the Woolsey fire, Los Angeles County sheriffs investigators said Wednesday. A landowner spotted what appeared to be human bones Thursday as he was checking fire damage to his property off Latigo Canyon Road, about a mile north of Ocean View Road, near mile marker 6.92, Sgt. Marcelo Quintero said. The property didnt notify authorities about the bones until Saturday. Quintero said the skull was likely hidden by heavy brush in the area before the Woolsey fire, which scorched much of the land and several structures in the canyon above Malibu. Investigators believe the wildfire may have dislodged the remains from where they were stuck higher up the hilly terrain, and sent them tumbling down into the pathway where they were found, on property owned by the Ava and Cole Weintraub Family Park conservancy group. The skull was broken into pieces but we were able to piece it somewhat together, Quintero said. The anthropologists at the coroners office believe it definitely predated the fire. Coroners investigators believe the remains could been there between six months and 50 years, he said. They have some fire damage, he said, but no bite marks. We only have parts of a skull, parts of a jaw and possibly some cervical vertebra pieces, Quintero said. The Los Angeles County coroners Special Operations Response Team, or SORT, combed the area, hoping to find more remains. They did find additional bones, Quintero said, but they turned out to belong to animals. Were going to do our best to try to identify whoever this person was, he said. But its going to be a long shot, at best. Anyone with information should contact the sheriffs Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. Those wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Woolsey fire expected to be fully contained today Firefighter battling Woolsey fire last week. (Los Angeles Times) Firefighters are hoping to have full containment of the Woolsey fire sometime today. The fire, which killed three people, destroyed more than 1,600 structures and burned over 96,000 acres from Oak Park to Malibu, was 98% contained as of Tuesday night. People continued to return to their homes, but officials warned of possible rain in the burn areas later this week. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Storms could wash away remains of Camp fire victims, officials fear A pair of incoming storms are threatening to hamper recovery efforts in Paradise, Calif. In a worst-case scenario, the downpour could flood the ruins and wash away human remains, leaving authorities unable to find and identify every victim of Californias deadliest wildfire on record. Authorities fear bones could sink underwater, making them harder to spot and drowning any scent that cadaver dogs rely on to find them. Meteorologists say the Camp fire burn scar which is larger than the city of San Jose could see up to 6 inches of rain through Saturday, with the heaviest downpour expected overnight Thursday. The forecast has triggered a flash flood watch for possible rock slides and debris flows. Light showers were falling Wednesday morning with heavier rain expected later in the day. That rain is going to get in that ash, its going to turn into it a paste-like substance, said Monterey County sheriffs Cmdr. Joe Moses, who is helping in the recovery effort. Its going to stick to everything and slow things down. Read more here. First light showers hit Norcal this morning. Heavier precipitation is expected later this morning and afternoon. #cawx pic.twitter.com/UALB0iYUeX NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) November 21, 2018 Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Paradise narrowed its main road by two lanes despite warnings of gridlock during a major wildfire By Paige St. John Paradise narrowed its main road through town as well as two other streets in recent years, hoping to slow traffic and improve pedestrian safety. The changes came despite warnings that a major fire would cause crippling gridlock during evacuations, a scenario that became grim reality when Californias worst wildfire swept into Paradise this month. Read the full story here. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Paradise narrowed its main road by two lanes despite warnings of gridlock during a major wildfire By Joseph Serna After a fast-moving fire swept into town a decade ago, burning more than 200 homes and trapping thousands of fleeing residents on gridlocked mountain roads, a grand jury called on officials to improve evacuation routes. But six years later, the city decided to narrow a portion of the main road through town from four lanes to two as part of an effort in the downtown area aimed at boosting commerce as well as traffic and pedestrian safety. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Number of people missing in Camp fire jumps to 870 The number of people unaccounted for in the destructive Camp fire rose to 870 on Tuesday after investigators were able to work through a backlog of voicemails, authorities said. The surge comes as the death toll increased to 81, with two bodies recovered inside structures in the Butte County town of Paradise. Of the 81, authorities said they had tentatively identified 56 people. By Tuesday evening, investigators had also been able to locate nearly 200 people reported missing, raising the number of people checked off the missing-persons list to 1,864. The blaze has chewed through more than 152,000 acres and destroyed more than 12,600 homes. It was 75% contained. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Death toll from Camp fire rises to 81 as searchers continue their grim work A search-and-rescue team scans an area where there might be human remains. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) The death toll from Californias worst fire rose to 81 on Tuesday as the search continued for the missing. The fire has burned more than 12,000 structures, destroying most of the town of Paradise and other nearby communities. As of Monday night, there were nearly 700 people still missing. Rain is expected to hit the area tonight, complicating the search efforts. Joe Moses, a commander with the Monterey County Sheriffs Office who is assisting with search-and-rescue operations, said the rain is a concern for him and recovery crews. That rain is going to get in that ash [and] its going to turn it into a paste-like substance, Moses said. Its going to stick to everything and slow things down. In a worst-case scenario, if torrential downpours were to hit Paradise, the foundations could flood and wash human remains away, increasing the possibility that workers may be unable to locate and identify victims. This concern appears to be greatest in rural areas such as Concow. Authorities fear that bones may also lie underwater, making it harder for workers to spot them, and that the rain may wash away the scents that cadaver dogs seek out to find human remains. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print California fires: Anxiety and nightmares grip evacuees in Paradise fire zone Deborah Laughlin hasnt heard from her son in nearly two weeks. (Ruben Vives/Los Angeles Times) Inside the cafeteria of Bidwell Junior High School, 63-year-old Deborah Laughlin sipped on coffee and scooped up some apple pie. A lot was on her mind. Laughlin said she lost her home in Paradise. She had been living at Evergreen Mobile Home Park. Since the evacuations, she has been at the middle school, where the Red Cross operates a shelter. She said she registered with FEMA and hopes shell be able to get housing. I dont know what Im going to do, she said. I told the manager of the Red Cross: When you leave, Im going with you. Perhaps her greatest worry is her son, Shawn Evans, 40, whom she last heard from while he was evacuating from Magalia. She said he was driving on Imperial Way with his wife, who is eight months pregnant. I know where my husband is but I dont know here my son is, she said with teary eyes. Please dont tell me he died. Please. She said she is clinging to hope that her son is OK and that theyll be reunited soon. She said shes afraid about the storm that is approaching the region. Shes afraid because she knows theres still people who are missing, people who may have died in the fire. Im scared, she said. Im scared theyll be washed away and peoples remains will never be found. Sitting across was Anthony Salzarulo, 60, who had fought to save his home and five others in Concow. He said the fire was worse than any other blaze that had hit the region. Salzarulo lost his home to a fire 10 years ago. Sipping water, he said his home suffered some damage in the Camp fire, mostly to his solar panels and generator. He lost a bus and a car. When he was leaving the area, he saw animals that had died in the fire. A bobcat that had suffered burns walked near him. Hes had nightmares since. He heard about the storm approaching. He worries a mudslide may take out his home, and its made him anxious. He wants to go home. I hope I have a home after this storm because it sounds like its a pretty bad one, he said. He said the storm had added to his nightmares. I was dreaming that there was a tornado and all these things were sticking to me, he said. They were human bones. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement California fires: Heavy rains could wash away human remains in Paradise, searchers fear Devastation from the Camp fire. (Los Angeles Times) Four members of the Oakland Fire Departments Urban Search and Rescue Task Force removed a charred mattress spring and began combing through a mixture of ash, dirt, shredded wood and pieces of roofing tiles. Using their gloves to move around the blackened dirt, they looked for human remains. This is hard, one of the recovery workers said. But were trying. Let everyone know were trying. By Wednesday afternoon, the recovery work will get harder. Forecasters said thats when the rain will most likely start to come down over the Camp fire. Joe Moses, a commander with the Monterey County Sheriffs Office who is assisting with search-and-rescue operations, said the rain is a concern for him and recovery crews. That rain is going to get in that ash [and] its going to turn it into a paste-like substance, Moses said. Its going to stick to everything and slow things down. In a worst-case scenario, if torrential downpours were to hit Paradise, a town devastated by the fire, the foundations could flood and wash human remains away, increasing the possibility that workers may be unable to locate and identify victims of the fire. This concern appears to be more evident in rural areas such as Concow. Authorities fear bones could also lie underwater, making it harder to spot them and whatever scent cadaver dogs rely on to spot human remains could be drown out. But Moses doesnt believe the rain wont be too bad and they plan to see their mission through. The fire destroyed much of Paradise, burning more than 10,000 homes. Nearly 80 are confirmed dead, but nearly 700 remain missing in the worst fire in California history. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Woolsey fire victims file lawsuit against Southern California Edison By Alejandra Reyes-Velarde Only the top few feet of a utility pole survived the Woolsey fire as it roared over Kanan Road in Malibu. ( (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times)) Victims of the Woolsey fire have filed a lawsuit against Southern California Edison alleging the utility was negligent in failing to shut off power before the wildfire started, attorneys announced Tuesday. The lawsuit, filed Friday in Los Angeles Superior Court on behalf of 17 plaintiffs, alleges the company ignored warnings of extreme fire weather and only shut power off once the fire started. That delay contributed to the Woolsey fires destruction, plaintiffs say. The fire, which is currently 96% contained, killed three people and destroyed 1,500 structures, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Attorneys are seeking compensation for plaintiffs damaged property, lost wages and attorney fees. The lawsuit claims that once the electricity was shut off on Nov. 12 four days after the fire started residents and firefighters lost water pressure, hampering efforts to battle the flames. That in turn heightened the safety risk for firefighters and homeowners who sheltered in place. R. Rex Parris, one of the attorneys on the case, references the utilitys preliminary report filed Nov. 12 with the California Public Utility Commission stating an electric substation experienced a disturbance two minutes before the fire, which started in the same area. The report is preliminary, said Edison spokesman Steve Conroy when the report was made public. We have no other information other than a line went out of service and we dont know why. In the report, the utility said a circuit in its Chatsworth substation near where the Woolsey fire started relayed two minutes before the fire broke out. This means an outage remains until it is safe to manually reenergize the circuit, Conroy said. This is not a Public Safety Power Shutoff; it is simply a safety feature to help mitigate wildfire risk. The lawsuit also blames Edison for potential damage to the environmental and public health caused by the burning of the Santa Susana Field Laboratory nuclear cleanup area, though some experts have said there was no damage. The state Department of Toxic Substances Control, which oversees the long-delayed cleanup of the former rocket engine testing and nuclear research facility, said fire officials believed the blaze did not present any risks other than those normally present in a wildfire situation. Edison said in an emailed statement that it cannot comment on lawsuits related to the Woolsey fire at this time and that it may take some time before an investigation into what caused the fire is completed. SCEs focus at this time is service restoration to customers still impacted in the Malibu area, and providing additional assistance to customers through the L.A. County local assistance centers, an Edison spokesman said. The utility said its offering support for customers looking to turn service on and off, waiving charges associated with extended bill payments and charges associated with relocating and starting new service. Parris said utility companies know of the dangers of high power lines running through fire zones, but that they do little to implement safeguards to prevent potential tragedies. When you have rules that are this important and you know people are violating them its inevitable that these catastrophic events happen, Parris said of Edison and other utility companies. Their view of safety is public relations. Victims of the Camp fire filed a lawsuit against Pacific Gas and Electric Co. also on Friday, alleging that utility is responsible for the fire that killed at least 79 people. ------ 2:05 p.m.: This article was updated with statements from R. Rex Parris. This article was originally published at 11:05 a.m. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Here are the latest evacuations, road and school closures, animal shelters and victim services Mandatory evacuations Malibu, from the Ventura County line east to Anacapa View Drive. Monte Nido West of Malibu Canyon Road. Liberty Canyon West to Decker Canyon and south to PCH For all evacuation areas click here. Road closures Highway 101 offramps from Valley Circle Blvd to Liberty Canyon Road Highway 1 southbound (Pacific Coast Highway) closed at Las Posas Road Bell Canyon Road at Valley Circle Boulevard Borchard at Los Vientos Drive Lynn Road at Reino Road Potrero Road between Rancho Dos Vientos and South Lewis Road Kanan Road between Westlake Boulevard and Lindero Canyon Road Falling Star Avenue at Kanan Road Potrero Road at Wendy Drive State Route 118 eastbound between Topanga Canyon and Yosemite Avenue Mureau Road, Calabasas Boundary to 101 Freeway Cornell Road, Mulholland Hwy to Kanan Road Encinal Canyon Road, Malibu Boundary to Mulholland Hwy Click here to see a full list of closures. Evacuation centers (Los Angeles Times) Camarillo Community Center 1605 E. Burnley Street, Camarillo (accepting small animals) Borchard Community Center 190 Reino Road, Newbury Park (accepting small animals) Goebel Senior Adult Center (obscured on map) 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks (at capacity) Thousand Oaks Teen Center 1375 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks Thousand Oaks Community Center 2525 North Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks (closed) Rancho Santa Susana Recreation Center 5005 Unit C Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley (no animals accepted) Taft Charter High School 5461 Winnetka Ave., Woodland Hills Pierce College 7100 El Rancho Drive, Woodland Hills (Entrance off Desoto Avenue); Los Angeles County Animal Services (accepting large animals) Canoga Park High School 6850 Topanga Canyon Blvd, Canoga Park Palisades Charter High School (not displayed on map) 15777 Bowdoin St, Pacific Palisades School closures Cal State Channel Islands Cal Lutheran University (except for emergency personnel) Moorpark Community College Pepperdine University (Malibu and Calabasas campuses) For Ventura County school closures, please check the Ventura County Office of Education website https://www.vcoe.org/ Animal shelters Ventura County Fair Grounds 10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura, (at capacity); Ventura County Animal Services (805) 388-4258 Ventura County Animal Shelter 600 Aviation Drive, Camarillo (accepting small animals) Simi Valley Animal Shelter 670 W Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley, (805) 388-4341 (accepting small animals) Pierce College 7100 El Rancho Drive, Woodland Hills (entrance off Desoto Avenue) (at capacity); Los Angeles County Animal Services Hansen Dam Equestrian Center 11127 Orcas Ave., Lake View Terrace (at capacity); Los Angeles County Animal Services Earl Warren Show Grounds (not on map) 3400 Calle Real, Santa Barbara (Check-in at Gate C off of Calle Real) (accepting large animals) Shelter Hope 193 N Moorpark Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 (lodging for evacuees and volunteers available) If you need large animal assistance, please call (805) 388-4258 N95 Particulate filter mask availability (Los Angeles Times) Goebel Senior Adult Center (obscured on map) 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks Thousand Oaks Teen Center 1375 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks Rancho Santa Susana Recreation Center 5005 Unit C Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley Borchard Community Center 190 N Reino Road, Newbury Park Camarillo Community Center 1605 E Burnley St., Camarillo North Oxnard Public Health 2240 E. Gonzales Road, Oxnard South Oxnard Public health 2500 S. C Street, Oxnard Channel Islands harbor master 3900 Pelican Way, Oxnard Las Posas Family Medical Group 3801 Las Posas, Suite 214, Camarillo Sierra Vista Family Medical Clinic 2700 E Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley Moorpark Family Medical Clinic 612 Spring Road, Building A, Moorpark Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Some Camp fire evacuations are lifted as firefighters continue working to contain the blaze By Alejandra Reyes-Velarde The valley behind it blanketed in a thick layer of smoke, a train sits stopped near Butte Valley along Highway 70. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) Officials lifted evacuation orders for several communities near Lake Oroville on Tuesday. The news comes as firefighters make progress in the battling the Camp fire, which as of Tuesday morning was 70% contained. The fire has consumed more than 151,000 acres and killed at least 79 people, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Officials announced that residents of all Berry Creek zones can return home, except the areas northbound Encina Grande Road at Choc Taw Ridge Road, northbound French Creek Road at Stephens Ridge Road and northbound Highway 162 at Four Mile Ridge Road. Communities in the Cherokee Zone B zone can also return to the area, with the exception of areas northbound Red Tape Road at Condor Road, Rocky Top Road at Cherokee Road, Vinton Gulch at Cherokee Road, Crystal Pines Road at Cherokee Road and Highway 70 East of the West branch bridge. All residents of the Messilla Valley Zone B can return home. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement As California fire slowly is contained, air quality begins to improve in the north By Times Staff Latest smoke model indicates continued gradual improvement in air quality through Tuesday evening. Much better air quality is then expected by Wednesday when gusty winds and rain from a Pacific weather system clean the air. #CAwx #campfiresmoke pic.twitter.com/Vxd3cwZUQM NWS Bay Area (@NWSBayArea) November 20, 2018 The rain forecast for Northern California is expected to improve air quality in the region, which has experienced unhealthful air due to the Camp fire. Air quality improved somewhat Tuesday, but the smoke was supposed to dissipate more on Wednesday. The Camp fire burn zone could see up to 6 inches of rain through Saturday, which isnt unusual for that region, said Johnnie Powell, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Sacramento. In April, fire-ravaged Paradise, Calif., saw nearly 6 inches of rain in one day in what was its last significant storm. Strong inversions will allow wildfire smoke to continue to impact interior Norcal today although air quality is slowly getting better most areas. Rainfall spreading over Norcal on Wednesday should clear the air considerably. #cawx pic.twitter.com/LKa2b1d7uy NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) November 20, 2018 Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print In Paradise, the grim search for bodies after California fire: Were finding remains in various states The search-and-rescue team took a break as it waited for an excavator to moved debris from a pair of charcoal gray vehicles sitting next to a burned home in Butte Creek Canyon in Chico. Nearby, a line of fire trucks and sheriffs vehicles drove past the group, their occupants waving. The sun was starting to dip. Monday was coming to an end. Since the Camp fire broke out on Nov. 8, authorities have been combing through crumbled homes and melted metal in an effort to locate and identify human remains. The fire has killed at least 79 people, and about 700 others are unaccounted for, a significant drop from a few days ago when the list was more than 26 pages and had more than 1,200 names, but still a daunting number. Now two storms are moving toward Northern California and are expected bring up to six inches of rain through Saturday, possibly hindering search operations. The pros and cons are that the weather will be in our favor to contain the fire, said Cal Fire spokesman Manuel Garcia. But the cons are that there will possibly be loose terrain, fallen trees, mudslides and downstream flows. The National Weather Service said the first of the storms will move into the region on Wednesday. The second storm will bring the heaviest rain on Thursday night through Friday morning. Forecasters said the soil in the burn area cannot absorb rainwater, which could lead to fast-moving flows of mud, debris and even trees and boulders up to several feet deep that can be deadly. Blocked roads caused by the storms as well as rivers of ash and debris could hinder search crews from conducting a massive search operation in a burn zone that is bigger in area than the city of San Jose. Tom Madigan of the Alameda County Sheriffs Department said that in some cases remains were so badly burned that they could not be recognized or just a few bones could be located. Were finding remains in various states, Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea said. I suspect there are some that will have been completely consumed. There is certainly the unfortunate possibility that even after weve searched an area, once people get back in there, its possible that human remains could be found. I know thats a very difficult thing to think about, but thats the difficult situation we find ourselves in today. Recovery workers in white jumpsuits and boots, firefighters, coroner employees and police chaplains from across the state have been working around the clock searching neighborhoods destroyed by the fire, but as the storms approach, the possibility of perhaps not finding everyone is starting to set in. A neighborhood reduced to ashes in Paradise. (Los Angeles Times) Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Firefighters boost containment of deadly Camp fire to 70% as residents prepare for rain By Hannah Fry Ryan Spainhower hugs his wife after he recovers a coin that they made during their honeymoon from the debris of his home. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) The deadly Camp fire grew slightly overnight to 151,373 acres as firefighters continued their efforts to get the blaze under control. The fire, which has claimed at least 79 lives and destroyed more than 17,000 homes and commercial structures, is 70% contained, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said Tuesday. At the same time firefighters work to control the blaze, residents in the burn area now face the potential for mudslides as a series of storms begin to make their way into the region. The National Weather Service issued a flash flood watch through Friday morning where the fire raged through Butte County. While the rainfall will help with the firefight, neighborhoods that were destroyed, and those downstream of them, could see mudslides and debris flows, authorities said. The burn zone could see up to 6 inches of rain through Saturday, which isnt unusual for that region, said Johnnie Powell, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Sacramento. In April, Paradise saw nearly 6 inches of rain in one day in what was its last significant storm. Best-case scenario, itll rain on it and nothing will move. Worst-case scenario, the mud will start moving, Powell said. We just have to wait and see what happens. All we know for sure is, its going to rain really hard. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print California fire burned more than 10,000 homes, but trees remained standing. Why? By Joseph Serna One of the many striking, horrifying in images from Paradise is that trees still stand next to homes incinerated by fire. Here is why. Fires that spread from house to house generate a force of their own. Embers, broadcast by the wind, find dry leaves, igniting one structure then another, and the cycle is perpetuated block after block. Break that cycle and the fire quits, and destruction can be minimized. Paradise never had that chance. Defensible space and hardened structures could not have kept the firestorm, carried on gusts clocking in the low 50s and feeding on the homes and low-lying vegetation, from reducing the town to ash. Most telling were the trees. Most of the pines that sheltered this community still had their canopies intact. The needles, yellowed from the intense heat, were not burned evidence that the winds that morning had pushed the fire along so fast it never had a chance to rise into the trees. But as a surface fire, it lit up the homes that lay in its path. Read more here. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement California fires interrupt TV production By David Ng Netflixs teen drama series 13 Reasons Why was in the midst of shooting its third season in Vallejo when the massive Camp fire and other blazes broke out in Northern California. The sets, which include a sound stage on Mare Island, werent touched by the conflagrations, but the pervasive smoke that has shrouded much of the Bay Area has forced the show to temporarily halt shooting. The Paramount-produced series is one of a number of TV and commercial shoots that have experienced disruptions because of the fires that have devastated California in recent weeks. Some prime shooting locations including Paramount Ranch, which serves as a set for HBOs Westworld, and the Peter Strauss Ranch in Agoura Hills have experienced extensive damage, rendering them inaccessible to crews. Large swaths of Malibu that are popular filming sites are also closed to production. Read more here. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print California fires: New disaster danger in Paradise is mud and ash flows The National Weather Service issued a flash flood watch through Friday morning where the Camp fire raged through Butte County, Calif. While the rainfall will help with the firefight the blaze is 70% contained and has burned 151,272 acres neighborhoods that were destroyed, and those downstream of them, could see mudslides and debris flows. The Camp fire burn zone could see up to 6 inches of rain through Saturday, which isnt unusual for that region, said Johnnie Powell, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Sacramento. In April, Paradise saw nearly 6 inches of rain in one day in what was its last significant storm. Best-case scenario, itll rain on it and nothing will move. Worst-case scenario, the mud will start moving, Powell said. We just have to wait and see what happens. All we know for sure is, its going to rain really hard. The soil in recently burned areas cannot absorb rainwater. Enough rain can lead to fast-moving flows of mud, debris and even trees and boulders that can be deadly for those in their path. The devastation often comes without warning. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Video shows pilots in dramatic Woolsey fire rescue of three people and two dogs The two pilots were dropping water on a flank of the destructive Woolsey fire the day after it broke out when they got a request to rescue people stuck nearby on Castro Peak in the hills above Malibu. Their fuel supply was dwindling and thick smoke filled the air around them. Eventually they found a flat spot to ground the helicopter, and one of the pilots hopped out. Moments later, he emerged with three people and two dogs. The dramatic mountain rescue, involving Los Angeles Fire Department pilots David Nordquist and Joel Smith, was captured in an 11-minute video the agency released Monday. Once the people and pets were in the plane, the pilots took off. Ah, that was close, one says after taking off Yeah, it was, the other replied. Thats enough excitement for me today. The other laughed. You and me both, brother. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print California fires: Paradise anxiously awaits rain and the dangers it might bring Calvin Daley, 66, sat listening to jazz on his battery-powered radio on the front porch of his two-story home in the charred hills of Chico. Tiny birds hopped from the burned branches of a pine tree to a bird feeder. Nearby, Pacific Gas and Electric crews repaired voltage lines, and other workers used an excavator to move aside hunks of melted metal that once were cars. Daley didnt evacuate. Instead, he hooked up three hoses, stationed them around his home and began dousing everything. Some people who stayed to fight for their homes died. He had at least three hours to work before the fire arrived with fury. He had no goggles, no mask, just jeans, a T-shirt and hoses. Sometimes, the water evaporated before hitting its target. His next-door neighbors home went up: My heart sank; I couldnt go over there and save it. Flames also claimed his wifes ski boat and his 1987 Dodge Ram. Also incinerated was the nearby Honey Run covered bridge. By 10:30 p.m. the fire had moved on. Exhausted, Daley woke himself every hour or so to check on hotspots. It was eerily quiet for three days, then the birds returned. Next door, the neighbors cats had survived. He began feeding them. As heavy rain approaches, hes worried contaminants will run into his well. He also worries for people who have lost homes, for people living in tents. He wishes it were summer. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Legally blind and under evacuation: The unknown is the worst part At the Butte County Fairgrounds in Gridley, the five Thompsons live at the end of a row of green cots. Hot meals are served, snacks and water are readily available, as are toiletries and American Red Cross volunteers. Were having to turn stuff away, said M Police visited the home of Ian David Long, the 28-year-old who killed several people at a bar in Thousand Oaks, earlier this year after a call about a disturbance. Law enforcement officials determined he did not qualify for an involuntarily psychiatric hold, officials said. Long, who died of a gunshot wound, was a former U.S. Marine machine gunner who likely suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder. Authorities were called to his home in April and found Long somewhat irate, acting a little irrationally, Ventura County Sheriffs Sgt. Geoff Dean said in a news conference Thursday. They called out our crisis intervention team, our mental health specialists, who met with him, talked to him, Dean said. The mental health experts out there cleared him that day. To involuntarily commit someone in what is known as a 5150, law enforcement must determine that the person has a mental illness and could cause immediate danger to themselves or others. The law carefully balances the rights of the individual to not be committed against his or her will against public safety, said Curt Child with Disability Rights California. Advertisement Merely erratic behavior does not rise to that level, Child said. Law enforcement may look for evidence of suicidal or homicidal plans, but that often isnt evident in the same way that the conditions of something like child abuse might be, said Mindy Mechanic, a psychology professor at Cal State Fullerton. Long may have formulated plans for the shooting long after the welfare check. Officials said he purchased a gun after the April visit. When youre talking about someones mental state, its a very fluid thing that can change rapidly, Mechanic said. Its reasonable to hypothesize that when he was evaluated, even though he had PTSD, he was still stable. Serious mental illness does slightly increase someones risk for violence, but there is a whole cocktail of factors that come together, making violence very difficult to predict, said Jeffrey Swanson, psychiatry professor at Duke University School of Medicine who studies the link between mental illness and violence. One cant draw a connection between PTSD or other mental illness and violence, he said. People believe that people with mental illness are dangerous it doesnt square with the facts, he said. PTSD makes people about three times more likely to commit an act of violence than those without any mental disorder, but that risk of violence jumps dramatically in people who also have a substance abuse problem, he said. There are other risk factors for violence, he said, including being young, male, impoverished or experiencing trauma and violence at a young age. In general, just 4% of violence is attributable to psychiatric illness, according to Swanson. He said access to guns is the real reason the countrys homicide rate is so much higher than elsewhere. When theres a horrifying mass-casualty shooting, its so disturbing and so irrational and so frightening, and we hear this answer: Its mental illness, he said. Thats just grossly oversimplified. Mental health experts were quick to warn that there is not a link between mental illness and mass shootings. Most people with mental illness will never become violent, and mental illness doesnt cause most gun violence, said Ron Honberg, senior policy advisor for the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Perpetuating the false narrative that mental illness causes violence can increase stigma around mental illness and make it even harder for people to seek treatment, experts say. Honberg said veterans are particularly unlikely to seek treatment the stiff upper lip syndrome and that he hopes that people begin seeking help sooner. We should be having those conversations, he said. But its sad, they only take place in the aftermath of violence. soumya.karlamangla@latimes.com Twitter: @skarlamangla In Thousand Oaks, the victims were being identified at the horrific crime scene, where the shooter was said to be a 28-year-old Marine who had exhibited signs of possible PTSD. In Los Angeles, Steve Peck, himself a Marine, was preparing for what would be a busy day. The annual fundraiser for U.S. Vets was scheduled for Thursday evening, and Peck who served in Vietnam in 1969 and 1970 is the executive director. U.S. Vets is celebrating its 25th anniversary as a provider of housing, counseling, job connections and other services, and theres a reason for its existence. The Department of Veterans Affairs does some great work, but for years, the services have been spotty. It was too soon to know much about the shooter, who had posted online that he was an infantry machine gunner in Afghanistan, or whether he was regularly getting help from the VA or any other service provider. By one account, after a disturbing-the-peace complaint at his home in April, police called in mental health workers who concluded he didnt need to be taken into custody. Advertisement And its important to note that most mass shootings in the United States dont involve veterans. But Peck knows that far too many veterans dont get needed help. And Thousand Oaks may offer one example of whats missing. What we have been trying to do, said Peck, is get more cooperation between the Department of Defense and the VA, so when they come out of discharge and land in Southern California, we, the VA, all the post-service organizations, are aware especially with young guys whove had three deployments. The ones who were really in the thick of it. Lets reach out to these guys before they get into trouble and get the DOD to make that connection with the VA. So why hasnt it happened? There are privacy issues and HIPAA, Peck said, referring to a federal law that requires the safeguarding of medical information. HIPAA is the enemy of a lot of us trying to provide these services early on. Peck said he was working through channels in Washington, D.C., to establish a system that identifies those in need of help but also protects their privacy as much as possible. The majority of men and women who return from service can reintegrate reasonably well, said Peck. But about 20% have issues that can lead to isolation, alcohol or drug abuse, domestic violence, homelessness, job loss and aggressive outbursts. Many of them had trauma in their lives even before entering the military. This guy sounds like he was really troubled, Peck said of the Thousand Oaks barroom killer, who was dead at the scene along with a Ventura County sheriffs sergeant and multiple students from area colleges. He was bouncing around, having brushes with the law for apparently a couple of years. If he was in combat, thats a guy who shouldve been on a watchlist, and having some social worker going out there to say, Lets talk about this. It was just mayhem: Gunman kills 12 inside Thousand Oaks bar Peck, son of the late actor Gregory Peck, said he experienced post-traumatic stress disorder for several years after returning from Vietnam, back in the days before there was such a diagnosis. I went through a couple of marriages, went through a couple of jobs, he said. Even with the advent of diagnosis and treatment for PTSD, theres still a stigma associated with combat-related illness. Peck said some vets know theyve got problems but believe they can handle them without help. Some are in full denial, or refuse to admit to problems that might prevent them from getting jobs as police officers or firefighters. Several years ago, U.S. Vets began putting staff on college campuses as a preventive outreach measure. The idea was that most colleges have veterans taking advantage of the GI Bill, which presents an opportunity to reel them in before combat-related issues surface. Thirteen campuses now have the program in place, with social workers and psychology students serving as counselors. As I noted, most mass shooters are not veterans, and we may never know what had gone haywire in the mind of the Thousand Oaks assassin. But if youre a combat vet, neighbors have complained about threatening behavior, and police have responded to your home, should you be able to legally own a gun, as the Marine allegedly did? Of course not. But this is the United States, where one mass shooting after another brings calls for stricter gun control, most of which are entirely ignored by lawmakers. These mass murders are depressingly pervasive, California Sen. Dianne Feinstein said in a statement. Schools. Theaters. Malls. Offices. Synagogues. Grocery stores. Bars. Concerts. Churches. Theyre inspired by racism, revenge, terrorism or just pure hatred. The one common attribute: easy access to guns. Feinstein said that although we dont know all the details of the Thousand Oaks shooting, we know how to reduce the frequency of such massacres. Despite its strict gun laws, Feinstein said, theres little California can do to keep guns coming in from other states. Without stronger laws to prevent straw purchasing and close the gaping holes in our background check system, a presumptive murderer barely has to lift a finger to buy a gun. She slammed congressional Republicans and President Trump for cowardice of epic proportions in refusing to take on the gun lobby and ban military-style assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, among other measures. As long as they stand in fear of the NRA and worry more about the power of the gun lobby than the lives of their fellow citizens, well see more Thousand Oaks, more bodies lying at the foot of failed Republican leadership, Feinstein said. Here we are, once more. Half mortified, half numb. Waiting to hear the names of innocent fellow citizens who were slaughtered. And wondering how much more blood will spill before we do the obvious, simple, humane things necessary to save lives. Get more of Steve Lopezs work and follow him on Twitter @LATstevelopez School district officials took the unusual step Wednesday night of offering an unqualified apology to an angry audience of parents. The administrators told more than 200 parents at Reed Middle School that they had erred in failing to notify them and staff that a man had reportedly approached girls at school and then returned days later in a truck containing an arsenal of illegal weapons. While insisting that the man posed no threat, officials said they had made the wrong call in keeping parents of students at the Studio City campus in the dark for more than two weeks. Were sorry, said regional operations administrator Andres E. Chait. This is something that was inexcusable. Advertisement Russell Polsky, 60, is accused of approaching three girls on Friday, Oct. 5, although the school did not learn about it until the following Monday. That Thursday, Oct. 11, at least one of the girls saw his truck again and alerted the school. An officer confronted Polsky, who was sitting in the passenger seat with a rifle bag next to him in the drivers seat. When officers saw the weaponry, they arrested Polsky, who did not resist. He pleaded guilty Oct. 24 to one felony weapons count and was sentenced to 16 months in state prison. Parents learned about the episode from news outlets, which were tipped off by an Oct. 30 Instagram post from the Los Angeles School Police Department. We erred on the side of not notifying and that was wrong, said Linda Del Cueto, regional superintendent for the east San Fernando Valley. During a meeting that stretched more than three hours, Principal Jeanne Gamba promised a thorough review of school safety measures and immediate steps to make the campus more secure. Chait did not say whether he or members of his operations team made the mistake, but he said he accepted responsibility for what went wrong. Operations staff had advised Gamba not to send out notifications after each of the incidents involving Polsky, said Del Cueto. Parents found the districts explanation difficult to accept. We are such a vigilant community, said Lisa-Marie Richardson, whose son is a Reed seventh-grader. Had word gone out after the first incident, I would have been looking for a red truck, she said. All these parents feel our children were in serious danger. Chait conceded that families could have kept an eye out for the suspect: We left a viable resource on the sidelines. We should have told you on the 8th, he told parents. We should have told you on the 11th. Not notifying them the first time was simply a mistake, he said. All the surrounding schools and school communities also should have been alerted about a potentially dangerous person. The second time, he said, was a decision based on the suspects nonthreatening demeanor, his rapid arrest and his explanation. Polsky said hed come from New Mexico after his father died, and that the guns had belonged to his father, said school police Lt. Chris Stevens. He claimed he had no place to put the weapons other than his truck after he was no longer able to stay in his fathers old apartment, which was nearby. In fact, he appeared to be living out of his truck, Stevens said. The guns included an illegal assault rifle and an illegally modified shotgun, which was loaded. An illegal magazine clip would have allowed for the firing of 60 high-powered rounds in rapid succession. Stevens said Polskys story about his fathers death checked out. This explanation was not entirely reassuring to parents or teachers, including veteran math teacher Anne Wolfstein. I was infuriated, she said. Let me know immediately. At one point, a parents anger turned to tears as she upbraided the administrators. I dont know how you sleep at night, said Ami Schulenberg, who has three daughters at the school. You should be ashamed.... You knew a man was luring girls into cars and you didnt tell us. Walter Reed Middle School in Studio City. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) howard.blume@latimes.com Twitter: @howardblume The Los Angeles sheriffs deputy pulled up to the pot-filled warehouse just after three in the morning. He held up an official-looking document to a guard, who promptly unlocked a gate. The deputy and two other men, each of them armed and dressed in sheriffs jackets, got out. After locking the guard and two other employees in the back of the deputys SUV, the men went to work lugging bags of marijuana from the warehouse. But far from an official raid, the deputy and his associates were carrying out a brazen heist, federal authorities said Friday. Advertisement Dep. Marc Antrim and his team, which included more men who arrived with a moving truck, are accused of stealing hundreds of pounds of marijuana and safes filled with cash from the warehouse, which served as a distribution center for a legal marijuana operation. Antrim, a patrol deputy in the sheriffs Temple City station, and two other men were arrested Thursday on federal drug charges. During searches of Antrims house and another mans home, agents found several weapons, ammunition and about $350,000 in bundled cash, court records show. At a court appearance Friday, the three men were appointed lawyers by a judge who ordered that they be kept in custody pending their detention hearings, which were continued to next week. Government official said prosecutors will argue against bail. Attorneys for the three men could not be reached for comment. Deputy Antrim allegedly was able to use his law enforcement expertise and his access to Sheriffs Department gear to stage a robbery that netted over a million dollars in marijuana and cash, U.S. Atty. Nick Hanna said in a statement. We cannot tolerate this type of behavior from sworn officers, and this case demonstrates our commitment to quickly address corrupt behavior by law enforcement. At the time of the robbery late last month, Antrim was not on duty and was not assigned to a narcotics unit that would have given him a reason to search a marijuana distribution warehouse in the city of Los Angeles, according to a criminal complaint filed in the case. Antrim, 41, of South El Monte, and the others carried out the alleged robbery early Oct. 29, according to affidavits written by an officer from the Drug Enforcement Agency to obtain search and arrest warrants. Much of the affidavits are based on footage from dozens of security cameras at the warehouse that captured the event. One of the cameras recorded the deputy pulling up to the warehouse on Commercial Street near downtown Los Angeles in an unmarked sheriffs SUV that Antrim allegedly took from the Temple City station, according to the affidavits. Along with holstered handguns, Antrim and the two men riding with him wore equipment belts typically used by police, and one man carried a larger weapon that appeared on the cameras to be a rifle or shotgun, an affidavit said. Minutes later, a rental truck pulled up and the men began loading boxes and bags filled with marijuana that had been packaged for shipment. In all, they took 600 pounds of the drug, authorities said. Unbeknownst to the men, someone had called the Los Angeles Police Department, which polices the area where the warehouse is located, to report a group of sheriffs deputies trying to execute a search warrant, according to one of the affidavits. Around 3:45 a.m., several LAPD officers arrived. As the other men fled out the back of the warehouse, shedding their gear and jackets, Antrim approached the officers, according to security camera recordings and footage from one LAPD officers body camera described in the affidavits. Telling the officers he was a Sheriffs Department narcotics investigator, Antrim made a call on his phone and said it was to his supervisor. A man on the other end of the line told an LAPD officer that Antrim was conducting a legitimate search, and the officers soon left, the affidavits said. Antrim went back to loading the moving truck and soon was joined by several men who arrived in a white pickup and on foot. Authorities suspect some of the men were the ones who fled earlier. Along with the marijuana, the men carried two safes filled with about $100,000 in cash to the moving truck and left. The scam quickly fell apart. A few days after the robbery, an attorney for the marijuana business contacted the Sheriffs Department and handed over thumb drives with a copy of the security camera footage, according to the affidavit. Sheriffs officials notified federal authorities and assisted them as agents from the DEA and other agencies began to investigate. We have systems in place to root out misconduct within the organization, as well as any Department member who chooses to violate the law and public trust, spokeswoman Nicole Nishida said in a statement. Using a tracking device installed in the rented moving truck, authorities followed its movements after the alleged heist to a house in Glendora. When agents searched the house Thursday they found about two pounds of marijuana, a loaded Beretta handgun registered to Antrim, ammunition that is issued to law enforcement officers and a flashlight with Antrims name on it, court records show. They also recovered $150,000 to $200,000 in cash. The man living at the house, Kevin McBride, 43, was arrested and is charged with being one of the men on Antrims team. A search of the house Antrim rents turned up a similar amount of cash and a cache of four firearms, which included a double-barrel shotgun and a submachine gun-style firearm, one of the affidavits said. The third man arrested and charged is Eric Rodriguez, 32, of Adelanto, who authorities also allege was at the warehouse. All three men are in custody and charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Authorities said they were still trying to identify the other men involved. The failed con job is the second time this year a Los Angeles County sheriffs deputy has been arrested on drug charges. In January, Dep. Kenneth Collins and three other men were arrested by FBI agents and charged with operating a large-scale drug trafficking scheme. According to court records, Collins boasted that he hired other law enforcement officers to provide security to drug dealers and could assault people for his clients. joel.rubin@latimes.com Twitter: @joelrubin maya.lau@latimes.com Twitter: @mayalau UPDATES: 6:25 p.m.: This article was updated with information from a court hearing. 5:15 p.m.: This article was updated with a statement from the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department and additional details about the case and edited throughout. 1:50 p.m.: This article was updated with a statement from the U.S. attorney and additional details about the case. This article was originally published at 12:45 p.m. Bel-Air residents living downhill from a massive, unfinished mansion that spurred criminal charges have already lodged a lawsuit against the real estate developer behind the project, trying to force him to tear down the colossal building. Now they are pursuing new claims in their suit, alleging that the city of Los Angeles knew and failed to stop illegal construction at the site. The move follows an assertion by a city investigator that a Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety inspector got items of value in connection with his work examining the mammoth project on Strada Vecchia Road. In an October deposition, Randolph Osborne testified he had turned over information to the FBI after his probe turned up evidence of possible wrongdoing. In reaction, neighbors Beatriz and Joseph Horacek and John and Judith Bedrosian are seeking to add new claims against both the city and real estate developer Mohamed Hadid, who pleaded no contest last year to criminal charges involving illegal construction at the Strada Vecchia Road site. Advertisement Residents have long questioned how the building department, whose employees repeatedly inspected the project during construction, failed to recognize sooner that the colossal house included entire bedrooms, decks and a theater that prosecutors said were never approved by the city. In a legal filing that includes the new claims, the neighbors attorney George Soneff argued that the recent testimony by Osborne confirmed what many had long suspected: absent corruption at the L.A. Dept. of Building & Safety, the massively illegal Hadid development could not have been built. In their proposed complaint, the neighbors alleged that the city was aware of wrongdoing by Hadid because its employees were regularly at the Bel-Air site. Despite this knowledge, city employees watched the illegal structure be built and facilitated the installation of it, the proposed complaint stated. Building department spokesman Jeff Napier referred questions about the new claims to the city attorneys office, where spokesman Rob Wilcox said the office would review the complaint and had no further comment as of Friday. The Horaceks and the Bedrosians are also seeking to add new claims against Hadid, including accusations of fraud and deceit. In their proposed complaint, they alleged that Hadid attempted to hide illegal construction with tarps and plywood covered with a thin layer of concrete, and that key documents tied to the construction had been destroyed or intentionally misplaced. Attorney Jeffrey Lee Costell, who is representing Hadid, said that the plywood and tarps were installed for safety and protecting the structure from the elements, and denied that any documents had been intentionally lost or destroyed. He denounced the new claims as an attempt to smear Hadid and influence possible jurors ahead of a trial. Costell added that Hadid had never been questioned by Osborne or anyone else about the alleged wrongdoing by a building inspector. He is not the target of any such investigation, and it is completely outrageous and reprehensible for these kind of reckless allegations to be made that somehow Mr. Hadid was involved, the attorney said Thursday. The drama over the Bel-Air mansion has dragged on for years after L.A. officials first demanded a halt to construction and yanked permits for the unfinished project. Hadid, a celebrity known for his lavish homes and occasional stints on reality television, later told The Times he did nothing wrong but pleaded no contest to criminal charges to avoid embarrassing the city. Project manager Russell Linch said that a city inspector was 100% aware of every change and deviation and told him to simply get their permits revised after the fact. The building department, in turn, said that such after-the-fact changes had never been its policy. In June, neighbors sued Hadid in civil court and also named the city as a respondent in their initial complaint, demanding that the city be ordered to abate the nuisance on the hillside. Hadid sued back, accusing Joseph Horacek of attempting to extort millions of dollars from him over the Bel-Air project. In the course of that legal battle, Osborne was deposed about a city probe into the Strada Vecchia Road project. Osborne said there was not necessarily proof of taking bribes, but receiving items of value by a building inspector who no longer works for the department, according to a transcript of his deposition. During the deposition, a city attorney repeatedly stopped Osborne from providing other details about the incident, including who was involved and what was given to the inspector. Osborne later referred questions from The Times to the city personnel department, which said it could not comment on employee investigations. emily.alpert@latimes.com Twitter: @AlpertReyes UPDATES: Nov. 9, 11 a.m.: This article was updated with the city attorneys spokesman saying the office would review the complaint. This article was originally published at 5:15 p.m., Nov. 8. A small plane made an emergency landing Thursday afternoon on the westbound 210 Freeway in Ontario, authorities said. The Cessna 182 landed on the freeway near Euclid Avenue after engine trouble, said Allen Kenitzer, a spokesman with the Federal Aviation Administration. Local authorities said the two people on board were not injured, Kenitzer said. The California Highway Patrol issued a Sigalert after the incident, which they initially described as a crash reported shortly after 3:30 p.m. Advertisement As of 4 p.m., only one westbound lane was closed, said Angela Perbeck, a CHP dispatcher. alene.tchekmedyian@latimes.com Twitter: @AleneTchek UPDATES: 4:35 p.m.: This article was updated with information from the Federal Aviation Administration. This article was originally published at 4:10 p.m. Ian David Long, a former Marine gunner, legally purchased a Glock 21 that he used to kill 12 others at a bar Wednesday night in Thousand Oaks, according to the Ventura County Sheriffs Office. Long also had an extended magazine for ammunition, but the Sheriffs Office said further analysis was needed to determine how many rounds it could hold. California law allows the sale and possession of ammunition magazines holding up to 10 rounds. But if the magazine held more than 10 rounds, Long, who was 28, would not have been able to legally purchase it in California. Advertisement California in 1999 banned the sale or import of magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds, though gun owners who already owned higher-capacity magazines at that time were permitted to keep them. Two years ago, California voters and state lawmakers made it illegal even to possess a firearm magazine capable of holding more than 10 rounds. The California Rifle & Pistol Assn. successfully challenged that law, persuading a federal judge in San Diego in 2017 to prevent it from taking effect. The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the preliminary injunction in a 2-1 vote in July. Chuck D. Michel, who challenged the law for gun groups and owners, said it would not have stopped Wednesdays rampage. The 2016 law was intended to remove magazines from people who had them lawfully for decades because they had been grandfathered in, Michel said. Because of his age, Long should not have been able to purchase a higher-capacity magazine in California, Michel said. He speculated that Long may have bought a larger magazine out of state and brought it back illegally or stolen one. Either way, it was illegal for him to acquire that magazine, and my clients lawsuit did not change that, Michel said. Amanda Wilcox, legislation and policy chair for the California Chapters of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, agreed that Long could not have legally obtained or imported a higher-capacity magazine. But she said the 2016 ban on possession could help save lives by ending the presence of larger magazines, which she noted could be stolen or sold illegally. She said the magazines make it easier for a shooter to take more lives before having to stop and reload. The 2016 law would require gun owners to move higher-capacity magazines to another state, give them to law enforcement or sell them to a licensed firearms dealer. Possessing the magazines could be punished as an infraction or a misdemeanor. U.S. District Judge Roger T. Benitez, who placed a temporary hold on the law, said in a scathing ruling that the ban on possession could make it difficult for people to defend themselves. Certainly in suburban and rural settings, there will be occasions when more than 10 rounds are needed for self-defense, the judge wrote. Benitez, an appointee of President George W. Bush, said Californias gun laws were among the harshest in the nation and filled with criminal law traps for people for people of common intelligence who desire to obey the law. His decision noted that there had been 10 mass shootings in California from 2009 to 2013 and that in only two of them would the criminalization of the magazines have had even a marginal effect. Benitez is now considering whether to make the injunction permanent. Whatever he rules is likely to be appealed to the 9th Circuit. Voters approved Proposition 63, which banned possession of high-capacity magazines and was later challenged in court, nearly a year after two terrorists killed 14 people in San Bernardino. The National Rifle Assn. and other opponents argued that it would burden lawful gun owners and that criminals would find ways around it. State Sen. Kevin De Leon (D-Los Angeles), who has been a leading proponent of gun control laws, said Thursday that he was frustrated that mass shootings continue despite Californias tough restrictions. There is a high level of frustration and deep sadness, said De Leon, who was the Senate leader when restrictions on the possession of high-capacity magazines was approved in 2016. California has among the tightest gun laws in America, but there is a flood of weapons that come in from our next-door neighbors in Nevada and Arizona. A law approved this year will prohibit possession of guns by those who are hospitalized twice in a year for mental illness and pose a danger to themselves or others, De Leon noted. That law takes effect in January 2020. The combination of mental health issues and weapons that can kill is a lethal combination, De Leon said. Once more information is known about the gun and magazine used in Wednesdays shooting, the Legislature should determine whether additional laws are needed to plug any loopholes, he said. There is no question about it, he said. The Firearms Policy Coalition, which defends gun rights, expressed concern about that prospect. Once more we see the devastating effects of the illusion of safety that gun control laws and policies are founded upon, the organization said in a statement released to the news media. The coalition warned that Californians will be put in grave danger if more gun restrictions are passed. maura.dolan@latimes.com Twitter: @mauradolan patrick.mcgreevy@latimes.com Twitter: @McGreevy99 A Southern California man pleaded not guilty on Friday to the murder of a gay University of Pennsylvania student in a hate crime. Samuel Woodward, a 21-year-old from Newport Beach, entered the plea during a hearing in Orange County Superior Court. Bail was previously set at $5 million, but Judge Kimberly Menninger ordered Woodward held without bail at prosecutors request, saying she believed he would be a danger to the community if he were released. Woodward is charged in the January stabbing death of college sophomore Blaze Bernstein, who was home visiting his family on winter break. Advertisement Bernstein, who was gay and Jewish, went missing after he went out with Woodward to a park in Lake Forest, Calif. His body was found days later buried at the park in a shallow grave. Prosecutors have said DNA evidence links Woodward to the crime and his cellphone contained troves of anti-gay, anti-Semitic and white hate group materials. Woodward picked up Bernstein from his parents home and stabbed him nearly 20 times in the face and neck, authorities have said. If convicted of first-degree murder and the hate crime allegation, Woodward faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole. Shirley Hertel returned to her Thousand Oaks home Friday morning after watching it catch fire on TV just hours before. The sight left her in tears. Clutching her phone and singed newspaper clippings, she stood in her driveway and wept. Her daughters car, parked in the driveway, was reduced to its metal frame. The garage door and her daughters bedroom above it were burned too, the frame and windows now an ash black. Text alerts and a message from her cable provider left on her TV screen urged Hertel, 68, to leave her house in the early morning hours. She left around 1 a.m. Advertisement Before getting into the car, she stopped at her front door. She gave it a kiss, and prayed to God that her house would still be there when she returned. I left thinking everything would be OK, she said through tears. You dont think your house will burn down. Hertel recalled the feeling of the flames across the street when she left her home. The home directly across from hers was spared, but another across the street was reduced to its brick chimney. Hertel first came back to her home around 5 a.m., when a police officer was still there. The officer let her in for about five minutes enough time to grab a few of memories of her mother that she had left behind, including an old painting of the Santa Monica pier. Earlier she had taken photos of her daughters, important documents and large photo of her mother, who passed away two years ago. Its like that saying, you dont think it would happen to you, she said. Im just lost for words. Hertel learned her house burned through a friend who saw it on TV. She immediately went to her nieces house, frantically knocking on the door and telling her she needed to watch the news because her home was on fire. Thats when she saw her house. It was so surreal, she said. Walking though the home late Friday morning, Hertel stopped at her daughters room at the top of the stairs. The window had blown out, and the bed and dressers were covered in ash. The ceiling fan and walls were left with scorch marks and peeling paint. This is unbelievable, she said of her daughters room. This is her safe haven, her room. Its no longer habitable. She paused, tears falling down her cheeks. How a fire can change your life in a days? she said, sobbing. As she surveyed the home, her husband, her niece and some friends tended to the damage. They hoisted wooden boards and drilled them where the windows once were. Hertel stepped into a room, and came back with a ceramic rabbit. Look what made it, she mused. My good luck charm. In the backyard, much of her furniture was left strewn across the patio; burned magazines littered the floor. The fence separating her from her neighbors house was wrecked. I dont even know that I even understand what happened here, she said. She took the fire and the water damage she had just fixed in the home last month as a sign that she should leave the city shes lived in her whole life, she said. Her other daughters and granddaughter live in Kentucky, she said, and she wants to watch her grow up. This will always be my home, but Kentucky is where Ill live, she said. The Woolsey fire swept into the Westlake Village area Friday, burning homes and spreading anxiety among residents. While the area was under a mandatory evacuation order, many residents stayed behind Thursday night. But Friday morning, the flames moved closer, fanned by fierce winds. Several homes were burned, and firefighters were racing to save others. Advertisement Residents stood together watching smoke rise behind a row of homes on the ridge of a hill. Romina Sandjan, 56, watched the fire approach from a driveway near Foxfield and Saddletree drives. She said the orange and dark gray skies reminded her of homes she lost to wildfires in the Philippines. Im fearful, she said. Jim Young, 70, a tall man with silver hair, said he was nervous. Id like to see them put it out, he said Im hoping for the best. They looked up at the smoke again. The winds had calmed and the smoke nearly dissipated. Still nervous, Young said. Fire trucks roared down the street and curious neighbors drove up the hill to see the flames for themselves. Young stood quietly watching. Its all he could do as the fire raged on, behind the hill. A woman stopped her car and got out to have a look. Those hills are on fire, you should probably leave, she said, getting back in her car and driving away. The former fiancee of convicted murderer Daniel Wozniak was sentenced Thursday to 32 months in jail for being an accessory after the fact in two slayings he committed in 2010. Rachel Buffett was accused of lying to and misleading investigators about what Wozniak had done and what she knew. Authorities said he confessed to both killings after he called her from jail. Buffett received a sentence of two years on the first count and eight months on the second. She will receive credit for time already served and for good conduct. The last six months of her sentence will be served on probation. Buffett is expected to serve between one and two years in Orange County Jail, said Senior Deputy District Attorney Matt Murphy. Advertisement At Buffetts sentencing hearing in Orange County Superior Court in Santa Ana, Judge Sheila Hanson heard statements from the parents of Wozniaks victims, Sam Herr, 26, of Costa Mesa and Juri Julie Kibuishi, 23, of Irvine, as well as a statement from Buffett. Rachel Buffett lied to the police, she lied to her friends, she lied to the local and national newspapers and she lied to the nation when she appeared on national television, on the Dr. Phil show and Dateline, proclaiming her innocence, said Herrs father, Steve. Steve Herr implored the judge to levy the maximum sentence under California law, which is 44 months. Rachel knew exactly what she was doing. She could have saved us eight years and six months of grief, Herr said. Our child didnt have to be taken away, said Kibuishis mother, June. She had so much she wanted to accomplish. All these years, have you shown remorse? June Kibuishi said to Buffett. No, none. Buffett read a statement saying, Ive always wanted to express my condolences to the Herr and Kibuishi family, adding that she didnt extend her sympathy earlier because she didnt believe they would want to hear from her. I hope my silence hasnt been interpreted as callous, Buffett said. I wish Sam and Julie were still here. I wish I had never met Daniel Wozniak. Hanson said she took into consideration that, while Buffett had no previous arrests, she also never acknowledged lying to investigators. Im struck by feeling that you have never appreciated the gravity of the crimes that you committed, Hanson said. You lied, she said, adding that the evidence leads the court to believe you planned those statements to investigators. Wozniak, a community theater actor from Costa Mesa, was found guilty in December 2015 of murdering Sam Herr and Julie Kibuishi in May 2010. Prosecutors said Wozniak was desperate for cash to cover rent and his upcoming wedding, so he hatched a plan to kill Herr and access the bank account in which Herr had saved thousands of dollars from his Army service. After shooting Herr in the attic of a Los Alamitos theater before a scheduled show, Wozniak used Herrs phone to lure Kibuishi to Herrs apartment, where Wozniak shot her twice in the head, authorities said. After performing in a play, Wozniak dismembered Herrs body so he could hide the pieces at El Dorado Nature Center in Long Beach, prosecutors said. He then staged Kibuishis body to appear that Herr had lured her to his apartment and raped her before fleeing. Police arrested Wozniak at his bachelor party days after the killings, after ATM withdrawals from Herrs bank account led them to him. julia.sclafani@latimes.com Sclafani writes for Times Community News. As the Florida Senate race vote count continues to tighten, Gov. Rick Scott announced, without offering any evidence of fraud, that he was asking the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to investigate the election offices in two of Floridas most Democratic-leaning counties. Scott, the Republican contender for the Senate post, also said late Thursday that he was filing a voter fraud lawsuit against election officials in the counties, Broward and Palm Beach. Scotts moves, which drew sharp criticism from the camp of his election foe, three-time Democratic incumbent Bill Nelson, come on the eve of Saturdays deadline to have all preliminary results reported to the secretary of states office in Tallahassee. Nelson has been slowly closing in on Scotts lead, trailing by only about 15,000 votes statewide at midday Friday in a race in which almost 8.2 million ballots were cast. Scott held a hastily called news conference at the Governors Mansion in Tallahassee to announce his actions, which come as county election officials in Broward continued to pore through a slew of vote-by-mail, early voting, provisional and overseas ballots. Sixteen counties in Florida were still counting provisional ballots as of Friday. Florida, which has never had a statewide recount, is likely looking at three. In addition to the Senate race, the governors contest had Republican Ron DeSantis leading Democrat Andrew Gillum by about 36,000 votes and Agriculture Commissioner contender Democrat Nikki Fried ahead of Republican Matt Caldwell by less than 3,000 votes. Advertisement After receiving the preliminary results from counties on Saturday, Secretary of State Ken Detzner, a Scott appointee, would then, by law, order a machine recount in any race where the margin is 0.5% or less. Later, if the margin remains 0.25% or less, there would be a manual recount, with each ballot looked at by hand. The margin Friday between Scott and Nelson is 0.18% A spokesperson for the state law enforcement department said the agency would investigate any allegations of fraud, but so far have not been presented with any. Painstaking counts of provisional and mail-in ballots in exceedingly close races have also slowed the declaration of winners in a U.S. Senate contest in Arizona, the governors race in Georgia and several U.S. House battles in California. As in Florida, these races could also wind up in recounts, affecting the final composition of the incoming Congress. While offering no evidence, Scott, in his announcement, said: Every Floridian should be concerned there may be rampant fraud happening in Palm Beach and Broward counties. I will not sit idly by while unethical liberals try to steal this election from the people of Florida. And on Friday morning, speaking on the South Lawn of the White House before departing for a weekend trip to Paris, President Trump insinuated that there was something nefarious about a Democratic candidate gaining ground in closely contested races as the final votes are tallied, something commonly seen in historic voting patterns. You notice the votes never go the other way? Trump said. They hire lawyers, and the votes dont ever seem to go the Republican way. Its always the Democrats. Its always crooked stuff. Nelson fired back with a video message to his supporters. Clearly, Rick Scott is trying to stop all the votes from being counted, Nelson said. And, hes impeding the democratic process. The Broward elections office has not indicated when it might finish its initial count. Broward County has 593,540 registered Democrats, 328,868 with no party affiliation and 252,023 Republicans. In Palm Beach County, there are 395,775 Democrats, 276,328 with no party affiliation and 264,902 Republicans. Broward County has a rich history of election confusion. It was at the center of the hanging chad controversy that eventually resulted in the 2000 presidential election being ruled on by the Supreme Court, which, through its decision, handed the election to George W. Bush over Al Gore. Through the years, Broward has been cited for lost, missing or destroyed ballots, late opening of polling places, broken machines and general chaos. In 2002, Gov. Jeb Bush removed elections supervisor Miriam Oliphant from office and appointed current official Brenda Snipes in her place. Los Angeles Times staff writer Eli Stokols contributed to this report from Washington. John Cherwa is a special correspondent. UPDATES: 3:35 p.m.: This article was updated with a new quote from Florida Sen. Bill Nelson. This article was originally published at 1:45 pm. Residents of an affluent suburb south of Atlanta went to the polls this week to vote on a plan to secede from their neighbors and create a new city, Eagles Landing. After bitter debates about economic development and race, 57% of residents in the proposed city area who cast ballots voted no. The proposal to carve out Eagles Landing was contentious because it would have seized the most upscale residential pockets of the existing city of Stockbridge, as well as its main commercial corridor that brings in about half of the citys $9 million in annual revenue. Those who would have been left behind in Stockbridge did not have the opportunity to vote. Vikki Consiglio, who led the effort to create Eagles Landing, said she accepted the majority vote against the new city. Still, she hoped Stockbridge leaders would listen to the thousands of residents who voted in favor of change, many arguing they wanted to attract more high-end amenities and businesses to the rapidly developing area that surrounds their gated communities. There are thousands of residents who want something different, said Consiglio, chairwoman of the Eagles Landing Educational Research Committee. You say that were your tax base, but we have nothing. When is that going to change? Thats still the question thats up in the air. Advertisement Leaders of Stockbridge, which has a population of 29,000 and is predominantly black, filed multiple lawsuits in an effort to stop the referendum from taking place. They argued that the creation of a new city one that would have had a median household income of about $128,000, more than double that of existing Stockbridge would devastate their city and force them to impose a new property tax on remaining residents. Im relieved that the citizens of Stockbridge did not want to split the city, said Anthony Ford, Stockbridges first African American mayor. Now I have the task of mending the fences and putting this community back together. The proposal to form a new city sparked heated conversations in Henry County, a once rural, predominantly white community 20 miles southeast of Atlanta that has seen an influx of minority residents over the last few decades as its population has exploded. Critics of the proposed city accused its leaders who bypassed black Democratic lawmakers representing the area and worked with white Republican lawmakers elsewhere to pass legislation approving the referendum of working to consolidate the power of wealthy, white residents. Proponents of Eagles Landing countered that they were motivated by economic development, not race. Minorities would still have formed a majority in the proposed city, they noted, with the racial makeup of the new city about 47% black, 39% white, 8% Asian and 6% Latino. Consiglio describes the area outside her gated country club community as jinky-janky. She said she feared Stockbridges leaders did not have the vision to lure more high-end retail, like a Whole Foods, a Capital Grille or a Cheesecake Factory. All I heard was Lets keep Stockbridge together, she said after the referendum. OK, you won on that ticket. Now what? Its like, if we didnt do it yesterday, what makes me think were going to do it tomorrow? she added. We dont even have a hotel with room service. You know, wheres that vision? Were going to have the same fast-food restaurants, the same low-end retail. Is that your vision, then? Just the same old, same old? Ultimately, Consiglio said, if local officials did not work to bring more upmarket retail and businesses to the area, she would have little option but to get in her car, hit the interstate and go take my money to another county and let them prosper. Ford said he planned to reach out to those who supported Eagles Landing and organize town hall meetings on economic development. With the referendum behind them, the mayor said he was confident the city could spark development on a new mixed-use project with high-end condos and upscale restaurants in the southern portion of the city. What we as a city need to do is try to resolve issues and conflicts, he said. We need to do that quickly. We have to have conversations to make sure we are doing the best we can to satisfy our citizens. Within the proposed Eagles Landing area, many residents expressed relief. Im just glad its over, said Reggie Sylvain, a resident of the Eagles Landing Country Club who was opposed to the creation of Eagles Landing. Hopefully, we can just move forward from here. We just want to start the healing process. Some who campaigned against Eagles Landing said they thought a majority of residents within the areas gated communities had been persuaded that the plan and the process of pushing it through the Legislature were unfair. To get down to it, its just immoral, said Arthur Christian, 49, a financial project manager who runs the ballot committee Citizens to Keep Stockbridge Together. What would have happened to those 18,000 residents left over in Stockbridge? It would immediately mean a new municipal tax, which currently we dont have. But more than that, it could mean personal bankruptcy for those on a meager fixed income and, ultimately, it could have resulted in the city of Stockbridge going insolvent. While the defeat of Eagles Landing was a great first step, Christian said, the issue was not over. Georgia law, he said, needed to be changed to stop residents of Eagles Landing or any other community in Georgia from attempting to de-annex and wrestle political and economic power from existing cities. Still, two lawsuits are pending, one in the Georgia Supreme Court and one in federal court. Attorneys for Stockbridge claimed the de-annexation and formation of a new city would not only prevent Stockbridge from paying back millions of dollars of debt it took on to build a new City Hall, but violate the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment. Those who campaigned against Eagles Landing hope legislators will adopt a policy proposed by the Georgia Municipal Assn., a nonprofit organization that represents municipal governments across the state, that would ban the formation of any new city by de-annexing an existing city. That policy needs to be put into law to avoid chaos across the state, Christian said. jenny.jarvie@latimes.com @jennyjarvie A federal judge temporarily blocked construction of the controversial Keystone XL pipeline, ruling late Thursday that the Trump administration had failed to justify its decision granting a permit for the 1,200-mile-long project designed to connect Canadas tar sands crude with refineries on the Texas Gulf Coast. It was a major defeat for President Trump, who attacked the Obama administration for failing to move ahead in the face of protests based largely on environmental concerns. Trump signed an executive order two days into his presidency setting in motion a course reversal on the Keystone XL pipeline and the Dakota Access pipeline. The decision, issued by Judge Brian Morris of the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana, does not permanently block a permit but requires the administration to conduct a more complete review of potential adverse impacts related to climate change, cultural resources and endangered species. It basically ordered a do-over. Morris hit the administration with a familiar charge, that it disregarded facts, facts established by experts during the Obama administration about climate-related impacts from Keystone XL. The Trump administration claimed, with no supporting information, that those impacts would prove inconsequential. The State Department simply discarded prior factual findings related to climate change to support its course reversal, the judge said. Advertisement It also used outdated information about the impact of potential oil spills on endangered species, he said, rather than the best scientific and commercial data available. Todays ruling makes it clear once and for all that its time for TransCanada to give up on their Keystone XL pipe dream, Sierra Club senior attorney Doug Hayes said in a statement. TransCanada is the Calgary-based group behind the project. The lawsuit prompting Thursdays order was brought by a collection of opponents, including the indigenous Environmental Network and the Northern Plains Resource Council, a conservation coalition based in Montana. The Trump administration tried to force this dirty pipeline project on the American people, but they cant ignore the threats it would pose to our clean water, our climate, and our communities, Hayes said. Hayes told the Washington Post that the company had already been moving equipment into place and started pre-construction in Montana and South Dakota with the intent of beginning construction in early 2019. Its clear that this decision tonight will delay the pipeline significantly, said Hayes, who noted that a proper environmental impact statement of this scope usually takes about a year to complete. TransCanada does not have an approved pipeline at this point. Morris, a former clerk to the late Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist, was appointed to the bench by President Obama. His decision was one of scores of court rebukes to the Trump administration for decisions on the environment, immigration and transgender service in the military, among other issues, made hastily and, in the opinions of dozens of judges, without the reasoned consideration required by various federal laws, particularly the Administrative Procedure Act. Also on Thursday, a federal appeals court ruled that President Trump cannot immediately end the program, DACA, that shields from deportation young undocumented immigrants who were brought to the country as children. The administration is appealing many of the rulings and may appeal Thursdays decision as well. No immediate comment came from the administration after the pipeline order. TransCanada did not respond to request for comment early Friday morning. The Keystone XL pipeline permit decision was largely in the hands of the State Department, by virtue of its authority to issue presidential permits for cross-border infrastructure projects. The massive project remains one of the most controversial infrastructure proposals in modern American history. Its intended to be an extension of TransCanadas existing Keystone Pipeline, which was completed in 2013. Keystone XL would transport up to 830,000 barrels of crude oil per day from Alberta, Canada and Montana to Oklahoma and the Gulf Coast. In the U.S., the pipeline would stretch 875 miles through Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska, with the rest continuing into Canada. It met sustained opposition from environmental advocacy groups, as well as from Obama, who worried about the contribution it would make toward climate change. As the Posts Steven Mufson reported, activists say the pipeline would be especially damaging to the climate because it would mean extracting thick, low-quality oil from Canadas oil sands, with lots of tree-cutting and energy consumption in the process, which would increase greenhouse gas emissions. Native American groups in Montana and elsewhere fought the Keystone project as well, saying its route failed to adhere to historical treaty boundaries and would impinge on their water systems and sacred lands. In 2015, on the eve of the international climate talks in Paris, the Obama administration appeared to bring an end to the seven-year-long saga when it announced it was halting construction of the pipeline, arguing that approval would compromise the countrys effort to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. The U.S., Obama said, was now a global leader when it comes to taking serious action to fight climate change. And frankly, approving this project would have undercut that global leadership, he said, adding that the biggest risk the U.S. faced was not acting. The decision to deny the pipeline permit came after the completion of a long-awaited final environmental impact statement 11 volumes of analysis released in 2014. It was this 2014 assessment that the State Department, under the direction of Trumps January 2017 presidential memorandum, used to make their decision to approve the pipeline, the Post reported. According to the department, there are no substantial changes or significant new information which would affect the continued reliability of the report. Morris said, however, that there have indeed been changes since the 2014 assessment and that the Trump administration failed to consider them. He included pipeline leaks, the expansion of another pipeline called the Alberta Clipper and shifts in oil markets. Those could alter the overall impact of Keystone XL and should have been considered by the government. Among the judges findings: - The State Department, in issuing the permit, failed to analyze the cumulative greenhouse gas emissions of the Keystone project and the expanded Alberta Clipper pipeline. It ignored its duty to take a hard look at these two connected actions. - The department acted on incomplete information regarding the potential damage to cultural resources in Indian territory along the route. The Department appears to have jumped the gun. - The department failed to make a fact-based explanation for its course reversal, let alone a reasoned explanation. An agency cannot simply disregard contrary or inconvenient factual determinations that it made in the past, any more than it can ignore inconvenient facts in the present, he wrote, quoting judicial precedents. - The departments analysis that climate-related impacts from Keystone would prove inconsequential needed a reasoned explanation. It did not provide one. Jackie Prange, senior attorney with the Natural Resources Defense Council, called the ruling a huge win not just for the environmental activists and tribal groups who have been fighting the pipeline, but for anyone who cares about the rule of law and holding this administration to the facts. Its emblematic of what were seeing with the Trump administration, which is a very fast and sloppy reversal of prior decisions ... in a way that doesnt adhere to the rule of law, Prange told the Post. Thats why we keep winning in the court. For the first time in U.S. history, a controversial voting system known as ranked choice is being used to decide a federal election. Its happening in Maine, which adopted the system in 2016. Rather than marking a single candidate, each voter ranks them all, assigning a first-place vote, a second-place vote and so on down the ballot. If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, the lowest-ranked one is eliminated and the results are recalculated. The process is repeated until one candidate exceeds 50%. Advertisement In Maines 2nd Congressional District, a rural area north of Portland that backed Donald Trump in 2016 and President Obama in 2012, none of the four candidates on the ballot got that majority. Bruce Poliquin, the Republican incumbent, was narrowly leading Jared Golden, a Democratic state representative, 46.2% to 45.5%. Maine Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap said Thursday that the instant runoff process had started and that he expected a winner to be announced next week. The congressional district is the largest east of the Mississippi River in terms of land area, and private couriers contracted by the state were picking up memory sticks as well as paper ballots from towns that still count votes by hand. Its been a tortured, long journey with ranked choice, Dunlap said in an interview. Now its going to get a little longer. Maine is the only state to adopt the voting system, though several cities in California and across the country use it in local elections. It is similar in some sense to the runoff elections used in some states mostly in the South when a candidate fails to win a majority of the total vote. Proponents say that ranked choice prevents candidates from winning office through a strategy of divide and conquer. Maine has long had an independent streak, creating a political climate in which ballots are usually filled with independents and third-party candidates. Before the narrow passage of the ballot measure that established the new voting system, nine of the previous 11 gubernatorial elections were won by candidates who had failed to get a majority of the vote. Rich Robinson, a director at the nonprofit FairVote, said the process is a win-win solution that gives voters more power and more voice. It provides a way out of gridlock and marginalizes extremism by ensuring more voters matter and upholding majority rule, he said. But opponents of ranked choice say it violates laws in Maine and other states where plurality provisions specify that the candidate with the most votes wins, even without a majority. Last year in Maine, the Republican-controlled state Senate asked the state Supreme Court for a nonbinding opinion on whether the system contradicted the state constitution. The justices concluded that general elections for governor and state Legislature could not be conducted by ranked-choice voting because of a plurality provision, and as a result the state did not use ranked choice in Tuesdays election for governor. But because there are no plurality provisions for federal races, the justices did not find any issue with applying ranked-choice voting to those elections. Gov. Paul LePage, a Republican who secured his office in 2010 with 38% of the vote, told local media in June that ranked choice is the most horrific thing in the world and that he sides with people who raise questions about its constitutionality. Republicans in Maine have been especially critical of the system. Many of the independent candidates or those from minor parties tend to be from the left, and so when they are eliminated, their supporters tend to favor Democrats. Poliquin, who is vying for a third term and is among the last Republican members of Congress from New England, refused on multiple occasions during the campaign to say whether he would accept the results if ranked choice were to kick in, hinting that he may file a lawsuit to challenge the results if he loses. The two independent candidates in the race Tiffany Bond and William Hoar support gun-control regulations and other causes on the left. Together, they won less than 9% of the vote. But the voters who made them their first-choice candidates will now have a deciding hand in the election. Ten cities, including Minneapolis and San Francisco, use ranked-choice voting for local elections, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. In 2010, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld up a lower courts ruling that ranked voting in San Francisco did not violate the constitutional rights of voters. kurtis.lee@latimes.com Twitter: @kurtisalee Some of the nations largest landlords spent handsomely to defeat Proposition 10, which would have allowed California cities to expand their rent control laws. Opponents spent $80 million three times what proponents spent to fight the ballot measure, with much of the money coming from large real estate companies with large apartment portfolios in the state. Their campaign was successful. But the defeat of Proposition 10 cant be the end of the discussion on rent control. Certainly not if California is serious about addressing the upheaval and suffering caused by rapidly rising rents. Incoming Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Legislature ought to take on the same issue that Proposition 10 sought to address how to fairly and effectively ease the existing state restrictions on rent control in order to protect tenants while also taking steps to encourage new market-rate and affordable-housing units. Backers of Proposition 10 thought they would find a base of willing supporters. California is in the midst of a housing-affordability crisis. In much of the state, rents have risen much faster than incomes, leading to an epidemic of displacement and homelessness. Nearly one in three households statewide spend more than half of their income on rent, leaving many families just one rent increase or missed paycheck away from eviction. Advertisement It wont be easy to hammer out a grand bargain on rent control, especially after the bruising Proposition 10 battle. But doing so is essential for California. Proposition 10 would have repealed the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act, a 1995 law that restricted cities ability to enact or expand rent control. The initiative wouldnt have imposed rent control. Rather, it would have allowed cities to adopt whatever tenant protections they felt were necessary, or opt not to do so. That flexibility was a selling point to some Proposition 10 supporters, including The Times editorial board. Each city faces its own challenges and needs the ability to craft its own remedies. But Proposition 10 was also a blank slate on which opponents were able to project their worst-case scenarios. They asserted that housing construction could grind to a halt; that homeowners would face price controls if they wanted to rent out a room in their house; that home values would fall; that seniors would not be able to find affordable housing. Uncertainty was the death of Proposition 10. But there is still widespread support for some kind of rent control. The Legislature and Newsom now have an opportunity to amend or repeal Costa-Hawkins to allow cities to enact moderate rent controls, which have been shown to be effective in protecting tenants without hurting housing production. And that should be the goal, because solving Californias housing crisis will require building millions more housing units. Rent control is about providing housing stability, but it must not deter housing construction. Even some of the most die-hard supporters of rent control agree that extending it to new buildings could deter housing development. One option is to look at rolling rent control. Costa-Hawkins bars cities from imposing rent control on apartments built after 1995 or even earlier in cities that already had rent control in place. Los Angeles, for example, cannot impose rent control on apartments built after 1978. Rolling rent control would slowly expand the number of regulated units by applying rent control to apartment buildings as soon as they turned, say, 20 years old. Costa-Hawkins also bars rent control on single-family homes, a provision designed to protect mom-and-pop landlords as well as people renting out their second homes. But in recent years, Wall Street investment companies have bought up thousands of foreclosed single-family houses and have become large-scale landlords who, advocates say, have an incentive to keep raising rents. Lawmakers should look at whether to differentiate between mom-and-pop landlords and corporate ones. Enter the Fray: First takes on the news of the minute from L.A. Times Opinion Lastly, Costa-Hawkins mandates vacancy decontrol, under which a rent-controlled unit goes to market rate when it is vacated. Whether to do away with this is among the most controversial questions facing lawmakers. Tenant advocates want rents to stay capped even after tenants move out because it ensures that a pool of below-market rental units will remain. However, vacancy decontrol is a hallmark of the kind of moderate rent control that research shows doesnt stymie housing production. It wont be easy to hammer out a grand bargain on rent control, especially after the bruising Proposition 10 battle. But doing so is essential for California. Newsom appears to understand the severity of the problem. He opposed Proposition 10, saying it was too broad, but said he would immediately try to get a compromise passed to expand tenant protections. If this thing gets defeated, theres a deal, Newsom told the Sacramento Bee. OK, Gov. Newsom get to it. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook Americas deeply divided electorate agreed on at least one thing on election day: Voters hate gerrymandering. In red states, blue states and purple states, theyve had it with politicians drawing their own districts, choosing their own voters and distorting democracy. Colorado, Michigan and Missouri all approved ballot questions by wide margins that would remove the power to draw federal and state legislative districts from politicians and hand the responsibility to citizen commissions or nonpartisan entities. Redistricting reform also leads in Utah, with almost 80% of the vote counted. These states join Ohio, where voters passed similar reforms in May. California created a nonpartisan citizen commission to draw congressional districts in 2010, and in six other states (North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Florida, Wisconsin and Maryland), legal battles and court orders have overturned and in some cases redrawn unfair maps, putting gerrymandering front and center in those states political debates. Real reform requires genuine transparency in the redistricting process. Advertisement But in the majority of states, including those where courts have intervened, drawing voting lines still falls back into the hands of politicians. The next redistricting is fast approaching it will be based on the 2020 census. What can be done, and done quickly to make this process more fair? Theres no easy fix. The Supreme Court has made it clear that it wont save democracy. The justices unanimously punted on two extreme gerrymandering cases last term, and few would predict that the current court will reverse that trend. Lower federal courts and state courts are friendlier to overthrowing gerrymandered maps, but litigation takes time and it generally doesnt change the process, just one set of maps. Citizens could take charge with more ballot measures, but only a few states remain where that is even an option. In the meantime, the advanced mapping software and big-data mining techniques that make possible the most egregious maps the kind that all but ensure a decade of one-party power in state and federal representation are only becoming more sophisticated and precise. There is a way forward, however. The statehouse politicians who will draw the majority of federal and state legislative maps in 2021 should make note the overwhelming support of voters for fair maps, and make reforms themselves. Sooner or later, even with rigged maps, they may lose their hold on the process and become its victims instead of the perpetrators. States can start by banning the use of outside political data that allows mapmakers to group certain kinds of voters together to get the outcome they want. Or they can more broadly ban the drawing of district boundaries that favor or disfavor a political party or incumbent. Unfortunately, additional safeguards have to be enacted to ensure that such reforms can be enforced. Florida, for example, banned districts drawn to ensure one-party domination, but its legislators ignored the law until they were sued by the League of Women Voters and other good-government groups. The lawsuit uncovered emails and draft maps revealing a shadow redistricting process, and an outraged judge overturned several districts. Real reform requires genuine transparency in the redistricting process. Mapmakers, statehouse staff, legislators and consultants should all be required to use official email accounts subject to open-records laws, and to maintain a paper trail of draft maps and meeting notes so that how the map-making progressed can be checked against the requirements at every step. Mapmakers should also be required to justify their work in writing. If those deciding the boundaries want to divide cities or counties, or design districts that resemble the infamous bit of gerrymandering known as Goofy kicking Donald Duck because of the unusual shape created in a Pennsylvania congressional district they should have to explain those decisions to us all. Enter the Fray: First takes on the news of the minute from L.A. Times Opinion Better still, legislators could embrace technology that reveals gerrymanders rather than make them easier to design. Some of the strongest evidence in the victorious North Carolina and Pennsylvania anti-gerrymandering lawsuits came when political scientists and mathematicians used supercomputers to draw politically neutral maps, then showed the court the comparison with those drawn by politicians. In Pennsylvania, for example, computers drew tens of thousands of maps but did not produce districts as extreme as the ones enacted by legislators. The gold-standard reform is the Fair Representation Act, introduced in Congress by Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.). It would slay the gerrymander once and for all by eliminating winner-takes-all, single-member districts entirely. Instead it would create large, multi-member districts with representatives chosen via ranked-choice voting, in which voters choose more than one candidate and indicate which they consider their first, second and third choice as a representative. (Maines experiment with ranked-choice voting worked well on Tuesday.) Gerrymandering used to be a wonky topic that made citizens eyes glaze over. As its partisan and racial evils become clearer on our electoral maps, opposition to it has become one thing that seems to unite voters of all stripes. Politicians should get on board. The people are leading the way. David Daley is the author of Ratf**ked: Why Your Vote Doesnt Count and a senior fellow at FairVote. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinionand Facebook In Alabama on Tuesday, 59% of voters ratified Amendment 2, adding the State Abortion Policy Amendment to the state constitution. It would be easy to dismiss Amendment 2 as an empty political gambit aimed at increasing Republican voter turnout, but that would be a mistake. Instead, it represents clear and troubling evidence of what a post-Roe vs. Wade world would look like and the U.S. Supreme Court should take note now. On its own, Amendment 2 does not have much immediate legal effect. It makes it Alabamas public policy to ensure the protection of the rights of the unborn child and to recognize and support the sanctity of unborn life and the rights of unborn children, including the right to life. Existing Alabama state law already says as much, but two U.S. Supreme Court rulings prevent the Legislature from completely banning abortion: Roe vs. Wade (establishing a womans constitutional right to maintain or terminate a pregnancy) and Planned Parenthood vs. Casey (stating that the government cant place a substantial obstacle in the path of women seeking an abortion). Amendment 2, however, has a potent political effect: It gives Alabamas GOP-controlled Legislature an electoral and constitutional mandate to enact a fetal personhood statute. That is, to pass a law stating that life begins at conception and to do so as soon as possible if and when the Supreme Court overturns Roe. A fetal personhood statute would create a veritable hornets nest of intractable legal issues revolving around two people sharing a common body (the womans). Amendment 2 reveals that a world without Roe would be even more complicated, and jurisprudentially messy, than we would otherwise imagine it to be. Advertisement The politics of anti-abortion legislation are already irresistible to Republican legislators in many conservative states, not just Alabama, because they are wildly popular with base voters but also dont tax state budgets. If Roe were overturned and abortion policy returned to the states under their traditional power to regulate public health, safety, welfare and morals, it is virtually certain that fetal personhood statutes would be adopted in many states. If the conservative justices on the U.S. Supreme Court find enforcing Roe troublesome, they should consider carefully what lies ahead if they overturn it. Do they wish to start hearing cases involving injunctions that order pregnant women literally imprisoned during their pregnancies? This is not merely the stuff of overactive legal imaginations or dystopian television programs. In some localities, prosecutors already have tried to use existing state laws to secure the involuntary confinement of pregnant women. Alabama, in fact, is one of a small number of jurisdictions that permit a prosecutor to bring drug charges against a woman in order to seek her imprisonment for the duration of her pregnancy. Alabama law prohibits the chemical endangerment of a child. Since 2006, more than 500 women in Alabama have been charged with violating this law. In 2016, an Alabama state trial judge, David Hobdy, ordered Alexandra Laird, a pregnant 21-year-old woman suffering from heroin addiction, to be jailed while she was facing pending criminal charges under the child chemical endangerment statute. The judge revoked Lairds bond and ordered her jailed for the balance of her pregnancy. This court is very concerned about the welfare of the unborn child, he explained. Doctors refused to discharge Laird from the University of Alabama at Birmingham hospital where she was receiving treatment for her addiction. As a result, she was never actually jailed but she remained in the involuntary custody of medical care professionals until she gave birth. Had Laird left the hospital, she would have been incarcerated under Hobdys order. Even if Amendment 2 does not alter todays legal landscape, it make plain how states are already positioning themselves to respond immediately if Roe is overturned. The liberty of women who find themselves pregnant could be significantly curtailed if not denied completely in the interest of protecting a gestating fetus. States that are particularly hostile to womens reproductive rights will certainly enact and enforce laws that permit women to be imprisoned for nine months because they might pose a threat to their unborn child. Enter the Fray: First takes on the news of the minute from L.A. Times Opinion If the U.S. Supreme Court wishes to avoid a politically charged engagement with abortion rights over the next decade a fight that would further undermine its recently damaged institutional legitimacy it should follow the wise course adopted by Justices Anthony Kennedy, Sandra Day OConnor and David Souter, in their joint Casey opinion, and leave in place the existing constitutional balance between a states interest and womens reproductive rights. Amendment 2 reveals that a world without Roe would be even more complicated, and jurisprudentially messy, than we would otherwise imagine it to be. Fetal personhood statutes, and their attempt to create legal recognition of two people inhabiting the same body, will enmesh the federal courts in questions they are in no better position to answer now than they were 45 years ago. As Justice Harry Blackmun sagely wrote in his 1973 Roe decision, When those trained in the respective disciplines of medicine, philosophy, and theology are unable to arrive at any consensus, the judiciary, at this point in the development of mans knowledge, is not in a position to speculate as to the answer. Ronald J. Krotoszynski Jr. is a law professor at the University of Alabama and author of Reclaiming the Petition Clause. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinionand Facebook To the editor: I know the members of the Times Editorial Board are very smart, and most of the time I agree with them. But no matter how many seats the Democrats will have in the House, I dont understand how this midterm election can be called a blue wave maybe a teal ripple better describes it. The Democrats will have fewer seats in the Senate. It is unlikely that any meaningful legislation will be passed in the next two years of gridlock, recriminations, name-calling and more in the House. But in the Senate, the Republicans will use their ability to name judges and justices without having to care about the Democrats or the opinions of moderates such as Susan Collins of Maine or Lisa Murkowski of Alaska. This will cause major damage to our country for a generation or more to come. I would not call this a blue wave. Victor G. Etttinger, Laguna Woods Advertisement .. To the editor: For President Trump to proclaim a smashing success largely attributable to himself, of course betrays his ignorance of what actually happened. In the House, with all 435 seats up for grabs, the GOP emerged with about 45% of the total. In the Senate, with Democrats defending 26 of the 35 seats up for election, the GOP could have wound up with a super-majority. Instead, it appears that the GOP will emerge having won about one-third of the seats that were up for a vote. Thats a huge victory? If so, one can hardly imagine his self-aggrandizing proclamations to be issued mid-2020 assuming Trump survives any possible attempt to impeach him and perhaps even the GOP primary. Edward Alston, Santa Maria .. To the editor: OK, Democrats, congratulations on taking the House. Now, can you move on from the Trump Derangement Syndrome that has bedeviled you for the last two years? Nows your chance to show the country what you can do by actually passing legislation, not constantly complaining about Trump. Please, put up or well, you know the rest. Fritz Walden, Orange Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook Across the country, from Florida to California, millions of ballots remain to be counted from an election that broke turnout records, and as the count continues, Democratic wins have mounted. Republicans in Florida and Georgia have begun warning ominously about the threat of vote fraud as they watch Tuesday-night victory margins shrink. Theres been no evidence of that, however, just the slow processing of votes from an election that, nationwide, may have broken a century-old turnout record. Republicans fear losing two Senate seats that on Tuesday night they thought they had won. Democrats gains in the House have expanded. That worsens the outlook for President Trump in 2020, given the states in which Democrats won this year. Sign up for the Essential Politics newsletter Advertisement A DANGEROUS ELECTORAL MAP FOR TRUMP Voters swung heavily toward the Democrats this year, and that poses a big challenge for Trump as he looks toward reelection. Heres a map showing how electoral votes would be distributed based on which party prevailed on Tuesday. A Democrat would win the presidential contest on this map with 278 electoral votes, eight more than needed for a victory, versus 219 for the Republican and 41 tossups. (Thomas Suh Lauder / Los Angeles Times) I allocated the states in most cases by which party won the top statewide race or, if there wasnt a race for Senate or governor, by which party got the largest number of votes for Congress. I awarded Iowa to the Republicans, since Gov. Kim Reynolds won statewide, even though Democrats won more congressional votes. I also left Kansas in the GOP column although Democrat Laura Kelly won the governors race; Republicans won the congressional vote in that state. Ive listed Arizona, Florida and Maines 2nd Congressional District as tossups, since the races there remain unresolved. Maine is one of two states that awards electoral votes by district, rather than entirely statewide. Obviously, this doesnt mean Trump will definitely lose his reelection. The 2020 campaign wont simply replicate 2018. But it does highlight two key takeaways from this week: Trumps strategy of polarizing the electorate remains a high-risk play, as I wrote on election night. And the election will probably be decided once again in the big industrial states of the Midwest and mid-Atlantic. Trump secured his 2016 victory with narrow wins in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin. All three of those states swung back heavily toward the Democrats this year. The Democratic gains were powered by women and younger voters, as Mark Barabak and I wrote. Democratic victories were especially concentrated in suburban districts. In the big three swing states, that means the counties outside Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Detroit, as well as the heavily Republican suburbs outside Milwaukee, where GOP margins were significantly smaller than usual, sealing the defeat of Gov. Scott Walker. Republicans did well in Ohio, even though the state reelected Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown. Florida is seemingly always a tossup. And Democrats hopes that they can swing Arizona remain unproven. But a Democratic presidential candidate doesnt need to win any of those states to prevail if he or she can win back the three big Midwestern and mid-Atlantic states that Trump won. The question for the next two years will be whether Democrats can keep the loyalty of those suburban voters they won this year and still maintain the enthusiasm of their more liberal voters in the cities. If they can, Trump will be in deep trouble, despite his continued hold on his rural base. BIG TURNOUT, LONG COUNT Nationwide, at least 114 million people, 48.5% of the voting-eligible population, cast ballots in this years midterm elections, according to Michael McDonald of the University of Florida, the countrys leading expert on voter turnout. That would be the highest turnout in more than half a century. And the total may go higher yet, McDonald says, surpassing the level set in 1966, before the voting age was lowered to 18, and challenging the record set in 1914, before most women had the right to vote. In many states, thats left big piles yet to be counted, primarily mail-in and provisional ballots. Californias secretary of states office estimated on Thursday that almost 4.5 million votes remained to be tallied statewide, 1.4 million of them in Los Angeles and Orange counties. About 7.3 million ballots have already been counted in the state. As Michael Finnegan reported, in California, early-arriving ballots almost always favor Republicans and late-arriving ballots typically favor Democrats. Thats largely because younger voters tend to send in their ballots at the last minute, and they tend to vote Democratic. So far, two Republican-held congressional seats in the state, the 49th District straddling San Diego and Orange counties, and the 25th in northern Los Angeles County, have flipped to the Democrats. At least two more, and perhaps as many as four, could flip in the final count. California counties have until Dec. 7 to report their final counts. In Arizona, more than 400,000 ballots remain, about one in six of the statewide vote. On Thursday, Democrat Rep. Kyrsten Sinema took a lead of about 9,000 votes over Republican Rep. Martha McSally in the race for U.S. Senate. Political experts in that state say they can only guess which side the remaining ballots will favor. In Arizona, the final ballots wont be counted until next week at the earliest. And in Florida, Republicans lead in both of the states top races, for governor and Senate, but the margins have shrunk dramatically since Tuesday night. Gov. Rick Scott now leads incumbent Sen. Bill Nelson by 0.18 percentage points, or just over 15,000 votes, of more than 8.1 million cast. An uncertain number remain to be tallied, mostly in Broward County in South Florida, which is a Democratic stronghold. In the race for governor, Rep. Ron DeSantis, the Republican, leads Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum by 0.44 points. Both races are currently close enough to trigger the states mandatory recount law, and the Senate race is close enough to require a hand recount of ballots. Florida counties have until Saturday to report their final results, after which state officials would begin the recount process. Finally, in Georgia, the issue is whether Republican Brian Kemp has enough votes to avoid a runoff against Democrat Stacey Abrams. Kemp has about a 63,000-vote lead over Abrams, but state law requires a runoff if no candidate gets over 50%. Because of a third-party candidate, Kemp is barely above that line currently. Abrams campaign officials say they believe that, as final ballots are counted, Kemp will drop below 50%. A BIGGER WIN FOR DEMOCRATS On election night, Democrats won control of the House, but feared they had lost five Senate elections they had hopes of winning, as well as the Florida and Georgia governors races. But with Sinema now leading in Arizona, and Nelson catching up in Florida, its possible that Republicans may have won only three of those five defeating incumbent Democrats in North Dakota, Missouri and Indiana. Republicans lost the Senate seat held by Sen. Dean Heller in Nevada. So far, Republicans have won 51 Senate seats, which is where they stood before the election. Theyll very likely win a runoff in Mississippi between Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith and Democratic candidate Mike Espy, giving them 52. If thats all they get, it would largely belie the claim Trump made in his long and grievance-filled news conference on Wednesday that he had led his party to a major victory in the Senate. On the House side, the Democrats on election night seemed on track to pick up at least 30 seats. So far, theyve nailed down 31. With a dozen races left uncalled, theyre likely to end up with a net gain of 37 or 38 seats, based on the returns so far. In both chambers, the final numbers are likely to challenge the narrative that emerged on election night of a somewhat disappointing Democratic win. In the full light of day, the partys victory seems considerably more impressive. The overall Democratic margin in House votes nationwide came to about seven percentage points. In 2016, Democrats lost the total House vote by one point. That eight-point swing marks one of the biggest shifts from one party to the other since World War II. THE END OF THE OBAMACARE WAR One result of this election will probably be to end the long Republican effort to repeal Obamacare, Noam Levey wrote. With Democrats in control of the House, no repeal measure will come to the floor, and in the Senate, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky has shown no interest in jumping back into the fight. Republicans repeatedly promised on the campaign trail to keep the laws protections for people with preexisting health problems, locking in one major provision of the law that they had tried to repeal. And voters approved referendums to expand Medicaid under the law in Idaho, Nebraska and Utah, all conservative states. AND THE END FOR JEFF SESSIONS Trump wasted no time in firing his attorney general, who was one of his earliest and strongest supporters, but who angered the president by not blocking the investigation into Russian efforts to sway the 2016 election. Democrats hope to use their new power in the House to try to protect the Russia investigation, led by special counsel Robert S. Mueller III, as Chris Megerian and Del Wilber reported. Rep. Adam Schiff of Burbank, who is in line to regain the chairmanship of the House Intelligence Committee, says he wants to determine if Russians have financial leverage over the president by laundering money through the Trump Organization. Theres nothing the president cares more about than his wealth, Schiff said. BUT A CONTINUED FIGHT OVER IMMIGRATION Trump on Friday issued a proclamation designed to sharply restrict the ability of people to seek asylum in the U.S. As David Savage and Noah Bierman wrote, the move is certain to be challenged in court. Administration officials believe the Supreme Court, with its newly strengthened conservative majority, will side with them both on the asylum issue and on a separate case involving their efforts to end the Obama-era DACA program, which shields some 700,000 people from deportation. WHAT THE ELECTION MEANS FOR CALIFORNIA Newly elected Gov. Gavin Newsom is expected to intensify the states battle with the Trump administration, Melanie Mason wrote. Its been a long two years, but tonight, Americas biggest state is making Americas biggest statement, Newsom said on election night. We are saying, unmistakably and in unison, that its time to roll credits on the politics of chaos and cruelty. Heres where Newsom stands on a wide range of issues. As Mason noted, one constraint on the new governor is that the federal government plays a key role in many issues important to the state, including water supply and money for disaster aid. All-out conflict would carry a heavy price. A central issue for Newsom will be how far to the left he wants to try to lead the state, John Myers wrote. Newsom will face pressure from Democratic Party activists, who typically are more liberal than the states voters. But hes also had the benefit of watching Gov. Jerry Brown as he spent the last eight years backing progressive causes on some fronts while restraining others, especially on policies that would have significantly boosted state spending. Newsom has said he would take another look at Californias rent-control policies as part of an overall effort to try to deal with the states extremely high housing costs. As Liam Dillon reported, the statewide ballot measure to expand rent control failed, but advocates plan to continue to press the issue. The newly elected Democratic House and seven new Democratic governors will give California important allies on many of the issues on which the state has been fighting the administration, Evan Halper reported. PELOSI, MCCARTHY LIKELY LEADERS The leaders of both parties in the House could be from California, although both Reps. Nancy Pelosi of San Francisco and Kevin McCarthy of Bakersfield face some opposition in their caucuses. As Jennifer Haberkorn wrote, many Democrats want to see a generational shift in their leadership. Pelosi has expressed confidence that she has the votes to regain the speakers office, and leading her party to victory gives her a strong claim. But several newly elected Democrats said during their campaigns that they would not vote for her. McCarthy has an easier path to the leadership of his party in the House, now that it will be in the minority, Sarah Wire reported. Had the Republicans kept the majority, conservatives would have tried to beat him, but the minority leaders post is less attractive. In their statements on Wednesday, Pelosi and Trump warily circled each other, offering olive branches, but also setting conditions, Haberkorn and Eli Stokols wrote. A MORE DIVERSE HOUSE The Democratic victories bring with them a big increase in the number of women in Congress, Wire reported. At least 99 women will serve in the new Congress, up from 84, and the number will probably be higher as the final races are called. The new House will include the first two Muslim and Native American women elected as well as the first Latina from Texas and the first African American woman from Massachusetts. Women are on track to make up nearly 40% of House Democrats in 2019, but less than 7% of House Republicans. In the Senate, the number of women will tick up to 24 from the current 23, at least seven Republicans and 16 Democrats, plus whichever candidate wins in Arizona. LOGISTICS That wraps up this week. Until next time, keep track of all the developments in national politics and the Trump administration with our Essential Washington blog, at our Politics page and on Twitter @latimespolitics. Send your comments, suggestions and news tips to politics@latimes.com. If you like this newsletter, tell your friends to sign up. David.lauter@latimes.com @davidlauter House Democrats scrambled Thursday to shield the special counsel investigation after the new acting attorney general, Matthew Whitaker, signaled he would not recuse himself from supervising the high-stakes probe even though he has repeatedly denounced it in public. They vowed to revive congressional inquiries of President Trump and formally requested that senior administration officials including FBI Director Christopher A. Wray and CIA Director Gina Haspel preserve records involving the special counsels office and Trumps decision to oust Jeff Sessions as attorney general. Thousands of protesters rallied in front of the White House, in New Yorks Times Square and elsewhere to demand Whitaker not interfere with the Russia investigation led by special counsel Robert S. Mueller III. Many fear Whitaker will cut Muellers budget or impede the probe in a partisan effort to protect Trump from further scrutiny. The brewing political and legal battle erupted two days after Democrats won a majority in the House, empowering them to hold oversight hearings and demand sensitive documents, and one day after Trump named Whitaker as the interim replacement for Sessions, who was forced to resign. Advertisement Were not as powerless as we were on Monday, said Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Dublin), a member of the House Intelligence Committee. We now have the authority to be a check on abuses of power. Check out up-to-date results from the midterm elections House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, who is front-runner to become House speaker and had called for unity after Tuesdays hard-fought midterm election, tweeted that it was impossible to read Sessions ouster as anything other than another blatant attempt by @realDonaldTrump to undermine and end Special Counsel Muellers investigation. Given his record of threats to undermine and weaken the Russia investigation, Whitaker should follow in Sessions footsteps and recuse himself, she added. Whitaker does not plan to step aside from supervising Mueller because he was not a government official when he criticized the investigation, according to a person familiar with his thinking who was not authorized to speak publicly. Democrats, ethics experts and some former Justice Department lawyers expressed concern about Whitakers sharp criticism of the federal investigation into Russias interference in the 2016 election, and whether Trump or his aides cooperated with it or committed other crimes. In June 2017, for example, Whitaker dismissed the central question that Muellers team is trying to answer, saying in a SiriusXM satellite radio interview unearthed by the Daily Beast that the truth is there was no collusion with the Russians and the Trump campaign. In August 2017, Whitaker tweeted a link to an article that referred to the Mueller lynch mob. He also penned an op-ed for CNN warning that Muellers probe was at risk of becoming a witch hunt, echoing Trumps language. Mary McCord, a former national security lawyer at the Justice Department, said Whitakers comments would cause the ordinary person to question whether he can possibly be impartial in taking over responsibility for the special counsel investigation. David Laufman, a criminal defense attorney and former national security prosecutor at the Justice Department, said Whitakers appointment raises serious and legitimate concerns about the ability of the special counsels office to continue and complete its essential mission without political interference. Rep. Adam B. Schiff (D-Burbank) is in line to be the chair of the House Intelligence Committee after Democratic victories in the midterm election. (Alex Edelman / TNS) With a new target in their sights, Democrats began revving the engines on the committees they will control in the next Congress, which begins in January. Rep. Adam B. Schiff (D-Burbank), who is expected to lead the House Intelligence Committee, says he wants to determine whether Russians have financial leverage over the president by laundering money through the Trump Organization. Theres nothing the president cares more about than his wealth, Schiff said. Another avenue of investigation, Swalwell said, is determining whether Donald Trump Jr., the presidents eldest son, talked to his father after meeting with a Russian lawyer who promised dirt on Hillary Clinton during the 2016 campaign. Trump Jr. had a phone conversation with somebody at a blocked number while arranging the meeting, but Republicans running the committee did not want to subpoena the records to determine who the person was. The changes at the Justice Department and on Capitol Hill come at a critical time for the Russia investigation. Prosecutors are deciding whether to charge Roger Stone, a longtime Trump associate under scrutiny for his alleged ties to WikiLeaks, the organization that released tens of thousands of hacked Democratic Party emails during the 2016 campaign. Russian military intelligence officers stole the emails as part of Moscows covert effort to boost Trumps candidacy, according to U.S. intelligence agencies and the special counsels office. Stone has denied any wrongdoing or connection to WikiLeaks. At the same time, Trumps legal team is reportedly preparing answers to written questions from Muellers prosecutors. The two sides have negotiated for months over a possible interview of Trump. As Muellers new supervisor, Whitaker could impede the push for a presidential interview. Mueller would likely need to ask his permission before issuing a subpoena to compel Trump to testify before a grand jury. Jay Sekulow, a lawyer for the president, said on his radio show Thursday that he didnt expect Whitakers appointment to affect day-to-day operations of Muellers team. Does it affect how we interact with the special counsels office? No, Sekulow said. Whitakers appointment still could face a legal challenge. Neal Katyal, an acting solicitor general under President Obama, and George Conway, a prominent conservative lawyer, argued that Whitaker cant serve as acting attorney general because he wasnt confirmed by the Senate, a requirement under the Constitutions Appointments Clause. Its illegal, they wrote in a New York Times op-ed. And it means that anything Mr. Whitaker does, or tries to do, in that position is invalid. Whitaker has made no secret of his dim views of the Russia investigation, or even of Deputy Atty. Gen. Rod Rosensteins decision to appoint a special counsel after Trump fired FBI Director James B. Comey in May 2017. Hollow calls for independent prosecutors are just craven attempts to score cheap political points and serve the public in no measurable way, Whitaker wrote in the Hill a week before Mueller was named. Two months later, Whitaker suggested on CNN that Trump could limit the Russia probe by replacing Sessions with someone who, instead of firing Mueller, just reduces his budget to so low that his investigation grinds to almost a halt. Justice Department officials are expected to seek guidance from department ethics officials about potential conflicts. It is not clear whether Whitaker has asked the attorneys to review his comments, and a spokeswoman declined to comment on the matter. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has blocked proposed legislation intended to shield the special counsel from being fired. But a handful of Republicans called Thursday for protecting Mueller. It is imperative that the important work of the Justice Department continues, and that the Mueller investigation proceeds to its conclusion unimpeded, tweeted former Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, who was elected Tuesday as a senator from Utah. Its unclear when Trump will nominate a permanent successor to Sessions, and the Russia probe will almost certainly become a major factor during Senate confirmation hearings. No new Attorney General can be confirmed who will stop that investigation, said Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) in a statement. Activists launched protests they had prepared for more than a year in case Mueller is fired or the investigation is otherwise threatened. About 2,500 gathered in front of the White House at dusk, holding signs and listening to speakers warn of a constitutional emergency caused by Trump. We are going to fight like hell every step of the way. We are going to work our ass off to make sure he does not commit crimes against this country, Neera Tanden, president of the Center for American Progress, told the crowd. Normally I watch the news, but tonight I thought I better get down there, said Angela Schreiber of Bethesda, Md., standing in the crowd. Im worried. This Whitaker seems kind of frightening. Times staff writers Eli Stokols and David Willman contributed to this report. chris.megerian@latimes.com Twitter: @chrismegerian del.wilber@latimes.com Twitter: @DelWilber When federal investigators were digging into an invention-promotion company accused of fraud by customers, they sought information in 2017 from a prominent member of the companys advisory board: Matthew Whitaker, a former U.S. attorney in Iowa. It is unclear how Whitaker who was appointed acting attorney general by President Trump on Wednesday responded to a Federal Trade Commission subpoena to his law firm, according to two people familiar with the investigation. In the end, the FTC filed a complaint against Miami-based World Patent Marketing, accusing it of misleading investors and falsely promising that it would help them patent and profit from their inventions, according to court filings. In May, a federal court in Florida ordered the company to pay a settlement of more than $25 million and close up shop, records show. The company did not admit nor deny wrongdoing. Advertisement Whitakers sudden elevation this week to replace fired Atty Gen. Jeff Sessions has put new scrutiny on his involvement with the shuttered company, whose advisory board he joined in 2014, shortly after making a failed run for U.S. Senate in Iowa. At the time, he was also running a conservative watchdog group with ties to other powerful nonprofits on the right and was beginning to develop a career as a Trump-friendly cable television commentator. World Patent Marketing founded by Miami businessman Scott Cooper, who had donated $2,600 to Whitakers Senate campaign prominently highlighted Whitakers resume as a former U.S. attorney, which helped lend the company credibility. But Whitaker seems to have been more than a figurehead. He spoke about inventions of the companys clients in online videos including a special hot-tub seat for people with mobility issues. He also penned a response to at least one complaint writing a threatening email in which he cited his role as a former U.S. attorney, according to court filings. Its really upsetting to know that guy will be attorney general, said Ryan Masti, 26, who lost $77,000 after paying World Patent Marketing to help him bring to market his idea for a social media app to help the disabled. Its so offensive. Its like a stab in the back. Whitaker did not respond to requests for comment about World Patent Marketing or the investigation. Well decline, Justice Department spokeswoman Sarah Isgur Flores said in an email to the Washington Post. A spokesman for the FTC also declined to comment. There was no evidence that Whitaker knew company salespeople were making false promises to inventors, court receiver Jonathan Perlman said in an interview. I have no reason to believe that he knew of any of the wrongdoing, Perlman said. Whitaker was paid at least $10,000 by the company, according to court filings. At the conclusion of the FTC investigation, Perlman sent a demand letter to Whitaker along with other advisory board members seeking repayment of the fees they received. Whitaker did not respond, Perlman said. When Whitaker was appointed to the board of World Patent Marketing in October 2014, a company spokesman said in a press release that he would provide vision and direction. Later, the company touted Whitakers legal background and said he was working with the company to help investors avoid patent marketing fraud. As a former U.S. Attorney, I would only align myself with a first class organization, Whitaker said in a 2014 company news release. World Patent Marketing goes beyond making statements about doing business ethically and translate those words into action. According to the FTC, however, the company falsely promised clients it would patent and market their ideas in exchange for hefty fees and then pocketed the money. For the last three years, Defendants have operated an invention-promotion scam that has bilked thousands of consumers out of millions of dollars, the agency alleged in a recently unsealed court filing. In truth and in fact, Defendants fail to fulfill almost every promise they make to consumers. Neither Cooper nor his current attorney responded to requests for comment. In court documents, Cooper told the court that the company did provide some services to customers and said the companys website warned customers that most inventions are not commercially successful, according to the Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Sun-Sentinel. World Patent Marketing salespeople would persuade prospective clients to sign a confidentiality agreement and then ask them to explain their idea, according to court documents. Whatever the concept, no matter how banal or improbable, investigators found, the salesperson would pronounce the idea fantastic and encourage the customer to pay for a package to market and patent the idea, documents show. Many people ended up in debt or lost their life savings, according to the FTC. Promotional material highlighted the meaty resumes of board members like Whitaker, which seemed to be a key component of the business operation. The company said the board would help review inventors ideas to maximize their ability to get rich. Innovators are todays revolutionaries forward-thinking visionaries that have come together to form the powerful and influential World Patent Marketing advisory board, the narrator of one promotional video intoned, as photos of Whitaker and other board members filled the screen. Masti, who said he struggled with ADHD as a child and hoped his invention would help others like him, said in an interview that he trusted the company in part because he was told that advisory board members, including Whitaker, had reviewed his idea and thought it would be successful. They said hes very high up. Hes a professional. Hes got a lot of power, said Masti, a resident of Cameron, N.Y., who said he voted for Trump in 2016. Thats how they sold you. Now Masti said he is living with his parents and facing crushing debt from loans he took out to pay the company. Another former customer, Penn Mason, an airline employee from Nashville, said he paid World Patent Marketing $21,000 to help him patent and market a real estate app he had invented. The company failed to patent his product and quickly stopped returning his phone calls, he said. Mason said he believes that paid advisory board members like Whitaker essentially pocketed money from unsuspecting victims. That was our money, said Mason, 52. Of Whitakers selection as acting attorney general, he said, It makes me sick to my stomach. Its like a punch in the gut. When investors began to complain that they had paid the company large sums with little to show for it, they were threatened, according to interviews and court documents. Mason said that after he began to complain, he got a call from Cooper, the CEO, who threatened to sue him for slander. He really scared me, Mason said. You feel like youre dealing with all these bigwigs. The Miami New Times, which published an in-depth investigation of the company last year, reported that Cooper would sometimes tell people who had posted negative reviews of the company that he had security with specialized training in the Israeli martial art Krav Maga. In an August 2015 email included in court documents, Whitaker wrote to a complainant who threatened to go to the Better Business Bureau, I am assuming you understand that there could be serious civil and criminal consequences for you. He noted he was a former U.S. attorney. Another board member, Aileen Marty, a professor of infectious disease at Florida International University in Miami, said she was told when she joined the board that she would be sent interesting patent ideas to review but never received any. Marty said she received one check for her board service, which she returned when she heard the company could be committing fraud. I wish I had never heard of the company and I wish that my name were not in any way associated with it. I cant turn back time and not accept the offer to be on their board believe me if I could, I would, she said in an email to the Post. As he was advising World Patent Marketing, Whitaker ran a conservative watchdog group called the Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust. The group lodged numerous ethics complaints and calls for investigations, targeting Hillary Clinton and Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland, as well as some Republicans. On its website, FACT lists a downtown Washington address. But it is one of some 200 virtual members who use a K Street location to claim a presence in the nations capital, according to Brian Bullock, assistant general manager of Carr Workplaces, the firm that operates the site. They only come in every six months or so, Bullock said. We pretty much just accept their mail. FACT was formed in 2014 with a large donation from another tax-exempt charity that has served as a fountainhead of cash for organizations affiliated with the conservative movement an arrangement that helps further mask the identity of donors. The group received more than $1 million in recent years from a donor-advised fund called Donors Trust Inc., which is a source of funding for scores of other conservative groups, including Judicial Watch, Project Veritas, the Claremont Institute, the Federalist Society and the David Horowitz Freedom Center, tax filings show. Whitaker received $402,000 in 2016 as FACTs president and director, nearly a third of the donations the group received that year, according to its tax filings. He received $252,000 in 2015, more than half the charitys receipts that year, tax filings show. FACT officials declined to comment, but they described the group as a nonpartisan ethics watchdog that holds accountable government officials from both parties. When California voters opted to continue paying higher gas taxes and vehicle fees to fund state transportation projects, groups hoping to drum up money to expand other state-funded services were encouraged. Proposition 6, which would have repealed those taxes, was rejected by 55% of voters in Tuesdays election, though the results show Californians were divided geographically over the initiative. Opponents say they won by clearly detailing how the levies would be spent to fix deteriorating roads and bridges and improve mass transit. That same approach could work with other issues, including preschool and healthcare programs, said advocates such as Ted Lempert, president of the group Children Now. If the voters see that there are current areas that clearly need significant new support, the voters have shown their willingness [to vote for them], Lempert said. With early learning, now that there is such an understanding of how critical this issue is to our collective future, the polling shows the voters are very willing to invest more in [preschool]. Advertisement The election of Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom, who vowed to expand and improve early childhood education and child care programs, and the potential for a larger majority of Democrats in the Legislature, also has some officials and groups saying other tax measures may be politically feasible. Newsom and advocacy groups have also talked about reducing homelessness and creating a state-sponsored single-payer healthcare system. Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon said after the election that he is open to considering future proposals to improve early childhood education, including new taxes to fund such programs. Some of those would take more revenue than others, but there is no proposal on the table now, Rendon said Thursday. The higher gas tax and vehicle fees are estimated to raise more than $5 billion annually to reduce a $130-billion backlog of road and bridge repairs. Brown said after the election that voters made the decision that the tax is worthwhile. Where did the money come from? It had to come from the people in the form of a gas tax, Brown said. People knew what they were voting for. Voters also approved bond issues on Tuesday to fund housing for veterans and construction of childrens hospitals, although they turned down a third bond measure that would have provided $8.9 billion for water projects. Assembly Republican Leader Marie Waldron of Escondido said it would be a mistake for Democrats to take the vote on Proposition 6 as a green light to seek other tax increases. Coverage of California politics We just finished the recall of Sen. Josh Newman in the last cycle over that gas tax, she said, referring to a Democrat from Fullerton who supported the higher levy. My hope is that [Democrats] will move cautiously. I hope the Legislature will consider the affordability of California and the fact that we do pay some of the highest taxes in the nation. Child care and preschool programs have long been underfunded only 14% of infants and toddlers whose families meet income requirements receive government-funded care, while more than 200,000 income-eligible 3- and 4-year-olds are not enrolled in preschool programs, Lempert said. The key is quality child care and preschool, and to do that its clearly going to take significant additional resources, Lempert said. If you look at the polling on this, the voters are very supportive of dollars going to kids. Assemblyman Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) said that Tuesdays election results were a positive sign for those who want to improve state services. By rejecting Proposition 6, voters sent a clear message, agreeing with the prioritization of transportation funding, said Ting, chairman of the Assembly Budget Committee. Whether its a parcel tax for schools or a bond for affordable housing, voters continue to support revenue measures, as long as theyre confident the money will be spent on their priorities. Meanwhile, the election results on Proposition 6 demonstrated once again that California is a state that is divided politically and it comes down to geography. The initiative failed in the statewide vote. It won in 32 of the states 58 counties, mostly in rural areas, but also including Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside counties. San Diego County, home to Proposition 6 campaign leaders Carl DeMaio and John Cox, saw 52.6% of voters support the measure that would have repealed the higher gas tax in initial election returns. The measure was rejected by more populous, coastal areas, including Los Angeles County, where only 40% of voters favored repeal, and San Francisco County, where only 18% voted for Proposition 6. patrick.mcgreevy@latimes.com Twitter: @mcgreevy99 Moving swiftly to fill the highest-ranking member of his nascent administration, Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom tapped Ann OLeary, a longtime policy advisor to Hillary Clinton, to serve as his chief of staff and a leader of the transition team this fall. The governor-elect also named Ana Matosantos, an experienced Sacramento hand, as his Cabinet secretary the person who will serve as key liaison to the sprawling state bureaucracy of departments and agencies Newsom will oversee. Matosantos served as budget director to Gov. Jerry Brown and former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. I pledged an Administration that would dream big and demand more and draw on the talents of some of the most capable public servants in America, Newsom said in a statement. Thats what Ann and Ana represent lives of unrivaled professional accomplishment paired with a personal determination to serve the public good. OLeary, an attorney and veteran political aide, does not have experience in state government. But the 47-year-old Democrat has a reputation among Clinton alumni as a coalition builder and jack-of-all-trades policy wonk with a passion for early education and working families. Advertisement Newsom needs a deep bench and smart team to deliver on ambitious campaign promises to offer universal preschool, free community college tuition for two years, a government-sponsored healthcare system and other big-ticket ideas. With OLeary being a relative unknown to state government veterans, Capitol watchers have looked for information on Newsoms new chief wherever they could find it. Policy documents in hacked emails sent between members of the Clinton campaign, which were made public on Wikileaks ahead of the 2016 presidential election, have been passed around by interest groups seeking to gain insight about OLeary. While some political insiders wonder whether an outsider to the insular state Capitol community is the best fit for a governor with little legislative experience, allies of OLeary and former senior officials refute the notion that she needs Sacramento on her resume to be effective. Ive seen Ann build coalitions where she didnt have them before, said Amanda Renteria, Clintons national political director who was briefly a Democratic candidate for governor last year. Get the latest California politics news Renteria and others say the governor can offset the local inexperience by adding other seasoned Sacramentans to his team, such as Matosantos. She argues that OLearys background may help Newsom build national coalitions for some of his toughest goals. Brown has warned, for example, that landing a single-payer healthcare system in California will require the help of the federal government. Today, in order to be big and bold and also be able to execute, this governor is going to need to be able to grapple with both of those worlds, Renteria said. OLeary served as Clintons senior policy advisor in the 2016 presidential campaign, and as her legislative director in the U.S. Senate. She was also a special assistant to former President Bill Clinton during his time in the White House. After the presidential election, she returned to California and became a partner for the law firm Boies, Schiller & Flexner in Palo Alto. She also co-founded the Berkeley-based Opportunity Institute, a nonprofit group that works to improve social mobility through education. OLeary grew up in a small town in Maine as the daughter of an AFL-CIO leader. Karen Skelton, a California political strategist and friend who worked with her in Washington, said her career is inspired by struggles in her upbringing. Ann was lucky to be able to get an education and leave Maine and fly at the highest levels of government, Skelton said. Yet she has never forgotten that there are people like her sister and her father and her mother who struggled financially and with their health. She tries to make the world a better place for all those people. OLearys experience on Clintons transition team is expected to help Newsom as he prepares to take over. And her experience working with other high-profile national Democrats such as Tom Steyer will certainly stoke speculation about Newsoms ambitions beyond California. She attended law school at UC Berkeley and was a deputy city attorney in San Francisco. She has two children with her former husband, California Supreme Court Justice Goodwin Liu. Friends say she plans to move to Sacramento She will be the sixth consecutive woman to hold the top staff job although some shared the duties with a man for a California governor. Lynn Schenk served under former Gov. Gray Davis. Patricia Clarey and Susan Kennedy worked for Schwarzenegger. After the death in March of Nancy McFadden, Browns most trusted advisor, Diana Dooley filled the role for Brown. Nothing thrills me more, said Cassandra Pye, a political strategist and former deputy chief of staff to Schwarzenegger. I really believe that women bring so much to the conversation. Newsoms choice for his No. 2 aide, Matosantos, has a deeper Capitol resume. She served as the top budget official under Brown and his predecessor, Schwarzenegger. She was also a deputy legislative secretary in Schwarzeneggers office and worked in the state Health and Human Services Agency. He couldnt have picked anyone better. Ana is the greatest, Schwarzenegger said. Matosantos has experience overseeing the state budget in dire times; she was at the helm when California faced a $27-billion shortfall. My organization we were pretty pissed at her during the Schwarzenegger days, said Alma Hernandez, executive director of the influential Service Employees International Union California. But there was never a moment where we didnt think she wasnt trying to take care of those that needed the most. Hernandez said Matosantos Capitol experience would help offset OLearys newness to Sacramento. You have someone who was thinking really big and bold on a national level for Hillary, and you couple that with someone who knows how state government works, how budgets get made, how we actually govern, Hernandez said. I think theyre going to be an all-star team. Newsom also announced that Californians could go to gavinnewsom.com for updates on the transition and to apply for administration jobs. Times staff writer John Myers contributed to this report. taryn.luna@latimes.com Follow @tarynluna on Twitter and sign up for our daily Essential Politics newsletter. Just hours after a deadly mass shooting in Thousand Oaks, Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom on Thursday said California can do more and do better on gun safety and criticized the National Rifle Assn. and Republican leaders in Washington for blocking common-sense gun control. A longtime champion for tighter restrictions on firearms, Newsom addressed the shooting in his first public appearance since his election Tuesday. He had planned to discuss his upcoming transition into the governors office but changed his plans after the tragedy. Its [with] a heavy heart I come here a day or two after an election for governor. You want to be focused on other things, Newsom told reporters in San Francisco, referring to the 12 people killed by a gunman, who was also found dead. This is America. Its got to change. This doesnt happen anywhere else on the planet. We cant allow this to be normalized. The two-term lieutenant governor said the last 24 hours had been a sobering reminder of the immense responsibilities held by Californias governor. By happenstance, Newsom on Thursday served as Californias acting governor because Gov. Jerry Brown was outside the state in Texas. Newsom said he had been briefed by leaders of the California Highway Patrol about the Ventura County shooting and by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection about a fast-spreading wildfire in Butte County that has forced widespread evacuations. Advertisement Newsom cautioned against jumping to conclusions about the gunman or circumstances surrounding the shooting, urging Californians to wait until the investigation takes place and more facts are known. But the Democrat said the culture of acceptance around mass shootings was abhorrent, and he criticized politicians in Washington for offering nothing except hot air and rhetoric. Suffice it to say, the response is not just prayers. The response cannot just be excuses. The response sure as hell cannot be more guns, Newsom said. The National Rifle Assn., Ill say this, is bankrupt morally, and they need to be held to account for their rhetoric and for their actions. Two years ago, Newsom championed a successful state ballot measure to increase gun control in California, including requiring background checks to purchase ammunition. Gun advocates have filed a legal challenge against those restrictions, which is pending. On the campaign trail, Newsom said he would be tougher than Brown on gun control and disagreed with some of the governors vetoes on tougher gun restrictions. The governor-elect started his news conference Thursday by praising the actions of Ventura County Sheriffs Sgt. Ron Helus, who was killed in the Thousand Oaks shooting when he ran into Borderline Bar and Grill after the first gunshots were reported. Helus showed true bravery in an era in which heroism is sometimes exaggerated, Newsom said. Then there are real heroes like this sergeant, that actually saved lives, that walked in and through that act of heroism, there are families that are able to hug their loved ones tonight, Newsom said. There are lives that will change for generations because of his heroism. When asked about reports that the suspect, Ian David Long, was a former U.S. Marine who may have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, Newsom said that he had empathy for veterans with PTSD and that the country as a whole has failed to provide proper care for them. He called behavioral health a sensitive topic and stressed that the vast majority of people with mental health issues are not violent. Newsom noted that Brown signed a bill in September to impose a lifetime gun-ownership ban on people who have been hospitalized twice in a one-year period for mental health issues and deemed to be a danger to themselves or others. The measure does not go into effect until Jan. 1, 2020, but Newsom said theres no evidence that it would have prevented the suspect from owning a firearm if it had already been implemented. Newsom held his news conference at the St. Anthonys Foundation headquarters in San Francisco. Afterward, he and his wife, documentary filmmaker Jennifer Siebel Newsom, served meals to some of the thousands of homeless people who find refuge at the organizations downtown campus. Coverage of California politics During the campaign, Newsom said addressing the growing homelessness crisis in California would be one of his top priorities as governor. His rival in the race, Republican John Cox, said Newsom and Democratic leaders in Sacramento bear responsibility for the crisis because it was allowed to happen while they were in power. We all can do more, all can do better, Newsom said. One hundred and thirty-four thousand souls out in the street in his state, 24% of the nations homeless. Thats unacceptable and thats our collective responsibility. It happened on our watch. Thats not Democrats watch or Republicans watch. Thats our watch. Newsom did not announce details on policies or programs he plans to pursue as governor, telling reporters he is going to take some risks on policy proposals. Newsom said his top priority right now is the state budget, which he must submit to the California Legislature shortly after he is sworn into office in January. The process of crafting the spending plan is already underway by the Brown administration, but Newsom will inherit that responsibility with little time to make final changes. He said he is still in the early stages of the transition and will soon select his chief of staff and other top advisors. Newsom is also trying to determine which members of the Brown administration want to stay or plan to leave, and he said his advisors are busy assessing each sector of the executive branch and sifting through resumes. Newsom is expected to release more details about his plans soon, saying that building his administration will be a bottom-up and not top-down process. Everybody will be able to participate in a more inclusive way when we announce a website and we announce some key point people on the transition, Newsom said. phil.willon@latimes.com Twitter: @philwillon Dreams of careers in government, medicine and movies met with experiences told by people employed in those fields as students from David Starr Jordan Middle School welcomed about 20 professionals to the schools career fair on Thursday. Former longtime Roosevelt Elementary School teacher Linda Walmsley, now a retired volunteer, was the events chief planner. I would like the kids to understand you cannot have a career without an education, Walmsley said. I want them to understand that the ability to make good money is everywhere. If you get a good education and follow a good career path, you can do anything. Ron Takiguchi, building official for the city of Burbank, said he was delighted students were interested in various engineering fields, such as biomedical, civil, electrical and software. He gave an overview of the process to verify that buildings under construction are safe, citing one new business Chick-fil-A on Olive and Alameda avenues which brought oohs and aahs from students excited about the new restaurant. Burbank Fire Capt. Ken Hultgren encouraged students to join his ranks. If you want to have a career as a firefighter, anyone can do it, but you have to work really, really hard, he said. Stay in school, work hard and always do the best you can in everything you do. Seventh-grader Siena Scymore said she enjoyed the talk by animator Amy Lawson Smeed, who has worked on such feature films as Tangled, Big Hero 6 and Moana. I like to draw and sometimes animate myself, so its fun to hear about those jobs, Scymore said. Unlike previous career fairs, with speakers in a single venue, Walmsley advised a rotation of presenters between three stages two on adjacent blacktop areas outside and the other in the schools gym. The fair ran for a little over an hour, which gave each speaking group 20 minutes per session. Thats all Linda; she did everything, said Sean McCallon, Jordans assistant principal. Ive been seeing the kids walk by, and Ive been telling them, Its nice to be out of the classroom and a lot of them said, Yes, it is. Five speakers took turns from the medical profession, with Alexander Nury, information services site director at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center, enjoying a chance to influence young minds. I love to see such intelligent questions, especially for their ages, and theyre very excited and passionate, Nury said. They just need a little direction. Sixth-grader Katherine Veliz said she was inspired. First, I liked animation, but I like that the police officers said you can work with K-9s and even bikes, she said. I also like the fire department. I just like everything. andrew.campa@latimes.com Twitter @campadresports The former fiancee of convicted murderer Daniel Wozniak was sentenced Thursday to 32 months in jail for being an accessory after the fact in two slayings he committed in 2010. Rachel Buffett, 31, was convicted in September of two counts of being an accessory related to the crimes. For the record: The original version of this article misspelled Rachel Buffetts last name as Buffet. She was accused of lying to and misleading investigators about what Wozniak had done and what she knew. Authorities said he confessed to both killings after he called Buffett from jail. Buffett received a sentence of two years on the first count and eight months on the second. She will receive credit for time already served and for good conduct. The last six months of her sentence will be served on probation. Buffett is expected to serve between one and two years in Orange County Jail, said Senior Deputy District Attorney Matt Murphy. At Buffetts sentencing hearing in Orange County Superior Court in Santa Ana, Judge Sheila Hanson heard statements from the parents of Wozniaks victims, Sam Herr, 26, of Costa Mesa and Juri Julie Kibuishi, 23, of Irvine, as well as a statement from Buffett. Rachel Buffett lied to the police, she lied to her friends, she lied to the local and national newspapers and she lied to the nation when she appeared on national television, on the Dr. Phil show and Dateline, proclaiming her innocence, said Herrs father, Steve. Steve Herr implored the judge to levy the maximum sentence under California law, which is 44 months. Rachel knew exactly what she was doing. She could have saved us eight years and six months of grief, Herr said. Our child didnt have to be taken away, said Kibuishis mother, June. She had so much she wanted to accomplish. All these years, have you shown remorse? June Kibuishi said to Buffett. No, none. Buffett read a statement saying, Ive always wanted to express my condolences to the Herr and Kibuishi family, adding that she didnt extend her sympathy earlier because she didnt believe they would want to hear from her. I hope my silence hasnt been interpreted as callous, Buffett said. I wish Sam and Julie were still here. I wish I had never met Daniel Wozniak. Hanson said she took into consideration that, while Buffett had no previous arrests, she also never acknowledged lying to investigators. Im struck by feeling that you have never appreciated the gravity of the crimes that you committed, Hanson said. You lied, she said, adding that the evidence leads the court to believe you planned those statements to investigators. Wozniak, a community theater actor from Costa Mesa, was found guilty in December 2015 of murdering Sam Herr and Julie Kibuishi in May 2010. Prosecutors said Wozniak was desperate for cash to cover rent and his upcoming wedding, so he hatched a plan to kill Herr and access the bank account where Herr had saved thousands of dollars from his Army service. After shooting Herr in the attic of a Los Alamitos theater before a scheduled show, Wozniak used Herrs phone to lure Kibuishi to Herrs apartment, where Wozniak shot her twice in the head, authorities said. After performing in a play, Wozniak dismembered Herrs body so he could hide the pieces at El Dorado Nature Center in Long Beach, prosecutors said. He then staged Kibuishis body to appear that Herr had lured her to his apartment and raped her before fleeing. Police arrested Wozniak at his bachelor party days after the killings, after ATM withdrawals from Herrs bank account led them to him. Wozniaks brother, Timothy Wozniak of Long Beach, pleaded guilty in December 2016 to being an accessory after the fact. He was sentenced to three years informal probation as part of a plea deal offered by prosecutors in exchange for cooperating with investigators, Murphy said. He also was sentenced to 10 days in jail time already served and mandatory enrollment in an anger management program. julia.sclafani@latimes.com In a closely watched legal battle, the California attorney generals office has filed notice that it will appeal an Orange County Superior Court judges ruling that the city of Huntington Beach is exempt from complying with a state law providing sanctuary protections for immigrants who are in the country illegally. Deputy Attorney General Jonathan Eisenbergs notice of appeal, filed Thursday, will move the case to the state 4th District Court of Appeal for review by a panel of three judges. Senate Bill 54, formally known as the California Values Act authored by state Senate leader Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles) in many cases prohibits state and local police agencies from notifying federal officials about the impending release of immigrants in custody who may be deported. In September, Superior Court Judge James Crandall sided with Huntington Beach City Attorney Michael Gates, who argued that the law is unconstitutional as it applies to charter cities like Huntington, which are run by a charter adopted by local voters. The ruling made Huntington Beach the first city to successfully challenge the controversial law. Though Crandalls ruling only mentioned Huntington Beach, Gates has said it makes all of Californias 121 charter cities exempt from SB 54. After the ruling, state Attorney General Xavier Becerra said his office would fight to make sure laws such as the California Values Act were upheld throughout the state. Preserving the safety and constitutional rights of all our people is a statewide imperative which cannot be undermined by contrary local rules, Becerra said. Jennifer Molina, press secretary for the attorney generals office, could not immediately be reached for further comment Friday. On the other hand, Gates says hes ready to defend Huntington Beachs authority as a charter city. He said in a statement Thursday evening that hes confident the appeals court would uphold Crandalls ruling, which Gates described as detailed, well-reasoned and based upon good, strong legal authorities. I am proud of the work my legal office has done in defending the citys constitutional rights, Gates said. We have to stand up for our city and the communitys rights, and we will hold Sacramento accountable for passing unconstitutional laws. During a September hearing, Crandall said the operation of a police department and its jail is a city affair. For the state to say one size fits all for policing isnt going to fit everybody. However, Eisenberg contended that municipalities can exercise other forms of autonomy and that there is an important need for a uniform public safety law. Huntington Beach joined a wave of Orange County opposition to SB 54 that started in March when the City Council in Los Alamitos another charter city passed an ordinance to opt out of the law. Since then, the Orange County Board of Supervisors has voted to join a federal lawsuit against the measure, the Costa Mesa City Council has adopted a resolution opposing the law and the city of Fountain Valley has signed on to a law groups brief supporting the federal case. The Newport Beach City Council passed a resolution opposing SB 54 and authorized filing a legal brief supporting the federal lawsuit. Newport, also a charter city, hasnt yet filed such a brief. Priscella.Vega@latimes.com Twitter: @vegapriscella Inside the modest lobby of the Nguoi Viet Daily News hangs four framed newspaper clippings. The headlines tell of a wars toll. 100,000 refugees in southeast Asia picked up by U.S. Air Force, one headline reads in Vietnamese. 700 refugees drown in the sea off the coast of Malaysia, another says. The pages were printed in 1978 in the wake of the decadeslong Vietnam War. Together they form what was the first Vietnamese-language daily newspaper ever printed in the U.S. Today, the Nguoi Viet Daily News, based in Little Saigon in Westminster, is the largest Vietnamese-language newspaper in the country. The paper will celebrate its 40th anniversary in December. Yen Do, a war-hardened newsman from Vietnam, started the newspaper a few years after he immigrated to the U.S. in 1975. He knew there was a need for a Vietnamese-language paper in his new home country for the mass of immigrants flooding in. He published the first paper with the money he made as a house painter. Hung Nguyen, human resources manager at Nguoi Viet which means Vietnamese People said the first issue was made to look similar to a Vietnamese newspaper, with a red banner at the top of the front page, to sate the nostalgia of the homesick immigrants. In the early days, the paper was basically a one-man show. Do was the writer, editor, ad salesman and typesetter. He worked out of his garage. He did get some help bundling papers from his young daughter, Anh Do, who is now a reporter for the Los Angeles Times and serves on the board of the Nguoi Viet Daily News. My father was passionate about the paper because he believed you could unite people through the written word, she said. Framed articles line a wall at the Nguoi Viet Daily News in Westminster on Oct. 31. Nguoi Viet is the first and largest Vietnamese language newspaper in the country. The paper was founded by Yen Ngoc Do on Dec. 15, 1978. (Photo by Kevin Chang / Staff Photographer) He took responsibility for keeping the Vietnamese community informed, including apprising them of the affairs of their former home and preparing them for life in the new one. The paper would have information about what the price of a kilo of rice in Vietnam is so that people could know how much money to wire home for those left behind. Other articles detailed how to open a savings account, apply for a home loan and rent an apartment. It was a recipe for a new life, Anh Do said. Through his stories you would get the ingredients you needed. Do didnt take a cut of the profits for many years, because it was never in his nature to place his well-being over others. He favored community above all else. He was as much an advocate as he was an editor, said Jeff Brody, a professor of communications at Cal State Fullerton who wrote an oral history on Do. Vietnamese immigrants who came to Do for help would always receive assistance, including money from his own pocket. In the early 1980s, Do organized a panel of Vietnamese and American doctors to quell the communitys fears when a few Vietnamese children tested positive for tuberculosis in Orange County. The fear was unwarranted because it was normal for Vietnamese children to be vaccinated against tuberculosis to prevent the disease. The practice wasnt prevalent in the U.S. at the time. Do regularly would organize community events like this. Dos community-first ethos also extended to his staff. The paper subsidized lunches for staffers for $20 a month and they ate together every day. That practice is still continued today, though for $25. Do was also fueled by his passion for a free press, something he didnt have in Vietnam. He went so far as to fund competing newspapers and magazines. Protesters chant in the parking lot outside Nguoi Viets office in 2008. (Photo by Robert Gauthier) Reporting in Little Saigon wasnt easy. Anti-Communists have butted heads with the paper throughout its lifespan. Between 1981 and 1990, five Vietnamese American journalists were killed, including in Orange County. The climate was dangerous for reporters who could be perceived as communist sympathizers if they reported on the Vietnamese government with anything other than deep distaste. Do regularly received death threats, protesters stormed his office and one of the Nguoi Viet Daily News trucks was firebombed in the 1980s. But Do never let it affect the papers output. He stayed true to his convictions and published the truth as it is, Anh Do said. Do died in 2006 at age 65. I would call Yen Do Little Saigons leading intellectual, Brody said. The scope of his acumen and charity and compassion was unsurpassed. He led a hard life as an editor and publisher, which led to an early death. He should be looked upon as the founder of Vietnamese-language media in the United States and certainly its premier editor. Today, the newspaper has continued in the same spirit imparted by Do. The team of five reporters covers local news in Little Saigon, as well as Vietnamese communities throughout the country and abroad. The total staff is about 50, including advertising. Stories include subjects that go unnoticed by the mainstream press, like Vietnamese farmers and fishermen in New Orleans and Florida. We cover things that are very intimate and dear to the community, Nguyen said. But these things probably arent relevant enough for the big papers. Much of the old problems remain the same. Staff still has to negotiate the anti-communist minefield. In 2008, hundreds of them protested outside the Nguoi Viet offices because of a photo that was perceived to be sympathetic to communism. But the reporters and editors continue on just like Do did. We will always report what is going on in Vietnam good or bad, said Nguoi Viet editor in chief Nhan Dung Ngo. Many in the community think we should only report the bad. Dinh Quang Anh-Thai, senior editor and assistant to the publisher, searches through daily news articles in his office at the Nguoi Viet Daily News in Westminster. (Photo by Kevin Chang / Staff Photographer) Some problems are new like how to get people to read. The print circulation is about 10,000, down from roughly 18,000 in the last decade. But much like other papers, Nguoi Viet is transitioning to being more online-focused. You cant stop change, Anh Do said. I can only think it will make us better. We will grow with it. Ngo, who used to write for Nguoi Viet during its infancy, remembers the early days were plagued with uncertainty about the future of the paper. He began writing for it from the frigid terrains of Canada after leaving Vietnam in 1975 on the same U.S. Air Force plane as Do. Like Do, Ngo wrote for free until the fledgling newspaper could find its way. We didnt think we could survive, Ngo said. But here we are. benjamin.brazil@latimes.com Twitter:@benbrazilpilot Air Tahiti Nui will launch Dreamliner service between LAX and Papeete, Tahiti, and is using the occasion for a fare sale. Fare: $787 round trip, including all taxes and fees, from LAX to Papeete on Air Tahiti Nui Restrictions: You must buy your ticket by Nov. 20. The fare, subject to availability, is for travel Nov. 20-March 31, excluding Dec. 14-Jan. 6, holiday blackout dates. Info: Air Tahiti Nui, (877) 824-4846, Advertisement Source: Airfarewatchdog travel@latimes.com @latimestravel One hundred years ago, on Nov. 11, 1918, a special edition of the Los Angeles Times proclaimed on Page One: PEACE World War Ends as Germany Signs Armistice! [Extraordinary Service Bulletins by the Associated Press.] WASHINGTON, Nov. 11, (Monday)---The world war will end this morning at 6 o'Clock, Washington time, 11 o'clock Paris time. The armistice was signed by the German representatives at midnight. This announcement was made by the State Department at 2:50 o'Clock this morning. The announcement was made verbally by an official of the State Department in this form: "The armistice has been signed. It was signed at 4 o'Clock a.m. Paris time and hostilities will cease at 11 o'Clock this morning, Paris time.". Front page of the Nov. 11, 1918, Los Angeles Times. ProQuest The Los Angeles Times on Nov. 12, 1918, reported: One hundred and fifty thousand copies of The Times containing the greatest piece of news ever printed that of the end of the war were sold yesterday morning as fast as the great Times presses could throw them off. People literally fought for them. Repeatedly the plates were returned to the presses and more copies printed to supply the never-ceasing demand. Extra editions at intervals kept the public informed on the swift movement of events. The city of Los Angeles came to a halt. Businesses closed as people took to the streets in celebration. One year later, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Armistice Day a holiday, and it was celebrated every year. In 1954, to honor veterans of all wars, Armistice Day was changed to Veterans Day. An earlier version of this post was published on Nov. 11, 2011. Nov. 11, 1918: Workers from Boos Brothers cafeterias ride through Los Angeles waving flags and singing war songs after Germany's surrender ended World War I. Los Angeles Times Archive / UCLA Nov. 11, 1918: At Fifth and Broadway traffic moved at a crawl as thousands jammed streets after the news of Germany's surrender ending World War I. Los Angeles Times Nov. 11, 1918: Postal workers march in an impromptu parade following Germany's surrender in World War I. Los Angeles Times See more from the Los Angeles Times archives here The United States is warning that elections scheduled for Sunday in the separatist regions of eastern Ukraine could derail efforts to resolve the ongoing military conflict between Russia-backed militias and Ukrainian forces. The fighting, now in its fifth year, has resulted in more than 10,300 deaths and the displacement of more than2 million people. The rebel leaders of the so-called Donetsk and Luhansk Peoples Republic in Ukraines eastern Donbas region set Sundays vote to choose the head of the separatist governments and their governing counsels. An estimated 3 million people live in the rebel-held territory, which Ukraine still considers part of the country. Kurt Volker, U.S. special envoy to Ukraine, said the elections in the separatist regions run counter to a set of peace agreements known as the Minsk protocols signed by Ukraine, Russia and the two self-declared republics in 2015. Talks between the parties continue, although cease-fire violations on both sides have at times threatened to stymie their progress. Both the U.S. and the European Union have called on Russia to put a stop to the election. Advertisement This is a very concerning development, Volker said in a press call this week about the upcoming elections. The Minsk agreements call for the dissolution of the self-declared republics, an action that Volker has been urging since President Trump appointed him in July 2017. Once that happens, there should be elections for the legitimate local authorities that exist within Ukraines constitutional framework, he said. Warfare erupted in eastern Ukraine in spring 2014, when Russia-backed separatist militias staged attacks after anti-government protests in the streets of Kiev, the Ukrainian capital, forcing Moscow-backed Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich to flee the country. The Russian-backed militias proceeded to declare the formation of two breakaway republics the Donetsk Peoples Republic and the Luhansk Peoples Republic. The Minsk agreements state that elections should be held in accordance with Ukrainian law and supervised by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, a multinational group that has monitored the conflict since 2014. Daily reports from the OSCE show ongoing fighting with most of the casualties being civilians caught in the crossfire. The election is to be held two months after Alexander Zakharchenko, head of the Donetsk Peoples Republic, died in a bomb explosion at a cafe in Donetsk, the largest city in the rebel-held region. Russia has denied providing military backing to the separatists but has spoken openly about economically supporting the separatist-held region. The Kremlin has said the republics elections should move forward in order to fill the power vacuum left when Zakharchenko died. Volker said he would be meeting in coming weeks with Russian President Vladimir Putins advisor on eastern Ukraine, Vladislav Surkov. A Ukrainian hacker group in 2016 released thousands of emails from Surkov that appeared to outline the Kremlins strategy for destabilizing eastern Ukraine and supporting pro-Russian movements. Surkov himself is believed by many to have orchestrated the movement that sparked the militia takeovers of the eastern Ukrainian regions. Volker has been saying for some time that in order to have progress at the negotiations, the peoples republics need to go away, said Nikolaus von Twickel, an analyst with CivicMonitoring.org, a nonprofit group monitoring the human rights situation in eastern Ukraine. But this is not going to happen, because this is exactly the vehicle that Surkov needs to continue the Kremlins grip over those areas. The U.S. and Ukraine consider the two republics and Crimea which Russia annexed in March 2014 as being illegally occupied by Russia or Russian-backed militias. This week, the U.S. Treasury Department placed more sanctions on Moscow for its ongoing occupation of Crimea and its interference in eastern Ukraine. Two Russian individuals and a business entity were sanctioned for serious human rights abuses. Eight Russian entities, some of them hotel complexes near the Black Sea resort of Yalta, and one individual were sanctioned for advancing Russian interests in Crimea. What is notable here is that we have said for a long time that Russia has 100% command and control of what is happening in the occupied areas there military forces, political entities and direct economic activity, Volker said in the call with reporters. This is the first step taken in the form of sanctions that explicitly recognizes or explicitly is based on the notion that Russia actually controls the Donbas and eastern Ukraine. Shortly after the Treasury Department announcement, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko posted a message on his Facebook page saying the new round of sanctions were a clear message that all those involved in the illegal occupation of the Ukrainian peninsula and hybrid aggression in Donbas will not avoid responsibility. A spokesman for the Donetsks Peoples Republic said its leaders have no intention of calling off the vote. Elections are the central institution of democracy, said Natalya Nikonorova, acting foreign minister of the self-proclaimed Donetsk Peoples Republic. Attempts to call on the Russian Federation to somehow influence the upcoming elections raise eyebrows. Nikonorova said that calls to cancel the vote sounded like requests from Western countries used to meddling in the domestic affairs of other states, the Russian news agency Tass reported. sabra.ayres@latimes.com Twitter: @sabraayres Ayres is a special correspondent. This content is from: Patents New patent office regulation to implement procedure for prosecuting utility model applications is part of the sweeping changes to Argentinas IP statutes earlier this year Kochi : The Kerala High Court on Friday stayed the disqualification of Azeekodu MLA KM Shaji for two weeks.The court disqualified Shaji on a petition filed by the then LDF candidate and journalist Nikesh Candidate Nikesh Kumar pointing the violation of code and conduct of the election. In the petition, he alleged that Mr Shaji instigated communal polarization during the poll campaign. The court also added that a re-election should be conducted in the constituency of Azheekodu. However, the court refused to declare Mr Nikesh as the winner and directed Shaji to give Rs 50,000 to Nikesh as court expenses. Meanwhile, KM Shaji made it clear that he will be moving to the Supreme Court, Cebu Airs income declines to P2.78b posted November 09, 2018 at 07:35 pm by Darwin G. Amojelar November 09, 2018 at 07:35 pm Cebu Air Inc., operator of Cebu Pacific and Cebgo, said net income fell 36 percent in the first nine months of the year on higher operating costs and foreign exchange losses. Cebu Air said net income amounted to P2.78 billion in the January-to-September period from P4.376 billion on year. The company generated revenues of P54.03 billion in nine months, up 7.4 percent from P50.331 billion a year ago. Passenger revenues rose 7.1 percent to P39.537 billion from P36.92 billion reported in the same period last year.Cebu Air said the improvement in passenger revenue was largely due to the 5.4-percent increase in average fares to P2,617 from P2,483 last year. The growth in passenger volume by 1.6 percent to 15.106 million from 14.873 million last year also contributed to the increase in revenues. Cargo revenues also increased 24.6 percent to P4.09 billion from P3.28 billion last year following the higher the volume of cargo transported in 2018. 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. A Hong Kong arts center hosting the citys high-profile literary festival has cancelled appearances by exiled Chinese writer Ma Jian as Beijing tightens its grip on the city. The Tai Kwun arts center, a major new cultural hub in Hong Kong, pulled the talks because it did not want to become a platform to promote the political interests of any individual, director Timothy Calnin said in a statement. Rights group Amnesty International said it was more evidence that freedom of expression in Hong Kong was under attack. Critics posting on social media questioned how literature could ever be apolitical and pointed out that other authors hosted by Tai Kwun as part of the festival were discussing political ideas, including the emergence of a #MeToo movement in China. Ma, who now lives in London, writes dark and satirical works depicting life in China and his books are banned on the mainland. He was due to promote his latest novel China Dream later this week, a title that plays on Chinese President Xi Jinpings rhetoric of national rejuvenation and is described by publisher Penguin as a biting satire of totalitarianism. The author announced on Twitter that his two speaking events had been cancelled by Tai Kwun, not by festival organizers. Hong Kong International Literary Festival said it would not speculate on the reasons for the cancellation and was focusing on finding a new venue. Amnestys China researcher Patrick Poon said there was a clear pattern that political debate was increasingly under pressure. Author Jason Ng, president of PEN Hong Kong, a writers NGO which campaigns for freedom of speech, said the cancellation was at the very least an act of self-censorship and an example of the suppression of free expression in Hong Kong.Tai Kwun is the result of a multi-million-dollar renovation of a colonial-era prison and police station, led by the government and the Hong Kong Jockey Club. Art critic John Batten, who advises on visual arts programming at Tai Kwun, said he was concerned it had implications for any event at the center. I strongly believe in freedom of expression at Tai Kwun and will be asking about the details of this cancellation, Batten told AFP. Hong Kong has rights unseen on the mainland, protected by an agreement made before the city was handed back to China by Britain in 1997, but there are fears they are being steadily eroded. A highly anticipated art show by Chinese political cartoonist Badiucao was canceled last week with Hong Kong organizers citing safety concerns due to threats made by Chinese authorities relating to the artist. Hong Kong authorities also faced a major backlash when they denied a visa without explanation last month to a Financial Times journalist who had chaired a press club talk by a Hong Kong independence activist. The citys publishing sector has taken a hit since five booksellers known for printing gossipy titles about Chinas leaders disappeared in 2015 and resurfaced in custody on the mainland. Since then some of Hong Kongs bookshops selling works banned in China have closed and chain stores have removed them from their shelves. Beijings liaison office in Hong Kong has indirect ownership of a local publishing conglomerate that runs more than half the bookshops in the city, according to local media. US Mid-terms Post-Election Run Down: Biggest Winner, Biggest Loser Tuesday's elections produced some winners, some losers, some surprises, and some lingering uncertainties. For investors, the potential for a major shock to the markets was averted. But with Democrats poised to take control of Congress, new legislative threats to wealth holders loom on the horizon. Even though the GOP lost the House of Representatives, it gained seats in the Senate a rare feat during a mid-term election for a party that controls the White House. President Donald Trump hailed the night a tremendous success. Biggest Winner: President Trump In more ways than one, President Trump emerged as a big winner on election night. He campaigned aggressively for several Senate candidates in states he had won in 2016. Thanks in no small part to his ability to energize the GOP base, a few races that had been widely thought to favor Democrat incumbents flipped to Republicans. Trump-backed GOP candidates unseated Democrats in North Dakota, Indiana, Missouri, and Florida. Rick Scotts narrow victory over a three-term incumbent in the Sunshine State was one of the more surprising and electorally important outcomes. The perennially too close to call state of Florida once again lived up to its reputation as Republicans picked up the Senate seat and the governorship by less than 1-point margins each. Looking ahead to 2020, the newly elected Republican governor and Senator can be expected to serve as assets on the campaign trail in helping Trump win the states critical electoral votes. At the end of the night, Trump didnt put all of his endorsed candidates over the top. His party DID lose control of the House. Thats not necessarily a bad outcome for Trump politically. He never had a good working relationship with GOP House leadership. And since Congress is almost always unpopular with voters nationally regardless of who is in charge, a Congress led by the likes of hyper-partisans Nancy Pelosi, Maxine Waters, and Adam Schiff will be a useful foil on the campaign trail. Meanwhile, the House is powerless to block Trumps judicial nominations. Since the Senate rules now only require a simple majority for confirmations, Trumps picks should be able sail through a GOP Senate with a wider majority. No longer will everything hinge on whether two or three wavering GOP centrists decide to side with Democrats. However, it does remain to be seen whether some newly sworn in Senators decide to become a thorn in Trumps side. Incoming Utah Senator Mitt Romney once a sanctimonious Never Trump Republican and still a frequent critic may try to fill the shoes of the late Senator John McCain as the medias favorite GOP anti-Trumpist. Regardless, Trump should still enjoy enough of a buffer in the Senate to get what he wants through it. Democrats can use their House majority to launch endless investigations and demands for Trumps tax returns. But they probably dont have enough votes to impeach the President. Even if they do, theres no chance of conviction in the Senate, barring some shocking new revelation. Biggest Loser: CNN There were lots of big losers among the individual candidates who went down in defeat. The political loser who squandered the most money and the most hype from celebrities and the media was Beto ORourke, who ran unsuccessfully for Ted Cruzs Texas Senate seat. Beto did, however, make a name for himself among the ranks of the liberal left. He came within striking distance of turning Texas blue no small feat. So while some political careers came to an end yesterday, Beto will almost certainly be back. Betos loss combined with the losses of media-hyped history making candidates for governor in Florida and Georgia caused CNN contributor Van Jones to declare on live television that the election results left him heartbroken. The biggest loser of the election was CNN. Its race baiting failed. Its Trump bashing failed. Its censorship failed. In the weeks leading up to the mid-terms, CNN reporters waged vindictive campaigns to get influential pro-Trump alternative media personalities and activists kicked off social media platforms. Then CNN refused to air a legitimate campaign ad approved by President Trump because the ad spotlighted illegal immigrant crime. That apparently wasnt something CNN wanted voters to think about as they headed to the polls. CNNs blatant attempts to interfere in the election on behalf of Democrats by restricting the political speech of Republicans is a new low for a media outlet that used to be considered a real news network. Too Close to Call: The Outlook for Investors A Democrat-controlled House wont be passing new tax cuts any time soon. Investors will have to brace for a new, uncertain, and possibly hostile legislative agenda out of Capitol Hill. Rep. Maxine Waters, who has previously called for the nationalization of U.S. oil companies, is slated to head the powerful House Financial Services Committee. Presumptive House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has preciously entertained the idea of abolishing qualified accounts such as Health Savings Accounts and IRAs. Newly elected socialist Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez wants to nationalize the healthcare system. The increasingly anti-capitalist core of the Democrat party could begin to scare investors out of the stock market. And the budget deficit that is slated to rise to over $1 trillion in the next year could begin to weigh on the U.S. dollar. Its too soon to tell how exactly the new Congress will impact markets. But contra-dollar assets including gold and silver can certainly help investors mitigate risk during the uncertain times ahead. Stefan Gleason is President of Money Metals Exchange, the national precious metals company named 2015 "Dealer of the Year" in the United States by an independent global ratings group. A graduate of the University of Florida, Gleason is a seasoned business leader, investor, political strategist, and grassroots activist. Gleason has frequently appeared on national television networks such as CNN, FoxNews, and CNBC, and his writings have appeared in hundreds of publications such as the Wall Street Journal, Detroit News, Washington Times, and National Review. 2018 Stefan Gleason - 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. US Stocks Roar To Life After Midterm Elections Our research team is writing this message to alert all investors and traders of a pending rotation in the US stock market that may happen between now and November 15. The upside price breakout that is occurring on November 7, the day after the US mid-term elections, is an incredible display of global investor sentiment regarding the GOP success in the Senate and the continued business-friendly expectations originating out of Washington DC. The move, today, shows how clearly a global capital market shift is still engaged in the US markets and how much global investors are counting on the US to drive ROI and economic growth going forward. Yet, we feel it is important to urge investors that our modeling systems are still suggesting an ultimate price bottom should be setting up near November 8~15 and that we could still see a bit of downward price rotation over the next few days before this ultimate price bottom completes. It might be too easy to get caught up in this move, today, and fail to properly understand the price rotation risks that are still active in the time/price horizon. The ES is currently +48.00 as of the creation of this post (+1.74%). This is an incredible move higher and the 2790 level becomes critical support for the markets as long as price is able to stay above that level. The NQ is currently +172.50 (+2.45%) and shows just how clearly investors are piling into technology, healthcare and bio-tech after the US elections. This is a real vote from investors that they believe President Trump will be able to navigate any issues going forward and that the US economy will continue to push out strong numbers. Follow our analysis to read our most recent research posts. We have already positioned our members for this ultimate bottom that our predictive modeling systems suggest is in the midst of forming. We called this entire downside move, bottom rotation and the ultimate bottom pattern setting up near November 12th back on September 17. If you want to learn how we can help you find and execute better trades, visit www.TheTechnicalTraders.com to learn more. Chris Vermeulen www.TheTechnicalTraders.com Chris Vermeulen has been involved in the markets since 1997 and is the founder of Technical Traders Ltd. He is an internationally recognized technical analyst, trader, and is the author of the book: 7 Steps to Win With Logic Through years of research, trading and helping individual traders around the world. He learned that many traders have great trading ideas, but they lack one thing, they struggle to execute trades in a systematic way for consistent results. Chris helps educate traders with a three-hour video course that can change your trading results for the better. His mission is to help his clients boost their trading performance while reducing market exposure and portfolio volatility. He is a regular speaker on HoweStreet.com, and the FinancialSurvivorNetwork radio shows. Chris was also featured on the cover of AmalgaTrader Magazine, and contributes articles to several leading financial hubs like MarketOracle.co.uk Disclaimer: Nothing in this report should be construed as a solicitation to buy or sell any securities mentioned. Technical Traders Ltd., its owners and the author of this report are not registered broker-dealers or financial advisors. Before investing in any securities, you should consult with your financial advisor and a registered broker-dealer. Never make an investment based solely on what you read in an online or printed report, including this report, especially if the investment involves a small, thinly-traded company that isnt well known. Technical Traders Ltd. and the author of this report has been paid by Cardiff Energy Corp. In addition, the author owns shares of Cardiff Energy Corp. and would also benefit from volume and price appreciation of its stock. The information provided here within should not be construed as a financial analysis but rather as an advertisement. The authors views and opinions regarding the companies featured in reports are his own views and are based on information that he has researched independently and has received, which the author assumes to be reliable. Technical Traders Ltd. and the author of this report do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any content of this report, nor its fitness for any particular purpose. Lastly, the author does not guarantee that any of the companies mentioned in the reports will perform as expected, and any comparisons made to other companies may not be valid or come into effect. Chris Vermeulen Archive 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication. Some of the most iconic moments in music have been played on a Gibson guitar http://www.gibson.com/ . But lately, the company has fallen on some tough times. Gibson filed for bankruptcy in May and is expected to relaunch in November. Its new leadership team, headed by new president and CEO James "JC" Curleigh, who previously served as president of the Levis brand at Levi Strauss & Co., took over on November 1. The Nashville-based company was founded in 1902 in Kalamazoo, Mich., and musicians including BB King, Les Paul and Slash from Guns N Roses are famous for playing its instruments. A few years ago, Gibson tried to branch out and become more of a lifestyle brand. It had some expensive failures and ended up with a lot of debt it couldnt handle. *** Gibson Acoustic Factory Tour Bozeman Montana How a Gibson guitar is made? This video will show you how the acoustic guitars of the famous brand are handmade in the factory of Bozeman, Montana This blog may be a labor of love for me, but it takes a lot of effort, time and money. For over 14 years and 30,000 articles I have been providing accurate, original news that would have remained unnoticed. I've written hundreds of scoops and sometimes my reporting ends up making a real difference. I appreciate any donations you can give to keep this blog going. WASHINGTON (AP) The U.S. on Friday opened COVID-19 booster shots to all adults and took the extra step of urging people 50 and older to seek one, aiming to ward off a winter surge as coronavirus cases rise even before millions of Americans travel for the holidays. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Chairman of the SK Group Chey Tae-won (Source: VNA) During a reception in Hanoi on November 8th for Chairman of the SK Group Chey Tae-won, the PM asked the SK Group, a multi-sectoral corporation operating in the fields of energy, telecommunications, information technology, to continue supporting the Vietnamese governments economic development orientations, especially amid the fourth industrial revolution. He said the Vietnamese Government assigned the Ministry of Planning and Investment to study a national strategy, and asked the SK Group to join in the effort. The PM lauded the groups support for the construction of a national innovation centre, an important part in Vietnams industrial revolution strategy 4.0. PM Phuc said the Government of Vietnam is stepping up equitisation and divestment in major and effective State-owned enterprises, mostly those working in the spheres of telecommunications, chemicals, processing industry, beverages, aviation and energy. The Vietnamese Government always encourages foreign investors, including the SK Group with financial capability, expertise, brand and markets, to join in the process as strategic investors, he said. As Vietnam is home to nearly 700,000 enterprises, the PM suggested the SK Group connect Vietnamese small and medium-sized enterprises via its value chain and global market while promoting investment in fields of its strength such as semi-conductors, smart urban development, petrochemicals, oil and gas, renewable energy, energy saving and information technology. He went on to say that the Vietnamese Government is working to improve the business climate, thus creating favourable conditions for investors, including those from the RoK. Chey, for his part, said the group has launched several new projects in Vietnam, including its investment in Masan Vietnam, and wants to invest in other private groups in the country. He said the SK Group is interested in Vietnams equitised enterprises and those planning for equitisation, environmental protection and social activities in the country. The chairman pledged that the SK Group will do its best in business fields in Vietnam, thus contributing to the countrys socio-economic development and lifting bilateral ties. He said the group wants to offer ideas for the development of more Vietnamese SMEs so as to reach 1 million firms by 2020, and propose measures to protect the environment and promote environmental treatment technologies in Vietnam./. Pennsylvania Horticulture Societys Harvest program ends season with almost 19,000 pounds of produce donated and $30K raised to fight food insecurity th. (Photo: VNA) Welcoming Bahars working trip, Binh, who is also Politburo member and Secretary of the CPVCC, reiterated that the Vietnamese Party and State have always and will continue to pay special attention to the bilateral relations, with economic-trade ties being seen as an important pillar. He noted that bilateral economic and trade links have enjoyed great progress recently and continue to be a driving force in the Vietnam-US relationship, thus meeting the expectations of their people. Vietnam will push ahead with improving the business and investment climate and creating more favourable conditions for US firms to do business in the country, the official said. Binh also asked the Office of the US Trade Representative to increase the sharing of information and maintain the upward trend of Vietnam-US economic and trade ties. For his part, Bahar said he is impressed with the steady economic growth of Vietnam, expressing his hope to keep enhancing bilateral economic and trade partnerships between the two nations./. President of the Council of State and Council of Ministers of Cuba Miguel Mario Diaz Canel Bermudez and his delegation welcomed by Vice State President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh at the Noi Bai International Airport (Photo: VNA) The visit is a step to continue bolstering the special relations between Vietnam and Cuba and realise agreements reached during the State visit to Cuba by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong in March this year and the visit to Vietnam by Vice President of the Council of State of Cuba Salvador Valdes Mesa last September. It reiterates Vietnams consistent policy of unceasingly developing and cementing the friendship, fraternal solidarity, mutual trust, and comprehensive cooperation between the Parties, States, Governments and people of the two countries. It also affirms Vietnams support for the revolutionary cause of Cuba. The solidarity and fraternal relationship between Vietnam and Cuba were fostered by Presidents Fidel Castro and Ho Chi Minh. The relationship has become a valuable asset and a source of great encouragement for the revolutionary cause of each country. The two countries established diplomatic ties in December 1960. Over the past years, the time-honoured solidarity, mutual support and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries have been strengthened in all spheres. Vietnam is one of the ten biggest world trade partners of Cuba and the second biggest in Asia. Vietnam exports rice, coal, chemicals, garment-textiles and computers to Cuba while importing pharmaceutical products from the Caribbean country. Two-way trade averaged USD170 million each year between 2012 and 2014, and climbed to USD218 million in 2015, and USD230 million in 2016 and 2017, with Vietnam enjoying a trade surplus. Cuba imported about 300,000-400,000 tonnes of rice from Vietnam each year./. The Book Fair Foundation is comprised of a group of civic-minded people who work together collecting books to support community charities, carrying on the good works the group began in 1970. They work all year collecting books, magazines and vinyl and findings and resell those during their annual Book Fair which starts today Friday, November 9th at the new Montgomery County Fairgrounds located at 5661 Dayton-Liberty Rd. While most books are on the table for sale, there is also a curated auction featuring some very interesting and unusual books, and the opportunity to obtain some extraordinarily rare titles at a reasonable price. (Including a first edition of Beatrix Potters A Tale of Tom Kitten, a copy of the Geography of Dayton inscribed from Colonel Deeds to Arthur Morgan, a first edition of Isaac Asimovs The Naked Sun. Quite a few pieces of local interest, including the first publication of Paul Laurence Dunbars Joggin Erlong in the old Cosmopolitan Magazine (which also includes the first printing of a Jack London short-story) Happy Reading! Auction Catalog 2018 text Auction items will be available for examination as soon as the sale opens at 9 a.m. on Friday, November 9th. For most books, the auction will end at 6 p.m. on Saturday, November 10th. In the instance where there is active bidding on a book at 6 p.m., bids will be taken until 5 minutes elapses with no new bids Friday, November 9 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. $10 admission, all day Saturday, November 10 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Free admission Sunday, November 11 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Bag Sale Day Free admission $7.50 per bag (sales tax included) Monday, November 12 8 a.m. to 12 noon Clean Sweep Day Pay $1 admission, and take all the books you want Plenty of free parking is available. We are excited about the move to the new Fairgrounds where the building is bigger (and warmer) and brand spanking new. There is plenty of paved parking on flat ground! The beneficiaries of the 2018 Dayton Book Fair are Rebuilding Together Dayton, The Victory Project and We Care Arts. Rebuilding Together Dayton works to build community partnerships that provide home rehabilitation for low-income Dayton Area homeowners, particularly the elderly, so they may live in warmth, safety and independence. All of their work falls into one of four focus areas: safe and healthy housing, youth and corporate engagement, community revitalization and veteran housing. The average age of their clients is 77, and the average annual income $16,000. Read more about their vision and accomplishments at their website http://www.rtdayton.org The Victory Project is a privately funded nonprofit after-school program which mentors disengaged young men in our city. They forged an alliance between business, criminal justice and faith communities to allow local teens to break the cycle of hopelessness, insignificance and isolation by addressing physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Offering a real alternative to the streets, they are open year round, six days a week, building long-lasting relationships with young men at risk, sharing dinner together every weeknight, providing individualized tutoring and entrepreneurship models through landscaping and home improvement micro-businesses. Check out their website at http://www.victoryproject.org/ An uncommon alliance has formed between the business, criminal justice and faith communities to allow our young men to break the cycle of hopelessness, insignificance and isolation by addressing physical, emotional and spiritual needs. We Care Arts works with developmentally disabled adults and youth, senior citizens with dementia, and the mentally ill to achieve greater personal independence. Through a variety of art experiences, they promote the artists individuality, self esteem, community skills, ability to focus, life skills, responsibility, confidence and job skills. A team of paid staff and volunteers creates an environment that fosters individual talents and provides training for each artist. In addition, We Care Arts has developed installations for use in public schools and the Art on a Cart program for patients receiving chemotherapy. Click their website link to learn more! http://www.wecarearts.org/ We are delighted to be part of the future of these three wonderful organizations and look forward to getting to know them better through partnership and volunteer opportunities throughout the year. 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 [] The government Myanmar has reached a final, scaled-down agreement with Chinese engineering conglomerate CITIC for an expanded seaport at Kyaukpyu, on the Bay of Bengal. The framework agreement calls for a $1.3 billion terminal with two deep water berths, and is much smaller than an earlier version of the plan, which would have seen the construction of a $10 billion port and free zone complex. Negotiations over the port have been under way for years, and Myanmar's government ultimately decided to proceed with a de-scoped version of the project due to concerns over excessive foreign debt. Comparable infrastructure investments in Sri Lanka and Pakistan have left those nations indebted to Chinese banks; in Sri Lanka's case, the underperforming Chinese-built port of Hambantota was eventually transferred to a Chinese firm in order to pay back loans. China will finance 70 percent of the port's construction and Myanmar will cover the balance. An earlier version of the proposal called for a Chinese share of 85 percent. Set Aung, the lead negotiator for Myanmar on the Kyaukpyu project, told media that the construction will proceed by phases so that the economic viability of each step can be assessed. When fully built out, the port should generate about $3.2 billion in annual economic activity, according to Chinese state outlet Global Times. It will provide an Indian Ocean terminus for a road and rail connection across Myanmar to the Chinese border, which will allow China-bound cargoes from the west to bypass the Strait of Malacca. The new deepwater terminal at Kyaukpyu will add to China's presence at the port, where China National Petroleum Corporation already operates a large crude oil terminal. The terminal feeds a transnational pipeline that carries the crude to Kunming, in China's Yunnan Province. Source: Maritime Executive Related reports: ZHUHAI (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 06th November, 2018) The contract between Russia and Myanmar on deliveries of six Su-30SM fighter jets has been signed and is already being implemented, Viktor Kladov, the head of the delegation of Russian state corporation Rostec at the Zhuhai airshow, told Sputnik on Tuesday."Yes, [the contract] is signed and already being implemented," the official said, answering a corresponding question.Also, Russia has started to exercise the option on the deliveries of additional six Yak-130 trainer and light attack aircraft to Myanmar after the main batch consisting of ten Yak-130 jets was delivered, Kladov said.China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition started in the city of Zhuhai on Tuesday and will last through Sunday Source: Urdu Point The debate of the UN General Assembly's 73rd session that discussed the draft resolution calling for end to embargo against Cuba (Photo: VNA) The maintenance of the embargo is inappropriate and needs to be promptly removed in its entirety, Hang said at the ministrys regular press conference in Hanoi on November 8th. The lifting of the embargo will meet the aspirations and legitimate interests of Cuban people, as well as contribute to development, peace, and stability in the Americas, she said./. International US to crackdown on asylum for migrants LONDON, NOV 9 (AGENCIES) | Publish Date: 11/9/2018 12:16:31 PM IST Migrants who cross the southern US border illegally will no longer be eligible for asylum under a new rule, the Trump administration has said. The new measures would deny asylum to those who breach any presidential restriction on entry. The president can stop migration in the national interest, a statement said. Rights groups have called the move illegal. Immigration was a major focus in Mr Trumps mid-term election campaign. Before the mid-terms, President Trump frequently denounced a caravan of thousands of Central Americans making their way north through Mexico. He ordered troops to the border and declared the migrants to be an invasion. Without offering evidence, Mr Trump repeatedly suggested the caravan was politically motivated. Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker and Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen announced the changes on Thursday. The joint statement said presidents have the power to suspend the entry of all aliens and to impose any restrictions he may deem to be appropriate on them if they are judged to be detrimental to US interests under the Immigration and Nationality Act. Today, we are using the authority granted to us by Congress to bar aliens who violate a Presidential suspension of entry or other restriction from asylum eligibility, the statement said. The rule will not apply retroactively. President Trump is expected to sign it shortly. Under US law, there is a legal obligation to hear asylum claims from migrants if they say they fear violence in their home countries. Under international law, those who do have a serious fear of persecution are considered refugees. Until now asylum seekers have been entitled to a hearing in the US regardless of how they arrived in the country. The American Civil Liberties Union, a group that defends individual rights, declared the move illegal. US law specifically allows individuals to apply for asylum whether or not they are at a port of entry, it said. Human rights group Amnesty International also came out against the rule. Secretary General Kumi Naidoo issued a statement attacking the presidents dehumanising rhetoric. Asylum is not a loophole, it is a lifeline, Mr Naidoo said. This policy needlessly places the lives of thousands of people in danger. Earlier efforts by the Trump administration to limit migration prompted a political and legal backlash. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, presides over a seminar and discusses with economists and entrepreneurs about current economic trends and development in the next year in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 8, 2018. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei) BEIJING, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Premier Li Keqiang on Thursday called for more efforts to maintain stable performance and healthy development of the economy against increasing pressure at home and abroad. Li made the remarks when discussing with economists and entrepreneurs about current economic trends and development in the next year during a seminar. China has taken coordinated efforts this year to stabilize growth, propel reform and prevent risks and ensured the economy to perform stably on a high base, Li said. "New growth drivers are robust, and employment goals are fulfilled ahead of schedule." However, Li admitted that new downward pressure emerged amid complicated domestic and foreign circumstances, and the real economy faced more difficulties, stressing that the problems cannot be underestimated. China will be fully prepared and map out development in the next year, with measures to make better use of economic resilience and potential and foster new economic pillars, Li said, stressing the economy will perform in a reasonable range and advance toward high-quality development. China will maintain the continuity and stability of macro-policies, make its economic policies more coordinated and targeted and create a stable and predictable macro environment, Li said. In an effort to advance the supply-side structural reform, China should fix weak areas, promote industrial upgrading and move more boldly to cut taxes and fees, Li said. The country will introduce effective measures to alleviate the financing difficulties of private and small and micro businesses and place more emphasis on employment in macro-policies, Li said. To facilitate development, Li called for measures to improve business environments and policies according to the demands of enterprises and unleash market vitality and social innovativeness. China will further reduce administrative approvals and expand market access for private businesses, encouraging them to enter the infrastructure sector and ensuring fairness of competition, Li said. Entrepreneurship and innovation will be promoted to create jobs, and businesses will be encouraged to make technological breakthroughs and enhance their competitiveness, Li said. More energy will be channeled into expanding opening-up, Li said. "China will continue to equally treat state-owned, private and foreign-funded businesses, facilitating their investment and operation and better protecting their rights and property." Economists and entrepreneurs shared their viewpoints on economic situation and policy, the private sector, technological innovation and job markets at the seminar. Vice Premier Han Zheng also attended the meeting. [ Editor: Zhang Zhou ] University News Recognized by Military Times in its 2019 Best for Vets college rankings, the University has nearly 300 students who are using veteran benefits, including veterans, dependents of veterans, and active service members. Veteran Students lead the procession at the University's annual Veterans Day Celebration Jordan Crooms 18, 19 MBA, who was deployed for a year securing the Afghanistan-Pakistan border during his six years of service with the Connecticut Army National Guard, says the University of New Haven is a good fit for veterans. "Staff members created a different orientation process for veterans to help us with our unique needs," Crooms said. "They make it easy for veterans to transition from the military into the academic world." Crooms is part of a group of 300 veterans, dependents of veterans, and active service members who are part of the University community. The University is included in the Military Times 2019 Best for Vets college rankings, which provides the most comprehensive school-by-school assessment of veteran and military student services. The University is part of the Yellow Ribbon program, which helps fund tuition and fee expenses for veterans, and its commitment to providing a supportive environment for veteran students has also been recognized by U.S. News & World Report and G.I. Jobs magazine. Jacob Sibilski 19 Jacob Sibilski 19, a paramedicine and biology double major, joined the University community after three years a junior officer in the United States Coast Guard aboard USCGC Active and USCG PATFORSWA (Patrol Forces Southwest Asia), working with the United States Navy in the Kingdom of Bahrain. He said he appreciates how the Universitys faculty and staff members serve its veterans. "They have the knowledge and experience to facilitate our goals, they work tirelessly to encourage us, and they take a personal interest in our progress," Sibilski said. "I have never had someone turn me away when I needed help or had a question, regardless of how busy they were at the time." David Garcia 19, an electrical engineering major, is in his tenth year of service with the United States Air Force. While he is looking forward to many more years with the Air Force, he is happy to participate in the academic and social experiences that the University offers. "The veteran community weve created continues to grow. I cant thank everyone enough for all of their support." Grace Jimenez 21 "The internship opportunities were important to me, and the University does a great job of supporting that," said Garcia. "Im also a Veteran Services work-study member, and I get to use my experiences to give back to incoming student vets." Grace Jimenez 21, a national security major, served in the Army from 2012 to 2015 as a medical laboratory specialist, and she is currently the secretary and co-president of the Military Veterans of the University of New Haven student group on campus. "The veteran community weve created continues to grow," she says. "I cant thank everyone enough for all of their support." University News The Universitys Hillel Club held a vigil to remember those who tragically lost their lives in the Tree of Life synagogue attack, to show its support for those affected, and to reinforce the Universitys commitment to fostering a community built on a shared respect for one another. The University of New Havens Hillel club held a vigil recently to remember the victims of the Tree of Life synagogue attack. Jessica Deer 20, president of the University of New Haven Hillel Club, says the organization was created to give Jewish students a voice and a sense of community. The group accomplished both of those goals as it hosted a vigil on campus to show its support for those impacted by the tragedy at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh. "Im angry about what happened," Deer said at the vigil. "Im sad. Most of all, Im sad because Im not shocked." Martin OConnor 76, the Universitys campus chaplain, began the ceremony by reciting the names of the eleven individuals who lost their lives at the synagogue. The names were prominently displayed for the duration of the vigil, and candles were lit to honor them. President Steven Kaplan spoke poignantly about experiencing antisemitism as a Jewish child growing up in the Midwest. Later, he and his stepfather, a close friend of Oskar Schindler, the German industrialist who many credit with saving the lives of more than 1,200 Jews during the Holocaust, interviewed survivors of the Nazi regimes persecution. Kaplan said the tragedy in Pittsburgh hit close to home. "As a Jew who spent almost 14 years of his adult life living in Germany, a country once consumed by antisemitism to a point of unprecedented genocide, I never once felt as vulnerable as I suddenly feel right now in my own country," he said. "Im angry about what happened. Im sad. Most of all, Im sad because Im not shocked." Jessica Deer 20 President Kaplan encouraged members of campus community to continue to consider what their role can and should be in ensuring that their communities near and far represent the values of a caring, safe, and empathic society. "While instances of hate still linger in Germany today, I can say based on my own experience living there is that they learned the lessons from their horrible past," he said. "It is incumbent upon us to do the same." Similar vigils have been held across the country since the tragedy. The vigil at the University, which also included Jewish leaders from the Greater New Haven community, was held to unite everyone against violence, hate, and discrimination. Rabbi Mendy Hecht of Orchard Street Shul, Congregation Beth Israel in New Haven, read two psalms both in Hebrew and in English. "Hate and anger will not win," concluded Deer. "Jews will continue to stand strong." By Express News Service CHENNAI: Customs officials seized 490 Indian Star Tortoises hidden in two thermocol boxes at Chennai Harbour, which were believed to be smuggled to Kualalumpur in Malaysia. Working on a tip-off from police that abandoned thermocol boxes containing the tortoises were likely to be smuggled out of the country, customs officials found the boxes at Kasimedu harbour. Officials believed that the tortoises were to be smuggled through air cargo, Chennai in the guise of Mud Crab through Thai Air Cargo and were destined for Kuala Lumpur. Interestingly, the police who were on a wild chase of two suspected ganja peddlers, found the thermocol boxes abandoned. The two jumped into sea and escaped. Police investigation revealed that the tortoises had been smuggled from Andhra Pradesh. The police later informed customs officials who conducted probe. Star Tortoises, protected under Schedule IV of Wild Life Protection Act, 1972 and Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, were to have been sent from Nagapattinam. A customs release said the tortoises are traded for food, used in traditional medicines and also kept as exotic pets. They are in great demand in international market and command premium prices. Consumer demand is growing among middle-classes of countries like Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore. Malaysia is a major hub of growing illegal wildlife trade as the countrys law does not allow effective implementation of the CITES. Chandhini Rajesh Kannan By CHENNAI: "My clitoris was completely scrapped out, yes completely! It hasn't grown back. It was done by two popular and experienced midwives in our clan. I was circumcised when I was in my second grade," recalls Fathima* (21), a resident of Chennai's suburbs." My cousin was recently circumcised by the same ladies," she added. According to UNFPA and UNICEF, about 20 crore girls and women alive today have undergone the horrors of circumcision - suffering for years with recurrent pain during menstruation, no sexual pleasure in marriage, psychological damage, infertility and running an increased risk of HIV/AIDS infection. In India, the practice is said to be rampant among the Bohra Muslim community. They believe that for a woman to be eligible for marriage it is essential for her to undergo circumcision as this maintains her chastity. In Chennai, the practice is prevalent among the Bohra community in the northern parts (Vada Chennai). Due to the secretive nature of the ritual and the community's minority status in the city, the issue is often hushed up. But the truth remains that Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is not just limited to the continent of Africa. The New Indian Express spoke to some of the women in the Bohra community in the city, discovering that many of them may have undergone circumcision at the hands of women with little medical training. "I was holding my mother's hand stiffly. Mama knocked the door and an aunty in a rida (traditional Dawoodi Bohra attire worn by women) opened the door and welcomed us with a warm smile. She took me to the room and asked me to lie down. She lifted my skirt and spread my legs. Minutes later, I found few drops of blood oozing out of my genital. I didn't know what actually happened but all I thought was I got my periods." "She took me to the washroom and cleaned the stains. Initially, I had a bit of irritation and eventually I was back to normal. My mother told it was normal and nothing to worry about. Only last year I got to know that it was circumcision," said Bhanu*, 21, a resident of Parrys, Chennai. In May 2017, a petition against FGM was filed by Sunita Tiwari, a lawyer who practices in Delhi High Court. She quoted the WHO classification that termed FGM a gross violation of human rights of girls and women. The petition demands a ban on the practice based on the resolution passed by the UN General Assembly in 2012. The practice also contravenes fundamental rights, Tiwari says. The Government of India is firm in its denial that such a practice exists. The Ministry of Women and Child Development is categorical."Female genital mutilation... are not practiced in India," it stresses. It even told the Supreme Court that "At present, there is no official data or study which supports the existence of FGM in India." Traditionalists explain that 'Khatna' is different from FGM as it is done by experienced midwives and doesn't cause any harm. Doctors, experts and activists have rubbished this argument. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies 'Khatna' as type-1 FGM as there is partial or total removal of the clitoris and/or the prepuce. According to Dr Shalini N, a Chennai-based psychiatrist, "it is shocking to know that this practice exits in Chennai and no one has raised the issue." Her book 'Konjam Darwin Konjam Dawkins', all set to be released soon, has a chapter that focuses on FGM. "The practice causes genital infection, infertility and painful menstruation. In the worst case scenario, the woman cannot enjoy sexual pleasure. The conservatives in the garb of religion have oppressed women by stating comparisons with male circumcision," Shalini adds. Societal judgments and conditioning might have stopped women from crying out till now, but Shalini's words underscores the urgent need for action. *Names have been changed By Express News Service CHENNAI : Around 50 residents of Thousand Lights took to the streets on Thursday afternoon against the poor quality of water being supplied to them by Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB). For the last one year, the water that is supplied to us has not only been yellow in colour, but also smells of sewage, said Mohammed Aboobacker of Ghulam Abbas Ali Khan Street. Residents said the problem persisted mainly in Ghulam Abbas Ali Khan streets 4,5 and 8 and they carried bottles of the discoloured water when they protested on Model School road. Residents suspect that it was the bad quality of pipes that led to sewage mixing with drinking water. For the last one year, residents have been forced to book Metrowater or private tankers for water, they said. The residents dispersed after police and local Metrowater engineer promised to take action. Metrowater officials sought 15 days to arrange laying of new pipes, said Mohammed. B Anbuselvan By Express News Service CHENNAI: Soon poor quality of food during train travel will be a thing of the past with the railways proposing to upgrade pantry cars with storage facilities. Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), the catering arm of railways will upgrade the pantry cars with food storage and air conditioning facilities. The measure is aimed at addressing the shortcomings in delivering hygienic and quality food to passengers during train travel. The redesigning of pantry cars involves setting up induction stoves, storage facility with stainless steel electric warmer and provision of trolleys. Handling of food by hand during train travel will be minimal. All pantry cars across the railways are proposed to be upgraded at an estimated cost of Rs 200 crore to Rs 250 crore in the next three years, according to official documents. The pantry cars will be supplied food from the base kitchens set up at stations. The cooking activities at pantry cars would be reduced, instead, the upgraded mobile catering units will be used for storage and distribution of quality food, said a senior official of IRCTC. According to the proposed plan, subsequent to upgradation of pantry cars, IRCTC will take over the responsibility of maintenance. Though the catering policy of Indian Railways 2010 allowed both zonal railways and IRCTC to look after catering services in trains, the revised catering policy released in February 2017 has transferred responsibility of serving food to IRCTC. Presently, a few select Rajdhani Express trains have been provided with air conditioned pantry cars with induction stove for cooking. However, pantry cars in regular express trains use gas stove for cooking snacks and meal. To this effect, the railway board has issued orders altering the revenue share of license fee between the railways and IRCTC received from pantry cars. The IRCTC will get 85 per cent of revenue as against the existing share of 60 per cent for a period of five years from the date of launching the redesigned pantry car into service, added the board order issued recently. It may be recalled that the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India (CAG) in its report in July 2017 lambasted the railways as the food supplied in trains was not fit for human consumption. Southern Railway registers 34% growth Chennai; Southern Railway has registered 34 per cent growth in originating freight loading up to October this year compared to the corresponding period last year. A release said that railways registered freight loading of 20.87 million tonnes during the financial year 2018-19 up to October this year while it was 15.57 million tonnes in the corresponding period of 2017-18. Coal, raw materials for steel plants, iron and steel, food grains, iron ore, container rakes and gypsum were the major contributors for the upswing in freight loading during the current year. Coal constituted 55 per cent of total freight loading during the current year. Out of the total coal loading of 11.51 million tonnes during April-October, 2018, 67 per cent of the consignment was loaded to power houses. By Express News Service KOCHI: Aiming to bring more IT firms to Kochi, the Lulu Group will open the doors to its premium 15-lakh sq ft Cyber Tower-2 at Infopark on Saturday. The Lulu Group is aiming to develop 5 million sq ft of IT space in the state by 2021 at a total investment of Rs 2,400 crores, including a twin-tower at SmartCity Kochi will be completed in the next two years. "With our talented pool of youngsters contributing to upcoming fields like robotics and Artificial Intelligence, we believe IT is the future for Kerala," said Yusuffali M A, CMD, Lulu Group. "As far as Kochi is concerned, we can offer all the facilities of a Tier-I city, with a significantly reduced cost of living." He said a Tier-II city like Kochi has comparatively less traffic and a cleaner environment, making it more attractive to IT firms. The 20-floor Cyber Tower-2 houses 11 floors of working space with each floor offering an 85,000 sq ft facilitating about 1,200 employees to work together, a big draw for large IT firms. At full capacity, the building can host 11,000 IT professionals and boasts a 1,400-car parking facility. In addition, the tower provides its occupants with a 900-seater cafeteria, 16 high-speed elevators, gym and a 400-seater auditorium. "We are already in the final phase of talks with companies to lease out 40 per cent of the available space. Two big American companies and a firm from the Middle East, among others, have expressed interest," said A J Pai, director, Lulu Tech Park. Constructed at an investment of Rs 400 crore, this is the second major investment by the group in the IT sector in the state after its Cyber Tower-I at Infopark.The tower will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and S S Ahluwalia, Minister of State (MoS) for Electronics and IT on November 10. Lulu Cyber Tower-2 By Express News Service THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Union Cabinet approved leasing out six airports, including Thiruvananthapuram airport, in the country through PPP. The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the in-principle approval for leasing out six airports of AAI viz. Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Guwahati, Thiruvananthapuram and Mangaluru for operation, management and development through the Public Private Partnership Appraisal Committee (PPPAC). According to a government release, it has been decided to lease out six airports in the first phase. This is expected to enhance the revenue to AAI and increase economic development in these areas in terms of job creation and related infrastructure. The increase in domestic and international air travel in the country combined with congestion in most airports, and the strong traffic growth at the 5 airports privatised over a decade ago has attracted the attention of several international operators and investors. The airport sector is also the top contender among infrastructure sectors in terms of international interest. International operators and investors prefer brownfield airport expansion opportunities having more than 3-4 million passenger capacity. The airport sector may provide an immediate opportunity to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) by the PPP approach. In this background, the decision to lease out the six airports was taken, the release said. Further, PPP in infrastructure projects brings efficiency in service delivery, expertise, enterprise and professionalism apart from harnessing the needed investments in the public sector. PPP in airport infrastructure projects has also brought world-class infrastructure at airports, delivery of efficient and timely services to passengers, augmenting revenue stream to the AAI without making any investment, etc. of these, for development of Greenfield Airports at Hyderabad and Bengaluru. Presently, airports being managed under PPP model include Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Cochin. The PPP airports in India have been ranked among the top 5 in their respective categories by the Airports Council International (ACI) in terms of Airport Service Quality (ASQ). By Express News Service VIJAYAWADA: The police inquiry into the memento scam at Goddess Kanaka Durga temple on Indrakeeladri took a new turn on Thursday with the police summoning the trader who supplied the mementos to the Devasthanam. On Sunday, the memento scam was unearthed at Devasthanam after temple executive officer V Koteswaramma suspended four employees including assistant executive officer S Achyutha Ramaiah, record assistant Sunitha, contract employee Sk Syeda and cultural in-charge Gopi for their involvement in the scam. The police have also issued non-bailable warrants after registering a case against them. The four officials purchased 2,000 mementos instead of the actual 1,200, for presenting them to the artistes, who performed during the Dasara festivities. On Thursday, police served notices on Anusha Handicraft owner Ramesh, who supplied mementos to Devasthanam. As part of their investigation, police would be questioning Ramesh over the price and the number of mementos he supplied to the Devasthanam. Chinese President Xi Jinping (2nd R) and his wife Peng Liyuan (1st R) pose for a group photo with Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel (2nd L) and his wife in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 8, 2018. Xi held talks with Miguel Diaz-Canel in Beijing on Thursday. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen) BEIJING, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with visiting Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel here on Thursday, calling on the two countries to cherish their traditional friendship and write a new chapter in China-Cuba friendly cooperation. Xi extended welcome for Diaz-Canel's first state visit to China and asked Diaz-Canel to convey his cordial greetings to Raul Castro, first secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba. Hailing Cuba as a great country, Xi said it has won the respect of the world by insisting on its own development path despite difficulties and obstacles over the past half a century. As socialist countries, China and Cuba are good friends, comrades and brothers, said Xi, adding this is a proven fact and the relationship has withstood the test of time and international situation changes. "Chinese people will never forget that Cuba, led by Comrade Fidel Castro, was the first nation in the western hemisphere to forge diplomatic ties with China 58 years ago," Xi said, expressing gratitude to the Communist Party of Cuba and Cuban people for their firm support toward China in safeguarding sovereignty and developing the country. Xi recalled his two visits to Cuba and in-depth conversations with Fidel Castro, calling on the two countries "to double cherish the friendship forged and cultivated by the older generations of leaders, inherit and develop it and jointly write a new chapter of bilateral friendly cooperation." Speaking highly of the unswerving determination of the Cuban party, government and people to develop bilateral ties, Xi said both sides need to have an overall plan from a long-term perspective so as to promote the in-depth development of China-Cuba ties. He called on both countries to further consolidate mutual trust and support, conduct win-win cooperation and enhance exchanges on governance. The two countries should continue to support each other on issues concerning core interests and major concerns, said Xi, adding that China firmly backs Cuba on safeguarding its national sovereignty and choosing a socialist path that suits its national situation. China believes that with the strong leadership of Raul Castro, Diaz-Canel and other leaders, Cuba will surely score new achievements, said Xi. He said China appreciates Cuba's contribution to the relations between China, Latin American and Carribean countries and would like to maintain coordination with Cuba on major international and regional issues. China welcomes Cuba's participation in the Belt and Road construction, said Xi, calling on both sides to enhance cooperation in areas of trade, energy, agriculture, tourism and biopharmaceutical manufacturing. Noting that Diaz-Canel visited the first China International Import Expo held in Shanghai prior to his arrival in Beijing, Xi encourages Cuba to make the best use of the expo to expand exports to China. "China's cooperation with Cuba follows the principle of upholding justice and pursuing shared interests," said Xi, adding that China will "support Cuba in all aspects that we can support." He also called for people-to-people and cultural exchanges so as to boost mutual understanding and friendship between Chinese and Cubans, especially for the young people. Diaz-Canel, who arrived in Shanghai Tuesday to start his three-day state visit, said that Cuba appreciates China's lasting support and the new generation of Cuban leaders will staunchly continue the traditional friendship with China. He said Cuba admires the achievements China has scored and highly agrees with the development ideas put forward at the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. Cuba is willing to learn from China to update its domestic economic and social model and promote the cause of socialist construction, said Diaz-Canel, calling on the two countries to maintain high-level exchanges and political dialogue, strengthen exchanges in trade, education and culture and enhance communication and coordination in international affairs. Prior to the talks, Xi held a welcoming ceremony for Diaz-Canel at the Great Hall of the People. After the talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of a series of documents. Earlier on Thursday, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang met with Diaz-Canel. Noting that China always upholds an open attitude and win-win principles to promote cooperation with Cuba, Li said China stands ready to strengthen bilateral cooperation in major areas including new energy, information communication and biological pharmacy. The Chinese government supports its enterprises to invest and develop in Cuba and is willing to import more products with Cuba's unique advantages, Li said, also expressing the willingness to promote knowledge cooperation and development experience communication with Cuba. Li Zhanshu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, also met with Diaz-Canel on the same day, calling for more cooperation between the two countries' legislatures. 7 1 [ Editor: Zhang Zhou ] By PTI RAIPUR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi will be in Chhattisgarh Friday to campaign for the first phase of the Assembly elections in the state. Modi will address a rally in Bastar district's headquarters, Jagdalpur, while Gandhi will tour the state for two days during which he will address five rallies and hold a road show in Chief Minister Raman Singh's constituency, Rajnandgaon. The prime minister is scheduled to arrive at Raipur airport at 11:20 am Friday and then take a helicopter to Jagdalpur. ALSO READ: BSP desperate to improve vote share in Chattisgarh to continue as national party Following the rally, he will leave for Raipur at 2 pm and then return to Delhi, a state BJP spokesperson said Thursday. "This will be the PM's first election rally for the state Assembly polls. It will add power to the party's campaign," the spokesperson added. Gandhi on Friday will address his first rally in Pakhanjore town of Kanker district at noon, followed by public meetings in Rajnandgaon district's Khairgarh and Dongargarh towns, and a road show in Rajnandgaon, said head of Congress state communication wing Shailesh Nitin Trivedi. He will put up at Rajnandgaon for the night and on Saturday, will address rallies in Charama (Kanker district) and Kondagaon, Trivedi said, adding that the Congress chief would also chair a meeting of party workers in Jagdalpur. Raman Singh is also scheduled to hold a road show in Rajnandgaon on Friday evening. He is pitted against the Congress's Karuna Shukla, niece of late prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The campaigning for the first phase will end Saturday. The first phase on November 12 will see 18 seats of eight Naxal-affected districts go to polls. Of these, 12 are Scheduled Tribe seats while one is a Scheduled Caste-reserved seat. The ruling BJP had lost 12 of the 18 seats in the 2013 Assembly polls. The remaining 72 constituencies will witness polling on November 20 and counting of votes will be held on December 11. A total of1,291 candidates are in the fray for the two phased state polls. In the 2013 Assemblypolls, the BJP had won 49 seats, Congress 39, BSP 1 and Independent 1 in the 90-member House. By Express News Service HYDERABAD: The District Election Officer of Hyderabad has constituted a district level appellate committee to look into the authenticity of cases brought forward by the Flying Squad Teams (FST) and Static Surveillance Teams (SST) among others. The Election Commission of India and the Chief Electoral Officer have issued instructions for the constitution of the committee. The committee is aimed at avoiding inconveniences to public and genuine persons and also for redressal of grievances, if any, and for the release of seized cash in genuine cases. The committee will contain District Revenue Officer T Poornachander Rao, Kuktpally Zonal Commissioner J Shankaraiah and District Treasury Officer B Yadagiri. Why this team? Recently, people carrying cash for emergency needs were also apprehended by flying squads because they had no proper documents. Now, this committee will suo motu examine such cases. If the committee finds there is no FIR registered, and if the seizure is not linked with any party or candidate, it would order release of the money. All cases of cash seizure should immediately be brought to the notice of the Committee and it will take action as per rule. In no case, the matter relating to seized cash or valuables should be kept pending in treasury for more than seven days after the date of poll, unless any FlR or complaint is filed. Candidates must declare criminal record Chief Electoral Officer Rajat Kumar has made it clear that all contestants are to fill up the form provided by the ECI and furnish all particulars. This, as per a SC verdict regarding people with criminal antecedents contesting polls. Candidates must state in bold letters the criminal cases pending against them. The party concerned should also be obligated to put up on its website the aforesaid information pertaining to candidates having criminal antecedents. Similarly, candidates and parties must issue declarations in widely circulated newspapers and electronic media about the criminal antecedents of persons contesting elections. This must be done at least thrice after nominations and before the polls. CEO to hold all-party meet today With filing of nominations set to begin on November 12, Chief Electoral Officer Rajat Kumar will hold a meeting with representatives of all political parties at 6 pm on Friday to discuss and clarify any doubts or issues. Topics likely to be included are candidates with criminal background and declaration of liabilities to be paid to public financial institutions. By Express News Service HYDERABAD: TRS leader Harish Rao on Thursday released an open letter, addressed to AP Chief Minister and TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu, asking him explanations for nineteen conspiracies hatched by him against Telangana. Rao said that anti-Telangana Naidu did not have the moral right to contest elections in the State. Naidu is out to protect the interests of Andhra Pradesh and it is for this reason he is trying to win at least five or six seats here in Telangana, Rao said adding that wicked Naidu had always acted against Telangana over the past four years. Naidu was responsible for stopping the formation of Telangana, when BJP came to power at the Centre. He was not interested to see the survival of Telangana as a separate state, Rao said. In the open letter, Harish Rao asked 19 questions to Naidu. Some of them are listed on the left. 50k victory margin for KCR Harish Rao at a press meet at Telangana Bhavan in Hyderabad | S Senbagapandian In another meeting, while campaigning in Gajwel on behalf TRS president K Chandrasekhar Rao, Harish Rao said the TRS chief would get more than 50,000 majority in the elections. KCR is busy with regular adminstration and does not have the time for campaigning, he added. On Power Distribution When Telangana was facing power shortage in the initial months, Naidu did not share power to Telangana, Rao said adding that this was a violation of provisions provided in the AP Reorganisation Act. Farmers suffered a lot due to lack of power and crops dried up. Is not your cruelty towards Telangana farmers? he said. Rao added that this crookedness on Naidus party had cost the Telangana government `4,557 crore as the power had to be purchased from the open market. TDP promised to construct Palamuru irrigation project TRS leader Harish Rao contended that ahead of the 2014 Assembly elections, TDP had assured it would construct Palamuru-Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Project. But after formation of Telangana, Naidu wrote several letters objecting to it, he said. Spread venom on Kaleshwaram Naidu spread venom in the hearts of people against Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme, Rao alleged. Naidu wrote several letters to the Central government against the project, he said. Responsible for `500 Cr loss to Telangana The TRS leader claimed that Andhra Pradesh was not sharing power generated at the Sileru Hydel Power Plant. You (Naidu) do not share power with Telangana. This causes us a loss of `500 crore per year, he said. Conspiring against irrigation projects Harish Rao said that Naidu had wanted to stop the construction of much-needed irrigation projects in the State such as Kaleshwaram and Palamuru. Is this not crooked behaviour, he asked Sajin Shrijith By Express News Service THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Through his first film, Adoor Gopalakrishnan told a story of independent individuals. He emphasised the need for individuality when it comes to one's work of art. And he introduced Malayalis to a fresh style of filmmaking that was earlier associated with filmmakers like Vittorio de Sica and Federico Fellini. One scene, in particular, sums up Adoor's thoughts on art. The conversation in this scene involves literature. It's the moment right before Vishwam (Madhu) approaches the editor of a publishing firm with a request to serialise the long-form novel he has written. The editor and a couple of writers are sitting around discussing the quality of work published. One of them says, "Today's writers put form over content," and another one says, "Literature without life won't last". This sentiment applies to any form of art, especially cinema. How can one write good stories if one hasn't had enough life experiences? The "form over content" argument is at times true of some of Adoor's work too. Take Swayamvaram, for example. There is not much in the way of content but that is more than made up for in its form. Other filmmakers, most notably Satyajit Ray, have explored similar subjects before. Satyajit Ray's Calcutta trilogy and Apu trilogy have featured similar characters. Pratidwandi and Jana Aranya both part of the Calcutta trilogy have an unemployed protagonist desperately in search of a job. In contrast, the Apu trilogy was more intense and tragic. Swayamvaram has more in common with the Apu trilogy, especially the third entry in it, Apur Sansar. But Adoor chose to dial down the melancholy considerably. MT Vasudevan Nair would adopt a similar approach an year later in his debut, Nirmalyam. Speaking of melancholy, there is another scene in the same editor's office, when Vishwam goes back to inquire about the status of his novel, and the editor politely rejects him, saying, "Your work is promising but it's too sentimental." I don't know if Adoor thought of his own film as too sentimental but one gets the sense that he went through a similar experience when pitching his story to someone. Also interesting is the response of Vishwam's wife Sita (Sharadha) who, when asked what she thought of the novel, tells him, "I didn't like that the heroine dies in the end." The impression I got from Swayamvaram is that Adoor believes that there is space for all kinds of cinema, even though one senses a tone of dismissal of anyone discouraging arthouse cinema. Let me go back to the first scene in the editor's office. The perspectives of both sides are presented. "Just because you don't understand a work doesn't automatically make it inferior," the editor's sub-ordinate tells an intellectual writer. And when the same intellectual writer dismisses a short story he read as "trash", the editor asks, "Do you have to be that cynical?" In Vishwam and Sita, we see two individuals who have opted for the less travelled path, just like Adoor. Their pathetic financial situation makes Vishwam constantly question the decisions he has made with Sita. More than once, he asks her if she regrets making the choice of going against her parents and eloping with him. But she always seems to be surer than him, and she is resolute even after the tragic finale. Sita is going to remain independent no matter what; anything she wants to do is her choice, not someone else's, regardless of how difficult it is going to make her life. Zero compromises, just like Adoor's filmmaking. The open-ended finale suggests several possibilities. Sita can either go back to her parents, or she can remain where she is and look after her kid, or become a prostitute like her neighbour Kalyani (KPAC Lalitha). Similarly, Adoor is free to make any film he wants. He can make an arthouse film, or a commercial film, or an arthouse film starring mainstream actors. Avinash Ramachandran By Express News Service CHENNAI: Vijay's Deepavali release, Sarkar, directed by AR Murugadoss, faced a host of issues in the month leading up to its release on Tuesday. Now, since its release it has drawn the ire of the ruling AIADMK party with senior leaders such as Fisheries minister D Jayakumar, Law minister CV Shanmugham, and the Minister for Information and Publicity, Kadambur Raju, registering their outrage against the film for allegedly portraying certain government schemes in a bad light. Party workers have staged protests across the State, forcing distributors on Thursday to agree to cut the contentious scenes from screenings of the film beginning Friday night. These scenes, that have drawn criticism, include a purported dig at welfare schemes made popular by late Chief Ministers, M Karunanidhi and J Jayalalithaa. In one scene, director Murugadoss (in a cameo) hurls a government freebie into a fire. Further, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, who plays an antagonist in the film, is named Komalavalli. The film is produced by the Kalanithi Maran-owned Sun Pictures, and also stars Keerthy Suresh and Radharavi. State ministers had called for the deletion of these scenes and threatened to take the legal route against the film, even as protests erupted in different parts of the state. On Thursday, the theatre owners association announced that these contentious scenes would be deleted. ALSO READ: 'Sarkar' controversy: Police came to my house and banged the door several times, says AR Murugadoss "We have decided to delete the scenes that AIADMK workers found to be offensive," said Shanmugasundaram, owner of Udhayam Theatres in Chennai. Discussing the changes made to the film that will be applicable from Friday, distributor Tirupur Subramaniam said, that among other things, the name 'Komalavalli' would be muted in the film." "The new Sarkar won't be one that hurts sentiments. We have spoken with Sarkar's Tamil Nadu distributors, Thenandal Studios Limited, and have decided to make the necessary changes. The revised version of the film is expected to reach theatres by Friday night," he added. ALSO READ: Sarkar movie review As these are voluntary cuts, the film will not have to be re-certified by the Censor board. On Thursday, AIADMK workers, led by MLA VV Rajan Chellappa, staged protests outside theatres in Madurai demanding that the screening of the film be halted till those scenes were deleted. In Coimbatore, posters of the actor and the film were torn down. The protests also hit Chennai with similar incidents being reported near Kasi Theatre where banners were torn down by AIADMK workers. Meanwhile, actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan had tweeted out his support to the film. By Online Desk 'Sarkar' producers Sun Pictures have put out a shocking tweet stating that Tamil Nadu police were at film director AR Murugadoss' residence to arrest him Thursday night. The production house has tweeted out stating, "Police reach director AR Murugadoss residence to arrest him." BREAKING NEWS : Police reach Director A.R.Murugadoss residence to arrest him. Sun Pictures (@sunpictures) November 8, 2018 This news has startled both fans and the film fraternity. Sun Pictures later put out another tweet stating that the cops had left the residence of AR Murugadoss since he was not present there, but not before enquiring about his whereabouts. ALSO READ: Distributors to clip 'offensive' scenes from Sarkar Sun Pictures (@sunpictures) November 8, 2018 AR Murugadoss on Twitter has stated that the police had come to his house late tonight and banged the door several times. He went on to add that, "Since I was not there they left the premises. Right now I was told there is no police outside my house." Police had come to my house late tonight and banged the door several times.Since I was not there they left the premises. Right now I was told there is no police outside my house. A.R.Murugadoss (@ARMurugadoss) November 8, 2018 The Tamil Nadu police, however, has denied plans to arrest the film maker. According to a Newsminute report, T-Nagar DCP said that regular patrol officers in that area were on their beat movement. A senior police officer said that police wanted to check the security measures at Murugadoss' residence. After facing many hurdles, Murugadoss' Sarkar' starring Vijay hit the theatres on Tuesday on the occasion of Diwali. Since the release of the film, many AIADMK ministers and party cadres have expressed their displeasure about certain scenes in 'Sarkar'. The party cadres even went on to protest outside various theatres in Tamil Nadu. Many of whom even indulged in damaging the banners and cutouts of Vijay which was placed outside cinema halls. It the reports are anything to go by, the 'Sarkar' team has decided to remove/mute a few scenes that were termed 'controversial'. Earlier in the day, Tamil Nadu Law minister CV Shanmugam condemned 'Sarkar' for allegedly attempting to instigate violence in society and said that it is not less than a terrorist instigating people for violence. "Through this movie, an attempt is made to instigate violence in society. It is not less than a terrorist instigating people for violence. It attempts to pull down a democratically elected government. We will take action against the actor and the team," C.V. Shanmugam said. 'Sarkar' had a blockbuster opening across Tamil Nadu and despite mixed reviews, the fans have given a thumbs up to the political flick. The movie has successfully minted 100 crores within two days of its release. (With inputs from ANI) By Express News Service CHENNAI : The Madras High Court on Friday directed police not to arrest A R Murugadoss, Director of Tamil film Sarkar starring Vijay, which is involved in controversies, till November 27.Justice G K Ilanthiraiyan, who granted the temporary relief, also directed Murugadoss to co-operate with the prosecution. The matter will be taken up on November 27. READ | 'Sarkar' controversy: Police came to my house and banged the door several times, says AR Murugadoss Alleging that the film depicted AIADMK and its welfare policies in poor state, AIADMK cadres had been indulging in violence ever since the film was screened on November 6. Fearing arrest following registration of cases, Murugadoss moved the High Court seeking advance bail. His counsel contended that the agitation by AIADMK, after the film certification board had granted its certification, is totally unlawful. ALSO READ | 'Sarkar' team agrees to cut 'controversial scenes' showing Tamil Nadu government in bad light: Reports His client has dealt with the real problems faced by people in his film and none of the viewers has objected to it, he said. When the matter came up on Friday, police said that only preliminary investigation was on against Murugadoss. Certain scenes in the film have created law and order problem, the police said. Murugadosss counsel said the objectionable portions had already been removed from the film. By IANS CHENNAI: With the ruling AIAMDK opposed to the Vijay-starring 'Sarkar' over certain scenes and a character's name, the producer and director of the Tamil movie have obtained CBFC's permission to voluntarily delete some visuals and mute some dialogues, said an official. The Central Board of Film Certification said excisions and modifications carried out in the originally certified movie were: (a) deletion of visuals of throwing a mixie and grinder into fire; (b) muting the name 'Komala' from the full name of the character 'Komalavalli' and removing the same from subtitles; and (c) muting the dialogue 'Podhuppaniththuraia' (PWD) and '56 Varusham' (56 years) and the removal of those words from subtitles. ALSO READ: AIADMK workers protest against 'Sarkar' outside theatres in Madurai, Chennai Tamil Nadu Minister for Information and Publicity Kadambur Raju said the issue has been settled as the film unit "has agreed to our demand of removing the objectionable scene." The AIADMK's objection was to the scene that showed the actor throwing out mixie and grinder -- given free by the government to the poor -- into the fire. The AIAMDK government under late J. Jayalalithaa offered free mixer, grinder, laptops and others to the poor. The other reason for the ruling party opposing the movie is the name of a character 'Komalavalli' which they say is the birth name of their late leader Jayalalithaa. ALSO READ: 'Sarkar' review: Vijay propaganda hinders movie from realising its potential On Thursday state Law Minister C.Ve. Shanmugam compared the scenes (burning of freebies) in the movie with terrorist activity aimed at instigating violence against the state government. Party cadres protested outside the theatres which screened the movie in several places and damaged the banners on Thursday and Friday morning. Earlier in the day, actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan tweeted: "It is nothing new for the state government to exert illegal political pressure on movies that got proper certification." "Governments that does not have the guts to accept criticisms will derail. The businessmen group will go and the good people who would come to power will win," Kamal Haasan said. Similarly, actor Rajinikanth tweeted in support of the the movie condemning damage to the film's banners. Meanwhile, the Madras High Court ordered the Tamil Nadu police not to arrest 'Sarkar' movie Director A.R. Murugadoss who had approached it seeking anticipatory bail. He had approached the court after state ministers voiced their opposition to the movie with Law Minister Shanmugam threatening legal action. By AFP WASHINGTON: Cigarette smoking is losing popularity in the US, where health officials Thursday announced just 14 per cent of the population now smokes, the lowest level ever recorded in the country. Some 34 million US adults smoke cigarettes, according to a 2017 survey by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The 14 per cent cigarette-smoker rate is down from 15.5 percent in 2016. The current rate marks a 67 per cent decline since 1965, the year the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) began collecting annual data on smokers, said the CDC report. "This new all-time low in cigarette smoking among US adults is a tremendous public health accomplishment," said CDC Director Robert Redfield. The NHIS report also highlighted a significant drop in young adult cigarette smokers in 2017 compared to a year earlier. About 10 per cent of Americans aged 18-24 smoked cigarettes in 2017, down from 13 per cent in 2016. Meanwhile, e-cigarette use is rising fast among young people, and US regulators are considering a ban on flavored nicotine that is used in the battery-powered vaping devices. The CDC said one in five US adults (47 million people) still use some form of tobacco product -- including cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes, hookah pipes or smokeless tobacco -- a rate that has remained steady in recent years. Cigarette smoking is still the top cause of preventable death and disease in the United States, killing an estimated 480,000 Americans each year. About 16 million Americans suffer from a smoking-related illness. "For more than half a century, cigarette smoking has been the leading cause of cancer mortality in the United States," said National Cancer Institute director Norman Sharpless. Eliminating smoking in America would, over time, eliminate about one-third of all cancer deaths. Fayaz Wani By Express News Service SRINAGAR: Contrary to the Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik's recent statement that violence in the Valley has declined in the last two months, data reveal that militant-related incidents in strife-torn Kashmir in the last two months were at the highest in the last ten months. According to police statistics, October was the bloodiest month in the last ten months in the Valley. "52 casualties took place across the Valley in October. Among the dead, 28 were militants, 14 civilians, three policemen, a paramilitary SSB man, an ASI of CISF and five Army men," they said. Three of the security men were killed in sniper firing by Jaish-e-Mohammad militants. It was for the first time in the over two-decade-long militancy in the state that militants targeted security personnel with snipers and inflicted casualties on them. Among the deceased militants were two scholars-turned-militants Manan Wani and Sabzar Ahmad, both of the Hizbul Mujahideen. Manan, who had joined militancy in January this year, was killed in an encounter with security forces in Handwara area of Kupwara on October 12 while Sabzar, who had joined militancy immediately after the encounter of Burhan Wani in July 2016, was killed in gunfight with security forces in Nowgam area on the outskirts of Srinagar on October 25. September was the bloodiest month in the Valley as 45 people were killed out of which 33 were militants, five civilians, four policemen and three Army men. 45 casualties also took place in the Valley in August. Of the 45 casualties, 24 were militants, eight policemen, seven Army men and six civilians, reveals the statistics. Governor Malik had recently told reporters in Jammu that militancy-related violence in the Valley declined in the last two months. Satya Pal Malik took over as Governor the State on August 23 this year, replacing N N Vohra. Vohra was the longest-serving Governor of the State. He had taken over as Governor of the border State in 2008 and had been given two extensions. Photo taken on Nov. 8, 2018 shows the scene of a bus accident in Rusape, Manicaland Province, Zimbabwe. Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Thursday sent a message of condolences following the death of 47 people in a bus accident along the Harare-Mutare highway on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Shaun Jusa) HARARE, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Thursday sent a message of condolences following the death of 47 people in a bus accident along the Harare-Mutare highway on Wednesday. The president said in view of the magnitude of the loss of human life in one of the worst road accidents in recent months, he had instructed the responsible ministry to take necessary steps to declare the accident a national disaster. He said the death of such a high number of people in a single traffic incident raises serious questions about the behavior on the country's roads. "The use of vehicles that are not roadworthy, or drivers who do not seem to care for passenger safety, amount to a criminal breach of trust between bus operators and the paying commuters who expect and deserve safe transit," the president said. The accident, which also left 70 others injured, occurred when two long-distance buses collided on the busy highway. Road accidents, especially involving public passenger buses and commuter omnibuses, are a common feature in Zimbabwe's dilapidated roads with police attributing most of the accidents to speeding. 5 1 [ Editor: Zhang Zhou ] By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Air pollution in most north Indian cities fell in the 'severe' category post-Diwali as most people defied the Supreme Court (SC) order on bursting green crackers in a limited time period of two hours. The worst air quality was reported in Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad district, Delhi and Patna with people complaining of breathlessness and coughing as skies remained engulfed in dense smog. The SC, in its ruling had fixed a deadline of 8-10 pm for bursting of crackers, but people decided to defy it in majority of the cities. Even though, at many places, local police registered complaints against defaulters, that didn't act as a deterrent for others. Delhi, NCR was the worst-affected with the Air Quality Index worse than last year and at some places the level of PM10 and PM 2.3 (Particulate Matter) was double compared to 2017. The SC's order for use of green crackers and designated area for bursting crackers was also flouted across India. Experts said that pollution levels are likely to remain bad till November 10 and improve after that. They further said that the weather has also added to the problem as there was a dip in temperature and decrease in wind speed across north Indian states compared to last year that ensured longer suspension of toxic chemical in the atmosphere. Severe pollution levels mean people are likely to suffer from respiratory illnesses on prolonged exposure and it will impact even healthy people. Doctors urged people to stay indoors and take special precautions for children, the elderly and asthmatic patients. In Patna, air pollution levels worsened and the presence of respiratory suspended particulate matter (RSPM) was recorded at 767 microgram per cubic metre of air, which was around 12 times more than on normal days. The pollution was comparatively under control in Ranchi, Jharkhand as levels did not go beyond 283.80 micrograms per cubic meters this year against 383.80 last year. Residents of Mumbai also breathed polluted air as pollution levels went from 'satisfactory' on Monday to 'very poor' on Thursday. In Kolkata, the pollution levels at some places were similar to Delhi prompting Kolkata Police to arrest 93 people for violations. Other major cities faced a similar situation. According to a senior official at the MPPCB, the AQI figure on this Diwali in Bhopal when compared to the figure of the last few days had worsened and varied between poor to very poor, but when compared to figures of Diwali in the last two-three years, there was marginal improvement of 5-8 per cent. Parts of Rajasthan also witnessed high pollution levels and a spike in levels of toxic chemicals in the air. By PTI CHENNAI: Asserting that he was not the face of the anti-BJP front which he is trying to forge, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Nadu Friday said the question of who would lead the alliance would be taken up later. Naidu, after visiting DMK president MK Stalin as part of his efforts to cobble up a front against the saffron party, lauded the Dravidian party leader as being better than Prime Minister Narendra Modi. ALSO READ: Opposition parties will work together to 'save Indian democracy', says Chandrababu Naidu after meeting Deve Gowda Asked by reporters if he was the face of the alliance, Naidu said "No, I am not the face of this alliance. You have to understand that. I am very clear I am not an aspirant, I am only a facilitator... I will bring everybody together. we will decide and take things forward." On who would lead the alliance,he said there were so many leaders. "Even Stalinji is better than Narendra Modiji...there are strong leaders...we will work that out and decide." While Rahul Gandhi led Congress has a pan Indian presence, Naidu described regional leaders, including himself, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Stalin and Deve Gowda as strong leaders in their respective states, who are coming together against the BJP. After a 50-minute meeting with the DMK chief, Naidu said he had come to request Stalin to join him to "save this nation since democracy and the nation are in danger and all of us have to work together against the BJP". Stalin said he pledged DMK'S full support to Naidu's effort to rally all parties to dislodge the BJP government at the Centre, which has been "initimidating" even autonomous institutions like the RBI. Stalin said he assured Naidu that he would participate in a proposed consultative meeting of leaders at Delhi or any other suitable place to take forward the initiative. "Things like the Common Minimum Programme will be devised for sure," the DMK top leader said to a question. Stalin said he has all along been batting for the unity of state leaders and Opposition parties to halt the 'snatching away' of the rights of states by the Centre. Downplaying the possibility of differences among parties repeatedly, Naidu said "national interest is of utmost importance when compared to individual or political interest." "We have to join together... I am in touch with Mamata Banjerjee. I am going to meet her again. We have to work togther to save this nation." Despite past differences with the Congress, he had joined forces with that party, considering the national interest, Naidu said. Only if there is democracy could there be parties, he said, adding that was the situation today. "We will provide Krishna water to Chennai and in future will work to bring Godavari water to Chennai," a smiling Naidu said. Asking journalists if people had got any benefit from the NDA government, the TDP top leader It was a pity that people were not even able to withdraw money from ATMs post demonetisation. To a question on his view on the AIADMK government in Tamil Nadu, he shot back asking "where is the government?" Recalling his association with DMK since the National Front government days of the late 1980s, he said his idea was to facilitate an anti-BJP platform. Naidu charged the centre with interefering in the affairs of a regulatory body like RBI, which was never done in the past. He alleged that the economy was in the doldrums and pointed to aspects like Non-performing assets and hit out at the government over demonetisation. Levelling a slew of accusations against the BJP, he said there was intolerance, farmers distress and unemployment. Naidu alleged that the Enforcement Directorate and Income Tax departments were being used only to malign and harass all opposition leaders. Stalin lauded Naidu for his good effort to defeat the "anti-people," BJP at the hustings. "Be it court, CBI or RBI, all autonomous institutions are being initimidated by the Centre... to stop it the BJP government should be dislodged," Stalin said. Naidu's meeting with Stalin came a day after he called on his Karnataka counterpart H D Kumaraswamy and JDS supremo H D Deve Gowda. Earlier, Naidu was accorded a warm welcome by Stalin at his Alawarpet residence. DMK Rajya Sabha MP Kanimozhi, party top leader and treasurer Duraimurugan, former Union Ministers A Raja and T R Baalu were present during the discussions. Days ago, when Naidu visited Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Stalin had welcomed it saying it was the need of the hour for all non-BJP parties to come together on a common platform. He also had pledged DMK's support to the initiative of Rahul Gandhi and Naidu to defeat the saffron party in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The DMK chief also had months ago endorsed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's efforts to bring various parties together to oppose and defeat the BJP. Prasanta Mazumdar By Express News Service GUWAHATI: The fear over Centres move to pass the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 has made at least one youth in Assam to join insurgent group United Liberation Front of Assam-Independent (ULFA-I). Now, some 50 others, all of them Hindus, threatened to convert to Buddhism as a mark of protest if the bill is passed. The youth, who hail from Numaligarh in Upper Assams Golaghat district and are members of various organisations, took a pledge on Friday that they will convert to Buddhism if the Centre passes the bill which seeks to legalise the stay of non-Muslim immigrants of Bangladesh besides Pakistan and Afghanistan in India. If the government threatens the existence of the Assamese people by passing the bill, we will be forced to convert to Buddhism. To us, the Assamese interests are far greater than our religion. We will not allow a community to be wiped off just because the government wants to protect one religion. Religion cant be greater than a community. We are ready to give up Hinduism to safeguard Assam and the Assamese. There are thousands other with us ready to forgo Hinduism, one of the youth told reporters after taking the pledge at a Buddhist temple in Karbi Anglong. The group of the youth slammed the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for its alleged attempt to impose the Hindu Bangladeshis on the Assamese. The RSS wants to dump the Hindu Bangladeshi immigrants in Assam to protect the Assamese. It should know that the Assamese had bravely fought the Mughals 17 times. We dont need the immigrants for our protection, another youth asserted. There is a perception that the BJP-led Central government wants to legalise the Hindu immigrants stay in Assam to counter the rising population of the migrant Muslims who are in a majority in at least 11 of the states 34 districts. The youths threat to convert to Buddhism came just days after a local leader of influential All Assam Students Union had joined the ULFA-I to protect his motherland from the immigrants. The controversial citizenship bill is increasingly uniting the various Assamese organisations. With the Centre likely to pass the bill in the Winter Session of the Parliament, there is a growing belief among some that only the ULFA-I can protect Assam and its land, language and culture at this time of crisis. By Online Desk Delhi's post-Diwali situation has reached 'severe' levels after people defied the Supreme Court's order of bursting green crackers in a two-hour window period. While many protested against the ban, most simply defied it. As a result, Delhi's Air Quality index shot up to the level of PM10 and PM 2.3 (Particulate Matter), which was almost double as compared to 2017. According to a report by Times Now, to clear the air, a startup named Kurin Systems has come up with a new idea of installing the World's largest air purifier, which is 40-feet tall and can curb pollution levels in a three-kilometre radius. ALSO READ | Air quality reaches severe plus emergency category in Delhi 'The City Cleaner' will have a capacity to clean 32 million cubic metres of air every day with the help of 48 fans positioned at 360-degree angles. The startup says that their City Cleaner can develop 1,300,000 cubic meters of clean air per hour. Speaking to the The New Indian Express, co-founder Madhur Mehta, explained, "This is a three-stage filtration process. The first stage of cleaning removes all the visible pollutants, the second stage removes 'Hepa' particles upto PM 2.5, and the activated carbon removes the odour and smoke in the final step." The device is run by solar panels, hence cutting down electricity costs. With the help of a nine filter system, it will be able to clear 99.99 per cent pollutants from the air. The 'City Cleaner' is supposed to provide clean air for nearly 75,000 people of the city. At a cost of Rs 17.5 million to Rs 20 million per tower, Kurin systems is all ready to clean Delhi's air. By PTI BENGALURU: Former Karnataka Minister TB Jayachandra Friday sparked a row by raking up Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement during demonetisation that he would not get bogged down even if he was burnt alive for the decision, drawing the BJP's ire. The Bharatiya Janata Party dubbed the Congress leader's remark "outrageous and despicable." "The prime minister had sought 50 days time to set things right (after demonetisation). He had asked people to set him on fire alive if he failed to overcome this test ..probably the time has come to burn him alive," Jayachandra said Friday at Tumkuru. He was taking part in a protest marking the second anniversary of demonetisation of high currency notes of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 two years ago. Making an emotional appeal at a function in Goa in November 2016, Modi had said there were certain forces up against him that may not let him live and destroy him due to his decision on demonetisation. He had asserted that he would not get bogged down even if he was burnt alive. The former minister said if the prime minister has any faith in democracy, he should step down immediately. The BJP's Karnataka unit president B S Yeddyurappa condemned the statement, saying "This is absolutely an outrageous statement by any standard and by any parameter. What is shocking is that such a despicable statement has come from Jayachandra, who had functioned as the law and parliamentary affairs minister of our state. "Yeddyurappa wanted to know if Congress state unit president Dinesh Gundu Rao endorsed Jayachandra's statement. By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Looking for additional sources of revenue to pump up the economy in the election year, the Union Cabinet on Thursday decided to sell Enemy Shares valued at Rs 3,000 crore which are spread out in scores of bluechip companies of the country. According to Enemy Property Act, 1968, Enemy Property refers to any property belonging to, held or managed on behalf of an enemy, an enemy subject or an enemy firm. Under the Act, the government is the custodian of the moveable and immovable properties left behind by the people who left India before or after Partition. There are over 6.5 crores of Enemy Shares in 996 public listed companies of the country. The valuation of these shares stands at `3,000 crore at the current prices, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told reporters during a briefing. The minister stated that the government would utilise the revenue from outright disinvestment of the Enemy Shares for building roads, generation of electricity and other public assets in the country. The Centre had brought in an amendment in 2017 in the Enemy Property Act to enable the government to liquidate the moveable and immovable properties owned earlier by the people who left the country during Partition. The Cabinet also gave in-principle approval for adopting the public-private partnership mode of the development of six airports at Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Mangalore, Guwahati, Jaipur and Thiruvananthapuram. The development of airports under the PPP mode in Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai has been a huge success, which also helped the country in attracting a large number of tourists. The Cabinet has taken the decision as part of the reform measure to allow management, operation and development of these six airports, said Prasad.The Cabinet has also given its nod for setting up a tribal university in Andhra Pradesh. By PTI SRINAGAR: National Conference leader Omar Abdullah has questioned the Centre's participation in a dialogue on Afghanistan in the presence of Taliban representatives while holding no talks with stakeholders in Jammu and Kashmir. "If 'non-official' participation in a dialogue that includes the Taliban is acceptable to the Modi government why not a 'non-official' dialogue with non-mainstream stakeholders in J&K? Why not a 'non-official' dialogue centered around J&K's eroded autonomy & its restoration?" he tweeted Thursday night. India had on Thursday said it would participate in the dialogue hosted by Russia at a "non-official level" in Moscow. The Moscow-format meeting on Afghanistan will be held on November 9 and representatives of the Afghan Taliban radical movement will take part in it, the Russian Foreign Ministry had said last week. "We are aware that the Russian Federation is hosting a meeting in Moscow on 9 November on Afghanistan. Our participation at the meeting will be at the non-official level, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said. He said India supports all efforts at peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan that will preserve unity and plurality, and bring security, stability and prosperity to the country. By PTI NEW DELHI: India Friday hit back at Pakistan for expressing concern over the recent deployment of nuclear submarine INS Arihant, saying the comments come from a country for whom the "tenet of responsibility" does not exist. Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal, at a media briefing Thursday, said: "This development marks the first actual deployment of ready-to-fire nuclear warheads in South Asia which is a matter of concern not only for the Indian Ocean littoral states but also for the international community at large." Responding to a question on Faisal's remarks, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar, during a media briefing here, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made India's stand clear on the issue. Modi has made it clear that India's nuclear arsenal was not a part of an aggressive policy, but it was an important means for peace and stability. Kumar said,"We are a responsible nation and I think these comments are coming from a country for whom the tenet of responsibility does not exist." Marking the country's nuclear triad, Indian nuclear submarine INS Arihant, or the "destroyer of enemies" has successfully completed its first deterrence patrol. On the issue of opening of the Kartarpur Sahib corridor, Kumar said Pakistan had not officially communicated anything to India on the issue. Asked about Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh writing to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on the issue, he said he would have to look at the contents of the letter and then could comment on it. He, however, said India has taken up the matter with Pakistan in the past on the opening of the border for Sikh pilgrims to go and visit the Gurdwara on the other side. "We have heard from Pakistan that this is something that they want to do, but I am not aware of any official communication which we have received from Pakistan that they are keen to work with us on this matter," Kumar said. On whether there was any development on the issue of waiver for India in the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act after its S-400 missile systems deal with Russia, Kumar said India was engaged with different stakeholders on this matter. "We have explained our objectives and position to the US side at different levels. We feel that it has contributed to a better understanding by the US about our concerns, about our objectivities and expectations." "We do intend to continue to remain engage with the US side, but it is important to note that our defence purchases and acquisitions are dictated by our national interest," he said. Asked about the political turmoil in Sri Lanka, Kumar said India continues to closely monitor the situation. "At this situation, I think the situation remains unclear. We do hope the democratic values and the constitutional process in Sri Lanka will be respected," he said. Mukesh Ranjan By Express News Service RANCHI: In a shocking incident, 45-year-old Manager Ram was allegedly strangulated to death for defecating in open in Sukra Bazaar area in Palamu District of Jharkhand. Police said that the incident took place after a dispute over defecating in open in the fields of the accused persons which later turned violent leaving one dead. "One person has been killed due to strangulation after he was spotted defecating in the fields of his neighbours following a hot dispute between the two sides," said Palamu SP Indrajeet Mahtha. The two brothers Mahendra Kumar and Chotu Kumar have been arrested while a lady of the accused side is undergoing treatment in hospital, he added. According to Police, Manager Ram had a heated dispute with Chotu Kumar after being objected for defecating in the fields of Kumar following which he along with his brothers Mahendra and Sanjay attacked on Ram. Later, their mother Bijli Devi also joined in and Manager Ram was strangulated to death, he said. "Initial investigations indicate that the two families, also relatives, were having land-related dispute since long and the incident which took place on Thursday added fuel to it, resulting into the death of Manager Ram," said the SP. He, however, said that further investigation were on which further reveal some more facts in this regard. On the basis of the FIR lodged at Rehala Police Station by the victim's son Manoj Kumar, three persons were taken into custody for interrogation and two of them were arrested and sent to jail, informed the SP. By PTI JAMTARA: A woman died after she was allegedly raped by three men, including her former husband, and a stick was inserted in her private parts in Jamtara district of Jharkhand, police said Thursday. Sub-Divisional Police Officer B N Singh said the woman's ex-husband has been arrested a search is on to arrest the two others. According to police, the woman had gone to watch a play at a theatre on Kali puja on Wednesday night. Her former husband and two of his associates forcibly took her to a field in the village under Narayanpur police station area. After raping her, they inserted a stick in her private parts, police said. On hearing the woman's cries for help the next morning, villagers took her to a hospital in Narayanpur town from where she was referred to Jamtara Sadar Hospital, where doctors declared her brought dead. Locals told police that she had accused her former husband and the other two men of raping her when they had found her in the field CANBERRA, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- Virgin Australia Airlines has decided to think again about its plan to give veterans priority boarding. "Over the coming months, we will consult with community groups and our own team members who have served in defense to determine the best way forward," the second-largest airline of Australia has tweeted. "If this process determines that public acknowledgement of their service through optional priority boarding or any announcement is not appropriate, then we will certainly be respectful of that," the company said. Chief executive of Virgin Australia John Borghetti on Wednesday explained that the offer of priority boarding for veterans was intended to be optional. Earlier on Sunday, the company announced that veterans would be able to present their veterans' card to go to the front of the boarding queue after receiving recognition from the flight crew before take-off. Explained by the company as "a gesture genuinely done to pay respects," the act was criticized by many social media users as "tokenistic" and unnecessary, calling for real medical and social support for veterans. According to Borghetti, related reports were overblown, although he was pleased about the fact that the incident "has actually opened up a broader conversation." Some Australian officials doubt that veterans might feel embarrassed about the move. "There's a fine line between embarrassing them and thanking them," Chief executive of the Australia Defense Association Neil James said. Virgin's idea was welcomed by Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Defense Industry Minister Steven Ciobo, with the latter calling on Qantas, Australia's flag carrier airline, to follow suit. Qantas responded that it is "difficult to single out a particular group as part of the boarding process," since there are various kinds of people who have been or are serving the society and the country. [ Editor: WPY ] By PTI PANAJI: Union Minister Shripad Naik Friday said a change in leadership in Goa is a "requirement" "today or tomorrow" considering the health of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar. Parrikar has been undergoing treatment for a pancreatic ailment for several months now and arrived in the state on October 14 post hospitalisation at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi. "We will have to have a change in leadership either today or tomorrow. It is a requirement. You all know that the chief ministers health is not well but still he is working under such circumstances," the Union AYUSH minister said on the sidelines of a press conference here to announce International Yoga Day. While there has been periodic talk about a change in leadership in the state, the BJP has consistently ruled it out. By PTI NEW DELHI: On the second anniversary of demonetisation, CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury Thursday alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi through note ban had "singlehandedly" destroyed the livelihood of people and the economy of the country. The government's demonetisation move was a disaster for the economy and the people, the CPI(M) general secretary said. On the Modi government's prediction that demonetisation would end black money, corruption and terminate terrorism, Yechury claimed that the Indian economy is yet to recover from the impact of note ban. "Modi and his minions claimed demonetisation will end black money, finish corruption, terminate terrorism, and bring only digital transactions. Two years later, Modi is silent. The truth is that he singlehandedly destroyed the economy, lives and livelihoods," he tweeted. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday made a strong defence of the note ban move, saying it resulted in formalisation of economy and increased tax base, with the government earmarking more resources for the poor and infrastructure development. Yechury claimed that five years ago, Modi had promised Rs 15 lakh in every Indian's bank account, but those who got huge amounts are the ones who looted banks and fled the country. "They want you to forget that Rs 15 lakh for every Indian was promised by Modi. It was exactly five years ago. Those who got Rs 150000 lakhs are the ones who looted the banks and then were allowed to scoot from India (sic)", the CPI (M) leader said on Twitter. The CPI(M) polit bureau in a statement alleged that all the claims of the Modi government that demonetisation would unearth lakhs of crores of rupees of black money and end corruption have proven to be utterly false. "On the contrary, with 99.4 per cent of the banned notes back in the system, it is clear that demonetization has, in fact, been the avenue to convert black money into white helping the most corrupt", the party said. The Left party also alleged that crores of people dependent on daily cash transactions have been devastated and more than 35 lakh workers in the unorganised sector have lost their livelihood. "Nor has there been any impact on terrorist activities due to funding crunch as claimed by Modi at that time. On the contrary, official data reveals that incidents of terrorist attacks have more than doubled,"the CPI(M) said in the statement. On the finance ministers statement, the CPI(M) alleged that he too was equally responsible for the mess in the Indian economy. Ramananda Sengupta By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Male November 17 to attend the swearing-in ceremony of president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. This will be his first visit to the Maldives since assuming office. Relations between the nations had nosedived during the regime of outgoing President Abdulla Yameen, who repeatedly snubbed India and wooed Chinese investment and support. The growing Chinese influence in the country barely 700 km from India's southern tip caused much consternation in New Delhi, which but despite opposition appeals for greater involvement, it preferred to wait and watch. The relations deteriorated further after Yameen imposed emergency on February 5 this year, and launched a crackdown on opposition leaders and judiciary. But apart from calling for the restoration of democracy, New Delhi refused the Maldivian opposition's calls for greater involvement. Yameen lifted the emergency after 45 days, and Presidential elections were held on September 23 in which joint opposition leader Ibrahim Mohamed Solih defeated Yameen, capping months of political upheaval in the tiny archipelago nation. While noting that Prime Minister Modi had accepted Solih's invitation to attend the ceremony "with pleasure," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar clarified that this was not a bilateral visit and that Modi would return the same day to Delhi. "In keeping with its neighbourhood first policy, India looks forward to closely working with the Maldives in further deepening the partnership," he said. By IANS LUCKNOW: Six Chinese nationals, including two women, mistakenly crossed over to the Indian territory via Nepal and were detained briefly, police said on Friday. The Seema Sashatra Bal (SSB) arrested them at the Indo-Nepal border near Uttar Pradesh's Bahraich district late on Thursday. On interrogation, they claimed to be tourists and were found carrying Nepal visas. After brief detention they were handed over to Nepalese authorities. The Chinese nationals were accompanied by a Nepalese travel guide. They had also filmed the border areas in their cameras, police said. By PTI NEW DELHI: With election campaign in full swing in five poll-bound states, an opinion poll by C-Voter has projected a thumping majority for the Congress with 145 seats in Rajasthan and a simple majority in Madhya Pradesh. The Center For Voting Opinions and Trends in Election Research (C-Voter), in its November (week 2) poll has also projected a clear majority of 64 seats to the Congress-TDP combine in Telangana and a very close fight in Chhattisgarh with a slender edge for the BJP. Polls in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Rajasthan and Telangana will be held between November 12 and December 7. ALSO READ: Rajasthan Congress chief Sachin Pilot says tickets only to winnable candidates Counting of votes will be taken up together in all the five states on December 11. The survey in Rajasthan gave the ruling BJP only 45 seats with 39.7 per cent vote share, against 47.9 per cent of the opposition Congress. In Madhya Pradesh, the C-Voter poll projections gave the BJP 107 seats with a vote share of 41.5 per cent, against Congress' vote share of 42.3 per cent and a simple majority of 116 seats. The opinion poll did not give a clear majority to any party in Mizoram, with the Mizo National Front projected to lead with 17 seats, followed by the Congress with 12 seats and Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) with nine seats. ALSO READ: Congress leader Satyavrat Chaturvedi's son to contest on Samajwadi Party ticket Predicting a close fight in Chhattisgarh, C-Voter poll survey gave 41 seats to the Congress with a 42.2 per cent vote share, with six seats to others and 16.2 per cent vote share. The BJP is projected to get a slightly lower 41.6 per cent vote share and 43 seats. The poll survey of November week-2 done for ABP News and Republic TV has a total sample size of 67,848 for five states, with 13,377 in Rajasthan, 25,745 in Madhya Pradesh and 13,911 in Chhattisgarh, 13,624 in Telangana and 1191 in Mizoram. In contrast, C-Voter has claimed that the CNX poll survey for Times Now and India TV in Rajasthan has projected 115 seats for Congress against 75 to BJP, while CSDS survey for ABP has projected 110 to Congress and 84 to BJP and Cfore poll survey for Asianet giving 130 to Congress and 65 to BJP. For Madhya Pradesh, the agency has claimed the CNX poll survey projected 122 seats for the BJP and 95 for the Congress, with CSDS giving 116 to the saffron party and 105 to the Congress. In Chhattisgarh, the CNX poll survey has projected that the BJP could get 50 and Congress 30 seats, with others getting 10 seats, while the CSDS poll gave 56 to the BJP, 25 to the Congress and nine to others. Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said while the C-Voter survey is heartening and interesting, the situation on the ground is that the party is winning in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and also in Telangana in a resounding manner. "We hope to cross the two-third mark in Rajasthan and hope to get close to 140 seats in Madhya Pradesh and over 50-mark in Chhattisgarh. The coalition of Congress will romp home confidently, trouncing the BJP stooge TRS in Telangana. Congress will also retain Mizoram," he told PTI. BJP spokesperson Bizay Sonkar Shastri rejecting the opinion polls, which gave Congress an edge in some poll-bound states, asserted that his party will not only form governments in the three states ruled by it, but also be a part of the ruling dispensation in Telangana and Mizoram. He said the BJP is heading for a "big victory" in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan, and that the campaign by "our magic man", a reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will give further boost to the party's prospects. By PTI NAGPUR: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Friday backed his party colleague and Maharashtra Forest Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar on the killing of tigress Avni. The tigress, who was believed to have turned man-eater and killed 13 people in the last two years in Yavatmal district's Pandharkawda area, was shot dead in Borati forest there last Friday. The killing of T1, as the tigress was officially known, led to outrage among animal lovers and wildlife organisations. ALSO READ: Tigress Avni was killed to 'save' Anil Ambani's project, says MNS chief Raj Thackeray Union minister Maneka Gandhi had lashed out at the Maharashtra government and had dubbed it a "ghastly murder". The Maharashtra government, however, defended itself with Mungantiwar, earlier, calling the incident "sad" but necessary after the tigress attacked forest staff trying to tranquilise it. Speaking on the sidelines of Indian Roads Congress convention here, Gadkari said, "The tigress had killed 13 innocent farmers and no one is shedding a tear for them. No one wants to kill a tiger but what can be done when the tiger turns man-eater." He said the Forest department, under Mungantiwar, ordered the killing of the tigress only as a "last option". By PTI NEW DELHI: Youth Congress members accompanied by senior party leaders Friday staged a protest against demonetisation outside the RBI office here and were detained by police. The security forces forcibly took the protestors to a police station in a bus. "Around 70-80 Congress protesters, including Ashok Gehlot, Anand Sharma and Bhupinder Singh Hooda have been detained," police said. The protesters wore masks and shouted slogans against the BJP-led government. Amrish Ranjan Pandey, the national spokesperson of the Youth Congress, said the protest was aimed at "highlighting the miseries of the nation since the last two years under the Modi regime". "It is a protest against the 'failed' demonetisation of the Modi government wherein common people suffered its grave consequences," he said. On November 8, 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced that Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 denomination bank notes would cease to exist as legal tenders. The withdrawal of the notes had led to a liquidity crunch and people stood in serpentine queues outside banks and ATMs to exchange old notes. The opposition parties have criticised the exercise as "ill-advised" and "disastrous" for the country, but the government has maintained that the move helped increase the tax base and allowed greater formalisation of the economy. By Express News Service NEW DELHI: The Centre's request to acquire about 300 acres of land in West Bengal for construction of barbed wire fencing along the India-Bangladesh border has been approved by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, sources in the Union Home Ministry officials said on Friday. The state government had been dithering for months over acquiring the land, delaying the construction along the international border, sources said. With an agreement on handing over the land, the long-delayed construction of the fencing in the West Bengal sector of the India-Bangladesh border is expected to start soon, a Home Ministry official said. India shares a 4,096-km border with Bangladesh. Of this, 2,216 km falls in West Bengal. The state border often courts infamy for illegal immigration and smuggling of cattle and narcotics. For the construction of the fence, the home minister had sent similar letters to the chief ministers of Uttar Pradesh, Meghalaya, Tripura and Bihar for the acquisition of land in the states. On Friday, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh also reviewed the progress of various projects being undertaken along the borders with China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Myanmar. During the meeting, Singh was informed that various projects got delayed due to the non-availability of environment clearances from state governments. Singh asked ministry officials to pursue the matter with the governments concerned, sources said. Singh also reviewed the progress of ongoing projects being executed by the Land Ports Authority of India and the border management division under the Home Ministry. "There was very good progress and Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) at five border crossing points out of seven approved projects have been completed," read a statement issued by the ministry. Terminals for smooth movement of goods and people at ICP Raxaul and ICP Jogbani on the India-Nepal border, ICP Petrapole and ICP Agartala on the India-Bangladesh border and ICP Attari on India-Pakistan border have been made functional. At each ICP, facilities have been constructed for customs clearance, immigration, warehouses for storage of goods, approach roads and terminal buildings to adequately handle import and export of goods and entry and exit of people. Work on ICP Moreh on the India-Myanmar border and ICP Dawki on India-Bangladesh border is in the advanced stage of completion. The total approved expenditure for the seven ICPs is over Rs 700 crore, according to the official statement. The home minister also directed officials to take up construction of an additional 13 ICPs Hili, Jaigaon, Ghojadanga, Mahadipur, Changrabandha, Fulbari, Rupaidiha, Kawrpuichhuah, Panitanki, Sutarkandi, Sunauli, Banbasa and Bhithamore and the passenger terminal at Petrapole. Santwana Bhattacharya By No construction can happen without deconstruction. Certainly not in India, a cacophonous, or if you like, polyphonic democracy. Even if its not as polyphonic as Dostoevskys Idiot (as read by the critic Bakhtin), where the self itself is split into multiple voices. So there was no way Sardar Patel could come back into our lives quietly, standing lonely on a curve of the Narmada, without a bit of deconstruction. Not that a 597-ft statue is quiet. It fairly shouts. One is invariably led to wonder at the whopping cost involved, the strangely unirrigated farmlands abutting the river dammed up in his name, the hardscrabble lives of tribals in the vicinity. All that had to come into focus, and did so unerringly. As Indias Iron Mannow encased in concrete, steel (and bronze from China)looks down from his Olympian height, India perforce had to look around his well-sculpted form, the folds of his clothes, that tilt of his toenail. Exquisite detailing, no doubt. Much better than the Subhas Chandra Bose statue on a famous Kolkata roundabout, which I grew up looking at. The upright golden tail of Boses horse, stretched in horizontal anxiety, and caked in brownish gore thanks to the heavy traffic fumes, could only evoke suppressed laughter among us children. We rarely ever noticed the famous man in his statuesque petrification. The mammoth Patel will surely have better luck and upkeep. Plus theres no mainland traffic to pollute his image. So why could we not celebrate it unquestioningly? After all, we grew up learning the British left us divided and bleeding, and Patel unified the India we live in, corralling hundreds of unviable princely states. His clarity, persuasive skill and that iron will, those are surely to be feted? One reason the statue (unlike Patel) could not unite usat least in its inaugural moment (in the long run, all naysaying will be forgotten)is perhaps because India was not really invited. It was very much a Gujarat affair. As if Sardar had, paradoxically, been taken away from all of India and had his regional identity stamped all over him. Gujarat, no doubt, has given and taken from us more than we care to admit. Take only Gandhi and Jinnah, for illustration. The Kashmiri Pandits of the Delhi durbar may ultimately wane on the larger canvas of history when compared to the impact the Gujarati mind has had on our polity. And Patel is part of that mind. So its not just an electoral promise that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has kept with the worlds biggest statue; he has reclaimed a historical space with the loudest possible statement. Modi is a politician and would obviously time his act such that the maximum electoral benefits accrue from it. Besides, in the rather unsettled economic and geopolitical world order we have, the construction of a statue is an achievable goal. Much easier, say, than to contain the headache of Chinese aggression and encirclement, Pakistani doublespeak, Sri Lankan fickleness, Trumps sanctions, a tumbling rupee, an assertive judiciary, a rebellious central bank, a messy CBI or the armies of jobless youth. Or an Opposition that occasionally seems like it has found its mojo. But to recreate a nationally acceptable slogan, will a tall statue suffice? Well, the way a Sardar of a more recent vintage is getting traction, it perhaps wont. A temple has to be brought inand what better than a Ram mandir, with resonance beyond political India? The time was ripe. And since the era of monopolies is over, can a Yogi Adityanath be left behind? Regardless of whether his pronouncements are scripted or suo motu. So what if the courts dont play ball? Yogi wants a bigger statue, naturally. After all, it would be of no mere mortal but of divine Ram. Yogi is also prepping to ratchet up the noise on the temple itself, with doable peripheral detailing. Like renaming Faizabad as Ayodhya. How can the bhavya mandir be built without reclaiming the name of the land on formal records at least? (Allahabad was conquered before, as a side relish.) The BJP, which burst onto the political firmament with a heavily religion-flavoured movement like Ayodhya (and changed politics itself with that act), can hardly be expected to abandon the temple slogan. The practicality that power demanded, under a written constitution and balancing coalitions, had ensured the temple was on the backburner. But thats in the past. How can the BJP let go of this moment, while it has governments both at the Centre and in Uttar Pradesh, without raising the mandir pitch? Those who say the temple will always be kept for stirring the pot and never built are short-sighted. Forget legalities. The psychological building of the temple has been going on unabated. So much so, the actual construction now almost appears as a fait accompli. That, however, does not mean public pressure cannot be built on the Supreme Court in the title dispute case. Political frenzy is always good for consolidation of Hindu votes, before an election. If not anything, a statue of Ram would be possible because of it by 2019, to reclaim public opinion and to gradually chip away at (or deconstruct) our moral dependence on the letter and the spirit of the Constitution of India. Also, however palpably devouts have been invited to envision a grand temple, it cant be done ignoring the courts. Hence, another statue ... perhaps with a hand pointing forward to coming generations that will have no memory of Babri Masjid. The BJP is sharp enough to know it no longer needs power for a mandir to come up. Any government, particularly a Congress regime under a temple-hopping Rahul Gandhi, could do the honoursperhaps armed with a legal order, if and when it comes. The way to mark out a difference for the BJP, and ensure its copyright is not violated, is to play up hard Hindutva. An ordinance, and a Dasarath Hospital, will help too. Where does that leave the Preamble? Exactly where it is. Construction and deconstruction can continue ever after. VIENTIANE, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- Wet season rice production in Laos is expected to be reduced by about 300,000 tons after widespread flooding this year that affected many parts of the country. The Lao government, especially the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, has encouraged farmers around the country to produce 3.5 million tons of rainy season rice, but authorities expected the harvest to achieve about 3.2 million tons, local daily Vientiane Times on Friday quoted the ministry officials as saying. A total of 101,000 hectares of wet season rice were impacted by flooding, about 12 percent of the total planted area of 817,800 hectares. Some 66,000 hectares of the rice crop was estimated to have been destroyed by this year's deluge in Laos. Consequently, to ensure food security and commercial sustainability, the Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry ordered that technical teams be assigned to joint local agricultural authorities to rehabilitate production capacity after the flooding. Under cooperation across various sectors, the ministry will encourage farmers to plant 100,000 hectares of rice and 185,000 hectares of other crops in this coming dry season. The irrigation sector will guarantee to supply water for this dry season, covering about 89,150 hectares of rice and 65,000 hectares of other crops, General Director of the Irrigation Department Maykong Phonephommavong told local media recently. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is planning technical training for farmers during the dry season in a bid to boost yields and the overall harvest. [ Editor: WPY ] Naveen Kumar Tallam By Express News Service KARIMNAGAR: The Congress party, with its delay in announcing candidates for the upcoming Assembly elections, is proving to be quite a fertile ground for dissent and in-fighting. TPCC spokesperson Regulapati Ramya Rao, who on Tuesday met AP CM N Chandrababu Naidu at the secretariat in Amaravati, is the latest party leader to have caused murmurs of dissent and possible defection. Ramya Rao, who is also the niece of TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao, is married to Madhusudhan Rao, a founding member of the TRS who later fell out of KCRs favour and exited the party. Ramya has been a member of Congress for the past few years. Since the Assembly elections was announced, she has been lobbying with party high command for the Karimnagar Assembly ticket. Her second choice is said to be the Vemulawada ticket. However, the party has made it clear that it wants Ponnam Prabhakar, a Telangana Congress heavyweight and former Karimnagar MP, to contest on the Karimnagar ticket. Since then, Ramya has dealt with her disappointment and anger in the most conspicuous way possible. At a recent district level party meeting, she got up during the middle of it and left saying that the party isnt giving me due importance. Speaking to Express about her visit to Amaravati, at first, Ramya insisted that it was purely of a personal nature. I was in the city to attend a function with my husband Madhusudhan Rao, she said. Later, when pressed about the details of her conversation with Naidu, she admitted that political issues were discussed. Naidu advised me to not confine myself to Karimnagar. Since I was KCRs niece, he told me, I should take on more responsibility and campaign for my party throughout the State, she said. Later, commenting on her aspirations, she said, I want to contest from Karimnagar or Vemulawada, with the former being my first choice. I am positive that AICC president Rahul Gandhi will allot the seat to me. Anything can happen, I think. She added that she was disappointed by some Congress leaders having begun their campaigns even before the tickets were announces. As of now it is not clear why Ramya, a Congress leader, chose to meet Naidu, the CM of a neighbouring State and the chief of another party. By Express News Service BENGALURU: The hunt for mining baron and former minister G Janardhana Reddy by the Bengaluru Central Crime Branch (CCB) has not yielded any results. The city police have now sought assistance of the police of neighbouring states to nab Reddy, who has been absconding for the last few days. Reddys name had emerged during the probe of a multi-crore cheating case. He has been accused of receiving 57 kg of gold worth Rs 18 crore from a con businessman, promising him relief from ED probe. Reddy has gone underground after the police made arrests in the case a week ago and has not been in contact with anyone, including his family members. The police, who are trying to catch him with the help of his mobile phone signal, have not got any clue of his whereabouts. CCB sources said Reddys mobile phone has remained switched off and the last location where his phone was active was in Hyderabad. We have been questioning several people. But there has been no clue, a senior police officer said. Meanwhile, Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime) Alok Kumar told reporters, Our teams are searching for Reddy in and out of the state. We have also asked the police of neighbouring states to share information about Reddy, if they have any. The CCB police conducted search operation at Reddys palatial residence in Ballari on Thursday and seized several documents. However, they are yet to go through the documents to see if they are related to the case. Meanwhile, the ED has requested the authorities to provide copies of all FIRs, including current investigation by the CCB relating to the investment scheme, to examine the possibility of initiation of separate investigations under Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Police to oppose interim bail While Reddys close aide Ali Khan is relieved as a city court has granted him interim anticipatory bail, senior police officers have decided to oppose granting him bail in the court. We will submit to the court the details of his involvement in the offence and will request cancelling the bail when the case is heard on November 14, a CCB official said. When the police searched Khans house in RT Nagar, Bengaluru, 5 live cartridges were found and seized. The focus of the investigation is to track the money trail and recover it. To do that, we will have to question those who had financial and business dealings with Fareed, an official said. The police have also decided to search Reddys rented farm house in Molakalmuru in Chitradurga district on Friday, where he usually stays as he is restricted from entering Ballari. George Poikayil By Express News Service KASARGOD: The leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said the party will strike it big in Kerala with statewide Sabarimala Protection Rath Yatra that was flagged off from the grounds of Sree Madanantheswara Sidhivinayaka Temple in Madhur on Thursday. Speaking at the inauguration of the Rath Yatra, the partys sole MLA O Rajagopal said Kerala was ready for a new political alignment -- believers vs atheists. By believers, I do not mean from any particular religion. They could be Hindus, Muslims, or Christians. On the other side are the atheists. A new alignment is happening in Kerala and the beginning of that is happening from the sacred ground of Madhur, he said. All the leaders who spoke at the Rath Yatra -- a campaign against women entering the Sabarmala -- spoke of the binary of believers vs the atheists, led by CPM. The Rath Yatra -- led by BJP state president P S Sreedharan Pillai and Bharat Dharma Jana Sena (BDJS) president Thushar Vellappally -- was flagged off by BJP leader and former chief minister of Karnataka B S Yeddyurappa. Introducing Yeddyurappa, BJP state general secretary K Surendran said the party invited him to inaugurate the Rath Yatra because he took the BJP from two MLAs to power in Karnataka. This Rath Yatra would help BJP to come to power in Kerala, he said. In his address, Sreedharan Pillai drew parallels between his Rath Yatra and L K Advanis Ram Rath Yatra in 1990. This protest has an importance. Today is L K Advanis 91st birthday. With his Ram Rath Yatra, he catapulted a small party of two MPs to power in India. That journey to Ayodhya changed India, he said. Pillai said the Sabarimala Rath Yatra, being led by NDA leaders, was also a grand ritual sacrifice in Kerala, where the party had just one MLA. When people start thinking and become more aware, Kerala will become conducive to the BJP. I hope all these (the Save Sabarimala Campaign) will contribute to making Kerala more conducive for the BJP, he said. Blessed by bishops and saints Pillai said the Rath Yatra was a peaceful campaign for believers from all religions. I have met dozens of Christian bishops and received their blessing. I have met Hindu saints and over 100 Hindu priests and received their blessings. A few Muslim scholars and goodhearted people have also given their blessings, he said. So no one is against this yatra. There is only one group which is against this yatra. And they are the non-believers and atheists. In this struggle against atheists, we are with the believers, he said. Calling his Rath Yatra a Dharma Yudh or crusade, Pillai said the CPM had been trying to destroy the Sabarimala for the past 60 years. Since the days of AKG (A K Gopalan), the CPM was trying to destroy the temple. E K Nayanar governments affidavit in the high court said there was no deity in Sabarimala because the idol was destroyed in a fire. And because there was no deity, the devotees did not have any right to follow the rituals in the name of the deity, he said. But now the CPM workers were claiming they were also devotees. Hypocrisy, have your name changed to Pinarayi Vijayan, Pillai said.Citing from the CPMs policy document, Pillai said the party had explicitly urged its cadres not to follow or organise religious rites and rituals. The document also directed the party to initiate corrective campaigns to bring back such workers to the partys fold. Now the CPM is using the Supreme Court judgement (allowing women in Sabarimala) as stick to destroy faith, he said. But the BJP workers would shed their last drop of blood to resist that attempt, he said. CPM workers joining BJP Pillai said Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the CPM were suffering from depression. Last day, Raman Nair was not the only one to come (to the BJP). Many persons from the CPM joined the BJP. Pathanamthitta districts former SFI secretary joined the BJP two days ago. Family members of senior CPM leader M M Lawrence are seeking the membership of the BJP. This is causing depression in CPM and it will liquidate the party, he said. Govt should end impasse: BSY Kasargod: The BJP is not opposed to the Supreme Court verdict allowing women in Sabarimala, but peoples sentiments should be respected, said senior BJP leader and former Karnataka chief minister B S Yeddyurappa.He was speaking after flagging off the NDAs Sabarimala Rath Yatra at Madhur on Thursday. The Rath Yatra is led by BJP state president P S Sreedharan Pillai and BDJS president Thushar Vellappally. In the name of implementing the court order, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was interfering in the affairs of tradition and rituals of Sabarimala, he said. Ashis Senapati By Express News Service KENDRAPARA: More than a real-life run of chivalric romanticism as seen in Bollywood grossers like Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam or Woh Saat Din, decriminalisation of adultery by the Supreme Court has forced a man in Kendrapara district to marry off his wife to her paramour. Bikash Sahoo (32) of Koilipur village under Rajkanika police station had married Sagarika Mohanty of the nearby Jayanagar village in 2014. The couple has a three-year-old daughter. Bikash works as a plumber in Kolkata and comes home only for a few days in a year. During his long absence, his wife allegedly developed relationship with a 28-year-old youth, Suresh Lenka, from the same village. Around two weeks back, Bikashs parents spotted both of them in the house and informed their son about the extra-marital affair. Bikash rushed to the village from Kolkata and confronted his wife and her lover. He was flabbergasted when his wife bluntly told him that she wanted to marry Suresh and also cited that the Supreme Court had ruled that adultery is no longer a crime. I divorced my wife through an affidavit before the notary public at Aul on November 1. I called Sagarikas parents and asked them to arrange her marriage with Suresh. I returned a two-wheeler and other materials which her parents had gifted me at the time of marriage. My wife took our daughter, said Bikash. He also apprised the village committee members about the decision, who gave their stamp of approval. We discussed with the parents of both Bikash and Sagarika and told them to arrange the marriage. It was solemnised in the village temple on Monday, said Mahendra Sahoo, president of the village committee. Suresh, the lover of Sagarika, could not believe his ears when he received the marriage proposal from Bikash. Both he and Sagarika touched the feet of Bikash at the altar of marriage. To avoid any legal problem in future, both also swore in affidavit before the notary public at Aul with Bikash as a witness to the marriage. By Express News Service BHUBANESWAR: Raising the Centres failure in solving the unemployment problem and targeting the Central public sector undertakings (PSUs) for ignoring the States youths during recruitment, the ruling BJD on Thursday staged demonstrations in front of Central PSU offices in the city. Shouting slogans against the Prime Minister for failing on all fronts, including his promise to provide two crore jobs every year, members of the BJD including Ministers, legislators and other elected representatives staged dharna in front of Central PSUs like Nalco, IOCL, MCL and East Coast Railway here. In a scathing attack on the Centre, BJD members said youths are desperately waiting for the promised two crore jobs in which the States share will be around 36 lakh. While the Central PSUs are earning huge profits from the State, they are apathetic towards the youth of Odisha when it comes to employment. Employment opportunities are grabbed by people from outside the State at the cost of Odia youths. Though Nalco has doubled its profit this year, it did not open any job opportunity for Odisha youths, the BJD leaders said. The PM had assured jobs to one lakh youths and transfer of `15,000 to bank account of each youth. Even after four and a half years, he is yet to fulfil his promise. People will give a fitting reply to BJP in next election, said Ashok Panda, Tourism and Culture Minister. General secretary of the party and former minister Sanjay Das Burma asked the BJP to explain to the people about the promised coastal highway in the State. What happened to the coastal highway which was announced with much fanfare by the Centre, he questioned. He further slammed the Centre for not including Odisha in the East Coast Economic Corridor despite repeated demands of the BJD. The Centre has been depriving the State of its legitimate demands. Responding to BJD allegations, State BJP general secretary Prithviraj Harichandan said BJD is trying to hoodwink the people and cover up its failure during the last 19 years. It is unfortunate that the BJD is opposing the Central PSUs at a time when Odisha is going to organise the Make in Odisha conclave. The BJP leader dared the State Government to tell people about the number of jobs it has created in the State PSUs. By Express News Service COIMBATORE: The Singanallur police have booked a 25-year-old man from Madurai district for cheating and criminal breach of trust on the complaint of a 40-year-old woman from the city. According to the complainant, a government school teacher, they become friends through Facebook. The young man, by promising marriage, had sexual relations with her and also took more than Rs 50,000 in cash and 10 sovereigns of gold ornaments. After becoming Facebook friends, the accused, R Rajapravin of North Street in Pappapatti, near Usilampatti, told the victim that he wanted money to prepare for the Group II examination, and sought her help to meet the expenses. The victim promised to give him the money needed and also asked him to come to Coimbatore. On coming to Coimbatore, Rajapravin had sexual relations with her and also recorded it. Then, using the video, he threatened the teacher and demanded money, said a police official. Rajapravin had sexual relations with the teacher three times at her house by threatening her. After a month, Rajapravin assured the teacher that he would marry her and demanded Rs 2 lakh for it. However, as she could not collect such a large amount, he took Rs 10,000 and 10 sovereigns of gold ornaments from her, the official added. Based on the teachers complaint, Rajapravin has been booked under IPC sections 406 (criminal breach of trust) and 417 (punishment for cheating). He will be charged with more misdemeanours after further investigations. Initial inquiry has revealed that Rajapravin took Rs 38,000 from the teacher between November 11, 2017 and February 20, 2018, apart from the Rs 10,000 and the jewellery, the official said. Donita Jose By Express News Service HYDERABAD: Remember the NGO that IT Minister KT Rama Rao, in his personal capacity, had helped out financially and salvaged it from shutting down? Turns out, the NGO -- Helping Hands Humanity which had been in operation for the last six years had no valid licences from Child Welfare Committee and Women Development and Child Welfare Department. Had they had licenses the children would not have faced the threat of being homeless as the tweet had described. As per the rules of Juvenile Justice Act, every single NGO giving shelter to children is to be registered with the department. Once they apply for registration, the CWC members visit the home and personally interact with every child and inspect the various facilities in the home and give them due deadline for improvement. If they manage to make those additional provisions, which were missing, they are awarded Fit to operate licence, else the children are sent to government homes or relocated to other NGOs. In this case, the home run by Helping Hands Humanity was neither under the departments watch, nor were they aware such a procedure was important. We had no idea about these procedures, had we known we would have certainly applied, said Satish Chandra, owner of the NGO who got over `14 lakh as donations from the people after the tweet. In fact, had the CWC known about the fate of the NGO being financially incapable to manage the children, they would have been shifted to suitable homes before. Allegedly, the children, specially the 18 boys of the home were put up in a single room, which is in gross violation of the rules. The financial instability also was a cause of worry. Faceless NGOs The issue of the home also highlights how hundreds of such homes continue to operate in the city and continue to receive funds from citizens without any enquiries on what facilities are actually being provided. Citizens barely ever insist on knowing if the institutions have fit to operate certificates from the government. KTR himself rushed to help the home in an act of kindness, despite the home violating various norms of JJ Act, note experts. The issue is that department puts no effort in advising citizens how to chose an NGO for their charity donations. Many a times people are not even aware that there is an NGO operating in their locality. There will not even be a single board outside such homes. It must be made mandatory to have these things, else abuse happening behind closed doors can go unchecked, added Achutya Rao, a child rights activist. By PTI WASHINGTON/LOS ANGELES: A US Marine veteran dressed in black sprayed bullets inside a crowded dance bar popular with college students Wednesday night, killing at least 12 people, including a police officer, in Thousand Oaks city in California, in one of the "horrific" mass shooting incidents in the US. The gunman, who also injured nearly two dozen others, was found dead inside the Borderline Bar and Grill on the outskirts of Los Angeles. Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean identified the gunman as 28-year-old Ian David Long, a retired Marine who served in Afghanistan. The suspect used a .45 caliber Glock handgun during the shooting, Dean said. Long, who shot himself, was dead when officers made entry into the bar, Dean said as he described the shooting incident as "horrific. "It's a horrific scene in there, there is blood everywhere and the suspect is part of that," he said. Police units at the shooting scene | AP He said the motive of the shooter is still unclear. He was known to authorities for minor crimes. The shooter was on active duty with the US Marine Corps from August 2008 to March 2013, according to Department of Defense records. He also served in Afghanistan from November 2010 to June 2011. Authorities had "minor" run-ins with Long in the past, Dean said, citing few incidents. "We have had several contacts with Long over the years, minor events, a traffic collision," Dean said, adding that deputies were called to his house for a disturbance in April this year and "felt he might be suffering from Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)." Twenty-one people wounded in the shooting were treated and released from area hospitals, according to the Ventura County Sheriff's Office. President Donald Trump said that he has been "fully briefed on the terrible shooting in California. "Law Enforcement and First Responders, together with the FBI, are on scene. 13 people, at this time, have been reported dead. Likewise, the shooter is dead, along with the first police officer to enter the bar. Great bravery shown by police. California Highway Patrol was on scene within 3 minutes, with first officer to enter shot numerous times. That Sheriff's Sergeant died in the hospital. God bless all of the victims and families of the victims. Thank you to Law Enforcement," Trump said in a series of tweets. In memory of victims, President Trump in a proclamation ordered that the flag of the US shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds. Officers around a Police SUV in the vicinity of a shooting | AP The hooded gunman burst into the bar around 11:20 p.m. (local time) entirely dressed in black. Ventura County Sheriff's Department Sgt. Ron Helus and a California Highway Patrol officer entered the bar first and were met with gunfire from the suspect, the Los Angeles Times reported, citing officials. Helus was shot several times and succumbed to his injuries at a hospital. He was planning to retire next year after a 29-year stint with the sheriff's department, Dean said. Helus, who died "a hero", is survived by a son and his wife, whom he called before entering the bar, Dean added. It was the second mass shooting in the US within two weeks. "We have no idea if there is a terrorism link to this or not. As you know, these are ongoing investigations and that information will come out as soon as we are able to determine exactly who the suspect was and what motive he might have had for this horrific event," Dean added. The Marine Corps extended its "deepest condolences to the families of the victims in this senseless tragedy. Citing witnesses, the paper said that people ran for cover when shooting started. Some people tried to break windows using chairs to escape the building while some hid in bathrooms. The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force has been rushed to the scene, according to an agency spokeswoman. Representatives from the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives were also dispatched. According to bar's website, Wednesday nights are college-themed nights open to students as young as 18. Quoting witnesses, the paper said the event is popular with Moorpark college students, and the Pepperdine student newspaper tweeted that students from its campus were also inside at the time of the shooting. "He just pulled out a gun and shot my friend that was working the front desk," 21-year-old Holden Harrah was quoted as saying by the paper. "I heard more gunshots behind me. I was freaking out," said Harrah, who was among the hundreds inside listening to music Wednesday night as a part of the college night event. The suspect is reported to have drove his mother's car to the attack and said nothing upon entering the bar. Authorities are searching his home and the weapon used for the crime. This is the second time this year Thousand Oaks has seen violence in a crowded area. In March, a man shot and killed his wife before attempting to shoot himself at the Thousand Oaks Mall, the paper added. Last week, a gunman opened fire at a Jewish synagogue in the US city of Pittsburgh, killing 11 people and injuring several others including three policemen, in the deadliest "anti-Semitic attack" in America in years. By Online Desk India on Thursday said it will participate at a "non-official level" in the multilateral peace talks hosted by Russia where representatives of the Taliban will be present. The talks, known as 'Moscow format', which will be held Friday, will be attended by representatives of the Afghan Taliban radical movement and a delegation of the Afghan High Peace Council, which is a government-appointed body overseeing efforts to initiate talks with Taliban. We are aware that the Russian Federation is hosting a meeting in Moscow on 9 November on Afghanistan, said Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar. Our participation at the meeting will be at the non-official level. India supports all efforts at peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan that will preserve unity and plurality, and bring security, stability and prosperity to the country, he said. "India's consistent policy has been that such efforts should be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, and Afghan-controlled and with participation of the government of Afghanistan," Kumar asserted. ALSO READ: 'Father of Taliban' Maulana Samiul Haq assassinated in Pakistan The Russian government welcomed Indias decision to participate in the talks. We highly regard Indian support in the peace process in Afghanistan and welcome Indian readiness and that of other partner countries in the Moscow format, the Russian Embassy said in a statement on Thursday. Taliban only to 'partake', will not discuss peace While the Taliban has officially confirmed it will attend the meeting, a spokesman for the insurgent group told Voice of America that its delegates will not engage in any Afghan peace and reconciliation talks at the gathering. Zabihullah Mujahid said, as quoted by VOA, This conference is not about negotiating with any particular side, rather it is a conference about holding comprehensive discussions on finding a peaceful solution to the Afghan quandary and ending the American occupation." READ HERE: Taliban-led violence during recent Afghan polls leaves record high numbers of civilians dead: UN Moscow shows readiness for peace talks This is for the second time Russia is attempting to bring regional powers together while discovering ways for establishing peace in war-torn Afghanistan. According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, invitations to take part in the event had been sent to 12 countries including Afghanistan, India, Iran, China, Pakistan, and the US. The meeting comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks a host of global issues. The first round of the Moscow format was held in April last year. Joint Secretary in charge of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran Deepak Mittal had represented India at the meeting. The second round, which was to be held on September 4, was postponed after the Afghan government cancelled its participation. India too withdrew from the talks, saying it would be untenable for an Indian representative to share the table with a Taliban delegation when Afghanistans government is not participating. Will Kabul make progress against the Taliban? Afghan President Ashraf Ghani -- who took office in 2014 as US-led NATO combat troops withdrew from Afghanistan -- announced Saturday that he will seek re-election in 2019. He is expected to present himself to war-weary voters as the only candidate who can end the 17-year conflict in the country. A US government watchdog this week said Kabul's control of Afghanistan slipped in recent months as local security forces suffered record-level casualties while making minimal or no progress against the Taliban. The US has renewed efforts to engage the Taliban in peace talks, which are showing tentative signs of bearing fruit. 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. (With inputs from AFP and PTI) According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), the EU currently imports around 28% of the total shrimp worldwide (in terms of value), with an annual import value ranging from US$6-8 billion. Imports of shrimp into the EU increased from US$5.6 billion to US$6.9 billion in 2017. The exports of Vietnamese shrimp, especially white-leg shrimp, to some markets in the EU can take advantage of opportunities to grow further. On October 17, the European Commission (EC) submitted for approval the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) to prepare for the signing and completion of the deal. After the effectiveness of the EVFTA, the import tax on Vietnamese raw shrimp and processed shrimp into this market will be reduced. The increasing proportion of white-leg shrimp in the EU retail market, in addition to its lower prices compared to tiger shrimp, is providing more opportunities for Vietnamese exports of white-leg shrimp. In order to boost shrimp sales to the EU, Vietnamese enterprises should increase the number of farms and factories certified for good farming practices and ensuring environmental and social standards while increasing the number of upgraded factories meeting European retail standards. The UK and the Netherlands are now the two largest importers of Vietnamese shrimp in the EU. Vietnam's shrimp exports to both markets showed positive growth in the first nine months of this year, which increased by 27.6% and 11.6% respectively over the same period last year. Of the two, the UK is the largest importer of Vietnamese shrimp in the EU, accounting for 27% of Vietnam's shrimp exports to the EU and 6.7% of Vietnam's total shrimp exports to foreign markets. Vietnam's shrimp exports to the UK reached nearly US$176 million in the first nine months of this year, a rise of 27.6% over the corresponding period last year. Over the last three years, Vietnam shrimp exports to the UK have grown steadily from US$114.6 million in 2014 to US$210.6 million in 2017, a sharp increase of nearly 84%. Vietnamese shrimp exports to the UK tend to go up with the European country pushing the import of warm water shrimp, replacing cold water shrimp, due to its affordable prices. The UK prefers prawn products such as frozen processed white-leg shrimp, headless PUD shrimp, and frozen IQF raw white-leg shrimp. The Netherlands is the second largest shrimp import market of Vietnam after the UK among EU countries. In the first nine months of this year, Vietnam's shrimp exports to the Netherlands posted at US$158.6 million, an annual increase of 11.6%. Vietnam is currently the largest supplier of shrimp to the Netherlands, accounting for 37.6% of the total shrimp import value of this market in 2017. White-leg shrimp accounts for 86% of Vietnam's total shrimp exports to the Netherlands, followed by black tiger shrimp at 10% and other shrimp at 4%. The Netherlands currently has increasing demand for Vietnamese processed white-leg shrimp coded HS 16. Vietnamese shrimp still maintains its competitive advantages over other competitors in the EU market such as India and Thailand. These rivals are facing declines in shrimp exports to the EU due to problems with quality standards. By PTI YANGON: The incitement case against three Myanmar journalists who reported critically on the financial management of Yangon's government has been withdrawn, their lawyer told AFP Friday, in the rare good news for the country's beleaguered press. Eleven Media's executive editors Kyaw Zaw Lin and Nayi Min and chief reporter Phyo Wai Win were arrested in October but allowed out on bail after a few weeks in detention. ALSO READ | Jailed Myanmar Reuters reporters to file appeal They were accused of incitement after an article raised questions about budgeting within the city government, which is run by Phyo Min Thein, a close confidante of civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Article 505 (b) criminalises published or circulated information that causes "fear or alarm to the public". The case prompted an outcry amid fears of declining press freedom in Suu Kyi's Myanmar and was lodged weeks after Reuters reporters Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo were sentenced to seven years on state secrets charges while reporting on a massacre of Rohingya Muslims. But the lawyer for Eleven Media's staff said the Yangon government had sent a letter to the court asking to drop the charges and take up their grievance through arbitration at Myanmar's Press Council. "The judge allowed them to withdraw and gave a verdict (Friday) right away. So the case is finished," lawyer Kyee Myint told AFP. ALSO READ | Myanmar charges three journalists over report criticizing government In an interview on Thursday, however, Phyo Min Thein told state media the city government would seek a correction through the council, and could resume the legal tack if it was not satisfied with the outcome. "If they do not follow and if negotiation by the press council is not a success, we will continue this case legally," he said. Cases against journalists in Myanmar have further tarnished the reputation of one-time rights icon Suu Kyi, whose legacy fell apart during the Rohingya crisis. Suu Kyi has said little in defence of the Reuters journalists, who will have spent a year in prison next month. They are appealing. By Online Desk China has got its first ever Artificial Intelligence (AI) driven news anchor, which is designed like a male human anchor. The AI-powered anchor has the facial expression of a real person and it can read the news in a voice that is designed to sound like that of a professional anchor. The country's Xinhua news agency has created this AI anchor with the help of Chinese search engine company 'Sogou'. Two anchors have been created, one can read the news in English while the other is designed to read in Chinese. World's first #AI news anchor debuts, jointly developed by Xinhua and Chinese search engine company https://t.co/34tyZ4nwrg. https://t.co/2omcc5K9rB pic.twitter.com/qXn5Z3ZkxL China Xinhua News (@XHNews) November 8, 2018 The English-speaking anchor, dressed up in a suit and tie, resembles a real-life Xinhua anchor called Zhang Zhao. The Chinese-speaking AI news reader is also modelled on another real-life anchor. "I will work tirelessly to keep you informed as texts will be typed into my system uninterrupted," the AI anchor said in an introductory video. "The AI news reader learns from live broadcasting videos by himself and can read texts as naturally as a professional news anchor," Xinhua says. However, the users of Chinese micro-blogging site 'Weibo' were not quite happy with the virtual news anchors. One of the users said the voice of the news reader was "too stiff" and it doesn't give importance to pauses/punctuations, while another said it is "really scary." While the news agency claims it to be world's first AI anchor, reports suggest that in 2015 China's Dragon TV used Microsoft's Xiaolce chatbot to deliver a weather report on it live breakfast show. According to Chinese media reports, the AI news anchors will reduce the cost of daily TV news reports as the AI readers have the ability to work throughout the day. The AI TV anchor is also believed to be more efficient as it is claimed to have the ability to quickly generate breaking news, "something humans cant do". Similarly, 18-years-ago, an AI-powered news anchor named 'Ananova' was developed by a UK news agency, Press Association. The character was designed to read news stories via a computer or mobile phone. Ananova was launched in April 2000. Later, on July 2000, it was purchased by a French telecommunications company called 'Orange.' However, from 2004, the Ananova character was unavailable although the website was operational and putting out news until 2009. By PTI WASHINGTON: In another controversial move, the Trump administration has decided to restrict the entry of illegal migrants who cross the southern border with Mexico to seek asylum in the US. The move, opposed by several right groups, is at preventing the several thousands of people, mainly from three Latin American countries - Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador - from entering the country and using the existing asylum law to gain entry into the United States. The Justice Department and Department of Homeland Security published a joint rule on Thursday prohibiting certain people caught crossing the US southern border from Mexico between ports of entry from claiming asylum. Once the plan goes into full effect, migrants entering at the US southern border would only be eligible for asylum if they report at official ports of entry, officials said. For doing so, President Donald Trump is using his authority to suspend or restrict entry of aliens into the US if he determines it to be in the national interest to do so. "Our asylum system is overwhelmed with too many meritless asylum claims from aliens who place a tremendous burden on our resources, preventing us from being able to expeditiously grant asylum to those who truly deserve it," Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen said in a joint statement. ALSO READ: Caravan migrants' brief hopes of buses to Mexico's capital dashed The president is also expected to sign an accompanying directive specifying which migrants would be subject to the new asylum limits, senior administration officials said. The officials did not say to whom the ban would apply. President Trump made his hard-line policies toward immigration a key issue ahead of Tuesday's midterm elections. The announcement on Thursday suggests he will not ease up on his immigration crackdown, which dominated his first two years in office. "Today, we are using the authority granted to us by Congress to bar aliens who violate a Presidential suspension of entry or other restriction from asylum eligibility," they said. "The interim rule, if applied to a hypothetical proclamation suspending the entry of aliens who cross the border unlawfully, would bar them eligibility for asylum, and thereby channel inadmissible aliens to ports of entry where they would processed in a controlled, orderly and lawful manner," a senior administration official told reporters during a conference call. House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer described the latest move as "inhumane" and as part of Trump's ill-conceived asylum policies. "Imposing illegal restrictions on refugees seeking asylum through the proper channels according to US law runs counter to our principles as a nation and represents a gross overreach of presidential power," he said. "Upending our asylum process and rejecting people - who have travelled thousands of miles to escape violence and death - from even seeking asylum at the border is not only immoral, it's illegal," said Steven Choi, executive director of the New York Immigration Coalition. The statute, section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which governs the US immigration system, states that the president can suspend entry of foreigners deemed "detrimental to the interests of the United States. The Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security said new rule applies to prospective presidential proclamations, and is not retroactive. In a conference call with reporters, a senior administration official said that in the fiscal year 2018, the US encountered 600,000 inadmissible aliens. Of those, 400,000 attempted to enter illegally. "Almost all of those who attempted to enter illegally entered on the Southwest Border," the official said. It is the same border through which the caravan is expected to enter the US. Trump has deployed several thousand military to stop them from entering the US illegally. Under the current process if an alien is apprehended after crossing across the border unlawfully, after apprehension and initial processing they are taken under US Customs and Border Protection. If they express an intent or, express a fear of return, they are referred for an interview with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services asylum officer. "Although there may be a number of people seeking to come here claiming asylum, history's statistics have shown the number who are actually qualified for asylum is a much, much lower number, and in the case for many of these countries, less than 10 per cent," the official said in response to a question. "Our objective is to have a process that works quickly and efficiently so that those people who actually qualify for an asylum claim are able to have that determination made so that they can then begin their life under the protections granted by the US Government," the official said. In the last five years, there has been a 2,000 per cent increase in aliens claiming credible fear once placed into expedited removal. As a result, credible fear interview has increased from 5,000 in 2008 to 97,000 in 2018. Presently, the US asylum rules do not bar people who enter the country without authorisation, and the Immigration and Nationality Act, specifically allows people who arrive in the US, whether or not they do so at a designated port of entry, to apply for asylum. By AFP COLOMBO: Sri Lanka's President Maithripala Sirisena on Friday dissolved parliament and called a snap election after failing to gain enough support for his nominee for prime minister, deepening the island's political crisis with a gamble deemed illegal by the ousted premier's party. Sirisena sparked the two-week-old drama last month by sacking Ranil Wickremesinghe as prime minister and naming Mahinda Rajapakse -- the country's authoritarian president from 2005 until 2015 -- as his replacement. But Wickremesinghe has refused to back down, and the move to dissolve parliament came hours after Sirisena's party acknowledged that Rajapakse was eight MPs short of a majority needed to end the power struggle. Sirisena signed a decree dismissing the island's 225-member assembly and scheduled parliamentary elections for January 5, nearly two years ahead of schedule. ALSO READ: Sri Lanka police chief says he's taking orders from President Maithripala Sirisena International concern has grown over the mounting turmoil, with Wickremesinghe refusing to leave the premier's official residence while the president also suspended parliament to head off any revolt against his action. There was no immediate comment from Wickremesinghe, but his United National Party (UNP) said it will challenge Sirisena's sacking of the legislature. "This dissolution by the President is illegal and goes against the constitution," the UNP said on Twitter. "We will be fighting this to ensure that democracy reigns supreme in the country." "He has robbed the people of their rights and the democracy that we have enjoyed," the UNP said. Against the constitution Sirisena's United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) admitted ahead of the president's stunning announcement that they had failed to secure enough cross-over MPs to win a confidence vote in the House. By avoiding a test of his majority on the floor of the House, Rajapakse will remain caretaker prime minister until elections are concluded and a new parliament meets on January 17. Before signing the order sacking the parliament with effect from Friday midnight, Sirisena also inducted more ministers into his cabinet. "At the moment we have 104 or 105 MPs," UPFA spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella told reporters, adding that the Sirisena-Rajapakse group hoped to secure support from "crossover" legislators. The admission, which came despite Sirisena's earlier claim that he had the support of 113 legislators when he sacked Wickremesinghe, had fuelled speculation that he would go for snap elections. The leftist People's Liberation Front (JVP), which regards the sacking of Wickremesinghe as unconstitutional, accused Sirisena of trying to consolidate his power grab. "Dissolving parliament at this time is illegal and goes against the constitution," JVP general secretary Tilvin Silva told reporters. Sirisena suspended parliament to give himself more time to engineer defections, according to the opposition. Several legislators have said they were offered millions of dollars to switch allegiance and at least eight have already jumped to the president's side. Wickremesinghe, who has not left the Temple Trees residence since his sacking, maintains that the action against him was unconstitutional and illegal, and insists his group can muster a majority. Image damaged Under pressure from the United Nations, United States and the European Union to allow a parliament vote, Sirisena agreed three times to lift the suspension but changed his mind each time. The EU said Friday, before the dissolution, that the crisis had scarred the Indian Ocean island's international reputation. The EU, in a joint statement with Norway and Switzerland, called for parliament to reconvene and hold an immediate vote. "Any further delay could damage Sri Lanka's international reputation and deter investors," the statement said. Wickremesinghe late Thursday thanked his supporters and urged them not to give up in the showdown. "You have not let this country be plunged into the darkness of dictatorship. For this inspiring effort, I want to thank everyone who has risen to fight for democracy and justice," Wickremesinghe said in a video posted on Facebook. The power struggle on the island of 21 million people has paralysed much of the administration, according to legislators on both sides of the dispute. According to a report by the Hung Yen Provincial Peoples Committee, the locality churned out 48,300 tonnes of longan, the highest volume ever, representing a year-on-year surge of 30%. Especially, local farmers reached large contracts with big supermarkets to provide 1,743 tonnes of longan. For the first time, longan was served for passengers flying with national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines. The total amount of consumed longan rose to 47,970 tonnes, equivalent to 99.31% of the total harvested output. The province earned VND 1.05 trillion, up nearly VND 300 billion against last year. In Bac Giang province, 215,800 tonnes of lychee were harvested with a total value of VND 5.7 trillion, up VND 450 billion against last year. Deputy PM Vuong Dinh Hue praised the two provinces for proper trade promotion in both domestic and foreign markets. In the coming seasons, the provinces will focus on building trademarks, labels, and stamps of origin, conducting trade promotion, and expanding markets, especially domestically. Vikings Volleyball Wins It All The Rogers High girls volleyball team captured the states Division II title, by besting previously undefeated West Warwick High at Rhode Island College on Nov. 13. Rogers finished the season... Middletown Opposes National Grid Proposal The Middletown Town Council pushed back against a proposal by National Grid to continue the current operation at Old Mill Lane, which uses portable liquified natural gas to bolster available... Winter Farmers Markets Move to New Location The Aquidneck Community Tables local farmers markets have found a temporary new home. Stoneacre Gardens patio, with its vine-covered trellises and mounted heaters, is now the site for a Wednesday... City Council to Study Ward Redistricting The Newport City Council unanimously approved two resolutions on Nov. 10, including one to possibly set new redistricting lines for ward voters, although officials are not certain borders will change... Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. 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). Reporter Mary Schenk is a reporter covering police, courts and breaking news at The News-Gazette. Her email is mschenk@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@schenk). Reporter Tim Mitchell is a reporter at The News-Gazette. His email is tmitchel@news-gazette.com, and you can follow him on Twitter (@mitchell6). Reporter/Columnist Julie Wurth is a reporter covering the University of Illinois at The News-Gazette. Her email is jwurth@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@jawurth). It was inked by Vietnamese Defence Minister Gen. Ngo Xuan Lich and his Australian counterpart Christopher Pyne before starting their talks as part of Minister Lichs official visit to Australia from November 6-8. Pyne underlined the importance of the visit in the context that the two countries are celebrating the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties and the 20th anniversary of defence relations. He affirmed that Vietnam holds an important role in Australias foreign policy in the region, adding that his country hopes to further its ties with Vietnam, particularly in defence. Minister Lich, in turn, stressed that Australia is an important partner of Vietnam, while conveying his belief that his visit will be a success, contributing to the implementation of the bilateral strategic partnership. Regarding defence cooperation, both spoke highly of the results achieved over recent times, confirming that defence cooperation is a bright spot in the two countries relations. They also appreciated the mutual consultations and coordination at multilateral forums, especially within the framework of the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting-Plus. They agreed to maintain high-level delegation exchanges, intensify cooperation in addressing post-war consequences, as well as share experience in corruption prevention and information on flight safety. The Vietnamese officer took the occasion to thank the Australian Defence Ministry for organising training courses and providing scholarships for officers of the Vietnam Peoples Army, and for supporting Vietnams deployment of a level-2 field hospital to take part in UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan. He expressed his hope that Australia will support Vietnam in organising defence-military events in 2020 when the country will serve as the ASEAN Chair, and that the Oceanic nations defence ministry backs cooperative activities within the framework of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on dealing with post-war bomb and mine consequences signed in March 2015. Regarding sea-related issues, both ministers stressed the importance of aviation and navigation security, safety, and freedom in the region, agreeing that disputes must be solved by peaceful means on the basis of international law, especially the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea in particular. I believe that with the existing cooperation agreements and the freshly-signed Declaration on Joint Vision for Enhancing Defence Cooperation, the defence ties between Vietnam and Australia will reap new progress meeting the two countries interest and serving peace, stability, and development in the region and the world at large, Minister Lich said. During his stay, Minister Lich and the Vietnamese delegation visited the HMAS Canberra. Financial Secretary Paul Chan (centre), Under Secretary for Innovation & Technology David Chung (left) and Government Chief Information Officer Victor Lam attend the 5th World Internet Conference in Wuzhen. Financial Secretary Paul Chan attended the 5th World Internet Conference in Wuzhen, Zhejiang, today. After arriving in Wuzhen yesterday, Mr Chan called on China Internet Development Foundation President Ma Li. Both sides agreed to strengthen co-operation, including to support the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in holding the annual Internet Economy Summit next year. Mr Chan attended the conference's opening ceremony in the morning and took part in the plenary session in the afternoon to further understand the worlds leading technological achievements in Internet-related areas. The finance chief met representatives of a large-scale e-commerce platform to exchange views on future trends in the Internet's development. He noted e-commerce and financial technologies have become the main engines to promote economic growth, given their fast development across the world. Mr Chan added Hong Kong has been enjoying the advantage of an environment conducive to developing e-commerce and fintech because of its well-developed capital market, a financial regulatory regime on a par with international standards, the free flow of capital, the rule of law and a level playing field for business. He said the Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to put resources into actively promoting the development of e-commerce and fintech in the city. Mr Chan later met Hong Kong delegates attending the conference. Organised by the Cyberspace Administration of China and the People's Government of Zhejiang Province, the three-day conference has attracted representatives from governments, enterprises and international organisations. Under Secretary for Innovation & Technology David Chung and Government Chief Information Officer Victor Lam accompanied Mr Chan to the event. Napping Kid, financed by the Film Production Grant Scheme, will premiere in Hong Kong this evening. A government subsidy of $1.37 million contributed to the film's $6.89 million budget. The film is directed by Amos Why and stars David Siu, Ng Siu-hin and Cecilia So. Adapted from the novel of the same name, the story centres on a blackmail case in which an international investment bank is threatened with the public disclosure of a confidential file if it refuses to pay a ransom. The bank seeks the discreet help of a police officer who gradually discovers the case is not as simple as it appears to be. Thirteen film projects were approved with total funding of $22.66 million by the Film Production Grant Scheme which was launched in November 2015 and ended in February 2018. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Chinese Academy of Sciences today signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Establishing Affiliated Institution by the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Hong Kong. Chief Executive Carrie Lam and the academys President Prof Bai Chunli signed the agreement on behalf of the two parties. Also present at the ceremony were Financial Secretary Paul Chan, Secretary for Innovation & Technology Nicholas Yang, Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Patrick Nip, and Director of the Chief Executive's Office Chan Kwok-ki. The agreement confirms the academy will establish an affiliated institution in Hong Kong to facilitate its Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine & Health and Institute of Automation to establish their presence in the research clusters on healthcare technologies and on artificial intelligence and robotics technologies to be set up at the Hong Kong Science Park. The institution will also promote transfer and translation of scientific research results, co-ordinate collaboration between the academy and local universities, and undertake technological education and promotion activities. Mrs Lam said the agreement signing heralded an important new page in the technological collaboration between Hong Kong and the Mainland. She said the establishment of the academys affiliated institution in Hong Kong will take forward the development of the city's technological innovation, bringing new opportunities for the innovation and technology sectors of the two places. She added it also serves as a significant landmark in the building of an international I&T hub in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. "Welcoming the two academy research institutes' participation in the two research clusters, the HKSAR Government will continue its publicity and promotion efforts to encourage more top-notch research centres to join the research clusters. The academys affiliated institution in Hong Kong will serve as the Secretariat of the Greater Bay Area Academician Alliance to be set up in Hong Kong. The alliance will help encourage academicians of the academy and the Chinese Academy of Engineering based in the bay area to actively participate in developing the area, as well as bringing prominent scientific talent to contribute to the country's technological advancement. At the ceremony, Mrs Lam also announced the setting up of the Joint Laboratory Funding Scheme by the University Grants Committee with the one-off provision of up to $30 million for the 2018-19 academic year as a research subsidy to joint laboratories approved by the Chinese Academy of Sciences. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the reform and opening up of the country, Chief Executive Carrie Lam will lead a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region delegation to visit Shenzhen and Beijing from tomorrow to November 12. The delegation comprises more than 160 members from various sectors of the community who have made significant contributions to the countrys reform and opening up and to Hong Kong. The group will visit the Shenzhen Reform & Opening-up Exhibition Hall and meet Shenzhen Government officials. The delegation will then head for Qianhai to visit the Qianhai Exhibition Hall and the park of the Qianhai Monument. On November 11 in Beijing, the group will attend a seminar on the participation of Hong Kong and Macau in the reform and opening up of the country in the past 40 years before visiting the Palace Museum. On November 12, the delegation will be received by the state leaders before returning to Hong Kong. Click here for the delegation list. Government has declared a state of national disaster an accident in which 46 people were killed when two buses side-swapped at the 166-kilometre peg along Harare-Mutare highway on Wednesday evening. The accident involved two buses, Bolt Cutter and Smart Express. A state of national disaster allows the State to mobilise resources to assist the injured and bereaved families with cash and burial arrangements. Government has already provided $25 000 towards the victims of the accident. The Insurance Council of Zimbabwe will settle all hospital bills while funeral services provider FSG and Nyaradzo Funeral Services will assist with coffins and transporting the deceased to their final resting places. The total monetary assistance to each of the bereaved families is $1350. President Mnangagwa yesterday called for a robust response from traffic enforcement agents to put an end to rampant lawlessness on the countrys roads. In his condolence message, President Mnangagwa said he had learnt with deep sadness of the death of 46 innocent souls, saying the fact that many lives were lost in just one traffic accident raised serious questions about the behaviour of drivers on the countrys roads especially those operating passenger services. The use of vehicles that are not roadworthy, or drivers who do not seem to care for passenger safety, amount to criminal breach of trust between bus operators and paying commuters who expect and deserve safe transit, he said. Both the responsible ministry and our law enforcement agents must use this bloody accident to close in on all bus operators, drivers and road users who put profit and speed above life, thus causing avoidable carnage on our roads. He said the lawlessness now evident on the countrys highways and dense urban roads must be met with a robust response from traffic enforcement agents whose duty is to ensure a culture of compliance and safety on the roads. President Mnangagwa added, In view of the magnitude of the loss of human life in this one incident, I have since directed that the responsible ministry takes steps to declare this accident a national disaster in order to enable the mobilisation of resources both for treatment of all those injured, and for support to families which have lost their loved ones. Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister July Moyo said the scale of the tragic loss of life was unacceptably high. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved. I have ordered the civil protection structures at Rusape and Manicaland Province to swiftly and compassionately attend to the affected. The Civil Protection Directorate is working with the Insurance Council of Zimbabwe on the assistance to be rendered to the bereaved. All necessary measures will be taken to assist the affected, he said. Yesterday Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Cde Joel Biggie Matiza and Manicaland Minister of State Dr Ellen Gwaradzimba visited the Rusape bus accident scene and the injured at Rusape General Hospital. Minister Matiza consoled the bereaved families saying government would take a serious look at strategies that could be implemented to curb the loss of lives on the roads. Briefing the Ministers, ZRP Rusape Superintendent (administration) Richard Gatsi said so far 46 people had been confirmed dead. From the 46, 24 were men, 17 females and 5 children. He said 30 people had now been identified by their relatives adding that 40 people died on the spot while six died on the way to the hospital or upon admission. Rusape General Hospital acting matron Sister Josephine Chisamba said as of last night, they had attended to 81 patients and admitted 52. She said five people who had been seriously injured had been transferred to Harare. The director of the Civil Protection Unit, Mr Nathan Nkomo, said each family would receive $500. Following the tragic accident Government has released $25 000. We have increased the amount from $200 to $500. We have also established a command centre in Rusape. The Insurance Council will also release some funds towards the cause. The deceased are at Rusape mortuary which can only accommodate 16 while the others are at Nyaradzo Funerals, Rusape. The two buses are insured. The worst accident recorded in the country is the Nyanga Bus Disaster of 1991 which claimed 88 lives, most of them Regina Coeli pupils and staff members. Others include the 1982 Dande accident that killed 61 farmers and many others. In June last year 45 people were killed when a Zambia-bound King Lion bus rammed into a tree in the Nyamakate area in Hurungwe. In August 2009 in an accident known as the Mhunga Bus Disaster, 40 people were killed along the Harare-Masvingo Highway in a mishap involving a Mhunga Bus and a haulage truck. In March 2007, a commuter omnibus claimed 35 after it was hit by a train at a rail crossing. Another Mhunga Bus in November 2002 was involved in a head on collision with a haulage truck with the accident claiming 37 lives. Zanu-PF yesterday mourned the victims of the bus tragedy. The partys spokesperson Cde Simon Khaya Moyo called on authorities to bring to book those that are responsible for the horrific accident. The Zanu-PF party ably led by President Mnangagwa and its entire membership has been shocked to learn of the tragic collision of two buses on Wednesday night near Rusape, where 47 perished and several others were injured. This is chilling, heartrending, horrific and unimaginable. The revolutionary party mourns the departed, consoles the bereaved and wishes the injured speedy recovery, said Cde Simon Khaya Moyo. He added that those responsible for such accidents, be they owners of the buses or crew must be brought to book. Our roads cant be turned into slaughter highways. May the Good Lord embrace and bless these affected families, said Cde Khaya Moyo. Herald Vaccine Lab Worker Cleaning Freezer Makes Disturbing Find in case you missed it Ghostbusters Appears to Find an Audience box office Iva Kroeger Conned Her Way Through Life longform Miami Landmark to Reopen After Inspection updated advertisement 'Something Just Happened' Was Final Text. Then She Fell in case you missed it Austrians Circulate Ahead of Lockdown photos advertisement A TV Station Ran His Photo, With 'Devastating' Effects in case you missed it advertisement Cool Archaeological Site Found Due to Retreating Glacier in case you missed it Mass Marches Decry Violence Against Women photos advertisement Dad's Bear Hug May Have Saved Daughter in Plane Crash in case you missed it advertisement Small Space Traveler May Be a First in case you missed it advertisement KC Chiefs to Take Care of Girl in Britt Reid Crash for Life UPDATED advertisement A Wobbly Trading Day Sums Up the Week MARKETS Vice Chairman of the municipal Peoples Committee Le Thanh Liem made the statement during a reception in Ho Chi Minh City on November 8 for a delegation from New South Wales, led by Niall Blair, who holds incumbent titles as the states Minister for Primary Industries, Minister for Regional Water and Minister for Trade and Industry. Vice Chairman Liem told his guests that Ho Chi Minh City is currently home to 182 Australian projects. Two-way trade has been on the rise, hitting US$ 800 million in 2017, he said, adding that the figure is projected to reach US$ 1 billion this year. In addition, Ho Chi Minh City has worked with Australia in multiple fields, including education, agriculture, and tourism. The Vice Chairman noted that Ho Chi Minh City is paying heed to water resource management as the city often faces flooding, triggered by downpours and the rising tides caused by climate change. Additionally, the city has high demand for water to maintain and improve peoples livelihoods, he said, stressing that it is looking to exchange experience in water resource management with New South Wales. He also informed his guests of Ho Chi Minh Citys socio-economic development orientations in the time to come, saying that the city is working on a smart urban project and the construction of an innovative urban area on the east side. For his part, Blair said New South Wales is a major state in terms of economy in Australia. He added that during its development process, the state also encountered similar challenges in infrastructure, water resource management, and wastewater treatment. Blair expressed his hope that Ho Chi Minh City and New South Wales will enhance cooperation in the near future, which will contribute to Vietnam-Australia ties and help to make full use of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Blair noted that the Vietnamese community living in the Australian state have also contributed to strengthening bilateral cooperation. He pledged to bolster collaboration between New South Wales and Ho Chi Minh City in the coming time, not only in water resource management, but also in climate change adaption, high-tech agriculture, clean water in rural areas, and other issues relating to urban development. (Newser) After more or less conceding the Florida gubernatorial race to his Republican opponent, Democrat Andrew Gillum is now reportedly ready for a recount. On Wednesday, with tens of thousands of votes still uncounted, Gillum tweeted, Im looking forward to seeing every vote counted, per the Tallahassee Democrat. Although, as NBC notes, he has not explicitly requested a recount, Gillum did say Thursday that his campaign is prepared for one. As of late afternoon local time, Republican Ron DeSantis held a lead of 38,613 votes, per the AP, which is a margin of 0.47%. If DeSantis lead remains below 0.5 percentage points when the first unofficial count is verified on Saturday, a mandatory recount will be triggered. story continues below And state officials appear to be preparing for that possibility (a recount in a Florida Senate race also is anticipated). The recounts will be nationally watched, Secretary of State Ken Detzner reportedly told election supervisors during a morning conference call, adding that Florida will be under a microscope. Speaking via Facebook Live on Thursday, Gillum said, This is extremely hard. But, you know what, the fight for progress, the fight for change, the fight for what it is we want, its hard." As for DeSantis, he told reporters, per the Tampa Bay Times, that he is looking forward to serving, adding, well let the lawyers do what they got to do, but were good. (The fate of Florida's racing dogs is unclear.) (Newser) The expected FDA crackdown on a youth vaping "epidemic" is on the horizon, with the New York Times and Washington Post reporting that most flavoured e-cigarettes will be banned from convenience stores and gas stations across the country as early as next week. Menthol and mint flavors will be exempt, but all other prepackaged flavor pods will be confined to tobacco and vape shops, which are viewed as more stringent on verifying age requirements. The new measures will include age verifications on online sales. The Post predicts a "significant impact" on an industry considered vital for major tobacco companies now that US smoking rates are at an all-time low. story continues below The move is likely to be seen as too harsh among those who believe flavored e-cigarettes help adults quit traditional cigarettes. But while "we don't want to foreclose the opportunity for adults to get these products we now have evidence that a new generation is being addicted to nicotine, and we can't tolerate that," FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb told the Post before the plan was settled. E-cigarette use, which rose 77% among high schoolers and 50% among middle schoolers in 2018, has been linked to a switch to regular cigarettes, while other long-term health effects aren't yet known. The FDA previously gave major e-cigarette makers 60 days to prove they could keep their products out of youth hands. That period ends this weekend. (One maker has stopped selling flavored e-cigs altogether.) (Newser) It's not clear what Mississippi man Clayton Hickey was hoping to achieve by wearing a pro-lynching T-shirt on Election Daybut if it was getting fired, then job done. Photos shared online showed Hickey at a polling place in Olive Branch, Mississippi, wearing a T-shirt that featured a Confederate flag, a noose, and the words "Mississippi Justice." Hickey's employer, Regional One Health in Memphis, decided to fire the EMT after receiving a deluge of complaints about him when the photo went viral and he was identified as a hospital employee, the New York Post reports. story continues below Hickey is a former Memphis police officer who was fired in 2010 after he was found with a 17-year-old girl and an open container of alcohol and charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor, BuzzFeed reports. WMC Action News 5 spoke to patients and visitors at Regional One who said the shirt made them fear that Hickey would give patients differing treatmentor even harm them. The hospital said Hickey was terminated because its mission includes "fostering a safe and protected work and care environment for all." (In Georgia, voters received racist robocalls from somebody claiming to be Oprah Winfrey.) (Newser) Tens of thousands of people fled a fast-moving wildfire Thursday in northern California, some clutching babies and pets as they abandoned vehicles and struck out on foot ahead of the flames that forced the evacuation of an entire town and destroyed hundreds of structures, the AP reports. "Pretty much the community of Paradise is destroyed, it's that kind of devastation," said Cal Fire Capt. Scott McLean late Thursday. "The wind that was predicted came and just wiped it out." McLean estimated that a couple of thousand structures were destroyed in the town of 27,000 residents about 180 miles northeast of San Francisco. The blaze is being called the "Camp Fire." story continues below The extent of the injuries and specific damage count was not immediately known as officials could not access the dangerous area. Butte County CalFire Chief Darren Read said at a news conference that two firefighters and multiple residents were injured. As she fled, Gina Oviedo described a devastating scene in which flames engulfed homes, sparked explosions and toppled utility poles. "Things started exploding," Oviedo said. "People started getting out of their vehicles and running." Concerned friends and family posted frantic messages on Twitter and other sites saying they were looking for loved ones, particularly seniors who lived at retirement homes or alone. Acting California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for the fire-stricken area. (Read more California wildfires stories.) (Newser) A memo dated Nov. 7 out of the Office of the Attorney General appears to be Jeff Sessions' last hurrah, but civil rights advocates aren't applauding. The New York Times reports that, before he left his post at President Trump's request, Sessions signed off on strict new guidelines around consent decrees, court-mandated contracts between the Department of Justice and local governments to revamp police departments hit with allegations regarding abuse and civil rights violations. Such agreements are already in place in cities such as Ferguson, Mo., as well as Chicago and Baltimore, with the latter previously drawing the ire of Sessions, who said the city was "one of the most tragic examples" of how these decrees hamstring cops, per the Baltimore Sun. story continues below Among the new dictates surrounding the decrees: They need to get the green light from top DOJ officials (not lawyers), they generally can't be in place for more than three years, and they have to include a "sunset" provision that nixes the decree as soon as the state or local government can show they've complied with federal law. The new guidelines are in line with Sessions' strong advocacy for law enforcement, and in contrast to the efforts of the Obama administration, which entered into more than a dozen of these decrees to help solidify relationships between police and their communities. "This memo will make the Justice Department much less effective in enforcing civil rights laws," a former DOJ civil rights attorney tells the Times. (Sessions' potential new job? Maybe his old one.) (Newser) The White House has unveiled the crackdown on asylum seekers President Trump promised last week. A joint statement from Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker and Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen released Thursday announced an "Interim Final Rule" declaring that "aliens" who violate presidential suspensions or limitations on entry via the border with Mexico will be "rendered ineligible for asylum," the BBC reports. "Today, we are using the authority granted to us by Congress to bar aliens who violate a presidential suspension of entry or other restriction from asylum eligibility," the statement said. It said the system is "overwhelmed with too many meritless asylum claims." story continues below The rule will take effect after President Trump issues a proclamation invoking extraordinary presidential national security powers, which he is expected to do Friday, the AP reports. The proclamation is expected to apply to people from several Central American nations. The rule gives Trump the power to deny asylum to migrants who cross the border illegally, though immigration advocacy groups say the rule itself is illegal, the New York Times reports. "The law is clear: People can apply for asylum whether or not theyre at a port of entry, and regardless of their immigration status," says Omar Jadwat director of the ACLU's Immigrants Rights Project. "The president doesnt get to ignore that law, even if he dislikes it." (The Pentagon refused one of Trump's border requests.) (Newser) A federal judge in Montana has blocked construction of the $8 billion Keystone XL Pipeline after criticizing the Trump administration for not properly studying its environmental impact. US District Judge Brian Morris' order on Thursday came as Calgary-based TransCanada was preparing to build the first stages of the oil pipeline in northern Montana, per the AP. Environmental groups had sued TransCanada and the US State Department in federal court in Great Falls. Morris ruled that the government's analysis didn't fully study the cumulative effects of greenhouse gas emissions, the effects of current oil prices on the pipeline's viability, or include updated modeling of potential oil spills. story continues below The Department instead simply discarded prior factual findings related to climate change to support its course reversal, Morris wrote, per the New York Times. The 1,184-mile pipeline would transport up to 830,000 barrels of crude a day from Alberta, Canada, and Montana to facilities in Nebraska, and from there it would go to the Gulf Coast. President Obama had rejected the pipeline, but President Trump reversed his decision, arguing that it was vital for economic growth. Green groups felt differently: "The Trump administration tried to force this dirty pipeline project on the American people, but they can't ignore the threats it would pose to our clean water, our climate, and our communities," says an attorney for the Sierra Club. (Nebraska agreed to the pipeline, with a catch.) (Newser) A town in northern Sweden is in a heated fight to get its fire station back after it accidentally sold it. The municipality of Storuman sold several buildings to a private real estate group in 2014, unaware its fire station had been added to the property register listing two years earlier, reports the Local. New owner JLO Fastigheter AB offered to sell back the building for $1.1 million, more than double the $463,000 purchase price. story continues below Storuman is instead suing for $443,000, arguing the company should've known the fire station was needed and not for sale. In response, the owner of the group's parent company told local media, "We've paid for the facility and have all the necessary documents. To come to us afterwards and say that the deal was a mistake is weird." (Read more Sweden stories.) (Newser) Timothee Chalamet's acting chops are getting praise for the second time this year. The young actor who made a splash in Call Me By Your Name stars as struggling addict Nic alongside concerned parents (Steve Carell, Maura Tierney, Amy Ryan) in Beautiful Boy, which gets a 69% rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. What they're saying: "It's the fine writing and the heartfelt performances that elevate Beautiful Boy to something more than just another well-made cautionary tale, writes Richard Roeper at the Chicago Sun-Times. Carell is "effective" and Tierney "outstanding," but Chalamet shines. He's "reminiscent of James Deanelectric and forceful and screen-grabbing, but stunningly vulnerable and real." In other words, "true greatness in the making." He's "the real deal," as David Edelstein puts it at Vulture. "At times, he's as raw as a little boy, at others a hardened liar." Edelstein was also impressed with Ryan (who starred with Carell in The Office) as Nic's mom. She's "alive onscreen, with several different emotionsguilt, grief, irritation, and more guiltpassing over her face in an instant," he writes. story continues below The film itself, based on twin memoirs from a real-life father-and-son duo, is "imperfect yet affecting," showcasing "a pitiless cycle of hope and disappointment too many of us will experience," writes Chuck Wilson at LA Weekly. He notes the "time-compressing storytelling motif inventively breaks up the repetition of rehab and release." Brian Lowry wasn't impressed, though. Despite serving as an "awards-bait-y showcase" for both Chalamet and Carell, Beautiful Boy feels like a "relatively minor wrinkle on a stark, emotional, all-too-familiar story," he writes at CNN, concluding the "slowly paced" film "isn't worth rushing out to see." (Carell won praise for this, too.) (Newser) A possible would-be abductor was thwarted Wednesday afternoon after a 10-year-old girl he approached asked him for the code word. The girl and a friend were walking near a park in San Tan Valley, Ariz., when a mandescribed as white with a short beard and possibly in his 40spulled up in a white SUV and told the girl that her brothers were in an accident and she needed to come with him, USA Today reports. Instead of complying, the girl asked for the code word and the man drove away. A couple months ago, the girl and her family came up with a prearranged code word that they would use if anyone else needed to pick her up, her mom, Brenda James tells azfamily.com. story continues below Im very proud of her, you know, James says. For being 10 years old she did the right thing and knew what to do. Local authorities say they hope that publicizing the incident will encourage other parents to come up with plans of their own for their kids. Kudos to the parents of this child for having a code word and talking to their children about stranger danger, Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb says. James says her daughter was shaken up by the incident and didnt go to school the next day, but is otherwise OK. The white SUV has been seen in the area of the park several times a day local kids say, ABC15 reports. Police are asking the public to be on alert. (An abducted 13-year-old girl in North Carolina remains missing.) While receiving ADB Vice President Stephen Groff in Hanoi on November 8, Deputy Prime Minister cum Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh said the ADB has to date financed 165 programmes and projects worth more than US$ 16 billion in Vietnam. The ADBs capital has been used effectively, focusing on Vietnams prioritized fields such as infrastructure development, adaptation to clime change and renewable energy, he said, expressing his wish that the bank will continue helping the country get access to preferential loans in the coming time. Deputy PM Minh told his guest that Vietnam is making every effort to improve its legal framework in a bid to attract more and utilize effectively soft loans and official development assistance (ODA) capital. The Deputy PM spoke highly of the ADBs approval of its development strategy until 2030, affirming that the Vietnamese Government supported the strategy towards the realization of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Groff commended the Vietnamese Governments recent efforts in maintaining high economic growth and accelerating reforms, including the improvement of the legal framework to enhance the efficiency of foreign loans. The ADB has attached great importance to and highly evaluated the effective, long-term cooperation with Vietnam, he said, promising to assist the country in looking for more preferential loans for its sustainable development. Groff also applauded the Vietnamese Governments endeavours in speeding up negotiations for the signing of the last projects using soft loans from the ADB in 2018. (Newser) The man who authorities say shot to death 12 people at a California bar on Wednesday was posting to social media during the attack, according to NBC. TMZ reports that sources say that Ian Long, a 28-year-old former Marine who also died in the attack, had a gun in one hand and his phone in the other during his rampage at the Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks and posted a message to Instagram and Facebook, writing in part: I hope people call me insane .. wouldnt that just be a big ball of irony. Facebook, which owns Instagram, declined NBCs request for a comment, but did say that it had taken down Longs accounts and will remove any praise or support for the crime or the shooter as soon as were aware. story continues below A law enforcement official tells the AP that investigators still havent determined a motive for the attack, adding that they are looking onto whether Long, who they believe killed himself, thought his ex-girlfriend would be at the bar. TMZ sources say that the attack was motivated by revenge, with one saying that Long had been bullied in high school and many of those former classmates often spent Wednesdays at the bar, where Long was reportedly a regular. (Read more about the Borderline shooting.) Bahrains Rights committee yesterday rejected accusations levelled against the Kingdom by US Congressmen James P. McGovern and Randy Hultgren Co-Chairs of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission in the US House of Representatives, saying the accusations were not based on facts about the forthcoming parliamentary election in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The Council of Representatives Human Rights Committee said it is confident that such statements will never obstruct the democratic process in the Kingdom, rather, it would enforce the will of the people to realize development and progress for a prospective future. Civil and political rights, the committee said, are protected in the Kingdom under the constitution without discrimination between citizens where all are equal before the law. Electoral process in Bahrain is accessible to all citizens, and are a national issue subject to independent judicial supervision and Bahraini civil society observation, said the statement said adding that parliamentary and municipal elections that have been launched by His Majesty the King through the National Action Charter referendum, subject to international standards. The Committee further reiterates that all political societies and other civil society organisations are established by Kingdoms law and any violations thereof are subject to judicial review where all legal guarantees are afforded. The dissolved political societies have violated their own statutes and relevant legislation which had an impact on the national security. They exhausted all judicial procedures and received political and financial support from states and organisations that threaten international peace and security, not limited to, Iran, Qatar and Hezbollah. Further, they have applied the Wilayat al-Faqih doctrine, which has been an obstacle in the establishment of a democratic society based on human rights, pluralism, equality and the rule of law, the statement pointed out. With regard to prison sentences on a number of members of dissolved political societies, the Committee affirmed that the judicial verdicts issued against them reflected the serious crimes committed, irrespective of their political affiliations. Electoral districts are divided based on the criteria of the electoral population subject to the law. The committee also called on all stakeholders to receive information from trusted sources and not to issue prejudgements about the electoral process, which is against the principles of any democratic process in civilized nations. The High Criminal Court sentenced a Bahraini man to three years behind bars and two women, a GCC and a Bahraini national, BD100 and BD200, respectively, for engaging in a fistfight. Court files say the trio were friends. Circumstances leading to the case occurred when the GCC woman told the other woman that the Bahraini man was always speaking ill of her. The woman then contacted the man, who is an event organiser and met him in the presence of the GCC national to settle the issue. However, during reconciliation efforts, a disagreement popped resulting in the women throwing punches at each other. The GCC national told the court that the Bahraini woman continued to assault her even after she attempted to leave. The incident resulted in causing 15pc permanent disability to the GCC womans nose. Author, Media Entrepreneur and MMA pioneer from The United States of America, Kirik Jenness praised the team behind Brave Combat Federation leading to host Asias largest Mixed Martial Arts event in Bahrain. Kirik Jenness has an extensive background and knowledge of the sport. Also featured as a top commentator, he is considered an MMA pioneer, working in the industry since its No Holds Barred days and in a variety of roles, from a fighter (with a record of 2-0) to a manager, trainer, and founder of MixedMartialArts. com and The Underground Forum. He has also written two books about MMA and has been the referee for professional bouts. The growth of Brave Combat Federation is the biggest story of the year in all of mixed martial arts. What Brave is doing - one or more shows per month in different countries all across the planet - has never been done before. I have been involved in the sport on a professional, fulltime basis since very shortly after the birth of its modern inception in 1993, and I would have bet it was impossible; Im glad no one asked me. The logistical and personnel and regulatory issues when entering a new country are beyond immense, they are overwhelming. It shouldnt be possible. It is made possible because of the vision and resources of HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and the leadership of The Hawk - Brave president Mohammed Shahid, said Jenness. As the first visit to Vietnam made by President Miguel Diaz Canel Bermudez, this is an important event in the relations between the two countries, marking the continuation and development of the special friendship, close solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Cuba. Located in the Western hemisphere, Cuba is rich in mineral potential and fertile soil, suitable for the cultivation of industrial crops and cattle breeding, while possessing many natural and cultural conditions to develop tourism. The socio-political situation of Cuba remains stable. In April 2016, the seventh Congress of the Communist Party of Cuba pushed for a step towards thought renovation, adopting the draft conceptualisation of Cubas socio-economic model and continuing to update the economic model, with the state economy playing a key role, taking into account an indispensable role of market factors. Cuba successfully held their ninth-tenure parliamentary elections, electing a new board of leadership in the direction of gradually transferring the generation of senior leaders. The Caribbean island nation has implemented a foreign policy of dynamism, resolutely combating imperialism and actively supporting the revolutionary movements for national liberation and the struggle for peace, national independence, democracy and socialism. Vietnam and Cuba established diplomatic relations on December 2, 1960. The Vietnamese people always keep in mind that during the anti-US resistance war for national salvation, Cuba always took the lead in international movements in support of Vietnam, and was the first nation in the world to recognise the National Liberation Front for South Vietnam. Cuba also provided economic and military assistance to Vietnam during the critical moments of the resistance war. Over the past few years, the relations between Vietnam and Cuba have been constantly strengthened and accelerated in all fields, especially politics-diplomacy, economics-trade, security-defence, agriculture, construction, education, healthcare, biotechnology, transport, culture and sports. The two sides have maintained the exchange of delegations at all levels, prominently the visit to Cuba made by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong in March 2018. The Cuban people welcomed the Vietnamese Party leader with the highest rituals and gave warm and hospitable sentiments to the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation. The two sides affirmed their determination to continue inheriting and strongly promoting the fine traditions, while bringing the special Vietnam-Cuba relations into a new stage of development with greater depth and efficiency. In September 2018, the Vice President of the Council of State and Council of Ministers of Cuba Salvador Valdes Mesa visited Vietnam, attending the activities marking 45 years of Cuban leader Fidel Castros visit to the southern liberation area of Vietnam, and honouring the special relations between Vietnam and Cuba and comrade Fidel Castros contributions, thus contributing to enhancing the tradition of solidarity between the two countries. The two sides have maintained the theoretical workshop mechanism between the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Communist Party of Cuba, while effectively implementing the mechanisms of the intergovernmental cooperation committee, political consultation, and defence policy dialogue, among others. Bilateral economic, trade and investment cooperation has shown positive progress, with the projects to support Cuba in agricultural production development generating positive results and continually expanding. The two countries have also maintained their coordination and mutual support in international organisations and multilateral forums, especially in the United Nations. Vietnam pledges its support of Cubas candidacy for the 2021-2023 Human Rights Council, while Cuba affirmed its support for Vietnams candidacy for a nonpermanent membership of the 2020-2021 UN Security Council. Vietnam maintains consistent support for the abolition of the US economic embargo against Cuba. In the context of the constantly growing Vietnam-Cuba ties, the official friendly visit to Vietnam by Cuban President Miguel Diaz Canel Bermudez offers a chance for leaders of the two countries to discuss orientations and measures to further consolidate, build on and develop the relations between the two sides. The visit also reflects Vietnams consistent policy of unceasingly developing and tightening the friendly relations, faithful solidarity, mutual trust, and all-around cooperation between the Parties, States and people of Vietnam and Cuba. It also affirms the strong support of the Party, State and people of Vietnam to the revolutionary cause of the Party, State and people of Cuba. May the official friendly visit to Vietnam by Cuban President Miguel Diaz Canel Bermudez be a success, working to build on and develop the special relations and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries, contributing to peace, stability and development in the region and the world. Kyoto, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan, is aiming to attract travelers to lesser-known spots to ease "overtourism" that has increased complaints among visitors and local people. Having been rated highly in foreign travel magazine polls, the number of visitors to Kyoto has topped the 50 million mark for five consecutive years since 2013. Foreign tourists flock to famous destinations such as the districts of Arashiyama and Gion, and Kiyomizu temple. But a city survey in 2017 found that 46 percent of domestic travelers had negative experiences during their stay, with congestion cited as the biggest reason. During the sightseeing season, people sometimes find it difficult to get on overcrowded buses and congestion in many parts of the city has started affecting the lives of local residents. Among the popular sights is Fushimi Inari Taisha located in southern Kyoto. The Shinto shrine known for its around 10,000 vermillion torii gateways is almost always crowded with travelers hoping to shoot scenic photos. In the Fushimi district, where the shrine is located, tourists can also find a host of sake breweries in an old area preserving a historic townscape from the end of the Edo period (1603-1868), though it is less known. The site is near Fushimi Momoyama Station, five stops in the direction of Osaka from Fushimi Inari Station, the nearest station to the shrine, on the Keihan main line. The Fushimi district boasts natural springs and more than 20 breweries are concentrated there. Visitors can listen to master sake brewers explain the history and the manufacturing process of sake at events held at dining bar Fushimi Sakagura Koji, which regularly keeps more than 100 kinds of sake brewed in the district. A 51-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assaulting a female high school student in a back alley in Tokyo in July, police said Wednesday. According to police, Kozo Yoshinaga, a company employee, approached the 15-year-old girl from behind as she walked home and forcibly hugged and assaulted her in Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo on July 3, Fuji TV reported. Police said Yoshinaga grabbed her wrists and dragged her into the alley. Police said Yoshinaga has admitted to the charge and quoted him as saying he could not restrain himself. Police have received reports of similar offenses in the same area and are questioning Yoshinaga about his involvement in those crimes. U.S. President Donald Trumpas combative relationship with the media was on full display Wednesday as he shouted and ranted at reporters in a news conference that led to the suspension of a CNN reporter. At the presser Trumpas exchanges with CNNas Jim Acosta and NBC Newsa Peter Alexander turned bitterly personal, and he ordered a reporter from the American Urban Radio Networks to sit down when she tried to ask him a question about voter suppression, claiming she had interrupted another reporter. Trump made several references in his news conference to how he feels mistreated by the press. Overshadowed by that ruckus was his exchange with a Japanese reporter, whose question Trump brusquely dismissed as incomprehensible due to his accent a prompting both criticism and sympathy from those watching the scene unfold. The reporter asked, aMr. President, can you tell us how you focus on the economic aa Interrupting him, Trump asked the reporter where he is from. He had not identified himself before speaking, but the Nippon News Network (NNN), owned by Nippon Television, confirmed to The Japan Times on Thursday that he was a producer based in its Washington bureau. At the reporteras mention of Japan, Trump responded curtly, aSay hello to Shinzo,a referring to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe a arguably his best friend among world leaders. Trump went on to say he was sure Abe is ahappy about tariffs on his cars.a The reporter tried again, asking Trump: aHow do you focus on the trade and economic issues with Japan? Will you ask Japan to do more?a Trump, however, replied, aI really donat understand you.a When the reporter tried again, the president pounced on the only phrase he seemed to understand. aTrade with Japan?a he said, going on to complain about how, despite Abe being a avery good frienda of his, Japan adoes not treat the United States fairly on trade.a On the same day, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc extended his congratulations to his Cambodian counterpart Samdech Techo Hun Sen, while Chairwoman of the National Assembly Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan sent a letter of congratulations to President of the Cambodian Senate Samdech Say Chhum and President of the National Assembly of Cambodia, Samdech Heng Samrin. In the letters and messages of congratulations, the CPV Central Committee and the Vietnamese leaders congratulated Cambodia on the significant socio-economic development achievements that the country has attained during the past 65 years, especially its successful organisation of the sixth general election in 2018 to form the new National Assembly and Government. They expressed their belief that under the wise reign of King Norodom Sihamoni and the bright leadership of the Senate, National Assembly and Royal Government of Cambodia, the Cambodian people would continue to achieve more significant and comprehensive accomplishments in the cause of developing the Kingdom of Cambodia in a peaceful and prosperous manner, with an increasingly high position within the international arena. The Vietnamese Party and State firmly believe that with the motto of good neighbourliness, traditional friendship, and comprehensive, sustainable and long-term cooperation, the inherently fine relations between Vietnam and Cambodia will continue to thrive, for the interests of the two countries people and for peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world. On the occasion, Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh extended his congratulations to Cambodian Deputy PM and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Prak Sokhonn. Oak TV, an internet TV platform, has apologised to Lai Mohammed for publishing a video in which the minister of information said the g... Oak TV, an internet TV platform, has apologised to Lai Mohammed for publishing a video in which the minister of information said the government spends N3.5 million monthly to feed Ibrahim El-Zakzaky. In the trending video, the minister begged not to be quoted before making the claim about the leader of Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN). However, the video was published and has since gone viral on social media. Reactions have trailed the video, with many describing the claim as untrue. In a letter addressed to the minister on Thursday, Oak TV said reporters involved in airing the video have been sanctioned, the letter read. On Wednesday, November 7, Oak TV made some error in its reporting regarding a conversation with the minister of information. This is an error which we regret. All team members involved have been sanctioned, and we would do more to tighten our gatekeeping responsibilities. The internet TV apologised for any embarrassment the video may have caused the minister. Adams Oshiomhole, national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), is on his way back to Nigeria from the UK. Adams Oshiomhole, national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), is on his way back to Nigeria from the UK. The APC chairman travelled out of the country after he was quizzed by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) over allegations of collecting bribe during his partys primary elections. Recall that Oshiomhole was detained for nine hours by the DSS on Sunday before leaving for the US. Iara, wife of the former Edo governor, is said to be indisposed and receiving treatment in the US. TheCable understands that Oshiomhole arrived London from the US on Thursday where he met with Bola Tinubu, chieftain of the APC. He departed London for Lagos by British Airways on Friday morning. He was originally scheduled to return to Nigeria on Sunday but had to cut his trip short because of the speculation on his ordeal with the DSS, and also to shut down reports that he fled the country over the matter. The former president of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is at loggerheads with some APC governors over the manner in which the partys primaries played out. During the talks, the leaders briefed each other on the situation in their respective countries and discussed orientations and measures to deepen the special relationship between the two sides in an effective and pragmatic fashion. They also exchanged viewpoints on regional and international issues of shared concern. Party General Secretary and President Trong said the Cuban Presidents visit will generate momentum for the bilateral relationship. Congratulating the Cuban people on achievements they have recorded recently, the host noted his belief that the Cubans, under the leadership of First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba Raul Castro, will gain even greater attainments in the time ahead. He thanked the Cuban Government and people for their solidarity and valuable support for Vietnam. Vietnam wishes to deepen bilateral ties, meeting the aspirations and interests of the people of both countries, while actively contributing to peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world, he said. For his part, President Miguel Mario Diaz-Canel Bermudez applauded the reform achievements that the Vietnamese people have reaped over the past three decades, saying that Cuba would like to learn from Vietnams development experience. He also took this occasion to thank the Vietnamese State and people for their solidarity and valuable support for their Cuban counterparts, and affirmed Cubas resolve to enhance the bilateral ties in order to effectively contribute to development in each country. The two leaders applauded the growth of their countries comprehensive cooperation, including increasingly trustworthy political ties through regular delegation exchanges and experience sharing. Cooperation mechanisms between the Vietnamese and Cuban Governments, ministries, and sectors have been maintained and become more and more effective. Relations between the two parties, parliaments, and peoples have also been enhanced, they noted. The two sides pledged to keep close and all-round cooperation during their journeys of national construction and development. They will make efforts to intensify their exemplary fraternity, traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation, and faithful solidarity. At the talks, the leaders also discussed several measures to foster economic, trade, and investment partnerships in a result-oriented manner; strength ties in defence, security, external relations, agriculture, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, healthcare, education, and science-technology, and boost people-to-people exchange. They applauded and emphasised the importance of the two Governments signing of a new trade agreement and a protocol on capital disbursement and financial management of the Vietnam-Cuba project on cooperation in rice production development for 2019-2023. Party General Secretary and President Trong shared the Cuban Presidents view that the current two-way trade at US$240 million annually does not reflect the two countries trade potential, demand, and supply capacity. They agreed to give relevant directions to actively promote the implementation of the bilateral trade cooperation agreement, seek ways to facilitate businesses access to each others markets, and strive to raise bilateral trade to USS$500 million by 2022. The leaders also expressed their delight at their countries growing coordination and mutual support at international organisations and multilateral forums, especially the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement, and the Forum for East Asia-Latin America Cooperation. Regarding international and regional issues of shared concern, both sides shared the view that sovereignty and territorial disputes need to be resolved by peaceful means with respect for international law. The Cuban President invited General Secretary and President Trong to pay an official visit to his country in the near future. Party General Secretary and President Trong bestows the Ho Chi Minh Order upon President Miguel Mario Diaz-Canel Bermudez in recognition of the Cuban leader's contributions to bilateral friendship and cooperation. (Photo: VNA) Before the talks, on behalf of the Vietnamese State, Party General Secretary and President Trong bestowed the Ho Chi Minh Order upon the Cuban leader in recognition of the latters contributions to bilateral friendship and cooperation. The same day, Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anh and Minister of Finance Dinh Tien Dung, representing the Vietnamese Government, and Vice President of the Cuban Council of Ministers Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz, on behalf of the Cuban Government, signed a new trade agreement and a protocol on capital disbursement and financial management of the cooperation in rice production development for 2019-2023. Speaking at the event, the Deputy PM said Vietnam is now the second largest trade partner of Cuba in Asia. More and more Vietnamese firms are keen on promoting trade and investment projects in the Latin American country. In the first nine months of this year, the Cuban government granted licenses to six Vietnamese firms. The Vietnamese businesses want the two governments to create favourable conditions for Cubas projects in priority fields of agriculture, consumer goods, construction materials, hospitality services, clean energy, telecommunications, health care, biology and pharmaceuticals, he said. Deputy PM Dung added that the two governments signing of the new Vietnam Cuba trade agreement during the Presidents visit will lay a foundation for both sides to lift two-way trade to US$500 million by 2022 from over US$200 million at present. As requested by Cuba, Vietnam will maintain stable export of rice to the country in the near future, as well as launch a new stage of a rice production project in Cuba. Vietnamese businesses want to import more goods of Cubas strength, especially bio-tech and health care products, as well as pharmaceuticals, he said. Bermudes, for his part, said Cuba has launched reform policies and promoted foreign investment attraction, adding that it has issued a new Law on Investment to lure more foreign investors. According to him, the Cuban people trust many Vietnamese goods while Vietnamese firms are operating effectively in the country. During the visit by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong in March 2018, both sides signed a number of important agreements on construction, infrastructure, electronic spare parts and food processing. Many projects on renewable energy, construction and food processing are underway. Cuba wants Vietnamese firms to extend operations in civil aviation, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, scientific research, academic and cultural exchange, he said. The guest proposed both sides to work more closely together to improve the efficiency of the Inter-Governmental Committee cooperation mechanism. He wished that during the committees 36th meeting in Havana in late 2018, negotiations on many major projects would be concluded. He pledged to clear barriers facing Vietnamese firms to contribute to Cubas development. Share Article Retired Lt. Col. Dick Cole discussed the 1st Commando Group in an interview with Air Force Magazine. Staff video still by Mike Tsukamoto. Retired Lt. Col. Dick Cole, now 103, best known as the last surviving member of the famous Doolittle Raiders, later flew the humpthe Himalaya Mountainssupplying US troops in China during World War II. In a rare interview about the 1st Air Commando Group, Cole told Air Force Magazine about the first-ever aerial invasion, flying troops and supplies into Burma from March 1944 to November 1945, and the unique precursor to todays Air Force special operators. The Air Commandos included fighters, bombers, light planes, transports, and gliders, creating an Aluminum Highway and bypassing Japanese troops. Watch the video in full-screen here. President of the association Vu Mao congratulated the Cambodian people on their attainments across the board and expressed his belief that the new Cambodian Government will guide Cambodia to new achievements. He said Vietnam and Cambodia have enjoyed the time-honoured solidarity, friendship and cooperation fostered by their people and generations of leaders and their relations have been growing across fields. The two countries successfully organised the Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Year 2017 with many significant activities held across localities, he said. The Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Association has over the past 40 years played as a bridge connecting people of the two countries and worked closely with relevant agencies to launch practical and meaningful activities to enhance mutual understanding, friendship, and all-faceted cooperation between the two countries. Cambodian Ambassador to Vietnam Prak Nguon Hong said under the visionary reign of King Norodom Sihamoni and the dynamic leadership of the Cambodian Royal Government led by Prime Minister Hun Sen, Cambodia posted a stable GDP growth rate of around 7% a year in the past decade and Cambodians earned an average annual income of US$1,435 each as by 2017. The diplomat said he is happy with the growing friendship and cooperation between the countries, emphasising that the noble sacrifice of the two nations made their traditional friendship and solidarity an invaluable heritage that is constantly consolidated for the robust development and prosperity of each country. On behalf of the Cambodian Royal Government, Ambassador Prak Nguon Hong offered profound thanks to the Party, Government, army and people of Vietnam for their wholehearted assistance and sacrifice to free Cambodians from the Pol Pot genocidal regime in 1979 and bring independence, happiness, and prosperity to Cambodia today. Open from 9am to 9pm everyday, Sai Gon Travel Service Company (Saigontourist)s booth are providing visitors with gifts and coupons worth up to VND 4 million on tour prices, VND500,000 on air tickets, and 15% off on car rental services. Meanwhile, Vietravel tourist company brings to the event a 30% discount on more than 5,000 package tours. Promotions are available both on domestic trips to explore Vietnams most checked-in attractions of Sapa, Ha Giang, Da Nang, Phu Quoc and Quy Nhon, and on tours to overseas destinations such as Thailand, Dubai, the Republic of Korea, Japan and Australia. Visitors with travel-time falling on the New Year and the lunar New Year celebrations will get an additional discount of VND1 million per person. Travel agents revealed that 30% of their customers have asked for information about New Year tours since mid-October. According to a Prime Minister-approved proposal, State employees will be granted four days off during the New Year holiday, from December 29, 2018, to January 1, 2019. Meanwhile, the Lunar New Year (Tet) break will fall on February 4-8, which means it will span nine days including the two weekends. The new route is hoped to help boost tourism, trade and integration between the two countries. The opening ceremony took place at Kansai Airport in the special traditional Kagami Biraki of Japan. All passengers onboard both inaugural flights received charming gifts such as brocade bags, special pens and caps from Vietjet Air representatives. Using Vietjets modern new A321neo aircraft, the Hanoi-Osaka route operates a daily return flight with a time of just over four hours per leg. The flight departs from Hanoi at 1:40 am and arrives in Osaka at 7:50 am (local time). In the other direction, the flight takes off in Osaka at 9:20 am (local time) and lands in Hanoi at around 1:05 pm. The first Vietjet Air direct flights to Japan welcomed at Kansai Airport. This is the first international route in the code-share programme between Vietjet Air and Japan Airlines. The code-share service is also applied to domestic flights connecting Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, and Hanoi and Da Nang. Vietjets new service to Osaka brings the airlines total number of international routes up to 64, with a network that spans 11 countries and territories. The carrier will soon launch two other routes to Japan from Vietnam, including HCM City-Osaka (Kansai) from December 14, 2018 and Hanoi-Tokyo (Narita) from January 11, 2019. To celebrate the new Hanoi-Osaka route, Vietjet is offering 10,000 promotional tickets on flights to Japan, priced from zero dong, from November 7-9. They are applicable for Hanoi-Osaka flights from November 8, Ho Chi Minh City-Osaka flights from December 14 and Hanoi-Tokyo flights from January 11, 2019, to March 30, 2019. The promotional tickets are available on www.vietjetair.com and www.facebook.com/vietjetvietnam. Ha Tien town was established in July 1998. The new Ha Tien city will have a total area of 100.49km. It borders Giang Thanh district to the east, the Gulf of Thailand to the west, Kien Luong district to the south and Cambodia to the north. It is located in the coastal economic belt of Vietnam-Cambodia-Thailand, occupying an important position in the key national tourism development area of Rach Gia - Ha Tien - Phu Quoc. It has huge potential for development in tourism and border trade. Ha Tien is a unique locality in the Mekong delta, host to assorted types of terrain, ranging from plains and forests to seas and islands. Not only possessing a number of beautiful tourist attractions such as Tam Bao pagoda, Phao Dai and Binh San mountains, Thach Dong and Da Dung tourist sites, and Dong Ho lagoon, Ha Tien also attracts visitors to explore the historical and cultural vestiges which mark significant historical milestones in the ancestors journey to expand the territory. Ha Tien welcomes travellers at any time of the year. During the first lunar month, tourists can take part in an annual celebration to mark the anniversary of the Chieu Anh Cac Literary Coterie, which was considered as one of the countrys major literary forums in the first half of the 18th century. During the Thanh Minh (tomb sweeping) celebration in the third lunar month, visitors can learn more about the practice of visiting ancestors graves and the virtuous tradition of paying gratitude to ancestors. The end of the fifth and early sixth lunar months is the time for locals to worship Mac Cuu, the founder of the land of Ha Tien, and his family members. In the ninth lunar month, Ha Tien is bustling with the Sene Dolta Festival, a major event of the Khmer community to remember their ancestors, with both traditional rituals and social activities. The following month is dedicated to celebrating the Kathina (robe offering), one of the official tradition rituals of Theravada Buddhism, during which Buddhist followers donate new robes to the monks with the hope that both devotees and recipients will gain merits. Boasting an enchanting range of flora and fauna, Dong Ho lagoon is a perfect place for nature lovers to explore the ecological diversity. (Photo: vpubnd.kiengiang.gov.vn) One of the most visited tourist sites in Ha Tien is Dong Ho lagoon, a wetland covering more than 1,300 ha in the west of the city. Boasting an enchanting range of flora and fauna, the area is a perfect place for nature lovers to explore the ecological diversity. If one is tired of wandering in the forests, exploring caves and lagoons, or visiting pagodas, one can enjoy the fresh air and take a tour to Hai Tac (Pirates) archipelago, a famed place in the southwest sea of the country. The archipelago consists of 24 large and small islands, located 20km from Ha Tien Town and 40km from Phu Quoc Island. Together with Ba Lua archipelago, Hai Tac is dubbed as the Ha Long of the southern region, thanks to its pristine natural beauty and fresh and cool atmosphere. In December 2017, the Kien Giang provincial Peoples Committee recognised the archipelago as a local tourism site. Thanks to its diverse tourism potential and efforts made by the local authorities and people, Ha Tien has witnessed remarkable growth in tourism over recent years, accordingly to Nguyen Thanh Nhan, Secretary of the city Party Committee and Chairman of the city Peoples Committee. Accordingly, Ha Tien welcomes more than 2 million visitors every year. There are over 160 tourism facilities operating in the city, which can accommodate nearly 2,500 holiday makers. Under its master plan on developing tourism, the city has set a target of receiving 3 million visitors with total tourism revenues of VND2.7 trillion by 2020. The figures are expected to reach 4.4 million and VND9.4 trillion by 2025 and 6.4 million and VND34.5 trillion by 2030, respectively. The recent National Assembly Standing Committees resolution on the establishment of Ha Tien city will undoubtedly give a boost to the citys hospitality sector, contributing to realising the set targets. Chinese President Xi Jinping (2nd R) and his wife Peng Liyuan (1st R) pose for a group photo with Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel (2nd L) and his wife in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 8, 2018. Xi held talks with Miguel Diaz-Canel in Beijing on Thursday. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen) BEIJING, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with visiting Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel here on Thursday, calling on the two countries to cherish their traditional friendship and write a new chapter in China-Cuba friendly cooperation. Xi extended welcome for Diaz-Canel's first state visit to China and asked Diaz-Canel to convey his cordial greetings to Raul Castro, first secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba. Hailing Cuba as a great country, Xi said it has won the respect of the world by insisting on its own development path despite difficulties and obstacles over the past half a century. As socialist countries, China and Cuba are good friends, comrades and brothers, said Xi, adding this is a proven fact and the relationship has withstood the test of time and international situation changes. "Chinese people will never forget that Cuba, led by Comrade Fidel Castro, was the first nation in the western hemisphere to forge diplomatic ties with China 58 years ago," Xi said, expressing gratitude to the Communist Party of Cuba and Cuban people for their firm support toward China in safeguarding sovereignty and developing the country. Xi recalled his two visits to Cuba and in-depth conversations with Fidel Castro, calling on the two countries "to double cherish the friendship forged and cultivated by the older generations of leaders, inherit and develop it and jointly write a new chapter of bilateral friendly cooperation." Speaking highly of the unswerving determination of the Cuban party, government and people to develop bilateral ties, Xi said both sides need to have an overall plan from a long-term perspective so as to promote the in-depth development of China-Cuba ties. He called on both countries to further consolidate mutual trust and support, conduct win-win cooperation and enhance exchanges on governance. The two countries should continue to support each other on issues concerning core interests and major concerns, said Xi, adding that China firmly backs Cuba on safeguarding its national sovereignty and choosing a socialist path that suits its national situation. China believes that with the strong leadership of Raul Castro, Diaz-Canel and other leaders, Cuba will surely score new achievements, said Xi. He said China appreciates Cuba's contribution to the relations between China, Latin American and Carribean countries and would like to maintain coordination with Cuba on major international and regional issues. China welcomes Cuba's participation in the Belt and Road construction, said Xi, calling on both sides to enhance cooperation in areas of trade, energy, agriculture, tourism and biopharmaceutical manufacturing. Noting that Diaz-Canel visited the first China International Import Expo held in Shanghai prior to his arrival in Beijing, Xi encourages Cuba to make the best use of the expo to expand exports to China. "China's cooperation with Cuba follows the principle of upholding justice and pursuing shared interests," said Xi, adding that China will "support Cuba in all aspects that we can support." He also called for people-to-people and cultural exchanges so as to boost mutual understanding and friendship between Chinese and Cubans, especially for the young people. Diaz-Canel, who arrived in Shanghai Tuesday to start his three-day state visit, said that Cuba appreciates China's lasting support and the new generation of Cuban leaders will staunchly continue the traditional friendship with China. He said Cuba admires the achievements China has scored and highly agrees with the development ideas put forward at the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. Cuba is willing to learn from China to update its domestic economic and social model and promote the cause of socialist construction, said Diaz-Canel, calling on the two countries to maintain high-level exchanges and political dialogue, strengthen exchanges in trade, education and culture and enhance communication and coordination in international affairs. Prior to the talks, Xi held a welcoming ceremony for Diaz-Canel at the Great Hall of the People. After the talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of a series of documents. Earlier on Thursday, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang met with Diaz-Canel. Noting that China always upholds an open attitude and win-win principles to promote cooperation with Cuba, Li said China stands ready to strengthen bilateral cooperation in major areas including new energy, information communication and biological pharmacy. The Chinese government supports its enterprises to invest and develop in Cuba and is willing to import more products with Cuba's unique advantages, Li said, also expressing the willingness to promote knowledge cooperation and development experience communication with Cuba. Li Zhanshu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, also met with Diaz-Canel on the same day, calling for more cooperation between the two countries' legislatures. WASHINGTON, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- The United States has imposed new sanctions against individuals and entities supporting Russia's role in Ukraine issue, according to a statement issued by the Department of the Treasury on Thursday. The Treasury Department said in the statement that the designations of sanctions are three individuals and nine entities, which engaged in "serious human rights abuses" or advanced "Russian interest in the Crimea region." All of these individuals' and entities' property and interests in property of the designated persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction are blocked, and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with them, the statement said. The U.S. State Department also said on Tuesday that it might impose another round of sanctions on Russia over the latter's involvement in the nerve agent attack on a former Russian spy in Britain in March. "We consider these restrictions imposed by the United States on Russia to be illegal, and we will also treat accordingly similar steps if they follow," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Wednesday. Amid the ongoing U.S. sanctions on Russia and Washington's recent stance on the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, the relations between Washington and Moscow have been strained. 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. President Xi Jinping accompanies Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel at a welcoming ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Thursday. KUANG LINHUA / CHINA DAILY China and Cuba agreed on Thursday to deepen their friendship and jointly write a new chapter in their bilateral cooperation. President Xi Jinping and Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel witnessed the signing of a series of cooperative documents after their talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Speaking to Diaz-Canel, who was in Beijing on his first state visit to China after taking office in April, Xi said China and Cuba, both socialist countries, are good friends, good comrades and good brothers, adding that bilateral ties have withstood the test of time and changes in the international situation. Xi recalled Cuba taking the lead 58 years ago in establishing diplomatic relations with China under the leadership of Comrade Fidel Castro, and he recollected the good memories of his meetings with Castro during his two separate visits to Cuba. Xi stressed China highly appreciates the party, government and people of Cuba developing relations with China with firm determination. The two countries should further consolidate mutual political trust and support, enhance mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation, and strengthen exchanges and mutual learning of state governance, he added. He called on the two sides to continue to support each other on issues related to respective core interests and major concerns, adding that China will resolutely support Cuba safeguarding its national sovereignty and pursuing the socialist path that suits its national conditions. Xi lauded Cuba's positive and crucial role in promoting relations between China and Latin America and the Caribbean, saying China is ready to maintain close coordination with Cuba in major international and regional issues. China welcomes Cuba participating in construction of the Belt and Road, Xi said, adding the two sides should move forward key cooperation projects in such fields as trade and economics, energy, agriculture, tourism and biopharmaceuticals. He called for cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, especially among youth. Prior to the talks, Xi held a welcoming ceremony for the Cuban leader, who also attended the opening of the China International Import Expo in Shanghai on Monday. Diaz-Canel told Xi the new generation of Cuban leaders will unswervingly keep consolidating the traditional friendship with China that features comradeship and brotherhood. The two nations should further maintain high-level exchanges and political dialogue, strengthen trade, educational and cultural interactions, and intensify communication and coordination in international affairs, he said. The annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show took place in New York last night, which means you could theoretically waste time at work this afternoon watching footage of two Hadids and a Jenner strut down the runway. Alternatively, you might consider re-visiting the 2014 event, during which Ariana Grande got hit in the face by model Elsa Holsk. The 2014 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show was one for the books. Ariana wasn't even the headliner! A pre-1989 Taylor Swift was also there, performing alongside then-best friend Karlie Kloss. As was Ed Sheeran, at the height of his chart-topping powers. In slightly depressing contrast, this year's performers were Halsey and The Chainsmokers. Amongst it all Adriana Lima in the Fantasy Bra, Taylor in a sultry silk teddy, Ed Sheeran unable to believe his luck was Grande, who created the first of many, many career-defining memes by accidentally getting in the way of a model at least six times her size and paying the very awkward price. Although while the photos attest that Grande was momentarily terrified by Holsk's towering physique, she actually recovered quickly and professionally from being quite literally knocked off key. Related | Troye Sivan Interviews Ariana Grande About 'Sweetener' Recall that this was months before the infamous donut-licking incident, and years before she would enter her current phase as a social media titan whose summer fling with a SNL comedian would dominate the news cycle for actual months. Back in 2014 Grande was just transitioning out of Disney tweendom and into her My Everything era, and the Victoria's Secret show gave her a rare opportunity to take control of an internet moment and show fans the sense of humor that has since become her trademark. Tweeting in the wake of being hit by Holsk's pink fluffy wings, she declined embarrassment and even took the opportunity to segue the incident into a light promo for her new song with Jessie J and Nicki Minaj. Hilary Duff and boyfriend Matthew Koma recently welcomed their first child (Duff's second) together, Banks Violet Blair. This week, the Younger star revealed on Dr. Berlin's Informed Pregnancy that she is all about the placenta-eating craze, which has been endorsed by multiple Kardashians, Chrissy Teigan, January Jones, Katherine Heigel and other celebs. See on Instagram She told the host that she drank it in a smoothie, calling it the "most delightful smoothie I've ever had I haven't had a smoothie that delightful since I was like 10 years old" describing it as "calorie-filled with juice and fruit and everything delicious." Not only did she take the smoothie route, but according to E!, she has made the leftover placenta into ice cubes to use for "treats." She went the ice cube route, because she "heard something weird about the pills" and that "placenta burps are not ideal." Duff explained in the podcast episode that the theories that consuming your own placenta can fight off postpartum depression and bleeding were what convinced her to try it... despite the fact that these theories have been widely discredited by physicians. Jen Gunter, the superhero obstetrician-gynecologist, who did God's work debunking a slew of Goop's cash-cow medical conspiracies including cancerous bras, depression-curing flower mist, and chakra-aligning vagina eggs, had this to say in her New York Times column on the subject: "Placentas are often colonized with bacteria. Many are infected. As a general rule it's best not to eat something that is potentially teeming with bacteria, many of which may be pathogenic (meaning they can cause disease)." As a person who's familiar with the relationship between bacteria and illness, Gunter's argument is pretty compelling. So, while we know it's important not to shame moms for their choices, considering that no matter what they do, they'll inspire Internet wrath, please be careful Hilary, and all moms whose post-pregnancy anxieties health brands and corporations are trying to exploit. Photo via Getty The Ministry of Trade and Industry will introduce tax stamps for locally manufactured and imported textiles from November 15 to help curb widespread piracy of Ghanaian textile logos and designs. Minister of Trade and Industry, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, disclosed this in Parliament on Wednesday in response to a question posed by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP) for Tamale Central, Inusah Fuseini, as to steps the ministry was taking to control piracy. Mr Kyerematen indicated that the Tema Port had been chosen as the single dedicated entry corridor for all imported textile products. We will be implementing a textile import management system to coordinate all import of textiles, including the vetting of designs and logos, he said. The minister told Parliament that the ministry would provide support and incentives to local manufacturers to improve their competitiveness and continue the market surveillance exercise by the Textile Taskforce to monitor compliance with the new measures. According to the Trade Minister, the textile sector in Ghana had been confronted with very significant challenges over the last three decades, including piracy of indigenous designs and logo of wax prints in addition to non-payment of duties and taxes on imported textile prints. He said in 2016, government realized GH1.7 million from duties on imported textile as against a projected revenue of GH56 million. Mr Speaker, the unfair trade practices in the textile sector has literally collapsed local manufacturing companies leading to a significant reduction in the number of employees in the sector from a record high of 30,000 in the early 1990s to the current level of less than 5,000, he said. He added that owing to the development, the Ministry on June 1, 2018 initiated a nationwide stakeholder consultation exercise in Accra to develop a comprehensive and integrated reform programme to provide a lasting solution to the problem. Source: Daily Guide Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Minister for Railways Development, Hon. Joe Ghartey, MP, on behalf of the people and Government of Ghana, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Africa Investment (Ai) SkyTrain Consortium, based in South Africa, for the construction of the Accra Sky Train Project. With Accra experiencing ever-increasing road traffic congestion, with its detrimental effects on economic activity, pollution and the quality of life, the SkyTrainO project, Hon. Joe. Ghartey emphasized, is the solution to these problems. There is confidence in the project. The promoters (Ai SkyTrain Consortium) are very serious, and that is why we invited the President, himself, to witness the signing. This should assure the investors that Government is solidly behind it. The economics of this project are also good. We are very excited about the prospects, he said. The MoU was signed on Tuesday, 8th November, 2018, on the sidelines of the ongoing Africa Investment Forum, being held in Johannesburg, South Africa. Today, we have signed an MoU which will last nine (9) months, where they (Ai SkyTrain Consortium) can do their feasibility into detail. After which, we have given ourselves 45 days to take our concessionary agreements for approval by Cabinet and also by Parliament. By January 2020, we should start the construction of the project, the Railways Minister said. He continued, We are exceptionally excited also by the fact that a lot of the construction works will be done in Ghana. It will create a lot of jobs in Ghana, because the fabrication and construction will all be done in Ghana. South Africas Deputy Minister for Transport, Sindisiwe Lydia Chikunga, who was present at the signing ceremony stated that we are very excited, and we hope that, in due time, we will witness the construction in 2020. We wish you all the best in the feasibility period. On his part, President Akufo-Addo stated that after the deterioration of Ghanas rail infrastructure over the years, it has become a priority of our government to rehabilitate, revive and expand, and get us a railway infrastructure that is fit for purpose. The exciting bit about the project, he explained, is that it is a good example of intra-Africa co-operation. It is Ghana-South Africa co-operation, meeting and coming together to deal with the problem of urbanization, which is facing all our countries. The President added that Accra, with a population of some 250,000 at independence, now has 6 million people, and the Accra SkyTrain Project, he added, is a very, very efficient solution to it. I am happy that is the result of co-operation between our two countries. President Akufo-Addo assured the Consortium of the commitment of Government to manage the country well, give the country good governance, and provide a strong macro-economy, so that those who bring their money into Ghana are protected in terms of the rules of the game, and are also protected by the level of the economic environment. The African Investment SkyTrain Consortium is made up Wilson Bayly Holmes (WBHO), a construction engineering company in South Africa; BUNENGI Group, a project development company focused on developing projects in infrastructure; and Ai Capital, the investment and financing arm of Africa investor (Ai) Group, one of the most in influential international investment banking advisory groups focused on Africa. Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Ooo The Ministry of Roads and Highways has announced that work on the six (6) uncompleted pedestrian bridges in Adenta will commence within a week. Temporarily, the Ministry in collaboration with the Interior Ministry has requested the Ghana Police Service to deploy officers of the Motor Traffic Unit to prevent further deaths. A statement from the Inter Ministerial Committee on road safety issued on thursday night, said government regretted the deaths of residents who had been killed by speeding vehicles. The statement further said work had already been ongoing in recent weeks to address the situation and that procurement processes were now near completion. Contractors working on the project abandoned the project abandoned it as a result of failure by the Mills-Mahama administration to honour payments due them. As part of efforts to renew work on the project, the Akufo-Addo administration settled 50% of their debt and has been working to get work resumed in November 2018. Though official Police records say twenty-four (24) deaths and sixty four (64) injuries have been recorded on the stretch this year, media reports suggest almost two hundred (200) pedestrians have been killed. Contractors handed over the project without completing the bridges. The Ministry says it is making frantic efforts to correct the situation and appealed to residents to assist in containing the situation. The project commenced in July 2008 and was handed over in June 2018. Drivers have also been cautioned to observe speed limits while pedestrians have also been encouraged to use the signalized intersections as much as possible. 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 Organisers of the Ghana International Trade and Finance Conference (GITFIC) have agreed on a new partnership that will see Ethiopia hosting the next edition of the forum. The first ever Ethio-Ghana International Conference on Trade and Finance will be held at the plush Sheraton Hotel in Addis Ababa from 11th to 12th April 2019. Conference organisers, Rescue Shipping and Investment Agency, last week signed a memorandum of understanding with the Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectorial Associations to allow for the organising of the conference. Selasi Kofi Ackom, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Rescue Shipping and Investment Agency Limited signed on behalf of the Ghanaian firm, whilst Mr. Getachew Regassa, who is Secretary General of the Addis Ababa Chamber which comprises more than 17,000 companies and business, signed on behalf of the Ethiopians. Following the second successful organising of the GITFIC at the Best Western Premier Hotel in Accra in April 2018, Mr. Ackom announced we are going to go globetrotting with GITFIC for a while and return to Ghana for the 10th edition. The decision to host the next conference in Ethiopia is in fulfillment of that pledge. In 2017, the Ministry of Trade and Industry set up a desk to receive proposals for the One District One Factory initiative at the first edition of GITFIC. The Mexican Ambassador to Ghana used the same platform to announced her country has decided to use Ghana as the gateway for its $9-$15 billion investment in West Africa. This upcoming conference as always will create the platform for business VVIPs, VIP's, CEO's, MD's, Owners, etc. to meet and discuss business and investments opportunities between the two countries, Mr. Ackom announced after the signing of the MOU. He says the objective behind the decision to take the conference to Ethiopia is to help boost trade between the two countries by creating a common platform and laying the fundamentals to facilitate same. What has necessitated next year's conference in Ethiopia is the almost 0% trading relationship between the two countries. History recalls that the front runners for the total liberation of the African continent were Ghana's Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah of the CPP and Ethiopia's Hailie Selassie and a few more African countries. It is therefore absurd that trade between these two countries is at a record time 0%, Mr. Ackom said. All businesses in Ghana are encouraged to sign up for next year's conference in Addis. The Addis market is three times that of Ghana. The youth makes up 70% of the total populations in Ethiopia. This simply means that companies and businesses can triple their revenue and profit margin if they extend their investments into the Ethiopian Market, Mr. Ackom added. GITFIC and the Addis Chamber announced they are committed to bringing business persons, government officials, policy framers and regulators of both countries to work on laying a bridge for increased trading between both countries. The Ghanaian Embassy in Addis Ababa and the Ethiopian Embassy in Ghana will play supporting and facilitating roles in the conference. A sensitization workshop will be held in Addis come December to sensitize the over 17,000 members of the Addis Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations on the upcoming International Conference. This workshop will clearly spell out the IMPORTANCE of this upcoming conference and all the benefits it will bring to Ethiopian Businesses. Same will be replicated here in Ghana in January 2019. Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Senior Chinese and U.S. officials met here on Wednesday, and they agreed to strengthen communication and cooperation on bilateral ties and other issues. Yang Jiechi, director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, and U.S. national security advisor John Bolton [Photo: China Plus] Yang Jiechi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and also director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, met with U.S. national security advisor John Bolton at the White House. During their talks, Yang and Bolton expressed willingness to enhance communication and cooperation in bilateral relations and on important international and regional issues. The two also agreed that the upcoming second China-U.S. Diplomatic and Security Dialogue will help make preparatory work for the planned meeting of the heads of state of the two countries during the G20 summit in Argentina. The dialogue will take place in Washington on Friday, an event Yang will co-chair with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defense James Mattis. Yang said that Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump have kept close contact through meetings, phone calls and letters, providing strategic guidance for the bilateral ties. In their latest phone call on Nov. 1, Xi and Trump spoke of bilateral ties and issues of mutual concern, agreeing to meet bilaterally during the G20 summit. Yang urged the two sides to strengthen communication and coordination, promote dialogue and cooperation, manage differences properly, and carefully prepare for the meeting of the two heads of state under the guidance of important consensus achieved by Xi and Trump so as to make the meeting a success. Echoing Yang's remarks, Bolton said that President Trump was looking forward to holding talks with President Xi during the G20 summit, and that the United States was willing to keep close contact with China and promote fruitful results from the meeting of the two heads of state through careful preparations. Referring to Friday's dialogue, Bolton added that it will help increase strategic mutual trust of the two sides. Yang also noted that China firmly adheres to maintaining and promoting world peace and development, and expects other countries to make their efforts. Strategic mutual trust is a fundamental issue related to the long-term China-U.S. development, said Yang, adding that economic prosperity in the two countries will bring opportunities for each other. China is willing to work hand in hand with the United States to achieve the goals of non-confrontation, mutual respect and win-win cooperation, Yang said. Meanwhile, the senior Chinese official said that the Taiwan issue is the most important and sensitive core issue in the bilateral ties, urging Washington to adhere to the one-China policy and the principles of the three joint communiques, and properly deal with related issues. Yang said that mutual benefit and win-win cooperation is the nature of the economic and trade ties between Beijing and Washington, and that the two sides should work together to seek solutions to their bilateral trade issues through negotiations in the spirit of equality and mutual benefit. He also called on the two sides to enhance cooperation in military, counter-terrorism, law enforcement, fight against illegal drug, people-to-people exchanges among other bilateral and important international and regional issues. The Minister for Interior, Ambrose Dery, has told parliament that government is investigating the alleged sexual exploitation of women by some policemen who were on UN Peacekeeping duties in South Sudan. He revealed that a three-member team of investigators was dispatched to South Sudan on March 11, 2018 to investigate the matter. The minister made this known in parliament yesterday when the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP) for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa asked him whether the Ministry was aware of the alleged conduct of the Ghanaian peace-keepers in South Sudan. According to him, Mr Speaker in line with the UN Zero adherence policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, the detachment of 46 personnel was repatriated on administrative grounds to Ghana on 30th May, 2018. He observed that in line with the commitment of the Ghana Police Service to fighting sexual exploitation, abuse and related cases, the three-member team from Ghana was dispatched to South Sudan to investigate the allegations. He said that after the withdrawal of the 46 contingent from South Sudan following the allegations, the office of the Internal Oversight Services, an independent body in the UN, was also commissioned to investigate the allegations. Mr. Dery added that steps are being taken by the Ministry and the Attorney-Generals Office to amend the Ghana Police Service Regulations 2012 (C176) to include sexual exploitation and abuse, which are not explicitly captured under the current regulations. Source: Daily Guide Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) DCOP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah has said her past difficulties in life only serves to prepare her for the office she now occupies. In an interview with Bola Ray on Starrchat, the DCOP said she hawked at Konongo station after her O and A level at Bompata Secondary school in order to support her mother and 7 other siblings as she was the second of eight children. She sold just anything that can be sold to survive. She said she continued to hawk even when he had admission to Kumasi Poly. I know how to cook Banku and sell cassava dough When I come on vacation I used to sell oranges, I used to sell bread and many other things I used to sell at Konongo Station to support my mother. I am the second of 8 children and had to support. And also back home in the village, Banka I used to sell. she said. Those days that I was selling, one of the newspapers I was wrapping bread for someone I saw the police advert that they were recruiting as I was wrapping bread. So I kept that paper and I applied she revealed. At that time my father had traveled to Nigeria in early 80s. Unlike this time when you can send money by mobile money, those traders coming to Ghana from Nigeria my father will give them money to bring to us but it will never come. So I had to support my mother. About life at Bompata Secondary school, she said: When I went to Bompata Secondary School, there was no electricity, as part of our prospectus we had to bring lantern so for five years of my studies there, we all used lantern. DCOP Addo-Danquah in the interview also disputed the widely speculated falsehood that she is related to President Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo, revealing that the Addo-Danquah is her husbands name and her husband who is a lecturer at UCC French Department is not related to the President in anyway. Narrating her police enlistment ordeal, she told Bola Ray: The enlistment day I took a car from Konongo and came to Accra. The person who gave me directions said Police depot is near Achimota. So I stopped at Achimota, and I think it was somewhere around St Johns. So I walked all the way from St Johns to Tesano That was my second time of coming to Accra. So I came with my Olevel. When I got there the queue had formed. When I joined the queue and it got to my turn and they took my measurement, they sacked me. They said my measurement was not up to 54, so I should go. she narrated. When they said I should leave I didnt go. I stayed there.. Yes I was disappointed The Chairman of the Committee doing the enlistment who became the first female Commissioner of the Ghana Police Service, Mrs Jane-Christine Donkor called me and I will never forget her. She gave me the opportunity. She had observed that I was still standing [around] after they told me to go. She asked me why are you here? I remember we said you are not up to the height so go! And I said [please] Madam, I really want to be a police woman. Then she asked for my results slip. She looked at it and then she told the team members they should allow me to go and write the exams. Thats how come I became a Police woman. the CID Boss recalled. Source: starr fm Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video A three-member team of investigators was last March dispatched to South Sudan to investigate a matter in which personnel of the Ghana Police have been alleged to engage in sexual misconduct while on mission in South Sudan. Mr Ambrose Dery, the Minister for the Interior, told Parliament in Accra that the outcome of the matter, currently under investigation, would in due time be made available. His answer was in response to questions by Mr Kwame Governs Agbodza, MP for Adaklu; and Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, MP for North Tongu, on the alleged misconduct by the personnel of the Service. Mr Agbodza wanted to know from the Minister the circumstances leading to the recall of the Ghana Police Unit on United Nations Missions in South Sudan on sexual misconduct allegation. Mr Ablakwa asked the Minister whether a statement from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, dated February 24, 2018 alleging that police from Ghana and part of a Formed Police Unit had engaged in sexual exploitation and that had come to the Ministrys attention and if so, what responsive measures were being taken by the Ministry. Responding, Mr Dery, who is also the MP for Nandom, said on 23rd February, 2018, the Ghana Police Service received a report of sexual exploitation and abuse against some personnel of the Ghana Formed Police Unit (FPU) 1 Detachment at Wau Protection of Civilian (POC) Camp, South Sudan from the Permanent Mission of Ghana to the United Nations. The Minister said in line with UN practice in such cases, the Detachment of the 46 personnel was immediately withdrawn to Juba, anal the Office of the Internal Oversight Service (OISOS), a UN independent body was commissioned to investigate the allegations. It was in line with the Ghana Police Services commitment in fighting sexual exploitation and abuse related cases in the field mission that the three-member team of investigators were dispatched last March to investigate the matter. Also, in line with the UN Zero adherence policy to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, the detachment of 46 personnel was repatriated on administrative grounds to Ghana on May 30, 2018. Mr Dery informed the House that urgent steps were being taken by the Ministry and the Office of the Attorney General to amend the Ghana Police Service Regulations 2017 to include Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, which were not explicitly captured under the current regulations. To a question by Mr James Agalga, MP for Builsa North and former Deputy Minister for the Interior, whether there were plans to implement the Arms Trade Treaty, which was acceded to and ratified by Parliament in 2015, Mr Dery said the treaty came into force on 22nd March 2018. However, the implementation of the Treaty required that Ghana put in place certain measures, which included designation of a Competent National Authority, a National Focal Point, a National Control List, and strategies to prevent and address the diversion of conventional arms and to authorised end users, among others Also, the provisions of the Arms Trade Treaty has to be domesticated, under which Ghana would specifically have to adopt a legislation, develop rules and administrative measures for implementation. Although there are some laws on arms and ammunition, we need to review our legislation to the UN standard, Mr Dery said, and added that the Ministry is working on a Cabinet Memo on the matter for submission to Cabinet for approval. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The former United States Attorney General, Jeff Sessions, on 7th November 2018 announced his resignation as US Attorney General and made it clear it was at the request of the President at your request. The Chief of Staff of the Justice Department, Matthew Whitaker, whom Jeff Session appointed in September 2017, was appointed the Acting Attorney General to the displeasure of the opposition Democrats because of the likely effect of the new acting appointment on Robert Muellers investigations into the allegation of Russian meddling into the 2016 US elections. The opposition Democrats fear that the new Acting Attorney General will assume full oversight over Muellers investigations and is demanding that like Jeff Sessions, he recuses himself from those investigations because of his previous comments on the probe. Acting Attorney General Whitakers comments were made before he joined the Justice Department. Whitakers comments before Sessions appointed him to the Justice Department has just opened my eyes to how an independent investigation and prosecutorial agency such as Ghanas Office of the Special Prosecutor can be disabled from effectively and efficiently performing its mandate without direct interference with its so called independence and impartiality. The Associated Press of 8th November 2018 has an article captioned: With new Justice Official, fate of Russia probe in question. That caption has no relevance to how to disable an independent investigation institution from performing its duties but what is attributed to the new Justice Official, Whitaker, has. The Associated Press article says: Whitaker, a former U.S. attorney from Iowa who twice run unsuccessfully for statewide office., once opined about a scenario in which Trump could fire Sessions and then appoint an acting attorney general who could stifle the funding of Muellers probe. In that scenario, Muellers budget could be reduced so low that his investigation grinds to a halt. Whitaker said during an interview in CNN in July 2017 before he joined the Justice Department. Whitakers scenario which I have just read reinforces my own conviction that the effective way to stifle the fight against corruption is to apply Whitakers scenario. It also reminds me of the almost utter hopelessness in which the newly established Office of the Special Prosecutor finds itself almost one year after the President caused its establishment as his flagship and vision to fight corruption in Ghana with an overwhelming national consensus and support. One year down the line it has only a small three bed room house as an Office woefully inadequate for lack of shear physical space to accommodate any reasonable number of employees, lack of subsidiary legislation, and consequently also financially crippled without any ability to acquire the requisite expensive operational anti-corruption and other equipment for the Office let alone to function efficiently. Creating unilateral unrealistic and crippling budget ceilings for such a deprived agency has same effect as the Whitaker scenario. By analogical reasoning the Whitaker scenario reported by the Associated Press resembles the situation of the Office of the Special Prosecutor since its establishment in spite of the Presidents sincere commitment to his vision. The Whitaker scenario appears to be taking shape in November 2018 in the United States of America. Here in Ghana I see the absolute need for all citizens, particularly the electorate who brought the President personally to power to support him to ensure that his promised vision of fighting corruption materializes during his first term in Office. The 1992 Constitution supports the Presidents vision and every patriotic citizen is mandated by the Constitution to support him. I know for a fact that our President means business but there is a missing link provided by the Whitaker scenario to which civil society should wake up now or forever stop blaming the President. We are going into his third year in Office and we must all be stakeholders in the fight against corruption. This is not politics. This is a fundamental patriotic obligation enjoined by the 1992 Constitution for its defence and to save our dear country of a malignant canker of corruption that has ravaged it since independence. Join the citizen patriotic fight against corruption in Ghana now! Prevent corruption now! Act now! Save Ghana now! Martin A. B. K. Amidu North Legon, Accra 8th November 2018 Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Dr. Zenator Rawlings could find a new enemy in her father, former President Rawlings, if she should consider a proposal from Mr. Mahama to be his running mate in 2020, Mr. Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, has warned. Mr. Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, who is the New Patriotic Partys Ashanti Regional Chairman noted that though the camp of former President Mahama have issued a release to dispel the notion that they are considering Dr. Zenator Rawlings for the position of a running mate, he considers it as a desperate move by the former president to make peace with the NDCs founder before the 2020 elections. Mahama cant fool anyone with the release he came out with dispelling the notion that he would be picking Zenator as his running mate. It was a calculated move to make former President Rawlings feel important again in the NDC but I know Rawlings wouldnt fall for this prank. He continued by warning the daughter of former President Rawlings that dont get closer to Mahama, he would pick you, corrupt you, destroy your young political career and destroy the love your father has for you. Do not accept anything from him. It would be recalled that speculations went rife that former President Mahama was considering picking Dr. Zenator Rawlings as his running mate ahead of the 2020 elections. However, a statement from former President John Dramani Mahama has asked Ghanaians to disregard any conjectures about his running mate for the 2020 elections. Mr Mahama is presently focused on both his NDC flagbearer campaign and his official duties, a statement from his campaign team said on Wednesday. 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 former Deputy National Youth Organizer of the New Patriotic Party, Mr. Dominic Kwasi Eduah, has appealed to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), David Asante-Apeatu to retrain his officers in effective crowd management. Reacting to the Adenta riot on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo", he urged the IGP to take Police officers through thorough crowd & riot control tactics to avoid situations which many people term as unprofessional and extreme treatment meted out to victims resulting in several injuries. Ghana Police, till when will you act professionally? I believe mob controlling should be the basis of your training, he said. According to Mr. Eduah, the Police action toward the Adenta protesters which saw them firing tear gas into their midst was not the best way to disperse the crowd. I am using this medium to plead with the IGP to do something about it. I believe the earlier he takes it serious, the better...Protesters are always angry and instead of you to protect them, you rather go there to worsen the situation. If you think safety is expensive, try accident...We dont have to joke with safety and ordinary safety prevention measures at all," he said. The Adentan Highway was thrown into chaos yesterday when some angry youth in the area blocked the highway and burned car tyres in protest against the high rate of accidents on the road. The protest followed the death of a 22-year-old student of the West Africa Senior High School (WASS), who was returning from WASS after registering for the Gold Track stream of the double-track system, and was knocked down on the highway. Source: Josephine Acheampomaa/Peacefmonline/[email protected] 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 Marijuana-laced chocolate bars are shown at a pot-shop in Toronto during a raid in this evidence photo. A Toronto police officer who ate a marijuana-laced chocolate bar seized in a pot-shop raid has pleaded guilty to attempting to obstruct justice. Vittorio Dominelli says he is remorseful and ashamed of his actions on the evening of Jan. 27. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO - Ontario Court of Justice THOUSAND OAKS, the United States, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- A U.S. Marine veteran opened fire in a crowded bar popular with college students in the state of California, killing 12 people including a sheriff's deputy, police said on Thursday, in the latest mass shooting that shocked the country. Local authorities identified 28-year-old Ian David Long as the gunman of the mass shooting Wednesday night in Thousand Oaks, a suburb about 64 km northwest of Los Angeles. The gunman was found dead of an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound following the shooting rampage in the Borderline Bar and Grill, which also left 25 people injured, law enforcement officials said. Paul Delacourt, assistant director in charge of the Los Angeles FBI, told a news conference Thursday afternoon that it was too early to speculate on the motive for the massacre but that the shooter appeared to have acted alone. Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean said Long, a former machine gunner and Afghanistan war veteran, apparently fired at random with a .45-caliber Glock handgun with an extra-capacity magazine inside the bar at about 11:30 p.m. local time Wednesday. "The weapon was designed in California to hold a magazine of 10 rounds and one in the chamber, but he had an extended magazine on it," Dean told a news conference on Thursday morning. Dean described Long as "acting a little irrationally" when police were called to his home earlier this year to investigate a disturbance. He lived in Newbury Park, near Thousand Oaks. The bar shooting was the second mass killing in two weeks to hit the United States, which with more than 300 million guns scattered nationwide, has long been plagued by gun violence. Less than two weeks ago, 11 worshippers were killed by a gunman at a synagogue in Pittsburgh, the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. Garo Kuredjia, captain of Ventura County Sheriff office, told Xinhua that deputies responded shortly after they received calls about the shooting at the bar. The first responding deputy was Sergent Ron Helus, who was killed in confrontation with the shooter. "When he got to the scene, he saw two California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers outside with a victim that came out of the bar," Kuredjia said. Helus and CHP officers heard gunshots after they arrived, and entered the bar in order to neutralize that threat, Kuredjia said. When Helus went in, he was unfortunately shot for multiple times. He was later transported to a local hospital. Unfortunately there were 11 other victims who were also shot dead, Kuredjia said. In the neighborhood where Long lived, residents said they were well aware of his problems. Richard Berge, 77, was quoted by local media as saying the former Marine had post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and was known to kick in the walls of the home. Kuredjia told Xinhua he could not confirm the shooter's PTSD, and did not know what his medical or mental status was. "I can assume he has some sort of mental issue, because no normal person would commit such an outrageous act and murder innocent people," Kuredjia said. A total of 25 other people were injured in the shooting, including 23 who self-transported themselves to hospitals, and two who were taken by ambulance, according to the Ventura County Fire Department. The Chinese Consulate General in Los Angeles got in touch with local police immediately after the mass shooting, and so far no Chinese casualties were reported, said a spokesperson for the Consulate General. A procession was held Thursday morning for Helus, a 29-year veteran who was set to retire next year. He is survived by his wife and son. His body was transported via motorcade from Los Robles Hospital to the Ventura County Medical Examiner's Office. People stood along the route with grief, paying salute to the officer. When asked how officers were trained to respond to such crime scene, Kuredjia told Xinhua the policy with active shooters was changed throughout the country, after the Columbine High School shooting occurred in Colorado in 1999. "At that time we would wait for SWAT in entering the building. But we discovered there were more victims as a result of that. So we changed our policy throughout the country," he said. He said officers were trained to eliminate the threat if they heard gunshots at the scene. "That's what Sergeant Helus did last night." Ralph Chapman, whose son is a colleague of Helus, told Xinhua that his son was among the officers running into the bar to respond to the shooting. Chapman said he was very sad and worried when he heard that one officer was killed at the site, very afraid that it might be his own son. Chapman's son was a member of the motorcade transporting Helus' body on Thursday morning. Chapman said he has served at U.S. troops in Vietnam for two years, and that he believed PTSD should not account for the mass shooting. Tami Teece, who was a survivor of the mass shooting in Las Vegas last year that killed 59 people and wounded more than 500 others, was among the crowd mourning the death of Helus along the road. She, who also has PTSD, told Xinhua that the government should spend more money setting up mental hospitals for veterans to address their psychological problems. Authorities said hundreds of people were inside the bar when the gunfire rang out. A family assistance center has been set up at 1375 E. Janss Road in Thousand Oaks. New drone unveiled potentially for China's third aircraft carrier Unmanned aerial vehicle can take off with catapult launch A HK-5000G unmanned aerial vehicle on display at Airshow China 2018 in Zhuhai, South China's Guangdong Province with its wings folded. Photo: Liu Xuanzun / GT A new drone with folding wings and the potential to be deployed on China's third aircraft carrier debuted at Airshow China 2018 in Zhuhai, South China's Guangdong Province this week. Previously only seen in an illustration released a week before the show, the HK-5000G unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) appeared on display at the booth of the Aeromarine Intelligent Equipment Company, a subsidiary of the China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation. No detailed description was offered at the booth other than it was a medium- and high-altitude long endurance unmanned aerial vehicle. The technical details were not given as the company is still adjusting the vehicle, Liu Yubao, vice manager of the company's research and development department, told the Global Times. The HK-5000G is a vessel-based armed reconnaissance drone, Liu said. "It can carry a payload for scouting missions or missiles for combat." The vehicle has an endurance of 12 hours and weighs about 5 tons, Liu said, noting that this was only initial data and liable to change. Military observers speculated the folding wings on the drone indicate its potential for aircraft carriers. Folding wings save space on a flight deck and are less necessary on land. Liu confirmed the guess, saying the HK-5000G is indeed designed for aircraft carriers. "We have already made many pre-studies including takeoff and landing on an aircraft carrier and aircraft-vessel adaptation," he said. It's more difficult to take off and land on a flight deck at sea with the space, acceleration and deceleration requirements, Liu noted. Given the HK-5000G's size, its 5-ton weight and its engine, a ski jump takeoff was out, Liu said. The UAV must use a catapult. Aircraft carriers Liaoningand the Type 001A have ski jumps, not catapults. In June an illustration captured at a meeting of China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation suggested that China's third aircraft carrier will use an electromagnetic catapult. As the technology matures, drones will be widely used on aircraft carriers, a military expert who asked not to be named told the Global Times on Thursday. "A vessel-based drone can expand the reconnaissance capability of its mothership and provide fire support," the expert said. Although exhibiting at the November 6-11 show, the drone is not for export, Liu said. A petrochemical leak on Sunday from an aging hose pipe at Quanzhou, South China's Fujian Province, was under control within 18 hours; environmental tracking and monitoring in the area is still being watched closely by local environmental protection authorities. At 1:13 am on November 4, a petrochemical leak occurred at the sea hose, which connected the dock when the Fujian Donggang Petrochemical Company was carrying out the C9 shipment. After being reported by residents, the Quanzhou Environmental Protection Bureau and Fujian Provincial Department of Ecology and Environment organized forces and cooperated with municipal governments in emergency response work. Staff from the Eastern China inspection bureau of the Ministry of Ecological Environment arrived at the site to maintain quality on November 5. Local environmental protection authorities launched an emergency clean-up operation to absorb the chemical from the water, working with local maritime authorities. Under the emergency environmental incident plan, the local authorities rushed more than 100 ships, roped in more than 600 personnel, and dispatched 600 bags of linoleum to absorb the chemical. The oil spills in the sea have now basically cleaned-up, according to local maritime administration. The maritime administration also dealt with the affected fish breeding industry, to guarantee the safety of sea food. The local environmental protection authorities guided and supervised the collection of the dangerous wastes at the scene, to avoid a second contamination. The local environmental protection authorities enhanced the monitoring of the air quality. They are releasing real-time data for residents to review online. Around 6.97 tons of byproducts from petroleum refining leaked from a docked ship. The liquid chemical was being transferred from the vessel through an aging hosepipe. The incident occurred at around 1 am on November 4, threatening to contaminate a vast patch of sea water. KAMPALA- Xente Tech, an electronic payment service, has unveiled an exclusive service for movie lovers and bus travelers purchasing advance tickets to all the major cinemas in Uganda and those traveling around and outside Uganda respectively. Starting November 10, those who use Xente will be able to watch films from major cinemas in Uganda such as Cinema Magic- Naalya, Century Cinemax -Acacia mall, Numax Cinema Entebbe Road and Cinemax Makerere University. Im thrilled, over 15,000 users on Xente will now be able to pay for any movie ticket at the major movie Cinemas were working with. There will be lots of promotions that will be given out to our customers using the service, said Allan Rwakatungu, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Xente App. The bus service will be catering for routes going to major cities around East Africa such as Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania among others. All the products on the Xente app can be paid for using Visa, Master Card, and Mobile Money (Airtel, MTN) or Xente wallet which is topped up using the two options. On her part, Ms. Lyn Tukei, the Public Relations Officer at Xente said in the new arrangement, anyone will be able to access the new services. Anyone from anywhere in the world will be able to buy for themselves and their loved ones bus tickets and tickets to the cinema using their bank card or mobile money, Ms Tukei said. Xente is an e-Payments, e-Commerce and Financial services platform for consumers and businesses. For consumers, it provides them with a digital wallet app on mobile and web with many payment options including e-bank, mobile money, and even credit. Consumers use the app to; key among others, safely and securely pay for lots of products and services like airtime from any network, bills, TV subscription, School fees. Other services include booking tickets for events, movies, and buses, pay at offline and online shops as well as financial services including loans. For businesses, Xente provides tools that they use to their products or service online and mobile to customers anywhere in the world and get paid instantly into their local bank account. Ms. Tukei said the company provides e-commerce web shops that businesses use to quickly and easily set up an online store including different payment options for their customers among other services. The Xente app is available on Android and IOS and can also be found on the web on www.xente.co. Related Embed from Getty Images Former Orlando police Chief John Mina was elected Orange Countys next sheriff Tuesday night, defeating two opponents to replace Mayor-elect Jerry Demings as the countys top law enforcement official. Mina will now lead the largest law-enforcement agency in Central Florida, with a $250-million budget and about 2,600 full-time employees, the Orlando Sentinel reports. Mina, 50, ran as an independent in a three-man field and campaigned primarily on his four-year tenure as Orlando police chief. Mina originally joined the Orlando Police Department in 1991 and served in various roles before being appointed chief in 2014. He retired from the Orlando PD in October. Bay County, FL, officials have accepted donations totaling $100,000 to go toward volunteers and law enforcement officers Thursday in what they hope will be continuing outpouring of support from corporations. Scientific Games, a technology-based gaming company, donated the money, the News Herald reports. With a mound of supplies donated to local law enforcement as the backdrop, Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford said the funds will go directly to deputies and staff who suffered losses from Hurricane Michael. This storm hit us very hard, Ford said, noting about 60 staff members and deputies lost their homes. Their resolve has been inspiring. They didnt skip a beat in serving their community. Judge Glenn Devlin lost his re-election bid and released all the juvenile offenders who appeared before him Wednesday. A day after losing his re-election bid, a Texas judge released from jail nearly all of the juvenile defendants who appeared before him Wednesday after he asked them whether they planned to kill anyone. Harris County prosecutors expressed concerns after Judge Glenn Devlin made the decision in Houston. The juveniles face charges ranging from misdemeanors to violent crimes. "We oppose the wholesale release of violent offenders at any age. This could endanger the public," Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg said in a statement. Devlin, a longtime Republican jurist, rescheduled all of the cases for the first week in January, after the Democrat who beat him during Tuesday's election takes the bench. It's unclear how many juveniles were released, but officials said there were at least seven, including four facing aggravated robbery charges, according to Local10. He asked each defendant: If I release you, will you go out and murder anybody?" And if the juvenile said "no," they were released, according to public defender Steve Halpert. Judge Devlin would never normally ask that question of a juvenile. This was unusual, Halpert told KTRK-TV. Innocent people are being exonerated in record numbers as new technologies such as DNA become more sophisticated and the Computer Voice Stress Analyzer (CVSA) is increasingly being used for truth verification instead of the old polygraph. NITV Federal Services says this is according to Clifford Payne, an investigator with the Atlanta (GA) Police Department and a regional director for the National Association of Computer Voice Stress Analysts. "As law enforcement professionals, our main goal is to make sure only the guilty are prosecuted," stated Payne. "With the refinement of DNA testing we are now better able to accurately determine where the criminal justice system failed in the past as innocent men and women, some whose lives are ruined forever, are being released from prison on a regular basis. This is in no small part due to organizations such as the Innocence Project, improved DNA testing, and the help of technologies such as the CVSA." Miami-Dade (FL) Police Det. Lisa Morales is among the thousands of detectives that have experienced this first hand. Det. Morales, who's also a CVSA analyst, reported that a female subject was accused of repeatedly stabbing her ex-boyfriend and children's father. There was an adult male witness that implicated the female and uniformed officers were poised to arrest her based on both men's statements even though the female insisted that she was being "framed" by the two men. The investigating detective just had one of those feelings and asked if Det. Morales would run a CVSA exam on the female. She passed and the "witness" ultimately confessed that he stabbed his uncle and they conspired to have the female falsely arrested so that the father could get custody of the children because the female refused to reconcile with him. According to the NACVSA, this is just another example of the CVSA exam being used to clear someone rather than implicate them. (Read more Real Cases at http://cvsa1.com/realcases.htm) Payne stated that before the CVSA, law enforcement had to rely on the old polygraph. "Our main problem was that 30% of polygraph examinations are 'inconclusive', meaning that there were no discernible results. With the CVSA, there are always correct results 100% of the time. When you also take into account that it takes eight weeks to train a polygraph examiner and only five days to train a CVSA examiner, plus the fact that polygraph exams take between 2-3 hours and the CVSA exam can be performed in 1 hour with perfect results, it is clear which system to use." The Atlanta Police Department discontinued the polygraph in 2003 in favor of the CVSA. Major U.S. law enforcement agencies such the Atlanta PD, New Orleans PD, Nashville PD, Kansas City PD, Salt Lake City PD, and the California Highway Patrol, are among the over 2,000 law enforcement agencies that depend upon the CVSA to investigate criminal cases as well as for screening police applicants. "As an investigative and decision support tool the CVSA has proven itself to be invaluable to law enforcement." stated Kenneth Merchant, a retired lieutenant from the Erie (PA) Police Department. Merchant stated that the use of the CVSA by law enforcement has dramatically increased since the 2014 18-year, peer reviewed, published validity study of the CVSA by Professor James Chapman showing the system to be 98% accurate. For further information on what over 2,000 law enforcement agencies call "One of the most important investigative tools available today," visit the NITV Federal Services website CVSA1.com. Syrian refugees are seen upon their arrival from Lebanon to Syria at the Zamarani border crossing in the countryside of Damascus, capital of Syria, on Nov. 8, 2018. Over 100 Syrian refugees returned to their homeland on Thursday from several areas in Lebanon including Aarsal, Nabatieh and Tyre, local media reported. (Xinhua/Ammar Safarjalani) BEIRUT, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Over 100 Syrian refugees returned to their homeland on Thursday from several areas in Lebanon including Aarsal, Nabatieh and Tyre, local media reported. According to the National News Agency, the return of Syrians took place under the supervision of Lebanon's General Security and in the presence of employees from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). "Many of these Syrians went back home on their own expenses, especially as the stability has been witnessed in Syria," said Mustafa Mansour, head of the association of Syrian workers in Lebanon. Lebanon is hosting 976,000 registered Syrian refugees according to the UNHCR, while the government estimates the true number of Syrian refugees in the country at 1.5 million. To secure the return of 890,000 Syrian refugees to their homeland, Russia has drafted a strategy and presented it to the Lebanese authorities. Police officers in Dubai are training on flying hoverbikes with four propellers to help them fight crime from the skies. Police believe the S3 2019 hoverbike, designed by Hoversurf of California, will help them reach hard-to-access areas when they respond to emergencies. The hoverbikes will be in action by 2020 with two crews already learning how to pilot them. "Currently we have two crews already training and we're increasing the number," said Khalid Nasser Alrazooqi of Dubai Police. The machines reportedly sell for $150,000 each. The 253-pound, battery-powered hoverbike can fly for up to 40 minutes before it will need recharging. Top speed is 60 mph and it can fly as high as 16 feet off the ground, the Daily Mail reports. LONDON, Nov. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- On November 8, Wealth and Society held its inaugural Global Wealth and Society Awards at the Courthouse Hotel Shoreditch, London. Three sets of awards were presented during the night, Product and Service Achievement, Business Achievement and Leadership Achievement in Wealth and Society Awards. A total of 8 awards were given during the awards ceremony. DBS Bank remains committed to environmental, social and governance (ESG) and digitalisation to achieve tangible and significant outcomes Private wealth management bank across regions demonstrated extensive focus in meeting customers' financial, lifestyle and social needs Regional players have shown great appetite for engaging with trusted advisory partners The recipients of the Global Wealth and Society Awards underwent a stringent and comprehensive evaluation process, demonstrating high understanding of client's personal aspiration as well as family and business interests. Winning institutions depicted the verve to deploy wealth in ways to bring about positive impacts on the society and at the same time made positive financial return on client investments. DBS Bank was recognised as the Best Private Bank for Wealth and Society in Asia Pacific For achieving tangible and significant outcomes for its business, customers and communities at large and most successfully demonstrating a clear strategic vision of the Future of Wealth around the core pillars of ESG, Estate Planning, Ecosystem, alternative investments and external asset management, DBS Bank was recognised as the Best Private Bank in Wealth and Society for Asia Pacific at the Global Wealth and Society Awards 2018 dinner. The bank scored high across all criteria, in meeting performance standards in the Value of Franchise, Financial Performance, Social Impact and Technology and Efficiency (Digitalisation). Operating the largest and fastest growing private banking business among the region's domiciled banks, the bank significantly improved its profitability, reduced cost-to-income and elevated return-on-equity through a series of successful acquisitions and digital enhancements. The seriousness of its ESG focus was validated by delivery of extensive and holistic range of products and services and key customer and community initiatives around social impact investments. Continuing to scale up in meeting customers evolving needs Private wealth management banks have continued to scale up in meeting evolving financial, lifestyle and social needs by either digitalising key aspects of businesses or innovating their investment product suites. For fostering core values of simple, transparent, convenient and caring through its "Young Banker Officer" program, the bank undertook best practices to ensure financial intermediation and successful transfer of wealth for its clients. Taishin International Bank was awarded the Best Private Bank for Wealth and Society in Taiwan. A great appetite for engaging with trusted advisory partners The reversal of flows from traditional centres of wealth to domestic wealth management centres has expedited the onshoring of wealth management services. Regional banks have taken the opportunity to partner with old and sophisticated private wealth institutions. Bank Mandiri strengthened investment services for family offices to offer a rich private banking experience through a strategic partnership with Lombard Odier. The bank enunciated a clear focus in meeting the Indonesian Government's ESG targets through impact investment bonds. The Best Private Bank for Wealth and Society in Indonesia was awarded to Bank Mandiri. While a dominant market share and wide branch network helped KB Kookmin secure significant share of high and ultra-high net worth population, partnership with Lombard Odier was key in meeting Korean Private Banking customer's global investment needs. KB Kookmin Bank was recognised as the Best Private Bank for Wealth and Society in South Korea. About Global Wealth and Society Awards Programme The Global Wealth and Society Awards Programme seeks to recognise high and ultra-high net-worth individuals who use their wealth to bring about positive impacts on the society that they operate in, and the institutions that help them do so. Around the world opportunities in wealth are being created in different ways, driven by new innovations, and the growth of wealth in different societies can be a force for good. Individuals who have successfully build their businesses or managed inherited assets have an important role in building sustainable societies. Through this programme, we have measured wealth not by the people who are wealthy but by the people who are useful to the society they operate in. Click here for specific details relating to description of the awards, evaluation criteria and process, http://www.wealthandsociety.com/theglobalwealthandsocietyawards/criteria. The Global Wealth and Society Awards is powered by the research capability of The Asian Banker, one of the leading international strategic business intelligence, research and consulting service providers that is focused on the financial services and wealth management industries. Established since 1996, The Asian Banker has built extensive presence, developed strong industry networks and generated significant goodwill among players and their clients in the major countries of Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa over more than 20 years. For media enquiries, please contact: Alfred Labiccasi Marketing Manager Wealth and Society Tel: +44 1823 711134 [email protected] SOURCE The Asian Banker Concern America and Canopy Life Academy Win $5,000 to Serve Impoverished Communities INDIANAPOLIS, Nov. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- International Medical Group (IMG) is pleased to announce Concern America and Canopy Life Academy as winners of the second annual Leave Your Mark essay contest! Each organization will receive $5,000 to fund their global outreach efforts. "The work that these organizations do is truly inspiring," said IMG Executive Vice President Steve Paraboschi. "The Leave Your Mark essay contest aims to create a better future for communities around the world, while giving back to those who've dedicated their lives to serving others." Concern America was founded in 1972 and works to develop long-term solutions to poverty through self-reliance and sustainability. Canopy Life International was founded in 2003 and is a residential school in Kenya that provides quality education and prepares students to succeed. To qualify for the Leave Your Mark essay contest, mission organizations submitted a 500-word essay answering the question: If your organization were to win, what would be your human impact? Concern America plans to use the contest winnings to provide health care services to an additional 1,000 people in Colombia. Canopy Life Academy will use the funds to improve their facilities and provide training for new counseling positions. Essays were judged by third-party representatives including Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy Chief Operating Officer Marilyn H. Kuhn and Eskenazi Health Foundation President and CEO Ernest Vargo II, CFRE. Each judge scored the essays on a 100-point scale, allowing a maximum of 25 points for content (relevance of topic), passion (interest in helping others), human impact (social good for community) and completeness (level of detail). International Medical Group has been insuring mission organizations worldwide for over 25 years, and we're proud to help fund the global outreach efforts of those who live and work internationally through our Leave Your Mark essay contest. About International Medical Group For nearly 30 years, International Medical Group, headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.A., has provided global insurance benefits and assistance services to millions of members in almost every country. We are committed to being there with our members to provide them with Global Peace of Mind. Our full-service approach includes 24/7 worldwide assistance, medical management services, and highly trained, multilingual customer service professionals. IMG delivers the insurance products and assistance services members need, backed by the services they want. IMG's global family of companies includes AkesoCare Management, Global Response Ltd., and ALC Health. Related Links http://www.imglobal.com SOURCE International Medical Group (IMG) ASCHHEIM, Germany, November 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Fossil leverages on Wirecard ' s ePOS ecosystem and integrates international payment methods in more than 150 stores, in 11 European countries Popular Chinese mobile payment platforms, such as Alipay, will be accepted forms of payment in stores The leading global innovation driver in digital financial technology, Wirecard, is now supporting Fossil Group in integrating the most popular Chinese payment methods, including Alipay, into more than 150 stores across Europe. The integration will take place in stores in 11 European countries, including Germany, Italy and the UK. As a result of the use of Wirecard's platform, Fossil stores can accept the most widely-used Chinese payments methods, further expanding their payment acceptance portfolio. Chinese tourists in Europe will benefit greatly from this cooperation, as they can now pay for their Fossil purchases using their favorite payment methods. Fossil Group, a well-known American company specializing in lifestyle accessories, is one of many global brands taking advantage of Wirecard's convenient ePOS solution. Retailers only need to download the Wirecard ePOS app on mobile devices located in-store, such as iPads, which then serve as mobile cash registers. The solution will be offered in Fossil-owned stores, as well as outlet and airport stores. For merchants, accepting Chinese mobile payment forms is a wise investment. In a recent survey conducted by Nielsen and Alipay, it was found that in their last overseas trip, 65% of Chinese tourists had paid for their expenses via mobile payment. Tourists benefit from the cooperation by being able to pay with a familiar and convenient payment method when travelling abroad. Christian Reindl, Executive Vice President Sales, Consumer Goods, at Wirecard added, "Enabling such a global and recognizable company such as Fossil Group to leverage on our ecosystem has been a pleasure. We are looking forward to supporting Fossil stores across Europe with our simple and convenient POS solution, and catering to Alipay users who can now complete a purchase with fully digital payments." Not only does Wirecard's solution offer end customers the possibility to pay for purchases via the Alipay app, but also to benefit from in-app marketing campaigns. By including Fossil Group stores in the Alipay app store front, consumers will be shown coupons and discounts offered at Fossil stores in their vicinity. About Wirecard: Wirecard (GER: WDI) is one of the world's fastest growing digital platforms in the area of financial commerce. We provide both business customers and consumers with a constantly expanding ecosystem of real-time value-added services built around innovative digital payments by using an integrated B2B2C approach. This ecosystem concentrates on the areas payment & risk, retail & transaction banking, loyalty & couponing, data analytics & conversion rate enhancement in all sales channels (online, mobile, ePOS). Wirecard operates regulated financial institutions in several key markets, holds issuing and acquiring licenses from all major payment and card networks. Wirecard AG is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (DAX and TecDAX, ISIN DE0007472060). Visit us on http://www.wirecard.com , follow us on Twitter @wirecard and on Facebook @wirecardgroup. Wirecard media contact: Wirecard AG Jana Tilz Tel.: +49(0)89-4424-1363 Email: jana.tilz@wirecard.com SOURCE Wirecard AG NEW YORK, Nov. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Ryanair Holdings plc ("Ryanair" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: RYAAY). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at rswilloughby@pomlaw.com or 888-476-6529, ext. 9980. The investigation concerns whether Ryanair 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] On September 14, 2017, it was reported that Ryanair had lost a key ruling in the European Court of Justice that cast doubt on the legality of the Company's use of Irish employment contracts to evade local labor laws throughout Europe. The next day, Ryanair announced that it would need to cancel up to 50 flights a day for the next six weeks due to pilot "schedul[ing]" issues, impacting some 315,000 customers. Following this news, Ryanair's American depositary receipt ("ADR") price fell $7.09, or 6.21%, over three trading sessions, to close at $107.00 on September 18, 2017. Soon thereafter, reports began to circulate that the disruption was not due to scheduling issues as the Company had claimed, but rather to widespread defections by disgruntled employees. Then, in the summer of 2018, Ryanair workers in Germany, Belgium, Sweden, Portugal, Italy, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Ireland threatened collective action, resulting in flight cancellations that forced Ryanair to pay millions in compensation costs or to re-route fliers. On July 23, 2018, Ryanair disclosed a 20% decrease in quarterly profits, due in part to a 34% increase in staff costs. Following this disclosure, Ryanair's ADR price fell $10.00, or 8.57%, to close at $106.70 on July 23, 2018. Shortly thereafter, on October 1, 2018, the Company revealed that it could not meet its annual profit guidance due to the lost fares and ballooning costs related to the strikes and flight cancellations. Following this news, Ryanair's ADR price fell $15.11, or 15.73%, to close at $80.93 on October 1, 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 Related Links http://www.pomerantzlaw.com SOURCE Pomerantz LLP transcosmos Taiwan, the first foreign capital of large-scale contact center provider in Taiwan, will deliver multi-services with the aim to scale the center to the size of 1,000 workstations by 2023. transcosmos Taiwan inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of transcosmos inc. opened Jiangzicui Center, the first contact center in Taiwan and held an opening ceremony on October 31, 2018. With 190 workstations, the new center will deliver contact center services for the Taiwan market. In the opening ceremony, Ms. Jenny Yang, the Executive Supervisor of the Taiwan Contact Center Development Association (TCCDA) said: I am honored to attend the opening ceremony of the Jiangzicui Center on behalf of TCCDA today. Science and technology is evolving rapidly in Taiwan and companies are accelerating their initiatives on AI and other technologies. We believe the outcome of these initiatives will empower each agent and drastically improve their productivity. Listening to your presentations today, I felt that your new contact center is very well prepared and designed. Congratulations to all the members at transcosmos Taiwan for the official launch of your new center. We wish you all the best for your business success in Taiwan. Katsuro Ueda, General Manager of transcosmos Taiwan said: transcosmos operates the largest contact center outsourcing business in Asia with a total of over 30,000 workstations across more than 30 countries including Japan. Building on our long-standing experience in each country, we will deliver new digital contact center services that blend people, AI, and data in Taiwan whilst driving our proprietary DEC services by connecting the digital contact center with our existing services, namely, digital marketing and e-commerce services. Since transcosmos opened transcosmos Taiwan in September 2016, transcosmos Taiwan has been offering digital marketing services and e-commerce services for the Taiwan market. Now, the company will further extend its offerings and include inbound call center services such as order taking, customer support and product recall handling, outbound call center services such as telesales and research, and chat services (bot/agent-based). Putting quality management and security measures in place based on its know-how of building and operating contact centers in Japan and other countries around the world, the new contact center will deliver operations that are tailored to the needs of the Taiwan market. Jiangzicui Center Overview Location: 2F, No.242, Sec. 2, Wenhua Rd., Banqiao Dist., New Taipei City 220, Taiwan(R.O.C.) Number of workstations: 190 Supported languages: Chinese (Mandarin), Taiwanese, Japanese, English Supported channels: Call, email, chat, social media transcosmos Taiwan is the first foreign capital, large-scale contact center business operator that joins the Taiwan contact center industry which has previously only been operated by the Taiwan local contact center operators. Going forward, transcosmos plans to deliver multi-services that combine contact center services with digital marketing and e-commerce services to clients in extensive industries that include manufacturing, media, e-commerce, retail, finance, and more with the aim to scale the center to the size of 1,000 workstations by 2023. transcosmos DEC Services transcosmos has integrated Digital Marketing, E-Commerce, and Contact Center functions into DEC, taking the initial letter of each, and providing DEC services to clients. In order to accommodate changes in consumer behavior in the digital world, transcosmos believes it essential for businesses to provide digital-driven one-stop services for their customers from ads, to purchase, to customer care. transcosmos develops and provides an integrated platform DECAds which delivers its unique DEC services. transcosmos is a trademark or registered trademark of transcosmos inc. in Japan and other countries. Other company names and product or service names used here are trademarks or registered trademarks of respective companies. About transcosmos inc. transcosmos launched its operations in 1966. Since then, we have combined superior people with up-to-date technology to enhance the competitive strength of our clients by providing them with superior and valuable services. transcosmos currently offers services that support clients business processes focusing on both sales expansion and cost optimization through our 166 locations across 31 countries with a focus on Asia, while continuously pursuing Operational Excellence. Furthermore, following the expansion of e-commerce market on the global scale, transcosmos provides a comprehensive One-Stop Global E-Commerce Services to deliver our clients' excellent products and services to consumers in 49 countries around the globe. transcosmos aims to be the Global Digital Transformation Partner of our clients, supporting the clients transformation by leveraging digital technology, responding to the ever-changing business environment. Visit us here https://www.trans-cosmos.co.jp/english/ Welcome Guest! You Are Here: 'We were expecting a dessert after a meal, but we didn't get it.' Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com The Confederation of All India Traders issued a statement soon after Diwali that consumers stayed away from festival shopping this year much to the disappointment of the trading community. "In the last 4, 5 years, ever since online companies started online shopping in a big way with heavy discounts, our sales are affected badly. As there is no control over the way the online companies operate, they were able to destroy the domestic retail market to a great extent," Praveen Khandelwal, secretary-general, CAIT, tells Rediff.com's Shobha Warrier. Why are consumers staying away from festival shopping? Is it because the economy is sluggish, or because more and more people are shopping online? The first reason is people are short of cash in their pockets because of the sluggish economy. Their money has been stuck in two areas -- in real estate and gold. They have not been able to convert this into liquid cash as in the last 2-3 years, the real estate sector has not been doing good. So, they have not been able to shop to their heart's content during the festive season. The second reason is the influx of online companies and repeated discount sales by them. These companies are offering lower prices, much lower than the original cost by indulging in deep discounting and low funding predatory pricing and this has affected the markets. So, there is no level playing field in the market where the offline players are not able to compete with them. I would say, these two are the main reasons why consumers have stayed away from festival shopping which has resulted in very slow sales. How are offline traders going to tackle online sales? Today, people are shopping from vegetables and fruits to televisions and fridges online. We are contemplating to have a discussion with the government to start a reliable online portal where our offline retailers also can do e-commerce in a trustworthy and transparent manner. Soon after Diwali, we will talk to Union Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu and also draw the prime minister's attention to this so that the government can open an online portal with CAIT where Indian retailers can offer goods. Only this way we can compete with these multinational online players. We have been requesting the government time and again to formulate an e-commerce policy and formation of a regulatory authority on e-commerce to monitor the e-commerce business in India. Do you feel there is no control over how online players treat consumers? Absolutely. There is no regulatory authority, no e-commerce policy and in the absence of which it has become an online playground for these online companies where they set their own rules. Recently, a study found that 20% of the items sold online are fake. Do you feel consumers will go back to shopping in stores because of this? Because the lifestyle of Indians has changed completely, people do not have time to go shopping. In a way, you can say consumers are forced to go online shopping. So, the reality is going to be more online shopping. That's why we want a more transparent and reliable online portal from where consumers can buy things confidently and without the fear of getting cheated. Are small traders going through a crisis now because of a bad festival season? I will not say there is a crisis. We were expecting a dessert after a meal, but we didn't get it. In India, from Navratri onwards, it is festival season and this will extend up to February-March, and this is the time people do maximum shopping. Traders survive the rest of the year based on the sales during the festival season. But in the last 4, 5 years, ever since online companies started online shopping in a big way with heavy discounts, our sales are affected badly. As there is no control over the way the online companies operate, they were able to destroy the domestic retail market to a great extent. Even when they deliver fake materials and cheat consumers, nobody is there to question them. So, there is an urgent need to have a comprehensive introspection of the entire retail trade in the country. Suitable measures have to be adopted to bring radical changes in the larger interests of the economy, the consumers and domestic trade. Is this confined only to India, or is it there in the other markets like Europe, US, etc? These online companies are in the habit of using predatory pricing, deep discounting and low funding all over the globe. India being a new online market and the largest populated country, also known as the largest consumer market in the world, these tactics are affecting the Indian market significantly. We are worried because the offline trade is entirely dependent on the consumers visiting stores. If the consumer is addicted to online shopping and if s/he is cheated, there is a question mark on the credibility of online players. How much has online shopping affected offline traders in India? This year, there is a decline of around 40% in offline sales because of online players. In the last one month itself, they have organised many sales with huge discount. The sales were mainly in the FMCG, consumer durables and electronics and because of predatory pricing, they could offer huge discounts. Is it confined only to the urban market? It is said there is buoyancy in the rural market after a good monsoon. Today, there is no difference between the urban and the rural market. Two, three years ago, there was a difference between these two markets, but now, it is a country-wide phenomenon. Today, the rural area is also inching towards more and more online shopping. In fact, we see a craze in rural areas to shop online as online shopping is a new experience for the rural market. IMAGE: Praveen Khandelwal, secretary-general, Confederation of All India Traders. Till last year, Chinese products used to flood Indian market during the festival season. But it is reported that this year, there is a decline of 50%. What could be the reason for this? The main reason for this decline is, for the last 2-3 years we at CAIT have been campaigning against Chinese products and asking people to boycott them. We had organised around 300 workshops across the country to educate the traders not to buy Chinese products and the results are showing now. Those who were importing from China tell us that demand from traders has come down by 50% this year. That is why Chinese goods are not very visible in the market compared to the situation earlier. Do you feel low-quality cheap products from China must have forced consumers also go for quality products? Since price is a big consideration for the consumers in India, and since the Chinese products were available at a lower price, they chose Chinese products over Indian ones. But after using them for some time, they have realised that they may be cheap but of low quality. So, they are forced to throw away these products in a short period. Today, consumers are reverting to quality products mostly made in India. Do you feel Indian consumers and the retail market as a whole are going through a learning process now? I would say the Indian retail market is in a transformational stage. The changes in the global market are affecting the Indian market as well. As we are in a transformational change, there has to be a national level campaign to educate and make the community about the changes and there is also a need for upgradation and modernisation of the existing retail business. We have to do this to compete with not only within the country but globally too. Do you expect the Indian economy to pick up any time soon? Though we have not started seeing any change in the Indian economy, we feel the time has come for a change. I feel very soon, it is going to change and change for the better. I think within a year, we will start seeing a change happening particularly in the FMCG, mobile, electronics and the consumer goods market. This will result in buoyancy in the Indian market. Workers at the packing factory of the Nile International Trading Company are sorting out oranges to be exported to China. Photo: Courtesy of Nile Establishment for International Trade Have you ever had a taste of Egyptian oranges, the delicacy favored by the Pharaoh? Despite the long distance between Egypt and China, these oranges are now within easy reach as the countries open up to each other and engage in cooperation. Posters on Chinese shopping websites advertise that Egyptian oranges bathe in African sunshine and accumulate abundant nutrition during the sunny days and chilly nights, as the Nile nourishes the fruits. Just before the first China International Import Expo (CIIE) opened in Shanghai, this Global Times reporter visited Egyptian fruit dealers and packers, and acquired a clear understanding of how the fruits were carefully selected and transported under the Belt and Road initiative (BRI) to end up on Chinese families' dining tables. Talking about the significance of the CIIE, Rashad Abdel, economics professor at Cairo University, told the Global Times that it's worth recognizing that China is voluntarily opening its market further and sharing the opportunity of development with the outside world. The CIIE will provide a huge market, development and employment opportunities to developing countries, he said. Superfine oranges Only a few years ago, Ashraf Eladwy, chief of Nile Establishment for International Trade, could not imagine selling the oranges to China. Now the Chinese market has become increasingly important for his company. Eladwy learned about the huge potential of the Chinese market in 2015 when he was attending an international fruit and vegetable exposition in Hong Kong. He said he initially thought it would be difficult to enter the Chinese market, but things turned out to be very smooth. The openness of the Chinese market was beyond his expectations, as long as the products' quality meet with the requirements, he told the Global Times. When he was researching the Chinese market, he also saw a lot of fruits imported from other countries, including Philippine bananas, Vietnamese pitaya, New Zealand kiwi and Chilean cherries. Three years ago, although Eladwy sensed the huge potential of the Chinese market, he and other Egyptian traders hesitated and dared not risk an investment due to their primitive understanding of the Chinese market and lack of trust. Egyptian oranges have a thin peel, abundant juice, and unique taste. But due to the desert environment in which they grow, the peels look rough and the oranges vary in size, which may not be appealing in the Chinese market. Due to the Chinese customs' strict criteria on fruit, initially only half of Eladwy's fruit could enter the country. He then opened special farms with adapted growing techniques aimed at meeting the demand of the Chinese market in pesticide residue, appearance, sweetness and other aspects. They bought machines from France to pick the best fruit to be sold to China. At the packing factory of the company in northern Cairo, this Global Times reporter saw the oranges being sterilized, washed, dried and selected through long production lines automatically in the clean workshops. After the process, the oranges all look golden and shiny. In the next step, substandard fruit will either be separated by a machine or workers. The remaining fruit will then be packed up and stored in cold temperatures waiting to be shipped. At present, it takes 22 days for Egyptian oranges to arrive in China over the ocean. Land of promise Eladwy visits China to carry out market surveys of oranges three times a year. Particularly, he comes to Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou where the fruit sells well. "Now Egyptian oranges are popular among Chinese. Compared with American and Australian oranges, Egyptian oranges are more attractive in price and quality," Eladwy told the Global Times. With a growing export volume, the number of oranges exported from his company to China rose from 960 tons in 2016 to 9,600 tons this year. In order to satisfy customers, the planting area of Eladwy's orchard is continuously extending. With the increasing demand, the number of his employees has grown 20 to 30 percent. Moreover, the salary of a worker at a packing factory reaches $173, which is relatively well-paid in Egypt. A worker at a packing factory, Ahmed, told the Global Times he is lucky because his life has improved because of Chinese imports of Egyptian oranges. According to the Horticultural Export Improvement Association of Egypt, the volume of Egyptian oranges exported to China was 24,000 tons in 2015. This number rose to 101,000 tons in 2017, valued at $80 million. Golden opportunity Orange exports are only a microcosm of the smooth trade between China and Egypt, as well as a vivid embodiment of the win-win cooperation under the BRI. Eladwy is well aware that China is an open but highly competitive market. Several brands of Egyptian fresh oranges can be found on the e-commerce shopping platforms in China. Judging by consumers' comments, Egyptian oranges receive public praise. "As long as the taste is good, China is not particularly concerned about the country of origin of the fruit. But we want to create a brand of orange that can be approved by Chinese consumers," said a trader, emphasizing the significance of brand awareness. Talking about the first China International Import Expo, Eladwy told the Global Times, "It is a great platform for display and exchange, providing an excellent opportunity both for Egyptian products to enter China and Egyptian traders to develop a deeper understanding about the Chinese market." Professor Abdel told the Global Times that there has been a trade deficit between China and Egypt for a long time, so the expo can meet both countries' demands. It is also a golden opportunity for Egypt to expand exports and balance bilateral trade. Singh, who was instrumental in building required capabilities in the organisation said his role at Fortis did not allow him to spend time with his family, as the reason behind his resignation. As the new management of Fortis Healthcare (FHL) is all set to take charge after the Competition Commission of India (CCI) gave nod to the merger with Malaysian healthcare firm IHH Healthcare Berhad, FHL chief executive officer (CEO) Bhavdeep Singh, bottom, left, has put in his papers. Singh has tendered his resignation on Thursday citing professional and personal reasons. He, however, will continue in his current capacity till his succession planning is crystallised. Singh had joined Fortis as CEO in July 2015. This was his second stint with the hospital chain as CEO. This is the second senior-level resignation after Gagandeep Singh Bedi, CEO of FHL, quit in August. Announcing his decision to leave the company, Singh said: I believe that the right time to make this transition is now. "After two very challenging years, the company is now on a stable platform and can look forward to the future with optimism. He said his role with Fortis did not allow him to spend time with his family. "The reality is that the challenges at the company over the past couple of years have not allowed me to spend any time with my family and that is something I need to do now. "Also, I am very pleased that business recovery is well under way with solid improvement demonstrated during Q2 and with October results reflecting the best performance we have had in the past 12 months. "So, with the turbulence behind us, the business once again looking up and with IHH poised to take over the reins at Fortis as a majority shareholder in the coming weeks, the time for me to transition is now," he said. In his earlier interviews, Singh indicated the Fortis management's protests around the related party transactions (that came under the market regulator's scanner) were overruled. In October, Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) directed Malvinder Singh, Shivinder Singh, and eight other entities to jointly repay Rs 403 crore, along with interest, to Fortis Healthcare in three months. The Sebi found Fortis Healthcare, through its subsidiary, was giving inter-corporate deposits (ICDs) to three companies to the tune of Rs 473 crore from 2013-14 onwards. These transactions were not classified as related party transactions. Sources, however, indicated the resignation comes in at a time when the management control of the firm is changing and the new promoters are unlikely to have legacy issues from the previous management. Singh was considered to be close to erstwhile promoters Malvinder and Shivinder Singh. FHLs diagnostic arm SRLs CEO Arindam Haldar, however, has a shorter stint at the firm. Fortis maintained that Singh has been instrumental in building required capabilities in the organisation and delivering value through implementing clinical outcomes measurement and reporting and championing the cause for organ donation and much more. "During his tenure, Singh led multiple due diligences and a series of capital raising initiatives earning positive feedback from all who worked with him. "He engaged with internal and external partners ensuring that no stone remained unturned in steering the firm through unprecedented times," Fortis said. Announcing the decision, Ravi Rajgopal, chairman of board of directors, FHL, said: "He has been a pillar of strength at Fortis and has steadfastly led from the front. "He has consistently demonstrated a high-level of business acumen, an exceptionally strong work ethic, and a very strong commitment towards building and sustaining strong people relationships built on a strong foundation of trust." Photograph: Anindito Mukherjee/Reuters Today, they cant meet even the piffling capital norm set by Mint Road - Rs 5 crore for partnerships and Rs 10 crore for public and private firms in this line of business. Bulk of the trades are put through e-platform offerings of Reuters, Bloomberg, JPMorgan, Barclays or Deutsche Bank. And they have the web-based FXall, FXconnect, Atriax, Hotspotfx and LavaFX for company. Its unlikely that you have heard of the Foreign Exchange Brokers Association (FEBA), a lobby group of old-world voice-brokers (close cousins of the outcry artistes on the bourses from a bygone era) who, on a good day, would put through a few billion dollars worth of deals between them in the foreign exchange (forex) mart. Yet today, they cant meet even the piffling capital norm set by Mint Road - Rs 5 crore for partnerships and Rs 10 crore for public and private firms in this line of business. Many deadlines have passed, and a new date has been sought. Sixty-year-old Gautam Ashra, managing partner at Kanji Pitamber & Co, turns wistful as he remembers his grandfather who started the firm in 1933. He left this world peacefully, aged 91. But I will not live long like him at the rate I am wining and dining bankers for business. The nosedive Today, the number of forex brokerage firms stand at about 15 - down from 40 five years ago and from 125 in 1998. Of the daily turnover of $40-odd billion - spot and forwards combined - only about 7 per cent are put through these brokerages. Six of them - Kanji Pitamber, LC Raheja, Govindram & Sons, FR Ratnakar, SAK Forex, and Mecklai & Mecklai - account for 60 per cent of this small pie. The brokerage itself is nothing to crow about. For spot trades, its Rs 550 for a million dollars, down from the Rs 750 a year ago; in the forwards, you earn Rs 650 against Rs 1,000 last year. Some of us go through $100 million in trades a day, but hardly pocket anything, wails Ashra. Globally, too, a handful of forex brokers call the shots: Tullet Prebon, Icap or Exco. The bulk of the trades are put through e-platform offerings of Reuters, Bloomberg, JPMorgan, Barclays or Deutsche Bank. And they have the web-based FXall, FXconnect, Atriax, Hotspotfx and LavaFX for company. Parag Mehta, managing partner at F R Ratnakar & Co, says it is high time the practice of paying global platforms in dollars is done away with. Whether you buy a BMW or an iPhone, you pay in rupees out here. How is brokerage different? These platforms are not exporting anything, but still banks pay them in dollars, while we get paid in rupees, says Mehta, also the chairman of FEBA. Its a reference to the fact that a weaker rupee or higher volumes does not lead to higher earnings. Its also another way of saying that these firms should also be allowed to be paid in dollars. Moreover, Mehta has an issue with the capital norm of Rs 5 crore: I am not into an assets business. Nor am I part of the settlement system. "You can set up an equity brokerage with Rs 1 crore in capital. Ironically, the lifeline for the many vintage forex brokerage firms is an archaic Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regulation. In the aftermath of the Harshad Mehta scandal, it was laid down that no bank could put through more than 5 per cent of its business through a specific money and securities dealer. It was not meant to be for forex brokerages, but to be on the safe side and due to lack of regulatory clarity, the same principle came into play - not 5 per cent but, say, not more than 10-15 per cent to a single entity. But this lifeline is going to be cast away soon. State Bank of Indias (SBI) move to merge its associate banks has meant a smaller fee-pool. If more state-run banks were to consolidate, it will get more crowded at the watering hole. And banks can arm-twist to get even better pricing. Banks get volume discounts of almost 50 per cent even if they lose on the fine rates offered by brokerages. It helps them trim their expense account, points out Ashra. Backstory to the future The first blow to the business was the centralisation of bank treasuries in the late 1990s. When SBI shifted its treasury to Mumbai, it killed Kolkatas forex brokers. The same thing happened when banks in New Delhi and Chennai did so. But the death knell came in 1998, when brokerage fee was opened even as Reuters came in with an e-spot broking interface. As to whether these moves were timed is something we will never know, but thats the backstory. The future will mirror whatever the trend is, worldwide. Tullett & Riley merged with Liberty Brokerage to create Tullett Liberty in 1999. Four years later, it was in the belly of Collins Stewarts - Collins Stewart Tullett. In 2004, it was the turn of Prebon Yamane, born in 1990, to form a three-way merger of the London-based money brokers - Babcock & Brown, Kirkland-Whittaker and Fulton Prebon. They now hire hundreds of dealers, and have added money markets, bonds and gilts broking to their bouquet. Little wonder that Ashra quips: If I get a good deal, I too will sell out. Photograph: Dado Ruvic/Reuters As fuel prices surged in September, the governments decision to ask companies to cut price by Rs1 each on a litre of petrol and diesel came as a dampner for private players. Illustration: Uttam Ghosh/Rediff.com Sixteen years after India opened the petroleum sector to private players, names like Frances Total, Saudi Aramco, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company and home-grown Adani have started showing interest in putting up retail outlets. This renewed interest comes after Russian government owned Rosneft bought out Essar Oil and its retail outlets last year and rebranded them as Nayara Energy. The first wave of private interest saw Essar Oil, Reliance Industries and Shell mark their entry in the sector. However, three companies - Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) - continue to dominate the market. Only 10 per cent (6,353) of the 63,498 fuel outlets are currently run by private players. The over 4 per cent growth in demand for petroleum products amid a flat global demand and around 11 per cent increase in vehicle sales during April to September 2018 make India an attractive market for fuel retailers. Indias energy consumption will grow among the fastest of all major economies in the world over the next decade. "The partnership between Total and the private Adani group illustrates our joint commitment to assisting India to diversify its energy mix and to ensure a supply of reliable, affordable and clean energy to consumers, Total SA chairman and chief executive officer Patrick Pouyanne said after signing a deal with the Adani group. Together, the two plan to set up 1,500 outlets. In a bid to further ease the entry of private players, the ministry of petroleum and natural gas last month set up a committee headed by economist Kirit Parikh to review the existing guidelines in fuel retailing. The committee will look into liberalising the sector, removing entry barriers for private players and also consider innovative marketing models like selling petrol and diesel through hypermarkets, similar to what is being done in the UK and France. Currently, companies must have an investment of Rs 2,000 crore in petroleum infrastructure in the country or need to provide bank guarantee of the equivalent amount for entering retail business. Rosneft, however, was able to make an entry by outright purchase of Essar Oils Vadinar refinery last year. Even so, it is not going to be a smooth ride for private players. The experience of Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries and Essar Oil in the sector is a testimony to this. In April 2002, the government announced the abolition of the administered price mechanism for fixing petrol and diesel prices and opened up fuel retailing to the private sector. This was followed by the petroleum ministry issuing retail distribution licences to Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, GAIL, Oil India, Reliance Industries (RIL), Mangalore Refineries, Essar Oil (Essar) and Cairn Energy. While many dumped the plan, RIL and Essar started expanding aggressively, accounting for 1,432 of the total 30,000 outlets in India in 2005-06. Though the number of private outlets was less, their share of retail sales was close to 17 per cent, of which RIL contributed around 14 per cent. Private players sold 410 kilolitres a month on average in 2005-06, against public sector outlets 140 kilolitres. Private players revolutionised the concept of retail in India through high-quality fuel, superior technology and extra facilities to consumers like food, accommodation and baths for truck drivers along the highways. "But later, it turned unviable as the government was subsidising petrol and diesel sold out of PSU pumps, but did not extend the subsidies to private competitors, said a senior official from a private sector major. Government decided to subsidise fuel sold from public sector outlets after a sudden jump in crude oil prices during that period. Pushed to a corner, in March 2008, Reliance announced that it was closing down all its 1,400 petrol pumps. Though Essar did not take a public decision to close down pumps, it reportedly stopped regular supplies, resulting in many writing obits for private sector fuel retailing. It later got a fresh lease of life when the government freed petrol price from its control in June 2010 and the same for diesel was done in October 2014. The market, however, continues to be ruled by government companies with the share of petrol sales in private sector increasing from 3.5 per cent in 2015-16 to 6.8 per cent in 2017-18, while that of diesel from 3.1 per cent to 8.2 per cent during the same period. In private sector, Nayara Energy (4,833), RIL (1,400) and Shell (114) have strong presence now. Nayara Energy has been the most aggressive in its expansion of retail outlets in the last two years, and was also planning to increase the number of outlets to 7,000 in the next two years. The pricing of fuel continues to be an issue for private retailers. As fuel prices surged in September, the governments decision to ask companies to cut price by Rs1 each on a litre of petrol and diesel came as a dampner for private players. Anshuman Maheshwary, partner, AT Kearney, believes that the decision may again land private players like RIL and Nayara Energy in trouble, as their marketing margins will be affected. According to industry estimates, the marketing margin on petrol has turned negative by around 20 paise, while that of diesel, though still positive, has come down to nearly 30 paise. State-run companies, however, think they should be treated in a special manner as they are not just about business. State-run oil marketing companies are performing the role of a social organisation. "Even during this time, when prices touched an all-time high, they were ready to give up Rs1 a litre on their revenue from petrol and diesel. "Hence, the government should protect them from competition. Even when they were making losses, there was no supply shortage. Private sector can never guarantee that, said R S Sharma, an industry veteran and former ONGC chairman. That provides some fuel for thought for the government as it sets out to level the field for public and private fuel retailers. For the second year in a row, India has been recognised as the fifth-best performing nation in reforming the business environment. However, in the two categories that the government was banking on most - Paying Taxes and Resolving Insolvency - landmark reforms that were expected to yield better results have had the opposite effect. Under the circumstances should the country celebrate already or are there any reasons for worry, wonders Subhayan Chakraborty. Illustration: Uttam Ghosh/Rediff.com India has improved its ranking significantly in the latest Ease of Doing Business ranking by the World Bank. Here is all you wanted to know about Ease of Doing Business. What is the Ease of Doing Business Index? Brought out by the Washington DC based World Bank, the Ease of Doing Business Index measures the levels of business regulation in 190 economies, covering almost the entire globe. It does this exercise by assessing the business climate in 10 broad categories that are integral to starting, sustaining and winding down a business. Nations are then ranked based on how well they implemented 314 specific business reforms. Why are policy makers so concerned with Indias rank? The Index is considered a barometer of how easy it is to conduct private business in a country, thereby also proving to be a reliable indicator of how much red tapism, cost burden and overall entrepreneurial mobility is present in an economy. For India, a good rank translates into better chance for securing foreign investments as global investors have turned to the Index to decide their plans. The government claims that northbound foreign direct investment figures are directly proportional to Indias rank improving in the Index. Where does India stand in the Index? India was adjudged as an economy with the 77th easiest business environment in the latest rankings released recently. The country managed to jump 23 positions from the 100th positions it held in the previous years report. Over the past two years, India has managed to jump a significant 53 positions in total. For the second year in a row, it has also been recognised as the fifth-best performing nation in reforming the business environment. The country improved its rankings in six of the 10 categories assessed. How did India manage to improve its rank? Among the various categories assessed, the country had the best performance in Dealing with Construction Permits, in which it jumped a massive 129 places to become the 52nd easiest place to construct a business unit. Improved transparency and streamlined procedures were behind India cleaning up its notoriously corrupt land sector and the financial transactions that come with it. In Trading Across Borders, India surged 66 places to come in at the 80th spot. Officials at the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) attributed this to the adoption of a slew of digital initiatives such as the implementation of a risk management system at ports that waives inspection requirement for 80 per cent of the products, among other things. Was the jump in ranking totally unexpected? The government was confident of securing a better score in most categories but had been exclusively betting on two crucial areas. However, in the two categories of Paying Taxes and Resolving Insolvency, landmark government reforms that was expected to yield better results have had the opposite effect. In Paying Taxes, India actually saw its rank slip two notches to 121, despite the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). The World Bank praised India for merging taxes and significantly revising the tax code, but it didnt lead to a better ranking. On the other hand, the adoption of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code could not save India from shedding five positions in Resolving Insolvency, to settle at 108. The government said the full scope of the reforms benefits would be realised next year. Is the Index a true reflection of the state of the entire economy? India is among 11 major economies for which the World Bank took into account two specific metropolitan areas - Delhi and Mumbai. The report covers all policy reforms undertaken by the government till May 1 of this year that has taken taken place in these two cities. However, the government pointed out that at least 15 states have had more than 90 per cent score in the governments own ranking of states ease of doing business. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley also said that Delhi and Mumbai are large cities with complicated procedures and challenges. Once progress has been made there, other regions should be easy. 'Rahul is only making a pathetic public spectacle of his lack of judgment and good sense by hallucinating that somehow, the Congress, or whatever political combine is cobbled together, will displace the BJP at the coming Lok Sabha election by constantly harping on the Rafale deal,' argues retired civil servant B S Raghavan. IMAGE: Congress President Rahul Gandhi addresses working and retired Hindustan Aeronautics employees in Bengaluru. Photograph: Shailendra Bhojak/PTI Photo The Bharatiya Janata Party has never had it so good. It has hit the jackpot with the Congress President, Rahul Gandhi himself, no less, working assiduously and untiringly for Narendra Damodardas Modi's triumphant second term with an increased majority in the 2019 Lok Sabha election. In 2014, Sonia Gandhi and Mamata Banerjee also worked hard for Modi, but not as much as Rahul. Sonia, by calling Modi the 'merchant of death' and Mamata, by characterising him as 'a donkey' ensured that the BJP was installed with a majority on its own for the first time ever in three decades, putting an end to the chaotic coalition era. Cho Ramaswamy, the editor of Tughlaq, before a huge gathering on the occasion of his annual communion with the weekly's readers, to which he had invited Modi, held the audience in splits by playing on Sonia's title, elaborating how Sonia was dead right and how Modi was truly the 'merchant of death' to loot, plunder, corruption, venality, incompetence, indiscipline and a host of other ills and evils afflicting the Indian polity. This time, a few others have joined Rahul who has repeatedly called Modi a ''chor' (thief) and are lending him a helping hand. Shashi Tharoor has called Modi a 'scorpion on a Shivling', claiming he got it from an unknown RSS source. Andhra Pradesh Finance Minister and Telugu Desam leader Yanamada Ramakrishnudu upped the ante by describing Modi as 'an anaconda swallowing institutions'. Mamata, Mayawati, Nara Chandrababu Naidu and those of their ilk are yet to get into the act. If all of them pull together in the same vein, Modi's majority may even soar to greater heights. Rahul himself is pitching for a record-breaking performance by hitting Modi the hardest of all, by holding the wrong end of the stick. He has got hooked to the Rafale deal and is flogging it day in and day out in a way that borders on some mania. A surer non-starter of a non-issue cannot be imagined. For one thing, no other political party or leader, has joined him, except perhaps Sharad Pawar and that too once, and in a fleeting fashion. Which means that all those other parties and their leaders, knowing their onions, have come to the conclusion that there isn't much political or electoral juice to be squeezed out of it. For another, Rahul has been unable to substantiate with solid evidence any of his charges against Modi and the government on aspects of the deal, such as the exorbitant price; the forced choice of Reliance Defence as one of Dassault Aviation's many offset partners, Anil Ambani thereby benefiting, thanks to Modi, to the extent of Rs 30,000 crores; and Reliance Defence being paid an initial kickback of Rs 284 crore as a first tranche with more to come. Eric Trappier, the CEO of Dassault Aviation, has categorically denied all allegations of corruption, crony capitalism and inflated profits on the deal which predates Modi as well as then French president Francois Hollande. According to him, Dassault had been in discussions with the 'Ambani family' since 2012. 'We stick to the laws of France and laws of India and the law of the contract,'/ Trappier said. 'We are totally against corruption. If there is any investigation in France or India, we are not only open to the investigation, [but] it is our duty [to respond]. We will prove there is no corruption.' He also rejected the contention that the Indian side had nudged him to give the offsets to Anil Ambani's Reliance Group. 'It has been a long time since we are discussing with Reliance,' said the CEO, referring to an agreement Dassault inked with the Mukesh Ambani group to discharge offsets as part of an earlier deal for 126 jets that was being negotiated with the previous UPA regime. Trappier claimed that India had got a better deal for the 36 jets in 2016 compared to what it would have paid for the 18 that the previous government was pursuing as part of the 126-jet deal. 'Compared to the same price, India brought down the cost by 9 percent', Trappier said, adding that Reliance Defence will get only Rs 850 crore worth of offsets, not Rs 30,000 crore. As regards Rahul's charge of Dassault Aviation paying the 'first tranche of kickbacks' of Rs 284 crore to Anil Ambani, in a hard-hitting rejoinder, Reliance Defence, has described it as a 'shameful and deplorable' falsehood. Based on such study as I have made of the deal from material in the public domain and drawing on my own experience of negotiating such international agreements, I see nothing suspicious. It is a government-to-government deal, and France has strict laws, as per UN requirement, against any surreptitious kickbacks and handouts. It is a hard State and sternly enforces its laws. Both Dassault's Managing Director Eric Trappier and Reliance Defence Chairman Anil Ambani have strongly and convincingly refuted Rahul's outlandish statements. In any case, there is no evidence whatsoever to support the allegation that Modi brought about the deal to line Ambani's pocket. Thus, other than some clapping by his own cheerleaders at meetings addressed by him, the issue has left the people cold. The media too, which gave it a run initially, has moved on. Rahul is only making a pathetic public spectacle of his lack of judgment and good sense by hallucinating that somehow, the Congress, or whatever political combine is cobbled together, will displace the BJP at the coming Lok Sabha election by constantly harping on the Rafale deal. It may well be that a large section of the Indian electorate is unlettered and unversed in finer points of governance. But it has shown repeatedly that it has a will of its own, unshaken by all the disputations of the intellectuals among themselves. Also, it applies its own independent criteria and forms its own independent judgment of persons, parties and public policies. K Kamaraj in Tamil Nadu in 1967, Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2004, Indira Gandhi in 1977 and Sonia Gandhi in 2014 learnt it the hard way. In my judgment, as a dispassionate observer of the national scene, in 2019 too, the people are going to summon their native wisdom, honed for millennia, to bear on Modi's performance in office. To them what matters most is the consolation of knowing that the leader has genuine concern for their plight and an awareness of their needs and aspirations, and is earnest in his effort to help them better their lot and has the desire and ability to move forward and fast, making up for all the past neglect. They are going to judge him on criteria such as the ability to go to the root of a problem and knowing where the shoe pinches, his earnestness, determined effort to deliver, courage in decision-making to that end, commitment to public welfare and the nation's good, kindling a sense of self-pride and bolstering national pride and raising India's stock in their own eyes and in those of other nations, and the capacity to run the government as a disciplined team. They note that whoever has seen Modi in action -- heads of States and governments, hard-nosed honchos of business and industry, political, economic, financial and public affairs analysts heading think-tanks, the commentariat of the media and India-watchers in general of other countries -- have paid high tributes to the way Modi is devoting himself to his mission. They are not going to take the measure of him on the yardsticks of what agitates the elitist, English-educated, intellectuals most of whom are completely out of sync with the mood of the man in the street, the farmer, the village artisan and schoolmaster and the average home maker, sprawling themselves on topics such as demonetisation, GST, NPA, relations with the RBI, swallowing of institutions and the like. If anything, debates on these topics will seem sterile and puerile to the average voter, before specific and tangible goals set by Modi for himself, his government and the nation such as the Swachch Bharat Abhiyan, Ayushman Bharat, the Jan Dhan Yojana, Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, Make in India, Start-up India, Digital India and Smart Cities. (S)he has the inborn intelligence to understand that they cannot yield results for the asking in a country of such size, complexity and diversity, but that they should be given time to show results. In my opinion, and this is also patent from the opinion polls held so far, the generality of the people think that Modi makes the grade in all these respects and continuity of his leadership is imperative for maintaining the tempo of executing these schemes and taking them to fruition. Flowing out of these basic postulates, I am convinced that the outcome of the 2019 election -- the return of Modi and BJP with a significantly increased majority -- is a foregone conclusion. B S Raghavan, retired member of the Indian Administrative Service, was secretary of the National Integration Council during the prime ministerships of Jawaharlal Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri and Indira Gandhi. 'How do we explain that on the economic, internal security and strategic fronts, India's unstable coalitions have acted more decisively and boldly than all our full-majority governments yet?' asks Shekhar Gupta. Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com National Security Advisor Ajit Kumar Doval is being unfairly attacked for saying, in his Sardar Patel Memorial lecture, that for the next 10 years India needs to be a hard power and must have a stable, majority government. It shouldn't be objectionable. The NSA isn't a civil servant. He's a political appointee and doesn't need to hide his voting preferences. I won't even fight with him if he had gone a step further and said that such a strong and decisive government could only be provided by Narendra Damodardas Modi. I would argue with him not on his political proposition, but on his fundamental argument. That only stable, strong, full-majority governments can be good for India. And that coalitions are unstable, confused, waffling, indecisive, corrupt and open to blackmail. It doesn't pass a fact-check. Let's focus on the economy first, because data is non-partisan. Our political history can be divided into two stability epochs. The 1952-89 period, 37 years, saw almost total stability. There were a couple of hiccups in the late 1970s, but generally one party ruled at the Centre and in most of the states. As decades passed in this apparently virtuous epoch, the government became more stable, more strong, controlled by one party, which in turn was owned by one unchallengeable family, the Gandhis, finally with almost an 80 per cent majority in the Lok Sabha (1984 to 1989). If the new, stable=strong=decisive Doval Doctrine is correct, these four decades should have given India the best growth. The reality is, it gave us the below-4-per-cent 'Hindu Rate of Growth'. The second is the Epoch of Instability, beginning 1989 with the defeat of Rajiv Gandhi. It continued for a full 25 years until 2014. Is it a coincidence that economic reform in India was timed to perfection with the end of stable, full-majority governments? The first after the Congress party's decline, V P Singh's short-lived one, does not quite pass the test. But the big reform wave, which India is still riding, was brought in by P V Narasimha Rao's government. It was a very unstable, minority government. After Rao lost in 1996, India got effectively five prime ministers heading rickety coalitions and three elections in the next eight years. We say five prime ministers because, besides the short H D Deve Gowda and I K Gujral governments, we had Atal Bihari Vajpayee as prime minister thrice: First for 13 days, then just about a year, and finally an almost full term. Now think. Which is our most reformist Budget after Manmohan Singh's in 1991? It was P Chidambaram's 'dream budget' in 1997, which widely cut rates and taxes and also brought in the Voluntary Disclosure of Income Scheme. The same government also set up the national Disinvestment Commission and opened the door for the listing of PSUs and ultimately privatisation. This was the forever doddering Gowda-Gujral arrangement, which we often derisively called a government on daily wages. Funnily, it was also supposedly the most Left-of-Centre government in our history. It started out with two Communist ministers for the first and only time in a central Cabinet yet: Indrajit Gupta, home; and Chaturanan Mishra, agriculture. Vajpayee had the strength to launch the Golden Quadrilateral of highways, privatise Delhi and Mumbai airports, and sell 11 profit-making PSUs and nearly two dozen ITDC hotels. A footnote: In four-and-a-half years of an all-powerful Modi government, not one company has been sold, not even a dud like Air India. A short interlude in this 15-year period of instability between 1989 and 2004 was Chandra Shekhar's -- of only about four months until it became caretaker. We ridiculed it as a 'cash-and-carry' government. He had about 50 MPs of his own and depended on the outside support of the Congress. But it dared to airlift India's gold out to avoid a balance of payments crisis. I am not sure if any full-majority government, even Narendra Modi's, would dare to do so. He also brought in Yashwant Sinha as his finance minister and Manmohan Singh as his powerful economic advisor who could attend Cabinet meetings. These two were the architects of our reforms in subsequent years, all in 'weak' coalitions. Check out the basic comparison: Our average growth rate in the 37 perfectly stable years was below 4 per cent. In the subsequent 25, it went well over six, now establishing a new normal of 7-plus, almost twice as much as the old 'Hindu Rate of Growth'. On economy, we have a perfect inverse graph between political stability and economic growth. But what about national security? Isn't a coalition government less capable of looking after the hard national interests? In my view, India has never had a weak government on issues of national security, except V P Singh's in 1989-1990. Doval served under that government too and watched in frustration the situation in Punjab and Kashmir go out of control because of its missteps. He did, however, get an opportunity soon after. In Punjab, I have written before, that every 'A' category Khalistani insurgent killed could be described as 'caught Gill, bowled Doval'. It was a brilliant operation between the Intelligence Bureau and Punjab Police that destroyed the insurgency. In the same 1991-1996 period, Kashmir, at its worst ever yet, was brought back in control. It wasn't by employing soft-State measures. If this 'fix' is the most creditable feature on Doval's impressive CV, he needs to thank a weak, minority government, under a prime minister with zero charisma. At her peak, Indira Gandhi's didn't have the spine to call Pokharan-1 a nuclear weapons test. It dished out that 'peaceful nuclear explosion'; hypocrisy. Vajpayee's 'weak' coalition had no such hesitation 24 years later. And how weak was it? It fell within 11 months of Pokharan-2, losing by one vote in Parliament. Since I am on to a good argument, I am not about to let go yet. In the post-1971 India, if Pokharan-2 was the boldest strategic decision, what's been the second? The India-US nuclear deal was signed by Manmohan Singh in UPA-1, when his coalition depended on the Left. He risked his government in a parliamentary vote and brought about a fundamental shift in India's strategic worldview. In UPA-2, he took a similar risk, over FDI in multi-brand retail. The Modi government subsequently hailed the nuclear deal as a great blessing. It has, however, failed to move on FDI in multi-brand retail. There is no ideological hang-up there, as something of the sort has been allowed in e-commerce. It is just that the government is risk-averse despite the majority. How do we explain that on the economic, internal security and strategic fronts, India's unstable coalitions have acted more decisively and boldly than all our full-majority governments yet? We aren't a country of a billion-plus nut-cases. We are simply a good, buzzing democracy, run by responsible, hard-working, and thick-skinned, politicians. They aren't perfect. But they know what is good for them. They want to win elections, and, once they have the power, don't want to lose it. If the economy grows, there is public peace, a sense of security, a happy people will re-elect them. A coalition is unstable, but it forces our leaders to negotiate, trade for space, listen to others, fish in a larger talent pool. A secure, majority government makes politicians complacent, arrogant and create unsustainable personality cults. From Indira to Rajiv to Modi, that is the lesson of our political history. India has no need to be afraid of coalitions. By Special Arrangement with The Print IMAGE: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, centre, poses for a photo with members of delegations during the multilateral peace talks on Afghanistan in Moscow on Friday. Photograph: Sergei Karpukhin/Reuters India on Friday attended in a non-official capacity a conference on bringing back peace in Afghanistan, which was hosted by Russia and participated by the Taliban as well as representatives from several countries including Pakistan, China and Iran. Hours after the multi-lateral conference began in Moscow, India made it clear that its participation was in sync with its Afghan policy and asserted that attending the meeting was not talking to the Taliban at all. In his opening remarks at the conference, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Russia and the countries of the region will continue to do everything possible to launch dialogue between Afghan government and the Taliban, which is banned in Russia. "We are determined to make every possible effort to facilitate the opening of a new page in the history of Afghanistan," he was quoted as saying by the state-run Tass news agency. Lavrov said the conference was aimed at building an inclusive intra-Afghan dialogue in order to advance the national reconciliation process. The United States Embassy in Moscow has sent a diplomat to observe Friday's discussions at the meeting which is being attended by representatives from Afghanistan, India, Iran, China, Pakistan and some other countries. India's former envoy to Afghanistan Amar Sinha and former Indian high commissioner to Pakistan T C A Raghavan were representing New Delhi at a non-official capacity. Asked why India sent representatives to the meeting when the Taliban was participating in it, spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs Raveesh Kumar said in New Delhi that India will be part of any peace process which is Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled. "We will participate in any process which is consistent with the policy we have for Afghanistan... It was decided by the government that our participation will be at non-official level," he said. To a question on participation of Taliban in the meeting, he said, "Where did we say that there will be talks with Taliban? We did not say that." "In our policy on Afghanistan which we have articulated and which has been consistent for quite sometime that we will be supportive of any process in Afghanistan is a party to the process," said Kumar. India's consistent policy has been that the peace talks should be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, and Afghan-controlled and with participation of the government of Afghanistan. Initially, the meeting was proposed for September 4 but it was called off after the Afghan government pulled out of it. India had also declined an invitation to the meeting then. The Afghan government is learnt to have sent the country's High Peace Council. In his address, Lavrov said all countries of the region and the entire international community would like to see Afghanistan as a peaceful, independent and prospering country, free of terrorism and drug trafficking. At the same time, he said Afghanistan should not be used for geopolitical games and stressed the importance of preserving territorial integrity of the country. "Russia supports the preservation of a united and indivisible Afghanistan in which all ethnic groups populating the country could live peacefully and happily. I have no doubts that the other participants of the Moscow format share this approach and that we all go by basic national interests of the Afghan people," he said. The Moscow conference comes a month after the Taliban held talks with US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, who is tasked with finding a negotiated end to Afghanistan's bloody war. According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, invitations to take part in the event had been sent to Afghanistan, India, Iran, China, Pakistan, the US and some other countries. India has been actively engaged in reconstruction activities in war-ravaged Afghanistan and has already spent $2 billion in various projects there. IMAGE: The killing of T1, as the tigress was officially known, led to an outrage among animal lovers and wildlife organisations. Photograph: PTI Photo The Maharashtra government on Friday constituted a four-member committee, comprising wildlife experts and officials, to conduct an 'in-depth' probe into the killing of tigress Avni. The state government has come under fire over the death of the tigress, who was believed to have turned a man-eater and killed 13 people in the last two years in Yavatmal district. The big cat was shot dead in an operation in a forest in Yavatmal district last Friday. The killing of T1, as the tigress was officially known, led to an outrage among animal lovers and wildlife organisations. An official statement issued by the forest department stated that the committee has been formed on directions of Forest Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar to conduct an 'in-depth' inquiry into the death of the tigress. The committee is headed by Principal Chief Conservator of Forest S H Patil. It will include Wildlife Institute of India member Habib Bilal, Wildlife Conservation Trust chairman Anish Andheriya and Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forest Nitin Kakodkar, the statement said. Kakodkar will also act as the panel's convenor, it said. Union minister Maneka Gandhi had lashed out at the state government over Avni's killing and dubbed it a 'ghastly murder'. Avni was the mother of two 10-month-old cubs. The Maharashtra government, however, defended itself calling the incident 'sad' but necessary after the tigress attacked forest staff trying to tranquilise it. Opposition Nationalist Congress Party dubbed the inquiry as an 'eyewash'. Party spokesman Nawab Malik said the probe is aimed at giving a clean chit to the state government and demanded constitution of an SIT. Asked about the criticism by the opposition, Mungantiwar said he has written a letter to Maneka Gandhi, asking for an independent probe by Supreme Court judges into the killing of Avni. "This inquiry (by SC judges) will happen when it has to happen, but the state government has to probe the issue at the earliest," Mungantiwar said. IMAGE: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu addresses the media with DMK president M K Stalin at the latter's residence in Chennai, on Friday. Photograph: PTI Photo Asserting that he was not the face of the anti-Bharatiya Janata Party front which he is trying to forge, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Nadu on Friday said the question of who would lead the alliance would be taken up later. Naidu, after visiting Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam president M K Stalin as part of his efforts to cobble up a front against the saffron party, lauded the Dravidian party leader as being better than Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Asked by reporters if he was the face of the alliance, Naidu said, "No, I am not the face of this alliance. You have to understand that. I am very clear I am not an aspirant, I am only a facilitator... I will bring everybody together. we will decide and take things forward." On who would lead the alliance,he said there were so many leaders. "Even Stalinji is better than Narendra Modiji...there are strong leaders...we will work that out and decide." While Rahul Gandhi led Congress has a pan Indian presence, Naidu described regional leaders, including himself, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Stalin and Deve Gowda as strong leaders in their respective states, who are coming together against the BJP. After a 50-minute meeting with the DMK chief, Naidu said he had come to request Stalin to join him to 'save this nation since democracy and the nation are in danger and all of us have to work together against the BJP'. Stalin said he pledged DMK'S full support to Naidu's effort to rally all parties to dislodge the BJP government at the Centre, which has been 'intimidating' even autonomous institutions like the Reserve Bank of India. Stalin said he assured Naidu that he would participate in a proposed consultative meeting of leaders at Delhi or any other suitable place to take forward the initiative. "Things like the Common Minimum Programme will be devised for sure," the DMK top leader said to a question. Stalin said he has all along been batting for the unity of state leaders and Opposition parties to halt the 'snatching away' of the rights of states by the Centre. Downplaying the possibility of differences among parties repeatedly, Naidu said 'national interest is of utmost importance when compared to individual or political interest'. "We have to join together... I am in touch with Mamata Banjerjee. I am going to meet her again. We have to work togather to save this nation." Despite past differences with the Congress, he had joined forces with that party, considering the national interest, Naidu said. Only if there is democracy could there be parties, he said, adding that was the situation today. "We will provide Krishna water to Chennai and in future will work to bring Godavari water to Chennai," a smiling Naidu said. Asking journalists if people had got any benefit from the NDA government, the Telugu Desam Party top leader It was a pity that people were not even able to withdraw money from ATMs post demonetisation. To a question on his view on the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam government in Tamil Nadu, he shot back asking 'where is the government?' Recalling his association with DMK since the National Front government days of the late 1980s, he said his idea was to facilitate an anti BJP platform. Naidu charged the centre with interefering in the affairs of a regulatory body like RBI, which was never done in the past. He alleged that the economy was in the doldrums and pointed to aspects like Non-performing assets and hit out at the government over demonetisation. Levelling a slew of accusations against the BJP, he said there was intolerance, farmers distress and unemployment. Naidu alleged that the Enforcement Directorate and Income Tax departments were being used only to malign and harass all opposition leaders. Stalin lauded Naidu for his good effort to defeat the 'anti-people', BJP at the hustings. "Be it court, CBI or RBI, all autonomous institutions are being initimidated by the Centre... to stop it the BJP government should be dislodged," Stalin said. Naidu's meeting with Stalin came a day after he called on his Karnataka counterpart H D Kumaraswamy and Janata Dal-Secular supremo H D Deve Gowda. Earlier, Naidu was accorded a warm welcome by Stalin at his Alawarpet residence. DMK Rajya Sabha MP Kanimozhi, party top leader and treasurer Duraimurugan, former Union Ministers A Raja and T R Baalu were present during the discussions. Days ago, when Naidu visited Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Stalin had welcomed it saying it was the need of the hour for all non-BJP parties to come together on a common platform. He also had pledged DMK's support to the initiative of Rahul Gandhi and Naidu to defeat the saffron party in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The DMK chief also had months ago endorsed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's efforts to bring various parties together to oppose and defeat the BJP. Two wagons of a goods train caught fire near Dahanu in Palghar district of Maharashtra on Thursday, as a result of which rail services on the route were affected, officials said. After the incident, the Western Railway cancelled a couple of long-distance trains. Besides, at least 10 long-distance trains were halted and suburban train services between Virar and Dahanu Road stations were stopped till Friday morning, they said. However, the services were restored by 9.10 am on Friday, they said. According to a railway official, the incident took place late on Thursday night between Dahanu Road and Vangaon Railway Stations. "The fire incident was reported at 10.35 pm. The 15th and 16th wagons of the goods train that was coming from Vadodara to JNPT in Mumbai caught fire. Due to the blaze and heat, the overhead wire equipment melted," a senior official said. After being alerted about the incident, senior WR officials rushed to the site and work on overhead wire restoration was taken up. The fire brigade, Railway Police Force and Government Railway Police rushed to the spot, a police official said, adding that the blaze was doused around 2 am. At least 10 long-distance trains were halted as a result of the incident, the police official added. The WR cancelled some long-distance trains. "Train 59024/59023 (Valsad-Mumbai Central-Valsad) and 12935 (Bandra T- Surat) are cancelled today, while train no. 22954 (Ahmedabad-Mumbai Central) is short terminated at Surat," the WR said in a tweet. A WR official said, "The suburban services between Dahanu Road and Virar stations were stopped after the incident. However, the train services, including those on the suburban route, were restored by 9.10 am on Friday." A probe is underway to ascertain the exact cause of the fire, he said. Photographs: ANI The first China International Import Expo (CIIE) kicked off in Shanghai on November 5 amid high anticipation from the world. Held against the rising trade protectionism as well as the complicated and changing global economy, it is the worlds first national expo themed with import. The CIIE demonstrates Chinas responsibility and announces the countrys policy to contribute more solutions to the construction and development of an open world economy, the boosting of economic and trade exchanges among countries, and the promotion of global trade and economic growth. The CIIE is a symbol of Chinas efforts to build a new pattern of opening up. The report to the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China has made it clear that China will take action to create a new landscape in all-round opening up. On one hand, China is the worlds most populous country, as well as the second largest economy, and the second largest importing country. The countrys economy has stepped into a new phase of development featuring steady expansion of consumption. It enjoys large potential for both consumption and import. On the other hand, to seek for trade surplus is never an intention of China. Instead, China pursues a balance between import and export and actively seeks to expand import. In the next five years, China is expected to import $10 trillion worth of goods and services, providing historical opportunities for enterprises from the world to enter the Chinese market. The CIIE is an important platform for China and Russia to strengthen effective cooperation at various levels. Currently, the China-Russia relations are showing a strong momentum. In such a context, the CIIE has no doubt provided best opportunities and a broad platform for both sides to expand channels of bilaterally economic and trade cooperation and find new areas of further cooperation. AS one of the largest participants at the CIIE, Russia has booked an exhibition area of 2,000 square meters that covers a variety of products such as food, agricultural products, garment, consumer goods, smart and high-end equipment, and medical instruments and health care products. In recent years, China and Russia have attached great importance to the large-scale cooperation projects of strategic importance. Thanks to the docking of the Belt and Road Initiative and the Eurasian Economic Union, the two countries have achieved fruitful results in the promotion of overall cooperation quality by expanding trade scope, optimizing trade structure and exploring new cooperation highlights. China has maintained the largest trading partner of Russia for eight years in a row. Bilateral trade between the two countries has been kept at a high growth rate since 2018, reaching $67.5 billion in the first eight months, up 25.7 percent from a year ago. The whole-year figure is expected to hit $100 billion. Moreover, both sides are making active efforts to cultivate more new growth points in such fields as cross-border e-commerce, digital economy, SME cooperation, Far East development, Arctic exploitation. The first CIIE has released a signal that China will open its door even wider to the world and see increasing demands for import. China welcomes all countries to ride on China's fast train of economic development, and is willing to share its experience and achievements of economic development. With joint efforts from all sides, its believed that the CIIE will live up to the expectation of all participants including Russian enterprises. (Li Hui is the Chinese Ambassador to Russia.) In his first visit as the prime minister of India, Narendra Modi will travel to Male on November 17 to attend the swearing-in ceremony of new Maldivian president, indicating an attempt to mend bilateral ties, which nosedived during the outgoing Abdulla Yameen government. Announcing Modi's day-long visit, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said the prime minister has accepted President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih invitation to attend the ceremony 'with pleasure'. Kumar, however, made it clear that it is not a 'bilateral visit'. "In keeping with its neighbourhood first policy, India looks forward to closely working with Maldives in further deepening the partnership," Kumar said. India-Maldives ties came under strain under Yameen who was perceived to be close to China. Some decisions by Yameen including imposition of restrictions on work visas for Indians and signing of a new Free Trade Agreement with Beijing also did not go down well with New Delhi. The relations deteriorated further after Yameen imposed emergency on February 5 this year. India had criticised his decision and asked his government to restore the credibility of the electoral and political process by releasing political prisoners. The emergency lasted for 45 days. Presidential elections were held in Maldives on September 23 in which joint opposition leader Solih defeated Yameen, capping months of political upheaval in the tourist paradise. Maldives is an important country for India's maritime security and there have been concerns in India over China's growing influence over the country in last few years. ***** PM to visit Singapore on Nov 14-15 to attend East Asia Summit Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay a two-day visit to Singapore beginning November 14 to attend the East Asia Summit, an influential bloc which delves into political, security and trade related issues in the Asia-Pacific region. Making the announcement, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said Modi is also expected to participate in a number of other events during the visit. "PM will make an official visit to Singapore to attend the 13th East Asia Summit and associated meetings on November 14th and 15th," he said. Kumar said the prime minister is also scheduled to deliver a keynote address at the Singapore Fintech Summit. The East Asia Summit is a premier forum in the Asia-Pacific region. Since its inception in 2005, it has played a significant role in the strategic, geopolitical and economic evolution of East Asia. Apart from the 10 ASEAN member-states, East Asia Summit includes India, China, Japan, Republic of Korea, Australia, New Zealand, United States and Russia. The annual ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) summit is also taking place in Singapore next week. However, there will be no ASEAN-India summit during the annual congregation of the powerful grouping. The ASEAN-India summit was held in January this year when leaders from all 10 ASEAN nations visited India to attend the Republic Day celebrations. row 'comes to an end' as 'objectionable' scenes deleted The Madras high court restrained the police from arresting the film's director A R Murugadoss till November 27. IMAGE: AIADMK party cadres, led by MLA V V Rajan Chellappa, stage a protest against the screening of film Sarkar, in front of a theatre at Anna Nagar, Madurai, on Thursday. Photograph: PTI Photo The issue over actor Vijay's Tamil film Sarkar blew over on Friday with its producers voluntarily cutting scenes, including an apparent reference to late chief minister J Jayalalithaa and criticism of welfare schemes initiated by her, and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam government welcoming it. A day after the movie faced a backlash from the AIADMK over the 'objectionable' scenes and reference, prompting the makers to agree for the cuts, Information and Publicity Minister Kadambur C Raju welcomed it and said the 'issue has come to an end' and the AIADMK would not stage any more protests against it. His cabinet colleague R B Udhayakumar thanked the film producers for respecting 'the sentiments of Tamil people' and urged movie-makers to exercise restraint in future. Earlier in the day, Tamil 'Superstar' Rajinikanth threw his weight behind Vijay, questioning the AIADMK's rationale in protesting against a film certified by the censor board. After several ministers objected to the reference to Jayalalithaa and some scenes, including the one showing mixers and grinders being burnt, AIADMK workers on Thursday protested in front of several theatres screening the film, released on Deepavali day on November 6. In a related legal development, the Madras high court on Friday restrained the police from arresting the film's director A R Murugadoss till November 27. Passing interim orders on the anticipatory bail application filed by Murugadoss, who apprehended arrest in connection with some complaints lodged against him, Justice G K Ilanthiraiyan directed him to co-operate with the police and adjourned the matter to November 27. Murugadoss's counsel informed the court that the objectionable portions had already been removed from the film. According to Tamil film industry sources, 'relevant scenes' in Sarkar have been removed and the theatres will now start screening the 'edited' version. They added the cuts in the digital copies of the film for all theatres can be made online from Chennai itself. The cuts effected were 'voluntary' with the approval of the Central Board of Film Certification, they said. "While we don't know how many scenes have been deleted, we can say for sure that the objectionable scene on mixer and grinder being burnt has been removed," they said. Also, the audio part mentioning the name Komalavalli, deemed to be a reference to Jayalalithaa, will be 'muted', they said. Meanwhile, Sun Pictures, producers of the movie, said that certain scenes 'considered to be controversial' were removed in the interest of public safety, as well as on pleas from theatre owners. A company statement said that the ruling party members had resorted to violence and caused damage to property in theatres. "Heeding the requests of theatre owners and considering the safety of the movie going public and their belongings, one or two scenes that were said to be controversial, have been removed," the statement, which also carreid a tag line 'sarkar filmcrew' said. The removal of the scenes prompted Raju to declare that the 'issue has come to an end' and that the AIADMK would not hold anymore protests. "We believe they (Sarkar team) have realised that they have hurt people's sentiments and have come forward to remove the scenes... it is welcome. So the issue has come to an end. The protests (against the film) will not continue," he told reporters in Chennai. Defending the protests, Raju said AIADMK workers 'ranging from an ordinary cadre to the Chief Minister (K Palaniswami)', consider Jayalalithaa as their 'God'. "We have nothing to do with the film or Vijay," Raju said describing the star as a 'dear friend'. He said the party's opposition had nothing to do with criticism of the government. A name said to be referring to Jayalalithaa was used for a negative character and therefore the opposition to it was 'wholehearted' from the party workers, he added. Revenue Minister Udhayakumar thanked the Sarkar crew for removing the scenes. "In future, filmmakers should avoid including scenes that would hurt the sentiments, especially relating to Amma's (Jayalalithaa's) sacrifices and hardwork," he said. Fans of 'dear brother Vijay' also benefited from government welfare schemes like the free mixer-grinder and fan initiative, he told reporters in Madurai. Meanwhile, Rajinikanth 'strongly condemned' the demands for deletion of the scenes. 'It is against the law to hold protests seeking removal of some scenes from a Censor board certified film and trying to stall the screening and damaging the banners,' he tweeted. On Thursday, the AIADMK was up in arms against Sarkar with senior state ministers demanding deletion of the contentious scenes, besides threatening to initiate legal action if the film crew failed to comply. Law Minister C Ve Shanmugham had said certain scenes amounted to inciting violence and warned of 'action'. The AIADMK took strong exception to scenes showing mixer-grinder and fans being burnt, seen as an obvious affront to its flagship scheme of providing these goods free of cost to people, fulfilling an electoral promise made by Jayalalithaa in 2011. Sarkar had earlier courted a row after an aspiring filmmaker claimed that the film's story was his, following which director Murugadoss went in for a compromise with him. Produced by Sun Pictures, the film stars Vijay and Keerthi Suresh in key roles with Oscar winner A R Rahman scoring the music. Vijay's 2017 film Mersal too had ran into a controversy after the Bharatiya Janata Party objected to some scenes critical of GST among others. 'If Nitish Kumar is given more seats, then no one can stop the NDA from losing, even the BJP will be wiped out.' Utkarsh Mishra reports on the BJP's problems in Bihar. IMAGE: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar welcomes Bharatiya Janata Party President Amit Anilchandra Shah. Photograph: PTI Photo Over a week after Bharatiya Janata Party President Amit Anilchandra Shah announced, flanked by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, that the BJP and Kumar's Janata Dal-United would contest an equal number of Lok Sabha seats in the state in the 2019 election, there is still no clarity over the National Democratic Alliance's seat-sharing formula. There were reports that the BJP and the JD-U would contest 16 seats each. Of the remaining eight Lok Sabha seats in Bihar, six seats would be given to Ram Vilas Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party while the Upendra Kushwaha-led Rashtriya Lok Samata Party would be given two. However, this was rejected by the RLSP which insists that no seat-sharing plan has been finalised yet. A couple of days after Shah's presser, Kushwaha addressed reporters after meeting Bhupendra Yadav, the BJP's Bihar in-charge, and said that seat-sharing talks are still underway and a clear picture would emerge in two or three days. However, no final announcement has been made so far. Meanwhile, top RLSP leaders reiterate that they will not accept anything less than three Lok Sabha seats. RLSP national General Secretary and spokesperson Madhaw Anand said that Shah and Kumar's press conference was only a matter between those two parties. "It would have been better if other NDA members were also included in that discussion. Nonetheless, we want to see Narendra Modi ji again as prime minister in 2019 and we are strongly with the NDA," Anand told Rediff.com. "But no seat-sharing formula which doesn't take into account our party's mandate will be acceptable to us," Anand added. The RLSP had contested three Lok Sabha seats in 2014, he said, and won all of them. "This time, too, we will contest not less than three seats," he said. Echoing similar views, RLSP Working President Nagmani said, "The Bihar in-charge of the BJP has been told that if we are not offered respectable number of seats, we will take necessary steps." In an earlier interview with Rediff.com, Nagmani had stated that the RLSP could have an alliance with Lalu Prasad Yadav's Rashtriya Janata Dal. These rumours were fuelled by Kushwaha's meeting with RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, leader of the Opposition in the Bihar assembly, at Arwal. However, both Kushwaha and Tejashwi termed the meeting as a coincidence. "Kushwahaji's programme in Arwal was already fixed. When he reached there, he found that Tejashwi was already staying at the circuit house," Anand said. "When Tejashwi came to meet Kushwahaji with his followers, he couldn't have refused." "The meeting should not be seen politically," Anand added, "If Tejashwi made any political statements after that, then it was his prerogative. The RJD would also want to have a partner like the RLSP. But we are strongly with the NDA." Nagmani, however, is less forgiving. "If we are not given a fair share of seats, we will sit and decide the fate of our alliance," Nagmani said. "In Madhya Pradesh, the BJP did not want us to fight elections. But we have already declared candidates on 66 seats." "We are an independent party, not tied to anyone. Why will we have an agreement with a party that doesn't treat us with respect?" Nagmani asked. "I have said so many times that Nitish has only 1.5 to 2 per cent vote in Bihar. If he is given more seats, then no one can stop the NDA from losing, even the BJP will be wiped out," he said. Anand, on the other hand, expressed hope that the BJP would consider giving three or more seats to the RLSP. "The BJP is the largest party in the world and it sees everything. For the BJP, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar -- having 80 and 40 Lok Sabha seats respectively -- are most important states for the 2019 polls," Anand said. "The BJP knows the caste equation in Bihar and our 10 to 15 per cent votes can't be ignored. Moreover, Upendra Kushwahaji has the support of all communities and not just the Kushwaha community," Anand added. "If there is a star performer in the NDA in Bihar, it is the RLSP," Anand asserted. "We contested three seats in 2014 and won all of them with over a lakh votes. Since then, our support base has only expanded." "No seat-sharing formula that doesn't take into account this increased mandate of the RLSP will be accepted," Anand warned. The BJP's Shah, he said, has only announced that the BJP and the JD-U would contest an equal number of seats in Bihar. "He did not specify how many seats each NDA partner will get. I can assure you that this time also we will get at least three seats, if not more," Anand said. Unlike the JD-U, he said, the RLSP believes in alliance dharma. "We are putting forward our demands through proper channels and we are confident that they will be accepted," he added. On being asked if newly-appointed JD-U Vice-President Prashant Kishor's proximity to Narendra Damodardas Modi could be the cause of the BJP's indifference towards other allies, Anand retorted that he did not know anybody with that name. "Who Prashant Kishor? Who is this new leader in Bihar? Are you talking about the person whom the Congress workers in UP were searching with 'Missing' posters and banners after their rout in the assembly election last year?" Anand asked. "Bihar has no dearth of leaders. There is Upendra Kushwahaji, (Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and the BJP's senior leader in Bihar) Sushil Modiji; Nitishji himself is there. Then why talk about a person whom no one knows?" Anand asked. "We are with the NDA since 2014. Nitish Kumar came back only in 2017. There cannot be a seat-sharing agreement without consulting all NDA partners," Anand said. Why does the BJP seem to care only about the JD-U despite such clear statements by the RLSP leadership? "We have said so many times that Nitish has only 1.5 to 2 per cent votes. If the BJP gives 16, 17 seats to the JD-U and only two seats to our party, which has a much larger mandate then it would be a suicide for the BJP," Nagmani warned. "If the BJP wants to commit suicide, then who can stop it?" When you think of Indian Maharajas of yore what is the one thing that comes to mind? Jewels! And that is exactly what the world will witness at Christies, New York during its upcoming auction -- "Maharajas and Mughal Magnificence". The "unprecedented group" of objects is from The Al Thani Collection of the royal family of Qatar. It is expected to see competitive bidding from across the globe. As per Christie's, this collection is poised to be the most valuable auction of jewellery and jewelled objects. The current record is held by The Collection of Elizabeth Taylor, which totals $144 million (Rs 1,003 crore). Mughal emperor Shah Jahan's jade hilted dagger, the priceless jewels of the Nizams of Hyderabad, and a string of pearls belonging to Rajmata Gayatri Devi of Jaipur are among the 400 royal artefacts that would be auctioned on Wednesday. Here's a glimpse of the astounding jewels that will be auctioned. Paris-based jeweller Mellerio dits Meller made jewels for Maharaja Jagatjit Singh of Kapurthala. One such ornament is the vibrant peacock aigrette, made of gold, diamonds and enamel. The piece is visible in the portraits of the maharaja's fifth wife, Rani Prem Kaur. Photograph: Kind courtesy Legion of Honor Mughal emperors originally wore turban ornaments known as 'sarpechs' to show off dazzling large gemstones, while egret feathers also signaled their rank as an emblem of authority. Here the border of brilliant-cut diamonds and a substantial emerald echo European jewellery designs as the gems are not encased in closed settings that were typical of Indian jewellery. Photograph: Kind courtesy Legion of Honor An antique imperial spinel. It is made of seven tumbled spinel beads, pearls, pear-shaped cabochon emerald drop and gold. Photograph: Kind courtesy Legion of Honor The Nizam of Hyderabad necklace. The piece's eight large diamonds, each weighing between 10 to 15 carats, are modified brilliant cuts. The cuts represent an advance in gem-faceting technology in India. The symmetrical arrangement of the gems and the central pendant reveal Western influences. Photograph: Kind courtesy Legion of Honor This 20th century necklace was created in France in 1937 for Maharaja Digvijaysinhji of Nawanagar, making the most of a remarkable collection of Burmese rubies amassed by his predecessor, a friend of the legendary jeweler Jacques Cartier. Following Independence in 1947, Cartier bought the piece and altered the original design to better suit a woman. It was subsequently bought and worn by Loel Guinness at author Truman Capote's famed Black and White Ball in 1966. Photograph: Kind courtesy Legion of Honor A gold finial from the throne of Tipu Sultan. It is set with diamonds, rubies and emeralds. The marble plinth with gilt metal fittings is 17.1 cm in height. . Photograph: Kind courtesy Legion of Honor Pen cases and inkwells were symbols of the highest distinction. Its decoration includes a sacred bird called a hamsa, a symbol of Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of learning. Photograph: Kind courtesy Legion of Honor A stunning turban ornament of the Maharaja of Nawanagar, white gold set with diamonds. It was originally made 1907 and modified in 1935. Photograph: Kind courtesy: Legion of Honor This pendant, in the form of a figure modelled around a baroque pearl, represents a fine example of the dialogue between Italy and India in the jewelled arts at the time of the Renaissance. Using gems in Indian kundan settings, the pendant may have been made by a European goldsmith working in India. The figure may be a snake god, Nagadevata. The Nagas were semi-divine, with a human face and the neck of a cobra. The large pearl came to India through trade, either from the Pacific Ocean or from waters off the coast of America. The composition of the pendant is directly inspired by 16th century Italian prototypes and reflects Mughal interests in the arts of the West. Photograph: Kind courtesy Legion of Honor Although the Cartiers were never technically diamond merchants, the deals they made and the work they did with some of the finest stones in the world played a key role in developing the firm's international stature. In 1937, Maharaja Digvijaysinhji of Nawanagar asked Cartier to set the 'Tiger Eye', an unusual cognac-coloured diamond discovered in 1913 and sold by the firm to his predecessor Maharaja Ranjitsinhji. Cartier designed a turban ornament around the gem, using baguette-cut diamonds to create an Art Deco look for this traditional Indian jewellery form. Photograph: Kind courtesy Legion of Honor Another jewel piece for a turban. Photograph: Kind courtesy Legion of Honor This wine cup is the earliest dated jade artefact that can be linked without doubt to any Mughal emperor. It has three bands of calligraphy -- the central band, carved in monumental sols script, has a royal dedication announcing that the cup was made for Jahangir; the upper border, in Nastaaliq script, confirms it was the personal cup of the emperor and was made in the second year of his reign, therefore between April 1607 and March 1608. Persian verses ornament the cup, including some contemporary 17th century poetry, and it is suggested that the poet responsible was the maker of the cup itself. The superintendent of the royal goldsmiths at the time was also rewarded by Jahangir for his skills as a poet. Photograph: Kind courtesy Legion of Honor In the Indian court, rosewater was sprinkled over guests at the end of a meal using bottles such as this gem encrusted one which was probably made in the Mughal imperial workshops (1675 -1725). The bottle is inscribed with its weight for the treasury records. Differences in the colour of gold and the settings suggest that the neck is a replacement dating from the late 18th century. Rosewater was also sprinkled at larger social gatherings as a sign of favour and hospitality. A similar bottle was removed from Delhi in 1739 and taken to Russia in 1741 by envoys of the Iranian ruler Nadir Shah. Photograph: Kind courtesy Legion of Honor A visitor experiences intra-operative visual magnification system at the exhibition area for medical equipment and medical care products. Photo by Chen Bin from Peoples Daily The China International Import Expo (CIIE), the worlds first national exhibition themed with import, is a great innovation in the history of international trade. In addition to more than 3,000 overseas exhibitors, the grand event also attracts hundreds of thousands of buyers, many of whom are from Chinese private companies. Taking purchasing lists, letters of intent and even study notes, they are both seeking business opportunities and exploring ways of transformation and upgrading. Wang Xiaowei, purchasing manager of Baiyue Dairy Group from western Chinas Shaanxi province, has just signed a deal with a supplier. According to him, the company has signed purchasing agreements totaling 140 million yuan ($20.2 million) with world-class equipment suppliers from Germany, Sweden and Switzerland. Wang said he was warmed and motivated by Chinese President Xi Jinping who highly praised the contribution made by private enterprises at a symposium a few days ago. This time, Xis remarks that economic globalization, as an irreversible trend of history, has greatly boosted global growth has pointed out the direction for the internalization of private enterprises, Wang said. At the CIIE, private enterprises can be seen everywhere, trying samples, inquiring technologies and negotiating partnerships. A surgery robot is on display at Hall 7.1 of the CIIE. The high-precision robot has performed over 100,000 operations in China. It can easily cut a thin stamen without touching the others. Photo by Xiao Yi from China Economic Weekly Chinas initiative to expand imports is not a choice of expediency. It is a future-oriented step taken to embrace the world and promote common development, Xi said in his keynote speech delivered at the opening ceremony of the CIIE. President Xi envisioned us the prosperity of cross-border e-commerce, and we should introduce more high-quality products to the Chinese market from overseas, said Zeng Xiulian, a partner of Xiaohongshu, a popular Chinese social media and e-commerce platform. The recent symposium on private enterprises presided by Xi assured Chinas non-public sector, and the CIIE would become a big stage for private companies, Zeng told Peoples Daily. The CIIE means treasure, and it has opened a new window for enterprises in central and western China, said Li Xingqian, a deputy from Sichuan trade delegation. Every company has the access to world-class enterprises, products and services at the event, and every one shares the same opportunities, he added. While some private companies are seeking cooperation, many others are learning from world-leading enterprises. The CIIE is a place where they can learn how to stimulate market potential, break financing bottleneck, and realize transformation and upgrading. Imported childrens medicines are very popular in China, such as the cooling relieves from Japan and the fruit-flavored oral liquids from the US. Tong Feng, manager of R&D department of the Beijing-based drugmaker Chengji Pharma said that the company wanted to learn the latest technologies about childrens dosage forms so as to improve domestic medicine production. China is one of the worlds most important increasing markets. The warm response to the CIIE indicates global confidence in the Chinese market, said Zhang Lei, CEO of NetEase Kaola, a cross-border import retail e-commerce platform. We will accelerate the introduction of more fine products to China from overseas, so as to meet the ever-growing demands of the people for a better life, she added. Supreme Administrative Court decision of 2 November 2018 - KHO:2018:147 Publisher Finland: Supreme Administrative Court Publication Date 2 November 2018 Citation / Document Symbol ECLI:FI:KHO:2018:147 Other Languages / Attachments Original decision in Finnish Cite as Supreme Administrative Court decision of 2 November 2018 - KHO:2018:147, ECLI:FI:KHO:2018:147 , Finland: Supreme Administrative Court, 2 November 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/cases,FIN_SAC,5be5abda4.html [accessed 22 November 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Finland Supreme Court rules in a case of exclusion from international protection On 2 November, the Supreme Administrative Court of Finland ruled on a case of exclusion from international protection due to the suspected commission of war crimes and crimes against humanity. This case concerns a Syrian national whose fear of persecution was considered by the Finnish Immigration Service (FIS) to have been established, but international protection was refused due to the applicant falling under an exclusion clause. According to the domestic services, the appellant's activities as a member of the Syrian army amounted to war crimes, or crimes against humanity. The applicant appealed before the Helsinki Administrative Court, which annulled the contested decision, remitting the case back to the FIS, due to the applicant's role in the hostilities remaining unproven. According to the Court, the applicant's military membership at the time of the Homs bombings cannot automatically mean that he had committed war crimes, or that he was a direct factor in those bombings. The Court also gave weight to the applicant's denial of any involvement in the bombings. In this connection, the Administrative Court recalled the UNHCR's line of a narrow interpretation of exclusion clauses, while also citing UNHCR's relevant guidelines to reiterate that the burden of proof in exclusion cases lies with the state. As the FIS had not been able to prove that there are serious reasons to believe the applicant indeed participated in war crimes, exclusion clauses could not be triggered. The immigration services sought permission to annul the decision before the Supreme Administrative Court. The Supreme Court upheld the Administrative Court's reasoning as it stood, reaffirming that the determination process did not meet the necessary conditions set out in UNHCR's guidelines regarding sufficient evidence and interpretation. The Court decided to not amend the contested decision. Based on an unofficial translation by the ELENA Weekly Legal Update of 9 November 2018 Hollywood, FL -- (ReleaseWire) -- 11/09/2018 --Saffron Investigations is a well-known company that offers top private detective in Hollywood and Miami Florida. The investigators at Saffron Investigations know that this is a significant business, and they have extensive experience in this specific area. All the playground injury inspectors here are thoroughly trained, and thus they are very talented to reconstruct events in a precise manner. 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About Titan Wraps Titan Wraps is a renowned company that offers top class car and truck wrapping services in Lewisville, Dallas-Fort Worth, Frisco, Carrollton, & Plano, TX. Against software development Take with a grain of salt. I. The basic Darwinian tragedy of software engineering is this: Beautiful code gets rewritten; ugly code survives. Just so, generic code is replaced by its concrete instances, which are faster and (at first) easier to comprehend. Just so, extensible code gets extended and shimmed and customized until under its own sheer weight it collapses, then replaced by a monolith that Just Works. Just so, simple code grows, feature by creeping feature, layer by backward-compatible layer, until it is complicated. So perishes the good, the beautiful, and the true. In this world of local-optimum-seeking markets, aesthetics alone keep us from the hell of the Programmer-Archaeologist. II. Code is limited primarily by our ability to manage complexity. Thus, Software grows until it exceeds our capacity to understand it. Because of this, creating large software systems requires making and enforcing decisions about problems beyond any one person's ability to understand. Making collective decisions is the core problem of society, government, and culture. After 14,000 years, we still fuck up a lot. As software eats the world, we should expect our collective decision-making systems to be badly stressed for the foreseeable future. Perhaps we should expect true advances in software engineering only when we learn how better to govern ourselves. III. To those who have a choice: Refuse to work on systems that profit from digital addictions. Refuse to work on systems that centralize control of media. Refuse to work on systems that prop up an unjust status quo. Refuse to work on systems that require unsustainable tradeoffs. Refuse to work on systems that weaponize the fabric of society. Above all, refuse to work on systems that understand and manipulate people, but offer no affordance for their subjects to understand and manipulate them. Work on something that matters, if only to you. Work on something that helps people, even in small ways. Work on making things understandable. Once, software let a lucky few of us escape to virtual worlds, choose our own communities, and explore alternate realities. These days, for better or worse, software defines everyone's reality. Let's build one worth living in. In a major executive action aimed at preventing the U.S.-bound caravan from seeking asylum in the country, President Donald Trump' administration ordered that migrants who cross the southern border from Mexico illegally will no longer be eligible for asylum under a new rule. Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen announced Thursday an Interim Final Rule declaring that "aliens" who contravene a presidential order suspending or limiting the entry into the U.S. through the southern border with Mexico will be rendered ineligible for asylum. The White House is expected to issue a presidential proclamation based on the Immigration and Nationality Act on Friday. Once the plan takes effect, migrants entering the U.S. through southern border would only be eligible for asylum if they report at official ports of entry, officials said. Whitaker and Nielsen said in a joint statement that consistent with U.S. immigration laws, Trump has the authority to suspend or restrict the entry of foreigners into the U.S. if he determines it to be in the national interest to do so. "Our asylum system is overwhelmed with too many merit-less asylum claims from aliens who place a tremendous burden on our resources, preventing us from being able to expeditiously grant asylum to those who truly deserve it," the statement added. Under instruction from Trump, more than 5,000 troop were sent last week to the border with Mexico to stop two caravans of U.S.-bound Latin American migrants, who started their grueling journey on foot mostly from Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala. The military was called hours after Trump warned, "This is an invasion of our Country and our Military is waiting for you!" Trump made the extraordinarily heavy deployment even as the migrants were still hundreds of miles away from the U.S.-Mexico border. The migrant caravan stopped to regroup in Mexico City en route to the border. According to White House, U.S. authorities encountered 600,000 inadmissible aliens in fiscal year 2018, out of which 400,000 attempted to enter illegally. Almost all of them entered through the southwest border. Some 240,000 illegal aliens were sent back through expedited removal in the last year. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Chinas initiatives for promoting a higher level of opening up and building an open world economy have won the hearts of people all around the world, foreign leaders said. They spoke highly of Chinese President Xi Jinpings speech delivered at the opening ceremony of the first China International Import Expo (CIIE) on Nov. 5. They believe that the proposals are bound to inject power into Chinas economy and create new opportunities for win-win cooperation. In his speech, Xi said that the CIIE is the world's first import expo held at the national level, an innovation in the history of global trade. It demonstrates China's consistent position of supporting the multilateral trading system and promoting free trade. It is a concrete action by China to advance an open world economy and support economic globalization, said the Chinese President. While strengthening the driving force for Chinas own economic development, these Chinese initiatives and proposals will certainly create new opportunities for win-win cooperation across the world, global leaders said in their speeches. Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta said that this expo is an important signal to the world that China remains open for business despite the growing wave of trade protectionism. Kenyatta congratulated President Xi for his leadership in advocating for rule-based global trade, noting that the CIIE is a great opportunity to enhance China-Africa relationship and Kenya is part of the Belt and Road Initiative. It is the strong partnership between China and Kenya that made the historic Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway a reality in Kenya, Kenyatta said, adding that Kenyas natural port in Mombasa is now connected to the hinterland by the standard gauge railway. Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly expressed that Egypt recognizes the strategic importance of this expo, and believes that this expo will bring real opportunities for trade and investment cooperation between China and Egypt. Egypt is among the first group of countries to sign the Memorandum of Understanding with China on Belt and Road cooperation, said Madbouly, noting that Egypt takes very seriously the mechanism of the Belt and Road Initiative and will work together with China to strengthen bilateral investment cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. Hungary is the first European country to sign the Memorandum of Understanding on jointly building the Belt and Road Initiative, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban noted. Chinese companies investments in Hungary have contributed to the high employment rate of Hungary and played a significant role in helping Hungary to achieve a relatively high economic growth. In addition, Hungary has the highest export figures to China among central European countries. Its products of mechanical, pharmaceutical, and food industries are gaining larger and larger shares in the Chinese market, Orban added. As the Belt and Road Initiative gives shape to a global community of shared interests, this expo will help spread dividends of free trade among more closely integrated economies, noted Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan in his speech at the opening ceremony of the first CIIE. President Xi has said on many occasions that China's door of opening-up will not be closed, and will only open ever wider, Khan said that he took great comfort in President Xis statement. Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev expressed in his speech that China is one of Russias most important partners. Russia appreciates Chinas proposition to seek mutually beneficial cooperation, which will benefit all the stakeholders. Medvedev also noted that in recent years, China has become not only a global producer of industrial goods, but also a giant consumer market. Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc noted in his remarks that over the past four decades, China has pursued reform and opening up and actively proposed and implemented a wide range of cooperation initiatives to advance regional economic integration and connectivity. Vietnam highly appreciates China for its host of the first International Import Expo, which embodies the philosophy of win-win and mutually beneficial cooperation, and promotes economic and trade cooperation, expressed Phuc, adding that the expo will be a strong drive for regional and economic growth. Former Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram on Thursday said the BJP has gone back to its old theme of Hindutva after failing on all fronts and reiterated that state-wise alliance would be the best way to defeat the saffron party. He also said the Central government no longer talks about "achhe din" and the promise of development lies in a shambles. "There is no talk anymore of development or jobs, or investment or higher incomes or growth. The only talk we hear is about Hindutva agenda. "Soon after his election, the Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) appealed to the country to put all divisive and controversial issues under a moratorium for 10 years, and focus on development. The Prime Minister himself has resurrected the divisive and controversial issues," he told reporters here. He also alleged that all others from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), to ministers, to minor functionaries of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are talking and writing about divisive issues. "When they contested elections four-and-half-years ago, they talked about development, jobs and growth. They failed on all three fronts. They achieved nothing either on development, or jobs or growth. They have gone back to their old themes of Hindutva, giant statues, grand temples. It's complete failure of the Modi government," he said. Chidambaram also said that state-wise alliances should be formed in different states to defeat the saffron party. "State-wise alliances will benefit the Congress party. The best way to defeat BJP is to form state-wise alliances. One kind of alliance formed in Karnataka has yielded results," the Congress leader said. When asked about the possibility of an alliance with ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal, he said: "AICC will take the decision... I am not the competent person (to make a comment)." Speaking on the recently concluded by-elections in Karnataka, he said the vote in by- elections was a "big blow" to the BJP as people showed their confidence in the Congress- JD(S) government. "The BJP has not paused to reflect. The BJP and RSS are pressing the accelerator on the Hindutva agenda. The next few weeks will be crucial," he added. The Supreme Court's firecracker ban on Diwali was violated with impunity across Delhi and NCR on Wednesday with people bursting crackers till late into the night leading to a thick haze on Thursday morning and air quality dipping six notches below the normal. The police admitted there were violations, and that they would take serious legal action against firecracker sellers. The police said it seized over 1,300 kg of firecrackers during the overnight operation on Diwali across the national capital, arrested over 300 people and registered more than 600 FIRs. The Supreme Court had allowed bursting of firecrackers from 8 pm to 10 pm on Diwali. It had also allowed manufacturing and sale of only "green crackers", which have a low light and sound emission and contain less harmful chemicals. The court had asked the police to ensure that banned firecrackers were not sold and said in case of any violation, the station house officer (SHO) of the police station concerned would be held personally liable. Any violation would amount to committing contempt of court, the apex court had warned. "The Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi and the National Capital Region between 8 and 9 p.m. on Wednesday was recorded around 150-160. It continued to rise and crossed 250 (severe category) by 3 a.m. It crossed 300 (very severe category) by 6 a.m.," an official of the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) told IANS. "The AQI index increased because of firecrackers," said the official. The official said the CSE has not taken a firm stand on firecrackers this time. "But we can says the pollution level was 6.5 times higher in Delhi and NCR than the standard (60) category from Diwali night to Thursday morning," said the official. Delhiites continued to burst firecrackers on Diwali long after the 10 p.m. deadline. Despite stringent rules, the people managed to buy firecrackers illegally from the sellers in neighbourhood markets. Violations of the Supreme Court order were reported from IP Extension, Mayur Vihar's Phase-I, II and Extension in east Delhi, Lajpat Nagar in south Delhi, Lutyens Delhi, Dwarka in west Delhi and most of the sectors in Noida. "We received 1,400 PCR (Police Control Room) calls between Wednesday evening and Thursday morning about firecracker bursting. By and large the people did not violate the Supreme Court rules, but there were some incidents. As our police personnel were patrolling the whole night, we booked the violators," Delhi Police spokesperson Madhur Verma said. Over 700 kg of firecrackers were seized from south Delhi, 140 kg from North West Delhi, 200 kg from Dwarka, 278 kg from South East and 72 kg form North Delhi, police said. The Delhi Fire Service (DFS) department said it received 501 calls within 32 hours -- between midnight on Wednesday and 8 a.m. on Thursday. The number of calls was the highest since 2007, the DFS said. The number of calls received by DFS during Diwali was 204 in 2017 and 243 in 2016, 290 in 2015, 211 in 2014, 177 in 2013, 184 in 2012, 206 in 2011, 169 in 2010, 207 in 2009, 158 in 2008 and 184 in 2007. Chief fire officer Atul Garg told IANS the fire-related calls were received from across the national capital and the peak time was from 6 p.m. on Wednesday to 6 a.m. on Thursday. "A total of 223 calls were received during this period," he said. At least 12 people, including a police officer, were killed after a gunman forced his way into a popular bar in the US state of California and opened fire, officials said. The shooter was later found dead at the scene. According to the police, the shooting began at about 11.20 p.m. on Wednesday (0730 GMT Thursday) at the Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks. At least 12 people were injured in the attack. Ventura County sheriff's deputy Sergeant Ron Helus was among those killed, CNN reported. Helus had been in the force for 29 years and was due to retire in 2019. He was shot several times and later declared dead at a local hospital. Sheriff Geoff Dean told the media that the suspected gunman was found dead inside the bar and he was yet to be identified. The motive for the shooting was not known. At least 200 people were reportedly inside the bar attending a college country music night at the time of the incident, media reports say. Dozens of shots were reportedly fired by the suspect, who police believe may have taken his own life. Witnesses described a scene of panic in the bar when the gunman started firing. Some said they used chairs to break windows to escape while others sheltered inside toilets. The suspect may have used smoke grenades and at least one weapon, described as a semi-automatic handgun by witnesses, during the attack. "A gentleman, who walked in through the front door, shot the girl that was right behind the counter," said Holden Harrah, who witnessed the shooting. Another eyewitness who was injured told local television channel KTLA that the shots sounded "like fireworks". "We just dropped to the ground, we heard a lot of screaming. My friend is the DJ so she cut off the music, we just heard a lot of mayhem," he said. The Australian High Commission has joined Samoana Jazz and Arts Festival 2018 in this weeks programme by co-hosting a Gday Aussie Welcome to Australia- based musician Isaiah B Brunt. Attendees gathered at the Tiapapata Art Gallery to listen to the musician who was backed by Joey Cummings and James Kneubuhl of the BB Kings. Isaiah B Brunt was born in Auckland NZ to parents from Samoa, his mother Evo Paivai Patu and father Andrew Frank Brunt of Salafai. Given his Samoan heritage Isaiah has frequently travelled to the Islands throughout the years. Isaiah was a former studio owner of Darling Harbour studios in Australia and has worked alongside some of Australias top groups. In 2015 Isaiah recorded his third album in New Orleans winning critical acclaim in the US and making him the No #1 Australasian Blues artist in North Americas Blues Underground scene alongside Buddy Guy (US) and John Mayall (UK). This will be his inaugural professional gig on his parents home turf of Samoa. Last night Her Excellency Sara Moriarty welcomed attendees which comprised of dignitaries, diplomatic corps (corps), board members of the Samoana Jazz and Arts Festival and local Australian community. This is a rare opportunity to showcase the musical links that connect Australia and Samoa, Ms Moriarty said. Thank you to Isaiah B Brunt for providing us this opportunity tonight to connect through beautiful music and camaraderie. Ms. Moriarty acknowledged and paid special tribute to those who passed as a result of the Influenza Pandemic that swept through Samoa this day, 7th November in 1918. As you will all be aware today marks a solemn day in Samoan history, where we pay our respects to a quarter of the total population that perished in the epidemic one hundred years ago today, she said. It seems appropriate to me tonight to welcome the Blues and the story telling and sharing that goes with this genre of music, Stories such as love, loss, isolation and longing need to be shared and by sharing these stories we hope will follow is feelings of comfort and strength, she concluded. The Samoana Arts and Jazz Festival officially opens on Friday 8th November, 7:30pm at the Tanoa-Tusitala Hotel. It will run for three days with the closing ceremony on Sunday 11th November 2018. Samoa is being represented by a local delegation at the China International Import Expo. At the event, some 500,000 buyers from China alone have registered for the sold out VIP event. The Chamber of Commerce reports that yesterday was a full on day of networking for the delegation. All hands on deck today as our Govt. and Private sector worked in partnership to promote Samoa to the masses who visited the Samoa booth. Special Acknowledgement to our Students studying in China who danced at the Centre stage today, assisted translating at our booth and also at the special event hosted by our Government Hon. Lautafi Selafi Purcell, MCd by His Excellency Tapusalaia Terry Toomata and sponsored by our private sector in China including our member Hunan Fisheries. Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi has criticised the performance of nurses, accusing them of unprofessional behaviour. Tuilaepa did not name anyone in particular but he referred to the general attitude shown by nurses throughout the country at public hospitals. He also claimed that some nurses think they know more about the medical profession than doctors. The nurses need to stick to their profession and stop telling-off patients, Tuilaepa said, speaking during his weekly press conference. This is not the first time that I have been informed about such unprofessional behaviour towards patients. It was not possible to get a comment from the Samoa Nurses Association (S.N.A.). But Tuilaepa said the behaviour of nurses today is not like that of nurses in the past where they were courteous, professional and polite. Nowadays, it appears the nurses with degrees think they know better, Tuilaepa said. A nurse will always be a nurse, thats a fact. Tuilaepa pointed to nurses with higher qualifications as some of the worst culprits. He said it appears their qualifications have gotten into their heads and they forget their job is to serve the patients and not scold them. He also accused them of being rude to doctors. This is the same attitude they display towards the doctors, Tuilaepa said. I am telling you (nurses), if you want to be a doctor, go back to school to get your doctor's degree. But for now you are a nurse, stick to being nurse. If you are a nurse, work in accordance with your abilities, but dont work like you are the doctor when in fact you are a nurse, he said. In May this year the Cabinet appointed a Commission of Inquiry to consider the proposed organizational structure of the merger between the Ministry of Health and the National Health Services. The report outlined that leaders of the health sector in Samoa exist in a state of warfare. And unless reconciliation takes place immediately between leaders of the warring occupational groups, especially doctors and nurses, members of the public whose lives depend on the sector, will continue to be victims. The Minister for Prison and Correction Services, Tialavea Tionisio Hunt, has been praised for his decision to transfer two prisoners back to the Tafaigata prison. Criminals Tagaloasa Filipaina and Ovaleni Vaili have been held at the Central Police Station holding cell since February this year, after authorities suspected that they were behind a mass jail breakout plot as the country prepared for Cyclone Gita. But Tialavea recently said the Government does not have enough evidence to prove their involvement, and Ministry of Prison and Correction Services could not continue to provide services to the duo, away from the jail. Therefore, he has decided that the two criminals are transferred back to Tafaigata. Lawyer Pa'u Tafaogalupe Mulitalo, who represented the two criminals before his license to practice was suspended, praised the Minister. He said credit should go to Tagaloasa Filipaina and Ovaleni Vaili and their families for their patience and tolerance. It has been a long wait for the two men and their families to await this decision. Their legal team has been advocating for exactly the same grounds the Minister has relied upon for his decision, on the transfer of the two men to Tafaigata prison, he said. Pau, in an email to the Samoa Observer, made reference to a decision by Supreme Court Justice Vui Clarence Nelson which ruled against the Police for holding the prisoners unlawfully at the Apia Police Station. Secondly a motion was filed and served against the Attorney General, to argue that sections 16 and 34 of the Prisons and Corrections Act 2013 and the declaration by the Minister of Police Stations as 'prisons', was for temporary purposes only but not permanent arrangements. It is great to see the Minister declaring that the police stations are just holding cells. It is not a jail and although it has been declared as a jail, it is for temporary holds. In this very regard and only on this occasion, the Minister has been well counselled by his advisers, he added. Pau said the Minister only on this occasion is a champion and should be applauded for his intervention. In relation to costs and damages, Pau said the prisoners should discuss that with Leaalifano Dr Iopu Tanielu, who is standing in for him until the suspension on his practicing license is lifted. WASHINGTON (AP) Michelle Obama says she felt alone after a miscarriage 20 years ago and she and Barack Obama underwent fertility treatments to conceive their two daughters, according to her upcoming memoir. In some of her most extensive public comments on her White House years, the former first lady also lets her fury fly over President Donald Trump's "bigotry and xenophobia" dangerous, deliberate rhetoric, she wrote, that risked her family's safety. "For this," she writes, "I'd never forgive him." But it's her deeply personal account of her marriage to the future president that shed new light on the Ivy League-educated couple's early struggle with issues of family, ambition and public life. "We were trying to get pregnant and it wasn't going well," Mrs. Obama, 54, writes in "Becoming," set for release Tuesday. The Associated Press purchased an early copy. "We had one pregnancy test come back positive, which caused us both to forget every worry and swoon with joy, but a couple of weeks later I had a miscarriage, which left me physically uncomfortable and cratered any optimism we felt." The Obamas opted for IVF, one form of assisted reproduction that typically involves removing eggs from a woman, fertilizing them with sperm in a lab, and implanting the resulting embryo. It costs thousands of dollars for every "cycle," and many couples require more than one attempt. Mrs. Obama writes of being alone to administer herself shots to help hasten the process. Her "sweet, attentive husband" was at the state legislature, "leaving me largely on my own to manipulate my reproductive system into peak efficiency," she said. "Becoming" is one of the most anticipated political books in memory, ranking at the top of Amazon's best-sellers on Friday. That's often the case with the memoirs of former first ladies, including Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush. But Mrs. Obama defied her exalted status in the annals of history by cultivating an image of a modern woman with whom many Americans would like to sip wine and chat. But until now, she's not extensively shared so many details. Some family struggles, such as losing a baby, are known by millions of women. "I felt like I failed because I didn't know how common miscarriages were because we don't talk about them," the former first lady said in an interview broadcast Friday on ABC's "Good Morning America." ''We sit in our own pain, thinking that somehow we're broken." Mrs. Obama, said they underwent fertilization treatments to conceive daughters Sasha and Malia, now 17 and 20. She also writes about falling in love. The Obamas met at the Chicago law firm Sidley Austin LLP, and Michelle was skeptical at first. But she was then impressed by his "rich, even sexy baritone" and by his "strange, stirring combination" of serenity and power. Their first kiss set off a "toppling blast of lust, gratitude, fulfillment, wonder," she wrote. Confronting racism in public life being the first black first lady, wife of the nation's first black president has been a bracing experience, in Mrs. Obama's telling. She agonized over what she feared was a cartoonish, racist image. She remembered being labeled "angry" and, by the Fox network, "Obama's Baby Mama." In the White House, she knew she would be labeled "other" and would have to earn the aura of "grace" given freely to her white predecessors. She found confidence in repeating to herself a favorite chant: "Am I good enough? Yes I am." In the memoir, Mrs. Obama lets loose a blast of anger at Trump. She writes that Trump's questioning of whether her husband was an American citizen was "crazy and mean-spirited" and "dangerous." Trump suggested Obama was not born in the U.S. but on foreign soil his father was Kenyan. The former president was born in Hawaii. "What if someone with an unstable mind loaded a gun and drove to Washington? What if that person went looking for our girls?" she writes in the memoir. "Donald Trump, with his loud and reckless innuendos, was putting my family's safety at risk. And for this, I'd never forgive him." As he left for Paris Friday, Trump chose not to respond to the former first lady, telling reporters, "Oh, I guess she wrote a book. She got paid a lot of money to write a book and they always insisted you come up with controversial." Trump instead changed the subject to his predecessor, Barack Obama, saying, "I'll never forgive him" for making the country "very unsafe." Mrs. Obama also expresses disbelief over how so many women would choose a "misogynist" over Clinton in 2016. She remembers how her body "buzzed with fury" after seeing the infamous "Access Hollywood" tape, in which Trump brags about sexually assaulting women. She also accuses Trump of using body language to "stalk" Clinton during an election debate. She writes of Trump following Clinton around the stage, standing nearby and "trying to diminish her presence." Mrs. Obama launches her promotional tour Tuesday not at a bookstore, but at Chicago's United Center, where tens of thousands of people have purchased tickets from just under $30 to thousands of dollars to attend the event moderated by Oprah Winfrey. PARADISE, Calif. (AP) A Northern California wildfire that moved so fast firefighters didn't even try to stop it killed five people, authorities said Friday as the blaze quadrupled in size after leveling much of a town of nearly 30,000 people. Only a day after it began, the blaze near the town of Paradise had grown to nearly 110 square miles (285 square kilometers), and investigators found the dead in vehicles that were torched by the flames. "There was really no firefight involved," said Capt. Scott McLean of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, explaining that crews gave up attacking the flames and instead helped people get out alive. "These firefighters were in the rescue mode all day yesterday." With fires also burning in Southern California, state officials put the total number of people forced from their homes at 157,000. Evacuation orders included the entire city of Malibu, which is home to 13,000, among them some of Hollywood's biggest stars. When Paradise was evacuated, the order set off a desperate exodus in which many motorists got struck in gridlocked traffic and abandoned their vehicles to flee on foot. People reported seeing much of the community go up in flames, including homes, supermarkets, businesses, restaurants, schools and a retirement center. Rural areas fared little better. Many homes have propane tanks that were exploding amid the flames. "They were going off like bombs," said Karen Auday, who escaped to a nearby town. McLean estimated that the lost buildings numbered in the thousands in Paradise, about 180 miles (290 kilometers) northeast of San Francisco. "Pretty much the community of Paradise is destroyed. It's that kind of devastation," he said. The massive blaze that hit Paradise spread north Friday, prompting officials to order the evacuation of Stirling City and Inskip, two communities north of Paradise along the Sierra Nevada foothills. The wind-driven flames also spread to the west and reached the edge of Chico, a city of 90,000 people. Firefighters were able to stop the fire at the edge of the city, where evacuation orders remained in place Friday, Cal Fire Cpt. Bill Murphy said. Wind in the valley calmed down, but they were still shifting and erratic along the ridgetops, with speeds of up to 45 mph (72 kph), he said. With ash falling and the sky darkening to a menacing shade of black, evacuees from Paradise sat in stunned silence Friday outside a Chico church where they took refuge the night before. They all had harrowing tales of a slow-motion escape from a fire so close they could feel the heat inside their vehicles as they sat stuck in a terrifying traffic jam. When the order came to evacuate, it was like the entire town of 27,000 residents decided to leave at once, they said. Fire surrounded the evacuation route, and drivers panicked. Some crashed and others left their vehicles by the roadside. "It was just a wall of fire on each side of us, and we could hardly see the road in front of us," police officer Mark Bass said. A nurse called Rita Miller on Thursday morning, telling her she had to get her disabled mother, who lives a few blocks away, and flee Paradise immediately. Miller jumped in her boyfriend's rickety pickup truck, which was low on gas and equipped with a bad transmission. She instantly found herself stuck in gridlock. "I was frantic," she said. After an hour of no movement, she abandoned the truck and decided to try her luck on foot. While walking, a stranger in the traffic jam rolled down her window asked Miller if she needed help. Miller at first she scoffed at the notion of getting back in a stopped car. The she reconsidered, thinking: "I'm really scared, this is terrifying, I can't breathe, I can't see and maybe I should humble myself and get in this woman's car." The stranger ended up helping Miller pack up her mother and taking them to safety in Chico. It took three hours to travel the 14 miles from Paradise to Chico. Concerned friends and family posted frantic messages on Twitter and other sites saying they were looking for loved ones, particularly seniors who lived at retirement homes or alone. About 20 of the same deputies who were helping to find and rescue people lost their own homes. The department was trying to find them temporary housing, Sheriff Kory Honea said. "There are times when you have such rapid-moving fires ... no amount of planning is going to result in a perfect scenario, and that's what we had to deal with here," Honea told the Action News Network. He said ash in the air was so thick that it "looked like midnight" in the middle of the day. Kelly Lee called shelters looking for her husband's 93-year-old grandmother, Dorothy Herrera, who was last heard from Thursday morning. Herrera, who lives in Paradise with her 88-year-old husband, Lou, left a frantic voicemail around 9:30 a.m. saying they needed to get out. "We never heard from them again," Lee said. "We're worried sick. ... They do have a car, but they both are older and can be confused at times." In Southern California, the Los Angeles County Fire Department tweeted that the fire raging through the Santa Monica Mountains was headed to the ocean. Another fire was burning farther west in Ventura County, also moving toward the ocean. The National Weather Service issued extreme fire-danger warnings in many areas of the state, saying low humidity and strong winds were expected to continue through the evening. WASHINGTON (AP) China bluntly told the United States to stop sending ships and military aircraft close to islands claimed by Beijing in the South China Sea, during talks Friday that set the stage for a meeting between President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping later this month. The U.S. pushed back, insisting it will continue to "fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows." In late September, U.S. and Chinese vessels nearly collided near a disputed reef. Despite the frank airing of differences at the meeting in Washington of the two nations' top diplomats and military chiefs, both sides stressed the need to tamp down tensions, which have flared amid a bitter trade dispute that Trump and Xi are expected to tackle at the Group of 20 summit in Argentina. "The United States is not pursuing a policy of Cold War containment with China," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters following the U.S.-China Diplomatic and Security Dialogue. "Rather we want to ensure that China acts responsibly and fairly in support of security and prosperity of each of our two countries." The talks were due to be held in Beijing last month but were postponed after Washington announced new arms sales to Taiwan, and after a Chinese destroyer came close to the USS Decatur in late September in what the U.S. Navy called an "unsafe and unprofessional maneuver." Beijing has sweeping but disputed sovereignty claims in the area. "The Chinese side made it clear to the United States that it should stop sending its vessels and military aircraft close to Chinese islands and reefs and stop actions that undermine Chinese authority and security interests," said Pompeo's Chinese counterpart, Yang Jiechi, who also had sharp words over U.S. support for Taiwan. However, Yang and Chinese defense minister Wei Fenghe spoke of the need to improve cooperation, including between the U.S. and Chinese militaries, to ease the risk of conflict as the two powers jockey for pre-eminence in the Asia-Pacific. "Cooperation is the only option for us," Wei said. "Confrontation and conflict between the two militaries will spell disaster for us all." Defense Secretary Jim Mattis asserted U.S. rights to freedom of navigation but also said the two sides should work together on areas of common interest. "Competition does not mean hostility. Nor must it lead to conflict," Mattis said. Although the rescheduling of the dialogue signaled an effort by the two sides to contain the slide in the relationship, it did not address the core dispute on trade. Trump has slapped tariffs on $250 billion in Chinese products, in a push to narrow the U.S. trade deficit and push back against what the U.S. views as predatory Chinese tactics on the high technology industry. Beijing has retaliated with tariffs on $110 million worth of U.S. goods. Yun Sun, a China expert at the Stimson Center think tank, said Beijing is uncertain about what exactly Trump wants out of a trade deal, but hopes that with U.S. midterm elections out of the way, the mercurial American president may be more inclined to reach a compromise. "Their top priority is to stabilize relations," she said. On human rights, Pompeo voiced concern over China's treatment of religious minorities, including the mass detention of minority Uighur Muslims. But overall, the tone of the U.S. officials' public comments was milder than that of the Chinese. Yang insisted that Chinese people have freedom of religion, and that "foreign countries have no right to interfere." "As an exhibitor, I dont think I can ask for more, said Attila Krizsan, the Senior Director of Canada, EMEA, Asia and International Parts at GE Appliances, a Haier Company, during a busy Wednesday afternoon at the company booth, as part of the first China International Import Expo in Shanghai. General Electric Appliances (GE Appliances) is an American company with a history of over 100 years, specializing in home appliances. Throughout those 100 years we gave multiple inventions to the world - the first electric cooker, the first self-cleaning range and the first refrigerator which can brew coffee, explained Krizsan. Although the company has been to China before, Krizsan explains that since GE Appliances is now working inside of Haier Group, access to the Chinese market has become easier. Now, were exploring how we can bring American lifestyle products to the Chinese market, the quality we have and the safety in what we have in the products. One product which has drawn attention to the booth is a refrigerator which also brews coffee. Visitors queue up, eagerly awaiting their turn to give it a try. The booth is full; people love to see or touch the product, experience the coffee, people are pulling out drawers - as an exhibitor I dont think I can ask for more. Krizsan explained that the CIIE is a brand new opportunity and the first time that many companies have been able to exhibit in China. This is probably the best opportunity for a company that makes most of their products outside of China while trying to bring these products into the local market. It creates an opportunity not just to show our products to consumers and get feedback, but also to work with local partners. We have been very fortunate to start discussions with people not just from Shanghai but from outside of Shanghai as well. GE Appliances was bought over by conglomerate Haier, a Chinese company, in 2016, and has gone from strength to strength ever since. Right from the starting point this [purchase from Haier] has been highlighted as an opportunity. We, in the last few years, have been extremely busy trying to figure out what would be the right product, testing out different versions, what would work well and what would not work for Chinese consumers. Krizsan said that China is the biggest market on earth, Chinese expectations and lifestyle are changing in many ways. We believe our products could be an excellent choice for consumers here in China. Krizsan noted that as a company its essential to be both global and local - saying in todays world, globalization and localization go hand in hand. Consumers all around the world expect your company to be local, figuring out - is this the taste I want, I want to make sure I can contact someone, I can call up someone if I have a problem. This is something that I think were able to promise in the Haier group here. The company have opened 25 showrooms around the country and have a Chinese service center so local people can phone up and talk to someone if they have any queries. A first-of-its kind public webinar conducted by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Thursday offered additional details and hinted that penalties may be coming in regard to an incident involving a canister filled with nuclear waste at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station. NRC officials, who are in the midst of a special inspection at San Onofre after what has been described as a near-miss at the plant operated by Southern California Edison, delivered a PowerPoint presentation and took chatroom questions for three hours from their Texas branch office. Troy Pruett, regional director of Nuclear Materials Safety, said the webinar was prompted by the large number of people wanting to learn the details of the incident. All 500 available registration slots were filled. On Aug. 3, contractors for Holtec International transferring a 50-ton canister filled with spent nuclear fuel to a storage site at the plant thought they had successfully lowered the canister into a cavity enclosure. Advertisement Instead, the canister came to rest on an inner-ring near the top of the enclosure and was left suspended about 18 feet from the floor for nearly an hour. The canister was eventually safely lowered but the incident prompted a one-week NRC inspection. While the inspections findings are not yet complete, NRC officials Thursday listed three preliminary severity violations that cited Edison for faults in procedures, corrective actions and training. The August incident revolves around inattentiveness, said Eric Simpson, the special inspections team leader. Troy Pruett (left), Eric Simpson (center) and Patricia Silva of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission take part in a virtual webinar to discuss an incident at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station. (Image from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission) As per Holtecs design, the canisters fit fairly snugly into the cavity vault. Simpson likened it to inserting a round peg into a round hole. Instead of paying attention and getting that round peg lined up just so, and getting it into the hole, they fell asleep at the switch, Simpson said. Rigging and lifting equipment that includes two yellow slings support the heavy canister during fuel transfers and work crews are supposed to carefully monitor the process. But the NRC officials said the protocols broke down partly because the cavity vault was located near a wall of the outdoors storage facility that obstructed the view of some crew members and the slings ended up going slack, leaving the canister without support as it lay suspended. Not only did they lose one method of drop protection, Pruett said, they lost all methods of drop protection. So thats what makes this event so serious. Simpson and his team spent Sept. 10-14 at the plant conducting the special inspection. Pruett said a final report should come by Thanksgiving. As for potential penalities, Pruett said the NRC is considering escalated enforcement and raised the possibility of a civil penalty but did not get into specifics. (Cristina Byvik/UT) Edison officials, who have suspended all future transfers until the NRC completes its findings, have insisted workers and the public were not in danger and even if the canister had fallen 18 feet, its robust design would have prevented any radiological release. NRC officials agreed with the assessment and Pruett said, We dont believe theres an immediate concern about the canister. Charles Langley, executive director of Public Watchdogs and a harsh SONGS critic, disagreed. The NRC claimed they inspected San Onofre and stated that the cans and the contents are undamaged, Langley said in an email. The entire inspection is a sham. (The NRC) failed to inspect the very thing they are supposed to be inspecting. Click here to look at the NRC webinars PowerPoint presentation Last month, the NRC issued preliminary findings of its inspection that paralleled what was discussed at the webinar. In July, workers at the plant had difficulty downloading another canister but, unlike the incident in August, the canister did not get wedged and the crew recognized and corrected the problem. Edison ran into another issue in March when work was delayed 10 days after crews discovered a piece of shim essentially, a pin 4 inches by a half-inch came loose while a canister was being loaded. Holtec has designed and manufactured the canisters. Edison received assurance from Holtec and an independent engineering firm that the canisters integrity was sound. Southern California Edison spokesman John Dobken said the utility welcomed the NRCs efforts. SCEs findings, developed through rigorous evaluations, match many of the commissions findings, Dobken said in an email. SCE looks forward to reviewing the final special inspection report when its completed and continuing discussions with the commission. Edison eventually intends to move 73 canisters from wet storage pools to the newly constructed dry storage facility. Twenty-nine have been moved so far. The plant, which has not produced electricity for more than six years, is home to 3.55 million pounds of nuclear waste. The two dry storage facilities are located about 100 feet from the edge of the Pacific, protected by a seawall 28 feet high. It is located on an 85-acre chunk of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, owned by the Department of the Navy. The plant sits between the ocean and one of the busiest freeways in the country Interstate 5. About 8.4 million people live in a 50-mile radius of the plant in an area with a history of seismic activity. Business rob.nikolewski@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1251 Twitter: @robnikolewski The Blue Economy was in the spotlight this week as more than 550 people from 18 countries came to San Diego for the 10th annual Blue Tech Week. Organized by the non-profit Maritime Alliance, Blue Tech Week focuses on the ocean economy, which generated $1.5 trillion in activity as of 2010 and is forecast to reach $3 trillion by 2030, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. The weeklong event wraps up on Friday. The theme of this years conference centers on how the maritime industry can help reach the United Nations sustainable development goals, said Greg Murphy, head of the Maritime Alliance. Advertisement We have the director of the United Nations Environment program (Jamil Ahmad) talking about sustainable development goals and what is the role for industry, said Murphy. Specific sessions focused on marine debris solutions, aqua culture and bio marine technologies, maritime robotics, offshore renewable energy, water and wastewater technologies and workforce development. As part of that theme, the Maritime Alliance has been advocating for the development of a blue economy strategy for California. Over the past three years, Blue Tech Week has featured the head of marine policy for Ireland, Norway and Portugal to discuss their Blue Economy strategies. We dont have a blue economy strategy in California, said Murphy. So we have been introducing the international blue economy side hoping that California would agree that we need a blue economy strategy. On Thursday, Admiral Tim Gallaudet, acting administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, gave a keynote address. NOAA is in the process of developing a blue economy strategy, said Murphy. Other speakers and panelist included the chief scientist at NOAA, the director of the department of fisheries and oceans for Canada, the secretary for aqua culture and fisheries for Baja California as well as senior officials from Norway and the European Union. It is tremendous international exposure, said Murphy. The focus is on industry. But we like to get academic people and government people involved as well. Business mike.freeman@sduniontribune.com; Twitter:@TechDiego 760-529-4973 Every day for the past 774 days, William Felty has done 22 pushups to bring awareness to the number of American military veterans who die by suicide each day. On Thursday, Feltys daily commitment took on an added significance. The 33-year-old Marine Corps veteran led a half-dozen others in what he calls his daily Battle Buddy Check-In as the prelude to an unexpectedly solemn Veterans Day ceremony at Cal State San Marcos. On Wednesday night, Marine veteran Ian David Long killed 11 people and injured 18 others before possibly turning the gun on himself at a Thousand Oaks nightclub. At Thursdays ceremony, CSUSM Veterans Services Director Patricia Reily rang a memorial bell in honor of the 12 lives lost on Wednesday. She also thanked Felty, who will graduate in May with a masters degree in social work, for leading the charge on campus in promoting awareness about this silent epidemic. Advertisement Felty said he was saddened by the massacre in Thousand Oaks but it only solidified his intention to continue doing the pushups which he often films and shares on social media until every veteran receives the psychological and substance abuse counseling he or she needs. When I heard he was a Marine Corps veteran, it reminded me of why Im doing what Im doing. Oftentimes, these people act out when they dont feel heard or seen, said Felty, 33, of Mira Mesa. My heart goes out to the families on both sides. Any act of violence has a lasting impact on everyone it touches. Cal State San Marcos masters student and Marine veteran William Felty, third from right, leads a group in his 22-pushup challenge on campus Thursday to bring awareness to veteran suicides. (Eduardo Contreras / San Diego Union-Tribune) Felty started his pushup campaign in fall 2016 when he heard about the 22-Pushup Challenge, a social media campaign inspired by a 2012 study by the Department of Veterans Affairs that found that an average of 22 veterans take their lives each day. That number has since declined to 20. Like most other viral video sensations, the pushup challenge petered out after a few months. But not for Felty, who felt a strong personal connection to the issue. He was diagnosed with alcohol dependency and PTSD when he returned from a deployment in Iraq in 2007. Married since April to Vyanh Vo a first-generation American whose parents immigrated to the U.S. after the Vietnam War Felty now runs his own private practice providing substance abuse counseling and family interventions. From his experience, too many veterans are afraid to ask for help and some who do are turned away. When I see veterans reach out for help and theyre met with ridicule, even from other vets, it upsets me, he said. If they dont get help, they will never get better. Felty grew up in Tennessee where he said he got into a lot of trouble and coped with it by drinking, with some drugs sprinkled around in there, too. As a boy, Felty was attracted to the military because both of his grandfathers were war veterans. But after the 9/11 attacks in 2001, he was impatient to join the Marine Corps. I wanted to keep something like this from ever happening again, he said. I wanted to protect my country and my family. Three days after his 18th birthday in 2003, Felty went to bootcamp in Parris Island, S.C. Then, after undergoing training to be a truck mechanic, he was stationed for 15 months in Okinawa, where he repeatedly got into trouble for drinking. In 2005, he was being processed for discharge when a new sergeant major arrived and offered him a second chance. After a stretch at Camp Pendleton, he volunteered for deployment in a quick-reaction security force at the Al-Taqaddum air base in Iraq in February 2006. Felty said it was exciting to do what a Marine is taught, trained and groomed to do. But it was also stressful. No one in his unit died in Iraq or committed suicide, but Felty said some of the war carnage he witnessed up-close left a lasting impact on his psyche and his drinking grew out of control. Eventually, he was involved in a drunken public altercation on-base and was court-martialed, sent back to Oceanside and honorably discharged in December 2007. Four days later, he nearly died in a drunken driving crash and finally got sober. Hes been in recovery ever since and spends much of his spare time helping other veterans find help. Felty is the student veteran representative for the San Diego Veterans Coalition; hes interning with the Cal State San Marcos Veterans Center as a social services navigator for students; and hes co-founder of the Circle of Heroes, which encourages youth leadership through role-modeling, collaboration, civic engagement and social activities. But the program thats closest to his heart is the Battle Buddy Check-In, which he promotes on Facebook under the name William Daniel. His focus is not just to do the pushups himself but with groups of up to 60 people as a way of widening the circle. I invite people to join me and make change through social connectedness, he said. It keeps the movement going. Its my way of encouraging people by enabling them to help others. Edward Rosario, a veterans benefits support specialist at Cal State San Marcos, said Feltys doggedness in carrying on the Battle Buddy Check-In is inspiring and important. It brings the whole subject into the forefront of conversation, said Rosario, who served in the Marine Corps from 1976 to 1999. If you dont see it, you forget about, so its awesome that hes not letting us forget about it. During Thursdays service, Reily said hearing about the killings in Thousand Oaks was like a punch in the gut. But the 20-year Navy veteran said its important for the public to understand that while many veterans suffer from depression, anxiety and PTSD, not all vets turn to violence. Reily said the issue of Marine veteran suicides often only pops up in the public consciousness when a tragedy occurs. Thats why Feltys pushup program is so helpful in keeping the daily drumbeat of awareness alive. We need to do everything we can to treat people with mental illness, she said, because its a real illness and it deserves our attention. pam.kragen@sduniontribune.com November 9, 1917 The San Diego Union The San Diego Union-Tribune will mark its 150th anniversary in 2018 by presenting a significant front page from the archives each day throughout the year. Friday, November 9, 1917 In November of 1917, revolutionaries from the Bolshevik Party overthrew Russia's provisional democratic government. Under leader Vladimir Lenin identified here by the pseudonym Nickolai Lenine the Bolsheviks soon centralized power in the new Communist Party. Alexander Kerensky, who headed the short-lived democratic government that took over after Czar Nicholas II's abdication ended Romanov rule less than eight months earlier, died in exile in the United States in 1970, at the age of 89. Here are the first few paragraphs of the story: RUSSIAN RADICALS OVERTHROW GOVERNMENT; KERENSKY FLEES WHEN ARREST IS ORDERED REVOLUTIONISTS BOMBARD, SEIZE WINTER PALACE IN PETROGRAD, IMPRISON CABINETS HEADS, CALL CONGRESS TO DISCUSS PEACE Extremists Headed by Lenine Depose Provisional Government; Cruisers and Fortresses Besiege and Capture Loyal Troops; Workmens and Soldiers Delegates Convene, Declare Themselves Supreme Authority, Order Abolition of Death Penalty, Arrest of All Who Oppose Them, Call for Peace; Navies in Black and Baltic Seas Pledge Support; Whereabouts of Premiere Unknown; Most of country Still Loyal, Says Slav Ambassador to America; Predicts Failure; Cossacks Back Kerensky. (Associated Press) PETROGRAD again is in turmoil. The provisional government has been thrown out of power by the extreme radicals headed by Nickolai Lenine. Premiere Kerensky has fled the capital. Several of his ministers have been placed under arrest, and the winter palace, the seat of the government, has been bombarded by the guns of the cruiser Aurora, and of the St. Peter and St. Paul fortresses and forced to capitulate to the revolutionists. A congress of the Workmens and Soldiers delegates of all Russia has convened in Petrograd, and will discuss the questions of organization of power, peace and war and the formation of a constituent assembly. A delegation has been named by the congress to confer with other revolutionary and democratic organizations with a view to initializing peace negotiations for the purpose of taking steps to stop the bloodshed. As yet the details of the disorders which followed the assumption of power by the radical element are meager, but it is known that from its mooring in the Neva the cruiser Aurora fired shrapnel and solid shot against the winter palace for four hours, with the guns of the great fortresses and machine guns stretched in front of the palace keeping in accord with the salvos from the warship. View anniversary front pages online at sandiegouniontribune.com/150-years. For more from the Union-Tribune digital archives, go to newslibrary.com/sites/sdub. Searching is free, with registration. A fee is required to view full stories. The lemurs were among the first animals to be evacuated. So were the bird show animals. Put in cages with other small species, the animals were just the latest Californians whose lives were disrupted by a season in fact, a year of fire. The Los Angeles Zoo officials closed the facility for the day Friday as a fire burned in Griffith Park. Officials said that early indications were that smoke from the fire did not cause health issues for the animals, but that staff was continuing to monitor conditions. To the north and west, the monstrous plume of smoke from destructive fires in Ventura and L.A. County towered into the sky. Advertisement In addition to preparing animals for evacuation, zoo workers hosed down hillside areas most vulnerable to flames. Staffers said they could see the fire from their offices, but they did not evacuate. The fire, which sent plumes of smoke into the air as heavy brush burned, was spotted just before 8 a.m. near fire roads, hiking trails and a landfill in a remote section of Griffith Park, a challenge for crews trying to access the area, said Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Peter Sanders. By late morning, the fire behind the zoo had been all but extinguished, with all visible flames put out, department officials said. Crews shifted to snuffing out smoldering patches of brush and chopping down weakened trees and branches. Two helicopters continued to orbit the area. One firefighter was injured and taken to a hospital, but officials said he was not burned. Firefighters put out hot spots outside the Los Angeles Zoo after a fire Nov. 9. (Joseph Serna / Los Angeles Times) With little wind to complicate their efforts, firefighters spent much of the morning putting out smoldering hot spots outside the zoo. The landscape was charred black and gray. Within an hour of the fire first being spotted, several city, county and privately contracted water-dropping helicopters were orbiting the park trying to knock down the flames. As of about 9:30 a.m., the blaze had charred about 30 acres, Sanders said. Though the fire produced thick smoke visible across a wide area, it had not threatened any structures, Sanders said. Fire Department Capt. Alfred Leon and his crew were taking a break from digging containment lines when the brush behind their trucks started to crackle and smoke. Hey Cap, we got somethin working back here! a firefighter yelled. Leon and his crew circled the dusty ridge and climbed on top, where they began blasting water into the brush. Fridays fire was as routine as could be given the location, Leon said, but youre surrounded by a major metropolitan city, lots of brush, wildlife and tough terrain. Its absolutely challenging. It was, however, a relatively merciful blaze in a year of smoke and flames, lost homes and lives. UPDATES: 11:05 a.m.: This article was updated with information about progress in fighting the fire. 10:30 a.m.: This article was updated with scenes from the firefight and additional details from zoo officials. 10:10 a.m.: This article was updated with photos from the fire. 9:35 a.m.: This article was updated with new acreage numbers. 8:40 a.m.: This article was updated with additional information about fire response and acreage burned. 9 a.m.: This article was updated with information on some animals being evacuated at the zoo. 9:10 a.m.: This article was updated with details from scene. This article was originally published at 7:50 a.m. A man who was wanted for questioning in seven Antelope Valley homicides and was suspected in an eighth was killed by authorities Thursday morning when he pulled out a weapon during his arrest, Los Angeles County sheriffs officials said. Homicide detectives tracked Jesus Chuy Guzman, 34, to Charleston View, a community near the Nevada border, where, along with the U.S. Marshals Service Pacific Southwest Regional Task Force, they went to arrest him just before noon, the Sheriffs Department said. Guzman brandished a handgun at the pursuing officers and was shot. He died at the scene, and his weapon was recovered, authorities said. Investigators began searching for Guzman last month after they found three decomposing bodies on the property he rented in the 30900 block of 106th Street East in Littlerock. Two have been identified as Jose Joseph Lara Paez, 66, and Julieta Arvizu, 49, both of Littlerock. Advertisement Later last month, investigators found the remains of two more bodies in a different part of the property. Guzman was also named a person of interest in the fatal shootings of Gerardo Jerry De Luna, 33, and Mariano Panduro Campos, 41, who were found dead on Campos property in Littlerock, according to Sheriffs Lt. Joe Mendoza. Guzman, De Luna and Campos were acquainted socially, Mendoza said. It took us a little while to figure out he was a friend of theirs, and based on the other stuff hes involved in, wed like to ask if he knows what happened during that double murder. The Riverside County Sheriffs Department was also looking for Guzman. He and Rodolfo Garcia, 35, of Perris are suspected in a botched home-invasion robbery in Menifee in February that claimed the life of Silvano Gutierrez Esteves, 43, according to a department news release. Garcia has been arrested and charged with murder. Investigators believe the two were drawn to the large amount of marijuana found on Esteves property. Witnesses reported seeing several male suspects fleeing the property after Esteves was killed, the news release said. alene.tchekmedyian@latimes.com Twitter: @AleneTchek Guo Jiayuan practices dance. (Photo/Hsw.cn) A Chinese young man suffering from cerebral palsy was recently hailed for his toughness and courage in life. After being rejected by a number of employers because of his disease, the man started performing traditional Chinese opera which he has been teaching himself since childhood. The 22-year-old man by the name of Guo Jiayuan was born in Xi'an, in northwest China's Shaanxi province. With a keen interest in traditional Chinese opera, he said he learned this art form from television. Though facing difficulty in movement, Guo has never given up on his passion for performing Chinese opera. According to him, he was imitating performers from television at the beginning, but he gradually developed his own style. Inspired by other street performers, he generated the idea of making his own performance, believing it might be a good source of income. In addition, he also wanted to show his talent to the public. Every night he goes to a local park and performs for about 1.5 hours by which he earns 100 to 200 yuan a day at best. Ever since I started performing in the park, Ive never asked for money from my family, Guo said. Guos father said that Guo was taught to be independent since a child, since it is impossible for his parents to take care of him for his entire life. He learnt how to cook at around 10, and the housework of the family is also done by him now, he added. "I love traditional Chinese opera, and I will keep performing," said Guo, saying that he hopes to join opera troupe one day for systematic study. The wind that roared through Thousand Oaks on Thursday night threatened to drown out their voices, but the mourners still sang, channeling their grief, shock and anger into a familiar melody. More than 100 people fell silent as the strains of Amazing Grace wafted through the crowd and the light-wrapped trees on the lawn outside the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. The song, rising from a prayer circle, marked the start of the first night of vigils and memorials in Thousand Oaks, 20 hours after a gunman fatally shot 12 people at the Borderline bar before dying of a gunshot wound himself. mourners singing amazing grace outside of Thousand Oaks city hall pic.twitter.com/IEKGe9jrwK Soumya (@skarlamangla) November 9, 2018 Advertisement Despite a fast-moving brush fire that forced evacuations from hundreds of homes, mourners packed three memorial events in Ventura County: a rosary at California Lutheran University, a memorial at Moorpark College and a vigil in a theater in the Thousand Oaks Civic Center. The 1,800-seat performing arts theater quickly reached capacity. Dozens more pressed their faces against the glass doors and watched a television feed of the vigil inside, where mourners held faux candles with battery-powered flames. When several cellphones buzzed in unison, many in the crowd sighed, knowing it was a warning about the ominous orange smoke rising in the sky outside. The last 24 hours, they said, had felt like an apocalypse. At a chapel at Cal Lutheran, a service for students and community members was standing-room-only. Sounds of sniffling and crying reverberated as university pastor Scott Maxwell-Doherty tried to explain to students how they could find meaning in the midst of tragedy. What has happened should have never happened, and we have been drawn into this terror, he said. The endless stream of questions will bubble up in our souls, as they have begun in mine. Is this real? How can this be? How will I work my way through this event to make sense of it? There will be very few answers to those questions, he said. But God would not leave them alone. Students lingered in the chapel foyer afterward, hugging one another and sipping coffee in small groups. Student government leaders Amanda Souza, 22, and Hannah Nandor, 19, said their faith and the strength of the school community got them through the day. They both knew Justin Meek, who died in the shooting. Souza was in choir with him, and said many people looked to the bass-section leader for guidance. He always had a huge smile on his face and handed out high-fives as if it was his job, Souza said. I believe in a God who has a plan, even though this is horrendous, said Nandor, a student senator. We want to push forward, help students who are living in fear now. At Moorpark College, about 150 students, faculty and staff formed a cramped circle inside the campus administration building. The vigil was planned to be held around the flagpole, lowered to half-staff, but harsh winds pushed the gathering indoors. In Thousand Oaks, two friends stood shoulder-to-shoulder in matching gray sweaters that read Route 91 Survivor reminders of the massacre in Las Vegas that they had survived a year and a month ago. Ingrid Martinez, 35, and Alyssa Chandler, 29, came from the San Fernando Valley to the vigil hoping to talk to people who survived Wednesdays shooting. The friends hoped survivors would be drawn to their sweaters. The Borderline raised money for the music festival victims last year, Chandler said. They had our backs, she said. Now its our turn. They would warn them about the things that will take them back to those horrible moments the sound of jackhammers at a construction site, or the sight of a group of people running. They would tell them to forget about timelines on grief and to cling to fellow survivors. Theyre the people who will realize how frustrating and impossible it is to constantly get asked the same question: So, how are you? Theyll understand you better than your family, Chandler said. Inside the theater, Thousand Oaks Mayor Andy Fox closed out the vigil by citing an African proverb: However long the night, the dawn will break. A woman walked to the microphone and began to sing Amazing Grace. As the crowd sang softly, a womans deep wail rose from the audience and filled the theater, sheltered from the wind. Times staff writer Laura J. Nelson contributed to this report. marisa.gerber@latimes.com sean.greene@latimes.com melissa.etehad@latimes.com laura.newberry@latimes.com A man who admitted stabbing a stranger nearly to death over a perceived racial insult inside an Embarcadero park restroom was sentenced Wednesday to 13 years in prison. Robert Alexander Perez, 36, pleaded guilty last month to an attempted murder charge and allegations he used a knife and caused great bodily injury. The May 9 knife attack almost killed Craig Pellham, 35, a transient from the Midwest, a prosecutor said. Passersby assisted Pellham until police and medics got to the Embarcadero Marina Park South, west of the Convention Center. San Diego Harbor Police traced Perez after finding his discarded pants along the bay. DNA tests later connected him to the assault: the victims blood was on the pants and Perezs DNA was on the waistband. Advertisement Deputy District Attorney Matthew Greco said Pellham entered the public park restroom shortly after midnight and was urinating when Perez came in and stood close behind him. Pellham recalled telling the man, Youre too near, could you give me some space, but Perez told police he thought Pellham called him a beaner, Greco said. Perez stepped out of the bathroom, but then went back in determined to teach the stranger a lesson, Greco said. He said Perez stabbed Pellham in the back, chest and arm and abdomen, exposing his intestines. Perez left, stripping off a layer of clothes including his jeans. He tried to toss them into the bay, but they landed in the jagged rocks along the shore, Greco said. Harbor Police got to the victim within minutes and questioned people in the immediate area. They spoke to Perez and took down his personal information, but let him go because his clothing didnt match the description given by witnesses, Greco said. After officers found the discarded pants, they submitted them for DNA tests, which took months. When they got the results, which matched Perez, they tracked him down and arrested him in August at St. Vincent de Paul Village. Greco said Perez gave incriminating statements to Harbor Police, including that he thought Pellham called him the racial slur. Perez entered his guilty plea on Oct. 9 and agreed to the maximum sentence. In exchange, Greco dropped the allegation of premediation from the attempted murder charge. San Diego Superior Court Judge Robert ONeill imposed the stipulated sentence of nine years in prison for the attempted murder, one year for the knife-use and four years for the great bodily injury allegations. pauline.repard@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @pdrepard As information emerged about the man who used a handgun to kill 13 people, including himself, in a Thousand Oaks nightclub Wednesday night, a rough outline began to take shape: Marine Corps veteran, isolated, showing signs of mental distress. Though it was unclear what motivated 28-year-old Ian David Long, a short government statement made it plain the gunman never received any kind of treatment from the U.S. Veterans Administration, despite reports that he was urged to get help from family members and neighbors. Even though there have long been campaigns urging veterans and active-duty military personnel to come forward when they have psychiatric symptoms such as suicidal thoughts, depression or signs of post-traumatic stress, there is plenty of evidence that many keep silent. A recent study out of Oxford University in London found that approximately 60 percent of military personnel who experience mental health problems do not seek help, while RAND Corporation research published in 2016 found a higher perceived public stigma of treatment seeking among military personnel. Advertisement While the military has greatly increased its efforts to detect mental illness among troops returning from deployment and those transitioning out of the service for good, the system relies much more heavily on veterans coming in for help on their own once theyre living civilian lives. There are grim signs that relying on veterans to volunteer for psychiatric services is not working. In September, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs reported that suicide rates in 2016, the most recent year for which data was available, were 1.5 times greater among veterans than they were among non-veterans. These are statistics that many are fighting every day. And the key, said Brian Fogarty, a recently-retired Marine and Southern California outreach volunteer for the PTSD Foundation of America, is not waiting around for people to raise their hands. Making sombody else aware of whats going on, somebody who isnt going to sit on it, thats key, Fogarty said. He said the organization has four veterans, all who have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, who work with those who do come forward for help and also go looking for signs of distress. We are physically out in the communities going to all of the areas that vets would normally frequent, whether its bars or the American Legion or wherever. I would say 8 out of 10 of the people we work with are people that weve actively pursued, Fogarty said. Working with veterans day in and day out, he said, its clear that despite significant efforts by military brass to destigmatize the process of seeking mental health services, many are still reluctant. There is a lot of stigma on getting help, especially while theyre still in the military; nobody wants to be pulled out of the fight, Fogarty said. I know guys who are triple amputees, and they feel so guilty because theyre back in the states recovering and the rest of their element is continuing to fight. And thats a shame because, as Fogarty himself learned, its possible to stay in the military even with a PTSD diagnosis. The therapy that the military makes available, he said, does provide the tools needed to get a life back on track. Sonya Norman, a professor of clinical psychiatry at UC San Diego and PTSD researcher at VA San Diego, said there are three different forms of help trauma-focused therapy, prolonged exposure therapy and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy that have been shown to be the most effective. The treatments can work really quickly and, within a few months, people can feel much better and be much more successful in their relationships, Norman said. And weve seen those results validated in multiple randomized trials. In the hours after Wednesdays shooting, speculation was rampant that Long himself suffered from PTSD though that fact has not been confirmed. Some studies have shown that while veterans are actually less likely to commit crimes than the general population, PTSD, when combined with drugs, alcohol or other social problems, can lead to an increase in violence. But Norman noted that research shows that PTSD itself does not prompt violence against others. The vast majority of people with PTSD, whether theyre veterans or not, would never even think of taking part in this kind of violence. Its not a symptom of PTSD at all, Norman said. Eli Smith, an Army veteran from Ohio who has biked thousands of miles across the United States spreading PTSD awareness, said his travels have shown him just the opposite. In my experience, the veterans Ive met that have PTSD are very quiet, and they stay at home a lot. There are a lot of organizations whose mission is just to get the veteran out of the house, Smith said. For those who feel they need urgent help, the Veterans Crisis Line is available at (800) 273-8255. The PTSD Foundation of America operates its own help line at (877) 717-PTSD. Health Playlist On Now Video: Why aren't Americans getting flu shots? 0:37 On Now Video: Leaders urge public to help extinguish hepatitis outbreak On Now San Diego starts cleansing sidewalks, streets to combat hepatitis A On Now Video: Scripps to shutter its hospice service On Now Video: Scripps La Jolla hospitals nab top local spot in annual hospital rankings On Now Video: Does a parent's Alzheimer's doom their children? On Now Video: Vaccine can prevent human papillomavirus, which can cause cancer 0:31 On Now 23 local doctors have already faced state discipline in 2017 0:48 On Now EpiPen recall expands On Now Kids can add years to your life paul.sisson@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1850 Twitter: @paulsisson Chanting A roof for every youth and carrying signs with similar slogans, about 100 people marched through downtown San Diego on Thursday afternoon to increase awareness of the challenges runaways and homeless youths face. Launching at noon from the TAY (Transitional Age Youth) Academy on Broadway, marchers walked 2.5 miles that brought them past the courthouse, restaurants and the Star of India to bring a message that more services and housing is needed for youths. The march, held in conjunction with National Homeless Youth Awareness Month, culminated with a rally on the bay side of the County Administration Center, where several formerly homeless youths shared their stories. San Diego City Councilman Chris Ward, chair of the citys Select Committee on Homelessness, said there are about 900 homeless youths in the county on any given day. Advertisement The number likely is higher, said Walter Philips, CEO of San Diego Youth Services, because homeless youths tend to blend in the overall population or couch surf with friends, making their actual numbers frustratingly elusive. Philips estimated there may be only about 100 beds in the county dedicated to homeless youths, and many at the rally said there is a pressing need for more shelter beds in the region. According to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, 2.5 million youth a year experience homeless. San Diego Youth Services website states that 31 percent of all young people experiencing homelessness in the nation live in California, yet two-thirds of the states counties lack basic services for young people. With a recent influx of state and national funds to address the issue, however, several speakers were optimistic about changes on the horizon. We have the resources and we have the political will to do better, Ward said to the crowd at the rally. How are we going to make 2019 the year we end youth homelessness? Ill tell you how. It starts because of visibility through events like this. In July, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded $7.9 million to the Regional Task Force on the Homeless to create a Youth Homeless Demonstration Program. As a condition of the grant, the largest of any HUD grant to address youth homelessness in the nation, the task force was required to create an advisory board on how to spend the money. Tamera Kohler, interim CEO of the Regional Task Force on the Homeless, said the new Homeless Youth Advisory Board must approve of any plans to spend the money. That is a completely different approach to allocating HUD funds, she said. This is such a powerful opportunity for us to engage with those who are experiencing homelessness and hear what they know they need, and craft a program around that. The task force learned last month that it will receive $18.8 million from the states Homeless Emergency Aid Program. Of that, at least $941,000 must be spent on youth programs. The march and rally were organized by the Junior League of San Diego and San Diego Youth Services/TAY Academy and other partners. A lot of youth leave the foster system without a safety net, said Emily Lake, president elect of the Junior League. The Junior League is here to service that need. Lake said about 200 young people leave the foster system each year and immediately become homeless. Representatives of state Assembly Todd Gloria and state Sen.Toni Atkins also attended the rally. Atkins intern Sienna Dimuro, 17, also briefly spoke and said she once had been homeless, but now is a senior at E3 Civic High School in the Central Library. The rallys emcee was Dairrick Hodges of The SOULcial Workers Collective, a theater arts group that supports at-risk youth. I was one of the homeless in plain sight, Hodges said. Not too many years ago, I was sleeping not too far from here in Balboa Park. Hodges thanked the YMCA and other agencies for helping get off the street and finding a career. Also at the rally, Jessica Hamilton told the crowd about her own past challenges, including the time she lost custody of her children and went to rehab at 19. She credited the nonprofit Home Start with getting her sober, and people in the rally cheered for her when she said she was on the staff by the time she left and now is on the board of directors for Home Start and the California Coalition for Youth. Homeless Playlist On Now San Diego hepatitis outbreak continues to grow: 481 cases On Now Homeless entrenched in booming tent city along Santa Ana River On Now San Diego mayor agreed to homeless hub, then delayed, advocates say On Now Homeless outreach in San Diego On Now Video: Street Art: Portraits of San Diego's Homeless #8 On Now In poverty himself, 'Water Man Dave,' is the fearless saint of San Diego's homeless 5:41 On Now Video: Homeless living in cars find safe havens 2:21 On Now Street Art: Portraits of San Diego's Homeless #7 On Now Pitching a tent plan for San Diego's homeless On Now Homeless efforts get $80M boost for various services gary.warth@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @GaryWarthUT 760-529-4939 Protesters converged in cities nationwide to call for the protection of special counsel Robert Muellers investigation into potential coordination between Russia and President Donald Trumps campaign. Several thousand demonstrators gathered Thursday in New Yorks Times Square and chanted slogans including Hands off Mueller and Nobodys above the law before marching downtown. They held signs saying Truth Must Triumph and Repeal, Replace Trump. In downtown San Diego, several hundred protesters gathered Thursday night outside the federal courthouse, many with signs demanding that acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker recuse himself from overseeing Muellers investigation and protect the special counsels independence. Democratic Congresswoman Susan Davis, who easily won re-election to Californias 53rd District Tuesday, addressed the crowd, and she praised the protesters for showing up on about a days notice. Advertisement People across this country gathered today to say We have confidence in the Mueller investigation. Finish it, complete it, Davis told the crowd. Everyone must adhere to the rule of law, even the president of the United States, Davis said, earning a loud cheer from the crowd. Dont let anybody tell you this is just about politics. No, this is about the future of our country, and everyone should be on board. There were no visible signs of counterprotesters or Trump supporters among the throng that gathered in the plaza on Broadway and Union Street. Just before Davis and others addressed the crowd, a motorcyclist pulled close to a group of protesters who were standing on the sidewalk close to Broadway waving signs with anti-Trump and pro-Mueller messages. The rider made an obscene hand gesture near the faces of several protesters before revving his engine and pulling away. Crowds also turned out in Chicago; Greensboro, N.C.; Chattanooga, Tenn., and many other places. Organizers say the naming of Whitaker as acting attorney general is a deliberate attempt to obstruct the special counsels investigation. Trump asked for Jeff Sessions resignation and then replaced him with Whitaker, his chief of staff. Whitaker has criticized Muellers probe. In Manhattan, the demonstrators shouted, Trump is not above the law! They also waved American flags and banners emblazoned with slogans such as Hands Off Mueller, as they shuffled down Seventh Avenue from Times Square to voice their aversion for Whitaker, a Trump loyalist. Trump wants to shut down the Mueller investigation and well never know the facts, said Kristy Lynch, a stay-at-home mom from Maplewood, N.J., who marched with her 3-year-old twins and 8-year-old daughter. Americans have to keep doing this until it changes, said Lynch. She pointed at her children and added: Its important for these guys right here. Many marchers said they were no fans of Sessions. However, while Sessions was at the helm of the Justice Department, they reasoned Muellers investigation was safe since he had recused himself from overseeing it because of his role in Trumps campaign. Firing Sessions was Trumps way of appointing a loyalist to control the investigation, said Jacob Beard, a 33-year-old software technician from Manhattan. Its unconstitutional. In Chicago, hundreds of people gathered in Federal Plaza and marched through downtown streets to Trump Tower. The president wanted to take action as quickly as possible in the Mueller investigation, said Sen. Dick Durbin, noting that the move against Sessions happened one day after the midterm elections. The crowd chanted Enough is enough while standing in the shadow of a 20-foot Trump baby balloon that swayed in a chilly breeze. U-T staff writer Alex Riggins contributed to this report. San Diego police searched in vain early Friday for a prowler who ran away when a Normal Heights resident found him in her home. The woman called 911 about 6:15 a.m. from her home on Iowa Street near the Interstate 805 on-ramp at Madison Avenue. She said the man was wearing a puffy jacket, police Officer Josh Hodge said. Officers fanned out around the area on reports that the man, wearing a black jacket over a gray hoodie and blue jeans, was on the brushy embankment along I-805. Advertisement Police were watching the freeway from the Monroe Avenue overpass and a police dog was helping in the search. After failing to spot the man anywhere, police gave up the active search about 7:40 a.m., Hodge said. pauline.repard@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @pdrepard Crews from San Diego and around the county headed north Friday to assist on the wind-driven Hill Fire, rampaging out of control in Ventura County. San Diego Fire-Rescue Department got the call for mutual aid Thursday night and crews left early Friday, spokeswoman Monica Munoz said. Their initial deployment is for 10 days, but their return time is unknown, she said. Also part of a strike team that left at 4 a.m. Friday were firefighters from Lakeside, Heartland, San Miguel, Viejas, Bonita, Alpine, Chula Vista, Poway and Rancho Santa Fe, according to tweets from several of the agencies. Advertisement San Diego Fiire rigs line up for trek to Ventura Countys Hill Fire (San Diego Fire-Rescue) Munoz said San Diego Fire Chief Colin Stowell will decide when and if to send additional crews to other wildfires around California. The decisions to deploy firefighters take our staffing levels and needs into consideration, she said. San Diego County is under a warning for extreme fire danger because of high winds and low humidity in the region. The Hill Fire broke out Thursday night in the Hill Canyon area of Santa Rosa Valley and grew overnight to 10,000 acres, with at least 1,200 homes evacuated in its path. Camarillo Springs and Cal State Channel Islands were evacuated and, after flames jumped the 101 Freeway, that highway was closed. A second blaze, dubbed the Woolsey fire, broke out in Simi Valley Thursday night and prompted evacuations of 30,000 people as homes burned. By Friday morning, an estimated 7,500 acres had been scorched. pauline.repard@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @pdrepard Multi-billion-dollar deals inked at CIIE2018 as Chinese companies stuff their shopping bags full of foreign products and services As the first China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai draws toward a close, its time to examine some of the concrete results it has produced. Both state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and private-owned companies were eager to embrace the foreign products exhibited at the Expo and numerous orders have been placed to broaden the choices of their Chinese customers. One of the most prominent early deals was China State Shipbuilding Corporations agreement with Carnival Corporation and Fincantieri to build two 135,500-metric-ton Vista-class cruise ships for $770 million each, marking a new milestone for the countrys shipbuilding industry, a statement from the Chinese shipbuilding conglomerate said. China National Machinery Industry Corporation, or Sinomach, landed 21 procurement deals with companies from 16 countries, including the United States, Switzerland, Portugal, Ukraine, Belarus, India, and Ghana, with a total value of $8.4 billion, making the conglomerate one of the top buyers among Chinas centrally-administered SOEs. The contracts cover a wide range of areas, including automotive, information engineering, trade in services, food and agricultural products, and finance. Some of the biggest spenders unsurprisingly come from the energy sector. PetroChina signed large-scale purchase agreements with a number of international energy companies and equipment suppliers from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United States, Germany, and Japan. China National Nuclear Corporation announced that in the next five years, its international procurement needs in nuclear power and nuclear fuel industries will exceed $12 billion. China Huaneng Group signed agreements with 15 suppliers, including Siemens, General Electric, SKF, and Schaeffler to buy more than $2 billion worth of products and services, including gas turbines, bearings, optical fiber preform manufacturing equipment, and coal. Meanwhile, e-commerce platforms and retailers also announced plans to significantly increase imports to make more quality goods available to Chinese consumers. Alibabas CEO Zhang Yong said his company has set a goal to import $200 billion in the next 5 years. It is expected that during the Expo, Suning.com will place purchasing orders amounting to $17 billion, introducing 5,000 overseas brands to the Chinese market. NetEase Koala said it has completed nearly $3 billion commodity purchase agreements with more than 110 companies and signed strategic upgrade agreements with nearly 10 representative brands. In addition, a three-day matchmaking event aimed at facilitating potential buyers and sellers to meet face-to-face at the Expo was attended by 1,178 exhibitors and 2,462 purchasers from 82 countries and regions, leading to 657 agreements or intentions of agreements. As President Xi Jinping announced at the opening ceremony of CIIE, China plans to import $40 trillion worth of goods and services in the next 15 years. Thus, there is every reason to believe that this Expo is just a starting point as the worlds second-largest economy opens its market wider to the world. Urging an investigation by state authorities, a local lawyer said 10 to 12 predatory priests have not been acknowledged by the San Diego diocese. In September, the diocese added eight men to its list of priests credibly accused of molesting minors, bringing the total then to 51. That roster is incomplete, maintained San Diego attorney Irwin Zalkin, who said he has been contacted by victims whose abusers have not been publicly identified. I can tell you that we know of at least 10, if not a dozen, additional priests that are not on the list, said Zalkin. I call on the California attorney general, Xavier Becerra, to initiate grand jury proceedings. You cannot trust this diocese to be transparent. We need an independent investigation. Advertisement Zalkin, who said his firm is still investigating several of these claims, named three priests who are not on the dioceses list: The Rev. Michael Higgins, who was suspended from his priestly duties in the 1980s after soliciting sex in the confessional, Zalkin said. In 1990, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to review a lower courts dismissal of Higgins defamation and wrongful termination lawsuit against then-Bishop Leo Maher. The Rev. Gary Holtey, former pastor of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church and Academy, who in 2005 was convicted of possessing child pornography. The Rev. Alexander Pinter, who left Ohio in 1960 after being accused of molesting boys, was sent to a treatment center in Canada and then assigned to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Vista. There, Zalkin said, he molested a boy now identified as John Roe 54. A fourth priest cited by Zalkin, the Rev. Justin Langille, was suspended from his clerical duties in October after a diocesan panel reviewed persuasive evidence that he had inappropriately touched an adolescent female in the 1990s. Diocesan spokesman Kevin Eckery said Langille has since been added to its list. As for the other three, Eckery said that Higgins impropriety involved an adult, not a minor, while the diocese has no reports of Holtey touching minors. Both Higgins and Holtey have been laicized, or removed from the priesthood. As for Pinter, Eckery said, diocesan records show he came to San Diego in the early 1960s, then went to Santa Clara and later considered returning here. Nothing in the files shows that an abuse of a minor was every reported to us, Eckery said about Pinter. On Monday, San Diego Bishop Robert McElroy held the last of eight listening sessions at local churches, with parishioners expressing views on the sexual abuse crisis and other church issues. The dioceses upcoming report on these sessions, Eckery said, will include recommended reforms. Were getting an audited list of the names, Eckery said, bringing in an auditor to make sure we dont miss any names. Where evidence exists that we need to add a name, well add a name. Zalkin insisted that the diocese has a conflict of interest in investigating past or present employees. He cited his experience in a lawsuit that ended in 2007 with the San Diego diocese agreeing to pay $198 million in damages to 144 victims. As part of the settlement, Zalkin said, the diocese agreed to post a list of abusive priests. It took us three years to get a partial list, he said. He also argued that the listening sessions were a public relations dodge. Ive had dealings with this diocese before, Zalkin said. My view is they are more concerned about protecting their brand than protecting children and making it right for the victims. The state, Zalkin said, needs to conduct an independent investigation of the priest files held by all dioceses in California. We really dont have an opinion on that, said Eckery, the diocesan spokesman. We will do whatever we have to do to comply with the law. Our character test What would the ghosts of 1918 not just the soldiers who were slaughtered in the trenches of World War I, but the statesmen who failed to make a durable peace afterward tell politicians a century later about the perilous world we inhabit today? Ruminations about past and present are inescapable this week. America just finished a snarling, bitterly divisive election, and were all puzzling over how to interpret the results. President Trump, meanwhile, heads for Paris this weekend to commemorate the armistice of what historian Margaret MacMillan has called the war that ended peace. I asked some of my historian friends to reflect on the lessons of 1918 for our post-election America. They cited some common themes: the fragility of the world order, then and now; the big, sometimes disastrous outcomes that can begin with small events at the margins; the moral hubris that dooms inflexible leaders to failure; and the humility that allows great leaders to see events through the eyes of adversaries, and thereby avert disaster. Advertisement Lets start with the issue of leadership. Trump in his first two years unfortunately has played the role of divider-in-chief. He tends to see himself as the victim in every drama, which makes it almost impossible to empathize with critics. When he sees a scab healing over a racial or ethnic wound, he often rips it off. He has turned resentment into a potent national movement. Trumps uncompromising style, observes presidential historian Evan Thomas, is weirdly similar to that of Woodrow Wilson, an idealistic Democratic president. Wilson failed to achieve his lifes dream of ratifying the League of Nations treaty because he couldnt find common ground with his chief adversary, Republican Sen. Henry Cabot Lodge. In a recent study of leadership, titled Historys People, MacMillan writes that great leaders managed to avoid the trap ... of thinking that they were always right. She says of Wilson: When he was convinced, as he often was, of the rightness of his cause, he regarded those who disagreed with him as not just wrong but wicked. Does that sound familiar? Thomas notes that Trump isnt alone in regarding his political opponents as bad people. These days, he says, everyone feels morally superior to everyone else. Tolerance is traditionally a core American value, but there is an emerging, bifurcated moral intolerance that treats people with different views as enemies. Against this backdrop, lets look at the midterm elections. The results are a mixed bag, to be sure, but my sense is that America took a collective step back from the brink on Tuesday. The election was largely about Trumps leadership, and balloting for the House of Representatives the broadest measure we have of what the country thinks tells us that the nation wants a change from Trumps style of governing. This election was a character test for America, notes Rick Atkinson, whose Liberation Trilogy painted an unforgettable portrait of U.S. leadership in World War II in Europe. You find yourself hoping for a savior someone who will arise and become a statesman. But thats a fools errand. Politics is a collective act, just as war is a collective act. The only safeguard against catastrophic leadership is sound public judgment. History is a recurring lesson in unintended consequences, argues Kai Bird, a Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer whos now working on a book about President Jimmy Carter. Birds fascination with history began with Barbara Tuchmans The Guns of August, an account of the path to catastrophe in 1914. Its a saga, explains Bird, of how generals, kings and presidents stumbled into war each side thinking it would be over in a few weeks. For Bird, theres an eerie sense that were on a precipice again because of possible political misjudgments. As a historian, I feel things are happening now that may have unintended consequences, especially with a president who is such a lone actor, who may be about to create a constitutional crisis [by firing special counsel Robert Mueller] without knowing where hes heading. Democracy, in theory, is a self-correcting system. If voters think the country is veering in the wrong direction, they can do something about it by electing new leaders and changing course. That seems to be happening. Even with Republican victories in some key Senate and gubernatorial races, the electorates unhappiness with Trump seems clear, as it does consistently in opinion polls. Trump can pretend that he won the midterms and continue on a course that a majority of the country appears to reject. But that would be a march of folly. Ignatius can be reached at davidignatius@washpost.com. One hundred years ago this week, the Great War, the worlds most destructive conflict, ended with a whimper. It took another, more deadly war, for the worldwide cataclysm of 1914-18 to be called The First World War. President Woodrow Wilson called it the War to End War. It didnt turn out that way, and the Great War, and the settlements that ended it, contained the poisonous seeds of many of the enduring conflicts of the last century, including World War II, the Holocaust, and all the wars between Israel and the Arabs, among many others. Mention of the First World War usually brings to mind the pointless carnage of the trenches, but the war had global causes, global costs, and global consequences. The Middle East was the place causes and consequences clashed most painfully and durably. The 600-year-old continent-spanning Ottoman Empire began the war a cosmopolitan modernizing state of millions of Muslims, Christians and Jews, who elected their parliaments and local governments and educated their children in an expanding state school system. It ended the war in a state of collapse, under partial British occupation, with mortality from war, famine and influenza, that exceeded 25 percent in some regions. Ottoman citizens and their monarch were not alone as casualties of the war; the royal houses of the Austro-Hungarian Hapsburgs, Russian Romanovs and German Hohenzollerns all collapsed. But awful though the consequences were everywhere, it was for the Ottomans alone to find their region aggressively partitioned, occupied, and colonized by the victorious British and French, under secret wartime agreements. Woodrow Wilson tried to restrain the carve-up of the Ottoman lands, but he had little support at home, and formidable French, and especially British rivals, for whom the whole point of the war, rarely admitted in public, was imperial expansion into the Middle East. Strange borders were drawn and corrupt leaders were favored. Honest critics and politicians threatened the settlement most of all, and over the decades many fell to shadowy assassins. Advertisement I learned the details of the story in the archives of the Middle East and Europe. There I uncovered how the fate of the Ottoman lands was central for British war planners from the beginning. And how after the war, a curious mix of American idealism with Anglo-French empire brought terrible and endlessly painful results to the people of the region. Wilsons idealism led to the League of Nations and its mandate system, but British and French officials had no wish to be restrained in their goals to exploit and dominate the region. The League of Nations demanded liberal constitutions, legal regimes and democratic facades, but all were designed to be defective and to satisfy critics in Europe and justify the Leagues existence, not to deliver rights to the people of the region. Ottoman parliamentarian Shakib Arslan tried to address the Leagues first meeting in 1921, but mandate citizens were always excluded. He wrote a petition instead one of hundreds he sent in his 26 years in exile. If the League is unable to cancel these mandates, to declare us independent and to accept us into its body as it accepted Georgia, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Albania and Armenia, which are neither more developed nor more important than we are, all we ask is to not subscribe to mandates. Unvarnished colonialism would be more honest, Arslan argued. When colonized Middle Eastern citizens protested the denial of their rights and independence, colonial governments responded with martial law, mass detentions, assassinations, counterinsurgency, and secret intelligence bureaus. The worlds first intentional airstrikes against civilians came when British and French forces, stretched thin on the ground, bombed Iraqis and Syrians. Damascus was probably the first major city intensively bombed from the air in 1925. The architects of the Middle East settlement had called the mandate a sacred trust for civilization. The long term consequences of this history is plain from recent headlines; the gulf between idealistic facades and authoritarian rule continued after independence in the Middle East, rooted corrupt institutions, introduced pervasive territorial anxieties, sowed the seeds for ethnic and sectarian wars, including Israel and Lebanon, and produced waves of refugees. Reviewing the history and meaning of the Great War is not an uplifting experience, but if we want to know the roots of todays suffering, how and why things came to be as they are, an honest reckoning with the past is overdue. Provence is a professor of history at the University of California San Diego. This essay is based on his recent book, The Last Ottoman Generation and the Making of the Middle East. San Diegans know bad development when they see it. Thats why citizens who oppose Newland Sierra were able to get more than 117,000 signatures in less than three weeks to put the General Plan amendment approving the project on the 2020 ballot. The proposed development would put a population the same size as that in the city of Del Mar, roughly 6,000 people, into a rural valley. It would cause enormous problems for the surrounding community that will ripple out broadly, including more traffic, increased fire danger and overcrowded schools. Related: Newland Sierra answers the call for workforce housing in San Diego County If you drive Interstate 15 anywhere between Pomerado Road and Riverside County, you will experience the gridlock of another 28,000 daily vehicle trips. Newland Sierras proposal includes no new freeway lanes and no transit, just more cars, resulting in Level of Service F for failing. The CalTrans Level of Service ranking was part of a county staff presentation to the county Planning Commission. The same is true for State Route 78, so be prepared to sit in traffic even longer on that route. Advertisement San Diegans know that putting 2,135 new homes in a very-high-fire-risk area is a big problem. The massive increase in population will double or more the time to evacuate, threatening lives. Newland Sierras evacuation plan only gets its residents to the boundary of its project with no evacuation plan for the surrounding area. Not only that, putting more people in a rural area increases the risk of fires in the first place. Newland Sierra will create more greenhouse gas emissions locally but wont reduce or offset them locally. The proposal depends on purchasing offsets in foreign countries, other states or other parts of California. Solar-powered cook stoves are great, but buying offshore credits does nothing to reduce emissions right here. Now lets talk schools. The San Marcos Unified School District has stated that most of its schools will be at or over capacity before Newland Sierra is even built. The school site in Newland Sierras proposal will not solve the problem and doesnt meet state standards. Current developer fees are inadequate to pay for construction of any new schools that are needed. Even worse, the Building Industry Association, chaired by Newland Sierras senior vice president, has sued the school district to even further reduce developer fees. Guess who would get left holding the bag? Taxpayers! Finally, Newland Sierra would destroy crucial animal habitat and cut off vital corridors for wildlife movement. According to the Endangered Habitats League, that habitat area simply wont function anymore. In fact, the project requires a complete exemption from the countys own Resource Protection Ordinance. San Diego County spent 13 years and nearly $20 million creating a smart growth plan that accommodates 64,000 new homes, in areas with existing infrastructure and transit. People trusted that process and made life decisions based on where the county said growth would occur. Newland Sierras location was not one of those locations. In fact, similar proposals almost indistinguishable from Newland Sierra were rejected twice by the county Board of Supervisors. Thats why Newland Sierra was opposed by all three of the affected community planning groups the very groups established to represent the voice of the public. Newland Sierra tries to create a false choice between big-box super centers and housing, saying 2 million square feet of big-box retail and offices can be built on the site. But thats a red herring. Its against the countys rules and physically impossible to build that kind of square footage on the sites hilly terrain. Economic studies have also shown that there is simply no demand for retail and office there. That boogeyman just isnt real. Because the San Diego County Board of Supervisors ignored all of this and voted to approve the General Plan amendment, the public has no choice but to resort to a referendum. More than 117,000 San Diegans agree with us that this is a bad decision, and signed a petition to put the ill-advised General Plan amendment on the 2020 ballot. Newland Sierra is now using legal maneuvers to try to stop that process because they know it will be voted down. We think voters deserve to be heard. We dont want to be Los Angeles. We want to maintain our quality of life and accommodate growth and more housing stock using good planning principles. Newland Sierras build anything anywhere mindset does more harm than good. Baldwin was a senior regional planner at SANDAG from 1989-2016. Eason is a resident of the Deer Springs Mobile Home Park adjacent to the Newland Sierra site. If you Google San Diego Housing Crisis, article after article describes the consequences of not building enough housing: out-of-control rents and skyrocketing home prices leading to displacement, long commutes and even homelessness. Yet headlines dont seem to resonate with those dead-set on blocking new housing, including the selfish few who have the money and influence to block housing projects, no matter how well-planned or badly needed. Newland Communities attitude toward new housing will shape either a positive future for our citizens and our region, or it will lead to more and more of our children and grandchildren moving away. Related: Newland Sierra development sparks traffic, fire concerns How we define that future is the essence of thousands of conversations I have had with residents, businesses, and other stakeholders throughout our county. Advertisement The county General Plan for our property called for it to be developed with up to 2 million square feet of office space and retail along with 99 large lot estate homes. For over four years Ive talked with residents, businesses, workers and other stakeholders about the need for housing. Instead of office and commercial complexes and expensive estate homes, it became clear that the better choice for our property was a well-planned community with a range of housing choices, a school, and neighborhood-serving retail. Thats how Newland Sierra came to life. We created a better choice. A real community where over 80 percent of the homes are planned as workforce housing, where nearly three quarters of the property will be set aside as open and defensible space, and where 36 acres of parks, 19 miles of trails, and 6 miles of bike routes will support an active lifestyle for families to enjoy their surroundings. And we committed to preserving over 1,200 acres of the property an area the size of Balboa Park as a wildlife preserve. And Newland Sierra will pay for significant traffic improvements to the existing Deer Springs Road and the I-15 interchange to improve traffic. These improvements will not just accommodate the communitys traffic, they will fix currently failing roads. Traffic is usually why people say they dont want more housing. But the traffic is here today. Were just forcing our workforce to either commute long distances from Riverside or even worse, double and triple up in housing meant for one family. The fact is that Sierra will generate fewer trips in the morning and evening peak periods than the uses proposed under the General Plan. In all, we will invest over $170 million in traffic improvements, dedicated open space, impact fees for new schools, fire impact fees and other public benefits. All of this is why we received unanimous approval from the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, and why it is so disappointing that we are now defending our plan from an unending onslaught of lawsuits, and now a referendum. This multimillion-dollar legal and referendum attack on Newland Sierra comes not from an outraged public but from the billionaire owner of the Golden Door luxury spa located near our property. Referendums were originally established as a way for the public to rise up against laws that were overwhelmingly unpopular and misguided. But thats not the case here. Instead, the billionaire owner of the Golden Door spent more than $1 million to collect the signatures for a referendum. These paid signature gatherers used spectacular lies and misrepresentation to dupe voters into signing the petition, using bogus claims like the project includes casinos and hotels, the project would raise peoples taxes, the project would rezone open space, the project stretches from Escondido to Fallbrook, and the project would triple the size of Del Mar. All of these claims are ridiculous. They said whatever it took to get a signature. I challenge the Golden Doors owner, who is the money and force behind this referendum, to come out from behind your legion of lawyers and political operatives and explain why you are so against improving traffic, so against the many public benefits Newland Sierra funds, and so intent on further exacerbating the housing crisis. Newland Sierra will not solve the housing crisis on its own, but some day it will be a place for North County families to call home and enjoy their American Dream. Like 4S Ranch, San Elijo Hills and so many other great North County communities that faced significant opposition before they were approved, Newland Sierra will one day be a community that we can all be proud of. Brandin is the senior vice president for Newland Communities. A drum roll for diversity, please. If election results hold amid the flurry of final vote counting in the days ahead, the San Diego City Council will have two historic firsts: Five of its nine members would be women, and three of the nine would be LGBTQ community members. Meanwhile, National City voters appear to have elected Councilwoman Alejandra Sotelo-Solis as their first Latina mayor. Such diversity is worth celebrating. Nationwide, there were other firsts for women, members of the gay community and people of color. In Colorado, voters elected the nations first openly gay governor, La Jolla Country Day School graduate Jared Polis. And a new record was set when at least 100 women were elected to Congress, including, from both the Democratic and the Republican Party, the first women Native American, Korean American and Muslim members of the House. Diverse voices make for a stronger America. This is as clear now as it was when-Vice President George H.W. Bush said at the 1988 Republican National Convention that, We are a nation of communities ... a brilliant diversity spread like stars, like a thousand points of light in a broad and peaceful sky. Advertisement In time, such elections wont be remarkable because they are firsts for one group or another. Theyll be remarkable simply because they reflect this great nations ever-changing demography. Twitter: @sdutIdeas Facebook: San Diego Union-Tribune Ideas & Opinion Trumps acting AG pick is just a political hack Re Trump forces out Sessions (Nov. 8): I am writing to express my deep concern with President Trumps appointment of Matthew Whitaker as acting United States attorney general. Whitakers abnormal judicial views and time as a paid advisory board member of World Patent Marketing raises serious questions about his ability to lead the department. As a 2014 Iowa Senate candidate, Whitaker endorsed a view of conservative judicial activism and a disregard to Americas long established independent judiciary. To summarize, Whitaker believes that courts should act as a rubber stamp for far-right executive power. Additionally, Whitakers role in World Patent Marketing, which defrauded consumers out of millions of dollars, raises serious ethical questions over whether an attorney generals office under Whitaker can operate with integrity. Americans must demand an Attorney General who is ethical and has a mainstream interpretation of the law. Whitaker is a political hack and his appointment would result in substantial abuses of power. Advertisement Jeffrey Urbanovsky North Park Matt Whitaker as appointed by Trump as Acting Attorney General is not allowed by law to oversee special prosecutor investigations (e.g., Mueller). Whitaker is also not authorized by the Constitutuion to be in charge of the Department of Justice because he has not been agreed to by the Senate in a confirmation process. U.S. law clearly states who the authorized personnel are after Sessions resigned. Trump is neither a king nor a dictator, and cannot do whatever he wishes. It also doesnt matter that Trump says he and Whittaker have not spoken about the Mueller investigation. Anyone who believes anything that Trump says is a fool, because he has shown a level of lies and deceit that very well might be pathological. What truly matters is that Trump took an oath of office to faithfully execute the laws of the U.S. and to protect and defend the Constitution. He fails repeatedly at both. Robert Benson Mission Valley 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. Some old-school civility briefly shined through the post-election blizzard of analysis, boasts and recriminations. Four Republican county supervisors privately and publicly congratulated Supervisor-elect Nathan Fletcher, who ran heavily on his Democratic bona fides, among other things. They were also focused on the future. I look forward to working with you and seeking common ground on the big challenges facing our county and its residents, Supervisor Dianne Jacob said on Twitter on Wednesday. Jim Desmond, the Republican mayor of San Marcos who was also elected to the board Tuesday, received a similar welcome on social media from the incumbents. He and Fletcher also had a brief congratulatory conversation on election night. Advertisement The gestures almost seem from a forgotten era when politicians quickly and, hopefully, smoothly transitioned from the political heat of campaigning to a measured approach of governing. It still happens but is frequently overlooked. Theres a fair amount of context that makes the supervisors reaching out to Fletcher noteworthy. None of them Greg Cox, Ron Roberts, Kristin Gaspar or Jacob was running against Fletcher. They backed his opponent, former District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis, who also took to social media to congratulate the victor. Fletcher had criticized the supervisors, though none by name, throughout the campaign for not being aggressive enough and falling short on addressing major concerns. He lumped them together generically as Trump Republicans, specifically because in the spring a divided board backed the presidents unsuccessful lawsuit seeking to overturn Californias sanctuary laws aimed at giving protections to certain unauthorized immigrants. Gaspar, Jacob and Supervisor Bill Horn voted in favor of the lawsuit. Cox voted against it and the termed-out Roberts whom Fletcher is replacing missed the vote, but said he would have urged the board not to get involved. Roberts is traveling in China this week but still reached out to Fletcher via phone, text and tweet. Congratulations @NathanFletcher, Roberts said on Twitter. The voters have spoken and the keys to the wonderful, diverse and beautiful Fourth Supervisorial District are in your hands. Im confident you will treat the communitys 630,000 residents well. Fletcher said he also spoke with San Diegos Republican mayor, Kevin Faulconer, and plans to meet with him in the next couple of weeks. This all seemed to go beyond pro forma things people do after elections. Fletcher, a former Assembly member, has been a top political target of the local GOP ever since he left the party more than six years ago. Though Faulconer, Cox, Jacob and Roberts are Republicans, they are hardly core partisans. They have disagreed with the partys direction at times and clashed with party leaders in the past. Jacob, Cox and Roberts have each served on the board for more than two decades, as has Horn, who also is termed out and is being replaced by Desmond. Theyve become very familiar with one another, though they wouldnt be called clubby. They often reach consensus that includes Gaspar, another Republican currently serving as chairwoman who was first elected to the board two years ago. Fletcher thanked his soon-to-be colleagues for reaching out. With the election behind us, its time to move forward and address the issues facing the county, he said, and I appreciate and am grateful for the encouragement and the support I received from the supervisors, he said. Fletcher said he will seek areas of agreement with other members of the board but added there will be times where well just have to disagree. Some analysts have suggested that Fletcher, the lone Democrat, may have to wait to fully push an agenda until theres more turnover and potentially more Democrats. Cox and Jacob are termed out in 2020, and Gaspar is up for re-election that year. Fletcher said he may not always win, but he wont be waiting. As we take office, I want to focus on how we can deliver now, he said. County supervisor officially is a nonpartisan office and while political parties often play a big role in campaigns, local government decision-making too often is viewed through a partisan prism. There seems to be consensus among the incumbent supervisors and those newly elected that the county needs increased focus on two growing concerns: mental illness and homelessness. Both problems are particularly acute in Fletchers district, which covers most of the city of San Diego, including downtown. Whether they agree on how to address those problems remains to be seen. During the campaign, Fletcher claimed the county was sitting on funds for mental health programs and was not doing enough to help the homeless. I believe the county needs to change, needs to be more proactive, more progressive, he said Thursday. Some of Fletchers fellow board members object to the notion the county has not been proactive. But as they all are confronted with divisive issues, perhaps the post-election tone will foreshadows a civil approach in how they grapple with them. (This column has been updated to reflect that Supervisor Gaspar also reached out to congratulate Fletcher shortly after the election, but unfortunately her text apparently was sent to an old cell phone number.) Alpina announces its partnership with the National Park Foundation (NPF), the official nonprofit partner of the National Park Service. Alpina has entered into a three-year partnership with the National Park Foundation in support of Americas national parks. In accordance with Alpina Watches commitment to outdoor adventure, a portion of Alpina's commitment will support NPFs efforts to protect and enhance Americas rivers and trails in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the National Trails and National Wild & Scenic Rivers systems. Acadia National Park NPF For over 135 years, Alpina has been committed to producing extremely robust sport watches that perform to the highest precision and with the greatest reliability in the most demanding situations. Inspired by the brands Swiss heritage and original watchmaking union whose members were known as Alpinists, Alpina looks to provide sportsmen and adventurers with the ideal watch for the outdoor environments that play a role in their everyday lifestyle. The brands Alpinist philosophy is shaped by the attitude required to perform in the reality of those most difficult natural environments, taking into consideration four key ideologies: be perseverant, think independently, trust your instincts and dont forget your roots. Partnering with the National Park Foundation is a natural fit for Alpina given its history in adventure and the brands revolution of the modern sport watch, said Lindsay Mellor, U.S. Marketing Director of Alpina. Through our partnership with the National Park Foundation, we hope to engage with those who have a shared passion for adventure and the outdoors and encourage them to explore all three areas of air, land and sea. Agate National Park NPF As its first brand partnership in the U.S., Alpina looks to not only support the mission of NPF, but also help lead the charge in engaging all Americans in support of these shared treasures. Alpina and NPF will come together to build awareness of the recreational opportunities that parks, rivers and trails have to offer; furthering their shared goal to encourage people to get outside, explore nature and find time for adventure, and ultimately inspiring the next generation of Alpinists and national park enthusiasts. The National Park Foundation is an ideal partner for a brand like Alpina as it supports the very own trails and rivers that our consumer is exploring, said Fernando Sanchez, U.S. Managing Director of Alpina. We look forward to interacting with our consumer more and inspiring others to go out and reach their own summit. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore NPF Alpinas new partnership with the National Park Foundation is perfectly timed for the ongoing rivers and trails celebration, said Stefanie Mathew, vice president of corporate partnerships at the National Park Foundation. Alpina is inspiring people to immerse themselves in the nature and history of our National Park System and support these national treasures. For more information on the National Park Foundation and how to support and protect Americas national parks, please visit www.nationalparks.org. Buy a watch now? The Santa Ana winds that are spreading large wildfires in Ventura and Los Angeles counties will continue blowing until at least tonight, and theyll pick up force today in San Diego County, the National Weather Service says. A red flag fire weather warning is in effect for most of San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles and Ventura counties. The warning will stay in effect until tonight. Forecasters say a new round of Santa Anas will arrive on Sunday night. The winds are pushing big wildfires in the Oak Park region of Ventura County and into the Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County, the Los Angeles Times reports. Advertisement The winds have generally been lighter in San Diego County. But forecasters say the winds will peak at 45 to 50 mph Friday in the countys inland foothills and valleys, and in the mountains and lowlands of Camp Pendleton. The wind is gusting to 50 mph in parts of Orange County. Daytime highs across inland San Diego County will be in the 80s. The relative humidity will drop below 10 percent across most areas of the county. 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. The ResultsAs They Happen The ResultsAs They Happen WorldTempus brings you all the Only Watch news direct from the auction WorldTempus brings you all the Only... Through its museum, the preservation of its archives and the know-how of its watchmakers, or by growing its historical collections, Longines honors its rich past, a source of inspiration to this day. It is in this spirit of tradition and preservation of its heritage that the brand seeks to find traces of its oldest pieces. Longines Longines has recently discovered, thanks to the research of one of its collectors, the oldest Longines watch known to date. Its owner, an American collector of Japanese descent, went to the headquarters of the brand to authenticate his piece. Thanks to its small serial number - 183 - and to the indications inscribed in the archives registers, preciously preserved, the brands historians and watchmakers can attest that this pocket watch was manufactured in 1867, the year the Longines factory was created to replace the original counter founded in 1832. Longines Housing a mechanical wind-up movement, this savonnette type silver pocket watch is characteristic of the pieces created by Longines at that time. Emblem of the brand since the very beginning, a winged hourglass is engraved on its movement and inside its cover. An engraving showing two blank crests and a floral motif adorn its cover. This piece, the condition and proper functioning of which impresses specialists, is a major discovery for the Swiss watch brand. Brooklyn, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/09/2018 -- Qyresearchreports include new market research report E-cigarette and Vaping to its huge collection of research reports. This report presents the worldwide E-cigarette and Vaping market size (value, production and consumption), splits the breakdown (data status 2013-2018 and forecast to 2025), by manufacturers, region, type and application. This study also analyzes the market status, market share, growth rate, future trends, market drivers, opportunities and challenges, risks and entry barriers, sales channels, distributors and Porter's Five Forces Analysis. E-cigarette is a battery-operated device that is considered as a safe alternative to smoking cigarettes. The industry is non-uniformly regulated as effects of the devices are under review. Large tobacco companies have flourished by introducing these devices through various brands that cater to different requirements, thereby enhancing quality and level of customization of the products. The market is expected to gain traction over the forecast period, owing to growing popularity of these products among millennials. Moreover, availability of a variety of e-cigarette options is another factor projected to provide a tremendous push to the market over the forecast period. The E-cigarette and Vaping market was valued at xx Million US$ in 2017 and is projected to reach xx Million US$ by 2025, at a CAGR of xx% during the forecast period. In this study, 2017 has been considered as the base year and 2018 to 2025 as the forecast period to estimate the market size for E-cigarette and Vaping. For more info, get sample report for FREE here: https://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=1890453&type=S The following manufacturers are covered in this report: Altria Group, Inc. British American Tobacco Imperial Brands International Vapor Group Japan Tobacco International NicQuid Philip Morris International Inc. R.J. Reynolds Vapor Company Shenzhen IVPS Technology Co., Ltd. Shenzhen KangerTech Technology Co., Ltd. The study objectives are: To analyze and research the global E-cigarette and Vaping status and future forecastinvolving, production, revenue, consumption, historical and forecast. To present the key E-cigarette and Vaping manufacturers, production, revenue, market share, and recent development. To split the breakdown data by regions, type, manufacturers and applications. To analyze the global and key regions market potential and advantage, opportunity and challenge, restraints and risks. To identify significant trends, drivers, influence factors in global and regions. To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the market. Table of Contents 1 Study Coverage 1.1 E-cigarette and Vaping Product 1.2 Key Market Segments in This Study 1.3 Key Manufacturers Covered 1.4 Market by Type 1.4.1 Global E-cigarette and Vaping Market Size Growth Rate by Type 1.4.2 Disposable 1.4.3 Rechargeable 1.4.4 Modular Devices 1.5 Market by Application 1.5.1 Global E-cigarette and Vaping Market Size Growth Rate by Application 1.5.2 Online 1.5.3 Retail Browse Complete Research Report at: https://www.qyresearchreports.com/report/global-e-cigarette-and-vaping-market-insights-forecast-to-2025.htm 2 Executive Summary 2.1 Global E-cigarette and Vaping Market Size 2.1.1 Global E-cigarette and Vaping Revenue 2013-2025 2.1.2 Global E-cigarette and Vaping Production 2013-2025 2.2 E-cigarette and Vaping Growth Rate (CAGR) 2018-2025 2.3 Analysis of Competitive Landscape 2.3.1 Manufacturers Market Concentration Ratio (CR5 and HHI) 2.3.2 Key E-cigarette and Vaping Manufacturers 2.3.2.1 E-cigarette and Vaping Manufacturing Base Distribution, Headquarters 2.3.2.2 Manufacturers E-cigarette and Vaping Product Offered 2.3.2.3 Date of Manufacturers Enter into E-cigarette and Vaping Market 2.4 Key Trends for E-cigarette and Vaping Markets & Products 3 Market Size by Manufacturers 3.1 E-cigarette and Vaping Production by Manufacturers 3.1.1 E-cigarette and Vaping Production by Manufacturers 3.1.2 E-cigarette and Vaping Production Market Share by Manufacturers 3.2 E-cigarette and Vaping Revenue by Manufacturers 3.2.1 E-cigarette and Vaping Revenue by Manufacturers (2013-2018) 3.2.2 E-cigarette and Vaping Revenue Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018) 3.3 E-cigarette and Vaping Price by Manufacturers 3.4 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion Plans 4 E-cigarette and Vaping Production by Regions 4.1 Global E-cigarette and Vaping Production by Regions 4.1.1 Global E-cigarette and Vaping Production Market Share by Regions 4.1.2 Global E-cigarette and Vaping Revenue Market Share by Regions 4.2 United States 4.2.1 United States E-cigarette and Vaping Production ... List of Tables and Figures Figure E-cigarette and Vaping Product Picture Table E-cigarette and Vaping Key Market Segments in This Study Table Key Manufacturers E-cigarette and Vaping Covered in This Study Table Global E-cigarette and Vaping Market Size Growth Rate by Type 2018-2025 (K Units) & (Million US$) Figure Global E-cigarette and Vaping Production Market Share 2013-2025 Figure Disposable Product Picture Table Major Manufacturers of Disposable Figure Rechargeable Product Picture Table Major Manufacturers of Rechargeable Figure Modular Devices Product Picture Table Major Manufacturers of Modular Devices Table Global E-cigarette and Vaping Market Size Growth Rate by Application 2018-2025 (K Units) Figure Online Figure Retail Figure E-cigarette and Vaping Report Years Considered Figure Global E-cigarette and Vaping Revenue 2013-2025 (Million US$) Figure Global E-cigarette and Vaping Production 2013-2025 (K Units) ... About QYResearchReports QYResearchReports delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYResearchReports feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market. Contact Us: Brooklyn, NY 11230 United States Toll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA) Tel: +1-518-618-1030 Web: http://www.qyresearchreports.com Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com Sarasota, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/09/2018 -- Zion Market Research has published a new report titled "Generator Market by Fuel Type (Gasoline, Diesel, LPG, Natural Gas, and Others); by Power Rating (Up to 5 KVA, 5 to 10 KVA, 10 to 15 KVA, and 15 to 20 KVA); by Generator Type (Portable and Stationary); and by End-user (Industrial, Telecom, Residential, and Commercial): Global Industry Perspective, Comprehensive Analysis and Forecast, 2017 - 2024". According to the report, global generator market was valued at approximately USD 1.90 billion in 2017 and is expected to generate revenue of around USD 3.01 billion by end of 2024, growing at a CAGR of around 6.8% between 2018 and 2024. Request Free Sample Report @ https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/sample/generator-market A generator is also known as a dynamo, several machines convert kinetic or mechanical energy to electricity for distribution and transmission beyond power lines to commercial, domestic, and industrial customers. Almost all generators are utilized to provide electric power networks that generate alternating current, which reverses split at a set frequency. Almost all power plants use (AC) generators; the exception is photovoltaic cells which employ (DC) generators. The speed and construction of the generator might vary significantly depending on the characteristics of the mechanical prime mover. The electric energy produced can be utilized for power transmission to industrial, commercial, or even domestic level. Generators provide the current which regularly has a frequency of 50 Hz. Major driving factors for the growth of the generator market are increasing demand for IT infrastructure management and rising demand for reliable and uninterrupted power supply. The global generator will offer new growth opportunities for domestic and global manufacturers during the forecast period, due to emerging economies and increasing adoption of bi-fuel, hybrid generators, and inverter generators. Increasing adoption of energy storage technologies may hamper the sales of generators in certain regional markets. High life cycle cost of internal combustion engines is a major challenge for the growth of the generator market. Generator market is classified in terms of fuel type, power rating, generator type, and end-user. In terms of fuel type, the global generator market is segmented into gasoline, diesel, LPG, natural gas, and others. Diesel was the largest fuel type segment of the global generator market. In 2017, diesel generators were mainly preferred power backup and accounted for more than 80% of the global generators market. Low capital cost of diesel generators and advanced technology are the factors driving the growth of diesel generator market during the forecast period. In terms of power rating, the global generator market is divided into up to 5 KVA, 5 to 10 KVA, 10 to 15 KVA, and 15 to 20 KVA. 5 to 10 KVA market segment held the largest market share due to huge demand across the globe during the forecast period. The demand for generators with a power rating between 5 to 10 KVA is estimated to increase during the forecast period due to its use in a wide range of applications such as telecom, oil & gas, healthcare, and data center industries. Inquiry more about this report @ https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/inquiry/generator-market On basis of the generator type, the global generator market is categorized into portable and stationary. In 2017, the stationary segment was the most attractive generator type. A regular transfer switch is applied to a stationary type of generator which monitors the external power and switches the generator on and off as preferred. Rising demand from residential and commercial sectors and reliable power requirement across industries is the main growth driver of this segment. In terms of end-user, the global generator market is categorized into industrial, telecom, residential, and commercial. In 2017, the industrial end-user segment leads the generator market and is expected to develop at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The industrial end-user segment growth can be certified to the rapid mechanization in emerging countries such as Taiwan, India, Bangladesh, Nigeria, and Algeria. The Asia Pacific dominated the generator market in 2017 and accounted for contributing a significant share of the market. Countries such as India, China, Japan, and Austria have a high economic growth rate with the increased number of manufacturing industries in the Asia Pacific region. The U.S. accounts for the major share in the North America province mainly due to enormous. In addition, commercial and telecom sectors have an increasing demand for backup power to offset regular power fluctuations thus propelling the generator market in the Asia Pacific. Maximum share of the generator market is expected to be held by North America and Europe during the forecast period. Some of the major players involved in the global generator include Cummins Inc., Kohler Co., Mahindra Powerol, Caterpillar Inc., Yamaha Motor Corporation, Honda Siel Power Products Ltd., KOEL Green, Generac Holdings, Rolls-Royce, Yanmar, and others. Browse the full "Generator Market" report at https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/report/generator-market This report segments the global generator market as follows: Global Generator Market: Fuel Type Segment Analysis Gasoline Diesel LPG Natural Gas Others Global Generator Market: Power Rating Segment Analysis Up to 5 KVA 5 to 10 KVA 10 to 15 KVA 15 to 20 KVA Global Generator Market: Generator Type Segment Analysis Portable Stationary Global Generator Market: End-user Segment Analysis Industrial Telecom Residential Commercial Global Generator Market: Regional Segment Analysis North America The U.S. Europe UK France Germany Asia Pacific China Japan India Latin America Brazil The Middle East and Africa New York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/09/2018 -- The latest report Marble Wall Market discusses everything a business owner needs to know about the Marble Wall market for the forecast period, 2018 to 2025. The document offers an insight into what the target customer's needs and wants. Industry experts have extracted data from various sources on size, share, growth rate, production volume, production capacity, import and export status, distribution channels and more and have analysed it thoroughly. By properly assessing the competitors and their offerings the study aims at empowering business owners to step ahead. Scope of the Report: The research methodologies used for evaluating the Marble Wall market are inventive and also provides enough evidence on the demand and supply status, production capability, import and export, supply chain management and investment feasibility. The investigative approach applied for the extensive analysis of the sale, gross margin and profit generated by the industry are presented through resources including tables, charts, and graphic images. Importantly, these resources can be easily integrated or used for preparing business or corporate presentations. Request for Sample Copy of Marble Wall Market @ https://www.marketexpertz.com/sample-enquiry-form/22633 Estimating the potential size of the Marble Wall industry: Industry experts conducting the study further estimate the potential of the Marble Wall industry. Such information is important for firms looking to launch an innovative service or product on the market. Industry experts have measured the total volume of the given market. Researchers have calculated the industry in terms of sales by the competitors and end-user customers. Data on the entire size of the Marble Wall market for a particular product or a service for the forecast period, 2018 to 2025 covered in the report makes it valuable. This information reveals the upper limit of the Marble Wall industry for a specific product or service. Major Players in Marble Wall market are: Foshan GANI Ceramics Co Ltd, Guangdong Haosen Ceramics Co., ANNWA, Marcopolo, Florida Tile, Inc., Marazzi Group S.r.l, Johnson Tiles, Domus Tile, Oregon Tile and Marble, Inol Ceramics, ROMARIO, SANFI, BODE, Persian Tile, Marble Matters, OCEANO, Hongyu Marble Market Segment on the basis of product, the report covers: - Compact Size - Medium Size - Large Size - Expansive Size Market Segment on the basis of Application, the report covers: - Residential - Commercial - Other Buy Marble Wall Market Research Report @ https://www.marketexpertz.com/checkout-form/22633 The market intelligence study for the Marble Wall market further provides an inside-out overview of necessary aspects associated with the product classification, important definitions, major orders and other industry-centric parameters. 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What will be the market share and size of the industry during the estimated period? - What are prime factors expected to drive the Marble Wall industry for the estimated period? - What are the major market leaders and what has been their winning strategy for success so far? - What are the significant trends shaping the growth prospects of the Marble Wall market? - What are the key challenges expected to restrict the progress of the industry for the forecast period, 2018 - 2025? - What the opportunities product owners can bank on to generate high profits? There are 14 Chapters to deeply display the global Marble Wall market. - 1 Marble Wall Market Overview - 2 Global Marble Wall Market Competition by Manufacturers - 3 Global Marble Wall Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2013-2018) - 4 Global Marble Wall Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2013-2018) - 5 Global Marble Wall Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type - 6 Global Marble Wall Market Analysis by Application - Continue In this study, the years considered to estimate the market size of Marble Wall are as follows: - History Year: 2013-2017 - Base Year: 2017 - Estimated Year: 2018 - Forecast Year 2018 to 2025 Read More @ https://www.marketexpertz.com/industry-overview/marble-wall-market About MarketExpertz Planning to invest in market intelligence products or offerings on the web? 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Contact Us: John Watson Head of Business Development Market Expertz | Web: www.marketexpertz.com Direct Line: +1-800-819-3052 E-mail: sales@marketexpertz.com News: www.marketexpertz.com/market-news Valley Cottage, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/08/2018 -- According to the latest market report published by Future Market Insights titled "Palletizers Market: Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2018-2028," Palletizers being a highly productive material handling solution is expected to be the prime driver of the global palletizers market during the forecast period, 2018-2028. Globally, the revenue generated from sales of palletizers has been estimated to be around US$ 2,084.4 Mn in 2018, and is projected to increase at a CAGR of 4.9%, during the forecast period 2018-2028. The palletizers market in the developed region of North America and Western Europe together estimated to account for around 40% of the global palletizers market and are projected to witness low growth during the forecast period. The developed countries of North America and Western Europe region has high adoption rate for recently developed technology. This has resulted into high demand of advanced technology for robotic palletizers as compared to other regions. Large number of palletizers manufacturers are based in these regions only. Although, the manufacturing output growth in these regions have matured, the continuous developments introduced in the robotic palletizers and the end-user industries aiming highest automation possible has propelled the palletizers market in North America and Western Europe. Request more information of Report with table of contents and Figures @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-7084 China, India and South Korea are some of the rapidly developing manufacturing industries in the world and large market for robotics in the world. These countries are estimated to account for more than 85% of the APEJ palletizers market. Although, China is the largest palletizers market and the largest robotics market in the world, the industrial robot density of China is below global average. Millions of manufacturing and warehousing facilities, and huge domestic production of economical palletizers has created large opportunity for the palletizers market in the country. Japan is exhibited to possess similar characteristics as that of North America and Western Europe, which are maturing the demand of palletizers, large palletizers market share and rapid adoption of technology. Fanuc, Kuka and other globally leading companies in robotics industry and providing palletizers are based in Japan. Central Europe & Baltics region includes countries such as Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Croatia and others. The total labour force in the region has remained almost constant since 2002 while the manufacturing output in the region has expanded by around 2.7 times. This has created immense opportunity in the region for palletizers market and other industrial automation solutions. Availability of economical and skilled labour in Poland has attracted manufacturing industries in the Western Europe region to shift their production facility to Poland and other countries in the Central Europe and Baltics region. Request to Report Methodology @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-7084 In the MEA region, Turkey and GCC region are estimated to account for around 60% of the MEA palletizers market in 2018 and are further expected to expand palletizers market at a significantly high pace as compared to African countries. MEA region has considerably higher demand share of conventional palletizers as compared to other regions. The rapidly developing pharmaceutical industry in the North Africa and GCC region has propelled the demand of palletizers in the region. Due to lack of manufacturing capability, the majority of the demand of palletizers is served by imports from Asia Pacific and Western European countries. The market volume for global palletizers is expected to expand at 1.6X over the forecast period 2018-2028 Detailed profiles of palletizers companies are also included in the report to evaluate their strategies, key product offerings and recent developments. The key players of the global palletizers market are Premier Tech Chronos Ltd., ABB Ltd., FANUC Corp., Kion Group, Kuka Group, Honeywell International Inc., Okura Yusoki Co., Ltd., Columbia Machine, Inc., Fuji Yusoki Kogyo Co., Ltd. and Concetti S.P.A. In global palletizers market report, we have discussed individual strategies followed by these companies in terms of enhancing their product portfolio, creating new marketing techniques, mergers and acquisitions. The 'Competitive Landscape' section is included to provide report audiences with a dashboard view and company share collectively. Ask a question to Analyst @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/ask-the-analyst/rep-gb-7084 Pune, India -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/09/2018 -- Port Construction Projects Market Overview: Summary: Excellence consistency maintains by Garner Insights in Research Report in which studies the Global Port Construction Projects market status and forecast, categorizes and Equipment market value by manufacturers, type, application, and region. Request a Sample Report @ http://bit.ly/2zic6MC The Port Construction projects market is developing and expanding at a significant pace. The Globalization has led to enhanced focus on the international trade activities which has resulted into constant surge in the spending for the development of transport facilities which mainly includes railways, roads, waterways and airports. The research report on the Global Port Construction Projects Market provides a comprehensive analysis on the market on a global and regional front, based on the market size, share, services, solutions, product types, end users, industry verticals, and technologies. The report also presents an in-depth analysis of the factors affecting the growth of the market, including the drivers, restraints, challenges, threats, and the potential growth opportunities. The report on the global Port Construction Projects market entails the prevailing market trends and the key strategies that are increasing the popularity of the market on a global basis. In addition, it provides the market estimates and forecasts for all the segments and sub-segments in terms of value and volume. Port Construction Projects Market by Companies : ACS Group, Consolidated Engineering Construction Co, Bechtel, Danube Ports Network Company, OAO Baltkran, Cargotech, CVS SpA, Demag Cranes, Fantuzzi, Liebherr, Hyundai Engineering . The Port construction is being heavily done in the southern Asian countries which consist of large coastline such as China, India, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Thailand and Sri Lanka. Asia accounted for around 38% of global exports & 53% of imports in the year 2017, according to the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH). According to the (WSC) World Shipping Council, Shanghai which is a China based city is the busiest container port in the world, with a volume of around 36.5 million (TEU) in 2015, followed by Singapore with 30.9 million (TEU). Also the countries such as India and Malaysia are now major global trade countries and are focusing to invest significantly in port facilities to maximize trade opportunities with their trading partners. Furthermore, According to India Brand Equity foundation, India accounts for the highest value with US$41.1 billion, followed by Malaysia with projects valuing US$28.1 billion. Indonesia and Bangladesh follow with port construction projects with a value of US$26.9 billion and US$24.6 billion respectively. Malaysia accounts for the highest value project in the region with the US$22.8 billion Carey Island Port Klang Extension, followed by Bangladesh with the US$20.0 billion Payra Seaport Development which is further augmenting the development and growth of port construction market in the country. Get Discount on this Report: http://bit.ly/2PCDXRR Scope of the Report :- The regional analysis of Global Port Construction Projects Market is considered for the key regions such as Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, Latin America and Rest of the World. North America is the leading/significant region across the world in terms of market share. Whereas, owing to the countries such as China, Japan, and India, Asia Pacific region is anticipated to exhibit higher growth rate / CAGR over the forecast period 2018-2025. The research document will answer following questions such as: How is the Global (North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa) Port Construction Projects market growing? What are the cutting-edge technologies responsible for driving the growth of the market? What are the main applications of the market? What are the growth prospects to the market applications into the market? At what stage of development are the key market products? What are the shortcomings that the Global (North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa) has to face to become commercially viable? Is their growth and commercialization dependent on cost declines or technological/application breakthroughs? What is the outlook for the Port Construction Projects market? What difference does performance characteristics of Port Construction Projects creates from those of established entities? Browse Complete Report with TOC Visit: http://bit.ly/2EX16dz All parts of the Port Construction Projects business report are quantitatively and additionally subjectively evaluated to think about the global and also provincial market nearly. The essential data, for example, the definition, common chain and the administration controls relating to the Port Construction Projects showcase are additionally talked about in the report. Thanks for reading this article; you can also get individual chapter wise section or region wise report version like Asia, United States, Europe. About Garner Insights Garner Insights is a Market Intelligence and consulting firm with an all-inclusive experience and vast knowledge of the market research industry.Our vast storage of research reports across various categories, gives you a complete view of the ever changing and developing trends and current topics worldwide. Our constant endeavor is to keep on improving our storage information by providing rich market reports and constantly improving them. Valley Cottage, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/08/2018 -- According to the latest market report published by Future Market Insights titled "Screen Printing Mesh Market: Global Industry Analysis 2013-2017 and Opportunity Assessment 2018-2028", gradually developing demand for printed textiles and the expanding packaging industry have driven the global screen printing mesh market. Globally, the revenue generated from the sales of screen printing mesh has been estimated to be around US$ 562.8 Mn in 2018, and is projected to increase at a CAGR of 4.5%, during the forecast period 2018-2028. Majority of the textiles printed in the global market are printed with the screen printing technique due to its simplicity. The technique enables the largely unorganised textile industry to economically print their textile products, attributing to a large volume demand for screen printing mesh. The demand for screen printing in the packaging industry is significantly high with around 9% of the labels printed globally being screen printed. Thus, the performance of the textile and packaging industry in geography indicates the growth of the screen printing mesh market in that geography. For more information of Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-6656 APEJ Expected to Dominate the Global Screen Printing Mesh Market The APEJ region is expected to register the highest growth rate in the packaging market and also account for the highest market share in the present market scenario. The demand for printed textiles is also highest in the APEJ region. Furthermore, the mostly unorganised packaging and textile industries of APEJ region prefer the most economical solution for manufacturing and printing, and polyester screen printing mesh is very cost effective. Thus, screen printing is highly preferred over other techniques, leading to a high demand for screen printing mesh. Moreover, adoption of digital and other advanced printing techniques is lower in the APEJ region as compared to the developed countries of North America and Western Europe. This has resulted into a relatively lower impact of the introduction of digital printing on screen printing mesh market in the APEJ region. Rising Demand for Digitally Printed Textiles to Impact the Western Europe Screen Printing Mesh Market Digital printing is rapidly increasing in Western Europe due to its advantages over traditional screen printing, negatively impacting the screen printing mesh demand. Significantly, the large packaging industry of Western Europe region has attained maturity and is expected to grow at a sluggish pace. Furthermore, the packaging industry of Western Europe has shown high adaptation rate for advanced printing techniques. Although Europe is the largest importer as well as exporter of the screen printing mesh in the world, the screen printing mesh demand by the packaging industry of Western Europe region is projected to witness sluggish growth. Romania Estimated to be the Largest Exporter of Screen Printing Mesh Along with Russia and Poland, Romania is a significant contributor to the Eastern Europe screen printing mesh market. Romania is the third largest exporter in the global screen printing mesh industry in terms of value and volume, while the world's largest net exporter in terms of value. Gradually developing manufacturing industry of Eastern Europe is expected to drive the demand for screen printing and screen printing mesh. Ask a question to Analyst @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/ask-the-analyst/rep-gb-6656 Market Volume for Global Screen Printing Mesh Expected to Expand at 1.6X over the Forecast Period, 2018-2028 Detailed profiles of companies are also included in the report to evaluate their strategies, key product offerings, and recent developments. The key players in the global screen printing mesh market are Haver & Boecker OHG, NBC Meshtec Inc., Sefar AG, Nippon Tokushu Fabric, Inc., Maishi Wire Mesh Mfg., Asada Mesh Co., Ltd., Weisse & Eschrich GmbH & Co. KG, Saati S.p.A., Nakanuma Art Screen Co., Ltd, and Extris Srl. In the global screen printing mesh market report, we have discussed individual strategies followed by company developments in terms of product portfolios, new marketing techniques, as well as mergers and acquisitions. The 'Competitive Landscape' section is included to provide report audiences with a dashboard view and company share collectively. For more insights, write to press@futuremarketinsights.com Request to Report Methodology @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-6656 Valley Cottage, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/08/2018 -- Wind energy is the power extracted from wind using wind turbines. A wind turbine is a device that transforms the kinetic energy of the wind into electrical energy. Wind energy is a renewable form of energy that is available in ample quantity and extensively. It is an alternative to fossil fuels which are depleting in quantity. Wind energy is the cleanest resource; it has neither toxic gas emissions nor greenhouse gas emissions. Wind turbines are connected to the network of electricity transmission. The onshore and offshore wind that is trapped is an inexpensive, competitive and significant source of energy. Wind energy contributed to 4% of the total global electricity usage in 2013. The application of wind turbines is primarily in wind mills that are used to generate electricity. These wind turbines in wind mills can be used to avail off-grid electricity in the remote regions. It has been known to empower rural electrification initiatives. Three fourths of the small wind turbines are present in the remote regions of the world and are the only sources of energy. For instance, wind power systems are fuelling the telecommunication towers in the secluded places between Argentina and Chile. Another application of wind turbines is associated with the hybrids of wind and solar power generation devices. Wind and solar sources complement each other in changing climatic conditions. Wind turbines have vital applications in off-grid, low-power systems in which the storage of batteries is avoided. Wind turbines also have application in cathodic protection pipes in which its electric charge neutralizes the galvanic corrosion of pipes laid in reactive soils. Wind turbines are used to charge electric fences, yacht and boat batteries efficiently. Wind turbines have been used to pump water for decades, and they remain a significant application in both developed and developing economies. The end use industries of wind turbines can be broadly classified into industrial, commercial and residential. The industrial use can be further divided into power generation, agriculture, industrial automation, engineering and telecommunication. Despite being commercially niche market at present, wind turbines are expected to expand due to increasing government subsidies and incentive programmes on the use of wind energy. Request Sample Report@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-la-141 The global wind industry produced about 37,000 MW in 2013. Latin America, in particular, has provided the industry with an essential substitute growth market for wind power. In 2013, Latin America alone representedapproximately 45% of the installed capacity of North and South America combined. It was largely driven by the wind markets of Brazil and Mexico which can be regarded as the dual pillars of the Latin American market. The average price of wind energy contracts in Brazil is US$ 50/MWh and gives wind energy an edge over conventional fossil fuels there. This is a major driver for the wind turbine market in Brazil. The wind power in Mexico provides power to over 65,000 households and exports it to US. Food and beverage company, Nestle, had invested US$ 60.7 million in wind energy in Mexico, and employed wind energy for its 85% electricity requirement. The cumulative wind capacity in Mexico reached 1988 MW by the end of 2013 indicating a 31.4% growth rate. The installed capacity in 2013 was 76 MW in Argentina, 200 MW in Chile, 30 MW in Peru, 11 MW in Uruguay, and149 MW in Venezuela. Strong wind resources, and rising electricity prices and energy demand are driving the demand for renewable energy higher. The Latin American industrial policies are effective as they have tailored depreciation tax policies which enable industries to actively partner with wind energy generators for their energy usage. Also, wind plants do not need to be in the vicinity of the end user and just need a connection to the Latin American power grids. Feed-in electricity tariffs have been introduced to motivate the use of renewable energy such as wind energy, solar energy, hydropower, thermal energy and biomass energy. This encourages investment in renewable energy as the government makes provisions for higher retail rates for electricity for the producers of new energy technologies. Consistently declining monopoly in the Latin American electricity sector had paved way for wind turbine manufacturers. The current wind turbine market is competitive. Gamesa is the leading turbine supplier in Mexico and holds 73.5% of the market. It is followed by Vestas with 22% of the market contribution. GE is also a major turbine manufacturer with 4.5% market share in Mexico. Besides, the collapse of the Spain-based OEMs (Other Equipment Manufacturers) wind market has compelled companies to expand their business in Latin America. Request to View TOC@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-la-141 By 2015, Latin America is expected to have 3 GW of installed wind capacity annually, surging up to 4.3 GW by 2022. The manufacturers have to meet certain mandates on wind turbine components and their materials. It is a challenge for most OEMs to deliver high quality wind turbines while still ensuring an economical Latin American wind market. A new study, published in the Astrophysical Journal, suggests that if a 1- to 2-megawatt (MW) laser were focused through a 30- to 45-m telescope and aimed out into space, the combination would produce a beam of infrared radiation strong enough to stand out from the Suns energy and attract attention from as far as 20,000 light-years away. Such a signal could be detectable by extraterrestrial astronomers performing a cursory survey of our section of our Milky Way Galaxy especially if those astronomers live in nearby planetary systems, such as around Proxima Centauri and TRAPPIST-1. If we were to successfully close a handshake and start to communicate, we could flash a message, at a data rate of about a few hundred bits per second, which would get there in just a few years, said lead author James Clark, a graduate student in the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The notion of such an alien-attracting beacon may seem far-fetched, but the feat can be realized with a combination of technologies that exist now and that could be developed in the near term (MW-class lasers, telescopes tens of meters in size). Clark and MITs Dr. Kerri Cahoy analyzed combinations of lasers and telescopes of various wattage and size, and found that a 2-MW laser, pointed through a 30-m telescope, could produce a signal strong enough to be easily detectable by alien astronomers on Proxima b, a Earth-mass exoplanet that orbits our closest star, 4.23 light-years away. Similarly, a 1-MW laser, directed through a 45-m telescope, would generate a clear signal in any survey conducted by astronomers within the TRAPPIST-1 planetary system, a system of seven temperate terrestrial planets located 38.8 light-years from Earth. Either setup could produce a generally detectable signal from up to 20,000 light-years away. Both scenarios would require laser and telescope technology that has either already been developed, or is within practical reach. For instance, the researchers calculated that the required laser power of 1 to 2 MW is equivalent to that of the U.S. Air Forces Airborne Laser, a now-defunct MW laser that was meant to fly aboard a military jet for the purpose of shooting ballistic missiles out of the sky. They also found that while a 30-m telescope considerably dwarfs any existing observatory on Earth today, there are plans to build such massive telescopes in the near future, including the 24-m Giant Magellan Telescope and the 39-m European Extremely Large Telescope, both of which are currently under construction in Chile. Like these massive observatories, a laser beacon should be built atop a mountain, to minimize the amount of atmosphere the laser would have to penetrate before beaming out into space, Clark said. Having established that a planetary beacon is technically feasible, the team then flipped the problem and looked at whether todays imaging techniques would be able to detect such an infrared beacon if it were produced by astronomers elsewhere in our Galaxy. They found that, while a 1-m or larger telescope would be capable of spotting such a beacon, it would have to point in the signals exact direction to see it. It is vanishingly unlikely that a telescope survey would actually observe an extraterrestrial laser, unless we restrict our survey to the very nearest stars, Clark noted. We hope the study will encourage the development of infrared imaging techniques, not only to spot any laser beacons that might be produced by alien astronomers, but also to identify gases in a distant planets atmosphere that might be indications of life. With current survey methods and instruments, it is unlikely that we would actually be lucky enough to image a beacon flash, assuming that extraterrestrials exist and are making them, he said. However, as the infrared spectra of exoplanets are studied for traces of gases that indicate the viability of life, and as full-sky surveys attain greater coverage and become more rapid, we can be more certain that, if E.T. is phoning, we will detect it. _____ James R. Clark & Kerri Cahoy. 2018. Optical Detection of Lasers with Near-term Technology at Interstellar Distances. ApJ 867, 97; doi: 10.3847/1538-4357/aae380 US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo spoke by telephone with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry to discuss bilateral ties and developments in the region, Egypt's foreign ministry said on Friday. The pair discussed "the importance of pushing forward bilateral relations in the coming period," the ministry said, in a statement published on its official Facebook page. The pair also discussed preparations to hold talks between the foreign and defence ministers of the two countries, in what is known as a 2+2 dialogue, to "strengthen bilateral relations at all levels," the statement added. The ministers also discussed recent developments in the region and agreed to intensify coordination about challenges undermining stability in the Middle East. Egypt is one of Washington's closest allies in the Middle East. Search Keywords: Short link: The Egyptian foreign ministry has condemned a terrorist attack at a restaurant in the Iraqi city of Mosul which killed four people on Thursday. In a statement, the foreign ministry said that the Egyptian government offers condolences to the Iraqi government and people, asserting Cairo's full solidarity with Iraq in its efforts to achieve security and stability. The statement renewed Egypt's call for the necessity of intensifying international efforts to eradicate terrorism in all its forms, eradicate its roots, and stand against extremist ideas. On Friday, Egypts Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry phoned his Iraqi counterpart Mohamen Al-Hakim to congratulate him on assuming his new post. Shoukry stressed his keenness on bilateral cooperation on matters of mutual interest, said Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmed Hafez. Shoukry also expressed his condolences for the Thursday attack. Search Keywords: Short link: Yemeni rebels battled Friday to slow an advance by pro-government forces deeper into Hodeida seeking to recapture the city's lifeline port, launching fierce barrages of mortar fire and aiming to cut off supply routes, military sources said. The Shia Houthi rebels, whose chief has vowed his troops would never surrender despite being vastly outnumbered, shelled government positions in the south of the Red Sea city, loyalist officials said. But despite the "intense attacks", loyalist forces made fresh advances in eastern sectors of Hodeida. The rebels, for their part, said their fighters had cut off government supply routes in four sectors of Hodeida province. On Thursday, after a week of intense battles on the outskirts of the city, loyalist troops entered residential neighbourhoods, using bulldozers to remove concrete road blocks installed by the rebels. Military sources said government forces and their coalition allies were edging towards the city's vital port through which nearly 80 percent of Yemen's commercial imports and practically all UN-supervised humanitarian aid pass. The Saudi-led military coalition which supports the government carried out air raids on rebel positions as the ground forces advanced. The Houthis have controlled Hodeida since 2014 when they overran the capital Sanaa and then swept though much of the rest of the country, triggering the coalition's intervention the following year and a devastating war of attrition. The rebels have since been driven out of virtually all of the south and much of the Red Sea coast. Government forces launched their offensive to retake Hodeida in June backed by significant numbers of Emirati ground troops. Their advance into the city of some 600,000 people has been slowed by trenches and minefields dug by the rebels around their last major coastal stronghold. The months-long battle for Hodeida, which has intensified since November 1, has killed a total of 250 combatants this month -- 197 Houthis and 53 loyalists, according to medical and security sources. Human rights groups have voiced fears that a protracted battle for the city will also exact heavy civilian casualties and force a halt to vital food shipments. UN agencies say some 14 million people are at risk of famine in Yemen, which they have described as the world's worst humanitarian crisis. The World Food Programme said Thursday it will nearly double food aid to Yemen to reach 14 million people a month -- almost half the population. The WFP is providing food assistance to about seven to eight million people every day, "but the situation has now got so dire that WFP is preparing to scale up", spokesman Herve Verhoosel told journalists in Geneva. "Indications are that even greater efforts will be needed to avert mass starvation." The WFP said the violence must stop immediately to give Yemen "a chance to pull back from the brink". "Unless it does, this will become a country of living ghosts, its people reduced to sacks of bones." Nearly 10,000 Yemenis have been killed in the conflict since 2015, according to the World Health Organization. Human rights groups say the real death toll may be five times higher. Search Keywords: Short link: Destination focus 'With this new itinerary in Greece and Turkey offered during the quiet winter season, we look forward to helping our guests explore such a culturally rich region of the world in "The Viking Way,"' Viking chairman Torstein Hagen said. The 930-passenger, all-veranda stateroom Viking Sea will take travelers through several millennia of culture and history, from Athens, 'birthplace of democracy,' to Crete, home of the mysterious Minoan civilization. 'Greek Odyssey' itinerary highlights include Ephesus, one of the best-preserved cities of antiquity in the world. Volos, now a modern, cosmopolitan port city, was once thought of as the playground of the gods. From there, at Meteora, medieval monasteries perch precariously on hilltops, while the ancient religious center of Dion is located on the foothills of Mount Olympus. Thessaloniki, Greeces second-largest city offers an exhilarating mix of ancient culture and modern life, while Nafpilo is set between breathtaking mountains and the Bay of Argos. Travelers can discover its Venetian homes and Byzantine churches; take a drive to Palamidi, an imposing fortress towering over the city; or travel to the nearby Peloponnese peninsula. Sail past Mount Athos During the one sea day on this itinerary, the ship will sail past Mount Athos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the spiritual capital of Orthodox Christianity. Called the 'Holy Mountain,' the peninsulas soaring peaks are home to 20 monasteries where monks work to preserve and catalogue a vast collection of liturgical works and art. The opening speeches at the conference under lined a dichotomy between the quality companies that attend such an event, and see a value in often impassioned discussions, on all aspects of safety, training and crew welfare, and a mass of training institutions in the Philippines geared at churning out seafarers with little apparent interest in whether they ever serve at sea or not. The new Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) administrator Vice Admiral Narciso Vingzon Jr told the conference, As a signatory to STCW the Philippines is subject to several inspections by the European Maritime Safety Agency between 2006 and 2017. In July 2017 Marina received the European Commission assessment report detailing 42 shortcomings under areas of national policies and provisions of requirements for certification, maritime administration and training institutions. He said Marina was proud to have submitted to the EC the actions and measures addressing the 42 shortcomings. He was followed by International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) chairman Esben Poulsson who called for a thorough revision of STCW saying in its current form it was not fit for purpose with increasing number of owners opting for their own additional training and requirements. Read more: ICS calls for comprehensive review of STCW Convention to meet current and future needs It made for a stark contrast. On the one hand you have the Philippines government struggling to bring up to speed a seafarer training school system that churns out 25,000 to 30,000 graduates a year of which only 20% ever make it to sea to serve on an international vessel. On the other you have the top level Philippines crewing agencies and international ship managers and owners in Manila, that have invested heavily in training and for who STCW is simply a basic standard, a pre-requisite for being able to walk through the door to apply for a job. The training these companies do clearly goes well beyond this as was easily demonstrated by the intensity you could see in seafarers we saw being trained on a simulator at V.Groups facility in Manila on Thursday. As one executive put it to me that they know which are the good schools and which are not and they only take graduates from the good ones. However, should EMSA decide to ban Filipino officers from EU-flagged ships it will affect everyone, including the quality operators. So will there actually be a ban? Well no-one really knows, but the situation has become complex and politicised given just how many years it has dragged on. European crewing nations such as Croatia clearly have something to gain if there is and can rightly point to the fact the Philippines has been given many chances to get its house fully in order. Read more: Shipowners should be 'very worried' over Philippines seafarers and EMSA audit compliance Clearly there are those lobbying on the Philippines side, both industry and government, that things are moving and heading the right direction again. Indeed there were closed door meetings take place on the sidelines of the conference. Talking to executives around the conference views were mixed. Some believe a ban is likely, although probably not till the first quarter of the next year, others believe the Philippines will scrape byjustyet again. Clearly Norway believe a ban is likely as they have contingency plans in place. Norway ironically employs the most Filipino seafarers in Europe, but is not part of the EU. If there is a ban there indications also that it will only be on new certificates, and not impact Filipino officers already serving on European-flagged ships. However, if EMSA does impose some kind of ban, it leads to the question as to what will the IMO do. Can the IMO really be seen to stand by allowing the Philippines as a country on the white list if EMSA says it is failing to meet standards? Action by the IMO would have much more far reaching and serious implications for the industry as it would be global in nature. If EMSA does impose a ban it would be understandable, after all 2019 would be the 13th year that the Philippines has been attempting to comply with its demands. But will it achieve in finally weeding out the institutions aimed more at making money than training seafarers, or just end up harming those seafarers who work for quality owners and managers that have invested substantially in raising the standards of the Philippines crewing industry? The incoming chairman has been a member of the Intertanko Council since 1996 and vice chairman since 2012. He paid tribute to his processor, saying: Nikos has been a charismatic, inspirational leader during what was a very turbulent and difficult time for our industry. I am honoured to take over the helm at a time when the Associations role in todays challenging environment is more prominent than ever, he continued. Commercial sustainability of the tanker industry will remain high on our agenda, as will a continued push for operational excellence and environmental protection. The Association will also continue to advance the interests of its members in the various legislatorial arenas, not least as we move towards the next big-ticket item in the shape of the 2020 Sulphur Cap, dAmico added, as well as to push to raise awareness of the importance of tanker shipping to the global economy. Intertanko md Kathi Stanzel expressed her personal thanks to Dr Tsakos for his time and guidance, as well as to his team at TEN (Tsakos Energy Navigation), for their engagement and attention to detail, adding that she looked forward to working with his successor, who had always been a great and steady supporter of the Association. Press Release November 9, 2018 In light of recent killing of rights lawyer 'In a nation of laws, silencing lawyers is not the norm' - Sen. Nancy Senator Nancy Binay condemned the killing of human rights Lawyer Benjamin "Ben" Ramos in Kabankalan, Negros Occidental. She also expressed alarm over the "pattern of violence against lawyers" and called on concerned authorities to investigate the spate of killings in the country. "We convey our deepest sympathy to the family of Atty. Ben and condemn in the strongest terms his brutal slay," Binay said. "The cases of assassinations, harassments, threats, and other forms of attacks on lawyers are not only alarming but are clear threats to the rule of law and democracy," she added. According to the National Union of Peoples' Lawyer (NUPL), Ramos is the 34th lawyer killed in the past two years. "The number of lawyers killed since 2016 is unacceptably high and there is already a signicant pattern of violence against legal practitioners," Binay said. Ramos served as one of the lawyers helping the families of the sugar workers killed in Sagay, Negros Occidental. He was also the lawyer of the Mabinay 6 -- the six people who were arrested in Mabinay, Negros Oriental. They were accused of clashing with government troops but tested negative for gunpowder residue. "We need to demonstrate that lawyers in the Philippines can practice their profession and defend their clients without threat. Nor should they fear of being intimidated because of their advocacies," she said. "In a nation of laws, it should never be the norm to attack those in the legal profession who defend those who have less in life. If we value freedom and democracy, and if we want our people to have more in law, silencing lawyers is not the answer," Binay added. Press Release November 9, 2018 De Lima vows to push for the Senate probe into the two mega-infrastructure projects Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has vowed to push for a Senate investigation into the two multi-million government infrastructure projects under the "Build, Build, Build" program. De Lima underscored the mandate of the Senate Committee on Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development which she chairs in initiating legislative inquiries into government policies and programs which impact on the general welfare of the people, especially the marginalized sector. "Dapat maintindihan ng Malacanang yung mandato ng Committee ko, Committee on Social Justice. Alam ba nila kung ano yung Social Justice?" she asked in an ambush interview. Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo earlier lashed out at De Lima for her plan to conduct a Senate inquiry into the two projects which he claimed was intended for "political grandstanding purposes." According to De Lima, her committee wishes to look out for the disadvantaged and marginalized- which is the reason why she is calling for a Senate probe on infrastructure projects that will adversely affect the lives of many Filipinos from poor families. In filing Senate Resolution No. 927 last Nov. 4, De Lima urged the appropriate Senate committee to look into the impending demolition of thousands of residents in 38 communities in Manila affected by two construction projects. These projects include the construction of the PhP23-B North Luzon Expressway-South Luzon Expressway (NLEX-SLEX) Connector Road Project and the PhP171-billion North-South Commuter Railway Project. These two construction projects will result in the massive demolition of houses in 103 barangays in Manila (Tondo, Blumentritt, Sampaloc and Sta. Mesa) composed mainly of homes and small businesses. In a signed position paper submitted to De Lima, the Sampaloc People's Alliance estimated that about 180,000 families stand to be displaced to give way for the construction of these BBB projects. In addition, the Senator from Bicol pointed out that wrong displacement and relocation of these affected residents would further exacerbate economic and social problems. "We must uphold social justice at all times. Government cannot just dismantle urban communities and dislocate thousands of families without a clear comprehensive plan of relocation based on genuine consultations with the affected communities as required by law," De Lima remarked. SRN 927's foremost aim is to find acceptable solutions to the massive displacement of families and communities without unduly disrupting the projects. The ultimate goal is expressed at the proposed resolution itself, to pave the way for "innovative policy reforms and mechanisms that will bring about holistic and sustainable urban development." Sen. De Lima clarifies that she is not opposing the projects per se, as she is in fact supportive of concrete and comprehensive efforts that will address the sorry situation of worsening traffic and deteriorating transportation infrastructure in our urban centers, particularly Metro Manila. In fact, Sen. De Lima, a Bicolana, is the author of the first bill at the Senate during the current 17th Congress that seeks to rehabilitate and revitalize the Philippine National Railways. The bill, SBN 370, was filed as early as 4 July 2016. Despite her continued unjust detention for trumped-up drug charges fabricated by the Duterte administration, borne out of the President's personal vendetta against her, De Lima continues to file meaningful legislative measures aimed at improving the plight of her countrymen. Press Release November 9, 2018 De Lima renews call for Senate probe on appointment of Michael Yang as presidential adviser Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has pressed anew for a Senate investigation into the appointment of foreign nationals to public office after records from Malacanang verified the assignment of Chinese national Michael Yang as Mr. Duterte's economic adviser. De Lima, a former justice secretary, said she hopes the legislative chamber will give priority to Senate Resolution No. 922 because the appointment of foreign nationals at the Office of the President (OP) is a cause for serious concern. "As a matter of rule, we are not allowed to get a foreign consultant in the government because it can give them direct access to sensitive and confidential state information - passively or actively - which in turn threatens and undermines our national security," she said. "Given the existence of the two contracts of the OP with Michael Yang which confirms that the latter, a Chinese national, is engaged as economic adviser to the President with seemingly unlimited access to sensitive information, then all the more that the legislative chamber should investigate this matter," she added. Yang, also known as Yang Hong Ming, has been publicly issuing business cards identifying himself as "presidential economic adviser" using the official seal of the OP of the Philippines and the official logo of his firm, Full Win Company. While Duterte denied that Yang was his economic adviser, two contracts obtained by online media outfit Rappler from the Malacanang Records Office (MRO) revealed otherwise. The first contract showed that Yang or Yang Hong Ming was designated as economic adviser to the President from January 1, 2018 to June 30, 2018 while the second contract confirmed that he is contracted in the same position from July 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018. In filing SR No. 922 last month, which urged the appropriate Senate committee to look into Yang's appointment as presidential economic adviser, De Lima underscored the need to determine, among others, Yang's relationship with Duterte and the extent of the Chinese national's access to sensitive state information. De Lima took issue on the President's obvious lack of transparency over his dealings with Chinese nationals, which often failed to look into the long-term repercussions on the country's economy and national security. "Duterte's lack of transparency and obvious inclination to favor Chinese nationals have led to concerns on whether he can truthfully and loyally serve the Filipino people without favoring his personal interests," she said. "Bistado na nga ang Pangulo sa kasinungalingan niya, sinegundahan pa ito ni Mr. Panelo na puro palusot lang ang alam gawin tungkol sa isyu ng pagtalaga kay Yang bilang presidential economic adviser. It's high time for Duterte and his minions to stop taking the Filipino people for a ride." she added. Note that Panelo recently denied that Yang was a part of the presidential assistant/adviser system, reasoning that the latter "is a one-peso-a-year consultant-adviser under a standard contract of service with a fixed term who simply performs advisory functions." Press Release November 9, 2018 De Lima condemns killing of 'Sagay 9 massacre' lawyer Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has denounced the brazen killing of human rights lawyer Benjamin Ramos whose death adds to the snowballing record of legal professionals killed for discharging their mandate. De Lima, a lawyer by profession, said that members of the legal profession are not spared from attacks and killings in a government where a reigning culture of impunity is encouraged by no less than President Duterte himself. "The rash of killings of individuals tasked to ensure that justice is done calls for serious government attention and action not only to ensure that justice will be served for victims and their families, but also to prevent more losses in the future," she said. "Atty. Ramos' death is familiar as it is extremely atrocious. Since suspects are rarely caught knowing that they can easily get away with crimes like this, the trend of targeting lawyers and other court officials continue to be common practice under this regime," she added. Based on news reports, Ramos was shot dead by motorcycle-riding assailants while he was in front of a sari-sari store near the public plaza in Barangay 5, Kabankalan City last Nov. 6. A peasant advocate, Ramos is the secretary general of the National Union of Peoples' Lawyers Negros Occidental Chapter who had also founded the farmers' organization Paghiliusa Development Group. He is known to have assisted the National Federation of Sugar Workers after nine of its members were massacred by unidentified assailants at Hacienda Nene in Sagay town last month. De Lima, along with other members of the Senate minority bloc, has also filed Senate Resolution No. 929 which calls for a Senate investigation into the massacre of nine sugarcane farmers not only to find out the truth about the incident but also to address the plight of farmers. With these disturbing records of deaths, De Lima called on her colleagues to finally act on the resolution she filed last April which sought to look into the spate of killings and attacks against members of the legal profession, especially those lawyers who are handling high-profile cases. In her Senate Resolution No. (SRN) 668, De Lima said that since the beginning of the Duterte administration, the numbers of lawyers killed have increased and without any significant executive or legislative action taken. "The death of Atty. Ramos - a man who exemplified courage in defending the marginalized against the powerful - should prompt the government to investigate his death, as with the killings of other legal professionals, and bring the perpetrators to justice," she said. According to the initial data from the National Union of People's Lawyers (NUPL), 24 lawyers have been killed in just a span of two years, excluding judges and prosecutors and 15 of which remain unresolved. Aside from SRN 668, De Lima also earlier filed SB No. 1721 which seeks to amend Article 14 of the Revised Penal Code, adding as an aggravating circumstance the crime committed against lawyers and justice sector officials. Press Release November 9, 2018 Sotto, five others pass drug tests Taking the lead in upholding government's war against illegal drugs, six senators yesterday released the results of their tests recently conducted at the Senate. Leading the first batch to undergo the procedure, President Vicente Sotto III and five more senators tested negative for illegal substance. More than 300 employees were also subjected to the random mandatory drug testing last July 30 as part of the Senate's commitment to a drug-free environment and workplace. Aside from the Senate President, those who underwent drug tests were Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, Senators Gregorio Honasan, Loren Legarda, Paolo Benigno "Bam" Aquino and Antonio Trillanes IV. Sotto clarified that conducting a drug test is not part of a witch hunt but an awareness program just like what they did in the Senate. He said enforcement, prosecution, prevention and rehabilitation are the four major concerns in the battle against illegal drugs and the absence of any of these four "will definitely make you unsuccessful in any fight against drugs." "Part of prevention is drug testing," he added. "It's part of the awareness and prevention program." During the flag ceremony at the Senate several months ago, Sotto announced the conduct of a surprise random drug test for Senate employees. Zubiri said "I feel very strongly on the implementation of the law, especially on drug testing" as the principal author of the Dangerous Drugs Act when he was still a congressman. "Government should take the lead and implement this policy (of drug testing) with all its employees... especially those handling sensitive positions dealing with security issues, elected officials and high appointed posts," Zubiri said. "We should set an example to the country that we mean business in this fight against drugs," he added. "Government leaders should set a good example. We all know that illegal drugs only do harm for our people and our nation by undergoing this voluntary drug testing, I show my support for the campaign against the use of illegal drugs," Legarda said. Honasan, for his part, said the country's leaders should "lead by action, deeds, and living example. "We cannot give what we do not have... the Senate leadership has is and will continue to lead by example," he said. This was echoed by Aquino, saying: "We wish for leaders that are role models for our children, and Filipinos that can lead by example." He said candidates who wish to become government leaders should also undergo drug testing. Trillanes, on the other hand, said: "Duterte and his family should also live by example. Thus I am challenging them to do the same." Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki says Eritrea and Ethiopia have built trust since signing a peace deal in July, but need to iron out further elements of their ties to make their cooperation sustainable. The neighbours had been bitter enemies ever since a two-year border war, in which some 80,000 people were killed, broke out in 1998 following disagreements over trade. Ethiopia's prime minister, Abiy Ahmed, extended an olive branch in April, shortly after his appointment, as part of a package of reforms that have reshaped the political landscape in the Horn of Africa. Since then, the countries have reopened crossing points and embassies and resumed flights between their capitals. Isaias told state-run television that the peace deal had heralded a "transitional stage that will lead to a new era" between the neighbours. "The priority now is to create an environment for this new reality to flourish," he told Eri-TV late on Saturday. "We need to consolidate. One by one, we have to clearly state our issues and solidify them on a concrete basis. The reality is new, but it has to be sustainable," Isaias added, without going into specifics. "The agenda of pitting Eritrea against Ethiopia as antagonists, an agenda that also sought to isolate Eritrea globally, has concluded. It never succeeded." Search Keywords: Short link: Press Release November 9, 2018 Summit held to bring up financially-smart OFWs The yearly summit that became the go-to event for trainings and discussions designed to address the needs of the overseas Filipino workers and their dependents will be having its eighth edition this month. Sen. Cynthia Villar in her capacity as director of the Villar Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance (Villar SIPAG), has announced that the 8th OFW and Family Summit will be held on November 21 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. The one-day summit with the theme "OFW: Perang Pinaghirapan, Palaguin," will be focusing on topics that will guide OFWs and their families how to make their money grow. "We all know a story about an OFW who, after years of toiling abroad, comes home with little or no savings. We want these tragic stories to end and want happier endings for all our OFWs," Villar said. "This summit will provide the tools that will make our OFWs financially-smart. We have lined up experts to teach financial literacy and to share pointers on investment and starting a business. Lack of financial literacy is one of the reasons why Filipinos, including many OFW households, cannot escape poverty. We want to help address this problem," she added. Villar also encouraged government agencies as well as private organizations to "make it their mission to increase financial literacy among our people." The summit is open for all OFWs or their beneficiaries such as spouse, children, parents or siblings. Registration is free upon presentation of a photocopy of passport, proof of remittance, sea man's book, job contract and proof of kinship to OFW such as marriage certificate or birth certificate. Online registration can also be done through http://ofwsummit2018.villarsipag.org. The activity will open with the welcome remarks of Camille Villar, President of All Home. Sen. Cynthia Villar will give the closing remarks. Experts were invited to speak on different subjects such as financial literacy, business start-ups, franchising and career development program. Representatives from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Department of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration were invited to speak on different issues concerning OFWs. Ms. Toots Ople of the Ople Center will speak on human trafficking and illegal recruitment. An open forum will also be held with government officials, including Atty. Emmeline Aglipay-Villar, undersecretary of the Department of Justice, as one of the panelists. Successful entrepreneurs were also invited to share their experiences and inspire OFWs to wisely spend their hard-earned money. Attendees will have the chance to win a House and Lot from Camella, a motorcycle from Star 8 Green Technology Corp., Pangkabuhayan Showcase from All Day Supermarket, and Appliance Showcase from All Home. Fonterra has a rare opportunity to shed assets that aren't performing, write down others to attract investment partners, and become a company more focused on value than volume, says First NZ Capital. Head of institutional research Arie Dekker says the new senior management, by dropping capital expenditure intentions in the year ahead to $650 million from $1.005 billion, have already given an important signal that they will "address one of the key hygiene factors necessary to make it a more investable proposition." "Fonterra Shareholders Fund needs to show greater respect in its use of what we continue to highlight is scarce access to capital," Dekker said in a note to clients. "Farmers and investors have lost considerable wealth from poorly thought-out and executed investment outside the core business in recent years." Fonterra posted its first-ever loss in the past financial year, replaced its chief executive, and this week saw further changes on its board. Dekker urged that options for restructuring be approached with "nothing off the table". He lists among the options: the orderly disposal of Fonterra's 18 percent stake in Chinese infant formula producer and marketer Beingmate, a possible write-down of its China Farms asset to attract the investment capital partner it has talked about needing for some years, being willing to sell parts of its Australian and Latin American businesses, and being willing to consider selling brands that were either mature or under-performing. Asked by BusinessDesk which brands and Australian assets might fit the bill for disposal, Dekker said "I'm really suggesting anything." "But visibility in the business has been low and if they want to move the dial, they are going to need to pick some winners and they may need to lighten their load." His conclusions were in part based on recent discussions with the company, as well as the public statements of acting chief executive Miles Hurrell and recently appointed chairman John Monaghan. Fonterra shareholders this week offered a democratic rebuke for recent performance by electing a dissident ex-director, Leonie Guiney, to the board; failing to re-elect one of its most experienced commercial directors, Australian Ashleigh Waugh; and giving three other candidates so little support that a vacancy now exists on the board. Ahead of yesterday's annual meeting, the Fonterra Shareholders' Council published analysis by investment firm Northington Partners that showed an "unambiguous" pattern of commercial under-performance by Fonterra since its creation in 2001. Dekker said he expects Fonterra will concentrate immediately on reducing its debt levels and operating expenditure and improving performance at the same time as it uses the next year to completely refresh its strategy, detail of which he doesn't expect to see until well into calendar 2019. Any proposals for capital restructuring would come at the end of that process, he said. Farmer priorities for their cooperative would continue to dominate its direction, "but we see no reason for this not to align with the value outcomes investors would be interested in". FNZC saw no sign the Trading Amongst Farmers model, which has allowed limited non-farmer capital to gain exposure to New Zealand's only global business of scale, won't survive "and major changes in capital structure seem unlikely". Likewise, "farmer appetite remains low" for splitting out some of Fonterra's businesses to allow non-farmer shareholders to have voting rights. Dekker has argued forcefully for some months that Fonterra needs to pull back from some of its internationally focused investments, particularly in China, in favour of making the best possible returns from the New Zealand milk pool. "New Zealand farmers aren't well placed to fund the substantial offshore milk pools that were a core part of the previous strategy," he writes in the latest note. "Retaining critical mass in milk supply in the New Zealand market remains a key priority. For FSF to retain critical mass - particularly in a more benign milk growth environment - this requires it to be competitive with the independent processors," Dekker writes. FCNZ still expected Fonterra to make new investments against a more focused asset base, but "where these investments are meaningful, we expect to see better transparency and accountability on them and on an upfront and ongoing basis than in the past six years." 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Related News: 22nd November 2021 Morning Report Z Energy Limited (NZX: ZEL) welcomes final investment decision on ITS The New Zealand Refining Company Limited (NZX: NZR) Transition of Marsden Point site to a fuel import terminal Kiwi Property Group Limited (NZX: KPG) reports 164% profit growth, delivers on strategy Meridian Energy Limited (NZX: MEL) agrees terms for the sale of Australian business 19th November 2021 Morning Report Ryman Healthcare Limited (NZX: RYM) unaudited first half underlying profit of $95.9m Steel & Tube Holdings Limited (NZX: STU) Earnings Guidance 1H FY22 My Food Bag Group Limited (NZX: MFB) achieves record earnings; confirms dividend Turners Automotive Group Limited (NZX: TRA) delivers 24% increase in HY22 earnings The Taliban are not ready for direct talks with the Kabul government and will negotiate with the United States instead, Russia's Interfax news agency quoted Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanakzai, head of the Taliban delegation, as saying on Friday. A Taliban delegation on Friday attended a diplomatic conference in Russia for the first time, but the Kabul government sent no official representative, and the sides reported no progress. Search Keywords: Short link: The two frontrunners to succeed Chancellor Angela Merkel as Christian Democrat (CDU) leader pitched for the support of women in the party on Friday after polling showed that views of Germany's first female chancellor differed markedly by gender. Whoever wins the contest to succeed her at next month's party congress will be in pole position to become chancellor of Europe's economic powerhouse, and with surveys showing the two leading candidates neck-and-neck, every vote counts. Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, the party's centrist general secretary and so widely seen as the continuity candidate that she is dubbed "mini-Merkel", was the favourite of 35 percent of CDU supporters polled for ZDF television. Also pitching to the party's Women's Union in Friday's hustings was Friedrich Merz, a businessman and lawyer who is returning to politics after 10 years in the private sector, most recently working for asset manager BlackRock in Germany. He had the backing of 33 percent, while Health Minister Jens Spahn was far behind on seven percent. The female vote could be decisive, with recent polls showing that most female voters would like Merkel to remain in office, while a majority of male voters would like to see the woman who has dominated European politics step down after 13 years. "We need more women in the party," said Kramp-Karrenbauer, reflecting that women made up barely a quarter of the party's membership - a factor that could count against her given polling that shows she is more popular than Merz among women. Merz, an economic liberal who enjoys the strong backing of Germany's still male-dominated business community, also implied that the party should do more to bring in women, holding up the equal opportunities legislation that binds private companies as a possible model. Whoever wins is expected to become the CDU's candidate for chancellor at the next national election in 2021. Merkel has said she plans to serve her fourth term in full, though there has been speculation this might be difficult if Merz or Spahn won. Both have said they would work with her. Both acknowledged they would have work to do restoring a once dominant and broad-based "people's party" that has been bruised by successive electoral setbacks. "The CDU should remain one of perhaps two people's parties in the republic," Merz said, insisting that the CDU needed to hold the political centre and recapture voters who had strayed to extremes like the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. The poll for ZDF, in which Mannheim-based Forschungsgruppe Wahlen questioned 1,200 people, said some 63 percent were happy with Merkel remaining as chancellor until 2021, while 34 percent were not. Search Keywords: Short link: On the second anniversary of note ban, he also alleged that demonetisation was a planned brutal conspiracy and a shrewd scheme to convert the black money of Prime Minister Narendra Modis suit-booted friends. New Delhi : Describing demonetisation as a tragedy that destroyed millions of lives, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Thursday alleged that the governments move was a carefully planned criminal financial scam whose full truth is yet to be revealed. India will discover, no matter how the government tries to hide it, that demonetisation wasnt just an ill-conceived and poorly executed economic policy with innocent intent, but a carefully planned, criminal financial scam, Gandhi said in a statement. The full truth about demonetisation is not out yet. Indias people will not rest till it is, he said. In his statement, Gandhi said on the second anniversary of the prime ministers monumental blunder, the governments spin-doctors, including our incompetent finance minister, have the unenviable task of defending an indefensible, criminal policy. Demonetisation was a tragedy. India has faced many tragedies in its past. Many a time have envious, external enemies tried to hurt us. But demonetisation is unique in the history of our tragedies because it was a self-inflicted, suicidal attack that destroyed millions of lives and ruined thousands of Indias small businesses, he alleged. He claimed that the worst hit by demonetisation were the poorest of the poor, who he said were forced to queue for days to exchange their meagre savings. Modis demonetisation cost India over one and a half million jobs and wiped out at least 1 per cent from Indias GDP, Gandhi alleged. November 8th will forever go down in the history of India, as a day of infamy. Two years ago, on this day, Prime Minister Modi unleashed the tyranny of demonetisation on the nation. At eight that night, he appeared on television to deliver a unilateral announcement, that we now know didnt even have the support of his own economic advisors. With that one declaration of demonetisation, Mr Modi took 86% of Indias currency out of circulation, bringing our economy to a grinding halt, he said. Former prime minister Manmohan Singh said on the decisions second anniversary on Thursday that the havoc it unleashed on the economy and society is now evident. The Congress leader asked the government to not resort to further unorthodox, short-term economic measures that can cause any more uncertainty in the economy. Today is a day to remember how economic misadventures can roil the nation for a long time and understand that economic policy making should be handled with thought and care, Singh said in a statement. He urged the government to restore certainty and visibility in economic policies. Notebandi (demonetisation) impacted every single person, regardless of age, gender, religion, occupation or creed, he said. It is often said time is a great healer but unfortunately in the case of demonetisation, the scars and wounds of demonetisation are only getting more visible with time, Singh said. The Congress, too, criticised the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Centres move by calling it a black day for Indian democracy and economy. The cost and destruction by demonetisation was endured by every citizen of this country other than few crony capitalist friends of Prime Minister Modi. Demonetisation was a black day for our democracy and our economy, read a post on the official Twitter handle of the Congress party. Resonating similar sentiments, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also took to the micro-blogging site and wrote, #DarkDay Today is the second anniversary of #DeMonetisation disaster. From the moment it was announced I said so. Renowned economists, common people and all experts now all agree. On November 8, 2016, the Centre had declared Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes as non-legal and introduced new Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 notes. Since then, various opposition leaders have highly criticised the Centres move, while the members of the Bharatiya Janata Party and its allies have backed the decision. Between deforestation, big game hunting, the black market trade in animal skins, the killing of animals for their bones and meat, and man-animal conflict, we are likely to have caused the disappearance of much more than 60 percent. Since the World Wildlife Funds Living Planet Report was published, the global media has been reporting that humans have killed 60 percent of the worlds wildlife since 1970. While it has since been learned that this was a misinterpretation of the figures, it should not surprise us. Take the murder of tigress Avni, mother of two little cubs aged between two and ten months who in all likelihood will perish in the wild in her absence. She was killed, with no attempt to tranquillise her or otherwise capture her alive. Permission for the five-year-old tiger to be shot on sight was given based on the allegation that she had turned maneater, and killed thirteen people since June 2016. There is no indication she was responsible for the deaths, other than rumour. Activists said the victims had gone into forest territory it was illegal to enter, that DNA tests were conducted on only three of the bodies and that tiger DNA was found on only one. So, it is not even factually established that they all died from tiger attacks, much less from Avni. While the fight to save Avni was being fought both in the courts and on the streets, hundreds of people, camera traps, packs of hunter dogs, a motorised paraglider, and thermal drones were deployed. Elephants and horses were used as bait. The urine of another tigress and perfume was used to lure the tigress, who had eluded capture for over a year, and she was killed by Asgar Ali Khan, son of the controversial sharpshooter Shafath Ali Khan. Not a single stipulation laid out by the Supreme Court was followed, including the presence of a vet on the spot. But why should we bother about a tigress, huh? Darwinism is all about survival of the fittest, and the fittest did survive, thanks to guns and technology. The villagers did not simply survive, they rejoiced. By some reports, so did powerful corporate who were looking to buy a chunk of the forest. Within days of Avnis killing, a ten-year-old tigress was beaten to death and run over by a tractor stolen from forest officials in Uttar Pradesh. The tiger was in the protected Dudhwa tiger reserve when a mob of villagers, who live deep in the buffer zone of the reserve, marched into the core area, beat up forest guards, snatched their tractor, located the tigress, ran her over with the vehicle, and beat her to death with heavy sticks. In their defence, they said the tigress had mauled a 50-year-old man who had crossed into the forest, which was illegal to death. They also claimed the tigress had killed their livestock. Forest officials said the tiger had never attacked a person in her decade-long life. Why, one wonders, are we trying to save the tiger and increase their population just to lynch them? Where do we expect them to go when we encroach into their habitat, and take away their means of survival? The very same week, the Forest Avisory Committee of Maharashtra cleared 87.98 hectares of forest land to the explosives company Solar Industries India Limited (SIIL). This land is believed to be populated by at least six tigers, and an unknown number of tiger cubs, leopards, spotted deer, barking deer, nilgai, civets, wild boar, sambar deer and wild dogs. And yet, over two hundred acres of this land, worth over Rs. 100 crore, will be gifted to SIIL for Rs. 7.09 crore, according to media reports. Why save animals when we can blow up their land instead, huh? Earlier this year, 467 hectares of forest land in the tiger corridor was diverted to Reliance in Yavatmal district of the state. Perhaps this is the way forward. Perhaps, instead of wasting money on trying to save the national animal, we might as well do away with all our wildlife, and donate our forests to industrialists. Industry is, after all, key to development, and that is where our future lies. So, why are we trying to save an animal that has no qualms about eating livestock owned by humans, and which is territorial enough to attack humans that wander into its domain? Why dont we, instead, just build a massive statue of a tiger? The monument would bring in more money through tourism than wildlife does, wouldnt it? And even if the cost of the statue were to run into thousands of crores, doesnt the national animal deserve a grand monument in its honour after being driven into extinction? Statues, after all, cant prey on humans and human livelihood. Nandini is a journalist and humour writer based in Madras. She is the author of Hitched: The Modern Woman and Arranged Marriage. Modi to attend Maldives president's inauguration in boost to ties New Delhi, Nov 9 (AFP) Nov 09, 2018 Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the inauguration of Maldives president-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih as the neighbours look to reset ties following the exit of a pro-Chinese government. India, a traditional ally of the Maldives, was sidelined by the administration of President Abdulla Yameen who forged closer ties with Beijing. Modi will make his maiden visit to the Indian Ocean archipelago for the November 17 swearing-in of Solih who defeated Yameen in a September 23 election after a bitterly contested campaign. "The prime minister has accepted the invitation with pleasure in keeping up with the neighbourhood first policy," Indian foreign ministry spokesman Raveesh Kumar told reporters on Friday. "India looks forward to closely working with Maldives in further deepening our partnership," he added. Modi cancelled one Maldives visit in 2015 after former president Mohamed Nasheed was detained under Yameen's administration. The small island nation has strategic importance, falling in international sea lanes as well as being close to India. Ties between the two countries nosedived in 2012 after pro-India leader Nasheed was ousted in a coup followed by the controversial election victory of Yameen in 2013. Yameen's administration accepted major Chinese investments to boost the country's infrastructure and economy, which is mostly driven by tourism. The Maldives now has major debts to China. Yameen declared a state of emergency in February further straining the relationship with New Delhi. Some Indian politicians called for a military intervention to remove Yameen. Yameen's administration jailed judges and several opposition leaders. But under international pressure, Yameen called the September vote which Solih overwhelmingly won. Page Content Health care providers are being asked to register to attend the Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Information Session. The information session will be held on Tuesday, November 13 at 6.45pm at the Vineyard Office Park, Philipsburg, Conference Room at the Ministry of Public Health. Health care providers are asked to RSVP by sending an email to: surveillance@sintmaartengov.org The information session will cover some local data and will be presented by Microbiologist from the St. Maarten Laboratory Services (SLS) R. Steingrover and a presentation of a case scenario by Internist Samay Nadery from the St. Maarten Medical Center. The United Nations (UN) health agency, the World Health Organization (WHO), has embarked on a campaign to make antibiotic resistance a globally recognized health issue and to raise awareness of the need to protect antibiotics through appropriate use. The information session is being organized by the Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department in the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour (Ministry VSA), in connection with World Antibiotic Awareness Week (WAAW) which is from November 12-18. AMR happens when microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites change when they are exposed to antimicrobial drugs such as antibiotics, antifungals, and antivirals. Microorganisms that develop antimicrobial resistance are sometimes referred to as superbugs. Medicines become ineffective and infections persist in the body, increasing the risk of spread to others. Antimicrobial resistance is a global concern because new resistance mechanisms are emerging and spreading globally, threatening our ability to treat common infectious diseases, resulting in prolonged illness, disability, and death. Without effective antimicrobials for prevention and treatment of infections, medical procedures such as organ transplantation, cancer chemotherapy, diabetes management and major surgery (for example, caesarean sections or hip replacements) become very high risk. Egypt jumped eight spots in the World Bank Groups Doing Business Report for 2019 Introducing reforms to facilitate business operations and improve the investment climate helped Egypt improve its ranking in the World Bank Groups Doing Business Report for 2019, issued recently under the name of Training for Reform. Egypt came in 120 among 190 economies surveyed in the report and achieved progress in five areas: the establishment of companies; access to credit; the protection of small investors; the payment of taxes; and the settlement of insolvency cases. The Doing Business Index ranks countries against each other based on how the regulatory environment encourages business operations and stronger protections of property rights. Economies with a high rank of one to 20 have simpler and better regulations for businesses, it says. According to the report, the implemented reforms were the most in Egypt in one year over the last decade and the second-largest number of reforms implemented by a Middle East and North Africa (MENA) country in 2018. Starting a business in Egypt has become easier by removing the requirement to obtain a bank certificate and establishing a one-stop shop to complete the required procedures in 11 days instead of 16 days, according to the report. Egypt also increased the ability of projects to obtain financing by issuing a movable safeguards law that for the first time allows companies to obtain financing by guarantees for movable property. Egypt also enhanced the protection of small investors through amendments to the companies law and its executive regulations, the report added. The remarkable acceleration in the pace of reform of business in Egypt is a sign of optimism for the countrys commitment to entrepreneurship and empowering private-sector institutions, Samia Msadek, acting World Bank country director for Egypt, Yemen and Djibouti, said in a press release. We look forward to continued efforts in order to adopt fair, transparent and efficient regulatory practices to stimulate private-sector-led job-creation efforts, Msadek added. Reforms in Egypt have included facilitating the settlement of insolvencies by applying a reorganisation mechanism for insolvent companies, allowing debtors to initiate reorganisation proceedings, and granting creditors greater participation in the proceedings, the report mentioned. Egypt has also performed well in the area of building permits. The cost of completing all the procedures required to obtain a licence to construct a warehouse is only 1.6 per cent of the warehouse value, compared to an average of 4.7 per cent in other MENA countries, the report said. As for taxes, the report added that Egypt had made paying taxes easier by extending value added tax (VAT) cash refunds to manufacturers in cases of capital investment. The Doing Business Report registered a peak of activity worldwide this year.Governments around the world set a new record in bureaucracy-busting efforts for the domestic private sector, implementing 314 business reforms over the past year, it said. This years reforms surpass the previous all-time high of 290 reforms two years ago. There were reforms carried out by 128 countries to benefit small and medium-sized enterprises as well as entrepreneurs and enabling job creation and stimulating private investment. The private sector is key to creating sustainable economic growth and ending poverty around the world, World Bank President Jim Young Kim said in a press release. Fair, efficient and transparent rules which the report promotes are the bedrock of a vibrant economy and entrepreneurship environment. It is critical for governments to accelerate efforts to create the conditions for private enterprises to thrive and communities to prosper, Kim added. Since it was launched in 2003, the Doing Business Report has registered more than 3,500 reforms in the 10 areas of business regulation measured. These areas are: starting a business; dealing with construction permits; getting electricity; registering property; getting credit; protecting minority investors; paying taxes; trading across borders; enforcing contracts; and resolving insolvency. It also measures labour-market regulation, which is not included in this years ranking. Around the world registering a business now takes an average of 20 days and costs 23 per cent of income per capita, compared to 47 days and 76 per cent on income per capita in 2006. Moreover, the average paid-in minimum capital that entrepreneurs must deposit is six per cent of income per capita, compared with 145 per cent of income per capita in 2006. The report added that the global average time to prepare, file and pay taxes has fallen from 324 hours in 2005 to 237 hours in 2017. According to the report, this years 10 top improvers include a range of economies from five regions. The economies with the most notable improvements in 2019 are Afghanistan, Djibouti, China, Azerbaijan, India, Togo, Kenya, Cote dIvoire, Turkey and Rwanda. In the MENA region, the UAE jumped 10 places and came in at the 11th position globally from 21st position last year to lead the Arab world for the sixth consecutive year. Djiboutis reform efforts were also acknowledged. It was listed as one of the top ten most improved economies for the second year in a row, jumping 55 places from 154th to 99th position. The MENA regions economies as a whole significantly accelerated the pace of reforms in the past year, with 43 reforms compared to 29 the previous year. However, it continues to lag on gender-related issues, with barriers for women entrepreneurs in place in 14 countries. Sub-Saharan Africa was the region with the highest number of reforms for the third consecutive year. Around 107 reforms across 40 countries, representing one third of the implemented reforms worldwide, were captured by the report in Sub-Saharan Africa. The private sector has felt the improvement since the average time and cost to register a business has declined from 59 days and 192 per cent of income per capita in 2006 to 23 days and 40 per cent of income per capita today, according to the report. * A version of this article appears in print in the 8 November, 2018 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly under the headline: Better ranking for Egypt Search Keywords: Short link: Page Content The campaign since its establishment has generated more than 5.77 billion impressions and shown a measurable improvement in Caribbean cruise bookings, the FCCA announced recently. Minister of Tourism & Economic Affairs Stuart Johnson welcomes the news as this will further promote cruise travel to the Caribbean. The FCCA is the trade association that represents the mutual interests between cruise destinations and stakeholders in the Caribbean and Latin America and FCCA Member Lines, which operate 95 per cent of the global cruising capacity. The initiative launched by the FCCA back in September 2017 without a doubt as played a role in the recovery of cruise to the Caribbean and St. Maarten in particular. It is very important for cruise destinations like ours to work closely with the FCCA, and I must say, I have seen the synergy between Port St. Maarten, local stakeholders and others with the FCCA. This mutual beneficial relationship is what helps grow cruise tourism, and the extension of the Caribbean Is Open/Caribbean for Everyone campaign further consolidates that partnership and shows unity between the partners involved. I have been able to see at the FCCA Cruise Conference & Exhibition currently taking place in Puerto Rico, the synergies that exist and we can only build upon the long-established foundation that exists between destination St. Maarten and the FCCA, Minister of Tourism & Economic Affairs Stuart Johnson said on Thursday. According to the FCCA, the campaign has reached more than 12,000 media placements and 18,500 shares of news stories. It featured a satellite media tour with 22 TV and three radio interviews; featured Public Service Announcements with more than 30 celebrities; included media calls in October 2017 and September 2018 with Arnold Donald, president and CEO, Carnival Corporation & plc, and chair, CLIA Global, Adam Goldstein, vice chairman, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., and chairman, FCCA, and Michele Paige, president, FCCA. The campaign has created an advertising campaign activated in digital spaces and targeting potential travel consumers in the US and UK through such channels as YouTube, Facebook, TripAdvisor, Cruise Critic and non-branded searches. The campaign also gained the support of and promotion by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) and U.S. Travel Association (USTA). The campaign also showed a measurable improvement in terms of those who would not delay booking/taking a Caribbean cruise vacation, and it won a Gold SABRE Award. PHOTO: Minister Stuart Johnson. The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), has decided to continue with its Caribbean Is Open/Caribbean for Everyone campaign, which began in September 2017 after the devastating hurricanes Irma and Maria. 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This was the western part of the ancient city named after Hermes, the Greek incarnation of the Egyptian god Thoth, whose eastern part is present-day Al-Ashmunein, not far from another important ancient site, Al-Amarna. New Hermopolis is 20km from the city of Mallawi and within the jurisdiction of the Mallawi municipality in the governorate of Minya, and its aim is to fuel cultural and economic activity in Middle Egypt. The annual event is a revival of an ancient festival thought to celebrate the Word, whose inventor, the god Thoth (aka Dhwtj, meaning He is like the ibis) who also played a crucial role in the underworld was worshipped at Hermopolis. The month of Thoth, known in Egyptian Arabic as Tut, is the first month of the year on the Coptic calendar and it corresponds to the period 11 September-10 October on the Gregorian calendar, but this year the festival was held in the second half of October to commemorate 45 years since the death of Taha Hussein (on 28 October 1973). Hussein, whose status in modern Arab letters is such he is known as the Dean of Arabic Literature, was a native of Minya, having been born in a village near Maghagha, not far from Mallawi. According to Abdel-Nasser, Hussein was drawn to Tuna Al-Gebel following archaeological discoveries made there by Egyptologist Sami Gabra, a friend and relative of his. As minister of education in 1951, much later in life, Hussein was to play a pivotal role in retrieving and preserving the Nag Hammadi library. But he is said to have written the novel, The Nightingales Prayer (1934, made into an eponymous film in 1959), inspired by the story of Isadora (the Greek girl who drowned herself in the Nile for love) during his stay at Hermopolis, where the rest-house he occupied still stands alongside the one in which Gabra lived. Tuna Al-Gebel is the site of Isadoras tomb and that of Petosiris (aka Ankhefenkhons), the high priest of Thoth, as well as the catacombs containing the mummified remains of the two animals sacred to the god, the ibis and the baboon. This festival seeks to connect the ancient to the modern world, and in each round the majority of the audience are Tuna Al-Gebel families, whose children often participate in the programme. This year a young male cast performed part of the legendary puppet operetta Al-Laila Al-Kebira, written by Salah Jahin with music by Sayed Mekkawi and puppets by Nagui Shaker who passed away last August. The programme also included the screening of a short documentary on Shaker by Youssef Nasser, Sculpting Time. It is kind of meeting of history and the future at a site of knowledge and enlightenment. The poem that Syrian poet Nizar Qabbani dedicated to Hussein was recited by Abdel-Nasser herself, who revealed that the event also marks the 45th death anniversary of her own father, an army surgeon from Minya who died on the front in the course of the October War. The idea of New Hermopolis was born many years ago, however, long before I decided to take early retirement from my work in the UK and come back to Egypt. Indeed the story of the development is the story of Abdel-Nassers life. A 1976 graduate of Cairo Universitys medical school, Abdel-Nasser worked as a clinical and university psychiatrist in the UK for 30 years (1977-2007), becoming a fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists having earned an MA in philosophy and PhD in psychiatry as well as diplomas in moral philosophy and history of medicine from London University. It was during her early years in England that she noticed how much more the British knew about ancient Egypt than Egyptians, especially children. The fact shook me. I could see the size of the gap between us and our history, and I thought this must be the reason for the cultural crisis were in now. Our history was taken away from us, reduced to a tourist attraction that provides us with some income, as if this civilisation happened here by accident. What is our real connection to these treasures and how can we change the sad reality of our divorce from ancient Egypt, this seemed like the biggest challenge. And so began my journey back in time, fuelled by Egypts decline and the spread of fanaticism and terrorism as of the 1970s. The assassination of Farag Fouda and the attempt on Naguib Mahfouzs life, for example. One of her earliest projects was the 40-volume illustrated childrens Encyclopaedia of Ancient Egypt, targeting the eight-15 age bracket, published by Dar Al-Kitab Al-Masri (1997-2002) and republished by the national project, the Family Library (2004-2008), having won the Suzanne Mubarak award for best childrens book in 1998. It takes an integrative approach to its various subjects. When we start with ancient architecture, Abdel-Nasser explains, we have to end with [the great 20th-century architect] Hassan Fathi, Mahmoud Mokhtar should be placed side by side with the great sculptors of the Pharaohs and Thoth or Dhwtj must be linked with Taha Hussein. We need to show the Egyptian creative spirit is continuous. It is always there, it only needs to be revived. In the same spirit, the encyclopaedia goes beyond the history of the kings and stresses ordinary people who made great achievements, like Imhotep who became Egypts first physician as well as chancellor to the Pharaoh Djoser and [probably] architect of the Step Pyramid. He is an ordinary Egyptian who became one of the great builders of the Egyptian civilisation. Such examples give us inspiration. Imhotep, whose name means He who comes in peace, is my idol. Abdel-Nasser remains dissatisfied because the encyclopaedia, despite its resounding success and its permanent place in such prestigious libraries as the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, has not been made part of the national school curricula. In addition to her psychiatric books, published in London and New York (1997-2007), Abdel-Nasser has published Arabic books on Horus, Isis, the lotus flower, Imhotep and the meaning of the motherland as well as a three-part History of Ideas and a five-part History of the Ancient World for adults. But why did she feel the need to retire and head back home in 2007? Returning to Egypt for the third part of my life was a dream-plan: to do something impactful about the connection with ancient Egypt, to concretise the idea, to present a model, not so much a utopia but the precedent of a space modelled on ancient Egyptian philosophy itself: the belief that humanity is a family that thrives on harmony, balance and acceptance of the other. This was indeed the guiding principle behind Hermopolis as the capital of the 15th Nome of Upper Egypt, the famous Hare Nome, during which time it was a place of opulence and status second only to Thebes, according to Abdel-Nasser indeed the centre of philosophy and creativity, with close intellectual connections to the Library of Alexandria, whose revival Abdel-Nasser compares to her project in Hermopolis. Hermopolis is also the site of one of handful of creation myths: the name Ashmunein derives from Khemenu, the ancient Egyptian name of the city, meaning Eightfold Town, since the primeval waters developed into the world here thanks to the emergence of the Ogdoad, a set of eight deities who divided into male and female entities before clashing to form the pyramidal mound that is the start of the world. It was their actions, too, that placed the sun in the sky. For Abdel-Nasser, this myth is the basis of the humanism in which she believes: a human unity that transcends race and sect, a belief in the creative potential of everyone and the possibility of transformation through knowledge. The setting was perfect in theory, but it took three years to settle on an actual spot. Al-Ashmunein had very few monuments apart from the remains of the Temple of Elevated Spirits and the Roman basilica, while Tuna Al-Gebel had the tombs and Hussein and Gabras rest-houses. Here too Abdel-Nasser applied her integrative approach, stressing the connection between architecture, agriculture, and culture. A repository of ancient lore, New Hermopolis had to be of direct practical benefit to the town that hosted it, the biggest in Mallawi. The majority of Minyas monuments are in Mallawi, Abdel-Nasser says, but the area remains underdeveloped and marginalised. Those who receive higher education tend to leave seeking job opportunities elsewhere, while only the desperate stay. One of my main targets was to explore alternatives inspired by people who lived here many thousands of years ago. Thus the idea of rediscovering the Egyptian identity in practical terms: eco-friendly studios and cultural spaces using ancient methods of building in limestone, an incredibly durable material that helps with indoor thermal comfort, requiring less energy. The domes of the ancient Beni Hassan cemetery in southern Minya, which are still used in the Tuna Al-Gebel cemeteries, are also reproduced here to provide tourists with a boutique-hotel experience much closer to the monuments than the Minya city hotels. Such accommodation could help with tourism all across Middle and Upper Egypt: Abdel-Nasser says she can see dozens of possible locations, four other than Hermopolis in Minya. There is also a five-acre organic farm where the plants cultivated by the ancients olives, dates, figs live anew. The first known Egyptian image of an olive branch can be seen in Akhenatens left hand on limestone here in Hermopolis. Ancient Egyptians knew all about desert farming, but today people have lost that edge as they plant demanding crops with a low production rate. I wanted to introduce a different example to benefit Middle Egypt. This has been obstructed by the lack of a modern infrastructure to support it, however roads, oil pressing machines, etc and so the project serves only as a model so far. New Hermopolis won the 2017 Creative Tourism award 2017, granted by the Creative Tourism Network. It was also on the long list of the African Responsible Tourism Award, 2008, granted by the International Centre for Responsible Tourism South Africa. But even as she talks of improving facilities and encouraging Egyptian tourists to come to Minya in times of recession like 2011 for example, Mervat Abdel-Nasser still sees her project as primarily a cultural and economic model of sustainability. For me New Hermoplois is more of a live centre for sustainable development studies than anything else, based on the most brilliant idea of the ancient Egyptians. The idea of harmony. Light can never kill darkness. Good can never exclude evil, but by widening the circle of good and of light life can be good for everyone. And this is our role. Nothing will be eliminated, but the equation might be adapted a little. The ancient Hermopolis philosophy gives us hope in utopia. Until then, we have the Thoth Festival, an opportunity to expand activities and connections, spreading the word about Hermopolis with what limited resources are available. * A version of this article appears in print in the 8 November 2018 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly under the headline: A possible utopia For more arts and culture news and updates, follow Ahram Online Arts and Culture on Twitter at @AhramOnlineArts and on Facebook at Ahram Online: Arts & Culture Search Keywords: Short link: Google outlines steps to tackle workplace harassment San Francisco, Nov 9 (AFP) Nov 09, 2018 Google on Thursday outlined changes to its handling of sexual misconduct complaints, hoping to calm outrage that triggered a worldwide walkout of workers last week. "We recognize that we have not always gotten everything right in the past and we are sincerely sorry for that," chief executive Sundar Pichai said in a message to employees, a copy of which was shared with AFP. "It's clear we need to make some changes." Arbitration of harassment claims will be optional instead of obligatory, according to Pichai, a move that could end anonymous settlements that fail to identify those accused of harassment. "Google has never required confidentiality in the arbitration process and it still may be the best path for a number of reasons (e.g. personal privacy, predictability of process), but, we recognize that the choice should be up to you," he said in the memo. Pichai promised that Google will be more transparent with how concerns are handled, and provide better support and care to those who raise such issues with the company. Google will provide "more granularity," regarding sexual harassment investigations and their outcomes, according to Pichai. A section of an internal "Investigations Report" will focus on sexual harassment to show numbers of substantiated concerns as well as trends and disciplinary actions, according to the California-based company. He also said Google is consolidating the complaint system and that the process for handling concerns will include providing support people and counselors. Google will update its mandatory sexual harassment training, and require it annually instead of every two years as had been the case. - Less booze - Google is also putting the onus on team leaders to tighten the tap on booze at company events, on or off campus, to curtail the potential for drunken misbehavior. "Harassment is never acceptable and alcohol is never an excuse," Google said in a released action statement. "But, one of the most common factors among the harassment complaints made today at Google is that the perpetrator had been drinking." Google policy already bans excessive consumption of alcohol on the job; while on company business, or at work-related events. Some teams at the company have already instituted two-drink limits at events or use ticket systems, Google said. Google executives overseeing events will be expected to strongly discourage excessive drinking, according to the company, which vowed "onerous actions" if problems persisted. The company also promised to "recommit" to improving workplace diversity through hiring, retention, and career advancement.' - 'Googleplex' walkout - Thousands of Google employees joined a coordinated worldwide walkout a week ago to protest the US tech giant's handling of sexual harassment. A massive turnout at the "Googleplex" in Silicon Valley was the final stage of a global walkout that began in Asia and spread to Google offices in Europe. Some 20,000 Google employees and contractors participated in the protest in 50 cities around the world, according to organizers. Demma Rodriguez, head of equity engineering and a seven-year Google employee, said during the walkout that it 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." The protest took shape after Google said it had fired 48 employees in the past two years -- including 13 senior executives -- as a result of allegations of sexual misconduct. 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. In a statement organizers commended Google for the response, but said more changes are needed. "We demand a truly equitable culture, and Google leadership can achieve this by putting employee representation on the board and giving full rights and protections to contract workers," organizer Stephanie Parker said in the statement. Along with sexual harassment, Google needs to address racism and discrimination that includes inequity in pay and promotions, organizers said. "They all have the same root cause, which is a concentration of power and a lack of accountability at the top," Parker said. TLP: Pakistan's hardline Islamist party calling the shots Islamabad, Nov 9 (AFP) Nov 09, 2018 They have called for the assassination of Pakistan's Supreme Court judges, demanded a mutiny in the armed forces and have vowed to wipe out the Netherlands with nuclear weapons. In just a few years the Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan party (TLP) -- or the Movement at the Service of the Prophet -- has become one of the most powerful groups in Pakistan, dictating terms to successive governments and paralysing the country at will with violent protests. Led by firebrand cleric Khadim Hussain Rizvi, the far-right religious party has weaponised the ultra-sensitive blasphemy issue in the Muslim-majority nation, sparking fears that the TLP is radicalising the country's heartland and opening a dangerous new chapter in Pakistan's brutal confrontation with extremism. Here's a rundown of why the group is so powerful and how they have been able to harness the extraordinarily inflammatory charge of blasphemy to increase their following across Pakistan. - Where did they come from? - The TLP began as a faction demanding the release of Mumtaz Qadri -- a bodyguard who gunned down Punjab governor Salman Taseer in Islamabad in 2011. Qadri later cited Taseer's calls for reforming the country's blasphemy laws as his motive and was hanged in 2016. The TLP formed an official political party -- earning more than two million votes and two provincial seats in this year's general election, in what analysts called a "surprisingly" rapid rise. By making blasphemy the party's central -- and arguably only -- talking point, the TLP have positioned themselves as the protectors of Islam, effectively painting their foes as enemies of the religion. "They have presented themselves as the sole flag bearers of the blasphemy issue," said columnist Khurshid Nadeem. "Violence is a currency which sells in today's times... they have proved that they can also kill and be killed for their cause." - What are they known for? - The TLP entered the national consciousness in 2017 when supporters blockaded the capital Islamabad with violent protests for several weeks, over changes made to the oath taken by parliamentarians, which the group deemed blasphemous. At least seven died in the violence. The protests succeeded in forcing the resignation of the country's federal law minister in a military-brokered agreement that saw the TLP virtually absolved of any wrongdoing. Since then, they have strong-armed Prime Minister Imran Khan's newly minted administration into firing an economics adviser for belonging to the persecuted Ahmadi religious minority. The group was also linked with an assassination attempt on former interior minister Ahsan Iqbal in May, although it distanced itself from the incident. Its leader Rizvi reportedly told journalists that if he took power in the nuclear-armed country he would "wipe Holland off the face of the earth", over cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed published there. - What about Asia Bibi? - The TLP flexed its muscles again last week, when hours after the country's Supreme Court quashed the blasphemy conviction of Asia Bibi, a Christian woman, its followers flooded the country's streets, causing gridlock. It called for the assassination of the court's judges, and a "mutiny" in the armed forces. Khan initially issued a searing rebuke of the group, but his administration appeared to backtrack days later by striking a deal. "For Pakistani politicians, it's easier to defy the courts than it is a violent mob that claims to be Islam's true representatives," said Omar Waraich from Amnesty International, adding that the government "didn't want to be cast as irreligious." Following Bibi's release on Wednesday, the TLP accused the government of reneging on the agreement and vowed to return to the streets if she was allowed to leave the country. - How dangerous are they? - Fears of the TLP stem from the group's rising popularity in country's Punjab heartland and their ability to enforce their will on governments with little or no official backlash. Whereas previous extremist movements like the Pakistan Taliban belonged to the minority Deobandi sect, the TLP's roots in the country's mainstream religious branch of Barelvi Islam -- traditionally thought of as Sufi moderates -- has alarmed observers. "They are radicalising the people... particularly they are focusing on Punjab and Sindh provinces and have already radicalised a big portion of the society there," security analyst Amir Rana told AFP. Pakistan security forces remain hesitant to clamp down on religious 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. TLP's rising power is also of particular concern to Pakistan's Ahmadi community, who consider themselves Muslims but are seen as blasphemous in most mainstream Islamic schools of thought, and have long been targeted by extremists. New Okinawa governor plans US tour to raise military base issues Tokyo, Nov 9 (AFP) Nov 09, 2018 The newly elected governor of Japan's Okinawa said Friday he will take the island's long-running concerns about US military bases there directly to Americans when he visits the country next week. Denny Tamaki, born to a Japanese mother and an American US Marine father, said he wanted to see Tokyo and Washington spread the burden of hosting US troops more evenly across Japan. "I am not asking for immediate shutdown and withdrawal of US bases," he told a press conference in Tokyo. "The reality that the Okinawan people face is that we don't know to whom we should voice our frustration," Tamaki said. He will go to Washington and New York to meet with local politicians and journalists and said he was hopeful his mixed background would help persuade Americans to recognise the views of Okinawans. "After the (US) midterm elections, I as a person who has roots to both Japan and the US am going there. I hope it will have a media impact," he added. Okinawa accounts for less than one percent of Japan's total land area, but hosts more than half of the approximately 47,000 American military personnel stationed in Japan. For decades, Okinawa residents have asked for some of the bases to be moved, with resentment growing after a string of accidents and crimes committed by US military personnel and base workers. But the location of Okinawa, which sits near Taiwan, is of huge strategic importance for US forward positioning in Asia. As a solution, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government has pushed a plan to move an unpopular US base to a new, remote location on the island, part of which will be obtained through land reclamation. But that has angered many Okinawans who want the base moved off the island altogether. As Tokyo moves ahead with plans to build the new facility, Tamaki vowed to stand in its way. "The central government has been trying to build (the new facility) for 20 years now. It is not being built. The opposition of local residents is clear," he said. Last month, Okinawa lawmakers voted to hold a non-binding referendum on the relocation plan. While it has no legal standing, a vote against the move is likely to pile fresh pressure on the government over the issue. India to sell 'enemy shares' of people who fled to Pakistan New Delhi, Nov 9 (AFP) Nov 09, 2018 India's government is to sell more than $400 million worth of shares left behind by people who fled to Pakistan or China after wars with those countries. The government said the "enemy shares" were in 996 companies held by 20,323 people and entities. They were seized after conflicts with Pakistan in 1947, 1965 and 1971 and the 1962 border war with China. The sale, to be led by India's finance minister, is expected to raise at least $413 million, a minister said after the government announcement late Thursday. The proceeds would be used for development and social welfare programmes, the government added. The shares are being sold under a 1968 law which defined as "enemy assets" those belonging to people who left India following the conflicts with Pakistan and China. Citizens of hostile countries were treated as "enemies" and their assets including land, houses, jewellery and shares were seized. Descendants of those who fled the country however continued to live in some of the properties. "The decision will lead to monetisation of enemy shares that had been lying dormant for decades since coming into force of the Enemy Property Act in 1968," said the government statement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's nationalist government amended the controversial law in 2017 to include even assets held by legal heirs who stayed behind and were Indian citizens. This triggered outrage as many of those who left for Pakistan were Muslims. Families who remain in the listed properties fear being evicted any time. The government said in January it had identified more than 9,400 "enemy" assets for auction. Among these, 9,280 properties were left behind by Pakistani nationals and 126 by Chinese. Norway freezes defence export licences to Saudi Oslo, Nov 9 (AFP) Nov 09, 2018 Norway said Friday it was freezing all defence material export licences to Saudi Arabia over recent developments in the country and the war in Yemen. The announcement came amid international outrage over Riyadh's killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the kingdom's consulate in Istanbul in October, though Norway did not mention the murder specifically. "We have decided that, in the current situation, no new licences are to be granted for exports of defence-related products or dual-use items for military use to Saudi Arabia," Foreign Minister Ine Eriksen Soreide said in a statement. "The decision was taken after an overall assessment of recent developments in Saudi Arabia and the region, and the unpredictable situation in Yemen," the foreign ministry said. Norway sold defence material worth more than 41 million kroner ($4.86 million, 4.29 million euros) to Riyadh last year, according to Norwegian news agency NTB. The Scandinavian country has never allowed exports of arms or ammunition to Saudi Arabia, the ministry said. It said it had no indication that Norwegian defence-related products were being used in Yemen, and stressed its decision was "precautionary". Saudi Arabia leads a coalition that intervened in Yemen in 2015 to support the government there against Shiite Huthi rebels who are backed by Riyadh's arch enemy Iran. The coalition has been waging an aerial bombing campaign in Yemen aimed at pushing the Huthis back, but the rebels still hold the key port city of Hodeida and the capital Sanaa. Pro-government forces are currently pushing deeper into Hodeida amid fierce fighting. Nearly 10,000 Yemenis have been killed in the conflict since 2015, according to the World Health Organization. Human rights groups say the real death toll may be five times higher. Several aid organisations and opposition parties have recently demanded that Norway halt its defence material exports to Saudi Arabia. Turkey: 25 soldiers hurt after artillery 'accident' Diyarbakir, Turkey, Nov 9 (AFP) Nov 09, 2018 At least 25 Turkish soldiers were injured and seven were reported missing Friday after an artillery shell exploded "accidentally" at a military base in the country's southeast, authorities said. Turkey's defence ministry said the explosion occurred "while firing heavy weapon ammunition" at the base in Sungu Tepe in the Hakkari province near Turkey's borders with Iraq and Iran. Twenty-five soldiers were hospitalised, but officials did not give details on the severity of their injuries. Seven soldiers were missing, the ministry said. The government has launched an investigation. The provincial government of Hakkari said in a statement that "defective" ammunition exploded during artillery fire. It was not clear whether this happened during a combat mission, or an exercise. Turkey's predominantly Kurdish southeast has seen years of violent fighting between the Turkish army and the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), classified a "terrorist" group by Ankara and its Western allies. Turkey also regularly bombs PKK bases in northern Iraq. After a brief truce, fighting resumed in 2015, shattering hopes for a peaceful resolution to a conflict that has claimed more than 40,000 lives since 1984. US-led coalition strikes kill 26 civilians in east Syria: monitor Beirut, Nov 9 (AFP) Nov 09, 2018 US-led coalition air strikes killed 26 civilians including 14 children Friday in a holdout of the Islamic State group in eastern Syria, a Britain-based war monitor said. "Twenty-six IS family members including 14 children and 9 women were killed in coalition air strikes on Friday morning on the town of Hajin," the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. On Thursday, coalition raids killed another seven civilians in the nearby village of Al-Shaafa, Observatory chief Rami Abdel Rahman said. Both Hajin and Al-Shaafa are in a last pocket under IS control in the eastern province of Deir Ezzor near the border with Iraq. A coalition spokesman did not immediately reply for a request for comment. The coalition has been backing a Kurdish-Arab alliance fighting the jihadists in the area. 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 it to various offensives in both countries. In Syria, the group has seen its presence reduced to parts of the vast Badia desert and the pocket in Deir Ezzor. Since 2014 the US-led coalition has acknowledged direct responsibility for more than 1,100 civilian deaths in Syria and Iraq, but rights groups put the number killed much higher. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says coalition strikes in Syria alone have killed more than 3,300 civilians. Syria's war has killed more than 360,000 people since it erupted in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests. The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2018 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. Privacy Statement Interview with Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn 'We Can't Stop Brexit' Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn believes that politics have left young people behind. In an interview with DER SPIEGEL, he speaks about Brexit, the crisis of social democracy in Europe and the uphill battle to unite his party. Making Space Affordable The Bargain-Basement Rocket-Launch Bin In an interview, Rocket Lab CEO Peter Beck discusses his company's ambitious plans to tap the growing market for transporting satellites into space. He sees a bright future for his company and its launch pad in New Zealand. Cadiz (Andalucia), November 08, 2018 (SPS) - The Municipalism towards the decolonization of Western Sahara conference has organized a panel on the experience and role of Saharawi women in the struggle for Sahrawi self-determination and independence. The panel opened with the presentation of the delegate of the Frente POLISARIO in Spain, Jira Bulahi, addressing the determination of the Saharawi woman to be an active actor in the struggle and the achievements of more than 4 decades of resistance in difficult conditions. She highlighted the policy of the Frente POLISARIO and the Saharawi State to grant women a vanguard papal, guaranteeing their political and social rights. the activist Aalia Ajyarhum has also briefed the attendee on the situation of Sahrawi women in the occupied areas of Western Sahara, making known the difficult situation that everyday lives women as victims of the constant violations of human rights by the Moroccan regime. Ajyarhum has requested the urgent intervention of the international community to put an end to the current situation and ensure respect for the human rights of the civilian population living under Moroccan occupation. Other speakers are those of Habiba Salama, coordinator of the UESARIO in the Spanish State, and Geli Sanchez, Jerez platform with Palestine and the Sahara, who highlighted that the Sahrawi woman enjoys great recognition for her career and the role played in the resistance. The days "Municipalism towards the decolonization of Western Sahara" meet in Cadiz, Andalusia, and come to strengthen and organize political support for the struggle for the total decolonization of Western Sahara.SPS 125/090/TRA Changing customer tastes mean that almost half of prime beef now fails to meet ideal market specifications, resulting in lower prices for producers and waste in the value chain. Breedr has developed an easy-to-use app that will help farmers finish cattle to retailers specifications with greater precision, underpinned by the data to evidence this. The company launched the Field to Yield trial with Rothamsted Research at North Wyke, to improve the metrics available to farmers, at Agri-Tech East's REAP Conference 2018. Breedr co-founder Ian Wheal was brought up on a mixed livestock farm in Australia, where his father was one of the first to adopt electronic tagging. The tags capture information about the performance of individual animals and enable an audit trail to be created of tests and treatments, time on grass and other animal health and welfare interventions. Wheal explains that this knowledge of data-driven production has helped him to develop a decision support system for UK producers. He says: There is a big drive towards loin steaks and burgers from consumers, however the current EU-wide EUROP grading system, which is used to value beef, was originally designed when rump was the main piece of beef consumed. The result is that todays farmers are flying blind when trying to meet the specifications of retailers for meat with less fat and improved taste. Data from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) suggests that if customers have a bad eating experience it can take up to 12 weeks for them to buy that specific cut of meat again. Breedrs Field to Yield project with Rothamsted Research is looking at ways to improve the metrics available to both farmers and processors, to truly understand the yield of an animal and the quality of its meat. Wheal continues: Currently producers use their experience and expertise to visually assess conformation and estimate carcass weight as a percentage of live weight, but it seems this no longer syncs with what retailers need for their customers. We are looking at ways to capture this information in a more evidence-based way that will provide farmers more meaningful insights. One example would be to provide better understanding of how genetics and breeding can create a desirable frame size. Also, to investigate how the use of 3D camera technology can help standardise measurement and give a much earlier predictor of value, and better align to the actual needs of a processor. Shares is the leading weekly publication for retail investors. It is packed with investment ideas, news and educational material to help build and run portfolios and get more from your money. Shares puts on free Investor Events throughout the year across the country. They provide an opportunity for investors to learn more about companies on the stock market and hear from a range of investment experts including fund managers and Shares journalists. Things are shaping up nicely Stefano begins. And its with no surprise that the show and season began very well for the Ferretti Group. Their Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) fleet is 18 yachts strong and ranges from the designer curves of the sophisticated Riva-builds to the unrivalled edge and speed of their X-Series Pershings. There are even two debuts on show (the Pershing 9X and Ferretti Yachts 720) just for good measure. Having successfully entered the Stateside market, it seems the large fleet at FLIBS is indicative of the growing level of interest from potential buyers here. Stefano elaborates, Were seeing more clients coming. I cant tell you if its clients whove never bought European product before, but for sure our sales are increasing so something must be changing or we must be doing something right even more! Although unsure whether the American market is leaning more towards European (or specifically Italian) build as a matter of say trend or style, Stefano is representing a company that has invested in their American client-base, just as America are too investing in them. In America we have a very big hub, Stefano explains, We are the only European shipyard in the world who has such a big operation in the states [] We have, all over the country, seven offices to service our clients at its best. And with a model for every type of yacht-owner and the facilities for after-care, its clear to see why their operation here is so successful. In fact, after-care is part of the package when you buy from the Ferretti Group. We dont sell luxury we sell joy. Thats the most important thing. Stefano continues, We are pushing ever-more on events that our clients can come to with a boat and enjoy them. Our customers are the richest people on the planet. They can buy anything they want, but what were trying to do is organise things that they cant really just pay someone to do. Off camera, Stefano shares the charming story of an unforgettable owner-experience in Venice, footage of which can be enjoyed, alongisde updates for the Ferretti Group's future, in the full video interview, above. "This is the Casa de la Cascada (the Kauffman residence), the work of American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. He did it in the year I was born, 1935, and it is an example of modern architecture. If you took the house away, you'd see a beautiful waterfall, but he built an enormous block of reinforced concerete there. Why on earth was he ever famous?" At the age of 83, Donald Gray is still highly critical of the contemporary and avant-garde architecture with which he has never agreed. On the contrary, he has spent his whole life defending a style which he fell in love with the first time he set foot in Spain, the traditional architecture of Andalucia. He has used it more than most in residential developments which are still inhabited today and which, especially in the case of La Virginia, in Marbella, retain their essence and authenticity even after 50 years. La Viriginia shares the double merit of being one of the loveliest and yet least well-known in the municipality. This Australian architect has just been back to La Virginia, to attend a tribute from the community of the development, the mayor and councillors, as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations. The event was also attended friends and people who know, admire and are fond of him. "Today is a great day for Marbella and for Andalucia," said another master in his own field, Rafael de la Fuente, afterwards. As its designer, Donald Gray was delighted to return to La Virginia for this important anniversary. The idea for the project came from developers Juan Manuel Figueras and Freddy Wildman at the end of the 1960s, and Jurgen Vig Muller, Maria Luisa Larranaga and Rafael Neville (all friends) were also involved. At the tribute there were speeches and a screening of a video filmed three years ago, when he was awarded the Rafael Manzano Prize for New Traditional Architecture. The documentary explained that "space and light" is the essence of the buildings upon which Gray worked between the 1960s and 1990s. These include Las Lomas de Marbella Club, Pueblo Lopez in Fuengirola, Nuevo Pueblo Mijas, the town hall in La Tana, in Pitres, and La Tartana hotel in La Herradura (Granada). There was also a screening of a series of photographs provided by the architect, who was born in Australia and has lived in La Alpujarra for years. It was a showcase of examples of modern and avant-garde architecture, and the outrageous mass construction during the years of the property boom. For Donald Grey, these are examples of dehumanised buildings. On-site training His particular commitment to recovering and defending traditional Andalusian architecture began when he arrived in Spain in 1959. He realised that it was something that was never taught at university, and decided to learn directly from master builders. He worked alongside them, designing and building his first houses. In 1961 he went to live in Torremolinos, and after that to La Alpujarra. "Today is an important day for the town because we are paying tribute to a person who, with his enormous talent and sensitivity, has contributed to enriching the artistic heritage of Marbella with one of the loveliest residential developments on the Costa del Sol and a magnificent example of the best traditional Andalusian architecture," said the mayor, Angeles Munoz, at the tribute. In the heart of the Golden Mile, La Virginia is a small community of about 68 houses set in secluded cobbled streets ,which still seems far away from the bustle of the busy town. It remains today the calm refuge which its creators planned half a century ago. It is already known as the 'town of churches', 'town of El Torcal' and, recently, the home of the Dolmens World Heritage Site, but Antequera has now become a Playmobil town as well. Playmobil, those little models known as 'klickys' will bring back fond memories to the parents of today, which they would undoubtedly love to share with their own children. And so they are in luck: for several more weeks, displays containing these little figures can be seen in ten different places in Antequera. This was the idea of local businessman Juan Trujillo, and has been organised byAlberto Arana, the head of the Aventura Solidaria association. The aim is that the entrance money will be used to carry out social projects in the town. That can be achieved if enough people come (and it shouldn't be a problem, because the last exhibition in 2013 was visited by 33,759 people), and thanks are due to Antequera council, the Unicaja Foundation, Serainant and Audiolis, who have paid 80 per cent of the set-up costs for the exhibition. For four euros, Playmobil enthusiasts can visit three churches which are participating in the first 'Ciudad de Antequera' Playmobil competition with large dioramas. From Monday to Friday between 4pm and 8pm, and weekends and public holidays from 10am to 2pm, except 24 and 31 December, visitors can take a trip from prehistory to the present day through the different displays, and take home one of the 11 special dolls which have been made of local personalities such as Acilia Plecusa in the Roman era, the Infante Don Fernando 'El de Antequera', writer Cristobalina Fernandez and hero of the War of Independence 'El Capitan Moreno'. The ticket also gives entry to the Antequera Museum at the same times. In churches The San Francisco, Santa Clara and San Juan de Dios churches are housing the displays, which include themes such as 'Embarking on the Titanic', 'Return to Virieky, 'The Cold War', 'Jurassic Island', 'Man and Nature', 'Colorado Woods', 'A day in the Graussen villa', 'Mission Mali' and 'Antequera and Capitan Moreno'. In addition, on the ground floor of the museum there are several recreations from the time of the dolmens to the Roman period, including a replica of Acilia Plecusa's tomb and a composition of Hispania. There is also free entry to a recreation of the Battle of Flanders at the Tourist Office in Calle Encarnacion, and a reproduction of the Menga dolmen in the reception centre at the archaeological complex, among other displays. The town's mayor, Manuel Baron, says this is a great way to see some of the town's interesting buildings as well as a trip into the Playmobil past. It was at the age of 18 that a fresh faced James Kayll first joined the world of auctioneering. The public school boy was wandering down London's Bond Street with his father when by chance they passed Sotheby's auction house. After asking his father if they could go in, they watched an auction together - and by the end of it James was hooked. "I remember it very well," James told SUR in English. "At the end of the sale I said this is what I want to do. So we managed to get an interview with one of the directors and he asked me what I could do for Sotheby's? I said very little, but I can be a porter. He told me that they didn't have public school boys as porters, as they were professional porters. I said I don't see why not, because if I'm a porter when there's a gap in one of the departments, as I'm there on the spot I can be suitable for it." Three months later James got a letter saying that if he was still serious about becoming a porter, there was a vacancy. James, who was born in London, said: "So I told my dad I was leaving school and I rang up the headmaster who went absolutely berserk, as I was due to go to Cambridge after I finished my A Levels. He told me that I was wasting my life and that it was ridiculous. I said in three years time after I've done Cambridge, I'll still be thoroughly well qualified to be a porter at Sotheby's, so I might as well do it now." And so in 1960 James joined one of the world's most famous auction houses, where he worked for two years. During this time he was privy to a number of amusing anecdotes, such as porters breaking expensive items prior to auctioning. The Arts Society Benahavis The Arts Society Benahavis - formerly Benahavis Decorative & Fine Arts Society (BDFAS) - was established in 2012. It is one of more than 385 local societies worldwide that are members of The Arts Society. Their objective is to further the enjoyment, knowledge and awareness of the Arts Internationally and to stimulate interest in the cultural heritage of Spain. New visitors are welcome and talks run from October through to May and cover a wide range of artistic and cultural interests. For more information visit: theartssocietybenahavis.com James, 75, whose father was a vicar, explained: "I haven't dropped any expensive items, but I've certainly been present when other people have. There was a Thomas Tompion long case clock, which had made a world record price at Sotheby's, and the porter that was carrying it unfortunately tripped up and fell on the clock. There were bits of clock all over the god damn gallery. It was the most expensive clock ever sold at auction at the time. It made 40 odd thousand pounds in 1961. "Then there was another time when someone tripped and a whole tray of Chelsea porcelain seals worth a fortune flew down the stairs. But they didn't fly when they hit the bottom." Another anecdote happened after James had been at Sotheby's for a couple of months when there was an evening soiree where Christian Dior was showing off his spring collection. James added: "For the evening large tapestries had been hung, cutting off the end of the main gallery so all the ordinary chairs could be stacked there as this was a gold chair affair. Being a vicar's son, champagne was not my normal tipple but another porter and I purloined several bottles and hid them and ourselves behind the tapestries and proceeded to get thoroughly drunk. I was moving into new digs that day, so turned up at 2.30am. I hammered on the front door until I was admitted and was given my notice over breakfast the next morning." James described his experience at Sotheby's as the "best training in the world". He said: "One day you'll be handling a piece of Paul de Lamerie silver, the next day you'll be handling a piece of Ravens Cross Glass, the next day a piece of Sheraton furniture. You get to have them in your hands and that's the way to learn what things are. But after two years I decided I wanted to do pictures. They put me into the porcelain department and I couldn't' see the rest of my life handling pretty little porcelain pieces and so I walked directly across the road to a company called Wildenstein's, the biggest picture dealers in the world. I said I'm at Sotheby's at the moment and I'd like a job. He said you're a bit young for us, we don't normally have 21-year-olds as sales men. But a month later I started there." James went on to work there for four years before moving on to Frost and Reed for 14 years, one of the oldest dealerships still in operation in the UK today. From there James became independent, before joining Richard Green, one of the biggest picture dealers in the UK. During this time James said he did "very well", working all over America in cities such as New York, Chicago and Pennsylvania. "I was with Richard for another 12 to 13 years and that was interesting because one of my main jobs there was sourcing pictures throughout the world that we would be interested in buying. So I had to read a huge amount of periodicals and find out if auction sales were going on in distant parts of America." Prior to moving to San Pedro in Marbella in 2011, James worked for a firm called Oakam Gallery and a company called Ackermann's, who are best known for sporting pictures. Reflecting on his long career, James said: "I was very fortunate in that I had the best of the art world. It's changed so very much now the auctioneers have become more and more prevalent rather than the dealers since they brought in the buyer's premium. That switched the whole emphasis as they could go to a client and say we won't charge you any commission if you give us your picture, as they know they are going to get 15 per cent from the buyer. Whereas before 50 per cent would go to the dealer and 50 per cent to the auction rooms. "It was much more fun in those days. I remember the first year I was at Sotheby's and it got to Christmas time and Peter Wilson called the staff into the main gallery, there were just over 200 of us and he said we have actually turned over eight million pounds this year, we will probably never do it again, so we are going to have a big Christmas party for you all. Eight million pounds doesn't even buy a three quarters good picture these days. Things have just changed so, so much." Since moving to Spain in 2011 with his wife Lynda, James has taken a step back from the art world and is now semi-retired. Apart from his love of wine, he has also recently taken the helm as the new chairman of the Arts Society Benahavis - taking over from the previous chair Betty Fooks last September. He told SUR in English: "I'm quite keen on my wine and so that is a definite bonus being here rather than being in England where they charge you 80 per cent tax. The Spanish are a bit more enlightened on that score. "I still try to keep an eye out for decent pictures but to keep up with the market is quite impossible unless you're on the ground there, you have to be in it every day to keep up with prices. I mean pictures such as Victorian landscapes which are one of my specialities, you can hardly give them away today, they've gone right down in price and other things have come soaring up, its swings and roundabouts." As for his new role at the Arts Society Benahavis, James added: "I am absolutely delighted to have been asked to be the chairman of The Arts Society and I hope that my experience of the art world can be put to use to take the society forward in the years to come." She has spent over a year moving heaven and earth to try to demonstrate that what she suspected was true. After one of the patients Cristina Garcia de Campo had helped as an interpreter at the hospital in Denia died from sepsis (a serious infection), she discovered that there had been several similar cases in the previous months. "That didn't seem normal to me," she says. It continued to bother her for months, until one day she decided to look at the medical histories of the patients with whom she had worked, most of whom were British or from northern Europe. She found they had all been treated with Nolotil, a commonly-used analgesic which is recommended for acute pain and as an antipyretic when other alternatives were not effective. In Spain it has been sold for the past 50 years and its use has doubled in the past decade, but the greatest increase has been in the past five years, from 14.6 million packets consumed in 2013 to 22.8 million in 2017. So Cristina wondered whether those cases of sepsis had been associated with the use of Nolotil. She did think for a moment that maybe she was seeing ghosts where there weren't any and she guessed that nobody would take any notice of her, but "I couldn't sit back and do nothing," she decided. She explained her concerns to the hospital management; "I believe we have a public health problem," she said. The response From then on, Cristina's life would never be the same. She began to make enquiries on her own account, and made contact with groups of British expats on social media, asking if they had ever suffered any adverse reaction to taking metamizole (the active principle in Nolotil). She was surprised by the response. "I was told about 100 cases and 21 deaths," she says. Recently, the British media has reported that about ten people from the UK had died after taking metamizole in Spain. Armed with that information, Cristina contacted the Spanish Medications Agency (Aemps), and met officials there last summer. She didn't have to wait long for a reaction. The misgivings were taken into account by the Ministry of Health, which issued a serious warning about the risks of suffering one of the side effects of metamizole, known as agranulocytosis, and asked medical professionals not to give it to patients "in cases where they cannot be checked (ie the floating population)." This means that Nolotil can no longer be prescribed for tourists, because they cannot be monitored by doctors here to prevent problems arising if they were to experience symptoms of agranulocytosis. The Ministry also warned of a greater risk among older patients, and said it should only be taken by medical prescription. "This disorder occurs when the chemical composition of a medication comes into contact with normal white blood cells and, even, the precursors of the white blood cells in the bone marrow, and causes the immune system to destroy them. It's a type of allergy to the leukocytes. The normal values can change very suddenly and fall to zero in 24 hours, and that can cause serious infections and the possibility of death," explains Isidro Jarque, a haematologist at La Fe hospital in Valencia, and a member of the Spanish Haematology and Haemotherapy Society. He says it has been known for years that Nolotil is one of the most important causes of agranulocytosis. "It is the one most commonly used and associated with this complication, but it's by no means the only one," he stresses. With regard to prognosis, there should be no problem if it is detected on time because there are drugs which quickly recover the level of leukocytes. "Normally, it is treated with a stimulating factor for granulocytic colonies, which considerably shortens recovery time. Antibiotics might also be used and even hospitalisation if the infection is serious, but if there are no complications a patient can be home in a week," says Jarque. The Aemps says it had reviewed the situation in Spain after learning of the recent notification from the Spanish Pharmovigilance System about cases of agranulocytosis, particularly of British origin. Cristina Garcia says she feels that all her efforts have been rewarded. "I feel as if I had aged ten years," she admits. She had also written to the British government to ask why Nolotil is not sold in the UK. "I believed there could be some relationship, that they would have some evidence that British people are more likely to suffer agranulocytosis, but they told me they had never sold it because of the side effects of this medication in general," she says. Britain is not the only country to veto the sale of Nolotil; in Sweden it has been prohibited for human use since 1974, and in the USA since 1997. Over the years, Japan, Australia, Iran and some EU countries, (where it is permitted for veterinary use) have also banned it. However, in Germany (its country of origin), Spain, Russia, Brazil and Israel, among other nations, it is one of the most commonly-prescribed drugs to alleviate pain and lower temperature. Is there a genetic predisposition? Sources at the Spanish Medications Agency say that although there have been discussions for some years about a greater susceptibility to agranulocytosis in the northern European population and certain genetic factors have been studied, "with the information available we cannot confirm or rule out a higher risk among populations with specific ethnic characteristics," they say. Isidro Jarque admits there could be a genetic predisposition to suffer agranulocytosis, "but like intolerances, having that predisposition doesn't mean you suffer it; the patient would have to come into contact with the medication. That's why people shouldn't self-medicate, because there could be unexpected side effects," he says. Cristina Garcia del Campo is pleased with the results of what she began to investigate a year ago. She says the Denia hospital is currently carrying out a study into the incidence of metamizole on the foreign population, which will be one of the biggest studies so far. The Costa del Sol hospital in Marbella did a study of its own ten years ago. "They found that agranulocytosis caused by metamizole is an adverse effect which occurs more often in British people," she says. Sunday 11 November will mark the centenary of the end of World War I and to commemorate the occasion, the British and German governments are promoting a special programme of bell ringing as a symbolic way of remembering the importance of peace. President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will attend the service at the Cenotaph in London, and this will be the first time a German leader has laid a wreath at the ceremony. ARMISTICE SERVICES English Cemetery, Malaga. The service will take place in St George's Church at 11am on Sunday. Salon Varietes. The 1st Fuengirola scout group will take part in the opening parade, along with senior members and standards from branches of the RBL. The service will begin at 11am. Mollina. The Mollina branch of RBL will hold a service and parade in the Parque La Vina at 11am on Saturday 10 November. Coin. The RBL in Coin will hold a service in the Cemetery Chapel on Sunday at 11am. Gibraltar. The Governor's Remembrance Parade will take place at 11am on Sunday. The British Embassy in Madrid and Consulates across Spain will also mark the centenary of the Armistice. Bells will be rung at many churches in Spain and the bilateral collaboration will be marked by several solemn acts of remembrance for the estimated 17 million people who lost their lives in one of the deadliest conflicts in the history of the human race. HMA Simon Manley and German ambassador Wolfgang Dold will give readings at the Remembrance Day service at St George's Church in Madrid. The British ambassador will also attend an event at the German ambassador's residence, during which, Dr Robert-Benjamin Gerwarth will host a talk under the banner of '100 years after. Why has Europe not found peace after the First World War?' Simon Manley explained his delight at being able to stand alongside his German counterpart to mark reconciliation and the peace that exists between the two nations, claiming that "all Europeans are bound together by their common aspirations for peace". "As we remember the fallen on 11 November, it is important to reflect on the importance of reconciliation and explore how, especially at a time when some seek to provoke discord and intolerance, we can build bridges where others want to build walls," the ambassador declared earlier this month. In Barcelona, HM Consul Lloyd Milen will host a youth debate, together with his French and German counterparts, on the perspectives of European Youth over the last 100 years. The traditional two-minute silence will start the Armistice Day Ceremony in Gibraltar, which will include the laying of wreaths and an interdenominational service. Veterans in their various units and members of the Gibraltar Branch of the Royal British Legion, members of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment and other military units will take part in the Governor's Remembrance Parade. The government has also supported the publication of a book which focuses on the role that Gibraltar played during World War I. The book, Putting Cargoes Through: The US Navy at Gibraltar during the First World War 1917-1919, was written by Rear Admiral Albert Niblack and is his memoir of his time as the Commander of US Navy ships based in Gibraltar in that period. Royal British Legion Spain South The Royal British Legion Spain South has organised several Remembrance Day services along the Costa del Sol. Ex-military personnel and the families and friends of those who served, and still serve, will participate in parades and services in Malaga and Fuengirola. There will also be inland services in Coin and Mollina. A Remembrance Service will be held at St George's Church in the English Cemetery in Malaga. The service, which is organised by the Royal Air Forces Association Costa del Sol, will be followed by a wreath laying ceremony at the Commonwealth War Graves. Wreaths will be laid by the British Consul to Malaga, Charmaine Arbouin, representatives from the Royal Air Forces Association, Royal British Legion, Royal Naval Association, The English Cemetery Foundation and the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes. There will also be two representatives from the Royal Australian Air Force in attendance. The Coin branch of the RBL will hold its Armistice Day ceremony in the Cemetery Chapel in Coin. As in previous years, the TAPAS choir will participate in the service, after which, the mayor of Coin, Fernando Fernandez, and Guardia Civil captain, Bernabe Moya Ortiz, will lay wreathes in honour of the fallen. Several branches of the RBL will come together in the Salon Varietes Theatre in Fuengirola to mark the occasion. The 1st Fuengirola scout group will take part in the opening parade, along with senior members and standards from the Mijas Costa, Benalmadena and Marbella branches of the RBL. The Mollina branch of the RBL will hold a service and parade in the Parque La Vina in Mollina at 11am on Saturday 10 November. Several members of the branch will also participate in the Governor's Parade in Gibraltar on Sunday. Other Armistice Day events include a memorial brunch at La Sala Banus to raise funds for the Marbella branch of the RBL, while the Times Bar in La Cala will show the Remembrance Day celebrations live from London, followed by a free lunch for ex-service personnel and RBL members. The expatriate community in Marbella has been coming to terms this week with the shock death of a teenager just before midday on Friday, 2 November after he jumped from the roof of the El Corte Ingles department store in Puerto Banus. The 16-year-old boy, reported to have had British nationality, took his life after he and a 14-year-old girl made their way onto the roof through an emergency exit. Earlier, the couple had announced on social media that they planned to jump. Friends anxiously rang El Corte Ingles to warn them while searching local streets. A moment of hesitation allowed security staff to grab hold of the girl. But it was too late to save the boy who fell about 20 metres onto some trees on the corner of the main square in Puerto Banus, an area full of shoppers and tourists at that time of day. Panic attack The girl was taken to hospital after suffering a subsequent panic attack. When she found out she had been trapped and the guards were restraining her, she reportedly asked them to take a photo with her mobile phone to post on social media. The disbelief across the Costa was especially sharply felt among the pupils of Aloha College and their families. The boy was a student at the well-known private school in the Nueva Andalucia area of Marbella which follows the British curriculum. The boy had been on half term the day he jumped. A statement from Aloha College on Wednesday read, "Aloha College Marbella is sad to report the tragic loss of life, last Friday 2 November, of one of its pupils. He was a wonderful boy and a student at Aloha College for 12 years. "The Board of Trustees, staff, parents and students of Aloha College offer their sincere condolences to his family. Aloha College continues to be focussed on the wellbeing of its pupils, to help them through this difficult time. "He will be warmly remembered, and sorely missed." Steps the school has taken to help the school community emerged during the week. Dealing with a tragedy Once word of the tragedy spread, the school activated a plan to keep pupils and their families informed, including sending an email to parents advising them to talk about what had happened with their children. The email said that on Monday, when the school returned from the half term break, a special assembly would be held and that a psychologist was being brought in. Subsequent messages sent out gave details of the funeral of the boy. Speaking to SUR of how to cope with suicide risk among young people, experts said it was important to encourage pupils to look for signs of risk among friends. For confidential emotional support in English in Spain: Freephone: 900 525 100 Email:pat@samaritansinspain.com The mayor of Malaga, Francisco de la Torre, was in Moscow last Sunday to receive the Alexander Pushkin medal on behalf of the city from Russian President, Vladimir Putin. The ceremony at the Kremlin is an annual event to celebrate Russia's National Unity Day. The president acknowledged Malaga's support for Russian culture and congratulated the city on the success of the high-profile branch of the Russian State Museum from St Petersburg, which opened on the Costa del Sol in 2015. Since then, it has had over half a million visitors through its doors and has showcased 18 exhibitions. De la Torre expressed his gratitude on receiving this award for the Russian Museum in Malaga, saying that the museum itself is a "home for Russian art in the Mediterranean". He added that it is the sharing of culture between Russia and Spain that means the two will always "coexist with peace, looking towards the future". National Unity Day, a public holiday, was started in 2005 and marks the 4 November 1612 when Polish troops were expelled from Moscow. The medal is named after Alexander Pushkin, father of modern Russian literature. De la Torre was among other recipients of the award at the prestigious event. Last year the mayor was awarded Officer of the French Legion of Honour for his support in the opening of Paris's Pompidou Centre on the Costa. Spain's Supreme Court can't make up its mind about who should pay a mortgage stamp duty known as the Impuesto sobre Actos Juridicos Documentados (AJD). In a mid-October ruling that reversed 20 years of jurisprudence, the Court ruled that banks should pay the tax; but on Tuesday that decision was reversed, and the Court decided that clients will cover the stamp duty. Leading the criticism of this unprecedented dithering is Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez, who has vowed to reverse the reversal so that "the Spanish will no longer pay this fee". Is this the same politician, you might be wondering, who has repeatedly praised the independence of the Spanish judiciary and who refuses to intervene with its decisions in other areas, specifically those relating to Catalonia? Indeed, it is. Announcing his intention to challenge the AJD ruling on Wednesday, Sanchez said, "I respect the independence of the judiciary, but no power is free from criticism." The Spanish prime minister does respect the Spanish Supreme Court's decisions - but only when he agrees with them, it seems. Speaking at a NATO summit in Brussels in July, Sanchez declared that "we do not comment on court rulings, we respect them". We can now add a caveat to that solemn declaration of trust in the judiciary: "in some cases". At the NATO summit, Sanchez was referring to a German court's decision to extradite former Catalan president Carles Puigdemont - orchestrator of last October's Catalonian independence referendum (O-1) - to Spain for misuse of public funds. The Socialist leader has also been supportive of his own country's judiciary in its treatment of Catalan separatists. Most recently, he's refused to challenge the Spanish Supreme Court's ruling to put eighteen 'independistas' on trial for their role in O-1. Why? Because he respects the independence of the judiciary, obviously! Sanchez's decision to challenge the Spanish Supreme Court over its latest AJD decision shouldn't be surprising. The PSOE leader is a consummate PR man, always with his eye on a trendy policy; and it looks much better, he's obviously decided, to speak out in favour of homeowners than to treat Catalan separatists with leniency. Ironically, though, Sanchez's intention to reverse the mortgage tax ruling undermines his stance on Catalonia. If "no power is free from criticism", then the Court's decision to put politicians on trial for arranging O-1 - for "political crimes", as secessionists call them - could also be challenged, at least in principal. Don't hold your breath for that to happen, though. Sanchez is just as opposed to Catalonian independence as his Conservative predecessor Mariano Rajoy was. His choice not to intervene in the Court's treatment of Catalan separatists, then, is precisely that - a choice. What the AJD case shows is that the Spanish prime minister doesn't regard his country's judiciary as being above its own laws. I haven't worked out the exact figure but I would estimate that nine out of ten British CVs that include interests at the end, give travel as one of them. Whether by travel people refer to a backpacking trip around the world or a train ride to Skegness once a year, it's an interest included to impress a potential employer. A person who travels is, at least according to CV writing advisors, more open-minded, cultured, interesting and adventurous. Does that make, therefore, anyone who would rather not move far from home, narrow-minded, uncultured, boring and cowardly? Of course not, but it's an easy interest to add just in case a potential employer might think so. The World Travel Market in London this week concentrated a whole world of travel opportunities all under one roof. Destinations around the world were vying for the chance to help British people, among the world's greatest travellers, live up to their CV claims to be well travelled. Of course southern Spain includes itself among the holiday destinations that enrich the lives and minds of their visitors. City breaks are a growing trend and Andalucia's provincial capitals certainly offer plenty of culture to soak up, in the form of history, monuments, music, gastronomy, etc. On the other hand some might say that a holiday on the beach on the Costa del Sol does not count as CV-enhancing travel. But with its miles of coastline and sunny climate, as well as stunning countryside, Andalucia can offer tourists the chance to achieve something that will increase their value to employers far more than a photo in front of a cathedral: the chance to relax, switch off and go home refreshed. Or perhaps even for some - party hard, switch off and go home tired but refreshed. The Spanish government said this week that it had to take care of this country's tourism industry's main assets - its coastline, beaches and fine weather. Sun, sea and sand has always been the winning combination that has brought millions of visitors to Andalucia and the rest of the country over decades. British people in search of a break, with or without CV-enhancing culture, continue to choose Andalucia and the Costa del Sol. The interest shown this week by tour operators proves that this is unlikely to change, and Brexit is not going to interfere with the British public's search for sunshine, and their love of the Costa del Sol. This year's hot summer in the UK, if repeated regularly enough, which is unlikely, may keep some of the country's sunseekers in Skegness, rather than Torremolinos. Prices may send some holidaymakers to rival destinations, and the industry in Andalucia is right to show concern. The other cheaper countries, however, can't boast the same level of tourist loyalty that Andalucia enjoys. Everyone can put travel among their personal interests on their CV, but "love of southern Spain" would be even more impressive. This page no longer exists or may have been moved.If you believe this is a mistake please email Aegean files for Chapter 11 relief Bunker supplier and tanker owner, Aegean Marine Petroleum Network and certain of its subsidiaries filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the US Bankruptcy Code in the Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York on 6th November. Aegean entered this process with the support of Mercuria Energy Group, a key strategic partner and one of the worlds largest independent energy and commodity companies. Mercuria had agreed to provide more than $532 mill in post petition financing to fund the chapter 11 process and the companys working capital needs. It has also agreed to serve as the stalking horse bidder in a sale process designed to optimise the value of the company as a going concern. Aegean said that it continued to explore value-maximising alternatives. The debtors have filed a motion with the bankruptcy court seeking to jointly administer all of the debtors Chapter 11 cases under the caption In re Aegean Marine Petroleum Network Inc, et al. They will continue to operate their businesses as debtors-in-possession under the jurisdiction of the bankruptcy court and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the US Bankruptcy Code and orders of the bankruptcy court, Aegean said. Aegean has filed a series of first day motions with the bankruptcy court seeking authorisation to continue to conduct business normally, including in relation to employees, customers and suppliers, among others. The company is also seeking approval of the Mercuria-led post petition financing. This financing is designed to ensure the company has adequate working capital to fund the business and continue ordinary course operations during the Chapter 11 cases and to fund the sale process. In connection with its restructuring efforts, Kirkland & Ellis is acting as legal counsel, Moelis & Company is acting as investment banker, and EY Turnaround Management Services is acting as restructuring advisor to Aegean. On 2nd November, Aegean announced the results of an investigation into certain accounting-related matters by the companys board audit committee, as well as the its decision to restate certain historical financial statements, as a result of the findings of the investigation. Aegean previously reported on June 4, 2018, that, as a result of preliminary findings, the audit committee believed that around $200 mill of accounts receivable on the companys books and records at 31st December, 2017 would need to be written off. The investigation is substantially complete and, based on the findings to date, Aegean has concluded that up to $300 mill of company cash and other assets were misappropriated through fraudulent activities. Aegeans audit committee believed that the principal beneficiary of the misappropriation is OilTank Engineering & Consulting, a company based in Fujairah and incorporated on 15th March, 2010 in the Marshall Islands. On 31st March, 2010 OilTank entered into a contract with Aegeans subsidiary to oversee the construction of the Fujairah oil terminal facility. It was believed that this contract was used to misappropriate company funds through inflated contracts and fraudulent pricing. Aegean said that it had reason to believe that OilTank is controlled by a former affiliate of the company. The investigation also uncovered additional actions to defraud the company and/or its subsidiaries, including prepayment for future oil deliveries that were never made. These fraudulent activities appear to have commenced as early as 2010. Aegean voluntarily reported its preliminary findings to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and has now reported the results of the audit committee investigation. On 3rd October, 2018 Aegean received a grand jury subpoena from the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York in connection with suspected felonies. Markets - VLCC activity softens After the WS100 VLCC mark was breached last week, the market has taken a breather. In mainly all of the loading areas, activity has decreased. Charterers with cargoes in hand are carefully picking out their targets in order to achieve lower than last done levels, Fearnleys reported. With the Chinese fleet appearing to be sold out for the remainder of November laycans ex MEG, the anticipation and optimism for more activity to come is strong in the owning community. Another week of positivity was seen in the Suezmax sector with rates steadily climbing upwards. West Africa saw healthy cargo and fixing volume, enough to keep the front end of the position list ticking over and sentiment positive. The upward trend is gradual lending itself to potential prolonged sustainability. Black Sea earnings are pushing close to $50,000 per day, which owners have not experienced for a very longtime. Bosporus delays have been sustained unlike this time last year when they were fairly moderate. The week ahead looks positive, as December dates beckon and the northern hemisphere winter kicks to further stimulate oil demand. For Aframaxes, despite owners efforts to maintain current rate levels in the North Sea and Baltic by turning down cargoes and waiting for better alternatives, the resistance was not enough as some owners felt activity could decrease and this would mean less opportunities to fix at decent rates. As a result, some owners agreed to accept lower rates in order to secure employment for their vessels, and hence a downward correction was inevitable. In the Med and Black Sea, it has been a very quiet week. The market has calmed down after last months rally and we see more tonnage available in the area. This has resulted in a massive drop in rates, and at time of writing (Wednesday), last done from Libya was WS130. We expect this softening trend to continue as the tonnage list is long, and weather delays have had minor impacts, Fearnleys concluded. It has been reported that TOP Ships has agreed a new two year timecharter contract with BP for its 2016-built Handysize Eco Revolution. Eco Revolution is currently operated by BP under a three-year charter deal. The new charter will commence in January, 2019 immediately after the expiry of the present charter contract. The revenue backlog expected to be generated by this fixture is about $10 mill, according to Top Ships. Koch has been active recently and chartered the 2005-built VLCC Bunga Kasturi Dua for six months at $27,000 per day, plus the 2013-built MR Sandpiper Pacific for six months, plus options, at $13,000 per day and another two MRs at $14,500 per day for 12 month fixtures. Vitol also entered the market picking up two 2010-built LR2s for 12 and six months at $15,750 and $13,500, respectively, plus a 2011 built MR for 12 months at $12,500 per day. Elsewhere, Chevron was reported to have fixed the MR Nave Orbit for 12 months at $12,700 per day. In the S&P sector, Navigare Capital Partners was said to have paid $31 mill for the 2011-built Suezmax Shamrock, while Greek interests were said to have purchased the 2003-built Suezmax European Spirit for $15.7 mill. Moundreas was thought to be behind the purchase of the VLCC DS Vida for $22.8 mill, while in the Aframax segment, Norwegian interests were believed to have paid $11.7 mil for the 2003-built ADS Oslo and Target Marine was said to have splashed out over $24 mill for the 2003/2004 built sisters DS Sophie and DS Cathy. Two newbuilding MRs at STX were thought sold to Singapore buyers for an undisclosed price. Maran Tankers was rumoured to have ordered two Tier III Suezmaxes for $62 mill apiece from Daehan for 2020 delivery. Two options for LR2s were thought declared by ClearOcean also for 2020 delivery, while Matsumoto Shipping reportedly went to Hyundai Vinashin for two MRs. Poulsson calls for comprehensive STCW revision International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) chairman, Esben Poulsson, has called for a comprehensive revision of the IMO STCW Convention. STCW was reviewed in 2010 with the adoption of the Manila amendments but the previous major overhaul of the STCW regime was last undertaken by the IMO over 25 years ago. Speaking in Manila, Poulsson said Its now commonplace for employers to routinely provide additional training and assessments prior to the deployment of many officers holding STCW certification, which raises questions as to whether the Convention as currently drafted is still fit for purpose in the 21st Century. A fully revised STCW regime would allow the industry to adapt much more effectively to technological developments including increased automation. It should provide a structure of sufficient flexibility to hit the moving target of a changing world fleet, and may need to develop a more modular approach to competency accumulation and certification. The arrival of new technology is already changing the functions that seafarers perform on board and the skills and training they require. A revised STCW should seek to improve transparency and the robustness of implementation oversight. The so called STCW white list of nations that have communicated information to IMO about compliance now serves little real purpose as it includes virtually everyone. ICS would not wish to tear up the white list without a suitable replacement but there has to be a more transparent and robust monitoring system of national implementation to ensure that STCW continues to deliver competent and quality seafarers,he said. Poulsson explained that ICS increasingly views the STCW 2010 amendments as an interim revision, which had added some new training and certification provisions without making the structural changes needed to accommodate new developments in training or the competences that would be required to operate ships in the future. He recalled that during the early 1990s, IMO had responded positively to industry requests to address serious concerns about training standards in many of the newly emerging seafarer supply countries, many of which now had world class training institutions. He added; With the involvement of all industry stakeholders, we think the time is now right to consider the next comprehensive revision of STCW akin to that completed by IMO member states back in 1995. Total Marine Solutions sign sales partnership agreement Total Marine Solutions (TMS) and TOTOTHEO Maritime have signed a sales partnership agreement whereby the latter will act as exclusive sales agent and customer service representative for Ocean Guardian in Cyprus. Developed by TMS, in collaboration with Brenock, Ocean Guardian is a digital tool that provides seafarers with immediate access to environmental regulations worldwide. The software system removes the guesswork from environmental compliance, providing operators with immediate and accurate information on regulations pertaining to a specific location, the company claimed. This agreement allows us to add a first-in-class environmental element to our offering of satellite connectivity and digital solutions, said Despina Panayiotou Theodosiou, TOTOTHEO Maritime CEO. Our company has always been focused on technology and operations optimisation, and Ocean Guardian will be our trusted partner in providing our customers with an environmental regulation tool like no other in the market. We are excited to join forces with TOTOTHEO Maritime and believe this agreement will allow us to expand our reach into new markets, while at the same time expand TOTOTHEOS portfolio of product offerings, said Alexandra Anagnostis-Irons, President of Total Marine Solutions. TOTOTHEOs strong reputation within the maritime community makes them the perfect partner. The agreement might not have come about were it not for the Womens International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA), where Anagnostis-Irons, WISTA USA immediate past president, and Theodosiou, WISTA International president, met. WISTA allows women in the maritime industry to call upon each other for advice and to create business collaborations, said Anagnostis-Irons. This agreement should serve as an example of how WISTA can benefit its members worldwide. WinGDs global training network strengthened The appointment of two new WinGD training partners will provide easier access to high quality training for ship operators and crews. Strategically chosen for their high qualifications and location in prime maritime geographical areas, WinGD has signed agreements with Giga Mare of the Philippines, and BlackSea Training in the Ukraine. The appointment of Giga Mare and Black Sea Training as official WinGD engine training partners is an important step in our plan to provide the highest level of training and support for operators of our engines on both a global and a local basis. With these key partnerships, we ensure that training programmes for engines developed by WinGD can be accessed where it is most convenient for the end users of our engines, reducing and in some cases eliminating the costs and hassle of travel, said Rudolf Holtbecker, WinGD operations director. High quality training is essential to ensure that ship operators can truly optimise their vessels performance. With a deeper understanding of the main engine and its applied technologies, through comprehensive training, operators and supervisors of various levels are able to enhance the performance of the engine room by increasing its efficiency and reliability to reduce maintenance costs and lower emission levels, the company claimed. WinGD training partners are carefully chosen based on their ability to deliver the high-quality training our customers expect from WinGD, Holtbecker added. This involves the capability to explain the theory and functionality of the dual-fuel X-DF, Generation X and RT-flex engines, as well as practising real-life scenarios using our W-Xpert engine simulation software or the full mission Simulator hardware. To achieve this high standard of teaching competence, each training partner participates in WinGDs Train-the-Trainer programme and have full access to the companys training resources and simulation software developed by WinGD as used in its training centres. Jari Ullakonoja, President & CEO at GigaMare, commented: We are proud to be one of WinGDs inaugural training partners and are confident we can fulfil expectations. We have extensive experience with both 2 and 4-stroke marine engines and our key location and excellent existing training facilities, means we can offer top quality training to WinGDs customers. Valeriy Pushchin, BlackSea Training managing director, added; Offering WinGD training programmes in the Ukraine means that we are reaching a significant population of crew managers and seafarers, ensuring they are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed in todays vessels. These Training Partnerships complement the existing training services offered by WinGD, at their training facilities in Winterthur, Busan, Shanghai and Athens. The Chinese defense minister's visit to the US is aimed at enhancing communication amid trade friction and maintaining stability of bilateral military ties, Chinese analysts said on Thursday. China's National Defense Ministry announced on Thursday that Minister Wei Fenghe left for the US and will attend the second bilateral diplomatic and security dialogue on Friday in Washington. It will be Wei's third meeting with US Defense Secretary James Mattis in five months. Analysts noted that despite frictions, China-US military ties remain stable. The visit sends a signal that China hopes to promote bilateral cooperation. Frequent meetings indicate that it is the consensus between the two sides that strategic communication is important amid frictions, Li Haidong, a professor at the China Foreign Affairs University in Beijing, told the Global Times on Thursday. Li said Wei's visit and the dialogue are aimed at "preparing a favorable atmosphere" for the meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump at the upcoming G20 summit in Buenos Aires. "Wei will focus on establishing a communication system with the US on some sensitive issues, including the South China Sea issue, to avoid misunderstanding and friction," Li said. A Beijing military expert who requested anonymity told the Global Times on Thursday that "China and the US will strengthen consensus on crisis control and enhance cooperation on the dialogue mechanism, joint training, academic communication and humanitarian assistance." The US should respect China's core interests and major concerns, and deal with divergence on the basis of mutual respect, the expert said, stressing that the Chinese military is determined to safeguard national security and maintain regional stability. Li added that friction has prevailed between the two countries since July when the US launched a trade war against China. On October 4, US Vice President Mike Pence criticized Chinese military expenditure, claiming that it was as much as the rest of Asia combined, and that China intends to "militarize the South China Sea" in a speech at the Hudson Institute. Pence's remarks came about half a month after the US State Department imposed sanctions on China's Equipment Development Department and its director, Li Shangfu, for violating the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act. China's foreign ministry hit back, saying that China has indisputable sovereignty over South China Sea islands and their adjacent waters, and that installing national defense facilities on the Nansha Islands, which are Chinese territory, is China exercising its right of self-defense as a sovereign state in accordance with international laws, the Xinhua News Agency reported. Another anonymous military expert in Beijing also told the Global Times on Thursday that Wei's visit could be key to resolving issues between the militaries of China and the US. "The US should take responsibility for recent military friction between the two countries. And China condemns provocative acts by the US and insists on cooperation." A HK-5000G unmanned aerial vehicle on display at Airshow China 2018 in Zhuhai, South China's Guangdong Province with its wings folded. Photo: Liu Xuanzun / GT A new drone with folding wings and the potential to be deployed on China's third aircraft carrier debuted at Airshow China 2018 in Zhuhai, South China's Guangdong Province this week. Previously only seen in an illustration released a week before the show, the HK-5000G unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) appeared on display at the booth of the Aeromarine Intelligent Equipment Company, a subsidiary of the China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation. No detailed description was offered at the booth other than it was a medium- and high-altitude long endurance unmanned aerial vehicle. The technical details were not given as the company is still adjusting the vehicle, Liu Yubao, vice manager of the company's research and development department, told the Global Times. The HK-5000G is a vessel-based armed reconnaissance drone, Liu said. "It can carry a payload for scouting missions or missiles for combat." The vehicle has an endurance of 12 hours and weighs about 5 tons, Liu said, noting that this was only initial data and liable to change. Military observers speculated the folding wings on the drone indicate its potential for aircraft carriers. Folding wings save space on a flight deck and are less necessary on land. Liu confirmed the guess, saying the HK-5000G is indeed designed for aircraft carriers. "We have already made many pre-studies including takeoff and landing on an aircraft carrier and aircraft-vessel adaptation," he said. It's more difficult to take off and land on a flight deck at sea with the space, acceleration and deceleration requirements, Liu noted. Given the HK-5000G's size, its 5-ton weight and its engine, a ski jump takeoff was out, Liu said. The UAV must use a catapult. Aircraft carriers Liaoning and the Type 001A have ski jumps, not catapults. In June an illustration captured at a meeting of China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation suggested that China's third aircraft carrier will use an electromagnetic catapult. As the technology matures, drones will be widely used on aircraft carriers, a military expert who asked not to be named told the Global Times on Thursday. "A vessel-based drone can expand the reconnaissance capability of its mothership and provide fire support," the expert said. Although exhibiting at the November 6-11 show, the drone is not for export, Liu said. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Evi Mariani (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 9, 2018 11:34 1108 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877b5bcac 3 Opinion #commentary,UGM,sexual-abuse-on-campus Free As an alumna of Gadjah Mada University (UGM), in particular the School of Social and Political Sciences, I am proud of my juniors, sexual abuse survivors, who spoke up about their cases and began something that would be a good change in one of Indonesias oldest universities. Next year, UGM will be 70 years old. The old central building, the Gedung Pusat, still stands gracefully, but the campus has also seen rapid changes. Last year, I went there and did not recognize my own school. Besides having President Joko Jokowi Widodo among the alumni, the university has produced many other people who champion human rights and gender equality. Im proud to call many of them my friends. Now, its time for UGM to lead the change in how campuses in Indonesia deal with sexual abuses within their jurisdiction. Dont hush victims; encourage them. Dont blame the victims and sweep the reports under UGMs ancient rug. Listen to the demands of students, UGMs bright young people who would preserve the grace of Gedung Pusat while making the world better. UGM has a chance to make history and the time is now. The university student press, Balairung, reported on Monday about a social and political sciences student who said she was sexually attacked while sleeping fully clothed and wearing her headscarf by a fellow student during a community service assignment (KKN) in Maluku in June last year. In less than 24 hours, a petition on change.org, which demanded UGM punish the alleged perpetrator, garnered about 60,000 signatures. The case was under investigation by an independent team from UGM since late last year and the team recommended punishment for the perpetrator, identified only as HS, and help for the victim. HS had to write a letter of apology signed by the parents and to get mandatory counseling designed for sexual abusers. However, the victim and many who support her find the punishment to be too lenient; they demand that HS be expelled. Tri Hayuning Tyas, the investigation teams coordinator, told Balairung the team lacked legal ground to recommend the university expel HS. Many were also angry that the victim had to strive at length to secure recognition that she was indeed raped. She said the perpetrator put his fingers into her genitals, which according to the National Commission on Violence Against Womens definition of sexual violence, was rape. Her friends had encouraged her to report her case to the community service supervisor. The supervisor decided to send HS back to Yogyakarta, but also blamed the victim for what happened. One university official even told her to repent, she said. Months later, the victim learned she got a C for the assignment, while others got As or Bs. The KKN supervisor and others in charge of the program agreed to give her a C because both HS and the victim had contributed to that incident, which embarrassed UGM in front of the locals. Two years ago, I met a sexual abuse survivor from UGM. She was a brave woman who wanted me to write her story that she was abused by a social and political sciences lecturer whom she respected and admired. Her lecturer is my senior and I know him. He then headed the schools International Relations Department. She decided to report him to the school after she heard other victims had spoken out; he was no longer the department head and an investigation team was formed. Debates among campus officials ensued about what the school and the university should do about the lecturer. He was not fired; the survivor said she once ran into him in the basement parking lot. I dont think he should still have been on campus. How would his other victims react when they see him? she told me. As of Nov. 7, I havent heard if he was dismissed from his position as a lecturer. At the same time, however, I saw some positive progress in my alma mater. Sexual abuse at UGM surely already occurred years ago, but none of the cases were ever made public, let alone investigated. During my years at UGM in the 1990s, I could not imagine that a student reporting such a powerful lecturer would get support from other lecturers. The patriarchy was even stronger then and, honestly, I could not imagine fellow student journalists writing pieces with a strong victim perspective like the one Balairung did. Feminism had begun at UGM, but most students were not as well versed about gender equality as they are now. One disclaimer though: I feel optimistic that changes are coming to UGM and my alma mater could be the institution at the forefront of these changes because I know some of the lecturers at the school. These women and men are perceptive enough to know that times have changed, so UGM must change too. They are people who want to make UGM a safe educational institution. They are people who want UGM to be a true educational institution, meaning it has the responsibility to teach the students (and the lecturers, too), that touching other peoples bodies without their permission is sexual abuse and a well-respected institution like UGM should not tolerate abusers. I am certain UGM can rise to the occasion and be a shining example for other universities to make campuses safe spaces free of sexual abuse. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Editorial Board (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 9, 2018 08:54 1108 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877b439c1 1 Editorial #Editorial,US-election,Donald-Trump Free Former United States president Barack Obama said it was the most important election of our lifetimes, while President Donald Trump considered it a referendum on his administration. And after two years of the Republican Partys complete control over the executive and legislative branches of the government, voters in the US were expected to exercise control over how things were going in the country. And after two years of the chaos and confusion that is the Trump administration, voters were also motivated to bring back sanity and decency to US politics. And it was not only Americans who waited with bated breath for the results of the 2018 midterm elections. The whole world was closely watching and waiting to see if a system of checks and balances mechanism could be restored in America to rein in a Republican US president who has introduced some controversial foreign policies, from withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement to relocating the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. And for those who were waiting for a blue wave to sweep American politics, with the Democratic Party managing to wrest control of both the Senate and Congress as well as governorship in key battleground states, disappointment was in store. It was a mixed bag at best. Progressives such as Democratic Party candidate Beto ORourke, who had become a national sensation for his grassroot campaign in Texas, failed to unseat Republican Ted Cruz, while African American candidates such as Andrew Gillum and Stacy Abrams are expected to lose the governor race in Florida and neighboring Georgia, respectively. In the Senate, the Democratic Party lost four seats to the Republicans in predominately conservative regions. Regardless, Nov. 6 was still a good day for the Democratic Party. After two years in the wilderness, the party seized control of the House of Representatives, after getting at least 230 seats. Most presidents would have come forward, congratulated the winner and pledged a bipartisan cooperation for the next two years. But Trump is not most presidents, and after making a gesture of decency, praising would-be House speaker Nancy Pelosi, he reverted back to his combative and confrontational mode in a bizarre press conference in which he threatened to adopt a warlike posture against Democrats if they used their newfound power at the House to investigate his financial and political dealings. Soon after the press conference, Trump also dropped a bombshell by announcing that he had sacked attorney general Jeff Sessions, a move that many deem as an effort to curtail the Russian meddling probe that targets his 2016 presidential campaign. The Russian affair has been a thorn in Trumps side over the past two years and the probe, led by former FBI chairman Robert Muller, has ignited some of his worse impulses. Some of his controversial foreign policy moves in recent years have been motivated by his desire to change the subject from the Muller probe that is closing in on him. Now, with a Democratic House breathing down his neck, the world should expect more fire and fury. Buckle up! Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Christian Satriadamai Pareira (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 9, 2018 The October meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank became another stage for President Joko Jokowi Widodo to communicate his concern to the global audience. After his previous statement at the World Economic Forum on ASEAN, which included pop culture references to the blockbuster movie The Avengers, President Jokowi again drew his mark with a reference to popular TV series Game of Thrones (GoT). The storyline follows the journey of three kingdoms named House of Stark, House of Targaryen and House of Lannister. These kingdoms compete to rule Westeros and sit on the Iron Throne. 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 Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Inforial (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta, Indonesia Fri, November 9, 2018 15:53 1108 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877b6de75 4 Inforial Free The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The second Indonesian Hydration and Health Conference (IH2C), organized by Indonesian Hydration Working Group (IHWG) Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia and PT Tirta Investama (Danone-AQUA), sought to mitigate the global prevalence of low hydration among people by allowing international participants to exchange insights on effective behavior change programs. The IHWG and Danone-AQUA conducted the event from Nov. 6 to 8, featuring medical experts and nutritionist from across the globe, such as the United States Arizona State University professor Stavros Kavouras, Frances Paul Sabatier University School of Medicine professor Ivan Tack, the United Kingdoms Joan Gandy and Chinas Guansheng Ma, among others, to explore the problem. The conference featured research paper and data presentations highlighting mineral water as an important macronutrient and how to boost public awareness on the importance of healthy hydration. According to Tack, human bodies are 60 to 65 percent water. We need water to excrete toxins through urine and sweat, to manage our body temperature as well as to boost cognitive function and preserve kidney function. Global problem: Arizona State University professor Stavros Kavouras from the United States explains the consequences of the global low hydration problem at the second Indonesian Hydration and Health Conference (IH2C) at the University of Indonesias Medical School in Salemba, Central Jakarta, on Wednesday. The conference, which ran from Nov. 6 to 8, featured international speakers from the United States, United Kingdom, France and China. (JP/Arief Suhardiman) Kavouras revealed in his presentation on Nov. 7, that approximately 500 million adults worldwide were not adequately hydrated. He also said that around 70 to 80 percent of Indonesians were properly hydrated by getting the minimum daily intake of mineral water. He was quick to add that although most Indonesians were properly hydrated, they suffered from yet another problem: drinking too many sugary drinks on a daily basis, that can lead to numerous noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular problems. This year, Chinese academics and practitioners have been invited to the conference to explore ways in which they can work with Indonesia to mitigate hydration problems in their countries, considering that both countries have a large population. Low hydration can have dire health consequences, including for cognition function and kidney health, according to Tack. Especially recently, when more and more people are eating lots of Western food heavy in protein, sugar and salt, which increase the amount of bodily waste that needs to be excreted through urine. If you are someone who does not drink enough, you cant excrete waste through urine, resulting in kidney stones, urinary tract infections and a saturation of bodily waste inside your system, Tack explained. Kavouras said people should drink at least eight glasses of mineral water every day, adding that individuals intake needs varied according to temperature and activity intensity. Journalists who have to move around in hot weather, for instance, require additional mineral water intake to hydrate their bodies, he explained. Thats why, pay attention to your own biomarkers. If youre thirsty, or if the color of your urine gets dark, that is your bodys way of telling you that you need to drink mineral water, he advised. According to IHWG chairman Budi Wiweko, although most Indonesians are properly hydrated, we should not be complacent in campaigning for adequate hydration. The IHWG itself was established in 2012, conducting research studies and education programs as well as advocacy aiming at encouraging people to nourish themselves properly with mineral water to achieve healthy hydration Awareness about the importance of hydration among Indonesians varies, depending on their location and socioeconomic status as well as clean water access, said Budi Wiweko, who is also an obstetrician and gynecologist. In order to improve awareness of healthy hydration and to shape a healthy lifestyle, IHWG with Danone-AQUA and the Health Ministry have developed a research, advocacy and public education program called Ayo Minum Air (AMIR) or Lets Drink Water. Through this AMIR program, were trying to introduce a healthy drinking habit to elementary school students by providing glasses and water during lunch at school. Students will acquire the habit if they do the same thing at home as well. So, the cooperation between teachers and parents is crucial, Budi said. Budi highlighted that effective collaboration was needed to increase awareness and change behaviors in staying hydrated. The government, academics, communities and the private sector need to collaborate continuously to educate the public and encourage healthy drinking habits, he said, adding that students concentrated better at school when they were hydrated. Thats why its important to make an early intervention to instill the habit in children. Moreover, according to credible publication, good hydration can also improve visual function and reduce the risk of noncommunicable diseases, such as diabetes and kidney stones. Danone-AQUA, in line with its social mission, supports the IHWG and University of Indonesia and also invites other universities in Indonesia to participate in raising awareness about hydration through education, research and advocacy, said Tria Rosemiarti, Danone-AQUA Hydration Science Director. Tria added that they had conducted the AMIR program in a number of cities across Indonesia. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) Paris, France Fri, November 9, 2018 16:04 1108 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877b6eddf 2 Art & Culture Jeff-Koons,art,artist,plagiarism,France,united-states Free A French court on Thursday ruled that celebrity US artist Jeff Koons copied an idea from an advertisement used by a French clothing chain, fining him along with the museum which exhibited the contested work. Franck Davidovici, a French advertising executive, had sued Koons for plagiarism over Koons' "Fait d'Hiver" from 1988, which shows a pig standing over a woman lying on her back, her arms sprawled behind her head. It bore a striking resemblance to a campaign created by Davidovici for the Naf Naf chain in the mid-1980s, down to the woman's facial expression and hairstyle and the cask hanging from the pig's neck. And the Naf Naf campaign was also called Fait d'Hiver, a play on words suggesting "Winter News in Brief". Davidovici sued Koons after the work was shown at the Pompidou museum in Paris in 2014. There are four copies of "Fait d'Hiver", and one was sold for around $4.7 million at Christie's auction house in New York. Read also: Paris finds spot for controversial Jeff Koons tribute The court ordered Koons, his business, and the Pompidou museum to pay Davidovici a total of 135,000 euros ($154,000 dollars) in compensation. Jeff Koons LLC was also fined 11,000 euros for reproducing the pig on the artist's website, while the Flammarion publishing firm was fined 2,000 euros for selling a book which contained the work. But the court did not order the sculpture's seizure, as demanded by the plaintiff. It was not the first time Koons has been found guilty of forgery. In March 2017, a Paris court ruled he had copied a French photographer's picture as the basis for his "Naked" sculpture, also part of the artist's Banality series which contained "Fait d'Hiver". Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 9, 2018 11:03 1108 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877b59b31 4 Entertainment Navicula,bali,music,band,album,rock,concert Free Bali-based rock band Navicula will hold a concert for their Earthship album release on Nov. 10 at the Colony Creative Hub, Renon Plaza, Denpasar, Bali. Earthship is Naviculas ninth album, which was recorded a day before bassist Made Indra died in a car crash on Mar. 24. Made filled the entire bass section on this album. We dedicate this album to him, vocalist and guitarist Gede Robi said as quoted by Antara. Produced by the Manik Bumi Foundation, the album contains 10 tracks with themes ranging from the environment, social criticism and pluralism to Indonesias political climate. The band said it encompassed a message of peace, love and freedom. Read also: Slank, Navicula to campaign against plastic waste through song, film The concert will be limited to an audience of 200 and will feature the band Zat Kimia and musician Made Mawut. During the concert, Navicula plans to release a music video for Earthships second single titled "Di Depan Layar" (In Front of the Screen). The first single, "Ibu", was released on Jun. 9. Navicula will also share clips of their tour of Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland and the Czech Republic, which ran from Oct. 3 to 17. Throughout their European tour, the band aired Pulau Plastik (Plastic Island), a documentary about the plastic waste problem in Bali. The documentary is a collaborative effort between Akarumput, Kopernik, ASA Film, the Ford Foundation, National Geographic and The Body Shop. (iru/wng) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Geert De Clercq (Reuters) Paris, France Fri, November 9, 2018 21:08 1108 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877b7a892 2 Lifestyle Paris,France,electric-bicycle,bicycle,pollution,transport Free The Paris region plans to launch a large fleet of electric bicyles in a state-funded scheme aimed at getting commuters to cycle to work and reducing congestion and pollution. From September 2019, regional transport agency Ile-de-France Mobilites (IDFM) will provide up to 10,000 e-bikes for long-term rental, with a view to expanding the scheme to 20,000, which would make it the world's largest e-bike rental program. The aim of the "Veligo" service is to encourage bicycle commuting, which at the moment accounts for only 1.6 percent of daily trips in the Ile-de-France area. Veligo will be run by a joint venture including the postal service and transport firm Transdev under a six-year contract. it will have a budget of up 111 million euros ($127 million). It will complement Paris' Velib scheme, which has served as a model for bike-sharing worldwide but which has struggled since a new operator took over this year. Only half the promised 20,000 new Velibs are currently in operation. Unlike Velib bikes, which are rented on an hourly basis and must be docked in roadside stations after use, Veligo bikes will stay with users, who can rent them for 40 euros a month, half of which can be subsidized by their employers. Read also: Dutch may soon pay workers using pedal-power The initiative is a major move for Valerie Pecresse, the conservative head of the Ile-de-France region, who often clashes with Paris's leftist mayor, Anne Hidalgo, over environment and transport issues. "Electric bicyles have an enormous potential. They are an efficient and ecological way to get to the railway station for short commutes that can replace the car," said Pecresse. She said Veligo would allow commuters to try out e-bikes and might convince them to buy their own. A good e-bike costs 1,500-2,000 euros. Around 250,000 were sold in France last year, compared to 2.7 million regular bikes, IDFM said. While Velib mainly serves the two million residents of central Paris, Veligo is aimed at the capital's wider region, home to 10 million people and a third of national output. Velib already offers some e-bikes and in recent months several firms, including California's Lime and Bird, have launched electric scooters that have taken Paris by storm. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Jessicha Valentina (The Jakarta Post) New York, United States Fri, November 9, 2018 12:31 1108 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877b5e834 1 Food Tiffany-and-co,breakfast-at-tiffanys,audrey-hepburn,new-york,New-York-City,restaurant,#restaurant,restaurant-guide,restaurant-review,The-Blue-Box-Cafe,food,#food Free Like other fans of the classic movie Breakfast at Tiffanys, I can vividly remember the films opening scenes: the empty streets of New York, a yellow cab stops in front of the jewelry shop and Holly Golightly (Audrey Hepburn) in her black dress, stepping out of the cab. When I read an article about the opening of The Blue Box Cafe in November last year, I instantly remembered the opening scene, visualizing Golightly eating her breakfast slowly in front of the shop. Nestled inside Tiffanys Manhattan flagship store, The Blue Box Cafe is the first retail dining restaurant of the jewelry brand, allowing fans to actually have breakfast at Tiffanys. So when my short trip to New York was confirmed, I informed my friend who lives in the Big Apple and she volunteered to make a weekday lunch reservation at The Blue Box Cafe. Reservations can only be made via Resy and should be made 30 days in advance. Alas, my schedule was only confirmed around three weeks prior to my arrival, resulting in us being placed on a notify list. Around two weeks before our desired time, my friend received a notification, saying that there might be an empty seat for two, but it disappeared within a few minutes. Notifications were received a few more times, but our reservation was only confirmed less than 24 hours before our preferred time, requiring me to change my schedule at the last minute for the sake of having breakfast at Tiffanys. Due to last-minute schedule changes, we were in a rush to get to Tiffanys. It was Monday afternoon and the Tiffanys shop on Fifth Avenue was packed with visitors. We took an elevator to the fourth floor, where the restaurant is located. Once the elevator doors opened, we hurried to the restaurant, passing Tiffanys home and accessories section. The host greeted us and directed us to our table. My excitement returned as I entered the blue-themed restaurant. The restaurant is small and can only accommodate 40 people. At that time, almost all the seats were occupied. I noticed that most of the guests were females, but no one was wearing black dresses or white pearls, instead, they wore casualwear. Breakfast set at The Blue Box Cafe. Priced at US$32, the set comes with complimentary fresh fruit, a croissant and choice of tea or coffee. (JP/Jessicha Valentina) All the servers seemed to be in a rush. Fortunately, a female server quickly attended to us, informing us that the breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea sets were available all day. The breakfast set is priced at US$32 and comes with complimentary fresh fruit, a croissant and choice of tea or coffee. Meanwhile, the lunch set is priced at $42 and includes a starter and main course. As for the Tiffany Tea, its offered at $52 and comes with finger sandwiches and small desserts. The options were quite limited though, so I settled for the smoked salmon and bagel stack, while my friend chose coddled egg soft polenta. While I was waiting for my breakfast to arrive, I took in my surroundings and noticed that the Tiffanys iconic light medium robin egg blue color was everywhere, including the marble wall, slipcovered chairs and plates. It is a truly Instagram-worthy place, especially for those who love Tiffanys collection. Read also: Breakfast at Tiffanys nail polish set to attract classic movie fans After waiting a while, my food arrived. The bowl of fresh fruits contained berries, figs and melon. Meanwhile, the croissant was served with fruit jam, Nutella and butter. The golden colored croissant was soft and airy on the inside. Unfortunately, it was served cold, resulting in a chewy texture. Not long after I finished my croissant, the server brought out the smoked salmon and bagel stack. Featuring stacked bagel slices, the portion was considerably big for Asian standards. The glossy bagels were topped with a generous amount of smoked salmon, tomatoes, sliced red onion and capers with cream cheese on the side. The flavor was decent, a combination of salty salmon with a touch of sourness from the capers. The bagel was hard, but the edges were crunchy. It was quite a task to cut the salmon and bagel all together, requiring me to eat it layer by layer. My friends coddled egg was smaller. She had to ask the server for bread, however, the server failed to inform her that it came with an extra charge. Overall, the food was acceptable, but it was not worth the 30 days in advance reservation. For the prices, Im certain that there are other places in New York that serve better breakfast or lunch. In regard to the setting, The Blue Box Cafe is a fun place for girls day out or afternoon tea. The ambiance is classy yet cozy; it's not as intimidating as you might think. Moreover, if you're lucky, you may get a table near the windows, allowing you to see Central Park from afar. The major turnoff is the reservation system. The guests sat next to us shared that their reservation was only confirmed an hour before their desired time. If you have a limited time in New York and want to experience breakfast at Tiffanys, Id suggest you to do what Holly Golightly does: get yourself a cup of coffee and a Danish pastry and eat it in front of the store. (kes) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ganug Nugroho Adi (The Jakarta Post) Surakarta, Central Java Fri, November 9, 2018 17:34 1108 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877b74fc3 1 Art & Culture wayang,wayang-beber,art-and-culture Free A wayang beber (beber shadow puppet) master from Pacitan, Ki Supani Gunodharmo, sat cross-legged with a piece of paper scribbled with illustrations of a puppet story laid out in front of him. Behind the wayang master was a group of wiyaga (musical accompaniment), each playing an instrument, among others a fiddle, xylophone and gong, in unison playing rhythmic Javanese music. Using a wooden stick, Ki Supani began to tell puppet stories according to the pictures on paper. That night, Ki Supani told the tales of Panji Joko Kembang Kuning, a play about Joko Kembang who is searching for the missing Dewi Sekartaji, Prabu Brawijaya's daughter. In the Central Java region, wayang beber is rarely performed compared to other shadow puppets, mainly due to dwindling numbers of wayang beber puppet masters. The rare show drew large crowds to witness the performance. Ki Supani is one of dozens of masterminds who performed shadow puppet shows at the Indonesian Art Institute (ISI) in Surakarta, Central Java on Nov. 6-9 to celebrate World Wayang Day. In addition to Ki Supani, other puppeteers included performers from Yogyakarta, Bandung, Tegal, Kebumen, Hungary and Japan. Under the theme "Gebyar Wayat Jagat Mendalang", a dance at the Pendapa Ageng GPH Joyokusumo by veteran dancer Wahyu Santosa Prabowo, along with dozens of ISI Surakarta students marked the beginning of the four-day event. Earlier, puppeteer Ki Manteb Soedharsono also held a ruwatan (purification ceremony) and performed the Murwakala puppet show. Read also: Wayang suket, an almost extinct children's toy Thirty-eight puppeteers from various cities appeared in performances at the festival, with the stage filled by various wayang shows, including wayang beber, wayang golek, wayang krucil, wayang wahyu, a number of new puppet creations such as wayang with dolls and collaborations between wayang kulit, wayang orang and dances. A performance also entered the Indonesian Museum of Records (MURI), which featured a shadow puppet show on a 135-meter screen by puppet master Ki KPAA Suro Agul Begug Purnomosidi, who is also a former regent of Wonogiri. Not only adult puppeteers, a number of children puppeteers also participated in the World Wayang Day celebrations, performing in a collaboration of wayang kulit, wayang orang and wayang golek with theater performances. "This is very extraordinary. I was touched because in modern times, the enthusiasm of people toward wayang remains great. Not only the performance, but also the audience," Ki Manteb said on the sidelines of the opening ceremony. ISI Surakarta rector Guntur said wayang should not only be understood as an artistic and aesthetic phenomenon but also social and cultural. The beauty of wayang is that it involves other elements of art, such as dance, theater and culture, he added. "All wayang kulit, from the Surakarta, Yogyakarta, Banyumas, East Java and other styles appear in this performance. There are 30 shows to be accommodated by this event," Guntur said when opening the performance. Guntur added that World Wayang Day was an event to commemorate the establishment of wayang's recognition in 2003 as a UNESCO Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. For ISI Surakarta, he said, this annual celebration is an opportunity for learning, as well as a performance of art, especially wayang. (liz/mut) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, attends a flag-conferring ceremony held for the China National Comprehensive Fire and Rescue Team at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, on Nov. 9, 2018. (Xinhua/Sheng Jiapeng) BEIJING, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping Friday conferred the flag to the new national fire and rescue team, ordering them to be loyal to the Party, disciplined and devoted to the people. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, stressed that the new team should stand out when the people are in most need, save them from disasters, assist them in crisis and heroically fight for their life and property safety. At the ceremony held in the Great Hall of the People, Xi extended congratulation to all members of the China National Comprehensive Fire and Rescue Team on behalf of the CPC Central Committee. A national fire and rescue team is important for developing a national emergency rescue network based on China's reality, enhancing the country's ability for disaster prevention and relief, safeguarding public security and protecting people's life and property, Xi said. More than 500 team members in their new uniforms attended the ceremony. Great expectations are placed upon the new national team who serves as a main emergency rescue force to prevent and address major safety risks and deal with various disasters and accidents, Xi said. In his address, Xi stressed upholding the absolute Party leadership over the team, one of several requirements he urged the team to follow. He urged the team to stay true to their ideals and convictions, uphold the authority of the CPC Central Committee and its centralized, unified leadership and follow the Party's orders. He then ordered the team to be highly disciplined, follow rigorous education and training methods and build a capable team with "iron discipline." Xi also urged the team to be brave enough to defy all difficulties and danger, maintain a combat-ready and quick-response status and hone their skills to be professional and precise. Xi said the national fire and rescue team should always serve the people and be able to charge ahead when the people need it the most. Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, read the decision issued by the CPC Central Committee and the State Council to confer the flag to the team. The ceremony was presided over by Han Zheng, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and vice premier. Afterward, team members participating in the ceremony collectively took an oath, saying they will be loyal to the Party, hone their skills, serve the people wholeheartedly and be ready to sacrifice themselves to defend people's well-being and social stability. The national fire and rescue team was formed based on the country's fire services and armed forestry police. The team is in the command of the Ministry of Emergency Management. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Marguerite Afra Sapiie and Nurul Fitri Ramadhani (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 9, 2018 20:25 1108 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877b7a3aa 1 Politics 2019-elections,2019-legislative-election,2019-presidential-election,Joko-Widodo-Maruf-Amin,Prabowo-Subianto-Sandiaga-Uno Free In remarks that have ruffled political feathers, President Joko Jokowi Widodo has used an Indonesian folklore reference to describe politicians who spread the propaganda of fear in their political campaigns, referring to them as genderuwo politicians. Speaking at an event held to distribute land certificates in Tegal, Central Java, the President criticized politicians who campaigned with fear-mongering messages that caused people to worry and become anxious. Jokowi, who is running for reelection, said politicians who attempted to influence public opinion by creating worry and fear did not have good political ethics and manners. Such politics is unethical; how can [the politicians] frighten their own people? This is called genderuwo politics, [because it] spreads fear. Genderuwo is part of Javanese mythology, which according to the official Indonesian dictionary is about a ghost in muscular human form with thick hair all over the body. In The Religion of Java (1976) book, American anthropologist Clifford Geertz considers genderuwo a memedi type, which consists of spirits who are rather harmless although still terrifying to humans. People wear 'genderuwo' ghost costumes during a cultural parade near Mount Merapi in Central Java. (Tribunnews.com/-) The President later asserted that genderuwo politics must be stopped, as he said politicians must be able to assist the public in developing their political maturity so that they vote with a clear head. Jokowi, however, refused to answer when asked about whom he was specifically referring to when he mentioned genderuwo politicians. The Presidents usage of the term genderuwo comes following his use of the word sontoloyo (foolish) late last month to comment on the backlash against his administrations subdistrict fund program, which the opposition called a political stunt. At the time, Jokowi warned people of politicians who tried to influence them with their remarks. "Be careful, there are many good politicians but there are also many sontoloyo politicians." Read also: What is 'sontoloyo', the new buzzword in Indonesian political lingo? Executives of political parties backing Jokowis reelection bid have related the incumbents speech to political campaigns ahead of the 2019 election, where Jokowi and his running mate Maruf Amin will go head- to-head with rival Prabowo Subianto-Sandiaga Uno. Golkar Party executive Ace Hasan Syadzily said genderuwo politics was a symbolic term for those who spread pessimistic views about the nation in their campaigns. They talk as if we are facing an economic crisis by saying that the prices of commodities have surged in the markets, driving people to feel anxious about economic conditions, while in fact conditions have improved, Ace said. The opposition camp has been using economic issues in its campaign. For instance, vice presidential candidate Sandiaga has been criticizing the prices of staple foods, such as by claiming that tempeh was being sold in portions "as thin as credit cards" because of rising prices. Read also: Jokowi, Sandiaga slug it out in traditional markets Abdul Kadir Karding, the National Awakening Party (PKB) secretary-general, took a direct jab at presidential contender Prabowo, saying If Pak Prabowo conveys pessimism frequently and uses the propaganda of fear, maybe one of [the politicians] referred to [by Jokowi] is Pak Prabowo. The Prabowo-Sandiaga camp said it was not offended by Jokowis remarks, with Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) politician Mardani Ali Sera saying that Jokowi appeared as if he wanted to compete with Sandiagas popularity. We are not [offended], Mardani said, We should not be sappy in politics. Another PKS politician, Suhud Aliyudin, said the term genderuwo politicians would be better used to refer to the incumbents administration because there were many campaign promises that had not been fulfilled. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Bambang Muryanto (The Jakarta Post) Yogyakarta Fri, November 9, 2018 10:44 1108 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877b59095 4 National sexual-abuse-on-campus,kita-AGNI,antisexual-assault-movement,Gadjah-Mada-University,gender-based-violence,rape-survivor Free Thursday when hundreds of people, including students and lecturers of Gadjah Mada University (UGM), rallied in a show of support for Agni, the pseudonym of a female student of the Yogyakarta university who was allegedly sexually assaulted by another student over a year ago. Agni, a Social and Political Sciences Faculty (Fisipol) student, shared her personal account of the alleged assault with UGM student magazine Balairung recently, saying that a male student of the schools engineering faculty sexually assaulted her during a community service project (KKN) at a Maluku village on June 30, 2017. KKNs are compulsory school programs that last several months, during which students live with local families in the target village. The Balairung report came under the spotlight earlier this week, triggering uproar in the UGM community and beyond, with many saying that campus authorities had yet to take appropriate action. The alleged offender, identified only as HS, has reportedly completed his studies at the university and is set to graduate, while Agni is struggling to advocate for herself. During the #kitaAGNI rally on Fisipol campus, students, lecturers and activists demanded that the UGM rescind HS academic credentials, reiterating that any form of sexual abuse was a serious violation. We want UGM to handle all sexual violence cases thoroughly and dismiss the perpetrators, rally spokesperson Nadine Kusuma told The Jakarta Post on Thursday, suggesting that the latest case was not the universitys first and that the UGM had not been siding with victims. The rally also highlighted that the UGM was facing a sexual violence emergency. In mere hours, hundreds of UGM students signed their names and contact details on a white banner in a show of solidarity. They also wore purple ribbons to protest over violence against women and played kentongan (bamboo slit drums), which are traditionally played to warn of incoming danger in villages. This will not stop today. We will continue the rally [to involve] other faculties until all sexual violence cases are settled and the UGM is free from sexual violence, Nadine said, adding that the white banner would later be handed over to the UGM rector. The group also demanded that the UGM issue a warning against staff members who issued statements that blamed victims and provide survivors with relevant information, psychosocial and health services and some form of compensation. The dean of Fisipol UGM, Erwan A. Purwanto, who participated in the rally and lamented the universitys slow progress in handling the case, wrote, Manage this case thoroughly! on the banner. The university is slow in implementing recommendations that were handed over by the investigation team in July 2018, he said, referring to a team established by the university in response to a sexual abuse report filed by Fisipol UGM. The recommendations included counselling sessions for Agni and HS. Separately, Suharti, the director of Rifka Annisa Womens Crisis Center, an NGO that has advocated for Agni since September 2017, criticized UGM management for failing to bring her justice. Sexual violence in universities is becoming harder to handle because, most of the time, the universities prioritize their reputation over thorough settlement of a case. Also, it is because there is a lack of commitment to protect the victims, Suharti said. She said Agni had suffered from depression and that Rifka Annisa was currently focusing on trauma counselling. Yogyakarta Legal Aid Institute director Yogi Zul Fadhli demanded that HS be legally punished. The perpetrator has to be reported to the police, Yogi said. In response to the uproar, UGM spokesperson Iva Ariani said the university had expressed its sympathy to Agni and pledged to bring justice for her. The UGM will also take the necessary steps to bring this case to the legal domain, she said. Meanwhile, social media users have been doxxing HS since the report made headlines across the country. The alleged identity and pictures of HS began to circulate online mere hours after the report was published. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin I Wayan Juniarta (The Jakarta Post) Denpasar, Bali Fri, November 9, 2018 17:01 1108 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877b71b90 1 National bali,outbreak,viral,Japanese-Encephalitis,health Free A top Bali health official refuted on Friday a report published by an Australian news outlet claiming that the resort island was experiencing an outbreak of Japanese encephalitis (JE), a deadly viral infection. There have been no reported cases of JE in Bali since April, Bali Health Agency head Ketut Suarjaya said. I can assure you that the island is not experiencing any disease outbreak at the moment, let alone a JE outbreak, Penned by Nick Pearson and published Thursday morning by 9news.com.au, the piece starts with authorities in Bali are warning about the outbreak of a rare and deadly disease. Bali Health Agency is the only government body on the resort island mandated with such authority and Suarjaya denied that it had released a warning on JE. The piece then states that JE has emerged in Indonesia, and that Bali has the highest number of cases. Similar reports also appeared in the online edition of news.com.au and dailymail.co.uk, with the latter having gone as far as stating ... Japanese encephalitis explodes in Bali. The number of JE case in Bali since April is zero, Suarjaya stressed. He disclosed that in April, the health authority had carried out a massive island-wide JE vaccination drive targeting more than 960,000 children aged 9 months to 15 years old, the most vulnerable group to the infection that could cause brain swelling. The drive was completed with 101.78 percent coverage. The drive also targeted a large number of children with parents who were temporary residents or migrant workers on the island. Thats why the coverage rate is above 100 percent, Since the drive, not a single case of JE has been reported to health facilities across the island. Suarjaya acknowledged that Bali had previously recorded the highest number of JE cases in the country, with six confirmed cases in 2014, 22 in 2015 and 17 in 2016. Prior to April this year, there were 116 suspected JE cases, however after a medical examination only one case was verified as JE, and there were no fatalities, he said. Data at Sanglah Central Hospital, a tertiary referral hospital with a special ward for highly contagious diseases, has confirmed Suarjayas statement. Our records show that we are currently not treating any patient diagnosed with JE, hospital spokesperson Dewa Kresna said. A viral infection of the brain caused by the JE virus, which is commonly spread by infected mosquitos, could cause brain inflammation, which takes place five to 15 days after infection. Symptoms associated with JE include nausea, vomiting, headache, fever and confusion. Bali Deputy Governor Tjokorda Artha Ardhana Sukawati asked the local tourist industry to remain calm in responding to the unfounded report. Do provide a clear and measured response to your partners and clients abroad. The official data we have clearly refutes those reports in foreign media, he said. A respected figure in the tourist industry, Sukawati, said Bali was no stranger to negative issues. Its part of being a top tourist destination. The important thing is maintaining an open and honest communication channel, he said. (dmr) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 9, 2018 11:11 1108 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877b5a70b 4 Business jobs,unemployment,rate,bambang-brodjonegoro Free The National Development Planning minister said on Thursday that about 9.4 million jobs had been created under the leadership of President Joko Jokowi Widodo, of which 2.99 million were created this year. Bambang Brodjonegoro, who is also head of the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas), expressed his optimism that the President would achieve the 10 million jobs he had promised during his five-year term, adding that 2 million jobs were expected to be created next year with a gross domestic product (GDP) growth projection of 5.3 percent. This means that the Nawa Cita's (nine development goals) job creation target will be achieved, as we only need 600,000 more jobs, he said at a discussion. Statistics Indonesia (BPS) recently announced that it had recorded an unemployment rate of 5.34 percent and about 7 million job seekers in August, a decline of about 40,000 job seekers from August 2017. It also recorded a national workforce of 131.01 million, an increase of 2.95 million compared to August 2017. The employed population was 124.01 million, or a year-on-year increase of 2.22 million people. Meanwhile, the informal sector contributed 56.84 percent of total available jobs, or a year-on-year decline of 0.19 percent. The hospitality industry's food and beverage sector recorded the greatest increase in its contribution to the job market at 0.47 percentage points (pp), followed by the manufacturing (0.21 pp) and transportation (0.17 pp) sectors. In contrast, the agriculture sectors contribution declined by 0.89 pp, followed by the service sector (0.11 pp) and the education sector (0.05 pp). (bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 9, 2018 17:15 1108 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877b7458d 1 National #BIN,#SaudiArabia,BIN,denial,behind,Rizieq-Shihab,questioning,Saudi-Arabia Free The State Intelligence Agency (BIN) is dismissing suggestions that it was responsible for getting firebrand cleric Rizieq Shihab investigated by Saudi authorities over the alleged installation of an extremist Islamist flag at his house in Mecca. "There is no evidence that BIN had installed the flag [at Rizieq's] house, let alone took the picture [of the flag] and reported it to Saudi police," BIN communications and information director Wawan Hari Purwanto said in a statement on Thursday. Rizieq, the leader of the Islam Defenders Front (FPI) who has been in self-exile in Saudi Arabia, was recently questioned by local security authorities over allegations that he was flying a black flag resembling that of extremist Islamic groups behind his house. Wawan said the accusations that the Indonesian spy agency orchestrated the incident by installing the flag and reporting it to authorities were merely baseless rumors. "The accusation that claimed BIN had orchestrated [Rizieq's] arrest was a hoax," he said. Rizieq was detained at a nearby police station for a questioning about the flag on Monday afternoon. The Indonesian consulate in Jeddah immediately provided him legal assistance and he was released on bail at about 8 p.m. local time on Tuesday. The cleric is known to be one of President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's staunchest critics and an ally of presidential contender Prabowo Subianto. Wawan said the spy agency never had any problem with Rizieq's political position. "For BIN, there is no such thing as 'criminalization' because all Indonesian citizens are equal before the law." Saudi Arabia has banned the installation of flags and other materials resembling those used by extremist groups, including the Islamic State (IS) group. Rizieq has been in Saudi Arabia for more than a year. In September, the Indonesian Embassy in Riyadh said the cleric had overstayed his visa in the country, according to a statement issued in response to complaints from his supporters who claimed that restrictions had been imposed on his activities in Mecca. The FPI leader had been charged by Indonesian police with violating the 2008 Pornography Law in May 2017. By then Rizieq had fled to Saudi Arabia and refused to return to Indonesia, despite being summoned by police several times. The police dropped the case in June, citing a lack of evidence. (afr) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 9, 2018 14:12 1108 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877b6c1a5 1 City commuter-line,service,disruption,fire,West-Jakarta Free Greater Jakarta train operator PT Kereta Commuter Indonesia (PT KCI) has apologized for the halted operation of the commuter line on the DuriTangerang route on Friday morning following a fire that broke out in a slum area near the railway track in West Jakarta. PT KCI apologizes for the disruption on the Duri-Tangerang route as a result of a fire that started at 10:20 a.m. in a residential area near Taman Kota Station, KCI spokesperson Eva Chairunisa said in a press statement made available to The Jakarta Post on Friday. Taman Kota Station is the third station on the route after Duri Station. As a result, the commuter line operations on that route were halted until further notice. The authorities are currently trying to put out the fire. PT KCI recommends that passengers who cannot wait use other modes of transportation. Passengers who have bought a ticket and cancel their trip can apply for a refund at the ticket counter in the nearest station, Eva added. (sau) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 9, 2018 09:50 1108 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877b5005a 1 City drug-abuse,drug-trafficking,prison,inmates,e-cigarette Free Four inmates have reportedly been caught operating a drug business from their cells in Cipinang Penitentiary in East Jakarta. Jakarta Police narcotics unit chief Sr. Adj. Comr. Jean Calvijn Simanjuntak said the business of the inmates, identified as TY, 28; VIN, 26; HAM, 20; and COK, 35, allegedly involved ecstasy-laced electronic cigarette liquid that was produced in Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta. They played different roles, with TY as the initiator, Jean said on Thursday. The handover of the ecstasy reportedly occurred outside the prison with the help of BR, another suspect who was previously arrested in Kelapa Gading. They bought 100 ecstasy pills for a price of Rp 20 million [US$1,347] per production [of the liquid], he added. HAM, one of the treasurers in the group, allegedly paid for the ecstasy. We are still looking for the courier who delivered the ecstasy, Calvin said, as quoted by kompas.com. The police arrested 11 people in Kelapa Gading on Oct. 31 for producing and distributing ecstasy laced-electronic cigarette liquid. The police also arrested DW, 25, TY's wife, who reportedly also acted as a treasurer. (sau) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Marguerite Afra Sapiie (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 9 2018 President Joko Jokowi Widodo has bestowed national hero titles on six historic freedom fighters, all of whom had strong Islamic backgrounds during their lifetimes, as part of the the commemoration of National Heroes Day, which falls on Nov. 10. The six late public figures, whose honor plaques and awards were received by their heirs during a ceremony at the State Palace on Thursday, were recognized for their services helping the country during the fight for independence. 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 (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 9 2018 A gas explosion injured four people and damaged six houses in the Harapan Baru 2 housing complex in Bekasi, West Java, on Thursday. We suspect that a leak in a 12-kilogram liquefied petroleum gas [LPG] canister in a house was the source, Bekasi Police spokeswoman Comr. Erna Ruswing Andari said shortly after the incident as quoted by tempo.co. The injured victims have been identified as Farel Situmorang, 59, David Situmorang, 29, Eisen Rosafel Panjaitan, 39, and Samsiah, 53. 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 Wahyoe Boediwardhana (The Jakarta Post) Batu, East Java Fri, November 9, 2018 10:45 1108 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877b59253 1 National BKKBN,population,health,demographic-bonus Free The National Population and Family Planning Board (BKKBN) is conducting a series of scientific studies on the dynamics of population growth in Indonesia, a senior official said on Thursday. BKKBN principal secretary Nofrijal said the studies were aimed at, among other things, drawing up a new demographic map of regions across the country and conducting a study on urbanization. We also need to conduct a study on reproductive health affecting teenagers, Nofrijal told reporters after the opening ceremony of the Southeast Asia Biennial Conference on Population and Health in Batu, East Java. The studies involve researchers from Portsmouth University in the United Kingdom and Brawijaya University in Malang under a project named the Portsmouth-Brawijaya Center for Global Health, Population and Policy. Nofrijal added that the studies would also look into public perceptions about the use of contraceptives. We need to better understand what type of contraceptives are needed and favored by the public, both men and women, Nofrijal said. According to him, the studies would be used to draft the boards medium-term development plan (RPJM) for the 2019 to 2024 period. Read also: Indonesia must boost resilience with global risks on the rise: OECD Indonesia is entering the initial stage of the much-vaunted demographic dividend where it is expected to reap huge rewards from its huge working age group (between 15 and 64 years old) who will reach 70 percent of the total population by 2030. The demographic dividend is expected to peak between 2025 and 2030. (dmr) Ri Sin-yol, his deputy, gave a power-point presentation at the Shangri-La Hotel in Dalian. He said, "There are around 40 cities near Wonsan and Mt. Kumgang that are less than three hours away by airplane and have more than a million residents." Ri said, "Our goal is to attract one million tourists annually." So far North Korean investment drives consisted of officials reading out scripted speeches and taking no questions. The seminar was led by O Wung-gil, who heads the development of a special tourist zone in Wonsan. North Korea on Saturday held an investor blitz in Dalian, China that surprised participants by allowing potential investors to ask frank questions and receive answers on the spot. Asked whether it is possible to invest in hospitals in the tourist zone, O said medical care is provided by the North Korean state, so such investments would not generate profits. When another investor expressed concern that travel around the North is restricted, O said, "We won't stop you from traveling. You just need to apply in advance." He added that profits can be wired home tax-free from 11 banks in the North being run as joint ventures with foreign financial institutions. But Egyptian telecom Orascom, which had been running mobile phone services in the North, apparently halted additional investments after Pyongyang stopped it from wiring profits home. O even passed out his name card to South Korean reporters and urged Seoul to invest as well. Asked about South Korean hesitation to invest in North Korea following the confiscation of Hyundai Asan's investments in the scenic Mt. Kumgang resort, O said, "We never confiscated any assets and have no intention of doing so in the future." He added, "The doors to investment in Wonsan are always open" and urged South Korean businesses to park their money there. Kim To-jun, the head of the North's General Bureau of Tourism, said in an interview with Japan's Kyodo News on Saturday that Pyongyang hopes to see the number of tourists grow "several hundred times" and added that officials are working on streamlining visa procedures. However, three U.S. citizens remain in North Korean jails for offenses as trivial as leaving a bible in a hotel room, and the North has yet to apologize for the death of South Korean tourist Park Wang-ja, who was shot by soldiers as she was taking a stroll in Mt. Kumgang in 2008. One member of a state-run research institute here said, "North Korea is trying to woo foreign investors, but the prospects remain dim until it gains international trust." Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Dyaning Pangestika (The Jakarta Post) Nusa Dua, Bali Fri, November 9 2018 Indonesia has pledged to lead the way in the fight against zoonotic diseases following the emergence of new diseases caused by climate change. During the fifth Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) Ministerial Meeting in Nusa Dua, Bali, Health Minister Nila F. Moeloek said Indonesia had taken the initiative to lead other countries in preventing pandemic zoonoses through the Zoonotic Disease Action Package (ZDAP) scheme. Among the objectives of the ZDAP is to implement a One Health approach across all relevant governments, meaning that the approach will not focus solely on humans, but also on other elements, such as animals and the environment. 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 (The Jakarta Post) Bali Fri, November 9 2018 Ahead of the upcoming haj period next year, the Health Ministry has warned haj pilgrims on Wednesday to avoid contact with camels to prevent potentially contracting Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). MERS-CoV is a zoonotic virus that can infect humans through animals, particularly infected dromedary camels. It had come to the ministrys attention that haj pilgrims often took pictures with camels during sightseeing trips. 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 Dian Septiari (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 9, 2018 13:03 1108 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877b645eb 1 World #Indonesia,#Russia,Jokowi,meeting,Putin,ASEAN,summit,Singapore Free President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the upcoming ASEAN Summit in Singapore next week. The two leaders are set to co-chair the ASEAN-Russia Summit, which is part of diplomatic meetings under the banner of the ASEAN Summit that starts on Tuesday. Indonesia is this year's coordinator of the ASEAN-Russia dialogue. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Arrmanatha Nasir said the meeting between Jokowi and Putin was expected to take place on the sidelines of the 17 meetings during the three-day event. "It will be a pull-aside meeting with Russia," Arrmanatha said on Thursday. "However, the plans can still change depending on the schedule." Jokowi is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Chilean President Sebastian Pinera. At the ASEAN-Russia meeting, the Indonesian leader would convey the common views of ASEAN member countries to Russia, the Foreign Ministrys ASEAN external cooperation director, Benny YP Siahaan, said. Among the priority issues that would be brought up during the meeting were efforts to improve cooperation in cyber security as well as the education sector, he added. (afr) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Stefanno Reinard Sulaiman (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 9, 2018 09:14 1108 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877b4ac99 1 Business solar-energy,delayed-project,West-Java,PLN,ArcandraTahar Free The development of the Cirata floating photovoltaic (PV) power station in West Java has been postponed until next year, as the stakeholders are still evaluating the legality of the project. Once completed, the 200-megawatt (MW) solar park would become the largest of its kind in the world. The development project's main stakeholders are PT Pembangkitan Jawa Bali (PJB), a subsidiary of state-owned electricity firm PLN, and the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) renewable energy company, Masdar. After meeting with Masdar representatives in Jakarta on Thursday, Energy and Mineral Resources Deputy Minister Arcandra Tahar said that Masdar had asked for more time to discuss "legal matters" over the project with PLN. Arcandra said these issues included PLN's scheme for selecting the project's developer. It is a regulatory issue. PLN is much more careful now [in choosing the developer], he said. PJB and Masdar signed the MoU on developing the US$300 million floating power station in November 2017. A follow-up agreement was signed in May 2018, when UAE Energy Minister Suhail Mohamed Faraj Al Mazrouei visited Indonesia. Arcandra said PLN and Masdar would soon submit to the government a to-do-list drafted from evaluating their pretransaction agreement (PTA). The PTA was evaluated amid the ongoing bribery case into the Riau-1 PLTU coal-fired power plant, an energy project in Riau that also involves PJB. (bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) Seoul, South Korea Fri, November 9, 2018 09:49 1108 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877b4f71a 2 World #SouthKorea,#fire,fire,kills,seven,Seoul,studio,complex Free Seven tenants were killed and 11 others injured early Friday when a blaze ripped through a three-storey studio complex in Seoul, fire authorities said. While South Korea is technologically advanced and has risen to become the world's 11th-largest economy, many people who have missed out on its progress struggle to get by. Low-income tenants often live in buildings with tiny single-bed studios once favoured by applicants preparing for various state examinations and known as goshiwon, or exam centres. The dead and injured were mostly casual labourers or street vendors in their 40s to 60s, living in the dilapidated building, which had no sprinklers, Yonhap news agency said. "I heard screams and went out. Then I saw the building enveloped by a lot of smoke and flames," a 61-year-old businessman living across the street told Yonhap. With labyrinthine structures with narrow corridors, goshiwon buildings are notoriously vulnerable to blazes, with more than 250 breaking out over the past five years. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (Kyodo News) Kyoto, Japan Fri, November 9, 2018 09:08 1108 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877b4a0e8 2 News Kyoto,Japan,travel,destination,tourism,overtourism Free The Japanese city of Kyoto, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, is aiming to attract travelers to lesser-known spots to ease "overtourism" that has increased complaints among visitors and local people. Having been rated highly in foreign travel magazine polls, the number of visitors to Kyoto has topped the 50 million mark for five consecutive years since 2013. Foreign tourists flock to famous destinations such as the districts of Arashiyama and Gion, and Kiyomizu temple. But a city survey in 2017 found that 46 percent of domestic travelers had negative experiences during their stay, with congestion cited as the biggest reason. During the sightseeing season, people sometimes find it difficult to get on overcrowded buses and congestion in many parts of the city has started affecting the lives of local residents. Among the popular sights is Fushimi Inari Taisha located in southern Kyoto. The Shinto shrine known for its around 10,000 vermillion torii gateways is almost always crowded with travelers hoping to shoot scenic photos. In the Fushimi district, where the shrine is located, tourists can also find a host of sake breweries in an old area preserving a historic townscape from the end of the Edo period (1603-1868), though it is less known. The site is near Fushimi Momoyama Station, five stops in the direction of Osaka from Fushimi Inari Station, the nearest station to the shrine, on the Keihan main line. The Fushimi district boasts natural springs and more than 20 breweries are concentrated there. Read also: Kyoto introduces lodging tax on tourists Visitors can listen to master sake brewers explain the history and the manufacturing process of sake at events held at dining bar Fushimi Sakagura Koji, which regularly keeps more than 100 kinds of sake brewed in the district. Takahiko Hayashi, a manager of the company running the dining bar, said, "We want to boost the profile of (the area) as a town of sake so that visitors to the shrine can come a little further to our place too." Meanwhile, the Ohara district in northern Kyoto known for Jakkoin and Sanzenin temples, is struggling to revitalize the area once ranked the city's top destination in a survey in the 1970s. Since the mid-1990s, the district has failed to attract strong demand as less people have used their own cars to visit the area. From Kyoto Station, only two or three buses an hour are available. Although acknowledging the challenges, a city official said the district has big potential and that "we can improve the accessibility by combining the rail system and hope to draw more tourists again by finding creative ways to attract them." Hyundai has laid out a strategy to win a greater slice of the world's biggest car market China. Hyundai said Tuesday that by 2018, just 16 years after it first entered the Chinese market, it expects to have sold 10 million cars there. Hyundai chairman Chung Mong-koo, speaking at the opening ceremony for the company's new plant in China's Hubei Province, said Hyundai now has a production capacity in China of 2.4 million cars a year, enough in theory to grab about 10 percent of the market. Total sales of passenger vehicles this year are expected to breach the 20 million mark. Southern Pines, NC (28387) Today Considerable cloudiness. Occasional rain showers after midnight. Low 49F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Considerable cloudiness. Occasional rain showers after midnight. Low 49F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%. U.S. President Donald Trump says he expects to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un again sometime early next year and that his administration is "happy" with diplomatic efforts with Pyongyang. "We think it's going fine. We're in no rush whatsoever" to conclude a denuclearization pact with Pyongyang, Trump said Wednesday, adding he would "love to take the sanctions off," but North Korea has to be responsive. Trump's remarks came hours after the State Department announced a postponement of Thursday's meeting between U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Kim Yong-chol, a senior adviser to the North Korean leader. The statement did not give a reason why the meeting was called off. The talks in New York were largely seen as paving the way for a second summit between Trump and Kim Jong-un, who met in Singapore in June. At a White House press conference, the president said Pompeo's meeting with Kim Yong-chol will be rescheduled. "We are going to make it another day," he said. At the State Department on Wednesday, deputy spokesperson Robert Palladino said the postponement "is purely a scheduling issue." "We're in a pretty good place right now. We are confident going forward," Palladino told reporters during a regular briefing. "We're not going to be driven into artificial timelines." In announcing Pompeo's meeting with Kim Yong-chol earlier this week, the State Department said the two men would discuss "making progress on all four pillars of the Singapore Summit joint statement, including achieving the final, fully verified denuclearization" of North Korea. Kim and Trump signed an agreement at their landmark summit in June to rid the Korean Peninsula of nuclear weapons, but the two sides have been at odds over the pace of Pyongyang's efforts to end its nuclear weapons program. North Korea warned last week that it will consider reviving its nuclear weapons program if the United States fails to lift its crippling economic sanctions against the regime. North Korea is also seeking a peace treaty with the United States and South Korea that will formally end the 1950-53 Korean War that split the communist North from the democratic South. By Tommy Lee guhnlee@grinnell.edu Last Saturday night, upwards of a hundred people gathered at The Stew for the Grand Opening of the new Maker Lab. With such a large number present at the unveiling of the site, the Maker Lab received a warm welcome from the Grinnell community. The Maker Lab, also called the MLab, is a new makerspace and fabrication lab in Grinnell. With a diverse array of supplies readily available for use, the MLab is capable of facilitating woodworking, 3D printing, scanning, carving, laser cutting, metalworking, sewing, and much more. To utilize the facility, one simply needs to visit the Maker Lab in its open times, undergo a brief safety orientation, and receive training. Operated as a joint partnership between the Grinnell Area Arts Council and the Wilson Center for Innovation and Leadership, one of the main motives in establishing the Maker Lab was to create an accessible and collaborative space for the collective Grinnell community. The Maker Lab is free to use for any student in Grinnell, said Monty Roper, director of the Wilson Center. This includes not only the Grinnell College students but also students at the high school, the community college, and in the grade schools. It is also available for any member of the community; [for adults], there will be a small fee structure in place for that. The MLab will charge $30 for a month and $300 for a year for members of the community who are not students. The creation of the Maker Lab was not a straightforward process: after all, the effort and cost of maintaining such a space, which is usually operated at larger universities, investigation centers, businesses, and other corporate firms, necessitated serious consideration. The plan began with the efforts of Sage Kaplan-Goland 20, a physics major who had envisioned the space since his first year. So, when I was a first-year, I started an engineering club, said Kaplan-Goland. There were four of us in the club, and we got trained by the physics department from their shop tools, but the only way to get trained on the science division tools was to find a friendly professor to train you and only be able to use the shop when the professor was available to supervise. Such inconveniences had motivated him to seek others opinions and assistance in creating a makerspace for students. I went around and talked to a lot of people, and I got a lot of nos, said Kaplan-Goland. He discussed the matter with the likes of the president of the Board of Trustees, people in facilities management, and more to no avail. I think Ive talked to about thirty people before walking into Montys office. The discussion between Kaplan-Goland and Roper evolved into a full-fledged plan for the program, and after proposals, surveys, and Kaplan-Golands trip to the 13th International Fab Lab Conference in Santiago, Chile last year, the Maker Lab has now turned into a reality, funded by the Wilson Center on a three-year trial basis. Fortunately, when the Grinnell Area Arts Council became involved in the project, the mission and needs of the organization were similar to those of Kaplan-Goland and Roper. One of our old programs was called Grin City Collective, it was an artist residency out on a farm, said Erik Jarvis 12, the facilities and events coordinator of the Grinnell Area Arts Council. That was a space for adults to gather and create, but they spun off to be another program, so The Stew was created for people to actually get together and make things. We invited Sage to meet with us at a staff meeting, and at the time, he was still looking at spaces on campus. Their main idea at that point was the basement of Main Hall, which is super out of the way unless you live in South Campus, it would be difficult to go there. [I thought,] If you want the community to join, maybe downtown is better. We provided the space, but theyre providing the staff and the equipment to help facilitate that, so its cool that we can join forces with our space and knowledge of the community and their resources of money and students who can help teach the equipment. It simply made sense to collaborate. The shared mission of community engagement and creativity of the Grinnell Area Arts Council and members of the College ultimately enabled the Maker Lab to be located downtown. For me, its about diversity in learning. Its about the artists, engineers, and social scientists coming together to think about problem solving, said Roper. It is also an opportunity for students to try, fail, to build resilience, try again The maker culture, in general, not only fits really well with the ideals of a liberal arts education, but also the aspect of problem solving fits with Grinnells broader mission to be socially engaged. Grinnell College students and others may discuss problems that they face either at the farm or the classroom and think about the ways in which there may be technological solutions. Currently in its first week of operations, the Maker Lab has already been put to good use, with individuals visiting the facility to 3D-print computer parts, make a gift for a family member, scan a skull for an anthropology project, and more. More information regarding the Maker Lab and ways to get involved with the workspace can be found at makerlab.sites.grinnell.edu. By Seth Taylor taylorse@grinnell.edu The Midterm Election results in Poweshiek County illustrated political divides between city and country. On Tuesday, Grinnell voters overwhelmingly cast ballots in support of Democrats running for national positions as Poweshiek County remained a Republican stronghold. According to unofficial results released by the Iowa Secretary of State, Poweshiek County voters selected Republicans over Democrats in three of the four competitive statewide elections, including the race between Republican Governor Kim Reynolds and Democrat Fred Hubbell. The only exception occurred in the race for state auditor, where Rob Sand, a former Iowa Assistant Attorney General, defeated Republican incumbent Mary Mosiman. In the race for the First Congressional District, Poweshiek County voters selected Republican Rod Blum over Abby Finkenauer, but Finkenauer succeeded in collecting more votes in other, more populous areas of the district to win the day. Finkenauer lost Poweshiek County by approximately 100 votes. Her campaign, which emphasized her youth and working-class background, drew national attention, and now Finkenauer and Cindy Axne of Iowas Third District are the firstwomen elected by Iowans to the U.S. House. Finkenauer will also join Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New Yorks 14th Congressional District as the first woman in her twenties to be elected to Congress. Within Poweshiek County, Grinnell voters consistently supported Democratic candidates, and in the 6th precinct, where many Grinnell College students live, about 80 percent of voters cast their ballot for Democrats. Between all four Grinnell precincts, about two thirds of voters voted for Democrats over Republicans in competitive races, while in the six other Poweshiek County precincts, about two thirds of voters selected Republicans over Democrats. While Iowa Republicans won three new seats in the state Senate, increasing their majority to 32-18, Democrats managed to pick up five seats in the state House, narrowing the GOP majority to 54-46. In the race for House District 76, however, Republican Dave Maxwell handily won a fourth term by emphasizing his experience in office and as a farmer in rural Iowa. Despite increased Democratic enthusiasm in Iowa and a new Democratic challenger, Ann Egley, Maxwell won under 59 percent of the vote, a margin of victory similar than in previous elections. Despite Egleys loss, she wrote in a Tweet on Wednesday, Lost my race, but not my spirit. Merle Doty, a Republican, and Jason Roudabush, a Democrat, won the four-way race for the Poweshiek County Board of Supervisors with 29 percent and 26 percent respectively. They will replace Larry Wilson, who chose not to seek reelection, and Trevor White, a Republican incumbent who fell to fourth place in the race with 21 percent of votes. Republican candidate Bart Klaver, who was appointed as County Attorney earlier this year, won a full term as County Attorney, defeating Democratic candidate Dave VanCompernolle. According to the Secretary of State, more Iowa voters voted in this midterm election than any prior midterm. Almost 61 percent of registered voters cast a ballot in Iowa. In Poweshiek County that number was slightly lower at 57.13 percent, but turnout was still greater than the 2014 midterm elections, when 53.31 percent of registered voters cast a ballot statewide and 51.28 percent of Poweshiek Countys registered voters participated. In one Iowa State House election and outside of Iowa, several Grinnellians ran for elected office this year and their races arent quite finished. Kim Butler 83 ran for a seat in the Wisconsin State Assembly, losing her election to Gae Magnafici. But in Illinois, Laura Ellman 87, who ran for the Illinois State Senate, was 12 votes behind Republican Michael Connelly as of November 8. And in Iowa House District 55, Kayla Koether 12, who challenged first-term Republican Michael Bergan, was eight votes behind Bergan as of November 8. In both Ellman and Koethers races the margins of victory were small enough to automatically trigger recounts, and the official results will be known in the coming days. 7:30 a.m. Wake up from yet another stress dream of being lost in a corn field. 7:45 a.m. Breakfast bread and coffee with my host mother. 8:00 a.m. Lead my homestay roommate through the medina. Stop to pet a few of the thousands of cute stray cats along the way and hope that rabies vaccine holds out. 8:25 a.m. Class begins about ten minutes late as usual. 9:00 a.m. Discuss our visit to the largest solar farm in the world in Ourzazate, Morocco. Consider how when I stared at the solar panels they stared back at me. 10:30 a.m. Research methods class begins. I try to pay attention but end up journaling about the inevitable end that is coming for all of us due to our own overindulgence. 11:30 a.m. Decide that capitalism is to blame. 11:45 a.m. Get coffee from the espresso dispenser in the hallway. What will I do next semester when I must walk to the Grill for coffee? 12:30 p.m. Eat some couscous and bread on the rooftop terrace with a beautiful view of the Kasbah and Atlantic Ocean. Write Maggie Coleman 20 and Paige Oamek 20 some cute postcards because I love and miss my friends so much. 2:00 p.m. Return downstairs for a guest lecture by a leader in the village who sold their lands to make the Noor Power Plant possible. They have lost valuable grazing land with little recompense except for slightly better social services. Reflect on how there is no such thing as empty land, and how many people will lose their lives and cultural heritage for adaptation efforts. 4:00 p.m. Class ends. We end the day with a community building sing along that feels pretty out of place. Im just not used to structured bonding anymore. Would I understand this better if I had worked at some weird, vaguely indigenous appropriative summer camp like everyone else here? 4:30 p.m. Wander back home through the medina, stopping again to pet cats. I am greeted on the street by at least three older Moroccan women who know my host mother, many men who want to be my Moroccan boyfriend (street harassment is a problem here), and a few kids who I give orange slices. After being in Rabat for just two weeks, I feel more welcomed and comfortable in the space than I ever expected. 5:00 p.m. Home in time for tea and cookies! My host mom makes me a mini pot without mint because I dont like the taste. 5:20 p.m. Play with my 2-year-old host niece, Lena, who speaks the same amount of Arabic as I do. She is fascinated by my hair and my bracelets, and likes to hide in my suitcase and surprise me by popping out. 6:00 p.m. I walk to the red rock cliffs on the edge of the city to watch sunset over the Atlantic Ocean with Carmen Ribadeneira 20. We talk about what will disappear under the crashing waves first: this porous limestone or human civilization. Once again it is one of the most colorful and beautiful sunsets of my life. 7:30 p.m. We walk back through the medina. The comments from men get a little more aggressive, but nobody grabs or follows us. We stop by my favorite baklava stand, and I get some honeyed walnuts in phyllo dough to eat while I peruse the bootleg book stand next door. 8:15 p.m. Home for the night. I play with Lena a little more, though shes starting to get tired and cranky. 9:00 p.m. Lenas parents (who are both Moroccan detectives) come home from work to pick her up. I grab my book and read while half paying attention to the Moroccan reality television the rest of the family is watching. 10:15 p.m. Dinner time! Tonight it is lemon chicken tagine with beet salad and French fries. I chow down on my fifth meal of the day. My host mom urges us to eat until the plate is empty, saying kuli! My host sisters boyfriend comes over for dinner and tests me on my Arabic and French, pointing to different dishes and asking me to translate. I fail the pop quiz, but every night I learn more. 11:40 p.m. I attempt to finish this episode of my favorite Moroccan singing competition show, but fall asleep on the couch. I havent really gotten a solid nights rest since studying abroad. 12:15 a.m. My host mom wakes me up and I move back to my bunkbed, once again setting my hated alarm for 7:30 a.m. By Tommy Lee leeguhn@grinnell.edu A short walk past the John Chrystal Center along Park Street takes one to French House, located at 1019 Park St. Its residents are Cinthia Romo 21, Annie Levin 19, Emily Rhodes 19, Rafael Monteforte 21, Montserrat Castro 21, Jackson Ferguson 21, Anita Hill 21, Virginia Haverstick 21, Imany Noel 20, Emma Foulkes 19 and Mario Bortolo 19. Residents of French House must meet specific requirements. Theres an application process in the French department, said Rhodes. So, most of us are students of French who are interested in, you know, living in a French environment. Some of us are just interested in the French culture, but were put together by our department, and our mission I would say is to host French events throughout the year, so we have a TV night every Wednesday, where we watch a French series if we can, Rhodes said. I personally came here because I found out that these kind folks will be living here, said Ferguson. And I like French a lot. The house is very beautiful. Owned by the College, French House boasts a variety of characteristics that differentiate it from other off-campus residences available in Grinnell. As a house of comparatively large size, it hosts seven spacious rooms of unique layouts and eleven students who provide dynamism and liveliness in the space. It feels like we live off campus, but we still have the perks of having people clean for us and stock our bathrooms, so its really good, Rhodes said. French House is also connected to the Internet via the College, and unlike many of the other off-campus foreign language houses, is located away from the construction site near the Alumni Recitation Hall, eliminating concerns for disturbances outside the house. Other advantages include a free parking lot, a crepe maker and the joy of cooking ones own food. I love cooking, so its really fun to have people over, Levin said. We have a language assistant fellow, Claire Frances, who comes on Wednesday nights and cooks French foods for us, said Castro. Despite the advantages of French House, there is a drawback for the residents. Theres no laundry! said Levin. So, you have to either walk to a dorm with the laundry or drive because it is difficult to walk with a large laundry basket. They should fix this. A distinct feature of French House is using French to communicate. While residents hail from various places around the world, including Brazil, England, Mexico and Missouri, French is usually the language that is spoken throughout the house. We talk in French, usually most of the time, Monteforte said. Im learning French in Duolingo, Levin said. Dont put that on the articleProfessor Frances will be really mad at me. Also, take the pick-up lines course for French in Duolingo, its so much fun, Ferguson said to Levin. Its one of the additional ones they have, and its amazing. That was my favorite thing that Ive ever done on Duolingo, because they are all horrible pick-up lines. The interview quickly took a supernatural turn, when the residents began unraveling the mysteries of a potential ghost in French House. And the house is haunted, Rhodes said. So, you know the locked door in the basement? said Hill. Have you guys been past the door that has a biohazard sign on it? Then theres like three extra rooms that are really creepy and dont have rooms and have lots of bugs, but theres also one room that has a locked door that we cant open with our keys, but theres a hole in the wall that you could see into if you stand on someones shoulders, and we looked inside, and it literally had a desk and a projector on it. Thats really, incredibly creepy, Rhodes added. Maybe the ghost is like an immature film producer who really wants people to watch his films, Ferguson said. Maybe it was a film major from the 80s who died, Levin said. While the existence of a ghost has not been confirmed, residents of French house are certainly entertained with the possibility. Authorities have identified the gunman who killed 12 people late Wednesday during an attack at a southern California bar and dance club as 28 year-old Ian David Long. Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean told reporters Long was a former U.S. Marine who had minor encounters with law enforcement in recent years, including a traffic accident and an incident when Long was beaten at a bar. Dean said officers responded to a disturbance call at Long's home in April and Long "was somewhat irate, acting a little irrationally." Mental health personnel spoke with Long, Dean said, but they did not feel he qualified for detention under a state law. Dean said officials suspected he suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder because of his military background. Dean said law enforcement authorities have not uncovered a motive for the Wednesday attack on the Borderline Bar & Grill in the city of Thousand Oaks but the gunman "obviously had some sort of issues." Long was found dead in the club, according to Dean. "We believe he shot himself. When the officers went in and made reentry, they found him already deceased," he said. The mass shooting occurred after Long entered the club armed with a handgun and smoke bombs. The club, a popular place for students from California Lutheran University, was hosting a "college night" event at a country music bar at the time of the shooting. The bar is less than 8 km from the university and also near several other universities. Dean told reporters earlier one of the first officers to arrive was shot after going inside to confront the shooter. He said Sheriff Sgt. Ron Helus, a 29-year veteran of the department, was immediately hit with numerous gunshots and later died after being taken to a hospital. "I told his wife he died a hero," Dean said of Helus, who had a wife and a son and planned to retire next year. By Zoe Fruchter & Chloe Wray fruchter@grinnell.edu wraychlo@grinnell.edu Ill get the Italian Stallion Oh! On sourdough, and can I get a side of potato salad? asked Chloe Wray, 21. The waitress at the Classic Deli then looked to Zoe Fruchter, 21. Ill have the pastrami sandwich but instead of mustard, can I have thousand island dressing? On rye, please. Sitting between us were two cups of coffee, a brew that exceeded our expectations of diner fare. Lining the walls were Grant Wood prints; behind us and lofted above the entrance to the back hall sat a collection of antiques, the most prominent item being a bike from the 1940s. Shadowing taupe walls trimmed in gray and red is a ceiling of red tin. There are 48 seats, seven large tables and a counter. This is the Classic Deli of Brooklyn, Iowa, to which we made the 15-mile jaunt on Friday, Nov. 2. On the drive from Grinnell, we passed hills dotted with cows and combines, teams of pick-up trucks working late, tractors taking in the last of the harvest, all illuminated by the gentle light of the setting sun behind us. Driving home two hours later, the fields had grown darker and more ominous, intermittently lit by the red lights of the wind turbines lining I-80, flashing across the four miles of fields that separate Route 6 from the interstate. Turning off Route 6 towards Brooklyn, we stopped short of the Deli, arrested by the site of a rock engraved with the greeting, Howdy, Pilgrim! A 300-pound metal statue of actor John The Duke Wayne and an informational plaque flag each side of the rock. The plaque claims the site as the former home of Wayne, stating that Marion Mitchell Morrison was born in Winterset, Iowa, in 1907. He lived in Brooklyn until his family moved to Southern California in 1914, where he would reach the heights of his fame and change his name to John. Waynes house on Jackson Street, Brooklyns main drag, is half a mile up the road from the towns business district and the Classic Deli, officially referred to as the Classic Deli & Ice Cream Shoppe, where your writers indulged in two hearty sandwiches and dessert. With menus before us, we were faced with a tough decision: to order a sandwich, or a special. The variety of panini and sandwiches is the standout feature of the menu, and ranges from classic deli staples like the Reuben to the calorically carefree grilled cheese with bacon. Listed on a board, the specials are also posted every day on Facebook. We both ordered sandwiches, though the specials of ribs or shrimp were tempting. The portion sizes are generous and will not shrink your wallet dramatically; the food at the Classic Deli is both delicious and affordable, with most sandwiches listed at around $8. For dessert, we shared a vanilla milkshake and a slice of chocolate meringue pie. Fruchter was unconvinced by what she called an unlikely pairing of chocolate and meringue. Wray, who had never indulged in meringue was fascinated by the peaked egg whites hardened into a pseudo-foam. Both writers were pleased with the milkshake, the rightful companion to any meal at a restaurant which recalls the soda fountains and drug stores of days gone by. For anyone with access to a car, the short drive across the cornfields to Brooklyn is well worth the visit to the Classic Deli, and while youre at it, John Waynes boyhood home. By Eva Hill hilleva@grinnell.edu Studying for a semester abroad can be a life-changing opportunity for students. However, for students with marginalized identities, spending an extended period of time in a foreign country with an unfamiliar culture can also result in anxiety-inducing situations. Andrew Gordon, the founder and president of Diversity Abroad, a group that strives to increase access and safety for marginalized groups while studying abroad, spoke about this issue on Thursday, Nov. 9 at a workshop for College students. Gordons desire to promote diversity in study abroad programs came from his own experiences as a student. I studied in Mexico and Spain, and then I interned in Spain when I got out of school. One of the things I noticed, particularly during my semester abroad while I was in school was that I was in one of those large programs, probably a hundred or so students, and I was one of four or five Black or brown kids there. I had this amazing experience, but one of those thats just really evident to you is just hey, students like me arent doing this. Diversity Abroad works to help students who are from traditionally subordinated backgrounds, including but not limited to students of color, queer students, first-generation students and students with disabilities, have successful and enriching trips abroad. The organizations website provides access to scholarship information and career resources, as well as forums for students and alumni to communicate about their experiences. Gordon went on to explain Diversity Abroads unique mission. Diversity Abroad is an organization that was founded to address diversity, equity and inclusion in international education, both from the standpoint of how to diversify the population of students who go overseas, to ensure that its representative of the student population at our individual institutions, as well as to support the success of students throughout the overall process, Gordon said. It is our firm belief that global programs can greatly benefit students both from an academic standpoint, an interpersonal growth standpoint, and then from a career development perspective. In addition, Gordon said, the organization works on training educators to support students experiencing familiar issues in an unfamiliar setting. The days are gone when we only sent upper middleclass white women abroad; that was the traditional study-abroad population for a very long time, he said. The population is becoming more diverse, which is exciting But we know that when you send a more diverse group of students abroad, youre going to have a higher propensity for there to be challenges. Those challenges can be in the cohort if you think about some of the dynamic that we see on U.S. campuses between different groups of students from different backgrounds, those dynamics dont necessarily stop when the students go abroad. In addition to the specific difficulties that students face in unfamiliar settings, Gordon also highlighted the importance of training educators on how to work with students who come from varying backgrounds. Were educating professionals, particularly those who arent U.S.-based on the different populations of the US, and some of the challenges that students from certain backgrounds might face abroad because of their identity, he said. Diversity Abroad will be running several workshops on campus. While the session aimed at students took place on Thursday, Nov. 8 in the Bear, Gordon will hold additional workshops for faculty and staff will be held on Friday, Nov. 9 in the JRC. By Candace Mettle mettleca@grinnell.edu International Student Organization (ISO) held their annual and largest public event, Food Bazaar, in the Harris Center this past Sunday. Historically, attending Food Bazaar required purchasing tickets so that ISO could afford to buy ingredients. However, this year, Student Government Association (SGA) doubled their funding of the event, thereby making it free. ISO also receives funding from the student activities fund and Organization for International Student Affairs (OISA). When ISO was charging for tickets it did remove a lot of people who would be interested in that event, said Kirtimay Pendse 19, ISO president. I think looking back it used to be that a lot of international students would show up but I think this year we got a good mix. Quinn Ercolani 20 hopes that SGA can continue to cover ticket costs for future Food Bazaars. Pretty much every event on campus, even though it may be ticketed, is generally free to the student body so we felt a little uncomfortable funding an event where students may not have the money to go, even though we are spending their money on the event through the student activity fund, so we decided it would be just better to pay for all the tickets, said Ercolani. Mithila Iyer 19, ISO treasurer and Ahon Gooptu 21, ISO secretary, also said that free tickets increased domestic and general student turnout. As a result, the tickets sold out within the first hour, marking for some Food Bazaar regulars, including host families, the first time they had not received tickets. Pendse, Gooptu and Iyer, all from different parts of India, stated that the longevity of the event and the bonds achieved when interacting around food makes Food Bazaar a staple event for the whole Grinnell community. Its significant because its in the fall, so a lot of first year students feel like thats an opportunity for them to share, cook, bring back stuff from home bonding over food is the best kind of bonding, said Iyer. There are some students who are the only person from their country here and its also a chance for them to cook with their friends they made from other countries, or from America, and people learn how to cook dishes from other countries, Gooptu added. Any domestic or international student can participate in Food Bazaar as long as spaces are available in Harris. There is no cap set for submissions; ISO allows multiple dishes from the same country to be represented. ISO has been able to purchase most of the specific and unique ingredients requested by the cooks, further making the event possible for anyone to participate. This year ISO made six shopping trips, spending up to eight hours alone in Des Moines with the Office of International Student Affairs (OISA). Mollie Ullestead, international student advisor, also purchased ingredients online. After gathering all the ingredients, they distributed them to each cook based on what their submitted recipe stated, plus or minus 50 grams. Senay Gokcebel 22, along with her sister Meltem Gokcebel 21, are the only Grinnell College students from Cyprus. Senay participated in Food Bazaar to raise awareness about her culture. She made halloumi bread, an appetizer that includes onions, mint and halloumi, a cheese specific to Cyprus. Unfortunately, ISO could not find halloumi like they did last year with her sisters dish, so Gokcebel used her own stock instead of feta, the given substituted ingredient. Gokcebel hopes to intend more ISO events and become a member of the organization. So far, she feels welcomed on campus and not alone despite being the only student from her country. I really didnt feel alone in the sense that everyone is so welcoming. But Ive also felt special being one of the two Cypriots here I didnt really feel any negative sides. I feel like ISO represents the international students pretty well here so I felt welcomed and represented, Gokcebel said. Nhi Ngo 20 and Linh Bui 20 made sweet and sour chicken rice (Com ga xe phay), a dish that combines onions, fish sauce, cilantro, mint, tumeric and Vietnamese coriander to create a multifaceted, flavorful meal. In an email to The S&B, Ngo wrote that the duo loves to cook and that she herself would do more if she wasnt so busy with homework. They hoped that the dish would show how more delicious food comes from Vietnam than just pho . During Lunar New Year in Vietnam, we have to use a lot of boiled chickens for rituals and worships. Because my family is tired of eating just plain boiled chickens, we usually make [sweet and sour chicken rice]. So making this dish reminds me of my family, of the time we gathered during lunar New Year, wrote Ngo. Since coming to the College, Ngo and Bui have felt embraced and supported by OISA and ISO, and Food Bazaar only strengthened their conviction. Food Bazaar is actually an event that shows how welcomed we are as international students on campus and in Grinnell in general, Ngo wrote. This year marked the second time that Puravi Nath 21 and Vidush Goswami 21 participated together in Food Bazaar. Following their theme of cooking street food, the pair made aloo tikki chaat, a potato patty loaded with spices and topped with a variety of sauces such as mint and chill. Nath and Goswami participate in Food Bazaar because it provides a fun way to overcome homesickness while engaging with the supportive international student community. Nath is from Calcutta, India and Goswami is from New Delhi, India. I think its very important to represent where youre from when youre in a place that has so many nationalities and cultures. Im really proud and fond of my culture so I love representing it wherever and whenever I can. ISO is the best medium Ive found here to do that, said Nath. Goswami added, ISO fosters a sense of community among each other international students themselves because a lot of the times [international students] can feel left out or marginalized in a lot of ways [ISO] is a place they know theyll be accepted. To the cabinet members, ISO also celebrates diversity and makes connections with not only the domestic student community, but also the wider Grinnell community. In a way, ISO helps improve gown relations because members have many connections with people outside the College through events like Food Bazaar. [ISO] is not just international students and friends. Its kind of like the whole community we want to share our culture with you, but on our own terms Iyer said. For Karen Edwards, associate dean of international student affairs, the impact of Food Bazaar and ISO felt particularly meaningful as the current national climate has proven difficult for international people. Students from various background uniting to prepare dishes from different parts of the world shows how the process transcends the simple act of eating. However, Edwards also acknowledges how simply sharing food is a surface level commitment to creating an environment that truly accepts all people. OISAs mission is to support international students at the institutional level, whether in the form of ensuring student compliance with immigration laws or taking stock of campus climate towards international students. Anytime you talk about food that feels easy and maybe can be minimized as being important but the truth is food is important in the terms of comfort, said Edwards. It doesnt begin to mean that if you know somebodys food you understand their culture but its a really valuable start. I think this year I struggled with this idea because theres so much going on the national regulatory side for our students right now and the climate I want people to care about that as much as they care about eating somebodys food. But if we make the mistake of forgetting that food is important and brings agency to people, were missing the point too. Despite its success and popularity among students, Food Bazaar represents just one step towards ensuring a more inclusive campus. The ISO cabinet will now spend the upcoming months focusing on the student grievances that pertain to their experiences on and off campus, as well as collaborating with other multicultural groups. Though ISO has generally been able to provide a safe space for international students, instances have still occurred in which international students have felt marginalized. Domestic students shouting USA at ISO Rave and criticizing the event, and professors committing microagressions in the classroom, show that the College is not immune to the national xenophobic climate. Our existence as an organization is so necessary specifically in response to these things for anyone hurt by nasty sentiments, Iyer said. For people who did not attend Food Bazaar, or those who would like to try dishes they loved at the event or did not get a chance to eat, Vincent Noh 19, vice president of ISO, compiled a cookbook of all entrees. The cookbook currently circulates online and is today available in physical copies. Food Bazaar is made possible by all chefs who participated, and by ISO cabinet members who oversaw the planning processes since the summer. Nath and Gaswami would like to thank Aarzoo Bhimani 21, Saketan Anand 21 and Sriyash Kadiyala 21 for their assisting in the cooking. ISO meets every Sunday at 1 p.m. in the ISO suite. The other cabinet members are publicity coordinators Nana Okamoto 21 Sophie Doddimeade 21 and social coordinators Prerana Adhikari 20 and Arunima Fatehpuria 21. They along with Noh were not available for comment at the time of publication. By Eva Hill hilleva@grinnell.edu Over the past few months, Grinnell College has witnessed a surge of announcements regarding voting in the Midterm Elections. The evening of Nov. 6 was no exception, as a devoted cohort of volunteers for the advocacy group NextGen America stood on the steps of the Joe Rosenfield Center (JRC) for hours with signs and megaphones, directing students to the polls. There was a unique sense of urgency as students came outside to board the shuttles, some of them going to vote for the first time in their lives. A few weeks prior to the elections, political science professor and Rosenfield Program Director Barb Trish sent an email to all faculty members in order to encourage them to remind their students to vote. In this email, she cited statistics from the National Study of Learning, Voting, and Engagement (NSLVE), which showed that Grinnell Colleges turnout, already unusually low for a college in its category, decreased in 2012 and 2016, while other schools had increased turnout between those elections. The NSLVE study compiles turnout data from participating campuses to determine changes over time and differences between schools. According to the Grinnell-specific NSLVE report, Grinnell went from 42.8 percent turnout among all eligible voters in 2012 to only 40.7 percent in 2016, while the average turnout of all participating institutions was 4.6 percent. Grinnells turnout dropped from being 4.1 points below the average in 2012 to nearly 10 points below in 2016. In addition, Grinnells voting rate among registered students fell from 61.2 percent to 58 percent, while the registration rate itself stayed constant. Faced with these statistics, Trish found herself with no option but to appeal to her colleagues to inspire their students. In the past, even as a political scientist, I wouldnt take class time to encourage participation, wrote Trish in an email to The S&B. We study it, try to understand why people participate and why they dont. We talk about methods and possible institutional changes that might facilitate higher turnout. But Ive always stopped short of saying go out and vote. But this time around, I thought that its worth a shot. And its worth encouraging other professors to do it too. Trish wrote in the email sent to professors, which she forwarded to The S&B, Grinnell students are not exercising their right to vote. Given how important it is for their voices to be heard in the electoral process, as well as confusing changes across Iowa and the country in the laws governing voting, I ask you to spend a small amount of class time to encourage voting and to clarify the process. Recent research has shown that making an appeal in the classroom to a semi-captive audience is an effective way to promote student voter participation. Trish emphasized that the email was intended only to encourage professors to support their students in registering and voting, and not, as she wrote for a particular candidate or party this is a plug for voting wherever the student chooses to vote, whether in a home state or in Iowa. Trishs email was not the only method in which students received encouragement to vote. Over the past several months, NextGen and student volunteers had hosted events and tabled to help students register to vote, as well as provide students with information on their voting location and requirements. In an email to The S&B, Grinnell College housing coordinator Lauren Myers wrote, As an institution, we have made a concerted effort this election to emphasize the power and importance of student voices in the political sphere. I think students can sometimes underestimate their ability to effect change, and we want to empower them to exercise their right to vote and facilitate that process in any way we can. According to Myers, the encouragement made an impact. She expressed hope that students are beginning to gain more interest in voting, as well as the political issues that affect them. I have noticed a significant increase in the number of students who have reached out to me, both to provide proof of residence documents in order to register but also to ask more general questions about the electoral process, she wrote. I think students are more aware this election of how impactful they are as a population, and how integral their participation is in bringing about change at federal, state, and local levels. Trish also felt hopeful going into the midterm elections that students would exercise their right to vote. I hope it prompts everyone students, faculty/staff/administrators to try to figure why its been low in the past and what can be done to facilitate engagement in the future, she wrote. Its not as if students and others havent tried hard in the past to encourage participation. And not to take anything away from the groups mobilizing this year because it looks they were creative and very effective but there did seem to be a receptivity to the idea of participating that had been absent in some recent election cycles. 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. Iran's oil minister on Thursday predicted a painful time ahead for international oil customers as U.S. sanctions take hold, saying waivers that Washington granted to eight major oil-importing countries are not enough for market demands. Iranian state TV quoted the minster, Bijan Zanganeh, as saying he sees the months ahead as "painful months for oil consumers." Zanganeh claimed the Trump administration may have been able to "superficially" bring fuel prices down ahead of the U.S. midterm elections this week but that there's bound to be a hike in prices in the future. The United States on Monday re-imposed oil and banking sanctions on Iran that where lifted under the 2015 nuclear deal but granted waivers to eight major importers to continue buying Iranian petroleum products without penalty for another six months. Kang denied that the cancellation will also lead to the postponement of a second U.S.-North Korea summit being eyed for early next year. Kang told the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee on Thursday that she heard from Washington that Pyongyang canceled the talks between U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un due to the two sides' "busy schedules." It was North Korea that canceled high-level talks with the U.S. scheduled for Thursday in New York, according to South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha. Announcing the cancellation, Pompeo said the talks will be held later, she said. "They are rescheduling the talks. Don't place too much significance on the postponement." "We'll also try to urge [the North] to resume talks through the inter-Korean channel," she added. Vice Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said there will be no great change on talks with North Korea in the wake of U.S. midterm elections. Minjoo Party lawmaker Lee Seok-hyun said, "Now there is an inter-Korean liaison office, isn't it possible to talk to North Korean officials anytime? Can't you ask them why they delayed the talks?" "I don't know anything about it yet," Unification Minister Cho Myoung-gyon replied. "We'll check if it's possible." Pyongyang has so far kept silent about the cancellation. "The North was silent when the U.S. announced the talks on Nov. 5," a government official here said. "So I don't think they'll talk about the postponement either." MBABANE Hancy Investments has proved its competitive edge by beating its competitor hands-down in Eswatini Electricity Companys E13 million tender. In tender results issued by the Swaziland Public Procurement Regulatory Agency (SPPRA), it was disclosed that Hancy Construction emerged as the best evaluated tenderer in the tender for design and construction of Ncandweni- Sinceni and Ndzevane sub-stations. The company, with principal offices based in Matsapha, outsmarted Angelique Swazi Infra with a difference of 19.5 per cent during evaluation. Hancy Construction scored 90.7 per cent, while its competitor managed to amass only 71.2 per cent. Apart from the evaluation scores which had an arguably large margin, the best evaluated tenderer had priced their bid at more than 100 per cent less than what had been submitted by Angelique Swazi Infra. Hancy Construction had tendered with a bid price of E13 253 288.43, while the second-best company submitted a bid of E44 736 817.01. The tender results signed off by EEC Commercial Service Manager, Busisiwe Masangane, precisely stipulated that in accordance with the Procurement Act of 2011 a period of 10 working days would be allowed for any application for review. The contract award decision does not constitute a contract, read the intention to award in part. EEC is a power utility, which was formed in 1963 to provide Electricity to the Eswatini nation by sourcing or generating power using the least cost sources of energy. MBABANE Haunted by judgments of former Chief Justice Michael Ramodibedi in the sale of estate property allegedly fraudulently purchased by businessman Walter Bennetts company, the executor of the estate wants a review of those judgments. Simon Vilane has approached the Supreme Court to overturn the rulings made by Ramodibedi, sitting both in the full bench that heard the appeal and review in 2014, in respect of the same matter. Vilane has taken the matter to the Supreme Court after Bennetts company, Lipney Investments (Pty) Ltd, had sought and obtained an order restraining the executor from transferring the disputed property, as well an order to register the property in its name. The appeal, which was dismissed in May 2014, was heard by Ramodibedi, sitting with Judge Ebrahim and Judge Bheki Maphalala, who is now the Chief Justice. Not satisfied with the ruling, Vilane took the matter up on review. The review application was heard by Ramodibedi, Judges Philip Levinsohn, Benjamin Odoki, Ebrahim and Moore on November 6, 2014. The application was dismissed on December 3 of the same year. That judgment was also written by Ramodibedi. Vilane wants the execution of the judgment stayed pending finalisation of the matter. Vilane is the executor of the estates of his late father Henry Ntonto Vilane, who died in 1979 and his brother Ben, who is now deceased. father He said his father, among other properties, owned Portion 3 of Farm No.28 situated in the Lubombo Region, measuring 429. 7 hectares, and Remaining Extent of Portion 1of Farm No.28 and No.261, both situated in the Lubombo Region. The plots measure 861 hecatres and 19 hectares respectively. The executor informed the court that new facts had come up regarding alleged fraud in the conduct of Bennett and the previous executor of his late fathers estate, Siboniso Clement Dlamini, which if the court was aware of, it would not have granted the judgments against the estate. MBABANE A liSwati woman who is based in Canada is demanding back her E280 000 from a pastor she was in a love relationship with. Nomphumelelo Kunene has since instituted legal proceedings against the clergyman, Ntokozo Dlamini. She informed the court that she met Dlamini through a mutual friend, who was also pastor. Kunene alleged that at that time, she was going through a failed marriage and Dlamini reached out to her and commenced a relationship of sort. During that period, I opened up to him over numerous personal things and he welcomed me as he projected himself as an honest man who was a pastor, submitted the plaintiff (Kunene). House According to Kunene, at the instigation of their relationship, she mentioned to the defendant (Dlamini) how she was disappointed by her previous contractor she had contracted to build a house for her mother. Immediately, the defendant mentioned that he was involved in construction as a project manager, so he was in a position to assist me in building my mothers house, submitted Kunene. She submitted that, with that undertaking and love that had been established between her and the man of the cloth, she agreed to give the building project to him since he had projected himself as a reliable contractor. transact Kunene said the project was scheduled to start on or about April 2017, and she proceeded to transact monies to the defendant to facilitate the construction of the house. Being a resident in Canada, I would transact such monies through electronic transfer and/or money-gram directly from Canada, alleged the plaintiff. She further alleged that at some point the pastor requested her to purchase on his behalf a BMW sedan and he was to refund her the money or give it to her sister for the building of the house. Kunene averred that when she enquired about the construction, the defendant would not have clear answers as to what was happening and would make up a lot of stories as to why the building project had not commenced. MBABANE The Motor Vehicle Accidents Act of 2011 will be put under scrutiny. A University of Eswatini (UNESWA) student, who was involved in an accident, wants the court to declare the portion of the act which requires one to indentify the motor vehicle or owner to be unconstitutional. Muzikakababa Sibiya decided to seek legal recourse after the Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accident Fund allegedly refused to compensate him on the basis that neither the owner nor the motor vehicle drivers identity could be established. First respondent in the matter is the Minister of Finance and Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accident Fund is the second. Sibiya wants the court to declare Section 11 of the Motor Vehicle Accidents Act, 2011 to be inconsistent with the Constitution and invalid. unreasonably He averred that this Act should be declared invalid on the grounds that it was arbitrary, irrational and unreasonably impeded road accident victims liability to enforce their statutory right to compensation, to an extent that it required someone who had been in comma as a result of a motor vehicle accident to be able to identify the third party. I respectfully state that I bring this application because, not only do I seek claim for damages; in essence, I seek to vindicate my right to dignity as guaranteed under Section 18 of the Constitution, submitted Sibiya. Giving a background of the matter, Sibiya submitted that on October 5, 2013 at around 8pm near Luyengo, he was walking with his friend Bongani Magagula. He said at the time he was a third year BSc. Animal Science student. The applicant (Sibiya) alleged that on the day in question, they were from UNESWA Luyengo Campus for a choir practice, as they were both members of the Students Christian Movement. I do recall that I and my friend (Magagula) were walking to our flat as we were staying off campus and there was light drizzle accompanied by a mist. I humbly state that Magagula now stays in Pretoria, submitted the applicant (Sibiya). SITEKI Examinations were disrupted at Bekezela Primary School yesterday when a Grade VII pupil went berserk and attacked his fellow schoolmates and teachers with a knife. Fortunately, nobody was injured as both the pupils and teachers reportedly fled and took refuge in nearby residences and shops. This was the second time in a space of three days that the Grade VII pupil had attacked his schoolmates and teachers in the same fashion, the schools administration said. On Monday, the pupil was writing his first paper when suddenly; he went berserk and attacked his fellow schoolmates with a knife. He had been writing on his own following a decision by the schools administration to separate him from the rest of the Grade VII pupils. Windows The decision to isolate him was taken following an earlier incident where he broke several windows at the school in a fit of rage, the schools administration said. During the Monday incident, the pupil reportedly left his solitary exam room and went straight to the home economics class to fetch a knife. He then stormed the examination room in an attempt to attack his schoolmates who were writing their Mathematics paper, witnesses said. Terrified pupils reportedly abandoned their examination papers and bolted out of the examination room, some through the windows. Some pupils reportedly got injured as they fled from the raging pupil, who was armed with the knife. One pupil hurt himself during the skirmish. But fortunately, all the pupils managed to flee and hid at a nearby clinic, said Head teacher Lucky Mdluli. According to Mdluli, terrified teachers also fled to their houses as the knife-wielding pupil confronted everyone he came across within the school premises. I also hid inside my office as I feared for my life. I later ran to my house, added Mdluli. During the rage, the pupil hit the door to the exam room with stones and further gouged it with the knife he was carrying. The pupil was eventually restrained by community members and his relative, said Mdluli. Yesterday, the pupil had not reported to school after he was barred by the schools administration from setting foot within the school premises. However, he defied the ban and stormed the school at around 11am yesterday. According to the schools administration, the Grade VIIs had already finished their morning paper and were now preparing for the afternoon paper when the knife-wielding pupil stormed the school again. Again, pupils and teachers managed to flee and outran him, said a witness. Just like they did in the previous incident, the pupils took refuge at the nearby shop and clinic. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close By Trend Delegation headed by Commander of the US Transportation Command, General Stephen Lyons, arrived in Baku for a working visit, the press service of the Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) said on Nov. 9. During the visit, the guests got acquainted with the Baku Cargo Terminal located at Heydar Aliyev International Airport. Terminal building's total area is 25,000 square meters making it the biggest and most technically advanced cargo terminal in the CIS. The Baku Cargo Terminal is a link for the transportation of goods between the US and Asia. At the meeting with President of AZAL Jahangir Askerov, the parties expressed satisfaction with the strong partnership relations between the two countries in the field of aviation. Askerov noted the successful development of bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and the US in the field of civil aviation. In particular, Boeing, being the largest US Aerospace Corporation, is a strategic partner of AZAL. In addition, since June 2016, Open Skies Agreement has been in force between Azerbaijan and the US through which operators have been provided with more affordable and efficient passenger and cargo air transportation services. By virtue of the normative framework improvement of civil aviation in Azerbaijan, Federal Aviation Administration of the US has assigned to Azerbaijan the highest level of aviation security Category A. It enabled to launch a direct flight between two countries. AZAL's regular flights from Baku to New York are carried out on modern Boeing-787-8 Dreamliner Aircraft. During the meeting it was noted that a modern transport infrastructure was created in Azerbaijan, and that there is a great potential for expanding cooperation in the transport, transit and logistics sectors. According to Lyons, Azerbaijan is a reliable partner in all directions, including in the transport sector. According to him, the US highly appreciates the contribution of Azerbaijan to cooperation in the field of security, including peace-support operations in Afghanistan. By Trend "Israel is ready to make peace with every Arab country", Construction Minister and former OC Southern Command Yoav Gallant told The Jerusalem Post in an exclusive interview. All of the relations we have with Arab countries, every relationship that is conducted behind closed doors and not publicly, this is done by their own choice. Israel is ready for peace with every Arab country, Gallant, who is also a member of the security cabinet, told the Post in his office in Jerusalem ahead of the papers annual Diplomatic Conference. If you look at the picture, there is no real reason for Saudi Arabia or the Gulf states to fight with Israel. We have shared interests, a shared enemy called Iran, which threatens Saudi Arabia from close with all that it has. And therefore there is no reason we should not be in the process to have peace in the region, he said. Israel always stretches its hand out for peace with its neighbors... as it did after the Yom Kippur War with the Egyptians. While Israel has no official ties with any Arab country except for Egypt and Jordan, the relationships with Saudi Arabia and Gulf states have grown stronger in recent years due to the shared concerns about Irans actions and ambitions in the Middle East. According to Gallant, who will be addressing the Jerusalem Post Diplomatic Conference in Jerusalem on November 21, the threat of Irans expansion in the region is a common threat for Israel and all Arab states, as well as the West. The Iranians are the most significant and dangerous threat to Israel and the entire Western world. The distance from Iran to the Mediterranean Sea is around 1,500 km. they have no business being here, he said. But Iran is a terrorist imperialist regime which is trying to build nuclear weapons, he continued, explaining that Tehran controls three countries outside its borders in Iraq through its Shiite militias, in Lebanon through Hezbollah, and in Yemen through the Houthi rebels and is trying very hard to entrench itself in Syria, which would pose a threat to both Jordan and Israel. We need to stop the Shiite fire, Gallant stressed, emphasizing the need for an international coalition with the United States, Europe and Russia to push Iran and Hezbollah out of Syria. We need to make sure we dont make the same mistake that we did in Lebanon and allow an Iranian military presence in Syria, he said, adding that Israel cannot allow the Syrian regime to have access to advanced weaponry which makes its way from Iran to Lebanon via Syria. We can take out Iran from Syria, but we need to continue having a coalition with those who can help us, he said, explaining that there is no country that wants Iran to remain in Syria. While Gallant did not mention the Gulf states or Saudi Arabia as part of that coalition, in October IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Gadi Eisenkot met with his counterparts from several Arab countries, including Saudi Arabias Chairman of the General Staff Gen. Fayyadh bin Hamid al-Ruwaili, on the sidelines of the Countering Violent Extremist Organizations Conference for military commanders in Washington, reportedly discussing several regional issues, including Iran. Relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia are at their worst in years with both accusing the other of subverting regional security. Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman caused an uproar earlier this year when he recognized Israels right to exist. While the aforementioned meeting seems to have been the first publicized meeting between Eisenkot and Ruwaili, it is the second consecutive year that the two officers attended this conference, where they are believed to have also spoken about the threat posed by Iran. Last November, following Eisenkots first participation in the conference, he gave an unprecedented interview to the Saudi Elaph newspaper based in London and offered to share Israeli intelligence about Iran with Riyadh, telling the newspaper that what he heard from the Saudis about Iranian expansion was identical to Israeli concerns. Calling for a new international alliance in the Middle East, Eisenkot stated that there needs to be a large, comprehensive strategic plan to stop the Iranian threat. This is what should be prevented in the region, he said, adding that in this matter there is complete agreement between us and Saudi Arabia. The Houthis, who are armed by Iran and reported to have been trained by Hezbollah, have also fired several ballistic missiles into Saudi Arabia, including one that targeted Riyadh a day before US President Donald Trump visited the kingdom last May. According to Gallant, Hezbollah is Irans frontward army and therefore it is important that American sanctions begin. Thanking Trump and his administration for leaving the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action nuclear deal, Gallant said it is was the most significant development for Israel, which had been opposed to the deal. I want to thank Trump and his administration for what they said when they left the nuclear deal that it doesnt matter what is signed, we know you are lying to us. When America says something like that, it has a major effect on Iran in terms of sanctions and political dilemmas. It makes the Iranians deal with their imperialist dreams, he said, adding that he hopes the pressure will continue. In August Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman said that Iran was providing funding to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force in Syria, Hezbollah, Shiite militias in Iraq and Houthi militias in Yemen, as well as Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Gaza, costing them $2.5 billion a year, despite all the difficulties and internal issues in the country, Liberman stressed. Iran wants to have Israel busy on several fronts in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria while at the same time it builds up its nuclear arsenal. Its an asymmetric war, Gallant said. Hezbollah is 10 times stronger than Hamas, and we must be aware of this and its consequences. Any incident with Hezbollah and there will be war, he warned, explaining that Hamas is a weaker but more restive enemy. They are annoyed. But, if Israel decides to, we can do whatever we want in Gaza. Just days after the interview was conducted, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu his wife, Sara, and senior intelligence officials met the sultan of Oman on a surprise, eight-hour visit. It was the first of its kind in over two decades and led to unprecedented public visits by Israeli ministers to Gulf states. Communications Minister Ayoub Kara attended an international media conference in Dubai, and Culture and Sport Minister Miri Regev attended the international judo contest in Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates, where Israels national anthem was played after two gold-medal wins. A week later Transportation Minister Israel Katz arrived in Oman for an international conference. GWC Community Services (the Greek Welfare Centre of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia in NSW), as part of the month-long community awareness month October 2018, in collaboration with Inner West Council on Friday 2nd November at Marrickville Town Hall organised an event titled Greek Cultural Day devoted to the migratory wave of Greek immigrants in the 1960s and 1970s, which in their overwhelming majority settled in and around the wider area of the Sydney suburb, Marrickville. Attending the event were the Parish Priest of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Marrickville, Father Christodoulos Economou, the Federal Member for Grayndler, Mr Anthony Albanese, the Mayor of Inner West Council, Mr Darcy Byrne, and around 130 local Greek people. As part of the events program Mrs. Stella Sorotou, teacher at St. Spyridons Greek Orthodox College, Sydney, talked about the historical timeline of Greek migration to Australia, and a short video production of the students of the College was also presented. Migration was the reason for our separation from our motherland Greece, said Mrs Sorotou. At the same time, however, it was the reason and the occasion for us to unite Greeks all over the world in a special way and to keep the timeless values we inherited from our home, love for freedom and dignity, in our hearts in particular, she said. The program of the event lasted four hours and all guests were able to wonder the hall to look at a photo and book exhibition about Greek immigration of the 1960s and 1970s, which celebrated the universal presence of the Greeks in the region so much so that Marrickville was dubbed Greekville. Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne then presented an Award to the owners of the Corinthian Rotisserie Greek Restaurant in Marrickville, while the GWC Seniors Choir entertained the guests with singing and dancing of folk Greek songs. The event came to a close with a traditional Greek lunch. GWC Community Services is the social and welfare services arm of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese located in Sydney, Australia. It is a not for profit organisation that provides services and programs to meet the needs of individuals, children and families, the frail aged, people with dementia and their carers. Read more at greekcitytimes.com RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons Copyright: Beau Giless License: CC-BY-SA Fiscal experts admit that better welfare for the needy is necessary but warn that using such programs as cash incentives could be dangerous. The amount could swell further as both ruling and opposition parties woo voters with increased pensions and childcare benefits. The welfare budget proposals submitted by ministries and other government agencies amount to W27.2 trillion, and another W6.1 trillion is needed according to regional government proposals, bringing the total tally to W33.3 trillion. In addition, lawmakers are pushing to extend child support for families with children under five to include the top 10 percent of the income bracket, who are currently excluded. Experts agreed that it is necessary to bolster the social safety net but express concerns at the speed of increase. Last year, when President Moon Jae-in stepped into office, Korea's welfare bill totaled W22.9 trillion, but that rose to W26.1 trillion this year and will now jump again, an increase of W10 trillion in the span of just two years. That amount of money would be enough to boost Korea's annual research and development budget of W20 trillion 1.5 times. Hwang Sung-hyeon at Inha University, who was chief of the Korea Institute of Public Finance during the Roh Moo-hyun administration, said, "Expanding welfare benefits and pursuing income-led growth are necessary, while cash support is more effective than other forms of aid. But the government will have to explain where the money is to come from if it wants to gain trust." Makronisos is an island that served as a detention center for political prisoners between the late 1940s and the early 1970s. It is not inhabited now and it is rather difficult to visit Award-winning and best-selling writer Victoria Hislop has been inspired once again by Greece, this time from Makronisos, an island close to Attiva and Evia laden with a tragic political history. After The Island, the new book by the British author, was inspired by Spinalonga and is an historical novel of 20th century Greece. Its story begis in 1926 and stretches until after the Civil War in the 1950s. The writer, who has repeatedly shown her love and admiration for Greece and has been living in the country for some time, said that the beaches, the sea and the food are wonderful, but the most important of all is its history. This is why she explores new places with every opportunity she has to visit Greece. Hislop spoke to the Athens News Agency about her inspiration and her future plans at the London WTM Tourism Fair, where she was participating in the press conference organized by the Greek Ministry of Tourism. The inspiration for this book came very specifically from a visit at Sounio, at the Temple of Poseidon, probably ten years ago. As I was looking at the sea, I could see some rocks there and asked the man who was with me which island is that. Maklronisos, was the answer, and I asked again what Makronisos is He was a Greek she said meaningfully. RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons Copyright: NASA License: CC-BY-SA The 18th-century monastery is situated on the seafront of the village and it can be seen from the ferries that usually deck on the harbour November 8 is the largest religious celebration on the Greek island of Symi - the Feast day of the Monastery of Archangel Michael in Panormitis, which attracts visitors from all over Greece and the world. Panormitis is a holy monastery visited daily by many Greeks and non-Greeks who pray here for health, protection and fertility and is renowned for many miracles. The monastery of Panormitis is 10 km southwest of Symi, and is dedicated to the Archangel Michael. It is believed to have been constructed during the years of the Turkish domination and has been reconstructed several times but its most important restoration was, done by Anastasis Karnavas between 1777 and 1873. Inside the monastery, are many paintings created by the local artists Nikitas and Michailos Karakostis- a carved screen that bears the image of the Archangel, and many votive offerings. The 18th-century monastery is situated on the seafront of the village and it can be seen from the ferries that usually deck on the mentioned harbour, offering one of the best sights. It is protected by an inlet that leads to a wide harbour and a small beach with fine sand that is usually empty. The Venetian style monastery has great artifacts, such as antique chandeliers, and an impressive silver icon of the Archangel, which is the Patron Saint of the island, as well as the protector of sailors. Its vestry contains sacerdotal vestments, silver work, jewellery, icons and offerings. The tradition has it that sailors placed these vestments in bottles, which they washed up onshore. Once visiting the Monastery, you will also see the chalice, ornate gospel, embossed and gold-plated epitaph, and a reliquary. The library of the monastery features rare books and hand-written codices, most of them being donations by believers. Outside the monastery, is its celebrated bell, made in Russia at captain Trekas expense, and the watch donated by the Simian sponge trader Faraklis. The locals call Panormitis a thief because, according to legend, if a vow is not being redeemed, he takes it back himself. At its festival, celebrated on the 8th of November and at Pentecost, the area is swarming with pilgrims from all across Greece. The visitors can stop overnight in its guesthouse, which can accommodate 500 people. Only a few kilometers from the monastery, you can also visit the site of Faneromeni and the islet Seskli, opposite Panormitis, with the Pelasgian fortification walls. On the feast day crowds of pilgrims flock to the monastery on the southern point of the island. This is an occasion for family reunions and countless Symiots who work in Rhodes, Athens and other regions and come to visit their families. On the eve of the festival the bishop conducts vespers. On the following day of the feast, Mass is conducted by the bishop and the icon of Panormitis is carried in procession. Clerics and church-goers carry the icon through the large courtyard to the waterfront, through the grove and to the graveyard. Today, a great number of mostly Greek and also non-Greek travellers arrive in the island to enjoy this local festivity. Many pilgrims who come here during this period, are offered free accommodation, food and wine. The inner courtyards of the monastery have many exotic plants and trees providing a warm and pleasant environment for visitors. There is also a sanctuary, ideal for those seeking for some solitude. Ferries and excursion boats connect Symi town with Panormitis. It is also accessed with a car. The small village of Panormitis provides a great sense of peace and a visit to the great Archangel Michael monastery is soothing to the soul. Tama (favour) to Archangel Michael According to tradition, if someone asks a favour of the Archangel they must vow to give something in exchange. If the offering (tama) is not made the Archangel will find a way to take it. One famous miracle that still frequently occurs today is the miracle of the Archangel preventing boats from leaving the dock. This is such a frequent occurrence that captains announce over the PA asking whoever has forgotten a promise to the Archangel to get off and leave their tama. Once this promise is fulfilled only then do the boats engines function. Consequently, the interior of the Monastery is covered in thousands upon thousands of tamata left by pilgrims, both local and overseas, including model ships made from gold and silver. Messages in a bottle Another tradition are the bottles with prayers inside. This originated from Greek sailors, who would cast these into the sea and would end up on the shoreline of the monastery. Nowadays, many believers around the world still practice this tradition. The Monastery has put many of these messages on display in the museum. Broom offering A local custom of the Dodecannese is to offer a traditional broom made of straw or reed. Church tradition has passed down that monks from the Monastery would hear the Archangel sweeping his Monastery at night with these broom offerings. According to local tradition, many people who gave these offerings have been visited by the Archangel in their sleep. The icon The icon appeared miraculous and on several occasions was removed only to reappear in the same place. The Monastery The Monastery is a very popular place of pilgrimage. It includes two museums which house a large collection of ecclesiastical art, icons, ship model offerings and important objects of the islands folk culture. The Monasterys dorm-house can accommodate up to 500 people and allows entire families to stay. Read more at greekcitytimes.com RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons Copyright: Vadim Indeikin License: CC-BY-SA Emirates is set for its largest participation yet at the 2018 edition of the Bahrain International Airshow (BIA) taking place from November 14-16. This is the first time the airline will showcase its 100th A380, which is emblazoned with the HH Sheikh Zayed decal as a tribute to the late founding father of the UAE. The aircraft on display will allow both trade visitors and the general public to explore all the features on this latest generation double-decker, including Emirates refreshed OnBoard Lounge. The Emirates Flight Training Academy, which was inaugurated one year ago at the Dubai Airshow, will also participate at this years Bahrain Airshow with an Embraer Phenom 100EV jet on display, one of the Academys twin-engine training aircraft. The Emirates Flight Training Academy is a state-of-the-art facility that was developed by Emirates to meet the global aviation industrys requirement for skilled commercial pilots. The academy provides advanced learning technologies and training aircraft that provide opportunities for training cadets to develop and sharpen their flying knowledge and skills. Adel Al Redha, executive vice president and chief operations officer for Emirates, said: The Bahrain International Airshow is an important event for the aviation and aerospace community, both regionally and on an international level. The Emirates A380 and Phenom 100EV being showcased during the Airshow demonstrate our commitment to Bahrain and highlight Emirates contribution to the growth and development of aviation in the region. Anticipated to be popular with aviation enthusiasts as well as the general public visiting the Bahrain International Airshow, the Emirates A380 will feature 14 luxurious First Class suites, 76 flatbed seats in Business Class and 429 spacious seats in Economy Class, as well a refreshed Emirates OnBoard Lounge. Since the new OnBoard Lounge went into service in August 2017, it has wowed customers with more seating options, mood lighting, modern finishes, and other technological features. Emirates is the largest operator of the A380, flying this popular aircraft to 50 destinations around the world. Recently, the airline launched new scheduled A380 services to Hamburg and Osaka. The airline currently has 105 A380s in service and has a further 57 on order. Emirates has been flying to Bahrain since 2000 and serves the Kingdom with four daily flights, and has deployed its iconic A380 to the Kingdom on a number of occasions. - TradeArabia News Service The Brexit Briefing: Impact on the Evolution of Trade and Investment Since the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union in June 2016, Brexit discussions have focused on the term of separation and its implication for UK and EU citizens. But the nature of the UK/EU relationship post-Brexit is also hugely important, especially for financial services. With less than 180 days until the split is official and just two years until the prospective transition period ends (conditional on the two sides agreeing on the terms of separation), market participants are increasingly beginning to examine the global implications of Brexit on the capital markets and how Brexit will transform the U.S. relationship with the UK and EU. At SIFMAs 2018 Annual Meeting, The Capital Markets Conference, in Washington, DC, experts from the financial services industry, the UK Government, U.S. regulators and academia addressed how firms are preparing for Brexit, what still needs to be accomplished, and the different scenarios for structures of a Brexit deal, including the possibility of no deal being reached Financial firms are preparing for a multitude of Brexit scenarios. When asked about the potential impact of Brexit on American companies, Cathy Bessant, Chief Operations and Technology Officer for Bank of America, emphasized, Were amending our legal entity structures, so that were in the right place. Were getting used to the thought of being regulated by new regulators, who may never have seen a company of our size before. Speaking specifically to the impact of Brexit on American markets, the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission Chairman J. Christopher Giancarlo explained, We will stay very focused on this until the end. No question its going to have an impact. But overall, our markets are strong. The question that then remains is, how disruptive will Brexit be? Hard Brexit is defined as the UK leaving the EUs single market to gain full control over its own lawmaking, budget and immigration policies, with no established preferential access to EU markets. Our panel indicated that the single market system for financial services will not work for the UK, because its intrinsically tied to the free movement of people, and immigration was one of the perceived drivers of the Brexit vote. Damian Nussbaum, Director of Economic Development for the City of London, placed perspective on this issue when he pointed out, The gazillion dollar problem is they [EU] see it as protecting the euro and the single market system, but its more than just about single markets. Additionally, the UK doesnt feel its in its best interest to be a rule taker from the EU on how to run its financial markets, given the significance of its industry on the global stage. Instead, the UK wants a bilateral treaty building on existing regulatory equivalence regimes, like the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement. As Alice Campbell, Economic Counsellor at the British Embassy, said, The UK government is planning on the basis of a deal, but it is also planning for other scenarios. 1 2 next For more information on related topics, visit the following channels: FLASHBACK FRIDAY GALLERY: 33rd Georgia Securities Association Autumn Fall Outing Everything is always peachy in Georgia. In this weeks FLASHBACK FRIDAY gallery Traders Magazine dials the clock back 10 years to 2008 when the Georgia Securities Association held its Annual Fall Outing. The current leader of the GSA is President Randy Loving of Montag Wealth Management. A Portfolio Manager, Loving also worked as a Sector Portfolio Manager with Silvant Capital for eight years focusing on the financial services sector as well as semiconductors. Prior to Silvant, he was an analyst on the large capitalization growth team for Trusco Capital Management. Please click here to view the images For more information on related topics, visit the following channels: A refugee family from Cameroon sit outside a shelter at Adagom settlement in Ogoja, south-east Nigeria, September 2018. UNHCR/Roqan Ojomo The number of Cameroonian refugees fleeing violence and seeking refuge in Nigeria crossed the 30,000 mark this week. Refugees fleeing the South-West and North-West Regions of Cameroon have been arriving since September 2017. Almost 600 arrived in refugee settlements in the last two weeks. Four out of every five of those registered so far are women and children, driven out after last years protests turned violent. They are being sheltered in Nigerias states of Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Benue and Taraba, most of them being hosted within local communities. Most of the latest arrivals come from the Akwaya and Eyumojock sub-divisions in Cameroon. People are telling us they were ordered to leave their houses due to increasing violence in their home areas. As official border entry points remain closed, UNHCR and its partners are present at the border areas inside Nigeria, around the most used informal access points, to assess the situation and the needs of new arrivals. UNHCR is facilitating the voluntary relocation of refugees from the border points to the settlements of Adagom (Cross River) and Anyake (Benue), which provide better security and shelter as well as access to essential services such as food, health or education. We are working with the Nigerian Government, through its National Commission for Refugees (NCFRMI), and State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA). This crisis erupted last year after protests turned violent, amid calls for secession. So far this year, some 400 civilians have been killed in escalating attacks between separatist groups and government forces, according to rights groups. Currently, more than 9,000 Cameroonian refugees have been moved to new settlements, where they receive food as well as essential items such as mattresses, mosquito nets, stoves and cooking utensils, as well as equipment to build shelters. With bricks, timber, nails or corrugated iron sheets, they can start to rebuild a place to call home. These settlements allow better access to critical assistance. Our partners on the ground distribute dignity kits for women and girls. These kits include, among other items, buckets, soap and towels. In some instances, cash assistance is provided to enable refugees in the settlements to buy food directly from the markets in host communities, as those settlements are meant to facilitate the integration of those forced to flee and those welcoming them. Despite all our efforts and those of our partners, the needs of the refugees are far from being met. Another 21,000 refugees are currently living with host communities, in over 50 localities spread across an area of some 116,000 square kilometres. The rainy season and harsh road conditions to remote areas makes the assistance to the refugees outside of the newly-developed settlement very difficult, with acute needs for food, shelter, water and sanitation. Education is also one of such essential needs, with 48 per cent of the registered refugees being of school age yet out of school, for more than two years for many of them. Inside Cameroon, access to areas affected in North West and South West is very limited. Humanitarian agencies are discussing with the government the need for improved access to the displaced population. It is estimated that some 436,000 people may be internally displaced. Together with OCHA, which coordinates the UN response in the country, we have started deploying personnel in Buea to help meet the needs of the displaced people. For more information on this topic, please contact: A North Korean laborer who worked in a shipyard in Poland for several years accuses a Dutch shipbuilding company of exploitation in "slave-like conditions." Dutch law firm Prakken d'Oliveira said Thursday that it filed a complaint on behalf of the laborer against the shipbuilder, whose name was not revealed, taking advantage of a Dutch law that makes profiting from exploitation a criminal offense even if the company was not the victim's direct employer. Reuters reported that this is the first time ever that a North Korean laborer has taken legal action in a third country. To protect the laborer, the law firm did not reveal his identity. The laborer claims that he was forced to work 12 hours a day in slave-like conditions for Polish shipyard Crist SA, but the Dutch shipbuilder, despite knowing the situation, continued to place orders with the shipyard. The laborer is believed to have escaped and sought asylum. Poland has been a European hub for North Korean labor exports. European human rights organizations have exposed the dire working and living conditions of North Korean workers in Poland on multiple occasions, but this is the first time legal action has been taken, and activists hope the landmark lawsuit will create momentum to turn the international spotlight on the gross human rights violations suffered by North Korean laborers abroad. The UN estimates that there are 50,000 to 60,000 North Korean laborers around the world who earn hard currency for the regime. A displaced Yemeni mother and daughter sit in a makeshift shelter in Hudaydah City, Yemen, May 2017. UNHCR/Shabia Mantoo UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is extremely concerned about the recent intensification of conflict in Yemens Al Hudaydah governorate and its impact on the civilian population as well as on humanitarian aid operations. Conflict has escalated significantly around Hudaydah City and eastern and southern areas of the Governorate. Fierce clashes, air strikes and shelling inflicted scores of civilian casualties. In October alone, 94 civilians were killed and 95 injured in Al Hudaydah governorate. There is also damage to civilian infrastructure including health facilities and houses. As testament to how dire the situation is, some 445,000 people from Al Hudaydah Governorate have been forced to flee since June, according to UN data. While the number of those remaining in Hudaydah City is difficult to gauge, UNHCR is worried that people needing to flee for safety are unable to do so, trapped by military operations, which are increasingly confining populations and cutting off exit routes. The fighting has also resulted in the closure of Kilo 16, the main road inland towards the capital, Sanaa, choking the lifeline for aid operations and commercial markets for the governorate and its surrounding regions. UNHCR is also especially concerned that fighting is blocking access to our humanitarian supplies in Hudaydah. A UNHCR warehouse stocked with emergency shelter and essential aid items for conflict affected and displaced Yemenis has been cut off by an active front line, even as the need for these items grows. UNHCR is urgently appealing to parties to the conflict to protect civilians and humanitarian personnel; and to secure humanitarian relief items stored in Al Hudaydah. UNHCR exhorts all parties to the conflict to allow and facilitate rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief for civilians in need and ensure the protection of humanitarian infrastructure in accordance with international humanitarian law. UNHCR reiterates its appeal for an urgent cessation of hostilities in Yemen. Almost four years of conflict have resulted in the worlds largest humanitarian crisis with 22 million people, or 75 per cent of the countrys entire population, now requiring assistance or protection. Two million Yemenis have also been displaced across the country. For more information on this topic, please contact: Time to make amends with the robots From:Shine | 2018-11-09 00:29 Andy Boreham plays against Omrons ping-pong robot. Yesterday was my time to shine here at the import expo when I came across an amazing-looking grand piano during my adventure. I decided I couldnt pass up the opportunity to give the tired visitors and exhibitors a rare treat a few minutes under the embrace of my amazing piano skills. I sat down, warmed my hands with a few stretches and started to belt out my rendition of a contemporary classic: Hello by Adele. A hundred ears and eyes were transfixed on my masterpiece and by me. As I approached the final verse, I slowed my pace, ever so slightly, then sped up again. The climax came with a round of applause what seemed like the entire hall was enthralled and wanting more. If you believed that, Im a better storyteller than my friends give me credit for. Perhaps owing to my rocky run-in with robots earlier on at the import expo, yesterday was my day to make amends with our digital friends. I set out to purposefully push my own limits, and the first thing I came across was quite a treat. Steinway & Sons, who are based in the United States but produce their instruments in Germany, offer a special grand piano that is something to behold: It can play one of 3,000 masterpieces at the touch of a button. David Yu from the company let me sit down and scroll through the library of songs, all played by master musicians and reproduced with the accuracy and nuance of a live concert. Most of our customers are individuals wanting to enjoy piano music at home, but cant necessarily play themselves, Yu told me. He couldnt tell me the price thats something they dont discuss. Perhaps its a case of if you need to ask the price then this isnt for you. But thats not necessarily the reason why Yu doesnt have one at home, although I didnt want to assume. I live in Shanghai, he laughed. Most apartments here are not conducive to the placement of a grand piano! The next stop was the exhibit of Japans Omron Corporation which, despite having a ping-pong playing robot as their main attraction at the import expo, actually produces robots for use in factories. This ping-pong machine senses its opponents moves and skill level, mimicking it to some degree, Liu Xiaojun, an engineer from the company, told me. He invited me to have a play which, despite the fact that I haved lived in China for a few years now, is something Ive never tried. Just my luck, my first time playing ping-pong would be against a robot from Japan! Dont worry, he assured me. The robots aim is to play with you, not to beat you. That was some relief, and then I realized it was definitely the case when I won against the machine three times. I guess it saw how bad I was and wanted to build my confidence. I asked Liu if Omron had thought about actually putting the ping-pong machine on the market, since the crowds of people visiting the companys stall seemed fixated on it, and not so much on the companys actual products. Thats not on the cards now, he said. But we do improve the machine for exhibitions like this every year in order to show off our latest technology. In any event, I did enjoy my day mixing and mingling with some of the robots on show at the import expo. Im still not sure if theyre ready just yet to steal my job, but theyre well on the way. #stepmother Woman arrested on charges of beating stepson to death A woman has been arrested on charges of beating her 3-year-old stepson to death for not listening to her, police said Sunday. The suspect, 33, was arrested without a warrant on ... GLO.ACT participates in Fifth Border Security and Management Workshop with OSCE and Mediterranean Partners Madrid, Spain - 8 November 2018 - The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) invited GLO.ACT Project Support Officer Aleksander Piecyk to speak at the fifth Border Security and Management workshop in Madrid, Spain on 23 October 2018. The interactive five-day training course was organized by the Border Security and Management Unit of the OSCE Transnational Threats Department, in close co-operation with the Spanish National Police (La Policia Nacional). The training course brought together 22 members of the OSCE Mediterranean Points of Contact Network, the high-level participants represented the border and customs services of Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia. The workshop was opened by the Head of the International Cooperation division of the Spanish National Police, Major Commander Carlos Velazquez. He highlighted the importance of these workshops and cooperation between all Mediterranean partners in matters of Border Management and Security. Experts from the Spanish National Police shared their best practices on how to address challenges regarding migration flows at the borders as well as cross-border threats linked to terrorism and organized crime. The participants covered differences between the smuggling and trafficking of human beings, the respective legal frameworks in the Mediterranean region and interviewing techniques to be used when working with human trafficking victims. They also engaged in practical exercises on maritime border protection, the identification of potential foreign terrorist fighters at border crossings, the international protection of migrant children, and mainstreaming gender in the security sector. The representative of the Egyptian delegation began by saying that Egypt views migration as a positive phenomenon. "We have over half million Syrians and we do not use the word refugee, they are Egyptians who live side by side with us" She stressed the need of international cooperation and increased dialogue with the EU as well Egypt's role as a transit and more recently destination country. The GLO.ACT Project Officer trained participants on the key differences between Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants, behavioural indicators to help identify victims of exploitation and on the importance of a victim-centred and gendered approach. Mr. Piecyk highlighted the linkages between TIP and SOM and many other crimes including weapons smuggling and drug trafficking. He introduced participants to the UNODC Case Law Database, where anyone can access actual prosecuted and convicted cases of TIP and SOM from around the world, and then worked through actual cases with participants to best prepare them for the challenges they could face when performing their duties. Finally, he shared GLO.ACT best practices in many of the key areas identified by each delegation to institutionalize many of the lessons learned across GLO.ACT's 13 countries. Experts from FRONTEX, Italy's Guardia di Finanza, the International Organization for Migration, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, the Spanish Red Cross, and staff from the OSCE's Border Security and Management Unit also participated in the workshop. This training course was the fifth activity of a multi-year OSCE initiative aimed at strengthening co-operation mechanisms between the border security and management agencies of the OSCE participating States and the Mediterranean Partners for Co-operation. The GLO.ACT Project Officer also met with members of the Spanish National Police, The Guardia Civil and Judges from every court in Spain at the premier of a documentary highlighting Trafficking in Persons for sexual exploitation in Spain, El Proxeneta. The documentary features the UNODC Blue Heart Campaign against Trafficking in Persons and plans are underway to screen the movie to a wider audience at UNODC headquarters in Vienna, Austria. The Global Action to Prevent and Address Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants (GLO.ACT) is a four-year (2015-2019), 11 million joint initiative by the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The project is being implemented in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). GLO.ACT aims to provide assistance to governmental authorities and civil society organizations across 13 strategically selected countries: Belarus, Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Kyrgyz Republic, Lao PDR, Mali, Morocco, Nepal, Niger, Pakistan, South Africa, Ukraine. GLO.ACT works with the 13 countries to plan and implement strategic national counter-trafficking and counter smuggling efforts through a prevention, protection, prosecution, and partnerships approach. It supports the development of more effective responses to trafficking and smuggling, including providing assistance to victims of trafficking and vulnerable migrants through the strengthening of identification, referral, and direct support mechanisms. External links: Official OSCE Press Release For more information, please contact: www.unodc.org/unodc/en/human-tr afficking/glo-act/ Email: glo.act@un.org Twitter: @glo_act Published: November 09, 2018 Sykes College Of Business Again Named One of the Worlds Top Business Schools by The Princeton Review and Bloomberg Businessweek The Princeton Review and Bloomberg Businessweek have both again named The University of Tampas Sykes College of Business as one of the best business schools in the world. For the13th year in a row, Princeton Review named the Sykes College of Business as an outstanding business school and one of the 252 outstanding on-campus MBA programs. The Princeton Review features the school in the book Best Business Schools for 2019. The Princeton Review tallied its ranking lists based on institutional data and surveys of 18,400 students attending the 252 business schools. In the Sykes College of Business write up, students are quoted as saying that the academic experience is excellent. The school has built an environment that pushes the students to talk to each other and ask each other for support, and that The University of Tampa does an excellent job preparing you for the business world. Students also appreciate the cheap tuition, and that most of the classes require heavy interaction instead of just the instructor speaking. Lastly, students also praise the gorgeous, lively campus that includes a business building that is top notch, with up-to-date facilities. Also, for the third year in a row, the Sykes College of Business was named as one of the top business programs by Bloomberg Businessweek. The Bloomberg rankings were determined by surveys of students and recent alumni, along with job-placement and compensation data provided by the schools. In the four indexes used for the ranking (compensation, networking, learning and entrepreneurship), the Sykes College of Business scored highest in learning, which focused on whether the curriculum is applicable to real-world business situations; the degree of emphasis on innovation, problem-solving and strategic thinking; the level of inspiration and support from instructors; class size; and collaboration. In the article, alumni and students stated that the Sykes College of Business perfectly matched any Ivy League MBAs and quality of delivery is excellent, given the depth of skills of the professors in the program, and that the program challenges you to be a better leader and to think like a leader. The Sykes College of Business offers both undergraduate and graduate coursework. Graduate students can pursue an MBA, as well as Master of Science degrees in accounting, finance and marketing. There are joint M.S./MBA degrees, as well as part-time, full-time and executive MBA schedules. Frank Ghannadian, dean of the Sykes College of Business, said the College of Business attracts students from around the globe and is renowned for graduating students who make immediate impact in the business community and within their countries. Im proud of all the business students who work extremely hard to reach their goals, faculty who are outstanding teachers and scholars, and the vibrant business community that supports the College of Business every day, Ghannadian said. Ghannadian added that numerous businesses recruit annually at The University of Tampa, including T. Rowe Price, Citigroup, Syniverse Technologies, Coca-Cola Enterprises and Franklin Templeton Investments. Within an 80,000-square-foot facility, the College of Business offers state-of-the-art resources such as the Huizenga Family Foundation Trading Center and more than 1,300 data ports and Wi-Fi for high-speed access. It is also home to the Center for Ethics, TECO Energy Center for Leadership, Naimoli Institute for Business Strategy, the UT Lowth Entrepreneurship Center and the Institute for Sales Excellence. Robert Franek, editor-in-chief of The Princeton Review, said he saluted schools like the Sykes College of Business for the innovative and wide range of MBA programs they offer their students. Our purpose is not to rank hundreds of b-schools hierarchically or to crown any single MBA program or school as best overall. We compile multiple categories of ranking lists and combine them with detailed profiles of the schools to help applicants identify and successfully apply to the best MBA program for them, Franek said. The Sykes College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and is one of the few business schools in the Southeast accredited at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. The UT management information systems program recently earned Information Systems accreditation from ABET. Christmas will come early at the Richmond Police Department, as more than two dozen new radios are set to be delivered in mid-December. The purchase of the 800-MHz radios from Motorola was approved at a recent Richmond City Council meeting. City Manager Jon Moore said the council was being asked to approve the lease of 26 radios for the police department. The department currently has 34 radios. Moore said all of the radios currently in use in the county were purchased when the county switched over to the 800-MHz system. Realizing they were going to become obsolete, Deputy Macomb County Executive Vicki Wolber, who previously served as director of emergency management and communications, approached Motorola about trying to get better pricing for all of the departments. Macomb County is also purchasing a large amount of radios from Motorola at this time, Moore said. At a recent quarterly roundtable meeting, city officials were made aware that special pricing was being made available to Richmond from Motorola and they could tie in with the county purchase price if they did so by Dec. 15. Council members asked the city administration to look at the pricing options. The first option was to make the purchase under the county bid at a cost of $73,828. The second option was a five-year lease, which would increase the price to $91,828. The administration also completed a review of current fund balance levels, Moore said. The administration is very comfortable with being able to handle the purchase price in option one, which brings down the price of the radios to the lowest we can, Moore said. And for a number of reasons, the police are looking to stay with the Motorola radios at this time. Mayor Tim Rix said officials had a good discussion about the radios at a roundtable workshop meeting. Unless we want to spend $18,000 in interest over five years for leasing, were getting a better deal than even the state came up with, he said. The state bid was $114,000, compared to the $73,828 price through the county plan. Youre talking a $41,000 difference in the price for the same radios, Rix said. So I think its a no-brainer. In a roll call vote, the council unanimously approved the county bid for purchasing the radios from Motorola. After the council meeting, Richmond Police Chief David Teske said the departments radios are from 2006 and could use an upgrade. As an example of the wear and tear seen on the older models, Teske said the department recently had to send a car radio in for new parts at a cost of $500. The repairs get very expensive, especially if you have a couple that need new parts, Teske said. And these new ones have a lot more bells and whistles; the displays are different, and they are a lot more compact. Once the new police radios arrive in mid-December, they will be set up to accommodate the needs of the Richmond department. Most of the older models will be taken out of service and set aside for use when the department has a large community event with additional officers, such as the Good Old Days Festival. Well have some around as spares, kind of like a cache of radios for larger events, Teske said. We can also sell some of them if other smaller departments are looking for radios. Purchasing the radios in bulk allowed for an actual savings of $40,000, the police chief added. Each unit comes with accessories, including batteries, a charger and a microphone. The county worked at this and got a huge, huge discount for us, Teske said. Barb Pert Templeton is a freelance reporter. She can be contacted at barbperttempleton.reporter@yahoo.com. Over the past two days I have been very pleased to have my first visit to Ankara since assuming my position as U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs. During this visit I met with a number of high-level Turkish government officials, business leaders, and members of Parliament and exchanged views on issues of mutual interest and concern. The United States values its counterterrorism cooperation with our NATO Ally Turkey. As part of my visit, I am pleased to announce that the U.S. Department of States Rewards for Justice program is targeting three senior members of the terrorist organization Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). The Department has authorized rewards for information leading to the identification or location of the senior PKK members: Murat Karayilan (up to USD $5 million), Cemil Bayik (up to USD $4 million), and Duran Kalkan (up to USD $3 million). In 1997 the U.S. Department of State designated the PKK as a foreign terrorist organization under section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. In 2001 the U.S. Government designated the PKK as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist Entity pursuant to Executive Order 13224. More information regarding these three terrorists is available on the Rewards for Justice website: www.rewardsforjustice.net. We encourage anyone with information to contact the Rewards for Justice office via the website, e-mail (RFJ@state.gov), phone (+1-800-877-3927), or mail (Rewards for Justice, Washington, D.C., 20520-0303, USA). All information will be kept strictly confidential. The 17th RILO CIS NCP Meeting was held in Cholpon Ata (Kyrgyz Republic) on 10th of September 2018. Heads of 8 National Contact Points (from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan), representatives of the World Customs Organization, RILO WE and RILO ECE as well as representatives from two regional enforcement coordination bodies (Anti-Terrorism Centre of the CIS and Council of Border Troop Commanders of the CIS) took part in the event. Participants discussed wide range of issues on further strengthening of enforcement cooperation, information exchange, analytical work, WCO CEN Database and CENcomm training courses. RILO CIS Annual Action Plan 2019 was endorsed by all Member States. Representative of WCO Secretariat gave the participants in-depth presentation on CEN database analysis and representatives of RILO WE and RILO ECE presented current developments and common projects in the WCO Europe region. Following a successful combined TFA scoping, Programme planning and Post Clearance Audit (PCA) diagnostic mission conducted in Belize from 22-26 October, the WCO is pleased to welcome the Belize Customs and Excise Department as one of the newest beneficiaries of the tailor-made track of the Mercator Programme. The Mercator Programme is designed to support WCO members to successfully implement the provisions of the WTO Agreement on Trade Facilitation through the effective application of WCO instruments and tools. This combined TFA scoping and PCA diagnostic mission was funded by the Government of the United Kingdom through Her Majestys Revenue and Customs under the framework of the extended HMRC-WCO-UNCTAD Programme, as well as the USAID who funded the participation of two experts from the United States Customs and Border Protection (USCBP). Considering the complexity of implementing the TFA provisions and the unique approach of the WCO Customs to Customs capacity building model, the mission included extensive consultations with different units of the Belize Customs and Excise Department, along with the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Spanish Lookout Chamber of Commerce, the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Commerce, and the Ministry of Finance as well as other cross-border regulatory and trade promotion agencies comprising the Belize National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC). The dialogue aimed at identifying areas where the WCO could complement existing domestic and internationally-supported initiatives and add technical value through the effective application of WCO instruments and tools and the mobilization of the WCOs extensive network of Customs-to-Customs expertise. In parallel, the PCA diagnostic team engaged extensively with the PCA unit, as well as the Legal and IT department. Discussions covered a wide range of technical issues, including risk management, measurement of release times, the Trusted Trader Programme, front line operations and Single Window initiatives. Furthermore, visits were made to the border post between Belize and Guatemala, the air cargo operations and the port in Belize City, which provided an opportunity for the mission team to directly observe border processes in practice. As a result of the exchange, a comprehensive assessment was made of trade facilitation initiatives in Belize, along with the identification of current needs and challenges requiring prioritized capacity building and technical assistance. The observations and recommendations gathered through the weeks mission will be consolidated into a multi-year Mercator Implementation Plan in keeping with the tailor-made track approach. In addition, a separate PCA diagnostic report will be developed, outlining specific recommendations in this area. The forward Mercator activities will be aligned and coordinated with support provided by other development partners to the greatest extent possible. The WCO looks forward to implementing a collaborative multi-year capacity engagement with the Belize Customs and Excise Department in keeping with the unique and successful approach of the WCOs Mercator Programme. Under the auspices of the WCO/JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) Joint Project and the support of the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), a sub- regional workshop on Customs valuation under the Master Trainers Programme for Southern African countries was held in Lusaka, Zambia from 29 October to 2 November 2018. This workshop is a kick off activity of the Master Trainers Programme on Customs valuation launched to support the WCO East and Southern African (ESA) regional strategy in developing a Regional Experts Pool for more sustainable capacity building. The Master Trainer Program or MTP is a program that will be conducted under the WCO/JICA Joint Project to develop sustainable and self-contained training capacity by 1) developing a pool of well-experienced trainers and (2) regionally featured training materials and program to be used by these trainers. To achieve that objective, a series of progressive activities will be undertaken by the participating Customs administrations, namely Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe, supported by the WCO and JICA. Upon completion of this MTP, the Master Trainers are expected to deliver training on Customs valuation not only in their respective administrations but also for the benefit of other countries in the region. In total, fifteen (15) Customs officials nominated by the 5 Revenue Authorities in Southern Africa got together in Lusaka. During the workshop, each Revenue Authority shared its issues and challenges it is facing in implementing Customs valuation as well as efforts in strengthening uniform application of Customs valuation. Invited experts from the WCO, Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and Japan Customs shared their knowledge and expertise on Customs valuation from global and national perspectives and contributed to the improvement of the knowledge and expertise of participants to be quality trainers. In addition, the SADC and COMESA Secretariats presented the regional efforts to improve the Customs valuation function in their member country and their Human Resources development strategy and policy. The two regional entities stated that the MTP will significantly contribute to sustainable capacity building and will complement efforts on trade facilitation and Customs modernization. At the end of the workshop, participants jointly developed their collective work plan to achieve the two objectives of the MTP through the progressive follow-up activities. Participants expressed their strong appreciation to the WCO and JICA for this new opportunity as well as to the participating experts for their dedication and sharing their valuable knowledge and expertise. Both WCO and JICA welcomed the strong ownership and commitment clearly demonstrated by the participants during the workshop and reaffirmed their support to the continuous efforts of Customs administrations in Southern Africa to ensure sustainable capacity development. Building on the achievements recorded and lessons learned in the area of IT connectivity by the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and the Swaziland Revenue Authority (SRA) in the context of the WCO-SACU Connect project funded by Sweden, the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat held a joint meeting of SADC Heads of Customs. The aim of the meeting was to explore the possibility of entering into an SADC-wide regional project to establish IT connectivity and facilitate data exchange based on the WCOs Globally Networked Customs (GNC) concept and Data Model. The meeting took place on 23 and 24 October 2018 in Harare, Zimbabwe and brought together 11 SADC countries (Botswana, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe). Over the course of these two days, delegates discussed the proposed projects scope, identified its intended results and activities and agreed on its governance structure. It was decided that the proposed project will focus its efforts on developing the SADC Regional IT Connectivity Blueprint and Framework as well as on rolling out the Framework thus developed across key SADC corridors, including the North-South Corridor. The Heads of Customs of the SADC region have also asked the WCO to engage with the donor community so as to mobilize the funding required for implementing the proposed project. For more information about this activity, please contact capacity.building@wcoomd.org. Consultation with Members on the new Strategic Plan continued with the North of Africa, Near and Middle East (MENA) region. Jordan Customs hosted the fifth regional workshop, held in Amman, Jordan, on 5 November 2018. The workshop was jointly chaired by Mr. Ricardo Trevino Chapa, WCO Deputy Secretary General, and Mr. Ahmed H. Al Khalifa, President of Bahrain Customs and WCO Council Vice-Chair for the MENA region. Twelve of the MENA regions eighteen Member countries were in attendance. In their introductory remarks, the Vice-Chair for the MENA region and Dr. Abdelmajid Al-Rahamneh, Director General of Jordan Customs, welcomed the WCOs consultative approach towards its Members when drafting the Strategic Plan 2019-2022. They felt that the priorities and challenges of the WCOs regions had to be taken into account in order to produce a consistent document based on the realities faced by Members. The Deputy Secretary General thanked the region for its warm welcome and repeated his commitment to strengthen Members involvement, which would be of particular importance in the establishment of the WCOs main objectives for the coming three-year period. He presented the main points to be discussed during the workshop and the timeline until adoption of the new Strategic Plan by the Policy Commission and Council in June 2019. As it was the case in previous regional workshops, the discussions focused on the results of the survey on Members priorities, resource allocation under the current Strategic Plan, linkages between the Strategic Plan and the Environmental Scan and presentation of a draft proposal for a new Strategic Map, the basis for the entire content of the new Strategic Plan. Delegates actively contributed and made valuable suggestions that will be duly taken into consideration when drafting the new Strategic Plan. In particular, the MENA region felt that the Strategic Plan needed to comprise a limited number of Key Objectives and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for proper performance measurement and it also recommended regular assessment of the implementation of WCO tools. The MENA region welcomed the fact that its own priorities were aligned with a number of the main priorities identified by the WCO, such as security, cooperation between Customs administrations and e-commerce. Delegates were also of the opinion that the budget should be allocated according to priorities, and stressed the need for the WCO to be less dependent on external donor funds. Extensive discussions took place on the Environmental Scan, with the MENA region welcoming the approach aimed at embracing Customs issues within a broader environment, including matters not directly related to Customs but having an impact on Customs operations. Delegates expressed their satisfaction with the proposal for a new Strategic Map and provided valuable suggestions for improving it. They especially underlined the need to update the Mission and Vision Statements, and to properly reflect them in the final Strategic Plan document. The Deputy Secretary General concluded that the meeting had been fruitful, and the numerous contributions by the delegates would be considered for the new Strategic Plan. The Vice-Chair thanked the Deputy Secretary General once again for engaging the WCO regions in the discussions on the development of the new Strategic Plan. The Director General of Jordan Customs considered this initiative as a first step towards continuous exchanges between the WCO and its Members. By organizing these regional workshops, the WCO Secretariat is fulfilling its obligations in terms of transparency and also with regard to its mandate as a Member-driven organization, ensuring that its Members views are incorporated in the WCO Strategic Plan 2019-2022. Fort Polk, LA (71446) Today Cloudy. Periods of rain early. Thunder is possible early. Low 51F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%.. Tonight Cloudy. Periods of rain early. Thunder is possible early. Low 51F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. By Nov. 09, 2018 EMP is a full service video production and digital media content agency, masterminds of Higdon Outdoors TV, gentlemen extraordinaire! The EMP team creates TV commercials, wedding videos, social media videos, real estate media, Matterport 3D, drone media, photography, graphic design, social media support and much much more. The talented members of the EMP team started out as a groups of friends making silly films and movies in the neighborhoods of Reidland. In 2009, they followed their love for film, marketing and business and made the jump as entrepreneurs through a business plan competition sponsored by Paducah Bank. After placing second, founders Curt Stewart and Kevin Klepeis began the grueling process of starting, running and maintaining a small business. Over the years Emerging Media Productions has specialized in producing award winning TV commercials, breathtaking wedding films and results driven video for any intended purpose. Furthermore, since EMPs partnership with Higdon Outdoors LLC, they have become one of the best digital content agencies in the outdoor industry today. Regardless of your industry, business, product, brand or purpose, this team is happy to help you captivate your audience, reach your goals and change the world using the power of video and emerging technologies. PADUCAH - Emerging Media Productions (EMP) will host an Open House this evening in their offices and production space at the corner of 28th and Jackson St. From 5 - 7 pm the EMP team will share food, fun and free stuff!Enter through the red door under the striped awning. On the Net: By Nov. 08, 2018 BENTON, KY - The Humane Society of Marshall County will Host a holiday-themed event, Jingle Tails. The event will be held on Saturday, Nov. 17 from 10 am - 2 pm at the Joe Creason Community Building, 1600 Park Ave. in Benton. Santa will be there from 10 am - noon Admission to the event is free. It's a time families and their pets. There will be a variety of vendors selling items that would make great holiday gifts. A photographer will be on-hand to take pictures in front of a holiday backdrop. For $10, you can get a flash drive with pictures of your family, including your pets. All proceeds from this event will go to the Humane Society of Marshall County. For more information, email the Humane Society at mchumanesociety@yahoo.com. The Humane Society of Marshall County is a 501(c)3 organization, which runs solely on fundraisers, grants, donations and memberships. By West Kentucky Star Staff Nov. 09, 2018 | 07:33 AM | PADUCAH The Bryant Law Center in Paducah has been named to the U.S. News and World Report's Best Law Firms 2019 list, in the area of personal injury litigation-plaintiffs. It is an honor to receive this award for the third year in a row, said Mark Bryant, president of the Bryant Law Center. This recognizes the hard work and dedication our lawyers and staff put into every case. Pound for pound, Id put our team up against any big city law firm in America. Firms included in the 2019 Best Law Firms list are recognized for professional excellence with consistently impressive ratings from clients and peers. Achieving a tiered ranking signals a unique combination of quality law practice and breadth of legal expertise. U.S. News has more than 30 years of experience evaluating complex institutions and their service to consumers, said Tim Smart, executive editor at U.S. News. Law firms perform a vital role in American life, and ranking them is a key extension of our overall mission to help individuals and companies alike make important decisions. The 2019 rankings are based on the highest number of participating rms and highest number of client votes received on record. To be eligible for a ranking, a rm must have a lawyer recognized first in The Best Lawyers in America, which recognizes the top five percent of practicing attorneys in the U.S. Over 16,000 lawyers provided more than 1,125,000 law rm assessments, and almost 12,000 clients provided more than 107,000 evaluations. 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. Calvert City Jingle All the Way 5k and Fun Run set for December 4 Advertisement By West Kentucky Star Staff Nov. 09, 2018 | GRAND RIVERS By West Kentucky Star Staff Nov. 09, 2018 | 03:25 PM | GRAND RIVERS The closure of the eastbound side of the I-24 Tennessee River Bridge on Sunday night has been cancelled. The contractor will not be able to pour concrete on the bridge as planned, so the work will be re-scheduled. Original Story: The eastbound lanes of the I-24 Tennessee River Bridge will be closed on Sunday, November 11. A contractor will be pouring concrete as part of an ongoing joint installation project, so the Interstate will be closed from 7 pm Sunday until about 6 am on Monday. Message boards will be in place directing traffic to detour onto US Highway 62 east and KY 453 North, where vehicles will merge onto I-24 at Grand Rivers. Even though the rate of traffic on I-24 drops after about 7 pm, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet says substantial delays are possible during the closure. Drivers going toward Nashville from Paducah are encouraged to use I-69 south to US Highway 68, and re-enter the Interstate at exit 65 in Cadiz. This is the first of several closures that will be required for the project. Advertisement By West Kentucky Star Staff Nov. 09, 2018 | HICKORY By West Kentucky Star Staff Nov. 09, 2018 | 12:04 PM | HICKORY The Kentucky State Police recognized the promotion of 77 agency officers at a ceremony held Oct. 26 in Lexington. Post 1 Captain Jerry Handy was among those recognized. KSP Commissioner Rick Sanders told the new promotees that in their new roles they have one of the toughest jobs around. They have to satisfy those above them while encouraging and energizing those who work for them. Great leaders are not born, he said, they are built. And the two most important attributes of leadership are concern for the welfare of those who work for you and leadership by example. You cant get up and preach without walking the walk. Captain Jerry Handy, a 17 year veteran, promoted to the rank of Captain and transferred from Special Operations to Mayfield, Post 1 on September 16, 2018. Captain Handy is a resident of Grant County and attended Owen County High School. He served as a Police Officer for the City of Owenton from 1997 to 1999. He then served as an Officer in the City of Dry Ridge before transferring to the Grant County Sheriff's Office from 1999 to 2001. He attended the KSP academy in 2001, graduating class 78 and was assigned to Post 6 as a Trooper. He also served Post 6 as the K-9 Handler. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2014 and transferred to Driver's Testing as supervisor. Captain Handy promoted to Lieutenant and transferred to Dry Ridge, Post 6 as the Operations Lieutenant, in 2016 and later transferred to Special Operations. He has received the Trooper Medal for saving the life of a juvenile that had attempted suicide. Captain Handy is married to Molly Handy and they have four children Ashton, Cale, Abram and Emersyn. By West Kentucky Star Staff Nov. 08, 2018 | 08:39 PM | LEXINGTON Attorney General Andy Beshear and the United States Postal Inspection Service are working to help Kentuckians avoid mail scams that could be hiding in their mailboxes. The Stamp Out Mail Scams awareness campaign, which was unveiled Thursday in Lexington, provides posters on how to identify, avoid and report common mail scams in 700 post offices across the state. Beshear said the awareness campaign will help Kentuckians combat the Federal Trade Commissions findings that fraud losses in 2017 reached nearly $905 million across the nation. In fiscal year 2017, U.S. postal inspectors removed more than a million illegal lottery solicitation letters. Inspection service screeners also discovered and barred solicitations containing counterfeit checks with a face value of approximately $62 billion. Experts find stone tools connected communities Stone tools from the Middle Stone Age in South Africa shows that different communities were connected over long time periods over vast geographical areas. Stone tools that were discovered and examined by a group of international experts showed for the first time that various communities that lived during the Middle Stone Age period were widely connected and shared ideas around tool design. The tools mainly blades and backed knives from the Howiesons Poort were found in various layers in the Klipdrift Shelter, in the southern Cape in South Africa. They were examined by a group of lithic experts, who found distinct similarities to tools from sites in South Africas Western Cape, over 300km away, in particular with the Diepkloof Rock Shelter site. While regional specificities in the tools from the various sites exist, the similarities of Klipdrift Shelter with the site of Diepkloof Rock Shelter are astonishing, says Dr Katja Douze, the corresponding author of the study that was published in PlosOne on November 7. Douze is a researcher at the laboratory of Archaeology and Populations in Africa at the University of Geneva, Switzerland. Douze was a post-doctoral fellow at the Center of Excellence in Palaeosciences at the Evolutionary Studies Institute, at University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), at the time of the study. She led the analysis together with Dr Anne Delagnes, Research Director at the French National Center for Research (CNRS) and director of the laboratory PACEA, at the University of Bordeaux, and with Dr Sarah Wurz, Associate professor at the School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand and also associated with the DST/NRF SARChI Chair in The Origins of Modern Human Behaviour and the SapienCE - Centre for Early Sapiens Behaviour (SFF CoE). The team, under the leadership of Professor Christopher Henshilwood from Wits University and the University of Bergens SapienCE Centre for Early Sapiens Behaviour, examined thousands of stone tools that were excavated from seven layers that represent a time period of between 66 000 years ago and 59 000 years ago, to establish the differences in stone tool design over time. They then also compared the stone tools to various other sites in Howiesons Poort. The site of Klipdfrift Shelter is one of the few containing a long archaeological sequence that provides data on cultural changes over time during the Howiesons Poort, says Douze. This makes it perfect to study the change in culture over time. However, what was even more exciting for the researchers was the fact that for the first time they could show closely networked interaction between distant communities through the way they designed stone tools. There was an almost perfect match between the tools from the Klipdrift and Diepkloof shelters, says Douze. This shows us that there was regular interaction between these two communities. This is the first time that we can draw such a parallel between different sites based on robust sets of data, and show that there was mobility between the two sites. This is unique for the Middle Stone Age, says Douze. The Middle Stone Age in Africa stretches from 350 000 years ago to 25 000 years ago and is a key period for understanding the development of the first Homo sapiens, their behavioral changes through time and their movements in-and-out of Africa. Named after Howiesons Poort Shelter archeological site near Grahamstown in South Africa, the Howiesons Poort is a specific techno-culture within the Middle Stone Age that evolves in southern Africa after 100 000 years ago at the Diepkloof Shelter, but between 66 000 59 000 years at most other Howiesons Poort sites. The characteristics of the Howiesons Poort are strongly distinctive from other Middle Stone Age industries as it is characterised by the production of small blades and backed tools, used as hunting armatures as much as for cutting flesh, while other MSA industries show flake, large blade and point productions. The tools found in the deeper layers of the Klipdrift Shelter that represent the earlier phases of the Howiesons Poort were found to be made from heat-treated silcrete, while those from later phases were made from less homogeneous rocks such as quartz and quartzite. his change happens together with changes in tool production strategies. The changes over time seems to reflect cultural changes, rather than immediate alterations forced on the designers by changes in climate, says Douze. Our preconceived idea of prehistoric groups is that they just struggled to survive, but in fact they were very adaptable to environmental circumstances. There seem to be no synchrony between modification in design choices and environmental changes. However, the aridification of the area over time might have led to a very gradual change that led to the end of the Howiesons Poort. The team also attempted to establish why and how the Howiesons Poort ended, and to see whether it came to a sudden, or gradual end. The decline of the Howiesons Poort at Klipdrift Shelter shows a gradual and complex pattern of changes, from which the first symptoms can be observed much earlier than the final abandonment of typical Howiesons Poort technology and toolkits, says Douze. This does not support a catastrophic scenario involving alarming demographic drops or massive population replacements. The fact that a similar pattern of gradual change has been described for at least three other southern African Howiesons Poort sites (Rose Cottage Cave, Diepkloof Rock Shelter and Klasies River main site), further ascertains convergent evolutions in cultural trajectories rather than isolated groups promptly reacting to locally determined pressures. Student nurses looking for donations to help deliver presents for patients this Christmas This article is old - Published: Friday, Nov 9th, 2018 A group of student nurses are hoping to bring some festive cheer to hospital patients this Christmas. The students from Bangor Universitys Wrexham Campus are promoting their annual Presents for Patients appeal to make sure that no one is forgotten at Christmas time. Now in its third year, the appeal sees the group deliver boxes full of donations from the public and handwritten cards to patients who are in the Wrexham Maelor Hospital over the festive period. They recently met the Mayor of Wrexham, Andy Williams, to help promote their work. Members of the public are being invited to make donations such as toiletries / puzzles/ diaries / clothing such as socks and slippers, to make sure that those who are alone this Christmas, can have a thoughtful gift and some festive cheer. Donations can be made at drop off points at the Bangor Universitys Wrexham campus, the Buttered Crust cafe in Llangollen and McDonalds in Chirk until December 10th. Wrexham clubs donation to Maelor Hospital childrens ward This article is old - Published: Friday, Nov 9th, 2018 A Wrexham club has shown its community spirit with a 3,620 donation to buy specialist equipment to help babies born with jaundice and their parents. Mathew Evans, general manager of ATIK on Brook Street, nominated the childrens ward at Maelor Hospital to receive the money to fund a phototherapy light. Mathew said: The donation is from our companys Echo Trust charity to give something back to our local community. We hold regular collections at the club and our customers are always generous. We wanted this local cause to benefit because of its amazing work with children and their families. Becky Morris, ward manager at the childrens ward, said: We are extremely grateful for this kind donation. We will use the money to purchase a state of the art phototherapy light for babies who require treatment to relieve conditions of newborn jaundice. The equipment allows parents to be close to their baby whilst they are undergoing treatment which enhances bonding and comfort. Thank you to everyone who donated towards ATIK and the Echo Trusts fundraising initiatives to make this possible. ATIK is part of The Deltic Group, the UKs largest operator of late night bars and clubs, which employs 3000 people across its 55 venues. Since 2002 when Deltic set up the Echo Trust it has raised more than 2.5 million to grant awards to local childrens charities and childrens hospitals. Pic: ATIKs general manager Mathew Evans with, from left, Helen Wills, Viv Harrington, Charlotte Bride, Jade Evans and Ellie Price at Maelor Hospital. Wrexham officers amongst those remembered by North Wales Police during WWI service This article is old - Published: Friday, Nov 9th, 2018 North Wales Police have marked the centenary of the end of the First World War with a small service outside its Headquarters in Colwyn Bay today. Police officers, staff and volunteers gathered outside the building to pay their respects with a two-minute silence, and to also remember the 14 police officers from North Wales who lost their lives during WW1. Of the 104 police officers from North Wales who fought during the First World War 14 were not to survive. In 1914, the area now covered by North Wales Police was served by five separate constabularies for Anglesey, Caernarvonshire, Denbighshire, Flintshire and Meirionneth. Many of these young men would never have left North Wales previously and tragically some were not to see home again. Amongst the men was PC 55 Reginald Pierce from Wrexham, serving with the Royal Welch Fusiliers, who was killed the day before the war ended, on 10th November 1918. These also included PC 19 Thomas Charles Orris, who was based at Bangor and received a telegram from London on August 4th 1914. The message would have been addressed to L/Cpl T.C. Orris followed by the word Mobilise and signed by the Officer Commanding 2nd Bn. Gernadier Guards. PC Orris had only joined the Police three months before, having been a soldier for several years and still being a reservist he was the first police officer from North Wales to go off to war. He may have believed, as many others did, that the war would be finished by Christmas but sadly, PC Orris was killed only four months later in France, aged 27, without seeing his next Christmas. PC 8 Albert Jones, stationed at Mold, was killed within weeks of the outbreak of war at Ypres. His name is recorded on the famous Menin Gate. PCs Harold Davies, David Jones and Robert Jones died soon after the war from their wounds or related illnesses. PCs Richard Morris of Bangor, William Pritchard of Blaenau Ffestiniog and John Lewis Thomas of Llandudno all serving with the Welsh Guards were killed within days of each other at the battle of the Somme in September 1916. Their graves are unmarked but their names are engraved on the vast Thiepval Memorial in France. 72,000 names are recorded on that monument but poignantly the names of these three men are commemorated on the same stone panel close to each other. Speaking today, North Wales Polices new Chief Constable Carl Foulkes said: As we mark the 100th Anniversary of the signing of the armistice, which marked the beginning of the end of the First World War, it is important that we all take time to come together and remember the great sacrifices made by the many people who gave their lives. We also pay our respects to the Police Officers who left our Welsh communities to protect our country, so we could live our lives freely. By reflecting on the sacrifices of the fallen, and the great privileges that we enjoy today, we honour and pay tribute to their bravery, commitment and dedication. By remembering the fallen today, they will all live on forever. As with any war there are examples of heroism and devotion to duty, such as PC 77 Llywelyn Edwards, stationed at Coedpoeth, who was awarded the Military Medal for gallantry and devotion to duty under fire and the Sgt 11 Oliver Cromwell Davies, stationed at Blaenau Ffestiniog, who was awarded the Belgian Croix-de-Guerre and Meritorious Service Medal for devotion to duty in the field. Chief Constable Foulkes added: Of the 90 officers who survived the war, each one re-joined their respective constabularies after returning home which is a testament to their strength of character and their sense of duty. And whilst we rightly honour those who fell in the service of their country we should not forget the scars, both seen and unseen that those survivors carried with them for the rest of their service and the rest of their lives. During the ceremony 10-year-old Xander Johnson of Rhos Street School in Ruthin played a moving rendition of The Last Post and the names of the 14 police officers from North Wales were read out. The WSWS UPS Workers Newsletter is holding an online call-in meeting for UPS Freight and Parcel workers on Sunday, November 11, at 4pm Eastern (1pm Pacific). To register, click here. To dial in by phone, call +1 (872) 240-3311, and enter access code: 723-872-717. Workers at the United Parcel Service (UPS) Freight services division are continuing to denounce the despotic actions of the Teamsters union, which is seeking to impose the concessions contract that workers voted to reject a month ago. More than 11,000 workers are being forced to vote this week on a virtually unchanged agreement, which would maintain widespread subcontracting, create a new tier of lower-paid drivers, and maintain poverty wages for warehouse dockworkers. Workers say that the union is seeking to reduce the voter turnout to below 50 percent, which would allow it to use the same constitutional loophole that it used against a quarter of a million UPS small-package workers on October 5, defying their 54 percent no vote and ratifying the contract over mass opposition. A clause in the constitution states that if fewer than half the workers vote, a two-thirds majority is required to reject the contract. In Chicago, Roger, a dockworker with nine months, told the WSWS UPS Workers Newsletter that only on one of the four scheduled days of voting will workers be allowed to cast ballots at the terminal. Otherwise, they will have to travel an hour away to the local union hall to vote. In Florida, Mark, a driver of 15 years, said that workers had received a letter from the Teamsters Local advising they can only vote on Sunday morning, November 11, at 10 a.m. In Georgia, Jane, a driver of 20 years, reported that the voting window will be 30 minutes each day, meaning many drivers will be unable to vote. At the same time, the Teamsters union is blackmailing workers to vote yes by threatening that a no vote will result in a company lockout, that workers will lose their health care, and that the union will hang workers out to dry by refusing to mobilize any struggle against the company. After the Teamsters announced on October 26 that it would force workers to vote a second time, it allowed more than two weeks for the company to remove all the freight from its system. We could have voted last weekend, Dan, a driver of 14 years in Florida, told the WSWS. What the union did was allow UPS to clear the freight off the docks, so there wouldnt be bad publicity about peoples freight being tied down by a strike, and so they would have more leverage to threaten us during the vote. If there was freight in the system, we would have the leverage. Its all a game, and the Teamsters union is against us. The union is isolating the UPS Freight workers from their counterparts in the small package division, which employs approximately 20 times as many workers. In the event of a strike or a lockout by the company, the Teamsters union has made clear that it will force small package division workers to continue working and refuse to mobilize workers to broaden the struggle against the company. It is functioning as a professional scab organization whose role is to sabotage a struggle and attack workers conditions. The Teamsters justifies the separation of UPS Freight from the small-package division with the absurd claim that they are different companies. In reality, every UPS financial report simply includes the profits of the Freight division as a sub-total in its accounting figures. UPS acquired its Freight division, which covers larger-sized items, when it purchased Overnite Transportation in 2005. The Teamsters promised us at the beginning that the reason they negotiate our contracts at the same time as small-package was so that we would have more power, Dan commented. Now you see how package voted down by 54 percent and they stuck it to them and said: Youre taking it. The workers there were unaware of that loophole. Who knew that if you dont vote it counts as yes? It could be 100 percent no across the country for Freight, and the union is going to say its yes, he added. You think if the union sold out 250,000 employees that they wouldnt with 11,000? The union has done nothing but hurt us. They steadily take our money. Its disgusting. And its sad because a bunch of good men and women are caught between a scumbag company and a scumbag union. Dan commented that he grew up with the belief that the more you work, the more you make. But the turmoil were living through now is that its not true anymore. Im not afraid to work, but it doesnt matter. All the money is going to these billionaires. Caleb, a 23-year-old small-package warehouse worker, contacted the WSWS to declare his support for a united struggle with freight division workers. Its ridiculous and divisive that the union says we are different from the freight workers, he said. Im in a warehouse that handles everything. Im right next to an airport. We have stuff thats going to our air department. We have freight stuff and small package. A lot of the work we do is the same. Caleb said that in recent days the hub had received a lot of irregular packaging, including larger packages and plastic trunks, which typically are stacked on pallets and delivered through the Freight division. Theres really no discussion about it because theres no one to raise it to, he said. The union is never here. Its crooked. Theyve used the loopholes and the voting structure here at small-package to push it through. To UPS Freight workers, I want to say that youre not alone. It is so blatantly obvious, said Mark, another Florida driver with 15 years. Theyre saying we cant strike the small-package facilities. The union allowed the company to get rid of the Freight and says we cant strike any place else but empty buildings. He said that the union had told workers, Vote for the contract, or youll be out of work. We pay the union every month, he said. We signed the card that says they work in our interest. But since the beginning, theyve been with the company against us. The union officials get $174,000 to travel all around the country, do absolutely nothing, and prevent any sort of change. Roger, the Chicago dockworker, said that in the warehouse, workers were just told to start loading everything and that we cant leave no freight behind. Since Monday, all the workers have been called off. They called us and said dont come to work, were too light. Roger said he approached a Teamsters Local 705 official to ask what the Teamsters union was proposing. It was messed up, he said. I introduced myself and ask what we should do. He said, Youre a dockworker so youll probably vote no. I asked: Then what? Will we strike? What will you fight for? Roger told the official that dockworkers are treated at the bottom of the bottom. He replied: Didnt you know that when you signed up for the job? The WSWS UPS Workers Newsletter calls for UPS workers to reject the conspiracy of Teamsters and UPS management and to organize a struggle against it. A united fight must be waged by small-package and Freight workers to break the isolation imposed by the Teamsters. The small-package division contract has no legitimacy: The workers voted against it. They should consider it null and void. The organization of a united struggle requires that workers form their own rank-and-file workplace committees in the hubs, independent of the Teamsters union and directly controlled by workers themselves. We urge UPS workers who want to organize such a fight to contact us today. The WSWS UPS Workers Newsletter is holding an online call-in meeting for UPS Freight and Parcel workers on Sunday, November 11, at 4pm Eastern (1pm Pacific). To register, click here. To dial in by phone, call +1 (872) 240-3311, and enter access code: 723-872-717. Autumn has arrived in Massachusetts, with strong winds, chilly days, and nighttime temperatures below freezing. In the Merrimack Valley communities of Lawrence, Andover, and North Andover, thousands of people still do not have gas service in their homes nearly two months after the negligence of Columbia Gas led to an explosion that killed an 18-year-old man, injured dozens and damaged more than 100 buildings. The September 13 destruction was caused by the over-pressurization of a pipe after the company failed to provide the needed work orders to crews replacing it. A preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board found the workers were not to blame. Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, who was just reelected, assumed authority in the wake of the disaster and promised residents that gas service would be restored by November 19. Columbia Gas has now delayed the promised date until December 16, and it will likely fail to make good on that. As of October 30, only 1,400 of the 8,400 metered customers whose gas was shut off after the disaster had their service restored, according to the Boston Globe. Nearly 7,000 people were still in alternative housing, such as motels and the temporary trailers that now fill city parks. Over a dozen officials from the company Bakers administration chose to oversee the restoration effortsEversourcedonated more than $12,000 to the Republican governors re-election campaign after the company was selected, according to state records. Columbia is also reneging on its promise to provide new appliances to all homes that were affected. It now plans to cut corners by repairing rather than replacing furnaces, stoves, and water heaters damaged because of its negligence. The working-class neighborhood of South Lawrence has many old buildings with plumbing that is not up to code, and the company is trying to avoid upgrading it. The World Socialist Web Site spoke with Julio about conditions on Salem Street in South Lawrence. Where I live up there you cant even drive up the street right now, he said. There were multiple explosions. Theyre ripping out every pipe and putting in new pipes, but it was essentially destroyed. Julio is able to live at home right now because we live in newer housing. There are still many older houses that dont have water or electricity. Many people had to leave their homes, and some are in the trailers. While the federal government squanders trillions on wars and corporate tax cuts, infrastructure has been systematically starved, particularly in cities like Lawrence, a former textile mill town, which have been ravaged by decades of deindustrialization. Things are not good here, Julio said. Theres not enough money to fix things. On Salem Street, people still cant go down the street. On October 27 Columbia Gas held an open house at Lawrence High School for residents who were affected by the disaster. The Boston Globe reported many complaints about Columbias poor communication and planning. The companys chief restoration officer responded by saying, We have let you down, and I apologize. Such apologies are literally cold comfort as winter approaches. The federal government has empaneled a grand jury and issued subpoenas to Columbia Gas and its parent company, NiSource. The latters most recent SEC filing shows an operating loss of $316 million for the quarter ending September 30. However, this figure includes accrued expenses for damage claims, appliance repairs, legal fees, and contractors to help with the restoration. These costs will be reimbursed by insurance, and the companys stock price did not drop after the operating loss was announced. Furthermore, Massachusetts law allows utility companies to charge infrastructure costs to customers through rate hikes, and the $135 million-$165 million being spent by Columbia Gas on pipe replacements will likely be passed on to already over-charged customers. Columbia and its contractors have replaced 45 miles of old cast iron pipe since the disaster, at a cost of at least $3 million per mile. According to USA Today, in 2017 the company had 471 miles of antiquated cast iron pipes in its US delivery areas. The states Department of Public Utilities hired an outside evaluator to review the physical condition of the natural gas infrastructure and other potential dangers. However, the DPU is plagued by a lack of inspectors and will not challenge the profit prerogatives of the private companies that monopolize the industry. The American Society of Civil Engineers gave US energy infrastructure a D+ rating in 2017, noting that a large percentage of higher pressure gas transmission lines were installed before 1980, even though gas consumption increased by 24 percent between 2005 and 2015. Periodic failures in existing oil and gas pipelines and quality concerns in new construction point to the need for increased monitoring and maintenance spending, the ASCE report said. Utility monopolies have little or no incentive to upgrade although they are highly profitable. In other words, without seeing sufficient profit opportunities, the utilities are rolling the dice on near-failing infrastructure, regardless of the devastating human impact. This is the most forceful argument for nationalizing the utility industry and running it as a genuinely public enterprise, free from the relentless demands by Wall Street for ever-higher investor returns. There are also serious safety concerns arising from the strikebreaking operations of Bostons other gas monopoly, National Grid. At the end of June, the company, which distributes gas to towns bordering on those destroyed by its competitor, locked out 1,200 skilled workers after they overwhelmingly voted to authorize the United Steelworkers union to call a strike over safety issues, cuts to pay, and health and pension benefits. After the Merrimack Valley disaster, National Grid officials claimed that customers had nothing to worry about and that the system is working normally. But locked-out workers have filed more than 100 safety complaints over the work being done by strikebreakers. Last month, the DPU ordered National Grid to temporarily suspend all non-essential work except emergency operations following an over-pressurization of a gas line in Woburn leading to the emergency shutdown of gas services to 300 homes. In a statement, the company claimed that management personnel had inadvertently introduced excess gas into a portion of our system" but quickly recognized and corrected the error. After National Grid, Columbia Gas, Eversource and the Baker administration initially refused to let locked-out workers participate in the restoration efforts in Merrimack Valley, few workers have been given permission after National Grid released their operator qualifications to the DPU. The struggle of the National Grid workers has been deliberately isolated by the United Steelworkers union, which has prevented a united struggle by utility workers against deteriorating living standards and safety conditions. The USW, along with the Utility Workers Union, which covers Columbia gas workers, has blocked any unified struggle of gas workers, although whatever concessions are wrenched from National Grid workers will soon be imposed on their brothers and sisters at Columbia. The unions have blocked mass picketing against the strikebreaking operation and the USW has limited workers to impotent appeals to state and local Democrats, the DPU and the companys wealthy shareholdersall of which have produced nothing. Workers must break through this isolation by taking the conduct of the struggle into their own hands. This means organizing rank-and-file committees to fight for the broadening of the struggle throughout the Boston area. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Justice Department issued a joint statement yesterday announcing a new federal regulation barring immigrants who cross the US border without documentation from applying for asylum. The decision is the most significant restriction on immigration in decades, as the vast majority of asylum seekers apply from within the country. It will cause hundreds of thousands of deportations and family separations, and send countless immigrants to their deaths, largely in Mexico and Central America. It is aimed at whipping up racist and xenophobic sentiment against vulnerable workers from Latin America in particular. The announcement comes as Democrats pledge their willingness to collaborate with President Trump. The asylum ban passed unnoticed at Democratic Party rallies held yesterday to oppose the firing of Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Democratic Congressman Jamie Raskin of Maryland called for a round of applause for AG Sessions, ignoring the fact that Sessions was the architect of the Trump administrations anti-immigrant policies. Citing national security, the DHS-Justice Department statement announcing the asylum ban reads, Our asylum system is overwhelmed with too many meritless asylum claims from aliens who place a tremendous burden on our resources. Immigrants will only be allowed to apply for asylum if they present themselves at a port of entry, which means they would have to wait in detention for months or years before rigged courts and prosecutors weigh their asylum applications. Courts near the border have the highest asylum denial rates, meaning many more claims will be rejected. For example, the denial rate in El Paso, Texas courts was over 90 percent in 2017. Moreover, the Trump administration has forced immigrants to wait weeks or months to apply for asylum at points of entry. Recent reports show many immigrants from the caravan that reached the US in the spring are still waiting in Mexico to apply. Trumps announcement has a historical parallel: the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which barred immigration of Chinese workers and led to the forced removal of hundreds of thousands of Chinese immigrants, most of whom were brought to the US to construct the western railroads under slave-labor conditions. The xenophobic atmosphere inflamed by both parties created the conditions for massacres of Chinese immigrant workers, including the 1885 Rock Springs Massacre of 28 Chinese miners in Wyoming and the 1887 Hells Canyon Massacre of 34 Chinese miners in eastern Oregon. The Act was a deliberate attempt by the ruling class to pit native-born against immigrant workers and break the development of the class struggle, which exploded from the 1870s to the 1890s. Todays asylum ban applies to workers and poor peasants from Mexico and the Northern Triangle countries of Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador. All these countries owe their poverty, violence and government corruption to US imperialism, which has funded death squads, backed dictatorships, and orchestrated massacres and ethnic cleansing in the region for over 100 years. The new federal regulation, which will formally take effect tomorrow when Trump issues his presidential proclamation affirming the rule change, is explicitly aimed at the caravan of Central American immigrants presently resting in Mexico City en route to the US. In recent weeks, United States officials have each day encountered an average of approximately 2,000 inadmissible aliens at the southern border, it states. At the same time, large caravans of thousands of aliens, primarily from Central America, are attempting to make their way to the United States, with the apparent intent of seeking asylum after entering the United States unlawfully or without proper documentation. The new rule complains of the strains on the Departments caused by the detention of rising numbers of family unitsi.e., parents and childrenwho generally cannot be detained if they are found to have a credible fear, due to a combination of resource constraints and the manner in which the terms of the Settlement Agreement in Flores v. Reno have been interpreted by courts. In other words, the government demands: (a) more money to establish massive tent cities and military crackdowns, as Trump declared in a press conference the week before Tuesdays midterm election, (b) an end to the Flores Settlement, which restricts the government from indefinitely detaining children, and (c) an end to the credible fear system by which agents assess whether immigrants are afraid to return to their home country. At present, if an immigrant is declared to have credible fear of returningwhich the overwhelming majority dothey are entitled to apply for asylum. Under the new rule, even those who face imminent persecution at home would be deported immediately or perhaps given the option to apply for much more restrictive relief with a higher burden of proof. The new restrictions will be challenged in the courts but will ultimately be given the green light by appeals courts stacked with Trump appointees. Upon reaching the Supreme Court, the policy will doubtless be approved, as was Trumps travel ban, which he enacted in 2017 before the confirmation of far-right Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who replaced the more moderate Anthony Kennedy in October. The Democratic Party greeted the new asylum ban with silence. At press time, Bernie Sanders, Nancy Pelosi, Elizabeth Warren, Joe Biden and Barack Obama had not even tweeted about the measure. Meanwhile, thousands of soldiers have now been deployed to the US-Mexico border, including 1,300 troops in California, 1,500 in Arizona and 2,800 in Texas, according to the Department of Defense. They are actively aiding the search for immigrants crossing the border, in violation of posse comitatus, which bars the military from performing domestic police actions. Its freed up Border Patrol agents so they dont have to sit in dispatch or watch cameras. Its putting them back on the line, Border Patrol Agent Tekae Michael told the San Diego Union-Tribune Wednesday. In an unintended admission, she added: When a sensor goes off, theyre calling it in. The Socialist Equality Party (US) opposes Trumps latest move and demands all asylum seekers and immigrants be given the right to live in the US with full legal and citizenship rights. In its 1905 founding document, the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) rejected the policies of Chinese exclusionwhich were vociferously supported by the nationalist leaders of the Knights of Laborand appealed to workers of all races to defend immigrants as a matter of maintaining the unity of the international working class against its common class enemy. The Industrial Workers of the World is an international movement, the preamble read. We realize workers have no country As long as we quarrel among ourselves over differences of nationality we weaken our cause, we defeat our own purposes... Differences of color and language are not obstacles to us. In our organization, the Caucasian, the Malay, the Mongolian and the Negro, are all on the same footing. All are workers and as such their interests are the same. An injury to them is an injury to us. The same spirit is required today. Since a Lion Air flight crashed into Indonesias Java Sea on October 29, killing all 189 passengers and crew members on board, information has emerged indicating that mechanical faults may have contributed to the aviation disaster, the countrys worst in over two decades. The plane reportedly fell out of radio contact some 13 minutes after taking off from Jakarta on a routine flight to Pangkal Pinang, the capital of the Bangka Belitung Islands province. Witnesses reported seeing it nosedive as it plunged into the sea. Over the past week, rescuers have combed the area near the crash site, searching for the remains of those who perished. Tragically, on November 2, Syachrul Anto, a 48-year-old member of the rescue team, died while recovering material from the plane. The planes black box, containing flight information, was recovered on November 1. A second black box, with audio from the cockpit, has yet to be discovered. Indonesian aviation authorities are expected to release a preliminary report at the end of November, while the findings of a full investigation will not likely be made public for several months. Already, however, major questions have emerged about whether the plane should have been in use at the time of the accident. The crash has again drawn attention to issues of maintenance and safety in the Indonesian and global airline industry. There is continuous cost-cutting and a relentless drive by every carrier to win market share amid a rapid growth in the number of low-cost carriers. On Thursday, the planes manufacturer, Boeing, issued a bulletin instructing crews to review an existing safety procedure in the event that Angle of Attack (AOA) sensors failed to provide accurate information. It stated that Indonesias National Transportation Safety Committee (NTSC) has indicated that Lion Air flight 610 experienced erroneous input from one of its AOA sensors. The news has sparked fears of other potential dangers around the world. The Lion plane was a Boeing 737-Max 8, one of the companys newest models, which has been rolled out internationally. According to the company, the United States Federal Aviation Administration ordered domestic US carriers to follow its bulletin on AOA failures, and would take further appropriate actions depending on the results of the investigation. AOA sensors feed information about the angle of wind passing over the wings of a plane, and how much lift it is getting. Such data can be decisive in stopping a plane from stallingan outcome that would be consistent with reports that the Lion Air flight nose-dived. On Monday, NTSC head Soerjanto Tjahjono and Nurcahyo Utomo, who is investigating the crash, confirmed that black box data revealed issues with the planes airspeed indicator on the four flights prior to the crash. On the last flight before the disaster, the right and left AOA sensors had given indications that diverged by about 20 degrees from one another. The discrepancy reportedly resulted in a sudden dive, but the pilots were able to recover altitude. They completed the flight, from Bali to Jakarta, at a lower than usual height in a bid to avoid more powerful wind gusts associated with high altitudes. An anonymous pilot told Reuters that the captain had requested to return to Bali, a claim later denied by airport authorities. Gerry Soejatman, an aviation analyst, told the Guardian that the problems encountered by the plane in the days before the disaster may be wider than initially believed. He said the combined issues with airspeed indications and the AOA sensors could indicate flaws in the air data reference unit. That key unit provides data from indicators for temperature, AOA, airspeed and altitude to the pilots electronic flight instrument system. If it is malfunctioning, pilots may be fed incorrect information. Boeing is one of the largest aircraft manufacturers in the world and the biggest US exporter by dollar value. Last year, it had a net income of over $8 billion. The company, along with aviation authorities, will inevitably seek to ensure that any safety concerns do not affect its profitability. The revelations sparked an angry response from relatives of those who died. Bambang Sukandar, whose son was killed, told Reuters: Lion Air said the problem was fixed. Is it true the problem was cleared? If not, technicians in charge must be responsible. The father of Shandy Johan Ramadhan, another passenger, said Lion Air had failed the victims families. Since the time of the crisis, I was never contacted by Lion Air, he said. We lost our child, but there was no empathy that Lion Air showed to us. Indonesia has a long history of airplane disasters. Lion Air, a cut-price carrier, has had 12 recorded accidents since it began operations in 2000. Some of the incidents pointed to lax safety and maintenance procedures. In February 2016, a Lion Air flight overshot the runway at Surabayas Juanda International Airport. The NTSC found that the incident, which did not lead to any fatalities, was a product of poor crew resource management, resulting in incorrect landing procedures. In April 2017, one of the companys planes spilt 300 litres of fuel on the tarmac of Juanda International Airport, forcing the planes emergency evacuation. An initial statement by a Lion Air official indicated that the accident resulted from a non-functioning safety valve and overflow detector. A host of accidents, including serious incidents involving the national carrier, Garuda Indonesia, have left Indonesia with a poor aviation reputation. In 2007, the European Union banned all Indonesian airlines from flying into the continent. The ban was subsequently lifted, but the latest disaster has led to speculation of possible similar restrictions. The aviation issues are part of a broader crisis of public transportation. Ferries, carrying hundreds of people across the archipelago, are frequently unseaworthy. In one of the latest incidents, more than 193 people were killed in June after a wooden vessel capsized on Lake Tabo, in northern Sumatra. Despite its legal capacity of 43 people, it had almost 200 passengers on board. On Thursday, London Underground tube drivers ended a second round of strikes. Some 800,000 daily commuters were affected by the strike by Central Line drivers, who struck for 24 hours. The Central Line was entirely shut, with the line fleet of 76 trains remaining in depots at Hainault, Leytonstone, West Ruislip and White City. Central Line stations serving the city and the Waterloo and City Line were closed. These carry about 100,000 passengers daily from the City on the north side of the Thames to the busiest main railway line in Europe, Waterloo station, on the south bank of the Thames. The strike involved members of ASLEF and the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT). Another strike scheduled for the same day from noon on the Piccadilly Line, serving Heathrow Airport, was cancelled at the last minute by the RMT. The action was in defence of tube workers summarily sacked by management since September. It also involved accumulated grievances, including the failure to employ sufficient numbers of drivers and other staff. The latest casualty is a 25-year veteran Central Line driver who had a pristine record until he succumbed to human error at work. He opened the saloon doors of his train, which was berthed in a tunnel section at Wanstead station, having bypassed safety circuits operated from the cab. ASLEF London tube organiser Finn Brennan said, Our member made a mistake while dealing with a problem caused by a defective train. While he did not carry out the correct procedure, he used his 25 years of experience to ensure no passengers were endangered during the incident. He accepted that he was wrong not to correctly apply the procedure and took full responsibility for his mistake. He was summarily dismissed, despite a quarter-century of dedicated professional service. Sections of tube trains are now regularly in tunnels at stations, compounding any mistakes made by employees. Management introduced the 1992 Central Line automated tube stock with the full knowledge that the trains were longer than some platforms. This was repeated on the Northern line, with the 1995 ATO stock, a year later with the 1996 Jubilee Line stock, and currently on the sub-surface lines with the S stock. The Hammersmith and City Line and the District Lines S stock trains, seven cars long, are up to 50 feet longer than platforms at stations such as Bayswater, Temple and Embankment. On the Piccadilly Line in October, another two drivers were sacked by management for minor reasons. These cases are going through appeal at industrial tribunals. The strikes express the deep anger of workers after a decade of budget cuts, productivity increases, reductions in real wages, longer work weeks of seven to eight days consecutively, plus an increase in working weekends agreed by the unions two years ago. Management are seeking to remove workers grades in the next decade, when automation is introduced via Automatic Train Operations (ATO). Workers also oppose a company disciplinary process skewed in favour of management, again imposed with the collaboration of the tube unions. Despite the powerful impact of the strike on a single line, the unions ensured that the drivers were isolated from other tube and transport workers in the capital. On October 5 and 6, 500 tube workers on the Central Line struck to protest unsafe working practises, including forced overtime. A week before, 400 drivers on the Piccadilly Line struck from September 26 to 29. The line was entirely shut and no trains moved during the first 48 hours. Piccadilly Line drivers struck for several reasons, including management forcing driver victims of railway accidents to return to work too early. The standard six months recuperation period to which a driver is entitled after a traumatic collision or accident on the track or at a station is being shortened. Octobers Central Line strike was organised by the ASLEF trade union and none of the RMT drivers crossed picket lines. The Piccadilly Line strike ballot was organised by the RMT union, with all but a few ASLEF members refusing to cross picket lines at Cockfosters, Arnos Grove, Acton Town, Bollo House and Northfields depots. In the face of this class solidarity, the unions ensured that all other tube lines ran as normal, undermining the industrial action. Southwestern rail workers were on strike for 48 hours at the same time as Central Line workers, to protest the introduction of Driver Only Operated (DOO) trains. Southwestern is just one of the many rail franchises seeking to impose DOO, threatening thousands of workers jobs and public safety. The firm runs many services into London, and the strike led to the cancellation of 500 trainsindicating the potential impact of a united offensive by tube, rail and other transport workers. Many workers complain that mistakes are being made as the result of sharp increases in productivity since 2011. One assessment found that productivity, compared with other metro systems, rose by 22 percent from 2009/2010 to 2014/2015. Daily performance is measured by regular round-the-clock snapshots, with a 96 percent fleet utilisation as the minimum to generate bonuses for management. Last December, train managers contracts were renegotiated with the RMT and ASLEF, alongside management union TSSA, with an emphasis on increasing the exploitation of tube workers by tightening the screws on performance parameters, including the number of SPADS (signals passed at danger), attendance record, errors made on the job and sickness. Speaking to the WSWS, Steve, a worker on the Northern Line, said, Cranking up performances leads to the removing, over time, the most costly contracts, namely the oldest drivers, irrespective of their mistakes. Stephanie, a driver for eight years, noted that a number of drivers no longer even reach retirement age. She had noticed that over the years I have seen the company geared to squeeze as much passenger-mileage from us as long as we possibly can give. Even the right to be on maternity leave is being challenged. The unions have helped ensure that the companys productivity and de-staffing agenda is imposed. A worker who struck on the Piccadilly line said, [O]ver the years, to increase productivity, training and safety procedures were cut to the basic minimum with the collaboration of the unions. Tube worker Ola said of the disciplinary process, Very few drivers ever got their jobs or livelihoods saved by the unions, which helped skew the disciplinary process in favour of management. Most are shunted onto lower paid grades, with pay declining over three to five years after the outcome at their company trial. In a statement on Wednesdays action, ASLEF warned management that it was struggling to contain tube workers anger and pleaded for more talks in order to head off the prospect of joint industrial action by its members. ASLEF organiser Brennan commented that the unions executive committee is to discuss resolutions from our branches on the Hammersmith & City and Northern lines asking to be balloted for action with other branches set to follow. Unless there is a rapid change of approach from management, working inside existing agreements instead of trying to circumvent or reinterpret them, then the likelihood is there will be a combine-wide shut-down in the run-up to Christmas. Senior figures at TfL [Transport for London] need to realise just how serious the industrial relations problems on London Underground have become and start to deal with them. ASLEF does not want to be in a position where we are faced with dispute after dispute. The statement concluded: ASLEF have repeatedly made it clear that we are available for talks with management, at ACAS or in any other forum. But London Underground have made no new proposals and seem completely uninterested in solving this dispute. More than 100 students and workers attended a lecture Wednesday evening at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge to mark 80 years of the Fourth International. The MIT Forum invited David North, national chairman of the Socialist Equality Party (US) and chairman of the International Editorial Board of the World Socialist Web Site (WSWS), to speak on the topic The Class Struggle, Socialism, & Revolution in the 21st Century. The lecture was part of a tour of a dozen cities across the country. They follow a series of lectures around the world organized by the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI) to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Fourth International by Leon Trotsky in 1938. North spoke on the lessons of the 20th century, the attack on Marxism and the fight for socialism today. North stressed the conflict between rationalism and irrationalism and the need to base a socialist movement on the defense of objective truth. These issues take on a particular urgency at MIT, a world center of scientific education and research. David North at MIT North stressed that the post-modernist approach is pervasive throughout academia and is aimed at undermining any rational, scientific conceptions. He emphasized the lessons of history, particularly that the struggle against fascism required the revolutionary mobilization of the working class against capitalism, stressing that class was the essential division in society. As you know, in science there are no easy answers, North said, and that it is very hard to find simple truths. And in politics there are no easy answers. The experiences of the 1930s are once again becoming all too real. In the 1930s, Trotsky said that popular fronts and fascism are the last political resources of imperialism in the struggle against the proletarian revolution. North appealed to students to commit to socialism: In making such an immensely significant decision to commit yourself to revolutionary politics, you have to study, you have to read, you have to familiarize yourself with the whole history of the Marxist movement, the greatest and most profound movement that has ever existed. Masses of people are trying to find their way to socialism, but they have to learn what it is. In the discussion period following the lecture, important questions were raised from the audience, including on the nature of the unions, the history of the Chinese Revolution and the current situation in China. Dozens of students remained after the lecture for informal discussion and left their names to be contacted about forming a chapter of the International Youth and Students for Social Equality at MIT. A selection of the meeting at MIT Brett, in his mid-twenties, majored in music and audio engineering. He came to the meeting to see David North speak and has been following the World Socialist Web Site for a few years. Brett said that he felt the most important part of the meeting was Norths critique of post-modernism. For me there have been different stages that I have gone through politically, each of which has been shattered through my experience, and through education. The first was liberalism. When I was in high school I attended the rallies against the Iraq War, but I was young and didnt fully grasp everything at play. I knew that I was against things like war, the Patriot Act, the militarization of the police force. I saw the effects of some of these things even in my home town in New Hampshire, where the police force started to be more and more heavily armed, when the worst thing that ever happens there is a traffic ticket. But those protests ended, and I became disengaged until the Sanders campaign. After seeing what the Democratic Party did to his campaign, and then his concession to Clinton, I realized what the Democratic Party really was and everything I thought I knew about politics changed. I started reading critical authors such as Chris Hedges, which led me to Marx, Engels, Trotsky and others, which then led to me to the World Socialist Web Site. But I was still influenced by post-modernism. That was the next political conception that would be shattered. I think tonights meeting really solidified my understanding of the WSWS critique of post-modernism. I really agree with what was said tonight, and I am eager to get involved. I think the other really critical element is the exposure to internationalism. Understanding the origins of the idea of socialism in one country, for example, is not something you are taught in school. I have found some of the most valuable readings on the WSWS to be the material on the Russian Revolution. Nick, a young worker from the South Shore, said, First of all, this kind of information is definitely needed in this area. What North hit on is that theres a real trend in official left politics of irrational and identity politics. We desperately need a Marxist analysis and perspective on the dangers of these theories. Among my generation, people know theres something wrong, but this provided a way to fight against so many of these crackpot philosophies. It was explained in the lecture clearly and concisely a condensed history of the 20th century. So many experiences of the 20th century have been made inexplicable by post-modernism. This lecture debunked all that. The dangerous philosophy of the pseudo-left gives no historical context, cant understand the current struggles. If we cant understand them, we cant do anything about them. Dylan, an MIT student who studies artificial intelligence, said, I came to the meeting because there is a growing interest in socialism and I wanted to hear from people in the know. I like David Norths emphasis on history and his idea that society and the divisions within it must be defined by a rational and empirical understanding as opposed to artificial labels of convenience. Dylan Racism and the oppression of women are real issues, but identities based on race and gender are weaponized. North said that class is the most important issue. I saw a recent political cartoon. It had a Republican saying that 10 people should control all of societys wealth. The Democrat said, Yes, but five of them should be women. Enrico, an MIT student from Italy, said, The lecture was very interesting, and David North did a good job of connecting a historical perspective with the present political situation from Trump to the fake left. In Italy, the working class has been betrayed by the heirs of the Stalinist Communist Party. They dismantled the welfare state, implemented horrendous labor reforms, and aided the US in its wars. The so-called left did the job that the right could not do. The right wing tried and failed after provoking so much opposition. Then the left did the job. The US has 60 hydrogen bombs in Italy. How is that acceptable? I am very interested in the history of Trotskyism. There is a rise of nationalism among the so-called left in Europe and the emergence of Red-Brown coalitions. The European Union is oppressing workers throughout the continent, but the answer isnt nationalism. Its uniting the working class across the national borders in a true socialist movement. A key meeting between US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and North Koreas chief negotiator Kim Yong Chol, due to take place in Washington yesterday, was abruptly called off at the last minute. While the US State Department said the meeting was just postponed, the cancellation is another sign of an impasse that has been reached over North Koreas nuclear program. US officials told the Wall Street Journal that North Korea had called off the talks. No reasons have been given by either side, other than an implausible statement from a State Department spokesman that there had been a scheduling issue. Pyongyangs frustration had been evident in the lead-up to this weeks meeting. Since Junes Singapore summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, the North Korean regime has halted all nuclear and ballistic missile testing and taken a number of steps to indicate its willingness to denuclearise in return for security guarantees. The US, on the other hand, has done virtually nothing, except suspend joint military exercises with South Korea. At the same time, Washington has insisted that North Korea proceed with dismantling its nuclear programs and facilities, destroying its nuclear arsenal and ending its production of ballistic missiles before the lifting of any crippling US-led sanctions on its economy. Following Pompeos visit to Pyongyang for talks in July, the North Korean ministry issued a statement blasting the US for its unilateral and gangster-like demand for denuclearisation and warned that trust between the two sides was at a dangerous stage. Last Friday, Pyongyang went a step further, warning that it would restart its nuclear testing if the US did not make some corresponding concessions. A North Korean statement published by the state-run KCNA news agency declared that the improvement of relations and [continuing] sanctions are incompatible. The statement added: We gave all things possible to the US, things it hardly deserves, by taking pro-active and goodwill measures. What remains to be done is the US corresponding reply. Unless there is a reply, the DPRK [North Korea] will not move even 1 millimetre. How costly it may be. North Korea not only has suspended its nuclear testing. It has shut down a missile testing facility, destroyed the entrances to its nuclear test site and promised to close its nuclear reactor and other facilities at Yongbyon. Pyongyang has also signalled it was preparing to let in international nuclear inspectors to examine its missile engine test site and its nuclear test site. Speaking on Fox News on Sunday, Pompeo brushed aside Pyongyangs warning, declaring: Im not worried about rhetoric. We have seen this as we go through negotiations. Stray voltage happens to be all around us. He expected to see real progress that would lay the basis for a second summit between Trump and Kim. At the same time, Pompeo emphatically declared there would be no economic relief until we have achieved our ultimate goal of full, verifiable denuclearisation. Following the announcement that yesterdays talks were called off, the US sought to downplay the cancellation. Trump told reporters: Were very happy with how its going with North Korea. We think its going fine. Were in no rush The sanctions are on. The missiles have stopped. The rockets have stopped. The hostages [jailed US citizens] are home. Such comments are certain to infuriate North Korean leaders, who have made significant concessions. While it costs nothing to the Trump administration to drag out talks, the North Korean economy has been hit badly by sanctions that ban most of its exports and restrict imports of key items, including oil and petroleum products. A US source familiar with the negotiations told CNN yesterday that North Korea is getting really angry. In a further provocation against North Korea, the US military on Monday began to hold low-level joint drills with South Korea. While the exercise involved only 500 US and South Korean marines, Pyongyang will have noted it as a sign that the Pentagon can quickly reverse its suspension of drills in South Korea. The two militaries hold a series of major war games each year, the largest of which involved more than 300,000 troops last year, in what could only be interpreted as preparations for a full-scale war with North Korea. The Trump administrations hard-line stance is also creating tensions with the South Korean administration of President Moon Jae-in, who has held three summits with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Moon is seeking closer ties with North Korea, including closer economic cooperation and an easing of tensions along the demilitarised zone (DMZ) that separates the two countries. At their third summit in September, Moon and Kim agreed to establish a no-fly zone 40 kilometres to the north and south from the military demarcation line. The agreement also bars live-fire drills involving fixed-wing aircraft and air-to-ground guided missiles in the no-fly zonea practice that South Korea and the US carried out routinely in the past. Pompeo was reportedly incensed by the agreement and conveyed his displeasure to South Koreas foreign minister. The US has also responded negatively to South Korean appeals for exemptions from US-led sanctions in order to permit joint economic projects with North Korea. The US and South Korea last week announced a joint working party to strengthen coordination of sanctions implementation and inter-Korean cooperation that comply with the United Nations sanctions. The Financial Times reported last weekend: Last month the US Treasury Department had warned several South Korean banks against doing business with Pyongyang after the lenders announced an array of unification-themed financial products, some of which were aimed at potential customers north of the border. The US embassy in Seoul reinforced the message by directly contacting corporations to warn them against breaking sanctions. Just over a year ago, President Trump warned from the podium of the United Nations that the US would totally destroy North Korea if it threatened the United States. While neither side has signalled a complete breakdown of talks, the Trump administrations one-sided demands and the lack of any significant steps toward a deal are a warning that a resumption of the dangerous confrontation is certainly possible. The Democrats and their fake left allies held war-mongering demonstrations in a number of cities on Thursday in defense of the fired far-right attorney general, Jeff Sessions, and the anti-Russia investigation being conducted by Special Counsel Robert Mueller. Wednesdays ouster of Sessions and his replacement by Trump ally Matthew G. Whitaker has brought forth a wave of condemnation from Democratic Party figures and their media allies, including the New York Times and Washington Post, asserting that the move is the prelude to Trumps closing down of the Justice Department probe into allegations of Russian meddling in the 2016 elections and possible collusion by the Trump campaign. Trump had repeatedly denounced Sessions for having recused himself from the Russia investigation in March of 2017, leaving Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, a defender of the investigation, in overall charge of its conduct. Whitaker, a former US attorney and now acting attorney general and therefore responsible for overseeing the Mueller probe, is on record criticizing Mueller and suggesting that the Justice Department could cut off funding for his office. Muellers investigation has been at the center of a McCarthyite-style campaign against Russia spearheaded by the intelligence agencies and the Democratic Party, based on fabricated claims that Russian President Vladimir Putin interfered in the presidential election to undermine the candidacy of Democrat Hillary Clinton and boost Trump. It has been used as a weapon in the drive by the Democrats and sections of the military/intelligence establishment to force Trump to adopt a more aggressive posture against Moscow and in the war for regime-change in Syria. To the extent that the Democrats oppose the right-wing Trump administration, it is on this entirely reactionary basis. In the lead-up to Tuesdays midterm elections, they not only called no demonstrations, they were entirely silent on Trumps fascistic attacks on immigrants, his deployment of troops to the border against the caravan of Central American asylum seekers, and his pledge to overturn the 14th Amendment guarantee of birthright citizenshipa cornerstone of the Bill of Rights. Following the election, in which the Democrats won control of the House of Representatives, the party leadership called repeatedly for bipartisan unity and collaboration with Trump, underscoring their essential agreement with his policies of war, austerity and repression. It was only when Trump fired Sessions, a right-wing anti-immigrant zealot, that they swung into action, reviving their denunciations of Trump as a stooge of Putin. The aim of shifting the Trump administration to a war footing against Russia has been achieved to the extent that there is now a substantial risk of nuclear conflict between the US and the second-leading nuclear power. War could quickly erupt in a number of flash points, especially Syria, where Russian soldiers, sailors and airmen carry out combat operations within miles of their American counterparts, as well as US-allied Islamist proxies armed by Saudi Arabia. Though promoted in the media and sponsored by over 50 Democratic Party-linked organizations, including MoveOn.org, the rallies on Tuesday were small, reflecting the lack of support in the general population for the anti-Russia crusade. The protests were notable primarily for their unvarnished right-wing and neo-McCarthyite character. Two of the largest were in Washington DC and New York City, which each drew roughly 1,000 demonstrators, many of whom held hammer and sickle posters with Putins image. Sessions began his career as a segregationist in Jim Crow Alabama and went on to become a right-wing Republican senator from the state. Mueller, for his part, was director of the FBI from 2001 to 2013, during which time he helped institute mass domestic surveillance and other sweeping attacks on democratic rights linked to the so-called war on terror. At the Washington demonstration, Democratic Congressman Jamie Raskin led those in attendance in a round of applause for Sessions. Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, appealed to the military against Trump, declaring, You are the defenders of our democracy, and led a chant of protect Mueller. In defending Sessions, the Democrats and their allies are rallying around the most right-wing attorney general in American history, who, prior to joining the Trump cabinet, had won a well-earned reputation as a bitter opponent of civil rights. As attorney general, Sessions will primarily be remembered for the persecution of immigrants, most notably the separation of immigrant children from their parents and their imprisonment in detention camps built in the desert. The task of spearheading the attack on immigrants and democratic rights will now fall, pending the installation of a permanent attorney general, to Whitaker, who has boasted that he interprets the Constitution from a biblical standpoint. His very first act as head of the Department of Justice was to issue, in conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security, a directive stripping the right to asylum from anyone who enters the US over the Mexican border and has not first gained legal statusa move that is tantamount to abolishing the right to asylum, which is guaranteed under international and US law. This move, a new landmark in the attack on immigrants, due process and basic democratic rights, has been virtually ignored by the media and the Democratic Party. It was not mentioned in the press release calling Thursdays demonstration, nor by speakers at the demonstrations in Washington and New York. The political crisis triggered by Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisenas dismissal of Ranil Wickremesinghe as prime minister and his replacement with former President Mahinda Rajapakse continues. The infighting between the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) led by Sirisena and Rajapakse and Wickremesinghes United National Party (UNP) points to the dangers facing the working class. Both sections of the political elite, which have consistently suppressed the basic rights of the working people and the poor, are falsely posturing as defenders of democracy in order to secure government control and deepen the drive to place the burden of the countrys economic crisis on the masses. In their bid to form a government, Sirisena and Rajapakse have appointed ministers on a virtual daily basis and plan to have 30 cabinet ministers. Mahinda Samarasinghe, the newly-appointed government spokesman and ports minister, yesterday said the appointments would be completed by November 14. Sirisena initially suspended parliament until November 16 but, in response to international pressure, brought the date forward by two days. The suspension sought to give Rajapakse time to secure a parliamentary majority via new ministerial appointments and other horse-trading deals. Parliamentary party leaders met with Speaker Karu Jayasuriya yesterday to discuss the November 14 agenda. Jayasuriya said he would give priority to a no-confidence motion submitted by 116 MPs against Rajapakse. The vote would determine which faction had a majority. SLFP members of parliament insisted that President Sirisenas address should come first, followed by a vote on account to provide temporary budget allocations to the ministries, and, if necessary, a no-confidence motion. Sirisena, who is desperately attempting to garner parliamentary support for a Rajapakse-led government, met with Tamil National Alliance (TNA) leaders, including R. Sambandan. The TNA has 16 MPs so its support is decisive for a parliament majority. Thus far, Rajapakse has won the support of just one TNA MP, who was rewarded with a ministerial post. The TNA leaders told Sirisena they opposed Rajapakses appointment and called for the reconvening of the parliament at an early date to determine who had a majority. The TNA, a bourgeois nationalist formation, usually responds to the political signals from Washington and New Delhi, so as to secure the interests and privileges of the Tamil elites. Sirisena is using the crisis to strengthen the autocratic and repressive powers of the presidency. Apart from his position as defence minister, which he holds under the constitution, Sirisena has the law and order ministry, which controls the police, and the media ministry. Many advisers to Rajapakse and Sirisena claim the presidents appointment of a new prime minister is constitutional and openly declare he has the authority to dissolve the parliament if he deems it necessary. These claims are a travesty of the 19th constitutional amendment, previously introduced by Sirisena himself, which pruned some of these powers. These self-serving interpretations are aimed at using the presidents executive powers for further anti-democratic actions, not just to consolidate the Sirisena-Rajapakse faction but to suppress the basic rights of working people. Wickremesinghes UNP will hold another rally in Colombo on Monday to call for the immediate reconvening of the parliament and a no-confidence vote. Yesterday Wickremesinghe briefly spoke to his supporters, declaring that they were fighting to defend democracy and the freedom of the nation. This is a canard. Wickremesinghe heads the oldest bourgeois party in Sri Lanka. It has always served the interests of big business and trampled on the democratic rights of the masses. The UNP is relying on the support of the so-called international community, in particular the US. Its constant appeals for major power backing were again revealed in a letter sent by Speaker Jayasuriya on Monday to foreign diplomats in Colombo. According to the constitution, the parliamentary speaker is supposed to be impartial. Jayasuriya, however, is a senior member of the UNP. Sections of his letter were published in a Reuters report on Wednesday. The entire series of events [Sirisenas actions] can only be described as a coup, albeit one without the use of tanks and guns, Jayasuriyas letter said. The entire matter was pre-planned, it continued, accusing Sirisena of acting contrary to all norms of transparency, decency, democracy and good governance, and contrary to the Constitution which he has sworn to uphold and defend. The letter amounts to a direct appeal to the major powers to intervene. While Sirisena and Rajapakse denounce the UNP for turning to foreign powers, their government would be just as subservient to the dictates of major powers and their financial institutions, such as the IMF and World Bank. From the outset, the US has been hostile to Rajapakses appointment. During the January 2015 presidential election, Washington orchestrated a regime-change operation to oust Rajapakse as president and install Sirisena. While the US supported Rajapakses brutal war against the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam and turned a blind eye to his anti-democratic rule, it bitterly opposed his close relations with Beijing, regarding it as an impediment to US strategic interests. The newly-appointed US envoy, Alaina B. Teplitz, met with Jayasuriya on November 6. In a twitter message she said they discussed the importance of parliament reconvening to put an end to this political crisis. She also met with TNA leader R. Sambandan at his residence on Tuesday. Washington has stepped up its intervention during the past week. In a tweet on Wednesday, US State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert declared: We urge Sri Lankas President to reconvene parliament immediately to resolve the political crisis. She warned that any delay compounds uncertainty in Sri Lanka, and undermines its international reputation. The Trump administration has no regard for democracy in Sri Lanka or anywhere else, including in the US. Its only concern is to advance Washingtons geopolitical interests against China. Earlier this week, a delegation headed by Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake met with the TNA leadership, including Sambandan, to discuss its stance. Both parties said they reached an agreement to defeat Sirisenas unconstitutional acts in the parliament. At press conference yesterday, Dissanayake thanked Speaker Jayasuriya for his opposition to Sirisenas actions, saying his letter was very strong. The media reported that the JVP said it would support a parliamentary vote against violations of the constitution and support a UNP no-confidence motion. The JVP, which is part of the political establishment, has consistently maneuvered with one or another faction of the bourgeoisie, and is now stepping up its efforts to sow illusions in the crumbling facade of parliamentary democracy. It plans to hold another protest rally in Colombo to promote its stance. In the face of a resurgence of the class struggle and the deepening economic crisis and geopolitical tensions, all factions of the ruling elite have moved further to the right and are preparing a major onslaught against the social and democratic rights of the workers and poor. In its statement on the political crisis, the Socialist Equality Party (SEP) wrote: We urge the working class to take stock of the political situation and to chart its own independent course based on the Theory of Permanent Revolution. Workers must take the initiative in forming independent action committees in workplaces, neighbourhoods and the estates, mobilising the support of the rural poor and youth to fight for their democratic rights and class interests. The struggle for democracy is bound up with the question of state power and the fight for a workers and peasants government to implement socialist policies. We urge workers and youth to rally to the SEP and fight for this perspective. There were more questions than answers when recently-removed Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull appeared on a special one-hour edition of the Q&A television program on Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) television last night. The program was billed as tackling the question that no one in the government has answered: why was Turnbull ousted from office on August 24? But Turnbull repeatedly refused to offer any explanation for what he called a coup. Instead, he attributed it to madness, before finally conceding: But, clearly, thats pretty inadequate. In various ways, despite refusing to answer the central question, Turnbull pointed to the reality: a relentless far-right push, backed by the Murdoch media, to transform the Liberal and National parties into a Donald Trump-style formation in order to channel rising social discontent in reactionary nationalist and xenophobic directions and prepare for war with China. Turnbulls appearance highlights the political and geo-strategic tensions convulsing the ruling Liberal-National Coalition and the political establishment as a whole. Even the fact that he was given a full hour for a solo performance on one of the countrys most prominent current affairs platforms indicates deep fissures wracking the ruling capitalist class. The ex-prime minister charged leading Liberal Party politicians, including cabinet ministers, with taking a successful, competitive government and literally blowing it up. He named nine of them, led by Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton, ex-Prime Minister Tony Abbott, Health Minister Greg Hunt and Finance Minister Mathias Cormann. Only these people, Turnbull claimed, could explain why he was ousted in a Liberal Party parliamentary caucus vote, and he insisted they had a responsibility to the public to do so. He accused a right-wing minority of launching a political wrecking operation. Turnbull declared: What youve seen increasingly from the right, even if theyre not in the majority, theyll say, If you dont give us what we want, well blow the show up. That is intimidating and that is bullying, and that was at the heart of the coup back in August. Now that is a real threat to the Liberal Party. A wealthy former investment banker who represents the interests of the financial elite, Turnbull warned that the Liberal Party, one of the twin political pillars of the ruling establishment since World War II, was being frayed. He blamed a toxic feedback loop created by conservative commentators on Rupert Murdochs Sky News and the Australian newspaper. Despite their small audiences, these outlets, Turnbull said, influenced Liberal Party branch members, even though recent election losses, including in his own previous electorate of Wentworth in eastern Sydney, showed such views were widely rejected. Turnbull blamed the result in Wentworth, which the Liberal Party lost for the first time in history, on a disastrous final week leading into the October 20 by-election. In that week the government supported a white supremacist Its OK to be white resolution moved in the Senate by Pauline Hanson, the leader of the anti-immigrant One Nation party, and proposed to follow the Trump administration in relocating Australias Israeli embassy to the contested city of Jerusalem and repudiating the nuclear agreement with Iran. Pointing to similar conflicts wracking the rural-based National Party, Turnbull also criticised former Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce, who represents the most right-wing populist elements in the Nationals. Turnbull said Joyce had not helped the government in the Wentworth by-election by fuelling leadership instability in the Nationals and proposing a new coal-fired power station. Turnbull claimed that internal Liberal Party polling had predicted that his government would have won the next national election. This was why the right-wing forces wanted to oust him, he suggested, alleging a self-destructive lurch to the right. Significantly, Turnbull confirmed he had personally complained, unsuccessfully, to Murdoch about hostile coverage by Murdochs media outlets. He also recounted a conversation with another media mogul, Kerry Stokes, in which Stokes, who controls the Seven TV network and the West Australian, warned him that Murdoch had declared: Malcolm has to go. Turnbull said he had cautioned Murdoch that the only beneficiary of any leadership coup would be Labor Party leader Bill Shorten. He confirmed Murdoch had told Stokes that three years of Labor wouldnt be so bad. These revelations, which Stokes and Murdochs News Limited vehemently denied during September, shed further light on the underlying driving forces behind Turnbulls removal. Murdochs media empire, featuring Fox News, prominently backs Trumps America First drive to reassert the post-World War II hegemony of US capitalism and to cultivate an extreme right-wing populist movement to counter the mounting discontent of the working class. Murdoch platforms have been in the forefront of pursuing the interests of US imperialism against its identified enemies, particularly Russia and China. This has been accompanied by escalating pressure exerted by the US intelligence, military and political establishment on the Australian government to line up unconditionally behind Washingtons intensifying trade war and wider economic and military confrontation with China. As an ABC interview with ex-Trump adviser and alt-right leader Steve Bannon confirmed, the Australian prime minister was regarded in Washington as too much of an appeaser of China. Bannons interview was recorded while Turnbull was still prime minister, then broadcast just after his ouster. During his three years in office, Turnbull did everything he could to convince, first Barack Obama, and then Trump of his governments commitment to the US strategic alliance, on which Australian imperialism has relied for its own predatory activities across the Asia-Pacific region since World War II. Not a single question of foreign policy was aired during last nights show, despite the escalating confrontation between Washington and Beijing, which has potentially catastrophic implications for Australian capitalism. Nonetheless, Turnbull was again at pains to insist that the US relationship remained very, very strong. While the relations between the respective military and intelligence apparatuses are certainly very, very strong, Turnbull was seen as unreliable because of his reluctance to join provocative US military operations against China in the South China Sea and his efforts to protect the profit interests of those sections of Australian business most reliant on China. Just two weeks before he was removed, Turnbull delivered a speech calling for a reset of a very deep relationship with China. The Turnbull-Stokes-Murdoch conversations also demonstrate Murdochs readiness to support a Labor government, backed by the trade unions, even if only for three years while a new far-right formation is forged. Labor is fully committed to the US alliance and has taken office in previous periods of crisis, including World Wars I and II, to impose the burden of war and austerity on the working class. On last nights program, Turnbull ludicrously painted his government as a success. He listed achievements such as record jobs growth, economic growth, reduced personal income tax, reduced company tax, changes to school funding and record funding for health and pharmaceutical benefits. He boasted that his government had stopped the arrival of refugee boats, and he defended the barbaric detention of asylum seekers on remote Pacific islands. The truth is that years of stagnant or falling real wages, replacement of full-time jobs by poorly-paid and insecure casual and part-time employment, tax handouts to the corporate elite and deteriorating public education and health, under successive Coalition and Labor governments, have created ever-more glaring social inequality and political disaffection. As in the US and across Europe, the discredited old political parties are imploding and capitalist politics is being reshaped along far-right, nationalist and authoritarian lines in an attempt to confuse and divert the discontent and the resulting turn by workers and young people toward socialist answers. The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature. Europe Strike by rail guards on UK Arriva North franchise Rail guards working for Arriva North franchise will hold a 24-hour strike on Saturday, the 12th consecutive Saturday stoppage. The ongoing dispute is in opposition to the extension of driver only operated trains (DOO) that threaten passenger safety and 6,000 guards jobs. The RMT has limited action to regional, short-term strikes, to isolate and dissipate struggles. It has already sealed deals with rail franchises at ScotRail and Greater Anglia. The union has agreed a sell-out deal in principle with Merseyrail and the Labour Party-led Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, whereby door control and dispatch of the trains will transfer to the driver on new trains. Steel fabrication workers in Darlington, England set to strike over pay Steel fabrication workers employed by Cleveland Bridge in Darlington were planning to strike Thursday this week and again on Monday November 12. Around 90 GMB union members voted for the action in a dispute over an imposed 2.3 percent pay deal. Company and union talks were planned on Wednesday at the government mediation service Acas. Protest march against home closures in UK city of Southampton Around 200 people marched through Southampton on Saturday to protest plans by the citys Labour council to close its last two care homes. The march was organised by the Unite union. The closure could lead to the loss of 80 care jobs. The council said it will relocate staff and find alternative accommodation for the residents. Nurses in Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland to be balloted for possible strike From next Monday nurses in Northern Ireland will receive ballot papers for an indicative ballot over strike action because they have received no pay offer for 2018/19. Like the Royal College of Nursing, Unison, representing a third of the 65,000 NHS nursing staff in Northern Ireland, is also planning a similar indicative ballot. Nurses in the Irish republic are to be balloted over a 24-hour all-out strike. They are demanding a better pay offer to resolve recruitment problems and staff shortages, after rejecting a pay proposal by employer, the Health Services Executive (HSE). Two further 24-hour strikes would follow in December if the HSE fails to improve its offer. The nurses are members of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation. Members of the Psychiatric Nurses Association have similarly rejected the pay offer and may also ballot for strike action. The Services, Industrial and Professional union, representing some nurses, has accepted the pay proposals. Irish teachers may strike over pay Irish teachers have rejected a pay proposal put forward by the Irish governments Education Department. The proposal was to address the lower pay rates imposed on teachers employed since 2011 compared to earlier employees. The government cut pay after bailing out the Irish banks and financial system following the 2008 crash. The new proposals would still leave some teachers disadvantaged. The Irish National Teachers Organisation, representing primary school teachers, rejected the proposal and was to meet Wednesday to consider balloting its members for strike action. The Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland is currently balloting its members for strike action over the same issue. Its result will be announced at the end of November. Porters at Irish hospital threaten protest Porters at University Hospital in Limerick threatened to hold a 50-strong picket line on Thursday. They held a similar two-hour picket on October 9. The SIPTU members are seeking improved break times and better canteen facilities. Hospital management was to meet SIPTU on Wednesday in an attempt to head off any protest. Irish ambulance drivers begin overtime ban Around 500 ambulance drivers employed by the Irish Ambulance service began an overtime ban Wednesday. Members of the National Ambulance Service Representative Association, affiliated to the Psychiatric Nurses Association, are demanding union recognition and negotiating rights. Most of the other 1,800 ambulance workers belong to SIPTU. Further strikes by Swiss construction workers Around 4,000 striking Swiss construction workers marched through Lausanne on Monday protesting against plans by employers to increase their retirement age, impose longer working hours and eliminate the minimum wage. A protest outside the building employers association building in Zurich was planned for Tuesday. Previous strikes and protests have taken place in Bern, Geneva and other areas over the same issue. Slovenian judiciary workers in go-slow action/subhead] A planned go-slow action by Slovenian judiciary workers went ahead on Monday. The members of the Trades Unions of Judiciary Workers are demanding improved wages and working conditions. Protest by bus drivers in Cypriot city of Larnaca over wage arrears Bus drivers working for the Zenon bus company in Larnaca threatened to take legal and industrial action on Tuesday if wage arrears were not paid by Wednesday. It marked the sixth consecutive month that their wages have not been paid on time. Doctors at Cypriot hospital suspend partial strike Doctors at the A&E department of the hospital in the Cypriot city of Paphos have suspended their strike begun November 1. They had been taking two-hour strike action each day for five days to highlight staff shortages at the hospital and demanding two additional doctors. The Health Ministry agreed to appoint an additional doctor immediately. The suspension will last 15 days, during which time doctors expect a second doctor to be appointed. If not, the partial strike will recommence. Middle East General strike in Israel over construction safety is called off A general strike due to begin Wednesday to highlight safety concerns on construction sites was called off by the Israeli Histadrut labour federation. Histadrut representatives met with housing, finance and welfare ministers on Tuesday. The government agreed to introduce European standards for scaffolding, crane and other construction equipment. So far this year 37 construction workers have died in work-related incidents. Africa Nigerian unions call off general strike, agree minimum wage Nigerias three labour congresses called off a general strike proposed for November 6 over a new minimum wage level. The Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress of Nigeria and United Labour Congress of Nigeria agreed on a national minimum wage with the government and industry, but have yet to divulge the figure. They say it will be announced after being reported to President Muhammadu Buhari. Workers were initially demanding a minimum wage of between N56,000 to N65,000. The present minimum wage of N18,000 has never been fully implemented and a state governors forum said that they would not increase their offer of N22,500. According to the Guardian, airport workers had begun stopping international flights. Meanwhile, members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities began indefinite strike action on Monday to protest underfunding. Nigerian power supply workers protest working conditions Electrical power workers in Nigerias Edo State capitol Benin blocked the entrance of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) headquarters last week to protest working conditions. The workers have not had a pay increase since the company was privatised in 2013. South African plastic workers strike continues as employers mount legal action Ten thousand plastic workers are continuing their strike begun on October 15 for a 15 percent pay rise in line with engineers in the metal industry, and a return to a R40 basic hourly rate. South Africas Plastics Converters Association are claiming damages of R1million from the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa and R100,000 from general secretary Irvin Jim. South Africas Gold Fields miners strike over jobs losses South African mineworkers in Gold Fields South Deep mine have blockaded the company since November 2 in a strike over 1,560 proposed redundancies. The Johannesburg-based company employs 3,614 full-time workers and 1,940 contractors. Although Gold Fields got a court order to restrict a 200 strong miners picket stopping scabs from working, the strike by 3,000 members of the National Union of Mineworkers has halted production. Eastern Cape, South Africa emergency service workers unofficial strike over unpaid overtime and lack of equipment Workers employed by South Africas Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Eastern Cape began unofficial strike action on Monday. The previous Friday they demonstrated over unpaid overtime, not enough ambulances and poor treatment by management. Management are using private ambulances to break the strike. The strike is not backed by the Health & Other Services Personnel Trade Union of South Africa, the National Health, Education and Allied Workers Union, the Public Service Association or the South African Emergency Personnels Union. They deemed it illegal as EMS is an essential service. A spokesperson said workers had lost confidence in the negotiating capacity of the unions. Kenyan medical staff strike over unpaid wages and dues Kenyan public hospital workers went on strike throughout Homa Bay County from Monday. They are striking over 10 months of unpaid wages, non-remittance of payments to the National Hospital Insurance Fund, National Social Security Fund, Higher Education Loans Board and payment of their union dues. The members of the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union, the Kenya National Union of Nurses, the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers and the Kenya Union of Medical Laboratory Officers are also protesting lack of medical equipment, and harassment by management. Zimbabwean teachers strike over pay Teachers in Zimbabwe are striking this week to demand their wages be paid in US dollars, as promised in 2012. They are opposed to the Zimbabwean transaction Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS), or a National Electronic Fund Transfer. The RTGS is consistently losing value, so salaries cannot cover the price of workers monthly expenditures. Retail outlets such as pharmacies demand payment in dollars and will not accept RTGSs for medicines. The members of the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe intend to strike on Thursday and are planning a demonstration in Harare on Friday with members of the Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - With margins steadily shrinking, the Florida governor's race is now within the legally required recount margin. As of Thursday at 2:40 p.m., unofficial results show DeSantis leads Gillum by 38,515 out of just over 8.2 million cast, or a difference of 0.469 of a percentage point. I could tell many at the @AndrewGillum watch party were hoping he wouldnt concede that night, because it was so close. Now, it looks like that race will go to a recount. @abc27 #FloridaRecount Stephen Jiwanmall (@SteveJiwanmall) November 8, 2018 Florida law requires a recount in races in which the winning margin is 0.5 percent or less, unless the trailing candidate says in writing that he or she doesn't want a recount, according to AP. Gillum took to Facebook soon after the news broke: His campaign sent a statement Thursday saying they're prepared for a recount, despite the fact that Gillum conceded to DeSantis on Tuesday night: "On Tuesday night, the Gillum for Governor campaign operated with the best information available about the number of outstanding ballots left to count. Since that time, it has become clear there are many more uncounted ballots than was originally reported. Our campaign, along with our attorney Barry Richard, is monitoring the situation closely and is ready for any outcome, including a state-mandated recount. Mayor Gillum started his campaign for the people, and we are committed to ensuring every single vote in Florida is counted." A recount is also anticipated in the U.S. Senate race between Florida Gov. Rick Scott and Sen. Bill Nelson. Senator Marco Rubio took to Twitter on Thursday to accuse the Broward County elections supervisor of trying to "change to results of [the] election." Long but IMPORTANT THREAT ON ELECTIONS IN #FLORIDA.#BayCounty was hit by a Cat 4 Hurricane just 4 weeks ago,yet managed to count votes & submit timely results.Yet over 41 hours after polls closed #Broward elections office is still counting votes? #Sayfie 1/6 Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) November 8, 2018 New York Times reports that Floridas 67 counties have until noon on Saturday to submit their unofficial vote totals to the states division of elections. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Democrat Andrew Gillums campaign now says its prepared for a possible recount in the Florida governor race that he conceded to Republican Ron DeSantis on Tuesday night. In a statement Thursday, Gillum's campaign says it underestimated the ballots that still needed to be counted when he conceded. The campaign says it's monitoring the situation and preparing for a possible state-mandated recount. Florida law requires a recount in races in which the winning margin is 0.5 percent or less, unless the trailing candidate says in writing that he or she doesn't want a recount. Canvassing boards conduct the recount by running ballots through vote tabulation machines. As of Wednesday morning, DeSantis led Gillum by 43,039 votes out of nearly 8.2 million cast, or a difference of 0.526 of a percentage point. Gillum campaign releases statement on possible recount in governor's race TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - The Andrew Gillum for Governor Campaign released a statement on the tightening result in the Florida's governor race, which could result in a recount. Gillum for Governor Communications Director, Johanna Cervone, made the following statement on Thursday: "On Tuesday night, the Gillum for Governor campaign operated with the best information available about the number of outstanding ballots left to count. Since that time, it has become clear there are many more uncounted ballots than was originally reported. Our campaign, along with our attorney Barry Richard, is monitoring the situation closely and is ready for any outcome, including a state-mandated recount. Mayor Gillum started his campaign for the people, and we are committed to ensuring every single vote in Florida is counted." Gillum conceded to his opponent, Ron DeSantis, on Tuesday night. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (The News Service of Florida) - On Thursday, the Florida Supreme Court took up a legal battle over a constitutional amendment that was approved by voters two decades ago. Officials are battling over whether or not the State has carried out the voters' wishes. The 1998 Constitutional amendment requires the State to provide a "uniform, efficient, safe, secure and high quality" system of public schools. Plaintiffs suggest that the legislature has not properly funded K-12 education in Florida. Lower courts have ruled that it is difficult to determine exactly what "uniform" and "high quality" mean. Attorney Jodi Siegel with the group 'Citizens for Strong Schools', asked the Supreme Court to overturn a decision by the 1st District Court of Appeal, that rejected the lawsuit. "All children includes kids that come from poverty, kids that are racial minorities, and kids with disabilities," said attorney Seigel. "If you look at the statistics and dis-aggregate, there are significant populations that have great disparities and they are not achieving." Meanwhile, Rocco Testani, an attorney for the state, argued the Supreme Court should uphold the lower-court decision. "The level of resources available in school districts in Florida was not related to performance differences on standardized tests, or graduation rates, or any other outcome measures," said attorney Testani. Plaintiffs are also challenging the constitutionality of two popular school voucher programs, which pay for more than 100 thousand kids to attend private schools. The Court has not said when it expects to rule on the case. MONTICELLO, Fla. (WTXL) - Authorities say a prison guard accepted money from an inmate as they planned to smuggle drugs and other contraband into a local correctional institution. The arrest of Ladeja Ra'Shawn Wade for unlawful compensation and official misconduct was announced Thursday by the Florida Department of Corrections Office of the Inspector General. Wade was transported to the Jefferson County Jail. She last worked at JCI on July 1. Documents say numerous phone calls occurred between the officer and the inmate. "It is reasonable to believe that the details of smuggling contraband and/or narcotics were planned during these calls," a probable cause affidavit said, "and the monies given to Officer Wade were for these transactions." On or about May 1 through June 30 the court document said, Wade accepted money from an inmate on three occasions. Documents say Wade electronically sent and received 271 pages of messages into JCI using a cellphone. The messages implicated her in assisting in planning crimes, the court document said. On June 27, an investigator wrote Wade lied during an interview when she was asked if she was doing business with, or taking money from inmates. On July 12, the inmate was searched before being transported from JCI, where he was concealing a contraband cellphone. Rather than give the staff the phone, he broke it into pieces. However, officials were able to recover the cellphone's data thanks to a forensic cellphone lab company. The text messages and pictures sent from the inmate to Wade included a hand-drawn map of JCI's grounds marking places, so-called "drops," to leave contraband items and such places in Monticello. The two also discussed the selling of narcotics, how much could be made per ounce sold, and ways to get around JCI's metal detector to smuggle in contraband. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL/WFTS) - Florida Governor Rick Scott has filed a lawsuit against two Florida counties for "rampant fraud" in the ballot counting process. Scott said in a statement at the Florida Governor's Mansion in Tallahassee on Thursday that he will be suing the Broward and Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections. Scott stated that 15,000 new votes were found in Palm Beach County, that had not been accounted for and in Broward County, 78,840 additional election votes have been counted since polls closed. Every Floridian should be concerned there may be rampant fraud happening in both Broward and Palm Beach counties, Scott said. Scott is also asking the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to investigate. In a statement, Bill Nelson's Spokesperson Dan McLaughlin said: The goal here is to see that all the votes in Florida are counted and counted accurately. Rick Scotts action appears to be politically motivated and borne out of desperation. LEON COUNTY, Fla. (The News Service of Florida) - The lawsuits are piling up and the finger-pointing is escalating as Republican Governor Rick Scott's slim lead over U.S. Senator Bill Nelson continued to shrink on Friday. As elections supervisors continue to tally votes, a recount appears almost certain in the senatorial race, which Scott led by 56,000 votes on election night. Elections experts said the process is working exactly how it is supposed to under a state law that gives county supervisors until noon Saturday to submit their preliminary unofficial results. "Our first unofficial results due to the state are Saturday at noon. We have time built in between Election Day and that first set of unofficial to make sure everything gets counted. I think that's what various counties are doing," said Mark Earley, Leon County Supervisor of Elections. Ion Sancho, who retired as Leon County's Supervisor in 2016 said election night numbers are never final. He feels election supervisors in Broward and Palm Beach counties could have been more organized, but said there has not been voter fraud. "These are not votes created out of nothing. This is the regular processing of damaged ballots, unscanned ballots, and provision ballots that the Florida law not only identifies, but requires to be done in this manner," said Sancho. With the noon Saturday reporting deadline looming for counties to report unofficial election results to the state, it appears the statewide races for U.S. Senator, governor, and agriculture commissioner are all headed toward recounts. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - The Leon County Sheriff's Office is investigating a threat of violence message that was sent to Rickards High School. A notice on the Rickards High School listserv from Principal Douglas Cook that was sent to parents, guardians and stakeholders on Thursday said "administration has received a message that could be considered a threat of violence." It continued on by saying: "Although we cannot substantiate the credibility of the threat, for the safety and security of our students, faculty, and staff, the Leon County Sheriff's office is investigating the matter diligently so that we may continue our normal school day tomorrow, Friday, November 9, 2018." The notice said the Leon County Schools Safety and Security Office and the Leon County Sheriff's Office are assessing the threat. To read the full notice, click here. CAMILLA, Ga. (WTXL) - Saturday marks one month since Hurricane Michael made landfall and devastated many communities. Camilla, like other towns in south Georgia, still have a number of downed trees and debris piles lining the streets. City officials, however, are already breaking down their performance immediately following the storm, and what can be improved upon for future storms. Steve Sykes, Camilla City Manager, believes many improvements can be made to communication and how information is getting to the public. "We need some better backup plans for how we communicate, rather than getting in a vehicle and trying to find somebody. Very primitive," said Sykes. "Second thing we have identified are some weaknesses that we have in our generator backup systems. We are certainly going to address those." Sykes urges all Mitchell County residents to register with FEMA for disaster recovery assistance. The Disaster Recovery Center will be back in Mitchell County on Nov. 15-20 at the Emergency Services Facility. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - A Yoga studio, neighborhood bars, and concerts. It seems no public place is safe from the threat of a mass shooting. With many bars in Tallahassee geared toward students, we spoke to some on Thursday to see how they're processing the news. Like the many venue owners we spoke with, students said they're feeling truly paranoid for the first time in their lives to go out and enjoy their favorite spots around town. The feeling that it can't happen here, or that it won't happen to me, is evaporating quickly as students struggle with the news of another mass shooting. Some students said they still aren't worried about going out to public venues, but many others don't share that sense of normalcy. "I think most people have this mentality that it's not going to happen to me and that was 100 percent me with most things, especially shootings that are so rare," said Melanie Anthony, Florida State University student. "But the more that they are not becoming so rare and it's coming too close to home, and I have friends that go to Pepperdine and know people that were there. It's like not even a degree of separation from those things happening anymore." Anthony said her parents don't even want her going out in Tallahassee after what happened at a popular bar in Thousand Oaks where her friends at Pepperdine go often. And it's not just students in Tallahassee that have concerns now, at least a dozen bar and club owners told us they're truly shaken and fearful that something similar could happen at their business. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-08 22:34:16|Editor: Yang Yi Video Player Close Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi (R) and Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne hold the fifth China-Australia Foreign and Strategic Dialogue in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 8, 2018. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan) BEIJING, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne held the fifth China-Australia Foreign and Strategic Dialogue here on Thursday, with both officials vowing to promote bilateral ties on the basis of mutual trust and win-win results. Wang said that since taking office, the newly elected Australian government has made positive gestures toward developing China-Australia relations on many occasions. "It is imperative for the two sides to re-establish political mutual trust, so as to consolidate the basis for bilateral relations," Wang said, voicing the hope that Australia correctly understands and treats China's development path and its strategic intentions, working to wipe out "mutual trust deficit". Elaborating on the significance of bilateral cooperation, Wang said that China appreciates Australia for its support for and active engagement in the first China International Import Expo held in Shanghai and welcomes countries including Australia to take an active part in the cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. "We stand ready to strengthen communication and coordination with Australia in multilateral mechanisms, as a way of jointly safeguarding multilateralism and free trade," Wang added. For her part, Payne said that a prosperous China bears positive significance to the rest of the world, and Australia does not regard China as a military threat. Australia welcomes China's stepping up investment, the minister said, adding that the cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative will contribute to the infrastructure construction in the region. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 00:55:18|Editor: yan Video Player Close MOGADISHU, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- A Somali lawmaker from a regional parliament was killed on Thursday in a car bombing attack in Hamar-weyne district near Somalia's presidential palace in Mogadishu. Hirshabelle Parliament member Abdukadir Osman Abdisalan confirmed to Xinhua by phone that his colleague was killed by a bomb attached under his vehicle. "Abdiweli Mohamed Ibrahim, Hirshabelle member of parliament was killed in the car bomb explosion in Mogadishu this afternoon, he was an old man and he was my friend in the same state parliament," Abdisalan said. Al-Shabab militants claimed the responsibility for the latest attack against the member of the regional parliament, saying said its fighters killed Ibrahim at an area close to the presidential palace in Mogadishu. The attack came as Somali security forces have intensified operations against al-Shabab militants in key areas in the capital in the last two months. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 02:35:42|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close JERUSALEM, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Israel Chemicals (ICL) company announced on Thursday that it had signed one of the largest potash supply agreements in its history, in which it will supply three million tons of potash to Chinese customers in an estimated deal of 870 million U.S. dollars for three years. In the new agreement, customers received options to increase the quantity of potash to be supplied to them by ICL at 750,000 tons. The price of the goods supplied will be determined according to the price of potash in China at the time of supply - which is about 870 million U.S. dollars in current prices. This is ICL's third contract in recent months, after the beginning of October reported a deal for the sale of 900,000 tons to other Chinese customers. In September, ICL announced a sale in India of 550,000 tons. ICL noted that the supply prices set in the new contracts are 60 U.S. dollars per ton, 26 percent higher than the previous contracts' price. This reflects the prices of recently signed contracts in China - for example, with BPC (Belarusian Potash Company). It is estimated that the price is 290 U.S. dollars per ton. ICL, based in the coastal city of Tel Aviv, is a global specialty minerals and chemicals company operating potash, bromine and phosphate mineral value chains. ICL extracts raw materials from well-positioned mineral assets and utilizes technology and industrial know-how to add value for customers in key agricultural and industrial markets worldwide. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 02:50:47|Editor: yan Video Player Close YAOUNDE, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Seventy-nine school children and one driver who were kidnapped and later released in a private school in Cameroon's troubled Anglophone region of Northwest reunited with their families on Thursday, Rev. Samuel Fonki, moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon which runs the school told Xinhua on Thursday. "All the children and the driver are now with their families. The children came to school and were collected by midday," Fonki said. There was excitement and relief at the school called Presbyterian secondary school Nkwen as the parents received their children, according to Fonki. "My child is with me now. I'm very happy. We will not send him to school for now. The child is okay though very tired from long distance trekking," a parent of one of the kidnapped children who opted for anonymity told Xinhua in Bamenda, capital of the Northwest region. "Some of the children are sick and have been taken to the hospital for medical attention," the parent added. According to Fonki, the boarding school will remain closed in the meantime. The children were released early Wednesday after about four days in captivity, according to Cameroon minister of education, Issa Tchiroma. Government has blamed armed separatists fighting for the independence of the two English-speaking regions of the country for the abduction but the separatists have rejected the claim, stressing that government is using the misfortune to discredit their struggle for independence. The school principal and one teacher who were abducted with the schoolers are still in captivity, according to Cameroon army. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 03:15:57|Editor: yan Video Player Close ALGIERS, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- China on Thursday granted to Algeria a donation of 200 million yuan (about 28.8 million U.S. dollars), as part of an economic and technical cooperation agreement. The deal was signed by Secretary General of Algerian Foreign Ministry Noureddine Ayadi and China's Ambassador to Algeria Yang Guangyu in Algiers. According to a statement of Algerian Foreign Ministry, the agreement is part of efforts to boost Algerian-Chinese economic and technical cooperation and strengthen historical ties of friendship between the two countries, as they are celebrating the 60th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations. The statement also said China has granted several other donations to Algeria in recent years, including building the Opera of Algiers in 2015 with 38 million dollars, the treatment of agricultural saline lands in 2016 with 15 million dollars and the completion of a culture and arts house for youth in 2017 with 30 million dollars. Beijing and Algiers signed Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2014 on the occasion of the celebration of the 55th anniversary of the establishment of Sino-Algerian diplomatic relations. The final quarter of 2021 is on its way and theres so much positivity about the rapid growth of the... Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 04:01:07|Editor: yan Video Player Close GENEVA, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- The World Food Programme (WFP) said Thursday it is almost doubling the number of people it aims to reach each month in Yemen to 14 million from its current 7 to 8 million. "WFP Food and other humanitarian support has been instrumental in helping prevent famine, but the indications are that even greater efforts will be needed to avert mass starvation. The new target is 14 million," said WFP in a statement released here. It said that intense fighting in and around the port city of Hodeidah has caused major delays to the arrival of humanitarian and commercial cargo. As a result, the price of food in shops has shot up beyond the reach of many people. "Yemen is the largest hunger crisis in the world. Millions of people are living on the edge of famine and the situation is getting worse by the day," said WFP. The WFP said that the food crisis in Yemen is a "man-made one" and is the result of conflict, economic collapse, rising prices, and problems of supply and distribution. This means that many food items are beyond the reach of most Yemenis. The UN food body said that an Integrated Phase Classification (IPC) assessment done in October and to be published this month will give a more precise picture of food insecurity in Yemen. The last IPC report (March 2017) put the numbers in the Emergency category of food insecurity at 6.8 million people. It is expected that, in the forthcoming IPC, the number could rise to 12 or even 14 million people. This would mean nearly half the population having so little to eat that they are just one step away from starvation, said WFP. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 04:56:15|Editor: yan Video Player Close KHARTOUM, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Sudan government on Thursday welcomed the readiness of the United States to remove Sudan's name from the list of state sponsors of terrorism. "Sudan welcomes the announcement by the United States of its readiness to begin a phase of removing Sudan's name from the list of state sponsors of terrorism and enhance the cooperation ties between the two countries," said Sudan's Foreign Ministry in a statement Thursday. The statement reiterated Sudan's readiness to engage in the tracks of the second phase of dialogue between Washington and Khartoum to reach the aspired goals. The statement also declared Sudan's welcome of the launch of the second phase of the strategic dialogue which has been designed to expand the bilateral cooperation and achieve further progress in many fields of common interests, particularly after success of the first phase that culminated with lifting the U.S economic sanctions on Sudan. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 05:01:17|Editor: yan Video Player Close by Olatunji Saliu ABUJA, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Nigeria is set to resume the export of hibiscus, a genus of flowering plants in the Malvaceae family, or mallow, and one of the most beautiful flower plants in the world. The country is one of the world's major producers of hibiscus. The export was reportedly suspended following the detection of storage pest in some consignments. In a couple of weeks, Nigeria will resume shipments of the dried hibiscus flower, taking advantage of the opportunity to earn foreign exchange and strengthen the diversification of the economy. Local officials said the harvest season of hibiscus will start "any moment from now." "Our farmers are eager and the fields are near ready," said Vincent Isegbe, coordinating director of the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS). "And the good news is that Nigeria has a vast growing belt, with harvest available all year round," Isegbe told reporters in Abuja. The Nigerian hibiscus, unique in nature, can grow up to 15 feet high and 6 feet wide. It is mostly sourced from six states in the northern region of the country, including Kano, Katsina, Bauchi, Gombe, Borno, and Jigawa. The country suspended the exportation of dried hibiscus last year, following the detection of storage pest in some consignments from Nigeria. Isegbe said the right measures have been taken by stakeholders across the value chain to solve the issue. "That is why we are resuming the export of the plant again," he added. Mexico is the largest importer of Nigerian hibiscus. The hibiscus, traded as dried shifting and dried flower, also has export markets in Holland, Germany, the United States of America, other parts of Europe and Asia. Last year, before the exportation was suspended, Nigeria had shipped 1,983 containers of hibiscus to Mexico alone and earned 35 million U.S. dollars within nine months. Nigerian authorities said more local farmers have shown the commitment to grow the plant in order to increase their income. Harvest in hibiscus flower depends on the variety. Once fully bloom, flowers can be handpicked. The yield of hibiscus flower depends on many factors like manuring, watering, and other disease prevention measures. The peak production of a hibiscus plant in Nigeria is during the dry season of November to April of the following year. However, the plant grows throughout the year. Having resolved to resume exportation of dried hibiscus, local agronomist Chika Okeke said Nigeria needs to focus not just on production, but on quality control and standards -- which are the main challenges of the sector in the country. According to Okeke, the maintenance of a good storage facility should be a prerequisite as it enhances good quality control. Also, the products must be free of foreign matters or objects such as papers, nylon, stone, specks of dirt, and so on, he said. The extract from hibiscus flowers and leaves have many uses and benefits, either medically or in industrial production. Medical experts said dried hibiscus flowers, usually used to prepare hibiscus tea -- or called "zobo" in local parlance -- aids detoxification. "It also helps in controlling cholesterol level, darkens hair color and slows aging and anti-aging properties," said Mutiu Adegbite, a medical doctor. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 07:01:45|Editor: ZD Video Player Close Photo taken on Nov. 8, 2018 shows a special ceremony held in Athens of Greece to celebrate after Athens was named the European Capital of Innovation for 2018 (iCapital) at the Web Summit held in Portugal. (Xinhua/Lefteris Partsalis) ATHENS, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- This Greek capital held a special ceremony on Thursday to celebrate after Athens was named the European Capital of Innovation for 2018 (iCapital) at the Web Summit held in Portugal. It was seen as one of the most prestigious European awards and prizes in the history of the cities. The distinction comes with a prize of one million euros (1.14 million U.S. dollars) given to the city for the innovative ways it managed to improve the everyday life of its residents and to overcome social and economic challenges. The money will be used to encourage local innovation activities and collaborate with other European capitals. "We have showed that things can be done differently through partnerships, with the participation of civil society and with a plan for the city," Athens Mayor Yorgos Kaminis told the Greek national news agency AMNA. "This prize belongs to everyone, especially to those citizens of Athens who worked with the municipality to overcome the crisis. Since the prize is given to the capital, it belongs to all of Greece." Athens tried hard during the past years to embrace innovation and open up to the world in a time of economic and social hardship. This year, a total of 26 cities from 16 EU member states applied for the European Capital of Innovation award which is funded by the EU research and innovation program Horizon 2020. The runner-up cities Aarhus in Denmark, Hamburg in Germany, Leuven in Belgium, Toulouse in France, and Umea in Sweden, received 100,000 euros each. The winner of last year's iCapital was Paris. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 07:11:47|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close YAOUNDE, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Popular Cameroon TV host Mimi Mefo, who heads the English-service of privately-owned Equinoxe TV, has been detained for propagating "fake news", Cameroon's Minister of Communication Issa Tchiroma said in a statement on Thursday. "(She) is being prosecuted in flagrante delicto before the Douala Military Court for dissemination of fake news likely to harm public authorities or national cohesion, insult against constituted bodies and civil servants, incitement to revolt against the government and institutions of the republic," Tchiroma said. The statement came after Mefo was remanded in custody late Wednesday at the New-Bell Central Prison in Douala, Cameroon's commercial capital where she works. According to Tchiroma, Mefo lied in a tweet about a week ago that American-born Rev. Charles Truman Wesco, who died in the war-torn Anglophone region of Northwest, was shot by the Cameroon military. "He was killed by terrorists. The words of Mrs Mimi Mefo who in addition to altering the reality of the facts and spreading manifest untruths, do not fail to bring our defence forces into disrepute, which is highly detrimental to the morale of the troops," Tchiroma said. Mefo's lawyer, barrister Richard Tamfu, said the detention was based on "unfounded allegations". "She gave an information, provided the source and they leave the source and attack her," Tamfu said. Media rights groups have demanded the "immediate release" of the journalist. Cameroon Journalists' Trade Union (CJTU) demanded that the government release Mefo without pre-conditions and take necessary measures to appease the relationship between journalists and institutions of the Republic, Denis Nkwebo, national president of CJTU, said in a statement. Mefo is scheduled to appear before the military tribunal in Douala on Monday, according to her lawyer. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 07:21:49|Editor: Yang Yi Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- China's UN envoy on Thursday said the negative impact of sanctions on Libya should be avoided and life of civilians should not be disturbed. Ma Zhaoxu, the Chinese permanent representative to the UN, told a Security Council meeting that sanctions are not purposes but only tools, and they should not interfere with the daily life of civilians of Libya. "The Sanctions Committee should work fast to respond to Libya's legitimate concerns," said the Chinese envoy. China also urged international communities to increase their support to restore order in Libya as soon as possible, to create an inclusive environment for political settlement Libya has been suffering political division and insecurity ever since the fall of former leader Muammar Gaddafi's regime in 2011. Authorities struggle to impose their control in the country, as many armed groups operate independently. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 07:36:50|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close People attend the memorial to mourn the victims of the mass shooting in Thousand Oaks, California, the United States, Nov. 8, 2018. A U.S. Marine veteran opened fire in a crowded bar popular with college students in the state of California, killing 12 people including a sheriff's deputy, police said on Thursday, in the latest mass shooting that shocked the country. (Xinhua/Li Ying) THOUSAND OAKS, the United States, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- A U.S. Marine veteran opened fire in a crowded bar popular with college students in the state of California, killing 12 people including a sheriff's deputy, police said on Thursday, in the latest mass shooting that shocked the country. Local authorities identified 28-year-old Ian David Long as the gunman of the mass shooting Wednesday night in Thousand Oaks, a suburb about 64 km northwest of Los Angeles. The gunman was found dead of an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound following the shooting rampage in the Borderline Bar and Grill, which also left 25 people injured, law enforcement officials said. Paul Delacourt, assistant director in charge of the Los Angeles FBI, told a news conference Thursday afternoon that it was too early to speculate on the motive for the massacre but that the shooter appeared to have acted alone. Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean said Long, a former machine gunner and Afghanistan war veteran, apparently fired at random with a .45-caliber Glock handgun with an extra-capacity magazine inside the bar at about 11:30 p.m. local time Wednesday. "The weapon was designed in California to hold a magazine of 10 rounds and one in the chamber, but he had an extended magazine on it," Dean told a news conference on Thursday morning. Dean described Long as "acting a little irrationally" when police were called to his home earlier this year to investigate a disturbance. He lived in Newbury Park, near Thousand Oaks. The bar shooting was the second mass killing in two weeks to hit the United States, which with more than 300 million guns scattered nationwide, has long been plagued by gun violence. Less than two weeks ago, 11 worshippers were killed by a gunman at a synagogue in Pittsburgh, the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. Garo Kuredjia, captain of Ventura County Sheriff office, told Xinhua that deputies responded shortly after they received calls about the shooting at the bar. The first responding deputy was Sergent Ron Helus, who was killed in confrontation with the shooter. "When he got to the scene, he saw two California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers outside with a victim that came out of the bar," Kuredjia said. Helus and CHP officers heard gunshots after they arrived, and entered the bar in order to neutralize that threat, Kuredjia said. When Helus went in, he was unfortunately shot for multiple times. He was later transported to a local hospital. Unfortunately there were 11 other victims who were also shot dead, Kuredjia said. In the neighborhood where Long lived, residents said they were well aware of his problems. Richard Berge, 77, was quoted by local media as saying the former Marine had post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and was known to kick in the walls of the home. Kuredjia told Xinhua he could not confirm the shooter's PTSD, and did not know what his medical or mental status was. "I can assume he has some sort of mental issue, because no normal person would commit such an outrageous act and murder innocent people," Kuredjia said. A total of 25 other people were injured in the shooting, including 23 who self-transported themselves to hospitals, and two who were taken by ambulance, according to the Ventura County Fire Department. The Chinese Consulate General in Los Angeles got in touch with local police immediately after the mass shooting, and so far no Chinese casualties were reported, said a spokesperson for the Consulate General. A procession was held Thursday morning for Helus, a 29-year veteran who was set to retire next year. He is survived by his wife and son. His body was transported via motorcade from Los Robles Hospital to the Ventura County Medical Examiner's Office. People stood along the route with grief, paying salute to the officer. When asked how officers were trained to respond to such crime scene, Kuredjia told Xinhua the policy with active shooters was changed throughout the country, after the Columbine High School shooting occurred in Colorado in 1999. "At that time we would wait for SWAT in entering the building. But we discovered there were more victims as a result of that. So we changed our policy throughout the country," he said. He said officers were trained to eliminate the threat if they heard gunshots at the scene. "That's what Sergeant Helus did last night." Ralph Chapman, whose son is a colleague of Helus, told Xinhua that his son was among the officers running into the bar to respond to the shooting. Chapman said he was very sad and worried when he heard that one officer was killed at the site, very afraid that it might be his own son. Chapman's son was a member of the motorcade transporting Helus' body on Thursday morning. Chapman said he has served at U.S. troops in Vietnam for two years, and that he believed PTSD should not account for the mass shooting. Tami Teece, who was a survivor of the mass shooting in Las Vegas last year that killed 59 people and wounded more than 500 others, was among the crowd mourning the death of Helus along the road. She, who also has PTSD, told Xinhua that the government should spend more money setting up mental hospitals for veterans to address their psychological problems. Authorities said hundreds of people were inside the bar when the gunfire rang out. A family assistance center has been set up at 1375 E. Janss Road in Thousand Oaks. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 07:41:51|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close Participants pay tribute to the U.S. National World War One Memorial in Washington Nov. 8, 2018 during its inauguration ceremony kicking off nationwide events marking the 100th anniversary of the end of World War One. (Xinhua/Xu Jianmei) WASHINGTON, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Representatives from all 50 U.S. states and overseas territories laid wreathes on Thursday before the U.S. National World War One Memorial newly completed in Washington D.C., kicking off nationwide events marking the end of World War I 100 years ago. Amid melodious brass quintet played by a U.S. Army band, men and women, old and young, civilians and those in service, paid tribute to the Americans who served during WWI. The war changed the world and should not be forgotten, Terry Hamby, chairman of the U.S. WWI Centennial Commission, told the audience at the ceremony, calling the national memorial, the first of its kind in the U.S. capital, a "long overdue tribute" to Americans serving in the war. The wreath-laying tribute at the Pershing Park, near the White House, was held just days before the Armistice Day on Sunday. Events paying tribute to female, African, Latino and native Americans on the frontlines and the homefront of WWI were also scheduled respectively before the memorial on Thursday afternoon and Saturday morning. Native Americans were not recognized as U.S. citizens at the start of WWI, but many volunteered to serve. At 11:00 a.m. Saturday, a tolling of "Bells of Peace" in honor and remembrance of the 1918 pealing of bells for the WWI Armistice will be observed across the United States, according to the U.S. World War One Centennial Commission. Thousands of American groups and individuals have signed up to participate. The WWI Armistice Film Festival, scheduled throughout Sunday, will showcase a number of WWI-themed films including "Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero", "Pershing's Path to Glory", "The Hello Girls" and "The Millionaires' Unit". A film titled "A Soldier's Journey" about the creation of the WWI memorial will run before each screening. More than 4 million Americans served during World War I, among them more than 116,500 were killed and over 204,000 wounded, according to the the U.S. World War One Centennial Commission, established by the U.S. Congress in 2013. The WWI Allies and Germany signed the armistice at Compiegne, France, for the cessation of hostilities on the Western Front of WWI, which took effect at the "eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month" of 1918. The armistice initially expired after a period of 36 days. A formal peace agreement was only reached when the Treaty of Versailles was signed the following year, according to the Wikipedia. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 08:26:56|Editor: Liu Video Player Close BARCELONA, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Barcelona and Brazil playmaker Philippe Coutinho faces up to three weeks on the sidelines with a leg injury, the Catalan club said on Thursday. Coutinho strained his left hamstring during Barcelona's 1-1 draw with Internazionale in the Champions League on Tuesday. The 26-year-old played the full 90 minutes but complained of discomfort after the match at the San Siro in Milan. "Tests undertaken on Thursday morning have confirmed that Philippe Coutinho has a small rupture in the femoral biceps of his left leg," Barcelona said on their official website. "He will be out for approximately two to three weeks." The injury rules Coutinho out of Barcelona's La Liga clash with Real Betis at the Camp Nou on Sunday and is also expected to keep him out of Brazil's friendlies against Uruguay and Cameroon later this month. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 08:31:57|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close ISLAMABAD, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan said on Thursday that it has released a senior Afghan Taliban leader on the U.S. request to facilitate the peace process in Afghanistan. Pakistan last month released the former deputy chief of the Afghan Taliban Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar after nearly nine year in custody. Baradar was arrested in a joint raid by the U.S. and Pakistani security officials in the port city of Karachi in 2010, according to the Pakistani officials. The Pakistan foreign ministry spokesman said the release of Baradar was "facilitated by Pakistan at the U.S. request in order to move forward on the shared objective of pursuing a political settlement in Afghanistan." "This decision was taken following the visit of the U.S. Special Envoy on Afghan Reconciliation, Ambassador Khalilzad to the region and his meetings with Taliban representatives in Doha," the spokesman said at his weekly press briefing. The Taliban leader was released to provide impetus to the peace and reconciliation efforts in Afghanistan, Faisal sad, adding Pakistan will continue to pursue reconciliatory efforts to expedite and facilitate the process to our fullest ability. "Mullah Baradar was under custody for the last many years after his capture by the Pakistani authorities in a search operation," the spokesman said. SYDNEY, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- Bhutanese conjoined twins, Nima and Dawa, entered an Australian operating room on Friday for a life-changing surgery -- with a team of 18 professionals expected to work for more than six hours to separate the girls. However head of paediatric surgery at Melbourne's Royal Children's Hospital, Dr Joe Crameri who will perform the surgery, said that the nature of the 15-month-old girls' connection is not fully clear and the operation may continue into the night. "We keep making guesses as to how long this will take, but the reality is until the operation starts and ultimately we get to see what is connecting the girls, we won't really know how long," Crameri said. Nima and Dawa, who are joined at the torso, travelled to Australia with their mother in October thanks to efforts by a children charity group. While it is known that the girls share a liver, preliminary scans are unclear as to whether they also share a bowel, which may complicate the procedure. "We know the bowel is mixed and it could be entirely separate and sitting next to one another or it also can be that the girls share the bowel and we have to find a way of dividing that," Crameri said. "The one benefit we all have is we are all born with a lot of bowel and you can afford to decrease that." The girls' mother is said to be anxious but coping well and is comforted by the presence of a Bhutanese paediatric surgeon who flew to Australia to assist with the operation. The Victorian State government have offered to pay the hospital bill, expected to total at least 250,000 U.S. dollars. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 09:57:10|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close MEXICO CITY, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- At least 10 people were killed and another 17 injured when about 10 cars were piled up late Wednesday on a Mexico City highway after a trailer truck's brakes failed, local authorities said Thursday. Six of the injured are in serious condition, including an infant that sustained head injuries, the city's attorney general Edmundo Garrido told reporters. Nine people were said to be killed on the spot, with the 10th death confirmed on Thursday. Preliminary police reports said the truck was carrying 25 tons of soap and traveling at a speed of more than 100 km per hour when the brakes failed. Tests showed that the driver, a 41-year-old woman, was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol, said Garrido. She is currently in custody. The crash occurred at 7:07 p.m. local time(0107 GMT Thursday) along the highway connecting Mexico City with Toluca, the capital of central Mexico State. "They (the vehicles) were crushed like an accordion," an eyewitness told reporters at the scene. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 10:12:17|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close CANBERRA, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- Four people have been found dead after they were left stranded in the Australian Outback when their car broke down. Northern Territory (NT) Police on Thursday evening confirmed that the body of a 12-year-old boy had been found 120 meters away from where the bodies of a young family were found near an abandoned vehicle on Wednesday. The young family consisted of a 19-year-old man, 19-year-old woman and three-year-old boy. Their bodies were found 4.5 kilometers from their broken-down vehicle approximately 300 kilometers north-west of Alice Springs in a remote part of Central Australia. Outback Australia's leading newspaper, the NT News, on Friday described the incident as "one of the Territory's worst Outback tragedies." NT Police Desert Division Superintendent Jody Nobbs said that police had not yet ruled out that there might have been more passengers in the vehicle. "Although police have no information that suggests there were other passengers in the car, we will continue a precautionary land and air search until we are satisfied that all areas of interest have been sufficiently canvassed," he told reporters on Thursday. The group left Willowra, a small Outback community, for the community of Jarra Jarra, a 114 kilometer trip on dirt roads, on the afternoon of Nov. 2. The vehicle broke down approximately halfway into the five-hour journey, leaving the quartet stranded. Facing almost certain death if they stayed put, the group tried to walk 18 kilometers to the nearest community. According to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), temperatures topped 40 degrees Celsius in the region on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The alarm was raised and authorities alerted when a passer-by found the bodies of the family in the shadows of an abandoned car on Wednesday. An urgent search and rescue operation was organized when members of the Willowra community told authorities that the 12-year-old boy travelled with them. The incident comes only two weeks after a 27-year-old hiker and 31-year-old motorcyclist died from exposure and dehydration in the Outback in separate incidents. Authorities advise carrying plenty of water when travelling in the Outback in case disaster strikes. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 10:27:21|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. State Department announced on Thursday that the country's arms sales to foreign governments increased by 33 percent in fiscal year 2018. The sales rose to 55.66 billion U.S. dollars in fiscal year 2018, which ran from Oct. 1, 2017 to Sept. 30, 2018, up from 41.93 billion dollars in the previous year, said the State Department in a statement. The statement also disclosed that Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Poland, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates were among the major buyers, with Saudi Arabia purchasing Littoral combat ships and Patriot air and missile defense systems with a total value of 8.1 billion dollars. In total, authorized U.S. arms exports, comprising government-to-government and direct commercial sales, rose 13 percent to 192.3 billion U.S. dollars in 2018, the statement added. The department did not publish a breakdown of sales to each country. In a separate statement also released on Thursday, the State Department attributed the arms export increase to the Trump administration's new policy released in April, which alignes U.S. conventional arms sale with its national and economic security interests. File Photo: Afghan refugees wait in a Pakistani registration centre on the outskirts of northwest Pakistan's Peshawar, Aug. 18, 2017. (Xinhua/Muhammad Hadi) ISLAMABAD, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan and Afghanistan have held talks in Islamabad on Afghan refugees and other Afghan nationals illegally residing in Pakistan, officials said. "Both sides deliberated on the ways to enhance mutual cooperation for a dignified, gradual, time bound and complete return of the Afghan nationals to their country," a statement from the Pakistani Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday. It was also decided to observe the agreed timelines and procedures for repatriation of various categories of these persons to Afghanistan, the statement said. Both countries have set up a joint working group on refugees under the Afghanistan-Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Stability (APAPPS), a joint action plan for cooperation in the key areas of counter-terrorism and reduction of violence, peace and reconciliation, refugees'repatriation and joint economic development. The joint working group works on the principle of direct and regular contact among relevant ministries in both countries, under the umbrella of the politico-diplomatic cooperation. "The two sides agreed to optimally utilize the forum to deepen engagement, communication and understanding for early return and resettlement of Afghan refugees," the statement said. Next meeting of the working group on refugees will be held in the Afghan capital Kabul at a mutually convenient date, the Foreign Ministry said. Pakistan still hosts about 1.4 million registered Afghan refugees who hold the proof of registration (PoR) cards, according to the UN refugee agency. The government has extended their stay until June 30, 2019. Besides the PoR card holders, some 880,000 more were documented earlier this year, who hold the Afghan Citizen Cards (ACC), Afghanistan's Deputy Ambassador Zardasht Shams said. Several thousand undocumented refugees are also living in Pakistan. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 11:07:12|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close Relatives of victims mourn over the death of bar shooting rampage at Los Robles Medical Center in Ventura County, California, the United States, on Nov. 8, 2018. A U.S. Marine veteran opened fire in a crowded bar popular with college students in the state of California, killing 12 people including a sheriff's deputy, police said on Thursday, in the latest mass shooting that shocked the country. (Xinhua/Qian Weizhong) Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 11:42:36|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni(front car) gestures to the crowd while attending the independence day celebration in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Nov. 9, 2018. Cambodia commemorated the 65th anniversary of its independence from France in a two-hour ceremony here on Friday. (Xinhua/Sovannara) PHNOM PENH, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia commemorated the 65th anniversary of its independence from France in a two-hour ceremony here on Friday. Nation's King Norodom Sihamoni, accompanied by country's Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen, laid a wreath and lit the ceremonial victory fire inside the Independence Monument to symbolize the country's independence from the French colonial rule. The celebration was attended by approximately 25,000 people, who are leaders, senior officials, foreign diplomats, armed forces, civil servants, residents and students. After the ceremony at the Independence Monument, the king and the prime minister travelled in open top cars to the front side of the Royal Palace, where they attended the commemorative independence day gathering. Addressing to the gathering, Sihamoni said the commemorative event was held in the time that Cambodia has been enjoying full peace, political stability, and security. "On this occasion, I'd like to appeal to the Cambodian people in all walks of life to unite solidly, under the roof of the state's constitution and laws, to protect and construct the motherland in all domains," he said. Under the reign of late King Father Norodom Sihanouk, Cambodia gained full independence on Nov. 9, 1953 after almost a century of French colonial rule. In his speech, Hun Sen showed his profound gratitude to late King Father Norodom Sihanouk for his royal crusade to gain the independence from the French protectorate and to soldiers for their sacrifices for the cause of the country's independence. He vowed to continue leading the country towards more development in all fields and to uphold the nation's solidarity, freedom, social justice, democracy and human rights. "The government vows to protect the nation's independence, peace, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and various achievements," the prime minister said. At the end of the event, pigeons and balloons were released as a sign of independence and freedom. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 12:17:46|Editor: Liu Video Player Close HAVANA, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel on Thursday spoke fondly of his recent meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, saying it will lead to further cooperation and friendly ties. "Fructiferous and unforgettable meeting with President Xi Jinping," said Diaz-Canel in a message posted on his Twitter account. The Cuban leader met with Xi on Thursday in Beijing with both sides vowing to cherish their traditional friendship and write a new chapter in bilateral ties. "Between tradition and the projection to the future, China opens doors where others raise walls," added the Cuban head of state on his Twitter post. Diaz-Canel said in another message that China, with its "technological advances and openness to the world," provides confidence in the future. "China's friendship honors us and its example inspires us. Our historical relations that are paradigmatic, are strengthened and expanded," he said. Diaz-Canel, who arrived in Shanghai Tuesday to start his three-day state visit, said that Cuba appreciates China's lasting support and the new generation of Cuban leaders will staunchly continue the traditional friendship with China. He said Cuba admires the achievements China has scored and highly agrees to the development ideas put forward at the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. Cuba is willing to learn from China to update its domestic economic and social model and promote the cause of socialist construction, he said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 13:12:52|Editor: Liu Video Player Close SANTIAGO, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Chile exported a record 2,781,092 tons of fruit in the 2017-2018 season, driven by brisk sales to China, an industry group said Thursday. According to a report from Chile's Fruit Exporters Association (Asoex), the record marked a 6.7-percent increase over the previous season. Asoex President Ronald Bown said booming exports to Asia, especially China, is a major reason for the record figure. During the 2017-2018 season, Asia was the fastest growing market for Chile's fruit exporters, up 30.7 percent. This increase underlines the great interest the fruit export sector has for the Asia-Pacific markets, said Bown, adding that he believes in the near future, "Asia, especially China, will be the leading market for Chilean fruit exports." Sales of cherries and cranberries to Asia led the rise in export volume, with cherry sales jumping 96 percent, making cherry Chile's third-leading export fruit. More than 90 percent of the cherry exports were shipped to China. Although sales to North America dipped 2.6 percent, the North American market, made up of the United States and Canada, was still the top destination for Chilean fruit exports (32 percent of the total), followed by China, Holland, Britain and Colombia. "Our objective is to have more people around the world consume Chilean fruit," Bown said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 13:52:57|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close KATHMANDU, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- As part of a unique old tradition, people from ethnic Newar community in Nepal celebrated Mha Puja or the self worshipping day on Thursday evening. Mha Puja, which is marked annually during the country's second biggest festival Tihar, is about worship of the self to cleanse and empower the soul. The day is celebrated as a part of celebrations of their New Year called Nepal Sambat as per the lunar calendar. During the festival, family members gather on the floor and worship their bodies with a belief that it will purify the body, mind and soul for enlightenment. They use the elements like flowers, fruits, butter lamps, nuts and sweets to worship after creating a colorful art called Mandala. On the occasion, a special Mha Puja was held in the premise of the world heritage site Patan Durbar Square for the foreign tourists, while over two dozen Chinese tourists participated in the celebrations. Lin Tao, 45, a Chinese tourist, was among the one. "This is my first time to experience such unique culture. I feel lucky to celebrate this festival with Nepali friends," Lin told Xinhua after the rituals. The tourists were also offered with Nepali cap called Dhaka Topi, garlands and local delicacies by the locals dressed in traditional attires. Apu Lal Awale, a tourism entrepreneur, told Xinhua, "We are very rich in culture thus the participation of tourists in such rituals strengthen the people-to-people relations between the countries. Its an integral part of culture exchange." Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 13:57:59|Editor: Liu Video Player Close SHENZHEN, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- New patents and technologies have helped Chinese firms make a dent in the global laser display industry, a sector long dominated by Western companies, industry observers said. The impact is already being felt at some cinemas in Las Vegas and Hollywood in the United States that have adopted Chinese-developed laser projectors for their giant screens. The projectors feature the use of advanced laser phosphor display (ALPD) developed by Shenzhen-based Appotronics. Featuring high luminance and low costs, it is leading a new generation of laser display technologies. Li Yi, founder of the private company in China's Guangdong Province, said they have gobbled up 80 percent of China's market for cinema projectors. Its expansion into the global market is expected to challenge the longtime dominance of film projecting technologies by global heavyweights like IMAX and Sony. Laser display, including laser projectors and laser TVs, used to be an exclusive arena for U.S., Japanese and South Korean brands, but recent reports suggest that Chinese producers are making their way in with new patents and technologies. According to a report on the laser display industry by the Shanghai Institute of Science, China's patent number in this sector rose to third place in the world after the U.S. and Japan in 2016. "China's laser display industry has achieved great advances in the past few years to possess a number of patents and a group of leading enterprises," said Xu Feng, an engineer with CCID Think Tank under the Ministry of Industry and Information Technologies. China's huge and fast-growing market has acted as a catalyst. Data by China Market Monitor, a market analysis company, said the sales of laser TVs in China more than tripled in the first half of 2018. Data service provider AVC also said sales of laser projectors in China increased 48 percent to reach 162,000 sets in the same period. Private firms have played a key part in the boom. Other than Appotronics, prominent players also include Dvision, which boasts its world-class RGB laser movie projectors, and Seemile whose SLPL technology solves the potential radiation problem of laser display. Li Yi said private businesses' flexibility in management has given them a special advantage in innovation. The government's latest expression of support for private businesses also made him optimistic. Challenges also abound. Xu cautioned against a lack of industry standards in China, while Li said Chinese laser companies still rely on imported chips despite their ascendance in some other technologies. "We've made headway in the global market by getting ahold of key technologies, but innovation needs to be carried on," Li said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 15:23:17|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close NEW DELHI, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- At least six people were killed and 13 others injured on Friday in a head-on collision between a passenger bus and another vehicle in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, police said. The accident took place in Gunnaur of Sambhal district, about 414 km northwest of Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh. "In a tragic road accident here today six people were killed and 13 others injured after a bus collided head-on with Bolerio vehicle," a senior police official posted in Gunnaur said. "The injured were immediately removed to a nearest medical facility and bodies taken for post-mortem." Following the accident locals and police teams rushed to the spot to carry out rescue work. Senior police officials told media the accident occurred due to poor visibility in the area. "The incident occurred due to low visibility caused by fog," Superintendent of Police of Sambhal, Yamuna Prasad, was quoted by media as having said. According to officials the critically injured were later referred to Moradabad for specialized treatment. Police have registered a case and ordered investigations into the accident. Deadly road accidents are common in India often caused by overloading, bad condition of roads and reckless driving. Officials say an average of over 400 deaths take place every day in India due to road accidents. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 15:43:26|Editor: ZD Video Player Close NANCHANG, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- In the city of Jinggangshan in east China's Jiangxi Province, people clad in Red Army uniforms pound cooked glutinous rice into a paste, a traditional way to make a local snack called "ciba." These days, the "Red Army soldiers" are everywhere in Jinggangshan, the center of early revolutionary activities of the Communist Party of China (CPC). In recent years, "red tours" have expanded in the city, with visitors taken to places where revolutionary figures once lived and worked. In the first 10 months of this year, Jinggangshan received more than 10 million tourists, generating a tourism revenue of more than 10 billion yuan (1.4 billion U.S. dollars), up almost 10 percent year on year, according to government figures. Riding on the success of the red tours, local business people are cashing in on the Red Army uniforms, making uniform-renting a hot business. In the core tourist area of Jingangshan, a shop named Xiangganbian Red Army Uniforms displays a variety of Red Army garments. "Tourists usually rent hats, jackets, leather belts, backpacks and leg wrappings," said shop owner Yu Meng. "Cloth shoes and T-shirts with Red Army logos are also available." Yu, 36, said that many visitors are also interested in renting armbands, rifle replicas, bamboo hats, canteens and spears. "We have a design team, and we have made different styles of uniforms based on the characteristics of traditional Red Army uniforms," Yu said. In Jinggangshan, Yu's rental business accounts for about 60 percent of the marekt share. Yu started the shop with his wife in 2008. He said that 10 years ago, visitors barely rented uniforms. "They only borrowed such uniforms, took a picture and returned the clothes," he said. "It was not profitable." Business was not that great in the beginning, and Yu only rented out 35,000 uniforms throughout the entire year of 2010. "Things did not turn for the better until 2015 when we rented out 200,000 uniforms," he said. Yu's success came on the heels of booming "red tourism". Last year, the city received more than 17 million tourists, and about 250,000 uniforms were rented out at the shop, which garnered in about 20 million yuan. In Jinggangshan, tourists donning the uniforms often walk on the trail used by Red Army soldiers to transport food when they were stuck in the mountains in 1928. The trail became famous in China after an article depicting it was compiled into the country's elementary textbooks. In the article, Chinese military leader Zhu De carried rice with a shoulder pole on the trail. "Visiting Jinggangshan in Red Army uniforms is a trendy thing nowadays, and walking on the same trails as the Red Army soldiers did is a must-do experience," Yu said. "We try to design the uniforms in all their original glory so that the tourists can feel like Red Army soldiers when they wear the clothes," he said, adding that he also invited experts on the CPC's history to give suggestions on garment design. Besides Jinggangshan, Yu said he also opened a similar shop in Yan'an, in northwestern Shaanxi Province. Yan'an hosted the CPC headquarters and the center of the Communist revolution from 1935 to 1948. "My goal is to open the uniform shops at every important stop of the Long March," he said. About 86,000 Red Army officers and soldiers left Jiangxi Province for the Long March in October 1934. Tourist Li Ping, from Beijing, rents a uniform every time he visits Jinggangshan. "Many tourists like me love to wear the Red Army uniforms, which reflects our memories of those historical times," he said. "In my opinion, the uniform is the most fashionable clothes here in Jinggangshan." Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 16:13:30|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close SEOUL, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- South Korea and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) agreed Friday to hold working-level talks early next week to schedule the joint survey of roads across the inter-Korean border, according to South Korea's unification ministry. Lee Eugene, deputy spokesperson of the unification ministry, told a regular press briefing that the second round of joint road research meeting will be held on Monday at the inter-Korean liaison office in the DPRK's border town of Kaesong. During the meeting, the two sides would discuss the schedule to conduct a joint survey of roads along the eastern Korean Peninsula and other various issues, the deputy spokesperson said. The first round of the meeting was held on Aug. 13, and the joint research group of the two Koreas surveyed roads along the western peninsula from Kaesong to Pyongyang, the DPRK's capital city, for seven days. Lee said South Korea will closely consult with the U.S. side and the United Nations Command on the issue. South Korea and the DPRK were originally scheduled to conduct a joint field survey of railways across the border in late October, but it had yet to be launched because of the U.S. stance that the improvement of inter-Korean ties should proceed at the same pace as the denuclearization talks. The deputy spokesperson said South Korea will continue to consult with the DPRK on the joint road research issues to faithfully implement the agreement reached by the two Koreas. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 16:23:32|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close HAVANA, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Congress representatives and businessmen linked with the agricultural sector on Thursday confirmed their interest in expanding trade ties with Cuba, despite the setback in relations sparked by the current conservative administration. "From the perspective of U.S. farmers and producers, we are now closer than ever in the past to passing legislation in Congress to increase our sales to Cuba," representative Rick Crawford from the U.S. state of Arkansas said at the opening of a three-day conference on the topic held in Havana. The U.S. Agricultural Coalition for Cuba, which seeks increased trade and the lifting of the trade embargo, is sponsoring the event aimed at bringing the U.S. agribusiness community closer to its Cuban counterpart. "We want to open up the Cuban market, increase sales of rice and other products. It's the natural destination for our crops," added Crawford. This week's midterm elections in the United States tipped the congressional balance of power in favor of the Democrats, which could mark a shift in policy towards the Caribbean nation. Crawford has already introduced legislation to grant Cuba access to credit to buy U.S. products, and to promote U.S. businesses in the island. U.S. farmers and agribusinesses have sold food worth around 5.7 billion U.S. dollars to the island since 2000 when an amendment to the trade embargo allowed agricultural sales. However, in the last few years, transactions have substantially decreased because cash-in-advance payment rules limited those sales. U.S. trade with Cuba totaled 711 million dollars in 2008. That figure shrank to 186 million dollars in 2015. It rose again after former President Barack Obama restored diplomatic ties, climbing to 291 million dollars in 2017, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. "There have been huge efforts by a bipartisan group of senators and representatives, (and) over 60 associations, businesses and local government officials in 17 states to normalize ties in the sector," Crawford added. Paul Johnson, co-chair of the U.S. Agricultural Coalition for Cuba, said the conference will allow both sides to fully assess business opportunities and exchanges, taking into consideration the restrictions imposed by the Washington-led embargo. "There is still a lot of potential in our relations and there are huge changes happening in Cuba, including market-oriented reforms towards greater trade with the world. Being so close we have to be part of it," he said. Jose Miguel Rodriguez, Cuba's deputy minister of agriculture, said the U.S. trade embargo and related sanctions continue to be the main obstacle to normalizing relations and developing ties. "As we are currently updating our economic model, the agricultural sector plays an important role in the nation's development. We wish to expand our trade ties with the U.S. agribusiness community and increase food sales," he said. Cuba imports about 80 percent of its food needs at a cost of more than 2 billion dollars a year, a figure local authorities say could be reduced if given access to the U.S. market. During a recent trip to the United States to participate in the UN General Assembly, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel met with members of the coalition to expand business opportunities and trade for both sides. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 16:23:33|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close LIMA, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra on Thursday pledged to extradite former President Alejandro Toledo from the United States to face corruption charges. Vizcarra said he would work to extradite Toledo, who is in California, before the end of his term in 2021. "Before I leave office, ex-president Toledo will be here facing justice. That is my pledge," Vizcarra told reporters. Toledo, in office during 2001-2006, is charged with having received 20 million U.S. dollars in bribes from Brazilian conglomerate Odebrecht in exchange for the contract to build the Interoceanic Highway linking Peru and Brazil. Peru's foreign and justice ministries are "permanently following up" on the extradition request, which was filed on May 25, according to Vizcarra. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 16:28:38|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. government said Thursday that immigrants who enter the country illegally would be banned from applying for asylum. Two senior government officials told a conference call that all people who seek asylum from the United States should enter at a port of entry, citing national security concerns. The new rule would bar illegal immigrants "from eligibility for asylum, and thereby channel inadmissible aliens to ports of entry, where they would be processed in a controlled, orderly, and lawful manner," an unnamed official told the conference. The move is widely perceived as a measure targeting a caravan of immigrants from Central American countries moving toward the U.S.-Mexico border. U.S. President Donald Trump has categorized the caravan as an "invasion" and has ordered the U.S. Department of Defense to deploy active-duty troops to the border in assistance to border security forces. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 16:58:42|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close BEIJING, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping Friday conferred the flag to the new national fire and rescue team, ordering them to be loyal to the Party, disciplined and devoted to the people. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, stressed that the new team should stand out when the people are in most need, save them from disasters, assist them in crisis and heroically fight for their life and property safety. The national fire and rescue team was formed based on the country's fire services and armed forestry police. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 17:03:43|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close Protesters gather outside the White House holding signs reading "SAVE MUELLER" in Washington D.C., the United States, on Nov. 8, 2018. Protesters gathered in multiple U.S. cities Thursday to express concern that the newly appointed U.S. attorney general may hinder the Russia probe. (Xinhua/Liu Jie) WASHINGTON, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Protesters gathered in multiple U.S. cities Thursday to express concern that the newly appointed U.S. attorney general may hinder the Russia probe. In the capital city Washington D.C., protests began emerging late Wednesday and continued Thursday near the White House to support Robert Mueller, a special counsel who is tasked by the Department of Justice to lead the Russia probe. At least 1,000 people rallied in Lafayette Square at dusk, holding signs reading "SAVE MUELLER," as concerns were raised that the newly appointed acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker, who is likely to oversee Mueller's investigation, may curtail the effort aimed at addressing allegations that the Trump campaign had colluded with Russia prior to the 2016 presidential elections. Jordan Uhl from Nobody is Above the Law Network, an organizer of the rally, said over 30 advocacy groups across the country joined together in organizing rallies. "Hundreds of cities across the country are peacefully protesting later today because the American people expect the president of the United States to play by the rules and lawbreakers to be held accountable," Uhl said. "The American people deserve the truth. And they deserve accountability." In New York City, thousands turned up at Times Square, holding posters that read "Hands off Mueller" and "Protect the investigation," and chanting slogans like "We want justice, now!" The crowd marched toward the Union Square in downtown Manhattan after a brief stay in the bustling commercial area amid tight police security. Ann Shirazi, a female protester, said by installing a new attorney general, the White House was inserting partisanship into the investigation. In the central city of Cincinnati, several hundred people marched through the downtown area, with some questioning the legitimacy of appointing Whitaker to replace ousted Attorney General Jeff Sessions without Senate approval. Similar protests took place in numerous other cities, including Boston, Seattle, Sacramento, Portland, Denver, as well as in many smaller towns and communities. "ProtectMueller" has become a trendy hashtag on twitter, under which users are sending angry messages and uploading photos and videos of protests from across the country. Trump on Wednesday announced Sessions' departure and that he would be replaced by Whitaker. The move was widely believed to have rooted in Sessions' decision to recuse himself from Russian probes, which was viewed as an action of disloyalty by Trump. Trump has repeatedly bashed Sessions, fueling long-running rumors that Sessions would be booted after the midterm elections. Ushering in an ally who is likely to be more involved in the investigations has already drawn fierce criticism from prominent Democratic Party members, who accused the appointment as politically driven and urged Whitaker to recuse himself from the investigations. Analysts believe that despite the call for unity and bipartisanship from both Democratic and Republican leaders, the Russia probe can become one of the first flashpoints between the two parties, who now share control of Congress. U.S. media reported Thursday that the Mueller team has begun assembling a final report on the investigations; it is unclear what the final report hold in store for the White House or the Trump campaign. The Mueller-led probe began in May 2017, and has brought dozens of indictments against former Trump campaign members and Russian nationals, including former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn and former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 17:38:50|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close HANGZHOU, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- In the eastern township of Liangnong in the lush green mountains of Zhejiang Province, factories once churned out a large number of lamps, polluting the local environment. These days, however, fruit trees have replaced the factories, turning the "home of lamps" in China into a paradise of rural tourism, with tourists swarming to the area to pick fruit and visit the picturesque landscape. Last year, the total revenue of the township, a base of the early revolutionary activities of the Communist Party of China (CPC), reached 168 million yuan (24 million U.S. dollars), up 410 percent compared with 2002, and much higher than other revolutionary bases in China. The success was achieved partly thanks to the efforts of a local CPC official, who worked in Liangnong for almost 10 years helping tens of thousands of poor residents. He Zhanghui, Party secretary of Liangnong, was a policeman in Yuyao City, which administers Liangnong. Ten years ago, he was transferred to Liangnong and became a member of the CPC Liangnong Township Committee, while also serving a disciplinary post in the township. "Being a policeman strengthened my discerning ability, which helped me a lot after I was transferred to Liangnong," he said. During the first years after He came to work in Liangnong, cases of robbery troubled local residents. He, who was in charge of social management, decided to install surveillance cameras along the roads where frequent robberies occurred and set up patrolling stations. "Thanks to the cameras, a robber was caught 15 minutes after a robbery case, so more cameras and patrolling stations were set up," He said. "Afterwards, the number of robbery cases greatly decreased." Life in the small township was quite hard, and He constantly had to work on night shifts and on weekends. It was a life adrift with a very low salary, but He insisted on staying, despite the opportunity to be transferred back to the city. "I always felt that it is my responsibility to help people in the township live better lives," He said. "My job is not done yet." In the eyes of his peers, He is someone with the ability to "crack hard nuts." "He always goes into the grassroots households and talk with people," said Wu Jianjiong, also an official in Liangnong. Wu cited the example of a demolition project regarding the construction of a road in the township. "The project involved the relocation of a lot of residents, many of whom are reluctant to leave," Wu said. "So He went door to door, talked with residents heart to heart and explained the benefits the project brings to them." After a careful explanation, all residents agreed to move. More than 7,000 square meters of houses were removed and large area of land expropriated to make way for building the road. According to He, to improve the local environment, 12 lamp-making and related factories have been closed and farm owners along a local lake persuaded to move to reduce pollution. "The lake is the source of drinking water in Liangnong, and we need to make sure that the water is clean," He said. After the cleanup along the lake, He called on villagers to grow fruits there. Trees of cherries, mulberries, blueberries and peaches were grown. These days, the fruits attract a large number of tourists, with close to 30,000 people visiting a day at most. "Tourist agriculture became an important way to increase income of local people," He said. While Liangnong is developing, He is very generous in sharing the code to success with others. Many officials from other localities in China often come to Liangnong to learn about the model of development. "Liangnong has succeeded, but we want more places in China to develop like us," He said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 17:48:52|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close KUNDUZ, Afghanistan, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- A total of 13 people, including five Taliban militants, have been killed as clash flared up in Qala-e-Zal district of the northern Kunduz province on Friday, local official said. The clash, according to Asadullah Sadat, a member of provincial council, broke out in Aqtepa area of Qala-e-Zal district early morning, leading to the death of five Taliban militants and eight police personnel. Fifteen others including five Taliban fighters and 10 police personnel had been injured, the official added. Taliban militants have not commented on the report. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 17:53:53|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close The Hungary pavilion is seen at the first China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 5, 2018. A total of 82 countries and three international organizations showcased their achievements in economic and trade development as well as competitive products at 71 booths in the Country Pavilion for Trade and Investment at the CIIE. (Xinhua/Sadat) SHANGHAI, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- With mouth-watering smells of barbecue and a sip of semi-sweet wine from the Eger region together with many business promotions, the 256-square-meter Hungarian country pavilion at China International Import Expo (CIIE) showcases Hungary's appetite for more cooperation with China. "Hungary, as well as other countries, has huge potential in Chinese market because China has huge buying power, and Chinese people are also looking for special items," said Balazs Gellert, managing director of international business in a Hungarian bedding product company. After working with Chinese customers for nine years, Gellert's company is seeing more opportunities for expansion in the Chinese market. In his view, CIIE offers a platform for Hungarians to advertise for themselves. "It is really good for Hungary to have this huge advertisement here in the CIIE," he said. Attending the CIIE will bring a win-win situation for Hungary as well as all participants, according to Szilard Bolla, consul general of Hungary in Shanghai. Roughly 20 Hungarian companies are participating in this year's CIIE, with many more Hungarian enterprises to come to meet their Chinese counterparts as delegations, said Bolla. As one of the guest countries of honor and a Belt and Road partner country, Hungary has been active as an important trade partner of China in the central and eastern Europe. In 2017, Hungarian goods exported to China saw an increase of 18 percent from 2016, according to Chinese official data. "In Hungary, we have not thought about China as only an export power in the past decade, it has already been an investment location for Hungarian companies," said Bolla. "It is a great opportunity for Hungarian companies to use this opening-up and to be here early." Premium mineral water, cheese products and wines together with high-tech items like solar panel paving and self-driving cars are presented by multiple Hungarian enterprises in different pavilions. "By using the CIIE as a platform to connect to the Chinese market, these Hungarian enterprises are able to find their Chinese business partners," said Xu Haifeng, general manager of the Bank of China Limited Hungarian Branch, which helped to introduce leading companies from various industries of Hungary to participate the CIIE. With the slogan "New era, shared future," CIIE is not only aimed at giving firm support to trade liberalization and economic globalization but also actively opening the Chinese market. Industries such as automobiles, telecommunication, intellectual and food are very promising for cooperation between China and Hungary as the CIIE showcases China's attitude of opening wider to the global market, according to Laszlo Palkovics, Minister of Innovation and Technology of Hungary. Currently, Chinese investors who choose Hungary as a production location are turning more to the high added-value activities, related businesses will further develop with more Chinese investment flocking to Hungary, according to Palkovics. The CIIE is going to set a good reference for more Hungarian companies that did not have chance to participate this year, said Bolla, adding that the preparation for next year's CIIE has turned into a centerpiece of a working plan for him as well as many other Hungarian government departments. "This is a clear message to the world that China changes the attitude, and China wants to be the significant player in world trade; I think it is absolutely a good message," said Palkovics. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 17:53:53|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close by Peter Mertz DENVER, the United States, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- While both Democrats and Republicans were debating the results of Tuesday's 2018 vote, few disputed the fact that a record number of women, gays, and other minorities gained political power in the pivotal mid-term elections. "Backlash has officially begun," said Washington political analyst David Richardson. "What has been growing since (U.S. President Donald) Trump took office was shown at the polls. Pockets of discontent, namely gays, women, and minorities, gained significant ground as the result of national outrage." Trump campaigned heavily for a number of Republicans who lost on Tuesday, an election seen as a referendum on the president's performance in his first two years. From coast to coast, and particularly in America's West, from a pair of Native American women, to a Muslim Somali refugee, to the first openly gay man elected governor, the 2018 midterms saw a series of history-making votes from people and groups who openly oppose polarized conservative direction. COLORADO STANDS OUT A century ago, Colorado was a Ku Klux Klan stronghold, and, in 1992 was dubbed a "hate state" after voters approved a ban on municipal anti-discrimination laws to protect gay people. In 1996, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the law as unconstitutional, and Colorado has seen a steady influx of educated, young millennials ever since, who have tipped the scales in favor of the Democrats. "Colorado is changing," said University of Colorado graduate student Alex Mendel on Wednesday. "We represent the new America -- young professionals who accept others, and are politically aware and active. Needless to say, the state is swinging to the left these days," he told Xinhua. Colorado went to Democratic presidential challenger Hilary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election. "We are an inclusive state," Jared Polis said in his victory speech Wednesday. He is the first openly gay governor to be elected in the history of the United States. "Tonight, right here in Colorado, we proved that we're an inclusive state that values every contribution," he told the media after the decisive, 7-point landmark win. "We elected the first Native American to Congress (Ben Nighthorse Campbell in 1993), and the voters are not afraid to take a stance against popular opinion," he added. Polis is also the state's first Jewish governor, and acknowledged his historic victory by introducing his partner, Marlon Reis, as "the first, first man in the history of Colorado," in his speech. "Simply put, this is an unprecedented and historic night," said Daniel Ramos, executive director of One Colorado, the state's largest LGBTQ advocacy organization. "Tonight, voters rejected hate and division and elected leaders who will represent and fight for all of their constituents, no matter who they are or who they love." Oregon Democratic Gov. Kate Brown, who is identified as bisexual, was the first openly LGBT person to be elected governor in 2013, but Polis is the first man. On Tuesday, Oregon voters returned Brown to the statehouse, despite heavy backing by national Republicans for her opponent Knute Buhler. Phil Knight of Nike gave 2.5 million U.S. dollars to the Republican candidate for governor. "It was a good night for Democrats in Oregon," said former U.S. State Department official Stewart King. "Our LGBT governor won re-election, in a marked manner in a race that looked really tight in the polls," King told Xinhua on Wednesday. "Oregonians don't like people trying to buy our elections," said King, referring to the money spent by conservatives to defeat Brown. In another blow toward anti-gay sentiment in America, Kim Davis, the Kentucky county clerk who was jailed in 2015 for refusing to grant same-sex marriage licenses, lost her bid for re-election Tuesday against Democrat Elwood Caudill Jr., according to the Lexington Herald Leader. Davis, citing religious reasons, became a conservative icon following her controversial refusal to issue marriage licenses to gay couples after same-sex marriage was legalized in the United States in 2015. On Tuesday, conservative Kentucky voters ended her tenure and her 80,000 U.S. dollars a year job. In Texas, the number of openly LGBTQ lawmakers doubled when Jessica Gonzalez and Julie Johnson, who are lesbians, were elected to represent the Dallas area, and Erin Zwiener, who is bisexual, was chosen to represent central Texas. Gonzalez and Johnson will be the first openly gay lawmakers to represent Dallas-Fort Worth. All three ran as Democrats. "I'm very happy," Chuck Smith, CEO of the LGBTQ-rights group Equality Texas, said in a statement Wednesday. "I do believe the results tonight, especially in the Texas House of Representatives, demonstrate that rabidly homophobic or transphobic values and an interest in pursuing that kind of legislative agenda are not mainstream," he added. On the East Coast, Chris Pappas, another Democrat, became the first openly gay congressman from New Hampshire on Tuesday. WOMEN TIME A record number of women won seats in the U.S. House or Representative Tuesday, in a massive night for female candidates across the political spectrum. Although final election results may take several more days to tabulate, as of Wednesday, CNN projected 96 women would win House races, with 31 women newly elected to the House and 65 female incumbents, topping the previous record of 85 representatives, according to the Congressional Research Service. Tuesday saw the first two Native American women elected to Congress -- Sharice Davids and Deb Haaland, from Kansas and New Mexico -- both running as Democrats. Davids is a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, and Haaland is an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Laguna, according to their respective campaigns. Davids identifies as a lesbian, making her the first openly LGBT member of Congress from Kansas as well. "Trump seizing sacred Indian land and making encouraging statements about White nationalist groups helped energize us against him," said Loni Keppa, a member of the Sioux nation in South Dakota, "I don't think you'll find many Native Americans who support or like Trump." Despite Trump's open antipathy against Muslims and his restrictions on the immigration of people from Muslim countries, Michigan Democrat Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party will become the first Muslim women in Congress. Omar, in addition to being one of the first Muslim women in Congress, is also the first Somali-American member. She came to America two decades ago as a refugee. Although final results aren't expected until this weekend, Arizona is guaranteed to elect its first woman senator, with Democrat Kyrsten Sinema and GOP Martha McSally locked in a tight race, with the Republican narrowly leading by 49.4 to 48.4 percent. In Tennessee, Republican Marsha Blackburn became the first female senator to represent the red state when she outlasted a challenge from former Gov. Phil Bredesen, a Democrat, who tried to run against his party to win in a state Trump won by 26 percentage points in 2016. Blackburn, a conservative lawmaker closely tied to the president, successfully nationalized the Senate race, tapping into the same conservatism that elected Trump in 2016. Trump visited the state three times on her behalf. And in Texas, voters elected the state's first two Hispanic women to Congress as Veronica Escobar won the seat to replace Rep. Beto O'Rourke in the congressional district near El Paso. In nearby Houston, another Latino, State Sen. Sylvia Garcia, won a seat at Congress which was relinquished by the retiring Democratic Rep. Gene Green. And in traditionally conservative South Dakota, Republican Kristi Noem will become South Dakota's first female governor, after defeating another woman candidate, Democrat Billie Sutton. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 18:49:05|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close TASHKENT, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- Uzbekistan will open arms to foreign talents in order to achieve rapid social and economic development, the Ministry of Justice said Thursday. Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has signed a decree on the creation of favorable conditions for foreign talents in Uzbekistan, said the ministry. According to the decree, the conditions of foreign talents include graduating from the top 1,000 international universities and having at least five years of professional work experience. Meanwhile, foreigners need to prove that they can earn at least 60,000 U.S. dollars per year in other countries. Uzbekistan will also issue a multiple-entry work visa to foreign talents based on the duration of the employment, the ministry said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 18:54:05|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close MADRID, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- Four people were injured, including a 10-year-old girl in a "serious" condition, after a car mounted a pavement in Barcelona on Friday morning, hitting pedestrians, pavement terraces and parked motorcycles. Local police confirmed that the accident happened shortly before 9 a.m. at the junction of the streets Travessera de Gracia and Santalo when the driver lost control of the vehicle. The car mounted the pavement and continued for around 40 meters, hitting everything in front of it before swerving across the road and crashing into the front of a bank. Eight ambulances rushed to the scene immediately along with members of the Catalan regional police. The cause of the accident is not yet known, but it is believed the driver suffered an "indisposition" at the wheel which caused him to lose control of the vehicle. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 19:29:12|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close KABUL, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- Taliban militants have suffered casualties and lost ground in the northern Baghlan and neighboring Kunduz provinces as the government forces continue to mount pressure on the militant group, officials said Friday. The armed militant group, in latest setback, has lost 15 fighters besides fleeing from several villages in Dand-e-Ghori area of the northern Baghlan province since Thursday, according to Mohammad Hanif Rezai, an army spokesman in the northern region. "At least 15 rebels have been killed and six others injured in Dand-e-Ghori area since Thursday evening and the government forces backed by fighting aircrafts continue to strike the enemies," Rezai told Xinhua. He also claimed that the government control has been re-established in over a dozen villages and the Taliban-held territory is sliming by each passing hour. Scores of Taliban fighters, according to the official, have been killed since operations were launched in Dand-e-Ghori area just three km outside Baghlan's provincial capital Pul-e-Khumri over the weekend. Taliban militants who are still in control of parts of Dand-e-Ghori and the neighboring Dand-e-Shahabudin area are yet to make comments on the situation. Fighting between government forces and the Taliban militants in Qala-e-Zal and the neighboring Dasht-e-Archi districts of northern Kunduz province have left 16 fighters including eight Taliban and eight police personnel dead on Friday, officials said. Both the government and the Taliban outfit have been trying to gain more grounds amid efforts for Afghan peace talks and ahead of snowfall and chilly winter in the mountainous country, according to Afghan observers. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 19:44:16|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close ROME, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Italian government declared the state of emergency in 11 regions on Thursday evening, after stormy weather killed over a dozen people and caused damages worth billions of euros in latest weeks. Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte's cabinet gathered to specifically address the emergency created by the bad weather, planning to allocate 253 million euros (288.4 million U.S. dollars) overall for urgent measures. Some 53.5 million euros were immediately made available, and would be devoted to restore road access and complete first intervention actions, the cabinet said. "In the next days, another 200 million euros will be added, and allocated to further first emergency intervention, pending a conclusive estimate of damages," it added. Eleven out of 12 Italian regions had filed the request of a state of emergency to the Civil Protection Agency earlier this week. These included Veneto, Trentino Alto Adige, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Lombardy and Liguria in the north, and southern Sicily, all among the most heavily hit by rains, winds, and floods. Besides the funds allocation, the state of emergency approved by the cabinet would allow national and local authorities to simplify bureaucratic procedures and speed up the intervention. Infrastructure Minister Danilo Toninelli had paid a visit to the affected areas in northern Italy on Monday and Tuesday, after going to the southern regions last week, in order to assess the different conditions with local authorities and communities. "I believe total damages will exceed 3 billion euros overall," Toninelli said in an official statement after the visit. The primary goal in this first phase of intervention would be to "bring all exceptional situations back to normal as soon as possible", the minister added. The stormy weather struck Italy since late October, killing at least 20 people overall. Eight people lost their lives between Oct. 28 and Oct. 30 across the country, while further 12 casualties were registered between Saturday and Sunday in Sicily, including nine members of two families with children who were killed when a river burst its banks and flooded their house. The Civil Protection said some 1,500 officers were deployed in the affected areas across the country during the emergency. Still on Thursday, an orange weather alert -- indicating a state of pre-alarm -- was in place in central Emilia Romagna region, due to the risk of flooding from the major Po river, the agency said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 19:49:17|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close by Burak Akinci ANKARA, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- Garbage collectors in the Turkish capital Ankara, who decided to give discarded books a new life, have created a unique bookmobile that will tour schools in suburban districts to instill the passion for reading in children. The campaign started last winter with sanitation workers of the Cankaya district municipality collecting books from the garbage for fellow workers and their families to borrow. But after almost a year of development, this campaign has grown into a 9,000-book library serving a larger community. Thousands of books donated, sent by post or collected by the sanitation workers are still waiting to be catalogued and shelved, showing a growing local interest in the campaign. The sanitation worker's collection of books, divided in some 20 categories including politics, philosophy, drama, thrillers, romance, history, literature, healthy living and economics, is housed in a former brick factory with long corridors, where dozens of people now visit every day to borrow books. "The interest is growing. Each day we have guests coming here to borrow books or have a quite time to read," Emirali Urtekin, director of the "factory library," which also includes a cafeteria and a barber house, told Xinhua. As for the bookmobile designed for school children, Urtekin explained that the mobile library is converted from a garbage collection vehicle, and will begin its trips in late November to remote schools of Ankara Province. With a total population of 5.5 million people, the Turkish large capital province Ankara is divided into 25 districts, where not all schools have the privilege of having a reading room or being built near a public library. The Cankaya municipality hopes that this scheme will inspire the children in Turkey, mostly more interested in computer games than reading, to find delight in the magical world of books. "We are planning to visit all districts of Ankara one by one in the coming months. Some schools have already informed us that they would be very eager to receive us," said Urtekin. While Turkey does have its own public library system, run by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Ministry of Education, Turkey's Daily Sabah newspaper warned in 2017 that there was just one public library for every 70,000 people in Turkey, well below the EU level. The bookmobile is currently packed with 2,000 collected and donated children's books expected to raise their curiosity and interest. Nearly 1,000 more will be added in a couple of months after being sorted out by categories. There is also a relaxation space on the roof of the bookmobile where children can read and talk. "We have books here for children aged from 6 to 10 but also books for older children, like world classics and fiction novels. We hope that it will amuse them and arouse a passion for books," said Eray Yilmaz, one of the bookkeepers of the "factory library." Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 19:49:17|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close LONDON, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of women across Britain will effectively work for the rest of the year for free, equal pay campaigners said Friday. The charity Fawcett Society said in a report that 1 in 3 women and men in work do not know that pay discrimination is illegal, with a culture of pay secrecy persisting in workplaces. The charity said this allows pay discrimination in Britain to thrive. Their report has been launched on the eve of Equal Pay Day on Saturday, Nov. 10, the day in the year when women effectively start to work for free for the rest of the year. Based on statistics showing pay levels, the date of Equal Pay Day equates to the number of days worked by women based on the lower rates of salary they receive. It means that women are effectively working the next 52 days for free. The research has found that 61 percent of workers say they would be uncomfortable asking a colleague how much they earn. Half of those surveyed said their managers would respond negatively to more openness, indicating they think it is difficult to challenge. "Nearly 50 years since the Equal Pay Act, a shocking 1 in 3 men (35 percent) and women (33 percent) in work do not know that it is illegal to pay women and men differently for equal work," said the society. The Fawcett Society has teamed up with employment law charity YESS Law to launch a new Equal Pay Advice Service, funded by an Equal Pay Fund which has been started thanks to the generous donation of backdated pay from former BBC China Editor Carrie Gracie. The service will be targeted at those on low incomes who believe they are experiencing pay discrimination and who do not have access to legal advice. Sam Smethers,CEO of the Fawcett Society, said: "In workplaces all over the country, pay discrimination is able to thrive and is more common than people realize because of a culture of pay secrecy which persists. People do not know their basic rights and do not know what their colleagues earn." Smethers urged women to use Equal Pay Day to talk about pay at work, adding it will help more women to have access to justice and equal pay. Gracie, who quit her job as the BBC's China editor when she discovered male colleagues in similar postings were paid much higher, said: "The fight for equal pay often pits a lone woman against a very powerful employer. Without the support of other BBC Women and without great legal advice, I would have struggled to get through my own equal pay ordeal. "Many women in other workplaces have since told me about their feelings of loneliness and helplessness in confronting pay discrimination. I feel particularly concerned about low paid women who may not be able to afford legal advice, and I hope support from our new Equal Pay Advice Service will help give them the confidence to pursue their rights." The Fawcett Society takes its name from Millicent Fawcett, the celebrated British women's rights campaigner who helped women in Britain win the right to vote in 1918. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 20:24:28|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close People attend a group celebration during Bhai Tika, the major and last day of five-day long Tihar festival, in Kathmandu, Nepal, Nov. 9, 2018. (Xinhua/Sunil Sharma) KATHMANDU, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- Nepalese Hindus across the country observed Bhai Tika, the major and last day of five-day long Tihar festival, on Friday. The day, which falls on the second lunar day of bright fortnight in the month of Kartik according to lunar calendar, is regarded as one of the most special ones as it honors the relationship and bonding between brothers and sisters. On the occasion, sisters offer "tika" on the forehead of their brothers and wish them happiness, long life and prosperity. This tika is locally called Saptarangi as it consists seven different colors. Sisters also put garlands made up of marigold and globe amaranth to their brothers. Besides tika and garland, sisters also offer varieties of sweets, fruits, dry food and gifts to the brothers. In return, brothers also apply colorful tika to their sisters and offer them money and presents. According to Hindu myth, the occasion commemorates a legendary event in which a sister has won a boon from "Yama," the deity of death that her brother would not die until the garlands are faded. On this day, those who do not have brothers and sisters visit Rani Pokhari or Queen's Lake in Kathmandu and receive tika. This is the only time in a year when the temple is open to the public, though the temple has been severely damaged in the earthquake of 2015 and is undergoing reconstruction. The Nepali government had announced a three-day holiday to mark the festival. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 20:49:33|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close Cai Mingzhao (R), president of China's Xinhua News Agency, meets with Bolivia's communications minister Gisela Lopez in Beijing, capital of China, on Nov. 9, 2018. Cai said that since the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Bolivia 33 years ago, relations between the two countries have continued to develop steadily. As the two countries' media organizations shoulder the responsibility of promoting friendly cooperation, Xinhua expects to strengthen ties with Bolivian media, promote coordination in such areas as news exchanges and personnel contacts, and make contributions to consolidating public support for enhancing bilateral friendship, he said. Cai stressed that Xinhua will continue to uphold the values of conducting reports in an authentic, comprehensive, objective and balanced way, and will actively report Bolivia's development achievements. Lopez hailed the rapid development of Xinhua in recent years, expressing the willingness to promote Bolivian media organizations to enhance their understanding of China and facilitate bilateral media cooperation. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen) BEIJING, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- Cai Mingzhao, president of China's Xinhua News Agency, met with Bolivia's communications minister Gisela Lopez on Friday. Cai said that since the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Bolivia 33 years ago, relations between the two countries have continued to develop steadily. As the two countries' media organizations shoulder the responsibility of promoting friendly cooperation, Xinhua expects to strengthen ties with Bolivian media, promote coordination in such areas as news exchanges and personnel contacts, and make contributions to consolidating public support for enhancing bilateral friendship, he said. Cai stressed that Xinhua will continue to uphold the values of conducting reports in an authentic, comprehensive, objective and balanced way, and will actively report Bolivia's development achievements. Lopez hailed the rapid development of Xinhua in recent years, expressing the willingness to promote Bolivian media organizations to enhance their understanding of China and facilitate bilateral media cooperation. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 20:59:38|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close MANILA, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- A Philippine anti-graft court on Friday sentenced former First Lady Imelda Marcos to at least 42 years in prison after she was found guilty of graft for creating private foundations in Switzerland and having "financial interests" in companies while in office from 1968 to 1986. Neither Imelda Marcos nor any of her lawyers were present during the promulgation of the decision. The Sandiganbayan court also ordered the arrest of the 89-year-old widow of ousted Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos for violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. Imelda Marcos, nicknamed the "Iron Butterfly," was sentenced to a minimum of six years and one month to a maximum of 11 years for each of the seven counts of the graft. The court barred Marcos from holding public office as part of the sentence. The Office of the Ombudsman filed the 10 graft cases in 1991. The court acquitted her in three counts of graft. The court said Imelda had "financial interest" in the seven Swiss foundations they created pegged to amount to 200 million U.S. dollars. Imelda was minister of human settlements from 1976 to 1986 and concurrent Metro Manila governor from 1978 to 1984. The court said Imelda, now a member of the Philippine House of Representatives, can have a provisional liberty if she posts a cash bond while appealing the conviction. Imelda is running for governor in Ilocos Norte, a province in the northern tip of the Philippines' main Luzon Island, in the 2019 midterm elections. She can still appeal the conviction. The Marcos family has yet to issue a statement on the conviction. Imelda is known for her ostentatious lifestyle, her thousands of expensive shoes and her collection of jewelry. Ferdinand Marcos was elected as the president of the Philippines in 1965, but declared martial law in 1972 heralding a dictatorial regime. Millions of Filipinos took to the streets in February 1986, deposing Marcos and his wife Imelda. The Marcoses were forced to flee to Hawaii where the elder Marcos died in 1989. Imelda returned to the Philippines in 1992 and campaigned for the presidency, but lost it. However, in 1995, Imelda won election to the House of Representatives, representing the first district in her home province of Leyte. The Philippine government is fighting dozens of suits abroad to claim art and property owned by Ferdinand Marcos and his cronies. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 21:04:40|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad speaks at the World Chinese Economic Forum in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Nov. 9, 2018. Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said Friday that the overseas Chinese community has contributed greatly to the development of Malaysia and other parts of the world. (Xinhua/Chong Voon Chung) KUALA LUMPUR, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said Friday that the overseas Chinese community has contributed greatly to the development of Malaysia and other parts of the world. In his keynote address at the World Chinese Economic Forum, Mahathir said the Chinese community was a peaceful one that focused its energies on new technology, development and wealth creation. Mahathir praised the Chinese community's ability to adapt to any challenging condition, taking example from how Chinese-run shops in Malaysia were consolidated into shopping malls from those along the streets. Mahathir also praised the contributions of the Chinese community for being key to his country's wealth creation through their enterprising spirit. "Somehow they have the knack of creating wealth wherever they go, they are business oriented people and they know how to deal with money and business. "Malaysia fully appreciates their contribution to the development of Malaysia," he said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 21:04:42|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close BEIRUT, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese President Michel Aoun said on Friday that Lebanon is committed to preserving security along its borders according to the UN resolution amid regular violations by Israel. "We are keen on implementing (UN Security Council) Resolution 1701 when Israel violates Lebanon's airspace, land and sea on a regular basis," the Presidency's website cited Aoun as saying during his meeting with UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Bernell Cardel. He reaffirmed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's claims that Lebanon's Hezbollah stockpiles missiles near Beirut's Rafic Hariri International Airport are false. Caretaker Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil had led a tour of ambassadors and journalists to two of the three locations to disprove these claims, he added. The the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon has also denied the presence of missiles in there sites, the Lebanese president stressed. For her part, Cardel said she will travel back to New York to submit a report about necessary steps for the implementation of Resolution 1701. The UN Resolution 1701 called for an end to hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah forces, the deployment of the Lebanese army along the Israeli border, and the establishment of a weapons-free zone south of the Litani River in southern Lebanon. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 21:04:43|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close LOS ANGELES, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- A wildfire dubbed Camp Fire has burned down up to 1,000 homes in the U.S. city of Paradise in Northern California, with multiple fatalities reported, local authorities said Thursday night. Lynne Tolmachoff, a spokesperson for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) confirmed to Xinhua Thursday night that the fire caused injuries to civilians and firefighters, but the exact number of casualties is still unknown. "The damage is mostly in the town of Paradise, the most significant damage," she said in a phone interview. "It happened so rapidly, but it took time for people to leave." Tolmachoff said most local residents have been evacuated to nearby towns, while firefighters are still working "to help those people left behind." According to Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea, three firefighters and several residents were taken to hospital; authorities are trying to verify the identities of those who perished. Fueled by steady winds and dry grass, Camp Fire was first reported at about 6:30 am (1230 GMT Thursday) and rapidly hit Paradise, a city of 27,000 residents located about 150 km north of Sacramento, the state capital. Videos posted online showed that houses located downtown were engulfed in flames one by one, the blaze was devouring trees and houses along the highway when residents fled the foothill town. Drivers abandoned their vehicles, forcing emergency personnel to push cars off the few roads leading to safety. Till 8:00 pm, the fire has scorched over 20,000 acres (80.9 square kilometers) with zero containment, Cal Fire said, adding that about 15,000 structures are threatened, and in the eastern part of Chico, a nearby city, 80,000 residents are advised to evacuate. According to Cal Fire, a total of 2,289 firefighters, helped by 11 helicopters and 24 dozers, are fighting the aggressive blaze, and more reinforcements are coming in from other cities. "Weather forecast said wind will slide down tomorrow. That will help firefighters contain the fire," Tolmachoff told Xinhua. Acting California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency Thursday for the fire-stricken area. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 21:34:50|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- A militant was killed and a policeman wounded Friday in a fierce gunfight in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said. The gunfight broke out at village Dar-Ganiegund area of Tral in Pulwama district, about 44 km south of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir. "Today a militant was killed in a gunfight here with government forces," a police official posted in Tral told Xinhua. "While fighting the militant a policeman was also wounded and he was later evacuated to hospital." The slain militant according to police was a foreign national. Police officials claim recovery of arms and ammunition from the spot. According to officials the village was cordoned off after government forces launched a search operation based on credible inputs about the presence of militants. Meanwhile, police issued an advisory asking locals not to go near the gunfight site until the spot is cleared of explosive material. Last month, seven civilians were killed after a bomb went off at a gunfight site in region's Kulgam district. A guerilla war is going on between militants and Indian troopers stationed in the region since 1989. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 21:44:51|Editor: ZD Video Player Close Relatives of victims mourn the death of bar shooting rampage at Los Robles Medical Center in Ventura County, California, the United States, on Nov. 8, 2018. (Xinhua/Qian Weizhong) THOUSAND OAKS, the United States, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of people gathered Thursday at a vigil here to mourn the victims of a mass shooting on Wednesday night, which has killed 13 including a sheriff's deputy. Thousand Oaks, ranked the third safest city in the United States in 2018 by website Niche, was added to the list of victims of gun violence in a country divided over its gun policies. BLOOD EVERYWHERE A U.S. Marine veteran opened fire in the Borderline Bar and Grill, which is popular with college students, in Thousand Oaks, a suburb about 64 km northwest of Los Angeles, law enforcement officials said. Local authorities identified 28-year-old Ian David Long as the gunman of the mass shooting, who was found dead of an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound afterwards. Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean said Long, a former machine gunner and Afghanistan war veteran, apparently fired at random with a 45-caliber Glock handgun with an extra-capacity magazine inside the bar at about 11:30 p.m. local time Wednesday (0730 GMT, Thursday). "The weapon was designed in California to hold a magazine of 10 rounds and one in the chamber, but he had an extended magazine on it," the sheriff told a news conference on Thursday morning. According to witnesses at the scene, the shooter threw a smoke grenade into the bar before opening fire with a handgun. Madison Cummings, an eyewitness at the bar, told Xinhua that the shooter had a beard and short black hair, wore all black and held a black handgun. "At the first sight, I thought it was a joke, because the music did not stop. But later I smelled the gun fire, then I knew it's real," she said. Deputy Sgt. Ron Helus went into the bar with another highway patrol officer after they received calls about the shooting. Helus was shot several times in confrontation with the shooter and died in hospital later, Dean said. Authorities said hundreds of people were inside the bar when the gunfire rang out. "It's a horrific scene in there," Dean said. "There is blood everywhere." WAR TRAUMA FEARED Paul Delacourt, assistant director in charge of the Los Angeles FBI, told a news conference Thursday afternoon that it was too early to speculate on the motive for the massacre but that the shooter appeared to have acted alone. Dean described Long as "acting a little irrationally" when police were called to his home earlier this year to investigate a disturbance. He lived in Newbury Park, near Thousand Oaks. In the neighborhood where Long lived, residents said they were well aware of his problems. Richard Berge, 77, was quoted by local media as saying the former Marine had post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and was known to kick in the walls of his home. Garo Kuredjia, captain of Ventura County Sheriff office, told Xinhua he could not confirm the shooter's PTSD, and did not know what his medical or mental status was. "I can assume he has some sort of mental issue, because no normal person would commit such an outrageous act and murder innocent people," Kuredjia said. Tami Teece, a survivor of the mass shooting in Las Vegas last year that killed 59 people and wounded more than 500 others, was among the crowd mourning the death of Helus along the road. Teece, who also has PTSD, told Xinhua that the government should spend more money setting up mental hospitals for veterans to address their psychological problems. FESTERING PROBLEM The California bar shooting was the second mass killing in two weeks to hit the United States, home to more than 300 million guns scattered nationwide and long plagued by gun violence. Less than two weeks ago, 11 worshippers were killed by a gunman at a synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The United States has one of the highest gun-related death tolls in the world due to lax gun control laws, according to a study released in August by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington. According to the Gun Violence Archive, a U.S. non-profit corporation providing gun-related violence information, 307 mass shootings have occurred this year. America has been torn apart by this politically divisive issue. In an unprecedented move in recent U.S. history, thousands of high school students walked out of class across the country in March in a call on Congress to pass tighter gun-control laws. Earlier in May, U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his strong support for gun rights during a speech in the city of Dallas, Texas. "Your Second Amendment rights are under siege but they will never ever be under siege as long as I am your president," Trump said at the National Rifles Association (NRA) annual meeting in the convention center in Dallas. The U.S. failure to bring down gun-related violence and the murder rate is a result of multiple factors, according to experts. For one thing, with the vast and growing gap between liberals and conservatives, and Democrats and Republicans, gun control has become an increasingly partisan issue, with Republicans more uniformly opposed. It also involves the powerful gun lobby, largely led by the NRA, one of America's richest and most influential lobbying groups. America's electoral structure also lends NRA supporters outsize influence, as many gun-rights advocates live in rural areas where a few votes can swing a congressional election, experts said. (Xinhua correspondent Tan Jingjing also contributed to the report.) (Video reporter: Tan Yixiao; video editor: Wang Anhaowei) Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 21:49:54|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close JUBA, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan on Friday said it was working on creating an attractive investment climate to lure foreign investors as the country seeks to reinvigorate its economy that has been battered from over four years of conflict. Abraham Maliet Mamer, secretary general for South Sudan Investment Authority, told journalists that the country is open and ready for big foreign investments to revive its economy. "As far as the big picture is concerned, our country is ready to receive investors. Our country has been closed for so long and now is the time to speak loud and clear that our country is ready for investment," he said in Juba. Mamer said international businesses are welcome to come and invest in South Sudan. He said they are looking toward integrating e-business and e-investment platforms to ease the cost of doing business. The country relies on oil production to finance 98 percent of its fiscal expenditure and recently hinted at boosting oil production levels following disruption by violence which saw production drop to below 165,000 barrels per day (bpd) from 350,000 bpd in 2012. South Sudan is set to host its second oil and gas investment conference on Nov. 21-22 in Juba. The first one took place in October last year. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 21:49:55|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close TEHRAN, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- Iran has lodged complaint at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) against the U.S. sanctions on Iranian ships, Tasnim news agency reported on Friday. Iran's embassy in Britain has sent a letter to IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim to pronounce Tehran's protest against U.S. unilateral sanctions against Iranian trade vessels, Iran's Ambassador to London Hamid Baeidinejad was quoted as saying. The letter has denounced the U.S. sanctions as a violation of international shipping treaties that endangers maritime security, Baeidinejad said, adding that Iran has urged the IMO to hold a council meeting to address the issue. As a specialized agency of the United Nations, the IMO is tasked with regulating international shipping. All the U.S. sanctions against Iran that had been removed under the 2015 Iranian nuclear deal were returned by the United States on Monday. The U.S. embargo targets many of the country's "critical sectors" like energy, shipping, shipbuilding, and finance. A cargo ship is docked during the inauguration ceremony of the newly built extension in the port of Chabahar on the Gulf of Oman, southeastern Iran, near the Pakistani border, Dec. 3, 2017. (AP photo) TEHRAN, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- Iran has lodged complaint at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) against the U.S. sanctions on Iranian ships, Tasnim news agency reported on Friday. Iran's embassy in Britain has sent a letter to IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim to pronounce Tehran's protest against U.S. unilateral sanctions against Iranian trade vessels, Iran's Ambassador to London Hamid Baeidinejad was quoted as saying. The letter has denounced the U.S. sanctions as a violation of international shipping treaties that endangers maritime security, Baeidinejad said, adding that Iran has urged the IMO to hold a council meeting to address the issue. As a specialized agency of the United Nations, the IMO is tasked with regulating international shipping. All the U.S. sanctions against Iran that had been removed under the 2015 Iranian nuclear deal were returned by the United States on Monday. The U.S. embargo targets many of the country's "critical sectors" like energy, shipping, shipbuilding, and finance. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 21:59:58|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close ISTANBUL, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- Turkey on Friday launched a hunt for 103 soldiers on duty in the probe into a group allegedly behind a failed coup in 2016, Turkish media reported. At least 74 soldiers on active duty have been arrested in operations launched in Istanbul and 31 other provinces on the order of the Istanbul Public Prosecutor's Office, said a report by the state-run Anadolu Agency. Among those being sought are colonels, lieutenant colonels and commanders, the report said. Ankara blames Fetullah Gulen, a Turkish cleric living in the United States, and his network for the coup attempt in July 2016, in which 250 people were killed and some 2,200 others injured. The Turkish government has listed his network as Fetullah Terrorist Organization. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 21:59:59|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close BRUSSELS, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- Two police officers escorting British Prime Minister Theresa May and Belgium's Charles Michel were flung to the ground after an accident on a motorway in Belgium, local media reported Friday. The incident happened as May and Michel were travelling from a remembrance event at St. Symphorien Military Cemetery in southern Belgian city of Mons, ahead of the centenary of the end of the First World War on Sunday. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 22:00:00|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close ISTANBUL, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- The unexpected U.S. offer for a bounty on three top figures of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) is seen as a move to make Turkey not treat the U.S.-backed Kurdish militia in Syria as a terror group like the PKK. Washington ultimately seeks to get Ankara to accept the Kurdish militia in Syria, known as the People's Protection Units (YPG), as a legitimate entity, Cahit Armagan Dilek, head of the Ankara-based 21st Century Turkey Institute, told Xinhua. "MEANLINGLESS GIMMICK" The U.S. State Department announced on Tuesday rewards for information on three top members of the PKK, outlawed by Ankara over its continued armed struggle against the Turkish state. Those who inform on the whereabouts of Murat Karayilan, the acting PKK leader, as well as Cemil Bayik and Duran Kalkan, may be awarded up to 5 million U.S. dollars, 4 million dollars and 3 million dollars respectively, according to the U.S. statement. The PKK seeks to establish an autonomous, if not an independent, Kurdistan in Turkey's predominantly Kurdish southeast. "The U.S. move essentially aims to forge a distinction between the PKK and the YPG," said Dilek, a former staff officer in the Turkish military. Turkey sees the YPG as the Syrian offshoot of the PKK. Both groups see Abdullah Ocalan, who has been in jail in Turkey since 1999, as their leader. Ankara has long criticized Washington for its military support to the YPG, which the United States has used as a ground force against Islamic State militants in Syria. "This American move is a meaningless gimmick, designed to placate Ankara," Faruk Logoglu, a former senior diplomat, told Xinhua. "If the Americans had been serious about catching these terrorists long sought by Turkey, they could have done so years ago," he added. The PKK, based in northern Iraq, has long been recognized as a terrorist organization by the United States, yet Ankara has from time to time accused Washington of aiding the group. The U.S. move against top PKK figures came shortly after Turkish military hit some YPG targets along the Turkish border with artillery fire. Ankara has vowed time and again that it would not tolerate any YPG control near its border. Thanks to U.S. military support, the YPG has established two self-declared autonomous cantons in the eastern part of the Euphrates River along the Turkish border by taking advantage of the war in Syria. It also controls, under the patronage of U.S. troops, the Manbij region which lies immediately to the west of the Euphrates and some 40 km from the Turkish border. Ankara is concerned that the YPG, estimated to have 60,000-70,000 fighters, will serve as the army of a Kurdish state the United States is seeking to carve out in Syria. PENDING ISSUES IN TIES Dilek, who feels the U.S. move lacks sincerity, maintained that the U.S. intelligence should be in the know about the exact whereabouts of the leading PKK figures. For him, the rewards for top PKK members indicate that the United States is planning to hand over several or all three PKK leaders to Turkey at a moment it judges opportune. Turkey has treated the U.S. move with cautious optimism, underlining that it is a positive but long overdue step. It's unacceptable for Ankara that Washington puts a bounty on PKK leaders while continuing to send truckloads of weapons to the YPG, said Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar. Turkey's presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin made clear that Ankara would not change its attitude toward the YPG, saying Turkey expects the United States to end its ties with the militia and its political wing, the Syrian Democratic Union Party. Despite sharp Turkish criticism, the United States, Turkey's NATO ally, has reportedly continued to supply weapons to the YPG, including some sophisticated ones. According to Ankara, Washington has provided the YPG with more than 19,000 truckloads of weapons so far and has set up 22 military bases in the YPG-held territory. It is widely argued that the United States may also hope for a normalization of ties with Turkey by moving against PKK figures, which were quite strained until recently. But the analysts remain skeptical. "The U.S. wants to create the perception that Turkish-American relations since the release of Pastor Brunson is on an extending positive trajectory," said Logoglu. "The reality, however, is different." Andrew Brunson, an American evangelical pastor who had been in prison in Turkey, was released by a Turkish court last month. Following his release, Turkey and the United States have reciprocally removed some sanctions they imposed against each other. Then, the United States added Turkey to a list of countries, to which it granted temporary exemption from sanctions it re-imposed on Iran. "The waiver on Iranian sanctions is only temporary," noted Logoglu. "The priorities in Syria continue to be different, and there are pending bilateral and regional issues." Any perception of amelioration in bilateral ties is faulty, said Dilek, cautioning that the United States may seek to obtain concessions from Turkey in return for handing over some top PKK figures. "With or without waivers, Turkey will still have to make a choice between Iran and the U.S. when things get hotter," said Logoglu. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 22:10:01|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close DAR ES SALAAM, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- The government of Tanzania on Friday issued a four-day ultimatum to 35 private firms that have registered to buy cashew nuts to state in writing the amount of cashew nuts that they intended to buy this season. "Failure to do so in four days beginning today (Friday) the government will revoke permits to buy cashew nuts that were given to the 35 firms," Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa told a news conference in the capital Dodoma. He said continued delay in buying the cash crop is making life difficult for cashew nuts farmers, something which the government will not tolerate. Majaliwa said the current cashew nuts buying season witnessed low prices of the crop during a handful of auctions held in cashew nuts growing regions of Coast, Mtwara, Lindi and Ruvuma, forcing President John Magufuli to convene a meeting last week with buyers of the crop in which it was agreed that a kilogram of cashew nuts should be sold at 3,000 Tanzanian shillings (about 1.3 U.S. dollars) onward. "It was an open discussion during the meeting and the buyers agreed to buy a kilogram of cashew nuts at 3,000 shillings onward. But after the meeting the buying of cashew nuts in auctions continued to be at snail's pace," Majaliwa said. The prime minister said during the previous season, 300,000 tonnes of cashew nuts were harvested and that 200,000 tonnes of the crop are expected to be harvested during the current season. On Thursday, Majaliwa told parliament that the government is seeking markets for cashew nuts abroad after the crop attracted low prices in the domestic market. "The government is holding talks with various countries that can offer handsome prices for our cashew nuts," Majaliwa told the house in Dodoma. "We are working hard to find reliable markets for cashew nuts as we did for tobacco and coffee," he said. President Magufuli said last week the government is ready to buy cashew nuts from farmers if traders failed to buy the crop at handsome prices. Magufuli said the government backed cashew nuts farmers who refused to sell their crop at between 1,900 shillings and 2,217 shillings a kilogram at a recent auction organized by buyers of the crop. Cashew nuts growers in Mtwara, Ruvuma, Coast and Lindi regions have boycotted selling their crop at auctions, citing low prices. The farmers enjoyed record high prices of up to 4,000 shillings a kilogram last season, but buyers were offering a maximum of 2,700 shillings a kilogram of the crop this season. The new buying season started early this month but no trading has taken place due to the boycott, leading to fears that the disruption would affect the country's foreign exchange earnings. International prices for cashew nuts have dropped by nearly half since March Farmers in Cote d'Ivoire, the world's top cashew nuts producer with an output of 770,000 tonnes expected this year, were reported last month to have been struggling to sell their yields, with an estimated 150,000 tonnes lying around in warehouses. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 22:10:01|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close BRUSSELS, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- Two police officers escorting British Prime Minister Theresa May and Belgium's Charles Michel were flung to the ground after an accident on a motorway in Belgium, local media reported Friday. The incident happened as May and Michel were travelling from a remembrance event at St. Symphorien Military Cemetery in southern Belgian city of Mons, ahead of the centenary of the end of the First World War on Sunday. Two police motorcycles were knocked over by a car in the collision, and the officers were taken to hospital. Michel's spokesman described the incident as an "unfortunate accident", according to Belgian newspaper De Standaard. File Photo: Crew members are seen on board U.S. aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush during its visit to Israel's Haifa port, on July 3, 2017. (Xinhua/JINI/Nimrod Glikman) WASHINGTON, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. State Department announced on Thursday that the country's arms sales to foreign governments increased by 33 percent in fiscal year 2018. The sales rose to 55.66 billion U.S. dollars in fiscal year 2018, which ran from Oct. 1, 2017 to Sept. 30, 2018, up from 41.93 billion dollars in the previous year, said the State Department in a statement. The statement also disclosed that Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Poland, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates were among the major buyers, with Saudi Arabia purchasing Littoral combat ships and Patriot air and missile defense systems with a total value of 8.1 billion dollars. In total, authorized U.S. arms exports, comprising government-to-government and direct commercial sales, rose 13 percent to 192.3 billion U.S. dollars in 2018, the statement added. The department did not publish a breakdown of sales to each country. In a separate statement also released on Thursday, the State Department attributed the arms export increase to the Trump administration's new policy released in April, which alignes U.S. conventional arms sale with its national and economic security interests. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 22:35:08|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close BEIJING, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- China on Friday rejected the false allegation that "China had been monitoring the African Union building", urging the relevant news organization to objectively report facts instead of fabricating lies. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying made the remarks during a daily news briefing when asked for comments on a German media report published on Thursday that accused China of "installing listening equipment at the headquarters of the African Union building" and "intending to increase political influence by assisting African countries." She said such lies had already been refuted by leaders of African countries. "The African people know best and are in the best position to say whether China-Africa cooperation is good or not," Hua said. She said that during the 2018 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in September and during the 73rd UN General Assembly, many African leaders publicly refuted the accusation that China-Africa cooperation has increased the continent's debt burden. They believe that China's support and assistance is not attached to any political conditions and does not interfere in their internal affairs, adding that China is the most reliable partner for the development and revitalization of African countries, Hua added. Former President of the German Parliament Norbert Lammert visited Namibia not long ago and expressed his concerns about the rising influence of China in the African nation. However, Namibian President Hage Geingob said the concern that other countries have about Chinese influence in Namibia is "annoying". Hua, referring to the president's words, said the international community "should not underestimate Africa's intelligence." The spokesperson also expressed confidence that media organizations would correct their attitudes and objectively report on the cooperation between China and African countries, instead of ignoring the fundamental facts and fabricating lies, or "it would only damage their own credibility". Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 22:45:11|Editor: yan Video Player Close CAPE TOWN, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- South Africa's law should continue to be harsh and show no mercy toward the perpetrators of child-abusers, a government spokesperson said on Friday. "As a nation, we must never tolerate any form of abuse against children," said Phumla Williams, acting directer general of the Government Information and Communication System. She was speaking after the Durban High Court handed down a 20-year jail sentence on Thursday to a Durban mother who brutally murdered her child in 2014, a case that shocked the nation. The government welcomes the 20-year sentence imposed on the mother, Williams said. The court found that the mother, who cannot be named for legal reasons, murdered her three-year-old daughter, who had endured being beaten, starved, burnt with cigarettes, had chili powder put in her nappy and tied to a bed at night. "One cannot imagine the pain that the poor baby suffered at the hands of adults who clearly displayed an inhumane behavior towards this little child. We will not stop speaking about these barbaric acts until we rid our society of such acts," said Williams. The baby's grandmother, who was also charged with the murder and assault, died of natural causes this year while awaiting trial in prison. In South Africa, which is among the countries that have the highest crime rate in the world, 800 to 900 children are murdered every year, according to police. In 2016, the United Nations ranked South Africa as among the world's 10 most violent nations. The government has put in place child protection mechanisms such as legislation and international instruments that the country has ratified as a commitment to the protection of children's rights. Key among these is Section 28 of the Constitution which specifically deals with and lays the foundation of children's rights. Williams urged the public to join in the fight against child abuse. "As a society we must expose these abusers and we must act to prevent abuse of children in our communities," she said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 22:45:13|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close BEIJING, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- China will step up efforts to ease market restrictions over foreign investment, with measures to open up more sectors and guarantee equal treatment, according to a press conference on Friday. Tang Wenhong, an official with the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), said MOFCOM will make specific arrangements and set a clear agenda to push forward the implementation of policies designed to improve the business environment and encourage foreign investment. By the end of March 2019, the government will eliminate all limits that go beyond the official negative list for foreign investment and a special inspection will be launched to ensure all foreign-funded firms are treated equally in areas including government procurement, subsidies and licenses. By the end of this year, provincial authorities will establish and improve mechanisms to handle complaints from foreign businesses. China will scrap all laws, rules and normative documents that go against the current opening-up policy by the end of 2019, Tang said. From services to manufacturing and telecommunications, more sectors will become open to foreign businesses and the investment environment will become better, Tang said, adding that the revision of two guidance catalogues for foreign investment will also be finished by the end of March. China has also unveiled a string of policies to improve the business environment, including building a level playing field, strengthening intellectual property protection and reducing business operation burdens. Xiong Maoping from the State Administration for Market Regulation said efforts will be taken to promote more convenient and transparent market entry. "By the end of the year, the time required for opening a business will be cut to 8.5 days in major cities," Xiong said, adding the procedures will become clearer and more predictable. Zhou Xiaofei from the National Development and Reform Commission said the central government will pilot an evaluation system for the business environment in major cities in 2019 and promote the program nationwide in 2020. The evaluation system will rank cities in three areas, namely corporate life cycles, attraction to investment and high-quality development. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 23:15:21|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close HANGZHOU, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- As China is seeking to bridge its urban-rural digital divide, this year's World Internet Conference (WIC) shares China's experience on poverty alleviation through the Internet with guests overseas. Held from Nov. 7 to 9 in Wuzhen, eastern China's Zhejiang Province, the fifth WIC attracted around 1,500 guests from 76 countries and regions, including government officials, representatives from international organizations, business leaders, experts and scholars. Many participants were eager to gain first-hand anti-poverty wisdom from China, which has lifted 68.53 million people out of poverty in the past five years. "China has achieved great results in bridging its digital divide," said Robert Kuhn, chairman of the Kuhn Foundation, during the conference. "It's a wonderful story the world needs to know and resemble." "We have been pushing ahead to expand access to the Internet in China's rural areas," said Hong Tianyun, deputy director of the State Council Leading Group Office of Poverty Alleviation and Development when addressing a WIC sub-forum themed "charity and poverty alleviation through the Internet: eliminating hunger and poverty." As of June, 97.4 percent of China's villages have access to broadband Internet and 95 percent have access to 4G networks, according to the latest report on China's Internet development released at the conference. China has also been "very effective" in empowering impoverished people and communities with easier access to the Internet, according to Sally Costerton, senior advisor to the president of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). ICANN is an international organization dedicated to promoting the use of Internationalized Domain Name (IDN), which enables non-English speakers to navigate the Internet in their native languages. "Now we have around 1.3 million Chinese IDNs", said Costerton. "This offers enormous potential to help rural and poorer communities in China and many other countries around the world." Besides, the Chinese government has partnered with e-commerce companies, such as Alibaba and JD.com, to pilot e-commerce projects in the country's poverty-stricken areas since 2014. By connecting farmers directly with the market via e-commerce platforms, the targeted projects have contributed to the boom of local agricultural industries. In 2017, 832 poor counties where such projects were launched reported a total online sales volume of 120.7 billion yuan (about 17.4 billion U.S. dollars), up 52 percent year on year, according to official data. "E-commerce has been an integral part of South-South cooperation between the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and Chinese government," said Qu Sixi, representative of WFP China Office. He added that WFP is building a platform, in collaboration with the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, to share China's experience in developing its rural areas with other parts of the world. To further enhance the role of Internet in poverty reduction, China rolled out a plan earlier this year to step up efforts in developing rural e-commerce, Internet-based healthcare and online education. The country is aiming to lift at least 10 million people out of poverty by the end of this year and to eradicate poverty by 2020. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 23:15:22|Editor: yan Video Player Close TEHRAN, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- The United States is responsible for "crimes against humanity" in Iran and Yemen, Iran's foreign minister was quoted as saying by Press TV on Friday. "The U.S. is to be held accountable for crimes against humanity in Iran and Yemen," Mohammad Javad Zarif said. Zarif was reacting to the recent remarks by the U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who said that the U.S. sanctions against the Islamic republic do not target the Iranian people. Pompeo also claimed that "the challenge in Yemen is in large part the responsibility of the Iranian leadership," repeating Washington's allegation against Tehran of arming Yemen's Shiite Houthi militants, which the Islamic republic denies. "Just as with Yemen, Secretary Pompeo blames Iran for unlawful U.S. sanctions preventing Iranians' access to financial services for food and medicine," Zarif said, adding that "naturally, we will provide them for our people in spite of U.S. efforts." Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 23:20:23|Editor: yan Video Player Close BEIJING, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- China's taxation authority is working with other government agencies to carry out tax reductions on a larger scale and broader base to support the private sector, a senior official said. Wang Jun, head of the State Administration of Taxation (SAT), made the remarks during an interview with Xinhua. Since the beginning of this year, China has put into effect a raft of measures to relieve tax burdens on the real economy. Tax revenue grew 16.8 percent year on year in the first four months, but slumped to 6.4 percent in the following six months as the tax-cutting value-added tax (VAT) reform kicked in on May 1. Wang predicts the growth rate for the full year will fall to a level that generally matches China's GDP increase. "The amount of tax cuts this year will exceed expectations thanks to the emerging effects from reduced individual income tax and higher export rebates in the next two months." Wang elaborated on measures to further facilitate the development of private businesses. The SAT will roll out targeted policies to help private firms that have good records but suffer from tight cash flows, such as suggesting that local governments give them a respite for paying taxes, Wang said. Financial institutions will continue to be exempted from VAT for their interest incomes from loans to small and micro companies in an effort to encourage a flow of funds to the cash-starved private sector, Wang said. The SAT will expand its program that allows businesses with sound tax-paying records to secure loans without collateral, Wang said. Chinese companies operating abroad will see decreased burdens as more efforts will be taken to implement tax deductions, Wang said, adding that international cooperation will be promoted to prevent duplicate taxation. Other measures in the pipeline include shortening tax payment time, promoting electronic invoices and cracking down on tax fraud, according to Wang. Private enterprises have become an important source of China's tax revenue, contributing to more than half of the total. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 23:20:23|Editor: zh Video Player Close General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President Nguyen Phu Trong (R) and visiting Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel attend a welcome ceremony in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Nov. 9, 2018. (Xinhua/VNA) HANOI, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- Leaders of Vietnam and Cuba affirmed their determination to bolster bilateral cooperative ties here on Friday, according to the Vietnam News Agency. During their talks, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President Nguyen Phu Trong and visiting Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel discussed ways of strengthening ties. The leaders talked about measures to deepen economic, trade and investment ties, intensify partnership in national defense and external affairs, and step up affiliation in agriculture, bio-technology, pharmaceutical products, the report said. The Vietnamese and Cuban leaders affirmed that their countries will bolster collaboration at multilateral organizations and forums, especially the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement and the Forum for East Asia-Latin America Cooperation. Following their talks, the leaders witnessed the signing of a number of cooperation documents between the two countries, including a trade agreement and a financial protocol on implementing the cooperation project on rice production during the 2019-2023 period. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 23:25:25|Editor: yan Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- An earlier report of an active shooter Friday morning at a high school in the U.S. state of North Carolina was determined to be a false alarm, according to local officials. "There was a report of an active shooter situation at Topsail High School this morning after noises were heard coming from the top of the building. Law enforcement responded immediately and it has been determined there is no shooter and no weapon," the school system of the state's Pender county said on Twitter. The school, along with neighboring Topsail Middle and Elementary schools remain in lockdown, it added. The school system said earlier in the morning an active shooter was reported at the high school, prompting a swift investigation by the police. Local school commissioner George Brown said the alert may have resulted from faulty equipment on campus that makes a noise like gunfire. The equipment, which may have been damaged by Hurricane Florence, would sometimes make a "bam bam bam" sound, according to Brown. Pender County Emergency Director Tom Collins said he also believed a malfunctioning water heater caused the gunfire noise. U.S. schools are on high alert after 13 people were killed in a shooting incident in California just one day earlier. Mass shootings, including some that happened on campuses, have made gun control a highly divisive issue in U.S. politics. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 23:25:26|Editor: yan Video Player Close GUIYANG, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- China's top liquor brand Kweichow Moutai said on Friday it earned a record high of 383 million U.S. dollars from exports in the first three quarters of 2018, an annual increase of 34.5 percent. During the nine-month period, the group exported 1,769 tonnes of Kweichow Moutai and other alcoholic beverages, up 6.8 percent year on year. An Huailun, chairman of Moutai's import and export subsidiary, said Moutai products have newly entered 12 countries along the Belt and Road routes this year, as the company expands overseas. The export volume to 38 Belt and Road countries rose 36.4 percent, accounting for 22.6 percent of the firm's total overseas sales, said An at an overseas dealers' conference. Moutai Group has planned to increase the proportion of overseas sales to over 10 percent of total sales by 2020, as it shifts its focus to the Western mainstream market from mainly overseas Chinese consumers. Li Baofang, chairman of Moutai Group, said the company will seek to nurture international Moutai fans when expanding overseas. "We will also pay attention to the 70 million foreigners who learn the Chinese language and culture overseas as well as the nearly 500,000 international students in China," said Li. Representatives from 115 dealers in 68 countries and regions attended the conference. Moutai, produced in Renhuai, southwestern China's Guizhou Province, is often served on official occasions such as state banquets. Despite its high price (costing up from 215 U.S. dollars per bottle), domestic demand for Moutai has always exceeded supply. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 23:40:33|Editor: yan Video Player Close BEIRUT, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- Algerian Ambassador to Lebanon Ahmed Bouziane said that there are 12 economic agreements that have been prepared between Lebanon and Algeria but they have not been signed yet. "There are 12 agreements between the two sides that should be approved and signed in the near future," he said according to a statement released by Lebanon's Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture. Bouziane's remarks came during his meeting along with an Algerian delegation at the chamber's headquarters in Beirut with Lebanese economic bodies. Bouziane said that Algeria has numerous attractive investment opportunities. "I am looking forward to improving the legal framework between the two countries in a bid to create a suitable environment for investors," he said. Meanwhile, Mohamad Choucair, head of the Chamber of Commerce, Agriculture and Industry, said that the import/ export activities between Lebanon and Algeria should be exempt from custom fees. "We should specify a list of 50 Lebanese products and 50 Algerian items and exempt them from customs fees," he said. Wissam Ariss, head of the Lebanese Algerian Business Council, said that Lebanon's imports from Algeria amounted to 32 million U.S. dollars in 2017 while Lebanon's exports to Algeria stood at 25 million U.S. dollars in the same period. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 23:45:36|Editor: yan Video Player Close SANAA, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Houthi rebels said that a woman was killed on Friday in a Saudi-led coalition projectile attack on Yemeni border province of Saada, the rebel-controlled Saba news agency reported. The afternoon attack targeting Razih district also led to the injury of two other women, Saba said. There was no comment yet from the coalition side on the rebels' claim. The Iran-allied Yemeni Houthi rebels and the Saudi-led coalition forces supporting the Yemeni internationally recognized government regularly exchange missile and projectile attacks over the Yemeni-Saudi border. On Tuesday, the rebels said that a coalition projectile attack on Talan Haydan village in Saada killed three people and wounded two children. Saada is the key stronghold of the Houthis. 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. Saudi Arabia accuses Iran of aggravating instability in Yemen by supplying Houthi rebels with weapons, which has been repeatedly denied by both Houthis and Iran. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 23:45:37|Editor: yan Video Player Close NANJING, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- The eastern Chinese city of Nanjing said Friday that it will intentionally leave fallen leaves on its streets for some time to give a pop of color to the scenery. The rustling sound of municipal cleaners sweeping away fallen leaves is common background music in many Chinese cities during autumn and winter, but the Nanjing government said that this November, leaves can stay on the ground undisturbed for two to three days if the weather permits. The new policy targets colorful leaves of trees including ginkgo, beech and platanus on 39 streets, parks and plazas, said Yuan Bixin, an official with the landscaping authority of Nanjing, capital of Jiangsu Province. The city's cleaners will now only pick up litter, allowing leaves to become a new addition to the cityscape, Yuan said, adding that in times of rain and snow, the leaves will be removed in a timely manner to avoid rotting and traffic disturbance. But it is not the first time a Chinese city has decided not to clean up leaves. The eastern metropolis of Shanghai has a similar policy for keeping fallen leaves as an attraction, after its several promenades and avenues became famous for their golden blankets of leaves during autumn time. But the new leafy view may not be good news for cyclers, as the Nanjing government has asked riders to dismount and push their bicycles through the clogged areas out of concern for safety. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 23:45:38|Editor: yan Video Player Close TUNIS, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- Tunisian Maritime Guard on Thursday night arrested 58 people who tried to cross the Mediterranean illegally towards the Italian coast in two separate attempts, Tunisian National Guard said on Friday. The first group of illegal immigrants, composed of 30 people including one child, was arrested off the northeast coast of Nabeul province where their boat was sinking. A total of 28 other Tunisians were arrested from Thursday night to Friday following sinking of their boat. The rescue took place about 80 nautical miles from the island of Djerba in southeastern Tunisia. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 23:55:41|Editor: yan Video Player Close ADDIS ABABA, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopia's flag carrier Ethiopian Airlines (ET) on Friday launched thrice weekly direct passenger flights between Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa and Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, after 41 years break, adding momentum to increasing bilateral economic ties. Direct flights between Ethiopia and Somalia were suspended shortly after the outbreak of the 1977-78 border war between the two nations. The launch of commercial flights between Ethiopia and Somalia, also came amid wider optimism in the Horn of Africa region and came after Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed paid a state visit to Somalia in June, in a bid to boost political and economic ties between the two nations. Speaking at the flight inaugural ceremony in Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, Abdullahi Mohammed Warfa, deputy head of Mission in Somalia embassy to Ethiopia, said the flight resumption would help connect the large Somali diaspora to its motherland. "We would like to request Ethiopia to continue its support on one hand and to continue to connect our people who are in Mogadishu and the rest of Somalia, connecting them with other destinations in the world," said Warfa. Warfa also said he had a personal reason to celebrate the resumption of direct flights between Addis Ababa and Mogadishu, as the new flight route significantly cuts the air time he had to endure to travel between the two cities. "When I was coming to Addis Ababa from Mogadishu, I used to go through Nairobi or Djibouti city or other places to come to Addis Ababa," he said. "It took four to five hours to come to Addis Ababa, but now it was made easy and I will go in less than two hours, thank you, Ethiopian Airlines." Warfa's optimism was shared by Ali Adem Mohammed, Deputy Chairman of the Somalia community in Ethiopia, who said he hoped cargo flights will be added soon, supplementing the already launched passenger flights. "This flight will further deepen the bond between Ethiopians and Somalians, I hope as next step ET will start cargo flights on top of the passenger flights," said Mohammed. Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Tewolde GebreMariam, for his part emphasized the historical nature of the resumption of flights between Addis Ababa-Mogadishu and its potential economic benefits. "Today, it's a great day to restart a direct flight between Addis Ababa and Mogadishu after 40 years, today is a historical day. Trade, investment and tourism ties between Ethiopia and Somalia have been challenged by lack of adequate air connectivity," he said. "The resumption of air services will promote will promote tourism, trade relations and investment between Ethiopia and Somalia, as well promote cross border investment and people-to-people relations," he further said. GebreMariam told Xinhua that Ethiopian Airlines also plans to launch cargo flights to Mogadishu, with an eye to facilitate Somalia sea food exports to the rest of the world, China in particular. "We have seen how sea food exports from the likes Madagascar and Comoros via our Addis Ababa International Airport to China has boosted their economies, Somalia will join this scheme soon," he further said. Already, Ethiopian Airlines in October launched a freighter service from Norwegian capital Oslo to Guangzhou in southern China, transporting twice a week Norwegian sea food products to Chinese customers. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-10 00:10:45|Editor: yan Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- The White House said on Friday that U.S. President Donald Trump earlier had a phone conversation with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe about the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). White House spokesperson Sarah Sanders said in a press statement that Trump and Abe discussed the importance of maintaining pressure on the DPRK until it denuclearizes. Sanders also said Abe congratulated Trump over mid-term elections result, and both leaders look forward to successful discussions during U.S. Vice President Mike Pence's upcoming trip to Japan. Trump said Wednesday in the press conference after midterm elections that "Japan does not treat the United States fairly on trade." The White House announced Wednesday that Pence would visit Japan, Singapore, Australia, and Papua New Guinea from Nov. 11 to 18. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-10 00:20:47|Editor: zh Video Player Close Palestinian medics carry a wounded woman during clashes with Israeli troops on the Gaza-Israel border, east of Gaza City, on Nov. 9, 2018. At least 37 Palestinian demonstrators were injured by live gunshots in the clashes with Israeli soldiers stationed on the border between eastern Gaza Strip and Israel, medics and local media in Gaza said. (Xinhua) GAZA, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- At least 37 Palestinian demonstrators were injured by live gunshots in the clashes with Israeli soldiers stationed on the border between eastern Gaza Strip and Israel, medics and local media in Gaza said. Ashraf al-Qedra, spokesman of the Gaza Health Ministry, confirmed the deaths. Clashes broke out after the high commission of the marches of return and breaking the siege called on the Palestinians to join the 33rd Friday of the anti-Israel protests in eastern Gaza Strip, close to the fence of the border with Israel. Demonstrators burned few tires, waved Palestinian flags and tried to approach the fence of the border with Israel. Israeli soldiers stationed on the border fired tear gas canisters and rubber bullets to disperse them. The protests and clashes broke out in eastern Gaza despite an understanding of calm was brokered by a senior Egyptian security intelligence delegation between Israel and the Islamic Hamas movement, which rules the Gaza Strip. However, Yehia Sinwar, Hamas chief in the Gaza Strip, who joined the marches of return in eastern Gaza city, told reporters that "there are no agreements reached with the (Israeli) occupation at all." "We are reaching understandings with our brothers, the Egyptians, the Qataris, the United Nations representatives and other various parties, in order to break the siege that is imposed on Gaza," said Sinwar. Since the outbreak of the marches of return on March 30, the Israeli army shot dead 221 Palestinians and wounded around 24,000 others. Around 40 percent of them were injured by Israeli soldiers' gunfire. Although 23,000 civil servants who were appointed by Hamas after it seized control of the Gaza Strip in 2007 got their delayed salaries paid on Friday, hundreds of protesters demonstrated at the border between eastern Gaza Strip and Israel. In order to succeed the clam understandings reached between Hamas and Israel via Egypt, the UN and Qatar, the latter agreed to pay 90 million U.S. dollars for the salaries of Hamas civil servants. Qatar's financial contribution was part of the reached calm understandings between Hamas and Israel, which is to improve the hard living humanitarian situation in the coastal enclave. Mohamed Amadi, the Qatari ambassador, who chairs the Qatari committee to reconstruct Gaza, arrived in the Gaza Strip on Thursday night to supervise the payment of the salaries. "We will carry on with our grant of paying the salaries and support the poor families in the Gaza Strip, which will go on for six months," said Amadi, adding that "15 million U.S. dollars will be paid for salaries and 10 million U.S. dollars for fuel." The fuel was provided to operate Gaza power station, resolve an electricity crisis and shortage of power in the coastal enclave that has been going on for more than a year. "We agreed with the Israeli side on many things related to easing the hard living situation in the Gaza Strip, mainly resolving the electricity crisis," said Amadi. Amadi visited on Friday in eastern Gaza city. However, eyewitnesses said that his convoy of vehicles was stoned by several demonstrators in the area. Hamas movement denied that Amadi's convoy was attacked by demonstrators. "We highly appreciate the Qatari efforts in easing the suffering of our Palestinian people," said Hamas spokesman in Gaza Fawzi Barhoum in an emailed press statement. He added that "what the Qatari ambassador is doing is really a great appreciated effort in supporting our just causes and in supporting our people in the Gaza Strip to end the unfair siege imposed on them." Abdulatif al-Qanou'a, Hamas spokesman, said in a press statement that the Qatari grant of salaries, helping poor families and paying for the fuel to resolve the electricity crisis won't weaken the marches of return. "The marches of return will go on and will continue until it achieves its goals of the complete lifting of the unfair siege," said al-Qanou'a, adding that "the recent relaxations that happened in Gaza are not enough." Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-10 00:25:50|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close RABAT, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- Karima Yatribi, the foreign dean of Confucius Institute in Rabat, Morocco, has lauded the institute for building a bridge for promoting China-Morocco cultural exchanges. Speaking with Xinhua in a recent interview, Yatribi said that the enthusiasm of Moroccan students to learn the Chinese language has been growing, and the Confucius Institute in Morocco is a pioneer in promoting exchanges and cooperation between the two countries. As more and more Moroccan students are interested in learning Chinese, the institute "provides them with an opportunity to understand, learn Chinese language and culture," Yatribi said. The youngest student at the Confucius Institute in Rabat is only eight years old, and the eldest is already a grandfather, she pointed out. "By studying at the Confucius Institutes, Moroccan students can gain opportunities to study in China, which will broaden their horizons and help them acquire more scientific and technical knowledge," the dean said. Hasnae Naoui, a 19 year-old student at the Mohammed V University in Morocco, has been studying Chinese at the Confucius Institute in Rabat for three years. Naoui's choice to learn Chinese was influenced by his mother and sister. "They feel that the relations between Morocco and China are now very close and the prospect of learning Chinese is very good," she said. "After learning Chinese, I found that I like this language more and more, and I am more and more attracted by the profoundness of the Chinese culture. My life has changed a lot because of learning Chinese," she told Xinhua. Naoui, who participated in a summer camp in China organized by the Confucius Institute in 2017, said she was very excited to experience the local Chinese customs for the first time. Naoui expressed his wish for speaking fluent Chinese in the future. "I hope that I can pass the HSK (Chinese Proficiency Test) Level 4 exam and continue my studies in China like my sister," she said. For Latifa Elkharouai, a 21-year-old student at Mohammed V University, Chinese culture has a unique charm. Having studied Chinese at the Confucius Institute in Rabat for a year, said that she is very proud of her ability to speak Chinese. Asked what motivated her to study Chinese, Elkharouai explained that Chinese is one of the working languages of the United Nations, while Morocco has close ties with China. Indeed, this year marked the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Morocco. The trade, cultural relations between the two sides have also been growing steadily in the past decades. Nasser Bouchiba, president of the Africa-China Cooperation Association for Development, said that through the notes of the great traveler Ibn Battuta, the Moroccans started to know China as early as the 14th century, and now young Moroccans want to go further. Young Moroccans are not only attracted by the Chinese culture, but also show great interest in learning China's advanced technologies, Bouchiba said. Bouchiba said that many young Moroccans want to continue their study in China, so the Confucius Institute allows them to learn Chinese and understand Chinese culture, laying a solid foundation for them to seek further study in China. To cater to the growing demand for learning Chinese, Morocco has set up three Confucius Institutes in Rabat, Casablanca and Tangier, with dozens of teaching points and thousands of registered students. File Photo: U.S. President Donald Trump (L) meets with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe upon his arrival at the Kasumigaseki Country Club in Kawagoe, near Tokyo, Japan, Nov. 5, 2017.(Xinhua) WASHINGTON, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- The White House said on Friday that U.S. President Donald Trump earlier had a phone conversation with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe about the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). White House spokesperson Sarah Sanders said in a press statement that Trump and Abe discussed the importance of maintaining pressure on the DPRK until it denuclearizes. Sanders also said Abe congratulated Trump over mid-term elections result, and both leaders look forward to successful discussions during U.S. Vice President Mike Pence's upcoming trip to Japan. Trump said Wednesday in the press conference after midterm elections that "Japan does not treat the United States fairly on trade." The White House announced Wednesday that Pence would visit Japan, Singapore, Australia, and Papua New Guinea from Nov. 11 to 18. Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz (L) and Defense Minister Mario Kunasek give a press conference in Vienna, Austria, on November 9, 2018, to comment on the case of a retired colonel in the Austrian army suspected of having spied for Russia for several decades. (AFP Photo) MOSCOW, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Friday Austria failed to follow the norms of diplomacy when it made public a suspected spy case before consulting Moscow. "In accordance with the norms of international communication, a clarification should be requested directly," Lavrov said at a press conference. "Unfortunately of late our Western partners have made it a rule to resort not to traditional diplomacy with the observance of all decencies but to use megaphone policy, blaming us publicly and demanding that we give a public explanation of things which we do not know about," he said. The Austrian ambassador to Russia was summoned to the Foreign Ministry to "draw his attention to what measures should be taken if there are questions concerning the Russian Federation," he said. Austrian law enforcement agencies are investigating a retired colonel who allegedly worked for the Russian intelligence since the 1990s until this year, Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said earlier in the day. Austrian Defense Minister Mario Kunasek said they were tipped off about the spy case by a "friendly service" weeks ago. Austrian Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl summoned the Russian representative in Austria over the matter and canceled an upcoming trip to Moscow. Leonid Slutsky, head of the International Affairs Committee of the Russian State Duma, the lower house of parliament, accused the United States of instigating spy mania in Europe. He believed that Washington is trying to put pressure on the European Union countries, including Austria, to drive a wedge between them and Russia. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-10 01:51:11|Editor: yan Video Player Close STOCKHOLM, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- A 43-year-old Swedish man was charged with 25 cases of unlawful threats and death threats after sending several white powder letters to politicians, ministers and celebrities, the Swedish Television SVT reported on Friday. The man was convicted to seven years in prison on 20 cases of unlawful threats. In total, he sent 26 letters and death threats for example to Sweden's Prime Minister Stefan Lofven, the Green Party's spokesperson Isabell Lovin and Minister of Finance Magdalena Andersson. In addition, the man was convicted of attempted murder. It relates to a letter bomb that he sent to a company in Britain. The letter bomb did not detonate because it was not opened in the intended way, however, it could have caused serious injury or death. The man is believed to have manufactured the bomb letter himself although the court was not able to determine if it was manufactured in his home town or elsewhere in Sweden. According to a legal psychiatric, he did not have any serious mental disorder when he committed the deeds. The man has denied all involvement in the letter bomb. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-10 02:16:17|Editor: yan Video Player Close OSLO, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- Norway said Friday it has decided to stop issuing new licences for exports of defence-related products or dual-use items for military use to Saudi Arabia. "We have decided that, in the current situation, no new licences are to be granted for exports of defence-related products or dual-use items for military use to Saudi Arabia," Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Eriksen Soreide was quoted as saying in a statement. "We stopped processing new applications some time ago, pending this decision," Soreide said, adding "Norway has never allowed exports of arms or ammunition to Saudi Arabia." The decision was taken after "an overall assessment of recent developments in Saudi Arabia and the region, and the unpredictable situation in Yemen," read the statement. The Norwegian foreign ministry said it is not aware that the country's defence-related products have been used in Yemen and the decision reflects the strict precautionary approach taken by Norway. Austrian ambassador to Russia Johannes Eigner leaves the Russian Foreign Ministry headquarters in Moscow on November 9, 2018. (AFP Photo) MOSCOW, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Russian Foreign Ministry on Friday told Austrian ambassador to Russia Johannes Aigner that Vienna's accusation that a retired Austrian colonel spied for Russia is based on suspicion without any evidence. The ministry said in a statement that it summoned Aigner and expressed a protest after Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said earlier in the day that his country is investigating a retired colonel who allegedly worked for the Russian intelligence since the 1990s. Vienna's moves have complicated the Russian-Austrian relations, which until recently had a positive dynamic, the Russian Foreign Ministry said. Austrian Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl summoned the Russian representative in Austria over the alleged spy case and canceled an upcoming trip to Moscow. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said at an earlier press conference that Austria failed to follow the norms of diplomacy when it made public the case before consulting Moscow. Western countries "have made it a rule to resort not to traditional diplomacy with the observance of all decencies but to use megaphone policy, blaming us publicly and demanding that we give a public explanation of things which we do not know about," he said. Austrian Defense Minister Mario Kunasek said they were tipped off about the spy case by a "friendly service" weeks ago. Kurz visited Russia last month and held talks with President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg, where he told reporters that the European Union countries should maintain dialogue with Russia and seek an improvement in ties. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-10 03:01:24|Editor: yan Video Player Close SKOPJE, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Macedonian Criminal Council rejected the appeal of the convicted former Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski, media reported on Friday. Gruevski appealed the two-year prison sentence in the Special Prosecutors Office case codenamed "Tank" and is now set to serve his sentence in Skopje based prison. "The Criminal Council of the Department for Organized Crime and Corruption at the Basic Court Skopje 1, issued a decision rejecting the appeals and confirming the ruling of the judge for execution of sanctions. The decision was sent to all parties in the case and will be executed immediately upon arrival," the Basic Court announced in a statement for the media. This decision will be sent to Gruevski, after which he will immediately have to surrender himself to serve a prison sentence of two years. According to the rules, in the case the decision does not reach him, the police will arrest him and escort him to prison. Meanwhile, the Macedonian Parliament decided in the session on Friday not to cancel his mandate as member of parliament. Out of 87 MPs present present, 58 voted for taking away his mandate and 28 against. In order to cancel the mandate to an MP in Macedonia, it takes a two-thirds majority or a minimum of 80 MPs. Nonetheless, the decision will not postpone his sentence. On Oct. 5, the court found Gruevski guilty of acquiring personal gain and influencing officials in purchasing a new Mercedes vehicle in 2012 for more than 600,000 euros (681,000 U.S. dollars) and sentenced him to two-year imprisonment. Gruevski was prime minister from 2006 to 2016, representing the right-wing VMRO-DPMNE party in Macedonia. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-10 04:36:45|Editor: zh Video Player Close United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (C, front) addresses an open debate of the Security Council on strengthening multilateralism and the role of the United Nations at the UN headquarters in New York, Nov. 9, 2018. Guterres on Friday called for a reformed, reinvigorated and strengthened multilateral system to deal with today's global challenges. (Xinhua) UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday called for a reformed, reinvigorated and strengthened multilateral system to deal with today's global challenges. "Toward that end, we need a stronger commitment to a rules-based order, with the United Nations at its center, with the different institutions and treaties that bring the (UN) Charter to life," Guterres told an open debate of the Security Council on strengthening multilateralism and the role of the United Nations. "But it is not enough to have laws and international conventions, vital as they are. We need new forms of cooperation with other international and regional organizations -- a networked multilateralism. And we need closer links with civil society and other stakeholders -- an inclusive multilateralism." The world is facing many challenges. But at the same time, trust is on the decline, within and among nations. People are losing faith in political establishments, national and global. Key assumptions have been upended, key endeavors undermined, and key institutions undercut, he said. "This is a time of multiplying conflicts, advancing climate change, deepening inequality and rising tensions over trade. It is a period when people are moving across borders in unprecedented numbers in search of safety or opportunity. We are still wrestling with the risk of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and only beginning to reckon with the potential dangers of new technologies." There is anxiety, uncertainty and unpredictability across the world, he said. "It often seems that the more global the threat, the less able we are to cooperate. This is very dangerous in the face of today's challenges, for which global approaches are essential." Multilateralism is nothing more than countries coming together, respecting one another, and establishing the forms of cooperation that guarantee peace and prosperity for all in a healthy planet, he explained. "As 21st century challenges threaten to outpace 20th century institutions and mindsets, let us reaffirm the ideals of collective action while pursuing a new generation of approaches and architecture capable of responding," he said. Guterres stressed the necessity to stick to the UN Charter. "Reform of the United Nations has a crucial contribution to make, and I look forward to continuing to press ahead across the pillars of that effort. But most of all it is our resilient and still visionary UN Charter that points the way -- with its articulation of universal values, its grounding in peace, development, human rights and the rule of law, and its vision of countries living as good neighbors and sharing a common fate and future," he said. "Strengthening multilateralism means strengthening our commitment to the charter. Such a commitment is needed now more than ever -- from all around this table, and around our world." The Security Council has a central role to play in showing the value of international cooperation, said Guterres. The UN Charter endows the Security Council with special stature, powers and responsibilities, and therefore this body also bears the burden of not just its own but the world body's overall reputation, he said. "I think we can all agree that crises in Syria, in the Middle East peace process and elsewhere have shaken popular faith in the potential of the international community to deliver solutions. I encourage you to do more to overcome divisions, embrace the prevention and peacebuilding agendas, and make greater use of mediation and the other tools set out in Chapter VI of the Charter for the resolution of disputes through peaceful means." He encouraged all UN member states to make greater investments in building a fair globalization that works for all, and in social cohesion that gives a stake in society to all. "There should be no room for demonizing minorities, migrants and refugees, and for stifling the diversity that enriches societies," he said. Guterres noted that the Security Council open debate was held just days before the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. Europe was multipolar at that time. But that was not enough to keep violence at bay. Without multilateral mechanisms for international problem solving, war erupted and lasted for years, he said. "As we mark the centennial of the First World War, we must draw its lessons, and buttress our practice of multilateralism for the tests and threats of today and tomorrow," said the UN chief. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-10 04:41:46|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close A man visits the photo exhibition "Cherishing Peace through Remembering History of War" in the Belgian city of Bruges on Nov. 9, 2018. In the run-up to the centenary of the end of World War I, the exhibition paying tribute to Chinese labour corps was held in Bruges on Friday. Around 140,000 Chinese laborers served the Allies during WWI. Most of them were recruited by Britain and France from May 1916 to early 1918. (Xinhua/Ye Pingfan) BRUGES, Belgium, Nov.9 (Xinhua) -- In the run-up to the centenary of the end of the First World War, an exhibition paying tribute to Chinese labour corps was held Friday in the Belgian city of Bruges, 100 km northwest of Brussels. There were around 140,000 Chinese laborers serving for the Allies during WWI. Most of them were recruited by Britain and France from May 1916 to early 1918. Chinese workers were assigned to arduous work such as digging trenches, building docks, laying tracks, unloading ships, repairing tanks and clearing battlefields. Their logistic support was critical to the Allied armies in the west front. Christophe Dejaegher, a provincial councilor of Belgium's West Flanders province and mayor of the Belgian city of Popringe, hailed in his remarks at the opening ceremony that the Chinese laborers had become bridges between war and peace. The title of the exhibition --"Cherishing Peace through Remembering History of War"-- conveyed the same message of peace, he underlined. Zhang Chi, minister-counselor of Chinese Embassy in Belgium, said the photo exhibition, jointly organized by the Chinese and Belgian side, "will enable our peoples, particularly the younger generation to remember this shared memory, so that they will cherish peace and carry forward China-Belgium friendship." A local resident of Bruges, after viewing the exhibition, told Xinhua that he got a better grasp of this history and was quite touched. As the exhibition showed, out of the 140,000 Chinese laborers, nearly 20,000 were dead or missing. Many Chinese laborers lost their lives even before arriving at the destination in Europe. One of the most harrowing stories happened in February 1917 when the French ship Athos carrying Chinese laborers was torpedoed by a German submarine, causing the loss of 543 lives. At present, there are 69 cemeteries in France and Belgium where 1,874 Chinese laborers were laid to rest. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-10 05:52:03|Editor: Liu Video Player Close PARIS, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump, who just arrived in Paris for WWI 100th anniversary commemorations, said Friday that French President Emmanuel Macron's suggestion of Europe building its own military to protect itself from the U.S. and other nations "very insulting". "President Macron of France has just suggested that Europe build its own military in order to protect itself from the U.S., China and Russia. Very insulting," Trump said in a tweet. "But perhaps Europe should first pay its fair share of NATO, which the U.S. subsidizes greatly!" he tweeted. Earlier this week, Macron said in an interview with Europe 1 that he wanted "a real European army" to protect the Europeans from the U.S. and other nations. Trump had been frequently criticizing European nations for failing to meet the official annual defense spending target of two percent of gross domestic product (GDP) set by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). According to NATO figures, only five of 29 allies met their defense spending targets this year -- Estonia, Greece, Latvia, Britain and the U.S. In July this year, Macron had said that a NATO summit statement had confirmed the goal of 2 percent by 2024. U.S. President Donald Trump attends a press conference at the White House in Washington D.C., the United States, on Nov. 7, 2018. Trump said on Wednesday that he will have lunch with Russian President Vladimir Putin among other leaders during his planned trip to Paris but no meeting was expected. (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) PARIS, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump, who just arrived in Paris for WWI 100th anniversary commemorations, said Friday that French President Emmanuel Macron's suggestion of Europe building its own military to protect itself from the U.S. and other nations "very insulting". "President Macron of France has just suggested that Europe build its own military in order to protect itself from the U.S., China and Russia. Very insulting," Trump said in a tweet. "But perhaps Europe should first pay its fair share of NATO, which the U.S. subsidizes greatly!" he tweeted. Earlier this week, Macron said in an interview with Europe 1 that he wanted "a real European army" to protect the Europeans from the U.S. and other nations. Trump had been frequently criticizing European nations for failing to meet the official annual defense spending target of two percent of gross domestic product (GDP) set by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). According to NATO figures, only five of 29 allies met their defense spending targets this year -- Estonia, Greece, Latvia, Britain and the U.S. In July this year, Macron had said that a NATO summit statement had confirmed the goal of 2 percent by 2024. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-10 06:17:11|Editor: yan Video Player Close RIO DE JANEIRO, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- Brazilian Federal Police said on Friday it has arrested two former agricultural ministers, and one of the owners of the multinational JBS and 12 others associated with the criminal investigation known as Operation "Car Wash." The latest operation, known as "Capitu" investigated the alleged corruption practices in the Agriculture Ministry between 2014 and 2015 under former President Dilma Rousseff. Among those arrested are the former minister of agriculture Antonio Andrade, who is the current vice-governor of the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. Another former agriculture minister who was arrested is Neri Geller. Businessman and owner of the JBS group, the largest meat processor in the world, Joesley Batista, along with two former company directors Ricardo Saud and Demilton Castro, are also among those arrested in the investigation into illegal campaign contributions. According to the investigation of the Federal Police, the JBS group created a scheme to bribe politicians as well as employees of the Ministry of Agriculture under Andrade, in exchange for favors that would benefit the group's businesses. Those arrested face charges of constituting and participating in organized crime, obstruction of justice, active corruption, passive corruption and money laundering among other charges. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-10 06:22:12|Editor: yan Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Department of Treasury announced on Friday that it has decided to delay the implementation of sanctions on three Russian companies for four more weeks. The move has been seen as an extension to give the companies' top shareholder Russian tycoon Oleg Deripaska more time to cut down his stakes. The Treasury said in a statement that it will extend its sanctions date on EN+ Group, United Company RUSAL, and GAZ Group from Dec. 12 to Jan. 7, 2019. The three Russian companies was designated in April for the connections with Deripaska. "EN+, RUSAL, and GAZ are proposing substantial corporate governance changes that could potentially result in significant changes in control of these sanctioned entities," said a Treasury spokesperson in the statement. The sanctions have been delayed several times since its announcement in April. People rescue a wounded person following three blasts of suicide bomb car attacks in Mogadishu, Somalia, on Nov. 9, 2018. (AFP Photo) UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condemned Friday's bomb attacks in the Somali capital of Mogadishu, which left at least 15 people dead. He sent his profound condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to those injured, said his deputy spokesman Farhan Haq, in a statement. The secretary-general believed that Somalis will not be deterred by such violence from pursuing a peaceful and prosperous future. He reiterated the support and solidarity of the United Nations with the people and federal government of Somalia in this endeavor, said the statement. At least 15 people were killed in triple bomb blasts that rocked Mogadishu on Friday. The first explosion hit a hotel, followed by two more nearby. The al-Shabaab militant group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-10 06:27:14|Editor: yan Video Player Close LONDON, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- More than 120,000 crosses, each with a red poppy, have been planted in six fields of remembrance across Britain by friends and relatives remembering the fallen heroes of two world wars and other conflicts. Ageing military veterans, wearing their medals, including many who survived the battlefields, were among those paying tribute to comrades lost on the battlefields. The tradition of planting a field of remembrance started in London in 1928 when a group of disabled veterans gathered around an original wooden cross taken from the battlefield grave of an unknown British soldier. Passers-by watched the veterans pushing poppies into the ground, and they joined in, starting a traditional that has grown. Many of the small wooden crosses contain poignant messages from relatives, showing that even after many years, they are still remembered. In Westminster Abbey, which is next to the Houses of Parliament, a carpet of poppies lined the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the official grave of an unknown warrior representing all those who died in battle and war. Westminster will come to a halt Sunday when official ceremonies take place at 11 am at the national war memorial, the Cenotaph in Whitehall. This year the time of the ceremony, marking the centenary of the end of World War One, mirrors the exact time and day when peace returned to Europe after a four year world war. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-10 06:27:15|Editor: yan Video Player Close BERLIN, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- After 80 years of the Nazi's Krystallnacht campaign attacking Jews, German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday delivered a speech in a synagogue vowing to fight against anti-Semitism. Merkel, in full black, attended a commemorative ceremony at Berlin's largest synagogue, and delivered a speech, saying that Jewish lives are flourishing in Germany once again, which is a gift after the break of civilization. The Krystallnacht, or the Crystal Night, refers to the night of Nov. 9, 1938, when Nazi members broke windows of Jewish homes, shops and synagogues and the broken glass littered streets. The notorious campaign marked Nazi's escalating of the organized holocaust of about 6 million Jewish people. "But at the same time, we see a worrying anti-Semitism, which threatens Jewish life in our country," said Merkel at the commemorative ceremony, which was also attended by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Merkel also called for drawing historical lessons by emphasizing the pogrom's place as part of a process of growing anti-Semitism in Germany that began with what would now be called hate speech and culminated with the systematic murder of Jewish people. "If we look at the situation today, 80 years after the November pogroms, and almost 70 years after the foundation of the Federal Republic of Germany, then we see an ambiguous image," said Merkel. Merkel mentioned the rise of hate speech on Internet, the attack on a Jewish restaurant in Chemnitz this summer, and attacks on people wearing Jewish traditional clothes. She also tied all this to the rise of populism in times of uncertainty created by political instability. "There is a particularly great danger that those with apparently simple answers to the difficulties and consequences of these upheavals become popular," she said. "Simple answers that too often come with a brutalization of language on the streets, as well as online. That is the beginning we must oppose decisively." Merkel added that Germany has a moral duty to fight the rising anti-Semitism. The far-right populist party Alternative fuer Deutschland (AfD) had been the only parliamentary group not invited to the commemoration. Without naming the AfD explicitly, Josef Schuster, president of the Central Committee of Jews in Germany, condemned the party for minimizing the crimes of the Nazi era and stirring hate in the country. Nov. 9 is the day of fate for Germany. One hundred years ago the German Empire came to an end and the Weimar Republic was established, and 29 years ago the Berlin Wall had been opened. In a speech to the German Federal Parliament on Friday morning, Steinmeier the "most difficult and painful question of German history" was how, shortly after democracy was established in 1918, enemies of democracy were able to win elections, plunge Germany into war with its neighbors and send Jewish families to gas chambers. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-10 06:32:17|Editor: yan Video Player Close HELSINKI, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- Finland is investigating alleged interference with the GPS satellite navigation service in Northern Finland, and key parliamentarians in the national security sector expressed their concern on Friday. The Finnish Air Navigation Service gave early this week a warning to the air traffic that satellite positioning based on the GPS system could be unreliable in a large area. The situation assumed political dimensions on Friday as Matti Vanhanen, the chairman of the Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee, said that such "infringement is comparable to a border violation". Vanhanen reminded on national TV, Yle that it has been a Finnish policy for a long time that border violations are made public without a delay. Foreign Minister Timo Soini refused to give any comment, but said the Committee would be informed. The disturbance occurred while a NATO exercise in Northern Norway was coming to a close. Norwegian media has attributed comparable interference with GPS detected in Norway to Russia. Ilkka Kanerva, the chairman of the Parliamentary Defense Committee, said that in areas where "civilian and military activities border on each other", unpredictable and dangerous situations could be encountered. Talking to Yle, Heikki Isonmaa, the operational director of the Finnish Air Navigation Service (ANS), refused to speculate where the interference had come from. He said no information had reached the ANS that flights would have been affected. The warning regarding GPS was the first of its kind in Finland. The NOTAM (short of "Notice to Airmen") that was in force on Tuesday and Wednesday covered areas extending from the airport of Kittila northwards to the Norwegian border and eastwards to the Russian border. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-10 06:32:18|Editor: yan Video Player Close RIO DE JANEIRO, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- At least 11 people were killed in a shootout with police after a bank robbery in the northeast region of Brazil, authorities said on Friday. The shootout occurred Thursday night after police located the house where the alleged bank robbers were hiding after robbing a bank in Aguas Belas in the state of Pernambuco. The group of robbers arrived at the bank in two vehicles according to witnesses and fired several shots as they fled through the city. The police launched a manhunt to track them down. "They were in a house. We told them they were under arrest and they began firing and we responded," said Fabio Costa, the civil police commissioner. "There was an intense gun battle and the criminals were killed," he said. In addition, police found a large amount of explosives, rifles, shotguns, pistols and money. According to police, the 11 people had prison terms for other crimes. "They robbed banks in several municipalities in the northeast and also committed an assault in a commercial center," Costa said. Evosoft Hungary is investing 5.2 billion forints (EUR 16m) in two projects creating 125 new jobs for highly qualified IT professionals, Peter Szijjarto, the minister of foreign affairs and trade, said at a press conference. The government has taken a number of measures to boost the countrys competitiveness and promote digital investments, such as introducing Europes lowest corporate tax and one of its lowest income taxes, he said. Evosoft, owned by Siemens, is Hungarys leading software development company. One of the two R, D and I development projects, worth 4.5 billion forints, will be in located in Budapest and Miskolc, creating 75 new jobs. The other will be implemented in Miskolc and Szeged, creating 50 new jobs. Evosoft is getting 1.4 billion forints of non-refundable support from the Hungarian state for the two investments, the minister noted. The international Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has urged Hungarian prosecutors to drop criminal charges filed against journalist Andras Dezso because of his investigative work. Gulnoza Said, head of the CPJs Europe and Central Asia division, declared A journalistic investigation based on publicly available records is a service, not a crime. Dezso, a reporter with Index, first learned of the charges against him on October 31 from pro-government website 888.hu, which cited information from the prosecutors office. Dezso is accused of misuse of personal data, due to an article published by Index on March 12 about a Hungarian woman who moved back to Hungary from Sweden, who told state media that she had returned because of her fear of Muslim refugees and migrants in Sweden. Dezso, citing public records in Sweden, reported that the woman had been convicted in Sweden of seven counts of defamation, violation of the public trust, and harassment. Website 24 reported that she had returned to Hungary in 2016. Hungarian prosecutors acted on a complaint from the woman that Dezso had published sensitive personal data about her without her consent. The prosecution has proposed that the court convict the reporter without a hearing, based only on documents presented by the prosecution, HVG reported. Prosecutors did not answer the CPJs question as to why Dezso is charged with a crime when his report was based on pubic records in Sweden. Related articles: M1 Interview: "Islamic Hordes Have Taken Over Stockholm" 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... Valeriu Gheorghita avertizeaza in privinta posibilei mutatii care ar eluda raspunsul imun Exista un scenariu catastrofal, dar posibil, in care nici cei vaccinati, nici cei care au facut COVID nu ar mai fi protejati de o noua imbolnavire: aparitia unei tulpini a coronavirusului care sa eludeze raspunsul [citeste mai departe] The 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV advertises 238 miles of range, less than Tesla's Model 3 extended range. But both depend on conditions. Read more 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV: Plug and play? Price: $43,905 as tested; $40,905 base price. Driving confidence package added $495. More options discussed throughout. Conventional wisdom: Car and Driver likes the "sprightly acceleration, long driving range, spacious cabin," but not the "dorky styling, cheap interior materials, gets costly with key options." Marketer's pitch: "Forward thinking that takes you farther." Reality: Almost ready for everyday driving. Well, weather permitting. No comparison: Comparing the Tesla Model 3 and the Chevrolet Bolt as electric vehicles is a lot like me comparing the Audi A3 and the Hyundai Accent because they're both gasoline-powered vehicles. It's not fair. What it is: The all-new electric hatchback looks quite like a Spark and offers a long range 238 miles advertised. That's along the lines of the Model 3, but the Model 3 also has an extended range battery option that goes 310 miles. But the price is about $12,000 more. Charging charging: I'm sitting at the EVGo charging station on Columbus Boulevard in Philadelphia. It's 12:51 p.m. The website told me I could get to 80 percent charge in just half an hour. The dashboard when I finally got the machine set up properly informed me that I'd have 80 percent charge at 2 p.m. That's an hour and 10 minutes by my count. But in the end, it took only about 50 minutes to get the Bolt there. Fortunately, I had the time, but normally I don't. And this is after paying $750 for DC fast charging provisions. Electric life: If you're buying a Bolt or a Tesla, the first consideration needs to be range. And infrastructure. My life is built on the internal-combustion engine. I drive 25 miles to teach three days a week. One day, that is followed by a 55-mile trip to work. Then 42 miles back home. Bye-bye, juice. I'll need to figure out a place to plug in. Out in the cold: And battery charge is complicated by the weather. If you don't live in San Diego or the Mediterranean coast, forget everything you've read about electric vehicle ranges. A slight dip in temperatures to the 30s and 40s drained the battery capacity and turned the Bolt 230-mile range into about 180. Teslas are not immune to this either the long-range Model 3 will likely have 200 of its 310-mile maximum available, according to owners' comments. Up to speed: Pickup in electric vehicles is super fast. The vehicle gets to 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds, according to Car and Driver. And no transmission is required, so shifts are nonexistent. Feeling Low: Low mode on the gear selector does offer extra power from regenerative braking. In that mode, the brake pedal becomes almost optional because lifting one's foot from the accelerator starts the brakes engaging. On the curves: The Bolt handles like the light, tiny car it is. Zipping around turns is fine, but the car does lean a bit and the handling is not exciting. Driver's Seat: The Bolt seats feel like Econobox seats a little on the small side, thinly padded and kind of uncomfortable. The Lovely Mrs. Passenger Seat felt they fit her well, so they're better for smaller people. Controls: Where the Model 3 feels like a whole new world, the Bolt feels like a Chevy. The steering wheel buttons are the same I've seen in GM models since I started this gig almost eight years ago, and I think they're looking a little tired. Friends and stuff: The Bolt beats the Model 3 for roominess. Passengers sit tall, so rear-seat guests feel well accommodated. Sturgis Kid 4.0 enjoyed the spacious legroom for his 6-foot-2-inch frame; it's a bit more roomy than the Model 3. The hatchback offers plenty of storage: 56.6 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down. Play some tunes: The Bose Premium stereo ($485) in the Bolt EV has the uncanny ability to play things clearly; I noticed parts in songs I'd never really heard before and even couldn't believe I was hearing my favorite live version of a Tom Petty song. Even so, the songs just mostly sounded somehow wrong. Still, clarity is far more than most stereos offer, so A-. Volume is controlled via a dial, and skip tracks or change stations through arrows. Where it's built: Lake Orion, Mich. How it's built: Consumer Reports predicts its reliability to be a 5 out of 5. In the end: Anyone planning to buy a fully electrified vehicle needs to invest in a home charger or at least a 240-volt outlet in the garage. But you also have to think about where you live and work. Now perhaps this is simply showing me the ridiculousness of my lifestyle. But I'm stuck with it for now and even if I could change, what if I'm stuck with it again later? So I salute people who are going this route, and I wanted to get solidly behind the EV movement. The Tesla experience moved me there, but the reality of cold weather and batteries not so much the Bolt EV brought me back down to earth. We should all work these issues out because I'd highly recommend either the Bolt or the Model 3. In this March 24, 2017, file photo, President Donald Trump, flanked by Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, left, and Energy Secretary Rick Perry, is seen in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, during the announcing of the approval of a permit to build the Keystone XL pipeline, clearing the way for the $8 billion project. A federal judge in Montana has blocked construction of the $8 billion Keystone XL Pipeline to allow more time to study the project's potential environmental impact. U.S. District Judge Brian Morris' order on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, came as Calgary-based TransCanada was preparing to build the first stages of the oil pipeline in northern Montana. Environmental groups had sued TransCanada and The U.S. Department of State in federal court in Great Falls. Read more Environmentalists and tribal groups on Friday cheered a federal judge's ruling that blocked a permit for construction of the Keystone XL oil pipeline from Canada and ordered officials to conduct a new environmental review. President Trump called the decision delaying the 1,184-mile pipeline which would begin in Alberta and shuttle as much as 830,000 barrels of crude a day through a half dozen states to terminals on the Gulf Coast "a political decision" and "a disgrace." Trump has touted the $8 billion pipeline as part of his pledge to achieve North American "energy dominance" and has contrasted his administration's quick approval of the project with years of delay under President Obama. The Trump administration has not said whether it would appeal the ruling. The State Department said it was reviewing the decision but declined further comment, citing ongoing litigation. The pipeline was first proposed by Calgary-based TransCanada in 2008. It has become the focal point of a decadelong dispute that pits Democrats, environmental groups, and Native American tribes who warn of pollution and increased greenhouse gas emissions against business groups and Republicans who cheer the project's jobs and potential energy production. U.S. District Judge Brian Morris late Thursday put a hold on the project, ruling that the State Department had not fully considered potential oil spills and other impacts as required by federal law. He ordered the department to complete a new review that addresses issues that have emerged since the last environmental review was completed in 2014. New topics include the cumulative effects on greenhouse gas emissions of Keystone XL and a related pipeline that brings oil from Canada; the effects of current oil prices on the pipeline's viability; updated modeling of potential oil spills; and the project's effect on cultural resources of native tribes and other groups along the pipeline's route. The review could take up to a year to complete. Environmentalists and Native American groups had sued to stop the project, citing property rights and possible spills. Becky Mitchell, chairwoman of the Northern Plains Resource Council, a plaintiff in the case, said her organization is thrilled with the ruling. "This decision sends TransCanada back to the drawing board," Mitchell said, calling the ruling "the results of grassroots democracy in action, winning for water and people." TransCanada said in a statement that it was reviewing the judge's 54-page decision. "We remain committed to building this important energy infrastructure project," TransCanada spokesperson Terry Cunha said. Environmental groups declared victory and predicted the long-delayed project will never be built. The court ruling "makes it clear once and for all that it's time for TransCanada to give up on their Keystone XL pipe dream," said Doug Hayes, a senior attorney with the Sierra Club, the nation's largest environmental group. The fight over the project has spanned several presidencies and involved standoffs between protesters and law enforcement. After years of legal wrangling, Obama rejected a permit for the pipeline in 2015. The company responded by seeking $15 billion in damages. Trump signed executive actions to again advance construction of the project in 2017. TransCanada had recently announced plans to start construction next year, after a State Department review ordered by Morris concluded that major environmental damage from a leak is unlikely and could quickly be mitigated. Morris said that review was inadequate. TransCanada has promised continuous monitoring and says automatic shut-off valves would help officials quickly identify a leak or rupture. Tom Goldtooth, executive director for the Indigenous Environmental Network, a Minnesota-based advocacy group that also is a plaintiff in the case, said the ruling was a win for tribes, water, "and for the sacredness of Mother Earth." He called the pipeline "the enemy of the people, the climate, and life as we know it. It must be stopped." Lia Diagnostics, creators of the first truly discreet and flushable pregnancy test, raised $2.6 million in a fundraising round. Read more Lia Diagnostics, the Philly start-up behind what it says is the first truly discreet and flushable home pregnancy test, raised $2.6 million in private equity funding. In keeping with the company's reputation for discretion and privacy, Lia's chief executive Bethany Edwards declined to comment or disclose who the investors were. According to documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission this week, Lia is seeking to sell an additional $400,000 to become a leader in the emerging FemTech space. The company reported no sales this year. But last December, the Food and Drug Administration approved the test for over-the-counter sales. Hours after the approval, Lia won first place and 42,000 euros about $50,000 at TechCrunch Disrupt Berlin, beating out 15 other companies in a start-up pitch competition. Lia is engineered out of biodegradable paper not plastic and is ultra thin and lightweight. The product is pitched as "the only test you won't find in the trash" where "snoopy roommates or in-laws can find it," the company said. The test reacts to urine to determine pregnancy. Lia claims the test delivers results in minutes and is 99 percent accurate. According to the company, 2 million pounds of plastic and digital pregnancy tests end up in landfills every year in the U.S. The global market for home pregnancy tests is expected to exceed $1 billion by 2020, Edwards said in an interview last year. Edwards has estimated the test will cost $10 to $18, comparable to other disposable products, when it hits store shelves. Edwards is a graduate of the Integrated Product Design Master's program at the University of Pennsylvania. It was there that she first conceived of an environmentally sustainable pregnancy test. Classmate Anna Couturier-Simpson and Penn faculty adviser Sarah Rottenberg liked the idea so much that they joined Edwards as cofounders of the company. The name of the product, "Lia," is a play on the scientific term "lateral immunoassay," a type of rapidly readable strip test. Penn National Gaming Inc. has filed an application with the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board to build a satellite casino in Morgantown, Pa., just outside a restricted area designed to protect existing casinos from competition. Read more Penn National Gaming Inc. filed an application with the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board to build a $111 million, 80,000 square foot satellite casino on 36 acres of land near the intersection of the Pennsylvania Turnpike and Interstate 176, which connects with Route 422 near Reading. The plans for Hollywood Casino Morgantown, in Caernarvon Township, Berks County, call for 750 slot machines and 30 table games, plus a sportsbook, Penn National said. "Hollywood Casino Morgantown is ideally situated to generate new revenues from the more densely populated suburbs to the west of Philadelphia, while further protecting our existing market share at Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course," said Timothy J. Wilmott, Penn National's chief executive. Penn National is based in Wyomissing, near Reading. Penn National is in Grantville, in Central Pennsylvania. If the casino application, Oct. 31, is approved by regulators, its closest competition would be Valley Forge Casino Resort, which was acquired in September by Boyd Gaming Corp. Pharmacy benefit managers are supposed to save money for their clients health plans that cover people with just about any type of insurance. But more and more states are demanding to see how these multibillion-dollar companies are spending taxpayer dollars in Medicaid and are reining in the industry's role in taxpayer-funded programs. A new Arkansas law makes pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) answer to the state's insurance commissioner, after independent pharmacists showed how they were being paid less than pharmacies owned by CVS Health, which also runs a major PBM. Louisiana and Ohio are tearing up their old PBM contracts, and putting transparent models in place next year. Virginia, Kentucky, and Georgia have all passed bills requiring more disclosure of PBM payments. Last year, West Virginia's Medicaid program took over most of PBMs' duties. Pennsylvania's Department of Human Services has gotten in the act, rewriting contracts to collect more data about reimbursements to pharmacists, following complaints that independent pharmacies were losing money on filling Medicaid prescriptions. The state's auditor general who is conducting his own review of the industry, due out next month recently told state senators that Pennsylvania may need to go further, and pass legislation with stricter oversight of PBMs. "Every Medicaid program in the country should be investigating what the hell is going on," said attorney Linda Cahn, a fierce critic of PBMs who runs a consulting firm that helps health plans negotiate contracts with PBMs. "It's out of control." PBMs customize contracts according to what clients want and their patients need, responded a spokesperson for the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association, the industry's main trade group. As states look into their drug supply chains, PBMs "have used this opportunity to highlight how the industry reduces costs and improves quality for consumers, employers, and state health plans," said spokesperson Greg Lopes. His group urged policymakers to scrutinize brand drugmakers and reject "costly mandates pushed by the independent drugstore lobby agenda." PBMs typically negotiate rebates with drug manufacturers, and they set reimbursement rates for pharmacies who sell the drug to patients. As drug prices have risen and become a heated political issue PBMs and drugmakers have blamed each other for driving up the costs of prescriptions. President Trump, in his zeal to lower drug prices, called out both industries (and a few others) when he unveiled his administration's "American Patients First" blueprint in May: "Everyone involved in the broken system drugmakers, insurance companies, distributors, pharmacy benefit managers, and many others contributes to the problem." Independent pharmacists, meanwhile, have said they're getting squeezed by PBMs on payments. "You get tired of filling prescriptions and losing money on them," said Mel Brodsky, executive director of PARD, a community pharmacy association in Philadelphia. "A lot of guys have closed because they just couldn't stand it anymore." Complaints from pharmacists have prompted officials in a number of states to sound alarms over one way that PBMs make money: "spread pricing." It's a practice in which PBMs bill a health plan a higher amount for a drug than what they pay to reimburse the pharmacy, and keep the difference (or the "spread"). Ohio's auditor found $224.8 million in "spread" going to PBMs in one year, and said that amount might be excessive. Both Louisiana and Ohio decided in recent months to eliminate "spread pricing" in their Medicaid programs, and require new types of contracts. CVS Health whose PBM, CVS Caremark serves part of Pennsylvania's Medicaid patients tells investors that regulatory changes have limited its ability to use spread pricing, and that such changes pose a risk to its profits. The company's pharmacy services segment, which includes Caremark, saw its net revenue climb from $100.4 billion to $130.6 billion between 2015 and 2017 though it says its operating profit margins are slim: 3.6 percent in 2017, and 3 percent so far this year. The spread the company collects is not pure profit, according to CVS spokesperson Mike DeAngelis. "That money is used to fund the services we are providing." CVS Caremark, he said, reimburses independent pharmacies at higher rates, on average, than it does CVS pharmacies and "PBMs are held accountable by our clients to deliver cost-effective benefits." Those clients, in Medicaid, typically are other companies. In Ohio, as in Pennsylvania, most Medicaid patients are served by managed care companies that contract with the state, and subcontract with PBMs. The subcontracting arrangement has made it difficult for some states to see how dollars are flowing through the system. In Pennsylvania, the amount managed care companies paid to PBMs to provide benefits doubled in five years, according to figures they reported to the state: going from $1.41 billion in 2013 to $2.86 billion in 2017. Auditor General Eugene DePasquale is aiming to calculate the "spread" in Pennsylvania as well. "We have received data points from some of the PBMs and we are working with others toward the goal of calculating the spread" in Pennsylvania Medicaid, said agency spokesperson Gary Miller. According to the state, five out of eight managed care organizations use spread pricing. The PBMs those companies use in Pennsylvania include three of the largest in the country: CVS Caremark, Express Scripts, and OptumRx, a division of UnitedHealthcare. DHS isn't getting rid of spread pricing in contracts for 2019, but it wants to know what the difference is between what pharmacists are getting paid and what the state is being billed. "The sheer fact that they [PBMs] are earning a spread does not necessarily mean that they are earning too much," said Adam Fein, president of the Philadelphia-based advisory firm Pembroke Consulting, who writes a go-to industry blog called Drug Channels. It's no secret that spread pricing is one way for PBMs to be paid, he said. "It's up to the state Medicaid program to manage the program appropriately," Fein said. "If they allow the PBMs to be overcompensated, it's hard to blame the PBMs for accepting the extra compensation." PBMs say they produce savings. At a state Senate hearing in Harrisburg last month, the industry's trade group pointed to a consultant's report, commissioned by Ohio's Medicaid program, that found PBMs save Ohio $145 million a year, compared with fee-for-service. Ohio's auditor, however, has said that the millions in savings still came at a cost. "When administrative fees are hidden in the spread," he told the legislature, "it's impossible to tell what the state is really paying for, or whether the same service could be provided at a drastically lower rate." Pennsylvania State Senator Anthony Williams discusses his disappointing loss in the Democratic primary for mayor of Philadelphia during a sitdown with reporter Claudia Vargas May 27, 2015. Read more Will State Sen. Anthony H. Williams challenge Kenney to a rematch? Williams, a Democrat who ran for mayor unsuccessfully in 2015, told Clout he's "seriously" thinking about re-applying for the job next year. Williams said he's been talking with residents, and "the concerns are consistent" about the city under Kenney's watch: The poverty rate is sky-high. Crime is rampant in too many neighborhoods. Stop-and-frisk hasn't been abolished. "It's kind of ironic," he said. "For a city that describes itself as progressive, we're not making progress for the majority of Philadelphians." Unseating an incumbent mayor is tough. And in 2015, Williams finished with 26 percent of the vote in a six-person race good enough for second, but nearly 70,000 votes behind Kenney. Did he learn anything from that campaign? "I'm in a better position in life to explain why I'm running," he said. Lauren Hitt, a spokeswoman for the Kenney campaign, said, "The voters of Philadelphia want a progressive leader not a corporate Democrat who is aligning himself with greedy soda CEOs who want to take pre-K and public school funding away from our kids." Last year, Williams helped former Republican State Sen. Scott Wagner set up a hearing on Kenney's soda tax in City Council chambers, which got shouted down by protesters acting in proxy for Kenney's administration. Williams, like ex-City Controller and potential mayoral candidate Alan Butkovitz, also opposes the soda tax. That could make Williams and Butkovitz competitors for super PAC support from the beverage industry. (Speaking of the previous controller, we have political gossip: Butkovitz, who has said he's thinking about running against Kenney, is holding a fundraiser next week that promises a "special announcement.") We asked Williams if he expects assistance from the soda business. "I'll welcome their support," he said. "But right now there is no commitment." The view from Famous 4th Street Deli Every Election Day, politicians in Philadelphia eat matzo ball soup and corned beef sandwiches at the Famous 4th Street Deli in Queen Village. And every Election Day, Clout pesters them with questions about power and politics. Question One: Will Mayor Kenney have a primary challenger in the 2019 mayor's race besides Butkovitz? Question Two: In 2020, which Democrat is best suited to defeat President Trump in Pennsylvania? Question Three: What comes first for Philadelphia's politically powerful Electricians union: its drive to take over City Council seats in 2019 or federal probe trouble? Former State Sen./Electricians union foe/ex-federal inmate Vince Fumo: "Possibly. I honestly think that the only one who could challenge him and win would be Allan Domb. And Allan's problem, that I see, is that he is so married to his business. It's like almost like a divorce. He can't cut loose. But I also see him as so very active in doing things that a mayoral candidate would do. Just going all over the place, bringing up the stuff in the budget. The fact that he did that and stayed on top of it, and continues to, is clearly indicative of some motivation. And he hasn't said no." "Joe Biden. Without a doubt. And it would be a terrific race. I think Elizabeth Warren is too liberal. Bernie [Sanders] I like him, but I think he's too far out there. I think we've got to come back at least our side has to become a little bit more moderate. And we need somebody with the guts to stand up to [Trump] and really go after him. And Joe will do that." "I have to say the federal probe. The FBI, although I don't love them, they do not like to be embarrassed. And they would not have executed [several] search warrants at the same time with TV coverage unless they had something going in. They don't do that unless they know in advance they're in good shape." State Rep.-elect Mary Isaacson: "I don't think so. I believe I've heard [Butkovitz] is making calls." "I think, if Joe Biden commits to one term, that he would be able to take Pennsylvania handily." "I think City Council." Pennsylvania Republican Party leader Val DiGiorgio: "I expect that he would get a challenge from the left and the right in his party. And that might work to his benefit." "President Trump's winning Pennsylvania in 2020." "I don't know anything about their federal probe trouble." State Rep.-elect Elizabeth Fiedler: "Not to my knowledge. I do not know if [Butkovitz is going to run]." "I think it needs to be someone who runs a strong pro-union, pro-Medicare for All platform." "It is a pleasure to be here at this table with you. I look forward to fighting for the residents of South Philly." Wheres the proof of Krasners former ponytail? In the Clout canon, two rules today intersect: Always check your facts. And never let go of a political ponytail. You may recall we certainly, sadly, do this column two weeks ago took note that Philly reporters joked that this line about District Attorney Larry Krasner was the only news broken by a recent New Yorker profile: He "had a long ponytail until he was forty." We checked, but could find no proof of this claim. So we asked you, loyal readers, to send us photographic evidence of the alleged ponytail. Regrettably, we received not one single picture. What mystery! Perhaps the vaunted New Yorker fact-checking department has definitive proof? So we asked the media outlet, "Did the New Yorker fact-check the ponytail?" And the New Yorker answered: "We did confirm the ponytail, though Mr. Krasner did not provide us a photograph." Unsatisfied, we asked, "Can you tell us how you confirmed the ponytail?" The New Yorker replied, " We checked with Krasner himself." This, obviously, will not do. And so we repeat our ponytail photo bounty. The first person to send Clout photographic evidence no cut-and-paste ponytails! wins an official Daily News T-shirt. Dana Swift Plummer, with a portrait of her brother Jake and a collection of the military military medals he was awarded. Read more As she sifts through dozens of letters her brother Jake wrote from Vietnam, Dana Swift Plummer describes the moment she learned he had been killed in action. She was 17 and sound asleep in her family's North Philly home when her mother's screams woke her on an early May morning in 1970. "I bolted straight up and ran to the steps," she says. "I looked down and saw two soldiers. They told my mom they needed to talk to my father. He was on the early shift at the ball-bearing factory, so my mother called the plant and said my dad needed to come right away. But she knew my brother was dead. She kept screaming, 'My baby! My baby!' "It took my dad 45 minutes to get home, taking two buses. The soldiers said, 'Mr. Swift, we are here to inform you of the death of your son.' My dad froze in shock. He didn't cry until after Jake's viewing, two weeks later. He went in the bedroom, closed the door and wailed in a way I had never heard in my life." James "Jake" Swift Jr., 21, the oldest of four children, died on April 27, 1970, when his vehicle was hit with rocket fire in Binh Dinh province. The explosion blew off his left arm and leg and the back of his head. "I've never stopped grieving," says Plummer, 65 who lives in West Oak Lane with her husband, Irving. "He was the ideal big brother. He was big and strong yet kind and generous. He bought me my first high heels with money from his paper route, because my parents couldn't afford them." But Plummer didn't lose just one brother in the Vietnam War, she says. She lost 64 of them. Jake was a 1967 graduate of then all-male Thomas Alva Edison High School, then at 700 W. Lehigh Ave. Its sister school was Kensington High, all-female at the time, which Dana attended. To the Kensington girls, she said, the Edison boys were like honorary siblings. >> READ MORE: Documentary coming on 27 Father Judge High grads killed in Vietnam By the time the war ended, 64 Edison graduates had been killed in Vietnam, a staggering 10 percent of the 648 Philadelphia deaths from the war. "It felt like we were losing our protectors," says Plummer. In 2002, Edison relocated to Second and Luzerne Streets, and the massive complex fell into neglect. One of the buildings nicknamed "the castle" for its turreted, gargoyle-adorned central tower was destroyed in a 2011 fire (the site is now a shopping center). The other, a four-story annex, has been a vandalized blight on the neighborhood. >> READ MORE: On Veterans Day, do more than say thanks | Opinion That will change in June 2019 when the annex reopens as an apartment building whose 66 units will house low-income tenants, with preference given to veterans who will have access to a host of on-site services provided by the Veterans Multi-Service Center. Its name: the Edison 64 Veterans Community, in memory of the men who never made it home from the Indochina peninsula. "It's like we've come full circle," says Plummer. Philadelphia has no shortage of lovely memorials to its war dead. But they're static. While they may stir feelings in those who bother to read the explanatory plaques attached to the shrines, they're mostly background scenery in the daily show of a busy city. In contrast, Edison 64 will be a monument-in-action that not only memorializes the very members of the military who once strode its halls but honors their sacrifice by helping modern-day veterans who have struggled in the aftermath of war. I can't think of a better use for the building. >> READ MORE: Mental health care for veterans takes on the Warrior Ethos | Opinion Edison 64 is the product of a $25 million public/private partnership between Mosaic Development Partners, Orens Brothers Real Estate, and the Veterans Multi-Service Center. It's financed with low-income federal housing tax credits awarded by the state Housing Finance Agency and with grants from the Federal Home Loan Bank Board and Home Depot (among others). "The building will connect the past with the present in an important way," says VMC executive director Tim Williams, a retired U.S. Army Special Forces colonel. "This country treated our Vietnam veterans badly when they came home. I'm proud that a building so closely connected to the Vietnam War will be used to care for soldiers in the way every veteran deserves." The project thrills Darryrl Johnson, a 1972 Edison grad who remembers the school principal announcing over the public-address system the names of the latest war deaths. Students would stop for a moment of silence, he says. "After a while, we were thinking, 'Gosh, the names are piling up,' " says Johnson, a one-man Edison historian who helped research a new book by local author Richard Sand called Edison 64 A Tragedy in Vietnam and at Home, which goes on sale Monday (partial proceeds will benefit veteran causes). "I hope the new building will keep them from being forgotten." Me, I hope the spirits of those young men fill the repurposed classrooms they once called home, as vets in need find new homes of their own. For general information about Edison 64 or about how to access veterans services, contact the Veterans Multi-Service Center at 215-923-2600. Donald "I am a nationalist" Trump is in France on Nov. 11 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I a monstrous slaughter provoked by the blind nationalism of European leaders. The meeting's host, French President Emmanuel Macron, has been touring WWI battlefields in a desperate effort to warn Europeans of the perils of unchecked nationalism that devastated the continent early in the 20th century and led inexorably to WWII. I can attest to the emotional wallop those battlefields hold; last year I visited some remaining trenches nestled in the rolling hills of Flanders Fields in Belgium, where the 1917 battle of Passchendaele produced 325,000 Allied deaths (and killed 260,000 Germans) for a gain of five miles. The institutions of the European Union and NATO were meant to prevent the repeat of such uber-nationalist carnage, binding Germany together with its onetime enemies and providing a bulwark against the Soviet Union and now Russia. They did their job. Yet, despite the presence of 60 world leaders for the ceremony on Nov. 11, Macron is fighting an uphill battle, with Germany's Angela Merkel on her way out, and populist nationalist parties gaining strength across the continent. A mass gathering of hard-right nationalists will march through Warsaw on Nov. 11 as they did last year. And then there is Macron's garrulous guest Trump, who proudly told followers at a rally in Houston last month: "You know what I am? I'm a nationalist, OK? I'm a nationalist. Nothing wrong. Use that word. Use that word." As Macron grasps, there is something very wrong with Trump's careless adoration of that n-word. Even though the threats posed by the contemporary variants of nationalism differ greatly from what they were in the early 1900s, they have the power to deeply damage democratic societies and cause wars. To understand those threats, you must start by examining the historical usage of the term nationalism and how it is being misrepresented by Trump. In its most simple usage, the term nationalism is often interchanged with patriotism. But they usually mean two very different things. Webster defines patriotism as "a love for or devotion to one's country." Nationalism, on the other hand, is more exclusionary. Webster defines it as "a sense of national consciousness exalting one nation above all others," emphasizing the promotion of its interests "as opposed to those or other nations or supranational groups." Us over them. Although there has been a tug throughout U.S. history between internationalists and isolationists, Trump's ode to "America First" and denunciation of "globalism" has special resonance in the current era. The term nationalism has become associated with white supremacist or other racist or anti-Semitic groups, or, courtesy of Trump, with anti-immigrant hysteria. "We've seen nationalism distorted into nativism, and forgotten the dynamism that immigration has always brought to America," former President George W. Bush warned last year. After Trump's recent ode to "nationalism," Christian Picciolini, a former leader of the American white power movement, tweeted: "Trump's `I'm a Nationalist' comment will likely represent the biggest boon for white supremacist recruitment since the film Birth of a Nation glorified the Klan in 1915. " This same brand of nativist nationalism has been used by populist political movements in England, France, Germany, Austria, Italy, Poland, Hungary, and elsewhere not to address needed immigration reform but to whip up political fears. The leaders of these European nativist nationalist parties have nothing like the heft of Hitler. But they do have a common desire to hollow out the institutions of liberal democracies, muzzle the press, politicize the courts, and undermine constitutions. No wonder they are often praised by Trump, or his onetime chief strategist Steve Bannon. Project this nativist nationalism onto the global stage and you have a return to a nasty dog-eat-dog competition rather than cooperation among democracies. This plays into the hands of a rising China and a Russian spoiler regime. But when it comes to Trumpian nationalism, the cost to Americans and the world rises even higher. The president defines nationalism as the antithesis of what he calls "globalism." "A globalist is a person that wants the globe to do well, frankly, not caring about our country so much," Trump says. According to that dizzy definition, Trump openly disdains the European Union, longtime alliances such as NATO, and any multilateral organization, and believes he can resolve America's foreign-policy challenges by solo negotiations with autocrats such as Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, and Kim Jong Un. But as we have already seen, a solo Trump has made little headway on key issues. He needed U.N. and other allied cooperation to get Kim to the table (and has achieved little so far in bilateral U.S.-North Korea negotiations). Ditto for needing multilateral help to make progress with Iran on sanctions. Nor is Trump likely to make headway in a one-on-one tariff war with China; his best chance was to align allies in a united front vs. Beijing as in the Trans Pacific Partnership trade deal he junked. And, despite Trump's denials, the U.S. can't successfully cope with the massive challenges of global warming and cyber threats without multilateral assistance. If World War III comes, it will be largely waged in cyberspace but could have hideous consequences on land. As the pragmatic Macron realizes, nativist nationalism is a delusion delivered to discontented publics by demagogues. A different delusion than demagogues used to justify WWI, but a dangerous delusion just the same. Khepera Charter School in North Philadelphia, which had its charter revoked last year after complaints it hadn't paid teachers or rent, has lost its appeal to a state board and is planning to close at the end of the school year. Christina Grant, head of the district's Charter Schools Office, told school board members at a committee meeting Thursday that the Philadelphia School District had notified families through robocalls and was preparing for a June 30 closure of the school at 926 W. Sedgley Ave. Khepera's CEO, Dana King, on Friday confirmed the school's plans to close. In an email, she cited the cost of an appeal in saying the school would not challenge the decision. The K-8 school, which opened in 2004 with an African-centered curriculum, has struggled financially. In 2016, an ex-administrator sued the school, alleging he was wrongfully dismissed for reporting concerns about the school's governance and finances. The school was accused of not making some required payments to the state pension system in 2016 and 2017. In early 2017, it laid off staff. The school's landlord then sued Khepera, alleging it had fallen behind on rent payments. The state-appointed School Reform Commission moved to revoke Khepera's charter in June 2017, also citing academic performance. But closing charter schools in Philadelphia takes time. After a series of hearings, the SRC, which has since been replaced by a locally appointed school board, voted again in December to close Khepera. The school appealed to the state Charter Appeals Board in February, arguing that its academic performance had been unfairly evaluated and that its payroll issues had been resolved. The board denied the appeal at its meeting Oct. 30, according to a state Department of Education spokesperson. A formal order is still being prepared. Khepera currently enrolls 384 students, according to district officials. Its enrollment cap is 450. At Thursday's school board committee meeting, member Chris McGinley questioned why the school was being permitted to operate through June. "It's such a long period of time that an already notably chaotic environment may become worse for kids," McGinley said. Grant, the charter schools head, said 89 schools would be affected if Khepera closed immediately. She said the district will be providing parents with information on their options if they choose to remove students now or keep them in the school through the end of the year. The district will be monitoring week-to-week enrollment and "making sure we don't have a situation where mass amounts of teachers have quit," Grant told the committee. District officials said that to their knowledge, the school has not had payroll issues so far this year. We Became Summer By Amy Barone NYQ Books. 89 pp. Reviewed by Frank Wilson If you just skipped through this intriguing collection, reading at random, you might get the impression that the speaker in the poems is a party girl flitting from jazz club to jazz club, boyfriend to boyfriend: I want to live my life like Clifford plays the drums. Which would be "Cooly observing the heady scene Face masking emotion." The heady scene has its shadows, though, and boyfriends have problems: Furtively, I watch him wipe Blood from tracks on his arm . Born in Philly, raised in Bryn Mawr, Barone now lives in New York. This is her first book of poems, following a chapbook titled Kamikaze Dances. She has been an Italian correspondent and a board member for the Italian American Writers Association. Perhaps not surprisingly, there is joy on display in the seven poems set in Italy. Abruzzo especially appeals: "My origins are rooted in a land of untamed nature, / where beech trees shaped like big cotton balls dot the / rocky mountainsides." Unlike Tuscany, "the prissy / picture postcard of a region whose perfectly / placed trees make me think the gods went a little crazy / with their manicure kit." Though the speaker in "When in Italy" says, "Pledge to stay forever and never go back," go back she does, to the jazz clubs and slippery guys, such as the one limned in "Romance Chelsea Style": We met in our apartment building he kissed me on the subway / after our first date at Maxwell's. On my birthday he gave me a gift that will last forever, a nameless song that called me the brightest star. It took years to wean myself off him, much longer than it took him to quit the needle. Then there's "Home," the penultimate section, the heart and soul of the collection, shedding light on all the rest, not least the music, starting with "Soundtrack to My Mother's Life": "She loved to croon especially when sad. she romanced life, found beauty elsewhere. / 'The Shadow of Your Smile,' so appropriate, / as her smile sparkled. It follows me everywhere." As for the "Soundtrack to My Father's Life," "He loved Gershwin, big bands, opera, marching bands": The house felt barren after he left. Music no longer sprang from corners of rooms. Two poems seem especially revealing. "Amelia" tells of her grandmother, "A lady from Puglia," who "landed in Harlem in the early 1900s. / She bore eight children including my father": Headed by an unskilled laborer, The family relocated to Bryn Mawr. Holding court "from a fluffy sofa She insisted her children see no hurdles." My father adored her. My mother said she was crazy. I bear her name and want to be nothing and everything like her. Then there is "At the Bird Sanctuary": "when in the throes of panic fourteen years ago, / I discovered the mini-park Prayed for nature to take its course." I couldn't imagine life with an aimless musician, Preferred the path of travel and that few strings prolongs. But only for so long: "I now return to pray that nature reverse its course, / for a vitality to return to my mother that the stroke robbed. Roles reordered, I rush off to an aging parent, / to cook, clean, and shop I long for conversation that will never come." The speaker turns out to have inherited a peasant's clear-eyed realism, which lets her see, without blinking and without a trace of self-pity, when the party's over. As she says at the end of "Fall in Philadelphia," "We want all that we had." Frank Wilson is a retired Inquirer book editor. Visit his blog Books, Inq. The Epilogue. Email him at PresterFrank@gmail.com. It may be a truism that classical music tells its story on a canvas of silence, but this simple idea takes on an edge of peril for any parent or caregiver to someone with autism, Tourette's, or any number of other afflictions. For them, the concert hall is a place of tenterhooks and dueling impulses. You want the person in your company to experience the art, but painfully aware that an aural or physical disruption can come at any moment you also keep one eye on the exit. No worries, the Philadelphia Orchestra declared Thursday with what was billed as its first sensory-friendly full-orchestra concert. Verizon Hall was moderately filled with special-needs children and adults. The news that the evening would be "shush-free," as orchestra president Allison Vulgamore put it, settled like a balm over an audience perhaps wearied by the daily task of translating between a highly individualized population and a world that doesn't necessarily speak their language. For years, my seats at the Philadelphia Orchestra's Saturday morning family concerts were behind a woman who spent much of the hour managing a son who periodically writhed and verbalized loudly. I can't speak for others, but her persistence won my heart. What was so liberating about Thursday's concert was that no one had to explain anything to anyone. My own seatmate Thursday lives with intractable epilepsy, autism, and a highly selective range of intellectual peaks and valleys. He can't understand how a map represents the world, and once asked who turned off the waves at the beach each night. He also happens to be very much the music critic's brother, which means he easily identified with the Mozart (the first movement of Eine kleine Nachtmusik) and just about everything else the orchestra played. Many others also looked rapt by the hour-long concert, and in a variety of ways. What was sensory-friendly about the program? Actually, the concert was more about adjusting the behavior of the staff and everything around the music than the repertoire itself. Patrons were told they could move around and talk. House lights were kept up. "Cool-down" spaces were created in the lobby. A complement of ushers, Temple University students, and helpers from Art-Reach stood at the ready with special assistance. Orchestra composer-in-residence Hannibal Lokumbe created a new piece for the occasion. Hymn for the World charmed as a proud, marchlike procession of beating and glistening percussion. Hannibal always catches humanity at its best. Tan Dun's alternately menacing and sensuous Passacaglia: Secret of Wind and Birds turned audience into performers by having them download a sound clip of birds to their cellphones and playing it on cue. The "Hoe-Down" from Copland's Rodeo and Strauss' "Radetzky" March were occasions for listeners to wave the ribbon-tipped batons they had made earlier in the lobby. "Now you've officially performed with the Philadelphia Orchestra," conductor Kensho Watanabe told the audience. He might not have known the half of it. When he turned his back for the encore, "Stars and Stripes Forever," one boy in the middle of the hall stood up, air-conducted with his plastic ice cream cone, and vocalized at the top of his lungs. The music seemed to fill every inch of his body, and anyone who didn't hear his song as a moment of absolute harmony was simply missing the point. There are no additional performances of this concert; the orchestra will evaluate the format and consider future full-orchestra sensory-friendly concerts. The orchestra, however, does offer sensory-friendly experiences for some of its Sound All Around concerts with smaller instrumental forces. www.philorch.org, 215-893-1999. Jeff Tweedy. The Wilco leader has a new memoir 'Let's Go (So We Can Get Back)' and a new solo album, 'Warm.' He's at the Free Library of Philadelphia on Thursday. Read more Jeff Tweedy is on the phone from the Loft, his rock band Wilco's Chicago headquarters, which he calls "the magical recording studio/bunkhouse that I dreamed about while watching The Monkees." That description is found in Let's Go (So We Can Get Back), Tweedy's new work of nonfiction, subtitled A Memoir of Recording and Discording with Wilco, Etc. The book will bring him to the Parkway Central Library in Philadelphia on Thursday. On Nov. 30, the 51-year-old father of two and Dad Rock godhead will put out WARM, an aptly titled, acoustic-guitar-centered record of uncharacteristically autobiographical songs. It's the first album for Tweedy under his first and last names. (Sukierae, the 2014 album titled after wife Sue Miller's nickname, features his son Spencer on drums and was credited to family band Tweedy.) Let's Go's title comes from a favorite phrase used by Tweedy's late father, Bob, that betrayed his anxiety about leaving the house. That hereditary uneasiness courses through the book, as Tweedy details a battle with an opioid addiction that, at his lowest, led him to steal morphine from his cancer patient mother-in-law. Tweedy, who grew up across the Mississippi from St. Louis in Belleville, Ill., might seem too young or just too normal to be authoring a career-spanning tell-all rock memoir. And there is little that's scandalous in the book. But after getting off to a goofy start, Let's Go settles in with affable virtues that match Tweedy's. It's engaging and self-questioning, whether focusing on his relationship with Jay Farrar, his partner in the alt-country punk band Uncle Tupelo (whom Tweedy paints as a talented, humorless "grim protector of music's sanctity") or chronicling his ongoing musical adventures with Wilco, who plan to get back to recording and touring in 2019. READ MORE: which have been published in the New Yorker. I think art is a great consolation in general. And music seems to have that ability more than any other art form. There's something consoling about feeling you've been recognized. When some piece of art feels like it was made just for you, or you can respond to it in a way that is so particular to what you need in that moment, there's almost a sense of being seen. I think that's extremely important for people. I see it in heavy metal kids and K-pop kids. People that find their music find their people. And themselves through that music. To me, that's maybe the lowest bar you should shoot for, maybe making anything, is to hopefully be honest enough that it can provide some consolation. I think the highest aspiration is that you can make somebody crazy to make something. You put it succinctly: Creating creates creators. Something like that. [Laughs] I thought that sentence would get edited out. It would have saved only three words. It's true. The greatest achievement of almost any work of art is that people continue to make art. It perpetuates itself and regenerates. And when people have the impulse to create, I think they have a lot tougher time subscribing to philosophies that require destruction. You tell a story about doing art therapy when you were in rehab. You write, One of the most beautiful things Ive ever seen was watching a catatonic 63-year-old woman who had been hooked on heroin for close to thirty years become human again by holding a pencil and being asked to draw. It was the first time she had held a pencil, she claimed, in years. And that simple act of making something that wasn't there before was profound. When you started writing songs, you write that you had a bone crushing earnestness, a weaponized sincerity. You realized that my comfort level with being vulnerable is probably my superpower. There are parts of me that aren't confident. I don't feel like there's any point for anybody to deny those weaknesses. Especially as a dad or a parent. I don't feel like it's unique at all to be sad or deal with depression. All of those things are just extremely common and typical. And I think we've bulls- each other enough. Was it easy to get to not worry about screwing up when it came to writing a book? Youve written a lot of songs, youre pretty good at that. But writing 300 pages of prose is a different deal. A rock memoir is pretty low stakes. I don't know if I felt an enormous amount of pressure to blow the lid off the genre. That being said, I really like literature. I like books. And I did my best to write in a clear way what I wanted to say. The only way I think I would have failed was if I wasn't honest. Did you have things you want to set straight, say about Jay Farrar or Jay Bennett [who played a key role in Wilco and died of a fentanyl overdose in 2009]? I didn't have an ax to grind with anybody. To the contrary, I felt like it was an opportunity to tell some positive stories about how much those guys mean to me. I don't think I've ever been asked once since Uncle Tupelo, 'Tell me something fun you and Jay [Farrar] did.' It's just not the narrative. So I enjoyed that part of it. I interviewed you when you played the Philadelphia Folk Festival in 2010 and called you a serial collaborator. Is that right? Youve teamed with a lot of people, from the Jays to Jim ORourke [on Wilcos Yankee Hotel Foxtrot and A Ghost Is Born] to three albums with Mavis Staples. I've actually been doing a lot in the past five or six years that's primarily been me making all the music. Most of the last few Wilco albums have been done that way. So in that sense, I've been working more in a solitary fashion than I ever have. I love working with other people. I love making records with Mavis. Music is a social endeavor. There's nothing that quite feels like that, when you share the intimacy of making music with another person. In Lets Go, you say the songs on WARM are the first ones youve written that express exactly what Id like to say directly to someone. What I would like to say to you. What took you so long? I'm already kind of recoiling from the notion that it's the first time I've ever been this direct, even though I wrote that. I'm trying to put my finger on what feels different about this material. It's probably proximity to writing the book that makes it feel more open and outward-looking. There are some things of me directly looking straight at the listener, and then object permanence I disappear again. You write that songs are ruined for you in a sense once theyre done and you cant work on them anymore. Of course, music doesn't really exist until you put it out in the world. But I prefer to stay in the head space of having a lot of material around that I'm still working on, where it's still mine and it still has potential. And it's still someplace to disappear, really. Is music as consolation particularly needed now, when theres so much rage out there? There was a show last month in San Francisco where a fan provoked you by yelling out Kavanaugh! That guy was trolling. He was intentionally reminding people of something that had upset them that day. I don't like being angry on stage. Anger is not an emotion that is easy to get rid of. And I was happy to be able to get rid of it fast enough that I could finish the show and get back to a place where people were singing along, and it was a communal environment. That was important, and it's always important. Maybe more so now than ever. IF YOU GO Jeff Tweedy at the Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St., 7:30 p.m. Thursday. Auditorium is sold out, in-house simulcast available. Admission includes the book. $33. 215-686-5322. freelibrary.org. I recently went to a new doctor. He looked over my chart: "Chronic fatigue syndrome," he read, and then he glanced up at me. "You don't look tired," he quipped. "There, I made it go away." I've been sick for 24 years, and I get comments like this a lot. I've grown accustomed to comments like this because my disease myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a debilitating neuroimmune disease that is poorly understood by most of the medical community. I was 26-years-old when I first got sick with what seemed to be a flu-like virus. Six months later, I was diagnosed with CFS, as it was known in the 1990s. Every day, I deal with widespread pain, brain fog, low blood pressure, and a slew of other symptoms. Worst of all, even mild physical or cognitive exertion makes me feel sicker. This disease robbed me of my career as an attorney, my plans for a family, and even simple activities such as driving or taking a walk. I never imagined I would still be sick a quarter-century after getting ill. Yet I am fortunate, because I have a knowledgeable doctor and the right diagnosis. It is estimated that up to 90 percent of the 1 million to 2.5 million Americans with ME/CFS still have not been properly diagnosed. Despite recent reports from the National Academy of Medicine and several federal agencies, most doctors simply don't have the right information about diagnosing ME/CFS or helping patients cope with it. ME/CFS presents a range of symptoms and severity. Many of us are housebound or bedridden, and there are no FDA-approved treatments. We cobble together regimens of medications, supplements, and coping strategies through self-experimentation. Those who have the financial resources, and are not too sick to travel, clog the waiting lists of the few expert doctors in the country who treat this disease. And we fight a constant battle to be believed by our families, friends, and colleagues, who dismiss the illness as all in our heads. When we go to doctors, we frequently endure the same dismissal or disbelief like the doctor who claimed he "made it go away" for me. Educating healthcare providers about ME/CFS is critical, yet it is rarely taught in medical schools. Most healthcare providers not only do not know how to help us, they may inadvertently harm us by basing their advice on outdated misinformation. Case in point: One of the most common suggestions we hear from doctors is to exercise. Yet every person with ME/CFS who pushes their body too hard will experience worsening symptoms. Most doctors are unaware or dismissive of the research that shows our bodies do not recover from physical or cognitive effort in normal ways. Claiming that exercise will improve ME/CFS is like telling a diabetic that sugar will cure them. I am part of a movement to change all this. I share my experiences because so many people do not know about ME/CFS, and I participate in educational events. The Philadelphia County Medical Society is hosting such an event on November 14. The program will feature a screening of the award-winning documentary Unrest followed by an expert panel discussion. Filmmaker Jen Brea was a doctoral candidate at Harvard University when she got a mysterious fever that left her bedridden. Doctors erroneously dismissed her neurological symptoms as a mental condition called conversion disorder. She turned the camera on herself, and her film Unrest won a Sundance award, was shortlisted for an Oscar, and aired on PBS Independent Lens. The event at the Philadelphia County Medical Society comes on the heels of similar recent events held at the CDC, the New York State Department of Health, and Harvard Medical School. These events bring the personal stories of people with ME/CFS directly to medical professionals. Philadelphia has an incredible legacy in medical history and some of the best healthcare in the world, but there are thousands of people in our area who are impacted by ME/CFS. We need knowledgeable medical care that helps us maximize our health and quality of life. In order to do that, our doctors need the right information about how they can help their patients. This event at the Philadelphia County Medical Society can help equip doctors to provide us with the best possible care. I still have hope that a doctor will tell me that she can make ME/CFS go away in real life. But until that day, I will do everything I can to help doctors help ME/CFS patients like myself. Jennie Spotila is a writer and advocate who lives in King of Prussia, Pa. She writes about ME at occupyme.net. Event details: Philadelphia County Medical Society presents a screening of Unrest and expert panel discussion, Wednesday, November 14, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 2100 Spring Garden St. This event is open to the public, and CAT 2 CME credits are available for healthcare professionals. RSVP by phone at 215-563-5343 or online at https://philamedsoc.org/pcms-events/myalgic-encephalomyelitis-chronic-fatigue-program/ The founder of Women on Web, a nonprofit online abortion pill service, has created Aid Access to provide pills to U.S. women. Read more Foes and defenders of abortion rights are preparing for seismic shifts in the abortion landscape. Voters in Alabama and West Virginia on Tuesday approved "trigger" measures that could pave the way for state abortion bans if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade a possibility raised by the appointment of Justice Brett Kavanaugh to the high court. Even while Roe's constitutional right to abortion remains in place, abortion has become so hard to get in many parts of the country that a new online service called Aid Access quietly launched during the summer to provide prescription abortion pills by mail-order to U.S. women. Founder Rebecca Gomperts, a Dutch physician and activist, has for years run Women on Web, which ships abortion pills to women in countries where abortion is illegal. Meanwhile, the Self Induced Abortion (SIA) Legal Team last month unveiled a helpline and website to provide information and attorney referrals for people who have ended their own pregnancies and fear they will be arrested or prosecuted. "We know of at least 21 people who have been arrested, and some prosecuted, either for ending their own pregnancy or helping others" since 1973, said Jill E. Adams, a Berkeley, Calif., lawyer who founded the SIA team. "Now that we have the helpline, we expect we'll learn about more." Tuesday's midterm elections illustrated the ever-deepening divide over abortion.Voters in Oregon overwhelmingly opted to preserve public funding for abortion, while Alabama passed a state constitutional amendment that recognizes "the sanctity of unborn life and the rights of unborn children." West Virginia amended its constitution to declare no right to abortion. If Roe's legal framework is abolished, 20 other states already have laws that could be used to further restrict or ban abortion, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a research center that supports abortion rights. (Pennsylvania and New Jersey are not among the 20.) No matter what happens, activists expect demand will only grow for medication-driven terminations, which now account for a third of all U.S. abortions. The regimen involves two drugs: Mifepristone, sold in the U.S. by Danco Laboratories and branded Mifeprex, disrupts the pregnancy, then misoprostol triggers uterine contractions that expel the grape-size fetus. In 2016, the Food and Drug Administration updated mifepristone's labeling to lower the dose and let women use it through nine weeks of pregnancy. But women still have to make two visits to the doctor, and they can't get the drug from pharmacies. It can only be dispensed in clinics or medical offices by specially certified health-care providers. By contrast, Women on Web, which uses mifepristone made by an Indian company, provides pills after the woman consults online with the prescribing doctor and gets a blood test. An ultrasound is recommended, but not required. Instructions explain how to use the drugs, what to expect, and when to see a doctor if problems occur. Gomperts did not respond to a request for an interview. But the Atlantic reported last month that Gomperts created Aid Access because she had been deluged with pleas from U.S. women. She said 600 women had so far gotten pills through the website. "She claims that every step of the Aid Access process is legal," the article said. Whether the FDA will agree that it is legal remains to be seen. In an emailed statement, the agency said it is "evaluating the allegations to assess potential violations of U.S. law," and it "warns consumers not to buy Mifeprex online because doing so bypasses important safeguards." The purported safeguards that limit dispensing are excessive, said Susan Wood, former director of the FDA's Office of Women's Health. "There's been a lot of [scientific] data and experience with this medication," said Wood, now a health-policy professor at George Washington University's School of Public Health. "It's more and more clear the restrictions should have been removed when it was relabeled a few years ago." As part of that relabeling, the FDA's own review concluded that "medication abortion has been increasingly used as its efficacy and safety have become well-established by both research and experience, and serious complications have proven to be extremely rare." Americans United for Life, an anti-abortion law firm, contends that the Aid Access model is not only unsafe, but in violation of U.S. postal and other regulations. "An ultrasound should be administered before the abortion pill because otherwise, you can't rule out an ectopic pregnancy, which is very dangerous," said AUL chief legal officer Steven H. Aden. "We're also talking to senators on Capitol Hill," he said, about federal intervention against the new web-based service. Transitioning to college is a big adjustment for any incoming freshmen and their parents. For young adults on the autism spectrum, this can raise a whole new world of concerns. Many parents of college students with autism wonder: Will my child be able to handle the independence? Will he or she fit in? Try not to worry about those questions too much. These nervous feelings are completely normal and understandable, and we often see success stories right here at St. Joseph's University. For example, we had a parent express concerns a few years ago about her son's ability to thrive at college while living independently. He visited our campus as a junior in high school and they eventually decided to try our autism support program. As an incoming freshman, the student strongly felt he did not need any accommodations, whereas his parents were concerned that the support wouldn't be enough. They weren't sure if he would be able to successfully self-advocate and branch out on campus. Over the years, his case manager and peer mentor through the Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support helped connect him with social opportunities and clubs on campus, and helped him navigate academics, too. Today, he is a senior preparing for graduation and considering his graduate school choices. He has a strong GPA, a group of close friends, and a bright future ahead of him. He's a shining example of how students with autism can go on to succeed in college. There are many things parents of high school seniors on the autism spectrum can do now to prepare their child for a more independent lifestyle in the future. Prepare for accommodations: Colleges and universities will require documentation within three years stating your child's diagnosis and current needs, which is designed to help disability personnel shape the accommodation plan. Colleges won't modify the curriculum, but accommodations can be made for academic assistance. Additionally, students will need to self-identify their diagnosis to the disability services office on campus. Practice self-advocacy: In high school, parents typically act as the advocate on behalf of their child. In college, students are expected to navigate independently and self-advocate when needed. Encourage your child to practice self-advocacy before college by taking more of a leadership role during Individualized Education Program meetings and communicating with teachers. Prepare for independent living: It's important that your child prepare for a more independent lifestyle by practicing college life skills such as making doctor's appointments, making purchases on a budget, doing laundry, and preparing small meals. Seeing their ability to complete these tasks firsthand will help give you peace of mind while they're away. Identify new activities: After high school ends, make sure to find community activities of interest to keep your child engaged in what he or she enjoys doing and to maintain quality of life. Plus, it's important that your child take advantage of opportunities to get involved in college. Let your child make mistakes: Allowing your son or daughter to make their own mistakes forces them to learn from the experience and grow for the future. Every mistake allows them to discover more about their limits and capabilities. Connect with other parents: Joining or creating a shared online platform to connect with other parents who are navigating the same new challenges is a great way to feel connected, stay informed, and bond about personal stories, issues, and share advice. It is important to remember that you are not alone. Although this change can be jarring, the preparation instilled before departure is the key to your child's success and yours, too. Many universities offer academic and social accommodations to support students with autism and other disabilities that can make this transition much smoother. Theresa McFalls is the associate director of community outreach and Bridget McElroy is the assistant director of program support at the Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support at St. Joseph's University. Republish this article Republish Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under Creative Commons license. Reconstructive surgery carried out between 1916 and 1918 Read more The metrics from World War I are horrific. In all, there were 37 million military and civilian casualties 16 million dead and 21 million wounded. Never before had a conflict brought such devastation in terms of death and injury. In response, during the four years of the war, military surgeons developed new techniques on the battlefield and in supporting hospitals that, in the war's final two years, resulted in more survivors of injuries that would have proved mortal in the first two. On the Western Front, 1.6 million British soldiers were successfully treated and returned to the trenches. By the end of the war, 735,487 British troops had been discharged following major injuries. The majority of the injuries were caused by shell blasts and shrapnel. Many of the injured (16 percent) had injuries affecting the face, over a third of which were categorized as "severe." Historically, this was an area where very little had been attempted, and survivors with major facial injuries were left with major deformities that made it difficult to see, breathe easily, or eat and drink as well as looking horrific. A young ENT (ear, nose and throat) surgeon from New Zealand working on the Western Front, Harold Gillies, saw attempts to repair the ravages of facial injuries and realized that there was a need for specialized work. The timing was right, because the military medical leadership was recognizing the benefit of establishing specialist centers for dealing with specific injuries and wounds, such as neurosurgical and orthopedic injuries, or victims of gassing. Gillies was given the go-ahead, and by January 1916 was setting up Britain's first plastic-surgery unit at the Cambridge Military Hospital in Aldershot. Gillies toured base hospitals in France to seek suitable patients to be sent to his unit. He returned expecting about 200 patients. But the opening of the unit coincided with the opening of the Somme offensive in 1916, and more than 2,000 patients with facial injuries were sent to Aldershot. Treatment was also needed for sailors and airmen suffering from facial burns. A strange new art Gillies described the development of plastic surgery as a "strange new art." Many techniques were developed by trial and error, although some mirrored work that had been done centuries previously in India. One of the main techniques Gillies developed was tube pedicle skin-grafting. A flap of skin was separated but not detached from a healthy part of the soldier's body, stitched into a tube, and then sutured to the injured area. A period of time was needed to allow a new blood supply to form at the site of implantation. It was then detached, the tube opened, and the flat skin stitched over the area that needed cover. One of the first patients to be treated was Walter Yeo, gunnery warrant officer on HMS Warspite. Yeo sustained facial injuries during the Battle of Jutland in 1916, including the loss of his upper and lower eyelids. The tube pedicle produced a "mask" of skin grafted across his face and eyes, producing new eyelids. The results, although far from perfect, meant that he had a face once again. Gillies went on to repeat the same sort of procedure on thousands of others. There was need for larger facilities for surgical and postoperative treatment and also rehabilitation of the patients, together with the different specialties involved in their care. Gillies played a large part in the design of a specialist unit at Queen Mary's Hospital in Sidcup, southeast London. It opened with 320 beds. By the end of the war, there were more than 600 beds, and 11,752 operations had been carried out. But reconstructive surgery continued long after hostilities ceased, and about 8,000 military personnel had been treated between 1920 and 1925. The unit finally closed in 1929. The details of the injuries, the operations to correct them, and the final outcome were all recorded in detail, both by early clinical photography and also by detailed drawings and paintings created by Henry Tonks, who although trained as a doctor had given up medicine for painting. Tonks became a war artist on the Western Front, but then joined Gillies to help not only in the recording of the new plastic procedures, but also with their planning. The only real advances The complex facial and head surgery necessitated new ways of delivering anesthetics. Anesthesia generally had advanced as a specialty during the war years both in the way it was administered, and also how doctors were trained. (Previously, anesthetics had often been given by a junior member of the surgical team.) The survival from operations requiring anesthesia was improving, although techniques were still based on chloroform and ether. The Queen Mary's anesthetic team developed a method of passing a rubber tube from the nose to the trachea (windpipe), as well as working on the endotracheal tube (mouth to trachea), which was made from commercial rubber tubing. Many of their techniques remain in use today. As an Austrian doctor wrote in 1935: "Nobody won the last war but the medical services. The increase in knowledge was the sole determinable gain for mankind in a devastating catastrophe." Robert Kirby is a professor of clinical education and surgery at Keele University. The author would like to acknowledge the assistance of Norman G. Kirby, major general (retired), director of Army surgery 1978-82. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Philadelphia district attorney Larry Krasner announces charges against two men involved in the shooting of police officer Paul Sulock, November 9, 2018. Read more Two men were charged Friday for allegedly shooting at and wounding a Philadelphia police officer this week in Kensington, District Attorney Larry Krasner announced at a news conference at his Center City office. Jerome Hill, 29, and James Gauthney, 19, were in custody Friday afternoon in the assault on Officer Paul Sulock, who was shot in a leg when he and his partner came across what police have described as a prelude to a shooting at G and Madison Streets just before 11 a.m. Wednesday. Krasner said video footage showed Hill using a gun to hit someone else before Sulock and his partner arrived. At that time, Krasner said, the officers tried to get the incident under control, but video shows Hill turning toward the officers and shooting at them. "I think it is extremely serious when anyone brandishes a weapon on the street but how much more serious when police arrive on the scene to make peace, and you turn and fire at them," said Krasner, who described the officers' actions that day as "heroic." Hill faces two counts of attempted murder, two counts of aggravated assault on law enforcement, and related charges, according to court records. His bail was set at $3.3 million. Gauthney, of the 6200 block of Crittenden Street, East Germantown, was charged with hindering apprehension, obstruction of justice, and related counts. Krasner did not detail Gauthney's involvement but said prosecutors would request bail of $1 million. The investigation was ongoing and could include additional defendants, Krasner said. Hill, of the 500 block of East Fisher Avenue in Olney, and Gauthney have extensive criminal records, according to court documents. In 2012, Hill was sentenced to four to eight years in prison after he pleaded guilty to several weapons charges, the records say. In 2009, he pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and weapons charges, earning a five-year probation sentence after serving up to 23 months behind bars. He was charged twice before in 2007 and 2009 with attempted murder, the records say, but both cases ultimately were dropped. In the earlier case, records show, a complaining witness twice failed to appear in court and prosecutors withdrew the charges. It was not immediately clear why the second case was dismissed. Gauthney, meanwhile, was due in court next week for two drug-related matters: a sentencing Tuesday, and the beginning of a trial in another case Wednesday. He also was scheduled to face another drug-related trial in January, court records show, and he was arrested twice more in 2018 for drug-related charges. One case was dismissed, the records show, and prosecutors had been attempting to refile a criminal complaint in the other. The circumstances of that case were not immediately clear Friday evening. Gauthney had appeared in court as recently as Oct. 30 for a status listing in one of his ongoing matters, according to court records. Krasner declined to comment on any prior cases involving either defendant. Police Commissioner Richard Ross said Sulock, 31, a 10-year veteran of the department assigned to the 24th District, was shot in the right thigh but managed to chase and apprehend one of the suspects after he was struck. Krasner declined to say whether Sulock had apprehended Hill, Gauthney, or someone else. Sulock was taken to Temple University Hospital after the shooting and was released Thursday afternoon. John McNesby, president of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5, said Friday that Sulock a father of four and the son of a city cop was in good spirits and overwhelmed by the support of his family, friends, and fellow officers. Police on Thursday identified two men killed in an apparent murder-suicide that happened Wednesday afternoon in North Philadelphia. Around 4:45 p.m., police were called to the 3300 block of North Howard Street and found Walter Scott Roseboro, 32, in a second-floor hallway bleeding heavily from several gunshot wounds to his chest. He was transported to Temple University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 5:12 p.m. His alleged shooter, Jorge Vasquez, 47, was found in a second-floor bedroom with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to his head. Vasquez and Roseboro shared the apartment, People at the scene said there were sounds of an argument coming from the apartment and then gunfire, police said. A triple shooting in the city's Point Breeze section Thursday night left a 15-year-old boy dead and two other males wounded, police said. Police called to the 1200 block of South 15th Street just after 7:30 p.m. found the three shooting victims there. The 15-year-old, identified Friday morning as Trevonte Marks, has been shot six times in the body. Police took Martin, who lived in the neighborhood, to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 8:10. A 16-year-old boy who was shot once in the right side and a 20-year-old man who had been hit in the leg and were reported in stable condition at the same hospital Friday morning. Police reported no arrests. Officer Paul Sulock was released from the hospital on Thursday. Read more The Philadelphia police officer shot in the leg Wednesday morning in the city's Kensington section was released Thursday afternoon from Temple University Hospital. Officer Paul Sulock, 31, and his partner interrupted a shooting and got into a gun battle with at least one suspect in the area of G and Madison Streets, Police Commissioner Richard Ross said. Two suspects were taken into custody on Wednesday, but no one had been charged as of Thursday night. Sulock is an 11-year veteran of the force and a father of four whose own father is a police officer. Historian and Rabbi Lance Sussman, of Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel, points to names of veterans on a memorial plaque at the Elkins Park synagogue. Read more The Jewish war veterans died on battlefields and in prison camps, on boats sunk by enemy fire, in planes shot out of the sky, but Rabbi Lance Sussman knew only their names two dozen, inscribed on a bronze plaque in the corner of a chapel at Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel in Elkins Park. Each year on the Sabbath before Veterans Day, he read them to the congregation. But the recitation seemed cursory, far short of fitting for men who gave their lives during a century of world-shaping conflicts, from the Civil War through Vietnam. So, five years ago, Sussman gathered a team of synagogue researchers and editors to compile the histories of those memorialized on the plaque. Their biographical sketches now fill a newly published, 58-page book, How the Mighty Are Fallen: Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel Veterans Memorial Book. During Friday evening's service, the rabbi not only read their names, but for the first time told their stories. The first name on the plaque and in the book the only one from the Civil War is Pvt. Isaac Snellenburg, of the Philadelphia department store dynasty. Lying about his age, he was able to join the Union forces while still a teenager and served as a drummer boy until his death in 1862 during a battle in Virginia. His family, whose members once sat in Keneseth Israel alongside fellow retail moguls in the Gimbel and Lit families, still attend the synagogue. His great-great-uncle's tragically foreshortened life "is something I'm very interested in," said Milton Snellenburg Jr., 83, a retired salesman from Schwenksville. "But all I really know is that he is buried in Mount Sinai Cemetery in Frankford." >>READ MORE: Tales from the Luckiest Generation in Elkins Park Alongside the Snellenburg bio are the stories of Capt. Frederick David Clair, a doctor who removed wounded men from the battlefield under fire during World War II; First Lt. George Lavenson, a Bronze Star winner who parachuted behind enemy lines before the Normandy invasion; and a young World War I private, John Falk Furer of Camden, who perished in France. The Furer-Barag-Wolf Post 126 of the Jewish War Veterans in Cherry Hill is partially named for his family. The book also includes two synagogue rabbis: Joseph Krauskopf, who served in Cuba during the Spanish-American War, and Bertram W. Korn, a chaplain in the U.S. Navy Reserve in World War II who achieved the rank of rear admiral. American Jews have been serving since the colonial era more than 500,000 fought in World War II alone. But their contributions are often overlooked, ignored and challenged because of ignorance and anti-Semitism, said Paul D. Warner, past national commander of the Jewish War Veterans of the USA, an advocacy group that operates its own museum in Washington. Jews were viewed as "shirkers" who ran away from their civic responsibilities, said Sussman, whose father and father-in-law were awarded the Bronze Star for their service in World War II. A perception of Jews as passive victims of the Holocaust despite acts of resistance such as the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising has fed the myth, said Joe Davidson, a researcher who worked on the book project. At the same time, Sussman said, the band-of-brothers ethos of World War II helped work against that misconception. "People fought with each other and died with each other," the rabbi said. "It was a kind of breakthrough." Yet, last November, Israeli diplomat Tzipi Hotovely questioned whether American Jews who "never send their children to fight for their country" could understand the "complexity" of the Middle East. Hotovely was responding to a TV interviewer's question about criticism of Israeli policies by some U.S. Jews, and she was widely rebuked. "It hit the fan. I met with members of the Israeli foreign office and chewed them out," Warner said. Hotovely later apologized. The most recent name added to the list of military dead was Marine Capt. Samuel A. Schultz, of Huntingdon Valley, who died at age 28 with three other Marines when their helicopter crashed during a training accident in April in California. Schultz's family doesn't attend the synagogue, but Sussman officiated at his services. The family was present Friday when the synagogue honored him. >>READ MORE: Learning from those who served To research How the Mighty Are Fallen, Sussman, assistant editor and graphic designer Joan Myerson Shrager, archivist Jack Myers, and Davidson scoured synagogue archives, newspaper articles, and websites such as ancestry.com, along with census, military and death records. They sent away to colleges and high schools for information. In addition to producing a memorial book, their work may eventually help recover the remains of Sgt. Noel E. Beck. Drafted into World War II in his mid-20s, Beck left his family home near Broad Street and Olney Avenue and headed to the Pacific, where he was an aerial gunner, firing rounds at the enemy from a B-29. His plane was shot down over Japan on April 15, 1945; trapped in a POW camp fire, he was presumed dead. Told via telegram that he was missing, his parents and siblings searched for details in newspaper articles. Various reports claimed that the prisoners were shot and killed during the inferno, or that they were left locked in their cells while the guards fled. His body was never recovered. In August, more than 70 years later, Barbara Geisler, a Berks County volunteer researcher with the MIA Recovery Network, which helps families establish the identities of missing veterans, found information online about the synagogue's book project and contacted Keneseth Israel seeking relatives of Beck. That led to a connection between Beck's family and the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, whose mission is to recover the remains of military personnel who were POWs or listed as missing in action. Last week, Beck's brother, David R. Beck, 85, of Philadelphia, gave DNA samples along with his sister and nephew in an effort to identify the remains of the missing airman. "It's very nice to know that my brother's sacrifice is being remembered," said David Beck, who was 13 when Noel was killed. His death "was the biggest event of my life. I loved my brother. He was a wonderful man." Democrat Andy Kim hugs NJ Senator Troy Singleton before announcing that he is the projected winner of the NJ 3rd District Congressional race. The announcement was before a packed crowd at his Mt. Laurel headquarters on November 7, 2018. Read more Andy Kim's lead climbed to 4,353 votes Friday in his tight race against incumbent Tom MacArthur in New Jersey's Third District congressional race, up from the 2,622 margin he had when he claimed victory Wednesday night. The number increased after 1,760 votes that had not been counted on Election Day were added to the tally late Thursday by the Burlington County Clerk's Office. Of those votes, only 29 went to MacArthur. MacArthur, a Republican, has not conceded and said in a statement Wednesday night that he would wait until all the votes are counted. In a text Friday night, MacArthur's campaign spokesman said there would be no comment. Burlington County officials said they will continue to count 4,800 provisional ballots through the weekend, and Ocean County will meet next week to finish its ballot count. The Third District includes many towns in Democratic-leaning Burlington County and a large swath of Republican-leaning Ocean County. On election night, it appeared that MacArthur won the district by about 2,000 votes, but there were still thousands of ballots that had not been counted in Burlington County. The unofficial tally on election night, which showed MacArthur had the edge out of more than 290,000 votes cast, did not include the 26,800 Vote-by-Mail ballots received in Burlington County. When those were counted the next day, Kim, the Democrat, went ahead with the 2,622-vote lead. Then, on Thursday night, the Burlington County Clerk's Office counted 1,760 more ballots. Poll workers in some districts had failed to deliver machine cartridges containing those ballots to the county's election headquarters on election night, and the machines in question had to be opened by court order on Wednesday night. Deputy Clerk Wade Hale said it was later discovered that some of those machines were empty and that poll workers had delivered the cartridges in the "wrong bags" instead of the container that was supposed to contain all the cartridges. Another problem was that one cartridge jammed and the back-up vote receipt had to be removed from the machine so the ballots could be counted. There are still about 7,200 provisional ballots in the district that have to be counted by election officials in Burlington and Ocean Counties, a process that could take days. But there are twice as many provisionals in Democratic-leaning Burlington and the count is not expected to change the outcome, Burlington County officials say. Burlington County Superintendent of Elections George Kotch said he expects he will have to work through the weekend to finish checking the 4,800 provisional paper ballots against voter registration records to determine which are legitimate. He said voters who were convicted of a felony, who were not properly registered, or who received a vote-by-mail ballot and submitted it would have their provisional ballots disqualified. Ocean County election officials said that they would not begin counting their provisional ballots about 2,400 until Wednesday, when a publicly advertised meeting will be held at 11:30 a.m. at the county courthouse in Toms River. An official said that two Republican election commissioners and two Democratic commissioners will "hand count" those ballots before they can approve the final tally. Ocean City High School Principal Matthew Jamison, who was named New Jersey's Principal of the Year, in the lobby of the school. VERNON OGRODNEK / For the Inquirer Read more When the lunch bell rings at Ocean City High, sending hundreds of students spilling into the hallways for a free period, principal Matthew Jamison is at his busiest. Jamison has made lunch a special time in the sprawling school in Cape May County with more than 1,200 students. After three class periods, the entire school takes a 55-minute break and students are free to do almost whatever they want eat in the cafeteria, socialize in a nook, hang out in the gym or television studio, or get in extra study time. It is a signature program for Jamison, a longtime educator who has been principal since 2007. Colleagues and students say it is that kind of thinking outside of the box that makes Jamison a favorite in the small, close-knit district at the Jersey Shore that enrolls students from Ocean City, Sea Isle, Upper Township, Longport, and Corbin City. Jamison was recently recognized in Washington, D.C., as the New Jersey Principal of the Year by the National Association of Secondary School Principals. He was awarded a $7,000 cash prize that he plans to use for technology for the school's newly developed Holocaust/Genocide Studies course. "I think he's great," said math teacher Samantha Dimatteo. "He keeps us on the ball." In less than a year, the district has captured three coveted top education honors. Ocean City is also home to the 2018 Superintendent of the Year, Kathleen Taylor, who was selected by the New Jersey Association for School Administrators, and American Sign Language teacher Amy Andersen was the state's Teacher of the Year for the 2017-18 school year. "We work hard, but we work hard as a system," Taylor said during a recent interview. "Every day we have to be the best we can be." Taylor, 67, who began her career as a social studies teacher in Norristown, has been leading the district since 2006. She previously was superintendent in the Haverford School District and an assistant superintendent in Sea Isle City schools. She encouraged Ocean City to embrace STEM initiatives and piloted a state program that changed how teachers are evaluated. Ocean City, a resort community of about 11,000 residents, has traditionally been best known for its beaches and boardwalks. The school district, which enrolls about 2,200 students in pre-K through 12th grade, has seen its academic star rise. This year, it attracted about 200 choice students under a state program that allows students to attend schools outside of their neighborhood. The district ranks highly in preparing students for college and career readiness and has a 95 percent graduation rate, although it lags slightly behind the state average in student proficiency on state standardized test scores. Newsweek recently rated the high school as one of the top 1,000 public high schools in the country. Ethan Hartley,16, a sophomore, said he was happy when his family moved to Ocean City two years ago. The aspiring photographer previously attended five schools in nearby towns. "Out of all the schools, this is definitely the best, by far," Hartley said. "I really don't want to leave. I love my principal." On a busy morning last week, Jamison left his office to check on students during the lunch period. He instituted the idea about six years ago to offer students a respite from academics. He greeted a group of Key Club members who posed for a photo for a UNICEF fund-raiser. Around the school, students staked out their favorite spots to hang out. "It looks a little chaotic, but it's not," Jamison said with a smile. As he walked the hallways, Jamison stopped to gently reprimand a girl stretched out on the floor in a hallway to sit up. "We still have some resemblance of a schoolhouse." Students say they enjoy the unstructured time and a rotating schedule. Students take six classes instead of eight a day, giving them longer classroom periods. Encouraging messages are posted around the school. One by C.S. Lewis reads: "You can't go back and change the beginning. But you can start where you are & change the ending." "He's giving us a lot of freedom," said Maya Swift, a sophomore. "It allows us time to study and do homework. We can also relax." Jamison, 52, graduated from the school in 1984. He became the principal in 2007 after administrative stints in Pittsgrove Township in Salem County, Atlantic City, and Linwood school systems. >>READ MORE: Sign language teacher in Ocean City is NJ Teacher of the Year Like Jamison, Taylor and Andersen have helped shape the landscape and culture in Ocean City and captured the attention of educators around the country. All three have worked together in the district for more than a decade and credit that for their success. "Someone asked what do you have going on in Ocean City. It's the salt air," Taylor quipped. Several years ago, Taylor set up a wellness center in the high school after a student suicide in 2014 and another one the following year. Today, about 25 students visit the center daily, where they can seek mental-health counseling, do yoga, relax, or have lunch, she said. "I felt that we needed something more," Taylor said. The school has seen a decline in the number of students who spend time out of class or get home instruction due to anxiety, she said. Andersen heads the American Sign Language program she started in 2004 with 42 hearing students; today it enrolls 176 students. Ocean City is among only about 33 districts statewide that offer the course as a world language. The district plans to expand the sign language program next year, adding another teacher, an AP class, and creating an American Sign Language Academy, another program offering under school choice, Taylor said. About 20 staffers in the elementary school are learning sign language after school and a recently hired kindergarten teacher who is deaf is teaching her students how to sign. Eventually, the district plans to enroll deaf students, she said. In April, Andersen, 46, was among four finalists for National Teacher of the Year. It was the first time since 1972 that a New Jersey educator had been considered. She took a six-month sabbatical traveling, providing professional development to other teachers and attending workshops. She also worked with the state Department of Education on a policy project to expand services to deaf and hearing-impaired infants and toddlers. She returned to the classroom in September with nearly 50 more students than she had last year. Former students have interpreted for former first lady Michelle Obama and Madonna. "I missed her teaching habits and her positive attitude in the classroom," said Sarah Whilden,18, a senior. "I just like having her around again." For a lesson for her third-year class, Andersen shared an exercise with students that she learned during her training that was modeled after "Humans of New York," stories of people on the streets of New York City. She paired students who were given a few minutes to interview each other verbally and then switch using only sign language to communicate. The goal was to get students to open up and learn about their classmates. "I love it. I'm back home," Andersen said. "It's really what fills me up every day." A cyclist passes in front of a parking garage at 16th and Addison streets in Philadelphia, PA on August 29, 2017. The garage is set for demolition to make way for townhouses. Read more Parking for a day at a private garage in Center City now typically costs $20 to $30. But owners of those garages are warning drivers that the price could increase to as much as $50 to $70 per day. On Thursday, they posted fliers in their garages and handed out pamphlets to announce that threat. Robert Zuritsky, president of Parkway Corp., said he places a large share of the blame on the taxes paid by the parking industry, including a 22.5 percent parking levy. Owners of lots and garages also pay property and use-and-occupancy taxes both of which have increased significantly with recent reassessments. The result, according to Zuritsky: "Our [parking] rates are going up too fast." The number of parking spaces in Center City is decreasing; Philadelphia has lost thousands in the last several years as owners of lots and garages convert them into more lucrative developments, such as hotels and apartment complexes. Philadelphia-based Parkway Corp. is among the companies that have redeveloped their parking real estate and, in many cases, have not included any parking spaces in the new construction. Zuritsky, along with other garage owners, has been lobbying city officials for years to reduce the parking tax, which is paid by drivers and included in the parking rates quoted by garages. Now, they're taking their fight to the public. In parking garages and lots across the city Thursday, a group of garage and lot owners that belong to the Philadelphia Parking Association began hanging posters and handing out pamphlets telling motorists that the price of parking is expensive because taxes are too high. "Half of every dollar you pay to park here goes directly to the City of Philadelphia," the posters read, underneath an image of a $20 bill ripped in half. Contending that they are losing money or just breaking even at the current rates they charge, parking garage owners have a proposal for the city: Lower the parking tax rate and offset the loss of revenue by taxing on-street metered parking or raising fees for residential permits, contractor permits, and parking violations. After years of the parking industry's lobbying unsuccessfully to lower the parking tax rate City Council voted to increase it in 2008 and again in 2015 it remains to be seen whether its efforts will lead to change. Council passed a bill in 2011, sponsored by then-Councilman Jim Kenney, that would have lowered the rate. Then-Mayor Michael Nutter vetoed it. While a spokesperson for Mayor Kenney said that conversations with the parking industry are ongoing, Kenney's chief of staff, Jim Engler, said that he doesn't want to base decisions based on the input of just one industry. "We should be looking at it holistically and setting the on-street parking rates because of everything else that is happening and because of the overall economy, the overall road space that we have," Engler said. Any legislation to change the parking tax would need to go through Council. Zuritsky and his father, Joseph, chairman and CEO of Parkway, said they have met with Council members, and would first like to have Kenney on board. After hearing doubts from the mayor's office about the idea of taxing on-street parking spaces, the Zuritskys chose to launch a more public campaign, including the fliers and posters. Joseph Zuritsky said he has not included spaces in the development of some of his parking lots because parking is not profitable enough, but he still worries about the loss of spaces in the city and a potential parking shortage in the years to come. "We think that is a disaster," he said. "What are you going to do, start tearing down these high-rise buildings?" The parking tax is projected to raise more than $100 million in the current fiscal year. Philadelphia taxes parking at a higher rate than most other major cities, according to a report that garage owners commissioned from Econsult Solutions. Like other business owners, the parking industry has also faced other tax increases. The property assessment at the Parkway-owned lot at 13th and Locust Streets, for example, increased 94 percent between 2017 and its latest 2019 assessment. That amounts to a nearly $22,000 tax bill increase annually. The Parking Authority taxes for parking in its lots and garages, but not metered on-street spots. Expanding the tax to those spots is the garage owners' top choice to offset their proposed tax decrease. The city's legal department determined that metered parking could not be taxed legally, Engler said. The city's 2015 Center City parking inventory a report completed every five years found that the average one-hour parking rate increased from $9.98 in 2010 to $13.39 in 2015. The 2017 Econsult report commissioned by the parking industry found that the price of parking for one hour is about $16. But given tax increases that went into effect with new commercial property assessments in 2017, Econsult said, garages would need to charge $25 for one hour of parking to break even. To maintain profit margins, Econsult said, parking would cost $34 per hour. Engler said the mayor's office is open to discussing options, such as raising the fee for contractor permits, which have not been adjusted in several years. "We're obviously open to those discussions," Engler said. "We understand the concerns that the garage owners have. At the same time, we have a school district that is in consistent need of revenue, we have a 26 percent poverty rate, and we are trying to make sure that we can provide services." Burlington County Board of Election Chairman Joe Dugan explains how the paper ballots will be counted in the NJ 3rd District Congressional race involving Democrat challenger Andy Kim and incumbent Republican Tom MacArthur. Dugan was speaking outside of the Burlington County Election Board offices in Mount Holly, NJ on November 7, 2018. Read more A day after Andy Kim claimed victory in the tight race for New Jersey's Third Congressional District seat against Republican incumbent Tom MacArthur, scores of election workers were frantically working behind the scenes Thursday to finish counting thousands of ballots. As of Thursday, the vote was 148,580 for Kim; 145,958 for MacArthur a 2,622-vote lead for the Democrat, but about 9,000 ballots are still waiting to be analyzed. "We're really busy here, I can't take any more questions," said a frazzled Joseph Dugan, chairman of the Burlington County Board of Elections, who waved his arms as reporters surrounded him. "We have people working hard in a small room in the back, and I can't have cameras in there to make it even more confusing." Kim, a newcomer to politics, said Wednesday night he felt his margin of victory was substantial enough to declare himself the winner, while MacArthur said in a statement he would wait until the last votes were counted. He said that there were 7,000 outstanding votes, but that figure changed Thursday as Vote by Mail and provisional ballots, and votes in cartridges, were counted. The Third District includes towns in Democratic-leaning Burlington County and Republican-leaning Ocean County. Kim prevailed in Burlington by about 32,000 votes, while MacArthur won by about 30,000 in Ocean. Election officials in Burlington County say the 9,000 uncounted ballots may have minimal impact. There were more provisional ballots cast in Burlington County than Ocean, and ballots that were not counted on election night when poll workers failed to deliver them on time to election officials come from heavily Democratic districts. On election night, officials in the two counties initially reported that each had about 3,000 or more provisional ballots. Burlington County has 4,800 and Ocean has 2,404. These are paper ballots given to voters whose names don't appear in the poll books. The ballots are inspected by the county superintendent of elections to see if the voters were eligible to cast a ballot. It's a time-consuming chore, and some election officials predict it might not be finished until Wednesday or later. In Burlington, about 1,000 votes weren't calculated on election night due to "human error," according to the county clerk. Poll workers in voting districts in five towns didn't deliver the cartridges in a timely fashion. In addition, 500 new Vote-by-Mail ballots arrived from the post office on Wednesday and Thursday, according to Dugan. The Ocean County Board of Elections reported it had received a total of 308 Vote-by-Mail ballots from the post office in the last two days. Any ballots received within 48 hours of Election Day can be included as long as they were postmarked by Election Day. At MacArthur's election watch party, GOP Chairman George Gilmore, who is also Ocean County's superintendent of elections, said the election would be close and MacArthur would not address the crowd because there were too many votes that were not tallied. During his announcement, Gilmore said was "confident Tom has won" but later added that that was his opinion based on the votes that were in. On election night, MacArthur was up by about 2,300 votes. But that lead evaporated Wednesday afternoon when Burlington County released its mail-in totals. Kim received the majority of those 26,800 mail-in votes: 14,487. Ocean County had included mail-in votes in its election night tally. Now the focus is on provisional votes. Election officials in both counties were checking databases to see which ones can be counted. "The doors are closed, and they're still counting votes and holding meetings," said an employee at the Ocean County Board of Elections. In Burlington County, Superintendent of Elections George Kotch said Thursday he had just received the 4,800 provisional ballots from the Board of Elections to review. "This will take a couple days to do, and we will probably work through the weekend," he said. Kotch said he must manually look at the paper ballots and compare them against a list of registered voters to see why their names didn't appear in the poll books at polling places throughout the county. Ballots will be disqualified if a voter is a convicted felon, is not registered properly, or received a Vote-by-Mail ballot. Under a new law, anyone who voted in the 2016 election with a mail-in ballot was automatically mailed a Vote-by-Mail ballot this year. Anyone on that list who showed up at the polls was given a provisional ballot to prevent voting twice. Burlington County Deputy Clerk Wade Hale said he has been examining about 1,000 ballots that were not counted on Election Day because the voting cartridges in five districts were not delivered to the county superintendent in a timely fashion. Hale said that poll workers in districts in Riverside, Mansfield, Pemberton, Evesham, and Chesterfield did not deliver all of the cartridges that were supposed to come in that night. After receiving a verbal court order from Superior Court Judge Ronald Bookbinder on Wednesday night, Kotch was authorized to open the voting machines that contained those cartridges and he turned them over to Hale to review. Hale said some of the cartridges were blank they were inside machines that were not used on Election Day. Another cartridge had jammed and Hale used the backup tape to tally those votes. Two other cartridges, he said, were found in poll worker bags instead of being delivered with the others on a cartridge rack. "Not a single vote was lost," he said. Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.), left, was reelected to a third term on Tuesday. He and Gov. Wolf performed well in key counties with working class voters that flipped from Barack Obama to Donald Trump in 2016. Read more Democrats rebounded Tuesday in some of the Rust Belt and Midwestern states that helped deliver Donald Trump the presidency, scoring statewide wins in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin and offering the party hope that it might be able to reclaim a vital piece of the president's coalition. En route to landslide victories, Gov. Wolf and Sen. Bob Casey carried key Pennsylvania counties rich with white working-class voters who flipped from Barack Obama to Trump in 2016. Their reelections, plus big Democratic victories in the other states, provided evidence they could still compete in the states where many of those voters favored Trump two years ago. Winning those three states, along with each one carried by Hillary Clinton in 2016, would enable Democrats to win back the White House in 2020. "What shocked Democrats in 2016 and what led to the election of Donald Trump was Democrats losing not Ohio, not Florida, but part of the so-called blue wall in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin," said J.J. Balaban, a Philadelphia-based Democratic strategist. "And the results on Tuesday night showed very clear signs of Democratic strength in Pennsylvania and Michigan," with more of a mixed verdict in Wisconsin, he said. Of course, Trump wasn't on the ballot, and his unique brand defies easy comparison to other Republican candidates. But there were warning signs nonetheless. In Wisconsin, Democrats knocked off Republican Gov. Scott Walker and swept other statewide races, though the GOP maintained its sizable majority in the legislature. Democrats in Michigan easily won the governor's office, retained a U.S. Senate seat, flipped two House seats, and made inroads in the state legislature. And alongside Wolf and Casey, Pennsylvania Democrats won three GOP-held U.S. House seats and ousted incumbent state Senate and House Republicans in the Philadelphia suburbs. "I think it always was going to be a challenge" for Trump to hold the Rust Belt states, said John Brabender, a Republican consultant based in Virginia. "That was the only path, but it's not a path that's easy to repeat." Trump won Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin by the narrowest of margins, so even a small decrease in support or increase in opposition could rewrite the electoral map. And, Brabender noted, Trump won't have the benefit in 2020 of running against the deeply unpopular Clinton, who became "the poster star of everything that's wrong with Washington." The Democrats who won Tuesday, like Wolf, don't come with heavy baggage, Brabender said. "If the election were held today and it was Trump and Joe Biden, Biden's winning Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania," said U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello, a Chester County Republican who didn't seek reelection. Analyses by Fox News and CNN both showed a majority of voters Tuesday had unfavorable opinions of Trump in the three states. He had better ratings in Ohio, where Democrats lost the governor's race, and where the GOP's grip appears more secure. In a sign that some Trump voters are still open to voting for Democrats, 1 in 7 Trump voters who participated Tuesday voted for Wolf, according to exit polls, and 1 in 8 voted for Casey. Nearly all Clinton voters backed the Democrats again. At the same time, Republicans and Democrats alike cautioned against reading too much into the midterm results. Democrats had established incumbents running in the Rust Belt Senate races. In addition, Trump's unique persona is difficult if not impossible to replicate, and the Democrats could well nominate another flawed candidate in 2020. Nevertheless, the results were cause for concern for the GOP, especially in Pennsylvania, where the party's support among college-educated suburbanites continued to erode. Consider Casey: He won the four suburban counties outside Philadelphia by 13 percentage points in his previous reelection, in 2012. On Tuesday he won the same counties by 25 points. The Republican candidates at the top of the ticket represented two strains of Trumpism, Balaban said: Gubernatorial candidate Scott Wagner embraced Trump's blunt style, and Senate nominee Lou Barletta ran on Trump's hard-line immigration policies. Both were defeated soundly Wagner by 17 points and Barletta by nearly 13. Trump recruited Barletta to run and held rallies in the state during the campaign. Vice President Pence campaigned here and helped raise money. Traditionally, Philadelphia's four Pennsylvania collar counties have been the bellwether for statewide campaigns. But in Pennsylvania and other swing states, Trump offset big losing margins in suburbs by drawing out droves of white, working-class voters who had traditionally supported Democrats. The election hinted at cracks in that coalition. After Trump captured three counties that Obama carried in 2012, Wolf and Casey won back two of them Erie and Northampton. In Barletta's home county of Luzerne which Trump carried by 20 percentage points Casey lost but held down the margin to 8 points. Wolf won the county narrowly. Republicans also suffered defeats down ballot in these counties. Democrat Susan Wild, the Allentown lawyer who won a GOP-held House seat in Pennsylvania's Seventh District, carried Northampton, and Democratic Rep. Matt Cartwright won Luzerne as he was reelected. Democrat Ronald DiNicola lost the 16th District congressional race by a slim margin, but he carried Erie County by nearly 20 percentage points. Turnout in the county was the highest for any midterm election since 1994. "We want to put to rest the notion somehow that Erie turned red," said Jim Wertz, chairman of the Erie County Democratic Party. Democrats say they can cut into Trump's rural advantage by playing up issues like health care, opioids, and infrastructure. Speaking Thursday in Washington, Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez pointed to Tony Evers, who defeated Walker, as a prime example. "He has spent a lot or time in rural Wisconsin and we were all organizing," said Perez, noting that voters there cared about protections for pre-existing medical conditions, and fighting opioid addiction. Casey, in an interview, noted that health care has turned from a liability to an asset for Democrats, now that the party has pressed it more vigorously and that voters have seen a House repeal vote that would have brought real consequences, rather than earlier GOP protest votes. When Democrats held the White House and could block the repeal efforts, he said, voters "never really felt the urgency of that threat." Staff writer Jonathan Lai contributed to this article. Settled into a booth at the Golden Dawn Diner in a blue suit, narrow-stripe shirt and tie, Andy Kim is, as he's been for months, instantly recognizable. All those attack ads, the booming voiceovers, the negative portrayals, his face filtered on television into something vaguely sinister, fires raging in the background. But here in this Edgewater Park diner, his 20-something press aide hunched over a laptop, Kim smiles as a woman leans over to whisper in his ear. "I voted for you," she says. It's the long-sought morning-after for Kim, 36, a former national security adviser in the Obama administration who declared victory Wednesday night in his long-shot quest to unseat two-term incumbent Republican Rep. Tom MacArthur, 58, a former insurance executive viewed by many as the most Trump-aligned congressman in New Jersey and an architect of the failed GOP attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act. The victory has yet to be made official, as thousands of paper ballots remain to be counted in the district that runs a trifecta of Jersey corridors I-295, Route 130, and Route 70 but Kim is taking a spin on the classic Jersey victory lap: hosting reporters one-by-one in a diner booth Thursday. "I'll let you in on a secret," he says, "I have not watched a single negative attack against me." Not many others in the Philadelphia or New York media markets that cover the Third Congressional District's twin halves of Burlington and Ocean Counties could say the same. Kim was relentlessly labeled a "tax cheat," "liar," "not one of us," and, in a mailer that used a vaguely Asian font to label the Korean American graduate of Cherry Hill High School East and Rhodes scholar who played cello in a blues band at the University of Chicago, "real fishy." Occasionally, while Kim was watching a YouTube children's show with his 3-year-old son, an attack ad against him would pop up for an instant. "Like 'Andy Kim,' you know, " he says," lowering his voice to imitate the almost comically exaggerated sinister tone of the ads. "And my kid is like 3, and he just points to the phone, and he's like, 'Da-da.'" The millions of dollars spent in negativity "might have backfired" against MacArthur, Kim said, especially in the final weeks of the campaign, after the Tree of Life synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh. "People in that final stretch were just so sick and tired of the negative attacks and the divisive language and the hatred that is just in the rhetoric of our leaders," he said. "The amount of time people talked about civility in politics in the end was extraordinary." The ads certainly raised Kim's visibility in the district, for better or worse at first, perhaps a bit awkwardly as he walked the aisles of his local supermarket in the early months of the campaign and people turned with a look of recognition. His South Korea-born parents, Jae and Chung Kim, fielded distressed calls from their friends about what they'd seen being said on TV about Andy. "I knew the lines of attack that they were coming after me," Kim said. "I didn't need the emotional distractions. My parents certainly were upset. At some point they boycotted TV just to avoid it." In the end, Kim says, he believes he won over the people of his home district with days and months filled with small events in living rooms, where people got to know him. He campaigned for more than a year without a primary opponent. He hired a lean staff of campaign professionals in the early years of their careers his campaign manager, Zack Carroll, is 26 who he says worked with a "no turf, no ego" ethos and a clear mission. "Democracy is something that is between people," he said, "not something that exists down in D.C. My opponent was someone who wasn't out there, wasn't engaging with people. He wasn't holding town halls. Not meeting with the voters. He wasn't able to generate that kind of interest and excitement." The night he and his wife, Kammy Lai, a tax attorney, decided to go ahead with the campaign she was nine months pregnant with their son, August, at the time he said she told him one thing: "The moment it becomes about your ego or your ambition, it's over." "As parents of a 3-year-old and a 1-year-old, to put our family through this, we had to make sure it was something that was not selfish," he said. "We felt we could make an impact at this moment in time. This was a critically important race [in a district] that I happened to be from and live in." In MacArthur, the campaign had in some ways an easy target. He was the only New Jersey congressman to vote for the tax bill. And people near and far were incensed at MacArthur for his role in the attempt to repeal Obamacare. MacArthur had mostly avoided public interactions since a disastrous town hall 17 months ago, in which citizens mostly shouted at him for five hours. "We know a lot of people saw this race as one of the most important and competitive races in the country right in their backyard," he said. "And I know a lot of people saw this not just to change a seat, but to hold the architect of the health-care repeal bill accountable for what he's done." Without MacArthur stepping up to fashion the "MacArthur Amendment" that critics say would have put coverage of people with pre-existing conditions at risk, but which rescued the Republican effort to repeal Obamacare, Kim says, he might not have run at all. He was in the hospital with his wife dealing with complications with her pregnancy when MacArthur popped up on the television screen, talking about his work on the ultimately failed repeal. "It was about the MacArthur Amendment," Kim said. "Had he not done the MacArthur Amendment, we probably would not be speaking right here. I could not believe that my own representative was the person who came up with the idea of gutting pre-existing conditions." Kim spoke on the trail of wanting a new generation of leaders, but one overlooked dynamic in the race was literally generational: Kim is 22 years younger than MacArthur, part of a wave of younger first-time politicians breaking the mold of conventional campaign wisdom of possibility. It's been an adventure, he said, that "pushed me to limits I never thought," tested his marriage, and inspired tens of thousands of volunteers and small donors, who invited him into their homes time and time again. "I've been living well outside of my comfort zone this whole time," he said. "I"m really proud of how my wife and I have been able to handle this, what we've been able to do. We've been able to stay true to the principles that we went into this with. At no point did I feel like I was losing sight of what got me into this race." The morning after he declared victory, boldly, as MacArthur has yet to concede he said he made the call personally, followed by a walk around the block with his wife to take stock of that decision he dropped his sons at day care, and the Kims of Bordentown went to breakfast with Andy's parents at where else? the local diner, Mastoris on Route 130. Rep. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., celebrates her victory over former Gov. Phil Bredesen in their race for the U.S. Senate Nov. 6. Like many GOP politicians, Blackburn criticized the Democratic opposition to Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Read more Brett Kavanaugh must have been smiling as the returns came in on Election Day, because it is now clear that the Democrats' campaign to destroy him will go down as a massive blunder. It failed to keep Kavanaugh off the court. It cost Democrats their chance to regain control of the Senate. And it gave Republicans an expanded Senate majority that will allow them to confirm an even more conservative justice next time around. Now, Kavanaugh sits on the Supreme Court hearing cases. Meanwhile, Democratic Sens. Heidi Heitkamp (N.D.), Joe Donnelly (Ind.), and Claire McCaskill ( Mo.) are packing up their Senate offices thrown out by voters furious over their party's brutal campaign of character assassination against Kavanaugh. Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia was the only Democrat who voted for Kavanaugh, and he survived but just barely. Two weeks before Election Day, Manchin was leading by double digits, but on Tuesday, he won by just over three points. Had he voted against Kavanaugh's confirmation, he would likely have been toast as well. The Democrats' smear campaign also cost them the chance to pick up GOP seats. In Tennessee, Rep. Marsha Blackburn was trailing former Democratic Gov. Phil Bredesen by five points in a CNN poll before the Kavanaugh hearings. She ended up winning by just under 11 points, as the Democrats' mistreatment of Kavanaugh united Tennessee Republicans behind her. The Kavanaugh smear no doubt also played a role in Texas, where Sen. Ted Cruz defeated Rep. Beto O'Rourke by just 2.6 points in one of the reddest states in the union. None of that might have been possible had it not been for the Democrats' treatment of Kavanaugh. As Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell put it, the failed effort to stop Kavanaugh was "like a shot of adrenaline" for the GOP base. Republican voters were outraged to see a good man accused, without a shred of corroboration, of sexually assaulting a teenage girl, exposing himself to a college classmate, and participating in gang rapes in high school. They were disgusted by Senate Democrats' insistence that the burden was on Kavanaugh to prove he didn't do it and by Democrats' blatant disregard for the presumption of innocence. They were energized by Kavanaugh's willingness to fight back and declare his treatment by Democrats a "national disgrace." And they punished the perpetrators of that disgrace at the polls Tuesday. Now Republicans have not only an expanded Senate majority but also a pro-life majority. Reports indicated that Trump had been close to nominating Judge Amy Coney Barrett, a devout Catholic and mother of seven, to replace retiring Justice Anthony Kennedy. Barrett became a folk hero among religious conservatives after Dianne Feinstein of California, ranking Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, grilled her over her Catholic faith during her confirmation hearings as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit last year. "The dogma lives loudly within you," Feinstein told Barrett, suggesting that her faith disqualified her. That outraged conservatives, who rightly castigated Feinstein for applying an unconstitutional religious test on Trump's nominee. As Harvard Law School professor Noah Feldman explained, Feinstein "insinuated an anti-Catholic stereotype that goes back at least 150 years in the U.S. that Catholics are unable to separate church and state because they place their religious allegiances before their oath to the Constitution." Barrett was confirmed for the Circuit Court. But when it came to the Supreme Court, Trump calculated that with a razor-thin GOP majority, he needed what was supposed to be a safer pick and went with Kavanaugh instead. Now, with an expanded, pro-life Senate majority, Trump no longer has to worry about losing a few GOP votes next time around. At every stage of recent Supreme Court fights, Democrats have miscalculated. Their mindless decision to filibuster Neil Gorsuch paved the way for Senate Republicans to get rid of the filibuster for Supreme Court nominees which made it possible to confirm Kavanaugh by simple majority. And if Barrett ever makes it onto the Supreme Court, Democrats can thank their horrific, defamatory treatment of Kavanaugh. The lesson for Democrats should be clear: Character assassination does not pay. Quite the opposite, it backfired big-time. Marc Thiessen writes a twice-weekly column for The Post on foreign and domestic policy and contributes to the PostPartisan blog. He is a fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, and the former chief speechwriter for President George W. Bush. @marcthiessen One hundred years ago next Sunday, the Allied Powers and Germany signed an armistice that officially ended hostilities on the western front of World War I. The following year, President Woodrow Wilson declared Nov. 11 a national holiday called Armistice Day. He praised all Americans, both those who fought and those who sacrificed at home for the war effort, saying that "we were able to bring the vast resources, material and moral, of a great and free people to the assistance of our associates in Europe who had suffered and sacrificed without limit in the cause for which we fought." Today, the concept of "sacrifice without limit" seems to be reserved uniquely in praise for veterans, like myself, who rose our right hands as a collective class to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. Americans seem to agree on very few things but we do continue to provide our veterans with plaudits like none other in history. >> READ MORE: This Philly high school lost 64 grads in Vietnam. Now it will have a new life | Ronnie Polaneczky I personally appreciate any man, woman, or child who thanks me for my service. But on Nov. 11, I don't want a mere thanks. Instead, in the spirit of unlimited sacrifice for our communities, I hope to hear "follow me" at a park cleanup. Or someone shouting "Lead the way!" while planting trees along the sidewalk. Or any number of statements, spoken by my neighbors in Philadelphia, urging one another to make this holiday a day of service. By the time you read this, my daughter may be born into our world, taking her first breath in our country. And it is for her, on this Veterans Day, that I think of the sacrifices we must make to heal our American spirit. These days, we actively choose to fragment into huddled political "tribes," led by the loudest and most shameless among us who highlight our bitterest natures. We've confused "action" with "reaction," believing that shouting on social media or "watching the news" counts as meaningful engagement. We've allowed ourselves to believe that we're part of something larger than ourselves because of the alerts on our phones or our keystrokes on a laptop. We've forgotten that our society was built by volunteers, strengthening single communities at a time by lending a hand at the synagogue or teaching children how to read. Being an active citizen requires more than online interaction. It involves, for example, volunteering for a place like Habitat for Humanity, which creates stability through shelter. Or asking "if not me, then who" and joining groups like the Doylestown-based Travis Manion Foundation for a neighborhood cleanup. It necessitates introspection as you determine what local causes matter deeply to you, and then action as you, for instance, pull on a food-stained sweatshirt and jeans you won't miss if they get paint on them and join Rebuilding Together Philadelphia to help fix homes for those who can't physically or financially perform the work themselves. >> READ MORE: Mental health care for veterans takes on the Warrior Ethos | Opinion Together, we must learn to truly "sacrifice without limit," to physically invest our sweat equity into our neighborhoods to create a more balanced and stable society. Think of something that you are passionate about. Maybe it's youth literacy. Or clean streets. Possibly animal welfare. Then simply Google that phrase along with your city. And then open the pages for a few of those organizations. Call them, don't email strike up that personal connection with your neighbor and ask how you can contribute right now. And if you're not sure where to start? Ask me or one of the thousands of other veterans in the Philadelphia area. And we'll tell you: Follow me. Will Woldenberg is a U.S. Army veteran of the Iraq war, a small-business owner, and a leader with Veterans for American Ideals. He lives in Philadelphia. The views expressed in this op-ed are those of the author and do not reflect the official position of the Department of the Army, Department of Defense, or the U.S. government. Guns and children and firearms or weapons access and violence on a child as a kid crossing traffic sign with a gunshot hole as a safety and risk symbol as a 3D illustration. Read more Lax gun laws kill kids. In a study presented this week at the American Academy of Pediatrics conference in Florida, a Stanford University trauma doctor said what we ought to know by now: The weaker a state's gun laws are, the more likely it is for children to be shot to death. Pennsylvania is among those states that should hang its head low. It has the loosest gun laws in the region, and the highest death rate per 100,000 children. According to Dr. Stephanie Chao's research, there were 3.05 deaths per 100,000 children in Pennsylvania in 2015. In New Jersey, which has the strongest laws in this region, the death rate was 1.55. About 25 children die from gunshot wounds in Pennsylvania every year and about 18 die in New Jersey, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Nationally, Chao found that gun death rates are twice as high among children in states with weak gun laws. (Across the country, more than 17,000 children are shot every year. Of them 2,700 die, reports the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence.) Chao's study is the latest in an overwhelming body of research that correlates gun laws and gun deaths. At least since the 1990s, studies have shown that child gun deaths can be reduced in states with strong gun-safety laws. Chao specifically tracks child deaths. Research by the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence reports that in 2017, the gunshot death rate for all Pennsylvanians was 11.9 per 100,000. In New Jersey, the rate was 5.5. Scientific research on guns, which is all too rare since the CDC is prohibited by law to embark on such research, leaves little wiggle room for the Republican leaders of Pennsylvania's legislature to continue protecting gun manufacturers at the expense of people. Legislators can take an easy step to reduce gun deaths by passing a child-access prevention laws. These laws simply require gun owners to lock up their weapons when not in use. In the latest session, such a child-access prevention bill wasn't even heard in the Judiciary Committee. Leaders have been killing gun-safety bills like this one for years. With every new high-profile killing, like Thursday's mass shooting of 12 people at a southern California bar, voters become more and more weary of inadequate gun laws. Gallup, for example, reports that 61 percent of Americans want tougher laws compared to 51 percent just a decade ago. Couple that with this week's elections in which Pennsylvania Republicans were swamped in statewide races, lost 12 seats in the House and four in the Senate with some races too close to call. Republicans lost in districts considered to be among the most gerrymandered in the nation. One way to read the results: Voters are tired of being overlooked on a host of issues, and they're starting to show it. Just two years from now, most members of the legislature will be up for election again. They should adjust to voters' changing attitudes on guns or live with the knowledge that they could have prevented a child's death. The crowd waves American flag during the Veterans Day parade at 6th and Market Streets in Philadelphia, PA on November 4, 2018. DAVID MAIALETTI / Staff Photographer Read more The Utah mayor and National Guard major who was killed in Afghanistan last week is a painful reminder on this Veterans Day of the ultimate sacrifice members of the U.S. Armed Forces make to keep our country safe. Brent Taylor, 39, was on his fourth tour of duty when he was shot and killed. He left behind seven children and a shaken community as the war in Afghanistan has dragged on so long that those born on 9/11 are now old enough to enlist. Of the more than 18 million veterans, more than 3.5 million served after Sept. 11, 2001, according to the Census Bureau. While the country makes sure to honor its veterans once a year thousands attended the Veterans Day parade in Philadelphia last week the rest of the time many veterans are left to struggle. The problems many veterans confront range from addiction, unemployment, and homelessness to suicide and post-traumatic stress disorder, which has spiked in the last decade. The 28-year-old man who shot and killed 12 people in a California bar last week was a Marine veteran who had several interactions with law enforcement officials in recent years, including a disturbance in April that prompted a mental-health specialist to talk to him. Meanwhile, Veterans Administration hospitals have been plagued with long delays for veterans seeking medical and mental-health care. A 2014 audit found more than 57,000 veterans waiting more than 90 days for an appointment and an additional 63,869 who requested medical care but were not added to a VA waiting list. President Trump made support for veterans a priority, but so far the results are mixed. He created a hotline for veterans to ensure complaints do not fall through the cracks and signed off on a plan to overhaul electronic medical records. The upgrades came with a cost: Trump recently signed the largest budget ever for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Other promises Trump made to veterans have fallen short. Despite the increased attention of problems plaguing the VA, many veterans still face months-long delays just to see a doctor, according to a recent Government Accountability Office report. The agency has also been hobbled by unsteady leadership. Trump's first two choices to head the agency flamed out and acting Secretary Peter O'Rourke came under fire for playing politics before current Secretary Robert Wilkie was confirmed in July. Then came reports in August that the Trump administration aimed to roll back enforcement of the Military Lending Act, which was designed to protect active-duty service members and veterans from getting cheated by predatory lending practices. A Department of Defense study found military members were four times as likely to be targeted by shady lenders. The current troubles at the VA are not new. Only the names and scandals seem to change. But the inefficiency and incompetence seem to remain. Yes, the VA is a complex bureaucracy. But the stakes are high. Veterans have already put their lives on the line; why are we making them do it again and again with a VA that is substandard? Veterans deserve much more than this. New Delhi/San Francisco: Search engine giant Google has rebranded its memory de-cluttering app Files Go app to Files by Google. Google said that it has also redesigned the user experience to make sure that the content of a customer's mobile phone is the focus when they use the app, keeping the same functions and playfulness When you clear out files you no longer need, we now celebrate how much you saved by telling you what youve freed up room forwhether its enough to take a few more selfies, or to download a whole movie!, Google wrote in a blog post. Files Go app was launched last December to free up space on mobile phones, find files faster and share them with others easily and quickly even without an internet connection. Files Go was built to solve file and storage management problems for the next generation of smartphone users in countries such as India, Brazil and Nigeria, Google said. Google said that in less than a year, Files Go has grown to serve over 30 million monthly users. The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has released the second list of 6 candidates for the Rajasthan Assembly elections. Candidates were declared from 79-Dholpur, 78-Baadi, 67-Ramgarh, 86-Mahuba, 76-Bathana, and 198-Jhalrapatan constituency on the directive of party supremo Mayawati. The BSP chief has already launched her campaign in Rajasthan, which is scheduled to go to polls on December 7. The parties are eyeing a total of 200 seats in the state. The last date for filing nominations in the state is November 19. The date of counting has been fixed on December 11. A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA from Telangana has said that the name of Hyderabad will be changed if the party wins Telangana Assembly elections 2018. The BJP MLA from Goshamahal Assembly constituency, Raja Singh, said that name of Hyderabad will be changed to Bhagyanagar if the party is voted to power. He further claimed that the BJP will also change the names of Secunderabad and Karimanagar. Speaking to news agency ANI, the MLA said, Earlier, Hyderabad was Bhagyanagar and in 1590 Quli Qutub Shah came to Hyderabad, he changed Bhagyanagar to Hyderabad. At that time many Hindus were attacked, many temples destroyed. We are planning to rename Hyderabad. Exhuming confidence of a BJP win in the state Assembly elections, Raja Singh further said, In Telangana, BJP will win in majority and then our first aim will be developing the state and the second objective will be renaming Hyderabad as Bhagyanagar. We will also change the names of Secunderabad and Karimnagar. This comes just days after Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath renamed Allahabad as Prayag Raj. Later during Deepotsav 2018 celebrations in Ayodhya, he announced that Faizabad district will be known as Ayodhya. Not just in Uttar Pradesh, but clamour for change of name of city has also grown in BJP-ruled Gujarat. According to Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel, the name of Ahmedabad will be changed to Karnavati if the government manages to get the required support to clear all legal hurdles. On Thursday, the Shiv Sena also reiterated its demand for renaming two towns in Maharashtra Aurangabad and Osmanabad. The demand for renaming of Aurangabad and Osmanabad to Sambhaji Nagar and Dharashiv, respectively, is not new with Shiv Sena, Shiv Sena leader Manisha Kayande had told news agency ANI. This is our long-standing demand and this has been raised several times. But Congress and NCP opposed it to appease the Muslim voters, she further said. New Delhi: Megastar Amitabh Bachchan and Mr Perfectionist Aamir Khan's latest big release 'Thugs Of Hindostan' opened to negative reviews upon its release on November 7, 2018. To add to the woes of the makers, the film got leaked online within hours of its release. According to Indianexpress.com, the film was leaked online by Tamilrockers, a site which is known for hosting pirated movies. The same site previously leaked ambitious Tamil outing 'Sarkar' featuring Vijay in the lead role. Soon after that Tamil Film Producers Council (TFPC) released a statement saying that the site must be prevented from hosting pirated versions of new films. After 'Thugs of Hindostan' was leaked online, several fans urged the makers to take action against the site. The YRF production received a lukewarm response from the audiences and critics alike. 'Thugs of Hindostan' features Aamir Khan in the lead role besides Amitabh Bachchan in a pivotal part. Fatima Sana Shaikh and Katrina Kaif play female leads in the period drama by Yash Raj Films. The venture is helmed by 'Dhoom 3' helmer Vijay Krishna Acharya. The film marks the first outing of Aamir and Big B together. Mumbai: Kangana Ranaut, who celebrated the Festival of Diwali this year with her loved ones at her hometown Manali, is back to the bay. The actress, who is awaiting the release of her upcoming period-drama 'Manikarnika: Queen Of Jhansi', is occupied with the post-production work of the film. On Friday, on the occasion of Bhai-Dooj, Kangyy was clicked outside film producer Kamal Jain's office in Juhu. Well, Kangana, who is known for her love for the quintessential Indian outfits, was seen decked up in a white-and-golden saree, mesmerising totally. Take a look at her photos here: (Photo courtesy: Yogen Shah) It is to be noted that after making the most of Diwali by spending quality time with sister Rangoli, brother Akshit Ranaut, nephew Prithvi and parents, Kangyy returned back to Mumbai on Wednesday, to resume her professional commitments. Kangana will be seen as 'Jhansi Ki Rani' in Krish's 'Manikarnika'. The period film is slated to release on January 25. It was reported recently that Kangana is apparently not satisfied with the VFX used in the film. A TOI report claimed that the actress feels that the VFX is not up to her expectations. And since the film is her dream project, she doesn't want to take any risk. The Queen of Bollywood, who has three National Film Awards (for her performances in 'Fashion', 'Queen' and 'Tanu Weds Manu Returns') to her credit will also be seen in 'Mental Hai Kya' opposite Rajkummar Rao and Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari's 'Panga' with Neena Gupta and Jassie Gill. Here's wishing Kangana all the very best. New Delhi: Finance minister said that Mastercard and Visa were losing market share to domestic payments networks, months after Mastercard complained to the U.S. government that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was using nationalism to promote a local rival. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley spoke about the surging growth of RuPay and Unified Payment Interface (UPI), which allows swift inter-bank fund transfers, on the second anniversary of Modi`s shock decision to replace high-value bank notes in a bid to flush out untaxed wealth. Modi has said when Indians use RuPay they were serving the country as its transaction fees stay within India and could help build roads, schools and hospitals, an endorsement that has worried Purchase, New York-based Mastercard, which is the world`s second-largest payments processor. "Today Visa and Mastercard are losing market share in India to indigenously developed payment system of UPI and RUPAY Card, whose share have reached 65 percent of the payments done through debit and credit cards," Jaitley said in a Facebook post about the various results of the note scrapping exercise, known as demonetisation. Visa declined to comment. Mastercard did not respond to an email seeking comment. RuPay process payments between banks and merchants for purchases made with credit or debit cards, while UPI instantly transfers funds between two bank accounts linked to mobile phones. SOCIAL MEDIA BACKLASH Jaitley was referring to the volume of transactions, not the value. Though RuPay, owned by many Indian and foreign banks, accounts for more than half of India`s 1 billion debit and credit cards, industry sources say Visa and Mastercard still process the vast majority of the value of payments transactions in the country. Indian payments transactions were worth $51 billion in August, according to central bank data. Jaitley said RuPay`s total transactions had leapt to 84.3 billion rupees ($1.16 billion) as of September, from 11 billion rupees before demonetisation. Total transactions done using UPI had jumped to 598 billion rupees ($8.26 billion) from 500 million rupees in October 2016, around the time it was launched. Reuters reported last week that Mastercard complained to the Office of the United States Trade Representative on June 21 that Modi "associated the use of RuPay cards with nationalism, claiming it serves as `kind of national service`." The Mastercard note said that while Modis digital payments push was commendable, the Indian government had adopted a series of protectionist measures to the detriment of global companies. The story sparked a backlash on social media against Mastercard in India, one of the world`s biggest payments growth markets. Several people said on Twitter they had asked their banks to replace their Mastercard with RuPay, with some using the hashtag #BoycottMastercard to voice their concerns. One user posted a picture of a Mastercard cut into pieces, while another named Ramesh uploaded a graphic with a Mastercard logo on a toilet flush. A spokesman for the Delhi arm of Modi`s ruling party, the Bharatiya Janata Party, said he had asked his bank to cancel his Mastercard and switch to RuPay. Mastercard did not respond to Reuters` emailed request for comment on the social media backlash. Ashwani Mahajan, who heads an economic group, Swadeshi Jagran Manch, which is linked to the ideological parent of Modi`s party, said on Thursday that companies such as Mastercard should be "competing with RuPay, not complaining to the U.S. government". "They have enjoyed their market share for so long, we have the right to protect and promote our economic interests," Mahajan told Reuters. New Delhi: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given in principle approval for strategic disinvestment of 100 percent government shares in Dredging Corporation of India Limited (DCIL) to consortium of four ports Vishakhapatnam Port Trust, Paradeep Port Trust, Jawahar Lal Nehru Port Trust and Kandla Port Trust. Presently the government holds 73.44 percent shares in DCIL. The approval will further facilitate the linkage of dredging activities with the ports, keeping in view the role of the DCIL in expansion of dredging activity in the country as well as potential scope for diversification of ports into third party dredging, an official statement said. The co-sharing of facilities between the company as well as ports shall lead to savings for ports. This would further provide opportunities for larger investment in DCIL as integration with ports shall help ineffective vertical linkage in the value chain, it added. The strategic disinvestment of DCIL shall be undertaken after conducting due diligence exercise by both the entities with the help of Advisors, appointed for the transaction. A day after meeting former prime minister and Janata Dal Secular (JDS) leader HD Deve Gowda and Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy in Bengaluru, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N Chandrababu Naidu is slated to meet Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) chief MK Stalin in Chennai on Friday. Chandrababu Naidu is meeting leaders of several opposition parties in a bid to unite them against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. During his meeting with Deve Gowda and Kumaraswamy on Thursday, Chandrababu had called for opposition unity to oust the BJP-led NDA government at Centre. The meeting, which was held at Deve Gowda's residence in the city's south-western suburb, lasted for about an hour. Speaking to reporters after meeting the JDS leaders, Naidu had said, The meeting with former Prime Minister Deve Gowda and Karnataka Chief Minister Kumaraswamy was an initial exercise to unite the opposition parties. Naidu is trying to form an alliance comprising different regional parties. He had said on Thursday that the opposition parties would work together to "save" democracy in India, accusing the central government of destroying institutions like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister also informed mediapersons that he had already held talks with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati, confirming that he would meet Stalin on Friday. Naidu had also reached out to the Congress party, terming the grand old party as the main anchor, even as he ducked a question on the prime ministerial face of the united opposition. The TDP chief had last week met Congress president Rahul Gandhi in the national capital on November 1. It is yet to be seen if Naidu would be able to form a united opposition, which would oppose the ruling BJP in the 2019 General Elections. New Delhi: Amid a row involving the top bosses of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), more than 150 officials of the intelligence agency will attend an Art of Living (Sri Sri Ravi Shankar) workshop with a view to enhancing the positivity within the organisation. The three-day workshop will commence on and from November 10, Saturday. Earlier in the day, CBI director Alok Verma appeared before Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) KV Chowdary in connection with the corruption charges levelled against him by CBI special director Rakesh Asthana. Both Verma and Asthana had met CVC Chowdary on Thursday, giving their views on the ongoing investigation into corruption charges against them. The CBI has been facing the heat since 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. Last 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) A day ahead of the 'Tipu Jayanti' celebrations in Karnataka on Saturday, BJP workers on Friday staged protests in Bengaluru, Karnataka, opposing the event. The Karnataka government has decided to celebrate the event to mark the birth anniversary of controversial 18th-century ruler of erstwhile Mysore kingdom, Tipu Sultan, bringing the state under a thick security blanket, amid threats of protest by the BJP. The state BJP, meanwhile, has urged the government to drop its decision to celebrate Tipu Jayanti and not to stand on "prestige" or "ego". BJP and some Hindu outfits see Tipu as a "religious bigot" and a "brutal killer", some Kannada outfits call him anti-Kannada, saying that he had promoted Persian at the cost of the local language. Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara, who held a meeting with senior officials about the celebration on November 10, said Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police of all districts had been directed to organise event and funds for it have been released from the Kannada and Culture department. This will be first such celebration of 'Tipu Jayanti' after Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy-led Congress-JD(S) coalition government came to power in the state. The previous Congress government, led by Siddaramaiah, began celebrating 'Tipu Jayanti' on November 10 every year since 2015, amid stiff opposition by the BJP, several Hindu organisations and some individuals. Meanwhile, BJP MLA from Belthangady Harish Poonja has asked the Dakshina Kannada district deputy commissioner Sasikanth Senthil not to invite him for the celebrations. In a letter to Senthil, a copy of which was released to the press here, Poonja said his name and designation should not be used in the invitations. The MLA said he was writing the letter in the context of the decision of the Karnataka government to celebrate the Tipu Jayanti at the state, district and taluk-levels. Celebrating the jayanti of a ruler who killed many Hindus and Christians during his regime amounted to betrayal of the people of the State, he said in the letter. Former chief minister, BS Yeddyurappa called the state government`s celebrations a gimmick to appease the Muslim community. "We are opposing this (Tipu Jayanti). Nobody will appreciate this celebration. Government`s intention behind the Tipu Jayanti celebration is just to satisfy the people of the Muslim community. Even within the Congress and JD(S), people are opposing this," Yeddyurappa, the Karnataka chief of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), told ANI. He further said that the state government should have celebrated former president APJ Abdul Kalam`s birthday instead of Tipu Jayanti. Congress leader DK Shivakumar, however, said that the BJP always opposes `national patriots'. "The BJP always opposes any national patriots. Tipu Sultan has a long history and there is nothing wrong in conducting Tipu Jayanti. BJP has its political agenda. They want to create some differences between Hindus and minorities," Shivakumar told ANI. Referring to the President`s speech in the Parliament last year, he said, "He (Tipu Sultan) was appreciated by his Excellency on the floor of the House for his historic battle. "Tipu Sultan had fought against the British and died in 1799 while defending his capital Srirangapatna, present-day Mandya, in Karnataka. Several leaders of the BJP, however, claim that the ruler was "against Kannada language and anti-Hindu" and thus flay the state government for celebrating his birth anniversary or Tipu Jayanti. On Wednesday, the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, sister outfit of Hindu right-wing group Sanathan Sanstha, demanded that the celebrations be called off. Bengaluru: Congress leader and former Karnataka Minister TB Jayachandra on Friday lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying if the latter has self-respect and faith in democracy, he should immediately step down. Sparking a controversy, the Congress leader raked up PM Modi's statement during demonetisation that he would not get bogged down even if he was burnt alive for the decision. "Prime Minister Modi had said (during demonetization) that give me 15 days or you can burn me alive. Now the time has come to do exactly that. If he has any self-respect then he should quit and go," Jayachandra said. #WATCH Congress leader and former Karnataka Minister TB Jayachandra says 'Prime Minister Modi had said (during demonetization) that give me 15 days or you can burn me alive. Now the time has come to do exactly that. If he has any self respect then he should quit and go.' pic.twitter.com/YFFvLgrmEl ANI (@ANI) November 9, 2018 He was taking part in a protest at Tumkuru to mark the second anniversary of demonetisation of high currency notes of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 two years ago. Modi had in November 2016 said there were certain forces up against him that may not let him live and destroy him due to his decision on demonetisation. His statement had come at a function in Goa. He had said that he would not get bogged down even if he was burnt alive. (With inputs from agencies) Srinagar: National Conference leader Omar Abdullah has questioned the Centre's participation in a dialogue on Afghanistan in the presence of Taliban representatives while holding no talks with stakeholders in Jammu and Kashmir. "If 'non-official' participation in a dialogue that includes the Taliban is acceptable to the Modi government why not a non-official dialogue with non-mainstream stake holders in J&K? Why not a non-official dialogue centered around J&K's eroded autonomy & its restoration?" he tweeted Thursday night. India had on Thursday said it would participate in the dialogue hosted by Russia at a "non-official level" in Moscow. The Moscow-format meeting on Afghanistan will be held on November 9 and representatives of the Afghan Taliban radical movement will take part in it, the Russian Foreign Ministry had said last week. "We are aware that the Russian Federation is hosting a meeting in Moscow on 9 November on Afghanistan. Our participation at the meeting will be at the non-official level," Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said. He said India supports all efforts at peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan that will preserve unity and plurality, and bring security, stability and prosperity to the country. NASHIK: The Indian Army on Thursday inducted new artillery guns and equipment, including three K9 Vajra, ten M777 howitzers and Common Gun Towers artillery tractors, at Deolali artillery centre in Maharashtra. The induction ceremony was attended by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Army Chief General Bipin Rawat. #WATCH Nasik: The M777 Ultra Light Howitzer which was inducted in the Army recently,in action. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Army Chief General Bipin Rawat were also present on the occasion pic.twitter.com/2eZgP28QHb ANI (@ANI) November 9, 2018 With the help of these new guns and artillery, armed forces will be able to target the enemies in hilly terrains. Taking to Twitter, the Defence Minister shared, State of the art Gun Systems being inducted today in the @adgpi - 155mm M777 A2 Ultra Light Howitzer. This medium gun can be heli-lifted even in mountainous areas. The K9 Vajra, 155mm 52 Calibre Tracked Gun is procured from S. Korea. Not a hybrid between a tank & a gun barrel but designed as a Self Propelled Gun. Ten guns assembled in India and ninety will be manufactured here. K9 Vajra is the first-ever artillery gun to be manufactured by the Indian private sector. The gun has a maximum range of 28-38 km. It is capable of burst firing three rounds in 30 seconds, intense firing of 15 rounds in three minutes and sustained firing of 60 rounds in 60 minutes, reported PTI. The Army will induct 100 of these guns at a cost of Rs 4,366 crore by November 2020. The first batch of 10 guns will be delivered this month, Defence Ministry spokesperson Colonel Aman Anand told reporters on Thursday. The next 40 guns will be delivered in November 2019, and another 50 in November 2020, he said. The first regiment of K9 Vajra is expected to complete by July 2019. The 155 mm M777 Ultra Light Howitzers are procured from the Govt of USA. 25 guns are coming in while 120 being assembled & integrated in India. Can be air-lifted to areas devoid of roads & tracks. Negotiations started in 2006, gathered steam in the last 3 years, added the Defence Minister. State of the art Gun Systems being inducted today in the @adgpi - 155mm M777 A2 Ultra Light Howitzer. This medium gun can be heli-lifted even in mountainous areas. @DefenceMinIndia Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) November 9, 2018 The Army is also going to raise seven regiments of 145 M777 howitzers. Five guns each will be delivered to the Army beginning August 2019 and the entire process will complete in the following 24 months. The first regiment will complete by October next year, the spokesperson said. A contract has been inked with the United States of America for as many as 145 ultralight Howitzer M-777, of which 25 will be brought to India in combat-ready condition. The remaining 125 guns will be made in India with the help of Mahindra Defence. The supply of the guns is expected to begin March 2019. The Army also inducted the Common Gun Tower, a 6x6 vehicle with cross-country capability, manufactured by Ashok Leyland. A third equipment is also being inducted today- the Common Gun Tower, a 6x6 vehicle with cross country capability. Required to tow the medium guns. These Common Gun Towers are made by the Indian Company Ashok Leyland, tweeted Sitharaman. The maximum speed of the vehicle without a tow is 80 km per hour and 50 km per hour with a gun attached to it. It is fitted with a crane that can handle ammunition weighing two tonnes. With agency inputs Patna: RJD chief Lalu Prasad's son and MLA Tej Pratap Yadav, who has been in the news for his failing marriage, Friday said he was currently putting up in Haridwar and would not return home till his family backed his decision to divorce his wife of six months. Talking to a regional news channel here over telephone, he extended his greetings to younger brother Tejashwi Yadav on his birthday, but said he would not be able to join the celebrations in New Delhi, where the RJD heir apparent has gone to meet their sisters. The mercurial RJD leader was last seen in Bodh Gaya on Saturday where he had checked in at a hotel after meeting his ailing father at a hospital in Ranchi. Lalu Prasad is learnt to have been upset over his elder son's decision to seek divorce. Prasad is serving sentences in a number of fodder scam cases. At present, he is lodged at a hospital in Ranchi on medical grounds. Tej Pratap Yadav and Aishwarya Rai - daughter of RJD MLA Chandrika Rai and grandchild of former Bihar chief minister Daroga Prasad Rai - had tied the knot on May 12. "Our differences are irreconcilable. I had said this to my parents before the marriage was solemnized. But nobody listened to me then and nobody is listening to me now. Until they agree with me, how can I return home?" Yadav said. The former Bihar minister also expressed displeasure over the role played by some of his close relatives, including in-laws, in his marital dispute. In an apparent rebuttal of reports that he has been feeling slighted over the growing clout of his younger brother, Yadav said, "I offer my blessings to Tejashwi. May he become the next chief minister of Bihar. I would be by his side and help him the way Krishna had assisted Arjuna in the battle of Mahabharata". Meanwhile, party national general secretary and Lalu Prasad's close aide Bhola Yadav requested journalists "not to make news out of differences within the family". "Lalu ji has been not keeping well. The developments have only made the matters worse for him and the way things are being highlighted in the media is causing him further anguish," Bhola Yadav - who has been by the side of the RJD supremo for most part of his incarceration - said. He also said that Prasad's wife Rabri Devi will not be performing 'Chhatth' this year. "She has decided to stay away from the festivities as she is also not keeping well. But please do not jump to any conclusions upon hearing this," Bhola told reporters. Chhath is arguably the most popular festival in Bihar and the Lalu Prasad family arranges for fervent celebrations on the occasion every year. The RJD national general secretary also extended his birthday greetings to Tejashwi and expressed hope that Tej Pratap would return home soon. NDA constituents LJP and RLSP made it clear on Thursday that they want to contest on the same number of seats in the next Lok Sabha election as in 2014. A speculation had been rife that the BJP and the JD(U) could field their candidates on 34 out of the total 40 seats in Bihar, leaving the rest for the Lok Janshakti Party and the Rashtriya Lok Samata Party. The BJP had won 22 seats in Bihar in the 2014 election, while Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan's LJP had contested on seven and won six. His colleague Upendra Kushwaha's RLSP had contested and won three seats. LJP's Bihar unit chief Pashupati Paras, a state minister, dismissed as "kite-flying" the rumours that his party and the RLSP are likely to make sacrifices in the wake of BJP president Amit Shah and JD(U) supremo and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar agreeing to contest an equal number of seats in the state in the next Lok Sabha election. "No seat-sharing talks will be complete until national presidents of all the four NDA alliance partners - BJP, JD(U), LJP and RLSP - sit together. That is yet to happen. All that is appearing in the media is hawa hawai (kite flying)", Paras, younger brother of Paswan, said. In reply to a query, he said, "Obviously we would like to contest from at least seven seats. We had won six of the seven from which we had contested last time and lost one by a slender margin of 7,000 votes. "Our graph has not gone down since the last Lok Sabha poll and there is no reason why we should not get our due share." Asked about the agreement Shah and Kumar reached, he said it indicates "nothing". "The 50-50 formula could mean anything. It could even imply that the BJP and the JD(U) would be fighting only 10 each, leaving the remaining 20 for other allies," he added. The RLSP insisted that it would not accept a share of less than three seats. Its national general secretary and spokesman Madhaw Anand told PTI, "There is no question of our agreeing to less than three seats. In fact, Kushwaha has conveyed the same to the BJP national secretary general in-charge of Bihar Bhupendra Yadav in person and to Shah over telephone". Kushwaha had met RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav in a Bihar town minutes after Shah and Kumar announced in Delhi that they have reached a seat-sharing arrangement, fuelling speculation of a political realignment in the state. Kushwaha, who shares an uneasy relationship with Kumar, has maintained that he is firmly with the NDA even as Tejashwi Yadav said there was a standing invitation to RLSP to join the opposition Grand Alliance. Relations between Kushwaha and Kumar soured further recently after a remark by the chief minister that speaking about the dispute over seat-sharing with the RLSP was tantamount to lowering the standard of discourse. Kushwaha has taken affront to the remark, claiming that Kumar, who is his erstwhile mentor, had in effect called him a lowly person and had taunted him for having joined hands with the BJP again after having taken umbrage over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's caustic remark about his political DNA during the 2015 assembly election. New Delhi: A senior manager of Tata Steel was on Friday shot dead allegedly by a former employee in Faridabad. The man died on the way to the hospital. As per initial reports, the accused fired five bullets targetting the deceased manager, the doctors said. The post-mortem report is yet to come. The deceased was identified as Arindam Pal while the accused has been identified as Vishwash Pandey. Pandey served the company from 2015 to 2018. #Haryana: Senior Manager of Tata Steel shot dead by former employee in Faridabad. Mujesar SHO says,Bullets were shot at senior manager by a former employee.He died on the way to the hospital. In initial reports,doctors say he was shot with 5 bullets. Post-mortem reports awaited pic.twitter.com/CNWhngKhAJ ANI (@ANI) November 9, 2018 Confirming the incident, Tata Steel, in a statement, said, "At around 1:10 pm today, an unfortunate incident took place at Faridabad office of Tata Steel Processing and Distribution Ltd (TSPDL), wherein Mr Arindam Pal, Senior Manager was shot dead with a firearm by Mr Vishwash Pandey, an ex-employee of the company." An investigation has been initiated into the matter. Expressing condolences, Tata Steel said that the company will extend all possible support to the family of the deceased. "Pandey worked with TSPDL from 2015-2018. After shooting Mr Pal, he immediately ran out of office and is still at large. Police are investigating the incident. Company extends its condolences to Mr Pal's family and is extending all possible support at this time of crisis," the statement further added. PATNA: Where is Tej Pratap Yadav? The RJD leader and Bihars former health minister allegedly went missing from his hotel room in Bodh Gaya, days after going public about his intention to divorce wife of six months. While some reports suggest that the older son of former Bihar chief minister Lalu Prasad Yadav could be in Varanasi, others suggest that he's in Varanasi. What remains to be seen is whether Tej Pratap will attend his younger brother Tejashwi Yadav's 29th birthday. Last year on Tejashwi's 28th birthday, Tej Pratap organised a special puja for his welfare and long life in Patna's Patandevi Temple, lighting 28 diyas. He later performed cow worship and offered a Tulsi (Holy Basil) tree procured from Vrindavan. Days after filing for divorce from his wife Aishwarya Rai, Tej Pratap went to meet his father Lalu in Ranchi. Sources claim that the father had summoned Tej Pratap to change his mind about the divorce, without any success. The duo met for a couple of hours at the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences hospital in Ranchi on Saturday, where the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo is lodged in custody in connection with a fodder scam case. While coming back to Patna, he checked in at a Bodh Gaya hotel on Sunday night, local MLA Kumar Sarvjeet said. He dodged his security staff to escape and has since been missing. He left the hotel Monday afternoon, saying he was going to Patna, Sarvjeet added. "I met Yadav, along with other party leaders, over dinner Sunday. He was looking exhausted. He bade us goodbye Monday, saying he was returning home. I have the knowledge of his movements only till his departure from the Royal Residency hotel," the MLA told PTI over phone. Tej Pratap is reportedly fond of visiting places of pilgrimage like Vrindavan and Varanasi for spiritual solace and one of his grouses against his wife is that she has not been able to adjust to his way of life. He recently spent a number of days in Vrindavan and was seen playing a flute with a peacock feather tied to his head in the midst of a herd of cows. Aishwarya Rai and Tej Pratap had got married on May 12 this year. Rai is the daughter of RJD leader Chandrika Raithe and grandchild of former Bihar chief minister Daroga Rai. "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)," Tej Pratap had earlier said. Speaking to news agency ANI, Tej Pratap's lawyer Yashwant Kumar Sharma said, "They couldn't get along. 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. Tej Pratap has also been dropping hints that he is not getting along well with younger brother Tejashwi, who has emerged as the party's de facto leader in their father's absence. With agency inputs London: Oil prices fell to multi-month lows on Friday as global supply increased and investors worried about the impact on fuel demand from of lower economic growth and trade disputes. Benchmark Brent crude oil fell to its lowest since early April, down more than 18 percent since reaching four-year highs at the beginning of October. Brent was 15 cents a barrel lower at $70.50 by 0925 GMT, down more than 3 percent for the week and more than 14 percent this quarter. U.S. light crude oil was 25 cents lower at $60.42, down 4.3 percent this week and off more than 20 percent since early October, putting it officially in bear-market territory. "There is no slowing down the bear train," said Stephen Brennock, analyst at London brokerage PVM Oil. "Instead, the energy complex has extended a rout driven by swelling global supplies and a softening demand outlook. "There is now a sense of inevitability that the European crude benchmark is poised to revisit the $60s per barrel." Oil peaked in October on concerns that U.S. sanctions on Iran that came into force this week would deprive the oil market of substantial volumes of crude, draining inventories and bringing shortages in some regions. But other big oil producers, such as Saudi Arabia, Russia and shale producers in the United States, have increased output steadily, more than compensating for lost Iranian barrels. The United States, Russia and Saudi Arabia are all now pumping at or near record highs, producing more than 33 million barrels per day (bpd), a third of the world`s oil. The U.S. sanctions, meanwhile, are unlikely to cut supply as much as expected. Washington has granted exemptions to Iran`s biggest buyers, allowing them to buy limited amounts of oil for at least another six months. China National Petroleum Corp said it was still taking oil from Iranian fields in which it has stakes. Washington has said it wants to force Iranian oil exports down to zero, but Bernstein Energy now expects "Iranian exports will average 1.4 million to 1.5 million bpd," during the exemption period, about half the volume in mid-2018. "As OPEC exports continue to rise, inventories continue to build, which is putting downward pressure on oil prices," Bernstein said. "A slowdown in the global economy remains the key downside risk to oil." A glut in the refining sector, where a wave of unsold gasoline has pulled profit margins into negative territory, may also lead to a slowdown in new crude orders as refiners scale back operations. New Delhi: A day after AR Murugadoss's 'Sarkar' starring actor Vijay faced a backlash from AIADMK over 'objectionable' scenes and apparent reference to late former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, prompting the makers to agree for the cuts, film producers Sun Pictures accused the ruling AIADMK members of resorting to violence and causing damage to property in theatres. "The ruling state government has indulged in violence and damaged theatres for a few scenes of Sarkar film. We did remove one or two scenes for the sole purpose of safeguarding theatre and life of viewers only," a company statement said. After several ministers objected to the reference to Jayalalithaa and some scenes, including the one showing mixers and grinders being burnt, AIADMK workers on Thursday protested in front of several theatres screening the film, released on Diwali on November 6. Several senior state ministers demanded deletion of the contentious scenes besides threatening to initiate legal action if the film crew failed to comply. In a related legal development, the Madras High Court on Friday restrained the police from arresting director AR Murugadoss till November 27. Passing interim orders on the anticipatory bail application filed by Murugadoss, who apprehended arrest in connection with some complaints lodged against him, Justice GK Ilanthiraiyan directed him to co-operate with the police and adjourned the matter to November 27. Murugadoss's counsel informed the court that the objectionable portions had already been removed from the film. The removal of the scenes prompted Information and Publicity Minister Kadambur C Raju to declare that the 'issue has come to an end' and that the AIADMK would not hold any more protests. "We believe they (Sarkar team) have realised that they have hurt people's sentiments and have come forward to remove the scenes... It is welcome. So the issue has come to an end. The protests (against the film) will not continue," he told reporters here. Defending the protests, Raju said AIADMK workers 'ranging from an ordinary cadre to the Chief Minister (K Palaniswami),' consider Jayalalithaa as their 'God'. "We have nothing to do with the film or Vijay," Raju said describing the star as a "dear friend." He said the party's opposition had nothing to do with criticism of the government. A name said to be referring to Jayalalithaa was used for a negative character and therefore the opposition to it was "wholehearted" from the party workers, he added. 'Sarkar' had earlier courted a row after an aspiring filmmaker claimed that the film's story was his, following which director Murugadoss went in for a compromise with him. Produced by Sun Pictures, the film stars Vijay and Keerthi Suresh in key roles with Oscar winner A R Rahman scoring the music. Vijay's 2017 film 'Mersal' too had run into a controversy after BJP objected to some scenes critical of GST among others. (With PTI inputs) Mumbai: Tigress Avni died due to excessive internal haemorrhage and cardio-respiratory failure and her stomach and intestines were filled with fluid and gas, indicating she had not hunted or eaten for 4-5 days, according to a provisional necropsy report. The tigress, who was believed to have turned man-eater and killed 13 people in the last two years in Yavatmal district's Pandharkawda area, was shot dead in Borati forest there last Friday. The examination, conducted by veterinarians of various institutions, has also revealed that two "major" parts of the bullet, used to kill the 119 kg tigress, were observed and that it died due to excessive internal haemorrhage and cardio-respiratory failure. Explaining the contents of the report, a wildlife expert said, "Observation of fluid and gas, without any solid content, means that the tigress had not hunted or eaten for about 4-5 days. However, it is commonly observed in large cats that they eat 25-30 kg meat on a single day and do not eat for 7 days at a stretch." The necropsy report states that a circular punctured wound on the skin of 0.5 cm diameter on left thoracic region was found and that the gunshot was fired from below the left scapular caudal angle. Explaining the report, the wildlife expert said the shot was fired from the left side of the chest and hit the scapula (shoulder bone) near the shoulder and punctured the lungs. Interestingly, the report further says a dart on the middle of the left thigh cranially was observed and that 5 ml capacity plastic dart with stabilisers and 1.5 inch collared needle "placed subcutaneously" was observed. It added that fascia (connective tissue underneath the skin) beneath the darted needle was intact. The wildlife expert said, ideally, the dart should have pierced the muscular region so that the tranquilising fluid can be absorbed by the blood. "However, the report indicates that the dart did not even pierce through fascia (in between muscle and skin), which does not have blood supply, and just punctured the skin," the expert said. The killing of T1, as the tigress was officially known, led to outrage among animal lovers and wildlife organisations. Union minister Maneka Gandhi had lashed out at the Maharashtra government and had dubbed it a "ghastly murder". The Maharashtra government, however, defended itself calling the incident "sad" but necessary after the tigress attacked forest staff trying to tranquilise it. Avni was the mother of two 10-month-old cubs. Mumbai: The four-day long Chhath Puja 2018 celebrations will begin on November 11. Women who hail from the states of Bihar and Jharkhand observe fast, offer their prayers to the Sun God and conclude the puja by worshipping Chhati Maiyya. Chhath Puja is believed to be the only Vedic festival dedicated to Surya (the Sun God). Women offer their prayers to Surya Devta to thank the Lord for sustaining life on Earth. Since the main puja revolves around the Sun God, sunrise and sunset timings are very important. According to drikpanchang.com, the sunrise and sunset timings for this year's Chhath Puja are as follows: Festivities begin with Nahay Khay on Chaturthi tithi (November 11). Sunrise at 6:38 AM Sunset at 5:32 PM On the following day - Panchami - Lohanda and Kharna is observed. (November 12) Sunrise at 6:38 AM Sunset at 5:32 PM Chhath Puja and Sandhya Arghya are performed on Shashti (November 13). Since the most significant day falls on the sixth day of the month of Kartika, it is called Chhath. Sunrise at 6:39 AM. Sunset at 5:31 PM. The festivities conclude on Saptami with Usha Arghya (November 14). Sunrise at 6:40 AM Sunset at 5:31 PM. Here's wishing one and all a very Happy Chhath Puja. At least one person was killed and several others were left wounded on Friday in Melbourne, Australia, after reports of multiple stabbing 'incident', according to Australian police. The chief of Victoria Police has said that the suspect was known to intelligence officials and local cops, and the incident is terror-related. The incident took place at Bourke Street as reported by Victoria Police. According to them, the police initially responded to a report of a car on fire near the corner of Swanston Street about 4.20 pm (10.50 am IST). But after reaching the spot they witnessed that several people were stabbed and critically injured. Later, a man was arrested after he was shot at the scene and taken to a hospital under police guard in a critical condition. (Update: Local media reports say that the man has died.) Addressing the media, Superintendent David Clayton said that the man who attacked the people was shot in the chest and he is currently critically injured. He also asked people to come forward if they have any information on the incident. Were live with Superintendent David Clayton following an incident on Bourke St in the CBD this afternoon. https://t.co/OkzIPBVb3m Victoria Police (@VictoriaPolice) November 9, 2018 In multiple videos that surfaced, a man can be seen trying to stab two policemen who try to make several attempts to wrest the knife from the man. One of the cops then shoots him. Meanwhile, a car can be seen blazing on the side of the pavement at the scene. However, the exact reason for the stabbing and burning of the car has not been ascertained as of yet. The area has been cordoned off and people have been asked to avoid the area. The Victoria Police took to Twitter to update on the situation. "Police are currently at an incident on Bourke St in the CBD. Police initially responded to a report of a car on fire near the corner of Swanston Street about 4.20pm. A man was arrested at the scene and has been taken to hospital under police guard in a critical condition. Police are not looking for anyone further at this early stage. A small number of people are being treated for stab wounds. The exact circumstances are yet to be determined at this stage. The area has been cordoned off and the public are urged to avoid the area." "Anyone with information or who witnessed the incident is asked to go to Melbourne West Police Station to make a statement. We will provide further information when it comes to hand," they added. PARADISE: A fast-moving wildfire roared through a Northern California town on Thursday, with deaths reported as it burned a hospital, hundreds of homes and sent tens of thousands of people fleeing flames in cars and on foot, authorities said. Driven by strong winds and dry conditions, the blaze dubbed the Camp Fire swept through the town of Paradise and threatened its 26,000 residents with 50-foot (15-meter) high flames. The town of Chico, population 93,000, could be next in the path of the wildfire, which was forecast to be driven westward overnight by 35-mile-per hour (56 km-per-hour) winds, said Butte County Fire Chief Darren Read. "We have received reports of some fatalities. Those reports have not yet been verified," Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea told a news conference. The blaze adds to what is already one of the worst fire years ever in California. Flames have already destroyed 621,743 acres (251,610 hectares), nearly twice the amount during the same period of 2017 and nearly triple the five-year average. "The whole town is burning," Bob Van Camp, a Paradise resident who escaped on his motorbike, told local TV channel Action News Now. "We had to ride through flames to get here," he said from the road between Paradise and Chico. With the town located on a ridge and limited escape routes, traffic accidents turned roads into gridlock. Residents abandoned vehicles and ran from the flames carrying children and pets, officials said. One woman stuck in traffic went into labor, the Enterprise-Record newspaper reported. "Its very chaotic. Its a very bad fire, Officer Ryan Lambert of the California Highway Patrol said of the evacuation. The blaze began early on Thursday and quickly charred 18,000 acres (3,237 hectares), forcing the evacuation of the 27,000 residents of Paradise, about 85 miles (240 km) north of Sacramento, Cal Fire said in a statement. Authorities used a bulldozer to push abandoned cars out the way to reach Feather River Hospital and evacuate patients as flames engulfed its old wing and the roof of the emergency department, Butte County Supervisor Doug Teeter told reporters. The hospital was later destroyed, Mike Mangas, a spokesman for operator Dignity Health, told Action News Now. The Paradise Immediate Care clinic was also destroyed, owner Brad Smith told the television station. China has reportedly barred Pakistan from disclosing the amount of financial aid given during Prime Minister Imran Khans maiden official visit to the country. According to a report in Pakistan-based Express News, Imran himself confirmed that Beijing had asked his government to keep the amount under wraps. The report said that Chinas directive to Pakistan to not disclose the amount was compelled by the concerns of regional partners of Beijing. The same was revealed as the Pakistan Prime Minister briefed the federal cabinet on his China visit. Imran reportedly told the cabinet that his visit was more successful than expected. He also said that China had assured every kind of assistance to Pakistan. Conflicting reports had emerged during Imrans China visit on the financial assistance or aid given by Beijing to Islamabad. While earlier reports said that China had assured a sum of $6 billion, some media reports later quoted senior Chinese officials as saying that more talks would be needed for finalising the aid. Notably, Pakistan had in October received $6 billion rescue package from Saudi Arabia. However, officials said that despite the Saudi and the Chinese financial aid, Pakistan would still approach the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to a bailout to emerge out of the financial crisis. Pakistan's foreign reserves have plunged 42 percent since the start of the year and now stand at about $8 billion, or less than two months of import cover. Lauding the leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Pakistani Prime Minister had said that the his vision and leadership is a role model. He had also said that no other country had tackled poverty and corruption the way China did. Xi had also hailed the new leadership of Pakistan, saying that the ties between the two countries had now gained momentum. While welcoming Imran Khan, he said, Pakistan China relations have already been strengthening, and now gained momentum. The relationship has not only benefited the two countries but also the region. UNITED NATIONS: North Korea postponed talks with the United States on Thursday "because they weren`t ready," US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said as she urged Pyongyang to take action to implement a June deal between the two countries. Speaking to reporters before and after a closed-door UN Security Council meeting on North Korea sanctions, Haley said it is now North Korea`s turn to act. She also criticized Russia for trying to lift banking restrictions that are intended to curb the Asian nation`s nuclear program. "There`s no time to stall or no time to delay or try and get past not going through with what was agreed in Singapore," said Haley, who will step down at the end of the year. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump pledged to work toward denuclearisation at their landmark June summit in Singapore. But the agreement was short on specifics and negotiations have made little headway. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had been due to meet North Korean officials in New York on Thursday, but the State Department said on Wednesday it would be postponed to a later date. It gave no reason for the delay. The North Korean mission to the United Nations did not respond to a request for comment. Describing the relationship between Washington and Pyongyang as "cordial," Haley said she did not think there was a "major issue" and she believed the talks would be rescheduled. The UN Security Council met to discuss sanctions on North Korea on Thursday at the request of Russia. Haley has accused Russia of cheating on UN sanctions on North Korea. After the short meeting, she told reporters Russia is looking to lift banking restrictions, which she said they are not following appropriately. "We`re concerned about the humanitarian situation in North Korea, but the truth always comes out," she said. "So now we know what their agenda is, we know exactly why they`re trying to do it and we`re not going to let it happen." Russia`s envoy did not speak to reporters after exiting the meeting. AID IN LIMBO Several requests by humanitarian groups for approval to ship aid goods to North Korea have been in limbo for months after the United States repeatedly asked for more time to consider them, an issue some diplomats had planned to raise in Thursday`s meeting, according to documents seen by Reuters. The UN Security Council has unanimously backed sanctions since 2006 to choke off funding for Pyongyang`s nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Aid groups, however, can request exemptions to send humanitarian assistance to the impoverished, isolated Asian state. Requests are made to the 15-member Security Council`s North Korea sanctions committee, which operates by consensus. China and Russia have said the Security Council should reward Pyongyang for "positive developments" this year. But the United States and other Western powers say sanctions must be enforced until there is full denuclearisation. "We have given a lot of carrots up until now. We`re not going to get rid of the stick because they have not done anything to warrant getting rid of the sanctions yet," Haley said. According to committee documents, a September request by a US-based charity and August requests by an Ireland-based aid group and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) have yet to be given the green light. "Our goal is to make sure that we don`t do anything if it`s going to be compromised and not go to the people," Haley said. "If it can be used in a different way, if we think they`ll use if for another purpose, we are taking our time in vetting that very carefully." BEIJING: Workers at a Chinese home renovation company who failed to complete their tasks had to drink urine, eat cockroaches or get whipped by a belt. Others had to shave their heads or drink water from a toilet bowl and had their salaries withheld by a month, according to images and videos on Chinese social media cited by state media. The punishments were all publicly meted out in the presence of other staff, state media said, citing workers who had quit the company in the southwestern province of Guizhou. Forgetful staff who did not wear leather shoes to work or failed to turn up in formal attire were given 50 yuan ($7.20) fines. Their misdemeanours were duly recorded in little, white slips. But most staff chose to stay despite the punishments, which started this year, state media said. Three managers at the company were jailed from five to 10 days on the charge of humiliating others, according to a social media post by the local public security bureau. Labour conditions in China have often been described by activists as harsh and unforgiving, with workers having to work excessive hours and live in cramped quarters on meagre wages. At the Guizhou company, many of the punished showed little outward sign of unhappiness, according to state media, choosing instead to accept their fate. One soldier of the Ukrainian government forces was wounded in action On Thursday, November 8, Russian armed mercenaries opened fire in Donbas seven times; one Ukrainian serviceman was wounded in action. The Joint Forces Operation HQ reported that on Facebook. The enemy used RPGs, heavy machineguns and small arms to attack Ukrainian outposts. The most intense combat activity was observed in Luhansk region. Apart from the mentioned kinds of weaponry, the militants fired 82 mm mortars; the mines hit positions of Ukrainian troops in Krymske, Luhansk region. Skirmishes were also observed in the areas of Krasnohorivka, Starohnativka, Chermalyk, Pavlopol and Shyrokyne. On one occasion, the enemy used Minsk-banned weapon. Dozens of European countries protest against the recent attack on the OSCE SMM drone in the militant-occupied area of Donbas; the incident occurred on October 27. The EEAS, European External Action Service released the respective statement, which may be found on the authority's website. The list of almost 40 countries includes EU member states, as well as Ukraine and other candidates for EU membership. The complainants reminded that the UAV was downed in the night of October 27 near Nyzhnokrynske in Donetsk region. 'In its preliminary assessment, the SMM concluded that the most likely cause of the downing was an impact to the UAV and that eight people heard an explosion in the area around the time of the incident. Moreover, the downing followed shortly after the spotting by the UAV of a surface-to-air missile system 9K33 Osa, as well as yet another convoy of seven trucks driving toward Manych on a dirt road near the border with the Russian Federation where there are no border crossing facilities', the report says. 'These facts suggest Russia and the armed formations it backs bear responsibility for the incident and demand an explanation by the Russian Federation. We underline that any interference with SMM technical equipment goes against the letter and spirit of the Minsk agreements. Those responsible for any wilful damage, destruction or loss of SMM UAVs and other assets should be held accountable, both politically and financially', the document carried on. An OSCE SMM drone disappeared during the flight over the occupied territories of Donetsk region on October 27, according to the report of the mission. The UAV spotted a 9K33 Osa surface-to-air missile system in 72 km from Donetsk at 1:18 a.m. near Kalynove settlement. After, the vehicle was sent towards Saurivka. The monitors stated on noises recorded during the flight over the areas Saurivka and Nyzhnokrynske, according to the assessment they were caused by jamming. Earlier, the observers of the OSCE SMM has spotted the air defense missile system 9K33 Osa in 70 km from Donetsk at the territory uncontrolled by Ukraine. Related: Hug's words about Russian military in Donbas are his personal opinion, - OSCE SMM Related: OSCE drone takes fire in occupied Donbas The overall price of the batch makes approximately 3,000 U.S. dollars Smuggled coffee seized at Mariinka checkpoint, November 2018 Joint Forces Operation Facebook Operatives of the tax police of the State Fiscal Service and the State Border Guard of Ukraine detained a man on Mariinka checkpoint in Donetsk region. He tried carrying 391 kilograms of grain coffee across the checkpoint. The Joint Forces Operation HQ reported this on Facebook, adding that the man appeared to be the local resident who carried the coffee under the guise of his personal belongings. The overall price of the batch makes approximately 3,000 U.S. dollars. The operative agents seized the goods. The State Fiscal Service reported that since the beginning of the year, the agency's employees who monitor the division line in Donbas seized smuggled goods worth some USD 500,000 in total. Most recently, a group of smugglers used force against the patrol of Ukrainian border guard; the incident occurred in Chernivtsi region, southwestern Ukraine near the border with Romania. According to the State Border Guard, the border guard unit was on duty, when they spotted about 20 people carrying some goods to Romania. As the malefactors were detained, the latter resisted, inflicted injuries on the border guards and tried escaping. The reinforcements arrived, and then the law enforcers found four boxes with cigarettes left by the smugglers. The police were informed of the incident; the investigation is underway. The Prosecutors office of Kyiv pressed charges against three individuals from Kyivavtodor, who engaged fake enterprises, in order to take part in a bid, to possess the city budget funds allocated for the maintenance of the urban road network of the capital in the amount of USD 300,000. Spokesperson of the Prosecutor Generals office Andrii Lysenko reported this on Facebook. Secret ledgers, computer equipment and fictitious documentation, which confirms the commission of illegal financial and economic operations to embezzle the budget funds, were found during the searches in the communal establishments and at the place of residence of the involved individuals. Presently, a measure of restraint in the form of house arrest has been chosen for all suspects. According to the law, such actions are punishable by deprivation of liberty for a period from 7 to 12 years with confiscation of property. The pre-trial investigation in the criminal proceedings continues, the progress is being monitored by the General Prosecutors Office of Ukraine. As it was reported earlier, the officials of the capital municipal corporation Kyivavtodor are suspected of stealing hundreds of millions of hryvnias; the law enforcement officers exposed them. Experts from Ministry of Finances, IBI-Rating, ICU, Dragon Capital Expert-Rating assessed banks during the preparation of viability rating for the third quarter Open source Ukrgasbank entered the top five most sustainable banks in Ukraine in the bank's viability rating of the financial edition of the Ministry of Finances, reports the press office of Ukrgasbank. According to the rating experts, it is the first time a state bank becomes one of the most sustainable and properly competes with foreign banks. One of the main indicators, which defines the place of a bank in the viability rating, is the loyalty of depositors. Besides, an additional survey was conducted among the rating experts, in respect of the bank, which experts would trust more than USD 7,200. The experts gave Ukrgasbank the second place. Besides, the reputation, the experience of the financial institution and the index of the resilience of banks, which include the following indicators: dependence of the bank on individuals' deposits, funding quality, profitability, liquidity, capital adequacy and the scale of the banks activities were taken into account while compiling the rating. Analysts noted that the situation in the financial market in Ukraine was stable in the third quarter, and brought profit. The positive financial result of banks reached USD 394 billion over January February 2018. Experts from Ministry of Finances, IBI-Rating, ICU, Dragon Capital Expert-Rating assessed banks during the preparation of viability rating for the third quarter. Reportedly, Ukrgasbank became one of the most stable among the state banks of Ukraine, according to the rating of the second quarter of 2018 of the financial edition of the Ministry of Finances. Also, Ukrgasbank yet a second year in the row enters the three leading banks of Ukraine, and chairman of the board Kyrylo Shevchenko became one of the best TOP-managers in the annual rating 50 leading banks of Ukraine of Financial Club edition. Open source A common German-French Main Battle Tank should be created by 2035. Both countries are determined to complete this project at any costs. Krauss-Maffei Wegmann concern can execute an order for several thousand tanks. 60 years ago, Germany and France had already planned the joint tank's production. However, that project was not destined to be realized, and as a result, the German Leopard 2 chassis and a Leclerc turret were born. But this should not happen again. At least representatives of the Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) concern, which produces Leopards, are sure of this. According to them, the intentions of the parties are so serious that neither German nor French party would dare to prevent the development of a joint tank. French President Emmanuel Macron recently spoke in favor of creating a "real European army," thus confirming these intentions. These prospects seem to be very attractive for the defense industry. KMW CEO Frank Haun said in the spring that orders for the production of new tanks and artillery systems could reach more than 100 billion euros by 2050. Currently, European countries (including Russia's neighbors) have a total of about 8,000 tanks of different classes, with an average age of 40 years. According to some rough plans, sooner or later at least 5,000 new armored vehicles will be required to replace them. New German-French tank, which should appear by 2035, should play a crucial role in it. Its price would amount to 10 million euros. Experts also underline the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS). Essentially significant points like the drive and the mass of the new combat vehicle have not been determined yet. It is only known that it will have various effective systems along with the gun. This would in no way affect the basic complexion of a heavy battle tank though, insiders assure. As is the case with the planned Future Combat Air System (FCAS) European aircraft, which, presumably, could be used in conjunction with the UAVs, the concept of using the new tank will also be subjected to modernization. French state concern Nexter and German KMW unveil no details on the success of their elaborations. In addition, the military departments of both countries have not yet created the crucial requirements for the development of the tank. Nexter and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann are not particularly informative, and it is a common behavior for the armaments industry. Since 2015, both companies have been involved in the joint venture company KNDS, KMW plus Nexter Defense Systems, whose headquarters is located in Amsterdam. In 2017, the turnover of KNDS amounted to 2.7 billion euros. Of these, 1.34 billion euros accounted for enterprises of the KNDS group. The revenues from the customers orders are estimated at 3.4 billion euros. So future orders will still exceed the turnover. At the same time, profits were made both by the KMW group and Nexter. On the one hand, KMW makes public its new orders, and its management hires new employees. Nevertheless, according to the last report of Wegmann holding, KMW parent company: "In the long run, orders and turnovers of KNDS group depend, in particular, on the position of the German and French governments regarding the export of military equipment." KMW CEO Haun has already announced that, despite a large tank order from Qatar received in 2013, he does not exclude that exports to NATO countries would be limited. According to him, the final decisions are made by the politicians. KMW leadership has long been urging to adhere to a common European defense policy, instead of acting alone. A major project to develop a new battle tank would require pan-European cooperation. Most likely, the British and Italians will be interested in participating in the supertank creation. Thus, consolidation will continue. In the coming years, its results to become more obvious, insiders of the German company said. At the same time, KMW considers itself a reliable and stable partner within the German-French KNDS joint venture, despite the recent death of Chairman-Supervisory Board of Krauss-Maffei Wegmann Manfred Bode, who passed away aged 77 after a long illness. His son Felix took the supervisory board post. KMW supervisory board consists of 27 people, including the heirs of three families. According to the insiders, their fortunes have grown at least four times over the past 15 years. At some time, another defense industry representative, the Rheinmetall concern, tried to acquire a portion of the shares of a private rival company, but without success. In any case, Rheinmetall tried to prevent French convergence with KMW. Gerhard Hegmann Read the original text at Die Welt. This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or 112.International and its owners. Kurt Volker publicly pressured Ukraine to extend the law on the special status of Donbas This past summer, the US special representative for Ukraine negotiations Kurt Volker, publicly pressured Ukraine to extend the law on the special status of Donbas - a provision of Minsk agreements, a ceasefire pact, which provides for overly broad local self-governance in Russia-occupied Ukraine, as well as extensive amnesty to local collaborators. The provision is a highly unpopular concession to Moscow, regarded by many Ukrainians as a poison pill for the country's political system, with deeply undermining consequences for Ukraine's nationhood. Although it is an explosive political issue in the country, Volker argued that not extending the law would "do more harm than good" as Moscow would "use it as a reason to accuse Ukraine of non-compliance with the Minsk agreements." This reasoning is perverse for the simple reason that a dead deal cannot be violated. If Ukraine had not extended the law, it would not have been a violation of Minsk, but a simple recognition of the fact that Russia's non-compliance constitutes a fundamental breach, nullifying the agreement. Western pressure on Kiev to implement dangerous concessions, while Russia continues to attack Ukraine's sovereignty and violate the Minsk Accords with impunity, is met with deep resentment in Ukraine. However, being in need of Western support against a formidable foe, on 4 October, with just over the bare minimum necessary for the vote to pass, the Ukrainian parliament approved the extension of the special status law to 31 December 2019. The decision was lauded in the West as demonstrating Ukraine's continued commitment to the Minsk agreements. In a joint statement on Ukraine, the eight former and future EU members of the United Nations Security Council "welcomed" the renewal of the Donbas legislation. This political game, where the victim of unprovoked aggression has to prove its commitment to peace, has long surpassed the point of farce. Dead horse It is time for Western governments to publicly declare what is acknowledged in private - Minsk is dead, and a more effective course to repress Russian aggression against Ukraine is long overdue. While limiting the number of casualties and preventing Syria-like destruction in more of Ukraine, the initial usefulness of Minsk has run its course. There is no enduring ceasefire. The Minsk Accords have not repressed Russian aggression against Ukraine, and do absolutely nothing to address Moscow's crimes against humanity in the occupied regions. The war rages on, costing several lives every week. Ukraine is no closer to enjoying peace and seeing its sovereignty and territorial integrity restored than when the first Minsk memorandum was negotiated in 2014. The Kremlin has maintained the appearance of adhering to some of its obligations so it can pretend it has not walked away from the agreements. But the truth is that Russia has barely honoured any of its obligations under the Minsk Accords, flagrantly violating them for years. Not only have Moscow's persistent and habitual violations rendered the Minsk Accords de facto null and void, but now, in clear and indisputable violation of both the letter and spirit of the Minsk agreements, on 11 November, Russia will hold fake 'elections' in occupied Donbas. After this watershed moment, there can no longer be any pretence that Minsk is alive. The popular argument that without Minsk, EU sanctions would have to be lifted because they are tied to the implementation of the agreements is nonsensical. Under this reasoning, if Russia unilaterally decided to officially withdraw, then there would be nothing for sanctions to be tied to, and they would have to be lifted. This was clearly not the intention of the sanctions policy. New sanctions In light of Russia's de facto nullification of the accords, the EU should finally tie the entire complement of sanctions to the full restoration of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to the cessation of all forms of Russia's multi-vectored war (political subversion, terrorism, cyber-attacks, information warfare, economic pressure, and crimes against humanity). Taking into account precedents set by the United Nations in dealing with other rogue regimes in the past, sanctions should go as far as a full economic embargo, with an oil and gas for food programme to deprive Russia of funds for its war efforts, and a nuclear disarmament programme to remove the nuclear threat Moscow uses to advance its aggressive geopolitical agenda. However challenging the implementation may be, such a revised sanctions regime will be proportional to Russia's violations of international law, and substantially increase Western leverage over Moscow to stop its aggression against Ukraine and diminish its threat to international security. It will also free Ukraine from the toxic obligations of the dead Minsk agreements in which the Kremlin got to play the role of mediator rather than be treated as the party guilty of aggression. The fact that Russia has been allowed to continue its unlawful war against a peaceful neighbour for almost half a decade without facing drastic repercussions is a spectacular moral and legal failing. The West should finally exercise its full political and economic power to force Russia to end the war and to bring about a just and enduring peace to Ukraine. Read the original article here. The worst thing in the entire conflict is the suffering of civilians, the U.S. Envoy in Ukraine's affairs says Open source The current armed conflict in eastern Ukraine is actually the worst war in Europe since the Yugoslavian crisis in the 1990s. Kurt Volker, the U.S. Envoy in Ukraine's affairs said that as quoted by Ukrinform news agency. 'The situation that has been dealing damage to the population of Eastern Ukraine is still horrible. This is the war that goes on in Europe. It already led to a huge number of deaths since the War in the Balkans in the 1990s, and it led to a huge number of refugees emerging due to the war in Europe - more than ever since WWII', Volker claimed. Besides, according to him, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine already took more lives of Ukrainian soldiers than the War in Afghanistan did (regarding the U.S. military, - 112 International). The worst thing in the entire conflict is the suffering of civilians, the U.S. Envoy in Ukraine's affairs said. 'They suffer from the absence of freedom in the occupied areas; they die because of mines and explosive items; they face the constant threat of hunger, lack of drinking water and diseases; and these threats grow all the time', the U.S. diplomat said. He also met the lawyer of Kateryna Handziuk Johannes Hahn, the European Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations has urged to prosecute the perpetrators and instigators of the attacks at the activists in Ukraine as the press service of the EU Delegation to Ukraine reported on Twitter. "The attacks at the activists are unacceptable and the perpetrators and instigators of them should be prosecuted," Hahn claimed. The European Commissioner met the activists and lawyer of murdered Kherson public activist and deputy of Mayor Kateryna Handziuk. November 4, it became known that Kateryna Handziuk, Adviser of Kherson's Mayor, died aged 34. She was doused with sulphuric acid in July this year. According to preliminary information, the death was caused by thrombus detachment. Besides, the official reason for the death of Handziuk was specified. It is multiple organ failure and chemical burns. President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko expressed his condolences in accordance with the death of the adviser. He required the law enforcement bodies to do everything possible to find the murderers and punish them. Related video: On November 19, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of EU member states intend to discuss the situation in Ukraine at the meeting in Brussels Sanctions might be imposed against the organizers of the so-called elections in Donetsk and Luhansk Peoples Republics, as Ukraines Foreign Minister told the journalists, 112 Ukraine reports. Sanctions will concern those connected with the organization of this pseudo-elections and those who will be elected. We have just discussed it with Johannes Hahn (European Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, -ed.). Sanctions question will be separately raised at the meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers. Now, it is about specific actions, not only political slogans, as Russia understands only the language of force. Political statements are important, solidarity is as well, yet, actual steps are more effective, Klimkin said. It should be noted that on November 19, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of EU member states intend to discuss the situation in Ukraine at the meeting in Brussels, as Radio Liberty correspondent Rikard Jozwiak reports. Eu foreign ministers will talk about the situation in #Ukraine when they meet in Brussels on 19 Nov. The elections in #Donbas will be discussed & the possibility of sanctioning some of the organisers. #Azov sea and #Crimea will also be on the agenda. #Russia Rikard Jozwiak (@RikardJozwiak) November 9, 2018 As it was reported, the militants scheduled the so-called elections in occupied Donbas on Sunday, on November 11. The heads of the republics and the peoples deputies are to be elected. Ukraine and the international community have already condemned such elections. The representatives of the Kremlin stated that they decide on recognition or non-recognition after the final results. The President of Ukraine expects new anti-Russian sanctions due to the voting it organized in occupied Donbas. The Secretary of Ukraines National Security and Defence Council Oleksandr Turchynov stated that all the organizers and the participants of the elections on November 11 would be defined and prosecuted in compliance with the Ukrainian legislation. Ukraine's Security Service stresses that Russia wants to return the occupied region to Ukraine as federal, autonomous or other formations People with flag of Donetsk People's Republic in Kyiv, November 16, 2016 Facebook Olexiy Golobutsky Russia does not intend to include the occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions the so-called Donetsk and Luhansk Peoples Republics, as Vasyl Hrytsak, the Head of Ukraines Security Service, said at the briefing. The Kremlin has never considered the so-called LNR, DNR as possible subjects to be included in Russia. Its real goal is to return them to Ukraine, as federal, autonomous or other formations with a right to veto the European integration and Euro-Atlantic aspirations of Ukraine. Russia needed and needs to create at least an illusion of the legitimacy of these pseudo-republics to achieve that. That is why, Russia imitates the process of free expression in ORDLO (occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, - ed.) through conduction of the so-called elections, Hrytsak said. As it was reported, the militants scheduled the so-called elections in occupied Donbas on Sunday, on November 11. The heads of the republics and the peoples deputies are to be elected. Ukraine and the international community have already condemned such elections. The representatives of the Kremlin stated that they decide on recognition or non-recognition after the final results. The President of Ukraine expects new anti-Russian sanctions due to the voting it organized in occupied Donbas. The Secretary of Ukraines National Security and Defence Council Oleksandr Turchynov stated that all the organizers and the participants of the elections on November 11 would be defined and prosecuted in compliance with the Ukrainian legislation. One can find dozens of T-shirt with Soviet symbols on Amazon - hammer and sickle Amazon selling clothes with Soviet symbols amazon.com Lithuanian activists demand to take the goods with Soviet symbols off Amazon, as Delfi reports. We think that Soviet symbols are the symbols of bloody crimes, which killed the same number of people as during Nazism period, Giedrius Sakalauskas, the author of the initiative said. He urged to spread a hashtag #WhyNotSwastika. According to him, the action was initiated in Lithuania, which was joint by Estonia, Latvia, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, Georgia and Armenia. Recently, a similar incident took place. Worlds largest chain store Walmart suspended selling clothes with Soviet symbols under the request of the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry. Open source More than 122,000 road accidents took place in Ukraine from the beginning of 2018. Oleksandr Fatsevych, the Head of the Patrol Police of Ukraine made such statement during the launch of the 'ghost bus' as the press service of the National Police reported. 'Unfortunately, from the beginning of this year, more than 122,000 road accidents took place. Victims were reported in almost 20,000 cases. However, in comparison with the previous year, the number of accidents decreased by 10%; this issue is still of the high priority for the prevention by the police as we talk about the lives and health of people,' Fatsevych noted. According to him, from the beginning of the year, the police spotted roughly 800,000 facts of speeding and 94,500 facts of the driving in the state of alcohol or drug intoxication. Reportedly, since October 8, the Ukrainian police have been monitoring the road traffic in Kyiv and in many regions across the country, using the TruCam surveillance systems. The TruCam devices were set next to the road signs warning of photo and video recording of safety violations, on the certain sections of international highways and in the cities where the high level of road accident hazard is observed. Service transport vehicles with blue flash beacons will be there, too. The investigative group, officers of the Emergency Service and doctors work at the site In Tarashcha, Kyiv region, a 15-year-old boy sprayed the pepper gas at the school as the National Police in Kyiv region reported. In the result of the incident, 30 children were evacuated, nine children were hospitalized. The investigative group, officers of the Emergency Service and doctors work at the site. The police negotiate with a boy and figure out where he took the cartridge and why he sprayed it. Preliminary, it is established that the seized cartridge is in a free sale. On November 2, the teenagers at school beat an 11-year-old schoolgirl in the village of Berdyanka of Kharkiv region. The girl was hospitalized in a local hospital with a joint injury. Earlier, Khmelnytskyi school 1 caught on fire. Children were evacuated and taken to the park nearby. As we reported the Great Famine of 1932-1933, widely known as Holodomor in Ukraine will be studied in Ukrainian schools more thoroughly than before. The Ministry and the National Museum 'Memorial for Victims of Holodomor' signed the respective agreement, which implies that the school program will feature more scrutinized approach to studies of Holodomor of 1932-1933 in Ukraine. According to Valeriy Chaly, the Ambassador of Ukraine to the U.S., the perpetrators take advantage of credulity the Americans have Open source The Ambassador of Ukraine to the U.S. Valeriy Chaly reported about informational attacks at the Embassy on Facebook. In particular, fake calls to the American partners on his behalf. I must inform the friends about regular use of elements of information war against Ukraine on the territory of the U.S. Over the past week, weve got some additional facts about attacks at Ukraines Embassy in the U.S., he wrote. In particular, there were attempts to reach the governors to organize provocations. Last example was an unsuccessful try to reach the Governor of San Francisco, which was revealed, and the conversation of the Governor of Sebastopol, California and fake Ukraines Ambassador, which, unfortunately, was not prevented. Chaly wrote a statement in Russian addressing the individuals interested in the disrupting the work of the Embassy: We understand your goals and the scale of resources involved. We know that you are not going to cease the system attack. Therefore, we will be working in the U.S. even more effectively to protect the national interests of our country and enhance Ukraines strategic partnership with the U.S. Earlier, the Embassy reported on fakes. The U.S. governors received requests on the behalf of Ukraines Ambassador Chaly to conduct phone conversations. He claimed that in the case, such initiative is supported by the parliament, he will "bring a real order to Ukraine" during three months Open source Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman claimed that he will ask the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine to strengthen his authority as 112 Ukraine broadcasted. "I want to say, that as prime minister and government, we do not possess enough authority. So, temporarily, possibly, consider this. I will amend the law on the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine on the strengthening of the authority of the Prime Minister of Ukraine. If you support this, then during three months, I responsively declare, I will bring a real order to Ukraine," Groysman said. According to the information of portal "Word and Case", Groysman fulfilled 49% of his promises. The authority of the prime minister is regulated by article 42 of the law on the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine. According to it, the head of the government holds the work of the Cabinet of Ministers; particularly, he coordinates the activity of the members of the government, other central bodies of the executive authority, local state administrations. He files petitions on the appointment on the members of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine (except the Foreign Minister and Defense Minister), head of the Anti-monopoly Committee of Ukraine, TV Committee, Chairman of State Property Fund of Ukraine to the parliament. The prime minister offers the candidates for the posts of the chairmen of city state administrations to the parliament and on the filing of the petitions to the president on the appointment or dismissal of the heads of the of the city state administrations. He can offer to create, organize, re-organize or liquidate the ministry or any other central body of executive authority. The head of the government forms the agenda for the Cabinet of Ministers, calls such sessions and chair them; he signs acts for the Cabinet of Ministers and General Agreement, in some cases he binds the acts with the sign of the president. The prime minister represents the government in the relations with other bodies, enterprises, establishments in Ukraine and abroad, signs the international agreements. The head of the Cabinet of Ministers submits the offers on the approval of the chairmen of the joint inter-governmental commissions on cooperation created in accordance with the international agreements for the consideration of the government. He can order to open a disciplinary proceeding against the ministers and their deputies, heads of other central bodies of executive authority and their deputies; he applies the disciplinary sanctions against these persons. The Prime Minister of Ukraine can execute other authorities provided by the legislation, particularly, the Constitution of Ukraine. Recently, Groysman reported that Ukraine and Israel could sign the free trade zone agreement in the end of November. Kyiv Pechersky District Court arrested a land parcel and banned construction of a museum in Heavenly Hundred alley in Kyiv till the investigation experiment is over, as Ukrainian News reported referring to the courts decision as of November 6, 2018. Therefore, the court granted the application of the General Prosecutors Office and seized land parcel area of 0,5353 hectares, which are in permanent use of Heavenly Hundred National Memorial Complex the Museum of the Revolution of Dignity. Besides, the court banned the representatives of the museum and other individuals from using the mentioned land parcels, in particular, to perform any actions aimed at damaging, spoiling, destructing and transforming the landscape of the area, objects (installations, pillars, advertising constructions), green areas, and perform any other actions which might lead to destruction of the evidence of shooting of the protesters on February 18-20, 2014 or to the change of conditions within this area till the investigation is over. In its application, the General Prosecutors Office noted that on February 20, 2014, Berkut officers shot 49 and injured 80 activists on the Euromaidan. The Heavenly Hundred memorial was temporarily dismantled so that the General Prosecutors Office could carry out an investigation experiment. One of the most tragic events in the history of independent Ukraine took place in Kyiv on Maidan Nezalezhnosti 4 years ago, on February 18-20, 2014 - the brutal execution of participants of the Revolution of Dignity. During the clashes in the center of the capital, 73 civilians and 11 law enforcers were killed. The Trade Unions Building on Maidan burnt to the ground. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko posthumously awarded 104 Heroes of Heavenly Hundreds the title of Heroes of Ukraine, as well as three foreigners - a citizen of Belarus Mikhail Zhiznevsky, Georgia - Zurab Khurtsia and David Kipiani. They were posthumously awarded the Order of the Heavenly Hundred Heroes. The so-called "election" under control of the pro-Russian militants in occupied Donbas planned for November 11 Open source Oleksandr Turchynov, the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) claimed that all organizers and partakers of the so-called "election" in Donbas, which should be held by the militants of "Donetsk People's Republic" (DPR) and "Luhansk People's Republic" (LPR) on November 11, will be spotted and prosecuted as the NSDC press service reported. Turchynov reminded that the voting under control of the militants is condemned by the leading countries of the world; it is an attempt to discredit the Minsk Agreements and strengthening of the Russian control at the occupied territory of Ukraine. "The law enforcement bodies will spot all organizers and partakers of this pseudo-election and they will be prosecuted inevitably," he claimed. NSDC head emphasized that the participation and organization of this "election" fall under a number of articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. "I want to assure all those, involved in the holding of these criminal events in the groundlessness of the hopes to avoid the responsibility for your actions; I warn that you have only one chance to refuse from the participating in the crime," Turchynov claimed, concluding that "temporarily occupied Donbas and Crimea" were and will be an integral part of Ukraine". Earlier, Russian militants announced that the local election would be held on the territory of "people's republics" in Donbas on November 11, 2018. This is due to the assassination of Aleksandr Zakharchenko, former leader of 'Donetsk People's Republic.' Russian delegation in Minsk talks group said it was ready to recognize the outcome of the election. Ukraine's Poroshenko stated that the 'elections' would have no legal consequences and would not be recognized by the international community. Besides, Poroshenko emphasized that holding the "elections" in occupied areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions might cause a new wave of sanctions against Russia. On November 6, Iryna Gerashchenko, First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, reported that the Russian delegation officially claimed about the recognition of the elections in occupied Donbas during the negotiation of Minsk Trilateral Contact Group. Related video: Ukraines Prosecutor General Yuriy Lutsenko stated that President Poroshenko reacted negatively to his resignation, yet, it will be considered, as Prosecutor General said on air of 1+1. I had a serious talk with the President, he did not accept my decision. He found out about everything five minutes before I entered the Verkhovna Rada. Nevertheless, I said it was my decision in principle, Lutsenko said. He also noted that his letter of resignation is on Poroshenkos table. The President will consider it as soon as he is back from a working visit abroad. On November 7, in his speech at Ukraines Parliament Lutsenko announced his resignation from the position of the Prosecutor General. He passed a written statement to the President for signing. Poroshenko, in his turn, has not officially commented this. Open source Ukraines Prosecutor General Yuriy Lutsenko stated that the investigation suggests 12 versions concerning those who ordered the murder of Ukrainian civil activist Kateryna Handziuk, three of them are the main ones, as he said on air of 1+1. I have at least three surnames related to the order of Hundziuks murder out of 12 versions, which were suggested, including while cooperating with Kateryna Handziuk. If I name at least one, it wont help the investigation, Lutsenko said. According to the Prosecutor General, Sergiy Torbin, suspected in organizing the attack, refuses to name the one who ordered it. According to the materials I have, the investigation could make serious steps towards the detention of the criminal a few days ago, he stated. The civil activist and counselor to Kherson city mayor, a devoted fighter against corruption in the government, Handziuk suffered an acid attack in July, 2018 when a man poured some sulfuric acid on her head and neck. The woman sustained heavy burns, with almost 40 percent of the skin taking damage; she survived the initial assault but died at a hospital on November 4, due to multi-organ failure and consequences of severe burns. The law enforcers immediately started an investigation. Five suspects in the attack were detained; all but one pleaded guilty, facing from 10 to 15 years in prison. The remaining suspect refuses to reveal the name of the assassin's paymaster and thus might face the life sentence. Related video: Ukraines Security Service received reliable data about the results of the elections on the occupied territories in Donetsk and Luhansk regions, which militants intend to hold on November 11, as Vasyl Hrytsak, the Head of SBU, said at the briefing broadcasted by 112 Ukraine. Russia is imitating the process of free expression of will in ORDLO (occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, - ed.). Actually, as it was in 2014, in 2018 all the winners are already defined and victory figures are already set in Russia. I will tell you a little secret, this is operational data, I think that this will mix the cards for those on the occupied territories, who are directing the so-called elections. According to the information we have, Pushylin has 65% of votes in DNR (Donetsk Peoples Republic), Pasichnyk 63% in LNR (Luhansk Peoples Republic, -ed.). Voter turnout is to make 70%, Hrytsak said. Denis Pushylin and Leonid Pasichnyk hold the posts of acting heads of Donetsk Peoples Republic and Luhansk Peoples Republic respectively. Pushylin was appointed after Zakharchenkos death, Pasichnyk after the coup in Luhansk Peoples Republic, after Igor Plotnitskys escape. As it was reported, the militants scheduled the so-called elections in occupied Donbas on Sunday, on November 11. The heads of the republics and the peoples deputies are to be elected. Ukraine and the international community have already condemned such elections. The representatives of the Kremlin stated that they decide on recognition or non-recognition after the final results. The President of Ukraine expects new anti-Russian sanctions due to the voting it organized in occupied Donbas. The Secretary of Ukraines National Security and Defence Council Oleksandr Turchynov stated that all the organizers and the participants of the elections on November 11 would be defined and prosecuted in compliance with the Ukrainian legislation. Take the anti-tour of Albuquerque as the reality of the street and the poetry of fiction mix in a way that makes everyday life a privilege to see. Cash only at the door. Promenade Albuquerque A Theatrical Journey "I was listening to a person. They were saying things inside their head. It went like this: I was swallowed by a bus one day then the whole city changed and so did I." A story set in reality, passengers follow the characters from place to place and witness the very special moments of their lives and gain magical access to their thoughts. In Promenade, the audience forms a group of riders on a transit bus which weaves its way along an eccentric route through streets and neighborhoods of the city. Scenes unfold on sidewalks and spaces along the way revealing unique aspects of daily life as lyrical stories emerge among the characters allowing us to witness the lives of extraordinarily everyday heros. The sonic landscape is delivered to each audience member via individual headsets, and is live-mixed during the performance using music, snippets of interviews and voice, as well as ambient sounds of the city. Promenade is an original theatre performance concept created by Stereo Akt of Budapest Hungary. The performance was first presented in Budapest and then toured to major cities throughout Europe. In 2017, Promenade debuted in the US in Baltimore, MD in collaboration with Single Carrot Theater. Promenade is re-imagined and devised as a unique performance specific to the city in which it is being presented, thus Promenade: Albuquerque. Come join us on our anti-tour of Albuquerque as the reality of the street and the poetry of fiction mix in a way that makes everyday life a privilege to see. Seating is very limited! Buy tickets in advance at: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3812995 Cash only at the door. Amazon I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. 16:01 | Paris (France), Nov. 9. The fair took place in Paris on October 21-25 and welcomed over 155,000 attendees. The most demanded products were canned artichokes, ajies (Peruvian hot peppers), peppers, and frozen fruits. Furthermore, walnuts were featured at the gathering for the first time. Underpinned by this demand, initial projections were exceeded by 30%. The buyers who visited the Inca country's stand mainly came from France, Belgium, Italy, the United Kingdom, Germany, the United States, as well as from Asian nations. Likewise, the 38 Peruvian companies were introduced alongside Pacific Alliance representatives from Mexico, Colombia, and Chile which drew the attention of thousands of visitors. It should be noted Agroindustrias Amazonicas, Sociedad Agricola Viru, Danper, Cosecha de Oro, and Caynarachi's products were showcased at the SIAL Innovation displays. Moreover, a Peruvian food demonstration was shown in "La Cuisine," a television program produced and directed by the fair organizers. This initiative is one of the activities carried out by PromPeru as part of a strategy aimed at doubling agro-exports , in accordance with the National Strategic Export Plan (PENX). Peru's Trade Office (Ocex) based in Paris supported the Inca participation at this event. About SIAL Created in 1964 in Paris, over the years SIAL has become the world benchmark for players in the food, retail, and hospitality sectors. It is a global showcase that brings the key producers and buyers together. (END) NDP/DTK/MVB These issues include market competition, economic development, environment, and healthcare. El presidente @MartinVizcarraC , se reunio con el destacado economista e investigador norteamericano, Michael Porter, quien expuso su estudio sobre la teoria y estrategia economica para atender los problemas mas desafiantes que enfrentan las corporaciones, economias y sociedades. pic.twitter.com/T1kusWD2kU 13:45 | Oslo (Norway), Nov. 9. The cultural heritage items were seized by Norwegian police last February. In her speech, Grande noted how important it is for Norway to cooperate in the search for illegally exported cultural heritage objects so that they can be returned to their countries of origin. For her part, Minister Nyb said the pieces will be handed over in Lima (Peru's capital city) as part of a visit by Norwegian State Secretary of Foreign Affairs Marianne Hagen on December 3. It must be noted the Nordic country has vast experience in the repatriation of archaeological material, a task in which the University of Oslo of which the above-mentioned museum is part has always been involved. The CPC Partnership was signed in 2017 to strengthen efforts to combat child trafficking in the Inca country and is the first of its kind in the region. Peru's Multi-Sectoral Commission Against Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants (Multi-Sectoral Commission) led the CPC Partnership negotiations for the Government of Peru and pledged at least S/8 million (around US$2.37 million) to support the partnership's objectives and increase personnel of the member entities of the Multi-Sectoral Commission. Furthermore, ILO Office of Andean Countries Director Philippe Vanhuynegem, and Centro Yanapanakusun Program Coordinator Pilar Contreras participated in the activities implementation launch. The governments of the United States and Peru have committed to working collaboratively in the Inca country over the four-year implementation period to achieve improved and sustainable policies and practices to meet the CPC Partnership's objectives. It should be noted activities will be focused primarily in Metropolitan Lima, Cusco Region , and rainforest Loreto Region, while certain activities may be conducted in other regions. "Today's event is the culmination of over a year of collaboration between our governments and celebrates the implementation of a four-year partnership between the United States and Peru to combat a horrific crime as is that of child trafficking," Ambassador Urs expressed. run75441 | November 8, 2018 9:13 pm Tom MacArthur a multimillionaire former insurance broker who negotiated the House legislation to repeal the ACA taken to the wood shed by a constituent. Tom MacArthur met with his constituents in a Town Hall meeting and he listened to them and took the abuse he rightfully deserved. Mike Bishop consistently refused to meet with his constituents face to face in a high density, Gerrymandered Republican District. People were angry and we needed the right candidate to emerge and lead. Elissa Slotkin won! It did not have to be this way. It could have been different. MacArthur like Mike Bishop chose his political party over country and constituents. Tom MacArthur and Mike Bishop lost. The eleven minutes to hear this rebuttal are worth hearing. Centre Alliance Party MP Rebekha Sharkie is set to re-introduce the bill to end live sheep export into the House of Representatives. The Bill has already passed in the Senate the first time any live export bill has passed either house of parliament in Australia. Scott Morrisons Government is facing renewed pressure to end the trade after the release of the scathing review into the failures of the live export regulator and the election of Independent, Dr Kerryn Phelps to Malcolm Turnbulls old seat of Wentworth. The Guardian also reports that that pressure is mounting from inside the Liberal Party, with MPs Sussan Ley and Sarah Henderson vowing to keep pushing for action from the Government. The live sheep export industry has had plenty of chances to lift its game and in my view is beyond redemption. Kerryn Phelps, Independent MP for Wentworth Only a few Liberal MPs would need to vote for the legislation to see it pass, but with enough pressure we could see Prime Minister Scott Morrison give his party a free vote which would allow many more politicians to join with the vast majority of Australians who want to see live sheep exports end. This vote is the best chance Australia has ever had to see the end of this cruel industry for good. Tell your MP you want them to vote to end live sheep exports. Take action now Emanuel Exports, the company responsible for 70% of Australia's cruel trade in live sheep, has been permanently banned from operating. Now, their long-time business partner has stepped in to pick up where Emanuel Exports left off. The trouble is, KLTT and their Australian subsidiary, RETWA have an equally appalling track record when it comes to animal cruelty. Read on to see whether you think this company should be entrusted with the welfare of thousands more animals... KLTT/RETWA is a decades-long trading partner of Emanuel Exports the company at the centre of the sheep cruelty scandal. They've shared the same ships, the same directors and are equally responsible for mass deaths and suffering. KLTT was the consignee for all five shipments exposed on 60 Minutes. Records show that since 1980, over 1.5 million sheep have died on board KLTT shipments. The colossal scale of these deaths, and KLTT's readiness to dismiss them as a "normal" part of the business, indicate a systemic, fundamental problem within the live export trade. In 2003 RETWA (the Australian subsidiary of KLTT) lost their export licence after a series of "high-mortality" shipments during which thousands of sheep perished from heat stroke. In 2000 to 2002 alone, RETWA was responsible for twenty-five high-mortality voyages. Since just 2004, an appalling 71 shipments have had a death toll of 1000 animals or more and KLTT/RETWA was responsible for nearly half (35/71) of these high mortality shipments. KLTT was also the shipper of the 2016 Al Messilah heat stress disaster during which over 3,000 sheep died in July alone. Despite this (and their extensive knowledge of heat stress implications and risks) they purchased and packed similar numbers of sheep on the Awassi Express 12 months later, causing 2,400 sheep to suffer and die from heat stroke. KLTT was (and continues to be) the importer/supplier/distributor of Australian sheep in Kuwait where animals face the pain and terror of having their throats cut while fully conscious. Animals Australia's investigations in Kuwait since 2003 have consistently revealed Australian sheep suffering appalling cruelty and abuse and have implicated KLTT in multiple breaches of Australian regulations. In the 2006 'Al Kuwait' case in which WA Magistrate Catherine Crawford found cruelty to animals in breach of the WA Animal Welfare Act, but determined an inability to convict due to conflicting legislation between the Commonwealth and State Emanuel Exports argued that KLTT was in effective control of the animals on board their ships and thus was responsible for the dire conditions. Emanuel Exports is currently under investigation in WA for breaches of the WA animal protection act. This investigation will implicate KLTT as they officially owned the sheep at the time the offences allegedly took place. Want to help sheep? Tell your MP that animals will always come second to profit in live export and the only way forward is to end the trade. Take action now More on live export YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 9, ARMENPRESS. A rapidly spreading wildfire in Northern California, USA has grown quickly, burning some 18,000 acres and forcing thousands of residents to evacuate, CBS News reported citing officials. Acting California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a state of emergency in Butte County Thursday due to the "Camp Fire." The local sheriffs office said that an evacuation order has been issued for areas the town of Paradise, 180 miles northeast of San Francisco. "This fire is very dangerous, please evacuate if asked to do so!" the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) tweeted. Officials said the blaze has consumed more than 26 square miles so far. Local authorities said several hundred structures have been destroyed, but an official count won't be available until they can get into the area. Local firefighter chief Chief Darren Read told The Associated Press the destruction in Paradise could be near a thousand structures, according to CBS. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 9, ARMENPRESS. The Italian government has declared a state of emergency in 11 regions across the country to tackle the consequences of the floods. The state of emergency covers the entire northern part of the country, Sardinia and Sicily, as well as the central regions. The government issued the state of emergency to provide additional resources from the state budget. After a Cabinet meeting, Italian PM Giuseppe Conte said that the government has allocated more than 53 million Euros for preliminary restoration works. He said that an additional 200 million Euros will be provided in the coming days. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 9, ARMENPRESS. U.S. President Donald Trump has renewed the national emergency with respect to Iran that was first declared in 1979 by President Jimmy Carter, the White House said. On November 14, 1979, in Executive Order 12170, the President declared a national emergency with respect to Iran pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701-1706) and took related steps to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States constituted by the situation in Iran. Our relations with Iran have not yet normalized, and the process of implementing the agreements with Iran, dated January 19, 1981, is ongoing. For this reason, the national emergency declared on November 14, 1979, and the measures adopted on that date to deal with that emergency, must continue in effect beyond November 14, 2018. Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency with respect to Iran declared in Executive Order 12170. The emergency declared in Executive Order 12170 is distinct from the emergency declared in Executive Order 12957 on March 15, 1995. This renewal, therefore, is distinct from the emergency renewal of March 12, 2018. This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Congress, the White House said in a press release titled Text of a Notice on the Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect To Iran. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 9, ARMENPRESS. Acting Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan met with the Armenian community representatives of Kazakhstan in Astana, his Office told Armenpress. The meeting was attended by Armenians living in Astana and different regions, as well as the representatives of the Armenian community of Uzbekistan. The acting PM welcomed the meeting participants and stated in his remarks: Dear compatriots, first of all I want to tell you what I thought when I entered here and saw you. I travel a lot after being elected as PM, and any country I visit I have such kinds of meetings with our compatriots, and when we meet such familiar faces, we think the following: we are really a great people with our potential, but, unfortunately, are not fully using it till this moment. The revolution took place not only in Armenia, but also among Armenians, in the national consciousness, the most important outcome of which must be the use of the national potential so that we can jointly strengthen our homeland which should be the number one guarantor for the existence of Armenians. Nikol Pashinyan said he recently was introduced on a social poll, which revealed that I am an Armenian expression had different perceptions in different times. In the 21st century I am an Armenian expression first of all identifies itself with Armenias independent statehood. Our major task is to engage our potential in Armenias further development. Our main shortcoming was that we havent formed common goals, and different parts of our nation have acted not so jointly. We need to form a common national goal and concentrate all our forces for its implementation. I think the most important feature of the recent revolution is the following: we have acquired a new energy, new excitement in order to be able to make Armenia a country which is able to protect itself, develop and be attractive for investments and living, the acting PM noted. He also highly appreciated the fact that after the revolution preliminary immigration trends are being noticed in Armenia. The balance of those who left and returned to Armenia from the period of May to October is plus 13.000. This indicator has been minus 9000 in the same period of the last year. I hope this 13.000 will soon become 130.000, 200.000, 1 million 300.000 and we will have a state of a new level. We want Armenia to be guided with the following slogan: happy individual, caring society, powerful state. I know that we will reach this goal by combining our efforts, Pashinyan said. Thereafter, he answered to the questions of the meeting participants which mainly related to the development opportunities of economy, education, science, healthcare and tourism sectors, tax administration and reforms in Armenia. A group of Armenians expressed interest and readiness to run a business in the homeland in different directions, which was welcomed by the acting PM. New Armenia has new opportunities, and it depends on the desire of everyone whether he/she will use that opportunity or not. Let met talk about my example: when Armenia gained independence in 1991, it was announced that freedom of speech exists in the country. I had just graduated from the school that time and I was telling the following: if there is a freedom of speech, it will not exist if there are no people who will not take that declared opportunity. The same applies to New Armenia, when we say that there is a new opportunity for the business, freedom, it will not turn into reality if people do not use that opportunity, that freedom, the acting PM said, adding that today there is no obstacle for conducting any activity and investing in Armenia and he welcomes the implementation of such initiatives. Pashinyan said Armenia will carry out consistent policy of work promotion. Pashinyan informed that the government has set a task for itself to create a map of Armenians of the world in order to see what potential we have in the field. This is hard, but important work in order to be able to unite the whole potential of our people, Nikol Pashinyan added. Commenting on the question regarding the current political situation in Armenia, Pashinyan said democracy in Armenia is irreversible. There cannot be a dictatorship in the Republic of Armenia, democracy is irreversible in our country. Media has never been as free as it is today in Armenia. The most important change that took place is the peoples perception about their role, the mutual attitude. Today the foreigners receive the greatest impression in our country from the people, they state that they have an impression that Armenia is one family. This is the most important change. We are a democratic country and cannot be otherwise. The people did the revolution against the authoritarianism, oligarchic system and will no longer allow the creation of such system. The creation of fake opposition has been the most destructing thing for our political system, which, I think, took place after 1998. We will not move on this path. There were no power ad opposition in Armenia having the mandate of the people for a long time, therefore, the people in Armenia were not believing anyone. We will not create an artificial opposition since the opposition must not create itself. The people will decide who is in power and who is the opposition during the upcoming parliamentary elections, Nikol Pashinyan stated. In response to the question of one of the meeting participants about the business problems faced in Armenia two years ago, the previous vicious phenomena and their solutions, the acting PM said: We cannot move forward without facing the truth. This year in April we reached a situation when the people stood up and stated that this cannot continue. But how we can continue? We need to understand what was the reason that the primitive rules have been degraded in our country. This is one of our major conceptual problems. Whether all corruption cases should be disclosed or not? Its a serious issue, and I think that each sum stolen from the people should be returned. Any truth about our country should be revealed. But this doesnt mean that we should make vendettas. We need to have some conditions for reaching a national agreement. Those, who have something to return to the people, in case of the return, there may be some forgiveness for them, but if they do not return, we need to carry out justice for them. Our country has suffered damages both in the domestic and foreign political environment. No one should think that he/she can robe the people and go somewhere to enjoy what has been robbed. No such thing will happen, Nikol Pashinyan said. Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 9, ARMENPRESS. Caretaker Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan had a luncheon in Astana with Daniyar Rustemovich, member of the presidency of the Atameken national chamber of businessmen and chairman of the oil and gas industry committee, and Davit Galstyan, director of Mosston Engineering. According to Pashinyans office, the sides discussed various issues concerning prospects of cooperation of energy producers, addressed the existing conditions and opportunities of the Armenian market and the governments steps for improving the business environment. The Kazakh side expressed interest in carrying out activities in Armenia. Pashinyan welcomed the initiative and proposed to continue discussions with Armenian governmental bodies to outline further steps and initiate the projects. Issues concerning exporting Armenian products to Kazakhstan were also discussed. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 9, ARMENPRESS. U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that law enforcement was examining a "big corruption scandal" regarding "Election Fraud" in two Florida counties that have found themselves at the center of a bitter fight over vote counts in the state's hotly contested Senate race. Law Enforcement is looking into another big corruption scandal having to do with Election Fraud in #Broward and Palm Beach. Florida voted for Rick Scott! Trump tweeted. The president's tweet came less than two hours after Rick Scott, the Republican governor of Florida who's seeking to oust Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), sued Broward County Supervisor of Elections Brenda Snipes, The Hill reported. The lawsuit, alleges that Snipes's office withheld critical information about vote counts, including how many people voted and how many ballots have yet to be counted. In his news conference, Scott asked the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to launch an investigation into the matter. He was speaking in his capacity as a candidate rather than in his official capacity as governor. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 9, ARMENPRESS. Austrian intelligence services have arrested a retired army colonel in suspicion of espionage, Kronen Zeitung reported citing the defense ministry of Austria. The retired colonel, 70, is suspected in spying for Russia since late 1990s. He is believed to have transferred information about the migration crisis, Austrian military aviation and artillery systems to Russian intelligence. According to the newspaper, the colonel from Salzburg has been paid around 300,000 Euros for his services. The Russian embassy in Austria refused to give comments on the matter. No comment, embassy spokesperson Bulat Khaydarov told TASS. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 9, ARMENPRESS. Exports of U.S.-made weapon systems increased 13% over the last year following a concerted effort by the Trump administration to boost the transfers in support of the defense industrial base, The Wall Street Journal reported citing the State Department. Were very happy with these numbers, and we expect significant momentum and an upward trajectory of these numbers, given that a lot of these reforms will continue over the next years, a senior State Department official told The Wall Street Journal. Total exports in fiscal 2018 reached $192.3 billion, up from $170 billion in fiscal 2017 and $148.6 billion in fiscal 2016. The transfers include both foreign military sales, in which arms and materials are shipped by the U.S. government to a partner country, and direct commercial sales, which are negotiated between the purchasing country and U.S. companies. The value of foreign military sales grew at a faster rate of about 33%, from $41.9 billion in fiscal 2017 to $55.6 billion in 2018. Approved direct commercial sales went from $128.1 billion in 2017 to $136.6 billion in 2018, a rise of about 7%, according to the Wall Street Journal. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 9, ARMENPRESS. Artsakh Republic President Bako Sahakyan convened a working consultation on November 9 to discuss a range of social and economic issues, the Presidential Office told Armenpress. Special attention was paid to the public services provided to the population. The President stressed the importance of improving the quality of public services, giving corresponding tasks to the heads of the concerned bodies. Minister of State Grigory Martirosyan, Vice Speaker of Parliament Vahram Balayan and other officials participated in the consultation. Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 9, ARMENPRESS. Pensioners in Armenia will be enabled to visit state cultural institutions, (museums, etc) free of charge. Caretaker minister of culture Lilit Makunts and caretaker minister of labor and social affairs Mane Tandilyan signed a memorandum today signaling the launch of the joint program. According to Makunts, 2000 seniors a year will be able to benefit from the program. She said that no additional spending is needed from the budget. Makunts said they will gladly cooperate with private institutions also, if the latter express willingness. Special not-for-sale tickets will be given to the pensioners. Caretaker minister Tandilyan said seniors will be notified on an upcoming cultural event 3 days in advance and the tickets will be distributed equally. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 9, ARMENPRESS. Armenian President Armen Sarkissian says moving the Presidents Office to Baghramyan 26 is important not for him, but for the staff, reports Armenpress. For me personally its not important in which building I will work. Its important for the staff in terms of which building is more appropriate for the work. Unfortunately, the wonderful building located in Mashtots 47 is not convenient for the staff in terms of heating, cooling and other conditions. The Baghramyan 26 building is more comfortable for the staff, the President told reporters, adding that he is very happy for the decision. President Sarkissian said he is ready for serious cooperation with the Parliament, the government and the PM for the benefit of Armenia. However, the President noted that still some process is needed for the change of the residence, the Parliament needs to adopt the respective law. I think these are the new steps of New Armenia. The assessment that country must move forward is right. We all, the PM, the President and the Parliament, must cooperate and work for one goal, he said. During the November 8 session the government proposed shifting the Office of the President from Mashtots 47 to Baghramyan 26. The decision was adopted, and the proposal will be submitted to the Parliament. Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 9, ARMENPRESS. A day after the news broke on Kim Kardashian willing to adopt a baby from Armenia, ARMENPRESS contacted the ministry of justice for details. However, the Armenian-American reality TV star and her hip hop artist husband Kanye West have not applied to Armenian governmental bodies for adopting a child, justice ministry spokesperson Lusine Martirosyan told ARMENPRESS. She said that adoptions between USA and Armenia are carried out exclusively within the framework of the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (or Hague Adoption Convention). Within the framework of the convention, the central authorized body is the Armenian justice ministry, which hasnt at this moment received an application of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West from authorized US bodies. In the event of receiving it from our American partners, procedures will be launched as required by the convention and Armenian legislation, she said. Armenian-American reality TV superstar Kim Kardashian and her hip hop star husband Kanye West are planning to adopt a baby boy from Armenia, a source told Heat magazine as reported by Mirror. "They've been in contact with an orphanage in Armenia that they visited three years ago, and they are planning a trip over there in the next few weeks," a source told Heat magazine. "[Her late father] Robert's family was Armenian, so it feels totally natural. Kim doted on her dad and would love a little boy who reminds her of him." Kim is the daughter of Robert Kardashian, the late Armenian-American attorney and businessman. And, according to the source, Kim and Kanye have already picked out a name. "They have already decided to give the name Sam, after Kim's great-great grandfather Saghatel Kardaschoff, who changed his name to Sam Kardashian when he arrived in the US," the source added, according to Mirror. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 9, ARMENPRESS. Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz has demanded Russia to provide transparent information about the retired army colonel who is suspected in spying for Russia for a few decades. We demand transparent information from the Russian side. The ambassador, or more specifically an authorized representative, because the ambassador isnt in Austria now, has been summoned to the foreign ministry. We will discuss the remaining issues with our European colleagues, Kurz told reporters today. Austrian intelligence services have arrested a retired army colonel in suspicion of espionage, Kronen Zeitung reported citing the defense ministry of Austria. The retired colonel, 70, is suspected in spying for Russia since late 1990s. He is believed to have transferred information about the migration crisis, Austrian military aviation and artillery systems to Russian intelligence. According to the newspaper, the colonel from Salzburg has been paid around 300,000 Euros for his services. The Russian embassy in Austria refused to give comments on the matter. No comment, embassy spokesperson Bulat Khaydarov told TASS. The Austrian foreign minister has cancelled his upcoming visit to Russia because of the scandal. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 9, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian argues that processes are taking place rapidly, and one must wait in order to understand what the real US policy in the region will be in the nearest times. The president was speaking to reporters today in response to questions about his conclusions over US National Security Advisor John Boltons statements made in Armenia and what kind of a situation the US sanctions on Iran will create in the region and how they will affect the Armenian-Iranian relations. I dont believe that conclusions must be drawn proceeding from any given statement, the president said. Domestic, foreign and regional policy is a dynamic process. And, certainly, its not only about the Armenia-USA relations, but rather about the USA-region relations. And the regional is very large its not just our neighboring states and Iran, but also USA-Europe, USA-Russia etc. I didnt personally meet Bolton. I believe and I advise not to draw conclusions too quickly, because processes are rapid, variable, and we ought to wait, see, what the real policy of the US will be in the region in the nearest time, Sarkissian said. The US unleashed its "toughest ever" sanctions against Iran on November 5, as the Trump administration reinstated all sanctions removed under the 2015 nuclear deal, targeting both Iran and states that trade with it. They will hit oil exports, shipping and banks - all core parts of the economy. Thousands of Iranians chanting "Death to America" rallied on Sunday, rejecting calls for talks. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has vowed to sell his country's oil and break the sanctions. The military was also quoted as saying it would hold air defence drills on Monday and Tuesday to prove the country's capabilities. The demonstrations took place on the 39th anniversary of the occupation of the US embassy in Tehran, which led to four decades of mutual hostility. Before travelling to a campaign rally for the US mid-term elections, President Donald Trump said Iran was already struggling under his administration's policies. "The Iran sanctions are very strong. They are the strongest sanctions we've ever imposed. And we'll see what happens with Iran, but they're not doing very well, I can tell you." Washington re-imposed the sanctions after Trump in May pulled out of a 2015 accord aimed at curbing Iran's nuclear ambitions. The US has been gradually re-imposing sanctions, but analysts say this latest round is by far the most significant. More than 700 individuals, entities, vessels and aircraft are now on the sanctions list, including major banks, oil exporters and shipping companies. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said that more than 100 big international companies had withdrawn from Iran because of the looming sanctions. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 9, ARMENPRESS. Party lists regarding the upcoming early election of parliament have been particularized, caretaker minister of labor and social affairs Mane Tandilyan (Lusavor Hayastan Party) told a news conference today. The party will make a political statement and you will know, she told reporters. Caretaker minister of culture Lilit Makunts (Civil Contract Party) in turn said she doesnt have a decision at this moment regarding her post-election activities. After the election the team will make a decision and it will be clear. There is no decision at this moment, she said. Armenias Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan resigned on October 16 to trigger the process of disbanding the parliament. Pashinyan took office after massive protests in April forced president-turned PM Serzh Sargsyan to resign. But Sargsyans Republican Party (HHK) still has most seats in the 105-seat parliament. Since taking office, Nikol Pashinyan has numerously said that the incumbent parliament doesnt represent the people and that early elections should take place as soon as possible. In accordance to the Constitution, when a Prime Minister resigns the parliament must elect a new PM within two weeks. Lawmakers deliberately failed to elect a new PM as a formality in order to pave the way for dissolution. The last round took place on November 1 and the parliament was dissolved by virtue of law. Later on the same day, President Armen Sarkissian signed an order on dissolving the parliament and calling early elections on December 9. The parliament will function until the new parliament is elected. The government is formally a caretaker government until a new government is formed after the election. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 9, ARMENPRESS. A captive abandoned fox has been rescued by Armenian authorities in Yerevan after an unidentified foreigner has allegedly left the helpless animal behind locked in a cage. Agents of a nature protection inspectorate responded to a call on a captive wild animal in Yerevan. The inspectorate said officers discovered a female fox, estimated to be around 8-months old, locked in a cage and left outside in a neighborhood yard in Tigran Mets Avenue, Yerevan. According to residents of the area, the vixen was owned by a foreigner who left it behind and departed the country. The fox was rescued and taken to the countryside where it was released into the wild, where it belongs. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 9, ARMENPRESS. Deputy justice minister of Armenia Vigen Kocharyan participated in the Law, Justice and Development Week 2018 international forum in Washington D.C. from November 5 to 8, the ministry told Armenpress. The forum has been organized by the World Bank. During the forum the Armenian deputy justice minister delivered remarks touching upon the recent and expected reforms in the fields of human rights and judiciary, as well as introduced the developments over the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Armenia, including Armenias progress in the nationalization and implementation processes of the 17 goals included in the Sustainable Development Agenda 2030. On the sidelines of the event Vigen Kocharyan met with the top officials of the World Bank and other international structures, discussed future possible formats of support to the judicial reforms by them. In particular, an agreement was reached to implement Armenias judiciary monitoring and assessment program by the World Bank which will launch in the first half of 2019. Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 9, ARMENPRESS. Acting healthcare minister of Armenia Arsen Torosyan visited the four servicemen in the Central military hospital who were injured as a result of the military truck crash in Goris-Kubatli highway on November 7, reports Armenpress. The acting minister said on Facebook that one of them has already undergone a leg surgery, and the remaining three didnt need a surgery, but a conservative treatment. No ones life is in danger. I wish speedy recovery to all and offer my condolences to the relatives of the soldiers killed in this tragic accident, sharing their grief, the acting minister said. The Investigative Committee is carrying out necessary operations to reveal the causes, all circumstances of the deadly crash. 4 servicemen have been killed in the crash, 22 others were hospitalized. Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 9, ARMENPRESS. President Armen Sarkissian visited the Yerevan State University, his alma mater, today, to participate in the event marking the 50th anniversary of foundation of the Faculty of Oriental Studies. The president delivered remarks, noting that he wants to speak not only as president, but also a graduate of the university. Id like to speak to you about the future, he said. But, of course you cant speak about the future without speaking about the past and the present. Our oriental studies past is very glorious, our oriental studies wasnt created today or yesterday. Lets not forget that the Academy of Sciences of Armenia was founded 75 years ago by an orientalist scholar Hovsep Orbeli. And this proves where the origins of our oriental studies come from they come from the sources of international, Russian oriental studies, and a bright example of this is Hovsep Orbeli, he told students and the academic staff. During my university years the faculty of oriental studies was viewed as a living academic center, students and lecturers had contacts with many centers of the USSR, Sarkissian said. Sarkissian graduated the YSUs Physics Faculty in 1976 and two years later earned a PhD in Theoretical Physics and Mathematics. I believe that the orthodox directions that we have in Arabic studies, Turkish studies and Iranian studies must be expanded Indian studies, Chinese studies, and certainly, more enhanced studies on Central Asian and Eurasian regions are becoming a necessity. These are important for the Republic of Armenia, for science, these are natural communications, and if we go back to the Silk Road idea, all of these are actually oriental studies, he said. He described the past 50 years of the faculty as brilliant. Brilliant 50 years, excellent result and I think a brilliant future, he said. Armenia is once again the center of the Silk Road, Armenia is the cross-road of different civilizations, is the center of huge political events, and by being this center Armenia ought to assume its role, where oriental studies has enormous significance, he said, congratulating all orientalists. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 9, ARMENPRESS. State minister of the Republic of Artsakh Grigory Martirosyan on November 9 received Head of the State Oversight Service of Armenia Davit Sanasaryan, the state ministers Office told Armenpress. During the meeting issues relating to the use of effective control mechanisms for the financial flows from the state budget were discussed. In particular, the officials attached importance to the use of new set of tools in all spheres of the public administration system which will allow to raise the transparency of expenditures and make them controllable. In his remarks, the state minister attached importance to the professional preparedness level of the specialists and proposed to carry out regular exchange of experience within the frames of the cooperation. Davit Sanasaryan informed that a joint working consultation is scheduled with his Artsakh partners during the visit where they will discuss issues on expanding the mutual cooperation. The meeting was also attended by head of the Oversight Service of the Artsakh President Narek Harutyunyan. Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, 9 NOVEMBER, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs Armenpress that today, 9 November, USD exchange rate up by 0.13 drams to 487.95 drams. EUR exchange rate down by 3.66 drams to 553.19 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate down by 0.06 drams to 7.29 drams. GBP exchange rate down by 5.25 drams to 634.43 drams. The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals. Gold price down by 85.85 drams to 19204.41 drams. Silver price down by 2.76 drams to 227.32 drams. Platinum price down by 106.17 drams to 13585.77 drams. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 9, ARMENPRESS. Acting Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan had a working luncheon with major entrepreneurs and tax payers of Armenia. As RAMENPRESS was informed from the official website of the Prime Minister of Armenia, various issues related to the improvement of the investment environment in the country, legislative regulations, reforms in the tax sphere, fight against corruption, increase of export volumes of Armenian products, protection of interests of local producers were discussed. The entrepreneurs welcomed the economic policy of the Government, particularly the amendments to take place in the Tax Code. They emphasized that by simplifying the taxation process a number of important problems are solved. The acting PM noted that the Government is interested in the success of the entrepreneurs and highlighted active dialogue and partnership with the business community. Pashinyan added that the steps of the Government are aimed at encouraging labor. Nikol Pashinyan hoped that as a result of the Governments measures the revenues of the tax payers will add, they will record new achievements and will pay more taxes to the state. The sides highlighted the measures taken in the direction of fight against corruption for improving business environment and expressed confidence that it will foster economic activities in the country. Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan Political discussion in Australia seems to have shifted up a gear in response. Some commentators have even described such lending as debt-trap diplomacy, implying that lending forms part of an intentional strategy by the Chinese state to pressure Pacific island governments. China, so the narrative goes, is aggressively lending to smaller nations which do not have the capacity to pay back the loans. CANBERRA - Recent media coverage has touted the rise of Chinese aid and lending as a threat to Pacific nations sovereignty and to the Wests influence in the Pacific. As Foreign Minister, Julie Bishop had made clear she wanted Australia to continue to be the regions partner of choice. And just last week, Labor leader Bill Shorten announced that a Labor government would set up an Australian Pacific infrastructure investment bank an announcement he also framed in terms of Australias status as partner of choice. [This was followed up on Thursday by Australias prime minister Scott Morrison announcement of a $2 billion Pacific infrastructure fund.] https://asopa.typepad.com/asopa_people/2018/11/3-billion-new-pacific-embassies-as-oz-responds-to-china.html But is it fair to claim that China is engaged in debt-trap diplomacy in the Pacific? Most advocates of this argument have pointed to anecdotal evidence high debt levels in Tonga, the case of the Hambantota port in Sri Lanka rather than to hard data. In this piece, we look at international debt data to explore: (i) whether Pacific island countries are in debt distress, and (ii) whether this is the result of lending from China. One issue we consider is whether Pacific island countries are at greater risk of debt distress than in the past. Using IMF and Asian Development Bank (ADB) risk ratings, we do see a rise in debt distress over the last five years. We also see that over 40% of Pacific island countries are now classified as being at high risk of debt distress. So debt certainly appears to be a problem in the region. Now for the second question: is this debt distress the result of lending by China? The short answer is no. Although it is the largest bilateral lender, Chinese lending comprises less than half of lending in any single country, with the exception of Tonga. In fact, half of those countries in the high risk category do not even recognise China, meaning they have no access to Chinese concessional finance (they instead have a relationship with Taiwan). China has also provided significant sums to countries where debt is not an issue (i.e. to countries classified as being at low risk of debt distress). Lets look at lending to the region in more detail. China holds around 12% of the total debt owed by Pacific nations, or US $1.3 billion out of US $11.2 billion in debt in the years in question. Australia does not feature as currently all its aid is given as grants rather than concessional loans though it does contribute to multilateral funds that are lent to the region (e.g. by the World Bank). Aggregate figures for the region are driven by Papua New Guinea and Fiji, the economies of which dwarf the rest of the Pacific. Borrowing by these two countries alone makes up 88% of the regions total debt. However, in both countries, domestic debt dominates government borrowing something that is explained in part by the activities of domestic pension funds. It is only in Tonga, Samoa and Vanuatu that Chinese lending comprises over one-third of total debt. In Samoa, lending by the multilateral development banks has been greater than lending by China. In Vanuatu, which is not at high risk of debt distress, the rise in debt to China is a recent phenomenon and if government statements are anything to go by, appears to have come to an end. That leaves Tonga as the only country where the debt-trap diplomacy narrative has some basis. Tonga is in a high level of debt distress, and Chinese lending dominates the result of two large concessional loans provided by China Eximbank in 2008 and 2010. However, anyone with knowledge of how those loans came about would argue that the Chinese state-centric debt-trap diplomacy narrative is a far stretch. The first loan came about in exceptional circumstances: the 2006 Nukualofa riots had destroyed a good portion of the CBD, and the government wanted to fund rapid reconstruction. The second loan for road re-development was driven by political machinations: MPs from outside of Nukualofa sought to attract loan-financed spending in their electorates outside of the CBD. In the background, (for-profit) Chinese construction firms which would implement the projects sought to ensure that both loans went ahead. In other words, the Chinese state did not drive either loan. In fact, given current tensions resulting from their repayment (the Tongan PM has made various contradictory remarks on the subject), it would be fair to argue that the loans have come to pose a headache for Chinese engagement with Tonga. What can we conclude? Our analysis of debt in the Pacific strongly suggests that the debt-trap diplomacy argument is without foundation. Debt is a problem in the region, and one that appears to be increasing in importance. But for most countries it is not debt to China that is of concern. Keep that in mind next time you hear that the Pacific is drowning in Chinese debt. (Adds details from earnings call, updates stock) By Ernest Scheyder Nov 8 (Reuters) - Albemarle Corp on Thursday defended a previously announced process it has said could boost lithium production in Chile but at the same time postponed two expansion projects in the country that would have needed the new technology to be successful. The move raises further questions about just what Albemarle, the world's largest lithium producer, has developed and how it could work. If the process proves less than advertised, the company risks not being able to meet an expected surge in demand for lithium in coming years to make Tesla and other electric cars. Albemarle said last year it had developed a process that would more than triple its lithium output in Chile without using more water, in what would be a tantalizing development for the arid region where the white metal is produced. "If successful, and we have seen no doubt to indicate that it won't be, the project would allow us to produce more lithium from the same amount of brine that we pump a day," Chief Executive Luke Kissam said on a Thursday conference call after the company released its third-quarter results. Reuters reported earlier this week that the claim was drawing increased scrutiny from regulators and investors pushing for more details. On the same call, Kissam said Albemarle will stop engineering work on its planned La Negra V and VI expansion projects because it believes battery producers will want more lithium hydroxide, a type of the metal commonly found in Australia but not Chile. Albemarle has authorization from Chilean officials to produce the equivalent of up to 80,000 tonnes annually of lithium through 2043. The La Negra V and VI projects would have taken the production above that mark, requiring regulatory approval. But when Albemarle asked for permission, regulators began delving into just how the new process works, ultimately rejecting the application for lack of details. Albemarle has said it will re-apply. Story continues "All (Chilean regulators) want to see is some proof that it's going to work before they give (approval to produce more lithium) to us. That's it. It is not a big deal, OK? It's not a big deal. And we only need it if we build" La Negra V and VI, Kissam told analysts. Despite canceling parts of the La Negra expansion, Albemarle said it will continue to spend money to research and engineer the new technology, though it gave few details on the amount or timing. In 2017, Albemarle said that the new technology had already been developed. "In our spending, our capital spending guidance, we are spending for that technology. That continues onwards," Eric Norris, head of Albemarle's lithium division, said on the call. Charlotte, North Carolina-based Albemarle on Wednesday posted a better-than-expected forecast helped in part by price hikes, though Hurricane Florence closed processing facilities in North Carolina for a week, denting volumes. Shares fell 2.2 percent to $105.55 in Thursday afternoon trading. (Reporting by Ernest Scheyder in Houston; Editing by Bernard Orr and Cynthia Osterman) (adds Payne quotes in paragraphs 6,7) * Australia offers Pacific billions in loans, grants * Pacific policy aims at countering China-analysts * China says two countries should not be seen as rivals * Foreign Ministers meeting in Beijing billed as 'reset' of ties By Philip Wen and Colin Packham BEIJING/SYDNEY, Nov 8 (Reuters) - Beijing and Canberra should be cooperating in the South Pacific and not be cast as strategic rivals, China's top diplomat said on Thursday, after Australia launched a multi-billion dollar fund to counter China's rising influence in the region. Standing alongside Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne, Chinese State Councillor Wang Yi made the conciliatory remarks after a meeting in Beijing widely billed as a step toward re-setting bilateral ties after a lengthy diplomatic chill. Wang said that he had agreed with Payne that the two countries could combine their respective strengths and embark on trilateral cooperation with Pacific island countries. "We are not rivals, and we can absolutely become cooperation partners," Wang told reporters, describing the meeting as important after the recent "ups and downs" in the relationship. Payne said the discussions were "valuable, full and candid". "We've realistically acknowledged today that in a relationship as dynamic as ours ... there will be from time to time differences," she said later at a separate news briefing. "But what is important about that is how we manage those and we are focused on managing them respectfully, mindful of the tremendous opportunities the relationship presents to both our nations." Ties became strained late last year, when the previous Australian prime minister, Malcolm Turnbull, accused China of interfering in its domestic affairs. The two countries have also been vying for influence in sparsely populated Pacific island countries that control vast swathes of resource-rich ocean. But even as his foreign minister visited Beijing, Prime Minister Scott Morrison characterised the Pacific as its domain while offering the region up to A$3 billion ($2.18 billion) in cheap infrastructure loans and grants. Story continues "This is our patch, this is our part of the world," Morrison said in his most detailed foreign policy speech since becoming prime minister in August. Speaking in Queensland, Morrison said Australia would invest in telecommunications, energy, transport and water projects in the region. He also said Australia would also expand its diplomatic presence in the Pacific, posting staff to Palau, the Marshall Islands, French Polynesia, Niue and the Cook Islands. There are also plans to strengthen Australia's defence and security ties with Pacific islands through joint exercises and training. Morrison did not name China in the speech, but analysts said it was a clear response to China's spreading influence. "Australia is reacting to what China is doing. Australia needs more tools to engage with the Pacific," said Jonathan Pryke, a Pacific Islands foreign policy expert with the Lowy Institute, an Australian think-tank. China has spent $1.3 billion on concessionary loans and gifts since 2011 to become the Pacific's second-largest donor after Australia, stoking concern in the West that several tiny nations could end up overburdened and in debt to Beijing. On Wednesday, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said Australia would oppose a A$13 billion buyout of APA Group, Australia's biggest gas pipeline company, by Hong Kong's CK Group on grounds that it would be against the national interest. While reiterating the government's stand on APA, Payne said Australia remained open to Chinese investment. Wang said Beijing welcomed that assurance. Last December, Beijing took umbrage at Turnbull's comments and the subsequent introduction of legislation to counter foreign interference, which appeared to be directed in large part at China. Prior to Payne's visit, China had unofficially suspended accepting visits by senior Australian ministers, and Chinese state media had carried numerous anti-Australian articles. ($1 = 1.3734 Australian dollars) (Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore) A Fly Jamaica Boeing 757-200 crash-landed at a Guyana airport on Friday. Six people were injured, Guyana's transportation minister said, according to Agence France-Presse. The airline said in a statement that it believed all 126 passengers and crew members were safe. A Fly Jamaica Boeing 757-200 crash-landed at a Guyana airport on Friday, injuring six people. There were 126 people aboard the plane, which took off from Cheddi Jagan International Airport in the Guyanan capital of Georgetown at 2:09 a.m. local time and touched down again at 2:53 a.m., according to the Aviation Safety Network. Agence France-Press described Guyana's transportation minister, David Patterson, as saying the injuries were "not life-threatening." The plane was heading to Toronto when it suffered a hydraulic problem and returned to the airport, where it skidded off the runway, Patterson told AFP. The airline said in a statement: "We can confirm that Fly Jamaica Flight OJ256 bound for Toronto returned to Georgetown with a technical problem and has suffered an accident on landing. "At this time, we believe that all 118 passengers and 8 crew members are safe. We are providing local assistance and will release further information as soon as it is available." Three players hit 40s but failed to stick around and make big scores as Australia were bowled out for 231 in the second one-day international against South Africa in Adelaide. The hosts, who were thrashed by six wickets with more than 20 overs to spare in the opening match of the three-game series in Perth, are desperate to snap a record seven-game losing streak. Adelaide has been a happy hunting ground in the past, with Australia winning their previous four one-dayers at the oval. In fact, their last win came in Adelaide nine months ago against England, before the reigning world champions were knocked for six by the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa in March. Their form slump since has been characterised by batting collapses and they again struggled to compile a big total with some tight South African bowling putting them back in the pavilion in 48.3 overs. Kagiso Rabada took 4-54 and Dwaine Pretorius 3-32. Skipper Aaron Finch stressed beforehand the need to go back to basics and build partnerships, and he and Travis Head tried to set the tone after being sent into bat by Faf du Plessis. Head smashed two fours in his first over but his aggressiveness cost him his wicket, with Lungi Ngidi trapping him lbw for eight as he pushed for a drive. That brought the experienced Shaun Marsh, who missed the first game for minor surgery on an abscess, to the crease and he quickly got into his groove. He and Finch knocked up a 50 partnership before Marsh, on 22, got a thick edge off Rabada and wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock easily took the catch. Finch built a composed 41 before he was deceived by a Pretorius delivery and chopped the ball onto his wicket. The explosive Chris Lynn looked ominous and was in Twenty20 mode when he smacked 18 off the first four balls from a Rabada over before he pushed his luck too far on the fifth, mistiming a hook to be caught behind. With wickets falling cheaply as South Africa tightened the screws, Alex Carey worked hard to keep the scoreboard ticking over before becoming Rabada's third victim on 47. Australia's Shaun Marsh returned to the field after missing the disastrous Perth one-dayer for surgery Austria has a launched a probe into a colonel suspected of spying for Russia for several decades, Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said Friday, the latest in a string of cases where Moscow has been accused of espionage in EU states. Kurz told a press conference that the 70-year-old army official, now retired, is suspected to have begun working with Russian intelligence in the 1990s and carried on until 2018. The public prosecutor's office in Salzburg province confirmed the colonel was being investigated for the crime of revealing state secrets. Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl has summoned the Russian charge d'affaires over the matter and cancelled an upcoming trip to Russia. Russia's foreign ministry meanwhile said it was calling in the Austrian ambassador to discuss the issue. "Of course if such cases are confirmed, whether it be in the Netherlands or in Austria, it can't improve the relationship between the EU and Russia," Kurz told reporters in Vienna. He was referring to the expulsion of four Russian agents by the Netherlands in April for allegedly planning a cyber-attack on the world's chemical weapons watchdog in The Hague. "Russian spying in Europe is unacceptable and to be condemned," the chancellor added. He said that Austria was "demanding transparent information from the Russian side" and that it would consult its European partners on further steps. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said he had been "unpleasantly surprised" by the news from Vienna. "Recently our Western partners have made it a rule not to use traditional diplomacy, but instead so-called 'megaphone diplomacy' by publicly accusing us and for explanations about matters we know nothing about," he told a press conference. "We will call (the Austrian ambassador's) attention to the methods that must be used if you have questions to put to Russia," Lavrov added. - Equipment handed over - Austrian Defence Minister Mario Kunasek said the case came to light "a few weeks ago" as a result of information from another European intelligence agency. "We can't say for the moment whether this is an isolated incident or not," Kunasek said. He said that the colonel had handed over "technical equipment" including his laptop which was now being examined. Kunasek said that under questioning, the colonel said the Russians had been interested "in weapons systems, in the migration situation here in Austria in recent years". "Profiles of certain people were also created and passed on," Kunasek said. The case indicated that "even after the end of the Cold War, spying has continued and shows us the need to tighten our security network, within Austria and within the defence ministry," Kunasek said. According to Austrian press reports, the colonel was paid 300,000 euros ($340,000) for his services. - Russian links - Austria is not a member of NATO and sets great store by its status as a neutral country. As such it was one of the few European countries not to expel Russian diplomats following the poisoning of ex-spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in Britain in March. Austria's relationship with Russia has come under particular scrutiny since the far-right Freedom Party (FPOe) entered government in coalition last December. The FPOe -- which nominated Kneissl and of which Kunasek is also a member -- has had a "cooperation pact" with Russian President Vladimir Putin's United Russia party since 2016. In August, Kneissl caused controversy by inviting Putin as a guest of honour to her wedding. In addition, the FPOe Interior Minister Herbert Kickl admitted in September that Austria had been asked to take "trust-building measures" to retain cooperation with allied secret services. It followed reports that Western secret services were increasingly wary of sharing information with Austria over concerns it could be passed to Moscow. Earlier this week the Austrian Falter weekly published what it said was a document from the Finnish domestic intelligence agency in which it asked for information from partner countries but specifically excluded Vienna's BVT agency. Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz (L) told a press conference that the retired colonel is suspected of working with Russian intelligence from the 1990s until 2018 Austrian Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl caused controversy when she invited Russian President Vladimir Putin as a guest of honour to her wedding in August Dissident Chinese author Ma Jian arrived in Hong Kong Friday vowing to speak at the city's literary festival as a major arts centre that had pulled out of hosting him changed its mind. The new Tai Kwun arts complex, which hosts the Hong Kong International Literary Festival, said Thursday it had cancelled Ma's two speaking events after venue director Timothy Calnin said he did not want it to become "a platform to promote the political interests of any individual". Ma, whose books are banned in mainland China, is due to promote his latest novel "China Dream", a title that plays on Chinese President Xi Jinping's rhetoric of national rejuvenation and is described by publisher Penguin as "a biting satire of totalitarianism". A replacement venue also pulled out Friday as concerns grow that freedoms are dying in the semi-autonomous city under an assertive China. Calnin said Friday the centre had reconsidered and would host Ma as an alternative venue had not been found. "Mr Ma has made public statements which clarify that his appearances in Hong Kong are as a novelist and that he has no intention to use Tai Kwun as a platform to promote his personal political interests," Calnin said in a statement. Festival organisers said they were "delighted" with the decision. "The principles of free speech and cultural expression are central to our mission as an international literary festival," they said in a statement. Ma had expressed concern he would be barred from Hong Kong after senior Financial Times journalist Victor Mallet, a British national, was refused entry to the city Thursday night. But speaking to reporters in the arrivals hall Friday evening Ma said he had been let through without any questions from immigration officials. "For a writer, the most important thing is to emphasise freedom of thought, including freedom of speech. Without these two, one is not a writer," he said. "The talk must go on. Even if only one Hong Konger wants to attend. Even if only one reader wants to talk to me," he added, before Tai Kwun reversed its decision. Ma blamed "some organisation" above the Hong Kong Jockey Club, which runs Tai Kwun, for the original decision. "Simply because a book has the name 'China Dream' they don't allow us to hold the talk. This is terrifying," he said. - 'Last trip' - Ma has Hong Kong residency which entitles him to live and work in the city but he said he entered using his British passport. He described Hong Kong as his second home but said this would be his last visit. "I don't even know whether I will be disappeared when I walk on Hong Kong streets tomorrow," he told reporters. The city's publishing sector has taken a hit since five booksellers known for printing gossipy titles about China's leaders disappeared in 2015 and resurfaced in custody on the mainland. Since then some of Hong Kong's bookshops selling works banned in China have closed, and chain stores have removed the titles from their shelves. Veteran journalist Mallet had already had his work visa renewal denied last month and had left Hong Kong, but was barred when he tried to come back in for a short stay as a visitor. British citizens are usually allowed into Hong Kong without a visa and are permitted to stay for 180 days under immigration rules. The FT issued a statement Friday saying Mallet had been "returning to Hong Kong to finalise some business and personal matters". Security minister John Lee insisted Friday the decision to prevent Mallet from entering as a tourist was "nothing to do with freedom of expression and freedom of the press" but would not reveal the reasons. The government has given no explanation for the original refusal to extend his visa but it is widely believed the decision was linked to Mallet's chairing of a talk by a Hong Kong independence activist at the city's Foreign Correspondents' Club (FCC), where he is first vice president. China's foreign ministry had asked for the event to be cancelled. The FT said Friday that it had still not received an explanation for the original visa denial and was awaiting the outcome of an appeal. The treatment of Mallet has earned rebukes from foreign governments and international rights groups. Hong Kong Journalists Association warned Friday of the "death knell" for freedom of expression in the city, describing it as a "dark week for freedom of expression in Hong Kong". Ma Jian, whose books are banned in mainland China, is due to promote his latest novel 'China Dream', described by publisher Penguin as 'a biting satire of totalitarianism' Financial Times journalist Victor Mallet was refused entry to Hong Kong as a tourist, after his work visa renewal was denied A Boeing jetliner carrying 126 people crash-landed at the airport in Guyana's capital Georgetown on Friday, injuring six people, the transport minister said. The Fly Jamaica Airways plane was bound for Toronto when it suffered a hydraulic problem shortly after takeoff and returned to the airport, crashing and skidding off the runway, Transportation Minister David Patterson said. He said the injuries were not life-threatening and the wounded were taken to a hospital near the airport in this country bordering Venezuela to the east. "They are all stable and are being looked at. There were no reports of broken bones," Patterson told a news briefing at the airport. The 118 passengers on board the Boeing 757-200 included 82 Canadians. There were eight crew members aboard. After departing at 2:10 am, the pilot reported a problem with the hydraulic system 10 minutes into the flight. Guyanese police and soldiers secured the crash site for investigators to begin working. The US National Transportation Safety Board was alerted. "We can confirm that Fly Jamaica flight OJ256 bound for Toronto has returned to Georgetown with a technical problem and has suffered an accident on landing," the airline said. "At this time, we believe that all 118 passengers and eight crew members are safe. We are providing local assistance and will release further information as soon as it is available," it added. The Fly Jamaica Airways plane that crash-landed in Guyana was a Boeing 757-200 Meat industry tycoon Joesley Batista was arrested by Brazilian police on Friday alongside two former agriculture ministers as part of the wide-ranging "Operation Car Wash" investigation into corruption. Alongside his brother Wesley, Batista owns the world's biggest meatpacking company, JBS, and previously struck a plea bargain with graft investigators in return for testifying to the bribing of politicians. The brothers have admitted to bribing 1,900 politicians and have even testified against President Michel Temer. Police said in a statement that the arrests were part of an operation aimed at "dismantling a criminal organization operating in the Chamber of Deputies and the Ministry of Agriculture." The two former agriculture minsters arrested were Antonio Andrade, currently the vice-governor of Minas Gerais state, and Neri Geller. At the time they held their agriculture ministry roles, in 2013-14, they were members of Temer's MDB party. In total 19 people were arrested, among them a current deputy, JBS executives, lawyers and former agriculture ministry officials, while 64 raids were carried out in five states. Investigators claim that JBS bribed agriculture ministry officials through political intermediaries in order to obtain benefits from industry regulations and the attribution of commercial licenses. These bribes gave JBS advantages over its competition and the possibility to "build a market monopoly," police said. JBS allegedly paid two million reis ($590,000 at the 2015 exchange rate) to manipulate regulations in ways that would give it an advantage over competitors. Joesley Batista was previously held between September 2017 and March of this year on suspicion of having withheld information from prosecutors, something that saw him stripped of his plea bargain. The information he and his brother gave led prosecutors to request two investigations into allegations that Temer paid bribes to buy the silence of a deputy, but on both occasions the Chamber of Deputies blocked the investigations' progress. The Car Wash investigation has ensnared some of Brazil's biggest companies, such as construction conglomerate Odebrecht and state oil giant Petrobras, and some its most notable politicians, including former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who is currently serving a 12-year prison sentence for accepting a bribe. JBS owner Joesley Batista, pictured last year, was previously held for six months for withholding evidence in a bribary investigation Former Goldman Sachs chief Lloyd Blankfein met with a man at the center of the 1MDB corruption scandal involving former Malaysia Prime Minister Najib Razak, a person close to the matter confirmed to AFP. The US Justice Department charged three people in the case last week, two of them former Goldman bankers, and said a "high-ranking executive" of the bank was present at a November 2009 meeting with Low Taek Jho -- an alleged mastermind and intermediary to the Malaysian fund. The source, who asked to remain anonymous, confirmed news reports that Blankfein, who stepped down as CEO last month after 12 years, is the executive named in the court documents. A Goldman Sachs spokesman declined an AFP request for comment. The source told AFP that Blankfein and Low attended a meeting in November 2009 hosted by Najib at his hotel in New York while visiting the United States. The private reception, which was described as an outreach effort, was held a few weeks after Najib created Malaysian public investment fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) to modernize Malaysia. That meeting laid the foundation for a commercial relationship between the prestigious investment bank and Kuala Lumpur, the source said. - Low no show - The United States charged Low Taek Jho, also known as Jho Low, with working with two former Goldman bankers -- Tim Leissner and Ng Chong Hwa -- to launder billions of dollars allegedly skimmed from 1MDB. Low remains at large. Leissner and Ng are charged with conspiring to launder billions of dollars from the sovereign wealth fund and for conspiring to bribe officials in Malaysia and Abu Dhabi to hire Goldman for lucrative consulting contracts. US authorities said the scam allowed the men to divert $2.7 billion from 1MDB in the form of commissions on three bond issues in 2012 and 2013, underwritten by Goldman Sachs. Goldman earned $600 million in commissions as a result. However, Blankfein did not know Low and did not know he would attend the November 2009 meeting, which also was attended by other Goldman Sachs bankers and Najib's entourage, according to the source. The discussion covered a broad range of topics. Another source told AFP that Blankfein also was scheduled to meet Low at a conference in New York on September 25, 2013 but Low did not attend, which contradicts news reports that the two met twice. Conference participants also included private equity firms such as Bain Capital and TPG to discuss "Investing in Malaysia." David Solomon, who took over Goldman Sachs after Blankfein retired in September, said Wednesday he was alarmed by the charges of corruption against the two former Goldman bankers. The bank has said it is cooperating with the US Justice Department's criminal investigation and Goldman lawyers are due to meet with investigators next week in Washington, a source close to the investigation told AFP. Former Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein is reported to have met Jho Low in a New York hotel in 2009 Germany on Friday remembered victims of the Nazi pogrom that heralded the Third Reich's drive to wipe out Jews, at a time when anti-Semitism and nationalism is resurgent in the West. In a speech at the Bundestag marking the 80th anniversary of Kristallnacht, also known as the Night of Broken Glass, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said the violence on November 9, 1938 marked "the incomparable break from civilisation, Germany's fall into barbarism". Germany must never look away again if "some try again to speak for the 'real people' and seek to exclude" those with a different religion or skin colour, he said. In a clear reference to a growing far-right movement in Germany, Steinmeier warned against a "new, aggressive nationalism" that "conjures up an idyllic past that never existed". Joining Steinmeier and Jewish leaders at a ceremony later at Germany's biggest synagogue, Chancellor Angela Merkel underlined that Kristallnacht happened after a creeping process in which anti-Semitism was first tolerated, and later encouraged. Exclusion, racism or anti-Semitism must be stamped out from the start, Merkel said. "Easy answers, which often go with a coarsening of the discourse on the streets and in the Internet, that's a start that we must decisively counter," she said. "We are remembering with the conviction that the democratic majority must stay vigilant." - 'Why aren't the firemen coming?' - Eight decades ago on this day, Nazi thugs murdered at least 90 Jews, torched 1,400 synagogues across Germany and Austria and destroyed Jewish-owned shops and businesses. The pretext for the coordinated action was the fatal shooting on November 7, 1938, of a German diplomat in Paris by a Polish Jewish student. The Nazis rounded up and deported at least 30,000 Jews to concentration camps and made Jews pay "compensation" for the damage caused to property. Charlotte Knobloch, former president of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, recalled walking through town that day with her father. "I saw the smouldering synagogue and asked: why aren't the firemen coming? I got no reply," she told public broadcaster ZDF. The brutal rampage marked the point at which local persecution of Jews became systematic, culminating in the Holocaust that claimed some six million lives. - 'Neo-Nazis emboldened' - Like in years past, people knelt on November 9 to polish "Stolpersteine" (stumbling stones) -- coaster-sized brass plaques embedded in pavements bearing the names of Jewish victims in front of their former homes. But in Berlin last year, 16 plaques were stolen just before the Kristallnacht anniversary. The far-right AfD is now the biggest opposition party in Germany's parliament, even though its key members have challenged the country's culture of atonement over World War II and the Holocaust. On the 80th anniversary of Kristallnacht, also known in Germany as Reichspogromnacht, far-right militants had called a demonstration in Berlin, but only a handful turned up. In comparison, hundreds of counter demonstrators mobilised against the far-right march. "The idea that right-wing extremists are going to march through the government district in the dark, possibly with burning candles, is unbearable," said Berlin's interior minister Andreas Geisel. "We must not tolerate open right-wing extremism under the cover of freedom of speech." Across the Atlantic, the United States suffered its worst anti-Semitic attack last month when 11 people were gunned down at a Pittsburgh synagogue. - 'No respect' - Ronald Lauder, president of the World Jewish Congress, noted the "frightening climate of anti-Semitism and xenophobia currently spreading across Europe and the United States". "The far right is gaining power at an alarming speed, and neo-Nazis are feeling emboldened to march in the streets shouting hateful slurs and advocating the most dangerous brands of nationalism and hatred." The president of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, Josef Schuster, called out the AfD, accusing it of fomenting hate against refugees, Muslims or Jews. The AfD has "perfected this incitement. They are intellectual agitators. They have no respect for anything... they mock the survivors of the Shoah by relativising the crimes... and seek to destroy our culture of remembrance," he said, using a Hebrew reference to the Holocaust. Schuster said that, unlike in the 1930s, "today we are democratic enough" to combat racist nationalism, but he stressed that future generations have to be inoculated against such hate. Felix Klein, Germany's commissioner on fighting anti-Semitism, also said that "our democracy today is stable, strong". "At the same time, these values need to be brought back to the fore, and defended." In recent years across Germany on November 9, people have polished brass plaques embedded in pavements bearing the names of Jewish victims German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier warned against a "new, aggressive nationalism" Nazi thugs murdered at least 90 Jews, torched 1,400 synagogues across Germany and Austria, and destroyed Jewish-owned shops and businesses. A photo of a synagogue in flames is on display at Berlin's Topography of Terrors museum A fine arts teacher at a high school in Texas has died after attempting suicide in his classroom during school hours, according to school district officials. Jordan Halane was found unconscious in his classroom by another teacher at Wessendorff Middle School in Rosenberg, and was rushed to a local hospital, US news station KTRK reported. The schools principal, Sonya Sanzo, wrote a letter to parents explaining what had happened. As the situation unfolded, students were held in their classrooms and were not aware of the medical emergency, Ms Sanzo explained. Unfortunately, we believe it was the teachers intent to harm himself, she wrote. There were no weapons on campus and students were never in any danger. Jordan Halane attempted suicide in a classroom during school hours and later died at the hospital. (Photo: Facebook) Mr Halanes friends and peers have taken to social media to pay tribute to the man, who was married in 2016. I learned so much from you about what it looks like to lead with humility, perseverance and joy, Annie Kessler, who worked with Mr Halane, shared on Facebook. Im so sad today and so grateful for the love & friendship you brought to this world in such a short time. Celeste M. Barretto, another peer, described Mr Halane as a great listener, a kind soul. Wessendorff Middle School in Texas, where Mr Halane worked. Source: Google Maps She wrote that he must have carried pain we knew nothing about. He is deeply missed. Friends who knew the educator or attended school with him spoke of his voice, which he often shared to their delight. In one video, he can be heard singing the tenor solo in Love Is Little. In an email to parents, Ms Sanzo said the schools focus is always on the safety and well-being of our students. We felt that you should be aware of the situation in case your child comes home with questions or concerns, the email read. Counsellors are available to students. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Martha Kande's family lived with her greying, shrivelled corpse at their home in Indonesia for seven months, as they prepared an elaborate funeral that is central to the Toraja people's centuries-old death rituals. "We keep the body in a coffin at home," Meyske Latuihamallo, the 81-year-old woman's granddaughter, told AFP. "But it's kept open before they are buried because we see them as sick so they are brought food and drink every day." Torajans -- an ethnic group that numbers about a million people on Sulawesi island -- have few qualms when it comes to talking with an embalmed corpse, dressing them up, brushing their hair or even taking pictures with a mummified relative. Traditionally the embalming process involved sour vinegar and tea leaves but these days families usually inject a formaldehyde solution into the corpse. "After a week, there's no odour anymore", local tourist guide Lisa Saba Palloan told AFP. It may seem a ghoulish practice to some: living side-by-side with an embalmed body for months -- or even years -- before paying homage in a ritualistic display of blood and guts. But the Toraja believe that a person is only dead -- and their soul freed -- after an elaborate funeral known as "Rambu Solo". - 'Preserve tradition' - Wild boars howled and blood poured from a sacrificial buffalo's throat as Kande's family prepared her mummified body for the afterlife. Following the five-day ceremony, the octogenarian was placed in one of the many burial caves scattered around the mountainous region, where skeletal remains are arranged by social hierarchy. They sit alongside wooden dolls in traditional clothing, representing deceased nobility, while some bodies are kept in coffins that hang from steep cliffs -- owing to limited space. "These are the customs of our ancestors," said Kande's 72-year-old nephew Johanes Singkali. "We maintain them to preserve these traditions and keep them sacred from outside influences." Although most Torajans are Christian -- a product of Dutch colonialism -- they have held onto earlier traditions rooted in animistic beliefs. The more elaborate a funeral the more likely the person's spirit will reach the level of the gods. But it comes at a cost. As many as 100 buffalo could be slaughtered for a noble person, while as few as eight will suffice for a middle-class Torajan. Funerals can set a family back up to two billion rupiah ($133,000) -- an extravagant amount in a country where more than half the population live on less than $5.50 a day, according to the World Bank. "We used to be animists, so we buried people with boars and buffalos to offer the spirits on the way to the afterlife," Singkali said. "It costs a lot and there are a lot of preparations while all the relatives living outside Toraja must come too." - 'Time of celebration' - Hundreds gathered in La'Bo village for Kande's spiritual send-off, along with dozens of picture-snapping tourists. Her body was put into a red coffin -- in the form of a traditional, boat-shaped house -- which was then placed in front of her home. Relatives clad in black dragged dozens of pigs into the centre of the village for slaughter as family members danced. At midday, a prized buffalo was led out onto a blue tarpaulin where its throat was slit -- confirming the woman's death -- and the carcass butchered for a big dinner to follow. Finally Kande's coffin was carried around the neighbourhood in a symbolic goodbye. It's not for the squeamish, but American visitor Ellie Eshleman took a philosophical view. "I am passionate about death," the 29-year-old said. "I would like to help restore it to its spiritual place in the Western world. So, I came here to see their death customs and how it can be a time of celebration." - Death tourism - The Indonesian government is trying to promote Torajan death rituals as part of ambitious plans to boost tourism across the sprawling Southeast Asian archipelago. While the Toraja region draws tens of thousands of tourists annually, it is a fraction of the millions who descend on holiday hotspot Bali. Growing Toraja tourism faces several hurdles, although opposition from locals does not appear to be among them. Rather, poor infrastructure and the absence of a major airport in the highland region make travel difficult. Furthermore, it is difficult to plan a trip to see a Rambu Solo ceremony because dates can change as families struggle to save enough money for one. But many visitors are still willing to take a chance and drive for hours from the nearest major airport to see one of the world's most unique funeral rites. "Toraja is a piece of heaven on earth," said Harli Patriatno, North Toraja's head of culture and tourism. "Its natural beauty combined with the Toraja people's spiritualism and funeral rites is extraordinary." Torajans have few qualms when it comes to living with an embalmed corpse before holding an elaborate funeral The body is put into a red coffin -- in the form of a traditional, boat-shaped house Relatives drag dozens of pigs into the centre of the village for slaughter as the ceremony unfolds Funerals can set a family back up to two billion rupiah ($133,000) -- an extravagant amount in Indonesia Hundreds gather for the spiritual send-off, including traditional dancers The Indonesian government is trying to promote Torajan death rituals to boost tourism in the region Following the ceremony, the body is placed in one of the many burial caves scattered around the mountainous region On the banks of Ho Chi Minh City's Xuyen Tam canal the houses come in many forms. Short or tall, pieced together from scraps of wood, or metal or plastic. Some tilt precariously over the polluted water's edge. The makeshift homes are set to be demolished under long-promised government plans to redevelop the city's "black canals" -- nicknamed for the darkened hue of their waste-strewn waters -- where thousands live with no legal title to the land. That worries grandmother Nguyen Thi My, who for the past 28 years has lived on the downtown Xuyen Tam canal, eking out a living selling snacks. "It'll be a pity to move. I know this area well... and it's good for business," she told AFP from her busy home where she lives with family. It's a familiar woe in the city where land fights frequently flare up between residents and a government seen to be in the pockets of powerful developers. My's is one of 20,000 remaining households on Ho Chi Minh City's serpentine waterways slated to be demolished by 2020 as part of the city's massive renewal project that promises to replace some of the polluted canal banks with Parisian-style riverside promenades, paved roads, modern shops and buildings. Around 36,000 homes along the city's canals have already been cleared, forcing residents to move to the outskirts or accept compensation that is often lower than soaring market rates. Some canal dwellers like Le Thi Thanh are fed up with the trash -- and stench -- and say they'd happily move. "People just throw trash and defecate in the canal, so we have to live with the pollution," 61-year-old Thanh, who has been on Xuyen Tam canal for 20 years, told AFP. Thanh runs a boarding house, mostly for rural migrant labourers, and sells lottery tickets from the slanted porch of her home pieced together with old wooden doors and metal sheets. The canals of Ho Chi Minh City have not always been so coveted. Under the French, they were the city's main arteries used to move goods and people around, but as roads modernised and as the population boomed with war refugees in the 1960s, they became places to illegally settle. Today, the tide may be turning again. "There's a new elite that's emerging that's retransforming (canals) into an aesthetic place where you might sit and capture cool breezes and have views," Erik Harms, author of "Luxury and Rubble" about development in the city, told AFP. The relocations have not been easy for some former canal residents like Nguyen Van Muc, who said he was forced to move into government housing three years ago. His new house, though outfitted with ceramic tiled floors and plastered walls, is half the size of his old clapboard model on Nuoc Len canal -- and 20 kilometres (12 miles) away. "I've sent several complaint letters to central and local authorities but received no response," the former police officer told AFP. Ho Chi Minh City boasts large sprawling communities living along polluted waterways Those living along the Xuyen Tam canal are some of the city's poorest Ho Chi Minh City's waterways are often dubbed 'black canals' because they are so polluted Local authorities want to demolish the shanty communities and redevelop the canals Many residents complain the money or housing they are being offered to replace their canal homes are sub par Local resident Le Ngoc Chau makes money collecting scrap from the polluted waterways Norway said Friday it was freezing all defence material export licences to Saudi Arabia over recent developments in the country and the war in Yemen. The announcement came amid international outrage over Riyadh's killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the kingdom's consulate in Istanbul in October, though Norway did not mention the murder specifically. "We have decided that, in the current situation, no new licences are to be granted for exports of defence-related products or dual-use items for military use to Saudi Arabia," Foreign Minister Ine Eriksen Soreide said in a statement. "The decision was taken after an overall assessment of recent developments in Saudi Arabia and the region, and the unpredictable situation in Yemen," the foreign ministry said. Norway sold defence material worth more than 41 million kroner ($4.86 million, 4.29 million euros) to Riyadh last year, according to Norwegian news agency NTB. The Scandinavian country has never allowed exports of arms or ammunition to Saudi Arabia, the ministry said. It said it had no indication that Norwegian defence-related products were being used in Yemen, and stressed its decision was "precautionary". Saudi Arabia leads a coalition that intervened in Yemen in 2015 to support the government there against Shiite Huthi rebels who are backed by Riyadh's arch enemy Iran. The coalition has been waging an aerial bombing campaign in Yemen aimed at pushing the Huthis back, but the rebels still hold the key port city of Hodeida and the capital Sanaa. Pro-government forces are currently pushing deeper into Hodeida amid fierce fighting. Nearly 10,000 Yemenis have been killed in the conflict since 2015, according to the World Health Organization. Human rights groups say the real death toll may be five times higher. Several aid organisations and opposition parties have recently demanded that Norway halt its defence material exports to Saudi Arabia. Norway's Foreign Minister Ine Eriksen Soreide, pictured March 2017, announced that Norway would not grant any new licenses "for exports of defence-related products or dual-use items for military use to Saudi Arabia" The newly elected governor of Japan's Okinawa said Friday he will take the island's long-running concerns about US military bases there directly to Americans when he visits the country next week. Denny Tamaki, born to a Japanese mother and an American US Marine father, said he wanted to see Tokyo and Washington spread the burden of hosting US troops more evenly across Japan. "I am not asking for immediate shutdown and withdrawal of US bases," he told a press conference in Tokyo. "The reality that the Okinawan people face is that we don't know to whom we should voice our frustration," Tamaki said. He will go to Washington and New York to meet with local politicians and journalists and said he was hopeful his mixed background would help persuade Americans to recognise the views of Okinawans. "After the (US) midterm elections, I as a person who has roots to both Japan and the US am going there. I hope it will have a media impact," he added. Okinawa accounts for less than one percent of Japan's total land area, but hosts more than half of the approximately 47,000 American military personnel stationed in Japan. For decades, Okinawa residents have asked for some of the bases to be moved, with resentment growing after a string of accidents and crimes committed by US military personnel and base workers. But the location of Okinawa, which sits near Taiwan, is of huge strategic importance for US forward positioning in Asia. As a solution, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government has pushed a plan to move an unpopular US base to a new, remote location on the island, part of which will be obtained through land reclamation. But that has angered many Okinawans who want the base moved off the island altogether. As Tokyo moves ahead with plans to build the new facility, Tamaki vowed to stand in its way. "The central government has been trying to build (the new facility) for 20 years now. It is not being built. The opposition of local residents is clear," he said. Last month, Okinawa lawmakers voted to hold a non-binding referendum on the relocation plan. While it has no legal standing, a vote against the move is likely to pile fresh pressure on the government over the issue. Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki plans to raise the issue of US bases on a trip to America Imelda Marcos was found guilty of corruption on Friday and handed a lengthy prison term in a rare conviction for the former Philippine first lady accused with her late dictator husband of embezzling billions of dollars from state coffers. However, it was unlikely 89-year-old Marcos would spend much time behind bars as she is allowed to appeal the ruling and can remain free on bail as long as the conviction is not final. The verdict from the anti-graft Sandiganbayan court orders her to serve a minimum of six years behind bars for each of the seven charges that the Marcoses funnelled roughly $200 million through Swiss foundations decades ago. This leaves her potentially facing decades in prison, however the exact length of the term was not immediately clear. Ferdinand Marcos, who along with his cronies was accused of pilfering $10 billion from the Philippines, fled with his family to the US after a people's uprising ended his 20-year rule in 1986. Marcos died in 1989 while still in exile. But his heirs later returned to Manila and have since staged a political comeback. Imelda Marcos is currently a congresswoman. As a government official in the Marcos administration, Imelda was barred by law from having any outside financial interests, including in the Swiss foundations. "The couple opened all those accounts in Switzerland, and they used pseudonyms to hide their ownership. The president chose William Saunders and Imelda Marcos used Jane Ryan," special prosecutor Ryan Quilala told reporters. Marcos, in a written statement to reporters, said her lawyer Manuel Lazaro plans to lodge an appeal with the anti-graft court. "He is presently studying the decision and has advised us that he intends to file a motion for reconsideration," she added. - The Marcoses return - Marcos critics rejoiced at the news of the conviction, which came nearly three decades after the case was filed in 1991. "This points to how long and therefore frustrating the Philippine judicial system is," said opposition lawmaker Francis Pangilinan. "We hope our courts will see this through... and give no special treatment to Mrs. Marcos," he added. Court officials said Marcos, who was not at Friday's hearing, would be able to avoid incarceration by posting an as yet undetermined bail. She has the right to appeal her conviction to the Supreme Court. The court has previously undone at least one case against Imelda, overturning a 24 year jail sentence in 1993 on graft charges. She ran for congress and won while her appeal was underway. The family's notoriety stems back to Ferdinand Marcos declaring martial law in 1972. That allowed him to shutter the legislature, muzzle the free press and jail or kill those who dared to oppose his dictatorship. In the decades since his ouster the effort to recover the pilfered money has been halting and uneven. However, the Philippine Supreme Court in 2003 ordered $680 million in funds stashed by the Marcoses in Swiss banks be handed to the government. The funds had earlier been turned over by the Swiss judiciary after concluding that the funds were stolen from the Manila government. The younger generation of Marcoses have led high-profile careers, despite the dark past associated with their name. Imelda and Ferdinand's daughter Imee Marcos is the governor of the family's northern stronghold of Ilocos Norte province and helped bankroll the 2016 election campaign of President Rodrigo Duterte, according to him. Imelda's son, also named Ferdinand, almost won the separate election for vice president that year. He has put the count under protest and hopes to run for president after Duterte's term ends in mid-2022. Imelda Marcos and her family have made a political comeback in recent years Philippines' former first lady Imelda Marcos, found guilty of corruption, was known for her extensive collection of shoes Imelda Marcos' husband, the former leader Ferdinand Marcos, died in 1989 while still in exile but his heirs later returned to Manila Normalising Pristina-Belgrade ties seems a long way off as distrust between the former foes still remains strong two decades after the Kosovo war, the last conflict that accompanied Yugoslavia's collapse. Kosovo President Hashim Thaci and his Serbian counterpart Aleksandar Vucic met Thursday in a tense atmosphere in Brussel to restart stalled talks. Here are the key points of dispute: - Recognition of Kosovo - In 2008, a decade after the 1998-1999 war between Serbia's forces and ethnic Albanian guerrillas, Kosovo unilaterally declared independence from Serbia. Serbia refuses to recognise Kosovo's independence, although more than 100 countries, including the US and most EU member states, have done so. But Kosovo has made recognition by Belgrade the sine qua non for any deal. Serbia has enshrined in its constitution its jurisdiction over its former ethnic-Albanian majority province. Dubbed the "Serb Jerusalem", many Serbs see Kosovo as their national and religious cradle. However, according to a recent survey, a quarter of Serbian citizens are now convinced that Kosovo is lost. - Punitive tariffs - Backed by Russia and China, Belgrade closed the doors of the United Nations to Kosovo. In addition, Serbia claims that a dozen countries, such as Papua New Guinea, Suriname or recently the Comoros, have withdrawn their decisions following their diplomatic initiative. Pristina argued it was a "Serbian propaganda". In response, Kosovo raised taxes on Serbian goods by 10 percent earlier this week, sparking criticism not just from Belgrade but from the European Union. With annual exports of 400 million euros ($454 million), Serbia is Kosovo's top regional trade partner. - Kosovo's Serbs - There is no official census, but Kosovo is still home to about 120,000 ethnic Serbs. They live in the region of the divided city of Mitrovica, but also in a dozen predominantly Serb territories where Pristina can not impose its sovereignty. The most important Orthodox religious places, such as the Decani monastery, enjoy an extraterritorial status and are under international protection. In 2013, an agreement provided for the creation of an association of 10 "municipalities" for the territories populated mainly by ethnic Serbs. But it has never been implemented, as Belgrade and Pristina cannot agree on the powers these communities would have. Belgrade accuses Pristina of delaying tactics. In response, Kosovo says Serbia intends to create autonomous structures with executive powers like those of Bosnia's Serb-majority entity, Republika Srpska. - Territorial disputes - Serbia claims ownership of property located in Kosovo, notably the Trepca industrial-mining complex in the northern Mitrovica region and the Gazivode artificial lake, called Ujman by Kosovo Albanians. But for Pristina, they are inalienable. Located in an area populated by ethnic Serbs, the lake plays a crucial role for Kosovo's water supply and energy independence. Trepca and its minerals also represent a rare source of wealth of the rather poor region, even if its industrial infrastructure is in an appalling state. While most mines are on the Albanian side of Mitrovica, the industrial complex is on the Serb side. - An army for Kosovo - Kosovo has no army. For the moment, a NATO-led international force provides its security. Pristina has repeatedly said they want to form their own army, provoking anger from the Serb minority and Belgrade, for whom it is a red line. The West too, notably NATO, also oppose it as long as it lacks the support of Serb minority in Kosovo. Kosovo lawmakers are nevertheless reviewing a draft law aimed at the founding of an army. Pristina and most Western countries want the end of the UN's mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), arguing that the political situation no longer justifies it as it is an independent country. Serbia and its allies, notably Russia, are vigorously against an end to the mission. For them, the UN Security Council Resolution 1244 from 1999, according to which Kosovo is part of former Yugoslavia, which was replaced by Serbia, remains valid. - A 'parallel system' in the north - In the mainly ethnic-Serb northern Mitrovica part of Kosovo, cars have either Serbian registration plates or none, while inhabitants use Serbian dinar as currency. It is impossible to use a Kosovo phone there. The two sides still do not mutually recognise their respective diplomas. Nor do the people there pay electricity bills to a Kosovo company, which the Pristina administration says costs them about 10 million euros annually ($11 million). Pristina accuses Belgrade of funding a "parallel system" by paying wages to civil servants in northern Kosovo. Kosovars celebrate the independence of Kosovo in Feburary 2008, but Serbia has since refused to recognise Kosovo's independence The young family found dead in outback Northern Territory after their car had become stranded, were travelling in a vehicle that ran out of fuel and had a flat tyre, police confirmed. The body of a 19-year-old man and woman and a three-year-old boy were found on Wednesday after a man from the Willowra Aboriginal community, 300km northwest of Alice Springs, raised the alarm. A police search for a missing 12-year-old boy, also believed to be in the car, found the body of a child 120 metres from the three family members on Thursday. The group had left Willowra on Friday, bound for the Jarra Jarra outstation, when their vehicle became stranded. Source: NT Police Northern Territory Police found a family of four dead in remote Central Australia, believed to have perished in the extreme heat. Source: Google Maps Police could not confirm the exact relationship between the trio and the boy, aside from saying the group having broad family linkages. Speaking to the media on Friday morning, Southern Desert Division Superintendent Jody Nobbs described the event as a tragic situation. He could not reveal which community the family was connected to or their identities, only to say they were Central Australian community members. Its not only heartbreaking for that community, its also heartbreaking for the broader community equally the emergency service family that responded, Supt Nobbs said. My heart and thoughts are with the community over this difficult time. We will continue to work with the community to assist them in getting through this difficult situation. How the group became stranded in the NT outback The group had left Willowra on Friday bound for the Jarra Jarra outstation and were last seen at Ti Tree. It is believed the car, which was unroadworthy, ran out of fuel with a flat tyre that day on the Jarra Jarra Road. The temperatures were around 40 degrees on Friday and the weekend. Supt Nobbs described the area the family to be a rugged, remote, and vast location. The road is remote with limited traffic and it was likely the group did not see any cars before they perished, he said. Heat, lack of food, likely cause of death The family likely died due to extreme heat and a lack of food and water, police say. Story continues The cause of death is a matter for the coroner, however the cause of death is likely to have been exposure to the elements, Supt Nobbs said. The family was found about 300km northwest of Alice Springs. Source: Google Maps The bodies and car were about 60km from Willowra and 18km from Jarra Jarra, which would have been the nearest water source. The vehicle has been seized and the coroner will be making a formal investigation. Trips for driving through Australian outback Supt Nobbs said the tragedy was a sad reminder to take precautions when travelling on remote Northern Territory roads. This does serve, unfortunately, as a timely reminder for anyone traveling on NT roads to ensure that when you travel your vehicle is in a fit state, that you have adequate supplies including water and a first-aid kit. He advised travellers to let someone know their travel itinerary before setting off when you intend to leave and arrive, and your planned routes, so others can notify police if you dont make it as planned. Barbora Strycova will launch the Czech Republic's Fed Cup victory bid on Saturday when she faces American Sofia Kenin in the opening match on Saturday. Czech ambitions to claim an 11th title have been dampened with the loss of both Karolina Pliskova (injury) and Petra Kvitova, who is sick but hoping to recover in time for Sunday. Strycova, the 33rd-ranked Czech number two, will hope to put the first point on the board when she faces 19-year-old Kenin, who is still in search of her maiden WTA singles title, on the hardcourt of Prague's O2 Arena at 1300 GMT on Saturday. Katerina Siniakova, the world number 31, will then face 63rd-ranked Alison Riske in Saturday's second rubber. Siniakova has replaced seventh-ranked Kvitova as the Czech number one after the two-time Wimbledon champion pulled out of Saturday's singles with a bad cold. "Despite everything, we're still the favourites because our girls are great players," Czech captain Petr Pala told reporters. "I'm very confident about the team and I really liked the way Barbora and Katerina have practised." US captain Kathy Rinaldi has decided to bench 36th-ranked Danielle Collins and go with Riske, who was on the US team that won the title last year. "I believe in all my players up here," she said. On Sunday, Siniakova is due to face Kenin and Strycova will then take on Riske. Siniakova and Barbora Krejcikova are then scheduled to face Danielle Collins and the Czech-born Nicole Melichar in the final doubles rubber. The teams may change after day one and if Kvitova gets better, she is certain to appear on the court on Sunday. "I'm feeling a bit better which is a good sign but we're going to see after tomorrow's matches," Kvitova said Friday. "We'll see what happens on Sunday but for Saturday we're prepared, we're ready to go," said Rinaldi. Riske, the only player on the US team with Fed Cup experience, said all the pressure was on the hosts. "I think I definitely do like the court a lot and any time that I'm indoors... I feel pretty at home," she added. The US, eyeing a record-extending 19th title, are missing Sloane Stephens, Serena Williams and Madison Keys. The United States beat Belarus in Minsk in last year's final after seeing off the Czechs in the semi-final, with Siniakova making her debut as Czech number one then. "I hope I can use this experience," said the 22-year-old Siniakova. "I'm really excited to go to the court. Of course I expect a tough match," added Siniakova, who has a 2-1 head-to-head record with Riske while Strycova and Kenin have never met on court. The US and the Czechs are the most successful teams in Fed Cup history, with the hosts also being second best in terms of head-to-head, winning only two of their previous 12 meetings. 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. Czech Barbara Strycova (L) eyes her opponent for Saturday's opening rubber, American Sofia Kenin, as both stand next to the Fed Cup trophy which will be decided this weekend. The last 19 Druze women and children abducted by the Islamic State group in July from the southern Syrian province of Sweida were freed Thursday and welcomed by their relatives, state media said. Syrian state media said the mass liberation was the result of a military operation but others insisted the 15-week hostage ordeal was ended thanks to a prisoner swap agreement. Media reported that the freed hostages "met their relatives" after more than three months of gruelling captivity during which at least two of the group were killed. Local journalist Nour Radwan told AFP the hostages were brought to a military base in the north of Sweida province, where they were met by family members. The group would next head to Sweida city, where dozens of people had gathered to welcome them home, said Radwan. According to state news agency SANA, the army "clashed directly with the IS terrorist organisation, which had abducted women and children from the Sweida province". Government troops "were able to liberate all the 19 hostages... and kill the terrorist kidnappers", it added. Syrian television broadcast images of veiled women, boys, and at least one girl surrounded by men in military uniforms near a white pick-up truck in a desert landscape. It said the images were broadcast from the desert near the ancient city of Palmyra in the centre of the country. In Sweida, Jawdat Abu Omar was in his car rushing to the provincial capital to see his wife, eight-year-old daughter Shahad, and 13-year-old son Qusay. "I can't even describe how I'm feeling. I?ve never felt this happy in my life," he told AFP over the phone. "We'll be waiting for them," he said. IS jihadists abducted about 30 people -- mostly women and children -- from Sweida late July during the deadliest attack of the seven-year civil war on Syria's Druze community. Radwan said the women and children were freed in a prisoner exchange deal. "The freeing of the remaining hostages came as part of a prisoner swap deal, and today was the second stage of that deal," he told AFP. - Another hostage killed? - Two women and four children were released last month in a first step of the same agreement that also saw women and children related to IS fighters freed from regime jails, he said. "The agreement provides for swapping those who were abducted for detained IS relatives in Syrian government jails," Radwan added. "A first step saw the Syrian government free 25 detainees including 17 women and eight children related to IS." The Druze community had been hoping for the return of 20 hostages, Radwan said. "IS told the family of one of the female hostages that they had killed her but did not send any proof. We're waiting for them to arrive in Sweida. If there are 19 of them then it means she really was killed," he said. IS executed a 19-year-old male student among the hostages in August and then a 25-year-old woman in early October. The jihadists said a 65-year-old woman held by the group died from illness. In the July 25 attack, IS killed more than 250 people, most of them civilians, in a wave of suicide bombings, shootings, and stabbings across Sweida province. Regime forces have since pressed a deadly battle against the jihadist group on the volcanic plateau of Tulul al-Safa in the east of the province. Syria's grinding civil war has claimed more than 360,000 lives since it started with the bloody repression of anti-government protests in 2011. Sweida province is the heartland of the country's Druze minority, which made up roughly three percent of Syria's pre-war population -- or about 700,000 people. Followers of a secretive offshoot of Islam, the Druze are considered heretics by the Sunni extremists of IS. A picture released by the official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) on November 8, 2018 shows a group of Druze women and children after they were freed from over three months in captivity at the hands of the IS group Syrian government forces killed 22 rebels overnight near Idlib province, in the deadliest such attack in an area where a recent truce is to be enforced, a monitor said Friday. Fighting erupted when government troops seized a position in a rural area in the north of neighbouring Hama province that had been held by the Jaish al-Izza group, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. Idlib and some surrounding areas are the last major rebel bastion in Syria, where the Russian-backed government has in recent months retaken much of the territory it had lost since the civil war erupted in 2011. It had threatened an assault on rebel territory, home to around three million people, but a deal for a de-militarised buffer zone around it was reached in September between Moscow and rebel backer Ankara. Several deadly skirmishes have occurred since the deal but 22 is the highest number of known fatalities in a single incident inside the planned buffer zone, the Observatory said. "This is the highest death toll in the de-militarised zone since it was announced," Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Britain-based monitoring group, told AFP. The positions of different military forces in Idlib province. Jihadists missed an Oct 15 deadline to withdraw from the buffer zone. British Prime Minister Theresa May drew the fury of her crucial Northern Irish allies on Friday after seemingly accepting an EU-backed Brexit solution they fervently oppose. London's latest political spat underscores the trouble May's fractured government faces in passing through parliament any Brexit arrangement it thrashes out with Brussels over the coming days. The Times newspaper reported that May sent a five-page letter on Tuesday to the leaders of Northern Ireland's small Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) that props up her government. May reportedly told her ruling coalition partners she would never allow the disputed Brexit deal proposal offered by Brussels to "come into force". But DUP leaders said on Friday that May's wording meant the fix would still be included in the withdrawal agreement that London and Brussels hope to reach in the coming days. They said May had earlier promised them it never would -- and they threatened to vote against the agreement. "The PM's letter raises alarm bells for those who value the integrity of our precious union & for those who want a proper Brexit for the whole UK," DUP leader Arlene Foster tweeted. DUP Brexit spokesman Sammy Wilson told Sky News that May was guilty of "total betrayal". "If a deal emerges shaped on the contents of the PM?s letter, @duponline MPs & our allies will not support it," Wilson tweeted. "The PM knows the consequences, she now needs to reconsider." - 'Showdown' - At issue is the problem of how to avoid border checks between British Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland after Brexit enters into force on March 29. London suggests Britain could temporarily stay aligned with the bloc's trade rules but wants to reserve the right to exit the arrangement. The EU appears ready to accept that -- but only if there is a fall-back option written into the withdrawal agreement. This so-called "backstop to the backstop" would see Northern Ireland become wedded to the EU single market and customs union should London and Brussels fail to strike a permanent trade deal. It would then require additional checks on goods and agriculture flowing between Northern Ireland and mainland Britain along the Irish Sea. The DUP views this as a red line and a betrayal of the peace agreement that brought peace to the troubled province in the 1990s. Some British media said May's government leaked the letter to prepare the ground for what The Guardian called a final "showdown" with the DUP over the checks. Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright told BBC Radio that May's government would not let the EU carve up the United Kingdom. "There is no doubt we have understood the concern the DUP and others have expressed about a hard border down the Irish Sea, we share it, and we will not accept a deal that involves that component." Eurosceptics in May's Conservative Party are already threatening to vote against the deal because it could lock Britain into a long-term customs arrangement with the EU. May's failure to secure DUP's backing could see the government lose the Brexit vote and potentially face early elections. British PM Theresa May needs the support of Arlene Foster and her Democratic Unionist Party once the Brexit deal -- if any -- comes up for approval in parliament At issue is the problem of how to avoid border checks between British Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland after Brexit enters into force The United States and China resume top-level talks Friday after months of spiraling tension, looking to see if they can find a way forward on disputes from trade to military friction. Friday's delayed meeting in Washington comes weeks before US leader Donald Trump is expected to meet his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit in Argentina, with both sides hoping they can announce some progress. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis will spend Friday morning with two high-ranking Chinese policymakers, days after a congressional election in which Trump painted China as a bogeyman. A planned trip by Mattis to Beijing last month was canceled amid rising military tensions between the Pacific powers. But on Friday China's defense minister, General Wei Fenghe, will visit the Pentagon to a ceremonial honor cordon. The defense chiefs will beforehand hold talks at the State Department jointly with Pompeo and senior Communist Party official Yang Jiechi, a longtime architect of Chinese foreign policy who formerly served as ambassador to Washington. The talks will focus on security, but trade is at the heart of tensions. Trump has slapped $250 billion worth of tariffs on Chinese goods, accusing Beijing of nefarious trading practices, prompting retaliatory measures. While some of the Trump administration's comments on China have prompted commentators to draw parallels to the Cold War, Terry Branstad, the US ambassador to Beijing, said that Washington was not seeking confrontation for its own sake. "We want this to be a constructive, results-oriented relationship with China. The US is not trying to contain China, but we want fairness and reciprocity," Branstad told reporters on the eve of the talks. In Beijing, foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said Friday that China hopes the talks "will bring very good results", and help "deepen understanding" and "accelerate collaboration between both sides." - Flurry of disputes - Branstad said the talks would consist of "frank, open exchanges" on issues from human rights to the myriad maritime disputes in the South China Sea. "We want to achieve progress on our priorities including North Korea, and China has been a very key player in helping to get North Korea to the bargaining table," Branstad said. Trump is seeking a follow-up to his landmark summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who counts on China as his main supporter. But a meeting due this week in New York between Pompeo and a senior North Korean official was abruptly called off, the latest twist in turbulent diplomacy. With the occasional exception of North Korea policy, the United States has increasingly seen China as a meddlesome player on the international scene. In a meeting with former US secretary of state Henry Kissinger in Beijing on Thursday, Xi said it was "noteworthy that negative voices concerning China have been rising for some time in the United States," according to the official Xinhua news agency. But Xi noted that he had agreed to meet Trump in Argentina, where "the two sides can have an in-depth exchange of views on issues of common concern." China, Xi said, "is still committed to the building of a relationship with the United States that features no conflicts, no confrontation, mutual respect and win-win cooperation." Washington has been especially incensed at what it believes is widespread theft of US technology -- a charge that China denies. Xi recently wooed investors by pledging action to encourage imports, while Foreign Minister Yang Yi has insisted that China is not trying to dethrone the United States as the pre-eminent power. The Trump administration, while generally soft-spoken on human rights, has taken China to task over its mass detainment of Uighurs, the mostly Muslim minority in its northwest. A recent UN report said that as many as one million ethnic Uighurs are being kept in extrajudicial detention, some simply for outwardly practicing Islam. The Uyghur Human Rights Project, a Washington-based advocacy group that uses an alternative spelling for the ethnicity, urged the United States to raise the detentions in Friday's dialogue, saying it was important to show a "unified" global message. Beijing, after initially denying the detention camps, has described them instead as vocational training centers that discourage religious extremism. US President Donald Trump (L) and Chinese leader Xi Jinping are expected to meet on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina Terry Branstad, the US ambassador to Beijing, said that Washington was not seeking confrontation for its own sake Uighurs demonstrate against China outside the UN offices in Geneva. A recent UN report said as many as one million ethnic Uighurs are being kept in extrajudicial detention in Xinjiang The United States on Friday insisted it was not pursuing a new "Cold War" with China, but the Pacific powers could only paper over deep differences during high-level talks. The defense chiefs and top foreign affairs officials of the two countries met in Washington for a regular dialogue that had been pushed back amid months of spiraling tensions between the world's two largest economies. After President Donald Trump's barbed comments against China in the runup to this week's congressional elections, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo turned conciliatory in tone if not always in substance. "The United States is not pursuing a Cold War or containment policy with China," Pompeo told a joint news conference. "Rather, we want to ensure that China act responsibly and fairly in support of security and prosperity in each of our two countries," Pompeo said. But Pompeo also was upfront about US concerns. While the Trump administration has generally been soft-spoken on human rights, at least with allies, Pompeo denounced China's "repression" of religious and minority groups including the Uighur community, citing a UN report that up to one million members of the mostly Muslim ethnic group have been rounded up in detention camps. And on Taiwan, while assuring his guests that the United States only recognizes Beijing, Pompeo was increasingly forthright in advocating for the self-ruling democracy, criticizing Beijing's efforts to isolate the island it considers a renegade province. The United States also took Beijing's military to task over its assertive posture in the dispute-rife South China Sea, which has witnessed a series of incidents including the buzzing of a US Navy surveillance aircraft last year by a Chinese warplane. - Talking, but not agreeing - Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said the talks were "candid" but that the two militaries looked to improve communication and avoid "miscalculation" at sea. "And we made clear that the United States will continue to fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows," Mattis said. Senior Communist Party official Yang Jiechi, a veteran architect of Beijing's foreign policy, insisted that China allows freedom of religion and criticized the United States for what he saw as its own "militarization" of the South China Sea. "There is no such problem of freedom of navigation and overflights being obstructed, so to use this issue as an excuse to military action is unjustifiable," he said. "The Chinese side made it clear to the United States that it should stop sending its vessels and military aircraft close to Chinese islands and reefs and stop actions that undermine China's sovereignty and security interests," he said. The talks come several weeks before Trump is set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of a Group of 20 summit in Argentina -- a potential occasion for big announcements on resolving disputes. While the Washington talks focused on security, trade is at the heart of tensions between the world's two biggest economies. Trump has slapped $250 billion worth of tariffs on Chinese goods, accusing Beijing of nefarious trading practices. Retaliatory measures quickly followed. Yang voiced hope for a quick resolution. "A trade war, instead of leading to any solution, will only end up hurting both sides and the global economy," he said. "The door to negotiation remains open. And let's not forget how our two sides have successfully navigated through previous rough patches in our economic and trade relations," he said. - Hard line on trade - But just as he was speaking, a top advisor to Trump, Peter Navarro, vowed to press China hard on trade. Navarro, the head of the White House National Trade Council who is known for his unorthodox economic views, said China had made empty promises to previous presidents and that Trump would not back down. "The game that China has played -- and they played people in the Bush administration like a violin -- is to do the tapdance of economic dialogue," Navarro said at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. "That's all they want to do. They want to get us to the bargaining table, sound reasonable, and talk their way while they keep having their way with us," he said. Washington has been especially incensed at what it believes is widespread theft of technology from US companies -- a charge that China denies. "How do you have a deal with somebody if they don't even acknowledge your concern? I mean, it's Alice in Wonderland," Navarro said. Pompeo has previously dubbed China as the primary adversary of the United States, but during the talks called Beijing "essential" in key areas -- including North Korea. Trump has made reaching a denuclearization agreement with North Korea a top priority since his landmark summit in June with the totalitarian state's leader Kim Jong Un. Yang said that China, North Korea's main lifeline, would enforce UN sanctions but voiced hope that Washington and Pyongyang "will meet each other halfway" and "accommodate each other's legitimate concerns." US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis (L) and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo (2nd L) meet with Chinese politburo member Yang Jiechi (2nd R) and Defense Minister Wei Fenghe (R) for top-level talks in Washington US President Donald Trump (L) and Chinese leader Xi Jinping are expected to meet on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina Uighurs demonstrate against China outside the UN offices in Geneva -- a recent UN report said as many as one million ethnic Uighurs are being kept in extrajudicial detention in China's Xinjiang region VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 08, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aton Resources Inc. (AAN: TSX-V) (Aton or the Corporation") is very pleased to update investors on the status of proposed changes to the terms of the Mineral Resources Act in Egypt. Highlights: It was today announced by Prime Minister Madboulys Cabinet that it has approved the long awaited changes to the Mineral Resources Act, and will be moving away from the oil and gas focused Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) model and abolishing the requirement for a 50:50 Joint Venture with EMRA. The Government hopes to have the changes ratified by the Parliament by the end of the year. For further information please refer to https://enterprise.press/stories/2018/11/08/egypt-cabinet-approves-amendments-to-mineral-resources-act/ . This is wonderful news, not only for Aton shareholders, but for the future of investment into the Egyptian mining sector and the Egyptian economy as a whole remarked Mark Campbell, President and CEO. The recognition by the Government of Egypt that mineral exploration and mining are wholly different businesses to oil and gas has been a long time coming. Aton believes the effect that these changes will have on investment in exploration and mining will be significant -- the scrapping of the PSA, for a transparent tax, rent and royalty system, along with getting rid of the requirement for a 50:50 joint venture with EMRA, should be of great interest to exploration companies all around the world. Egypt has vast unexplored areas and is one of the last untouched mineral exploration frontiers in the world. One only has to look at what occurred in Ecuador after its Government amended the mining law, to get an idea of what could transpire in Egypt. Aton understands that the Government plans to streamline and simplify the acquisition of exploration licences and do away with oil and gas style bid rounds. It is a testament to the vision of President El Sisi and the Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Tarek El Molla that these changes are being made, and in short order too, and also in choosing Wood Mackenzie to advise the Government on amendments and to help implement them. Aton expects to benefit from the proposed changes - within our 738 km2 Abu Marawat licence area, we have a development project at Hamama and 17 solid exploration targets, including our major exploration project at Rodruin. I am confident that the future for Aton and the Egyptian exploration and mining business is very bright indeed. About Aton Resources Inc. Aton Resources Inc. (AAN: TSX-V) is focused on its 100% owned Abu Marawat Concession (Abu Marawat), located in Egypts Arabian-Nubian Shield, approximately 200km north of Centamins Sukari gold mine. Aton has identified a 40km long gold mineralised trend at Abu Marawat, anchored by the Hamama deposit in the west and the Abu Marawat deposit in the east, containing numerous gold exploration targets, including three historic British mines. Aton has identified several distinct geological trends within Abu Marawat, which display potential for the development of RIRG and orogenic gold mineralisation, VMS precious and base metal mineralisation, and epithermal-IOCG precious and base metal mineralisation. Abu Marawat is over 738km2 in size and is located in an area of excellent infrastructure; a four-lane highway, a 220kV power line, and a water pipeline are in close proximity. For further information regarding Aton Resources Inc., please visit us at www.atonresources.com or contact: MARK CAMPBELL President and Chief Executive Officer Tel: +202-27356548 Email: mcampbell@atonresources.com Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Some of the statements contained in this release are forward-looking statements. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such "believes", "should"," could" , "expects", "understands" and "plans". Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions; by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results in each case could differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. EU election observers said on Friday that Madagascar's presidential election this week had "very minor" irregularities after candidate Hery Rajaonarimampianina alleged the vote was mired by fraud. "The irregularities were very minor and won't have any impact on the election's outcome," said the head of the European Union's monitoring mission Cristian Preda. Two cases of ballot stuffing were reported out of nearly 25,000 polling stations nationwide in Wednesday's vote, he said. "What we are describing are difficulties and anomalies, which is to say logistical issues that wouldn't have affected the credibility of the elections," Preda said at a media briefing in the capital Antananarivo. Presidential hopeful Rajaonarimampianina, who ruled from 2014 until September this year when he had to resign to contest the election, said on Thursday that there were "numerous irregularities" in the polls. "We will not let the people be robbed of their vote," he warned. Preda said that any irregularities which came to light should be investigated. "It's important not to cheat. For me, people are attempting to cheat when they make (unfounded) allegations of irregularities, I don't like it," he said. Lidia Geringer, the head of the European Parliament delegation, described the election as "something of a last chance poll" for Madagascar's democratic and economic development prospects. Madagascar is one of the world's poorest countries, according to World Bank data, with almost four in five people living in grinding poverty. The former French colony has struggled to overcome political divisions after a disputed 2001 election that sparked clashes and a 2009 military-backed coup. According to provisional results released by the election commission on Friday, former president Andry Rajoelina was leading the tally of votes counted so far with 42.86 percent. Fellow ex-president Marc Ravalomanana was close behind with 40.18 percent, according to the results based on 1,350 polling stations out of 24,852. Rajaonarimampianina trailed on 4.38 percent. Madagascar, one of the world's poorest countries, held a presidential vote this week Nine people were killed and hundreds of thousands ordered to evacuate as wildfires raged Saturday across California, with one rapidly spreading blaze threatening the resort of Malibu, home to Hollywood stars. The fatalities were reported in a massive late-season inferno in the town of Paradise, in Butte County north of the state capital Sacramento, where some 6,700 structures went up in flames - officially becoming California's most destructive fire on record. The fast-moving blaze, which authorities have named the "Camp Fire", broke out Thursday morning. Fanned by strong winds, it has scorched 90,000 acres (36,400 hectares) and is only five percent contained, the California Fire Department (Cal Fire)said late Friday. Other large fires raged in southern California, including one just north of Los Angeles and another in Ventura County near Thousand Oaks, where a Marine Corps veteran shot dead 12 people in a country music bar on Wednesday night. "The magnitude of destruction we have seen is really unbelievable and heartbreaking and our hearts go to everybody who has been affected by this," said Mark Ghilarducci, the director of the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services. Governor-elect Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency to provide assistance to the fire-hit areas. Butte County Sheriff Korey Honea said late Friday it was his "sad duty" to update the Camp Fire death toll to nine. "I don't have all of the details because we have investigators out on the field" trying to reach the locations where casualties were reported, Honea told reporters. But he did say that four people were found inside a vehicle in the Paradise area, while another was found nearby. Three more were found outside a residence, and one inside a house. Officials earlier said that five people had died in vehicles overcome by the fire. Dozens of other people were reported missing. - Harrowing escapes - Residents who escaped Paradise posted harrowing videos to social media as they drove through tunnels of swirling smoke and orange flames to outrun the wildfire. The flames destroyed hundreds of homes, a hospital, a gas station, several restaurants and numerous vehicles, officials said. Mandatory evacuation orders were issued for more than 52,000 people in the scenic area in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. "The whole lower side of Paradise is totally engulfed in flames right now," Kevin Winstead, a resident of nearby Magalia, told KIEM TV. "All of it is engulfed in flames right now. "Not one home will be left standing," he said. "I'm devastated." "We're just hoping that our brand new home that we were hoping to move into tomorrow is not burned to the ground," Winstead said. California has endured abnormally dry weather for years. Much of the south, including the Los Angeles area, is experiencing drought conditions according to official data. President Donald Trump showed no sympathy for the famously liberal state. "There is no reason for these massive, deadly and costly forest fires in California except that forest management is so poor," Trump tweeted on Saturday. "Billions of dollars are given each year, with so many lives lost, all because of gross mismanagement of the forests. Remedy now, or no more Fed payments!" - 'I pray everyone is safe' - In southern California, authorities said some 200,000 people are under evacuation orders. The Ventura County Fire Department said the "Woolsey Fire" had burned around 35,000 acres, was not contained, and that evacuation orders were issued for some 88,000 homes in the county and neighboring Los Angeles County. Out of control wind-driven flames triggered mandatory evacuations, including for the entire city of Malibu. The wildfire destroyed Paramount Ranch, a movie set for cowboy shows including HBO'S Westworld, officials said. Cal Fire posted footage taken from helicopters that showed flames racing over hill ridges towards multi-million dollar mansions. "We heard this was coming so we set up on the sprinklers and we hosed the whole house down," said Patrick Henry, a Malibu resident. "We pretty much had enough time to get the dogs in the trunk." Malibu is one of the most in-demand locations in California for Hollywood stars seeking privacy and luxury, and has been home to Leonardo DiCaprio, Jack Nicholson, Jennifer Aniston, Halle Berry, Charlize Theron, Brad Pitt and a host of other celebrities. Reality TV star Kim Kardashian West, who lives just north of coastal Malibu in Calabasas, revealed on Instagram that she was forced to flee her home. "Just landed back home and had 1 hour to pack up & evacuate our home. I pray everyone is safe," she said. TV star Charlie Sheen tweeted that his father, Martin Sheen, and his mother Janet were both missing - but the pair surfaced unharmed hours later at a beachside evacuation spot. "We're fine, we're at Zuma Beach and we're probably going to sleep in the car tonight," Martin Sheen told Fox News 11, addressing his adult children. Sheen said this was the worst fire he had seen in 48 years of living in Malibu. Director Guillermo del Toro tweeted that Bleak House, his museum of horror movie memorabilia, was also in the path of the flames. burs-jt/ch/bp Abandoned vehicles sit at a car lot in Paradise, north of Sacramento, California on November 09, 2018 Vehicles and homes have been destroyed by the "Camp Fire" in Paradise, California A Jack In The Box fast food restaurant burns as the Camp fire tears through Paradise, north of Sacramento, California on November 08, 2018 Map of California locating active fires as of November 9th, and focusing on the ravaged town of Paradise AUBURN As protesters gathered outside his district offices in central New York, U.S. Rep. John Katko reiterated his support of the Russia investigation and dismissed "speculation" that the ouster of Jeff Sessions as attorney general will affect the probe. Katko's comments came during an interview with The Citizen Thursday and one day after Sessions was fired. President Donald Trump named Matthew Whitaker acting attorney general. With Whitaker's appointment, he is now in charge of overseeing Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russia's 2016 election meddling and whether there was any coordination with the Trump campaign. When Sessions was attorney general, he recused himself from supervising the Mueller probe. Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein was tasked with overseeing the investigation. Reports indicate that Whitaker, who has criticized the Mueller investigation in the past and suggested ways to undermine the inquiry, won't recuse himself from that oversight role. In the aftermath of Sessions' firing, Katko doesn't think it will have an impact on the special counsel's work. "Unless and until Mueller himself signals that somehow his investigation is being impeded, I think a lot of it is rank speculation," he said. "How many times have people said in the past that expressed concern about the Mueller investigation? And he just keeps his head down and plows on like I know he will do." But some of Katko's constituents are concerned that the development, which came one day after Democrats won control of the House of Representatives, could threaten the Mueller investigation. More than 50 people rallied outside Katko's Auburn office. Some held signs that read, "Nobody is above the law" and "Protect Mueller." Jim Brady, of Owasco, called for action. Congress, he continued, should put the country before their political parties and hold Trump accountable. "No one is above the law, not even the president," he said. Another speaker, Debra Rose Brillati, urged Whitaker to recuse himself from overseeing the Mueller investigation. Attendees also had a message for Katko: Support legislation to protect the special counsel's investigation. Katko, who won re-election Tuesday, supports the Mueller investigation. He has praised Mueller, a former FBI director, and did so again Thursday. "He has a dogged determination," Katko, a former federal prosecutor, said of the special counsel. There have been bills introduced to shield Mueller's investigation. Politico reported Thursday that U.S. Sens. Chris Coons, a Democrat, and Jeff Flake, a Republican, will push for a vote on a bill to protect the special counsel's inquiry. Katko hasn't signed on to any bills in the House, but reiterated that he will support such a measure if it's needed. "If and when it becomes an issue, if it ever does, I will absolutely speak up and be the first to sign on to relevant legislation to push it," he said. Love 2 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 9 AUBURN In Cayuga County Court Thursday, an Auburn man pleaded guilty and was sentenced for his involvement in a burglary this spring. James Bell, 42, of 124 Fulton St., admitted to entering a detached garage on Holley Street on May 30 with the intent to commit larceny. He pleaded guilty to one count of third-degree burglary, reduced from his initial indictment for second-degree burglary, a class C felony. "I went there to steal," Bell said in his plea, adding that he knew it was illegal. Bell, however, didn't act alone in the case. Bell, under oath in court, said that during the burglary he and others entered the Holley Street property. He said he took about $165 and that other people left with guns, televisions and bags of other items. "I wasn't thinking (about) what was wrong," Bell said. "I was trying to feed a drug problem." Bell, who was not involved in the police chase, was arraigned July 12 on a five-count indictment charging him with second- and third-degree burglary, third-degree grand larceny, fourth-degree conspiracy and petit larceny. Cayuga County Chief Assistant District Attorney Christopher Valdina said all of Bell's charges were satisfied by his plea to second-degree burglary. "Mr. Bell did provide cooperation," Valdina said, "which is why we're agreeing to this outcome." Bell's attorney, Norman Chirco, said Bell's primary goal is to address his drug addiction. While the maximum prison sentence could have been 7 years, for his conviction of third-degree burglary, reduced to second-degree, Leone sentenced Bell to 2 to 4 years that will be carried out as a Willard sentence due to Bell's history with drugs and the significant impact they had on his conduct. An order of protection will also be put in place for the homeowner. "I apologize." Bell said. "I just appreciate ... the opportunity to get my life together." Staff writer Megan Ehrhart can be reached at (315) 282-2244 or megan.ehrhart@lee.net. Follow her on Twitter @MeganEhrhart. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 5 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. Over the past several years, we've collected as many images as could be found of those who have died in mass shootings, for memorial photo gal HIT: To an important message for students to hear. A program at Moravia High School this week featured the mother of a college student who killed himself after being outed as gay and bullied by a college roommate. The family of the young man decided to try to make something positive come out of their tragedy and started an anti-bullying foundation is his name. In Moravia, the man's mother encouraged students to take a stand against bullying and treat each other with compassion and respect. MISS: To a rash of thefts in Auburn. The Auburn Police Department recently sent out a notice reminding people to lock their cars and not leave any valuables inside. Residents are also asked to be wary of people lingering near driveways or on public streets. The department said that officers have recently investigated a "significant number" of thefts and ask that anyone who might have recorded any suspects on security cameras to help the police identify the violators. MISS: To a scam that cost a Cayuga County resident a tractor trailer. A man was recently convicted in Cayuga County Court of grand larceny for an incident going back to 2014 when he gave someone two worthless checks for the purchase of a vehicle. It was not the man's first brush with the law, and the suspect was already being held at Rikers Island jail in New York City when he was charged with this crime. He will be sentenced to as many as seven years in prison when he returns to court in January. The Citizen editorial board includes publisher Rob Forcey, executive editor Jeremy Boyer and managing editor Mike Dowd. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 08, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a news release issued earlier today by Mountain Boy Minerals Ltd (TSX.V: MTB; Frankfurt: M9U) we are advised by the company the original headline was incorrect. In addition, the first paragraph has been updated. The complete corrected text follows: Mountain Boy Announces Share Consolidation Effective November 12, 2018; Trading Symbol Unchanged Mountain Boy Minerals Ltd (Mountain Boy or the Company) (TSX.V: MTB; Frankfurt: M9U) announces that share consolidation of five-old-for-one-new (5:1) common share in Mountain Boy, announced October 26th, 2018, has been approved. Trading on a post-consolidated basis will begin Monday, November 12th, 2018 with the trading symbol remaining the same. About Mountain Boy Minerals Ltd. Mountain Boy is a Canadian-based mineral exploration company with a property portfolio of gold and silver projects within the Stewart region in the very prolific Golden Triangle region of British Columbia. Mountain Boy holds a 35% interest in the Red Cliff gold project, 100 per cent of the high-grade MB silver project, and is acquiring 100 per cent of the BA and Surprise Creek volcanic massive sulphide (VMS) copper-lead-zinc-silver projects. For a complete listing of the Company assets and developments, visit the Company website at www.mountainboyminerals.ca . On behalf of the Board of Directors: Lawrence Roulston President & CEO (604) 914-2142 For further information, contact: Nancy Curry VP Corporate Development (604) 220-2971 Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SAN FRANCISCONob Hill is an iconic area of the hilly San Francisco landscape. It's one of the areas that the city's affluent have staked out to live in, but for the gay community, there's much more to the area than thatand today, NakedSword Originals has announced the release of the first scene from its new movie examining one small portion of the area, titled, (of course) Nob Hill, directed by mr. Pam and now available for wholesale and retail purchase around the globe. Nob Hill is now available on DVD and downloads on the Falcon Studios Group and NakedSword stores. The first episode from the feature will appear on NakedSword.com on November 14, 2018 and a special preview page is currently live here. For the past 50 years, locals and tourists have flocked to San Franciscos legendary Nob Hill Theatre to seeand touchtheir favorite gay adult entertainers. Earlier this year, Nob Hill Theatre owners Larry Hoover and Gary Luce decided it was time for a change of scenery. In NakedSword Originals' love letter to the historic theatre Nob Hill, viewers can follow the promiscuous Larry (Adam Killian), husband Gary (Leo Forte), and the sex-hungry staff as they prepare for the theatres grand finale event: a live sex show extravaganza, featuring acrobatic sex, gloryholes, and plenty of nostalgia.. Nob Hill was filmed, written and directed by NakedSword's award-winning director and cinematographer mr. Pam and features a plethora of today's biggest stars, including Falcon Exclusive's Alam Wernik and Woody Fox along with Adam Killian, Jessie Colter, Max Duro, Brandon Wilde, Max Adonis and Timarrie Baker. The entire movie was filmed on location in the theatre, and the double penetration scene featuring Adam Killian, Jessie Colter and Max Duro was shot live in front of a wide-eyed sold-out audience at the legendary Nob Hill Theatre. NakedSword Originals Director mr. Pam said of the soon-to-be-released DVD, "This movie is a love letter to this historic theatre that was built in 1911 and has served as the backdrop for so many gay sexual escapades. The Nob Hill Theatre represents a big part of San Francisco gay culture. The closing of the Nob Hill Adult Theatre is an end of an era. Over the past seven years, I have filmed some of my favorite gay porn in the seedy and welcoming underbelly of the theatre while becoming good friends with the owners Larry and Gary, my 'gay dads'. "Writing this script was pure love; every scenario and dialogue scene in the movie is inspired by true life events. I'm especially proud of my all-star cast who made our Nob Hill send-off a hot and beautiful reality." Tim Valenti, President of Falcon Studio Group and The NakedSword Network, said, "We are thrilled to be a part of an event 50 years in the making and were honored to be able to pay tribute to a San Francisco gay institution. Nob Hill is one of our best releases this year and it serves as an historical document of what gay life in San Francisco used to be like before social media and hook-up apps." For DVD wholesale purchasing, contact John Gunderson ([email protected]). Contact Toby J Morris ([email protected]) for additional image assets, information and access to the Falcon Studios Group Media FTP. The 2018 midterm elections on Tuesday brought plenty of surprises and crazy occurrences, including, as AVN.com reported, Nevada brothel owner and self-described pimp Dennis Hof winning a seat in the state legislature despite being dead for three weeks by the time election day rolled around. But one of the wilder races took place in Virginia, where a longtime investigative journalist who also happens to be the mother of Hollywood actress Olivia Wilde accused her Republican opponent of being unfit to hold office because he was, allegedly, a "devotee of Bigfoot erotica." But Republican Denver Riggleman, the owner of a small distillery, won a seat in the United States House of Representatives anyway, dispatching 66-year-old investigative television journalist Leslie Cockburn with a 6.6 percentage point margin of victory. In addition to her her decades of reporting for CBS News, NBS News and the PBS news documentary series Frontline, Cockburnwife of journalist and left-wing commentator Alexander Cockburnis the author of several books. During the campaign she was accused of anti-Semitism by Jewish Republican groups due to her 1991 book on United States-Israeli relations, Dangerous Liaison. But Cockburn was not above negative campaigning against Riggleman, herself, posting to her Twitter account that the Republican has been exposed as a devotee of Bigfoot erotica. This is not what we need on Capitol Hill. She linked in the tweet to a social media post by Riggleman showing a crude drawing of the legendary, and mythical, Sasquatch creature with a black bar shielding the Bigfoot genital region, complete with the word censored. Riggleman scoffed at the allegation, saying that the drawing was part of his own book, The Mating Habits of Bigfoot, a collection of gags that he referred to as a long running prank between himself and his friends. "It has nothing to do with Bigfoot erotica," Riggleman said in response to Cockburns allegation. Wilde, who starred in the HBO drama about the 1970s music industry, Vinyl, campaigned for her mother during the race, and after Cockburns defeat praised her mother as incredible and said that the campaign restored my faith in this country. Photo By Gnashes30 / Wikimedia Commons LOS ANGELESVeteran performer Rico Strong takes on redheaded starlet Ariel Blue in 13 Inches of Power, the latest offering from premium interracial site BlackPayBack.com. The seriocomic adult platform spotlights black-on-white rough sex where fair-skinned beauties pay for the "sins" of white America. In the newest Black Payback race-play scenario, wide-eyed Ariel portrays a young woman waiting to meet a guy named Chad to audition for a movie. After baddie Rico Strong catches her nervously clutching her purse in his presence, he informs her that "Chad" is his aliasand that he is due reparations! Young Ariel works hard to make things right with Brother Rico and delivers a blistering anal performance. Ariel was extremely sweet, said Rico, pleased with the BlackPayBack.com release. She seemed to love my dick in her ass the most, and to be deep-throated. An all-around great girl. Rico showed Ariel his inches of powerblack power, that is, said a company rep. We stood as a people on Election Day for the middle terms but we still dealin with the white devil holding us down like we were invited to a pool party at a crackers house! Ariel ended up a messy lil cave dweller. She got got! The 57-minute scene is available now at BlackPayBack.com, and includes a set of 209 high-resolution photos. The NSFW trailer for 13 Inches of Power can be viewed here. Videos are offered in multiple formats at BlackPayBack.com: MP4, mobile, and 60p HD, with 4K video downloads available soon. Also featured on Black Payback are adult stars Amara Romani, Maddy OReilly, Riley Nixon, Alex More, Layla Price, Anastasia Rose, Lauren Phillips, Tara Ashley and several other white girls getting the BBC. For the latest news from Black Payback, follow them on Twitter. Follow Rico Strong on Twitter at @itzmericostrong. EDMONTON, Alberta, Nov. 08, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Alcanna Inc. (the Company or Alcanna) (TSX: CLIQ) today announced its intention to establish a new discount liquor partnership and open new Wine and Beyond locations and has launched home delivery in the greater Vancouver area. NEW DISCOUNT LIQUOR PARTNERSHIP Alcanna has entered into a non-binding letter of intent (LOI) with a discount liquor store operator in Alberta, Ace Liquor Corporation (Ace), to form a new partnership in the discount liquor store business. Alcanna and Ace expect to enter into definitive agreements with the transaction closing in early 2019 subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of all necessary third party and regulatory consents and approvals. The proposed partnership Canadian Liquor Retailers Alliance (the Alliance) is anticipated to include all of Aces current 12 locations and 3 additional locations under construction. The Alliance is anticipated to also acquire 50 retail stores from a subsidiary of Alcanna and which we anticipate the majority of which will be converted to the Ace Liquor Discounter brand. The LOI provides that Tank Vander, CEO of Ace, will become CEO of the Alliance and Donald Bobey, currently Vice President, Merchandising at Alcanna will become President and COO. The initial ownership of the Alliance partnership units is expected to be approximately 72% held directly or indirectly by Alcanna and 28% held by Ace. The proposed material terms of the transaction are contained in the LOI; however, the definitive agreements have not been finalized, and these agreements will be subject to obtaining the necessary approvals and consents. Accordingly, there is no assurance that definitive agreements in connection with the proposed transaction will be agreed to nor that the transaction will be completed. The completion of the transaction will require, amongst other things, the approval of the transfer of liquor licenses to the Alliance by the applicable regulatory authorities, transfers of interests in leases as applicable; some of which will require third party consents, approval by Alcannas lenders and other regulatory approvals as the case may be. Ace Liquor Discounter is an innovative and respected discount liquor store chain in Alberta and we are excited to partner with them in this Alliance, stated James Burns, Vice Chair and CEO of Alcanna. The formation of the Alliance is a continuation of our previously announced strategy to enter the discount liquor segment and is expected to achieve significant synergies. We believe that the combined strengths of Alcanna and Ace will make the Alliance a strong competitor in the discount liquor segment in Alberta and will facilitate our growth in Western Canada. We believe that Alberta has by far the best liquor retail regime in Canada for consumers and the Alliance will only serve to strengthen our industry going forward. NEW WINE AND BEYOND LOCATIONS James Burns continued: We have also been aggressively seeking new locations to expand our highly profitable Wine and Beyond brand. We have signed or are in negotiations with landlords to allow for a further six (6) to nine (9) locations in Alberta within 2 years. We have commitments for sites in Lethbridge and St. Albert (part of the greater Edmonton region), Alberta, which are scheduled to open in Q2 2019 and late Q3 2019, respectively. We anticipate opening 4 additional Wine and Beyond locations in Calgary between mid-2019 and mid-2020 as well as locations in Red Deer, Grand Prairie and Fort McMurray. The current Wine and Beyond stores average at least 4 times the revenue of a Liquor Depot and produce approximately 5 times the EBITDA. We believe that Wine and Beyond stores have the largest product selection in Canada and offer an unparalleled customer experience to that offered elsewhere in Alberta or across Canada. ON-DEMAND HOME DELIVERY LAUNCHED IN THE GREATER VANCOUVER AREA Effective today, the Company has launched on-demand, convenient home delivery of beer, wine and liquor to the greater Vancouver area through its Liquor Depot brand. The on-demand service allows legal-age consumers to use an app or website to shop thousands of products from the virtual shelves of Liquor Depot and order with delivery complete in less than one hour. Consumers are able to schedule deliveries when it is most convenient for them. ABOUT ALCANNA INC. Alcanna is one of the largest private sector retailers of alcohol in North America and the largest in Canada owning and operating 227 locations in Alberta, B.C. and Alaska. With revenues in excess of $600 million per year, Alcanna processes over 20 million individual retail transactions of beverage alcohol. As of October 17, 2018 Alcanna, opened the first five of its new retail cannabis stores under the Nova Cannabis brand in the Province of Alberta. Alcanna's common shares and convertible subordinated debentures trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbols "CLIQ" and "CLIQ.DB", respectively. Additional information about Alcanna Inc. is available at www.sedar.com and the Companys website at www.alcanna.com . Further information about NOVA Cannabis can be found on our consumer website at www.novacannabisstore.com . FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release contains forward-looking statements or information (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as intend, anticipate, "will", "should", plan, expect and similar words suggesting future events or future performance. All statements and information other than statements of historical fact contained in this news release are forward-looking statements. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking statements pertaining to: the anticipated closing of the transaction to establish the Alliance, including obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals such as from the provincial regulator to transfer the liquor licenses to the Alliance and the Competition Bureau (if applicable), consents for the assignment of interests in leases, and obtaining consent of lenders in our credit facility; and the anticipated number of new Wine and Beyond locations to open in 2019 and 2020. With respect to forward-looking statements contained in this news release, the Company has made assumptions regarding, among other things: the ability of management to finalize the transaction to establish the Alliance and to open the anticipated number of new Wine and Beyond locations. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements, and the assumptions on which such forward-looking statements are made, are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations and assumptions will prove to be correct. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements included in this news release. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause actual performance and financial results to differ materially from any estimates, forecasts or projections. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things: the risk that we will be unable to finalize the agreements necessary to establish the Alliance, including obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals such as from the provincial regulator to transfer the liquor licenses to the Alliance and the Competition Bureau (if applicable), consents for the assignment of interests in leases, and obtaining consent of lenders in our credit facility; the ability to obtain regulatory licenses and permits at locations for Wine and Beyond and finalize lease terms that are commercially reasonable; and the other factors described in the Companys public filings (including the Annual Information Form) available at www.sedar.com . Readers are cautioned that this list of risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof. Except as expressly required by applicable securities legislation, Alcanna does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. For Further Information David Gordey Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Alcanna Inc. (780) 497-3262 Wide Range of Heat to Frost on Oregon Coast This Weekend Published 11/09/2018 at 4:39 AM PDT - Updated 11/10/2018 at 12:09 AM PDT By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff (Oregon Coast) The northern half of the Oregon coast gets quite sunny this weekend but thats nothing compared to the southern half: look for 70 degrees there at certain points. Meanwhile, nighttime frosts are coming in along the beaches as well. (Photo above: courtesy Seaside Aquarium's Tiffany Boothe). It will be mostly sunny to essentially all sunny over the weekend on the northern half of the Oregon coast, slightly echoing the inland areas. Friday starts off foggy and mostly cloudy, then becoming sunnier. Highs over the weekend through Monday stick around the mid 50s with light winds. Monday during the day stays mostly sunny, but clouds start to come in at night and stick around the rest of the week, bringing some rain. Highs will be around the mid 50s with lows around 44 to 48. Thursday regains some amount of sun and highs around 54. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the southern Oregon coast will be measurably warmer. In the Bandon to Brookings areas, its sunny and in the upper 60s on Friday and Saturday. But Sunday and Monday hold quite the trick up their sleeves: the highs will be at 70 degrees, then dipping down to the 50s on Tuesday. However, there are some frost warnings overnight for Friday and Saturday. Indeed, Seaside Aquarium already caught some morning frost on the beach. The aquariums Tiffany Boothe snapped that shot, declaring "winter is coming." It appears that temperatures are cold enough that many locations will see frost rather than fog, the NWS said. Breezy east winds continue to blow in the Columbia River Gorge and along the coast, with the resultant mixing keeping surface temps warmer in these areas. A cold front is working its way from British Columbia, bringing rain for a bit to the Washington coast, but then moving on. The clearing combined with generally light winds should result in more widespread fog and low stratus for the lowlands Saturday morning, the NWS said. The morning clouds will give way to afternoon sunshine. East winds out of the gorge look to slowly subside through Monday. This ridge looks to continue a warming temperature trend as well as a drying trend through Monday evening. For the marine waters, it may get windy and seas will slowly start to build. Seas will hold around 3 to 6 feet through early next week, though a larger swell may arrive by the middle of next week and build seas to around 10 feet. See full Oregon Coast Weather. - Oregon Coast Lodgings for this event - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging..... More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining..... Coastal Spotlight LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles Back to Oregon Coast Contact Advertise on BeachConnection.net All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright BeachConnection.net Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted No matter which party triumphs in tomorrow's midterm elections, we're likely to learn the wrong lessons. That's because our political polarization is so strong that we're no longer arguing over policy differences - we're arguing over whether the other side is even worthy of having a discussion. The answer, from both sides, seems to be no.Let's assume the Democrats win big tomorrow. That win will be due to a few factors: the historical pressures running against incumbent parties; the toxicity of President Trump; a media climate dedicated in extraordinary fashion to the Democratic agenda. But that's not what Democrats are likely to believe.They're likely to believe that they won based on a radical political agenda - Medicare for all, free college education, and higher taxes. This will drive them to ever more extreme approaches to policy, all of which will be far outside the scope of any electoral mandate. President Obama approached his 2008 win not as a victory for his then-unifying brand of politics, but as a victory for his far-Left progressivism; Democrats will do the same.Democrats are also likely to believe they won because they are servants of light in a fight against bigotry and oppression. This has been the main thrust of their campaign, after all: Donald Trump as overarching threat to the republic, backed by his craven minions in the Republican Party. This means Democrats will double down on their othering of Republicans and moderates - all of whom, in their viewpoint, have become untouchable worshippers of Trumpian Evil. After all, they spent the last election cycle ripping those people, and won. So othering via ugly identity politics must be a viable political strategy.Meanwhile, if Republicans win, they're unlikely to attribute that victory to the real factors: a historically terrific economy, as well as a historically disconnected Democratic Party.Republicans, instead, are likely to believe first, that President Trump's affect is deeply effective. They'll see his approach as the only worthwhile approach to politics - they'll believe that without Trump's tweets, Republicans would have been relegated to the minority. In one sense, they'll be right: Trump has the rare capacity to drive the absolute worst human behavior in his opponents. But if they truly think that Republican politicians are generally capable of Trump's unique brew of charming colloquialism and brutal demagoguery, they're wrong - and they'll divide America further.Second, Republicans are likely to believe that a victory means they have forged a lasting coalition capable of duplication across time - which means they don't need to reach out to new demographic groups. Instead, they can double down on populist grievance politics and carry the day. That's untrue. Grievance politics only works so long as the other side is less motivated by grievance than your own. And power tends to lend opposition more grievance over time.If Republicans win tomorrow, they should learn that good policy combined with Democratic radicalism is a winning combination; if Democrats win, they should learn that Republican toxicity comes back around eventually. Instead, both sides will take away that more polarization is the solution to all that ails. And that means we can look forward to a worse political environment for the foreseeable future. Wayne County Public School officials haven't welcomed the Innovative School District's decision to recommend Carver Heights Elementary with open arms.Since the ISD considered including Carver Heights Elementary in the school turnaround program, WCPS and some Goldsboro residents have offered noisy opposition.Wayne County school leaders sent a letter Oct. 31 to the State Board of Education and Lt. Gov. Dan Forest, expressing "serious concerns and great dismay" about the possibility of Carver Heights joining the ISD. WCPS Superintendent Michael Dunsmore and WCPS Board of Education Chair Patricia Burden wrote the letter.Dunsmore and Burden wrote.WCPS school leaders say the selection process for the ISD has been inconsistent with statutory requirements outlined in the legislation governing the ISD. Last year, the letter says, Carver Heights was excluded for consideration because it received a $1.3 million School Improvement Grant. The SIG grant is for five years and is intended to help schools implement changes to improve academic performance.Last year, Southside Ashpole Elementary in Robeson County was the first school to join the ISD. WCPS assumed Carver Heights would've been exempt this year, too, but on Oct. 15, ISD Superintendent LaTeesa Allen sent a letter informing WCPS her intent to recommend Carver Heights for inclusion into the ISD.Dunsmore and Burden wrote.David Prickett, a spokesman for the ISD, said Carver Heights' grant was one of the candidates considered for the first ISD school. The ISD found some problems when it looked at how Carver Heights' had managed and implemented the grant.Prickett said in an emailed statement.A lengthy debate about the ISD selection process at the November meeting led to an SBE vote delaying until next month its decision on the ISD's recommendation. If the state education board decides to approve the recommendation, WCPS will can either accept the transfer of Carver Heights into the ISD or close the school for good.Terry Stoops, vice president of research and director of education studies at the John Locke Foundation, said WCPS and the Goldsboro community should be focused on the school's struggling academic performance.Stoops said.Continuous low academic performance was a major reason Carver Heights was chosen. Over the past three school years, Carver Heights got an F on its School Report Card and hasn't met growth for the past two school years.The Oct. 15 letter to Wayne County school leaders says student learning time wasn't maximized, teaching vacancies persist, and stakeholders are unaware of the direction of the school.Wayne County school leaders argue Allen's letterTeaching vacancies aren't uncommon, they argued, and recent hurricanes have severely affected the school and its student population. The school leaders contend ISD officials failed to consider Carver Heights went from a K-4 school to a 3-5 school in 2016-17.Dunsmore and Burden wrote.Prickett countered the assertion.Prickett said.Despite the grade reconfiguration, Stoops said the lack of growth is particularly troublesome.Stoops said.Amid the ISD debate, WCPS has asked Carver Heights to participate in the Restart School program, which would grant the school charter-like flexibility to turn around the chronic low performance.The school hired two school turnaround experts: Patrice Faison, a 22-year educator, was hired as the new principal for Carver Heights; and Terri Cobb, who has had decades of experience with school administration, was picked as the school's new School Improvement Grant coordinator. In a long-expected but still shocking move, President Trump fired Attorney General Jeff Sessions just hours after the 2018 midterm elections. He made the announcement via Twitter:Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrumpThat investigation threw an early wrench into Trump's relationship with Sessions, who had been Trump's earliest presidential supporter in the Senate. Sessions recused himself from oversight of any investigation that touched on the Trump campaign's alleged collusion with the Russian government, and thus lost his ability to shield Trump from investigative scrutiny. Trump never forgot it, and never forgave Sessions, whom he routinely derided from his perch on Twitter.Sessions should earn praise for honestly running his department in a fashion no Obama attorney general ever did: he didn't act as Trump's wingman, but as the chief law enforcement officer of the United States. That was his duty, and he fulfilled it.Now the question becomes whether the man who takes his place, Whitaker, will do anything to hamstring the Mueller investigation, which is set to draw to its close. Sessions' exit also opens up the question of who will permanently fill the position. With a renewed Senate majority, Trump will have the ability to cram through anyone of his choice. (All financial figures are approximate and in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted) NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES CALGARY, Alberta, Nov. 08, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Parkland Fuel Corporation (Parkland) (TSX:PKI), Canadas largest and one of North America's fastest growing independent suppliers and marketers of fuel and petroleum products and a leading convenience store operator, announced today that it has entered into an underwriting agreement to sell, pursuant to a private placement (the Offering), $300 million aggregate principal amount of 6.50% senior unsecured notes due January 21, 2027 at par (the "Notes"). On October 10, 2018, Parkland announced that it had entered into an agreement to acquire 75% of the issued and outstanding shares of SOL Investments Ltd. ("SIL") pursuant to a business combination agreement between Parkland, Estrella Holdings Limited (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parkland) and SIL's parent corporation, SOL Limited (the Transaction). The net proceeds of the Offering will be used by Parkland to repay a portion of the amounts outstanding under the Canadian portion of Parklands existing revolving syndicated credit facilities (the Credit Facilities). Parkland expects to draw approximately $770 million under its new senior secured debt facilities and term loan facilities (the New Credit Facilities), which facilities are expected to replace the Credit Facilities at or prior to closing of the Transaction, to fund a portion of the purchase price for the Transaction. Subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, the Offering is expected to close on November 21, 2018. The Offering is being underwritten by National Bank Financial Inc. and CIBC World Markets Inc. as joint bookrunners and co-lead managers, and Scotia Capital Inc., as co-lead manager, BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., Credit Suisse Securities (USA), LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities Canada Inc., RBC Dominion Securities Inc., TD Securities Inc., Wells Fargo Securities Canada, Ltd. and Canaccord Genuity Corp. as co-managers. The Notes are being conditionally offered for sale in Canada on a private placement basis pursuant to certain prospectus exemptions. The Notes have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act, or any state securities laws, and are being offered and sold in the United States only to qualified institutional buyers in reliance on Rule 144A under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws and outside the United States in offshore transactions in reliance on Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any security and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful. Forward-Looking Statements Certain information included herein is forward-looking. Many of these forward looking statements can be identified by words such as believe, expects, expected, will, intends, projects, projected, anticipates, estimates, continues, "objective" or similar words and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the size and terms of the Offering, the use of proceeds of the Offering, the timing and successful completion of the Offering or Transaction, the amount to be drawn on the New Credit Facilities and the replacement of the Credit Facilities with the New Credit Facilities. Parkland believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward looking statements should not be unduly relied upon. The forward-looking statements contained herein are based upon certain assumptions and factors including, without limitation: historical trends, current and future economic and financial conditions, and expected future developments. Parkland believes such assumptions and factors are reasonably accurate at the time of preparing this press release. However, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve a number of risks and uncertainties some of which are described in Parklands annual information form dated March 9, 2018 and other continuous disclosure documents. Such forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors, which may cause Parklands actual performance and financial results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, risks associated with: closing of the Offering and Transaction; failure to obtain necessary regulatory or other third party consents and approvals required to complete the Transaction and/or the Offering; failure to complete the Transaction and/or the Offering; general economic, market and business conditions; industry capacity; the operations of Parklands assets, competitive action by other companies; refining and marketing margins; the ability of suppliers to meet commitments; actions by governmental authorities and other regulators including increases in taxes; changes and developments in environmental and other regulations; and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of Parkland. There is a specific risk that Parkland may be unable to complete the Transaction and/or the Offering in the manner described in this press release or at all. If Parkland is unable to complete the Transaction and/or the Offering, there could be a material adverse impact on Parkland and on the value of its securities. Readers are directed to, and are encouraged to read, Parkland's management discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2017 (the "MD&A") and for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 (the "Q3 MD&A"), including the disclosure contained under the heading "Risk Factors" therein. The MD&A and Q3 MD&A are available by accessing Parkland's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com . Any forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and Parkland does not undertake any obligation, except as required under applicable law, to publicly update or revise such statements to reflect new information, subsequent or otherwise. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. About Parkland Fuel Corporation Parkland is Canada's largest and one of North America's fastest growing independent suppliers and marketers of fuel and petroleum products and a leading convenience store operator. Parkland services customers through three channels: Retail, Commercial and Wholesale. Parkland optimizes its fuel supply across these three channels by operating the Parkland Burnaby Refinery, and leveraging a growing portfolio of supply relationships and storage infrastructure. Parkland provides trusted and locally relevant fuel brands and convenience store offerings, including its On the Run/Marche Express banners, in the communities it serves. Parkland creates value for shareholders by focusing on its proven strategy of growing organically, realizing a supply advantage and acquiring prudently and integrating successfully. At the core of our strategy are our people, as well as our values of safety, integrity, community and respect, which are embraced across our organization. German company signs contract for trading and brokerage just prior to the public sale of their Security Token Offering (STO) MUNICH, Germany, Nov. 09, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rise Wealth Technologies GmbH has completed the onboarding process with Wall Streets biggest player in the cryptocurrency space, Galaxy Digital. The partnership includes access to Galaxy Digitals OTC trading capabilities and enables Rise to more quickly scale its automated trading operations, overcoming potential liquidity constraints for larger block trades. Rise evolved over the last 6 years from a technology provider for asset managers to a crypto-focused asset manager which offers dividends from trading profits to investors holding Rises RSE tokens. A new type of financial instrument developed by Rise called a Crypto Traded Fund allows token holders to participate in a mix of traditional and crypto asset classes. The partnership announcement comes days before Rises Security Token Offering (STO) which is scheduled to begin later in November. Cryptocurrency markets lack the liquidity of traditional markets which can hamper the effectiveness of certain trading strategies. Rises partnership with Galaxy Digital will enable Rise to optimize trading execution. The deal also includes a framework for cooperation on a custody solution for Rises assets under management. Rise CEO, Stefan Tittel, sees the deal with Galaxy Digital as an important part of Rises goal to democratize access to financial markets. Rise has the potential to give retail investors access to trading technology that has traditionally been reserved for Wall Streets elite. According to Tittel, The partnership with Galaxy Digital is another step towards leveling the competition in financial markets for Rise token holders. Access to Galaxy Digitals OTC trading desk will improve scalability of Rises trading systems as an additional source of liquidity. About RISE RISE is a science-driven software technology company and innovator of machine learning and algorithmic trading systems. RISEs AI-powered trading technology places the power of Wall Streets best financial and quantitative analysts into the hands of everyday investors. RISEs time-tested trading technology is the power behind QUANTUMROCK, an exclusive German asset management firm with more than $50,000,000 committed capital outperforming the market since 2014. Rise was awarded as Best European FinTech Asset Manager of 2016" and rated The most innovative Professional Investment Product - Germany 2016. RISEs vision is to bring advanced algorithmic trading to cryptocurrency markets and make this highly profitable trading accessible to crypto investors via the RISE token (RSE). RISE investors receive regular payouts generated by Rise trading algorithms, licensing fees from banks and 3rd-party funds. RISE is based in Munich, Germany. More information on the company is available at www.rise.eco . About Galaxy Digital Galaxy Digital is a diversified, multi-service merchant bank dedicated to the digital assets and blockchain technology industry. Galaxy Digitals multi-disciplinary team has extensive experience spanning investing, portfolio management, capital markets, operations, asset management, and blockchain technology. Galaxy Digital currently operates four distinct business lines, which include: Trading, Asset Management, Principal Investments and Advisory Services. Galaxy Digitals CEO and Founder is Michael Novogratz. The Company is headquartered in New York City, with offices in Vancouver, Tokyo, Hong Kong, the Cayman Islands (registered office) and New Jersey. Additional information about the Company is available on www.galaxydigital.io. Contact Chris Pfaff chris@chrispfafftechmedia.com +1-201-218-0262 I've just published a comprehensive explainer on Medium about the EU's new Copyright Directive, which was sabotaged at the last minute, when MEP Axel Voss snuck in the long-discredited ideas of automatically censoring anything a bot thinks infringes copyright and banning unpaid links to news articles. After a million Europeans signed a petition calling for a debate on the new proposals, a divided opposition failed to kill them. But hope is not lost: the new Italian government has changed position on the proposals and now the opposition constitutes a potential "blocking minority" that could kill the whole thing provided they could work together. The new Directive is now in the "trilogues" closed-door negotiations between the E.U.'s Parliament and individual national governments. Normally, these are a formality that takes place out of public view. However, the current trilogue is both more contested and more public than any in the E.U.'s history. The European Court of Justice has ruled that Europeans are entitled to know what happens in these trilogue negotiations, and German Pirate Party MEP Julia Reda has pledged to publish the negotiating documents (and she's kept her word). What's more, the trilogues coincide with political changes in Italy, and the Italian government has withdrawn its support for Articles 11 and 13. This brings the proportion of Europeans who oppose these articles past the critical threshold of 35%, a theoretical "blocking minority" that could scuttle the entire proposal (assuming they can avoid the trap the opposition fell into last time: agreeing that these rules aren't appropriate but disagreeing on what to do about it). It's not clear what will happen next. If these rules are meant to cut Big Tech down to size, they're sure to disappoint. Google, Facebook, Twitter, Apple, and the other tech giants are the only companies big enough to be able to afford the hundreds of millions it will cost to follow the new rules. Small competitors in the E.U. just don't have that kind of cash. Freed from any threat of competition from E.U. companies, dominant tech platforms will be left to grow unchecked. They will present even more of a threat to democratic discourse, privacy, and competition than they already do. Perhaps strange things will yet again be afoot at the Circle K. From Comicbook.com: "Well, we're in pre-prep and are set to shoot in early 2019," Winter told The Hollywood Reporter. "So right now, all systems are go. My old line when Blockbuster was in business was that I'd never believe a film was a go until the video was at Blockbuster. But I don't know what to say anymoreNetflix?" Not long after the first official synopsis was released and Bill and Ted Face the Music looked like it was going to become a reality, Winter's co-star Keanu Reeves made some comments that chilled some of the heat fans were generating, essentially saying that the film was still looking for funding a consistent problem for years now. Shortly thereafter, Winter spoke at the Television Critics Association this week and told fans that despite Reeves's words of caution, the project is still moving forward a the same pace as it was. The threequel, which will see a middle-aged Bill Preston and Ted Logan trying to figure out why the future they were promised has still not happened. "The fan response has been enormous. It helped us get the financing because there was an overwhelmingly positive response to the idea of us doing this," Winter said. "Even in the age of internet comment trolling, we haven't really encountered any pervasive negativity. The concerns that I've encountered are totally valid don't screw up the tone of the first two, make it a real Bill & Ted movie. And the question of how you revisit these characters so much later, that I'm not concerned about, because we think the comedy works great. Not that I want the film to stall any longer, but in a way, given the plotline, the older we get the funnier it gets." Researchers have spent decades exploring methods to 3D print organs for transplant but progress is slow due to the complex structure of, say, a kidney or pancreas. Precise Bio, a startup founded by scientists from Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, claim that the first real success will come from 3D-printed corneas. They've already conducted animal studies and are building a roadmap toward human trials. From IEEE Spectrum: Corneas could be the first mainstream application of bioprinting, (Precise Bio CEO Aryeh) Batt says, in part because they have a layered structure that's a good match for the technology. Each layer consists of different types of cells and fibers, which the printer could lay down in sequence, and these layers don't contain blood vessels or nerves. What's more, putting a new kind of transplant in the eye is inherently safer than implanting one deep in the body, since physicians could easily check for signs of trouble and could remove the tissue if anything seemed wrong. There's certainly a need for more corneas in the world, says Kevin Corcoran, president and CEO of the Eye Bank Association of America. In 2017, his members supplied nearly 51,000 transplantable corneas to patients in the United States, and also sent more than 26,000 abroad. Internationally, "there is a tremendous amount of unmet demand," he says. "It's estimated that 10 million people suffer from corneal blindness globally, primarily because they lack access to effective and affordable treatment." Part of Precise Bio's proprietary approach is its printer, which uses a technique called laser-induced forward transfer to propel droplets of bioinks onto a surface. Just as a desktop printer has cartridges containing different colors of inks, the Precise Bio printer has cartridges containing different biological materials such as epithelial cells and collagen. In the 1980s, Pennsylvania-based Michele Mercure was composing music for theater, film, and TV animation. After a trip to the Netherlands, she became inspired by the German kosmiche music scene of Kluster, Tangerine Dream, and the like. But Mercure cut her own path into experimental electronic music, weaving her synthetic, rhythmic soundscapes with strange samples and cut-up vocalizations, resulting in tracks that move between abstract and ambient dreamscapes and mechanized intensity. For decades, Mercure's self-released cassettes (under the name Michelle Musser) moved through underground trading circles but many of those recordings will now reach a wider group of heads. Beside Herself is a gorgeous 19-track Michele Mercure retrospective released today by the esteemed curators at RVNG Intl. and Freedom To Spend labels. To celebrate the release, Mercure and Mary Haverstick created the wonderful "Electronumentary" above. Below, one of the album tracks. From RVNG: Mercure's artistic path never ran through creative meccas New York, San Francisco or Los Angeles. Raised in Springfield, Massachusetts, and then moving to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in her twenties, Mercure was already an adept musician when she encountered a local and lively theater scene, and was asked to score an unorthodox performance of Waiting for Godot. The experience was pivotal in marrying music and image for Mercure, and so she began making music for film, television, dance, and theater. It wasn't until a long sojourn in Eindhoven, however, that she became transfixed by electronic music (ala Conrad Schnitzler, whom she would correspond with for years) that would inform her music to come. Mercure's contemporaries became the kindred minds of the Eurock "scene" such as The Nightcrawlers, Lauri Paisley, and Don Slepian. It was in association with Paisley and Pauline Anna Strom that Eurock featured Mercure in an article titled "Women Synthesists" in 1986. The three artists all shared a bravura for homespun, self-produced electronic music that looked beyond pop conventions for a higher plane of avant-gardism or musical spirituality The anthological scope of Beside Herself joins (her previously reissued 1986 album) Eye Chant to restore the canon of Mercure's arresting dream-music, revisiting this anomalous creator's breakthrough material. Beside Herself will be released on double LP, CD, and digital formats on November 9, 2018. The set features liner notes by Emily Pothast and an incredible array of unseen photography and ephemera of the era. We thank our sponsor for making this content possible; it is not written by the editorial staff nor does it necessarily reflect its views. The worst part of taking care of a beard is the need for so many products and devices. Beard oils and creams promise to keep manes soft and smooth. However, a READ THE REST - Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib, both Democrats, have marked their names in the book of history after their recent big wins in America - Omar who is Somali-American won the seat in Minnesota while Tlaib who is a Palestinian-American won that of Detroit on November 6 - They are currently being celebrated across America as this makes them the first Muslim women elected to US Congress PAY ATTENTION: Click See First under the Following tab to see Briefly.co.za News on your News Feed! Despite the growing rate of Islamophobic attacks in America, hostility towards immigrant and constant practice of misogyny, it appears there are still many people who choose to look past all of that and think of humanity first. Currently trending on America's political platform are the historical wins of two Muslim women, Rashida Tlaib who is Palestinian American and Ilhan Omar, a Somali-American, as they were recently elected into congress. Democrats Omar of Minnesota and Rashida Tlaib of Detroit, won their respective races and will represent their districts in the House of Representatives. Tlaib will take over from former Rep. John Conyers. PAY ATTENTION: Save mobile data with FreeBasics: Briefly is now available on the app Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib Source: AP Celebrating their big win, Omar congratulated Tlaib whom she referred to as her 'sister', stating she was looking forward to working with her. READ ALSO: The Queens Schumacher has tweeps in stitches for wanting to date TGOM According to CNN, Omar will not only be among the first Muslim women elected to Congress, she is also the first Somali American to win election to national office. Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib Source: Reuters Omar arrived in the US at the age of 14 after fleeing civil war in Somalia while Tlaib was born in Detroit to Palestinian immigrant parents. Although the news has been welcomed with major positivity, there are still a great number of people who consider this a bad idea due to their hatred for followers of the faith including American Muslims. 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 - South Africa and Ghana made an investment deal that is the biggest in Africa to date - The deal - worth about R36 billion - will lead to the development of a light-weight railway system called Ai Skytrain - Construction on the railway system should start as soon as 2020 PAY ATTENTION: Click See First under the Following tab to see Briefly.co.za News on your News Feed! The Africa Investment Forum is happening in Sandton, Johannesburg this week. The biggest deal in Africa was made at the forum between South Africa and Ghana. The deal is worth an impressive $2.6-billion (about R36 billion) will improve Accra's public transport system. An elevated light railway system that will offer low-cost transport is planned. The Mail&Guardian reports that Africa Investor, of the South African consortium, partnered with the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund. Together, they will be developing Ai Skytrain. PAY ATTENTION: Save mobile data with FreeBasics: Briefly is now available on the app The mass transit system will use air propulsion technology and will be able to drive high volumes of passengers. The Investment Forum is the first of its kind in Africa and has been attended by more than 1 400 people. Guests included senior government officials from across the continent and many heads of state. The aim of the forum is to secure intra-African deals and investments. Ghana's president, Nana Akufo-Addo, was happy to sign a memorandum of agreement and give Ai Skytrain' development the green light. This benefits all our people. Accra in independence was sitting with a population of 50 000 people. That is 60 years ago, it is now six-million people. You can imagine what that means for the movement of people in the city. The plan is to have construction started by 2020. READ ALSO: Update: Judge agrees Jacob Zuma undertook to repay his legal fees 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 To some he is a murder, while others see him a national hero- however, regardless of a person's personal view, Dimitri Tsafendas would forever be known as the man who killed the apartheid architect, Hendrik Verwoerd. PAY ATTENTION: Click "See first" under the "Following" tab to see Briefly news on your News Feed! On 6 September 1966, Tsafendas assassinated the then South African president during a parliament session. Although he planned the murder, Tsafendas had no intention of escaping afterwards and he was easily arrested. So, Briefly.co.za decided to take a look at the life of Tsafendas. Here are four facts about Verwoerd's killer: 1. Early life Tsafendas was born on 14 January 1918 in Maputo, Mozambique. His dad, Michaelis, was a Greek seaman who hailed from Chania, Crete, and his mom, Amelia Williams, was a mixed-rae Mozambican woman. After he was born, Tsafendas was sent to live with his grandmother in Egypt, Wikipedia reported. He stayed with his grandma until the age of five before returning to Mozambique. When he turned 10, Tsafendas moved to South Africa, where he resided in the Transvaal. He spent two years studying at a South African school before returning to his home country to attend a church school. READ ALSO: Woman gets roasted for saying 'real men pay for a relationship' 2. Politics, mental health and the famous assassination In the 1930s, a young Tsafendas joined the South African Communist Party. He went on to follow in his dad's footsteps by becoming a seaman and he even worked on board an US Convoy following the Second World War, where after he travelled the world for two decades. However, Tsafendas started having trouble with his mental health and he had been institutionalised in several mental health facilities across the globe. He even spent half a year on Ellis Island, where doctors diagnosed him as schizophrenic. In 1966, he landed a job as a temporary parliamentary messenger. However, a month after his appointment he carried out one of the most important assassinations in the South African history. On 6 September that year, as Verwoerd entered the House of Assembly, Tsafendas approached him with a hidden dagger. He stabbed Verwoerd allegedly four times before he could be taken off of him. Tsafendas planned the assassination but he had no intention of running away. According to reports, his arrest was rather easy. PAY ATTENTION: Save mobile data with FreeBasics: Briefly is now available on the app 3. Prison After his arrest, Tsafendas was taken to a hospital to be interviewed. He was later returned to prison to await his trial. According to the killer himself, he committed the crime because he was "disgusted with the racial policy". Tsafendas was found not guilty of murder on grounds of his mental health. But, he was imprisoned "at the pleasure of the State President", which meant only the head of state could release him. He spent the rest of his life behind bars. 4. Death After his arrest, all anti-apartheid movements distanced themselves from Tsafendas. And, although he was seen as a hero, he died without their support in 1999. Briefly.co.za learned he passed away at the age of 81 after losing the battle against pneumonia. Now, almost two decades after his death, author Harris Dousemetzis wrote a book about the famous assassin. In his book, titled The Man Who Killed Apartheid: The Life of Dimitri Tsafendas, Dousemetzis claims Tsafendas was not insane, he murdered Verwoerd for political reasons. 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 SANTA MONICA, Calif., Nov. 09, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Starco Brands (OTC: STCB), a creator of innovative and disruptive consumer products, reported financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2018. Third Quarter 2018 Highlights: Significantly increased net revenue compared to the third quarter of 2017; Reduced the net loss compared to both the first and second quarters of 2018; Further expanded the distribution of BreatheTM through more than 25 additional outlets in the UNFI distribution network, including Piggly Wiggly stores in Wisconsin. Management Commentary During Q3 of 2018, we saw continued expansion of our product lines through our distribution network, and continued to lay the groundwork for adding more product lines in early 2019, said Starco Brands CEO Ross Sklar. For the balance of 2018, we will continue to take steps to solidify our balance sheet and improve trading liquidity. Third Quarter 2018 Financial Results Net revenues were $36,582, up more than tenfold compared to the third quarter of 2017. Total net revenues booked since the Companys strategic pivot began in mid-2017 have been $85,246. (Revenues under the new business model did not begin until the second half of 2017.) Net revenues in the third quarter consisted of royalties from The Starco Groups sales of Breathe, KleenOut and Winona Pure products. The companys strategic pivot began in the third quarter of 2017 with the renaming of the company to Starco Brands, and the launch of the first Starco Brands product line, Breathe. The strategic repositioning continued with the execution of a 1-for-30 reverse stock split effective midway through the first quarter of 2018, and with the launch of new product lines during the second quarter of 2018. Thus, the third quarter of 2018 represents the first full quarter where Starco Brands operated under its new name, with new capital structure and supported by its new product lines. Starco Brands revenues are derived from royalties received from its production partner The Starco Group (TSG) on products whose brands are owned by Starco Brands. Starco Brands books the revenue upon receipt of the royalties related to such sales, typically within 60-90 days after the products are shipped to retailers. During the third quarter and first nine months of 2018, the aggregate wholesale shipments of such products were approximately $148,542 and $764,860, respectively, which consisted of The Starco Groups sales of Breathe, Winona Pure, Kleen-Out and Parents Choice. Because this business model was not adopted until the third quarter of 2017, there were no such revenues booked in the first half of 2017, and only $3,027 was booked in the third quarter of 2017. Operating expenses for the third quarter of 2018 totaled $127,893, down from $141,426 in the second quarter of 2018. The net loss was $93,919, or $0.00 per diluted share. Adjusted EBITDA was negative $91,311. See note below on Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information. Outlook The Company continues to expect revenues to grow significantly in 2018 compared to 2017 and expects to continue to narrow its operating loss. This will be primarily driven by expanded distribution of its Breathe, Winona Pure, Kleen-Out line, Honu Sunscreen lines, as well as Parents Choice cobranded with Walmart. Other sources of revenue expansion will include new product and brand launches and the addition of product licenses to be acquired during the coming year. Operating expenses are expected to grow as the Company expands its marketing team and activities. Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information In addition to the preliminary results reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP included in this release, the Company has provided certain non-GAAP financial information including adjusted EBITDA which is a non-GAAP metric that excludes various items that are detailed in the financial tables and accompanying footnotes reconciling GAAP to non-GAAP results contained in this release. Management believes that the presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures provides useful information to investors because the information may allow investors to better evaluate ongoing business performance and certain components of the Companys results. In addition, the Company believes that the presentation of these financial measures enhances an investors ability to make period-to-period comparisons of the Companys operating results. This information should be considered in addition to the results presented in accordance with GAAP, and should not be considered a substitute for the GAAP results. The Company has reconciled the non-GAAP financial information included in this release to the nearest GAAP measures. See the attached Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Information. About Starco Brands Starco Brands, born out of The Starco Group, is an innovative consumer packaged goods company focused on technological innovation that changes the current landscape. Starco Brands invents cutting edge products that change our behavior. Starco Brands develops products across 10 different categories including: Household Cleaning, Personal Care, Food, Beverage & Spirits, DIY Hardware and Arts & Crafts. For more information about the Breathe product line, please visit www.breathecleaning.com. For more information about Starco Brands, please visit www.starcobrands.com. About The Starco Group The Starco Group was founded in 2010 by Ross Sklar and today is a large-scale and highly diversified manufacturer of a wide range of consumer products, including household cleaning, air care, DIY/hardware, arts & crafts, personal care, OTCs, food, beverage and spirits. For more information, visit www.thestarcogroup.com . Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements This press release may include forward-looking information and statements within the meaning of federal securities laws. Except for historical information contained in this release, statements in this release may constitute forward-looking statements regarding assumptions, projections, expectations, targets, intentions or beliefs about future events. Statements containing the words may, could, would, should, believe, expect, anticipate, plan, estimate, target, project, intend and similar expressions constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Forward-looking statements are based on managements current belief, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management. While the Company believes that its expectations are based upon reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurances that its goals and strategy will be realized. Numerous factors, including risks and uncertainties, may affect actual results and may cause results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements made by the Company or on its behalf. Some of these factors include, but are not limited to, risks related to the Companys liquidity, the substantial uncertainties inherent in the acceptance of existing and future products, the difficulty of commercializing and protecting new technology, the impact of competitive products and pricing, general business and economic conditions, risks associated with the expansion of our business including the implementation of any businesses we acquire, factors discussed in our public filings, including the risk factors included in the Companys most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and other periodic reports. Except as required by applicable law, including the securities laws of the United States and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Company is under no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement after the date of this release whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. STARCO BRANDS, INC. CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 ASSETS Current Assets: Cash $ 9,671 $ 314,181 Accounts receivable, related party 22,914 4,692 Prepaid and other assets 37,555 43,218 Total Current Assets 70,140 362,091 Deposit 3,500 3,500 Total Assets $ 73,640 $ 365,591 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT Current Liabilities: Accounts payable $ 228,266 $ 194,462 Other payables and accruals 281,090 276,149 Accrued compensation 35,850 30,050 Loans payable related party 364,664 362,664 Notes payable 33,186 33,158 Total Current Liabilities 943,056 896,483 Total Liabilities 943,056 896,483 Stockholders' Deficit: Common Stock, par value $0.001 300,000,000 shares authorized, 159,090,914 and 2,417,569 shares issued and outstanding, respectively 159,091 2,418 Additional paid in capital 15,518,455 14,965,081 Common stock to be issued - 600,000 Accumulated deficit (16,546,962 ) (16,098,391 ) Total Stockholders' Deficit (869,416 ) (530,892 ) Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Deficit $ 73,640 $ 365,591 STARCO BRANDS, INC. CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Revenues, net, related party $ 36,582 $ 3,027 $ 77,061 $ 3,027 Operating Expenses: Compensation expense 57,035 19,497 173,533 150,497 Officer stock compensation - 3,495,810 31,666 3,495,810 Advertising and promotion 2,972 6,987 22,522 6,987 Professional fees 6,161 25,940 95,290 57,236 General and administrative 61,725 158,795 190,148 224,234 Total operating expenses 127,893 3,707,029 513,159 3,934,764 Loss from operations (91,311 ) (3,704,002 ) (436,098 ) (3,931,737 ) Other Income (Expense): Interest expense (7,862 ) (33,641 ) (23,770 ) (35,439 ) Loss on conversion of debt - - - (259,739 ) Interest income 4 37 47 37 Other income 5,250 6,000 11,250 6,000 Gain on extinguishment of debt - 221,757 - 221,757 Total other income (expense) (2,608 ) 194,153 (12,473 ) (67,384 ) Loss before provision for income taxes (93,919 ) (3,509,849 ) (448,571 ) (3,999,121 ) Provision for income taxes - - - - Net Loss $ (93,919 ) $ (3,509,849 ) $ (448,571 ) $ (3,999,121 ) Loss per share, basic and diluted $ (0.00 ) $ (0.08 ) $ (0.00 ) $ (0.11 ) Weighted average shares outstanding, basic and diluted 159,090,914 41,795,643 124,891,494 38,064,406 STARCO BRANDS, INC. CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 2017 CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net loss $ (448,571 ) $ (3,999,121 ) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: Stock based compensation 8,181 5,469 Stock based compensation related party 31,666 3,495,810 Contributed services 70,200 - Gain on extinguishment of debt - (221,757 ) Additional shares issued for prior debt conversion - 259,739 Financing costs for related party note - 25,000 Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities: Accounts receivable, related party (18,222 ) (3,027 ) Prepaids & other assets 5,663 (53,251 ) Accounts payable 30,956 (2,135 ) Accrued expenses 13,589 142,862 Net Cash Used in Operating Activities (306,538 ) (350,411 ) CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: - - CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Advances from a related party 4,000 178,070 Repayment of advances from a related party (2,000 ) (5,671 ) Proceeds from the sale of common stock - 400,000 Proceeds from notes payable 36,400 81,270 Payments on notes payable (36,372 ) (28,471 ) Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities 2,028 625,198 Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash (304,510 ) 274,787 Cash at Beginning of Period 314,181 - Cash at End of Period $ 9,671 $ 274,787 Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Net loss $ (93,919 ) $ (3,509,849 ) $ (448,571 ) $ (3,999,121 ) Other income (5,250 ) (6,000 ) (11,250 ) (6,000 ) Interest expense 7,862 33,641 23,770 35,439 Interest income (4 ) (37 ) (47 ) (37 ) Loss on conversion of debt - - - 259,739 Stock based compensation - - 8,181 - Stock based compensation, related party - 3,495,810 31,666 3,495,810 Gain on extinguishment of debt - 221,757 - 221,757 Adjusted EBITDA $ (91,311 ) $ 235,322 $ (396,251 ) $ 7,587 A Philippine Airlines air hostess became an instant hero when she offered to breastfeed a passengers crying infant. PAY ATTENTION: Click See First under the Following tab to see Briefly.co.za News on your News Feed! Amid a trip on November 6, Patrisha Organo heard an infant crying in the lodge and moved toward the mother of the youngster, proposing she feed her child. The mother said she had come up short on her baby formula. Organo offered to breastfeed the child herself as she was aware there was no formula supplies on board. In a later Facebook post depicting the occasion, Organo composed that she "saw the relief on her mother's eyes" when the infant began to drink. READ ALSO: Cops too late for crime scene as police van gets stuck in sinkhole The baby quieted down and nodded off during the feed, making the mother express gratitude toward Organo. Organo received massive support for her demonstration in the wake of sharing her story on Facebook and in excess of 22,000 individuals shared her post. Facebook users likewise reacted with remarks adulating the flight chaperon's demonstration. Donated breastmilk can be safe for babies. As per the World Health Organization, moms ought to assess their individual conditions when choosing if their infant requires breastmilk or another sustenance source, such as formula. PAY ATTENTION: Save mobile data with FreeBasics: Briefly is now available on the app 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 DELTA Corporation says it has not received foreign currency allocation in the past three weeks, leading to sporadic supply of its products on the market.Delta company secretary Alex Makamure told NewsDay on Friday that the group requires $5 million in foreign currency on a monthly basis to import raw materials."We have not yet received any foreign currency allocation for the past three weeks and this has negative impact on our production, as we require it to purchase raw materials needed to make soft drinks. The business requires at least US$5 million every month to meet its imported raw materials needs," he said."Right now, we are not meeting the national demand in soft drinks and we also have a high demand in beer, in which we are trying to supply to consumers. So RBZ (Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe) needs to avail these funds in order for us to curb these challenges."Corporate executive manager Patricia Murambinda refuted claims circulating on the social media that the company would, resultantly, retrench."Delta is not retrenching any workers. Our soft drinks business is operating below capacity due to foreign currency shortages to import critical raw materials, especially concentrates, which has resulted in intermittent product supply gaps in the market," she said."We continue to engage our banks and RBZ to avail the required foreign currency and they are doing the best they can to avail the required foreign currency." News / National by Staff reporter POLICE recently arrested 10 Congolese who entered the country through an undesignated point claiming to be seeking asylum.The Congolese, who included four women and two children, were intercepted at a police roadblock on their way to Bulawayo after sneaking into the country through an undesignated point along the Zambezi River last week.They appeared before Hwange provincial magistrate, Livard Philemon charged with violating immigration laws. He fined them $50 each or one month imprisonment while awaiting deportation.Irene Kabange, Sandra Kabange, Josline Kabange, Cedou Kayav Roy, John Mikombe, Priscon Kanhenga, Banza Kidiata, Lubala Kandolo, Shounkraine Mbikayi and Pregavi Banza claimed that they were on their way to Tongogara Refugee Camp seeking asylum.The court heard that on October 17, 2018 at around 5pm, police received a tip off that a Mercedes Benz sprinter had left Victoria Falls carrying the Congolese nationals.Acting on the information, police managed to intercept the vehicle at the 334km peg along the Bulawayo-Vic-Falls Road.Upon searching the vehicle they found 10 Congolese nationals on board. After failing to produce travelling documents, they were arrested and taken to Hwange police.Jamesina Erica Makanza appeared for the State. News / National by Staff reporter SIX Harare City Council senior managers who were 'retired' in 2014 although they were below the age of 65 years are set to bounce back at Town House and pocket huge sums of money after the Supreme Court ruled that they were laid off unprocedurally.In a ruling delivered by Justice Rita Makarau sitting with Ben Hlatshwayo and Bharat Patel, the apex court of appeal ruled council's decision to retire its treasurer, Misheck Mubvumbi, before he reached the age of 65 was wrong and should be set aside."The decision of the respondent (Harare City Council) to summarily retire the applicant at 60 is hereby set aside," read part of the ruling.Mubvumbi was council's city treasurer until 2014 when council reduced the retirement age from 65 to 60 and he was among over 1 000 workers sent home.Through his lawyer Advocate Regina Mabwe, instructed by J Mambara and Partners, Mubvumbi challenged the decision on the basis that it was illegal as his contract, which he had signed with council in 1981 stated that he ought to be retired at 65, and not at 60.The court stated that the statutory instrument used by council to reduce the retirement age from 65 to 60 did not apply to senior managers from grade one to grade four, hence the retirement was illegal."It is not in dispute that SI 135/12 is inapplicable to the applicant by reason of his position.The statutory instrument applies to all employees in grades 16 to 5. It is therefore expressly excludes persons employed on grades 1 to 4. The appellant is (was) employed in a grade 2 position," read part of the judgment. The city stated that it would save US$2 million monthly from the retrenchment of workers it undertook then but now the process has come back to haunt council.Other senior staffers who were affected by the retrenchment and could claim payment include former business development manager Cosmas Zvikaramba, housing and community services manager Justine Chivavaya, Urban planning services manager Psychology Chiwanga, Stanley Mungofa (health) and director amenities Dombo Chibanda. News / National by Staff reporter A ZANU-PF Manicaland dialogue meeting last week nearly degenerated into a fistfight when some members were chased away as deep factionalism continues to rock the party.Zanu-PF has allegedly been divided into two factions, one led by provincial party chairman and Home Affairs deputy minister Mike Madiro and the other one led by national party chairperson and Defence minister Oppah Muchinguri.Some provincial executive committee members recently recommended the suspension of provincial political commissar Gift Kagweda who is said to be aligned to the Muchinguri faction.Kagweda is being accused of writing a letter in September under the banner of Manicaland War Veterans Association passing a vote of no confidence in the Madiro-led provincial leadership.Kagweda, who is the Manicaland war veterans chairman, accused the Madiro executive of incompetence. He argued that Madiro and his colleagues failed to drum up support for President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who was beaten by MDC Alliance leader Chamisa in total votes cast during the July 30 plebiscite.During the provincial executive meeting in Mutare last week, a committee that include some war veterans was set up to engage Kagweda to find out why he was not attending meetings despite holding a crucial position.However, Madiro and a war veteran identified as Nancy Saungweme told the meeting that there was need for a dialogue with Kagweda.Madiro set a committee led by a war veteran based in Chipinge Mike Mhlanga to meet Kagweda.However, in yesterday's meeting Kagweda surprised everyone when he came accompanied by districts war veterans' chairpersons from the province."There was a war of words and the committee that was set by Madiro had to flee for their dear lives and as I am speaking to you they have not collected bus fares and they don't have money for lunch because of the commotion," said a source at the meeting.A Zanu-PF employee who refused to be named confirmed the skirmishes."I don't want to comment much, but all was not well, you should have been there to see it for yourself," he said.Mhlanga, who led the committee set by Madiro, refused to comment over the matter.Kagweda was diplomatic, saying that all was well at the meeting."The meeting went on very well, but l am at a meeting at the moment," he said.Madiro told this publication that he was not yet briefed about what happened. News / National by Staff reporter BEITBRIDGE has the potential to become a model port city in Africa, "with high-rise buildings and spaghetti roads" if city authorities and councillors commit themselves to work for the people and shun corruption, MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa has said.Addressing thousands of supporters during a "Thank You" rally in the border town at the weekend, Chamisa said corruption was a cancer that impeded development.He warned councillors voted into office on an MDC Alliance ticket that they would be shown the door if they are caught up in cases of graft."We can build a model port city at Beitbridge. We can build one of the best cities in Africa here. We can have a port city better than towns in South Africa. We can show the world what we are capable of at Beitbridge," he said."This is possible if we shun corruption and dedicate ourselves to work for the people who voted for us. Our party will recall all councillors accused of corruption and I urge all the MDC Alliance-run local authorities to serve the people well."Chamisa told the nearly 4 000-strong crowd that the party was setting up a hotline for people to report any corrupt activities by party officials."We are putting a hotline for people to report all corrupt activities by our councillors. We will not tolerate corruption and we will fire all those accused of corruption," Chamisa said.The MDC Alliance made a clean sweep of the local government elections in Beitbridge, a strategic town linking South Africa with other landlocked Sadc countries."I am here to thank you. I am different from those who win and you will see them when the next election is around the corner," he said.Chamisa asked the Beitbridge council to work towards construction of an international airport, having a university, upgraded hospitals and ultimately be declared a city.He said Beitbridge was the window of the country to South Africa and must be dressed as such.He maintained his party was robbed of victory it attained in the last election, but the ruling Zanu-PF would eventually surrender after failing to unlock the economy."The signs are there everywhere. I have told them to leave gracefully. They don't know what to do. I have all the answers to create employment, to create a vibrant industry, to make this country work," he said.He made a veiled attack on corrupt council officials who concentrated efforts on their properties at the expense of service delivery, saying their days were numbered."How does your place become the only one which is shining and yet all others are struggling," he said in an apparent reference to a Beitbridge council official accused of diverting a road to pass through his business venture while most roads in the town were in a sorry state. News / National by Staff reporter AT least 454 schools in Mashonaland West Province have so far gone digital as Government is adopting new ways of learning that will lead to the transformation of the country's economy. This is in line with President Mnangagwa's vision of transforming Zimbabwe into a middle-income economy by 2030.Addressing teachers at a Mashonaland West Schools Digitalisation launch held at Chinhoyi High School on Friday, Primary and Secondary Education Minister Paul Mavima applauded the province for making strides in modernising the country. He implored teachers to keep abreast with the modern way of learning as they had a crucial role to play in the transformation agenda."It is a good development indeed that out of 1 152 schools in Mashonaland West province, 454 of them are now digitalised," said Minister Mavima."We are encouraging all those who haven't adopted this easier way of learning to act likewise as soon as possible. One thing I want you to understand as the education sector is we are the most important sector in this transformation. It is us who have the responsibility to lay the foundation for that development through what we do at our schools from early child development, junior school and secondary school. If we lose it at this foundation, we have lost it as a nation.''Going digital, Minister Mavima said, was a key pillar in the attainment of Vision 2030 through adoption of the most competent curriculum, which emphasises competent skills. He said the country could only compete favourably with other countries by embracing new ways of doing business in its factories."Our President's vision is to modernise everything, our agricultural, mining and tourism sectors, but it is the education sector that makes it possible,'' he said.Mashonaland West Minister for Provincial Affairs Mary Mliswa also urged teachers who have limited knowledge in ICTs to improve their skills so that they can effectively impart knowledge to schoolchildren."We are appealing to all the teachers who are not well versed in ICTs to open up so that they can be taught how to do it for the benefit of these little children," she said.The Goal Digital Company, which designed the Mashonaland West website, urged all schools to go digital, saying it was the cheapest and easiest way of learning. The company's director Mr Richard Riyacha said the company was ready to impart ICTs knowledge to all teachers across the country. News / National by Staff reporter THE Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE) Limited has suspended Hwange Colliery Company from trading on the bourse following its placement under administration.Last week, the Zimbabwean government - which owns 38% of Hwange published a Government Gazette notice, placing the mine under administration."The Zimbabwe Stock Exchange Limited hereby notifies the investing public of the suspension from trading of Hwange Colliery Company Limited with effect from November 2, 2018 following its placement under administration in terms of the Reconstruction of State Indebted Insolvency Companies Act. The suspension is for the duration of the administration period," ZSE acting chief executive, Martin Matanda, said in a statement."The Reconstruction Act has, among other provisions, the following; clause 6(d). Every disposition of the property rights of action of the company and every transfer of shares or alteration in the status of its members, made after the commencement of the reconstruction shall, unless the administrator otherwise orders, be void."Matanda said before reaching the decision, the ZSE sought and was granted permission to suspend trading in Hwange Colliery Company Limited's shares by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Zimbabwe pursuant to the provisions of section 64(a) of the Securities and Exchange Act.Hwange has secondary listings on the London and Johannesburg stock exchanges.Last week, Matanda told the Zimbabwe Independent, that the ZSE was not informed about the management changes at the company and the decision to place it under administration. News / National by Staff reporter PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa used his Executive powers to refuse Hwange Colliery a renewal licence for the Western area concession, Mines minister Winston Chitando told Parliament yesterday, a claim which businessman Billy Rautenbach last week said was not his.The concession, which measures more than 10 000 hectares, was among the three that the Colliery was granted by government in 2015, along with Lubimbi East and West, with an estimated resource of 750 million tonnes of mainly coking and thermal coal.The resources are expected to prolong its lifespan by 50 to 70 years."There were four grants whose licences were to be renewed and clearly Hwange did not qualify for renewal of any of these licences," Chitando told the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Mines."A company called Localise Mining was then successful and given the Western area grant and they paid $100 000 to secure it and subsequently the letters of authority were signed by the former Mines minister Walter Chidakwa."Section 301 of the Mines and Minerals Act says all mining renewals are taken to the President, who does the renewals, and for the Western area, the President declined to sanction the grant to Hwange Colliery."The chairperson of the Hwange Scheme, Andrew Lawson, last week told the same committee that businessman Rautenbach had claimed ownership of the concession."You are giving the same Rautenbach another concession when he sold one concession, Tidal, to a Kazakhstan businessman for $4 billion and never mined there? Billy now owns everything in Zimbabwe when blacks are suffering," committee chair Temba Mliswa said.On Shepherd Tundiya, who was said to be calling the shots at Hwange and giving orders to the board, Chitando denied any relationship with him."I only met Tundiya once at a rally in Hwange and he did come to my office with Juliana Muskwe (acting Hwange Colliery board chairperson) to speak about issues of Hwange Colliery as a stakeholder. So, Tundiya has no mandate to give instructions to the Hwange board on behalf of anyone," Chitando said.He said he placed the Colliery under administration because the miner owed government $150 million and had made a loss of $23 million in the first six months of the year.Chitando said Hwange also owed $42 million to Portuguese conglomerate Mota-Engil, which was contracted to mine coal on a five-year contract in 2014.Hwange Colliery company secretary Allen Masiya then told the committee that the $6,4 million, which was ring-fenced for developing the Western area concession had been misused by management without board approval, adding that when they were about to report the case to the police, they were then harassed by Tundiya.A forensic audit on the $6,4 million is currently underway.Masiya also told the committee that the manner in which Chitando placed Hwange under administration was unlawful.The Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE) acting chief executive Martin Matanda told the committee that Chitando was supposed to meet other shareholders before putting it under reconstruction since it is a listed company on the ZSE, Johannesburg and London stock exchanges.He said government's illegal move will drastically affect investment into the country. News / National by Staff reporter FINANCE minister Mthuli Ncube yesterday said Zimbabwe should take advantage of the upcoming Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) set for next month in Egypt to improve export market diversification and tap into new markets in the wake of plummeting intra African trade."Our thrust, therefore, as a nation is to diversify our trade within the African continent. As we prepare to be part of this forum, let us work together to enable us to put our best foot forward as a nation in terms of our exhibitions and engagements with potential buyers, suppliers and investors," Ncube said at an IATF breakfast meeting.In 2017, 93% of Zimbabwe's total exports were into Africa, with 63% of that destined for the South African market alone.In the same year, 53% of the country's imports came from the African continent, with 40% being sourced from South Africa.Last year, the country's trade deficit stood at $1,8 billion after imports shot up to $5,5 billion against exports of $3,7 billion.The bulk of the country's exports comprise of platinum group of metals (PGMs), gold, flue-cured tobacco, ferrochrome, nickel, chrome, and diamonds. The country's major exports to South Africa include PGMs, gold and nickel.Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries president Sifelani Jabangwe told the same meeting that local industries were seeking robust partnerships in a bid to produce competitive exports."We have sectors such as iron and steel, pharmaceuticals, (and) agro-processing that can be partnered to export to the world. We have a challenge that the level of complexity is still low. Zimbabwe has got a number of companies producing predominantly for local consumption and yet these products can be supplied elsewhere," Jabangwe said.Bankers Association of Zimbabwe president Webster Rusere said financial discipline was crucial in attracting investors."Investors would like to be assured of financial discipline. Financial discipline from various institutions. This is very fundamental," he said. English French German Orders include TRAXX AC3, DC3 and MS2 locomotives Designed for operation under Europes main voltages, the locomotives offer Akiem and its customers flexibility and efficiency BERLIN, Nov. 09, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Note to editors: To view the photos associated with this press release, please visit the following links: http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/00415160-ab8e-45ba-8d33-d1be57d86596 http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/28dfb159-ba35-4510-90c9-c608c4c7aa2f http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bb26f09a-3989-4590-b839-4759503c055a Rolling stock leasing company Akiem and mobility technology leader Bombardier Transportation have signed two contracts under frame contracts to deliver a total of 33 BOMBARDIER TRAXX locomotives. Based on their list price, the two firm orders are valued at a combined total of 112 million ($128 million US). Scheduled for delivery between 2019 and 2021 at the latest, the 33 TRAXX locomotives will consist of a mix of TRAXX MS 2 (multi-system), TRAXX AC 3 (alternating current) and TRAXX DC3 (direct current) locomotives. Fabien Rochefort, CEO of Akiem Group, said, This additional batch of 33 TRAXX locomotives meets our customers demand across Europe. With a fleet of 180 TRAXX by 2020, we are strengthening our ability to deliver reliable, efficient, safe and cost-effective traction services expected by both passenger and freight operators. This fruitful partnership with Bombardier Transportation enables Akiem Group industrial teams to design and deliver tailor-made services and maintenance solutions across Europe. We are making our Group a major long-term, reliable partner and added value provider for the railway transport industry in Europe. Peter Ammann, Head of Ecosystem Freight Corridors, Bombardier Transportation, added, We are very pleased to have received these additional locomotive orders from Akiem, further strengthening our partnership with this important customer. We introduced our versatile TRAXX locomotives platform 18 years ago and since then have continuously innovated and improved its features. With over 2,200 units sold, the platform has demonstrated its success. With these recent orders, Akiem will own a fleet of 180 TRAXX locomotives; the customer continues to benefit from this mixture of performance, experience and permanent evolution. The BOMBARDIER TRAXX 3 platform is the most modern four-axle locomotive platform in Europe. Its three models, TRAXX AC3, TRAXX MS3 and TRAXX DC3, all offer optional Last Mile function, a support diesel engine which bridges non-electrified sections. The TRAXX MS locomotive plays a crucial role in the development of economies in Europe. Designed to operate on Europes four main rail supply voltages 15 kV and 25 kV AC as well as 1.5 and 3 kV DC it offers the necessary flexibility and interoperability to manage international rail transport across the continent. About Akiem Group Akiem Group is a major player in locomotive leasing and related services in Europe. It has the benefit of the maintenance network of its subsidiary, mgw Service, which specialises in rail equipment maintenance. As the owner of a 440-strong locomotive fleet, Akiem Group generates revenue of 140 million with some 50 customers, who operate in freight or passenger transport in most European countries. Almost 150 employees based in France, Germany, Sweden, Italy and Poland work for the leasing and maintenance business units of Akiem Group, which is held by Transport et Logistique Partenaires and DWS. About Bombardier Transportation Bombardier Transportation is a global mobility solution provider leading the way with the rail industrys broadest portfolio. It covers the full spectrum of solutions, ranging from trains to sub-systems and signalling to complete turnkey transport systems, e-mobility technology and data-driven maintenance services. Combining technology and performance with empathy, Bombardier Transportation continuously breaks new ground in sustainable mobility by providing integrated solutions that create substantial benefits for operators, passengers and the environment. Headquartered in Berlin, Germany, Bombardier Transportation employs around 39,850 people and its products and services operate in over 60 countries. About Bombardier With over 69,500 employees across four business segments, Bombardier is a global leader in the transportation industry, creating innovative and game-changing planes and trains. Our products and services provide world-class transportation experiences that set new standards in passenger comfort, energy efficiency, reliability and safety. Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Bombardier has production and engineering sites in 28 countries across the segments of Transportation, Business Aircraft, Commercial Aircraft, and Aerostructures and Engineering Services. Bombardier shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, Bombardier posted revenues of $16.2 billion US. News and information are available at bombardier.com or follow us on Twitter @Bombardier . Notes to editors For news, related material and photos, visit our newsroom at www.rail.bombardier.com/en/newsroom.html . Please subscribe to our RSS Feed to receive press releases or follow Bombardier Transportation on Twitter @BombardierRail . Bombardier and TRAXX are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries. For information Akiem Bombardier Group communications coordinator Valerie Barral +33 1 80 43 01 74 valerie.barral@akiem.com Global media relations +49 30 98607 1687 press@rail.bombardier.com News / National by Staff reporter PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has rewarded one of the biggest indigenous churches, the Zion Christian Church (ZCC), with a tractor and other agricultural inputs for overwhelmingly voting for him and his party in the July 30 elections.This is one of the many presents gifted to the church, whose leader, Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi, is an ardent supporter of the ruling Zanu PF party.Mnangagwa visited the church before elections soliciting for votes and promised to come back after the polls.Mnangagwa also donated a tonne of maize seed, five tonnes of top dressing fertiliser and five tonnes of compound D fertiliser to the church.ZCC has a following estimated at hundreds of thousands.Mnangagwa, who was the guest of honour at a function to celebrate church leader, Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi's birthday at Mbungo Estates on Sunday, said he had come back to say 'thank you' to the church members."I had been invited for a birthday celebration, but I did not know it was going to be this big. Anyway, let me take this opportunity to thank you for voting me into power. I thank you. As President, I will support you on everything that you do to build this country. ZCC has done a lot to uplift the economy, and there are more programmes from them in the pipeline," he said.Masvingo Provincial Affairs minister Ezra Chadzamira also admitted that Zanu PF in Masvingo would be poorer without the ZCC."If we do not have the ZCC, we are incomplete as Zanu PF," Chadzamira said.Mnangagwa also promised the nation that he would overcome the economic problems bedevilling the nation."Yes, we have our own problems; it is just like when a lady is delivering, the nurses will tell her to push. But after that, the mother celebrates the kid. The same applies in the country. Let's push. We may have issues, but let's unite. Better days are to come."Do not be afraid even if you have many problems because God is on our side, we will overcome. Just like the Israelites on their journey to Canaan, some among them thought of going back to Egypt. Even today, among our midst, we have those that want to take the country back to Egypt," he said.Mutendi equated Mnangagwa to the modern day Joshua, saying he would take Zimbabweans to Canaan. He also described First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa as "The Mother Theresa of Africa"."Those who preach about demonstrations, they have not yet seen the light of God. Those who love their country preach peace. Zimbabwe is a house. If we have conflicts, we cannot prosper. We can't plan wars and conflicts, but rather have unity. Let's preach love and tolerance," Mnangagwa said. News / National by Staff reporter A KWEKWE man has been sentenced to eight months in prison by a local magistrate for assaulting his wife, whom he accused of denying him conjugal rights.The State said Tawanda Majoni had been married to Chiedza Juma for about 10 years, but the couple failed to bear children.Majoni then entered into an extramarital affair, which produced a male child.When Juma discovered Majoni's infidelity, she refused to sleep with him.He assaulted her on several occasions until she finally reported the matter to police."I could not afford to put my life at risk by sleeping with my husband when I knew he had indulged in unprotected sex with another woman. In this day of sexually transmitted diseases like HIV, I felt unsafe to sleep with him. He started beating me on several occasions and when I couldn't take it anymore, I reported the matter to the police," Juma told the court.In his defence, Majoni said it was actually his wife who would provoke him, resulting in him losing patience and assaulting her.Magistrate Thabalani Ncube suspended two months of the sentence on condition of good behaviour in the next five years. News / National by Staff reporter A ROW has erupted between a Form 3 pregnant student and school authorities at St Anne's Goto High School in Wedza with the former accusing the administration of violating her rights after expelling her from the institution in September this year.The girl (name withheld) is fighting to be readmitted to the Anglican-run school after she was expelled for falling pregnant.According to a letter dated September 23 and signed by the school head only identified as KK Mutseyekwa and addressed to the girl's guardians, the pupil's expulsion became necessary when she fell pregnant.The school authorities said the move was in the best interests of the school and the unborn child."I regret to advise you that I have reason to believe that your daughter in Form 3 fell pregnant while at school. It is in the best interest of the school, the learner and the child to be born that she be allowed to take leave from the school," the letter read.In her affidavit stamped at Mukamba Police Station in Wedza on October 2, the 18-year-old girl, who is an orphan pleaded with government to intervene so that she could go back to school."I plead with the government authorities and Constitutional Court to assist by ensuring that I go back to St Anne's Goto High School. I am pregnant and the school authorities expelled me on September 24, 2018, because of my condition. My boyfriend committed suicide in August 2018. My biological parents separated a long-time ago and grew up with my grandmother. I want to resume studies with others this term at the same school, hence the need for your assistance," part of the affidavit read.Efforts to get a comment from the school authorities were fruitless yesterday.Progressive Teachers' Union of Zimbabwe Mashonaland East provincial chairperson Tapiwa Chengeta confirmed the case and said the school violated the girl's rights."We have an obligation to safeguard not only the teachers who are our members, but also the pupils who are our stakeholders. To us, expelling the girl is a violation of circular P35 which gives exceptions to the girl child in the event of pregnancy. It is also a violation of the child's constitutional right to education."We intend to take the issue through our legal department and the relevant education authorities. An innocent child cannot suffer because of rotten implementation of the statute. We stand guided by the regulations," he said. News / National by Staff reporter Women organisations have bemoaned the high price of sanitary wear suggesting that they should be availed to women and young girls for free.This comes as the country has been characterised by price hikes and goods shortages due to the economic meltdown.The price of sanitary pads also went up with the most expensive going for $18 a packet from about $4 while the cheapest ones are now $4 from $1.United Nations Women (UN Women) have condemned the situation saying it is negatively impacting on young girls who find the sanitary pads expensive."Costly sanitary towels leave girls who menstruate at cross roads and subject them to shame, low self-esteem and exclusion from social activities," UN Women said on their Twitter page.Shamwari Yemwana Sikana director Ekeniah Chifamba sadly highlighted that it's disappointing that government is not prioritising issues that affect women and young girls.She said since menstruation is not a choice, government should ensure that all women have access to sanitary wear without having to compromise their hygiene when they opt for other methods such as using tree leaves."It is very sad to note that prices of sanitary wear have gone up to that extent and we strongly feel that government should prioritise issues that affect women and girls in Zimbabwe and have them at the centre of discussion."When we look at neighbouring countries like South Africa, they scrapped off tax on all sanitary wear products."We should also consider that a menstrual period is not a choice. We are having condoms being distributed everywhere for free and yet sex is a choice. I think we are also not looking into issues of sexual reproductive rights that our girls have because they cannot afford to buy sanitary wear."Earlier this year, women staged demonstrations demanding that government give sanitary products to those in need for free, in the same way it does with condoms.With disappointment, Chifamba noted that girls are now resorting to leaves and materials that are unhygienic and not suitable to use, such as cow dung, during that time of the month.She also highlighted that some of them are missing school and this has made them vulnerable as some end up engaging in commercial sex work in a bid to make money."A lot of our girls miss school during that time, between three to five days every month, and this has a negative impact on their future as they are not able to concentrate on school and participate fully.""A lot of our girls are also becoming vulnerable because if they cannot afford to purchase a pack of sanitary pads going for $2.50 or more and some of them are coming from child-headed families, they are resorting to other options," she said. News / National by Staff reporter A Kwekwe man has been slapped with a mandatory 10-year jail term for tampering with a Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) meter.James Ngirazi of Star Mine outside Kwekwe was convicted by Kwekwe magistrate Mr Storey Rushambwa of opening a ZETDC meter and tampering its reading. Mr Rushambwa said he was invoking the Electricity Act."I have no choice, but to invoke the law in your situation, in as much as I might have other thoughts, my hands remain tied by the law and therefore the law should take its course," said Mr Rushambwa.The Electricity Act states that, any person who without a lawful excuse damages, destroys or interferes with any apparatus for generating, transmission, distribution or supplying electricity, shall be found guilty of an offence and will be liable to imprisonment for a period not less than ten years.The State, led by Mr Freddy Ndoro, stated that on October 18, Ngirazi unscrewed two units of the meter terminal cover plate before tampering with the readings.On the same day, energy technician Reynold Mlambo tested the meter, which was showing signs of being tampered with and reported the matter to the police, leading to Ngirazi's arrest. News / National by Staff reporter ZANU-PF Bulawayo province yesterday launched its provincial fundraising exercise for the party's forthcoming 17th Annual National People's Conference to be held next month and announced members of the fundraising sub-committee.The party's Politburo set December 10 to 15 as the dates for the conference to be held at Mzingwane Boys' High School at Esigodini in Matabeleland South province, while delegates are set to be accredited between 15 and 29 November.The conference, whose theme is "Zimbabwe is Open for Business: In Unity and Peace Towards an Upper Middle-income Economy by 2030", is expected to attract about 5 000 delegates drawn from the country's 10 provinces. Launching the provincial fundraising programme, chairman of the sub-committee Charles Chiponda appealed for support from the people of Bulawayo.He said the success of the conference will be based on the support received from the party's stakeholders. The other committee members are Nkosana Mkandla, Violet Mhute, Mlungisi Moyo, Mnothisi Nsingo, Regis Sibanda, Joseph Tshuma, and Ambassador Zenzo Nsimbi."We've been tasked on behalf of Zanu-PF Bulawayo province finance department to approach individuals, organisations and the business community in Bulawayo for donations in cash and in kind."We're fundraising for the forthcoming National People's Conference in December 2018 at Matabeleland South. The success of the conference will be based on the support received from our stakeholders and their generosity will be appreciated by the provincial chairman Professor Callistus Ndlovu," said Chiponda.He said the sub-committee was a team of reputable business people aligned to the party and wherever they go they will have authentic letters from the party."In the past we've had some people using the party name to collect donations from companies and individuals for their personal benefit. That will not happen this year as we have a reputable team tasked to work on behalf of the party. "Should anybody be approached by anyone not on the list of the committee members, they should immediately contact the Zanu-PF offices," he said.Chiponda said donations in cash will be deposited in the Bulawayo Province's FBC account number 6153-00199011-5, while donations in kind will be collected. News / National by Staff reporter LP Gas firm, Matsa Energy, is in the process of setting up a $1 million depot in Bulawayo, a move which will increase supplies and create more job opportunities for locals.The gas depot will be situated in BT Steeldale in Belmont and the Bulawayo City Council has already offered the company land to set up the new depot.The council recently shut down more than 50 illegal LP Gas centres in the city citing safety and health issues.Matsa Energy Bulawayo branch manager Mr Nkosilathi Ndlovu said in an interview that the company was in the final stages of setting up its gas depot."Matsa Energy has invested to the tune of $1million in gas infrastructure equipment and investors are excited about this project. By early January we should have completed the installation. It will be one of the largest depots in terms of storage in the country. It will be built in phases," he said."Firstly, we are bringing in a 60-tonne facility and will increase the storage by four in a period of two years. We are at an advanced stage with regards to licensing our operations with the Bulawayo City Council. Also the council has been very helpful in regularising our operations and have given us land to build a gas depot, which will be a state-of-the-art facility."Mr Ndlovu said the setting up of the depot would create employment opportunities for Bulawayo residents and could result in LP Gas prices dropping. He said the company was optimistic of a positive business environment having operated gas selling kiosks in the city before the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority shutdown their shops for allegedly operating without a licence.He said the courts have, however, exonerated the company from illegal operations after proving that their licence was valid. Mr Ndlovu said the company's steel gas kiosks were user friendly, portable and bring gas to the people and have been certified by Zera."The market has been responding very well before installing the gas depot. We had gas kiosks which were doing very well. This is what prompted our bosses to invest in Bulawayo," he said.Mr Ndlovu said Government should create a one stop shop for the licensing of LP Gas companies as they are forced to go through about four different departments for something than can be done under one roof. News / National by Staff reporter PARLIAMENT has no room for mum and redundant legislators who contribute nothing during sessions and committees, Speaker of Parliament Advocate Jacob Mudenda warned yesterday.Addressing portfolio committee chairpersons in Bulawayo, Advocate Mudenda said appropriate action will be taken against silent legislators to avoid wasting taxpayers' funds. He said the non-contributors will be reported to their political parties for inefficiency."I have not heard or received in writing a complaint from any of the chairpersons complaining that this honourable MP is not contributing. I have said it from the beginning during the induction of legislators that where there is no performance by an honourable Member of Parliament, let us know within one year so that we can advise the party from where that member comes and say that this member has not performed," said Adv Mudenda.He said an audit would be carried out to check on the performance of the legislators."In the House it's very easy, we will carry out an audit, those who remain silent perpetually, we will advise the respective political parties because you are not representing the interests of that party. You are there, just there keeping quiet. So in committees it's the same, tell me who is giving problems, tell me who is perpetually absent, tell us! You have a register; if you read the rules they clearly tell you that there must be an attendance register. We must do self cleaning," said Adv Mudenda.He said page 153 of the Standing Rules and Orders clearly states that the committee clerk must at the conclusion of any meeting of the select committee, submit to the Clerk of Parliament a return showing the day of the meeting, the hour the committee met and adjourned, the name and time of arrival of any member of the committee who attended a meeting of the Committee from the commencement of its business.Advocate Mudenda said the clerk should also supply the name and time of departure of any member of the Committee who left and did not return before the meeting was adjourned or the committee had concluded its business.The Speaker of Parliament said the rules also demand names of members absent with or without leave and members entitled to sitting allowances. "In the last five years I have not seen an attendance list which indicates continuous absence and those who are absent perpetually are short-changing the tax payer. They are short-changing the party that sponsored them to come to Parliament," said Adv Mudenda.He said legislators must not hide behind their party's whipping system to contribute nothing."There is this thing of whipping. I belong to a party but I have not heard that you are whipped to say nothing. So those that remain quiet should not put forward whipping to cover up for their inactivity and ignorance," said Adv Mudenda.A research carried out by women empowerment non-governmental organisation, the Women in Politics Support Unit (Wipsu) last year showed that only 35 MPs out of 350 have been actively contributing to debates in Parliament in the four years they had been elected.The Wipsu research shows 52 MPs are mum and not contributing at all to debate in Senate and the National Assembly."Parliament has 350 MPs and as at December 2016, 125 of those are women, which constitutes 34 percent and which is the highest number ever of female MPs," the report read."As at March 2017, since the beginning of the Eighth Session of Parliament, a cohort of 35 MPs has been speaking actively in both Houses of Parliament while 52 MPs have not said anything and this group of MPs is made up of both men and women." News / National by Staff reporter The Second Republic does not tolerate siphoning of public funds for personal gain and such criminal propensities will leave offenders in jail, President Mnangagwa said yesterday.Addressing delegates to the 3rd Annual Public Sector Audit Conference in Harare, the Head of State and Government said nefarious activities in public and private sectors hindered economic growth."I urge all corporates, boards of public entities and local authorities to uphold good financial administration and protect national assets for the good of all our people and growth of our economy," he said."Those found wanting will face the full wrath of the law. My Government is determined to create an environment that will see the rise of a new crop of 'corruption free' business leaders and institutions; which nurture the values of honesty, transparency, hard work, integrity, accountability and high professional ethics."It is presently disheartening that the country continues to lose huge sums of money due to fraud, money laundering, procurement or tender manipulation, insider trading stock and financial markets, among other ills in both the private and public sectors."President Mnangagwa said non-performing public entities, coupled with tax payment invasion continued to be "an albatross around the neck of Government"."I, therefore, challenge you to use platforms such as this one to collectively find feasible, sustainable and lasting strategies to stop this worrisome culture," he said."As we strive to eliminate corruption by 2030, let us in our respective entities, always act in the best interest of our country and people. You as public accountants and auditors are critical in the detection, prevention and exposure of fraud, economic crimes and sabotage."President Mnangagwa commended the Office of the Auditor -General for timeously producing and providing audit reports of Government departments, State-owned enterprises and Government agencies. News / National by Staff reporter THE Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Professor Mthuli Ncube, yesterday assured civil servants of a bonus incentive for 2018 whose finer details would be clarified in due course in line with ongoing fiscal stabilisation measures and recognition of hard work.Speaking on the state of the economy at the on-going 2019 Parliamentary pre-budget conference in Bulawayo, he stressed the need to instil fiscal discipline, the lack of which has been blamed for the ballooning budget deficit in the last few years resulting in prevailing economic challenges.In line with the Transitional Stabilisation Programme (TSP) and the drive towards an upper-middle income economy by 2030, Prof Ncube said taming public expenditure, especially wage bill containment, was at the heart of fiscal stabilisation measures while stimulating investment. He, however, said civil servants will be rewarded for their hard work."I feel that we need to walk the talk. In the previous budgets we have said we will do something about making sure that we deal with this issue of freezing non-critical posts, enforcing retirement policy," Minister Ncube said, adding: "and the bonus, you know, should not be an entitlement but it should be within affordable levels."So, I won't say what will happen with bonus this year yet but you can be sure that we are going to do something that will be a thank you to those who have worked so hard through the year but at same time cognisant of the need to tighten our belts."Under the TSP (2018-2020) launched last month, Government is already implementing a raft of belt-tightening measures to stabilise the economy. Widening budget deficit estimated at $2,9 billion in 2018, from $1,4 billion in 2017, has become a headache to Government with its crippling effect evidenced by the foreign currency squeeze and subsequent strain on productive sectors, emergence of the parallel market and rampant price distortions.These challenges need to be tackled head on, said Prof Ncube who rallied the legislature and the private sector to play their part and restore sanity in the country's economy.He noted that as efforts were being made to unlock investment opportunities in key sectors of the economy such as agriculture, mining, tourism and services industries, Treasury was also scaling up domestic revenue mobilisation, which will enable Government to finance more development projects and increase social services.He said this requires tightening of surveillance at border posts to weed out corruption. As such Prof Ncube said a new Zimra board would be appointed soon to do the "right thing" by dealing with graft and improving revenue collection.Prof Ncube also challenged Zimra to work closely with the police and give them the tools they need to police borders, including use of drones.Government is also paying critical attention to the external sector and is engaging the international community and multi-lateral finance institutions with the view of addressing foreign debt, which hampers the country's risk profile and ability to unlock fresh lines of credit.In that regard the minister expressed concern over the dilapidated state of infrastructure in key embassies such as South Africa, United States and the United Kingdom."These are key missions for Zimbabwe and I must say we need to support those embassies, buildings are falling apart. We have got an ambassador who walks in some streets of a particular capital city."We don't have an official car to carry His Excellency when he visits. While we rationalise we need to pay attention to these key embassies and give a good image," he said.Similarly, Prof Ncube said there was no going back regarding the reforming State-owned enterprises and parastatals some of which will be privatised or liquidated. He said this sector needs to be revamped to play a significant role in the economy. Dublin, Nov. 09, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Glycomics/Glycobiology Market Analysis Report By Product (Instruments, Enzymes, Kits, Reagents), By Application (Drug Discover, Diagnostics), By End Use, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2018 - 2025" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global glycomics/glycobiology market size is expected to reach USD 2.1 billion by 2025 and is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 14.4% over the forecast period. Rising focus on glycomics and proteomics research is driving the market. Huge investments have also enabled academic researchers to develop new glycobiology tools. This is a high-impact rendering driver for the market. As per many researchers, study on glycans helps understand biological processes more comprehensively, without specializing in glycobiology. According to the 2017 BDO Biotech Briefing, the average R&D expenditure of mid-sized biotech companies has increased by around 18% from USD 65.9 million to USD 80.6 million during the span of 2015 to 2016. Growing drug discovery and development are leading to an increase in R&D investments by biotech companies. Thus, the need for glycomics research techniques to conduct comprehensive glycomes study is constantly growing. Rise in number of initiatives being undertaken by the government to increase funding for research has led to the high need for glycomics techniques. For instance, the Australian government invested around USD 10 billion in scientific research and innovations for the period 2016 to 2017. The Irish Government also announced a USD 5.6 billion spending program in 2015 aimed at increasing the number of scientific research activities from 25,000 to 40,000 in the next 5 years. Such funding initiatives are expected to enhance demand for glycomics research techniques in near future. Key players are also undertaking extensive R&D initiatives to develop new and technologically advanced products. For instance, in 2016, ProZyme, Inc. launched Gly-Q Glycan Analysis System, an integrated platform that enables user-friendly and high-throughput glycoanalysis. In 2018, Shimadzu Corporation collaborated with PREMIER Biosoft, a global player in bioinformatics solutions, with an aim to introduce its LCMS-9030 Quadrupole Time of Flight (Q-TOF) mass spectrometry system for advance glycomics and lipidomics data research analysis. Further key findings from the report suggest: Enzymes was the fastest growing product segment of the glycomics/glycobiology market in 2017, due to repetitive purchase and rising application in research and diagnostics In application segment, drug discovery and development accounted for the largest revenue share in 2017, owing to high focus on novel drug development and demand for personalized medicines North America is anticipated to continue to lead the global market during the forecast period owing to existence of large number of research laboratories and pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies Europe is expected to expand at the highest CAGR during the forecast period due to availability of advanced infrastructure coupled with rising number of pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies Key Topics Covered: Chapter 1 Executive Summary Chapter 2 Research Methodology 2.1 Country Wise Market: Base Estimates 2.2 Global Market: CAGR Calculation 2.3 Region Based Segment Share Calculation 2.4 Research Scope & Assumptions 2.5 List of Data Sources 2.5.1 Data for primary interviews, by sources 2.5.2 Data for primary interviews, by region 2.6 Market Snapshot Chapter 3 Glycomics Market Variables, Trends & Scope 3.1 Market Segmentation & Scope 3.2 Market Driver Analysis 3.2.1 Increasing focus on glycomics and proteomics research 3.2.2 Increasing investment in R&D by research institutes and pharmaceutical & biotechnology companies 3.2.3 Technological advancements in glycomics instruments 3.3 Market Restraint Analysis 3.3.1 Stringent government policies and regulations 3.3.2 High cost of glycomics instruments 3.4 Key Opportunities Prioritized 3.5 Glycomics - SWOT Analysis, by Factor (Political & Legal, Economic and Technological) 3.6 Industry Analysis - Porter's Chapter 4 Glycomics Market: Product Estimates & Trend Analysis 4.1 Glycomics Market: Product Movement Analysis 4.2 Enzymes 4.2.1 Enzymes market, 2014 - 2025 (USD Million) 4.2.2 Glycosidases 4.2.3 Glycosyltransferases 4.2.4 Neuraminidases 4.2.5 Sialyltransferases 4.2.6 Others 4.3 Kits 4.3.1 Kits market, 2014 - 2025 (USD Million) 4.3.2 Glycan labelling kits 4.3.3 Glycan purification kits 4.3.4 Glycan release kits 4.3.5 Other glycomics kits 4.4 Reagents 4.4.1 Reagents market, 2014 - 2025 (USD Million) 4.4.2 Glycoproteins 4.4.3 Monosaccharides 4.4.4 Oligosaccharides 4.4.5 Others 4.4.5.1 Others market, 2014 - 2025 (USD Million) 4.5 Instruments 4.5.1 Instruments market, 2014 - 2025 (USD Million) 4.5.2 Mass spectrometers 4.5.3 HPLC 4.5.4 HPLC 4.5.5 MALDI-TOF 4.5.6 Array systems 4.5.7 Other instruments Chapter 5 Glycomics Market: Application Estimates & Trend Analysis 5.1 Glycomics Market: Application Movement Analysis 5.2 Drug Discovery & Development 5.3 Diagnostics 5.4 Other Applications Chapter 6 Glycomics Market: End Use Estimates & Trend Analysis 6.1 Glycomics Market: End-Use Movement Analysis 6.2 Academic & Research Institutes 6.3 Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies 6.4 Contract Research Organizations (CROs) Chapter 7 Glycomics Market: Regional Estimates & Trend Analysis, by Product, Application, End Use 7.1 Glycomics Market Share by Region, 2014 & 2025 7.2 North America 7.2.1 U.S. 7.2.2 Canada 7.3 Europe 7.3.1 Germany 7.3.2 U.K. 7.4 Asia Pacific 7.4.1 Japan 7.4.2 China 7.4.3 India 7.5 Latin America 7.5.1 Brazil 7.5.2 Mexico 7.6 Middle East & Africa 7.6.1 South Africa Chapter 8 Competitive Landscape Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. Merck KGaA Agilent Technologies Bruker New England Biolabs Danaher Shimadzu Corporation Takara Bio, Inc. Waters Corporation ProZyme For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/8j7mh3/glycomicsglycobio?w=12 Did you know that we also offer Custom Research? Visit our Custom Research page to learn more and schedule a meeting with our Custom Research Manager. News / National by Mandla Ndlovu Exiled former G40 Kingpin Professor Jonathan Moyo's woes are mounting amidst revelations that a political organisation Zimbabwe Economic Freedom Fighters (ZEFF) is pushing for his extradition by Interpol over a US$3 million which he allegedly siphoned from on Zimbabwe Manpower Development Fund (Zimdef).In a statement issued by ZEFFF Commander In Chief Innocent Ndibali the party said, "We are shocked that we only thought that Prof Moyo siphoned only $400 000 but recently reports suggest that he looted more than $3 million dollars. We are informed that the president Emerson Mnangagwa is studying a forensic audit report on Zimbabwe Manpower Development Fund (Zimdef) amid indications that more than $3 million could have been taken from the fund in suspicious circumstances."We are calling on the ZRP, ZACC, the Special Anti-Corruption Unit set by the president to priorities the charges levelled against Moyo. This case must not even be dragged on because Prof Moyo agreed and accepted that he looted the funds meant for education purposes of our young people."ZACC provided its evidence on all their investigations, why is ZRP failing to arrest Moyo so that he is brought back home to answer on his charges? ZRP have the power of Interpol we need action without delay."ZEFF further called upon the Anti graft crack team to bring to account Prof Moyos cronies who were complicities in the alleged crime."We also need Moyos crew which include former deputy minister Godfrey Gandawa, the managers chief executive officer Fredrick Mandizvidza, principal finance director and administrator Nicholas Mapute; human resources manager Ignatius Kanjengo; chief accountant Ropafadzo Mukamba and senior revenue manager, James Gombarago to account. We are not retreating it is now time Zimbabwe to recover what was stolen from us. We cannot live in same societies with these people who are destroying our country and move around scot-free."Professor Moyo has been suspected to be a refugee in Kenya after fleeing assassination by the Zimbabwe Defence Forces who instituted a military coup that was dubbed Operation Restore Legacy. The coup that ended 37 years of Robert Mugabe's repressive rule was said to be targeting criminals around Mugabe and it ended up targeting Mugabe himself. News / National by Ndou Paul The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, (Central Vehicle Registry and Zimbabwe National Road Administration) would like to inform the motoring public that all vehicles that have not been licensed for a period of two years will be automatically de-registered from the CVR Database.The Registrar put out an advert in today's daily newspaper.Said the Registrar, "IT is hereby notified, in terms of section 12 (c) of the Vehicle Registration and Licensing Act [Chapter 13:14], that the Registrar intends to cancel the registration of vehicles not licensed or exempted for a period of two or more years as at 31st July 2018."Affected parties are hereby notified to approach the Central Vehicle Registry to regularise their vehicles or the Zimbabwe National Road Administration to negotiate a payment plan or pay the outstanding arrears, within thirty (30) days from the date of publication of this notice."The list of vehicles and their registration particulars may be inspected for free at the following points listed in the Schedule." Opinion / Columnist A posting by Chigumbu Warikandwa that appeared on the 8th of November 2018 has a grossly misleading title "Give Peace A Chance". It is just a lunacy. No peace can ever be built on lies, deliberate twisting of facts and justifications of brutality. No amount of historical distortions can ever contribute to any peace process no matter how much sagaciously articulated. The effect of written lies is as painful as the ripping off a womb of a pregnant young woman because "she is going to give birth to a dissident". Such a debate is a babyish game and an attempt by the perpetrators of the gukurahundi to sweet talk a crime against humanity .A reader of his article will not believe that thousands of former ZIPRA guerrillas were still in the integrated National Army when gukurahundi was unleashed on the people of Matebeleland and the Midlands. They remained there and some until today. Warikandwa who has perfected the art of writing lies says they rejected the election results. He thinks that gukurahundi killed everyone who saw what actually happened because well before gukurahundi was deployed, ZIPRA went to its operational zones to look for any ZIPRA who had not gone to the Assembly points. Joshua Nkomo actually deployed other ZIPRA to force those who dragged their feet.Warikandwa thinks his lies can convince anyone when it is a well known fact that ZANLA openly said "hatimbofi takatsveta zvombo pasi" translated, We shall never lay down our weapons". And they never put down their arms to this today. Unarmed opposition political campaigners were massacred including ZAPU workers in the eastern part of the country. Even UANC supporters were brutally murdered by ZANLA who wanted everyone to have a ZanuPF card. 6 of them were ordered off a Hwange bound train and gunned down in cold blood by a well-known ZanuPF supporter. He was arrested only to be released by the tyrant Robert Mugabe.Peace cannot be advocated for by liars like Chigumbu Warikandwa. It can perhaps come through people who tell the truth and not an individual who joys in twisting facts. He calls the victims of gukurahundi Gukurahundists. It is not those people whose relatives were burnt alive at Mkhonyeni who said the Shona speaking murderers were Gukurahundi. They called themselves Gukurahundi in their own language and in those days it was glorious to be a party of the Gukurahundi army. It is therefore an unforgivable insult to label survivors of those state sponsored killers gukurahundists. It is an unforgettable provocation by a supporter of an unarmed junta.No peace can be built on beliefs of subjugations or false accusations. The Zipra commanders were arrested and the courts found them not guilty. To pretend that they had rejected the new government without any legal evidence and ever hope that such an argument can convince someone is to just dream. Warikandwa should not mix a call to peace with this self-exposure as a genocide defender.There are Ngunis who left Durban during Mfecane in other parts of Southern Africa today. You have the Ngonis in Zambia and Malawi. You have Sotshangane's descendants in Mozambique. There has never been wantonly and systematically murder in large numbers like what Gukurahundi did. Even in Mozambique where there was a long civil war, we do not hear of villagers being driven into huts which are then set ablaze in the name of looking for armed bandits. The shameless liar claims he does not want to link Ndebele raids to Gukurahundi. Why does he talk about it then? Again he does not have to pretend to deny it because the Gukurahundi murderers said it openly themselves. Those trying to do something for the so called Peace and Reconciliation should be careful about such people like Chigumbu Warikandwa.Warikandwa is under the illusion that justice for the Gukurahundi victims is sought for by people from Matabeleland and Midlands. He lives in a perpetual denial that has even shut his ears from hearing that the cry against the ZanuPF killing machinery is now louder outside these regions and justice will certainly be demanded from every corner of Zimbabwe. Canada is kind of like Austin Powers without his mojo (Photo by New Line Cinema/Getty Images) Global oil prices were battered by a kitchen sink full of headwinds on Friday, sending U.S. and European benchmarks tumbling roughly 20 per cent from their October highs. Fears of a growing glut continue to intensify now that U.S. sanctions on Iran that largely fuelled last months rally lack the teeth to impact global supply as much as had been expected. Iranian crude will continue to flow to eight major buyers, including China, thanks to exemptions from Washington announced earlier this week. Surging U.S. shale production, coupled with higher output from Saudi Arabia and Russia, are expected of offset shut-in Iranian barrels. This boosted output came just as global demand growth expectations eased and equity markets tumbled, hitting oil prices from both sides, Scotiabank commodity economist Rory Johnston told Yahoo Finance Canada in an email on Friday. Washington added further weight to crude contracts as the Nov. 4 hard deadline to cease imports from sanctioned Iran was blunted by the granting of waivers that temporarily exempt some purchasers for 180 days. West Texas Intermediate oil for December fell for a tenth-consecutive day, dipping below US$60 a barrel. European benchmark Brent crude fell below $70 a barrel for the first time since early April. The S&P/TSX Capped Energy Index (SPTTEN) fell as much as 1.3 per cent in early trading on Friday, before paring some of its losses. Josef Schachter, president of Schachter Energy Research Services Inc., said hes been calling for WTI oil to dip below $60 for six months. He points to the recent seven-week streak of inventory builds reported by the U.S. Energy Information Administration as evidence of chronic oversupply stateside. North Americas energy sector was dealt yet another blow Thursday night when a federal judge in Montana blocked TransCanada Corp.s (TRP.TO) long-delay Keystone XL pipeline project, pending further environmental review. Sound familiar? GasBuddy.com petroleum analyst Dan McTeague asked, referring to a similar ruling by a Canadian federal court on the Trans Mountain expansion in late August. Story continues Were back to levels in crude prices that we have not seen since Feb. 13. Weve almost come full-circle to this time last year, McTeague told Yahoo Finance Canada. Everyone is taking a haircut here. There are no redeeming qualities or opportunities. He agrees that weaker-than-expected U.S. sanctions on Iran are the main driver behind the latest pressure on global prices for crude, suggesting analysts had expected a no exceptions stance. The lost barrels on Iran arent suddenly lost, and now youre left with a glut. And its the glut thats driving prices, he said. Every Tom, Dick and Harry has a waiver. China, Greece, India, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Turkey. He describes a kitchen sink combination of headwinds butting against crude prices, and is particularly concerned about Canadas diminishing role as a global energy player. Canada has lost its mojo, McTeague said. Schachter expects energy investments will remain under pressure through tax-loss selling season, before mounting a recovery as demand for oil improves through the winter months. He sees stocks starting to price in every possible negative for oil, a trend he predicts will tee up a up a buying opportunity in Canadian energy. The stocks are pricing in that Canada will never recover, and that energy will never recover, Schachter said. My come back to that is, Winter is Coming. Download the Yahoo Finance app, available for Apple and Android. TORONTO (Reuters) - The Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB), the country's biggest public pension fund, on Friday reported slower growth in the second quarter, hurt by the strength of the Canadian dollar. The CPPIB, which manages Canada's national pension fund and invests on behalf of 20 million Canadians, said it delivered a net investment return of 0.6 percent in the second quarter to the end of Sept. 30, down from 1.8 percent in the previous quarter. Its net assets increased to C$368.3 billion at the end of September, compared with C$366.6 billion three months earlier. "Foreign currency exchange-rate declines relative to the Canadian dollar were the fund's main headwind during the quarter," Chief Executive Mark Machin said in a statement. The fund has diversified internationally, becoming one of the world's biggest investors in infrastructure and real estate. It is also a major global investor in equities and bonds, and derives the majority of its earnings from overseas. The strength of the Canadian dollar, which hit a four-month high in September, means that overseas earnings are not worth as much when they are converted back to the fund's domestic currency. The fund does not hedge against currency movements, saying that, while they may impact its results in the short-term, it does not expect them to have a significant impact on its long-term performance. In May, CPPIB reported an 11.6 percent return on investments in its latest fiscal year but warned that double-digit growth was not sustainable with competition for assets intensifying. Canadian pension plans, on average, achieved returns of 0.1 percent in the latest quarter, according to research published by RBC Investor & Treasury Services on Tuesday. (This story corrects to previous quarter in second parapgraph, from same quarter last year) (Reporting by Matt Scuffham; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Susan Thomas) Bombardier cuts 5,000 jobs in worldwide cull (Reuters) A steady flow of taxpayer dollars isnt stopping Bombardier (BBD-B.TO) from eliminating more jobs. It plans to cut about 5,000 over the next year or so. The downsizing is expected to save the Montreal-based company $250 million by 2021. Details were revealed in the companys latest earnings report. Once again it appears the government was bamboozled, Benj Gallander of Contra The Heard Investment Letter told Yahoo Finance Canada. Unfortunately the norm is to look at the short term in many ways and election prospects as compared to what will work in the long run. In what appears to be a shift in focus on its rail and business jet divisions, Bombardier is also selling what it calls non-core assets. Longview Aviation Capital is buying the Q Series turboprop aircraft program. CAE is buying Bombardiers training services. Bombardier says the sales will bring in $900 million. With our heavy investment cycle now completed, we continue to make solid progress executing our turnaround plan, says Bombardier CEO Alain Bellemare. With todays announcements we have set in motion the next round of actions necessary to unleash the full potential of the Bombardier portfolio. Bombardiers stock fell sharply in early trading, despite the cost-cutting efforts. The plunge was severe enough to trigger a trading halt. The amount of cash on hand being well below estimates was the likely culprit. Bombardier shares fell after earnings report. (Yahoo Finance) Gallander has bet on Bombardier in the past, but concerns about debt have kept him away lately. He says the sale of assets is significant. It seems that in May this was not on the table. That is a major managerial shift. Couple this with the sale of a controlling stake in the C Series to Airbus and these are very sad days for the Canadian economy, says Gallander. I think that it can be compared on a smaller level to the shutdown of the Avro Arrow, a day that in the Canadian aviation industry was known as Black Friday with a loss of almost 30,000 jobs. Story continues A part of doing business Despite the negative reaction on Bay street, McGills Karl Moore told Yahoo Finance Canada todays announcements are sound business moves. Alain Bellemare has to decide where in their various business lines to invest their CAPEX, clearly the future is brighter in the Business Jets and Transportation Divisions than in the Q400 or the pilot training, says Moore. The job cuts announcement sparked anger among politicians. Interim Parti Quebecois leader Pascal Berube called the announcement catastrophic for employment in Quebec and called on Bombardier execs to give back public money. The union representing 19,000 workers says hes worried about the future of the aircraft industry. Its very bad news, says Renaud Gagne, director of Unifors Quebec division. It sends a troubling message for the future of the industry at the same time the sector is suffering from a labour shortage. But Karl Moore was not surprised by the announcement. The layoffs are largely as a result of the 7000 development being done and so without new products to work on these jobs are simply not necessary anymore. This is simply part of the natural ebb and flow of aircraft development. I suspect these engineers would have seen this coming for some time, says Moore. Despite todays turbulence, Bombardier expects sales to grow by 10 per cent next year, fueled by its Global 7500 business jet. There are signs that a controversial moose cull in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park is having the desired effect, according to Parks Canada. A fourth annual cull began this week on a 20-square-kilometre section of North Mountain. "The best way to gauge the impact is through what happens to the vegetation," said Rob Howey, resource conservation manager for Parks Canada. The cull is part of the agency's Bring Back the Boreal pilot project, which launched in 2014 to experiment with techniques for restoring the park's boreal forest to its natural state. 2 moose per square kilometre As of the last survey in 2015, it was estimated there were about 1,800 moose in the park about two per square kilometre. In recent decades, those moose have played a role in reducing former stands of fir and spruce to grasslands. "What we're trying to do is give the area a chance to breathe, give a chance for those young trees to grow up past the browse line and allow the forest to come back," said Howey. Mi'kmaq hunters have harvested 122 moose from North Mountain over the past three years of the cull. There are early indications the strategy is working, Howey told CBC Radio's Information Morning on Thursday. "We've actually seen some statistically significant decrease in browse twigs on North Mountain," he said. "To put that in perspective, when we started the project, over 50 per cent of the trees were significantly browsed. And now we're almost up to plots showing 90 per cent or better unbrowsed. So the trees are getting a chance to grow." Current cull may not be the last This is the final year of the pilot project. But given that it will take years for the forest to recover, Howey doesn't rule out future culls. "No decisions have been made past this year," he said. "We're going to look at all the options." CBC The culls have sparked demonstrations in past years, with protesters blocking part of the Cabot Trail leading into the park and confronting hunters. Story continues This year's harvest began Wednesday and could run until Dec. 3. There have been no protests so far, said Howey. He said Parks Canada has been having positive discussions with local communities and those will continue after the project comes to an end. "We're going to work together with communities, stakeholders, partners to determine the best course of action moving forward, and how we're going to help bring that forest back." An investigation into millions of dollars in dividend payments to Sears Canada shareholders while the company was in decline could soon lead to court action. On Nov. 19, the court-appointed monitor for the retailer's insolvency will seek permission from Ontario Superior Court to initiate proceedings against Eddie Lampert and his U.S. hedge fund, ESL Investments, in connection to $509 million paid to Sears shareholders in 2013. At the time, Lampert and ESL were major shareholders in the company, according to court documents. In its notice of motion, the monitor, FTI Consulting, says it has identified "unresolved concerns" over the dividend payments. Of particular concern, it says, was the apparent limited analysis that informed the decision, which was made at a time when Sears was facing "worsening financial results," and ESL appeared "to have had an urgent liquidity need." Frank Gunn/Canadian Press The monitor also claims there is evidence Lampert and two then-Sears Canada directors "significantly influenced" the dividend payout decision. The two former directors, William Harker and William Crowley, are also named in the potential proceedings. They each had close links to ESL and Lampert, according to the court documents. Harker and Crowley's lawyers declined to comment. None of the allegations in the notice of motion has been proven in court. ESL, of which Lampert is chair and CEO, said the 2013 dividend payments were authorized by Sears Canada's board of directors at a time when no ESL executives were members and the retailer was clearly solvent. "We believe there is no legal basis to reclaim those dividends and any attempt to do so would be without merit," ESL spokesperson Michael Mittelman said. Lampert is also chair of Sears Holdings in the U.S., which filed for bankruptcy protection last month with plans to restructure. Story continues Look into it The investigation into dividend payouts began in January, when the monitor announced it was reviewing $611 million the company paid to Sears Canada shareholders in 2012 and 2013. Next, Sears Canada retirees and other creditors asked Ontario Superior Court to scrutinize nearly $3 billion paid to Sears shareholders between 2005 and 2013. That could be a great thing for the pensioners, fantastic thing. - Sears Canada pensioner Ron Husk The retirees' aim was to recover some of the money to top up their pension payments, which have been reduced by 20 per cent because of a shortfall in the Sears pension fund. "That's why we wanted an investigation," said Ken Eady, vice-president of the Sears Canada Retiree Group (SCRG), a volunteer organization representing retirees. "We wanted to find out if there was money there that should have been ours." In March, the court appointed a litigation investigator to look into the dividend payments. According to court documents, both the monitor and the litigation investigator recommend proceeding with claims related to the 2013 payouts. When Sears paid $753 million in dividends in 2010, the approval process "appears to have been robust," the monitor says. The process included management presentations and meetings with outside lawyers to review the plan, according to court documents. In 2013, on the other hand, "the board and management devoted significantly less time and analysis" to the process with "limited" correspondence. FTI Consulting also noted that in 2010, Sears Canada had an operating profit of $196.3 million, but in 2013, it was operating at a loss of $187.8 million. An undervalued transfer Based on its findings, the monitor says it believes there's a reasonable basis for the court to consider whether the 2013 dividend payments represent a "transfer at undervalue" under Canada's Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act. "Generally, transfer at undervalue would mean the company is giving something to somebody for less than what it's worth," said Toronto-based commercial litigation lawyer Tamara Ramsey. "They've certainly concluded that there's some evidentiary basis for an argument that the payment of the dividend ... rendered the company insolvent, which in essence, is [an argument] the company couldn't afford to pay the dividend and the shareholders or certain insiders were taking care of themselves." Sears Holdings Sears Canada didn't file for bankruptcy protection until June 2017. It laid off 17,000 employees with no severance pay before closing its final stores in January. But in court documents, the monitor argues that in 2013, the retailer was already on "a path to inevitable insolvency." The evidence listed includes the company's "steadily declining financial performance" and its policy of "making significant distributions to shareholders without investing in the growth" of the business. CBC Sears Canada pensioner Ron Husk was happy to learn there may be court action involving the $509-million dividend payout. "That could be a great thing for the pensioners, fantastic thing," said Husk, who had to return to work as a greeter at Home Depot in Mount Pearl, N.L., to make up for the shortfall in his pension payments. He says he's holding out hope some of the dividend money will make its way back to Sears retirees. "I gave 35 years of my life to Sears. I don't want to be out working. I'm 73 years old." The Transportation Safety Board is investigating after a 1.5-kilometre-long freight train rolled away uncontrolled Tuesday at the Canadian Pacific Railway's main headquarters in southeast Calgary. According to the TSB rail occurrence report, 80 freight cars rolled away slowly for approximately 750 feet (about 230 metres) at the Alyth yard. It happened at about 3 p.m. on Tuesday. No one was hurt, and the train remained on the track as it was brought under control after it rolled away. The TSB said most of the freight cars on the 9,500-tonne train were loaded, but none was carrying dangerous or explosive goods at the time. The safety of freight rail in Canadian communities re-emerged as a concern after a runaway train carrying crude oil smashed into downtown Lac-Megantic, Que., killing 47 people and destroying half of the downtown core in 2013. Calgary inner-city freight tracks have had several derailment incidents over the years. In 2016, there was a derailment in Alyth yard that was dubbed a human error issue. At the time, Coun. Gian-Carlo Carra said he gets one or two calls a month from CP about trains coming off the track. There was another derailment in the same area back in 2013 as several cars carrying flammable liquids came off the tracks. The train was headed northbound out of the train yard. In the wake of the Lac-Megantic disaster, the TSB made several recommendations for better safety practices, including that railways be required to install physical defences to prevent runaway equipment. Last June, a CN train with 72 rail cars and two locomotive engines rolled uncontrolled from the MacMillan Yard in Vaughan, Ont. The runaway train travelled at speeds of up to 50 km/h for five kilometres before it stopped under its own power. The incident prompted calls for Transport Canada to update training standards for employees in safety-critical positions. Incidents of runaway trains have increased by 10 per cent since 2013, according to a report released by the TSB earlier this year. Last year, 62 incidents of uncontrolled train movements were reported to the agency. The chief executive of Alberta's oil and gas regulator no longer lives in the province and the organization is spending thousands of dollars to cover frequent flights from his home in B.C. to meetings in Calgary and Edmonton. Expense reports posted on the Alberta Energy Regulator website show that from last November until the end of October, the organization regularly paid for CEO Jim Ellis to fly from his home in Penticton, B.C. to Alberta. CBC News counted nearly 50 trips, mostly return airfares between Calgary and Penticton, to transport Ellis for the express purpose of attending AER meetings. A tally of those flights shows costs topping $14,600, not including airfare change fees. The AER board approved the arrangement earlier this year after Ellis moved to Penticton for "personal, family reasons." But a spokeswoman for the NDP government said it was disappointing to learn such expenses had been approved, adding the government has worked to rein in salaries and perks at provincial agencies, boards and commissions. "We'll continue to make sure dollars are well spent at government agencies and will be directing the AER not to allow this arrangement in the future," Kate Toogood said in an email. This arrangement was also independently vetted by the AER's Finance department. - Alberta Energy Regulator statement Ellis, who Albertans learned last week is leaving the position at the end of January after five years with the organization, did not file accommodation expenses while attending the Alberta meetings. The provincial government sets the budget for the AER but the industry itself funds the regulator through administrative fees. In a statement to CBC News, the AER said that Ellis initially paid for weekly travel to Calgary himself, using the cheapest fares available. "However, frequent changes to his itinerary caused by AER business resulted in increasing change fees," it said. "The AER considered reimbursing Mr. Ellis for these ongoing costs, but concluded that it would be more cost effective to simply coordinate and pay for his travel. Story continues "The AER Board therefore reached an agreement, which came into effect at the beginning of this year, to pay for weekly travel. This arrangement was also independently vetted by the AER's Finance department." The AER said it does not pay for any other travel or accommodation expenses related to this arrangement. CBC All of these travel expenses are available on the public record and are documented on the AER website. According to the regulator's financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2018, Ellis is paid a base salary of $525,000. Total compensation is stated as $728,000, including cash and non-cash benefits. The next person to hold the job will be paid a maximum base salary of $396,720 due to changes in provincial regulation. Peter Bowal, an expert on board governance at the University of Calgary's Haskayne School of Business, said paying for people to regularly commute from one province to work in another creates both practical and symbolic issues. "It's a personal decision where you live and the province you choose is a personal decision," Bowal said. "I think if you've chosen to take one of the top jobs in the province you have to make a commitment to that province." At the federal level, Bowal said people appointed by cabinet to a top, full-time job at an agency are required as a term of that appointment to live within the national capital region or a reasonable commuting distance. "I think it's basically understood in the province if it's not explicitly stated, it would be probably implied that one has to live fairly close to where they work, especially top management," Bowal said. Former MLA and oilpatch executive Donna Kennedy-Glans described the travel expenses as "insensitive" and said even though the amount is not extravagant, she is surprised it wasn't recognized as an issue. She said industry and the public would want the head of the regulator living in the province, not somewhere else. "Frankly, why isn't the head of the AER living in the province? We do need to understand that a bit," said Kennedy-Glans. "It does matter to people where you live." It was announced last week that Ellis would be leaving his post atop the AER at the end of January. Prior to his appointment in 2013, he'd held deputy minister positions in the Alberta government, serving in the departments of energy and environment. TORONTO, Nov. 09, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kerr Mines Inc. ( TSX: KER , OTC: KERMF, FRA: 7AZ1) (Kerr or the Company) announces that it intends to complete a private placement offering of approximately 17,857,143 units of the Company at a price of $0.14 for gross proceeds of $2.5 million (the "Offering"). The Company will use the net proceeds from the Offering along with the funding from the financing facility provided by Sprott Resource Lending, see Press Release November 6, 2018, to fund the resource expansion, engineering and development at the Copperstone Mine. This financing, along with the funds provided by Sprott Resource Lending, allows us to continue the execution of our strategy of resource expansion and progressing the Copperstone Mine into production, stated Claudio Ciavarella Kerrs Chief Executive Officer. As a show of confidence, the Board of Kerr Mines intends to participate in this financing. The Offering is scheduled to close on or about November 23, 2018 and is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals including the approval of the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX"). Each Unit shall consist of one common share of the Company (a Common Share) and one Common Share purchase warrant (a Warrant). All securities issued pursuant to the Offering shall be subject to a hold period of four months from the date of closing. Each Warrant shall entitle the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share at a price of CDN$0.21 per Common Share for a period of twenty-four (24) months from the Closing Date provided that if, at any time the Common Shares trade on a stock exchange at a volume weighted average trading price of CDN$0.30, or greater, per Common Share for a period of 20 consecutive trading days, the Company may accelerate the expiry date of the Warrants by giving notice to the holders thereof and in such case the Warrants will expire on the 30th day after the date on which such notice is given by the Company. About Kerr Mines Inc. Kerr Mines is an Emerging American Gold Producer currently advancing the 100% owned, fully permitted past-producing Copperston e Mine project to production. Copperstone is a high-grade gold project located along a detachment fault mineral belt in mining-friendly Arizona. This gold project in Arizona demonstrates tremendous exploration potential targeting multi-million ounce prospects within a 4,775 hectare (11,800 acres) land package. PDF Version of 43-101 technical report available: http://kerrmines.com/wp-content/uploads/KerrCopperstone_PFS_43-101.pdf YouTube: Copperstone Gold Mine KER:TSX 3 min. Investor Tour Video For further information contact: Claudio Ciavarella Chief Executive Officer cciavarella@kerrmines.com 416-855-9305 By Kane Wu and Julie Zhu HONG KONG (Reuters) - Alibaba Group's newly formed on-demand online services unit has rocketed in value to as much as $30 billion after raising $4 billion in fresh funds, people with knowledge of the situation told Reuters. Alibaba combined the operation of food delivery service Ele.me and online restaurant guide business Koubei under a single management team and holding vehicle in October. It announced a fundraising plan for the vehicle in August. In a deal in April where Alibaba bought the shares it did not already own, Ele.me was valued at $9.5 billion. Koubei was worth $8 billion at the end of last year, according to a list of unicorns published in March by a unit under China's science and technology ministry. More than $3 billion of the new funds came from Alibaba itself and SoftBank's <9984.T> Vision Fund, the people said. Primavera Capital Group and Alibaba affiliate Ant Financial, which have already invested in Koubei, also joined in the fundraising, they said. The company expects to close this financing round by the end of November, one source added. Alibaba, SoftBank and Ant Financial declined to comment. Primavera did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The people declined to be named because the information is confidential. Alibaba said in August it had received commitments of more than $3 billion from investors including itself and SoftBank. The fresh capital will give the unit ammunition in its intensifying battle with rival Meituan Dianping <3690.HK>, backed by Tencent Holdings <0700.HK>, for dominance of China's booming online-to-offline (O2O) market where apps link smartphone users with bricks-and-mortar businesses to provide food delivery and other offerings. Meituan Dianping in September raised $4.2 billion in the worlds biggest internet-focused initial public offering in four years, after pricing it near the top end of a marketed range at HK$69 per share. However its shares are down 9 percent since its Sept. 20 debut, giving it a current market cap of $44 billion. Meituan said in its half-year report that the number of its annual active users from the 12 months ending June 30 grew 30 percent to 357 million from the same period a year ago. The number of merchants active in the past year grew 52 percent to 5.1 million for the same period. In comparison, Ele.me served over 167 million active consumers in 676 cities in China for the 12 months ended June 30, Alibaba said in its latest quarterly report. Together, Ele.me and Koubei served 3.5 million registered merchants as of June 30. Before the April deal, the e-commerce giant and Ant Financial owned a 43 stake in the business, whose name roughly translates to Hungry?". Ele.me also runs Baidu Inc's former food delivery business, which it acquired a year ago. Koubei was founded in 2015 as a 50-50 joint venture of Alibaba and Ant Financial. Silver Lake, CDH Investments, Yunfeng Capital, which is backed by Alibaba founder Jack Ma, and Primavera Capital joined as investors in a January 2017 funding round. (Reporting by Kane Wu and Julie Zhu; Editing by Stephen Coates) By Jonathan Landay and Yara Bayoumy WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump's strategy to contain Iranian power in the Middle East by forging Arab allies into a U.S.-backed security alliance was in trouble even before the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Now, three U.S. sources said, the plan faces fresh complications. Khashoggi's murder on Oct. 2 in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul has drawn international outrage against Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, with Turkish officials and some U.S. lawmakers accusing the kingdom's de facto ruler of ordering the killing. The Middle East Strategic Alliance (MESA) aims to bind Sunni Muslim governments in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Egypt and Jordan in a U.S.-led security, political and economic pact to counter Shi'ite Iran. But feuds among Arab allies, especially a Saudi-led economic and political boycott of Qatar, have hampered the founding of the alliance since Riyadh proposed it last year. A summit meeting in the United States where Trump and the Arab leaders would sign a preliminary accord on the alliance was expected in January. But the three U.S. sources and a Gulf diplomat said the meeting now looks uncertain. It has already been postponed several times, they added. Khashoggi's murder raised "a whole bunch of problems" to be solved before the plan - informally referred to as the "Arab NATO" - can move forward, one U.S. source said. One issue is how the Americans could have the Saudi crown prince, who goes by the initials MbS, attend the summit without causing widespread outrage. "It's not palatable," the source said. A senior Trump administration official denied on Tuesday that Khashoggi's death complicated progress on the alliance, saying that MESA "is much larger than one country and one issue." Saudi Arabia has denied MbS' involvement in Khashoggi's killing and said an investigation into responsibility was underway. Robert Malley, a top Middle East adviser to former President Barack Obama who now heads the International Crisis Group, a conflict prevention organization, said it would be difficult for MbS to attend a January summit "given what happened and how raw the feelings are." "I'm not sure he would want to come to the United States right now," Malley said. Retired Marine General Anthony Zinni, the administration's chief MESA negotiator, said the initiative "is moving forward" but added that the impact of Khashoggi's death was unclear. "I don't know yet how it will affect the process. Awaiting final investigation and decisions," Zinni told Reuters in a recent email. "I think there may be a wait until the investigation (maybe forensics if a body is found) is complete before a way forward is discussed." The eight potential alliance members did not respond to requests for comment about their commitment to MESA. MANY HURDLES Even before the fallout from Khashoggi's killing complicated matters, two classified White House documents seen by Reuters show the administration was grappling for ways to overcome regional feuds and push MESA forward in order to contain Iran as well as to limit Chinese and Russian influence in the region. "Our regional partners are increasingly competing and, in the case of the Qatar rift, entering into outright competition to the detriment of American interests and to the benefit of Iran, Russia and China," National Security Adviser John Bolton wrote to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis in a letter late summer, before Khashoggi's death. "To arrest these negative trends, we need to change our partners' strategic calculus," Bolton wrote in the undated letter, written in response to a June 29 memo about MESA from Pompeo and Mattis. Three U.S. officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said there has been a debate within the administration about whether Washington can persuade Arab allies to put aside their differences, with Bolton emerging as a key proponent for the plan. A fourth U.S. official said the broad goals of MESA are widely shared within the administration, but there are discussions over the best approach for reaching a deal. A Defense Department spokeswoman referred questions to the State Department but pointed out previous Mattis comments in support of the alliance. A State Department official said the administration continued to "engage with our partners on working toward" the alliance. WHITE HOUSE PLAN The administration's plan is aimed at furthering Trump's "America First" strategy to reduce foreign military engagements and have allies shoulder more of the burden for their own security, while advancing U.S. interests in the Middle East, according to one of the White House documents. U.S. interests in the region range from arms sales and striking Islamist extremists in Yemen, Iraq and Syria to ensuring the free flow of oil to global markets in order to keep prices stable. One White House document, drafted before Khashoggi's death, said Trump had warned the leaders of Saudi Arabia and the other members of the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) as well as Egypt that "the status quo is untenable and that the United States will not continue to invest in Middle East security" if they did not resolve their disputes. It did not give details of Trump's threat or when he made it. Washington deploys aircraft, warships and more than 30,000 military personnel at bases in the GCC countries. Senior U.S. military officials say they have no intentions to change that posture. The strategy paper, titled "The Middle East Strategic Alliance Concept Overview," calls for a series of short- and medium-term measures requiring "very little, if any, new U.S. resource commitments to the region." The measures include developing regional "operational centers" aimed at integrating forces in areas such as missile defense, ground warfare and other fields, according to the paper and a source familiar with the plan. A long-term goal would be a formal treaty alliance and a multilateral free-trade pact negotiated over perhaps five to seven years, the paper said. It also raised the possibility that the pact could eventually include Iraq, Lebanon and other countries, and formal ties could be forged with Israel and "select European and Asian allies." Without those "end-states," the paper said, "our regional partners are unlikely to fully commit." (Additional reporting by Phil Stewart, Stephen Kalin, Katie Paul and Ghaida Ghantous. Editing by Kieran Murray and Paritosh Bansal) Six people were injured after a Fly Jamaica plane on a flight from Guyana to Toronto crash landed overnight at Guyana's Cheddi Jagan International Airport. Flight OJ256 left from Cheddi Jagan International Airport, near the Guyanese capital of Georgetown, with 120 passengers including two infants and eight crew aboard shortly after 1 a.m. ET. Eighty-two of the passengers are Canadian citizens, according to local media reports that cited David Patterson, Guyana's minister of public infrastructure. About 11 minutes into the flight, the pilot indicated the Boeing 757 was experiencing problems with its hydraulic system, Guyana officials said at a Friday morning news conference. The aircraft returned to Cheddi Jagan, where it crash landed, leaving the runway. Images posted on the airport's Facebook page show the plane appearing to have gone through a chain link fence, with one of its engines tilted upward and resting on the fencing. An emergency inflatable slide had been deployed from one of the front doors. Invor Bedessee was sitting near the cockpit during the flight. According to him, the plane's departure was delayed about 45 minutes as crews addressed a mechanical problem. Takeoff was smooth, but other passengers became anxious after the pilot revealed they were returning to Georgetown. Cheddi Jang International Airport/Facebook Bedessee said it seemed that once the aircraft landed, its brakes were not functioning properly. The plane eventually rolled to a stop after a spiked rumble strip laid across the runway by an airport ground crew punctured several tires on its right side. "We crashed into a big sand pile at an edge of a cliff. There's a big drop about 30-40 feet [nine to 12 metres] on the other side. If we had 10 more feet [three metres], we would be down in the ditch," he said, adding it's a "miracle of miracles" that no one was more badly hurt during the crash and subsequent evacuation. Those injured are in non-life-threatening condition and being treated at a local hospital. Story continues Ontario passenger contacts daughter Rabina Roopnarine awoke to a call from her mother, Bebe Ali, who was among those on the plane. Ali, a resident of Toronto, flew to Georgetown two weeks ago for her brother's funeral. She was supposed to land at Pearson International Airport at 7 a.m. ET. Friday. Ali used a flight attendant's cellphone to contact her daughter from the hospital shortly after the crash landing. Roopnarine said she was told the plane was filled with smoke and passengers were trying to force their way off. Ali injured her neck and back sliding down the emergency chute, her daughter said. Adrian Narine/Associated Press "She just wants to come home," Roopnarine said. She said Fly Jamaica has been providing frequent updates via its social media channels. Local police have cordoned off part of the airport and an investigation into the circumstances of the incident is underway, according to officials. A representative from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board is expected to assist in the probe. Patterson is expected to provide an update on the incident at some point on Friday. The airport has also set up a hotline for family members looking for assistance and information. In a Facebook post, Fly Jamaica said it is currently contacting customers to make arrangements for their return to Toronto. Carolyn Kaster/The Associated Press Canadians have the opportunity to join a wide-ranging discussion in-person or on social media with Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland and top journalists from CBC News and The Washington Post on Canada-U.S. relations in the wake of the midterm elections. The National co-host Rosemary Barton and Washington Post senior political reporter Aaron Blake are leading the discussion with Freeland, who was the lead negotiator for the USMCA trade deal. Canadians can submit questions to Freeland and the journalists in-person and on Facebook during the event. Planned topics of discussion include the midterm results, trade, climate change, border security, press freedom, the evolving relationship between the two nations and Canada's priorities moving forward. The National co-host Adrienne Arsenault, CBC News Washington correspondent Keith Boag and Washington Post congressional reporter Karoun Demirjian are also taking part in the discussion. Where to watch: The event is being held at CBC Toronto in the Barbara Frum Atrium. Limited tickets are available to local audiences, but the discussion is being live-streamed from 7 to 8:30 p.m. ET on CBCNews.ca, as well as The National's Facebook, Twitter and YouTube pages. The full event will also air on Friday, Nov. 9 on CBC News Network at 8:00 pm ET, and highlights will air that night on The National at 10 p.m. ET. Multiple fatalities were reported as flash floods swept parts of Jordan, according to the Minister of State for Media Affairs. Jordans state news agency Petra said at least three people were killed by floods in Daba. Search and rescue efforts by the Jordanian Civil Defense were underway in Madaba, following reports of five missing people, according to officials. Last month, flash flooding swept away a school bus near the Dead Sea, leading to 18 deaths, local news reported. Credit: Mena Weather Experts via Storyful Nalcor Energy's risk appetite appears to have grown in mid-2010 as the provincial Crown corporation shifted focus from developing Gull Island's hydroelectric potential to the smaller Muskrat Falls option on the Churchill River. That was one of the revelations Wednesday as a former member of the project management team testified at the commission of inquiry into the project. It's more evidence that senior leaders at Nalcor were exploring every option to try to keep cost estimates for the project as low as possible six years ago as final sanctioning neared. "We were providing all that information on a P75 basis up until August of 2010, (when) we were requested to provide cash flows on a P50 basis," Jason Kean told commission co-counsel Kate O'Brien. A riskier p-factor If you don't work in major project planning, you've probably never heard of the p-factor formula. But it's come up plenty of times at the inquiry, and did so once again on Wednesday. Simply put, the higher the probability factor, the less chance of cost and schedule overruns. But this also means higher cost estimates to ensure greater accuracy. For years, the development scenario on the Lower Churchill was to build the larger Gull Island project first. Kean testified that any estimates related to this project were compiled based on a P75 model, meaning there was a 75 per cent chance of meeting targets. But the Gull Island option, which relied on export sales outside of the province to make it viable, was set aside after efforts to get Hydro-Quebec approval to transmit power through Quebec failed. Who gave the directive? The focus then shifted to the 824-megawatt Muskrat Falls and the Labrador-Island Link option, which was sold by government-owned Nalcor as the least-cost option for Newfoundland's future electricity needs. It was sanctioned at a construction cost of $6.2 billion, with first power from Muskrat scheduled to occur in July 2017, but it's now become clear that these targets were long shots. Story continues Capital costs have since soared to $10.1 billion, but increases to $12.7 billion if you include financing charges. And first power is now delayed until sometime in 2019. Terry Roberts/CBC Kean was in charge of Nalcor's project services team ahead of sanctioning, which means he was heavily involved in developing cost and schedule estimates. In the summer of 2010, he explained, his team was asked for the first time to prepare estimates based on the riskier P50 scenario. That's despite the fact Nalcor's own risk assessment advisor, Westney Consulting, had recommended a P75, and therefore a higher cost estimate. So where did this directive come from? Was it former Nalcor CEO Ed Martin, Gilbert Bennett, another senior executive, or project director Paul Harrington? Kean said he couldn't remember, but said he did not have the authority to make such a change. "It must have been requested," Kean said. "Otherwise it wouldn't have been given, I guess." All three are scheduled to testify in the coming days at the inquiry. Audit questioned the risky approach The P50 model of preparing cost estimates was questioned by accounting firm Grant Thornton in its forensic and investigative audit of the decision to sanction Muskrat Falls. The audit, which was commissioned by the inquiry, found that if Nalcor had used a P90, for example, it would have added nearly $800 million to the cost estimates. Evidence indicates that in addition to lowering the p-factor, Nalcor also eliminated any allowance for strategic risk, a figure estimated by Westney at nearly $500 million. A new document entered Wednesday reveals there was also no contingency for "time risk or foreign exchange risk," though no amount was attached to these categories. And there's growing evidence that Nalcor removed the strategic risk allowance at the request of Emera, its partner on the Maritime Link project, because of Emera's concerns about getting approval from Nova Scotia's utility regulator. When asked about this, Kean said the request to reduce the "risk exposure provision" on the project came from Nalcor's investment evaluation team. All this occurred with full knowledge that the provincial government, in a commitment made by then-premier Kathy Dunderdale, would "backstop" any cost overruns. First project team member to testify Kean is the first member of the project management team to testify at the inquiry, and there were points Wednesday when the heat started to rise between Kean and Kate O'Brien. O'Brien, for instance, accused Kean of "cherry-picking" from a report that reviewed the capital cost estimates for Muskrat Falls. A quote from the report by Validation Estimating describing the estimates as "one of the best megaproject base estimates that this reviewer has seen in some time" was often cited by Nalcor and the provincial government when making the case for Muskrat sanctioning. But the report was only presented in draft form, and O'Brien said the report was never widely distributed, and some critical elements of the report were never disclosed. At one point, Kean's lawyer, Deborah Hutchings, said O'Brien has strayed "over the edge" with her questioning, but commissioners Richard LeBlanc ruled O'Brien's questions were acceptable. Kean is scheduled for a second full day on the witness stand on Thursday, when he will be cross-examined by other lawyers at the inquiry. Read more from CBC Newfoundland and Labrador Dublin, Nov. 09, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Blood Plasma: Market Shares, Strategies, and Forecasts, Worldwide, 2018 to 2024" report from Wintergreen Research, Inc has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Sales of Blood Therapeutics were $30.9 Billion in 2017 and by 2024, These Products will Reach $57.5 Billion, Reflecting a Five-Year CAGR of 8.2%. Worldwide markets are poised to achieve continuing growth as animal and human blood is further fractionated to address more disease treatments and becomes more effective in the research and development aspects of medical care delivery. Blood is for most species the essence of life. Blood plasma provides significant health benefits. The varieties of proteins and other components of blood are in demand worldwide. Blood proves its value by managing a variety of ways to treat disease. The plasma proteins or derivatives in blood are extracted via the fractionation process. A range of valuable products are manufactured from blood plasma through fractionation. Fractionation occurs in tanks at near freezing temperatures. Fractionation is used to maintain the integrity of the proteins in plasma. This process includes a phase of introducing various viral inactivation procedures. Blood plasma offers high value for its volume and weight. One refrigerated container might be worth more than an entire shipload of grain. Blood provides significant health benefits to people. Blood exports boost U.S. exports with minimal carbon emissions. Liver disease is a major cause of illness and death worldwide. In China, 400 million people have liver diseases, primarily viral hepatitis (predominantly hepatitis B virus [HBV]). Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and alcoholic liver diseases are also prevalent diagnoses. The blood plasma market is driven in part by China, and by demand from China for high-quality blood from the US. Chinese patients consumed 400 metric tons of serum albumin in 2017, half of the global total of that blood protein. The necessary supply could be provided by the Chinese population, but, many of them are afraid to donate blood. As a result, China has to import about 60% of its serum albumin-and the ever-rising demand has driven up prices. American companies have an edge in the Chinese markets because of the quality of the blood collected. The edge is apparent in the fact that three foreign companies account for 88% of China's serum albumin imports. The billion-dollar market for blood worldwide has a variety of participants. Thermo Fisher Scientific has the largest market participation. Sales of blood therapeutics were $30.9 billion in 2017. By 2024, these products reach $57.5 billion, reflecting a five-year CAGR of 8.2%. Key Topics Covered: 1. Blood: Market Description And Market Dynamics 1.1 Blood Plasma 1.2 Liver Disease Is A Major Cause Of Illness And Death In China 1.3 Plasma Products Market Trends 2. Blood Market Shares And Forecasts 2.1 Blood Market Driving Forces 2.2 Serum (Blood) Market Shares 2.3 Serum (Blood) Market Forecasts 2.4 Serum (Blood) Market Segment Forecasts 2.5 Animal and Bovine Serum Market Segments, FBS, ABS, NBCS, BS, Porcine Sera, Dollars, Worldwide, 2017 2.6 Serum (Blood) Prices 2.7 Serum (Blood) Regional Market 3. Serum (Blood) Product Description 3.1 Plasma Source of Life 3.2 Plasma Vital To The Regulation Of Body Functions 3.3 Immunoglobulin Products 3.4 Albumin products 3.5 Clotting Factor and Other Products 4. Blood Research And Technology 4.1 Bovine Serum 4.2 Genetically Engineered Blood Products 4.3 Government Regulation 4.4 Cord Blood 4.5 Chinese Serum Contaminated with AIDS Virus 4.6 Chinese Biological Product Regulations 4.7 Chinese Drug Industry Under Attack 5 Serum (Blood) Company Profiles 5.1 ANZCO Foods / Bovogen Biologicals 5.2 Ausgenex Pty Ltd 5.3 Avantor 5.4 Biochrom GmbH 5.5 Biotest AG 5.6 BPL Group 5.7 Cellsera Rutherford 5.8 Changchun SRbiological 5.9 China Biologic Products 5.10 Chinese Plasma Market and Acquisitions 5.11 Corning Life Sciences 5.12 Global Cord Blood Corp. 5.13 CSL 5.14 ExCel Bio 5.15 GE Healthcare Life Sciences 5.16 Grifols S.A. (GRFS) 5.17 Hualan Biological Engineering Inc. 5.18 Kedrion S.p.A. 5.19 Lake Immunogenics 5.20 Lanzhou Minhai 5.21 LFB Biotechnologies 5.22 Mallinckrodt 5.23 Merck KGaA / Millipore / Sigma-Aldrich 5.24 Moregate Biotech 5.25 Newman Biotech 5.26 Octopharma AG 5.27 Sanpower Group 5.28 Selborne Biological Services 5.29 Proliant 5.30 Shanghai RAAS 5.31 Rocky Mountain Biologicals (RMBIO) 5.32 Sanquin 5.33 Takeda / Shire 5.34 South Pacific Sera 5.35 Thermo Fisher Scientific 5.36 Beijing Tiantan Biological Products 5.37 Wuhan Sanli 5.38 Wolongsong 5.39 ZenBio 5.40 Selected Chinese Blood Companies For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/pfhng6/sales_of_blood?w=12 Source: Wintergreen Research, Inc Did you know that we also offer Custom Research? Visit our Custom Research page to learn more and schedule a meeting with our Custom Research Manager. By Axel Bugge LISBON (Reuters) - OutSystems, one of Portugal's biggest technology start-ups, is confident of retaining its leading position in the fast-growing market for applications built with minimal coding after receiving $360 million in funding this year, its CEO said. The funding has renewed attention on Portugal's growing tech scene as it shows there are more so-called unicorns, or start-up companies valued above $1 billion, in the country after online retailer Farfetch launched an IPO abroad this summer. OutSystems, which operates in more than 50 countries and runs a platform allowing software developers to build web and mobile applications without traditional coding, announced the investment from U.S. firm KKR and Goldman Sachs in June. "It's going exactly as planned," chief executive Paulo Rosado told Reuters during this week's Web Summit in Lisbon when asked about the company's expansion plans after the funding. "Our perspective has always been 60 percent subscription growth. We've managed to hit those targets," he said, predicting that the niche market OutSystems serves could be worth $20 billion in future. "The potential of the market is huge." Rosado said the investment had allowed OutSystems to focus on expanding rapidly, including in the U.S., the company's fastest growing market from which it generates most of its $100 million revenues. "When we got the funding, it kind of delayed the pressure for an IPO," said Rosado. "A lot of the decisions we are making today are medium- to long-term decisions to make sure we become a many, many billion-dollar company." OutSystems offers companies who do not have in-house developers, or who can't outsource development because of intellectual property concerns, a way to build applications such as geolocation, contact lists or cameras. Rosado explained that the fast growing demand for OutSystems' platform is further supported by the fact that software is becoming more complex as technological change accelerates. OutSystems will nearly double its staff to 1,050 next year. About half its employees are in Portugal, where it has its engineering and R&D units. (Editing by Andrei Khalip; Editing by Kirsten Donovan) Much of Western Canada has already seen significant snowfall this season, but if youre still waiting for a blanket of snow in your backyard, you might be in luck this weekend. According to AccuWeather, lake-effect snow could pile up Friday and into the weekend. Not a lot but certainly maybe a small accumulation of snow in the snow belt off of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay, Brett Anderson, senior meteorologist at AccuWeather told Yahoo Canada News. Clouds mix with some sun today & near seasonal temps; Messy weather Friday mix wet snow & rain; Little or no accumulation near Lake Ontario but 5+ cm possible above escarpment north of 401/407; Windy & lake effect snow squalls Saturday; More details: https://t.co/j739Z9FHW9 pic.twitter.com/baYQ9NhYPj Doug Gillham (@gtaweather1) November 8, 2018 Doug Gillham, meteorologist with The Weather Network, said the Prairies can expect mid-December-like cold, with early-December-like cold in the Great Lakes region this weekend. For the 401 corridor, the Friday system will likely get mixed precipitation, Gillham said. Into central and northern Ontario this will be significant snow. Most of the snowfall is expected to occur around Ontario and Quebec, while the Maritimes will likely see rain. There could be more snow accumulation in northern New Brunswick and Labrador. As we move out of the weekend, forecasters are expecting another storm to make an appearance around Tuesday next week, bringing temperatures 5 to 10 C below normal from the Prairies into the East, according to AccuWeather. Next week is going to be windy and cold, even if it doesnt snow muchits certainly going to feel the coldest so far this season, without a doubt, Anderson said. Its going to be very cold from Manitoba through Ontario into Quebec. Eventually it will get into the Maritimes as well in the middle of next week. Story continues Winter traffic at Bayview and Sheppard in Toronto on February 7, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS IMAGES/Dominic Chan This significant system will develop over southeastern U.S. and is expected to track between the Appalachian Mountains and into Atlantic Canada. According to Gillham, the backside of that system will be cold enough for some mixed precipitation, but the specific storm track will be critical to nail down who sees a significant wintery impact. But Gillham says that as things start to cool down in the East next week, were going to see milder air heading into B.C. pushing into Alberta. There will still be some back and fourth fighting of air masses, Gillham said. So depending on where in live in Canada, it might be a good time to get out that winter coat and snow boots. Rumble Bait balls are an incredible sight for scuba divers. They are nature's way of helping small fish avoid predators. Small fish school tightly to confuse larger fish and sea lions if they cannot hide in vegetation or coral. The enormous mass of moving, silvery bodies makes it impossible for predators to track the movements of individual fish. This makes it hard for a predator to follow and capture one specific fish. A bait ball is a last ditch effort of the smaller fish to evade a larger animal. They large school provides more eyes to watch for an ambush and any reaction to a threat will be perceived by all of the other fish in the bait ball. They will move rapidly away from any threat. But many predatory fish, mammals, and birds have developed sophisticated methods of attack that allow them to successfully feed on the fish within the bait balls. Swordfish slash through bait balls at high speed, slicing or stunning the prey. Whales lunge feed by charging and opening their mouths as they reach the school. Sea lions herd the fish to the surface and work together to charge through the dense ball of fish. These divers saw the dark cloud of salemas approaching and they were mesmerized by the beauty of the swarm as it engulfed them. The fish in these swarms are so densely packed that they block most of the light and it is almost too dark for a scuba diver to see around them. The diver with the camera is Solon Intriago, a seasoned scuba guide with more than 30 years of experience and almost 15,000 dives under his belt. He shows us here what happens when air bubbles are released into the bait ball from beneath. The fish move out of the way as if they don't want the bubbles to touch them. They quickly close in again, engulfing the divers once more. The divers soon learned why the salemas had formed the bait ball when they saw a sea lion hunting at the edge of the school. The beauty and wonder of the underwater world has to be seen to be believed. These scuba divers were overjoyed to spend this time surrounded by such a gigantic school of fish. Trudeau to mark centenary of First World War armistice at Vimy Ridge, Paris Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the armistice that ended the First World War at events in France this weekend the first leg of a lengthy globe-circling journey that includes two major Asia-Pacific summits next week. The prime minister is expected to arrive early Saturday morning in northern France, heading immediately to the Canadian National Vimy Memorial near the city of Arras. Veterans Affairs Minister Seamus O'Regan will join Trudeau and representatives of veterans organizations for a ceremony honouring Canada's war dead. More than 650,000 Canadians served in the First World War between 1914-18, a significant contribution from a country with a population of only about 8 million at the time. Of those Canadians who fought, roughly one in ten, or 66,000, died. Following the battlefield commemoration Saturday morning, Trudeau will continue on to Paris, where French President Emmanuel Macron is hosting a group of world leaders for a private dinner at the Musee d'Orsay. On Sunday morning, exactly 100 years after the armistice that ended the war, Paris is hosting an international ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe on the Champs-Elysees. More than 60 heads of state and other foreign dignitaries are expected to attend, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The media will be monitoring interactions between Trump and Putin at the event, although American officials have said the two leaders have no plans for an official bilateral meeting during their time in Paris. PM touting press freedom at forum Following the armistice commemorations, Macron is expected to lead an anticipated 120 foreign dignitaries representing countries that fought in the war to the inaugural session of the Paris Peace Forum. Organizers intend the forum to be an "annual meeting for projects, ideas and initiatives which effectively contribute to better international cooperation on key global issues, fairer and more equitable globalization and a more effective and legitimate multilateral system." Story continues Macron, Merkel and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres will speak to kick off the event. Later, Trudeau will be among other leaders headlining forum events Sunday afternoon. Trudeau will speak at an event organized by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), voicing his government's support for its recent international declaration on information and democracy, a six-page document that sets out "democratic guarantees for the freedom, independence, pluralism and reliability of information at a time when the public space has been globalized, digitalized and destabilized." During an event hosted by CBC's The National Thursday evening, Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland said that press freedom was something that she and Trudeau had been reflecting on recently. "It is important for political leaders, and in particular political leaders of democracies, to speak out for journalists, and for your right ... to do your job ... to ask questions," she told CBC and Washington Post journalists featured at the event. Freeland's comments came after a confrontation between Trump and CNN reporter Jim Acosta at a White House press conference following the U.S. midterm elections earlier this week: the president refused to answer questions he did not like and repeated his claim that "fake news" outlets are "the enemy of the people." Acosta's press credentials were revoked later that day, deepening the acrimony between Trump's White House and the Washington press corps. "I think a lot of us have been thinking a lot about what makes democracies democracies," Freeland told the Toronto audience at the CBC event. "It's about a set of institutions and a set of behaviours that hold those elected leaders to account and keep them in check. "A free press is absolutely essential to a healthy and functioning democracy." ASEAN, APEC summits follow On Monday morning, Trudeau will join Macron at another of the forum's side events: the GovTech Summit, a "gathering of European leaders and innovators" focused on using new technologies to improve public services. The two leaders also are expected to meet privately on the sidelines of this event. After his time in Paris, Trudeau is scheduled to attend two major economic summits next week. First, he'll travel to Singapore, where the 10-country Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is holding its annual summit. Canada is not a member of ASEAN but participates in some of its activities as a "dialogue partner." Trudeau will be part of a Canada-China dialogue event in Singapore with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang. The following weekend, the 21 countries in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum are holding their annual leaders meeting in Papua New Guinea. German logistics giant and CBI member, DHL announced last week that it plans to increase its investment in China. According to DHL Express China CEO, Wu Dongming the firm hopes to benefit from the recent opening of the Hong Kong Zhuhai Macao Bridge and associated government-sponsored initiatives related to the Belt & Road Initiative, which has a start point in the Greater Bay Area. More specifically, the added investment will focus on expanding service facilities in Hong Kong and Guangzhou, enabling DHL to increase the capacity of their freight flight services from South China to Germany. In addition to announcing plans to increase investment in the Zhuhai / Greater Bay area, DHL launched a new freight flight service from Guangdong to Leipzig last Friday. Demand from Chinese manufacturers has risen to such an extent that despite the company operating flights from Shenzhen to Leipzig six times a week, the company needed to introduce a new route to boost capacity. The new Guangdong to Leipzig route will help DHL cater to the demand from Chinese manufacturers for delivery services in Zhuhai, Zhongshan, Jiangmen and Foshan in Guangdong province. The added investment will extend DHLs lead in the China market, where the company is already the air freight market leader. The company announced in a press release that these steps were merely the first in a plan to further DHLs Guangzhou Gateway and benefit from the accelerated economic integration and development taking place in the Greater Bay area. DHL China employs over 7,000 people and offers China-connectivity to over 401 cities worldwide and domestic transportation to 128 cities within China. Please read more here. Everyone starts at Africa It seems when someone's asked to imagine mission, their minds often think of Africa, digging wells and looking after disadvantaged children. I used to think this too. Although Africa is pretty huge, my concept of world mission was in fact limited to this one continent. Recently at my bridal shower there was a how well do you know the bride? game. A question asked was, if Renee could choose to live anywhere, where would she choose? Many responded with the predictable Africa! Now, this got me thinking, have I not shared enough about the world with my friends and family to give them a bigger glimpse of my heart for the WHOLE world? Instead, they've all predicted I'm still that girl whose heart is only for the orphan. Now there's nothing wrong with that. But it made me think how God has enlarged my heart to see the rest of the world and to see the needs beyond Africa. Why Africa matters Africa is a continent rich in diversity and culture. Africa is not a country but in fact has 54 countries in it, all holding their own large number of tribes and languages. One can't even begin to fathom the immense mystery of this land. Millions of souls, living millions of stories, singing millions of songs. Africa matters for the same reasons every other continent matters. God created Africans in his own image, God calls Africans to himself, God loves and died for Africans. Having said this, its important to recognize Africas special part in the world and the importance it plays in the Kingdom of God. Africa holds many different peoples that the bible speaks about and commands us to care for. The fatherless, the widow, the sojourner. Deuteronomy sums this up well, He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing. And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt (Deuteronomy chapter 10, verses 18 to 19). Africa is full of refugees travelling from country to country with 26% of the world refugee population living in Sub-Saharan Africa. Africa has an estimated 52 million orphans and widows are increasing especially due to many wars. Therefore, its evident that there is a HUGE need in Africa and I do not deny that. Africa is a perfect location to follow the radical commands of Jesus and the bible to look after the least of these. Why we shouldn't stop at Africa Once looking at the needs of Africa its a big task to turn our eyes to the rest of the world. We are already so devastated in seeing how broken this continent is. However, let us make Africa be the spark that lights our fire for the rest of the world. When C.T.Studd started his mission organization (now WEC International) he had started in the Congo but he had a bigger vision. He said the mission was not just for the Congo, not just for Africa, but for the entire unevangelised world. This should be our heart beat too. Just as Paul wrote, It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else's foundation (Romans chapter 15, verse 20). We too should wish to go where the gospel hasnt been preached and Christ is not known. There are 6,700 unreached people groups in the world today needing to hear the good news. The 10/40 window is a term coined for the rectangular area of North Africa, the Middle East, and Asia with 68.6% of the people groups being classified as unreached. Its clear that the need for gospel mission work and aid goes beyond Africa. Therefore, next time we talk about mission in our churches and bible studies lets dig those wells deeper into the needs of the world and grow our hearts larger for Gods entire world. Renee Jenner resides in Sydney, Australia and is currently in her final year of studying Social Work. She is the first born of home-base missionary parents whose ministry has made a huge impression on her heart. She always writes from the soul to the soul, desiring to encourage readers to enjoy God, relax in His goodness and spread His love to the utmost parts of the earth. She loves a good cuppa with a deep, thoughtful conversation. You can find her other writings at renee.jenner.wordpress.com The Natives Death seemed imminent. Sturt and his men were stranded on a sand bar at the Murray- Darling river junction. Confronting them on the bank were nearly 600 Aboriginals, painted, armed and making menacing gestures to their war-song. This was Sturts second exploratory journey into the outback. Would it be his last? He tried without success to pacify the natives. As they drew nearer, they were even more threatening raising their spears, poised to hurl them. Seeing it would be impossible to avoid an aggressive engagement, Sturt reluctantly picked up his double-barrelled shot gun, hoping that shooting would scare them off. He levelled his gun at the closest native with his finger on the trigger. Miraculous Intervention At that very moment, a new party of Aboriginals appeared on the other bank. Sturt recognised one of the new arrivals as friendly from an earlier meeting further up the river. The man leapt to the stranded partys rescue. Sturts journal records the miraculous intervention of Providence in our favour which saved our lives. This was a remote and inhospitable unchartered part of Australia at the time, but Sturt and his men were out to solve a mystery. If all the major rivers flowed westward, where did they go? Was there an inland sea? By tracing several of these West-flowing rivers Sturt and his men established that they merged into the Murray River and then flowed into the sea in the Great Australia Bight. The mystery was solved; no inland sea. The Third Journey Sturts third exploratory journey was one of the most famous Central Australian expeditions, the most difficult and dangerous of all his expeditions. On 10 August 1844 Sturt set out, well equipped he thought, from Adelaide with fifteen men, six horse drawn wagons, a boat and two hundred sheep. They headed north-west from Menindee on the Darling River. They travelled over 4800 kilometres into unknown territory and reached the Simpson Desert. But just 113 kilometres from the equator, the party were forced to turn back. The heat reached 53 degrees Centigrade and caused the thermometer to burst. Achievements In May 1846 Sturt was awarded the gold medal of the Royal Geographical Society for his achievements. Sturt documented his great discoveries and numerous scientific observations in his journals. He wrote about his faith and how he took all his plans, difficulties and sorrows to God in prayer, always recognising the Providential care and intervention of God. He was known for his ability to inspire and maintain the loyalty of his men, even under the most adverse conditions, and for his conciliatory manner towards the Aboriginals. Sturt was concerned that his exploits were thought to be purely for the love of adventure, but he put this thought to rest when he journaled his real motivation but also with an earnest desire to promote the public good, and certainly without hope of any reward than the credit due to a successful enterprise. These words were written in the Preface to his book, Travels in Australia. Historian Jill Waterhouse wrote: Sturt, like most Australian explorers faced with a hostile environment, leaned hourly on Gods mercy. He slept with a Bible from his father-in-law under his pillow, and when he had to throw away most of his possessions in the desert, he decided to keep the Bible in preference to an oil lamp. Sturt had learned the secret of the Christian life to trust in God and to look at how he could benefit society. His Christian faith and character contributed much to the establishing of our Nation. He is a worthy role model. What do you think you could do to benefit our society? Photo - Bring them home to their beach leaves MH17 is one of many disasters to befall Australians the coast line from Australia's beginnings is littered with ship sinkings and much loss of life. The skies have their disasters and such trauma as Thredbo and Granville to name just two. The one common thread with all these has been to recover the bodies. This has been followed by Christian services whereby those alive recognise the gravity of the loss of life and demonstrating the value of human life. Special worship services of commemoration were held after Granville led by the late Reverend Dr Gordon Moyes AM the then Superintendent of Wesley Mission whereas after Thredbo a combined churches worship service was held. Australia being a sea faring nation have had many sea disasters from the earliest of times and still today these are remembered, but always those drowned were gathered along the coast line where the tide bought them in, and given sacred burials. The philosophical under-girding of such recognition has been the Christian understanding of the intrinsic value of human life that God Himself in human form in Jesus, valued his created beings so highly that he gave His life on the Cross for each and every person. In this theology which permeates through the national psyche, old and young, big or small, important or ordinary, all are equal in the sight of the Lord and therefore each are given honoured burials, even those not found such as disasters out to sea. Such is the nature of this belief that even the Scriptures speak of the sea giving up their dead. No one is left unaccounted for. Every person has a name. Every name is recorded in the heavenlies. Every person, baby, child, adolescent, teenager, young adult, adult, senior citizen has such an eternal value that Christian communities hold such services. Inevitably these are solemn occasions. Photo - Bring them home to their beach views MH17 Both then Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Foreign Minister Julie Bishop made a huge effort to illustrate the intrinsic nature of this Christian heritage when MH17 was bought down by a missile shot by the Pro Russian Ukraine separatists four years ago. Notice these specific outcomes as to the value of human life and respect for the dead. The Security Council following Australia's lead in condemnation of the missile attack on a commercial aircraft. Australia leading the way with the Dutch (another nation with a similar Christian heritage) for a humanitarian team to go in. Pressurising the pro Russian separatists to allow the collection of 'seen bodies' to an air-conditioned morgue train. Securing the disaster site after many days of negotiations avoiding the war going on nearby between the pro-Russian separatists and the Ukraine military. Many solemn and heavy going announcements to the nation (that incidentally give rise to respect of the Prime Minister and his electoral popularity). The solemn service of retrieval as the bodies came off the rail cars, and and off the air force plane and then to the formal identification morgue. The Australian flag was draped over each coffin and each walked with respect to the nest stage of delivery. Photo - Bring them home to their coconut trees leaves A message to the nation All this sent a very direct and potent message to the nation. You are very valued to the nation. We as a nation respect your family. We as a nation respect the value of your life. We as a nation respect the part you played as a member of the Australian society babe, child, adolescent, teenager, young adult, adult, senior citizen. We heard their names over and over again. Some were internationally acclaimed professors and doctors on their way to an AIDS conference in Melbourne. Some were children travelling with their grand father on a different flight to their parents. One was an only child (young adult daughter). Others were recently retired. One a student of theology at Morling Seminary. The list went on. They were family members, sold friends to some, well known to others, names to many of us. And all valued. In Christian theology, the core message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, all of intrinsic value in the heavenlies. Photo - Bring them home to their beach walks Dr Mark Tronson is a Baptist minister (retired) who served as the Australian cricket team chaplain for 17 years (2000 ret) and established Life After Cricket in 2001. He was recognised by the Olympic Ministry Medal in 2009 presented by Carl Lewis Olympian of the Century. He mentors young writers and has written 24 books, and enjoys writing. He is married to Delma, with four adult children and grand-children. Dr Tronson writes a daily article for Christian Today Australia (since 2008) and in November 2016 established Christian Today New Zealand. Mark Tronson's archive of articles can be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/mark-tronson.html My maternal grandmother was a good ole girl, much loved by her grandchildren. Taller than many of her vintage with lovely long hair and although no longer the good looking young lass by the time I came along, she had the beauty of maturity. Being the oldest grandchild I had certain liberties with her, mostly though, I had to take responsibility for anything the younger ones did. When young, I spent many months on the farm between Armidale and Bundarra in the New England district of New South Wales. It was super-fine wool growing country where the family ran about 2,000 head of Merinos and about 100 Hereford cows. Their average wool micron size was 16-18, in other words, super-fine and suitable, in its day, for the finest Italian suits. The family secret Now Granny never lived in town until her last couple of years, she was a country girl from start to finish and had all the skills to go with it. She came from a well-to-do family who were pioneers in the district and how she came to marry my less-than well-to-do grandfather was a family secret. The truth being, she became pregnant at 18, he was 28, the result being my mother and we were never supposed to know. She taught me how to crack a whip, she taught me how to shoot snakes with the orchard gun (.410 shotgun) the farm had an over-abundance of Eastern Browns, the most deadly of common snakes in Australia she taught me to ride with only a corn-bag for a saddle, she loaned me her horses (she had been an outstanding lady rider in her youth) and she made me learn to drink black tea from wine bottles when out in the paddock away from home. Farm snakes One abiding memory is of us kids searching through the farm sheds, under sheets of iron or in the creek bed looking for snakes. They werent hard to find. As soon as we found one, the shout went out for Granny to bring the gun. Wed stand back and the old girl, with her skirt hitched up and her long legs going 10 to the dozen would come running from the house, loading the gun on the run and shooting the snake before she stopped. Ive never seen a better shot on the run than my grandmother. Shed tell us to stay away from the old sheds but was no sooner out of sight than we were back on the search again. I never felt more at home than when Id help her light the kitchen fire at daybreak and make toast with a wire fork held in front of the coals before the men went out to milk the house cows. It was a farm which supported five families in those days and now barely supports my cousin with his family having left for town jobs. Christian values Later in life I spent many happy hours with Granny and was there toward the end when she passed away. Granny had been brought up with Christian values; shed attended church as a teenager and had been to many church functions with her family, as was fairly common in the early 20th century, until she married my grandfather. Unlike my paternal grandfather, a wonderful Christian man, my maternal grandfather was anything but. So now I often wonder about my loving grandmother. Did she hold onto those Christian values to the end? Did she believe in Jesus as the Son of God? Had she been born again? I also wonder if I should have asked her these questions before she died. I had the opportunity, I had the faith and desire but I didnt. If she died an unbeliever, where does it leave me? I loved her so and yet I may have let her pass to the next world as an unbeliever and it challenges me to this day never to let it happen again. John Skinner served as an infantry soldier in Vietnam then the Tasmanian Police before taking up the position of CEO of the Australian Rough Riders Association (professional rodeo based in Warwick Qld). Before retirement to his small farm, he was a photo-journalist for 25 years. He is married with 3 children and 7 grandchildren. John Skinner's previous articles may be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/john-skinner.html San Francisco, CA, Nov. 09, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Eventbrite (NYSE: EB), a global ticketing and event technology platform that powers millions of events, today announced the appointment of Jane Lauder to its board of directors, effective immediately. A consumer packaged goods veteran with more than two decades of experience, Lauder currently serves as the Global Brand President of Clinique, where she oversees all aspects of the Clinique brand, globally. Janes proven track record as an innovative marketer, global brand builder and business leader make her a fantastic addition to our board, said Julia Hartz, CEO and co-founder of Eventbrite. Were thrilled to welcome her as we continue to empower creators around the world to turn their passions into successful businesses and bring even more live experiences to life for consumers who are looking for fun, educational and interesting ways to connect with others. Lauder has spent the past 22 years in various leadership positions within The Estee Lauder Companies, where she has also been a member of the Board of Directors since July 2009. Prior to her appointment as Global Brand President of Clinique, she oversaw the Origins, Ojon and Darphin brands in addition to serving as Senior Vice President, Global Marketing for Clinique, where she led the brands overall strategic marketing and positioning as well as product, category, market and channel expansion. Im thrilled to be working with a brand that understands the incredible power of human connection and enables creators to facilitate important real-life moments of people coming together around various passions, purposes, curiosities, and causes, said Lauder. I look forward to helping Eventbrite continue to grow both its brand awareness and affinity around the globe. # # # About Eventbrite Eventbrite is a global ticketing and event technology platform that provides creators of events of all shapes and sizes with tools and resources to seamlessly plan, promote, and produce live experiences around the world. Eventbrites powerful platform, which can be accessed online or via mobile apps, scales from basic registration and ticketing to a fully featured event management platform. Customers include Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals, Pitchfork Music Festival, and Wanderlust, in addition to top venues and promoters that include Bowery Ballroom, the Brooklyn Bowl, and The Troubadour. Eventbrite was founded by Julia Hartz, Kevin Hartz, and Renaud Visage and launched operations in 2006. The company has more than 1,000 employees in 14 offices around the world. Learn more at www.eventbrite.com. FRIDAY, Nov. 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- The antidepressant fluoxetine (Prozac) is ineffective in treating a rare, polio-like disorder that can cause muscle weakness and paralysis in children, researchers are reporting. In the United States, there have been 219 possible cases of acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) reported so far this year, and 80 have been confirmed, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There were 120 confirmed cases in 2014, 22 cases in 2015, 149 cases in 2016 and 33 cases in 2017, the agency said. The cause of the disorder is unclear, but some patients have been infected with a usually harmless common cold virus called EV-D68. Researchers have been searching for possible treatments for AFM. Lab tests showed that fluoxetine had antiviral effects against EV-D68, so some experts suggested that the antidepressant might be a possible treatment for the disorder. In this study, researchers examined data from 56 children -- aged 30 months to 9 years -- who were treated for AFM at 12 U.S. medical centers in 2015 and 2016. More than one dose of fluoxetine was given to 28 patients, while 28 were not given the drug or received just one dose and were considered untreated. The muscle strength in the children's arms and legs was assessed to determine whether the drug was effective. After an average follow-up of seven months, the strength scores on a scale of 0-20 fell by 0.2 among the children who received the drug, and improved by 2.5 among those in the untreated group, the findings showed. The study findings were published in the Nov. 9 online issue of the journal Neurology. "The lack of an efficacy signal for the treatments for acute flaccid myelitis evaluated in this study emphasizes the need for development and prospective evaluation of more effective treatment and prevention strategies for this potentially devastating condition," study author Dr. Kevin Messacar, of Children's Hospital Colorado in Aurora, said in a journal news release. Dr. Carlos Pardo-Villamizar, a neurological disease expert with Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, told HealthDay News, "We need to pay attention to this, because the long-term consequences the children and their parents suffer is immense. "You can't imagine the amount of suffering these kids have in their lives," he added. More information The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on acute flaccid myelitis. Never mind the mechanics of fitting them all round the dining table.The grandmother who has become the oldest woman in the UK to give birth to quadruplets says she hopes to have them home in time for Christmas.Tracey Britten, whose babies are recovering in hospital after the 'miracle' birth, could be rewarded with a double celebration as their discharge may coincide with her 51st birthday.The new mother wept tears of joy after the quads were delivered last month. She had ignored warnings that the pregnancy was likely to go wrong.Her three girls and one boy were delivered by caesarean during an emergency operation involving 35 medical staff.Mrs Britten became pregnant after spending 7,000 left to her in her mother's will on IVF treatment in Cyprus.She decided to gamble on the procedure as both she and her husband Stephen were 'desperate' for a child, while doctors said she had the physical condition of a 30-year-old.After being discharged last week, Mrs Britten said: 'I only wanted one child and was blessed with four. It's a miracle. I didn't realise we've made history I was told they simply couldn't pull through at my age.'The quads were born on October 26, only 31 weeks into the pregnancy, after a scan showed one of them was suffering circulatory problems.They are still being tube-fed, having gone into intensive care immediately after their births. They had been expected to be allowed home by their original due date in January.'It's been a whirlwind and I'm so grateful,' Mrs Britten said. 'One of the quads has had so many tubes around her that I haven't seen her face properly. The babies have not all been together yet, each hooked up to different machines.' But their quick recovery has given the Brittens hope that the babies could be taken back to their three-bedroom house in London by Christmas, or even by Mrs Britten's birthday two weeks before.Mrs Britten said: 'No one guessed how well they'd do, the doctors are so impressed.'The former drugs counsellor, who also has a daughter aged 32 and sons aged 31 and 22, was implanted with four embryos at the Kolan British IVF Centre in Cyprus to maximise her chance of conceiving.But she was stunned to be told nine weeks into the pregnancy that she was carrying four babies.Further scans revealed one of the embryos had failed to implant but that another had split in two, creating identical twin girls.Doctors warned Mrs Britten to get rid of two of the foetuses, as it was likely they would be born with serious problems.She agreed to an abortive procedure, but later cancelled this and decided to let 'nature take its course' instead.The grandmother-of-eight said: 'I thought if I could get to 28 to 30 weeks I had a chance. It was inner strength that made it happen. I was determined and my mind was set on nothing else.'The first quad to be born was a girl weighing 2lb 2oz, followed by her 1lb 15oz identical twin one minute later.Within the next few minutes a girl weighing 2lb 7oz and a boy of 3lb 10oz were born.Three of the quads are now breathing independently, with one remaining in intensive care due to digestive issues.Mrs Britten has previously dismissed criticism from those who say her pregnancy is irresponsible. She said prominent older male parents, such as Sir Mick Jagger and Ronnie Wood, are not subjected to the same levels of criticism. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. CALGARY, Alberta, Nov. 09, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canoe EIT Income Fund (the Fund) (TSX: EIT.UN) (TSX: EIT.PR.A) (TSX: EIT.PR.B) is pleased to announce it has completed the overnight offering of 6,261,288 Units of the Fund (the Units). Total proceeds of the offering were approximately $70.0 million. The Units will trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the existing symbol of EIT.UN. The Units were offered at a price of $11.18 per Unit to yield 10.7%. The offering was co-led by National Bank Financial Inc., CIBC Capital Markets and Scotiabank and also included RBC Capital Markets, TD Securities Inc., BMO Capital Markets, Canaccord Genuity Corp., GMP Securities L.P., Industrial Alliance Securities Inc., Raymond James Ltd., Desjardins Securities Inc., Echelon Wealth Partners Inc., Haywood Securities Inc., Mackie Research Capital Corporation and Manulife Securities Incorporated. The net proceeds of the offering will be used by the Fund in accordance with its investment objectives and investment strategies, subject to the investment restrictions of the Fund. The Funds regular monthly distribution of $0.10 per unit for unitholders of EIT.UN units remains unchanged. The Fund has maintained the $0.10 per unit monthly distribution since August 2009, through varying market conditions. The Funds annual voluntary redemption feature for unitholders of EIT.UN units remains unchanged. You will usually pay brokerage fees to your dealer if you purchase or sell units of the Fund on the Toronto Stock Exchange. If the units are purchased or sold on the Toronto Stock Exchange, investors may pay more than the current net asset value when buying Units of the Fund and may receive less than the current net asset value when selling them. There are ongoing fees and expenses associated with owning units of an investment fund. An investment fund must prepare disclosure documents that contain key information about the fund. You can find more detailed information about the fund in these documents. Investment funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. The Units have not been, nor will be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to U.S. persons absent registration or applicable exemption from the registration requirement of such Act and applicable state securities laws. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. About the Fund The Fund is one of Canada's largest, diversified closed-end investment funds and is listed on the TSX under the symbol EIT.UN. The Fund is actively managed and invests in a diversified portfolio of income-generating and capital growth-oriented securities listed primarily on the TSX. The Fund is designed to maximize distributions and net asset value for the benefit of its unitholders. The Fund is managed by Robert Taylor, Senior Vice President and Portfolio Manager of Canoe Financial LP. About Canoe Financial LP Canoe is one of Canadas fastest growing independent mutual fund companies managing $4.5 billion in assets across a diversified range of award-winning mutual funds and private energy equity products. Founded in 2008, Canoe Financial LP is an employee-owned investment management firm focused on building financial wealth for Canadians. Canoe has offices in Calgary, Toronto, Vancouver, Winnipeg, and Montreal. Further Information more videos A knife-wielding Somali terrorist has been shot dead by police after crashing a car on Melbourne's Bourke Street and setting it on fire, before stabbing three men, killing one.The lone wolf attacker, who a witness claimed was yelling 'Allahu akbar' was rushed to hospital in a critical condition but later died from his wounds.Officers shot him in the chest after his Holden Rodeo loaded with gas cylinders hit a pedestrian as it mounted the kerb and exploded outside Target near the Swanson Street intersection about 4.20pm on Friday.Video shot from the scene showed the frenzied attack that carried on for more than a minute, beginning with the attacker charging at two police officers, punching one through a vehicle window and lunging at them with a knife.The 31-year-old and his family were known to counter-terror agencies at a state and national level and were believed to have ties with north African extremist groups.His passport was cancelled several years ago after he was noted as one of 300 potential security risks.It was also noted police are unable to get in touch with the man's wife, and believe she is both missing and radicalised.Victoria Police said they are treating the incident as a terrorist attack, and have identified the man responsible.Premier Daniel Andrews said the attack was 'an evil and terrifying thing that's happened in our state'.'Our thoughts and prayers are with everybody touched by this, but we will not be defined by this,' he said.Victorian Liberal Party leader Matthew Guy said 'we must eradicate this sort of thing,' in a media conference shortly after.'Every resource should be going into keeping Victorians safe.'Watch videoMelbourne man 'sets fire to car and charges at police with knife'Watch videoHarry discusses moment he asked his father to walk Meghan down the aisleWatch videoMelanie C: 'Victoria said we never asked her about a reunion!'Watch videoMan is shot by Police on Bourke Street following attackWatch videoCamilla believes Prince Charles 'destiny' doesn't weigh on himWatch videoPrince William and Harry watch Prince Charles 1970's speech on plasticWatch videoPrince Charles says there can only be 'one sovereign at a time'Watch videoFamily who died in the outback were a short drive away from waterWatch videoMan is arrested after fire and attack in Melbourne's Bourke StWatch videoPrince Charles on taking risks when it comes to charity workWatch videoCharles and the Queen stuck in Buckingham Palace 'traffic jam'Watch videoBourke St attacker wields knife as man pushes trolley onto himThe offender chased the officers around a tree as they tried to avoid his blows and convince the man to surrender, and a brave bystander tried to stop the attack by running him down with a shopping trolley.The officers then retreated to the other side of the road as the bearded attacker with a shaved head and dressed in a long brown tunic, pursued them as horrified bystanders called on police to shoot him.The man again attempted to stab and slash at the officers several times before one policeman unsuccessfully tried to taser him.His partner then shot the assailant in the chest.The knifeman clutched his chest and and fell to the ground where he was quickly arrested on the pavement by two plain clothing officers and rushed to hospital under police guard, where he later died on the operating table.The man and his family were known to the Australian Secret Intelligence Organisation, the country's domestic spy agency.His possible links to known terror plotters and extremist elements of the North African community in Australia are being investigated.The man moved to Australia from Somalia in the 1990s, Victoria Police commissioner Graham Ashton said, and had a record of 'minor' offences in relation to 'cannabis use, theft and driving offences'.'He is known to police and is known mainly in respect to relatives he has that are certainly persons of interest.''He is someone that is known to both Victoria police and at a federal level,' Commissioner Ashton said.'There is no ongoing threat, but this is an ongoing investigation. It will be handled by the counter terrorism command.'Prime Minister Scott Morrison also released a statement condemning the actions of the assailant.'Australians will never be intimidated by these appalling attacks and we will continue to go about our lives and enjoy the freedoms that the terrorists detest,' he wrote.'I praise the bravery of the police who were on the scene and took action and those who selflessly came to the assistance of the injured and provided comfort to the distressed.'Opposition leader Bill Shorten also praised the bravery of 'our extraordinary police officers who acted so swiftly and professionally in Melbourne's CBD... and the passers-by whose first instinct was to go to the aid of others.'Victoria Police said officers responded to reports of a car fire before they were confronted by the man.'Officers were confronted by a male brandishing a knife and threatening them,' Superintendent David Clayton said.Police said they were not looking for anyone else in relation to the attack.'The exact circumstances are yet to be determined at this stage. The area has been cordoned off and the public are urged to avoid the area,' they said earlier.The attacker was taken to Royal Melbourne Hospital in a critical condition with a chest injury, where he later died.One of his victims had a head injury, and another an unknown injury. Witnesses said one of those injured was a security guard who tried to intervene.Another man, in his 60's, died of his injuries.'People were trying to help victims because he was just knifing at random. The security (guard) from building next door was also stabbed, but I saw he was sitting up so we know he survived,' a witness told the Herald Sun.Witnesses described a chaotic scene with an injured pedestrian lying on the ground, and numerous police cars and helicopters flying overhead.'Police response was swift and overwhelming. I heard at least one gunshot initially,' one said.Another said they heard 'what sounded like a bomb and gun shot'.'Roads are blocked and police advising to stay away from Bourke St. Feels like de ja vu,' they said, referring to the car attack on Bourke Street Mall last year that killed six people.Panicked pedestrians ran in all directions away from the scene, some hiding in nearby cafes and shops, locking themselves in back rooms.The area was locked down and the public shooed away while stores including Myer, Target, and David Jones evacuated and the bomb squad was called in to assess the car.Warnings blared from the newly-installed terror warning loudspeakers for the first time, saying: 'This is Victoria Police, please evacuate the area. This is Victoria Police, please evacuate the area.'The fire was brought under control within about five minutes, a Metropolitan Fire Brigade spokeswoman said.The fire brigade initially discovered 'BBQ style gas cylinders' inside the vehicle, but the bomb squad 'rendered them useless' shortly thereafter.Police are asking people to avoid the area, saying the streets may be blocked off until as late as 8am Saturday morning.Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp praised emergency services for their efforts and the city for coming together to support each other.'Melburnians should be reassured by the rapid response from Victoria Police and emergency services who worked quickly, bravely and effectively to minimise harm to the public and contain the situation,' she said.'I'm proud of the way our community responded respectfully to police instructions at the scene.'I know many of us will feel the impact of these terrible events and it's important at these times that we pull together as a community and support one another.'It comes as a trial continues into the horrifying rampage in Bourke St in January last year. James Gargasoulas is accused of deliberately crashing into pedestrians, killing six and injuring 27 others.Police will investigate whether Friday's attacker was a copycat to last year's rampage.Read more: www.heraldsun.co... The Ancient History Of People Of Central And South America Major Population Replacement In The Americas California-Peruvian Link In an analysis of ancient DNA, an international team of researchers discovers new information about the history of the people in Central and South America.The study titled "Reconstructing the Deep Population History of Central and South America" looked at ancient DNA data from 49 individuals some of which are as old as 11,000 years. This is the first analysis of high-quality ancient DNA from South and Central America.The findings were published in the journal Cell. The team included researchers from the Harvard Medical School, the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History, Pennsylvania State University, the University of New Mexico, the University of Sao Paulo, and the University of California, Santa Cruz.Scientists have long suspected that the Clovis culture of North America migrated farther down south thousands of years ago. Previous researches found spear points, known as Fishtail, in Central America that looked similar to the ones associated with the Clovis culture called Clovis Point.Now, the international team of researchers found new evidence of this migration. A distinctive DNA type associated with the Clovis culture was also present in the remains that were dug up in excavation sites in Chile, Brazil, and Belize. They dated the ancient remains at about 11,000 years old."This supports the hypothesis that the expansion of people who spread the Clovis culture in North America also reached Central and South America," stated Cosimo Posth, co-lead author of the study.However, something major happened around 9,000 years ago. The DNA type that was associated with the Clovis culture disappeared. A number of other individuals who lived in Belize to Patagonia between 9,000 and 3,000 years ago have a different genetic lineage.There is, however, a genetic continuity between the people who lived in South America 9,000 years ago and in the present day, according to Howard Hughes Medical Institute. The identity of the group that replaced the Clovis culture in the Americas between 3,000 and 9,000 years ago remains a mystery, something the researchers hope to further explore in the future.The research also revealed that ancient Californians from the Channel Island share the same ancestry as the groups that lived in the southern Peruvian Andes about 4,200 years ago. The researchers believe that this happened not because the people from the Channel Islands migrated from South America but people expanded, with some ending up in the north and others to the south.To create a complete history of the movement of the people into Central and South America, the researchers said that they need to obtain DNA data older than 11,000 years. David Reich, the co-senior author of the study, added that the study also lacks ancient DNA data from Amazonia, northern South America, and the Caribbean."Filling in these gaps should be a priority for future work," he stated. Andhra Pradesh: Are we prepared enough to effectively handle natural disasters like Titli? November 09,2018 | Source: The Hans India India owns 7516.6 kms of coastal line and Andhra Pradesh, the South-eastern state of the Indian peninsula possesses 974 kms of coastal line. Known popularly as Coromandel Coast, it is home for rich heritage and diversified cultures. The humid and tropical coastal Andhra Pradesh is often subjected to a variety of natural calamities like storms, floods, and droughts periodically. Though India boasts of having robust space research and enough resources to predict the onset of cyclone with precision, it often appears helpless in communicating its people when they are in trouble. The communication gap that exists between the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and the respective state officials often creates confusion. During the recent Titli cyclone, the district authorities were unaware of exact timing and place where the cyclone would reach the Srikakulam district. The IMD predicted that the cyclone may hit the land at Gopalpur in South Odisha close to Northern AP. This was an underestimation, which left the authorities ill-prepared, causing a massive damage to the crops. Communication is important for all sorts of preparations starting from an ordinary fisherman venturing into the sea for fishing to the District Collector who plans to tackle untoward incidents. When the Western Universities are able to suggest the governments on `how to communicate in the eve of natural disasters, why shouldnt India establish such research units and communication networks to reach people during natural disasters? When a shopping mall that employs 1,000-2000 people would conduct mock exercises to create awareness to its employees on how to react and save lives in the wake of fire accidents, why dont the governments take up such exercise in the coastal regions with hundreds of families, each with children aged and disabled? The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) should involve the local universities, NGOs and the youth clubs in organising such awareness programmes to tackle disasters. The Central and the state governments must focus on regulatory measures in safeguarding the marine ecology and environment by taking severe action on those who pollute the marine eco-system. The major oil drilling companies, petrochemicals and pharmaceutical companies and fertiliser manufactures are indiscriminately releasing the waste into the ocean. This would drastically affect the flora and the fauna in the marine. Permanent measures must be taken to control oil spills, soil erosion and land slides in the sea coasts. Climate change also exerts enormous impact on the size of the sea levels, which may pose severe threat to the humanity. Long term measures must be taken to mitigate the carbon emissions. The governments are in a haste to give aid only at the time of a calamities and it will offer only temporary relief to the coastal regions. States must gear-up to long term strategies for the effective coastal climate management. The state of AP must adopt the following long term measures for effective disaster management; Countries like Japan that is prone to frequent earthquakes are building houses that wouldnt harm the people in the wake of a disaster. We should learn from the experiences of the governments across the globe to build cyclone-proof houses. Electricity poles, telephone and electric cables are the immediate victims of any wind or storm. The governments must explore the options of underground cable and electricity networks for the power distribution and communication. Governments must work closely with the agriculture, horticulture and animal husbandry universities and engage them in the community development programmes. In the wake severe loss to the crop and plantations, the communities must have alternative strategies for growing short-term crops to generate income in a short time, apart from rising long-term crops. Relief and aid in our country relies on the estimations of the government authorities during the natural disasters; the expert committees would generally suggest measures without having a comprehensive idea on the exact loss incurred. The local agricultural experts must also be included in the team. In the case of Srikakulam, the loss incurred to plantations is irreparable and long lasting; it is not possible to compensate the victim who loses everything due to natural disaster. It may take at least 10 years for them to earn revenue if replanted the horticultural units today. The governments must compensate them with continuous economic support, apart from rebuilding the lost plantations. Since Srikakulam is known for banana, coconut, mango and jack fruit plantations, apart from the immediate financial relief, the farmers must get long term support of the governments once in every 5 or 10 years. Finally, instilling hope in the communities which were worst hit by the natural calamities is very important. Apart from taking the immediate measures, long-term strategies must be adopted to train the communities to handle the challenges they encounter during natural disasters. (Dr Srinubabu Gedela, completed Ph.D from Andhra University and Post-doctorate from Stanford University. The research work is part of Pulsus Group CSR activity.) West Bengal: Fishes bite into Bhai Phonta pockets November 09,2018 | Source: Telegraph India Hilsa sold at Rs 1,500 a kilo at Gariahat, Maniktala and other markets in the city on Thursday. Topshe cost Rs 750 and parshe Rs 500 plus. A day before Bhai Phonta, the price of Bengals favourite fishes soared across the markets but still found takers. Most varieties of fish in the market have become costlier by at least Rs 100 a kilo since last week. Hilsa, on its way out for this year, has seen a steeper rise, fish sellers said. Tarun Parui, a businessman from Howrah, bought a 1.25kg hilsa from Maniktala on Thursday evening. I was in two minds over hilsa and mutton. But when the fish seller said the hilsa was from Bangladesh, it was a no-brainer, said Parui, who will host his brother-in-law for lunch on Friday. I get treated to a lavish feast on Jamai Sashthi at my in-laws place every year. Bhai Phonta is when I get to play host and I dont want a loss of face, said Parui, a regular at Maniktala. He also bought lobsters for Rs 600 a kilo. Bacchu Pramanik, a fish seller at Maniktala, said apart from hilsa and prawn, topshe, parshe and pomfret were the hot selling items. Pratima Roy bought topshe and parshe from Gariahat, for Rs 750 and Rs 500 a kilo respectively. Also on her shopping list was mutton. I like to cook for my brothers on Bhai Phonta, said Roy, 49, a Bengali teacher at a government school. A group of three sisters came looking for katla, lobsters, pabda and topshe at the Gariahat market on Thursday morning. We have a grand family feast on Bhai Phonta every year. We have two cousins who come with their families, said Tulika Bandopadhyaya, 40, the elder sister. Jordan has vowed to retaliate to the brutal murder of a pilot by Islamic State group by executing prisoners with ties to the extremist group held in its jails. The Jordanian military has threatened punishment and revenge will follow the brutal killing of its pilot, Muath al-Kaseasbeh, who was set alight inside a cage in one of the most gruesome IS killings to date. The military forces announce that the hero pilot, Muath al-Kaseasbeh, has fallen as a martyr, and ask God to accept him with the martyrs, armed forces spokesman Mamdouh al-Ameri said in a statement read on Jordanian TV. While the military forces mourn the martyr, they emphasise his blood will not be shed in vain. Our punishment and revenge will be as huge as the loss of the Jordanians. The threat could translate into the execution of pending death sentences involving alleged Islamist militants, something Jordan had vowed to do as negotiations to try securing al-Kaseasbehs release were stalling. If they kill the pilot, [Jordan] will implement the death sentences for Sajida [al-Rishawi] and other Isis prisoners as soon as possible, The Times quoted a government source as saying. Sajida al-Rishawi is an Iraqi woman facing the death penalty for the 2005 bombings that killed 60 people at hotels in the Hashemite kingdom. IS had demanded her release in exchange for al-Kaseasbehs life. Amman could decide to follow through with the threat, after IS released a horrific video purportedly showing al-Kaseasbeh being burnt alive. The 26-year-old was captured by the Islamist militants in December, as his F-16 crashed near the IS stronghold of Raqqa, Syria. Jordan ended an eight-year moratorium on the death penalty at the end of last year. Several al-Qaeda operatives, including Ziad Karbouli, a former associate of al-Qaeda leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, are currently held in Jordanian jails, according to The Times. | Report an error, an omission, a typo; suggest a story or a new angle to an existing story; submit a piece, a comment; recommend a resource; contact the webmaster, contact us: deathpenaltynews@gmail.com Opposed to Capital Punishment? Help us keep this blog up and running! DONATE! "One is absolutely sickened, not by the crimes that the wicked have committed, but by the punishments that the good have inflicted." -- Oscar Wilde Riyadh's execution by beheading of Indonesian maid Tutu Tursilawati defied President Joko Widodo's repeated entreaties to King Salman bin Abdul Aziz for leniency Only weeks after the officially sanctioned murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Saudi Arabia has ignored the entreaties of the worlds largest Muslim country and executed an Indonesian maid for killing the employer she always claimed was trying to rape her. President Joko Widodo was reportedly furious that the Saudi Arabian government had again given no prior notice of the October 28 execution, despite the maids fate being high on the agenda during a recent visit to Jakarta by Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir. Widodo, who twice sent letters to Saudi King Salman bin Abdul Aziz seeking leniency for Tutu Tursilawati, is unlikely to change his solicitous approach to Saudi Arabia, mindful of the quota system that has allowed more than 1.1 million Indonesian haj pilgrims to make the spiritual journey to Islams holiest sites since 2012. But Migrant Care, a nongovernmental organization advocating the rights of the millions of Indonesians working abroad, wants the government to reverse a recent decision to let a limited number of migrant workers to return to a country that has taken on pariah status since Khashoggis grisly killing. Three years ago, Jakarta banned workers from going to Saudi Arabia and 20 other Middle Eastern countries in response to a string of abuse cases. But human traffickers and the workers themselves have found ways around the moratorium. Critics warned at the time that without genuine efforts to sign and enforce international labor conventions, including the right of workers to change jobs, the ban would only drive the trade underground and expose them to even greater risks. For many Indonesians long used to the abuse of their maids and other migrant workers in the Middle East, it beggars belief that a devout 33-year-old Muslim mother of three children from a small village in West Java would resort to murder without a compelling reason. Tursilawati was sentenced to death in 2010 for a crime she committed only nine months after arriving in the Saudi city of Thaif. She became the fifth Indonesian maid to be executed in Saudi Arabia over the past decade, leaving another 18 Indonesians on the countrys death row. RELATED: Saudi execution spotlights domestic workers' vulnerable lives Saudi authorities also failed to notify Indonesia of the execution last March of Indonesian migrant worker Zainal Misrin, who was denied the right to legal counsel in his trial for the alleged murder of his employer in 2004. Human rights groups claim executions have accelerated since the rise to power of Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, the so-called reformist widely believed to have ordered Khashoggis death in a bungled operation that destroyed his efforts to soften Saudi Arabias image. Lagging behind only China and Iran, Saudi Arabia has carried out 458 executions by beheading and firing squad over the past three years, including the January 2016 mass execution of 47 Islamic extremists convicted of home-grown terrorism. Ironically, while Riyadh provides little economic aid to Muslim nations, it spends billions of dollars spreading puritanical interpretations of Sunni Islam that have been used as ideological justification for terrorist acts in Indonesia and elsewhere. Apart from terrorism, Saudi Arabia prescribes the death penalty for murder, rape, armed robbery and drug trafficking, using what Human Rights Watch calls a notoriously unfair criminal justice system where the evidence is often scanty at best. Indonesias nine million migrant workers, about half of them documented and now mostly concentrated in Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong, send back about US$8-9 billion a year in remittances, making them one of the countrys highest foreign exchange earners. Labor migration contributes directly to improving lives and also in building the skill level of the domestic work force, which the World Bank says should be incorporated into a broader job creation strategy. It was only during the previous Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono presidency and through the efforts of foreign minister Marty Natalagawa that the government began to follow the Philippines lead in providing protection to its overseas workers. But women, who comprise about 70% of the total, remain prone to exploitation, extortion and physical abuse at the hands of their employers, particularly in the sexually-repressed societies of the Middle East. They are not immune from abuse in Asia either. In a landmark case in 2015, only a year after Widodo took office, a Hong Kong beautician was jailed for six years on 18 charges of causing grievous bodily harm to an Indonesian domestic worker she had treated as a virtual slave. To be sure, Indonesia has a poor record itself with the National Commission on Violence Against Women recording 421 national and regional regulations which currently discriminate against women. In 2016, it says 259,159 women across the country were subject to domestic violence and rape. Indonesia stands on shaky ground with the application of the death sentence as well. Although there have been no executions in the past two years, 44 offenders have died before a firing squad since 2000, including four women, two of them Indonesians convicted separately of murder and drug trafficking. | Report an error, an omission, a typo; suggest a story or a new angle to an existing story; submit a piece, a comment; recommend a resource; contact the webmaster, contact us: deathpenaltynews@gmail.com Opposed to Capital Punishment? Help us keep this blog up and running! DONATE! "One is absolutely sickened, not by the crimes that the wicked have committed, but by the punishments that the good have inflicted." -- Oscar Wilde Norfolk, Va., Nov. 09, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Stuart Henderson, director of the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (Jefferson Lab), has been named a Governor's Distinguished CEBAF (Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility) Professor. Henderson's appointment as a professor of physics at Old Dominion University was recently confirmed by the presidents of the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, Virginia Commonwealth University, and the College of William & Mary, following the approval of the Board of Visitors of Old Dominion. Jefferson Lab is one of 17 national laboratories funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Old Dominion University is the labs largest research partner. The lab also receives support from the City of Newport News and the Commonwealth of Virginia. Stuart assumed leadership of J-Lab in April 2017. In his letter of congratulations, Northam praised Hendersons expertise and leadership. The Commonwealth of Virginia has enjoyed a strong partnership with Jefferson Lab, dating back over three decades when the first professorship was named. You bring strong skills and merit to Jefferson Lab, Northam wrote. The Commonwealth is proud to have you at the helm and appreciative of ODU for helping secure your Governors Distinguished Continuous Professor appointment. Old Dominion University President John R. Broderick also cited Jefferson Labs distinguished academic record among Hendersons achievements. Nearly one-third of all nuclear science Ph.D.s awarded in the U.S. are based on Jefferson Lab research, he said. Its STEM programs reach more than 13,000 students and 1,200 teachers every year. That kind of success comes with outstanding leadership like Stuart Hendersons. "The Southeastern Universities Research Association (SURA) is very pleased to have Stuart as the leader of Jefferson Lab at this exciting time of growth, and grateful to ODU for approving his Governor's CEBAF professorship," said Jerry P. Draayer, President and CEO of SURA. SURA serves as the majority, administrative and tax member of Jefferson Science Associates, LLC, the contractor for the 700-employee DOE facility. SURA was the sole contractor of Jefferson Lab when Virginia awarded the first GDCP in 1985. Blasphemy is an incendiary charge in Muslim-majority Pakistan, where even unsubstantiated allegations of insulting Islam can result in death at the hands of mobs. (Photo: AFP) Islamabad: A Pakistani Christian woman who spent eight years on death row for blasphemy has been freed from jail after an acquittal that triggered Islamist protests, but is still in Pakistan, officials said Thursday amid appeals for her to be offered asylum. Asia Bibi's conviction was overturned by the country's highest court last Wednesday, but she remained in prison as the government negotiated with hardliners who blockaded major cities and demanded her immediate execution. Islamist parties had already vowed to take to the streets of Karachi later Thursday to protest at her acquittal and numbers were now expected to swell sharply following news of her release. "She has been freed," lawyer Saif-ul-Mulook said in a text message to AFP. "I have been told that she is on a plane but nobody knows where she will land." Following protests at last week's ruling, the government agreed in a deal with Islamists to impose a travel ban on Bibi, and not to challenge a review of the Supreme Court's ruling. One of the most vocal groups in the protests -- the Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) -- called for "mutiny" against the army's top brass and the assassination of the top court's justices. Following Bibi's release, the TLP vowed to return to the streets if she was allowed to leave the country. "If the promise is broken and she is sent abroad, then Allah willing, a movement will start and it will be decisive," said TLP leader Afzal Qadri, after an earlier message from the group accused the government of reneging on the agreement. Foreign ministry spokesman Muhammad Faisal on Thursday denied media reports that Bibi had left the country, telling AFP: "She is in Pakistan". Intelligence sources also told AFP that she had not left the country. An order for her release arrived Wednesday at the jail in the central city of Multan where she was held, a prison official told AFP. "Asia Bibi has left the prison and has been transferred to a safe place!" tweeted Antonio Tajani, president of the European Parliament. Another civil aviation official, in Multan, said a small plane arrived in the city with "a few foreigners and some Pakistanis" on board to fetch Bibi. Her case has underscored deep divisions between traditionalists and modernisers in the devoutly Muslim country. The conviction stemmed from a 2009 incident when Bibi was asked to fetch water while out working in the fields. Muslim women labourers objected to her touching the water bowl as a non-Muslim, and a fight reportedly erupted. A local imam then claimed Bibi insulted the Prophet Mohammed. Bibi has consistently denied the charges, and her prosecution rallied international rights groups, politicians and religious figures. Pope Benedict XVI called for her release in 2010, while his successor, Pope Francis, met her daughter in 2015. Incendiary charge Bibi's husband Ashiq Masih has appealed for Britain or the United States to grant the family asylum and several governments including those of Italy and France have offered to help. Her lawyer fled to the Netherlands on Saturday under threat to his life. Italy's Interior Minister Matteo Salvini tweeted: "I will do everything humanly possible to guarantee this young woman's future." Blasphemy is an incendiary charge in Muslim-majority Pakistan, where even unsubstantiated allegations of insulting Islam can result in death at the hands of mobs. Mere calls to reform the law have provoked violence, most notably the assassination of Salmaan Taseer, the governor of Pakistan's Punjab province, by his own bodyguard in Islamabad in 2011. Taseer had called for Bibi's release, and his son Shahbaz tweeted "Pakistan Zindabad" ("Long live Pakistan") following last week's ruling. Thousands of Islamist hardliners poured onto the streets in protest after Supreme Court judges overturned Bibi's conviction last Wednesday. Demonstrations broke out in major cities across the country in the wake of the ruling, with club-wielding protesters blocking Islamabad's main highway and barricading roads in Karachi and Lahore. One resident in Multan, Rizwan Khan, told AFP that Bibi would not be safe wherever she went, while another, Qari Muneer, said the decision should be reversed and called for her to receive "strict punishment". I am a retired newspaperman. I live in Poca, WV, with my wife of 44 years, Lou Ann. I grew up in Cleveland. Three kids. Grandfather. Report all errors to DonSurber@GMail.com A new draft law is set to attract more foreign investment into multiple sectors by removing foreign ownership caps. At a Wednesday forum in Hanoi, the Ministry of Finance presented a draft securities law that would remove the current 49 percent foreign ownership cap in many sectors, allowing majority or even 100 percent ownership of a company. "The new law would remove the limit on companies operating in many of more than 200 of the conditional sectors," a Reuters report quoted Nguyen Quang Viet, an official in the State Securities Commissions legal department, as saying. In Vietnam, conditional sectors refer to industries subject to additional regulations that would override limits set out by the securities law. "We expect the new law to encourage development of the market in a faster, stronger and more sustainable manner," Deputy Finance Minister Huynh Quang Hai said at the forum. Former head of the Central Institute for Economic Management (CIEM) under the Ministry of Planning and Investment Le Dang Doanh said that the bill would "push" more foreign investment into Vietnam. "Foreign investors have been reluctant to invest in Vietnamese businesses because they can only own a minority stake so far," he told VnExpress International. Should the 49 percent restriction be removed, foreign companies will be able to gain further management rights, which will be a big incentive to enter Vietnam and expand their business, he added. "With the new law, they can hold decisive positions in Vietnamese companies." Industry insiders also expect that the new regulation will allow foreign investors to expand their operations in Vietnam. Citibank's Tsuyoshi Yamashita, who deals with Japanese businesses expanding into Vietnam, told the Nikkei Asian Review that real estate and infrastructure-related business, such as thermal power generation, will likely see a higher demand from foreign companies to do business together. Roy Zuin Forney, an analyst in international business advisory at consultancy Dezan Shira & Associates, said that Asian investors will be interested in seeking merger and acquisition (M&A) deals with Vietnamese companies to reach into this market. Vietnamese peoples rising income has allowed more of them to afford health care, which would be a potential market for the pharmaceutical sector, he said. One source familiar with M&A deals in Vietnam told the Nikkei that Indian drugmaker Renova Global, which already has an office in Vietnam, is looking for opportunities to expand further in the country. Informational technology and logistics are other industries that will also likely see more foreign investment flow in, industry insiders said. However, Vietnam remains firm in keeping "sensitive and important" sectors out of the list. Companies in security, defence, telecommunications and insurance, will continue to have 49 percent foreign ownership caps, Reuters quoted State Securities Commission official Viet as saying. The limit for banks will remain at 30 percent, he added. Can Van Luc, a government economic advisor, said the government would consider raising limits on foreign ownership of banks on a case-by-case basis. The draft law is expected to be submitted to the parliament for approval next year and take effect in January 2020. The Singles' Day of last year had been a killing for retailers, encouraging retailers to step up promotions this year. Photo by VnExpress Promoted by Alibaba in China for more than 10 years, Singles Day is now courting Vietnam with great fervor. More than a week before "Singles Day which falls on Nov. 11, major shopping firms in Vietnam had begun to update their mobile applications with a range of games designed to hype up consumers. These included shaking the phone to earn coins (shopping vouchers), discount lotteries and easter eggs giving specific discounts, and many more. Few retailers explain why Nov. 11 was chosen as the date for this promotional event, which some hail as "the biggest discount of the year." Consumers and online businesses both acknowledge, however, that the marketing race building up to the day has been very fierce. The most boisterous claims came from Singapore based e-commerce group Lazada, which announced that it will gift 110,000 vouchers worth $10 million. General manager of Lazada Vietnam, Zhang YiXing, said he had spent the last three months fine-tuning Lazadas app and working with vendors for the Nov. 11 event. Although they have no reason or specific connection with Alibaba, other e-commerce sites are not missing the opportunity to profit from Singles Day. Industry insiders remark that with competition so fierce, the big players are implementing emulation strategies to grab whatever advantage they can get at. In particular, businesses do not want to stand idle during an event which increases the traffic and revenue of its rivals. So theyve all jumped on the Singles Day bandwagon and made it spread further. "E-commerce is the most developed industry in Vietnam and also the most competitive," said Tran Ngoc Thai Son, founder and CEO of e-commerce company Tiki. On the Tiki website, the company hails Nov. 11 as the "legendary sales season", introducing a lottery to win laptops, phones and shopping vouchers with a total value of up to VND10 billion ($431,980). Meanwhile, Shopee, a consumer Internet platform provider based in Singapore, has called this day the "Super Sale." The company has also launched a game consumers can play to earn rewards and has been promoting a different product line each day to attract attention before the official event. Lotte.vn has also jumped into the fray in dramatic fashion, calling the event the "Nov. 11 shopping war", while Adayroi, run by Vietnams biggest private conglomerate Vingroup, has launched a full week of promotions from Nov. 1-11 with its "Sale Season". Experts say that in addition to price, this years competing retailers have also focused more on branded goods and after-sales service. "Technology is no longer a challenge for Vietnams e-commerce sector but consumer confidence. Now choosing products and discounts from a trusted retailer is also important, not just price," said Le Hai Binh, vice president of the Vietnam E-commerce Association. "Delivery and after-sales services are competitive advantages that cannot be ignored in this race." Lucrative day Although not as fierce as this year, last Nov. 11 had made a killing for retailers, encouraging them to step up promotions this year. According to data released by France-based commerce marketing company Criteo, retail sales of online shopping sites in Vietnam during the last Singles Day campaign increased 245 percent, compared with ordinary days in the year, and marked a 70 percent increase in traffic. Last Nov. 11, traffic increased the most in the evening, from about 9 p.m. onwards. Shopping time "peaked" at 11 p.m., which is one hour before promotions end, so consumers were rushing to finish their shopping. The two most popular items last year were home appliances and electronics, with sales soaring by over 276 percent and 266 percent respectively compared to ordinary days. Silvia Siow, Criteos chief customer strategy manager for Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan, said that these two categories were best sellers because of their high value. People tended to wait for promotions to cash in on significant discounts in absolute terms. Siow also said that Nov. 11 was playing a growing role in Southeast Asia, not just Vietnam. He said the real gains from Nov. 11 were not in sales but an expanded customer base and increased market share. "Sales are important, but traffic is more important. Increased traffic may represent newcomers who arrive and discover or rediscover products. " The heat of the Nov. 11 race in Vietnam is expected to last many years as it is the second most dynamic e-commerce market in Southeast Asia, behind Indonesia. Economist Simon Baptis, CEO of Asia region for the Economist Intelligence Unit (Economist Group) said: "Vietnam will be one of the fastest growing economies in the region with real growth constant at a high level between 2019 and 2023. "Reinforcing consumer confidence in e-commerce and electronic payment systems is also a need of the period." A flight by Jetstar Pacific had to cancel a trip to Tuy Hoa airport because the airport had no runway lights, and landing time would be past sunset. Photo by VnExpress/Anh Duy With few customers, five airports in different regions of Vietnam close at sunset because they do not have runway lights. Tuy Hoa in the central province of Phu Yen, Rach Gia in the southern province of Kien Giang, Ca Mau in the southern province of the same name, Dien Bien Phu in the northern province of Dien Bien, and Con Dao in the southern province of Ba Ria Vung Tau are airports that do not light up after sunset, according to the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV), which manages and operates civil airports in Vietnam. These airports usually close at 5.30-6.00 p.m. when the sunlight is not sufficient to allow planes to land safely. ACV officials said that all five airports see very little traffic, at just 1-2 flights per day, so the carriers arrange their schedule and restrict themselves to flights during the day If the frequency of flights increases, ACV would be happy to invest in a runway light system, they said. "The runway lighting system costs nearly $2 million, so we cannot just carelessly invest in an airport with little traffic," said one ACV official. This puts passengers on the back foot, as delays mean the risk of being stuck at the airport until it re-opens the next day. For instance, on the afternoon of Nov. 6, a flight by Jetstar Pacific from HCM City to Tuy Hoa airport was delayed due to a technical inspection. After the aircraft had been replaced, there was a further delay due to HCMCs Tan Son Nhat Airport being overloaded. Finally, the airline had to cancel the trip to Tuy Hoa because landing time would be past sunset and the airport had no runway lights. Some smaller airports in Vietnam are currently facing serious losses due to lack of passengers, and experts have warned that the country has too many airports. Vietnams top watchdog, the Government Inspectorate, said late last year that 16-18 of the countrys 22 airports did not generate enough revenue to cover their expenses from 2012 to 2015, forcing ACV to spend over VND5.56 trillion ($236.57 million) to maintain them. Vietnam's aviation industry served more than 94 million passengers in 2017, up 16 percent from the previous year, including 13 million foreigners. Pots of coffee bean at a coffee shop in Hanoi. Photo by AFP/Hoang Dinh Nam Vietnams coffee exports can hit a record high this year because of high global demand for the robusta variety. Coffee exports this year could top over 1.8 million tons, said Do Ha Nam, deputy chairman of the Vietnam Coffee and Cocoa Association. "The world market has consumed all the coffee shipments from Vietnam. Supply has been insufficient to meet demand," Nam told Bloomberg. The shortage comes as global's demand for instant coffee is expected to rise this year, especially in developing markets. Global consumption of robusta, mainly used by big companies including Nestle SA to make instant coffee, is forecast to climb to a record high this season. The worldwide market for instant coffee is set to expand 4.7 percent a year through 2023 to $14 billion from $10.4 billion in 2017, market research firm IMARC said in a recent report. Higher demand has boosted domestic coffee prices. The price of coffee in the Central Highlands, Vietnam's major coffee-growing belt, hit VND35,300-36,100 ($1.51-1.54) per kilogram in early October, higher than that VND32,500-33,300 ($1.39-$1.43) per kilogram in early September. Coffee exports from Vietnam grew at an estimated 21.5 percent between January and October from a year ago to 1.58 million tons, according to the General Statistics Office. Coffee export revenues for Vietnam, the worlds biggest producer of the robusta beans, rose 1.1 percent to $2.98 billion in this years 10-month period, the office said. Ninth SCRT Transaction Brings Total to $16 Billion MCLEAN, Va., Nov. 09, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Freddie Mac (OTCQB: FMCC) today announced that it priced its fourth Seasoned Credit Risk Transfer Trust (SCRT) offering of 2018 - a rated securitization of approximately $1.95 billion of both guaranteed senior and unguaranteed subordinate securities. The SCRT securitization program is a key part of Freddie Mac's seasoned loan offerings to reduce less liquid assets in its mortgage-related investments portfolio and shed credit and market risk via economically reasonable transactions. Freddie Mac Seasoned Credit Risk Transfer Trust, Series 2018-4 is expected to issue approximately $1.80 billion in guaranteed senior certificates and approximately $151 million in unguaranteed mezzanine and subordinate certificates. The issuance is expected to settle on November 15, 2018. The collateral backing the certificates consists of 9,782 fixed- and step-rate modified seasoned re-performing loans (RPLs). These loans were modified to assist borrowers who were at risk of foreclosure to help them keep their homes and will have been performing for at least 12 months as of the issuance of the certificates. The loans are serviced by Select Portfolio Servicing, Inc. The servicing of the loans will be in accordance with requirements that prioritize borrower retention options in the event of a default and promote neighborhood stability. Wells Fargo Securities, LLC and J.P Morgan Securities LLC are co-lead managers and joint bookrunners. Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Mischler Financial Group, Inc., a minority broker dealer certified as a Service-Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise and Nomura Securities International, Inc. are the co-managers. To date, Freddie Mac has completed sales of $7 billion of non-performing loans and settled $45 billion of RPLs consisting of (i) $29 billion via fully guaranteed PCs, (ii) $14 billion via SCRT senior/sub securitizations, and (iii) $2 billion via Seasoned Loan Structured Transaction (SLST) offerings. Additional information about the company's seasoned loan offerings is at http://www.freddiemac.com/seasonedloanofferings/docs/rpl_sales_guidelines_factsheets.pdf . This announcement is not an offer to sell any Freddie Mac securities. Offers for any given security are made only through applicable offering circulars and related supplements, which incorporate Freddie Macs Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on February 15, 2018; all other reports Freddie Mac filed with the SEC pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act) since December 31, 2017, excluding any information "furnished" to the SEC on Form 8-K; and all documents that Freddie Mac files with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c) or 14 of the Exchange Act, excluding any information furnished to the SEC on Form 8-K. Freddie Macs press releases sometimes contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond the companys control. Managements expectations for the companys future necessarily involve a number of assumptions, judgments and estimates, and various factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations expressed in these and other forward-looking statements. These assumptions, judgments, estimates and factors are discussed in the companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, and its reports on Form 10-Q and Form 8-K, which are available on the Investor Relations page of the companys Web site at www.FreddieMac.com/investors and the SECs website at www.sec.gov . The company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements it makes to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release. The financial and other information contained in the documents that may be accessed on this page speaks only as of the date of those documents. The information could be out of date and no longer accurate. Freddie Mac undertakes no obligation, and disclaims any duty, to update any of the information in those documents. Freddie Mac makes home possible for millions of families and individuals by providing mortgage capital to lenders. Since our creation by Congress in 1970, weve made housing more accessible and affordable for homebuyers and renters in communities nationwide. We are building a better housing finance system for homebuyers, renters, lenders and taxpayers. Learn more at FreddieMac.com , Twitter @FreddieMac and Freddie Macs blog FreddieMac.com/blog . MEDIA CONTACT: Fred Solomon 703-903-3861 Frederick_Solomon@freddiemac.com A Vietnamese Australian drug trafficking ring member will spend the rest of his life in prison, a court ruled Thursday. The ring trafficked over 3.1 kilograms (6.8 pounds) of heroin from Vietnam to Australia. A HCMC court found Australian national Luu So Qui, 52, guilty of "illegal trading of narcotic substances" and "trading of precursors for illegal manufacturing of narcotic substances" and sentenced him to life imprisonment. Three of Qui's Vietnamese accomplices, including ringleader Hoang Cat Trieu, also received life sentences for "illegal trading of narcotic substances" while another accomplice was sentenced to 30 years in prison for "trading of precursors for illegal manufacturing of narcotic substances." The five defendants escaped the death sentence recommended by prosecutors because most of the drugs had been seized by Australian and Vietnamese police prior to being released into society, limiting the damage caused by their crimes, the court said. According to the indictment, Qui became acquainted with a Vietnamese Australian woman named Hoa while living in Ho Chi Minh City. Following Hoa's instructions, Qui bought medicines and distilled them into drug precursors and attempted to traffic them to Australia for AUD7,000 ($5,100). Police arrested Qui in May 2017 while he was delivering the drug precursors to Hoa. Raiding his house in Tan Phu District, police seized a plastic box containing a thick yellow liquid, 10 white pills, three 30-liter plastic cans containing methanol, many types of medicines and tools used for producing drug precursors. Qui is said to have asked to join Trieu's drug trafficking ring in 2016 after his restaurant business suffered losses. During one of his trips to Australia, Qui met a potential buyer named Trung and suggested that the ring traffic drugs to Australia. In November 2016, the ring attempted to traffic 1.4 kilograms of heroin to Australia for Trung by hiding the drugs inside the battery trays of 20 LED lights and sending the package to Australia via post. Australian police however discovered the drugs and informed Vietnamese authorities of the incident. Following Qui's request, Trieu's ring attempted to traffic another 0.35 kilogram of heroin to Australia in May 2017 but failed. Vietnamese authorities also determined that Trieu was the owner of 1.4 kilograms of heroin that were discovered inside carton boxes destined for Australia in March 2016. In total, between 2015 and their arrests, Trieu and his accomplices attempted to smuggle over 3.1 kilograms of heroin and drug precursors to Australia. At the trial on Thursday, Trieu denied having committed the crimes, but the court dismissed the claim saying there was sufficient evidence to conclude that he was the ringleader. Hoa has not been tracked down. Vietnam has some of the worlds toughest drug laws. Those convicted of possessing or smuggling more than 600 grams of heroin or cocaine or more than 2.5 kg of methamphetamine could face the death penalty. The production or sale of 100 grams of heroin or 300 grams of other illegal narcotics is also punishable by death. An aerial view shows the Pagasa Island, part of the Spratly group of islands. Photo by Reuters/Rolex Dela Pena Vietnam has denounced and demanded an immediate stop to Chinas illegal construction of weather stations in its territory. Vietnamese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang said Thursday that the stations were within the bounds of Vietnams Spratly Islands. "The fact that China has put weather observatory stations on artificial structures within the Spratly Islands to use has seriously violated Vietnams sovereignty over the islands. "Vietnam firmly opposes (Chinas actions) and demands China ceases its actions," she said at a press meet. "Vietnam asks that China comply with the Basic Principles on Resolving Maritime Issues between the two countries, as well as the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), to not complicate current situations or affect peace, security and stability in the East Sea," she said, using the Vietnamese name for the waters. Last week, three weather observatory stations were illegally placed on the Fiery Cross, Subi and Mischief reefs of Vietnams Spratly Islands by China. 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. They serve to "ensure navigational safety in the South China Sea," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said at a press briefing last week. Vietnam has repeatedly declared it has full legal basis and historical evidence to assert its sovereignty over the Spratly and Paracel Islands. In May, Vietnam's Foreign Ministry denounced China's installation of missiles on outposts in the Spratly Islands as a serious violation of sovereignty. 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. 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. The Foreign Ministry spokeswoman has dismissed rumors that runaway former oil executive Trinh Xuan Thanh has been returned to Germany. "Trinh Xuan Thanh violated Vietnamese laws, was brought to trial publicly in accordance with Vietnamese legal regulations and is serving his sentence," Le Thi Thu Hang said at a press conference Thursday. Thanh, 51, was chairman of state oil giant PetroVietnam's construction subsidiary PVC from 2009 to 2013, and then held other senior government positions like deputy chief of staff at the Ministry of Industry and Trade and deputy chairman of the southern province of Hau Giang. The Ministry of Public Security issued an international arrest warrant against him in September 2016 after police began a criminal investigation of him for violations he had committed during his time at PVC and discovered he had fled to Germany. On August 3 last year he appeared on national television claiming he hadn't been thinking clearly when running overseas, and he had to return to "face the truth" and "admit [his] wrongdoing." Vietnam Television also showed what appeared to be Thanh's handwritten "confession letter" dated July 31, 2017, the day the Ministry of Public Security announced he had turned himself in after a 10-month international manhunt. The ministry however did not reveal how he had returned to Vietnam. Vietnam denies returning jailed oil executive to Germany Trinh Xuan Thanh: 'I returned to Vietnam and turned myself in' "Since I was afraid and didnt think maturely, I decided to go into hiding in Germany. During that time, my life was precarious and filled with fear. Following family and friends advice, I returned to Vietnam and turned myself in to investigators to be granted clemency by the [Communist] Party, the Government and the law," the letter read. Meanwhile, international news agencies quoted the German Foreign Ministry as saying, "There is no serious doubt about the participation of the Vietnamese intelligence service and embassy in the kidnapping of [Trinh Xuan Thanh] on German soil." Berlin subsequently summoned the Vietnamese ambassador, ordered a Vietnamese officer at the embassy to leave Germany within 48 hours and demanded that Thanh be allowed to travel back to Germany so that "his asylum application and a Vietnamese request for his extradition could be examined in full." At a press briefing, held a day after Germany's foreign ministry criticized Vietnam for "unprecedented" breach of German and international law over what it called the abduction of Thanh, Hang had said Vietnam "regretted" to learn about the accusations. Thanh was sentenced to two life sentences in two separate cases earlier this year for mismanagement and embezzlement, which caused losses of around VND3.2 trillion ($147 million) to the oil company. At the press conference Thursday Hang said Vietnam always attaches great importance to consolidating and developing good relations with Germany for the benefit of the peoples of both countries, and the two sides have had many exchanges and meetings recently to promote bilateral relations. Vietnam and Germany established a strategic partnership in 2011, and the latter is currently Vietnam's biggest trade partner in the EU. The U.N. General Assembly votes to adopt a resolution, calling for ending the embargo imposed by the United States against Cuba on November 1. Photo by Reuters/Michelle Nichols Vietnam has reiterated that the U.S. economic and financial embargo against Cuba has to be lifted completely at the earliest. "The maintenance of the U.S. economic and financial embargo on Cuba is not appropriate and needs to be completely terminated soon to meet the aspirations and legitimate interests of the people of Cuba," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang said at a press conference Thursday. She also said that Vietnam welcomes the latest U.N. General Assembly resolution that has called for the lifting of the sanctions. Hang was responding to a question about Vietnams reaction to the U.S. announcement of new sanctions against Cuba. On November 1, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution calling for an end to the U.S. economic and financial embargo imposed on Cuba with an overwhelming majority. This year, the resolution was passed with 191 out of 193 countries voting for it. Only two countries voted against it: the U.S. and Israel. 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 traveling to the island and restricting U.S. companies from doing business there, starting November 8, Reuters reported. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel and his wife are on an official visit to Vietnam between November 8 and 10, as part of his first Asian tour as the chief of state. Dao Van Tung (L) and Dao Van Khoan (second row) and related defendant at the court in Hanoi on Thursday. Photo acquired by VnExpress. A Hanoi court Thursday sentenced three men to death and one man to life imprisonment for drug trafficking. They were found guilty of smuggling and transferring meth from China to Vietnam. Dao Van Khoan, 56, and Luu Van Hung, 45, received the death sentence for trading in drugs while Dao Van Tung, 25, was sentenced to death for illegal transportation of narcotics. For the same charge, Tran Hieu Nghia, 36, was sentenced to life. Together, they were part of a ring that smuggled methamphetamine from China to Hanoi for distributing in Ho Chi Minh City, back in 2016. Do Van Thuan, who committed suicide in prison, got 15 kilos of meth in Lang Son Province, which borders China. Khoan sent his nephew Tung to Lang Son to pick up the drugs and bring it back to Hanoi along with Thuan. Tung and Thuan were caught with the drugs in Hanois Long Bien District on December 10, 2016. Khoan went into hiding but continued his meth business. On February 20, 2017, he drove from Hanoi to Lang Son to pick eight kilos of meth from a woman named Ha Thi Thoa, who was living in China, for VND1.6 billion ($68,700). Khoan was arrested in Hanois Soc Son District. He told the police that the meth was to be sold to Nghia for VND280 million ($12,000) per kilo, and Nghia would sell it to a third party for VND310 million ($13,200) per kilo. He also said hed already successfully traded another eight kilos before Tung and Thuan got caught. From rice-based soups to steamed mollusk, five dishes stand ready to warm you up in Hanoi's late autumn chilly weather. Vietnamese hot steamed rice cake Hot steamed rice cake is complemented by stir-fried ground pork and Jew's ear mushroom. Photo by VnExpress/Tuyet Mai The steamed rice cake is cooked and stored in a hot pot, only ladled out when a customer places an order. The white sticky cake is complemented by stir-fried ground pork and Jews ear mushroom, which gives the dish a meaty and greasy element. The broth is absolutely essential in this dish. A helping of pork bone broth and some cilantro complete a perfect dish for a chilly day. At some eateries, the cook places some fried tofu pieces on top of the bowl. The golden addition adds a crunchy twist to the dish. Foodies can add some chili to raise the temperature. When the first gust of chill wind blows into the Vietnamese capital, Hanoians know what to seek: a hot bowl of sizzling, fatty and nutritious food. There is no better option than a hot steamed rice cake with sufficient nutrients to warm you up on a chilly day. Visit food stalls at 8B Le Ngoc Han Street or 246 Minh Khai Street to enjoy hot steamed rice cakes made by cooks with decades of experience. Address: 8B Le Ngoc Han Street, 246 Minh Khai Street Price: VND10,000 15,000 ($0.42-0.64) Pork rib congee The smooth congee, the soft braised pork rib, crunchy breadsticks create a harmony of savors for this dish. Photo by VnExpress/Bao Ngoc Congee is a year-round sweetheart of Hanoi foodies, but as autumn winds start blowing, the dish becomes even more favored. The smooth congee, the soft braised pork rib, crunchy breadsticks create a harmony of savors for this dish. In a 25-year-old version of this dish, found at 37 Luong Su C Alley, Quoc Tu Giam Street, quail egg unexpectedly fits into the narrative. A bowl of congee here has ground pork, dried pork and steamed quail eggs. Address: 37 Luong Su C Alley, Quoc Tu Giam Street; 2a Ly Quoc Su Street, Ngo Huyen Street Price: VND15,000 35,000 ($0.64-1.50) Hot sweet soups A bowl of black bean sweet soup. Photo by VnExpress/Tuyet Mai Sweet soups are not exclusively for summer. The hot version of sweet soups is excellent for a cloudy, windy day with its thick and starchy texture. A popular one is the cassava sweet soup, cooked with cassava, coconut water, coconut rice and ginger. Black bean sweet soup is another popular hot soup. Black beans are cooked with some cassava powder and sugar to create a thick paste. All the sweet soups need to be served when they are very hot. Address: 146 Quan Thanh Street, 39 Ly Quoc Su Street Price: VND10,000 15,000 ($0.42-0.64) Steamed snails Steamed snails are Hanoi's favorite. Photo by Ngoisao/Nguyen Chi Hanoians love for snails is evident judging by the number of snail restaurants and stalls on its many streets and alleys. If you catch sight of a board saying oc nong, meaning hot steamed snail, you will probably have the most stomach-warming experience that day. Dont be put off by the dark-colored snails lying in the dish. All are steamed in boiling water for a suitable period to retain both their crunchiness and juicy texture. The bland snail flesh only turns appetizing after being dipped into the hot fish sauce mixed with chili slices and lemongrass. Some restaurants where you can find this adored snack of Hanoians are at 1A Dinh Liet and Ngo Si Lien streets. Address: 1A Dinh Liet Street, Ngo Si Lien Street Price: VND30,000 100,000 ($1.28-4.28) Spicy fish noodles A bowl of fish noodle at a restaurant on Lang Ha Street, Hanoi. Photo by VnExpress/Bao Ngoc Served at many restaurants across the city, the spicy fish noodle is explosively hot in its broth and meaty components. A typical bowl includes rice noodles with deep-fried sea fish fillet and fish sausage, and is served with shredded banana shaft, lettuce and other greens. An even hotter version, from northern Hai Phong City, has travelled all the way to Hanoi to satisfy the cravings of chili lovers here. The dish stands out for its inclusion of deep-fried fish skin and fish offal. The offal is sometimes stuffed with ground meat and pepper, forming a unique kind of fish sausage. Address: 107 Lang Ha Street, 42 Hang Dau Street. Price: VND25,000 40,000 ($1.07-1.71) An artist's impression of the Bamboo Airways airplane. Photo courtesy of Bamboo Airways Vietnams new carrier Bamboo Airways expects to finally get an aviation license next week and start flying within weeks. The airline had to delay its maiden flight on Oct. 10 because it didnt receive a license in time. "Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has approved the proposal from the Ministry of Transport to issue the licence to the airline," Trinh Van Quyet, chairman of FLC Group, told Reuters by phone. "We will launch our first flight within 45 days after receiving the license," Quyet said. "Receiving the lisence would allow Bamboo to start services." Bamboo Airways would be Vietnams fifth airline after Vietnam Airlines, budget operator Jetstar Pacific Airlines, budget carrier Vietjet Aviation and Vietnam Air Services Co. Bamboo Airways signed a provisional deal to buy 20 Boeing 787-9 wide-body jets worth $5.6 billion at list prices in July, as well as a memorandum of understanding with Airbus for up to 24 A320neo narrow-bodies in March. Last week, Vietjet signed a $6.5 billion agreement to buy 50 Airbus A321neo jets, part of aggressive investment in the airlines fleet, which has provided lucrative business for both European aerospace group Airbus and U.S. rival Boeing. As of the end of the third quarter of 2018, the outstanding tax debt made up UAH 10.7 billion ($383.5 million). Ukraine's largest oil producer, Ukrnafta, in January-September 2018 paid UAH 11.6 billion (US$415.8 million) in taxes, including UAH 1.1 billion ($39.4 million) in overdue tax debt. "Ukrnafta continues to pay all current taxes along with repaying the tax debt. For the nine months, the company paid nearly UAH 11.6 billion in taxes, including UAH 1.1 billion of the overdue tax debt," according to the company's financial and operational results for the nine months of 2018. Thus, as of the end of the third quarter of 2018, the outstanding tax debt made up UAH 10.7 billion ($383.5 million). This includes the debt owed by the company and its structural units as well as the debt for the joint activities, it said. Read alsoUkrnafta boosts daily gas output to 3.1 mcm "Meanwhile, because of no decision, approved by the government, regarding the outstanding tax debt, the company continues to make allocations to reserves for possible fines and penalties related to the rent and other tax arrears, accumulated in the previous periods. For the nine months of this year, they totaled UAH 2.5 billion [$89.6 million]," the report said. As UNIAN reported earlier, the national oil and gas holding Naftogaz of Ukraine in the spring of 2015 published its financial report for 2012-2013 audited by Deloitte&Touche, admitting that it had used at its discretion 10 billion bcm of gas belonging to Ukrnafta. Because of Naftogaz's refusal to repay the debt to Ukrnafta for this gas worth UAH 50 billion [$1.8 billion] and the broken auctions for the sale of oil through the fault of some officials from the Ukrainian Energy and Coal Industry Ministry and Naftogaz managers, Ukrnafta was incurred a tax debt owed to the state. In July 2015, Ukrnafta shareholders elected British citizen Mark Rollins as chairman of the board. While in office, he was reported to have stabilized the financial situation at the company, which has paid a record high amount of dividends and ensured the current payment of taxes. Read alsoUkraine's claims to Gazprom in courts already exceed $12 bln Since then, Ukrnafta has been among top five leaders in paying taxes among all Ukrainian enterprises, according to the State Fiscal Service (SFS) of Ukraine. At the same time, Rollins repeatedly stressed that the company would be able to repay debts on taxes, provided that Naftogaz started paying off its debts to the company. In addition, the Ukrnafta board has repeatedly proposed a plan for financial recovery of the company through pretrial financial restructuring. However, Naftogaz and the Cabinet of Ministers refuse to approve it and require that the SFS distrain the company's property. In 2016-2017, the Ukrainian courts on Ukrnafta's lawsuit made decisions binding the executive service to recover from Naftogaz 2 billion cubic meters of gas and the SFS to inscribe in pledge a disputable amount of gas. However, in the autumn of 2017, the Supreme Court of Ukraine overturned the lower courts' rulings regarding the writing-off of 2 billion cubic meters of gas as a tax lien and sent the case for retrial. In May 2018, considering the lawsuit by Ukrnafta, Kyiv's District Administrative Court again ordered the SFS to write off the disputable 2 billion cubic meters of gas into the tax lien. UNIAN memo. Ukrnafta is the largest state-owned oil and gas company in Ukraine. It accounts for 65.7% of oil and condensate production, and 5.3% of gas extraction in the country. There are 43 drilling rigs, 1,936 oil and 168 gas wells on the enterprise's balance sheet. Ukrnafta owns 537 fuel filling stations throughout the country. The company's 50% stake + 1 share belong to Naftogaz of Ukraine. Zerkal said Kyiv's aim was to maintain Ukraine's gas transit network in its current state, but that if Russian gas transit were to cease, or be significantly reduced because of Nord Stream 2, it would need alternative uses. Ukraine is looking at different ways to use its vast gas transit network should Kyiv fail to agree a new transit deal with Russia's Gazprom once their existing contract expires at the end of 2019, a senior Ukrainian politician said Thursday. Ukraine's deputy minister for foreign affairs, Olena Zerkal, speaking at a gas conference in Berlin, also warned that the planned 55 Bcm/year Nord Stream 2 pipeline represented an "existential" threat to Ukraine and to European unity, S&P Global Platts reported. Zerkal said Kyiv's aim was to maintain Ukraine's gas transit network in its current state, but that if Russian gas transit were to cease, or be significantly reduced because of Nord Stream 2, it would need alternative uses. "We'll have to think about making the network more commercially viable such as through reverse flow. We need a Plan B, a Plan C and a resilience plan," she said. Read alsoUkraine pays record high price for imported gas in Oct Zerkal said Ukraine hoped Gazprom would agree to a new transit agreement from 2020, but that so far the Russian firm had shown "no appetite" to take part in talks brokered by the European Commission. She warned that if Russia no longer needed to use the Ukrainian transit system after the completion of Nord Stream 2 and the 31.5 Bcm/year TurkStream pipeline it could even lead to a "full-scale invasion" of Ukraine by Russia. "The existence of the gas transportation system is an insurance for us," she said, pointing to the fact that Gazprom has no option but to use the Ukrainian system to guarantee its European gas revenues at present. If Nord Stream 2 is built, she said, it would represent a threat to Ukraine's security. "It is a matter of our existence," she said. "Based on the experience we have with Russia and our relations with Gazprom, for Russia gas is not a commodity. It is a political tool they use to threaten partner countries," she said. She also said the project "erodes European unity" given that a number of central and eastern European countries oppose the project. Read alsoPolish envoy says in Kyiv, Warsaw interests not to allow implementation of Nord Stream 2 Paul Corcoran, CFO of the Nord Stream 2 operating company, said in response that Ukraine should make a commercial offer on transit to make its route more attractive to Gazprom. "There will be some continuing transit through Ukraine, the question of how much that is varies," Corcoran said, pointing to estimates of future Ukrainian transit of Russian gas of 10-40 Bcm/year post-Nord Stream 2. "I hope they can make a competitive offer to Gazprom for future transit," he said, adding: "The future of the Ukrainian system is not so bad." Zerkal said Ukraine was proposing a 70% reduction in its transit tariffs to Gazprom. On Nord Stream 2, Corcoran said more than 200km of the pipeline had been laid in German and Finnish waters, and that the project was on track to be completed by the end of 2019. He said the pipeline rampup would likely be similar to that of Nord Stream 1, which started in 2011. "Nord Stream 1 gradually ramped up to virtually full capacity last year. I would expect that in the future, Nord Stream 2 would have a similar profile, but in the end it's up to the shipper and up to the market," he said. Ukrainian lawmakers fall short of half a million dollars in salaries in Jan-Sept for being absent Parubiy says he is making every effort for the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, to work efficiently. If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter New York, NY, Nov. 09, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Silverline, a Salesforce Platinum Consulting Firm headquartered in New York City, and The City University of New York (CUNY), the largest urban university in the country, are hosting a developer hackathon for computer science undergraduates for two days on November 9 and 10. The event allows students to both exercise their creativity and gain practical experience in their field. The CUNY Career Success Initiatives is excited to offer students this opportunity for hands-on learning and experience. The developer hackathon will act as an externship for approximately 20 students, with the potential for select individuals to be offered a developer internship with Silverline. CUNY serves as one of the largest talent pipelines in the metropolitan area, and Silverline is proud to be their partner in this endeavor. Together, Silverline and CUNY are actively working to expand diversity and inclusion within the ever-growing tech field. Our partnership with CUNY reflects one of Silverline's core beliefs: that we all must constantly seek out opportunities to learn and grow, said Jill Harrison, VP of Silverline Ventures and a panel judge for the hackathon. Our hope is that through these fun, hands-on hacks, we can help expose CUNY's students to the next generation of applied AI, machine learning, and business skills that will help accelerate their careers and realize their potential. The hackathon will consist of four challenges centered around app and integrations building. The group will be comprised of juniors and seniors, who will be divided into groups of three to four students that will work together to come up with innovative solutions to the given scenarios. The groups will present at the end of the two days to a panel of judges comprised of CUNY and Silverline employees. Awards will be given for Best Solution and Best Presentation. Angie Kamath, University Dean of Continuing Education and Workforce Programs added, We are thrilled to be partnering with NYC-based Salesforce consulting firm, Silverline, on a 2-day Hackathon for CUNY students. This is what experiential learning looks like! About CUNY The City University of New York provides high-quality, accessible education for more than 269,000 degree-credit students and 270,000 adult, continuing, and professional education students at 25 campuses across New York City. The University is an integrated system of senior and community colleges, graduate and professional schools, research centers, institutes, and consortia. From certificate courses to Ph.D. programs, CUNY offers postsecondary learning to students of all backgrounds. It provides the city with graduates trained for high-demand positions in the sciences, technology, mathematics, teaching, nursing, and other fields. As CUNY has grown, the University also has strengthened its mission as a premier research institution, building an array of modern facilities and expanding the ranks of its world-class faculty. As a part of CUNY Central Office, the CUNY Career Success Initiatives is devoted to helping current students and alumni achieve career success through career exploration, experiential learning, internships, and employer engagement. About Silverline Silverline has been recognized by Glassdoor as one of the Best Places to Work in 2018 and as having one of the Top CEOs in 2018 in the U.S. SMB category. Silverline creates unique digital experiences that transform the way our clients do business. As a Salesforce Platinum Cloud Alliance Partner, Silverline leverages best practices acquired by over 1,100 implementations, with significant expertise in the Financial Services and Healthcare industries. Our Industry solution focus combines Strategic Advisory, technical implementation, and ongoing Managed Services to enable organizations to achieve maximum value with the Salesforce platform. The deal would also provide a safety net to protect Ukraine from unexpected breaks in Russian gas deliveries. Polands main gas company signed a long-term contract Thursday to receive deliveries of liquefied natural gas from the United States as part of a larger effort to reduce its energy dependence on Russia. The state company PGNiG signed the 24-year deal with American supplier Cheniere during a ceremony in Warsaw attended by U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry and Polish President Andrzej Duda, according to the Associated Press. This is a sign across Europe that this is how your energy security will be developed, your energy sources diversified, Perry said before the deal was signed. He and Polish Energy Minister Krzysztof Tchorzewski also signed an agreement to confirm long-term cooperation on energy security, which Perry said indicated Americas pro-Poland and pro-Europe approach to developing diverse sources of energy. We are prepared to be a competitive, reliable and transparent partner, he said. Read alsoPolish president slams Nord Stream 2 in Berlin visit Piotr Wozniak, the president of PGNiGs management board, said the price is 20-30 percent lower than what Poland pays its current supplier in Russia. Under the deal, Poland will receive some 700 million cubic meters of gas from 2019 through 2022, and 39 billion cubic meters from 2023 through 2042. Polands annual consumption of gas is almost 16 billion cubic meters, 25 percent of which is covered from Polands own deposits. Wozniak said the deal would also provide a safety net to protect neighboring Ukraine, a transit route for Russian gas, from unexpected breaks in Russian gas deliveries. PGNiG is planning two more deals for U.S. gas deliveries, he said. Poland and Ukraine feel especially concerned about their level of dependence on Russia energy supplies, which Moscow has used as political leverage in the past. Their anxieties have increased because of a German-Russian project to build Nord Stream 2, a second pipeline under the Baltic Sea that would deliver gas directly from St. Petersburg to Germany, and to other European countries, while bypassing Poland and the route through Ukraine. Perry said the U.S. opposes Nord Stream 2 because it thinks the pipeline project would increase the regions dependence on Russian gas. The gas will be delivered by ship from terminals in Louisiana and Texas to a liquefied natural gas terminal in Swinoujscie, in the northwest, on Polands Baltic coast. As UNIAN reported earlier, Polish Ambassador to Ukraine, Jan Pieklo, is confident that it is in the interests of both Kyiv and Warsaw not to allow the implementation of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project. Now we have a problem, which is Nord Stream 2. It is in the interests of Ukraine, Poland and other countries not to allow the implementation of the project, Pieklo said during a conference in Kyiv Wednesday. The diplomat said stopping Nord Stream 2 was a top priority for Poland. Norwegian companies to invest over US$700 mln in Ukraine's renewables Some US$1 billion in foreign investment has been injected into Ukraine's renewable energy industry since in 2015. If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter Siemens turbines reportedly cause accident in occupied Crimea's TPP Ukraine officials The consequences of the emergency situation at the Tavricheskaya (Simferpol) TPP were recorded with the help of satellite imagery. If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter MIRAMAR, Fla., Nov. 09, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The new routes just keep coming in Orlando! Spirit Airlines (NYSE: SAVE), Floridas hometown airline, is celebrating its recent expansion with three more routes from the City Beautiful to the beautiful island of Jamaica* and the Mile High City. Starting February 28, 2019, Spirit will begin nonstop service from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Montego Bay, Jamaica and Denver, Colorado. Just a few days later, on March 1, Spirit will begin nonstop service from Orlando to Kingston, Jamaica. The announcement comes on the very same day Spirit begins flights from Orlando to the country of Colombia, with nonstop service to Bogota, Medellin, and Cartagena. The latest announcement will make a total of 16 new international and domestic routes added from Orlando since September for Spirit. This expansion is the largest in the airlines history. Before the close of 2018, Orlando will also become home to a new Spirit Airlines crew base, set to begin operating December 1. The new base will bring more than 100 Flight Attendants and Pilots to Spirits Orlando team by the end of 2018, with hundreds of more crew jobs expected by spring 2019. Were excited to be back in Orlando announcing even more destinations, said Bob Fornaro, Spirit Airlines Chief Executive Officer. The new routes to Colombia and upcoming service to Jamaica and Denver, will cap off our largest-ever expansion, and weve seen a wonderful response from both our Guests and Spirit team members. The future is bright in Orlando. Spirit will now offer the Orlando area nonstop service to 39 destinations with up to 50 daily flights across the U.S., Caribbean and Latin America. Recent Orlando expansion: Orlando to/from: Starts: Frequency: Montego Bay, Jamaica (MBJ)* February 28, 2019 4x weekly Denver, Colorado (DEN) February 28, 2019 Daily Kingston, Jamaica (KIN)* March 1, 2019 3x weekly Cartagena, Colombia (CTG) November 10 2x weekly Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (MYR) November 10 2x weekly Medellin, Colombia (MDE) November 9 2x weekly Bogota, Colombia (BOG) November 8 Daily St. Thomas, USVI (STT) November 8 3x weekly San Salvador, El Salvador (SAL) October 6 2x weekly San Pedro Sula, Honduras (SAP) October 5 2x weekly San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO) October 5 Daily Aguadilla, Puerto Rico (BQN) October 4 Daily Guatemala City, Guatemala (GUA) October 4 4x weekly Panama City, Panama (PTY) October 4 4x weekly Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (SDQ) October 4 Daily Asheville, North Carolina (AVL) September 7 4x weekly Greensboro, North Carolina (GSO) September 7 4x weekly The additional Orlando routes come on the heels of Spirits announcement it is beginning service to Jacksonville, Fla. starting December 20, 2018. Orlando will also serve as the site of Spirits fleet-wide Wi-Fi installation. Spirits state-of-the-art, high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity will roll out in 2019, providing Guests the ability to watch, stream, surf and text in flight. About Spirit Airlines: Spirit Airlines (NYSE: SAVE) is committed to delivering the best value in the sky while providing an extraordinary Guest experience. We are the leader in providing customizable travel options starting with an unbundled fare. This allows every Guest to pay only for the options they choose like bags, seat assignments and refreshments something we call A La Smarte. We make it possible for our Guests to venture further, travel more often, and discover more than ever before. Our Fit Fleet is one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient in the U.S. We operate more than 500 daily flights to 69 destinations in the U.S., Latin America and the Caribbean, and are dedicated to giving back and improving the communities we serve. Come save with us at spirit.com . At Spirit Airlines, we go. We go for you. *Subject to government approval Thirty tonnes of humanitarian aid from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) have been sent through the Novotroyitske entry and exit checkpoint in Donetsk region to the occupied territory of Donbas. "Three vehicles carrying 30 tonnes of humanitarian aid from the International Committee Red Cross (ICRC) crossed the Novotroyitske checkpoint in the direction of the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine," the State Border Service's press service said on Friday morning. English French MONTREAL, Nov. 09, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mr. Jacques Gregoire, President of TC Transcontinental Printing, received the John A. Young Lifetime Achievement Award last night at the Canadian Printing Awards hosted by PrintAction magazine and Annex Business Media in the presence of some 250 industry leaders gathered at the Palais Royale in Toronto. We are very proud, and I am speaking here on behalf of the Marcoux family, of TC Transcontinental and in my own name, of this distinguished recognition bestowed on Jacques Gregoire at the Canadian Printing Awards last night, said Francois Olivier, President and Chief Executive Officer of TC Transcontinental. For over 30 years, Jacques has deeply invested himself alongside our founder Remi Marcoux and our teams to realize the exceptional entrepreneurial achievement that TC Transcontinental Printing is today. Throughout all of these years, Jacques worked to instill hundreds of employees and collaborators with the pride of contributing to the development of our North American printing platform. This distinction also reflects positively on all of our employees and, for that, we would like to thank him. Brian Reid, President of TC Transcontinental Printing and TC Transcontinental Packaging, added: I would like to congratulate Jacques Gregoire on this well-deserved recognition in light of his fruitful career of almost 40 years in printing, which I know he will pursue for many more years. Jacques significantly contributed to the expansion and optimization of TC Transcontinentals printing activities across the country. Always true to the leadership and team spirit that he embodies, he has been deeply committed to our customers satisfaction for many years. We are pleased to see that his passion for our industry is being acknowledged. Since 2014, Jacques Gregoire is President of TC Transcontinental Printing, Canadas largest printer. He is responsible for the day-to-day management of the companys printing operations. In 1986, he founded Interglobe Printing Inc., in Beauceville, Quebec. The following year, Transcontinental Inc. acquired his company, simultaneously marking Jacques Gregoires beginning with the Corporation. Over time, he held various strategic management positions within TC Transcontinentals growing printing operations. Thus, until 1998, he served as President of Interglobe Printing. He then became Vice President of the Book Group until 2008. In November of that year, he was entrusted with the role of Senior Vice President of the Magazine, Book and Catalogue Group, until 2014. His in-depth knowledge of the industry and his wide-ranging experience in the company made him a key player in many significant transactions completed by TC Transcontinental, namely the acquisition of Quad/Graphics Canada Inc. Jacques Gregoire holds a Bachelor of Administration from Bishops University in Lennoxville, Quebec, and has a Certificate in Business Strategy from Queens University, in Kingston, Ontario. For 13 years now, the Canadian Printing Awards have been celebrating excellence and innovation in the Canadian printing industry. Winners are selected by a jury composed of independent judges. TC Transcontinental wishes to congratulate all the winning companies as well as all those individuals who have distinguished themselves during this evening. About TC Transcontinental TC Transcontinental is a leader in flexible packaging in North America, and Canadas largest printer. The Corporation is also a Canadian leader in its specialty media segments. For over 40 years, TC Transcontinental's mission has been to create products and services that allow businesses to attract, reach and retain their target customers. Respect, teamwork, performance and innovation are strong values held by the Corporation and its employees. TC Transcontinental's commitment to its stakeholders is to pursue its business activities in a responsible manner. Transcontinental Inc. (TSX: TCL.A TCL.B), known as TC Transcontinental, has over 9,000 employees, the majority of which are based in Canada, the United States and Latin America. TC Transcontinental had revenues of approximately C$2.0 billion for the fiscal year ended October 29, 2017. The Corporation has completed, on May 1, 2018, the transformational acquisition of Coveris Americas which generated approximately C$1.26 billion in revenues (US$966 million) for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2017. For more information, visit TC Transcontinental's website at www.tc.tc . For information: Media Nathalie St-Jean Senior Advisor, Communications TC Transcontinental Telephone: 514-954-3581 nathalie.st-jean@tc.tc www.tc.tc National joint-stock company Naftogaz Ukrainy has received a tax notice about underreporting of VAT commitments for the amount of UAH 16.3 billion ($0.6 billion) in relation to the litigation won by the company against Russia's Gazprom in the Arbitration Institute of the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce over the gas transit contract, according to a draft offering memorandum for the company's eurobonds, a copy of which has been forwarded to Interfax-Ukraine. Naftogaz objected to the conclusions of the tax audit, and as of the date of this securities offering memorandum, there was neither a revised decision of the tax authorities, nor changes in the company's position, the company said in the document. Naftogaz explained that the Stockholm Tribunal awarded it $4.63 billion, of which $3.87 billion is compensation for losses, and $0.76 billion is the interest. According to the company, before 2016, the transit service was not subject to VAT, so the company paid UAH 4.75 billion of this tax only for compensation for 2016-2017, or $0.9 billion from the awarded $3.87 billion. However, the State Fiscal Service decided that the entire amount of compensation should be charged with VAT in 2018. The draft document also refers to tax claims and to the Naftogaz's subsidiary Ukrtransgaz: about UAH 2.34 billion for VAT and income tax obligations and about UAH 1.57 billion (totally about $0.15 billion) for incorrect calculated losses. However, Ukrtransgaz challenged these tax conclusions in court. The sanctions imposed by the European Union on Russia over the situation in Ukraine are likely to be prolonged in late 2018, Markus Ederer, Head of the EU Delegation to Russia, said in an interview with Interfax. "My assessment is that there is a lack of political will to implement these Minsk Agreements, and particularly the last one, from February 2015, on both sides. And there are violations of both the letter and the spirit of the Minsk Agreements on both sides," Ederer said. In this situation, "I would, in fact, expect the roll-over of the economic sanctions against Russia by the end of the year," he said. As for the restoration of relations with Russia in general "the restoration of the EU-Russia relations - this negative development concerning the conflict in Ukraine is compounded by other recent developments," he said. All these cases do "not help the restoration of EU-Russian relations to a normal level," Ederer said. The possibility of restoration of the relationship is being compounded by the attempted murder of Sergei Skripal with a toxic agent and an attempted cyber attack on the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons office in The Hague, Ederer said. The full interview will be published on the www.interfax.com website. U.S. Treasury slaps new sanctions on three individuals, nine legal entities over Ukraine and Crimea The U.S. Department of the Treasury on Thursday announced the expansion of the sanctions lists over Ukraine and Crimea by adding three individuals and nine legal entities to them. "The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) today imposed additional sanctions in response to Russia's continuing malign activity and destabilizing behavior by designating three individuals and nine entities under Ukraine-related authorities," it said in an official statement on November 8. These designations include two citizens of Ukraine Oleksandr Basov and Andriy Sushko, as well as citizen of Russia Vladimir Zaritsky. The sanctioned legal entities include: the "Ministry of State Security" of the so-called "Luhansk People's Republic" ("LPR"), AO KrymTETS (a private joint stock company engaged in the operation of electric power generation facilities and transmission systems in Russian-annexed Crimea), three hotel complexes located in Russian-occupied Yalta, namely AY-Petri, Dyulber, and Miskhor; Mriya Resort & SPA (a five-star luxury hotel in Yalta), Limited Liability Company Southern Project (LLC Yuzhny Proekt), Limited Liability Company Infrastructure Projects Management Company (LLC UKIP), and LLC Garant-SV. The structure of KrymTETS (JSC Krymteploelektrotsentral, Simferopol) includes Simferopol-based combined heat and power plant (CHPP) and Kerch-based Kamysh-Burunskaya CHPP, Saky thermal networks, and Saky PGU-CHPP, which is under construction. According to the SPARK-Interfax system, JSC KrymTETS is controlled by LLC South Energy Company (Moscow) and the "Ministry of Property of Crimea." LLC Southern Project is a structure of the Rossiya Bank. Late last year, the Southern Project acquired a 100% stake in Crimean-based State Enterprise of Sparkling Wine Novy Svet (Novy Svet), which is also under sanctions, for 1.5 billion Russian rubles. The Rossiya Bank itself, as well as its largest shareholder, Yury Kovalchuk, have long been under U.S. sanctions. The introduction of these sanctions was announced by U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine Negotiations Kurt Volker at a telephone briefing earlier on Thursday, November 8. According to him, these sanctions concern three individuals and nine legal entities that support Russia's attempts to integrate the Crimean region of Ukraine through private investment and private projects, or those involved in serious violations. Russia's hybrid military forces have mounted 14 attacks on Ukrainian army positions in Donbas in the past 24 hours, with two Ukrainian soldiers reported as wounded in action, the press center of the Joint Forces Operation (JFO) has reported. "Invaders opened fire on the positions of our troops 14 times. They used weapons prohibited by the Minsk agreements four times... As a result of the fighting, two soldiers of the JFO were injured," the JFO staff said on Facebook on Friday morning. The Russian illegal formations opened aimed fire to attack the defenders of Krymske, Novoluhanske, Pisky, Opytne, Maryinka, Slavne, Krasnohorivka, Starohnativka, Chermalyk, Pavlopil, and Lebedynske. "The Russian occupation forces opened aimed fire from grenade launchers of various systems, heavy machine guns and small arms. In addition, the enemy resorted to 120mm mortars to shell the Ukrainian positions near Novoluhanske, while 82mm mortars were used near Pavlopil and Krymske, which was mostly attacked," the JFO said. "There have been no attacks by Russian-led forces today," it said. According to Ukrainian intelligence, one enemy troop was killed and another 11 were wounded. Introduction of sanctions against organizers, winners of fake "elections" in ORDLO to be discussed at meeting of EU FMs Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin is confident that sanctions will be imposed with regard to the organizers and individuals who will be "elected" as a result of the illegal elections announced in the territory of certain districts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions on November 11. "The sanctions will be imposed on those who are responsible for organizing these elections, who will be elected. We have just discussed with [Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Talks] Johannes Hahn that the special issue on the agenda at the meeting of EU foreign ministers on Monday and Tuesday [November 19-20] will be these events ... Specific actions will be coordinated, not only political statements will be made," he told reporters in the downtown of Kyiv on Friday, where he honored the memory of the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred together with Hahn. According to the Foreign Minister of Ukraine, Russia uses the elections to legitimize the leaders of the militants in Donbas. "The main idea is to destabilize Ukraine by using Donbas to legitimize the Russian occupation and pushing it into Ukraine as a Trojan horse for fragmentation, weakening, preventing existence of democratic, free and European Ukraine," the minister explained. Klimkin added that Ukraine needs an international component to resolve the situation in Donbas. The minister stressed the importance of maintaining international solidarity around Ukraine. "Literally everyone in the world has already condemned these shameful elections, which were organized by Russia, supported by Russia, and the whole idea of these elections, which is very close to the anniversary of the end of the World War I, is another provocation of Russia," he said. European Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn and Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Ukraine Osnat Lubrani have signed an agreement on the European Union's program to support the east of Ukraine for EUR 50 million. According to an Interfax-Ukraine correspondent, the corresponding agreement was signed by the parties in Kyiv on November 9. I am extremely pleased to be here and sign the agreement that aims to help people in the east ... We signed the program that will support the future of eastern Ukraine, Hahn said during the event. According to him, this program will help internally displaced persons, universities that left for the territory controlled by the authorities of Ukraine, and entrepreneurs. Hahn also expressed support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. Turkey to upgrade first batch of modernized 60 Sabra tanks with Ukrainian APS active by late 2018 Turkey plans by the end of 2018 to finish the upgrade of a first batch of modernized 60 Sabra main combat tanks with the Pulat active protection systems (APS), being a licensed copy of Zaslon-L APS designed in Ukraine. Defence Turk.net reported that by the end of 2018, first 40 60 Sabra main combat tanks of the Armed Forces of Turkey are to be upgraded with new Pulat APS, the integrator of which is Turkey's Aselsan. According to open sources, the designer of Zaslon APS is state-owned enterprise (SOE) Microtek basic center of critical technologies (Kyiv), a famous designer of active protection and explosive reactive armor systems for armored vehicles. Zaslon APS is designed to protect tanks from anti-tank guided missiles, cumulative shells of tank and anti-tank guns, as well as armor-piercing projectile shells, adopted by the Armed Forces of Ukraine in 2009. In 2017, at the international defense exhibition Arms & Security in Kyiv, Ukraine and Turkey signed a contract for the purchase of the modification of Zaslon APS for light armored vehicles - Zaslon-L APS (Hornet) - by Turkey. Along with Turkey, Ukrainian technologies for the protection of armored vehicles were also purchased by Poland. Austrian Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl has cancelled her visit to Russia after a retired Austrian military officer was detained on suspicion of collecting intelligence for Moscow, Austrian media reported on Friday. According to the ORF television channel, Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz made a relevant statement on Friday. Austrian Defense Minister Mario Kunasek also spoke to reporters. It was Kunasek who informed Kneissl of suspicions in regard to the retired officer. Kurz and Kunasek said that the Prosecutor's Office is currently conducting an investigation. Kneissl was expected to visit Russia on December 2-3, the media said. The Austrian media reported that the retired military officer had spied for Russia for nearly 20 years. The newspaper Kronen Zeitung said, citing unnamed sources, that the officer had received around 300,000 euro for his intelligence gathering activities. Ukraine's Interior Ministry Arsen Avakov has again said law-enforcement agencies won't permit provocations based on stoking religious hatred. "We will stop any situation where goons [titushki] and militants are hired. This will apply to right-wing radicals, and left-wing radicals, any radicals. The police force is strong enough to prevent provocations on religious grounds. Even if these people plaster themselves with trident stickers, they will be engaging in anti-state actions and we will stop it," Avakov said on the TVA channel (Chernivtsi) on Thursday. According to Avakov, in connection with the beginning of the process of granting the autocephaly of the Orthodox Church in Ukraine, the Ministry of Internal Affairs particularly points to the inadmissibility of acts of arbitrariness and extremism on the basis of religious hatred or intolerance. The minister said police had already detained about 100 persons stoking religious provocations at the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra. He said he met with representatives of religious denominations and discussed possible provocations. Avakov has called on politicians not to manipulate religious themes, in particular, the creation of the United Ukrainian Orthodox Church. National Security and Defense Council Secretary (NSDC) Oleksandr Turchynov has said those involved in organizing and conducting illegitimate elections in certain areas not controlled by the Ukrainian government of Donetsk and Luhansk regions will be held accountable in accordance with Ukrainian criminal law. The criminal acts "are a gross violation and full discredit of the Minsk agreements, as well as an attempt by the Russian aggressor to strengthen its control over the occupied territory," the NSDC's website quoted Turchynov as saying. "The law-enforcement bodies of Ukraine will reveal all the organizers and participants of these pseudo-elections, and they will inevitably be brought to criminal responsibility," Turchynov said, adding that the organizers of the elections could be prosecuted under Ukraine's Criminal Code - Article 109 (actions aimed at forcibly changing or overthrowing the constitutional system or seizing state power), Article 110 (encroachment on territorial integrity and inviolability of Ukraine), Article 110-2 (funding of actions committed with the aim of forcibly changing or overthrowing the constitutional order or seizing state power, changing the limits of the territory or state border of Ukraine), Article 111 (high treason) and Article 114-1 (obstruction of the lawful activities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other military formations). Sanctions of these articles of the Criminal Code provide for imprisonment for up to 15 years, some - with confiscation of property. Turchynov said organizers of illegitimate elections and participating in them can also be brought to criminal responsibility under other articles providing for long terms of imprisonment and confiscation of property, in particular, Articles 158, 159-1, 161, 170, 255, 256, 258-3, 258-5, 260, 293, 295, 332-1, 338, 340, 341, 353, 436, 436-1 of Ukraine's Criminal Code. As earlier reported, on November 7, Verkhovna Rada deputy (People's Front Party faction) Anton Gerashchenko said volunteers from the Myrotvorets (Peacemaker) Center are planning to publish lists of Ukrainian citizens participating in organizing illegitimate elections in occupied areas of Donbas. FARMINGDALE, N.Y., Nov. 09, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Minuteman Press International , the world's leading design, marketing, and printing franchise, was identified by independent franchisee satisfaction research firm Franchise Business Review as a qualified selection for its 2018 Top Franchises for Veterans list. This is the second consecutive year that the Minuteman Press franchise system has been awarded this prestigious honor, which is based solely on franchisee feedback. "We are proud to have Veterans all across our system that joined the Minuteman Press franchise family after proudly serving their country," says Bob Titus, Minuteman Press International President & CEO. "To be able to be named a Top Franchise for Veterans for the second straight year as a direct result of their input speaks volumes about their belief in us and our continuing efforts to help all of our owners thrive." Here is what three Veteran franchise owners and their families have to say about their experiences with Minuteman Press International: I am a retired firefighter/ paramedic with over 30 years of public service. I also served 11 years in The United States Marines Corps Reserves. I was honored to serve 18 months of active duty post 9/11. I chose Minuteman Press because of the positive experiences that I have with the company. I utilized the services of the Chester store on numerous occasions and for different organizations. I was impressed with the ability of the store to assist me in creating my projects. The franchise seemed to care about each customer and worked hard to satisfy my needs. Minuteman Press has been there for me along each step of the process. The initial training is excellent. The support and service from the field representatives is ongoing and positive. I know that assistance is a phone call away. David Farmer, Chester, VA James has a business degree from UW-Stout. I earned my Bachelors of Fine Art with a concentration in Graphic Design from UW-Stout. James and I met while attending college and later got married. James is an Army Airborne Veteran and also served a tour in Iraq with the Wisconsin National Guard. After his tour, he worked in staffing and other business related jobs. I landed my first job at a small print shop in Minneapolis and always stayed in printing. I was looking for employment at another print shop at the time and I actually started by working for another owner. The opportunity presented itself to purchase and we jumped on it. I always thought Minuteman Press was doing it right and this has been proven to me again and again. The buying power of the franchise and the ability to legitimately vet vendors to give them the Minuteman approved stamp makes our job really easy. I also love that we can rely on other Minuteman Press franchisees like a family and that we are not out on our own. Katie and James Lawrence, Ham Lake, MN While assigned as a paratrooper at Ft. Bragg, I learned the challenges of decision making under pressure. I served in various roles and deployed to multiple countries, earning my stripes the oldfashioned way with hard work and determination constantly seeking selfimprovement to achieve new success. I opened Minuteman Press in Dayton one year ago in 2017. I had exactly zero years of experience. Although Minuteman Press was not the first franchise I reviewed, it is the one I selected to be a part of. The franchise has a great respect for establishing family time and makes that fact wellknown. Another attractive point is the latitude that I have as an owner to promote my shop, to work within the community, and to offer competitive prices. Finally, the franchise fee and monthly royalty cap were equally significant factors in choosing Minuteman Press. Mason Hutton, Dayton, Ohio Franchise Business Review, a market research firm that performs independent surveys of franchisee satisfaction, provides the only ranking of franchises based solely on actual franchisee satisfaction and performance. Franchise Business Review publishes rankings of the top franchises in its annual Guide to Todays Top Franchises, as well as guides throughout the year ranking the top franchises in specific sectors. To identify the companies on the 2018 Top Franchises for Veterans list, Franchise Business Review analyzed 18 months of data from over 26,000 veteran franchise owners representing over 250 brands regarding their overall satisfaction with their brands and their likelihood to recommend them to others. Minuteman Press franchise owners were surveyed on 33 benchmark questions about their experience and satisfaction regarding critical areas of their franchise systems, including training & support, operations, franchisor/franchisee relations, and financial opportunity. The reality is that very few of the thousands of franchise opportunities available today are rated highly by their franchise owners, said Eric Stites, founder and CEO of Franchise Business Review. Thats the whole reason we do what we do, which is help prospective franchisees understand which franchises are the top opportunities based on the actual performance and satisfaction of franchise owners. The 80 companies named in this years report received the highest ratings from the Veterans that own them on our independent satisfaction survey. About Franchise Business Review Franchise Business Review (FBR) is the only independent market research firm that specializes in benchmarking franchisee satisfaction based exclusively on ratings and reviews from franchise owners. FBR publishes free and unbiased franchisee satisfaction research reports throughout the year online at FranchiseBusinessReview.com. About Minuteman Press International Minuteman Press International is the number one rated business marketing and printing franchise that offers world class training and unparalleled ongoing local support. Started in 1973 by Roy Titus and his son Bob, Minuteman Press began franchising in 1975 and has grown to nearly 1,000 business service franchise locations worldwide including the U.S., Australia, Canada, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. Minuteman Press is ranked #1 in category by Entrepreneur 26 times and 15 years in a row, including 2018. Independent franchisee satisfaction firm Franchise Business Review has also named Minuteman Press International to its 2018 Top Franchises, Top Franchise Leaders, Top Franchises for Women, and Top Franchises for Veterans lists thanks to positive reviews from our owners . At Minuteman Press, We Are The Modern Printing Industry providing high quality products and services that meet the needs of today's business professionals and go way beyond ink on paper. Today, our centers offer innovative branding solutions and produce custom designs, promotional products, branded apparel, direct mail marketing, large format printing (banners and posters), signs and graphics, and much more. Prior experience is not necessary to own and operate a successful Minuteman Press franchise. To learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities and speak with one of our experienced franchise representatives at no obligation, call 1-800-645-3006. Continue your franchise research, watch exclusive owner videos and access Minuteman Press franchise reviews at www.minutemanpressfranchise.com Attachments Minister of Defense of Ukraine Stepan Poltorak during a meeting with British Ambassador Judith Gough have discussed the prospects for a future visit to London and issues of bilateral cooperation between the defense ministries of both countries, which will be the subject of bilateral dialogue. "I am grateful to the British embassy in Ukraine, the government and the people of Great Britain for their constant attentive attitude to issues related to Ukraine and support of the Ukrainian people during the ordeal associated with the Russian aggression in the east of the country," Poltorak wrote on Facebook on Friday. Bishops of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) plan to hold a meeting with President Petro Poroshenko on November 13, Ukrayinska Pravda has reported, citing Metropolitan Oleksandr (Drabynko). Metropolitan of Pereyaslav-Khmelnytsky and Vyshneve, and now vicar bishop of Kyiv Metropolitan, rector of The Transfiguration Cathedral, Oleksandr Drabynko, was the secretary of the late Metropolitan Vladimir (Sabodan) of Kyiv. The Metropolitan himself refers to the report of the office of the Kyiv Metropolis, according to which (a photocopy was posted by the Ukrayinska Pravda) the meeting should take place in the assembly hall of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra at 14:00 on November 13. "The participation of all diocesan and vicar hierarchs of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church is obligatory," the announcement says. At the same time, Metropolitan Oleksandr was unable to confirm whether the head of the UOC (MP), Metropolitan Onufriy, would be present at the meeting. The press service of the presidential administration has not yet been able to officially confirm or deny the planned meeting, the Ukrayinska Pravda said. They also refused to comment on the information in the office of the Kyiv Metropolis. Ukrayinska Pravda, citing its sources, reports that the unification council for the creation of a single Ukrainian Orthodox Church may be held on November 21 or November 22, but there is no exact agreement yet. The Russian edition of Kommersant, citing sources in the Patriarchate of Constantinople, says that a unifying council will be held on November 21. The UOC-MP declared that their participation in the unification council was impossible. China Railway International Group has confirmed the completion of the preliminary feasibility study for a project to build the fourth subway line in Kyiv, Deputy Head of the Kyiv City Administration Dmytro Davtyan has said. "... Together with representatives of the Ukrainian delegation, I met with the leadership of China Railway International Group. I received an official letter from the head of the company's board, which officially confirmed the completion of the preliminary feasibility study for the construction of the fourth subway line," he wrote on his Facebook page on Thursday. According to him, the Chinese company also provided a pre-feasibility study, which will be presented in Kyiv. Earlier Kyiv City Mayor Vitali Klitschko said that the construction of the fourth subway line will begin after the completion of the Podilsko-Voskresensky Bridge and will last five years. The cost of construction is estimated at $2 billion. At the same time, it is proposed to provide 85% of the project's projected cost through a loan from Chinese financial institutions. Groysman asks Rada to broaden govt's powers to put things in order in the country during 3 months Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman intends to ask the parliament to broaden the government's powers. "I support the idea of establishing order in the country and want to say as prime minister, on behalf of the government, that we lack powers," Groysman said during government hour at the Verkhovna Rada. "I will propose amendments to the law on the Cabinet of Ministers to broaden the prime minister's powers. If you support this, I solemnly declare that I will establish real order in the country within three months," he said. Serhiy Nayev, the Commander of the Joint Forces of Ukraine, on November 9 held a working meeting with President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Rasa Jukneviciene and Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, Andriy Parubiy as part of their visit to Donbas, eastern Ukraine. Nayev told his guests about tasks, nature, and specifics of the Joint Forces Operation (JFO) and discussed the security situation in that region with them, the press service of the JFO headquarters wrote on Facebook on November 9. "During the visit, the Joint Forces' Commander, in particular, stressed that the Mariupol sector today is one of the most important ones in terms of creating prerequisites for countering Russian invaders' efforts to escalate the situation in the Sea of Azov," it said. Ukraine's Prosecutor General Yuriy Lutsenko has said that President Petro Poroshenko of Ukraine will consider his letter of resignation from the Prosecutor General's post upon his return from a trip abroad. "I am interested in power only as an opportunity to bear responsibility and demonstrate efficiency. That's why I announced my resignation, and I am ready for it I've had an agitated talk with the president and he did not approve my step. He learned about it just five minutes before I entered the Verkhovna Rada. Nevertheless, I told him that it was my decision of principle. He said that he would make a decision upon his return from abroad," Lutsenko said during the Right to Power live show on 1+1 TV channel on November 8 late night. He said he was serious about his intention to quit his job as it had nothing to do with emotions, "It's no game, just a principle." "I consider this death [of civic activist Kateryna Handziuk] as my personal grief, and I consider this investigation as my personal duty I vehemently reject all the accusations that it is Poroshenko, Lutsenko, Avakov, and others who are guilty of her killing," the prosecutor general said. China is planning investment projects for the creation of multimodal cargo terminals in the Ukrainian territory on the border with the EU as part of the development of transit with the European Union. Deputy Infrastructure Minister of Ukraine for European Integration Viktor Dovhan met with Chinese Vice Prime Minister Liu He, the leadership of the National Development and Reform Commission of China, and the Ministries of Transport and Commerce of China within the transport initiative "One Belt, One Road" in Beijing on November 8-9, 2018. The parties noted the need to develop transit from China to the EU. "The Chinese side noted that this year 6,500 containers have been transported to Austria, and cargo traffic along the Trans-Caspian international transport route is growing. Investment projects are planned for the creation of multimodal terminals on the border with the EU (Lviv, Kovel, and Uzhgorod)," the Ministry of Infrastructure said. In addition, the ministry stated that agreements have been achieved on signing an agreement on road transport between Ukraine and China with Deputy Minister of Transport of the People's Republic of China Liu Xiaoming until May 2019. This agreement will allow companies in both countries to transport goods in the territory of the other state regardless of the established routes, based on the needs of logistics and trade. More than 400 current and former student activist have published an open letter warning that the very existence of the Iranian people is at stake. In their letter addressed to "academicians, lecturers, intellectuals and social activists", 410 activists have called for a thorough review of the dominant political and intellectual attitudes in Iran in order to create a unified discourse for finding a way out of the country's critical situation, a website supporting the Iranian "Green Movement", Kalemeh, reported. Referring to a list of hundred problems and crises Iran is currently struggling with, the signatories have noted, "The ruling establishment's inability and indigence in addressing national problems and its insistence on minimizing the catastrophes Iran is suffering from, have forced us to leave political traditions behind and use our hearts, hands, tongues and pens to call upon you." The signatories have immediately suggested that one of the strategies to exit the current national crisis is a total review of the dominant intellectual schools of thought, aimed at reforming Iran's political, social and economic infrastructure. Rejecting the school of thought that supports reform from the top in tandem with holding elections, the signatories have also dismissed as futile and useless the generalized discourses on the necessity of respecting democracy and civil rights that are not backed by solid plans. Regardless of theoretical disputes, the signatories have called upon Iranian intelligentsia to expand their insights in the hope of finding a route towards a "unified national discourse". Our concern today, the signatories have reiterated, "is not wrestling each other in intellectual arenas; our problem today is the danger of annihilation that threatens the existence of all Iranians". GAZA, Nov 9 (Reuters) - A $15 million Qatari cash infusion was paid out to impoverished Palestinian civil servants in the Gaza Strip on Friday, offering Hamas a potential domestic reprieve though Israel said the money would not go to the dominant Islamist group. Hamas's political rival based in the West Bank, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, has slashed Gaza budgets, beggaring tens of thousands of government employees. That has helped stoke a half-year of bloody protests and occasional shelling exchanges across the border of Gaza, which Israel keeps under blockade. Palestinian sources said the Qatari payout, received on Thursday, was the first of a total of $90 million that would come into Gaza over the next six months with Israeli approval. Israel had previously agreed to the gas-rich Gulf Arab state donating materials for civilian construction projects or fuel, worried that more fungible cash donations could reach Hamas, against which it has fought three wars in a decade. "One day, I have no money to get food or medicine for my children - and now I will buy them food, medicine and clothes," said Wael Abu Assi, a traffic policeman, outside a Gaza City post office where people queued to draw their salaries. Branded a terrorist group in the West, Hamas has been under years of embargo by Israel and neighboring Egypt. Hamas leaders said in the past they had received funds from other countries including Iran. Observers for Qatar were present at all 12 post offices across Gaza to monitor the salary disbursements. Employees had to present their identity card and be finger-printed. Doha's donations, as well as U.N.-Egyptian truce mediation and winter rains, have tamped down the violence at the border, where Gaza medics say Israeli army fire has killed more than 220 Palestinians since the protests began on March 30 to demand rights to lands lost to Israel in the 1948 war of its creation. Israel, which says its lethal force prevents armed infiltrations, has had a soldier killed by a Gaza sniper and tracts of forest and farmland burned in brushfires set by incendiary material flown over on kites or helium balloons. ENVOY'S CONVOY STONED On Friday, the Israeli army shot dead a Palestinian and wounded 37 other on the border, Gaza medics said. The military said troops faced some 10,000 Palestinians protesters, some of whom threw grenades. Earlier, Qatar's point-man for Gaza relief efforts, Mohammed Al-Emadi, visited a site near the border fence. "Long live Qatar!" shouted some of the Palestinian youths there. "Long live Gaza!" he replied. But as the diplomat's convoy departed, some youths threw stones that smashed a window on his bodyguards' car - suggesting not all Palestinians were pleased with Qatar's intervention. Al-Emadi's car was unscathed. Qatar's official news agency said the donated money would benefit 27,000 civil servants out of over 40,000 public servants hired by Hamas since 2007. The rest would be paid through local revenues it said. "They told me they don't have money for me," one employee told Reuters on condition that he would not be named. "Maybe Israel vetoed my name?" Officials from Hamas, Qatar and Israel have been largely silent about the details of the Gaza payouts arrangement. But a member of right-wing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's security cabinet played down their significance. "This is not money that is going to Hamas activities. It is money that is going to the salaries of civil servants, in an orderly, organized manner," Environment Minister Zeev Elkin told Tel Aviv radio station 102 FM. Elkin accused Abbas, whose peace talks with Netanyahu stalled in 2014 and who is boycotting the United States because of its pro-Israel policies, of cutting salaries to "inflame Gaza, because he has not been successful on other fronts". "The Qataris came along and said: 'We are willing to pay this instead of Abu Mazen (Abbas), in order to calm Gaza down'. What does it matter who pays it?" Elkin said. Wasel Abu Youssef, a member of the executive committee of the Abbas-led Palestine Liberation Organization, criticized the move. "Arrangements through Qatar and elsewhere prolong the crisis of Palestinian division," Abu Youssef told Reuters. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov.9 Trend: Over the past 24 hours, Armenian armed forces have 29 times violated the ceasefire along the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said Nov. 9. Armenian armed forces were using heavy machine guns. 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. PROVIDENCE, R.I., Nov. 09, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), NOAA and their partners today announced $28.9 million in new grants for the restoration or expansion of natural features such as coastal marshes and wetlands, dune and beach systems, oyster and coral reefs, mangroves, forests, coastal rivers, and barrier islands that help minimize the impacts of storms, rising sea levels and other extreme events on nearby communities and infrastructure in 22 states and Puerto Rico. The 35 grants will generate $38.3 million in matching contributions for a total conservation impact of $67.2 million. Congress provided funding for Title IX of the National Oceans and Coastal Security Act, allowing grants to be awarded through a partnership between NFWF, NOAA, Shell Oil Company, and TransRe. These grants were then awarded through the newly created National Coastal Resilience Fund (NCRF). For the communities and businesses all along Americas coastlines, storms and floods are worsening, seas are rising, and the infrastructure that props up our economy is aging. This new fund will provide support for those communities to protect their industries and way of life, said U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse. Im grateful to Senator Kennedy for joining me in this effort, and Im excited to see the first awards going to these worthy projects in Rhode Island and across the country. For decades, Louisiana families have seen the devastation that hurricanes and flooding have left on our coastal communities and the habitats and local economies that support them, said U.S. Sen. John Kennedy. This new grant from the National Coastal Resilience Fund will help restore those coastal areas and habitats here and in other coastal states that are vulnerable. As another active hurricane season comes to an end on November 30th, we are reminded of the critical importance of safeguarding the health of Americas coastline, said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. Through this latest partnership with private industry and NFWF, the Department of Commerce and NOAA will continue our mission to ensure the safety and long-term prosperity of the millions of Americans who call Americas coasts home. Today is a very good day for the coasts, said Jeff Trandahl, executive director and CEO of NFWF. In just seven months, with a bipartisan appropriation, the Foundation worked with NOAA to hammer out the specifics of the program, and bring on board two corporate partners to support these grants. With todays announcement, weve brought together the public and private sectors to maximize the resources available to conserve habitat and help coastal communities. NFWF, in partnership with NOAA, launched the NCRF in 2018 to support on-the-ground projects that engage communities and reduce their vulnerability to growing risks from coastal storms, sea-level rise, flooding, erosion, wildfires, drought and extreme weather through strengthening natural ecosystems that also benefit fish and wildlife. The projects supported by the 35 grants announced today advance innovative nature-based approaches to improve the resilience of coastal communities. Recognizing the need for action, these projects build on significant coordination and planning that has already been done by many coastal communities and will offer significant benefits for nearby communities and for fish and wildlife. We are delighted to participate in this important initiative, said Mike Sapnar, TransRes CEO. The insurance industry exists to help improve the resilience of communities worldwide. Resilience means being well-prepared before disasters strike, and we hope these NCRF grants will help save lives, jobs and communities in the years ahead. Shell was there for New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina and there for Houston after Hurricane Harvey, said Shell Oil Company President and US Country Chair Bruce Culpepper. We now are proud to stand with NFWF, our partner of over 20 years as they work with local communities to improve natural habitats and resiliency. A complete list of the 2018 grants made through the National Coastal Resilience Fund is available here. About the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Chartered by Congress in 1984, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) protects and restores the nations fish, wildlife, plants and habitats. Working with federal, corporate and individual partners, NFWF has funded more than 4,500 organizations and generated a conservation impact of more than $4.8 billion. Learn more at www.nfwf.org. About NOAA NOAAs mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earths environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources. Join us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and our other social media channels. About Shell Oil Company Shell Oil Company is an affiliate of the Royal Dutch Shell plc, a global group of energy and petrochemical companies with operations in more than 70 countries. In the U.S., Shell operates in 50 states and employs more than 20,000 people working to help tackle the challenges of the new energy future. Environmental stewardship is one-way Shell has continued to share benefits with communities over the past 100 years. Since 1999, Shell has focused our partnerships with many organizations in the U.S. to protect more than 13 million acres of wetlands, clean and remove 600,000 pounds of debris from shoreline, and conserve more than 1.8 million acres of critical habitat. About TransRe TransRe is the brand name for Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries (including Transatlantic Reinsurance Company). TransRe, wholly owned by Alleghany Corporation (NYSE-Y), is a reinsurance organization headquartered in New York with operations worldwide. Since 1977, TransRe has offered its clients the capacity, expertise and creativity necessary to structure programs across the full spectrum of property and casualty risks. Visit www.transre.com for additional information. ### Attachments Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 9 By Fikret Dolukhanov - Trend: The United States supports efforts aimed at establishment of trust between Armenia and Azerbaijan and expansion of dialogue in regard to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Armenian media reported, referring to Acting Deputy Chief of the US Mission to OSCE Gregory Macris, who made the remarks in an address during the session of the OSCE Permanent Council. He said that the US is encouraged by recent constructive contacts by the sides at the levels of heads of state and foreign ministers. "These contacts appear to be paying direct and positive dividends. All three Co-Chairs and the CiOs Personal Representative reported today a decrease in violence along the Line of Contact and in conflict-affected areas over the past two months," Macris said. He underlined that the conflict has gone on far too long and it is time for the sides to refrain from mutual accusations and recriminations and prepare their populations for peace. "The US supports confidence-building measures and increased dialogue between Armenians and Azerbaijanis that can stabilize the security situation and create a more constructive atmosphere for negotiations," Macris noted. He also said that the US attaches great importance to resolving conflicts in the OSCE area, including the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with the strong engagement of the Minsk Group Co-Chairs. "That is why the United States has sent high-level envoys such as National Security Advisor John Bolton and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State George Kent to Armenia and Azerbaijan in recent weeks," he said. Macris concluded by saying that the US shares the view that even though there can be no military solution to this conflict, the status quo is unacceptable. 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 the author on Twitter: @FDolukhanov Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 9 By Fikret Dolukhanov - Trend: Strategic height on the border of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic and Armenia came under Azerbaijani control in August-September 2018, Researcher at the Australian Institute Masis Ingilizian said in his article published on open investigation portal Bellingcat. Ingilizian also said that Azerbaijani armed forces are currently carrying out engineering works on the Nakhichevan border into what was once considered neutral territory. Satellite imagery reveals Azerbaijan has constructed new roads towards unmanned strategic points along the mountains, leading towards the frontline and Armenian positions. According to him, Planet Labs' satellite imagery of the region suggests that over the summer and early autumn of this year, Azerbaijan has moved troops into new positions along the mountain which oversees the Armenian first line of defence in the area and a vital Armenian military road (highlighted in yellow in the first satellite image). When considering satellite imagery since May 2018, it becomes clear that Azerbaijan has shifted even closer to the unofficial demarcation line on the same roads that were being built around May of this year. Ingilizian noted that the mountain northwest of the Arpa River, which now connects to the aforementioned roads, was not fully taken by Azerbaijani forces in May 2018; however, fresh satellite imagery from Planet Labs showing new roads suggests that the mountain is now under Azerbaijan control. Such a move, according to Ingilizian, could push Armenia off its first implemented line of defence due to increased vulnerability of its positions. In fact, one such post may have already been abandoned due to new Azerbaijani maneuvers (the eastern trench highlighted in red in the second satellite image). Such a turn of events would constitute a new threat in which a seized, neutral territory could pose a threat to Armenian infrastructure and settlements. As a result of successful actions in May 2018, the village of Gunnut of the Sharur district and the strategic heights of Khunut (2,065 meters), Gyzylgaya (1,683 meters), and Mehridag (1,869 meters), located around the village, came under the control of Azerbaijani units. 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 the author on Twitter: @FDolukhanov Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov.9 Trend: The Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov met with the President of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation Gunay Afandiyeva, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. During the meeting, an exchange of views took place on issues of bilateral cooperation between Azerbaijan and the Foundation and prospects for the development of future cooperation. The president of the foundation spoke about various projects implemented by the organization and the measures aimed at promoting the common cultural values of the Turkic world. The parties stressed the need to coordinate the activities of the fraternal organizations and to support each other in achieving the common goals. Following the meeting, the Azerbaijani foreign minister and the president of the foundation signed an agreement on the host country between the Azerbaijani government and the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 9 Trend: On Nov. 9, First Deputy Minister of Defense, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Colonel General Najmeddin Sadikov has met with a delegation led by General Stephen Lyons, Commander of the US Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), the press service of the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Azerbaijan said. After welcoming the guests, the Chief of General Staff congratulated General Lyons on his appointment to the new position and wished him success in his future activities. Touching upon the military-political situation in the region and the current situation on the front line, Colonel General Sadikov noted that Armenia continues its occupation policy against Azerbaijan, adding that the conflict can only be resolved within the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and on the basis of the norms and principles of international law. Noting the development of Azerbaijani-US relations both in a bilateral format and as part of various NATO programs, including in the field of education, Colonel General Sadikov stressed that cooperation between the two countries in the field of defense, in particular with the USTRANSCOM, continues at a high level. The American General congratulated the Azerbaijani side on the occasion of the State Flag Day and expressed satisfaction with his first visit to Azerbaijan in a new position. The guest, having highly appreciated the contribution of Azerbaijan to the mission in Afghanistan, expressed gratitude to the leadership of Azerbaijan for the active cooperation in this field. Referring to the excellent service of Azerbaijani peacekeepers, General Lyons stressed that the participation of Azerbaijani soldiers in the mission in Afghanistan is an integral part of the cooperation between Azerbaijan and the United States, as well as Azerbaijan and NATO. During the meeting, the sides also exchanged views on bilateral military cooperation. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 9 Trend: Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has signed a decree on the creation of favorable conditions for working activity in Uzbekistan of the qualified specialists from foreign countries, the press service of the Ministry of Justice stated, Gazeta.uz reported. Beginning from December 1, the document will abolish the requirement on necessity of acquisition (renewal) of permits to employ foreign workforce in Uzbekistan with regard to highly-qualified and qualified foreign specialists, while maintaining for them a uniform procedure for obtaining (issuing) confirmations of the right to engage in professional activities in the country (work permits). The validity of the confirmations issued for highly-qualified and qualified foreign specialists is up to three years by the request of the applicant beginning from the date of their issuance, with the possibility of an unlimited number of renewals, but for not more than three years period in each case. The fee in the amount of 1 minimum wage for ordinary foreign specialists and in the amount of 2 minimum wages for qualified foreign specialists has been set for registration and issuance, as well as extension of the confirmations. It is noted in the decree with reference to relevant researches that the removal of barriers in the area of outsourcing of the qualified foreign managers leads to a much larger increase in gross domestic product than the GDP growth from the inflow of foreign investments. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 9 By Fikret Dolukhanov - Trend: Huawei thinks e-commerce in Uzbekistan can be developed through the creation and construction of mobile broadband communication, the press service of the company quoted the Director of Corporate Communications Department of Huawei company in Uzbekistan Davron Azizov as saying. This will allow for the maximum coverage of all populated areas of Uzbekistan with high-speed and affordable internet, he said. "In this regard, the company is negotiating with government agencies the promotion of innovative solutions that will allow for building a reliable network for users based on existing networks, thereby allowing them to become part of the digital economy in our country even in the most remote areas," said Azizov. "One example is Huawei Rural Star solution, which has the advantage of rapid deployment, the use of solar panels instead of diesel generators, low installation costs, as well as quick payback, "Azizov noted. This year, as part of the Innovation Day, Huawei, together with UMS, demonstrated for the first time and put into operation in Uzbekistan the Rural Star technology. Thus, they provided communication service in the village of Sina in the Denau district of Surkhandarya region. Today, the penetration rate of home broadband and mobile broadband communication in the whole Central Asia is quite low. The average level in the region is only 34 percent. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @FDolukhanov Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 9 Trend: The Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Belgium Dilyor Khakimov has met with Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WTO) Kunio Mikuriya in Brussels, UzDaily.uz reported. The head of the organization emphasized that the world community has been following with great attention the large-scale reforms carried out under the leadership of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev in recent years, and in this sense the World Customs Organization sees a positive trend directed towards the openness of borders, acquisition of access to the market of Uzbekistan and strengthening of trade and economic relations with neighboring countries in Central Asia region. It was emphasized that the World Customs Organization welcomes Uzbekistans efforts to join the World Trade Organization and is ready to provide support and assistance to the country, given that many issues are closely interrelated with the World Customs Organization during the accession process of the candidate country. The Secretary General stressed that the accession of the country to the WTO will contribute to the integration of the Uzbek national economy into the global trading system, will make Uzbek goods more competitive, and along with that they will gain wide access to the consumer. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 9 Trend: Delegation headed by Commander of the US Transportation Command, General Stephen Lyons, arrived in Baku for a working visit, the press service of the Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) said on Nov. 9. During the visit, the guests got acquainted with the Baku Cargo Terminal located at Heydar Aliyev International Airport. Terminal building's total area is 25,000 square meters making it the biggest and most technically advanced cargo terminal in the CIS. The Baku Cargo Terminal is a link for the transportation of goods between the US and Asia. At the meeting with President of AZAL Jahangir Askerov, the parties expressed satisfaction with the strong partnership relations between the two countries in the field of aviation. Askerov noted the successful development of bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and the US in the field of civil aviation. In particular, Boeing, being the largest US Aerospace Corporation, is a strategic partner of AZAL. In addition, since June 2016, Open Skies Agreement has been in force between Azerbaijan and the US through which operators have been provided with more affordable and efficient passenger and cargo air transportation services. By virtue of the normative framework improvement of civil aviation in Azerbaijan, Federal Aviation Administration of the US has assigned to Azerbaijan the highest level of aviation security Category A. It enabled to launch a direct flight between two countries. AZAL's regular flights from Baku to New York are carried out on modern Boeing-787-8 Dreamliner Aircraft. During the meeting it was noted that a modern transport infrastructure was created in Azerbaijan, and that there is a great potential for expanding cooperation in the transport, transit and logistics sectors. According to Lyons, Azerbaijan is a reliable partner in all directions, including in the transport sector. According to him, the US highly appreciates the contribution of Azerbaijan to cooperation in the field of security, including peace-support operations in Afghanistan. Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan are studying the possibility of creating a joint oil and gas enterprise, said Kazakh Minister of Energy Kanat Bozumbayev and Azerbaijani Minister of Energy Parviz Shahbazov during their meeting in Astana, astanatimes.com reports. We are now considering the opportunity of setting up a joint enterprise in the oil and gas industry because Azerbaijan, similar to Kazakhstan, has a rich history of oil and gas industry development. Today, Kazakhstan has big projects in oil and gas exploration and we can consolidate these efforts to establish a joint venture with mutually beneficial conditions, said Shahbazov. The two oil-rich countries are using the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline, a 1,768-km trans-Caspian export pipeline opened in 2005 which Kazakhstan joined the following year. Oil exports through the BTC were suspended from the second half of 2015 until last year, when Kazakhstan opted to resume them. Construction of a liquefied gas production plant in Aktau is also on the agenda, said Bozumbayev Shahbazov noted possible cooperation in other fields, including agriculture and tourism. As for agriculture, we would like to introduce new components as part of our working group. We did a good job and trade grew largely due to grain exports to Azerbaijan, he added. Bilateral trade reached $141.5 million from January-July, showing 94.6-percent growth compared to last years $72.7 million. Exports of $112.4 million also witnessed a 98.9-percent hike from last years $56.6 million, while imports grew 79 percent from $16.2 million to $29 million. Shahbazov referred to his countrys vast agrarian experience, noting it has always been an agricultural country. We have many products that we can export to Kazakhstan and we agreed to continue our activities in this area. Based on this, we want to boost our trade again in the near future, he said. In October, Kazakhstan expanded the list of products that could be exported to Azerbaijan. The analysis of global imports to Azerbaijan juxtaposed with the data on global Kazakh exports as well as exports of Kazakhstan to Azerbaijan revealed Azerbaijan has a definite potential for the export of Kazakh products, said a statement released by the Kazakh Ministry for Investments and Development. The ministry included 37 trade positions with high export potential such as metallurgy (ferrous metal pipes, flat-rolled iron or non-alloy steel and metal structures), chemistry (pharmaceuticals and polypropylene), equipment (gas shut-off valves, switchboards, transformers and static converters) and the food industry (chocolate, soft drinks and water). Shahbazov noted the potential of the Caspian Sea in developing tourism, such as cruise routes. Simplifying the visa regime is also on the agenda, he added. At present, Kazakh citizens can stay in Azerbaijan for a maximum of 90 days without a visa and Azerbaijanis enjoy a 30-day visa-free stay in Kazakhstan. Kazakh, Russian presidents have met in Petropavlovsk. At the meeting, the sides discussed key issues of cooperation and further prospects for the development of relations in the field of tourism, Kazinform has learned from the press service of Akorda. Underlining the topicality of the theme of today's Interregional Cooperation Forum, the President of Kazakhstan emphasized the importance of tourism industry cooperation in the context of the cultural and economic interaction. In turn, Putin emphasized that Kazakhstan is one of the main trade and economic partners of Russia, and also mentioned the high pace the bilateral relations are advancing. In addition, the President of the Russian Federation pointed to the vast potential for the further intensification of tourism cooperation between the two countries. After the talks, a presentation of the Baikonur space complex development was demonstrated to the heads of state. The presidents were also informed on the progress of the construction of social facilities, the repair of the infrastructure networks, and the gasification of residential areas in the city of Baikonur. The presidents of Kazakhstan and Russia together visited the exhibition dedicated to new plans and prospects for the development of the tourism industry in the two countries. The exhibition showcases Kazakh and Russian companies offering a wide range of tourism products. TORONTO, Nov. 09, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Purpose Investments, Inc. (Purpose) is very pleased to announce the recognition of Purpose Enhanced US Equity Fund (the Fund) at the 2018 Thomson Reuters Lipper Fund Awards, which was held the evening of November 7 in downtown Toronto. The 2018 Lipper Fund Awards are given to funds for delivering consistently strong risk-adjusted performance relative to their peers. Purpose Enhanced US Equity Fund won the award for Best Fund Over 3 Years in the Alternative Strategies category. The Fund is managed in partnership with Neuberger Berman Breton Hill LLC, which has more than 20 years of experience running market neutral strategies for institutional clients. Since the founding of Purpose, the partnership with Neuberger Berman Breton Hill has been crucial to developing and making unique risk-managed and alternative investment prospectus-based products available to all investors. Purpose Enhanced US Equity Fund posted an annualized return of 8.45% over the judging period, which ended July 31, 2018. The Fund generates enhanced returns from US equities through a 130/30 long-short strategy. It is a prospectus offered daily liquid fund without performance fees and is available in ETF shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol PEU and also available as a mutual fund. Since its inception on October 14, 2014, Purpose Enhanced US Equity Fund (ETF Class) has generated an annualized return of 6.88%. We set out five years ago to help democratize and change this industry for alternative investments and this award, along with our two wins at the Annual Canadian Hedge Fund Awards, validate our goal, said Som Seif, President & CEO of Purpose Investments Inc. What were doing as a company is extremely important, bringing innovation to the investing world. Winning these awards proves our products can compete with and beat the competition. All of our funds are powerful tools to help all types of investors build resilient portfolios to meet their long-term financial goals. Two Purpose alternative funds were recently recognized at the Annual Canadian Hedge Fund Awards. Purpose Credit Opportunities Fund and Purpose Multi-Strategy Market Neutral Fund won Best 1-Year Returns in the Credit Focused and Market Neutral categories, respectively. About Purposes family of alternative products Purpose has been at the forefront of innovation in the alternative investments space, offering them through widely available prospectus-based products since 2013. In addition to the Lipper Fund Award winner, alternatives with Purpose also include the market neutral strategy, Purpose Multi-Strategy Market Neutral Fund (ETF ticker PMM), the option-writing strategy, Purpose Premium Yield Fund (ETF ticker PYF), the hedged equity strategies Purpose Tactical Hedged Equity Fund (ETF ticker PHE) and Purpose International Tactical Hedged Equity Fund (ETF ticker PHW), as well Purpose Diversified Real Asset Fund (ETF ticker PRA). About the Lipper Fund Awards For more than three decades and in over 20 countries worldwide, the Thomson Reuters Lipper Fund Awards have honoured funds and fund management firms that have excelled in providing consistently strong risk-adjusted performance relative to their peers. Renowned fund data and proprietary methodology is the foundation of the Award qualification. Individual classifications of three-, five-, and ten-year periods, as well as fund families with high average scores for the three-year period are recognized. For more information about the Lipper Fund Awards, please contact markets.awards@thomsonreuters.com or visit www.lipperfundawards.com. About Purpose Investments Purpose Investments is an asset management company with approximately $6.5 billion under management. Purpose Investments has an unrelenting focus on client-centric innovation, and offers a range of managed and quantitative investment products. Purpose Investments is led by well-known entrepreneur Som Seif and is a division of Purpose Financial, an independent technology-driven financial services company. For further information please contact: Matt Padanyi Purpose Investments Inc. Tel: (877) 789-1517 Email: info@purposeinvest.com Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investment fund investments. Please read the prospectus and other disclosure documents before investing. Investment funds are not covered by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government deposit insurer. There can be no assurance that the full amount of your investment in a fund will be returned to you. If the securities are purchased or sold on a stock exchange, you may pay more or receive less than the current net asset value. Investment funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. This press release is for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy the securities referred to herein. This press release is not for dissemination in the United States or for distribution to US news wire services. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said in a tweet on Thursday that the United States must be held accountable for its crimes against humanity, IRNA reported. Zarif tweeted 'Just as with Yemen, @SecPompeo blames Iran for unlawful US sanctions preventing Iranians access to financial services for food and medicine. Naturally, we will provide them for our people in spite of US efforts. But US is accountable for crimes against humanity re Iran & Yemen.' On May 8, US President Donald Trump pulled his country out of a nuclear deal struck by Iran and six world powers known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action under which Iran agreed to curb its nuclear program in exchange for lifting of sanctions. The US president also reinstated the sanctions already lifted under the JCPOA and vowed to impose the highest level of economic ban on Iran. The second round of US sanctions against Iran targeting Iranian oil exports, shipping, aviation industry and banking affairs went into effect as of Monday. The US unilateral move has been condemned by other signatories of the JCPOA namely the UK, France, Germany, Russia and China which have voiced their commitment to the deal and vowed to protect the trade between their companies and Iran. The EU is preparing a special mechanism to enable payments for Iranian oil and other exports without U.S. dollars, possibly through a barter system. Through his 'economic terrorism' weapon and unilateral sanctions, Trump is after waging a psychological warfare against Iran but the events unfolding in recent months and the world's refusal to toe the US line showed that Washington will never attain its goals. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 9 By Fikret Dolukhanov Trend: "Reason says: the whole cannot be endangered because of the part, and, at a minimum, it is necessary to declare, loudly declare that we do not need these fields, that we are ready to return these lands for the sake of peace." The above line is from a translated fragment of the biographical novel of the acting Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan entitled "The Other Side of the Earth", which became a bestseller in the country in 2018. The excerpt was published under the same headline on the Armenian analytical portal "Voskanapat". Pashinyan, who became Prime Minister of Armenia as a result of the velvet revolution, who was sometimes considered a protege of Levon Ter-Petrosyan, was remembered in 2015 for his claims to to return the occupied regions around Nagorno-Karabakh to Azerbaijan. In 1997-1998, then-President of Armenia Levon Ter-Petrosyan proposed a plan to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, implying the demilitarization of the occupied territories and the return of a number of settlements to Azerbaijan. As a result, Prime Minister Robert Kocharyan, Minister of Internal Affairs and National Security Serzh Sargsyan and Minister of Defense Vazgen Sargsyan, dissatisfied with such a plan, actually forced him to resign before the end of his Presidential tenure - February 3, 1998. During the 2008 presidential election, Ter-Petrosyan, made an attempt to return to power, and as a result he gathered 21.5 percent of the votes and settled for the second place. Serzh Sargsyan, the protege of the incumbent President Robert Kocharyan, won the election. The opposition, however, did not recognize the election results and accused the authorities of fraud. Thousands of people went out to the streets of Yerevan. The confrontation turned into unrest, during which 131 people were injured, eight of whom died from gunshot wounds. On the same day, Kocharyan announced the state of emergency for 20 days in Yerevan. The mentioned political biographical novel "The Other Side of the Earth", was published in parts in May-December 2008 in the "Haykakan Zhamanak" newspaper when Pashinyan was hiding. The author describes in the book how he, allegedly, illegally left Armenia, since he was on the wanted list after the events of March 1, 2008. That is, the book was a direct result of the riots of 2008, when Pashinyan was still a supporter of Ter-Petrosyan. However, we assume that he still remains a supporter of Ter-Petrosyan. As we see, Pashinyan, like Ter-Petrosyan, even then understood that the solution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is impossible without the return of Azerbaijani lands, about which, as it turns out, he even openly wrote. So why did Pashinyan change his rhetoric after coming to power? Is the fact that the power struggle in the country, as the Turkish expert on the Caucasus Mehmet Fatih Oztarsu told Trend earlier, is being built around the Karabakh issue, and if someone tries to change the country's position on this issue, then he can be dismissed from the government the next day? As we remember, the US Ambassador Richard Mills, in an interview with the Armenian portal EVN Report, stated that Armenia would have to make compromises with Azerbaijan in order to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and expressed hope that the transition period which Armenia had entered would lead to a discussion of the options which the country has and the compromises which the country is ready for, because what he heard before was worrisome. The topic of returning the lands has recently been heard and is being discussed more and more often in Armenia. Perhaps, instead of engaging in populism in order to preserve power, it is worthwhile to start preparing the people for the compromises that the country will have to make anyway? --- Follow the author on Twitter: @FDolukhanov UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday announced the appointment of Luis Alfonso de Alba of Mexico as his special envoy for the 2019 Climate Summit, Xinhua reports. De Alba will provide leadership, guidance and strategic direction toward the Climate Summit scheduled for September 2019 in New York, said UN Chief's press office. De Alba will be responsible for cooperation with key strategic climate change leaders, including governments and coalitions, to galvanize climate action and leadership for the summit, which focuses on building momentum for enhancing national ambition and accelerating implementation of climate action, toward 2020 and beyond as set out in the Paris Agreement. De Alba led negotiations for the 2010 UN Climate Change Conference in Cancun, Mexico as his country's special representative for climate change. A diplomat since 1983, he took up various functions at the Mexican Foreign Ministry. The Climate Summit, which will be held on the margins of next year's high-level week of the UN General Assembly, is expected to bring together heads of state and government, business leaders, academics and scientists, young people, civil society representatives, local leaders and the UN system. Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjorn Jagland warned that Russia may leave the Council of Europe soon, Finlands Yle broadcaster quoted the official as saying, TASS reports. Jagland described the process as Ruxit, a reference to Brexit - the United Kingdoms withdrawal from the European Union. "There is real danger that Europe will have to face not only Brexit, but also Ruxit," the official said at a joint news conference with Finnish Foreign Minister Timo Soini. The Finnish foreign minister said that his country, which currently holds the rotating Council of Europe presidency, would keep searching for solutions and engaging in talks to preserve Russias membership in the organization. According to Soini, Russia and the Council of Europe need each other, but every side needs to follow the rules. In April 2014, the Russian delegation in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) was deprived of its voting right due to events in Ukraine and Crimeas reintegration with Russia. In late June 2017 it emerged that Moscow suspended its contributions to the CoE due to Russias non-participation in the PACEs operation. The Russian side also suggested introducing provisions to the assemblys regulations under which no one would have the right to strip national delegations of their voting right. Jagland said on October 10, 2018 that Russias right to be represented at the Council of Europes main bodies, the Committee of Ministers and the Parliamentary Assembly, may be suspended from June 2019 for non-payment of contributions. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov responded by saying that Russia will quit Council of Europe on its own if Moscows political opponents continue their calls to strip Russia of its membership. According to Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko, Russia will make its final decision on Council of Europe membership by January. "Israel is ready to make peace with every Arab country", Construction Minister and former OC Southern Command Yoav Gallant told The Jerusalem Post in an exclusive interview. All of the relations we have with Arab countries, every relationship that is conducted behind closed doors and not publicly, this is done by their own choice. Israel is ready for peace with every Arab country, Gallant, who is also a member of the security cabinet, told the Post in his office in Jerusalem ahead of the papers annual Diplomatic Conference. If you look at the picture, there is no real reason for Saudi Arabia or the Gulf states to fight with Israel. We have shared interests, a shared enemy called Iran, which threatens Saudi Arabia from close with all that it has. And therefore there is no reason we should not be in the process to have peace in the region, he said. Israel always stretches its hand out for peace with its neighbors... as it did after the Yom Kippur War with the Egyptians. While Israel has no official ties with any Arab country except for Egypt and Jordan, the relationships with Saudi Arabia and Gulf states have grown stronger in recent years due to the shared concerns about Irans actions and ambitions in the Middle East. According to Gallant, who will be addressing the Jerusalem Post Diplomatic Conference in Jerusalem on November 21, the threat of Irans expansion in the region is a common threat for Israel and all Arab states, as well as the West. The Iranians are the most significant and dangerous threat to Israel and the entire Western world. The distance from Iran to the Mediterranean Sea is around 1,500 km. they have no business being here, he said. But Iran is a terrorist imperialist regime which is trying to build nuclear weapons, he continued, explaining that Tehran controls three countries outside its borders in Iraq through its Shiite militias, in Lebanon through Hezbollah, and in Yemen through the Houthi rebels and is trying very hard to entrench itself in Syria, which would pose a threat to both Jordan and Israel. We need to stop the Shiite fire, Gallant stressed, emphasizing the need for an international coalition with the United States, Europe and Russia to push Iran and Hezbollah out of Syria. We need to make sure we dont make the same mistake that we did in Lebanon and allow an Iranian military presence in Syria, he said, adding that Israel cannot allow the Syrian regime to have access to advanced weaponry which makes its way from Iran to Lebanon via Syria. We can take out Iran from Syria, but we need to continue having a coalition with those who can help us, he said, explaining that there is no country that wants Iran to remain in Syria. While Gallant did not mention the Gulf states or Saudi Arabia as part of that coalition, in October IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Gadi Eisenkot met with his counterparts from several Arab countries, including Saudi Arabias Chairman of the General Staff Gen. Fayyadh bin Hamid al-Ruwaili, on the sidelines of the Countering Violent Extremist Organizations Conference for military commanders in Washington, reportedly discussing several regional issues, including Iran. Relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia are at their worst in years with both accusing the other of subverting regional security. Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman caused an uproar earlier this year when he recognized Israels right to exist. While the aforementioned meeting seems to have been the first publicized meeting between Eisenkot and Ruwaili, it is the second consecutive year that the two officers attended this conference, where they are believed to have also spoken about the threat posed by Iran. Last November, following Eisenkots first participation in the conference, he gave an unprecedented interview to the Saudi Elaph newspaper based in London and offered to share Israeli intelligence about Iran with Riyadh, telling the newspaper that what he heard from the Saudis about Iranian expansion was identical to Israeli concerns. Calling for a new international alliance in the Middle East, Eisenkot stated that there needs to be a large, comprehensive strategic plan to stop the Iranian threat. This is what should be prevented in the region, he said, adding that in this matter there is complete agreement between us and Saudi Arabia. The Houthis, who are armed by Iran and reported to have been trained by Hezbollah, have also fired several ballistic missiles into Saudi Arabia, including one that targeted Riyadh a day before US President Donald Trump visited the kingdom last May. According to Gallant, Hezbollah is Irans frontward army and therefore it is important that American sanctions begin. Thanking Trump and his administration for leaving the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action nuclear deal, Gallant said it is was the most significant development for Israel, which had been opposed to the deal. I want to thank Trump and his administration for what they said when they left the nuclear deal that it doesnt matter what is signed, we know you are lying to us. When America says something like that, it has a major effect on Iran in terms of sanctions and political dilemmas. It makes the Iranians deal with their imperialist dreams, he said, adding that he hopes the pressure will continue. In August Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman said that Iran was providing funding to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force in Syria, Hezbollah, Shiite militias in Iraq and Houthi militias in Yemen, as well as Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Gaza, costing them $2.5 billion a year, despite all the difficulties and internal issues in the country, Liberman stressed. Iran wants to have Israel busy on several fronts in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria while at the same time it builds up its nuclear arsenal. Its an asymmetric war, Gallant said. Hezbollah is 10 times stronger than Hamas, and we must be aware of this and its consequences. Any incident with Hezbollah and there will be war, he warned, explaining that Hamas is a weaker but more restive enemy. They are annoyed. But, if Israel decides to, we can do whatever we want in Gaza. Just days after the interview was conducted, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu his wife, Sara, and senior intelligence officials met the sultan of Oman on a surprise, eight-hour visit. It was the first of its kind in over two decades and led to unprecedented public visits by Israeli ministers to Gulf states. Communications Minister Ayoub Kara attended an international media conference in Dubai, and Culture and Sport Minister Miri Regev attended the international judo contest in Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates, where Israels national anthem was played after two gold-medal wins. A week later Transportation Minister Israel Katz arrived in Oman for an international conference. Israeli politicians strongly condemned a hate crime in Ramat HaSharon, where a pig's head was discovered at the gate of a local synagogue on Friday, the Jerusalem Post reports. Interior Minister Aryeh Deri said he was "shocked to the bottom of [his] soul" from what he called a "despicable and reprehensible hate crime." He continued to explain that if such a thing had happened in any other country in the world, "we would all shout and lament." He called on the police to arrest those responsible. Beit Yehudi MK Moti Yogev said that concerns in the secular community about promoting religious content in the educational system [Hadata] "turned into an incitement campaign." Yogev said that his father, who came to Israel before the Holocaust, "would not have believed he would see such an antisemitic sight in the state of Israel." Yogev warned that leaders in the secular Zionist camp must "examine themselves to see if they did not go too far in their efforts to uproot the Torah of Israel from the hearts of their children." Conservative Movement leader Dr. Yizahar Hass called whoever placed the pig's head on the gate of the synagogue "a villain." He stated that in Jewish history, Jews were often humiliated by being forced to touch pigs or eat them, Hass said that "this morning a red line was crossed" and expressed disbelief that "Jews are doing such a thing to their own brothers." He also said that while there is a legitimate struggle on matters concerning religion and state, "such as the fight against Hadata," "such a villainous act has no connection to such a fight," he said. Beit Yehudi MK and vice-Minister of Defense Eli Ben Dahan said that "80 years after Kristallnacht, antisemitism is making a mark in Israel too" on Twitter . "The ongoing incitement against Orthodox Jews in Ramat HaSharon escalated today," he said, "in the shape of a pig's head placed in front of a synagogue. It must be stopped now." Right-wing President-elect Jair Bolsonaro vowed in a tweet on Thursday to investigate Brazils state-run national development bank, BNDES, for corruption by opening its black box of secret transactions, Reuters reported. The BNDES is the largest development lender in the Americas with a loan book larger than the World Banks. Under the leftist Workers Party governments in recent years it financed projects in many Latin American and African countries. Bolsonaro, a former Army captain turned nationalist politician who takes office on Jan. 1, criticized the BNDES during the election campaign for funding projects that had nothing to do with Brazils national interests, such as the container terminal at communist-run Cubas port of Mariel. I will begin my mandate determined to open the black box of the BNDES and reveal to the Brazilian people what was done with their money, he said in Thursdays tweet. In 2011, the BNDES disbursed in Brazil, Latin America and Africa funds totaling $83 billion, more than the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank and the International Monetary Fund put together. Lending dropped off due to Brazils deep 2015-2016 economic recession and a graft investigation into the countys top engineering and construction conglomerates that were among the banks main private borrowers. The bank declined to comment on Bolsonaros vow to probe its lending transactions. The BNDES employees association said in a statement that the bank published ample information about its operations on its website and followed the law regarding bank secrecy. The bank reports its accounts regularly to Brazils securities and exchange commission and the controller general and federal accounts court, besides being the target of three congressional inquiries that did not find any irregularities, the association said. Until today, there has been no evidence that could link BNDES employees to any corruption scheme, it said. A BNDES official told Reuters that the banks operations where open and transparent and had nothing to hide. The bank has no black box. Nobody here fears anything and nobody feels threatened or guilty, the source said, requesting anonymity because he was not authorized to speak about the matter. In 2016, BNDES temporarily froze disbursements worth $4.7 billion for several engineering firms ensnared in Brazils biggest corruption investigation, the Car Wash probe into overpriced contracts with oil company Petroleo Brasileiro SA. The suspension affected projects in Argentina, Cuba, Venezuela, Guatemala, Honduras, the Dominican Republic, Angola, Mozambique and Ghana. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 9 By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend: An Airbus A300 aircraft, which was used as a restaurant, has burned down in one of the parks in the Turkish province of Konya, the Turkish media reported Nov. 9. The incident occurred early in the morning, no one was hurt as a result of the fire, the message says. "The firemen managed to put out the fire," the reports said. The cause of the fire has not been reported. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 9 Trend: Turkey signed memorandums of understanding with Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan on diaspora policies on Thursday, reported inform.kz referring to Anadolu Agency. The MoUs were signed between Turkey's Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB) and the Azerbaijan State Committee on Affairs with Diaspora; and another between YTB and Kazakhstan Citizens Foundation. Speaking at the signing ceremony at the YTB headquarters in the capital Ankara, YTB President Abdullah Eren said Turkey Graduates Association is active in Kazakhstan and it should also open offices in the other Turkic Council countries. Eren said Turkiye Scholarships provides the opportunity to educate 17,775 scholarship recipients from 150 countries in the best universities of Turkey. A cooperation protocol between Turkey's Yunus Emre Institute and Kazakhstan Citizens Foundation was also signed during the event. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 9 By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend: Some 103 militarists have been detained in Istanbul in the framework of the fight against the FETO terrorist movement (the movement of Fethullah Gulen), the Turkish media wrote Nov. 9. There are also officers and high-ranking military officials among the arrested, the message says. It has been discovered during the investigation that the detained men had contacts with the "FETO" terrorist movement. Earlier, the Minister of National Defense of Turkey Hulusi Akar said 15,153 people were dismissed from the Turkish Armed Forces as part of the fight against the FETO terrorist movement. He said the purge in the ranks of the Turkish Armed Forces will continue. On Oct. 30, 40 servicemen of the Turkish Ground Forces were detained as part of the fight against FETO. Fethullah Gulen and his supporters are accused of a military coup attempt in Turkey. A group of rebels attempted a military coup in Turkey on the night of July 16, 2016. The main confrontation broke out in Ankara and Istanbul. More than 250 Turkish citizens were killed, over 2,000 people were injured, the mutiny was suppressed. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 09, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Westhaven Ventures Inc. (TSX-V:WHN) reports that an airborne geophysical survey has commenced across its 2,784 hectare Skoonka and 6,167 hectare Skoonka North gold properties, located within the prospective Spences Bridge Gold Belt (SBGB). Westhaven has engaged Precision GeoSurveys Inc. of Langley, B.C. to fly a helicopter-borne high resolution aeromagnetic survey over both properties covering a combined 8,951 hectares. The survey block will be flown in a systematic low-level grid pattern at 75-metre line spacing over the Skoonka property and 100-metre line spacing over the Skoonka North property. Combined this covers a total of 1,186 line kilometres. The purpose of this program is to increase property coverage and to help uncover favourable structures. It is important to determine structural controls that may be associated with additional zones of gold-silver mineralized veins. Please see maps below. The Spences Bridge Gold Belt (SBGB) Westhaven owns a 100%-interest in 4 properties covering over 35,000 hectares within the prospective SBGB, which is situated within a geological setting like those which host other significant epithermal gold-silver systems. It is close to major transportation routes and infrastructure allowing for cost-effective exploration. The SBGB is a 110-kilometre northwest-trending belt of intermediate to felsic volcanic rocks dominated by the Cretaceous Spences Bridge Group. Sable Resources and Westhaven have a combined control of 86% of the SBGB (225,000ha). Any ground staked by Sable within a 5-kilometre perimeter of Westhaven's existing property boundaries will be subject to a 2.5% NSR. In addition, Westhaven has a 30-day Right of First Refusal (ROFR) for a three-year period on any properties outside of the 5-km area of interest. On behalf of the Board of Directors WESTHAVEN VENTURES INC.s "Gareth Thomas" Gareth Thomas, President, CEO & Director Westhaven Ventures Inc. is a Canadian based exploration company focused on the acquisition and exploration of prospective resource properties. Westhaven is focused on advancing its Shovelnose, Prospect Valley, Skoonka and Skoonka North gold projects in British Columbia. Westhaven trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the ticker symbol WHN. For further information, please call 604-681-5558 or visit Westhavens website at www.westhavenventures.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/87ee33e6-850e-4c34-9507-e5644199481d http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/eddc076f-7b9d-48c9-9f7b-75a427f02d16 An 18,000-acre fire in Northern Californias Butte County forced thousands to evacuate from their homes, hospitals and schools on Thursday. Smoke from the fire, which started Thursday morning, can be seen from as far away as 150 miles, huffingtonpost.com reported. The blaze, known as the Camp fire, is being fueled by gusty winds and low humidity. It is moving at an estimated 80 acres per minute. Large swaths of the state are under a red flag fire hazard warning, and the National Weather Services Sacramento office forecasts the blaze will continue through Friday night. Acting California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a state of emergency on Thursday afternoon. Residents of Butte County and particularly Paradise, California, and its surrounding towns have been ordered to evacuate and take shelter in local churches in the neighboring town of Chico. Residents and even two police officers have also reported leaving their vehicles and evacuating on foot after being met with blackout conditions and gridlocked traffic on the countys roads and highways. Adventist Health Feather River, a hospital in Paradise, evacuated its patients on Thursday afternoon. Classes have been canceled at Butte College and students have been told to evacuate. Residents in the small rural towns that make up Butte County have been ordered to evacuate their large animals or leave them in open pastures. Thousands of people are without power. On Wednesday night, Pacific Gas & Electric Co. informed more than 70,000 customers in nine counties via email that it may be cutting power as a precaution. The company also said about 14,000 residents in Butte County and neighboring Plumas County were without power. California firefighters say climate change is fueling more extreme and destructive fires, stretching resources thin and bringing increased health and safety risks to the job. Now just six months away from graduation, senior mechanical engineering student and Marine Corps veteran Matthew Curtis is well on his way to leaving Texas A&M University with not just a degree, but a potential business as well. Through the SuSu and Mark A. Fischer 72 Engineering Design Center and other entrepreneurial organizations on campus, Curtis has refined his design for a more effective tourniquet, inspired by his service in the military. "I could never really pursue the idea until I came here and had access to the resources and opportunities at the university," Curtis said. "I probably could have come up with something, but it certainly wouldn't be where it is today without those resources." Curtis was among the most recent recipients of the James J. Cain '51 award in the J. Mike Walker '66 Department of Mechanical Engineering this fall, as well as the Cynthia "Cindy" '92 and John Survil '84, and Bebe and Bruce Glasgow '73 scholarships. The California and Washington native enlisted in the Marine Corps out of high school with plans on making it a career. After serving for four years, he returned to California to help his father, who was recovering from ankle surgery, run his business. During that time, Curtis began to research universities and decided to study engineering. After considering several schools across the country, he selected Texas A&M. A self-described hobbyist mechanic, Curtis was drawn to study mechanical engineering because of his natural inclination to work with his hands as well as the discipline's flexibility. He said the broad professional opportunities the department offered upon graduation were greatly appealing to him, and have already begun to serve him well in his development of a new tourniquet. KYODO NEWS - Nov 9, 2018 - 10:35 | All, World The U.N. Security Council on Thursday discussed humanitarian aid to North Korea, with the United States stressing the need to carefully vet organizations to prevent assistance from falling into the wrong hands. "Our goal is to make sure that we don't do anything if it's going to be compromised and not go to the people like we want," U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley told reporters before the closed-door council meeting. "Right now we are doing vetting. We are looking at the technical aspects to make sure that this is not something that could be rerouted in another way and so we are going to take our time to do that." The 15-member Security Council's sanctions on North Korea do not ban humanitarian aid to the impoverished state. But aid organizations complain that necessary supplies cannot be delivered as the screening by the council's sanctions committee is time-consuming. A council source said assistance planned by some agencies such as the U.N. International Children's Emergency Fund has been waiting for the committee's vetting to end. Russia on Wednesday called for the meeting after senior diplomats from Russia, China and North Korea agreed at talks in Moscow in October on the need to ease the sanctions in parallel with steps Pyongyang takes toward denuclearization. The United States, along with Britain and France, have argued for keeping the sanctions until North Korea completes the process of ridding itself of nuclear weapons. The U.S. envoy said Moscow wants to lift banking restrictions that are in place to prevent funds from being illicitly diverted to its nuclear program. "We know exactly why they're trying to do it and we're not going to let it happen," she added. Russian Deputy Ambassador Vladimir Safronkov and other diplomats, who sat in on the meeting, declined to speak to reporters after the session ended. Meanwhile, Haley said Pyongyang had been responsible for postponing a meeting between U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and his North Korean counterpart, Kim Yong Chol, that had been scheduled for Thursday in New York. "North Korea said they needed to postpone it for whatever reason," she told reporters. "Secretary Pompeo was ready to come. We continue to stand ready to talk but I don't think that there was some major issue." "What we're looking at is that they postponed it because they were not ready and Secretary Pompeo and the administration stand ready to talk." KYODO NEWS - Nov 9, 2018 - 16:29 | All, Feature Australian surgeons successfully separated conjoined Bhutanese twins on Friday after almost six hours of surgery, they said. Twins Nima and Dawa Pelden, who are just over 1 year old, were joined at the torso and shared a liver, and underwent surgery at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne under the eye of four surgeons and supporting staff. (Photo courtesy of RCH Melbourne Creative Studio) Lead pediatric surgeon Joe Crameri told a brief news conference after the surgery that the twins are "doing very well" and recovering outside of the intensive care ward, without the assistance of breathing apparatus. The 22-member medical team were initially concerned the girls shared multiple internal organs, including a bowel, but were relieved to discover once the operation began that they only shared a liver. RCH clinicians have successfully separated twins Nima & Dawa in a 6 hour op. Surgery involved a multi-disciplinary team of around 25 clinicians, including the Bhutan paediatrician. Dr Joe Crameri said surgery went smoothly & the girls are recovering well & breathing independently pic.twitter.com/73iN3R7meh RCH Melbourne (@RCHMelbourne) November 9, 2018 "We didn't find surprises, we knew the liver would be connected," Crameri said. "(The liver) was divided successfully without any major bleeding." Nima and Dawa arrived in Australia with their mother from Bhutan in October. But their operation was delayed to provide the twins with extra nutritional support. (Photo courtesy of RCH Melbourne Creative Studio) A Bhutanese pediatrician also travelled with the family to watch the surgery and translate for the girls' mother, according to local media reports. The Victoria state government is reportedly expected to cover the A$350,000 ($254,000) medical bill for the girls' surgery, while flights and accommodation were covered by the Children First Foundation, an Australian-based charity. The twins are expected to be discharged from hospital in a week. By Masakatsu Ota, KYODO NEWS - Nov 9, 2018 - 16:03 | All, World A clear policy difference emerged between Japan and the United States when they had bilateral consultations before a U.N. panel adopted a resolution this month calling for the total elimination of nuclear weapons, according to diplomatic sources. The United States had opposed including some sentences referring to the importance of Article 6 of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and agreements reached at the review conferences on the NPT in 1995, 2000 and 2010 in the Japanese-sponsored U.N. resolution, the sources who spoke on condition of anonymity recently told Kyodo News. (A Japan-sponsored resolution calling for the total elimination of nuclear arms passes a United Nations committee on Nov. 1, 2018.) The article, which was not mentioned in the previous year's similar U.N. resolution, calls on nuclear-armed states to pursue nuclear disarmament. The resolution, titled "United action with renewed determination toward the total elimination of nuclear weapons," was adopted by the First Committee on disarmament issues at the U.N. General Assembly on Nov. 1. But Japan's key ally the United States abstained, calling it a "step back" from last year's document which it supported. According to the sources, before the resolution was adopted by the committee, U.S. diplomats raised strong concerns about the draft of it mentioning the article. Also, the U.S. diplomats expressed strong opposition to a paragraph in the draft which urged all countries to take steps agreed to in the final documents of the NPT conferences, according to the sources. The United States characterized the past agreements as "out of date" under the current security environment, the sources said. The final document agreed in 2000, for example, said there should be an "unequivocal undertaking" by nuclear weapon states to accomplish the complete elimination of their nuclear arsenals. The U.S. diplomats' oppositions reflected the administration of President Donald Trump's reluctance to embrace the obligation of nuclear disarmament under the NPT. The Trump administration also announced last month a decision to withdraw from the 1987 Intermediate Nuclear Forces Treaty, which helped end the Cold War. The United States also asked Japanese diplomats to delete a sentence urging North Korea to "sign and ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty" from the draft resolution, because the Trump administration has already decided not to pursue ratification of the treaty itself, according to the sources. The Japanese government deliberated the U.S. requests before concluding that it should reject them because Japan is the only country to have suffered the devastation of atomic bombings and cannot compromise on its fundamental principles to advocate nuclear disarmament. "It is a red line for us," a Japanese source said. However, the exposed policy difference indicates that there may be difficulties between Japan and the United States in cooperating on nuclear disarmament agendas, as the NPT regime will mark the 50th anniversary in 2020 of the treaty's entry into force. The U.N. resolution, penned by Tokyo, again omitted any reference to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in view of its reliance on the U.S. nuclear umbrella. Taking these realities into consideration, for the past few years the administration of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has said both at home and abroad that it will seek to play a constructive role as a "bridge-builder." But this ambivalent nature of Japan's anti-nuclear policy has drawn criticism from nuclear disarmament advocates. "Being a bridge-builder does not mean that Japan just takes the middle ground between nuclear weapon states and non-nuclear weapon states," Tatsujiro Suzuki, a Nagasaki University professor, said. "As a victim nation of nuclear bombs, Japan should keep a clear distance from the U.S. nuclear arming policy." "A notion of 'humanitarian consequence,' as emphasized in the nuclear ban treaty, is the element Japan has advocated for a long time," said Suzuki, who is also director of the Research Center for Nuclear Weapons Abolition at the university. "Even though Japan is not able to sign it right now, it should declare it will pursue future admission to the treaty. After that, Japan could be trusted as a bridge-builder." Tokyo has drafted and put forward a similar motion calling for the abolition of nuclear arms for the past 25 years, with the latest version endorsed by 160 countries, up 16 from last year. Four countries -- China, North Korea, Russia and Syria -- voted against it and 24 including the United States abstained. KYODO NEWS - Nov 10, 2018 - 01:16 | All, World The preparatory commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty on Friday welcomed the recent ratification of the pact by Thailand and a new signing by the Polynesian island nation of Tuvalu. Bangkok, which ratified the treaty in September, became the 167th state to do so. This also marked the ratification of the pact by all 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. ASEAN has a separate accord called the Southeast Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty, in effect since 1997, which declares Southeast Asia a nuclear weapon-free zone and asks the five recognized nuclear powers -- Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States -- to pledge not to use such weapons in the region. The CTBT aims to establish a verifiable global ban on all types of nuclear explosive tests. Including Tuvalu, the pact has been signed by 184 countries. To take effect, the CTBT must be signed and ratified by the 44 countries that had nuclear reactors for research or power generation while the treaty was under negotiation. Eight of those states -- the United States, China, Egypt, India, Iran, Israel, North Korea and Pakistan -- have yet to ratify it. Based on the IMD warning, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki and Ernakulam districts have been placed under yellow alert on Monday. Mendes Joins Jose Avillez, Miguel Laffan, Rui Paula, Henrique Sa Pessoa, Rui Silvestre and Vitor Sobral NEW YORK, Nov. 09, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TAP Air Portugals Taste the Stars program featuring five Michelin star winning Portuguese chefs and the airlines cuisine consultant Chef Vitor Sobral, is adding Portuguese-American Chef George Mendes to the roster. Until now, the team of chefs comprised Jose Avillez, Miguel Laffan, Rui Paula, Henrique Sa Pessoa, Rui Silvestre and Vitor Sobral. A firstgeneration American born to Portuguese parents, acclaimed chef and cookbook author George Mendes brought elevated Portuguese cooking to New York City when he opened his first restaurant, Aldea, in 2009. After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America in 1992, Mendes spent 17 years honing his knowledge, technique, and style under the guidance of some of the worlds greatest culinary masters including Alain Passard, Martin Berasategui, Roger Verge, Alain Ducasse, and his most influential mentor, David Bouley. At Aldea, Mendes serves a menu of refined Portuguese-inspired dishes reflective of his classic training, Iberian experiences, and the flavors of his heritageearning the restaurant a one-star rating from the Michelin Guide every year since 2010. Mendes has been named a Best New Chef by Food & Wine magazine, and his first cookbook, My Portugal, was published in October 2014 to critical acclaim. He has made numerous television appearances, including on NBC's "TODAY Show," CBS's "This Morning," and Bravo's "Top Chef Masters." When not in chef whites, Mendes enjoys running, fly fishing, and cooking simple and wholesome meals at home. TAP introduced Taste the Stars for Business Class passengers one year ago, offering a selection from one of the award-winning chefs as a choice from their inflight meal selections to promote the best of Portuguese cuisine around the world. Passengers from New Yorks John F Kennedy International Airport will enjoy a selection from George Mendes on their way to Lisbon (including his signature dishes such as Potato and Collard Green Soup; Cod with Potatoes, Onion, Tomato and Black Olives; and Pastel de Nata). I picked the three dishes because they epitomize the traditional flavors and aromas of Portuguese cuisine, as well as my Portuguese heritage. Growing up, for example, I polished off bowls of the Potato and Collard Greens Soup at my aunt Natalias place every Christmas. It defines the culture and the people of Portugal: warm, soulful, and easy to love. TAP investor David Neeleman believes this agreement with the Chefs will allow more people to discover the excellence of Portuguese cuisine and fall in love with the countrys aromas and scents, sunshine and sea, wines and cuisine and, of course, its culture. As part of the Taste The Stars project, TAP offers a platform to promote young talents trained by the Chefs, who will also be given the opportunity to present their creations as part of the new inflight service. TAP flies more than 14 million passengers a year. In 2017, TAP served more than 14 million in-flight meals, almost 528,000 gallons of water, 500,000 gallons of fruit juice and soft drinks, 81,000 pounds of coffee, 46,000 gallons of beer, and more than 132,000 gallons of wine, all of which was produced in Portugal. The Michelin chefs restaurants in Portugal are also part of TAPs Portugal Stopover program, offering free bottles of wine for Stopover travelers visiting Lisbon or Porto, while en route to destinations throughout Europe and Africa. Biographies of the original Taste the Stars chefs are below: Vitor Sobral One of the most famous Portuguese chefs, he is the person who transformed Portuguese cuisine. Chef Sobral is the only Portuguese chef distinguished by the President of Portugal. He is the face of the most international Portuguese group, running restaurants in Portugal and Brazil, where he consistently showcases Portuguese cuisine. In Portugal, he was one of the revolutionaries of the national cuisine and the restaurant business itself. Jose Avillez At Belcanto, Chef Avillez was awarded two Michelin stars and considered one of the Best 100 Restaurants in the World by the renowned "The World's 50 Best Restaurants List." Jose Avillez offers revisited Portuguese cuisine in a sophisticated atmosphere that still keeps a certain romance from the old Chiado. This is the type of cooking that truly identifies him and that expresses his creative evolution. Rui Silvestre His strength, determination and professionalism became clear when, at 29 years old, he was awarded his first Michelin star, for the restaurant Bon Bon, in Carvoeiro, Algarve. While his gastronomic style is based on French technique, he boldly transforms improbable connections in exciting and tasty dishes. He believes that local products, carefully selected, make the difference in each of his dishes which, together with his art, are truly memorable. Miguel Laffan He works on his cooking in a very personal way. In love with Asian flavors, he mixes them with Portuguese flavors in unique ways. Miguel Laffan has been developing his cooking, creating a unique language in Alentejo, at LAND Vineyards Wine Resort since 2011. Henrique Sa Pessoa To Henrique Sa Pessoa, there is only good cooking and bad cooking. He defines his as taste cuisine: with refined tastes, perfect techniques and excellent product. His gastronomic philosophy is in his influences and references: the travels around the world, his passion for Asia, the knowledge of traditional Portuguese cuisine, and life in Lisbon. Rui Paula Rui Paula, won his first Michelin star at his restaurant Casa de Cha da Boa Nova, by the sea in a building signed by the architect Siza Vieira, in Leca da Palmeira. Chef Pauls many years as Chef and the great work by his team in world renowned restaurants. For more information about the Chefs: https://youtu.be/xXJoeHEzgM8 PHOTO (Chefs, top row, left to right: Rui Paula, Jose Avillez, Rui Silvestre, and Vitor Sobral; bottom row, left to right: George Mendes, Henrique Sa Pessoa, and Miguel Laffan): http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2d48a4f6-274f-4ce3-8630-271fc3ff2df9 About TAP Portugal TAP is Portugals leading airline and a member of the global airline Star Alliance since 2005. Flying since 1945, TAP celebrated its 70th anniversary on March 14, 2015, before completing its privatization process later that year, now with the Atlantic Gateway Group as private shareholders. TAPs network comprises 84 destinations in 34 countries worldwide. The airline currently operates around 2,500 weekly flights, with a modern fleet of 63 Airbus aircraft. TAP Express, the airlines regional arm, operates an additional 17 aircraft. With TAPs privatization process, it has restructured its network, launched new fare products and is renewing its medium and long-haul fleet. TAP has 53 Airbus neo aircraft on order and, by 2020, its long-haul fleet will either have been replaced with new aircraft or newly reconfigured aircraft. TAP Express now operates a new fleet of 8 ATR 72 and 9 Embraer 190. TAP is one of Europes most awarded airlines. Global Traveler (USA) named TAP as Best Airline in Europe from 2011 to 2016, and the World Travel Awards named TAP as both Europes Leading Airline to Africa and Europes Leading Airline to South America from 2014 2017. Previously TAP was awarded Worlds Leading Airline to Africa, in 2011 and 2012, and Worlds Leading Airline to South America from 2009 through 2012. TAPs Inflight Magazine, UP, received the World Travel Award as Europes Leading In-flight Magazine for 2015, 2016 and 2017. Company Announcement no. 12/2018 9M 2018 highlights: Reported revenue was EUR 253.5m, an increase of 10.6% when compared with 9M 2017, and an increase of 13.7% when measured in local currencies. As SimCorp Italiana, acquired in August 2017, accounted for 5.5%-points of the increase, organic revenue growth was 8.2%. Q3 2018 revenue in reported currency was EUR 80.7m, 0.5% lower than in Q3 2017. EBIT was EUR 52.5m compared with EUR 43.0m in 9M 2017. Currency fluctuations impacted EBIT negatively by EUR 3.6m during the first nine months of the year. EBIT margin was 20.7% compared with 18.8% in 9M 2017, driven by revenue growth, SimCorp Italiana contribution, and general cost focus. Measured in local currencies, the EBIT margin was 21.5% and the underlying organic EBIT margin was 20.6%. Net profit was EUR 39.3m compared with EUR 31.1m in 9M 2017. Total order intake* from new and add-on licenses was EUR 40.4m, an increase of EUR 7.8m or 24% compared with the same period last year. The order intake in Q3 2018 of EUR 14.5m includes signing of a new client for a subscription agreement in North America and three larger add-on license agreements in Central Europe, Northern Europe and North America. At September 30, 2018, the order book* amounted to EUR 30.3m, an increase of EUR 15.1m when compared with the order book at September 30, 2017. The order book increased by EUR 4.5m in Q3 2018, primarily due to new client driven development orders signed in Southern Europe and North America, where income will be recognized when the software is delivered. Free cash flow was EUR 64.3m compared with EUR 36.1m in 9M 2017 due to positive working capital development in receivables and prepayments from clients. Financial guidance SimCorp maintains its expectations for revenue growth and EBIT margin measured in local currencies for 2018. Revenue growth measured in local currencies is expected to be between 10% and 15%, while the expectation for EBIT margin measured in local currencies remains between 24.5% and 27.5%. Klaus Holse, SimCorp CEO comments: While Q3 was slow in terms of order intake and license revenue, we are pleased with the signing of a new client in North America. We delivered against our targets of double-digit growth and improved EBIT margin for the first nine months, and with a strong order book and sales pipeline, the outlook for Q4 remains positive. * For comparison reason, the order intake and order book do not include SimCorp Italiana (Sofia). Investor presentation SimCorps Executive Management Board will present the report at a conference call Monday, November 12, 2018 at 11:00 am (CET). Please use any of the following phone numbers to dial in to the conference call: From Denmark: +45 3515 8049 From USA: +1 929-477-0324 From other countries: +44 (0)330 336 9105 Pin code to access the call: 6030407 At the end of the presentation there will be a Q&A session. It will also be possible to follow the presentation via this link: https://edge.media-server.com/m6/p/dkpk8i9u. The presentation will be available prior to the conference call via SimCorps website www.simcorp.com. Enquiries regarding this announcement should be addressed to: Investor contacts: Klaus Holse, Chief Executive Officer, SimCorp A/S (+45 3544 8802, +45 2326 0000) Michael Rosenvold, Chief Financial Officer, SimCorp A/S (+45 3544 8800, +45 5235 0000) Anders Hjort, Head of Investor Relations, SimCorp A/S (+45 3544 8822, +45 2892 8881) Media contact: Anders Crillesen, Group Communications Director, (+45 3544 6474, +45 2779 1286) Company Announcement no. 12/2018 Attachment NEW ORLEANS, Nov. 09, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- McGlinchey Stafford PLLC is pleased to announce the inclusion of attorneys in the firms Birmingham, Ala., Jackson, Miss., and Nashville, Tenn. offices in the 2018 edition of Mid-South Super Lawyers. G. Dewey Hembree III , Member, Jackson, Miss., named to Mid-South Super Lawyers in the areas of Business Litigation, Real Estate: Business, and Civil Litigation: Defense , Member, Jackson, Miss., named to Mid-South Super Lawyers in the areas of Business Litigation, Real Estate: Business, and Civil Litigation: Defense Shaun K. Ramey, Member, Nashville, Tenn., named to Mid-South Super Lawyers in the area of Business Litigation Member, Nashville, Tenn., named to Mid-South Super Lawyers in the area of Business Litigation H. Hunter Twiford III, Member, Jackson, Miss., named to Mid-South Super Lawyers in the areas of Business Litigation and Class Action/Mass Torts The following also received the Rising Star designation: Stephen T. Masley , Member, Jackson, Miss., named to Mid-South Super Lawyers Rising Stars in the areas of Civil Litigation: Defense, Bankruptcy: Consumer, and Banking , Member, Jackson, Miss., named to Mid-South Super Lawyers Rising Stars in the areas of Civil Litigation: Defense, Bankruptcy: Consumer, and Banking T. Dylan Reeves , Associate, Birmingham, Ala., named to Mid-South Super Lawyers Rising Stars in the area of Business Litigation , Associate, Birmingham, Ala., named to Mid-South Super Lawyers Rising Stars in the area of Business Litigation Jessica B. Spade, Associate, Birmingham, Ala. and Nashville, Tenn., named to Mid-South Super Lawyers Rising Stars in the area of Banking Since 2004, more than 70 McGlinchey Stafford attorneys have received the distinction of being included in Super Lawyers and the publications Rising Stars lists across the United States. The opening of the firms newest office in Nashville has increased the number of McGlinchey Stafford attorneys named to 2018s Mid-South Super Lawyers to 6 from a total of 4 listings in 2017, with the addition of Ramey and Spade. Lawyers in McGlinchey Staffords Nashville office focus on appellate law, class action defense, commercial litigation, consumer financial services litigation, insurance defense and coverage, and products liability litigation. Hembree, a senior litigator, serves as Managing Member of the firms Jackson office, and practices in the Commercial Litigation section of the firm with a concentration on business litigation and consumer finance. He has more than 30 years of litigation experience in all state and federal courts (including bankruptcy) within Mississippi. He received his J.D. from the University of Mississippi School of Law in 1986. Masleys primary emphasis is on representation of secured creditors at all levels of the bankruptcy process and consumer finance litigation at both the trial and appellate levels. He has represented virtually every major mortgage servicer and multiple other lenders and lessors in all aspects of consumer bankruptcy cases filed under Chapters 7, 13, and 11 of the Bankruptcy Code and commercial bankruptcy cases under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. Masley has also represented virtually every major mortgage servicer, bank, and credit card issuer in defending contested foreclosure and defensive actions and general state law claims. He received his J.D. from the Mississippi College School of Law in 2005. Ramey has extensive experience representing clients in financial services litigation, including individual and class action suits alleging fraud, breach of contract, and violations of consumer protection statutes. Ramey is a frequent industry speaker on mortgage litigation, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and other cutting-edge banking industry topics. He has extensive injunction trial experience, with a broad background in unfair competition, trademark infringement, and business partnership disputes, and involving experience representing corporations, insurers, and manufacturers in lawsuits and arbitrations involving product defects, construction defects, mold exposure, and termite damage. Ramey received his J.D. from the University of Alabama School of Law in 2000. Reeves practice includes business, corporate, and commercial litigation. He represents financial institutions and lenders, business owners, corporate officers, and shareholders in business, corporate, and commercial litigation, products liability, medical malpractice, shareholder disputes, toxic torts, class actions, title insurance defense, and multidistrict litigation. He received his J.D., cum laude, from the University of Alabama School of Law in 2009. Spade works in the firms Nashville and Birmingham offices, and is licensed to represent client matters in Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Spades practice primarily involves commercial litigation and consumer financial services litigation. Additionally, she has experience in the areas of insurance defense litigation, personal injury, premises liability, and products liability. Spade received her J.D., cum laude, from the Samford University Cumberland School of Law in 2015. Twiford is a senior litigator and team leader in the firms Commercial Litigation section, with more than 45 years of practice experience. He chairs the firms Complex Commercial Litigation group and the Mississippi Commercial Litigation section. His practice is exclusively devoted to litigation, primarily in federal court, with emphasis on the defense of class actions and mass actions, complex commercial litigation and complex lender liability litigation. He received his J.D. from the University of Mississippi School of Law in 1972. Super Lawyers has listed outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement since the publications founding in 1991. To be included in a state publication, lawyers are subject to a nomination process, a peer-review survey by practice area, and independent research on candidates. The top five percent of attorneys in each state, as nominated by their peers, are then reviewed by an independent research team that focuses on professional accomplishments, peer recognition, and community involvement. The Rising Star designation recognizes the top 2.5% of lawyers in a given state who are 40 years old or younger, or have been in practice 10 years or less. The Mid-South edition of Super Lawyers and its Rising Stars list includes attorneys from Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee. ABOUT MCGLINCHEY STAFFORD McGlinchey Stafford is a full-service law firm providing innovative legal counsel to business clients nationwide. Guiding clients wherever business and law intersect, McGlinchey Staffords 170 attorneys are based in 14 offices in Alabama, California, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, New York, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington, DC. To learn more about McGlinchey Stafford, visit www.mcglinchey.com . www.mcglinchey.com linkedin.com/company/mcglinchey-stafford facebook.com/McGlincheyStafford Twitter: @mcglinchey McGlinchey Stafford PLLC in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, New York, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington, DC. McGlinchey Stafford LLP in California. Component suppliers to Japan enterprises? Still a distant goal VietNamNet Bridge - Only a few Vietnamese enterprises have become vendors that supply components and accessories to multinationals, though Vietnam has vowed to develop supporting industries. Vietnam vows to develop supporting industries CNS Amura Precision, a mechanical engineering company specializing in precision molds and plastic parts, was chosen by JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) to assist Vietnams SMEs to improve production capability to join supply chains. CNS CEO Nguyen Trong Van said CNS began applying the Japanese 5S model that describes the steps of a workplace organization process: Sort, Straighten, Shine, Standardize and Sustain. First of all, you need to answer why you chose Japanese partners and if your capability can satisfy their requirements, Van said. Businesses should not answer we can do it, but theyd better be honest. Once you confirm I can, you have to keep your promise and do exactly as you committed, he said. Once you can maintain your credibility, other problems can be settled with the cooperation of the two parties. Vietnamese enterprises have problems in productivity improvement, inventory reduction and technology development. Most of them cannot set up business promotion plans due to weak and unclear sales and marketing strategy. CNS is one of 10 enterprises chosen by JICA for the 2018 supporting program. According to Ide Takamichi from JICA, the program will help settle specific problems faced by Vietnams SMEs in the manufacturing sector. Vietnamese enterprises have problems in productivity improvement, inventory reduction and technology development. Most of them cannot set up business promotion plans due to weak and unclear sales and marketing strategy. The program on developing domestic suppliers has been promoted by JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) for years. Many activities and exhibitions are organized annually to tighten relations among enterprises in supporting industries of Vietnam and Japan, and accelerate the development of Vietnams electronics and automobile industries. Initial achievements have been gained, but they are still far below expectations. A survey by JETRO found that Japanese registered investment in Vietnam soared from $2.15 billion in 2016 to $8.64 billion in 2017. There are nearly 2,500 Japanese companies operational in Vietnam, 50 of which are in the manufacturing sector. Seventy percent of Japanese enterprises said they would expand business in Vietnam in the next few years, the highest level among six surveyed countries - the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, China, Thailand and Vietnam. However, Japanese enterprises complained that most input materials and components are imported from Japan or China as they find it difficult to find suppliers in Vietnam. Idei Ippei of JETRO said the localization ratio in Vietnam in 2017 was the lowest among the six surveyed countries, at 33.2 percent, though the figure from foreign invested enterprises in Vietnam was higher than in other countries. The figure was relatively low for Vietnamese enterprises, 13.1 percent, which was even lower than the 14.1 percent in 2016. RELATED NEWS Vietnam still struggling to develop supporting industries EU offers golden opportunity for supporting industries Mai Lan FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Nov. 09, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Carrier & Technology Solutions, LLC, ( CTS), a leading provider of technology and outsourcing solutions to the insurance industry whose shareholders are certain funds and accounts managed by each of Cerberus Business Finance, LLC and its affiliates ("Cerberus") and TCW Asset Management Company LLC ("TCW"), announced today that it has hired David G. Hampson, CPCU, MBA as our new Chief Strategy Officer. David is also the Chairman of Schrager Hampson Aviation Insurance Agency in charge of strategic direction for the Agency. He previously served as President & CEO of Willis Programs and in that role he was responsible for providing strategic direction; profit center productivity; development of best practices for continuous improvement in sales, marketing, and customer services; and relationship building with insurance company management. During his tenure as President & CEO of Willis Programs, David established Willis Programs as a leading provider of Specialty Programs in North America. David has been active in professional organizations dedicated to the risk management and insurance profession and has lectured and published articles on various aspects of risk management, insurance, insurance program development and what it takes to achieve success in the insurance and insurance services industry. He has developed proprietary models for predicting the success of new insurance programs and analyzing the health of existing insurance programs. David received his M.B.A. with a concentration in Risk Management and Insurance from the University of Georgia. He received his B.S. in Business with a major in risk and insurance from Florida State University. With Davids extensive experience, he will be focused on the establishment of new specialty insurance programs that will be a complement to our existing businesses. About Carrier & Technology Solutions, LLC Carrier & Technology Solutions, LLC, Inc. is a national provider of comprehensive technology and outsourcing solutions that help insurance companies and employers mitigate risk, comply with complex regulations and save time and money. Carrier & Technology Solutions, LLC provides general agency services, technology outsourcing, software solutions, specialty underwriting, claims and policyholder services, and self-funded health plans to its insurance carrier clients, employers and other clients. Carrier & Technology Solutions, LLC is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. For more information about Carrier & Technology Solutions, LLC, please visit www.ctsholdings.com . Carrier & Technology Solutions, LLC 954-670-2900 The University of Texas at El Paso will be a pivotal leader in the collection of critical performance data for the 3D-printing industry while offering immense benefits to students through an expanded agreement with America Makes. The announcement was made Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, at a joint press conference with America Makes held at the W.M. Keck Center for 3D Innovation at UTEP. The amended agreement is an expansion of one originally signed in April 2015, which made UTEP the first America Makes Satellite Center. The updated pact expands the Keck Center's national impact by providing additional services to America Makes member institutions that will add significant value to their association. The new agreement will help fill the tremendous need in the additive manufacturing (AM) community for access to critical performance data from AM-produced parts. "We are excited to announce this expanded collaboration with America Makes," UTEP President Diana Natalicio said. "This is a significant step in the effort to generate data that can be used to move the additive manufacturing industry forward. It is also a validation of UTEP, through the W.M. Keck Center for 3D Innovation, as a national leader in additive manufacturing. We look forward to addressing the needs of America Makes while offering our students opportunities to participate in groundbreaking work in a thriving technology industry." Managed by the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM), America Makes is the nation's leading public-private partnership to innovate and accelerate additive manufacturing technology. "Since our inception, America Makes has worked tirelessly to foster a highly collaborative membership community for the open exchange of additive manufacturing information and research with the singular goal of advancing our industry," said Rob Gorham, America Makes executive director. "Today's announcement of our newly updated agreement with UTEP further underscores our dedication to our industry and demonstrates the ongoing success of our collaboration with UTEP and the Keck Center. The goal of the new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is to expand our current Satellite Center relationship by incorporating services that will provide tremendous strategic value and competitive advantage to the America Makes membership community." In 2015, America Makes designated UTEP's Keck Center as its first America Makes Satellite Center with the goal of promoting America Makes' mission and expanding its regional, industrial and technological footprint to innovate and accelerate 3D printing as well as increase domestic manufacturing and economic competitiveness. Under the new MOU with America Makes, UTEP's Keck Center will be the focal point of an effort to provide America Makes' membership community with greater access to critical performance data for 3D-printed components. "The Keck Center's ongoing dedication to advancing additive manufacturing and all of the supporting technologies and creating a skilled workforce aligns perfectly with the mission of America Makes," said Ralph Resnick, America Makes founding director and NCDMM president and chief executive officer. "On behalf of all of us at America Makes, we are pleased to have our relationship with UTEP and the Keck Center enter this new phase. The America Makes membership community and industry at large will benefit greatly from the expanded services available at the America Makes Satellite Center." Additionally, workforce needs will be significantly addressed through the increased number of graduates who will have direct expertise in specific additive manufacturing and testing technologies. "Dr. Ryan Wicker, director of the W.M. Keck Center for 3D Innovation, has built an extraordinary facility, program and operation over the years," said Theresa A. Maldonado, Ph.D., dean of UTEP's College of Engineering. "The Keck Center is an international beacon for 3D manufacturing capabilities that support the fabrication of a range of components, from very large-scale aerospace fixtures to the most delicate biological elements for human health. At the same time, Dr. Wicker is deeply committed to developing a workforce with the technical and leadership skills required to advance this dynamic manufacturing environment for years to come." "UTEP has done an exemplary job growing the America Makes partnership for our students and community in El Paso," said U.S. Rep.-elect Veronica Escobar. "This program is not only expanding the skillset and opportunities in science and technology for our young minds but is also allowing us to be more competitive through advanced manufacturing research and innovation. UTEP is playing a leading role in economic development by connecting our talented workforce to job opportunities here in our region." An added benefit for America Makes members who seek services at the Keck Center will be an option to apply the costs incurred to build and test 3D-printed components toward membership fees through the @Program. "It's an arrangement that benefits all parties," said Ryan Wicker, Ph.D., founder and director of the Keck Center. "Through this initiative, America Makes members will be able to utilize our state-of-the-art equipment and generate significant data that can in turn assist our industry in determining how best to use 3D printing for designing and producing next generation products. We will be working with 3D printing equipment manufacturers and materials suppliers to maintain a high level of technological advancement at the Keck Center. Lastly, our students will benefit from the direct work they perform and through the research avenues that companies will pursue as they learn more about their products." Wicker added that the collaboration with America Makes will make UTEP an attractive institution to companies in the additive manufacturing sector seeking a locale near high-end expertise and performance. Wicker points to the recent announcement from Aconity3D -- one of the world's emerging technology leaders in the production of 3D printing equipment, which installed its North American base of operations at UTEP in July -- as evidence of the campus' rising prominence. "Every company that we work with will recognize the value UTEP adds," Wicker said. "We are confident that we will produce a substantial quantity of follow-on research, increase industry-sponsored activities and interest in our region, and build this initiative into a thriving workforce and economic development platform for this community." ### About the W.M. Keck Center for 3D Innovation Located at The University of Texas at El Paso, the W.M. Keck Center for 3D Innovation (Keck Center) is a unique multidisciplinary research facility focused on the use and development of additive manufacturing (AM) technologies with primary focus areas in AM Technology Development (large area and hybrid processes), AM-Enabled Materials Science (metals, polymers, and ceramics), and Advanced AM Applications (3D-printed electronics, biomedical, and others). Established in 2000, the Keck Center is home to more than 65 AM systems and more than 60 students, faculty and staff from various engineering disciplines. In 2015, UTEP became the first satellite center of America Makes as a result of the growing relationship between the Keck Center and the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM). In addition to its 13,000 square feet of on-campus research space, the Keck Center recently expanded its operations to a 17,000-square-foot off-campus facility, providing additional space for research, economic development and training. For more information, visit keck.utep.edu. About America Makes America Makes is the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute. As the national accelerator for additive manufacturing (AM), America Makes is the nation's leading and collaborative partner in AM and 3D printing (3DP) technology research, discovery, creation and innovation. Structured as a public-private partnership with member organizations from industry, academia, government, nongovernment agencies, and workforce and economic development resources, we are working together to innovate and accelerate AM to increase our nation's global manufacturing competitiveness. Based in Youngstown, Ohio, America Makes is the first Institute within the Manufacturing USA infrastructure and is driven by the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM). For more information about America Makes, visit http://www.americamakes.us. About NCDMM NCDMM delivers innovative and collaborative manufacturing solutions that enhance our nation's workforce and economic competitiveness. NCDMM has extensive knowledge and depth in manufacturing areas -- both commercial and defense -- to continually innovate, improve and advance manufacturing technologies and methodologies. Our experienced team specializes in identifying the needs, the players, the technologies, and processes to attain optimal solutions for our customers. We connect the dots. That's the NCDMM methodology. NCDMM also manages the national accelerator for additive manufacturing (AM) and 3D printing (3DP), America Makes -- the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute. For additional information, visit the NCDMM at http://www.ncdmm.org. Diarrheal disease, a preventable and treatable illness, remains the second-leading cause of death in children under the age of 5 and a persistent public health threat in sub-Saharan Africa. Researchers have now uncovered how surface water dynamics may increase the vulnerability of dependent populations to diarrheal disease and climate change. Kathleen Alexander, professor of wildlife in Virginia Tech's College of Natural Resources and Environment, in collaboration with Alexandra Heaney and Jeffrey Shaman, both of Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health, has been conducting research on the influence of flood pulse dynamics on diarrheal disease along the Chobe River flood plain system in northern Botswana. The results of their study, funded by the National Science Foundation, were published in PLOS Medicine. Alexander's research is focused on communities reliant on surface water in the Chobe River flood plain system. This river system, like others in Africa, experiences annual floods that are highly variable, both seasonally and from year to year. Alexander and her team wanted to know if surface water dynamics were contributing to diarrheal disease outbreaks and how climate change, predicted to increase flooding and hydrological variability, might increase the vulnerability of local human populations to diarrheal disease. Despite the presence of centralized water treatment infrastructure, outbreaks of diarrheal disease continue to occur in a quasi-regular pattern in the region. "It was a fundamental question for me," Alexander said. "These places are doing everything right, but local populations are still impacted by diarrheal disease. Why does the infrastructure fail to protect these communities, and what can we do to improve public health now and under future environmental conditions?" In partnership with the government of Botswana, the researchers evaluated outbreak patterns across eight villages and towns along the Chobe River, utilizing decades of data from 10 government health facilities. They evaluated these data in conjunction with detailed hydrometeorological conditions, including bimonthly water quality studies that spanned nearly a decade. They discovered that increases in diarrheal disease cases were closely tied to periods of rainfall, flood recession, and changes in surface water quality, with a 1 meter drop in river height in the dry season associated with a staggering 16.7 percent increase in diarrheal disease in children under 5. A significant finding was that various age groups were affected differently by season, with children aged 1 to 4 experiencing more illnesses in the wet season with rainfall events, whereas older children and adults reported more diarrhea in the dry season during periods of flood recession. Diarrhea type also varied significantly by season. "What this tells us is that environmental conditions drive diarrheal disease -- not just the number of diarrhea cases and timing of outbreaks but also who is affected and what type of diarrhea might occur," said Alexander, who is also affiliated with Virginia Tech's Fralin Life Science Institute. Adults and children were equally affected, suggesting that in high HIV burden populations such as those in northern Botswana, an expansion of diarrheal disease surveillance and intervention strategies may be needed to engage other at-risk sectors of the population beyond the under-5 age class. While flooding of a region is often associated with disease outbreaks in other systems, it was the draining of water from the flood plains that was most closely tied to diarrheal disease and degraded water quality in this study. "This research shows the complex relationships among people, wildlife, and the water cycle in regions with pronounced wet and dry seasons," said Richard Yuretich, a director of the National Science Foundation's Dynamics of Coupled Natural and Human Systems program, which funded the research. "The pattern of disease associated with changes in the volume and quality of water can help in designing water-treatment systems that are responsive to the natural ebb and flow of the environment." The researchers hypothesize that extreme variability in surface water conditions associated with annual rainfall and flood dynamics may compromise water treatment facilities that require removal of sediments and solids to be effective. "These highly variable surface water dynamics are difficult to manage in many water treatment plants, potentially increasing waterborne disease risk in dependent populations," Alexander said. In southern Africa, climate change is predicted to intensify hydrological variability and the frequency of extreme events such as drought and floods, suggesting that dependent populations will be more vulnerable to waterborne disease. "There is an urgent need to evaluate water infrastructure and ensure these systems are able to handle rapid shifts in surface water quality," Alexander said. Alexander emphasized that the complex dynamics influencing diarrheal disease underscore the need for inclusion of research dimensions not usually considered in the field of public health. "A single scale of study is often inadequate to understanding today's complex problems," she noted. "Public health research must look beyond the patient, engaging multiscale and multidisciplinary approaches that span the human-environmental interface." Alexander, a wildlife veterinarian, disease ecologist, and co-founder of the Center for Conservation of African Resources: Animals, Communities, and Land Use (CARACAL) in Botswana, directs her research program at exploring and understanding the factors that influence the emergence and persistence of novel and re-emerging diseases at the human-wildlife-environment interface. ### Funding for this study was provided by the National Science Foundation's Dynamics of Coupled Natural and Human Systems program, with additional support contributed through the Empowerment of Non State Actors Programme, a joint partnership between the government of Botswana and the European Union. This paper is part of the PLOS Medicine Special Issue: Climate Change and Health. Description Ecolin Jewelers and LAGOS invite Long Islanders to attend the 'My LAGOS My Way' event on Saturday, November 17th, from 11 AM until 7 PM. LAGOS' Fall 2018 collections will be prominently featured at this special event. Call 631-473-1117 to reply English German Spanish French ST. MICHAEL, Barbados, Nov. 09, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mystique Blue Boutique Suites, a modern and elegant beachfront resort, opened its doors on Friday, November 02, 2018. Set on one of Mexico's most pristine and secluded destinations, Mystique Blue offers discerning travelers a luxurious vacation experience with unique dining, upscale services and breathtaking off-property excursions. Mystique Blue offers beach-life luxury in a nearly uninhabited environment. With a design inspired by Isla Holbox itself, the boutique resort celebrates the beauty of nature through its decor while never sacrificing indulgent features. With 38 suites to choose from guests can enjoy upscale amenities including spacious balconies with suspended nest-style seats, 55" Satellite TVs, unlimited WIFI connectivity and custom mattresses that allow for unparalleled comfort. Mystique Blue is a hidden gem for the nature lover. Guests can bike up and down the island's car-free roads, enjoy sightings of exotic birds, interact with local fisherman and explore the Yum Balam, a protected nature reserve found within the 26-mile island. The resort's concierge is available to book off-property excursions, be it kayaking through the mangroves, learning to kiteboard or swimming with the magnificent whale sharks that frequent the waters surrounding the island from May to September. For more information about Mystique Blue, visit www.mystiqueresorts.com or contact your travel agent. Like us on Facebook and be the first to see new promotions, pictures, videos, and more. About Mystique Resorts The newest addition to Blue Diamond Resorts' ever-growing portfolio, Mystique Resorts , is a boutique-style resort collection that offers personalized experiences in strikingly beautiful places. Mystique Resorts are contemporary, luxurious and exquisite resorts firmly rooted in some of the world's most vibrant destinations and poised to attract luxury travelers seeking to explore their surroundings. Mystique Blue , located on Mexico's Isla Holbox, and Mystique Royal Saint Lucia are ideal resorts for both families and couples alike, as they offer upscale amenities, unparalleled service and unique locales. ABSTRACT The US Department of Energy is currently building strategies for the expansion of clean and renewable energy sources, and tall, rapidly-growing grasses such as giant miscanthus (Miscanthus giganteus) and giant reed (Arundo donax) are two of the many of species that could fill this renewable energy niche. The objective was to compare stalk growth components of giant miscanthus and giant reed, in a low-input system (no irrigation and no fertilizer use) in Arkansas, USA. Due to the potential invasiveness of giant reed, our study was conducted on an upland site to minimize escape. Plant height and dry weight per stalk were measured every week for two consecutive growing seasons in 2012 and 2013. Leaf area index (LAI) was measured every two weeks from May to September in 2012. A significant species day interaction occurred for plant height and dry weight per stalk, due to the relatively greater height and weight of giant reed compared to giant miscanthus after May. Stalk elongation rate was greater for giant reed than giant miscanthus (1.85 and 1.11 cm day1, respectively). Leaf area index differed between species, giant reed (10.4 m2 m2) > giant miscanthus (4.4 m2 m2). We showed that giant reed produced taller, heavier stalks, and had a greater stalk elongation rate, compared to giant miscanthus. For sustainable bioenergy production from giant reed in Arkansas, further studies should be performed to determine ideal number of harvests per year and associated production cost. Keywords: Miscanthus giganteus, Arundo donax, Growth, Stalk Elongation Rate, Dry Weight per Stalk 1. Introduction In the US alone, total transport fuel consumption is 195 billion gallons per year, with fossil fuels contributing nearly 93% of the total [1]. Carbon dioxide released from the combustion of fossil fuels in turn increases atmospheric CO 2 , and the associated rise in atmospheric CO 2 has contributed to the increase in global temperature [2]. The CO 2 produced by combustion of biofuels, however is partially compensated by CO 2 fixed during plant growth [3] [4]. Therefore, replacing fossil fuels with biofuels could mitigate global temperature increases. Maize is a major source of biofuel in the US and globally [5] [6]. In recent years the focus has shifted toward using prairie grasses instead of maize because total maize grain produced in US per year can meet only 12% of the biofuel demand, and maize requires intensive fertilization, resulting in a small net positive carbon balance [7]. Giant miscanthus (Miscanthus giganteus Greef & Deuter ex Hodkinson & Renvoize) is a rhizomatous C 4 perennial grass [8] [9] which requires little fertilizer and pesticides [10], is capable to grow under a variety of environmental conditions, and has high nitrogen-use efficiency [11] [12]. It requires little soil management and use of fossil fuels during establishment, and reduces soil erosion once established [13]. In addition to rhizome propagation, micropropagation is possible; thus, large numbers of plants can be rapidly produced in a short time [14]. The mature plant can grow up to 4 m-tall with roots penetrating to 1.8 m [15]. If giant miscanthus was grown on 9.3% of current US cropland, it could provide 20% of current gasoline needs [6]. Giant reed (Arundo donax L.) is able to grow in a range of soils [16], becomes drought tolerant after one year of establishment [16], and can survive in saline and metal-contaminated soils [17] [18]. Its vegetative growth potential and propagation efficacy make giant reed a highly-competitive plant [16]. Furthermore, giant reed stems and leaves contain phytochemicals that protect the plant from insect and animal predation [19]. A sterile triploid, giant reed propagates by agamic reproduction through rhizomes, shoots, and stem nodes [20]. A single rhizome can form a dense bunch of stems and eventually propagate across a large land area [16]. Under optimal conditions, rhizomes can grow up to 50 cm and fibrous roots can penetrate to 5 m soil depth [21]. Giant reed can attain a height of 8 m, growing at a rate of 4 - 7 cm day1 [17]. Although giant reed has C 3 physiology, its photosynthetic potential is comparable to that of a C 4 species [22]. Giant reed is capable of producing high net energy yields [8]. Studies have shown that fraction of intercepted photosynthetically active radiation (FIPAR) absorbed by photosynthesizing tissue can be used to estimate vegetative productivity and yield in the absence of destructive sampling technique or harvest data [23]. The FIPAR provides information about the effectiveness with which a plant intercepts light and can be used to calculate the leaf area index (LAI) using Beers law without direct measurement of leaf area [24] [25] [26] [27] [28]. Giant miscanthus and giant reed both have a high stalk elongation rate and biomass yield from low inputs [16], and can be used as biofuels by direct combustion, anaerobic digestion, or alcoholic fermentation [29] [30]. Stalk elongation rate of giant miscanthus and giant reed varies depending on water table, temperature, photoperiod, and soil nutrient status [8] [31]. The aim of this study was to compare stalk elongation rate and dry weight per stalk of giant miscanthus and giant reed under a low-input system in Arkansas, USA. 2. Materials and Methods 2.1. Site Description This study was conducted near Booneville, Arkansas (35.08N, 93.98W). The soil at the experimental site was a Leadvale silt loam (fine-silty, siliceous, semiactive, thermic Typic Fragiudults), with water movement and plant rooting limited by a fragipan at a depth of 0.15 to 1.0 m [32]. During late winter and early spring, the fragipan layer severely restricts water movement in the soil profile, and a perched water table is common at a depth of 61 to 91 cm or more [32]. The site received 99 cm rainfall in 2012 and 135 cm in 2013, with the 30-year (1981 to 2010) mean annual precipitation of 127 cm (Figure 1(a)) [33]. Mean annual temperatures in 2012 and 2013 were 18.2C and 15.6C, respectively. The 30-year mean annual temperature was 15.5C, with a winter minimum of 10.6C and summer maximum of 32.3C (Figure 1(b)) [33]. 2.2. Plant Establishment Giant miscanthus rhizomes (proprietary clone Q42641, Biomass Industrial Crops, Ltd., Somerset, UK) and axillary internode buds of giant reed (obtained from a riparian area along the Little River near Temple, Texas) were transplanted to a greenhouse in fall 2006. Tubs containing rhizomes (giant miscanthus) or axillary internode buds (giant reed) were placed in a temperature-controlled greenhouse (22C - 27C) under natural light (12 - 14 h daylight per day). Detailed information on these origins of the plant material can be found in previous publications [34] [35] [36]. In March 2007, greenhouse clones of 5 clones per species were planted in a split-plot arrangement with four replicates. In each split-plot five clones of one of the two species were arranged in single row at 1 m spacing. Rows of split-plots were spaced at 2.5 m. To ensure successful establishment, plots were irrigated occasionally during the first two years (2006 and 2007), but were not irrigated thereafter. Each spring, prior to regrowth, plants were cut to a 15 cm stubble height. Chemical weed suppressors, fertilizer, and soil amendments were not applied during the entire study period. 2.3. Measurement of Plant Height and Biomass Yield Plant height and dry weight per stalk were measured every week from March through September in 2012 and 2013. A 0.3 m 0.3 m PVC pipe frame was permanently placed in each plot to mark plot locations. In each split-plot there Figure 1. (a) Total monthly precipitation and (b) mean monthly temperature in Booneville, AR in 2012 and 2013. Total monthly precipitation and temperature (1981-2010) were obtained from NOAA (2010). were five plants per PVC frame, and four replicates per species. Four individual stalks within each frame were tagged and labeled for repeated measurements of height. Plant height was initially measured using a meter stick, then two meter sticks, and then a tree measurement pole. To assess dry weight per stalk, 4 plants were cut at 15 cm stubble height from similarly-sized stalks adjacent to the repeatedly measured stalks, but not so close as to affect growth of the plants being measured for height. One plant per plot with a total of four replicates per treatment were sampled. Stalks were cut into small sections, dried in a forced-air draft oven at 60C for 48 h, and weighed to determine dry mass. 2.4. Calculation of Leaf Area Index (LAI) Photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) was measured with a 0.8 m long Sunfleck Ceptometer PAR light bar sensor (Decagon Devices Inc., Pullman, WA) twice per month from May through September in 2012. Changes in personnel prevented us from conducting measurements in 2013. In each plot, five measurements of PAR were taken below the canopy and five above, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. local time. The fraction of incident PAR intercepted by the canopy (FIPAR) was calculated by subtracting the ratio of PAR below the canopy to that above the canopy from 1.0 [37]. We used Beers law [24] to calculate LAI according to the formula: LAI = [ ln ( 1 FIPAR ) ] / k , where k is the light extinction coefficient. The value of k was assumed to be constant over the growing period [38], and k = 0.6 for giant miscanthus [10] [39] [40] [41] and k = 0.29 for giant reed [42] [43]. 2.5. Statistical Analysis The experimental design was a randomized complete block design with four blocks per treatment. Treatments were grass species and sampling day. Species, day, and the species day interaction were considered fixed effects, and year and replication were considered random effects. Analysis of variance was conducted using the PROC MIXED procedure of SAS [44]. Residuals were normally-distributed using the Shapiro-Wilk test- and homogeneity of variance was confirmed using Levenes F-test. When mean squares were significant (P 0.05), pairwise post-hoc comparisons of the least square means were conducted using LSD (P 0.05). Means separations were performed by the SAS macro pdmix800 [45] with Fishers Type-1 error rate of 5%. 3. Results 3.1. Plant Height and Dry Weight per Stalk Plant height was significantly (P < 0.0001; Table 1) affected by the species day interaction which was due to the greater height of giant reed than giant miscanthus after May (Figure 2). Before May, height of both species was similar (P > 0.05); however, after May giant reed was taller compared with giant miscanthus and remained taller till the end of the study in September (P < 0.0001). Giant miscanthus and giant reed had mean plant heights of 223 and 358 cm, respectively, in August (Figure 2). Dry weight also was significantly (P < 0.001) affected by the species day interaction, which was due to the greater weight of giant reed than giant miscanthus after May (Figure 3). The greatest dry weight per stalk for giant miscanthus and giant reed was observed in August, when measurements were 36.3 and 192.5 g, respectively. Figure 2. Effect of species [giant miscanthus (Miscanthus giganteus) and giant reed (Arundo donax L.)] on plant height measured weekly during the growing season in 2012 and 2013 in Booneville, Arkansas, USA. Asterisks above the sampled day indicate significant differences in plant height between species (Post hoc test; P < 0.05). Figure 3. Effect of species [giant miscanthus (Miscanthus giganteus) and giant reed (Arundo donax L.)] on dry weight per stalk measured weekly during the growing season in 2012 and 2013 in Booneville, Arkansas, USA. Asterisks above the sampled day indicate significant differences in dry weight per stalk between species (Post-hoc test; P < 0.05). 3.2. Stalk Elongation Rate Stalk elongation rate had significant species and day responses (P 0.004; Table 1; Figure 4), but the species day interaction was not significant (P = 0.74). Stalk elongation rate was greater for giant reed than giant miscanthus (1.85 and 1.11 cm day1 respectively; P = 0.003). Table 1. Analysis of variance results for giant miscanthus (Miscanthus giganteus) and giant reed (Arundo donax L.) sampled weekly during the growing season in 2012 and 2013 in Booneville, AR. aLeaf area index was measured every two weeks from May to September in 2012. Figure 4. Effect of species [giant miscanthus (Miscanthus giganteus) and giant reed (Arundo donax L.)] on growth rate per day measured weekly during the growing season in 2012 and 2013 in Booneville, Arkansas, USA. Asterisks above the sampled day indicate significant differences in stalk elongation rate between species (Post-hoc test; P < 0.05). 3.3. Leaf Area Index The species day interaction was not significant for LAI (P = 0.27; Figure 5), and LAI was greater for giant reed than giant miscanthus at any sampling day. Species means were 4.4 and 10.4 m2 m2 for giant miscanthus and giant reed, respectively (data not shown). Figure 5. Effect of species [giant miscanthus (Miscanthus giganteus) and giant reed (Arundo donax L.)] on leaf area index measured every two weeks from May to September in 2012 in Booneville, Arkansas, USA. Asterisks above the sampled day indicate significant differences in leaf area index between species (Post-hoc test; P < 0.05). 4. Discussion In the current study, both giant miscanthus and giant reed grew relatively well under this low-input system. Giant reed was taller, had greater dry weight per stalk, stalk elongation rate, and LAI than giant miscanthus. Consistent with our study, Angelini et al. [8] also reported that giant miscanthus was shorter than giant reed central Italy. However, plant heights of giant miscanthus and giant reed measured in our study were shorter than in central Italy [8]. Site differences in water availability, fertilization, weed control, solar radiation, and air and soil temperatures, and clonal differences, could have caused location differences [8]. A previous, more intensively-managed study of these plants showed that mean heights of giant miscanthus and giant reed were 230 and 410 cm, respectively [35], which are comparable to plant heights in the present study and in other studies conducted in Europe and USA [46] [47]. Nitrogen fertilization and irrigation alone had no effect on aboveground biomass production [12] [35] [48] [49], but N fertilization with irrigation increased total biomass production of giant miscanthus [8] [50] [51]. For giant reed, application of N alone [52] or N and irrigation increased production [53]. In contrast to our study, research on a coastal area of Italy characterized by high solar radiation and nutrient rich soils with a shallow water table showed that giant miscanthus was taller and had greater dry weight per stem than giant reed [31]. Dry weight per stalk of giant miscanthus and giant reed were similar until the first week of April, quite early in the growing season, after which giant reed was heavier throughout the study period. Similar results were reported from our previous study, and in an Italian study [8] [35]. Rhizomes of giant miscanthus are impacted by drought condition more than giant reed, but adequate soil moisture is needed by both species during establishment [54]. We showed previously that irrigation increased dry matter yield of plant-cane and first ratoon crops of giant reed, but did not affect giant miscanthus [35]. Irrigation did not significantly affect second ratoon yields of either species [36]. After establishment, giant miscanthus roots can penetrate to 3 m-depth in alluvial soil [55]. Normal growth is achieved with rainfall > 5 cm mo1 during summer, and adequate soil nutrient availability [8]. Stalk elongation rate of giant miscanthus and giant reed is affected by soil nutrient status, solar radiation, fertilization, and soil moisture [56] [57] [58]. Giant miscanthus grew at a rate of 2 cm day1 during July, reaching only 120 cm-height, due to the short summers at a northern site in Lithuania [55]. In a Mediterranean climate, giant miscanthus can grow at a rate of 3.5 cm day1 for two months reaching 334 cm by November [31]. In another Mediterranean study [56], giant reed had a maximum stalk elongation rate of 2 - 3 cm day1 in June, with plants reaching 250 - 300 cm by September. In California, the stalk elongation rate of giant reed was 6.25 cm day1 for the first 40 days of growth, 2.3 cm day1 for the first 150 days, and plants ultimately attained a height of 400 cm [54]. Giant reed can potentially grow at 4.2 - 10 cm day1 under ideal conditions achieve a plant height of 500 cm [17]. Leaf area index is the fundamental factor driving plant growth as it critically influences the amount of light intercepted [59]. At the time of measurement initiation in May, giant miscanthus and giant reed had already reached maximum or near maximum LAI. Giant reed LAI in this study was within the range reported for plants grown in a semi-arid Mediterranean environment during June but greater than that reported a Mediterranean coastal area [31] [53]. We found that LAI of giant miscanthus was lower than that reported in a Mediterranean coastal area in Greece and in Italy, which could be due to shorter height of giant miscanthus in the current study [31] [60]. Nitrogen fertilization and irrigation resulted in greater LAI and increased aboveground biomass production in giant reed and giant miscanthus [51] [53]. In our study, neither irrigation nor fertilizer were applied, which likely decreased maximum LAI of giant miscanthus. Interestingly, LAI of giant reed was greater than that reported by Cosentino et al. [53] despite our low input practice. 5. Conclusion Giant reed was taller, and had greater dry weight per stalk, stalk elongation rate and LAI than giant miscanthus. In this minimal input practice with summer rainfall 5 cm per month and no additional input of fertilizers and herbicide, giant reed grew to 358 cm and produced stalk dry weights of 192 g per stalk with a production cycle of at least 7 years. Growth and yield of both species need to be studied across a range of sites and management inputs before either is recommended for on-farm production. Acknowledgements USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Mentioned trade names or commercial products in this article is solely for the purpose of providing specific information and does not imply recommendation or endorsement by the USDA. The authors gratefully acknowledge Karen Chapman and Brent Woolley for their technical assistance. Conflicts of Interest The authors declare no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of this paper. Cite this paper Acharya, M., Burner, D.M., Ashworth, A.J., Fritschi, F.B. and Adams, T.C. (2018) Growth Rates of Giant Miscanthus (Miscanthus giganteus) and Giant Reed (Arundo donax) in a Low-Input System in Arkansas, USA. American Journal of Plant Sciences, 9, 2371-2384. https://doi.org/10.4236/ajps.2018.912172 References ABSTRACT The rapid epidemic of highly pathogenic A/H5N1 avian influenza virus by transmission from poultry to humans triggered global unrest in the pandemic of novel influenza. If a human trophic strain of avian influenza viruses replicates in livestock including pigs and chickens, it may have high infectivity and pathogenicity to humans. The most effective method of reducing the outbreaks of influenza would be prophylaxis with an effective vaccine as well as anti-viral drugs including Oseltamivir and Zanamivir hydrate. In this study, chicken antiserum against A/H5N1 virus was produced: the antisera from immunized adult chicken had a strong binding activity to A/H5N1 viral antigens by ELISA. Furthermore, the antiserum strongly inhibited hemaggregation of erythrocytes and cytopathic effects in MDCK cells, indicating a strong neutralization activity against A/H5N1 infections. Interestingly, the mortality rate of chicks inoculated with A/H5N1 virus was dramatically decreased with the antiserum injection. These results suggest that antiserum may be a potentially effective protective and therapeutic modality for A/H5N1 infection. Keywords: Avian Flu, Influenza Virus, H5N1, Antiserum, Chicken 1. Introduction Avian influenza is most often spread by contact between infected and healthy birds, although it can also be spread indirectly through contaminated equipment [1] [2] [3] . Highly pathogenic strains of avian influenza viruses transmit immediately among birds and can destroy a flock within one day. In recent years, cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus A/H5N1 infections in human have increased, mainly in Southeast Asia [4] [5] . However, at the moment, no pandemic strain of A/H5N1 virus has yet been found. Vaccination is considered extremely effective for prevention of infectious diseases including influenza virus infections [6] . However, vaccination during a pandemic is thought to be inappropriate for suppressing infection because considerable time is needed to acquire immunity against antigens [7] [8] . A/H5N1 vaccines for domestic fowl have been developed and are sometimes used, although there are many difficulties associated with these vaccines and their administration, making it difficult to decide whether they help or hurt [9] . A/H5N1 human pandemic vaccines and technologies to rapidly create them are in the H5N1 clinical trial stage but cannot be verified as useful until a pandemic strain has been identified. Immunotherapy is performed based on passive or acquired immunity [10] [11] [12] . Passive immunotherapy involves administering antisera or antibodies prepared in advance to patients and has an immediate effect on preventing and treating infections. For example, snakebite victims can be saved by inoculating a neutralizing antiserum against snake venom [13] . Acquired immunotherapy is primarily achieved through vaccination. Each of these therapies has its advantages and disadvantages, but passive immunotherapy is superior when immediate efficacy is sought. Chickens are a major source of protein for humans and one of the most common and widespread domestic animals. Young chickens are susceptible to several infectious diseases, including avian influenza, avian encephalitis, pullorum, Mareks disease, laryngotracheitis, and infectious bronchitis [14] [15] . In chickens, avian flu has out broken on a global scale, but in various avian flu-free countries, vaccinating domestic fowls is not allowed [16] . In such countries, the current method of preventing infection is to destroy infected animals as well as those suspected of being infected. In southeast Asia, millions of domestic birds have been slaughtered to prevent the spread of the virus. As such, an outbreak of avian influenza will deliver huge economic losses to poultry farmers [17] [18] [19] . Thus, the development of a novel method for preventing influenza aside from vaccination is desired. In this study, in order to cope with a potentially highly pathogenic avian influenza pandemic, antiserum, which is a form of passive immunotherapy not involving vaccination, was administered to chickens, and the effect of suppressing infection by highly pathogenic avian influenza was examined. 2. Material & Methods The summary of this study is shown in Figure 1. The antiserum was sampled from adult chicken after immunization with an inactivated vaccine strain of A/H5N1 antigen. After antibody titration in the antiserum was confirmed by ELISA, hemagglutination (HA) test and neutralization assays in culture cells, the antiserum was injected to infant chicks prior to high pathogenic avian influenza Figure 1. Schematic diagram of this experiment. Antiserum was produced in adult chickens by immunization with inactivated A/H5N1 virus. The antiserum was separated from the chicken blood and injected intramuscularly to chicks. The chicks were then inoculated with A/H5N1 virus, and the effects of antiserum administration on infections were verified. virus A/H5N1 infection, and then the survival rate and histopathological findings of infected chickens were verified. 2.1. Generation of Antisera against A/H5N1 Virus Adult male chickens (White Leghorns) with no vaccination history were used to produce antiserum against avian influenza virus. At our laboratory, an inactivated Indonesian vaccine strain of A/H5N1 antigen (50PD 50 /bird) was mixed with an adjuvant and inoculated into the pectoral muscle of the chicken. Four weeks later, blood samples were collected from the chicken, and the serum was separated by centrifugation. Antibody titers of the obtained antiserum were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Furthermore, the neutralizing activity against avian influenza virus was scored by a hemagglutination inhibition (HI) test using erythrocytes [20] . 2.2. ELISA Based on our previous papers, binding ability of the chicken antisera to the viral antigen was measured by ELISA [20] . Each well of 96-well ELISA plates (Sumitomo Bakelite, Japan) was coated with antigens of pandemic influenza virus A/H1N1 (A/California/9/2009 (H1N1) pdm09) or avian A/H5N1 virus in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), and the ELISA plate was stored overnight at 4C. After washing the wells twice with PBS containing 0.05% Tween 20, each of the subsequent incubation steps were performed. A commercial blocking buffer (DS Pharma Biomedical, Japan) were added into the wells and incubated at 37C for 2 h. Serial dilutions of preimmune or antiserum were added vertically to the wells and incubated at 37C for 1 h. Then, horse radish peroxidase (HRP)-conjugated secondary antibody (rabbit IgG against chicken IgY Fc fraction) (Nakarai Tesque, Japan) diluted in PBS (1:5000) was dispensed into each well, and incubated for 1 h at 37C. Next, a substrate buffer containing TMB (Sumitomo Bakelite, Japan) was added to each well, and samples were incubated at 37C for 15 min. The color development reaction was stopped by the addition of a stopping reagent (1.25 M sulfuric acid). The absorbance was measured at 450 nm using the ELISA plate reader. 2.3. Hemagglutination (HA) Test Whole blood from guinea pigs was washed with PBS, and the erythrocytes were prepared after centrifugation. Serial 2-fold dilutions of pandemic influenza virus A/H1N1 or A/H5N1 viruses were mixed with erythrocyte solutions in clear 96-well micro test polystyrene assay plates (Becton Dickinson, USA). After 45 minutes at room temperature, the hemaggregation activity was observed, and the HA titers of the virus were measured. The highest dilutions (indicating clear hemaggregation) were scored as HA titers [20] . 2.4. HI Test Serial dilutions of preimmune or antiserum were mixed with 8-HA units of the influenza viruses in clear 96-well micro test polystyrene assay plates (Becton Dickinson, USA). After 30-minute incubation at room temperature, erythrocytes were added, pipetted gently, and then incubated for another 45 minutes at room temperature. The hemaggregations in each well were observed, and the HI titers were scored based on the HA titer with preimmune serum/HA titer with antiserum (a higher ratio indicates a stronger inhibitory activity of the antiserum against the pandemic influenza virus) [20] . 2.5. Neutralization Assays for A/H5N1 Virus Infections in Cultured Cells Serial dilutions of antiserum were mixed with pandemic influenza viruses A/H1N1 (A/Osaka/47/2009 (H1N1) pdm) or avian A/H5N1 (A/Bogor 2/FKH-IPB/2008 (H5N1)) at 102 TCID 50 and incubated for 1 h at 37C. Thereafter, these viral fluids were adsorbed onto MDCK monolayers for 1 h at 35C, and then incubated in GIT media (Nakarai Tesque, Japan) containing low trypsin at 35C. At 5 days post-incubation, the cultures were inspected for the cytopathic effect (CPE): the neutralizing titer, expressed as the reciprocal of antiserum dilution at which virus growth is 50% inhibited, was calculated by the number of virus-negative wells and the serum dilution according to the report by Reed et al. [21] . 2.6. Experimental Challenge of Chickens with A/H5N1 and Antiserum Administration Specific-pathogen-free (SPF) chicks were housed under controlled conditions in a BSL3 laboratory and received food and water ad libitum. At 10 days old, the birds were inoculated intranasally with A/H5N1 (A/Bogor 2/FKH-IPB/2008 (H5N1)) virus (105 TCID 50 /ml) [22] [23] [24] . Some chicks were injected intramuscularly with antiserum (8, 400, 2000 mg/kg body weight) at 2 h prior to infection, and all birds were housed for another 3 days. A higher volume of preimmune serum (2000 mg/kg) was administered to some birds as controls. At least 10 birds were prepared for each volume of the sera. At 3 days after inoculation, the dead birds were counted, and the survival rate was scored in each group (surviving birds/all birds examined). The survivors were sacrificed with pentobarbital sodium solution, and the tracheae and lungs were removed and immersed in 10% neutral buffered formalin for further histopathology and immunohistochemistry studies. For the histopathology studies, paraffin sections were cut at 3-m with a microtome and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H & E) per routine procedures and then observed under a light microscope. All of the animal experiments were performed in accordance with the guidelines for studies with laboratory animals of the Kyoto Prefectural University Experimental Animal Committee. 2.7. Immunohistochemistry for Viral Antigens Tracheae and lungs were fixed in buffered formalin and washed in PBS. The organs were soaked in 30% sucrose in PBS overnight. The organ pieces were mounted in a compound, frozen and cut into 20-m sections with a cryostat. The frozen sections were attached to glass slides and air-dried at room temperature. After being washed in PBS, the samples were incubated with a FITC-conjugated ostrich IgY against A/H5N1 viruses (1:1000) at 4C overnight. Finally, they were mounted with glycerol following sufficient washing with PBS, and specific signals for viral antigens were examined under a fluorescent microscope [24] . 3. Results 3.1. Generation of Chicken Antiserum against A/H5N1 Virus The immunoreactivities of antisera against A/H5N1 virus were estimated by ELISA. The titers for A/H5N1 were dramatically increased in the serum at four weeks after the initial immunization (Table 1). In contrast, the antisera bound only slightly to A/H1N1 viral antigen. These findings indicate that specific antibodies were generated and transmitted into the bloodstream. 3.2. Inhibition of Hemaggregation Activities of A/H5N1 by Chicken Antiserum First, the HA activities of the pandemic influenza A/H1N1 and avian A/H5N1 viruses were estimated using erythrocytes, since the viral strains in this study originated from sporadic cases of infection and their characteristics have not yet been clarified. Fortunately, both strains caused strong aggregations of erythrocytes. The highest dilutions of viral fluids showing hemaggregation were scored as a single HA unit, and both strains were used for further HI testing at 8 HAU. Hemaggregation by A/H5N1virus was dramatically inhibited by the antiserum whereas that by A/H1N1 was not inhibited (Table 2). Table 1. Binding activity of chicken antiserum by immunization with Avian Influenza virus A/H5N1. The antibody titer against pandemic influenza A/H1N1 (A/Osaka/47/2009 (H1N1) pdm) and avian A/H5N1 (A/Bogor 2/FKH-IPB/2008 (H5N1)) viruses was estimated by ELISA. At 4 weeks post-immunization, the ELISA titers against A/H5N1 were clearly increased in chicken antiserum. In contrast, the reactivity against A/H1N1 virus did not increase in the serum. The ELISA titers were defined as the reciprocal of the highest dilution of antiserum that produced an ELISA signal twice as intense as the signal from equivalently diluted preimmune serum. Table 2. Inhibitory activity of ostrich IgY on hemaggregations by Avian influenza virus A/H5N1. Purified erythrocytes were reacted with a pandemic influenza virus A/H1N1 (A/Osaka/47/2009 (H1N1) pdm) or an avian influenza virus A/H5N1 (A/Bogor 2/FKH-IPB/2008 (H5N1)) after incubation with antisera. The activity of antisera against each of the viruses was represented as HI titer ratios (HA titer with preimmune serum/HA titer with antiserum), with higher HI titers indicating a strong inhibitory activity of the antiserum against aggregation by the viruses. Note that the antiserum against A/H5N1virus shows inhibitory activities on the hemaggregation by A/H5N1 virus. 3.3. Neutralization Assays for A/H5N1 Virus Infection in Culture Cells The pandemic influenza virus A/H1N1 and avian influenza virus A/H5N1 were reacted with antiserum followed by inoculation into MDCK cells. As shown in Table 3, the cytopathic effects of MDCK cells infected with A/H5N1 were inhibited by the antiserum: the serum volume at 50% inhibition of A/H5N1 virus infection was much lower than that of A/H1N1 infection. These findings indicated that antiserum had neutralization activity against infection of A/H5N1 virus. 3.4. Effects of Antiserum on A/H5N1-Infected Chickens The experimental challenge in living SPF chickens (10 days old) with A/H5N1 (A/Bogor 2/FKH-IPB/2008 (H5N1)) caused high lethality among birds (100%) within three days post-infection, indicating that this virus was a highly virulent type. Of note, all birds showed only slight symptoms, including dehydration and depression, followed by sudden death. In addition, all birds injected with preimmune serum died within three days after viral infection (Figure 2). A histopathological study of the infected chickens showed typical avian flu findings of acute inflammation accompanied by heterophilic infiltration, hemorrhage, edema and severe congestion in various organs, mainly in the pulmonary tissues, including the trachea and lung (Figure 3). The respiratory sections of infected birds showed slight-to-moderate inflammation with epithelial necrosis and Figure 2. Effects of antiserum on the survival of A/H5N1-infected chicks. The chicks were intranasally challenged with A/H5N1 virus after being injected with antiserum. The dead chicks were counted at three days post-inoculation, and the survival rate was calculated. With preimmune serum, all of the infected birds died within three days. However, the number of survivors was dramatically increased by antiserum injections at over 0.08 mL/kg. Accordingly, the death of A/H5N1-infected chicks was completely inhibited by the administration of antiserum. Figure 3. Trachea and pulmonary histopathology of A/H5N1-infected chickens injected with antiserum. Sections of A/H5N1-infected chick lung at three days post-inoculation with preimmune or antiserum were subjected to an immunofluorescent examination. Viral antigens were found in the tracheal epithelial cells and in pulmonary cells of A/H5N1 infected chicks injected with preimmune serum. In contrast, viral antigens were scarcely detected in either trachea or pulmonary tissues of infected birds injected with antiserum. Histopathologically, severe necrosis, heterophilic infiltration, hemorrhaging, edema and mucosal exudation were seen in the tracheal epithelium, interstitium, and parabronchial cavities in the lungs of infected chickens with preimmune serum, whereas pathological lesions were scarcely found in the organs of birds injected with antiserum. Bars, 200 m. Table 3. Neutralizing activities of chicken antiserum against Avian influenza virus A/H5N1. The neutralization assays were performed using MDCK infected with pandemic influenza A/H1N1 virus (A/Osaka/47/2009 (H1N1) pdm) or avian A/H5N1 virus (A/Bogor 2/FKH-IPB/2008 (H5N1)). The neutralizating titers are indicated as the mean of 50% inhibition on CPE at 5-days post infection. heterophilic infiltration in the interstitium and parabronchial cavities. Severe hemorrhaging and congestion, accompanied by edema and mucosal exudates, were predominately seen. The viral antigens were found in the tracheal epithelial cells and pulmonary tissues of infected chicks at three days post-inoculation. The antiserum was directly administered to A/H5N1-infected chicks to confirm the therapeutic and protective effects on avian flu infections. Interestingly, the survival rate of the infected birds was dramatically increased by an injection of antiserum (Figure 2). In addition, the pathological reactions in the infected tracheae and lungs in infected chicks were decreased by the injection of antiserum (Figure 3). The edema, hemorrhaging, congestion and mucosal exudation were clearly inhibited in the lesions. Viral antigens were scarcely found in the trachea and pulmonary tissues. These findings were consistent with results showing that the mortality of A/H5N1 chicks was decreased by antiserum administration. Accordingly, antiserum injection at a high volume was able to rescue all birds from death following A/H5N1 infection. 4. Discussion The majority of A/H5N1 avian flu cases have been reported in southeast and east Asia. Once an outbreak is detected, local authorities often order a mass slaughter of domestic fowls infected or suspected of being infected. In this study, we proved that anti-sera against avian influenza virus can prevent infection in other chickens. Antiserum with a high neutralizing activity was found to be able to prevent chicken death via intramuscular injection of a very slight amount (40 L/bird). The virus used in this study was a virus strain isolated at a poultry farm in Indonesia and was a highly pathogenic virus [22] [23] . Nevertheless, a 100% survival rate of infected chickens was obtained by inoculation with antisera. There are two key patterns in the suppression of influenza virus infection. The first is to block the HA antigen necessary for the virus to adsorb to the receptor of the host cell membrane. Influenza vaccine for humans contains HA proteins as antigens; anti-HA antibody is actively produced in the body, so virus infection can be prevented [25] [26] . The second is to suppress the neuraminidase necessary for shedding of viruses propagated in host cells. Oseltamivir and Zanamivir are neuraminidase inhibitors and are widely used as therapeutics for influenza [27] [28] . In poultry, some countries use vaccines for protection against avian influenza [9] . Usually, the inactivated virus body is used as an antigen instead of HA, but the infection prevention effect of this approach is unclear. Neuraminidase inhibitors are not used to prevent and treat influenza in domestic fowls. In a clean country, avian influenza vaccines are not used in poultry in order to prevent the misdiagnosis of natural infection and the opportunistic infection of viruses [9] [16] . We, therefore, expect that inoculation of poultry with antisera will be effective for preventing avian influenza. Antibodies that inhibit HA antigen and neuraminidase are thought to be present in these antisera. In the future, we will conduct a large-scale experiment at a poultry farm and examine the usefulness of antiserum administration in cases of natural infection. The present findings suggest that the administration of antisera and antibodies may contribute to the prevention of infection, even during a pandemic of avian influenza transmitted from human to human. Acknowledgements We thank Mr. Masanori Kawamoto and Mrs. Hatsuki Matsunaga at Kyoto Prefecture University for their valuable technical support. Conflicts of Interest The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research reported. Cite this paper Adachi, K., Suryaman, G.K., Soejoedono, R.D., Handharyani, E. and Tsukamoto, Y. (2018) Prevention of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A/H5N1 Infection by Passive Immunotherapy Using Antiserum. Advances in Microbiology, 8, 874-884. https://doi.org/10.4236/aim.2018.811058 References By Fergal Smith TORONTO (Reuters) - The Canadian dollar weakened to a nearly four-month low against the greenback on Friday as oil prices extended recent declines and a court ruling threatened to delay construction of a pipeline carrying heavy crude from Canada to the United States. The price of oil, one of Canada's major exports, fell for the 10th straight day, the longest losing streak since July 1984, as global supply increased and investors worried that oil demand growth could slow. U.S. crude oil futures settled 0.8 percent lower at $60.19 a barrel. "The drop in oil is a kick in the teeth for the Canadian dollar," said Adam Button, chief currency analyst at ForexLive. "The Canadian dollar was able to withstand the pain in oil for most of the last month but oil is down 22 percent now." A U.S. judge in Montana late on Thursday halted construction of the Keystone XL pipeline, throwing another obstacle in the path of the project that has been in development for a decade. "The Keystone ruling can seriously derail the expected recovery next year in Canadian oil," Button said. Still, speculators have cut bearish bets on the Canadian dollar to the lowest since March, data from the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission and Reuters calculations showed. As of Nov. 6, net short positions had decreased to 2,632 contracts from 9,655 a week earlier. At 4:02 p.m. (2102 GMT), the Canadian dollar was trading 0.4 percent lower at 1.3205 to the greenback, or 75.73 U.S. cents. The currency touched its weakest level since July 20 at 1.3233. For the week, the loonie was down 0.7 percent. The loonie fell on Friday as weak Chinese data raised concerns about global growth, pressuring stocks on Wall Street. Canada runs a current account deficit, so its economy could be hurt if the flow of trade or capital slows. The U.S. dollar rose toward a 16-month high against the euro as falling equity prices spurred a flight to quality and the U.S. Federal Reserve reaffirmed its monetary tightening stance. Canadian government bond prices were higher across a flatter yield curve in sympathy with U.S. Treasuries. The 10-year rose 25.5 Canadian cents to yield 2.507 percent. (Reporting by Fergal Smith; Editing by Susan Thomas and Richard Chang) ROAD TOWN, British Virgin Islands, Nov. 08, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aura Minerals Inc. (ORA.TO) announces that the Company will release its third quarter 2018 financial and operational results after the close of business on November 14, 2018. About Aura Minerals Aura is a mid-tier gold and copper production company focused on the development and operation of gold and base metal projects in the Americas. The Company's producing assets include the San Andres gold mine in Honduras, the Ernesto/Pau-a-Pique gold mine. in Brazil and the Aranzazu copper-gold-silver mine in Mexico. The Company has completed an exploration program at its Sao Francisco gold mine in Brazil to determine if a re-start of the mine is feasible. In addition, the Company has two additional gold projects in Brazil, Almas and Matupa, and one gold project in Colombia, Tolda Fria. Aura Minerals is focused on responsible, sustainable growth and strives to operate to the highest environmental and safety standards and in a socially responsible manner at all of its operations. For further information on Aura, please visit Auras web site at www.auraminerals.com or contact: Ryan Goodman VP, Legal Affairs and Business Development 305-239-9332 B2Gold Corp BTG reported adjusted net income of $45 million or 5 cents per share in third-quarter 2018 compared to $14 million or 1 cent recorded a year ago. Earnings per share were in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Including one-time items, the company generated net income of $16 million (1 centper share) compared to $12 million (1 cent per share) in the prior-year quarter. The company recorded revenues of $324 million in the third quarter, up 110% from the year-ago quarter. The figure beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $323 million. B2Golds consolidated gold production was a record 242,040 ounces in the third quarter, a year-over-year surge of 78% and in line with budget. This was driven by continued strong performance of the Fekola Mine in Mali, the Masbate Mine in the Philippines and the Otjikoto Mine in Namibia. B2Gold Corp Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise B2Gold Corp Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | B2Gold Corp Quote The Fekola Mine continues to operate ahead of plan, producing 107,002 ounces of gold in the quarter. Consolidated cash operating costs of $504 per ounce in the reported quarter was in line with the budget and 10% lower than the prior-year quarter. Consolidated all-in sustaining costs (AISC) of $749 per ounce were in line with the budget and significantly lower by $172 per ounce (19%) than the prior-year tally. Financial Position B2Golds cash and cash equivalents were $355 million as of Sep 30, 2018, compared with $147 million as of Dec 31, 2017. The company recorded operating cash flow of $143.2 million in the third quarter compared with $41.8 million reported in the year-ago quarter. Subsequent to the Sep-end quarter, the company repaid its $259-million aggregate principal amount of convertible senior subordinated notes which matured on Oct 1, 2018 For full-year 2018, the company revised its Masbate Mine's production guidance. The Masbate Mine is now forecast to produce between 200,000 and 210,000 ounces of gold from the previous guidance of 180,000-190,000 ounces. Further, for the full year, Fekola's gold production is expected to be at or above its guided range between 420,000 and 430,000 ounces of gold (original guidance was 400,000-410,000 ounces). Moreover, B2Gold remains well on target to continue its transformational growth in 2018, including consolidated gold production of between 920,000 and 960,000 ounces. This represents an increase in annual consolidated gold production of approximately 300,000 ounces or 49% in 2018 from 2017. B2Gold plans to continue to optimize production from its gold mines. It will also benefit from strong financial position, and focus on exploration and development of existing properties and new exploration initiatives while reducing debt levels. Finally, B2Gold will continue to acquire exploration opportunities directly and consider potential growth through joint ventures with high-quality exploration projects. Share Price Performance Over the past year, B2Gold has outperformed the industry it belongs to. The stock has dipped 5% compared with the industrys decline of 19%. Story continues Zacks Rank & Key Picks B2Gold currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Better-ranked stocks in the basic materials space are CF Industries Holdings, Inc. CF, KMG Chemicals, Inc. KMG and The Mosaic Company MOS. CF Industries has an expected long-term earnings growth rate of 6% and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). The companys shares have gained 45% in the past year. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. KMG Chemicals has an expected long-term earnings growth rate of 28.5% and a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Its shares have risen 45% in the past year. Mosaic has an expected long-term earnings growth rate of 7% and a Zacks Rank #2. The companys shares have rallied 64% in a years time. The Hottest Tech Mega-Trend of All Last year, it generated $8 billion in global revenues. By 2020, it's predicted to blast through the roof to $47 billion. Famed investor Mark Cuban says it will produce "the world's first trillionaires," but that should still leave plenty of money for regular investors who make the right trades early. See Zacks' 3 Best Stocks to Play This Trend >> 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 KMG Chemicals, Inc. (KMG) : Free Stock Analysis Report The Mosaic Company (MOS) : Free Stock Analysis Report CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (CF) : Free Stock Analysis Report B2Gold Corp (BTG) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Paris (AFP) - Soaring birth rates in developing nations are fuelling a global baby boom while women in dozens of richer countries aren't producing enough children to maintain population levels there, according to figures released Friday. A global overview of birth, death and disease rates evaluating thousands of datasets on a country-by-country basis also found that heart disease was now the single leading cause of death worldwide. The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), set up at the University of Washington by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, used more than 8,000 data sources -- more than 600 of them new -- to compile one of the most detailed looks at global public health. Their sources included in-country investigations, social media and open-source material. It found that while the world's population skyrocketed from 2.6 billion in 1950 to 7.6 billion last year, that growth was deeply uneven according to region and income. Ninety-one nations, mainly in Europe and North and South America, weren't producing enough children to sustain their current populations, according to the IHME study. But in Africa and Asia fertility rates continued to grow, with the average woman in Niger giving birth to seven children during her lifetime. Ali Mokdad, professor of Health Metrics Sciences at IHME, told AFP that the single most important factor in determining population growth was education. "It is down to socioeconomic factors but it's a function of a woman's education," he said. "The more a woman is educated, she is spending more years in school, she is delaying her pregnancies and so will have fewer babies." The IHME found that Cyprus was the least fertile nation on Earth, with the average woman giving birth just once in her life. By contrast, women in Mali, Chad and Afghanistan have on average more than six babies. - 'Less mortality, more disability' - The United Nations predicts there will be more than 10 billion humans on the planet by the middle of the century, broadly in line with IHME's projection. Story continues This raises the question of how many people our world can support, known as Earth's "carrying capacity". Mokdad said that while populations in developing nations continue to rise, so in general are their economies growing. This typically has a knock-on effect on fertility rates over time. "In Asia and Africa the population is still increasing and people are moving from poverty to better income -- unless there are wars or unrest," he said. "Countries are expected to fare better economically and it's more likely that fertility there will decline and level out." Not only are there now billions more of us than 70 years ago, but we are also living longer than ever before. The study, published in The Lancet medical journal, showed male life expectancy had increased to 71 years from 48 in 1950. Women are now expected to live to 76, compared with 53 in 1950. Living longer brings its own health problems, as we age and deteriorate and place greater burdens on our healthcare systems. The IHME said heart disease was now the leading cause of death globally. As recently as 1990, neonatal disorders were the biggest killer, followed by lung disease and diarrhoea. Uzbekistan, Ukraine and Azerbaijan had the highest death rates from heart disease, whereas South Korea, Japan and France had among the lowest. "You see less mortality from infectious diseases as countries get richer, but also more disability as people are living longer," said Mokdad. He pointed out that although deaths from infectious diseases like malaria and tuberculosis are down significantly since 1990, new, non-communicable killers have taken their place. "There are certain behaviours that are leading to an increase in cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Obesity is number one -- it is increasing every year and our behaviour is contributing to that." Trade visitors walk past an advertisement for BAE Systems at Farnborough International Airshow in Farnborough, Britain, July 17, 2018. REUTERS/Toby Melville/File Photo LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's biggest defence company BAE Systems, which counts Saudi Arabia as its third biggest customer, stuck to a forecast for flat earnings in 2018 and said programmes in the UK and the United States were making progress. BAE's update is its first since companies have come under pressure for doing business with Saudi Arabia in the wake of the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2. BAE makes 16 percent of its annual sales from selling Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets and other arms to Saudi Arabia. It did not mention Saudi in its trading statement. "Whilst a degree of geopolitical turbulence exists, the potential pipeline for Typhoon remains positive with opportunities both with partner nations and through exports," the company said on Thursday. Germany has pledged to suspend arms exports to Saudi Arabia over Khashoggi's killing. The case has raised questions about the UK government's 10 billion pound deal to sell Saudi Arabia 48 new Typhoons, which are made by BAE Systems and its partners. The deal, confirmed in a memorandum of understanding in March, has not been finalised, and is not reflected in BAE's 2018 financial statements. BAE, which builds ships and fighter jets for the UK, and combat vehicles and other equipment for the United States, said that for 2018 earnings per share would be in line with the previous year, with some small additional benefit from exchange rates. The company repeated a line it has given in the past that it saw limited impact on its business from Britain leaving the European Union as it had little trade with the EU. (Reporting by Sarah Young; editing by Mark Potter and Jason Neely) Amid an investigation into what caused a brand-new 737 Max jet to crash in Indonesia, another jet produced by U.S. aerospace and defense company Boeing crash landed in Guyana. A Fly Jamaica flight departed Georgetown, Guyana, headed to Toronto, when it was forced to turn back due to a technical problem, after which it suffered an accident during landing, the airline said in a statement on its website. All of the 118 passengers and eight crew members on board are believed to be safe. The jet a 757 model suffered a hydraulic issue after takeoff, injuring at least six people, according to an AFP report, which cited Guyanas infrastructure minister. In a statement to FOX Business, a Boeing spokesperson said the company was aware of the reports and is in the process of gathering more information. Earlier this week, Boeing sent out a safety bulletin to operators of its 737 Max jets after a Lion Air flight using this model suffered a fatal crash, killing all 189 people on board. The Lion Air crash involved a brand-new Boeing Max 8 jet, which was cleared to fly despite days of inaccurate speed readings. About 15 minutes into the flight, which took off from Jakarta, the plane plunged into the sea. Boeing warned incorrect readings from a flight-monitoring system can result in the jets abruptly diving. The investigation into what directly caused the crash is ongoing. The 757 model is much older than the 737 Max jets. Boeing rolled out its first 757 in 1991 and delivered its final jet of this model in 2005, according to the companys website. The 737 Max model, on the other hand, is much newer: The company said it has more than 5,900 unfilled orders. Related Articles Washington, Nov. 09, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- New Frontier Data, the authority in data, analytics and business intelligence on the global cannabis industry, in partnership with CohnReznick, one of the largest accounting, tax and advisory firms in the United States, releases its latest report, The Cannabis Accounting & Financial Management Report: 2018-2019 Best Practices. The report examines the rapidly evolving financial dynamics of the booming cannabis industry, including surging investments, consolidation, tax implications, under-banking, real estate and more, presenting the case for and defining accounting best practices for the cannabis industry. Despite a growing majority of Americans and state governments supporting cannabis legalization, its federal prohibition creates unique challenges for cannabis businesses already trying to keep up with a fast-growing emerging industry. Investors and operators in the industry and others seeking to enter it should understand the complexities of running any legally compliant cannabis business, said Giadha Aguirre de Carcer, Founder and CEO of New Frontier Data. The financial challenges facing cannabis business operators detailed in the report, include: All plant-touching businesses are liable for taxes under Internal Revenue Code 250E The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act afforded some breathing room to cannabis businesses Lowering operational costs is not just good business, it can be a source of competitive advantage Cost-segregation studies offer an effective way to minimize tax liabilities Operating a cash-based cannabis business creates additional complexity, and security risks As company valuations rise, thorough due diligence becomes more important Cannabis real estate is booming, but it is not without risks With international markets quickly opening, this is the dawn of a global cannabis industry The challenges identified in this report are unlike those faced by any other industry, which is why we felt the need to create a set of best practices cannabis business operators can turn to as they strive for compliance with all applicable tax and financial laws. We hope we can ease the burden of the many owners, operators and accountants who have ventured into the rapidly evolving cannabis industry and now face a very unique set of financial management challenges, said Michael Harlow, CPA, Partner, CohnReznick. Visit newfrontierdata.com/financial-management to download the full report - The Cannabis Accounting & Financial Management Report: 2018-2019 Best Practices. New Frontier Datas online intelligence portal, Equio, provides readers with reports on global markets and a series of country profiles which offer an introduction to various markets, trends and recent investment activities in the cannabis industry. About New Frontier Data: New Frontier Data is an independent, technology-driven analytics company specializing in the cannabis industry. It offers vetted data, actionable business intelligence and risk management solutions for investors, operators, researchers and policymakers. New Frontier Datas reports and data have been cited in over 69 countries around the world to inform industry leaders. Founded in 2014, New Frontier Data is headquartered in Washington, D.C. with additional offices in Denver, CO, London, UK, Bogota, Colombia, and Hong Kong. New Frontier Data does not take a position on the merits of cannabis legalization. Rather, its mission and mandate are to inform cannabis-related policy and business decisions through rigorous, issue-neutral and comprehensive analysis of the legal cannabis industry worldwide. For more information about New Frontier Data please visit: http://www.NewFrontierData.com. About CohnReznick: CohnReznick LLP is one of the top accounting, tax, and advisory firms in the United States, combining the deep resources of a national firm with the hands-on, agile approach that todays dynamic business environment demands. With diverse industry expertise, the Firm provides companies with the insight and experience to help them break through and seize growth opportunities. The Firm, with origins dating back to 1919, is headquartered in New York, NY with 2,700 employees in offices nationwide. CohnReznick is a member of Nexia International, a global network of independent accountancy, tax, and business advisors. For more information or media inquiries, please visit www.cohnreznick.com or contact Julie Rogers Murawski at 973-364-6693 or Julie.Murawski@CohnReznick.com. Attachment (Bloomberg) -- Juul Labs Inc., the maker of a hot-selling vaping device that is increasingly popular with teens, will stop selling most flavored e-cigarettes in retail stores, according to a person familiar with the matter. The decision follows word that U.S. health officials are preparing to step up efforts to curtail underage use of e-cigarettes. On Thursday, a senior official at the Food and Drug Administration said the agency plans to restrict sales of many fruit- and dessert-flavored nicotine pods to adult-only stores. The new curbs will apply only to cartridge-style devices, such as Juul, according to the FDA official. The Juul device has become popular with young people in part because its small size and resemblance to a USB drive make it easy to conceal. Juuls move is expected to affect 45 percent of its in-store retail sales, according to the person familiar with the companys plans. Tobacco and menthol-flavored Juuls will still be available in stores. Under the FDAs planned restrictions, online sales will be allowed, but only by retailers who verify the buyers age, just as alcohol can be sold on the web as long as theres someone 21 or older to sign for the package, said the agency official. The regulations, which are expected to be announced next week, will take effect in the coming months. E-cigarettes have created a paradox for the FDA and the companies that make them: They need to be attractive enough to lure traditional smokers to switch, but not so enticing that they create an entirely new class of nicotine users. Action on e-cigarettes would parallel moves the FDA has already made to ban dessert flavors in traditional cigarettes. The agency has also been examining restricting menthol flavors in cigarettes. Reducing or eliminating menthol flavor in traditional cigarettes would be a separate regulatory action from the e-cigarette proposal, said the senior FDA official. I am fairly confident there will be a legal challenge, said Lyle Beckwith, senior vice president of government relations at the National Association of Convenience Stores. He said theres no data he knows of showing that vape shops do a better job of age verification than convenience stores. Story continues Spokesmen for the FDA and Juul declined to comment. Plans for the new regulations were reported Thursday by the Washington Post. Shares of Altria Group Inc., which has its own e-cigarette brands and makes Marlboro cigarettes, fell less than 1 percent at 1:07 p.m. in New York. British American Tobacco Plc fell less than 1 percent in London. Imperial Brands Plc gained 2.1 percent. Any action that slows down the growth trajectory of Juul will be a positive for tobacco sentiment, Jefferies International Ltd. analyst Owen Bennett wrote in a note. He added that it will have a limited impact on the major tobacco companies, as the vape market is a tiny part of their sales. But restrictions on menthol flavor in cigarettes that could come later would impact tobacco companies sales negatively. Rising Concern The FDA has talked for months about ways to reduce youth use, citing rising concern that e-cigarettes are creating a new class of nicotine users, rather than primarily helping people transition off regular cigarettes. The FDA has called youth use of the devices an epidemic and said it would consider significant action to stop it. Vaping surged 77 percent among high school-age children and about 50 percent among middle-schoolers in 2018, according to preliminary government data. As alternatives surge, the U.S. adult smoking rate plunged to 14 percent in 2017, the lowest measure on record and down 67 percent from 1965, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About 10 percent of adults 18 to 24 years old lit up in 2017, down from 13 percent the year earlier. Juuls device accounts for almost one in three e-cigarette sales as of the end of 2017, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The San Francisco-based startup is backed by high-profile investors, including Tiger Global Management and Tao Capital Partners. Fundraising negotiations this year pegged a $15 billion valuation on the business, making its founders worth more than $800 million each. Tobacco activists said the FDA should impose even greater restrictions, including banning online sales. Its not enough, said Meredith Berkman, co-founder of Parents Against Vaping E-Cigarettes. There has to be a complete ban on flavors everywhere. --With assistance from Cynthia Koons, Lisa Du and John Lauerman. To contact the reporters on this story: Drew Armstrong in New York at darmstrong17@bloomberg.net;Anna Edney in Washington at aedney@bloomberg.net;Olivia Zaleski in San Francisco at ozaleski@bloomberg.net To contact the editors responsible for this story: Drew Armstrong at darmstrong17@bloomberg.net, Timothy Annett, Mark Schoifet For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com 2018 Bloomberg L.P. (Recasts throughout, updates stock and currency prices, adds quote) By Aaron Saldanha Nov 8 (Reuters) - Latin American stocks fell on Thursday as Mexican stocks saw their biggest daily drop in seven years after a senator from the incoming party presented a proposal to stop banks from charging commissions for certain services such as cash withdrawals from ATMs. This comes less than two weeks after Mexico's President-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's government decided to scrap plans for an partially built airport project for Mexico City. Mexico's peso weakened 1.6 percent to see worst session in more than a week, contrasting with a flat day for MSCI's index of Latin American currencies. While the U.S. Federal Reserve left rates unchanged, as markets expected, it said strong jobs and spending was keeping the economy on track, setting the stage for a rate hike in December. Mexico's equity benchmark slid 5.8 percent, far exceeding a 2.8 percent fall in MSCI's index of Latin American stocks, the regional benchmark's worst day in two and a months. Grupo Financiero Banorte slumped nearly 12 percent to see their worst day in more than nine years, while Banco Santander Mexico dropped 8.1 percent. "If you take a look at how the banks in the Mexican stock exchange have traded, that tells you a lot!," said Andres Jaime, an EM quant strategist with Morgan Stanley. "It seems from a technical point of view, a lot of them (the proposals) don't necessarily make sense, that is why the market is worried. When you have such combinations, the probability of a policy mistake is much higher policy mistakes are expensive." Brazil's real weakened 0.8 percent while the Bovespa stock index dropped 2.4 percent as all sectors fell. Shares of state controlled oil firm Petrobras fell 3.6 percent, with Brent oil prices declining 1.8 percent. One of the Bovespa's top losers was Estacio Participacoes SA , down 8.4 percent. Morgan Stanley cuts its target price on the educational services provider by about a tenth to 32.9 reais a share. Despite a strong dollar, Argentina's peso firmed about 0.5 percent. Central bank chief Guido Sandleris said the country was close to striking a new currency exchange deal with China, worth the equivalent of $8.7 billion. Key Latin American stock indexes and currencies at 2146 GMT Stock indexes daily % YTD % Latest change change MSCI Emerging Markets 993.53 -0.44 -14.24 MSCI LatAm 2642.91 -2.82 -6.55 Brazil Bovespa 85620.13 -2.39 12.07 Mexico IPC 44190.25 -5.81 -10.46 Chile IPSA 5227.57 0.12 0.12 Argentina MerVal 30736.41 -2.13 2.23 Colombia IGBC 12432.06 -0.79 9.33 Currencies daily % YTD % change change Latest Brazil real 3.7603 -0.60 -11.89 Mexico peso 20.1840 -1.59 -2.40 Chile peso 677.3 -0.19 -9.25 Colombia peso 3151.08 -0.76 -5.37 Peru sol 3.364 -0.06 -3.78 Argentina peso 35.4500 0.65 -47.53 (interbank) (Reporting by Aaron Saldanha in Bengaluru; editing by Diane Craft) BRUSSELS, Nov 8 (Reuters) - The European Union Commissioner for Economic Affairs Pierre Moscovici said on Thursday the EU executive's economic forecast on Italy's growth were less optimistic than that of the Italian government. He told a news conference that the difference was mostly caused by "more prudent" estimates on Italian consumption and investments and on higher debt-servicing costs than Italian forecasts. In 2019, Italian GDP would rise 1.2 percent, the Commission said, instead of the 1.5 percent seen by Italy and in 2020 it would rise 1.3 percent, rather than the 1.6 seen by Rome . (Reporting by Francesco Guarascio and Jan Strupczewski) FILE PHOTO: Rosneft Chief Executive Igor Sechin attends the talks of Russian President Vladimir Putin with South Korean President Moon Jae-in at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia June 22, 2018. To match Exclusive ROSNEFT-PRIVATISATION/ REUTERS/Sergei Karpukhin/File Photo By Tatiana Voronova, Oksana Kobzeva and Dmitry Zhdannikov MOSCOW/LONDON (Reuters) - It was billed as the deal that proved Russia remained open for business. "I want to congratulate you", Russian President Vladimir Putin told his trusted ally Igor Sechin, after greeting him with a warm handshake in the Kremlin in December, 2016. Sechin had just announced the sale to Qatar's sovereign wealth fund and giant commodity trader Glencore of a 19.5 percent stake in Rosneft, the state oil giant that he runs. The 10.2 billion euro ($11.57 billion) privatization deal was designed to replenish Russia's coffers, depleted by falling energy prices and Western sanctions. Some Russian officials hailed it as proof that despite growing political isolation from the West the country could still attract global investors. But now, nearly two years after the sale was first announced, nine sources with knowledge of the transaction have told Reuters that VTB, a Russian state-owned bank, itself financed a large share of the acquisition, undermining the deal's stated aim to bring foreign money into the country. Based on accounts from five of the sources, the value of the Russian loan to the Qatari sovereign wealth fund is around $6 billion. VTB denied it issued a loan to the Qatari sovereign wealth fund, called the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA). "VTB has not issued and is not planning to issue a loan to QIA to finance the acquisition." VTB data for September published by the Russian central bank showed that VTB loaned 434 billion roubles ($6.7 billion) for up to three years to unnamed foreign borrowers after having raised 350 billion roubles via loans from the central bank itself. VTB's financial results, published on Nov. 8, showed that during the third quarter the volume of loans to its 10 biggest borrowers had gone up by 403 billion roubles, or approximately $6 billion. VTB declined to comment on the transactions, and the central bank did not respond to questions. Story continues The QIA declined to comment. The Kremlin did not comment. Rosneft did not respond to questions about the VTB loan to Qatar. "EFFECTIVE" PRIVATIZATION Rosneft - the world's biggest listed oil company by output - is the jewel in Russia's corporate crown. But with Russia under sanctions, and facing the prospect of more sanctions to come, Sechin faced an uphill task in finding buyers or creditors willing to risk their own money to acquire a stake in Rosneft. The sanctions, imposed by the United States and European Union in the aftermath of Russia's 2014 annexation of Ukraine's Crimea region, limit the access of Russian firms to international debt markets. In the end, to get foreign investors on board, Russia has had to loan them billions, according to the sources' account. Two sources familiar with the deal said that having a third party finance a large part of the acquisition was a condition for Qatar taking the stake. With oil prices today significantly higher than in late 2016, Russia's need for foreign money has subsided. But should it need to tap international markets again, the story of the Rosneft sale points to the challenges it could face in bringing investors on board, especially as the United States levies more sanctions against Russia. The nine sources who told Reuters about the VTB loan to Qatar included a source close to VTB management, a Russian central bank official and a Russian government source familiar with foreign investments in Russia. At least four of the sources were directly involved in preparations for the loan. All the sources requested anonymity because they are not authorized to discuss the deal. In response to questions about how the privatization of its stake as a whole was conducted, Rosneft said the deal was market-based and transparent and in the interests of all shareholders. It said all decisions relating to the deal underwent the relevant procedures for corporate approval, that the deal was supported by governments where participants are based, and was subject to compliance procedures in the relevant jurisdictions. "This is a unique example of an effective privatization," Rosneft said in a statement. FROM GULF TO JAPAN As the end of 2016 drew nearer, Sechin, one of Putin's closest lieutenants, was under pressure. The government had publicly announced it would sell a 19.5 percent stake in Rosneft by the end of the year. The state budget, battered by a collapse in oil prices, an economic slump and the impact of Western sanctions, was showing a deficit of 3.5 percent. Russia's economy was in its second year of recession and there was no prospect of a quick improvement in public finances. By the autumn, Sechin, who is now 58, thought he had a buyer: the United Arab Emirates' sovereign wealth fund Mubadala. According to two sources familiar with the developments, Mubadala agreed to buy the stake. But negotiations hit a snag after Rosneft twice changed the price tag, the two sources said, prompting the Emiratis to walk away from the deal. Mubadala declined to comment. Rosneft did not address questions about the Mubadala discussions. Sechin turned east and started talks with Japanese officials, according to a Russian government official, a source close to Rosneft and a recording of a conversation involving Sechin that emerged as part of an unrelated court case in which Sechin was a witness. The talks were held primarily with the Japanese Economy, Trade and Industry minister, Hiroshige Seko. If the deal was agreed, the owner of the stake would have become a large state Japanese investment fund such as GPIF, the government pension investment fund which has over $1.4 trillion assets under management, or state-run Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corp (JOGMEC), three sources familiar with the discussions told Reuters. That deal also ran into difficulties, according to Sechin's account in the recording played in court, when Japan insisted on linking it to progress in a territorial dispute with Russia dating back to the end of World War Two. Eventually, the deal collapsed. Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry did not respond to questions. Rosneft did not address Reuters' questions about discussions with Japan. JOGMEC's press service said it could not comment. GPIF said it could not comment on a discussion between governments because it was not directly involved. QATAR TO THE RESCUE? Still without a buyer, Sechin focused on two new potential suitors: Qatar's investment fund QIA and global commodities trader Glencore. Neither was prepared to put up all of the asking price, according to three sources. In the past, Rosneft had gone to major Western banks, such as Deutsche Bank and JP Morgan, to finance transactions, but the big international lenders have announced no major new loan deals with Rosneft since sanctions were imposed in 2014. In stepped Intesa Sanpaolo, a mid-sized Italian lender which had little experience in large Russian corporate deals. By early December, 2016, financing for the deal was falling into place. The buyers put in some of their own money: Qatar gave 2.5 billion euros and Glencore 300 million euros. The rest was debt, of which Intesa put up 5.2 billion euros. The balance, according to Glencore at the time, would come from unnamed Russian banks. The amount coming from the Russian banks was about $2.5 billion. Two banking sources close to Rosneft told Reuters that VTB was one of the banks that between them put up $2.5 billion in loans back in 2016. Those sources said the other Russian banks involved were Gazprombank and Otkritie, which, like VTB, have Kremlin connections, although Otkritie was privately held at the time. It is not clear what share of the $2.5 billion each of the three banks contributed. That contribution from VTB toward the $2.5 billion was separate to around $6 billion that, according to the nine sources, VTB provided to Qatar this year. In response to questions about the initial $2.5 billion in loans, VTB said it did not provide financing but it was the coordinating bank on behalf of Rosneft. Otkritie declined to comment. Gazprombank did not respond to questions. For the larger portion of the financing -- the 5.2 billion euros loaned by Intesa -- the Italian bank's intention was to syndicate the loan, a common industry practice designed to spread the risk and dilute the burden on the bank's own capital. But two banking sources and a source familiar with the Italian side of the deal said the syndication failed because European banks approached by Intesa were worried about the risk that providing finance for Rosneft, even if indirectly, would result in them falling foul of Western sanctions on Russia. Rosneft and Sechin are both subject to U.S. sanctions. Intesa declined to comment. ANOTHER SETBACK At the time of the December 2016 announcement and in the weeks afterwards, Russian officials spoke publicly of a long-term partnership with the new Rosneft shareholders, Qatar and Glencore. But it became clear that the agreement was still in flux when, in September 2017, Sechin said a deal had been signed for Chinese energy firm CEFC to buy 14.2 percent of Rosneft from Qatar and Glencore. Explaining why the original deal had not stuck, he told Russian state television the new shareholders were finding the cost of servicing the debt too high. The Chinese deal though, was never closed. Before it was sealed, CEFC's founder and chairman Ye Jianming was taken in for questioning and investigated by Chinese authorities for suspected economic crimes. Since then there has been no word on the status of the investigation, or if Ye has been charged. He was named, however, in a high-profile graft trial of a senior Communist Party official, state broadcaster CCTV reported last month. Neither Ye nor CEFC responded to calls from Reuters seeking comment. Once again, Sechin was in search of a buyer. Finally, in May this year, Qatar agreed to take on the part of the stake that had been covered by Intesa. Officially, no one has said how the new deal with Qatar is being financed, or who is providing the finance. It is clear that Intesas role has ended. A document dated Sept. 6, 2018 and lodged with Singapore's official business register, where the vehicle that held the stake on behalf of Qatar and Glencore is registered, stated that Intesa had ceased to be the creditor for the stake and no longer held shares as collateral. The document did not state who was the new creditor. According to the nine sources familiar with the arrangement, that new creditor is VTB. At a reception at the Italian embassy in Moscow last November to receive an award "for services to Italy", Sechin, champagne glass in hand, linked arms with a grey-haired Russian man in fashionable glasses. It was Andrey Kostin, the chief executive of the bank that helped to finance the privatization Russia's VTB. (Additional reporting by Darya Korsunskaya, Katya Golubkova, Polina Nikolskaya, Olesya Astakhova, Vladimir Soldatkin, Rinat Sagdiev, Andrey Ostroukh and Elena Fabrichnaya in Moscow, Josephine Mason and Aizhu Chen; Stephen Jewkes in Milan, Osamu Tsukimori and Takashi Umekawa in Tokyo, Rania El-Gamal in Dubai, John O'Donnell in Frankfurt and Michele Kambas in Athens; Editing by Christian Lowe, Mike Collett-White and Richard Mably) By Duncan Miriri NAIROBI (Reuters) - At Suzuki Motor Corp's showroom in the Kenyan capital, hundreds of its Alto compact cars are waiting to be collected. Most of the customers are drivers for ride-hailing company Uber Technologies, which struck a loans and discount deal with the Japanese carmaker and South Africa's Stanbic Bank, at the beginning of the year. Africa should be a huge growth market for automakers. Transport links are weak and personal car ownership is low. There are 25 cars per 1000 Kenyans compared to 786 in the United States, according to the World Bank. But many in Africa cannot afford to buy a vehicle, particularly just for personal use. The Alto deal in Kenya, soon to be extended to Uganda and Tanzania, offers financing of up to 100 percent for top-rated Uber drivers and a price of 850,000 Kenyan shillings ($8,349.71), lower than the usual 950,000 shillings. The loans are repaid with the money the driver earns providing services. Patrick Amenya, the sales director at CMC Motors, the local Suzuki franchisee, said the deal had helped him sell "more vehicles than normally we would." Suzuki sold 523 Altos in Kenya this year. Auto companies are linking up with fast-growing ride-hailing or delivery services around the world, aiming to transform a threat to their business into a growth opportunity. They offer discounts or financing deals for drivers in the hope they will pick their cars or vans, which could also encourage their clients to buy them. General Motors Co has invested in U.S. ride services firm Lyft and Toyota is also backing Uber. Japan's SoftBank Group Corp is also an investor in Uber and Southeast Asia's ride-sharing app Grab. Five blocks from CMC in Nairobi, at Toyota Motor Corp's showroom light trucks and bikes are waiting for buyers. Some of these are drivers for Sendy, a local online delivery company. Like Uber, its drivers own their vehicles. Companies are becoming less likely to buy their own fleet of trucks, preferring a delivery service instead, said Dennis Awori, the chairman of Toyota East Africa, a Sendy investor. Toyota provides Sendy with a pipeline of truck owners. At the moment there is no financing deal or discount but Awori and Malaika Judd, Sendy's chief operating officer, said this was under consideration. Story continues SECOND HAND MARKET Suzuki's strategy has propelled it from the bottom of sales tables in Kenya, where it languished for decades with emerging brands from China, to the top five along with Toyota, Isuzu, Mitsubishi and Ford. Koichi Suzuki, Suzuki's manager for the Middle East and Africa, hopes it will soon have the edge over the others. The company is planning to adopt the same strategy in other markets. The Altos, which are tough and fuel-efficient, at CMC are made in India but could one day be made in Africa, Suzuki said. Nairobi is often a springboard for the rest of Africa and Uber, operates in seven African nations and 13 cities, offering employment to more than 100,000 drivers. "When you have a success story in one country in Africa, we can help to develop to a pan-African scale," said Richard Bielle, head of Toyota's business in Africa. Germany's Volkswagen AG, invested $50 million in a plant in Rwanda this year to assemble its Polo, Passat and Terramont models. It also set up a ride-hailing app called VW Mobility Solutions as no other service is available there yet. "Most of the people might not be able to afford a brand-new car so the question is how do we do satisfy that market?," said Michaella Rugwizangoga, CEO of VW Mobility Solutions. "Our business model is to use the locally assembled VW vehicles to deliver our solutions for two years and sell them as second hand cars to the market." NEW CAR Kenya's car market is dominated by second-hand imports, said Mariane Ochieng, Stanbic's head of vehicle and asset finance. New vehicles are perceived as being out of reach of many buyers, mainly due to the higher taxes that they attract, she said. Like millions of other young Kenyans, 25-year old Joe Wanyoike was forced into self-employment after a futile search for work when he finished secondary school in 2011. He turned to a pre-owned vehicle imported from Japan which he hired at 50,000 shillings ($490.44) a month, and signed up on Uber to carry customers. The company shared Wanyoike's data on number of trips, earnings and his rating of 4.7, near the maximum that is 5.0, with Stanbic Bank. This earned him a loan for a new Alto, allowing him to save money on fuel and more easily navigate Nairobi's clogged streets. "I'm very happy because I could not afford a new car," he said. After the Alto's success, CMC Motors has started discussions with Uber to increase the range of models available. "Everybody was a bit nervous about whether it could work but now we are all seeing the possibilities," said Amenya. (Editing by Anna Willard) Oklahoma City, OK, Nov. 09, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - In 2014, when Orrana Cunningham needed proton beam therapy for stage 4 nasopharyngeal cancer, her insurer, Aetna, declined to cover the treatment. That denial, like many that occur every day in the U.S., cost Orrana and her husband, Ron, over $90,000. The couple mortgaged their Meeker, TXOK, home to pay for the therapy. Orrana passed away the following year at the age of 54, but Aetnas denial spawned a fight that continued until November 8, 2018, when a jury awarded Orranas family $25.6 million for recklessly disregarding its duty to deal fairly and in good faith with the Cunninghams. The Cunninghams attorney, Doug Terry, said that bad-faithwrongful claim denials are more common than policyholders would like to believe. Orranas case representsexposes so much of what is wrong with health insurance, Terry said. This case gave the jury a look behind the curtain so they could see what goes on at a health insurance company when they deny claims. The evidence showed Aetnas denial of her claim involved overworked, under-qualified doctors working in the interest of their employers bottom linewho are compensated in part based on the profitability of the company. Terry presented evidence before the jury that Aetnas doctors spent just minutes reviewing her case, despite the severity and uniqueness of her condition. An Aetnas doctor said the coverage was denied because proton beam therapy was experimental and investigational, though Terry argued the treatment was critically necessary for Orranas life-threatening condition, and had not only been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, itbut is also covered by Medicare. The denial of a cancer patients coverage for a fabricatedmanufactured reason is the very definition of bad faith, Terry said. People hear these stories and they take it personally. Weve all known someone with a serious medical condition, and wed like to believe that insurers will hold up their end of the bargain when we really need them. Another key part of the plaintiffs case was the fact that Aetna doctors failed to devote adequate time reviewing cases. In one piece of evidence presented to the jury by Terry, an Aetna doctor complained to Aetnatheir supervisor that they were reviewed more than 80 cases in a singleper day. Ron Cunningham told Oklahomas News Channel 4 that if their case could stop Aetna from denying coverage to people who need it, the four-year battle he began with his wife would be worth it. Terry said he believes that the message was clear and applauded the jurors willingness to stand up against Aetna. Aetna doesnt want these cases brought before a jury because it exposes their practices for what they are,The members of this jury sent a loud message to Aetna, that ordinary folks are not going to allow insurance companies to treat people this way without being held accountable Terry said. We can only hope that fear of future litigation can lead to a reckoning within the ranks ofmessage is heard in the boardrooms and corner offices of insurance companies across the nation. About Doug Terry: (Bloomberg) -- Google changed some policies on sexual misconduct after thousands of employees walked out of their offices last week to protest big payouts for executives accused of harassment and other misbehavior. The Alphabet Inc. unit is making arbitration optional for individual sexual harassment and sexual assault claims. It also pledged to provide more information to staff about such investigations and the outcomes, and expand mandatory training on the issue, addressing some of the issues workers asked for in staging the walkout. Going forward, we will provide more transparency on how we handle concerns. Well give better support and care to the people who raise them. And we will double down on our commitment to be a representative, equitable, and respectful workplace, Google Chief Executive Officer Sundar Pichai wrote in a public message to employees on Thursday. The company is holding a town hall staff meeting on sexual harassment Thursday. After years as a free-wheeling, fast-growing startup, Google is trying to adjust to the responsibilities and realities of being one of the worlds most powerful companies. Thats happening externally, with increased scrutiny by regulators and politicians, and internally with reports and rising complaints about Googles permissive culture when it comes to executive conduct and relationships with co-workers. The changes are a step forward, but have some serious shortcomings, said Freada Kapor Klein, a partner at Kapor Capital and longtime advocate for diversity in tech. It hasnt ended arbitration, its made it optional, she said. The rule change also doesnt appear to extend to workplace racism, which women of color are just as likely to experience as sexism, Kapor Klein said. The Google protest organizers last week demanded the end of forced arbitration in harassment and discrimination cases, which requires employees to resolve their dispute privately rather than in court. Mandatory arbitration clauses have come under harsh scrutiny as the #metoo movement has gathered steam over the past year. In February, the attorneys general of all 50 states issued a rare joint letter urging legislation to ensure victims of sexual harassment have the option of a day in court. Some states, including California, this year passed laws that limit the use of non-disclosure agreements in sexual misconduct cases. The California governor, however, vetoed a bill that would have restricted arbitration. Story continues Forced arbitration for harassment claims is still standard practice at major employers, according to Orly Lobel, a labor and employment law professor at the University of San Diego. Last December, Microsoft Corp. announced that it had eliminated mandatory arbitration clauses for sexual harassment claims among its employees and was also advocating for federal legislation to do the same across the workforce. Forced arbitration is one of the ills that we understand keeps sexual harassment in place by concealing the nature of the allegations, and it is a completely one-sided system that favors corporations, said civil rights attorney Debra Katz, a partner at the law firm Katz, Marshall & Banks. If we as a society care about eradicating sexual harassment, we need to continue to pressure companies to get rid of these policies, because its not happening at either the court level or the legislative level now. Other worker demands included the creation of a single, clear system to anonymously report harassment and a promise that the chief diversity officer would report directly to the CEO. Pichai committed to several of those changes, but a request to have an employee representative appointed to the board was not addressed. Instead, Google noted that its chief diversity officer provides recommendations to the board through a committee. Workers advocates arent convinced. The changes dont fully extend to Google contractors, who make up a massive part of the companys workforce, said a spokesperson for the Tech Workers Coalition, which represents employees and contractors from different tech companies. Google said it investigates whenever a contractor makes a complaint against a Google employee, and expects contracting companies to do the same when a complaint is made against a contractor. Heres what Google is committed to: Making arbitration in sexual harassment and assault claims optional.Providing regular, detailed reports about the number of harassment claims and whether they resulted in people being fired.Publishing an internal guide to how harassment investigations work at the company.More support for people reporting harassment, including the right to bring a colleague along with them to meetings with the human resources department.Managers will be expected to discourage excessive alcohol consumption at work-related events.Skipping sexual harassment training will affect employees performance reviews. (Updates with quote from diversity advocate in sixth paragraph.) --With assistance from Ellen Huet. To contact the reporters on this story: Gerrit De Vynck in New York at gdevynck@bloomberg.net;Josh Eidelson in Washington at jeidelson@bloomberg.net;Rebecca Greenfield in New York at rgreenfield@bloomberg.net To contact the editors responsible for this story: Jillian Ward at jward56@bloomberg.net, Alistair Barr, Molly Schuetz For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com 2018 Bloomberg L.P. FILE PHOTO: A Google logo is seen at the company's headquarters in Mountain View, California, November 1, 2018. REUTERS/ Stephen Lam/File Photo (Reuters) - Alphabet Inc's Google said on Thursday it would make changes to how it handles sexual harassment claims, a week after thousands of its employees around the world walked off their jobs to protest its response to such issues. Google Chief Executive Officer Sundar Pichai announced a detailed "action plan", which included making arbitration optional for individual sexual harassment and sexual assault claims. "Going forward, we will provide more transparency on how we handle concerns," Pichai said in a note addressed to employees. Pichai also said Google will provide more details around sexual harassment investigations and outcomes, as well as improving processes used to handle such concerns, including the ability for its employees to be accompanied by a support person. Google said employees will now be required to undergo sexual harassment training annually, instead of every two years currently. "We will update and expand our mandatory sexual harassment training," Pichai said. The company also said it would publicly release its harassment, discrimination and retaliation policies. The protests at Google earlier this month followed a New York Times report that the company in 2014 gave a $90 million exit package to a senior vice president, Andy Rubin, after he was accused of sexual harassment. (Reporting by Arjun Panchadar in Bengaluru and Paresh Dave in San Francisco; Editing by Anil D'Silva) By Giuseppe Fonte and Anne Kauranen ROME/HELSINKI (Reuters) - Italy stood by the main pillars of its 2019 budget on Friday, as a deadline neared for it to change what Brussels called overly optimistic economic assumptions or face penalties for breaking EU fiscal rules. Deputy Prime Minister Luigi Di Maio and Economy Minister Giovanni Tria said they were committed to respecting a maximum budget deficit of 2.4 percent of economic output next year. But the European Commission, which has given Rome until Tuesday to present a new budget, has forecast a deficit of 2.9 percent and a structural fiscal gap - excluding one-offs and business cycle swings - rising to 3.0 percent. Under EU requirements, Italy should cut its structural deficit next year to 1.2 percent and continue reducing it every year until it reaches a balanced budget. Tria said the government was "busy drafting an answer to the European Commission with regards to the most contentious points of the budget". But Rome would confirm its "main pillars", as an economic slowdown had made fiscal expansion even more necessary, he told a parliamentary hearing. The government says it will introduce an income support programme next year to tackle growing poverty, and reduce the retirement age in an effort to free up the labour market and generate more job opportunities for the young. It is also promising tax cuts and offering a partial amnesty for citizens who settle tax disputes with the authorities. The Commission rejected Italy's 2019 fiscal plan last month, saying it flouted a previous commitment to lower the deficit and that it did not guarantee a reduction in the country's debt, the second highest in the euro zone as a proportion of GDP. ITALIAN BONDS In Helsinki, Valdis Dombrovskis, the Commission Vice President responsible for the euro, on Friday reaffirmed the EU executive was considering starting an excessive deficit procedure if Italy did not change the budget. He said Brussels believed Rome's fiscal calculations were "overly optimistic". Story continues "Basically the assumption is that if they ... increase public spending, it will stimulate the economy and thus will help to reduce the budget deficit. We see that this is actually not materialising," he said. The standoff between Rome and Brussels has spooked financial markets and, after Tria spoke, 10-year Italian bond yields climbed to 3.46 percent , their highest in over a week. That pushed the closely-watched gap over safer German Bund yields back above 300 basis points . Italy's central bank warned that the rise in borrowing costs over recent months risked impacting the economy and cancelling out the expansionary effects of the budget. "I hope for a solution that combines both Italy's respect for the rules it must abide with as a member of the monetary union... and the government and parliament pursuing their political goals," Luigi Federico Signorini, the Bank of Italy's deputy director general, told a parliamentary committee. Di Maio, whose anti-establishment 5-Star Movement governs in a coalition with the far-right League, said he believed market pressure would ease when investors realised the government was committed to holding the deficit inside its 2.4 percent target. But he gave no indication that the government was willing to change the 2019 budget draft. Asked if Italy would pay any fines the EU might levy, Di Maio told reporters in Rome "pacts must be honoured", but that he did not expect any charges to be levied and was confident an agreement with Brussels would be reached. (Reporting by Gavin Jones and Giuseppe Fonte in Rome and Anne Kauranen in Helsinki; writing by John Stonestreet) A decade-old effort to install an underground oil pipeline to move tar sands from Alberta, Canada to southern Nebraska was halted once again Thursday by a federal court in Montana. The U.S. District Court for the Great Falls Division issued an injunction against the U.S. State Department and TransCanada Corporation ordering the co-defendants to cease all activity in furtherance of construction or operation of the proposed Keystone XL pipeline. The judges ruling blocks the project until its environmental impact can be more fully reviewed. Weve come to call this the zombie pipeline. It just keeps coming back, said Dallas Goldtooth, an organizer for one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, Indigenous Environmental Network. The group began opposing the project while it was under consideration by the Obama administration. This is a fight for the benefit of all life along the route of this pipeline, Goldtooth said. We look forward to keep on going until this project is dead and gone. They think they can control mother nature. They cant The pipelines chances appeared bleak in 2015 after President Barack Obama rejected the project based on a seven-year Environmental Impact Study by the State Departments Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs. The study concluded that the extent of greenhouse gas emissions would depend on the future price of oil. Banks of the Missouri River in Montana along proposed Keystone XL pipeline route Left to Right: NCRA President Frank Egger, attorney Steve Volker, and board member Larry Bragman. Credit: Frank Egger We had done so much research during the previous four years that we were looking at litigating the Obama administration, if necessary, Fred Egger, President of the Board of Directors for lead plaintiff North Coast Rivers Alliance, said. We had breathed a sigh of relief, then President Trump comes along with the approval. In controversial moves weeks into his administration, President Donald Trump took steps to issue a cross-border permit required for TransCanada to move ahead with the project. Under the best of circumstances these pipelines are going to blow, Egger said. Its not if, its when, Egger said. Where they are running the pipeline is under some of the most sensitive river systems in America. Story continues As proposed, sections of pipeline cross or run beneath 17 major bodies of water and 9 rivers, many of which Egger says are relied upon for clean drinking water. They think they can control mother nature. They cant, Eggar said. Judge Brian Morris, who issued the injunction, said while the State Department did not breach certain duties allegedly violated under the National Environmental Policy Act, it failed in its duty to provide a hard look at current environmental issues in an updated Environmental Impact Study. Too much reliance, the court said, was placed on now-outdated research contained in the 2014 report. Judge Morris ruled that the State Department must provide a reason for reversing course from its Obama-era decision, plus provide analysis on the following: The effect of current oil prices on the viability of the pipeline; cumulative effects of greenhouse gas emissions; a survey of potential cultural resources contained in 1,038 acres not addressed in the 2014 report; and updated modeling of potential oil spills and mitigation measures. A spokesperson from the State Department said the department is aware of the order issued by the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana on November 8, 2018 and is still reviewing it. The spokesperson would not comment further due to ongoing litigation. On Friday, Trump described the District Courts order as politically motivated and a disgrace. Were not giving up, Goldtooth said. We will be here until the very end to make sure this project does not get built. Alexis Keenan is a New York-based reporter for Yahoo Finance. She previously produced live news for CNN and MSNBC and is a former litigation attorney. Read more: Weed is legal in 3 more states heres what to expect from the new laws Why Philadelphia halted plans to unleash e-scooters across the city Heres how eBay alleges Amazon illegally lured its high-value sellers Winning the Mega Millions is sweeter in some states than others (Adds quote from senate leader and incoming finance minister) By Miguel Gutierrez and Adriana Barrera MEXICO CITY, Nov 8 (Reuters) - Mexico's banking stocks plummeted on Thursday after a senator from the president-elect's party unexpectedly presented a proposal to stop banks from charging certain commissions, deepening fears about the leftist's economic policy. Mexico's S&P/BMV IPC stock index fell 5.8 percent, its biggest one-day loss in more than seven years. Shares in Grupo Financiero Banorte tumbled nearly 12 percent, and Santander's local unit dropped 8 percent. Inbursa, which is controlled by the family of billionaire Carlos Slim, and the bank Gentera, both fell about 10 percent after the news that President-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's party was unveiling the bill. His Morena party, along with leftist allies, have a solid majority in both houses of Congress. It was the second shock to Mexican market in less than two weeks. Stocks and the peso were hammered earlier this month after Lopez Obrador, who takes office on Dec. 1, announced he would scrap a partially built $13 billion new airport for the capital. "All of this is by the book of what every other leftist government has done in Latin America: governing by referendum, then going after the financial conglomerates," said Santiago Arias, a portfolio manager at Credicorp Capital Asset Management in Santiago, Chile. "There was a hope that Lopez Obrador would be a little more conscious about how he would approach the private sector," he said. Following the steep market declines, the party sent a more conciliatory message. Ricardo Monreal, Senate leader for Lopez Obrador's Morena party, stressed that legislators would take the financial institutions' concerns into account. "We are not going to pass (the law) in an abrupt, fast, hasty way," he told reporters. "We are going to listen and we will take enough time to be able to listen to all sectors." Carlos Urzua, Lopez Obrador's incoming finance minister, also moved to calm markets, saying his team had contacted lawmakers to "organize a coordinated effort." Story continues "While we recognize the aim (of these initiatives) is to try to improve the living conditions of Mexicans, this objective will not necessarily be achieved unless impacts on public finances and stability in the financial sector are taken into account," he told reporters. Lopez Obrador did not comment on the bill in a video posted Friday where, sitting in the back of a army truck, he detailed plans to add more runways to a military airport. The banking initiative, submitted by Monreal, argues that banks in Mexico earn more in commissions than in other countries. Mexico's banking sector, which is dominated by foreign-owned banks such as Citigroup's Citibanamex and Spain's BBVA Bancomer, has been a frequent target of leftist politicians in the country. Lopez Obrador won a landslide victory in July. Mexico's last leftist administration mounted a disastrous privatization of the banking sector in 1982. The bill referenced a study by Mexico's financial products watchdog Condusef that said 30 percent of Mexican banks' revenue on average comes from commissions. It would prohibit financial entities from charging clients for checking a balance, withdrawing cash and requesting past bank statements, among other things. The plan would also require the Bank of Mexico and Mexico's banking regulator to create a plan to annually lower commissions on bank transfers. Several bankers told Reuters on condition of anonymity that the proposal caught them by surprise. Banking association ABM said in a statement that it would analyze the bill and work with lawmakers and regulators to "strengthen transparency" around financial products. Condusef said BBVA Bancomer made 36 percent of its revenue in Mexico from commissions, while Citibanamex and HSBC earned one third. Banorte was the next highest, with 31 percent of its revenue from commissions. Banking experts said the bill's backers should have laid the groundwork by meeting with financial groups and presenting public studies rather than unexpectedly proposing the bill. "A lot of the reaction is the surprise," said Renata Herrerias, a finance professor at Mexico's ITAM university. "I think the public in general agrees that there is abuse in the charging of commissions." "What scares people ... is the way they do it," he said. BBVA Bancomer and HSBC did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Banorte said in a filing to the Mexican stock exchange that the fluctuation in its share price on Thursday reflected "natural market movements." Citibanamex declined to comment. (Reporting by Miguel Gutierrez and Adriana Barrera; Additional reporting by Sheky Espejo, Daina Beth Solomon, Christine Murray, Michael O'Boyle and Stefanie Eschenbacher; Editing by Tom Brown and Grant McCool) WILLIAMSPORT, PA, Nov. 09, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The trucking industry estimates that there are approximately 63,000 open truck driver jobs in the U.S., a number that could double in the years to come. While economists ponder the impact of this labor shortage on the economy, Cliff Rieders says that we should be considering the effect on road safety. Rieders is an attorney and partner at the Williamsport, PA, law firm Rieders, Travis, Humphrey, Waters & Dohrmann, which has handled several cases involving large truck accidents. One of the biggest concerns regarding the trucking labor shortage is the lowering of standards by employers, Rieders said. Driving a truck used to be a more reliable job that offered a higher standard of pay, benefits and security. Over the past few decades, the job has become more demanding and the pay has declined. Since the 1970s, truck driver pay has dropped by anywhere from 20 to 50 percent, depending on the region of the driver, according to an analysis by Business Insider. Experts suggest that deregulation coupled with the ensuing de-unionization of the industry has curbed driver pay and strained the trucking workforce. Rieders said that the trucking industry is not doing enough to entice workers to get behind the wheel and that some solutions offered by trucking companies could be hazardous for all motorists. Some in the trucking industry are pushing to lower the minimum age requirements for truck drivers, Rieders said. Its difficult to imagine a scenario in which putting less experienced drivers behind the wheel is a good thing for road safety. Federal requirements state that to drive across state lines, truckers must be at least 21 years old. The American Trucking Associations, a national trade association for the trucking industry, has encouraged a lowering of the age limit for years. Many lawmakers are taking heed of the industrys proposals. In March 2018 , House members introduced a bill to lower the age requirement to 18, while the White House appears to be moving forward with a pilot program that would allow younger drivers with military and national guard experience to drive commercial trucks. Meanwhile, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, a trade organization representing truck drivers, claims that lowering the standard will threaten the safety of motorists. The Centers for Disease for Control and Prevention argues that younger drivers are more likely to underestimate dangerous situations and more likely than adults to make critical decision errors that lead to serious crashes. Another measure the trucking industry has taken over recent years has also impacted both road safety and the appeal of the job, said Rieders. Truckers are increasingly classified as contractors, not employees, Rieders said. This shift was intended to save trucking companies money. In theory, this would allow companies to hire more workers, but it has clearly become a huge part of the problem. Truckers who work as contractors carry more costs than their employed counterparts. Many truckers are paid by the mile and end up earning less than the federal minimum hourly wage of $7.25, once costs such as truck leases, fuel and insurance are factored in. The lack of adequate pay naturally encourages workers to exceed federal hours-of-service limits and push themselves to points of chronic fatigue and burnout, Rieders said. Rieders said that increasing pay and improving working conditions for truckers is one of the few available options that can address the labor shortage while also keeping roads as safe as possible. Its not the diagnosis that the trucking industry wants to hear, Rieders said. But unless they make the job more appealing to the labor market, the shortage will continue to grow. Republican Senate candidate Rick Scott smiles as he speaks to supporters at an election watch party Nov. 7 in Naples. Photo by Wilfredo Lee/AP Republican Senate candidate Rick Scott smiles as he speaks to supporters at an election watch party Nov. 7 in Naples. Photo by Wilfredo Lee/AP The Rick Scott for Senate Campaign has filed lawsuits against the supervisors of elections in two South Florida counties. In the complaints, the outgoing Florida governor and Republican senate candidate alleges that Palm Beach Supervisor of Elections Susan Bucher and her Broward counterpart, Brenda Snipes, have not allowed his campaign to view records of absentee ballot counts. Read the lawsuit filed in Palm Beach County: falcon-embed src="embed_1" Scott's lawsuits follow a tight senate race against longtime state Sen. Bill Nelson. Although the race had been called for Scott, questions and concerns have now been raised over the final voter tally. Similar concerns have been raised in the race between Andrew Gillum, the Democratic candidate for Florida governor, and Ron DeSantis, the Republican candidate. Read the lawsuit filed in Broward County: falcon-embed src="embed_2" (Updates with ICC declining to comment) MOSCOW, Nov 9 (Reuters) - Groups representing Russian military veterans plan to ask the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate Russia's secret deployment of civilian contractors in Syria, Ukraine and Africa, a paramilitary leader said on Friday. The recruitment of civilians to fight abroad is illegal in Russia, and the Kremlin has repeatedly denied reports of thousands of Russian private contractors fighting alongside government forces in Syria. Over 100 Russian civilians were killed during the campaign, according to people familiar with the mission. However, the ICC has no jurisdiction over Syria and has never handled any cases like this before. More than a dozen Russian veteran organizations plan to write to Fatou Bensouda, prosecutor of the Hague-based ICC investigating war crimes, according to Yevgeny Shabayev, a paramilitary Cossack group leader who says he personally knows dozens of people who have been on such assignments. It is unclear how big the organisations on the list are and they may not represent a significant majority of veterans - of whom there are hundreds of thousands in Russia following its intervention in Afghanistan and the conflict in Chechnya. A letter of appeal from the groups will urge Bensouda to initiate a probe into recruitment of the Russian mercenaries. "The Russians fight abroad as "volunteers" and without an official recognition from the Russian government," said Shabayev, who has once served as a representative of one of self-proclaimed pro-Russian separatist republics in eastern Ukraine. The veterans, some of whom are close to the mercenaries, say in the letter they are unhappy with the fact that private contractors operate illegally and enjoy no social benefits or protection afterwards. "In fact Russian civilians ... are being sent out of their country of residence to be illegally used for military purposes." The Kremlin and the Russian Defence Ministry did not reply immediately reply to requests for comments. A spokeswoman for Bensouda's office said by email she was unable to comment. Several hundreds delegates plan to discuss the document at a forum on Nov. 18 in Moscow and mail it to the ICC the next day, Shabayev said adding that they have worked on the document for several months. Story continues Russian citizens were seen in large numbers taking part in the fighting in eastern Ukraine on the side of pro-Russian separatists. Moscow said they went there on their own will as volunteers. The Kremlin officially deployed 170 civilian instructors in the Central African Republic and plans to send 60 more to reinforce them - a mission which Moscow says has been approved by the U.N. Security Council. Last year, a Russian private security company said it carried out a demining mission in Libya. The veteran organizations said in the letter of appeal that Russian contractors also worked in Sudan, South Sudan, Yemen and Gabon. The authors said in the document they would assist the ICC if it launched an investigation. Shabayev said some former Russian private military contractors who had fought abroad would be ready to testify if the offered them protection. "It will depend on whether the West is really interested in examining the situation," Shabayev said. It was not immediately clear whether or how the ICC would respond to the group's message. The ICC has jurisdiction only when a countrys own government is unwilling or unable to prosecute an extremely grave crime, and only over crimes committed on the territory of its member states. Russia is not a member. (Reporting by Maria Tsvetkova Additional reporting by Toby Sterling in Amsterdam Editing by Olzhas Auyezov, Raissa Kasolowsky, Richard Balmforth) STORIES YOU MIGHT LIKE Willowbrook, Calif., Nov. 09, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Joining transformational donors including The Ballmer Group and The Weingart Foundation, Wells Fargo announced its commitment to solving South Los Angeles medical provider shortage with a $1 million gift to Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Hospital (MLKCH). The grant will support MLKCHs collaboration with its affiliated nonprofit Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Medical Group (MLKCMG) which is taking aim at the medical provider shortage in South Los Angeles an area of Los Angeles that is home to approximately 1.3 million residents and an estimated shortage of about 1,200 physicians. MLKCMG, a multi-specialty medical group, is one of the few providers of high-quality outpatient health care in South LA, particularly for adults with complex chronic conditions. Through the combined efforts of MLKCH and MLKCMG, both organizations have successfully recruited more medical specialists and primary care providers. As a result, South LAs critical physician gap has begun to close. This is the largest corporate gift yet received by the hospitals foundation. This incredibly generous gift is a recognition of our hospitals ability to deliver quality care, said Dr. Elaine Batchlor, CEO of the hospital. The people of South LA have gone without the help that they need for too long. Its time to do something about it. Wells Fargo joins a growing list of organizations committed to solving South LAs medical provider shortage. In addition to The Ballmer Group and The Weingart Foundation, The Good Hope Medical Foundation has also supported MLKCH and MLKCMGs efforts to alleviate the areas medical provider shortage. Good health is the foundation of everything, including achieving financial success, which is one of Wells Fargos core values, said Michael Ormonde, Los Angeles region bank president. With this gift, we hope to provide more Angelenos with high-quality health care and the benefits that it bestows on every other aspect of their lives. Wells Fargo is one of the nations top corporate cash donors among U.S. companies, and recently reaffirmed its goal of a 40 percent increase in corporate philanthropy in 2018, targeting $400 million. The grant will help MLKCH support the payment of competitive market salaries to talented, culturally competent physicians to encourage them to work in an area with a high percentage of Medicaid patients. California has one of the lowest reimbursement rates to doctors that serve Medicaid patients, a nearly insurmountable obstacle for physicians looking to either establish or maintain a practice. This gift will help us level the playing field and bring in doctors and quality care equal to that found in more affluent communities, said Batchlor. Thanks to supporters like Wells Fargo, there is real momentum growing around MLKCHs ability to rewrite the rules of how care is provided in disadvantaged communities. About Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Hospital Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Hospital (MLKCH) is a private, nonprofit, safety-net hospital serving 1.3 million residents in South Los Angeles. Our new hospital opened in 2015 through a unique public/private partnership with the County of Los Angeles, the University of California, and other healthcare providers. MLKCH is committed to establishing an innovative model focused on patient-centered, coordinated care delivery, both inside and beyond the hospital walls. Learn more: www.mlkch.org About Wells Fargo Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a diversified, community-based financial services company with $1.9 trillion in assets. Wells Fargos vision is to satisfy our customers financial needs and help them succeed financially. Founded in 1852 and headquartered in San Francisco, Wells Fargo provides banking, investment and mortgage products and services, as well as consumer and commercial finance, through 7,950 locations, 13,000 ATMs, the internet (wellsfargo.com) and mobile banking, and has offices in 37 countries and territories to support customers who conduct business in the global economy. With approximately 262,000 team members, Wells Fargo serves one in three households in the United States. Wells Fargo & Company was ranked No. 26 on Fortunes 2018 rankings of Americas largest corporations. News, insights and perspectives from Wells Fargo are also available at Wells Fargo Stories. # # Officials in Afghanistan say Taliban attacks have killed at least 10 soldiers and seven police officers, as U.S. peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad opens a tour of the region to push for peace negotiations with the militant movement. Taliban militants attacked an army outpost in the Khwaja Ghar district of the northern Takhar province early on November 9, provincial police chief Abdul Rashid Bashir said. At least 10 soldiers were killed and 12 were wounded in the hour-long battle before the militants were repulsed, Bashir said. The militants suffered "heavy casualties," Bashir added, but didn't elaborate. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed responsibility for that attack. Late on November 8, Taliban militants also attacked police forces in Farah, the capital of the western province of the same name. Provincial council member, Abdul Samad Salehi, says seven police officers were killed and three were wounded there. Khalilzad, who is a former ambassador to Kabul, will visit Afghanistan, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar this month to push for peace negotiations with the Afghan Taliban, the State Department says. A statement said Khalilzad will travel to the region from November 8 to 20 and meet with Afghan government officials and other interested parties to advance the goal of an intra-Afghan dialogue and negotiations that include the Taliban and lead to a sustainable peace. For years, the United States has been trying to persuade the Taliban to agree to negotiate an end to the 17-year conflict in Afghanistan, as the Afghan security forces continue to struggle to counter stepped-up attacks by the militant group in its drive to force the Western-backed government in Kabul from power. U.S. efforts foundered over the militants' insistence on negotiating directly with Washington rather than the Afghan government, which it calls a "puppet" of the United States. Khalilzad, who is President Donald Trumps special adviser on Afghanistan, last visited the region last month. The State Department said he has been encouraged to see that both the government in Kabul and the Taliban are taking steps toward organizing authoritative negotiating teams. A sustainable peace requires that all Afghans have a say in their countrys future, it also said. "The United States remains committed to a political settlement that results in an end to the war and to the terrorist threat posed to the United States and the world," the statement added. "A peaceful Afghanistan can play a catalytic role in regional trade and development." As recently as late October, U.S. and Taliban officials conducted preliminary talks in Qatar, where the militants have a political office that serves as a de-facto embassy. The talks come amid an uptick in Taliban violence, with militants staging near-daily attacks on Afghan security forces. With reporting by AP, Reuters, and AFP A Fortune 500 company wants to build two warehouse-distribution centers near the Colorado Springs Airport employing a significant number of people, according to documents included in the agenda for Tuesdays Colorado Springs City Council meeting. The Colorado Springs Airport wants to sell 88 acres in its business park to an unidentified Fortune 500 corporation for a pair of warehouse-distribution facilities, according to a resolution on the councils agenda. The resolution doesnt identify the company, and city officials declined Thursday to comment, citing a nondisclosure agreement with the company. The vote comes just days after online retail giant Amazon opened a temporary delivery station that employs 300 in a large tent just north of Milton E. Proby Parkway near the airports rental car hub. The company began training workers at the station Wednesday and will ramp up operations throughout the holiday season, said Amanda Ip, an Amazon spokeswoman in Seattle. The vacant land is divided into 18- and 70-acre parcels in the southwest corner of the business park along Powers Boulevard south of Milton E Proby Parkway. A presentation included with the documents lists the 18-acre parcel as Project Jungle, earmarked for a local warehouse distribution facility, while the 70-acre parcel is listed as Project Rodeo, envisioned as another warehouse distribution facility. The presentation says the projects will result in significant job creation and will become an anchor user of Peak Innovation Park (the airports business park), among other economic impacts listed. Bob Cope, the citys economic development officer, declined to comment Thursday on the proposed sale of property in the business park, citing a confidentiality agreement with the buyer. The citys Airport Advisory Commission asked the council late last month to declare the two parcels and five smaller parcels as surplus city property for the two projects. It also wanted to designate five directors of the newly created Peak Metropolitan District as the logical potential purchaser for each parcel, as required under the citys code and regulations. The proposed council resolution in the agenda says development of the planned warehouse distribution facility enhances the probability of attracting increased air-cargo services at the Airport, and therefore selling the Property to the Purchaser, in particular, creates a strong synergy with the Airport. The transaction must be made at fair market value and an appraisal is in process, according to the resolution. The deal also must be approved by the Federal Aviation Administration, which verbally agreed the intended use would be compatible with the Airport after a meeting about the transaction, the resolution says. The city wants to form the metropolitan district to issue up to $200 million in bonds to build streets, utilities and other public improvements in the 1,547-acre business park, as well as approximately 1,000 acres of undeveloped land adjacent to the airports two longest runways. Plans for the business park call for the creation of up to three special districts. Amazon opened the temporary station at the airport as the final step in delivering merchandise to customers through either companies or individuals under contract to make deliveries for Amazon, said Ip, the Amazon spokeswoman. The station employs part- and full-time seasonal and permanent workers, she said. We are excited to be in Colorado and Colorado Springs. Our goal is get merchandise to customers faster. So when we are looking at demand, it really is about where our customers are. Craig Anderson, a veteran commercial real estate broker with NAI Highland in Colorado Springs, said last month he didnt know details of Amazons plans for the city, but speculated that the tent would allow the company to launch operations in the Springs while it builds a permanent distribution center nearby. Ip declined to comment on any Amazon connection to the two airport parcels. Amazon employs more than 2,000 in the Denver area. Operations include a sorting center near Denver International Airport, a distribution center in Thornton, another delivery station in Aurora, an engineering operation in Boulder focused on digital advertising and cloud computing, and a retail store at Park Meadows mall. Denver also is among 20 finalists for the online retailing giants second headquarters. Contact Wayne Heilman 636-0234 Facebook www.facebook.com/wayne.heilman Author coming to Colorado College to speak about inspiring U.S. battle in Korean War NEW YORK, Nov. 09, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kadmon Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: KDMN) today provided a business update and reported financial and operational results for the third quarter of 2018. We have made tremendous progress in recent months to advance development of KD025 for the treatment of cGVHD, including receipt of FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation and the initiation of our registration study, said Harlan W. Waksal, M.D., President and CEO at Kadmon. We look forward to sharing updated findings from our ongoing Phase 2 trial in an oral presentation at ASH while continuing to enroll patients in the pivotal trial. In parallel, we continue to advance our broader ROCK inhibitor research platform as well as our biologics platform developing IL-15 fusion proteins for immuno-oncology. Recent Business Highlights FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation Granted to KD025 In October 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation to KD025, the Companys ROCK2 inhibitor, for the treatment of patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) after failure of two or more lines of systemic therapy Pivotal Clinical Trial of KD025 in cGVHD Initiated In October 2018, the first patient was dosed in the Companys pivotal clinical trial of KD025 in cGVHD Upcoming Milestones Kadmon is advancing its product candidates and expects to reach a number of pipeline milestones in the coming periods: Open-label Phase 2 clinical trial of KD025 in cGVHD updated data to be presented at the 60 th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting on December 3, 2018 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting on December 3, 2018 Enrollment has been initiated in the pivotal open-label Phase 2 clinical trial of KD025 in cGVHD and the Company expects to complete enrollment in 2H 2019 Phase 2 clinical trial of KD025 in scleroderma (systemic sclerosis) planned initiation 1H 2019 Investigational New Drug (IND) submission for KD045 (next-generation pan-ROCK inhibitor) for fibrotic diseases anticipated 2H 2019 IND submission for KD033 (anti-PD-L1/IL-15 fusion protein) for immuno-oncology anticipated 2H 2019 Kadmon is continuing dialogue with the FDA regarding its approval of KD034, the Companys generic formulation of trientine hydrochloride for the treatment of Wilsons disease Financial Results Third Quarter 2018 Results Loss from operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $21.3 million and $58.1 million, respectively, compared to $19.8 million and $51.4 million for the respective periods in 2017. Revenue was $0.4 million and $1.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $2.3 million and $10.8 million for the respective periods in 2017. The Company does not rely on the revenue generated from its commercial operations; however, the Company leverages its commercial infrastructure to support the development of its clinical-stage product candidates by providing quality assurance, compliance, regulatory and pharmacovigilance capabilities, among others. Research and development expenses were $11.9 million and $31.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $11.8 million and $30.3 million for the respective periods in 2017. Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses were $9.7 million and $26.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $9.1 million and $29.1 million for the respective periods in 2017. The decrease in SG&A expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 is primarily related to a non-cash decrease in share-based compensation of $2.3 million. Liquidity and Capital Resources As of September 30, 2018, Kadmons cash and cash equivalents totaled $113.4 million, compared to $67.5 million as of December 31, 2017. About KD025 KD025 is a selective oral inhibitor of Rho-associated coiled-coil kinase 2 (ROCK2), a signaling pathway that modulates inflammatory response. Enrollment is ongoing in KD025-213, a pivotal Phase 2 clinical trial of KD025 in adults with cGVHD who have received at least two prior lines of systemic therapy. In October 2018, the FDA granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation to KD025 for the treatment of cGVHD, which was supported by data from an ongoing Phase 2 clinical trial (KD025-208). In August 2017, the FDA granted Orphan Drug Designation to KD025 for the treatment of cGVHD. About Kadmon Holdings, Inc. Kadmon Holdings, Inc. is a fully integrated biopharmaceutical company developing innovative product candidates for significant unmet medical needs. Our product pipeline is focused on inflammatory and fibrotic diseases. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements. Such statements may be preceded by the words may, will, should, expects, plans, anticipates, could, intends, targets, projects, contemplates, believes, estimates, predicts, potential or continue or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. We believe that these factors include, but are not limited to, (i) the initiation, timing, progress and results of our preclinical studies and clinical trials, and our research and development programs; (ii) our ability to advance product candidates into, and successfully complete, clinical trials; (iii) our reliance on the success of our product candidates; (iv) the timing or likelihood of regulatory filings and approvals; (v) our ability to expand our sales and marketing capabilities; (vi) the commercialization of our product candidates, if approved; (vii) the pricing and reimbursement of our product candidates, if approved; (viii) the implementation of our business model, strategic plans for our business, product candidates and technology; (ix) the scope of protection we are able to establish and maintain for intellectual property rights covering our product candidates and technology; (x) our ability to operate our business without infringing the intellectual property rights and proprietary technology of third parties; (xi) costs associated with defending intellectual property infringement, product liability and other claims; (xii) regulatory developments in the United States, Europe and other jurisdictions; (xiii) estimates of our expenses, future revenues, capital requirements and our needs for additional financing; (xiv) the potential benefits of strategic collaboration agreements and our ability to enter into strategic arrangements; (xv) our ability to maintain and establish collaborations or obtain additional grant funding; (xvi) the rate and degree of market acceptance of our product candidates; (xvii) developments relating to our competitors and our industry, including competing therapies; (xviii) our ability to effectively manage our anticipated growth; (xix) our ability to attract and retain qualified employees and key personnel; (xx) our ability to achieve cost savings and other benefits from our efforts to streamline our operations and to not harm our business with such efforts; (xxi) the use of proceeds from our recent public offerings; (xxii) the potential benefits of any of our product candidates being granted orphan drug designation; (xxiii) the future trading price of the shares of our common stock and impact of securities analysts reports on these prices; and/or (xxiv) other risks and uncertainties. More detailed information about Kadmon and the risk factors that may affect the realization of forward-looking statements is set forth in the Companys filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC), including the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 and the Companys Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed pursuant to Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, with the SEC on the date hereof. Investors and security holders are urged to read these documents free of charge on the SECs website at www.sec.gov. The Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Kadmon Holdings, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations - Unaudited (in thousands, except per share data) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Revenues Net sales $ 198 $ 1,036 $ 633 $ 5,070 License and other revenue 174 1,241 531 5,730 Total revenue 372 2,277 1,164 10,800 Cost of sales 59 277 361 1,110 Write-down of inventory 20 933 265 1,676 Gross profit 293 1,067 538 8,014 Operating expenses: Research and development 11,918 11,775 31,876 30,278 Selling, general and administrative 9,668 9,121 26,730 29,141 Total operating expenses 21,586 20,896 58,606 59,419 Loss from operations (21,293 ) (19,829 ) (58,068 ) (51,405 ) Total other expense (income) (7,494 ) 1,874 (44,771 ) 9,863 Income tax expense (benefit) (562 ) 316 Net loss $ (13,799 ) $ (21,703 ) $ (12,735 ) $ (61,584 ) Deemed dividend on convertible preferred stock 515 490 1,496 1,428 Net loss attributable to common stockholders $ (14,314 ) $ (22,193 ) $ (14,231 ) $ (63,012 ) Basic and diluted net loss per share of common stock $ (0.13 ) $ (0.42 ) $ (0.15 ) $ (1.25 ) Weighted average basic and diluted shares of common stock outstanding 113,101,776 52,572,880 92,378,205 50,331,163 Kadmon Holdings, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands) September 30, December 31, 2018 2017 (unaudited) Cash and cash equivalents $ 113,351 $ 67,517 Other current assets 4,267 2,496 Investment, equity securities 48,072 Other noncurrent assets 12,025 13,539 Total assets $ 177,715 $ 83,552 Current liabilities 17,707 56,644 Other long term liabilities 32,126 25,150 Total liabilities 49,833 81,794 Total stockholders equity 127,882 1,758 Total liabilities and stockholders equity $ 177,715 $ 83,552 Contact Information Ellen Cavaleri, Investor Relations 646.490.2989 ellen.cavaleri@kadmon.com Denver State legislators chose new leadership at the Capitol on Thursday, with the Senate Democratic majority choosing Sen. Leroy Garcia of Pueblo as its next president and the House Democratic caucus tapping Majority Leader KC Becker as the speaker-designee. Sen. Steve Fenberg of Boulder, the architect of the Democrats sweep of five Senate seats, was elected majority leader. Women swept the table for the rest of the leadership posts. Sen. Rhonda Fields of Aurora won the nod for assistant majority leader. Sen. Lois Court of Denver was elected president pro tempore, a job that must be voted on by the full Senate; shell have to run again for the position Jan. 4, when the 2019 session convenes. Sen.-elect Faith Winter of Westminster won the nod for caucus chair. Sen. Kerry Donovan was named majority whip. The Senate Democrats, by virtue of their majority, also earned one more seat on the Joint Budget Committee. Sen. Dominick Moreno of Adams County, who has been on the committee for the past two years, was elected for another term and will become the committees chair come January. Sen. Rachel Zenzinger will join him on the panel. Senate Republicans held their elections at the same time, putting four election-winners into leadership roles. Sen. Chris Holbert, who won re-election Tuesday, will be the minority leader, with Sen. John Cooke of Greeley, who also won Tuesday, as assistant minority leader. Sen. Vicki Marble of Fort Collins, the Republicans lone woman, will be the caucus chair. Newly re-elected Sen. Ray Scott of Grand Junction will be the whip, and freshman Sen. Dennis Hisey of Fountain will join the Joint Budget Committee. Rep. Patrick Neville of Franktown will continue as minority leader. The assistant minority leader position, held by Rep. Cole Wist of Centennial, who lost Tuesday, now falls to Rep. Kevin Van Winkle of Highlands Ranch. Rep. Lori Saine of Firestone will continue as caucus chair; Rep. Perry Buck of Greeley will hold the post of minority whip. Rep. Bob Rankin of Carbondale will be the ranking member on the Joint Budget Committee. With four races still too close to call, House Democrats postponed their leadership elections until 3 p.m. Thursday. Becker and now-House Majority Leader Alec Garnett of Denver decided to then move forward with elections, saying it was important to get the work of the House Democrats underway. Becker will have to run again for the position of speaker-designee Jan. 4, when the 2019 session convenes. The other leadership posts went to: Rep. Chris Kennedy of Lakewood, who will serve as assistant majority leader, defeating Rep. Leslie Herod of Denver; Rep. Edie Hooton of Boulder, who will serve as caucus chair; Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet of Denver, who will serve as assistant caucus chair; Rep. Jeff Bridges of Greenwood Village, who will serve as the other co-whip with Coleman. The Global SuperTanker was deployed to northern California Friday to help take control of a wildfire that has killed at least five people and forced evacuations of more than 30,000 people. The Colorado Springs-based firefighting plane has made two sorties to assist CAL FIRE, said Global SuperTanker spokesman Lewis Lowe. The #SuperTanker is at MCC and crew members are on the ramp this morning. They have been briefed for missions to support CAL FIRE. We will be in the air soon. Stay safe everyone.T-944 pic.twitter.com/08IZQdRrNk Global SuperTanker (@GlobalSuperTank) November 9, 2018 Three engines from Colorado also were mobilized Friday to head to California, according to Caley Fisher, spokeswoman for the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control: A jury Friday convicted a Colorado Springs man of second-degree murder in the January shooting of a recent parolee at a drug den. Arquinn Deandre Stafford, 37, sidestepped convictions for first-degree murder and aggravated robbery in the killing of Benjamin Sharkey. But the defendants lengthy criminal record means he hasnt yet dodged a life term in prison. If prosecutors establish that Stafford has seven felony convictions, as they allege, then he will face up to 96 years in prison under Colorados habitual offender laws. Fourth Judicial District Judge Thomas Kelly Kane is scheduled to sentence Stafford on Feb. 8. Benjamin Sharkey, despite his past, did not deserve to be murdered in cold blood. We got justice for him today, said lead prosecutor Sam Burney. Stafford took the stand and denied involvement in the shooting, saying he heard a shot fired but took off running without seeing who was responsible what prosecutors called the fourth version of his explanation. One of Staffords court-appointed attorneys, public defender Amelia Blyth, said he would appeal. Sharkey, 30, was shot in the head Jan. 7 by a man who accompanied him to a drug dealers apartment in the 100 block of Motor Way in the Ivywild neighborhood south of downtown. During Staffords trial, the dealer, Jeffrey Ross, identified that man as Stafford and described how Sharkey appeared surprised to see him brandishing a gun as they walked through the door. Sharkey uttered two words, Really, n---? before Stafford fired a single shot into his upper body, Ross said. Ross alleged that Stafford demanded cash from his wallet after the shooting roughly $400 and then fled. But the six-man, six-woman jury rejected claims of a robbery while accepting that Stafford was responsible for the shooting. Its unclear what the panel concluded as far as Staffords intent in drawing a handgun. Under the law, when someone dies during the commission of a felony, such as attempted robbery, the person committing the crime can be convicted of first-degree murder. Members of the jury couldnt be reached for comment. Its hard to get into their heads, honestly, said Sharkeys brother, Jeremy Bolding of Longmont. Even so, family members say they consider the verdict justice for Sharkey, who had been out of prison only 12 days when he was killed, after 11 years in and out of the prison system due to his involvement in gangs and drugs. With a childlike demeanor arising from fetal alcohol syndrome, Sharkey told family members he wanted a chance to turn things around, which they say Stafford stole from him. Ultimately, (the verdict) turned out decent for us, Bolding said. Its not what we were hoping for, but just having some closure is positive. The normal sentencing range for second-degree murder is up to 24 years, but Stafford faces a quadrupled penalty if prosecutors can conclusively link him to his past convictions, a process that normally turns on fingerprint identification. The Gazettes Liz Forster contributed to this report. This 2017 photo from the California Department of Motor Vehicles shows Ian David Long. Authorities said the Marine combat veteran opened fire Wednesday evening, Nov. 7, 2018, at a country music bar in Southern California, killing multiple people before apparently taking his own life. (California Department of Motor Vehicles via AP) As we approach the winter months when driving is often more of a challenge, Colorado Springs drivers really need a reality check and a reminde Colorado has always been a state where natural resources and energy issues are paramount and this will always be the case. The energy industry is among the most consequential political forces in Colorado. But Coloradans are also conservationists, love the great outdoors and lean in an environmentalist direction. San Francisco, Nov. 09, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Academy of Art University is thrilled to see two of its students from the School of Graphic Design chosen as winners of the 59th Annual Communications Arts Design Competition. Since 1959, Communication Arts has published the best in visual communications and graphic design projects from around the world. The Annual Design Competition, in particular, is selected by a jury of leading worldwide design professionals and is regarded as one of the most prestigious recognitions for creativity in graphic design. BFA Graduate, Celina Oh, was chosen for her innovative creation, Cinco Cinco, a learning tool for children comprised of a wooden box set with 25 blocks and five numbers. Playfully termed as a creativity-inducer for the young at heart, Celinas project is inspired by the Montessori approach to education and utilizes visual, hands-on, and self-directed teaching methods for ages 4+. Fellow BFA Alum, Yi Jun Lin, was recognized for her design titled, Cracked: The Explorers Guide to Eating Eggs, which she created as part of an assignment to create a recipe book centered on a single ingredient. The 3-part series is inspired by vintage illustrations and presented in the form of a field guide, which provides clever and intuitive instructions for every type of egg from quail to crocodile. Both students represent the talented community that makes the Academy of Art Universitys classes so unique and challenging. The Graphic Design School, in particular, is led by industry experts who help students like Celina and Yin Jun pursue their creative ambitions and achieve excellence. In 2017, both graduates participated in a rebranding project for the nonprofit organization, Five Keys Schools and Programs, which gave Celina and Yin Jun invaluable exposure to the nuances of a real-world collaborative project. From this experience, Celina Oh found an opportunity to apply her graphic design skills in the philanthropic and educational sector an experience that is clearly expressed in her winning entry for the 59th Annual Design Competition. According to Communications Arts, being awarded in one of their coveted competitions places winners in the highest ranks of their respective industries and we cant wait to see what Celina and Yin Jun take their ideas next. *** About Academy of Art University Academy of Art University is the largest accredited private art and design university in the nation. Founded in 1929, the Academy offers accredited degree programs in more than 30 areas of study, as well as continuing art education, pre-college art experience programs, professional development, certificates, and teacher grants. Our urban San Francisco campus inspires students with its unique blend of architecture, cultural diversity, and technology. Our hands-on industry-based curriculum is taught by art and design experts who maintain careers on the leading edge of industry trends. Academy students graduate with strong foundations in art and design, the skills needed to succeed in the professional world, and an entrepreneurial spirit that sticks with them for life. For more information, visit academyart.edu or call 800-544-2787 (U.S. only) or 415-274-2200. About the School of Graphic Design As one of the top art and design schools in the country, Academy of Art University is recognized for graduating students ready to pursue a professional career in the exciting industry of Graphic Design. The School of Graphic Design provides students with a range of invaluable resources, from our up-to-date facilities and expert faculty to our hands-on learning approach. Our students are not only prepared to enter the workforce they are ready to excel and raise the bar within the vibrant design community. The School of Graphic Design is proud to produce alumni who are thriving at leading design firms, marketing agencies, and innovative companies, including Square, Ideo, Apple, and Yelp, among others. Attachments New York, NY November 8, 2018, Nov. 08, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Foundation Center and the Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP) announce the fifth edition of their annual research report, Measuring the State of Disaster Philanthropy 2018: Data to Drive Decisions . The report draws from 12 data sources, including first-time analysis of contributions by non-U.S. donors, public charities, and smaller U.S. foundations. In total, the new report documents $30 billion in private, public, corporate, and individual disaster-related giving to address major disasters and humanitarian crises that affected millions globally in 2016. Key findings for 2016 philanthropic funding reveal: Almost $200 million in funding by global foundations and public charities for disasters and humanitarian crises. Natural disasters accounted for 44 percent of disaster funding. Man-made accidents received 15 percent of disaster funding, with several large grants addressing the Flint, Michigan water crisis. Among disaster assistance strategies, more than 40 percent of dollars were for response and relief; 17 percent went toward reconstruction and recoverymore than half of this was related to the Flint water crisis. This years report also includes a first-ever five-year trends analysis of disaster-related giving by 1,000 of the largest U.S. foundations, which demonstrates that: Funding tends to be episodic and dependent upon the crisis: Funding spiked in 2014 due to large grants for the Ebola outbreak, then declined over the next two years. In 2015, foundations increased funding for complex humanitarian emergencies in response to the Syrian war and the refugee crisis. Natural disasters (59 percent on average) was the largest focus for disaster funders. Response and relief efforts were the most funded assistance strategy across all years, averaging 47 percent of all disaster funding. Although this years report includes additional data from non-U.S. donors, smaller U.S. foundations and public charities, the giving patterns are similar to their larger counterparts in the use of gifts for natural disasters and complex humanitarian crises, said Robert G. Ottenhoff, president and CEO of the Center for Disaster Philanthropy. This is particularly relevant given what weve seen in the 2018 hurricane seasona seemingly briefer focus on giving even amid ever-worsening storms, signaling a greater need to support efforts at planning, preparation, and building stronger, more resilient communities. Ottenhoff and Foundation Center Vice President for Knowledge Services Lawrence T. McGill will discuss key findings of the report Wednesday, November 14, 2018 at 2:00 pm ET/ 1:00 pm CT during a free webinar , Measuring the State of Philanthropy 2018. In addition, they will demonstrate the free data dashboard and mapping platform, available at disasterphilanthropy.foundationcenter.org . Disaster funders will also share their insights. Donors, foundations, corporations, journalists, NGOs, and government agencies are encouraged to join the discussion on how to use data to drive informed and strategic disaster-related giving worldwide. New in 2018 will be Tutorial Tuesdays, a series of YouTube videos to demonstrate how to use the reports tools to make better data-informed disaster giving decisions. This project was made possible by a generous gift from the Irene W. and C.B. Pennington Foundation, with additional funding from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. About Foundation Center Established in 1956, Foundation Center is the leading source of information about philanthropy worldwide. Through data, analysis, and training, it connects people who want to change the world to the resources they need to succeed. Foundation Center maintains the most comprehensive database on U.S. and, increasingly, global grantmakers and their grantsa robust, accessible knowledge bank for the sector. It also operates research, education, and training programs designed to advance knowledge of philanthropy at every level. Thousands of people visit Foundation Center's website each day and are served in its five regional library/learning centers and its network of more than 450 funding information centers located in public libraries, community foundations, and educational institutions nationwide and around the world. For more information, please visit foundationcenter.org , call (212) 620-4230, or tweet us at @fdncenter . About Center for Disaster Philanthropy The Center for Disaster Philanthropys mission is to transform disaster giving by providing timely and thoughtful strategies to increase donors impact during domestic and international disasters. CDP is currently managing $24 million in six Disaster Funds on behalf of corporations, foundations, and individuals. In the face of intensifying natural disasters and worsening humanitarian crises, CDP also works to raise awareness of the urgent need to support the full lifecycle of disasters, from mitigation and preparedness to long-term recovery and resilience, particularly among vulnerable populations. For more information, visit: disasterphilanthropy.org, call (202) 595-1026 or tweet us @funds4disaster. Attachment NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 08, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lumina Gold Corp. (TSXV: LUM) (OTC: LMGDF) (the Company or Lumina) is pleased to announce that as a result of positive institutional and retail demand for its previously announced financing (please refer to the Companys November 5, 2018 press release), the Company has filed and received a receipt for an amended preliminary short form prospectus in connection with a proposed upsized offering of up to 19,320,000 common shares (Shares) at a price of C$0.56 per Share, for total gross proceeds of approximately C$10.8 million (the Upsized Offering). The Upsized Offering will be conducted on a commercially reasonable efforts agency basis and is led by Haywood Securities Inc., on behalf of a syndicate of agents. In addition, the concurrent non-brokered private placement has also been upsized to up to 16,400,000 Shares, on the same terms as the Upsized Offering, for total gross proceeds of approximately C$9.2 million with certain investors (the Private Placement). The net proceeds from the Upsized Offering and the Private Placement will be used to fund infill and step-out, geotechnical, hydrology and metallurgical drilling; environmental, permitting and social programs; updating the resource estimate for the Companys Cangrejos Gold-Copper project; and for working capital and general corporate purposes. Closing of the Upsized Offering and the Private Placement is expected to occur on or about November 27, 2018 (the Closing Date) and is subject to certain customary conditions, including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals and acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange. The Shares issuable under the Upsized Offering will be offered by way of a short form prospectus filed in the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario pursuant to National Instrument 44-101 Short Form Prospectus Distributions, and elsewhere on a private placement basis. The Shares purchased pursuant to the Private Placement will be subject to a statutory hold period in Canada of four months plus one day from the closing of the Private Placement. The securities to be offered pursuant to the Upsized Offering have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the U.S. Securities Act) or any applicable U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or any applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Certain directors, officers and other insiders of Lumina may acquire securities under the Upsized Offering and Private Placement. Any such participation would be considered to be a related party transaction as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Securityholders in Special Transactions (MI 61-101). The transaction will be exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 as neither the fair market value of any shares issued to or the consideration paid by such persons will exceed 25% of Luminas market capitalization. About Lumina Gold Lumina Gold Corp. (TSXV: LUM) is a Vancouver, Canada based precious and base metals exploration and development company focused on the Cangrejos Gold-Copper project located in El Oro Province, southwest Ecuador. Lumina has an experienced management team with a successful track record of advancing and monetizing exploration projects. Further details are available on the Companys website at https://luminagold.com/. LUMINA GOLD CORP. For further information contact: Signed: Marshall Koval Scott Hicks shicks@luminagold.com Marshall Koval, President & CEO, Director T: +1 604 646 1890 Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information Certain statements and information herein, including all statements that are not historical facts, contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking statements or information include but are not limited to statements or information with respect to: the size of the Upsized Offering, the size of the Private Placement, use of net proceeds of the Upsized Offering and Private Placement, the participation of insiders, the anticipated Closing Date and other terms of the Upsized Offering and the receipt of regulatory approvals for the Upsized Offering. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements or information can be identified by the use of words such as will or variations of that word and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results will, could or are intended to be taken, occur or be achieved. With respect to forward-looking statements and information contained herein, the Company has made numerous assumptions including among other things, assumptions about general business and economic conditions, the prices of gold and copper, TSX Venture Exchange approval of the Upsized Offering and anticipated costs and expenditures. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive. Although management of the Company believes that the assumptions made and the expectations represented by such statements or information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that a forward-looking statement or information herein will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking statements and information by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the Companys actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. These factors include, but are not limited to: risks associated with the business of the Company; business and economic conditions in the mining industry generally; the supply and demand for labour and other project inputs; changes in commodity prices; changes in interest and currency exchange rates; risks relating to inaccurate geological and engineering assumptions (including with respect to the tonnage, grade and recoverability of reserves and resources); risks relating to unanticipated operational difficulties (including failure of equipment or processes to operate in accordance with specifications or expectations, cost escalation, unavailability of materials and equipment, government action or delays in the receipt of government approvals, industrial disturbances or other job action, and unanticipated events related to health, safety and environmental matters); risks relating to adverse weather conditions; political risk and social unrest; changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets; and other risk factors as detailed from time to time in the Companys continuous disclosure documents filed with Canadian securities administrators. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. English Finnish Silmaasema Oyj's Interim Report 1 January - 30 September 2018 Silmaasema Oyj Stock Exchange Release 9 November 2018 at 9:00 EET Like-for-like net sales declined and burdened profitability July-September 2018 in brief: Net sales increased by 1.9% compared to July-September 2017, amounting to EUR 26.9 million (26.4). Like-for-like net sales decreased by 3.2%. The adjusted EBITDA decreased by 3.8% and was EUR 2.1 million (2.2), or 8.0% of net sales (8.5%). The adjusted operating result decreased by 19.7% to EUR 0.6 million (0.8). January-September 2018 in brief: Net sales increased by 3.5% compared to January-September 2017, amounting to EUR 90.5 million (87.5). Like-for-like net sales decreased by 2.1%. The adjusted EBITDA decreased by 8.3% and was EUR 8.2 million (9.0), or 9.1% of net sales (10.3%). The adjusted operating result decreased by 24.1% to EUR 3.9 million (5.1). Cash flow from business operations amounted to EUR 6.2 million (2.4). The net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio on 30 September 2018 was 3.1 (2.6). The figures in parenthesis represent comparable data from 2017, unless otherwise stated. Published on 12 April 2018, Silmaasema's outlook for 2018 remains unchanged: Silmaasema's net sales are estimated to grow compared to the previous year. Silmaasema's adjusted EBITDA is estimated to be 9-13% of net sales. Key figures EUR thousand, unless otherwise stated 7-9/2018 7-9/2017 Change % 1-9/2018 1-9/2017 Change % 1-12/2017 Net sales 26,892 26,385 1.9% 90,520 87,472 3.5% 118,322 Like-for-like net sales growth, % -3.2% 4.2% -2.1% 4.6% 3.5% EBITDA 3,039 1,889 60.9% 8,312 4,574 81.7% 6,894 Adjusted EBITDA* 2,147 2,232 -3.8 % 8,230 8,977 -8.3 % 11,760 - adjusted EBITDA, % 8.0 % 8.5 % 9.1 % 10.3 % 9.9% Operating result 1,520 519 192.6% 3,914 676 478.7% 1,589 Adjusted operating result* 639 796 -19.7 % 3,863 5,087 -24.1 % 6,472 - adjusted operating result, % 2.4 % 3.0 % 4.3 % 5.8 % 5.5% Basic earnings per share, EUR 0.06 0.02 0.14 -0.13 -0.05 Net debt / adjusted EBITDA 3.1 2.6 2.9 Investments - operational 5,933 4,329 37.1% 6,058 Investments - acquisitions 1,683 6,429 -73.8% 6,699 Investments - total 7,616 10,758 -29.2% 12,757 Number of locations, Silmaasema chain 182 169 7.7% 172 * Silmaasema presents both its adjusted EBITDA and adjusted operating result, which have been adjusted for significant extraordinary items. It is the company's view that adjusted EBITDA best illustrates the profitability development of its business operations. Interim CEO, CFO Anu Kankkunen: Silmaasema's net sales grew during the third quarter, but the growth was slower than before and was not on the level anticipated. Our total net sales increased due to the opening of new stores and the eye clinic in Oulu, but our like-for-like net sales decreased in both reporting segments. We cannot be satisfied with this, even though fluctuation in the sales level is part of the nature of the sector. The last quarter has started with strong sales, so far the growth in October-November has been more than 10 percent. The slow performance of net sales was also adversely affecting profitability in the review period. The Group's adjusted EBITDA was behind last year both in Q3 and in the first nine months of 2018. With the expansion of our network, our expenses have increased as planned, but our net sales have not grown at a sufficient rate in relation to the expenses, even though our new stores continue to develop in the right direction. Lower like-for-like net sales are also weakening profitability. The second quarter of 2017 was exceptionally strong, particularly in terms of profitability, which is part of the reason for the development of the figures in January-September 2018 in relation to the comparison period. We opened two new optical retail stores in Finland in August-September, but as we announced earlier, we are now focusing more on improving the net sales and profitability of our existing network than expanding the network. During the review period we started looking into measures that will enable us to accelerate productiveness and profitability. The work is still in progress and the impact of any measures are only likely to be visible in our results starting from next year. We have also continued planning the information system renewals related to Silmaasema's development programme. In September the Board of Adjustment partly annulled the Tax Administration's decision regarding the value added taxation of Silmaasema Optiikka Oy. Regarding the rejected appeals for adjustment, Silmaasema has appealed against the decision to Administrative Court. Due to the Board of Adjustment's decision, the tax returns entered in the third quarter income statement have a clearly positive impact on Silmaasema's result and cash flow for the 2018 financial year. However, the decision will not change the company's outlook as Silmaasema has eliminated the impact of the change in value added tax deduction practice when reporting the adjusted EBITDA and adjusted operating result, and it will also eliminate the impact of the returned value added tax items. Silmaasema's outlook for 2018 remains unchanged. We estimate that our net sales will grow compared to the previous year and that our adjusted EBITDA will be 9-13% of net sales. However, our adjusted EBITDA for the full year will be closer to the lower end of this range. Outlook for 2018 (unchanged) Outlook provided on 12 April 2018 Silmaasema's net sales are estimated to grow compared to the previous year. In 2017, the company's net sales were EUR 118.3 million. Silmaasema's adjusted EBITDA is estimated to be 9-13% of net sales. Basis for the outlook The competitive situation in optical retail continues to be tough. However, Silmaasema's net sales are expected to increase, mainly due to new optical retail stores to be opened or acquired in 2018, as well as sales growth with regard to stores opened in 2016 and 2017. Markedly fewer new stores will be opened or acquired in 2018 than over the past two years. In addition, the good general economic situation and the favourable development of private consumption are expected to support demand in optical retail. The ageing population and Finns' increased investment in health and well-being are factors that are expected to increase the demand for optical retail and eye healthcare services. This trend is expected to support the development of the net sales of Silmaasema's Eye Clinics segment in 2018. Its net sales are also expected to increase because of sales growth as a result of the new eye clinic in Oulu, which was opened in February 2018. Due to the high sales margin, the level of adjusted EBITDA is highly dependent on the performance of net sales. Over the short term, fluctuation in the net sales of the network of well-established stores is the only significant factor affecting the EBITDA level. Over the longer term, the increase in productivity resulting from changes in operating models will change this level but will not eliminate the fluctuation. Expenses are also expected to increase as a result of the expansion of business operations and growth in net sales. The most significant expenses are related to salaries, rents and marketing. These expenses can be predicted relatively accurately for the full year. The development programme initiated in 2018 will generate costs while the programme is ongoing, but the timing of these expenses is difficult to predict at this point. Procurements related to the programme are likely to be booked as capital expenditure. Near-term business risks and uncertainties Silmaasema's strong growth strategy increases its business risks. Opening new stores and finding the most suitable business locations, as well as company acquisitions, require careful preparation and strong expertise in integration. The growth strategy will continue to require skilled personnel and investment in organisational development and key persons. Learning new things and managing profitable growth require special attention to motivating and target-oriented leadership, and to the development and controlled implementation of new operating models. In 2018, the company launched a significant development programme that involves changes to operating models and the renewal of information systems. The development programme involves uncertainty in terms of the amount and timing of costs and investments. The project will tie up resources, which may have temporary effects on the company's business operations. Silmaasema has strongly expanded its network of stores in recent years. In the early stages, the profitability of new stores is burdened by investments in the start-up of operations and the achievement of a strong market position. Previously, new stores have reached their normal level of profitability in one or two years, but this involves uncertainty. For example, it will take some of the stores that were opened in 2016 over 2 years to reach their normal level of profitability. The profitability level of optical retail may vary between quarters within the year and in relation to the comparison period, due to variations in the structure of sales. The factors affecting the structure of sales, such as the effectiveness of Silmaasema's and its competitors' sales promotion measures, may be difficult to predict. The competition in healthcare has moved closer to regular consumer markets. Silmaasema must be able to adapt its business models in a more demand- and consumer-oriented direction. Silmaasema monitors the changes in the market and continuously observes its competition, among other measures. Highly competent healthcare professionals lay the foundation for the operations of Silmaasema's Eye Clinics segment. Its growth and success depend on the company's ability to recruit and keep the best experts in the field. Silmaasema participates in competitive bidding processes organised by public hospital districts looking to partner with private service providers in the treatment of eye diseases. The competitive bidding processes and their results always involve uncertainty. However, the results of individual bidding processes are not expected to have a significant effect on the Group as a whole. Silmaasema uses various information systems in its business operations. The critical role of the systems is analysed, and risks are minimised as part of risk management. In addition, Silmaasema is currently carrying out and planning several significant information system projects. The risks involved in information system projects are minimised by meticulous project management, among other measures. During the development programme launched in 2018 most of the company's information systems will be renewed over the next two years. The renewals are likely to concern at least cash register and reporting systems, as well as category management and digital services for customers. Healthcare involves patient liabilities, which are mainly borne by doctors. The company has prepared for these risks with appropriate liability insurance policies. The company protects itself against other damage risks with statutory insurance policies and with optional insurance policies related to property, disruption of business and certain responsibilities, among other aspects. Structural changes in the public sector and changes in healthcare regulation may impact Silmaasema's business operations. The total impact of the planned health and social services reform and other changes in the organisation of social and healthcare services in Finland are difficult to predict. Policy alignments may affect Silmaasema's profitability and growth prospects. However, more than 90% of Silmaasema's net sales come from operations such as the sales of spectacles, contact lenses and refractive surgeries, which are already provided through free competition. These activities are not directly dependent on the health and social services reform that is currently being planned. The reform is estimated to impact this portion of net sales only slightly. Audiocast and conference call for investment analysts and press A briefing for investment analysts and the press will be arranged on Friday 9 November 2018 at 10:30 a.m. EET through a live audiocast combined with a conference call. The briefing will be hosted by Interim CEO, CFO Anu Kankkunen. Link to the audiocast is available at: https://company.silmaasema.fi/en/reports-and-presentations Conference call numbers: Finland +358 (0) 981 710 495 UK +44 (0) 203 194 0552 USA +1 855 716 1597 Sweden +46 (0) 856 642 702 Recording of the audiocast and conference call as well as Finnish audiocast presentations will be later available on the company's website. Additional information Anu Kankkunen, Interim CEO, CFO, tel. +358 50 669 69 Tuukka Hirvonen, Head of Communications and Investor Relations, tel. +358 50 416 7700 SILMAASEMA OYJ Anu Kankkunen Interim CEO, CFO Tuukka Hirvonen Head of Communications and Investor Relations Silmaasema is a Finnish company, which offers all products and services for optical retail and eye healthcare nationwide. Silmaasema is the largest private eye clinic provider offering eye surgeries and the second largest optical retail chain in Finland. The Silmaasema chain has over 150 stores and 14 eye clinics in Finland as well as ten stores in Estonia. The Silmaasema chain employs close to 1,000 eye healthcare professionals. Silmaasema's Group net sales were EUR 118.3 million in 2017 and adjusted EBITDA was EUR 11.8 million. New York City, Nov. 09, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Cairo-based Egyptian Center for Public Policy Studies (ECPPS) has been selected as this years winner of Atlas Networks prestigious $100,000 Templeton Freedom Award for its Better Budget for a Better Egypt initiative, which helped bring about the countrys 25-point jump in the Open Budget Survey, fostered greater civic engagement, and occurred amidst the Egyptian governments decision to cut all energy subsidies after 2019. The award, generously supported by the Templeton Religion Trust, was presented during Atlas Network's Freedom Dinner on Nov. 8 in New York City at the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum. The hope that accompanied the Arab Spring in 2011 went unrealized because moderate voices in civil society went unheard, said Brad Lips, CEO of Atlas Network. How tremendously encouraging that ECPPS has answered the call and inspired the Egyptian government to move toward transparency and inclusiveness! After the dust settled following the Arab Spring, Egypts score fell dramatically on the Open Budget Index, which measures government transparency and citizen engagement in the budget-making process. Seeking a more transparent and accountable state, the Egyptian Center for Public Policy Studies, developed a program to tackle three longstanding problems in Egypts budgeting process, which were: a lack of transparency; limited citizen inclusion in the budget-making process; and out-of-control energy subsidies, which accounted for a third of all government expenditures. After four years working on the project partnering with various stakeholders and the Ministry of Finance to address each issue, Egypts score on the Open Budget Index increased 25 points from 16 to 41 in 2017, citizen participation in the budget exists for the first time, and the Egyptian government announced that it will cut all energy subsidies after 2019. Energy subsidies had constituted one of the most alarming expenditures in the budget. This became a widely discussed problem and, after the International Monetary Fund weighed in, the Egyptian government announced its decision to cut them. At a time when budgeting reform in Egypt seemed politically impossible, ECPPS helped make it politically inevitable. And at the end of the day, this project means greater government transparency, better civic engagement, and more opportunities for civil society to have a voice in Egypt. "In a politically challenging environment such as the one we're dealing with in Egypt, the most difficult challenge for a think tank is to find a way to drive positive change that is concrete, measurable and, above all, sustainable," said Ahmed Ragab, executive director of ECPPS. "This task is even harder if you have a classical liberal agenda. With 'Better Budget for a Better Egypt, ECPPS found the perfect balance between practical success, helping improve Egypt's score in the Open Budget Survey by 25 points up from a meager score of 16 points in 2015 to 41 points in 2017, and finding a space for classical liberal ideas in the public debate in Egypt, with near-daily visibility in the media and closer ties with lawmakers and opinion leaders. About the Templeton Freedom Award and the additional 2018 finalists: Awarded since 2004, the Templeton Freedom Award is named for the late investor and philanthropist Sir John Templeton. The award annually honors his legacy by identifying and recognizing the most exceptional and innovative contributions to the understanding of free enterprise, and the public policies that encourage prosperity, innovation, and human fulfillment via free competition. The award is generously supported by Templeton Religion Trust and was presented during Atlas Networks Freedom Dinner on Nov. 8 in New York City at the Intrepid Sea, Air, & Space Museum. ECPPS received a $100,000 prize, and five additional finalists received $25,000 prizes. The other finalists for the 2018 Templeton Freedom Award were: About Egyptian Center for Public Policy Studies Cairo-based Egyptian Center for Public Policy Studies proposes public policies aimed at reforming the legal and the economic system in Egypt, with the purpose of achieving the principles of free markets, limited government, individual freedom, and strong rule of law. About Atlas Network Washington-based Atlas Network is a nonprofit organization that strengthens the worldwide freedom movement by connecting more than 475 independent partners in over 90 countries that share the vision of a free, prosperous, and peaceful world where limited governments defend the rule of law, private property, and free markets. AtlasNetwork.org Attachments VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 09, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Avrupa Minerals Ltd. (AVU:TSXV) is pleased to announce that it has closed the first tranche of its private placement of $500,000 comprised of 10,000,000 units as announced on October 22, 2018. With the closing of this first tranche, Avrupa will begin its 2,500- to 3,000-meter drilling program at the Alvalade copper-zinc VMS Project in Portugal. The purpose of the program is firstly to expand currently known mineralized areas, and secondly to outline higher grade copper-zinc mineralization within the massive sulfide lenses. Each Unit is comprised of one common share and one common share purchase warrant that allows the holder to buy an additional share until November 9, 2021 at a price of $0.10 each. The securities have a four-month hold period expiring on March 10, 2019. Avrupa has a provision to accelerate the exercise of the warrants if the common shares close at a price of $0.20 or greater for a period of 20 consecutive trading days. An insider participated in this first tranche for $56,000. Avrupa Minerals Ltd. is a growth-oriented junior exploration and development company directed to discovery of mineral deposits, using a prospect generator model. The Company holds one 100%-owned, self-funded flagship project, the Alvalade VMS Project. Avrupa focuses its project generation work in politically stable and prospective regions of Europe, including Portugal, Kosovo, and Germany. For additional information, contact Avrupa Minerals Ltd. at 1-604-687-3520 or visit our website at www.avrupaminerals.com . On behalf of the Board, Paul W. Kuhn ____________________________ Paul W. Kuhn, President & Director This news release was prepared by Company management, who take full responsibility for its content. Paul W. Kuhn, President and CEO of Avrupa Minerals, a Licensed Professional Geologist and a Registered Member of the Society of Mining Engineers, is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 of the Canadian Securities Administrators. He has reviewed the technical disclosure in this release. Mr. Kuhn, the QP, has not only reviewed, but prepared and supervised the preparation or approval of the scientific and technical content in the news release. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Grand Old Partisan spotlights the first time an American chief executive traveled outside the United States while in office. This day of 1906, Theodore Roosevelt and his wife Edith departed our nation aboard the battleship USS Louisiana, bound for Central America. In his words: "So far the trip has been a great success, and I think Mother has really enjoyed it. As for me I of course feel a little bored as I always do on shipboard, but I have brought a great variety of books... Mother and I walk briskly up and down the deck together or else sit aft under the awning or in the aftercabin, with the gun ports open and read; and I also spend a good deal of time on the bridge, and of course have gone over the ship to inspect it with the Captain." and the First Lady commented: "We have had wonderful weather and I spend my time walking up and down the deck or sitting at the stern and watching the two great cruisers which are Theodores convoy, and feeling very magnificent." The President went to make a three-day inspection tour of the Panama Canal construction project. Here is a Video Version of this article on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8sqDQ2CC6QI Michael Zak is author of Back to Basics for the Republican Party, a history of GOP civil rights achievement. Each day, his Grand Old Partisan blog celebrates more than sixteen decades of Republican heritage. And, see Speech Raves for audience feedback from his presentations in thirty-one states so far. Clarence Thomas cited Back to Basics for the Republican Party in a Supreme Court decision. Buy the book at Amazon See www.youtube.com/q?v=IzxKCiXc5Qc for a brief video of a Texas Republican praising Back to Basics for the Republican Party. "This is the most amazing book about politics that I have ever read. The Overview should be required reading for anyone with even a minor interest in government. The remainder is an enthralling history lesson that I will never forget. For years, we have all been misled about the true nature of the GOP. This is the real deal! Read it and be proud!" "Michael Zak wrote the definitive history of the GOP." "Back to Basics for the Republican Party is the most significant contribution to the Republican Party in the last twenty years apart from Ronald Reagan." "Back to Basics for the Republican Party is more important to our party now than ever before." and "one of the best books I ever read" For Immediate Release not for distribution to US news wire services or for US dissemination. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 09, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Diversified Royalty Corp. (TSX: DIV and DIV.DB) (the Corporation or DIV) is pleased to announce its financial results for the three months ended September 30, 2018 (Q3 2018) and nine months ended September 30, 2018. Third Quarter and Year-To-Date Results In Q3 2018, DIV generated $6.7 million of royalty revenue and management fees compared to $5.4 million in the third quarter of 2017. Revenues of $3.8 million were generated from Mr. Lube Canada Limited Partnership (Mr. Lube), $1.0 million from Sutton Group Realty Services Ltd. (Sutton), and $1.9 million from the AIR MILES licenses. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, DIV generated $19.5 million of royalty revenue and management fees compared to $14.1 million in the prior year. The increase in revenue was driven by the incremental revenue generated from the AIR MILES licenses, the increase in the Mr. Lube royalty rate, the net addition of one Mr. Lube location to the Mr. Lube royalty pool, positive same-store-sales growth (SSSG) at Mr. Lube, and the contractual 2.0% increase in the Sutton royalty rate effective July 1st of each year. SSSG for the Mr. Lube stores in the royalty pool was 1.6% in Q3 2018 and 3.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. Suttons fixed royalty increases at a contractual rate of 2% per year, which effectively represents 2% SSSG. According to Alliance Data Systems Inc.s (ADS) news release dated October 18, 2018, the number of AIR MILES reward miles issued increased by 3% in Q3 2018 and ADS is forecasting growth in the number of AIR MILES reward miles issued for the remainder of 2018. Third Quarter Commentary Sean Morrison, President and Chief Executive Officer of DIV stated, Mr. Lubes Q4 2018 is off to a strong start and is well on track to deliver its 19th consecutive year of positive SSSG, and Suttons royalty continues to grow at 2.0% per year. We are encouraged by the growth in the AIR MILES reward miles issued, and look forward to continued growth in the AIR MILES Program. With approximately $81 million of cash on hand, we continue to pursue discussions on several potential opportunities with the aim of acquiring trademarks and royalties from high-quality businesses. Distributable Cash In Q3 2018, distributable cash was $5.1 million ($0.0479 per share) compared to $4.6 million ($0.0436 per share) in the third quarter of 2017. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, distributable cash was $14.9 million ($0.1394 per share) compared to $11.7 million ($0.1108 per share) in the prior year. The increase was primarily due to the incremental royalty income driven by the acquisition of the AIR MILES licenses on August 25, 2017. The increase was partially offset by higher interest expense related to the convertible debentures issued on November 7, 2017, the $17.4 million term loan facility drawn on September 6, 2017 associated with the acquisition of the AIR MILES licenses, and an increase of $7.0 million to ML Royalties Limited Partnerships term loan facility on May 1, 2018 in connection with the increase in the Mr. Lube royalty rate and the net addition of one location to the Mr. Lube royalty pool. In Q3 2018, dividends declared exceeded distributable cash by $0.8 million, which resulted in a payout ratio of 116.0%. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, dividends declared exceeded distributable cash by $2.9 million, which resulted in a payout ratio of 119.7%. However, the Corporation has a dividend reinvestment plan that allows the dividends to be settled through a reinvestment in the Corporations shares at the election of the shareholder. As a result, the payout ratio on a cash basis was 103.7% in Q3 2018 and 105.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The shortfall in distributable cash was funded by the proceeds received from the sale of the trademarks and rights related to the Franworks Franchise Corp. business (the FW Rights) in November 2016. The Corporation intends to use the remaining proceeds from the sale of the FW Rights as well as the proceeds from the convertible debenture offering to fund future royalty acquisitions, with the intention of achieving a payout ratio that approximates 100% over time. The Corporation expects the payout ratio to remain over 100% until such time as further royalty acquisitions are completed and excess cash has been deployed. Net Income Net income for Q3 2018 was $3.4 million, compared to net income of $3.1 million in the third quarter of 2017. Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $9.1 million, compared to net income of $8.1 million in the prior year. The increase in net income was primarily due to higher income from operations related to the acquisition of the AIR MILES licenses, offset by higher interest expense and income taxes. About Diversified Royalty Corp. DIV is a multi-royalty corporation, engaged in the business of acquiring top-line royalties from well-managed multi-location businesses and franchisors in North America. DIVs objective is to acquire predictable, growing royalty streams from a diverse group of multi-location businesses and franchisors. DIV currently owns the Sutton, Mr. Lube and AIR MILES trademarks in Canada. Sutton is among the leading residential real estate brokerage franchisor businesses in Canada with over 200 offices across Canada. Mr. Lube is the leading quick lube service business in Canada with 175 locations across Canada and over $225 million of annual system sales. AIR MILES is Canadas largest coalition loyalty program with over 200 leading brand-name sponsors; approximately two-thirds of Canadian households actively participate in the AIR MILES Program. DIV expects to increase cash flow per share by making accretive royalty purchases and through the growth of purchased royalties. DIV expects to pay a predictable and stable dividend to shareholders and increase the dividend as cash flow per share increases allow. Forward - Looking Statements Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute forward-looking information or financial outlook within the meaning of applicable securities laws that involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information or financial outlook. The use of any of the words anticipate, continue, estimate, expect, intend, may, will, project, should, believe, confident, plan and intends and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information and financial outlook, although not all forward-looking information and financial outlook contain these identifying words. Specifically, forward-looking information and financial outlook in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements made in relation to: ADSs forecast of growth in AIR MILES issued over the remainder of 2018; the expectation that Mr. Lube will achieve positive SSSG for the current year; DIVs pursuit of royalty acquisition opportunities; DIVs ability to pay a predictable and stable dividend to shareholders; DIVs intention to use the remaining proceeds from the sale of the FW Rights as well as the proceeds from the convertible debenture offering to fund future royalty acquisitions, with the intention of achieving a payout ratio that approximates 100% over time; DIVs expectation that the payout ratio will remain over 100% until such time as further royalty acquisitions are completed; and DIVs corporate objectives. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events, performance, or achievements of DIV to differ materially from those anticipated or implied in such forward-looking information and financial outlook. DIV believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information and financial outlook are reasonable but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct. In particular there can be no assurance that: the number of AIR MILES issued will continue to grow for the remainder of 2018; Mr. Lube will achieve positive SSSG in the current year; DIV will use the net proceeds of the convertible debenture offering and/or the remaining proceeds from the sale of the FW Rights to fund future royalty acquisitions, or the timing thereof; DIV will be successful in identifying or completing any royalty acquisition opportunities; DIV will be able to make monthly dividend payments to the holders of its common shares; DIV will achieve a payout ratio that approximates 100% over time; DIVs payout ratio will remain over 100% until such time as further royalty acquisitions are completed and all excess cash has been deployed; or DIV will achieve any of its corporate objectives. Given these uncertainties, readers are cautioned that forward-looking information and financial outlook included in this news release are not guarantees of future performance, and such forward-looking information and financial outlook should not be unduly relied upon. More information about the risks and uncertainties affecting DIVs business and the businesses of its royalty partners can be found in the Risk Factors section of its Annual Information Form dated March 28, 2018, which is available under DIVs profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. In formulating the forward-looking information and financial outlook contained herein, management has assumed that business and economic conditions affecting DIV and its royalty partners will continue substantially in the ordinary course, including without limitation with respect to general industry conditions, general levels of economic activity and regulations. These assumptions, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect. To the extent any forward-looking information or statements in this presentation constitute a financial outlook within the meaning of securities laws, such information is being provided investors with timely disclosure of material financial information with respect to the expected financial performance of the Corporation and its royalty partners prior to the completion of year end audits. All of the forward-looking information and financial outlook disclosed in this news release is qualified by these cautionary statements and other cautionary statements or factors contained herein, and there can be no assurance that the actual results or developments will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that it will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, DIV. The forward-looking information and financial outlook included in this news release is made as of the date of this news release and DIV assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required by applicable law. DIV notes that the financial results reported in this news release for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 are consistent with the preliminary results for such period reported in DIVs news release dated October 18, 2018. Non-IFRS Financial Measures Management believes that disclosing certain non-IFRS financial measures provides readers with important information regarding the Corporations financial performance and its ability to pay dividends. By considering these measures in combination with the most closely comparable IFRS measure, management believes that investors are provided with additional and more useful information about the Corporation than investors would have if they simply considered IFRS measures alone. The non-IFRS financial measures do not have standardized meanings prescribed by IFRS and therefore are unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Investors are cautioned that non-IFRS measures should not be construed as a substitute or an alternative to cash flows from operating activities as determined in accordance with IFRS. Distributable Cash, Same Store Sales Growth and payout ratio are used as non-IFRS measures in this press release. For further details, see the Description of Non-IFRS and Additional IFRS Measures in the Corporations managements discussion and analysis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, a copy of which is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Third Party Information This news release includes information obtained from third party company filings and reports and other publicly available sources. Although DIV believes these sources to be generally reliable, such information cannot be verified with complete certainty. Accordingly, the accuracy and completeness of this information is not guaranteed. DIV has not independently verified any of the information from third party sources referred to in this news release nor ascertained the underlying assumptions relied upon by such sources. THE TORONTO STOCK EXCHANGE HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR THE ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. Additional Information Additional information relating to the Corporation and other public filings, is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Contact: Sean Morrison, President and Chief Executive Officer Diversified Royalty Corp. (604) 235-3146 Greg Gutmanis, Chief Financial Officer and VP Acquisitions Diversified Royalty Corp. (604) 235-3146 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 Ziyen Inc.s Round 2 of Funding Closes in 20 days; limited time to invest at $1.50 per share SAN DIEGO, Nov. 09, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ziyen Inc.s General Counsel, Dean Holter appeared on ESPNs BISTalk Radio on October 29th 2018. Ziyen Inc. announced Dean was appointed General Counsel for Ziyen Inc. in July 2018 and since then Dean has been instrumental in providing strategic financial planning and business analysis for Ziyen Inc. Click to listen to a Podcast of Dean Holters Interview on ESPNs BISTalk Radio Click to watch a Facebook Live of Dean Holters Interview on ESPNs BISTalk Radio Dean was interviewed by BISTalk Radios host, Bob Ryan, and during the interview Dean provided an insightful discussion about his role in developing business models which are based on structures such as Limited Liability Companies ("LLC") and Corporations, and the history behind these business structures. Dean further discussed Regulation A+ as it applies to Ziyen Inc. and its role in the potential democratization of raising crucial capital for starting a company by providing an accessible method for non-accredited investors to invest in a pre-IPO company such as Ziyen Inc. Dean also discusses his experience with the IRC Title 26, Section 48; Renewable Energy Tax Credits and the financing strategies for large scale commercial solar projects. In addition to providing General Counsel for Ziyen Inc., Dean is also part of Berg Capital Markets, a healthcare investor relations and energy capital markets team which also serves as General Counsel and CFO for Lenitiv Scientific, a Montel Williams company. Ziyen Incs Round 2 of Funding closes in 20 days; therefore, there is limited time to invest at the $1.50 share price. For information on investing in Ziyen, please visit the company website at www.ziyen.com, or for a copy of the latest company overview, please email support@ziyen.com About Ziyen Inc.: Founded in 2016, Ziyen Inc. is a Scottish-American company focused on delivering 100% Energy Independence to the USA. Initially launched as a software company providing information on oil and gas related procurement contracts, Ziyen Inc. diversified in 2017, instating Ziyen Energy Division with intent to produce oil in the U.S. with advanced extraction methods and technology implemented and guided by career experts in the oil and gas industry. In 2017 Ziyen acquired the mineral rights to its first oil field in Indiana, and now has thirteen oil assets. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently qualified Ziyen Inc. in November 2017 for our second round of funding, with a pre-IPO share price of $1.50. More information may be found in its Offering Circular filed with the SEC, or on their website www.ziyen.com. Forward Looking Statements: Certain statements in this press release including, but not limited to, statements related to anticipated commencement of commercial production, targeted pricing, performance goals, and statements that otherwise relate to future periods are forward-looking statements. These statements involve risks and uncertainties, which are described in more detail in the Companys periodic reports filed with the SEC- specifically the most recent reports which identify important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are made and based on information available to the company on the date of this press release. Ziyen Inc. assumes no obligation to update the information in this press release. Contact: Josh Berg Berg Capital Markets josh@bergcapitalmarkets.com Dean Holter, Esq. Berg Capital Markets dean@bergcapitalmarkets.com Aussie rules What the world can learn from Australia It is perhaps the most successful rich economy WHAT IS THE biggest problem facing America? Or Japan? Or Britain? Or France? Opinions vary, naturally, but some worries crop up again and again. Those of a materialist bent point to decades of slow growth in median incomes, which has bred disillusion and anger among working people. Fiscal hawks decry huge public debts, destined to grow even vaster as ageing populations rack up ever bigger bills for health care and pensions. Then there is immigration, which has prompted a furious populist backlash in the United States and all over Europe. That hints at what, for many, is the most alarming trend of all: the lack of any semblance of a political consensus about how to handle these swelling crises. Rising incomes, low public debt, an affordable welfare state, popular support for mass immigration and a broad consensus on the policies underpinning these thingsthat is a distant dream in most rich countries. Many Western politicians could scarcely imagine a place that combined them all. Happily, they do not have to, because such a country already exists: Australia. Perhaps because it is far away from everywhere, or has only 25m inhabitants, or is seen mainly as a habitat for cuddly marsupials, it attracts relatively little attention. But its economy is arguably the most successful in the rich world. It has been growing for 27 years without a recessiona record for a developed country. Its cumulative growth over that period is almost three times what Germany has managed. The median income has risen four times faster than in America. Public debt, at 41% of GDP, is less than half Britains. Luck has had a hand in these feats, to be sure. Australia is blessed with lots of iron ore and natural gas, and is relatively close to China, which hoovers up such things. But sound policymaking has helped, too. After the last recession, in 1991, the government of the day reformed the health-care and pensions systems, requiring the middle class to pay more of its own way. The result is that Australias government spends just half the OECD average on pensions as a share of GDPand the gap will only widen in the years ahead. Even more remarkable is Australias enthusiasm for immigration. Some 29% of its inhabitants were born in another countrytwice the proportion in the United States. Half of Australians are either immigrants themselves or children of immigrants. And the biggest source of immigrants is Asia, which is fast changing the countrys racial mix. Compare that with America or Britain or Italy, where far smaller inflows have generated hostility among a big portion of the electorateor Japan, where allowing foreigners to settle in any numbers is a political taboo. In Australia both main parties argue that admitting lots of skilled migrants is essential to the health of the economy. These achievements are not without their flaws. The private investment funds through which Australians are obliged to save for their retirement have been charging excessive fees, leaving pensioners poorer than they should be. And as welcoming as Australia is to immigrants arriving through normal channels, it treats those who try to come by boat without the proper paperwork with unnecessary severity, packing them off to remote islands in the Pacific where even legitimate refugees have been left to rot for years. Moreover, there are reforms that Australia should be undertaking and is not. Aboriginal Australians suffer from enormous disadvantages, which a succession of governments has barely dented. Global warming is clearly causing grave damagedroughts have become more frequent and more severe, among other dismal consequencesyet Australia has done almost nothing to curb its emissions of greenhouse gases. Nonetheless, Australias example shows that reforms considered impossible elsewhere are perfectly achievable. Democrats in America assail most proposals to restrain the rising costs of public pensions or health care as tantamount to throwing grannies off a cliff; in Australia it was the left that pioneered such policies. The Labor Party sold obligatory private pensions to unions as an increase in benefits, since it is technically employers who are required to make regular payments into investment funds on their workers behalf. The party also made sure to retain a basic public pension, which is paid only to those who have not managed to build up adequate personal savings. By the same token, it is quite possible to maintain popular support for mass immigration, even from culturally dissimilar places. But it is essential to give voters the sense that their borders are properly policed and that there is no free-for-all. Again, bipartisanship is important. It was a right-wing government that first allowed immigration from Asia on a big scale, admitting lots of refugees from Vietnam in the 1970s. Australias political system rewards centrism. All eligible citizens must vote, by law, and those who might not bother to turn out otherwise tend to plump for mainstream parties. There is no need to rally supporters to the polls by pandering to their prejudices. Since everyone has to show up, politicians focus instead on winning over the wavering middle. The system of preferential voting, whereby Australians rank candidates in order of choice, rather than picking just one, also exerts a moderating influence. Killing the goose The irony is that, just as the benefits of this set-up are becoming so obvious, Australians appear to be growing disenchanted with it. Voters express growing doubts about the effectiveness of government. It has not cost the two main parties many seats, thanks to the electoral system, but their vote-share has fallen by 20 percentage points since the 1980s. Politicians, conscious of voters disgruntlement, have also become increasingly febrile. They are constantly turfing out prime ministers, in the hope that a new face will boost their partys standing with the electorate. Some in the ruling Liberal Party, although not the current prime minister, have begun to call for a reduction in immigration, undermining decades of consensus. Ambitious reforms have become rare. The rest of the world could learn a lot from Australiaand Australians could do with a refresher course, too. The two men have been identified as Youniss Bahaoddini and Dariush Ebrahimian Bilandi. They have been accused of planning and carrying out a scheme that has seen them pocket 150 trillion rials or around $36 million USD from the Iranian banking and economic network. The judiciarys Mizan news website reported that the Special Court for Combatting Economic Corruption issued the verdict. Another Iranian, Mohammad Bahaoddini, has been sentenced to ten years in prison and Davood Katebi was sentenced to seven years. Three other individuals Iman Pahlavani, Morteza Katebinejad and Reza Nader were each given a five-year sentence. The Iranian economy has been suffering for a long time and the people of Iran have been calling the regime out on its mismanagement of resources. The economic situation is set to get worse now that all the U.S. sanctions are in place. Earlier this year, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United States would be exiting the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JPCOA). He said that crippling economic sanctions would be re-imposed and said that his administration would be applying a maximum pressure campaign with the aim of cutting the regime off from the funds that allow it to support terrorist militias and proxy groups across the region. Iran Regimes leader Ali Khamenei said not long after the United States announced its exit from the deal that the Iranian regime would set up special courts that would deal efficiently with financial crimes and punish those that disrupt economic security. Khamenei gave these special courts the authority to make their verdicts final and legally binding, with the exception of the death penalty. Many have said that it goes against the countrys constitution to make any verdict final. However, it would not be the first time in the countrys recent history that individuals are denied the right to appeal. Even though Khamenei has said that the special courts cannot make a final and binding decision with regards to the death penalty, several have already been handed out. The Islamic Republics Supreme Court has already upheld the death penalty for Wahid Mazloomin and Mohammad Esmaeil Qassemi. Ever since President Trump announced that the U.S. would be exiting the deal, the countrys national currency plummeted and many international companies pulled out of their business dealings with the country. As usual the Iranian regime tried to pin the blame on others, shirking responsibility and saying that there is a foreign conspiracy. However, the people are very well aware that most of the problems are down to the regimes mismanagement and the billions it spends on its foreign adventures. There is a lot more to be done than arresting and imprisoning people for economic crimes. The regime needs to look a little closer to home. The article noted that the English-language propaganda network Press TV repeatedly ran the caption US rights groups report problems with machines in a dozen states, and that the Revolutionary Guards-affiliated Fars News Agency published an entire article based on one former US diplomats declaration that the election results underscore just how divided we are. This effort to cast doubt upon the American democratic process is reminiscent of a strategy that the Islamic Republic has used on numerous occasions to distract attention from its own domestic issues while creating false equivalencies between itself and its Western adversaries. Regardless of irregularities and problems with voting machines in the US elections, criticisms of these topics are deeply ironic when they originate with a country whose political system consists of democratic features layered onto a system of absolute authority. In the case of the Islamic Republic, that authority is vested in leading religious clerics. While Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei currently enjoys final say over all matters of Iranian policy, the will of the electorate is also overridden by other bodies that are tasked with supporting or extending the supreme leaders role. The Guardian Council, for instance, enjoys veto power over all Iranian legislation and over all candidates for high office. The operation of this body routinely limits the number of candidates to a small fraction of those who initially apply to run. The rest are excluded on the basis of the councils perception that their views are at odds with the will of the supreme leader, or at odds with the regimes interpretation of Shiite Islam. Insofar as this situation excludes real alternatives to the existing leadership structure of the Iranian government, opposition groups have sought to organize mass boycotts of recent elections. This stands in stark contrast to the midterm elections in the US, where the problem of long wait times was generally the result of higher-than-average turnout. Iranian officials have tried to claim a similar improvement in voter participation, particularly in the 2017 elections that led President Hassan Rouhani to secure a second term. But opposition groups like the Peoples Mojahedin Organization of Iran alleged that footage of active polling places on state television often featured members of the Basij civilian militia, who had traveled en masse to those polling places in order to inflate the official participation figures. The PMOI also promoted the boycott of that election, risking arrest by posting images of the exiled opposition leader Maryam Rajavi, accompanied by slogans like vote for regime change. Against the backdrop of this boycott and the generally undemocratic nature of the Iranian electoral system, it may be difficult for Iranian state media to convince citizens that that system is somehow healthier than the American alternative. Yet the same is true of the comparative human rights situations in Iran and the US, but Iranian officials have a long history of levying accusations against American institutions in a transparent attempt to distract from well-recognized human rights crises in the Islamic Republic. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei himself has contributed to this effort, using Twitter and his personal website to promote Iranian viewpoints in the English language. Relevant Twitter posts have tended to co-opt popular hashtags used for discussion of key domestic issues by users in the US or Europe. In 2014, for instance, the supreme leader capitalized on protests regarding police violence against African Americans, using the #BlackLivesMatter hashtag despite the prevalence of institutionalized discrimination against various religious and ethnic minorities in Iran. In December of last year, Khamenei again used the shortened form of the hashtag, #BLM, to say the U.S. gov. commits oppression inside the U.S., too. The tweet coincided with the outbreak of mass anti-government protests across the Islamic Republic, which prompted suppressive measures by Iranian security forces that left 50 peaceful protesters dead. Before the mass uprising was brought to heal, more than 3,000 additional protesters were arrested, and 14 were tortured to death while in detention. Even more recently, in October, Khamenei inserted himself into Western discussions of womens rights using the #MeToo hashtag. Disregarding such issues as the legal rape of Iranian women by their husbands and the many incidents of women being physically assaulted by morality police for perceived instances of bad hijab, the supreme leader decried countless sexual assaults on Western women then linked to a page on his personal website in which he promoted mandatory veiling as a means of preventing women of all countries from being pulled toward deviation. Masoud Kazemis arrest was first reported by his fiancee Shima Tadrisi, who tweeted on Monday that neighbours have seen several people entering the couples home that morning and taking Kazemi away. She wrote: We do not know which entity arrested him or the reason for the arrest. Tadrisi explained that laptop computers, hard disks, and flash drives had also been confiscated from the house. The arrest of Kazemi, a former reporter for Irans Shargh daily newspaper, was also confirmed on Twitter by Sobhan Hassanvand, a friend and former colleague of Kazemi. He wrote: My friend & colleague Masoud Kazemi @masoudkazemi81 has been arrested in his house this morning in Tehran, no news about his whereabouts [or] charges. A few days ago he told us his job as a journalist is the first priority of his life alongside his son #JournalismIsNotACrime. Hassanvand also attached a screenshot of Kazemis Twitter profile, which was tagged, to the tweet, to show Kazemis last tweets before being arrested. In that final tweet, Kazemi urged his followers to take a look at this thread to become familiar with a small part of systematic corruption, and the role of fathers and their children in these corruption cases. His account has since been suspended. Government corruption is a hot topic in Iran right now, frequently driving many Iranians into the streets to take part in nationwide protests against the Iranian Regime. These protests began last December and show no sign of letting up until the Regime falls. According to Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Kazemi often posted tweets criticizing the current situation in Iran and the policies of different factions within the Regime. On Tuesday, RSF posted an article which said that Iranian authorities had detained several other Iranian journalists since September, including Saba Azarpeyk, a former reporter with the pro-reformist daily Etemad, and Ejlal Qawami, Iranian Kurdish freelance journalist. The article explained that prior to their arrests, Azarpeyk had published an article accusing newly appointed Labor Minister Mohammad Shariatmadari of corruption and Qawami had been writing about the situation of prisoners of conscience in Irans Kurdistan province. Reza Moini, the head of RSFs Iran/Afghanistan desk, said: We urge the regime to stop suppressing the freedom to inform. Obstructing press freedom and arresting journalists do not help to combat corruption. The teachers have been calling for reforms in the Iranian education system. The Iranian regime is putting the labour unions under increased scrutiny and the teachers unions are heavily monitored. Several arrests have been made and some representatives remain in jail. Khastars wife Sediqhe Malekifar said that her husband went missing from the familys nearby farm. She grew worried when she could not get hold of him by telephone and called local authorities to see if they were aware of any incidents. The following day she was called by someone claiming to be affiliated to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). She was told that her husband has been taken to the Ebene Sina Hospital in Mashhad to be treated for a mental illness. After hearing this news she was very concerned because her husband was in fine health and had shown no signs of any mental problems. On arriving at the hospital to see her husband, she was told that security agents were not letting anyone near Khastar. Khastar was found more than two weeks ago and has been held in the psychiatric ward against his will. No-one has claimed responsibility for Khastars abduction. The IRGC has said that it is not behind the incident, as has the Intelligence Ministry and the Justice Department. The staff at the hospital have not been able to provide any information either. Malekifar said that the only possible reason for her husbands treatment is because of his activist activities. She said that at the beginning of the year her husband called Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei a dictator in an op-ed for a pro-union group that is based abroad called Iran Kargar. It has been reported that Khastar has had medication enforced upon him. It is required by law in Iran for each individual to consent to treatment for mental health issues. The only exception is if a judicial body or the National Medical Board has had consent taken away from them. Consent can be removed if the relevant authority judges consider that the individual is mentally incapable of making decisions about their health and treatment. The Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) in New York has said: Iranian law gives security forces and the judiciary the upper hand in all legal cases involving activists and other individuals targeted by Irans security establishment. It is also not known whether Khastar has been given access to a lawyer. This is just another example of the mistreatment of political and human rights activists in the country. For such an event to be shrouded in mystery is not out of the ordinary. It is also a clear sign that the regime feels threatened by the widespread discontent. But it doesnt have to be this way. There is a very real opportunity for us to see an Iran without the death penalty in our lifetime. An Iran that would also be free from corporal punishment, torture, and all forms of human rights abuses. That Iran is the Iran led by Maryam Rajavi and the Iranian Resistance. Time and time again, Maryam Rajavi has made it clear that she opposes the death penalty and would ban it in Iran, along with torture and all human rights abuses. This would coincide with a reformation of the judicial system and the repeal of the mullahs Sharia Law. Maryam Rajavi said: Our plan for future is to put an end to the mullahs religious decrees. We reject the inhuman penal code and other abusive laws of this regime. We believe Retribution is an inhuman law. We advocate laws that are based on forgiveness, compassion and humanity. The Iranian Resistance lives by this code, as evidenced by the actions of Massoud Rajavi Maryam Rajavis husband and former Iranian Resistance Leader who refused to violate the human rights of thousands of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ruhollah Khomeinis agents. These agents, who were captured during battles with the National Liberation Army of Iran and killed members of the Iranian Resistance, were released unharmed at the end of the war. Maryam Rajavi advises that this is the enduring tradition of the Iranian peoples resistance. Maryam Rajavi advocates that the Iranian Resistance want an independent, dynamic and free judiciary that will work with a democratically elected government to defend freedom, equality, and sanctity of every citizens private life in order to benefit the Iranian people. This would mean: An end to arbitrary arrests A ban on torture Respect for the presumption of innocence Giving defendants the right to a defence and a defence attorney Allowing victims of violence or abuse of any sort access to justice A ban on denying freedoms to individuals based on their religion or lack thereof Maryam Rajavis plan for the future of Iran is that all citizens will enjoy genuine security and equal rights before the law. It would be a new order based on freedom, democracy and equality, where people can enjoy lives of freedom and prosperity. Maryam Rajavi said: We have chosen to persevere and fight on [so] that no youngster under 18 years of age would have to wait in the corridors of death in prison to reach legal age for execution; so that no mother would ever shed tears of grief for her executed child. Our motivation for resistance till victory is not spite and revenge but our love for freedom and human rights. Maryam Rajavi advises that the Iranian Resistance will fight any battle and sacrifice their lives in order to bring this freedom to Iran. There were more than enough reasons for the US to reimpose sanctions on Iran from its destructive behaviour in the Middle East to its use of ballistic missiles to its use of terrorism, assassinations, and cyber warfare to attack foreign nations. This sort of behaviour must be confronted and contained, lest it leads to chaos in the Middle East and across the world. Many support the sanctions This has the support of many US allies, including Israel and Saudi Arabia, who are in the direct path of Irans rage, but more importantly it has the support of the longest-suffering victims of the Iranian Regime: The Iranian people. No one should be swayed by the Iranian Regimes lies that these sanctions are mostly hurting the Iranian people. In fact, the Iranian people are in favour of the sanctions, as they cut off the money that the Iranian Regime uses to repress the Iranian people. How the US will deal with disagreements on the Iran sanctions While different countries may disagree on how best to confront the Regime in Iran, it is important to support Trumps maximum pressure push against Iran, as it is the best chance to stop the mullahs before they create a nuclear bomb or increase the conflict in Syria. Luckily, with secondary sanctions applied to al foreign companies and countries that help Iran violate the sanctions, it doesnt matter whether a country disagrees, they will still have to abide by the sanctions or face being cut off from the US financial system and its pretty obvious what path theyll take. Dr. Theodore Karasik, a senior adviser to Gulf State Analytics in Washington, DC, wrote: In the coming months and into next year, the pressure on Iran will continue to draw reactions of various types, including hand-wringing over images and terrified voices that will be projected by the Iranian media. While some may argue that the Tehran government may actually benefit from an excuse to crack heads and reorganize the political field, the systemic problems in the theocratic state signal real and significant pressure from the US upon the Islamic Republic. Next years 40th anniversary of the start of the 1979 hostage crisis may be quite telling in terms of the metrics of success of the Trump administrations second round of crippling sanctions. China, Japan, and Trumps America Joseph S. Nye Japan's anxieties about Donald Trump's "America First" orientation and protectionist policies are not surprising. When two allies defense capacities are not symmetrical, the more dependent party is bound to worry more about the partnership. CAMBRIDGE The key strategic issue in East Asia is the rise of Chinese power. Some analysts believe that China will seek a form of hegemony in East Asia that will lead to conflict. Unlike Europe, East Asia never fully came to terms with the 1930s, and Cold War divisions subsequently limited reconciliation. Now US President Donald Trump has launched a trade war with China and negotiations with Japan that take aim at Japans trade surplus with the United States. While the recent announcement of bilateral talks postpones Trumps threat of auto tariffs against Japan, critics worry that Trump may push Japan closer to China, whose president, Xi Jinping, is scheduled to hold a summit with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe later this month. The balance of power between Japan and China has shifted markedly in recent decades. In 2010, Chinas GDP surpassed Japans as measured in dollars (though it remains far behind Japan in per capita terms). It is difficult to remember that a little over two decades ago, many Americans feared being overtaken by Japan, not China. Books predicted a Japanese-led Pacific bloc that would exclude the US, and even an eventual war with Japan. Instead, during President Bill Clintons administration, the US reaffirmed its security alliance with Japan at the same time that it accepted the rise of China and supported its admission to the World Trade Organization. In the early 1990s, many observers believed that the US-Japan alliance would be discarded as a Cold War relic. Trade tensions were high. Senator Paul Tsongas campaigned for president in 1992 on the slogan, The Cold War is over and Japan has won. The Clinton administration began with Japan-bashing, but after a two-year process of negotiation, Clinton and then-Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto issued a declaration in 1996 that proclaimed the alliance to be the bedrock of stability for post-Cold War East Asia. There was a deeper level of malaise, however, and although it was rarely expressed openly, it related to the Japanese concern that it would be marginalized as the US turned toward China. When I was involved in negotiating the reaffirmation of the alliance in the mid-1990s, my Japanese counterparts, seated across a table festooned with national flags rarely discussed China formally. But later, over drinks, they would ask whether America would shift its focus from Japan to China as the latter grew in strength. Such anxieties are not surprising: when two allies defense capacities are not symmetrical, the more dependent party is bound to worry more about the partnership. Over the years, some Japanese have argued that Japan should become a normal country with a fuller panoply of military capabilities. Some experts have even suggested that Japan drop some of its anti-nuclear principles and develop nuclear weapons. But such measures would raise more problems than they would solve. Even if Japan took steps to become a normal country (whatever that term may imply), it would still not equal the power of the US or China. Today, Japan has a new set of concerns about American abandonment. Trumps America First orientation and protectionist policies pose a new risk to the alliance. Trumps withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership was a blow to Japan. While Abe has skillfully played to Trumps ego to deflect conflict, acute differences remain. The Trump administrations imposition of steel and aluminum tariffs on national security grounds surprised Abe and has fueled disquiet in Japan. The Trump administration has also suggested that US allies in Asia should do more to defend themselves and openly questioned the value of forward deployed US forces. Some analysts wonder whether Trumps actions will force Japan to hedge its bets and edge toward China. But that is unlikely at this stage. While such options may be explored, they will remain limited, given Japanese concerns about Chinese domination. The US alliance remains the best option unless Trump goes much further. Thus far, the alliance remains remarkably strong. Abe reached out early to President-elect Trump, meeting him first at Trump Tower in New York and then during visits to Washington, DC, and Mar-a-Lago, Trumps Florida residence. The Abe-Trump relationship allowed the Pentagon to maintain close cooperation on security matters. North Korea helped focus the alliances attention and provided an opportunity for Trump to assure Japan that the US was behind Japan 100%. Abe and Trump both supported the maximum pressure strategy against North Korea, working hard to build international support for United Nations sanctions. Meanwhile, Japan announced a major new investment in ballistic missile defense and cooperated in its joint development. On the other hand, Trumps surprising reversal in attitude toward North Korean leader Kim Jong-un after their Singapore summit in June raised Japanese concerns about a US deal focusing on intercontinental missiles and ignoring the medium-range missiles that could reach Japan. Trumps rhetoric about burden sharing has also raised concern. While Japans defense expenditure is little above 1% of GDP, it contributes significant host-country support. The US Department of Defense estimates suggest that the Japanese government pays roughly 75% of the cost of supporting US forces in Japan. This year alone, the Japanese government budgeted 197 billion ($1.7 billion) for cost sharing, 226 billion ($2 billion) for the realignment of US forces, and 266 billion ($2.3 billion) in various types of community support, among other alliance-related expenditures. As the Clinton administration recognized a quarter-century ago, Chinas rise created a three-country balance of power in East Asia. If the US and Japan maintain their alliance, they can shape the environment that China faces and help moderate its rising power. But that will depend on whether the Trump administration successfully maintains the US-Japan Alliance. Joseph S. Nye, Jr., is a professor at Harvard University and author of Is the American Century Over? The first of the sanctions that had been suspended under the 2015 Iran nuclear deal went back into effect in August, after which the European Union began to explore means to incentivize Iran to remain a party to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. In recent weeks the EU announced its intention to create a special purpose vehicle for facilitating transfers between European businesses and the Islamic Republic. The prospects for that plan are now being tested as Iran copes with renewed sanctions on 700 entities while the Europeans contemplate their future relations with both Iran and the United States. Many analysts have questioned the SPVs viability or the extent of its prospective effectiveness as helping Iran to evade US sanctions. Others have raised doubts about the long-term political will or European powers when it comes to standing against the US on this issue. Nevertheless, many representatives of the EU and its member states have continued to give the impression that they are both committed to helping Iran and actually capable of doing so. In some cases, remarks to this effect have come from what are arguably the unlikeliest sources. On Wednesday, Newsweek quoted French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire as saying, Europe refuses to allow the U.S. to be the trade policeman of the world. Le Maire went on to urge the Europeans as a whole to assert their independence, and he boasted of the ongoing development of plans to implement and utilize the SPV. He did not, however, going into detail about those plans, thus leaving them open to criticism or scrutiny by those who believe that Europe will waver or that the SPV will face insurmountable logistical obstacles. The potential for such obstacles was underscored when the Belgium-based Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication announced that it would be barring Iranian banks from accessing the system. Reuters reported on Wednesday that the European Commission had issued a statement describing the decision as regrettable. It is a sentiment that European authorities had previously expressed with regard to other European entities decisions to fully comply with US sanctions even ahead of their ultimate re-imposition at the start of this week. However, such condemnation of the growing financial and logistical gulf between Europe and the Islamic Republic is at odds with European commentary on closely related issues, such as the Iranian threat to regional stability and Western security. The latter issue was brought into sharper focus in late October after Danish authorities announced the arrest of an Iranian operative who was accused of plotting at least one assassination on Danish soil. This in turn highlighted the surprising nature of recent French statements in support of Iranian transactions, since a previously thwarted terror plot had sought to detonate explosives just outside Paris. The earlier incident targeted the annual international rally of Iranian expatriates and their political supporters, organized by the National Council of Resistance of Iran, which maintains a headquarters in France. The NCRI itself gathered and publicized information about the plot in its immediate aftermath, underscoring the fact that it had been approved at the highest levels of the Iranian regime. This information was subsequently corroborated by French intelligence, with government officials formally holding Tehran accountable only weeks before the revelation of the Danish plot amplified the apparent Iranian terror threat. Although French officials have been vocal in their defense of the JCPOA, they have also been credited with some of the strongest European positions on holding Iran accountable for its overall malign activity. In keeping with this observation, Newsweek noted that in September, after the first round of US sanctions had been re-imposed, French President Emmanuel Macron declared that although he disagreed with the White House over the nuclear deal and the relevant sanctions, he agreed with Trump administrations underlying goals. Those goals have been clearly and repeatedly described as a complete reversal of Irans policies in a number of key areas, mostly relating to the regimes strategy of regional force projection and the development of foreign militant proxies. The return and prospective escalation of US sanctions is widely expected to limit the regimes ability to finance and direct those proxies. But in the short term, the controversy surrounding the sanctions may drive many of Irans proxies and partners to cleave to the regime and express solidarity in the face of nascent pressure. This possible trend was illuminated by statements from and subsequent criticism of the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas. On Monday, the organization accused the US of undermining security and stability in the region while strengthening the Zionist project. Hamas also expressed general solidarity with Irans government, according to The Tower. This led to Anwar Gargash, the United Arab Emirates Minister of Foreign Affairs, to criticism Hamas for ignoring the widespread anxiety among Arab powers regarding Irans pursuit of regional hegemony. Hamass solidarity with the Iranian government pushes the Palestinian issue into a maze and confirms the opinion that the movement, in its orientation, is nothing more than an Iranian regional tool, he said. While this sort of commentary, coming from regional actors, may put significant pressure upon entities whose position between Iran and its Arab adversaries is in question, the same commentary may also help to keep pressure on European governments to recognize the dangerous and destabilizing role that Iran plays in the broader Middle East. Certainly, some such pressure is already being exerted by the Trump administration via the public statements and diplomatic outreach that accompanies the renewed enforcement of sanctions. And as that pressure mounts, it may yet encourage Paris and other European governments to accept the strategies put forth by the White House, as well as its goals. On the other hand, some of this pressure has come from entities whose recent actions have undermined their credibility as critics of Irans penchant for human rights violations and support for terrorism. In recent weeks, much attention has been focused on the apparent execution of journalist Jamal Khashoggi by agents of Irans leading regional adversary, Saudi Arabia. Somewhat surprisingly, though, this has actually prompted some commentators and media outlets to draw connections between that killing and the crimes and abuses of the Iranian regime. And this in turn has encouraged European powers to clarify their stance on issues of human rights and terrorism in general. Late in October, IranWire published an article along these lines, arguing that the international communitys reaction to the Khashoggi killing should be informed by historical experiences with the Iranian regimes chain murders on European soil in the 80s and 90s. The article noted that at least two instances of similar killings apparently occurred last year a fact that it tentatively attributes to a recent lack of pressure and a trend toward international focus on issues other than Irans assault on opposition figures. This stands in contrast to the clear and multi-faceted pressure that apparently led to the earlier halt of the chain murders. While this can be read as an indictment of European entities that are standing against the US sanctions, another IranWire article extended aspects of the criticism to the United States itself. That article, which discussed the renewed sanctions in the context of Irans recent and ongoing public protests, accused the White House of being too narrowly focused on Irans regional activities, to the exclusive of its domestic policies and violent repression of dissent. This is not to say that the administration has never condemned that repression, but IranWire argues that the mullahs may have gotten the impression that they will need to give concessions over their regional policies only and that this could lead to new potential risks for the Islamic Republic. But the article also pointed to the potential for reinvigorated public protests in the wake of re-imposed US sanctions. It argued that the outcome would depend in large part upon the positions taken by traditional US allies, and whether they try to mitigate the sanctions effects or direct them toward Irans domestic behavior as well as its threats to the region. If those dual aspects of the Islamic Republic appear to be worsening, the Europeans may be incentivized to add their own pressure, even if it takes different forms. This is precisely what Emmanuel Macron seemed to advocate for in September when he said that a multilateral, long-term Iran strategy cant just boil down to sanctions and containment. Of course, this is not to say that sanctions cannot be part of an effective strategy, and it remains to be seen whether the governments of France, the UK, Germany, and the rest of Europe will come around to recognizing the potential effectiveness of sanctions as part of a broader effort to exert pressure on the mullahs regime. Is China the Next AI Superpower? The U.S. has long been seen as the global leader in innovation, including in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). China, in contrast, has been viewed as a technology copycat. This, however, may not be the case anymore. China may soon take the lead in AI, according to Kai-Fu Lee, former president of Google China and an AI expert. He said Chinas national focus on AI, its large data pool and massive market, as well as the presence of hard-working and ambitious entrepreneurs could help it overtake the U.S. Lee is the CEO of Sinovation Ventures, an early stage venture capital firm that seeks to develop the next generation of high-tech Chinese companies. He is the author of AI Superpowers: China, Silicon Valley, and the New World Order. Lee was a recent guest on the Knowledge@Wharton radio show on Sirius XM, where he discussed these and other issues. (Listen to the podcast using the player above.) Next month, Lee is speaking at the AI Frontiers conference in San Jose, Calif., where Knowledge@Wharton is a media partner. An edited transcript of the conversation follows. Knowledge@Wharton: Where are we in the race for AI technology between the United States and China? Kai-Fu Lee: Well, its not really a race. Its two parallel universes, each making progress. U.S. is still way ahead in the core technologies from research labs and universities. But China is now taking the lead in implementation and creating value by using AI in all kinds of applications and industries. Knowledge@Wharton: You write in your book that the skillful application of AI will be Chinas greatest opportunity to catch up with and maybe surpass the U.S. But more importantly, itll help people rediscover what it means to be human. Can you explain what you mean? Lee: I think the whole job market will change. We currently see narrow AI not the science fiction, AI human intelligence but specific AI engines that solve one problem at a time. For instance, [we see] engines that can make loan decisions for banks, customer service for large companies, simple robotics like fruit-picking and dish-washing. These vertical applications of AI are exceeding human capabilities. This means that routine jobs will be replaced by AI. But AI is also very good at producing tools for the creatives and professionals. I can see scientists, CEOs, writers, columnists, using AI as a tool. All this will result in a significant job transformation. People in creative and strategic jobs will get their capabilities amplified and people in routine jobs will need to transform and transition to new jobs. Probably the only job category thats large enough to accommodate that many people in routine work are service jobs. These are jobs that require a human touch, compassion and empathy, so it will be a very difficult transformation. But when its done, it will lead to many our population engaging in empathetic and compassionate jobs like that of nannies, teachers, doctors and caretakers for the elderly. This will create a positive energy and help us rediscover our humanity. Knowledge@Wharton: Were already starting to see that a little. Lee: Yes. We are now seeing the beginnings of job displacements in the routine jobs. We see tellers, cashiers, starting to disappear, even without AI. With AI, more of these jobs will be gone. Were also seeing a larger number of openings in jobs like elderly care. Theyre currently not filled, perhaps because they do not pay enough or are not well-known as a job category. Theres not yet significant recognition in society that service jobs deserve respect and [good] pay. But hopefully, over time, well see the need and then the pay and social status will increase to create an equilibrium. Knowledge@Wharton: What is happening at present in China regarding AI that is different from what we are seeing here in the United States, to potentially put China in the lead in the next few years? Lee: A couple of things are unique about China. First, Chinese entrepreneurs are much hungrier, they work much harder, and they are also much more tenacious. They are looking for all kinds of business models in which AI can help. AI in retail. AI in education. They are also working out operational excellence in applying AI to changing the way people eat, disrupting autonomous stores and autonomous fast food restaurants. So its displacing traditional industries faster. Imagine convenience stores without people [manning the store]. Imagine fast food restaurants without people. AI is also being used in a lot of white-collar job displacement, which will impact the U.S. and China equally. I think China is moving faster because entrepreneurs are emboldened by the national priority on AI, funded by larger amounts of money. They see this as the hottest area. The second reason, I think, is that the use of AI is no longer such a mystery. We think of AI as very advanced technologies that very few people possess. But actually, that is not true. AI is now open-source. New grads from college in a years time can start using AI in engineering and building these products. China has an army of new graduates who are all hungry to jump into AI as the new hot area. Also, China has more data than anybody and AI gets better with data. If you train an AI for, lets say, an advertising engine or an ads-targeting engine, or a bank using AI for determining loans, the more data you have, the more accurate AI becomes. China has more users and more usage per user, because the use of digital services is pervasive. For example, China has almost no credit cards and no cash. Everyones using mobile pay. Thats fuel to make rocket fuel for AI to work better. And finally, the Chinese government is very supportive of AI. Last July, it declared AI to be one of the most important areas to focus on. Provincial and city governments are building out cities the size of Chicago with autonomous vehicles in mind. There are two layers of roads. One layer is for pedestrians and the second is for cars, thereby limiting the possible accidents and casualties to the pedestrians. Highways are adding sensors to enable autonomous vehicles. These high-spend infrastructure projects are just what the AI industry needs, because private companies cant possibly afford to build cities and highways. Knowledge@Wharton: We talk a lot about the startup culture here in the United States, and the role that Silicon Valley has played in that. What does the startup culture look like in China? Lee: The culture in China is different from Silicon Valley in a couple of ways. I think Silicon Valley tends to be more creative, innovative, wanting to be out of box, invent something no one has seen before. It frowns upon copycats, and it likes lightweight technologies. Instagram with 11 engineers gets acquired for a billion dollars. Thats the kind of story that Silicon Valley celebrates. China is into incredibly hard work. Companies work 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. six or seven days a week without exception. Entrepreneurs are usually very strong, top down. A single person makes all the decisions. Its data driven so the decisions are very fast. There isnt too much of consensus-building. Its all about moving on and executing. Chinese companies are better at raising large amounts of money because theres a large market that can test ideas and scale them. Chinese companies are also willing to go heavy. That is, you build something that is incredibly messy and ugly and complex. But once you build it, it becomes a moat around your business. For example, in the U.S., we have Yelp and Groupon, very lightweight companies. In China, there is Meituan, which has built a 600,000-person delivery engine, riding electrical mopeds with batteries that run out pretty quickly and have to be replaced. And yet, they run it to enable every Chinese consumer to order food on their way home and have it delivered to them by the time they reach their homes. The consumers dont have to wait. The delivery time is 30 minutes and it costs about 70 cents. Its the hard work that is shaving away a few cents a month, eventually getting to 70 cents per order. Then, they can break even. It is taking a large leap and a large bet and a large risk, because if they dont succeed at 25 million orders a day, theres a huge los. So it is a winner-take-all, gladiatorial, no-holds-barred kind of environment. Its especially suitable for building powerful companies, or even monopolies. This is particularly so for AI because as you build a large customer base, you have a large amount of data, which gives you tremendous advantage. Knowledge@Wharton: With the changes you expect to happen because of artificial intelligence, how is the economy going to be different in the United States in, say, 30 or 40 years? How is China adapting already to some of these changes? Lee: The big benefits will be that AI will make companies more efficient and lower-cost. Existing processes running through AI can be made more profitable. By plugging in AI, Amazon gets more ad dollars. Google gets more revenue. Facebook gets more revenue. Microsoft gets more revenue and sales. When that starts to happen with banks, insurance companies and hospitals and so on, basically anyone adopting AI will see their P&L (profit and loss) improve. In some cases, AI will displace people and save on costs. In others, it will increase efficiency or deliver at higher margin. PwC and McKinsey both estimate that by 2030, the world GDP will increase by about $12 trillion to $17 trillion, purely as net additional GDP, because of AI. This will make the U.S. and China wealthier. The wealth will go into the hands of a smaller number of people, those who take advantage of AI, so the wealth inequality will increase. One issue thats raised is how does that redistribution of income happen? And, does it need to happen? This is because many people will be displaced from jobs. Thats one big question. The U.S. may need to look at ultra-high tax for ultra-wealthy people or companies. Whether thats likely to pass through the system remains to be seen. China will face the same issue. But I think China will find it relatively easier to increase taxes. The second big issue is how will new jobs be created? I think over a longer period of time perhaps over 30 or 50 years AI will create a lot of jobs and we may also be working less. We may be working three or four days a week. Some people may not need to work at all. So a lot of things could change. But in the meantime, people expect to work, and they need to be paid. How can we create those jobs so that the unemployment rate doesnt suddenly increase? Unemployment rates are at an all-time low right now. Thats primarily because AI hasnt yet started the displacement process. We will see that happen in the next two to five years. Knowledge@Wharton: You mentioned the alternate universe that China is working on, especially with their internet. What was it that drove them towards this? Lee: In developing a different internet ecosystem? Knowledge@Wharton: Correct. Lee: I think just entrepreneurship. In the beginning, a lot of American companies didnt go to China either due to regulations that they didnt want to accept, or because they felt it was too tough a market. So the Chinese entrepreneurs started copying the American ideas. This was not IP violation, but just copying the general idea of a search engine, a portal, an e-commerce site, and so on. Over time, because of their consumer base and their entrepreneurship, they started to innovate. In the last three to five years, weve seen a lot of Chinese innovations that arent seen in the U.S. For example, for the young people in China, social media is dominated by a video-oriented social media system very different from Snapchat, Instagram, or Facebook in the U.S. And the payments system in China has grown to take over cash and credit cards. Imagine a parallel universe in which everything is paid for by giant software companies, and young people are in video social networks. The rest of the apps plug into a very different large piece of the puzzle in China. Think of China as one puzzle, with little pieces plugged in and the U.S. as another big puzzle. You cant just take a piece from one and plug it into the other. Thats what I mean by the parallel universe. Knowledge@Wharton: You can throw in WeChat as well, which has developed incredibly in the last few years. Lee: Absolutely. WeChat is a giant Swiss Army app. It does everything. Think of this as Facebook plus WhatsApp plus Visa plus Mastercard plus everything. All the services you have, paying bills, and Uber and Airbnb all these are part of this ecosystem. In the U.S., it would probably be subject to antitrust issues. But in China, its allowed to run. Half of my day is spent on WeChat. And I think for many people, like my wife, its even more than half. Knowledge@Wharton: What lessons can we learn from the strategy of WeChats owner Tencent? Lee: U.S. companies tend to focus and do one thing really well. Tencent strategically decided to build an empire for world domination. I think that is the difference. It had the ambition of Microsoft before the Department of Justice reined it in and said, You cant do that. Most of the practices are standard. Build a strong platform, add on top of that. Make smart investments in areas where you dont have the competency. Keep building out and make big bets. Theyve spent billions getting their payments accepted. And, I think, a refusal to accept [defeat]. Four years ago, it seemed as if Alipay had won the payment wars in China. There were credit card companies and then there was Alipay, sort of like Visa/Mastercard in the U.S., and then Paypal. But Tencent, as the Facebook of China, decided they were going to win in payments. They threw billions and billions at it. They subsidized people and created opportunities where people felt it was fun to connect their social network to their bank card. This tenacity, and never feeling that you are in X-industry so you cant go into Y-industry, helped Tencent to totally disrupt the payment market. From zero market share it now has half the payments market. Knowledge@Wharton: Are we at a point now where companies in the United States could learn from what is going on in China? Lee: I think China is definitely worth learning from. Most of Silicon Valley still frowns upon China as merely a copycat. Thats a terrible mistake. Every Chinese entrepreneur is learning from China and from the U.S. They religiously read all the tech media Wired, TechCrunch, and everything. If American entrepreneurs only learn from the U.S. but not China, theyre missing out on half of the opportunities, lessons and case studies. Knowledge@Wharton: Based on some of the insights you have into AI and deep learning thats going on in both Silicon Valley and China, which companies do you think either in the United States or in China are most advanced in their ability to transform business through the power of AI and data analytics? Lee: Google, or Alphabet, is clearly by far the most advanced. If there is a disruption that completely changes everything that I stated in my book, it would probably come from Google. They have a phenomenal system from the hardware chips up to the platform level, and they apply it to many, many areas. I think theyre by far the most ahead in the core technologies. In a very clever implementation, with maybe some Chinese spirit, is Amazon. I think their technology team is elementary compared to Googles technology team. Yet they are able to find the applications, and they are willing to make big bets. I think these two companies are leading in the U.S. Facebook is very good, but they need to recover. They have a strong AI team, but we dont really see the benefit as yet. Theoretically, AI should help them fix a lot of the newsfeed problems and the PR issues they face. In China, I think Tencent is by far the most powerful company. Their use of AI has been modest. I guess one could see that as a potential upside. Alibaba is applying AI much more rapidly, because theyve been in payments and commerce, and they can see money coming out of AI. Theyre probably leading in that. Baidu is the Google of China. They probably have the most AI scientists in China, but they havent done as much to create value. So that remains to be seen. Knowledge@Wharton: What are the biggest breakthroughs that you see on the horizon for AI? Lee: Actually, I dont. I think AI is like electricity. Based on what has been invented plus the incremental improvements, were going to see amazing things, including autonomous vehicles, which I dont view as requiring a lot of new technologies. Its just a matter of gluing everything we know, and incrementally applying it to the application. We are in the midst of AI application, taking what is known and creating value in things like autonomous vehicles, autonomous airplanes, and smart robots. I think that will happen without any fundamental breakthrough. Some of the big issues that are ahead are, can AI learn from a few examples? Can AI learn to have common sense and to learn multi-domain? Can AI learn by itself? And can AI start to have common sense? Another big question is, can an average engineer learn to use AI with just hours of training? I think these are interesting problems that we may or may not have solutions for in a couple of years. - Netflix disclosed that it will be including the Filipino comics entitled Trese - The announcement was made during an event in Singapore - Trese is a Filipino Graphic Novel that features mythical creatures PAY ATTENTION: Click "See First" under the "Following" tab to see KAMI news on your News Feed Streaming service Netflix announced on November 7 that it will be adapting a Graphic Novel created in the Philippines as one of its anime series. KAMI learned that the exciting announcement took place in Singapore and it was revealed by Taito Okiura, the Netflixs director of anime. The Filipino Graphic Novel that was luckily chosen to be part of the said streaming service is Trese. Created by Budjette Tan and illustrated by Kajo Balidissmo, Trese is a comics that features mythical creatures of Philippine folklore. The character, Alexandra Trese, does her best to fight against an underworld law offender consisted of supernatural beings. Netflix tapped the services of Fil-Am animation director Jay Oliva to be the executive producer of the said Graphic Novel. He is known for his animated works such as Batman: Under the Red Hood, Justice League Dark, and The Legend of Korra. PAY ATTENTION: Using free basics app to access internet for free? Now you can read KAMI news there too. Use the search option to find us. Read KAMI news while saving your data! "Since 2005, TRESE has been published and distributed in the Philippines. While we feel lucky and thankful for all the readers whove picked up our books, weve always dreamed for TRESE to reach more readers in foreign shores, Budjette wrote on his post. With your help, we target to have the funds to print a new edition of TRESE Issue 1 (with updated art and bonus content), and be able to ship it to readers around the world. The funds we generate will also allow Kajo to devote more time to illustrating the pages," he added. In a previous article by , Netflix invited Filipina actress Liza Soberano to star in a Hollywood series but the promising celebrity declined the offer because of conflict in schedule. Aside from Trese, the said streaming service already included Filipino films such as Heneral Luna, Birdshot, Kita Kita, That Thing Called Tadhana, and Buybust. Enjoyed reading our story? Download KAMI's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major Filipino news! Many of you had asked us to shoot The Nun prank and we did it! So, today we are proud to present you an extraordinary lady, Scary Nun! In this episode, she is going to roam the streets of the Philippines and scare innocent people to death! (Laughs evilly) on HumanMeter! Source: Kami.com.ph Mail bombing suspect Cesar Sayoc is facing life in prison after he was indicted by a federal grand jury on 30 charges on Friday. Sayoc, 56, was charged with offenses related to his alleged execution of a "domestic terrorist attack" last month, officials said. Over the course of five days, he allegedly sent 13 improvised explosive devices to 16 individualsmost of them prominent Democrats or frequent targets of President Donald Trump. "Cesar Sayoc allegedly targeted former high-ranking officials such as President Barack Obama, President Bill Clinton, Vice President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and others, as well as CNN, by sending explosive packages to them through the U.S. Postal Service," Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said in a statement. "Sayocs alleged conduct put numerous lives at risk. It was also an assault on a nation that values the rule of law, a free press, and tolerance of differences without rancor or resort to violence." The first pipe bomb was sent to a mailbox near the Westchester home of George Soros on October 23rd. The following morning, a string of similar packages were discovered across the country, including one which was found in the mailroom of CNN's midtown headquarters. Sayoc was ultimately arrested on October 26th in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, thanks to forensic evidence recovered by the FBI on 11 of the bombs. Officials say that Sayoc also used his phone to conduct a range of misspelled internet searches, like "hilary Clinton hime address" and "address kamila harrias." Sayoc is a registered Republican with a lengthy criminal history, including a past arrest for making a bomb threat in 2002. According to his social media profiles, he's also a fervent Trump supporter, who's often threatened violence against those the president vilifies. A white van that Sayoc reportedly lived out of was also covered in pro-Trump decals, and featured stickers of Trump critics with gun sights superimposed on their faces. Friday's indictment concerns the five devices that were sent in New Yorkto the Clintons, Soros, Robert De Niro, former CIA Director John Brennan, and former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper. Sayoc faces five counts of each of the six charges: use of a weapon of mass destruction, interstate transportation and receipt of an explosive, threatening interstate communications, illegal mailing of explosives, use of explosives to commit a felony, and use of a destructive device during and in furtherance of a crime of violence. He faces a mandatory minimum penalty of life imprisonment if convicted, and does not have any scheduled court appearances as of right now. - Former first lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos faced different criminal cases through the years - She was charged with graft for allegedly violation Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act - Two decades later, she was found guilty for the charge PAY ATTENTION: Click "See First" under the "Following" tab to see KAMI news on your News Feed The widow of late President Ferdinand Marcos, Imelda Romualdez Marcos was infamous for her lavish lifestyle. In a report by Inquirer, she used to won 3,000 pairs of shoes, 3,500 pairs of undies, 2,000 gowns and thousands of bags, watches, perfumes and many more. In 1990, Imelda Marcos was acquitted from her racketeering and fraud case in the United States. She allegedly stole $200 million from Philippine treasury and invested most of it in art, jewels and pieces of Manhattan real estate as reported by New York Times. Photo from The New York Times Source: Facebook In December 1991, five years after the People Power Revolution which ousted late President Ferdinand Marcos, ten counts of graft was filed against former first lady Imelda Marcos. KAMI learned that Marcos was charged with graft in relation to her alleged 7 Swiss accounts and her involvement in financial interests when she was still a member or the Interim Batasang Pambansa back in 1978 to 1984. Marcos was accused of violating Section 3(h) of RA 3019 or Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act which states that any public official should not have any financial interest or business in relation to his/her office and is prohibited to gain such interest. During this time, 5 cases were filed against her. It was considered as one of the longest pending cases in Sandiganbayan. In June 1993, another corruption charge and tax fraud was filed against Marcos. However, the Supreme Court dismissed this case but was given fine $4.3 million as reported by New York Times. In 1995, a petition for cancellation and disqualification was filed against Marcos when she ran as Representative of First District of Leyte. Marcos was accused for not completing the needed requirement for residency and lacked one year. In 2008, Marcos was acquitted by a Philippine court from a case with 32 counts of illegal transfer of wealth with a total of $863 million. In 2010, she won as a Representative of Ilocos Norte and another Philippine court ordered Marcos to give back $280,000 to the government because former President Marcos allegedly took funds from National Food Authority in 1983. In a recent report by KAMI, Marcos was declared as guilty for seven counts of graft by Sandiganbayans 5th Division after two decades. She was sentenced to imprisonment which could last for six to 11 years. However, in a report by CNN Philippines, Marcos can have a provisional liberty once she posts a cash bond as she files for an appeal. Enjoyed reading our story? Download KAMI's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major Filipino news! Cartoon - I Hate My Mother-in-Law on KAMI HumanMeter YouTube channel! Source: Kami.com.ph - Actress Angel Aquino spoke up about her viral kissing scene with Tony Labrusca - This is after the teaser of the film Glorious was released where the intense scene was included - Angel also described how Tony is as an actor PAY ATTENTION: Click "See First" under the "Following" tab to see KAMI news on your News Feed Kapamilya actress Angel Aquino finally opened up about her much-talked-about kissing scene with young actor Tony Labrusca in new film entitled, Glorious. KAMI learned that the tandem of Angel and Tony made noise in social media after the teaser of their new film was released online showing a steamy and intense kissing scene from both of them. During the press conference of the said movie, the actress described how it was to be in an unusual scene with the young celebrity. She expressed that Tony kissed very well during the shooting of Glorious and that she liked it very much. "He kisses very well. Kapag nga tinatanong ako, 'Oh kumusta si Tony? Oh my God, ang sarap sarap.' That's all I say because his kisses were really delicious. I'm not kidding," the Ang Probinsyano star quipped in an interview with ABS-CBN. "He was very scared but ano matapang si Tony. He really wants to prove himself. He really wants to be an actor so makikita niyo 'yung dedication and commitment niya," she added. PAY ATTENTION: Using free basics app to access internet for free? Now you can read KAMI news there too. Use the search option to find us. Read KAMI news while saving your data! When it comes to the young actors performance, Angel commended him for giving what is needed and his best shot during the taping. She also emphasized that her partner is a true gentleman despite the fact that their scenes are really intimate. "I can tell he was creating his art so kahit whatever it took, of course may limitations naman, pero kung ano ang ibibigay niya because he can give it, binigay niya lahat and he was such a gentleman," she concluded. Here is the teaser: In a previous article by , netizens could not help but give their varied reactions about the aforementioned kissing scene. Angel, or Angelita Velasquez Aquino in real life, was born on February 7, 1973. She is a Filipina actress who already starred in several movies including Kimmy Dora: Ang Kiyemeng Prequel, On the Job, and I Love You, Goodbye. Enjoyed reading our story? Download KAMI's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major Filipino news! The topic of this episode is a day we are waiting for the whole months. Yes, Im talking about the PayDay in the Philippines. Have you ever promised yourself to start making savings? Click Play to watch our hilarious expectations vs. reality video about PayDay in the Philippines. on HumanMeter Source: Kami.com.ph The law has been officially published in the parliament's Holos Ukrainy newspaper. The transfer of St. Andrew's Church in Kyiv to the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople for permanent use will take place on November 10. The Law on Specific Use of St. Andrew's Church of the National Sanctuary Complex "Sophia of Kyiv"(No. 2598- VIII) has been officially published in the parliament's Holos Ukrainy newspaper. The document will come into force tomorrow, November 10. Read alsoPoroshenko enacts transfer of Kyiv church to Ecumenical Patriarchate The state-owned religious building of the church, which is a major Baroque church located in Kyiv, will be handed over to the Ecumenical Patriarchate for religious services, rites, ceremonies and processions. At the same time, this handover does not entail its exclusion from the list of facilities of immovable cultural heritage of the National Sanctuary Complex "Sophia of Kyiv." As UNIAN reported earlier, Ukraine's parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, on October 18 passed presidential bill No. 9208 on transferring Kyiv-based St. Andrew's Church to the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople for permanent use. On November 3, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I thanked Poroshenko for the transfer of the church's building to the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The Ukrainian president on November 7 signed the bill into law to enact the transfer of St. Andrew's Church in Kyiv to the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople for permanent use. Kansas City residents Deborah and Jim Abel flew to New York City for a few days this week to "see some shows." But on Thursday night they diverged from their itinerary to join a protest against President Donald Trump's new acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker, an outspoken critic of special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia. "We're skipping dinner, too," Deborah said as the protest march, which started with a rally in Times Square, proceeded south of 40th Street. Asked why they chose to spend one of their few nights in New York marching in a protest, Jim said, "I care about our democracy. You saw the unhinged behavior of Donald Trump at that press conference yesterday. The press is under attack. The Department of Justice is under attack. We are all vulnerable." Soon after Wednesday's combative White House press conference, during which Trump refused to answer a question about the fate of then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions (among other things), news broke that Trump had fired Sessions and appointed his chief of staff, Matthew Whitaker, to replace him. It is unclear if this is legalWhitaker has not been confirmed by the Senate under the Constitution's Appointment Clauseand it is also unclear how temporarily Whitaker will serve; he could conceivably remain in charge of the Justice Department through June 2019. What is clear is that Whitaker, a former U.S. Attorney for Iowa who not long ago worked promoting hot tubs for a scam company that was shut down by the FTC, agrees with Trump that special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation has gone too far. In appearances on CNN and conservative radio, Whitaker has maintained that the Trump campaign did not collude with Russia to steal the 2016 election, and that the Mueller investigation should be starved of funding. In a Wall Street Journal op-ed in May, Whitaker argued that Robert Muellers appointment as special counsel was unconstitutional. In June 2017, when Mueller's investigation was just a month old, Whitaker asserted in a radio interview that "the truth is there was no collusion with the Russians and the Trump campaign. The last thing they ["the left"] want right now is for the truth to come out, and for the fact that theres not a single piece of evidence that demonstrates that the Trump campaign had any illegal or any improper relationships with the Russians. Its that simple. Whitaker is now the highest law enforcement officer in the United States, and has ultimate oversight over Mueller's investigation into whether the Trump campaign cooperated with Russia's attack on the 2016 election. Democrats and Attorneys General from 18 states, including New York, have called on Whitaker to recuse himself, and others have argued that Whitaker's friendship with Mueller grand jury witness Sam Clovis presents another clear conflict. "Whitaker auditioned for the jobhe knows Donald Trump watches TV all the time," said protester Janine Nichols, 65, a Crown Heights resident who marched in Thursday's demonstration. "So Whitaker goes on TV and criticizes the Mueller investigation. He's nothing but a loyal dog. This guy offends me to the very fiber of my being, and I'm not going to stand for it!" Progressive groups have long been preparing for Trump to fire Sessions or take other action to shut down the Mueller investigation. MoveOn.org, one of the organizers of Thursday's march, collected emails from citizens nationwide over the course of the past year and half, promising to alert recipients to "rapid response" protests in the event that Trump "crossed a red line" by interfering in the investigation. This organization appeared to pay off, with simultaneous demonstrations unfolding in cities across America on Thursday night. A lot of us came out in Seattle tonight to protect our democracy and the rule of law. #ProtectMueller pic.twitter.com/9a23eGJe6x Shane C. Mason (@wrongdog) November 9, 2018 In Manhattan, thousands of energetic protesters wound their way down Broadway from Times Square to Union Square, chanting "Hands Off Mueller!" "No One Is Above The Law!" and "Donald Trump: What Are You Hiding?" Handmade signs declared that "We Won't Be Ruled By Putin!" "Whitaker Must Recuse!" and "Matt Whitaker Is A Pepe Toad And His Appointment By Fiat Is Unconstitutional!" The brandisher of that last sign, Brooklyn high school physics teacher Mike Coughlan, said he felt the need to march Thursday because, as he put it, Republicans are not playing by the rules. "I believe in truth," Coughlan said. "I believe in science. I believe in reason. I feel the modern Republican party has lost its mind. Matt Whitaker was hired by virtue of his performance on Fox. It's unconstitutional. No one is above the law." Just north of Herald Square, a man in a "Don't Tread on Me" T-shirt taunted protesters from the sidewalk. "It's been two years!" the man, incorrectly referring to the duration of the Mueller probe, yelled repeatedly at no one in particular, as passing demonstrators ignored him. "He's got nothing!" Told that Mueller's investigation has resulted in dozens of indictments and multiple guilty pleas and convictions, the man declared, "There is no evidence of any impeachable offense!" A protester dressed in a sharp suit popped out of the march to briefly confront the counter-protester, declaring, "I'm a lawyer and I have a far greater understanding of this than you, and let me tell you: you're wrong." Both men then stormed off in different directions, shaking their heads, opinions unscathed. Further downtown, 69-year-old Fay Bradshaw marched alone among the crowd, visibly incensed. "I have grandchildren," she seethed. "I want them to know truth and honesty. We have to have boundaries and laws. Whitaker is a fraud who already said he is against the [Mueller] investigation. He's got to go. I'm sick of it!" Bradshaw said she immigrated to Brooklyn from Jamaica fifty years ago, and the current crisis in America is "the worst I've ever seen it. And I went through the whole Nixon thing. This is worse." Kristina, a green card holder from Canada who declined to provide her last name because of her immigration status, concurred. "This is a living nightmare," she said as her husband lingered nearby, fretting that her comments to the press would jeopardize her status. "I am honestly afraid for this country." Asked what he would tell Trump if he had the chance, Jim Abel, the tourist from Kansas City, said, "I would urge him to read the Constitution from beginning to end, which I doubt he has ever done." Bronx officials are warning residents about a new hate group attempting to recruit members in Woodlawn, after several racist flyers promoting a "demonstration of White Strength" appeared in the Bronx neighborhood this week. The flyerswhich railed against the "invasion of Black thugs" and Muslims who "enslave and rape our women and children"were found in Van Cortlandt Park, on Nursery Road, and in the Woodlawn Dog Run, residents said. Under the heading "White Excellence," they called on "American and European men" to unite in "defense of their heritage" through weekly public appearances. "Every Wednesday to show you're here wear a white Hat/Shirt or both while eating and drinking on Katonah Ave.," the posters read. "First official day to demonstrate of White Strength is Nov.14th Meets will be coming soon [sic]." According to state Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, at least three flyers were discovered on Thursday. Each was quickly taken down, the assemblyman said, noting that local residents and Bronx politicians will not tolerate "the attempted creation of a new hate group in Woodlawn." "In my opinion, the person or people responsible have been ginned up by Donald Trump and his supporters who would rather see our country return to the days when only land-owning white males were allowed to vote," Dinowitz said in a statement. "Hatred must always be condemned and I know that the good people of Woodlawn would be disgusted by these racist losers. A disturbing hate-filled flyer was discovered late last night in Woodlawn calling for American and European men to "Defend your heritage! Defend your history!" The discovery was made while a local resident was walking his dog along https://t.co/Khe9iznbMu pic.twitter.com/OBcyZbkUB1 Welcome2theBronx (@Welcome2theBX) November 8, 2018 Ed Garcia Conde, a Bronx resident who first reported on the flyers for his blog, Welcome2The Bronx, said it's not exactly a shock to hear about racism in Woodlawn. "If this was in South Bronx we'd be surprised. But Woodlawn? No not really," he told Gothamist. "For people of color, we don't feel quite comfortable there. It doesn't feel as bad as it was in the past, but it's still in the air. Maybe not like it was 20 or 30 years ago." He pointed out that the north Bronx neighborhood is largely separated from the rest of the borough by Van Cortlandt Park, a sprawling cemetery, and the Bronx River. While it's long been a predominantly Irish-American community, the neighborhood's demographics have shifted in recent decades, and as of 2016 the population was majority nonwhite. "The flyer could be one or two people," Garcia Conde added. "But when you peruse the groups on Facebook, you see a lot of people talking about the 'good old days,' and how the neighborhood is changing. It's always white people saying that. We know what they mean." The NYPD's Hate Crimes Task Force is investigating the flyers. At a briefing on Wednesday, the department said that 309 hate crimes had reported so far this yearup from 297 over the same period in 2017. Asked about the rise in reported hate crimes over the last two years, Police Commissioner James O'Neill blamed the "current atmosphere." Last week, the African Burial Ground Monument in lower Manhattan was vandalized with the message "kill all n-ggers." An investigation is ongoing and no suspect has been publicly identified. Thursday, November 8, 2018 Benjamin Ramos, a founding member of the National Union of People's Lawyers, was murdered on Tuesday as he left his office. The New York Times reported that he was shot three times by men riding on motorcycles. Mr. Ramos had been representing the poor, environmental activists, and political prisoners. His work had angered police and the military. Crusading Philippine Lawyer Murdered, N.Y. Times, Nov. 8, 2018, at A6. (mew) https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/international_law/2018/11/another-lawyer-is-murdered-in-the-philippines.html Humanitarian aid workers are often the target of armed groups in conflict areas. Recently in Nigeria, Boko Haram militants killed two aid workers they had kidnapped. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, civilians threw stones at health workers fighting the spread of Ebola Virus Disease. One day earlier, rebels shot and killed two Congolese army medical workers. A research group called Humanitarian Outcomes has examined records documenting the problem. It says 139 aid workers were killed worldwide in 2017. Another 102 were wounded, while 72 others were kidnapped. The group says most attacks against aid workers took place in South Sudan, Syria, Afghanistan and the Central African Republic. Already this year, over 80 aid workers have been killed. The findings were published in the report of a project of Humanitarian Outcomes, called the Aid Worker Security Database. The London-based group says the kidnapping of aid workers by armed groups is becoming increasingly common. Abby Stoddard is a partner with Humanitarian Outcomes. She says it noted an increase a few years ago in attacks involving the Taliban in Afghanistan. Taliban militants would detain and question aid workers. The Taliban would then release them a few days later after negotiations with local officials. Stoddard told VOA, "It has a lot to do with showing they are the boss in that area by intimidating aid groups, including local and national organizations who do a lot of the aid work." In South Sudan, armed groups appear to be targeting national aid groups, not international non-governmental organizations. Armed groups kidnapped 26 local aid workers last year, with at least 17 others kidnapped this year. More careful aid delivery Humanitarian groups have been exploring ways to cut down on attacks against aid workers. Today some groups are more likely to move goods in unmarked vehicles, use more than one vehicle when transporting aid or take local taxis. They also avoid road travel at night, work in secure, gated communities, keep up radio communications with headquarters and examine security reports. Some groups say one difficulty in protecting aid workers is identifying and negotiating with the leaders of armed groups. A study by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) noted that more than 40 percent of conflicts worldwide involved between three and 10 groups. Many groups have no strong central leadership. Their members also have little training in treating civilians and often do not observe international humanitarian law. In answer, the ICRC has created a plan for aid agencies to help identify leaders with whom they can negotiate. The ICRC seeks to find common ground between human rights law and local traditions that influence armed groups. For example, it found that two militant groups in Mali are influenced by Islamic religious law and local courts. Brian McQuinn is an advisor working with the ICRC. McQuinn says Islamic law has its own rules on behavior during conflict, including the treatment of prisoners. He adds that the similarities between Islamic law and international humanitarian law can help with the protection of aid delivery, aid workers and hospitals. The ICRC is testing the process of identifying and working with armed group leaders in South Sudan. It plans to expand the process to other areas in the future. Im Jonathan Evans. Bill Eagle reported this story for VOA News. Jonathan Evans adapted his report for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story boss n. the person who has more power or control in a relationship intimidate v. to make someone afraid gated adj. designed to restrict entrance, usually with physical barriers delivery n. the act of providing or supplying something This is What's Trending Today. Are you unhappy with your age? Do you feel younger than your age? Well, perhaps you should consider legally changing your birth year. That is what a Dutch man is trying to do. Emile Ratelband is a television host. He works as an expert in positivity. But he says that his age is having a negative effect on his ability to find work and love. So, Ratelband went to court to get his birth year legally changed from 1949 to 1969. He told the court that he did not feel comfortable with his age. He said he self-identified as 20 years younger. Ratelband says he wants to avoid age discrimination in society. He says that when he asks for a mortgage, they say it's impossible." He complains that when he tries to get dates on a dating site called Tinder, he only gets women his age, in their late 60s. He says that with his youthful face and an age of 49, he would get more dates, possibly with younger women. He told the Associated Press on Thursday, "With this free(dom) of choice, choice of name, freeness of gender, I want to have my own age. I want to control myself. Marjolein van den Brink specializes in human rights and gender issues at Utrecht University. She said, "It's quite clear that elderly people have a much smaller chance of getting a job than younger people. However, she says that age is different from the issues involved in reassigning gender. Age discrimination, she says, happens only at certain points in your career, usually between 40, 50 or 60 years of age. "Whereas gender is something that follows you from birth to grave, " she said. Ratelband says the Dutch government could benefit if it were to accept his age demand. He says he would be happy to give up his monthly pension of around $1,370. That would be a savings of $343,000 over the 20 years for the government. The court in the city of Arnhem is expected to issue a ruling in about four weeks. And thats What Trending Today. Anna Matteo adapted this story based on an Associated Press report. Hai Do was the editor. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story positivity - n. thinking about good qualities and hopeful negative - adj. thinking about bad qualities and bad results mortgage - n. a legal agreement in which a person borrows money to buy a property and pays back over a period of years pension - n. amount of money that a company or government pays to a person who is old and no longer works Samsung has provided the public a first look at its new foldable smartphone. The device was shown for the first time Wednesday during a Samsung developers conference in San Francisco, California. The South Korea-based technology company first announced plans to build a fully foldable phone five years ago. The phone is designed to fold open to make the device the size of a small tablet. It can also perform some operations of a tablet. When folded closed, the device looks and works like a normal smartphone. Justin Denison is Samsungs senior vice president of mobile product marketing. He introduced the device to people at the conference. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the future of mobile display technology the Infinity Flex Display. Denison demonstrated the device, which he said marked a major breakthrough in future smartphone technology. Its finally here. When its open, its a tablet, offering a big screen experience. When closed, its a phone that fits neatly inside your pocket. Denison said the design and development of the foldable device was very complex. He said Samsung had to invent new manufacturing materials and methods and re-imagine the display from the ground up. He said one of the biggest difficulties was finding a material that was flexible, but also strong enough to support repeated folding and unfolding of the device. He said the Infinity Flex Display was designed to smoothly operate continuously when opened and closed. Denison said the device will permit users to keep up to three apps open at one time. With normal size smartphones, users have to keep changing between apps. We have been living in a world where the size of a screen could only be as large as the device itself, Denison said. We have just entered a new dimension. He said Samsung will be ready to start mass production in the coming months. No launch date has been announced. A message at the end of Denisons presentation said only that the devices would be arriving soon. Reuters reports that a top Google engineer spoke about a new Samsung device at a Google conference in California. The engineer said Samsung planned to introduce a new device with an Android operating system early next year. The engineer also said several other Android manufacturers were also working on foldable products. Technology experts see the new foldable design as a way to get users to buy a new device seen as revolutionary. More people are deciding to hold onto smartphones longer because newly launched models do not offer major improvements and can be very costly. This behavior is one reason for a steady decrease in worldwide smartphone sales over the past year. Research company IDC reported smartphone sales fell by 4 percent during the 12-month period ending in September 2018. Samsung, the worlds leading seller of smartphones, suffered a 7 percent drop during the period, IDC said. It remains to be seen whether foldable phones will become popular quickly. The devices are expected to cost more than $1,000. Royole is a small California company hoping to sell early versions of a foldable-screen phone in the U.S. for $1,300 to $1,500. The company has not yet announced when its FlexPai device will be available in America. But it is planning to launch the product in China starting next month, at a price of about $1,300. Im Bryan Lynn. Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English, based on reports from the Associated Press, Reuters and the Samsung Developer Conference. Mario Ritter was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story foldable adj. able to be folded (bended in two so that one part lies flat on top of the other) tablet n. small computing device that is controlled by touching the screen or by using a special pen display n. the area where information and operations are shown on an electronic device screen n. front-facing part of an electronic device pocket n. small bag sewn into a piece of clothing to hold things flexible adj. ability to bend easily without breaking app n. a computer program that performs a special function dimension n. the range over which something extends steady - adj. not changing as time passes Guide to the Classics: The Icelandic Saga Icelanders love books, both reading and writing them, and in recent years, translations of contemporary Icelandic literature have made it into bookshops and literary pages abroad in increasing numbers. Nor must we forget that in 1955, the Icelander Halldor Laxness won the Nobel Prize for literature. Back in the Middle Ages, Icelanders were great literary producers and consumers too. The term saga is used to refer to the new literary genre that developed in Iceland from the late 12th century up to the end of the 15th century and sometimes later than that. Saga is an Icelandic word that means something said, a narrative. Originally, the term is likely to have been applied to stories that were probably formed and transmitted orally. Later, they came to be recorded in writing, in handwritten manuscripts, many of which survive to the present day, though a good number have perished over the past 500 years or so. In terms of its structure, the Icelandic saga is usually a prose narrative, but in many cases contains a good deal of embedded poetry. With regard to its subject matter, the saga falls into several categories, and these allow it to be differentiated into generic subgroups. The Subjects of Sagas Sagas of kings are historical biographies of the kings of Norway (and to a lesser extent, of Denmark) from prehistoric times into the 14th century. Although the antecedents of the first kings sagas were composed by Norwegians, Icelanders quickly became the masters of this genre, which usually contains much embedded poetry. This poetry is attributed to the court poets, or skalds, of these kings, whose compositions (mostly elaborate praise-poems) must have been passed down by word of mouth, in some cases over more than 200 years. Most Icelandic saga writing was probably considered in the Middle Ages to be a form of history rather than fiction. This does not necessarily mean that the standards of modern historiography were applied to it, but what is narrated is likely to have been considered to be within the bounds of historical probability. Coleridges that willing suspension of disbelief for the moment, that constitutes poetic faith might have applied in the consciousness of some audiences to some of the events and characters that appear in a subgroup of the saga that modern scholars call the fornaldarsogur (sagas of the old time), in which supernatural happenings abound. But other people would probably have considered such things to have been normal in the society of the pre-Christian age in Scandinavia and other prehistoric realms. As for the Icelanders own history, that was the subject of several subgenres of the saga, including the best-known today, the so-called sagas of Icelanders or family sagas, as they are often known in English. There were also the so-called contemporary sagas that tell of what happened in Icelandic society during the turbulent 13th centuryin the middle of which Iceland lost its political independence to Norwayand sagas of bishops and saints. Furthermore, following the Norwegian king Hakon Hakonarsons introduction of a program of translating French romances into Norwegian, another type of saga, the sagas of knights, appeared, at first translating foreign romances and later, in Icelandic hands, developing indigenous romance narratives. From the 18th century, when saga translations first began to appear in modern European languages, sagas of Icelanders (family sagas) in particular have attracted foreign readers. There are now many English translations to choose from, in some cases multiple versions of a single saga. The most widely accessible at present are probably the most recent Penguin translations, which are new editions of a five-volume series originally published in Iceland in 1997 as The Complete Sagas of Icelanders. These were prepared by a number of saga scholars in collaboration with Icelandic colleagues. Increasingly, there are saga translations available on the web, though their quality is not always reliable. Sagas of Icelanders are about Icelandic families whose ancestors migrated to Iceland from Norway, the British Isles, and (in a few cases) other parts of Scandinavia toward the last decades of the ninth and the first three decades of the 10th century. Empire Writing Back to the Motherland Icelandic saga writing can be seen in the context of the modern idea (first formulated by Australian scholars) of the empire writing back to the motherland, in this case Iceland writing back to Norway and to common Scandinavian oral traditions of poetry and story. In this process, medieval Icelandic authors created a new literary form. The structure of saga narratives allows a number of different thematic and stylistic tropes to flourish. Many sagas of Icelanders are about feuds between families and their supporters; they give graphic accounts of fights, escapes, outlawry, and reconciliation. They detail complex legal procedures that, in the absence of a police force on the island, were the individuals main recourse to justice, but only if he had sufficiently powerful supporters. Some sagas, the so-called sagas of poets, detail the love lives and stormy careers of well-known skalds, off duty in Iceland from their careers at the Norwegian court. Others are more regional histories of families from certain parts of Iceland and their struggles with neighbors and with the supernatural inhabitants of their region. The saga form has often been compared to the modern literary form of the novel, but though similarities exist, there are also important differences. Like the novel, the saga narrates a chronologically defined story, but as often as not, there is not one story, but several intertwined narratives in a saga. That may sometimes be true of the novel, of course, but saga strands do not always link up to the main narrative. They may just peter out when the saga writer no longer needs a particular character or line of narration. It is common for saga authors to explain that someone or other is now out of this saga. Unlike the novel, the saga does not normally get inside a characters skin to reveal his or her inner thoughts or psychological motives; rather, external actions ascribed to the character reveal something of his motivation, given the small-scale society described and its conventionalized behavior. For example, if a character puts on dark-colored clothes (rather than neutral homespun), then you can be pretty sure something important is going to happen, usually of an aggressive nature. Narrative Voice The stance of the sagas narrating voice also differs from that of many narrative voices in the modern novel. The persona of the narrator is not omniscient, although he may reveal what the common opinion of a character or an action may be. Sometimes he will refer to dreams or what we would classify as supernatural happenings as indicators of what is likely to occur in the future or how a present action should be judged. An example from Brennu-Njals saga, The Saga of Burnt Njall, regarded by many critics as the best of the Icelandic family sagas, shows how the narrative voice in a saga can be heard obliquely. At a certain point in this saga, a group of men involved in a feud decide to burn Njall and his family in their farmhouse, an act that was conventionally regarded as a heinous crime. Njall himself, old and prescient, with an understanding of true Christian values though he lived before the conversion to Christianity, lies down with his wife under an ox hide to wait for death, saying that God will not let us burn both in this world and the next. When, after the fire, the couples bodies are discovered to be uncorrupted, the audience is left to draw the conclusion (assuming a medieval understanding of the Christian religion) that God has indeed saved Njall and his wife even though they were unbaptized. The conclusion here is, however, based on our knowledge of how medieval Christian audiences, for whom these narratives were written, would think. Although medieval Icelandic sagas are much less well-known than many other classics of European literature, they richly deserve a place in the company of the best that European literature has to offer. We do not know the names of their authors, and must recognize that the anonymity of those who created them has a literary point to make: Sagas narrate history, and that history belongs, if not to everyone living in Iceland at the time of writing (and to their modern descendants), then to specific families and other interest groups, whose ancestors figure in their stories. The authors shaped those stories but did not distort them. Margaret Clunies Ross is emeritus professor of English language and early English literature at the University of Sydney. This article was first published on The Conversation. Northern Irish Kingmakers Tell Theresa May: Dont Betray the United Kingdom LONDONThe Northern Irish party which props up Prime Minister Theresa Mays government, cast her Brexit negotiation as a betrayal and cautioned it could not support a deal that divided the United Kingdom. The warning underscores the travails that May faces in getting any Brexit divorce deal, which London and Brussels say is 95 percent done, approved by both her fractious party and by the Northern Irish lawmakers who keep her in power. Less than five months before Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29, negotiators are still haggling over a backup plan for the land border between British-ruled Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland should they fail to clinch a deal. The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) interpreted a promise made by May in a letter that she would never let a division of the UK to come into force as an admission that such a clause would be included in a final deal, the Times reported. The prime ministers letter raises alarm bells for those who value the integrity of our precious union and for those who want a proper Brexit for the whole of the United Kingdom, DUP leader Arlene Foster said. From her letter, it appears the prime minister is wedded to the idea of a border down the Irish Sea with Northern Ireland in the EU single market regulatory regime, Foster said. The DUP has torpedoed Brexit talks before. Nearly a year ago, its refusal to sign off on a deal on the border caused the temporary collapse of Brexit talks at a crucial stage. Negotiators later found a way to keep all sides on board. The Brexit dealor the lack of onewill shape Britains prosperity for generations to come and have long-term consequences for the European Unions global clout. Both sides need an agreement to keep trade flowing between the worlds biggest trading bloc and the fifth largest global economy. The other 27 members of the EU combined have about five times the economic might of Britain. Britains junior Brexit minister told a German media outlet he was optimistic there would be a deal soon. Alarm Bells Ever since May triggered formal divorce talks in March 2017, negotiators have struggled to find a solution to the 310-mile land border on the island of Ireland. Both sides want to avoid customs posts that some fear could reignite the violence in Northern Ireland that was ended by a United States-brokered peace accord in 1998. Under discussion is a fallback option for the border. London argues that the whole of the United Kingdom should stay inside a temporary customs arrangement with the EU, though it is unclear for how long and what would happen after exiting that. The EU has insisted on a insurance policyor a backstop to the backstopa demand London signs a treaty clause that could leave Northern Ireland inside the EU customs space. That is unacceptable for Mays Unionist supporters whose entire political ideology is based on defense of Northern Irelands place within the United Kingdom. We will not support arrangements that leave Northern Ireland separated from the rest of the United Kingdom and tied to the European Unions customs or regulatory regimes, Foster said in a letter to May which was published on Nov. 9. She added that any backstop could not leave Northern Ireland aligned to specific sectoral EU market regulations. And any backstop would have to have a clear expiry date. If May can clinch a deal with the EU, she still needs to get that deal approved by parliament. But it is unclear if she has the numbers: Around 320 votes in the House of Commons are needed to be certain of winning a vote. Ever since her botched gamble on a snap election in 2017 lost her party its majority in parliament, May has relied on the DUP to govern. Mays Conservative Party has 315 lawmakers. It relies on the 10 DUP lawmakers to pass legislation. The PM knows the consequences, she now needs to reconsider, DUP lawmaker Sammy Wilson said. By Guy Faulconbridge and Sarah Young Recent Media Reports Shed Light on Chinas Influence Over Denmark The Chinese regimes grip on the Danish government has been exposed recently by local media. Some Danish politicians and experts have acknowledged their leaders mistakes in giving into Chinas demands in exchange for trade deals. They have urged the Danish government to stand up against Chinas human rights abuses. In 2012, Denmark signed a lucrative trade deal with China and turned a blind eye to the Chinese regimes record of human rights abuses despite having obtained a classified document (ahead of the trade meeting) that reports on the atrocities. The contents of the document were released to the public in October by Danish media Radio24syv. The Epoch Times reported on Sept. 4 that about 50 Falun Gong practitioners and 150 Tibetans won a lawsuit against the Copenhagen police department. The case was called the Tibet case or the Denmark Police Unconstitutional Case. The 200 people participated in two separate peaceful demonstrationsone in 2012 during a visit by the-then Chinese leader Hu Jintao, and the other in 2013 during a visit by a Chinese delegation. The police violated the law by interfering with the protesters demonstrations (violation of freedom of speech). It was later discovered that the police were following direct orders from the Chinese embassy on how to deal with protesters during state visits by Chinese leaders. Danish media P1 Orientering published on Sept.19 a report about a secret document, dating back to 2004, from the Chinese Embassy that gave direct orders to the Copenhagen Police on how to deal with protesters during a state visit by a Chinese delegation in 2004. The document paid particular attention to adherents of the meditation practice Falun Gong as the main protesters that the police needed to watch out for. Denmark Embassy Reports CCPs Persecution of Dissidents On Oct. 21, Denmarks Radio24syv published a classified document from the Danish Embassy of Beijing. The document, from 2012, was sent to the-then Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt on July 7 of the same year. The five-page document exposes the serious human rights violations by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). It outlined the Chinese regimes use of torture and executions on dissidents; detention and house arrest without trial or conviction; restrictions imposed on ethnic minorities and religious groups; restrictions on freedom of speech and freedom of the press; and severe penalties for any individual who supports independence for Xinjiang and Tibet in western China. The document mentioned the CCPs suppression of human rights lawyers, netizens, and critics, saying: The situation of human rights defenders, including attorneys who raise sensitive petitioners, as well as academics who oppose the current political perception have deteriorated in recent years and this development is likely to continue in the future. The CCP authority will suppress ruthlessly when it feels a threat to its rule or a challenge to its explanations on political or sensitive issues. One week after this document was sent to Thorning-Schmidt, the-then Chinese leader Hu was in Denmark for a state visit. Both countries signed a bilateral trade agreement worth $27.5 billion. Then whats the relation between this secret document and the trade agreement? Andreas Boje Forsby, a researcher of Nordic Institute of Asian Studies at the University of Copenhagen, told Radio24syv that the contents in the document are topics that the Danish cabinet ministers and politicians tried to avoid when they met with the Chinese officials. Peter Kofod Poulsen, member of parliament for the Danish Peoples Party, told Radio24syv in a recent interview, In one hand, (Danish Government) received the document that emphasized the horrible and evil persecution on the Chinese people by the Chinese government. But one week later, the government can sit down and sign the agreement with the Chinese leader who has the absolute power. This is really disgusting. Copenhagen Police Violated the LawThe Tibet Case The Epoch Times reported on Sept. 4 that about 50 Falun Gong practitioners and 150 Tibetans from Denmark and other Nordic countries received DKK 20,000 ($3,100) as compensation from the Copenhagen Police. Danish police had violated the constitution by engaging in the unlawful treatment of protesters from the meditation group Falun Gong and Tibetan rights groups at two separate incidentsone in the 2012 and the other in 2013. The Copenhagen Police issued a press statement on April 18 officially acknowledging that they had made serious mistakes in the handling of the protesters. Around the same time, Justice Minister of Denmark Soren Pape Poulsen, along with the Parliamentary Judiciary Committee, decided that all those who participated in the protests in 2012 and 2013 were also entitled to receive compensation200 were eligible, according to the Copenhagen Police Department. In 2012, when the-then Chinese leader Hu visited Copenhagen, the police used four vehicles to block all the protesters from Hus view. Furthermore, the police took away the Tibetan flags from Tibetan supporters bikes, and arrested six Tibetans who tried to approach Hu. In 2013, when Yu Zhengsheng, the-then chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Committee, was visiting the Amerinburg Palace in Copenhagen, the police took away two Falun Gong practitioners wearing yellow t-shirts. Some Falun Gong practitioners staged a peaceful demonstration at the Palace Square. Soon after, the six Tibetans and the two Falun Gong practitioners filed a lawsuit against the Danish police. In Sept. 2015, the Danish Supreme Court heard the proceedings of the eight parties and demanded the police to provide evidences from the two incidents. In October 2015, the-then Danish Minister of Justice, Soren Pind, received an Operational Instruction from the police. It was a written order from the Chinese Embassy given to the Copenhagen Police. The document stated: The protesters cannot be seen by Hu Jintaos team. Pind then set up a special committee to do a further investigation. The committee reported that the Chinese Embassy repeatedly emphasized to the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs that protesters should not be seen by the Chinese delegation during their visits in the countrythis would guarantee a successful visit and lucrative trade deals. The Danish newspaper Berlingske reported that the amount of goods exported from Denmark to China doubled since 2012. But some experts question Denmarks decision to do business with China despite its record of human rights abuses. Therefore, the Danish government must ask itself whether (the question of China) has chosen the right strategy, said Boje Forsby, a researcher at the Nordic Institute of Asian Studies. The case was called the Tibet case or the Denmark Police Unconstitutional Case. This is the first case in the world in which the judicial department of a country awarded compensation to Falun Gong practitioners. Kofod Poulsen, member of parliament for the Danish Peoples Party, told Radio24syv in an interview, This case has shaken our countrys system, the CCP wants to interfere with all aspects of us. Its not only happening in Denmark, but all around the world. Denmark must be a country that dares to speak freely and publicly. Copenhagen Police Followed Direct Orders from the Chinese Embassy Danish media P1 Orientering reported on Sept.19 that they had received a secret document given to the Copenhagen police department from the Chinese Embassy on how they would handle the visit of Wu Bangguo, the-then Chairman of China National Peoples Congress in 2004. The 13-page document outlined Wus itinerary and the arrangement of police protection during his visit in Denmark from May 31 to June 2, 2004, as well as sensitive information on how to handle protesters. The document stated, An official Chinese visit will be able to produce demonstrations aimed at human rights issues in China. It also mentioned that about 100 Falun Gong adherents from Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Germany were expected to meet in Copenhagen to protest, and that the protest should not disrupt the chairmans visit. Wu was scheduled to visit the Little Mermaid, a popular bronze statue displayed on a rock by the waterside at the Langelinie promenade in Copenhagen. The document instructed police to keep the protesters in the dock area, away from the Little Mermaid, where they could not be seen. It mentioned potential protesters from the meditation practice Falun Gong. P1 Orientering interviewed two officers who took a lead role in executing the orders for Wus police protection. We learned from the management to keep the demonstrations a little bit away from our visitors because they do not like some protesters and have a different opinion, said Gunnar Sallov, one of the lead officers. Allan Christensen, the then-director of the radio services team, said it was more about visibility than security. It was clear that they should not be seen by the Chinese VIP because it would be offensive to him. Because you can safely keep them in front of some fences, but you can see through that. So thats the visibility. Forsby said the Danish parliament passed a resolution in 2013 to urge the government to make an effort to improve the human rights situation in China. Our government members have realized that error, and should work hard to improve. Li Chen & Tong Zhen contributed to this report. The Australian governments rejection of a Chinese bid to take over an energy infrastructure company does not indicate a change in the countrys openness to doing business with China, Foreign Minister Marie Payne said yesterday. Speaking after a meeting in Beijing with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi that marked a thaw in recently chilly relations, Payne stressed the importance of Australias welcoming of Chinese investment in Australia. On Wednesday, Australia said it intends to block a Chinese and Hong Kong consortiums 13 billion Australian dollar (USD9 billion) bid to take over the APA group. Payne said the government judged that the acquisition would have resulted in an undue concentration of foreign ownership by a single company group in what is our most significant gas transmission business. We remain absolutely committed as a government to welcoming foreign investment into Australia. It supports jobs, it helps us to increase living standards, she said. Paynes meeting with Wang was seen indicating an improvement in ties between the key economic partners after months of tension over accusations of Chinese interference in Australian politics, media and academia. That threatened to upset political ties as well as economic relations with China, which buys about one-third of Australias exports. I think the most important outcome of this dialogue is that we have reaffirmed the course of this relationship, Wang said after the meeting, which ran an hour longer than scheduled. Australia has banned Chinese giants Huawei and ZTE Corp. from new telecommunications projects, and an Australian security think tank has raised concerns about increasing collaboration between Australian universities and Chinas Peoples Liberation Army scientists on research programs such as hypersonic missiles and navigation technology. China took particular offense at a new law passed after allegations of Chinese meddling in Australian politics and media exposes about the Communist Partys dealings with Chinese university students and the expatriate Chinese community in Australia. China has denounced all accusations of interference as prejudiced Cold War thinking and alleges that Australias longstanding military alliance with the U.S. is intended to contain Chinas growing influence. Australia backs the U.S. in challenging Chinas territorial claims to virtually the entire the South China Sea by flying and sailing near Beijing-held islands. While seeking to improve ties with its biggest trading partner, Australia is also taking steps to shore up its presence in the Asia-Pacific, where China has sought to extend its economic, political and military influence. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison yesterday outlined plans to increase investments in infrastructure in the South Pacific and for greater military and diplomatic engagement with Australias island neighbors, who are increasing looking to China for aid through Beijings Belt and Road infrastructure program. Australia has also announced it will invest in redeveloping a naval base in Papua New Guinea. China and Australia have our respective strengths when it comes to cooperation with Pacific island countries and in this regard, China and Australia are not competitors, not rivals, but cooperation partners, Wang said. Christopher Bodeen, Beijing, AP The government is being urged to cancel the holiday shift proposal in the latest Labor Law amendment. Yesterday, lawmakers Ella Lei, Leong Sun Iok, and Lei Chan U organized a promotional campaign in the Fai Chi Kei area to draw the neighboring communitys attention to the latest labor law amendment proposal. Last year, the SAR government conducted a public consultation on seven prioritized amendments of the labour law. The amendment proposed paid paternity leaves and increasing the number of days for maternity leaves, both well accepted by Macau residents. Originally, the amendment also proposed to change three of the citys compulsory public holidays into normal public holidays. During the public consultation, 64 percent of the public opinions opposed such a change. Later, the government recommended selecting three holidays out of four: New Years Day, Ching Ming Festival, The Day following Chong Chao, and Chong Yeung Festival. This proposal suggests these three days can be taken on other public holidays and further suggests them to be normal working days. The change also means that workers will probably work on these days. The residents mainly worry that they only have 10 days of mandatory holidays, which is not a lot. [The residents] think that the government should not make changes to these holidays, said Lei. Once this change is applied, it means that although workers are required to work on these days, they will not get compensated [extra], she added. [Employees think] that you [the government] either pay them or you give them the day off, not change these days to other dates, said Lei, adding that this will harm workers. It actually means that grassroot workers will have no choice when their employers change their holidays. [] It shakes the basic bottom line of the Labor Law. This is unacceptable, said Lei. Besides damaging the workers rights, Lei also thinks that the proposal goes against the trends in Macaus neighboring regions, mainly mainland China, in terms of paying more importance to traditiona Chinese l holidays. These four holidays are important traditional Chinese holidays. [] This governmental proposal completely conflicts with the concept of celebrating important traditional Chinese holidays, said Lei. In the lawmakers opinion, Macau is already lagging behind in terms of days of public holidays when compared to its neighboring regions. Lei called on the government to suspend the proposal and continue to entitle Macau residents to 10 days of public holidays. The Macau European Chamber of Commerce (MECC) celebrated its fifth anniversary yesterday, pledging to further promote the relationship between Macau and the European Union. During the celebration, the chamber recalled its past activities including keynote luncheons and the pre-launch visit to the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge (HKZMB). The chamber said that it would continue to provide opportunities to visit and engage in discussion with different companies and entrepreneurs. The MECC pledged that it would continue to promote business networking and set up collaborative initiatives in areas where European entities had expertise to offer to Macau. Ambrose So, honorary chairman of the MECC and chairman of the board of directors of SJM, said in a speech during the cocktail celebration, Over the past five years, we have actively engaged European enterprises and businesses in Macau through a multitude of channels and activities, highlighting Macaus role as a platform for Sino-Western exchange. Meanwhile, the president of the board of directors of the MECC, Kevin Thompson, recalled that in the first nine months of 2018, merchandise imports from mainland China and the EU increased significantly year-on-year. With economic power shifting to Asia, a new generation of opportunities comes into view, and for the Greater Bay Area, it is a view defined by the opening of the HKZMB, effectively bringing the metropolis within a one-hour living circle. LV A draft U.N. resolution would strongly condemn the continuing gross human rights violations and abuses against Rohingya Muslims and urgently call on Myanmars government to end discrimination and provide a path to citizenship for the embattled minority. The draft resolution, sponsored by the 57-nation Organization of Islamic Cooperation, more than 25 European countries and Canada, was officially circulated yesterday [Macau time]. The General Assemblys human rights committee is expected to vote on the measure on Nov. 15. The draft expresses deep concern that violence against the Rohingya has forced over 723,000 people to flee to Bangladesh since August 2017. The Rohingya have long been treated as outsiders in Buddhist-majority Myanmar, even though their families have lived in the country for generations. Nearly all have been denied citizenship since 1982, effectively rendering them stateless, and they are also denied freedom of movement and other basic rights. The latest crisis began with attacks by an underground Rohingya insurgent group on Myanmar security personnel in August 2017 in northern Rakhine State. Myanmars military responded with a brutal campaign and is accused of mass rape, killings and setting fire to thousands of homes. The draft resolution reiterates deep distress at reports that unarmed Rohingyas are still being subjected to excessive use of force and rights violations by Myanmars military and security forces including killings and rapes. And it expresses deep concern at the continuing departure of the remaining Rohingya population as well as members of other minorities. The proposed resolution expresses grave concern at the findings of the U.N. fact-finding mission on Myanmar, which concluded that some top Myanmar military leaders should be prosecuted for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide against the Rohingya. It strongly condemns all rights abuses set out in the commissions report and calls for a full and independent investigation of human rights abuses against the Rohingya and other minorities. The draft notes Myanmars establishment of an independent commission to investigate alleged violations, but stresses that it must work with independence, impartiality, transparency and objectivity in a credible way in line with international standards unlike its previous national investigations. And it encouraged the government commission to seek support and expertise from the United Nations and the international community. AP The PLA Macau Garrison took part in a counter-terrorism drill code-named Bright Dog that was held yesterday at the East Asian Games Dome. The drill, which lasted around two-and-a-half hours, involved a simulation relating to a group of six gunmen seeking to enter a concert hall when a 5,000-strong audience was inside. After initially being stopped by the concerts security guards, two suspects escaped by vehicle, while the remaining four entered the hall and took the concertgoers hostage. In the scenario, the gunmen fired several shots and claimed to be in possession of chemical weapons. A total of 900 Macau personnel joined the exercise. They were from several public security authorities, including the Customs Services unmanned aerial service team and its patrol vessel unit. There were also four teams from the Public Security Police Force, the Judiciary Police and the Fire Services Bureau. The Health Bureau sent a medical team and a vehicle to provide treatment for casualties. An additional 49 personnel from the PLA local Garrison took part in the drill. They joined the police efforts regarding detection of dangerous substances as well as disinfection and decontamination of incident scenes. The drill involved a series of situations, ranging from: use by suspects of firearms in a large-scale concert; dealing with incidents involving explosives; malign use of chemical substances; and interception of gunmen in or close to Macaus waters. The police forces set up an on-site control centre, which coordinated emergency efforts, so that the scene was divided into several zones: a negotiation zone; a zone providing medical treatment for casualties; a zone for decontamination work; and a zone for clean- up of toxic substances. Under the scenario and in view of the potential multiple casualties and many people at risk of exposure to chemical substances, the Chief Executive requested from the Central Government the assistance of the PLA Macau Garrison in helping with decontamination and rescue efforts. Inside the concert hall, the polices special operation unit was dispatched soon after a gunman shot a hostage. Gunmen then exploded a radiological weapon when confronted by the police. As the police escorted concertgoers to safety during the scenario, they found a bomb trigger device. The police and police dogs later located a bomb in a car park and carried out a controlled explosion. Meanwhile, the Macao Customs Service intercepted the other two gunmen that had been on the run by using police surveillance cameras set up across the city. The drill simulated a gunman being stopped before leaving Macau, while the other suspect was captured in waters off the region. In yesterdays simulation exercise three people were shot and many others were made sick after being exposed to hazardous substances. A statement issued yesterday by the government noted that local authorities intend to continue to step up its response capabilities for unexpected events, in order to maximize protection of the public and their property. Britains Prince Charles has pledged not to interfere in the affairs of state when he becomes king, seeking to dispel concerns about his past activism on issues ranging from global warming to architectural preservation. In an interview for a documentary marking his 70th birthday, the heir to the throne told the BBC that he understands he will have to act differently when he becomes king. Britains monarch is barred from interfering in politics. Im not that stupid, Charles said when asked if his public campaigning would continue after he succeeds his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. I do realize that it is a separate exercise being sovereign, so of course I understand entirely how that should operate. SOUTH CHINA SEA Vietnam strongly protested Chinas launch of weather stations in the disputed Spratly islands, saying yesterday they seriously violate Vietnams sovereignty and complicate the situation in the South China Sea. TAIWANs president yesterday commissioned a pair of guided missile frigates that are expected to boost the islands ability to counter Chinese submarines amid rising military threats from Beijing. THAILANDs Supreme Court has restored a 37-year prison term given to a gunman convicted of shooting four people during 2014 political violence. INDIA Maoist rebels blew up a bus yesterday, killing four civilians and a paramilitary soldier, in a central Indian state where legislative elections are to be held next week. PAKISTAN A Christian woman acquitted after eight years on death row in Pakistan for blasphemy was released but her whereabouts in Islamabad yesteday remained a closely guarded secret in the wake of demands by radical Islamists that she be publicly executed. IRANs oil minister yesterday predicted a painful time ahead for international oil customers as U.S. sanctions take hold, saying waivers that Washington granted to eight major oil-importing countries are not enough for market demands. SYRIA Opposition activists and paramedics are reporting that two blasts in rebel-held parts of northern Syria have inflicted casualties. POLANDs Defense Ministry will handle security during an Independence Day march this weekend in Warsaw as police are staging mass walkouts in a pay dispute that has created concerns about keeping people safe. FRANCE A French judge has extended the detention of six people arrested this week on suspicion of plotting to attack French President Emmanuel Macron. ECUADOR Medical workers were evaluating former Ecuadorian vice president Jorge Glas convicted in Latin Americas biggest graft scandal following a health scare after more than two weeks on a hunger strike, authorities said. US Using a smoke bomb and a handgun, a hooded gunman dressed all in black opened fire during college night at a country music bar in Southern California, killing 12 people and sending hundreds fleeing in terror, authorities said yesterday. The gunman was later found dead. Younger Australians struggle more with loneliness than older generations. Credit: Toa Heftiba One in four Australians are lonely, our new report has found, and it's not just a problem among older Australians it affects both genders and almost all age groups. The Australian Loneliness Report, released today by my colleagues and I at the Australian Psychological Society and Swinburne University, found one in two (50.5 percent) Australians feel lonely for at least one day in a week, while more than one in four (27.6 percent) feel lonely for three or more days. Our results come from a survey of 1,678 Australians from across the nation. We used a comprehensive measure of loneliness to assess how it relates to mental health and physical health outcomes. We found nearly 55 percent of the population feel they lack companionship at least sometime. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Australians who are married or in a de facto relationship are the least lonely, compared to those who are single, separated or divorced. While Australians are reasonably connected to their friends and families, they don't have the same relationships with their neighbours. Almost half of Australians (47 percent) reported not having neighbours to call on for help, which suggests many of us feel disengaged in our neighbourhoods. Impact on mental and physical health Lonely Australians, when compared with their less lonely counterparts, reported higher social anxiety and depression, poorer psychological health and quality of life, and fewer meaningful relationships and social interactions. Loneliness increases a person's likelihood of experiencing depression by 15.2 percent and the likelihood of social anxiety increases by 13.1 percent. Those who are lonelier also report being more socially anxious during social interactions. This fits with previous research, including a study of more than 1,000 Americans which found lonelier people reported more severe social anxiety, depression, and paranoia when followed up after three months. Interestingly, Australians over 65 were less lonely, less socially anxious, and less depressed than younger Australians. This is consistent with previous studies that show older people fare better on particular mental health and well-being indicators. (Though it's unclear whether this is the case for adults over 75, as few participants in our study were aged in the late 70s and over). Younger adults, on the other hand, reported significantly more social anxiety than older Australians. The evidence outlining the negative effects of loneliness on physical health is also growing. Past research has found loneliness increases the likelihood of an earlier death by 26 percent and has negative consequences on the health of your heart, your sleep, and levels of inflammation. Our study adds to this body of research, finding people with higher rates of loneliness are more likely to have more headaches, stomach problems, and physical pain. This is not surprising as loneliness is associated with increased inflammatory responses. What can we do about it? Researchers are just beginning to understand the detrimental effects of loneliness on our health, social lives and communities but many people including service providers are unaware. There are no guidelines or training for service providers. So, even caring and highly trained staff at emergency departments may trivialise the needs of lonely people presenting repeatedly and direct them to resources that aren't right. Increasing awareness, formalised training, and policies are all steps in the right direction to reduce this poor care. For some people, simple solutions such as joining shared interest groups (such as book clubs) or shared experienced groups (such as bereavement or carers groups) may help alleviate their loneliness. But for others, there are more barriers to overcome, such as stigma, discrimination, and poverty. Many community programs and social services focus on improving well-being and quality of life for lonely people. By tackling loneliness, they may also improve the health of Australians. But without rigorous evaluation of these health outcomes, it's difficult to determine their impact. We know predictors of loneliness can include genetics, brain functioning, mental health, physical health, community, work, and social factors. And we know predictors can differ between groups for example, young versus old. But we need to better measure and understand these different predictors and how they influence each other over time. Only with Australian data can we predict who is at risk and develop effective solutions. There are some things we can do in the meantime. We need a campaign to end loneliness for all Australians. Campaigns can raise awareness, reduce stigma, and empower not just the lonely person but also those around them. Loneliness campaigns have been successfully piloted in the United Kingdom and Denmark. These campaigns don't just raise awareness of loneliness; they also empower lonely and un-lonely people to change their social behaviours. A great example of action arising from increased awareness comes from the Royal College of General Practitioners, which developed action plans to assist lonely patients presenting in primary care. The college encouraged GPs to tackle loneliness with more than just medicine; it prompted them to ask what matters to the lonely person rather than what is the matter with the lonely person. Australia lags behind other countries but loneliness is on the agenda. Multiple Australian organisations have come together after identifying a need to generate Australian-specific data, increase advocacy, and develop an awareness campaign. But only significant, sustained government investment and bipartisan support will ensure this promising work results in better outcomes for lonely Australians. Explore further Massive study confirms that loneliness increases risk of dementia Few work environments offer greater isolation than Antarctica. Credit: Shutterstock In October a researcher at the remote Bellingshausen Station in Antarctica allegedly stabbed a colleague. Some reports attributed the incident to the victim giving away the endings of books the attacker was reading. Other reports identify the cabin fever effect as a possible contributing factor. During extended periods in isolation and confined conditions, such as at a station in Antarctica, people can become restlessness, bored and irritated. These effects, however, are not limited to the small number of scientists living in cabin-like environments in remote locations. Isolation can just as easily affect people on the move, such as the drivers of the 3.5 million freight vehicles registered in Australia. Studies cite social isolation as a recurring theme and a cause of mental health problems and dysfunctional family relationships for truck drivers. Interestingly, knowledge workers are also increasingly prone to suffering from isolation. This is because the ability to work "anywhere, anytime" has led to the development of new organisational structures that have increased the effects of isolation by increasing the social distance within a distributed workforce. Depression, stress, lack of motivation and eventually burnout are all possible consequences of isolation. Other effects include experiencing fears of missing out on crucial events or decisions being made by others elsewhere colloquially known as the feeling of out of sight, out of mind. The impact of isolation in health has been compared to the reduction in lifespan similar to that caused by smoking 15 cigarettes a day. If the sit-to-stand desk was the response to the "sitting is the new smoking" motto, co-working is the response to isolation. The growth of the gig economy brought concerns of increased likelihood of people working in isolation beyond that of teleworkers already discussed above. In this regard, the proliferation of co-working environments should not be surprising. To a large extent it's due to their ability to provide a social environment for sole practitioners who would otherwise be working in isolation. In pursuit of solitude Isolation is an interpretation of one's sense of aloneness. It is a feeling independent of the condition of being alone. While aloneness is the objective state of not having anyone around, isolation can be experienced in the middle of a crowd if, for example, you have nothing in common with them, or do not share a common language. Isolation is the negative side of aloneness, which leads to loneliness. Camping between Melbourne and Sydney. Credit: Agustin Chevez, Author provided On the other hand, solitude is the positive manifestation of aloneness. An important factor in converting aloneness into solitude is that it is voluntary, instead of imposed. As such, artists, writers and scientists have described solitude as their most creative and productive state. The differences between loneliness and solitude can be subtle. One study has identified that our understanding of these nuances develops with age. Aloneness as a thinking tool I have a particular interest in aloneness, both as an academic and architect. I specialise in the study of work and the environments that contain it. Specifically, I am interested in aloneness as a mechanism to increase the diversity of ideas. This might seem at odds with the thinking of times when the value of collaborative work in Australia has been estimated at A$46 billion per year. However, the message of "the more, the merrier" when it comes to collaboration is increasingly being qualified and the downside of collaboration overload discussed. Inspired by the development of diversity in species attributed to isolation (see iguanas at the Galapagos Islands), I walked alone from Melbourne to Sydney in the hope that I could incubate an idea for the duration of the 42-day journey. I was incubating the idea of a new sense of purpose in a post-artificially intelligent world. I carried two backpacks weighting up to 20kg, depending on the amount of food and water I needed, or if my tent got wet. I camped, or stayed in pubs, Airbnbs and roadside motels from a bygone era. Most people asked "why?" and what charity I was walking for (I wasn't). What I learned is more complicated. But, yes, I did find that walking in solitude can be a great thinking tool. It is necessary, however, to be able to go past boredom and that is not easy. I mostly enjoyed my solitude, but I did experience loneliness during my trek. Interestingly, the literature suggests that isolation can also lead to lack of "social barometers", making it difficult for people to determine how they should behave in work settings. I experienced a version of this as soon as I shared my first meal back in "civilisation" and realised how much I had relaxed my eating etiquette. The nature of a specific job, like a scientist in Antarctica or a truck driver, might impose aloneness, or else it might be a side effect of mobile technologies or the emergence of the gig economy and other modern working styles. In such cases, the consequences of isolation must be managed. At the same time, however, we should create opportunities for solitude in work settings, by the design of the space or of our jobs. In doing so, we might increase the diversity of ideas and ultimately our chances to innovate. Explore further Solitary confinement puts brains at risk This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Sudden cardiac arrestwhen the heart stops beatingis one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. To help save lives, automated external defibrillators, which shock the heart back into a regular beat, have been placed in many public places. Now, these portable AED devices may improve the chance of survival among children and teens, according to a new study presented Sunday at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions meeting in Chicago. The researchers analyzed statistics in a national database on 971 cardiac arrests in children ages 18 and under that occurred outside a hospital between January 2013 and December 2017. An AED was used 10.3 percent of the time, but rates varied across age groups. For infants, defibrillators were used to help 2.3 percent. But AED use became more common as children got older: 8.3 percent among kids ages 2 to 5; 12.4 percent among those 6 to 11; and 18.2 percent among 12- to 18-year-olds. Older kids may be more likely to have a bystander use a defibrillator because they may be more likely to go into cardiac arrest in a place, such as a school, that has an AED, said the study's lead researcher Dr. Heather Griffis, director of the Healthcare Analytics Unit at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Bystanders might also be afraid to use a defibrillator on infants and preschool-age children out of fear of injuring them, said the study's senior researcher Dr. Joe Rossano, a pediatric cardiologist at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. "If a child has an arrest, it's a scary thing," Rossano said. "People don't want to do something wrong. But anything you do is going to be helpful." Children treated with an AED by a bystander had a survival rate of 29.1 percent, compared to 23.7 percent for children who were not. The rates varied by age and race, with children who were 12 to 18 years old or white having better outcomes than younger children or those who were black or Hispanic. Griffis said similar racial differences also are seen in adults. "It's unfortunate that we're still seeing these disparities across race, ethnicity and neighborhoods," Griffis said. "But this is a great opportunity for education and to increase availability" of AEDs in neighborhoods that don't yet have them. More than 350,000 Americansincluding about 7,000 children experience cardiac arrests outside of the hospital each year. AEDs come with step-by-step instructions that make it possible for people without specialized training to use them. Dr. Alson Inaba directs pediatric advanced life support classes at Queen's Medical Center in Honolulu and said the study added important new information on the use of AEDs in children. Inaba, who was not involved in the research, said that bystanders should start CPR on a cardiac arrest victim of any age after calling 911. "The bottom line is that starting CPR immediately is your first priority," Inaba said. "Don't be afraid." Then, send someone to get a defibrillator. "When you combine CPR with an AED, the survival rates increase," he said. Indeed, a separate study published earlier this year in the AHA journal Circulation found that survival rates doubled when bystanders used a defibrillator to help an adult who had experienced cardiac arrest before emergency responders arrived. "Defibrillators work," Rossano said. "It's something anybody can do, and the more that are available, the more opportunities there are to save lives." Explore further Fewer cardiac arrest victims get bystander CPR in Latino neighborhoods Copyright is owned or held by the American Heart Association, Inc., and all rights are reserved. If you have questions or comments about this story, please email editor@heart.org. (HealthDay)The U.S. Food and Drug Administration will soon announce a ban on sales of most flavored electronic cigarettes in retail stores and gas stations across the United States, according to media reports. It's all part of the FDA's efforts to reduce teens' use of flavored e-cigarettes, long thought to be especially alluring to young people who then become hooked on nicotine. A senior FDA official said details of the ban would be announced next week, and that menthol and mint flavors would be exempt, The New York Times reported. The agency will also mandate age-verification measures for online sales to prevent minors from buying the flavor pods. "I think that there's a perception that e-cigarettes are a safer alternative for kids," FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb said in a recent interview with the Times. "But it can lead to a lifelong addiction, and some percentage will migrate to combustible products." So, "in order to close the on-ramp to e-cigarettes for kids, we have to put in place some speed bumps for adults," Gottlieb said, referring to efforts such as the proposed ban. The FDA first began its crackdown on flavored e-cigarettes earlier this year, as the number of teens using the products reached epidemic proportions, the Times reported. By far, the leading vaping product is made by Juul, whose e-cigarette devices resemble small computer flash drives. Use of Juul has skyrocketed among teens over the past year, and the company's products now command 70 percent of the market. Flavored versions of e-cigarettesincluding chicken and waffles, rocket Popsicle and "unicorn milk"have boosted sales among the young even further, experts contend. "The availability of flavors in e-cigarettes is one of the top reasons that middle and high school students cite as their motivation for using e-cigarettes," said Patricia Folan, director of the Center for Tobacco Control at Northwell Health in Great Neck, N.Y. "Young people are more likely to try flavored e-cigarettes and consider them less harmful than tobacco-flavored e-cigarettes." Responding to the trend, the FDA recently warned several e-cigarette makers to stop marketing to teenagers or risk being banned. Major companies were given 60 days to prove they could keep their devices away from minors, and the deadline is this weekend. Companies involved include Juul, RJR Vapor Co.'s Vuse, Imperial Brands' blu and devices made by Logic. None of the companies have responded to requests by the Times for comment. The FDA also warned 1,100 retailers to stop selling e-cigarettes to minors and fined some of them, the Times reported. Folan applauded the FDA's move. "Although the FDA plan is not a complete ban of flavored e-cigarettes, this measure is a very significant step in preventing youth initiation of e-cigarette products, which some studies have shown results in teens smoking combustible cigarettes as well," she said. The proposed ban comes after months of meetings between the FDA and e-cigarette makers on how to reduce teen use of the devices. In a statement last week, Gottlieb said some e-cigarette makers also seemed to support raising the minimum age for buying tobacco products to 21 years, the Times reported. Explore further Tobacco giant Altria pulls some vaping products from market More information: The U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse has more about The U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse has more about e-cigarettes Copyright 2018 HealthDay. All rights reserved. Credit: CC0 Public Domain Latest global estimates for the state of the world's health from the Global Burden of Disease study (GBD) estimate that: Improvements in global mortality rates were less pronounced overall, and rates stagnated or got worse in some countries in 2017. Globally, fertility rates have declined since 1950. In 91 nations, fertility rates are not high enough to maintain current population, and in 104 nations high fertility rates are driving population increases. Half of countries estimated to face shortfall in healthcare workforcewith 47% of having fewer than 10 doctors to serve 10,000 people and 46% having fewer than 30 nurses or midwives to serve 10,000 people. Emerging adverse trends (such as conflict and terrorism, and the opioid crisis) could lead to negative shifts over time if action is not taken. Half of all global deaths were caused by just four risk factors in 2017high blood pressure, smoking, high blood glucose, and high body mass index (BMI). Low back pain, headache disorders, and depressive disorders were the three leading causes of disability globally in 2017, and have prevailed as leading causes for nearly three decades. The latest global estimates for the state of the world's health from the Global Burden of Disease study (GBD), published in a special issue of The Lancet, highlight that global progress in health is not inevitable. This year's GBD study estimates that improvements in mortality rates for adults were less pronounced overall and stagnated or got worse in some countries in 2017. In addition, no countries are on-target to meet the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals to improve health by 2030. Total fertility rates, which represent the average number of children a woman delivers over her lifetime, have declined since 1950. In 2017, 91 countries (including Singapore, Spain, Portugal, Norway, South Korea, and Cyprus) had rates lower than two and were not maintaining their current population size, while 104 nations were seeing population increases due to their high fertility rates (total fertility rates above two). The lowest rate was in Cyprus, where, on average, a woman would give birth to one child throughout her life, as opposed to the highest, in Niger, with a total fertility rate of seven children. "These statistics represent both a 'baby boom' for some nations and a 'baby bust' for others," says Dr. Christopher Murray, Director of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington, USA. "The lower rates of women's fertility clearly reflect not only access to and availability of reproductive health services, but also many women choosing to delay or forgo giving birth, as well as having more opportunities for education and employment." Emerging adverse trends could lead to negative shifts over time if action is not takenfor example, conflict and terrorism is an increasing threat to global health (with numbers of related deaths increasing by 118% between 2007-2017), and an era-defining epidemic of opioid dependence continueswith more than 4 million new cases and around 110,000 deaths in 2017. In addition, half of all global deaths (51.5%, 28.8 million of 55.9 million deaths) were caused by just four preventable risk factors in 2017 (high blood pressure [10.4 million deaths], smoking [7.1 million deaths], high blood glucose [6.5 million deaths], and high body mass index [4.7 million deaths]), presenting a public health challenge and an opportunity for action. The GBD is the only annual, comprehensive, peer-reviewed assessment of global trends in health, providing global and national estimates for around 280 causes of death, 359 diseases and injuries, and 84 risk factors in 195 countries and territories worldwide. The study is coordinated by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington, Seattle (USA), and involves more than 3,500 collaborators from across more than 140 countries and territories. The study is presented in 7 new papers in The Lancet, ranging from estimates of population and fertility, causes of death and disability, and measuring progress against the Sustainable Development Goals. Global disparities in number of health workers For the first time, the estimates include a global analysis of health worker density using surveys and census data on people's occupations. The authors note that the figures cannot estimate the quality of care, only the number of health workers available. Historically, in 2006, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that there should be a minimum of 23 physicians, nurses, or midwives per 10,000 population. However, this estimate has not since been updated and the study authors expect that larger, more varied health workforces are needed to provide a broader range of services and achieve universal health care. Although no target was set, the United Nations pledged to increase the health workforce in developing countries in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.c.1. The authors estimate that having more than 30 physicians, 100 nurses or midwives, and 5 pharmacists for every 10,000 people in the population has diminishing returns for healthcare access and quality. Overall in 2017, the estimates suggest that only 41 out of 195 countries had more than 30 physicians per 10,000 population, while only 28 countries had more than 100 nurses or midwives. Almost half (47.2% - 92 of 195 countries) of the countries included had fewer than 10 physicians per 10,000 people, while 46.2% (90/195 countries) had fewer than 30 nurses or midwives for every 10,000 people. Scoring countries on how well-resourced their health systems were from 0 (lowest) to 100 (highest), the authors scored 15 countries as 100 and one as 0. "The balance of physicians, nurses, midwives and pharmacists in a country's workforce underpins the types of care that are available to the population. While increasing the overall number of health workers will be important for many countries, it's vital that this growth ensures a varied workforce composition," says lead author Professor Rafael Lozano, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington, USA. The authors note that the study does not include physicians and nurses by speciality, which may be important for understanding the workforce shortfalls for each country's varying burden of disease. In future, the GBD study will refine health worker estimates by using more recent occupational data. Global Burden of Disease 2017other key findings Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) comprised the greatest fraction of deaths globally in 2017 (contributing 73.4% of total deaths, equivalent to approximately 41.1 million deaths). The total numbers of deaths from NCDs increased from 2007 to 2017 by 22.7% (from 33.5 million in 2007 to 41.1 million in 2017), representing an additional 7.6 million deaths in 2017. While the age-standardized death rate from NCDs decreased globally between 2007-2017 by 7.9%, this change was smaller in the most recent periodslowing from a decrease of 7.8% between 2003-07 to a decrease of 2.1% for 2013-17. The largest numbers of deaths from NCDs were from cardiovascular diseases (17.8 million deaths), neoplasms (9.6 million deaths) and chronic respiratory diseases (3.9 million deaths). The prevalence of obesity continues to rise in almost every country in the world, with more than one million deaths estimated as being due to type 2 diabetes, almost half a million (426,300 deaths) deaths due to diabetes-related chronic kidney disease, and more than 180,000 deaths due to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)-related liver cancer and cirrhosis in 2017. Low back pain, headache disorders, and depressive disorders were the three leading causes of disability globally in 2017, and have prevailed as leading causes for nearly three decades, while diabetes has emerged as the fourth leading cause of disability globally. In 2017, there were 245.9 million new cases of low back pain, 995.4 million new cases of headache disorders, 258.2 million new cases of depressive disorders, and 22.9 million new cases of diabetes. "The world has seen several health success stories," Murray says. "Investments made in poor countries addressing prenatal care and water and sanitation problems clearly have made a significant difference in people's lives. Conversely, the combination of increasing metabolic risks and population ageing will continue driving problematic trends in non-communicable diseases. This represents both a challenge and opportunity, and highlights the value of the GBD study to inform good policy decisions and strategic health planning." Half of all global deaths (51.5%, 28.8 million of 55.9 million deaths) were caused by just four risk factors in 2017high blood pressure, smoking, high blood glucose, and high body mass index (BMI). High blood pressure was the leading risk factor, accounting for 10.4 million deaths, followed by smoking (7.1 million deaths), high fasting plasma glucose (6.5 million deaths), and high body-mass index (4.7 million deaths). The burden of dengue fever has increased over time in most tropical and subtropical countries, with the number of deaths globally increasing by 65.5% between 2007 and 2017 (from 24,500 to 40,500 deaths) and the age-standardized mortality rate increasing by 40.7% (from 0.4 to 0.5 deaths per 100,000). In addition, there were an estimated 104.8 million new cases of dengue in 2017. The disease is a notable exception in the estimated improvements for communicable diseases and might reflect changes in the range of its primary vector, Aedes aegypti. Women have longer lives but live more years in poor health. At the global level, between 1950 and 2017, life expectancy increased from 48.1 years to 70.5 years for men, and from 52.9 years to 75.6 years for women. In 180 of 195 countries, women were expected to live longer than men in 2017, with extra years lived varying from 1.4 years in Algeria to 11.9 years in Ukraine. Of the extra years gained, the proportion spent in poor health varied considerably across countries. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burundi, and Slovakia, less than 20% of additional years were spent in poor health, whereas in Bahrain all the extra years were spent in poor health. An accompanying editorial from The Lancet says: "GBD 2017 is disturbing. Not only do the amalgamated global figures show a worrying slowdown in progress but the more granular data unearths exactly how patchy progress has been. GBD 2017 is a reminder that, without vigilance and constant effort, progress can easily be reversed. But the GBD is also an encouragement to think differently in this time of crisis. By cataloguing inequalities in health-care delivery and patterns of disease geography, this iteration of the GBD presents an opportunity to move away from the generic application of UHC and towards a more tailored precision approach to UHC. GBD 2017 should be an electric shock, galvanising national governments and international agencies not only to redouble their efforts to avoid the imminent loss of hard-won gains but also to adopt a fresh approach to growing threats." The U.S. Medicare Handbook is photographed Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, in Washington. Seniors in many states will be able to get additional services like help with chores, safety devices and respite for caregivers next year through private 'Medicare Advantage' insurance plans. It's a sign of potentially big changes for Medicare. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) In a harbinger of potentially big changes for Medicare, seniors in many states will be able to get additional services such as help with chores, safety devices and respite for caregivers next year through private Medicare Advantage insurance plans. The shift reflects a growing recognition that simple help at home can have a meaningful impact on patients' well-beingand reduce some costs for taxpayers. A couple of hundred dollars to install grab bars in the shower can prevent a fall leading to a broken hip, a life-changing injury. The newly covered services are similar to what people might need if they required long-term care, said Howard Gleckman, a senior researcher at the nonpartisan Urban Institute think tank. "It begins to break down the wall between long-term care and Medicare, which with very few exceptions, has never paid for long-term care." Change is starting slowly. The services will be offered by some Medicare Advantage plans in about 20 states next year, expected to grow over time. There has to be a health-related reason to qualify, and costs will vary among plans. In some plans, there's no added cost. But limits do apply. For example, a plan may cover one day per week at an adult day care center. Nearly 23 million Medicare beneficiaries, or more than 1 in 3, are expected to be covered by a Medicare Advantage plan next year. The private plans generally offer lower out-of-pocket costs in exchange for limits on choice of doctors and hospitals and other restrictions such as prior authorization for services. It's a growing business for insurers. Medicare Advantage open enrollment for 2019 ends Dec. 7. But it's not easy to use Medicare's online plan finder to search for plans with expanded benefits, so beneficiaries and their families will have to rely on promotional materials that insurers mail during open enrollment. For years, Medicare has permitted private plans to offer supplemental benefits not covered by the traditional program. Think free gym memberships, transportation to medical appointments or home-delivered meals following a hospitalization. The new benefits take that to a higher level, with Medicare's blessing. "It is a big concept, in the sense that it is officially encouraging plans to get across the line into the many, many things that affect the health and well-being of beneficiaries," said Marc Russo, president of insurer Anthem's Medicare business. "I, for one, who have been in and around Medicare for decades, believe it pays." Insurers under Anthem's corporate umbrella are offering different packages in 12 of 21 states they operate in. They can include alternative medicine, like acupuncture, or adult day care center visits or a personal helper at home. Other major insurers like UnitedHealthcare and Humana are participating. Still, Medicare's opening is no substitute for full long-term care coverage, which many people need for at least part of their lives and remains prohibitively expensive. Seniors trying to get long-term care through Medicaidthe program for low-income peoplemust spend down their life savings. "Medicare policy has not kept up with the times," said Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., one of the authors of bipartisan legislation seen as a catalyst for expanded services through Medicare Advantage. Wyden said he's working to bring similar options to traditional Medicare, which is still the choice of 2 out of 3 seniors. "Clearly this is going to have to be an effort that is going to have to be built out," he added. The changes represent a rare consensus at a time when health care issues are among the most politically divisive. Republican and Democratic lawmakers, as well as Seema Verma, the Trump administration's Medicare chief, are pulling in the same direction. The idea of broader services through Medicare Advantage was embodied in a bipartisan Senate Finance Committee bill to improve care for chronically ill seniors. The legislation got spliced into a massive budget bill passed earlier this year. The Trump administration issued regulations in the spring trying to accelerate the changes. According to Medicare, 12 insurers will be offering expanded supplemental benefits next year through 160 plans in 20 states. In four other states and Puerto Rico, such benefits may be available to seniors with certain health conditions. "The guidance came out fairly late in the annual planning process, and that's one reason why some of these benefits may start out small," said Steve Warner, head of Medicare Advantage program development for UnitedHealthcare. Medicare estimates that some 780,000 beneficiaries will have access to the new benefits next year. In-home helpers and support for caregivers are the most popular. Consumer advocates recommend that seniors carefully weigh whether Medicare Advantage is best for them. If they don't like it, they can go back to traditional Medicare, but those with a pre-existing condition may not be able to buy a "Medigap" policy to help cover out-of-pocket costs. They can also switch to another Medicare Advantage plan. Medicare doesn't pay the insurers more for offering added benefits. Under a complex formula, they're primarily financed out of the difference between bids submitted by insurers and Medicare's maximum payment to plans. If the companies bid below Medicare's rate, they can return some of that to beneficiaries in the form of added benefits. Costs for beneficiaries may vary. Some will face no added costs. Explore further Medicare upgrades its website ahead of sign-up season 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. Prof. Thomas Korn investigates the role of B cells during Multiple Sclerosis. Credit: M. Jooss / TUM B cells are important in helping the immune system fight pathogens. However, in the case of the neurological autoimmune disease multiple sclerosis (MS), they can damage nerve tissue. When particular control cells are missing, too many B cells accumulate in the meninges, resulting in inflammation of the central nervous system. A team from the Technical University of Munich (TUM) demonstrated the process using animal and patient samples. The fight against illnesses and pathogens requires activation or deactivation of a large number of cell types in the immune system at the right place and the right time. In recent years, certain immune cells, the myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), have received increasing attention in this context. They function as an important control mechanism in the immune system and ensure that immunoreactions do not become too strong. Impacts of the loss of control In the case of MS, these controls in the nervous system appear to fail in part. The team led by Thomas Korn, professor for experimental neuroimmunology at the TUM Neurology Clinic, succeeded in demonstrating this in a study published in the journal Nature Immunology. During MS, the body attacks its own nerve tissue, resulting in damage and inflammation. This can lead to paralysis, as well as vision and movement disorders. "We were primarily interested in the control effect of the MDSCs on the B cells. Their function in the occurrence of MS is not yet clear. But they appear to play an important role, something we wanted to take a closer look at," says Korn, explaining the study's objective. B cells can develop into cells that produce antibodies, but they can also activate other immune cells by secreting immune messengers. Korn and his team used a mouse model in which the inflammatory disease can be triggered and develops much the same way as in the human body. MDSCs influence the B cell count The team removed the MDSCs from the meningeal tissue and then observed an increase in the accumulation of B cells there. At the same time, inflammation and damage occurred, triggered by the high number of B cells in the nerve tissue. This phenomenon did not occur when enough MDSCs were present, controlling the number of B cells. In the future, Korn and his team want to explain how the B cells destroy the nervous system. According to the researcher, there are two possibilities: In the meninges, B cells emit substances that attract immune cells, which incorrectly destroy the body's own tissues; or B cells activate immune cells in the blood and lymph systems, which then move to the meninges, where they cause damage. Based on 25 tests of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of subjects with MS, the lack of MDSCs could also have a negative effect on the course of the illness in patients. When the researchers found large numbers of MDSCs in CSF, the patients usually also experienced milder symptoms with fewer episodes of inflammation. In contrast, patients with lower MDSC counts experienced stronger symptoms. "There are already approved therapies in which B cells are regulated and suppressed on a medicinal basis. Now, we've provided an explanation of why this could be an effective treatment, at least in cases where the course of the disease is poor," says Korn. Since the number of subjects tested in this case was small, he and his team are planning larger patient studies for the future. Explore further Immune cells in triple-negative breast cancer offer potential therapeutic target More information: Benjamin Knier et al, Myeloid-derived suppressor cells control B cell accumulation in the central nervous system during autoimmunity, Nature Immunology (2018). Journal information: Nature Immunology Benjamin Knier et al, Myeloid-derived suppressor cells control B cell accumulation in the central nervous system during autoimmunity,(2018). DOI: 10.1038/s41590-018-0237-5 At first, it seemed like just a bad cold, with a fever that came and went. Then one day, when Scarlett Camburn woke from her nap, the Havertown, Pa., toddler was unable to move her right arm. Panicked, parents Andrea and Chris Camburn rushed the little girl to an urgent care center in King of Prussia operated by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and from there to the hospital's emergency room in West Philadelphia. X-rays showed that Scarlett, a few days shy of her second birthday in August 2016, had no broken bones. But an MRI on a future visit revealed an alarming sign: damage to her spinal cord. The Camburns would soon learn that Scarlett was among dozens of children around the country that year whose arms or legs suddenly went limpevoking memories of polio, a scourge eliminated in the United States decades ago. One of those children was Chase Kulakowski, of Dyer, Ind., age 15 months. Same pattern: had a cold, woke up from a nap, couldn't use his right arm. "His arm was totally limp," said his mother, Jessica. The inflammation in Scarlett's spinal cord eventually was attributed to a virus, called enterovirus D68, that had infected many of the other children. But for some patients, including Chase, no virusor other causewas found. This fall, it's happening again. Last week, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it had confirmed 72 cases of sudden muscle weakness or paralysis so far in 2018, including six in Pennsylvania and three in New Jersey. The disease is often referred to as mysterious, given that some victims are found to be infected with D68 while others are not, and officially, the CDC says the cause for most cases remains unknown. But a core group of academic researchers tracking the disease is fairly certain that the virus, which can be hard to detect, is the primary culprit. They're just not sure what to do about it. And they are worried it could get worse. - The first warning signs came in 2012, when the California Department of Public Health learned that a handful of children in the state were suffering from sudden, unexplained weakness in the arms or legs. The agency launched a statewide surveillance program, and by year's end found that among 10 patients, two had been infected with enterovirus D68. First identified in 1962, D68 was known only to cause respiratory symptoms. But the two cases of muscle weakness were cause for concern. Those symptoms were similar to what happens with polio, which also is caused by an enterovirus. Was D68 able to cause similar harm? Two years later, things went national. By the end of 2014, 120 people in 34 states were confirmed to have the condition, called acute flaccid myelitis. Again, almost all were children. Again, some were found to be infected with D68. Many were not, yet by the end of the year, an informal working group of prominent physicians was confident the virus played a key role. Symptoms ranged from moderate weakness to complete paralysis of the affected limbs, more often in the arms than legs. In Dallas, researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center had recently been awarded a federal grant to study a broader category of pediatric paralysis, so they were "up and running" to track the unusual new cases, neurologist Benjamin M. Greenberg said. Among the questions: How much did children recover the use of their limbs? Which treatments seemed most effective? What type of spinal-cord damage was seen on their MRI scans? The condition remained rare, but the words "polio-like" in media headlines stoked public fears, bringing to mind a dreaded disease that was far worse in scope. Polio, eliminated in the United States through widespread vaccination, paralyzed thousands of people each year in the early 1950s. Keen to make sure polio had not returned, the CDC began testing patients' fecal samples for the virus that causes the real thing. After all, polio still emerges periodically in a handful of other countries, said Sarah Hopkins, a neurologist at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. "With some people opting not to vaccinate their children and international travel, there always is that worry," Hopkins said. "It's important for us to rule it out." None of the new cases tested positive for polio. But while some patients were found to be infected with D68, some of the children did not test positive for anything. What was causing their paralysis? Two years later, in 2016, the number of patients with muscle weakness spiked again. Physicians tracking the illnesses suspected that the enterovirus was to blame even in patients where it was not found. That's because the genetic information in an enterovirus is stored as RNA, not DNA, which makes it harder to isolate from a patient. And by the time muscle symptoms appear, the patient's body may have cleared itself of the virus. "The fact that kids are testing negative on a regular basis should not surprise anybody," said Greenberg, of UT Southwestern's O'Donnell Brain Institute. So CHOP and some other hospitals set up protocols to obtain and test nasal swabs as soon as possible in patients with sudden muscle weakness or paralysismaximizing their chances of finding the virus if it was there. Sure enough, most patients at CHOP that year had D68 in their respiratory secretions, Hopkins said. And the virus popped up repeatedly elsewhere in the country, though in a handful of cases, patients were found to be infected with a different enterovirus, dubbed A71. At the end of 2016, the CDC had confirmed 149 cases of patients with sudden muscle weakness or paralysis in 38 states and Washington, D.C. By definition, those included in the total had experienced a sudden onset of symptoms and had suffered damage to the internal gray matter of the spinal cordinterrupting the nerve signals needed to activate an arm or leg. The cases tended to emerge in geographic clusters, supporting the theory that the symptoms were caused by an infectious agenta virus. And, like illnesses caused by some other viruses, the cases of muscle weakness spiked in the fallconsistent with an infectious agent that thrives in cooler temperatures. Even the two-year pattern made sense. It is common for viruses to ebb and flow on a multi-year cycle as they travel through a population. Yet another layer of evidence for a viral cause came from the University of Colorado, where researchers injected mice with strains of D68. Just as in human patients, the animals' limbs became paralyzed. To Greenberg, that represented a convincing, three-pronged case that the enterovirus was to blame for the biennial spikes in acute flaccid myelitis. "We know the virus can do it" in mice, he said. "We know it's present in humans. And we know the epidemiological pattern fits that of an infection." But two mysteries remained. When Chase Kulakowski got his cold in October 2016, his stepsister had the same symptoms: a runny nose and a cough. By all appearances, they were infected with the same virus. Yet her arms and legs were fine, whereas Chase could not move his right shoulder and arm. "What makes him different?" his mom asked. Likewise at Scarlett Camburn's preschool, there were the usual runny noses, but nobody else had her muscle symptoms. Why? Those are good questions, scientists say. At the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, researchers are exploring whether some genetic quirk might make certain infected people more likely to develop acute flaccid myelitis. The team has gathered DNA samples from more than 60 willing familiesincluding patients, siblings, and parents, said Priya Duggal, director of the school's genetic epidemiology program. Any two non-identical siblings share 50 percent of their DNA, on average, so one child might inherit some mutation that raises the risk of virally induced paralysis while a sibling does not, she said. Or such a mutation could have occurred in a child sporadicallypopping up for the first time in that generation. To date, Duggal said, there have been no reports of two children in the same household developing acute flaccid myelitis. "It can't just be the virus," Duggal said. "Otherwise, we'd have schools filled with children that were all paralyzed." If the virus is causing the paralysis, it makes sense that the symptoms would occur primarily in children, physicians say. Most people become infected with a variety of enteroviruses during childhood without symptoms and are therefore immune to them as adults. A similar lack of symptoms was seen in most people infected with polio. One in four people infected with polio experienced flu-like symptoms that went away on their own, and fewer than 1 percent of infections led to irreversible paralysis. But when they did, the consequences could be deadly, as the disease can affect muscles involved in breathing. Then there's the mystery of the virus itself. In addition to injecting mice with D68 strains that were isolated from the 2014 outbreak, the Colorado researchers injected animals with strains of the virus that had infected humans in 1962. Just like the humans infected in 1962, mice in the latter group did not become paralyzed. The strains of virus from the two eras, five decades apart, look very similar but apparently evolved in some consequential way, acquiring the ability to harm the spinal cord, Greenberg said. And as with any virus, it will evolve again. "Something changed," he said. "This is a very rare event, and I acknowledge it's a rare event, but I am also asking the scientific and public-health community to recognize that doesn't mean it's going to be a rare event forever." As the detective work continues, physicians have developed effective treatments for patients. At CHOP, Scarlett was given intravenous immunoglobulina substance that can help reduce swelling in the spinal cord. Elsewhere, physicians have opted to administer steroids, though there is disagreement as to when that is appropriate. After months of therapy, Scarlett also underwent surgery at CHOP called a nerve transfer. Chase did the same at Shriners Hospital for Children in Philadelphia, traveling there from Indiana. The procedure allows physicians to reactivate a paralyzed limb by connecting it to healthy nerves that have been rerouted from elsewhere in the body, said Dan Zlotolow, who performs the surgeries at Shriners. Patients must then adapt to the rewiringlearning how nerve signals that once controlled, say, a rib muscle will now operate the elbow. Early on, a patient may find that during a sneeze or a deep breath, the elbow will bend, the surgeon said. "Over time, your brain will figure out that is not what should happen," Zlotolow said. Now 4 years old, Scarlett has regained the use of her right arm but still has trouble making a fist, as her hand muscles deteriorated during the months of receiving no nerve signals. Next year, she will have another operation, in which surgeons will transfer a tendon to her hand from elsewhere in the body. Her family has nicknamed her right arm "Luckyin the Disney movie "Finding Nemo," the title character's lucky right fin is small and weak. Scarlett's parents both got matching tattoos of the orange fish on their right arms. They seek solace from an active support group on Facebook, which includes parents of many of the nearly 400 children recovering from acute flaccid myelitis. "We felt so isolated, and now to realize there's a whole community of us," Andrea Camburn said. She, Jessica Kulakowski and other parents in the support group worry that the federal government is not doing enough to address the disease. Greenberg, the UT Southwestern neurologist, describes the experience for families as "a horrific nightmare," and agrees that the medical community should do more. Better tests for diagnosis are needed, he said. More should be invested in researching the best treatments, especially if the virus becomes more widespread. "I get asked the question all the time: Should parents be worried?" he said. "In 2018, no, your kids are going to get a cold, and they're going to be fine" in the overwhelming majority of cases. "As a society, we should ask, 'Should we be worried about 2028 or 2038?'" Duggal, the Johns Hopkins epidemiologist, agrees. Given that enterovirus D68 is the likely culprit, she said society should consider investing in the same weapon that stopped polio: a vaccine. "We've been here for four years looking at these patients, watching the devastation," Duggal said. "This is the third round of it. We don't want to be looking at it in 2020, saying, 'There's a mystery illness.' We want to be looking at it in 2020 saying, 'We're making headway.'" 2018 The Philadelphia Inquirer Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Human skin structure. Credit: Wikipedia A new method of using a Scottish company's portable microwave technology to treat sun-damaged skin conditions is being tested by researchers at the University of Dundee. It is estimated that one in three people over 60 years old in the UK has at least one actinic keratosis (AK) lesionthe first appearance of a potential non-melanoma skin cancer. There is a small associated risk that the lesions could progress into a more dangerous form of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma. Patients who have actinic keratoses are also more at risk of all types of skin cancer compared to someone of the same age without actinic keratoses. With a deficit of more than 200 dermatologists in the UK, the ability to diagnose and treat is being diminished. Up to 25 percent of GP workload is skin based and with an ageing population the crisis in dermatology needs treatments that are effective, decentralised and time efficient. Existing treatments fail to balance effectiveness, side effects and cost. Scottish company Emblation is at the forefront of new technology in the dermatology market with a highly effective treatment for plantar warts. The device has been used in more than 15,000 wart treatments UK wide to date and works by coagulating soft tissue, and inducing a local immune response. Charlotte Proby, Professor of Dermatology at the University of Dundee, is leading the research study to examine the effectiveness of the treatment against AK. Professor Proby said, "This technology appears to have significant potential to offer efficient treatment of actinic keratosis, a common condition which affects many among our older population. "Removing these lesions can offer protection against more serious skin diseases including some forms of cancer, and an effective treatment that can be delivered quickly and at low cost would be a significant development. "The results and experimental data will provide a starting point for a Randomised Control Trial (RCT) after the project. An RCT is high risk and cost without this project." The technology will be tested for use on AK in conjunction with the Tayside Clinical Trials Unit (TCTU) who will run the trial at the Division of Cancer Research at the University of Dundee. The study is being funded by Innovate UK. Dr. Matt Kidd, R&D Director at Emblation, said, "The enrolment of the first patients in this seminal study for the treatment of Actinic Keratosis is a significant milestone for Emblation's platform technology. "We have been working closely with our partners from the University of Dundee for a number of months now and we're confident we will have clinical and in-vitro data from our microwave-based platform technology to offer a disruptive, efficient treatment for AK and other lesions that would benefit from a localised immune response therapy. "The funding from Innovate UK has been key in allowing this project to happen and helps the collaboration between Industry, Academia and the NHS essential ingredients to medical device innovation." Explore further New drug now available for actinic keratosis The improvement in a patient's hand tremor is checked during a focused ultrasound procedure. Credit: Harry Moxley | University of Virginia Health System A high-tech form of brain surgery that replaces scalpels with sound waves improved quality of life for people with Parkinson's disease that has resisted other forms of treatment, a new study has found. Further, the University of Virginia School of Medicine researchers conclude their study offers "comprehensive evidence of safety" in terms of the approach's effect on mood, behavior and cognitive ability, areas largely neglected in previous research. "In our initial study that looked at the outcomes of focused ultrasound surgery in Parkinson's disease, we primarily described post-operative improvements in motor symptoms, specifically tremor," said Scott Sperling, PsyD, a clinical neuropsychologist at UVA. "In this study, we extended these initial results and showed that focused ultrasound thalamotomy is not only safe from a cognitive and mood perspective, but that patients who underwent surgery realized significant and sustained benefits in terms of functional disability and overall quality of life." Focused Ultrasound and Parkinson's Disease Focused ultrasound, as the procedure is known, has already been approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of essential tremor, the most common movement disorder. That approval came after a pioneering international study led by UVA neurosurgeon Jeff Elias, MD. He and his colleagues have since demonstrated the technology's potential in reducing tremor in people with drug-resistant Parkinson's disease. The goal is to use focused sound waves to interrupt the faulty brain circuits responsible for the uncontrollable shaking associated with the disease. The new study looked at the effects on 27 adults, all with severe Parkinson's tremor that had not responded to previous treatment. The study participants were initially divided into two groups. Twenty received the procedure, while seven received a fake procedure, to serve as a control group. (The seven in the control group were later offered the opportunity to receive the real procedure, and all but one did.) After receiving the procedure, study participants reported improved quality of life at both three months and 12 months. "After surgery, patients experienced significant improvements in multiple aspects of quality of life, including their ability to perform simple daily tasks, emotional well-being and the sense of stigma they experienced due to their tremor," Sperling said. "Our results suggest that post-operative improvements in tremor lead to very meaningful improvements in day-to-day functioning and, subsequently, to better overall quality of life." University of Virginia Health System neurosurgeon Jeff Elias, MD, is seen in front of the MRI used to "see" inside patients' brains during focused ultrasound surgery. The MRI imaging helps him target just the right spot to disrupt faulty brain circuits that cause tremor. Credit: University of Virginia Health System The Effects on Mood and Memory The study was notable for its in-depth examination of the psychological and cognitive effects of the procedure, areas that have received relatively little attention in previous research. The researchers found that mood and cognition, and the ability to go about daily life, ultimately had more effect on participants' assessment of their overall quality of life than did their tremor severity or the amount of tremor improvement seen after the procedure. "A person's perception of their quality of life is shaped in many different ways," Sperling said. "Mood and behavioral symptoms, such as depression, anxiety and apathy, often have a greater impact on quality of life than the measurable severity of one's tremor." The only cognitive declines seen in participants followed through the study were in how quickly they were able to name colors and think of and speak words. The cause of this was unclear, though the researchers suggested this could be a result of the natural progression of Parkinson's. (Focused ultrasound is being tested to address the tremor associated with the disease, not its other symptoms.) The researchers noted that their study was limited by its small size and the fact that participants' medication dosing varied, among other factors. To become available as a treatment for medication-resistant Parkinson's, the approach would need approval from the FDA. UVA's new research is an important step in that process. The researchers have published their findings in the scientific journal Neurology. Explore further Focused ultrasound shows promise for treating Parkinson's tremor More information: Scott A. Sperling et al, Focused ultrasound thalamotomy in Parkinson disease, Neurology (2018). Journal information: Neurology Scott A. Sperling et al, Focused ultrasound thalamotomy in Parkinson disease,(2018). DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000006279 Skin of a young mouse. The image shows a cross section of the skin with the fibroblasts indicated in green. The thickness of the dermis and the density of fibroblasts is much greater in young skin than in aged skin cell nuclei, in blue. Credit: M Salzer, IRB Barcelona With age, tissues lose their function and capacity to regenerate after being damaged. A study published today in Cell by scientists at the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona) and the Centro Nacional de Analisis Genomico of the Center for Genomic Regulation(CNAG-CRG) explains how dermal fibroblasts age. The main conclusion is that these fibroblasts lose their cell identity, as if they had forgotten what they are, and consequently their activity is altered, thus affecting tissue. The study reveals the cellular and molecular pathways affected by ageing and proposes that they could be manipulated to delay or even reverse the skin ageing process. The skin Dermal fibroblasts are key for the production of collagen and other proteins that make up the dermis and that preserve the skin's function as a barrier. The activity of these cells is also crucial for the repair of skin damage. As people age, the dermis loses its capacity to produce collagen, and consequently its capacity to repair wounds is also significantly impaired. "The elderly face many problems in this regard, because their skin does not heal properly and its barrier properties are decreased, thus increasing the risk of skin infections and systemic infections," explains Salvador Aznar Benitah, ICREA researcher at IRB Barcelona and leader of the study. "The notion that the loss of cell identity is one of the underlying causes of ageing is interesting and one that we believe hasn't been considered before," he says. Holger Heyn, team leader at the CNAG-CRG and co-leader of the study, says, "Cutting-edge technologies allow molecular analysis of individual cells. In this study, we have applied advanced techniques to obtain high resolution images of fibroblasts as they age." Authored by IRB Barcelona Ph.D. student Marion Salzer, the study demonstrates that, during ageing, skin fibroblasts start to acquire many traits that are characteristic of adipocytes (fat cells). "This leads to them losing their cell identify and they also stop producing and secreting collagen like they should," explains Salzer. The single-cell analysis confirmed the loss of fibroblast identity in aged animals. Using sophisticated computational tools, the scientists observed that aged fibroblasts show a less defined molecular conformation compared to young fibroblasts and that "they resemble the undefined cell states observed in newborn animals," says Heyn. Although being basic research,Aznar Benitah says, "This new knowledge might not only have cosmetic applications, for example anti-aging skin treatment, but more importantly, also therapeutic applications aiming to help aged skin to form scar tissue faster and more efficiently after being damaged or after an operation." Explore further Investigators study how a protein factor contributes to cancer cell migration More information: Marion Claudia Salzer et al. Identity Noise and Adipogenic Traits Characterize Dermal Fibroblast Aging, Cell (2018). Journal information: Cell Marion Claudia Salzer et al. Identity Noise and Adipogenic Traits Characterize Dermal Fibroblast Aging,(2018). DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2018.10.012 Provided by Centre for Genomic Regulation Credit: CC0 Public Domain The University of Birmingham have published the results of a longitudinal transition study, funded by Thomas Pocklington Trust, following the experiences of young people with vision impairment from secondary school into further education and employment. Findings from the study show that whilst participants are inching closer to the labour market, common challenges were identified: Just over a fifth (21 per cent) are either 'Not in Education, Employment, or Training' (NEET) or in long term unpaid voluntary work. Some young people with vision impairment face challenges which delay their progression into the labour market. Some young people with vision impairment do not feel ready for work and are not actively seeking employment, instead choosing to take on voluntary work or not to work at all. Young people with vision impairment who are NEET are often not signposted to services which could enable them to access the labour market. Some young people with vision impairment are employed in short-term unsecure roles, making it difficult for them to get Access to Work and other accommodations. Young people with vision impairment often face a 'cliff edge' after completing their education. For example, a large proportion of participants became NEET when leaving Higher Education (HE), and several returned to study when they didn't find work. Read the full report and briefings. These findings have important ramifications for policy development. We recommend that there is a review of the support that students with vision impairment receive at university, to help prepare them for the labour market. It is also important for HE providers to focus on making anticipatory adjustments for students with vision impairment, so that these students can pursue internships and part-time work. There is also need for more intensive targeted support from specialists with an understanding of vision impairment to get people who have been NEET for a long time into the work place. Mike McLinden, Deputy Head of School of Education at the University of Birmingham said: "This is a unique study in which the research team has been working with a group of young people since 2010, following their experiences since leaving compulsory education. The study gives the young people a method of telling us about the challenges they face as they leave school and also to reflect back on what helped prepare them for life after school. The research findings have highlighted the critical role education and families can play in helping them meet these challenges head on. The study in particular has illustrated how important specialist support is for young people with vision impairment to be able to reach their potential as independent working adults." Peter Corbett, Chief Executive of Thomas Pocklington Trust said: "This important research has followed young people with vision impairment through their journey from secondary education into adult life. It has highlighted the barriers and challenges they face when trying to secure employment or further education. It is vital that the right support is in place throughout a young person with vision impairment's life, to ensure that they are best placed to secure meaningful employment that is right for them. We are committed to our vision of a society in which these barriers do not exist, and all young people with vision impairment are empowered to live independent lives." The study was designed in 2009 by a team from Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) and the Vision Impairment Centre for Teaching and Research (VICTAR) at the University of Birmingham. The key objectives of the project were to: Track the process of transition for young people with vision impairment from age 14 for [initially] five years Identify the roles of professionals involved Recognise the factors that improve or reduce a young person's chance of gaining employment. Explore further Low rate of referral for low-vision rehabilitation (HealthDay)The #MeToo movement has given many Americans a glimpse into an unfamiliar world that may have left many wondering, "What were they thinking?" It turns out they might not have been thinking much at all. New research suggests that almost 9 percent of people in the United States have distress caused by difficulty controlling their sexual feelings, urges and behaviors. But the gap between genders was very small: Just over 10 percent of men showed compulsive sexual behavior, compared to 7 percent of women. "Historically, it's been thought that compulsive sexual behaviors affect mostly men. But women are showing that they are experiencing difficulty controlling sexual urges and behavior, too," said study author Janna Dickenson. She is a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Minnesota, in Minneapolis. Dickenson explained that such behaviors can vary widely. "Some people might masturbate excessively so that it interferes with the ability to work, or someone might be paying for sex so much that it's damaging financially," she explained, adding that sexual behaviors become a problem when they influence your life in a way that's destructive. So, does that mean people like Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein should be excused for aberrant and potentially criminal behavior? "When anyone faces a problem and there's a classification for that problem, it doesn't mean that it excuses that behavior. [In these cases], there's this link between hypersexuality and non-consent, but these are two separate issues that can be hard to tease apart," Dickenson explained. Michael Klein, a psychologist at Gracie Square Hospital in New York City, said it's difficult to comment on individual cases, but "it's possible that these high-profile cases reflect examples of compulsive sexual behavior. However, it may also be better explained by something else, such as taking advantage of a power dynamic, in the context of another [psychological] condition, or any combination of factors." Mental health professionals have long debated whether or not sexual addiction is an actual addiction or an impulse disorder. What is common to problematic sexual behavior, no matter how it is classified, is substantial difficulty controlling sexual feelings, urges and behaviors to the point that it causes distress and impairment. Distress and impairment includes neglecting social activities or personal health, repeatedly attempting to control sexual behavior unsuccessfully, and engaging in sexual behavior despite adverse consequences or minimal pleasure from his or her sexual activities, according to the researchers. Using this definition, the study team asked more than 2,000 people to complete a screening test for compulsive sexual disorder. The study participants were already a part of a nationally representative study on sexual health and behavior. They were all between the ages of 18 and 50. The researchers expected between 1 percent and 6 percent of the study group would meet the definition of compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD). Instead, 8.6 percent of those screened were found to possibly have CSBD. Dickenson said it's important to note that this study only used a screening tool. Someone who tests positive on this test should be referred for further evaluation. Klein added that "a large study such as this helps to increase our understanding of compulsive sexual behavior and related phenomena, as well as provide for future directions of study," but there are a lot of issues left to sort out. "There is a difference between feelings and actions, and thoughts and actions; having trouble controlling urges is not the same as acting on urges," he said. And cultural, social and religious norms and beliefs can impact how someone feels about sexual behavior. Both experts said that if someone is concerned about their sexual behaviors, they should seek help. "People need to realize there is a wide spectrum of sexuality. Thoughts and feelings are one thing, but behavior that you are unable to control is another matter. If certain behaviors interfere with your life or cause distress for you or others, you may want to speak with a professional," Klein said. The study was published online Nov. 9 in the journal JAMA Network Open. Explore further CDC: some sexual minorities have higher sexual risk behaviors Copyright 2018 HealthDay. All rights reserved. ARCHIVED - Fierce opposition to government plans to force HGVs to use toll motorways in Spain 130,000 trucks travel between Murcia and the French border every year The Spanish government is coming in for heavy criticism from representatives of the transport sector of the economy after it was announced that approval had been given for a modification of the law governing public highways, permitting the government to ban HGVs from certain roads and oblige them to use toll motorways. In order to soften the blow the drivers of the vehicles concerned would be given discounts on the toll roads, but the CETM transport federation describes the legislation as an attack on free movement, adding that it implies the generation of serious and costly problems for the sector. In many cases, they explain, the imposition of toll motorway routes involves not only the toll charges themselves but the need to travel more kilometres, as well as possible delays on joining and leaving the toll sections of the roads. This is particularly true in Catalunya and the Comunidad Valenciana, where the toll motorway which leads to France runs alongside other free roads. Another complaint revolves around the relatively few service stations and rest areas on the toll roads, and the level of discontent is reported to be especially high among the transport companies of the Region of Murcia. Every year 130,000 trucks between the Region and the rest of Europe, 65 per cent of them along the Mediterranean coastal route and the rest via the Basque Country to the western coast of France, and the forced use of the stretch of the AP-7 between Valencia and La Junquera has already brought about various drive-slows and other protests. Similar obligatory routes also exist in La Rioja and the Basque Country due to the existence of local and regional agreements, but now the situation is that the government can impose HGV bans on certain roads by law. Image: Pere prlpz (Wikicommons) Follow Murcia Today on Facebook to keep up to date with all the latest news, events and information in the Region of Murcia and the rest of Spain: https://www.facebook.com/MurciaToday/. article_detail --> Here are a few steps you can take to protect yourself from inflation. Also, check out more of the week's best reads from financial experts. The Rasmussen Art Gallery on the campus of Pacific Union College welcomes Wendy Liang as the guest artist for November. Her exhibit will open with a reception and artist talk from 7 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 10, which is free and open to the public. In 2018, Liang has won the California Watercolor Associations 48th National Exhibition, The Artists Magazines 35th Annual Art Competition, and Southwest Art Magazines Artistic Excellence Competition. In 2017 she received the most meaningful recognition yet for her artwork, when she won the competition of Splash 19, The Illusion of Light. I became interested in art as a child when I first noticed colors of objects would change depending the type of weather and the different time of the day, said Liang. My inspiration comes through interesting lighting, water and its reflections, and scenes that feel dreamlike or somehow ethereally familiar. Referring to her art style as impressionistic realism, Liang most enjoys painting scenes which create otherworldly or mysterious atmospheres. Liangs exhibit will remain in the Rasmussen Art Gallery through Dec. 9 (note that the Gallery is closed for Thanksgiving Break, Nov. 16-25). Gallery hours: 1-5 p.m. Thursday-Sunday. For more information about the arts at PUC, visit puc.edu or call 707-965-6313. For information about the Rasmussen Art Gallery, call 707-965-6604. Napa County Supervisors Diane Dillon and Belia Ramos are taking one of the longer treks ever on county business they have traveled 8,000 miles to Adelaide, South Australia. They are attending the Great Wine Capitals general assembly from Nov. 3-9. That comes a year after they canceled their trips to the 2017 assembly in Chile because of the raging Atlas, Tubbs and Nuns wildfires in local hills. The cost to county coffers for the South Australia trip is not to exceed $17,500, the Board of Supervisors voted on Sept. 11. San Francisco/Napa Valley is one of 10 Great Wine Capitals. The various Capitals take turns hosting the annual assembly, with two Napa County supervisors traveling to Spain, Portugal and Argentina in recent years. Delegates in Adelaide are doing Great Wine Capitals business in meeting rooms. They are also taking tours to learn what this wine country competitor has to offer. Adelaide clearly wants to impress. As the wine capital of Australia, Adelaide is excited to offer you as a delegate an amazing range of culinary tourism experiences, both within our vibrant city and throughout our 18 wine regions, former South Australia Minister for Tourism Leon Bignell wrote in the events brochure. He promised delegates a chance to cuddle a koala and hand-feed a kangaroo, walk along our pristine beaches or dine at one of our award-winning restaurants. Supervisors have said on several occasions that, even if annual Great Wine Capitals trips have pleasurable aspects, taxpayers see benefits. The two supervisors participating later report to the entire Board of Supervisors what theyve learned about international wine country rivals and what ideas might apply locally. Last year, Ramos criticized a Napa Valley Register headline that referred to the annual trip as a junket. Before leaving for Australia, Dillon said each Capital is recognized not only for premium wine, but for best farming practices and a focus on appropriate tourism. She wants to find out if other places are experiencing the same direct-to-consumer marketing trends as Napa County. Person-to-person relationships are important, Dillon said. As an example, she said Great Wine Capitals contacts can help when a vineyard-threatening pest such as the European grapevine moth is found Napa Countysomething that happened in 2009. Its why people go to conferences, to learn and engage with others, Dillon said. The annual Great Wine Capitals assembly is the most distant trip taken by supervisors in 2018 to represent Napa County, but not the only one. This year, various supervisors have attended such gatherings as the National Association of Counties (NACO) conference in Tennessee and a health care conference in Las Vegas. For example, Ramos attended the Rail-Volution Transportation Conference from Oct. 19-23 in Pittsburgh. The county authorized spending $2,500, with other travel costs to be covered by the Association of Bay Area Governments. I think Rail-Volution certainly was a great experience, in terms of just not for transit infrastructure, but place-making and public spaces and trails along rivers, Ramos told the Board of Supervisors upon returning. She looks forward to sharing the knowledge she gained not only with ABAG, but the county, Ramos said. Napa County allots about $24,000 annually in the Board of Supervisors budget for supervisors to attend training and conference events and for travel expenses. That doesnt include the Great Wine Capitals trip, which comes out of the Agricultural Commissioners budget. The Napa Valley Register looked through a sampling of receipts submitted by supervisors for their travel reimbursements during 2018, given supervisors can seek repayment for such things as meals. That sample contained nothing extravagant being charged to taxpayers. For example, Dillon when going to the NACO conference in Tennessee charged the county $11 for a turkey-on-wheat sandwich at San Francisco International Airport. Fittingly enough, she bought it from the Napa Farms Market. She bought a Cesar salad and coffee at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center for $15. At a Washington, D.C. NACO conference, Ramos charged the county $14.50 for sushi and bottled soda, $52.64 for an Uber ride from the airport to the hotel and $100 for parking at San Francisco International Airport. County supervisors receive no mileage reimbursement for trips they make within the county, Deputy County Executive Officer Molly Rattigan said. Rather, they receive $5,280 annually in a car allowance. They can submit for reimbursement when driving outside of the county on county business. They are paid a mileage rate set by the Internal Revenue Service, which this year is 54.5 cents per mile. Supervisor Ryan Gregory received $69 for driving to and from Sacramento International Airport to fly to a four-day conference in Las Vegas. He also spent $48 for parking at the airport. Supervisors also travel to conferences for other agencies at no charge to Napa County. For example, the Board authorized out-of-state travel for Supervisor Brad Wagenknecht from Aug. 12-14 to tour the Canadian Oil Sands in Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada. Wagenknecht did so on behalf the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, which paid the cost. The air quality district sponsored the trip to evaluate potential environmental harm, a county report said. Use of Canadian tar sand oil at local refineries has proven controversial. 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. Pacific Gas & Electric announced Thursday afternoon that it would not proceed with a planned public safety shutoff planned for portions of Napa and seven other Northern California counties. After a red flag warning was issued Wednesday, the utility had begun notifying 70,000 customers in parts of those counties that the company might temporarily shut off their power. The utility will begin rescinding those warnings, according to the statement. This comes a month after PG&E's first peremptory power shutoff that left all of Calistoga in the dark. The utility installed power generators in Calistoga Wednesday, hoping to prevent a repeat of that situation. Approximately 1,200 customers in the Calistoga area lost power for about two hours Thursday morning, but the cause was not related to a planned shutoff, PG&E said. 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 Napa man was arrested Tuesday after officials responded to a call of a man inhaling propane in the bedroom of his apartment, police say. John William Lafeber, 51, had four propane canisters in his room, according to Napa Police Lt. Brian Campagna. Napa police and fire officials arrived in the 200 block of Winding Way around 11 a.m., smelled the gas and ordered Lafeber to come to the front door. He didn't come at first and firefighters worried that there was a major safety risk in the apartment, according to a Napa police statement. Neighbors were evacuated. Lafeber's electricity was cut. Officers tried to see whether he was OK and instructed him to come outside, according to the statement. Neighbors were allowed back inside around 1:15 p.m., after officials determined it was safe. Officers determined Lafeber was on probation, according to the statement. Campagna said officers conducted a probation search of his apartment and found shotgun rounds, but no shotgun. Lafeber was taken to a hospital, where he was found to be medically OK and arrested Tuesday afternoon on suspicion of two felonies related to violating his probation by possessing ammunition. Lafeber remained in custody as of Thursday at noon. The Napa County District Attorney ultimately charged him with a felony related to possessing ammunition even though he was not allowed to do so, and a misdemeanor related to the propane. 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 slate of ceremonies and programs are scheduled this weekend in the Napa Valley to mark the 100th anniversary of Veterans Day on Sunday. Napa, American Canyon, Yountville, St. Helena and Calistoga all will host events around the holiday, a century after the armistice that ended World War I in 1918. Napa Veterans Memorial Park on Main Street will be the venue of the annual downtown remembrance organized by American Legion Post 113 on Sunday at 11 a.m. The observance will mark the 100th anniversary of the Allied forces victory in World War I, and of the armistice that ended the conflict in November 1918, according to C.J. Bertagna of Post 113. Bertagna will give the ceremonys keynote speech in the Army uniform of a doughboy, one of the U.S. soldiers who fought on the Allied side starting in 1917. He has written an infantrymans letter to home from the battlefront that he will read. Other scheduled speakers include Mayor Jill Techel, Marine Corps veterans and City Council candidate Bernie Narvaez, and Napa County Chaplain Lee Shaw. The ceremony also will feature a musical performance by the Napa Valley College wind ensemble. American Canyon A survivor and key figure of the 1993 military operation in Somalia that inspired the book and movie Black Hawk Down will speak at American Canyons Veterans Day observance Sunday at 11 a.m. in the Community Center gymnasium at 100 Benton Way. The keynote speaker will be Dan Schilling, who served in Army Special Forces and as a combat controller and special tactics officer during more than 30 years in the military. Among his combat deployments was Operation Gothic Serpent, in which Schilling was credited with saving the lives of an Army Ranger and Navy SEAL after the downing of two U.S. Black Hawk helicopters in the Somali capital of Mogadishu, according to the city. The American Canyon ceremony also will include a presentation of colors by Cubs Scout Troop 178, and a reading of the Pledge of Allegiance led by the American Canyon Boys and Girls Club. Refreshments will be served after the event. More information is available at cityofamericancanyon.org/veteransday Yountville The Veterans Home of California at 100 California Drive will host a Veterans Day ceremony on Monday, with the event starting at 10 a.m. in front of the homes Armistice Chapel. Organizers will mark the centennial both of the chapel and of Armistice Day, the holidays original form, which stemmed from the end of World War I in 2018, according to state Department of Veterans Affairs spokesman Joshua Kiser. Armistice Chapel will be open to the public on Monday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. On Veterans Day itself, the town of Yountville will unveil a sculpture designed in tribute to U.S. service members of all eras. Faces of Freedom will be dedicated in a ceremony at 3 p.m. Sunday at Veterans Memorial Park, at Washington Street and California Boulevard. Nine months in the making, the artwork will include six bas-reliefs of military men and women as oversize versions of the dog tags identifying troops in the field. The artwork was designed by Robert Eccleston, a former Army captain turned sculptor, and won town approval in 2017. St. Helena The community is invited to Rianda House at 1475 Main St. at 3 p.m. Friday for a celebration recognizing local veterans. Jeff Conwell, a former Navy aviator and leader of St. Helenas American Legion Post 199, will lead a group of veterans who will share memories and stories about their military service. A reception will follow. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/2AN5Xd8 Calistoga American Legion Post 231 will host its annual Veterans Day program at 11 a.m. Sunday at the Veterans Memorial at Logvy Park, 1401 N. Oak St. The program will include songs, a flag ceremony and the playing of taps. With reports from American Canyon Eagle editor Noel Brinkerhoff, St. Helena Star reporter Jesse Duarte and Weekly Calistogan editor Cynthia Sweeney. 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. What's going on Vallejo's North Mare Island was featured in the November 1 issue of the San Francisco Business Times, which named it among the Top Five Mega-Projects in the Bay Area. The City of Vallejo's most recent newsletter noted that the piece "highlighting five mega-projects that have promise to transform major areas of the Bay Area." "From Vallejo, Point Richmond and Alameda in the East Bay to San Francisco and San Mateo in the west, new development projects are underway across the Bay Area, all of which have the potential to add housing supply and take advantage of underused areas," it says. The $150 million North Mare Island project was the first mega-project mentioned in the article. The proposed project will include film production space, space for wine production and sales, office space, retail and industrial space, as well as park and mixed use space, it says. Once completed, 1,500 high-end jobs could result. The story notes that "transformative projects" like the one Dave Phinney and his Nimitz Group is working on, promise to add to the city's housing supply and "take advantage of opportunities opening up on decommissioned military bases, or both." "From Vallejo, Point Richmond and Alameda in the East Bay, to San Francisco and San Mateo in the West, new projects are moving ahead," it says. Vallejo Mayor Bob Sampayan said he's nearly as enthusiastic about the positive publicity as he is about the Nimitz Group project, itself. "That's an exciting piece," he said. "The most exciting thing is that this publication is circulated all over the state and when you have folks looking at, and talking to their friends, that's how you have a place like Vallejo publicized. There are all sorts of positives going on with Mare Island, and it seems to be causing more folks to consider the City, and that can spur more economic development." It's been a long, hard road for Vallejo since the closure of the Mare Island Naval Shipyard in 1996, left the City without an identity and its largest employer after about 150 years as a Navy town. "When Mare Island closed and things started to go south, we developed a 'tin cup' mentality, where we felt we had to accept anything that came along, and now we can be more selective," Sampayan said. "We can say no, if something isn't right for us." Sampayan is most assuredly not referring to the Nimitz Group's development of North Mare Island, here. That plan includes development of 157 acres of waterfront into a 1.2 million-square-foot film making and wine production hub, with 600,000 square feet of sound stages and other film production facilities on 56 acres and 365,000 square feet of wine warehousing, production, administrative offices and tasting facilities on 15 acres. The proposal also includes 100,000 square feet of office space, 75,000--100,000 square feet of mixed-use space for commercial or retail businesses, and 37,000 square feet of industrial space along with 36 acres for a park and open space. The project's officials project it will bring some 1,500 jobs to the area, and three-quarters of the space already has takers, based on intent to lease letters already received. The Nimitz Group consists of successful spirits manufacturer Dave Phinney, and banking billionaire Gaylon Lawrence, Jr. Phinney sold The Prisoner group of wine brands in 2009 and Orin Swift Cellars in 2016, and used the proceeds from the latter to fund his Vallejo Savage & Cooke Distillery project, according to the North Mare Island proposal. Interest in the area just keep growing, Sampayan said. "There's a well-known winery that will remain nameless for now, that is looking to locate a tasting room on Mare Island because, they said, Mare Island is the place to go," he said. "This is thanks largely to the Nimitz Group." Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Looking for a big difference between incoming California Gov. Gavin Newsom and current incumbent Jerry Brown, who will be termed out with the advent of the new year after 24 years in statewide offices? Look no farther than preschool. The need for better, more universal preschool was a constant theme for the two years Newsom spent campaigning for the office he has long coveted. This is when brains develop the most, he said in an interview early in his drive for office. If we want to develop people optimally, we need to start paying attention to children long before they reach kindergarten. Newsom sounded a lot like the father of young children as he spoke, and he is his four kids with actress and second wife Jennifer Siebel are aged 2 to 9. His feelings on brain development may also be influenced by his own dyslexia, which he discusses openly and has made a pet cause. So devoted is he to the cause of universal preschool that the governor-elect made it the theme of his first TV commercial this fall, the vehicle he knew would form his introduction to many voters who had not paid much attention to state politics until Election Day grew near. Its not just preschool that Newsom says hell stress. His vision begins before birth and reaches through high school and college. Some have called his approach cradle to career, a phrase he relishes. Its hard to argue with the notion of making prenatal care and preschool high priorities, especially after this falls compilation of dozens of studies, an analysis done by researchers at Stanford University and the Palo Alto-based Policy Analysis for California Education (PACE). Californias lag in academic achievement arises before children enter the schoolhouse door, wrote the research group. It referred in large part to the fact this state trails others in closing the achievement gap between white and Asian children and those who are black or Latino the two fastest growing ethnic groups. Newsom appeared to intuit this long before that report emerged. Newsom told the Oakland-based EdSource lobbying group California and the nation need a new way of thinking about education as a lifetime pursuit. Our role begins when babies are still in the womb and doesnt end until weve done all we can to prepare them for a quality job and successful career. So far, Newsom has not proposed any specific programs to make his vision real, but its clear government spending on education can change outcomes. The Stanford-PACE report found that spending $1,000 more per student at the high school level produced significant increases in high school graduation rates and academic achievement, particularly among poor and minority students. As a candidate, Newsom proposed a data system tracking Californians from early childhood through college, aiming to get school districts and college systems to work together. Newsom also embraces community schools involving health care and social services in addition to the usual academics. To meet his aims, Newsom might seek a major reorganization of Californias educational establishment, with school districts and even preschools somehow combining into one system along with university and community college systems. Its possible this could result in an education czar, but Newsom has not proposed that and likely would have a tough time getting that notion through the Legislature. Newsom will surely have to become more specific as his transition staff works on the next budget, due in preliminary form just over two months from now. But his first commercial laid out a central mission he sees as the key to this states future. To renew the California dream, we need to renew our promise to our children, the promise that every single baby will have prenatal care, every toddler can attend preschool, every student has access to high quality after school programs, every graduate has meaningful job training and work opportunities, he intoned. That will not only take reorganization of the education establishment, but also a lot of money. Look to that first budget for clues about how the Newsom ideas might look in the real world. Thomas D. Elias writes the syndicated California Focus column. He is author of the book, The Burzynski Breakthrough: The Most Promising Cancer Treatment and the Governments Campaign to Squelch It. The BJP youth wing in Meghalaya has demanded a judicial inquiry or probe by the CBI to reveal nexus among coal mafias, police and politicians. The demand came after the brutal attack on social activist, Agnes Kharshiing and her friend, A. Sangma by alleged coal mafia at Sohshrieh village in East Jaintia Hills district leaving both of them in critically injured. Agnes is still in critical condition and kept under ventilator, while Sangma is stable and off ventilator. Both suffered severe head injuries. Police have picked up two suspects, Elphon Dkhar and Meklison Siangshai from Kongong village in the attack and they were being interrogated in police custody for five days. The BJP Yuva Morcha also demanded free medical treatment to both the victims. In a statement, BJP Yuva Morcha president, Egenstar Kurkalang while condemning the attack on Agnes, who is also the president of Civil Society Womens Organisation (CSWO) and Sangma, said that violence cannot be accepted in society, and alleged that the incident happened due to lack of security in the area. The people should not take the law into their own hands but cooperate with the law enforcers and government so that the problem could be resolved not through violence, it said. Expressing concern over the incident, the BJP youth wing said that the incident took place because of the issue related to coal mining and transportation. Asking elected representatives including ministers to find solution to the problem, the BJP demanded to speed up the process of putting in place the mining policy for the benefit f the people in the State. The BJPYM demanded immediate arrest of the culprits, besides providing free medical treatment and constitute a Judicial Inquiry or inquiry by the CBI to unravel the nexus between coal mafia and police or politicians. El Salvador plans to build the world's first Bitcoin city Canadian portal publishes list of countries with strongest Air Force on Earth Japan announces self-destruction of COVID-19 delta strain Israel to sign solar energy agreement with Jordan in UAE Japan concerned over joint air patrols of Russia and China near country's borders In Mexico, 600 migrants were found in two trucks Europe protests against coronavirus restrictions Commander of Russian airbase in Armenia: Ready to perform tasks as intended US is going to build a nuclear power plant on the moon Biden's son helps Chinese company buy mine in Africa China lowers level of diplomatic relations with Lithuania Russia and US confirm their intentions to send joint mission to Venus Putin and Pashinyan discuss situation in Nagorno-Karabakh and measures to stabilize it Honored Art Worker of Armenia, composer Ruben Altunyan passes away 492 new cases of coronavirus confirmed in Armenia Armenian Foreign Minister and Otto Luchterhandt discuss Nagorno-Karabakh settlement Armenian contract soldier dies amid violation of rules for handling weapons 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 ARARAT brand launches new advertising campaign revealing new facets of production in continuation of the Heart to Heart campaign. Advertising campaign "From the Heart of ARARAT" developed together with TBWA Moscow international agency is an illustratively rich, vitrage story about the unique features of Armenian brandy ARARAT -generous Armenian nature, craftsmanship refined by centuries, inconceivable passion towards beloved work and the art of patience. The creation of authentic brandy is a hand-made process, which is a cascade of creative mastery, each tier of which is deeper revealed by the virtuosic performance of the next. Illustrating the process of brandy creation and reflecting the segmentation of ARARAT brandy range, the new campaign is made in the form of a triptych, each fragment of which tells about a particular episode of creation. Created by nature, crafted by masters In the frames of the new campaign ARARAT brandies transmit one of the most important components of production - the use of exclusively Armenian endemic grapes, the quality of which is monitored by experts of the Yerevan Brandy Company not only at the time of the annual purchase, but also throughout the year. The compositional focus of the illustration is a bottle of ARARAT Five stars, the rich background of which adorns the grapes of the Ararat valley, a fragment of a distillation machine and an oak barrel symbolically prompting the viewer the entire way of the creation of ARARAT brandy. Thus, with its new campaign ARARAT invites to see the entire production spiral - from grapes to a finished bottle, which, being a kind of artistic refraction, represents the fact that the whole production process is carried out at Yerevan Brandy Company the indisputable advantage of ARARAT brandies. The art of unique blends The visual solution for more aged ARARAT brandies is appealed to the most creative stage of brandy creation - the art of blending. The careful selection of brandy spirits and the mastery of their elegant combination are often metaphorically compared to the art of making perfume, painting or writing of music. ARARAT brandies are created by masters, whose experience has refined their knowledge for decades and immersed them into all the nuances of the profession. With a target audience of inspiring and inspired women who are capable of not only appreciating art, but also seeing the harmony of filigree combinations behind it, the advertising campaign of the premium segment visualizes ARARAT Ani brandy created with dozens of brandy spirits of different ages, the combination of which creates legendary Armenian brandies ARARAT. Created by time becomes history ARARAT super premium range, which consists of ARARAT Vaspurakan and ARARAT Nairi brandies, metaphorically represents time as an irreplaceable participant in the creative process. Aging is the longest stage in brandy creation requiring not only knowledge, skills, but also obedient patience. It is throughout time that brandy spirit, while aging in oak barrels, reveals the richness of the vine and creates a great variety of organoleptic palette. Placed in the heart of an old oak, the image of ARARAT Nairi brandy illustratively rhymes with the 20-year-old age of Nairi brandy and the abundance of oak rings, which symbolizes the centuries old tree. The print series of the new advertising campaign was made by photographer Barry Makariou. Known for his work with such luxury brands as Rolex and Tom Ford, Barry Makariou is one of the best still life photographers working with famous Hasselblad camera. "It was important for us not only to tell a visual story, but also to convey the full premiumness of the product. The shooting took place with a lot of requisite and without a single computer-generated imagery, which in my opinion provided the authenticity and emotional richness to the work. During the shooting process genuine passion for the brand was felt in every detail, which, of course, was worked out to the maximum, said Barry Makariou. The second edition of our advertising campaign ARARAT. Heart to Heart is about creating a deep dive into the heart of ARARAT brandy production to invite our consumers to take part in the birth of ARARAT from the grapes to the glass. We want to share the main steps of the production of our legendary Armenian brandy to reinforce our differentiation: the generosity of the Armenian land, the art of blending rare spirits and the history created by the ageing process. The real challenge was to develop a creative visual revealing the entire process and at the same time to keep the emotional link of the brand with its consumers. ARARAT is about our Masters devoted to the brand for many and many years and always proud to share a glass of our brandy with generosity and open-heart, said Karine Madelrieu, Sales & Marketing Director of Yerevan Brandy Company. When preparing a new advertising campaign for ARARAT, TBWA Moscow was challenged to reflect both the production process of the brandy and the main values of the brand. The unique historical heritage of the brand, its origin and the mastery of people creating brandy, gave us the idea of the similarities between ARARAT and Armenia itself. Generous nature, ancient history, special people all of this is Armenia, and all of this is ARARAT. The main distinctive features of Armenia are inherent in ARARAT brandies, these features make them what they are. Thus, the idea of ARARAT brandies were created by Armenia itself and became its integral part was born, says Alena Pankova, Senior copywriter of TBWA\Moscow. At least 25 Turkish soldiers were wounded and seven more are missing after an accidental explosion of defective ammunition at a base in southeastern Turkey's Hakkari, the Defense Ministry said Friday, Daily Sabah reported. The incident took place in the Semdinli district near the border with Iran. A statement by the Defense Ministry said that, based on initial information, the explosion occurred during artillery shooting at Sungu Tepe Base. The 25 injured soldiers were quickly evacuated to the hospital and treatment began immediately. Efforts continue to locate the seven missing soldiers, the ministry said. An investigation into the incident has been opened, the statement added. Meanwhile, a Turkish court imposed a broadcast ban on the incident to prevent misinformation. Posted by Mark Williams | November 9, 2018 We had the chance to speak with high-performance expert John Hennessey, CEO of Hennessey Performance, at the 2018 Specialty Equipment Market Association Show in Las Vegas where he gave us an up-close tour of his latest project: the 758-horsepower, 5.0-liter supercharged VelociRaptor V-8 that's based on a 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor SuperCab. The truck has a commanding stance with 37-inch BFGoodrich Mud Terrains on 20-by-10-inch alloy wheels, but the beauty here is that Hennessey removed the Raptor's high-output 450-hp, 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost in favor of the Coyote V-8. Of course, he had to bolt on a massive 2.9-liter supercharger system, which we're told will allow the VelociRaptor to run to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds and do a quarter-mile in 12.2 seconds @ 115 mph. "Our customers have been begging for the V-8 option for their new Raptor since the truck first came out in early 2017. We heard their calls and are so pleased to meet this need in the marketplace. The sound of the VelociRaptor alone is worth it," he said. "The most complicated part of the setup is to get the engine and transmission computers to talk to each other to get the most power to the ground." The custom truck that was on display at the 2018 SEMA Show had a 6-inch suspension lift, custom front and rear bumpers, LED lights, special exterior badging and logos, and serial number plaques inside the truck and engine compartment. Pricing for the VelociRaptor V-8, as you might expect, is pricey and starts at $147,950 (includes price of 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor). It has a limited run of 100 units for the 2019 model year. It comes with a three-year/36,000-mile warranty for both the base Ford truck and Hennessey modifications. For more information, visit Hennessey Performance or call 979-885-1300. Here's a partial list of the upgrades found on the Hennessey VelociRaptor V-8: Ford wiring harnesses and engine control unit 2.9-liter supercharger (with boost of 7 pounds per square inch) Air-to-water intercooler High-flow air induction Fuel injector upgrade Fuel system upgrade Stainless-steel cat-back exhaust Stage 2 off-road suspension with 6-inch lift LED front lighting Of note: We've been invited to Hennessey headquarters outside Houston to get behind the wheel of both current and older customized vehicles. We'll have more to report after our tour of duty. Cars.com photos by Evan Sears Australia have secured a thrilling seven-run victory over South Africa in the second ODI to send the series to a deciding match. Defending just 231 after being sent in to bat, the hosts had the Proteas struggling at 4-68 after 15 overs at Adelaide Oval on Friday night. Pat Cummins dismissal of South African captain Faf du Plessis in the 30th over by which point the tourists had steadied to 4-142 turned the match. Australian captain Aaron Finch rotated his bowlers and found success through Marcus Stoinis (3-35) and Josh Hazlewood (2-42), while Adam Zampa also provided relief without managing a wicket for himself. South Africa required 20 off the final over but Glenn Maxwell, in his first and only over of the match, secured the result for Australia ending a seven-game losing streak in the format. We can build on this. Obviously that was really tough work and thats exactly what its felt like for the last couple of weeks, last couple of months, Stoinis said. Im really glad we can chill out now for at least one day. Dave Miller (51) top-scored for the Proteas before falling lbw to Stoinis following a smart review by Finch. The final match of the series will take place on Sunday at Hobarts Bellerive Oval. Marcus Stoinis proved key for Australia with three wickets. Pic: Getty Earlier in the day the Australians were all out in 48.3 overs the seventh time in their past eight one-day internationals they have failed to bat their allotted overs. Carey made 47 from 72 balls, Chris Lynn struck 44 from 44 deliveries and Finch 41 from 63 balls. But, along with Shaun Marsh (22 from 26 balls), the top-order batsmen failed to fully cash in. Proteas paceman Dwaine Pretorius took 3-32 from 10 overs while Kagiso Rabada (3-53) and Dale Steyn (2-31) also claimed multiple wickets. South Africa put the brakes on just as Australia appeared set to accelerate. Lynns knock featured three fours and two sixes but he fell when hitting top gear. The Queenslander had smacked 18 runs from four consecutive Rabada balls a six followed by three fours but was out next ball. Story continues His dismissal continued a trend as Australias batsmen formed a series of handy stands without converting any into imposing totals. After opener Travis Head (8) went early, Finch and Marsh, returning after missing Australias six-wicket loss in the series-opener in Perth because of abscess on his buttocks, featured in a bright 44-run partnership from 51 balls. But Marsh then edged a widish Rabada delivery to gloveman Quinton de Kock. Finch put on 30 runs with Lynn before the skipper departed, chopping a short ball from Pretorius onto his stumps. Lynn and Carey then added 37 runs before momentum again stalled with Lynns dismissal. South Africa soon captured the wickets of Maxwell (15), Stoinis (2), Pat Cummins (3) and Mitchell Starc (6) and Carey. Zampa added a late flourish, making 22 from 24 balls and putting on 27 runs for the last wicket with Hazlewood (10 no). with AAP Oil prices have fallen so far in the past month that OPEC is clearly growing concerned about a downturn. Saudi Arabia and Russia will explore the possibility of a production cut for 2019, a move intended to head off a renewed supply glut. Surging U.S. shale production, plus higher output from Russia, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Iraq and Libya, has more than offset the declines from Iran, at least so far. Inventories have climbed sharply in the U.S., and shale production in recent months has exceeded expectations. Nevertheless, a production cut would be a dramatic turnaround for the oil cartel, which until recently had to repeatedly reassure the oil market that supplies were adequate and that they were prepared to meet any hypothetical shortfall with fresh supply. The course correction is jarring. The message from OPEC looks like: fasten the seat belts, Bob McNally, president of Rapidan Energy Advisors LLC, told Bloomberg. OPEC will essentially put pedal to the metal to boost production, and then immediately slam the brakes pretty hard and talk about cutting supply. Saudi Arabia has been worried about this scenario for several months at least. When oil prices were rising over the summer, and again in September, Saudi officials pointed to upcoming seasonal demand weakness in the winter. There are more demand threats next year compared to supply threats, an unnamed Saudi source told Reuters in September. Still, the markets were concerned about shortages, Brent jumped to the mid-$80s per barrel, and there was widespread speculation about the extent of Saudi spare capacity. A month and a half on, Riyadh and Moscow are mulling over a production cut. A lot has changed in such a short period of time. Libya restored a huge amount of disrupted supply. Saudi Arabia ramped up production to 10.7 million barrels per day, up 700,000 bpd since the OPEC meeting in June. Perhaps most importantly, the U.S. has been producing a lot more oil than previously thought. In August, production jumped by more than 400,000 bpd from June levels, an unbelievably large increase. Related: U.S. Oil Production Is Set To Soar Past 12 Million Bpd On Wednesday, the EIA reported yet another large crude oil inventory increase, with stocks jumping by 5.8 million barrels in the first week of November, up to 431.8 million barrels. Shockingly, the EIA said the U.S. produced an astounding 11.6 mb/d for the week ending on November 2. The weekly figures tend to be a bit less reliable, and are subject to revision later on. But the figure is still a sign that shale production is growing very rapidly. The US Energy Information Administration now predicts that it will increase to 12 million barrels per day in the second quarter of 2019. Originally this was not expected to happen until late 2019, Commerzbank said in a note. This will force OPEC to reverse its latest increase in oil production by roughly 1 million barrels per day again if it does not want to risk a massive oversupply and a further slide in oil prices. To top it off, the Trump administrations decision to grant waivers to eight countries importing Iranian oil takes a lot of the edge off the market. This alone helps explain a lot of the motivation behind Saudi Arabias renewed interest in production cuts for next year. If around 1 mb/d of oil exports from Iran is no longer going offline, that almost completely removes the need for more Saudi supply. With Iran still online, the rest of OPEC may now need to reduce production. Which is exactly what the Iranians are saying. Saudi Arabia and Russia have increased production, and prices have come down $15 a barrel, Hossein Kazempour Ardebili, Irans representative to OPEC, said in a Bloomberg interview. They have over-balanced the market, and now need to eliminate 1 mb/d of production. Related: Is Shale The Future For Big Oil? To top it off, the global economy is facing some major questions marks, especially as we head into 2019. Any slowdown will hit crude oil demand. They will absolutely want to at some point next year try to arrange a reduction in production, said Ed Morse, head of commodities at Citigroup Inc., according to Bloomberg. Everything points to a fairly weak balance: the world economy is decelerating, the China trade tensions are having a visible impact on demand. It would be difficult to achieve consensus from the more than dozen OPEC member countries, but then again, Saudi Arabia and Russia have demonstrated that they can do what they want on their own, even if the rest of OPEC opposes them. The bottom line is that even the mere rumor of a production cut offers some evidence that the oil market is a lot looser than it was a few weeks ago. The head of the IEA warned that the oil market is not out of the woods yet, pointing to the free-fall in Venezuelan production. However, sentiment has clearly shifted. The market has yet to prove that it can hold onto a rally, so the short-term mood is still very negative, Phil Flynn, analyst at Price Futures Group, told Reuters. By Nick Cunningham of Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The imposition of sanctions against Iran and those who do business with Iran has had a very limited impact on oil prices, due in large part to strong output from the U.S. and Russia. Sources close to the Saudi royal court say Mohammed bin Salman is also ramping up capacity, although geopolitical tensions over the death of Khashoggi may end up impacting Saudi Arabias cooperation with the U.S. on that front. So far, the tensions between the US and Saudi Arabia over the incident haven't had any ramifications in the In this context, just months after some fund managers and analysts warned Brent could hit $100 or higher by the end of the year, it now seems a decline back to $70 a barrel is far more likely. Conflicting signals demonstrate a new level of uncertainty in global oil. After dozens of media reports claimed that Iranian oil exports had been falling sharply and steadily, data now suggests the fall has been less steepa fact immediately weighing on oil prices. OPEC and Russia are set to discuss oil production cuts again, less than a month after both Alexander Novak and Khalid al-Falih assured markets they will ramp up production to offset any supply losses after U.S. sanctions against Iran came into effect. Sources Sources close the royal court in Saudi Arabia High-level Egyptian energy industry sources Former Egyptian intelligence source Diplomatic sources in UAE SANCTIONS & SAUDI OPEC and Russia are set to discuss oil production cuts again, less than a month after both Alexander Novak and Khalid al-Falih assured markets they will ramp up production to offset any supply losses after U.S. sanctions against Iran came into effect. Conflicting signals demonstrate a new level of uncertainty in global oil. After dozens of media reports claimed that Iranian oil exports had been falling sharply and steadily, data now suggests the fall has been less steepa fact immediately weighing on oil prices. In this context, just months after some fund managers and analysts warned Brent could hit $100 or higher by the end of the year, it now seems a decline back to $70 a barrel is far more likely. The imposition of sanctions against Iran and those who do business with Iran has had a very limited impact on oil prices, due in large part to strong output from the U.S. and Russia. Sources close to the Saudi royal court say Mohammed bin Salman is also ramping up capacity, although geopolitical tensions over the death of Khashoggi may end up impacting Saudi Arabias cooperation with the U.S. on that front. So far, the tensions between the US and Saudi Arabia over the incident haven't had any ramifications in the oil market, but it's on the minds of many market participants as the OPEC+ group meets this week in Abu Dhabi. EGYPT OIL DEBTS Oil exploration in Egypt has been hampered for a decade by the country's sluggishness in repaying debts to foreign firms (with total debt rising as high as $6bn). The situation was especially stark in the post-revolutionary period from 2011 to 2013, but a major push in the last two years has seen the oil ministry pay more than $2 billion of those debts. Now, it still owes about $1.2 billion but has an aggressive plan to pay it off next year. The plan was driven in large part by oil executives with the ear of Gen. Al Sisi, including Hisham Mekkawi, who heads BP Egypt, and Khaled Abu Bakr, chairman of Taqa Arabia, according to two sources in the oil industry in Egypt. The hope on a macroeconomic level is that Egypt can cut back its expensive imports of petroleum products to generate power by encouraging more natural gas exploration -- and eventually for Egypt to become a net exporter rather than a net importer. In addition to paying off oil debs, the Egyptian government is also hoping to encourage more exploration in the Red Sea, with a planned tender by the end of the year. A Western oil executive said they are much more amenable to pursuing opportunities like this in Egypt now thanks to their commitment to pay off debts to oil majors. EAST MEDITERRANEAN GAS That leads us on to one of the most fascinating and intrigue-ridden stories of Middle East oil and gas, the East Mediterranean Gas Co. Under Mubarak, Egyptian tycoon and spy Hussein Salem built a gas pipeline from Egypt to Israel. To make the project more tenable, he brought in big international investors including Sam Zell and a Thai conglomerate. But after Mubarak fell, it quickly became a blot on the country and a symbol of Mubarak's weakening stance towards Israel (and corruption because of Salem's involvement). That led to some pretty scary arbitration proceedings that are still ongoing, including a verdict in the International Chamber of Commerce in Geneva in 2015 for Egypt to pay about $2 billion to Israel's electricity company for failing to uphold its contractual obligation to send over gas. Thanks to some complicated behind-the-scenes negotiations and espionage intrigue, those problems were erased -- or at least delayed. Now, Israel is supplying gas to Egypt (thanks to some major discoveries, including off the Gaza Strip, they no longer needed the imports). The government has gone to great lengths to make the deal seem like a private-sector arrangement. In fact, it's entirely overseen by Egyptian and Israeli intelligence parties. One key person behind the arrangement is Abdel Hamid Ahmed Hamdy, managing director of East Mediterranean Gas and a long-time Salem acolyte. What's not well known is Hamdy is married to a daughter of the late Egyptian spy chief Omar Suleiman and is heavily connected to the Egyptian General Intelligence Services. CRESCENT PETROLEUM The Abraaj Capital debacle (the private equity firm that was misusing client money and is now disintegrating) has seen some further developments relating to the Jafar family of Sharjah. The family loaned Abraaj $300 million via Crescent Group at the eleventh hour last year, based on a personal relationship between the family and Abraaj's Hussein Naqvi. But the relationship soured amid the revelations about Abraaj's questionable dealings, and the Jafars went so far as to file a criminal case in Sharjah against Naqvi (this is serious because it would mean his arrest if he were to set foot in the country). Sources say the two sides have quietly reached an agreement and the Jafars are planning to withdraw civil and criminal charges; the exact details are unclear, but Crescent will take a considerable haircut on the loan, UAE sources say. THE DEPTH OF THE INDIAN SANCTIONS WAIVER As we noted last week, New Delhi has a lot at stake in a major transport corridor that its invested $500 million in already. The International North-South Transit Corridor features the Chabahar port as the key link, and as we noted, it is a bulwark against China in the region. With that in mind, Washington has not only granted India a waiver on Iranian oil imports, but has also granted it an exception to U.S. sanctions that would have hindered Indias development of the port in Iran along with a railway line from the port to Afghanistan. TURKEYS SANCTIONS WAIVER At the same time, while Turkey was included in the list of countries given a temporary waiver from complying with Iran sanctions, Erdogan remains belligerent, publicly attacking the sanctions, which he calls a purposeful attempt to unbalance world markets. Erdogan is likely to continue to ramp up pressure on Washington despite the waiver as he sees a political opportunity. Not only does it buy him political capital at home, but it also lays the groundwork for what happens when the waiver expires or is reviewed in six months or so. Erdogan is still looking for concessions on the U.S. trial over a figure from state-run Halkbank, accused of sanctions busting on Iran. In relation to the Halkbank trial, Turkey moved earlier this week to issue an arrest warrant for Reza Zarrab, a Turkish banker and gold trader (with dual Iranian citizenship) who is a witness for the prosecution in the trial against Halkbanks former deputy general manager, Mehmet Hakan Atilla. The Americans detailed Zarrab in 2016 and he pleaded guilty in 2017 of sanctions busting for Iran and is now testifying for the prosecution against Halkbank. NEW SANCTIONS FOR RUSSIA This week, Washington also slapped sanctions on Russians and Russian-backed entities over Moscows annexation of Crimea. The sanctions come ahead of the Paris meeting, and follow a push by Moscow to force Western oil buyers to start using euros instead of dollars. The push has extended to the introduction of penalty clauses in contracts. In question are the terms of 2019 oil sales contracts between Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegaz on one hand, and Western majors on the other. Right now is annual renegotiation time, and Moscow needs protection against sanctions. Another dispute is ongoing between Western majors and Rosneft, which would see buyers pay penalties for supplies beginning in 2019 in sanctions halt sales. (Next week, we will delve deeper into the Russian negotiations with Western oil majors and what this means for cargo payments with sources in Moscow). China and India were the largest markets for Iranian crude before the onset of sanctions and will remain such for the upcoming six months. More than 29 percent of all Iranian crude exports this year went to China and after November 4, Beijings share will increase to around 33 percent. India will remain the second-largest importer, taking up around one-fifth of the total, followed by South Korea which has had difficulties replacing South Pars condensate with other grades, forcing it to revert to Iranian volumes despite a weak naphtha market The U.S. Administrations decision to grant waivers on its Iran sanctions has placated fears that legal Iranian volumes will completely disappear from global markets. For many weeks and months, it seemed that the Trump Administration would relentlessly push the sanctions through; however, in the end it prioritized midterm elections and a more gradual implementation of sanctions, (temporarily) marginalizing National Security Advisor John Bolton. In October, Iran exported or placed into floating storage 1.7-1.8 mbpd of crude, a number that left it roughly flat month-on-month and everyone expected the November export debacle. However, under the U.S. sanctions, the eight constituencies that were granted Significant Reduction Exemption (SRE) have the possibility to import up to 1.5 mbpd, making the sanctions whammy largely rhetoric. Yet the devil, as usual, is hidden in the details. The U.S. Administrations decision to grant waivers on its Iran sanctions has placated fears that legal Iranian volumes will completely disappear from global markets. For many weeks and months, it seemed that the Trump Administration would relentlessly push the sanctions through; however, in the end it prioritized midterm elections and a more gradual implementation of sanctions, (temporarily) marginalizing National Security Advisor John Bolton. In October, Iran exported or placed into floating storage 1.7-1.8 mbpd of crude, a number that left it roughly flat month-on-month and everyone expected the November export debacle. However, under the U.S. sanctions, the eight constituencies that were granted Significant Reduction Exemption (SRE) have the possibility to import up to 1.5 mbpd, making the sanctions whammy largely rhetoric. Yet the devil, as usual, is hidden in the details. (Click to enlarge) China and India were the largest markets for Iranian crude before the onset of sanctions and will remain such for the upcoming six months. More than 29 percent of all Iranian crude exports this year went to China and after November 4, Beijings share will increase to around 33 percent. India will remain the second-largest importer, taking up around one-fifth of the total, followed by South Korea which has had difficulties replacing South Pars condensate with other grades, forcing it to revert to Iranian volumes despite a weak naphtha market currently. It would be myopic to see the eight SREs as anything but diplomatic maneuvering a commitment not to antagonize China and India too much, at the same time taking a poke at European nations that intended to run a joint campaign against Trumps unilateralism. In fact, it is by no means a coincidence that the only EU countries to receive waivers are Eurosceptic outliers. The chosen group of eight accounted for 80 percent of Iranian exports last year and 83 percent this January-October. Thus, the stated ambition to bring Iran down to zero seems to be off the agenda for now, or at least temporarily delayed until April 2019. The next round of U.S. sanctions does create a new modus vivendi, a more constrained and painful for Iran, yet allow for some breathing space. But lets take a closer look. 1. China: allowed to import 0.5 million barrels per day. China is expected to import around 0.5 mbpd in the upcoming months covered under the waivers duration, a slight drop from its August-October imports that averaged 0.63 mbpd. Chinas importance to Iran is also underpinned by the fact that NIOC has decided to use bonded storage in Northeastern Chinese ports such as Zhoushan and Dalian, simultaneously with filling up part of its VLCC fleet around Kharg Island to repeat the floating storage story of the previous U.S. sanctions levy. Apart from Trumps drive to keep fuel prices down, the possibility of Chinese retaliation was the most important factor in the waivers taking place in the first place. Oftentimes you would encounter 0.35mbpd as the allocated monthly volume, however, this does not take into account equity barrels from Iran (which, by the way, China might boost in case it decides to invest even more in Iran). (Click to enlarge) 2. India: 0.3 million barrels per day. India is the second largest buyer of Iranian crude and due to a plethora of reasons rupee depreciation and possibility of using rupees instead of U.S. Dollars, geographical proximity etc. made its intention to stick to some portion of Iranian imports well known before the waivers announcement took place. For instance, Indian refiners nominated 9 million Iranian barrels (roughly 0.3 mbpd) for November 2018 in times when the public was still unaware that the waivers would be issued. Now we know that the Indian waiver stipulates exactly such an amount 0.3 mbpd half of the 2017-2018 average of 0.65mbpd. As opposed to Northeast Asian refiners, India takes only a small volume of condensate and rather imports Iranian Heavy and Soroosh. (Click to enlarge) 3. Japan and South Korea: 0.25-0.3 million barrels per day. Both Japanese and South Korean authorities have confirmed that they will start buying Iranian crude again as soon as possible. The two nations spearheaded the sanctions compliance drive in Asia Pacific, demonstrating commitment to comply as they still fall under Washingtons security umbrella, with South Korea weeding out Iranian imports in July, whilst Japan bought its last cargo in September. Both are expected to buy primarily South Pars Condensate (150-200kbpd for South Korea and around 100kbpd for Japan), baseload feedstock for numerous splitters there. In the pair of two, it is missing South Korean volumes that would sting Iran more as its 2017 import average was almost half of the currently allocated one 350 kbpd. Iran, however, has taken steps not to let its Pars condensate go to waste, most notably by ramping up production at its Persian Gulf Star Condensate Refinery in Bandar Abbas. (Click to enlarge) 4. Taiwan: 0.05 million barrels per day. The inclusion of Taiwan into the list of eight is the biggest mystery of the US Administrations decision, as Iran is a largely irrelevant supplier to this jurisdiction, to use Secretary of State Pompeos wording. In the past two years, Iranian exports to Taiwan have never climbed above 100kbpd on a monthly basis, in fact Iran accounts only for 2-3 percent of its total needs. The United States, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are Taiwans largest suppliers, jointly making up two-thirds of its imports (23-23-19 percent). Thus, the Taiwan waiver is a largely symbolic measure, a token of appreciation if you wish towards Taiwans siding with the US given that the US has sanctioned Irans financial system, too, the jurisdiction lacks the ties and channels to conduct any sort of substantial trade with Iran. (Click to enlarge) 5. EU countries and Turkey: 0.25 million barrels per day. The Trump Administration has granted waivers to Greece and Italy, whose refineries have been traditionally using Iranian grades. Yet European countries are the weakest link of the exemptions it is widely expected that Greek and Italian interest in resuscitating Iranian imports will be minimal and that it is them that will bring their imports to zero within weeks, as State Secretary Pompeo stipulated. The choice of the two is a highly politicized one, too the U.S. Administration has highlighted that it would not grant waivers to the European Union as a whole, rather chose two countries which demonstrated anemic support for intra-EU measures against the U.S. sanctions. In fact, Spain has imported twice as much Iranian crude as Greece this year (heretofore 46 million barrels in total), yet did not get a waiver despite its refineries being geared to Iranian. (Click to enlarge) In a similar fashion, France, whose Total was one of the largest investors in Irans upstream sector with its South Pars 11 project, imported as much crude as Greece (16 million barrels), yet saw its waiver claim rejected already in June this year. Turkey found itself in a much more comfortable negotiating position that its European counterparts because all the geopolitical noise notwithstanding, the U.S. needs an ally in Ankara. As a consequence, no one was really surprised to see a mutually acceptable waiver volume of 0.1-0.15 mbpd of Iranian imports for Turkish refiner TUPRAS and others. Turkey already lowered its intake of Iranian this year from 0.22 mbpd in 2017 to 0.15 this January-October, so sticking to the foreordained path is the path to follow. All in all, one can see that the U.S. waivers were a finely deliberated diplomatic move and that the oft-promised punishment vis-a-vis Iran is still yet to come. The Trump Administration has dealt a heavy blow on Tehran at the end of the day, it has managed to clear 1 million barrels per day worth of Iranian exports within six months yet that blow is far from being fatal, at least as long as oil prices remain above the 57 USD per barrel Iran needs to balance out its budget. November 2018 will be the worst Iranian month of the year, reflecting Asian sanction fears with exports skirting the 1mbpd figure, yet afterwards the waivers will allow Iran to rebound back to a more comfortable level of 1.3-1.4 mbpd. Saudi Arabia is studying the theoretical dissolution of OPEC, the Wall Street Journal reports, citing sources from government think-tank King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center, which is in charge of the study. The cartel has gone through a turbulent couple of years after the 2014 price collapse, when its pump-to-the-max strategy failed to bring down U.S. shale producers and only caused a glut that hurt OPEC members themselves. Now, its largest member and natural pack leader is struggling with a backlash from investors following the murder of dissident Jamal Khashoggi and falling demand for crude. The WSJ quotes source as saying what prompted the study was the realization that demand for oil will one day peak and Saudi Arabia needs to prepare for that day. But thats long-term strategizing that one may argue is well overdue. On the other hand, there are short-term problems within OPEC, the sources said. Some members of the cartel are unhappy about the closer relations between Riyadh and Moscow and have complained about being sidelined by the new duo. One Saudi official told the WSJ Riyadh was itself wondering if Saudi Arabia wont be better off with only Russia as a partner: together the two produce more than 20 million bpd of crude. Put bluntly, it might well be easier to swing markets with only one partner instead of a dozen, among them your archenemy Iran. The WSJ talked to Adam Sieminski, the head of the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center, who commissioned the study and he said the research built on earlier studies that focused on OPECs spare capacity and its role in oil market stabilization. The study looks into two scenarios: one, in which Saudi Arabia strikes out on its own as a market swinger and one, in which all OPEC members compete among themselves and non-OPEC producers, including the Kingdom. Conclusions are yet to be made. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Nigerias economy is expected to grow by 1.9 percent this year, accelerating the growth pace from 0.8 percent last year, thanks to fewer disruptions to its oil production and exports, Amine Mati, Mission Chief and Senior Resident Representative for Nigeria of the IMF, said on Thursday. Some recovery in Nigerias non-oil economy is also expected to contribute to growth, Mati said presenting a report in Abuja about the regional economic outlook on Sub-Saharan Africa. Nigerias economy was badly hurt by the slump in oil prices and the oil industry downturn, as its major export commodity was fetching lower revenues for the state due to the low oil prices. The situation was aggravated by a wave of militant violence in 2016 and early 2017 when disruptions to oil production and oil infrastructure were frequent events in the African OPEC member. Oil production started to recover in the latter half of 2017, when attacks on oil infrastructure subsided, and led to Nigeria starting to post economic growth after the recession during the oil price crash. This year, after some hiccups and pipeline outages during the spring and early summer, Nigerias crude oil production has been steadily rising. In May, Nigerias production and exports were disrupted by outages of oil flows on pipelines feeding oil export terminals, as well as delays in cargo loadings. In June, there were disruptions to Bonny Light, Forcados, and Qua Iboe flowsall of which are key Nigerian crude grades. Crude oil production jumped by 74,000 bpd from its July level to average 1.722 million bpd in August, according to OPECs secondary sources. In September, Nigeria further boosted its crude oil production, by 26,000 bpd to 1.748 million bpd. According to loading programs seen by Reuters, Nigerias oil exports are expected to hit their highest level in six months in November, at 1.876 million bpd this month, up from 1.652 million bpd in October, thanks to higher supply from the four key Nigerian grades, Forcados, Bonga, Bonny Light, and Qua Iboe. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Russian VTB, a state-owned bank, funded a significant portion of the Qatar Investment Authoritys acquisition of a stake in oil giant Rosneft, Reuters reports, quoting nine unnamed sources familiar with the deal. VTB, however, has denied to Reuters taking any part in the deal. VTB has not issued and is not planning to issue a loan to QIA to finance the acquisition, the bank said in response for a request for comment. The Reuters sources, however, claim VTB provided a US$6 billion loan to the Qatar sovereign wealth fund that teamed up with Swiss Glencore to acquire 19.5 percent in Rosneft last year. Reuters cites data regarding VTBs activity issued by the Russian central bank that shows VTB lent US$6.7 billion (434 billion rubles) to unnamed foreign entities and the loan followed another loan of US$5.20 billion (350 billion rubles) from the same central bank. The news first made headlines in December, taking markets by surprise, as Rosnefts partial privatization was expected by most to be limited to Russian investors. The price tag on the stake was around US$11.57 billion (692 billion rubles), of which Glencore agreed to contribute US$324 million. The remainder was forked over by the Qatar Investment Authority, as well as non-recourse bank financing. Russias budget received about US$10.55 billion (710.8 billion rubles) from the deal, including US$ 270 million (18 billion rubles) in extra dividends. Rosneft, for its part, got an indirect stake in Glencore of 0.54 percent. Later, it emerged that QIA and Glencore planned to sell the majority of the stake they had acquired in Rosneft to Chinas energy conglomerate CEFC, but the deal fell through after Beijing set its sights on CEFC and launched an investigation that saw the removal of its chief executive. The investigation was reportedly part of a wide crackdown on illicit business practices on the part of private Chinese companies favored by Beijing. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Ukraine is considering alternative ways to use its transit network should it fail to strike a new gas transit deal with Russias gas giant Gazprom when the current one expires at the end of 2019, Ukraines deputy minister for foreign affairs, Olena Zerkal, said on Thursday. Well have to think about making the network more commercially viable -- such as through reverse flow. We need a Plan B, a Plan C and a resilience plan, S&P Global Platts quoted Zerkal as saying at a gas conference in Berlin. Ukraine aims to keep its gas transit network like it is, but if Russia significantly reduces gas transit or stops it because of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline to Germany, Ukraine will need alternatives, Zerkal said. Ukraine is hoping to reach a new gas transit deal with Gazprom from 2020 onwards, but Gazprom has shown no appetite for talking about post-2019 gas transit brokered by the European Commission, the Ukrainian diplomat noted. Ukraine, which earned around US$3 billion in fees for the Russian gas transit last year, holds fast to claims that the Gazprom-led Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project poses a threat to European unity and to Ukraine. The highly controversial Nord Stream 2 pipeline project will follow the existing Nord Stream natural gas pipeline between Russia and Germany via the Baltic Sea. EU institutions and some EU members such as Poland and Lithuania are against it, but one of the leaders of the EU and the end-point of the planned projectGermany supports Nord Stream 2 and sees the project as a private commercial venture that will help it to meet rising natural gas demand. Related: Stranded LNG Tankers Point To A Major Problem In Gas Markets If Nord Stream 2 becomes operational, it would be a threat to Ukraine, according to Zerkal. Based on the experience we have with Russia and our relations with Gazprom, for Russia gas is not a commodity. It is a political tool they use to threaten partner countries, S&P Global Platts quoted Zerkal as saying. Ukraine is proposing a 70-percent reduction of its tariff to Gazprom, she added. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: A plan to start repatriating Rohingya Muslims back to Myanmar is premature and the refugees are "terrified" about leaving Bangladesh where they sought refuge, dozens of aid agencies working in the region said Friday. More than 720,000 Rohingya Muslims fled Myanmar's northern Rakhine state after a heavyhanded army crackdown in August last year that survivors say involved mass rape and extrajudicial killings. UN officials say the country's military leaders should be investigated for genocide but Myanmar has rebuffed the calls, arguing it was only defending itself against Rohingya militants who attacked police posts. Both Bangladesh and Myanmar signed a repatriation agreement in November last year to allow Rohingya to return but many fear going back without guarantees of citizenship, freedom of movement and safety. However the governments confirmed in recent weeks that they were pushing ahead with the first large-scale repatriation set for mid-November, prompting an outcry from activists who say conditions on the ground in Rakhine are not adequate to take the refugees back. "They are terrified about what will happen to them if they are returned to Myanmar now, and distressed by the lack of information they have received," the group of 42 aid agencies and civil society groups said in a statement that referred to the push as "dangerous." "They fled to Bangladesh to seek safety and they are very grateful to the Government of Bangladesh for giving them a safe haven." Oxfam, World Vision and Save the Children were among the groups working in Myanmar and Bangladesh that signed the statement. They said refugees fear living in enclosed settlements like the one in central Rakhine state, where more than 120,000 Rohingya have been confined to camps for six years since intercommunal violence erupted in the region in 2012. Myint Khaing, the Maungdaw township administrator in northern Rakhine, told AFP that November 15 is the estimated repatriation start date and that the plan is to receive more than 2,200 people in total at a rate of 150 per day. But he seemed unsure if it would go ahead. "We can confirm only on the 15th whether the people from our given list are coming or not," he said. Northern Rakhine has been largely sealed off since the crackdown except for tightly organised government trips for media and senior visiting diplomats. The UN has been granted access to the area to assess conditions on the ground but the approvals have been slow and the amount of territory accessible has been limited. Authorities in Bangladesh worry that Rohingya may once again risk travelling to other parts of Southeast Asia by boat, a route previously popular with those seeking economic opportunities outside the grim camps. This week Bangladesh's coast guard rescued 33 Rohingya and detained six alleged human traffickers from a fishing trawler headed for Malaysia in the Bay of Bengal. After all the intensive study to get into university ending with the gruelling make-or-break entrance exam for many students in China, life gets a little easier once they are at college. In fact, most Chinese university students have been able to graduate even if they did not do well thanks to a clearing test offering a third chance to pass a subject after failing twice. But now, the Ministry of Education wants that to change. In a bid to lift academic standards, universities are now required to apply much tougher penalties for plagiarism, data manipulation and students who submit work that is not their own. And the clearing test which has long been an option at most mainland universities has also been banned, according to a notice issued by the ministry last month. They were usually carried out just before the graduation date and were typically much easier than the previous ones, meaning nearly every student was able to pass them. Last week, Shenzhen University began sending grade reports to parents rather than the students, prompting discussion online over whether this was the latest sign that Chinese colleges are becoming more strict about graduation requirements. Fan Xianzuo, an education professor at Central China Normal University in Wuhan, said it was high time universities put more academic pressure on students. At the moment, Chinese students have it too easy theyre too relaxed and this is a big point of difference with their peers at universities in Western countries, he said. Many of them arent focused on their studies at all, they use their time for other things and in the end they dont learn anything while theyre at university. Education Minister Chen Baosheng also wants to see change on campuses in June he told university representatives in a meeting on undergraduate studies that the academic bar was too low. Story continues Chen said universities should require students to study hard and tell them to pursue true knowledge and grasp skills completely, news website Thepaper.cn reported. We should give university students more of a burden, set their academic challenges higher, and inspire them to be more interested in their majors, Chen was quoted as saying. We should change the situation that students can graduate without having to study hard. The ministry has also taken aim at academic staff its notice said they should take their jobs seriously and those whose work was not up to scratch would not get promoted. Some universities have already taken action on the new rules. Tsinghua University in Beijing, for example, has just brought in a system to check students work for plagiarism, according to Thepaper.cn. And South China Normal University has raised the minimum grade point average from 1.5 to 2 to qualify for a bachelors degree. Most Chinese welcome efforts to lift academic standards, according to a survey by the official China Youth Daily last year. It found 81 per cent of 2,000 people polled would support a stricter line on academic studies at university. Some 53 per cent said a bachelors degree that was too easy to obtain was less valuable. But Zhang Ming, a political science professor at Renmin University of China in Beijing, said a stricter approach would not necessarily improve Chinese universities. I guess its impossible if what is taught and how it is taught hasnt improved, he wrote on microblogging site Weibo. This article China wants universities to raise academic standards and put more pressure on students first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2018. ASEAN Leaders during the Opening Ceremony of the 32nd Summit in Singapore. From left to right: Tun Musa Hitam (Malaysia), U Win Myint (Myanmar), Rodrigo Roa Duterte (Philippines), Nguyen Xuan Phuc (Vietnam), Lee Hsien Loong (Singapore), Prayut Chan-o-cha (Thailand), Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (Brunei), Samdech Hun Sen (Cambodia), Joko Widodo (Indonesia), Thongloun Sisoulith (Laos) (Photo credit: ASEAN2018 Organising Committee) MANILA, Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte is set to depart for Singapore to attend the 33rd Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit from November 13 to 15. He will be joining other ASEAN leaders and dialogue partners in the said event. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) revealed some of the agenda that the ASEAN leaders are expected to address such as infrastructure development, economic integration, issues regarding the Korean Peninsula and the South China Sea, as well as transnational and transboundary issues including terrorism, violent extremism and illicit drugs among others. The heads of states will also hold the second summit on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) although leaders are not expected to conclude the negotiations on the matter in the summit. RCEP is a proposed free trade agreement among the ten ASEAN member countries. We were hoping that the RCEP would be concluded by the time of the Summit but it seems that well have to wait a little bit longer. During the Summit, the leaders would express their commitment to conclude the negotiations because this is very important for the region, especially in view of the rising trade developments, tensions, unilateral actions, and we expect the leaders to call for the expeditious conclusion of the RCEP, said DFA Assistant Secretary for ASEAN Affairs Juniver Mahilum-West. Meanwhile, it is highly expected that the leaders will discuss matters regarding the South China Sea or the West Philippine Sea. The Philippines is in charge of the coordinatorship on ASEAN-China Dialogue Partnership this year until 2021. Story continues And we are quite sure that the South China Sea, as Ive mentioned before, would be one of those regional developments that would be taken up in the Summit. As to the detail of the discussions, I cannot say but for sure theres going to be discussion on the South China Sea, the Assistant Secretary said. Leaders are expected to release outcome documents after the summits. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump will not attend the November summit. U.S. Vice President Mike Pence will attend on his behalf. Reports said Trump will travel to Paris to attend the 100th commemoration of Armistice that ended World War I. Nevertheless, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang will be in attendance at the Summit. The DFA said that about four to five leaders have requested an audience with President Duterte on the sidelines of the event. Marje Pelayo (with reports from Rosalie Coz) The post Duterte to attend 33rd ASEAN Summit in Singapore appeared first on UNTV News. It was no less than the Chief Executive, President Rodrigo Duterte, who welcomed the Chinese automobile brand Guangzhou Automobile Corporation (GAC), during its launch Wednesday, November 7. During the launch of GAC Motor, which is under Legado Motors Inc. (LMI), Duterte said that it was an honor to welcome the brand for investing in the country. On behalf of the Filipino people, Id like to thank you for your confidence in investing and expanding your business here in this country, Duterte said in his speech. LMI, the exclusive distributor of GAC Motor in the Philippines, is under the helm of former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis Chavit Singson. For its initial salvo, five GAC models were launched: the GA4 sedan (available in 1.5-liter manual and 1.3-liter gas turbo automatic transmissions), GS4 subcompact SUV, GA8 executive sedan (available in four and five-seater variants), GM8 premium seven-seater minivan, and the flagship model, GS8 full-size SUV (available in 42 and 44 variants), with no less than the president unveiling the flagship model. The brand has a robust goal to sell one million vehicles by 2020 as it currently has established its presence in the Middle East, South America, and Africa. GAC vehicles received five-star ratings in China Automotive Technology and Research Centers China-New Car Assessment Program (C-NCAP) crash tests, making it the sole brand that received a full five-star safety rating car in China. Moreover, GAC Motor ranked number 1 in the J.D. Powers Initial Quality Study for five consecutive years from 2013 to 2017. According to LMI Chief Executive Officer Wilbert Lim, the brand is poised to deliver only the best automobiles and services to every Filipino. We at Legado Motors are committed to provide world-class vehicles at affordable prices, Lim shared. Meanwhile, in his speech, Duterte assured that the trust bestowed by the brand for investing in the country will never be put in vain, noting that the local automotive market is among the fastest growing in the Southeast Asian region, with a growth rate of 22 percent for the last five years. Story continues However, the latest sales tally of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc.- Truck Manufacturers Association (CAMPI-TMA) showed that as of September 2018, vehicle sales have gone down 13.8 percent, rolling out only 261,057 units year-to-date sales in contrast to the 302,869 vehicles sold for the same period last year. The post Duterte Welcomes Chinese Automobile Brand GAC in PH appeared first on Carmudi Philippines. The European Union joined a chorus of international voices demanding an end to Sri Lanka's two-week-old political crisis Friday, saying the island nation's international reputation and investments were at risk. President Maithripala Sirisena on October 26 sacked Ranil Wickremesinghe, prime minister, replacing him with the divisive Mahinda Rajapakse. Wickremesinghe is holed up in his official residence refusing to go, saying his removal would be illegal, while Rajapakse is running a parallel administration from the prime minister's office. President Sirisena has suspended parliament until next Wednesday as he and Rajapakse try to gather enough support among lawmakers to vote Wickremesinghe out, an effort that looks to be failing. Amid rumours that Sirisena may seek to delay matters further, the EU, in a joint statement with Norway and Switzerland, said that parliament should vote "immediately when reconvened". "Any further delay could damage Sri Lankas international reputation and deter investors," the statement said. The United States, the United Nations and several other countries including Australia have also urged Colombo to end the unprecedented power struggle and restore confidence. Wickremesinghe late Thursday thanked his supporters and urged them not to give up. "In extraordinary numbers and with extraordinary courage you came out on to the streets, you spoke out," Wickremesinghe said in a video message posted on Facebook. "You have not let this country be plunged into the darkness of dictatorship. For this inspiring effort, I want to thank everyone who has risen to fight for democracy and justice," he said. His supporters staged a noisy cavalcade of motorcycles, auto-rickshaws, cars and vans in the capital Colombo on Thursday. The power struggle on the island of 21 million people has paralysed much of the administration, according to legislators on both sides of the dispute. Sirisena has filled only 22 of 30 cabinet positions -- purposefully keeping some jobs vacant to tempt legislators of Wickremesinghe's party to defect to Rajapakse's side. According to latest counts, Wickremesinghe has 103 MPs after gaining a defector on Tuesday, while Rajapakse and Sirisena have 101. Most of the remaining 21 MPs are set to oppose Rajapakse, observers say. THE anti-graft court has ordered the arrest of Ilocos Norte Representative Imelda Marcos after it found her guilty of seven counts of graft in relation to the creation of private foundations in Switzerland THE anti-graft court has ordered the arrest of Ilocos Norte Representative Imelda Marcos after it found her guilty of seven counts of graft in relation to the creation of private foundations in Switzerland while she was holding various posts in the government in the past. The Sandiganbayan Fifth Division said Marcos can still post a bond for her temporary liberty and challenge the court's decision. Marcos was sentenced to imprisonment of six years and one month to 11 years for each count of graft. The court also disqualified her from sitting in any public office. The 89-year-old lawmaker, who is now on her third term as Ilocos Norte representative, earlier filed her certificate of candidacy for the gubernatorial race in Ilocos Norte. The Sandiganbayan, in its decision, also acquitted Marcos from three counts of graft in relation to the use of her Cabinet position to maintain the Swiss bank accounts during the regime of her late husband, former President Ferdinand Marcos. The case against Marcos, filed by the Office of the Ombudsman in December 1991, stemmed from allegations that the former first lady had financial interests in the private foundations in Switzerland she created while she was in public office. She was minister of human settlements from 1968 up to 1976 and governor of Metro Manila from 1978 up to 1984. (SunStar Philippines) Assistant Professor Mary Dunlop (right) and postdoctoral fellow Imane El Meouche. Credit: Kent Dayton Antibiotic resistance is a global threat that leads to more than 23,000 deaths each year in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Over-exposure to antibiotics has long been blamed, but Assistant Professor Mary Dunlop (BME) is flipping that idea on its head, finding that bacteria can also develop resistance without being exposed to antibiotics. In new research published in Science, Dunlop and co-author Imane El Meouche, a postdoctoral scholar in Dunlop's lab, discovered a link between a short-term survival technique used by bacteria and long-term drug resistance. For decades scientists have leaned into the idea that drug resistance comes with prolonged exposure to that drug. El Meouche believed the same and expected her research to confirm it. But a control experiment curiously revealed a previously unexamined correlation between temporary protective measures and mutations that lead to permanent drug resistance. In nature, bacteria will use what are called efflux pumps to push antibiotics and other toxins out of the cell to protect themselves. These pumps are costly for the cell to produce and slow cell growth because they compromise the cell membrane and use a lot of energy. To balance the potential reward of survival against the certain cost of pump production, bacteria will hedge their bets by diversifying the number of pumps different cells express. "Pumps are well known to be very important for antibiotic resistance," says Dunlop. "We found that cells that have more of these pumps are not only inherently more resistant to antibiotics, but they are also in a position where they mutate to achieve a higher level of drug resistance. Expression of pumps may be a stepping stone to drug resistance." One of the more surprising aspects of these results is that the bacteria were prone to mutations that cause resistance even though were never exposed to antibiotics. To test this, they genetically engineered bacteria to express varying levels of pumps. Then, Dunlop says, they decided to look at the relationship between efflux pump expression, a DNA repair enzyme, MutS, and cell growth rate. Single cells with high efflux pump expression and low DNA-repair-protein expression have reduced cell growth rate. (A) Time-lapse microscopy images show E. coli expressing magenta fluorescence indicating expression of the acrAB efflux pump and green fluorescence indicating MutS protein expression. (B) There is an anticorrelation in acrAB versus mutS expression; the purple dots correspond to cells whose growth rate falls in the bottom 10 percent of those measured. Credit: Assistant Professor Mary Dunlop They hypothesized that if bacteria must permanently mutate their DNA to develop antibiotic resistance, then a DNA repair protein might be linked to the process. And they were righttheir findings show that there is an inverse correlation between efflux pump and MutS protein expression in bacteria; the more pumps the cells decide to use, the fewer MutS proteins a cell will have. The same line of thinking was applied when they looked at the link between cell growth rate and efflux pump expression. Slow cell growth has been known to lead to more mutations in cellular genetic material and the fact that increased pump expression and slow cell growth could be directly related to not just be a correlation, but a causation of permanent, genetic antibiotic resistance in bacteria. "Not only are bacteria resistant because they are expressing efflux pumps, but they are also more prone to mutation through these other connections," says El Meouche. "What I find interesting is how varying expression of certain genes can lead to permanent genetic changes in the future." So far, Dunlop and El Meouche have uncovered three pieces of this mechanism, but are unsure of where those pieces fit in the larger antibiotic resistance puzzle. Those pieces could be directly related, causing the observed relationships, or, more likely, there could still be missing links in a chain of biological events that leads to resistance. "We know a lot about genetic changes that pass through a population from events like the hostile environment of an infection," says Dunlop. "But we don't know a lot about that very first step of how an individual bacterium changes from being susceptible to resistant." That first step is one piece of the puzzle they will continue to put together. This finding opens up the possibility to explore how exactly these cells can develop antibiotic resistance in the absence of antibiotics and then potentially develop ways to block that pathway and curb resistance. Explore further Evolution of efflux pumps could yield important insights in fighting antibiotic resistance More information: Imane El Meouche et al. Heterogeneity in efflux pump expression predisposes antibiotic-resistant cells to mutation, Science (2018). Journal information: Science Imane El Meouche et al. Heterogeneity in efflux pump expression predisposes antibiotic-resistant cells to mutation,(2018). DOI: 10.1126/science.aar7981 Any post-Brexit border controls on the island of Ireland could end the free-flowing supply chain that makes Guinness a worldwide staple With its brown-black hue and cascading creamy head, Guinness is Ireland's most iconic export. But any post-Brexit border controls on the island of Ireland could end the free-flowing supply chain that makes the stout a staple at home and around the world. Guinness has been brewed since 1778 Guinness at the St. James's Gate brewery, a vast brickwork complex on the banks of Dublin's River Liffey. On any given weekday, pristine tankersknown as "silver bullets"brimming with stout roar out of its gates and cross the invisible border to Northern Ireland. They are bound for Belfast where the "Irish champagne" is packaged for international consumption. "The Irish drinks market is completely an all-Ireland economy," Patricia Callan, director of the Alcohol Beverage Federation of Ireland told AFP in a Dublin pub roaring with trade. "It happens on both sides of the border." The road to Brexit Both London and Dublin have pledged that no hard border infrastructure will interrupt trade between the Republic and the UK territory of Northern Ireland after Brexit. But the UK and EU are locked in a stalemate over the "backstop"the trading status for Northern Ireland "unless and until" an enduring accord is forged. Guinness is a vital concern for the Irish beer export marketthe eighth largest in Europe, valued at 273 million euros ($309 million) in 2017 Little progress is being made and, as the March 29 divorce date approaches, the spectre of border checks is vexing the Irish drinks industrywhich makes 23,000 border crossings yearly, according to Callan. "Any delay at all to that, even an hour's delay, would work out at about a hundred euro per truck cost," she explained. Guinness is owned by global drinks goliath Diageo, which with 2017 net sales in excess of 12 billion ($15 billion, 14 billion euros) holds coffers likely capable of absorbing economic shock. Around 35% of the company's beer including Guinness and other brands are produced at St James' Gate, according to 2014 figures. Three million pints of "the black stuff" are brewed here every day. But Diageo chiefs have told how they sit at the top of a supply chain of hundreds of smaller more exposed companies providing the key ingredients with no thought for border crossings. "For us having kind of a frictionless border where you can move people and goods is incredibly important," John Kennedy, the president of Diageo Europe, said last year. "We'll figure that out as a big company, but then you add the supply chain of medium and small companies that we work with who multiply that number significantlyit could be a big burden if crossing the border became onerous for them." Seamus Leheny of Northern Ireland's Freight Transport Association said Brexit turbulence could force Diageo to wind down its Northern Ireland plant. John Fearon said he feared that any uptick in price could have already hard-up drinkers up in arms at his pub The Gap O' the North in Northern Ireland "They're just treating it as business as usual but I know they're concerned," he said. The Belfast plant is "without a doubt" in danger he said, explaining: "The contingency plan for dealing with a no deal Brexit is relocating some of your operations into the Republic." Those remarks were echoed by Vince Cable, the leader of the anti-Brexit Liberal Democrats opposition party, at the start of November. He said Diageo brands like Guinness and Baileys face being "seriously disrupted". "In an extreme scenario, where there is no deal or a very bad deal, you could see these favourite products drying up," he added. Guinness is a vital concern for the Irish beer export marketthe eighth largest in Europe, valued at 273 million euros ($309 million) in 2017 according to October figures from the Irish Brewers' Association. But Guinness bound for abroad could be doubly exposed to post-Brexit border checks, as after it is packed in Belfast it heads south once more to be shipped from Dublin port. Trickle down costs? While the business and political elites are trying to forecast shifting trade winds, it is the end consumer who could feel the pain of any trickle-down increase in costs. Guinness has been brewed since 1778 Guinness at the St. James's Gate brewery in of Dublin The prospect is unwelcome at The Gap O' the North, a rustic pub built into the verdant hillsides of Jonesborough, Northern Ireland. On Friday evenings, Guinness flows freely in the woodwork surroundings of the fireplace-warmed barjust half a kilometre away from the border on the roaring motorway link between Dublin and Belfast. "This pub's known for a good pint of stout," veteran landlord John Fearon told AFP, peering out from under a tweed flatcap one October evening. The 65-year-old publican said he feared that any uptick in price could have already hard-up drinkers up in arms. "It's hard enough to get customers in here at the moment." Explore further Constitutional uncertainty and political disputes put Green Brexit at risk, research shows 2018 AFP Final assembly of the 10 kW prototype. Credit: Institut fur Solartechnik, Hochschule fur Technik Rapperswil HSR Can silica gel desiccant packs, often found in shoe boxes and electronics, be the answer to our energy challenges for buildings? A four-year project proves yes, sort of. According to the European Commission, heating and cooling in buildings and industry accounts for half of the EU's energy consumption, and fossil fuels generate 84 percent of this heating and cooling. The sector is expected to play a crucial role in CO 2 emissions reduction to meet the EU's climate goals by 2050. At the same time, the amount of heat wasted from industrial processes and buildings in the EU, including data centers, is estimated to cover the EU's entire heating needs in residential and tertiary buildings. What is waste heat? A few examples of waste heat include the heat that escapes from a home through the chimney, the heat that escapes from a car through the exhaust, and the hot air or water discarded from a kitchen stove, shower, dishwasher, washing machine or clothing dryer. In total, these waste heat flows are comparable to the total amount of electricity consumed by residential households. In industrial processes, waste heat is mainly produced by power plants, combustion processes and manufacturing equipment. Overall, about 70 percent of all energy produced ends up as waste heat. Often, this waste heat cannot be utilized because its temperature is unsuitable and it can be challenging to capture. Therefore, there is a demand for heat conversion technology in order to access the enormous potential of this essentially "free" heat. And if that wasn't challenging enough, this technology should also have minimal electricity consumption in order to alleviate the burden on the grid, which is associated with daily and seasonal variations in heating and cooling demand. Bring on THRIVE A demonstration with an infrared camera to show the temperature changes of a heat pump. Credit: IBM Four years ago, scientists from IBM Research Zurich, University of Applied Sciences Rapperswil (HSR), Empa, ETH Zurich, the School of Management and Engineering Vaud (HEIG-VD), Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), and a number of additional collaborators teamed up to address this problem and came together in a project called THRIVE (Thermally Driven Heat Pumps for Substitution of Electricity and Fossil Fuels). The research focused on adsorption heat pump (AdHP) technology, which relies on the use of adsorbent materials like silica gel, well known from those small "Do Not Eat" packs we often find in packaged goods. Why silica gel? While it often gets tossed in the trash, it's actually a remarkable substance which can adsorb 40 percent of its own weight in moisture from its surroundings. In doing so, it produces a kind of suction effect that can be used to pump heat much like a conventional air conditioner, but without using electricity. One application of this technology is in data centers to harness waste heat from hot-water cooled high-performance servers to produce cool air to cool power supplies and data storage in the same data center, essentially enabling data centers to cool themselves with their own waste heat. The results are in On 8 November, after 47 months of research, we reported our final results. Besides cooling data centers and other industrial processes HEIG-VD identified promising applications for AdHPs to augment efficiency and capacity in district heating grids as well as lower emissions and energy costs for households. Based on the heating and cooling potentials of AdHPs in four such application scenarios, PSI projected 4-9 percent lower total energy use in 2050 for the stationary energy sector in Switzerland of AdHPs making use of available waste heat for industries and households, which according to the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) have the potential for 3-6 percent lower total energy use in 2050 in Switzerland. Shaped, monolithic, activated carbon discs produced at Empa. Credit: Lukas Huber, Empa In THRIVE, several technical milestones were achieved to advance adsorption heat pump technology. Instead of silica gel, Empa scientists developed a new type of monolithic activated carbon adsorbent, similar to charcoal, that can be molded and machined into arbitrary shapes to fit into heat exchangers for AdHPs. The material provided a 3.8x higher cooling power per unit mass compared to silica gel for regeneration by waste heat at 60 degrees C. Further, scientists from IBM Research and ETH Zurich developed new methods to characterize adsorbents in action and used them to reveal the rate-limiting bottleneck in state-of-the-art adsorption heat exchangers with just a few cm2 of material. A framework to predict the geometry of optimally shaped adsorbents was developed, and adsorbent coatings were structured accordingly to provide a threefold improvement in adsorption rate compared to unstructured coatings. These structured adsorbents are capable of supporting a cooling power of 5 kW for each m2 of adsorption heat exchanger area. Together, materials and structural improvements can enhance the power density of adsorption heat exchangers by up to a factor of 10. This translates to substantially reduced cost of future AdHPs, making them overall economically, technologically and environmentally superior to other approaches for many applications To prove that the approach also works at larger scale, HSR scientists built a test rig equipped with a weighing scale in vacuum, capable of characterizing adsorption heat exchangers that produce a cooling power of up to 1.5 kW. For even larger systems, they also built a four-chamber adsorption heat pump system that delivers up to 10 kW of cooling power that would meet the typical air-conditioning requirements of a single-family home in warm climates. And finally, we developed a framework to design high-performance adsorption heat exchangers for industries with different requirements. This compact AdHP technology is being further developed for data center cooling and a follow-up project is already underway in which AdHPs are evaluated as heat transformers in thermal grids. Further promising applications of compact AdHPs are for thermal management in cars and for gas separation, such as CO 2 capture now that's a multi-pronged approach to improve energy efficiency, reduce cost and combat climate change. Explore further Interdisciplinary research project to develop a heat pump powered by waste heat More information: Jens Ammann et al. Sorption rate enhancement in SAPO-34 zeolite by directed mass transfer channels, International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer (2018). Jens Ammann et al. Sorption rate enhancement in SAPO-34 zeolite by directed mass transfer channels,(2018). DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheatmasstransfer.2018.10.065 Jens Ammann et al. Characterization of transport limitations in SAPO-34 adsorbent coatings for adsorption heat pumps, International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer (2018). DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheatmasstransfer.2018.09.053 Torsten Wilde et al. CooLMUC-2: A supercomputing cluster with heat recovery for adsorption cooling, 2017 33rd Thermal Measurement, Modeling & Management Symposium (SEMI-THERM) (2017). DOI: 10.1109/SEMI-THERM.2017.7896917 This story is republished courtesy of IBM Research. Read the original story here. Credit: NASA The Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera (EPIC) instrument operates aboard the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) satellite, which launched in February 2015 and observes Earth from a distance of about one million miles toward the Sun, allowing for observation of the entire Earth from sunrise to sunset. A spectroradiometer, EPIC acquires images using 10 filters that detect light covering a wavelength region from the ultraviolet to the near-infrared. NASA has made publicly available daily color images that the instrument has been capturing of the sunlit Earth since June of 2015, and now following suit are a collection of science products: sulfur dioxide from volcanic eruptions, total column ozone, ultraviolet (UV) aerosols, cloud and vegetation properties and atmospheric correction including surface reflectance. Those data are available from June 2015 to about two days before the current date. NASA's existing fleet of Earth-orbiting satellites provides observations of those and other quantities, enabling scientific research on how the planet is changing. The newly available EPIC products will complement those observations because of the instrument's ability to capture more images of the entire planet during daylight than any instrument on NASA's other satellites. In the summer, EPIC captures on average one image every hour and one image every two hours during winter. "Given EPIC's special vantage point and frequent observations, we are able to observe the daytime portion of the daily cycle of many phenomena," said NASA's Alexander Marshak, deputy project scientist for the DSCOVR mission at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. "For example, EPIC can follow a volcanic eruption or a fire plume during the entire day. These measurements complement those taken by other low Earth-orbiting satellites, which view a particular location less often, in many cases only once or twice per day." NASA's Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera (EPIC) sits aboard NOAA's Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) satellite at the Lagrange point 1, one million miles away from Earth. EPIC has been imaging the sunlit side of Earth between 13 and 22 times a day since 2015. Now, new data products track specific elements of our home planet's atmosphere and plant life, such as ozone in the stratosphere, the makeup of clouds and the health of vegetation on land. Credit: NASA Goddard/ Katy Mersmann The UV aerosol product tracks phenomena such as plumes from wildfires as they travel hundreds and sometimes thousands of miles and impact everything from air quality to precipitation. Likewise, the sulfur dioxide product tracks volcanic emissions, which can affect air quality and air transportation around the globe, while the ozone product monitors concentrations of this UV-absorbing gasimportant to both plant and animal life. The vegetation product provides information related to plant health and canopy coverage. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) measures the concentration of chlorophyll in leaves, which is indicative of plant stress and vitality, as plants need chlorophyll to convert energy from the Sun into nutrients. The Leaf Area Index (LAI) projects the amount of leaves over a given area and is important for estimating canopy cover for forest and other studies. While other remote sensing instruments also provide data on NDVI and LAI, EPIC is the first to provide the Sunlit Leaf Area Index (SLAI). "Both LAI and SLAI are key parameters in many global climate, hydrology and ecology models," Marshak said. The cloud dataset provides a number of details, including cloud height and thickness, which are important for climate studies and weather analysis and can complement data from other remote sensing spacecraft. Geostationary satellites, such as the GOES-16 spacecraft operated by NOAA, can also observe clouds throughout the day but cannot capture much of the areas near the North and South Poles. But EPIC's unique positioning in space allows the instrument to capture the Arctic Circle in the northern hemisphere summer and Antarctica during the northern hemisphere winter. The atmospheric correction dataset provides quantitative information about the amounts of aerosols in the atmospheric column, and it also removes the effects of atmospheric absorption and the scattering of sunlight, providing images of Earth's surface as if observed without the atmosphere. The EPIC instrument is one of a suite of instruments housed aboard the DSCOVR satellite. The primary objective of the DSCOVR mission, a partnership between NASA, NOAA and the U.S. Air Force, is to maintain the nation's real-time solar wind monitoring capabilities, which are critical to the accuracy and lead time of space weather alerts and forecasts from NOAA. The DSCOVR mission was planned as a two-year mission with fuel to last five years. Credit: Universities of Birmingham, Bristol and INSIVUMEH A team of scientists and engineers from the Universities of Birmingham and Bristol have returned from Guatemala where they have been teaching local scientists how to use drones to map the Fuego volcano which violently erupted earlier this year. The eruption on June 3 included pyroclastic flows (fast-moving currents of hot gas and volcanic material) which left almost no evacuation time and resulted in the deaths of several hundred people, making it Guatemala's deadliest eruption since 1929. Drones are revolutionising volcanology, provided unprecedented access and data without risking life and limb. Supported by the World Bank and the British Embassy in Guatemala, the team have been assisting volcanologists at Instituto Nacional de Sismologia, Vulcanologia, Meteorologia e Hidrologia (INSIVUMEH), the Guatemalan government agency responsible for monitoring volcanoes. Guatemala has limited resources to monitor its active volcanoes and is reliant on overseas support and collaboration. The local scientists took part in a four-day workshop led by Dr. Rick Thomas, from the University of Birmingham's School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Science. They were trained in safe flight protocols, data acquisition and image processing using quadcopters and 3-D modelling software supplied by Agisoft. Credit: University of Birmingham Dr. Thomas said: "Flying commercial quadcopters is generally very easy, but flying them safely, legally and repeatedly for scientific purposes is more challenging. This workshop shared knowledge and practices developed for repeated safe drone flying to enable the regular production of high quality 3-D maps in difficult terrain. By building this capacity within INSUVUMEH we hope their scientists will have an improved capability to assess risks for the benefit of the local population." In conjunction with this work, and integrating with the Guatemalan air traffic control (DJAC), the team also flew larger, fixed-wing drones over the summit of Fuego volcano, at a University of Bristol record altitude of 14,500 feet above sea level. They imaged the summit and were able to predict when and where the next paroxysmal eruption would occur with considerable accuracy. Chief engineer Dr. Thomas Richardson, from the University of Bristol's Department of Aerospace Engineering, said: "Flying drones at this altitude and remotely is a real challenge and it is incredibly rewarding to help colleagues in Guatemala make observations of the crater that would otherwise not be possible." Funded by CASCADE, an EPSRC Programme grant, the team will be returning to Guatemala early next year to continue their work and have plans for placing sensors on the top of Fuego, multi-vehicle operations and night flights. Dr. Matt Watson, from Bristol's School of Earth Sciences, added: "This is an incredible opportunity to help others in Guatemala, especially after the tragic events of June 3. "Collaboration between scientists and engineers makes this possible engineers are capable of realising scientific desires; between us we can take new and exciting observations and measurements to assist with understanding and prediction of volcanic risks." Explore further Guatemala's Fuego volcano erupts again A rapidly spreading, late-season wildfire in northern California has burned 20,000 acres of land and prompted authorities to issue evacuation orders for thousands of people. The so-called Camp Fire, which started Thursday, has torched dozens of homes and put some 15,000 structures under threat as a state of emergency was declared in Butte County. Fanned by strong winds, the fire broke out around dawn and spread quickly, leaving the town of Paradise, population 26,000, choking on floating ash and thick smoke. There, in a matter of hours, the flames destroyed dozens of homes, a hospital and a gas station. "This fire is very dangerous, please evacuate if asked to do so!" the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or Cal Fire, tweeted. Another wildfire was burning in southern California, just miles from the scene of a mass shooting Wednesday night that left 12 people dead at a bar and dance hall in the town of Thousand Oaks. Some of the first responders that rushed to the scene of the second mass shooting in less than two weeks in the US were also helping out with fire-related duties. This second fire has scored some 10,000 acres of land, the state agency said. Explore further Wildfires spark evacuations in northern California 2018 AFP Credit: CC0 Public Domain The quality of medical certificates written by students of medicine was better when they were taught by using the flipped classroom approach instead of traditional lecturing. A randomly selected student from the flipped classroom group had an 85 percent probability to receive a better total score than a student from the traditional teaching group, according to a new study from the University of Eastern Finland. One of the goals of medial training is to provide students with good skills in writing medical certificates and medical statements. In Finland, permanent residents are covered by social security insurance administered by the Social Insurance Institution of Finland. In accordance with this social security scheme, patients with certain illnesses are entitled to special reimbursement of their medical costs. The procedure for obtaining this entitlement is initiated by a medical certificate written by the treating doctor. Hence, doctors must have good certificate writing skills and knowledge of the content and goals of the insurance scheme. Nowadays, medical education is increasingly geared towards methods that activate students, such as flipped learning in which students prepare for classes by, for example, viewing video materials in advance. The effects of flipped learning on medical certificate education hasn't been studied much before. The study compared the writing skill scores of students attending traditional lectures and students participating in flipped classroom teaching in medical certificate education. In medical education offered in Finland, skills in medical certificate writing are taught to fourth-year students as part of a more extensive introductory course in general practice. In 2015, teaching was delivered through traditional lectures. In 2016, the flipped classroom approach was used, and students familiarised themselves with video materials independently before each class. In both years, students used the same background material to write a medical certificate on the entitlement of a fictional patient to special reimbursement of diabetes medication. A random sample of 40 students from each year was selected for analysis, and two experts assessed the students' statements by giving scores to different sections. More information: Nina Tusa et al, Medical certificate education: controlled study between lectures and flipped classroom, BMC Medical Education (2018). Nina Tusa et al, Medical certificate education: controlled study between lectures and flipped classroom,(2018). DOI: 10.1186/s12909-018-1351-7 The French authorities stopped a Ryanair plane from taking off to put pressure on the airline French authorities said on Friday they seized a Ryanair plane, forcing 149 London-bound passengers off the aircraft, to get the Irish low-cost airline to repay illegal public aid, the latest in a string of troubles for the carrier. Claiming that Ryanair owed them 525,000 euros ($595,000) in subsidies wrongfully paid out to the airline, the authorities sent in a bailiff under police protection on Thursday to seize the plane on the tarmac of Bordeaux airport as it was readying to take off for London Stansted. Just under 24 hours later, the no-frills airline relented and paid up, authorities said Friday, allowing it to reclaim its aircraft. 'Last resort' "This measure was taken as a last resort by the French authorities after several reminders and attempts to recuperate the money failed," the DGAC civil aviation body said of the seizure. The EU Commission in 2014 ruled that subsidies Ryanair received from a regional authority a decade ago had to be repaid, but the airline had not complied despite repeated warnings, it said. The move on the plane, a Boeing 737, on Thursday at Bordeaux's Merignac airport in southwestern France came after Ryanair failed to respond to a final warning delivered in May, prompting the order to seize the aircraft, DGAC told AFP. "By this action, the government reaffirms its intention to guarantee the conditions of fair competition between airlines and between airports," DGAC said. It was "regrettable" that the passengers on board the plane had to wait five hours before being able to take off from the Bordeaux-Merignac airport in another Ryanair aircraft, the civil aviation body added. Ryanair's fleet is made up mostly of Boeing 737-800 aircraft, which have a list price of around $98 million each. The 149 passengers bound for London had to switch planes when their aircraft was seized 'Such stinginess' Ryanair did not respond to AFP's requests for comment on Friday. But the president of the French regional airport authority, Didier Villat, said that before paying, Ryanair had tried to bargain. "They owed us 525,585.05 euros and they paid 524,907.80, which is the sum fixed on September 15" but which, the official said, did not take account of accrued interest since that date. "Such stinginess, but we won't take the matter any further," a smiling Villat told AFP. The sum was negligible for Ryanair, "a very wealthy company", said the official. "They wanted to make this a question of principle. But so did we," he said. "I'm happy because I'm the little guy who got his rights respected," Villat said. Plenty headaches The Bordeaux incident comes after a series of mishaps for Ryanair across Europe. Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary has had quite a few headaches this year In October, EU anti-trust authorities opened an investigation into whether Ryanair benefited from measures at a German airport that give the Irish airline an unfair leg-up over competitors. And last week ministers from five European governments warned Ryanair that it could face legal trouble if it ignores national labour laws after a series of strikes across the continent. Ryanair pilots across Europe staged a 24-hour stoppage in September to further demands for better pay and conditions, causing chaos for tens of thousands of passengers. In July, strikes by cockpit and cabin crew disrupted 600 flights in Belgium, Ireland, Italy, Portugal and Spain, affecting 100,000 travellers. A major issue among staff based outside Ireland remains the firm's practice of using Irish legislation in employment contracts. The pan-European stoppages prompted the airline to cut its earnings forecast, but it still expects to make profits after tax of 1.10-1.20 billion euros in its current financial year. Ryanair is also fighting an order by Italian regulators to suspend a charge for carry-on bags. In the Netherlands, it is also at loggerheads with the judiciary for shutting down its Eindhoven base for winter, despite a Dutch court decision stopping it from forcing pilots there to transfer abroad. 2018 AFP Suss Wilen and David Goldsmith The fast-industrial fashion system, where profits go mostly to those at the top, and which produces high volumes of deliberate waste, is a dinosaur that will not survive the transition to sustainability. So believes textile management doctoral student David Goldsmith at the Swedish School of Textiles. In his doctoral thesis, he studied an example of its supposed opposite: a slow-artisanal social enterprise in India that makes hand-loomed fashion fabrics. The research purpose of the project was to learn how this sort of business model operates and relate to ideas about slow and sustainable fashion. The enterprise he studied, WomenWeave, is focused on economic and social development in rural India, and employs more than 200 women. But in this business model, unlike mainstream fashion businesses, leadership works pro bono, and management work at low financial compensation. Their goal is not to make a profit, but to bring livelihoods to women living in multi-dimensional poverty. "Artisan fashion," what Goldsmith calls the kind of fabrics and garments that are made with simple tools in developing world contexts, can be a change agent because it follows an alternative, low-volume, high-value logic. "The industrial fashion system demands high volumes of production and consumption two things we definitely do not need now. Imagine if beautiful and meaningful artisan fashion was as common as industrial fashion is today. Production and consumption would be a tiny fraction of what it is today and the value of what we wear would again be significant," says David Goldsmith. "It may seem like a dream, but what we have now is a nightmare. Everyone working toward sustainable fashion knows that radical change is needed. That is the big picture. The research however shows that the enterprise has been successful at developing and using a particular set of values and aestheticstheir kind of fashionto get money, and the opportunity for development that brings with it, into the hands of people who need it the most." The doctoral thesis is ethnographic and in the area of textile management. With multiple visits over ten years he was able to become a part of the community. Through formal interactions with the founder, leadership, the management and operations team, designers, and the many artisans who work, for example spinning, winding, weaving, washing, and pressing, he discovered the way the enterprise works. "I've really met everyone in the organisation. And I visited them at their homes, attended family events, and so on, to understand the organisation as a whole, from the perspectives of those with a lot privilege and power in the world, and from the women working there. The key point was to see what the business model does for the people with their hands in the making of the material," he says. What is sustainability? According to Goldsmith, in the fashion context, sustainability now means whatever the person saying it wants it to mean. He says that the way we casually use simple terms like sustainable, fair, fast, and slow is also a problem, pushing us to think that the world is black and white. "Even though the fabrication of the fabrics at WomenWeave is slow, the company is modern, for example, reliant on fast communication and fast transportation. The same goes for what we mean when we say sustainability. Just because on a local level, in their piece of the universe, WomenWeave does a lot of good, the garments do not automatically become "sustainable" because they are handmade by poor people," says David Goldsmith. The women there think their lives are "sustainable" that is, they feel grounded, can save a little money, can maybe build a little house, gain better access to water, secure education for their children, and similar great outcomes. "We can be sure however that the woman who purchases, in a boutique in Stockholm, a shawl made by the women has a very different idea about her socio-economic sustainability. I would say the business model is economically and sociallybeneficialfor the people it is meant to serve. That's what I found. It's better than sustainable. At least we know what beneficial means." Explore further From jeans to fibres to garment tagsnovel recycling for more sustainable fashion More information: WomenWeave Daily: "Artisan Fashion" as "Slow and Sustainable Fashion," Goldsmith, David, University of Boras, Faculty of Textiles, Engineering and Business. 2018 (English) Doctoral thesis, monograph Provided by University of Boras Credit: CC0 Public Domain In order to avoid water conflicts and to stimulate food production in sub-Saharan Africa, large-scale land acquisition should be regulated and focus on food production. These are the conclusions of a new doctoral thesis from Lund University in Sweden. Emma Johansson's thesis investigates how land use is affected by large-scale land acquisition, also referred to as land grabbing, mainly in Tanzania. The land is often acquired by international companies that purchase or rent large areas. The majority of cultivated land is used for forestry, but also for biofuel production; the most common crops are palm oil and sugarcane. Meanwhile, a large proportion of the food consumed in sub-Saharan Africa is imported. "The focus must be on food, and technological solutions that are based on local needs and circumstances. The companies should cultivate crops that are edible, and use methods that consume less water. The villagers must also have the opportunity to participate, otherwise those in greatest need of development are disadvantaged," says Emma Johansson, graduate in physical geography and ecosystem science, and an associated researcher at Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies. Among other things, her thesis analyses the availability and use of water, using ecosystem modelling. The result shows that the regions in which large areas are used to cultivate palm oil and sugarcane require a large amount of water, whereas food crops such as rice, maize and soy beans require less. Using a lot of water for irrigation can contribute to an increased risk of water conflicts as rivers, groundwater, and other surface waters are shared by many stakeholders in society. In addition, Johansson's thesis shows that only three per cent of all purchased or leased land in Africa is cultivated, with only a few powerful stakeholders such as China, the USA and the UK behind a large proportion of global land acquisitions. "The companies cultivate almost no food crops, and what is cultivated requires enormous amounts of water. Altogether, it appears to be a bad solution for the small-scale farmers in Africa, as few of them are offered jobs or other ways to provide for themselves and their families. The majority are dependent on agriculture, and as the land acquisitions continue, their access to land and water is negatively impacted," says Emma Johansson. According to the study, it is essential to develop domestic agriculture so that the countries in sub-Saharan Africa can reduce their food imports over time. "Currently, agricultural policy does not safeguard the best interests of small farmers. Governments in these countries seem to care more about international investments than if the land is actually being used. In my fieldwork, I saw land that was fenced off but not cultivated, and the villagers were not allowed to use the land," says Emma Johansson. In Johansson's view, the global market for land acquisition, in which companies are often liquidated, sell off their land or allow it to lie fallow, must be regulated. Some regions have extended their nature reserves as part of efforts to preserve biodiversity, which in turn prevents small-scale farmers to expand into these areas. Climate change could also worsen the situation for small-scale farmers if the region becomes drier and water shortages increase. "Small-holders are caught between nature and the companies. Less land is available, and many of the villagers I interviewed expressed concerns that they will not have any land to pass on to their children," she says. Emma Johansson has produced a number of recommendations for large-scale land acquisition based on her research. They build on previous recommendations drawn from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). "My recommendations are needed. At the same time, land use and how it affects farmers' opportunities for self-sufficiency must be investigated from multiple perspectives, taking into account agricultural investments, migration, population increases and projects to preserve biodiversity. These factors influence outcomes in different ways, and should be studied together," concludes Emma Johansson. Recommendations: Crops cultivated on acquired land should be edible and meet local needs. This is particularly important in countries with high levels of food insecurity. An investment in land is to benefit both the company and the people living in areas where land is acquired. Crops are to be adapted to the local climate and should use the least possible amount of water. Companies that acquire land should use sustainable cultivation techniques that do not degrade soils; they should establish the most efficient irrigation systems, such as drip and pipe irrigation rather than sprinklers. Rules for water use should be included in the land acquisition contract. All land acquisition should combine the strengths brought by the investors, such as technology and capital, with the local farmers' labour force and knowledge of local conditions and cultivation. Explore further Foreign farms increase the risk of conflicts in Africa Credit: CC0 Public Domain A research project by Surrey's BioProChem group reveals crucial evidence about the way Listeria grows in foods particularly when novel, milder processing techniques are applied which could have implications for the food processing industry. The research, led by the BioProChem group within the Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, was published in the International Journal of Food Microbiology in July 2018. The research was conducted in collaboration with Surrey's School of Biosciences and Medicine and KU Leuven in Belgium. In the project, researchers have remodelled food products to enable them to thoroughly examine how bacteria develop antimicrobial resistance in a highly controlled chemical and structural environment and in particular how Listeria responds to nisin (a natural antimicrobial produced by lactic acid bacteria present in dairy products) and to heat in such a controlled environment. They found that in food models containing both proteins and polysaccharides (a type of carbohydrate), the bacteria grow exclusively on the protein, suggesting that Listeria has a mechanism which decides on where growth will take place. The research could provide useful information for food processors as antimicrobial resistance becomes an ever increasing challenge. When cells are exposed to environments that are mildly stressful such as a gradual increase in temperature they develop resistance not only to this particular factor but to others as well, via a mechanism called 'cross protection'. As a result, by 2050 it is estimated that more people will die from bacterial infections than cancer. However, at the same time, conventional sterilisation techniques are being abandoned because consumers demand foods that undergo minimal processing and have high nutritional value and sensory characteristics, which are lost during sterilisation. Food manufacturers are therefore looking at alternatives such as processing with natural antimicrobial compounds, ultrasonic treatment, hydrostatic pressure or milder heat treatment. Dr. Eirini Velliou, who has led the recent project at Surrey, explains: "Our research could enable manufacturers to tailor products and processing techniques more effectively. The long term aim is to ensure safety from 'farm to fork' and to find out how bacteria can develop resistance throughout the food chain as a result of a food's specific chemical and structural properties." The research paper, 'Modelling the microbial dynamics and antimicrobial resistance development of Listeria in viscoelastic food model systems of various structural complexities', was published in the International Journal of Food Microbiology in July 2018. Explore further Low antibiotic concentration in the environment enough to increase antimicrobial resistance in laboratory conditions More information: Katherine M. Costello et al. Modelling the microbial dynamics and antimicrobial resistance development of Listeria in viscoelastic food model systems of various structural complexities, International Journal of Food Microbiology (2018). Journal information: International Journal of Food Microbiology Katherine M. Costello et al. Modelling the microbial dynamics and antimicrobial resistance development of Listeria in viscoelastic food model systems of various structural complexities,(2018). DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2018.07.011 On Sept. 22, 2017, the IceCube Neutrino Observatory at the South Pole, represented in this illustration by strings of sensors under the ice, detected a high-energy neutrino that appeared to come from deep space. NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope (center left) pinpointed the source as a supermassive black hole in a galaxy about 4 billion light-years away. It is the first high-energy neutrino source identified from outside our galaxy. Credit: NASA/Fermi and Aurore Simonnet, Sonoma State University In 2017, NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope played a pivotal role in two important breakthroughs occurring just five weeks apart. But what might seem like extraordinary good luck is really the product of research, analysis, preparation and development extending back more than a century. On Aug. 17, 2017, Fermi detected the first light ever seen from a source of gravitational wavesripples in space-time produced, in this event, by the merger of two superdense neutron stars. Just five weeks later, a single high-energy particle discovered by the National Science Foundation's (NSF) IceCube Neutrino Observatory was traced to a distant galaxy powered by a supermassive black hole thanks to a gamma-ray flare observed by Fermi. "For millennia, light was our only source of information about the universe," said Julie McEnery, the Fermi project scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. "The recent discoveries connect light, our best-known cosmic courier, to gravitational waves and particles like neutrinosnew messengers delivering different kinds of information that we're just beginning to explore." Deep roots The origins of these discoveries stretch back to cutting-edge research as long ago as 1887. That's when physicists Albert Michelson and Edward Morley conducted an experiment to detect a substance, called the aether, which was postulated as a medium that permitted light waves to travel through space. As their experiment showed and many since have confirmed, the aether doesn't exist. But the negative result proved to be one of the inspirations for Albert Einstein's 1905 special theory of relativity. He generalized this into a full-fledged theory of gravity in 1915, one that predicted the existence of gravitational waves. A century later, on Sept. 14, 2015, the NSF's Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) detected these space-time vibrations for the first time as waves from the merger of two black holes reached Earth. In between came a steady stream of advances, including lasers, improved instrumentation and increasingly more powerful computers and software. "Just as inventing the detector technologies has taken decades, so too has the theoretical and computational framework for analyzing and interpreting multimessenger observations," said Tyson Littenberg, the principal investigator of the LIGO research group at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. "We went through countless simulations to test new ideas and improve on existing algorithms so that we were prepared to make the most out of the first observations, and that basic research and development work continues." Explore how more than a century of scientific progress with gravitational waves, gamma rays and neutrinos has helped bring about the age of multimessenger astronomy. Credit: NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center Until 2005, it wasn't even possible to simulate in detail what happens when a pair of orbiting black holes coalesce. The breakthrough came when separate teams at Goddard and the University of Texas at Brownsville independently developed new computational methods that overcame all previous hurdles. An accurate understanding of gravitational-wave signals was one important step in evolving techniques designed to rapidly detect and characterize them. "Another fundamental development was the highly optimized analysis pipelines and information technology infrastructure that can compare the theoretical model with the data, recognize the presence of a signal, calculate the location of the source on the sky and format the information in a way that the rest of the astronomical community could use," explained Tito Dal Canton, a NASA Postdoctoral Program Fellow and a member of a LIGO research group at Goddard led by Jordan Camp. Astronomers need to know about short-lived events as soon as possible so they can bring to bear a wide array of telescopes in space and on the ground. Back in 1993, scientists at Goddard and Marshall began developing an automated system for distributing the locations of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs)distant, powerful explosions that typically last a minute or lessto astronomers around the world in real time. Located at Goddard and led by Principal Investigator Scott Barthelmy, the Gamma-ray Coordinates Network/Transient Astronomy Network now distributes alerts from many space missions as well as ground-based instruments like LIGO and IceCube. Ghost particles The historical thread for neutrinos began with French physicist Henri Becquerel and his 1895 discovery of radioactivity. In 1930, after studying a radioactive process called beta decay, Wolfang Pauli suggested it likely involved a new subatomic particle, later dubbed the neutrino. We now know neutrinos possess little mass, travel almost as fast as light, come in three varieties and are among the most abundant particles in the universe. But because they don't readily interact with other matter, neutrinos weren't discovered until 1956. In 1912, Victor Hess discovered that charged particles, now called cosmic rays, continually enter Earth's atmosphere from every direction, which means space is filled with them. When cosmic rays strike air molecules, the collision produces a shower of particlesincluding neutrinosthat rains down through the atmosphere. Searching for astronomical neutrino sources meant placing experiments underground to reduce interference from cosmic rays and building very large detectors to tease out the weak signals of publicity-shy neutrinos. Neutrinos produced by nuclear reactions inside the Sun's core were first detected in 1968 thanks to an experiment using 100,000 gallons of dry-cleaning fluid located deep in a South Dakota gold mine. Discovering the next astronomical neutrino source would take another 19 years. Supernova 1987A, a stellar explosion in a nearby galaxy, remains the brightest and closest supernova seen in over 400 years and is the first for which the original star could be identified on pre-explosion images. Theorists anticipated that neutrinos, which escape a collapsing star more readily than light, would be the first signal from a new supernova. And hours before 1987A's visible light arrived at Earth, experiments in Japan, the U.S. and Russia detected a brief burst of neutrinos, making the supernova the first source of neutrinos identified beyond the solar system. On Aug. 17, 2017, gravitational waves from a neutron star merger produced a signal detected by the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO). The sound in this video represents the same frequencies as the combined stretching and squeezing caused by waves passing through the LIGO detectors at Hanford, Washington, and Livingston, Louisiana. Just 1.7 seconds later, a brief burst of gamma-rays indicated by a ping was seen by NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope. Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, Caltech/MIT/LIGO Lab "If none of these experiments was operating at the time, the neutrino signal would have passed by unnoticed," said Francis Halzen, the principal investigator of IceCube, which is essentially a neutrino telescope build into a cubic kilometer of ice at the South Pole. "It isn't enough to develop the technology, refine theories or even construct a detector. We need to be making observations as often as we can for the best chance of catching brief, rare and scientifically interesting events. Both Fermi and IceCube are operating continuously, making uninterrupted observations of the sky." Light fantastic The third historical thread belongs to gamma rays, the highest-energy form of light, discovered in 1900 by the French physicist Paul Villard. When a gamma ray of sufficient energy interacts with matter, it provides a perfect demonstration of Einstein's most famous equation, E=mc2, by instantly transforming into particlesan electron and its antimatter counterpart, a positron. Conversely, crash an electron and a positron together and a gamma ray results. NASA's Explorer 11 satellite, launched in 1961, detected the first gamma rays in space. In 1963, the U.S. Air Force began launching a series of satellites as part of Project Vela. These increasingly sophisticated satellites were designed to verify compliance with an international treaty that banned nuclear weapons tests in space or in the atmosphere. But starting in July 1967, scientists became aware the Vela satellites were seeing brief gamma-ray events that were clearly unrelated to weapons tests. These explosions were GRBs, an entirely new phenomenon now known to mark the death of certain types of massive stars or the merger of orbiting neutron stars. NASA further explored the gamma-ray sky with the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory, which operated from 1991 to 2000 and recorded thousands of GRBs. Starting in 1997, critical observations by the Italian-Dutch BeppoSAX satellite proved that GRBs were located far beyond our galaxy. Compton was succeeded by NASA's Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory in 2004 and Fermi in 2008, missions that continue exploring the high-energy sky and that follow up on LIGO and IceCube alerts. "In the fields of observation, chance favors only the prepared mind," noted Louis Pasteur, the French chemist and microbiologist, in an 1854 lecture. Supported by decades of scientific discoveries and technological innovation, the burgeoning field of multimessenger astronomy is increasingly prepared for its next stroke of luck. Explore further Fermi satellite celebrates 10 years of discoveries More information: For more about NASA's Fermi mission, visit For more about NASA's Fermi mission, visit www.nasa.gov/fermi Credit: CC0 Public Domain Researchers at Umea university in Sweden have published a new study showing that the gut bacteria can carry information of past experiences of an altered environment from parents to offspring. Eggs and sperm are not the only information carriers from one generation to the next. Eggs and sperm transmit genetic information from one generation to the next. The genetic information contains the blueprint for how to assemble a functional offspring. Most of this information is hardcoded in DNA and cannot be altered by experiences such as changes to the environment. However, in the last decades, it has been shown that some effects of various lifestyles can be transmitted from parents to offspring through both the egg and the sperm. This study shows for the first time that also the gut bacteria, which are in general also transmitted from parents to offspring, are capable of transmitting information about what environment the parents were exposed to, to the offspring. Like so many times before, this new ground breaking knowledge comes from studies of model organisms. In this case the fruit fly. "Transferring gut bacteria from a healthy donor to a patient are already being used to treat some gut problems. It has been reported that sometimes the recipient receives unwanted traits, such as, weight problems from the donor. We also know that the bacteria that lives in our guts are commonly transferred from one generation to the next. By combining this information with previous studies showing that effects of parent's lifestyles can be transmitted to the offspring, we started to think that maybe the bacteria themselves could carry information of past experiences from one generation to the next," says Per Stenberg, researcher at the Department of Ecology and Environmental Science at Umea University. Per Stenberg's team at Umea University exposed fruit flies to different temperatures and studied how the offspring, that was all exposed to the same temperature behaved. By controlling from which parents the offspring inherited their genes as well as their gut bacteria they could separate the effects transmitted through the germline, eggs and sperm, from the effects transmitted via the gut bacteria. "Although, the results were not completely unexpected for us, me, my Ph.D. student Aman Zare and Anna-Mia Johansson who performed the experiments, were really excited when we first looked at the data," says Per Stenberg. The new insights have been published in the journal FEBS letters, and describes a whole new route for inheritance, apart from eggs and sperm. Explore further Study documents paternal transmission of epigenetic memory via sperm More information: A Zare et al. The gut microbiome participates in transgenerational inheritance of low temperature responses in Drosophila melanogaster, FEBS Letters (2018). Journal information: FEBS Letters A Zare et al. The gut microbiome participates in transgenerational inheritance of low temperature responses in Drosophila melanogaster,(2018). DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13278 Credit: Alfred Palmer/Wikipedia High levels of pollution found in many of the world's major cities are having negative effects on plants and insects, according to new research from the University of Sheffield. The study, published in Nature Communications, reveals that plants exposed to high levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) similar to levels recorded in major urban centres are able to better defend themselves against herbivorous insects. Led by Dr. Stuart Campbell from the University's Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, the research has discovered that plants exposed to increased levels of pollution produce more defensive chemicals in their leaves. Results from the study show that insects feeding on these leaves grew poorly, which suggests high levels of air pollution may be having cascading negative effects on communities of herbivorous creatures. Dr. Campbell, who is also part of the P3 Centre a centre of excellence for translational plant science at the University of Sheffield, said: "Nitrogen dioxide is a pollutant that causes severe health problems in humans, but our research has found that it may also be having a significant impact on plants and insects. "Insects are a crucial part of nature and the world we live in. Insects are critical to the healthy functioning of ecosystems. "Many people may be aware that insect pollinators, such as the thousands of species of bees, along with flies, moths and butterflies, are crucial for food production but they also ensure the long-term survival of wildflowers, shrubs and trees." Dr. Campbell added: "Insects that feed on plants (herbivorous insects) help return plant nutrients to the soil, and are themselves food for wild birds, reptiles, mammals, and yet more insects. Insects are also immensely important for decomposing decaying organic matter and maintaining healthy soils. Scientists are warning about massive declines in insect numbers, which should be incredibly alarming to anyone who values the natural world and our sources of food. "Nitrogen dioxide is a major component of smog and is an example of pollution caused from human activity, particularly our reliance on fossil fuels. Levels of this pollutant in the atmosphere remain particularly high in cities, and especially in the UK. Our research shows another example of the dangers of pollution to our environments and the reasons why we need to make a united effort to tackle it." The international team of scientists, which includes a researcher now based at the US Environmental Protection Agency, also looked at whether insects have an effect on the ability of plants to absorb NO 2 from the environment. Plants that had been fed on by insects absorbed much less NO 2 , according to the study. The authors believe this indicates that insects could be influencing the amount of pollution removed from the air by urban green spaces. Urban trees can absorb gaseous pollutants like NO 2 , but the effects appear to vary between species and locations, and this may be due in part to the actions of leaf-feeding insects. Dr. Campbell emphasised, however, that the primary concern would be for the insects themselves, and that further research is needed: "Research suggests that urban vegetation plays a modest role in taking up NO 2 . More work is needed, because many factors may influence the effect of urban plants on air quality, including herbivory. Plant feeding insects, however, face a number of different human threats, potentially including air pollution." The study, "Plant defences mediate interactions between herbivory and the direct foliar uptake of atmospheric reactive nitrogen," is published in the journal Nature Communications. Explore further Insects use plant like a telephone More information: Stuart A. Campbell et al. Plant defences mediate interactions between herbivory and the direct foliar uptake of atmospheric reactive nitrogen, Nature Communications (2018). Journal information: Nature Communications Stuart A. Campbell et al. Plant defences mediate interactions between herbivory and the direct foliar uptake of atmospheric reactive nitrogen,(2018). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-07134-9 Credit: Antiquity (2018). DOI: 10.15184/aqy.2018.195 A pair of researchers has found evidence at the Tulan-52 excavation in Chile that suggests the need for a reinterpretation of how the stone complex was used. In their paper published in the journal Antiquity, Lautaro Nunez with Universidad Catolica del Norte and Catherine Perles with Allee de l'Universite, suggest the new evidence shows more social complexity among the later hunter-gatherers who built and used the complex than previously thought. In this new effort, Nunez and Perles have revisited two stone complexes excavated in the Atacama Desert in Chile. Both were built by Neolithic people thousands of years ago. One site, called Tulan-54 is believed to be older than the secondperhaps as old as 5000 years. The second site, named Tulan-52 is believed to have been used from approximately 1110-900 BC until 550-360 BC. Excavation for the first was completed in 1985the second was finished in 2015. After much study, researchers working on the excavations concluded that the complexes were semi-sedentary settlementspeople both lived in them and used them for ceremonies. In this new effort, the researchers suggest that neither site was ever used as a place to live. They note that both complexes show many signs of being used for rituals but lack signs of settlement. Gold-plated vulture heads have been found, for example, along with mortars and grinding slabs that were used to prepare pigments, and plants that contain hallucinogens. Also, the remains of more than two dozen infants were found. In studying the complexes and the artifacts, the researchers found more similarities between the two than found in prior studiessimilarities that suggested more complexity than had been realized before. They suggest that the layout of Tulan-54 and its artifacts indicate that the site was like a fully developed ceremonial center. The way the stones were used to build the complex is one example suggesting a massive concerted effort. The researchers also suggest that innovations that occurred in the second site, such as using camelids to carry material to the site, the use of farming to feed the people, and plant processing to produce hallucinogen effects and metallurgy, all point to a ceremonial purposethough they suggest it is still not clear what the ceremonies were for. Explore further Archeologists unearth 3,300 year old complex in Israel More information: Lautaro Nunez et al. Tulan-52: a Late Archaic ceremonial centre at the dawn of the Neolithisation process in the Atacama Desert, Antiquity (2018). Journal information: Antiquity Lautaro Nunez et al. Tulan-52: a Late Archaic ceremonial centre at the dawn of the Neolithisation process in the Atacama Desert,(2018). DOI: 10.15184/aqy.2018.195 2018 Science X Network Credit: Brian Hickey Cutlip minnows, a species of small fish that inhabit streams, could be described as the master interior decorators of the fish world. Working with collaborators in eastern Ontario, Canada, Andy Bramburger, a research associate at the University of Minnesota Duluth's Natural Resources Research Institute, found that male cutlip minnows carefully select pebbles that are darker and more color-saturated than the streambed background to construct their conspicuous mound-shaped nests. The researchers noticed the nests while conducting regular surveys of the stream and wondered if the fish responsible for building them were indeed choosing nesting materials based on color. Their findings were published in the Journal of Fish Biology. Along with several students, Bramburger and Brian Hickey from the St. Lawrence River Institute of Environmental Sciences located recently-constructed cutlip minnow nests during the nesting season in April. Once the eggs had hatched and male cutlip minnowswho build and defend the nestsand juveniles had left the stream, the researchers collected pebbles from nest sites as well as from background areas of the streambed. They used a digital camera system and image analysis software to measure the wavelength, color saturation, and brightness of similarly-sized nest and background pebbles. The researchers found that: male cutlip minnows choose rocks that are darker and more color-saturated than other rocks in the stream, leading to nests that contrast sharply with the relatively drab background; nest rocks are remarkable similar in wavelengthwith a range of less than 4 nanometersmeaning there is a severe pressure for male cutlip minnows to build their nests using rocks of a specific color, specifically an orange hue in this case. "Cutlip minnows have a specialized, three-lobed lower jaw that they use to pick up and carry pebbles to the nest," said Bramburger. "That means that nests are composed of uniformly sized pebbles. We needed to be sure that the differences in color characteristics that we were seeing were not a function of all the pebbles of similar size being the same color. That's not the case here. These fish are remarkably picky about the color of their nesting materials." Bramburger adds that it is likely that all cutlip minnows, both male and female, evolved an ability to see really well in this part of the color spectrum, likely in order to find food items (e.g., crustaceans) with orange pigmentation. In other species of minnows, males have evolved orange or red body coloration that they display during mating season to take advantage of this sensitivity and make themselves more attractive to females. Cutlip minnows do not display special mating colors; but, over time, male cutlip minnows who built nests that incorporated this coloration were more successful at mating and passing their genes to future generations. "It is especially impressive that the wavelengths of multiple nests are so similar," said Bramburger. "It would be like trying to match the color of your living room wall by making a mosaic from pebbles you found in your yard." So far, the research team has not been able to evaluate whether specific nest colorations are more attractive to females or if males who build nests of a specific coloration father more offspring, but those are future projects that are being considered. Before this study, the use of colored materials in nest building had not been described in fishes. Among birds, however, there are many examples. Most notably, Satin Bower Bird males typically decorate their nests with bright blue items, capitalizing on a heightened sensitivity to blue pigments in the female's visual spectrum. In fish who use color cues in mating, such as body coloration or nest decoration, it is an important consideration for the female in selecting a mate. Males who display the best color or build the most attractive nest are generally the healthiest, a sign of favorable genes to pass on to offspring. As stream habitats are increasingly threatened by runoff and sedimentation, the lack of clear water could impair the ability of the female to choose the best mate and threaten genetic health of fish populations. Bramburger says studies such as this are important in order to provide guidance for the management and conservation of habitats of species that use color in mating. More information: Andrew J. Bramburger et al. Preferential incorporation of dark, coloured materials into nests by a mound-nesting stream cyprinid, Journal of Fish Biology (2018). Journal information: Journal of Fish Biology Andrew J. Bramburger et al. Preferential incorporation of dark, coloured materials into nests by a mound-nesting stream cyprinid,(2018). DOI: 10.1111/jfb.13741 Associate Professor Karin Nordstrom's research group uses hoverflies and other insects to understand how the nervous system codes visual information. Credit: Flinders University The size of a tiny insect brain bears no comparison to the super capacity of its killer instinct and flying skills and speed. Just like in humans, the brains of hoverflies and even tiny predatory robberflies have hundreds of thousands of neurones which give them survival abilities for hunting and pollen collecting unparalleled even in the most advanced human technologies. And just like humans, the descending nerve (or 'spinal cord') in flies narrows down to channel only a few hundred neurones at a time. So how can these extraordinarily rapid insect responses to visual and other sensory cues occur when the body's pre-motor pathways run into such a bottleneck linking messages from the brain to the wings and body? New research from insect neuroscience specialists at Flinders University and the University of Minnesota and Cambridge University is looking to unlock this mystery. Funded by the US Air Force Office of Scientific Research and an Australian Research Council Discovery grant, the collaborative research efforts are looking for future directions in neuroscience from the study of highly advanced flying insects, such as predatory robberflies and dragonflies, and non-predatory hoverflies and bees. The latest study, analysing the descending nerve (which runs along the ventral of underside of the insect) in flies, will lead to more research to mimic the response time in predatory and non-predatory insects in their natural environment in the wild. Credit: Flinders University "Humans are quite poor at responding to small stimuli in a busy or cluttered field of vision, such as catching a ball while running in a forest," says Associate Professor Karin Nordstrom, from the Neuroscience Centre at Flinders University's College of Medicine and Public Health. "So how can flies see each other in similar environments? Clearly, there is something in their evolution that still enables incredibly fast responses in their behaviour when their brain registers a trigger (such as pollen, a potential mate or a yummy meal)." As well as recording responses in the brain, the researchers are also looking at how the animals' neurones dictate behaviour and translate into their super sophisticated capabilities. Research findings will help to inform future technologies such as driverless cars and more efficient modes of air travel. "This latest study is also fascinating because the tiny robberfly and larger (bee-size) hoverfly have very different evolutionary coding but very similar descending nerve cords, so we are now working on understanding the common blueprint for target detection," Associate Professor Nordstrom says. "Indeed, animal brains can be seen as biological computing machines, and many current machine learning tools, including deep neural networks, are heavily inspired by neuroscience using a similar architecture with many layers of non-linear interactions." The paper, "Integration of Small- and Wide-Field Visual Features in Target-Selective Descending Neurons of both Predatory and Non-Predatory Dipterans" has been published in the Journal of Neuroscience. Explore further To flee or not to flee: How the brain decides what to do in the face of danger More information: Sarah Nicholas et al. Integration of Small- and Wide-Field Visual Features in Target-Selective Descending Neurons of both Predatory and Non-Predatory Dipterans, The Journal of Neuroscience (2018). Journal information: Journal of Neuroscience Sarah Nicholas et al. Integration of Small- and Wide-Field Visual Features in Target-Selective Descending Neurons of both Predatory and Non-Predatory Dipterans,(2018). DOI: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1695-18.2018 The internet of things can be used to address global sustainable development challenges such as increasing crop production by 70% to feed the estimated nine or ten billion people who will inhabit earth by 2050. Image credit - Flickr/ Andrew Newill, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 Credit: Flickr/ Andrew Newill, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 When it comes to IoT, smart homes with voice-activated speakers or automated lighting, for instance usually come to mind. Yet the possibilities of this technology go far beyond the domestic sphere. What does IoT mean to you? 'IoT is a revolution like the railroad or the steam engine. People usually relate IoT battery-powered and wirelessly-communicating sensors - only to home automation, but it goes further than having your refrigerator connected to the internet. 'This technology can help to solve global sustainable development challenges. For instance, given the growth in global population (predicted to reach nine or 10 billion people by 2050), we need to increase crop production by 70% or we will be unable to feed the whole planet. 'The first step to improving something is measuring it. In agriculture, using sensors to measure the levels of moisture or fertilisers in soil can reduce the need for irrigation or fertilisers and therefore increase productivity.' How do you think IoT is changing cities and society? 'The IoT is creating a data culture by introducing the concept of measure, think and then make a decision. If you're the mayor of a city and decide to implement a congestion charge or restrict access to diesel vehicles but you cannot demonstrate the levels of pollution, citizens will think the decision came down to political or ideological reasons. But if you can back up the decision with data, then that's working towards more transparency.' Where do you think smart cities are headed? 'Urban mobility: shared transport systems, autonomous vehicles, smart parking systems, traffic control platforms. All these innovations directly impact on our quality of life, since they will free up our time and provide us with more liveable and healthy urban areas. 'In general, air quality control sensors to reduce pollution, water quality solutions to improve public supply management and new smart parking solutions to reduce traffic jams and decrease emissions are the most called-for applications by smart city projects.' What do you think our homes and cities will look like in 10 years' time? 'The biggest changes are always the ones you do not see. Regardless of the number of devices or gadgets, the most effective results are intangibles reductions in energy consumption, optimisation of time, new relationships between people and technology, new jobs for roles we don't even know about yet.' You co-founded Libelium with your business partner David Gascon in 2006 while you were both studying computer engineering at the University of Zaragoza, Spain. Why did you decide to specialise in the hardware that allows IoT developers' devices to communicate? 'Back then, we were both aware that we were at the beginning of a new technological revolution. But we saw so many potential IoT applications in absolutely every single sector of industry (such as agriculture or healthcare) that we couldn't pick just one. It was very difficult to forecast which sector was going to be the winner and that was the reason we decided to go horizontal. This means that our technology offers solutions for applications as diverse as smart management of water supply, improvement of agricultural production, environmental control of air and noise in cities, intelligent parking systems, etc.' What are some of the most exciting applications of Libelium's Waspmote platform? 'It is present in projects with great economic and social impact that address the biggest challenges humanity faces in the coming century. 'Libelium sensors are helping to prevent pests and improve productivity in agricultural crops, reduce pollution and traffic in several smart cities, predict volcanic activity, open up access to healthcare for populations outside hospital zones. They have even travelled into space aboard satellites to study solar storms.' Connected devices generate a huge amount of data. How can it be kept safe? 'It's a shared responsibility. We as a technology provider need to make sure we are delivering mechanisms and functions that enable users (operators) to protect their technology (and keep the data they collect safe). It is important for the public to be aware that security and privacy are not trivial concerns. If we as consumers are willing to have our driving monitored to achieve savings on our vehicle insurance or to share our personal data to access better prices for certain services, we must be aware and clear about where we want to set the limits.' In June you won second place in the EU Prize for Women Innovators. What did this mean to you? How will you use the 50,000 cash prize? The first step to improving something is measuring it, says Alicia Asin, co-founder of Spanish technology company Libelium. Image credit - Alicia Asin Perez Credit: Alicia Asin Perez 'Each prize is a boost of energy and inspiration. Regarding the prize money, we will be reinvesting it in new R&D activity. We are developing new integrations of third-party sensors and devices to be compatible with our platforms to extend the interoperability of the IoT.' The 2018 European Commission's Women in Digital study found four times more men than women in Europe with ICT-related studies and a decrease in women taking up ICT related higher education since 2011. As a female CEO in a male-dominated industry, what do you think needs to happen to reverse the growing gap? 'I have reasons to be both optimistic and pessimistic. Companies are acknowledging that there is a gender barrier, but the number of girls in engineering and computer engineering studies is decreasing. If we are creating awareness in companies to be more gender aware but if in a few years they are not receiving any resumes from women, it will all be for nothing. 'Teachers must be capable of transmitting not only knowledge but also curiosity and concern for the transformations that are taking place between the physical and digital worlds. 'We need to start working with schools to give role models to all those girls so that they can choose the kind of woman they want to be.' This interview has been edited for length and clarity The Internet of Things Timeline Late 1960s Cash machines Arriving in the late 1960s, cash machines made it possible to deposit or withdraw cash without human interaction. While they were around before ARPANET (Advanced Research Projects Agency Network, the internet's precursor) was launched, they were one of the first machines to be connected to a network. Early 1980s Coca-Cola for computer scientists Computer scientists at Carnegie Mellon University in the US connected their Coca-Cola vending machine to their department's mainframe computer. The vending machine sent over information such as the number of remaining bottles and whether they were cold or not details to help the scientists decide if a trip to the machine was worth their while. 1990 The toast of the internet John Romkey, an MIT graduate, hooked up the first toaster to the internet. Hoping to be featured at Interop - an annual IT fair - Romkey worked with computer scientist Simon Hackett to turn the toaster on and off remotely with a computer connected to the internet. 1999 RFID (Radio-frequency identification) chips Although the concept had been outlined and touched on in various papers, Kevin Ashton, then an employee at Procter & Gamble, coined the phrase the 'internet of things'. He used it to try to convince executives to implement RFID chips as a monitoring tool of their supply chain. 2000 The internet refrigerator In June 2000, LG launched the first smart fridge worldwide. It had a screen on its front door that could be used as a TV and came with various apps, such as video messaging, calendars, and an MP3 player. It also stored information such as the fridge's temperature, freshness of the food and recipes. 2005 Smart rabbits Nabaztag was a WiFi enabled rabbit-shaped media player. The 23cm-high rabbit could share and play MP3s, read the weather forecasts, stock market reports and news headlines. The digital critter was discontinued in 2011 after the server was taken offline. 2017 Beyond rabbits Nowadays, connected security cameras, washing machines and wearable devices are seemingly anywhere. The analyst firm Gartner estimated that 8.4 billion connected devices would be in use in 2017 and that number could reach 20.4 billion by 2020. More information: Horizon brings you the latest news and features about thought-provoking science and innovative research projects funded by the EU. Our articles are written by independent science journalists and are designed to appeal to both scientists and non-scientists alike. We mix stories on the latest EU-funded research with interviews with leading scientists, all written in a clear, accessible style. Each month we also take an in-depth look at a particular area of research, from 3D printing to Europes obesity epidemic. Our content is updated daily and access is free. Horizon is published in English, on behalf of the European Commission's Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, and by ICF Mostra, a division of ICF International. Provided by Horizon: The EU Research & Innovation Magazine Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. 8 hours ago Dinner on the patio? First, hold the stench DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) Parts of downtown Des Moines have been so transformed in the past decade by new apartments, trendy shops and microbreweries, its sometimes hard to reconcile the present with the not-so-distant past. But one strong reminder of the city's heritage remains: the stench. Read Article Where Persecution Comes From In Kuwait, Christians experience persecution at all levels of society, including government, local communities and even their families. Because no religion aside from Islam is considered an acceptable faith, life for Christians is dangerous, especially for Christian converts. Kuwaiti society is bound by conservative Islamic norms, and these norms are enforced by ordinary citizens, radical Islamic groups and a government that bows to the demands of radical groups so long as the government maintains its power base. Constitutionally, religious freedom is provided for as long as it doesnt violate Islamic rules and customsleaving little space for Christians to live out their lives in the public sphere. How Christians are Suffering While all Christians experience faith-related restrictions in Kuwait, expatriate Christians are relatively free to worship informally. However, they have a difficult time securing places for worship and are often pitted against each other to gain access to church buildings for legal worship. Meanwhile, converts from Islam endure the worst Christian persecution, both from their local communities and family members pressuring them to recant their faith. They experience discrimination, harassment, police surveillance and intimidation by vigilante groups, as well as legal problems related to personal status and property. Despite this persecution, reports of Christians being killed, imprisoned or harmed for their faith are rare. Examples In all state and private schools, the government mandates Islamic religious instruction for all students. Teaching Christianity is prohibited, even to legally recognized Christian groups. Amnesty International recently highlighted Kuwaits tightened restrictions surrounding the freedom of expression, particularly in the form of a new cybercrime law that penalizes criticism of the government, judiciary and other key groups with up to 10 years imprisonment. In the same report, Amnesty International also noted that the Kuwaiti parliament recently approved an electronic media law regulating all online publicationsincluding news sources, social media and blogsforcing them to get a government license to operate. Jeff Sessions is out, and the new acting U.S. attorney general, Matthew Whitaker, comes with some business baggage that should sound alarm bells for American voters, amid an ongoing crackdown on financial fraud. Nor is this baggage old: Earlier this year, the Federal Trade Commission shut down a Florida-based company called World Patent Marketing and served it with a $26-million judgment. In 2014, Whitaker was named a board member of the companydescribed by the FTC as a scam that has bilked thousands of consumers out of millions of dollars. When accepting his position on the board, Whitaker called the company a trusted partner to many inventors that believe in the American Dream. Fast forward to 2018, and the American Dream is evidently to be defrauded. Neither was Whitaker a silent board member. The Miami New Times obtained court records showing that in August 2015, Whitaker penned an email to a disgruntled customer, noting that he was a former federal attorney and suggesting in no uncertain terms that if the customer filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau it would result in serious civil and criminal consequences. "I am a former United States Attorney for the Southern District of Iowa," the email says. "I am assuming you understand that there could be serious civil and criminal consequences for you" if the customer filed a complaint, Whitaker wrote, adding, "Understand that we take threats like this quite seriously." Related: Salesforce CEO Reaches Out To Musk To Dig A Tunnel Under San Francisco The FTC complaint also noted that World Patent Marketing cultivated an atmosphere of fear through emails that described a company "security team" of "all ex-Israeli Special Ops and trained in Krav Maga, one of the most deadly of the martial arts. The complaint further described a blog post distributed by the company through an email to all customers boasting about their role in having a former employee arrested on extortion charges. The Florida daily reports that World Patent Marketing founder and CEO Scott Cooper donated $2,600 to Whitakers 2014 Senate campaign, and cites internal company records as detailing a $10,000 payout to Whitaker before the company was forced to close down. Related: Amazons Tale Of Two Cities The company agreed to a settlement with the FTC in May, and a court banned it from the invention promotion business entirely. At the same time, the $26-million judgment was suspended in return for Coopers agreement to just shy of $1 million. According to the FTC, consumers paid the defendants thousands of dollars to patent and market their inventions based on bogus success stories and testimonials. After stringing consumers along for months or even years, the defendants did not deliver what they promised, and many people ended up in debt or lost their life savings with nothing to show for it. In all, the company for which Whitaker was a board member and consultant followed the American Dream by taking advantage of inventors to the tune of nearly $26 millionthe amount of the FTC judgement against it. Now, hes acting AG and a figure that could undercut the authority of Robert Muellers Russia probe. Thats a lot of decision-making authority for a big name behind a big scam. By Fred Dunkley for Safehaven.com More Top Reads From Safehaven.com: I am person who is uncompromisingly black and unapologetically gay. Deal with it. I am person who is uncompromisingly black and unapologetically gay. Deal with it. Alvin McEwen Published by Reuters By Susan Heavey WASHINGTON (Reuters) Fresh off securing U.S. House of Representatives passage of President Joe Bidens social and en... Josh Feldman @ Mediaite: Madison Cawthorn Offers Rittenhouse an Internship, Tells Followers Be Armed, Be Dangerous, and Be Moral. Kelly Weill @ The Dai... "I didnt expect to worry about taking my shirt off at training from fear of being judged by 'not looking athletic enough' when I know thats not the case." Some Republican Trump-fluffers seem to be impervious to shame. They persist in making preposterous statements that contrast profoundly with reality, even a... Raw Story reports: Former FBI official Frank Figliuzzi tweeted about an analysis of the tweets from the trial of Kyle Rittenhouse came largely from outsi... Brennan Center wasting no time advocating for sentencing reforms after election and ouster of AG Jeff Sessions | Main | "The Death Penalty as Incapacitation" This new CNN article includes lots of interest for federal criminal justice reform fans under the headline "Trump considering Christie, Bondi for attorney general." Here are excerpts: President Donald Trump is considering former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi to replace fired Attorney General Jeff Sessions, sources familiar with the matter said. Trump fired Sessions on Wednesday without immediately naming a replacement, instead installing Sessions' chief of staff Matthew Whitaker as acting attorney general. Both Christie and Bondi are longtime political allies of the President's and were initially considered contenders for the Justice Department perch during the transition. Given Trump's longstanding frustrations with Sessions, other potential contenders have cropped up in Trump-friendly circles in recent months, including Whitaker, Solicitor General Noel Francisco, Rep. John Ratcliffe, R-Texas, former Judge John Michael Luttig, Judge Edith Jones, former Judge Janice Rogers Brown, retiring Rep. Trey Gowdy, R-South Carolina and Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-South Carolina. If nominated, Christie, a former US attorney, could face similar calls to the ones Sessions faced to recuse himself from special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation given his role as a prominent 2016 campaign surrogate for Trump. But unlike Sessions, there is no indication he had contacts with Russian officials during the 2016 campaign or transition. Christie attended a previously scheduled law enforcement roundtable on prison reform efforts at the White House on Thursday morning, an administration official and source familiar with the meeting said. Christie then met privately with the President's son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner to further discuss prison reform issues, an administration official who works on the prison reform effort said. Kushner and Christie have long been reported to have bad blood stemming from Christie's role as US attorney in prosecuting Kushner's father on 18 counts of tax evasion, witness tampering and illegal campaign donations. But the administration official said Kushner and Christie have a good relationship. "They've been working really closely on this for months," the administration official said. "Despite the fact that people have suggested otherwise, the two have a really close and good working relationship, particularly as it relates to prison reform."... Prison reform has been a key agenda item for Kushner and Christie would likely be an important ally in that effort were he to be tapped for attorney general. While Christie has been a friend of Trump's since before the 2016 campaign, the former New Jersey governor has been critical of Trump's handling of the Mueller investigation and instead praised Mueller amid the President's public criticism of the special counsel. "I've told him (Trump) many times that there's no way to make an investigation like this shorter, but there's lots of ways to make it longer, and he's executed on a number of those ways to make it longer," Christie said in May at the University of Chicago, while calling Mueller "an honest ... hard-working guy." Christie has also rejected arguments by Trump's personal legal team that the President cannot obstruct justice, calling it "an outrageous claim" on ABC this summer. Reuters A greater number of countries are sliding towards authoritarianism, while the number of established democracies under threat has never been so high, the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) said on Monday. Populist politics, the use of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions to silence critics, a tendency of countries to mimic the anti-democratic behaviour of others, and disinformation used to divide societies are mainly to blame, the Stockholm-based intergovernmental organisation said in a report. "More countries than ever are suffering from 'democratic erosion'," IDEA said in its 2021 study on the state of democracy, relying on data compiled since 1975. In this article: * Indonesia top loser with 1.7 pct drop * All markets close lower for the week By Nikhil Subba Nov 9 (Reuters) - Southeast Asian stock markets fell on Friday and wiped out gains made in a post-U.S. midterm election rally on rising chances of a U.S. Fed rate hike in December, with Indonesia losing the most. The U.S. Federal Reserve held rates steady on Thursday but remained on track to continue gradually raising borrowing costs, pointing to healthy economic prospects that were marred only by a dip in the growth of business investment. It has raised rates three times this year and is widely expected to do so again next month. According to the CME Group's FedWatch tool, the likelihood of Fed raising rates by another 25 basis points in December is 75 percent. Indonesian shares snapped an eight-session winning streak and closed 1.7 percent weaker at a one-week low. For the week, the key stock index fell 0.5 percent. Consumer non-cyclicals were the biggest drag on Friday with Unilever Indonesia shedding 4.7 percent to its lowest close since mid-January 2017. Philippine shares declined about 1 percent to a 2-week closing low, hurt by losses in telecom and industrial stocks. For the week, the key stock index fell 1.2 percent. Globe Telecom fell 5.2 percent to its lowest close since mid-July, while construction firm DMC Holdings Inc shed over 1 percent. Singapore shares fell with industrial and energy stocks being the biggest drag. Conglomerate Jardine Matheson Holdings dropped 0.6 percent, while Keppel Corp shed 1.6 percent. Thai shares declined 0.8 percent, weighed down by energy stocks as crude prices fell to multi-month lows, pressured by rising supply and concerns of an economic slowdown. PTT PCL slipped 1.5 percent, while Thai Oil fell 4.7 percent after reporting a 40 percent drop in quarterly net income. Malaysian shares closed 0.8 percent lower with material stocks leading the decline. Press Metal Aluminium Holdings fell 2.4 percent, while chemicals producer Story continues Petronas Chemicals Group closed 1 percent lower. For Asian Companies click; SOUTHEAST ASIAN STOCK MARKETS Change on day Market Current Previous Pct Move Close Singapore 3073.49 3093.24 -0.49 Bangkok 1670.97 1681.73 -0.79 Manila 6968.82 7035.71 -0.95 Jakarta 5874.154 5976.806 -1.72 Kuala Lumpur 1708.09 1721.42 -0.77 Ho Chi Minh 914.29 926.28 -1.29 Change on year Market Current End 2017 Pct Move Singapore 3073.49 3402.92 -9.55 Bangkok 1670.97 1753.71 -4.86 Manila 6968.82 8558.42 -18.57 Jakarta 5874.154 6355.654 -7.58 Kuala Lumpur 1708.09 1796.81 -4.94 Ho Chi Minh 914.29 984.24 -7.11 (Reporting by Nikhil Subba; Editing by Subhranshu Sahu) LONDON (Reuters) - British supermarket chain Iceland has been banned from showing its Christmas advert on television because it has been deemed to breach political advertising rules. The discount supermarket company planned to use a Greenpeace-made animated short film, voiced by actress Emma Thompson, called "Rang-tan", about the destruction of the rainforest caused by palm oil production and its impact on endangered orangutans. Iceland, which earlier this year announced its intention to remove palm oil from its products by the end of 2018, said the film fitted its agenda, leading to its decision to use the film as its Christmas advert. The film was banned by Clearcast, which is responsible for the clearance of television ads before they are broadcast, on the grounds of it being seen to support a political issue. Under the 2003 Communications Act, an advert is deemed to contravene the bar on political advertising if it is "wholly or mainly of a political nature" or is "directed towards a political end". Iceland, which trades from 900 stores and specializes in frozen food, said it hoped the advert would raise awareness and improve people's understanding of rainforest destruction from palm oil production, which it said appears in more than 50 percent of all supermarket products. "This year, we were keen to do something different with our much anticipated Christmas advert," said Richard Walker, an Iceland managing director. "The culmination of our palm oil project is offering our customers the choice of an orangutan-friendly Christmas, and we wanted to reflect this in our advertising. "Whilst our advert sadly never made it to TV screens, we are hopeful that consumers will take to social media to view the film, which raises awareness of an important global issue. (Reporting By Andrew MacAskill; editing by Stephen Addison) Investigative journalist Clare Rewcastle Brown assured that the saga involving the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) sovereign wealth fund is far from over. In fact, Singapore and Hong Kong still have parts to play in the millions of dollars allegedly looted by former prime minister Najib Razak and his wife Rosmah Mansor. Rewcastle Brown, who played a major role in the expose of Malaysian scandal through her site The Sarawak Report, revealed to South China Morning Post on Wednesday that further details on the Singapore connection to 1MDB will soon emerge during investigations. She believes that secret deals were done in Singapore to keep the funds that Najib purloined a secret. I think there are still secrets to come out of Singapore on 1MDB, and probably Malaysians will want to prise them out, she stated at the Foreign Correspondents Club in Hong Kong as part of her promotion tour to promote her new book. Lately, the journalist has been busy publicizing The Sarawak Report: The Inside Story of the 1MDB Expose, where she detailed her experiences about uncovering corruption in Malaysia, including how she was harassed, blacklisted and faced attempts to arrest her throughout the process. Back in September, she faced some trouble while crossing over to Singapore from Johor Bahru she was briefly detained by Immigration and Checkpoint Authority officers, who were themselves baffled about why she was blacklisted. Turns out someone put her on the blacklist in 2016 noted Sarawak Report in a Facebook post. She was cleared to leave after she clarified her involvement in the 1MDB expose. The Singapore connection File photo taken on August 31, 2012 shows Malaysias then-Prime Minister Najib Razak looking on as his wife Rosmah Mansor waves the Malaysia national flag during a rally to celebrate the countrys 55th Independence Day. Photo: Mohd Rasfan / AFP To be fair, the 1MDB scandal has tendrils reached out around the world, with at least 10 countries involved in the billions of dollars in assets potentially lost through alleged financial irregularities and money laundering. Singapore, however, is the first country to have convicted and jailed errant bankers involved in the ongoing case. Over the past two years, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has even slapped fines on banks such as Credit Suisse and United Overseas Bank for breaching anti-money laundering rules in relation to 1MDB. Story continues The most recent development in the case saw MAS filing a police report against an author of sociopolitical website States Times Review, who stands accused of making false and malicious statements in an article. The article Lee Hsien Loong becomes 1MDBs key investigation target was published on Monday, alleging that Singapores prime minister signed several unfair agreements with Najib when the former Malaysian prime minister was still in power. Singapores law enforcement and regulatory agencies had also been cooperating actively with their counterparts in Malaysia, Switzerland, Luxembourg and the United States of America during the tenure of the previous Malaysian government, affirmed MAS in response to STRs article. MAS has placed utmost importance on safeguarding its integrity as a financial regulator, and takes seriously any false allegations to the contrary. A private aircraft believed to be owned by fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho has been sitting in Singapore for over a year. Authorities confirmed that Lows Bombardier Global 5000 aircraft is indeed parked at Seletar Airport, but no formal request for its return has been received. The jet is believed to be among the assets acquired from the US$1 billion allegedly misappropriated from state investment firm 1MDB. Low is accused of purchasing the jet for US$35.4 million in 2010 using funds taken from 1MDB, stated the US Department of Justice. This article, 1MDB exposer believes secret deals were carried out in Singapore to hide Najib Razaks alleged loot, originally appeared on Coconuts, Asia's leading alternative media company. Want more Coconuts? Sign up for our newsletters! By Marine Pennetier SOMME VALLEY, France (Reuters) - French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Theresa May laid a wreath at a memorial in the Somme valley on Friday, honouring fallen World War One soldiers on the eve of the centenary of the war's end. The Somme Offensive, waged in 1916, was intended to hasten a victory for the allies against the German empire, but after four months of trench warfare, more than a million men were dead or wounded and the Great War would go on to last another two years. In a solemn ceremony at the Thiepval memorial in northern France, Macron and May honoured allied soldiers who died at the Somme. The wreath they put down combined the poppy and le bleuet flowers, national emblems of remembrance in Britain and France. Thiepval's memorial stands on high ground overlooking the Somme river and commemorates more than 72,000 British and South African soldiers who died and have no known grave. May said the day's ceremonies were a time to "reflect on our shared history, but also look ahead to our shared future". "We remember the heroes who lost their lives in the horror of the trenches. As the sun sets on 100 years of remembrance, we will never forget their sacrifice," she said. The two leaders had first held a working lunch in the town of Albert, in the heart of the Somme region, at a time May is intensifying efforts to secure European support for a Brexit deal. A Macron aide declined to comment on the nature of the discussions. To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of the war this weekend, Macron will welcome world leaders including U.S. President Donald Trump, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Russia's Vladimir Putin. Macron then hosts an inaugural Paris Peace Forum, which Trump will not attend. Earlier on Friday, May laid wreaths at the graves of the first and last British soldiers killed in the war at the St Symphorien cemetery near Mons in Belgium, accompanied by Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel. More than 500 German and British Commonwealth soldiers are buried at the war cemetery. Story continues Among them is Private John Parr, a reconnaissance soldier who was killed on Aug. 21, 1914, when his commanding officer sent him into enemy territory on his bicycle to gather intelligence on German military moves. He was 17 years old. Parr's headstone stands opposite that of George Ellison, who died 90 minutes before the Armistice came into effect on Nov 11, 1918. At Parr's grave, May left a note: "In that rich earth a richer dust concealed", words taken from a sonnet written by Rupert Brooke at the start of World War One. (Reporting by Marine Pennetier in Albert, Richard Lough in Paris and Alastair Macdonald; Writing by Richard Lough; Editing by Larry King and Peter Graff) At the centre of the country exhibition hall at Shanghais high-profile import fair is a booth promoting a tiny country: El Salvador, Chinas newest diplomatic ally. While national exhibitions by major powers the United States and Japan were nowhere to be found, the Central American nation was placed by the organisers in the best position to sell itself to Chinese businessmen attending the six-day China International Import Expo. Where is this country? dozens of Chinese passers-by stopped and asked as they saw the eye-catching display in the middle of the venue, surrounded by Beijings traditional allies with fancier and bigger booths from Pakistan, Russia, South Africa and Indonesia. We are in Central America, and we produce very good coffee and sugar, the Salvadoran man said as he offered free coffee to visitors. The country exhibition, one of the many halls at the expo, attracted 80 countries to set up government-arranged booths to display their signature products in the six-day fair, which ends on Saturday. The expo is Chinas latest attempt to convince global partners it will further open up its economy and import more products from around the world despite the simmering trade war with the US. While national representation was missing from Japan and the US, their private sectors took first and third place respectively, in terms of the number of exhibitors among the 130 countries which attended. Next to El Salvadors booth was its Caribbean neighbour Dominican Republic. Both countries shifted their diplomatic alliance from the self-ruled island of Taiwan to China this year. El Salvador, which made the switch in August, has also recently received US$150 million in aid from China. We are very grateful that China has organised this booth for us in just a few weeks time, because we have only confirmed joining after the official ties were made in August, Sigfrido Reyes, president of El Salvadors export and investment promotion agency, said. Story continues I think this good position of the booth shows that China is friendly to us. The diplomatic switch was a timely decision, we are expecting more trade with China. Chinas closest allies have shown their eagerness to attract business opportunities from the 400,000 purchasing agents who were expected by the Chinese government to attend the fair. Uzbekistans booth is designed as a fancy mosque, Pakistans has a full wall of LED screens showing promotional videos, and the Philippines incorporated large-scale dance shows and illuminations. Beijing has seized every opportunity at the country exhibition to display its political stance. Inside Chinas own national booth, there are three small sections introducing the latest developments in their two special administrative regions, Hong Kong and Macau, alongside the self-governed Taiwan. While Hong Kong and Macau have sent their own government information officers to run their displays, Taiwans section named Taiwan relatives had no staff from the Taiwanese or mainland governments. Cross-strait relations have been strained and official communication between Beijing and Taipei cut off in recent years after Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen shunned an opportunity to acknowledge the 1992 consensus. The consensus refers to an understanding that both sides recognise there is only one China, but each can have its own interpretation of what China stands for. The 1992 consensus is a very important milestone Taiwan and the mainland have increasingly close ties and we belong to the same family, according to the promotional video at the Taiwan display. This article Chinas newest ally El Salvador gets pride of place at import expo first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2018. The Phnom Penh-based fintech platform raised seed funding from a couple of global tech firms and several angel investors Cambodian fintech startup Clik announced today that it has raised US$2 million seed funding led by Limestone Technology and OpenWay, along with several angel investors from Cambodias retail sector. The company will launch in Q2 next year as soon as it receives the Payment Service Provider license from the National Bank of Cambodia. Clik aims to change the way consumers and merchants interact and experience digital payments as they become more fragmented with limited customer data, said Matthew Tippetts, CEO, and Co-Founder of Clik. We seek to provide brick and mortar businesses with customer insight as well as tools to act on this insight so they can grow profits utilising analytics, loyalty programs, & micro-targeted messaging management. Also Read: Singapores Fundnel launches private investment marketplace in Malaysia Clik is a payment gateway and aggregator that aims to provide a simple and personalised payment experience to everyone. Founded in 2016, the company has partnered with Cambodian retailers, such as uCARE Pharma, Hard Rock Cafe Phnom Penh, and MEAS Group. Clik introduces integrated loyalty plans that eliminate old card systems and an mPOS platform that makes a safer use of bank cards. Clik has an eKYC process that uses artificial intelligence and machine learning for fraud prevention. Cambodias e-payments have grown steadily in the past three years according to a 2017 study by the United Nations, especially in Internet banking and payment services sector. Both sectors offer consumers access to their funds and facilitate real-time trade transactions thanks to over 7 million internet users and 8.4 million smartphones. Also Read: Indonesia to launch startup database as reference for digital industry development Right now, the startup is considering raising an additional USD$1 million to further complement its latest seed/pre-series A funding round. Photo by Rene DeAnda on Unsplash The post Clik secured US$2M seed funding, soon to launch in Cambodia appeared first on e27. COCOWORK and KASKUS are just some of the Indonesia-based companies with exciting announcements this week KASKUS launches podcast service Press Release Indonesian online discussion and e-commerce platform KASKUS on Tuesday announced the launch of its podcast site, which is accessible through its own microsite. Starting off as an online discussion forum in 1999, KASKUS has expanded their business to include video channels and e-commerce platforms. In addition to providing the online platform to share the content, the company also provides studio facilities for Kaskus members and communities to record their own podcast for free. The KASKUS Forum is abundant with rich, quality threads and articles made by our very own users. Some of these threads had even been republished as books and feature films. Considering this, KASKUS aims to amplify the reach of these quality contents by allowing transformation from text to audio-visual format, through the launch of KASKUS TV and KASKUS Podcast, KASKUS CEO Edi Taslim explained in a press statement. Coworking space operator COCOWORK launches CoHive Press Release Indonesian coworking space operator COCOWORK (previously known as EV Hive) announced on Thursday the launch of its CoHive brand. Going forward, CoHive will be the flagship brand for its coworking spaces (CoHive coworking and Offices), co-living solutions (CoHive Co-Living and Residences), and new retail concepts (CoHive Marts and CoHiveX). We have a strong pipeline of entire office towers and townships where we eagerly looking to put through our entire set of shared services and community building activities that will be rolled out to our community over 2019, CoHive CEO and Co-Founder Carlson Lau said in a press statement. The company currently operates 22 workspace locations in Jakarta and Medan. Also Read: Indonesias online community platform KASKUS has invested in NLP company Prosa.ai Singapores MC Payment launches e-payment solution for Indonesian SMEs Press Release Story continues Singapore-based fintech startup MC Payment, through its Indonesian operations PT. MCP Indo Utama, on Tuesday announced the launch of Instapay, an e-payment solution for Indonesian small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Instapay enables merchants to accept cashless payments (credit and debit cards, virtual accounts), cross-border transaction, and send invoice through social messaging platforms such as Whatsapp and LINE. In the future, it will also enable the use of e-money services. To register for the service, merchants only need to upload copies of identity card, taxpayer identity card, and family registry to the Instapay platform. The process itself will take less than 24 hours. Accounting, HR management platform Sleekr to expand fintech vertical DailySocial Indonesian accounting and human resource management platform Sleekr is looking forward to expand its fintech offerings, DailySocial reported. Sleekr CEO Suwandi Soh explained that the company will partner with a fintech startup to enable its users (employees of companies that are using the Sleekr platform) to invest their salary directly to a mutual funds account. The service is currently under development. Previously Sleekr has enabled its users to apply for loans at fintech companies through its human resource management platform. Image Credit: Yulia Agnis on Unsplash The post Happened in Indonesia: KASKUS introduces podcast, COCOWORK launches CoHive appeared first on e27. World leaders will put on a show of unity this weekend as they commemorate 100 years since the end of World War I, but modern-day tensions will be bubbling under the surface at the remembrances in Paris. French President Emmanuel Macron will host around 70 leaders on Sunday for a ceremony on the Champs-Elysees to mark the signing of the Armistice between Germany and Allied forces that ended the fighting in Europe. It will cap a week packed with symbolism to remember the silencing of the guns, with memorials held across the world for a conflict that claimed around 18 million lives and involved more than 70 current-day nations. Macron, a centrist, has repeatedly invoked the war in recent weeks to hammer home his message that rising nationalism around the globe is again destabilising the world. In a speech on Sunday after the commemorations, he will "remind everyone of the need to defend and reinforce global multilateralism", an aide said this week. Two figures seen by Macron as responsible for undermining the rules-based world order and its institutions -- US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin -- will both be in Paris at the weekend. Macron reportedly requested that they postpone a planned meeting amid fears that the resulting headlines would overshadow the commemorations at the Arc de Triomphe, a memorial to France's war dead. "It should be a beautiful period of time," Trump said of his Paris visit before leaving Washington on Friday. "We will have many countries' leadership there, especially since they heard the United States will be there." The US leader has badly strained the alliance of Western countries since his election in 2016 by pulling out of international agreements covering climate change, Iran's nuclear programme, and missiles. Putin's decision to annex Crimea in 2014 and re-draw Ukraine's border by force plunged his relations with European leaders into their biggest crisis since the Cold War. World powers find themselves at loggerheads on a host of issues, from trade to climate change and even the use of chemical weapons -- which were first deployed to devastating effect during World War I. In the Syrian civil war, Russian, American, European and Middle Eastern forces are all in action in a complex web of alliances. - Fightback against nationalism - Trump is set to meet Macron for talks on Saturday, but he will snub a conference dedicated to international institutions and global governance on Sunday which has been organised by his French host. While Macron and Trump struck up a warm relationship initially, particularly during Trump's first visit to Paris as president in July 2017, they have repeatedly clashed since over a growing list of disagreements. "Their personal relationship is excellent," US National Security Advisor John Bolton told reporters in Paris on Friday. "There have been disagreements on substantive policy issues, for sure, but that's because leaders pursue what they perceive to be their national interests," he said. He played down Trump's decision not to attend the inaugural Paris Peace Forum to be opened by Macron on Sunday afternoon along with German Chancellor Merkel and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. "The president's schedule is tight. There are a lot of pressing issues that the president has to attend to," explained Bolton, a arch-hardliner and advocate of using US power unilaterally. The Paris Forum is part of the "fightback" against the rising tide of nationalism worldwide, chief organiser Justin Vaisse told AFP in a recent interview. "The aim of the forum is to show that there are lots of forces in the international system -- states, NGOs, foundations, intellectuals, companies -- who believe we need a world of rules, an open world and a multilateral world," he said. Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan are expected to join a host of European heads of state and African leaders, including Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari and Kenya's Uhuru Kenyatta, at the forum. On Monday and Tuesday, philanthropists, corporate leaders and leading figures from international institutions will debate ways to tackle global challenges such as climate change and policing the internet. But recent events, particularly Brazil's decision to elect far-right president Jair Bolsonaro, have left some participants more concerned than ever about the future. "My mood is pretty grim," Jeremy Shapiro, research director at the European Council on Foreign Relations, told AFP. The forum "is obviously pushing against the tide and it's all the more admirable for that," he said. Dozens of Japanese citizens, including members of Christian groups and Buddhist monks, are planning to sue the government over its plan to use taxpayer money for ceremonies next year to mark the new emperor's enthronement. At least 120 people plan to launch the lawsuit in early December, arguing that funding what they deem are religious ceremonies from the national budget violates the constitutional principle separating religion and state. It is believed to be the first suit of its kind filed over Crown Prince Naruhito's ascent to the Chrysanthemum throne set for May 1, the day after his father Emperor Akihito abdicates. However, similar suits were filed against the government when Akihito was enthroned in 1990 after the death of his father Emperor Hirohito. All of the cases at that time were thrown out, but one upper court said it cannot deny the suspicion that some ceremonies violate the principle of religion and state. "At the last enthronement, some 1,700 plaintiffs filed lawsuits, and there was certain public support," Koichi Shin, one of those planning to take the government to court, told AFP. He said that ceremonies in 1990 cost around 12.3 billion yen at the time ($108 million at the current exchange rate). The budget for next year's ceremonies has not been made public. After the May enthronement, the government also plans to hold two major ceremonies, one in October and the other in November, following the example of 30 years ago. "These are religious ceremonies based on imperial Shintoism," a form of an ancient Japanese religion where Japanese royal families practise ritual ceremonies, Shin said. PETALING JAYA: The Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry (KPDNKK) has been entrusted to manage the fleet card system which will allow B40 Malaysians who own cars and motorcycles with 1,500cc and 125cc engines respectively, to buy subsidised RON95 petrol. Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said KPDNKKs minister; Datuk Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, will oversee its implementation, which is being regarded as a very important project. Saifuddin will be in charge of its implementation, while the Finance Ministry (MoF) will channel the money. All will be decided by him; and the open tender for the implementation of the (fleet card system) will be carried out by the MoF. For more details, it is best to ask Saifuddin, Lim said when met after appearing as a guest on 8TV Mandarin News at Sri Pentas in Bandar Utama here last night (Nov 8). Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng (left) answers to questions put forward by newscaster Ong Ching Yee during the 8TV Mandarin News programme. - NSTP/EIZAIRI SHAMSUDIN He said the government is also weighing the benefits (of the subsidy), so that it can be expanded to middle class Malaysians who own vehicles with 1,500cc engines. During the tabling of the Pakatan Harapan (PH) governments maiden budget on Nov 2, Lim announced that the government plans to provide a subsidy of 30 sen per litre of RON95 petrol for up to 100 litres a month for cars with an engine capacity of less than 1,500cc; and 40 litres per month for motorcycles with engines of up to 125cc. A total of RM2 billion has been allocated for the new initiative, which is expected to benefit around four million car owners and 2.6 million motorcycle owners. In its election manifesto, PH had pledged to give targeted petrol subsidies to private car owners with car engines of 1,300cc and below; and to motorcycle owners with machines with 125cc engines, at 100 litres a month. New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd FILE PHOTO: Reuters/Edgar Su The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has filed a police report against the anonymous author of an article published on 5 November on the States Times Review (STR) online blog, titled Lee Hsien Loong becomes 1MDBs key investigation target. The article alleged that Malaysia had signed several unfair agreements with Singapore, in exchange for Singapore banks assistance in laundering 1MDBs funds. MAS said that the article is baseless and defamatory, and made statements that were false and malicious, and impugned the integrity of MAS as a financial regulator. False allegations in article Said MAS in a media statement, The article ignores the unprecedented and robust actions taken by MAS over the last two years against Singapore-based banks and bankers in relation to their roles in 1MDB related transactions, in most instances ahead of enforcement actions by foreign jurisdictions. It also makes false allegations that Singapore was forced to reopen its investigations into 1MDB only after the change in political leadership in Malaysia. Investigations into 1MDB case had never been closed. MAS said that, at its Annual Report press conferences in 2016 and 2017, it had made clear that it would not hesitate to investigate any new leads or evidence relating to 1MDB-related fund flows. This was reiterated in a public statement jointly issued by MAS, the Attorney Generals Chambers, and the Singapore Police Force on 8 June this year. Singapores law enforcement and regulatory agencies had also been cooperating actively with their counterparts in Malaysia, Switzerland, Luxembourg and the United States of America during the tenure of the previous Malaysian government, MAS said. MAS has placed utmost importance on safeguarding its integrity as a financial regulator, and takes seriously any false allegations to the contrary. FILE PHOTO: Reuters/Samsul Said States Times Review welcomes lawsuit STR was founded by Alex Tan, who has lived in Sydney since 2015. It used to function purportedly as a news media website, but became Tans personal blog last month. Story continues Articles published by STR have been mentioned by the Singapore government and experts as examples of misinformation. Last year, the website along with The Real Singapore and All Singapore Stuff was highlighted by Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam in a parliamentary speech as websites guilty of spreading fabrications. When Yahoo News Singapore visited the website on Friday, the 5 November article was still available and not taken down. In addition, another article, under the authorship of Tan, was posted on Thursday (8 November) titled STR welcomes a libel lawsuit from Lee Hsien Loong. The article stated, Lets take this a step further: if Lee Hsien Loong does not sue within a week, it only further reinforce the public opinion the Prime Minister has a guilty conscience. STR believes in independent and accurate reporting, and as such, if the Prime Minister could deliver a reasonable explanation to the fake news above, I am willing to take the first flight home and turn myself in to the Singapore Police, it added. Similar article on The Coverage A similar article was also carried on the website of The Coverage, which describes itself as a social news network based in Malaysia. Titled Breaking News: Singapore Lee Hsien Loong Becomes 1MDBs Key Investigation Target Najib Signed Several Unfair Agreements with Hsien Loong In Exchange for Money Laundering, the article included a link to the Nov 5 article on the STR website. In response to queries from the Malaysian media, Singapores High Commission in Malaysia said on Thursday, The High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Malaysia would like to categorically state that this article is fake news and clearly libellous. Singapore was the first country to legally act on the 1MDB saga. It has fined eight banks and convicted four people linked to the Malaysian fund since its investigations began in 2015. In September, a Singapore court also ordered the return of some $15.3 million misappropriated from 1MDB to Malaysia. Other Singapore stories: Book review Tall Order: The Goh Chok Tong Story MOE makes changes to DSA scheme, university admission scoring system More field trips in store for PAP Community Foundation kids VIENNA, Nov 9 (Reuters) - Austrian energy group OMV has agreed to establish a joint venture with Sapura Energy Bhd, paying $540 million for a 50 percent stake in the Malaysian firm's exploration assets. Sapura Energy will transfer $350 million of its debt into the new firm, called SEB Upstream Sdn Bhd (SUP), of which OMV has agreed to refinance half, an OMV spokesman said. OMV also agreed to pay up to an extra $85 million, dependent on whether an exploration in Mexico is successful and on the future oil price, the spokesman said, adding that there was no time frame for the payment of the sum. The Austrian group, which is betting on increasing demand for fossil fuels, wants to grow in low-cost countries outside Europe and has declared Southeast Asia a new core market. "Sapura has a very good portfolio of oil and gas fields and will sextuple production over the next six years," OMV exploration chief Johann Pleininger told journalists a few weeks ago. Malaysia's largest oil and gas services company has posted losses for three consecutive quarters, but its upstream business has been profitable in that time. ($1 = 0.8550 euros) (Reporting by Alexandra Schwarz-Goerlich, writing by Kirsti Knolle; Editing by Kirsten Donovan) * OMV to pay $540 mln for 50 pct in upstream JV * Will manage refinancing of $350 mln debt * Further payments, up to $85 mln, depend on value enhancement (Recasts, writes through) By Kirsti Knolle VIENNA, Nov 9 (Reuters) - Austrian oil and gas group OMV has agreed on a joint venture with Malaysia's Sapura Energy, paying $540 million for a 50 percent stake in its exploration assets, aiming to use it as a springboard for further expansion in Asia. OMV has declared Southeast Asia a new core market in its strategy of expanding in low-cost countries outside Europe, with a particular focus on meeting demand for natural gas because of its lower CO2 emissions compared with oil. "This acquisition is a great strategic fit for OMV," Chief Executive Rainer Seele said in an investor call on Friday, adding that it gives the company access to a market where demand for gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) is expected to grow by 50 percent by 2030. The deal involves Sapura Upstream being transferred to a new business to be called SEB Upstream (SUP), in which OMV will buy a 50 percent stake. Sapura Upstream's network and its strong relationship with Malaysia's state energy giant Petroliam Nasional(Petronas) will also help OMV to expand in the region, Seele said. "Petronas ... is a JV partner in all domestic assets of Sapura Upstream," he said. CONDITIONAL PAYMENT In addition to the $540 million purchase price, OMV agreed to a further payment of up to $85 million, dependent on the commercial success of an oil asset in Mexico and the Brent crude benchmark oil price, Sapura Energy said in a statement. SUP will also have to repay a $350 million loan from Sapura Energy in cash, either through a loan from OMV or bank borrowing secured by SUP, the Malaysian company said. Seele plans to manage refinancing of the $350 million via an intercompany loan. "As we are going to fully consolidate Sapura Upstream, it has no impact on our cash flow, no visible impact on our debt and on our gearing," he said. Story continues OMV has set aside 10 billion euros for acquisitions up to 2025. It has now used about 2.5 billion euros of that, having expanded this year in New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates to balance geopolitical risks it faces in countries such as Russia, Libya and Yemen. The Austrian group plans to produce 100,000 barrels of oil equivalent (boe) per day in Southeast Asia by 2023, it has said previously. Sapura's upstream production currently stands at about 10,000 boe per day (boe/d) and will reach 60,000 boe/d after 2023, Seele said, adding that much of the output will be transported to the world's third-largest LNG complex, majority owned and operated by Petronas. LNG, which has become the fastest growing traded commodity, fetches higher prices in Asia than in Europe, he said. ($1 = 0.8550 euros) (Reporting by Kirsti Knolle Editing by David Goodman) FILE PHOTO: Former Philippine first lady Marcos adjusts her glasses after attending the first Mass of the newly built Santuario de San Ezekiel Moreno Catholic church in Las Pinas city FILE PHOTO: Former Philippine first lady Imelda Marcos, who is now a congresswoman, adjusts her glasses after attending the first Mass of the newly built Santuario de San Ezekiel Moreno Catholic church in Las Pinas city, south of Manila, August 19, 2014. REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco/File Photo By Neil Jerome Morales MANILA (Reuters) - The Philippines' anti-corruption court on Friday ordered the arrest of former first lady Imelda Marcos after finding her guilty on seven counts of graft during the two-decade rule of her husband and former dictator, Ferdinand Marcos. But Marcos, 89, famous for a huge collection of shoes, jewellery and artwork, can avoid arrest and remain free if she appeals the decision and if denied, she can challenge it at the Supreme Court. Marcos said in a statement her lawyer is "studying the decision and he has advised us that he intends to file a motion for reconsideration". The widow of the late dictator is facing dozens of protracted graft cases that have hounded her since her family was toppled in an army-backed popular uprising in 1986. The court ordered Marcos, a congresswoman, to serve six to 11 years in jail for each of the seven counts of graft. She was charged for making seven bank transfers totalling $200 million to Swiss foundations during her term as Manila governor. The court's decision came nearly three decades after the case was filed. Under the rules of the Sandiganbayan, the former first lady has 15 days from promulgation of the ruling to file an appeal, and the anti-graft court has 30 days within which to decide on it. Marcos may also go straight to Supreme Court to seek relief. She can also file an application for bail. Marcos, a sitting three-term congresswoman, has registered as a candidate next May to succeed her daughter, Imee Marcos, 62, as governor of Ilocos Norte, the stronghold of the still powerful Marcos family. Imee is running for the Philippine senate in 2019. "I hope this ruling would serve as a crucial electoral guide to our voters this coming election", opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros said in a statement. Ferdinand Marcos ruled the Philippines for two decades, placing the country under martial law in 1972, during which time thousands of opponents were jailed, killed or disappeared. Story continues He was accused of amassing more than $10 billion while in office and died in exile in 1989. President Rodrigo Duterte enjoys good ties with the Marcos family and has often praised the late strongman. Duterte allowed Marcos' embalmed body to be buried at a special heroes' cemetery in 2016, and the president is often accompanied at official events by Imee Marcos. Duterte's spokesman, Salvador Panelo, said in a statement the ruling against Imelda Marcos was proof that the executive "is not in the business of exerting undue interference or influence" on courts, and therefore respects the decision." (Additional Reporting by Manuel Mogato and Karen Lema; Editing by Martin Petty and Simon Cameron-Moore) Imelda Marcos was found guilty of corruption on Friday and handed a lengthy prison term in a rare conviction for the former Philippine first lady accused with her late dictator husband of embezzling billions of dollars from state coffers. However, it was unlikely 89-year-old Marcos would spend much time behind bars as she is allowed to appeal the ruling and can remain free on bail as long as the conviction is not final. The verdict from the anti-graft Sandiganbayan court orders her to serve a minimum of six years behind bars for each of the seven charges that the Marcoses funnelled roughly $200 million through Swiss foundations decades ago. This leaves her potentially facing decades in prison, however the exact length of the term was not immediately clear. Ferdinand Marcos, who along with his cronies was accused of pilfering $10 billion from the Philippines, fled with his family to the US after a people's uprising ended his 20-year rule in 1986. Marcos died in 1989 while still in exile. But his heirs later returned to Manila and have since staged a political comeback. Imelda Marcos is currently a congresswoman. As a government official in the Marcos administration, Imelda was barred by law from having any financial interest from the Swiss foundations, said the ruling. "The couple opened all those accounts in Switzerland, and they used pseudonyms to hide their ownership. The president chose William Saunders and Imelda Marcos used Jane Ryan," special prosecutor Ryan Quilala told reporters. Her lawyers could not be reached, while a press aide told AFP there was no immediate comment. - The Marcoses return - Marcos critics rejoiced at the news of the conviction, which came nearly three decades after the case was filed in 1991. "This points to how long and therefore frustrating the Philippine judicial system is," said opposition lawmaker Francis Pangilinan. "We hope our courts will see this through... and give no special treatment to Mrs. Marcos," he added. Court officials said Marcos, who was not at Friday's hearing, would be able to avoid incarceration by posting an as yet undetermined bail. She has the right to appeal her conviction to the Supreme Court. The court has previously undone at least one case against Imelda, overturning a 24 year jail sentence in 1993 on graft charges. She ran for congress and won while her appeal was underway. The family's notoriety stems back to Ferdinand Marcos declaring martial law in 1972. That allowed him to shutter the legislature, muzzle the free press and jail or kill those who dared to oppose his dictatorship. In the decades since Marcos's ouster the effort to recover the pilfered money has been halting and uneven. However, the Philippine Supreme Court in 2003 ordered $680 million in funds stashed by the Marcoses in Swiss banks handed to the government. The funds had earlier been turned over by the Swiss judiciary after concluding that the funds were stolen from the Manila government. The younger generation of Marcoses have led high-profile careers, despite the dark past associated with their name. Imelda and Ferdinand's daughter Imee Marcos is the governor of the family's northern stronghold of Ilocos Norte province and helped bankroll the 2016 election campaign of President Rodrigo Duterte, according to him. Imelda's son, also named Ferdinand, almost won the separate election for vice president that year. He has put the count under protest and hopes to run for president after Duterte's term ends in mid-2022. Palestinian Hamas-hired employee displays US dollar notes after receiving her salary, in the southern Gaza Strip A Palestinian Hamas-hired employee displays US dollar notes after receiving her salary, in the southern Gaza Strip November 9, 2018. REUTERS/Ibraheem Abu Mustafa By Nidal al-Mughrabi GAZA (Reuters) - A $15 million Qatari cash infusion was paid out to impoverished Palestinian civil servants in the Gaza Strip on Friday, offering Hamas a potential domestic reprieve though Israel said the money would not go to the dominant Islamist group. Hamas's political rival based in the West Bank, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, has slashed Gaza budgets, beggaring tens of thousands of government employees. That has helped stoke a half-year of bloody protests and occasional shelling exchanges across the border of Gaza, which Israel keeps under blockade. Palestinian sources said the Qatari payout, received on Thursday, was the first of a total of $90 million that would come into Gaza over the next six months with Israeli approval. Israel had previously agreed to the gas-rich Gulf Arab state donating materials for civilian construction projects or fuel, worried that more fungible cash donations could reach Hamas, against which it has fought three wars in a decade. "One day, I have no money to get food or medicine for my children - and now I will buy them food, medicine and clothes," said Wael Abu Assi, a traffic policeman, outside a Gaza City post office where people queued to draw their salaries. Branded a terrorist group in the West, Hamas has been under years of embargo by Israel and neighbouring Egypt. Hamas leaders said in the past they had received funds from other countries including Iran. Observers for Qatar were present at all 12 post offices across Gaza to monitor the salary disbursements. Employees had to present their identity card and be finger-printed. Doha's donations, as well as U.N.-Egyptian truce mediation and winter rains, have tamped down the violence at the border, where Gaza medics say Israeli army fire has killed more than 220 Palestinians since the protests began on March 30 to demand rights to lands lost to Israel in the 1948 war of its creation. Israel, which says its lethal force prevents armed infiltrations, has had a soldier killed by a Gaza sniper and tracts of forest and farmland burned in brushfires set by incendiary material flown over on kites or helium balloons. Story continues ENVOY'S CONVOY STONED On Friday, the Israeli army shot dead a Palestinian and wounded 37 other on the border, Gaza medics said. The military said troops faced some 10,000 Palestinians protesters, some of whom threw grenades. Earlier, Qatar's point-man for Gaza relief efforts, Mohammed Al-Emadi, visited a site near the border fence. "Long live Qatar!" shouted some of the Palestinian youths there. "Long live Gaza!" he replied. But as the diplomat's convoy departed, some youths threw stones that smashed a window on his bodyguards' car - suggesting not all Palestinians were pleased with Qatar's intervention. Al-Emadi's car was unscathed. Qatar's official news agency said the donated money would benefit 27,000 civil servants out of over 40,000 public servants hired by Hamas since 2007. The rest would be paid through local revenues it said. "They told me they don't have money for me," one employee told Reuters on condition that he would not be named. "Maybe Israel vetoed my name?" Officials from Hamas, Qatar and Israel have been largely silent about the details of the Gaza payouts arrangement. But a member of right-wing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's security cabinet played down their significance. "This is not money that is going to Hamas activities. It is money that is going to the salaries of civil servants, in an orderly, organised manner," Environment Minister Zeev Elkin told Tel Aviv radio station 102 FM. Elkin accused Abbas, whose peace talks with Netanyahu stalled in 2014 and who is boycotting the United States because of its pro-Israel policies, of cutting salaries to "inflame Gaza, because he has not been successful on other fronts". "The Qataris came along and said: 'We are willing to pay this instead of Abu Mazen (Abbas), in order to calm Gaza down'. What does it matter who pays it?" Elkin said. Wasel Abu Youssef, a member of the executive committee of the Abbas-led Palestine Liberation Organisation, criticised the move. "Arrangements through Qatar and elsewhere prolong the crisis of Palestinian division," Abu Youssef told Reuters. (Additional reporting by Ali Sawafta in Ramallah and Maher Chmaytell in Dubai; Writing by Dan Williams; Editing by Mark Heinrich, Richard Balmforth) Former head of Southeast Asia sales and trading at Goldman Sachs, banker Ng Chong Hwa, known as Roger Ng, is currently facing a litany of charges in the United States in relation to money laundering and bribery over 1MDB, a Malaysian sovereign wealth fund. According the sources, Bloomberg reports that Ng is most concerned with fighting extradition to the US, where he would join his former Goldman colleague, Tim Leissner, who has already plead guilty to his Department of Justice rap sheet. Arrested in Malaysia last week at the behest of US authorities, he has since filed motions to review both his continued detention, as well as plans to extradite him to the US to face his charges. Two months ago, Singapore ordered that the millions sitting in the city-states bank accounts that had been pilfered by various individuals from 1MDB were to be returned to Malaysia, a special bank account was set up to do just that with S$15.3 million (RM46.6 million, US$ 11 million) having been transferred already. Reports are now emerging that the former banked has agreed to hand over S$40 million (RM121 million, US$29 million) in cash to Singaporean authorities, who will return the money to Malaysia. Singapore had previously frozen the bankers accounts. Something tells us that while Malaysian officials appreciate the gesture in returning part of what may have been taken, United States authorities will probably remain unmoved. Leissner has already told the US Department of Justice that he did indeed bribe officials to raise funds, arranging them as debt offerings that would incur higher fees for his employer. Mr. Kimore Lee has also plead guilty to siphoning off more than US$200 million from 1MDB into accounts controlled by him and a relative. Not the greatest look. Although Ng resigned from his post in April of 2014, as the gravity of the scandal was just hitting international headlines, he is still said to have played a key role in raising US1.75 billion in 1MDB bonds for the bank two year prior. Story continues Global banking powerhouse Goldman Sachs has been under the microscope for their part in raising US$6.5 billion for the sovereign wealth fund, and for the handsome, well-above market rate fee they took from the raising of three bonds. Their current CEO, David Solomon (who also spins as DJ Sol, if youre into weird facts like us), has said they feel horrible about what their former employees did, which is pretty much the kind of sorry you get when no one really feels that bad about anything. The post Roger Ng to return RM121 million to Malaysia, still fighting US extradition appeared first on Coconuts. By Tom Westbrook and Sonali Paul SYDNEY/MELBOURNE (Reuters) - A Somali-born man set fire to a pickup truck laden with gas cylinders in the centre of the Australian city of Melbourne on Friday and stabbed three people, killing one, before he was shot by police in a rampage they called an act of terrorism. Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack, without providing any evidence. The utility truck carrying barbecue gas cylinders burned on busy Bourke Street just before the evening rush hour as the driver stabbed bystanders and attacked police. (For map click here: https://tmsnrt.rs/2Qu5stX) The cylinders did not explode and the fire was put out in 10 minutes, by which point the attack was over. "We are still trying to piece together whether the vehicle was lit, then he got out the car or whether he got out of the car and then the vehicle took flame," Victoria Police Commissioner Graham Ashton told reporters. Video posted to Twitter and broadcast on television showed the man swinging a knife at two police officers, while his truck burned in the background. One of the officers shot the man and he collapsed to the ground clutching his chest, the video showed. Other footage showed two stab victims lying on the ground nearby. The attacker, who police said was 31, died in hospital, as did one of the victims, Ashton said. "From what we know of that individual, we are treating this as a terrorism incident," he said of the attacker. Asked about what the attacker had been planning, Ashton referred to the gas cylinders in the car and said: "You could make certain assumptions from that." Victoria police declined to comment when contacted about Islamic State's claim. The militant group also claimed responsibility for a deadly siege in the city in 2017 when a Somali man was killed by police after taking a woman hostage. Ashton said there was no longer a threat to the public, but that security would be boosted at horse races and Remembrance Day memorials over the weekend. Sunday marks 100 years since the armistice was signed that marked the end of World War One. Story continues NO WARNING Police did not identify the attacker but Ashton said the man was known to them and intelligence authorities because of family associations. All of the victims were men, Ashton said. He declined to release their names because police were still in the process of contacting families. Police later said the two wounded men were aged 26 and 58. Asked if the attacker had recently travelled to Syria he said: "That is something we might be able to talk more about tomorrow." A staunch U.S. ally, Australia has been on alert for such violence after a Sydney cafe siege in 2014, and its intelligence agencies have stepped up scrutiny, though there was no warning of the latest attack. Authorities say Australia's vigilance has helped to foil at least a dozen plots, including a plan to attack downtown Melbourne at Christmas in 2016. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said in a statement released on Twitter: "Australia will never be intimidated by these appalling attacks." TEN MINUTES OF CHAOS Video posted to social media showed chaotic scenes as bystanders scattered while the attacker fought with police and his victims lay bleeding on the footpath. One man charged at the tall attacker, who was wearing a long black shirt, with a shopping trolley just before police drew their weapons. A witness, Markel Villasin, told Australian Broadcasting Corporation radio: "Bystanders were yelling out 'just shoot him, just shoot him'." They did. Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said the attack was "an evil, terrifying thing that's happened in our city". Warning text messages were sent after the attack and police sealed off the downtown area, usually busy with shoppers and diners on a Friday evening. Some cordons were lifted later, though the immediate crime scene would be sealed until Saturday, police said. Memories remain fresh of a fatal but not terror-related attack on the same street last year, in which a man drove his car at pedestrians at high speed, killing six people and wounding about 30. That prompted the city to install hundreds of security bollards. The driver is on trial. In December 2014, two hostages were killed during a 17-hour siege by a "lone wolf" gunman, inspired by Islamic State militants, in a cafe in Sydney. (Writing by Jonathan Barrett; Editing by Robert Birsel and Nick Macfie) The 10-week accelerator programme was delivered by Singapore-based energy company Enrupt In recent years, multinational companies across the globe have launched corporate accelerators so they can tap into the agility and creativity of startups to build more advanced applications for their industry. One of the worlds leading oil and gas company, Shell, is no exception to this trend. Its accelerator, called Shell IdeaRefinery, is designed to help a diverse mix of startups develop innovative, sustainable and cost-effective products and services for the energy industry. Shell IdeaRefinery accelerator comes in two varieties the Launch programme and the Pivot programme. The former focusses on early-stage deep tech energy startups. Shell will help them move from the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) stage to the product-market fit stage. It will also work with them to develop a viable business model. The latter focusses on mid-stage (Series A) startups who have working products (most likely already in the market) but are not necessarily geared towards the energy industry. Shell will then help them develop products that will have an energy impact, allowing them to expand into new verticals. Yesterday, Shell IdeaRefinery showcased five out of the 10 Singapore startups from its Pivot programmes 2nd cohort at its Demo Day, which was organised in partnership with Energy Market Authority and NUS Enterprise. The 10-week Pivot programme was designed and delivered by Singapore energy startup Enrupt. The startups went through a structured curriculum, followed by a series of workshops, personal mentoring sessions and masterclasses with industry professionals. Startups working for the energy sector rise and fall with the quality of their industrial partnerships. Shell IdeaRefinery offers an unparalleled platform where startups can establish good quality connections with energy players and get a better understanding of problem statements related to digitalisation, said Katarina Uherova Hasbani, Founder of Enrupt, in a press statement. Story continues The five startups who showcased on the Demo Day were selected for their ability to pivot their businesses to better serve the energy sector or high energy-impact industries, including shipping, buildings and transport. So, without further ado, here the five exciting startups! AVA Asia AVA Asia is a drone and AI company that helps energy companies monitor the level of corrosion along their pipelines. This is critical because, according to the company, 70 per cent of pipeline rupturing incidents are corrosion-related. The companys data analytics solution is also helping solar PV (solar cell) plant owners improve their energy yield by at least 2 per cent. Chektec Chektec is a SaaS company that helps companies better manage workplace safety through its mobile app. It has a form creation tool that enables teams to generate task assignments that integrate workplace safety, health and environment goals, and other necessary workplace data. Also Read: Singapores Fundnel launches private investment marketplace in Malaysia The software allows users to submit reports on-the-go or immediately assign corrective actions that can be monitored on mobile and in the office. Additionally, Chektec enforces workplace accountability through document traceability (collection of time and date stamps for all forms of data) and specific task traceability (assigning users to each task). Nodis Nodis has developed a smart window that allows users to change the tint, colour and temperature characteristics of windows instantly, using a technology called TruTint. By doing so, occupants can control how much sunlight or heat they want to let into their office or room Using its smart window, Nodis claims it can help reduce building energy usage by 40 per cent (through cutting down on heating, cooling and lighting energy sources). ShipsFocus ShipsFocus has developed an intelligence and analytics-driven solution that helps customers aggregate shipments as well as enable ship owners and operators to better manage their shipping loads. There are two positive outcomes of this: customers cut down on unnecessary shipping costs, and ship owners reduce expenses from overloading as well as reduce GHG emissions and other environmental waste. QIQ Global QIQ Global is a blockchain company that wants to build a green transportation ecosystem using electric vehicles, comprising of electric bikes and scooters that can run for 20km on a single charge. It also wants to develop an autonomous electric shuttle bus capable of 25-degree hill climbs, with an over 50,000 duty cycle. The goal is to enable it to run for 18km at 35 km/h on a single charge. All of its electric vehicles will use a charging system called Rapid Charging. Image Credit: Shell IdeaRefinery The post Shells accelerator unveils 5 Singapore energy startups from its 2nd cohort appeared first on e27. Slovak activists on Thursday transformed segmented park benches in Bratislava into comfortable places to sleep in a silent protest against a law in EU neighbour Hungary criminalising homelessness. "These segmented benches prevent people from lying down. For us, they represent hostile, anti-homeless architecture," Sandra Pazman Tordova, organiser of this solidarity campaign, told AFP. Protesters stacked special narrow mattresses high enough to create a soft, level sleeping surface over armrests segmenting park benches to prevent anyone from stretching out on them. Wearing deep blue bathrobes over their clothes, they then stretched out on the benches for a nap. The protest comes as some candidates in municipal elections that will be held across Slovakia on Saturday have been campaigning on measures inspired by Hungary's move to ban sleeping rough. "Some local politicians declared during the current pre-election campaign that homeless people should be expelled from city centres and even promised their voters that they will push through measures similar to those in Hungary," Tordova said. Rough sleeping in EU member Hungary was banned in October under a homelessness law adopted by right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government that critics have described as "cruel". With police now empowered to remove rough sleepers from streets and dismantle huts and shacks, a Hungarian government official said that the law "serves the interests of society as a whole". But Pazman Tordova, who works for the Proti prudu NGO focused on helping the homeless, insisted that "repression is not a solution". Homeless people in Slovakia have limited access to shelters. There are only 250 beds in the 24-hour shelters in the capital Bratislava, a city of 420,000 people. According to official statistics, there are at least 2,064 homeless people in the capital but NGOs estimate their population at 4,000. Sri Lanka's largest party announced Saturday a legal challenge to President Maithripala Sirisena's sacking of parliament, a move that has plunged the Indian Ocean island nation into fresh turmoil and alarmed the international community. Sirisena announced on Friday night that he was dissolving parliament and called fresh elections on January 5, two weeks after sacking prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and replacing him with the controversial Mahinda Rajapakse. Mangala Samaraweera, finance minister in Wickremesinghe's sacked cabinet, said Saturday that their United National Party (UNP) would file a challenge with Sri Lanka's top court next week, saying the president had "kicked the constitution in the teeth". "We will go to the courts," Samaraweera told reporters in Colombo. "We will fight in the courts, we will fight in parliament and we will fight at the polls." Shortly before sacking the legislature, Sirisena also took over the police department by attaching it to his defence ministry. He also took control of the state printer, a crucial institution that publishes decrees and proclamations. He had already taken control of all state media outlets soon after dismissing Wickremesinghe on October 26. Sirisena set the election date, almost two years ahead of schedule, after it became clear that his designated prime minister Rajapakse could not prove his majority when the assembly was set to reconvene on Wednesday. This is despite several legislators saying they were offered millions of dollars to switch allegiance. Rajapakse, 72, was prime minister for two weeks without ever stepping into parliament. He will now continue as a caretaker premier until a new parliament meets on January 17. A leader of Rajapakse's party, Susil Premajayantha, said Sirisena sacked the legislature to end the power struggle and allow people to elect a new parliament. "Now we have a caretaker government with limited functions," Premajayantha said. "We will conduct a free and fair election." He accused Wickremesinghe of causing instability by refusing to vacate his official residence. - Power struggle - Rajapakse and the ousted Wickremesinghe have been battling for power for two weeks as international concern grew over the mounting turmoil in the strategically important island nation. Sirisena signed a decree dismissing the legislature in a bid to head off any revolt against his actions which included suspending parliament for nearly three weeks. Rajapakse was yet to address the nation after his disputed elevation, but early Saturday attempted to justify the dissolution. "... A general election will truly establish the will of the people and make way for a stable country," he said on Twitter. - US 'deeply concerned' - Washington's criticism of Sirisena's move was swift. "The US is deeply concerned by news the Sri Lanka parliament will be dissolved, further deepening the political crisis," the US State Department said in a statement. "As a committed partner of Sri Lanka, we believe democratic institutions and processes need to be respected to ensure stability and prosperity," it said. Just before sacking the parliament, Sirisena also inducted more ministers into his cabinet. The move was seen as giving them access to state resources in the run up to the January vote. The leftist People's Liberation Front (JVP), which regards the sacking of Wickremesinghe as unconstitutional, accused Sirisena of trying to consolidate his power grab. "Dissolving parliament at this time is illegal and goes against the constitution," JVP general secretary Tilvin Silva told reporters. Wickremesinghe had late Thursday thanked his supporters in a Facebook video for not letting Sri Lanka be "plunged into the darkness of dictatorship". It was not immediately clear if he would vacate the official Temple Trees residence following the dissolution of parliament. The power struggle on the island of 21 million people has paralysed much of the administration, according to legislators on both sides of the dispute. Thousands of protesters joined rallies in cities across the United States on Thursday, November 8, to demand that President Donald Trump not interfere with an investigation into Russian meddling with the 2016 election. In New York City, around 6,000 people marched from Times Square to Union Square, chanting slogans including Hands off Mueller and Nobodys above the law and holding signs that said Truth Must Triumph and Repeal, Replace Trump. The nationwide protests were organised after Attorney General Jeff Sessions resigned on Wednesday, November 7, and the White House announced his chief of staff, Matthew Whitaker, would become the acting Attorney General. Sessions had recused himself overseeing Special Counsel Robert Muellers Russia investigation while Whitaker has previously called for a scaling back of the probe. This video, shared on November 8, shows protesters chanting slogans at Times Square. Credit: Sarah Wilson via Storyful LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's culture minister Jeremy Wright said the government would not accept a Brexit deal which separates Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK via a hard border down the Irish Sea. Wright was speaking after the DUP, the Northern Irish party which props up Prime Minister Theresa May's government, said that her negotiations had raised alarm bells, and it would not support a Brexit deal that divided the United Kingdom. "There is no doubt that we have understood the concern that the DUP and others have expressed about a hard border down the Irish Sea, we share it, and we will not accept a deal that involves that component," Wright told BBC radio on Friday. Speaking on the same programme, the DUP's Brexit spokesman Sammy Wilson said that the party's understanding of May's negotiating position represented a betrayal. "That to us is a breach of the promise which has been made that we would not be cut off from the rest of the United Kingdom," he said. (Reporting by Sarah Young, Editing by Kylie MacLellan) The United States on Friday urged Tanzania to safeguard the rights of journalists and civil society, voicing concern over a growing crackdown on media, activists and the gay community. Two press freedom advocates were taken in for questioning and released Thursday, while a powerful Dar es Salaam official last week vowed to track down people suspected of engaging in homosexuality -- illegal in Tanzania. "The United States government is deeply concerned over escalating attacks and legislative actions by the Government of Tanzania that violate civil liberties and human rights, creating an atmosphere of violence, intimidation and discrimination," State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement. "The deteriorating state of human rights and rule of law in Tanzania inhibits development, economic prosperity, peace and security," she said. "We call on Tanzanian authorities to act decisively to safeguard the rights of civil society organizations, human rights defenders, journalists, health workers, political activists and all people," in accordance with local and international law, she said. She added that the United States was "troubled" by arrests and harassment of the LGBT community. The United States has had warm relations with Tanzania, which has received aid under the Millennium Challenge Corporation which is only eligible to countries that respect democratic norms. With just three full-length films, director Barry Jenkins has become the foremost chronicler of black tenderness in American cinema. Moonlight, Jenkins Best Picturewinning coming-of-age movie, immediately heralded the arrival of a distinct new voice. But it was the writer-directors 2008 feature debut, Medicine for Melancholy, a romance starring Wyatt Cenac set against San Franciscos gentrification crisis, that persuaded James Baldwins estate to give Jenkins the rights to adapt the authors work in English for the very first time. Advertisement The result is If Beale Street Could Talk, a romantic drama that Jenkins wrote concurrently with Moonlight. Starring Stephan James (Race) and luminous newcomer KiKi Layne as doomed young lovers undone by police malfeasance and a false accusation of rape, the 70s-set Beale Street shares with Jenkins earlier films the same warmth, ardor, acuity, and rapturous response from critics. But one also gets the sense that Jenkins just wanted to do justice to one of his heroes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jenkins spoke to Slate in mid-October during a trip to San Francisco, where he lived for nearly a decade. Though slightly under the weather, he was thoughtful and excitable as he discussed how Baldwin opened up the world to him as a young reader, how social media could prevent the next Emmett Till, what surprised him about audience reactions to Beale Street, and how he feels about squaring off against La La Land and First Man director Damien Chazelle in another award season. This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity. Advertisement At what age did you discover James Baldwin? I had a very limited opinion of what I was capable of, and reading Baldwin showed me that maybe there is more. Barry Jenkins I was midway through undergrad. An ex-girlfriend recommended I read Giovannis Room and The Fire Next Time. Giovannis Room is the story of two men. One is an American traveling through Europe, and hes engaged to a woman, but hes not sure if he wants to marry her. So while in Paris by himself, he falls in love with this Italian bartender named Giovanni. Its a very sad, fated, torrid romance. And The Fire Next Time is two long-form essays that were published in the New YorkerBaldwin addressing the Negro problem in America. So those were my introductions. Advertisement What does Baldwin mean to you? Advertisement Everything. I had never read the work of any queer authornot knowingly. And then to find that here was this young, black voice that grew up poor, like me, and somehow created this language to express everythingto talk not only about himself, but about people outside himself, in such an eloquent way. It opened my worldview a bit because I had a very limited opinion of what I was capable of, and reading Baldwin showed me that maybe there is more. I could expand the box of possibility for myself. Advertisement Do you mean you werent sure how much you could make an impact on the world creatively? Creatively and intellectually. When you grow up in a certain way, whether you grow up impoverished or just isolated, you think that you can only speak to a very finite existence. I feel like reading someone like Baldwin, I was like No. What I love about Baldwin is he didnt have to run away from his culture to speak on the culture at large. Even more than that, he used his unique perspective to bring a unique perspective to the culture at large. Advertisement Advertisement Given that so many of the racial issues that Beale Street is aboutmass incarceration, poverty, housing, educationare still with us today, did you ever consider making Beale Street a contemporary film? Very briefly: in the very beginning, before I even sat down to write the first draft. I was thinking with my production brain: I just thought the budget would go further if we didnt have to make everything period-specific. This was before Moonlight existed, when I didnt think Id get to make anything. I thought, I am a filmmaker nobodys gonna support anymore. But it then became very clear to me that the power of the adaptation would be in setting the movie in the period within which it was published because, as you said, so many of the things that happen in the book and in the film are still happening today. Advertisement Stephan James, who plays Fonny, tells a story about using the story of Kalief Browder as inspiration for his performance. Last night at Mill Valley [the film festival in Marin County], I was mentioning this story of Kalief Browder, and it was clear to me that a large segment of the audience had no idea who Kalief Browder was. I said, Kalief Browder is basically Fonny. These things are still happening. The Kalief Browder situation is even more extreme than Fonnys, unfortunately. Advertisement Advertisement Yesterday I read a viral story about a white woman who accused a 9-year-old boy And then they finally found the surveillance video. And its not that we should have needed to have found the surveillance video. What I loved about that storynot what I loved, because theres nothing to love about anything associated with thatall these mothers from all different races started to explain, Look, if Im in the grocery store shopping, my kids, theyre small people, they just grab the first leg they see. Basically saying, even if this kid did touch this woman, this is what kids do. And the kid is a kid! Advertisement Then the video came out, and it was very clear that this kids backpack brushed this woman. What I hate is the question that I ask myself when I see that video: If that kid was a white child who brushed up against that woman, would she have said anything at all? Do you find yourself paying attention to a lot of these stories of viral racism? Its not that I find myself paying attentionI feel like its impossible to not see them. Theyre just so prevalent. And heres the power in them being so pervasive in the culture right now: These things have been happening for so long. And we never had the technology to verify that they were happening. So what do you think happened to people in these instances where there wasnt technology to verify if these things did or did not happen? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I mean, sadly, we know. We know exactly. This is really aggressive, its a very harsh thing to say, but if you took this story of this woman in the grocery store and you took it back 60 years, you might be talking about Emmett Till. Legitimately. Advertisement Literally. Literally the same fucking thing. Thats why, when people say, Oh, Ive gotta get off Twitter because its just making me sad, Im like, Yeah, but in some cases Twitter is literally saving peoples lives. Thats the most optimistic thing anyones ever said about Twitter. One notable departure you make from the novel is the films beginning. Beale Street essentially starts with the joy of the mother of a black teenage girl who gets pregnant out of wedlock. The mom calls their celebratory night a sacrament and organizes a near-religious commemoration of the event. Did you want to foreground that scene, which takes place later in the novel, to reverse what we usually think of when we think of that type of situation? Advertisement We did an early test screening, and this middle-aged black woman stood up and was really emotional. She was like, In that scene where the daughter tells the father for the first time, I expected that to go a completely different way. Im so upset with myself, because I dont know why I would be so shocked that they respond in such a nurturing way. Thats not something directly from the book, but it was important to me to set out the circumstances of this family dynamic, because you need to see what there is to be lost before the procedural elements take over and you realize essentially that this family is fucked. Advertisement I didnt realize how much that would go against expectations. But as Ive watched the film more and more with audiences, its something thats bittersweet. Because Colman [Domingo, who plays the girls father] is full of love. You should take one look at him and realize, of course hes going to respond in a favorable way. But I think because we dont see those things happen in media, in arts and letters, as often as they happen in real life, we then assume the reaction weve seen before: this guy getting pissed because his daughter being impregnated by this guy whos her soul mate is somehow emasculating to him. That makes no sense. Advertisement Advertisement Baldwins language in the novel is sometimes really acidic. At one point the phrase dried-up cunts is flung as an insult. How did you decide how much of that to put in and how much to leave out? There was a line I had in my head. I felt like there was a line at which the language was a bit too acidic. For you or for the movie? I tried to use my internal clock as a barometer first and then let that reverberate out to, is the audience going to be so caught up in this piece of language that they cant move on to the next beat, to the next scene? Advertisement I feel we curved the language just a little bit, but we left quite a bit of it in as well. In the big scene between the two families, there are a few lines in there that are a bit aggressive. But for me, the biggest ones are the two conversations between black men: the conversation that Fonny and Daniel have, and the conversation the two fathers have at the bar when theyre speaking directly and openly to the social condition of black folks in America and the role that white folks in America have played in pushing or creating those social conditions. Advertisement I think people recognize very quickly that these are conversations that people have amongst themselves, and the beauty of literature and cinema is you can witness those conversations for the first time and hopefully walk out of the theater and participate in them by asking, Wow, what did that mean? Why did Barry Jenkins put that in that film? Send me a DM, and Ill tell you. Were you relieved that, after the gigantic triumph of Moonlight winning Best Picture, you already had something lined up so that you wouldnt have that pressure of deciding what was next? Advertisement Advertisement I was. It was almost a crutch to know exactly what the next film would be, to know exactly where and when we were gonna do it. But then it might have been nice to take a break, because rather than dealing with all the stuff that happened, I just went back to work. Advertisement Is it weird having to go against Damien Chazelle again this award season? No! If Damien had made a film called If Beale Street Could Talk about a young black couple and a mom who has to go to clear the sons name, or I had made a movie about Neil Armstrong landing on the moon, then I feel like we would be going against each other. But theyre two very distinct and separate pieces of art, just like La La Land and Moonlight were. Its funny. The first thing that happened at Toronto [the film festival] was: I walk into the IMDb studio and right away I recognize his publicist. I look on the screen, and hes sitting for the interview that Im about to sit for. As he comes off the stage, I see all the phones come out, and we just look at each other and we know, Oh, this is the first time weve seen each other. So we gave each other a hug and everyone started taking photos. That was your first time seeing him since the 2017 Oscars? Yes and no. I saw him the morning after the Oscars, when we did a photo shoot. We email back-and-forth a bit, just to check in. Anytime somebody wants to write something about the Oscars, they always reach out to the both of us, and we somehow collectively always go, No, were good. But it was the first time I had seen him in person. Eventually, people will grow tired of it. But for now, yeah, we shared this thing that was insane. First things first. The two-story, two-ton puppet star of the new musical adaptation of King Kong, which opened Thursday night on Broadway, is a fearsome marvel, certainly the most thrilling incarnation of the Eighth Wonder of the World since the lovesick brute who stomped and chomped through Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsacks original 1933 film. His entrance comes earlier than you might expect but, as always, none too soon. He arrives teeth first: We see his fangs in the dark, much higher up from the stage floor than seems reasonable and discomfitingly close to this productions spitfire Ann Darrow (Christiani Pitts), who hangs tangled in the vines of Skull Island. He huffs and sniffs in the blackness, curious, his immensity looming behind those choppers. My eyes strained to separate ape from shadow. Surely he couldnt be that big, could he? Then, the moment teased out with sweet Spielbergian sadism, the star emerges from the murk, a miracle of dread and wonder. Someone a few rows behind me actually gasped. He is that big. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So is his roar. That came a breath later, shaking the theater and clearing my sinuses. And then, somehow, it got better. Aided by 14 puppeteers and cleverly immersive projection work, this Kong (designed by Sonny Tilders and movement directed by Gavin Robins) seizes his prize and tears through the jungle in a surge of outrageous momentum. If the roar rumbled the theater, the rampage seems to upend the world. This production doesnt just draw inspiration from elements of the 33 Kong, or John Guillermins 76 stab, or Peter Jacksons 05 embiggening, the rare movie that, at 187 minutes, makes the Broadway version of the same story look tight. No, this Kong also draws welcome inspiration from Jacksons other go at the greatest of apes: The 3D King Kong attraction he whipped up for the Universal Studios tour. This could be called King Kong: The Musical: The Ride, and its everything that that promises, for good or ill. You know how youve never felt much when the sailors in previous Kongs meet dumb deaths at the paws of the prehistoric reptiles that they for some reason never think to film with their movie cameras? Here, my heart truly went out to a dude facing terror on Skull Island: imagine being Eric William Morris, who plays the film director Carl Denham, having to hang from a viny trellis and sing Disaster is not the opposite of opportunity in the moments after Kong has dazzled us. (He puts the song over, the trouper!) Advertisement Pitts is a wonder herself, a rawly funny actor with a five-alarm voice, a presence as possessed of grit as she is of glamour. The non-Kong elements of Kong are, of course, somewhat beside the point. Generally speaking, when the apes onstage, flirting with his new friend Ann or battling a sickly snake, King Kong rules. When hes not, its a very occasionally inspired musical about a plucky star to be trying to make it in New York in the Depression. Director-choreographer Drew McOnies staging tends to clutter the production numberstoo many seamen and stevedores turning too many Newsies movesand the unimaginative theater-rock songs tend to be titled for the plot points they dramatize. The nadir, for me, is Pressure Up, a tensely obvious shouter about pressure rising among the crew on the sea voyage to Skull Island. Why not just call it Rising Action? Or Padding Before the Moment Youre Waiting For? Advertisement Advertisement More interestingand much weirderis the climactic number, a triumphant ballad called The Wonder. The 33 Kong never finds a moment to consider what Fay Wrays Ann Darrow makes of her ape experience: Shes been abducted, pawed at, hauled atop the Empire State Building, and at last made a witness to a harrowing gorillacide. Here, after Kong has plummeted to his death, she belts for the rafters about how all this has taught her to savor life, or something. But even as I rolled my eyes, I rolled with it, somewhat, as Pitts is a wonder herself, a rawly funny actor with a five-alarm voice, a presence as possessed of grit as she is of glamour. The song might be an off-the-rack show tune, but she kills it just as thoroughly as Kong earlier killed the toothy white cobra who had the chutzpah to slink her way. Advertisement Advertisement Thats one of many examples of the shows uncertain tone. The puppeteers achieve striking emotional effects, especially with their apes eyes, during several tender tete-a-tetes between Kong and Pitts Darrow, who in this version comes to see something of herself in the chained beast. But then the staging of the Empire State Building showdownall lasers and gunshots and chest-beating roarsis so spectacular that when Kong at last died, the crowd I saw this with applauded. Theres no room in the wonder for feeling. One other element of this Kong fascinates. The project of adapting or revisiting pulp-era genre material for our age demands a revisionist spirit, a willingness to interrogate or chuck out the nastiest assumptions of the past. (Witness the work that Victor LaValle, Matt Ruff, and many makers of board and roleplaying games have done reclaiming the mythos of that batty racist H.P. Lovecraft.) The creators of this Kong are never subtle about this. As in the 33 Kong, Carl Denham beseeches his leading lady to scream, but rather than a Fay Wray shriek, Pitts offers a warriors cryone that echoes Kongs. Denhams insistence that this is a story of beauty and the beast here gets presented as a cynical showmans hokum rather than some fairy-tale insight. Some choices baffle: In this version (spoiler!), its not paparazzi flashbulbs that set Kong to break his bonds and pulverize Manhattan. Instead, its Darrow herself, who seems to think shes in Free Willy rather than a show about a beast who eats people. To justify that choice, Darrow sings that she, a black woman, also yearns to break these chains, a boldly suggestive lyric that could set off a thousand think pieces. But one decision is welcome. Cut entirely from the show are the Skull Island natives, their ceremonial betrothals of young women to the apparently insatiable Kong, that business of them kidnapping the first Western woman theyve ever seen, the entire sequence of Darrow bound up as sacrifice for the dark denizens of some othered place. That King Kong subtext of imperiled whiteness? Its just goneand good riddance. As they sing on Broadway, sometimes you have to let it go. When Trump hires White House officials, he often places people in power who have spent their lives undermining the very efforts they are appointed to lead. Scott Pruitt, who led the Environmental Protection Agency until he resigned amid ethics controversies in July, had close ties to the energy industry and had sued the EPA more than a dozen times. Betsy DeVos, a longtime proponent of defunding public schools, is the current secretary of education. So Trumps decision to replace Jeff Sessions with acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker fits neatly into his playbook. Whitaker, the man now in charge of the Mueller investigation, has appeared on CNN over a dozen times to harshly criticize the same investigation. That is so unfair to Robert Mueller, Trevor Noah said on The Daily Show Thursday night. The guy was trash-talking him, and now that guy is his boss. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Noah then broke down how intentional this strategy was, not on Trumps part but on Whitakers. It turns out that his plan all along was to attract Trumps attention using the most direct route to Trumps brain: CNN. Attorney John Q. Barrett recently tweeted the following anecdote, which apparently occurred off air in the CNN green room when both Barrett and Whitaker were guests on the news network: Whitaker told me in June 2017 that he was flying out from Iowa to NYC to be on CNN regularly because he was hoping to be noticed as a Trump defender, and through that to get a Trump judicial appointment back in Iowa. John Q. Barrett (@JohnQBarrett) November 8, 2018 Advertisement So basically Whitaker was on CNN laying thirst traps for Trump, said Noah, and it worked because Trump slid in the DMs like Im DTF down to fire Sessions. But rather than achieving that Iowa judicial appointment he wanted, Whitaker was propelled all the way to acting attorney general of the United States. Thats like applying to be a cashier at Ross Dress for Less and then theyre like, Forget cashier. Youre Ross! said Noah. Jeff Sessions departure is Trumps 15th high-profile firing, and as Daily Show correspondent Dulce Sloan pointed out, almost all 15 departed the White House in the same manner they served the president: obedient and smiling. Sloan had some advice for the next Trump firee: Youre already being escorted out by the Secret Service. You might as well earn it, OK? Tear down the curtains, carve a dink into Trumps desk. Dont just make the news, make history! This post was published in partnership with Wirecutter, the site devoted to finding the best gear and gadgets. Every product is independently selected by the Wirecutter team. We update links when possible, but note that deals may expire and prices are subject to change. If you buy something through our links, Slate and Wirecutter may earn an affiliate commission. After a collective 100 hours of research and on-the-ground trials with seven testers (three women and four men) in 17 different pairs of winter boots during a cold Alaskan winter, both in the city and on the trails, weve selected the Keen Durand Polar WP for men and women as our favorites. Our pick: Keen Womens Durand Polar WP The womens version has a faux-fur collar around the top but otherwise offers similar styling to the mens boot. It also performs just as well. $200 from Keen The Keen Durand Polar WP (womens, mens) offers the best combination of warmth, traction, support, waterproofing, and flexibility for most people who spend more time on out-of-town adventures than in town. That said, the Durand Polar WP still walks easily enough for in-town errands or chores like shoveling snow, and as long as youre active, itll keep you warm in temperatures as low as zero degrees. Also great: Blundstone Mens Thermal Boot This mens boot is comfortable and versatile enough for everyday wear while keeping feet plenty warm in subzero winter conditions. $215 from Moosejaw Columbia Womens Heavenly Omni-Heat Organza This calf-height, lace-up winter boot aced our waterproofing tests and is lined with reflective material to keep your feet toasty warm. $175 from Columbia The Blundstone Thermal Boot is a fully waterproof and insulated version of the companys Chelsea boot that barely adds any extra bulk or weight. Its classic design makes it a great boot for everyday wear. Our testers were surprised at how comfortable and cozy this insulated boot wasit has a removable shearling insole that makes it feel more like a slipper than a work boot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Womens boots often sacrifice function for aesthetics, but the Columbia Heavenly Omni-Heat Organza is both practical and good-looking, with a low-profile heat-reflecting layer that keeps feet warm down to zero degrees, excellent waterproofing, and a surprisingly comfortable, slipper-like fit. The updated 2018 versions faux fur lining is trimmed and the eyelets have been redesigned. Also great: Columbia Peakfreak Venture Mid Waterproof Omni-Heat These mid-cut boots feel almost like a shoe, but they use the same heat-retaining technology as the heavier Bugaboot Plus III Titanium. $110 from Amazon The Columbia Peakfreak Venture Mid Waterproof Omni-Heat mens boot offers excellent insulation and traction on ice, with a flexible, sneaker-like feel underfoot and a roomy toe box to accommodate feet that are too wide for our top pick. Also great: If insulation is your top priority or you plan to be out in the cold without many chances to move around and warm up, the L.L.Bean Wildcat Boots (womens, mens) are impressively warm, supportive, and surprisingly comfortable. This style is a little clunky, but youll appreciate that structure when the temperatures drop below zero but your feet stay warm. Also great: If your winter conditions tend toward the wet and cold, or if you just want boots that can handle the very worst that a spring melt throws at you, the Muck Boot Arctic Excursion Mid is a top pick. Essentially a fleece-lined rubber boot, the Arctic Excursion Mid is surprisingly warmgood down to about 20 degreeswith flawless waterproofing to help you move confidently on days when youre spending a lot of time slogging through slush and splashing through endless puddles. Why you should trust us Lisa has lived in Alaska for almost 30 years worth of cold, snowy, and icy winters, including lots of hiking, snowshoeing, sledding, dogsled race watching, northern lights viewing, and pretty much every other type of cold-weather fun you can imagine. As a travel and outdoors writer, she makes the majority of her living by traipsing around outside in the full variety of challenging Alaska conditions and then reporting on what its like. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The other six testers who helped evaluate the full range of boots are all outdoorsy Alaskans with enough experience to judge the relative merits of these boots not only against one another but also against the competitive field at large. That field, combined with Alaskas varying (and often challenging) winter conditions, including temperatures that ranged down to and below zero, put them in the perfect position to evaluate just how well these boots lived up to their manufacturers promises. But in addition to being folks who like to go and play in the wild, our test team also consisted almost entirely of Anchorage residents. They go to and from work, walk their dogs, and shovel their driveways, just like folks living in cold cities in the Lower 48. And they understand that finding the right pair of boots doesnt just depend on how cold it isthe choice depends on what you plan to do with your boots. Who this is for If you live in an area with cold winters, a good pair of boots will help keep your feet warm and dry during any pursuit, whether youre walking to a mass-transit stop, shoveling snow, taking the dog out, or just forging a path through the snowdrifts to your car. Winter boots are also built for good traction in most winter conditions, although youll still need nonslip devices in icy conditions. Even if you dont plan on spending a lot of time outside in the winter, its still good to have a solid pair of winter boots on hand in case your car breaks down or your bus is delayed. Advertisement Advertisement Everybodys definition of winter weather varies, and it has a lot to do with what youre used to. If you live in a place where temperatures regularly plunge below 0 degrees Fahrenheit, 40 degrees above zero really does start feeling like T-shirt and sandals weather. But if youre used to temperatures that frequently hit the 80s and 90s, temperatures of 40 degrees mean its time to bundle up and prepare for the winter apocalypse. Advertisement Good winter boots will last for years, so if your current footwear still keeps your feet warm and dry and fits well, you have no need to replace it. But old boots that have seen a lot of use will eventually start leaking as the waterproof liners deteriorate over time, insulating less effectively as the insulating material degrades or providing less support as the material in the midsole breaks down. If winter boots just dont keep feet as warm or dry as they used to, or if they dont feel as comfortable, its time to replace them. Where we tested Advertisement Advertisement Because we wanted to consider each pair of boots for use both in the city and outdoors, we tested them all in both environments, strolling Alaskas icy winter sidewalks and taking to our favorite trails, which were a combination of fresh snow and hard-packed ice, in the mountains and in forested foothills closer to town. All of our testing took place in a region of the state known as Southcentral, with daytime temperatures that typically ranged from 0 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the day. All told, we spent about a month testing, amassing a total of 100 hours of testing and research across our seven testers. For our 2017 update, we also tested boots in freezing temperatures and along icy sidewalks in New York City. How we picked and tested Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We scoured the Internet for reliable expert reviews and owner input on which boots were good enough to be put to the test. When it came to serious outdoor gear, some of our best sources included OutdoorGearLab, SectionHiker, and customer reviews from outdoors retailers like REI. For opinions on boot style, we turned to sources such as Mens Fitness and Refinery29. Once we settled on our target styleseight pairs of mens boots and nine pairs of womens boots we focused primarily on our own hands-on, on-feet testing. When a given boot model wasnt available for both genders, or if we found a standout performer designed for a given gender, we also tested the most similar models available for the other gender. In a few cases, we chose to test new models from manufacturers that regularly draw raves to see how the newest models stood up against the old standards. Advertisement We evaluated each pair of boots in a series of three tests. In the first test, we packed all the boots up to the instep in tubs of ice and used a temperature gun to measure how quickly the internal temperature dropped at three-minute intervals. The goal was to eliminate the body heat produced by feet from the equation while comparing how well the boots protected against heat loss to a cold surface (the ice). In almost every case, this data closely paralleled our testers observations about the boots insulating ability. Advertisement Advertisement In the second test, we evaluated the boots waterproofing by spending up to five minutes walking in place in tubs filled with ice water. The ice served two purposes: one, giving us another read on how well the boots were insulated relative to one another, and two, making it immediately obvious when water started seeping into the footwear. The test evolved to include deep knee bends and other movements designed to stress the places where a boot is most likely to leak with repeated wear and use, and we declared the test over once a boot started to leak, which happened to some degree in about half the cases. Advertisement To be completely clear, although all but two of the boots we tested were meant to be waterproof, we deliberately designed this test to push them all well beyond any reasonable expectations of performance. Waterproof winter boots are designed to protect against slogging through slush or stepping in the occasional puddle, but theyre not intended for prolonged immersion. If you know youll be doing more walking in water than out of it, you should look at knee-high rubber boots. An insulated version that we tested for this guide, the Muck Boot Arctic Excursion Mid, showcased just how well this type of boot works in wet conditions, shining even on the wet decks of an Alaskan boat in subfreezing temperatures. Advertisement Our lastand arguably most importanttest involved taking each pair of boots for a walk on both city streets and outdoor trails. This test allowed our panelists to put their extensive experience to work evaluating each boots traction, walkability, and effectiveness in insulating feet. Each boot went through at least two or three miles of walk-testing, although in many cases they had quite a bit more, with testers continuing until they felt they had amassed enough information for a confident opinion. Our pick: Keen Durand Polar WP Our pick: Keen Womens Durand Polar WP The womens version has a faux-fur collar around the top but otherwise offers similar styling to the mens boot. It also performs just as well. $200 from Keen Of all the boots we tested, the Keen Durand Polar WP (womens, mens) offers the best blend of features for people who need a versatile boot that does it all. The Durand Polar WP provides excellent traction on most winter surfaces, can easily take you down to zero degrees of temperature, and offers a fit that suits most feet, although some people will need to size up. The waterproofing is also excellent, except for a small vent in the tongue that lets water in. Finally, this boot is also flexible enough to walk in easily but gives more structure and support than the town boots we evaluated. Advertisement Advertisement Like most serious winter boots, the Durand Polar WP excels on snow, thanks to a combination of fairly aggressive lugs and open space between them that helps slow the accumulation of snow. It also offers good traction on rough ice and good lateral support (receiving four out of five points from our testers in that regard), although again, like most boots in this class, it provides only so-so traction on smooth, flat ice. Advertisement Note that the upper requires more break-in time than that of the other boots we evaluated, so if you have sensitive ankles and calves, you might want to wear padded socks for the first few uses. This boot has a slightly wider than usual toe box, too, although people with wide feet will want to go up half a size, and it does a decent job of locking your heel in. The Durand Polar WP is notably taller than a mid-cut boot, which means it will do well at keeping snow out on its own. Advertisement Advertisement One of our testers described this boots insulation as cushya measure of both its comfort and its insulating ability, which will keep you warm to below-zero temperatures as long as you keep moving. The relatively structured build helps with this by keeping the boot from compressing your foot and cutting down on circulation, which in turn would chill you. Advertisement Advertisement Such a construction often translates to a clunky boot, but the Keen Durand Polar WP is actually very easy to walk in, with just enough rocker (upturned toe) and flexibility in the forefoot and ankle to allow a natural stride without sacrificing support. Interestingly, this boot placed first in our temperature-gun tests of insulating value, although our testers thought the L.L.Bean Wildcat and the Columbia Bugaboot Plus III Titanium Omni-Tech were a little warmer in actual use. Advertisement Advertisement Our final two notes have to do with water. The Keen Durand Polar WP boots had excellent results in our waterproofing testand also kept our feet warm in those tubs of ice waterexcept for a vent in the top half of the tongue that seems to soak up water, from which point the moisture eventually seeps into the interior of the boot. The vent isnt far below the gusset that holds the tongue to the rest of the boot, the usual high mark for waterproofing, so just make sure not to step into water deeper than the vent, and youll be fine. Lastly, the womens version of the Keen Durand Polar WP has a faux-fur cuff around the ankle opening that, although it sheds water initially, will soak up the liquid and turn into a sodden mess with continued exposure. The faux fur is warm, comfortable, and cute, but if you think you might be wandering into truly wet conditions, consider purchasing the faux-fur-free mens Durand Polar WP. Advertisement Advertisement Keen Durand Polar WP: Flaws but not dealbreakers On the womens Durand Polar WP, the faux-fur lining in the upper part of the ankle cuff could be considered a flaw for some people, but unless youre going into wet conditions, its not a dealbreaker. In our experience, the faux fur drew several compliments as a nice, feminine touch, something to consider if you plan to wear these boots around town. Advertisement Advertisement Our testers ranked the Durand Polar WP squarely in the middle of the pack for serious outdoor insulation. To put it another way, this pair will keep you warm during almost any activity, and almost any foul weather, as long as you keep moving. If youre doing more sedentary activities, though, you might want to consider one of our even more heavily insulated options, and if youre buying with an eye toward technical outdoor pursuits like mountaineering, youll want a stiffer boot thats designed for climbers. But for the vast majority of people recreating in the outdoors, the Keen Durand Polar WP offers the perfect blend of features. Also great for men: Blundstone Thermal Boot Blundstone Mens Thermal Boot This mens boot is comfortable and versatile enough for everyday wear while keeping feet plenty warm in subzero winter conditions. $215 from Moosejaw After our previous pick was discontinued, we went back to the drawing board, gathered up long-term testing notes from some of our previous contenders, and found that Blundstone boots had been a favorite among Wirecutter staff. For this guide, we tested the companys uninsulated original 500-series boot and the thermal version of that same boot. Both of these boots earned high scores in previous tests, and we wanted to put them to the test again. Our previous pick, the Sorel Madson Boot, was a stylish design, but that ended up being a downside because the style was quickly discontinued and is being replaced by a new line. This Blundstone style is the companys classic, best-selling design and is probably not in danger of being discontinued anytime soon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even though the uninsulated version performed great in winter conditions (and we still recommend it if you want to be able to use it year-round or you live in milder climates), the thermal version is fully insulated, waterproof, and surprisingly not too bulky. Its a great-looking boot for everyday wear, easily transitioning from casual office wear to a more formal night out. Our testers hiked on trails, commuted to work, and, because these boots are easy to slip on and off, kept reaching for them for taking the trash out or going on a quick walk with the dog. This boot also passed our waterproofing tests with flying colors. It also comes with a sheepskin insole, which gives the boot a cozy, slipper-like feel. Our testers did notice that it made the boot feel more snug when wearing it at first, but the boot quickly breaks in and fits true to size. One thing we found out about Blundstone sizing, which is not intuitive, is that its half sizes refer to only an increase in width (not length). So if you prefer to wear thick socks and want to size up, you may have to go up a full size instead of a half size (see our section on boot fit and keeping warm). Our testers found that the half-size increase was sometimes plenty to adjust for a thicker sock, but if you think you need extra room in the toe box, you may need to go up to the next full size. The great thing about the thermal boot, though, is that our testers stayed extra toasty when wearing just their regular lightweight wool socks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Blundstone Thermal Boot: Flaws but not dealbreakers One of the flaws of this boot is that it doesnt have great traction on icy surfaces. Its not terrible, just not particularly grippy. For really icy days, wed recommend using a pair of non-slip traction devices that can go over your boot. Advertisement Wed also read that some users had issues with these boots being too narrow for wide feet or hard to pull on if you had high arches, but we didnt find any of these complaints to hold true with our testers. This could be due to a misunderstanding with Blundstone sizing, as mentioned above, where half sizes are just wider versions and not actually a half-size bigger. If you have wider feet, we recommend you get a half size up. If you plan to wear thick socks, wed recommend going up a full size. Our testers with high arches found the boots stiff and snug in the beginning, but this quickly faded away after about a mile of wear. Advertisement One of the complaints weve heard about insulated leather boots is that because they dont breathe as well as plain leather, feet are more prone to sweat and become damp (and thus cold). Our testers didnt experience this, but it is something to be aware of if you know you have sweaty feet. If this is the case or if you live in milder climates, wed recommend going with the uninsulated version of this boot (see the Competition section). Also great for women: Columbia Heavenly Omni-Heat Organza Lace Up Boot Columbia Womens Heavenly Omni-Heat Organza This calf-height, lace-up winter boot aced our waterproofing tests and is lined with reflective material to keep your feet toasty warm. $175 from Columbia Weve often felt that womens boots prioritize looks over functionality, so we were thrilled to find that the Columbia Womens Heavenly Omni-Heat Organza Lace Up Boot is both attractive and functional. The updated 2018 versions faux fur lining is trimmed and the eyelets have been redesigned. We havent tested this version but the other specs are similar enough that we feel comfortable recommending them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pair we tested kept our feet warm and comfortable right down to zero degrees. The boots are fully waterproof up to the tongue gusset, they mold to fit almost any foot shape, and the flexible soles are easy to walk in. These boots were cute enough to draw random compliments from both men and women on the street, and they offer good traction in most winter conditions except for glare ice. Warmth is, arguably, the most important feature of any winter boot; it doesnt matter how waterproof or grippy the boots are if your feet are cold. We werent able to get conclusive readings on the Heavenly Omni-Heat Organza in our temperature tests due to the long, narrow neck and the fluffy faux fur lining the top half of the collar. But during testing it kept my feet, warmed by only a pair of lightweight wool socks, perfectly warm down to a chilly zero degrees. That warmth is thanks to Columbias Omni-Heat technology, a layer of thin, metallic dots that reflect body heat, creating an unusually effective, lightweight, and nonbulky layer of insulation. Advertisement I was also pleasantly surprised by the Heavenly Omni-Heat Organzas effective waterproofing, right up to the tongue gusset (the fabric that binds the tongue to the body of the boot); this pair withstood the full five minutes of flexing and bending in a tub of icy water. Any boots waterproofing will start to break down over time with use, but for now at least, this pair is solid. Advertisement Advertisement Most winter boots tend to be quite clunky, but the Heavenly Omni-Heat Organza fits more like a comfortable slipper. If it can mold to fit my extra-wide forefeet and narrow heels, it can fit any foot; but if you have very wide forefeet like me, youd be well served by going up a half size. The forward half of the sole is especially flexible; the back half of the sole is a little stiffer for extra support. The overall effect is a sole thats easy to walk inthese boots feel more like soft sneakers than clunky winter wearbut still supportive enough that you hardly notice rocks and the like underfoot. Its a unique experience in winter footwear, and entirely pleasant on balance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The final element to consider is traction. The Heavenly Omni-Heat Organzas outie lugs do a great job in moderate snow, and the soft sole gives the boot good traction on rough, textured ice. But this style has the same Achilles heel as every other boot in this group: Itll slip on smooth ice, which includes winter walking trails where the sun has melted snow into a polished, icy crust. In those conditions, its best to put ice grippers on your footwear, no matter what sort of boot youre using. Columbia Womens Heavenly Omni-Heat Organza: Flaws but not dealbreakers The faux fur that lines the top half of the Heavenly Omni-Heat Organzas long ankle collar is pretty, and it helps seal warmth in and snow out. It even sheds water at first, but if you happen to step into something deeper than the waterproof tongue gusset, or if your feet sweat a lot, the faux fur will get wet and stay wet, reducing the boots comfort and insulating value. Advertisement Advertisement The other issue worth noting is that if you have flat feet, plantar fasciitis, or any other condition in which your foot requires a lot of structured support, you might not be a fan of this styles slipper-like fit, which also makes it unsuitable for carrying a heavy pack. But for in-town wear and light outdoor use, that slipper-like feel is far preferable to clomping around in unwieldy boots. For below zero degrees: L.L.Bean Wildcat Boots Also great: We think the Columbia Bugaboot Plus III Titanium Omni-Heat offers the best blend of features for most people going outdoors, but if your sole priority is keeping your feet as warm as possiblewhich could mean during sedentary activities at moderate winter temperatures or staying active at serious below-zero temperatureswe recommend the L.L.Bean Wildcat Boots (womens, mens). Advertisement Advertisement This boot performed well, but not perfectly, in our waterproofing test, with just a minimal, brief leak at the back of the left heel in the mens version. The womens version didnt leak at all, and the water intrusion in the mens boot was so slight that we continued the test to the full five minutes. Advertisement The L.L.Bean Wildcat also offers surprisingly good traction, even on ice. The real starring feature, however, is its structured but roomy fit, which allows plenty of room for thick socks without compromising your circulation (which in turn would chill your feet), along with the 400 grams of PrimaLoft insulation that help keep your feet warm even in serious cold. Advertisement Advertisement The manufacturer rates this boot for use down to -25 degrees Fahrenheit during moderate activity. Based on our hands-on testing and our temperature-gun tests, which ranked the Wildcat second overall for its insulating value (behind only the Keen Durand Polar WP), we think that rating is accurate. L.L.Bean Wildcat Boots: Flaws but not dealbreakers Although the L.L.Bean Wildcat is surprisingly easy to walk in given how supportive it is, theres no denying that its a clunky boot. That kind of structure lends itself to excellent support and stability, but it isnt the best option for spending a lot of time walking around in town. If you want a more flexible boot thats still quite warm, you might prefer the Keen Durand Polar WP. The Columbia Bugaboot Plus III Titanium Omni-Tech falls between the two in flexibility and agility. A sporty mens boot: Columbia Peakfreak Venture Mid Waterproof Omni-Heat Also great: Columbia Peakfreak Venture Mid Waterproof Omni-Heat These mid-cut boots feel almost like a shoe, but they use the same heat-retaining technology as the heavier Bugaboot Plus III Titanium. $84 from Amazon For those with wide feet or anyone who wants a mens boot that looks a little sportier, we recommend the Columbia Peakfreak Venture Mid Waterproof Omni-Heat. The Columbia Peakfreak Venture Mid offers good traction on ice and is also a little warmer than the Thermal Blundstone. It has extra space in the toe box, although it didnt do quite as well in our waterproofing test. Advertisement Advertisement Our testers gave the Columbia Peakfreak Venture Mid a perfect score for its traction on snow of all types, although the mid-cut upper means that if you wear these boots into deep snow, youll need gaiters to keep the snow out. (Gaiters are fabric sleeves that essentially seal the gap between your boots and your pants.) Advertisement The Peakfreak Venture Mid will also keep you warm down to temperatures as low as zero degrees, as long as you wear appropriate socks and keep moving. It landed strictly in the middle of the pack during our temperature-gun testing, but it has Columbias unique, heat-reflecting Omni-Heat lining, which sends your body heat right back at you. As soon as you put a heat-generating foot into these boots, they get much warmer. Advertisement Advertisement This style is a good choice if you like a roomy fit, although youll need to order up a half-size to get that fit, especially if you have wide feet. These boots also lock your heel in nicely, which in combination with the relatively flexible easy-to-walk-in sole gives them near sneaker-like levels of comfortno clunky winter boots here! Advertisement Advertisement Finally, note that on the pair we tested, the Columbia Peakfreak Venture Mid had a noticeable but slow leak from one of the rivets near the bottom of the upper. Except for that leak, which was limited to just one boot, this pair kept the water out. Columbia Peakfreak Venture Mid Waterproof Omni-Heat: Flaws but not dealbreakers Even though the toe box on the Columbia Peakfreak Venture Mid is one of the most spacious in this class of boot, it does taper a little toward the front and may rub on the pinky-toe side for some people. Make sure to order from a seller that will let you return the boots if they dont fit. In addition, this was the only model in our test that leaked from a rivet instead of seeping from a seam, which calls this models waterproofing into questionbut if youre planning to spend a lot of time in watery conditions, this isnt the type of boot you should be looking for anyway. For cold, wet conditions: Muck Boot Arctic Excursion Mid In most places, winter means dealing with snow and ice. But in coastal communities and during the spring melt after a snowy winter, you may go through periods of wet, messy conditions that are still winter-cold. Thats exactly where an insulated rubber boot like the Muck Boot Arctic Excursion Mid excels, with enough insulation to handle most winter conditions, good traction in wet conditions, and a neck high enough to keep both water and snow out. Advertisement Advertisement Our testers said the fleece lining kept them warm in almost any conditions down to around 20 degrees Fahrenheit; one even took these boots on a November boat ride through Alaskas Prince William Sound, collecting glacier ice for use by a local distillery. Traction was great on a cold, wet boat deck, although it was a little below par on rough ice and very slick on smooth ice. And a boot like this doesnt offer any ankle support at all. Advertisement In our experience, the fit was slightly narrow through the midfootjust enough to lock the foot in place, even without laces to tighten the boot downbut spacious in the forefoot. The Muck Boot Arctic Excursion Mid actually showed some of the greatest temperature loss in our temperature-gun testing (remember, this test eliminated the foot as a heat source within the boot), but with that in mind, this pair was surprisingly warm during our waterproofing test, which it aced with no leaks at all. Advertisement Advertisement That result goes to show that theres more than one way to keep a foot warm; our tester said these Muck boots acted a bit like a wetsuit, holding a layer of warmed air against his feet to provide increased insulation. In contrast, the other boots we evaluated use everything from metallic dots that reflect body heat back at you to sheepskin, PrimaLoft, and Thinsulate insulation. Advertisement Advertisement In this case, our tester found the Arctic Excursion Mid to be good down to about 20 degrees during normal use. He also liked the thick rubber tab on the back of the heel that made it easy to kick these boots offwithout it, youd be fighting to extricate your feet from the long, relatively form-fitting uppers. Muck Boot Arctic Excursion Mid: Flaws but not dealbreakers The Muck Boot Arctic Excursion Mid cant be beat when it comes to protecting against a combination of cold and wet, but the design offers no ankle support at all, and the traction isnt the best when it comes to icein fact, this pair was among the worst boots we evaluated on smooth glare ice. If you intend to use this model as an all-purpose winter boot for mild to moderate conditions, youll also need strong ankles and some ice grippers to keep yourself steady on the ice. Care and maintenance Most winter boots dont require much maintenance, although if you live in an area where the community uses salt or chemicals to melt ice and snow, you should wipe off any accumulations as you notice them. Advertisement For treating leather boots, our staff at Wirecutter likes Obenaufs Heavy Duty Leather Preservative. This heavy-duty wax will help waterproof boots that dont claim to be waterproof while also protecting them from salts and chemicals they may be exposed to on the streets. One thing to be aware of: if your boots are made of light colored leather, this wax will most likely darken their color, so we recommend doing a test patch first to be sure you like the result. One of our most outdoorsy testers pointed out that none of the boots in our test group had removable liners, which would make it easier to dry the boots out if they were to get wet. Thats okay, because for most people removable liners arent necessarytheyre more of an expedition-oriented feature. But if any boot manufacturers are reading this, note that liners would be a handy feature for in-town boots, too, because once any waterproof boot gets wet insidewhether from sweaty feet, a leak, or a journey into a puddle that was a little too deepit tends to stay wet for quite a while. In the meantime, if your waterproof boots have gotten damp inside and you dont own a boot dryer, stuffing them with crumpled newspaper can help absorb the moisture quickly. Boot tips: Fit, function, and keeping warm If you struggle with cold feet, its tempting to pack as many heavy socks into your winter boots as possible. But putting on too many socks or wearing boots that are a little too small, can actually backfire by cutting down on your circulation, which will leave your feet feeling colder instead of warmer. Its surprising just how much a little compression can chill your feet, so if you find them getting coldespecially if only parts of your foot or certain toes are getting coldask yourself if you might actually be wearing too much on your feet instead of too little. If temperatures really are cold enough to justify thick socks, you may actually need to go up half a boot size to make room for those socks without compressing your feet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A poor boot fit doesnt just cut off circulation; it can also make you miserable if the boots dont allow sufficient room for your forefoot, instep, or midfoot. Weve offered observations about what sort of foot each boot weve evaluated seems to fit best, but theres no substitute for trying on boots until you find one that fits well. Go late in the day so your feet will be at their biggest (they swell throughout the day), and bring whatever socks you intend to wear with the boots. Make sure you have a thin margin of breathing space all around your forefoot and that your instep and midfoot arent compressed at all, although they should be locked in enough to keep your heel from sliding around inside the boot as you walk, especially when youre walking uphill or downhill. Finally, pay attention to what sort of socks youre wearing. Cotton socks are fine for summer wear in most places, but theyre a terrible choice for winter wear because they soak up water and hold it against your skin, where itll chafe and chill you. (It doesnt matter if the water came from slush, snow, sweat, or a puddle of meltwater; the end result is the same.) Rayon, a common material for dress socks, also acts like a sponge. Youll be much better off using socks made of a wicking polyester or other synthetic blend, or my personal favorite, wool. You can buy odor-controlling and fully washable socks made of merino wool at almost any outdoors or footwear store, and some of the patterns and sock weights are attractive enough for office wear. The competition L.L.Beans Snow Sneakers 3 (mens, womens) were our also-great pick for hikers. They were comfortable and sporty, and combined agility, warmth, and stability on everything but the most slippery surfaces. But in 2018, L.L.Bean replaced them with the Snow Sneakers 4 (mens, womens), which the company says is lighter and more flexible. We havent tested the new versions. Advertisement Advertisement Columbias Bugaboot Plus III Titanium Omni-Heat (mens, womens) were another also-great pick for seriously cold temperatures. These boots offered the best balance of warmth, waterproofing, and walkability, but they were bulky enough to be reserved for only the most extreme conditions. Columbia updated them in 2018 with the Bugaboot Plus IV (mens, womens), which we havent tested. The new version has a lighter insulation and is around $25 cheaper. The Blundstone Mens Original 500a Chelsea-style pull-on boot almost identical to our also-great pickwas a close runner-up when we were making our final pick decisions. This boot passed our waterproofing tests despite not claiming to be waterproof; one of our editors has worn this particular boot in NYC and Portland, Oregon, winters for a little over five years and loves how versatile it is for year-round use. But this same editor also tested the Thermal Series version and was impressed at how much cozier it was. He said, While Ive never been uncomfortably cold in the uninsulated Blundstones and wool socks, I was downright cozy in the insulated boots. The difference is immediately noticeable and all the more so when standing in one place for more than a couple of minutes at a time. Advertisement Advertisement So while we still think the uninsulated Blundstone is a great boot, we didnt make it a pick because it requires a little more adjusting and upkeep in order to be a proper winter boot. Eventually it does need to be waxed in order to remain waterproof, which is normal upkeep for any leather boot. Depending on how harsh your winters are, you may also want to opt for heavier-duty wool socks in order to increase this boots thermal abilities. Our testers in Alaska were actually surprised at how warm the boots remained in temperatures down in the 20s, but anything below that and you probably have to keep moving in order to stay comfortable. Because this guide is for winter boots specifically, we opted to recommend the thermal boot that works incredibly well as a winter boot straight out of the box. If you live in a place with milder winters or dont mind keeping up with waterproofing and wearing heavier weight wool socks in cold winters, this may be the perfect boot for you. The advantage to not having insulation and a fully waterproof boot is that it breathes better and you can wear it year-round, indoors and outdoors. Advertisement Advertisement Because the Muck Boot Arctic Excursion Mid was not available in a womens version, we also tested the Muck Boot Arctic Apres Lace. The Muck Boot brand is very popular for use in wet, sloppy conditions, and the Arctic Apres Lace has a fleece lining to help keep your feet warm. This pair did admirably in our waterproofing test, with only one instance of early, minimal seepage at the back of the right boot that didnt repeat through the rest of the test. Like most winter boots, the Arctic Apres Lace excelled at traction in rough ice, hard-packed snow, and soft snow; our tester gave it a perfect score of five out of five in those cases, but only three out of five when it came to smooth, flat ice. She said it was at its best in temperatures between 0 and 32 degrees Fahrenheit, and that it had a true-to-size fit with a locked-in heel. The only complaint we had about this boot involved the tongue: If you lace the boot up all the way, the tongue rolls up into a strange tube shape with its edges facing in toward your shin, which creates some uncomfortable pressure. The only solution we found: Our tester skipped the top lacing hook and folded the tongue so that it stuck out instead of rolling in against her leg. She said it looked a little funny but left her with a solid fit that felt great on her feet. Advertisement Advertisement The Sorel Womens Tivoli II is one of the cutest boots we tested; it originally drew our attention because its popular with customer reviewers on websites of sellers such as REI, Amazon, and Zappos.com. Given the cute factor, these boots were surprisingly functional, passing our waterproofing test with flying colors. They had the lightest insulation of all the boots in our temperature test, however, and felt the coldest by far while we stood in the tub of ice water for the waterproofing test. Advertisement That doesnt mean these boots are bad; it just means that the Tivoli II is built for mild winter conditions that dont dip much lower than freezing, or for walking in places where you can go from one indoor point to another with very little time outside in harsh conditions. If this sounds like winter in your area, these boots might be the perfect footwear for you, especially since theyre very lightweight and walk more like a sneaker than a boot. The footbed is just a bit narrow but will accommodate most feet, including wide feet if you go up a half-size. The Tivoli IIs traction is surprisingly good on snow and rough ice, although, again, if you expect to be facing glare ice youll need to add ice grippers, and if youre facing harsh winter conditions or long outdoor trips, youll want a more serious boot. But for a cute boot that handles mild, point-to-point city use and puddles or slush gracefully without turning your feet into a sweaty mess when you go indoors, this model is a great choice. Advertisement We originally received the Icebug Glava BUGweb boots (womens, mens) for inclusion in our review of winter traction devices. Because theyre also purpose-built winter boots, we decided to include them here, too. (We tested the womens version.) The Glava is one of only two winter boot styles we evaluated that arent meant to be waterproof, and it certainly isntthe zipper, which runs up the back of the boot from sole to ankle cuff, doesnt hold water out at all. That zipper makes it easy for you to enter and exit this clog-style boot, though, and every other part of the upper is water-resistant; its just the zipper thatll get you wet. Advertisement The other aspect that makes the Glava stand out is its BUGweb, a stretchy harness that holds four traction spikes and fits into grooves laid into the sole. Although stand-alone ice grippers ultimately offer more traction because they have more spikes to dig into the ice, we still found the Glava to be a real step up over the other winter boots in ice traction, and you can apply the BUGweb to other footwear, too. Advertisement Advertisement The boot itself walks easily, although without laces I wasnt able to get the heel locked inI felt a persistent rub that, although it never caused blisters in several miles of walking, might bother people with more sensitive heels. Also, if you have pointy heels like I do, youll want to go up at least a half-size so you can close the rear zipper. (Even now its a bit of a struggle for me, but its getting better with time and use.) The manufacturer promises that the Glava boots will keep you comfortable down to -4 degrees Fahrenheit, and Im inclined to second that, because in my experience they were comfortable down to 0 degrees with light socks as long as I kept moving. If youre going to stand around in the cold, though, youll need heavier-duty boots. The Glava draws a few customer concerns about its fit, so even though its a nice pick for those who spend most of their time in mild (and sometimes icy) winter conditions, order it from a source that lets customers return the boots if they dont fit. Read the original article on The Best Winter Boots. In a blockbuster 10,000-word story for the London Review of Books this week, longtime New Yorker investigative journalist Seymour Hersh called into question the official account of the American raid that killed Osama Bin Laden, and argued that what is arguably seen as the apex of Barack Obamas presidency is actually built on a lie. Hershs piece claims that Bin Laden was being held prisoner by the Pakistani military and intelligence service (the ISI), who were using him as a means to control Taliban and al-Qaida elements, and hoping to use him as leverage in their relationship with the United States. According to Hersh, who relied largely on an anonymous intelligence source, the Obama administration found out that Pakistan had Bin Laden, and eventually convinced Pakistani military leaders to allow a raid on the compound where Bin Laden was being held. The plan, Hersh writes, was to say publicly that Bin Laden was killed not in the raid but in a drone strike. The White House, however, supposedly broke this deal because of the political value of making the details of the raid public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hershs story has been much debated over the past several days, with many calling it into question and (a comparable few) others applauding its willingness to undercut the official narrative. NBC News and the AFP have both backed up small elements of Hershs story, although both outlets have also called other elements of his piece into question (and NBC later backed away from its original reporting). And no news source has supported Hershs largest claimthat the president lied about the raid. I spoke to Hersh by phone this week. Here is a transcript of our conversation, which has been slightly condensed and edited for clarity. Isaac Chotiner: If the plan until the night of the raid was to use the cover story that he had not been killed in a raid but in a drone strike, then why have the raid at all? Why not just have the Pakistanis kill him? Why risk Obamas presidency? Advertisement Seymour Hersh: Of course there is no answer there because I havent talked to any of the principals. But I can just give you what the people who were in the process believed to be so, which is that for [Gens.] Pasha and Kayani, the chance of something like that getting leaked out would be devastating. America was then running at about 8 percent popularity in Pakistan, and Bin Laden was running at 60, 70 percent. He was very popular. [Editors note: This 2010 opinion poll says that Bin Ladens popularity was at 18 percent in Pakistan.] You couldnt just take a chance, because if someone ratted you outI can only give you a basic theory. Advertisement Advertisement Chotiner: It just seems like a huge raid with Pakistani complicity brings up just as many problems for the Pakistanis. Advertisement Hersh: If you believe, as a smart guy said to me, if anybody, if anyone didnt think the president was going to fuck [the Pakistani military] they are out of their mind. He was always going to fuck them. Chotiner: OK. In your piece you call into question that the Americans got valuable documents in the raid. But Ayman al-Zawahiri, the current head of al-Qaida, himself seemed to confirm that this was true. How do you handle that contradiction? Hersh: I handle it pretty easy. [Laughs] The issue for me is the treasure trove issue. Did the SEALS take out piles of computers? There were claims they found computers and disks and sticks, what do they call those sticks? Advertisement Chotiner: I dont know. Hersh: Youre not as old as I am. You should know that. Anyway, the SEALs mission was to go kill the guy. They did pick up some papers, but most of the papers were delivered by the ISI. He was a prisoner under their control. He wasnt beaten and could walk around but it was a prison. He couldnt get out. They kept encouraging him to write stuff. And he did. But I am bothered by the contradictions. [The] president said it was a treasure trove so there had to be a treasure trove. Is it real? I dont know. It was used in a trial. Is it real? Is it not? I dont know. Advertisement Advertisement Chotiner: You seem slightly annoyed that Obama double-crossed the Pakistanis. Hersh: Double-crossed is your word. Chotiner: OK fine. I want to understand why you seem bothered by that, aside from the lying. Turning our back on the worst elements in Pakistan who we have long nurtured doesnt seem so bad. We have supported them forever. Advertisement Hersh: Why do we do that? Chotiner: Because we see it as being in our own interest. Hersh: Well no, we do it for nukes. Chotiner: Fine, we see that as being in our interest. Hersh: In my experience in the last 30 years, one of the major worries was about the Islamic bomb, about Pakistan. If you knew the lengths to which we go, working with the ISI, to make sure some ultranationalist or ultrajihadist doesnt get [control of nukes]. Advertisement Chotiner: Yes, although you could argue that if we hadnt nurtured these elements for so long, the country would be less of a threat. Hersh: You could argue anything. Chotiner: I want to Hersh: Swing away fella. Chotiner: You sent me Hersh: You probably dont know that NBC reported, and now they have reported it on one of these dopey afternoon shows with that woman, whats her name, the NBC woman who claims to have some knowledge of foreign policy, married to Alan Greenspan. Advertisement Chotiner: Andrea Mitchell. Hersh: Shes comical. On her show the administration is acknowledging walk-ins but saying the walk-ins arent necessarily linked to Bin Laden. Chotiner: The AFP piece, which you sent me approvingly, says the same thing, that there is no evidence the walk-in led to Bin Laden, and that the walk-in did not even know the target was Bin Laden. Advertisement Hersh: Uh huh, OK. Chotiner: OK but here is my question about journalism, since you have been doing this longer than I have Hersh: Oh poor you, you dont know anything. It is amazing you can speak the Gods English. Chotiner: Are you hoping with this piece to say that you made no mistakes, or that OK there were mistakes because I am getting the ball rolling? You have quoted two pieces very approvingly, from NBC and AFP, that differ from key points in your own story. I want to know how accurate you think your story now is. Advertisement Hersh: [Laughs loudly] Well I will tell you one thing: At one point a copy editor in England confronted me about the SEALs training in Nevada and changed it to Utah, and the line made it because according to her they were sort of the same. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chotiner: The AFP piece contradicts your piece but you arent running around worried about that. Hersh: I sent it approvingly because it crossed my desk and it does say there were walk-ins. [Laughs] You can read it any way you want. The White House has been very clever about this. They have gone after me personally. They dont like me boo hoo hoo. But they have been very careful to hedge everything, they quote Peter Bergen. Bergen or Berger, is that his name? Chotiner: Bergen. Hersh: They quote him. He views himself as the trustee of all things Bin Laden. Chotiner: I just want to talk to you about your piece and journalism. Hersh: What difference does it make what the fuck I think about journalism? I dont think much of the journalism that I see. If you think I write stories where it is all right to just be good enough, are you kidding? You think I have a cavalier attitude on throwing stuff out? Are you kidding? I am not cavalier about what I do for a living. Advertisement Chotiner: I dont think you are cavalier. That was not my question. Hersh: Whatever it is, its an impossible question. Its almost like you are asking me to say that there are flaws in everybody. Yes. Do I acknowledge that not everybody can be perfect? But I am not backing off anything I said. Advertisement Chotiner: Well lets talk about sources. A lot of the reporting that got us into the last stupid war was based on bad and often anonymous sources. Is there a problem with journalists having a limited number of sources, just generally speaking? Is this a problem? With unnamed sources Advertisement Hersh: Are you kidding me? Unnamed sources? You are smarter than that. This is too boring. Advertisement Chotiner: Let me finish my question and then you can yell at me. Hersh: I am done yelling. Chotiner: Is there some sort of journalistic standard that reporters should try to meet to prevent more errors? Hersh: Let me say something to you. There was a practice at the New Yorker that continued at the London Review of Books. The reason I like the LRB is that it isnt tied down to Americana. It is more open to being In Europe people think this story makes sense. There is not the quibbling. It is a different approach. By that I mean that the view of America is less cheery abroad but the standards are the same. The people at the London Review knew whom I talked to. It is the same at the New Yorker. David Remnick knows who I talk to. I do have sources, which is a problem for a lot of people that dont. Advertisement Advertisement Chotiner: OK well it seems like the upshot of what you are saying, and correct me if this is wrong Hersh: I just said what I said. I dont want to hear what the upshot is. If you have another question then ask it. This is going on too long. I am too old and too cranky and too tired. I have been doing this fucking thing for a day. I told you, I warned you, that I am really irritable. Chotiner: OK so if both places check your sources, and the New Yorker Hersh: Now you are restating it. In Europe it is an easier path. The notion that somehow AmericaI have one slight layer less. Believe me. I dont know if you know who Mary-Kay Wilmers is. You probably dont. Advertisement Advertisement Chotiner: She is the editor of the LRB. Hersh: Do you know how smart she is? Chotiner: I have heard stories. Hersh: She is fantastic. She is as good as they say. They go gaga over her. She was married to Stephen Frears. She is tenacious. But believe me this piece took a long time to get into print. A lot of questions. A lot of nasty questions. Advertisement Chotiner: OK Hersh: Dont turn this into some sort of profound anti-American statement. Chotiner: It seems like you are hinting the New Yorker rejected it for reasons having to do with politics. Hersh: Would you care to hear the truth? Would you care to hear something that didnt come from Vox, whoever Vox is? I am not sure you are that interested in it. I am doing a book. Within four or five days I hear that there are problems with the [official] OBL story. A lot of problems. And I have good friends in Pakistan. Really good friends. I go there a lot. Hold on, I just walked out of a two-room suite and the fucking movie crew. The fucking movie crew just leaves the desk. God dammit. [A film crew had been in Hershs office.] Anyway. First of all, you may get some suggestion of this. Maybe I am not an easy guy. Advertisement Chotiner: I wouldnt dream of suggesting that. Hersh: There was a point with the New Yorker where I thought they should rename the fucking magazine the Seymour Hersh Weekly. David Remnick has his own theories and opinions. He is not cowed by me. We have a lot of fights. We have a lot of disagreements. I dont find that so shocking. I like him a lot, he is brilliant, he is great. I think he is even a better writer than editor. I have always been a freelancer. I always work for myself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chotiner: I get that. Hersh: So, all that happens is I tell him about the story, and his initial approach was to say do a blog item. Go fuck yourself! A blog? I have done a couple blogs when it is 1,000 words but this is worth more. At that point it was very early. So I was on contract for a book and said fuck it You want to make a lot out of it? David always says he welcomes another view. I am the guy who said fuck it, I will do what I want to do. [Editors note: Other news sources have reported that the New Yorker declined to publish a version of the story.] Advertisement [Hersh picks up other phone]: Yeah. Yeah. Oh no, fuck no I dont want to do it there! Go fuck Hersh: You there? Chotiner: Yes. Hersh: Fucking TV interview sets up in the hall of my office building. Its a lawyers building. Chotiner: I was just asking Hersh: You want to write about this totally tedious shit? Yes, I am a huge pain in the ass. I am the one that decided to publish it wherever the hell I please. Thats the story. You want to listen to hall gossip about me? Go ahead. [Sarcastic voice] It is so immensely important to so many people to know where I published. I cant believe it. Advertisement Chotiner: Can I tell you why? Advertisement Hersh: I dont want to hear why. You think there is a different standard in London? Chotiner: I wish you would listen. Hersh: All right, maybe I will listen, but I gotta hang up. Chotiner: If people here are turning down stories because of certain politicsyou yourself said it was easier in Europethat is a story that should be written. Advertisement Hersh: Now you said the first intelligent thing you have said. If you had asked whether he didnt run this because he is in love with Obama and all that stuff that people think, no It is a very good question. Although we have huge disagreements. My children and I have huge disagreements. I have a huge disagreement with my dog. We have a lot of disagreements and there are times when he will call me and I will not answer the call. Oh fuck hold on. He always has said to me he welcomes any information and it was I who said fuck it. Advertisement Chotiner: OK but you have talked about the New Yorkers Americana and said my question was a good one, so is there something to it? Advertisement Advertisement Hersh: I think it is a great question. Chotiner: So what do you think of it? Hersh: I just told you what I think. In the case of the Bin Laden story, he is open for anything. It was I who made the decision. Chotiner: I feel like you are telling me two different things. One is that you get less pressure in Europe, and the other is that this story would have been fine at the New Yorker. Hersh: So fine, I am glad you are confused. Write whichever one makes you happy. Chotiner: OK. Hersh: I dont mean to yell at you but I feel good doing it. Goodbye. Amid Floridas continued vote counting Friday afternoon, Republicans Ron DeSantis and Rick Scott held narrow leads for governor and the Senate respectively, although their margins are both within the 0.5 percentage point threshold for a machine recount. Scotts lead over Sen. Bill Nelson is, according to the Florida secretary of states website, is slightly more than 15,000, or a margin of 0.18 percentage points, which is within the 0.25 percentage point threshold for a hand recount. Scotts lead earlier had been around 35,000 votes, or just under 0.5 percentage points. Advertisement That total could narrow, however, because all of the votes counted in Broward County, a South Florida county thats a Democratic stronghold, have not been reported by the secretary of state, the Miami Herald reported. Browards election website says that early votes are only partially recorded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are a number of lawsuits already filed by both sides over the counting process. Both Scott and the National Republican Senatorial Committee filed suit against Broward Countys top election official, Brenda Snipes, claiming that she had violated Floridas public record laws by not giving full counts of how many ballots had been cast and are yet to be counted. A hearing is scheduled for Friday afternoon, the Herald reported. Scott also sued election officials in Palm Beach, another Democratic-leaning county in South Florida. Broward County has had years of problems with elections, including destroying some paper ballots in a 2016 congressional primary after making copies of them and, the same year, not listing a ballot initiative on some absentee ballots. Advertisement Neither Scott nor any other Republicans have pointed to specific malfeasance in this election, let alone evidence of fraud, beyond the slow vote count. In fact, the most significant and clear error by Broward County election officialsdesigning a ballot that may have led more than 20,000 voters in an overwhelmingly Democratic congressional district to not vote in the Senate race at allalmost certainly benefited Scott. Nonetheless, Scott has openly suggested the officials were attempting to fraudulently win the election for Nelson. Every Floridian should be concerned there may be rampant fraud happening in Palm Beach and Broward Counties, he said Thursday night. Advertisement The Nelson campaign has filed its own lawsuit against Floridas secretary of state to try to enjoin election officials from rejecting mail-in ballots and provisional ballots on the basis of a standardless signature matching process. Florida state law requires officials to match signatures on mail-in and provisional ballots against existing state records in order to include the ballot in the vote. Advertisement The Nelson campaigns suit said the process is standardless, inconsistent, and unreliable and leads to disproportionate rejection of VBM [vote by mail] and provisional ballots cast by ethnic and racial minorities, as well as young, first-time voters. They also asked for the Saturday deadline to be extended. The Scott campaign characterized the lawsuit as ask[ing]the federal courts to allow voter fraud. Advertisement The counties must conclude their unofficial counts by noon Saturday before the Florida secretary of state can determine what, if any, recounts are required. Some Democrats are worried that Secretary of State Ken Detzner, who was appointed by Scott, might drag his feet in ordering and conducting recounts so that theyre not completed by the states deadline on Nov. 15 for a machine recount or Nov. 18 for a hand recount. Advertisement Advertisement Update, Nov. 9, 4:40pm: The courts and law enforcement responded to two of Rick Scotts legal gambits Friday. First, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement said that it was not investigating any potential voter fraud in Broward County nor had it been requested to. Scott had said Thursday night he was asking the state law enforcement agency to investigate potentially rampant fraud. The department said in a statement to the Sun Sentinel, Right now, FDLE is working with the Florida Department of State and will investigate any allegations of criminal activity or fraud. We do not have an active investigation at this time. Scott was more successful in another action: his lawsuit against Broward County to get its election officials to more fully comply with public records laws, specifically releasing how many mail-in ballots the office has counted and has in total. The elections supervisor, Brenda Snipes, has been accused of sloppy and potentially illegal behavior before, and many prominent Republicans in Florida and nationally, including Marco Rubio and Donald Trump, have raised the specter, without evidence, of massive fraud by Snipes to help provide more votes for Nelson in a heavily Democratic area. There was even a rally outside Snipes office on Friday, with protesters shouting, Lock her up. On Wednesday, President Donald Trump appointed Matthew Whitaker as acting attorney general after forcing Attorney General Jeff Sessions out. Whitaker, who served as Sessions chief of staff, will now reportedly oversee Robert Muellers investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 electiona probe he has publicly criticized and seems poised to seek to restrain.* It is not entirely clear, however, that Whitakers appointment is actually legal. Thats a problem for Trump because any federal criminal defendant could challenge Whitakers authority to prosecute him. There are three main arguments that such a defendant would likely raise against the appointments legality. 1. The Appointments Clause The first and most powerful argument against Whitakers appointment is that the Constitution would seem to forbid it. Neal Katyal and George Conway made this argument in a Thursday New York Times op-ed, and it is appealingly straightforward. The Constitutions Appointments Clause requires any principal officer to be confirmed with the Advice and Consent of the Senate. There is no question that the attorney general, like any Cabinet secretary, is a principal officer. Yet Whitaker has not received Senate confirmation, except a 2004 confirmation for federal prosecutor that has since lapsed. So how can he lawfully serve as the head of the Justice Department? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To Katyal and Conway, the answer is simple: He cant. In their reading, Whitakers elevation marks an illegal effort to let a constitutional nobody seize control of the DOJ in violation of key constitutional safeguards. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas would almost certainly agree. In a 2017 concurring opinion, Thomas declared that the president may never appoint a principal officer without Senate confirmation, even to fill a vacancy for a limited period. The fact that an appointment is temporary, or that the appointee serves in an acting capacity, does not change the analysis, Thomas wrote. I do not think the structural protections of the Appointments Clause can be avoided based on such trivial distinctions. Trump appointed Whitaker under the Federal Vacancy Reform Act, which allows him to serve for 210 days, or longer if a replacement is awaiting Senate confirmation when the term expires. But as Thomas wrote in 2017, the president cannot use the FVRA to make an end-run around the Appointments Clause. Any federal criminal defendant can sue to block his prosecution, citing Thomas logic to argue that Whitaker is exercising his powers unlawfully. This theory may appeal to conservative judges whove long opposed the modern trend of presidents sidestepping the Senates advice and consent function. Advertisement Advertisement Even if this constitutional claim fails, there are two statutory reasons why Whitaker might not be permitted to serve as acting attorney general. Both revolve around technical aspects of the FVRA, but I promise they arent as confusing as you might expect. 2. Justice Department succession rules As I noted above, the Trump administration is relying on the FVRA to justify replacing Sessions with Whitaker. But theres a fundamental problem with this interpretation: Its debatable whether that law even applies here. The FVRA deals with Cabinet-level vacancies in general termsbut Congress has passed a more specific statute directly governing succession at the Department of Justice. Advertisement There is no question that the attorney general, like any Cabinet secretary, is a principal officer. That law, Section 508, states that in case of a vacancy in the office of Attorney General, the deputy attorney general may exercise all the duties of that office. This rule would require Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein to step in as acting attorney generaland continue overseeing the Mueller investigation. The FVRA, by contrast, allows the president to authorize an acting official to perform the functions and duties of any office in an executive agency temporarily when an official resigns. But the FVRA states that it is not the exclusive means for filling a vacancy when a different statutory provision expressly designates an officer to step in temporarily in an acting capacity. Section 508 does precisely that, assigning the deputy attorney general the duties of the attorney general. Advertisement Advertisement Trumps lawyers seem to believe that the FVRA overrides Section 508. And the Office of Legal Counsel concluded as much in 2007. But as John E. Bies has noted at Lawfare, a specific statute (like Section 508) typically takes precedence over a general one (like the FVRA). Congress passed the FVRA to deal broadly with the issue of executive vacancies; it passed Section 508 to deal specifically with the issue of vacancies in the attorney generals office. A defendant could argue that Section 508 overrides the FVRA and, as a result, Rosenstein must step into Sessions rolenot Whitaker. 3. Resignation vs. termination Theres a final reason the FVRA might not apply in this situation. The law permits the president to temporarily replace an executive branch officer with a long-serving official in the agency or an individual who has already been confirmed by the Senate for another position. But this rule only kicks in when the officer dies, resigns, or is otherwise unable to perform the functions and duties of the office. Advertisement Advertisement Law professor Steve Vladeck has made a compelling case that the FVRA is not triggered when an official is fired. After all, the plain language of the statute describes three specific scenariosdeath, resignation, or inability to perform ones duties. It conspicuously omits termination. There is thus a plausible argument that a president cannot invoke the FVRA to fill a vacancy after firing an officeholder. Advertisement The application of this theory here is tricky. Its obvious that, practically speaking, Trump fired Sessions. His resignation letter begins: At your request, I am submitting my resignation. In the law theres a principle called constructive discharge, which applies when an employee technically quit, but felt she had no choice but to do so. Under the Civil Rights Act, for instance, an employee may sue for constructive discharge if she quit because she faced a hostile work environment due to her sex. The paperwork might say she resigned, but she can still sue for unlawful termination. Advertisement Former prosecutor Renato Mariotti and Harvard Law professor Larry Tribe have both raised the possibility that Sessions faced constructive discharge. And it is abundantly clear that he did not wish to step down. The language of his letter aloneat your requestindicates as much. Moreover, administration officials told CNN that Sessions asked to stay through Friday, but was denied. A court could conclude from these facts that Sessions resignation was not the kind of voluntary departure envisioned by the FVRA, but rather a constructive discharge. As a result, the FVRA would not apply, leaving Section 508 to fill the voidand once again, Rosenstein would step into Sessions role. Advertisement Advertisement It is not unusual for litigants to challenge the authority of a federal agency or official to punish them. In June, the Supreme Court ruled that an administrative law judge was not properly appointed to the Securities and Exchange Commission; four years ago, it held that a member of the National Labor Relations Board was unlawfully appointed. As Thomas wrote in 2017, the judiciary cannot ignore the laws check on executive power for the sake of administrative convenience or efficiency. If Whitaker cant legally serve as the chief law enforcement officer of the United States government, its the duty of the courts to toss him out. President Donald Trump says its time to end the Russia investigation. Its been a long time and many millions of dollars have been spent, Trump told reporters on Wednesday. On Thursday, Trumps counselor, Kellyanne Conway, said Americans were sick of the investigation. After millions of dollars and a year and a half, she argued, its time for special counsel Robert Mueller to wrap things up. Trump has been beating this drum for more than a year. We have to get it over with, he declared two months ago. Its time to end this Witch Hunt. But one reason the investigation keeps going is that Trump keeps committing new crimes. In part, Mueller is investigating Trumps attempts to obstruct the inquiry itself. And Trump keeps adding to that record. His latest effort to stymie the special counsel is the appointment of an acting attorney general, Matthew Whitaker, who has openly advocated a crackdown on Mueller. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump took office on Jan. 20, 2017, a day after the New York Times reported that U.S. intelligence agencies were investigating connections between Russian officials and Trumps associates. At that point, the federal probe was just about collusion. But then, Trump began to obstruct the inquiry. A week after he was sworn in, Trump summoned FBI Director James Comey to a one-on-one dinner and pressed him for personal loyalty. Three weeks later, after National Security Adviser Michael Flynn resigned for concealing his contacts with Russia, Trump cornered Comey again and asked him to let this go. Soon, Trump enlisted other subordinates to squelch or contain the investigation. He directed his White House Counsel Don McGahn to stop thenAttorney General Jeff Sessions from relinquishing control of the inquiry. When Sessions recused himself anyway, Trump excoriated Sessions for failing to protect him. The president asked thenCIA Director Mike Pompeo and Dan Coats, the director of national intelligence, to get Comey to back off. In phone calls, Trump urged Comey to lift the cloud of the investigation. And he advised Flynn to seek legal immunity from the witch hunt. Advertisement None of this stopped the investigation. So Trump fired Comey. The president orchestrated a fake rationale for the firing, leaving an inadvertent paper trail and a slew of witnessesMcGahn, Sessions, and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosensteinwho had seen his deception. The next day, in a backstage meeting at the White House, Trump told Russias foreign minister that by firing Comey, he had relieved pressure on the U.S.-Russia relationship. Advertisement Comeys ouster added a new chapter to Trumps obstruction campaign and, with it, a new stage of the investigation. A week after the firing, Rosenstein appointed Mueller to take over the Russia probe. Muellers purview explicitly included any matters within the scope of 28 C.F.R. 600.4(a)i.e., crimes committed in the course of, and with intent to interfere with, the Special Counsels investigation, such as perjury, obstruction of justice, destruction of evidence, and intimidation of witnesses. Advertisement Advertisement Trump responded by committing more such crimes. In front of McGahn, Vice President Mike Pence, and other officials, Trump accused Sessions of disloyalty for recusing himself. The president blamed Muellers appointment on Sessions and said the attorney general should resign. Weeks later, Trump ordered McGahn to tell Rosenstein to fire Mueller. McGahn refused. Meanwhile, Trump scrambled to cover up contacts between his campaign and Russia. In July 2017, when the Times discovered that Donald Trump Jr. and other campaign aides had secretly met with Russian emissaries in Trump Tower, the president dictated, on his sons behalf, a false account of the meeting. Trumps lawyers compounded the deception by denying he had played any role in the statementin effect, covering up the cover-up. Advertisement Advertisement In the year and a half since Muellers appointment, Trump has continued to generate evidence of obstruction. He berated Sessions for failing to control the investigation. He tried to pressure Comeys successor at the FBI, Andrew McCabe. He tried again to fire Mueller. He discussed pardoning himself and other targets of the investigation, and he issued pardons that signaled his willingness to protect friends who withheld evidence. Whitakers assignment with respect to the Russia investigation could scarcely be more obvious. Four months ago, Mueller obtained an indictment that documented the role of Russian intelligence officers in hacking the 2016 election. Trump responded by blaming the Rigged Witch Hunt for hurting our relationship with Russia. Flynn pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI, but Trump insisted Flynn was innocent. Paul Manafort tampered with witnesses, but Trump said Manafort was being persecuted. Three months ago, Trump began to revoke the security clearances of former U.S. intelligence officials, complaining that they had led the rigged witch hunt. On Twitter, the president declared that Sessions should stop this Rigged Witch Hunt right now. Advertisement Sessions failed to comply. So on Wednesday, after the midterms, Trump fired him. Again, Trump tried to disguise his own role, making the termination look like a resignation. In Sessions place, Trump appointed Whitaker, who is connected to targets of the investigation and once fronted for a company that was shut down for fraud. Advertisement Advertisement Whitakers assignment with respect to the Russia investigation could scarcely be more obvious. He has dismissed the idea of collusion with Russia, endorsed the Trump Tower meeting, defended Trumps attempts to pressure Comey, protested the FBI raid on Manafort, urged Rosenstein to restrain Mueller, and declared that Trump has absolute authority to shut down the investigation. Last year, after Trump fired Comey, Whitaker said there was no case for obstruction of justice. Whitaker suggested that Trump could use a recess appointment to replace Sessions with an attorney general who would cut Muellers budget to the point where his investigation grinds to almost a halt. This is why, a year and a half later, Mueller is still investigating Trumps crimes. Its because Trump is still committing them. On Friday, a reporter asked Trump: Do you expect Matt Whitaker to be involved in the Russia probe? Do you want him to rein in Robert Mueller? Trump stared back in disgust. What a stupid question that is, said the president. Indeed. On this weeks episode of my podcast, I Have to Ask, I spoke to Nate Cohn, who covers elections for the Upshot at the New York Times and is also my good friend. Ahead of Tuesdays vote, he also helped oversee a massive project in which the Times and Siena College polled a huge number of House and Senate races. Below is an edited excerpt from the show. In it, we discuss how optimistic Democrats should be about the Midwest, what Tuesdays results suggest about Trumps odds in 2020, and what happened to the Needle on election night. Advertisement You can find links to every episode here; the entire audio interview is below. Isaac Chotiner: Whats your big takeaway from what we saw on Tuesday night? Nate Cohn: That it was a good night for the Democrats. It wasnt the night of their dreams necessarily, especially in the Senate. But I thought that their performance in the House was really, really impressive given the formidable structural disadvantages they faced in the chamber. I think in the end theyre probably going to win something like 39 seats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clearly, the Democrats have to be disappointed by their performance from high-profile contests in the Sun Belt. In Arizona, where they may yet win when all the votes are counted, it was not a clear victory for Kyrsten Sinema that a lot of people expected. And in Florida, Bill Nelson still has an outside shot to win, but it looks like they will narrowly lose both the governors race and the Senate race. Advertisement I dont think that if you keep relitigating the issues of the 2016 election, the Democrats are going to get a different result. Nate Cohn But overall I dont see how you can conclude it was anything other than a great night for the Democrats. Theyll probably win the national popular vote by 7 points, which is better than what the Republicans got in 2010 and 1994. I think that by most of the standards that you use to assess these sorts of things, this is about as good as an election that you can get in American politics right now. Was there any big surprise to you? The turnout was astonishing. I think we came in with high expectations. But its very easy to look at highly competitive congressional districts and find places where the turnout matched or exceeded 2016. And there is no precedent for that in contemporary American politics. I think that when all the votes are in and counted, well get up to something near 115 or maybe even 120 million votes cast nationwide. In 2014, it was 82 million. In the presidents election, it was 137. Advertisement Advertisement Aside from maybe suburban white women, who weve heard a lot about for a very long time, was there any groups turnout that particularly surprised you? Across the board it was a little weaker in white working-class areas. It was weaker among Hispanic voters. But those are common patterns in midterm elections. Im not sure the Democratic turnout will ultimately be assessed to have materially exceeded Republican turnout, if it did at all. It was just a very high turnout election across the board. Advertisement Were you surprised that Republicans managed to win as many Senate seats as they did? I am not surprised by the red-state parts. Im not surprised that the Democrats lost big in Indiana, Missouri. And Id add Tennessee to that list. In our polling, the Democrats just never really were doing exceptionally well in deeply Republican areas. And my understanding is that the private polling showed something similar. And I dont fully understand why there were a lot of state public polls that at the end of the race showed Democrats faring very well in places like Missouri and Indiana. Advertisement I am surprised by the result in Arizona and Florida to some extent. I dont think that its a huge polling error. But its a 3-point polling error in two states that were polled a lotor, rather, were polled a lot by a diverse set of pollsters using diverse methodologies. And in general those polls were high-quality. Those are races that on paper the Democrats ought to win in a wave election. But one useful thing to do is compare it to a House race. In the House races where a Republican retired, and Trump won by 3 points, you would expect that the Democrats should have won that seat comfortably. I think if you went down the list, you would find the Democrats won every seat that was comparable to the Arizona Senate race, and yet the Democrats didnt win that. [Editors note: As of this publication, the Arizona Senate vote is still being tallied. The outcome is not yet known.] Advertisement Advertisement Polls before the 2016 election understated the amount of lesser-educated white voters. Do you have some sense of what happened this time? I dont. I think its troubling that we had another wave of final polls in Ohio, Iowa, Indiana, Michigan, and Missouri that all seemed to overstate the strength of the Democrats. Advertisement Were you generally surprised by the results in Florida? Not just the Senate race but the governors race, where Gillums support was also overstated? Yes. I was. And Ive only glanced at the results by county. But whats really striking is that it really looks to me like Gillum and Nelson did the things they were supposed to do. They won Pinellas County, which is St. Petersburg, by a 4- or 5-point margin. They won Duval County, which is Jacksonville, which Democrats basically never win. I cant tell you the last time a Democrat won Jacksonville in a high-profile state election. Obama didnt win it. [Gillum] won Seminole County, which is sort of east, which is suburbs north of Orlando. Obama didnt win those counties either, even as he carried the state. Advertisement It seems to me that just at a glance, the results in Miami-Dade County and in the Orlando area, where there is a large Hispanic vote, looked fairly disappointing for the Democrats, but I dont think that covers a full 3-point error in the polls. Advertisement There had been a lot of talk after 2016 that after Democrats got slaughtered in the Midwest, at some point they might have to turn to a different map that could include Arizona, Nevada, maybe Florida, Georgia, or North Carolina. But looking at Tuesday night, it seems Democrats did better in the Midwest. They have the governorships in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. Trumps approval rating is below 50 percent, even somewhat significantly below 50 in some of these states. What did the results there tell you about Democratic strength in the Midwest? And what did it make you think about 2020, if anything? Advertisement Well, first let me say, and you know this because we talk all the time, that I have always felt that the Democratic path is in the Midwest. There are more swing voters there. The Sun Belt states I think offer relatively limited upside for Democrats. And the final thing is that if the Democrats dont have a strategy intended to stem the bleeding on white working-class voters, it could get worse for them. There is no reason to suppose that 2016 was the floor among that group, and there are additional electoral votes for the Democrats to lose in a place like Minnesota or Maine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That said, I thought the election results were broadly consistent with the view that the Democrats could win those states back. But I dont know that I thought that it was a very impressive performance, Isaac. I thought that Debbie Stabenows performance in Michigan was pretty disappointing. Given that it was a wave election, where the Democrats won the national popular vote by 7 points in the end probably, an incumbent Democrat winning Michigan by 7 points or so does not impress me all that much. The Democrats fell short of reclaiming the governorship in Iowa. Scott Walker did lose in Wisconsin, and that is important. But if the Democrats want to win through the Midwest, they need all of Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. While I think they showed strength there, Im not sure that they showed enough strength to indicate the Democrats were gonna do better there than they would in the national popular vote, which had been the case before Trump was the president. Advertisement At the same time, I dont think that their performance in the Sun Belt should leave them very optimistic about their ability to break through there, either. I mean, they got a very strong turnout from black voters in Georgia, and didnt quite get over the top in Arizona and Florida. [Editors note: Again, these races are still being counted.] I think they can be extremely proud of how they did in Texas. But Texas is the state they were furthest from winning. I continue to think that there is danger for the Democrats in sort of getting caught in betweenwhere they are doing way better than they did in the Sun Belt, but not quite good enough to win, and they are doing worse than they used to do in the Midwest, and maybe not quite good enough to cobble together 270 using those states alone. Because you would have to run the table in Minnesota, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin to get over the top without any Sun Belt states that were carried by the president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Can you imagine a situation where Ohio is 2020s deciding state? I dont see Ohio as the deciding state. Maybe if Sherrod Brown was the Democratic nominee. And when we talk about the Midwest, are we talking about Pennsylvania? I am not. So, theres a big debate. But to me, its not in the Midwest. It does share some demographic characteristics of the Midwest. Like, theyre both relatively white. But I dont think that, historically, they move in unison. If you go through Pennsylvania on one of your fancy Acela trains, I think that it doesnt count as the Midwest. There you go. I get to see Pennsylvania out of the Acela all the time. Advertisement So then, how did you think the Democrats did in Pennsylvania, and what do you think of that state in 2020? I think that Pennsylvania has to be a decent state for the Democrats in 2020. I thought they did OK there. I didnt think they did great, though. I mean, they only picked up three House seats despite a new map that was drawn in their favor. They werent able to get over the top in the 1st Congressional District, which was based in Bucks County. And admittedly, the Democrats had maybe their worst nominee of the cycle in that district. But, you know, it wasnt an exceptional performance, either. They did do very well in the governors race and the Senate race, though. Better than they did in equivalent races in Michigan and Ohio. So, if I were ranking the states right now, based strictly on the midterm result, I would feel better, if I were a Democrat, about Pennsylvania than I would feel about Michigan. Advertisement Advertisement Your friend Harry Enten had a Twitter thread this week saying Trump is likely to lose re-election. Im curious if you saw that threadwell, you should have seen it, because I sent it to you. Advertisement Im reluctant to read into the state of a presidency. Or rather, to read into a presidents presidential election chances based on their standing at the midterms. You know, I remember back at this time in 2010, there were a lot of people that thought that Barack Obama was going to be in a lot of trouble in the Midwest because his approval rating was under 50, and because the Democrats lost a whole bunch of governors races and Senate races in many of the same states were talking about today. So I do think that it would be a mistake to just assume that because the president is where he is today, that thats where hell be in two years. That said, you know, the presidents approval rating has been really static and stable. And you know, Trump won the election in an unusual way, which is that he won it with 46 percent of the vote, and didnt get close to 50 percent in any of the states that were talking about. Advertisement Advertisement I think one plausible interpretation of all this is that the sort of voters who decided either not to vote because they didnt like both candidates, or the voters that elected to write in a candidate or support a minor-party candidate, continue to feel as negatively towards the president as they did at the time of the 2016 election, except that now they would be more likely to support a Democratic candidate. Either because now politics are more defined by the president himself, or because the Democrats are likelier to find a more palatable nominee. Im not saying that interpretation is right, by the way, but I think that that interpretation has always had some merit, and I think it is at least consistent with the results. So if I were a Democrat looking to be optimistic, I would focus more on that possibility than the assumption that if the presidents approval rating is at 46 today, that he will be in trouble in 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Does this election give you any kind of insight into the type of candidate you think Democrats should run in 2020? I would point out two things about what we see in the results so far: One is that just being a progressive superstar is not enough to fundamentally transform an electorate and win a race. There were a lot of progressive candidates who won primaries this cycle on some sort of argument that if we mobilize the base, we can transform the electorate and win places where we dont usually win. It didnt happen. The Democrats that I saw who outperformed the most were people who were relatively moderate. I mean, they werent necessarily centrist or something, but they werent running as progressive firebrands. And yet something about their biography still made them really compelling. Both to the progressive base and to moderate voters. A lot of them had military backgrounds. A lot of them were just compelling candidates, really talented candidates who came forward in a year when Democrats needed them to. And so if I were a Democrat looking at 2020, I would look to the people who did best in this year, and I would say that they are young, and that they still manage to excite people without listing off every policy dream of the left. Thats not to say, by the way, that you cant win doing that. Its just that I dont think theres necessarily all that much upside if you can excite people by other means. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To me, its not all that different from what Obama did. I mean, one of Obamas great strengths was that he managed to sort of be something for everybody. You know, if you were a centrist, you could see Obama as a centrist. If you were a progressive, you could see him as a progressive. And I think that Donald Trump is a similar candidate in his own respect. There are conservatives that see him as a conservative, but there are a lot of white moderate voters in the Midwest who voted for Barack Obama who dont see Trump as a conservative extremist at all. They see him as someone who is fighting for working people in much the same way that Democrats have traditionally been thought to fight for working people. So if I were a Democrat, Id be looking for someone who has that combination of appealsomeone who has the ability to reach out to moderates on pocketbook issues, who has a compelling biography. Id probably suggest that they were a young person. And I wouldnt make it an ideological referendum. Advertisement Advertisement Were entering an era of American politics where the Senate will be very tough for Democrats, because of the way the Senate functions and the urban-rural divisions. If the parties keep going in these directions, what can Democrats do? Advertisement Well, they need the parties not to be going in these directions. I dont think that theres an answer to your question conditional on the first clause of it. I mean, I think that if you continue to polarize the country along racial and educational lines, Democrats will keep doing better in urban states that are diverse and well-educated, with large populations. And that will not be rewarded in the Senate. I mean, look at the places where the Democrats had their best nights: Texas, Georgia. I mean, those are states where the Democrats just are not going to be rewarded for it in the Senate. Advertisement If you cant keep open Democratic appeal among white working-class voters, then theres nothing you can do about it, from a Democratic standpoint. I think the Democrats have a real dilemma on immigration. And I think the basis of the dilemma is that they think its a moral issue. Nate Cohn And what do you think it would take to appeal to more of those white working-class voters? I think that as long as American politics is defined by immigration and by issues that polarize the electorate along racial and geographic lines, that well probably see a continued trend towards polarization along racial and geographic lines. So I dont think that theres all that much the Democrats can do to stop this, as long as the basic breakdown of these coalitions continues, and the Democrats continue to fight over these same issues. Now, that said, sometimes the issues change. In 2012, we were not talking very much about immigration. In 2012, we talked about gay marriage and abortion a lot. In 2012, Planned Parenthood was an issue. In 2012, the Democrats were the ones running on trade and outsourcing and Bain Capital. So its possible that the Democrats can at some point return to a set of issues that are a little bit more favorable to them with white working-class voters. But I dont think that if you keep relitigating the issues of the 2016 election, that the Democrats are going to get a different result in terms of the overall geographic breakdown of the electorate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So what are those issues that youre talking about? Immigration, being on the pro-trade side of trade. I think that combination of issues is really tough for Democrats in a lot of places. Although I dont like the term identity politics, I mean, I think that as long as thats a major force in the culture, that thats tough for Democrats too, in a lot of these places. Right. The caravan was a huge issue that the White House, Fox News, and conservative media were talking about every day. And there were debates in mainstream media and among liberals about whether Democrats needed to discuss it more. And naturally, now Fox has completely dropped it. The White House isnt talking about it anymore, which suggests that maybe they didnt think it was so important in the first place. How do Democrats deal with something like that, especially if Democrats feel that the issue is being ginned up for political purposes, and its not actually about addressing some real problem in society? Advertisement I think the Democrats have a real dilemma on immigration. And I think the basis of the dilemma is that they think its a moral issue. The political reality, though, is that because of the way our electoral system is configured, that the sort of people who disapprove of the Democratic view on immigration have a lot of sway. I dont like comparing everything to 1992 and Bill Clinton, but there were a lot of issues where the Democrats were sort of outpacing, you knowthey were a step ahead of the electorate on a number of issues at that time. Bill Clinton didnt go to being conservative on all of those issues, but he at least softened the Democratic position. I think that if the Democrats could do something like that on immigration, it would probably be in their interest to do so. And if they did soften their stance on immigration, I think they would have more credibility to put up a fight with the president on the presidents most outlandish views. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So take the caravan, for instance. I dont think the Democrats have a ton of credibility with the voters they care about most on those issues so long as they are talking about abolishing ICE. And I think that the Democrats would probably do well to take a step back on those sort of issuesif they can, and feel morally like thats something they can do. Its a problem with Trump, because hes so good at commanding attention. Also, when youre not in power, you cant set the agenda in the same way. So sometimes it feels like the agendas being set for them, but they have to respond. And its tricky to figure out how exactly to do that. Advertisement Yeah, thats true. I think that from a messaging standpoint, if youre a presidential candidate, were not very far removed from when Barack Obama talkedhe supported deportations, supported more border security in the way that he framed his stance on immigration. And I feel like that would be a problem for a Democrat in the 2020 primary, to basically rehash Obamas message on the issue. I think that when the Democrats move far enough to the left on an issue, they lose a little bit of credibility to push back on the most extreme stuff on the right. And again, Im not trying to make an argument about what the parties should do necessarily, because political parties always have to makealways have to balance electoral considerations with the issues that define the party, and immigration is increasingly an issue that defines the party. So if theyre saddled with the issue, then they just have to try and make the argument as best they can. But I do think that the 2008- and to a lesser extent the 2012-era Democrats messaging on immigration would be more effective for them than the one they have now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The New York Times has this thing called the Needle, which is a kind of live look at the odds that Democrats will win the House or Republicans will win the Senate, as the results are coming in. You guys had a bit of trouble with the Needle on Tuesday night. Can you explain exactly what happened? I am sad that we were unable to publish the Needle as quickly as we had hoped. But my only regret is that it didnt work more quickly, not that it shouldnt be done. Nate Cohn The first thing Ill say is live forecasting is really hard from a technical standpoint. You dont really get an opportunity to test it. The election begins, and if it doesnt work, then you have to try and debug it then. We had issues in what I can casually describe as the data pipeline getting data to us and to the model. That meant that we were not able to publish the Needle until later in the night than we had hoped. Advertisement In particular, we actually had ambitions for our forecast to be much more powerful than it had been in the past. We were going to rely on precinct data from Georgia, Virginia, Florida, Minnesota, California, maybe some other places, to really supercharge our estimates, particularly early in the night when there isnt much hard data yet and youre only looking at early votes. We thought that by 7:45, we would have an extremely granular understanding of the race in a way that no one else would, and literally none of the precinct data materialized and never did. We had to flip to a model that depended loosely on counties, like our 2016 one. Once we did, things looked pretty normal and right, and we published it. Advertisement Advertisement At Nate Silvers FiveThirtyEight, his House model also got a little funny there for a while. It went up to about 92 percent Dems take the House, and then very quickly went down to about 38 percent, and then boomeranged back up to about 57 percent, where it stayed for a while, and then it went up again. The kind of objection you see to this sort of live modeling on election night is that it drives people crazy. Advertisement I dont know whats going on with the FiveThirtyEight model. I can just say that when we turned the model back on and backfitted it, we never had Democratic chances drop beneath 85 percent. I think of election night forecasting asits almost self-evident that you would do it. We are always trying to figure out whats happening in the world as soon as we can. Thats what journalists are always trying to do. Waiting until every last vote is counted is usually entirely unnecessary, and if we can tell you something about whats happening in the world before, then we should. Advertisement Do you think that given that FiveThirtyEight and your model both had trouble, even though it was a different variety of troubleI guess what Im asking is: This is such a fraught thing in that people are so on edge, and its so hard to get right because its so complex. Is that in itself a reason to not trot things out on Election Day? Advertisement Advertisement No. I think that technical issues in a live setting aretheyre going to happen. We didnt publish anything. Frankly, our forecast was really good. We would not have called a single race wrong if we had used it. We would have said throughout the entire night, even when people were freaking out about Democratic chances, that they were on track to win the House. Although the precincts didnt work, if we had, we would have shown Democrats on track to win in Virginia-2 and Virginia-7 very quickly, which would have led the night to have a totally different feeling for most viewers, I think. Advertisement I am sad that we were unable to publish it as quickly as we had hoped, with all the data we had hoped. But my only regret is that it didnt work more quickly, not that it shouldnt be done. What time did you go to bed on Tuesday night or Wednesday morning? 7:30 a.m. And when did you wake up again? Maybe noon. And did you sleep the next night? I got to bed maybe by 2:00 a.m. Im trending back. I should note by the way, as you know, Ive been staying up until 5:00 a.m. for a while now. Ive been doing all of that to build these precinct projections in the key states that ended up being completely useless to us, so Thats a very sad story. It is sad. The vibes are not great as world leaders, including Donald Trump, head to Paris this weekend to mark the 100-year anniversary of the end of World War I and join a summit organized by French President Emmanuel Macron on global cooperation and peace. Macron, who will meet one-on-one with Trump, was once touted as a potential Trump whisperer for his chummy relationship with the U.S. president. But the bromance failed to persuade Trump to remain committed to the Paris Climate accord or Iran nuclear deal, or to refrain from lambasting key multilateral institutions like the European Union and NATO. Advertisement Trump, who was notably impressed by the French military parade he watched with Macron on Bastille Day last year, will attend the World War I celebrationshe announced in August he would be going in two tweets lambasting the D.C. government for the ridiculously high price it quoted him on holding a similar parade back homebut he will be skipping the peace forum that follows the event. The French government reportedly didnt push very hard for Trump to stick around for the meeting, which is not a surprise given his performances at other recent multilateral gatherings such as this summers G-7 and NATO summits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here in the U.S., much of the coverage of the lead-up to the gathering has focused on the question of whether Trump would meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Kremlin had initially promised a long and thorough meeting between the two leaders, but Trump denied it on Wednesday, and the only scheduled meeting between the two will be at a working lunch attended by other leaders. (Its worth noting that the two did hold an initially undisclosed meeting on the sidelines of a meal at least years G-20 meeting.) Advertisement Whether they meet or not, the awkwardness around the gathering will highlight the two-sided nature of the current U.S.-Russia relationship. Trump continues to defend his controversial relationship with Putin and brush away criticism of the Russian leader. In October, he formally invited Putin to visit Washington. During Wednesdays contentious post-election press conference, Trump couldnt even bring himself to acknowledge that Putin had annexed Crimea from Ukraine, instead putting sole blame on Barack Obama. But at the same time, U.S.-Russian relations are hardly warm right now. Last month, the U.S. withdrew from the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, citing Russian violations. U.S. Cyber Command has reportedly begun launching offensive operations to counter Russian election interference. And this week, the Treasury Department slapped new sanctions on Russian entities over the continuing occupation of Crimea. Advertisement Advertisement Putin, for what its worth, will be attending the peace forum, which, as Politicos Paul Taylor notes, will only serve to highlight that he has paid little international price for actions including annexing Crimea, backing Syrian President Bashar al-Assads war crimes, and ordering an attempted assassination on British soil. Russia is far from the only area of concern in the realm of global peace. Rising U.S.-Iran tensions following last weeks re-imposition of sanctions have raised the prospect of a new U.S. conflict in the Middle East. Saudi Arabias brutal military intervention in Yemen continues unabated. (Macron, for all his talk of peace building, has been just as dismissive as Trump of the notion of halting arms sales to Saudi Arabia in the wake of the Jamal Khashoggi killing.) Experts warn that the U.S. and Chinese forces are playing a game of chicken in the South China Sea that could quickly spiral into armed conflict as trade tensions between the two superpowers rise. The North Korean nuclear crisis has been on the back burner following this years improved relations between the regime and its South Korean neighbor as well as the United States, but Kim Jong-un has shown no signs of any willingness to actually give up his newly acquired weapons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Europe itself is far from united on this centennial. The likelihood of a no-deal Brexit grows every day, with serious potential implications for both the global economy and the hard-won peace in Northern Ireland. The EUs center-right bloc is currently engaged in a round of soul-searching over whether to cut ties with Hungarys autocratic far-right ruling party. From Italy to Poland, euroskeptic populist leaders, driven by the backlash to increased levels of migration as well as often unaccountable governance of the EU itself, are gaining ground. Throw in the dire recent U.N. report warning of the disruptions that will be caused by even a small amount of climate change, and the recent election of a combative authoritarian president in Brazil, and its not a pretty picture when it comes to prospects for global cooperation and peace building. Advertisement One could say all these conditions make it a better time than ever for Macron to hold a forum premised on learning from the mistakes that led up to World War I and the failure to secure the peace after it. But one might also wish he were in a stronger position to lead it. Advertisement With German Chancellor Angela Merkel planning her retirement, Macron had hoped to use the gathering to cement his status as the leading defender of the liberal international order, but that will be a hard case to make with his popularity plummeting at home and his international efforts bearing little fruit. For all the social upheavals of recent decades, its also been a remarkable era of global peace compared with the early and mid-20th century, with military conflict between countries becoming rare and conflict between major powers nearly unheard of. Macrons forum is intended to remind world leaders of the importance of continuing that era. Hopefully it wont be remembered as a farewell to that era. On Wednesday evening, about 20 protesters from the leftist group Smash Racism D.C. gathered in the dark outside the home of Fox News host Tucker Carlson. They rang his doorbell and chanted threats such as Tucker Carlson, we will fight! We know where you sleep at night! One woman was heard on video saying she wanted to bring a pipe bomb. Carlson wasnt home, and neither were his four children, but his wife was. Carlson told the Washington Post that one of the protesters had hurled himself at the front door, cracking it, and that his wife locked herself in the pantry and called 911, thinking it was a home invasion. [Update, Nov. 16, 2018: Subsequent reporting has cast doubt on some elements of Carlsons initial account to the Washington Post. The Posts Erik Wemple visited his house and found that the door appeared to be in working condition, with no cracks visible from the outside, and both Carlson and his wife declined to answer further questions about that detail. One of the protesters posted his own account of the demonstration, which made it sound less directly threatening than Carlson had implied. A report provided to Slate and other outlets by D.C. Metro Police does not mention a crack in the door but does mention that the activists appear to have spray-painted the Carlsons driveway with a circled letter A.] Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How you feel about that might depend on your view of Carlsons character and politics. But it shouldnt. The protest crossed lines that made it not only unethical but counterproductive to the causes it was intended to advance. There are many very good reasons to dislike Tucker Carlsonperhaps even to loathe him. The Fox News host has argued against diversity, falsely claimed that South Africa planned to seize land from white farmers on the basis of skin color, and routinely stoked fears about immigrant crime and the migrant caravan. He has compared liberal critics of the white patriarchy to the Hutus who perpetrated the Rwanda genocide. Those stances have encouraged President Trump to play on white resentment and endeared Carlson to white supremacists such as Richard Spencer and David Duke. Advertisement Carlson and others like him revel in highlighting isolated acts of violence by liberal activists or immigrants to rile up conservative viewers. With his Fox News program ranking as the top-rated show on cable news, its not a stretch to view Carlson as a leading enabler of the administrations cruel and racist policies. Those include the separation of innocent children from their families at the U.S. border and their placement in detention centers. Carlson responded to that scandal by accusing liberals of caring far more about foreigners than their own people. Meanwhile, Carlson lives in a $3.9 million home in Washingtons Kent neighborhood, which he once boasted looks exactly like it did in 1955. Advertisement Its understandable, then, that antifa activists would feel a desire to make Carlson taste the kind of fear that immigrants and minorities often feel in Trumps America. Less understandable is that they actually did it. Less understandable still is that a surprising number of liberals, including a few respected commentators, dismissed, excused, or made light of their actions in response to the news Thursday. Advertisement First, to be clear, most liberals did not defend the antifa action against Carlson, and many denounced it. Those included several media analysts at CNN, and the network itself, which was recently the recipient of one of the pipe bombs delivered to liberal leaders around the country, allegedly by a white-supremacist zealot. The New York Times Michelle Goldberg, who countenanced the public shaming of Trump administration officials at restaurants, drew a line in this case. Even a senior analyst at Media Matters for America, a nonprofit dedicated to tracking and criticizing conservative media outlets such as Fox News, called the protesters behavior way over the line and unacceptable. Advertisement This seemed like a momentrare these dayswhen liberals and conservatives could come together to agree on a common boundary. It was almost thatbut not quite. For every denunciation, there was a slew of replies or quote-tweets that suggested Carlson had it coming. Some came from anonymous Twitter users and assorted randos, but not all of them. Advertisement Advertisement Voxs Matthew Yglesias is a sharp and provocative pundit, one who doesnt mind breaking taboos (including some that are liberal doctrine), so his views shouldnt be taken as representative of anyone elses. Still, to see 1,600 likes on a tweet excusing terrorizing a media figures family was jarring. (He appears to have deleted the tweets.) Its the kind of dehumanizing sentiment that liberals have come to expect from Trump and his supporters. It now seems to be infecting the other side. Yglesias qualified his apparent defense of the harassment by calling it probably not tactically sound, but then pivoted to questioning why anyone would empathize with Carlsons family rather than his victims. (For all of Carlsons faults, its not fully clear who his victims are, nor why ones empathy for them would be mutually exclusive with empathy for his family.) It was reminiscent of how Trump denounced the pipe bombings in one breath, then pivoted to blaming the fake news media in the next. Advertisement The thing is, you shouldnt have to empathize with Carlson, his wife, or even his kids to see why direct threats of violence against the family of a controversial media figure, at his home, should stay out of bounds. It violates pretty much every common standard of practical morality, from the golden rule to two wrongs dont make a right. Kantian ethics would tell you that if I find someones political views reprehensible, I will go to his house and threaten his family is a maxim that should not be universalized. Utilitarian ethics would tell you that its likely to do far more harm than good. Advertisement Advertisement This isnt to say that liberals have to pretend to be as outraged by this as conservatives undoubtedly will. There are more important and more disturbing things happening in the country right now. Policies that Carlson has championed have inflicted far more harm on vulnerable Americans (and, yes, foreigners) than the brief scare that his family endured Wednesday night. Advertisement But Carlson and his ilk thrive on the perception that liberals are hypocrites, that they lack basic decency, that they represent a threat to mainstream American values. They revel in highlighting isolated acts of violence by liberal activists or immigrants to rile up conservative viewers. By threatening his family, a handful of overexcited activists just handed Carlson a bucket of gasoline for that fire. The best thing that liberals could do in response is to throw water on it by making it clear they dont condone this kind of act against Carlson the personand keeping the high ground in the fight against his ugly ideas. That probably wont short-circuit Carlsons umbrage, but it would help undermine the both sides arguments that centrists and moderate conservatives are so fond of. The truth is, theres a lot less daylight between the ascendant Trumpist right and violent neo-Nazis than there is between the mainstream left and the violent wackos on their side of the spectrum (who, it must be said, seem less prone to acts of mass murder and terrorism). In a dark time for our democracy, what remains of that daylight is worth preserving. California, which has seen an unprecedented level of devastating fires in recent years, is again being swept by blazes tearing through thousands of acres, whipped into high speeds by the Santa Ana winds. Thousands of residents have been ordered to evacuate, and at least five people have died from one of the fires, found in the devastated town of Paradise, California. The fires erupted in the dry conditions Thursday morning, and by the evening, Camp Fire, in Butte County north of Sacramento, had burned through more than 20,000 acres. Cal Fire dispatched 1,500 first responders, but by evening, it was still 0 percent contained, according to the Washington Post. Multiple people were injured while evacuating. Acting Gov. Gavin Newsom, filling in for Gov. Jerry Brown while Brown is away, declared a state of emergency. About 40,000 people in Butte County have been ordered to evacuate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Camp Fire neared the city of Chico, a city of 93,000, and on its way devastated the town of Paradise, forcing the evacuation of most of the towns 27,000 residents and a hospital, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. According to the Los Angeles Times, five bodies were found in Paradise trapped in vehicles overtaken by fire. Officials were unable to identify them. Authorities are not yet able to conduct door-to-door searches, but it is possible more fatalities will be discovered as authorities search the town. Farther to the south, in Ventura County, a fire broke out in Hill Canyon later Thursday. The Hill Fire burned 10,000 acres through the evening, and more than 1,200 homes were forced to evacuate. The third blaze, known as the Woolsey Fire, burned in Ventura and Los Angeles counties and grew to 7,500 acres overnight, according to ABC, triggering more evacuation orders. On Friday, the Woolsey Fire pushed into Malibu, burning dozens of hillside homes, and city officials ordered residents to evacuate. Advertisement The two southern fires are threatening an area still coping with a devastating mass shooting in its community. According to the LA Times, the Ventura County fire captain said his team responded to both the Wednesday night shooting and the fires, and after coming off their shifts, several firefighters participated in the procession for Ron Helus, the sheriffs sergeant killed in the shooting. The fires came just a few months after the Mendocino Complex Fire, which razed 400,000 acres, became the largest ever recorded in the state. That fire topped a record set less than a year before by the Thomas Fire in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. In the fall of 2017, more than 20 wildfires tore through Sonoma and Napa counties, killing 40 people. This piece is adapted from Poached: Inside the Dark World of Wildlife Trafficking, by Rachel Love Nuwer, published by Da Capo Press. We humans covet wildlife for all sorts of reasons, from jewelry and trophies to meat and exotic pets. Traditional Chinese medicine is another primary driver of demand for animals and their parts. Though herbs compose the bulk of remedies established by this 3,000-year-old system of medical belief, traditional Chinese medicine also draws on ingredients from some 1,500 animals. Of the 112 most commonly used species, 22 percent are endangered and 51 percent are headed in that direction, according to Zhibin Meng of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Advertisement While tigers and rhinos are the most obvious examples, pangolins (aka scaly anteaters) are also on the list. Their scaleswhich are nothing but keratin, the same material that makes up human hairare considered a cure for everything from fingernail infections to fallopian tube obstructions. Poachers killed more than 1 million pangolins in Asia over the past decade, largely emptying forests there of these shy, gentle creatures. With supply in Asia drying up, trafficking in Africa has taken off. Up to 2.7 million pangolins are now poached on that continent each year, primarily to satisfy demand in Vietnam and China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wildlife investigators told me that illegal pangolin scales are rampant on the Chinese black market, but I wanted to see for myself whether this was true. My cab driver knew exactly where I wanted to go when I opened my reporters notebook and showed him the characters for Qingping Market, Guangzhous traditional medicine wholesale epicenter. Below the address Id also gotten someone to write down the characters for pangolin scalesa flimsy attempt to try to offset the fact that I speak zero Chinese. (I had originally hoped to bring along a local expert from the Wildlife Conservation Society, but a scheduling mix-up left me on my own for the afternoon.) I had no idea what, if anything, Id find. Advertisement I stepped out of the cab and was immediately hit by the unmistakable perfume of traditional Chinese medicine. Whiffs of fragrant wood, pungent dried sea creatures, earthy mushrooms, and spicy herbs blended into an olfactory orchestra. Visually, the scene was dominated by Qingping Market proper, whose five stories towered overhead and occupied most of the block. Like moths drawn to the light, clustered around that wholesale beacon were all manner of small-fry traditional medicine peddlers. Some manned shops the size of a modest living room; others displayed their wares in a space no larger than a closet. Advertisement Some of the stalls sold live (or very recently live) animals. A man hunched over a writhing tub of pinky-size scorpions, picking out dead ones with chopsticks. A woman next door used a pair of scissors to dismember a brown-gray turtleits head thankfully already severed. Mostly, though, the plants and animals for sale here seemed to have been dead for quite some time. Almost all of those dried specimens subscribed to a 1970s color scheme of brown, beige, orange, and yellow: chocolate-colored ears of fungus as big as frisbees, sea cucumbers that looked like petrified pickles, fish swim bladders resembling giant used condoms, dehydrated frogs with legs bound like amphibian prisoners of war, dried abalone that looked unsettlingly vaginal, and caterpillars with a single stalk of black parasitic fungus erupting from their shriveled heads. The identity of most of the shops contents completely escaped me, however. There were twigs, sticks, and roots of all sizes, chartreuse curlicues that looked like tiny spools of yarn, poofy balls that resembled old cream puffs, and much more. Advertisement Advertisement I really had no idea what I was doing, so I decided to just pop into the nearest store and ask whether they had pangolin scales. Feeling a bit like a first-time drug user walking into a glass pipe shop and asking the cashier for crack, I strolled in with a smile. The owner, a younger woman, greeted me in English, which I took as a good sign. But when I handed the paper with pangolin scales written in big characters, her face fell. No, no! she said. Advertisement Around here? I asked. Nothis is illegal! she insisted, shaking her head. We cannot sell anymore. But I heard there are special places where you can still buy this legally? Advertisement Not this area. There is no permits here. With a firm shake of her head, she ended the conversation. A few doors down, an older woman saw me and held up some dried goji berries. She quickly realized it wasnt goji berries I was after, however, when I pointed at the characters in my notebook. Ohno, no, no, no, no, no, no, no! she cried, shaking her head and waving her arms back and forth emphatically. She paused for a breath and then added another string of No, no, no, no, no, no, no! to clarify. Given the reactions Id gotten so far, I thought this wasnt going anywhere. Yet I reminded myself that Id come all this way to see traditional Chinese medicine. I should at least pop into the main market before calling it quits. Advertisement Qingpings five floors were linked by creaky escalators (some of which did not work) and a grimy glass elevator situated in the center of the sprawling complex. Each floor was packed, wall to wall, with vendors displaying their goods in overflowing bags, heaping piles, and stuffed jars. Some shopkeepers sat at desks in the back, scrolling through their phones or eating lunch. Others were busy preparing and packaging their merchandise for shipment, while still others were occupied with meticulously picking imperfections off bits of wood or sorting caterpillars into little bundles of 10 or so, held together by bits of twine tied around their parasital head stalks. Advertisement Advertisement Most shops, I noticed, dealt in just one or two products, and like seemed to attract like, with similarly themed stalls grouped together on the same floor. The sheer scale was overwhelming. One floor, for example, was almost entirely dedicated to deer antlers. There were jars and buckets of antlers sliced into communionlike wafers, antler chandeliers hanging from the ceiling like a Texans dream den, buckets of black deer hooves still attached to long yellow leg bones, and taxidermied Bambis with red bows tied around their dead little necks. The fungus section, likewise, seemed to take pride in elaborate, collagelike displays of their mushrooms and lichens, while shops on the birds nest floor went in the opposite direction: They were shinier, fancier, and more sparsely filled, like expensive clothing stores that contain just a couple of racks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I headed upstairs to the sea horse section, where the air smelled of salt and fishy demise. Sea horses gazed at me from dried, unseeing eye sockets, their snoutlike mouths frozen in a macabre O! of surprise. These dainty fish are one of the most heavily traded marine animals in the world, with more than 5 million individuals caught in Southeast Asia alone to enter the legal international trade each year. Some of the most heavily fished species are classified as threatened with extinction, but the sea horse trade, like everything else Id seen in this market, is legal. By now I had checked all five floors, keeping a careful lookout for images of pangolins, stuffed pangolins, the Chinese characters for pangolins or pangolin partsanything to hint that a business might be engaged in the black marketbut I hadnt seen so much as a single scale. I headed downstairs, congratulating China on a job well done. Advertisement Advertisement As it turned out, though, I just hadnt been asking the right people: I had foolishly approached the medicine sellers. Soon my eye was caught by the pearl dealers glowing beads, which, displayed at a single stand near Qingpings entrance, were unexpected and out of place here. A bit dazzled, I decided to stop and buy early Christmas presents for my sister and mom, and ended up unwittingly stumbling into the pangolin scale jackpot. Advertisement The shop was run by a couple of cutely outfitted young women, both wearing pearls, sweater dresses, and baby-doll flats. The younger shopkeeper spoke a bit of English, and the two were tough negotiators. In the end, we settled on a price that was much more than I had hoped to payabout $300 for three stringsbut I figured, what the heck, Ill splurge. The only problem was I didnt have enough cash, and my credit cards werent working on their machine. The younger woman offered to chaperone me upstairs, to the markets sole ATM. Advertisement In the awkward silence of the glacial elevator ride back down, I happened to remember the paper I had in my purse that said pangolin scales. I figured it couldnt hurt to ask her about it. She looked at the paper, then back up at me, then back down at the paper. You want this? she said at last, her words slow and uncertain. Yes. No not here Her voice trailed off. It seemed like she wanted to say more, but she let it drop. I figured she was simply at a loss for the word illegal. A mechanical female voice announced the translation of her words: Wait a minute. Someone is going to get the goods. When we returned to the pearl counter, however, she said something to the other woman, who shot me a dubious look, as though to say, Her? Then the older woman took out her phone and turned her back toward us, facing the wall. She made a call and began speaking in a hushed voice. Intuitively, I felt that they were talking about me, but I had no idea, so I just smiled inanely and counted out the money I owed them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Transaction complete, the younger woman was packaging up the necklaces into individually wrapped velvet bags when the older one turned back around, lowered the phone, and said something to her co-worker. The younger woman looked up at me with a pleased smile: Yes, we have! You have ? I wasnt entirely sure what she was talking about, though I had a suspicion. Have those things! she said, pointing at the notebook sticking out of my purse. She handed me the pearls, then practically took my hand. I bring you. We left the market, and she told me in broken English that the other woman was her sister. We were going to see her sisters boyfriend, who sells pangolin scales. We took a right, and then another right, each turn taking us down increasingly narrow side streets. Although still dedicated entirely to traditional medicine, the shops here were less professional lookingmore haphazardly arranged, more tatty. Finally, we stopped at a place in a covered alley. Someone was playing Chinese music nearby, and kids scampered around between stalls. Advertisement The shop wed arrived at looked like any of the other dozens of shops, albeit weirdly empty, almost as if it were serving as a front for some other business. Its sparse display included some cobras in a jar with yellow liquid, large pieces of fungus, and a few boxes of tea. A man sat on the floor, sorting through some kind of wood or mushrooms. On the walk over, I had discreetly turned on a voice recorder app I have on my phone, and after I returned to New York, I had the conversation between my pearl-selling hostess and the shopkeeper translated. Advertisement What can I help you with? he asked in Cantonese. She wants pangolin, the pearl lady said. Advertisement Advertisement We dont have this kind of thing. Mr. Hua just said you have it. And that he went to get it. Oh, Mr. Hua said it! My translator in New York noted that the mans voice sounded suspicious at first but that he relaxed as soon as Huas name was dropped. I wasnt privy to any of this at the time, however. Taking a seat on a tiny stool, I asked the pearl lady whether the man on the floor was her sisters boyfriend. She shook her head and then took out her phone and opened a translator app, typing on it with turquoise-painted nails. A mechanical female voice on high volume announced the translation of her words out loud: Wait a minute. Someone is going to get the goods. Advertisement I suppressed a grin at the absurd turn this afternoon had taken. We sat around for a while, making small talk with the translator app. I decided to throw my younger sister under the bus, telling the pearl lady that the pangolin scales were for her, because she couldnt produce milk. My sister, she has problems! I said, pointing at my own boobs. Advertisement Advertisement Ah! My host turned back to her phone for help. This is very precious medical material in our country. A lot of people use it, the robot voice explained. But not in the U.S. Have you tried it? I asked her. No, no! she said in her own voice, giggling. Too young! As it turned out, she was just 21. Advertisement Im 31, I lamented. So old! Fifteen minutes or so later, a young man appeared at the opposite end of the alley, clutching a black plastic bag in a self-conscious way that made me strongly suspect this was our guy. He looked to be in his early 20s, was chubby, and wore jeans and a nondescript blue sweater. Advertisement My sisters boyfriend, my hostess confirmed. He came up to us and quickly opened and closed the bag for me to see, like a flasher on the subway. Inside were pangolin scalesa lot of them! They were shaped like little fans or seashells, and they had the muddled brown and beige coloration of a turtle shell. He put the bag on a scale to show me that it weighed 500 grams, or just over a pound. He was asking $300 for the whole lot. Advertisement Advertisement I did my best to conceal my surprise and nervousness. I wanted to ask a few questions but not so many as to give myself away as a journalist spy. How do you use it? seemed like a good enough starting point. You need to stir-fry it and then grind it into powder, the boyfriend answered confidently, speaking through the pearl lady. It doesnt need to be refrigerated, but store it dry. This isnt powder, though, I pointed out, playing the part of the discerning customer. How do you make it into powder? He said he had the equipment, and he could process it himself. This was a full-service operation, apparently. How much do you want? he asked. Advertisement Thinking fast, I brought up the sister thing again. I needed to find out how much my sister wanted, I explained, but in the United States, it was now the middle of the night. Id have to wait and call her this eveningher morningto confirm what she wanted. In fact, I added, it would be really helpful if I could take a photo to show her. The young woman translated, and the man seemed perfectly satisfied with this explanation. OK, OK, he said, opening the bag, allowing me to snap a photo of its illicit contents with my phone. I asked for his business card, which he happily handed over, and I shook his limp hand goodbye. After we parted ways, I quickly caught a cab out of there. Though I had never sensed danger, I couldnt help but look back over my shoulder a few times. It all makes sense once you realize they want to kill us, by Mike Whitney - The Unz Review : 'It is now apparent that these products in ... A recent examination of Melbourne cafes by Broadsheet editor, Nick Connellan, asks an honest question: do the citys cafes have what it takes to continue influencing cafe culture globally? Can they still be unique enough from each other locally to survive? And is the era of Melbourne cafe as international cultural symbol beginning to fade? With hundreds of cafes in the Melbourne CBD alone, and hundreds more in the surrounding suburbs, the market appears to have reached what any reasonable person might define as saturation. Even with the Instagrammable build-outs, inventive restaurant-quality menus, and coffee offerings scaling from your basic $4 cappuccino to a $10 cup of an anaerobic process coffee from Central America, Melbourne may have backed itself into a corner, as per Connellan. Because these cafes are all starting to feel the same. From Broadsheet: Our autumn 2015 cover story, The Design Question, asked why so many cafes were starting to look the same: polished timber, white subway tiles and Edison light bulbs. Since then, the similarities have become more pervasive than just aesthetics. Many of our cafes have begun to feel the same, too. Its like everyones read the same basic manual on how to open a Melbourne cafe. Its become a very fashionable industry, and the barrier to get in is very low you just need an apron and a beard and youre in, jokes Al Keating, a partner at Coffee Supreme, one of Melbournes earliest specialty roasters. From the outside looking in, its interesting to read Melbourne roasters and cafe owners talk openly about the faults of cafes. Some of these faults include six-figure investments at least in design, branding, marketing, on top of building a kitchen and coffee program. Cafes today are spending big on making everything look good, and using influencer marketing quite regularly to drive a fickle local customer base with endless options. And thats just to keep up. Im a self-proclaimed coffee culturalist particularly interested in the roles cafes and coffee shops play in everyday life in different places. As an temporary migrant to Melbourne (who also works in the coffee industry), it looks to me like observing the first results of a shift in priorities for cafes and coffee shops globally. In other words, rising investment costs and a marble pour-over bar arent the only things everyone is doing the same. Al Keatings joke to Broadsheet has some truth to it: everyone doing it also looks the same. Were seeing stagnation of a coffee culture due to a lack of diversity in real time. Melbourne has had a number of things thats allowed it to set the standard to be a successful coffee city. The general public have a basic understanding of what specialty coffee is, whats good, and where to find it. Most cafes serve coffee well enough to be considered good with still a fair amount achieving exceptionally good and downright delicious. Add those to the list along with food dishes that look like theyre out of Masterchef Australia against the backdrop of an indoor concrete greenhouse. Melbourne can be a coffee lovers dream. But whats real is this: white men dominate cafes, especially in upper management and ownership. This is true so many places around the world, but it is very obviously most evidently true here in Australia, and in Melbourne especially. So it should come to no surprise that the same bunch of white men who created the template are out of ideas to innovate it. If Melbourne business leaders and cafe investors want to solve the citys cafe diversity problem, they should start by investing in diverse business owners. This is the real next wave of coffee, and something Melbourne must consider if it wants to remain at the forefront of cafe culture globally. Michelle Johnson is a news contributor at Sprudge Media Network, and the founder and publisher of The Chocolate Barista. Read more Michelle Johnson on Sprudge. Just last month, we saw the Huawei Mate 20 and Mate 20 Pro arrive on our shores with their stunning cameras. Now brace yourselves as another member for the Mate 20 family will be joining them this 11.11, which is the gaming oriented Huawei Mate 20 X. The Malaysia pricing for this device is RM 3199, which is quite good for a gaming smartphone. If youre interested to get your hands on this device, you can do so via the official e-commerce store, Shop.Huawei, and all Huawei experience stores on the Malaysia release date, which is 11th November. The smartphone will be available in two colours, Midnight Blue and Phantom Silver. For us Malaysians who love free stuff, we get an M-pen and a phone case with every purchase of the device. In addition, you also get a free wireless keyboard worth RM 199 which can be redeemed via the VIP App (first come, first serve basis). The Mate 20 X is powered by the 7nm Kirin 980 chipset. An interesting feature of this device is the cooling system which utilizes a combination of graphene film and a vapour chamber. This allows the device to be used at maximum for longer periods which makes the smartphone perfect for mobile gaming sessions. In addition, the Mate 20 X is the only device from this line that features an M-Pen. Another thing that sets this device apart from its siblings is its bigger screen and larger battery capacity. If you want to know the full tech specs of this device, just click here! So will you be getting your hands on the Huawei Mate 20 X for your mobile gaming needs? For more news on the latest gaming friendly mobile phones, stay tuned to Technave.com. In just within a few hours after the Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro made its global launch outside of the China market, Xiaomi Malaysia has also just made an official statement of the local price for the Mi 8 Pro and the Mi 8 Lite which will appear at the new Mi Store grand opening in Pavilion, Kuala Lumpur. The Mi 8 Pro will be on sale for RM2399 and the latter will come in two variants - RM999 (4GB + 64GB) and RM1299 (6GB + 128GB). Moreover, the Mi 8 Lite 4GB + 64GB will go on sale online first at Shopee Mi Official Store on 10 November 2018, as well as appearing in Lazada Malaysia but only on the next day (11 November 2018). As for the 6GB + 128GB model, it will be available exclusively at every authorised Mi Stores around Malaysia in Aurora Blue and Midnight Black. And just like the London release, the Mi 8 Pro will come in its cool Transparent Titanium with an 8GB + 128GB setup. We have already talked about the Mi 8 Pro earlier from the London event, so you can check out the full tech specs and feature over here. As for the Mi 8 Lite, this is a more selfie-focused smartphone for the masses carrying a 24MP front camera with AI Makeup to edit your facial features, while the dual rear camera setup is using a 12MP + 5MP combo sensor. It seems that the Dual Pixel AutoFocus and AI Scene Detection are also part of it. The LCD display is slightly bigger as well, measuring at 6.26-inch in FHD+ resolution and packs a Snapdragon 660 AIE processor along with a bigger battery pack at 3350mAh. Below is the official tech specs list: Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 AIE processor, Adreno 512 GPU 4GB and 6GB of RAM 64GB and 128GB internal storage (expandable up to 256GB) 6.26-inch LCD display (1080p, Corning Gorilla Glass 5) 12MP (f/1.9, dual pixel autofocus) + 5MP dual rear camera, 24MP (f/2.2) front camera Feature Fingerprint Sensor (rear), Face Unlock, Quick Charge 3.0, AI Beautify, AI Studio Lighting, AI Scene Detection, hybrid dual SIM tray Support 4G+ LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, USB Type-C connectivity MIUI 9.0 based on Android 8.1 Oreo 3000mAh battery Just so you don't forget, the Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro and Mi 8 Lite will make an appearance at the new Mi Store grand opening launch in Pavilion, Kuala Lumpur on 10 November 2018. Stay tuned for more Xiaomi news at TechNave.com. Issues of concern to people who live in the west: property rights, water rights, endangered species, livestock grazing, energy production, wilderness and western agriculture. Plus a few items on western history, western literature and the sport of rodeo... Frank DuBois served as the NM Secretary of Agriculture from 1988 to 2003. DuBois is a former legislative assistant to a U.S. Senator, a Deputy Assistant Secretary of Interior, and is the founder of the DuBois Rodeo Scholarship. Birgit S. and her husband choose the wrong construction company to renovate their house and ended up with the money gone and (almost) nothing in return! Birgit, originally from Austria, fell into the same trap that has conned many people here in Luxembourg, a pitfall that residents should guard themselves against. After living in a couple of places around Europe, they came to Luxembourg where they decided to start looking for a house. She says the housing market in Luxembourg is not easy! so they were extremely pleased when they eventually found a house in June this year, through a local Facebook group. The house was in need of major renovation works and, out of the eight construction companies that they contacted, five showed up for consultations on the prospective modifications. Their preferred choice of company had no available time to take on the project, so they opted for one of the remaining ones, where the estimated price seemed close enough to what they had in mind. They checked if the company was registered in Luxembourg and were happy to even discover a number of recommendations for it posted online. The company asked for an initial down payment, which Birgit paid and at first, things went smoothly - business as usual. The firm started out with some smaller construction works and after five weeks they asked for a second down payment which was duly handed over. Soon after that things took a decidedly different turn. The company deigned to only occasionally show up, or not at all, claiming that they had some license issues. It was then that the alarm bells rung and it became clear to Birgit that something was going wrong. With an uneasy feeling they went to check on their house, only to find 2 workers taking down the scaffolding. Birgit's first thought was: This cannot be true and when asking the two people what it was that they were doing, they replied that they were commissioned by Birgits contractor to remove the scaffolding but that they didn't know anything more. They left the house with the unfinished facade exposed. It took her a couple of days to finally reach the construction company and then she received a rather abrupt email. It said that they were very sorry but that the company needs to close as there was no money left. Birgit reached out to the police, their bank, a lawyer and the ULC, Luxembourgs consumer protection organisation but it was not clear how things will develop. What is clear is that they need to wait for the company's official liquidation entry and for the liquidation of their current contract until they can move on. They now need to look for other construction companies which could prove even more difficult since firms are reluctant to take over the work of others. This is what the house looks like now: private The photos published on this site are subject to copyright and may not be copied, modified, or sold without the prior permission of the owner of the site in question. Most importantly, the money - or at least a huge part of the six-figure sum - seems to be gone. Their lawyer mentioned that even after a potential trial it is unlikely that they will recover any of it. If there is any money left, potentially there are other clients who have been hard done by and from his experience people hardly ever get anything back. It seems as if there is not very much one can do to prevent anything like this from happening. The Chambre des metiers is not commissioned to check the quality of works done by construction companies. Unlike some other countries Luxembourg also does not have any black list where people can have a look for certain companies. If you plan to invest in a bigger project it might be an idea to become a member of the ULC, Luxembourgs association for consumer protection. For EUR 70 per year, members can benefit from a wide range of services. The ULC assists you in case you have an issue by trying to reach an out-of-court settlement / friendly agreement. Other than this step, you obtain the right for one appointment with a lawyer and a technical inspector for a building project. What is your story in Luxembourg? Is there anything you would like to share with other people? Send us YOUR story at audience@rtltoday.lu In this new series on Luxembourg's Royals, RTL Today will delve into the history of the Grand Ducal family. Charlotte was the second of six daughters born to Grand Duke William of the House of Nassau and Princess Marie Anne of Portugal. As such, she was unlikely ever to become Grand Duchess of Luxembourg. When her father died in 1912, it was her older sister Marie-Adelaide who succeeded him to the throne at the age of just 18. This marked a new era for the Luxembourg dynasty, as Grand Duchess Marie-Adelaide was the first reigning Grand Duchess and the first monarch to have been born in the country since the reign of the famous Count John the Blind (12961346). Grand Duchess Marie-Adelaide (1912-1919) / Public domain Just two years after Marie-Adelaide became the first Grand Duchess of Luxembourg, the First World War broke out. During this time, the young monarch decided to stay in German-occupied Luxembourg - a move which would cost her the crown. Public opinion turned against her as many people believed she supported the German occupation. When Grand Duchess Marie-Adelaide abdicated the throne on 14 January 1919, Luxembourg's monarchy teetered dangerously close to the brink. Turning the ship around Enter Grand Duchess Charlotte, Marie-Adelaide's younger sister. She succeeded her sister to the throne on 15 January 1919. The heirs of the Russian Romanov dynasty were overthrown and murdered in that same year, and it was a perilous time for monarchies across Europe all around. "Mir wolle bleiwe war mir sin" ("We want to remain what we are") is Luxembourg's national motto - and a sentiment that won out in 1919. / Berthold Werner On 28 September 1919, the people of Luxembourg were asked to vote on the fate of Luxembourg's monarchy in a public referendum. Contrary to other European dynasties, Luxembourg's royal family had democracy on their side after an overwhelming majority of 80.34% voted in favour of having a constitutional monarchy in Luxembourg. Grand Duchess Charlotte's hardest decision The next major milestone in Grand Duchess Charlotte's reign came with the outbreak of the Second World War. She was faced with the same question her older sister Marie-Adelaide had to face in 1914: Should she remain in Luxembourg or should she leave the country to avoid becoming a pawn of invading forces? Heinrich Himmler visiting occupied Luxembourg several months after the invasion. / Bundesarchiv, Bild 101III-Weill-061-25 / Weill Mindful of the ramifications her sister had to face after her decision to stay in Luxembourg during the invasion, Grand Duchess Charlotte took the "difficult but necessary" decision to leave the country. On the eve of the invasion, the Grand Ducal family and part of the government fled to the south of France, before leaving for Portugal. Charlotte soon realised that she would be better placed to help her country from England and she and her government resettled to London in 1940. From London, she made regular morale-boosting BBC broadcasts to her fellow Luxembourgers, who put themselves in great danger by listening to her voice. Despite potentially facing the firing squad for listening to the radio, Luxembourgers tuned in in great numbers and the Grand Duchess became not only the head of state, but also the "consoler-in-chief" for many Luxembourgers. One of several Luxembourg propaganda posters designed to rally international support behind the tiny Grand Duchy. / Hennepin County Library Continuing her mission to highlight Luxembourg's plight on the international stage, Grand Duchess Charlotte travelled to Canada and the US on a good will tour, in a bid to rally international support behind her small Grand Duchy. She formed a close bond with US President Roosevelt and his wife Eleanor. The president even addressed her as "Dear Lottie" in his letters, and they remained in regular contact until his death in 1945. President Roosevelt promised the Grand Duchess that she'd soon be able to return to her country. Charlotte's hard work and dedication paid off when Luxembourg was finally liberated by the allied forces. The Grand Duchess' consort Prince Felix and her eldest son Jean drove into Luxembourg alongside American soldiers. The Grand Duchess arrived back in Luxembourg on 14 April 1945, an emotional day for the Grand Duchy. After the war After the Second World War, the Grand Duchess enjoyed a peaceful reign until her abdication in 1964, when she passed the mantle on to her eldest son Prince Jean. Charlotte died at Fischbach Castle on 9 July 1985. She was interred in the Grand Ducal crypt of the Notre-Dame cathedral in Luxembourg City. Five years after her passing, a statue was erected in her honour on Place Clairefontaine. Littlemonday If you'd like to learn more about the Grand Duchess' life and her time during the war, you can watch this great documentary (in English!) with many contemporary witness accounts: Sarah Cames is a twentysomething freelance journalist with a keen interest in anything to do with politics, history and pop culture. UK Brexit secretary Dominic Raab is taking heavy political fire in the UK for conceding that he "hadn't quite understood" how reliant UK trade in goods is on the Dover-Calais crossing, reports the BBC. The Brexit Secretary made the remarks at a technology conference as he was discussing the "bespoke arrangement" the UK sought with the EU after the UK leaves the bloc across the English Channel. Here's the video clip oh him saying it, which also mentions the "peculiar geographic economic entity that is the United Kingdom" pic.twitter.com/jad5AnE54c David Vella (@indeox) November 8, 2018 Labour Shadow Brexit minister Jenny Chapman suggested that Raab "doesn't even understand the very basics of Brexit." How are we meant to trust this government to deliver a good deal for this country when we have a Brexit Secretary who doesnt even understand the very basics of Brexit. https://t.co/27ev0lHAUx Jenny Chapman (@JennyChapman) November 8, 2018 Conservative pro-Remain MP Nicky Morgan tweeted "Gulp". This from @Jack_Blanchard_ Politico newsletter this morning I hadnt quite understood the full extent of this, Raab admitted, but if you look at the U.K. and look at how we trade in goods, we are particularly reliant on the Dover-Calais crossing...Gulp #enoughsaid Nicky Morgan MP (@NickyMorgan01) November 8, 2018 According to the BBC, the Institute of Government says that Dover "a key artery for UK trade heading to continental Europe" with more than 2.5m heavy goods vehicles passing through the port every year." Its report says that goods worth 138 million euro passed through the port in 2015, "representing around 17% of the UK's entire trade in goods by value". Raab told the technology conference on Wednesday "We want a bespoke arrangement on goods which recognises the peculiar, frankly, geographic, economic entity that is the United Kingdom. "We are, and I hadn't quite understood the full extent of this, but if you look at the UK and if you look at how we trade in goods, we are particularly reliant on the Dover-Calais crossing. "And that's one of the reasons why, and there's been a lot of controversy about this, but one of the reasons why we wanted to make sure that we have a very specific and very proximate relationship with the EU to ensure frictionless trade at the border, particularly for just-in-time manufacturing goods whether it's pharmaceutical goods or perishable goods like food. "I don't think it's a question so much of the risk of major shortages but I think probably the average consumer might not be aware of the full extent to which the choice of goods that we have in the stores are dependent on one or two very specific trade routes." Among the critics, Will Straw, the executive director of the Britain Stronger in Europe campaign during the 2016 referendumsuggested that Raab should have "done your homework before backing Leave". The Freight Transport Association's Pauline Bastidon said the group was "relieved to learn that the secretary of state for exiting the EU has finally recognised the importance of the Dover strait and frictionless trade for the UK economy". She added: "While looking at all potential contingencies is right, no other route provides the same frequency of crossing or is able to handle the same volumes as Dover-Calais, Dover-Dunkirk & Eurotunnel put together. The government now needs to make good on its pledge of frictionless trade." Your browser does not support the audio element. A watch shop near Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City was caught advertising purported fake luxury watches at rock bottom prices on Thursday. Officers of the citys Market Management Agency found and confiscated hundreds of allegedly fake and counterfeit watches displayed next to authentic timepieces during a raid on Duc Dong Ho store on Le Thi Rieng Street in District 1. The shop owner, who has been running the business since 2014, was unable to present sufficient invoices and authorized papers to indicate the authenticity of his products. Market watchdog officers examine watches at the Duc Dong Ho watch shop in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Tuoi Tre Most of the watches branded with luxury names such as Rolex, Dior, or Hublot were brought into Vietnam from unknown sources and sold at low prices, ranging from VND400,000 (US$17) to VND800,000 ($34) apiece way cheaper than genuine products. Officers said they are cooperating with representatives from Hublot and Rolex in order to trace the origins of the confiscated products, Market watchdog officers are seen at the Duc Dong Ho watch shop in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Tuoi Tre On the same day, the citys market watchdog also inspected Nam Dang Commercial and Service Co. Ltd., on Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street in District 3, and caught the company selling banned and unregulated cigarettes. The agency seized over 400 packs of cigarettes and several e-cigarettes of different brands and origins.. Market watchdog officers examine the Nam Dang Company in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Vietnams low-cost carrier Vietjet officially launched a direct route connecting the countrys capital with the Japanese city of Osaka on Thursday. A traditional Japanese celebration was held after the inaugural flight from Hanoi touched down at Kansai International Airport in Osaka. Likewise, the return flight from Osaka to Hanoi also treated passengers with outstanding Vietnamese folk dance performances. Vietjet representatives handed out souvenirs to all passengers aboard both flights. With the inauguration of this direct route which uses Vietjets new and modern A321neo aircraft, passengers can travel between Hanoi and Osaka on a daily basis in just a little more than four hours. Flights depart each day from Hanoi at 1:40 am and arrive in Osaka at 7:50 am. Return flights to Vietnam leave Osaka at 9:20 am and land in Hanoi at around 1:05 pm. All times are local. Vietjets new service to Osaka also increases the airlines total number of international routes to 64 destinations in 11 countries. The Osaka-Hanoi service is the first international route for which Vietjet and Japan Airlines will offer flights under a code-share agreement, where a seat can be purchased from an airline on a flight that is actually operated by another airline under a different flight number or code. Previously, the two airlines have offered code-share flights on Vietjets other domestic routes, including Hanoi-Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi-Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City-Da Nang. The low-cost Vietnamese carrier also plans to launch two other routes to Japan from Vietnam, including a Ho Chi Minh City-Osaka route on December 14, 2018 and a Hanoi-Tokyo route from January 11, 2019. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Your browser does not support the audio element. As Vietnams middle class continues to grow, concerns over quality, healthy impact, and social status are beginning to play larger roles in Vietnamese consumers willingness to open their wallets for high-end products. The behavior of Vietnamese consumers is shifting, Le Thi Thu Trang, a consumer behavior researcher with Nielsen Vietnam, said at a conference on the local retail market in Ho Chi Minh City on Wednesday. In comparison with other Southeast Asian countries, Vietnamese consumers with the financial capabilities to purchase luxury goods are less focused on price tags and more concerned about a products function, practicality, design, components, or ingredients, Trang said, citing findings from a recent Nielsen report. Purchasing luxurious goods also provides Vietnamese consumers with confidence and a feeling of successfulness, Trang said, adding that local consumers are particularly health-conscious and therefore willing to spend more on high-quality healthcare related goods. Vietnamese luxury goods consumption is increasing, especially for organic, natural, or healthy products, she elaborated. Even though the proportion of these goods is relatively insignificant compared to other necessities, the consumption rate of these products is growing at double-digit rates. A perfect example is the popularity of natural toothpaste, which is growing at 65 percent per year. The Nielsen representative also shared that the Vietnamese market is not as willing to spend large sums of money on fast-moving consumer goods such as toiletries, beverages, and packaged goods, as they are on electronics and pharmaceuticals. Though many brands are capitalizing on the shift in consumer habits, a huge percentage of the countrys retailers are still not leveraging big data in order to better understand the markets needs, provide better services, and respond to technological innovation. The Nielsen research also suggests that Vietnamese consumers prefer spending money in places with a wide variety of spending options. Nguyen Huy Hoang, commerce director of Kantar Worldpanel Vietnam, backed Nielsens findings, citing Aeon Mall, a Japanese shopping mall chain whose properties typically house big brands, grocery stores, gaming centers, food corners, and luxurious restaurants, as a prime example of a venue where Vietnamese shoppers are willing to spend big. Despite most Aeon Mall outlets being located away from the city center, such as the Aeon Mall in Binh Tan District, Ho Chi Minh City, each location boasts huge numbers of customers. As such, Kantars research suggests that Vietnam will continue to grow its number of shopping malls and convenience stores, Hoang told the same conference. The research also pointed out that the 20-40 age bracket contributes the most to the markets revenue, and that imported and branded goods are becoming increasingly preferred by consumers compared to previous years. In 2017, Vietnams retail market attained approximately VND4 trillion (US$170 million) in revenue, according to the General Statistics Office of Vietnam. The market also saw a growth rate of 10.9 percent between 2016 and 2017. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A Turkish photographer has shared her National Geographic-featured works capturing the fascinating beauty of Vietnam with Tuoi Tre News Two years after Istanbul-based Nese Aris visit to Vietnam, she is still eager to talk about the fascinating experiences of her north-to-south journey. Vietnam was always a country Ive considered important and have wanted to see, she said in an email to Tuoi Tre News. In mid-2016, Ari and a group of friends visited Vietnam, where they took amazing photos for 16 days from north to south. I was fascinated, she recalled. The Vietnamese were very friendly and helpful, she added. I want to be able to return to the country for a second time. A member of Your Shot, NatGeos photography community, Ari regularly posts her photos from Vietnam and often receives positive feedback from other members. On August 10 last year, her photo capturing three Vietnamese women making fishing nets was published on National Geographics Daily Dozen a list featuring the editors 12 favorite photos uploaded to Your Shot. This photo capturing Vietnamese women making fishing nets was published on NatGeo's Daily Dozen on August 10, 2017. I had to walk up the stairs so that I could take photos of the women. They knew that I was there. Despite being busy with their work, they were very nice and even helped me by sitting in a place with great light, she shared. Everything a photographer wants was there - traditional, colorfully dressed women and the fabulous texture and colors of the nets, Ari added. Some of Aris Vietnam photos have also appeared in the UKs The Daily Telegraph and Frances Geo Voir Le Monde Autrement. This photo capturing salt workers in Vietnam by Nese Ari was featured in The Daily Telegraph. Her Instagram also features numerous photos of Vietnam. Though her photos have earned her much acclaim, photography is not Aris main profession. In fact, she has only been doing it for seven years. The 38-year-old also works as a finance manager for an international import and export company in Istanbul. I believe that photographs are a means to communicate with people. Every photograph is a big story of a life, Ari said. Its the photographers duty to reflect these stories in the simplest and most esthetic way, she explained. Below are some photos featuring Vietnamese landscapes and people through Nese Aris lens: Salt workers are seen working in this photo Nese Ari took in Vietnam. Salt workers are seen working in this photo Nese Ari took in Vietnam. Salt workers are silhouetted against water while working in this photo Nese Ari took in Vietnam. A member of an ethnic group in Vietnam is seen sewing clothes in this photo by Nese Ari. Flower lanterns A woman walks on the street. Female boat drivers are waiting for customers at a tourist destination in northern Vietnam. A photo by Nese Ari captures fishermen working in Vietnam. A man wears Vietnam's traditional conical hat. A photo by Nese Ari captures fishermen working in Vietnam. A photo by Nese Ari captures two fishermen in Vietnam. A woman dries banh trang - edible Vietnamese rice wrappers used in Vietnamese cuisine Turkish photographer Nese Ari in a photo she provided Tuoi Tre News Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A long-standing cotton-weaving village in Vietnams Mekong Delta has reinvented itself to thrive by attracting tourists with its diverse products. Smiles are often visible on the faces of artisans in the 100-year-old Long Khanh cloth-making community in Hong Ngu District of Dong Thap Province, which the Mekong River crosses. Decades ago the community used to grow mulberries and keep silkworms to have material for fabric. Its generations experienced ups and downs in the business as they relied on the two yearly periods when farmers harvested rice crops in order to sell their products, which were only checkered black-and-white shawls. The shawls are typically donned every day by women on the head or wrapped around the shoulders as a cushion against heavy loads or objects for mopping sweat. They were once seen going with the costume that distinguishes natives in the Mekong Delta from Vietnamese people of other regions but they are not a very common sight now, especially among young people. Weavers here have lately tried to preserve their tradition by adding more hues to the color scheme for checkered shawls and creating various other products like hats, ties, bags and clothes, which again have patterns of squares or stripes. A tourist sits with a seller at a shop in the Long Khanh weaving village in Dong Thap Province, southern Vietnam. Photo: Tuoi Tre The woman (in pink) poses for a picture in a wedding dress made by the Long Khanh weaving village in Dong Thap Province, southern Vietnam. Photo: Tuoi Tre Over 1,000 checkered shawls are produced daily by the villages 50 workshops. The government is planning to build more quays for tourist boats visiting the community, which lives on a small island in the Mekong River. Many local couples choose checkered ao dai, Vietnams traditional gown, which are made here as wedding clothes. A visitor shows checkered and striped shawls in the Long Khanh weaving village in Dong Thap Province, southern Vietnam. Photo: Tuoi Tre A baby wears a hat made in the Long Khanh weaving village in Dong Thap Province, southern Vietnam. Photo: Tuoi Tre A woman winds thread at her workroom in the Long Khanh weaving village in Dong Thap Province, southern Vietnam. Photo: Tuoi Tre A loom is pictured at a workshop in the Long Khanh weaving village in Dong Thap Province, southern Vietnam. Photo: Tuoi Tre A woman works by her loom in the Long Khanh weaving village in Dong Thap Province, southern Vietnam. Photo: Tuoi Tre Fabric is seen at a workroom in the Long Khanh weaving village in Dong Thap Province, southern Vietnam. Photo: Tuoi Tre A woman piles shawls in the Long Khanh weaving village in Dong Thap Province, southern Vietnam. Photo: Tuoi Tre A woman hangs fabric in the Long Khanh weaving village in Dong Thap Province, southern Vietnam. Photo: Tuoi Tre The Long Khanh weaving village (red marker) in Dong Thap Province, southern Vietnam, is seen in this Google Maps screenshot. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Vietnam objected to Chinas beginning operation of the meteorological observation stations on several structures in Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago, over which Vietnam exercises its sovereignty, the spokesperson of the Vietnamese foreign ministry said on Thursday. Chinas putting into use observatories that were built on structures it illegally constructed and renovated in Truong Sa seriously violates Vietnams sovereignty over the islands, Le Thi Thu Hang said at the foreign ministrys regular press conference in Hanoi. China had started the operations of three weather observation facilities on the Chu Thap (Fiery Cross), Xubi (Subi) and Vanh Khan (Mischief) reefs of Vietnams Truong Sa, according to a Wednesday report on the South China Morning Post. The reefs are where Beijing has illegally seized to build artificial islands and installed military equipment for years. Chinese foreign ministrys spokesman Lu Kang said the weather stations would chiefly be utilized to guarantee navigational safety in the East Vietnam Sea, according to South China Morning Post. The stations have equipment for basic ground and atmospheric observation, and weather radars which can constantly monitor meteorological indicators, according to Chinas state broadcaster CCTV. Vietnam resolutely opposes the Chinese sides activity and demands an immediate end to the operation, Hang said as she fielded reporters query as to Vietnams response to Chinas actions. The spokesperson underlined that Vietnam has sufficient legal grounds and historical evidence testifying its over the Hoang Sa and Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelagos. Hang also asked China to respect principles reached by the two countries on maritime dispute settlements and the Conduct of Parties in the East Vietnam Sea (DOC), and not to complicate the situation and damage peace, security as well as stability in the sea. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Check out the news you should not miss today, November 9: Politics -- President of the Council of State and Council of Ministers of Cuba Miguel Mario Diaz Canel Bermudez and his spouse on Thursday arrived in Hanoi, commencing their three-day official visit to Vietnam at the invitation of the state president and the prime minister of the Southeast Asian country. Society -- Police in Ho Chi Minh Citys District 12 said on Thursday they were detaining Nguyen Van Cuong, 33, who rubbed chili into the eyes of a man who just left an ATM booth to rob him of his money on Wednesday. -- The Hospital for Tropical Diseases in Ho Chi Minh City in October received more than 1,500 dengue fever patients, 1.4 times higher than last month. -- More than 200 cases of malaria infection were reported in the south-central province of Phu Yen in the first ten months of this year, a massive 306 percent increase from the same period last year, according to the provincial health department. -- Around 14-36 million people in Vietnam suffer refractive error, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Xuan Hiep, director of the Central Eye Hospital, said at a conference in Ho Chi Minh City on Thursday. -- While Vietnam only rakes in more than US$2.4 billion from annual rice exports, the country spends some $4 billion a year on beer consumption, according to statistics released at a workshop on preventing the harmful effects of alcohol and beer in Hanoi on Thursday. Business -- The Asian Development Bank has so far financed 165 programs and projects worth more than $16 billion in Vietnam, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh said while receiving ADB vice president Stephen Groff in Hanoi on Thursday. -- Vietnams Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has approved a proposal by the Ministry of Transport to issue an air transportation business license to FLC Groups Bamboo Airways, the Hanoi-based conglomerate said in a press release on Thursday, adding the carrier is expected to start operations with 40-50 Airbus planes by 2019. Lifestyle -- A series of music events titled Jazz Through Time will be kicked off with a performance night by renowned jazz saxophonist David on November 17 at Soul Live Project Complex in District 3, Ho Chi Minh City. Residents in four districts in the central Vietnamese city of Da Nang have been hit by a water shortage amid the rainy season, with the supplier putting the blame on equipment problems. While the citys utility, Dawaco, attributed technical errors of its pumps to the severe water shortage, a local expert wonders if the firm just made an excuse to cover the fact that it stopped operating some of the pumps to cut down on electricity bills. The short supply of clean water affects Hai Chau, Lien Chieu, Ngu Hanh Son, and Cam Le Districts when Da Nang and central Vietnam are in the middle of the rainy season. The primary water input of Dawaco comes from the Cau Do (Red Bridge) area. Since 2012, whenever saltwater intrusion occurs at the location, the firm has been forced to take water resources from the An Trach dam, which is ten kilometers away. Due to the long distance, the company has to operate its pumps for the process. Since Monday, many residents in the four districts have reported they severely lack fresh water for their daily activities. A resident in Da Nang suffers fresh water shortage in early November 2018. Photo: Tuoi Tre The water shortage peaks between 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm, forcing the locals to wake up early in the morning to store water for the entire day. According to Dawaco general director Ho Huong, the An Trach dam can only provide 220,000 cubic meters of water to the company on a daily basis, while the actual demand of local residents is 270,000 cubic meters per day. The figure contradicts a report Dawaco submitted to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, in which the utility said it has a total of six pumps with a combined capacity of 300,000 cubic meters a day. Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper reporters accompanied a delegation of local authorities to the station of Dawaco on Thursday, discovering that only three of the machines were put to use. An employee stated that three pumps had broken down. The An Trach dam in Da Nang City. Photo: Tuoi Tre Phan Luu, director of an affiliate of Dawaco, confirmed that an error had occurred to the machines, adding that repair work is being carried out. Even if there are no errors, only four pumps can function at a time as the pipeline connecting the An Trach dam and the Red Bridge can only withstand a certain volume of water, Luu elaborated. Huynh Van Thang, an expert on irrigation and former deputy director of the municipal agriculture department, did not seem to agree with the explanation. Thang expressed his doubt that it was just a coincidence for the pumps to stop working right at the time when the Red Bridge area is affected by saltwater intrusion. I dont think there were any problems with the machines. It would just cost more electricity to operate all of the pumps, the pundit said. If Dawaco had operated the pumps with responsibility, people in the city would not have been deprived of fresh water in the middle of the rainy season, he added. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Your browser does not support the audio element. Authorities in Hanoi are planning to channel more than US$1.27 billion into constructing new parking lots over the next seven years to combat overcrowding in the citys existing parking facilities. The capital currently has 590 parking venues spanning a combined 37.88 hectares, local authorities said in a document submitted to the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Construction. An additional 562 locations along sidewalks and in roadways have also been zoned for parking. Meanwhile, there are about 5.8 million vehicles in the metropolis, including 5.25 million motorbikes and 480,000 automobiles. Existing parking facilities can only serve ten percent of the demand from local residents. In order to cope with the situation, the municipal administration has set a goal to establish 1,480 brand new parking lots with a combined area of over 1,197 hectares. About 133 bus stations and 88 truck stations covering 520 hectares are also included in the plan. Upon completion, about 66 percent of the citys parking demand will be met. During the first phase of the scheme, from now to 2025, local authorities are expected to spend approximately VND29.87 trillion ($1.27 billion) on building 204 parking lots in downtown areas. The expense will be funded by both the city budget and the private sector. Five passenger bus stations will also be built at a cost of VND2.3 trillion ($98 million). During the 2025-30 period, another VND242.3 trillion ($10.3 billion) is anticipated to be spent on constructing the rest of the parking lots as well as bus and truck stations. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Three men have been sentenced to death for transporting and trading a large amount of crystal meth in northern Vietnam. The Peoples Court in Hanoi announced sentences for the drug trafficking ring on Wednesday afternoon, following a two-day trial. Dao Van Khoan, 56, Luu Van Hung, 45, and Dao Van Tung, 25, were all given the death penalty for the illegal sale and transport of narcotics while a fourth defendant, 36-year-old Tran Hieu Nghia, was sentenced to life in prison for his role in the crimes. According to the indictment, Khoan first established the operation with a man named Do Van Thuan. The pair put Khoans nephew, Tung, in charge of receiving the drugs in Lang Son Province and transporting them back to Hanoi. At around 1:30 am on December 10, 2016, police in Hanoi caught Tung and Thuan red-handed with 15 kilograms of crystal meth hidden under the backseat of their car. The two were held in custody throughout the investigation. Three days after being apprehended, Thuan committed suicide inside the prison. After Tung and Thuans arrest, Khoan went into hiding until authorities caught him carrying eight kilograms of meth in Hanoi on February 20, 2017. Khoan then claimed he planned to sell the drugs to Hung, a Ho Chi Minh City resident. In Hungs confession to police, he said he planned to sell the meth to Nghia. Investigators linked the two cases and eventually concluded that each suspect was involved in the same operation. Between December 2016 and February 2017, Khoan and his gang transported more than 30.7 kilograms of crystal meth, according to officers. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! In its new 7pm timeslot 60 Minutes will head straight into tough territory with a sexual abuse survivor. Theres also a strategically-placed story on Lego ahead of next years reality show Lego Masters. Let Her Speak Theres something you wont see on 60 Minutes this week, and its guaranteed to infuriate you. Its the face of a brave woman who suffered terrible sexual abuse when she was 15. The perpetrator was her 58-year-old school mathematics teacher. But if that wasnt bad enough, what has come since has added to the victims torment. As Allison Langdon discovers, a crazy Australian law means that even if the courageous survivor wants it, her identity can never be revealed. She is effectively silenced. However, the creep who ruined her life can talk about the case, and has been. Hes been spreading lies by painting himself as the real victim. Now Hollywood, and the high-profile leaders of the Me Too movement, including television actress Alyssa Milano, have taken on this young womans cause by demanding that we let her speak. Reporter: Allison Langdon Producers: Stefanie Sgroi, Grace Tobin The Brave Ones There are few things more majestic than seeing a herd of elephants roaming the plains of Africa. But tragically, every year 20,000 are killed by poachers, who then harvest and sell their ivory tusks. Its a cruel trade and one that former Australian commando Damian Mander has been fighting for a decade to stop. Despite his efforts, he was losing ground to the criminals. Then he came up with an idea from left field: an all-female squad of anti-poaching rangers. Critics said it wouldnt work, but they were wrong, and now the brave women of Akashinga are not only saving wildlife, theyre saving themselves. Reporter: Tom Steinfort Producer: Nick Greenaway The Block For the sheer genius of its simple design, the humble Lego plastic brick stands out as the most successful and fun childrens plaything of all time. Unless of course you stand on one. But painful or not, Liam Bartlett reveals there is one Lego statistic that is completely mind-boggling. In the 60-year history of the company, over seven hundred billion yes billion pieces of Lego have been made. And it all started with a Danish carpenter looking for a cheap alternative to wooden toys. Even more remarkably, these days the multi-billion-dollar Lego empire remains a family business, headquartered in the same quiet village where it all began. Reporter: Liam Bartlett Producer: Garry McNab 7pm Sunday on Nine. Language. 2018 HBO drama Succession is coming to FOX Showcase in December, which is to be applauded given the subject. The series stars Brian Cox as the patriarch of a global media empire in which his dysfunctional offspring are fighting for control of the company. According to writer Jesse Armstrong the writers room discussed the Murdochs, William Randolph Hearst, British press baron Robert Maxwell, and even Queen Elizabeth. The full season will available On Demand same date as the premiere. The cast also includes Aussie Sarah Snook and a recurring role from Ashley Zukerman. This aired in the US in June to good reviews and has been renewed for a second season. Succession tracks the lives of the Roy family as they contemplate their future once their aging father begins to step back from the media and entertainment conglomerate they control. Thursdays from December 6 at 8.30pm on FOX Showcase. Language. Before it was a US series Wilfred enjoyed 2 seasons in Australia on SBS. The show starring its co-creators Adam Zwar & Jason Gann aired in 2007 & 2010 and caused News Corp papers to get worked up about public funding for a bong-smoking dog. It would go on to have 4 US seasons of its own. Alongside its complete irreverence and bent concepts the show included plenty of star cameos, an ambitious Bite Club sequence, swearing at children, nudity and even an episode filmed in the snow. What Aussie drama ever does that? Rusty Baldwin, University of Dayton distinguished research professor in the department of computer science, has been tapped as the first director of research for the University's new Center for Cybersecurity & Data Intelligence, which was established to enhance the cyberhealth of the Dayton community. "I look forward to advancing the research mission and reputation of the center and developing and delivering programming that will cultivate cybersecurity research interests in faculty, students and departments campuswide," Baldwin said. "Together with our partners Premier Health, the Southwestern Ohio Council for Higher Education, the CinDay Cyber Corridor, DP&L and Technology First we'll strengthen the region's reputation in cybersecurity." Baldwin has received 60 research grants and contracts totaling more than $32 million for his work in resilient and trusted systems, autonomous systems, cybersecurity, computer communication networks, embedded and wireless networking, and side channel analysis. "The search committee unanimously recommended Rusty because of his success in preparing research proposals and executing government and industry research contracts. He also is an effective research collaborator and mentor with industry, faculty and students," said David Salisbury, center director. "Rusty is very well suited to help elevate UD's reputation in the cybersecurity arena and grow our partnerships." Baldwin retired from the U.S. Air Force in 2004 after a 23-year career. For almost 15 years, he was a faculty member at the Air Force Institute of Technology where he was a founding member and research director for the Center for Cyberspace Research. Baldwin has published more than 100 journal and conference papers, is listed on three patents and seven U.S. Air Force inventions, and served as a research advisor for more than 70 graduate students. Established with a lead gift from Premier Health, the center hosts the Dayton Regional Cyber Range, a hands-on cybersecurity simulator that provides students with real-world experience in detecting and managing threats to computer systems. Funded by the Ohio Department of Higher Education's RAPIDS program, the cyber range is part of a regional collaboration with Sinclair, Clark State and Edison community colleges and Central State University. The center's partners also work with the University of Dayton's faculty experts and information technology staff to grow a trained cyber workforce in the region, identify and test new cybersecurity practices, create education and awareness programs for employees, train information technology teams on incident readiness and response, share best practices with the greater Dayton community, and bring all that expertise into university classrooms. Partners also benefit from opportunities to interact with University of Dayton students and graduates for internships and employment recruitment, as well as discounted access to the cybersecurity center's training and continuing education workshops, institutes and certification sessions. The center, which will begin construction Nov. 12 on its permanent home on the third floor of Miriam Hall, provides free, public resources to help protect sensitive data, including a blog and webinars at https://www.udayton.edu/cybersecurity. Any organization interested in becoming a partner in the center can contact Salisbury at salisbury@udayton.edu. For more information or interviews, contact Shawn Robinson, University of Dayton associate director of news and communications, at 937-229-3391 or srobinson1@udayton.edu. More than 20,000 workers would have been employed building the power station. Plans to build a new nuclear power station in the UK, creating over 20,000 jobs, have collapsed after Toshiba said it was pulling out of the project. The Japanese engineering giant is to wind up its NuGen business, which was going to build three reactors at Moorside in Cumbria, enough to generate 7% of the UKs energy needs. More than 20,000 workers would have been employed to build the 15 billion plant, close to the Sellafield complex, and 1,000 people would have been employed once electricity was generated from 2024. Unions and the Labour Party attacked the Government for not intervening to ensure the project went ahead, but anti-nuclear campaigners welcomed the decision, saying it proved nuclear power was not economically viable. Toshiba said in a statement: After considering the additional costs entailed in continuing to operate NuGen, Toshiba recognises that the economically rational decision is to withdraw from the UK nuclear power plant construction project, and has resolved to take steps to wind up NuGen. NuGen said the announcement came after 18 months of negotiations with a range of potential new owners. The announcement continued: Unfortunately, it has not been possible to successfully conclude those negotiations. NuGen has retained a team to support the implementation of a winding-up process and will work with Toshiba and its other stakeholders. Whilst NuGen will not be taking the project forward, the Moorside site in Cumbria remains a site designated by Government for nuclear new build, and it is now for the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority as the owner of the site and the Government to determine its future. Justin Bowden, national officer of the GMB union, said: The British Government has blood on its hands as the final sad but predictable nail is banged into the coffin of Toshibas jinxed jaunt into nuclear power. Relying in this way on foreign companies for our countrys essential energy needs was always irresponsible. Story continues In the wreckage that passes for a joined-up UK energy policy, the question now is whether Government has finally learned the mistakes of Moorside? A Business Department spokesman said: We understand that Toshiba have faced a difficult decision in ending their involvement in new nuclear projects outside of Japan in light of their well-known financial challenges. All proposed new nuclear projects in the UK are led by private sector developers, and while the Government has engaged regularly with the companies involved, this is entirely a commercial decision for Toshiba. Nuclear has an important role to play as part of the UKs diverse energy mix as we transition to a low-carbon economy, but in each case projects must provide value for money for consumers and taxpayers. This Government remains committed to new nuclear through the Industrial Strategy Nuclear Sector Deal as well as consenting the first new nuclear power station in a generation at Hinkley Point C. Greenpeace UK executive director John Sauven said: The end of the Moorside plan represents a failure of the Governments nuclear gamble. Their flawed approach to making our economy low carbon has dashed the hopes of prospective workers and businesses in Cumbria that should have been centred around renewable technologies. The Government now needs to rapidly deploy renewable energy to fill the gap. That means restarting onshore wind, a new deal for expanding solar power, and upping ambition on more offshore wind. Reports this morning that Toshiba has decided to wind up NuGen and the Moorside project are deeply worrying for staff working on the project | Government action needed to secure new nuclear, skills in the industry and our future secure, low carbon electricity supply @FernsSue pic.twitter.com/0EjZqLMHhJ Prospect Union (@ProspectUnion) November 8, 2018 Sue Ferns, senior deputy general secretary of Prospect union, said: This is devastating news for Cumbria and the wider energy sector. The nuclear industry and wider supply chain currently employ thousands of people in the North West of England. The long-term future of this could be on the line if we cant move forward with building Moorside. Rebecca Long Bailey, shadow business secretary, said: Todays announcement by Toshiba is hugely concerning for the future of the sector and the thousands of jobs it would bring to Cumbria. Unfortunately, its not surprising given the Governments long indecision and refusal to step in. Unite union official Ritchie James said: Todays news is a cruel blow to the prospects for the North West economy and the future of thousands of highly-skilled jobs in construction and operations, once it was up and running. Sara Medi Jones, acting general secretary of CND, said: Nuclear energy isnt just dirty and dangerous, this announcement shows once again its not economically viable. Nuclear proponents will say the Government should have done more to save the Moorside plant, but this is an industry that already relies on enormous state subsidies at taxpayers expense. By Giuseppe Fonte and Anne Kauranen ROME/HELSINKI (Reuters) - Italy stood by the main pillars of its 2019 budget on Friday, as a deadline neared for it to change what Brussels called overly optimistic economic assumptions or face penalties for breaking EU fiscal rules. Deputy Prime Minister Luigi Di Maio and Economy Minister Giovanni Tria said they were committed to respecting a maximum budget deficit of 2.4 percent of economic output next year. But the European Commission, which has given Rome until Tuesday to present a new budget, has forecast a deficit of 2.9 percent and a structural fiscal gap - excluding one-offs and business cycle swings - rising to 3.0 percent. Under EU requirements, Italy should cut its structural deficit next year to 1.2 percent and continue reducing it every year until it reaches a balanced budget. Tria said the government was "busy drafting an answer to the European Commission with regards to the most contentious points of the budget". But Rome would confirm its "main pillars", as an economic slowdown had made fiscal expansion even more necessary, he told a parliamentary hearing. The government says it will introduce an income support programme next year to tackle growing poverty, and reduce the retirement age in an effort to free up the labour market and generate more job opportunities for the young. It is also promising tax cuts and offering a partial amnesty for citizens who settle tax disputes with the authorities. The Commission rejected Italy's 2019 fiscal plan last month, saying it flouted a previous commitment to lower the deficit and that it did not guarantee a reduction in the country's debt, the second highest in the euro zone as a proportion of GDP. ITALIAN BONDS In Helsinki, Valdis Dombrovskis, the Commission Vice President responsible for the euro, on Friday reaffirmed the EU executive was considering starting an excessive deficit procedure if Italy did not change the budget. Story continues He said Brussels believed Rome's fiscal calculations were "overly optimistic". "Basically the assumption is that if they ... increase public spending, it will stimulate the economy and thus will help to reduce the budget deficit. We see that this is actually not materialising," he said. The standoff between Rome and Brussels has spooked financial markets and, after Tria spoke, 10-year Italian bond yields climbed to 3.46 percent , their highest in over a week. That pushed the closely-watched gap over safer German Bund yields back above 300 basis points . Italy's central bank warned that the rise in borrowing costs over recent months risked impacting the economy and cancelling out the expansionary effects of the budget. "I hope for a solution that combines both Italy's respect for the rules it must abide with as a member of the monetary union... and the government and parliament pursuing their political goals," Luigi Federico Signorini, the Bank of Italy's deputy director general, told a parliamentary committee. Di Maio, whose anti-establishment 5-Star Movement governs in a coalition with the far-right League, said he believed market pressure would ease when investors realised the government was committed to holding the deficit inside its 2.4 percent target. But he gave no indication that the government was willing to change the 2019 budget draft. Asked if Italy would pay any fines the EU might levy, Di Maio told reporters in Rome "pacts must be honoured", but that he did not expect any charges to be levied and was confident an agreement with Brussels would be reached. (Reporting by Gavin Jones and Giuseppe Fonte in Rome and Anne Kauranen in Helsinki; writing by John Stonestreet) FILE PHOTO: A logo of ThyssenKrupp AG is pictured outside the ThyssenKrupp headquarters in Essen, November 23, 2017. REUTERS/Thilo Schmuelgen/File Photo By Christoph Steitz and Edward Taylor FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Thyssenkrupp on Thursday cut its profit outlook for the second time this year, blaming provisions for an ongoing steel cartel probe and quality issues at its automotive unit, the latest in a string of bad news for the crisis-ridden group. The warning is the second under the watch of Guido Kerkhoff, who became the group's permanent chief executive after a tumultuous summer that included the resignation of the group's chairman and former CEO following mounting shareholder pressure. It is also expected to put further pressure on Kerkhoff, who is struggling to get markets excited about a landmark move to split the steel-to-submarines conglomerate via a spin off of its elevator, car parts and plant engineering units, as no part of the business is without issues. The company, whose roots go back more than 200 years, on Thursday said it had decided to set aside risk provisions for an ongoing probe by the country's cartel office into alleged agreements relating to heavy plate and flat carbon steel products. "We have taken this matter very seriously from the very beginning and, with the help of an external law firm, conducted our own internal investigation," board member Donatus Kaufmann said in a letter to employees that was obtained by Reuters. "In the meantime, we have obtained information in the investigation which has led us to accrue a provision in the group financial statements." As a result, net income in the financial year 2017/18 is expected to drop to 100 million euros (87 million), down 63 percent from the 271 million last year. The group had previously expected a significant rise in net profit. Frankfurt-listed shares in Thyssenkrupp fell 5.9 percent on the news. Kaufmann said the provisions would have no impact on a planned 50-50 European joint venture with Tata Steel and that the cartel investigation relates to legacy cases. Story continues "All persons involved are no longer working in their areas of responsibility or have left the company," Thyssen said. In addition, the group set aside provisions for risks arising from unspecified quality issues at its automotive business, pointed to shipping restrictions at its steel unit and warned of lower-than-expected earnings at its elevator unit. This partly challenges the logic behind Thyssenkrupp's plans to spin-off elevators and car parts into one division, separating them from other assets within the group. The group now expects adjusted earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) to fall to 1.6 billion euros, down from a previous target of 1.8 billion. Thyssenkrupp will present full-year results on Nov. 21, 2018. (Additional reporting by Tom Kaeckenhoff in Duesseldorf; Editing by Kirsten Donovan) Anti-Semitic acts in France rose by 69 percent in the first nine months of 2018, Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said Friday, on the 80th anniversary of the infamous "Kristallnacht" attacks on Jews in Nazi Germany. Kristallnacht (also known as the Night of Broken Glass) refers to the smashed windows of Jewish shops and homes that happened in Nazi Germany during a heightened wave of violent anti-Jewish pogroms that took place on November 9-10, 1938. At least 91 Jewish people were killed and up to 30,000 men were rounded up and taken to concentration camps. "Every aggression perpetrated against one of our citizens because they are Jewish echoes like the breaking of new crystal," Prime Minister Edouard Philippe wrote in the statement on Facebook, referring to Kristallnacht. "Why recall, in 2018, such a painful memory? Because we are very far from being finished with anti-Semitism," he said, calling the number of acts "relentless". After a record high in 2015, anti-Semitic acts fell by 58 percent in 2016 and went down a further 7 percent last year. France has the largest Jewish population in Europe and the third-largest Jewish population in the world. However, despite Jewish people making up less than 1 percent of the French population, they were the targets of nearlyy 40 percent of the violent acts in France classified as racially or religiously motivated in 2017. And according to Phillippe, there has been a 69 percent rise in anti-Semitic acts in the first nine months of this year. Gunther Jikeli, a German historian at Indiana University who conducted a significant study of Muslim anti-Semitism in Europe, said the causes of this dramatic spike are difficult to identify. The only two countries with reliable data on anti-Semitism are the UK and France," he said. "Rises in anti-Semitism often happen in correlated waves in the two countries, and last year there was a major wave in the UK." Story continues 'Unite and speak out' Anti-Semitism is often in the minds of many people, but we need to discover what triggers this into action," said Jikeli. "Sometimes people feel emboldened in the wake of another anti-Semitic act, like the Pittsburgh attack" on a Jewish synagogue that killed 11 people in October. The murder of an 85-year-old Jewish woman in her home last spring left many in France aghast. "The murder of Mireille Knoll in March shocked and outraged so many people, but maybe it also activated others. We know that anti-Semites feel encouraged to take action for many reasons. But, crucially, they can also be discouraged and international leaders must unite and speak out. Philippe quoted Holocaust survivor and Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel as saying that "the real danger, my son, is indifference", pledging that the French government would not be indifferent. The government plans to toughen rules on hate speech online next year, pressuring social media giants to do more to remove racist and anti-Semitic content. Philippe said it would also "experiment with a network of investigators and magistrates who are specially trained in the fight against acts of hate", which could be extended nationwide. He added that from mid-November a national team would be mobilised to intervene in schools to support teachers dealing with anti-Semitism in their classrooms. (FRANCE 24 with AFP) Macron and May pay tribute to fallen fighters of the Somme By Marine Pennetier SOMME VALLEY, France (Reuters) - French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Theresa May laid a wreath at a memorial in the Somme valley on Friday, honouring fallen World War One soldiers on the eve of the centenary of the war's end. The Somme Offensive, waged in 1916, was intended to hasten a victory for the allies against the German empire, but after four months of trench warfare, more than a million men were dead or wounded and the Great War would go on to last another two years. In a solemn ceremony at the Thiepval memorial in northern France, Macron and May honoured allied soldiers who died at the Somme. The wreath they put down combined the poppy and le bleuet flowers, national emblems of remembrance in Britain and France. Thiepval's memorial stands on high ground overlooking the Somme river and commemorates more than 72,000 British and South African soldiers who died and have no known grave. May said the day's ceremonies were a time to "reflect on our shared history, but also look ahead to our shared future". "We remember the heroes who lost their lives in the horror of the trenches. As the sun sets on 100 years of remembrance, we will never forget their sacrifice," she said. The two leaders had first held a working lunch in the town of Albert, in the heart of the Somme region, at a time May is intensifying efforts to secure European support for a Brexit deal. A Macron aide declined to comment on the nature of the discussions. To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of the war this weekend, Macron will welcome world leaders including U.S. President Donald Trump, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Russia's Vladimir Putin. Macron then hosts an inaugural Paris Peace Forum, which Trump will not attend. Earlier on Friday, May laid wreaths at the graves of the first and last British soldiers killed in the war at the St Symphorien cemetery near Mons in Belgium, accompanied by Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel. More than 500 German and British Commonwealth soldiers are buried at the war cemetery. Story continues Among them is Private John Parr, a reconnaissance soldier who was killed on Aug. 21, 1914, when his commanding officer sent him into enemy territory on his bicycle to gather intelligence on German military moves. He was 17 years old. Parr's headstone stands opposite that of George Ellison, who died 90 minutes before the Armistice came into effect on Nov 11, 1918. At Parr's grave, May left a note: "In that rich earth a richer dust concealed", words taken from a sonnet written by Rupert Brooke at the start of World War One. (Reporting by Marine Pennetier in Albert, Richard Lough in Paris and Alastair Macdonald; Writing by Richard Lough; Editing by Larry King and Peter Graff) The families of 16 forgotten First World War soldiers buried in a small Belgian cemetery have been tracked down by a team of amateurs genealogists ahead of Sundays Armistice Day commemorations. A group of 10 amateur historians and genealogists launched their bid to find living relatives of the forgotten soldiers in September after a Belgian historian called for help in locating any living relatives of the dead soldiers. The soldiers, eight of who are from the 14th Fife & Forfar Yeomanry Battalion of the Black Watch, died in the village of Orcq, near Tournai, on 23 October 1918, just days before the armistice was signed, during the final battles on the Western Front. Each year, the tiny Belgium village remembers the men, who lie in its communal cemetery, but locals said no family members had visited the graves for several generations and local historian Bernard Demaire launched the appeal to find relatives of the men while planning a special ceremony to commemorate the 100th anniversary of their death. After a three-month long search, researchers have identified family members for 15 or the 16 fallen soldiers and two relatives travelled to Belgium for the memorial service last month. Chris Morris, 52, an amateur genealogist from Dover in Kent, told the Daily Telegraph he launched the search after seeing an appeal from the Belgium community on social media. I saw Bernard Demaires plea on social media that there were 16 soldiers in a Belgium cemetery and that nobody had been out there to visit them for years. Around 200 people attended the memorial in Belgium, including around 20 researchers and family members Credit: Reuters Were just normal people and we just started out so these soldiers and the families that get left behind are remembered. Claire Resdull, an amateur genealogist who assisted Mr Morris said the team sent out hundreds of emails and scoured message boards for clues to find relatives of the soldiers. She said: Because we spent so many hours doing it, it becomes quite a personal thing. So when you get a result it's like, you know, having a result in your own family.. We actually had said before, even if we didn't get any family or anybody we would go and represent the men anyway and lay wreaths for them to remember them. Story continues The team have tracked down dozens of relatives and travelled to Belgium last month with two relatives of the long forgotten soldiers, including Judy Power, a relative of Frederick Cumming, a second lieutenant of the Black Watch who was just 18-years-old when he was killed at Orcq. Mrs Power said that Mr Morris and his team contacted her the day before her mother died, and she decided it would be a real shame not to go out to Belgium to be part of the service to remember her great-great uncle. Mr Demaire, who organised the event and liaised with UK researchers, said the day was designed to pay homage to the soldiers. He said: The first time I went to the cemetery. I saw the roll of 16 graves of the British soldiers and the name of one of them, Frederick Cumming. It was then I took the decision to prepare with some friends a special remembrance for the British soldiers. She said: These young fighters have been there, they had the same life you know, they were young British guys. They were placed in something so big, so terrible for them. We can only show respect. They had to suffer, they had to die for us. Around 200 people attended the memorial in Belgium, including around 20 researchers and family members who travelled from the UK. One of those traced by Mr Morris and his team, Chris Barber, the nephew of Private John Barber, said the event was "overwhelming". Speaking in Belgium, he said: I knew about my uncle from a young age and knew he was killed in the First World War, in battle. My aunts and uncles told me all about it. It's just overwhelming. It's been a lifelong thing really, to finally come and see him. The soldiers, 16 of the 700,000 British soldiers to die in the conflict, were killed during fierce German resistance in Orcq, which lies near Tournai, in the final days of the way, in battled dubbed the Advance to Victory. By Eric Thayer THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday the gunman who killed 12 people in a crowded South California bar this week was a "very, very sick guy," as investigators tried to determine what could have motivated the 28-year-old Marine combat veteran. Even as Thousand Oaks, a suburb 40 miles (64 km) northwest of downtown Los Angeles, mourned the dead, the city faced a fresh threat on Friday as wildfires raged in the area, forcing thousands of people from their homes. Victims of Wednesday night's rampage in the city of Thousand Oaks included an 18-year-old freshman student at Pepperdine University, a security guard at the bar, a graduate of California Lutheran University and a Marine Corps veteran. Ian David Long, who served with the Marines in Afghanistan, walked into the Borderline Bar and Grill, which was packed with dancing college students, and opened fire, fatally shooting 12 people before apparently killing himself, law enforcement officials said. CNN reported that Long had written on Facebook around the time of the massacre: "I hope people call me insane ... wouldn't that just be a big ball of irony?" He added, "Yeah.. I'm insane, but the only thing you people do after these shootings is 'hopes and prayers'.. and wonder why these keep happening." Long's Facebook page appears to have since been deleted. "He is a very sick puppy," Trump said of the gunman, speaking at the White House before leaving on a trip to Paris. The FBI was seeking a motive for the country's latest mass shooting. Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean told reporters on Thursday that Long may have suffered from PTSD. "He was a Marine, he was in the war, he served time, he saw some pretty bad things," Trump said. "And a lot of people say he had PTSD and it's a tough deal." Richard Berge, who lived near Long and looked after his mother's dogs, told Reuters she had told him earlier this year she worried her son might take his own life but did not fear he would hurt her. Story continues The Thousand Oaks massacre took place less than two weeks after a man shot dead 11 worshippers at a Pittsburgh synagogue, fuelling the debate over gun ownership in America. One of the dead, Telemachus Orfanos, had survived the mass shooting at a country music concert in October 2017 in Las Vegas that killed 58 people, the worst such incident in modern U.S. history, ABC News said, citing a friend. It was time for politicians to act, Orfanos' mother, Susan Schmidt-Orfanos, told ABC News. "I don't want prayers. I don't want thoughts," she said. "I want gun control and I hope to God nobody else sends me any more prayers." The shooting came a day after the election of a Democratic governor who has pushed for tighter gun control in a state that already has some of the strictest firearms laws in the country. 'STILL REELING' The wildfire that started on Thursday has destroyed some homes on the outskirts of Thousand Oaks and forced the mandatory evacuations of 75,000 people, as well as closing some highways. A large plume of smoke grew on the horizon to the northeast of the city on Friday. Andrea Campbell Conant, a public relations executive who grew up in Thousand Oaks, said even as she drove to one of the vigils for the 12 people killed on Wednesday night roads had begun to close. "It's almost like we haven't had enough time to process how we feel," she said in a telephone interview as she described a head-spinning shift from a tear-filled vigil to her and her friends getting calls from relatives who needed help after getting evacuation orders. Although mass shootings have become commonplace in modern American life, Wednesday's carnage still came as a shock to the 127,000 residents of Thousand Oaks, which was named the third safest city in the United States for 2018 by the Niche research company. Heather Wynalda, 47, in Conejo Valley, a few miles west of Thousand Oaks, said her brother's home had burned but he and his family were safe. "It's just devastating," she said via Facebook messenger. "This community pulled together so beautifully in the midst of yesterday's shooting ... and today, it is being frantically scattered in an effort to escape the fires." Evacuation centres have been set up in Thousand Oaks, including a teen centre where frantic parents awaited news of their children after Wednesday's shooting. Pepperdine University, which held a prayer service in Malibu following the shooting, said Friday it was closing its Malibu and Calabasas campuses due to the wildfires. (Additional reporting by Roberta Rampton in Washington, Bernie Woodall in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Dana Feldman in Marina del Rey, California, and Brendan O'Brien in Milwaukee; Writing by Nick Carey; Editing by Frances Kerry, Bill Tarrant and Tom Brown) In this handout photo provided by Greenpeace, Activists paint the message "Reef in Danger" on the side of coal ship Chou San on March 7, 2012 in Gladstone, Australia: Greenpeace via Getty Images In recent years, the Great Barrier Reef has grabbed headlines after several people claimed the natural wonder to be dead. In a 2016 article Obituary: Great Barrier Reef (25 Million BC- 2016) , writer Rowan Jacobsen pronounced the jewel of the Australian coastline dead after a long illness. With such extraordinary diversity of life and landscape, it provided some of the most thrilling marine adventures on earth to humans who visited. Its otherworldly colours and patterns will be sorely missed, writes Jacobsen. No one knows if a serious effort at the time could have saved the reef, but it is clear that such no effort was made, writes Jacobsen. Writer Rich Landers of The Spokesman-Review also announced that scientists had pronounced the Great Barrier Reef dead. However, both claims could be misleading: there is a huge difference between dead and dying. The Reef is the worlds largest natural living structure. Covering over 1,429 miles of the Queensland coast, the reef stretches from the north tip of Cape York Peninsula down to the south city of Bundaberg. It is home to over a thousand different types of marine life: 1400 types of hard coral, one third of the worlds soft coral, 1,625 species of fish, over 3000 species of molluscs, 630 types of starfish/sea urchins, 14 species of sea snakes, 215 types of birds, 133 different types of sharks and rays, 30 species of whales and dolphins, six out of seven species of marine turtles, and many species still undiscovered. Due to the colourful marine life, the Reef is also one of the most popular tourist sites for scuba divers visiting Australia. The Reef supports a huge variety of marine biodiversity and an estimated 69,000 Australian jobs, and provides $7 billion to the Australian economy every year, reads a report from the Australian Climate Council. With the massive variety of aquatic life both making up and living in the Reef, it is hard to image something so great having such a sudden death. Story continues In fact, the damage is not sudden, but is a result of ongoing harm inflicted on the Reef by multiple factors. And the Great Barrier Reef is not dead, but it is dying. According to the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, the human influence has caused a 50% decline in the overall coral bed from 1985 to 2012. The cumulative effect of these threats weakens the Reefs resilience, affecting its ability to recover from serious disturbances predicted to become more frequent in the future, writes the foundation. Natural occurrences, such as Cyclone Debbie on 28 March 2017, have also added to the rising damage to the Reef causing breaking and uplifting of the coral. However, these do not account for the intense coral bleaching events that have occurred in recent years. The National Ocean Service defines coral bleaching as the expelling of the symbiotic algae living in the corals tissue, resulting in the coral turning completely white. Coral bleaching can occur when the typical summer temperature of local waters increases an exceed maxima by 1C. C Mark Eakin of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in the United States explains, Climate has warmed rapidly in the past years, first making El Ninos dangerous for the corals, and now were seeing the emergence of the bleaching in every hot summer. The ocean temperature has increased by about 1 degree Celsius since the 1800s. In 2016, an aerial and underwater survey conducted by the Australian Climate Council revealed that of the 911 reefs surveyed, 81% of the northern sector, 33% of the central sector and 1% of the southern sector experienced severe bleaching. The current, ongoing mass bleaching event is the worst in the Great Barrier Reefs history, reads the report. In 2017, the Australian Climate Council released a second report following the Reefs second wave of mass coral bleaching. It was the first time in history the Reef experienced two consecutive bleaching occurrences. The council concluded that the warming oceans are a result of the rising temperatures caused by the burning of coal, oil and gas. Human activities, primarily the emission of greenhouse gases from the combustion of fossil fuels, are driving climate change, states the council. Climate change is the greatest threat to the Great Barrier Reef. The back-to-back bleaching events in 2016 and 2017 has sent the Reef in a downward decline leaving parts of the coral beds completely unsalvageable. According to a briefing released by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the events in 2016 and 2017 increased the percentage of dead coral from 22% to 29% with an anticipated morality rate of 19%. UNESCO has criticised the Australian Government for not taking greater steps to preserve the Reef since it was placed on their watch list in 2015. As a result, the Australian Government adopted the Reef 2015 Plan, a $100 million project which looked to improve the water quality on the Reef. However, in 2017, the government declared the project impossible and leaving the plan to be reviewed sometime in 2018. Meanwhile, the Australian Government continues to heavily subsidies the fossil fuel industry and is considering a loan of up to $1 billion to facilitate the construction of the Carmichael coal megamine, writes UNESCO. The Reefs only chance for salvation sits with the Australian Government. Government funding for new fossil fuel mining must come to a halt, the Reef 2050 Plan needs to be rewritten, and the country should adopt a climate change policy that would reduce the emission levels by 40-60% followed by 60-80%. Otherwise, the health of the Reef will continue to decline until it eventually stops dying and is officially declared dead. Supermarket Iceland's Christmas ad campaign has been banned from TV because it has fallen foul of political advertising rules. As part of its festive campaign, the discount chain struck a deal with Greenpeace to use an animated short film featuring a cartoon orangutan and the destruction of its habitat. The supermarket has became the first major UK retailer to undertake removing palm oil from its own-brand products. Palm oil is one of Malaysia's biggest exports worth around 17bn a year but the growing backlash over the destruction of Asia's biodiversity has sparked an angry response from farmers; who already see their livelihoods under threat from an EU ban on palm oil in biofuels in 2020. Deforestation across South East Asia due to palm oil farming has led to orangutan populations being classified as critically endangered. Clearcast, the watchdog responsible for vetting television adverts, said that the advert had breached rules on political advertising. Iceland's founder, Malcolm Walker, told the Guardian: "This was a film that Greenpeace made with a voiceover by Emma Thompson. "We got permission to use it and take off the Greenpeace logo and use it as the Iceland Christmas ad. It would have blown the John Lewis ad out of the window. It was so emotional." The UN has warned that continued loss of habitats around the world is a major threat to the survival of humanity. Palm oils are found in numerous products, from chocolate to shampoos and there are growing calls globally to clearly label products so that consumers can make better informed decisions. The company also tweeted, "You won't see our Christmas advert on TV this year, because it was banned. But we want to share Rang-tan's story with you... Will you help us share the story?" You won't see our Christmas advert on TV this year, because it was banned. But we want to share Rang-tan's story with you... Will you help us share the story?https://t.co/P8H61t6lWu - Iceland Foods (@IcelandFoods) November 9, 2018 Want to comment on this story? Visit our Facebook post here Want to comment on this story? Visit our Facebook post here As retailers Christmas adverts begin to dominate ad breaks in the run up to the festive season even if it is still early November theres one we definitely wont be seeing: Icelands. The high-street supermarket elected to do something different with its advertising spend for Christmas and, rather than focus on tables groaning with festive food, committed to highlighting an important rainforest issue. Earlier this year, Iceland said it was going to remove palm oil from all its own label food by the end of 2018, in response to deforestation in South East Asia. It planned for a seasonal advert to raise awareness: #NoPalmOilForChristmas. [Read More: Its not political: Outrage as Icelands Christmas advert on palm oil banned from TV] The animation, Rang-tan, was originally made by Greenpeace. It tells the story of rainforest destruction caused by palm oil production, and its devastating impact on the endangered orangutan. The advert failed to secure advertising regulatory approval on the ground of it being seen to support a political issue but has now launched on YouTube anyway. (Photo: IcelandFoods/YouTube) [Read More: Since When Was Iceland The Sustainable, Forward-Thinking Supermarket?] The advertisement features a young girl who exclaims: Theres an orangutan in my bedroom and I dont know what to do. The orangutan explains theres a human in his forest, destroying the trees for humans food. Iceland hoped that the advert would improve shoppers understanding of rainforest destruction for palm oil production; the retailer it was going to commit more than half a million pounds of media spend to getting it in front of consumers. On Friday morning, however, it was being shared widely on social media following news that it had been banned. This year we were keen to do something different with our much anticipated Christmas advert, said Richard Walker, managing director at Iceland. The culmination of our palm oil project is offering our customers the choice of an orangutan-friendly Christmas, and we wanted to reflect this in our advertising. Story continues He added: Our commitment to help protect the home of orangutans remains extremely close to our hearts. [Read More: What is palm oil and why is it bad for the environment?] Related... Other Supermarkets Must Follow Iceland And Palm Off Palm Oil What Is Palm Oil Used For And Why Is It Bad For The Environment? Malaysian Palm Oil Lobby Is Running A Social Media Campaign Against Iceland Supermarket Boss Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. It was a Christmas advert which bosses at supermarket chain Iceland said would have blown the John Lewis ad out the window. But a major campaign for the discount store has been banned after it was deemed to have breached political impartiality rules. The animated short featured an orangutan mourning the loss of his rainforest home, and was voiced by the actress Emma Thompson. Its contention was to show how Iceland has become the first major UK supermarket to remove palm oil a major cause of deforestation from all its own-brand products. However, regulators were concerned by the fact the 90-second film is actually a repurposed Greenpeace video. This was a film that Greenpeace made with a voiceover by Emma Thompson, said Icelands founder Malcolm Walker. We got permission to use it and take off the Greenpeace logo and use it as the Iceland Christmas ad. It would have blown the John Lewis ad out of the window. It was so emotional. Clearcast, the body responsible for vetting ads, said it was in breach of rules laid down by the 2003 Communications Act. One of the laws stipulations is that a promotional campaign is prohibited if it is directed towards a political end. Clearcast and the broadcasters have to date been unable to clear this because we are concerned that it doesnt comply with the political rules of the BCAP [the broadcast code for advertising practice], said a spokeswoman. The creative submitted to us is linked to another organisation who have not yet been able to demonstrate compliance in this area. Iceland said it will still be placing TV ads, but only 10-second clips that will highlight palm oil-free products. We wanted [the Greenpeace film] to be our signature campaign, said Richard Walker, Malcolms son, who has led Icelands environmental campaigning. We have said repeatedly we are not anti-palm oil, we are anti-deforestation. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) Minister Louis Farrakhan, the leader of the Nation of Islam, warned President Donald Trump not to pull "the trigger of war in the Middle East . at the insistence of Israel," speaking Thursday while on a visit to Iran. The 85-year-old Farrakhan, long known for provocative comments widely considered anti-Semitic, criticized the economic sanctions leveled by Trump against Iran after America's pullout from the nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers. Farrakhan told journalists in Tehran that he is "begging our president and the government that supports him to be very, very careful." "The war will trigger another kind of war which will bring China, Russia, all of the nations into a war," he said. "The war will end America as you know it." Farrakhan leads the Nation of Islam, a black separatist religious movement. The Nation has been largely closed off to outsiders, making it impossible even for those who follow the movement closely to gauge its strength. For Farrakhan, the height of his prominence came when he organized the 1995 Million Man March in Washington, a symbol of black pride and empowerment. Earlier on his trip to Iran, state television published a short video clip of Farrakhan trying to say "Death to Israel" in Farsi, a common chant at rallies in the decades after Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution. He began to repeat it, but the crowd at Tehran University sitting at Farrakhan's event then substituted "America" for "Israel," drawing laughter. After the video clip spread online, Farrakhan issued a statement saying: "I never led a chant calling for death to America." "I asked a question about how to pronounce the chant in Farsi during my meeting with Iranian students and an examination of the video shows just that," he said. On Thursday, Farrakhan reacted angrily to an Iranian state television's request to repeat the chant. However, he kept his harshest words for Trump. "It is your policies that are eroding trust for you in the world, favor for you in the world, and now you are pulling apart, confused," Farrakhan said, addressing Trump. "If you do this, you will bring about not the Iranian chant you will bring about the death of the greatest nation that has been on this Earth in the last 6,000 years." - REUTERS A Somali-born Australian who set fire to a gas-laden truck in the centre of Melbourne and fatally stabbed one person before he was shot by police was inspired by Islamic State but did not have direct links with the group, Australian police said on Saturday. In an attack described by the state premier as an act of evil, the man sped a utility vehicle down Bourke Street, one of the citys busiest thoroughfares, and then stopped and apparently set it alight before randomly stabbing pedestrians. A man aged 74, who had been stabbed in the face, died at the scene. Two other men, aged 26 and 58, are in a hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (Isil) claimed responsibility for the attack. Police identified the man responsible for Friday's attack as 30-year-old Hassan Khalif Shire Ali, 31, whose 21-year-old brother was accused of plotting a mass murder on New Years Eve at Federation Square last year, a city centre hub and popular tourist spot. He is in jail awaiting trial. A police officer inspects a body at the crime scene following a stabbing incident in Melbourne Credit: AFP Footage taken by witnesses showed the man lunging with a large knife at police, who shot him in the chest and killed him. Bystanders were yelling at police: "Just shoot him, just shoot him". Police said Shire Ali's Australian passport was cancelled in 2015 after an intelligence report he planned to travel to Syria, but an assessment was made that whilst he had radical views, he posed no threat to national security. "I think it is fair to say he (Shire Ali) was inspired. He was radicalised," Australian Federal Police Acting Deputy Commissioner Ian McCartney told reporters in Melbourne. "We're not saying there was direct contact. We're saying it was more from an inspiration perspective." Scott Morrison, the Australian Prime Minister, said the national terrorism advisory remained at "probable", the midpoint of a five-tier system, and told reporters in Sydney that radical Islam was the issue. Story continues "I need to call it out. Radical, violent, extremist Islam that opposes our very way of life. I am the first to protect religious freedom in this country, but that also means I must be the first to call out religious extremism," he said. Isils propaganda channel said the group was behind the attack. "The perpetrator of the operation... in Melbourne... was an Islamic State fighter and carried out the operation... to target nationals of the coalition" fighting Isil, Amaq reported a jihadist security source as saying. Armed security personnel stand near the Bourke Street mall in central Melbourne Credit: AAP/James Ross/via REUTERS The attack began on Friday at about 4.30pm, as streams of people were shopping and heading home. Some pedestrians including one with a shopping trolley, now labelled trolley man tried to fend off the attacker. When police officers arrived, the attacker punched one through the car window and appeared to show little fear as he repeatedly tried to stab them. Some witnesses claimed the man, who was tall and wearing a long dark coat, was yelling Allahu akbar, though police said this was not confirmed. "He seemed to be waving something, people around me screamed that he had a knife," a witness told ABC News. "And then I heard one loud bang. It sounded like a gunshot. Another witness, who was taking a stroll during a break from work, said: It is a very strange thing to witness on the streets you walk everyday People were quite scared. They wanted to know what was going on. Victoria Polices Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton said the man moved from Somalia to Melbournes north-west suburbs in the 1990s and was known to state and federal counterterrorism agencies through his family associations. His family members are certainly known to us from a terrorism perspective, he said. "From what we know of that individual, we are treating this as a terrorism incident." The scene of the attack in Melbourne on Friday Commissioner Ashton said the man had convictions for cannabis use, theft and driving offences but not for violent offences. He said there was not believed to be an ongoing threat. Melbourne has experienced numerous terror attacks and plots in recent years. In 2009, authorities conducted raids and charged five Somali Australian men in Melbourne suspected of terrorism offences. Three were later convicted of planning to attack an army barracks. Significant fire in Bourke Street - road blocked between Swanston and Russell Streets pic.twitter.com/H6xO1pzy5L acuriouscook (@loumick3) November 9, 2018 Victorias state premier Daniel Andrews condemned the latest attack as an act of evil and pledged that the city would "go about our business this weekend and every weekend". This is an evil, terrifying thing that's happened in our city and state today, he said. We condemn it We'll not, as a city and a state, be defined by this act of evil. The incident came as the trial began of James Gargasoulas, who is accused of killing six people on Bourke Street last year after allegedly deliberately ploughing through them with a car. Mr Gargasoulas, 28, who was in a drug-induced psychosis at the time, has pleaded not guilty. Police do not believe the attacks were linked. There were 18 people on the island military and meteorological institute staff who were woken by the quake, Norway's news agency NTB said: USGS A powerful earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.8 has struck in the Arctic Sea, off a Norwegian island. The Norwegian earthquake centre NORSAR said it was recorded at 2.49am on Friday in the sea between the volcanic island of Jan Mayen and Greenland, a Danish territory. No injuries or damage were immediately reported. Norways news agency NTB said there were 18 people on the island military and meteorological institute staff who were woken by the quake. Silje Wennesland told NTB: I had the heart in my throat when I woke up because the mirror and the cabinets shook. Fortunately, no one was injured, and everyone is fine, but we noticed it, Ms Wennesland added. It has happened before, and this was quite powerful, she said, adding the tremor lasted for 30 seconds. M6.8 earthquake near Jan Mayen Island: transform fault strike-slip earthquake between Norway and Greenland, fairly large event for the region based on historical seismicity https://t.co/oWnF93yfXI pic.twitter.com/yu4osaMqLx Jascha Polet (@CPPGeophysics) November 9, 2018 NORSAR said aftershocks are expected but no tsunami warning was issued. According to the centre, it was the strongest earthquake recorded in Norway, with the previous record being a 6.6-magnitude quake recorded in Van Mayen on 30 August, 2012. That earthquake caused no injuries, but did do some material damage. Jan Mayen is regularly exposed to earthquakes, the centre said, and has registered around 10 shocks with a strength above magnitude 6 since 1970. In this article: Prime Minister Theresa May has paid her respects to those killed in the First World War, during a visit to Mons in Belgium. Mrs May was joined by Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel for the visit to St Symphorien Military Cemetery in Mons. She later travelled to France to pay tribute alongside French President Emmanuel Macron. Prime Minister Theresa May has visited the St Symphorien Military Cemetery in Mons (Gareth Fuller/PA) The PM laid a wreath at the grave of George Ellison, the last British soldier to be killed before Armistice in 1918 (Gareth Fuller/PA) Later, Mrs May left a wreath at the Thiepval Memorial in Authuille, France (Gareth Fuller/PA) The message on a wreath placed by Mrs May in Belgium (Gareth Fuller/PA) The grave in Belgium of John Parr, the first British soldier to be killed in 1914 (Gareth Fuller/PA) Prime Minister Theresa May was joined at the St Symphorien Military Cemetery in Mons by Belgian PM Charles Michel (Gareth Fuller/PA) Theresa May was welcomed by French President Emmanuel Macron in Albert, northern France (Francois Mori/AP) They were paying respects to the French and British soldiers at Thiepval war cemetery. (Francois Mori/AP) Mrs May and Mr Macron attend a wreath laying ceremony at the Thiepval Memorial in Authuille (Gareth Fuller/PA) The wreath that was laid (Gareth Fuller/PA) Meanwhile at Royal Wootton Bassett, members of the armed forces took part in the official opening of the Field of Remembrance (Andrew Matthews/PA) A crescent moon and poppies in the Field of Remembrance at Royal Wootton Bassett (Andrew Matthews/PA) Wreath-laying in the Field of Remembrance (Andrew Matthews/PA) The Military Wives choir sang at Royal Wootton Bassett (Andrew Matthews/PA) Margaret Murison and Major General Andrew Mackay planting a Verdun oak, descended from an acorn collected on the battlefield in France, at Scotlands First World War Centenary Wood at Dreghorn in Edinburgh (Callum Bennetts/WTML/PA) Max, a spaniel cross and Peanut, a terrier cross, join a congregation of animals and representatives from Dogs Trust, Petplan Charitable Trust and other welfare charities and organisations, to pay their respects to animals which lost their lives in warfare (Jonathan Hordle/PA) Members of the Household Cavalry joined in the animal memorial in Park Lane, London (Jonathan Hordle/PA) Elsewhere, staff lined the atrium during the Lloyds of London Armistice commemoration service (Victoria Jones/PA)(Victoria Jones/PA) The floor of the Lloyds building was covered in poppies that fell through the atrium (Victoria Jones/PA) Suicide bombers blew up two cars in an attack that killed at least 17 people in Mogadishu, Somalia, on November 9, police cited by Reuters said. A third explosion was reported in the same area, near the headquarters of Somalias Criminal Investigations Department in Mogadishu, about 20 minutes later. The number of deaths was expected to rise, and a Reuters photographer at the scene said 20 bodies of civilians and several burnt-out vehicles could be seen. Credit: @Hafid505 via Storyful SYDNEY (AP) Australia police said Saturday a man who fatally stabbed another and injured two in what they described as an Islamic State-inspired terrorist attack in central Melbourne had also planned to set off an explosion. The attacker, Hassain Khalif Shire Ali, 30, had his passport canceled in 2015 after it was learned he planned to travel to Syria, police said. The attack occurred on Friday when Shire Ali got out of a pickup vehicle, which he then set on fire, and stabbed three men, one of whom died at the scene. The attack horrified hundreds of onlookers during the afternoon rush hour in Australia's second-biggest city. COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) Sri Lanka's President Maithripala Sirisena dissolved Parliament and called for fresh elections amid a deepening political crisis. An official notification signed by Sirisena announced the dissolution of Parliament effective midnight Friday. It said the names of candidates will be called before Nov. 26, and the election held on Jan. 5. The new Parliament is to be convened on Jan. 17. Sri Lanka has been in a political crisis since Oct. 26, when Sirisena fired his prime minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, and replaced him with former strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa. Wickremesinghe has insisted his firing is unconstitutional. He has refused to vacate his official residence and demanded that Parliament be summoned immediately to prove he had support among its members. HONG KONG (AP) Concerns have been raised about freedom of expression in Hong Kong following the cancellation of literary and artistic events and the refusal to allow an editor from the Financial Times to enter the semi-autonomous Chinese territory. A look at three recent incidents and the effect they're having on freedom of speech and civil rights: ___ AUTHOR MA JIAN'S EVENT CANCELED A Hong Kong arts venue has canceled the appearance at a literary festival of exiled Chinese writer Ma Jian, known for his novels criticizing China's ruling Communist Party. Ma tweeted that the Tai Kwun venue, which is hosting the Hong Kong International Literary Festival, said his two scheduled events had been scratched. Story continues WASHINGTON (AP) China bluntly told the United States to stop sending ships and military aircraft close to islands claimed by Beijing in the South China Sea, during talks Friday that set the stage for a meeting between President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping later this month. The U.S. pushed back, insisting it will continue to "fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows." In late September, U.S. and Chinese vessels nearly collided near a disputed reef. Despite the frank airing of differences at the meeting in Washington of the two nations' top diplomats and military chiefs, both sides stressed the need to tamp down tensions, which have flared amid a bitter trade dispute that Trump and Xi are expected to tackle at the Group of 20 summit in Argentina. South Korea soccer international Lee Chang-min has been questioned by police after he was involved in a car crash that left one person dead and two injured. Lee, who has played seven times for the national team and is a midfielder with leading K-League club Jeju United, has admitted that his SUV crossed the center line while driving on Jeju Island on Monday and collided with another vehicle that was traveling in the opposite direction. "We have to collect more evidence and need to conduct more of the investigation on Lee," an official at Seogwipo Police Station in Jeju said on Friday. MANILA, Philippines (AP) A Philippine court found former first lady Imelda Marcos guilty of graft and ordered her arrest Friday in a rare conviction among many corruption cases that she plans to appeal to avoid jail and losing her seat in Congress. The special anti-graft Sandiganbayan court sentenced Marcos, 89, to serve 6 to 11 years in prison for each of the seven counts of violating an anti-corruption law when she illegally funneled about $200 million to Swiss foundations in the 1970s as Metropolitan Manila governor. Neither Marcos nor anyone representing her attended Friday's court hearing. Marcos said in a statement that the decision was being studied by one of her lawyers who notified the Marcos family that he intends to appeal the decision. ISLAMABAD (AP) The uproar surrounding Aasia Bibi a Pakistani Christian woman who was acquitted of blasphemy charges and released from death row but remains at a secret location for her protection has drawn attention to the plight of the country's Christians. The minority, among Pakistan's poorest, has faced an increasingly intolerant atmosphere in this Muslim-majority nation where radical religious and sectarian groups have become more prominent in recent years. Here is a look at some of the issues involved. ___ WHY HER RELEASE IGNITED AN UPROAR Bibi's Oct. 31 acquittal by Pakistan's supreme court triggered large-scale protests, with religious extremists demanding the 54-year-old mother of five be publicly executed and that the three judges who set her free also be put to death. MOSCOW (AP) Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Friday voiced hope that a conference on Afghanistan taking place in Moscow could help pave the way for peace talks. "The Moscow format of talks is aimed at establishing an inclusive inter-Afghan dialogue in the interests of advancing the process of national reconciliation," Lavrov said as he opened the meeting that has brought together representatives of the Afghan authorities and the Taliban. He emphasized the threat posed by the Islamic State group in Afghanistan, saying that it has relied on foreign sponsors in a bid to "turn Afghanistan into a springboard for its expansion in Central Asia." The conference is Moscow's effort to get the Afghan authorities and the Taliban together at a table. BEIJING (AP) Lu Yushan, a retired salesman, has advice for investors in China's slumping stock market: Sell. Lu's shares soared over the past decade. But the 65-year-old cashed out this year, driven away by plunging prices, insider trading scandals, a cooling economy and a tariff war with Washington. "Investors should get out," said Lu, watching flickering prices on a wall-mounted display at a Beijing brokerage. "I am here just for fun and not to make money." President Xi Jinping's government is struggling, with limited success, to dispel such gloom and talk stock prices back up with promises of tax cuts, more bank lending and a media campaign led by its economy czar. HONG KONG (AP) The Asia editor of the Financial Times has been refused entry to Hong Kong, weeks after he was denied a new work visa in what critics call an ominous sign of Beijing encroaching on the semi-autonomous Chinese territory's civil liberties. The newspaper reported that Victor Mallet was turned away at the border on Thursday after being questioned for several hours. He had sought to enter as a visitor. Mallet's visa rejection in October came shortly after he hosted a talk at the Hong Kong Foreign Correspondents' Club by the head of a now-banned political party advocating the financial hub's independence from China. FILE PHOTO: Russian aluminium tycoon Oleg Deripaska waits before the talks of Russian President Vladimir Putin with South Korean President Moon Jae-in at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia June 22, 2018. REUTERS/Sergei Karpukhin/File Photo WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States on Friday said it was postponing the enforcement of sanctions on Russian companies EN+ , Rusal <0486.HK> and Gaz PAO for nearly four weeks as their top shareholder works on a plan to cut his stakes. The U.S. Treasury Department had given Russian tycoon Oleg Deripaska until Dec. 12 to reduce his holdings in the three companies but said in a statement that the deadline had been moved to Jan. 7, 2019. EN+, RUSAL, and GAZ are proposing substantial corporate governance changes that could potentially result in significant changes in control of these sanctioned entities," Treasury said in a statement explaining why the deadline was postponed. Rusal, En+ and GAZ declined to comment. The U.S. Treasury imposed the sanctions in April on Deripaska and several companies in which he is a large shareholder, citing "malign activities" by Russia, as well as allegations of past crimes by Deripaska himself. The sanctions, the toughest since Moscows 2014 annexation of Crimea, have been postponed several times as the U.S. considers plans by Deripaska to divest shares in the companies so that he no longer controls them, among other moves. Rusal and its parent En+ Group have recruited directors and management not linked to Deripaska in recent months as part of talks with Washington over easing U.S. sanctions. Rusal named Evgenii Nikitin, who has been acting chief executive since May and previously headed its aluminium division, as its CEO last Friday. En+ also appointed a new CEO. Friday's move extends licenses relating to the sanctioned firms to authorise activities needed to wind down operations or contracts, according to a statement on the U.S. Treasury Department's website. It also extends licenses to authorise transactions needed to divest debt, equity and other holdings. Concerns over the impact of sanctions on Rusal have roiled aluminium markets. Rusal is the worlds second-biggest producer after Chinas Hongqiao <1378.HK>. Japans top aluminium rolling company, UACJ Corp <5741.T>, said on Nov. 1 that it was removing Rusal from its 2019 suppliers list due to uncertainty over the sanctions. (Reporting by Tim Ahmann and Susan Heavey in Washington, Nathan Layne in New York and Polina Devitt in Moscow; Editing by Susan Thomas) [November 08, 2018] Unified Office Recognized on 2018 CRN Next-Gen 250 List Nashua, NH - (NewMediaWire) - November 6, 2018 - Unified Office Inc., a leading managed services provider offering reliable hybrid cloud-based virtual communications services and business analytics, announced today that CRN, a brand of The Channel Company, has named Unified Office to its 2018 Next-Gen 250 list. The annual list identifies IT solution providers who have embraced emerging technologies and are setting the pace for the rest of the channel in their adoption. Those on the list have been able to meet their customers ever-changing IT needs in leading-edge technologies such as cloud computing, IoT, virtualization, mobility, business analytics and business intelligence. We are very pleased to be named for the second year in a row to CRNs 2018 Next-Gen 250 list, said Ray Pasquale, Founder and CEO of Unified Office. The rate of change in technology and consumer behavior is faster now than ever before and its disrupting entire industries from music and movies to healthcare, as evidenced by the impact that Amazon, Apple and social media has had on a broad range of markets. Unified Office helps channel partners and other businesses offer valuable, differentiated services in todays impatient, real-time world. Services must not only demonstrate high quality and reliability but also be able to adapt simply and easily to each and every business. This enables businesses to react to changes as they occur rather than forcing them to adhere to a rigid, inflexible workflow environment. Total Connect Now? is an easy to use managed communications service that integrates voice and video communications, messaging, service-level monitoring, business continuity, and business analytics tools for resellers and business owners to help them better manage their operations. Unified Office provides at-a-glance real-time analytics for customer service and other operational metrics along with on-demand and scheduled reporting for any business location or company store. Unified Offices Highest Quality Routing Protocol (HQRP) over the top transmission network paves the way for reliable, high quality VoIP/UC services, real-time analytics, IoT services and a host of other services offered by Unified Office. This HQRP network establishes highly diverse, reliable, end-to-end paths without the need for expensive legacy T1 circuits or MPLS tunnels and features an integrated LTE backup solution built into its premises devices. All of its services are integrated into a single software management platform allowing businesses to configure, monitor and manage their Unified Office services over a user-friendly portal. These innovative solution providers have adapted to a rapidly-evolving marketplace and learned to leverage new technology as a competitive advantage, said Bob Skelley, CEO of The Channel Company. Our 2018 Next-Gen 250 list is comprised of forward-thinking companies who deliver solutions designed to meet an unprecedented set of customer needs. We congratulate each team on its vision and influence in the overall progression of the IT channel. A sampling of the Next-Gen 250 list will be featured in the December issue of CRN. The complete list will be available online at www.crn.com/nextgen250. About Unified Office Unified Office, Inc. is a leading provider of SDN-based, hybrid cloud, managed, Voice-over-IP (VoIP) and Unified Communications services to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Unified Offices Total Connect Now? service architecture was purpose-built to deliver the highest quality of experience and availability, leveraging the latest in extensible business VoIP communications technology and cloud-based infrastructure to enhance SMB workforce productivity. Their cloud-based intelligent network incorporates Unified Offices unique adaptive Highest Quality Routing Protocol (HQRP) for end-to-end service quality, and Business Continuity shadowing to ensure high availability operation over one or more redundant broadband links. The Unified Office Visual Performance Suite and IoT service platform provides a real-time view of changes in operational performance levels and actionable intelligence for SMBs, store managers and business owners, enabling them to readily determine real-time business performance, take immediate actions, and apply continuous operational improvements. This results in higher customer satisfaction, increased customer retention, and increased revenues and profitability. For more information visit www.unifiedoffice.com. About the Channel Company The Channel Company enables breakthrough IT channel performance with our dominant media, engaging events, expert consulting and education, and innovative marketing services and platforms. As the channel catalyst, we connect and empower technology suppliers, solution providers and end users. Backed by more than 30 years of unequaled channel experience, we draw from our deep knowledge to envision innovative new solutions for ever-evolving challenges in the technology marketplace. www.thechannelco.com Copyright 2018. CRN is a registered trademark of The Channel Company, LLC. All rights reserved. Follow The Channel Company: Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook Contact: Cathy Clarke CNC Associates for Unified Office Ph.: 508-833-8533 Email: [email protected] Jennifer Hogan The Channel Company [email protected] As a community-building service, TMCnet allows user submitted content which is not always proofed by TMCnet editors. If you feel this entry is of inferior quality or wish to report it for some reason, please forward the URL to "webedit [AT] tmcnet [DOT] com" with your comments. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Bee Breeders has announced the Pavilosta Poet Huts competition, tasking architecture enthusiasts with creating an inviting retreat within the quit fishing village on the western coast of Latvia. Already a popular European tourist destination, Pavilosta is known for its long sandy beach and idyllic Baltic Sea waters. In addition to designing the Poet Huts for the artists in residence, participants are being asked to design a multifunctional space to facilitate small exhibitions, presentations and group gatherings, as well as permanent accommodation for the host family. The small port town of Pavilosta is located on the western coast of Latvia, at the mouth of the Saka river in Courland. Known for its long sandy beach and idyllic Baltic Sea waters, the town is a popular tourist destination, and is populated with seafaring locals from tenacious fishermen to some of the worlds toughest windsurfers. The architecture of the town is predominantly low-rise housing, with almost all roads leading to the sea, whose crystal clear waters attract creative people to this small town to rest, rejuvenate, and be inspired. The Pavilosta Poet Huts architecture competition is tasking participants with delivering designs for residences for visiting poets. The key function of the complex would be to offer free residence to selected poets where they could live and work for a defined period of time. With competition winners being considered for construction, designs for the Pavilosta Poet Huts should focus on eco-friendly and cost-effective building techniques. As Latvia has a reputation as one of Europes greenest countries, the structure should have the potential to become a regional example of green building practice. Eligibility Competition is open to all. No professional qualification is required. Design proposals can be developed individually or by teams (4 team members maximum). Correspondence with organizers must be conducted in English; All information submitted by participants must be in English. Prizes 1st prize: US $3,000 / Publications Certificate of Achievement 2nd prize: US $1,500 / Publications Certificate of Achievement 3rd prize: US $500 / Publications Certificate of Achievement BB Student Award: US $500 (more details here) / Publications Certificate of Achievement BB Green Award: US $500 (more details here) / Publications Certificate of Achievement The competition will select 6 Honorable Mentions. Publication: The winners will get international art and design media coverage and will be featured on the Bee Breeders website and social pages. Certificate: Bee Breeders will also acknowledge the outstanding performance of all winners and honourable mentions with Certificates of Achievement. Jury panel is composed of Audrey McKee from Renzo Piano Building Workshop in France, Carlos M Guimaraes depA, correspondent of A10 magazine in Portugal, Daniel Jacobs from SHoP Architects, New York City, USA, Gemawang Swaribathoro from OMA, Hong Kong, John Paul Rysavy from SHoP Architects, New York City, USA; And-Either-Or Austin, Texas and Brooklyn, New York, USA. See the competition's full jury panelhere. Key dates for the competition Closing date for registration: 16 April, 2019 Closing date for project submission: 4 June, 2019 (11.59pm GMT) Announcement of the winners: 25 June, 2019 Competition brief, photographs and 2D - 3D images of the site can be downloaded from the competition website. Contact Bee Breeders to receive special student rates for group registrations (discount applies for 3+ registrations from one university/school) and to receive further information and support for getting your students involved in architecture competitions. Top image courtesy of Bee Breeders > via Bee Breeders Architecture Competitions U.S. Senate and Governor As the vote count continues, Democrat Kyrsten Sinema has taken a small lead over Republican Martha McSally in the Arizona Senate race. Several hundred thousand ballots sent by mail are dropped off on Election Day, and these take time to be counted. Overall, approximately 400,000 ballots remain to be tallied. Arizona U.S. Senate Elsewhere, Florida's Senate race is likely headed for a hand recount, with the margin under 0.25%, while the gubernatorial race may get a machine recount, with a margin of under 0.50%. The Associated Press, as well as our results partner, Decision Desk, called the gubernatorial race for Ron DeSantis, and Democrat Andrew Gillum has conceded. A machine recount isn't likely to change that outcome, although this is Florida so one can never be sure. Things are a bit less clear on the Senate side, with the closer total and the prospect of a hand recount. The Associated Press has not called this race, and Nelson has not conceded. Decision Desk has called the race for Scott, and you will see that in the Florida vote counts. However, we have left the state undecided in our interactive 2018 Actual Senate map. Meanwhile, the gubernatorial race in Georgia remains undecided. Republican Brian Kemp resigned as secretary of state Thursday. Kemp has 50.3% of the vote, to 48.7% for Stacey Abrams. As we've previously noted, the issue here is not whether Kemp will have the most votes, but rather whether he will stay above the 50% threshold needed to avoid a December runoff. U.S. House Four more races were called overnight, leaving 10 undecided. GA-6, MI-8 and NJ-7 went to Democrats, while IL-13 was won by the GOP. Democrats have now won 227 seats, Republicans 198. That's a net gain of 32 for Democrats. All 10 of the undecided races are currently held by the GOP. (Vote Counts for Uncalled Races >>). Related: 2018 Actual Interactive House Map Lisa Hilton at the TLS: Before the bedroom there was the room, before that almost nothing, Perrot announces. She chooses to leapfrog over much medieval history and begin with a description of the kings bedroom at Versailles under Louis XIV an account for which she relies heavily on the memoirs of the duc de Saint-Simon, who spoke to the Sun King twice. Emmanuel Le Roy Ladurie is more thorough as an interpreter of the stultifying etiquette of the Versailles system, and Nancy Mitford much funnier; there is no fresh research or information in Perrots summary, which is at best indecisive as to the significance of the royal bedroom: the kings chamber guards its mysteries. That said, we learn that Perrot intends to trace the origin of the desire for a room of ones own, which mark of individualization is apparently less universal than it might appear. The Japanese had no notion of privacy, we are told, which might have come as news to the ukiyo-e artists of the seventeenth century; nonetheless, Perrot is broadly correct in her account of the evolution of private sleeping space as depending on the movement from curtained or boxed beds to separate chambers during the same period in Europe. more here. Daniel Zamora in Jacobin: Following the sensational success of Thomas Pikettys Capital in the Twenty-First Century, with no less than 2.5 million copies of the book sold worldwide, inequality is now widely perceived, to quote Bernie Sanders, as the great moral issue of our time. Clearly the shift is part of a wider transformation of American and European politics in the wake the 2008 crash that has turned the 1% into an object of increasing attention. Marxs Capital is now a bestseller in the free enterprise section of the Kindle store, Jacobin is considered a respectable place to be published, and socialism no longer looks like a failed rock band trying to climb on stage when the party is already over. On the contrary, if we are to believe Gloria Steinem, a Bernie Sanders rally is now the place to be, even for the girls. On closer scrutiny, however, its not entirely clear how well our current interest in inequality (especially income inequality) rhymes with Marxs own theory, or the ideas that dominated social-policy debates in decades following the Second World War. In fact, one could even argue that our current focus on income and wealth inequality, while crucial to any progressive agenda, also misses some of the most important aspects of the nineteenth-century critique of capitalism. At that time, income inequality was an elusive and at best ancillary term. In fact, the monetization of inequality is actually a relatively recent way of seeing the world and, aside from its obvious strengths, it is also a way of seeing that, as the historian Pedro Ramos Pinto noted, has considerably narrowed the way we think about social justice. More here. Siddhartha Mukherjee in Tonic: Of the many small humiliations heaped on a young oncologist in his final year of fellowship, perhaps this one carried the oddest bite: A 2-year-old black-and-white cat named Oscar was apparently better than most doctors at predicting when a terminally ill patient was about to die. The story appeared, astonishingly, in The New England Journal of Medicine in the summer of 2007. Adopted as a kitten by the medical staff, Oscar reigned over one floor of the Steere House nursing home in Rhode Island. When the cat would sniff the air, crane his neck and curl up next to a man or woman, it was a sure sign of impending demise. The doctors would call the families to come in for their last visit. Over the course of several years, the cat had curled up next to 50 patients. Every one of them died shortly thereafter. No one knows how the cat acquired his formidable death-sniffing skills. Perhaps Oscars nose learned to detect some unique whiff of death chemicals released by dying cells, say. Perhaps there were other inscrutable signs. I didnt quite believe it at first, but Oscars acumen was corroborated by other physicians who witnessed the prophetic cat in action. As the author of the article wrote: No one dies on the third floor unless Oscar pays a visit and stays awhile. The story carried a particular resonance for me that summer, for I had been treating S., a 32-year-old plumber with esophageal cancer. He had responded well to chemotherapy and radiation, and we had surgically resected his esophagus, leaving no detectable trace of malignancy in his body. One afternoon, a few weeks after his treatment had been completed, I cautiously broached the topic of end-of-life care. We were going for a cure, of course, I told S., but there was always the small possibility of a relapse. He had a young wife and two children, and a mother who had brought him weekly to the chemo suite. Perhaps, I suggested, he might have a frank conversation with his family about his goals? More here. Healthy eating ,exercise offer benefits even if pounds don't come off Its been three years of work. And Chris Schueler is ready for the world to see it. The Albuquerque-based filmmaker will present the documentary film Osimi at 7 p.m. Nov. 10 at the KiMo Theatre. Im thrilled and overjoyed about the film, Schueler says. Its an important film, and I hope audiences take a lot from it. Osimi chronicles the life of a man called the Nelson Mandela of Central Asia Muhammad Osimi. Narrated by Oscar-nominated actress Ali MacGraw, the documentary was filmed in Tajikistan, India, France, Spain, Russia and the United States. Through Muhammad Osimi, we witness the power of art, education and science to help heal his country even during a civil war. The concepts that he lived for, fought for, and ultimately for which he died, will serve us all and continue to grow through his family, friends and students, Schueler says. The film will also air at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15, on New Mexico PBS, Channel 5.1. Schueler spent the past three years filming the project. He discovered Osimi about five years ago when he was doing work with orphans in Tajikistan. I was teaching teenagers how to create short videos at an NGO called Zumrad in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, so they could design fundraising efforts. My main contact and interpreter, Lola, received a call from Firuza in the northern part of the country, a town called Khujand, asking if she could come and watch. And she asked if I would take a couple extra days to come and teach her students at a small school she was running, he says. On the way out of Dushanbe, Firuza asked if we could stop at the park and see her father. She guided me into the park, and after we turned a corner, there was a huge statue honoring Muhammad Osimi, her father. Over the next seven hours, through the beautiful Tajik mountains, she told me the story that we share in the documentary. Schueler approached MacGraw about narrating the documentary. I actually love PBS, and its saving us all right now, MacGraw says. Very frequently when a documentary is being put together, I get asked to narrate. Im a passionate believer in PBS and the work they do. MacGraw also was intrigued about learning more about Osimi. In America, were so denied about knowing about anywhere else but us, she says. I know Im going to learn a lot more when I see the film. This amazing man was passionate about the world. Its the kind of model in my mind for what we should be doing here in the U.S. SEND ME YOUR TIPS: If you know of a movie filming in the state, or are curious about one, email film@ABQjournal.com. Follow me on Twitter @agomezART. A local pub known for its good food and drink is helping those who might not know when their next meal might be. ONiells Nob Hill is hosting a food drive on Thursday, Nov. 15, with all proceeds of the sale of a special craft beer going to Roadrunner Food Bank. National Distributing has donated a rare keg of New Belgiums Voodoo Ranger Imperial IPA, and 100 percent of the proceeds from that keg will go to the food bank. Its an Imperial IPA, so its quite hoppy and a little bit more octane as opposed to normal IPAs, but nothing overpowering, said Jeff Trent, ONiells operations manager. Its just a full-flavored, full-bodied IPA. A portion of the food sales will be donated to the food bank. Patrons also are encouraged to bring cans of food. The canned food donations will be accepted at both ONiells locations in Albuquerque. The food drive event will be happening throughout the day, but the focus is attracting the after-work crowd. The main event will start at 5 p.m. National Distributing will be on hand with some swag and gifts for guests as a thank-you for helping support the cause. Representatives from Nob Hill Main Street and the Nob Hill Neighborhood Association also will be there. ONiells Heights is also giving back to the community. On Nov. 17, it will host a community night benefiting Rebel Paws, which helps dogs in the community, including dogs in shelters, homeless dogs and dogs that are neglected and alone. It helps to provide medical care, vaccinations, spay and neuter options and food, according to the Rebel Paws Facebook page. The event will feature pint specials on selected Stone Brewing Co. and Rogue Ales. They will have Santa Paws, Trent said. People can take their pets and have their picture taken with Santa Claus. It is also for kids not just pets. If (guests) have children well definitely do that. It will be a community night, as well. Well have money donated towards Rebel Paws to help with the doggos and puppers. Growler USA is your one-stop shop for beer, wine, cocktails and food. The recently opened venue on Albuquerques West Side features 100 beers on tap, including brews from a number of local breweries, such as Bosque Brewing Co., La Cumbre Brewing Co., Marble Brewery, Red Door Brewing Co., Santa Fe Brewing Co., Steel Bender Brewyard and Tractor Brewing Co. It also has a few imports from Italy and Germany. We dont have any Coors Light or Bud Light or anything like that, said John Jonezy Mohr, development manager. There are some things which Growler considers what they call True to the Brew, meaning they were craft beer in their inception, so, yes, we have Sam Adams products; we have some New Belgium products. We have a number of different things from all over, so its really kind of nice, because were not restricted to just whats made in New Mexico. Growler USA tries to work with regional and national brewers to secure special limited kegs. A great source for our beer list is a company called Untappd, Mohr said. So its untappd.com. You can go in there, you can log on, and you can register yourself to the site so when we do one of those special beers, the Untapped customers are the first ones to hear about it, so really thats your way into all things beer here. For now, patrons will have to enjoy their beers at the bar. The venue is unable to fill growlers at this time. Unfortunately, we didnt find out that we couldnt fill growlers until later on in the process, Mohr said. We were misinformed by somebody about what we could and what we couldnt do, so unfortunately, you cannot fill a growler at this time. We are lobbying with the state. The Growler (USA) corporate is lobbying with the state to possibly change the ruling on that but as of right now, we cannot fill a growler. Growler USA offers a suitable wine selection from local, regional and other vineyards around the world. It also has a full cocktail menu. The easiest way to describe it is we have the best draft system available, Mohr said. We have the best selection available, with in-town breweries and out-of-town breweries. We have a full craft cocktail program, so you have unlimited spirit choices. We have a scratch kitchen. We have an absolutely beautiful interior. I think it looks very nice. (We have) fantastic patios with views of the Sandias, (and its) dog-friendly. On the food side, there are selections for the entire family. Growler USA does not take reservations, but parties of more than eight are asked to call ahead to be accommodated. Right now, the most popular items are burgers, Mohr said. Everybody loves burgers, but the second-most popular item are the hand-breaded chicken tenders. And we also have the signature Growler spicy Buffalo dip, which is very popular, as well. We have fresh salads, scratch-made dressings. We have a kids menu. They are more than welcome to come in here. Jerry Martinez says Victor Westphall always envisioned a wall in northern New Mexico to honor soldiers killed in the Vietnam War. Westphall, the father of a fallen Vietnam War soldier, did develop a memorial site near Angel Fire, but never saw his vision for something like the iconic wall in Washington, D.C., become a reality. Now, a veterans group is pushing for construction of a half-size replica of the black granite wall that attracts crowds and promotes healing at the national Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The replica would be built at Westphalls site nestled on Old Highway 64 between Angel Fire and Eagle Nest. Westphall, an Albuquerque contractor, and his wife, Jeanne, created the New Mexico site like the national monument, its called the Vietnam Veterans Memorial after their son, David, was killed in Vietnam in May 1968. The sons insurance money was seed money for the project, which was dedicated in 1971, even as the war continued and years before the monument in Washington was conceived. It has a visitors center and broke ground on a new cemetery Oct. 26. And it has its own distinctive structure, the swooping, sail-shaped Peace and Brotherhood Chapel, about 50 feet up at its highest point, on a hillside overlooking the Moreno Valley. But the New Mexico memorial doesnt have anything that bears the names of the 58,318 Americans who were killed or missing in action during the war, which is something Victor Westphall always wanted, says Martinez. Having a wall up there would come true for him if he was still alive, said Martinez, chairman of a group called the Vietnam Memorial Wall at Angel Fire Committee. It was always in his vision. Westphalls dedication to the memorial was total. He helped build it and died in his apartment at its visitors center in 2003 at age 89. He and Jeanne are buried at the site. Last month, the memorial and Vietnam Veterans of Americas Northern New Mexico Chapter 996 began soliciting donations to start work on tablets for the replica wall that will include all the names of the fallen vets. Those tablets will then be attached to something like a cement wall. Martinez said estimates have put the cost at around $300,000 and, if everything goes as planned, the wall could be up in a couple of years. The fundraising just started, Martinez said. On Monday, the committee submitted grant proposals with help from the states congressional delegation. The committee is considering a separate panel to highlight the 398 New Mexicans who died in the Vietnam War, but Martinez said those names would definitely be included in the main wall. The Angel Fire site is run by the state Department of Veterans Services, but Martinez said the department isnt providing financial assistance for the project. Ray Seva at the state Department of Veterans Services could not be reached for comment earlier this week. A Vietnam veteran himself, Martinez says he hears from people about how they cant travel to D.C. to see their loved ones names on the wall. Visitors already come from neighboring states to see the Angel Fire memorial, so Martinez figured a wall would be one more reason to stop by. How many people ever get the chance to go to Washington to see their loved ones on the wall? Now they can visit Angel Fire, Martinez said. A cave lined with nine tons of pink Himalayan salt has been carved into the heart of Santa Fe. Not a real cave, of course. The space was instead constructed as part of a recently opened business offering an alternative wellness treatment. The Santa Fe Salt Cave, which opened in mid-October, specializes in the practice of salt therapy, or halotherapy. Owner Kim Rash says the experience of inhaling tiny salt particles and sitting in a salt-saturated environment is believed to have medical benefits, as well as to improve mental and emotional wellbeing. Looking for a fresh start, the 36-year-old Kentucky native, who is also a certified massage therapist and aromatherapist, moved to Santa Fe in March after she sold her half of a Louisville salt cave business that opened in 2015. She first discovered salt caves when attending aromatherapy school in North Carolina. It was so beautiful, and so sacred-feeling and healing, Rash recalled about her first experience. Rash said shed wanted to move to Santa Fe since first coming here in 2011, and being drawn to the land and its beauty. Back then, she spent about a month as a resident at the Life Healing Center. She credits the center with showing her the power of holistic and alternative treatments, which is what inspired her to start practicing massage and aromatherapy. So, I feel like I made it full circle when I came back here to open this, said Rash of the salt cave. According to Rash, small particles of pharmaceutical-grade salt with no additives or chemicals are blown into the cave through a vent using a machine called a halogenerator. Clients breathe in the tiny bits of salt during 45-minute sessions. Youre breathing these particles that have properties of being anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-microbial, she said. So when you breathe in those particles, it opens up airways, it kills infection, it helps dry up mucus, so thats what makes it so great for respiratory issues. Her website also states that if the skin is exposed, the salt can help reduce inflammation or clear out bacteria that causes acne. She likened the salt cave experience to the clearness people often feel when spending a day in the salty air at the beach. But Rash says the main reason people have come to the Santa Fe salt cave is for relaxation. She said salt-saturated air produces negative ions, a natural occurrence that she says can stabilize levels of serotonin, a chemical in the body that helps control emotions and moods. I cant describe to you how relaxing it is, she said. It seems like everyone either falls asleep or at least gets into a dream-like trance state while theyre in there; a highly meditative state. Salt therapy is growing The practice of salt therapy, which traces back centuries in Europe, has gained traction in the U.S. According to the website for the Florida-based Salt Therapy Association, there are about 650 facilities in the U.S. and Canada that offer some form of halotherapy. While there have been some small-scale studies done in the U.S., the long-term medical benefits of the treatment have not been scientifically proven. A 2016 post from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America states that, while people can use halotherapy as a de-stresser, its not likely to work as a natural remedy for treating things like asthma. It goes on to say there has not been enough research to draw conclusions about the medical benefits of salt therapy for people with pulmonary issues and they should err on the side of caution and avoid salt rooms. A post on the American Lung Association website updated in October states that, while there are no official medical guidelines for salt treatment and that its use should be discussed with ones doctor, its possible that the treatment can help people with mucus buildup or other lung-related conditions to feel better. Rash acknowledged the lapse in research, but said she has witnessed results among her Louisville clientele, as well as from her own use. She says she saw customers with bad allergies who were able to come off medicines they had long used. She added that she leaves salt caves in a better mood and with more energy than before. Im a believer because of my own experience, and from owning one (a cave) for two years and being a witness to other peoples experience, she said. So Im hoping someone will fund the research to back everything up. Supplies from Pakistan At the Santa Fe Salt Cave, the 380-square-foot artificial cave is covered from floor to ceiling with pink Himalayan salt mined and shipped from Pakistan. Those who enter walk on grainy pink salt and the walls are covered with bricks of it. The cave can accommodate 10 people at a time, each seated in zero gravity recliners. Soothing music is played during the sessions. Its like a nice little escape, Ivonne DeWolf, a Santa Fe resident, told the Journal as she was finishing up her second session earlier this week. Citing factors like the music, the salty air and being away from her cellphone, DeWolf described the cave as a place to unwind. And although she didnt have problems with it before, she said she felt like her breathing improved, explaining that it felt lighter. Rash said she wants to start a small healing community in Santa Fe, with special events in the cave. Later this month, a session will featuring a musician who plays instruments such as Native American flutes, and a chocolate ceremony a Mayan-influenced meditation and ritual that includes serving unsweetened liquid chocolate hosted by a local healer. Later on, she hopes to add hypnotherapy events and yoga classes. Just building a healing community where we can all come together and support each other, said Rash. Santa Fe Salt Cave WHERE: 1424 Second St. WHEN: Monday, Wednesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday, Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed Tuesdays. HOW MUCH: One session: $35. Four-session package: $100. 12-session package: $250. Mayor Alan Webber stood at a podium bearing the seal of the city of Santa Fe, members of his newly hired executive team lined up in a row behind him, flames gently flickering in a fireplace that served as the backdrop for a midweek news conference held at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center. This work that were talking about today is exactly the work that I was elected to do, said Webber, who was elected the citys mayor in March. This is the work of changing the way the city is run. The work Webber was talking about was Project Andale, the implementation of the Enterprise Resource Planning and Land Use Modernization Project, or ERP for short. The project is a long way from the potholes, weeds, busted sidewalks, zoning fights and the other issues that City Hall routinely deals with. No one seems to be able to describe it without falling into tech or management jargon ERP is just one of many acronyms that get tossed around in any presentation of what is now supposed to be called a program, not a project, thank you very much. But Webber presents the ERP, with an estimated cost of more than $8 million, as absolutely crucial to Santa Fes future. ERP is a massive overhaul and upgrade of the citys software and information technology systems that began under Webbers mayoral predecessor, Javier Gonzales. Webber says its essential for the efficient, smooth-running, customer service-oriented government that he campaigned on. Not completing this work is simply not an option, Webber declared. His words seemed to echo down the hallway from where he held a similar news conference five months earlier. Both sessions introduced 10-point corrective action plans (CAPs) designed to clean up computerized systems and record-keeping. The one from June was a CAP intended to straighten out the citys financial accounting and, the mayor added, to restore public trust. Very clearly, the message is we want to change the way the city does business, Webber said then, promising a series of as many as 10 audits, including forensic-style audits he said would assess how well the city was following industry standards and internal controls. People want the city to change and were delivering that change. High risk of failure The second point of that 10-point plan from the summer was the implementation of the ERP, which now has a 10-point corrective action plan of its own. The one the mayor presented last week grew from an Independent Verification and Validation, or IV&V, a third-party assessment aimed at determining whether the systems upgrade process is meeting requirements and fulfilling its intended purpose. Acro Service Corp., an Ann Arbor, Mich.-based management consulting firm with an office in Corrales, performed the IV&V, producing weekly reports during October to keep city officials informed of its findings. The first sentence of the first report on Oct. 6 flatly stated: Project Andale is in immediate and high risk of failing. Webber credited his new finance director, Mary McCoy, for suggesting an IV&V be conducted. She stood behind Webber alongside City Manager Erik Litzenberg and other new city department heads hired to their positions in the past few months, all brought in to bring change to city government. This is what good management looks like, Webber said proudly before turning the podium over to Litzenberg, whom the mayor described as a change agent when he picked the then-Santa Fe fire chief to become city manager in March. Litzenberg called the rest of the management team courageous for taking on the task of implementing the ERP, which he described at the Halloween Day news conference as a scary thing to do. Part of good management is evaluating how things are designed, how youre using your resources and what changes you need to make to successfully achieve your desired end result. Thats what weve done here, he said. Culture of fear Acros weekly IV&V reports were harsh. Among the key issues identified as impacting Project Andales implementation in the initial Oct. 6 report were a culture of mistrust and fear, evidenced by the fact that several key personnel interviewed for this study did not feel safe to be quoted directly. A heavy turnover among city employees involved in the project and no single view from a budget or timeline perspective was also cited in the report. Relating to budget, the IV&V also flagged the more than 300 percent increase in a contract with a vendor even while the project was placed on pause. That vendor, the BerryDunn accounting firm, was hired to serve as project manager for the ERP installation, but between November 2016 and December 2017, BerryDunns contract was amended five (5) times, according to the report. These amendments increased the original contract amount of $444,960 to $1,315,716 (both amounts include travel). There is currently a sixth (6th) amendment pending execution in the amount of $216,829. Futhermore, it goes on to say, had BerryDunn been properly scoped, there may not have been a need for six contract amendments. That sixth amendment was put on hold as BerryDunns role is being considered. Any changes to the contract are being reviewed as the executive team reviews BerryDunns role, that includes that specific $216,000 amendment, a city spokesman said in an email. The IV&V recommended that the city employ an internal project manager to manage the ERP timeline and budget. This would reduce the duplication of effort and provide internal ownership of Project Andale, the report reads. Webber said last week that the city would hire a program manager. The report also suggests the city hire at least two systems analysts who can provide business process engineering, as well as a database administrator. The IV&V also questions the role, or lack of one, of the citys Information Technology and Telecommunications Department. Even though ERP is an overhaul of computer software systems, the IT&T Department wasnt relied upon as a project resource and wasnt providing a leadership role, the report says. It also noted that IT&T was limited by seven vacancies within the department. The IV&V report concluded that during the projects implementation, which began in July 2017, city leadership often lacked the foresight needed to mitigate identified risks or address project needs. Webber said the IV&V made clear there were numerous problems plaguing the project, which the mayor re-branded as a program made up of many projects. Perhaps the most serious one was the decision made at the beginning about how to structure the management of the program from the get-go, he said, adding that it was a management structure he inherited from Mayor Gonzaless administration. But Webber wasnt interested in pointing fingers. Questioned by reporters, Webber said the point of the latest corrective action plan is really to focus on solving the problem that we have and not look to identify any individual or person who we would attempt to blame. However, former City Manager Brian Snyder was asked to step down after authorizing nearly $400,000 in wages to be distributed to 37 city staff members working on the program without informing city councilors or Webber when he came on board at City Hall last March. That same day, Human Resources Director Lynette Trujillo announced her retirement. Renee Martinez, the former deputy city manager who was in charge of Project Andale and recommended the payments, stayed on a few more months before resigning to take a position with the city of Albuquerque. At first, Webber said that using nearly $400,000 from the programs contingency fund to pay employees for their extra work on the project was the right call, but he later put a stop to them after it was pointed out that awarding the payments administratively was against city policy. Management issues The IV&V also points out problems with the projects budget, not the least of which was there was no one person or single point of budget management, as described in the report overseeing the budget. Two project budget reports were provided for this study, both in Microsoft Excel, that do not appear to align, it said. Furthermore, budget expenditures do not appear to be traceable from project inception to current day. Yet another furthermore was equally alarming. Furthermore, the project budget has not been tracked or reported since May 2018, it said. As it currently stands, it is unclear if theres enough budget remaining to meet the remaining project needs. The IV&V report dated Oct. 24 said that about $3.1 million had been spent on Project Andale so far. However, this figure is difficult to verify, as there is no single view of the project budget that has been tracked and updated since Project Andales inception, it said. A week later at the news conference, the best estimate was that $3.7 million had been spent. Webber said implementation of the ERP was budgeted at $8.2 million over an eight-year period, meaning the program wont be completed until 2024 or 2025. A city spokesman said that the timeline takes into account the work the city will do once the core modules are in place and functions are added. This is what we mean when we talk about it as an evolution rather than a project with a specific start and end date, city spokesman Matt Ross said. Successes touted While problems with the program appear prevalent based on the IV&V reports, Webber spent much of last weeks news conference putting a positive spin on things. Despite the issues, he noted that Project Andale was 35 percent complete. He noted that the timekeeping system critical to payroll operations was substantially complete, and other systems within the Land Use and IT&T departments were on track. Its a mistake to say failure or failing when there have been successes, he said. And the IV&V reports contained some optimism, too. Listed as strengths were a willingness among staff to improve project performance, institutional and functional knowledge that could be leveraged, and that the software appears to be a good fit for the city. Listed first on the 10-point Corrective Action Plan for the implementation of the ERP is to establish a clear management structure. Webber has already picked Litzenberg to serve as executive sponsor of the program under a new organizational chart. BerryDunn remains in place as program management consultant. An executive steering committee made up of those staff members who stood behind Webber at last weeks news conference will oversee the budget. The mayor said that the IV&V came in on time and under budget, and accomplished what they hoped it would. It told us what we needed to know, he said. It said we need to make changes and that we have the capacity to make changes. Just days after midterm elections, high school students met with Albuquerque Public Schools officials to talk politics and civic duty. The Superintendents Student Advisory Council, or SuperSAC, heard from the panel, which also included teachers, a University of New Mexico professor and Board of Education member Candelaria Patterson, on Thursday. The big message of the day: dont be indifferent. Get involved. Nick Estrada, a Volcano Vista High student, asked the panel how younger kids can participate in politics if they arent old enough to vote. John Chavez, Albuquerque High School social studies teacher, encouraged the group to talk to adults and pressure them to exercise their right to vote. Fiona Kilgore of Albuquerque High School, who is also part of SuperSAC, was used as an example. At the age of 17, she has already started texting campaigns, phone banks and canvassed to get out the vote. Christine Sierra, UNM emeritus professor, emphasized the important role of teachers to encourage a dialogue and make sure all students and their opinions are heard. She used the March for Our Lives, a national school and gun safety protest, as an example of how powerful students voices can be. The panel also shared tips such as picking up a League of Women Voters voting guide or following candidates from both sides of the aisle on social media. Ultimately, the message from the panel to the group of high schoolers was to get involved in any way, whether that be through student government, community service or talking with their families. SuperSAC meets monthly and discusses a range of topics throughout the school year. The group is made up of 30 students with the goal of all APS high schools having a representative. If the students attend 80 percent of the meetings, they get a letter of recommendation from Superintendent Raquel Reedy for colleges or career. Typically, SuperSAC meets with Reedy, but due to a personal emergency, she couldnt attend Thursdays meeting. Prev 1 of 4 Next SANTA FE Santa Fe Public Schools Superintendent Veronica Garcia, who likes to wear hats, says shell eat one if her school district doesnt have a breakthrough year this school year. I can feel it in my bones, she said at her annual State of the Schools address at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center. Garcia said the Santa Fe schools have been building a foundation for improvement by getting teachers up to speed on standards-based instruction, aligning curriculum among teachers and from grade to grade and with professional development programs for educators. Im convinced that this is our breakthrough year, she said, because of the foundational work that has been done, and really focusing on the early years in Pre-K and kindergarten and first grade, making sure that children have those foundational skills so that they can be reading and writing by third grade. Because if kids are reading by third grade, theyre going be more likely to be able to read to learn in fourth grade and beyond. Kids who are reading in the third grade are more likely to graduate from high school. She did hedge her pledge somewhat saying someone would have to make her an edible hat if necessary. This is going to be our breakthrough year, or Ill eat my edible hat, she said. Before that, Garcia went through Santa Fes student proficiency scores as measured on the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) tests. Santa Fes scores in math and language skills are low and below those of most other big New Mexico school districts. But they have being moving up and Garcia described them as are fairly comparable to the other districts. No one is happy with those kinds of results, she said as she showed the rates for math only 17.6 percent Santa Fe students are considered proficient. The state average is only 21.6 percent. She said Santa Fe schools also are investigating broader ways to assess how students are doing at becoming well-rounded people. While PARCC is important, our kids are more than just one score, she said. Garcia was hired back as Santa Fe superintendent in 2016, after holding the position from 1999-2002. She was the state secretary of education from 2003-2010 under Gov. Bill Richardson. Garcia said the dip in Santa Fes graduation rate, which dropped from a high of 71.3 in 2016 to 68.9 in 2017, was expected because district leaders tightened up an online class credits program. The district wants to make sure we graduate kids who are ready, she said. On another topic, Garcia said she believes that 2019 will be the year that teachers in New Mexico see a big pay increase. She said the economic environment has changed an apparent reference to a huge boost to state coffers from oil and gas revenue and there should be a goal to reach a starting teacher salary of not $36,000 but more like $45,000 or $50,000. Its not pie in the sky, folks, she said. Those number are truly being talked about. The outgoing Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court chief judge says a state-funded commissions unfavorable evaluation of his performance had a direct effect on voters decision to oust him. Of the four judges who received do not retain recommendations this year, Edward Benavidez and Kenny Montoya failed to garner the 57 percent of votes required to stay on the bench, while Linda Rogers and Michelle Castillo Dowler kept their jobs by tiny margins, according to unofficial election results. Meanwhile, the 14 judges the Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission recommended for retention easily received the required votes to keep their jobs for the next four years. They absolutely have an impact on retention elections; they admit it themselves, said Benavidez, who has been on the Metro Court for 10 years. Theres no questioning that when they come out with do not retains for whoever the judge is, it has a direct impact on their voting numbers. Benavidez said in an interview Thursday that the commission meddled in, interfered with and absolutely affected his retention election. He said he thinks its inappropriate for a government agency to tell people how to vote and questioned why elected officials working in other branches of government arent subjected to similar evaluations. JPEC uses state money to openly and actively campaign against those judges they subjectively decide to give a do not retain recommendation to, he said. Montoya did not respond to a request for comment. The Supreme Court created JPEC in 1997 as a nonpartisan volunteer commission charged with providing credible and useful information to voters, according to the 2018 retention report. It makes recommendations based on courtroom observations, interviews and surveys sent to attorneys, court staff and law enforcement officers. James Hall, JPECs vice chairman, said in a statement that appropriated funds are intended, and used, to facilitate communication of JPECs recommendations to voters. Patti Watson, a spokeswoman for JPEC, could not comment on election outcomes, but said voters have followed the commissions recommendations fairly frequently in the past. While it is unusual for a judge to lose a retention election, it is not unheard of. Voters did not retain two Metro Court judges in 2002 and another in 2010, according to JPECs website. All of those judges received do not retain recommendations from the commission. Brian Sanderoff, president of Research & Polling Inc., said this and previous elections show that a judge who is recommended for retention by JPEC on average receives 13 percent more yes votes than those marked do not retain. Those recommended for retention received an average of 69.5 percent yes votes. Whenever judges have to go to their interviews everybodys like on pins and needles because this has such an impact, Benavidez said. If you upset them, things can go against you and its gonna cost you your job. According to the JPEC evaluations, both Montoya and Benavidez received relatively low retention recommendations from attorneys who were surveyed, and they received low ratings in categories including exercising sound legal reasoning and being knowledgeable regarding substantive law. Benavidez and Montoyas positions will become vacant Jan. 1. Within 30 days, a Judicial Nominating Commission will select qualified candidates to send to the governor to be considered for appointment. Close calls for four judges in election Edward Benavidez Yes: 55.3 percent (103,815); No: 44.7 percent (83,905) Kenny Montoya Yes: 55.44 percent (103,519); No: 44.56 percent (82,201) Michelle Castillo Dowler Yes: 57.14 percent (107,351); No: 42.85 percent (80,516) Linda Rogers Yes: 57.02 percent (106,912); No: 42.98 percent (80,593)Source: New Mexico Secretary of States Office About 400 people showed up the Santa Fe Railyard Thursday night to rally against the possibility that special counsel Robert Muellers investigation of Russian interference into the 2016 U.S. election may be stopped under a new acting attorney general. Mayor Alan Webber and others spoke to the crowd as people held up signs saying Regime Change and Protect Mueller. Hundreds of similar rallies were staged around the country after President Donald Trump named Matt Whitaker, a past critic of the Russian probe, as an interim replacement for fired Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Sessions had recused himself from overseeing Muellers investigation. A wave of color and noise flooded Downtown Albuquerque Thursday evening as hundreds gathered to denounce President Trumps firing of Attorney General Jeff Sessions amid worries that special counsel Robert Muellers investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election could be halted. It took him (Trump) less than 24 hours until, all of a sudden, he needed to figure out how he could fire Sessions and get his butt out of trouble, Heather Ferguson of Common Cause New Mexico, referring to the midterm elections, told the bundled crowd on chilly Civic Plaza. Because he knows its coming. Organized by Indivisible Nob Hill, Common Cause New Mexico and other local groups, the demonstration was among 900 similar ones nationwide. In Santa Fe, 400 people rallied at the Railyard, with Mayor Alan Webber and others speaking to the crowd as people held up signs saying Regime Change and Protect Mueller. In Santa Fe, 400 people rallied at the Railyard, with Mayor Alan Webber and others speaking to the crowd as people held up signs saying Regime Change and Protect Mueller. In Albuquerque, the crowd met at Fourth and Gold, where protesters waved signs that read Protect Mueller and No One Is Above The Law while chanting M-A-G-A, Mueller aint going away and 2-4-6-8, Mueller must investigate. From there, the protesters made up of families, students and even pets marched up Fourth Street in an icy breeze to the plaza. Benjamin Baird, clutching a balloon depicting Trump as a baby, said he is happy Democrats took the House during the midterm elections but doesnt know what to expect going forward. Hopefully, not more of the same, the 28-year-old said. Baird said he believes community gatherings such as the one Thursday can help bring real change to the nation. As long as it stays peaceful, I think it will, he said. Ideally, I just want to see everybody come together and be a country of human beings. While the large turnout gives them hope, Christin and Geoff McCool said its a mixed bag when a large portion of America continues to support President Trumps actions. It doesnt feel like we have a whole lot of choice. Were not lawmakers, so, besides voting, peaceful protesting is the only other option, Christin McCool said. Its the only way to have a voice. The McCools brought their two young boys, Liam and Finn, who held signs saying No one is above the law. We want to teach them civic responsibility, Christin McCool said, at first joking that they couldnt find a baby sitter. If you dont speak out, youre going to suffer the consequences. The McCools said they want their children to understand and have a voice against global warming, voter suppression, racism and other problems. This isnt the first time we have had a president who was corrupt and it wont be the last time, Christin McCool said. I want them to grow up in a country thats free. Over 32 years ago, the University of New Mexico Board of Regents, at the urging of the Archbishop, banned the campus showing of Hail Mary, a foreign film which offended some Catholics. A gross violation of the First Amendment, the regents unconstitutional act was met with a swift lawsuit. I know this because as UNMs student body president in 1986, I was one of two students who filed the suit. After a brief federal court hearing, regents followed the advice of anyone who ever read the U.S. Constitution and reversed the ban. The film went forward with minor protests, a major victory for the First Amendment. I was only 22 years old, but I knew a university was the quintessential marketplace of ideas, and free speech was a hallmark of our democracy. Obviously, the regents ban was a suppression of free expression, which amounted to government censorship. By standing up to regents with the help of an excellent lawyer, we felt the lawsuit would advance the principles of free speech on campus for decades to come. Last week, that one step forward was met with UNMs two steps back. The UNM Law School halted former Solicitor General Kenneth Starr from speaking on campus about presidential investigations because, suspiciously, the timing wasnt right. Out of all institutions that should respect the tenets of the First Amendment, the Law Schools handling of this matter smacks of censorship and is bereft of credibility. The UNM Law School admitted to unilaterally requesting an indefinite postponement with a meager explanation from its assistant dean while alluding some Starr naysayers played a role in the decision. By deferring to an unidentified few who objected to Starr, UNM created a subjective litmus test for timing on future campus speakers whose opinions are controversial or outside of the mainstream, a dangerous precedent. No assurance by UNM it will find a less-offensive date should minimize this was an act of viewpoint discrimination. Depriving the communitys ability to hear a different opinion in a university setting is unconstitutional. Im sure many of the fine law professors I was fortunate enough to have at UNM feel the same way. For what its worth, Im no fan of Starr, his politics or tenure at Baylor University. Im a lifelong Democrat whod probably not agree with much of what he had to say. But in this day where there are legitimate questions on the limits of presidential power, Starrs experience investigating a former president and running a university may have been interesting, prompted intellectual curiosity and done exactly what the First Amendment was designed to do: encourage debate of differing viewpoints. But that wont happen now because some self-appointed sensitivity police have preposterously decided were not emotionally ready right now to hear Starrs thoughts. Its even more offensive that UNM felt it could pull this off with such a tepid explanation. Id suggest a mea culpa is in order. Call it a teachable moment. The First Amendment is not a law of convenience supporting popular speech only. It can be difficult to hear other opinions. But as former Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes wrote almost 100 years ago, societys ultimate good is better reached by free trade in ideas that the best test of truth is the power of the thought to get itself accepted in the competition of the market. UNM flunked this badly. After the ban was lifted, the film was shown to several sold-out audiences on campus. Ironically, even though I filed the lawsuit, I chose not to attend. Thirty-two years later, I still have not seen it. But that was my choice. With regard to Starrs thoughts, UNM wrongly made that decision for all of us. Esquivel is a 1989 graduate of the UNM Law School and a partner at Esquivel & Howington LLC. Candidates should compete on ideas, not on how effectively they block their opponents voters from casting ballots. Normally, in a democracy, this goes without saying. Yet its not so obvious in the United States anymore. From Florida to North Dakota, elected officials seem to increasingly view elections not as a way to tabulate public preferences, but rather as a tool for forcing their own preferences upon the public. Theyve done this by introducing hundreds of measures making it harder for citizens to vote, using as an excuse the imagined scourge of voter fraud. Such policies include restrictions on voter registration, cuts to early-voting hours, closed polling locations in minority neighborhoods and voter-roll purges. And lately whether because of who holds the White House, or because of the Supreme Courts gutting of the Voting Rights Act the suppression has become especially flagrant. In Georgia, Secretary of State Brian Kemp (R) oversaw elections while simultaneously running for governor. He stalled 50,000 voter registrations, from black voters disproportionately, for discrepancies with other official records as small as a dropped hyphen in a name. He fought rules giving voters a way to appeal if a bureaucrat throws out their mail-in ballot because of a possible signature mismatch. Then, two days before the election, with zero evidence, Kemp wildly accused Democrats of a failed hacking attempt of the state election system. This is some banana republic stuff, says Richard L. Hasen, an elections expert and University of California at Irvine law professor. In some cases, these actions may have swayed results. Certainly there are races where the number of people being blocked from voting this election cycle was larger than the entire margin of victory last time around. But we should care about voter suppression or manipulation policies even if an election result is likely to be unanimous. Efforts to rig the system dilute confidence in the electoral process, and in government more broadly. To that end, here are four big-picture principles which should be nonpartisan for making our democracy work better. 1. You shouldnt be able to count the ballots for a race in which youre running. This seems obvious. Politicians have a huge conflict of interest if they get to decide which polls are open and when, or which ballots seem suspicious. Kemp is hardly the only one to abuse his power this way. A federal court sanctioned Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach (R), who is also running for governor in his state, multiple times related to unconstitutional election policies. Kobach recused himself from handling his own primary recount in August but oversaw his tight general election race Tuesday. In fact, running elections should not be the job of politicians, period. 2. Voting, and voter registration, should be easy. We have the technology! Thirteen states and the District have already approved automatic voter registration. Its about time that Election Day became a federal holiday, too. 3. Voters should pick their representatives. Representatives should not pick their voters. Neither federal lawmakers nor the Supreme Court seems inclined to do anything to reduce gerrymandering. But around the country, voters have taken action, reflecting widespread public antipathy for the practice. In May, Ohio voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment to require a bipartisan redistricting process. On Tuesday, Colorado, Michigan, Utah and Missouri voted on their own redistricting-reform ballot measures. Todays politicians dont know which party will be in charge of redrawing districts in 2021, after the next decennial census. Perhaps risk-averse Democratic and Republican state lawmakers could be persuaded to get on board now, with the fairer redistricting process that the public wants. 4. There should be stronger repercussions when officials try to rig the system. The courts are playing whack-a-mole, striking down laws that unconstitutionally suppress votes; after one law gets blocked, another often pops right up. It sometimes takes months or even years to get a remedy through the courts. Short of getting voted out of office, policymakers responsible for mass disenfranchisement are usually shielded from punishment, too. As a result, theres no real incentive for bad actors to stop suppressing votes. That cost-benefit analysis needs to change by, for instance, making it easier for officials to be held liable for monetary damages if theyve illegally denied someone the right to vote. I get it: Were a divided country. But having good election hygiene is not a liberal or a conservative goal. Its about making sure our democracy remains democratic. Copyright 2018 Albuquerque Journal LAS CRUCES The Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces released the names of 28 priests who have been credibly accused of sexually abusing minors. These stories are shocking and demand that we find ways to work together and address the issues honestly and openly, said Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas, the Apostolic administrator. Kicanas is serving in that role until a new bishop is named to replace Bishop Oscar Cantu, who left Las Cruces for the Diocese of San Jose. By publishing this list, the Diocese of Las Cruces is seeking to be transparent and accountable, and we invite anyone who may have been abused by church personnel to come forward and report that abuse to the proper authorities, Kicanas told a news conference Thursday. The list is also being shared with the state Attorney Generals Office, which in September asked all Roman Catholic dioceses in the state to turn over personnel records related to any past or present allegations of sexual abuse. Diocese officials said they are working with the AGs office to get assurances that the victims names would be protected before sending the files. The diocese covers most of southern New Mexico. Some of the accusations involved abuse that occurred within the diocese, while others include priests accused in another diocese before they arrived in the Las Cruces Diocese. Several of the priests had multiple complaints. Some of the communities where the assaults occurred include Las Cruces, Alamogordo, Carlsbad, Silver City, Ruidoso and Bayard. Two of the allegations involve priests assigned to the New Mexico Military Institute in 1984 and 1990. Four involve priests who served at St. Jude Parish in Alamogordo. The alleged abuse dates back to the 1950s through 2000, but the incidents were often not reported until years later. The most recent complaint was in 2018, and involved Father David Bentley. He is the subject of an unresolved lawsuit at a perish in Deming, as well as multiple complaints in the Diocese of Albany outside New Mexico. All of the priests had been removed from ministry, and several have died. Father David Holly, who was assigned to a parish in Alamogordo from 1972-1975, was convicted and served time in prison, where he died in 2008. Five of the priests also served in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, which published its own list of 74 clergy members credibly accused of sexual abuse last year. In 2014, the Gallup Diocese released a list containing 34 priests and other religious accused of abusing minors. The allegations in southern New Mexico were deemed credible by the Las Cruces dioceses Sexual Abuse Review Board, which includes people with expertise in law enforcement, mental and childrens health. According to the diocese there have been no credible allegations of child sexual abuse after 2000, the year the Catholic Church implemented the Charter for the protection of Children and Young People. By making the list public, the diocese is also encouraging others to report sexual abused by clergy members. I hope any victims out there will come forward, Kicanas said. The diocese has a victim assistance coordinator on staff to take complaints and ensure victims get the help they need. I was told by victims and Im sure other bishops were told the same, you cant change what happened to us, but you can make sure it never happens again, Kicanas said. The document released Thursday stated that since 2002, the Diocese of Las Cruces has implemented protocols that include safe environment training and background checks for all clergy, employees and volunteers. It said that in the past five years, it has trained 17,000 people on how to recognize and report sex abuse. Additionally, all children in our religious education classes currently receive Circle of Grace training to teach them about the sacredness of their bodies and how to recognize and ward off inappropriate advances. The priests and religious mentioned in the document are Santiago Almaguer, Daniel R. Barfield, David Bentley, Bernard Bissonnette, Albert Chavez, Wilfred Diamond, Miguel Esquivel, Dennis Fountain, Samuel Garcia, Kerry Guillory, David Holley, Irving Klister, Laurier Labreche, Wayne Ladenburger, Rosario Lopez, Richard Lynch, Manuel Perez Maramba, Phillip Martin, Diego Mazon, Arthur C. Morgan, Arthur OSullivan, Bruno Primavera, Casild Pudei, Fran Sierra, Benjamin Silva, Dennis Tejada, John Tickle, David Viramontes. Representatives from multiple communities that host nuclear activities publicly supported a proposal by the U.S. Department of Energy to change its definition of high-level nuclear waste (HLW), potentially downgrading some HLW to either low-level or transuranic (TRU) waste. If the waste is deemed TRU, it could be sent to the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant near Carlsbad. If it is low-level, the waste could be disposed of at the generator site, or in a surface-level repository. There is no repository for HLW in the United States, as the Yucca Mountain project in Nevada stalled. A 60-day public comment period was opened in October and ends on Dec. 10. The proposal would alter how the DOE classifies HLW. It currently considers any waste resulting from nuclear fuel production as high-level, regardless of its actual nuclear characteristics. If approved, the change would allow the DOE to base its characterization on the actual radiation level and other radioactive elements present in waste stored throughout the country. Ron Woody, who serves as chairman of the Energy Communities Alliance and county executive for Roane County, Tennessee which hosts Oakridge National Laboratory, said many local leaders are supportive of the move. Most local governments support DOE clarifying the definition high-level waste at both sites where the waste is currently located and the potential receiver sites, Woody said. Rick McLeod, CEO of the Savannah River Site Community Reuse Organization said reclassifying some HLW could improve the management of the countrys nuclear waste. As the hosts, sender and receiver sites for the federal governments HLW, we support DOEs efforts to examine alternative disposal pathways for waste in our communities that, under the current interpretation based on artificial standards, can only go to a HLW repository. If DOE moves to more appropriately align disposal decisions based on actual risk, some of this waste may be safely managed as transuranic or low-level waste and can be moved out of our communities sooner while saving significant taxpayer dollars. John Heaton, chair of the Eddy Lea Energy Alliance in Carlsbad near the WIPP site said the change could save taxpayers billions by removing the waste from the generators sites, reducing payments for associated utilities. Defining waste by its source rather than what it actually is, is an antiquated approach that strands waste at sites when safe disposal pathways are actually available, Heaton said. Disposal decreases the risk and eliminates billions of dollars in future costs associated with oversight of the millions of gallons of waste in storage tanks at our defense sites. Pam Larsen, executive director of Hanford Communities in Washington and near the DOEs Hanford Site commended the federal agency for considering the needs and perspectives of local communities that host nuclear facilities. She said transparency is essential for the DOE to understand the impact of the proposal. Allowing the people most directly impacted by DOE decisions to provide input early in the process, DOE can more fully understand the challenges and opportunities related to a shift in how this waste is characterized and build support, Larsen said. It could also bring the U.S. in line with how other countries around the word manage nuclear waste. Critics of the move cited safety concerns with reclassifying and potentially moving what is now classified as HLW to facilities intended for less radioactive material. Edwin Lyman, senior scientist of Global Security Program at the Union of Concerned Scientists said it technically makes sense to classify waste based on its actual characteristics, but he worried the definition could be misused. The DOE should not be making any changes in its requirements that would result in a reduction of safety, he said. Were concerned with a possible misuse of this definition. Lyman worried the change could provide cheaper and potentially less secure waste streams for the waste. If the intention is to reclassify highly dangerous radioactive waste, so it can be disposed of in a less safe and secure manner, that would be the wrong outcome, he said. It makes sense to classify the waste by its actual characteristics. Thats a complex analysis process. As for WIPP, Lyman said some HLW could be reclassified to meet TRU waste criteria, but it must be done safely. He pointed to an accidental radiological release in 2014, which led to shutting down the facility for three years, due to improper packaging of a drum of TRU waste. If this were imposed, and waste was placed there meeting the requirements, the devil is in the details, he said. WIPP is designed certain materials. Weve seen what can happen when those (requirements) arent followed. You have to tread very carefully. Adrian Hedden can be reached at 575-628-5516, achedden@currentargus.com or @AdrianHedden on Twitter. 2018 the Carlsbad Current-Argus (Carlsbad, N.M.) Visit the Carlsbad Current-Argus (Carlsbad, N.M.) at www.currentargus.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. LAS CRUCES Kim Stewart came out as gay in 1989 and has been with her partner, now her wife, for even longer, so she doesnt think often about her sexuality. I am who I am, she said. Because thats my life, because its been my existence for so many years, its not a big deal to me. But Stewart, 65, achieved two important historical milestones in her election on Tuesday as Dona Ana Countys next sheriff, so her gender and sexual orientation are once again in the spotlight. In handily defeating Todd Garrison for sheriff, Stewart will become the first openly gay sheriff in the history of New Mexico. She will also be the first woman sheriff in Dona Ana County history. All previous 32 sheriffs since 1854 have been men. She will replace Sheriff Enrique Kiki Vigil, who served one term and lost in the Democratic primary. Stewart, who was winning Tuesdays general election by an 8 percent margin, laughed off the historical nature of her victory. To me, its a head-scratcher, she said Wednesday. I dont know what to do with it. I dont know if its a big deal. Does it inform how I do the law? Not really. It doesnt inform my attitudes about policing other than that I believe that people deserve equal levels of protection and service. Lifetime of firsts A native of California who had an 18-year career in law enforcement in the Golden State before moving to Dona Ana County in 2007 with the intention of retiring, Stewart has achieved a lifetime of firsts as a woman. In 1981, she became the first woman police officer hired by the city of Cypress, California. In 1984, she became the first woman hired as an intelligence detective by the Santa Barbara County sheriff. Then in 1989, she became the first women hired as investigator by the Ventura County district attorney. She was also a trailblazer in other regards. In 1996, Stewart won a settlement against the Ventura police department after she sued the city claiming she had been harassed and discriminated against because she is a woman and lesbian. Stewart and her wife, Kathryn Stewart she took Kims last name to make parenting two adopted daughters easier have been together for 31 years. They became domestic partners legally in California in 2004. They were married in Las Cruces in 2015. They live about 10 miles north of downtown Las Cruces, east of Interstate 25. Their adopted daughters are 11 and 21 years old. The eldest attends New Mexico State University and lives in Las Cruces, while their younger daughter lives at home. Different views Stewart acknowledges that her life experience has given her a different outlook. I have very different views, she said. Look at my situation. I have a wife. My foster dad is African American. I have a different perspective. Stewarts sexual orientation was an unspoken aspect of the race against Garrison. It was no secret and was occasionally mentioned in media coverage. Some people probably chose to vote against her because she is a lesbian (or because shes a woman). Stewart believes Garrison made her sexual orientation an issue in the campaign in an underhanded way. In his campaign and promotional materials, she says he chose to highlight the fact that he is married and has six kids as way to distinguish himself from Stewart. I thought, okay, thats nice, but I dont know how that makes you qualified to be sheriff, she said. I thought, Whats that about? It was unspoken. This is whom I am and Im the all-American guy and shes not.' Garrison could not be reached for comment. She never brought up her sexual orientation in her campaign, she said, because its not germane. Id rather be known as the good cop than the gay cop, she added. County lawsuit The election of Stewart and her defeat of Garrison are remarkable in other ways. Stewart will become the top law enforcement official in a county government that fired her in 2010 and from which she later won a $1.59 million settlement after she sued the county over her termination. She worked as an internal affairs investigator for the county from 2008 to 2010. At a 2015 trial, she testified that she had been subject to months of retaliation by county managers for investigating complaints of racial discrimination in the animal control and codes enforcement departments. A jury found that county officials had violated her rights under the states Human Rights Act and Whistleblowers Protection Act. The lawsuit was based in part on her investigations of Curtis Childress, who she alleged had committed racial discrimination against two animal control employees. Childress was Garrisons choice for undersheriff if he had been elected. She denies she feels any traditional sense of vindication toward the county because of her election. Its not necessarily vindication in the way you think of it, she said. Its vindication in that justice can prevail. Im the voice for fairness and equity and equal treatment, not only internally, but also for our constituents. But Stewart says shes disappointed that her lawsuit and the subsequent settlement did not stimulate greater change in how the county operates. However, she is hopeful that she will be able to promote additional change as sheriff. I really did hope my lawsuit would have greater impact on how the county treats its employees, she said. To some extent it did, but not to the extent that I was hoping. The county has continued to have a real active role in retaliation against employees. That has changed a little, but Im not entirely sure it wasnt just driven under ground. Blake Gumprecht may be reached at 575-541-5453, bgumprecht@lcsun-news.com or @blakegumprecht on Twitter. CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas A state district judge who was earlier cleared in a South Texas road-rage incident has been arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated and unlawfully carrying a weapon. Corpus Christi police say Judge Guy Williams was taken into custody by officers who responded to a disturbance call Thursday. Williams bonded out Friday from the Nueces (nyoo-AY-suhs) County jail. The 68-year-old Williams was acquitted on an assault charge last year following an encounter with another motorist. He faces unrelated charges filed in May of public intoxication and resisting arrest. He was suspended from the bench last year by the State Commission on Judicial Conduct but was later reinstated. Williams did not seek re-election and will be replaced in January when a newly elected jurist takes office. PHOENIX The U.S. Border Patrol said Friday it arrested 449 migrants this week during a 48-hour period in western Arizona, including two large groups of Central Americans. Arizona Border Patrol agents for several months have been overwhelmed by the arrival of large numbers of Central American migrants traveling in families. The latest arrests near Yuma come as a caravan of several thousand Central American migrants slowly makes its way north, prompting President Trump to decry their efforts to reach the U.S. border. The Border Patrols Yuma Station reported that its agents apprehended 82 people from Guatemala and El Salvador traveling as families just before midnight Tuesday after an agency camera operator saw them scaling a wall east of the San Luis Port of Entry south of Yuma. They ranged in age from 2 to 48 years. On Wednesday about four hours later, agents surprised 83 migrants crossing the border through a hole they dug underneath the same wall a short distance away. Those people from Guatemala and El Salvador ranged in age from 2 to 40. A Border Patrol camera captured images of some coming under the wall on the U.S. side. We dont usually see them cross in large groups like this, said Border Patrol Agent Jose J. Garibay III. Youll usually just see them in groups of 12 or 15 or just five, but were not used to seeing these large coordinated efforts. Garibay said that the old portion of the wall that the second group dug underneath lacks the improved concrete footer contained in prototypes for the new proposed wall. While Mexican men traveling without relatives once made up the bulk of the migrants trying to cross illegally into the United States, Guatemalans and other Central Americans traveling in families or as unaccompanied minors are now the norm. The numbers of apprehensions fluctuate every year due to smuggling trends, but the overall numbers of people immigrating illegally to the U.S. through the Yuma area and at the border in general are down dramatically compared with more than a decade ago. U.S. Border Patrol statistics show the agency apprehended 12,847 migrants in the Yuma Sector during the year that ended on Sept. 30, 2017, compared with 138,438 migrants in the 12-month period that ended on Sept. 30, 2005. Border Patrol agents in both the Yuma and Tucson sector farther east since August have increasingly encountered big groups of Central Americans traveling as families being left by smugglers at the border. One group was as large as 275 people. The situation became so overwhelming in October that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement released hundreds of people to await court dates, saying it didnt have the capacity to hold an incredibly high volume of migrant families showing up at the border. At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, World War I came to an end. The moment 100 years ago was commemorated with a public holiday, originally called Armistice Day, but at the urging of veterans organizations was renamed in 1954 as Veterans Day. The holiday today honors the service of all veterans who served in the various branches of the military. Veterans Day should not be confused with Memorial Day, a national holiday in May that honors all those who died while serving in the military. Veterans Day observances around the state today and Sunday include: Albuquerque : Sunday, 9 a.m., parade, New Mexico Veterans Memorial, 1100 Louisiana SE; musical program at 10 a.m.; ceremony at 11 a.m. with keynote speakers state Veterans Services Secretary Jack Fox, and Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller. Rio Rancho: Today, 10 a.m., parade, around City Center, 3200 Civic Center Circle NE. Parade participants will line up in the upper west parking lot of the Santa Ana Star Center, circle in front of City Hall and wind their way up King Boulevard; Sunday, 2 p.m. ceremony, Veterans Memorial Park, 950 Pinetree Road SE. Tijeras: Sunday 11 a.m., wreath laying ceremony, Luis Garcia Veterans Park, 4 Tijeras Avenue, followed by a musical performance. Santa Fe: Sunday, 10 a.m., parade, down Bishops Lodge Road/Washington Avenue, around Plaza Park, to the Bataan Memorial Building at 400 Don Gaspar Avenue, where a ceremony will be held featuring remarks by U.S. Sen. Tom Udall. Los Lunas: Sunday, 11 a.m., annual Honoring All Who Served Veterans Day celebration, Daniel Fernandez Memorial Park, 1103 Highway 314. Veterans from each branch of service will be recognized during the Jubilation Barbershop Quartet performance of the Armed Forces Medley. The flag will be raised by firemen using the Valencia County Fire Department ladder truck. The ceremony will culminate with the release of 30 white doves. Belen: Today, 2-4 p.m. Belen Harvey House Museum, 104 N 1st Street, will celebrate veterans with an open house featuring uniforms from World War I, World War II, the Vietnam War and more. The celebration will include music, light refreshments and special guest speaker Lynn Darr, who served as a master chief in the U.S. Navy. Las Cruces: Today, parade, 3 p.m., through downtown Las Cruces on Main Street; Sunday, 8 a.m., raising of the Garrison Flag at Veterans Park, 1151 Roadrunner Parkway, flag lowering at 5 p.m. Mesilla: Sunday, 11 a.m. ceremony, Parque de Veteranos, Highway 28 and Calle de Norte. Featured speaker will be U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Wendy Woodard. Angel Fire: Sunday, 11 a.m., Vietnam Veterans Memorial, 34 Country Club Road, annual Veterans Day program at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial amphitheater. Keynote speaker will be Alan Martinez, deputy cabinet secretary with the New Mexico Department of Veteran Services. After more than a decade in the making, New Mexicos veterans are finally getting a Fisher House. Ground was broken Friday morning on the campus of the VA Medical Center in Albuquerque on the 16-bedroom house that will provide a free place for veterans families to stay while they are receiving care. Its a dream come true, said Rita Navarette, president of Friends of the New Mexico Fisher House and lead advocate for the project. All is possible when you believe. Ruby Garcia of Albuquerque, another supporter of the project, knows firsthand the value of a Fisher House. When her son Victor had a medical emergency while stationed at Fort Bragg in North Carolina in 2012, she immediately caught a flight east, initially staying in a hotel for $120 a night before being invited to stay at the Fisher House there. The impact Fisher House had on me was the ability to have a home away from home so I could worry only about Victors healing process, Garcia said. May you never need this Fisher House, but know in your heart it is here for you just like it was for me and Victor. Mary Considine, chief of staff of the Fisher House Foundation, said construction is expected to take around a year. The New Mexico Fisher House project had experienced delays due to the site being located in a federal historical district. That hurdle was cleared in January when a memorandum of agreement was signed between the state and stakeholders. Project advocates are hoping to raise half of the $6 million price tag, with the Fisher House Foundation providing the other half. The New Mexico chapter of the American Legion Riders have raised $65,000 toward the project, according to Aaron Dean, the Riders state chairman for Operation Wounded Warrior. Im just ecstatic its finally happening, Dean said. Having your family there with you is probably some of the best medicine there is. There are currently 78 Fisher Houses operating across the United States, Germany and England. Monetary Donation Pages Sierra Nevada Camp Fire Relief Fund - DONATE HERE Chico State's Wildcats Rise- text WildcatsRise to 71777 or DONATE HERE The North Valley Community Foundation Northern California Fire Relief Fund - DONATE HERE Butte County Schools Fire Relief Fund - DONATE HERE United Way NorCal Disaster Relief Fund - text BUTTEFIRE to 91999 or DONATE HERE Tri Counties Bank Camp Fire Victim's Fund - DONATE HERE Golden Valley Bank Comunity Foundation - DONATE HERE Enloe Foundation Camp Fire Relief - text "CampFireRelief" to 91999 or DONATE HERE Butte College Foundation for Camp Fire Relief - DONATE HERE T-Mobile "Text to Give" - text CAWILDFIRE to 90999 or DONATE HERE ($10 will be donated to American Red Cross and charged to the person's next carrier bill. Message and data rates may apply.) North Valley Community Relief Fund- provides assistance to public safety personnel affected by the fire - DONATE HERE Relief Fund for Chico Police Department Families - DONATE HERE Volunteer The Oroville Hope Center is in dire need of volunteers at its distribution center and also donation sorting center in Oroville. For more information, CLICK HERE. To sign up for volunteer shifts, CLICK HERE. Those wishing to volunteer should contact Caring Choices by calling (530) 899-3873 or visiting them at 1398 Ridgewood in Chico. You can also go to the California Volunteers website for a list of volunteer opportunities. Fundraisers Rotary Helping Students Rebound The rotary club is raising money to purchase school supplies for students that have been displaced by the Camp Fire. Over $20,000 has been raised so far, with a goal of $60,000. To donate, CLICK HERE. Orland High School Athletic Department Fundraiser The school is partnering with West Mitsubishi to raffle off a Brand New Eclipse Cross Tickets are $20 each and Orland High School will donate 10 percent of profits to the Paradise High School Athletic Department Tickets can be purchased at Orland High School (101 Shasta St, Orland) or West Mitsubishi (624 6th St, Orland) Donation Centers CHICO Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church - 750 Moss Avenue, Chico Daily 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Salvation Army, 1100 Marauder StreetChico, CA 95973 Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, 10 a.m. 5 p.m. First Assembly of God 1137 Arbutus Avenue Chico, CA 95926 Sundays, 12 4 p.m. For information, call 530-345-1377 Salvation Army Distribution Center - 1100 Marauder Street, Chico 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday Contact: (530) 776-1009 They are only collecting the following items: Underwear/socks, blankets/pillows, hygiene items, cleaning supplies, diaper/baby wipes, non-perishable foods, frozen turkeys, new toys for Christmas, monetary gifts. Used goods will not be accepted. Lincoln Center at Chico High School Requested items: news and/or gently used items for teens at Paradise High School Monday, Nov. 12 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Meek's Lumber located at 1100 E. 20th Street, Chico Requested items: water, non-perishable foods, diapers, baby wipes, toys, new socks and blankets. Clothes are not accepted. Contact: (540) 720-1776 Pleasant Valley High School School Supply Donation Drive located at 1475 East Ave, Chico Requested items: School supplies, backpacks, binders, pencils, etc. NorCal Unlimited - Chico Mall, 1950 E 20th St, Chico Accepting any donations, mostly clothing. They are giving away free clothing to fire victims until 9 p.m. Nov. 10 unless the mall closes early. Chico Area Babywearing -1145 El Monte Ave. Chico, Accepting donations for small children, especially infant and toddler carriers. They are asking for new childrens face masks, clothing size newborn - 5t, infant/toddler shoes, diapers (sanitized cloth or new disposables), wipes, maternity wear, unopened baby food and formula, and small portable toys YUBA CITY Donation Drive - Butte House Road and Tharp Road, Yuba City Crossroads Community Church "Clothes Closet" - 445 B St. Yuba City Office: (530) 751-9168, Nancy: (530) 923-5845 OROVILLE Hope Center at Municipal Auditorium - 1200 Meyers Street, Oroville Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. RED BLUFF Bend/Jelly 4-H club & Divine Plumbing Donation Driver in Grocery Outlet Parking Lot - 338 S Main Street, Red Bluff Donations needed: Pet supplies, personal hygiene, canned food, blankets, toys, stuffed animals, facemasks. 2) Lack of efficacy. There were 51 cases reported for lack of efficacy. The MAH notes that it currently uses only 3 MedDRA preferred terms (vaccination failure, therapeutic product effective, and drug ineffective) to capture these reports. There is a concern that cases of reported events of pneumococcal disease, without concomitant coding of one of these three terms are missed: at least 10 case numbers were identified by this Assessor from the Infections and infestations SOC which exemplified this concern. Additionally, the large majority of reports relating to lack of efficacy appear to report only 3 serotypes: 19A, 3 and 7. The MAH is request to comment upon this. 1) Deaths. There were 22 fatal cases during the reporting period which represents 2.6% of the total number of cases. This proportion has increased from 0.3% during the previous reporting period. Additionally, in a large majority of these cases, the time interval between receipt of 13vPnC and death (or onset of symptomatology leading to death) is narrow. The case presentations of the fatal cases is considered inadequate. At the same time, another confidential document, nothing more than correspondence between a division of the European Medicines Agency (Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use or CHMP) and Pfizer (MAH)[4], specifies that the risk/benefit profile of the Prevenar 13 remains positive but the following potential safety concerns required further investigation/discussion by the MAH: On the 4 th of January this year, at the end of the required 6-week period, two Pfizer group Regulatory Affairs Directors, Mary Allin and Helen Edwards, sent a response to Dr. S. Spinosa of the European Medicine Agency on the topic of higher number of neurologic events reported in Italy following the co-administration of Prevenar 13 and hexavalent vaccines . The two directors specified at the end of this letter that based on data supplied, they did not feel there was any need to modify the vaccines reference safety information (RSI), in other words its package insert.[3] It would appear, according to recent confidential Wyeth (Pfizer) documents and to a reply from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) that both the manufacturer and the agency are aware of a significantly higher number of adverse neurologic effects in children vaccinated with BOTH Prevenar 13 AND Infanrix Hexa, as per the Belgian vaccination schedule at ages 2 and 4 months. OK, so the vaccine is not as effective as they tell us but is it at least safe for such tiny babies? This is an injection targetting13 different strains of the bacterium and reputed to be an improved version of the old Prevenar (targeting only 7 strains). It was in fact rushed to market in 2010 to replace the older vaccine, presumably an attempt to cover up the fiasco of its predecessor: the original Prevenar had disappointingly resulted in an increase in serious infections making it totally counterproductive.[2] We have now received more confidential documents on the safety of another paediatric vaccine very commonly used on infants and administered alongside the Infanrix Hexa hexavalent vaccine: the Prevenar 13, a pneumococcal vaccine manufactured by Wyeth/Pfizer . On the 8 th of December, articles in the press reported on the contents of a substantial 1,271-page confidential GSK document[1] leaked to us by contacts at the Belgian Medicines Agency. This shocking document on the pharmacovigilance of the Infanrix Hexa vaccine revealed serious safety problems evidenced by a whole range of serious complications, including 36 deaths (over a 2-year period). None of this information had ever been communicated to parents, representing a clear breach of Belgian law of the 22 nd August 2002 on patient information. Confidential Documents on the Prevenar 13 Vaccine: Proof that BOTH the Manufacturers AND the Health Authorities KNOW why we are Concerned ! This press release about the safety and efficacy of Pfizers pneumococcal vaccine Prevenar 13 - used in US as well as European vaccine schedules - was extensively reported in the Belgian media on Saturday. The report is based on leaked documents from the Belgian medicines agency and includes the reports of 22 deaths over a two year period. It should be borne in mind when reading this data that it relates to a country with a population of only 10.5 million (3% of the US, 15% of the UK) and it provides powerful evidence that the risks of this vaccine now substantially outweigh any benefits. It follows a recent press release from Initiative Citoyenne regarding fatalities from GSKs hexavalent vaccine Infrarix Hexa . Initiative Citoyenne also carry an interesting report of a French doctor fined $4000 for failing to inform a patient about the risks of a Hepatitis B vaccine . With more evidence about the risks of vaccines coming to public light this is likely to put substantial pressure on the medical profession if there are further cases of this kind. Namur, Belgium, 20 th December 2012. 4) Neurological events in subjects receiving Prevenar 13 concomitantly with hexavalent vaccines. Following a inquiry at the October Pharmacovigilance Working Party regarding a potential increase in the incidence of neurological reactions with coadminstered vaccines noted in a national vaccination program in IT, the MAH is requested to provide a cumulative review of neurological reactions in those cases who were reported to have received Prevenar 13 concomitantly with hexavalent vaccine We then have the response of the producer which had delved into a Pfizer database covering the 2-year period from the 10th of July 2009 to the 9th of July 2011. The manufacturer informs us that over this period, Pfizer received 1,691 reports of adverse events and 18% of these cases, i.e. 312 events, were neurological. An important fact is that Pfizer assessed the respective frequency of neurologic accidents in three different groups of children: those who had all received only the Prevenar 13 on the same day, those who had received both the Prevenar 13 and other vaccines on the same day and those who had received both the Prevenar 13 and a hexavalent vaccine on the same day. Of the 934 children who had only received the Prevenar 13 and experienced adverse effects, 87 displayed neurologic events (87/934 = 9%). Of the 287 children who had received the Prevenar 13 plus other vaccines on the same day, and experienced adverse effects, 62 had had neurologic episodes (62/287 = 21%). Of the 470 children who received the Prevenar 13 plus a hexavalent vaccine, on the same day, and reported adverse effects, 163 had experienced neurologic reactions (163/470 = 34%!!). It is therefore clear that the concomitant administration of several vaccines, particularly those recommended in the Belgian vaccine schedule (Prevenar 13 alongside Infanrix Hexa), multiplies the risk of neurologic reactions including serious and potentially irreversible adverse events! This is precisely what we have been saying for years regarding the dangerous over-vaccination of infants. Whether persistant crying, convulsions, hypotonic-hyporesponsive episodes, tremors, loss of consciousness, epilepsy, infantile spasms or absence of response to stimuli, these effects were always more frequent when the Prevenar 13 was administered alongside the Infanrix Hexa. So how many parents were aware of this and who told them? Did the Belgian Office for Childbirth and Childhood (ONE) tell them? The ONE has always claimed in all its literature that the co-administration of several vaccines was totally safe, that any adverse effects were in general similar to those experienced with the administration of these vaccines separately[5] and even that concomitant administration of these vaccines reduced the discomfort for the child. Their overall commitment to vaccines has never waned![6] We also notice that both the European Medicines Agency has highlighted, as have we, using the confidential document on Infanrix Hexa, the clear temporal relationship in most of these cases between the vaccination and death as well as between the vaccination and the various neurologic complications reported such as convulsions and hypotonia (most of which took place within 24 hours of the vaccination or shortly thereafter)[7]. Lastly, a third very important confidential document on the Prevenar 13 provides condemning clinical trial data.[8] This document states that on the 2nd of December 2008, the manufacturer requested authorization to register and market its Prevenar 13 vaccine across Europe and authorization was granted on the 9th of December 2009. These data were then used to authorize the vaccine for use in both Japan and Canada as well. When however it comes to product tolerance, the information is quite shocking. First of all, the most incredible is the methodology and the number of children monitored to assess the safety of the Prevenar 13: instead of comparing a large sample of vaccinated children with another group of totally unvaccinated children, the manufacturer compared his Prevenar 13 (i.e. the new version) with its predecessor (Prevenar 7)!! And when it comes to the number of children assessed, it is ridiculously low: 796 babies + 569 young children = a total of 1,365 children, spread over two studies and four groups (Prevenar 13/Prevenar 7 given to babies or young children depending on the study) while 10,000 children is sometimes still considered insufficient to assess the rare serious adverse effects! The adverse effects were monitored for six months in only 580 cases. Several children were even conveniently withdrawn from these data because the manufacturer decided, arbitrarily, that their adverse effects were in no way linked to the vaccine being assessed! We also learn that first of all the frequency of both local and systemic adverse effects is significantly higher when the injection is intramuscular compared with sub-cutaneous (in spite of this, the package insert still advises intramuscular injection!). To grasp the proportions here, it is important to know that sensitivity at the site of injection is 13 to 20% in those vaccinated sub-cutaneously compared with 72 to 79% in those who receive an intramuscular injection. The figures are even more revealing when it comes to the systemic effects: Less than 8.1% of children receiving a sub-cutaneous jab had to take fever-reducing medication after the vaccination compared with between 78 and 84% of those who were given an intramuscular injection! Loss of appetite occurred in less than 19% of those receiving a sub-cutaneous inoculation compared with over 54% in those for whom the jab was intramuscular. Irritability arose in less than 37% of the former while it was over 88% in the latter, drowsiness in less than 41% of the former compared with over 70% in the latter and disturbed sleep in less than 24% of the former while it was over 45% in the latter. Not surprisingly, these data reveal clearly that a deeper injection of the toxic substances in a vaccine (including neurotoxic aluminium) into the tissues of the body presents much greater risk. According to the research team at the Henri Mondor University Hospital in Creteil, France, the aluminium administered by intramuscular rather than sub-cutaneous injection is without a shadow of a doubt a major contributing factor in the emergence of cases of macrophagic myofasciitis (MMF).[9] This confidential document on clinical trials specifies however that regardless of the method of administration (sub-cutaneous or intramuscular), 83 to 92% of the recipients spontaneously reported adverse effects, a bit of a shock when assessing products designed for healthy people! As for SERIOUS adverse effects and their incidence in the clinical trials, the manufacturer informs us that in one study, no fewer than 30 serious reactions were observed in 22 individuals which is an 11.4% rate of serious adverse events!! Most of these reactions were infections and conditions requiring hospitalisation. The manufacturer was however quick to point out that according to the rapporteur, NONE of these serious reactions was deemed to be linked to the vaccination!! What is more, this rate was considerably higher in babies than in slightly older children, confirming that the immaturity of a babys immune system is not at all compatible with the vaccination drive now recommended by experts blinded by conflicts of interest. A total of 42 out of the 1,365 individuals assessed displayed serious adverse effects, i.e. 3%, a totally unacceptable rate which is clearly higher than the incidence of serious complications from pneumococcal disease in the general population!! To grasp the extent of the problem, just remember that the Belgian annual birth rate is approximately 128,000, a very large majority of whom receive BOTH the Prevenar and the Infanrix Hexa. A simple calculation reveals therefore that the annual number of serious adverse effects, taking ONLY this vaccine into account, could be 3% x 128,000 births = 3,840 children!!!!! In conclusion, these data are not very reassuring and it is clear that the health authorities are hiding far too much information which could be extremely USEFUL to parents who are expected to act in the interest of their children. Serious adverse effects are much more frequent than they claim and the health of our children is being DIRECTLY jeopardised first by this commitment to ideology but also by the rigid vaccination schedule recommendations which push a maximum of concomitant doses, to obtain parental compliance: yes, but above all to protect the commercial interests at stake! Initiative Citoyenne is therefore issuing a bold call to arms against the blind and unbridled pursuit of these death-dealing policies so detrimental to public health. We call upon all honest and willing members of the public to demand an end to this Code of Silence, this taboo, but also to the blind ideology which reigns over the current vaccination drive. Our infants and children are literally overpowered by the current number of vaccines they are given but what can they do? They are simply SPEECHLESS. On behalf of Initiative Citoyenne Marie-Rose Cavalier, Sophie Meulemans, Muriel Desclee. During the pandemic of 1918-19, the so-called "Spanish Flu" killed 50-100 million people, including many soldiers. Many people do not realize that disease killed far more soldiers on all sides than machine guns or mustard gas or anything else typically associated with WWI. The Spanish Flu killed an estimated 50-100 million people during a pandemic 1918-19. What if the story we have been told about this pandemic isnt true? What if, instead, the killer infection was neither the flu nor Spanish in origin? Newly analyzed documents reveal that the Spanish Flu may have been a military vaccine experiment gone awry. In looking back on the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I, we need to delve deeper to solve this mystery. I have a personal connection to the Spanish Flu. Among those killed by disease in 1918-19 are members of both of my parents families. On my fathers side, his grandmother Sadie Hoyt died from pneumonia in 1918. Sadie was a Chief Yeoman in the Navy. Her death left my grandmother Rosemary and her sister Anita to be raised by their aunt. Sadies sister Marian also joined the Navy. She died from the influenza in 1919. On my mothers side, two of her fathers sisters died in childhood. All of the family members who died lived in New York City. I suspect many American families, and many families worldwide, were impacted in similar ways by the mysterious Spanish Flu. In 1918, influenza or flu was a catchall term for disease of unknown origin. It didnt carry the specific meaning it does today. It meant some mystery disease which dropped out of the sky. In fact, influenza is from the Medieval Latin influential in an astrological sense, meaning a visitation under the influence of the stars. WHY IS WHAT HAPPENED 100 YEARS AGO IMPORTANT NOW? Between 1900-1920, there were enormous efforts underway in the industrialized world to build a better society. I will use New York as an example to discuss three major changes to society which occured in NY during that time and their impact on mortality from infectious diseases. 1. Clean Water and Sanitation In the late 19th century through the early 20th century, New York built an extraordinary system to bring clean water to the city from the Catskills, a system still in use today. New York City also built over 6000 miles of sewer to take away and treat waste, which protects the drinking water. The World Health Organization acknowledges the importance of clean water and sanitation in combating infectious diseases. (2) 2. Electricity In the late 19th century through the early 20th century, New York built a power grid and wired the city so power was available in every home. Electricity allows for refrigeration. Refrigeration is an unsung hero as a public health benefit. When food is refrigerated from farm to table, the public is protected from potential infectious diseases. Cheap renewable energy is important for many reasons, including combating infectious diseases. 3. Pharmaceutical In the late 19th century through the early 20th century, New York became the home of the Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research (now Rockefeller University). The Institute is where the modern pharmaceutical industry was born. The Institute pioneered many of the approaches the pharmaceutical industry uses today, including the preparation of vaccine serums, for better or worse. The vaccine used in the Fort Riley experiment on soldiers was made in horses. US Mortality Rates data from the turn of the 20th century to 1965 clearly indicates that clean water, flushing toilets, effective sewer systems and refrigerated foods all combined to effectively reduce mortality from infectious diseases BEFORE vaccines for those diseases became available. Have doctors and the pharmaceutical manufacturers taken credit for reducing mortality from infectious disease which rightfully belongs to sandhogs, plumbers, electricians and engineers? If hubris at the Rockefeller Institute in 1918 led to a pandemic disease which killed millions of people, what lessons can we learn and apply to 2018? THE DISEASE WAS NOT SPANISH While watching an episode of American Experience on PBS a few months ago, I was surprised to hear that the first cases of Spanish Flu occurred at Fort Riley, Kansas in 1918. I thought, how is it possible this historically important event could be so badly misnamed 100 years ago and never corrected? Why Spanish? Spain was one of a few countries not involved in World War I. Most of the countries involved in the war censored their press. Free from censorship concerns, the earliest press reports of people dying from disease in large numbers came from Spain. The warring countries did not want to additionally frighten the troops, so they were content to scapegoat Spain. Soldiers on all sides would be asked to cross no mans land into machine gun fire, which was frightening enough without knowing that the trenches were a disease breeding ground. Read more at First Freedoms. Ara Guler once worked as a cinema projectionist. Watching films at the Yldz Cinema in Istanbul proved to be wonderful training for the man who would go on to be the foremost photographer of the city. A photograph, too, has a mise-en-scene, Guler said in The Eye of Istanbul, a 2015 documentary about his life and career. A photograph has a background. Guler, who died in October at age 90, reflected the shadows and sparkle of Istanbul, declared The New York Times in announcing his death. This week we took note of a tribute to Guler in The New Yorker, where writer Eren Orbey praised Gulers poignant, majestic images for preserving a vision of Turkey that began to vanish early in the photographers lifetime. In his most famous shots, black-and-white cityscapes from the nineteen-fifties and sixties, couples rush through back alleys flanked by wooden homes, wrote Orbey. Horses pull carts down cobblestone streets, and skiffs crowd the waters of the Golden Horn, a bustling harbor since Byzantine times. Throughout the twentieth century, Gulers uvre interpreted Istanbul for a Western audience without ever exploiting its residents. Meanwhile, at The New York Times Orhan Pamuk, winner of the 2006 Nobel Prize in literature, also honored Guler, with whom he often collaborated. Pamuk first met Guler in 2003, when he was consulting the photographers archive of 900,000 photographs to research his book Istanbul. The photographs I wanted for my book were not those famous Ara Guler shots everyone knew but images more attuned to the melancholy Istanbul I was describing, the grayscale atmosphere of my childhood, Pamuk wrote. Ara had many more of such photographs than I expected. He detested images of a sterile, sanitized, touristic Istanbul. In fact, noted Pamuk, Gulers attentiveness to the inhabitants of Istanbuls back streets allowed the writer to discover a city he had never known. It was through Aras urban reportage photography, which appeared in newspapers in the early 1950s, his portraits of the poor, the unemployed and the new arrivals from the countryside, that I first saw the unknown Istanbul, he wrote. In its obituary for Guler, The Times noted that the photographer himself once described Istanbul as a sort of Madwoman of Chaillot who had grown old but never neglectful of how she looked: Touch her, he said, and a jewel will appear. Here are some of the other photo stories we spotlighted this week: _________________________________ 1. Growing Old Amid Shelling and Frostbite in Ukraine To look at Paula Bronsteins images of the elderly people trapped in Ukraine is to see lives frozen by conflict, wrote Elizabeth D. Herman at The New York Times. Bronstein (see our profile) has covered the long war in Afghanistan and the plight of the Rohingya in Myanmar and Bangladesh; her new work, Ukraines War: A Dire Situation The Elderly, looks at the conflict in eastern Ukraines Donbas region, which has resulted in more than 10,000 deaths and the displacement of 1.6 million people. 3. David Stewart's Arch View of the Ad World in "Paid Content" "There is nothing stranger than what I see in real life." So says photographer David Stewart, whose latest body of work, we noted, focuses (sharply) on a world he has known intimately with for the past four decades - advertising. His series "Paid Content," on view at the Wren London gallery through November 17 and coming soon in a new book, takes a wry look at the environment of a modern ad agency. 3. Jean-Pierre Laffont's "Extraordinary" NYC Jean-Pierre Laffont left France and moved to New York City in order to become a photojournalist. In 1968 he and his wife, Eliane Laffont, opened the American bureau of the French photo agency Gamma, and he went on to have the kind of career hed dreamed of, notes The New York Times. An exhibition opening this week at the Leica Store in SoHo, New York Down and Out, features Laffonts photographs of the city from the 1960s and 1970s, which the photographer calls an extraordinary for photojournalists in America. 4. Rediscovering Photographer and Mountaineer Anne Brigman Anne Brigman was ahead of her time. The Nevada Museum of Art in Reno has organized a major retrospective of the overlooked photographer, poet and mountaineer a protegee of Alfred Stieglitz best-known for her ethereal nude self-portraits. We noted that the exhibition, the largest presentation of Brigman's work to date, aims to reintroduce this female creator who, said curator Anne Wolfe, was "stripping off her clothes and scaling mountains at a time when women were still confined to Edwardian corsets. 5. A Photographer Makes the Case For Hemp Hemp is the world's most forbidden flora, says Maren Krings. That's because it happens to be the cannabis plant. A German-born photographer who studied at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia, Krings was shooting in the Tyrol of region of northern Italy when she met a man whose business was farming industrial hemp. She has since become a believer in the plant's future, we noted. Krings is now crowdfunding a book called HEMP: The Seed for a New World. _________________________________ At top: From Anne Brigman 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. The board of the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control unanimously approved the proposed Western Capacity Use Area for Aiken and six other South Carolina counties. Capacity Use is a DHEC program that requires entities that withdraw more than 3 million gallons of groundwater from aquifers to acquire permits and report their groundwater use to DHEC. The decision came following an executive session and a public hearing, during which the board listened to testimony, research, and opinions from anyone who wished to speak on the proposed capacity use after DHEC employees presented their own research on the aquifers. DHEC's studies, which go back years, show significant groundwater decline in aquifers across the state, including aquifers that supply Aiken with its groundwater. Although groundwater levels fluctuate over time, there has been a steady decline in overall supply over the years the research has been collected. A major concern is how so called 'mega-farms' and industrial businesses, some of which draw billions of gallons of groundwater for their purposes, would affect that resource. Due to these studies, which found that demand would only increase over time as population in areas like Aiken continue to increase, DHEC employees suggested capacity use be implemented in the potentially affected areas. Aquifer capacity use debate rages on in Aiken County as DHEC meeting approaches Trends have emerged from data collected by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control that show South Carolina aquifer Aiken County Council requested portions of Aiken be considered for capacity use back in 2016. Following an assessment of groundwater conditions in 2017, DHEC suggested Aiken should be brought into the capacity use program. People traveled from across the state to be at the meeting, which was held at 10 a.m. in Columbia. Many of the speakers came from Aiken County. Among those in favor of capacity use were Aiken Mayor Rick Osbon, County Council Chairman Gary Bunker, representatives from various organizations across the state (most of them environmental), small farmers, and concerned citizens. One citizen from Windsor claimed she turned her sink on one day to find she had no water, as the levels in her well had plummeted after a large farm moved close to where she lived. Others raised concerns over how increased demand would affect the supply for future generations. "At this point, the impact is felt mostly on private well owners and recreational users of the Edisto River," Bunker said during the hearing. "But it doesn't take much imagination to see how if current trends continue this issue will grow to the point where further growth and economic expansion are impacted by the limits of our region's fresh water supply." Rep. Bill Taylor, R-Aiken, said the full blame couldn't be placed on mega-farms, but said he was pleased with the outcome of the vote. "We're all called on to be stewards to that precious resource," Taylor said. "...We can't be kicking the can down the road on this water issue." Of the 25 speakers who voiced their opinions, experiences, and information they had collected, the South Carolina Farm Bureau, represented by President Harry Ott, was the main entity opposed to imposing capacity use during Thursday's meeting. "We do not believe the science exists and is completed as we stand here today," Ott said. "...I want to remind this panel that agriculture is the number one industry in the state of South Carolina." Ott said the Farm Bureau is not against capacity use, but believes DHEC's yearly studies are not adequate enough to warrant capacity use currently. Despite Ott's stance, some other farmers present at the meeting, including one who claimed to be with the Farm Bureau, argued in favor for capacity use, saying that a shortage of water would be detrimental to residents and big farmers alike. "We have a groundwater resource problem in our state," said Laura Bagwell, a Farm Bureau member and geologist from Aiken. "It's widespread, it's not new, we've had it for years. And it's getting worse." Bagwell fired back at Farm Bureau arguments that the science wasn't "completed" by saying that science is a "cumulative process" that is never complete, but rather is a series of studies, where each builds upon the next. DHEC scientists proposed the entire coastal plain be included in capacity use programs as early as 2004, when evidence of groundwater decline began to crop up in their studies. The Western capacity use area will also include Bamberg, Lexington, Barnwell, Allendale, Calhoun and Orangeburg Counties. Four other capacity use programs currently exist across South Carolina. Stakeholder meetings will take place so input from affected parties, including large-scale farmers, can be brought into the capacity use program at the local level, which varies slightly from area to area based on what drives capacity use. DHEC's Alex Butler also said the goal is not to prevent people from using water, but rather to make sure they're drawing it from the right area and right source so other users are not negatively impacted. Sometimes the solution involves industries and farms pumping water from deeper aquifers, rather than from shallower areas were resident wells rely on groundwater. WINDSOR Students at Oakwood-Windsor Elementary School saluted military veterans Friday morning, thanking them for their service and celebrating the freedoms speech, religion, the right to vote - their sacrifices guarantee all Americans. Veterans from the Air Force, Army, Marines and Navy filled the front rows in the school cafeteria surrounded by children who sang patriotic songs and read tributes and poems during the annual Veterans Day program. Landon Furdyna and Esteban Rubio led the audience in a moment of silence, and Micah McNamee played Taps in solemn memory of the veterans' fallen brothers and sisters. The students also honored three of their own. Faculty members Ronald Middleton, art; David Cooper, special education; and George Weber, fifth-grade science and social studies, are all veterans and proudly stood as their service song played during an armed forces medley. For Principal Lynne Shrader, Veterans Day, which is Sunday, means family. Her late husband, John, was in the U.S. Army for 13 years. His service meant a lot to me, Shrader said after the program. It was special for me to be an Army wife. Those years were some of the best years of our lives together. Shrader's father, Arthur Fay, served in the U.S. Navy as a plane mechanic on an aircraft carrier during World War II. Her father-in-law, Joseph Shrader, joined the U.S. Coast Guard right after World War II and retired as an admiral in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve. This program is near and dear to my heart, Shrader said. We have very close ties to the military. Shrader said it's important for the students to understand what those members of her family and all veterans have done for them. They need to understand the sacrifices that others have made for them so they appreciate what they have, she said. We do this every year, and we'll continue to do this every year. And I hope it continues to grow and grow and grow and so we can honor more veterans every year. Nikki Clingerman, a former staff sergeant in the Marines who attended the program, agreed. The program was outstanding, said Clingerman, who served 10 years. It's so nice to have young people realizing how important Veterans Day is. Maybe it can plant seeds that will grow, and they might consider serving our country with pride in a positive way. Her husband, Manny Clingerman, retired from the U.S. Marines after 23 years. He said the recognition from the students Friday was not just for him and his wife but for all veterans. People don't realize how important it is to take the short amount of time to recognize veterans, he said. We don't walk around expecting it from anybody, but when it happens, it's so appreciated. It takes us back to the time we served and to all the people we served with. When we're here, we bring all of those people with us. It's not only our own personal service but also a recognition of them and also veterans across the country and everything they have done. It's really great to be here. Guest speaker S.C. Sen. Tom Young, R-Aiken, told the students they need to thank veterans not only on Veterans Day but everyday, asking all veterans to stand to loud applause. Every one of these folks have sacrificed so that we everybody in this room can have the freedoms we talked about today, Young said. When you go home this weekend, I want you to remember that we need to thank the veterans today and tomorrow and on Sunday, but we need to thank our veterans every day because the freedoms we have every day 365 days of the year because of these folks who have sacrificed for each one of us. Young gave Shrader a new South Carolina flag that flew over the Statehouse in Columbia. Veterans Day this year marks the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I in Europe at 11 a.m. Nov. 11, 1918, and the 80th anniversary of the first official Veterans Day, Young said. Because Nov. 11 is on Sunday this year, Veterans Day will be observed Monday. CAIRO Sudans assistant president, Maj. Gen. Abdul Rahman al-Sadiq al-Mahdi, expects an increase in the trade exchange volume between Egypt and Sudan. Sudan is Egypts gateway to Africa and Egypt is Sudans gateway to Europe, Mahdi said in an interview Oct. 29 with Egyptian local newspaper Al-Ahram. On Oct. 25, Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir announced in a joint press conference with his Egyptian counterpart, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, lifting the 17-month ban on the entry of Egyptian agricultural and animal products to Sudan. Sisi was attending in Khartoum the second meeting of the Egyptian-Sudanese Summit. On May 30, 2017, Sudanese Prime Minister Bakri Hassan Saleh imposed a ban on the entry of Egyptian agricultural and animal products into his country. He obliged the private sector to import such goods directly from the country of origin, bypassing Egypt. Escalating tension had marred the relations between the two countries over the past two years due to several issues. Sudan had warned of resorting to international arbitration in April 2016 to find a solution for the disputed Halayeb and Shalateen border area. Sudan is also in disagreement with Egypt on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Whats more, on May 23, 2017, Bashir accused Egypt of supporting rebel movements in Sudan. During his recent meeting with his Sudanese counterpart, Sisi stressed Egypts persistent efforts to boost and push forward relations with Sudan. He recalled serious steps taken to strengthen bilateral relations. Ain Shams University economics professor Yumn al-Hamaki told Al-Monitor in a phone interview that the Sudanese market is a promising market for Egyptian exports. She explained that lifting the ban creates great opportunities for increasing exports to Khartoum and will positively reflect on the Egyptian economy in the future. In order to benefit from an important market as that of Sudan, the level of competitiveness of Egyptian products must be improved and Egyptian goods must be produced in line with the required specifications in the markets, Hamaki said. She added, For example, the Arqeen land port, inaugurated on Oct. 6, 2016, paves the way for large-scale projects in border areas. These projects include livestock breeding and slaughter, meat-canning and export of livestock products to all African countries. Arqeen port is a border crossing between Egypt and Sudan stretching more than 900 kilometers (559 miles) north of the capital Khartoum on the west bank of the Nile River at Nuba Lake. It was built on an area of 130,000 square meters (155,000 square yards). It aims to boost trade among the Nile Basin countries and the African continent. It also contributes to the development of southern Egypt and the Toshka region. Commenting on the decision to lift the ban on Egyptian agricultural and animal products, economic expert Mustafa Badra said in statements to Egyptian Al-Wafd news portal on Oct. 25 that this measure would allow the marketing of Egyptian goods in the Sudanese market. He said that this will raise the volume of trade exchange standing at about $320 million. He added that this step marks the beginning of a strategic partnership and bilateral cooperation between the two countries in all fields. Badra pointed to giant projects linking Cairo and Khartoum, most notably the railway linkage project agreed upon between the two sides in October. This project will facilitate the movement of citizens and goods. Of note, the trade balance between Cairo and Khartoum in January and February 2017 before the ban imposed in May 2017 reached $84.4 million, according to data by Egypts Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS). According to the State Information Service, Egypt's exports to Sudan include rebar, furniture, food commodities, petroleum products, medicines and copper products. Egyptian imports from Sudan include crude cotton, sesame and oilseeds. Lifting the ban on the export of Egyptian agricultural and animal products would create a kind of integration in the trade movement with Sudan, Medhat al-Sherif, the undersecretary of parliament's Economic Committee, told Al-Monitor. Egypt will supply Sudan with the needed goods, in exchange for the possibility of importing livestock products from Sudan. He said, The cost of importing livestock products comes at a low price between Sudan and Egypt that are connected through land crossings. This is opposed to the higher costs from farther where Egypt would pay shipping costs. Sherif added, Sudan is in need of Egyptian industries products such as household appliances and ready-to-wear clothes. This falls in the interest of the Egyptian economy. The Sudanese-Egyptian Eshkait-Qustul border crossing inaugurated on April 30, 2015, and the electricity linkage project signed on April 26 also gave a boost to Egypts economy. In turn, Abdel Hamid al-Demerdash, the head of Egypt's Export Council of Agricultural Crops, told Masrawy website on Oct. 25, Preparations for resuming the export of products to Khartoum will begin immediately. He added, Citrus fruits will be the first to be exported. This is their harvesting season. Demerdash noted that Egypt exported to Sudan before the ban roughly 55,000 tons of agricultural products worth about $30 million. A CAPMAS report published Oct. 22 said trade exchange between Egypt and Sudan from January to July registered $320.48 million. The report showed that despite the partial ban Egypts exports to Sudan hit $196.58 million, compared to $123.9 million in imports in the same period. These figures do not include agricultural and animal products that were banned. On the sidelines of the summit, Egypt signed with Sudan 12 agreements and memoranda of understanding in a number of fields. An official statement on Oct. 25 by the spokesman for the Egyptian presidency clarified that an executive protocol was signed for the establishment of a model farm for horticultural crops. Also, the Egyptian Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation signed with the Sudanese Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry a memorandum to fight the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda). The Donald Trump administration is considering designating Yemens Houthis a terrorist organization, the Washington Post reported Thursday, just as the United Nations pushed back plans to hold peace talks to end the war between the Saudi-led Arab coalition and the Iran-backed rebels. Why it matters: Designating the Houthis as terrorists would make it illegal for US citizens to provide money or other material support to the group. Its not clear, however, that a movement that originated in northern Yemen in the early 1990s enjoys many Western linkages. The Houthis are believed to receive ballistic missiles and other military support from Iran, but make much of their revenue (as much as $30 million a month by some estimates) from charging duties on overland and port trade. I think it points to an overall viewpoint that if enough pressure is applied, the Houthis will start behaving the way the US, Saudis, and others want them to, a former UN consultant told Al-Monitor. Strategic differences: Even as the United States debates designating the Houthis, it has long taken a different approach in Afghanistan, opting not to label the Taliban as a terror group in order to salvage peace talks. US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad heads to the Gulf this week to build support for those negotiations. But the State Department isnt as invested in Yemen talks: On Thursday, the Trump administration said that US Ambassador to Yemen Matthew Tueller would become US envoy to Iraq. Some experts thought the move signals a continued US willingness to go along with Saudi policy in Yemen. I think its just [a] reflexive anti-Houthi/Iran approach, or more accurately just a copy-paste of Saudi [talking points], one former US official told Al-Monitor. It has huge humanitarian consequences if true. Whats next: The US is calling for an immediate 30-day cease-fire to bring Yemens warring parties to the table. Coalition airstrikes must cease in all populated areas of Yemen, David Hale, the State Departments undersecretary for political affairs, said Thursday, adding that if the fighting doesnt stop, it could be one of the worlds worst instances of famine. But the opportunity for talks may be squeezed by a surge in violence. Fighting has ticked up this week, as Saudi-led forces advanced deeper into the critical port city of Hodeidah, the entry point for 70% of aid to Yemen. The World Food Program said Thursday that 14 million Yemenis now risk starvation. Know more: Check out Al-Monitor diplomatic correspondent Laura Rozens latest on the delayed UN talks. - Jack Detsch Ghazal, a student, was thinking of purchasing Warfarin an anticoagulant mostly imported from Finland when a pharmacist in Tehran told her, You better buy it today, or tomorrow you might not find it anymore." In only a few months, the price of the drug has tripled due to the currency devaluation triggered by the US exit from the nuclear deal. While US President Donald Trump on Nov. 2 amused his Twitter followers with a "Game of Thrones"-themed announcement of the reimposition of a second wave of penalties targeting Irans economy, Ghazal and millions of other Iranians are suffering the real-life consequences of his politics. The US sanctions imposed Nov. 5 add a further burden to an already ailing economy. Humanitarian goods such as food, medicines and medical devices are in theory exempted from US sanctions. However, in practice, US restrictions on financial transactions between Iran and foreign banks are so tight that it is virtually impossible to implement the exception on humanitarian trade. In other words, even when Iran can find foreign pharmaceutical companies willing to sell necessary drugs, it generally cant pay for them. This situation is a direct result of the US governments issuing of harsh fines for violations of its secondary sanctions. Iran has a significant pharmaceutical industry: Domestic producers are able to make 96% of medicines used by the countrys 80 million citizens. However, according to Abbas Kebriaeizade, head of the Iranian Pharmaceutical Industries Syndicate, half of the active ingredients of these medicines are imported. This leaves domestic producers directly exposed to foreign restrictions. Moreover, the 4% of medicines that Iranian drug companies do not make are commonly specialized and must be bought from abroad. Drugs for rare and chronic diseases are mostly imported, and because of sanctions, the government doesnt provide support anymore to buy medicines that have a local equivalent. Most people dont have a choice other than the black market, where prices are skyrocketing, Bita, a medical researcher in Tehran, told Al-Monitor on condition that her real name be withheld. But high prices are not the only concern to Iranians. The lack of foreign medicines in Iranian pharmacies indirectly encourages the influx of fraudulent and counterfeit drugs, putting patients under increasing pressure. There is also the issue of varying quality between locally and foreign-made medicines. Shifting to another class of medications or to those that are locally produced can be dangerous. The reality is that many of these drugs are not of the same quality. Some of my patients are already dealing with side effects, explained Dr. Babak Roshanaei-Moghaddam, founder and director of the Tehran Center for Psychoanalytic Studies. A group of over 1,000 Iranian physicians and mental health professionals launched a petition Oct. 26 to warn of the serious consequences of sanctions for the most vulnerable patients, particularly those suffering from cancer, multiple sclerosis, hemophilia, rare medical conditions and mental illnesses. Shortages are not just affecting drugs, but also medical equipment. People who had to undertake an operation were sent to buy the necessary tools to carry out the operation, like drains and some other pipes to allow the transfer of oxygen, said Bita. The Ministry of Healths spokesperson stated in April that 57 medical items were already listed as scarce. But doctors fear that the number will drastically increase given that under the previous wave of sanctions imposed by the Obama administration, 350 drugs were subject to shortages, according to Irans Food and Drug Administration. A 2013 study published by the Wilson Center two years prior to the signing of the 2015 nuclear deal estimated that US and European exports of pharmaceutical products to Iran were down by almost a third. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has time and again emphasized that sanctions and our economic pressure are directed at the regime and its malign proxies, not at the Iranian people. But the decision to sanction Bank Parsian and other privately owned Iranian banks that handle most of the transactions linked to humanitarian trade sends the exact opposite message. A month prior to Trumps withdrawal from the nuclear deal, the head of Irans Thalassemia Association, Dr. Majid Arasteh, announced the deaths of seven people due to poor medications and lack of medical equipment. Out of the 18,000 Iranian patients diagnosed with thalassemia, 12,000 use imported medications. Arasteh recently reiterated that when current supplies of these medicines run out in a few months, their lives will be at risk. In a Nov. 2 briefing, US Special Representative for Iran Brian Hook made clear who he believes is responsible for the current situation. The burden is not on the United States to identify the safe channels, Hook told reporters, adding, We have done our part to permit the sale of humanitarian goods to Iran. Banks do not have confidence in Irans banking system. Thats Irans problem. Iranians certainly have a problem to solve. Tehran resident Nima, a designer by trade, lamented to Al-Monitor that he has been trying to buy medicines necessary for his grandmothers chemotherapy, but he cant find them. He added, What is the difference when you kill someone or let him die because you don't allow medicines or food to reach him?. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) that President Donald Trump has derided as "disastrous" almost from the beginning of his campaign for office and that members of his administration have with increasing intensity criticized, with national security adviser John Bolton having gone on record as preferring to bomb Iran than negotiate with it is clearly dead as far as the United States is concerned. With the reimposed US sanctions implemented Nov. 5 which are designed to be as "crippling" if not more so than the Barack Obama-engineered pre-JCPOA sanctions the deal is now possibly in its last gasps with the Europeans too. While ordinary Americans might by and large not be mourning or even thinking about it, the accord did once embody the hopes of a generation of young Iranians paradoxically the very men and women who most admiredly view the United States, its culture and its liberal democracy. I was recently talking to one such Iranian, an artist and more recent immigrant to the United States whom I had met for the first time. I wondered now that she had a green card if she would become a citizen when she became eligible. Ordinarily, sure; that would be nice, she replied half-heartedly. She added, But I dont think Id be happy to be a citizen of a country whose president is this man. I replied that one could easily have said that about being Iranian during the presidency of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (2005-13), who was considered, at least by many Iranian youths, to be both uncouth and a national embarrassment. She smiled and said, Yes, or even the current president. I was surprised, as it was precisely people like her who had twice enthusiastically voted Hassan Rouhani into office. Yes, she continued, We had such high hopes, and hes not been able to do anything for anyone. Many Iranians and the majority of them, like the artist, are under 30 are disillusioned. Some inside Iran have taken to the streets in the last year to vent their anger at almost everything that affects them, while many of those outside Iran hold little hope for a future there and have no intention of returning something that was a serious proposition (and even a reality) for some in the diaspora during Rouhanis first term (2013-17). Almost two years into Trumps presidency, however, what has been to them the slow death of the nuclear deal has dimmed any enthusiasm they once held for a brighter future. In that enthusiasm that was sparked over five years ago, after the dark period that marked Ahmadinejads second term (2009-13), reform-minded Iranians were willing to forgive their government if it couldnt immediately deliver on its promise of a more open society or in ending human rights abuses: Its stated priority was to resolve the nuclear crisis so that it could then deliver on its promise of a less restrictive, more inclusive society once the country had reintegrated into the community of nations. (Obamas administration had hoped for the same thing, although its members argue that it would have been an added bonus and not the raison d'etre of the nuclear agreement.) A little over a year into the implementation of the nuclear deal, Iranians felt confident enough in Rouhanis promises that despite little, if any, improvement in their living standards or in the reforms that many sought, they re-elected him in a landslide. Two months into Rouhanis second term, however, Trumps refusal to certify the deal as meeting congressional requirements first signaled to them that their hopes might have been badly misplaced. It was perhaps no coincidence, then, that only a few months later the first serious unrest since 2009 erupted on the streets of even small towns and villages in Iran. The "anti-compulsory hijab protests" by women that followed were a natural progression in the expression of dissatisfaction the population feels in almost every aspect of their lives, including strict and restrictive morality laws, and the sense of failure many Iranians feel in their government. The rapid depreciation of the Iranian currency is also symptomatic of a deep malaise in Iranian society today, as demand for dollars and euros by ordinary folk skyrocketed in anticipation of and as a hedge against even worse or more turbulent economic times after Nov. 5. While that malaise cannot be entirely blamed on Trump, the sense of hopelessness that has befallen many young Iranians is without doubt partly because the deal has delivered virtually none of its promises to the Iranian people. The wild celebrations in the streets by mostly young Iranians that followed the conclusion of the agreement in 2015; the heros welcome that Mohammad Javad Zarif, the Iranian foreign minister and chief negotiator, received on his return to Tehran; and the massive turnout to re-elect Rouhani less than a year later let everyone know that the JCPOA was their deal and was struck to secure their future. Things were looking up economically, yes but also for future engagement with the West, politically and socially. Their deal has now let them down, though, and it looks to many like it will abandon them entirely very soon. The JCPOAs death knell, regardless of what the remaining signatories do to try to salvage it in some form and even if it holds on to dear life for the remainder of Trumps current term, will, most importantly, mark the end of Rouhanis engagement policy; of his quest to bring prosperity and stability to his country by bringing Iran in from the cold, first with the nuclear deal and then through the entente that he expected would follow; and of his attempts to bring about any meaningful change for the average Iranian. Some are now comparing Rouhanis presidency to that of Reformist Mohammad Khatami (1997-2005), who was the first Iranian president to insist on engagement with the world. He defined it as "Dialogue Among Civilizations," and the conceit was designated at the United Nations for its inability to bring about any true reform. But the demise of the nuclear deal may also mark the end of any future Iranian governments attempts at an engagement policy. That may be music to Boltons ears especially, but the ensuing loss it will entail will not be felt by the Islamic Republics leadership those whom he and others in the administration hold such contempt for (and whose hard-liners within will likely celebrate the deals practical if not actual demise) but by a generation of young Iranians whose dreams of a better future will have been broken. They and there are many will assuredly not be thanking America. The Knesset's Education and Culture Committee held a session on Nov. 6 on the loyalty in culture law, which would allow the culture minister to defund programs deemed to reject Israels symbols. Before the Knesset's second and third readings of the bill, Deputy Attorney General Dina Zilber had the opportunity to address the committee, delivering a carefully crafted speech that the media dubbed The Country Has Changed. It was, in fact, a social, political and legal manifesto against the government. More than a simple legal opinion expressing reservations about Culture Minister Miri Regevs proposed law, Zilbers address was intended to send shock waves through the system, to protest the government and to feature on the medias agenda. Zilber has prior experience with events like this. She was therefore fully aware that her remarks would be filmed and otherwise recorded. With her statement, she appeared to want her admonition to reverberate beyond the Knesset committees chambers. These are not easy times, she said, delivering her lucid message in a soft, stable voice. They bring with them not just new laws, but even new words: governance, loyalty, overriding. We see confrontational dialogue, the wounding and scarring of our shared social fabric, labeling and branding who is for us and who is against us. The debate in which Zilber participated took place one day after the Knesset approved the first reading of the so-called loyalty in culture law. This controversial legislation aims to allow the Culture Ministry to deny government support to cultural institutions for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to denying Israels existence as a Jewish and democratic state, incitement to racism, support for terrorism, desecrating the flag, marking the anniversary of Israels independence as a day of mourning (i.e., the Palestinians' Nakba Day), and so on. The law lies on a continuum of right-wing, nationalist legislation characteristic of the current government. Other such legislation includes laws to weaken the legal system, in particular the Supreme Court. To the latter end, the Knesset is debating an override clause that targets the court, allowing the legislature to override its rulings declaring laws unconstitutional. Since the formation of the current right-wing government after the 2015 elections, Zilber and many of her colleagues at the Justice Ministry have found themselves torn between their obligation to represent the government and their desire to defend the old democratic order as they knew it. In the case of the culture law, both Zilber and Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit have expressed reservations and ultimately came to oppose it. Mandelblit withdrew his pointed opposition to the law after a series of amendments, but he still believes it is fraught with problems. At the Nov. 6 committee meeting, Zilber presented the position of the Attorney General's Office. Culture means freedom of imagination and beauty, she said. It means a multiplicity of voices and courage and defiance and candidness. It means freedom of expression that is not sycophantic and that is not constantly adapting itself so as to meet the test of governmental norms. Zilber did not simply make do with the offering of a legal opinion. She also mourned a country in the process of change. That was all Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked needed to launch a personal attack against Zilber, who seems to have been marked as a target even before she delivered her speech. That same day, Shaked demanded that Zilber be fired, claiming that she had violated professional norms by expressing personal opinions. Zilbers colleagues at the Justice Ministry were quick to back her up, even calling an emergency meeting. Meanwhile, Mandelblit announced that he has no intention of firing Zilber. As a result, the two camps are now locked in a face-off pitting the left and the legal establishment against the ideological and anti-institutional right (which although in power, projects an underdog stance against state institutions). The tempest has yet to subside. Zilber is one of the most powerful women at the Justice Ministry. She is a public servant charged with defending the governments positions and legislative initiatives, even when they run counter to her personal beliefs and worldview. Over the past few years, she has found herself disagreeing with the government on more than one occasion. In 2017, she was relieved of the authority to deal with issues pertaining to West Bank settlements after her position on budgets for the Settlement Division came under criticism from the political right and the settler movement. Nevertheless, refusing to back down, Zilber has continued to present views that veer from the official positions taken by Shaked. She has often been critical and at times defiant. Zilber opposed Shaked when the justice minister tried to advance a bill that would have given ministers the right to select the legal advisers for their ministries, the problem being that it could lead to the positions being open only to those who express loyalty to the minister and not to the law per se. Both Zilber and Mandelblit voiced their opposition, arguing that it would infringe on legal advisers independence and turn their positions into a part of larger political games. Zilbers remarks in the Knesset were like a bombshell launched into an already volatile environment. She basically raised the banner of revolt on behalf of the legal system, whose members feel like they are being trampled by Shaked and the government at large. As a result of the ensuing tempest, Zilber has become an icon of the left and within the legal system (even though she comes from a Revisionist, i.e., right-wing, family). She is a symbol of an establishment revolt against the brute force employed by Shaked to further her own agenda. Meanwhile, Shaked needs Zilber as a punching bag. As far as Shakeds electorate is concerned, Zilber represents the legal system's predatory approach toward them. While Shaked failed to have Zilber fired, she has been waging an incessant campaign against her since Nov. 6, using interviews and social networks to broadcast that Zilber went beyond her official role and that she is welcome to resign if what she wants is a career in politics. For Shaked, her campaign against Zilber wins her points from the right. That is what Naftali Bennett, chairman of her party, HaBayit HaYehudi, appeared to suggest when in an interview on Army Radio he called Zilber's speech more appropriate to a demonstration by the left. He added, It makes no sense to have legal advisers becoming politicians. Yet, despite these personal attacks, Zilber is in no way a victim. She is a focused, strong and intelligent woman with a worldview of her own and an agenda. It is possible that she felt a sense of urgency, or perhaps even a sense of mission, to stop the state from heading in the direction it is currently going, or as she says, changing. She knew that there would be political implications to her comments and that they would not be passed over quietly. She took a calculated risk, knowing that Shaked would have a hard time firing her. While Mandelblit has instructed Zilber to avoid appearing in the Knesset or before the government for now, she is already in a very different place. She has quite possibly branded herself as the only person to fearlessly stand up to Shaked and the other ministers and to defend herself and her colleagues as gatekeepers. That she is now a familiar face to the public will turn any attempt to harm her into a volatile media and political event. As such, it is not at all certain that Shaked won this round. The Pentagon is preparing for another era of lean budgets that defense officials worry could chip away at the militarys readiness to fight in the Middle East after the US House of Representatives changed hands this week. President Donald Trump fired the first shot in the fight in October, calling for across-the-board cuts to US agencies, including the Defense Department. Tuesdays vote will give control of the influential House Armed Services Committee to Rep. Adam Smith, a Washington Democrat who wants the Pentagon to trim its budget and seeks tighter oversight of US special operations in the Middle East. The Trump White House, by and large, has let the Pentagon have a lot of free rein, Smith said at a conference in September. I think thats inappropriate, and I think there is a real role for Congress to step in where the White House has stepped back. The message is being received over at the Defense Department. Speaking at a Navy conference today, Ellen Lord, the Pentagons top acquisition official, said Defense Secretary Jim Mattis is emphasizing the affordability of weapons programs. We cannot afford to build systems that we cannot afford to maintain, she said. In the same speech, Lord warned that China and Russia are picking up military sales from the United States, since many orders are moving too slowly. Tuesdays election results reinforce the notion that Mattis plans to revamp the military are on unsteady ground. The Pentagon had hoped for a $733 billion budget for the upcoming 2020 fiscal year before Trump ordered a cut just weeks before it was supposed to be delivered to the White House. The Defense Department proposal seeks to invest in modern combat systems such as long-range precision munitions and autonomous weapons to ward off China and Russia. Moscow has used forward-deployed troops in Syria to test out new systems. Structural preferences for the present over the future have accelerated the erosion of our military advantage versus China and Russia, Chris Dougherty, a former Pentagon official who helped author the 2018 National Defense Strategy, wrote in an op-ed in Defense News this week. This problem isnt new, but it is more urgent than at any time since the end of the Cold War. Yet budgetary uncertainty could leave the Pentagons Middle East funding intact, at least for now, even as Mattis and other officials have signaled their intention to shift the US militarys planning toward a fight with China or Russia. Patrick Shanahan, the Defense Department's No. 2 official, said no decision has been made about shifting the Pentagons Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) warfighting slush fund, which is not subject to congressional budget caps, into the agencys base budget. Defense Department Comptroller David Norquist had promised to slash the OCO fund, created after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, to $20 billion beginning in 2020. But with budgetary uncertainty once again facing the Pentagon, experts expect that the fund, which funds the US fights in Iraq, Syria and Yemen, will stay in place. My view has always been that OCO is not going to be shifted into the base until there is enduring release from the spending caps, said Susanna Blume, a former Pentagon staffer whos now a senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security. You cannot have a conversation about the future of OCO without having a conversation about what is happening in the defense base budget topline. Meanwhile, on the Senate side, Republicans have gained two seats and hold narrow leads in Florida and Arizona. Armed Services Committee chairman and Trump ally Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., has sought to increase Pentagon funding and deliver budgets on time. A victory in the Arizona Senate race by Republican Rep. Martha McSally, a former Air Force major and influential defense hawk, could have an outsize impact on how the US fights its wars in the Middle East. McSally a former pilot of the A-10 Thunderbolt, a slower aircraft used to conduct close air support of US infantry units has fought to upgrade the plane in the face of Air Force plans to retire it in favor of the F-35 joint strike fighter. The A-10 is also known as a Warthog. Some experts agree that close air support for US and allied troops on the ground is more effective than striking targets from far away. The way the Air Force likes to fight is they prefer the interdiction bombing through precision strikes, said Dan Grazier, a former Marine captain now with the Project on Government Oversight. Thats not whats been effective. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, with his abrasive manners and undiplomatic approach to international affairs, is not an easy leader for the West to deal with. Love him or not, however, the West is showing once again that it cant afford to ignore him. Because of this, Erdogan has enhanced his international image over the past few months, going from being a potential pariah in Western eyes to being viewed as an interlocutor who is by turns a regional game-changer, a potential peacemaker and even a champion of international justice. Many analysts argue that it is Turkeys importance, rather than Erdogan as a leader, that is driving the current dynamics. They note that European leaders continue to criticize him over his record on democracy and human rights, even to his face when hosting him on official visits. These same European leaders are also trying, however, to ensure that such criticism does not escalate into fresh crises with Ankara at a time when they need Turkeys cooperation on such vital issues as illegal immigration from the Middle East and the fight against Islamic terrorism. Ironically, only two month ago Erdogan appeared to be a weak and ineffectual regional leader when he failed in his attempt to forestall an attack on Syrias Idlib province by Russian-backed Syrian regime forces. The United Nations had warned that if launched, such an offensive could turn into the worst bloodbath yet in Syria. Erdogans attempt to prevent the attack, during the summit he held in Tehran with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Russian President Vladimir Putin in early September, fell flat on its face in front of live cameras. Erdogan proposed a general cease-fire in Idlib to cover all parties, including radical Islamist groups targeted by Russia, but Putins outright rejection of the proposal, and Rouhanis backing of Putin, left Erdogan looking like the least influential of the three leaders. The Turkish president went on, however, to snatch victory from the mouth of defeat 10 days later, during an emergency meeting on Idlib with Putin at the Russian Black Sea resort of Sochi. With the tense situation in Idlib appearing to be headed from bad to worse, Erdogan succeeded in obtaining a cease-fire and also brokered a deal for the creation of a buffer zone between Syrian regime forces and the opposition to be followed by the disarming of the opposition and cooperation for ridding the region of jihadist fighters. Precarious as it might be, the Sochi deal continues to hold and remains one of Erdogans rare successes in the effort to resolve the Syrian crisis. Armed with this diplomatic achievement, Erdogan arrived in New York to address the UN General Assembly on Sept. 25. While there, he held talks with various European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Theresa May. Erdogan immediately followed up his New York trip with a Sept 28-29 visit to Germany at the invitation of President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. The Germans received Erdogan with state honors, and he also held talks with Chancellor Angela Merkel. During the banquet given in Erdogan's honor, Steinmeier criticized him about the state of democracy and human rights in Turkey. Talking to reporters while flying to Turkey, Erdogan brushed off Steinmeier's criticisms as unbecoming. The German visit was not, however, marred by any major glitches capable of undermining the cooperation Ankara and Berlin are now working to develop on practical matters. This is a far cry from the situation between the two countries last year, when Erdogan taunted German officials, calling them Nazis after Berlin prohibited him and his ministers from canvassing expatriate Turks in Germany ahead of the constitutional referendum held in April 2017. The murder of the Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2, only a few days after Erdogan's high-profile visit to Germany, once again turned the international spotlight on the Turkey's president. The manner in which Erdogan managed the investigation into the murder, insisting all along that Turkey would not help cover-up the crime for the sake of its ties with Riyadh, earned him praise in the West. Even US and European media, which have generally been hostile toward him, praised his handling of the affair, especially after he forced Riyadh to admit that Khashoggi had been killed in the consulate. Despite this, however, many Western columnists also felt obliged to remind their readers of Erdogans own repression of independent journalists and democracy activists in Turkey. Nevertheless, there appears to be a general consensus that the Khashoggi affair helped Erdogan politically by diverting attention from Turkeys own shortcomings, at least for the time being. The Oct. 27 summit on Syria that Erdogan hosted in Istanbul, attended by the leaders of Russia, Germany and France, focused more international attention on him, this time as a potential peacemaker. The summit may have provided few concrete results, but as Sedat Ergin, a veteran commentator on international affairs, noted, it worked to Erdogans advantage. By taking responsibility and hosting this summit, [Erdogan] has emerged as a principal actor in efforts to solve the Syrian crisis, Ergin wrote in his column for Hurriyet. That summit was followed on Oct. 29 by the inauguration of Istanbuls new, ultramodern airport at a ceremony attended by leaders and other high-level officials from 50 countries, including seven southeastern European nations, though none from Western Europe. Prior to that, Erdogan had paid an official visit to Hungary on Oct. 9 as the guest of Prime Minister Victor Orban. He would later host Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko in Turkey, on Nov. 3. Erdogan is now set to visit Paris Nov. 10-11 for Armistice Day commemorations and more talks with Macron. He is also expected to meet President Donald Trump while there to try and capitalize on the relatively improved atmosphere between the two countries since the release of the American Pastor Andrew Brunson from Turkish detention, ending months of heightened tensions. The level and intensity of interactions between Turkey and key Western countries of late appear to belie claims that Erdogan is an isolated leader only two steps away from being ostracized by the West. Retired Ambassador Selim Kuneralp, a foreign affairs commentator for the Tele1 channel, believes that Turkeys ongoing importance to the West is driving the current trend. In international relations, no one looks at who is running the country that has to be dealt with, but at how important the ties with that country are, Kuneralp told Al-Monitor. [With Turkey being] an important and strategically placed country, Western leaders have to deal with Turkeys leader, whoever he may be, which presently means Erdogan. Kuneralp stressed, however, that whatever the current trend might be, Turkeys ties with Europe are not being normalized in the true sense of the word, because Ankaras bid to join the European Union is not moving forward. In fact, in August, Macron publicly questioned EU membership for Turkey. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has a pan-Islamic project that is contrary to our European values, Macron said, advocating building a strategic partnership with Istanbul rather than granting Turkey EU membership. Such remarks by European leaders do not point to a process of normalization with Turkey, but a search for another kind of relationship with Ankara for the sake of pragmatic considerations. Serkan Demirtas, a foreign policy commentator for the English-language Hurriyet Daily News has noted this. It should be well understood by the government that putting things back on track with regard to key European bodies requires a full dedication to democratizing Turkey without delay, Demirtas wrote. Be that as it may, Erdogan is using the optics of his newly energized ties with Western countries to enhance his image at home. That is all he probably needs for now as Turkey prepares for crucial local elections in March, which Erdogan hopes to use to reinforce his grip on power. WASHINGTON The United Nations said today that it would push back plans for Yemen peace talks this month amid an escalation by Saudi- and Emirati-backed fighters toward the vital Red Sea port of Hodeidah, in what appeared to be a setback for recent US and UN calls on the Yemen parties to de-escalate fighting. But US officials said they were not overly concerned about the possible delay. UN Yemen envoy Martin Griffiths will now seek to get the warring parties to political talks in a third country by the end of the year, a UN spokesman said. Theres always different challenges to bringing the parties together, UN spokesman Farhan Haq told reporters at the UN today. What were trying to do is clear up any issues so that we can get a successful round of talks as soon as possible. US officials said they have confidence in UN envoy Griffiths efforts, and were not concerned if he thought he needed a slight delay to better prepare for productive consultations. Martin has made great progress and we continue to support his efforts, a US official, speaking not for attribution, told Al-Monitor. We reiterate our call for the parties to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible to resolve the conflict. Asked about an escalating offensive by Saudi- and Emirati-backed fighters toward Hodeidah, just a week after the United States called for a cease-fire and peace talks, the State Department said its message was clear. The United States message remains we need to end this conflict and replace this conflict with compromise, State Department deputy spokesperson Robert Palladino told journalists at the State Department on Wednesday. Weve been clear with Saudi, Emirati and Yemeni officials at every level that the destruction of critical infrastructure or destruction of the delivery of vital aid and commercial goods is unacceptable, and we are in close contact with our partners, Palladino said. We continue to call for a cessation of hostilities and vigorous resumption of a political track, Palladino said. That is the way forward. Thats how we are going to ease this humanitarian crisis. The recent statements by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis expressing support for Griffiths Yemen peace efforts are good, but senior US government officials, in particular Pompeo, need to give Yemen more sustained, high-level attention, for the UN efforts to succeed, former US Ambassador to Yemen Gerald Feierstein said. When John Kerry was still there, he made it one of his priorities, and he spent a fair amount of time trying personally to advance negotiations, Feierstein, now with the Middle East Institute, told Al-Monitor. My view has always been that Pompeo needs to do the same thing. Feierstein proposed that Pompeo work with British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt to revive the Friends of Yemen group to give strong international backing to Griffiths peace efforts, and which can also offer inducements to the parties in the talks. What you want to do is provide strong, international support for what Martin Griffiths is doing, Feierstein said. You want to empower Griffiths. The British have generally taken the lead in international efforts on Yemen, including at the UN Security Council and through the Friends of Yemen. But when Pompeo and Mattis issued statements last week calling for a Yemen cease-fire and throwing their support to Griffiths, it did not seem that Britain had been consulted, though British officials soon after echoed support for the cease-fire calls. The apparent lack of consultation could be a sign that the US statements were made primarily because of US domestic political pressure in the wake of the Saudi killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, not a substantive shift in US policy on Yemen, Feierstein said. The Yemen conflict is exceedingly complicated and the international community is not in a position to address all of its drivers, some of them long-standing, at once, Feierstein said at a conference hosted by the Middle East Institute today. What is needed is to address it in phases, and to move to address the most immediate conflict, the war between the Saudi-backed Yemeni government and the Houthis, first, he said. We do need more senior level, sustained US engagement to provide effective support for Griffiths efforts, Feierstein said. A special envoy for Yemen would give the war the attention it needs, Bruce Riedel, a veteran National Security Council and CIA official and contributor to Al-Monitors Gulf Pulse, told Al-Monitor. It could also open the door for an American dialogue with the Houthis, which is needed. Of course, we should also send an ambassador to Riyadh, Riedel added. The White House announced Wednesday that President Donald Trump intends to nominate outgoing US Ambassador to Yemen Matthew Tueller to be the next US ambassador to Iraq, as Al-Monitor first reported in July. It announced last month the nomination of diplomat Christopher Henzel, currently the deputy chief of mission at the US Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to be the next US envoy to Yemen. US officials remain in daily contact with Griffiths office. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Arabian Gulf Affairs Tim Lenderking plays an active role in US Yemen issues, and Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan hosts a monthly meeting with nongovernmental organizations and humanitarian agencies concerned about the devastating humanitarian crisis in Yemen. The UN and aid groups warn that some 14 million people in Yemen half the population are at risk of famine, after over three years of war and salaries not getting paid have drained household coffers. More recently, the plunge in value of the Yemeni currency, the rial, and a spike in food and fuel prices have further reduced peoples purchasing power. Sustained malnutrition and lack of access to medical care has also made people in Yemen more vulnerable to diseases, such as cholera. People are not able to recover between spikes in the fighting in Yemen, Oxfam Americas Scott Paul, recently back from Yemen, told a meeting of humanitarian groups and journalists on Wednesday. In the Yemen conflict and accompanying economic collapse, there are recurring shocks but in between there is no recovery, Paul said. People are not rebuilding their assets, to improve their income or nutrition. So people are just getting sicker and more malnourished and more vulnerable. Since the Saudi-led intervention in Yemen in 2015, everything is worse, Jeffrey Feltman, former UN undersecretary of political affairs and top US Middle East diplomat, said at a conference hosted by the Middle East Institute today. At some point when you are in a hole, stop digging, Feltman said. This war needs to stop. Attorneys representing black students at Alabama A&M University filed a federal lawsuit Friday asking that the students votes in this weeks mid-term election be counted. As evidence, the lawsuit includes screen shots of the Alabama Secretary of States website showing the four students filing the lawsuit as ineligible the day of the election and eligible two days later. Secretary of State John Merrill is the states chief election officer responsible for the balloting, and the lawsuit names him and Madison County Board of Registrars Chairman Linda Hairston as defendants. It was filed in federal court in Huntsville Friday by the NAACPs Legal Defense Fund. Hairston and Merrill declined comment early Friday afternoon. After a telephone conference late Friday afternoon, U.S. District Judge Madeline Haikala set a hearing on the lawsuit Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. in Birmingham. Haikala ordered state and county officials not to take any action before then regarding provisional ballots. All ballots and results from the election are set by law to be certified as official Tuesday at noon, leaving the judge time to take action after the hearing or let the certification continue. The lawsuit asks that the court order that any voter forced to cast a provisional ballot have their provisional ballot accepted and counted. If Haikala Huntsville agrees, that could result in hundreds of ballots being added to the totals reported earlier this week. Hairston said Friday that the county has never had this many provisional ballots and is still processing them. Additional evidence in the suit includes a sworn statement by a volunteer helping register students at Alabama A&M before the election and monitoring the polling place on the day of voting. The polling place ran out of provisional ballots multiple times throughout Election Day, Virginia Bailey said. The result was that there were hour-long wait times to cast provisional ballots, and I believe that at least some students left without voting. The four A&M students named as plaintiffs are Jordon Jackson, Kendra Jones, Terry Matthews III and Simeon Sykes. All of them say they completed voter registration forms that were not processed before the election. As a result, poll workers informed the plaintiffs that they were not registered to vote, and thus made them cast provisional ballots, the lawsuit says. Yet the day after the election, the Alabama Secretary of States website lists plaintiffs as registered to vote with their polling place listed as the gymnasium at AAMU. The lawsuit further claims that Hairston and Merrill have failed to certify (the four students) provisional ballots, meaning their ballots will not be counted. (Updated Friday, Nov. 9, at 5 p.m. with additional information) This is an opinion column. Why even vote, really? Too bad you cant just register as a Democrat or Republican and let the party handle the rest. Because thats pretty much whats happening already. I mean, 65 percent of the people who voted in Alabama Tuesday voted straight ticket, choosing partisan identity over qualifications, or demeanor, or sanity, or even residency. Linda Hall, a Democratic candidate for a judgeship in Jefferson County, won her race with 53 percent of the vote. Even though shed been cited in court documents for a wide range of bizarre behavior like believing she could conjure the dead. Even though a judge ruled she could not take office even if she got the most votes because she didnt live in the county long enough to meet the residency requirements. She got the most votes despite all that. Because of straight-ticket voting. Because voters, Democrats and Republicans, would rather pull a lever for a donkey or an elephant than a person. Because with people, you have to worry about sizing up the candidates. With people, you have to pay attention to stump speeches or interviews. With straight-ticket voting, you dont have to do anything but sit back and pick a side and wait for the unraveling of the Republic. In Jefferson County and some other places, for instance, the only way to win these days is to call yourself a Democrat. Statewide, the only way to win is to call yourself a Republican. It cuts both ways. Bad Democrats were elected over more qualified Republicans, and bad Republicans were elected over more qualified Democrats. Because 65 percent of Alabamians who voted didnt want to muddle through the whole ballot. Its a stunning number, up from less than 50 percent in the most recent elections. Which was still a lot. In Jefferson 73 percent of voters cast straight ticket ballots, and 58 percent of the straight tickets came from Democrats. Democrats in Montgomery County cast 68 percent of the straight ticket votes there. Across the state 59 percent of straight-ticket votes went to Republicans. It doesnt really matter what you stand for. Just the label you put by your name. Alabama is one of only a handful of states that still allows straight ticket voting. There are eight now, but Texas will end it in 2020, leaving only Alabama, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Utah. Five states have abolished straight ticket voting this decade. Most have come to realize straight-ticket voting destroys any chance for an independent or third-party candidate, that it allows unqualified muffin-heads to win races they dont belong in, and it increases partisanship, particularly in local races that should have little to do with party identity. Like judges, who we want to be unbiased and independent, until we elect them with a broad, straight ticket. And some are swept into power not on their experience or professionalism or integrity but the party by their name. Of course its all political, you might say. Who benefits depends only on where you are. In Alabama straight-ticket voting used to help Democrats across the state, and now except in those urban centers it helps the Republicans. It is as bad now as it was back then and as bad then as it is now. So it probably wont change. Not until it really starts to help a party thats out of power. Because fairness, and good policy, and qualified public officials are not the goal. The goal is power. And thats easier to hold onto with blind, straight-ticket voting. Too bad the party cant just handle it for you. John Archibald, a Pulitzer Prize winner, is a columnist for Reckon by AL.com. His column appears in The Birmingham News, the Huntsville Times, the Mobile Register and AL.com. Write him at jarchibald@al.com. Protesters gathered in cities throughout Alabama Thursday night to demand support for special counsel Robert Muellers investigation into Russian interference with the 2016 presidential election. Around 275 people showed up to demonstrate in front of the Vance Federal Building on Fifth Avenue North in Birmingham. When you see this type of turnout in Birmingham, Alabama, I think it shows that people are very anxious and concerned about the chaos that is happening at the top levels of government, said Carole Griffin with Birmingham Indivisible, who called the gathering the act of concerned Americans of all political affiliations. She said Jeff Sessions recusal from the Russia investigation due to his conflict of interest was the right thing to do. She added that Trumps offense at Sessions recusal is concerning to her and many others who gathered Thursday. That that has been seen as a concern for everyone across the political spectrum, Griffin said. I do believe this is very different than anything else thats happened. Its a very grave and serious moment for our democracy. Protesters chanted What do we want? Justice! When do we want it? Now! repeatedly at different moments throughout the demonstration. Former Birmingham neighborhood president John Carrol Meehan said those in power in Washington D.C. should be held to the law just like Birmingham residents are. We see whats going on, he said. If you rob a store, youre going to jail. Why would Trump want to fire Jeff Sessions? It must be something Mueller is doing, Meehan continued. He said hes working to draw up a resolution with leaders from Birminghams 99 neighborhoods in support of the Mueller investigation. Shea Rives, also of Birmingham Indivisible, charged protesters to call their senators and legislators and ask them to protect the Mueller investigation. Huntsville protest d still going after 30 minutes with no one leaving and enthusiasm not waning. https://t.co/P93HMf99Sf Paul Gattis (@paul_gattis) November 8, 2018 Huntsville About 100 people when rally started at 5 p.m. but crowd swelled and estimations were revised to at least 150 people. Protest took place on sidewalk outside building where U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks has his Huntsville office at 2101 Clinton Avenue downtown. At least a dozen different people spoke at the rally, taking turns with a megaphone to make statements or lead cheers. The event lasted an hour and never saw a dip in enthusiasm and few if any people left. And when the event was ended, people still milled around as if in no hurry to leave despite the cool temperatures and occasional drizzle. Two main points emphasized at the rally: That acting AG Matthew Whitaker should recuse himself from the Russia investigation and that Congress should protect the investigation and Special Counsel Robert Mueller. Crowd had some interesting chants. Robert Mueller, hes our man Hes gonna put Trump in the can We need a leader Not a creepy tweeter Wheres Mo Brooks? Hiding! Wheres Mo Brooks? Hiding! Brooks office phone number was announced to the crowd, which was encouraged to call him in support of the Mueller investigation. This is a long battle were in, organizer David Odom told the crowd at the rally. This is just one small step. At another point, Odom praised the crowd. This is what it takes, showing up. Crowd was encouraged not to let the fact that they live in dark red Alabama deter them from being heard. There was also emphasis on signing a clipboard being passed around for organizational purposes. There is power in numbers, Odom told the crowd. If Trump keeps pushing and nobody pushes back, things get pretty scary quickly, Odom told the crowd. Florence Around 80 people organized in front of the post office in downtown Florence Thursday night. Organizers Benjamin Newbern and Marilyn Lee of Northwest Alabama Indivisible said they were impressed with the turnout, considering the short amount of time they had to plan. It is a constitutional crisis now, Lee told AL.com over the phone. We organized to let the president know its not right what hes doing and that putting Whitaker in is illegal and immoral. Its so clear hes [Trump] guilty of something or his family is guilty of something because he doesnt want to be investigated. We want to hold him accountable. Organizers said people came and went throughout the night. Impressed and enthused by local folks coming together--especially on late notice--to do their civic duty, Newbern said. According to MoveOn, other rallies were held in Auburn, Tuscaloosa and Fairhope. Hundreds of other demonstrations and protests were held across the country. The tenuous future of Bellefonte Nuclear Plant has been extended a brief reprieve. TVA said Friday it has moved the deadline to Nov. 30 for Nuclear Development LLC to close on its purchase of the unfinished facility in northeast Alabama. The original deadline, set two years ago when Nuclear Development won the auction bidding for the TVA plant, was for the sale to close on Nov. 14. Nuclear Developments plans to complete the plant and bring it online appeared to be on the brink of collapse after Memphis Light, Gas & Water declined to enter into a binding agreement to purchase power from the plant after having signed a non-binding letter of intent in January 2018. Nuclear Development CEO Bill McCollum wrote in a guest column in the Memphis Commercial Appeal that without a deal with Memphis Light, the company could not secure federal loans to complete the plant and might walk away from the purchase altogether. With the two-week extension, Nuclear Development has pushed that deadline a little further into the future. At the request of Nuclear Development, TVA has extended the deadline for closing on the sale of the property until Friday, November 30, 2018, TVA spokesman Jim Hopson said in an email Friday to AL.com. Short-term extensions are common in commercial contracts and we believed it was in the best interest of all parties to agree to this request. Nuclear Development won the plant with a $111 million bid. The company has already paid $22 million to TVA. Earlier this year, Nuclear Development held a community event at the plant to tout its plans which called for about 1,000 high-paying jobs at the plant. Nuclear Development is seeking $8.6 billion in loans from the U.S. Department of Energy to bring the plant online for the first time. McCollum wrote in his column that his company needs to provide evidence of a customer, which is why the binding agreement with Memphis Light was needed. Memphis Light reportedly TVAs largest customer -- has expressed a bevy of concerns about getting its electricity from Nuclear Development despite the savings promised by the company. Alabama Sen. Doug Jones is sending his support to CNN correspondent Jim Acosta amid a battle with the White House. Jones, D-Birmingham, said Freedom of the press was considered by our founding fathers of such importance that they made it 1st. In America, we should not only applaud the tough questions- but strive to answer them honestly (and) ensure the press is able to keep power in check. Without exception, he wrote, adding the hashtag #Acosta. Freedom of the press was considered by our founding fathers of such importance that they made it 1st. In America, we should not only applaud the tough questions- but strive to answer them honestly... & ensure the press is able to keep power in check. Without exception.#Acosta Doug Jones (@DougJones) November 8, 2018 The White House suspended Acostas press pass this week after he sparred with President Trump over questions related to the caravan of migrants headed to the southern U.S. border. During the press conference ,a female White House aid tried to take the microphone from Acosta but was unsuccessful and the White House responded with removing his credentials. In a statement, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Acostas actions were absolutely unacceptable. President Trump believes in a free press and expects and welcomes tough questions of him and his Administration. We will, however, never tolerate a reporter placing his hands on a young woman just trying to do her job as a White House intern, Sanders said. President Trump believes in a free press and expects and welcomes tough questions of him and his Administration. We will, however, never tolerate a reporter placing his hands on a young woman just trying to do her job as a White House intern... Sarah Sanders (@PressSec) November 8, 2018 Acosta and CNN responded. Former state Rep. Jack Williams of Vestavia Hills is expected to sign a pretrial diversion agreement today concerning his alleged role in a scheme that prosecutors say involved three state legislators. Clark Morris, first assistant U.S. attorney for the Middle District of Alabama, said that if Williams completes the terms of the agreement, prosecutors will drop the charges against the former Republican lawmaker. Terms of the agreement were not available. Williams has denied wrongdoing. His lawyer and prosecutors had previously said he was expected to enter pretrial diversion. The case concerns several diabetes treatment clinics that opened in Alabama in 2014 and 2015 that have since closed. The clinics were affiliated with Trina Health, a company based in California. Prosecutors allege that Trina Health CEO G. Ford Gilbert bribed Alabama lawmakers to support legislation in an effort to force or coerce insurance companies to cover the artificial pancreas treatments at the clinics. Medicare and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama had denied coverage of the treatment. Williams, who chaired the House Commerce and Small Business Committee, presided over a hearing on the bill in 2016. An indictment issued by a federal grand jury in March says that Williams had dinner with Gilbert and promised to have the bill assigned to his committee and to hold a public hearing on it. The indictment said Williams did so while knowing that another state lawmaker, former House Majority Leader Micky Hammon of Decatur, had financial ties to Gilberts business. The bill did not pass. Williams was not charged in a second, superseding indictment issued in the case in July. The three men charged -- Gilbert, former state Rep. Randy Davis, R-Daphne and lobbyist and former state Republican Party Chairman Marty Connors -- have all pleaded not guilty. A trial is scheduled for January. The defendants have accused prosecutors of misconduct, saying they made prejudicial statements that influenced the grand jury. Prosecutors have denied any misconduct. Williams did not run for the reelection to the Legislature this year but ran for the Jefferson County Commission. He stayed in the race after the indictment and lost in the Republican primary. Hours before ex-U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions was fired yesterday by President Trump, the speculation began about his future plans. At noon Thursday about two hours before news of Sessions firing became public former Alabama Sen. Luther Strange, Sessions successor, tweeted, Jeff Sessions for Senate 2020! Jeff Sessions for Senate in 2020! #alpolitics Luther Strange (@lutherstrange) November 7, 2018 Whether Stranges tweet signaled that he had inside knowledge of the breaking news is unclear; the former senator could not be reached for comment. Also unclear is what Sessions does from here. Does he run for his old seat, as Strange suggests? Does he cash in on his government experience and enter the lucrative lobbying world with Strange? Rake in a seven-figure salary at a law firm? Enjoy a quiet retirement in his home base of Mobile? Heres some things to consider as the former attorney general and Alabama senator makes his choice: Back to practicing law Sessions entire career involved some aspect of the law, whether it was writing them or enforcing them. He was also briefly in private practice shortly after graduating from law school, and Sessions may decide to go back to a firm, albeit in a higher-profile role. He would be a prime choice, starting with the D.C. law firms, said U.W. Clemon, former chief judge of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama. Any of the D.C. law firms have [probably] already made contact with him. Theyll be more than million-dollar offers. Believe me, there are legions of Republican-oriented law firms in D.C. who would love to have him. If Sessions decides to stick closer to home, hell have no shortage of options at law firms in Alabama, including Balch & Bingham and Maynard, Cooper & Gale. If he wants a more low-key role, he could join his son, Sam Sessions, at Wallace, Jordan, Ratliff & Brandt in Birmingham. Lobbying? If Sessions doesnt seek his old seat, has no further political ambitions, but doesnt opt for a quiet retirement, one of the most lucrative options in his future could be as a lobbyist. After decades in federal government, the 71-year-old Sessions has amassed a large Rolodex of contacts that could be valuable to Washingtons top lobbying firms; Sessions has built relationships with many members of Congress. His inside knowledge of the Trump White House would also be highly sought after. Contacts is the main thing, Clemon said. Lobbying would come with short-term limitations, however. Soon after he entered the White House, President Trump signed an executive order barring executive branch officials from lobbying their federal agencies for two years after they leave their posts. This means Sessions would be banned from lobbying the Justice Department, but he would be free to have contact with any other area of government. The ban would hardly affect Sessions, as lobbying Congress would be much more lucrative than lobbying an executive branch agency. Net worth Does he even need to work? Sessions average net worth is around $7 million, according to the latest financial disclosure he filed with the Senate in 2017. We say average net worth because the disclosure forms only allow for broad ranges of the values of investments. The majority of Sessions net worth comes from his ownership of some 1,600 acres of unimproved land on 16 parcels in Wilcox, Choctaw and Monroe counties worth between $15,000 and $1 million apiece. He earned another $525,000 off the land in 2015 from selling timber on three of the properties. He also owns scores of mutual funds and local government bonds. Pension Aside from his net worth, Sessions started receiving a full Senate pension after he left the body to join the Trump administration. Senators over age 62 with at least five years of service receive a full pension following retirement. Under the congressional pension formula, Sessions is receiving a pension of $60,520 a year. Homes Sessions has mortgages on three homes one on his Mobile residence and two Washington, D.C. properties that were incurred between 2010 and 2015. The homes are worth between $450,000 and $1 million combined. Campaign cash Sessions has $2.5 million in his campaign war chest, and all of that money will be available to him should he seek his old seat in 2020. Last year alone, Sessions campaign account grew by $27,000 without a single contribution the account earned that much from interest-bearing bank accounts. The former attorney general could clear the Republican primary field if he does announce his intention to run, likely pitting him against Democratic Sen. Doug Jones, who has $2.2 million in cash on hand. If Sessions either raises or spends $5,000 the interest earned on his campaign account doesnt qualify toward a 2020 run, he will have to file disclosure reports with the Federal Election Commission. If he doesnt run, he can continue to hoard the cash and keep his options open, donate the funds to charity or transfer them to Republican candidates and PACs. FEC rules forbid Sessions from using the money as a personal piggy bank. Deadlines Sessions is in no rush in weighing a potential 2020 bid for Senate (Jones has yet to even file his intention to run for re-election.) But he will have to make a decision 116 days before Alabamas primary season gets underway with Marchs presidential primary, which would put the deadline for his candidacy at late November or early December 2019, according to the Alabama secretary of states office. Residency Its unclear whether Sessions lists his Mobile home or one of his D.C. houses as his primary residency, but like the filing deadline to qualify for the ballot, Sessions has time to ensure he is qualified to serve if he attempts to reclaim his old seat. Senate rules say candidates must be a resident of the state they want to represent at the time of the election, so Sessions would have until Election Day 2020 to establish residency in Alabama. He can do what he wants to do Whatever Sessions decides for his future, hes not short on options. He can do what he wants to do, Clemon said. The Archdiocese of Mobile announced Friday that it will publish a list of clergy removed from the ministry due to accusations of child sex abuse dating back to the 1950s. The dioceses of Birmingham, Biloxi, and Jackson (MS) will also produce lists of clergy accused of similar abuses, according to the press release. It is a time-consuming effort to examine each clergy personnel file from the last almost 7 decades, said the Archbishop of Mobile Thomas J. Rodi. This effort is underway and will be completed as quickly as possible. The announcement comes a week after the Archdiocese of New Orleans released the names of 57 priests and other clergy that faced credible accusations of child sex abuse. All of those accused have since died or been removed from the clergy, according to the Archbishop of New Orleans Gregory Aymond. Of the total, 20 priests named by Aymond were also responsible for investigating the child sex abuse accusations. 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, Aymond wrote, adding, Jesus reminds us, The truth will set you free. The list was handed to the Orleans Parish District Attorney. AL.com has asked Mobile District Attorney Ashley Rich if she will examine the names once the list is produced. She has yet to respond. Earlier this year, more than a dozen states launched full investigations into child sex abuse at the hands of Catholic clergy, an issue that first gained nationwide prominence during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Federal prosecutors also recently began a statewide investigation into abuses across Pennsylvania, where its predicted that around 1000 children were abused by 300 Catholic priests over the last 70 years, according to a Grand Jury report from August. The report said that it was likely thousands more had been abused but their records had been lost or they were too afraid to come forward. Since the late 1990s, Archdioceses across the country have compensated victims in multi million dollar payouts. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Dallas, for example, paid out more than $30 million to twelve victims in 1998 in what was one of the first major settlements in the country. Since then hundreds of cases involving thousands of victims have seen more than $3 billion paid out by various dioceses across the country. The result for at least eight archdioceses was bankruptcy, which depending on how much money the diocese has, can mean a smaller or no payout for victims. Most dioceses in this situation file whats known as Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which allows them to reorganize their debts. Its not yet known what the criminal or civil implications will be when the names are unveiled in Alabama. In recent years the lifting of the civil statute of limitations in some states has resulted in decades-old child sex abuse claims coming forward. In Alabama, the current civil statute of limitations is two years from the date of the injury. It starts with a nod. Always with a nod. You dont have to explain it to the people of Winston County. Just say Trump and 2016 and its more reliable than gravity. Heads start nodding. They know their distinction. They know that their little county of infinitely rolling hills and small towns about an hour northwest of Birmingham voted more decisively, percentage-wise, for President Trump than any other in the country with more than 2,500 votes cast. Not the state. The country. Were the Trumpiest, one woman said this week. Indeed, they backed Trump with a staggering 89.5 percent of the vote. Alabamas 4th Congressional District also cast the highest number of votes, percentage-wise, of any district in the country at 80.3 percent. And still the 10,313 voters in Winston County, part of that district represented by Republican Robert Aderholt, were more than 9 points ahead of the average. Yes, there were two counties in Texas that had higher Trump voting percentages than Winston County. But both were so tiny that even the largest the 2,306 overall votes cast in Wheeler County was not even half as many as Alabamas smallest county voter turnout in the same election. The other Texas county, Roberts, had only 554 votes cast. So two years later on Election Day 2018, AL.com visited Winston County and spoke to voters about Trump, about Republicans and about how they were voting now halfway through the presidents first term in office. The answers were as diverse as the color of falling autumn leaves. Check your assumptions at the county line. That really bothers me about stereotypes, said Cindy Guthrie, a Trump voter from Lynn who was volunteering Tuesday in the Winston County Archives across the street from the courthouse in downtown Double Springs. These are honest, hard-working people. And 98 percent of us still have our own teeth. Thats a gentle way of telling you not to bring your poor, redneck assumptions to their sparsely populated county of almost 24,000 people. One stereotype you can cast, though, is the folks of Winston County are Republican-voting folks. The Trumpiest in 2016, they werent quite the Ivey-est on Tuesday but they were close. Winston County backed the governor with 85.4 percent of their votes. Three other counties had higher Ivey percentages Cleburne was the highest at 88.2 percent, less than 3 percentage points more than Winston. Winston also liked these statewide Republican candidates: Lieutenant governor Will Ainsworth (88.8 percent of the vote), Attorney General Steve Marshall (85.2) and Supreme Court Chief Justice Tom Parker (85.5). We havent run all the Democrats off yet, joked Don Stepp of Double Springs as he headed to vote his straight-ticket Republican ballot at the towns municipal center. But its not so much about the party as the person, Stepp said. I vote for the person I most believe in, he said. In 2016, that was Trump. The Democratic Party has been leaning too far left, in my opinion, Stepp said. Who didnt vote for Trump? If you want to have some fun, ask people in this Trumpiest Trump enclave if they know someone who didnt vote for him in 2016. At the Winston County Archives, the question bounced across the room to four people. No. No. No. I know one. Stepp talked about working with a Democrat in Cullman County, a great guy for whom he would do anything. He voted for Hillary Clinton in 2016 and he and Stepp still coexist. But in Winston County? Know anybody who didnt vote for Trump? Honestly, no, Stepp said. Im sure there is one. At his outdoor equipment business in Double Springs, Brandon Lewis confessed. He didnt vote for Trump at least not in the 2016 GOP primary in Alabama. He voted instead for Florida Sen. Marco Rubio. But he came around to Trump in the general election. On the sidewalk in downtown Double Springs, a man who did not want to give his name said he didnt vote for Trump. So, yes, the search for a non-Trump voter found success. Alas, he said he didnt vote for anyone in the presidential election in 2016 one of 13,601 in Alabama who cast ballots but left the presidential race blank. As he swept leaves from the sidewalk, he said his neighbors Trump voting frenzy had another motivation: Hillary Clinton. I think they were voting for the lesser of two evils, he said. And, indeed, the man said he wouldve voted for Trump over his Democratic opponent but couldnt bring himself to do it. So many reasons to like Trump So what is it about the Trumpiest place in the country? And how did that translate to Tuesdays midterm elections? Oh, there are so many reasons, said Sharlene Fisher of Addison. They dont so much love Trump as they respect Trump. What they see in Winston County is a president making a difference making, yes, America great again. We needed somebody outside (of Washington) who is not a politician, Fisher said as she exited the Addison community center after voting. Hes a big business man and knows how to run a business. Fisher, who said she watched every Trump campaign rally in the week leading up to election day, said she voted straight Republican because she wanted to elect people who would help Trump bring his agenda to life. I voted for Trump, said Joyce VanHorn, another voter in Addison. When all is said and done, hes for the American people. At his business in Double Springs, Lewis stood behind the counter and unleashed his view of the political world. If youve got a D by your name, Lewis said of Democrats, it tells me you stand for everything the Democratic platform stands for -- abortion, gay marriage. Im conservative and the Democratic Party is not conservative. I think the government ought to keep me safe and have a good infrastructure. Me and God can do the rest of it. Is that how most people in Winston County feel? Lewis took a couple of seconds to consider his response. Id say my perspective is about 90 percent spot on of voters (in Winston County), he said. Winston County is a conservative county. And his reason for voting for Trump: I voted for the Supreme Court. Lewis also mentioned that there are coal mines just down the road from Double Springs an industry Trump has embraced. Hes for the working man, Lewis said. The reasons keep going. At the archives, Guthrie talked about moving the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. And Trump has promised to rebuild the military, which she said suffered under former President Barack Obama. To Guthrie, the military matters. Her husband fought in Vietnam and her son is on his fifth overseas deployment. Maj. Ben Webster was shot twice in his first deployment and because he is in Army intelligence, he cant reveal his whereabouts to even his mother. She pulls out her cell phone to show off pictures of her son in his dress uniform laden with honors and commendations. I dont even know where he is, said Guthrie, though she can connect enough dots to know hes in the Middle East somewhere. The biggest reason I voted for Trump, she had said earlier, was because of his blatant honesty. In business, you have to be blunt. Thats what the people of Winston County appreciate about him. So this is the Trumpiest place in America and this is why they are. Somehow, the New York billionaire has made a connection in rural America. And, specifically in this case, rural Alabama. But a word of advice, Mr. President, from the heartland of Alabama. He needs to get off Twitter, Lewis said, and put his phone away. The first retired Birmingham police officer rehired under a new initiative to lure experienced cops back to the force was presented his badge Friday in a small ceremony at police headquarters. Officer Lawrence Billups, who retired from the department Oct. 27, 2017, will hit the city streets once again on Monday. Im excited to return and I look forward to returning to work with the public, Billups said. Billups first joined the Birmingham Police Department in March 1991 and retired one year ago after 26 years of service. He will return to the North Precinct, his last assignment before his retirement. The department in September announced the launch of the new initiative to reverse the trend of officers putting in their 20 or so years of service, retiring in their 40s and moving on to another, usually smaller department where they collect their pension plus a new paycheck. The longtime practice has been a financial win-win for the officers but has long been a strain on manpower for BPD, the state's largest police agency. "For decades we've lost well-trained officers to 28 other cities in Jefferson County and across the state,'' said Assistant Chief Allen Treadaway. "We've basically been fronting all their training, and the city doesn't get reimbursed for any of that." Police officials are looking to rehire officers who have retired, and also to allow current officers eligible for retirement to separate from the department for just 45 days and return with a salary plus their pension. The Birmingham Police Department is the first in the state to launch such an initiative. "It's something I've worked on very hard,'' Treadaway said in September. "A lot of our officers are being recruited away. The demand for law enforcement is great, but the resources are not." State legislation drafted by Treadaway, who represents Alabama House District 51, passed last year paved the way for the new initiative. Birmingham Police Chief Patrick Smith, who took the helm in June, has been focusing on replenishing the force, which is down more than 100 officers, mainly because of attrition. Birmingham Police Chief Patrick Smith, left, presented Officer Lawrence Billups with his badge on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018. Billups is the first retired officer to return to the department under a new rehire initiative. "This shows the mayor and the chief of police are serious about public safety and having a force capable of making the City of Birmingham a safer place,'' Treadaway said. Under the new rehiring program, retired officers who rejoin the force will serve as full-time officers with full benefits. No matter their rank when they retired, they will come in as officers and can rise no higher than the rank of sergeant. They will receive their pension from their previous tour of duty. Once rehired, however, they will continue to put into the city pension fund but will not accrue anything beyond what they were receiving when they retired the first time. "It is no different than leaving here and taking a job somewhere else,'' Treadaway said. Under the law, the police department is authorized to rehire 10 percent of its force, which is about 90 officers. "It will allow us to retain the experienced officers,'' he said. Under Chief Patrick Smith's direction, the department is carrying out a three-prong attack on the deficiency in officers. In addition to the rehiring effort, police officials also have beefed up efforts to recruit new officers and are also recruiting officers to make lateral transfers from other departments to the Birmingham Police Department, which is exactly the opposite of past trends. Since his arrival, Smith has implemented several operational plans for the department and structured the patrol work schedules to better meet the needs of the citizens. All laterals transfers indicated they were attracted to the departments four-day, 10-hour work scheduling plan which the chief implemented shortly after he took over in June. Currently, the Birmingham Police Department has another 35 retired officers in the rehire process. There are 11 officers in the BPD lateral academy and 24 recruits in the Birmingham Police Academy. Combined, if all are successful, will add an additional 71 officers to our patrol and detective operations, Smith said. The Birmingham Police Department is on the move by using creative hiring practices and ensuring our officers have the resources to perform their duties. A 27-year-old Birmingham man was sentenced to prison Thursday for killing a man two years ago. Jeremy Bernard Robertson was convicted in October of provocation manslaughter for the April 2016 slaying of 35-year-old Ronald Billingsley. Jefferson County Bessemer Division Circuit Judge David Carpenter sentenced Robertson Thursday to 15 years in prison. Robertson was arrested several months after the shooting, which happened about 9 p.m. on April 29, 2016 in the 6200 block of Handy Avenue in the Roosevelt community, and was originally charged with murder. Birmingham police said at the time that detectives learned both men got into an argument and started shooting at each other over an incident that started several days earlier involving Billingsley and his girlfriend. Police said Billingsley's girlfriend's brother was retaliating against Billingsley for shooting at his sister. Billingsley was pronounced dead at UAB Hospital, and Robertson was seriously injured. Assistant District Attorneys Adrienne Ward Belcher and LeAnna Huddleston prosecuted the case, and Robertson was represented by Yusuf Olufemi. A convicted felon has been identified as the man accused of stealing a Birmingham police cruiser during a traffic stop last week. Lawrence Quindarrius Saulmarshall, 27, is charged with first-degree auto theft. Jail records show he was booked into he Jefferson County Jail Friday, Nov. 2, just before 8:30 p.m. He was released the following day after posting $25,000 bond. The incident happened shortly before noon Friday n the West Precinct. Police officials say an officer tried to stop a vehicle driving recklessly on Pike Road. At first the motorist now identified as Saulmarshall - wouldnt stop but finally pulled over near 58th Street. He took off running, doubled back and then hopped into police SUV unit 442 and took off. Saulmarshall led officers to the Jerry D. Coleman Community Center in Fairfield where he fled on foot again. More than a dozen police units flocked to the scene and tracking dogs searched for him for hours. A detective signed a warrant against him Friday afternoon and police arrested him Friday night. Saulmarshall pleaded guilty in 2011 to attempted murder in connection with a 2010 shooting in the 2800 block of Avenue V in Ensley. Records show he shot at a man that night but did not injure him. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison, with three years to serve followed by three years of probation. At the time of his conviction, the judge noted that Saulmarshall still had bullets lodged in his neck, arm and buttocks that were not removed during surgery and were close to vital organs. According to DOC records, he completed an eight-week drug treatment program in prison. It wasnt immediately clear when he was released, but he was arrested again in 2016 on probation violation for failing to report to his probation officer. He also received traffic citations in 2015 and 2016 for speeding and for twice driving without a license. A court date has not yet been set. A reward is being offered for information leading to the capture of a convicted bank robber who hit banks in Florida and Alabama over the past month. Myron William Ernst, a 60-year-old South Carolina man, has been identified as the suspect in a holdup at Regions Bank in Montgomery earlier this week and Regions Bank in Hoover last month. The FBI in Florida has announced a $5,000 reward to help solicit leads on his whereabouts after they say he robbed two banks there, also in October, and the agency noted his accused crimes in Alabama. Ernst has been on the run since September when, according to federal documents, he cut off his electronic monitoring device while on probation in a string a bank robberies a decade ago. This weeks holdup in Montgomery happened Wednesday at the Atlanta Highway branch. According to Montgomery police, the suspect entered the bank about 11 a.m., produced a threatening note demanding money and then fled on foot. Central Alabama Crime Stoppers identified the suspect as Ernst and said he was last seen wearing a red shirt and blue jeans. The Hoover robbery happened Oct. 22 holdup at Regions Bank on Montgomery Highway. Hoover police Capt. Gregg Rector said police officers arrived at the bank that Monday within two minutes of the Hoover 911 Center receiving the alarm, but the suspect had already fled. Police said the white male now identified as Ernst - presented a note to the teller, demanding money. He implied that he had a gun, though one was not displayed. He took an undetermined amount of cash and was last seen on foot walking southbound. A warrant for his arrested charging him with first-degree robbery was issued Oct. 23 and police and federal authorities have been searching for him since then. "Mr. Ernst is a serial bank robber and were aware of his other crimes in Florida, and then again today in Montgomery,'' Rector said earlier this week. We believe the appropriate agencies are looking for him and that his days on the run are numbered at this point. Ernst was released from federal prison in August after pleading guilty in 2010 to robbing six banks, including heists in Charleston, Orange Park, Fla., Huntsville and Montgomery, Mobile and Panama City. Since then, according to court records and authorities, Ernst is believed to have picked up where he left off after heading to the big house eight years ago. In addition to being accused in the Montgomery robbery, Ernst also is sought in an Oct. 12 bank robbery in Polk County, Fla., an Oct. 9 holdup in Clay County, Fla., and at least one more. Ernst was not wearing any disguise and doesnt appear to have done so in any of his previous holdups. The Clay County, Fla. robbery happened about 9:30 a.m. Oct. 9 at Bank of America in Orange Park, a suburb of Jacksonsville the same bank he robbed 10 years ago. He fled in a vehicle. Clay County sheriffs officials said they worked with other law enforcement agencies to quickly identify and issue a warrant for Ernst. They cautioned the public that he might be armed and warned anyone who saw him no to approach him. The Polk County Sheriffs Office says Ernst robbed the TD Bank in Lakeland at 12:54 p.m. that Friday, Oct. 12, approaching a teller and passing her a note that demanded money and implied he was armed. Again, he fled with an undisclosed amount of cash. In that crime, Ernst was seen getting into a charcoal gray Ford F-150 truck, last seen leaving the north exit of the shopping plaza, and then heading south on US 98. The truck was possibly occupied by a female. He was wearing a green shirt that read "Levi Strauss & Co" on it, blue jeans, and sneakers. Ernst in 2010 pleaded guilty to holding up six banks. All of them, including the July 31, 2008, holdup of a Regions Bank on Airport Boulevard in Mobile, were transferred to the federal court in Charleston, S.C., where he was arrested in August 2008. He was identified after FBI agents found his fingerprints on a stickup note left during a Regions Bank robbery in Charleston. South Carolina federal Judge P. Michael Duffy sentenced Ernst to 11 years and 5 months in prison and ordered him to make $11,000 in restitution. Ernst was released from federal prison on Aug. 10,2018, but still was on a three-year probation and was only allowed to leave his home between the hours of 4:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. for the purpose of going to work. According to federal court records, Ernst was living in South Carolina and, as part of his probation, working at Origin Point Brands, a manufacturer and distributor of steel and aluminum. His electronic monitoring device showed he left his home between Sept. 22 and Sept. 26, however his probation officer learned he had been fired from his job on Sept. 21. Additionally, records state, the device monitoring center on Sept. 26 notified the probation office of a strap tamper at 10:17 a.m. that day. Authorities conducted a home visit to the Inn Towne Suites where Ernst was living and learned the motel staff had found the electronic monitoring device in an elevator. In late September, federal authorities in South Carolina filed a motion to revoke Ernsts probation and issued a warrant for his arrest. Anyone with information on Ernsts whereabouts is asked to call 911 or any local FBI office. A man was rushed to UAB Hospital after he was found suffering from a gunshot wound in east Birmingham. The shooting apparently happened just before 4 p.m. in the 7500 block of 67th Courtway South. That location is in the Marks Village public housing complex in the Gate City community. Birmingham police said residents found the man outside in front of an apartment and called 911. He was shot in the stomach, and taken within minutes to the hospital by Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service. A sergeant on the scene said they are still trying to determine what happened. The victims girlfriend showed up at the scene, visibly upset. This story will be updated as more information becomes available. JuicedUP Essential, which launched last year as a food truck, is now celebrating the opening of its first non-mobile location at The Pizitz Food Hall in downtown Birmingham. The grand opening is set for 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 11 during the food halls Flashback Brunch. JuicedUP Essentials focuses on creating beautiful, delicious, antioxidant rich and protein-packed foods that enhance energy for wellness-focused activities. The Pizitz Food Hall location serves smoothies, acai bowls, pitaya bowls and cold-pressed juices. Our concept is simple. We want to help drive the healthy dining trend and what better way than offering clean meal options that are also delicious, said Kelsey Gardner, co-founder and owner of JuicedUP Essentials. We are thrilled to open our first location in this iconic space and to work alongside some of Birminghams most talented up-and-coming restaurateurs. The JuicedUP Essentials was launched in 2017, by family members Gardner, Jessica Maciel and Nicholas Blackmon. They joined forces to create a health-focused brand that would resonate with residents and visitors and began selling fresh nutritious meals to the community out of a food truck in Birmingham. The JuicedUP Essentials concept has quickly grown from a start-up food truck to a successful community-oriented brand with a growing following. We are pleased to welcome JuicedUP to a more permanent home in The Pizitz Food Hall alongside other local businesses, said Mindy Rohr, experience manager at The Pizitz Food Hall. We continue to see great consumer interest in access to affordable, health-conscious dining options, so this is a great addition to our lineup as we look to support customers with active lifestyles. Foodies who attend Sundays festivities and purchase an acai or pitaya bowl will be entered to win free bowls for a year. JuicedUP Essentials is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, click here. The Pizitz Food Hall opened in February 2017 and is the first of its kind in the state of Alabama. The Pizitz Food Hall is now home to 13 stalls, two full-service restaurants, The Louis Bar and two retail shops, including Yellowhammer Creative and first-to-state Warby Parker. A 42-year-old man on Alabamas Death Row has been given an execution datethe first one set for 2019. Domineque Ray, 42, is set to be executed at Holman Prison on February 7, according to a court order from the Alabama Supreme Court. His is the first execution date set for the new year, and if carried out will be the first execution since Walter Leroy Moodys execution in April. Ray was sent to death row in 1999 after being convicted of murdering 15-year-old Tiffany Harville during the course of a rape and a robbery. Tiffany and her mother lived in Selma, and her mother left home one night for a work event. When she returned home the next day, no one had seen Tiffany and the teens mother reported her missing. Ray is not one of the several inmates who this year elected to die by nitrogen hypoxia rather than lethal injection, after the state passed a law allowing the alternate method. The state has not released what the protocol for nitrogen hypoxia executions will be, or when they will begin. According to court records, Ray came to the Harville home and offered to help Tiffanys mom search for the teen and pass out fliers. The search for Tiffanys body lasted for months, until Marcus D. Owden came forward and told police that he and Ray were involved in Tiffanys killing. Owden testified during the trial and said Ray knew Tiffany, and Ray wanted to find the teen and have sex with her. He said on July 15, 1995, he and Ray picked up Tiffany and took her to the Sardis community. Owden testified the two men then raped Tiffany, slit her throat, and took her clothes and purse. According to court records, Owden said the purse had about $6 insidethe same amount of cash Tiffanys mom said she gave the teen before she left for work. Court records state Ray confessed his role in the rape and slaying, but named Owden as the primary aggressor. Autopsy reports showed the teen suffered 12 injuries to her skull that were consistent with stab wounds. Owden is currently serving a sentence of life without the possibility of parole in William Donaldson Correctional Facility. WASHINGTON Acting attorney general Matthew Whitaker has no intention of recusing himself from overseeing the special-counsel probe of Russian interference in the 2016 election, according to people close to him who added they do not believe he would approve any subpoena of President Donald Trump as part of that investigation. Since stepping into his new role Wednesday, Whitaker has faced questions - principally from Democrats - about whether he should recuse himself from the Russia investigation, given that he has written opinion pieces about the investigation and is a friend and political ally of a grand jury witness. On Thursday, two people close to Whitaker said he does not plan to take himself off the Russia case. They also said he is deeply skeptical of any effort to force the president's testimony through a subpoena. Special counsel Robert Mueller III has been negotiating for months with Trump's attorneys over the terms of a possible interview of the president. Central to those discussions has been the idea that Mueller could, if negotiations failed, subpoena the president. If Whitaker were to take the threat of a subpoena off the table, that could alter the equilibrium between the two sides and significantly reduce the chances that the president ever sits for an interview. At the Justice Department, ethics officials typically review the past work of senior leaders to see whether they have any financial or personal conflicts that would preclude them from overseeing particular cases. In the past, senior Justice Department officials have tended to follow such advice, but they are rarely required to do so, according to officials familiar with the process. "The consistent tradition, through administrations of both political parties, has been for DOJ's senior leaders to consult career ethics officials on questions of recusal," said Matthew Axelrod, a senior department official during the Obama administration. "Here, to avoid irreparable damage to the institution's integrity, it is crucial that the normal process be followed." A Justice Department spokeswoman declined to comment. Officials there have said Whitaker will follow the regular procedure in handling any ethics issues that arise. On Thursday evening, Democratic attorneys general for 17 states and the District wrote to Whitaker urging him to recuse himself from the Russia probe. "As chief law enforcement officers of our respective states, we ask that you recuse yourself from any role in overseeing Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election," the Democratic attorneys general wrote. "Because a reasonable person could question your impartiality in the matter, your recusal is necessary to maintain public trust in the integrity of the investigation and to protect the essential and longstanding independence of the Department you have been chosen to lead, on an acting basis." In 2014, Whitaker chaired the campaign of Sam Clovis, a Republican candidate for Iowa state treasurer. Clovis went on to work as a Trump campaign adviser and has become a witness in the investigation by Mueller. The Justice Department advises employees that "generally, an employee should seek advice from an ethics official before participating in any matter in which her impartiality could be questioned." Regulations prohibit employees, "without written authorization, from participating in a criminal investigation or prosecution if he has a personal or political relationship with any person or organization substantially involved in the conduct that is the subject of the investigation or prosecution." Clovis said Wednesday that Whitaker is a friend and that he texted congratulations to Whitaker on Wednesday after he became attorney general. The question for ethics officials, if they are asked, would be whether Clovis would be considered "substantially involved" in the conduct Mueller is investigating. On the issue of his opinion columns, Whitaker could argue that he took positions before he knew the full factual and legal circumstances of the case and therefore there is no need for recusal. It is possible ethics officials could still advise him that his commentary created the appearance of a conflict of interest but leave the decision to him. If they recommended forcefully that he recuse himself and he declined, Whitaker could then be referred to the Justice Department's Office of Professional Responsibility, and his license to practice law could be put at issue. The White House is unconcerned about Whitaker's previous comments, a senior White House official said. He was at the White House on Thursday afternoon for a meeting on immigration. Trump is aware that Whitaker has been critical of the Russia probe, this official said, adding that Whitaker's comments align with the president's position. It is unlikely that Whitaker will get the job permanently, this official said. Whitaker's elevation to become the nation's top law enforcement official followed the ouster Wednesday of Jeff Sessions as attorney general. Sessions had endured months of public abuse from Trump, who soured on Sessions because he recused himself from oversight of the Russia investigation shortly after he arrived at the Justice Department. Sessions felt that Mueller's investigation had gone on too long but also believed it was important that he stay on as attorney general as a means of protecting the special counsel's work, so that when it concluded, the public would have confidence it had not been manipulated, according to a person familiar with Sessions' thinking. Even after he arrived at the Justice Department, Whitaker harbored frustration about the length of the special-counsel probe and doubts about the scope of Mueller's authority, a person familiar with the matter said. He questioned Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein's ability to give Mueller such wide latitude and wanted to explore the bounds of what Mueller was examining, though Rosenstein kept Sessions' office "walled off" from the matter, this person said. Whitaker did, however, believe that Sessions had no choice but to recuse himself from the matter, the person said. Rosenstein and Whitaker have come to eye each other warily in recent months, people familiar with the matter said. When Rosenstein was nearly ousted from his post over reports that he had suggested surreptitiously recording the president, Whitaker was tapped to take over Rosenstein's position. But after a visit to the White House, Rosenstein returned and stayed in his job, leaving people across the Justice Department - Whitaker included - mystified as to what happened, these people said. Rosenstein and Whitaker both were present at the investiture of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh on Thursday - Whitaker dressed in a "morning suit," which included formal trousers, a vest and a long coat, people familiar with the matter said. While Whitaker is now Mueller's ultimate supervisor, it was not immediately clear whether that meant Rosenstein would step aside. Justice Department officials said that under normal circumstances, the deputy attorney general would probably play an active, hands-on role in overseeing such a high-profile probe and that they had no reason to believe Rosenstein would now be cut out. Whitaker was virtually unknown to Sessions before becoming his chief of staff, though Federalist Society Executive President Leonard Leo had been touting the former U.S. attorney from Iowa as early as the transition, according to a person familiar with the matter. Leo had come to know Whitaker because both were prominent in conservative legal circles and he considered Whitaker a true conservative and talented manager, this person said. Initially, Sessions chose Jody Hunt, a longtime Justice Department official, to be the top aide in his office, while Whitaker made a name for himself in Washington via TV appearances and his work with the conservative Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust. While liked by Sessions, Hunt clashed with Danielle Cutrona, another aide in the attorney general's office, in such a way that those around Sessions came to feel one or the other would have to move on, according to people familiar with the matter. Early in the administration, Hunt was offered a more prestigious position - running the Justice Department's civil division.Leo then recommended Whitaker to Cutrona, in part hoping he might help improve the Justice Department's relationship with the White House, and Cutrona passed on the recommendation to Sessions, the people said. Sessions brought Whitaker in for an interview and came to like him, people familiar with the matter said. As chief of staff, Whitaker was a hard-charging aide, imposing on the Justice Department his personal philosophy of starting with the end in mind, according to those who have worked with him. His style rubbed many the wrong way, and at times Justice Department officials pushed back on his demands. Department officials said his taking over the top job from his boss was, at the very least, awkward, because chiefs of staff typically leave with the attorney general. Trump many weeks ago talked with Whitaker about replacing Sessions as the attorney general, and Sessions was surprised when the discussion was reported in The Washington Post and felt it left his relationship with Whitaker bruised, a person familiar with the matter said. On Wednesday evening, Sessions gathered dozens of top Justice Department officials in the attorney general's conference room, according to a person familiar with the matter. He talked about loving the job and framed his removal as something that happens to every attorney general, the person said. He also said he thought Whitaker would carry the torch, the person said. In a note sent to the Justice Department staff on Thursday, Sessions wrote, "No matter what your role at the Department and no matter what your task, I hope that you will remember that you are helping us in our mission to protect the American people and the rights we hold dear." (c) 2018, The Washington Post. Written by Devlin Barrett, Matt Zapotosky and Josh Dawsey. Sari Horwitz contributed to this report. The far-left Department of Justice employee who was caught on video saying that she couldn't get fired, apparently got fired.Hrabar led the Marxist mob that hounded Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen out of a D.C. Mexican restaurant last June About a dozen members of the D.C. chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) crashed Nielsens meal, wielding pro-illegal immigrant placards and chanting "shame!" Kirstjen Nielsen, youre a villain, locking up immigrant children, the activists shriek in the video. The f*ing gall. Shame on you. Sham, shame, shame, fascist pig! The socialist Justice Department employee who harassed the Homeland Security secretary at a Washington restaurant wont be disciplined for her political tweets, a government watchdog has concluded. Allison Hrabar s Twitter posts complaining about deportation and detention policy arent political activity, the Office of Special Counsel ruled, and so they dont break the federal Hatch Act. pic.twitter.com/RfGT7bufJm James O'Keefe (@JamesOKeefeIII) DEVELOPING AT JUSTICE DEPT: DOJ Director of Public Affairs Sarah Isgur Flores confirmed to Project Veritas regarding official we caught discussing resistance inside DOJ, saying: She is no longer an employee. #DeepStateUnmasked James O'Keefe (@JamesOKeefeIII) September 24, 2018 James O'Keefe (@JamesOKeefeIII) In a world of innuendo, speculation and unconfirmed allegations, two federal workers from two different agencies have been removed from their jobs this week because of the words/actions you HEARD and SAW. @Project_Veritas is draining the swamp and deterring others. More en route! pic.twitter.com/m2eJp1nI83 James O'Keefe (@JamesOKeefeIII) September 24, 2018 After her involvement in the demonstration was brought to light, a DOJ official said in a statement that she couldn't comment on personnel issues. A couple of months later, the Washington Times reported that Hrabar was getting off scot-free."There is a lot of talk at work about how we can resist from the inside," Hrabar brazenly declares in the Project Veritas video. "What's lucky is that at DOJ we really can't get fired."Project Veritas released a statement from Justice Department spokeswoman Sarah Isgur Flores on Monday indicating that Hrabar has either been fired or resigned from her paralegal post.She is no longer an employee, Ms. Flores said in the statement.Last week, a Government Accountability Office employee was terminated after Project Veritas caught him on video boasting that he works for the Democratic Socialists of America while on the clock.Natarajan Subramanian says in the undercover video Subramanian didn't seem too worried about getting fired either: "If you're in an Executive Branch agency, you can slow ball things to a degree maybe you get fired or resign or whatever, but you slowed [Trump's agenda] down."There's still no word on the employment status of resistance warriorResist everything every level. F*ck sh*t up! Karaffa said in the first video of Project Veritas' undercover sting exposing the Deep State. Seoul, South Korea The sun sets on a cool autumn Sunday afternoon but the action is just getting started at one of Seouls oldest establishments the Gwangjang Market. The century-old market began its life as the Joseon dynasty was coming to an end with merchants looking to counteract the increasing influence of their Japanese counterparts. It survived the Japanese colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula from 1910-1945, but part of the market was destroyed in the 1950-1953 Korean War. What survives today is a bustling market that offers traditional clothes and persimmon-dyed fabrics. Fresh fish, local meats, rice cakes, and huge vats of kimchi are prepared along the covered streets, but the real drawcard these days are the food stalls. The relatively calm fabric section of the market gives way to a hotbed of steam, thronging crowds, and all manner of traditional street foods. Mungbean pancakes (Bindetteok), spicy rice rolls (Mayak Gimbab), glass noodles (Japchae), pig feet, pig intestines and noodles (sundae), fish gut soups, sashimi and spicy rice cakes (tteokpokki) are just some of the traditional Korean delights on offer. {articleGUID} The rich atmosphere and foods that match are served by hardworking older women (Ajumas). They are the formidable force that keeps business people well fed and topped up with rice wine (Maegeolli) and beer. Often dealing with demanding customers, the women work hard to serve old locals, young students, and foreigners, mostly, with friendly smiles, sometimes through overworked gritted teeth. Food connection Mrs Yoon has been working at the market for the last two years, but her stall has been open for more than 20 years. Preparations for the stall start at 4am and run all day until late at night. She serves chicken feet, bowls of mixed rice with vegetables (Bibimbap), and pork among other side dishes. She sometimes finds it hard to communicate with foreigners but says peoples hearts always connect through delicious food, and they often come back over and over again. There are dozens of stalls all competing for business, but many of the women have gatherings once a month and even go on picnics together. Mrs Yoon just does her own work rather than having a sense of rivalry, saying all the food at the market is delicious. The market manages to keep its original charm despite more and more becoming a tourist attraction for international travellers and celebrity chefs such as Gordon Ramsey. Australian tourists Judy and Rob Pettiford visited on this late Sunday and remarked on the amazing sights, sounds and smells, noting, in particular the army of strong women running the food stalls. Its a joyous place for young and old, full of smiles and encouragement for the visitor, and a unique way to see Korean specialties being cooked and consumed, Judy Pettiford told Al Jazeera. The Gwangjang Market in inner-city Seoul provides great access to traditional food and Korean people, without feeling like a contrived tourist trap. Sitting and being welcomed by locals who love to share their culture, food and especially their rice wine is a unique experience, one that would not be possible without the women of the Gwangjang Market. London, United Kingdom March 17 marked two months since the first shots were fired in Malis latest Tuareg rebellion. Since then, Malis army has been humiliated as the country now faces a real possibility of territorial division. The Tuareg number an estimated two to three million. Nomadic pastoralists by tradition, they occupy a vast swathe of the Sahara and Sahel, from Libya, through northern Niger, southern Algeria and northern Mali to Burkina Faso. The largest number, estimated at approaching one million, live in Mali. The post-colonial history of Tuareg in both Mali and Niger has been characterised by a series of rebellions, the underlying causes of which have been the Tuaregs marginalisation and the failure of their governments to adhere to peace agreements. Mali has experienced major Tuareg rebellions in 1962-64, 1990-95 and 2007-2009. The catalyst for the present rebellion was the return of an estimated two to three thousand experienced well-armed Tuareg fighters who had served in Gaddafis battalions. Their anger at events in Libya was compounded by the lackadaisical attitude and the complete failure of Malis President Amadou Toumani Toure and his government to address the problems created by their return. Estimates of the number of returning Tuareg fighters range between 800 and 4,000. On their return to Mali, many stopped short of Kidal in the mountainous region around Ti-n-Asselak in the Abeibara district where they linked up with the fighters of former rebel leader Ibrahim ag Bahangas (who died in August 2011) Mouvement Touareg du Nord Mali (MTNM). On October 16, these and various other groups merged to form the Mouvement National de Liberation de lAzawad (MNLA). Illegal occupation The MNLAs first press statement said that it aimed to free the people of Azawad from the illegal occupation of its territory by Mali. Azawad is the Tuareg name for the region north of Timbuktu that today covers the regions of Timbuktu, Kidal and Gao. The word is also used, by extension, to include the traditional Tuareg domains of northern Niger and southern Algeria. Within a few weeks, the MNLA was reinforced by Tuareg deserting the Mali army and young recruits from within the region. Estimates put the former as high as 1,500 and the latter at 500. After two months of fighting, the Malian army has lost control of most of Azawad, while the number of troops that have either been killed, taken captive or deserted is now thought to be at least 1,000. In a humiliating incident, the army base at Aguelhok was overrun on January 24 when the troops defending it ran out of ammunition. However, from a strategic point of view, the most significant fighting was at Tessalit. Close to the border with Algeria and with an army base and airport, Tessalit is a strategic town. By March 4, three Malian army units abandoned their attempts to relieve the MNLA siege of the base. A week later, the troops retreated to Algeria, leaving the base and the airport in MNLA control. The number of soldiers killed, taken captive or deserted, along with equipment destroyed or captured in these twin setbacks is thought to be considerable. The two outstanding questions are: (1) Where do the MNLA and Mali go from here; and (2) Is the MNLA guilty of the war crime of which it is being accused by the Mali government? It is conceivable that further attacks on the highly vulnerable, nomadic civilian population, may bring the rebels to submission, as has been the case in previous Tuareg rebellions. It is also conceivable that the Malian governments undercover militias, ethnic hatred campaigns, military in civilian clothing acting in mobs shouting death to the Tuaregs and internet propaganda might succeed in opening cleavages within the complex political, ethnic and social mix that comprises the totality of the Azawad population. However, the signs are that the rebellion is capable of sustaining itself for much longer, especially if the MNLA receives support from Nigers well-armed and battle-experienced Tuareg, as unverified reports suggest. With Tessalit in MNLA hands, it may be difficult for the army to regain any momentum. The future of Bamakos control over the vast expanse of Azawad now depends almost entirely on whether the dispirited and ill-led Malian army can repulse the MNLA assault if and when it comes on the regional capital of Kidal. If Kidal falls, then much of the current media talk about a negotiated ceasefire will be largely academic. The reality of such a situation would be that Mali would have become a divided territory, a situation that would not only seriously concern Malis neighbours, but also leave the MNLA in a very strong bargaining position. The MNLA says it wont negotiate unless it is about the Republic of Azawad. However, even with the model of southern Sudan in its sights, the MNLA knows from past experience that demands for independence will get watered down. It is therefore likely to establish the facts on the ground, in the form of the capture of Kidal and possibly even Gao, before contemplating any such negotiations. If the MNLA does establish such a strong negotiating position, there is no certainty that the current Mali government will still be around to negotiate with. Since early March, there have been rumours of fissions within the Mali government and even talk of a Gao-based coup detat. Moreover, while it is all very well for Bamako to debate whether military force or negotiation is the solution, the reality may well be that the former is not an option. Guilty of a war crime? There was absolutely atrocious and unacceptable violence in Aguelhok. There were summary executions of soldiers and civilians Theres talk of around 100 who were captured and killed in cold blood. Henri de Raincourt, French Development Minister The second question is whether the MNLA is guilty of the war crime. The government claims that the MNLA executed 82 captured soldiers and civilians at Aguelhok (pop. 8,000-10,000) on January 24. There is no doubt that many people were killed at Aguelhok. A Mali security source told Reuters that dozens of Malian troops were killed. It was real carnage, he said. An MNLA spokesman confirmed that at least 50 soldiers were killed in the fighting. Government sources have put the number higher, at 82 and 97. News of the deaths was quickly followed by rumours that the troops stationed in Aguelhok had run out of ammunition. Not surprisingly, public demonstrations immediately demanded to know why soldiers had been sent into battle so ill-equipped. Within forty-eight hours, reports began circulating that many of the soldiers had been taken captive by the rebels and then executed, either with a bullet to the head or by slitting their throats. The defence ministry stated that the attack had been undertaken by AQIM jihadis, MNLA forces and others. After a hasty commission of enquiry, the army stated that both soldiers and civilians had been executed, some with their throats cut and that these acts could only have been done by AQIM. Speaking earlier the same day, French Development Minister Henri de Raincourt, who visited Bamako, said there was absolutely atrocious and unacceptable violence in Aguelhok. There were summary executions of soldiers and civilians Theres talk of around 100 who were captured and killed in cold blood, he added, saying the tactic resembled that used by al-Qaeda. If captured soldiers were executed, as the Mali government claims, then it was a war crime. But, was such a war crime committed and, if so, by whom? The governments evidence consists of little more than its own assertions and photographs of dubious authenticity. Photographs of the supposed killings placed on Facebook and the internet by Mali government supporters at the end of January have been removed. However, five of them remain accessible, with one identified by the MNLA as being of a massacre undertaken by Boko Haram in Nigeria on March 2, 2010; the authenticity of the other four has not yet been established. The MNLAs communications officer has confirmed that they are not of Aguelhok. International news agencies remain suspicious of their authenticity. Until a credible international agency undertakes a full examination of the incident, including the exhumation and forensic examination of the bodies, the executions must remain unproven allegations. However, if we accept, for the time being, that a war crime was perpetrated at Aguelhok, the question still remains: Who was responsible for it? Aguelhok villagers say that the MNLA attacked Aguelhok on January 24 and killed only soldiers in the fighting. The next day, people whom the villagers identified as AQIM came and carried out the massacre. There were no MNLA in Aguelhok at the time. The MNLA returned three days later and raised their flag over Aguelhok. The Mali authorities, as well as Mauritanias President Abdel Aziz, accuse the MNLA of being in an alliance with AQIM and insist that the executions are proof of this alliance. However, as Tuareg are not known either to slit throats as a form of killing humans or to kill their captives in cold blood, the accusation is directed more at the AQIM part of the supposed MNLA-AQIM alliance, with the name Iyad ag Aghaly being mentioned prominently. Indeed, a propaganda video believed to have been produced by Malis intelligence service, Mauritanias President and a number of reports attributed to Mali official sources, have all pointed the finger at Iyad. Iyad is a former Tuareg rebel leader who has been involved with Algerias secret police, the DRS, in several operations since 2003. He is also closely associated with AQIMs local emir, Abdelhamid Abou Zaid, who, in turn, is a DRS agent. In December, Iyad announced his own jihadist group, the Ansar al-Din. If Iyad was involved in the executions, the question is whether he was operating on his own initiative or whether he involved with either or both Algerias DRS and Abdelhamid abou Zaids group of AQIM, which is based near Aguelhok. Thousands continue to flee Mali violence If Abou Zaid and AQIM, either independently or in association with Iyad, were responsible for the alleged executions, then Algerias DRS is implicated, begging the question: What was the Algerian army doing in Aguelhok at or around that time? Local observers reported an Algerian army convoy of five army trucks with trailers and 24 heavily armed 4x4s heading south from Bordj Mokhtar to Tessalit and Aguelhok around December 20. They estimated the number of troops, garrisoned at both Tessalit and Aguelhok, at around 200. What were these troops doing in Aguelhok and had they been withdrawn by the time of the alleged executions? The Algerian government said its army was in Mali to help combat AQIM. That, however, was untrue, as no attacks have been launched at any time against AQIM in Mali by either Mali or Algerian forces. Indeed, one of the MNLAs main complaints against the Mali government has been its reluctance to undertake any meaningful attack on AQIM. Many local Tuareg believe that the Algerian armys presence at Tessalit and Aguelhok was not to fight AQIM, but to protect it from the MNLA, which has threatened to rid Mali of AQIM. Indeed, the MNLA has said that the reason why AQIM is protected by both Algeria and Mali is because AQIM is a cover for the massive, billion-dollar, cocaine trafficking industry that is controlled by rogue elements in the political-military elites of both countries and which has turned Mali into a narco-state. Jeremy Keenan is a professor of social anthropology at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London and is the author of The Dark Sahara: Americas War on Terror in Africa (Pluto Press, 2009). On November 6, Florida voters chose to allow some one million ex-felons to vote. This is historic. Amid the highlights of the US midterm election results was the triumph for voting rights in the state of Florida. The nations third largest state, which often plays an important role in presidential elections, voted overwhelmingly to approve a constitutional amendment restoring the right to vote for those with a felony conviction. This is a major step forward in a nation where millions of people are denied a basic right of citizenship, based on laws rooted in a legacy of racism. Passing with 64 percent of the vote, in excess of the 60 percent supermajority threshold required for passage, Amendment 4 restores voting rights to Floridians who were convicted of felonies, provided they have completed their sentences. The measure excludes people who were convicted of murder or felony sex offences. The impact of the new law is sweeping, affecting more than one million people in Florida who have been stripped of their voting rights due to a criminal record. For people of colour, the implications of Amendment 4 are even more pronounced, as the measure grants the vote to 20 percent of African American adults in Florida who have been barred from the franchise due to a felony record and a staggering 40 percent of African American men. In a state in which eight million voters participated in the 2018 election, the addition of over one million voters has the potential to transform its politics and policies. Florida is the most important US swing state and its vote is crucial in presidential and congressional elections. It has selected the winner of every presidential contest this century and provided the margin of victory to George W Bush in 2000. In recent years, the state has been under control of the Republicans who have been pushing for regressive pro-gun and anti-environment policies. The more than one million eligible voters who just got added to Floridas electorate could change all that. Given that Amendment 4 affected predominantly African American men, who tend to vote for the Democratic Party, it is quite possible that in 2020 Florida would see a different outcome at the polls. Analysts have projected Democrats gaining as many as 102,000 more votes as a result of this enfranchisement effort. {articleGUID} But beyond its possible impact on future polls in Florida, the repeal of Amendment 4 carries a broader and more historic significance for the US as a whole; it is a major victory against voter suppression. Many would be surprised to know that in the so-called land of the free, the right to vote is not automatic for many. In a nation that originally limited voting to white male landowners and regarded enslaved people as three-fifths of a person with no citizenship rights, the right to vote has been granted to marginalised groups only through protest and, in some cases such as the US civil rights movement, bloodshed and martyrdom. During the Reconstruction era following the American civil war, liberated black people had the right the vote and took advantage of it, electing 2,000 black officials, a governor of a US state, senators and members of Congress many of them former slaves. The pathway to political empowerment for black people ended when white men retook control of the Southern states, presided over a rollback of civil rights and denied voting rights to African-Americans by law and through intimidation, and the threat of physical violence and death. Felony disenfranchisement laws have their origins in the era of American apartheid, the days of racial segregation, as a means of suppressing black aspirations and rendering them invisible. Floridas felon disenfranchisement law dates back to 150 years ago when white elites were faced with the prospect of thousands of new black voters rendering white men a minority of the states voting electorate. A lifetime voting ban on people with a felony record muted black political power, with a racialised regime targeting black men and singling them out for punishment with trumped-up charges and crimes designed solely for them. The laws eliminated thousands of black people from civic participation for life and made them unavailable as political competitors. Across the country, as of 2016, 6.1 million people were unable to vote because of a felony conviction, with Florida accounting for roughly one quarter, according to the Sentencing Project. This includes 1 in every 40 adults, 1 in every 13 African-Americans and 1 in every 56 non-black voters. With the recent changes in Florida, of the 34 states that impose voting restrictions on past criminal convictions, Kentucky and Iowa are the only remaining states imposing lifetime disenfranchisement. Although the changes to the Florida law are a positive and decisive step in furthering democracy, the US is still experiencing a voting rights crisis. For all of the ample evidence of foreign intervention in US elections, American officials are effectively denying the rights of their fellow citizens, working in earnest to rig elections and block people of colour, students, the elderly and others at the ballot box through restrictive voter ID laws. The right-wing US Supreme Court has gutted the enforcement mechanism of the Voting Rights Act, allowing states and localities to deny racial minority groups access to democracy with reckless abandon. Between 2014 and 2016 alone, states purged nearly 16 million voters from their voter rolls. The nations high court also allowed the unlimited role of money in politics legalised corruption with its decision in Citizens United v Federal Election Commission. Gerrymandering of electoral districts has amplified the voice of the majority, entrenched the powerful and sidelined the interests of marginalised groups. Despite these many challenges, the restoration of voting rights to the formerly incarcerated in the Sunshine State is cause for celebration, as those who have served their time and paid their debt to society should have the opportunity to participate as productive members of society. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance. President barred asylum claims from those entering between official entry points on the US-Mexico border. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) said it was taking legal action to challenge President Donald Trumps proclamation, which bans those crossing between official points of entry on the United States southern border from receiving asylum. The order, which lasts for an initial 90 days, was issued by Trump on Friday after the administration issued the new regulations on Thursday. Neither the president nor his cabinet can override the clear commands of our law, but thats exactly what theyre trying to do, the ACLU said in a tweet, adding: Well see him in court. The Trump administration says it is trying to restrict claims of asylum to official ports of entry, which are better resourced. However, the move is the latest by the Trump administration to restrict the ability to claim asylum or migrate to the US. Earlier this year, the then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced a zero tolerance policy, which included the separation of children from parents and criminal prosecutions for those caught crossing the border between official ports of entry. Trump was forced to end his administrations practice of separating families after public outcry. Sessions also made it hard for those fleeing gang violence or domestic abuse to claim asylum. Earlier this month, Trump sent troops to the border and has publicly mulled plans to establish tent cities where asylum seekers can be housed while their claims are processed. Caravan in Mexico The presidents chest beating over migration during the recent midterm election focused on a caravan of mainly Honduran migrants and asylum seekers heading towards the US border. Those who are part of the caravan are fleeing violence, including political persecution, and poverty and want to apply for asylum at an official border crossing. The journey through Mexico is wrought with the threat of cartel violence and human trafficking. Travelling in large groups offers the migrants a relative degree of safety. After resting in Mexico City this week, some caravan participants set out for Tijuana on Friday, while others plan to leave early on Saturday. India, among other regional nations, is part of the Russia-hosted peace talks in Moscow to end the war in Afghanistan. India is participating in a Russia-sponsored peace conference with Taliban in a significant reassessment of its position on talks with the armed group that has waged an armed rebellion since 2001. New Delhi has sent former Indian envoys to Afghanistan and Pakistan, Amar Sinha and TCA Raghavan respectively, to attend the conference at the non-official level. India supports all efforts at peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan that will preserve unity and plurality, and bring security, stability and prosperity to the country, Indias foreign ministry spokesman Raveesh Kumar said. Indias consistent policy has been that such efforts should be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, and Afghan-controlled and with participation of the Government of Afghanistan, he said. Moscow said it had invited representatives from the United States as well as Iran, China, Pakistan and five former Soviet republics in Central Asia. A five-member Taliban delegation led by Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanakzai, head of its political council in Qatar, is also attending the talks in Moscow. The US has said it will send a representative from its embassy in Moscow to attend Fridays talks. Indias participation is a stark departure from its earlier position as it has never engaged in formal talks with the Taliban. {articleGUID} Foreign policy analyst Manoj Joshi, who represents the Observer Research Foundation, said the talks in Moscow come at a time when the Taliban have steadily fortified their control in the Afghan countryside. Essentially, India has bowed to the inevitable since the US, Russia, China and even the Afghan government have all indicated one way or the other that they are ready to talk with the Taliban, Joshi told Al Jazeera. New Delhi is confident that the host Russians would not do anything which would be against Indias interests. Also, in participating in these talks, India takes the view that since the Afghan government, through the High Peace Council, is present, there should be no problem, he added. The High Peace Council (HPC) is a government body responsible for reconciliation efforts with the Taliban. Element of seriousness The Russian diplomatic efforts come weeks after newly appointed US special envoy for peace in Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, held talks with the Taliban in Qatar. He will visit Afghanistan, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar from November 8 to 20 in an effort to end the 17-year-old war in Afghanistan. There has been a shift in US policy earlier, even though the previous administration spoke about a negotiated settlement, there was no concrete direction, Zahid Hussain, an Islamabad-based security analyst, told Al Jazeera. For the first time now, the US is talking directly to the Taliban, which is also acceptable to the Taliban, as this was their demand from the outset. There has been some movement. There is an element of seriousness from all sides. Reconciliation efforts Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has previously proposed talks with the Taliban, saying it could be recognised as a political party if it accepted a ceasefire and accepted the countrys constitution. The Taliban, which has been fighting the US-led forces since being thrown out of power in 2001, has generally refused to negotiate with the Afghan government. Although the Afghan government is preparing to negotiate, many people are now blaming the government, particularly President Ghani, said Hekmatullah Azamy, acting head of Centre for Conflict and Peace Studies in Kabul. {articleGUID} They argue that successful peace talks mean a new interim administration which will be unacceptable to President Ghani, Azamy told Al Jazeera. In the meeting on Friday, members of the HPC said they are ready for talks with the Taliban without any preconditions. The future of Taliban is a matter of serious concern for the group both at the leadership level as well as for its rank and file, Azamy said. Taliban often questions whether they are ready to become a 100 percent political group and whether they can survive mainstream politics. Moreover, would the rank and file follow the leaders or will they join groups like Daesh (the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant group). Taliban officials have set the withdrawal of all foreign forces, release of prisoners and the lifting of a ban on travel as preconditions for any peace talks. India had earlier refused to support a 2007 initiative of former Afghan president Hamid Karzai to engage the good Taliban in the peace process. Some make a distinction between good Taliban and bad Taliban I dont, because Ive seen the Taliban, they have only one cult the cult of violence, then foreign minister of India Pranab Mukherjee had said. The Taliban has inflicted a heavy toll on Afghan security forces in renewed attacks in recent weeks. At least 20 army soldiers were killed at a border outpost in western Afghanistan on Tuesday. More than 17 years after the US-led forces invaded the country and removed the Taliban, the war is intensifying. In recent months, violence has continued with mounting casualties on both sides. There have been several attempts in recent years to broker a settlement between the western-backed government in Kabul and the Taliban without much success. Indias representatives are attending the talks in Moscow as part of efforts to bring peace and stability to the region. Its not switching tack but evolving assessment of ground realities, said a ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lawmaker in New Delhi on condition of anonymity. All efforts towards making peace, whether the US-led talks or Russia-led talks, will help. We will be there to observe, he added. According to Azamy, India is one of the important stakeholders enjoying friendly ties with Kabul. He says it is vital for New Delhi to be a part of peace talks, especially with the Taliban involved. Without Indias involvement, the outcome of peace talks could upset them or make them feel insecure. They want to be engaged and aware of the developments, he said. India has forged a close partnership with Kabul since the fall of the Taliban. It has engaged in infrastructure and welfare projects in the war-torn country worth millions of dollars earning goodwill from Afghans. It has also provided training to Afghan military personnel as well as donating military hardware as part of its policy to deepen military ties. By attending the Taliban talks, India can get a voice in the outcome of the peace process, where it has none at present. It will try to coordinate with the Afghan government which it supports strongly, analyst Joshi told Al Jazeera. Simultaneously, the process enables it to build ties with the Taliban, even if somewhat late in the day. India cannot ignore the fact that ground realities ensure that the Taliban will be in the Afghan governing structure in some form or the other. With additional reporting by Asad Hashim from Islamabad, Pakistan The conference marks Russias attempt to get the Afghan authorities and the Taliban together at negotiating table. Russia is hosting talks in Moscow to end the war in Afghanistan, drawing delegates from a body appointed by the Western-backed government in Kabul and a group representing the Taliban, as well as officials from a dozen nations, including the United States. Opening Fridays meeting, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that the participation of both Afghan leaders and the Taliban was an important contribution aimed at creating favourable conditions for the start of direct talks. I am counting on you holding a serious and constructive conversation that will justify the hopes of the Afghan people, he said before the talks continued behind closed doors. Russia hopes through joint efforts to open a new page in the history of Afghanistan, the Russian foreign minister said. He emphasised the threat posed by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) in Afghanistan, saying that it has relied on foreign sponsors in a bid to turn Afghanistan into a springboard for its expansion in Central Asia. Pakistan, which has long been accused of providing support to the Afghan Taliban, would definitely attend, foreign ministry spokesman Muhammad Faisal told AFP news agency. India has also sent its representatives at a non-official level, reassessing its policy on talks with the Taliban group. The conference marks Moscows attempt to get the Afghan authorities and the Taliban together at a table. The US Embassy in Moscow has sent a diplomat to observe the discussions. Russias first attempt to hold the conference in September fell through after the Afghan authorities refused to attend. This time, the Afghan government has not sent its envoys, but members of the government-appointed High Peace Council (HPC) are attending the event. The council was established to lead reconcilation efforts with the Taliban. Taliban officials and HPC members have met at past forums elsewhere, and while no formal talks were ever held they have had some face-to-face discussions. Push for peace The talks come weeks after newly appointed US special envoy for peace in Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, held talks with the Taliban group in Qatar. He will visit Afghanistan, Pakistan , the United Arab Emirates and Qatar from November 8 to 20 to push for peace negotiations with the Taliban. Khalilzads meeting with the Taliban, which was overthrown from power by US-led forces in 2001, is part of efforts to find a way to end the 17-year-long war in Afghanistan. On his last trip to the region in October, Special Representative Khalilzad called on the Afghan Government and the Taliban to organise authoritative negotiating teams, and has been encouraged to see that both parties are taking steps in that direction, the State Department said in a statement. The United States remains committed to a political settlement that results in an end to the war and to the terrorist threat posed to the United States and the world. A US watchdog agency said last week that the Afghan government was losing control of districts to the Taliban while casualties among security forces had reached record levels. The government had control or influence over 65 percent of the population but only 55.5 percent of Afghanistans 407 districts, the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction said in a report. The latest phase of Afghanistans decades-old war began in 2001 when the US-led troops overthrew the Taliban government in the wake of the September 11 attacks on the United States. Taliban says it will only hold direct talks with the US as Kabul delegates repeat offer of talks without preconditions. Taliban representatives have reaffirmed their groups position that they will not hold direct talks with Afghanistans Western-backed government, as they attended Russian-hosted international talks aimed at bringing an end to the countrys long-running conflict. Moscow, which said it invited representatives from the United States, India, Iran, China and Pakistan, as well as five former Soviet republics in Central Asia, hailed Fridays meetings as an opportunity to open a new page in Afghanistans history. The Kabul government did not send a delegation. Instead, members of the High Peace Council (HPC), a government-appointed body responsible for reconciliation efforts with the Taliban, attended the event, where they repeated Afghan President Ashraf Ghanis offer of peace talks without pre-conditions. The meetings ended without the sides agreeing on a path to direct dialogue, the delegations from the Taliban and HPC said. This conference was not about direct talks, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, Taliban spokesperon, told journalists in translated comments quoted by Interfax news agency. The Taliban does not recognise the current government as legal and therefore we wont hold talks with them, he added. Considering our main demand is the withdrawal of foreign forces, we will discuss a peaceful resolution with the Americans. For his part, HPC represantive Eshan Taheri said that Kabul was ready for direct talks with the group. We confirmed to them [Taliban representatives] that we are ready to go on negotiations without conditions, he said. We asked them to define a date and place for the direct talks. The meeting in Moscow helped move things in this direction. Haji Din Mohammad Azizullah, head of the Kabul delegation, confirmed that he had brief talks with the Taliban members at a working lunch, characterising the talks as friendly, according to Anadolu Agency. The build-up Russia says the Moscow talks marked the first time that a Taliban delegation had taken part in such high-level international meeting. In a final communique, the Russian foreign ministry said that the participants agreed to continue consultations within the framework of this mechanism. The talks came while the Taliban have increased the pressure on Afghan police and troops this year, even as they have also shown a tentative willingness to hold talks with the United States. The Moscow meeting was initially scheduled for September but was postponed after Kabul insisted the process should be Afghan-led. Meanwhile, Taliban representatives in Qatar held a preliminary meeting with US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad last month to discuss the groups conditions to end the 17-year war. The fact that the Afghan government did not send an official representative sends a message that they are not fully committed to these talks, Yuri Barmin, a fellow with the Russian International Affairs Council, told Al Jazeera on Friday. Members of the Taliban delegation during the multilateral peace talks on Afghanistan in Moscow [Reuters/Sergei Karpukhin] Critics brand policy failure that has destroyed lives as children airlifted to Australia for urgent medical treatment. Canberra, Australia Opposition to Australias policy of confining people on remote Pacific islands if they try to get to the country by boat is coming under increasing pressure as evidence grows of the toll it has taken on the health of those held. Outrage in Australia at reports of vulnerable asylum seeker children suffering severe mental and physical illness as a result of being held on Nauru has forced the government into bringing the children to the country for treatment. While Prime Minister Scott Morrison insists the migrants wont be allowed to stay in the country and anyone else, including children, who tries to get to Australia by boat will continue to be held on remote Pacific islands, the government is under increasing pressure to reconsider its approach. Offshore processing is a failure, George Newhouse, director of the legal and human rights organisation National Justice Project, told Al Jazeera. It is giving rise to a completely avoidable health crisis and needlessly destroying lives and it must end. Australias Prime Minister Scott Morrison is under increasing pressure over the offshore detention policy [David Gray/Reuters] Legal and medical experts are leading the campaign against a policy that has become increasingly restrictive over the past five years. A fair go As Australia prepares for its next election due by June 2019 the treatment of people in the offshore processing centres may carry political consequences too. The Refugee Council of Australias Spokeswoman Kelly Nicholls said the asylum-seeker policy was a key concern for voters in the recent by-election in the constituency of former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. The ruling Liberal Party experienced a landslide defeat in what was once one of its safest seats. Polling data in Wentworth showed that 65.4 percent of a sample of 870 residents want children on Nauru brought to Australia and 55 percent said they would be more likely to vote for a candidate who could deliver that outcome, Nicholls told Al Jazeera. The electorate wants to see that politicians have a clearly distinguished policy that gives all refugees and people seeking asylum a fair go. MPs within the Liberal Party ranks, including Julia Banks, whose constituency is in Melbournes eastern suburbs, have spoken out too. Children are citizens of the world and the children on Nauru are our ultimate responsibility, she declared during a speech in parliament last month. Long-term indefinite detention is no place for any child. While the Law Council of Australia, Save the Children, and the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) have welcomed the governments recent measures to move children from Nauru, they all say it isnt enough. RACP has stressed all children must be transferred from the island now, not in months. The government has said all children will be off the island by the end of the year. Danger to health Nauru is a tiny island country covering just 21 square kilometres located northeast of Australia and close to the equator where hot and humid temperatures prevail all year. Men are sent to Manus Island, which is part of Papua New Guinea. We know that prolonged immigration detention increases the risk of serious mental health problems for adults and children, Professor David Isaacs, paediatrician and RACP Fellow, said. High levels of mental illness among those held in immigration detention facilities on the Australian mainland, Christmas Island, Papua New Guineas Manus Island and Nauru have been known for years. The Forgotten Children report published by the Australian Human Rights Commission in 2014 documented serious levels of mental illness, trauma, depression, self-harm, sexual assault and suicide among held asylum seekers. The following year the Australian Medical Association said holding children in immigration detention was a form of child abuse. The National Justice Project, which has fought the government through the courts to have 50 children brought to Australia for medical treatment, is also pushing for a change in policy. Government officials have explained the turn back [of asylum seeker boats] policy will achieve the governments objectives without the need to punish vulnerable men, women and children on Nauru and Manus Island, Newhouse said. If a third country cannot be found to take the asylum seekers, then the only solution is to allow these people to start rebuilding their lives in Australia. International obligations The United States said it would take up to 1,250 refugees from the islands but only 439 have been accepted after a year of screening. {articleGUID} New Zealand has also offered to take some of the detainees, but Australia has declined the offer because it fears it would allow asylum seekers to enter Australia through the back door. New Zealanders are allowed to live and work in Australia for as long as they like. In 2012, Australias then Prime Minister Julia Gillard set up an expert panel to investigate and report on the countrys policy options, yet some of its key recommendations have been ignored. The government acted on some such as providing no advantage to those avoiding regular immigration avenues, but not others, including immediately increasing the humanitarian programme intake to 20,000 places a year and, ideally, 27,000 places by 2017. The projected 18,750 places on offer in 2018-2019 are well below those suggested targets. The report also reinforced adherence by Australia to its international obligations. By forcing people to live this way, Australia is in breach of its obligations under numerous international human rights treaties in relation to torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, access to adequate healthcare and arbitrary detention, among others, Newhouse said. Austrian chancellor says a retired army colonel may have worked with Russian intelligence since the 1990s. Austria has launched a probe into an army colonel suspected of spying for Russia for decades, Chancellor Sebastian Kurz has said, the latest in a string of cases where Moscow has been accused of espionage in European Union states. The comments by the Austrian leader on Friday were quickly dismissed by Moscow. Kurz told a press conference on Friday that the colonel, now retired, is suspected to have worked with the Russian intelligence since the 1990s and until this year. Of course, if such cases are confirmed, whether it be in the Netherlands or in Austria, it cant improve the relationship between EU and Russia, Kurz told reporters in Vienna. He was referring to the expulsion of four Russian agents by the Netherlands in April for allegedly planning a cyber attack on the global chemical weapons watchdog at The Hague. Russian spying in Europe is unacceptable and to be condemned, the chancellor said. He said that Austria was demanding transparent information from the Russian side and that it would consult its European partners on further steps. Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl summoned Russian authorities over the matter and cancelled an upcoming trip to Russia. In response, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said he was unpleasantly surprised by the revelation and accused Austria of making an accusation [Russia knows] nothing about. If a country has concerns or suspicions about another countrys actions and its alleged involvement [is] seen as a threat, it should directly ask for an explanation in line with the international law, Lavrov said. Russias foreign ministry summoned the Austrian ambassador to Moscow to discuss the issue, saying the suspicions had exacerbated the two countrys previously positive ties. Equipment handed over Austrian Defence Minister Mario Kunasek said the case came to light a few weeks ago as a result of information from another European intelligence agency. We cant say for the moment whether this is an isolated incident or not, Kunasek said. He said that the colonel had handed over technical equipment, including his laptop which is being examined. Kunasek said that during questioning, the colonel said the Russians were interested in weapons systems, in the migration situation here in Austria in recent years. Profiles of certain people were also created and passed on, Kunasek said. The case indicated that even after the end of the Cold War, spying has continued and shows the need to tighten our security network, within Austria and within the defence ministry, Kunasek said. According to Austrian media reports, the colonel was paid an equivalent of $340,000 for his services. Austria is not a member of NATO and asserts its status as a neutral country. It was one of the few European countries not to expel Russian diplomats following the poisoning of ex-spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in Britain in March. Austrias relationship with Russia has come under particular scrutiny since the far-right Freedom Party (FPOe) joined the coalition government last December. The FPOe which nominated Kneissl and of which Kunasek is also a member has had a cooperation pact with Russian President Vladimir Putins United Russia party since 2016. In August, Kneissl caused controversy by inviting Putin as a guest of honour to her wedding. The UN has documented a frenzy of sexual violence by Myanmar soldiers against Rohingya women and mass killings. Bangladesh declined an offer by Canada to take in Rohingya refugees including women who were raped Canadian officials said, as the South Asian country pushes ahead with controversial plans to repatriate the displaced to neighbouring Myanmar. Canada offered to take in a limited number of vulnerable refugees in May when Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland visited Bangladesh, according to Canadian officials who added the proposal still stands. Freeland said Canada was willing to discuss cases with Bangladesh, a Canadian official involved in the response to the Rohingya crisis, speaking anonymously because of the sensitivity of the issue, told Thomson Reuters Foundation. [Bangladesh Prime Minister] Sheikh Hasina said officials would look into it, he said, adding discussions between the two government were ongoing, facilitated by the UN refugee agency (UNHCR). The UN human rights investigator on Myanmar urged Bangladesh on Tuesday to drop plans to start repatriating hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees to Rakhine state this month, warning they would face a high risk of persecution. More than 700,000 Muslim Rohingya crossed into Bangladesh from Buddhist-majority Myanmar, UN agencies say, after Rohingya rebel attacks on security forces in August 2017 were followed by a sweeping military response. Experts working to protect Rohingya refugees said traumatised women who had been raped by Myanmar soldiers some of whom have been ostracised after giving birth in the sprawling Bangladesh camps would benefit from resettlement in Canada. It is the humanitarian thing to do, said Laetitia van den Assum, a former Dutch diplomat who served on an international panel headed by former UN secretary-general Kofi Annan to advise on the crisis in Rakhine state. If limited resettlement opportunities are available for this particular group, Bangladesh should think again and issue exit visas. The UN has documented a frenzy of sexual violence by Myanmar soldiers against Rohingya women and mass killings, calling for senior generals to face genocide charges. Myanmar rejected the findings as one-sided. Best option Bangladesh is home to the worlds largest refugee settlement, providing sanctuary to about 900,000 Rohingya, UN figures show, some of whom fled earlier waves of military violence in Myanmar in 1978, 1991 and 1992. It has consistently pursued repatriation rather than permanent settlement in Bangladesh or third countries, undertaking large-scale returns whose voluntariness was seriously questioned, UNHCR said in a 2011 report. Hasina said in September the Rohingya must return to their own country because Bangladesh does not have any policy of local integration. She also called on Myanmar to abolish laws that discriminate against the minority. Myanmar does not consider the Rohingya a native ethnic group with many calling them Bengalis, suggesting they belong in Bangladesh. Canada was one of the top providers of asylum to Rohingya refugees until Bangladesh stopped the programme, saying it could encourage more people from Myanmar to leave their homes to seek asylum in the West. Canada resettled more than 300 people from camps in Bangladesh between 2006 and 2010, said Shannon Ker, a spokeswoman for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Bangladesh has not issued exit permits for the resettlement of Rohingya refugees to other countries since 2010, she said. The UNHCR asked Bangladesh in February to allow it to negotiate with Canada, the United States and some European countries to resettle about 1,000 Rohingya refugees. Guillaume Berube, a spokesman for Canadas foreign affairs ministry, confirmed the offer was made to accept a number of Rohingya refugees, but declined to comment on Bangladeshs response as it was confidential. No exit permits Beatrice Fenelon, a spokeswoman for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, said Canadas latest Rohingya plan was similar to a 2017 initiative to resettle 1,200 Iraqi Yazidis particularly rape victims targeted by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS). As we did with the resettlement of survivors of Daesh, our intent is not to resettle large portions of these communities, but rather to focus on the small number of people for whom resettlement is the best option, she said. But Bangladesh is not issuing exit permits, she said. Rohingya refugees are still arriving in Bangladesh and rape survivors are a priority for overseas resettlement, said UNHCR spokeswoman Caroline Gluck. Repatriation or permanence in the country of asylum may result in additional risk and further traumatisation, she said. This could also apply to children who may have been conceived as a result of sexual violence, who could face severe stigma throughout their lives. Several requests for comment were made to government officials in Bangladesh. A foreign affairs ministry spokesman and the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner declined to comment. Tens of thousands of US-bound migrants and refugees have gone missing while crossing borders, rights groups say. Puebla, Mexico Edgar Rodolfo Xon Ajanel called his mother just before he was set to cross the border from Mexico into the United States more than 10 years ago. The call came from Matamoros, just south of the border from Brownsville, Texas, on July 22, 2008. He said he was minutes away from crossing, Sofia Sebastiana Xon, one of Edgars younger sisters, told Al Jazeera. That was his last call. Xon was only nine years old when her brother left the family home in Chichicastenango, a mostly Indigenous Maya Kiche town in the Quiche department in Guatemala. Edgar, then 22, wanted to find work in the US to support his five younger sisters and their mother. Before leaving, Edgar worked as a street vendor in Chichicastenango and all over Quiche. But sometime after his father abandoned the family, he became the sole breadwinner and his earnings were not enough to feed the family. Edgar paid a smuggler to take him over the border but they never found out whether or not he made it into the US, Xon said, speaking softly while fidgeting with the large laminated photograph of her brother she wore around her neck. The photo was one of many worn by family members in Puebla this week as part of an annual caravan of Central American Mothers of Disappeared Migrants. {articleGUID} Tens of thousands of migrants and refugees have disappeared while travelling north through Mexico to the border with the US, according to human rights and migrant support groups. [Sandra Cuffe/Al Jazeera] Many Central American migrants simply lose contact with their families along their northbound journey, but others are believed to have died either at the hands of organised crime groups or security forces or from dehydration or exposure to the elements, among other conditions. In most cases, families of the disappeared never find out what happened. Every year since 2004, Central American mothers and other relatives spend two weeks travelling thousands of kilometres in Mexico to search for their loved ones, raising awareness, and speaking out for radical changes in border and immigration policies. {articleGUID} This year was Xons second time participating in the mothers caravan. She stepped off the groups bus in Puebla to cheers, drumming and applause from members of dozens of local activist collectives, migrant support groups, feminist and student associations, and others who arrived at a city market to hear from the women from Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua searching for their loved ones. The caravan is organised by the Mesoamerican Migrant Movement, a grassroots network coordinated in Mexico but with ties throughout Central America. Much of the networks work is focused on attempting to locate migrants and refugees who have disappeared in Mexico and reunite them with their families. Sometimes they succeed. But often, they do not. Women of the Caravan of Central American Mothers hold up photos of missing migrants as they visit the Basilica de Guadalupe during their journey searching for relatives [Carlos Jasso/Reuters] The movement also coordinates Puentes de Esperanza (Bridges of Hope), a project in which Mesoamerican Migrant Movement members travel the migrant trail in Mexico, find Central American migrants who have lost contact with their families, and then attempt to track down the relatives in Central America. This years caravan participants met mothers of disappeared migrants from Mauritania, Senegal, Morocco and other countries, forming global network. Ruben Figueroa, the movements coordinator for Central America and southeastern Mexico, called the meeting significant, adding that the group issued a declaration, which stated that the process of forced displacement all over the world has obligated people to leave their place of origin, their country, and their loved ones behind. Just want to cry The mothers of disappeared migrants from the Americas, Africa and Europe urged governments worldwide to respect international law with regard to asylum, refugees and the treatment of migrants. {articleGUID} Nothing can stop a mother who is searching for her son or daughter. Mothers will bring down all the barriers and cover all the kilometres they need to until they arrive at the truth, the mothers noted in the declaration. Siblings often do the same. Like Xon, Marcela Melchor has been searching for her sister for a decade. Her sister Izabel Melchor Ramos called home to wish their mother a Happy Mothers Day in May 2008. It was her last call. She always communicated by phone, but from public phones in Mexico, Melchor told Al Jazeera. The Indigenous Maya Kiche sisters are from Ixcan, in the northern reaches of the Quiche department of Guatemala. A single mother, Izabel first left home to work in a garment factory near Guatemala City to support her three children, but it became unsafe. There is a lot of crime. When she would leave work, she was followed and hassled, said Melchor, wearing her sisters photograph at the mothers caravan event Tuesday in Puebla. Men line up for a meal as posters for the missing line a window at a shelter for migrants in Tijuana, Mexico [Gregory Bull/AP Photo] Izabel came home and then set out in January 2008 for Mexico to search for a job. She worked at a restaurant in Cancun for a while, but her last call home in May of that year was from the state of Chiapas in southern Mexico. At the time, Izabels three daughters were eight, 10 and 12 years old. She left them in her sisters care. They call me mama tia [mom-aunt]. I raised them, said Melchor. {articleGUID} The entire family continues to search for Izabel. They found help from local associations in Ixcan, then from a Guatemala City organisation, and then from the Mesoamerican Migrant Movement. Melchor feels good to be with other women in similar positions on the mothers caravan, but focusing on so many stories and cases of disappeared migrants while covering more than 5,000km from home to and around Mexico and back is hard, she said. Sometimes there are moments of smiles, but sometimes you just want to cry, said Melchor. Looking to survive This year the mothers caravan overlapped with the ongoing exodus of thousands Central American migrants and refugees, in large groups also called caravans, heading north through Mexico to the US. Aware of the stories of violence and disappearances, the migrants and refugees are sticking together for safety in numbers. An initial wave of more than 1,000 Hondurans left their country last month, mainly fleeing violence, repression, poverty and unemployment. The group quickly grew to more than 5,000 people, Thousands of Central Americans, mainly Hondurans and Salvadorans, have left in subsequent caravans and are heading north behind the first group, which is currently in Mexico City. An estimated 12,000 Central Americans are making the trek north en masse in large, visible groups. Central American migrants cross the Suchiate river, the natural border between Guatemala and Mexico, to reach the US [Carlos Garcia Rawlins/Reuters] The caravan of Central American relatives of disappeared migrants first met up with the first group of thousands of migrants and refugees in the state of Chiapas in southern Mexico at the outset of the mothers caravan. If anyone has heard of my brother, if anyone knows him. Please tell us. Sofia Sebastiana Xon, sister of missing migrant, Edgar Rodolfo Xon Ajanel Both Melchor and Xon told Al Jazeera they felt sadness when they witnessed the size and conditions of the group and heard some of the individual stories of participants. For Xon, it reminded her of her brother Edgar and why he left a decade ago. Theyre looking for a way to survive, said Xon, noting the insecurity and violence in many Central American countries. Women of the Caravan of Central American Mothers hold up photos of missing migrants as they protest against President Donald Trumps anti-immigrant policy in front of the US embassy in Mexico City [Carlos Jasso/Reuters] Asked if she wanted to add anything before the mothers caravan took off from Puebla to its next stop in Oaxaca on the way home to Central America, Xon began reeling off the basic details that could help identify her brother. It was clear she has had practice reciting the litany of information. Edgar is 1.62 metres tall. He was 22 when he went missing, so would now be 32. His last known location was Matamoros. He has birthmarks on his nose and cheek, both on the left side, Xon continued. If anyone has heard of my brother, if anyone knows him, she pleaded. Please tell us. It comes as a setback to President Trump who had reversed the Obama administrations decision to reject the project. A federal judge has blocked construction of the controversial Keystone XL oil pipeline, arguing that United States President Donald Trumps administration had failed to adequately explain why it had lifted a ban on the project. The ruling on Thursday by Judge Brian Morris of the US District Court for the District of Montana dealt a stinging setback to Trump and the oil industry and served up a big win for conservationists and indigenous groups. Trump granted a permit that allowed energy firm TransCanada to build the controversial Keystone XL pipeline shortly after taking office. He said it would create jobs and spur development of infrastructure. {articleGUID} The administration overturned a ruling by the previous Barack Obama administration in 2015 that denied a permit for the pipeline, largely on environmental grounds. The ruling is temporary and requires the government to do a more thorough review of how the project might affect the climate, cultural resources and wildlife. The project will duplicate an existing 1,150km pipeline, allowing it to ship up to 890,000 barrels of oil a day from landlocked Alberta to the Pacific coast of neighbouring British Columbia, in western Canada, for export overseas. TransCanada had tried for more than five years to build the 1,897km pipeline until Obama rejected it in November 2015 amid pressure from environmentalists. Indigenous leaders, who have been at the forefront of a grassroots campaign against the Trans Mountain project, have vowed that the pipeline will never be built. Many indigenous people see the new pipeline as a threat to their lands, echoing concerns raised by Native Americans about the Keystone XL project in the US. California judge rules to keep Obama-era protections for undocumented migrants brought to the US as children. A US appeals court in California has ruled that President Donald Trumps administration must continue an Obama-era programme shielding young immigrants from deportation. The decision by the San Francisco-based ninth US Circuit Court of Appeals preserves the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programme introduced in 2012 that has shielded a group of undocumented immigrants dubbed Dreamers from deportation and given them work permits, though not a path to citizenship. The three-judge panel rejected the administrations claim that the decision to end DACA was not reviewable by the courts. And, upon review, we conclude that plaintiffs are likely to succeed on their claim that the rescission of DACA at least as justified on this record is arbitrary, capricious, or otherwise not in accordance with law, Judge Kim McLane Wardlaw wrote. The ruling represented another legal defeat for Trump over DACA, although he has won court victories on other parts of his hard line immigration policies. On Monday, his administration asked the US Supreme Court to review a federal judges January decision to block Trump from ending the programme even before the ninth Circuit had weighed in, an unusually aggressive move in terms of procedure. Responding to the court decision, United We Dream Action, a grassroots campaign for Dreamers called on Congress to defund deportation agencies in response to the ruling. Weve always known: Trumps decision to kill #DACA was wrong and that his sole motivation was to deport 800,000 people of color. The organisation wrote on Twitter. Weve always known: Trumps decision to kill #DACA was wrong and that his sole motivation was to deport 800,000 people of color. Today, it has been re-affirmed by another Federal Court. #HereToStay United We Dream (@UNITEDWEDREAM) November 8, 2018 In a post on Twitter, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) said: DACA is and will always be constitutional. Trump said on Wednesday that he saw potential to work with Democrats, who won control of the House of Representatives this week, but he would have to see how the Supreme Court rules on the issue. Trump has taken a stern stance against illegal immigration. His administration announced plans in September 2017 to phase out DACA, arguing that Obama exceeded his constitutional powers when he bypassed Congress and created the programme. DACA offers protections to roughly 700,000 young adults, mostly Hispanics, who entered the country as children. San Francisco-based US District Judge William Alsup decided in January the government must continue processing renewals of existing DACA applications while litigation over the legality of Trumps action is resolved. The administration in February unsuccessfully appealed Alsups ruling to the Supreme Court. Democrats see threat to Russia probe, demand emergency hearings Theyve demanded hearings in the House to investigate the firing of Attorney General Jeff Sessions by President Trump. Organisers charged with maintaining silence over the jailing of acclaimed photographer, a claim they deny. Dhaka, Bangladesh This time every year, Dhakas intelligentsia, clad in their best, gather at the neatly-trimmed lawns of the Bangla Academy to enthral a crowd of literature lovers with their poetry readings and animated talks. Held since 2011, the three-day Dhaka Lit Fest (DLF) kicked off on Thursday, bringing together once again writers, journalists, historians and artists from around the world to the bustling South Asian metropolis. But this year, one particular absence has cast its long shadow over the Bangladeshi capitals most coveted cultural event, or the elephant in the room as one of the attendees put it: that of acclaimed photographer Shahidul Alam, a regular panellist in the festivals various sessions over the years. The 63-year-old has been held by Bangladeshs authorities for speaking out against the countrys government. He was picked up from his home in Dhaka on August 5, hours after his remarks over massive student protests were broadcast on Al Jazeera. Alam has been charged under the stringent Information and Communication Technology Act for spreading propaganda and false information against the government. Orwellian nightmare A close associate of DLF organisers, Alam was a frequent participant in the festivals earlier editions. Yet, the only panellist to have so far spoken out for Alam this year has been Nandita Das, an Indian actress and director who called him an upholder of freedom of expression. We should all raise our voice for him, Das said. Alams wife, Rahnuma Ahmed, said she was surprised when DLF organisers did not even send a customary invite for her detained husband. {articleGUID} Shahidul Alam did not merely attend Dhaka Lit Fest. He was an active participant, either as a keynote speaker or moderator or a panellist, Ahmed told Al Jazeera. Alams niece, Sofia Karim, said the silence over Alams imprisonment at the DLF is a sign of how far things in Bangladesh have degenerated into an Orwellian nightmare. My uncle has been a participant at Dhaka Lit Fest many a times and they dont mention him? They must realise that they look ridiculous at best and complicit at worst, she told Al Jazeera. Karim said she was thankful of the Bangladeshis and foreign participants who spoke out or questioned Alams absence at the festival. Their solidarity will go down in history as will others silence. The only DLF panellist to speak out for Alam this year was Indian actress and director, Nandita Das [Mahmud Hossain Opu/Al Jazeera] Shrinking space for free speech Alams arrest has become emblematic of the shrinking space for freedom of speech in Muslim-majority Bangladesh, activists say. The country recently passed a stringent Digital Security Act, which authorises prison sentences up to 14 years for collecting information against the government. A draft Broadcast Law is also under consideration, which seeks to allow the government to jail a person for giving out misleading and false information in a television talk show. {articleGUID} The ground for discourse seems to have shifted so much that mere criticism of the regime can now be regarded as treason, wrote Kanak Mani Dixit, founding editor of Himal Southasia. In an open letter to DLF organisers, a leading publisher and two academics said the holding of the festival in such a situation will only operate as a cynical example of culture and art washing. Any appearance of free or fierce expression or debate at the Lit Fest will be merely that, appearance, and deflect from the clampdowns and violence inflicted on those who dare cross government-sanctioned boundaries, said the letter. Organisers reject charges K Anis Ahmed, one of the three DLF directors, dismissed allegations that there were no discussions on freedom of expression at the festival as not true. We called for repeal of the Digital Security Act at the opening ceremony, Ahmed told Al Jazeera, adding that the festival directors support the stand of Das, the Indian actress. DLF has been held at considerable risk, for example during the killing of the bloggers. It has spoken out for all kinds of free-speech victims in Bangladesh, he said. At least 10 bloggers were killed by right-wing assailants between 2013 and 2016, mainly for their secularist writings. {articleGUID} We have very fond memories of Shahidul bhai [brother], said Sadaf Saaz, another DLF director. And he, more than anybody, would have wanted us to carry on with this difficult fight for literary space. We never told a single writer that she or he cant say anything. The government too has never instructed us to change any topic of discussion, she told Al Jazeera. But Karim said the organisers could have shown more courage. I think most involved know deep down how much courage it took for my uncle and others like him to defend the artists space in Bangladesh, courage that most dont have. Female MPs gather in UK to celebrate a century of suffrage To mark the 100-year anniversary of womens suffrage in the UK, female MPs from 86 countries gather to appreciate the efforts of suffragettes past and hope to inspire future generations of women. Critics say Chinese territorys rights landscape has deteriorated in recent years amid a spate of controversies. A Financial Times Asia editor was denied entry into Hong Kong a month after he was forced to leave the semi-autonomous Chinese city when the government refused to renew his work visa. British journalist Victor Mallet, who was trying to enter on a tourist visa, was turned away at the border after several hours of questioning by immigration officers, the Financial Times reported late on Thursday. Mallet was denied a work visa renewal in October without explanation, although it is widely believed to have been punishment for chairing a talk with a pro-independence activist at the Foreign Correspondents Club (FCC) in August. We have not received an explanation for the recent rejection of Victor Mallets work visa and have appealed against the decision, FT said. Deeply concerned In a letter to Hong Kongs leader Carrie Lam, 17 of the press clubs former presidents renewed calls on Thursday for an official explanation as to why Mallet was denied the work visa. The group said it was deeply concerned with this action, taken with no stated or apparent legal basis in the first incident of its kind against a journalist since Hong Kong returned to Chinese sovereignty in 1997. They also said absent any public explanation from Hong Kong authorities, we can only surmise this unprecedented action was official retribution against the FCC for hosting the activist. 17 former presidents of the Foreign Correspondents Club have sent a letter to HK Chief Executive Carrie Lam, asking for a public explanation for the visa denial of Financial Times Asia news editor Victor Mallet, & asking if the SAR government will continue to respect free speech. pic.twitter.com/PKYmDhZpO3 Keith Richburg (@keithrichburg) November 8, 2018 Lam, who is appointed by a pro-Beijing committee, said the decision had been handed down by immigration authorities. Hong Kongs immigration department has stated it does not comment on individual cases. Authorities in Beijing and Hong Kong have said the notion of independence violates the principle of one country, two systems. Critics say Hong Kongs rights landscape has deteriorated in recent years amid a spate of controversies, including the jailing of young activists and disqualifications of pro-democracy members of the legislature. Exiled Chinese author Ma Jian said on Twitter on Thursday that a talk he was scheduled to give as part of the Hong Kong International Literary Festival had been abruptly cancelled. This is not the way a civilised society would behave, Ma told FT. Im a novelist, not an activist, and am attending the Festival to discuss my new novel, China Dream. My politics are simple: I believe in free thought and free speech. Without them, life has no meaning. The Marcoses were accused of amassing an estimated $5bn to $10bn in hidden wealth during a US-backed dictatorship. A Philippine court has found former first lady Imelda Marcos guilty in multiple corruption cases. It ordered her arrest on Friday in a rare conviction that she is likely to appeal to avoid jail and losing her seat in Congress. The special anti-corruption Sandiganbayan court sentenced Marcos, 89, to six to 11 years in prison for each of the seven counts of violation of an anti-corruption law when she illegally funnelled about $200m to Swiss foundations in the 1970s as Metropolitan Manila governor. Neither Marcos nor anyone representing her attended Fridays court hearing. During the US-backed dictatorship of Imeldas husband, Ferdinand Marcos, the family is said to have amassed an estimated $5bn to $10bn in hidden wealth. No one has issued any reaction on behalf of Marcos, although her lawyers were expected to appeal the ruling, which activists and human rights victims welcomed as long overdue. The court disqualified Marcos from holding public office, but she can remain a member of the House of Representatives while appealing the decision. Her congressional term will end next year but she has registered to run to replace her daughter as governor of northern Ilocos Norte province. I was jumping up and down in joy in disbelief, said Loretta Ann Rosales, former chairwoman of the Commission on Human Rights, who was among many activists locked up after Imeldas husband, former president Ferdinand Marcos, declared martial law in the Philippines in 1972. Rosales said the decision was a huge setback to efforts by the Marcos family to revise history by denying many of the atrocities under the dictatorship and urged Filipinos to fight all threats against democracy and civil liberties. More than 9,000 Filipinos have filed a lawsuit against the Marcoses for torture, imprisonment, extrajudicial killings and disappearances during the US-backed dictatorship. [File: AP] Imelda Marcos husband was overthrown by an army-backed people power revolt in 1986. He died in exile in Hawaii in 1989 but his widow and children returned to the Philippines. Most have been elected to public offices in an impressive political comeback. Conjugal dictatorship Government prosecutor Ryan Quilala told reporters that Marcos and her husband opened and managed Swiss foundations in violation of the Philippine Constitution, using aliases in a bid to hide stolen funds. Marcos rule was often referred to as a conjugal dictatorship because of his wifes political influence. The Marcoses have been accused of plundering the government coffers amid crushing poverty. They have denied any wrongdoing and have successfully fought many other corruption cases. Imelda Marcos was acquitted on Friday in three other cases, which were filed in 1991 and took nearly three decades of trial by several judges and prosecutors. She was once convicted in a corruption case in 1993, but the Supreme Court later cleared her of any wrongdoing. President Rodrigo Duterte, an ally of the Marcoses, had said last year that the latter were willing to return a still-unspecified amount of money and a few gold bars to help ease budget deficits. Duterte indicated the family still denied that the assets had been stolen as alleged by political opponents, and has often praised the former dictator. Ferdinand Marcos had placed the Philippines under martial rule a year before his term was to expire. He padlocked Congress, ordered the arrest of political rivals and left-wing activists and ruled by decree. A Hawaii court found Marcos liable for human rights violations and awarded $2bn from his estate to compensate more than 9,000 Filipinos who filed a lawsuit against him for torture, imprisonment, extrajudicial killings and disappearances. Duterte has acknowledged that Imee Marcos, the couples daughter and a provincial governor, backed his presidential candidacy, and she is running for senator under Dutertes political alliance. He has also allowed the late dictators body to be buried in the countrys heroes cemetery in 2016. T-shirt shows a mushroom cloud created by an atomic bomb with the words: Patriotism OurHistory Liberation Korea. A Japanese television station cancelled a performance by the wildly popular Korean boyband BTS after controversy erupted over a shirt worn by a member appearing to show the mushroom cloud created by an atomic bomb. The international superstars were to perform on TV Asahi on Friday, but the station abruptly cancelled the show after a photo of member Jimin wearing the shirt received lots of online exposure. The T-shirt that one of the members wore made headlines and became controversial, TV Asahi said in a statement. The station discussed the intention behind the shirt with the bands record label and ultimately decided to cancel their appearance. TV Asahi spokesman Shinya Matsuki declined further comment. Patriotism BTS issued their own statement on the argument, but gave no details on why the show had been postponed. We apologise for disappointing fans who were looking forward to this. BTS will continue their efforts to connect with fans on stage and also through music, the group said on their website. The offending shirt featured the phrase PATRIOTISM OURHISTORY LIBERATION KOREA repeated multiple times alongside an image of an atomic bomb explosion and another of Koreans celebrating liberation. BTS member Jimin reportedly wore the shirt last year, on August 15, the day on which Koreans celebrate the end of Japanese occupation in 1945. Some Japanese fans of the band expressed disgust on Twitter that their show was cancelled over a T-shirt. Colonial past Ties between Japan and South Korea continue to be soured by bitter disputes over history and territory stemming from Japans brutal 1910-1945 colonial rule over the peninsula. Last month, Tokyo reacted furiously after South Koreas top court ordered a Japanese steel giant to compensate victims of wartime forced labour programmes. South Korean K-pop and movie stars are extremely popular in Japan. BTS are the leading lights of the K-Pop phenomenon and made history earlier this year by becoming the first K-Pop band to top the US album charts, a sign of the genres growing global appeal. BTS has collaborated with Japanese American DJ and musical artist Steve Aoki and has reached No 1 on the Billboard chart. Known for their boyish good looks, floppy haircuts and meticulously choreographed dance moves, the septet has become one of South Koreas best-known and most lucrative musical exports. Ghassan Salame says a national reconciliation conference in early 2019 will set the stage for nation-wide elections. United Nations Special Envoy to Libya Ghassan Salame has said he expects elections to take place in the war-wracked country in early 2019. The announcement on Thursday is the first official acknowledgement that elections in Libya will be difficult to hold on December 10, as had been agreed by rival leaders at a Paris summit in May. Salame said a national conference in early 2019 will set the stage for the vote. {articleGUID} The National Conference is to be held in the first weeks of 2019. The subsequent electoral process should commence in the spring of 2019, Salame told the Security Council. Divisions along regional, tribal and linguistic lines have complicated the north African countrys transition to democracy since the overthrow of longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi seven years ago. The existence of two rival legislatures the internationally recognised Government of National Accord in Tripoli and the eastern-based House of Representatives (HOR) each with its own central bank and national oil company is indicative of the countrys plight as it tries to enact the necessary reforms and, ultimately, hold elections. Salame accused the two rival chambers of delaying the vote to waste time and advance their own narrow interests at the expense of Libyans. To both houses, elections are a threat that must be resisted at all costs, but to the citizens, elections are a means of liberation from the ineffective and increasingly illegitimate authorities, Salame said. According to our latest poll, which I received this morning, 80 percent of Libyans insist on having elections. Experts, however, say elections will fail to achieve any progress if armed militias arent reined in. Libya is one of the worlds largest oil producers with production estimated at 1.3 barrels per day. {articleGUID} [] these figures obfuscate the truth: Libyans have been increasingly impoverished while criminals employ violence and patronage networks to steal billions from the national coffers, Salame said. Salame, who is the sixth UN envoy since Gaddafis removal in 2011, said clashes between rival militias in the capital Tripoli in September served to highlight the delicate security climate and worked as an incentive to demobilise and integrate armed groups into the formal security apparatus. Regional and European observers deny serious irregularities, as alleged by a former president. International observers have ruled out irregularities in this weeks presidential election in Madagascar, after former leader Hery Rajaonarimampianina alleged the ballot was marred by fraud. In separate statements on Friday, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the European Unions monitoring mission to the Indian Ocean island-nation said no major anomalies took place during Wednesdays vote. The irregularities were very minor and wont have any impact on the elections outcome, Cristian Preda, head of the EU mission, told reporters at a press conference in capital, Antananarivo. Preda said two cases of ballot stuffing were reported from over 25,000 polling stations. He denounced people attempting to cheat when they make allegations of irregularities without substantiating such claims. The SADC, meanwhile, praised the country for holding a lawful poll. The political and security environment before, during and immediately after polling was generally peaceful, Joseph Malanji, head of the SADC observation mission, said in a statement. Ex-president alleged fraud The observers comments came a day after Rajaonarimampianina, one of the 36 candidates in the race, alleged many irregularities had taken place during the vote. {articleGUID} According to the election commissions latest count, Rajaonarimampianina had won about four percent of the vote based on ballots from 1,350 polling stations. Frontrunners Andry Rajoelina and Marc Ravalomanana, also former presidents, had nearly 42 and 40 percent of support respectively. Provisional results are expected by November 20. They must then be confirmed by the High Constitutional Court by November 28. With none of the 36 hopefuls expected to win more than 50 percent of the votes, a runoff between the two best performers is likely to be held on December 19. The new president will begin serving a five-year term in January 2019. Restive island Wednesdays vote marked the latest instance of political upheaval in Madagascar the worlds fourth-largest island and home to about 25 million people since it became independent from France in 1960. The country, where more than 76 percent of its people live in extreme poverty according to the World Bank, has struggled to overcome political divisions over a disputed 2001 election and a 2009 coup. Both Ravalomanana and Rajoelina were banned from contesting the last election in 2013 under international pressure to avoid a repeat of the events in 2009, when street protests turned violent and left the country in turmoil. Earlier this year, attempts by Rajaonarimampianina, the incumbent, to change the countrys electoral laws backfired and sparked nearly three months of bitter anti-government demonstrations. Political opponents claimed the proposed changes were aimed at barring their candidates from taking part in the election. In June, the countrys top court ordered the formation of a national unity government with a consensus prime minister to avert a full-blown crisis. Two months later, on September 7, Rajaonarimampianina resigned from office to compete in the presidential election. Marking the WWI Centenary 100 years after the end of the first world war, many leaders will gather in Paris to remember the lives that were lost over the course of the four-year war. Police set to examine bodies found in area between Oromia-Somali regions during probe into case of held ex-leader. Ethiopian police have unearthed a mass grave with an estimated 200 bodies in an area between the countrys Oromia and Somali regions, according to state-affiliated media. Fana Broadcasting Corporation said on Thursday the grave was found during an investigation into atrocities allegedly carried out by a paramilitary force known as the Liyu Police that were seen as loyal to Abdi Mohammed Omer, the former president of the Somali region. Adbi was forced to resign on August 6 and was later arrested after fighting broke out in the provincial capital, Jigjiga, and surrounding towns. He is now in detention facing trial for alleged human rights violations. According to Fana, police were granted 14 days to unearth and do forensic examinations on the bodies. If these mass graves are proved to be related to a systematic attack to the local populations, certainly, we are looking at a case of war crimes and crimes against humanity, Awol Allo, a lecturer at Keele Universitys School of Law and an expert on Ethiopia, told Al Jazeera. The man in the centre of this theatre cannot really wash his hands. Absolute control The eastern region has been plagued by violence for decades as the government fought the secessionist Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) before both sides signed a peace deal last month. Human rights groups have often accused Abdis former administration of human rights abuses. In July, US-based group Human Rights Watch (HRW) alleged that Abdi was running a secret jail where suspected ONLF members were tortured. In a letter to the commissioner of African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights, HRW said it had documented cases of abuse, rape and humiliation in Jigjiga central prison that directly involved the Liyu Police. Awol said the unofficial militia were directly accountable and loyal to him (Abdi) long before he became president after he became president, he had absolute control. In August, Ethiopian officials said the Liyu Police carried out an attack that killed 41 people and wounded 20 others. Accountability for victims When ethnic Somalis and Oromos clashed in border areas over claims to land and resources in the previous months, several hundred others were also reportedly killed. Since taking power in April, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has overseen a number of reforms and pursued a reconciliation strategy, steering the state away from a hardline security policy in place for decades. But Abiys moves have yet to halt ethnically motivated violence, seen as the new prime ministers biggest domestic challenge. Awol noted, however, that the appointment of Mustafa Omer, a human rights campaigner who lived in exile, as acting president of the Somali region was a step in the right direction. At the centre, the federal government is taking some radical steps in terms of transforming the political landscape, but it is important that accountability for victims of human rights is also part of this transformation. Police have identified attack as a terrorism incident after a man stabs three people in Melbourne, before being shot. Police are treating the knife attack in the Australian city of Melbourne as a terrorist incident, after a man stabbed three people during rush hour. Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton said the unnamed attacker later died in hospital after he was shot by police and arrested. One of the victims was also confirmed dead, with the two others injured. We dont believe there is an ongoing threat at this stage, but certainly we are treating it as a terrorism incident, Ashton told reporters. He declined to identify the attacker, but said he was Somali with family associations that are well known to us. Police placed part of the city on lockdown after the attacker drove a car laden with gas cylinders which caught fire in the city centre at around 4:20pm local time, as people began to leave work for the weekend. Video posted to Twitter and broadcast on television showed a man repeatedly swinging an object at two police officers in central Melbourne. One of the officers raises his weapon, a shot is heard and the man falls to the ground clutching his chest. Bourke Street: A man has reportedly been shot by police after setting his car on fire this afternoon. Melbournes CBD is currently in lock down between Elizabeth Street and Russell Street and police are urging people to avoid the area. Latest on 7 News at 6.00pm #7News pic.twitter.com/kRP18q56UH 7NEWS Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) November 9, 2018 Police warned people to avoid the area, but said they are not looking for anyone further at this early stage. The exact circumstances are yet to be determined at this stage. The area has been cordoned off, the police earlier said. Al Jazeeras Andrew Thomas, reporting from Sydney, said there have been a number of attacks in Australia that at the time of the incidents were thought to be related to terrorism. [But] then, when the background of the person has been looked into, theyve had mental health issues and no association with any known groups. He added that the police do not believe this is part of anything bigger, but they will remain cautious. The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) group said, via its Amaq website, that one of its fighters carried out the stabbings on Friday. It did not provide any evidence to support its claim, nor did it name the attacker. The street where the attack took place was also the scene of a fatal incident in January 2017, when a man drove his car at pedestrians at high speed, killing six people and wounding about 30. A group of 42 aid agencies says the planned return of Rohingya to Myanmar is premature and dangerous. A plan to start repatriating hundreds of thousands of Rohingya back to Myanmar is premature and the refugees are terrified about leaving Bangladesh, dozens of aid agencies working in the region said on Friday. They are terrified about what will happen to them if they are returned to Myanmar now, and distressed by the lack of information they have received, the group of 42 aid agencies and civil society groups said in a statement that referred to the push as dangerous. They fled to Bangladesh to seek safety and they are very grateful to the Government of Bangladesh for giving them a safe haven. Oxfam, World Vision and Save the Children were among the groups working in Myanmar and Bangladesh that signed the statement. Earlier, the UN has said conditions in Rakhine, where Buddhists have protested against the repatriation, are not conducive for the return. The special envoy on human rights, Yanghee Lee, on Thursday urged a halt to the rushed plans. More than 720,000 Rohingya fled Myanmars Rakhine State after a military crackdown in August 2017 that survivors say involved mass rape and extrajudicial killings. UN officials say the countrys military leaders should be investigated for genocide, but Myanmar has rebuffed the calls, arguing it was only defending itself against Rohingya rebels who attacked police posts. Both Bangladesh and Myanmar signed a repatriation agreement in November last year to allow Rohingya to return but many fear going back without guarantees of citizenship, freedom of movement and safety. The Myanmar and Bangladesh governments have confirmed in recent weeks that they were pushing ahead with the first large-scale repatriation set for mid-November, prompting an outcry from activists who say conditions on the ground in Rakhine are not favourable to take the refugees back. They said refugees fear to live in enclosed settlements like the one in central Rakhine State, where more than 120,000 Rohingya have been confined to camps for six years since inter-communal violence erupted in the region in 2012. Genocidal intent Myint Khaing, the Maungdaw township administrator in northern Rakhine, told AFP news agency that November 15 is the estimated repatriation start date and that the plan is to receive more than 2,200 people in total at a rate of 150 a day. But he seemed unsure if it would go ahead. We can confirm only on the 15th whether the people from our given list are coming or not, he said. 700,000 Rohingya fled Myanmar after an army-led crackdown in 2017. [Getty Images] Refugees have accused Myanmar soldiers and local Buddhists of carrying out mass killings and rapes during the violence last year, while the United Nations has accused the military of genocidal intent. Myanmar has denied almost all the allegations. News of the repatriation comes as dozens of Rohingya in Myanmar and Bangladesh have boarded boats to try to reach Malaysia, raising fears of a fresh wave of such dangerous voyages after a 2015 crackdown on people smugglers. One boat attempted to set sail from the southern coast of Bangladesh on Wednesday, the coastguard said, while several vessels left Rakhine State in western Myanmar, according to Rohingya leaders, aid workers and a monitoring group. Officials detained 33 Rohingya and six Bangladeshis onboard a fishing boat bound for Malaysia in the southeastern part of the Bay of Bengal, said Foyezul Islam Mondol, the head of the coastguard in southeastern Teknaf Upazila. Six Bangladeshis were also arrested, he said. A spokeswoman for the UN refugee agency in Myanmar said the organisation had heard similar reports of boats leaving the country but could not confirm their location. For years, Rohingya on both sides of the border have boarded boats organised by smugglers in the dry months between November and March, when the sea is calm. The perilous journey to Thailand and Malaysia, often undertaken in overcrowded, rickety vessels, has cost many lives. Thailand cracked down on the trade after discovering a series of mass graves in 2015, leading to a crisis when smugglers abandoned their human cargo and left boats adrift in the Andaman Sea. Trapped Chris Lewa, director of the Arakan Project, which has a network of sources across Rohingya communities, said the threat of being sent back to Myanmar could be pushing refugees to turn to smugglers. The Rohingya are trapped, she told Reuters news agency. They have nowhere to go. No one wants them, and now they face on top of that the threat of repatriation. On the other side of the border in Sittwe, the capital of Rakhine State, tens of thousands of Rohingya have been languishing in camps since 2012 that the New York Times newspaper termed 21st-century concentration camps. Accounts of how many boats had left Myanmar differed. A high level of secrecy surrounds the smuggling operations. An aid worker in Sittwe said they had received information that at least four boats had departed since the start of October, and some of them had already arrived in Malaysia. Some of those boarding the boats were women and children joining other family members, the aid worker said. Maithripala Sirisena sacks parliament and sets snap elections for January 5 amid crisis over two rival prime ministers. Colombo, Sri Lanka Sri Lankas President Maithripala Sirisena has dissolved the countrys parliament and declared a snap election on January 5, hours after his coalition admitted that it could not muster enough parliamentary support for its designated prime minister. The move on Friday was the latest twist in a protracted political crisis triggered by the presidents shock move last month to sack Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and replace him with Mahinda Rajapaksa, a controversial former president. Sirisena said in an official gazette notification that the dissolution of the currently suspended parliament will take effect at midnight, and a new legislature will be summoned to meet on January 17. Wickremesinghes United National Party (UNP) swiftly denounced the move in a post on Twitter, saying it vehemently rejects the sacking of the parliament. The party also accused Sirisena of robbing the people of their rights and democracy. The UNP argues the president has the authority to appoint the prime minister, but does not have the power to sack the incumbent. It has demanded a parliamentary vote to prove Wickremesinghes majority. The deposed leader, meanwhile, has remained holed up in the prime ministerial residence since his abrupt dismissal on October 26. Dayasiri Jayasekara, a cabinet minister, told Al Jazeera that Sirisena had no choice but to dissolve parliament because of Wickremesinghes refusal to step down. The president was acting well within his constitutional rights in dismissing the parliament, Jayasekara stressed, adding: The best thing to do now is go for an election. This is what the people also want. Rajapaksa also welcomed Sirisenas move, saying in a Twitter post that a general election will truly establish the will of the people and make way for a stable country. The dissolution of the parliament comes amid weeks of intensified horse-trading as opposing parties fought to obtain a majority of 113 legislators in the 225-member parliament. Sirisenas United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA), which had the backing of 96 legislators prior to the crisis, has managed to woo at least nine legislators to switch support in the past two weeks. {articleGUID} However, the UNP whose numbers declined from 106 to 98 amid defections gained an edge when the Tamil National Alliance, a coalition of 15 legislators representing the countrys ethnic Tamil minority, said it would back a motion to remove Rajapaksa when parliament reconvened on November 14. Earlier on Friday, Keheliya Rambukwella, spokesperson for the UPFA, admitted for the first time that the coalition did not have a majority. We now have 104 or 105 seats, but we will show a majority of 113 and more on the parliament floor, he told a news conference. Mixed responses Sirisenas critics have staged daily protests since he dismissed Wickremesinghe [Dinuka Liyanawatte/Reuters] Rajitha Keerthi Tennakoon, a political analyst based in Sri Lankas capital, Colombo, said the dissolution of parliament was the only way out of the constitutional crisis. It would have been better if the president had asked for the opinion of the Supreme Court, but the constitution does not make that mandatory. Others, however, disagreed. Shreen Saroor, a human rights activist who has been leading daily protests against Sirisenas decision to sack Wickremesinghe, called the dissolution of parliament yet another unconstitutional move. He did this because he knew that he would not get a majority for Rajapaksa. He has now set a precedent for any future leader to exercise maximum power, she said. {articleGUID} The parliaments dismissal will allow Sirisena to keep Rajapaksa and the new cabinet of ministers, opening the door for the new government to abuse resources for the forthcoming election, she argued. Gehan Gunatilleke, a human rights lawyer, said Sirisenas move may end up increasing the UNPs chance at winning the election. Unconstitutional behaviour of this magnitude can be very damaging electorally, he said. Voters who may have previously been unimpressed by the generally lacklustre performance of the UNP will now be spurred to action to prevent Sirisena and Rajapaksa from winning an election. Critics fear the US president is paving way to disrupt probe into Russian interference in 2016 presidential election. Washington, DC Thousands protested across the United States on Thursday to demand that President Donald Trump not impede Special Counsel Robert Muellers investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. The protests come a day after Trump effectively fired Attorney General Jeff Sessions, a move many see as clearing the way for Trump to go after Mueller. The presidents decision to replace Sessions with an even more devoted loyalist, Matthew Whitaker, in an acting capacity has drawn outrage from critics, including senior Democrats, who won control of the House of Representatives in Tuesdays midterms. Sessions recused himself from overseeing a probe in March 2017, shortly after taking office. The former Republican senator was active in the Trump campaign and had met twice with the Russian ambassador to the US. Responsibility for the probe was then passed to Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who appointed Mueller, a former FBI director. Trump saw the move as a betrayal and frequently and publicly criticised Sessions for making the decision to recuse himself. Muellers probe has since reached plea deals with or indicted a number of Trump associates. They include his former National Security Adviser, Michael Flynn, and his former lawyer, Michael Cohen. Were on the march now Times Square to Union Square. #ProtectMueller pic.twitter.com/UAlYShxZhW Beau Willimon (@BeauWillimon) November 8, 2018 According to US media reports on Thursday, Muellers team have started writing the final report of the investigation. Sessions interim replacement, his former chief of staff, Whitaker, has publicly criticised the Mueller probe for going beyond its remit. That has convinced many opponents of Trump that the president has Mueller in his crosshairs. In theory, Whitaker could order Mueller to limit the scope of his investigation or end it altogether. Disrespect for norms At a protest in support of Mueller outside the White House, a crowd of several hundred protesters shouted anti-Trump slogans. Jerry Role, a retired Department of Justice staffer told Al Jazeera that Trumps actions this week threatened the integrity of US democracy. Theres a disrespect for norms, a disrespect for the rule of law, and a disrespect for the conventions of society and politics, he said, adding that politicians needed to rise above party to confront Trump. With control of the lower house of Congress, the Democrats have the power to order their own investigation into Trumps dealings with the Russians and other foreign governments. Protesters gathered in the capital and across the US [Shafik Mandhai/Al Jazeera] Senior party officials have so far shied away from directly proposing the idea but have emphatically condemned the decision to fire Sessions and appoint Whitaker. Both Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer and the expected House majority leader, Nancy Pelosi, want Whitaker to recuse himself from overseeing the Mueller investigation. Clearly, the President has something to hide, Schumer wrote on Twitter on Wednesday, later adding: Mr Whitaker should recuse himself from (the probes) oversight for the duration of his time as acting attorney general. Some senior Republicans, such as former presidential candidate and Utah Senator-elect Mitt Romney, have urged Whitaker to allow the Mueller investigation to run unimpeded. According to the Washington Post, Whitaker has no intention of recusing himself, putting the two sides on a collision course should the acting attorney general interfere with the Mueller probe. I want to thank Jeff Sessions for his service to our country as Attorney General. Under Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker, it is imperative that the important work of the Justice Department continues, and that the Mueller investigation proceeds to its conclusion unimpeded. Mitt Romney (@MittRomney) November 7, 2018 Possible Democrat response Professor Scott Lucas of the University of Birmingham described the situation as unprecedented but said the Democrats would likely have a plan in place should Trump make a move on Mueller through the acting attorney general or a future appointment. The (Democrats) first step would be to protect the investigation , they would do that by making sure all documents were secured by ensuring Muellers investigative team was not broken up, he said, adding: On Capitol Hill, the Democrats are quite likely to call for a floor vote immediately to countermand and reverse the firing. Lucas further explained that while the Democrats will have a majority in the House, they will remain a minority in the upper house of Congress, the Senate, and would likely have to convince at least some Republicans to join them. In Washington, DC, protesters called on Democrat and Republican legislators to put partisan divisions aside to avoid the possibility of a constitutional crisis. David Bosel, a retired political scientist, described Trumps attempts to scupper the Mueller investigation as dictatorial and accused most Republicans in Congress of helping Trump tilt the US towards fascism. Nevertheless, he appealed to Republicans not beholden to Donald Trump to reign in any attempt to fire Mueller. Obey your conscience, do what is right, do what is constitutional, he said, adding: This administration believes it is above the law and it is willing to go against the constitution. Sources at Turkish attorney generals office told Al Jazeera samples of acid were found at Saudi envoys Istanbul home. By Once plan goes into effect, those at US southern border would only be eligible for asylum if they go to official port. The Trump administration took a major step on Thursday to restrict asylum claims, putting forward a regulation that would make individuals ineligible for asylum if they cross the US southern border between official ports of entry. Once the plan goes into full effect, which is expected to happen in coming days, migrants entering at the US southern border would only be eligible for asylum if they come to official ports of entry. What we are attempting to do is trying to funnel asylum claims through the ports of entry where we are better resourced, have better capabilities and better manpower and staffing to actually handle those claims in an expeditious and efficient manner, a senior administration official told reporters in a news briefing on Thursday, on condition of anonymity. The plan is President Donald Trumps administrations latest move to limit the eligibility of individuals for asylum in the United States. The regulation would largely affect migrants from Central Americas Northern Triangle Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador who cross the US border with Mexico to flee violence, including political persecution, and poverty in their home countries. {articleGUID} The vast majority of aliens who enter illegally today come from the Northern Triangle countries, and large portions of those aliens assert a credible fear, the regulations text says. Channeling those aliens to ports of entry would encourage these aliens to first avail themselves of offers of asylum from Mexico. Immigrant advocates quickly denounced the administrations move. US law specifically allows individuals to apply for asylum whether or not they are at a port of entry, said Omar Jadwat, director of the American Civil Liberties Unions Immigrants Rights Project. It is illegal to circumvent that by agency or presidential decree. Caravan plans on going to official port The move comes less than 48 hours after the midterm election in which Republicans maintained their hold on the Senate, but lost control of the House to the Democrats. {articleGUID} During the election, Trump put immigration at the top of voters minds, seeking to sow fear over a caravan of Central American migrants and asylum seekers. Last week, he said he would be taking steps to limit asylum claims. His administration also deployed thousands of troops to the border, and said he massive tent cities are being erected to house asylum seekers until there is a decision on their application. The initial wave of the caravan left Honduras a month ago, and thousands more have followed and are currently trekking north. The US president railed against the caravan in the lead up to the election, telling the refugees and migrants they would not be welcomed in the United States. The caravan has remained undeterred, and participants have told Al Jazeera they plan on applying for asylum at an official port of entry. After Trumps announcement about the new proposals last week, a group of caravan participants filed a lawsuit against the administration on the behalf of minors. 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. US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on Friday suspending the entry of migrants through the US southern border between ports of entry for 90 days. The proclamation, taken together with a regulation issued by the Trump administration on Thursday, will bar migrants who cross the US border with Mexico between official ports from receiving asylum in the United States. Trumps proclamation does not apply to unaccompanied children, officials said. What we are attempting to do is trying to funnel asylum claims through the ports of entry where we are better resourced, have better capabilities and better manpower and staffing to actually handle those claims in an expeditious and efficient manner, a senior administration official told reporters in a news briefing on Thursday, on condition of anonymity. The new rule is Trumps administrations latest move to limit the eligibility of individuals for asylum in the US as part of its zero tolerance policy. Earlier this year, former Attorney General Jeff Sessions implemented rules that made it harder for individuals fleeing gang violence or domestic abuse to apply for asylum. Immoral and inhumane The new restrictions are expected to be challenged in court. Rights groups call rules unconstitutional and a violation of international law. These restrictions are illegal asylum is a legal right regardless of how someone enters the country, RAICES, an immigrant legal services organisation in Texas, said in a statement. They hurt thousands of women and children who have been denied a future already by US foreign policy the organisation added. It is immoral and inhumane. A man suspected of crossing into the United States between official ports of entry along the Rio Grande near Granjeno, Texas, is held by US Customs and Border Patrol agents [File: Eric Gay/AP Photo] The National Immigration Law Center tweeted that once again, Trump seeks to divide us by preying upon people in most need of help. Trump first announced his intention to limit asylum last week. More than 5,000 US troops have already been deployed to the border, and Trump said the number could rise to 15,000. The president has also said massive tent cities are being built to house asylum seekers indefinitely until their claims are processed. Fridays proclamation comes less than three days after the midterm elections in which Republicans maintained their hold on the Senate, but lost control of the House to the Democrats. Caravan plans to apply for asylum at official port During the election, Trump sought to sow fear over a caravan of Central American migrants and asylum seekers currently trekking north through Mexico. {articleGUID} The initial wave of the caravan left Honduras a month ago, and thousands more have followed. The caravans participants have told Al Jazeera they are fleeing violence, including political persecution, and harsh economic situations. The US president railed against the caravan in the lead up to the election, telling the refugees and migrants they would not be welcomed in the US. The caravan has remained undeterred, and participants said they plan on applying for asylum at an official port of entry. Honduras migrants walk to the U.S as they approach Zacapa, about 70 miles northeast of Guatemala City, Wednesday [File: Oliver de Ros/Reuters] More than 100 people set out Friday morning from Mexico City for Tijuana. Others with the initial wave are deciding which route to take north, according to journalists travelling with the caravan. Last week, a group of parents travelling with their children in the caravan, filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, saying the president continues to abuse the law, including constitutional rights to deter Central Americans from exercising their lawful right to seek asylum in the United States. As Yemen famine looms, UN peace talks delayed Despite a renewed push from the United States, the UN-sponsored peace talks to end the Yemen war are being pushed back until the end of the year, while fighting intensifies around Hodeidah. A Saudi-UAE-led military coalition and pro-government forces in Yemen have launched a vast offensive to capture the strategic port city of Hodeidah from Houthi rebels, according to the countrys internationally recognised government. A military operation has begun and the national army forces have advanced towards the north and the western sides of the city of Hodeidah, progressing from all front with the support of the Arab coalition, the Aden-based government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi said in a statement on Friday. Fierce battles are taking place at these moments, it added. Fridays statement came after several days of fighting as pro-government forces closed in on Houthi positions in the city centre. At least 110 rebels and 22 pro-government troops were killed during battles in the past 24 hours, local medical sources told the AFP news agency on Friday. The latest fatalities took the total number of fighters from both sides killed since November 1, when the battle for Hodeidah intensified, to 382. There was no immediate comment on the governments statement from the rebels, who have been controlling Hodeidah since 2014, the same year they also seized Yemens capital, Sanaa. Death, injury and suffering Aid agencies have long warned that fighting in Hodeidah, a Red Sea port city and the entry point for the bulk of Yemens commercial imports and aid supplies, risks escalating the war-torn countrys dire humanitarian crisis. The Saudi-UAE alliance, which is backed by the United States, launched a wide-ranging operation to take the seaport in June but suspended it in advance of planned United Nations-sponsored peace talks between Hadis government and the Houthis. The campaign resumed in September after the talks collapsed before even starting. Earlier on Friday, the UNs refugee agency (UNHCR) said as many as 445,000 people had fled the city since June. In a statement, the UNHCR said it was concerned for the safety of those still trapped in Hodeidah as the intensified military operations were increasingly confining populations and cutting off exit routes. People needing to flee for safety are unable to do so, it added. Amid the escalating fighting, the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), a charity which operates in several parts of Yemen, cautioned Hodeidah was at risk of being obliterated. We warned the international community that an offensive on the city was coming, and it has. We warned that the violence would see another half a million people flee their homes, and it did, NRCs Yemen director Mohamed Abdi said in a statement on Friday. We are now warning that by allowing this to go on, parties to the conflict and their international backers will be responsible for the death, injury and suffering of millions of people, Abdi added. Possible war crimes Hodeidah is the only port held by the Houthis, who are believed to be backed by Iran. It is currently under a Saudi-UAE coalition blockade, allegedly as part of efforts to prevent the Houthis from using it as a landing point for weapons supplied by Tehran. Both Iran and the rebels deny such smuggling is taking place. A UN report published in August said the blockade, part of wider Saudi-UAE coalition-enforced restrictions on access to Yemens other ports and the countrys airspace, may have violated international humanitarian law. The report also rebuked all other parties to the conflict and concluded there were reasonable grounds to believe a substantial number of violations of international humanitarian law had been committed by pro-government forces, the coalition and the Houthis. Possible violations included deadly air raids, rampant sexual violence and the recruitment of child soldiers, it said. Stuttering peace efforts The conflict in Yemen, the Arab worlds poorest country and home to an estimated 28 million people, began with the Houthis takeover of Sanaa and toppling of Hadis government. Concerned by the rise of the Houthis, the Saudi-UAE military coalition launched an intervention in 2015 in the form of a massive air campaign aimed at reinstalling the deposed administration. According to the UN, at least 10,000 people have been killed since the coalition entered the conflict. The death toll has not been updated in years, however, and is likely to be far higher. The Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project, an independent watchdog, recently said as many as 56,000 Yemenis had been killed since the war began. Recent efforts to bring an end to the fighting have faltered, most notably in September, when discussions planned to take place in the Swiss city of Geneva fell apart after Houthi representatives refused to attend, saying the UN had failed to meet the groups pre-summit demands. The launch of the latest major offensive came a day after UN officials said they were aiming to bring the countrys warring factions to the negotiation table before the end of this year. There [are] always different challenges to bringing the parties together, Farhan Haq, spokesperson for the UN envoy to Yemen Martin Griffiths, said on Thursday. What were trying to do is clear up any issues so that we can get a successful round of talks as soon as possible, he added. International powers including the US and Britain have also stepped up calls for an end to the nearly four-year war in recent weeks. Democrats charged into the Ohio midterm election full of piss and vinegar. Their belief was that they were surfing a blue wave and were going to start the process of turning what is often described as a purple state into a blue one. The Buckeye State is a major prize in the quest for the presidency with its 18 electoral votes and central position in the Midwest region. This was all a Democrat rehearsal for 2020. But things did not turn out that way. With one exception which will be addressed further down, the election was a wipe out for Democrats. Here's a summary. Ohio Statehouse in Columbus Statewide Offices At the top of the ticket was the race for governor. Here, Mike DeWine faced off against the Obama administration's former Consumer Financial Protection Director Richard Cordray. Days before the election, the media here were saying the race was a nail-biter. But even a new hair cut style didn't help the disheveled Obamite as DeWine handily defeated him 50- 46. From there, the GOP swept all the down-ticket statewide offices with healthy margins. With 100 percent of the votes tallied, Dave Yost won as attorney general, Robert Sprague as treasurer, and Frank LaRose as secretary of state, and Keith Faber as auditor. Of these, Yost and LaRose could have bright prospects for the future. Not only does this allow the GOP to keep control of the executive branch of Ohio's government, it also weighs heavily on the upcoming redistricting: Of added importance to both parties, the governor, the secretary of state and auditor are members of the Ohio Apportionment Board, which is responsible for drawing district maps. For congressional districts, if the legislature cannot reach a bipartisan agreement on a new map, a seven-member commission that also includes four legislative appointees, will draw a map with bipartisan support. If not, then the majority party can draw a map with stricter rules. Obviously, this bodes well for Republicans. Ohio State Legislature Prior to the election, Republicans controlled the state legislature. In the Assembly the GOP enjoyed a super-majority and had a firm control of the Senate. After the election, all this stays the same. With a Republican governor and a GOP legislature, conservative initiatives can be expected. For example, Mike DeWine has already said he is looking forward to cutting regulations and said he would sign an anti-abortion Heartbeat bill. Ohio's Congressional Delegation As with the state legislature, it was the same for Ohio's congressional delegation. Of its 16 members, 12 were Republicans prior to the election. The midterm election allowed the GOP to hold every congressional seat it owned. There were no Republican loses. U.S. Senate race The only fly in the midterm election ointment was the reelection of ultra-liberal Sherrod Brown over challenger Jim Renacci, 53-47. This was more a case of bad luck and Republican failure than a Democrat success. Here's the story. As of 2017, Ohio treasurer Josh Mandel, was set to take on Brown, while Renacci gave up his congressional seat eying a run for governor. But in January 2018, Mandel abruptly pulled himself out of contention due to a serious issue of his wife and threw the GOP for a loop. They scrambled around but couldn't find a suitable replacement for Mandel. It is said that calls from Washington and President Trump persuaded Renacci to drop his quest for governor and instead take on Brown. He accepted the challenge in just February of this year. Starting that far behind, being under funded by the RNC, and greatly outspent by his Democrat opponent, Renacci didn't have much of a chance. Renacci was good on the issues, but he is not the dynamic campaigner that Mandel is. It is a shame the GOP let this Senate race slip away. Brown is not all that popular in Ohio. Ballot Issue Issue 1 was the only statewide question on the ballot, a measure initiated and funded by out-of-state sources like the Tides Center taking advantage of Ohio's referendum system. The Columbus Dispatch reported that ...backers raised $9.8 million, plus another $1.4 million in in-kind support. Nearly $6 million of that money came from out of state non-profits, including Chan Zuckerberg Advocacy and the Tides Center. Less than $4,000 came from inside Ohio. Opponents raised $1 million and most of it came from Ohioans for a Healthy Economy, a non-profit advocacy group. The intent of Issue 1 was to make the possession of any amount of deadly illegal drugs nothing more than a misdemeanor. It also prohibited jail sentencing for the first two offenses no matter the quantity of drug involved. Issue 1 would also have enabled some 10,000 felons to be released from state prisons. The provisions of Issue 1 would have been embedded in the state constitution making legislative changes impossible. It would also give Ohio the most liberal drug laws in its region. Issue 1 went down hard, 63-37. Its proponents, however, are claiming a moral victory. They say the ballot question got the conversation stated and promised to be back at it again. No doubt they will as money seems to be no object to them.. Conclusion The media fabricated blue wave did not come to life in Ohio. The secret behind the GOPs success was acknowledged by even the liberal Plain Dealer of Cleveland. And the President appears poised to win the state again in 2020. He stunned much of the political world with his 8-percentage point victory in 2016. If there were any questions about his popularity in the state Tuesday morning, they were erased Tuesday night. Trump rallied for Republicans the day before the election in Cleveland, and it looks like it yielded results. Image credit: Pixabay Say it over and over again, and never stop saying it. It is a truth that should be universally acknowledged that Israeli settlements in the West Bank are not the central nor the only problem preventing a peace process to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Other factors -- Arab terrorism, refugees, Jerusalem, Iran -- can be considered as equal or more important. Nevertheless, the conviction that Jewish settlements in the West Bank (Judea and Samaria) are illegal and violate international law are "imprudent" is widespread in the international community. One example of this conviction was the speech of President Barack Obama in Cairo on June 4, 2009, stating the U.S. does not accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlements, "it is time for these settlements to stop," The U.S. abstained from voting on UN Security Council 2334, passed 14-0 on December 23, 2016, which condemned Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories including East Jerusalem as "flagrant violation" of International Law and said they had "no legal validity." The UNSC and other UN bodies on many occasions have held the settlements are a major obstacle to the achievement of a two-state solution and to a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace. A new book, Israeli Settlements: Land Politics Beyond the Geneva Convention by Martin Blecher, a Swedish political scientist, challenges this conviction, while in unusual fashion not accepting or rejecting its validity. He does not clearly answer whether the settlements are illegal or imprudent but remains concerned with issues of land laws and ownership, issues that have been neglected. Blecher argues that much of the legal case against Israel is based on two sources in international law. One is the Hague Regulations (International Committee of the Red Cross, ICRC) of October 18, 1907, intended to protect the interests of an ousted sovereign in a short-term occupation. The second is the Fourth Geneva Convention (ICRC) of August 12, 1949, designed specifically to protect civilians during wartime. Blecher correctly argues two points: the issue of the settlements has been politicized through a particular understanding of Geneva; and an essential factor, the land laws in West Bank that were based on legal principles set up prior to Geneva, have been neglected. The fundamental question is why Article 49 of Geneva Convention has been given such centrality and prominence in discussion of the settlements while Article 43 of Hague has usually been neglected or omitted. A few words are necessary to explain. Article 49 (1) states that individual or mass forcible transfers, as well as deportations of protected persons from occupied territory to the territory of the Occupying Power... are prohibited. Article 49 (6) states that the Occupying Power shall not deport or transfer parts of its own civilian population into the territory it occupies. Article 43 of Hague states that the authority of the occupying power shall restore and ensure public order and safety while respecting the laws in the country. Blecher is not the first to challenge the use of and reliance on Geneva made by critics of Israel. For example, Morris Abrams, a prominent U.S. lawyer who was involved in drafting Geneva, argued that it was designed not to cover situations like the presence of Israel in the Occupied Territories, but rather the forcible transfer, deportation, or resettlement of large numbers of people. In his highly academic and convoluted work, largely addressed to fellow scholars rather than to practicing politicians, Blecher tries to explain why the settlements have been and are viewed in the way they are. Indirectly, he touches on the question of whether Israel is stealing land from the Palestinians. He discusses among other matters the historical background to Israeli land policy, the Zionist emphasis on public, not private ownership of land, collective land ownership that belongs to the Jewish people as a whole, Zionist ideology focusing on agricultural policies, the decisions of Israeli Supreme Court jurisprudence, the views of U.S. presidents from Lyndon Johnson to Donald Trump, and above all the complex laws and regulations on the subject. To this end of gaining insight into the complexity of land policies Blecher surveys old land laws, a heritage from the Ottoman Empire, categories of the legal status of different parts of the land that remained under the British Mandate (1922-48), and still are present in the State of Israel. True understanding of the issue involves analysis of the various articles and laws. He deplores the fact that analysts mostly look at the settlements issue from one specific legal article when a number of other factors are pertinent. One is that there was no comprehensive regulation of the West Bank available in 1967, and only one-third of the land had been registered. A second is that any land that is uncultivated or uncultivable and is not private land is therefore state land; today 60% of the West Bank is not cultivable. A third is that the Israel Land Authority (ILA), leases property for 49 years rather than selling it outright. A fourth is that the settlements, according to the Israeli Supreme Court, may be legitimate for security purposes. Blecher does not venture his own opinion on whether the settlements are legitimate according to Geneva Article 49, but is more interested how the settlements are viewed by commentators. Blecher maintains that the highly controversial issue of Israeli settlements and land policies should be examined not simply through Geneva but also through Hague and by considering laws and regulations of different judiciaries, British and Jordanian connected with the West Bank, and especially Ottoman land laws, that have been neglected in discussion of the issue. His hope is that his contribution will open the path to future scholars who will examine Israeli settlement policies in the context of different legal sources. He points out the obvious: at no point in history has Jerusalem or the West Bank been under any form of Palestinian Arab sovereignty. His starting point is that few who deal with the issue recognize the importance of land laws and policies, including the old land laws on the legal status of different parts of the land from the Ottoman Empire, in the West Bank were based on legal principles in effect before Geneva. Blecher considers those regulations in comparative perspective. We know that Israel is held to a different standard than other territories, Russia/Crimea, Morocco/West Sahara, Turkey/North Cyprus. Geneva Article 49, (6) has never been invoked regarding any other occupation. He also views it in the context of other parameters and policies, such as land laws, ownership, and the respect of laws in force in the occupied territory. The Geneva Convention was specially directed against a recurrence of Nazi and Soviet practices during World War II -- the transfer of people to occupied territory for political, racial or colonization reasons. Israel says it is not relevant to its own case: Israeli settlers have not been deported or transferred. Using Article 49 is akin to equating Israeli land policy, in relation to Israeli citizens, Bedouins and Arabs, with Nazi ideology. Moreover, two other factors are pertinent. Zionist ideology was important on this issue. Land occupied a central position in the Zionist policy of public land ownership, common and inalienable property of the Jewish people exemplified by Jewish National Fund (1901) according to which land was inalienable and is now on a 49-year lease. Israel's security is relevant. If the settlements have military purposes, they have been considered legal. The complexity and discussion of settlements remains. Blecher skirts and ducks some issues, but his book, if scholarly, lays out the case for understanding the rationale behind land policies. and the arguments made by Israeli authorities and judiciary in an area, the West Bank, in which Jews have been historically present. Whether the West Bank is "occupied" or "disputed" land is still an open question, but objective decision should take into account the factors dealt with in Blecher's book. In a press release dated November 1, 56 major companies, including Amazon, IBM, Deutsche Bank, and Dow Chemical, issued a statement of solidarity "with the millions of people in America who identify as transgender, gender non-binary, or intersex," opposing "any administrative and legislative efforts to erase transgender protections through reinterpretation of existing laws and regulations." This corporate virtue-signaling is needed in reaction to a New York Times report that the Department of Health and Human Services is proposing to "establish a legal definition of sex under Title IX." The proposed definition, "[s]ex means a person's status as male or female based on immutable biological traits identifiable by or before birth," has become necessary to undo the legal havoc caused by former president Obama's decision to reinterpret "the legal concept of gender in federal programs ... [to recognize] gender largely as an individual's choice and not determined by the sex assigned at birth." To no one's surprise, any attempt at clarifying that Title IX's exact language prohibiting discrimination "on the basis of sex" refers to "protections to women and girls" has been met with wails that transgenders and "non-binaries" are being "erased." Catherine E. Lhamon, one of the people who helped Obama formulate his sex-as-choice expansion of Title IX, says "the proposed definition 'quite simply negates the humanity of people.'" But that's quite simply nonsense. It's nonsense not least because Trump's interpretation of Title IX can no more negate transgenders' humanity than it was Barack Obama's muddying up of Title IX that beneficently bestowed humanity on them. Their humanity is not in question. It never was. As David French wrote at NRO, rejecting the charge that the proposed interpretation "dehumanizes" transgenders: This makes no sense. Even if the Trump administration changes regulatory definitions to match the obvious statutory intent, it doesn't deny any person's humanity or existence. Every single American is still protected by every single provision of the Bill of Rights (and every other constitutional right). Every single American still enjoys the benefit of every other generally applicable statute. In reality, the claim that you "dehumanize" a person if you hold contrary beliefs about sex and gender is a common, inflammatory rhetorical tactic that creates a false choice. Either you recognize a transgender person on their own terms, or you "deny their humanity." You "deny their existence." It doesn't make sense. Introduce HHS's proposed definition of sex into Title IX today, and I can all but promise you that a year from today, you'll notice no measurable reduction in the number of extant transgenders across the land being feted by the progressive media and Hollywood and sought out for their "stories" by NPR and 10,000 gender studies professors. It's supply and demand, and right now, there's a hot market on the left for the latest "transgressive" thing. Naughtiness is the cockade of the Resistance. Trump's revolutionary decision to restore the rational definition of sex in this narrow legal context may be only a rear-guard attempt to halt the left's onrushing armies of disorder. But when was the last time we even had that? The left uses America's traditional belief in progress to reinforce the lie that once cultural or legal or moral ground has been lost, it can never be regained because that would mean we're going backward. The result is what G.K. Chesterton, in What's Wrong with the World, called "the deep and silent modern assumption that past things have become impossible." He wrote: There is one metaphor of which the moderns are very fond; they are always saying, "You can't put the clock back." The simple and obvious answer is "You can." A clock, being a piece of human construction, can be restored by the human finger to any figure or hour. In the same way society, being a piece of human construction, can be reconstructed upon any plan that has ever existed. In America's case, we have the advantage of at least one plan already available, a constitution that, rightly applied, could do a lot for us by way of keeping some of the left's worse ideas from becoming embodied in government mandates. But is it really possible to turn the clock back on the particular silliness of "marriage" defined as between members of the same sex? Probably not, thanks to Justice Kennedy and decades of the country being de-sensitized to homosexual behavior. The left's drive to normalize transgenderism, as aggressive as it is, hasn't got nearly that much history. In 2016, Heather Mac Donald at the Manhattan Institute noted that the breakout of transgender activism began only in the summer of 2015, "when the New York Times ran a full-page editorial declaring that the oppression of the transgendered by the biologically obsessed heteronormative majority was our most pressing civil-rights struggle." The Times immediately followed up with a series of articles focused on the tribulations of the persecuted "trans community." "Now," said Mac Donald, "less than a year later, any parent with qualms about having his twelve-year-old daughter share a locker room with a 14-year-old boy is branded as the equivalent of someone advocating a return to whites-only water fountains." Remember that June 2015 was when Obergefell was handed down, and many of us foretold how marriage redefined would promptly become passe as we were pulled down the slope to the next thing. Maybe the clock can't quite be turned back on boys in the girls' locker room, either. But can that clock at least be stopped? There are some ideas so irredeemably false that persuasion and argument are a complete waste of time they have to be flatly contradicted. The proposed HHS definition, that "[s]ex means a person's status as male or female based on immutable biological traits identifiable by or before birth" could not state a more direct contradiction of the zeitgeist the pervasive delusion that the LGBTQ community, the progressive media, Hollywood, a corrupted psychological industry, and 700 college gender studies programs have been demanding that we all embrace ever since liberals first fell in love with "camp." Gender is "largely an individual's choice and not determined by the sex assigned at birth," decreed the Obama administration. "No, it's not," answers the Trump administration. "That's bunk." Start the revolution. T.R. Clancy looks at the world from Dearborn, Michigan. You can email him at trclancy@yahoo.com. Everyone knows what happened 80 years ago, November 9-10, 1938 in Germany. The unprecedented pogrom of the Jews got the name Kristallnacht "Night of Broken Glass." Today, we are well aware of the approximate number of murdered Jews, destroyed businesses, and burned synagogues. The formal reason for the pogrom was the murder of the German diplomat Ernst vom Rath in Paris by the Jewish teenager Herschel Grynszpan on November 7. Unfortunately, few people know about the true causes of the pogrom. Who created the conditions under which a mass pogrom of Jews in the Third Reich could even take place? After the murder of the German diplomat, the propaganda minister, Joseph Goebbels, announced that neither the German government nor the ruling National Socialist Workers Party (NSDAP, AKA Nazi) would organize any protests in this regard. Goebbels knew what was going to happen. The government of Nazi Germany, although not formally involved in the detailed organization of the Kristallnacht, for several years was doing everything possible to make such a pogrom. Since taking power in 1933, the Nazis had tightened the existing gun control laws. All German citizens, including Jews, were required to register their weapons, and for every firearm purchase, they must obtain a special permit from the authorities. In September 1935, all Jews were stripped of German citizenship. All Jews, without exception, were declared "untrustworthy" and deprived of most civil rights. Then, starting in December 1935, the Jews of Germany lost the opportunity to buy firearms and ammunition, but the Nazis had not yet executed a widespread confiscation of the existing weapons and ammunition. Finally, in March 1938, a new gun control law was passed in Germany. In this law, the only mention of Jews was in the part that declared a total ban on Jews from participating in the production and trade of firearms and ammunition. However, this law, on the one hand, lifted restrictions of the possession of firearms by members of all Nazi-connected organizations (such as the NSDAP, the SA, and the Hitler Youth) and on the other hand prohibited the possession of firearms by all "untrustworthy" and those persons "relieved of their civil rights." By the law of 1935, not only Jews, but also all political opponents of the Nazi regime, as well as Gypsies and the homeless, were treated as "untrustworthy." Due to the combined application of the laws of the Third Reich of 1935 and 1938, the confiscation of all firearms from German Jews was categorically legalized. As a result, a massive (and effective) campaign for the confiscation of weapons had begun, and in many regions of Germany, the Jews were wholly disarmed in just six months by November 1938. For example, the day before the pogrom, on November 8, 1938, the New York Times published an article reported that the head of the Berlin police noted with satisfaction that practically all firearms from Berlin Jews had already been taken. The Nazis' sequester was effective because law-abiding German Jews registered all their weapons, as the law required. As a result, the addresses of the Jewish owners of the firearms and the details of the weapons in question were known to the authorities in advance. There is every reason to believe that the catalyst was not the murder of the third secretary of the German embassy in Paris, but rather a series of articles printed in the German morning newspapers on November 9, 1938. Their reports about the practical completion of the seizure of weapons from Jews served as a trigger for the pogrom. The killing of a minor diplomat cannot drive the whole country to a bloody massacre, but a guaranteed absence of armed resistance certainly can. The collection of firearms from the Jews from March to November 1938 was not the beginning, but the end of the Nazi policy of complete disarmament of the Jews. The seizure of weapons began several months after the Nazis came to power, although at first, this was not widespread, because in 1933, it was a question of impounding only the army-grade weapons. Indicative is the rummage of Albert Einstein's house in March 1933 on the grounds that "Professor Einstein has a weapons depot at home." At the time of the search, Einstein was not at home (he was outside Germany), and they found no weapons in the house of the physicist-pacifist. The day after the start of the pogrom, on November 10, the German government decided to suppress the initiative from the rioters. SS head Heinrich Himmler announced that the refusal to surrender weapons by Jews would be punished with 20 years' imprisonment in concentration camps. As a result, tens of thousands of Jews were arrested and thrown into concentration camps. To this day, nobody knows which of them actually refused to hand over legally acquired guns and which simply fell victim to the circumstances. Also, the police received clear instructions on what can be allowed during the pogrom and what should not be allowed. For example, businesses owned by Jews could be shattered and destroyed (but not set on fire), while looting was prohibited. Foreigners (including Jews) should be protected. Businesses that belonged to non-Jews should be preserved in every way possible, and "spontaneous mass demonstrations" should not be hindered. Two days after the beginning of the pogrom, on November 11, 1938, the government of the Third Reich made its final point on this issue. Jews were deprived of the right to hold firearms or any weapon whatsoever or any ammunition. This final point was the beginning of the "final solution of the Jewish question" in the Third Reich. During the pogrom in Germany, 80 years ago many more Jews perished than in the recent pogrom in Pittsburgh. However, these two events, separated by decades, are united by one thing National Socialism. Both the Nazi government and the lone American neo-Nazi had the same goal. The well known policy on gun control by the American socialists, including the idiotic Gun Free Zones, leads to the same result as the policy of the German National Socialists. It promotes the disarmament of law-abiding American citizens similarly to how the Nazi policy led to the disarming of the Jews. Consequently, many Jews (not only in America) for some reason forgot that the Third Reich is long gone, and it is no longer necessary to obey the Nazi laws on the disarmament of Jews. Also, the de facto disarmament of American citizens is contrary to the de jure Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The pogrom in Germany was stopped on the evening of November 10, 1938 by order of Goebbels. Should the Americans wait and hope that some high-ranking bureaucrat will stop another Jewish pogrom, or will we stop them by using our legal rights and legal means? Gary Gindler, Ph.D., is a conservative blogger at Gary Gindler Chronicles. Follow him on Twitter. Well, ladies, you did it again. No, not all of you. But heres the reality: If only men had voted this election, the GOP would have held the House and picked up some seats. The Senates Republican majority would be even greater (than plus seven or eight) and the Trump train would be full-steam ahead. But women breaking for Democrats by roughly 20 points made this impossible and Mad Max (Waters) a committee chairman. Egad! Here are the stats: Women constituted 52 percent of the electorate and went for Democrats 59-40. Men went for Republicans 51-49. Oh, dont get me wrong, this wasnt the guys finest hour, either; when almost half my fellow men are voting for the party of irrationality, well, were perhaps seeing the consequences of the recent decades 30-percent drop in testosterone levels. Yet this merely reflects a simple truth. Regarding voting, men really stink. Women stink worse. For the unacquainted, know that the electoral sex gap (called the gender gap by those misusing the quoted term), manifests itself every election. Men went for Trump in 2016 by 12 points; women for Hillary Clinton by 12; Men chose Mitt Romney by eight in 2012; women, Obama by a dozen. Even in the 2010 wave midterm election that vaulted the GOP to legislative power, women supported Democrats 49-48. As commentator Ann Coulter put it in 2003, It would be a much better country if women did not vote. That is simply a fact. In fact, in every presidential election since 1950 except Goldwater in '64 the Republican would have won, if only the men had voted. (Video below of Coulter discussing the matter) Another woman thus opining is journalist Megan Fox. Appalled by the Brett Kavanaugh confirmation circus, she wrote Oct. 6, Never have I felt more ashamed of my sex than in the last two weeks watching hysterical harridans trashing tradition, decorum, and common decency. The performance of these screeching gorgons, as she put it, during this uproarious time has called into serious question their fitness to even participate in any serious matter of state. For the first time in my life, I felt I needed to go back and see what the arguments against letting women have the vote were. I had a sneaking suspicion I might find some sage warnings of what we are witnessing today. Fox then presented the following very interesting passage from British politician Viscount Helmsley, articulated during a 1912 parliamentary debate: The way in which certain types of women, easily recognised, have acted in the last year or two, especially in the last few weeks, lends a great deal of colour to the argument that the mental equilibrium of the female sex is not as stable as the mental equilibrium of the male sex....It seems to me that this House should remember that if the vote is given to women those who will take the greatest part in politics will not be the quiet, retiring, constitutional women but those very militant women who have brought so much disgrace and discredit upon their sex. It would introduce a disastrous element into our public lifeit is little short of nauseating and disgusting to the whole sex. Note that this aligns with a principle I promulgated many years ago. Its a sort of a catch-22 called Dukes First Rule of Women in Politics: You cant find good traditional women in office because good traditional women wont be in office. Theyre at home taking care of children. This is so universally true that if there is an exception, shes the one proving the rule. So why are women empowering leftists? As many have pointed out, including a female writer whose name escapes me, Women are natural-born socialists. This is necessary within the family unit, which reflects very much a socialist model. The children are provided for even if they create little or no wealth, as its From each according to his abilities; to each according to his needs. The governed, the children again, also have no power; they dont get to vote. They in addition require, especially when young, a nanny state to micromanage their lives to dress them properly; ensure they brush their teeth, exercise manners, eat healthful food, etc. Most women tend to this beautifully. Is it coincidence that nanny state is a feminine characterization? This mentality is disastrous when applied to the wider society, however. What mature citizen wants to be treated as a child by an actual nanny state? Yet its no surprise that those whose DNA prescribes a (required in the home) nanny-state mentality would empower statists. An aspect of this is that, as I explained in 2011, women are The Security Sex. In brief, women are more risk-averse and crave security, for themselves and their children, which is why theyre generally attracted to strong, competent, successful men. Yet insofar as they dont find this in a man, they look to the state in a vain attempt to achieve this security. This is the main reason why married women vote more conservatively than single women; its also one reason why leftists attack marriage. Principle vs. Preference John Stuart Mill once wrote, I can hardly imagine any laws so bad, to which I would not rather be subject than to the caprice of a man. A successful civilization is one of laws, not men; it elevates principle above preference, adhering to principles such as due process, innocent until proven guilty, constitutional adherence, etc., even when doing so sometimes displeases the mob (e.g., the Kavanaugh hearings). Thus is it instructive to note that, roughly speaking, men are creatures of principle, women of preference. Years ago a female writer (whose name also escapes me) discussed the different ways boys and girls settle problems. She wrote that boys are natural-born deal makers; theyll try to ensure fairness for everyone and then shake hands, saying Deal? Deal. In contrast, girls will try to ensure an outcome everyone feels good about. Witnessed here, even from young ages, is that boys instinctively reference principles, the objective; fairness is a principle. The girls, of course, are referencing feelings, the subjective. Now, being emotion-oriented is invaluable when interpreting the needs of infants, who cant communicate them verbally. Yet the two methods are not qualitatively equivalent within a given context. Emotion is mercurial. Insofar as it influences governance, its inconstancy does violence to the constancy the rule of law requires. Passion governs, and she never governs wisely, as Ben Franklin warned. Interestingly, it appears easy finding support for ending womens suffrage even among women as the below video evidences. Of course, not understanding the term, the interviewees above associated suffrage with suffering. While a comical mistake, some may ask in light of recent events: Is the association really all wrong? Photo credit: majunznk Contact Selwyn Duke, follow him on Twitter or log on to SelwynDuke.com It used to be that Jewish people went to services at their synagogue, or temple or, in Yiddish terminology, their shul. It used to be that men went to daily morning minyan (ten) services, families went together on Friday evening, and/or Saturday mornings. It used to be that Torah was studied and women kept Kosher -- having two sets of dishes and silverware to ensure that dairy and meat products were not mixed. It used to be that parents bought children new clothes for the High Holidays to mark the days of awe in which one repented for their sins and asked G-d to grant another year of life. It used to be that different kitchenware was used for the holiday of Passover, to commemorate the G-d given gift of freedom from Egyptian slavery. For some of us that still exists, for others -- it used to be. It used to be that Jewish mothers and grandmothers proudly referred to their offspring as a Yiddishe kopf meaning a Jewish head or a Jewish smart way of thinking. For some of us, that still applies, for others -- it used to be. A Yidiot is the Jewish opposite of a Yiddishe kopf. How does one know the difference? A Yidiot is a person who accepts anti-Semitic, riot-inciting Al Sharptons attendance at a New York City memorial rally for the Jews killed in Pittsburgh but is offended at President Trumps appearance in Pittsburgh to honor them. A Yidiot is a person who is silent when Farrakhan trashes Jews as termites, rants "Death to America, Death to Israel from Iran", is feted in public with past presidents Clinton and Obama, and is sought after for advice from seventeen members of the Congressional Black Caucus, but believes President Trump is anti-Semitic. A Yidiot is a person who belongs to a political party that elected anti-Semite Keith Ellison as an attorney general of Minnesota, and Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, who waved a Palestinian flag in celebration, and thinks diversity is more important than assimilation. A Yidiot is a person who believes it is fair to give an American citizen who has worked all their lives an average Social Security monthly stipend of $1,400.00 per month while supporting an illegal for $5,500 to $6,000.00. A Yidiot is a person who believes the right to an abortion up through the ninth month of pregnancy is more important an issue than supporting Israels existence A Yidiot is a person whose political partys past leader supports taking a gun to a knife fight, past attorney general espouses kicking opponents when they are low, and whose party exhorts mobs and Antifa to public violence and personal confrontation while accusing the opposing party of fascism. A Yidiot is a person who allows its party to boo the idea of Jerusalem being the capital of Israel, and silently allowed past president Obama to deny Israeli citizenship to Jews born in Jerusalem but attacks president Trump as a threat to Israel by moving the American Embassy to Jerusalem. A Yidiot is a person who sends their Jewish children to colleges and universities where ugly, hurtful, and dishonest anti-Israeli propaganda proliferates through Palestinian-funded BDS, yet still make donations to those institutions, and remains silent. A Yidiot is a person who knows there are over 50 Muslim countries and countless Christian ones that are never criticized for their religious moorings, but thinks Israel, the only Jewish State, cannot be both Jewish and a democracy. A Yidiot is a person for whom it is not as it used to be. Note: "Kopf" was usually pronounced cop, and can be speklled several ways. Back in the days of Cuban migration (1965-80), I used to hear how Cubans had brought so much to the US, from a great work ethic to strong family values. I remember a person on TV saying that Cubans had turned Miami from a winter resort town into the dynamic economic capital of Latin America. It appears that something like that is happening down on the Colombia-Venezuela border. According to Felipe Fernandez: The migrants provide important consumption for the economy. Likewise, it is a workforce with diverse qualifications that comes to be inserted, either informally or formally, into the economy. That is, they come to contribute with work. Refugee camp in Colombia (via Wikipedia) This is fascinating, because I see something similar in North Texas, although the numbers are obviously different. Around here, we see Venezuelans living under asylum requests and waiting to hear from a judge. Nevertheless, they are serious people, working hard and learning English in schools. Sadly, the Maduro regime and the crisis in the country, is driving out some of the very best talent in the country. As the article points out: She stressed that for a long time Venezuela was one of the countries with the most developed education in the region. This is how Venezuela became a regional hub for doctoral programs in the 1980s, while other countries in Latin America, including Colombia, only did so at the beginning of the 21st century. My conversations with many of these Venezuelans confirms that they are well-educated and people with tremendous potential. They also tell me that they are hoping for a change in their country. They are very grateful to the US for opening a door but they would love to return to a free and prosperous Venezuela. By the way, over 1.2 million have crossed the border into Colombia. PS: You can listen to my show (Canto Talk) and follow me on Twitter. Democratic Rep. Beto O'Rourke narrowly lost to GOP Senator Ted Cruz on Tuesday night, but that isn't stopping national Democrats, activists, and other left wing loons from pushing O'Rourke to run for the nomination for president in 2020. This unlikely scenario is nearly unheard of. Losing candidates don't usually run for anything, much less president. Unless you're Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln lost to Stephen Douglas in the senate contest of 1858 (decided by the Illinois legislature and not by popular vote). The debates between the two previewed the 1860 presidential contest and made Lincoln a rising star in the Republican party. In case you've missed it, Beto ain't no Honest Abe. But O'Rourke so excited the liberal base across the country that whispers that he should run for president are becoming a lot louder. CNN: Another source described having "very initial discussions" with O'Rourke in recent weeks about the prospect of a 2020 bid and what it would take to scale a Senate campaign that operated largely on the candidate's own gut, without pollsters or a massive team of consultants, up to the national level. But the source said it's too early for O'Rourke to have made any decisions. Publicly, O'Rourke has flatly ruled out the possibility of a presidential run. "The answer is no," O'Rourke said at a CNN town hall in October when asked about the prospect of a presidential campaign. "Our children are 11, they're 10, and they're 7 years old. We've told them we're going to take these almost two years out of our life to run this race, and then we're devoted and committed to being a family again," he said. Pressed again, he said, "It's a definitive no." He told MSNBC on Monday, "I will not be a candidate for president in 2020. That's I think as definitive as those sentences get." Despite O'Rourke's comments, staffers on his Senate campaign have discussed a potential 2020 presidential run, with many of them hopeful he will ultimately enter the race, multiple people involved in those conversations said. There is a belief within O'Rourke's camp and among his allies that the campaign's innovative approaches to digital and organizing -- which led to vast increases in young and Latino voters in Tuesday's midterm election -- set O'Rourke apart from other 2018 candidates. More importantly, they see O'Rourke as uniquely able to deliver a progressive message with a tone that is optimistic and not overly partisan. Bank it; if enough national Democrats woo him to run for president, O'Rourke will apologize to his kids for lying to them and go for it. Does O'Rourke have the magic elixir that will get the young and Hispanic voters to the polls in much greater numbers than previously seen? What Democrats never count on in these calculations is how many votes will Beto lose because of his radical, extremist agenda. The problem for Republicans will be in exposing Beto's extremism because he sounds so reasonable. Like Obama, he is adept at hiding his radicalism with soothing rhetoric. In both 2008 and 2012, Republicans tried to paint Obama as the most radical president in history. It didn't work largely because Republicans had inferior candidates in McCain and Romney. But what do you suppose Trump would be able to do against a candidate like O'Rourke? Democrats should think twice about supporting this lightweight, this loser for president. On election night, Democratic candidate for governor, Andrew Gillum, conceded the race to his Republican opponent Ron DeSantis. Every major media outlet called the race for DeSantis. But something funny happened happened to the vote count. Those darn Democrats just keep finding more and more votes to count. They're very apologetic, of course. "So sorry, my bad," said the Broward County Democratic election head Brenda Snipes. ABC10: Snipes, who has been at the helm of Broward County elections since 2003, had a testy exchange with Local 10 News investigative reporter Jeff Weinsier during an interview Thursday. The embattled elections supervisor was surprised by reporters as she stepped out of a bathroom and asked about the status of the recount. "Could I please get a moment to go into the room and find out?" Snipes asked the group huddled around her. "OK, when I come back I'll let you know." "But, Dr. Snipes, it is now Thursday," Weinsier said. "We are still counting ballots in Broward County." "We're counting five pages or six pages for each of the people who voted," Snipes said. "But other counties have been able to do it," Weinsier said. Silly reporter. What kind of a question is that to ask? This isn't "other counties." This is Broward County - a magical place where boxes and boxes of votes appear, disappear, and then reappear somewhere else. Snipes is a master illusionist. If pressed, she might be able to make an elephant or a jet airplane appear and disappear. If the circus was still in business, she'd be a star. "But other counties didn't have 600,000 votes out there," Snipes shot back. "Well, Miami-Dade did," Weinsier said. "Well, have you been inside my -- never mind, let me go check. I'll check," Snipes said. "But it's a serious issue. It always seems like" Weinsier said before Snipes interrupted him. "It's a serious issue with me," she told him. "I've been doing this now since Oct. 22." "But if it's a serious issue with you" Weinsier said, only to be interrupted again. "We ran 22 sites, we ran 14 days, we ran 12 hours, we had a big vote by mail (during early voting), so don't try to turn it around to make it seem like I'm making comedy out of this," Snipes replied. Then Snipes walked away. That's what this election is missing; comic relief. It's already got as much intrigue as a spy thriller. NBCNews: Gillum's campaign stoked intrigue by releasing a statement about "counting every vote" but not explicitly asking for a recount. On Tuesday night, Gillum conceded in his race against Republican Ron DeSantis and his team was clear Wednesday that it hadn't met the threshold to trigger an automatic recount. Gillum has 49.1 percent, or 4,023,124 votes, while DeSantis has 49.6 percent, or 4,066,059 votes, for a margin of just under 43,000, according to NBC News. The Gillum statement said that since the concession speech "it has become clear there are many more uncounted ballots than was originally reported. Our campaign, along with our attorney Barry Richard, is monitoring the situation closely and is ready for any outcome, including a state-mandated recount." "Many more uncounted ballots than was originally reported..." So the press is to blame for not reporting all those "extra" ballots? I think it's safe to say there will be more and more unreported ballots counted by Democrats until Andrew Gillum is declared the winner - after conceding defeat on election night. The media and other Democrats seem to think that they are entitled to win every race where they have a minority candidate. Otherwise, the voters are racists. The following AP story and Washington Post opinion piece are clear examples of how the media continue to play the race card. President Trump referred to failed Florida gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum as a thief because he improperly took gifts, and somehow that is racist? And Trump calls losing Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams incompetent, and somehow that is racist? Trump has called white politicians from both parties much worse than thieves and incompetent, so it is truly pathetic that the media and Democrats play the race card. What is sad is that journalists and Democrats didnt actually care about how corrupt Gillum and Tallahassee appear to be. They wanted him because he was a Democrat and nothing else mattered. Of course they also supported the corrupt Menendez for reelection. The D is obviously more important than race or honesty. Trump is also called a racist because he wants to stop the caravan, which he properly refers to as an invasion. If 4,000 or 7,000 people are gathering together to illegally enter a country, invasion looks like a proper term, and it really doesnt matter what race the people are. It matters that Trump wants to enforce the laws that Congress passed. Jim Acosta should be asked whether a President should abide by his oath to enforce laws. AP: Minority candidates see both success and veiled racism For all the many successes among candidates of color, the midterm elections also proved to some the enduring power of racism, with minority politicians' intelligence and integrity called into question by their opponents and President Donald Trump in what were widely seen as coded appeals to white voters. During the campaign cycle, Trump referred to black Tallahassee mayor and Democratic candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum as "a thief" because of an undercover FBI investigation into his acceptance of Broadway tickets. Trump also branded Gillum's city "corrupt." And he framed Yale Law School graduate, veteran lawmaker and Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams, a black woman, as incompetent. Washington Post - the headline tells the story: I voted for a black Republican in an Illinois House Race. He got smoked by a white Democrat. Did Democrats vote against him because of veiled racism? A black Republican ran against a white Democrat in Michigan for the U.S Senate, and journalists, entertainers and other Democrats did not support the minority candidate. Was that veiled racism? Gillum and Abrams both pushed far left policies and it really didnt matter what color they were. It is a shame that journalists and other Democrats make the choice about race instead of about policies. It also looks racist to me that the journalists at Associated Press associate the terms thief and incompetent with minorities. What else could the article mean? I personally have considered the Clintons to be thieves and incompetent for a long and they are white, I am pretty sure. Of course I also considered Obama to have the most corrupt and incompetent administration I have seen in my lifetime, and somehow the media seemed to overlook all the money given to political cronies and the corruption at IRS and the Justice Department and the pathetic economic results. Did they overlook the corruption because he was a minority or because he was a Democrat? Photo credit: Colin Hackley The children are in danger! In thiller-writing classes, that's always the biggest theme to use when seeking to grip and intensify readers' attention. I know, I've attended some pretty good ones. Which is why Michelle Obama's claims about "the children are in danger!" in her new memoir, titled 'Becoming' and directed at President Trump, rings more like thriller- and bestseller-shilling than an honest memoir. Here's what's getting headlines as she seeks to sell her new book at those big stadium appearances: The whole [birther] thing was crazy and mean-spirited, of course, its underlying bigotry and xenophobia hardly concealed. But it was also dangerous, deliberately meant to stir up the wingnuts and kooks, she writes. What if someone with an unstable mind loaded a gun and drove to Washington? What if that person went looking for our girls? Donald Trump, with his loud and reckless innuendos, was putting my familys safety at risk. And for this Id never forgive him. Because let's unpack this. Trump made his birther comments, which got a whiff of attention, but also got him dismissed, ignored and ridiculed at the time. He probably wasn't even right about the matter, because President Obama did release a birth certificate to disprove the claims, and evidence emerged that his birth was announced in a Hawaii newspaper in 1961 and Hawaii's Republican governor, Linda Lingle, confirmed that there was no hanky panky. Trump has since dumped the claim. Trump's birther claims in fact drew him so much scoffing at the time that President Obama used them as the occasion to ridicule Trump personally at a 2011 White House Correspondents Dinner with Trump in the audience. Obama ridiculed Trump so mercilessly there's speculation that the speech drove Trump run for president as a result. Rest assured, Trump didn't gain anything from his birther claims and he certainly wasn't either the first or the only person to be making them, just the easiest target and ultimately, the most consequential. But here we have a special dark conspiracy coming from the Michelle Obama about Trump's claim at the time as being a stirrer of "wingnuts and kooks" and therefore threat to her children. What if someone with an unstable mind loaded a gun and drove to Washington? What if that person went looking for our girls? Donald Trump, with his loud and reckless innuendos, was putting my familys safety at risk. And for this Id never forgive him. Like that sort of thing has even remotely happened in the Tea Party era of seven to twelve years ago, during the Obama heyday, back when leftist mobs hadn't gotten the ball rolling on this sort of thing. Yes, violence is happening politically now, as the assault on Fox News host Tucker Carlson's residence shows, as well as the shooting of GOP House leader Rep. Steve Scalise and the bone-breaking assault on GOP Sen. Rand Paul, all by leftists, show. I'm not going to even get into the restaurant chase-outs or the Democratic congressional leaders' calls for violence. Virtually all of the ongoing violence is the work of the left. Yet somehow there was a threat of violence from Republican "kooks and wingnuts"? The people who got targeted by the Obama IRS? Because those people were the ones Obama was calling "kooks and wingnuts" at the time. Some danger. But now she says there was a danger, (that and not other things, which may well have been dangers) and she Blames Trump. It's rings hollow not just because the 'kooks' of the era were not violent people, but because Michelle Obama, was about as aloof a parent as possible, bringing in her mother to watch them because she couldn't be bothered, taking solo vacation trips to Barcelona and quite a few other places without them, and now she's Mama Bear? The same parent whose kids drifted off to pot-smoking fests and other not-so-good things that are often the result of parental neglect? That doesn't ring all that true either. The Obamas have always been rather weird as parents, refusing to even give their kids Christmas presents, saying they get plenty of presents during the year. It makes you wonder whether the kids were really brought up at all. So now here we are, Michelle Obama unloading on Trump and trying to whip up her Democratic base as a result of it with the oldest trick in the thriller-writing book: The Children Are In Danger. What I suspect is Michelle Obama is trying to sell books and with the Obamas of late drawing empty stadiums in these past midterms, maybe the need to spike things up to sell books was necessary. File under 'fiction.' Image credit: Twitter screengrab Representative-elect Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has a habit of wanting things that she has no idea how to pay for. Not merely government programs like single-payer nationalized healthcare (currently being re-branded as Medicare for all), but her personal expenditures. With federal programs, she claims to be puzzled by questions over how to pay for them. But with personal issues such as writing a check for rent, at least she realizes that the money has to come from somewhere. At her election night party, Ocasio-Cortez whined to New York Times reporter Azi Paybarah that nobody will be paying her until she is sworn into Congress in January. As if this were not the same exact circumstance facing every newly elected member of Congress. Ms. Ocasio-Cortez said the transition period will be very unusual, because I cant really take a salary. I have three months without a salary before Im a member of Congress. So, how do I get an apartment? Those little things are very real. She said she saved money before leaving her job at the restaurant, and planned accordingly with her partner. Were kind of just dealing with the logistics of it day by day, but Ive really been just kind of squirreling away and then hoping that gets me to January. Boo-hoo! Naturally, as the news spread, she resorted to class politics to explain why she and her followers are victims: There are many little ways in which our electoral system isnt even designed (nor prepared) for working-class people to lead. This is one of them (dont worry btw - were working it out!) https://t.co/PEQ5ccSDSO Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@Ocasio2018) November 8, 2018 This continues her masquerade as a poor girl from the Bronx, when in fact she was raised in a leafy upper middle class Westchester County neighborhood rom the age of 5, and graduated from pricey Boston University, where a four year degree currently costs more than a quarter million bucks. The fact that she ended up a bartender despite her expensive diploma and alleged expertise does not make her working class. And, if she needs to generate income to pay her rent, I bet she could get incredible tips by returning to her chose profession as a mixologist. Every lobbyist in DC would put drinks and heavy tips on their expense accounts just as fast as she could pour the hooch. I have to wonder if she is trolling for a GoFundMe account to be set up to pay her rent? And maybe some nice clothes, epensive makeup, and a closetfull of fancy shoes, among other material goods that Leftists so often pine for. There is no law that says she has to move to DC until she is sworn in. Where has she been living in New York City? Incidentally, her election night interview is the first time I learned that she has a partner. Who knew? She has received endless media coverage, and yet the existence and sex of her partner has remained a secret. Hmm. I actually respect her desire for privacy, but find it remarkable that the media extended this courtesy to her in the midst of a tidal wave of coverage. It's election time, it's Florida, and that means controversy. The state has had its fair share of close contests in recent years, but the election last Tuesday for governor and senator may not be decided by ballots that were cast on election day. In fact, in the senate race between incumbent Democrat Bill Nelson and former Governor Rick Scott, there have already been some curious goings-on by Democratic election officials that have forced Scott to file suit against heavily Democratic counties of Broward and Palm Beach, Scott is out and out accusing Democrats of trying to steal the election. Fox News: Accusing Democrats of conducting a coordinated effort to "steal" elections in a campaign of possibly "rampant fraud," Republican Senate candidate Rick Scott filed explosive lawsuits late Thursday against the top election officials in two heavily Democratic counties, as they continue to report new votes and three major races in the state appear headed for recounts. In their lawsuit against Broward County, Scott and the National Republican Senatorial Committeee (NRSC) allege that officials there are hiding critical information about the number of votes cast and counted. And in a parallel suit against Palm Beach County, Scott and the NRSC charge that the election supervisor there illegally used her own judgment to determine voter intent when reviewing damaged or incorrectly filled-out absentee ballots, while refusing to allow impartial witnesses to monitor the process. The arrogance of these people is astounding. They're not even trying to hide their cheating. As of early this morning, Scott leads Nelson by about 15,000 votes. How many votes counted since Tuesday night/Wednesday morning have favored Nelson? Who knows? "I will not stand idly by while unethical liberals try to steal an election," Scott, who is currently Florida's governor, said at a press conference outside the Governor's Mansion, as he slammed potential "rampant fraud" in the race. Scott is running against longtime incumbent Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson. On Thursday, a Nelson spokesperson tersely dismissed Scott's effort: The goal here is to see that all the votes in Florida are counted and counted accurately. Rick Scotts action appears to be politically motivated and borne out of desperation. The bombshell litigation comes hours after Florida GOP Sen. Marco Rubio, in an extraordinary series of tweets that alleged incompetence if not outright complicity by Florida officials, charged that Democratic lawyers were "descending on" the state in a calculated attempt to "change the results" and "try and steal" several statewide races. Also late Thursday, President Trump threw another wrench into the evening, announcing on Twitter that "Law Enforcement is looking into another big corruption scandal having to do with Election Fraud in #Broward and Palm Beach." He did not elaborate, but speaking to Fox News' "Hannity," Scott said he had directed a Florida law enforcement agency to probe the matter. In a word, the Broward County Democratic election chief is an idiot. He continued: "On election night, Broward County said there were 634,000 votes cast. At 1 a.m. today, there were 695,700 ballots cast on election day. At 2:30 p.m. today, the number was up to 707,223 ballots cast on Election Day. And we just learned, that the number has increased to 712,840 ballots cast on Election Day. In Palm Beach County, there are 15,000 new votes found since election night. "So, it has been over 48 hours since the polls closed and Broward and Palm Beach Counties are still finding and counting ballots and the Supervisors Brenda Snipes and Susan Bucher cannot seem to say how many ballots still exist or where these ballots came from, or where they have been," Scott said. The Democrats will keep counting votes until they get the results they want. Don't believe me? This alert Broward County citizen "found" a box of votes two days after the election. New York Post: A teacher in Florida found a container labeled Provisional Ballot Box in a storage area of her elementary school on Thursday. Lakeisha Williams, of Broward County, said she discovered the ballot box two days after Election Day at Miramar Elementary School where it was apparently left behind by election workers. I went into the area that we use for storage and saw it in there, Williams told The Post. Williams said she did not touch or look inside the box. Instead, she told the schools principal and they decided to contact a local state representative. I dont know where it is now, Williams said, noting that all provisional ballots needed to be received by county officials before 5 p.m. Thursday. Add another couple hundred votes for Nelson. Either Florida has the most incompetent boobs in America running their elections, or... Democrats in the state are pulling out all of the stops to bring victory to Bill Nelson. The Democratic playbook of dirty tricks is getting so, so, so old. First the Blasey/Kavanaugh show, which was a redux of the Anita Hill/Clarence Thomas show. Now the Florida recount, which ecrudescences, well, the 2000 Florida recount. Are Democrats so out of ideas they can't come up with new dirty tricks? It's just getting amazingly predictable what they are capable of pulling. Having lost two or three close elections in Arizona and Florida, all of a sudden, they are "finding" new ballots and attempting to change the outcome. Just like they did in Florida's 2000 election. In Arizona, boxes and boxes of uncounted ballots are somehow turning up, quite unlike in the rest of the country where the vote tallies get done and the state moves on, all because the losing candidate, far-left congresswoman and Code Pink activist, Kyrsten Sinema, seems to have narrowly lost to Republican congresswoman and fighter pilot Martha McSally for the vacant Senate seat. Never mind that Arizona is a generally red state and the late Sen. John McCain who vacated the seat was a moderate Republican. Never mind that McSally comes fairly close to fitting into that military/moderate template, which would presage the outcome we see. And on the other side, never mind that the candidate was bad: crazy suddenly trying to act respectable tends not to win. Sinema was a tremendously flawed candidate with a far-left past, with mistakes quite comparable to those that sank past GOP Senate nominee Christine O'Donnell, and yet somehow, she's supposed to be the winner? Only if new ballot boxes are "discovered." Which suddenly, they are. Over in Florida, it's the same thing, only worse. In Broward County, suddenly there's a problem counting votes. Never mind that every other county could count its votes according to specifications, Broward not only flunked, it only flunks whenever there's a close election and a Democrat is losing. And strangely, the found ballots only go in the direction of the Democratic candidates. The person in charge of this fiasco is the same Democrat who was responsible for these other irregularities, according to ABC Local 10: Threw away ballots to give the election to a Democrat? Posted early results to sway the other voters? I think we already know what Snipes's ethics are like. This is obviously a crook who doesn't belong near a ballot counting station. Almost as disturbing is that the lawyer leading the Senate-race recount effort (which is different from the first-count effort going on in Broward) for Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson, which is actually legal under Florida law in close elections, is none other than Marc Elias, the Democrat lawyer tied to the famous "pee dossier." According to Breitbart News: Marc Elias, the attorney who infamously retained Fusion GPS to produce the largely discredited anti-Trump dossier on behalf of Hillary Clintons 2016 presidential campaign, has been retained to represent Sen. Bill Nelsons recount efforts in Florida. The Florida Senate race is likely headed to a recount after late reporting from Broward County lowered Gov. Rick Scotts lead to about 17,000 votes, meaning the election is within the .25% margin necessary to require a hand recount. The race has already reached the 0.5 percent threshold to require a machine recount. I think we know what his ethics are like, too. Florida. Recount. Democrats. The whole thing reeks of 2000, that era of Bill Clinton who summed his philosophy up as: "Well, we'll just have to win, then" led off by the Florida recount back when Al Gore was trying to get recounts of recounts until he could get the total he wanted for president. That was nearly 20 years ago, and Democrats are still playing the same playbook, as if Americans wouldn't remember. It comes just as we've just gotten past the Democrat sheet-show over the Supreme Court nomination of Brett Kavanaugh, where phony allegations of sexual harassment were cooked up for a last-minute bid to sink the nomination, following Democrats' failure to sink it on "advice and consent" alone. That was a recrudescence of the playbook the Democrats cooked up on Anita Hill in the late 1990s over the Clarence Thomas Supreme Court nomination. Like we wouldn't remember that, either. 'It's not over until the illegal wins,' which is another Democrat-supported production. Bush Derangement Syndrome is now Trump Derangement Syndrome. She Persisted. All of these things are suggestive of a party unable to take 'no' for an answer, and thus, unable to adapt to democracy itself. Democrats are reacting to everything they don't win with childish tantrums, and in each case, trying to move back the clock for a do-over. Yet they're using a really old playbook, not new stuff. As a party, they are run by gerontocrats, and their beloved socialism has failed in practice, so maybe they've run out of ideas. But it's significant that they are using the same sleights of hand they used 20 years ago, and thinking we're fools who'll fall for it. They aren't even coming up with new kinds of dirty tricks, they are just replaying the old ones, hoping for a different result. This has just got to fail in the era of Trump because one can only go to the well once in politics. Democrats' latest trick shows they think it's an open bar. Image credit: Eddie Dangerous, via Flickr // CC BY-SA 2.0 In the middle of Palk Strait between India and Sri Lanka is a small elongated island called Pamban, and it's connected to the Indian peninsula by a 2 km-long, one hundred year old railway bridge. This Pamban bridge, the only connecting link to the mainland, is considered to be one of Indias most dangerous. The wind is so strong here that trains slow down to a crawl when crossing the bridge, otherwise it would be blown off the tracks. The bridges design doesnt offer much confidence either. One look at it and your heart will sinkthe tracks lie directly over the piers and there are no guard rails. You can actually see the sea through the tracks. Photo credit: Sandeep Kumar/Flickr Every year, tens of thousands of Hindu pilgrims brave the 10-minute white knuckle journey over the sea bridge to pay tribute to god Rama who is supposed to have builtas the legend goesa floating stone bridge across the sea to Sri Lanka to rescue his wife Sita from her abductor, the evil demon king Ravana. Much of the islands population live in two townsPamban and Rameswaramlocated on the islands northwestern end close to the Indian mainland. But half a century ago, the islands opposite end, a narrow spit of sand trailing into the sea was equally populated. The town of Dhanushkodi on the southeastern tip of Pamban Island was once a flourishing trade town rivaling that of Rameswaram in size and population with more than 600 homes, schools, churches, hospitals, and a railway station. Being situated barely 30 km from Mannar Island of Sri Lanka, Dhanushkodi was a critical connection between the two countries with regular ferry services transporting travellers and traders alike. A little more than fifty years ago it was wiped out from the map by a terrible cyclone. Related: Ramas Bridge: A Bridge Built By Monkeys Dhanushkodi is situated at a very vulnerable location. With the Bay of Bengal on one side and the Indian Ocean on the other, the island is prone to frequent storms and cyclone and storm surges. Less than a kilometer or so of shifting sand separate the two seas. On the night of 22-23 December 1964, a super cyclone, one of the most powerful storms to ever strike Sri Lanka and coastal India, made landfall at Pamban Island with an estimated wind speed of 240 kilometers per hour. The intense wind drove a storm surge 23 feet high that completely submerged the town of Dhanushkodi and dashed to ground any standing structure. An entire train with 115 people on board was washed away killing everyone. At least 800 people died in Dhanushkodi alone. The total casualty on Pamban Island was 1,800. After the cyclone, the Indian government declared the town unfit for human habitation, and survivors were relocated to Rameswaram and other places. Today, Dhanushkodi lies abandoned with ugly ruins every where. Over the years many fishermen have returned to Dhanushkodi and tried to make the ravaged town their home. They live in makeshift straw houses and dig wells in the sand with their bare hands in search of drinking water. There is no electricity or any other amenities of any kind. The government urges them to rebuild their lives elsewhere, but these 500 or so fishermen are determined. In 2017, a new road was built connecting Dhanushkodi to Rameswaram in an effort to promote the ghost village as a tourist destination. Fishermens huts in Dhanushkodi. Photo credit: Sandeep Kumar/Flickr The ruins of Dhanushkodis old railway station. Photo credit: D Kartikeyan/Wikimedia Dhanushkodi ruins. Photo credit: Denis.Vostrikov / Shutterstock.com Ruins on the shore of Dhanushkodi. Photo credit: AmulyaNagaraj/Shutterstock.com The destroyed church of Dhanushkodi with the altar still visible. Photo credit: Denis.Vostrikov / Shutterstock.com Photo credit: Anbu Paramanandham/Shutterstock.com Photo credit: Anbu Paramanandham/Shutterstock.com Photo credit: Anbu Paramanandham/Shutterstock.com Photo credit: Chandra/Flickr Photo credit: Chandra/Flickr Rumors from China claim that a new SoC from HiSilicon, called the Kirin 990 chipset, will debut in the first quarter of 2019. The Kirin 990 will be manufactured using the second-generation 7nm process node technology of the Taiwanese foundry TSMC, and HiSilicon, the semiconductor subsidiary of Chinese tech giant Huawei, is working with TSMC for the testing and development of the SoC. The more advanced fabrication technology that will be used to manufacture the Kirin 990 offers 20% increased transistor density, 10% reduced power consumption, and 10% improved overall performance compared to the chipsets built using the first-generation 7nm chipset from TSMC. The report further claims that each test conducted by the two companies costs 200 million, which translates to almost $29 million at the current exchange rate. Recent reports claim that the Kirin 990 chipset will still include the ARM Cortex A76 64-bit CPUs found in the Kirin 980, and therefore, users should expect similar performance between the two chipsets. However, the key difference between the two chipsets is the inclusion of the Balong 5000 5G modem in the Kirin 990 SoC. Huawei announced the Balong 5000 modem alongside the Kirin 980 chipset during the IFA 2018 event, although little information is currently available about the performance and specifications of the modem. In comparison, the Kirin 980 includes a 4G modem with support for LTE Category 21, and it can deliver maximum download speeds of 1.4Gbps. Background: Major semiconductor firms are already working to include 5G modems into their chipset offerings. Qualcomm will reportedly allow manufacturers to pair their upcoming flagship chipset offering, the Snapdragon 8150 SoC, with its 5G modem, the Snapdragon X50. Qualcomm revealed the Snapdragon X50 in October last year, and it will reportedly provide gigabit download speeds using the 28GHz frequency. Meanwhile, another semiconductor company, Intel, also unveiled its new 5G modem, the Intel XMM 8060, last year. This modem not only works with the mmWave spectrum, but it is also compatible with sub-6GHz frequencies. The lower frequencies offer wider coverage and better indoor penetration compared to mmWave spectrum. MediaTek also revealed its own 5G modem offering, the Helio M70, earlier this year. This modem will also be manufactured using the 7nm process node of TSMC, and MediaTek claims that the chip can deliver download speeds of up to 5Gbps. Aside from the development of modems, semiconductor companies are also working on antenna solutions that help resolve some of the key issues of using mmWave spectrum. Advertisement A number of smartphone manufacturers have also stated that they will release 5G-capable smartphones next year. Huawei is expected to launch a 5G-capable handset that also features a foldable display in the middle of 2019, and it will likely sport the Kirin 990 chipset, while OnePlus has also confirmed that it will release a 5G smartphone next year. Meanwhile, Samsung is also rumored to release a variant of the Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus that can connect to 5G networks. OPPO is also actively involved in the development of 5G smartphones, and it has built several research centers dedicated to the development of 5G-capable products. Impact: As multiple carriers around the world start building 5G networks, support for the next-generation communications standard is becoming an important feature for flagship smartphones that will be released next year. The development of 5G-capable chipsets and antenna solutions are necessary for the device makers to offer this functionality. However, users may not yet fully take advantage of the increased speeds and reduced latencies offered by 5G networks, especially since carriers will likely have limited deployments of 5G base stations and small cells in the near future. Samsung has now hinted that theres some big news in the works for its Exynos chipsets, with an announcement coming in just a few days on November 14. The company took to its Twitter account designated to Exynos today with a not-so-subtle message about the event, which reads Think next. Thats accompanied by an image that clearly shows the form of a Samsung-style smartphone, the message Intelligence from within, and what appears to be a mobile chip squeezing its way out of the handset. The obvious implication, given the Korean tech giants activity at this years Samsung Developer Conference (SDC), is that central tenet up for discussion will be AI and its inclusion in Exynos SoCs. Background: News of a brand new Samsung-made chip designed to include AI-specific partitions or hardware is not new by any stretch of the imagination. Rumors and speculation have cropped up in earnest about the new component, tentatively expected to be marketed as the Exynos 9820, for some time now. The most recent reports have suggested the silicon would be built on the 7nm EUV process and will include at least two dedicated neural processing cores. The news also isnt surprising in terms of innovations. In fact, the concept is very similar to what one of Samsungs leading competitors in the smartphone market namely, Huawei and its subsidiary HiSilicon has brought to the table with the Kirin 980 SoC. Thats that companys followup on its Kirin 970, featuring two dedicated AI processing nodes on top of a more traditional design. Meanwhile, Qualcomm is expected to be moving toward an AI-centric design as well with its Snapdragon 8155, though to be launching in early 2019. Samsungs chip is currently anticipated to be similar in concept to both of those designs but will likely bring its own take on things to the table. Its also expected to launch during the first half of 2019 and just in time for its predicted inclusion as a core selling point for the companys still-unannounced upcoming next-generation flagship, likely to be sold as the Samsung Galaxy S10. If that turns out to be the case and other rumors surrounding that handset are to be believed, that means there will be at least three and possibly four Samsung handsets powered by AI next year. More specifically, leaks and insider reports have indicated that Samsung might launch a budget-friendly variation of its flagship, in addition to its traditional Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S10 Plus models. Subsequent reports have also suggested there could be yet another model above that, which takes things further by including 5G networking capabilities. Advertisement Impact: Setting that aside and as alluded to above, however, the new chip will almost certainly part of a much bigger effort on Samsungs part. During this years SDC 2018 event in San Francisco, several company executives took to the stage to discuss an all-encompassing battle plan for transforming Bixby AI into a true competitor against Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Beyond that, the company is opening up all of its development tools to the more general developer community and refocusing efforts and investments in a bid to utterly dominate the AI industry. One of the promises made at the time was that Samsung would incorporate AI in every product it sells by the end of 2020. Its most likely still too early for that promise to be coming to fruition. However, theres also no reason to think that the upcoming Exynos event isnt linked directly to that promise in some way rather than only being intended for flagships and phablet smartphones made by the company although the obvious focal point will be on smartphones. Samsung has now confirmed that a second Android 8.1 Go Edition smartphone is on the way, posting a new press release to its official website outlining details of the Samsung Galaxy J4 Core. No pricing or availability information is included and, most likely because this is a budget handset, not every detail about the handset is provided either. Setting that aside, Samsung lists the Galaxy J4 Core as a 6-inch handset with an HD+ TFT display panel rated with a resolution of 720 x 1480. That equates to an 18:9 aspect ratio for this smartphones touchscreen, with the overall device measuring 160.6 x 76.1 x 7.9mm and weighing in at just 177 grams. Above that display, Samsung is including a 5-megapixel selfie shooter with a f/2.2 aperture. Moving to the back, with three colorations including black, blue, and gold set to be available, an 8-megapixel primary camera is accompanied by a single LED flash. The lightweight Android Go version of Android 8.1 Oreo, meanwhile, is powered by an unspecified quad-core SoC with a clock speed of 1.4GHz and backed up by 1GB RAM and 16GB of micro SD card expandable storage up to 512GB. That SoC supports additional modules for Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n in a single channel configuration at 2.4GHz as well as Bluetooth 4.2 on the connectivity front. GPS, GLONASS, and BeiDou are included for location services. The 3,300mAh battery powering the whole package is charged via USB 2.0. Background: Prior to showing up on Samsungs official pages, this particular handset had already made an appearance through a leak at one retailers site in Brazil. So most of the details that are now official from Samsung itself were already known for this smartphone. Neither launch regions and timeframes or pricing were made available at that time either. However, as the companys second-ever Android Go-based handset and given the companys naming conventions, the Samsung Galaxy J4 Core is also expected to follow in the footsteps of another Android Go handset from Samsung, the Galaxy J2 Core. That other device is similarly designed explicitly at the lower end of the budget-friendly smartphone spectrum and was first released in Latin America, India, and other Asian markets as well as the European market. It will be almost certainly be headed to the US and other regions too, following new entries for the handset at the FCC. The new Samsung Galaxy J4 Core is most likely an iterative step-up from that other device and should follow a similar release pattern at a slight increase to cost, accounted for by its larger display and storage capacity. Advertisement Impact: As with other Android smartphones operating on Android Go the Samsung Galaxy J4 Core is going to be relatively inexpensive but should maintain a semblance of performance due to the heavy optimizations present in that version of the OS. It will also lack a huge swath of features commonly found on Samsungs flagships and even many of its midrange devices. With that said, that shouldnt make this handset any less desirable to those who need a large and capable smartphone with a nearly stock Android experience and without breaking the bank. Posted on: October 8, 2018 9:49 AM See also: Hong Kongs bishops: we only boast of the cross of Christ Guests from around the world have joined local Anglicans for a series of events to mark the 20th anniversary of the Anglican Province of Hong Kong the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui (HKSKH). Thousands gathered for a colourful celebration of the Eucharist at the vast AsiaWorld-Expo centre on Saturday (6 October). Among them were dignitaries from mainland China, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Australia, Ireland, the UK and the United States. Four choirs and an orchestra conducted by Felix Yeung combined to provide music fitting an occasion of style and grandeur. The celebrant was the Primate of Hong Kong, Archbishop Paul Kwong and the sermon was given by the Anglican Communion Secretary General, Dr Josiah Idowu-Fearon. He said it was a special privilege to be invited to speak on such an auspicious occasion. And he paid tribute to the work and witness of the Primate, bishops, clergy and membership of the HKSKH. You have exemplified the saying small is beautiful, he said. You are small . . . but you are right at the heart of the Anglican Communion because of your generosity and availability. What really gladdens my heart is what you have been doing as a province. You have not separated mission from proclamation and that is the secret of your growth. HKSKH currently comprises three dioceses: Hong Kong, Eastern Kowloon and Western Kowloon and a missionary area of Macau. On this, the Secretary General issued a challenge to grow: By the time of your 25th anniversary I am praying that Macau will not be a special area but that Macau will be a diocese. Dr Idowu-Fearon also paid tribute to his predecessor, Canon John Peterson who was among the guests from overseas for the work he did when the province was formed in 1998. Later, at a thanksgiving dinner, Archbishop Paul Kwong, picked up on the Secretary Generals theme, emphasising that mission had always been at the heart of the province and forming strong partnerships with schools and social service agencies for the benefit of the people of Hong Kong and Macau was an expression of that mission. We were formed in and for mission. . . Every member of the Church has a share in Gods mission, he said. We seek to be a Church for the city and with the city in Hong Kong and Macau. He said the province hoped to build a new 300-bed hospital. It also had plans to expand theological education including the creation of a new campus and a monastic community. And on the Secretary Generals challenge regarding Macau, Archbishop Paul said his amen in response had been the loudest, although he joked that this was because making it happen would be a job for his successor as Primate. But he said work was underway preliminary talks had begun about acquiring land for a cathedral, school and social centre in Macau. The dinner continued the sense of grandeur, occasion and celebration. There was a kindergarten choir, music from an orchestra and films highlighting the work of the province. There was also a symbolic moment marking the launch of ACC17 the seventeenth meeting of the Anglican Consultative Council which takes place in Hong Kong next April. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, was represented by the Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, Martin Seeley. In a message, Archbishop Justin said there was so much to give thanks for and to celebrate. He urged the province to continue its calling to minister and serve the wider community of Hong Kong and China. There was also a message of congratulations from the Presiding Bishop of the US-based Episcopal Church, Michael Curry, which was delivered by the Bishop of Texas, Andrew Doyle. Bishop Andrew, who is president of the Compass Rose Society, spoke of the amazing work and generosity of the province, describing it as a model of virtue for the Anglican Communion. Top Hong Kongs bishops: we only boast of the cross of Christ The Bishops of the HKSKH have issued a pastoral letter to mark its 20th anniversary as an Anglican Communion Province. Referencing a hymn composed to mark the occasion: How shall we this gift enshrine? Sheng Kung Hui thy Church divine, the bishops say that its lyrics reminds us of our mission as Christians in the Sheng Kung Hui: to build up the Holy Catholic Church with grace bestowed by our Lord. They say: The Holy Catholic Church has been on this earth for about two thousand years. In comparison, the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui province has been here for only one per cent of this time; in comparison to the history of Anglicanism, we have been in existence for only four per cent of this period; and in contrast to the almost 200 years of Anglican ministries in China, our province has been established for about 10 per cent this total period. In the two thousand years of the Holy Catholic Church, Anglicanisms centuries of history, and the 200 years of Anglican ministry in China, our countless forebears have willingly offered their lives for the building of Gods kingdom, not shrinking from suffering or martyrdom. Without regard for their own lives and losses, and without concern for worldly riches and settled lives, for the sake of Gods kingdom, they lived their lives to bring light to the world and created the foundation of the life of the Church. Twenty years ago, we took up the mantle of our forebears and sought to continue their work. As we look back upon the past two decades, we are thankful, not only because of the joy that institutionally our Church has been elevated from a diocese to a province, but more importantly, we praise God for our inheritance of the service to which our forebears dedicated their lives. They continued: Over the past 20 years of historically challenging times, we have relied on Gods grace to contribute to the work of pastoral care, evangelism, education, social service and healthcare in Hong Kong and Macau, two special administrative regions of China. In addition, we have been able to earn the trust of our brothers and sisters in the Anglican Communion, allowing our tiny province to contribute to the worldwide Church and take part in the building of the body of Christ. But we have nothing to boast about, we only boast of the cross of Christ. As a young province, we have our flaws and our weaknesses, but because of this, we have a deeper awareness of our reliance on God whose grace may be revealed though us and attain completion. It is Our Faith, Our Way to be nurtured by Gods Holy Word and Holy Sacraments. We equip ourselves through the fellowship of our Church. We raise high the cross of Christ, follow His example, and become a community of disciples conformed to His heart. This way, our lives of service may become a blessing for future generations of brothers and sisters of the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui, for Christians on the mainland, and for other provinces in the Anglican Communion and the Church Ecumenical, whether in the next two decades, the next 200 years, the next few centuries, or even into the next two millennia. Top Posted on: November 9, 2018 2:42 PM Congregations from several London synagogues joined Christians at Westminster Abbey last night (Thursday) for a Service of Solemn Remembrance and Hope on the 80th anniversary of Kristallnacht. The pogrom was carried out by the Nazis throughout Germany and Austria on 9 and 10 November 1938. It saw synagogues across the country destroyed and many Jewish shops and business premises vandalised, and homes of Jews were burnt down. It was the start of the biggest pogrom against the Jewish community in Europe, and culminated in the holocaust. Welcoming the congregation to the service, the Dean of Westminster, Dr John Hall, began by remembering a similar commemoration that took place on the 75th anniversary. Now we gather again to mark the 80th anniversary of that night, itself a terrible foreshadowing of the holocaust, he said. Again, from survivors, we shall hear memories of that event, and once more we shall mourn with respect and love not only the victims of that night but all the victims of Nazi persecution. Here, in this holy place at the centre of our national life, we shall pray together as we worship the one God sharing a common experience. We shall pray for a growth in mutual respect and understanding between the children of Abraham: Jews, Christians and Muslims. We shall pray for trust in the God who makes and loves his people. Our prayer together will itself be a sign of hope. The congregation heard from three survivors of Kristallnacht, including Bea Green, who was a 13-year-old girl at home in her apartment when a telephone call warned the family to get out of Munich because the Nazis are arresting all the Jews. They headed to the synagogue where her father was praying to find an SS officer closing the gates. I remember feeling very scared, she said. Her father managed to get out of the synagogue and the family drove to the railway station where they caught a train to Amsterdam. In 1939, she was one of a number of Jews who came to the UK on the Kindertransport laid on to provide sanctuary to Jewish children. She was reunited with her parents after the war. Three survivors of Kristallnacht Freddie Knoller, Bea Green, and Leslie Brent deliver eye-witness testimonies at Westminster Abbey during a Service of Solemn Remembrance and Hope on the 80th anniversary of the pogrom on Thursday evening (8 November). Photo: Andrew Dunsmore / Picture Partnership / Westminster Abbey Freddie Knollers experience was less hopeful. He too remember receiving a phone call at the family home in Vienna. His family were told that their synagogue was on fire. While fire engines were at the scene, they were spraying water only on neighbouring buildings to prevent the fire from spreading. He and his family switched off the lights and hid in their apartment. Looking through the window, he could see that the sky was burning red with flames from our synagogue. Things took a turn to the worse when Kristallnacht arrived at our building. He said: We stepped away from the windows in terror. A period of silence followed which was broken by the breaking of glass. Later, on leaving the building, he saw the body of another resident, Mr Epstein. The caretaker told him that he died after jumping from his window. I didnt believe him, Mr Knoller said. I believe he had been helped to his death. A year later, at the age of 17, he became the first of the Knoller boys to leave the country of his birth and he made his way to Belgium. But he was eventually captured. In January 1945 he was sent on a death march, ending at the Mittelbau-Dora concentration camp. As US troops approached he was transferred to Bergen-Belsen, where he was liberated on 15 April 1945. Another survivor, Leslie Brent, was living in an orphanage for Jewish boys in Berlin in 1938 at the age of 13-years. He told how the residents had experienced a dress rehearsal for Kristallnacht two months before the pogrom, when an angry mob stormed the lobby and started vandalising the downstairs of the orphanage. The boys and most of the staff had sought safety on an upper floor. One staff member, carrying a child, stood on the stairs and challenged the mob. He held out his hand and told them to stop: I remind you that you have entered an orphanage, he told them. I implore you to leave immediately. Brent told the congregation: Miraculously, they did so. He was one of eight children from the orphanage who were nominated for transfer to the UK on the Kindertransport. Most of the other boys in the orphanage died in Auschwitz, he said. Their testimonies gave life to news reports from the time. Then, as now, the weekly Jewish Chronicle newspaper in London went to press on Wednesday nights for publication on Fridays. Its edition on Friday 11 November 1938 went to press on the first night of the pogrom. The Jewish Chronicle reported the start of the Kristallnacht pogrom in a Stop Press column in its editio of 11 November 1938. Photo: JC Archives. Used with permission In a stop press column, the paper was able to report the start of the assault. Terror campaign against German Jews broke out yesterday, it said in the broken telegram-style English that was common in Stop Press columns. Over five thousand Jews arrested, mostly in Vienna, where 22 people committed suicide during the riots. In Berlin, Munich and many other cities Synagogues set on fire. Nine Berlin Synagogues destroyed. A number of Jewish shops wrecked. The address was given by Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg of the New North London Synagogue, Rabbi to Masorti Judaism. He spoke of his grandfather, who was a rabbi in Frankfurt-am-Main. He had been summoned to a synagogue to find it ablaze and in ruins. Amid the destruction, the Ner Tamid the eternal light kept burning. People said it was a miracle, a sign from God. Eleven years later, his grandfather returned to unrecognisable streets and reflected on the two fires he saw on Kristallnacht: the fire of devastation and the fire of God, from the Ner Tamid. The fire of devastation destroyed synagogues throughout Germany, he said. It crossed the Channel in the Blitzkrieg burning whole districts of London and many British cities. It soared obscenely in the indescribable crematoria by the gas-chambers. Eventually it came back full circle to ravage the towns of Germany. . . Yet the light of Gods presence burnt also, he said, citing the actions by diplomats in Europe and politicians in the UK and elsewhere who worked to provide sanctuary for Jewish children, including British Consul General Robert Smallbones who actions led to tens of thousands of people including Rabbi Wittenbergs family receiving transit visa to Britain. It burnt in the hearts of Jewish leaders, Quakers, Christadelphians, churchmen and women, good people, who rescued children, taking them into their homes. It illumined the heart and home of the Bishop of Durham, who took in the Kind John Rayner, subsequently Rabbi Dr John Rayner, my teacher, and in his Bishops residence ensured he received a Jewish education and celebrated his Bar Mitzvah. He said that those same two fires burn today and he warned of the searing flames of incitement rage in those who preach hatred of Jews for being Jews and Muslims for being Muslim, who fan the populist fires of resurgent racism and xenophobia. The shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh last weekend was an example of this light. But Gods Eternal Light also burns, he said, in the actions of those who create foodbanks, shelter the homeless, share their homes with refugees, run drop-ins and havens for asylum-seekers, reach out a hand to those of different faiths, hoping that it will be taken in trust and fellowship. In shines in the work of Lord Alf Dubs, himself one of the Kinder, tireless in striving to bring lonely, helpless children to safety and the hope of a future in Britain. He imagined a conversation with his grandfather, in which he asked him: as you stood [on Kristallnacht] between those two flames, which did you think was the stronger? His grandfather replied in an ancient rabbinic sentence: neiri beyadecha, veneirecha beyadi My light is your hands, says God, Your light is in mine. Its up to you. Which of those flames is stronger lies in your grasp. Rabbi Wittenberg concluded with a challenge to the congregation: The fire of destruction or the flame of sacred light? The choice lies in our hands. Therefore, God, protect our light in Your hands, so that we can protect and nurture Your light entrusted into ours. Music during the service included Christian hymns, including Dear Lord and Father of mankind and Imortal, Invisible, God only wise; and Jewish songs, including Shema Koleinu and Enosh KeChatzir. A combined choir from the choirs of West London Synagogue, Belsize Square Synagogue, the Belsize Square Synagogue Community Choir, the Belsize Square Synagogue Youth Choir and the Zemel Choir led the singing, supported by cellist Gemma Rosefield. Cantor Paul Heller from Londons Belsize Square Synagogue chants the El Malei Rachamim, the Jewish prayer for the dead, during a Service of Solemn Remembrance and Hope at Westminster Abbey on the 80th anniversary of the Kristallnacht pogrom. Photo: Andrew Dunsmore / Picture Partnership / Westminster Abbey The Cantor from Belsize Square Synagogue, Paul Heller, chanted the Jewish prayer for the dead, the El Malei Rachamim; and joined the choirs in singing Shema Koleinu, during which six memorial candles were lit by people including the Deputy Head of Mission at the German embassy in London, Julia Gross, and the Israeli Ambassador to the UK, Mark Regev. Julia Gross, Deputy Head of Mission at the German embassy in London and Mark Regev, Israeli Ambassador in London, light memorial candles during a Service of Solemn Remembrance and Hope at Westminster Abbey on the 80th anniversary of the Kristallnacht pogrom. Photo: Andrew Dunsmore / Picture Partnership / Westminster Abbey The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, turned to Twitter to share his thoughts on the anniversary. After 80 years, #Kristallnacht has lost none of its horror nor should it, he said. With the resurgence in antisemitism, its also an urgently needed reminder that we must stand in solidarity with our Jewish friends and tear antisemitism up by its roots wherever we see it. After 80 years, #Kristallnacht has lost none of its horror nor should it. With the resurgence in antisemitism, its also an urgently needed reminder that we must stand in solidarity with our Jewish friends and tear antisemitism up by its roots wherever we see it. Archbishop of Canterbury (@JustinWelby) November 9, 2018 In a longer article written for the Jewish News newspaper, he said: We live in unprecedented times when hatred can be stirred up almost instantaneously through a misinformed speech or a provocative social media post. Persecution of minorities is not solved by the banning of inappropriate thinking, or even by suppressing their expression. In doing so we drive the hateful and the destructive underground and give it some status. Such thinking must be challenged openly and clearly to show not only its wickedness but also its foolishness. BarcelonaFor the first time a court has called into question the proportionality of the Spanish Police and Guardia Civils response to the 1 October referendum. Up until now certain examining magistrates have investigated members of the two police forces following reports of injuries to numerous voters during last years referendum. Now, however, a higher body, the Court of Barcelona, has decided to question the need for the police charges which occurred repeatedly on 1 October 2017 in various locations designated as polling stations. In reference to police behaviour in Sant Fruitos de Bages, the court speaks of "police excesses", going on to say that, "we do not consider that it was necessary to strike with truncheons and employ unexpected, aggressive tactics against members of the public who were outside the polling station". The Court of Barcelonas ruling by a majority of two of the three judges which make up the court orders the judge in Bages who had previously dropped the investigation into police baton charges at a school in Sant Joan de Vilatorrada to reopen the case. Among its arguments, the court concludes that, given the evidence gathered so far, the officers actions at the time were disproportionate since they ended up using force against the public, even though they "knew" that should members of the public manage to vote it wouldnt have had any "legal consequences" as the referendum had been declared unconstitutional. As proof of this, the court recalls that "in other parts of Catalonia, the police took no action, the votes were cast and the results were given, with no legal consequences". The court ordered the Bages judge dealing with the case to carry out the investigations requested by both the prosecutor and the complainants. These included a cross-examination of the lieutenant responsible for the operation as a possible suspect, and for all the officers who took part in the incident to be named. The court admits that the latter is somewhat "complicated" given that the Civil Guards were not wearing their ID numbers and the complainants were unable to provide any alternative means of identifying them. Consequently, the court has also pointed out and the judge will need to take into account the fact that the Secretary of State for Security drafted a report on the security forces deployed in Bages on 1-O, identifying the officers who took part, the verbal and written instructions they were issued, and any protocols regarding the use of truncheons and body armour. 14 people were slightly injured by the security forces at the school in Sant Joan de Vilatorrada [being used as a polling station]. According to the court, a detachment of Guardia Civil officers attempted to gain access via a ramp on the right-hand side of the school. When they failed, a second contingent of officers advanced up a ramp on the left, where numerous members of the public were gathered, and "with not the slightest warning" and "without attempting to get them to step away from the door", they struck them with their truncheons. When the voters moved aside, the Civil Guards smashed the windows of the school with a mallet in order to gain access. According to the court, one of the first officers to enter the premises received "the impact of a chair thrown from afar", which they consider could be considered an assault on a police officer. The intention was not to close the polling station The ruling by the Court of Barcelona reaches the conclusion that it is not possible that the objective of the Civil Guards who were dispatched to the school in Sant Joan de Vilatorrada was to close the polling station, since after carrying out the police charge and seizing certain material, they "left" the school without leaving anyone behind to stand guard. Although the judges appreciate that "it was necessary to use force to enter the building", they do not believe that "it was necessary" to use it on the members of the public who were outside the school. The court concludes that, "It would have been possible to achieve the same result, although it would have taken longer, removing them by force, by pushing or dragging them", considering that in this way no one would have been injured. In September 2016, Qatar Airways announced that it would be the first airline to adopt this innovative technology that would feed directly into its Integrated Operations Centre. Two years later, Qatar Airways, in partnership with FlightAware and Aireon, has announced that GlobalBeaconSM is now live and ready to provide the airline with global flight tracking, ahead of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Global Aeronautical Distress Safety System (GADSS) recommended timeline. From the start of the product development cycle, the award-winning airline has been involved in beta testing and validation of GlobalBeacon, a technology that exceeds GADSS recommendations for flight tracking by providing airlines with minute-by-minute position updates for their aircraft at all times, anywhere in the world. Qatar Airways Group chief executive, Akbar Al Baker, said: We are thrilled to be the first airline in the world with a wide network to use space-based ADS-B technology, and we are honoured to collaborate with both FlightAware and Aireon on the development of this solution to achieve the highest level of flight tracking standards that exceed GADSS requirements and recommendations. As one of the leading airlines in the world, our goal is to consistently deliver the best service to all our customers. GlobalBeacon seamlessly integrates with our existing ICAO 2018 compliant flight watch technology (Total Operations System), and further enhances the safety of our operations and fleet management by providing updates every minute or less. In doing so, this is a testimony to our ever-evolving leadership in the crucial area of aviation safety and awareness. GlobalBeacon will enable Qatar Airways to position itself to respond proactively in the event of an emergency, facilitating communication between the aircraft operator and the controller with constant fleet monitoring, automated distress alerts and tools that make it easy to share information. Aireon CEO, Don Thoma, said: With a modern fleet of more than 200 aircraft flying all over the world, across remote and oceanic airspace, Qatar Airways and GlobalBeacon couldnt be more perfect for each other. Being one of the youngest and fastest-growing leaders in the aviation industry, Qatar Airways initiative to implement the GADSS recommendations for flight tracking reinforces that safety is top priority and comes second to none. FlightAware CEO, Daniel Baker, added: With Qatar Airways involvement early on, weve been able to test and validate GlobalBeacon to ensure that it incorporates best practices for global flight tracking and fleet monitoring. We applaud Qatar Airways early adoption and are extremely pleased with how theyve been able to successfully deploy it to work in conjunction with their existing processes, increasing their ability to locate aircraft in distress and improving search and rescue capabilities. In March 2016, ICAO announced that GADSS was created to help improve the ability to detect commercial aircraft in remote locations. The key components of GADSS recommend that aircraft report their position to the airlines operations centre at a minimum of once every 15 minutes under normal flight circumstances. However, if an aircraft should become in distress, position reports are then to be provided every minute. In light of this, the GlobalBeacon product, is the first of its kind being fully compliant with GADSS standards for flight tracking and will now provide a permanent minute-by-minute reporting capability, far exceeding the ICAO recommendations. The Flying Eye Hospital, operated by global eye health charity Orbis, is a fully-equipped MD-10 cargo aircraft with state-of-the-art medical equipment, an operating theatre and a classroom, making it a truly unique teaching facility. The Orbis Flying Eye Hospital has supported the Qatar Creating Vision initiative in Bangladesh at the end of last year. Since July 2016, 4.2 million screenings for children have been conducted across India and Bangladesh and more than 56,000 training sessions have been provided for medical professionals as well as teachers and community workers. Together, Orbis and the Qatar Fund for Development are on track to deliver an impressive 5.6 million eye care treatments to children across India and Bangladesh by mid-2020. Qatar Airways Group chief executive, Akbar Al Baker, said: It is Orbis highly commendable initiative that makes us proud supporters of the global eye health charity. Since 2012, we have worked hand in hand with the Flying Eye Hospital to expand its reach and help prevent avoidable blindness around the world. We are delighted to have this unique aircraft back in Doha as part of Doha Healthcare Week and we are positive that local guests will be fascinated by the facility while touring the aircraft. Orbis UK chief executive, Rebecca Cronin, said: Through the Qatar Fund for Development we have been able to reach millions of children across India and Bangladesh. There are 473,000 children who are blind across the two countries, and 50 per cent of cases are avoidable. Qatar Airways' support of Orbis has been long standing, and we are immensely grateful and proud of the partnership. We would like to say thank you for welcoming Orbis and the Flying Eye Hospital so warmly and providing us with a platform to celebrate Qatari generosity. Qatar Airways has been a proud supporter of Orbis since 2012. The multiple award-winning airline officially renewed its sponsorship with the global eye health charity in 2017 as the Official Airline Partner of Orbis UK for three years. Every year, the aircraft visits countries across Africa, Asia and Latin America, partnering with local hospitals to deliver specialist training through its team of world-class medical volunteers, carry out treatments, and raise vital awareness about the importance of eye health. Since 1982 Orbis has been working to prevent avoidable blindness in areas of need. Working with a global team of volunteers and the worlds leading ophthalmic medical experts, each year Orbis delivers between four to eight training programmes on board the Flying Eye Hospital. It also runs long-term programmes in 18 countries, including Bangladesh, Ethiopia, India and Zambia, among others. Orbis Flying Eye Hospital holds on board interactive workshops and public and private tours until 12 November Samsung Unveils 'Infinity Flex' Folding Smartphone Trending News: Samsung Just Revealed Its First Foldable Smartphone The future is foldable. At least, that's what Samsung wants you to believe. After teasing the release in very obvious fashion, Samsung unveiled the 'Infinity Flex Display' on stage at its Developer's Conference in California. The phone shown at the conference isn't actually what'll be sold to customers it was disguised." Theres a device inside here, said Justin Denison, Samsung SVP of mobile product marketing. And it is stunning. The foldable phone shown off has a huge 7.3-inch display with a 1536 x 2152 resolution (4.2:3), The Verge reports. Apparently, the polymer that the screen is made out of is flexible and tough" enough to handle being folded hundreds of thousands of times. Google also revealed at the conference that by the time the foldable phone is ready we don't know exactly when that is Android will be ready to support it. Other than that, details are sparse, but I'm sure that won't stop the speculation. Related: The 20 Coolest Gadgets Money Can Buy While this is easily the most high profile release of the foldable technology that's long been rumored to be coming soon, it isn't the first foldable phone. Chinese company Royole just launched a $1,300 foldable phone called FlexPai. Other foldable phones on the horizon include a 5G phone from Huawei, teased releases from and Lenovo and Xiaomi. As for Apple, it has been reported that a foldable iPhone is in the works and could be ready within two years. You Might Also Dig Relocating from London to Sydney is John Davison, NRFs head of regulatory compliance. He brings more than a quarter of a century of experience including compliance and risk roles at RBS, the London Stock Exchange, and Deutsche Bank. Joining the firm is Danielle Avery, formerly head of risk, strategy and operations at Westpac. She combines 22 years of experience in financial services organizations with a strong legal background. The third new addition is Phillip Charlton, who joins from ASIC where he held several senior and leadership roles. He is a former Linklaters partner. The time is right to continue the investment in our risk advisory offering through the addition of John, Danielle and Phil under Australian risk advisory head Scott Atkins, commented Norton Rose Fulbright managing partner in Australia Wayne Spanner. The growing scrutiny on organisational behaviour, as well as heightened concern over investigative and regulatory responses, have fuelled a demand for better, more holistic risk advice. We are confident that our growing local and international team has the range of skills and experience required to help our clients as their risk exposure evolves. Law firms have a unique role in building trust in data The time is right to continue the investment in our risk advisory offering through the addition of John, Danielle and Phil under Australian risk advisory head Scott Atkins, said Wayne Spanner, NRF managing partner in Australia. The growing scrutiny on organisational behaviour, as well as heightened concern over investigative and regulatory responses, have fuelled a demand for better, more holistic risk advice. We are confident that our growing local and international team has the range of skills and experience required to help our clients as their risk exposure evolves. Davison, who has more than 25 years experience, adds to Sydney his extensive understanding of the compliance and operational risk functions in large financial institutions. He was previously head of regulatory response at Deutsche Bank, head of core compliance at clearing house LCH, and interim head of enterprise risk framework at the London Stock Exchange. Avery, who has been appointed senior risk advisor, moved to NRF from Westpac, where she was most recently head of risk, strategy and operations. In that role, she transformed the organisations governance programs and risk and compliance functions. She was an associate at Ashurst in Melbourne, a senior attorney at Debevoise & Plimpton in New York, and an associate at Jones Day in Sydney. She has more than 22 years of international experience in risk and strategy roles in financial services. She also has a strong legal background, having led legal teams in Australia and the US on major transactions, risk and compliance functions, and risk-related projects, the firm said. Charlton, who was also appointed as senior risk adviser, was most recently head and senior manager of international strategy at the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). In that role, he led the team responsible for the regulators contribution to international financial regulation, settling ASICs position on cross-border regulatory issues, and advising both the chairman and commission, the firm said. Three weeks ahead of a meeting between President Trump and China's Xi Jinping, Beijing is notching record exports and figuring out how to manage without American goods. Why it matters: Despite tariffs on $250 billion in Chinese goods, Trump has appeared to fail to budge Xi on his determination to do whatever it takes to dominate the technologies of the future. In August, we flagged an upcoming year-long trade war between the U.S. and China. Now, there is no indication that it will end even then. Trump says he will tariff the rest of China's $510 billion in trade with the U.S. if he and Xi cannot strike a deal in Buenos Aires on Nov. 29. tariff the rest of China's $510 billion in trade with the U.S. if he and Xi cannot strike a deal in Buenos Aires on Nov. 29. In remarks today, Xi indicated little flexibility, suggesting that Trump needs to respect China's strategic choices, Reuters reports. Meanwhile, while China's economy is flagging a bit in the third quarter, its GDP growth was 6.5% year-on-year, the slowest since the financial crash it is still humming: Chinese exports keep rising, report the WSJ's Liyan Qi and Grace Zhu. The acrimonious U.S.-China trade gap is up 15% from a year ago and China is on pace to post another record surplus. One of the trade war's most immediate U.S. victims is Maine lobster fishing, writes Bloomberg's Shawn Donnan. In line with Trump's tariffs, China slapped 25% levies on $128 million-a-year in U.S. lobster imports, and Maine's industry cultivated over a decade and more got hit. China is simply buying its lobsters elsewhere such as just over the border in Nova Scotia, Canada. The list goes on. Parag Khanna, author of the forthcoming, "The Future is Asian," tells Axios that China is finding ways to permanently substitute for American imports. Last summer, China slashed U.S. oil imports and started to buy more Russia and Saudi Arabia. It has all but halted purchases of U.S. soybeans, buying them instead from Brazil and Argentina. Brad Setser, an economist at the Council on Foreign Relations, said Russia could emerge as another soybean supplier. China very much wants to make and design its own high-end semiconductors as part of its aspirational Made in China 2025 program. For now, Khanna said a third of its high-tech imports come from U.S. companies. But it can begin to replace these from its Asian neighbors. Imagine China decides to cancel or diminish orders of Boeing aircraft. Of course, it can just boost orders from Airbus. Parag Khanna Trump is said to want to decouple the U.S. and Chinese economies and increasing numbers of establishment experts think he is right given China's aggressive economic tactics. And the administration pushback is having an impact: In a report by the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai, more than 70% of U.S. firms surveyed in southern China said they were moving some or all their manufacturing out of the country, mostly to southeast Asia, Reuters reports. But trade experts note that there could be a price for such all-or-nothing brinksmanship should the U.S. decide that it wants trade with China after all. Once the U.S. loses the Chinese market for a product, it is unlikely to get it back even if this round of the trade war ends and tariffs are lifted," said Edward Alden, a trade expert at the Council on Foreign Relations. "This is both because it will establish new sourcing patterns, which tend to be sticky, and because Chinese buyers will not want to run the risk of future U.S. tariffs." Go deeper: Soybeans are an unlikely political ground zero in Trump's trade war Chinas government is cracking down on dissent at an alarming pace and detaining up to 1 million Muslims in re-education camps, but at a UN Human Rights Council review this week, many countries saw fit to applaud Chinas human rights record, rather than criticize it. Why it matters: Chinas economic power and investments around the world arent just increasing its global influence theyre making countries far more reticent to speak out about Beijing's abuses at home. Sophie Richardson, China director at Human Rights Watch, tells me, "We might be moving onto the next bad phase where we not only see how few countries are critical of China, but how many are willing to be cheerleaders. Case in point: Pakistan and Kazakhstan have both been directly affected by Chinas mass detentions in Xinjiang, with citizens or family members from both countries being held. Both are also heavily reliant on Chinese investment and trade. Neither criticized China at this weeks review, the first since 2013, which featured comments from 150 countries. Countries that did speak out included Japan, Germany and the U.S., which called on China to close the internment camps and free the possibly millions being held. Chinas Vice Foreign Minister responded to the criticism: We will not accept the politically driven accusations from a few countries that are fraught with biases, with total disregard for facts. No country shall dictate the definition of democracy and human rights. Richardson notes that Muslim countries were notably silent on the treatment of Chinas Muslim minority. She put it this way: If any other government in the world was credibly accused of detaining 1 million Muslims, I think we can reasonably conclude there would be calls for a debate in the UN Security Council. Demands for an investigation. Because China is so powerful both within and outside of the UN, thats probably not going to happen. The net effect is that China may well get away with this. Brookings Ted Piccone documents China's success in limiting criticism in international institutions in a recent report: Beijing is "building a strong coalition within the UN, mainly of developing countries more vulnerable to Beijings economic and political pressure and which share its wish to prioritize development over human rights. within the UN, mainly of developing countries more vulnerable to Beijings economic and political pressure and which share its wish to prioritize development over human rights. European states, however, are not doing as much as they could to stand up against China on human rights. Explanations include protection of their growing economic and commercial interests with the Asian giant as well as geostrategic and political goals in managing Chinas rise. The bottom line: Its not just that the tone of the discussion is getting softer, or that the topics under discussion are softer, its that the institutions themselves are under threat from China, says Richardson. "If you cant have a conversation about whats happening in Xinjiang [at the UN], you're not going to have that conversation anywhere. All eyes will now turn to the deep southeast, with potential recounts and a potential runoff for extremely high stakes gubernatorial contests. The big picture: Florida could be heading to three statewide recounts, and Georgia Democrats are prepared to use litigation as they search for the roughly 25,000 votes needed to force a gubernatorial runoff. In Georgia: Gubernatorial candidate Brian Kemp resigned today as the state's secretary of state. Kemp was due to face a lawsuit brought by Georgia voters for his role overseeing his own race. Kemp currently has 50.3% of the vote, per the AP, and must finish with a clean majority to prevent a runoff. per the AP, and must finish with a clean majority to prevent a runoff. The race has been marred by allegations of voter suppression and conflicts of interest, with Democratic candidate Stacey Abrams pledging Tuesday night not to concede to Kemp until "every vote gets counted." And in Florida: "These are the first statewide recounts since the case of Bush v. Gore, which prompted Florida to switch from antiquated paper punch-card ballots to touch screen machines that were soon discarded and replaced with the current system of optical-scan paper ballots," the Miami Herald reports. If the gubernatorial race maintains its current .47% margin, there will be recounts for governor, Senate and agriculture commissioner. there will be recounts for governor, Senate and agriculture commissioner. The recounts will be nationally watched [were] under a microscope, Florida Secretary of State Ken Detzner said on a Thursday conference call per the Herald. The bottom line, via Axios' Alexi McCammond: The slim margins and the possibility that both Democrats could actually win these races in the end would be huge news not just for Dems in 2018, but for those with an eye on challenging Trump in the next presidential election. People have been pointing to Andrew Gillum's loss as an example of why Democrats can't run a progressive nominee in 2020. That argument would be weakened if he pulls out a win after the recount. Go deeper: Take a look at results across the country, with our handy map 1 big thing: After the carbon tax fail The defeat of a high-profile carbon tax initiative in Washington state is focusing attention on what's next for carbon pricing in the U.S. something that's moribund at the federal level right now. Where it stands: Reuters has some good reporting on how the focus is now on legislative efforts as lawmakers in several states plan moves next year. From their analysis... Lawmakers in several states aim to introduce carbon pricing legislation, including carbon taxes and carbon cap-and-trade measures, according to Michael Green of the Boston-based carbon pricing think tank Climate XChange. This includes New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Vermont, per Green. What they're saying: The high-profile economist Tyler Cowen penned a column in Bloomberg that argues the lack of traction for CO2 taxes can't be explained only by the influence of special interests. Instead he puts the Washington state result in the context of the failure of a big federal cap-and-trade bill in 2009 and other hurdles to carbon pricing in North America. Cowen supports taxing carbon, but writes: "The American people apparently feel that government ought to be able to solve this problem without imposing a new tax burden on them." "Economists should not give up our analytical arguments for a carbon tax. But maybe its time for a change in tactics." "These new approaches might start with the notion that we can address climate change without transferring more money from voters to politicians." But, but, but: I suspect the expensive oil industry campaign against Washington's initiative reportedly a $30 million effort was likely quite influential. Meanwhile, for Carnegie Mellon University energy expert Costa Samaras, the Washington loss shows the need to keep focusing on other policies. "Progress on GHG reduction/internalizing externalities will have to come from standards, tax credits, tax replacements, fleet purchases, loan guarantees, R&D, infrastructure choices, & other non-carbon tax policies. It's sub-optimal but so are most sandwiches and I still eat them," he said via Twitter the morning after Election Day. What's next: Over at Climatewire, Benjamin Storrow writes that low-carbon energy advocates, pivoting from the tax defeat, are buoyed by election of several new governors who are pushing for ambitious renewable power targets. 1 big thing: When the jet stream resonates, expect trouble Last summer's extreme weather was a showcase of how global warming is altering our atmosphere, from a scorching heat wave that contributed to a spate of wildfires in Scandinavia and California to devastating floods and all-time record-high temperatures set around the Northern Hemisphere. What's new: A new study, published last week in the journal Science Advances, ties these events and other summertime extremes to human-caused climate change via an increase in a specific jet stream phenomenon, lead author Michael Mann of Penn State tells Axios. Details: Daniel Swain, a climate scientist at UCLA who was not involved in the new research, explains the phenomenon known as quasi-resonant amplification, or QRA this way: "Quasi-resonant amplification refers to a condition where high-altitude winds across the Northern Hemisphere enter a spatial configuration favorable for the development and persistence of big loops in the jet stream," he says. That extra-wavy jet stream can cause extreme events, such as heat waves and flooding rains, to occur on either side of the jet stream's "ridges" and "troughs," particularly when such patterns get locked in place. What they did: The authors devised an indirect method of detecting changes in QRA events by examining the differences in temperature across the Northern Hemisphere and how it changes from north to south worldwide. The researchers also simulated the recent and future climate using numerous computer models to project how such jet stream patterns might change. What they found: An uptick in such QRA events can, in part, be tied to rapid Arctic climate change. The Arctic is warming at about twice the rate of the rest of the planet, altering the temperature contrast between the equator and the pole. This gradient is a large part of what drives the jet stream. Overall, the jet stream phenomena tied to prolonged, severe weather extremes are likely to increase in frequency by about 50% during this century if current emissions trends continue. Some models show a tripling in QRA frequency. The new study also found an unexpected result: Cutting aerosol pollution (tiny particles in the air from burning coal, for example) may prevent the jet stream from getting hung up as frequently in the future. Cleaning up aerosols quickly, such as by cutting power plant pollution in China and India, could lead to fewer QRA events during part of the 21st century. Mann cautioned that the computer models showed considerable uncertainty around this finding, though. What they're saying: Jennifer Francis, a scientist at Woods Hole Research Center who was not involved in the new research, told Axios the study adds valuable new information. "I think they're onto an important mechanism that helps explain the influences of a rapidly warming Arctic on summer weather extremes over midlatitude continents. ... The underlying drumbeat in both seasons is about persistent patterns and conditions that can turn into extreme events; in summer, this means heatwaves, floods and drought." Jennifer Francis, Woods Hole Research Center Florida Governor Rick Scott (R) and the National Republican Senatorial Committee filed a lawsuit late Thursday against the Broward County Supervisor of Elections alleging that the office withheld information on the number of outstanding ballots and how many people voted in the state's closely-watched Senate race, which could be headed to a recount. What's happening: Scott claimed victory in the race Tuesday night against incumbent Democratic Senator Bill Nelson. But since then, the vote gap between the candidates has been narrowing. According to local reports, early voting and vote-by-mail ballots are still being counted in Broward County, and ballots that were mailed in are being tallied in Palm Beach County, both of which are heavily Democratic. The backdrop: Floridas hotly contested gubernatorial race between Democrat Andrew Gillum and Republican Ron DeSantis is inching toward a mandated recount. DeSantis' lead has narrowed to a margin of 0.47%. The details: "I will not sit idly by while unethical liberals try to steal this election," Scott told reporters at a press conference Thursday night. Scott called out Marc Elias, an attorney whom Nelson hired, and claimed that he's trying to "steal the election." They're "mysteriously finding more votes," Scott said. The lawsuit demands an emergency court hearing on the matter. The latest vote totals show Scott has a 0.18% margin over Nelson. Under state law, a recount is required when the winning margin is 0.5% or less. In response to the suit, Nelson's campaign said in a statement: The goal here is to see that all the votes in Florida are counted and counted accurately. Rick Scotts action appears to be politically motivated and borne out of desperation. President Trump tweeted about the race Thursday evening saying, "Law Enforcement is looking into another big corruption scandal having to do with Election Fraud in #Broward and Palm Beach. Florida voted for Rick Scott!" Zhamanak writes that the November 8 summit of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) in Astana, Kazakhstan, in fact, confirmed the media publications that at least some of the members of the Russian-led security grouping do not want Armenia to retain its rotational post of the organizations secretary-general until 2020 and want to transfer it to Belarus, which is next in line in alphabetical order. This position, in particular, was expressed by Kazakhstans President Nursultan Nazarbayev, who reasoned that in any case Armenias quota has only one year to go and the new secretary-general will not even have enough time to visit all the member states in order to fully get down to work. This reasoning may seem logical, but considering the real nature of the CSTO, the expression fully get down to work sounds rather ridiculous. The organization itself is more a formality than a military-political bloc, and, therefore, the post of its secretary-general is also a formal post, the paper says. On the same subject Zhoghovurd writes: After Armenia recalled Yuri Khachaturov from the post of the CSTO secretary-general, Belarus wants to take over the senior leadership post at the organization. In this matter it enjoys the support of Kazakhstan. And Russia, whose opinion in the bloc is decisive, has not expressed its clear position yet. In any case, in this structure decisions are made in accordance with a collegial principle. And if one member vetoes a certain option, then the decision will not be made. The paper says that while formally Armenia has the right to retain the post, there some political nuances. Lragir.am writes: In a new Facebook post former Defense Minister Vigen Sargsian suggested that [acting Prime Minister] Nikol Pashinian needs a strong opposition in parliament so as to be able to withstand growing pressure in the Nagorno-Karabakh issue. According to Sargsian, it is only possible through a debate with a serious and experienced team to achieve supra-party consensus. Vigen Sargsian is right that it is very important when the states system is composed not only of a strong government with strong legitimacy, but also of a strong opposition with strong legitimacy. He is also right when he speaks about the need for a debate with an experienced team, implying the former ruling Republican Party of Armenia (HHK). In this sense, the HHK has no competition, however hard it may be for some to admit. While retaining power through usurpation for nearly two decades, simply due to being a governing party the HHK naturally had more knowledge of foreign-policy and security issues than others. (Lilit Harutiunian) Fake oppositions have eroded Armenias political landscape in the past two decades, acting Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian said at a meeting in Astana with representatives of the Armenian community of Kazakhstan. According to the Armenian leader, his government will not be taking that way. For quite a long time Armenia has not had a government and an opposition with a mandate from the people, thats why in Armenia people did not believe any one, said Pashinian, who on November 8 attended a summit of Collective Security Treaty Organization member states in Kazakhstans capital. We are not going to create an artificial opposition, because it is up to the opposition to establish itself as a viable force. In the upcoming parliamentary elections the people will decide who will be the government and who will be the opposition, he added. Political analyst Armen Baghdasarian believes that it is only pseudo-governments that need pseudo-oppositions. In Armenia, he thinks, there is no such risk at the moment. Moreover, according to the analyst, the real struggle will be within the opposition field, as the Pashinian-led My Step alliance will be a clear winner. The former ruling Republican Party of Armenia (HHK) claims that it will be the only opposition. I think they are not quite honest and right, because the opposition is not those who deliver critical speeches. The opposition is the power that can really be a counterbalance and with which the public dissatisfied with the government will connect its hopes. Now it is obvious that no one in Armenia pins any hopes on the HHK, Baghdasarian said. The HHK has not yet made a formal decision regarding its participation in the snap parliamentary elections scheduled for December 9. The partys spokesman Eduard Sharmazanov told RFE/RLs Armenian Service on Thursday that the HHK will hold a meeting on November 11 during which this issue will be discussed. Political parties and alliances have until November 14 to submit their documents for registration in the elections. Snap general elections were appointed in Armenia after the countrys popular Prime Minister Pashinian forced the parliaments dissolution with his tactical resignation and two straight tactical votes in parliament that failed to elect a new prime minister. Pashinians political team, which came to power on the wave of anti-government protests last spring, is tipped to win in the coming polls by a wide margin and form the next government. The pro-Pashinian My Step alliance polled over 80 percent of the vote in September municipal elections in capital Yerevan, which is home to more than a third of Armenias population. Hunan Poghosian, a recently appointed governor of one of Armenias most crime-ridden provinces, has promised to ensure the holding of unprecedented elections in Syunik next month. Poghosian served as first deputy chief of police during most of former President Serzh Sarkisians decade-long rule and resigned immediately after the change of government brought about by peaceful demonstrations in April-May. Nikol Pashinian, the leader of the demonstrations who ousted Sarkisian to become Armenias next, prime minister, appointed Poghosian as Syuniks governor in October. The appointment prompted criticism from some human rights activists and even some Pashinian supporters, who accused the police general of corruption and human rights abuses during the previous administration. Pashinian, however, repeatedly defended his decision, alleging attempts to restore the old oligarchic logic in Syunik. The mountainous region bordering Iran should therefore be governed by a tough security officer who can bang his fist on the table and maintain law and order, protect civil liberties and guarantee free enterprise, he said at an October 19 rally in Kapan ahead of local mayoral elections. The candidate from Pashinians Civil Contract party was narrowly defeated in the subsequent vote, with the prime minister blaming criminal forces for the election loss. Poghosian, who unlike other provincial governors who are members of Pashinians political team, is not going to run in individual races in the December 9 snap parliamentary elections, said his job was to ensure a proper conduct of the polls in the province notorious for electoral violations. There must be legitimate, transparent and, in all senses, unprecedented elections in which any eligible voter will have the opportunity to go to the polls and vote for the party and candidate he or she prefers, the Syunik governor told RFE/RLs Armenian Service on Friday. Poghosian said he was never a party member and was not going to become one. I will be of use here by ensuring that the law is observed, he stressed. By Narmina Mammadova Azerbaijan is at the second place among the CIS countries in terms of oil imports from Kazakhstan in January-August 2018, energyprom.kz reports. Thus, the volume of exports of oil and crude oil from Kazakhstan to Azerbaijan in January-August 2018 increased by 75.73 percent compared to the same period last year and amounted to 57,800 tons. For comparison: this figure was equal to 32,900 tons in the same period last year. And the first place among the CIS countries on these indicators was taken by Uzbekistan, which imported 152,800 tons of oil and crude oil products from Kazakhstan in January-August 2018, showing an increase of 53.68 percent compared to the same period last year. The top three also includes Russia, which imported 51,000 tons of oil and crude oil products from Kazakhstan for the specified period of this year. Earlier, the Kazakh side expressed interest in ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of oil and petroleum products to world markets, including through the territory of Azerbaijan. In case of transshipment of Kashagan oil via Azerbaijan, the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) oil pipeline is considered as an alternative route. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Azerbaijans second Wine House in China opened in Shanghai this week, Azerbaijans Economy Ministry said in a message Nov. 8. Azerbaijans Wine House located in Shanghai Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, which is the International Trading Operation Center (ITOC) of Shanghai, will host exhibitions, wholesale and retail sales, as well as product tasting. In Azerbaijans Wine House, there are more than 120 types of grape and fruit wines, other alcohol beverages, fruit distillates produced by Azerbaijani companies. Speaking at an event timed to the opening of Azerbaijans Wine House, Economy Minister Shahin Mustafayev noted that the successful development of Azerbaijani-Chinese relations based on mutual respect and friendship is gratifying. He stressed the importance of political will, mutual high-level visits and agreements reached by the heads of two states in strengthening relations between the countries. It was noted that Azerbaijan attaches great importance to the expansion of economic ties with China, as well as to the implementation of mutually beneficial joint projects. Cooperation in the trade sector is one of the important areas of economic cooperation between Azerbaijan and China, Mustafayev said, noting that in 2017, the trade turnover between the two countries increased by 20 percent and China ranks fourth in the foreign trade turnover of Azerbaijan. The countries are carrying out comprehensive measures to further expand trade cooperation, the Trade Representation of Azerbaijan operates in China, a trade delegation was organized to Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Urumqi in order to promote Azerbaijani products and the Made in Azerbaijan brand in China. Besides, Azerbaijans Trade House was opened in Luzhou city, and Azerbaijans Wine House was opened in Urumqi city, products made in Azerbaijan are presented at various international exhibitions in China. The minister said that the export of Azerbaijani wines to China, which are distinguished by their special taste and high quality, will be increased. He noted that Azerbaijani wines received the highest award at the International Wine Challenge in June this year in Shanghai. It was reported that the first Azerbaijans Wine House abroad was opened in September this year in China, Urumqi. Azerbaijans trade houses and wine houses are planned to be created in other regions of China as well. Deputy General Manager of the Shanghai company Shanghai Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone Group Co Ltd. Zhang Hao said in his speech that the Azerbaijani-Chinese relations are successfully developing in various fields. Azerbaijans Wine House opened in Shanghai will not only contribute to the development of trade and economic relations, but will also play a significant role in terms of promoting Azerbaijani products among Chinese buyers, he noted. Then the participants of the event familiarized themselves with Azerbaijans Wine House. Representatives of companies represented in the Wine House informed about wines and other alcoholic beverages. The Azerbaijani delegation also visited the Direct Imported Goods (DIG) sales center. The sale of Azerbaijani wines and other alcoholic beverages has already started in the DIG of the Shanghai ITOC. On the same day, Azerbaijans Economy Minister Shahin Mustafayev met with Deputy Head of the administration of the Shanghai ITOC Li Jinsong. At the meeting, the Azerbaijani delegation was informed about the Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, the single window system created there, services provided in line with the legislation, customs, finance and logistics, residents of the zone, and an exchange of views on Chinas experience in this area was held. Mustafayev informed about the visit of the Azerbaijani delegation to China, product demonstrations in the pavilions of Azerbaijan at the first China International Import Expo, as well as about the Baku International Sea Trade Port, and noted that it is planned to create a free economic zone including the port area. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend The construction of the railway line between Turkeys Kars city and Azerbaijans Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic has been launched, Turkish ambassador to Azerbaijan Erkan Ozoral told Trend on Nov. 6. Ozoral added that the work in this direction is carried out within the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) project. "We consider Kars as a logistics center, which is being built," he said. "It is difficult to say at what stage the construction work is now, but most likely it will complete in the next two years. The work is currently underway to continue the BTK project. The issue is the extension of the railway line from Kars to Nakhchivan and the work in this direction has already been launched." The ambassador said that BTK railway is a link between Turkey and Europe. "Presently, cargoes are transported from Kazakhstan to Turkeys port of Mersin via BTK," he added. "Some cargoes are shipped from Russia to Turkey and Europe." "It is difficult to disclose the volume of freight transportation in the future, but I can say that the potential will be fully used," Ozoral said. On October 30, 2017, a solemn ceremony on the occasion of the opening of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway was held at the Baku International Sea Trade Port. The BTK railway is built on the basis of the Azerbaijani-Georgian-Turkish intergovernmental agreement. At the initial stage, the volume of freight traffic will be at the level of 6.5 million tons of cargo, as well as up to one million passengers will be transported through this railway. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Over the past 24 hours, Armenian armed forces have 29 times violated the ceasefire along the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said Nov. 9. Armenian armed forces were using heavy machine guns. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Abdul Kerimkhanov Endless pride and great glory, honor and dignity, national treasure, the holy love for which people keep in their hearts throughout lives. People bow before it, swear allegiance to it, go into battle under it and die for it. Today, Azerbaijan celebrates the National Flag Day. The great symbol of the unity of the people - the tricolor flag, along with the anthem and emblem, is the official attribute of the statehood of Azerbaijan, and its history reflects the stages of development and change of homeland. Almost a month after the adoption of the Declaration of Independence and the proclamation of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, on June 21, 1918, the first decree was issued on the state flag of the ADR. However, this flag as a symbol of the ADR did not last long - on November 9, 1918, based on the report of Prime Minister Fatali Khan Khoysky, a draft national flag was approved - tricolor with horizontal stripes of blue, red and green with a white crescent and an eight-pointed star. A new state flag was hoisted above the parliament building on December 7, 1918. The first chairman of the ADR National Council, Mammad Emin Rasulzade, said in his speech at the parliamentary session that this tricolor banner, symbolizing independent Azerbaijan, raised by the National Council and signifying Turkic freedom, Islamic culture and modernity, will always fly over the country. The author of the tricolor flag of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was Ali Bek Guseynzade, an outstanding Azerbaijani philosopher and doctor, artist, founder of modern Azerbaijani oil painting on canvas. Blue color symbolizes Turkic roots, red stands for modernization of society and the development of democracy, and green for belonging to the Islamic faith. The crescent, adopted by the Islamic world as a symbol of solidarity and mutual assistance, also symbolized belonging to Islam, and the eight-pointed star, according to Fatali Khan Khoysky, indicated eight letters of the name Azerbaijan. Unfortunately, the first democracy in the Muslim East did not last long. As a result of the April occupation of the ADR in 1920, and Soviet power was established in Azerbaijan, all attributes of independence and statehood were eliminated. However, history has shown that only for a while. After regaining independence in 1991, the Azerbaijani tricolor again began waving throughout the country. A truly historic event took place on September 1, 2010, when the grand opening of the State Flag Square, one of the highest in the world, took place. The Azerbaijani tricolor stands majestically here. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend The Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov met with the President of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation Gunay Afandiyeva, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. During the meeting, an exchange of views took place on issues of bilateral cooperation between Azerbaijan and the Foundation and prospects for the development of future cooperation. The president of the foundation spoke about various projects implemented by the organization and the measures aimed at promoting the common cultural values of the Turkic world. The parties stressed the need to coordinate the activities of the fraternal organizations and to support each other in achieving the common goals. Following the meeting, the Azerbaijani foreign minister and the president of the foundation signed an agreement on the host country between the Azerbaijani government and the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Turkey signed memorandums of understanding with Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan on diaspora policies on Thursday, reported inform.kz referring to Anadolu Agency. The MoUs were signed between Turkey's Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB) and the Azerbaijan State Committee on Affairs with Diaspora; and another between YTB and Kazakhstan Citizens Foundation. Speaking at the signing ceremony at the YTB headquarters in the capital Ankara, YTB President Abdullah Eren said Turkey Graduates Association is active in Kazakhstan and it should also open offices in the other Turkic Council countries. Eren said Turkiye Scholarships provides the opportunity to educate 17,775 scholarship recipients from 150 countries in the best universities of Turkey. A cooperation protocol between Turkey's Yunus Emre Institute and Kazakhstan Citizens Foundation was also signed during the event. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend On Nov. 9, First Deputy Minister of Defense, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Colonel General Najmeddin Sadikov has met with a delegation led by General Stephen Lyons, Commander of the US Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), the press service of the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Azerbaijan said. After welcoming the guests, the Chief of General Staff congratulated General Lyons on his appointment to the new position and wished him success in his future activities. Touching upon the military-political situation in the region and the current situation on the front line, Colonel General Sadikov noted that Armenia continues its occupation policy against Azerbaijan, adding that the conflict can only be resolved within the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and on the basis of the norms and principles of international law. Noting the development of Azerbaijani-US relations both in a bilateral format and as part of various NATO programs, including in the field of education, Colonel General Sadikov stressed that cooperation between the two countries in the field of defense, in particular with the USTRANSCOM, continues at a high level. The American General congratulated the Azerbaijani side on the occasion of the State Flag Day and expressed satisfaction with his first visit to Azerbaijan in a new position. The guest, having highly appreciated the contribution of Azerbaijan to the mission in Afghanistan, expressed gratitude to the leadership of Azerbaijan for the active cooperation in this field. Referring to the excellent service of Azerbaijani peacekeepers, General Lyons stressed that the participation of Azerbaijani soldiers in the mission in Afghanistan is an integral part of the cooperation between Azerbaijan and the United States, as well as Azerbaijan and NATO. During the meeting, the sides also exchanged views on bilateral military cooperation. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Representatives of the Tashkent city administration held a meeting with the international hotel network Best Western and the Emirati company Yuco Alliance, Uzbek media reported. The meeting discussed the prospects of building a three-star hotel in the Uzbek capital, Tashkent. "It is planned that the hotel will offer 120 rooms furnished according to Best Western standards. The total investment will be $5-6 million and financing will be carried out using Yuco Alliance's own funds," the Tashkent city administration said. In this regard, the companies requested the assistance of the city administration in the selection and provision of a suitable site for construction. The Tashkent city administration positively reacted to the plans for the construction of the hotel and will provide assistance. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Prosecutor General of Tajikistan Yusuf Rahmon met in Washington with Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Christopher Wray, Tajik media reported. The meeting discussed cooperation between the General Prosecutors Office of Tajikistan and the FBI in the fight against crime. The sides spoke in favor of jointly fighting transnational crime, international terrorism and extremism, noting the need to harmonize the relevant regulatory documents. The FBI director expressed gratitude to the Tajik side for cooperation in investigation of the terrorist attack on tourists, including US citizens, on July 29 in Tajikistan. The prosecutor general of Tajikistan and the FBI director expressed interest in expanding and strengthening cooperation. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend The Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Belgium Dilyor Khakimov has met with Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WTO) Kunio Mikuriya in Brussels, UzDaily.uz reported. The head of the organization emphasized that the world community has been following with great attention the large-scale reforms carried out under the leadership of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev in recent years, and in this sense the World Customs Organization sees a positive trend directed towards the openness of borders, acquisition of access to the market of Uzbekistan and strengthening of trade and economic relations with neighboring countries in Central Asia region. It was emphasized that the World Customs Organization welcomes Uzbekistans efforts to join the World Trade Organization and is ready to provide support and assistance to the country, given that many issues are closely interrelated with the World Customs Organization during the accession process of the candidate country. The Secretary General stressed that the accession of the country to the WTO will contribute to the integration of the Uzbek national economy into the global trading system, will make Uzbek goods more competitive, and along with that they will gain wide access to the consumer. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Israeli politicians strongly condemned a hate crime in Ramat HaSharon, where a pig's head was discovered at the gate of a local synagogue on Friday, the Jerusalem Post reports. Interior Minister Aryeh Deri said he was "shocked to the bottom of [his] soul" from what he called a "despicable and reprehensible hate crime." He continued to explain that if such a thing had happened in any other country in the world, "we would all shout and lament." He called on the police to arrest those responsible. Beit Yehudi MK Moti Yogev said that concerns in the secular community about promoting religious content in the educational system [Hadata] "turned into an incitement campaign." Yogev said that his father, who came to Israel before the Holocaust, "would not have believed he would see such an antisemitic sight in the state of Israel." Yogev warned that leaders in the secular Zionist camp must "examine themselves to see if they did not go too far in their efforts to uproot the Torah of Israel from the hearts of their children." Conservative Movement leader Dr. Yizahar Hass called whoever placed the pig's head on the gate of the synagogue "a villain." He stated that in Jewish history, Jews were often humiliated by being forced to touch pigs or eat them, Hass said that "this morning a red line was crossed" and expressed disbelief that "Jews are doing such a thing to their own brothers." He also said that while there is a legitimate struggle on matters concerning religion and state, "such as the fight against Hadata," "such a villainous act has no connection to such a fight," he said. Beit Yehudi MK and vice-Minister of Defense Eli Ben Dahan said that "80 years after Kristallnacht, antisemitism is making a mark in Israel too" on Twitter . "The ongoing incitement against Orthodox Jews in Ramat HaSharon escalated today," he said, "in the shape of a pig's head placed in front of a synagogue. It must be stopped now." --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Laman Ismayilova The Caspian Sea is one of the most magnificent sights in nature. The colors that shimmer across its surface are unbelievably stunning. Nature has put all the power of the two elements - earth and water to create one of the most fascinating natural resources, the bays. The Land of Fire is home to one of the most beautiful bays in the world. Baku Bay is a paradise bay in the Caspian Sea offering everything you need to spend a peaceful relaxing day. It is a gorgeous place to enjoy some of the best seaside holidays in Azerbaijan. The bay, sheltered by the islands of the Baku Archipelago, provides the best harbour of the Caspian Sea. It is bordered by Sultan Cape in the east, Shikh Cape on the south-west and the islands of Qum, Dash Zira and Boyuk Zira in the south and south-east. These islands are part of the Baku Archipelago which lies mostly within the bay. Baku bay has been known since ancient times. It is mentioned in the works of ancient Greek, Roman, Arab and Iranian geographers and travelers. One of the earliest references related to the Baku coast is the information of the Byzantine author Prisca of Pontus in the first half of the fifth century. From the 1st century AD till the 7th century, Baku bay was dry and the islands in the bay joined the land. In Ptolemys map Baku was described far from the sea. After the 7th century the rising of water level of the Caspian Sea began and lasted till the 9th century, and since then formation of Baku bay began. In the end of the 8th century, the Caspian Sea raised up to more than ten meters. A major earthquake occurred in 1306. The Sabayil Castle, built on an island in the Bay of Baku, was submerged and remained under water for several centuries. The building complex, which is 40 meters long and 180 meters wide, consists of 15 semi-circular castles, 16 to 28 meters apart, connected by a wall. One of the castles at the four corners the northern one stood alone, but the others were connected via small cells. The wall was between 1.2 and 1.5 meters thick. The wall has individual stone panels with frieze inscriptions (70 cm long, 25-50 cm wide and 12-15 cm thick). From 1939-1969, an archaeological expedition organized by the Institute of History of the Azerbaijani Academy of Sciences, led by Prof Y. Pakhomov and archaeologists I. Jafarzade and O. Isimzade, discovered relics and, at different times, 699 inscribed stone panels. The stones are currently kept in the courtyard of the Sirvanshahs palace in the Old Town. Only in the early 18th century, the island resurfaced after the decrees of water level in the Caspian Sea. Beautiful scenery is just one of the many treasures one can enjoy in this place. Trade port is stretched along the northern and western shores of Baku bay. The port is fully re-equipped, all loading and unloading works in it are mechanized. The area of the Baku bay has a peculiar climate. The highest air temperature throughout the year is observed in the northwestern part of the bay and on the coast, where the central part of the city is located. The winds of the northern directions have the highest frequency throughout the year. The highest wind speeds are observed on the hill bordering the Baku Bay. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz How to find your voting location: The Kern County Elections Division has an online tool available to look up your polling location using your address. Go to https://www.kernvote.com/Voting/ and click on "Go to a Polling Place." Then type in your address. Lost or saved: Some signs and artifacts of interest 2010: A vintage neon sign looked over the Silver Fox nightclub in downtown Bakersfield for decades until the bar's closure in 2010. The sign was installed in the neon collection at Kern County Museum. However, the husband-and-wife owners of the reopened nightclub said they would like to see the sign returned to its original location. January 2013: Green Frog Market's iconic "Howdy Folks" sign hopped on down to the Museum of Neon Art in Glendale. June 2017: Just before he vacated the old honky-tonk, Thomas Rockwell, the longtime operator of Trout's Nightclub, said on Facebook he was repairing and refurbishing the iconic fish sign. Its whereabouts remain unknown. Date unknown: the American Jewelry street clock that once graced downtown Bakersfield was purchased by the Sanfilippo Collection in the Victorian Palace, otherwise known as Place de la Musique, in Barrington Hills, Ill. Debora Smail Carrabbas will be supporting Pancreatic Cancer patients by donating $1 from the Pasta Georgio dish and offering customers who wear purple an extra 10 percent off their total purchase for one day only, according to information from the restaurant. On November 15 the Carrabbas here in Beaumont will be participating in the nationwide event in hopes of raising awareness and money for Pancreatic Cancer research. President Donald Trump can't fire the FBI. Minutes before ridding himself of Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Wednesday, Trump answered a question about the Russia investigation at a White House news conference: "I could end it right now. I could say, 'That investigation is over.'" He could try. He could order Sessions's replacement, Matthew Whitaker, who has mused wistfully about stifling the investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller, to play the role of political assassin. He could direct Whitaker to cut the special counsel's budget to zero. He could tell him to limit the inquiry's scope. He could try to oust Mueller and to make sure his investigative report never sees the light of day. He could fire the FBI director, Christopher Wray - just as he fired the previous director, James Comey, last year - and put a political puppet in his place. He could do any or all of these things, as politically foolhardy and constitutionally perilous as they might seem, while the Republicans who control the Senate look on and do nothing. But short of sending tanks down Pennsylvania Avenue and blowing the J. Edgar Hoover Building to smithereens, Trump cannot stop the FBI. No commander in chief ever has, not before Hoover died 46 years ago, and certainly not since. The 21st-century FBI, for all its flaws, has escaped the darkness of Hoover's shadow, a legacy of warrantless wiretapping and vengeful attacks against the director's enemies. It is in great part the creation of Mueller, who ran it from 2001 to 2013. It is decidedly not a political tool to be manipulated by presidents. It is as independent as a hog on ice - once launched, it has a mind of its own. I've been convinced of this while working on a five-hour documentary about how the FBI has confronted presidents who violated their oath of office. ("Enemies" debuts Nov. 18 on Showtime.) The FBI has faced down five commanders in chief who threatened to run the ship of state aground: in the Watergate scandal, in the Iran-contra imbroglio, in the Monica Lewinsky affair, in the matter of post-9/11 spying on Americans and in its criminal investigation of the Trump team. Its record isn't perfect, but it has by and large upheld the rule of law. In no case was a president able to disrupt or derail an FBI investigation. In every case the bureau preserved evidence, pursued facts and persevered. The truth is that the FBI has the power to say no to presidents, but presidents can't easily say no to the FBI. Presidents have been caught bending and even breaking the bounds set by their oath of office to protect and defend the Constitution. The bureau can check them with its immense investigative force, which gives it the ability to execute subpoenas and seize records inside the West Wing, to reveal the deepest secrets and expose the boldest lies: "I'm not a crook." "We did not - repeat, did not - trade weapons or anything else for hostages." "I did not have sexual relations with that woman." The FBI proved these presidential statements false. The FBI can't thwart Trump's long train of abuses against the Constitution, common sense and common decency. But in time - since neither can Trump cavalierly counteract the momentum of the evidence accumulating against him and his close confidants -- it may establish that he is a common crook. President George W. Bush couldn't stop Mueller, then the FBI director, from compelling him to scale back his illegal eavesdropping on Americans. "I am forced to withdraw the FBI from participation in the program," Mueller wrote in a letter he carried to the White House in 2004. If the president did not back down, "I would be constrained to resign as Director of the FBI." (Senior Justice Department officials, including Comey and, lest we forget, Wray, also threatened to resign in protest.) Bush backed down. President Bill Clinton couldn't stop the FBI from drawing blood from his arm; the DNA evidence proved he had lied under oath about his sex life. That led directly to his impeachment. President Ronald Reagan couldn't stop the FBI from raiding the National Security Council's offices, where agents found proof that the United States had sold weapons to Iran and skimmed the profits to finance the Central American counterrevolutionaries known as the contras, aid that Congress had expressly forbidden. The bureau's work resulted in the indictments of 12 top national security officials. President George H.W. Bush pardoned the Iran-contra gang, but a law-breaking administration had been caught red-handed and brought to heel by the FBI. Not even Richard Nixon could stop the G-men. God knows he tried. Trump is no student of history, but he would do well to recall Nixon's battle with the bureau. When Hoover died in May 1972 - six weeks before the Watergate break-in - Nixon installed a politically loyal stooge, L. Patrick Gray, in his place. "You've got to be a conspirator," Nixon counseled Gray. "You've got to be totally ruthless." Nixon tried to sabotage the FBI as soon as it started looking into the break-in, ordering the CIA to obstruct the bureau's investigation, on spurious national security grounds. Gray destroyed devasting evidence linking the White House to the Watergate burglars. But to a man, the FBI agents on the case fought furiously against Gray's attempts to undermine them. Five leakers at high levels of the bureau made sure word got out. These included not only Associate Director Mark Felt, a.k.a. "Deep Throat," but the head of the Washington field office, the supervisor who kept the running chronology of the case, and the chief and the lead agent of the white-collar-crime division. "They would meet at the end of the day and discuss what happened, what they knew, in the investigation," Paul Daly, an intelligence division agent, said in an FBI oral history. "They would make a decision, a conscious decision, to leak to the newspapers. They did that because of the White House obstructing the investigation." Defying the president, his attorney general and the FBI director, they followed the evidence that made Nixon an unindicted co-conspirator in the obstruction of justice - and sent the men who had served as his campaign manager, attorney general, chief of staff and counsel to prison. Nixon fired the Watergate special prosecutor and got rid of the attorney general and his deputy, who stood in the way of his wrath. It was all in vain. Though many despaired in the immediate wake of this "Saturday Night Massacre" - the special prosecutor's spokesman said he was going home to read up on the Reichstag fire - a new special prosecutor went to work, and a new attorney general supported him. The wheels of justice rolled on. Trump may be counting on Whitaker to be his ruthless executioner. The acting attorney general should take care not to become the president's co-conspirator in any obstruction of justice. Mueller's grand jury might judge him harshly. If Trump follows Nixon down the road to hell, the FBI will be on the case. As Asha Rangappa, a former FBI counterintelligence agent, recently wrote in the New York Times, "To 'shut down' the investigation at this point would require not just a face-off with Mr. Mueller but also with special agents in charge of multiple field offices with a vested interest in seeing their responsibilities through." Trump may fight the law, but the law will win in the end. The FBI has been toiling on this investigation for almost 18 months. It has the power to pore over the president's tax returns and his business records. It has proved, through the guilty plea of Trump's fixer, Michael Cohen, that his hush-money payoffs broke campaign finance laws. Cohen knows the inner workings of the Trump Organization. Paul Manafort knows a great deal about the 2016 Trump campaign, which he ran during and after the Republican National Convention. The government may reveal the extent of their cooperation at their imminent sentencings. Trump cannot derail investigations and prosecutions that may arise from their revelations. FBI agents have gathered a mountain of evidence for Mueller and for U.S. attorneys in Washington, New York and Virginia. They know a lot about Trump that we do not know. And that evidence can be preserved on flash drives that cannot be deleted by presidential edict - or shredded by criminal enablers. Trump could fire the federal prosecutors - but others would replace them. And under the law, Mueller can be fired only for "good cause," such as legal misconduct or a conflict of interest. There is no such cause, despite the president's baseless assertions that the investigators are politically biased. Even if Whitaker tries to deep-six the special counsel's report, the underlying facts cannot be erased. The report will not be easily sealed and suppressed. Democrats in Congress will use subpoena power to try to lay hands on it. They can certainly call Mueller as a witness. The FBI and Mueller already have established through indictments and convictions that members of Trump's team (and Vladimir Putin's) participated in a wide-ranging conspiracy to "obstruct the lawful functions of the United States government through fraud and deceit." The statute at the root of the investigation - 18 USC 371 - covers violations of tax laws and election laws, witness tampering, money laundering, and obstruction of justice. Trump potentially has criminal exposure on at least some of these fronts. And if that catches up to him while he is in office, he has only one clear way out: He can pardon himself. That would abrogate the ancient rule of law holding that no one can be his own judge and jury. Even his lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, has called that idea "unthinkable." A Justice Department guideline holds that a sitting president cannot be indicted. And so Trump may serve out his time in office untouched by the long arm of the law, unruffled by the prospect of a Senate trial on impeachment, untroubled by the threat of indictment. Citizen Trump, by contrast, may face considerable peril. His "enemies," as Nixon once described any who got in his lawless way, may hold a sliver of hope that someday public servants with the FBI emblem on their backs will visit him in one of his gilded palaces and bring him to justice. - - - Weiner's reporting and writing on national security have won the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award. He is the author of "Enemies: A History of the FBI" and "Legacy of Ashes: The History of the CIA." Virginia Fawcett is 90 years old and blind in one eye. In February, she had surgery on the other eye. So when it came time to mail in her ballot for early voting this year, she asked her daughter to sign the back of the envelope for her. That got her ballot flagged, along with 85 others filed by Jefferson County residents, most of them seniors. But after a judge ruled this week that all 86 people must be notified in time to cast a vote, Fawcett made the trek to the county courthouse on Tuesday. Im proud of the fact that I forced myself to go to the courthouse and vote, the Groves resident said. The Enterprise reached out to all of the voters who had their ballots pulled by election monitors. Sixteen of them, or a family member, agreed to talk with the newspaper about their experience. Nine said they voted in person on Tuesday. Two others were traveling. Four said they decided to stay home, either because of the hassle, the difficulty of getting there or the feeling their vote wouldnt matter. The daughter of a 96-year-old woman said she had not heard about the ballot issue. The Rev. Rufus Parker Jr. of Beaumonts Morning Star Baptist Church said he and his wife, Patricia, are never going to vote by mail again after the experience. Parker said the pair opted to do so because they werent sure when Patricia might be at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center for pancreatic cancer treatments. Her vote was flagged. Shes on chemotherapy and has shaky hands, Parker said. Her signature, he added, is not going to look the same. Parker said his wife, who is 69, was determined to vote. The couple were parked outside the Jefferson County Courthouse before it opened on Election Day, he said. Rejected ballots were sent to the courthouse, where residents could pick them up on Election Day and vote at the downtown location. Fawcett, who hasnt driven for two decades and has been voting by mail for several years, said her ballots had never been questioned before. Clad in her pink house coat, she made her way to the courthouse on Tuesday with the help of Judy Nichols, chairwoman of the Jefferson County Republican Party. I dont mind, Fawcett said. Thelma Richard, 74, of Beaumont thank(ed) God for getting to vote after learning from her daughter that her ballot had been voided. It is a success story, said Jefferson County Democratic Party chairman Cade Bernsen, who filed a lawsuit on behalf of four residents on the list, including a legally blind man and a 92-year-old woman. We need to protect these people, Bernsen said. Every vote matters. Data from the United States Election Assistance Commission show that 99 percent of absentee ballots categorized as returned and submitted for counting were ultimately counted in the 2016 election. The most common reasons for rejection were missing the deadline, not signing paperwork and having ballot signatures not matching the states records, the commission said in its latest report. RELATED: Jefferson officials ordered to give flagged voters a means to cast ballot An 87-year-old Beaumont woman who asked not to be identified said she couldnt believe her ballot was rejected because she forgot to check a box indicating she was over the age of 65. Nichols said she believed that if the order hadnt required a mad dash to the courthouse on the last day of voting, perhaps the ballots would have been reprocessed by board members on Tuesday and errors corrected. While some ballots were legitimately discarded for reasons such as invalid signatures, Nichols said there was a likelihood that other ballots may have been ruled legit by the board at a second review. Nichols tried to stop the second review from happening last Friday because she said she thought the board was going to conduct the meeting on Election Day. Bernsen said previously that he thought trying to cancel the meeting was completely irresponsible. State District Judge Justin Sandersons order which stated it was likely the 86 voters would lose their right to vote or otherwise have their voting rights infringed without court intervention trumps election code, County Clerk Carolyn Guidry said. The sister of an 81-year-old Nederland man said she helped her brother, Allie Howard, complete his absentee ballot. They later received notice the ballot was rejected but couldnt drive to the courthouse on Tuesday, she said. Per Sandersons order, flagged voters have seven days to cast another ballot once they receive written notice of the ballot issue. Still, Howards sister said she did not think itd make much difference with one vote. Maybe next time well do better. Another Beaumont resident agreed, saying it was too much of a hassle to try again. James King, a 74-year-old Democrat, said he felt that Republicans deliberately rejected his ballot. READ MORE: Democrats cry foul over handling of mail-in ballots A Monday lawsuit filed by Bernsen and Beaumont attorney Mark Sparks accused the early voting ballot board of denying their clients and others of the right to vote by actively conspiring with Republican activists or operatives. Nichols has stressed that the Republican Party is not suppressing voters and that vetting mail-in ballots and applications is a two-party process. Members of the early voting ballot board a bipartisan group appointed by the county clerk, voter registrar, local party chairs, sheriff and county judge work in pairs, one Democrat and one Republican, to verify signatures. Two judges, representing both parties, lead the board. Guidry, who was elected to her fifth term this week, said she plans to institute a signature verification committee for future elections. State law says that if the signature verification committee eyes a ballot for rejection, the ballot board must then have a majority vote for the ballot to ultimately be rejected. The rejected ballot automatically goes through the second (vetting) process, Guidry said. With just the ballot board, a second review is optional, she said. Guidry said the committee would be crucial to ensuring Jefferson County voters are not disenfranchised by allowing a second set of eyes to review ballots. Signature verification committees are not required by law but can be created by the county clerk or through a petition signed by at least 15 registered voters, according to the Texas Secretary of States office. Members of the signature verification committee would be nominated like early voting ballot board members, Guidry said. She estimated 20 to 30 of the flagged voters this year came in to cast a ballot on Tuesday. Guidry said the board should be a little more sensitive when reviewing signatures as none of us are handwriting experts. Susan Abbey, a Dallas-based handwriting expert, said that for most people, handwriting does change over time, usually due to a decline in health. For elderly residents, she said, handwriting can vary depending upon the time of day. Parker, the minister, said the mail-in ballot option is something good, but this time it has just been a headache. Voter suppression really happens, Parker said. The system is messed up. Bernsen called current election laws ridiculous, saying rules need to be changed so those who cast rejected ballots can be notified immediately. Sara Laurents, wife of Groves resident James Laurents said it was her fault that her husbands ballot got rejected. After breaking his hip in March, the 86-year-old is real weak, Sara Laurents said. So she signed for him. Although the couple was not physically strong enough to make it to downtown Beaumont on Tuesday, Sara Laurents said she was glad the board was scrutiniz(ing) everything. David Pugh, 91, of Beaumont said his ballot was rejected but hed continue to vote by mail because of the convenience. Jean McFaddin, wife of Northcutt McFaddin, said the couple were really aggravated to learn of the dozens of rejected ballots. Her 84-year-old husband has a slight tremor, she said, but otherwise, she cant think of why his ballot may have been tossed. The McFaddins were out of town for early voting and Election Day and were just heading back to Beaumont on Thursday, she said. Eddie Shamp III, a 57-year-old Beaumont resident, is retired and spends a lot of time overseas volunteering. He voted by mail this November before heading to Thailand, he said. Shamp said he wished there were a better system and that voters were given clear information. He said he wont be back in town before his seven days to cast another ballot are up. THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - When the first shots were fired at Borderline Bar & Grill, David Anderson immediately knew he was in the middle of a mass shooting. He had lived through one last year. Anderson survived the attack at a country music festival in Las Vegas in October 2017 that left 58 people dead. On Wednesday, he again survived a gunman indiscriminately firing at people enjoying country music, this time at college night at a well-loved bar here. Twelve people were killed. Numerous Borderline regulars attended, and survived, the Las Vegas shooting. "Vegas Strong" shirts were often spotted at the bar. Patrons gathered here for healing and community. The were a "family," as Anderson described it. Now, 13 months later, many again fled the gunshots and chaos of a mass shooting, with memories of the first terrifying experience guiding their actions in another scene of carnage. "I was at the Las Vegas Route 91 mass shooting, as well as probably 50 or 60 others who were in there at the same time as me," Nicholas Champion said in a television interview. "We're all a big family, and unfortunately this family got hit twice." Molly Maurer shared her feelings on Facebook about being a two-time survivor: "I can't believe I'm saying this again. I'm alive and home safe," she wrote. In Las Vegas, Anderson stood near the stage, on the same side of the field as the Mandalay Bay hotel, where a gunman fired shots out of the windows of his suite. Anderson saw a man next to him get shot and dove on top of his then-girlfriend to shield her. When the gunman stopped shooting, Anderson and his group of friends ran out an exit and two miles to their hotel. On Wednesday, he stood near the bar facing the door - something he now does all the time in public, a learned behavior from the Las Vegas shooting. He saw the gunman walk in, take a military-like stance and fire. He ducked behind the bar and, when the gunman briefly stopped shooting, ran outside with his friend. "It was just a surreal shock, the shock factor," he said. When Megan Greene came home after surviving Route 91, she could not stand being in the dark. She scratched her legs raw from the anxiety. Days later, she started participating in a weekly ritual: college night at Borderline. She was grateful to be around so many who were close to her, and many were fellow survivors. But she was also anxious; she ran into a corner, curled up in a ball and cried during a song where people clapped. She has since moved from California, but Greene said in a text message Thursday the shooting at the bar she frequented was "too surreal." Carl Edgar told the Los Angeles Times that he is a regular at the bar and knew about 20 people inside on Wednesday. "A lot of my friends survived Route 91," Edgar said. "If they survived that, they will survive this." Anderson said the Las Vegas shooting made him much more aware of his surroundings and people who might seem suspicious. "It did change me a little bit," he said. It also made him more resolute in his belief that an armed, well-trained shooter could make a difference in situations like this. Anderson grew up with guns and is an avid hunter. He believes that guns, if used responsibly, could help. "If the right people with the right training were there, it could make a difference," he said. Others felt differently. Susan Orfanos said in a television interview that her son, Telemachus Orfanos, was killed at Borderline after surviving Las Vegas. "My son was in Las Vegas with a lot of his friends, and he came home. He didn't come home last night," she said. "I don't want prayers; I don't want thoughts; I want gun control, and I hope to God nobody else sends me any more prayers. I want gun control. No more guns." On July 31, the Houston Chronicle published a front-page story with the headline: Weve moved on: Political anger after Harvey has eased. The story, by veteran reporter Mike Ward, asserted that Houston residents who had been fed up with the uneven government response to Hurricane Harvey were not going to take it out on GOP politicians. The story began with West Houston resident Betsy Scheer, whose anger had faded. She was going to vote Republican. My friends are mostly the same way now, she was quoted as telling Ward. In the ensuing weeks, questions were raised about the story. No one could find Betsy Scheer. And no one could find three others quoted in the story Tran Ng, Martina Racelli and Jack Nito. The Chronicle spot-checked several other stories by Ward, who was based in Austin and reported on state government and politics. A pattern emerged: Alongside quotes from easy-to-find political figures, his stories were spiced with quotes from ordinary Texans, including a software engineer from Dallas, a businesswoman from Williamson County, a tea party activist. Many of them could not be found, despite extensive searches in multiple databases. Chronicle Executive Editor Nancy Barnes confronted Ward. He insisted that every person in his stories did exist and that they eventually would be found; he spent a week looking for them, but turned up nothing. Asked for the notes used for his stories, Ward said he had destroyed them. He resigned in September. Soon after, Barnes asked me to conduct an independent review of Wards work, with help from Hearst Newspapers staff members. The review looked at all 744 stories Ward had written since he was hired by the Chronicle in January 2014. (Some also appeared in the Beaumont Enterprise and other Hearst newspapers.) Those stories quoted 275 individuals described as ordinary Texans. Of those people, 122 (44 percent) could not be found. Its impossible to prove they do not exist, only that with extensive research and digging, the team could not find them. The team ran each name through a variety of search engines that comb through records of property ownership, voter registration, hunting and fishing licenses, phone numbers and criminal records. We queried Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram accounts, along with Google and several other commercial search engines. The research included calls to local police departments, chambers of commerce and local Democratic and Republican officials. In all, the review found and verified 103 of the 275 names. For another 50 people named, Wards stories provided insufficient information to conduct searches. For comparison, the team checked the work of another reporter at a major out-of-state newspaper. Of eight people named in her stories, all eight were found easily. The Chronicle also spot-checked nine recent stories from three of its reporters. Of 48 people named in those stories, 39 (81 percent) were found easily using one database, LexisNexis; eight names were so common further search would be required; one was not found due to a possible misspelling of the name. Ward did not respond to numerous phone messages, emails or attempts to reach him through former colleagues. Barnes said that in light of the review, the Chronicle will retract eight of Wards stories that depended heavily on quotes that could not be verified. The paper will correct other stories that included unverified statements but whose premise did not depend on those statements. The relationship between a newspaper and its readers is one of trust, Barnes said. This investigation points to an egregious breach of that trust that is an offense to readers and journalists alike. We apologize to our readers. ... We will be correcting or retracting all of the affected stories in order to set the record straight to the best of our ability, as I promised when this was first brought to my attention. Of the eight stories that are being retracted, one was published in the Beaumont Enterprise. The article was about Republicans attending a state party convention and appeared on June 15. The Enterprise is retracting the article, which appeared under the headline: State GOP going Trump; President reigns supreme at this years Texas Republican Convention. The seven other articles could have been accessed through beaumontenterprise.com and other Hearst websites. Links to the articles have been disabled. Before joining the Chronicle, Ward worked for many years at the Austin American-Statesman. John Bridges, managing editor, said the paper had taken a limited look at Wards work after Barnes announced in September that questions had been raised about his Chronicle stories. After the initial allegations, we conducted a preliminary review of Wards final years of work for the Statesman and did not find conclusive evidence of the kind of pattern uncovered by the Chronicles investigation, he said. But given the Chronicles new findings and the seriousness of these allegations, we are enlisting outside journalists to conduct further investigation into work that appeared in the Statesman. About the reporter David Wood is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist with four decades of experience. He has spent most of his career covering war and the U.S. military, reporting from abroad and from the Pentagon, State Department and the White House. He does not know Mike Ward. He lives in San Antonio. Nearly two decades after hanging chads transfixed the nation, Florida is once again headed toward a high-stakes election recount, as vote margins narrowed in Democrats' favor Thursday in the state's marquee U.S. Senate and governor's races. Hundreds of party and interest-group volunteers spent the day trying to track down people who had cast provisional ballots, seeking affidavits to prove their votes should be counted. And in an echo of the 2000 presidential election, state Republicans tried to preempt the coming fight by accusing Democratic lawyers of heading to Broward County to "steal" the election. In the Senate race, Gov. Rick Scott, R, had a lead of just more than 15,000 votes, or 0.18 percent, over Sen. Bill Nelson, D, as of Thursday night. In the governor's race, Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, D, trailed former congressman Ron DeSantis, R, by more than 36,000 votes, or 0.44 percent. Under Florida law, a statewide machine recount is conducted when the margin of victory is less than 0.5 percent, and a manual recount is ordered if the margin is less than 0.25 percent. The likely recounts, however, are expected to be more orderly than the televised circus that resulted in George W. Bush's election to the presidency. Under changes to state law, local canvass boards no longer have discretion over whether to order a recount, and new optical-scan voting machines have made it easier to divine voter intent than the old punch card ballots, which sometimes featured the partially detached bits of paper. The recount preparations come as legal challenges have added suspense to statewide races in two other key states. Four county Republican parties in Arizona filed suit Wednesday to prevent county recorders from trying to verify signatures after polls closed for mail-in ballots in a U.S. Senate race in which Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, D, pulled into the lead over Rep. Martha McSally, R, on Thursday night. In Georgia, the campaign of Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams, who is hoping to trigger a runoff election with Republican Brian Kemp, filed a federal lawsuit to allow for the counting of absentee ballots received before the close of business Friday. Kemp had overseen the election as Georgia's secretary of state before resigning from the post Thursday. Common Cause, a civil rights group, is seeking emergency relief that will give it more time to investigate all provisional ballots. The group also wants a federal judge to order Georgia to count all provisional ballots, unless the state proves that a voter was not eligible or did not register in time. A runoff would be called in Georgia if neither candidate exceeds 50 percent of the vote. As of Thursday night, Kemp stood at 50.33 percent and Abrams at 48.7 percent. The campaigns for Nelson and Gillum in Florida have become more optimistic in recent days as newly counted votes in Broward County increased their totals. They have told the state they plan to aggressively monitor any recounts. "We believe at the end of the day, Senator Nelson is going to be declared the winner and is going to return to the United States Senate," Marc Elias, an election lawyer representing the Nelson campaign, said in a conference call Thursday morning. "I think it's fair to say right now the results of the 2018 Senate election are unknown." Scott responded hours later by accusing the election supervisors of Broward and Palm Beach counties of possibly committing fraud, though he did not provide evidence beyond his dwindling vote margin and alleged procedural errors. "Every Floridian should be concerned there may be rampant fraud happening in Palm Beach and Broward counties," Scott said as he announced legal action and called on state law enforcement to investigate. "I will not sit idly by while unethical liberals try to steal this election from the people of Florida." Nelson campaign spokesperson Dan McLaughlin responded after Scott spoke. "The goal here is to see that all the votes in Florida are counted and counted accurately," he wrote in a statement. "Rick Scott's action appears to be politically motivated and borne out of desperation." Earlier, the state's other senator, Republican Marco Rubio, also accused Nelson's team of trying to "steal" the election. "Now democrat lawyers are descending on #Florida. They have been very clear they aren't here to make sure every vote is counted," Rubio added in one of a series of tweets. "They are here to change the results of election; & #Broward is where they plan to do it." Ronna McDaniel, the chair of the Republican National Committee, attacked the local elections supervisor for the time it was taking Broward to count ballots. "What's happening in Florida is unacceptable," McDaniel wrote. "The #Broward Elections Supervisor has been pulling stunts like this for years and we're not going to let her get away with it." The stakes were evident when the Gillum campaign, in a rare exercise in American politics, backed away from the candidate's election night concession. "On Tuesday night, the Gillum for Governor campaign operated with the best information available about the number of outstanding ballots left to count," Gillum spokeswoman Johanna Cervone said in a statement. "Since that time, it has become clear there are many more uncounted ballots than was originally reported." Elias said during in the call that Democrats tend to gain votes in hand recounts. "It's a jump ball," he said of the Senate race. Problems with delayed ballot reporting in Democratic-leaning Broward County, the epicenter of the recount dispute in the 2000 presidential election, have added to the uncertainty. Democrats have raised concerns about the design of the ballot in Broward County, which ran more than 10 pages in some cases. They argued that it may have contributed to an undervote of more than 20,000 for the Senate race, compared to the governor's race. On the first page of the ballot, the Senate race was listed at the bottom of the page, under the voting instructions, while the governor's race was listed in a separate column to the right of the instructions. Lawrence Norden, who has studied voting technology at the Brennan Center for Justice, said the design could have contributed to Broward's higher rate of under votes for the Senate race. "No other county had this high undervote rate," he said. Others suggested the reason for the undervote may have been more complex than simply bad design. "I don't think that is the sole reason for the undervote. It may have contributed," said Broward County county Democratic chairwoman Cynthia Busch. "I think there is also an issue of voter information in an area of the county." She said that some parts of the county where the party spent less money to inform voters about the ballot had higher undervote rates. Barry Richard, an attorney for Gillum who represented George W. Bush in the 2000 recount, said it was still too soon to know where the final vote will end up. "It is still a moving target," he said. Election supervisors have until noon Saturday to finish their initial count, which will determine whether a recount will be ordered. That deadline sent Democrats in the state scrambling Thursday to resolve questions about provisional ballots that had been cast on Election Day. In some cases, voters were contacted in an effort to get affidavits with identification that proved their identity. Marji Sachs, an attorney in Weston, Fla., has volunteered to clear provisional ballots. "It happened really quickly and it was semi-organized chaos," she said. Jeff Greene, the communications chair for the Broward Democratic Party, said there were several specific issues that party lawyers had flagged that would hopefully be resolved in a recount. He said there had been about 10,000 ballots in Palm Beach County with stray marks that could have thrown off machines. In Miami-Dade County, he said, the rejection of mail ballots for non-matched signatures was at 2 percent, well above normal rates. As night fell Thursday, the count of mail-in ballots in Broward continued, under heavy watch from partisans on both sides. "The Democratic and Republican Party both have an army of lawyers there," Greene said. That, too, was a reprise of the 2000 election. Lawyers flooded into the state then for a swirl of court fights and a recount that ended Dec. 12, more than a month after the Nov. 7 election, after a U.S. Supreme Court order. Startups with small teams are like families. Firing a member of that family is rarely easy -- especially when the person in question works remotely. When we are evaluating terminating someone -- eliminating their livelihood -- we have to work hard to ensure we have a full picture of the circumstances, says Rex Castle, national speaker and author of Selecting the Brass Ring. Getting the full picture is even more critical for a remote employee who doesnt have the benefit of being present. Unfortunately, even with generous performance plans and every benefit of the doubt, sometimes a remote worker and company just arent the right fit. Once you decide to terminate one of your remote employees, follow this guide to keep the process as fair and painless as possible. 1. Get your documentation in order. You dont need to delay the conversation until Friday afternoon, and you dont need to fire the employee the moment you make the decision, either. After you commit to the firing -- take the afternoon to make sure all your paperwork is in order. Do you have documentation to support the firing? Have you consulted with HR to ensure you wont run into any logistical problems? Lawsuits are rare -- but dont let your relationship with your employee prevent you from following proper procedure. 2. Book your flight. Even if you only see your remote employee a couple times a year -- do the noble thing and conduct the termination conversation in person. The person being fired might not be the right fit for your company -- but that doesnt mean he or she wont find success elsewhere. You can limit the pain of the blow, and potentially turn a rejected worker into a brand ambassador, by delivering rejection with respect. Dont fly the soon-to-be-fired employee to the main office. By flying to the remote location you can leave if the conversation turns sour. A video call is the next best thing if travel is not an option, but an in-person conversation is always preferable. Related: How to Charm Rejected Applicants Into Being Brand Ambassadors 3. Keep it personal. Nothing is more insulting to an employee being terminated than the phrase, This isnt personal. It might not be personal to you -- but to the person losing the job (even under justifiable circumstances), the decision is highly personal. Enter the conversation with the understanding that this person will take the news as a personal indictment. If the termination is financially driven, explain why. Offer to provide a recommendation for future opportunities. If the termination is performance-based -- outline the reasons for the decision briefly. Theres no need to belabor the point -- anyone being fired for performance knows what went wrong. At the end of the conversation, provide a contact point in HR so the terminated employee can get access to severance documents, including health insurance instructions and other important information. Related: The 7 Worst Mistakes Companies Make When Laying Off Employees 4. Collect equipment and disconnect access. This part can be tricky. You dont want to treat your exiting employee like a criminal. You also want to protect your assets from retaliatory deletion or destruction. The correct policy when firing a remote employee is to assume the best but be prepared for the worst. Let your head of IT know what time to terminate the fired employees access to company servers. When you meet with the employee explain that you need to collect any company equipment, like laptops and monitors, when you leave. You dont need to remind the employee that intentional deletion or theft of company files wont be tolerated -- that person already knows this. A reminder will just stir up bad feelings. Related: What To Do If Your Company Shuts Down 5. Communicate to the rest of the team. Speak to your team the same day of the termination to stop gossip before it starts. Leave out the details regarding how and why you fired the worker. A few employees close to the situation probably know what happened. Even on a small team, theres no reason to drag the persons performance or behavior into the open. Never tell each employee individually. This can give the impression that you want to keep the situation quiet. This will cause further problems by encouraging workers to speculate about the firing. Call a meeting that includes both in-office and remote employees, deliver the news and move on. In all ways, treat fired remote employees respectfully. Its the right thing to do and the best approach for limiting the possibility of retaliation. Firing a remote employee might be unpleasant and difficult but dont let the potential problems dissuade you from offering remote work options. Modern employees seek flexible benefits like remote work. You can attract higher quality talent by keeping remote options on the table. Related: The Step-by-Step Guide to Firing a Remote Employee Inside Netflix's Notorious Firing Practices 'Why I Had to Fire My Co-founder, CEO and Close Friend' Copyright 2018 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved The day before she was sworn in to public office, Phyllis J. Randall created a new Facebook page and encouraged citizens to share criticism and compliments. A month later, Randall deleted what she deemed a "slanderous"accusation delivered anonymously and aimed at someone other than her. She blocked the commenter from her page. The ban was brief, no more than 12 hours. But the fallout sparked a novel federal case that has implications for how President Donald Trump manages his active Twitter account and for his millions of followers. Randall, a Democrat and the first African American woman elected to lead a county board of supervisors in Virginia, has little in common with the president. She has criticized Trump as "the school bully we warn our children about" and "not fit for office." But both elected officials have been sued for silencing critics on social media. In separate court filings, they contend their accounts on privately owned digital platforms are personal and that they can restrict who gets a chance to speak there. Government officials throughout the country are learning to navigate what free-speech advocates describe as the digital equivalent of traditional town hall meetings. Maryland's governor Larry Hogan, R, reached a settlement with the American Civil Liberties Union after he blocked hundreds of people from his Facebook page. D.C. Police Chief Peter Newsham appeared to run afoul of the city's social media policy when he blocked followers from his personal Twitter account for what he called "cruel and nasty" posts. In Virginia, the Richmond-based federal appeals court is on track to become the first to answer the question of whether First Amendment protections prevent public officials from closing off their social media feeds. The case against Trump is in early stages at the federal appeals court in New York, where he is represented by the Justice Department. "The @realDonaldTrump account is neither owned nor controlled by the federal government; it belongs to Donald Trump in his personal capacity," agency lawyers said in court filings. The president's use of the "block function" is "merely an exercise of his personal, not governmental, authority to exclude individuals from that private account." But free-speech advocates behind the two lawsuits say blocking critical comments or followers is the equivalent of an elected official closing the door on constituents at a public meeting. "You don't want public officials picking and choosing who is allowed to speak," said attorney Katherine Fallow of the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University, who is handling the cases in Virginia and New York. "You want to make sure all voices are heard in that forum so you see a fair and true representation of what people think, rather than an echo chamber." District Court judges in Virginia and New York ruled against Randall and the president, saying their actions violated the First Amendment. A judge in a third case in Kentucky sided with Gov. Matt Bevin, R, who has blocked Twitter and Facebook followers. The Supreme Court has yet to take the issue head-on but has acknowledged the increasing importance of social media in public debate. "While in the past there may have been difficulty in identifying the most important places (in a spatial sense) for the exchange of views, today the answer is clear. It is cyberspace - the 'vast democratic forums of the Internet' in general, and social media in particular," Justice Anthony M. Kennedy wrote in a 2017 decision striking down a North Carolina law that barred sex offenders from certain social media sites. "These websites can provide perhaps the most powerful mechanisms available to a private citizen to make his or her voice heard." Randall's Facebook page is separate from the county-run account governed by acounty social media policy. She wants the latitude to control what is said on her own unofficial page. Wishing people a Happy Easter, for instance, or saying, "God bless you," without running afoul of the First Amendment. "I created it, I run it. It's completely at my discretion what goes on there, and I post what's important to me. It's my page," she said. The events leading to the lawsuit filed by local activist Brian Davison were laid out during a one-day trial last spring before U.S. District Judge James C. Cacheris. When Randall joined the board, she invited Loudoun residents to share their views on her "Chair Phyllis J. Randall" page. She encouraged constituents to use her page and county email address for back-and-forth conversations. Soon after, in February 2016, Randall posted about a public meeting she attended with school officials. That prompted the problematic comment: allegations of corruption and conflicts of interest involving school board members and their relatives. The comment came from a user identified in the post only as "Virginia SGP." Randall said she accepts that criticism directed at her is part of the job. But, she said, disparaging other officials' families anonymously went too far. That evening, she took down the entire thread - and blocked "Virginia SGP." Randall reconsidered and unblocked the user the next day, she said, because she had campaigned to improve government transparency. Davison is the only person Randall has ever blocked, she said, and he has continued to post on her page. "I believe in the First Amendment," Randall said, becoming emotional in an interview as she said that, rather than chase a legal case, "I want to fix potholes and decide where to build schools." But Randall said she felt she had to appeal. "I'm fair game, but is everyone in the elected official's life fair game? Where is the line?" Davison is a software consultant and local activist with two children in Loudoun County schools. He has tangled in court with other officials with mixed results. Another federal judge in Virginia dismissed one of his lawsuits last year, and school board members continue to block him from their Facebook pages. The comment Randall blocked came from the account Davison uses to advocate on local school policy. His allegations, he said, pointed to what he deemed conflicts of interest and were not "slanderous." "Most people in power want to control the communication channels," he said. "That's what this is about. You have people on both sides of the political spectrum protecting their power." On the night he was blocked, Davison emailed the Loudoun supervisors and the county attorney, claiming the block was unconstitutional. He also tagged Randall in a Facebook post, writing that she had "earned yourself a trip to the federal court in Alexandria to explain why you discriminate based on feedback." Randall says she didn't see the email or Facebook post until after she had reopened her page. Clear rules are needed, Davison said, to protect speech and prevent elected officials throughout the country from shutting out critics. Randall spent a career as a mental-health therapist in the prison system before her election in 2015 as chair of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors. The first thing she put on the wall of her fifth-floor office was a framed copy of an ethics code she proposed to encourage transparency in government. Hanging nearby are signs for the Women's March, the March for Our Lives against gun violence and a framed photo of President Barack Obama. She refers to the case at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit as "an enormous nightmare" and is deeply conflicted about her role and its implications, not just for her legacy but because of what a decision could mean for Trump and what she sees as his more sweeping blocks. "We're not on the same wavelength, " she said, "which is why this is so horrific for me." On appeal at the 4th Circuit this fall, the judges considered whether a social media account maintained by a public official is akin to an official government forum and subject to constitutional protections. Leo P. Rogers, the county's attorney who is representing Randall, told the appeals panel of three judges that the government does not control Randall's page. Through Facebook, she was acting in her personal capacity, he said, just as politicians throughout history have given campaign speeches from their front porches or at private fundraisers. But judges Pamela Harris, Barbara Milano Keenan and James A. Wynn Jr. explored whether there is a distinction between the "Chair Phyllis J. Randall" page for Randall's county-related activities and two others Randall maintains - one personal and the other for politicking. No matter the outcome, the court recognized its significant role in taking the first crack at resolving the issue. "You've got to me, wow, a blockbuster case right in front of you," Wynn said during oral argument. "This thing reverberates." The panel could rule at any time. Oral argument in the president's appeal in New York is expected this winter. Due to the competition for ownership in the ASC market, investors should be aware of these five ownership and governance structures before securing ASC ownership, according to HealthCare Appraisers. Here are the key insights to know: 1. Ownership sales, transfers and redemptions. Before getting involved in an ASC, investors should find out what the process is for physicians to sell their ownership units to another physician. 2. Ownership valuations policies. Investors should ask questions about how ownership unit pricing is determined based on physician liquidation and how distributions are determined. 3. Fiduciary duties of the board. Are board members restricted from serving on the boards of competing outpatient facilities, and what is the protocol for when a conflict of interest occurs? 4. Non-competes. Investors should be aware if non-competes prevent them from owning other surgery centers. It's no secret clinical documentation practices frustrate surgeons. However, emerging technologies such as machine learning, cloud computing and voice recognition can chip away at their concerns, improving physician satisfaction while strengthening ASCs' reimbursement. This content is sponsored by Provation In healthcare, clinical documentation has become an important part of patient treatment and business processes. However, it's a system many physicians find time-intensive. Today, physicians tend to spend half of their day on "desktop medicine," such as completing patient notes, reviewing test results and communicating with patients online, according to a 2017 study. At ASCs, a particular area of concern is procedure documentation, a set of notes that clinical and business staff often reference to glean information they need about individual cases. To assess what ASC leaders are looking for in surgical documentation tools, Provation a provider of clinical productivity software solutions convened a roundtable discussion with 20-plus administrators, CEOs and physicians from surgery centers and specialty practices at the Becker's ASC 25th Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs conference in Chicago on Oct. 19. "When you talk to physicians and leaders like yourselves, you really get to the core of whether providers are getting what they need from clinical and procedure notes," Michael DeRosier, regional vice president of sales at Provation, said at the roundtable. "Many times people will say: 'There's an opportunity for improvement.'" Here's why procedure documentation poses a challenge for clinicians practicing at ASCs, and how emerging technologies can revamp the system: Why procedure documentation is a challenge Procedure documentation is not only a useful tool for clinicians looking to support a patient's care, but also for medical coders, who use these notes to produce insurance claims. "The bar's been set very high for all of us, because it's not just the note for the physician," said Michael McMurtry, MD, medical director at Provation. "It has a lot of other uses." When coders scour these procedure notes for billing purposes, for example, specificity is paramount. Details documenting the length of a procedure or the severity of a patient's condition which translate into billing charges by coders are extremely important to how payers calculate reimbursement. However, this proves challenging for clinicians who are asked to build these procedure notes, since they often aren't trained in medical coding. "Your physicians are obviously experts in their space and at their craft," Mr. DeRosier said. "Because they're experts at what they do in their space, [they] should have expert tools and deliverables to help them with everything they do on a daily basis." But to get clinicians on board with a new set of documentation tools, a facility can't just deploy any system it has to be an intuitive solution that doesn't burden physicians, but rather helps them save time. "It needs to be efficient and quick," Mr. DeRosier added. "It can't take a doctor 15 minutes to do a note. It kills turnover, it kills physician's satisfaction the list goes on and on." What surgeons want: Usability There is one key feature clinicians are seeking in all their electronic systems procedure documentation included and that's usability. This proves especially challenging in the ASC space, as accurate documentation becomes more challenging with complex procedures, including specialty surgeries, according to Mr. DeRosier. "A lot of physicians will say they're inefficient when it comes to their procedure documentation, because it takes too much time," he said. "These doctors tend to be dissatisfied with the templates or the tools they're using." To address this challenge, Provation is working to integrate new technologies into its intelligent procedure documentation platform, Provation Apex, to make clinical workflows more intuitive for surgeons and physicians. These technologies include cloud computing, which allows users to access the tool from any internet-connected device, and voice-to-text, which can help physicians easily enter information into their notes. The platform provides clinicians with templates that allow them to check off and customize entries on the type of procedure conducted, major findings and a patient's postoperative instructions. The platform also offers documentation on what equipment was used, potential complications, estimated blood loss and medications, among other details and images. One of the capabilities Mr. DeRosier said he was most excited about was machine learning, which allows Provation Apex to learn over time, rather than having to rely only on programming like in typical software. Provation Apex uses machine learning to track what procedures individual physicians are most often performing and uses these insights to inform their favorites over time. "If a doctor does 50 ACL reconstructions, the software learns what type of cases they perform, what types of clicks they make, and drives the surgeon to the content and deliverables that are specific to them," he explained. "It's making an intuitive workflow and making it quick and easy for doctors to do their note and then move on with their day." Raymond Phillips, MD, a gastroenterologist at Naples, Fla.-based Gulfshore Endoscopy Center, said Provation's documentation solutions have enhanced his facility's mission to make each case more efficient. Although Provation only recently released its cloud-based Provation Apex platform, Gulfshore Endoscopy Center has been a customer of Provation's on-premise tools since 1999. "As a single-specialty ambulatory endoscopy unit there's tremendous pressure on us to get patients in and out with a good experience," he said. "Over the years, the requirements for documentation for example, the time during the procedure has been quite demanding. Provation has allowed us to meet these documentation requirements that are being put upon gastroenterologists." To learn more about Provation Apex, click here. A man suspected of stabbing and killing a nurse in the surgery center at Good Shepherd Medical Center in Longview, Texas, was found fit to stand trial, KLTV reports. Here's what you should know: 1. Longview resident Kyron Rayshuan Templeton allegedly stabbed and killed a nurse and injured four others in 2013. 2. Mr. Templeton was charged with murder and four counts of aggravated assault. He was found competent to stand trial and has a hearing scheduled for Nov. 9. 3. The suspect fled the scene but officers apprehended him blocks away shortly after the incident. Leawood, Kan.-based NueHealth secured growth capital financing through Ares Management and BC Partners Credit. Here's what you should know: 1. NueHealth CEO Dan Tasset said the funding meets the company's short-term goals while positioning it to excel in the value-based care space. 2. NueHealth Chairman and ValueHealth Executive Chairman John Palumbo echoed Mr. Tasset's comments, saying, "This partnership will give us the flexibility and capacity to invest more meaningfully in our individual facilities and expand into new markets with our value-based care platform." 3. Mr. Tasset said, "I am extremely proud of our experienced management team, which has over 150 years of combined experience in healthcare services, for closing this important transaction." 4. NueHealth was advised by Bryant Park Capital. As more and more procedures become covered in ASCs, focusing on cost efficiency and quality is one way for surgery centers to be forward-looking, according to Patrick Haley, Tarzana, Calif.-based Physicians Surgery Centers' administrator. Here are three insights on the ASC industry from Mr. Haley: Note: Responses have been lightly edited for style and content. Question: As an ASC administrator, how do you see your ASC growing in the next three to five years? Patrick Haley: Opportunities present in different ways as the environment changes; finding ways to capture growth are highly market specific. The honeymoon period is seemingly over for some independent physicians who moved into the employed model years ago and the group practice is a happy medium. Collaborating with small to medium size physician groups who wish to remain autonomous but enjoy the benefits of participating in an ASC will likely be a trend moving forward. Q: What would you say are the biggest opportunities for growth in the ASC industry today? PH: Bigger and higher acuity cases are the obvious answer as CMS continues to expand its list of covered services. Remaining cost efficient and providing high quality service to patients and physicians over a prolonged period is the best marketing that we as an industry have done and can continue to do. The biggest opportunity is to remain vigilant on quality and cost, [while working] on incremental improvements rather than become complacent as things become more stable. Q: How do you see the ASC landscape changing moving forward? PH: Price and transparency is moving more and more to the front of the conversation. The industry as a whole has done a good job keeping prices competitive. As patients are linking delivery of care more directly to their own wallets in the form of insurance premiums, copays and deductibles, the overall cost is going to be more on the mind of the end user or consumer. Interested in participating in a Q&A with Becker's ASC Review? Email Rachel Popa at rpopa@beckershealthcare.com. California voters have approved a $1.5 billion bond measure to help the state's children's hospitals fund renovations, expansions and upgrades, The Mercury News reported. The California Children's Hospital Association sponsored the measure, which will provide bond money over 15 years to eight nonprofit hospitals and five University of California hospitals. Nearly 75 percent of the bond money will go to nonprofit facilities, including Lucile Packard Childrens Hospital in Palo Alto, while 18 percent will go to UC hospitals, including UC San Francisco. About 150 California hospitals that treat children will also have 10 percent available in competitive grant funds. The association said the bond money would help hospitals expand and improve facilities and acquire equipment, "so more kids will have access to the specialized care they need." Opponents, including the League of Women Voters of California, said that state money shouldn't go to private facilities and there other ways to pay for the improvements, according to the report. Moody's Investors Service affirmed its "A1" rating for Birmingham-based Children's Hospital of Alabama, affecting $153 million of outstanding revenue bonds. The rating is supported by Moody's expectation that the hospital will continue to generate high operating margins and maintain strong liquidity and low leverage. However, the rating also acknowledges the hospital's dependency on Medicaid during a time of high uncertainty for the program. The rating outlook is stable. Ellwood City (Pa.) Medical Center's new owner said the hospital is projected to make a profit this month after years of financial struggles, the Ellwood City Ledger reported. Grant White, CEO of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based Americore Health, made the announcement on Nov. 7 during a public hearing. The hearing came more than a year after Americore Health purchased the former Ellwood City Hospital, which transitioned from a nonprofit to for-profit organization. Mr. White told hearing attendees that the hospital was losing $15 million to $20 million annually, has had payroll problems, and has cut its workforce by about 200 people in the last year. But Mr. White, along with hospital CEO Beverly Annarumo and several physicians and staff members, said that the medical center is moving on a positive path. Americore is hiring more physicians and plans to start a vascular health unit and launch telehealth programs next month. According to the report, the hospital has opened a super lab and will open an adult psychiatric unit. Access the Ellwood City Ledger's full report here. More articles on healthcare finance: 8 key stats on medical bills, healthcare prices and out-of-pocket spending RCM tip of the day: Track denial resolve rate Couple's donation will forgive $250M in medical debt nationwide The union behind a proposal to implement mandatory nurse staffing ratios in Massachusetts is considering how to move forward after voters defeated the measure during midterm elections, MassLIVE.com reported. Question 1 sought to mandate nurse-to-patient staffing ratios, which varied by unit, floor or department. David Schildmeier, a spokesperson for the Massachusetts Nurses Association, did not provide details to MassLIVE.com about plans from this point on. However, he said the union will "evaluate all options that are available to us and determine what's the best course of action." "You can be sure that nurses will do whatever is necessary to protect their patients. The current conditions in hospitals are dangerousness and cannot be sustained," he told the website. Supporters of the measure argued nurse staffing ratios will improve patient care, while the hospital industry and other opponents said mandated nurse-to-patient ratios will worsen nurse care delivery, lead to longer emergency room wait times and hurt community hospitals and mental health facilities. Both sides agreed the ballot initiative has raised awareness about nurse staffing. Researchers at the University of South Florida in Tampa conducted a study analyzing how opioid prescriptions affect children across different states. Here are four things to know: 1. For the study, researchers conducted a meta analysis of opioid prescription rates between 2010-15. Troy Quast, PhD, associate professor at the University of South Florida's College of Public Health and the study's lead author, found the U.S. average number of children removed each year due to parental substance abuse varied by state. About 1 out of every 2,000 kids was affected in California and New York. Five out of every 2,000 kids were affected in West Virginia. 2. In 23 states, increases in opioid prescription rates were linked to an increase in child removal rate. The state of California saw a 10 percent increase in its opioid prescription rate and a 28 percent increase in child removal rate. 3. By contrast, states saw an increase in opioid prescription rates with a decreased child removal rate. Dr. Quast partially attributed the disparity to states' varying criteria for removing children from their homes. "States also differ in their legal treatment of opioid prescriptions through prescription drug monitoring programs and legislation regarding pill mills," Dr. Quast said. "The differences could also reflect varying stages of the opioid epidemic." 4. Dr. Quast indicated there might also be a link between higher opioid prescription rates and lower illicit opioid use. More articles on opioids: Michigan patients only take 27% of prescribed opioids BCBS of Alabama to drop coverage for OxyContin Mac Miller's death attributed to opioids, cocaine Fueled by gusting winds, a fast-moving wildfire with 150-foot flames has scorched nearly everything in its path, damaging a hospital and prompting patient evacuations throughout Northern California. The Camp Fire began early Nov. 8, ripping through residential areas in Paradise, Calif., and burning nearly 20,000 acres by 11 p.m. the same night, according to Reuters. As of Nov. 12, there have been 29 fatalities, making it the state's deadliest wildfire on record since 1933. It is already California's most destructive fire, leveling 6,713 structures, including 6,400 homes, according to CBS. "There's pretty much complete devastation entire streets where houses are wiped out," Lynne Tolmachoff, a spokesperson for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, told SF Gate. "It's not looking very good at all." Here are four updates on the Camp Fire's effect on hospitals: 1. Patients evacuated from burning hospital. Adventist Feather River Hospital, a 101-bed acute care hospital in Paradise, caught fire Nov. 8, and patients had to be rescued from the burning hospital, according to CNN. All patients were moved safely from the area. 2. Hospitals accept Adventist patients.Enloe Medical Center, based in Chico, Calif., accepted evacuated patients. As of Nov. 8 at 3:12 p.m., the hospital had 35 patients from Feather River Hospital. Oroville (Calif.) Hospital is also accepting patients from Adventist Feather River Hospital. 3. Service closures. While most Enloe Medical Center facilities remain open, it closed its urgent care location in California Park. 4. Hospital destruction. Feather River Hospital was damaged by the Camp Fire. While initial reports suggested the hospital was completely destroyed, Butte County Supervisor Doug Teeter said he believed the old portion of Feather River Hospital had burned down completely, but a newer addition was safe from the blaze, according to Spectrum Magazine. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone in our community during this challenging time. Due to the current Camp Fire, Adventist Health Feather River is closed. All patients have been safely evacuated and transported to Oroville Hospital or Enloe Medical Center," a statement from Adventist Health Feather River Hospital reads. On Nov. 9., a note on the hospital's website said: "Multiple media outlets have reported the destruction of Adventist Health Feather River Medical Center in Paradise. While we did sustain damage to some parts of our property, we are unable to confirm the full extent of that damage at this time. Until it is safe for our team to return to the site, we are unable to confirm any reports." Editor's Note: This article was updated November 12, 2018 at 10:24 a.m. At its semiannual policy meeting this month the American Medical Association will consider endorsing a proposal that will allow Americans to purchase medicine from Canada in person as a solution to lowering prescription drug prices, according to a STAT news report. The proposal first was explored at an AMA meeting last year and comes as the Trump administration mulls personal importation as a solution to the high cost of prescription drugs in the U.S. The AMA Council on Medical Services said in a report recommending the proposal that the "AMA would only support legislation that allows for the personal purchase and importation of prescription drugs obtained directly from a licensed Canadian pharmacy, provided such drugs are for personal use and of a limited quantity." The council did not support online ordering. While the council said that importing drugs from Canada is not a sustainable, long-term solution to addressing the unaffordability of some prescription drugs, it said the practice may offer some patients "relief in the meantime." A team of Google researchers and public health experts are working on an artificial intelligence model that detects the spread of foodborne illnesses on the city level. Researchers from Google created the model dubbed FINDER with machine learning, a type of AI that learns over time, rather than having to be programmed like typical software. Using anonymous and aggregated web search data from Google users who save their location history on their smartphones, the model pinpoints restaurants that are potential sources of foodborne illnesses. The model identifies people who completed a Google search for terms indicative of food poisoning, such as "stomach cramps," to help discern which restaurants these users have recently visited. The researchers subsequently tested the model in two cities Chicago and Las Vegas with help from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston, the Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, and public health agencies in Illinois and Nevada. The model provided health departments in both cities with a list of restaurants the model identified as potentially unsafe. The departments then dispatched health inspectors to the locations. In study results published in npj Digital Medicine, the researchers said restaurants identified by FINDER were more than twice as likely to be deemed unsafe during a restaurant inspection than restaurants that were identified using traditional methods, which rely on consumer complaints. The study authors suggested cities use FINDER as a supplement to their existing procedures, since the model can help public health agencies prioritize which restaurants to inspect prior to an outbreak. "Foodborne illnesses are common, costly and land thousands of Americans in emergency rooms every year," Ashish Jha, MD, corresponding author on the paper and professor of global health at the Harvard Chan School, said in a news release. "This new technique can help restaurants and local health departments find problems more quickly, before they become bigger public health problems." Hammond, La.-based North Oaks Health System is using a predictive modeling tool in its Epic EHR to help clinicians identify patients at increased risk for developing sepsis. The tool, dubbed Clinical Care Advisory, generates a sepsis risk score by monitoring more than 80 data points from a patient's health record after they arrive in the emergency room, looking for early symptoms of sepsis. The tool assesses the patient's health information every 15 minutes, and if a patient's risk score reaches a certain threshold, it alerts clinicians that the patient may be becoming septic. The CCA tool also recommends potential treatments for sepsis and continues to monitor the patient's care throughout their hospital stay. "Treatment must begin within the first few hours of onset to offer the greatest chance of survival," said Herbert Robinson, MD, chief health information officer at North Oaks Health System. "That's why from the time patients arrive at our hospitals, we evaluate them carefully and then constantly monitor their clinical course to detect any developing signs or symptoms of sepsis." Patients at North Oaks Health System with symptoms of sepsis are receiving antibiotics an estimated 30 minutes sooner since implementing the tool. In the past year, the sepsis mortality rate at the health system has dropped by nearly 18 percent, according to Dr. Robinson. Seth Hain, director of analytics and machine learning at Epic, added: "Our goal is to make this new tool more accessible to community health systems like North Oaks by ensuring the setup and statistical validation are efficient and easy to use." The World Health Organization on Nov. 8 released first-of-their-kind guidelines on meeting the health needs of patients living with mental illness. The 94-page guide outlines how health providers can meet the physical needs of patients living with serious mental illnesses. WHO considers severe mental illnesses to include moderate to severe depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. The guidelines also acknowledge that many patients lack access to quality care and screenings, making reducing care disparities all the more important. These new guidelines attempt to close the gaps in care for patients with mental illness by laying out the proper approach and steps physicians should take. To read the WHO's guidelines, click here. More articles on clinical leadership and infection control: Google creates AI to detect foodborne illnesses For some health workers, it takes this to pull the trigger on a flu shot Joint Commission honors 9 hospitals for using data to drive improvements After an internal investigation, Regional One Health in Memphis, Tenn., has fired a Mississippi voter who wore an offensive T-shirt to the polls, The Commercial Appeal reported. Hospital officials did not identify the voter, who lives in Olive Branch, Miss., and is a former Memphis police officer, but he was identified on social media as Clayton John Hickey, according to the report. A now viral photo showed the man wearing a T-shirt that included the words "Mississippi Justice" as well as a picture of a Confederate flag and a noose. The photo was taken on Nov. 6 at an Olive Branch polling location and posted on social media. Hospital officials on Nov. 8 tweeted they were "actively investigating the allegation related to an employee to verify the truth" and would provide an update later that day. In a series of tweets just hours later, they said, "We take this process seriously and are committed to following all necessary steps to verify the truth. On Nov. 7, 2018, we became aware of a photo circulating on social media of an individual identified online as an employee of Regional One Health." "The Regional One Health legal and human resources teams promptly began an investigation into this employee and to determine if these allegations were real and accurate. We understand and appreciate the intense feelings related to this situation, but it is our duty to perform a thorough due diligence to verify the truth," they said. "As of Nov. 8, we have completed our investigation and what we learned led to the termination of the employee in question. Regional One Health holds employees to a high standard. We are committed to upholding our mission to provide compassionate care and exceptional services to all. This includes fostering a safe and protected work and care environment for all. Behaviors contrary to these principles are unacceptable and will not be tolerated." The Commercial Appeal was not immediately able to reach Mr. Hickey. Leah Rupp Smith of the Mississippi Secretary of State's Office confirmed to the publication that state law does not include dress code requirements for voting locations. But the NAACP branch in Jackson, Miss., told Fox13 the organization is looking into the incident. More articles on workforce: American Nurses Association, union respond to defeat of Massachusetts nurse staffing proposal 4 high-paying, high-level part-time healthcare jobs Massachusetts nurse staffing ballot question loses voter support, poll finds Williamsport, Pa.-based UPMC Susquehanna welcomed neurosurgeon Georgios Klironomos, MD. Here are three details: 1. Dr. Klironomos' specialties include spinal stenosis, spinal fusion, disc herniation, traumatic brain injuries and brain aneurysm. 2. He will practice at UPMC Susquehanna's Neuroscience Center in Williamsport alongside a team of five physicians. 3. After earning his medical degree from and completing his residency at University of Patras School of Medicine in Greece, Dr. Klironomos underwent fellowship training in neuro-oncology, cerebrovascular surgery as well as skull base and endoscopic skull base neurosurgery at Ontario, Canada-based University of Toronto and Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. Five spine surgeons share their best tips for better time management. Ask Spine Surgeons is a weekly series of questions posed to spine surgeons around the country about clinical, business and policy issues affecting spine care. We invite all spine surgeon and specialist responses. Next week's question: What impact will device company M&A have on the industry? Do you see this as a positive or negative trend? Please send responses to Anuja Vaidya at avaidya@beckershealthcare.com by Wednesday, Nov. 14, at 5 p.m. CST. Question: What is your best advice for improving time management in your professional life? J. Brian Gill, MD. Spine Surgeon at Nebraska Spine Hospital (Omaha): The best advice that I have to offer is to make sure your professional priorities reflect the amount of time you spend on those priorities. It is very easy to get distracted throughout the day, week, month, etc., as issues arise. You can be pulled in various directions trying to solve the immediate crisis at that particular moment. Where your priorities fall is where you will spend your time. Your time management will improve once you understand your priorities. Rob D. Dickerman, DO, PhD. Director of Neurosurgery at Presbyterian Hospital of Plano (Texas) and Director of Spine Surgery at Medical Center Frisco (Texas): Having a good professional team around you is key for time management and getting this done properly. Brian R. Gantwerker, MD. Founder of the Craniospinal Center of Los Angeles: Parallel tasking, when not in the operating room, works best. Maybe a more appropriate term is 'weaving.' For instance, during clinic time, if there is a time lag when waiting for a patient to be roomed or other gap, I fill it with going through faxes, viewing follow-up imaging or sending response emails. Phone calls with patients are actually better done during lunch hour, when you know they will be near their phones. I find I have a lot less to do at the end of the day. Having efficient EMR software and well-developed organizational skills are important, but even if your EMR is atrocious and your desk is a mess, the act of clearing off said mess is a great way to get things done and stay caught up. Christian Zimmerman, MD. Spinal Neurosurgeon at Saint Alphonsus Medical Group and SAHS Neuroscience Institute (Boise, Idaho): The best advice for time management in one's professional life centers around relevance to patient care and being circumspect in that awareness. Healthcare and its delivery has changed dramatically since the eighties and nineties, with consolidation, reduction and over usage as targeted areas of cost containment and revision. These predicates have prompted more withholds in care and reimbursements, redesigning the emphasis care models by hospital and physician alike. Necessary or not, the prescient physician will be mindful of change and continue to focus one's effort on patient care and surgical outcomes. These parameters are sustaining in a competitive workplace. Vladimir Sinkov, MD. Spine Surgeon at New Hampshire Orthopaedic Center (Nashua): Plan ahead and make a schedule. It sounds simple, but with busy clinics and operative schedules it is easy to forget or neglect other parts of professional life such as continued education, learning new techniques and treatments, practice management and marketing, etc. If you block a specific time for those activities, it is much easier to manage them in a timely fashion. Try to eliminate or limit spending time on non-productive activities, such as administrative meetings that do not add value to your practice or do not promote your agenda and meetings with industry representatives unless you are truly interested in learning more about their products. UK economic growth is expected to have risen in the third quarter, but analysts warned of a drop in output towards the end of the summer. Economists believe that gross domestic product (GDP) growth climbed to 0.6% between July and September, according to consensus estimates. It comes after growth rebounded to 0.4% in the second quarter as sunny weather encouraged higher retail sales and construction. The weather is thought to have continued warming up the economy for the third quarter, but the end of the period is seen rising more slowly as the summer boost wears off. "Friday's GDP report likely will fuel concerns the economy has little underlying momentum," said Samuel Tombs, chief UK economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics. "Granted, quarter-on-quarter growth probably sped up to 0.6% in Q3 - exceeding the economy's potential rate - from 0.4% in Q2. "But this simply reflects a surge in activity in weather-sensitive sectors at the start of the quarter, following weakness earlier in the year." Month-on-month growth in September is expected to be 0.1%, reflecting a drop in several key sectors which benefited from the summer heatwave. Economists expect monthly construction output to have fallen, based on the most recent industry data. Builders catching up on work disrupted by the Beast from the East in early 2018 gave August's numbers a lift, but these projects are expected to be mostly finished. Meanwhile, shoppers spent less on food in September, weighing on retail sales which declined by 0.8%. This is expected to detract from growth in total services output. Car production also suffered, with the latest data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) pointing to a decline of 16.8%. Analysts at Investec noted that growth was flat in August, suggesting the temporary boost in the summer was fading. "While we would not draw too many firm conclusions from one month of data alone, it does hint that the robust momentum in the economy had begun to ebb a little during the late summer," they said. "Furthermore we are not convinced that the situation will have changed materially in September." A 35m plan to expand Kilkeel Harbour has hit the rocks after a Government department cited a lack of funding and a Minister to advance the major project. Business leaders in the Co Down town have slammed a decision by the owners of the harbour, the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), to withdraw from what they said was an agreement to help fund a significant milestone for the expansion. The Kilkeel Strategic Partnership group said DAERA had indicated earlier this year that a request for 350,000 to fund an environmental impact assessment (EIA) would be agreed. Those behind the venture said the EIA is essential to progress the business plan for the 35m project. They claim the withdrawal of the 350,000 resulted in the expansion plan's exclusion from the Belfast Region City Deal list of infrastructure projects. A spokesperson for the department said: "DAERA participated (and provided financial support) along with other parties, in the initial appraisal of a proposal from Kilkeel Strategic Partnership for an estimated 35m harbour expansion plan. "It was recognised that further work would be required to fully assess the business case for this proposal, including consideration of potential engineering and environmental implications. "At this stage no public expenditure provision exists to cover the costs of these further studies and in the absence of a Minister no decision for such an infrastructure project can be made." The harbour has undergone 23% growth each year for the last five years, increasing the number of jobs linked to the site to 1,150. Kilkeel Strategic Partnership says its growth strategy would not only sustain the existing 1,000 jobs around the site, but contribute to a significant expansion in permanent jobs in Kilkeel and surrounding area. Alan McCulla of fish producers' organisation Sea Source, which is owned by a collective of fishermen, said the recent growth is evidence of the harbour's economic potential. "More than 1,000 jobs are now maintained in the harbour. "These range from boat building and engineering to fishing and fish processing. "But because of rapid growth we find that Kilkeel harbour is now bursting at the seams. "The Northern Ireland Health & Safety Executive have advised the Northern Ireland Fishery Harbour Authority (a DAERA agency) that Kilkeel harbour is at capacity bringing with it added risks. "Unless the expansion is allowed, business in Kilkeel will turn to competitor ports in Ireland, Scotland and north west England," he said. "Other ports, particularly in Scotland and Ireland, are investing heavily in their infrastructures. "Already fishing harbour infrastructure in Northern Ireland cannot handle our catches, opportunities are being lost and this must urgently change or we will be left even further behind." Northern Ireland businessman Kevin Lagan and his sons have set up a vehicle for investments after selling the majority of their other interests for 455m. Mr Lagan and his family have already made an investment in a new interactive tourist attraction in Dublin, Vaults Live, and are also planning to extend their housebuilding arm into the Republic. Earlier this year, Lagan Group sold its cement, quarrying and aggregates business to Breedon Group. However, the family company retained ownership of housebuilding firm Lagan Homes. Kevin Lagan said: "Lagan Investments is our family investment vehicle, led by my sons, Peter and John. "Our objective is to take a flexible approach to seeking opportunities across a variety of sectors, both locally and internationally. "Lagan Investments has already injected capital into several diverse sectors, including real estate, distribution and tourism." And he said that Lagan Homes was building a strong reputation in house building in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. "We look forward with confidence to the next phase of its growth, including expansion into the Republic of Ireland market. "We operate the largest house building business in Northern Ireland, which has a significant high-quality land bank to underpin its medium-term growth plan. "We are actively seeking development opportunities across all three regions." He said the company was also looking ahead to growth of FastHouse, which makes modular timber frame systems for housebuilding. It has already won a landmark deal for holiday lodges. Mr Lagan said: "We are nearing completion of 466 holiday lodges in Ireland's first ever Center Parcs in Co Longford and our local workforce has risen substantially in response to increasing demand for our products, notably in the residential housing market. "Our rapid build system allows us to construct quality homes to weathertight stage in just two days, a game changer for an industry faced with so many challenges, including massive skill shortages. There are exciting times ahead and I will remain involved in all of the businesses, supported by an in-house team of multi-disciplinary professionals, with decades of experience in acquisitions and investment. "All our businesses are also now coming together under a newly developed brand which reflects our vision for the future. This fresh and contemporary brand signifies our firm intention to succeed and prosper in the years to come." The April deal with Breedon included a cement plant, nine active quarries and 13 asphalt plants. In September, it emerged that the family would be making a 3m investment in The Vaults in the Liberties, Dublin. The costs of the project had overrun, with Lagans launching an investment plan - which won out over a rival plan from Tayto Park owner Ray Coyle. The majority of 270 at-risk power station jobs are understood to have been saved after the awarding of a new generating contract at Kilroot, the Belfast Telegraph understands. But 85 jobs are expected to go as it's confirmed that Kilroot Power Station near Carrickfergus has been given a new 12-month operating contract to guarantee "at least another year" of energy production. Earlier this year energy giant AES, which owns Kilroot and sister power station Ballylumford in Islandmagee, warned that up to 270 jobs were at risk after it lost out on a capacity auction to supply the all-Ireland electricity market. The auction process involved AES, the Utility Regulator, and the System Operator for Northern Ireland (SONI) and its parent company, EirGrid, in the Republic. The outcome of the auction was revealed last December. AES refused to comment yesterday on the impact of any new contract or on any further decision for jobs. SONI also refused to comment yesterday. But DUP East Antrim MP Sammy Wilson said 178 jobs had been saved, though 85 would be going. "In general, for Northern Ireland, it is good to have continuity of supply," Mr Wilson said. "That was always a major issue. Kilroot was supplying 42% of NI's power. "To have lost it would have been disastrous for our economy and could have led to massively disruptive outages." Trade union Unite yesterday said AES, the owner of power stations at Ballylumford and Kilroot, had brought forward job losses affecting 20 staff at Kilroot. A spokesman said the union believed another 60 jobs were likely to be at risk, as well as the jobs of 40 contractors. However, the impact of any job loss is to be softened by the awarding of the contract, which has resulted from the transfer of one contract from Ballylumford to Kilroot. Bombardier in Belfast has already suffered a job cull in the past three years There are fears of job losses in Northern Ireland after Bombardier announced 5,000 positions would go in its global operations around the world. Trade union Unite accused the company of a "fire sale" of assets after it also announced the sale of its Q Series aircraft programme, which includes the Q400 regional passenger jets used by airlines such as Flybe. A number of the 4,000 staff in Northern Ireland work on the Q400 in east Belfast, while around a quarter work on making wings for the A220 passenger plane, now majority-owned by Airbus. Around 1,300 jobs have already gone from Bombardier in Northern Ireland over the last three years. A spokeswoman for Bombardier in Belfast said yesterday: "Following Bombardier's announcement today, we will take the necessary time to evaluate what this means for our aerostructures and engineering services business. We will communicate with our employees in more detail over the coming weeks." Pressed for more detail on the likely impact on the Belfast workforce, she said: "We won't speculate on how this global workforce reduction will impact our Belfast site. We will take the necessary time to evaluate what it means for our business." DUP East Belfast MP Gavin Robinson said he was in contact with management in Belfast to discuss the potential impact. He added: "Bombardier are a vital part of our local economy and obviously any announcement relating to job cuts will cause concerns. I continually engage with the company and have been encouraged by a renewed sense of dynamism within the Belfast operation." The cuts were announced as the company reported a profit of $149m (114m) in the third quarter of the year, compared to a loss of $100m in the same quarter last year. Around 3,000 of the job losses are expected to hit Bombardier's operations at its base in Canada. As well as selling its Q Series, it's also offloading its business aircraft's flight and technical training business. Susan Fitzgerald, regional coordinating officer at trade union Unite, said yesterday's announcement was "a brutal blow" to the global workforce of Bombardier. "Unite has sought assurances that none of these jobs will be going at any of the five sites here in Northern Ireland. As yet, we have no confirmation of what it this latest announcement will mean locally." She added: "These jobs are to go despite the fact that the company is making even more profits than they were a year ago; this fire sale of assets and jobs is being driven to meet the expectations of the financial markets and Bombardier's workers are expected to pay the price. "Unite will be engaging with our colleagues representing Bombardier workers under threat in other countries in order to coordinate a global trade union response to this latest announcement." She added: "This announcement comes only two years since seven thousand jobs were cut globally. In the recent period in Northern Ireland we have witnessed the sell-off of the tubing and systems function, the outsourcing of IT, finance, plant engineering, canteens, facilities and security functions. "The workers want to know just when will this company be satisfied?" A growing number of property developments in Northern Ireland are being funded by a new peer-to-peer based system, a London-based firm has claimed. The emerging financing trend, which involves a varying number of investors pooling their cash for interest on their return, has becoming increasingly popular here during the post-recession recovery. One London-based loan company has just announced its largest Northern Irish property loan to date, injecting 1.3m into a Limavady housing project. Garvagh-based Efficiency Utility's development of eight homes at Drummond Manor received the investment from Blend Network Funds over a two-year period. The English company said another loan to buy out the equity shares of two development sites in Holywood had attracted the largest number of lenders the platform has ever had on a single loan. The loan for a Northern Ireland developer, was funded by a total of 50 lenders, made up of a mix of high net worth individuals, family offices and private lenders, who provided sums of between 1,000 and 75,000. They're set to receive a fixed 12% return per annum. A survey released yesterday by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), said Northern Ireland is the UK's best performing housing market, after growth in prices in October defied a slump in the UK as a whole. Roxana Mohammadian-Molina, Blend Network's chief strategy officer, said there has been significant interest from investors in Britain in the Northern Ireland housing market. "There is a big housing shortage in Northern Ireland and that has kept the market very strong. "Annual house price growth in the region was up by 4.3% in Q3 compared to an average UK growth of 2.4%. We have seen a big appetite from our investors to lend on property-secured loans in Northern Ireland. "This just goes to show that investors are very keen to get exposure to the Northern Irish property market." Blend Network's chief executive Yann Murciano said: "We see very strong housing demand, especially at the lower-end of the pricing bracket. "Post-2008, funding has been a big issue for small and medium property developers because traditional lenders stopped lending overnight and are yet to return. "Now, peer-to-peer lending offers a fresh new opportunity for experienced property developers to access funding and start building again." Supermarket Sainsbury's, which has 14 stores in Northern Ireland, has cautioned over an "uncertain" consumer outlook and highly competitive market ahead of Christmas, as it posted a 20% rise in half-year profits. The chain, which is pressing ahead with plans for a 12bn merger with Big Four rival Asda, said underlying pre-tax profits rose to 302m in the six months to September 22, up from 251m a year earlier. On a statutory basis, pre-tax profits dropped 40% to 132m. Sainsbury's saw the summer heatwave boost sales over its second quarter, with like-for-like growth including Argos, but excluding fuel, accelerating to 1%, up from 0.2% in the previous three months. This meant comparable store sales rose 0.6% overall in the half-year. But the group warned the consumer outlook is "uncertain as we head into our key trading period" and said markets remained "highly competitive and very promotional". Despite this, Sainsbury's said it remained on track for full-year expectations, with analysts pencilling in underlying pre-tax profits of 634m. Tesco, which has around 50 stores here, is still at the top of the supermarket share leaderboard with 35.2% of the grocery sector, according to the latest supermarket share figures from Kantar Worldpanel. It is followed by Sainsbury's (17.3%) and Asda, which has around 17 stores here, at 17.1%. Mike Coupe, group chief executive of Sainsbury's, said: "The market remains very competitive and we are transforming our business to meet rapidly changing customer needs." He added: "We have delivered a solid first-half performance and profit has increased because we have delivered significant Argos synergies ahead of schedule. Sales of food and general merchandise were boosted by the hot summer, but general merchandise margins remain under pressure." On the planned Asda tie-up, he said the group continued to "engage constructively" with the competition watchdog. Food suppliers and processors in Northern Ireland could be heading for a clash with supermarkets over the soaring cost of potatoes. (Steve Parsons/PA) Food suppliers and processors in Northern Ireland could be heading for a clash with supermarkets over the soaring cost of potatoes. One food processing firm told Business Telegraph the cost of buying potatoes to make its products had increased from 120 per tonne in 2017 to almost 300 per tonne this month. Following one of the hottest summers on record, Europe is experiencing a shortage of vegetables, ending a traditional source of cheaper produce for many food processors here. In the Republic some potato growers have reported that their crop is 25% down, with the rising cost of seed resulting in a dip in the volumes being planted. It's not just the volume that has dropped, the size of the potatoes is also much smaller. The impact of the shortage is expected to become more pronounced through the winter months. The latest data from the UK Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board shows wholesale prices of potatoes have already soared past last year's prices. The cost of grade one Maris Pipers rose from 150-170 per tonne in early November 2017 to 310-355 per tonne last week. King Edwards (grade one) have jumped from 135-150 per tonne last November to 305-350 per tonne this week. UK-wide, the average price of washed carrots has increased from 32p/kg last November to 51p/kg this week. Parsnips rose from 81p/kg to 1.32/kg over the same period. Stephen Polley of Marlin Retail, which owns eight John Dorys chip shops here, said the cost of its premium potato product sourced from England had increased by 25%. But he said his English supplier has been forced to increase the cost of its bagged potato product by 100%. He expects the situation to worsen in the new year, and said consumers are likely to see more price rises right across chip shop counters. Angus Wilson, who runs well-known potato brand Wilsons Country in Craigavon, said the impact of the drought has left a shortfall of 15-20% across Europe. "Prices have doubled for some varieties." He said that it is unclear whether the rising prices could in turn curb demand. But he said processors may struggle to pass on the cost for their products. "You try to pass on the costs if you can, but in a market like this, it's hard to pass on all of the pain." Martin and Tracy Hamilton of Mash Direct run a 1,500-acre farm near Dundonald, which normally produces between 7,000-8,000 each year, solely for his own business. "We have been very lucky. Obviously we have been affected by the drought, but we held on and held and didn't harvest for three to four weeks later than normal and let them grow on," said Mr Hamilton. "We're lucky we live in Ireland, down in the south east of England, their crops were absolutely fried. You can see the increases in the price of potatoes on the supermarket shelves, it's plain for anybody to see, and for the likes of carrots and parsnips too." Roy Lyttle, vice-chair of the Ulster Farmers' Union's vegetable committee, said growers have faced much higher costs for producing their crop. His company RL Produce sells mostly leeks to supermarkets. But he said the competition between supermarkets means they aren't keen to raise prices to suppliers. "We would probably be as well off selling our produce into the open market as we would into the supermarkets at the moment. Most years it's the other way around." One major local processor, who did not wish to be named, said his business is at "crisis point". He revealed that he has lost customers and a considerable number of experienced European workers due the uncertainty over Brexit. Struggling to replace the staff, he said the surging cost of potatoes has only compounded his woes. Prince of Wales and his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall visit Mullaghmore in 2015 where his great-uncle Lord Mountbatten was killed in an IRA explosion in 1979 After his beloved great uncle Lord Louis Mountbatten was murdered by the IRA - he and three others died when a bomb was exploded by remote control on their pleasure boat off the Sligo coast on August 27, 1979 - Prince Charles was heard to remark: "It made me want to die, too." Mountbatten was much more than just a relative. Charles described him as "the grandfather I never had" and throughout his life the pair were extremely close. As well as a friend, Mountbatten was a mentor and one of the first people Charles went to for advice. Yet, in spite of the horror of that August day Prince Charles, who turns 70 next week, has a deep affection for both parts of Ireland and, according to a new book published to mark his seventh decade, is hugely interested in what goes on here. Author Robert Jobson says: "Many people regard the Commonwealth as the Queen's greatest achievement during her lengthy reign, but Charles sees her mood-changing visit to Dublin in 2011 as her most important legacy. "Both are fixated by Irish politics. He has been described to me by someone very close to him as a 'political anorak'. When it comes to the minutiae of Irish politics, the Queen is untouchable. After all, she was able to see, on a weekly basis, all kinds of top secret material about Ireland during the Seventies, Eighties and Nineties, when she met the various Prime Ministers during their terms of office. "The Queen and Prince Charles have very long, detailed and totally private conversations about Ireland. Many people believe that the two only meet when royal duties have to be discussed, but that is not the case. They meet regularly and discuss all sorts of things." According to Jobson - a former royal correspondent, now author and broadcaster, who has spent nearly 30 years as a royal watcher - the interest in Ireland pre-dated Mountbatten's death. "While that dreadful murder obviously had a huge impact on the royal family, for the Queen and Prince Charles the creation of better political relationships between Ireland and the UK was more important than the personalities involved." Jobson in his book (it is not an official biography, but Prince Charles' office, Clarence House, co-operated with the author, who also interviewed past and present members of the royal household) recalls how the Prince made an emotional journey to Mountbatten's holiday home in Sligo in May 2015, passing the spot where a terrorist pressed the remote control switch that blew up the boat sailing in the bay below. A small cross marks the spot and, as the cavalcade passed, it slowed almost to a halt before continuing to the castle. There, Charles whispered to a local villager: "It's been a long time. I never thought it would happen" - a reference to the length of time he had been waiting to make that pilgrimage. But Jobson reveals it was also a cathartic experience, with Charles later saying: "At the time, I could not imagine how we would come to terms with the anguish of such a deep loss. "Through this dreadful experience, I now understand, in a profound way, the agonies borne by others on these islands, of whatever faith or political persuasion." Jobson adds: "He recognises that reconciliation is a difficult process. He believes that you have to forgive, even if you cannot forget, otherwise nothing will be achieved. What happened happened, and nothing will bring back those whose lives were lost." Jobson also gives an illuminating insight into the Prince's feelings. In quiet moments of reflection Charles talks to his departed loved ones, including Mountbatten, and in that way keeps their spirits alive in his heart. Mountbatten had ignored Garda advice when he went on that fateful fishing trip. According to Jobson, Charles has a somewhat fatalistic approach to his own mortality. "He once told me: 'There is nothing you can do if your name is on the bullet'. However, he heeds the advice of those charged with ensuring his safety, but does not believe that he should take any additional precautions. He believes the professionals know their job and that enables him to get on with his job. Otherwise, he would never go out the door." Five years after the Mountbatten murder the IRA also tried to kill Charles and Diana as they were attending a Duran Duran concert at the Dominion Theatre in London. A bomb was planted near where they were sitting, but the plot was foiled because the device was never primed. Sean O'Callaghan, the IRA man-turned-informer, claimed the couple owed their lives to him, as he had been charged with planting the device and ensured that it would not go off. Perhaps one of the most astonishing images to emerge from his visits to the Republic was in Co Kerry, where he and Camilla walked on Derrynane Strand. She kicked off her shoes and walked barefoot on the sand, a "candid" moment that produced that different photograph that local photographers were hoping for. In a way it showed how both the locals and the royals viewed the now fairly frequent visits with a warmth reflecting the changed political atmosphere. But his most frequent visits to this island have been north of the border. He and Princess Diana came to Enniskillen to visit survivors of the Remembrance Day bombing 10 days after that horror. Although Diana carried out several royal engagements in Northern Ireland, that was the only time they appeared as a couple. Charles, as Jobson says in his book, is enchanted by the land, culture, poetry and Celtic history. While most people can recall the astonishment that followed the Queen speaking in Irish in her historic address during her initial Dublin visit, Charles also addressed an audience in the Republic with a few words of Irish in May last year. But he showed his appreciation of the controversies over language during a visit to the Seamus Heaney HomePlace, when he revealed he had commissioned a new musical piece set to words by poets in English, Irish and Ulster-Scots. The Prince also recorded a reading of the Heaney poem The Shipping Forecast as one of the exhibits at the centre. According to Jobson, Charles is frustrated by the public perception of his work and that he is somewhat flighty in his interests. "He wants to see a better world and greater consideration given to the environment and the current problem with plastics in the oceans. He tries his best to get things done, but in a non-partisan way. He can be political in a small 'p' sense and, as Prince of Wales, he can make a difference. He can convene gatherings of people to get things done. "There have been only 21 Princes of Wales before him and many of them were blaggards and drunkards and womanisers. This Prince of Wales is the most serious and political that we have ever had and I think he has made a difference." The author points out how the Prince is the second-biggest employer in the Dumfries part of Ayrshire, following the ending of coalmining and the closure of a boot-making factory. He headed a consortium which bought Drumfries House and estate and put up a 20m loan from his own charitable trust. It now provides educational and employment opportunities for young people in the area. He blames "pernicious lies", including those put about by Princess Diana, for his sometimes poor public image, according to Jobson. A rumour that he had smuggled Camilla on to the royal train before his marriage for a night of passion was a fabrication, as is the suggestion that he has a flunky to squeeze toothpaste on to his toothbrush. Jobson also reveals how Charles was deeply hurt when he was virtually airbrushed out of the lives of William and Harry in a film Diana: Our Mother, Her Life And Legacy, which his sons had endorsed. It was a soul-bearing exercise by the two princes, but some disagreed with the omission of Charles. One insider told Jobson that it was accepted the film would be largely about Diana, "but it would have been nice if they had acknowledged his contribution to their upbringing. He was - and tries to be - a jolly good father, after all". Jobson also reveals that the princes, contrary to their public image, can be somewhat wilful at times. He cites how William, as second-in-line to the throne, expects even Harry to bear his status in mind and how Harry became so demanding of his staff before his recent marriage to Meghan Markle - "What Meghan wants, Meghan gets", he said at one stage - that the Queen took him aside and asked him to show more respect. As for the future, providing Charles outlives his mother, he will be king, says Jobson, no matter if there is a public stirring that the succession should skip a generation. "Already he is the shadow king. He and the Queen see all the papers from the Government and he and other members of the royal family are undertaking more and more of her duties. He has about 600 engagements a year and the Queen will never make another overseas trip. "This is not an X Factor monarchy. You don't get the job by public acclaim. Already plans are being laid to make Charles Prince Regent when the Queen reaches the age of 95; she is currently 92. She will not abdicate, but simply step aside and let Charles effectively become king. The Regency allows for that. "It is likely that Charles will be the oldest-ever person to ascend the throne and have one of the shortest reigns. Recently, in London, the Queen announced that he would be head of the Commonwealth in succession to her, but he is effectively that now, as Her Majesty will not be undertaking any further long-distance engagements." So, what is Charles like as a person? Jobson says: "Both a very funny man with good comic timing and also a serious person, but a warm one. "He is a workaholic, frequently putting in 14-hour days and often falling asleep over his reading. No one can tell him to stop. "Like me, he likes to paint to relax, but recently he told me he doesn't have time to do it anymore. In some ways, he feels he is running out of time to get all the things done that he wants to do." Charles At Seventy: Thoughts, Hopes And Dreams by Robert Jobson, published by John Blake, 20 Hamish Currie with his mammoth skate, which he tagged and released An angler has caught the world's largest skate off the coast of Portrush after an hour of "strenuous fighting". Hamish Currie (59), originally from Saltcoats, Ayrshire, landed the 8ft 3in-long catch in the last week of June, but chose not to reveal the record until the sharking season ended in October. "I felt good pulling it up, but I specialise in big game angling. I don't do mackerel trips or anything like that," he said. "I realised how big it was going to be before it came up on deck. As soon as I got it off the bottom of the seabed I knew this was the real deal. "I have caught big fish the same as that before but lost them. "It was so annoying. Crying. I was in the pain locker, as they call it. "I was tired, but so was the fish." Mr Currie, joined by his girlfriend and a friend on his boat Predator, had the beast on the line for 65 minutes and brought it to the surface three times, only for it to overpower him and return to the ocean floor 40 metres below. But, using a live 6lb bull huss as bait, Mr Currie got the 7ft wide, 300lb ray on deck. It smashed the previous record, a 208lb giant caught off the Scottish coast in 2014. But Mr Currie said: "They won't give me the world record though, because I didn't kill it and I'm not going to kill a fish for a record, I'm not prepared to do that. "They will likely give it the world catch and release record, because it's measured on a mat in the picture." Mr Currie has a history of battling big beasts. In 2012 he escaped a shark attack off the coast of Islay in the Scottish Inner Hebrides. A 7ft porbeagle bit into his steel toe-capped boot and clamped around his foot, but his crew managed to free him from the beast. His latest catch, estimated to be around 30 years old, was tagged and return to the sea within four minutes. But he thinks he can do better. "Of course I will beat that record, I know I will," he said. DUP leader Arlene Foster has said that Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit plan could cause Northern Ireland to separate from the rest of the United Kingdom over the next decade. In an interview with RTE Mrs Foster confirmed that her party would not support any Brexit withdrawal deal which includes a Northern Ireland only 'backstop' and a border in the Irish Sea. Read More It was revealed on Thursday that a letter sent to Mrs Foster and deputy DUP leader Nigel Dodds suggested that the Prime Minister would be willing to include a Northern Ireland specific 'backstop to the backstop' in the final Brexit withdrawal deal. 1/2 1st November 2018 letter from Arlene Foster @DUPleader & Nigel @NigelDoddsDUP to the Prime Minister. "Unlike the previous political declarations, the scope for delay, fudge or obscurantist language has passed. This is now a time for clarity and plain speaking." pic.twitter.com/QSSm3eM3Pw DUP (@duponline) November 9, 2018 The backstop would see Northern Ireland remain in the EU single market and customs union in the absence of a trade deal being agreed between the UK and EU. It is intended to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland and the EU's Chief Brexit Negotiator Michel Barnier and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar have insisted it must be part of any UK withdrawal agreement. Prime Minister Theresa May has countered the plan by suggesting that the entire UK could remain inside the customs union for a time limited period. However the EU have said that that any backstop could not be time limited, and must remain in place until Brexit issues regarding the future relationship between the UK and the EU are fully resolved. A 'backstop to the backstop' would involve only Northern Ireland remaining tied to the EU in the event that a trade agreement could not be reached within the time limited period. The DUP claim the plan would effectively separate Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK and create a border in the Irish Sea. DUP leader Arlene Foster says no unionist would be able to support British Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit plan | Read more: https://t.co/VTkYxMKNFW pic.twitter.com/DxwUh4queW RTE News (@rtenews) November 9, 2018 Mrs Foster said that the DUP would not be able to support the Prime Minister's plan in Parliament. Mrs May currently relies on the support of ten DUP MPs to get key legislation, including Brexit, through Parliament as part of their confidence and supply agreement. DUP leader Foster suggested that her party's position had support from senior Conservative Party figures saying that Mrs May had "a job of work to do to get this through cabinet". Mrs Foster said the plans would cause a "democratic deficit" giving the EU power over Northern Ireland, without Northern Ireland having a say and could lead to Northern Ireland "diverging away" from the UK over the next decade. She told RTE that her party only had "one red line" and that they were determined to protect the union. The DUP leader suggested that if Mrs May wanted to pursue the current proposals she could so without the support of the DUP's ten MPs. A gunman hid behind the counter of a petrol station and forced a staff member to serve an unwitting customer during a robbery in Co Antrim. The staff member was later tied up and left to free himself in the incident at the Crankill Road service station in Ballymena. Police don't believe the woman customer was aware of what was going on at the time and have appealed for her to contact detectives as she may hold key information for their investigation. The man entered the shop at around 2.15am before producing his handgun. Three other men then joined him all dressed in dark clothes, wearing ski masks and gloves. At one point, the gunman hid behind the till and instructed the staff member to serve a female customer," Detective Sergeant Peter Crothers said. "He then produced clear plastic bin bags and instructed the employee to fill them with cigarettes. He also took a sum of cash and the contents of a charity box. The staff member was then tied up with his own belt and a length of wire to a drinks machine. The employee managed to free himself after a period of time and raise the alarm. I am appealing to anyone who was in the Crankill road area this morning between 2.15am and 3.15am and saw any suspicious activity to get in touch with police on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 142 of 9/11/18. We would also like to speak to the female customer who unwittingly entered the premises during the incident. Whilst we do not believe she was connected in any way to the robbery, she may have information that could help with our investigation into what took place. 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. Two families had to be kept apart by police in the public gallery of Belfast Crown Court yesterday after a jury found three cousins guilty in connection to a gun murder. Stephen Carson (28) died after he was shot in the head in the downstairs bathroom of his Walmer Street home in south Belfast on February 25, 2016. Mr Carson's fiancee and nine-year old son were in the house at the time. After a month-long trial, two men - cousins Michael Smith (40) and David Smith (34) - were convicted of murdering Mr Carson. Michael Smith was also found guilty of possessing a sawn-off shotgun with intent to commit murder. Both men, who have addresses in Monagh Drive, were handed life sentences following the unanimous verdicts. Judge Geoffrey Miller QC told them: "You have each been convicted by a jury of the charge of murder, and there is only one sentence this court can pass upon you, and that is one of life imprisonment." Judge Miller told them that a sentence hearing will take place next month to determine the minimum time they will spend in prison before they are considered eligible for release. Francis Smith (42) - who was acquitted of murder - was convicted of four other offences arising from Mr Carson's murder after the murder weapon and cartridges were found in a holdall in a wardrobe in his flat 25 hours after the fatal shooting. These charges include assisting offenders by allowing his premises to be used for the storing of firearms and ammunition used in the course of murder, and possessing both the shotgun and ammunition in suspicious circumstances. Despite pointing out that Francis Smith has been on bail for some time, his barrister was informed by Judge Miller that a custodial sentence was "inevitable" and he was remanded in custody. Describing the trial as "lengthy, harrowing and one fraught with a lot of emotion", the seven men and five women of the jury were thanked then discharged by the judge after their unanimous verdicts were delivered. Earlier, Judge Miller had addressed the families and friends of Mr Carson and the Smiths as they sat in the public gallery divided by police officers. Judge Miller warned that any outbursts would not be tolerated, and would prompt him to clear the court. As the first guilty verdict was passed, Mr Carson's mother and fiancee started to cry. As the rest of the verdicts were passed, there was little reaction from the public gallery. However, after both the judge and jury left the court, and as the three Smith cousins were being handcuffed and led from the dock, the families of the deceased and the accused became involved in a heated verbal altercation, and had to be kept apart by police officers. As she was leaving court, Mr Carson's mother Bernadette Murphy, who gave evidence in the trial, said that while she was happy with the verdict, it would not bring her son back. She also said her son was missed every day, and that the pain of his loss got harder every day. Michael, David and Francis Smith were told a sentence hearing will be held on December 20. When the trio were arrested in the days after Mr Carson's murder, all three refused to answer police questions. During the trial, the only defendant to give evidence was David Smith, who repeatedly denied he had anything to do with the shotgun murder. However, it was the Crown's case that the motive for Mr Carson's murder dated back to a violent incident in Turf Lodge in 2010, when Michael Smith sustained a significant wound to his arm. Involved in this altercation were Mr Carson, Kieran McManus and a third man. Mr McManus (26) was shot dead outside a Domino's Pizza in west Belfast in March 2013, while Mr Carson was shot in his home in the Ormeau area three years later. During the trial, the jury heard the final 999 call made by Mr Carson from the downstairs bathroom before he was shot in the head. They also heard evidence from his fiancee and son who were at home when two men burst into their living room. After demanding to know where Mr Carson was, the gunman - who the Crown said was Michael Smith - walked through the kitchen to the bathroom, where he fired a single shot through the door at close range. While this was going on a second intruder, who the Crown said was David Smith, stayed in the living room with Mr Carson's fiancee and son. As soon as she heard her son had been shot, Mr Carson's mother blamed the Smith family and said at the hospital that night "they said they would get him and they did". The leader of the Catholic Church in Ireland is to preach at St Anne's Cathedral in Belfast on Sunday to commemorate the centenary of the First World War Armistice. It is the first time a Catholic Primate will have spoken at such an event at the Church of Ireland cathedral. Archbishop Dr Eamon Martin will be joined by Church of Ireland Primate Dr Richard Clarke, Presbyterian Moderator Dr Charles McMullen and Methodist President Rev Bill Davison. The televised service will be led by Dean of Belfast Stephen Forde. It's understood the order of service will contain a message from Tanaiste Simon Coveney, who will refer to the greater sensitivity now shown in Ireland to the once-divisive issue of the Great War. Belfast-born poet Michael Longley will read his acclaimed work Ceasefire. Attendance is by invitation only, and the service will be broadcast live on BBC One Northern Ireland and Radio Ulster. It will follow the traditional Evensong format, led by the choir of St Anne's and members of the Ulster Orchestra. The service will provide a moment of reflection rather than an Act of Remembrance, and instead of laying wreaths, volumes of Ireland's Memorial Records will be laid at a field altar. The service is due to end at around 4.45pm, when a lantern will be carried out from the cathedral in commemoration of the fallen. It will be the last major commemoration of the First World War. It will take place at the same time as services in Dublin, Glasgow and Cardiff. Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, chairman of the Northern Ireland World War One Centenary Committee, which planned the service with St Anne's, said yesterday: "Ulstermen and Irishmen have been remembered in all the places they fell. "There have been special moments that not long ago would have been unthinkable, such as royal princes and dukes paying respect to Ireland's dead, and Irish Defence Forces pipers playing at Belfast City Cenotaph. "Far from being purely symbolic, a deeper understanding, tolerance and respect has flowed from these events. Relationships have been built that have already proven their worth, and will last. "No one's unionism or nationalism is diminished as a result." Dean Forde said: "When the Armistice was signed it is said that not a single family in these islands was untouched by personal grief, expressed in the silence of mourning, and the silence of the soldiers who would not speak of the horrors they had endured. In this unique and special service, we will both remember the loss, but also lay hold of the hope which those who suffered and died in the Great War held. Our greatest tribute 100 years later will be to succeed in that ambition for peace. "There could be no greater way by which we can declare: 'We will remember them'." A man who headbutted a police officer during an arrest will be jailed if he offends again in the next six months, a judge warned today. Richard Mailey had his sentencing deferred to see if he can co-operate with probation authorities. Belfast Magistrates' Court also heard the 24-year-old is attempting to make changes to his life after surviving an unrelated shooting incident. Mailey, with an address at Tullybrannigan Road in Newcastle, Co Down, appeared in the dock over an assault on police committed on August 31. A prosecution lawyer said the PSNI went to the defendant's home amid concerns for his welfare, but then detained him for a suspected breach of bail conditions. As handcuffs were being applied he head-butted an officer, causing swelling and pain to his cheekbone and eye socket, the court was told. Mailey's solicitor said: "He has no recollection of the events at all." District Judge Fiona Bagnall heard the defendant has misused substances in the past. She was also shown newspaper photographs of injuries sustained by Mailey in the shooting incident. He is now trying to make changes to his life, his lawyer added. Consenting to the proposal for sentencing to be deferred for six months, Mrs Bagnall insisted Mailey must fully cooperate with probation and commit no further offences. She warned: "If he breaches either of those terms then he will go into custody." DUP leader Arlene Foster has hit out at Prime Minister Theresa May after receiving a five-page letter outlining her current position on Brexit negotiations. After receiving the letter, which was leaked to The Times, Mrs Foster told the newspaper that it appeared that Mrs May was "wedded to the idea of a border down the Irish Sea". Read More In the letter the Prime Minister wrote that the European Union wants a 'backstop to the backstop' written into any Brexit withdrawal deal. Mrs May wrote that she would never agree to anything that separated Northern Ireland from the rest of the United Kingdom. The Prime Minister wrote that she would "not expect regulations to diverge between Great Britain and Northern Ireland during a backstop scenario". Any 'backstop' would mean Northern Ireland remaining in the European Union's single market and customs union in the event of a no-deal Brexit. The plan is intended to prevent a hard border on the island of Ireland. The UK has proposed that the whole of the UK could stay in the EU customs union for a time limited period. However the EU and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar have been adamant that any backstop could not be time limited, and must remain in place until Brexit issues are fully resolved. A 'backstop to the backstop' would involve only Northern Ireland remaining tied to the EU in the event that an agreement could not be reached within the time limited period, effectively separating Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK. Expand Close Prime Minister Theresa May (left) and Arlene Foster. (Clodagh Kilcoyne/AP) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Prime Minister Theresa May (left) and Arlene Foster. (Clodagh Kilcoyne/AP) It has been interpreted that the letter from Mrs May suggests that a customs border in the Irish Sea, as a result of the 'backstop to the backstop', will be included in the withdrawal negotiations in the event of a no-deal Brexit. The DUP has been adamant that any Brexit plan involving a border in the Irish Sea would be unacceptable. Mrs Foster told The Times that the letter "raised alarm bells for those who value the integrity of our precious union and for those who want a proper Brexit for the whole of the UK". "From her letter, it appears the Prime Minister is wedded to the idea of a border down the Irish Sea with Northern Ireland in the EU single regulatory regime," the Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA said. The Prime Minister currently relies on ten DUP MPs to help her pass key legislation at Westminster through a confidence and supply agreement. In her letter Mrs May wrote that the backstop was "an insurance policy that no-one in the UK or the EU wants or expects to use" and that it would not last indefinetly. The Prime Minister wrote that she would "not accept there being any circumstances or conditions in which that 'backstop to the backstop', which would break up the UK customs territory, could come in to force." "That is why it is critical that the provision for a UK-EU joint customs territory is legally binding in the Withdrawal Agreement itself, so that no backstop to a backstop is required," Mrs May wrote. A Downing Street spokesman told The Times that the Prime Minister would not agree to anything that separates Northern Ireland from the rest of the United Kingdom. "The Prime Minister's letter sets out her commitment, which she has been absolutely clear about on any number of occasions, to never accepting any circumstances in which the UK is divided into two customs territories," the spokesperson said. "The Government will not agree anything that brings about a hard border on the island of Ireland." The Assembly's Speaker was a director of an east Belfast charity awarded 1m by the Social Investment Fund (SIF) while he sat on a steering group that selected which projects would receive funding, it can be revealed. DUP MLA Robin Newton is a former director of charity Landmark East, which owns the Bryson Street site on which the Bridges Family Practice doctor's surgery is now located. The SIF handed over 1m for the redevelopment of the previously derelict site into a purpose-built community health centre, while Landmark East contributed around 200,000. However, the funding arrangement was criticised by a Northern Ireland Audit Office (NIAO) report, after the GPs who operate from the site entered into a 25-year lease with Landmark East. The Health and Social Care Board agreed to fund the annual lease costs of 90,000. Over the life of the lease this will equate to 2.25m, which the NIAO report says "does not represent value for money" and means "the public purse paid to construct an asset for which it is now paying rent". Yesterday UUP leader Robin Swann wrote to the chair of Westminster's Public Accounts Committee Meg Hillier asking her to investigate the 93m SIF, which has been criticised by Northern Ireland's spending watchdog for "significant failings", including conflicts of interest. The Executive Office said Mr Newton was one of four politicians on the east Belfast steering group, along with four from the voluntary and community sector and one statutory representative. They selected projects to be allocated funding. The Executive Office confirmed that Mr Newton had "not declared any conflicts on the conflict of interest register when the final project selection was made for the area plan" in February 2013, and that he only declared a conflict of interest in respect of Bryson Street and Landmark East a year-and-a-half later, on August 28, 2014. Earlier in the day Mr Newton appeared uncertain over whether he had been a director of Landmark East at the time the 1m funding was awarded, despite Companies House records showing he served as a director for a decade, from November 22, 2006 until November 30, 2016. Expand Close Speaker Robin Newton / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Speaker Robin Newton "Is that right? If I was, I was," he said. Mr Newton also seemed unsure about whether he had been a member of the steering group involved in selecting Landmark East. "I don't remember whether I was at that time or not," he said. "If I was I didn't see it as a conflict of interest at that time." Asked if he believed the project represented value for money for the public purse, Mr Newton stated: "Whatever the arrangements were agreed with all the parties taking part in it, I'm sure that they were all well aware of what the arrangements were. I certainly know that the impact that project made within that area was an extremely positive impact." Landmark East is owned by the EastSide Partnership. Chief executive of EastSide Partnership and Landmark East Maurice Kinkead said that "no one who was on the steering group was there on behalf of the charity". "We didn't have any direct contact with the steering group," he said. Mr Kinkead said his group had initially "taken a decision as a partnership not to seek SIF funding" so other projects could benefit, but were approached by a consultant asking if they had any projects which might meet SIF criteria. "I then said the doctor's surgery would absolutely meet that. They came back and said they might be prepared to offer 1m," he added. "That surgery serves both communities, Short Strand and Lower Newtownards Road. You have an amazing facility right in one of the most disadvantaged parts of Belfast. The NIAO report isn't really looking at the end benefit to the community." The HSCB said: "Under the General Medical Services contract arrangements, GP practices, which are independent contractors, are entitled to apply to the HSCB for reimbursement of recurring premises costs. "This request is considered in line with the current GMS premises costs directions." The DUP said SIF steering group membership was a "matter of public record" and Landmark East is a "not-for-profit company established to deliver similar aims to the Social Investment Fund; namely regeneration in areas of deprivation". He added: "The NIAO report into the SIF has raised a number of issues and put forward recommendations which must be acted upon to ensure such problems do not arise in the future." Mr Swann said the report into SIF and evidence given to the RHI Inquiry "paints a disgraceful picture of systemic failures in the DUP/Sinn Fein Executive". "I have asked Meg Hillier MP to instigate an inquiry into the SIF as part of her committee's work schedule," he said. UUP MLA Mike Nesbitt also called on Sinn Fein to apologise for their role in the SIF. "They were front and centre of it alongside their DUP partners in government," he said. Last year BBC NI's Spotlight programme alleged Mr Newton misled the Assembly about the exact nature of his role within ex-prisoners' organisation Charter NI, whose former chief executive Dee Stitt has been linked to the UDA. Mr Newton rejected the claims, but said he would not seek re-election as Speaker. The east Belfast SIF steering group on which Mr Newton sat awarded Charter NI a 1.7m contract. In October 2016 he blocked an urgent Assembly question on the awarding of funding to the charity without revealing his role. He later apologised for this. A former Dean of St Anne's Cathedral in Belfast has rejected claims by Presbyterian minister Rev David Latimer that he had been barred from preaching at a thanksgiving service marking the return of soldiers from Afghanistan. In his new book A Leap Of Faith, launched this week, Rev Latimer, who had served as an Army chaplain in Camp Bastion in Afghanistan, told of the humiliation he felt when he was prevented from speaking at the service. Rev Latimer claimed he was banned from joining other clergy in a procession at the service because he was wearing his combat uniform instead of ecclesiastical dress. The Very Rev Dr Houston McKelvey, who was Dean of St Anne's at the time of the thanksgiving service in 2008, told the Belfast Telegraph last night that no invitation had ever been issued to Rev Latimer to preach at the service, as that was the role of the Dean. "My recollection is different," Dr McKelvey said. "The decisions regarding the service were taken while the unit was still in Afghanistan. "The arrangements for the service were made between myself and those who were responsible from the unit. We had a couple of services for units returning, and I'm pretty certain that I preached at both of them. "I think what may be pertinent is that I was also a reservist chaplain with 30 years experience, recognised by the award of the Territorial Declaration and the Queen's Volunteer Reserve medal. "I also felt that it was important that the people who returned home, including the chaplain, were thanked by someone outside their unit. I am not prepared to comment on Rev Latimer's observations. "I would beg to differ, and I'm not going further than that." Dr McKelvey said that the service went "exceptionally well" and that many expressions of thanks came in to St Anne's Cathedral afterwards. The service was for a specialist medical unit, the 204 (North Irish) Field Hospital. Most of the people who served in it were NHS professionals, according to the Dean. "I felt that the job that they did was worthy of public recognition, and a public 'thank you' from the Dean," Dr McKelvey said. "It is a matter of fact that the Dean of the Cathedral is the person responsible for the worship of the cathedral. No invitation was issued to anyone else to preach, because the Dean decided to preach." Rev Latimer's book also revealed how "there was disquiet back home" in the Army about an article in the Belfast Telegraph. In it, Rev Latimer said after seeing the dead and injured in Helmand, he was "not sure" if he could ever support decisions to send troops into a war again. Last night Rev Latimer said he stood over his account of what happened at the cathedral, describing his experience at St Anne's as "the most hurtful incident of my life". Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, Rev Latimer said he only learned he would not be allowed to preach hours before the service was to begin, when his commanding officer told him so. "The assumption within the unit was that the chaplain would be preaching," Rev Latimer said. "I remember sitting on the bus going from Hydebank down the Ormeau Road and I'm actually nervous, I'm thinking: 'What am I going to this for? Why am I being treated like this?' "As soon as I went through the door the Dean said to me: 'Where are your robes?' "I was humiliated by not being allowed to process with the other clergy. I was treated like a little schoolboy. "After the service the Dean came and invited me to shake hands with people at the door, and I was no more feeling like shaking hands with anybody. I was actually sick inside at the way I was treated in the cathedral. "I was wearing the uniform I wore at repatriation ceremonies in Camp Bastion. That was the dress that I had stood in alongside the broken bodies and hurting people and the traumatised people. It was good enough there. "The uniform that I was wearing was the uniform that all the other soldiers were wearing. It was the most hurtful incident that has ever taken place in my life." Rev Latimer said he had never before spoken publicly about the St Anne's incident. "I've often wanted to reveal the way I was treated, because it was traumatic coming back from a theatre of conflict having been standing beside all those body bags, having been in the operating theatre, and having been in the wards with nearly a thousand injured people... to come back from that and then to be treated the way I was treated. "That wasn't best practice." A Lisburn man who crushed a puppy's skull in a fit of temper because it urinated on the kitchen floor has been jailed for 10 months. Marcus Sarre was ordered to spend six months behind bars for kicking 15-week-old Lilo to death, to be followed by 18 months on supervised licence conditions. Judge Patrick Lynch QC also ordered the 24-year-old to spend a further four months in jail for headbutting his father's former partner. Jailing him at Craigavon Crown Court, the judge said the force Sarre had exerted when he lashed out "must have been extreme" to have caused such severe injuries to the dog. Barring Sarre from keeping any animals for 10 years, Judge Lynch added that "society should show its rejection of animal cruelty" and there must be a "severe penalty" for that activity. At an earlier hearing Sarre, from Avonmore Park, admitted causing unnecessary suffering to Lilo, a crossbreed husky and collie, on April 14 this year. The court heard how, fearing there was a domestic incident, neighbours called police when they heard screaming. Prosecuting counsel Nicola Aurett told the court that when police arrived they saw blood on the hallway with a trail leading them to the bathroom. "The dog was lying dead in the bath with blood all around it," said the lawyer, adding that Sarre, who had "drink taken", admitted kicking the puppy. She told the court that a report from a pathologist who examined the dog's remains said the cause of her death was skull fractures. Arrested and interviewed, Sarre said that he had let the dogs out after he had been away from his home for a short time but his older dog, Polo, defecated on the kitchen floor and he shouted loudly at it. This caused Lilo to urinate on the floor and he kicked it against a kitchen cupboard. Sarre, who was upset during police interviews, told officers Lilo was bleeding from the mouth and was unresponsive so he took her to the bathroom where he tried CPR but without success. Ms Auret submitted it was an aggravating feature that at the time of the incident Sarre was on bail for assault. In that case the court heard that police were called at an address in Lisburn on January 21 last year and found a female sitting in a sofa, crying and bleeding from a swollen nose. The woman, the ex-partner of Sarre's father, said the pair had been drinking when Sarre tried to kiss her but when she pushed him away he headbutted her and then kicked her several times when she fell to the floor. Defence counsel Damien Halloran conceded that both incidents had been "deeply unsavoury". He added that Lilo's death was "almost instantaneous" and while Sarre tried to resuscitate the dog, it was a "futile exercise". The lawyer submitted it had been a "moment of madness" for Sarre to lash out but Lilo's death had left him "completely hysterical, lying on the ground crying". He added that there was no suggestion of cruelty or maltreatment to his other dog Polo, which he had rehomed from a rescue centre five years ago. Mr Halleron revealed that Sarre had been abusing alcohol and drugs and had a difficulty coping with stress "if things didn't go his way", submitting that the judge could impose community service or leave "something hanging over his head". Judge Lynch disagreed, however, and jailed Sarre, who must have known he was in danger of being sent to prison as he had a packed bag with him. For killing Lilo, Sarre was jailed for six months, and the judge imposed four months for causing actual bodily harm, ordering the sentences to be served consecutively. He also disqualified Sarre from looking after animals for 10 years. Jo Johnson has resigned from Theresa Mays Government in protest at her Brexit plan, warning the country faced a choice between vassalage under her proposed deal or the chaos of crashing out of the EU. Mr Johnson quit as transport minister and minister for London in order to vote against the Brexit deal whenever it comes before Parliament and called for the public to be given a second referendum. The senior Tory, who campaigned for Remain, follows his Leave-supporting brother Boris Johnson out of Mrs Mays government. The former foreign secretary quit in July in protest at Mrs Mays handling of Brexit. In a blog explaining his decision, Jo Johnson said: It has become increasingly clear to me that the withdrawal agreement, which is being finalised in Brussels and Whitehall even as I write, will be a terrible mistake. Indeed, the choice being presented to the British people is no choice at all. The first option is the one the Government is proposing: an agreement that will leave our country economically weakened, with no say in the EU rules it must follow and years of uncertainty for business. The second option is a no-deal Brexit that I know as a transport minister will inflict untold damage on our nation. To present the nation with a choice between two deeply unattractive outcomes, vassalage and chaos, is a failure of British statecraft on a scale unseen since the Suez crisis. He added: Given that the reality of Brexit has turned out to be so far from what was once promised, the democratic thing to do is to give the public the final say. Boundless admiration as ever for my brother Jo. We may not have agreed about brexit but we are united in dismay at the intellectually and politically indefensible of the UK position 1/2 https://t.co/QI4tMpLecc Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) November 9, 2018 Mr Johnson said: We are barrelling towards an incoherent Brexit that is going to leave us trapped in a subordinate relationship to the EU. With no say over the rules that will govern huge swathes of our economy. Boris Johnson backed his brothers decision, saying: We may not have agreed about Brexit but we are united in dismay at the intellectually and politically indefensible of the UK position. Jo Johnson acknowledged that the Brexit negotiations have at least united us in fraternal dismay. He said that the terms of the Brexit deal being discussed with the EU would mean deciding key issues in the future relationship being put off while the UK is kept in a boundless transitionary period. This is a con on the British people: there is no evidence that the kind of Brexit that weve failed to negotiate while we are still members can be magically agreed once the UK has lost its seat at the table. He acknowledged that a no-deal Brexit could result in Kent becoming the Lorry Park of England, with real questions about guaranteeing supplies of food and medicines. But even a no-deal Brexit may well be better than the never-ending purgatory that Mrs Mays plan would offer. However, in a pointed message to his brother and other Brexiteers, he said: Inflicting such serious economic and political harm on the country will leave an indelible impression of incompetence in the minds of the public. It cannot be what you wanted nor did the 2016 referendum provide any mandate for it. He said the public should be asked to confirm their decision to leave the EU and, if they choose to do that, whether to accept Mrs Mays plan or leave without a deal. A Downing Street spokesman said: The referendum in 2016 was the biggest democratic exercise in this countrys history. We will not under any circumstances have a second referendum. The Prime Minister thanks Jo Johnson for his work in Government. Asked if more ministers would resign, Mark Francois, a prominent member of the pro-Brexit European Research Group of Tory MPs, told the BBC: I think in the current situation, we cant rule it out. When we get the final deal, and it feels like thats not very far away, Cabinet ministers will have to look into their hearts and see whether or not they feel they can support it. And, if they cant, because they believe its a bad deal for the country, then, honourably, they would have to resign. Mr Johnsons resignation came just hours after Mrs Mays de facto deputy said he hoped a deal would result in a new dynamic at Westminster, with MPs rallying behind the Prime Minister. David Lidington said a UK-EU deal would involve compromises, give and take on all sides but when faced with product on the table in the form of an agreement backed by all 28 governments there could be a shift in attitude at Westminster. I hope and I believe that we can secure that majority in Parliament for the agreement, he said. Hopes of an imminent breakthrough in the Brexit negotiations have so far failed to be met. But both Mr Lidington and Irelands Leo Varadkar suggested a deal could be reached between the UK and EU in the coming weeks. The Taoiseach said: A successful outcome is not guaranteed but I think it is possible in the next couple of weeks. The PMs letter raises alarm bells for those who value the integrity of our precious union & for those who want a proper Brexit for the whole UK. From her letter, it appears the PM is wedded to the idea of a border down the Irish Sea with NI in the EU SM regulatory regime. https://t.co/qN6c41zx7U Arlene Foster #WeWillMeetAgain (@ArleneFosterUK) November 9, 2018 But the fragile alliance keeping Mrs May in power has been strained as the Democratic Unionist Party railed against measures it fears will create a border down the Irish Sea between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK. DUP leader Arlene Foster said the Prime Minister appeared wedded to the idea of a border down the Irish Sea despite Downing Streets repeated assurances to the contrary. Norah Cahoon at the grave of her brothers Kenneth and Mark A Ballymena woman has slammed a series of sickening attacks on the grave of her brothers and called on ghoulish vandals to let them "rest in peace". Norah Cahoon (59) hit out after another attack on the grave Ken and Mark McPeake at Ballee Cemetery in the town. In the latest incident, believed to have happened on Tuesday, the headstone was damaged and flowers were uprooted and scattered. Norah believes a flowerpot plinth was lobbed at the headstone, which knocked out chunks of stone and damaged a photo of one of her brothers. She said: "Whoever is doing this, they are not hurting Ken and Mark but our family, and if they have any beef they should approach us and let us know what this is all about, instead of desecrating a grave. "Can they just not let them rest in peace? "This is heartbreaking for our family." Norah said the first incident happened last Christmas when flowers were scattered, and the second incident was during the summer when pots were taken from the grave and the flower plinth was thrown against the nearby cemetery wall. Ken was 30 when, along with another person, he died in a fire in Ballymena in 1994. Mark was 51 when he passed away in tragic circumstances in 2017 in the Drumtara estate along with a friend after a suspected drinking binge. Norah said he was an alcoholic but that even if someone had some grudge against him or his brother, it was beneath contempt to attack a grave. She said she believes lights and CCTV cameras are needed at the cemetery. Mid and East Antrim Borough Council said: "This was a deplorable incident and we appeal to anybody with information regarding this crime to contact police. "Council staff and the family have carried out repairs at the grave, including reinstating the surround and flowers. Minor damage to the headstone remains." Police described the latest incident as a "despicable attack" and appealed for information. A Lurgan man is to go on trial for animal cruelty after he denied beating a puppy to death with a hammer. Kyle Keegan entered not guilty pleas to the two charges against him when he appeared at Craigavon Crown Court yesterday. Keegan, who was neatly dressed in a white shirt and tie, is charged with causing unnecessary suffering to Sparky the puppy on February 3 this year. The 23-year-old, from Gilpins Manor in Lurgan, is also accused of criminal damage to the dog in that "without lawful excuse (he) destroyed a cross-breed puppy named Sparky... (was) intending to destroy such property or being reckless as to whether such property would be destroyed or damaged." Previous courts have heard how the bloodied remains of the 12-week-old pup were uncovered in a bin in Ailsbury Park in Lurgan after a house party. An initial post-mortem on the pup's remains revealed how Sparky had sustained a number of fractures as well as severe brain trauma. At one stage there had been allegations that Sparky was put into a microwave, but despite sending tissue samples to Scotland for analysis, no evidence of that has been forthcoming to date. Previous courts have also heard that as well as the forensic aspect of the investigation, police conducted enquiries with social media outlets after the incident was allegedly broadcast online. Following Keegan's denial today yesterday, defence barrister Barry McKenna said two expert reports would be required. He didn't have a timeframe for when they would be available, adding that he did not think matters would ready until a few weeks' time. Prosecuting counsel Nicola Auret told Judge Patrick Lynch QC the PPS were ready to go to trial and asked the defence to look at agreeing witnesses. Keegan was freed on continuing bail and Judge Lynch said he would review the case next Wednesday. Arlene Foster has urged the Prime Minister to reflect on her Brexit stance as she warned that the DUP will oppose her current proposals if they go to a parliamentary vote. The DUP leader said no unionist could back Theresa Mays apparent advocacy of a withdrawal treaty that includes a Northern Ireland specific backstop measure to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland. In a letter to the DUP, which was leaked to the media, Mrs May insisted such a backstop would never come into force. Mrs Foster said her party was fundamentally opposed to any divorce deal that saw Northern Ireland operate under a different regulatory arrangement to the rest of the UK. It's not a question of trusting the Prime Minister, it is a question of what her proposals are for exiting the European UnionDUP leader Arlene Foster Stormonts former first minister insisted there were many others in the Conservative Party who could also not support the Prime Ministers proposals. We would not be able to support this if it came to Parliament in the form that it is in the letter, the DUP leader said. There are stages to go through before it comes to Parliament. She still has to have a cabinet meeting in relation to this matter and we believe there is a chance for her to reflect on the fact we will not be able to support it in its current form. In an interview with the BBC, Mrs Foster was asked did she trust the Prime Minister. The DUP leader replied: Its not a question of trusting the Prime Minister, it is a question of what her proposals are for exiting the European Union. She has sent us where she believes she is currently at, and remember this is before she goes to Brussels to negotiate with them on what they believe is possible, but currently, as it stands, we could not support her proposals. 2/2 1st November 2018 letter from Arlene Foster @DUPleader & Nigel @NigelDoddsDUP to the Prime Minister. "It is vital for both NI & the entire UK that if agreement is reached, it must be clear and must not risk opening divergence within the UK for generations to come." pic.twitter.com/gCcvp01p8O DUP (@duponline) November 9, 2018 Mrs Foster added: Not only would we not be able to support what she has said to us but there are many others who would not be able to support it in her own party as well. She denied her partys confidence and supply deal with the Tories was on shaky ground. I dont think it leaves it on shaky ground because of course the confidence and supply agreement was entered into at a time of great national instability, we wanted to see stability in the Government at that time and we also wanted to deliver on a Brexit vote that had been taken. We dont believe that the Prime Ministers letter shows that we are delivering on that Brexit vote, so we will have to revisit all of that if this goes to a meaningful vote. She said the DUP would be asking for clarification of Mrs Mays intentions in further correspondence being sent to Downing Street on Friday night. The head of the Armed Forces has said he feels "uncomfortable" at the prospect of being investigated as part of the Troubles probe. General Sir Nick Carter, Chief of the Defence Staff, acknowledged his multiple tours in Northern Ireland but added that it was for politicians to decide what to do with the process examining the region's past. Conservative MPs have led the opposition against British veterans facing potential legal action for events linked to the Troubles. In July, more than 30 of them supported a backbench proposal for a 20-year time limit on reopening cases involving former members of the Armed Forces who served here. Prime Minister Theresa May has labelled the existing investigation system as "flawed" due to its "disproportionate focus" on former members of the Armed Forces and police, with a consultation on dealing with legacy issues recently closing. More than 3,600 people were killed as a result of the Troubles. Sir Nick, in an interview with The House magazine, said: "As a military officer who's done multiple tours in Northern Ireland, I am uncomfortable with the prospect of being investigated. "But this is a political issue and is, therefore, something that the politicians have to deal with. "And of course, it's associated with the peace process. Again, it's a political issue." Sir Nick also addressed the difficulties experienced by veterans after returning from service, noting: "I feel it myself. Not a day goes by when I don't think of the 375 people who died under my command in southern Afghanistan in 2010. But I'm fortunate that I've got people I can talk to about it still." Agreement on a Brexit deal with Brussels will create a new dynamic in Parliament which would help secure support for Theresa Mays plans, a key ally of the Prime Minister has claimed. The fragile alliance keeping the Prime Minister in power has been strained as the Democratic Unionist Party railed against measures it fears will create a border down the Irish Sea between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK. But David Lidington, Mrs Mays de facto deputy prime minister, said he hoped that once a deal was on the table MPs would rally behind it. The PMs letter raises alarm bells for those who value the integrity of our precious union & for those who want a proper Brexit for the whole UK. From her letter, it appears the PM is wedded to the idea of a border down the Irish Sea with NI in the EU SM regulatory regime. https://t.co/qN6c41zx7U Arlene Foster #WeWillMeetAgain (@ArleneFosterUK) November 9, 2018 Hopes of an imminent breakthrough in the Brexit negotiations have so far failed to be met. But both Mr Lidington and Irelands Leo Varadkar suggested a deal could be reached between the UK and EU in the coming weeks. The Taoiseach said: A successful outcome is not guaranteed but I think it is possible in the next couple of weeks. Expand Close Leo Varadkar said a deal could be done in the next few weeks but lots of things can go wrong (Peter Byrne/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Leo Varadkar said a deal could be done in the next few weeks but lots of things can go wrong (Peter Byrne/PA) Tensions between Mrs May and her DUP allies have been exposed amid concerns about measures aimed at avoiding a hard border on the island of Ireland. DUP leader Arlene Foster said the Prime Minister appeared wedded to the idea of a border down the Irish Sea despite Downing Streets repeated assurances to the contrary. The response of the DUP has caused frustration in Downing Street, with sources insisting that Mrs May was not hiding behind weasel words and had stressed that she would not accept a deal which saw Northern Ireland hived off. A leaked letter from the Prime Minister in reply to an earlier message from Mrs Foster and her deputy, Nigel Dodds, set out Mrs Mays approach. She wants a backstop measure which would create a temporary joint customs territory with the EU for the whole of the UK. But Brussels appears set to insist on a Northern Ireland-only backstop to the backstop in case negotiations on a wider UK approach break down or any time limit on it expires. Expand Close (PA Graphics) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp (PA Graphics) In the letter, obtained by the Times, Mrs May said: I am clear that I could not accept there being any circumstances or conditions in which that backstop to the backstop, which would break up the UK customs territory, could come in to force. But she acknowledged that the unique circumstances of Northern Ireland could require specific alignment solutions in some scenarios on regulations. The scope of any alignment with Brussels rules would be limited to what is strictly necessary to avoid a hard border. The DUP has interpreted the wording of her letter to mean that specific Northern Ireland measures will be contained in the Brexit divorce deal despite Mrs Mays assurances. Expand Close Theresa May depends on the 10 MPs from Arlene Fosters DUP to support her minority administration (Clodagh Kilcoyne/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Theresa May depends on the 10 MPs from Arlene Fosters DUP to support her minority administration (Clodagh Kilcoyne/PA) Mrs Foster said: It appears the Prime Minister is wedded to the idea of a border down the Irish Sea with Northern Ireland in the EU single market regulatory regime. Our position has always been and remains that we will not support arrangements that leave Northern Ireland separated from the rest of the United Kingdom and tied to the European Unions customs or regulatory regimes. https://t.co/J8ywSuhK8c Nigel Dodds (@NigelDoddsDUP) November 9, 2018 DUP Brexit spokesman Sammy Wilson told BBC Radio 4s Today programme we want to trust the Prime Minister but you have to judge any promise by what is actually delivered in an agreement. The partys Westminster leader, Mr Dodds, warned on Sky News: I think the Prime Minister will hopefully realise what can be got through parliament and what cant. Any version of the backstop would apply unless and until a wider UK-EU deal on the future relationship solved the issue of how to avoid a hard border with Ireland. The Prime Minister relies on the support of the DUPs 10 MPs for her Commons majority, votes which will be crucial as she attempts to get a deal through Parliament. At the British-Irish Council summit in the Isle of Man, Mr Lidington said: The Prime Minister has always been very clear we wont accept something that involves carving out Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK. He said a UK-EU deal would involve compromises, give and take on all sides but when faced with product on the table in the form of an agreement backed by all 28 governments there could be a shift in attitude at Westminster. People will need to ask themselves what is it that is going to be in the best interests of those who sent them to Westminster to represent them, to ensure that we maintain living standards and investment and prosperity and employment in our country. I hope and I believe that we can secure that majority in Parliament for the agreement. Mr Varadkar, who was also at the Isle of Man summit, said it is more likely than not that we will be able to conclude an agreement in the coming weeks but lots of things can go wrong including having to get a deal through Westminster and the European Parliament. Even when all of that is done, then we begin the talks on the future relationship, he added. There is no clean break here, Brexit is going to go on for a very long time. Poppies in the Field of Remembrance in the grounds of Canterbury Cathedral (Gareth Fuller/PA) Millions of people will fall silent this weekend to mark 100 years since the end of the First World War. A series of events will take place up and down the nation for the centenary of the Armistice. The Queen and senior members of the royal family will attend the annual Festival of Remembrance at Londons Royal Albert Hall on Saturday night, which will commemorate all those who have lost their lives in conflicts. Expand Close The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh attend the annual Royal Festival of Remembrance at Londons Royal Albert Hall (Victoria Jones/PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh attend the annual Royal Festival of Remembrance at Londons Royal Albert Hall (Victoria Jones/PA) On Sunday, the Prince of Wales will once again lead the nation in honouring the countrys war dead during the national service of remembrance. The Queen has asked Charles to lay a wreath at the Cenotaph in Whitehall on her behalf the second successive year he will perform the duty. During the cenotaph event, the Queen will watch the service from the balcony of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office building, as she did last year. Expand Close The Queen watches from a balcony at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office as the Prince of Wales lays a wreath at the Cenotaph in Whitehall (Dominic Lipinski/PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Queen watches from a balcony at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office as the Prince of Wales lays a wreath at the Cenotaph in Whitehall (Dominic Lipinski/PA) After Charles has laid a wreath on behalf of the Queen, other floral tributes will be left by members of the royal family, senior figures from the Government, including Prime Minister Theresa May, and opposition party leaders and other figures from national life. For the first time, a German leader will lay a wreath at the Cenotaph, with President Frank-Walter Steinmeier performing the duty on behalf of his nation in a historic act of reconciliation. After the service, 10,000 people, chosen by ballot, will have the opportunity to pay their respects to all those who served in the First World War by taking part in the Nations Thank You procession past the Cenotaph. During the day, church and other bells will ring out as they did at the end of the First World War and a Westminster Abbey service will be held along with others in Glasgow, Cardiff and Belfast, to give thanks for peace and those who returned. Expand Close Westminster Abbey, where the Field of Remembrance has been organised by the Poppy Factory and held in the grounds since November 1928 (Kirsty OConnor/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Westminster Abbey, where the Field of Remembrance has been organised by the Poppy Factory and held in the grounds since November 1928 (Kirsty OConnor/PA) In the evening the Queen, Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Duke and Duchess of Sussex will attend the Abbey service. Battles Over, a series of hundreds of local events to mark the centenary of the Armistice, will also take place on November 11. Pipers will play, beacons will be lit and church bells will ring in all corners of the UK and around the world as communities pay tribute to the First World War fallen. Described as a nations tribute, Battles Over has been in the planning for four years and will see hundreds of locally-organised events mark the centenary. The National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire will again be a focus of reflection, with up to 6,000 people expected to gather. While appealing for information, the PSNI revealed that a second vehicle, a white van, was damaged in the same car park the following day (stock photo) A Co Armagh nurse says she was "shocked and very upset" after her car was damaged in a car park at Craigavon Area Hospital and a note left branding her a "c**p selfish parker". Ciara Mallon returned to her vehicle last Monday night after a 13-hour shift in the hospital's A&E department, to find the nasty note on her Vauxhall Astra. She also found her car had been scratched with a key the whole way down one side in an attack the PSNI have called "disgusting". The Southern Health and Social Care Trust says that it will now be running awareness sessions for staff, patients and visitors at both Craigavon Area and Daisy Hill hospitals. After sharing details on social media, Ciara received a wave of public sympathy and said she felt "heartened" by the kind words of support she received. And she hit back at whoever damaged her car, saying: "Sorry that I wasn't overly concerned about my one wheel over the parking line at 7.30am when it was 0 degrees and I was exhausted. Scumbag." She added: "I was shocked and very upset. Nothing like this has ever happened me before, but I don't know about whether it's happened in the car park before. "I never expected so many people to share it (the Facebook post) and support it." Ciara doesn't yet know the cost of the damage to her vehicle, but she has posted a video which shows the deep scrape, possibly caused by a key, running from the driver's door to the fuel cap. A PSNI spokesman said: "Someone had scraped the entire driver's side of her car, a blue Vauxhall Astra, from the fuel cap to the driver's door. Someone had also left a note saying 'c**p selfish parker'." "Let that sink in for a moment. A nurse, whose job is literally life saving, had her car keyed, apparently due to someone taking exception to her parking. Disgusting, and not something that anyone with any information about it should stand for." While appealing for information, the PSNI revealed that a second vehicle, a white van, was damaged in the same car park the following day. They said: "Workmen - on site trying to make services even better for everyone - had their van damaged. The white VW Transporter had the rear door forced between 1.30pm and 2.30pm. "An attack on either is an attack on all of us, and should never be tolerated," said the PSNI. A spokesman for the Southern Trust said: "We are very concerned about the recent vandalism to vehicles on the Craigavon Area Hospital site and have been working with the PSNI to investigate these incidents. "Security is a priority around the site. We continue to remind staff and contractors of how to improve their own personal security and have arranged for PSNI to come to both Craigavon and Daisy Hill hospitals to host awareness sessions with staff, patients and visitors." One of Londonderry's main streets is to be closed for the filming of hit Channel 4 comedy Derry Girls despite objections from business owners objecting. There will be a temporary road closure on Abercorn Road on November 14, and Shipquay Street and Shipquay Place - one of the main thoroughfares in the city - on November 15 and 16. The first series of Derry Girls was broadcast earlier this year, drawing millions of viewers, widespread acclaim and a string of awards. Filming is ongoing for the second series and the cast and crew have been working on location in Belfast and Ballymena. Read More After the initial application for the closures was made a number of traders objected. Eight traders from the Shipquay Street/ Shipquay Place area signed a letter stating their concerns to the council. In the letter, the traders - whose names are not listed - said: "We are already in extremely difficult trading conditions and this would be an unreasonable burden at any time and more so at the start of the Christmas trading. "... this is because we believe that the decision to close Shipquay Street, a main shopping area for the town, during trading hours, is unreasonable and the council is acting Ultra Vires [a Latin expression meaning 'beyond one's legal power'] in making this decision." In a statement, a spokeswoman for Derry and Strabane District Council confirmed the closures would be approved after being discussed at a special meeting of the council's Health and Communities Committee on Thursday. Read More DUP Alderman Hillary McClintock, who was present at the meeting, said while the concerns of traders should be listened to, it was a case that "the benefits outweighed the difficulties". "We feel that on balance, we do very much take the concerns of the traders into account, they are going to benefit from the increased footfall in the area," she said. Mrs McClintock said measures would be taken to ensure public transport was operational during filming, and information was available to the public about any changes to services. Read More SDLP councillor Brian Tierney, who seconded the motion to allow for the road closures, added: "I think everyone can see the benefits that other parts of the north have with having productions filmed in their locations. This message sends out a message to production companies across the world that Derry and Strabane is open for this kind of business." A spokesperson for Channel 4 said: "The production team have worked closely with the local council to secure all necessary approvals required for filming the series and have endeavoured to ensure that the production causes as little inconvenience as possible for local residents and traders. "Production and Channel 4 are very grateful for all the help and support received so far on the new series." To facilitate filming a temporary stop-and-go system will be in place on Abercorn Road/Junction with Lower Bennett Street on 14 November between 5 and 7pm, with a full road closure on Shipquay Street from 9.15 am to 16.00 pm on Thursday 15 November, and a temporary stop-and-go traffic system that will operate from 08.30 am to 5.00pm on Friday 16 November. After the passing of new legislation last year, Derry and Strabane District Council have the power to restrict access to public roads for purposes of holding 'special events'. A Co Antrim teenager has been charged with raping a schoolgirl, it has emerged. The youth, who is not being named, was due to appear before Belfast Magistrates' Court accused of three sexual offences. But when he failed to attend a judge warned that an arrest warrant will be issued if he does not show up for the next listing. The teenager faces counts of rape, inciting a child under 16 to engage in sexual activity, and sexual activity involving penetration. All of three charges involve the same alleged victim and relate to a suspected incident in April 2016 - when the accused was aged 15. His case was listed for a preliminary enquiry hearing to determine if there is a case to answer. A defence lawyer confirmed, however, that his client was not present. Despite the absence of the accused, a detective constable said she could connect him to the charges. Adjourning proceedings for two weeks, District Judge Fiona Bagnall said: "If he's not here on that occasion there will be an arrest warrant." HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have seized an estimated ten tonnes of loose tobacco and 411,000 cigarettes in the Newry area. HMRC officers, accompanied by the Police Service of Northern Ireland, searched a commercial premises in the Newry area on Thursday. The cigarettes and tobacco, believed to be worth an estimated 5 million in lost duty and taxes, were discovered inside the premises, the site of a suspected illicit tobacco factory. The trade in illicit tobacco is unregulated and makes cheaper tobacco more readily available to the young and vulnerable," Steve Tracey, Assistant Director, Fraud Investigation Service, HMRC, said. The sale of illegal tobacco will not be tolerated by us or our partner agencies. Disrupting criminal trade is at the heart of our strategy to clampdown on the illicit tobacco market, which costs the UK around 2.5 billion a year. This is theft from the taxpayer and undermines legitimate traders. We encourage anyone with information about the illegal sale of tobacco to report it online or call the Fraud Hotline on 0800 788 887. Cigarette processing equipment, filters, and packaging were also found on the premises. Investigations into the suspected fraud are ongoing. The son of former Fermanagh billionaire Sean Quinn has warned that someone will be "seriously injured or killed" in ongoing attacks against the company once owned by his family. Sean Quinn junior was speaking out following a recent spate of incidents targeting directors of Quinn Industrial Holdings (QIH) along the Cavan/Fermanagh border. Last month arsonists attacked the home of Tony Lunney, a senior manager, setting light to a car owned by his daughter. The attack followed a similar incident at the home of Dara O'Reilly, QIH's chief financial officer. A number of other violent incidents have taken place, including an arson attack on a tyre factory owned by another senior manager. QIH has said that there has been a "campaign of threats and intimidation against senior management of QIH by persons who had sought the return of Sean Quinn". However, Mr Quinn has repeatedly condemned the attacks against the business. Speaking to The Impartial Reporter newspaper, his son claimed that relations between QIH management and the local community are at an all-time low and he warned of the potential consequences. He said: "As the relationship deteriorates further, it appears to me that it is only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured or killed." Mr Quinn said he has "no idea whatsoever" who is behind the attacks and refuted suggestions that they are being carried out by alleged supporters of his family. He added: "The people that are carrying out these criminal acts are not doing it in the best interests of the Quinn family." Mr Quinn Snr made billions as the businessman behind construction firm Quinn Group, and was once considered the richest man in Ireland. But the Quinns were ousted from their empire by the former Anglo Irish Bank after a massive gamble on the bank's share price. Last August, Mr Quinn Snr told a public meeting that he had been treated deplorably, insisting he was the best man to "sort out" QIH, lamenting that efforts to get his business back had been thwarted at every turn. However, his son is optimistic that the family will be "vindicated" in their legal dispute with the Irish state. "We know we have made mistakes over the last number of years, but so have others," he said. Police cordoned off the area for hours. Faulty equipment was blamed for an "active shooter" alert at an American high school. Pender County Sheriffs Office said officers responded to reports of an active shooter at Topsail High School in the town of Hampstead at around 7am. All schools in the area were put on lock down and emergency protocols put in place. Captain James Rowell told WECT the school remained an active scene but that there were no reported injuries. WECT reported officials with "bomb squad" on the back of their jackets were at the scene and the area was cordoned off for hours to allow investigators to carry out searches. Parents and students were told to meet at a food store across from the school. Later officials said the incident was caused by a malfunctioning water heater. It was reported a piece of equipment had been malfunctioning over recent days which made a sound like gun fire. It incident comes just a day after a shooting in California. America media reported there have been over 300 mass shooting incidents since the start of the year. Thursday's Thousands Oaks shooting - which claimed the life of 12 people - was the worst the country had seen in 12 days, it was reported. Lee Whelan was jailed for eight months. A serial thief who stole a mobile phone from a workman renovating a barber shop has been jailed for eight months. Lee Whelan took the device valued at 500 after entering the north Belfast business as a customer in March this year. The 22-year-old, of Weavershill Court in the city, also targeted off licences and a convenience store in separate thieving offences. In a further incident he fled without paying a 5 taxi fare in April. Belfast Magistrates' Court heard he admitted charges of theft, burglary, making off without paying, obstructing police and possession of an offensive weapon. Prosecutor Stephanie Boyd set out how he stole two bottles of wine valued at 13.58 from a Spar in September this year. That incident followed a previous series of shoplifting incidents all committed on the same day earlier this year. The court heard he stole two bottles of vodka worth 39 from a Tesco store on the Antrim Road on May 18. Later that day he entered a Wineflair on the Oldpark Road and took alcohol valued at 27. He also stole 12.30 worth of crisps and snacks from a Spar on the Antrim Road. Mrs Boyd said when Whelan was detained by police a metal bar was found up his sleeve. Defence solicitor Ciaran Toner said drug taking was behind all his client's actions. "He was incoherent when arrested," the lawyer submitted. Mr Toner also disclosed that Whelan sustained a brain injury when he fell off a motorbike as a teenager. "From that moment his life took an exceptional course, it's self-destructive behaviour," he added. District Judge Fiona Bagnall responded that all of the thefts, taken together, "isn't going to impress the court". Imposing eight months imprisonment for the phone theft, with lesser terms to run concurrently for the other offences, she said: "I don't see any point in (ordering) compensation." Sinn Fein have nominated three representatives to the Northern Ireland Policing Board with meetings set to resume next month. The party have nominated policing spokesperson Gerry Kelly to the board alongside MLAs Linda Dillon and Phillip McGuigan. Read More Mr Kelly served on the policing board in its previous form. Northern Ireland's Policing Board works to scrutinise the work of the PSNI and engage with the public on policing issues. The board is made up of ten political members who must be MLAs and nine independent members who are appointed. It has not met since the collapse of Stormont in January 2017 which took away the board's legal authority to carry out its work. The Policing Board will resume meeting after a new bill from Secretary of State Karen Bradley was approved in the House of Commons. The Northern Ireland (Executive Formation and Exercise of Functions) Bill gives Northern Ireland's civil servants further decision-making powers in the absence of a power-sharing Executive at Stormont. As part of the bill UK Government ministers will be able to make key public appointments in the absence of Stormont ministers. Expand Close Gerry Kelly / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Gerry Kelly This will apply to the Policing Board and the boards appointment of senior police officers. One of the job's of the new policing board will be appointing a successor for former PSNI Deputy Chief Constable Drew Harris who left the force to become the Republic of Ireland's new garda comissioner. Sinn Fein Vice President Michelle O'Neill said it was welcome news that the body has been restored. The Policing Board is a hugely important mechanism in terms of holding policing to account," the Mid Ulster MLA said. Our partys support for the policing structures is based on transparency and accountability so we welcome the reconstitution of the Policing Board which is now expected to meet in December. Democratic oversight of policing is crucial, particularly in the current context where issues such as Brexit are likely to impact on policing arrangements." Police have blamed the UDA for violent scenes in Larne after officers faced attack from masked men. At around 10.45pm on Wednesday night, police arrived in the Linn Road and Antiville Road areas to find a barricade of burning wheelie bins. Approximately 30-40 masked thugs gathered near a community centre to throw bricks, bottles and fireworks at officers. A petrol bomb was also thrown, but failed to ignite. Fire crews were called to the scene as officers restored order. Superintendent Darrin Jones said he believed the "wanton destruction" was in retaliation for activity by the Paramilitary Crime Task Force (PCTF) last weekend. "My assessment is that this was orchestrated and carried out by a criminal gang coming under the badge of South East Antrim UDA," he said yesterday. No-one was hurt during the clash, but he said the lives of residents had been placed in "grave danger". Supt Jones would only say the PCTF operations over the weekend were "targeting all sorts of criminality" by members of the South East Antrim UDA. No arrests have been made since Wednesday night's attack, but Supt Jones said that a full investigation is underway. "The community can be reassured that we will be there to deal with anything that happens," he said. "Members of the public were in grave danger. At one stage a police Land-Rover actually had to act as a buffer between the gang and a number of people in their cars." He said there was no immediate concern that the disorder would spread to a wider area. He added: "The Linn Road is normally a quiet residential area and this is shocking, it's so reckless to put peoples lives in danger. "People were actually driving into a burning barricade. If someone had been seriously hurt, ambulance crews couldn't have responded." Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson called it "incredibly frightening" for residents. "I value the work the PSNI do on the ground in Larne but we do have a paramilitary task force now and I would call on them to up their game in east Antrim. "It is a big job to do, but it is expected of them." Ulster Unionist MLA Roy Beggs said that local residents were being "terrorised" while limited public resources were being wasted. "Organised criminal activity is adversely affecting the local community," he said. "The question that has to be asked of the organised gang leaders responsible is, what do they believe that they will achieve from burning large numbers of wheelie bins and trying to create some form of no-go area? "They are adversely affecting the local community and wasting ratepayers' money." Anyone with information about Wednesday night's incident is asked to contact police on the non-emergency number 101. Alternatively, information can be given to independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. A car being removed from the crash scene near Omagh in which pals Maurice McCloughan and Killian Doherty were killed A coroner has warned of the dangers of driving the morning after a night of drinking at the conclusion of an inquest into the deaths of two Co Tyrone teenagers "with so much to live for". Lifelong friends Maurice McCloughan (19) from Fintona and Killian Doherty (19) from Drumquin, died at the scene of the crash on the A5 Doogary Road on December 10, 2016 shortly after 8am. At the conclusion of an inquest into their deaths, coroner Patrick McGurgan found Mr Doherty was behind the wheel of a Renault Lacuna over the legal limit of alcohol for driving when he collided with another car on the Doogary Road. Mr McGurgan pointed out that Mr Doherty had passed his driving test just a year earlier and was a "relatively inexperienced" driver. The combination of this inexperience and alcohol level meant Mr Doherty was unable to control his Renault when it hit a grass verge which caused it to crash into a car being driven in the opposite direction by Gerard McCann. Mr McGurgan also suggested the public "should pay attention" to what had happened to Mr Doherty and Mr McCloughan, "who got up in the morning to go to their work and never came back". He added: "This crash happened after they came home from a night out and had gone to bed and slept. "If there is any doubt about the effects of alcohol the morning after a night out... you should not drink and drive when you are out and for some considerable time the morning after." The court heard how Mr Doherty and Mr McCloughan had arrived at Mr Doherty's aunt, Carmel McCusker's house in Greencastle on December 9, 2016 where they had a few drinks before a night out with Mr Doherty's cousin and her friend. They returned to Ms McCusker's house after 2am and both men were asleep by 3.30am. Ms McCusker returned Mr Doherty's car keys, which she had held for safekeeping, to him at 7.20am and he and Mr McCloughan left to go to work. Describing Mr McCloughan and Mr Doherty as "two young men with so much to live for", he added: "If any member of the public had any doubt about the consequences of a fatal road collision, they should come to court and see the trauma on the faces of relatives who have to listen to the details of the last moments of their loved ones lives." He also paid tribute to the McCloughan and Doherty families for the great dignity they showed during the two-day inquest and said he was struck by the way the two families maintained a friendship since the fatal crash. Prior to the conclusion of the inquest, a forensic scientist, Gavin Dunn, told the court tests showed that speed was not a factor in the crash and that both vehicles were travelling at approximately 45mph at the moment of impact. He was also able to offer the court an explanation as to how Mr McCloughan was ejected from the car even although both men had been wearing their seat belts. Mr Dunn said because the rear of Mr Doherty's car collided with Mr McCann's car with "severe force" this would have caused the seats in his car to go into a reclining position throwing Mr McCloughan out of the rear of the car - something that was not uncommon with rear end crashes. A letter from Mr Doherty's mother, Carmel Doherty, was read out in which she thanked everyone who had attended the scene of the crash and expressing her "sympathy to the McCloughan family on the loss of their beautiful son". Mr McGurgan found that Mr Doherty had died from head, neck and chest injuries sustained in the crash and that Mr McCloughan died from injuries caused to his chest, abdomen and head. Northern Ireland women can now travel to Wales for abortions. (Thinkstock/PA) The Welsh government has announced that it will offer free abortions to women from Northern Ireland through the NHS. Following Friday's announcement Wales has joined England and Scotland in offering the service. Read More Abortion is currently illegal in Northern Ireland in all but the most extreme cases and as a result on average 28 women a week travel to England for terminations. Campaigns for abortion legislation to be introduced in Northern Ireland have ramped up in the wake of the successful Abortion Referendum in the Republic of Ireland. Last month an amendment to a bill by Secretary of State Karen Bradley by Labour MPs Stella Creasy and Conor McGinnn calling on Mrs Bradley to issue guidance on abortion law in Northern Ireland was passed in the House of Commons. Welsh Health Secretary Vaughan Gething said he did not expect a large number of women to avail of the service. "Our view has always been a woman from Northern Ireland, in Wales, should be able to access termination of pregnancy on the same basis as women in Wales," he said. "We anticipate the number of women from Northern Ireland accessing these services to be low and health boards have assured us they are able to absorb this provision within existing resources. "I have asked my officials to conduct a review of the position after six months." Here is the text of the letter the DUP sent to Theresa May which has sparked a fresh row over the proposed "insurance policy" backstop. In a letter responding to the DUP, which has been leaked to the Times, PM Theresa May outlined a proposal which to facilitate the UK's exit from the European Union which would include a backstop to keep Northern Ireland aligned with the EU on customs arrangements. In the DUP's original letter, sent on November 1 and signed by Arlene Foster and Nigel Dodds, the "EU's version of the backstop" is described as "anathema to our precious Union". The grave stones of an unknown Australian and and unknown New Zealand soldier in Tyne Cot Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery, near to Ypres in Belgium (Andrew Matthews/PA) Commemorating the centenary of the Armistice together has strengthened the bond between Britain and Australia, the countrys minister for veterans has said. Some 331,000 Australians served overseas during the First World War, the vast majority of whom fought on the Western Front alongside British soldiers and their allies. However, of the more than 60,000 Australians who perished, only one returned home as an identified casualty. Speaking to the Press Association, Australian minister Darren Chester said the First World War had marked a coming of age for a young nation and the centenary commemorations have served to increase Australians understanding of the major contribution we made. As part of events marking 100 years since the end of the conflict, a British unknown soldier has been laid to rest with two Australian comrades at Tyne Cot Cemetery near Ypres. Expand Close Australian Minister for Veterans Affairs Darren Chester, MP (left), at a burial ceremony at Tyne Cot Cemetery, Belgium (Commonwealth of Australia/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Australian Minister for Veterans Affairs Darren Chester, MP (left), at a burial ceremony at Tyne Cot Cemetery, Belgium (Commonwealth of Australia/PA) In many ways, the centenary commemoration activities have brought our nations nations even closer together, as we work together on commemorative events on the Western Front, and its strengthened the bond between our two nations, the minister said. On November 11 each year thousands of people gather at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra for the national ceremony of remembrance. The event is expected to be significantly larger this year. Australian prime minister, Scott Morrison, will deliver a commemorative address and wreaths will be laid. The names of each of the 66,000 Australian First World War casualties are displayed in the memorials Hall of Memory, including Major General Sir William Throsby Bridges, the only identified Australian soldier to have his body returned home. Expand Close Major General Sir William Throsby Bridges was the only identified Australian soldier to have died in combat and have his body returned home (Australian War Memorial/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Major General Sir William Throsby Bridges was the only identified Australian soldier to have died in combat and have his body returned home (Australian War Memorial/PA) More than 45,000 Australian lives were lost on the Western Front, while thousands more died at Gallipoli a battle that stills holds special significance Down Under. April 25 serves as another day of remembrance for Australia and is also marked in New Zealand. Originally held to commemorate sacrifices at Gallipoli, Anzac Day is a national holiday in Australia and is viewed by some to hold greater significance than November 11. Anzac Day has an enormous place in the national calendar because it commemorates the tragic battles at Gallipoli, where a young nation first took its place on the world stage, Mr Chester said. But I think an increased understanding of the sacrifice and achievements on the Western Front will mean Remembrance Day continues to grow in significance in the future. Expand Close One of two coffins carrying unknown Australian soldiers, arrives at Tyne Cot Cemetery near Ypres (PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp One of two coffins carrying unknown Australian soldiers, arrives at Tyne Cot Cemetery near Ypres (PA) Among the hundreds of thousands of Australians who enlisted after the outbreak of war in 1914 were Aboriginal men who had in fact been denied citizenship in the land they called home. The contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander soldiers remains unclear, owing to the fact that race was often not recorded on enlistment forms. Mr Chester said: If there was one alarming gap in our knowledge and appreciation of defence force personnel over the past 100 years it has been in relation to indigenous contribution. I think in the past decade we have found a deep appreciation for our indigenous soldiers involved in every major conflict, even before they had the right to vote in Australia. Now in 2018 we are seeing active steps of the Australian Defence Force to increase the number of indigenous personnel. Weve come a long way, but we started a fair way behind. Theresa May has been accused of breaking her promise to the DUP that she would never sign up to a Brexit deal that separates Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK. A letter from the Prime Minister has been interpreted by DUP leader Arlene Foster to mean that in the event of a no-deal Brexit, Northern Ireland would be separated from the rest of the UK by a customs border in the Irish Sea. The PMs letter raises alarm bells for those who value the integrity of our precious union & for those who want a proper Brexit for the whole UK. From her letter, it appears the PM is wedded to the idea of a border down the Irish Sea with NI in the EU SM regulatory regime. https://t.co/qN6c41zx7U Arlene Foster #WeWillMeetAgain (@ArleneFosterUK) November 9, 2018 2/2 1st November 2018 letter from Arlene Foster @DUPleader & Nigel @NigelDoddsDUP to the Prime Minister. "It is vital for both NI & the entire UK that if agreement is reached, it must be clear and must not risk opening divergence within the UK for generations to come." pic.twitter.com/gCcvp01p8O DUP (@duponline) November 9, 2018 According to The Times, which obtained the five-page letter also sent to DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds, Mrs May stated that the EU is still pushing for the "backstop to the backstop", but insists she would not allow a divide to "come into force" between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK. The newspaper said this had been interpreted by the DUP to mean that the EU proposal will become part of the legally binding withdrawal agreement. "The Prime Minister's letter raises alarm bells for those who value the integrity of our precious Union and for those who want a proper Brexit for the whole of the UK," Mrs Foster told The Times. "It appears the Prime Minister is wedded to the idea of a border down the Irish Sea with Northern Ireland in the EU single market regulatory regime." Mrs May had previously indicated that she would never sign up to a Brexit deal that created barriers between Northern Ireland and Great Britain. It was one of the 'red lines' the DUP had warned the Prime Minister not to cross if she wanted its MPs to continue to support the Conservatives in Westminster as part of their confidence and supply deal. Without the backing of the 10 DUP MPs for key votes such as budgets, Mrs May and her Government face major difficulties - not least getting her Brexit plan through Parliament. The leaked letter also suggests that the whole of the UK could remain closely tied to EU, as the Government does "not expect regulations to diverge between Great Britain and Northern Ireland". In her letter, Mrs May wrote that the backstop was "an insurance policy that no-one in the UK or the EU wants or expects to use" and that it would not last indefinitely. A Downing Street spokesman told The Times that the Prime Minister would not agree to anything that separates Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK. "The Prime Minister's letter sets out her commitment, which she has been absolutely clear about on any number of occasions, to never accepting any circumstances in which the UK is divided into two customs territories. The Government will not agree anything that brings about a hard border on the island of Ireland." Schools that were rated as requires improvement in their last two Ofsted inspections will have access to up to 16,000, the Government has announced. The Department for Education (DfE) said under-performing schools will receive extra support to help raise classroom standards. It comes after Education Secretary Damian Hinds said he wanted to simplify the school accountability system and give teachers the freedom to get on with their jobs without interference. In an announcement on Friday the DfE said struggling schools would also receive support from a high-performing school leader. It added that floor and coasting standards are to be used to identify schools that need help, rather than as triggers for intervention. Regional Schools Commissioners will no longer issue warning notices to schools on educational grounds unless they have been rated inadequate by Ofsted. The changes come ahead of a formal consultation next year looking at whether the floor and coasting standards used to judge school performance should be replaced by a single measure. Minister for the School System Lord Agnew said: Todays changes will simplify the school accountability system so teachers and school leaders know where they stand and simplify a system that we know can be a concern amongst the profession. Where a school is struggling, we will aim to take swift action, providing practical hands-on support and, where necessary, more formal steps. The support that we are offering will be focused around delivering support that can be embedded into a schools teaching programme for the long term. The Prime Minister quoted First World War poetry while she thanked fallen troops for being staunch to the end against odds uncounted as she paid her respects to mark the centenary of Armistice. Theresa May is visiting war cemeteries in Belgium and France alongside French President Emmanuel Macron and Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel. Starting in Mons on Friday morning, Mrs May and Mr Michel were escorted through the St Symphorien Military Cemetery by Commonwealth War Graves Commission representative Liz Sweet. The cemetery was set up by the German army as a final resting place for British and German soldiers killed at the Battle of Mons.The pair were greeted by a guard of honour from the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers and stood for the sound of The Last Post before a minutes silence. Expand Close Prime Minister Theresa May and Belgian counterpart Charles Michel at the St Symphorien Military Cemetery in Mons (Gareth Fuller/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Prime Minister Theresa May and Belgian counterpart Charles Michel at the St Symphorien Military Cemetery in Mons (Gareth Fuller/PA) Dressed in a black coat and knee-high patent boots, Mrs May was sombre as she laid wreaths at the graves of Private John Parr of the Middlesex Regiment, who died on August 21 1914 the first UK soldier to be killed in the conflict and the last to be killed, Private George Ellison of the Royal Irish Lancers, who died on the Western Front on November 11 1918, at 9.30am before the Armistice came into effect at 11am. Expand Close Prime Minister Theresa May lays a wreath at the grave of George Ellison, the last British soldier to be killed before Armistice in 1918 (Gareth Fuller/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Prime Minister Theresa May lays a wreath at the grave of George Ellison, the last British soldier to be killed before Armistice in 1918 (Gareth Fuller/PA) In the note left by the resting place of Private Parr, Mrs May quoted a line of wartime poetry The Soldier written by Rupert Brooke. She wrote: There is in that rich earth a richer dust concealed. The sonnet was written by Brooke, an officer in the Royal Navy, while on leave at Christmas and formed part of a collection of work entitled 1914 which was published in January 1915. Brooke never experienced front-line combat and died from blood poisoning on April 23 1915 after being bitten by a mosquito while sailing to Gallipoli. He was buried on the island of Skyros. Expand Close The message on the wreath Prime Minister Theresa May placed on the grave of George Ellison in the St Symphorien Military Cemetery in Mons (Gareth Fuller/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The message on the wreath Prime Minister Theresa May placed on the grave of George Ellison in the St Symphorien Military Cemetery in Mons (Gareth Fuller/PA) At the grave of Private Ellison, also in blue pen on a headed Downing Street card attached to the garland of poppies, Mrs May wrote: They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted We will remember them. This was from another poem written by Laurence Binyon and published in September 1914 which is often quoted in Remembrance Sunday services. During the brief visit, she and Mr Michel then met British and Belgian serving members of the armed forces. As she left she thanked organisers for what had been a moving visit. This afternoon she will travel to France and is due to meet President Macron in Albert, the town in the heart of the Somme region which suffered significant bombardment during the conflict. Expand Close The Thiepval Memorial in northern France (Gareth Fuller/PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Thiepval Memorial in northern France (Gareth Fuller/PA) The leaders will have a private meeting and a working lunch before departing for a wreath-laying ceremony at the nearby Thiepval Memorial the site which bears the names of more than 72,000 members of the armed forces who died in battle and holds an annual commemoration for the Missing of the Somme. A wreath combining poppies and le bleuet, the two national emblems of remembrance for Britain and France, is being made for the occasion. Mrs May said the visit would be a chance to reflect on the time the countries spent fighting side by side in Europe but also to look ahead to a shared future, built on peace, prosperity and friendship. The DUP's Sammy Wilson has warned his party will not support a floated deal which could see a 'backstop to the backstop' used to facilitate the UK's exit from the European Union. (Brian Lawless/PA) The DUP's Sammy Wilson has warned his party will not support a any deal which could see the backstop insurance policy - which would keep NI aligned with the EU on customs arrangements - used to facilitate the UK's exit from the European Union. The proposal emerged in a letter from Prime Minister Theresa May to DUP leader Arlene Foster and leaked to The Times. Speaking on Friday, East Antrim MP Mr Wilson said: "There is a large number of issues which have been raised in this letter which raise alarm." In the letter the Prime Minister says the EU wants a provision in which Northern Ireland remains in the customs union if no other post-Brexit arrangement is reached. 1/2 1st November 2018 letter from Arlene Foster @DUPleader & Nigel @NigelDoddsDUP to the Prime Minister. "Unlike the previous political declarations, the scope for delay, fudge or obscurantist language has passed. This is now a time for clarity and plain speaking." pic.twitter.com/QSSm3eM3Pw DUP (@duponline) November 9, 2018 In her response, Mrs May states she would not accept a situation where the backstop "could come in to force" - phrasing the DUP has taken exception to. Speaking to Radio Ulster's Good Morning Ulster programme, Sammy Wilson said "the insurance policy argument" was a "false one" and warned his party would vote down the deal proposed in the letter if it was put before the House of Commons. Mr Wilson said his party was "hoping to turn the Prime Minister around". "We want to stick to the confidence-and-supply arrangement, but you know there are two sides to that. The government has obligations under the confidence-and-supply arrangement and as have we," he said. "We are seeing the shape of the agreement she is talking about in this letter. We dont like the shape of it. We are warning the Prime Minister again it breaches the promises she made, time and time again in the House of Commons and when she visited Northern Ireland. "We are asking her to reconsider this. We are asking members of her cabinet to reconsider this." "The EU has made it clear that as far as they are concerned there is no solution to the problem which they envisage at the Irish border other than the backstop arrangement. The fact that they have turned down I dont know how many proposals from the UK Government is a fair indication they want this insurance policy put in place at one place." The leaked letter also suggests that the whole of the UK could remain closely tied to EU, as the UK Government does "not expect regulations to diverge between Great Britain and Northern Ireland". Mrs May wrote that the backstop was "an insurance policy that no-one in the UK or the EU wants or expects to use" and that it would not last indefinitely. The five-page letter was sent in response to an earlier correspondence from the DUP, in which Mrs Foster and the party's leader in the House of Commons Nigel Dodds outlined their expectations for the post-Brexit agreement. A member of Theresa May's Cabinet has thrown his weight behind the DUP in its opposition to the possibility of a border in the Irish sea. Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright has said any deal incorporating such a measure would not be accepted. Read More He was speaking after following remarks from East Antrim DUP MP Sammy Wilson who warned his party will not support any deal which could see the backstop insurance policy - which would keep NI aligned with the EU on customs arrangements - used to facilitate the UK's exit from the European Union. Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "Were there to be a border down the Irish Sea, as I've said and the Prime Minister has said, we wouldn't accept a deal incorporating that. "What's important is we get a deal that satisfies our requirements - and by our requirements I mean the whole of the United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland. "We don't have that proposed deal yet. When we do we'll be able to discuss it. "There is no doubt we have understood the concern the DUP and others have expressed about a hard border down the Irish Sea, we share it, and we will not accept a deal that involves that component." Mr Wright's remarks came after his interview was paused as DUP Brexit spokesman Sammy Wilson was on the phone. The fresh row over the backstop was triggered by a letter from Prime Minister Theresa May to DUP leader Arlene Foster and leaked to The Times, in which the DUP say the Prime Minister hints at a Northern Ireland-specific backstop potentially being included in a legally-binding deal. Speaking on Friday, East Antrim MP Mr Wilson said: "There is a large number of issues which have been raised in this letter which raise alarm." In the letter the Prime Minister says the EU wants a provision in which Northern Ireland remains in the customs union if no other post-Brexit arrangement is reached. 1/2 1st November 2018 letter from Arlene Foster @DUPleader & Nigel @NigelDoddsDUP to the Prime Minister. "Unlike the previous political declarations, the scope for delay, fudge or obscurantist language has passed. This is now a time for clarity and plain speaking." pic.twitter.com/QSSm3eM3Pw DUP (@duponline) November 9, 2018 In her response, Mrs May states she would not accept a situation where the backstop "could come in to force" - phrasing the DUP has taken exception to. Speaking to Radio Ulster's Good Morning Ulster programme, Sammy Wilson said "the insurance policy argument" was a "false one" and warned his party would vote down the deal proposed in the letter if it was put before the House of Commons. In a historic result 19 black female county judges have been elected in the US state of Texas. The group applied together on a Democratic ticket and all of them won, despite being the the largest number of black women ever seen on any ballot in Harris County. The result in the US midterm elections is a remarkable success for the Democratic party, in the state where Democrat Beto ORourke narrowly lost out to Republican Ted Cruz in the senatorial race. YE MA'AM!! Congratulations to the #Houston19! And just know...when you go to court, someone soundin' like yo mama is gonna read good before laying down judgement! ALL the things I love about this!! pic.twitter.com/PG83cyeBCD Teresa Dowell-Vest, M.F.A. (@dowellvest) November 7, 2018 The new county judges victory comes off the back of a hugely successful social media campaign in which they were dubbed the Houston 19, along with the slogan Black Girl Magic. Their victory is underlined by statistics reported by the Gavel Gap and collected by the American Constitution Society, which show only 12% of Texas state court judges are non-white women, despite that demographic making up 28% of the overall population. Meanwhile 52% of the states judges are white males despite them forming 21% of the population. Take a bow Houston, Tx. EACH AND EVERY ONE of these ladies earned a seat as a judge in Harris County. Dallas Jones did... Posted by Christin McQueen on Wednesday, November 7, 2018 The 19 elected will now have judicial and administrative duties such as presiding over minor criminal and civil cases. I have dealt with a lot of judges in the last 30 years. Many of them were great judges, very experienced. But few were women and even fewer were African American, one of the group, Lori Chamber Gray, told Fox 26. I do a lot of criminal defence work, a lot of my clients are either African American or Hispanic We bring an understanding of a person who may come from that similar background. Many took to social media to celebrate the Houston 19s victory, reusing their eponymous hashtag. Nineteen black female judges! They ALL won their elections!! REAL GOALS!! #Houston19 Dream the Impossible Dream .... and it will come TRUE ! Kamahl AM (@OfficialKamahl) November 9, 2018 The 19 newly-elected judges are Sandra Peake, Judge Ramona Franklin, Judge Maria Jackson, Germaine Tanner, Angela Graves-Harrington, Cassandra Holleman, Tonya Jones, Dedra Davis, LaShawn Williams, Latosha Lewis Payne, Linda Dunson, Toria Finch, Erica Hughes, Lucia Bates, Ronnisha Bowman, Michelle Moore, Sharon Burney, Shannon Baldwin, and Lori Chambers Gray. A Philippine court has found the countrys former first lady Imelda Marcos guilty of corruption charges and ordered her arrest. Marcos is to appeal against the conviction in a bid to avoid jail and losing her seat in congress. A special Sandiganbayan court sentenced Marcos, 89, to serve six to 11 years in prison for each of the seven counts of violating an anti-corruption law when she illegally funnelled about 152 million to Swiss foundations in the 1970s as metropolitan Manila governor. Neither Marcos nor anyone representing her attended Fridays court hearing. Marcos said in a statement that the decision was being studied by one of her lawyers who notified the Marcos family that he intends to appeal against the decision. Anti-Marcos activists and human rights victims welcomed the conviction as long overdue. The court disqualified Marcos from holding public office, but she can remain a member of the powerful house of representatives while appealing against the decision. Expand Close The 89-year-old is expected to appeal against her conviction (AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The 89-year-old is expected to appeal against her conviction (AP) Her congressional term will end next year but she has registered to run to replace her daughter as governor of the northern Ilocos Norte province. Imelda Marcos husband, ex-president Ferdinand Marcos, was ousted by an army-backed people power revolt in 1986. He died in self-exile in Hawaii in 1989 but his widow and children returned to the Philippines. Most have been elected to public office in an impressive political comeback. Government prosecutor Ryan Quilala told reporters that Marcos and her husband opened and managed Swiss foundations in violation of the Philippine Constitution, using aliases in a bid to hide stolen funds. The Marcoses have been accused of plundering the governments coffers amid crushing poverty throughout the country. They have denied any wrongdoing and have successfully fought many other corruption cases. Imelda Marcos was acquitted on Friday in three other cases, which were filed in 1991 and took nearly three decades of trial by several judges and prosecutors. She was once convicted of a corruption case in 1993, but the supreme court later cleared her of any wrongdoing. President Rodrigo Duterte, an ally of the Marcoses, said last year that the family had indicated a willingness to return an unspecified amount of money and a few gold bars to help ease Philippine budget deficits. He indicated the family still denies that the assets had been stolen, as alleged by their political opponents. Ferdinand Marcos placed the Philippines under martial rule a year before his term in office was to expire. He padlocked congress, ordered the arrest of political rivals and left-wing activists and ruled by decree. His family is said to have amassed an estimated 4-8 billion dollars while he was in power. A Hawaiian court found Marcos liable for human rights violations and awarded 1.5 billion from his estate to compensate more than 9,000 Filipinos who had filed a lawsuit against him for torture, incarceration, extra-judicial killings and disappearances. Mr Duterte has acknowledged that Imee Marcos, the couples daughter and a provincial governor, had backed his presidential candidacy. Protesters gather and hold banners in front of the White House (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP) Protesters across the US have called for the protection of special counsel Robert Muellers investigation into potential coordination between Russia and President Donald Trumps campaign. Several hundred demonstrators gathered Thursday in New Yorks Times Square and chanted slogans including Hands off Mueller and Nobodys above the law before marching downtown. In Chicago, Democratic Senator Dick Durbin joined several hundred protesters at Federal Plaza. Crowds also turned out at the White House and in Greensboro, North Carolina; Chattanooga, Tennessee; Las Vegas and many other places. Expand Close Protesters cheer during a demonstration in support of special counsel Robert Mueller in Las Vegas (John Locher/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Protesters cheer during a demonstration in support of special counsel Robert Mueller in Las Vegas (John Locher/AP) Organisers say the naming of acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker is a deliberate attempt to obstruct the special counsels investigation. Mr Trump asked for Jeff Sessionss resignation and then replaced him with Mr Whitaker, his chief of staff. Mr Whitaker has criticised Mr Muellers probe. 'Prosecutors would need to be very careful that any move towards charging any of these veterans meets the double test, that the case is in the public interest and that the possibility of a conviction is more likely than an acquittal' (stock picture) This newspaper has consistently argued that police should be allowed to follow evidence trails on serious crimes relating to the Troubles. It is also our belief that there should not be an amnesty or statute of limitations on crimes involving state forces. But that does not mean that we fail to share the frustration of supporters of veteran soldiers who feel that they are the victims of an official witchhunt. Read More And that belief will have been strengthened by the revelation in this newspaper today that more than 1,300 letters have been sent to veteran soldiers over the last six years asking for information about 40 historic incidents, including Bloody Sunday and killings in Ballymurphy. We share the opinion of one campaigner who described the letters sent out by the Ministry of Defence as a fishing exercise. It strikes us as unfair that soldiers, many of them now in their 70s or even older, should receive such letters without warning, asking for information on events which happened 50 years ago. As many have often pointed out, ex-members of the security forces are at a disadvantage compared to former terrorists. The Army and police kept records unlike the paramilitaries, whose membership and their participation in terrorist incidents were never recorded. It is obvious from the letters that apart from its records the MoD has a paucity of information about the events under investigation. It does not seem of sufficient strength, for example, to allow MoD lawyers to seek search warrants. Surely it is unacceptable that aged men are being asked to remember events of long ago and possibly implicate themselves or former colleagues. Another concern is the quality of evidence which might be obtained through this fishing exercise. Prosecutors would need to be very careful that any move towards charging any of these veterans meets the double test, that the case is in the public interest and that the possibility of a conviction is more likely than an acquittal. The passage of time and the ravages of time could well distort whatever evidence is uncovered and make the prosecution of soldiers unlikely, meaning that elderly men would have felt threatened unnecessarily and that bereaved families would feel cheated of justice yet again. This is an unseemly exercise and the creation of an evidence trail needs to be handled much more sensitively. The Ulster Unionist Party has consistently stated that nobody should be above the law regardless of who they are and that it must apply equally to all. In terms of legacy, we are already in a position of imbalance. Terrorists have been able to avail of early release from prison; 16 received Royal Prerogatives of Mercy or Royal Pardons for premeditated crime including murder between 1998 and 2002, and over 200 people were also given so-called 'letters of comfort' by the Blair Government, and these were sufficient to either halt court action against, or prevent the arrest of, a number of high-profile IRA suspects. Read More There is a certain irony in the fact that under Tony Blair, the Labour Government handed out almost 200 letters to provide republican terror suspects with a virtual amnesty, yet the Ministry of Defence has issued almost 1,400 letters to former soldiers in relation to inquests, ongoing criminal inquiries and investigations. What kind of country is it, which tries to pardon the terrorists who tried to murder its soldiers, yet at the same time tries to drag its veterans through the courts? Given the outraged reaction from Sinn Fein to the arrest of John Downey, and their much publicised commitment to equality, one would expect them to be equally opposed to the investigation of soldiers regarding historic offences. The reality is that when it comes to any investigation that involves the arrest of a suspect with connections to the IRA or Sinn Fein, republicans react with disbelief and indignation bordering on fury. With regard to the recent arrest of John Downey we heard the refrain - 'he is a friend of the peace process.' Gerry Kelly - Sinn Fein's policing spokesman - accused the police, the Public Prosecution Service and the government of being 'vindictive' and acting in 'bad faith' and Donegal TD Pearse Doherty said Downey's arrest was 'out of order'. Strangely enough, Sinn Fein have no such misgivings when former soldiers such as Dennis Hutchings are arrested. Republicans demand truth, justice and inquiries galore when it comes to the actions of the police and Army, but are strangely reticent when it comes to the litany of deliberate crimes of the IRA. For three decades the police and Army stood bravely between terrorists and the civilian population, and paid a very high price. Some 503 of their number lost their lives and many thousands more still bear the physical and mental scars. Many of those deployed here are now well into their 70s. They served as part of the lawful forces of the State in contrast to the illegal terror gangs they faced. We must never forget that every single terrorist act - republican or loyalist - was unlawful, whereas the State and its actors does have the right to use legitimate force. It is hypocrisy for Sinn Fein to demand the arrest of any soldiers suspected of wrong doing, yet refusing to countenance the arrest of those they regard as friends. The Ulster Unionist Party is clear. The law must be applied fairly and equally. We owe it to those who once defended us - and to future generations - to stand by them now, and not to acquiesce in an imbalanced process that will rewrite the history of the Troubles and minimise or ignore the crimes of the terrorists responsible, no matter what Sinn Fein may say. Rohingya women cry as they shout slogans during a protest rally to commemorate the anniversary of Myanmars army crackdown, which lead to a mass exodus of Rohingya Muslims to Bangladesh, at the Kutupalong refugee camp in Bangladesh, Aug. 25, 2018. A Bangladesh and Myanmar plan to begin repatriating some 2,000 Rohingya refugees later this month was in doubt Friday, as some on the list said they didnt want to go back and 42 NGOs expressed collective concern about potential dangers awaiting returnees at home. A senior Bangladeshi government official in Dhaka said no one would be pressured to leave against their will under the process, which both countries have insisted would be voluntary. But Bangladeshs government has not yet consulted refugees whose names were on the list of those slated for repatriation, he also said when questioned about this late Friday. We will not force them to return. The repatriation will be voluntary, Mohammad Abul Kalam, Bangladeshs commissioner for Refugee Relief and Repatriation, told BenarNews. Bangladesh has identified the potential returnees and their families, Kalam said, but we are yet to ask them whether they would go back. We will start seeking their opinion soon, he said, without giving any timeframe. Refugees have recounted widespread stories of killings, sexual assault and burning of villages as Myanmar security forces launched counter-insurgency operations last year in Rakhine state, violently expelling more than 700,000 Rohingya Muslims who fled into neighboring Bangladesh. Another Bangladeshi official from the disaster management ministry said Bangladesh would not use force to repatriate the refugees, many of whom live in squalid refugee camps in southeastern Coxs Bazar district. If we forcefully send them, either Myanmar will push them back again or they will sneak in again. In that case, we cannot send them [away], he told BenarNews. Bangladesh wants a permanent solution to the Rohingya problem, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. On Friday, Reuters news agency reported that it had identified and interviewed more than 20 of the more than 2,000 Rohingya refugees on a list of people that Myanmar had agreed to take back in a first batch of refugees slated for repatriation under a bilateral agreement. I can hardly sleep at night for fear of getting forcibly repatriated. Since the time I heard that my name is on the list I cant even eat, Nurul Amin, a Rohingya Muslim living in a refugee camp in Bangladesh, told Reuters. Amin, 35, who has four daughters, a wife and sister with him in the Jamtoli Camp, gave the interview days after learning that he and his family would be among the refugees who could be repatriated. Some identified as terrorists Although the list has not been released to the public or the news media, Myanmar officials issued statements earlier this week saying that dozens of Rohingya who were being considered for repatriation had been involved in terrorism. Soe Han, director general of the ASEAN Affairs Department at Myanmars Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told Radio Free Asia (RFA) on Thursday that 54 of 6,472 Rohingya on the list had been identified for their terrorism links. The official did not elaborate or provide evidence on the alleged terror activities. RFA is a sister entity of BenarNews. Myanmar sent the list of these people involved in terrorism to Bangladesh and has asked it to take action against them, but nothing has happened yet, he said, adding that the state could not reveal any information about them for security or diplomatic reasons. If they are sent back to Myanmar, we have to take action against them according to the law, he said. Kalam confirmed to BenarNews on Friday that Myanmar had alleged that 54 of the potential Rohingya returnees were terrorists. Bangladesh and Myanmar signed a repatriation deal on Nov. 23 last year and formed a 30-member joint working group (JWG) to hammer out repatriation details. [The Myanmar side] pointed out that the list of the refugees contained some terrorists, Munim Hassan, a joint secretary of the security services division at the home ministry, told BenarNews, referring to the last JWG meeting that took place in Dhaka on Oct. 30. We told them at the third joint working group meeting that the persons whom you called terrorists have not committed any crime in Bangladesh. So, how can we take action against them? he said. NGOs seek suspension of planned repatriation In recent weeks, officials from the two nations said the large-scale return of the Rohingya Muslims would push ahead, with Myint Khaing, the Maungdaw township administrator in northern Rakhine, telling Agence France-Presse that Nov. 15 would be the estimated repatriation start date. More than 2,200 people in total would return at a rate of 150 per day. The Myanmar official seemed unsure if the repatriation would go ahead, AFP said. The potential start of repatriation prompted an outcry Friday from 42 NGOs, which expressed deep concern as they emphasized that the refugees were terrified about leaving their makeshift shelters in Bangladesh. Refugees have consistently told us that they want to return to their own homes and places of origin, or to places of their choice. They want guarantees that they can enjoy equal rights and citizenship, the non-governmental organizations, aid agencies and civil society groups said in a joint statement issued from Oxfam Internationals office in Colombo, Sri Lanka. They want assurances that the extreme human rights violations they have suffered will stop, and those responsible for the violence they fled will be brought to justice, the statement said. Most of all, refugees tell us that they are afraid, it said. They are terrified about what will happen to them if they are returned to Myanmar now. Save the Children and World Vision were among that groups that signed the statement, which came days after the U.N.s human rights investigator on Myanmar urged Dhaka to drop the repatriation plan, warning that Rohingya still faced a high risk of persecution in Myanmar. Bangladesh rejects Canadian offer Also on Friday, Bangladesh rejected an offer by Canada to take in a limited number of Rohingya refugees, including women who were raped, Reuters said, quoting Canadian officials. The offer was made in May when Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland visited the refugee camps in Bangladesh in May. A foreign ministry official told BenarNews that Dhaka was taking a cautious stance about the Canadian offer, as they believe it could complicate the repatriation process. Former Philippine first lady Imedla Marcos (left) sits among the audience while watching her, son Ferdinand Marcos Jr., during his last campaign night in Mandaluyong City, Philippine, May 05, 2016. A court in the Philippines convicted Imelda Marcos of seven counts of graft Friday after 26 years of hearings, but the former first lady known worldwide for her collection of thousands of shoes said she would appeal the case. The anti-graft Sandigabayan court sentenced Marcos, 89, to between six and 11 years in prison for each of the seven counts of graft in connection with the transfer of about U.S. $200 million in stolen funds to Swiss foundations when she was governor of Manila. Associate Justice Rafael Lagos of the Sandiganbayans Fifth Division said Marcos had failed to attend the proceedings and gave her a month to explain her absence. He said, however, that the cases were bailable and she could still post bail for temporary liberty. The case took 26 years to finish, with the prosecution encountering difficulty earlier to produce competent witnesses many of whom have already died or were too old to be hauled to testify in court. Assistant Special Prosecutor Ryan Quilala said Marcos, currently a member of Congress who plans to contest the governorship of the familys northern hometown in polls next year, could be barred from holding any public office once the ruling is rendered with finality. She can go to the Supreme Court if her camp thinks theres grave abuse of discretion in the courts decision thats why its not yet final and executory, Quilala said. He said Marcos and her late husband, dictator Ferdinand Marcos, took part in managing the stolen funds using aliases, but that in all documents she signed as Imelda Marcos." In an authenticated copy of a Swiss bank verification form, seen by BenarNews, Marcos wrote William Saunders as an alias and underneath that he signed with his real name. Imelda Marcos filled up the same document using Jane Ryan as her pseudonym. The initial deposit: $400 million. Members of the Marcos family could not be reached for comment and her lawyers representing her did not attend Fridays court hearing, although Imelda issued a statement late Friday afternoon saying that she planned to appeal the case in court. She said her lawyer on record was indisposed and had been replaced by a temporary lawyer, who advised the family that he intends to file a motion for reconsideration. The news was welcomed by rally at the state-run University of the Philippines, where activists held a bonfire early evening Friday to remember those who perished during the brutal Marcos regime. The students carried a banner that read "No erasure, no revisions. Never again to martial law," as they chanted anti-Marcos slogans. People power Imelda Marcos and her children were allowed to return to the Philippines after Ferdinand Marcos died in exile in 1989, three years after he was toppled by a people power revolution. Thousands went missing or were killed during his two-decade regime, and the family was believed to have raided state coffers of up to $10 billion. The discovery of some 3,000 pairs of shoes left behind at the basement of Imeldas bedroom provided a jarring reminder of the opulence and extravagance of the Marcos family, while millions of Filipinos went hungry under the bankrupt government. Imelda led the family in regaining lost political clout. She is the outgoing congresswoman in the family hometown of Ilocos Norte in the north. Her daughter Imee Marcos, the outgoing governor of Ilocos Norte, is running to replace her mother in next years polls, while brother, Ferdinand Jr., is contesting the vice presidency he narrowly lost two years ago. President Rodrigo Duterte, who is a fan of the late dictator, is a political backer, and has openly thanked the Marcoses for contributing to his campaign chest two years ago. In his first year in office, Duterte also transferred the late dictators remains to Manilas heroes cemetery, igniting widespread protests. His spokesman, Salvador Panelo, on Friday welcomed the courts decision, saying it proved that the countrys justice system worked. This latest development underscores that our country currently has a working and impartial justice system that favors no one, Panelo said in a statement. We treat this decision by the anti-graft court as a good reminder to all public servants that public office is a public trust and that we are all accountable to the people we serve, he said. 'Triumph for all Filipinos' Jacqueline de Guia, a spokeswoman for the Commission on Human Rights, welcomed the courts verdict, calling it a triumph for the Filipino people. The Commission stresses the need for truth, so that we all ultimately hold the dictatorship and their cohorts accountable for their crimes, she said. We will continue to be vigilant in this process in the interest of upholding justice for the victims of such transgressions. We will never forget. The ruling would likely serve as a crucial electoral guide for Filipinos, who are bombarded with historical revisionism by the Marcos and Duterte camps, said opposition senator Risa Hontiveros. The Marcoses may be able to temporarily evade accountability, they may be able, for the moment, to cheat history and whitewash their crimes with the use of "alternative facts" and fake news, they may climb their way back to power and even hide behind the back of President Duterte, Hontiveros said, but justice will eventually push its way through their walls of impunity. Luis Liwanag from Manila contributed to this report. Rappler CEO Maria Ressa (center), walks with her lawyers to the Philippines National Bureau of Investigation in Manila to respond to a cyber libel complaint filed against the online news organization, Jan. 22, 2018. The Philippines justice department approved filing a tax evasion case against Rappler, a popular online news site critical of President Rodrigo Dutertes drug war that has left thousands dead since 2016, officials said Friday. The Bureau of Internal Revenue is expected to file a complaint next week for what it claims was a willful attempt to evade or defeat tax by supplying inaccurate information. The National Prosecution Service (NPS) has found probable cause to indict Rappler Holdings Corp., its President Maria Ressa and its independent Certified Public Accountant Noel Baladiang for violation of the National Internal Revenue Code or the tax code, justice spokesman Markk Perete said in a statement, according to Rapplers website. The decision stemmed from an accusation that Rappler misrepresented tax returns when it issued Philippine Depository Receipts (PDR), including to foreigners, to net 162.5 million pesos (U.S. $3 million). Previously, the government corporate regulator sought to shut down the website, saying it operated unlawfully because under Philippine constitutional rules, a media entity may be owned by Filipinos only. The move triggered widespread protests, with media groups saying it was a vendetta by Duterte for Rapplers stories about his drug war. The president once accused Rappler of being controlled by the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency without giving any proof. The owner of Rapplers PDR the US-based Omidyar Network and North Base Media later divested their shares and transferred them to Rappler employees. But the government has pursued the case against the online site. We are not at all surprised by the decision, considering how the Duterte administration has been treating Rappler for its independent and fearless reporting, the company said in a statement Friday. We maintain that this is a clear form of continuing intimidation and harassment against us, and an attempt to silence journalists. Rappler lawyers went to the justice department Friday morning to follow up on the case, but were told that it had not yet been docked, according to the statement. Lawyer Francis Lim stressed the company did not evade payment of any tax obligations in relation to the PDR, and argued that the case has no legal leg to stand on. The resolution will have a chilling effect on those who have raised and will raise capital through the issuance of PDRs and is a blow to the development of our already laggard capital markets. We will pursue all legal remedies and we are optimistic that we will prevail in the end, Lim said. Reporters banned Meanwhile, Rapplers reporters have been banned from covering all presidential activities since February. Rappler can return and assign a reporter at the presidential palace beat once it can prove that it is legitimately owned by Filipinos, Duterte said at the time. Despite Dutertes criticism, Rapplers coverage of the Philippine drug war won this years Knight International Journalism Award. They tried to shut us down at the beginning of the year, alleging were foreign-owned, that were tax evaders, along with other more ridiculous charges. Ive run out of synonyms for the word ridiculous, Ressa said as she accepted the award Thursday night in Washington. Why should you care? Our problems are fast becoming your problems. Boundaries around the world collapse and we can begin to see a kind of global playbook, she said, according to the text of the speech posted on Rapplers website. Dennis Jay Santos in Davao and Jeoffrey Maitem in Cotabato contributed to this report. A Bangkok court on Friday found Chinese dissident Yang Chong guilty of violating Thailands immigration law by staying in the country after his visa expired, but ruled he would not have to go to prison. The Pathumwan Municipal Court handed down its ruling after putting Yang on trial for one day earlier this week. On Friday, the court tried his wife and fellow dissident, Wu Yuhua, on similar immigration law charges. A verdict in her case is expected in December, court officials said. From the witnesses and evidence, the court found Mr. Yang Chong guilty and sentenced him to a six-month jail term and a fine of 10,000 baht (U.S. $303), but he is permitted a one-year probation because the defendant has no criminal record, the court ruled. The defendant would not have to pay the fine, the court said, because he had spent 30 days in custody while the case was being investigated, and each day of detention was worth 500 baht (U.S. $15) in fines. Yang was detained longer than the fine. Therefore, he does not have to pay the fine and will be released without supervision, the court said. Yang Chong and Wu Yuhua were arrested on Aug. 29 along with another Chinese national outside the New Zealand Embassy in Bangkok where they had hoped to persuade New Zealand officials to consider them for resettlement there. Yang told the court he went to the embassy to request asylum but was detained following an argument over his request. Warissara Rungthong, a lawyer with the People Serving People foundation, said it would assist the couple in their efforts to resettle in a third country as soon as possible. They are currently in the process of seeking asylum. There will be interviews, physical exams and other information inquiries. The foundation will try to get them to travel to the third country soon, the lawyer said. Despite the positive ruling, Wu told BenarNews she was concerned for her husband. I still worry that Yang Chong will be pushed back [to China] while waiting to resettle to the third country, Wu said. Seeking refuge Yang and Wu initially were targeted by Chinese police after taking part in press freedom protests in the southern city of Guangzhou in January 2013. They fled China in February 2015 and made their way to Thailand after Wu started a support group for disappeared rights lawyer Gao Zhisheng. In Thailand, they eked out an existence without papers in the countrys Pattaya region. They were approved as political refugees by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) in Bangkok in 2017, but had yet to be accepted for resettlement in a third country amid a global tightening of national immigration policies. Thailand has sent refugees from China back home in the past. In July, authorities in the southwestern Chinese city of Chongqing jailed rights activist Dong Guangping and political cartoonist Jiang Yefei after they were sent home from Thailand as they were awaiting resettlement as political refugees, prompting an international outcry. Radio Free Asia (RFA), a sister entity of BenarNews, contributed to this report. For Immediate Release, November 8, 2018 Contacts: Margie Kelly, Natural Resources Defense Council, (541) 222-9699, mkelly@nrdc.org Mark Hefflinger, Bold Nebraska, (323) 972-5192, mark@boldalliance.org Gabby Brown, Sierra Club, (914) 261-4626, gabby.brown@sierraclub.org Jared Margolis, Center for Biological Diversity, (802) 310-4054, jmargolis@biologicaldiversity.org Patrick Davis, Friends of the Earth, (202) 222-0744, pdavis@foe.org Dustin Ogdin, Northern Plains Resource Council, (406) 228-1154, dustin@northernplains.org Dena Hoff, Northern Plains Resource Council, (406) 939-1839 In Blow to Pipeline Project, Court Invalidates Trump Administration's Keystone XL Environmental Review, Blocks Construction GREAT FALLS, Mont. A federal judge ruled today that the Trump administration violated bedrock U.S. environmental laws when approving a federal permit for TransCanadas proposed Keystone XL tar sands pipeline project. The judge blocked any construction on the pipeline and ordered the government to revise its environmental review. The decision is a significant setback for a pipeline that investors are already seriously questioning. TransCanada has not yet announced a Final Investment Decision on whether to move forward and build Keystone XL should it receive all the necessary permits. U.S. District Court Judge Brian Morris found that the Trump administrations reliance on a stale environmental review from 2014 violated the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act and the Administrative Procedure Act. This ruling follows the courts previous decision on August 15 to require additional analysis of the new route through Nebraska. The court required the U.S. Department of State to revise the proposed projects environmental impact statement to evaluate the extraordinary changes in oil markets that have occurred since the previous review was completed in 2014; to consider the combined climate impacts of approving both the Keystone XL and other tar sands pipelines; to study the many cultural resources along the pipelines route; and to examine the harmful risks of oil spills on nearby water and wildlife. The State Department must also provide a reasoned explanation for its decision to reverse course and approve the permit, after the Obama administration denied it just three years ago on the same set of facts. Based on these violations, the court ordered the State Department to revise its environmental analysis, and prohibited any work along the proposed route which would cross Nebraska, South Dakota, and Montana until that analysis is complete. Keystone XL would have carried up to 35 million gallons a day of Canadian tar sands one of the worlds dirtiest energy sources across critical water sources and wildlife habitat to Gulf Coast refineries. Plaintiffs Northern Plains Resource Council, Bold Alliance, Center for Biological Diversity, Friends of the Earth, Natural Resources Defense Council and Sierra Club filed the lawsuit in March 2017 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana. Quotes Todays ruling is a victory for the rule of law, and its a victory for common sense stewardship of the land and water upon which we all depend. Despite the best efforts of wealthy, multinational corporations and the powerful politicians who cynically do their bidding, we see that everyday people can still band together and successfully defend their rights. All Americans should be proud that our system of checks and balances can still function even in the face of enormous strains, said Dena Hoff, Montana farmer and member-leader of the Northern Plains Resource Council. Farmers and our Tribal Nation allies in Nebraska, South Dakota and Montana celebrate todays victory foiling the Trump administrations scheme to rubber-stamp the approval of Keystone XL. This now ten-year battle is still far from over. Well continue to stand together against this tar sands export pipeline that threatens property rights, water and climate at every opportunity, at every public hearing. People on the route deserve due process and the Ponca Trail of Tears must be protected, said Mark Hefflinger, communications director for Bold Alliance. "Today's ruling makes it clear once and for all that it's time for TransCanada to give up on their Keystone XL pipe dream," said Sierra Club Senior Attorney Doug Hayes. "The Trump administration tried to force this dirty pipeline project on the American people, but they can't ignore the threats it would pose to our clean water, our climate, and our communities." This is a complete repudiation of the Trump administrations attempts to evade environmental laws and prioritize oil company profits over clean water and wildlife, said Jared Margolis, senior attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity. Keystone XL would devastate species and put communities at risk of contamination. Theres simply no excuse for approving this terrible project. We need to move away from fossil fuel dependence, not support more devastation. Keystone XL would be a disaster for the climate and for the people and wildlife of this country, said Jackie Prange, senior attorney at the Natural Resources Defense Council. As the court has made clear yet again, the Trump administrations flawed and dangerous proposal should be shelved forever. "Todays ruling is a decisive moment in our fight against the corporate polluters who have rushed to destroy our planet," said Marcie Keever, legal director at Friends of the Earth. Rejecting the destructive Keystone XL pipeline is a victory for the grassroots activists who have worked against the Keystone XL pipeline for the past decade. Environmental laws exist to protect people and our lands and waters. Today, the courts showed the Trump administration and their corporate polluter friends that they cannot bully rural landowners, farmers, environmentalists and Native communities. 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 LONDON, November 9, 2018 LONDON, November 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Canaccord Genuity Limited is pleased to welcome George Fleet as Managing Director and Head of Advisory in its UK & Europe capital markets business. Based in London, George will work closely with the existing investment banking and advisory teams to provide high-quality service and results for the firm's clients across the region. George joins a strong team and will work in close partnership with Chairman of the UK & Europe advisory business, Chris Robinson, who will focus full time on serving clients in a senior leadership capacity. "George brings more than two decades of corporate finance experience to his role and a proven ability to harness opportunities in high-growth sectors such as electronic gaming and leisure," said Alexis de Rosnay, Chief Executive Officer of Canaccord Genuity Limited, UK & Europe and Senior Executive Vice President, Canaccord Genuity Group Inc. "With broad industry knowledge and exemplary business building expertise, he will also play an important role in ensuring that our advisory mandates are appropriately resourced with strong talent and expertise, as we deliver differentiated global ideas and opportunities for our clients." George joins from Houlihan Lokey where he was Managing Director, Corporate Finance and Co-Lead of the Consumer, Food & Retail Group in Europe. He began his corporate finance career at Robert Fleming and has since held a variety of senior roles including Head of European Technology at Wasserstein Perella (later acquired by Dresdner Bank) and Director of Investment Banking and Co-head of the Technology Group for Dresdner Kleinwort. He was a major shareholder and Director at McQueen, where he played an important role in creating a globally recognized Leisure and Gaming practice which he continued to lead until the firm's acquisition by Houlihan Lokey in 2015. ABOUT CANACCORD GENUITY Canaccord Genuity is the global capital markets division of Canaccord Genuity Group Inc., offering institutional and corporate clients idea-driven investment banking, merger and acquisition, research, sales and trading services from offices in North America, UK & Europe, Asia, Australia and the Middle East. Our diverse team of capital markets and advisory professionals has deep industry and transactional expertise in key growth sectors of the global economy. We are committed to providing valued services to our clients throughout the entire lifecycle of their business and operating as a gold standard independent investment bank - expansive in resources and reach, but targeted in industry expertise, market focus and individual client attention. More information is available at http://www.canaccordgenuity.com ABOUT CANACCORD GENUITY GROUP INC. Through its principal subsidiaries, Canaccord Genuity Group Inc. (the Company) is a leading independent, full-service financial services firm, with operations in two principal segments of the securities industry: wealth management and capital markets. Since its establishment in 1950, the Company has been driven by an unwavering commitment to building lasting client relationships. We achieve this by generating value for our individual, institutional and corporate clients through comprehensive investment solutions, brokerage services and investment banking services. The Company has wealth management offices located in Canada, the UK, Guernsey, Jersey, and the Isle of Man and Australia. Canaccord Genuity, the international capital markets division, operates in North America, UK & Europe, Asia, Australia and the Middle East. Canaccord Genuity Group Inc. is publicly traded under the symbol CF on the TSX. Christina Marinoff, Vice President, Investor Relations & Communications, Phone: +1-416-687-5507, email: [email protected], http://www.canaccordgenuitygroup.com Canada NewsWire VANCOUVER, Nov. 9, 2018 VANCOUVER, Nov. 9, 2018 /CNW/ - Canfor Corporation (TSX: CFP) announces it has entered into an agreement to purchase Elliott Sawmilling Co., Inc. located in Estill, South Carolina ("Elliott") for a purchase price of US$110 million, which includes normalized working capital. The purchase price represents a 4.3 times EBITDA multiple based on Elliott's twelve months trailing EBITDA. The transaction will be completed in two phases with 49% being acquired on closing and 51% being acquired one year later. Elliott has a production capacity in excess of 210 million board feet and the sawmill consists of both large and small log lines. "We are thrilled to welcome the employees of Elliott to the Canfor team. Elliott has an excellent management team and produces high quality products that will align well with Canfor's high-value product mix. Nash Elliott will continue as the General Manager after the transaction is completed," said Don Kayne, President and Chief Executive Officer of Canfor. "The purchase of Elliott will further expand our production capacity to meet the growing demand of our customers." The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2019 and is subject to confirmatory due diligence, completion of certain transaction documents and other customary closing conditions. Forward Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" which involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Words such as "expects", "anticipates", "projects", "intends", "plans", "will", "believes", "seeks", "estimates", "should", "may", "could", and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are based on management's current expectations and beliefs and actual events or results may differ materially. There are many factors that could cause such actual events or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements to differ materially from any future results expressed or implied by such statements. In addition, assumptions on which such forward-looking statements are based include the timely receipt of regulatory approvals and no adverse regulatory decisions, the timely and successful integration of the Company and Elliott and the accuracy and completeness of the information provided to the Company in respect of Elliott. There can be no assurance that the proposed transaction will occur or that the anticipated strategic benefits will be realized in their entirety, in part or at all. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and Canfor assumes no obligation to update such information to reflect later events or developments, except as required by law. Canfor is a leading integrated forest products company based in Vancouver, British Columbia ("BC") with interests in BC, Alberta, North and South Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and Arkansas. Canfor produces primarily softwood lumber and also owns a 54.8% interest in Canfor Pulp Products Inc., which is one of the largest producers of market northern bleached softwood kraft pulp and a leading producer of high performance kraft paper. Canfor shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol CFP. Media Contact:Michelle Ward, Director, Corporate Communications(604) [email protected] Investor ContactPat ElliottVice President, Corporate Finance and Strategy(604) [email protected] SOURCE Canfor Corporation PR Newswire AKRON, Ohio, Nov. 9, 2018 AKRON, Ohio, Nov. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- FirstEnergy Corp.'s (NYSE: FE) Ohio utilities Ohio Edison, Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company and Toledo Edison today filed a stipulated agreement that will return $900 million to customers as a result of the Tax Cut and Jobs Act. The proposed settlement is supported by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) Staff, representatives of industrial and commercial customers, environmental advocates, hospitals, competitive generation suppliers and other parties. Upon Commission approval, a typical residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity could expect to see an immediate $3.90 reduction in monthly bills, with the rest of the savings credited to customers over the next 25 years. With the agreement, FirstEnergy's Ohio customers will receive 100 percent of the tax savings created by the Tax Cut and Jobs Act. FirstEnergy also will invest more than $500 million over three years to modernize the electric distribution system with advanced automation equipment, real-time voltage controls and the installation of 700,000 smart meters. The settlement advances the PUCO's PowerForward initiative to enhance customers' electricity experience while keeping monthly bills affordable. It also resolves two previous grid modernization cases that were pending with the PUCO. The grid modernization programs will enhance electric service for customers by reducing the frequency and duration of power outages, eliminating estimated meter reads and providing customers with greater access to more detailed electric usage information. "The agreement filed with the PUCO will deliver financial and service reliability benefits for our customers now and in the future," said Samuel L. Belcher, senior vice president and president of FirstEnergy Utilities. "The grid modernization initiative is consistent with the technology supported by the PUCO and the initial deployment of smart meters for our Ohio utilities will ultimately help customers make more informed decisions about their energy usage." Key components of FirstEnergy's grid modernization plan outlined in the settlement include: FirstEnergy has asked the PUCO to act on the settlement agreement by December 31, 2018. FirstEnergy is dedicated to safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its 10 electric distribution companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. The company's transmission subsidiaries operate more than 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Visit FirstEnergy online at www.firstenergycorp.com and follow on Twitter at @FirstEnergyCorp. Forward-Looking Statements: This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 based on information currently available to management. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. These statements include declarations regarding management's intents, beliefs and current expectations. These statements typically contain, but are not limited to, the terms "anticipate," "potential," "expect," "forecast," "target," "will," "intend," "believe," "project," "estimate," "plan" and similar words. Forward-looking statements involve estimates, assumptions, known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, which may include the following: the ability to successfully execute an exit of commodity-based generation that minimizes cash outflows and associated liabilities, including, without limitation, the losses, guarantees, claims and other obligations of FirstEnergy Corp. (FE), together with its consolidated subsidiaries (FirstEnergy), as such relate to the entities previously consolidated into FirstEnergy, including FirstEnergy Solutions Corp. (FES), its subsidiaries, and FirstEnergy Nuclear Operating Company (FENOC), which have filed for bankruptcy protection (FES Bankruptcy); the risks that conditions to the definitive settlement agreement with respect to the FES Bankruptcy may not be met or that the settlement agreement may not be otherwise consummated, and if so, the potential for litigation and payment demands against FirstEnergy by FES, FENOC or their creditors; the risks associated with the FES Bankruptcy that could adversely affect FirstEnergy, its liquidity or results of operations; the accomplishment of our regulatory and operational goals in connection with our transmission and distribution investment plans; changes in assumptions regarding economic conditions within our territories, assessment of the reliability of our transmission and distribution system, or the availability of capital or other resources supporting identified transmission and distribution investment opportunities; the ability to accomplish or realize anticipated benefits from strategic and financial goals, including, but not limited to, our strategy to operate as a fully regulated business and to grow the Regulated Distribution and Regulated Transmission segments to continue to reduce costs through FE Tomorrow, FirstEnergy's initiative launched in late 2016 to identify its optimal organizational structure and properly align corporate costs and systems to efficiently support a fully regulated company going forward, and other initiatives, and to improve our credit metrics and strengthen our balance sheet; the risks and uncertainties associated with litigation, arbitration, mediation and like proceedings; the uncertainties associated with the sale, transfer or deactivation of our remaining commodity-based generating units, including the impact on vendor commitments, and as it relates to the reliability of the transmission grid, the timing thereof; the uncertainty of the timing and amounts of the capital expenditures that may arise in connection with any litigation, including New Source Review litigation, or potential regulatory initiatives or rulemakings; changes in customers' demand for power, including, but not limited to, changes resulting from the implementation of state and federal energy efficiency and peak demand reduction mandates; economic and weather conditions affecting future sales, margins and operations, such as significant weather events, and all associated regulatory events or actions; changes in national and regional economic conditions affecting FirstEnergy and/or our major industrial and commercial customers, and other counterparties with which we do business; the impact of labor disruptions by our unionized workforce; the risks associated with cyber-attacks and other disruptions to our information technology system that may compromise our generation, transmission and/or distribution services and data security breaches of sensitive data, intellectual property and proprietary or personally identifiable information regarding our business, employees, shareholders, customers, suppliers, business partners and other individuals in our data centers and on our networks; the impact of the regulatory process and resulting outcomes on the matters at the federal level and in the various states in which we do business, including, but not limited to, matters related to rates; the impact of the federal regulatory process on Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulated entities and transactions, in particular FERC regulation of PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. (PJM) wholesale energy and capacity markets and cost-of-service rates, as well as FERC's compliance and enforcement activity, including compliance and enforcement activity related to North American Electric Reliability Corporation's mandatory reliability standards; the uncertainties of various cost recovery and cost allocation issues resulting from American Transmission Systems, Incorporated's realignment into PJM; the ability to comply with applicable state and federal reliability standards and energy efficiency and peak demand reduction mandates; other legislative and regulatory changes, including the federal administration's required review and potential revision of environmental requirements, including, but not limited to, the effects of the United States Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Power Plan, Coal Combustion Residuals, and Cross State Air Pollution Rule programs, including our estimated costs of compliance, Clean Water Act (CWA) waste water effluent limitations for power plants, and CWA 316(b) water intake regulation; changing market conditions that could affect the measurement of certain liabilities and the value of assets held in our pension trusts and other trust funds, and cause us and/or our subsidiaries to make additional contributions sooner, or in amounts that are larger, than currently anticipated; the impact of changes to significant accounting policies; the impact of any changes in tax laws or regulations, including the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, adopted December 22, 2017, or adverse tax audit results or rulings; the ability to access the public securities and other capital and credit markets in accordance with our financial plans, the cost of such capital and overall condition of the capital and credit markets affecting us and our subsidiaries; actions that may be taken by credit rating agencies that could negatively affect us and/or our subsidiaries' access to financing, increase the costs thereof, letters of credit and other financial guarantees, and the impact of these events on the financial condition and liquidity of FE and/or its subsidiaries; issues concerning the stability of domestic and foreign financial institutions and counterparties with which we do business; and the risks and other factors discussed from time to time in our United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings, and other similar factors. Dividends declared from time to time on FE's common stock, and thereby on FE's preferred stock, during any period may in the aggregate vary from prior periods due to circumstances considered by FE's Board of Directors at the time of the actual declarations. A security rating is not a recommendation to buy or hold securities and is subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating agency. Each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating. These forward-looking statements are also qualified by, and should be read together with, the risk factors included in our filings with the SEC, including but not limited to the most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which risk factors supersede and replace the risk factors contained in the Annual Report on Form 10-K and previous Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and any subsequent Current Reports on Form 8-K. The foregoing review of factors also should not be construed as exhaustive. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all such factors, nor assess the impact of any such factor on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. We expressly disclaim any obligation to update or revise, except as required by law, any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/firstenergy-ohio-utilities-file-settlement-to-provide-900-million-federal-tax-refund-to-customers-300747751.html SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp. 9 hurt as two groups clash in Banke Nine people were injured in a clash between two groups during the Deusi Bhailo programme in Khajura of Banke district on Thursday. PR Newswire KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Nov. 8, 2018 KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Nov. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Deputy Minister of Works, YB Tuan Haji Anuar Mohd Tahir announced and officiated the launch of the ASEAN Super 8 mega exhibition held in conjunction with International Construction Week (ICW) at a press conference held on 25 October 2018 at MITEC. UBM Malaysia will hold its biggest built industries exhibition in the ASEAN region -- ASEAN SUPER 8. Eight top regional industry exhibitions will be held together for the first time under one roof on 19 till 21 March 2019 at the country's biggest trade venue, Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC). Industries will have the opportunity to showcase innovations, source for suppliers, make valuable contacts with top industry players and stay updated with the latest developments in everything built environment related in this unique business trade platform. ASEAN Super 8 is the largest regional exhibition for the construction, engineering, energy, heavy machinery & equipment and security industries. The mega event will comprise eight power-packed industry leading events including ASEAN M&E, TENAGA, ASEAN SOLAR, ASEAN ECOLIGHT, ASEAN LIFT, IFSEC Southeast Asia, HEAVY MACH and ECOBUILD SEA. "The ASEAN Super 8 mega exhibition will enable construction industry stakeholders to be introduced to new products and technologies, as well as explore the innovations available in the market. This includes new sustainable materials and energy sources, innovative design approaches, as well as advances in digital technology, in line with the ICW 2019 theme of "Construction Beyond 2020", said Tan Sri Dr. Ir. Ahmad Tajuddin Ali. ASEAN SUPER 8 is expected to attract 20,000 trade visitors, 1,150 exhibiting companies, and 15 country group pavilions, 300 group visits from corporate, government bodies, associations and universities. ASEAN SUPER 8 will feature more than 200 sessions to conduct Business Matching by MATRADE and CIDB Trade Visitors. General Tan Sri Dato Seri Panglima Mohd Azumi (RTD), Co-Chairman of UBM Malaysia said, "ASEAN SUPER 8 will be one of UBM Malaysia's biggest events showcasing the latest developments across the entire spectrum of construction in one venue." ASEAN SUPER 8 will be held at The Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC) which is Malaysia's largest and most innovative exhibition centre with over 13.1 acres of flexible function or exhibition space and fully equipped state-of-the-art facilities. It is the first component and flagship venue of the new KL Metropolis, a 'city within a city' development that is envisioned to be Kuala Lumpur's "International Trade and Exhibition City" and will play a key role in the building of a sustainable and inclusive economy. The ASEAN SUPER 8 event is endorsed by Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and supported by Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Malaysia. About UBM Asia -- the show organiser (www.ubm.com) We Create Business For You Owned by UBM plc listed on the London Stock Exchange, UBM Asia is Asia's leading exhibition organiser and with a track record spanning over 30 years. UBM Asia operates in 21 market sectors with 160 dynamic face-to-face exhibitions, 75 high-level professional conferences, 28 targeted trade publications, 18 round-the-clock vertical portals and virtual event services for over 1,000,000 quality exhibitors, visitors, conference delegates, advertisers and subscribers from all over the world. We provide a non-stop diversified global service for high-value business matching, quality market news and online trading networks. In ASEAN, UBM Asia operates from its offices in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam and the Philippines with over 50 events in this region. For media enquiries, please contact Shyan Tan at [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/launch-of-asean-super-8----a-mega-trade-event-combining-8-leading-events-within-the-construction-energy-and-built-environment-300747346.html SOURCE UBM Malaysia PR Newswire WHEELING, West Virginia, November 9, 2018 WHEELING, West Virginia, November 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- GS1 Ireland led an international coalition which successfully employed a sterile field scanner during surgery. The "TRACTUS" scanner by Matrix IT Medical Tracking Systems effectively collected detailed medical device information from extremely small codes known as data matrix codes on hospital-sterilized implants at Wheeling Hospital in West Virginia, USA. For the first time, full medical device traceability was proven on these implants, allowing for future device analytics. (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/782488/GS1_Ireland.jpg ) (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/782486/GS1_Ireland.jpg ) (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/782487/GS1_Ireland.jpg ) (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/782489/GS1_Ireland.jpg ) Patient injury and death motivated governments worldwide to pass laws requiring medical devices be traced through their life cycles. Known as Unique Device Identification (UDI), a substantial barrier to compliance is the inability to fully identify hospital-sterilized devices. "Many implants and surgical instruments are removed from their packaging, placed into trays and sterilized in the hospital," said Alan Gormley, Industry Engagement and Solutions Manager at GS1 Ireland. "The surgeon typically uses only what is needed, and the rest are returned to be re-sterilized for another surgery. Once placed into trays all detailed information from the package label can be permanently lost," he said. TRACEABILITY IS A MUST Mike Schiller, Senior Director of Supply Chain for the Association for Healthcare Resource & Materials Management-a professional membership group of the American Hospital Association-has been working to solve challenges associated with UDI documentation. Schiller said, "for these devices, fast, accurate and complete traceability is a must, but has been a significant challenge for hospitals." Further complications include the inability to identify how many times these devices were used on patients and/or re-sterilized so that they may be safety checked. Many of these devices may have been sterilized or used hundreds of times. BEST PRACTICE GUIDELINES The aim of the coalition of top worldwide healthcare stakeholders known as 'Blueberry Castle' (BBC), is to analyze the speed and accuracy of numerous documentation methods for surgical implants. From this data, a "best practices" guide for manufacturers and hospitals is being created. AHRMM participates in the Blueberry Castle project and hosts and convenes several Learning UDI Community workgroups designed to solve challenges in UDI adoption. Schiller said, "AHRMM is excited to be a part of this project and looks forward to seeing continued success in this arena." He said, "UDI adoption has the potential to reduce healthcare costs while improving patient outcomes in the long term." Schiller stated, "hospital sterilized medical device documentation has been a challenge, but one we are solving." PRIOR PILOTS Prior simulated surgery pilot results at Wickenburg Community Hospital in Wickenburg Arizona concluded that only two methods could collect all medical device information, including lot numbers, expiration dates and serial numbers. Richard Wedig, Chief of Clinic and Surgical Services Officer at Wickenburg Hospital said, "other documentation methods were shown to be error prone, could slow down surgery and could not document detailed implant information." Wedig said "We found there are only two methods to collect the UDI during surgery; packaging scanning and sterile-field scanning." Scanning UDI placed onto packaging requires two staff members. One is usually the circulating nurse, who is responsible for patient safety during surgery. The circulator is diverted from his or her primary patient safety task each time he or she must search for the exact package from a large cart of implants, verify the package integrity, scan the label, open the package, drop the implant onto a sterile table. Once the device is placed onto the sterile table, the surgical scrub technician retrieves it, loads the device onto a tool and hands it off to the surgeon. "While this is occurring, the surgeon is waiting," said Mitch Wagner, MD., orthopaedic surgeon at Wickenburg Community Hospital. ADVOCATING FOR PATIENT SAFETY The Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) is the leader in advocating for patient safety and excellence in perioperative practice and healthcare. As a coalition participant, AORN noted that challenges were identified with manufacturer sterilized packaging and has advocated for full UDI documentation prior to implantation. Those challenges require large amounts of storage space, have potential sterile packaging failures, and increased surgical times while the patient is under anesthesia. The second option is for manufacturers to laser mark the UDI directly onto each implant via very small data matrix codes. Each device is placed into trays that are sterilized before surgery and positioned into the operating room sterile field. The scrub technician removes the correct device from the tray, and scans the laser marked data matrix code via sterile field scanner before handing it off to the surgeon. Staff noted that it's the first time they have been able to fully document hospital sterilized implants before being handed off to the surgeon and requires no extra staff. A FIRST IN THE U.S. Wheeling Hospital in West Virginia has become the first U.S. hospital to use the sterile field scanner for UDI documentation during surgery. David B. Cohen, M.D., the neurosurgeon who carried out the first surgery employing the scanner, reported his satisfaction with the new medical device documentation system, saying, "Scanning the UDI was easy and efficient as it did not delay the surgical process." David Rapp, Chief Information Officer at Wheeling Hospital, stated, "Wheeling Hospital is a technologically advanced hospital. As Chief Information Officer (CIO), I wanted Wheeling to be first to utilize this new technology. My hope was that it would integrate seamlessly in the operating theater. Change can be difficult and it's important that a new technology doesn't interfere with surgery. I'm delighted to say that in our first clinical use, the feedback I've had from the clinical staff was overwhelmingly positive." HOW STERILE FIELD SCANNING WORKS During surgery, sterile draped wireless scanners paired with intelligent software are employed to maximize the efficiency and accuracy of clinical care documentation at the point of care. The system captures, and documents hospital sterilized medical device information, while a handheld scanner is used to scan sterile packaged devices. Until now methods to document medical devices used in the operating theater have been subject to human error and lacking in adequate traceability of devices in the event of a recall. With a scan just before implantation TRACTUS collects all implant and surgical supply data. This information is transmitted to the software interface where each device is matched with the patient's surgical site and recorded in the patient's health record where they will have immediate access to their medical device information. TRACTUS cross checks government databases to ensure that recalled devices are identified before surgery. This is the last chance to verify that no active recall exists on a device before it's implanted. "Results from the study demonstrate that laser-marked GS1 DataMatrix codes, using GS1 globally unique identifers allow the capture of the full UDI and has been observed to be the fastest and most accurate," said Alan Gormley. This information may be used by medical device manufacturers to manage their inventory and know where all affected devices are located, in the event of a recall. The healthcare industry will be able to use the data to help combat counterfeits and analyze performance trends of devices and surgical procedures, ensuring the appropriate implant for each patient is selected. By tracking every medical device manufacturers, hospitals and payers will save significant healthcare dollars while improving patient safety and providing better care. FDA REQUIREMENTS Blueberry Castle participant Jay Crowley is the Vice President of the Unique Device Identification Services and Solutions at USDM Life Sciences. He was most recently Senior Advisor for Patient Safety in the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Center for Devices and Radiological Health. Crowley developed the framework and authored key requirements for FDA's Unique Device Identification system. Crowley said, "We (the FDA) envisioned the application and scanning of laser marked data matrix codes on medical devices before the technology was available. I am pleased to see such promising results stemming from our efforts at the FDA." Netflix recently released a highly critical documentary titled "The Bleeding Edge," which reported on challenges facing the FDA and the medical device industry over how to determine which devices are safe for market release and which devices should be recalled from the market. Because of the efforts of Crowley and others at the FDA, the immediate access to key data will soon be available to aide industry and regulatory agencies throughout the world to further measure the effectiveness and safety of medical devices. The FDA is building the National Evaluation System for health Technology (NEST) to more efficiently generate better evidence for medical device evaluation and regulatory decision-making. NEST will generate evidence across the total product lifecycle of medical devices by strategically and systematically leveraging real-world evidence and applying advanced analytics to data tailored to the unique data needs and innovation cycles of medical devices. The European Union MDR is slated to take effect soon and will set the framework for similar activities within the EU. Today, that feedback could take years to collect - if ever. "By employing UDI, regulatory agencies and industry will have access to far more data far more quickly than ever before," said Crowley. IMPROVING PATIENT OUTCOMES Kyle Hansen MD, Medical Director at Matrix IT, has a deep understanding of the advantages of UDI device capture and documentation in healthcare. He said, "UDI is expected to reduce healthcare costs by as much as $100 Billion." "Technology has advanced to the point where we are leveraging what is technologically feasible to improve patient care by documenting medical devices. No longer do we have to rely on the manual entry by OR staff to make sure that the information regarding medical devices is accurate," Dr. Hansen said. "We now have technology that can read the scannable codes on medical implants and automatically capture that data in real time, with complete accuracy to make sure that moving forward we can track patient outcomes and ensure product safety and ultimately, improved patient outcomes." Irish Hospitals are slated to be next in the study. GS1 Ireland is a not for profit organisation dedicated to the design and implementation of global standards and solutions to improve the efficiency and visibility of supply and demand chains globally. The GS1 system of standards is the most widely used supply chain standards system in the world. GS1 numbers and barcodes enable organisations of any size to order, track, trace, deliver and pay for goods across the supply chain, anywhere in the world. GS1 is recognised by the International Standards Organisation (ISO), the European Standardisation Committee (CEN) and the American National Standards Institute. Today, over two million-member companies in 145 countries use GS1 standards as part of their daily business communications, representing some five billion scanning transactions a day.www.GS1ie.org Matrix IT, Medical Tracking Systems Inc. is the developer of the world's only universal operating room UDI collection platform capable of data capture of all surgical device information, regardless of how it is presented. The Tractus sterile field scanner captures UDI information from medical devices marked with data matrix codes containing the full UDI.www.MatrixThis.com Wheeling Hospital has served the Northern Panhandle of West Virginia, Eastern Ohio and parts of Pennsylvania longer than any other hospital in West Virginia. It was founded in 1850 by Bishop Richard V. Whelan and Dr. Simon Hullihen and is owned by the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston. The hospital has 247 beds, and the medical staff totals 275 primary care and specialty physicians. www.wheelinghospital.org For more information or interview requests, contact: Alan Gormley, GS1 Ireland [email protected] SOURCE GS1 Ireland Canada NewsWire OTTAWA, Nov. 9, 2018 OTTAWA, Nov. 9, 2018 /CNW/ - The owners of La Presse, a leading newsroom in Montreal that went digital-only in 2017 and shifted to a non-profit structure earlier this year, is cutting 37 jobsand asking its journalists to take voluntary buyouts before the company imposes layoffs. "Journalists at La Presse have faced years of uncertainty thanks to a prolonged digital transition," said CAJ president Karyn Pugliese, citing 49 cuts last year and 43 newsroom jobs in 2015. "Now they're not sure who gets to keep their jobsor who might put up their hand to take a buyout." The prominent French-language outlet, established more than 130 years ago, is struggling with well-known industry-wide challenges, including insufficient advertising revenue lost to tech giants Facebook and Google. These latest cuts were announced mere months after Power Corp pledged $50 million to La Presse's non-profit future. As always, said Pugliese, the remaining La Presse reporters and editors will work long hours to cover a metropolitan area with millions of residents, as well as the rest of Canada's second-largest province. "Stories will go untold, and Montrealers and Quebecers will inevitably be less informed as a result." The CAJ is Canada's largest national professional organization for journalists from all media, representing about 600 members across the country. The CAJ's primary roles are to provide public-interest advocacy and high-quality professional development for its members. SOURCE Canadian Association of Journalists PR Newswire ST. LOUIS, Nov. 9, 2018 ST. LOUIS, Nov. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Enterprise Holdings has been awarded multiple contracts to provide vehicle rental services at U.S. military installations through the United States Marines Corps, Army & Air Force Exchange Service and Navy Exchange Service Command. The new contracts provide active and retired military members and their families on-base access to affordable and reliable transportation options to meet a variety of travel needs. Enterprise Holdings, the world's largest car rental provider, owns the Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car brands. With rental facilities located on military bases throughout the U.S. and in Germany, Enterprise is uniquely positioned to provide U.S. military members and their families with unmatched convenience and world-renowned customer service through every step of the car rental process. As a result of its newly awarded contracts and existing service at multiple military installations, Enterprise Holdings has a presence on over 50 military bases. "Our work to expand car rental services to military bases across the country is an important part of our commitment to support U.S. service members and their families," said Bryan Scott, director of federal government business for Enterprise Holdings. "These contracts allow us to better serve members of the Marines, Army, Air Force and Navy, whether they're renting for official duty-related activities or personal travel needs. We're proud to offer them the convenience and flexibility required in a dynamic, fast-paced environment like a military base." As part of the newly awarded contracts, the following U.S. bases will receive transportation services through Enterprise Holdings' brands: Military Support Enterprise has a strong track record of supporting a variety of U.S. government agencies. The company was awarded the car rental industry's very first General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule Contract to provide supplemental rental vehicles in 2006. Enterprise is also a provider of vehicle rental services under the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) Official Government Travel Program. These partnerships continue the longstanding relationship with the U.S. government that goes back to Enterprise's founding. In fact, the company is named after the USS Enterprise (CV-6), one of the aircraft carriers Enterprise founder Jack Taylor served on as a U.S. Navy pilot during World War II. The USS Enterprise is widely recognized as the most decorated warship in U.S. military history. Today, Enterprise Holdings' support of the military and their families focuses on three key areas recruitment and hiring, local operations, and community relations. Enterprise has been named a Military Friendly Employer from the publisher of G.I. Jobs magazine for the past four years, Top Veteran-Friendly Company by U.S. Veterans Magazine, "Best for Vets: Employers" by the Military Times publishing organization and Most Valuable Employer for Military by CivilianJobs.com. Currently, military veterans and members of the Guard and Reserves make up more than 10 percent of Enterprise's total U.S. workforce. Enterprise Holdings also honors current and former military personnel through charitable contributions. In 2017, the Enterprise Rent-A-Car Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Enterprise Rent-A-Car brand, renewed its initial three-year, $3 million commitment to the Fisher House Foundation with a second three-year, $3 million donation. Fisher House is a nonprofit organization that provides no-cost lodging to the families of veterans receiving treatment at military medical centers. For more information on Enterprise Holdings' military heritage, visit careers.enterprise.com/military-veterans-jobs. About Enterprise Holdings Enterprise Holdings through its integrated global network of independent regional subsidiaries and franchises operates the Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car brands at more than 10,000 fully staffed neighborhood and airport locations. Combined, Enterprise Holdings and its affiliate Enterprise Fleet Management accounted for $24.1 billion in revenue and owned 2 million vehicles throughout the world in fiscal year 2018. Enterprise Holdings' regional subsidiaries and Enterprise Fleet Management currently employ 100,000 worldwide. Enterprise Holdings currently is ranked as one of America's Largest Private Companies. Furthermore, if it were publicly traded, Enterprise Holdings would rank on Fortune's list of the 500 largest American public companies. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/worlds-largest-car-rental-provider-to-serve-more-than-50-military-bases-in-us-and-germany-300747653.html SOURCE Enterprise Holdings Borsa Italiana non ha responsabilita per il contenuto del sito a cui sta per accedere e non ha responsabilita per le informazioni contenute. Accedendo a questo link, Borsa Italiana non intende sollecitare acquisti o offerte in alcun paese da parte di nessuno. Sarai automaticamente diretto al link in cinque secondi. 1. Yes. Nonprofit youth organizations are underfunded in the city. Its a good decision. 2. Yes. In conjunction with city-run programs, it will provide needed opportunities. 3. No. The money should be used to benefit all residents, not just the citys youth. 4. No. The funds should be invested in the area where the project is being developed.. 5. Unsure. Its hard to say whether its an appropriate use of the money. Vote View Results The red carpet was rolled out to welcome customers to the first retail cannabis shop in Brandon on Thursday morning, with a lineup of eager customers stretching round the building. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 8/11/2018 (1108 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Advertisement Advertise With Us Jaydwiga Merkle, left, waits in line for Brandon's first retail cannabis store, Tweed, to open Thursday morning. (Chelsea Kemp/The Brandon Sun) The red carpet was rolled out to welcome customers to the first retail cannabis shop in Brandon on Thursday morning, with a lineup of eager customers stretching round the building. Arriving to line up at the store an hour before it opened, Jaydwiga Merkle was the first person in the city to legally purchase weed from the retail marijuana shop Tweed. A strain of marijuana featured at Brandon's first retail cannabis store Tweed Thursday. (Chelsea Kemp/The Brandon Sun) "This is history in the making; the first legal store to open in Brandon," Merkle said. Merkle was not in line alone for long, with others soon joining her in the cold morning air waiting for Tweed to open its doors at 2705 Victoria Ave. Purchasing some Indica strains from Tweed, Merkle was ecstatic to make her mark in history. Quinn McEachern studies the Indica dominant marijuana strain "Sunset" at Brandon's first retail cannabis store, Tweed, Thursday morning. (Chelsea Kemp/The Brandon Sun) Excited to try the strains, Merkle said she was impressed with the stores offerings. Unsure of what to expect from Tweed, given that legal retail stores are a new phenomenon in Canada, Merkle loved what she discovered inside. "Its very nice, very professional looking," she said. "Im very excited at how it turned out." Jamie Herring, a self-professed lover of marijuana, was another early arrival for the stores opening. Near the front of the line, Herring arrived on site about 45 minutes before Tweed opened, largely in part because he expected others to show up early as well. The opportunity to buy legal weed was a welcome activity for Herring. "When I go to my dealers, its so awkward," Herring said. "Im hoping for one thing, but he always has some other crap." Jaydwiga Merkle, left, purchases the first legal weed in Brandon history at retail cannabis store Tweed Thursday morning. (Chelsea Kemp/The Brandon Sun) Having the chance to explore a store like Tweed was interesting, Herring said, because of the consistency, availability and diversity in what the shop could potentially offer. "I hope its just a good time," Herring said. Tweed Manitoba district sales manager Celiene Morales was excited and proud to open the doors to the store in Brandon the fourth retail shop in the province. The grand opening offered a chance for Tweed to establish itself as a hub for all things related to weed. "Were here in Brandon to really educate the customer, to be that resource," Morales said. While Tweed may be the first store to open in Brandon, at least four more are expected to open in the Wheat City soon. Tweed Manitoba district sales manager Celiene Morales shows off one of the products available at Brandon's first retail cannabis store Tweed Thursday morning. (Chelsea Kemp/The Brandon Sun) Morales sees the opening of Tweed in Brandon as a step in opening up the community to legal marijuana. "Were partners in this and I think were changing the face of cannabis together," Morales said. She hopes to see all other retail cannabis shops succeed in this adventure. One of the most important aspects of marijuana legalization is that Tweed can help educate people who may be unfamiliar with the drug. Featuring "strain tables," the store is aiming to make cannabis accessible and easy to understand. Strain cards are paired with each unique type of weed available at Tweed detailing the type, profile, formats and top 5 Terpenes of the product. A brief history of the strain, almost like what one would see with a wine, is also included. With the ability as a legal dispensary to ensure product control, Tweed is able to provide consistent cannabis, ensuring it can share THC and CBD levels of different strains with customers. Tweed employees, also known as tweedtenders, prepare for the grand opening of Brandon's first retail marijuana shop Thursday Morning. (Chelsea Kemp/The Brandon Sun) Further, Tweedtenders, employees who are "experts on cannabis," are on hand throughout the store to help customers find the type of weed that best suits their needs. On average, there are eight to 15 employees on the ground. "You can literally take that person, walk them through the store and educate them because cannabis is something everyone knows of, but isnt familiar with," Morales said. These features work to create an environment where customers are able to shop with guidance from Tweedtenders, or on their own. "Were bringing a different face to cannabis," Morales said. Tweed features Indica, Sativa and hybrid blends, launching fully stocked with their four available weed products on Thursday. The shop is looking to introduce a variety of types as they continue to grow. There will eventually be more than 10 strains available at the store. Encountering those who have a number of misconceptions about the drug, Morales said that part of the education is sharing how weed works and the effects it actually has on a person. One of the biggest myths she encounters is that weed is only good for putting a person to sleep. She uses this as an example to show that there are different strains one can have to craft a variety of experiences. "You can have a Sativa if you want to have a little more energy, and a Indica if you want to relax. Theres so many different variants," Morales said. These strains typically could not be differentiated in the illicit market, Morales said, adding that this is one of the biggest changes brought on by legalization. The shop also features a selection of home decor, clothing, cooking accessories and weed pipes/bombs etc. along with different types of cannabis. With demand for weed growing, Morales is excited to see the shop meet those needs. The demand for legal marijuana has been higher then expected, but Tweed anticipates being ready to meet customer needs. "In some ways the shortage is good," said Jordan Sinclair, Tweeds vice-president of communications. With the legalization of cannabis taking place on Oct. 17, the company has faced demand for product from across the country since they first launched. "For us we were treating that really as a starting point that we could build from," Sinclair said. Growing its own products in seven licensed facilities across Canada has helped the company to have reach in the recreational side. Half of its products have become available online in about the last six months. The demand has been higher than anticipated, although the company was prepared to have shortages in the first months of legalization. For those who stop by Brandons Tweed and find the shop has a shortage of cannabis, Sinclair recommends checking out the online store as an alternative. "In some ways thats a good thing. It gives us a little bit of a market that we can grow into," Sinclair said. ckemp@brandonsun.com Twitter: @The_ChelseaKemp The City of Brandon has the seventh worst rate of youth crime in the country, according to a recent report from Macleans magazine about the most dangerous places in Canada. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 8/11/2018 (1109 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Advertisement Advertise With Us The City of Brandon has the seventh worst rate of youth crime in the country, according to a recent report from Macleans magazine about the most dangerous places in Canada. Using 2017 data from Statistics Canada, the report found that the rate of Youth Criminal Justice Act offences in Brandon fell in the five previous years, but was nearly 10 times greater than the Canadian average at 163.4 incidents per 100,000 people, compared to 16.7 nationally. North Battleford, Sask., topped the list with a per capita rate of 674.2 offences, followed by Thompson; the Prince Albert area in Saskatchewan; Portage la Prairie; Port Alberni, B.C.; and Yorkton, Sask. By comparison, Winnipeg came in 37th with 27.9 Youth Criminal Justice Act offences for every 100,000 people, a figure that has also been trending downward in the five years leading up to 2017. "My initial thought is that is a huge surprise to me. I would not have expected it to be that high," said Mark Sefton, chair of Community Mobilization Westman. Community Mobilization is made up of members from multiple agencies who provide at-risk individuals with social supports before their situations become more serious and lead to brushes with the justice system. Sefton said the group has dealt with 484 situations so far, most of which involving adults or families. "The number of situations that we have dealt with that are youth specific are quite small," he said. While a number of the family situations Community Mobilization has dealt with do involve children, Sefton said issues that have come up appear to be related more to youth missing school regularly, and in some cases run-ins with the law. But speaking from a personal point of view, and not on behalf of Community Mobilization, Sefton suggested the number of group homes in Brandon, and the number of troubled youths moving in from other centres, could be playing a role as well. "Every time we can connect one of those families or individuals with the services that they need to minimize that risk, then that means that one less person, couple, family, whatever that is likely to experience difficulties in our community," he said. "And every time you can connect people with services, they feel a little bit better about themselves and their situations and are perhaps a little less inclined to be included in those numbers you quoted." An email was sent to Brandon police Chief Wayne Balcaen requesting comment on the youth crime numbers, but The Brandon Sun did not receive a response before press time Wednesday. The report from Macleans ranked communities in Canada using Statistics Canadas Crime Severity Index, which measures the volume and severity of all police-reported crime. Between 2012 and 2017, Brandon saw a 21.6 point increase in its Crime Severity Index from 84.6 to 106.2, pushing the city up to 23rd in the country. Brandon ranked 50th in violent crime and homicide, 25th in sexual assault, 34th in assault, 71st in firearms offences, 29th in robberies, 44th for break and enter, 64th for fraud, and 54th for impaired driving. When it came to drug offences, Brandon was 104th in cannabis trafficking, 38th in cocaine trafficking and 94th when it came to the trafficking of other types of drugs. Overall, Brandon was ranked 46th when it came to all crimes. With the Crime Severity Index in Manitoba having increased for a third consecutive year in 2017, police believe methamphetamine use is the main culprit behind the provinces rising crime rates. mlee@brandonsun.com Twitter: @mtaylorlee By Moses Kyeyune. Members of Parliament have asked Kampala Capital City Authority to buy residual interests of Basajjabalaba Hides and Skins (BHS), following forceful loss of interest in the city abattoirs. The recommendations contained in the report of the Parliamentary Committee on President Affairs, have also asked the Kampala City Authority to repossess the abattoirs and tender them out to City Abattoir Traders Development Association. The committee report by Adjumani District Woman MP Jessica Ababiku declared that it would be unfair for a nation with a policy of promotion of the local content to turn around and frustrate her local entrepreneurs. The committee confirmed that Mr Basajjabala is the rightful owner of the abattoirs located on plot 1&3 Old Portbell Road, which he obtained through a lease obtained from Kampala City Council in March 2001. Basajjabalaba has since withdrawn his interest in the property, citing frustrations and illegal occupation of the facility by the vendors association. The MPs have however asked the government to give a meaningful but not exaggerated compensation. A global financial technology company today confirmed that it has entered into an agreement to acquire the An Post subsidiary, Gift Voucher Shop (GVS), the company behind the One4all umbrella brand. Blackhawk Network will purchase GVS, which is the market leading multi-store gift card in Ireland and the UK. The agreement places an enterprise value on GVS in the region of 100m. When complete, the acquisition will support the continued growth of GVS which was founded by Irish entrepreneur Michael Dawson to bring a unique and innovative gift solution to consumers. This acquisition is an exciting expansion of Blackhawks business footprint in Europe and nicely complements Happy Cards and our strategy to expand original, aggregated retail content globally, said Talbott Roche, chief executive officer and president of Blackhawk Network. Additionally, the One4all gift card is a great value-add for our European merchant and distribution partners. GVS and An Post are "delighted" with the acquisition. This is a very significant sale of an Irish company which has delivered outstanding growth since its founding and has made consistent international gains, particularly in the UK market over the past decade, said Peter Quinn, chairman of GVS and chief financial officer of An Post. The growth of the company is testament to the skill and determination of GVS management and staff as well as the strength and support of An Post as majority shareholder. We are delighted that GVS will now enter a new era and benefit from the global scale, strength and footprint of Blackhawk Network. GVS commenced business in 2002 as an innovative solution to the gifting needs of consumers and businesses. In 2009, An Post bought a majority shareholding in the company. The strength of support and insight from the An Post management team, coupled with An Posts unequalled distribution network, has been a cornerstone of our growth over the past decade, said Michael Dawson, founder and CEO of GVS. Todays agreement was made possible through a great deal of hard work and marks the start of a new chapter for GVS. It is a tremendous milestone for the team behind GVS and our One4All card who will now continue to grow the business with the benefit of Blackhawks strength and scale, including an expanded list of merchant partners and distribution points. With Blackhawks expertise, we will continue to optimise gift card experiences for our partners and customers across channels, devices and countries. Digital Desk By Ann O'Loughlin A woman is to be given an opportunity to reformulate a High Court action brought when she feared she would lose her rented home because a fund took possession of the property. Mr Justice Senan Allen said Valerie Hayes' case that the fund, Promontoria (Finn) Ltd, is her landlord was bound to fail. But he was not satisfied she had no case in regard to other claims she made. Promontoria had brought an application to strike out her case on grounds that it showed no reasonable cause of action but the judge said he would now allow her an opportunity to reformulate her claim. He said the issue to be determined is whether a possession order granted over her home at the Turnpike, Santry Cross, Ballymun, Dublin, requires her to deliver actual possession or whether Promontoriais entitled to enforce its security over the property, not with her, but with the landlords the fund acquired the house from over failure to repay a loan. Ms Hayes lived in the house for 12 years as a tenant of a couple who acquired it as a buy-to-rent property with loan assistance from Ulster Bank, the judge said. The couple got into difficulty with their loan in 2013 and Ulster Bank issued repossession proceedings. In March 2015, the Circuit Court made a repossession order. Ms Hayes, in her High Court action, claimed that because a letter was sent in June 2015 by Ulster Bank to the "tenant", stating that as the house was subject to repossession, she treated this as a putative termination of her tenancy. She then complained to the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) that Ulster Bank had served an invalid notice of termination. The RTB decided it did not have jurisdiction in the matter and this was affirmed by the Circuit Court in January 2015. In the meantime, September 2015, Ulster Bank assigned the loan on the house to Promontoria. Mr Justice Allen said Ms Hayes complained Ulster Bank refused to inform her of the name of the new loan holder. The judge said he could not understand "the reticence" of Ulster Bank to do so given that this was public information in the Land Registry in October 2015. The judge said the case made by Ms Hayes is at best ambiguous. While she has asserted long term tenancy rights, she said she has been left in a situation where she was living in fear her home will be repossessed without notice on foot of a possession order. She says the Circuit Court is not empowered to terminate her statutory tenancy but, the judge said, he understood Promontoria did not contend otherwise. He was "unconvinced these proceedings were necessary" or that the High Court was the proper forum to make the case that Promontoria is bound by her tenancy and/or that her right to remain in the property was unaffected by the possession order. He noted there had been efforts by agents for the receiver appointed by Promontoria over the property to liaise with her in relation to payment of rent and regularisation of the tenancy. If she engaged with the receiver, she might very well establish her tenancy, he said. He adjourned the matter so the parties could consider his judgment and for Ms Hayes to consider, if she wishes, to reformulate her claim. A book of condolence has opened in Churchtown, Co. Dublin following the murder of a local man in South Africa yesterday. 60-year-old John Curran was found with multiple stab wounds at his apartment in Cape Town. The father of four was a Principal of The Good Shepard National School in Churchtown for 16 years before retiring a number of years ago. The parent of one former pupil has fond memories of him. "My children were here in the 90s and John was a great guidance for the children of the area. He was a great thinker as well," he said. It is thought Mr Curran, who is originally from Dublin, was the victim of a robbery where only his phone was taken. South African Journalist JJ Cornish says it does not appear the incident was a burglary that went wrong. Mr Cornish said: "There is no indication of that at all. There was a British man who was stabbed in his flat in Greenpoint, not terribly far away, just last month and a 24-year-old man has been arrested in that regard." Digital Desk Update: Siblings Leanne & Dean Wilson have been found safe and well. Previously: Gardai in Dublin are appealing for help to find a missing brother and sister missing since Monday. Officers are searching for 17-year-old Leanne Wilson, and her 14-year-old brother, Dean, who have been missing from Dublin 8 since Monday, November 5, at 5pm. Leanne is described as being five foot two inches tall, with black hair and blue eyes. When last seen Leanne was wearing, dark grey leggings and a purple jacket. Dean is described as being five foot four inches tall with a slim build, short black hair and blue eyes. When last seen Dean was wearing, dark navy tracksuit bottoms, green hoodie and black runners. Anyone with information is asked to contact Kevin Street Garda Station on 01 666-9400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station. By Aoife Nic Ardghail Former singing priest Tony Walsh will be sentenced in December for indecently assaulting a teenage boy 35 years ago. Walsh (64) formerly of North Circular Road, Dublin 7, is currently serving a seven and a half year sentence for raping another boy three times in the 1980s. On one of these occasions, he raped the victim with a crucifix. Walsh pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to his latest charge of indecently assaulting a teenage boy on a date in 1983. He has 14 previous convictions for sex-related offences dating from the mid-1970s to the mid-1980s. Today Garda John Barrett said the boy had got drunk in an unrelated incident, had woken up naked and in pain with Walsh on top on him in a single bed. Gda Barrett told Dara Hayes BL, prosecuting, that this was Walsh's bedroom at the time and that he had assaulted the boy for a split second. The injured party told gardai it had been a stabbing pain and that he had roared and pushed Walsh off him. The then-teenager saw Walsh was wearing a white vest with no underwear on. The boy put his clothes on as fast as he could and ran home, where he cried in his room before going to sleep. The court heard he didn't tell anyone because he was so ashamed. Gda Barrett told Mr Hayes that the injured party turned to drink after this incident. A victim impact report was handed into court but not read out. The garda agreed with Paul Carroll SC, defending, that Walsh's guilty plea had spared the injured party from giving evidence at a trial. Mr Carroll submitted to Judge Cormac Quinn that his client has a release date from his current sentence in 2021. He said Walsh has served in the region of 13 years in jail for all the convictions against him to date. Counsel said he had been instructed to apologise to the injured party and submitted that there had been an inordinate and culpable prosecutorial delay in the case coming to court. He said his client had been in custody for large periods of time and that the offending had stopped a long time ago. He said Walsh has been dealing with his issues and accepting his wrongdoing in the context of keeping his religious faith. Judge Quinn adjourned the sentence, saying he wanted to know about Walsh's risk assessment and what courses might be available to him on release from prison. By David Raleigh The gardai that smashed the Dundon gang were the unsung heroes of Limericks dramatic image transformation. That's according to Limerick Fianna Fail TD Willie ODea, who was speaking on the 10th anniversary of the shooting of innocent rugby player Shane Geoghegan which proved to be the tipping point in Limericks vicious gangland history which had threatened all-out anarchy between the late 1990s and late 2000s. The gardai are the unsung heroes of the whole saga of Limericks gangland past. The detective branch who led the investigations have probably the best detection record of any police force in the world, said Mr ODea. Their sources of information were superb, and their investigative abilities were second to none. They knew who to talk to and when to talk to them. They are absolutely priceless. Mr Geoghegan, a charismatic family man and rugby player with the famous Garryowen RFC, was walking home from his girlfriends house when he was chased and shot dead by hired hitman Barry Doyle, on November 9, 2008. Recruited by the notorious Dundon gang to shoot an associate of rival Philip Collopy, Doyle mistook Mr Geoghegan for his intended target. It would quickly emerge John Dundon, one head of the Dundon crime gang, had ordered the hit. Exactly five months later, on April 9, 2009, another innocent man, Roy Collins, was shot dead by a Dundon triggerman. The murders of the two innocent men were a catalyst for introducing important amendments to the Criminal Justice Bill, introduced in 2006 to tackle gangland crime. These legislative updates beefed up the Bill, and provided for the use in criminal trials of material obtained during garda covert surveillance operations; further definitions of membership of a criminal organisation; making it an offence to direct gang activities; and creating a raft of new scheduled offences which brought gangland trials into the non-jury Special Criminal Court on a declaration that the ordinary courts were inadequate for the purpose of the effective administration of justice. Retired Detective Garda Sean Lynch, now a Fianna Fail Cllr, also praised his former garda colleagues, adding: They never took the foot off the pedal. We had detectives with good experience and who were passionate about this great city and passionate about their work; and thats why Limerick is the way it is today. Shane Geoghegans family attended a special match at Garryowen RFC last night, held by the club in memory of their fallen comrade and Thirds Team captain. No one has worn Shanes Number Three jersey since his death. Its been permanently retired, said club vice-chairperson Eoin Prendergast. Shane was such a decent guy, a great person and it still hurts us all. His family will never get over it; how could you? Shanes brother Anthony is expected to present a portrait he painted of his slain sibling tonight at the match, which will be displayed in the clubhouse alongside a signed All Blacks jersey which the side had presented to the club in memory of the Garryowen man. Google has promised to improve the way it handles sexual harassment cases within the company. The move has been welcomed by campaigners who staged a walkout in Dublin and other Google offices worldwide last week. Around 20,000 Google staff staged a mass walk-out last week at the firm's outlets around the world, including in Dublin. They were unhappy with the way sexual harassment cases are dealt with, highlighted by big money pay-offs for executives who had credible harassment claims made against them. In an email to staff, Google said it was meeting one of their key demands by ending "forced arbitration" in cases where a staff member makes a sexual harassment claim. Workers will also be allowed to bring representatives to meetings with Human Resources. Mandatory annual training on awareness about harassment is being introduced, and the company will discourage excessive alcohol use at company events. The walk-out organisers have welcomed the end to forced arbitration, saying it is proof that collective action works. However, the activists say not enough progress is being made on tackling racism and other forms of discrimination within the corporation. It says there is still a big divide between the benefits given to full-time staff, who are mostly white, compared to conditions for contract workers most of whom are African-American and other people of colour. By Louise Walsh Update: A heartbroken Louth student who appealed for help in finding her lost phone has been reunited with many of her precious memories of her boyfriend who died suddenly a few weeks ago. Clare Fagan, 23, from Drogheda, made a heart-rendering plea with whoever had her Samsung Galaxy A5 phone, just to back-up the irreplaceable pictures, texts and recordings that were stored on the device. Most of the memories lost were of her and her late partner Philip Dowling, 30, from Monasterboice, who died suddenly in America last month. Philip had been visiting Clare, who was on an internship at the University of Purdue in Indiana as part of final year environmental health degree at when the tragedy occurred. She claims her phone went missing from her handbag at the Fusion disco in the town last Sunday evening. However, the phone was handed into Navan gardai on Friday and although the phone had been wiped, experts were able to recover a lot of her last pictures taken with Phil. She said last night: "My phone would never have been found if it wasn't for all of my friends and family, local businesses, LMFM Radio, Fusion Venue in Drogheda, gardai and everyone on social media who helped get the word out. "Although the SIM card was stolen and someone did their best to wipe the phone to sell it on, I have been able to get back some of my beautiful memories. "When I turned the phone on, it was all gobbledygook and I was so distraught that phone experts said to go away and get a cup of tea and they'd do their best to get back some pictures. They were brilliant. Although I lost a lot of footage, I got back the last photographs of us taken in America, along with recordings of us singing together "I'd like to say to anyone thinking of wiping a phone they found or took, to think about what you could be doing to somebody's memories and possessions before doing something horrible like this. "To whoever handed the phone in, I'm eternally grateful. You most definitely did the right thing." Earlier: Heartbroken Louth student pleads for last memories of dead boyfriend from her lost phone By Louise Walsh A Co. Louth student is appealing for help to find her lost phone, containing precious memories of her boyfriend who died suddenly last month. 23-year-old Clare Fagan from Drogheda has made a heartrending plea with whoever may have her phone, just to back up the irreplaceable pictures, texts and recordings that were stored on the device. Most of the memories lost were of her and her late partner Philip Dowling (aged 30) from Monasterboice, who died suddenly in America last month. Philip had been visiting Clare, who was on an internship at the University of Purdue in Indiana as part of her final-year environmental health degree, when the tragedy occurred. She claims her phone went missing from her handbag at a disco in the town last Sunday evening. The distraught young woman said: "To whoever has my phone, I cannot explain how many personal and irreplaceable memories are on that phone. "It is a Samsung Galaxy gold A5 with a clear cover and there is a picture of myself and Phil on the lock screen and an ID card with my picture and name attached to the back. I don't care about the phone, I don't even want the SIM card back. All I'm asking is that whoever has the phone would just back up the pics for me so that they will automatically go to my own database. "I just want all the pics, texts, videos and recordings of me and Phil singing - I just want them back to remember him. They're the most recent ones I had of him and the last memories of us together," she said. A cocaine-snorting gunman who plotted to murder a Dublin man and described his intended target as a "f**king idiot" has been jailed by the Special Criminal Court for 11 years. Luke Wilson (aged 23), who himself had been the victim of an attempted murder bid when his best friend shot him in the face five years ago, was recorded by gardai in "extensive discussions" about the murder plot. He said in an audio recording that he had "no problem" camping in the back of a van in order "to get" Gary Hanley and that he wanted "money not jail". The father-of-one also said: He (Hanley) doesnt even understand why our people want him gone, he is such a f**king idiot". Wilson from Cremona Road in Ballyfermot, Dublin 10 admitted in July to conspiring to murder Mr Hanley at a location within the State between September 15 and November 6 last year. The offence is under Section 71 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006. He also pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a Beretta handgun with intent to endanger life at Philipsburgh Avenue, Fairview, Dublin 3 on November 6 last year. Passing sentence today, Mr Justice Tony Hunt presiding at the non-jury court, said it was previously heard that a vertical chain of command existed and Wilson had no act or part in the "organisational part" of the endeavour. The judge said Wilson was heard on only two of the 23 audio transcripts which were available. Mr Justice Hunt said Wilson had been described by gardai as an essential cog in the wheel but nonetheless he had performed an important role. The judge referred to the fact that Wilson, who is now drug-free, could be heard snorting cocaine on a number of occasions in the audio recordings. Mr Justice Hunt said it was without doubt that Wilson had a difficult start in life. The defence had previously handed into the court a psychiatric and probation report which revealed that Wilsons mother had died from a drug overdose and he lived with his grandmother. Cocaine and alcohol led to a fairly dysfunctional family. His personal circumstances are tragic and one would hope he can break that cycle going forward, submitted Wilson's barrister last month. The judge said Wilson was motivated by financial and gambling issues. There was reference to Wilson, who had agreed to carry out the killing, expecting a payment in the transcripts. Referring to the firearm charge, the judge said this carried a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a minimum sentence of 10 years. Mr Justice Hunt said the headline sentence for the firearm offence was 16 years but he accepted there were mitigating factors in his favour, the most weighty one being his early guilty plea as well as personal mitigating factors which reduced this by 25%. The possession of a gun took place in "very proximate" circumstances and the event would have occurred without the intervention of gardai, said Mr Justice Hunt. Very serious harm was intended and it was only prevented by good police work. - Mr Justice Hunt He is now facing a long custodial sentence at a relatively young age and his constant medical condition will make life difficult for him in prison and upon his release, the judge remarked. Michael Bowman SC, defending Wilson, previously told the court that there was very significant trauma in his clients life when he lost his eye at the age of 18 years after been shot in the face by his life-long best friend as part of an attempted murder. As a result, he developed post-traumatic stress disorder and fell into a deep depression. Wilson is fully blind in one eye and is losing the sight in his other eye but he is scheduled to have an operation on this eye in order to recover his sight which his barrister said was disappearing rapidly. Sentencing the defendant today for the firearm charge, Mr Justice Hunt sitting with Judge Patricia Ryan and Judge Michael Walsh, sentenced Wilson to 12 years imprisonment with the final year suspended for a period of three years. The judge emphasised that Wilson could "rest assured" that if he had contested the trial he would have received a sentence of 16 years. The plea of mitigation saved him a significant period of time in custody, he said. Wilson also received a six-year concurrent sentence on the conspiracy charge, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. We assessed the headline sentence as eight years but as both offences arise out of the same transaction, it results in a concurrent sentence of six years on that count, he concluded. Wilsons 11-year jail sentence was backdated to when he was first arrested, on November 6, 2017. Before the court rose, Mr Justice Hunt addressed Wilson saying: Its a long sentence but we have no choice in that matter. You have saved yourself four or five years. Wilson replied: I appreciate that your honour. The defendant has 36 previous convictions at district court level which include theft and road traffic offences. Speaking outside the Criminal Courts of Justice today, Detective Sergeant Seamus Boland from the Garda National Drug's and Organised Crime Bureau, said today's conviction is part of An Garda Siochana's relentless focus on individuals who are willing to target other people for assassination. "I'd like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the investigating officers for their dedication and professionalism particularly the officers from the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau and the security and intelligence section," he said. Det. Sgt Boland also thanked the local community as he said without them today's success would not have been achieved. "An Garda Siochana will continue to ensure adequate resources are allocated to our communities where people are willing to target other people for murder with firearms for financial gain" - Det. Sgt Boland. Alan Wilson (aged 39) of New Street Gardens, Dublin 8, Liam Brannigan (aged 37) from Bride Street, Dublin 8 and Joseph Kelly (aged 35) of Kilworth Road, Drimnagh, Dublin 12 are also charged with conspiring to murder Mr Hanley at a location within the State between the same dates. Mr Kelly is also facing charges of the possession of a Beretta handgun and 15 rounds of ammunition with intent to endanger life at Philipsburgh Avenue, Fairview, Dublin 3, on the same date. A trial date for Alan Wilson, Mr Brannigan and Mr Kelly has been set for October 7, 2019. It has emerged an Irishman murdered in South Africa may have been killed for his mobile phone. Investigations are continuing after father of four, John Curran, was found dead at his apartment in Cape Town. By Liam Heylin Evidence is scheduled to commence on Tuesday at the Cork Circuit Criminal Court in a Cork murder case into the death of a 38-year-old woman. A jury had been sworn in on Thursday to hear the case against a 44-year-old man accused of murdering Kerry-born Nicola Collins in a flat over a food store in Cork in March 2016. The jury members had been asked to present themselves this morning before the court, which is sitting at Anglesea Courthouse in Cork. But the nine men and three women who returned to the Central Criminal Court for the scheduled opening of the case, were advised legal argument was continuing in the absence of the jury. Ms Justice Eileen Creedon told the jury that legal discussions between the prosecution and defence which commenced on Thursday had not yet concluded. To facilitate the continuing legal discussions, the judge said she was sending the jury home to return to court at 2pm on Tuesday next. The accused, Cathal O'Sullivan, who is originally from Charleville, Co Cork, has pleaded not guilty to a charge of murdering Ms Collins on March 27, 2016, at a flat at 6A Popham's Road, Farranree, Cork. Cathal O'Sullivan The flat is located over a local Gala food store. The trial, before the Central Criminal Court, is expected to last two weeks. It is anticipated the prosecution's senior counsel Tom Creed will present the jury with an outline of the evidence anticipated in the case when it is ready to open to them. The late Ms Collins was a native of St Brendans Park in Tralee, Co Kerry but had been living at Clashduv Road in the Togher area of Cork for a number of years. On Thursday, Ms Justice Creedon had told the jury: There are legal issues in the trial. They have to be discussed. They are going to take some time. "I am going to send you away until those legal issues are sorted out. By Ann O'Loughlin A solicitor has claimed before the High Court she was allegedly subjected to discriminatory remarks because she is "a woman and a black African" when attempting to represent a client at a Tribunal of the Mental Health Commission. The Tribunal was considering the continued detention under the Mental Health Act of a woman, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, as an involuntary patient at a hospital. Lawyers for the woman have claimed that she and her family's desire to be represented at the Tribunal by a solicitor chosen by them was refused by the Tribunal's chairman. The patient, it is claimed, rather than have another lawyer represent her at the hearing declined to participate and left the room where the Tribunal was being conducted. The tribunal decided the woman, who wishes to return home to her family, should remain as an involuntary patient for a further six months. However, her lawyers claim the manner in which the tribunal handled the case, where remarks were allegedly made to her solicitor which the solicitor found disturbing and discriminatory, renders the woman's detention unlawful. The case came before the High Court today when Ms Justice Caroline Costello directed that an inquiry under Article 40 of the Constitution into the legality of the woman's detention at the hospital take place. Feichin McDonagh SC for the woman said the manner in which the Tribunal arrived at its decision to continue to keep the woman as an involuntary patient was done in the absence of fair procedures which rendered her detention unlawful. The application for an inquiry was made on an ex-parte basis and was adjourned to next week's sitting of the court. In a sworn statement, the woman's solicitor said she agreed to represent the woman in September. The solicitor said the woman's family wanted her to represent her at a Mental Health Commission Tribunal, which periodically reviews decisions to make persons involuntary patients. The solicitor said she made arrangements with and collected her client's file from the solicitor previously representing her. She also formally notified the Mental Health Commission that she was now representing the woman. Earlier this week the solicitor attended at a Tribunal to review the woman's case. She told the chairman of the tribunal Mr Eamonn Walsh Bl that she was representing the woman, who did not want to be represented by the previous solicitor. She claims the chairman said the woman did not have the right to choose her own legal representative and that the tribunal had a right to do what it appeared to be reasonable and just. The solicitor said she was asked by Mr Walsh if she was qualified to practice in Ireland, and if she knew about the Mental Health Acts, and that those solicitors engaged by the Commission to act for patients were "very highly trained" in the Mental Health Act. She said: I found Mr Walsh's remarks to be disturbing and I also say that I considered his remarks to be discriminatory given I am a woman and a black African. She added that she wondered if Mr Walsh "questioned all legal representatives appearing before a tribunal" as to their standing in this jurisdiction. She said she was admitted to practice as a solicitor in Ireland in 2013, holds a Masters Degree in Law from TCD, and is about to receive a Doctorate in law from the same university. She claims the woman's previous solicitor was accepted as her legal representative and she protested but was asked to be quiet. She was permitted to sit at the back of the room where the tribunal was being conducted but was not allowed to speak, take notes or make a recording. She said her client left the room stating that she was denied the right to have her chosen lawyer represent her and did not want to be represented by the previous solicitor. The Tribunal she said went on to consider the woman's situation in her absence and it found the woman's detention should continue for another six months and found the woman suffers from schizophrenia. The solicitor said the finding was new and is not supported by any medical evidence, as according to the woman's medical records there has never been a diagnosis of such a condition. The woman, who says she is not a risk to anyone, and her family want her to be allowed come home and remain as an outpatient at the hospital. In a statement, Mental Health Commission said: "The Mental Health Commission does not comment on individual cases. However, we recognise that a patient is entitled to select a legal representative of their choosing to represent them. "Furthermore, neither the Commission nor any of its Mental Health Tribunals would discriminate on grounds of race or ethnicity." Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan has said he is very concerned the Oireachtas has engaged young people with disabilities as unpaid internees, a scheme he says is feeding into inequality. The Oireachtas confirmed there are 10 people with intellectual disabilities carrying out unpaid work in Leinster House, for nine months, who receive daily lunch vouchers. Officials strongly defended the scheme, insisting the value of the placement was the experience workers will get in a high profile institution as well as a special qualification. Nonetheless, Mr Flanagan, who oversees equality, told the Irish Examiner he would raise his objections with the Houses of the Oireachtas. I am very concerned about it. Nobody should be expected to work for nothing either in the public sector or the private sector. I am concerned that the Houses of the Oireachtas should operate schemes involving unpaid work. In defence, it has been said that it is good training and a good opportunity. But I am very concerned at the long-standing departure from a long-standing principle where money or monies worth would be given to individuals for their labour. And I intend to bring up the issue with the Houses of the Oireachtas. Under the Oireachtas Work and Learn (OWl) scheme, the interns work around six hours a day, five days a week. It is understood they are engaged in work in the bills office, facilitating visits to the Houses of the Oireachtas and assisting with computer work. Inclusion Ireland, the association for people with intellectual disabilities, has said it is disappointed participants are not paid. But the Oireachtas insisted it had received no complaints and other parents have inquired about the scheme. It said the work programme was established in September after an approach from KARE and WALK, support groups for people with disabilities. The goal of the programme is for the participants to eventually achieve paid employment in the open labour market. Participants spend a substantial amount of their time in Leinster House undertaking QQI training, a statement said. Both KARE and Walk said the placements for young people involved were life-changing. Nonetheless, government policy says there are no exemptions from obligations to pay the minimum hourly rate of pay for placements and internships, except with relatives. The justice minister said he was against unpaid placements in any workplace: By Ann O'Loughlin A mother of two with breast cancer who sued over the care she received at two hospitals in Dublin and Cork has settled her High Court action. Joan OSullivan, who has a mutation gene which means she is at higher risk of cancer, claimed she suffered an alleged delay in the diagnosis and treatment of her cancer and as a result, her life expectancy may have been reduced. The Tipperary woman had sued St James's Hospital, Dublin claiming she suffered an alleged perforation to her bowel during an operation in 2013 which was part of a cancer preventative plan and as a result, she has claimed plans for a preventative full mastectomy were derailed. She had also sued the HSE over her care at Cork University Hospital where she claimed an 8mm tumour in her right breast was not diagnosed when she had a scan in 2016 and when the tumour was diagnosed 522 days later it was 3cms in size. The settlement of the case came on the second day of the hearing. The details of the settlement are confidential. Mr Justice Michael Hanna said he was glad to hear of the settlement and he wished Ms O'Sullivan the very best. The court had heard that since the diagnosis of her breast cancer in October last year, Ms O'Sullivan has had twenty weeks of chemotherapy and has had a right-sided mastectomy. Joan O'Sullivan of McDonagh Court, Old Road, Cashel, Co Tipperary had sued St James's Hospital claiming in relation to the 2013 procedure there was an alleged failure to exercise reasonable care and skill and her bowel was allegedly perforated. She had also sued the HSE claiming there was an alleged failure to identify or to heed adequately or at all a significant abnormality in an MRI scan carried out in Cork University Hospital in April 2016 and there was an allegedly delayed diagnosis of triple negative breast cancer in her right breast. Mr Justice Hanna was told that St James's Hospital and the HSE denied claims but the HSE this week by letter admitted a breach of duty in relation to some of the care afforded at Cork University Hospital. Her counsel Patrick Treacy SC told the court Ms O'Sullivan, who has lost members of her extended family to cancer, was diagnosed as a carrier of the BRCA1 mutation gene which means the person has a higher risk of ovarian and breast cancer. Counsel said it was decided there would be ongoing monitoring of Ms O'Sullivan at St James's Hospital and a treatment plan was put in place. He said it was decided Ms O'Sullivan would have a procedure as an outpatient on March 6, 2013, to remove her ovaries and fallopian tubes and a double mastectomy was expected t be carried out in the autumn of 2013. Counsel said on March 6 "tragically and unfortunately" a simple and profound error was made and it was their case that an alleged perforation of Ms O'Sullivan's bowel took place during the suturing after the laparoscopic procedure. It was their case that the alleged perforation should not have happened and the post-op care allegedly fell below the standard of the hospital. Mr Treacy said Ms O'Sullivan was discharged from hospital when she was in significant pain. Days later she was admitted to another hospital feeling unwell and with a raised temperature. She was advised she had sepsis and E-coli and she had to have another operation. Mr Treacy said Ms O'Sullivan's plans for a preventative double mastectomy in autumn 2013 were derailed as the woman was not well, had abdominal pain and she was suffering from post-traumatic stress and having flashbacks relating to the March 2013 procedure. On October 19, 2017 she was diagnosed with cancer in the right breast. Counsel said if Ms O'Sullivan had a mastectomy in autumn 2013, she would never have developed the two lumps in her right breast. Counsel said on April 29, 2016, Ms O'Sullivan had an MRI scan at Cork University Hospital. Counsel said it was their case that on this occasion a tumor of 8 mms wide was present in her right breast, but there was no biopsy. When she next had a scan in October 2017 the tumour, Mr Treacy said, was 3cms in size and it was the worst type of cancer and the most aggressive and most severe. Counsel said it was their case this cancer should have been detected 522 days earlier. Two men have been jailed for sexually assaulting a teenage woman while she was slumped over on a couch in a private room in a Dublin nightclub. Joshua Sykes (aged 22) and Adam McCabe (aged 21) both claimed they had no memory of the offence, but pointed themselves out on CCTV footage that showed them sexually assaulting the woman. A hostess at the nightclub said the victim was completely asleep and barely woke up when she tried calling her and pushing her shoulders. This witness told gardai that the man who was with her wasn't making much sense either. Garda Shane McGuinn said though McCabe admitted he could be seen performing oral sex on the woman, he told gardai: I don't know where the sexual assault was though. He said the woman had been well able to move around and had been kissing him previously, but accepted that she was drunk probably in the footage. On viewing the CCTV Sykes described the footage of him assaulting the woman as disgusting. He had denied taking the woman's phone and money, as shown in the CCTV, but later admitted having the items and not being able to account for them. McCabe, a father-of-one of Clusker Park, Navan, Co Meath, and Sykes, of Ardlo Manor, Mullagh, Co Cavan, both pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting the 19-year-old woman at The Wright Venue, Swords, Dublin on a date in July 2017. Both men each have one previous conviction for minor offences. The court heard they were attending a friend's 21st birthday party at the nightclub. Judge Cormac Quinn said it was a shocking case and imposed a three-year sentence, with the final 18 months suspended, on each man. Gda McGuinn told Gerardine Small BL, prosecuting, that the woman had become separated from her friends while on a night out and recalled feeling giddy and light-headed after a few drinks. She told gardai her memory was hazy, but she recalled kissing a stranger and being in a room with two males. Her next memory is crying in a room with gardai and feeling uncomfortable in her private area. In her victim impact statement read out by Ms Small, the woman said that the incident led her to self-harm as she couldn't stop thinking about what happened. She said she didn't get help for this, because she was ashamed. She added that she suffered panic attacks and anxiety and didn't drink or socialise anymore, because it would make her cry. Gda McGuinn agreed with barristers for McCabe and Sykes that their clients had both entered early guilty pleas. He accepted that the men had been intoxicated on alcohol and drugs on the night. Patrick McGrath SC, defending McCabe, submitted to Judge Quinn that his client's shame is accompanied by deep remorse. He said the offence was totally out of character and a once-off spontaneous act for McCabe. He asked the judge to consider his client's exceptional intake of alcohol on the night as an explanation and not an excuse for the offending. He added that his client had no doubt now as to the consequences of his actions, having read the victim impact statement. Michael Bowman SC, defending Sykes, submitted that his client has been described as caring, hardworking and loyal by his former partner. Mr Bowman said Sykes had owned up and taken responsibility for the offence. He submitted that Sykes had communicated his disgust, shame and remorse for what he had done. Judge Quinn noted that the woman was a vulnerable person at the time who was preyed upon by both accused. He took into account the men's young ages, their early guilty pleas and their co-operation with The Probation Service. He further noted that McCabe had since been vilified and ostracised on social media and that Sykes had lost his job. Gda McGuinn said a floor supervisor at The Wright Venue told gardai that a male had approached him about a girl passed out in one of the private rooms. The supervisor couldn't get into the room as he had no key fob, but when he looked in he saw a female with her head lying back against the couch and two males around her. A nightclub hostess said she had seen a woman and two men kissing outside the private room earlier in the night and had told the group to go back into the suite. She said when the floor supervisor informed her about a girl being passed out, she went straight to the room and saw the same woman now slumped on her side and male lying on her. She said this male had his hand on the woman's private parts. The hostess said this woman was completely asleep and barely woke up when she tried calling her and pushing her shoulders. She described how another man had approached to claim that the incident was harmless, and she told him that it was nowhere near ok. Ms Small read out the transcript from CCTV footage of the incident which lasted just over five minutes. The transcript described Sykes putting the woman's phone and money from her purse into his jeans pocket. He then digitally penetrated the woman while she was unresponsive on the couch, while McCabe placed his hand on her thigh. Sykes took a break to have a drink, then continued with digital penetration. After this McCabe performed oral sex on the woman, who remained unresponsive on the couch. Other pieces of the same footage showed the woman coming to briefly and then stumbling as she is helped out of the room by security staff. Roscommon clubs have ratified Anthony Cunningham as their new senior football manager. Roscommon Clubs ratify Anthony Cunningham as the new Roscommon GAA Manager. #rosgaa #gaa pic.twitter.com/bsiYp5HM1T The former Galway hurling manager succeeds Kevin McStay, who stepped down in September. Cunningham was ratified for two years with an option of a third. The Rossies called an emergency county board meeting tonight and the managerial vacancy was the only item on the agenda. Cunningham has footballing credentials in Roscommon, having managed St. Brigid's to a pair of county titles as well as a Connacht championship in 2006. The Kiltoom resident also helped Westmeath side Garrycastle to an All Ireland final in 2012. Digital Desk President Moon Jae-in pays for a box of dried mackerel, a specialty of Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, during a visit to Pohang Jukdo Market, Thursday. Moon visited the southeastern coastal city to attend an inaugural forum on economic cooperation between South Korea and Russia. Yonhap By Kim Yoo-chul President Moon Jae-in plans to support South Korea's bid to win a contract to build a nuclear power plant in the Czech Republic. This is seen as the government wanting to keep domestic nuclear reactor technology competitive internationally, officials said Thursday. At a recent meeting with floor leaders of the country's five parties _ including the ruling Democratic Party Korea (DPK) and the main opposition Liberty Korea Party (LKP) _ Moon said the government will initiate programs to keep local nuclear reactor technology afloat internationally. "The question is how to protect and defend the national interest by helping domestic nuclear power companies win contracts for the construction of nuclear plants in other countries," one official told The Korea Times, wishing to remain anonymous. "This is a separate issue compared to the government's move to use natural gas and renewables in order to maintain its policy of gradually retiring nuclear-generated power." President Moon said earlier the government will continue to phase out nuclear power plants. Cheong Wa Dae said the handling of nuclear reactor-related issues has recently been transferred to its economic affairs team, giving leader Yoon Jong-won, a presidential senior secretary, full responsibility. The remarks came after the state-run Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Co. (KHNP) said it was looking to win a lucrative nuclear-reactor deal in the Czech Republic after the central European country said it was evaluating "lots of options" to phase out coal-burning plants and reduce carbon emissions. "Assistance from Cheong Wa Dae is required for the KHNP to win the nuclear construction contracts in the Czech Republic," another official said. "The presidential economic affairs team has acknowledged this issue, as the deal, if it happens, will help local suppliers." The KHNP is building a nuclear plant for the United Arab Emirates at Barakah. The Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) is discussing with the United Kingdom a multi-billion-dollar nuclear power plant construction deal there. President Moon's drive to move away from nuclear energy to environmentally friendly renewables has been accelerated by deteriorating air quality and safety concerns. But the country's nuclear reactor suppliers are feeling a sense of crisis as the policy will jeopardize their ability to export nuclear technology by hurting their market credibility. The Czech government was to decide on how to finance and build new nuclear reactors at the Temelin power plant by the end of the year. Companies from Russia, the United States and China are chasing the contract. The Czech Republic is betting on nuclear energy, which now accounts for about 40 percent of its power output. Global banking giant UBS was hit with a long-expected fraud lawsuit by the US accusing it of fuelling the 2008 global financial crisis by deceiving investors who bought tens of billions of dollars of risky mortgage-backed securities. UBS and its units securitised more than $US41 billion ($56 billion) of mortgage loans in deals that proved to be 'catastrophic failures,' US Attorney Richard Donoghue in Brooklyn, New York, said in a statement. The bank deprived investors of critical information and knowingly put them at risk of harm in products employees privately derided, with one comparing them to "leprosy spores," according to the 302-page complaint filed on Thursday. UBS said it will fight the Justice Department's claims. Credit:Adrian Moser The case comes two years after Deutsche Bank and Credit Suisse agreed to pay a combined $US12.5 billion over allegations by the Justice Department (DOJ) that they peddled toxic mortgage debt. It's one of two large outstanding cases against UBS. Prosecutors in France accuse Swiss UBS bankers of providing numbered accounts for French clients and setting up trusts to launder money customers hadn't told tax authorities about. Lendlease, the developer of The Exchange building at Darling Square in Darling Harbour, known as the birds nest or beehive, is undertaking a review of five bids for the site, valued at about $70 million. The expressions of interest campaign undertaken by James Parry, director of CBRE, revealed at least 12 interested parties from overseas and locally, of which five have put in formal submissions. Mr Parry declined to comment on the bidding process, but said interest in the unique property was ''very strong''. The Exchange building in Sydney's Haymarket, designed by Kengo Kuma and Associates and developed by Lendlease. Credit:Reece McMillan Designed by Japanese architecture firm Kengo Kuma and Associates, The Exchange will be a seven-storey community and retail building featuring offset circular floor plates and a facade wrapped in almost 20 kilometres of sustainably sourced timber. He has been an ambassador of Kazakhstan to Egypt since September 2020, before that, since April 2019, he was Ambassador-at-Large of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and even earlier, from October 2013 to February 2019, he worked as Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the UAE. Yet another of AMPs large shareholders, Allan Gray, has resorted to writing to the ASX, pleading the sharemarket operator to force AMP to let investors vote on the controversial sale of its life insurance and mature businesses. Like other shareholders, Allan Gray believes the bargain basement price at which the assets are being sold is value destroying. The loss of $2.1 billion in AMPs sharemarket capitalisation following the sale announcement supports the view that the price the company will receive is well below what the market thought the businesses were worth. Allan Gray says the market has spoken. Contrarian investor Simon Mawhinney, of Allan Gray Australia. Credit:Peter Rae Allan Gray chief Simon Mawhinney puts it bluntly: Either AMP has sold the assets too cheaply, or the market was not fully informed on the real value of these businesses and there is a continuous disclosure issue. It has left BHP with a huge clean-up bill and stranded its Pilbara iron ore from the port, disrupting exports of its most lucrative commodity. Three investigations into the incident are under way, one by the ATSB, one by the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator and one by BHP itself. BHP has been tight-lipped on the cost and cause of the incident, but chief executive Andrew Mackenzie on Thursday said it had people working night and day to remove the wreckage and repair the track and was "reasonably confident" it would resume shipments within about a week. He assured shareholders at the company's AGM it would not let down its customers. The company completed a rail renewal and maintenance program on its Newman line in May 2017 but Mr Mackenzie said it would bolster its investment in railways and safety. Derailing a fully laden train is not an easy decision to make, but rail safety expert and former ATSB investigator Phillip Barker said it was absolutely the right one to avoid a monumental collision had the train continued to the busy port of Port Hedland. He said the crash was one of the biggest he had seen in Australia, "certainly the big one in terms of the scale of destruction". You would expect that with 280 wagons and 20,000 tonnes it just wouldve kept going and going, it wouldve just kept piling on top of itself and thats what happened, he said. Mr Barker said a "series" of safety mechanisms must have failed for an incident like this to occur. These things just dont roll off with just one failure of a mechanism, he said. The locomotive brakes would have been on, but of course theyre not sufficient to hold the train on the severe grade of the rails from mine to port. But then youve got automatic train protection, which means when it goes past its limit of authority, like a red signal, the train brakes would have applied automatically. That didnt happen by the look of it. Theres also a vigilance control, and what that means is someone has to be present at the driving controls and acknowledge this button every 30 or 45 or 60 seconds or whatever their timer is. However, when the locomotive brakes are put on, it suppresses that button because its says the train is parked so you dont need to be acknowledging it." Mr Barker said few companies had policies for runaway trains and because manned trains werent able to be remotely operated, the options to stop them were limited. Loading Ironically, Mr Barker said a driverless train like Rio Tinto's Autohaul system, which started operations this year, gave remote operations centres more control over the train's systems than a manned train. BHPs train was standard kit for the Pilbara and Mr Barker said the Pilbara trains and tracks were among the best in the world. Those railways have been forerunners in Australia with that sort of stuff. Theyve certainly beaten commercial railways and general freight trains in the eastern states by a long time." Global iron ore stocks to be impacted The price for the benchmark 62 per cent fines iron ore product jumped 2.4 per cent to $US75.74 a tonne on Monday after news of the derailment, but had eased to $US74.95 a tonne by Friday. UBS resources analyst Glyn Lawcock predicted the global seaborne iron ore market would take a 5 per cent hit as a result of the incident, but over the year expected BHP to meet its guidance. The immediate impact is probably not going to be felt in the first few days because BHP has inventory at the port but ... there will be boats waiting in the queue for a particular blend, which is still sitting on the wrong side of the track, he said. BHP is railing and shipping at a rate of about 800,000 tonnes of iron ore per day. An all-out seven day outage is near enough 6 million tonnes." I CONFESS (95 minutes) PG For a believing Christian, thoughts can be as sinful as deeds an idea near the heart of the work of Alfred Hitchcock, cinema's most celebrated specialist in fantasies in crime. This powerful 1953 melodrama makes the point in an explicitly religious context, with a typically tortured Montgomery Clift as a young priest who refuses to break the seal of the confessional. Screens as part of a Hitchcock retrospective. Lido, Classic and Cameo, Sunday, November 11, 4pm. A scene from the film I Do Not Care If We Go Down in History as Barbarians. DIARY OF A CHAMBERMAID (97 minutes) M Less fantastical than much of Luis Bunuel's work, this 1964 adaptation of Octave Mirbeau's novel demonstrates that realism and surrealism aren't the polar opposites some might think. Jeanne Moreau stars as the pragmatic but admirable chambermaid, employed at a chateau where she is forced to invent her own methods of fending off variously predatory men. Screens as part of the Alliance Francaise Classic French Film Festival. Astor, Saturday, November 10, 6.45pm, and Sunday, November 11, 7.15pm. Duckie Thot walks the runway during the 2018 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show at Pier 94 on November 8, 2018 in New York City. Credit:Dimitrios Kambouris/Victoria's Secret There were five Australians among the 49 models on the catwalk at this year's Victoria's Secret Fashion Show and while it is not a competition yes, that does mean we had the highest number of models in the annual undies extravaganza (on a per capita basis; study still yet to be peer reviewed). Melbourne-born Duckie Thot, 23, stunned in a technicolour activewear ensemble in her debut at the brand's holiday fashion show, which attracts millions of television viewers. Thot, whose family fled South Sudan as refugees, came third in the 2013 season of Australia's Next Top Model. However she later made the decision to move to the US, telling Paper magazine she struggled to find work in Australia due to her skin colour. Her career has really kicked off over the past two years: Thot made her international runway debut at Kanye West's Yeezy Spring/Summer show last year, subsequently modelling for Rihanna's Fenty brand, as well as appearing in this year's Pirelli calendar. Mitchell traders want to leverage the impending launch of a household drone delivery service in the suburb to position the precinct as a testing ground for new technology. Tech company Wing is establishing a full-time base for its drone service in the north Canberra suburb, with plans to start delivering to homes and businesses in nearby Gungahlin, Palmerston, Harrison, Crace and Franklin early next year. Mitchell Traders' Association secretary Julian Kusa said a number of local businesses had expressed interest in having their products delivered by Wing's drones, including a brewery, clothing store, toy manufacturer and gaming outlet. Mr Kusa said the arrival of the innovative service - which Wing is promoting as world-leading - presented an opportunity to reposition the industrial suburb as the capital's innovation hub. The case of a former spy and his lawyer accused of conspiracy to provide information about an intelligence service has been adjourned until the federal Attorney-General Christian Porter decides whether the as-yet undisclosed brief of evidence is likely to prejudice national security. If Mr Porter deems the brief is likely to prejudice national security, as is expected, the court's ruling on Friday means a preliminary hearing to consider the material will be held in a closed court. The preliminary hearing will determine how much of Witness K and his lawyer Bernard Collaery's future trial will be held in secret. Bernard Collaery, flanked by Senators Tim Storer, Rex Patrick, Nick McKim and Andrew Wilkie, addresses the media during a press conference on the East Timor spy scandal, at Parliament House in Canberra on Thursday 28 June 2018. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Fridays ruling is a blow to the pair, who argued against such a finding in part because much of the information the Commonwealth claims is sensitive is already in the public domain. After two years with ABC Radio Canberra, Laura Tchilinguirian is returning to her previous position with NewsRadio in Sydney. Laura Tchilinguirian is leaving ABC Radio Canberra. Her last day on-air will be Thursday, December 13. ABC management says her replacement will be announced before the end of the year. She started at ABC Radio Canberra in November, 2016. "I have loved every minute of the past two years at ABC Radio Canberra, and to be welcomed into this wonderful community,'' she said. "But its such a great time to be a journalist right now. With so much happening in national and international news, my role at ABC NewsRadio is calling and its time to head home. What exactly it is that we remember on Remembrance Day is contentious. Critics say there's too much jingoism in the big set-piece formal events. Organisers of those big events, on the other hand, say the official ceremonies are simply a matter of remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country and of causes that were just. A Chorus of Women musical director, Johanna McBride,left, and composer, Glenda Cloughley. Credit:Sitthixay Ditthavong And now a group of Australian women are adding their voices to the debate. But Shaws excitement in discovering the cache was overshadowed by what he describes as a bare footprint in the sand he found at the entrance to the cave. Mystery footprint in a cave in Pierces Creek Forest. Credit:Greg Shaw It looked like a human footprint which was strange as there was only one, and the area is riddled with blackberries, so theres no way youd be walking anywhere near here in bare feet, explains Shaw. The footprint was exactly the same size as my shoe, further explains Shaw. Im a size 9 shoe, so this makes the print either size 11 or 12. Given the cave is off the beaten track and hadnt been visited by cachers for over a year, Shaw was perplexed as to how the footprint got there, prompting him to speculate, who knows, it could be some sort of yowie. Intrigued as to the origins of the lone footprint and keen to check-out the cave, several weeks ago (before the bushfire), I joined Shaw and Schulze on a trek to the "Granite Grotto" or, as one other cacher who found it in 2016 believes it should be dubbed, "Blackberries Revenge". Unfortunately, prior to our arrival strong wind or passing animals (there were signs a wallaby had hopped through the cave) had disturbed the footprint, rendering it almost incomparable to Shaws photo from just weeks earlier. While the possibility of it being a yowie is a far-fetched one (even for your so-named columnist), ringed by a fortress of thorny blackberry bush, the cave entrance is a definitely strange spot to find a bare human-like footprint. The most likely scenario is that someone rested in the cave and took their shoes off (perhaps to pluck blackberry thorns from their socks) and momentarily placed on of their feet on the cave floor. But why just one print? asks Shaw. It is indeed a mystery, and one which may never solved. No matter the explanation for the footprint, the cave hidden at the base of an outcrop of granite tors and about the size of a large bedroom provides excellent cover. I wouldnt be surprised if it hasnt been used as a shelter for humans at some time in the past. Greg Shaw measures the mystery left footprint with a ruler. Credit:Tim the Yowie Man I wouldnt have gone there if it wasnt for caching, thats the idea of caching, it takes you these sort of places, Shaw says. According to Schulze, around eight caches were destroyed in last weeks bushfire, which thankfully spared "Granite Grotto", meaning when it is safe to return to Pierces Creek Forest, more Canberra cachers will get to experience the magic of this hidden cave. Thats if they can find it. Fact File Pierces Creek Forest: Following the bushfire, parts of the forest may be closed for some time for safety and also to allow vegetation rehabilitation. Check for track closures with Access Canberra (Ph: 132 281) before planning a trip. Geocaching: There are over 300 active geocachers in the ACT. More: geocaching.com Curious Crossings: There are two concrete crossings of Pierces Creek. The up-stream one is quite substantial in size and at first glance appears a little over-engineered. According to retired ACT Forests cartographer Bill Crowle, it is called "Quandary Crossing" and was so-named after the officer in charge over-calculated how much concrete was needed to cover pipes and construct approaches. In the 1970s, the second crossing, The Causeway, was a popular picnic area with towering pines and BBQs, but was sadly destroyed by the 2003 bushfires. Did You Know? In The Yowie: In Search of Australias Bigfoot (Strange Nation, 2006), authors Tony Healy and Paul Cropper chronicle several 19th and 20th century reports of yowies or unidentified hairy bipedal hominids in the Brindabella Mountians just to the south-west of Pierces Creek Forest. Mailbag Wheres the Castle? While the mystery of who added the googly eyes to the heritage symbol on the new sign enticing motorists to stop at Collector remains unsolved, several readers have questioned the use of the castle symbol on road signs to represent heritage in Australia. Why do we use castles to show heritage landmarks, Adam Burgess asks. The castle heritage symbol a common site on brown tourist road signs in Australia. Credit:Sean Haylan I understand its an identifiable silhouette, but when I was a kid and had to drive through every town in the Southern Tablelands, I was always disappointed there were no actual castles. Meanwhile Sean Haylan, economic development and tourism manager at Yass Valley Council, agrees with Burgess sentiments. International tourists are especially disappointed when they discover there arent any actual castles, Haylan says. But with so many great heritage buildings around Yass, we keep them happy. While a castle might be associated with heritage in the United Kingdom and some parts of Europe, surely we can come up with something more relevant in Australia? Send any ideas to the address at the end of this column. SPOTTED On Safari Over recent months several readers, including Brad Poile of Collector and Cheryl Hodges of Jerrabomberra, have reported a giraffe lurking amongst trees on the northern side of highway between Bungendore and Braidwood. Yes, a giraffe! Intrigued, earlier this week your Akubra-clad columnist donned the safari suit and binoculars and went in search of the elusive animal. Was it the part of a private collection? Giraffe and elephant in scrub beside the Kings Highway near Braidwood. Credit:Tim the Yowie Man After several drives along the same stretch of road, I eventually caught a fleeting glimpse of the giraffe in scrub, on private property, about 1 kilometre on the eastern side of the Manar Creek Bridge. On closer inspection with the zoom lens, far from being a real creature, the giraffe is a life-size statue, and whats more it has a companion - a baby elephant at its feet. Does anyone know the origins of the giraffe or how long its been there? Warning: The giraffe is on private property so can only be viewed from afar, and for safety reasons its best for a passenger, rather than driver to look out for it. CONTACT TIM: Email: timtheyowieman@bigpond.com or Twitter: @TimYowie or write c/- The Canberra Times, 9 Pirie St, Fyshwick. Where in Canberra? Where in Canberra THIS week. Credit:Anna Howe Clue: The first and most colourful coat of arms of Australia in the Parliamentary Triangle. Degree of difficulty: Easy - Medium Last week: Congratulations to June McKenzie of Fisher who was the first reader to correctly identify last weeks photo, as the Tom Bass-designed copper coat of arms of Australia on the Treasury Building in Parkes. McKenzie beat a number of readers including Matt Nagaiya and Terence Sheales of Melba to the prize. Last week's clue. Credit:Anna Howe The clue of "money" led several readers including Sandra Neville and Leigh Palmer to incorrectly think the location was the Royal Australian Mint. The photo was sent in by Anna Howe, who, on November 18 (930am-1130am), as part of the Canberra Design Festival, is leading a democracy heritage walk through the Parliamentary Triangle. The theme of the festival is The Shape of Things to Come and in looking at how the shaping of our democracy is seen in the triangle, Ill be asking those who come on the walk to look especially at the changing designs of the Australian coat of arms, reports Howe who reveals she has found eight different designs and there may well be more, making the walk something of a treasure hunt". While all have the kangaroo and emu, they are in different positions, says Howe, who points out other differences in the eight coat of arms, some of the crests have wattle in different representations, others dont, and some have Australia below the crest, some in a banner, some just the word. All the crests include the seven pointed Federation Star, one point for the six states as at 1901, and one for the federation, prompting the question as to whether the star should be updated to have two more points for the ACT and NT. And when his party officials proposed that they finish the campaign with ads celebrating the economic Morning in America, Trump instead endorsed an untruthful ad demonising immigrants as cop-killers, an ad so incendiary that US TV networks refused to air it. They argue it's 'morning in America,' but in their ads, it's not morning in America, a San Francisco University political scientist, Ken Goldstein, told USA Today long before the final phase of the campaign. He'd picked up a strong theme of attack ads and negativity in Republican ads earlier and wider than the final abortive effort. In American politics, the phrase about morning recalls the campaign of Republican hero Ronald Reagan, optimist. But Trump, demagogue, wasn't content with economic good news. He conjured fear and hate as well. On the other side of the world, literally as well as figuratively, was Malcolm Turnbull. He had to accept that presiding over an economic boom was insufficient for him to hold the prime ministership. The former prime minister set out the basics during his appearance on the ABC's Q&A show on Thursday: The economy was strong. It's one of the things I'm most proud of. When I became prime minister, I said I would deliver economic leadership. In the 2016 election, I campaigned on delivering jobs and growth. And we delivered both. Record jobs growth. The strongest jobs growth, in fact, in our nation's history. Strong economic growth the envy of the developed world. The booming economy wasn't enough for US President Donald Trump or his base. Credit:AP Australians generally scoff at the notion that their country could be successful, but Turnbull was not making it up. The British magazine The Economist last month published a cover story on Australia under the headline: Aussie Rules: What the World Can Learn from Australia. It said that Australia's economy is arguably the most successful in the rich world. It has been growing for 27 years without a recession a record for a developed country. Its cumulative growth over that period is almost three times what Germany has managed. The median income has risen four times faster than in America. Public debt, at 41 per cent of GDP, is less than half Britains. Yet here was Turnbull, forced out of the leadership by his own party in the midst of this success. How could they? He professed to be baffled. He shouldn't have been. Economic good times have been insufficient qualification for prime ministers to hold their jobs and for governments to hold power in Australia for a decade now. Beginning in 2007, every prime ministerial coup, every electoral loss in Australia has taken place against the same backdrop of economic success. Until Australia casually discarded the Howard government, the voters had rewarded every postwar government that presided over good economic conditions. Malcolm Turnbull on Q&A. Credit:ABC But the longer the boom runs, the less credit governments seem to get. You need to be 45 years old to have any adult memory of a recession in Australia. The median age of an Australian is 36. Economic growth just seems to be automatic, even inevitable. Economic growth was a golden thread that bound the people to their governments. For the last decade it has remained a credential but a threadbare one. It is necessary but insufficient for political success, even in the most economically successful country on earth. It's the political paradox of Australia's prosperity the more it gets, the less appreciative it feels. So what happened in America? Trump, it seemed, was responding to the needs of his hardcore supporters, his so-called base. A Democrat pollster, Celinda Lake, explained that voters in the president's blue-collar base are less likely to think the economy is doing better. The economy doesn't do anything to energise their base, she said. Trump promised to bring back the factories and the jobs in rustbelt America. He hasn't. So he hit the xenophobia button hard and his base responded. He kept their loyalty in the midterms. But this came at a price. The problem is Republicans have a good story to tell in the economy, but the Republican with the largest microphone only wants to go on these rants about immigration, a veteran Republican adviser, Mike Murphy, told The New York Times. In the process, he was managing to offend every swing voter in the country. And these were the voters, notably suburban women, who had supported Trump two years ago but turned against his party this week. As a result, the Democratic Party today controls the House. So the appeal to hate and fear kept the Republican base but lost the centre. If Trump had accepted Paul Ryan's advice, would the Republicans have done better? We'll never know. Loading And in Australia? Scott Morrison now confronts the same puzzle that Turnbull confronted. The economy is humming along but the government is behind in the polls. Even further behind than it was under Turnbull. What should he do? Do as Trump did and hit the xenophobia button? Some among his party's right-wing realm will urge him to. But Australia is a very different place. Voting in America is optional. A US political campaign has two tasks - first it has to win over a voter to political candidate, and then it has to motivate her to actually take the trouble to go to a polling booth on election day. Always a Tuesday, incidentally, to make it even more inconvenient. That means campaigns need to reach deep into the viscera of the voter. To grab their deep fears or passions, their most powerful hopes and their hatreds. An Australian campaign has but one task. To win over a voter. Because she's going to vote in any case. It's compulsory to turn out to vote. There's no need for extremes. Indeed, as the American midterm experience shows, extremes aren't necessarily guaranteed to succeed even in that country because they can offend as easily as they can inflame. In Australia, an extreme American-style campaign is not only unnecessary. It would most likely backfire badly. So what can an Australian conservative prime minister do? Is there a way to harness economic success to pull a political wagon? The longtime Liberal polling guru Mark Textor says that for economic prosperity to have meaning, you have to contemplate its loss. They say in the movie industry you need to have tension. If it's all love, there's no tension. If there's no tension, there's no drama, if there's no drama, there's no memorability. The standard shtick is for the Liberals to pretend that a Labor government will ruin the economy. Turnbull ran this one on Q&A: My concern was to keep Labor out of government and to keep a strong Liberal government in power that was able to deliver on the economic growth, the jobs, the opportunities that I'd promised. Yawn. No one believes this tired routine, former prime minister. Labor held power for six years under Rudd and Gillard. The economy continued to thrive. So it has to be something else. Textor's advice: You have to focus on an issue that has meaning. If you want to wedge both Labor and One Nation, you have to have a retail economic issue. The best way to do that is on tax because the Coalition has a good record on tax and tax reform. He means personal income tax cuts. He doesn't mean the $10 a week that Morrison offered in his last budget. He means something bigger, aimed at the middle income bracket inhabited by swinging voters. Taxation cannot be an ideological issue - it has to be an issue of personal relevance and direct impact. And if Labor immediately neutralises it, by matching it, as their would surely do? Then you have a real tax argument, Textor tells me. It's what Liberals should be about. Of course, to offer a reasonably big tax cut would be costly to the budget, and that would immediately jeopardise Morrison's promise to return the budget to surplus. How to square that circle? On the day Ted Mack chose to die the Melbourne Cup destroyed yet another glorious beast for human pleasure and Mark Latham pledged his troth to Pauline Hanson. Of these two events one was sad, the other the funniest thing Id heard all year, but together exemplifying as they do the sacrifice of nobility to self-undulgence - they made a fitting farewell for one of the few truly admirable Australian politicians ever to walk the planet. The on-track euthanising of The Cliffsofmoher during our annual nationwide froth of frocks, cocktails, whips and fascinators was a ghastly reminder of just how little weve progressed since the days of gladiators. The horse, clearly in agony from a broken shoulder, added to racings dreadful toll of 119 dead on Australian tracks in the 12 months to July, to say nothing of those slaughtered off-track. Illustration: Simon Letch Credit: Lathams final true-colours revelation, meanwhile - which suddenly explained so much of his escalating nastiness and trashy white-male resentment - seemed designed to shatter any remaining illusion of a link between politics and principle. That link was Ted Macks entire raison detre. Admittedly such integrity was atypical, even back in the day. But the kind of idealism that Mack both espoused and enacted seems all but incomprehensible today; hopelessly naive, risibly exploitable, ludicrous. Yet we need it indeed I believe we crave it more than ever. Detective Inspector Jon Rouse has been recognised as the 2019 Queensland Australian of the Year after implementing Australias first operation proactively targeting internet child sex offenders, Task Force Argos. He is one of four Queensland Australian of the Year Award recipients to represent his state at the national awards on January 25 in Canberra next year. Queensland Detective Inspector Jon Rouse. Credit:Queensland Police Service Inspector Jon Rouse, 55, has served 34 years with Queensland police and started investigating crimes against children in 1996 before he joined Task Force Argos, which began 17 years ago. He gained national support for the development of the Australian National Victim Image Library project to assist police officers to identify the child victims depicted in images seized from sex offenders. It may have been pure coincidence that it happened as the trial of James Gargasoulas was being conducted in the Supreme Court, but for several witnesses to the latest attack on Bourke Street, the echoes of previous atrocities was unmistakable. "I read the paper about the last attack on Bourke Street this morning and I had a funny feeling all day," said Michael Herd, who only moved to Melbourne from Sydney a couple of months ago. "I thought, 'It's awful, I hope I never witness anything like that. And then all of a sudden it happened." For Daniel Rachbuch, who was about 20 metres away from the incident, it brought back memories of another close encounter with atrocity. "I was in the terrorist attack in Barcelona," the 20-year-old commerce student said, referring to the August 2017 attack in which a van was driven into pedestrians on the crowded La Rambla, killing 13 and injuring more than 100 others. First the back story. While serving a jail sentence in England, Chuck learnt military-style armed robbery tactics from a prolific gang known as the Wembley Mob. In April 1976 he used those techniques to raid the Victoria Club. Chucks team of six hit the club on settlement day for Melbourne bookies, who were carrying massive cash holdings inflated by the Easter races. The official haul was declared as $1.4 million, although it is believed the real figure was three times that due to bets that remained undeclared to avoid turnover tax. Usually members of the hard-nosed and armed Consorting Squad would have been at the club to add a layer of security, but mysteriously they were called away on the day of the raid. Leslie Kane, who was killed at his Wantirna home in October 1978. His body has never been found. In the days, weeks and months that followed, not only were the police looking for the bandits but so were the Kanes. As the established standover team they wanted a slice of the new boys profit, but Chuck (known as The General) hadnt planned a masterful stickup only to give it away to the first wolves prepared to huff and puff outside his door. It came to a head when one of Chucks crew, Vinnie Mikkelsen, refused a drink from Brian Kane in a Richmond hotel. To add injury to insult, Mikkelsen won the subsequent fight. The Crown would later allege Chuck, Mikkelsen and Laurie Prendergast thought the Kanes would strike back and decided to get in first by murdering Leslie Kane. The three were acquitted - Prendergast was in 1985 abducted and murdered and his body has never been found. Mikkelsen moved to Western Australia for many years, while Chuck remained in custody as he was still facing armed robbery charges. For Kane, if Chuck was convicted he would be hard to reach inside prison - hence the plan to shoot him in the court complex. Laurie Prendergast: Went missing in 1985. Credit:Victoria Police Remarkably our insider admits police took sides, backing the Kanes against Chucks team: "We decided to stick with the Kanes, not because of the Kanes themselves but because they were more predictable, because they had rules, they caught and killed their own and looked after their own. People [connected to the underworld] were challenged in nightclubs to take sides and there was going to be a war. "Brian Kane kept to himself and trusted no one. He was only concerned about staying alive and avenging the murder of his brother. He would never make an appointment because he didnt want anyone to predict his movements." In those days, interstate detectives came to Melbourne during racing season, ostensibly to look for professional pickpocket gangs but really to party with the racing crowd. "It was on the Monday after the Cup Carnival had finished," the insider recalls. "On the Saturday and Sunday there had been barbecues and farewells after a month of solid entertaining. We were happy it was over so we could give our livers a rest and get back to our marriages and work. Everyone worked day shift that day." A rabbit's warren: The Russell Street complex which housed the magistrates' court in 1979. Credit:Heath Missen That morning some of the Consorting Squad went to the police canteen for milkshakes - the first non-alcoholic drinks to pass their lips in weeks. Armed Robbery Squad detectives requested help to escort Chuck upstairs to Court 11 to face a committal hearing for a $69,000 armed robbery. "They [two Consorting Squad detectives] grabbed him - there was no conversation. They were to take him up the stairs but he said, Im not going up there. There are witnesses up there and I dont want to be seen by them. He was kicking up a stink." A detective went ahead to clear witnesses. He apparently didnt notice the man in the dark blue suit or thought he was an on-duty solicitor. Then someone opened a door and fired three shots. What happened then was a real panic. No one actually believed he had been shot. Later we found he had been shot through the heart and twice through the hands as he put them up to protect himself. The courtyard of the Russell Street complex, with the staircase to courts 10 and 11 on the left through the glass doors. It was here that the death of Ray Chuck unfolded. Credit:Viki Yemettas "He managed to run back down the steps and then collapsed. People thought he was trying to escape - it was so unexpected people werent thinking straight. "People came from everywhere, jumping over blood and running through the crime scene. The police were unarmed and someone grabbed the gun that was the exhibit in the court case [that Chuck was supposed to have had in the armed robbery]. The funny thing is not all the bullets fitted the gun, which meant Chuck probably would have beaten the charge. A detective checks vehicles leaving the RMIT car park behind the Russell Street courts after Ray Chuck was gunned down. Credit:Michael Rayner "About two in the afternoon an informer told Angus [Detective Senior Sergeant Angus Ritchie, chief of the Consorting Squad] 'it was an inside job from your office'. That night at the Police Club we couldnt buy a drink. At first that was fantastic, until the sobering reality hit us that 50 per cent of the police force thought we had done it. He said illegal phone taps much earlier picked up a senior Crime Department officer talking to Chuck. The insider said $10,000 was found under the front seat of the officers police car. He was a give up. Kane made his escape through the rabbit warren of the court building, running out the back where two corrugated tin fence sheets had been prised apart to allow him to run into RMIT and catch a tram out of the city to his car parked in a suburban street. It was a pre-prepared escape route. Brian Murphy was then a colourful detective whose name was mentioned in connection with the Chuck murder. Yes it was Brian, but not this one," Murphy said. "It was Brian Kane. Asked if it was an inside job, he replied without hesitation: 100 per cent. Brian Kane came to me after the three were acquitted of murdering his brother. He wanted me to get him police records and photos. I knocked him back." Murphy said he saw Kane in Lygon Street days before the killing: He had grown a beard. The rumour, never confirmed, was that the day before the murder Kane was smuggled into the court complex hidden in the boot of a cleaners car by two detectives for a dry run. Brian Kane, who was gunned down at the Quarry Hotel, Brunswick, in 1982. Credit:Fairfax Media The events of those turbulent years still echo through the underworld today. Brian Kane was shot dead in Brunswick's Quarry Hotel in November 1982. The prime suspects were underworld heavies Russell Cox and Rod Collins. In the death notices there was one to Uncle Brian from Your little mate, Jason. This was Jason Moran, who married Les Kanes daughter. Moran would be murdered at the Essendon North Auskick in June 2003. A prominent mourner at Morans funeral was Graham The Munster Kinniburgh, also a great mate of Brian Kane's. Kinniburgh was the victim of a paid hit carried out by Stephen Asling and Terrence Blewitt on the orders of Carl Williams. Normie Lee was the only one charged over the Bookie Robbery and after he was acquitted seemingly dropped out of the underworld, resurfacing in 1992 when he was shot dead by police during a $1 million armed robbery at Melbourne airport. Stephen Asling is arrested by the Special Operations Group, 1992. The getaway driver in the failed armed robbery was Stephen Asling, who 25 years later was convicted of the Kinniburgh murder. A man who shared fantasies about drugging children and raping babies has been sentenced to 16 months in a West Australian prison after he was caught up in the same investigation as ex-journalist Ben McCormack. The man was jailed for 16 months. Credit:FILE IMAGE Shane Gordon Steven Hunt, 45, wrote in explicit detail in Skype chats about his "ambitions" involving babies and toddlers, and children sold for sex in South Africa, the WA District Court heard on Friday. He was nabbed after police found his conversations with former Catholic school teacher Mathew Paul Reale, who was sentenced in September to four years imprisonment for his role in the network. Hunt, who was born in Zimbabwe and moved to WA in 2008, pleaded guilty to producing child exploitation material between August 2015 and June 2017, and also possessing and distributing images in mid-2017. Here we go again. A "disruptive" company comes in, privatising public space and wanting to use public resources. Steam-rolling over community concerns, it thumbs its nose at democracy by making sure it has set up shop before governments have a chance to catch up. By the time the issues become widely understood, it's that much harder for governments to regulate. And what a disruptive company we have here, with Project Wing. The drones that have been over Bonython in recent months have been driving people around the bend with their noise. People who moved to Canberra in part because of the quiet suddenly find themselves living under a flight path. Birds and other wildlife, which make Canberra's suburbs so special to live in, are being scared away. And we have no idea what's being done with the private information this Google-owned corporation is collecting as it flies over homes, filming as it goes. This isn't about being a technophobe not at all. Most of the people complaining about Project Wing are, like me, involved in online communities of all kinds, use smartphones to stay constantly connected, find our way to new places using GPS mapping services, and celebrate the way technology can improve our lives. Drones can, of course, play a vital role in emergency services. They can help with conservation efforts. They can assist with siting of solar panels, and so much more. It's the story of an Education Minister and a department head genuinely listening to the representatives of a profession and being prepared to accept the occasional challenging news day because it's the right thing to do. It's the story of brave teachers saying "no more". This story began a little more than two years ago. It's the story of a sleeper issue in schools being boldly addressed an issue none of the so-called experts and commentators talk about in their unhealthy obsession with school "performance" through the narrow lens of NAPLAN results. Those who follow local news may be confused as to whether all this talk about occupational violence in education workplaces is a tale of horror or a good news story. On balance, it is most certainly the latter. Two years ago, we surveyed members of the teachers union. They told us by the hundreds they were being verbally and physically abused at work. This is unsurprising in workplaces that welcome all comers. Public schools do the bulk of the heavy lifting for students with complex needs, though private schools no doubt face similar issues. While it wasn't surprising that occupational violence was happening, usually resulting in soft tissue and superficial injuries, it was surprising to uncover the extent to which teachers had accepted being hit, kicked, spat on and sworn at as part of the job. It was deeply concerning that most people were unwilling or unable to talk them out of that view. The cultural-change journey then began, convincing a caring profession that turning a blind eye helped no one not them, their families or their students. What message was being sent to children when (mainly) boys got off pretty much scot-free after they assaulted women (mainly women, who make up 75 per cent of teachers)? How did this sit with our national commitment to addressing domestic violence? We heard stories of young girls cowering under a desk while a boy attacked a teacher. We heard of the young female teacher who wished a metal bracket that had smashed into the wall next to her head had actually struck her "so something would be done". Loading After robust but ultimately productive negotiations between the employer and the union, a nation-leading occupational violence policy and an occupational violence management plan were born in July 2017. Next year in Canberra, this work will be shared with educational officials, teachers and unionists from other states and territories, which are mostly well behind the ACT. In our schools, training of staff has begun, resources have been increased within the work safety team, school leaders are prioritising the issue, a reporting culture is growing, and Worksafe ACT is taking an active interest. The past couple of decades are not unique in Australian political history: the despising of the loathsome politicians, and the sudden and late coming around of those loathsome politicians to abandon the positions of their financial backers and appease the majority of thoughtful people in the face of impending electoral defeat. No doubt some diehard Labor supporters are nervous that Scott Morrison's government will neutralise the big issues like Nauru, climate change and an anti-corruption commission with a bit of policy sop and then sneak back into office that Morrison will road-to-Damascus-like see the light and be as successful as Saint Paul in gaining conversions and followers. Do not fear. History is against this happening. Any late lip service to what the people really want on these issues and others, such as population, health and education, will only be death throes that voters will see through. Let's first go back 50 years in the United States, and then go back 50 years in Australia. The AFP will be deaf to any suggestion that the risk of corruption is much greater, and the prospects of dealing with it much reduced, now that the police fall under the umbrella of the Department of Home Affairs, which draws on a tradition of poor administration and resistance to external scrutiny or independence of thought. The AFP is apt to wrap up even its mundane activities behind national security and border security arguments. Or, failing that, the pretence that the largely unaccountable powers given to the police are saving the nation from child pornography. This week saw the death of Ted Mack perhaps, with Peter Andren, one of the most respected and effective independents the House of Representatives has seen in nearly 120 years. Mack served at all levels of the legislature in Australia: federal, state and local government. He did not just talk integrity, including a very parsimonious attitude to putting his hand in the taxpayer's pocket. He acted and encapsulated it, right down to eschewing a big parliamentary pension. It's important to remember that his influence came from his capacity to persuade, and from his own reputation for honesty; he never exercised any sort of balance of power in Parliament, and, consequently, had nothing to horse trade for his vote, as did the independents of the Gillard government, Brian Harradine (in the Senate) with everyone, or Bob Katter and others in the present Parliament. (There are some who would raise eyebrows to heaven about the favours, whether for electorates, regions or hobby horses, that have been traded for votes over the past 11 years, but there is a good argument that this sort of bargaining is of the essence of political compromise, particularly for those not attached to a party. As was remarked of Harradine, who was generally consistent in his broader attitudes, his vote was for rent, not for sale, and mostly it was traded (generally for jobs) on issues on which he was agnostic. Or, less creditably, was traded in exchange for an administrative deal that aid, or other money, would not go to people who supported or counselled abortion rights.) One scarcely hears of the Commonwealth Ombudsman's activities or findings. Mack did not promote himself as an alternative government, with a policy and a view on every issue under the sun. There were issues, such as the environment, on which he was passionate, where he argued his case, sometimes with success. He accepted that governments had a right to govern and generally did not stand in their way, provided they went about it openly and honestly, and followed the rules. He wanted transparency, accountability and the virtues supposed to be included in governance of honesty and integrity such as open tendering, an equal opportunity to all comers, and decisions that were recorded and accessible. He was a foe of decisions by discretion, insider appointments, closed tenders, secrecy, and the power and influence of lobbyists, particularly undeclared ones, with a private door to the minister's office. Mack would have excoriated, far better than Labor has done, some recent government decisions, such as the decision to hand over half a billion dollars to a small Great Barrier Reef charity run by people from the big end of town, many engaged in activities, such as mining, that are causing the damage. He would have felt much the same about ad hoc $500 million decisions that massively favoured one Australian cultural institution at a time other institutions, including the ABC, have faced steady cuts. But as obvious as such targets might be, they have had to take their place alongside an increasing pattern of arbitrary and largely unaccountable decisions that have passed important government work away from the public service to private contractors, without evidence or expectation of superior performance or outcomes. And stewardship by favourites, rather than by people chosen for their experience, integrity and independence of mind. Heaven knows what he might say of the decision, by Home Affairs, that it is no longer interested in performance reviews. An independent attitude on such matters does not come from ideology or convictions about individualism versus collectivism. In the right circumstances, these are proper decisions for ministers, or, in matters of contracts and appointments, usually public servants. Provided, that is, that the decisions follow open and accountable processes, where the evidence is reviewed, where the right factors are considered, and where decision-makers follow the law and procedures in a fair-minded way, and are not actuated by bias, interest or extraneous motive. Loading Deviation from such principles caused most of the great public administration scandals in Australia's history. A pattern of arbitrary decision-making by modern governments shows that very little has been learnt from these experiences; indeed, irregularity is becoming worse, with serious effects on the efficiency, effectiveness and credibility of government. Even more so, alas, when we now have public watchdogs who do not bark. If the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity achieves anything behind the scenes with an enormous staff and public resources, it is not obvious from the public record, or any list of convictions. One scarcely hears of the Commonwealth Ombudsman's activities or findings. House of Representatives committees have not troubled recent governments; Senate committees, more obviously able to be accused of being partisan, are usually ignored. While important functions are performed by quasi-judicial bodies, many of them have their effectiveness, authority and legitimacy sapped because they have been blatantly stacked, at huge public expense, with friends and relations of people in government. As the findings of the banks inquiry has shown, the public has also been badly let down by the bodies that were supposed to protect consumers, promote competition, and prevent fraud and dishonesty. While these agencies sometimes suffered from a lack of will, or from being gun shy, they also failed because they were deliberately starved of funds by government. Far from having, or funding, "tough cops on the block," as Morrison was apt to say, cabinet was making it almost impossible for them to perform their policing functions. That's when the Coalition was not seeking to weaken laws designed to prevent rip-offs and conflict of interest, at the behest of banks and those in the financial advice industry found to have ripped off clients. The economic triumvirate in the present government may disingenuously claim that recollection of this is "looking backwards". But it may prove to be the thing for which they are remembered by history, showing typical deafness to public opinion and the public interest, as well as partisan governing for mates and cronies. One can confidently expect that the public service review, supposedly mimicking the fundamental one by the Coombs royal commission of more than 40 years ago, will not ask why the modern public administration seems to lack the clout, or the character, to prevent some of the modern abuses. Appointed without public consultation, whether as to personnel or terms of reference, the inquiry was commissioned by Malcolm Turnbull, largely from his friends and acquaintances in the banking industry. It is not clear that either the Morrison government, or a future Shorten government, has any great interest, or investment, in what it may recommend. It would be nice to think and expect that the next government will have much higher standards of public stewardship. We can take it that everyone will mean to be good. The crowds of people and interests clamouring for favours from Labor politicians tends to be different from those in Coalition governments. But many of the senior members of the shadow ministry have had experience as ministers in previous Labro governments, and form for being prepared to take shortcuts with due process or sound principle. And they will take charge of a public administration with much the same personnel, much the same systemic weaknesses, and much the same passivity in the face of poor leadership as now. If experience is any guide and, alas, it usually is the new lot will very soon be smug and comfortable in power, arrogant and impervious to sham. And soon addicted to secrecy, hostile to accountability, and practised in the art of using police to intimidate public servants. "You have to win votes from the centre. The Liberal Party, to succeed, has to be a broad church," he said. "And that means that it has to, you know, represent people with liberal views and people with more conservative views." Mr Turnbull said voters were telling the party it was "not liberal enough", and pointed to three formerly safe Liberal seats - Mayo in South Australia, Indi in Victoria and his old seat of Wentworth in NSW - that were now held by women who were "small-L liberals". "Voters are - through voting for these independents -saying, 'We are concerned that the Liberal Party is not speaking for small-L liberal values, for genuinely liberal values, and therefore we take the matter in our own hands and we put in a liberal independent'," Mr Turnbull said. Meantime Finance Minister Mathias Cormann - whose shift in support was crucial in the coup - on Friday conceded the Coalition had improved its electoral position just before he and his colleagues knifed their leader. Senator Cormann said he had not seen internal party polling showing the Coalition ahead 52 to 48 in key marginal seats - polling Mr Turnbull revealed in television appearance. Minister for Finance Mathias Cormann Credit:Alex Ellinghausen But the senior minister - who was one of Mr Turnbull's key protectors before throwing his support behind Mr Dutton - admitted things had improved for the government just before the coup gathered steam. "There's no question, in my mind, the government had worked very well as a team and that we had got ourselves back into a more competitive position than we had been," Senator Cormann told Sky News on Friday morning. "But that was before the 10 days of essentially that period [of leadership instability]. We clearly had some policy issues in relation to the National Energy Guarantee to work through. My expectation was that would happen ... but in the end that was not the way things played out." Senator Cormann blamed Mr Turnbull for calling a "surprise" leadership ballot on Tuesday August 21, essentially sealing his own fate by revealing a high degree of support (35 votes) for Mr Dutton. That decision "crystallised a level of division in the Liberal party room that needed to be resolved", he said. Senator Cormann, alongside Small Business Minister Michaelia Cash and Communications Minister Mitch Fifield, publicly switched his support to Mr Dutton two days later. Senator Cormann said he had never seen the advantageous internal polling to which Mr Turnbull referred on Q&A, despite his position as a senior minister in the government. He also revealed he has not spoken with Mr Turnbull since the former prime minister left Parliament. "No, we haven't spoken. We've had some WhatsApp exchanges, but we haven't spoken," he said. Loading Mr Turnbull used his first major media appearance since leaving the top job to point the finger directly at ministers who instigated and supported the insurgency against his leadership. He named and shamed Mr Dutton, Senator Cormann, Senator Cash, former prime minister Tony Abbott, Health Minister Greg Hunt and Defence Industry Minister Steve Ciobo, among others. Defence Minister Christopher Pyne - one of Mr Turnbull's most loyal lieutenants during the spill - said he did not watch the Q&A program but spoke to his "mate" Mr Turnbull afterwards. "I think he did a great job," he told the Nine Network. "We texted each other and he's entitled to have his views about things." Mr Pyne said those MPs who supported the coup needed to take responsibility for their actions. "They made a decision about not supporting Malcolm and they have to be responsible for that," he said. But he also insisted: "It is all over. We have all moved on." Victorian senator Jane Hume told Sky News the Liberal party room had not been briefed on internal polling suggesting the Coalition was travelling well in marginal seats under Mr Turnbull. She had no knowledge of it and did not know of any colleagues who did. Senator Hume did not deny suggestions that if the polling was correct, the party made a mistake in changing leaders. "Whether it was or whether it wasnt [a mistake]... theres no point appealing to the past," she said. "Our job now is to look to the future and make sure we maintain that very strong economy, that we continue with the reform of the Turnbull government whether it be in childcare, media [or] education." Senator Hume was one of 43 Liberal MPs who signed a petition in August urging Mr Turnbull to call a leadership spill. Despite having called for a leadership spill, Senator Hume said the government had been "tracking quite well" under Mr Turnbull. "I dont think the Newspolls [putting Labor clearly in front] were entirely reflective of what was going on on the ground," she said, adding that the Turnbull administration's record of strong economic growth, job creation and less welfare dependency "were beginning to play out in the polls". Ms Raper gave her version of the alleged drunken behaviour after Liberal MP David Elliott raised the issue in the NSW Parliament under parliamentary privilege last month. "He stood next to me. He put his hand through a gap in the back of my dress and inside my underpants. He rested his hand on my buttocks. I completely froze," she alleged. Mr Daley on Friday said he was "very unhappy" with his former leader's press conference and threw his support behind Ms Raper. "We're all thinking of Ashleigh," he told reporters outside his home. "She did the right thing, she did the brave thing. We're all thinking of her. She's the most important person at the moment." He said politics in NSW had reached a "low ebb" and called on Premier Gladys Berejiklian to join him in saying Parliament needed to raise its standards. ABC journalist Ashleigh Raper (inset) released an explosive statement containing allegations against former NSW opposition leader Luke Foley. Credit:AAP, Twitter "We certainly can't have women being treated the way they are. We can't have anyone treated the way we saw the 'bear-pit' Parliament acting in the last couple of weeks," he said. "There has to be a reset button." Mr Daley confirmed he will throw his hat into the ring for the leadership at a caucus meeting on Saturday. Loading "I'll outline that I'll be asking for my colleagues' support," he said. Meanwhile, federal MPs on both sides of politics have questioned Mr Foley's plan to sue over the allegations. Federal Labor frontbencher Ed Husic said it would be "very tricky" for him to remain in Parliament on the backbench while fighting the matter in court. "He is going to have to make a choice on that, but I think it will be very tough for him looking at what has transpired and the likelihood of a legal case," Mr Husic told Nine Network on Friday. Loading "Frankly, I don't think the person at the heart of it - Ashleigh - should have to go through [a protracted legal case]." Federal cabinet minister Christopher Pyne said it was a bad situation. "It is unfortunate Luke Foley is suing the ABC for defamation. He must think he has a case and good luck to him, but that is just going to keep extending it," he said. Mr Pyne refused to call on Mr Elliott to apologise for raising the matter in Parliament, saying the Corrections Minister had to answer for his own decisions. Loading Mr Elliott has remained silent since Ms Raper's statement was released. On Thursday evening, federal Labor leader Bill Shorten said Mr Foley's alleged behaviour "cannot be tolerated". "The behaviour that Ashleigh described is clearly improper, inappropriate, it cannot be tolerated," Mr Shorten told ABC radio in Perth. "Modern society has no tolerance for the behaviour which she described." Loading Mr Shorten said the journalist deserved respect and the privacy she had asked for in her statement. "Whatever the details, Ashleigh, I think, needs, deserves, our support and understanding at this time," he said. "Considering the behaviour described - and what has happened hasnt respected her wishes - I think something the rest of us can do is treat her with some respect." NSW detectives have contacted ABC management saying they stood ready to investigate should Ms Raper make a formal complaint. It is a sick and ancient truth that the unwanted sexual attention of powerful men can be extremely dangerous for women. First, the physical approach. Second, the subsequent attack. Think of Medusa. She was a beautiful maiden, once. But we forget her story, the origins of her myth. We remember she could turn men to stone with her rage, that she was monstrous and ugly and to be feared. We forget that as a young woman she was raped in the temple of Athena, by the god of the sea, Poseidon. And for this, she was cursed. Punished for being a victim. ABC journalist Ashleigh Raper and former Labor state leader Luke Foley. Credit:Fairfax Media Which brings me to the events of this week. There have been few days I can remember when I have seen so many women suddenly burn with a kind of cold fury and disgust. But Thursday was one. A woman, who kept a silence for two years about what she says was unwanted sexual touching from a political leader, who thanked the colleague who witnessed the event for keeping it quiet, who was unwillingly dragged into a dispute by male politicians using her as a pawn, finally spoke. And it was shattering. Her eloquence, her reluctance, her dignity, her resistance to being kicked about in a game amongst powerful men were striking. Then she was called a liar. "This is a position I never wanted to be in and a statement I never intended to make, ABC journalist Ashleigh Raper said. But I think the time has come for my voice to be heard." After multiple public denials from Labor MP Luke Foley and two phone calls from him, in which she says he broke a promise to resign, she said she decided to speak, given the "escalation of the public debate, including in State and Federal Parliament despite my expressed wish to neither comment nor complain, and the likelihood of ongoing media and political interest." Could it be the democracy sausage is losing its charm? More Victorians than ever are expected to shun election day polling booths on November 24 and vote early, either in person or by post. The Victorian Electoral Commission is anticipating that early and postal votes will make up almost 50 per cent of the total vote count - the highest proportion ever in a state election. The lure of the 'democracy sausage' may not be enough this year. Credit:Luis Enrique Ascui The VEC allows voters to send in a postal vote or register at an early voting centre. Postal votes are now open and applications will close at 6pm, Wednesday November 21. They must be received by the VEC no later than 6pm Friday 30 November. But I think businesses understand the future opportunities and they're pursuing those commercial opportunities, he says. Discussions between Australian operatives and South Korean giant POSCO - one of the worlds largest steelmakers and a consumer of millions of tonnes of Australian iron ore and coal each year - have begun, says Vaile. Initially it's just going to be the fundamental structuring of the economy, he says. Many Australian companies are talking to their existing partners here in Korea about what opportunities might exist, but it's still a big if. Former deputy prime minister Mark Vaile. Credit:Eryk Bagshaw The big if is denuclearisation. Talks between North Korean no. 2 Kim Yong-chol and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo were due to canvass further steps to denuclearisation this week, despite ongoing sanctions, but were delayed following the US midterm elections. The sanctions effectively prohibit foreign trade with North Korea as long as it maintains any part of its nuclear program. The regime has a history of egregious human rights violations and hostile military acts that have kept the Kim dynasty in power since an armistice was signed between the communist North and capitalist South in 1953. Australian companies have been burned for having their products made in North Korea before. Surfwear giant Rip Curl was accused of having millions of dollars of clothes made in slave-like conditions in Pyongyang in 2016. In March, a UN panel reportedly investigated Sydney company Brigt Australia over a $770,000 coal shipment from North Korea to Vietnam. Both denied they were aware of sanctions being breached. ANZs Raciti says the government must take the lead and ethical dilemmas still loom large, but if North Korea was welcomed back into the global community, I think we should all try and support that because you know that's the best way to start creating some good. Clearly if you've got a new market it's 30 million people there and there is anecdotally [a] significant resource base, the opportunity is potentially there. Michael Chang, a Seoul-based senior foreign attorney at law firm Shin & Kim, says now is the time for the Australian business community to work out how to form itself into corporate groups. The Japanese and the Koreans are very good at doing Team Korea or Team Japan, he says. What it would be worth doing - like we could have done for Afghanistan or Iraq - is picking an area and getting ready for it. It might be good if [construction, IT and export credit agencies] join forces and just do hospitals for example, build and operate them as a package. Despite the optimism in public polls - 80 per cent of South Koreans approve of the peace process - the contrast between the two Koreas could not be more stark. A steel cross rises above the border fence at the Demilitarised Zone seperating North and South Korea. Credit:Eryk Bagshaw Just 50 kilometres from Seoul, barbed wire and sentries guard the highway. A city that needs up to 20 nuclear power plants to drive insatiable demand for electricity borders a country where they have cut down most of their trees to keep themselves warm in winter. Six decades of watching their own rise has led Moons south to the belief that it can rescue the North, just as it rescued itself after the Korean War. Then one of the worlds poorest countries, South Korea had to rely on Bangladesh for aid. It is now a technological powerhouse, on the cusp of breaking into the top 10 economies. A worker poses at the South Korean POSCO factory in Gwangyang, South Korea. Credit:Eryk Bagshaw A 1970s-era sign in the control room of a POSCO blast furnace in Gwangyang, producing steel for up to 16,000 cars 24 hours a day on the southern tip of the peninsula, gives an indication of the countrys economic determination. If POSCO fails, the country fails, you should drown yourself if that happens, it says. The great South Korean "chaebols" - conglomerates such as Posco, LG, Samsung and Hyundai - all have specialised North Korean units, according to North Korean defector Seong Ha-joo. He consults with companies including Shinsegae, a department store giant, which is exploring future opportunities in the North, where average annual wages are thought to be between $US1000 and $US2000 ($1380 and $2770) a year. North Korean defector Seong Ha-joo in central Seoul. Credit:Eryk Bagshaw Getting accurate information on what is happening north of the demilitarised zone is notoriously difficult, making investment decisions fraught. Residents' daily conversations are censored, says Seong. When someone asks how tall a famous statue of North Korea's founder Kim Il-sung is, the correct answer is as tall as his passion for North Koreans. Seong was on track to become a top official when he defected in 2004, leaving his studies at the government training ground at Kim Il-sung University and - after two attempts - escaping through China. He was forced to eat raw chillis and potatoes to survive and says famine remains, but evidence of the marketisation from his network of sources in Pyongyang is creeping through. I would say their level of market penetration is about where China was in 1988, he says. This trend towards market economy cannot be reversed. James Choi, Australia's ambassador to South Korea. Credit:Eryk Bagshaw In the North, private companies of up to 10 people are approved by government departments or the military, Seong says. In exchange for setting up a gasoline service, for example, a company pays up to 30 per cent of its revenue in bribes to the military unit or state agency in charge. Many of the big state-owned factories have collapsed under sanctions. That has left the economy dependent on hundreds of small-scale private enterprises that operate under the approval of each department, making their bureaucrats rich and widening the wealth gap between Pyongyang and rural areas. Seong says China, which shares a border with the North, is in the best position to take advantage if a market does open up. Chinese businessmen are familiar with this kind of culture, he says. Natural resources are the obvious target. South Korea has almost none, says the deputy director of green energy at the Seoul Metropolitan government, Jae-woong Kim, leaving it heavily dependent on coal and uranium, much of it from Australia, despite a growing renewables push. In contrast, the North has an abundance - up to $US6 trillion worth of iron ore and coal according to analysts - but it has been unable to mine it effectively because of its meagre infrastructure and effective outlawing of private mining. That restriction is likely to fade in future, potentially making it attractive to Australian-Korean joint ventures. However Professor Robert E. Kelly, a world-renowned Korea expert at Pusan University, says anyone looking to rush into the North should be cautious. He is sceptical about Seouls rush of optimism and scathing of US President Donald Trumps meeting with Kim in Singapore, which contained a lot of rhetoric but few steps towards verifiable denuclearisation. Jae-woong Kim, deputy director of green energy at the Seoul metropolitan government. Credit:Eryk Bagshaw On its face it's going way too fast. Almost everybody I know in the analyst community is saying 'what's going on'? One day it's road and rail links, the next day banks, the next day the IMF and I mean oh my God, he says. We shouldn't be doing the symbolic stuff where the North Koreans get to pretend that they're a normal state by shaking hands and hugging Donald Trump, because thats making it look like a real country when in fact it's an Orwellian gangster fiefdom. The pace is being driven by two macropolitical factors, says Kelly: A belief the peace process must be completed by Trump or a Republican because it is less likely to be overturned by Democrats; and South Koreas strict single five-year presidential terms, which have Moons liberal administration fearful of a conservative government winding back any progress towards peace should they win office. Kelly cites the experience of Egyptian multinational Orascom, which earned hundreds of millions of dollars in North Korea through mobile phones and was then prevented from repatriating its profits by the regime. South Korean President Moon Jae-in is restricted to a single five-year term. Credit:AP Whenever I speak to business groups I'm always like North Korea's the darkest of dark market. Don't go in there until somebody else goes, gets burned first and loses all their money, he says. I would say let the South Koreans and Chinese go in first because the South Koreans have a lot more political cover if things go wrong. The regime is unlikely to tolerate sustained foreign direct investment, he says, because that would mean foreign operators running around in North Korea. So if Nike invest, people that work for Nike want to drive cars and not feel like it's gonna get stolen because nobody's ever seen a Honda Civic before. More troubling for Kelly is his belief that reunification will actually just result in a thin covering federation on the top. They would do humanitarian stuff like marching together under the Olympic flag and then that becomes an umbilical cord in which basically South Korea personally subsidises North Korea, he says. In my opinion that's what the North Koreans want the most. He is confident that some progress will be made, eventually, but North Korea must detail the number and locations of its nuclear warheads or the symbolic sideshow will be for nothing. Let's just go more slowly, when it's gone nobody will miss it, he says. Does anybody miss East Germany? No, it's just in the rear-view mirror. Jakarta: The signing of the Indonesia-Australia free trade deal could now be delayed, with Indonesian Trade Minister Enggartiasto Lukita admitting disquiet over the potential move of the Australian embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem could push back the signing date. And Mr Lukita has suggested that Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne needs to pick up the phone and speak to her Indonesian counterpart, Retno Marsudi, to address Indonesian concerns over the embassy move. Former trade minister Steve Ciobo (right) meets with former former Indonesian trade minister Thomas Lembong (left) and current Indonesian Trade Minister Enggartiasto Lukita. Credit:Jewel Topsfield Fairfax Media revealed this week that the Indonesia-Australian Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, the formal name for the trade deal, had been translated and legally 'scrubbed' to ensure it complied with both nations' laws and was ready to be signed. The date pencilled in for the signing was November 14 at an ASEAN meeting in Singapore which Prime Minister Scott Morrison and President Joko Widodo will attend. The pair will hold a short bilateral meeting at the event. Mogadishu: At least 17 people were killed when suicide attackers set off two car bombs at a hotel near the headquarters of Somalia's Criminal Investigations Department in Mogadishu on Friday, police said. "So far we have confirmed 17 civilians dead. They were travelling in public vehicles at the scene when the blasts and gunfire occurred. The death toll is sure to rise," Ali Nur, a police officer in the city, told Reuters. New York: Protests in New York City, Washington, DC and other American cities have drawn thousands of people calling for the protection of special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into potential coordination between Russia and President Donald Trump's campaign. Demonstrators, calling for the recusal of acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker in overseeing Special Counsel Robert Mueller, holds a "You Can't Fire The Truth" sign outside the White House in Washington, DC. Credit:Bloomberg The protesters gathered in Times Square on Thursday night and chanted slogans including "Hands off Mueller" and "Nobody's above the law" before marching downtown. They held signs saying "Truth Must Triumph" and "Repeal, Replace Trump." Similar rallies were being held across the country. Organisers say the naming of acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker is a "deliberate attempt to obstruct the special counsel's investigation." Latest News Brokers are leading customers away from the Big Four, says research The broker channel is sending more clients than ever away from the Big Four and customers are loving them for it Big Four bank report suggests that house prices may well have peaked Small price growth expected in 2022 before fall in 2023, construction also set to fall New research suggests that housing affordability is being affected by short term letting such as Airbnb. The report from the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI) said it is reshaping the market for investors and that people are willing to pay more for homes that have the potential for short term letting. Properties listed on the platform account for nearly one in seven rental properties in popular Sydney and Melbourne suburbs, according to the report. The research identified that commercial Airbnb listings, whole dwellings that are available for more than 90 days each year, in both Sydney and Melbourne are concentrated in inner-city and beachside suburbs. This reduces the availability of long-term rentals and creates further affordability pressure in areas that are generally well connected by public transport and within access to employment hubs, essential services and amenities. In Sydney, commercial Airbnb listings are concentrated in the eastern suburbs, Darlinghurst and Manly. In these suburbs Airbnb accounts for between 11.2% and 14.8% of all rental housing stock. In Melbourne, commercial Airbnb listings cluster in Central Melbourne, Docklands, Southbank, Fitzroy and St Kilda, accounting for between 8.6% and 15.3% of rental housing stock. Dr Laura Crommelin from University of New South Wales, said, We found some evidence that Airbnb is reshaping the market for investment properties in Australia. For example, real estate agents have been cited claiming investors will pay a 2 to 3% premium for properties that show a higher-yielding Airbnb income stream. Similarly, Airbnb property managers told us their businesses have been growing rapidly, as some investors are achieving better returns on short term letting than long term rental. Compared to other markets, Sydney and Melbourne have relatively unrestrictive short-term letting regulation. The AHURI report recommended that Melbourne and Sydney take on a notificatory approach, where short term letting is mostly allowed as long as the host first notifies an authority. This would give hosts an identification number allowing local and state governments to check compliance with limits on days let and restrictions on listing multiple properties. Latest News Brokers are leading customers away from the Big Four, says research The broker channel is sending more clients than ever away from the Big Four and customers are loving them for it Big Four bank report suggests that house prices may well have peaked Small price growth expected in 2022 before fall in 2023, construction also set to fall The latest housing finance data for September shows further drops in both the value of dwelling commitments and the number. New lending has now dropped to its lowest level since August 2014. The value of owner occupier loans is at its lowest level since July 2015, after a drop in value of 4.2% from the month before to $19.3billion, in seasonally adjusted terms. In terms of the number of commitments, September saw 2,539 loans for the purchase of new dwellings, which was a decrease of 3.9%. The number of loans for the construction of dwellings was 5,310, which was a decrease of 3.5%. The smallest drop was 0.5% which was for the purchase of established dwellings, where there were 42, 824 loans. Lending to investors is now at the lowest its been since 2013, according to Master Builders Australias chief economist Shane Garrett. A total of $9.75billion worth of loans was written, in seasonally adjusted terms, which was a decrease of 2.8% from the month before. Garrett said, [The] ABS results mean that housing investor loans have fallen to their lowest level since July 2013 and are down by 18% over the past 12 months alone. There are several explanations for the decline in investor participation in the housing market. Since house prices in Sydney and Melbourne started falling last year, investors have been deprived of a major carrot. Rental prices are rising more slowly than at any time in a quarter of a century. This is great news for renters, but wont put many smiles on the faces of investors. Perhaps the biggest game changer has been APRAs interventions which have made it more difficult for investors to secure financing. The ongoing Royal Commission has also made lenders more jittery. Master Builders recent modelling showed that more restrictive policies around Negative Gearing and the CGT discount would result in between 10,000 and 42,000 fewer new dwellings being built across Australia. With investor demand already in retreat, any policy changes at this time would be very detrimental for Australias home building sector. RateCity research director Sally Tindall said there was opportunity for first home buyers, as those numbers increased by 0.2% in September. She said, This time last year, no-one predicted the falls in new lending would be this significant, particularly for owner occupiers. The housing market was only just coming off the boil and the Hayne Royal Commission hadnt yet been announced. The good news now is the door is wide open for first home buyers, provided theyve got a decent deposit saved up. Banks are still in the business of writing loans. It just takes a bit more time and paperwork." Days after I returned from my trip to Sri Lanka last month, Lonely Planet named the country its top destination for 2019. I wasnt surprised. Whether your idea of a holiday is to be a beach bum or a culture freak or to have your fill of nature, wildlife and adventure sport, this island country has it all. Add to that superb roads, tourist-friendly people and gorgeous food, and you really want to check in and never leave. After spending a night in Colombo, Sri Lankas leafy capital, we headed out for the Central Province where the old cultural heart of the country lies. ... 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 CEO has promised changes to the tech giant's policies, a week after thousands of its employees across the world, including in India, walked out in protest against the company reportedly shielding some top executives accused of sexual misconduct. In a memo to employees on Thursday, the Indian-origin CEO said, "We recognise that we have not always gotten everything right in the past and we are sincerely sorry for that. It's clear we need to make some changes." "This is an area where we need to continually make progress and are committed to doing so," Pichai said while detailing the comprehensive action plan to address the demands of the employees. "We will provide more transparency on how we handle concerns. We'll give better support and care to the people who raise them. And we will double down on our commitment to be a representative, equitable, and respectful workplace," he assured the employees. More than 20,000 employees across the world walked out of their offices last Thursday following a bombshell New York Times report that detailed how the company has shielded and gave multimillion-dollar severance packages for senior executives accused of sexual misconduct, with organisers of the protest demanding concrete changes like a new system for reporting abuse and an employee representative on the company's board. Some 150 Google employees participated in the walkout in India. The employees were from Hyderabad, Gurgaon and Mumbai offices. Google leadership also held a town-hall style meeting with employees following the publication of Pichai's memo on Thursday, the CNBC reported. While the policy changes Pichai outlined met many of the protesters' requirements, they do not include adding an employee representative to Alphabet's board or elevating the chief diversity officer to report directly to the CEO, it said. Google's plan includes providing more transparency around investigations and outcomes as part of its annual "Investigations Report," revamping its reporting channels for incidents of misconduct, updating and expanding its training and making arbitration optional for sexual harassment claims. Organisers of the protests had specifically demanded Google put an end to its policy of forced arbitration for sexual misconduct allegations a practice that prevents employees from taking cases to court and is generally criticised for suppressing victims' stories. Pichai's memo says that while Google "never required confidentiality," employees with harassment or assault claims can now choose whether or not to go through the arbitration process. Organisers of Google's protests were also deliberate about including contract workers in their original demands. Google said in an additional document detailing changes that it will routinely review contractor and temp worker suppliers to see if they adhere to agreements around the handling of employee complaints. However, the Tech Workers Coalition, which launched a retaliation hotline for Google employees who participated in last week's protest, says that the new policies don't do enough to protect those temp, vendor and contract workers (TVCs), the report said. "TVCs didn't receive this email this morning, and have been excluded from the town-hall," a spokesperson said. "This deliberate slight demonstrates the caste-like system deployed by Google, which fails to protect its workers and our colleagues." The protest's organisers also released a statement saying that while Google made progress towards addressing their demands, they would "not let up" until all of them were met. "We demand a truly equitable culture, and Google leadership can achieve this by putting employee representation on the board and giving full rights and protections to contract workers, our most vulnerable workers, many of whom are Black and Brown women," CNBC quoted Google employee Stephanie Parker as saying in that statement. India-based motorcycle brand Royal Enfield expects sales in its new North American business to almost triple this year and is aiming to dominate the market for middleweight bikes into which Harley-Davidson Inc has just shifted in a bid to revive sales. Enfield, originally a classic UK brand but manufactured by India's Eicher Motors Ltd in southern India since the early 1970s, has thwarted Harley's efforts to make inroads in India, the world's biggest two-wheeler market with some 17 million in sales annually. Both companies are dwarfed in the lightweight categories by ... That time of year when Delhi makes the news for its severely polluted air is back with a vengeance. On November 8, the day after Diwali, pollution in the city reached the severe-plus emergency category because of the widespread use of firecrackers. And while people in Delhi can testify to just how bad it gets, whats even more surprising is that there are five other Indian cities that fare even worse when it comes to PM 2.5 levels. PM 10 refers to particulate matter with a diameter below 10 m; PM 2.5 refers to that with a diameter below 2.5 m. PM 2.5 is ... India on Friday hit back at Pakistan for expressing concern over the recent deployment of nuclear submarine INS Arihant, saying the comments come from a country for whom the "tenet of responsibility" does not exist. Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal, at a media briefing on Thursday, said: "This development marks the first actual deployment of ready-to-fire nuclear warheads in South Asia which is a matter of concern not only for the Indian Ocean littoral states but also for the international community at large." Responding to a question on Faisal's remarks, Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar, during a media briefing here, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made India's stand clear on the issue. Modi has made it clear that India's nuclear arsenal was not a part of an aggressive policy, but it was an important means for peace and stability. Kumar said,"We are a responsible nation and I think these comments are coming from a country for whom the tenet of responsibility does not exist." Marking the country's nuclear triad, Indian nuclear submarine INS Arihant, or the "destroyer of enemies" has successfully completed its first deterrence patrol. On the issue of opening of the Kartarpur Sahib corridor, Kumar said Pakistan had not officially communicated anything to India on the issue. Asked about Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh writing to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on the issue, he said he would have to look at the contents of the letter and then could comment on it. He, however, said India has taken up the matter with Pakistan in the past on the opening of the border for Sikh pilgrims to go and visit the Gurdwara on the other side. "We have heard from Pakistan that this is something that they want to do, but I am not aware of any official communication which we have received from Pakistan that they are keen to work with us on this matter," Kumar said. On whether there was any development on the issue of waiver for India in the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act after its S-400 missile systems deal with Russia, Kumar said India was engaged with different stakeholders on this matter. "We have explained our objectives and position to the US side at different levels. We feel that it has contributed to a better understanding by the US about our concerns, about our objectivities and expectations. "We do intend to continue to remain engaged with the US side, but it is important to note that our defence purchases and acquisitions are dictated by our interest," he said. Asked about the political turmoil in Sri Lanka, Kumar said India continues to closely monitor the situation. "At this situation, I think the situation remains unclear. We do hope the democratic values and the constitutional process in Sri Lanka will be respected," he said. Centre says not asking RBI for money, only wants it to be less risk-averse In what seemed to be a softening of its stance by the government in its tussle with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Economic Affairs Secretary Subhash Garg on Friday said there was no proposal by the Centre to ask the central bank to transfer any specific amount. The issue being discussed was for an appropriate economic capital framework. Gargs statement, on Twitter, comes after extensive reports in the media of the latest face-off between the finance ministry and the RBI over the former referring ... "Lot of misinformed speculation is going around in media. Government's fiscal math is completely on track. There is no proposal to ask RBI to transfer Rs 3.6 or 1 trillion, as speculated," Economic Affairs Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg tweeted.He said the only proposal "under discussion is to fix appropriate economic capital framework of RBI."Exuding confidence about government's fiscal math, he said, it will stick to the fiscal deficit target of 3.3 per cent for the current financial year ending March 31, 2019."Government's FD (fiscal deficit) in FY 2013-14 was 5.1 per cent. From 2014-15 onwards, the government has succeeded in bringing it down substantially. We will end the FY 2018-19 with FD of 3.3 per cent. The government has actually foregone 700 billion of budgeted market borrowing this year," he said. 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. 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Digital Editor In what seemed to be a softening of its stance by the government in its tussle with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Economic Affairs Secretary Subhash Garg on Friday said there was no proposal by the Centre to ask the central bank to transfer any specific amount. The issue being discussed was for an appropriate economic capital framework. Gargs statement, on Twitter, comes after extensive reports in the media of the latest face-off between the finance ministry and the RBI over the former referring to Section 7 of the RBI Act in its communication with the central bank last ... Indias government is asking the central bank to hand over a part of its surplus reserves and loosen liquidity norms for lenders -- demands that are likely to escalate a standoff with the monetary authority thats fiercely protective of its independence. The matter is pending before the board of the Reserve Bank of India and may be taken up at its next meeting likely on Nov. 19, a government official told reporters in New Delhi, asking not to be identified citing rules. The norms for sharing excess capital reserves should be set in line with established global practices, ... Scarborough Leader The Oak Hill Players are performing the musical 'Honk!', their first live performance since the COVID-19 pandemic. Barely two years after NITI Aayog launched the first index to rank states on the basis of marketing and farmer-friendly reforms, the ministry of agriculture is planning to come out with its own index to rank states on 'ease of doing agri-business'. The proposal comes barely weeks after India jumped 23 places in the Global Ease of Doing Business ranking of the World Bank. Since the last three years, the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) is also bringing out its own ranking of states based on their ease of doing business but for industrial ... A crucial meeting of trade ministers of RCEP member countries, including India and China, will take place in Singapore on November 12-13 amid pressure being mounted on new Delhi to conclude talks for the proposed mega trade deal at the earliest, sources said. Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is a trade pact aims to cover goods, services, investments, economic and technical cooperation, competition and intellectual property rights. The meeting is crucial as there is pressure on India to conclude the negotiations as early as possible, despite the fact that still lot of issues are yet to be resolved, they said. Commerce and industry Minister will represent India in the meeting. The trade ministers of the 16-member RCEP had urged participating countries to continue to exert all efforts towards meeting the targets set in the package of year end deliverables. The chief negotiators had concluded the 24th round of meeting in Auckland, New Zealand, last month. Several domestic industry sectors, including steel, food processing and metals are raising concerns over the presence of China in the group. They have stated that lowering or eliminating duties for China will flood Indian markets with Chinese goods. India already has a free-trade agreement with Asean (Association of South East Asian Nations), Japan, and South Korea. And it is negotiating similar pacts with and Besides, India has a trade deficit with 10 countries in this grouping. ALSO READ: RCEP trade ministers urge members to put all efforts to conclude talks Trade experts, too, have expressed apprehensions that eliminating duties for Chinese goods may further impact domestic industries. The trade gap with China, Korea, Indonesia and has increased to $63.12 billion; $11.96 billion; $12.47 billion and $10.16 billion in 2017-18. It was $51.11 billion, $8.34 billion, $9.94 billion and $8.19 billion, respectively, in the previous financial year 2016-17. India is pushing for liberalising norms to promote services trade as the sector accounts for about 55 per cent of the country's gross domestic product (GDP). The negotiations have dragged on as the member countries want an agreement over the removal of customs duties on the maximum number of products traded between them. However, countries like India have certain reservations on this as the grouping includes China, with which New Delhi has a huge trade deficit. India is looking for a balanced trade agreement as it would cover 40 per cent of the global GDP and over 42 per cent of the world's population. The RCEP members include 10 Asean members (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Laos and Vietnam) and their six free-trade agreement partners - India, China, Japan, South Korea, and - since November 2012. A high-level team of (EC) officials would be arriving in Mizoram on Friday to hold talks with top government officials and leaders of civil societies over the crisis that has rocked the poll arrangements in the state, official sources said. The team, led by Deputy Election Commissioner Sudeep Jain, would be visiting the state two days after Chief Electoral Officer S B Shashank was summoned to Delhi by the EC, following a massive agitation for his ouster by NGO Coordination Committee - a conglomerate of civil societies and student organisations. Shashank had allegedly sought deployment of additional central armed police forces (CAPF) in the state and complained to the EC that the state's former principal secretary Lalnunmawia Chuaungo was interfering with the poll process. Chuaungo, a native of Mizoram and a Gujarat-cadre IAS officer was relieved of his duties earlier this month. The committee, along with other political leaders, had been demanding Shashank's exit from the state since then. The NGO also demanded that 11,232 Bru voters lodged in six Tripura relief camps be allowed to exercise their franchise at their respective polling stations in Mizoram and not in Tripura as committed by the poll panel in 2014. Thousands of people from the Bru community had fled Mizoram in 1997 following ethnic clashes. They have since been lodged in six relief camps in Tripura. Election to the 40-member Mizoram Assembly will be held on November 28. Monday is the last day for filing poll nominations, the list of which is expected to be released by 5 pm. A three-member EC team that visited the state on Tuesday night held talks with the government officials and the NGO to resolve the crisis in the poll-bound state. The meeting, however, remained inconclusive as the team said the final call would be made by the EC. BJP national spokesperson has been named in an FIR for poll code violation in Madhya Pradesh, a senior election official said Friday. On October 27, Patra had held a press conference by the side of a road in MP Nagar here, following which the Congress had filed a complaint with the Election Commission. The organisers of the press conference had sought a slot between 1 pm and 3 pm that day but held it between 12 noon and 12:30 pm, which too was a violation, said EC officials. Earlier, the FIR included the name of BJP functionary SS Uppal. Patra's name was added following a report from Bhopal's returning officer, the officials said. Talking to PTI on Friday, MP Chief Electoral Officer V L Kantha Rao confirmed that Patra has been named as an accused in the FIR. "We had filed a complaint with the EC stating that the press conference was held blocking a road without permission and it is a violation of the code of conduct. Initially, Patra's name was not there in the EC's FIR. So, we again filed a complaint demanding an FIR against Patra," MP Congress election affairs wing in charge JP Dhanopia said. Dozens of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar and Bangladesh have boarded boats to try to reach Malaysia, officials and aid workers said on Thursday, raising fears of a fresh wave of such dangerous voyages after a 2015 crackdown on people smugglers. One boat attempted to set sail from the southern coast of Bangladesh on Wednesday, the coast guard said, while several vessels left Rakhine state in western Myanmar, according to Rohingya leaders, aid workers and a monitoring group. Officials detained 33 Rohingya and six Bangladeshis aboard a fishing boat bound for Malaysia in the ... Claiming that there has been a "dramatic increase" in the number of H-1B visas being held up, a coalition of American employers representing top IT companies like Google, Facebook and Microsoft has alleged that the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is acting outside of its own regulations. The is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. The technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China. "We have observed three changes in H-1B adjudication practices under the current administration that seem to permeate most of the increased H-1B adjudication inconsistencies experienced by employers," Compete America said in a letter to the Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen and Francis Cissna Director, USCIS. Expressing concerns over legal issues regarding the recent changes in adjudication standards for H-1B non-immigrant visa petitions at USCIS, the coalition -- Compete America -- said the agency's current approach to H-1B adjudications cannot be anticipated by either the statutory or regulatory text. This leaves employers with a disruptive lack of clarity about the agency's practices, procedures, and policies. This lack of certainty and consistency wreaks havoc among the nation's employers which are hiring high-skilled Americans and foreign-born professionals, it said in the letter dated November 1. Compete America alleged that the agency appears to be acting "outside of its own regulations and the controlling statute" by requiring petitioners to comply with the agency's current view that a comparatively entry-level job, and corresponding wage level, cannot be a specialty occupation. The specific field of study requirement for a specialty occupation means the job must necessitate the completion of a single major or qualifying degree, and the requirement for an occupation to usually carry a degree prerequisite means a degree must always be needed. In its letter, Compete America said that its members have reported dramatic increases in the issuance of Requests for Evidence (RFEs) and denials regarding H-1B petitions for the last 18 months. More recently they are experiencing a sharp increase in the issuance of Notices of Intent to Deny (NOIDs) and Notices of Intent to Revoke (NOIRs) concerning H-1B petitions. "These reported shifts in agency action have been perplexing to our coalition's members, especially because the agency's changes in approach were unannounced and unexplained and are not previewed in the regulations governing a qualifying H-1B specialty occupation that have been in effect since 1991," it said. According to Compete America, USCIS has been denying H-1B petitions exclusively because an entry-level wage is applicable for the specific position, even though the occupation itself is clearly a specialty occupation. "Nothing in the statute or regulations contemplates or suggests, much less states, that USCIS could ever take the position that it per se excludes or disfavours entry-level jobs in an occupation, or young professionals working in jobs in an occupation, as qualifying for H-1B specialty occupation approval," it asserted. Further, employers have reported repeated instances of USCIS denying an H-1B petition on the basis that the degree held by the sponsored foreign professional is not within a single field of acceptable study for an occupation. Employers are also reporting repeated instances of USCIS denying H-1B petitions for occupations that may have some limited instances of jobs where a bachelor's degree or higher is not required, even when those occupations normally do require that level of education for the majority of roles, as contemplated by the statute, Compete America said. The final moments of Lion Air Flight 610 as it hurtled soon after dawn from a calm Indonesian sky into the waters of the Java Sea would have been terrifying but swift. The single-aisle Boeing aircraft, assembled in Washington State and delivered to Lion Air less than three months ago, appears to have plummeted nose-first into the water, its advanced jet engines racing the plane toward the waves at as much as 400 m.p.h. in less than a minute. The aircraft slammed into the sea with such force that some metal fittings aboard were reduced to powder, and the aircrafts flight data ... The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday announced the appointment of Abhay Kumar as the next Ambassador of India to Madagascar on Friday. Abhay Kumar is presently serving as the Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) at the Indian Embassy in Brasilia, Brazil. An Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer of the 2003 batch, Abhay Kumar is expected to undertake the new assignment shortly, the MEA press release said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An asylum application has been filed in the Netherlands for Asiya Bibi, the Pakistani Christian woman who was acquitted in a blasphemy case by the country's Supreme Court last month. Asiya's lawyer, Saif-ul-Mulook, who himself fled from Pakistan to the Netherlands, earlier this week told CNN that the application, filed for Asiya, her husband and their two children, has been submitted to the authorities. The lawyer had fled to the European nation following threats to his life. Asiya was released from a women's prison in Multan late on Wednesday after the completion of all formalities by the jail administration, Geo News reported. However, speculations had emerged that she had left the country soon after being released from prison. Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal on Thursday dispelled the rumours, clarifying that Asiya is still in Pakistan. On October 31, mass protests had erupted in various parts of Pakistan after the country's top court acquitted Asiya of blasphemy charges. The demonstrations were later called off when the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government had reached an agreement on not allowing Asiya to leave the country. A three-judge special bench, headed by Chief Justice Saqib Nisar and also comprising of Justice Asif Saeed Khosa and Justice Mazhar Alam Khan Miankhel, had heard Asiya's 2014 appeal against her conviction and death sentence and overturned the ruling in favour of her. 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.) American band 'Backstreet Boys' are set to be back, as they announced their comeback world tour on Friday. They announced the world tour where they will promote their album 'DNA', which will see a January 25, 2019 release, reported E! Online. The 'DNA tour' is being touted to be one of the biggest tours in 18 years where fans will be able to see Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, Brian Littrell, A. J. McLean and Kevin Richardson perform. In order to create more hype about their tour, they released a single from the upcoming album, which is titled 'Chances', written by Shawn Mendes and Ryan Tedder. Band member Howie Dorough, in a statement, revealed that it has been learning experience from the point when the group began 26 years ago. Dorough voicing the excitement of his fellow members said this is the time for them to visit their fans from "all over the world". Another member Littrell said that the journey will be exciting as they still have "much left to do", that is entertaining their fans. Speaking about the songs, another band member Kevin Richardson said that this album would portray the uniqueness of each and every member. The band which is well known for their song 'One Love', will kick start their DNA Tour from May 11, 2019. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has fielded its lone Muslim woman candidate from the Bhopal North constituency. Fatima Rasool Siddiqui is the only Muslim face to contest the forthcoming Madhya Pradesh assembly polls across the 230 assembly constituencies. Despite Fatima's limited political experience, the battle for Bhopal North will be an interesting contest as the Congress contestant Arif Aqueel is not only a five-time MLA from the seat but has a history of political rivalry with Fatima's father, Rasool Ahmed Siddiqui. Rasool Ahmed had registered back-to-back victories in Bhopal North in the 1980 and 1985 elections as a Congress candidate, with Aqueel dethroning him in the 1990 assembly elections as an Independent candidate. In 1993, BJP's Ramesh Sharma was elected as the MLA from the seat, with Aqueel soon swearing his allegiance with the Congress. He reclaimed the seat in 1998 on Congress ticket. Aqueel has since turned the constituency into a Congress stronghold, emerging victorious in every assembly election. Aqueel will be looking to continue his dominance in the seat and fend off a challenge from Fatima. Fatima has said that the people of Bhopal still remember the work her father had done for them. She expressed confidence in ousting Aqueel from power, saying that apart from the traditional BJP voters in the city, all Muslim votes will also be in her favour. However, Fatima deflected questions pertaining to her stance on the triple talaq issue. Also, BJP legislator Alok Sanjar believes that Fatima is popular among the youth, adding that she will be able to sway traditional Congress voters from the constituency in her favour. Sanjar further stated that all BJP workers and voters are backing her for prevailing over Aqueel in the constituency. Meanwhile, Aqueel, who defeated BJP candidate Arif Baig by over 6,000 votes in 2013, said that the BJP has fielded a 'novice girl' against him as they could not find anyone else. He expressed confidence in prevailing over Fatima by a bigger margin than in 2013. The state is slated to go to polls on November 28. Counting of votes will take place on December 11. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a setback to former Union Telecom Minister Dayanidhi Maran and his brother Kalanithi Maran, the Madras High Court on Friday dismissed their petitions along with that of three others, seeking quashing of all charges framed against them by a special court in the alleged illegal BSNL telephone exchange case. Justice AD Jagadish Chandira remanded the matter to the special court for framing of charges in accordance with the law. It is worth mentioning that the petitioners had claimed that there were certain errors like framing of common charges against all the accused without any material to substantiate individual involvement in the case and they had sought quashing of chargers against them. Maran brothers and five others were charged with illegally getting over 760 telephone connections when Dayanidhi Maran was the Union Telecom Minister. Earlier in July this year, the Madras High Court had set aside the lower court's order granting acquittal to the Maran brothers. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had moved the High Court in June this year, challenging the trial court's order. The CBI in 2013 had filed a petition in this case against former chairman of Chennai BSNL, K.B. Brahmanathan and some others. The investigating agency alleged that former Union Minister had set up an illegal telephone exchange at his residence providing 764 high speed telephone lines of BSNL for doing business transactions involving Sun Networks, the channel which was owned by his brother Kalanithi Maran. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Congress party workers on Friday held a nationwide protest against the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Central Government's demonetisation drive, which had its second anniversary on Thursday. The Congress workers took to streets in Mumbai, Chennai and Chandigarh, Patna, Jaipur, Bhubaneswar, Ranchi, Bengaluru and New Delhi and protested against the note ban. The workers of Himachal Pradesh division of the Congress, in Shimla observed black day. Wearing black bands on their heads, the party workers carried placards and raised anti-demonetisation slogans. Himachal Pradesh Congress spokesperson Naresh Chauhan said that now people have realised that Prime Minister Narender Modi has deceived them and that no black money has been recovered as they propagated before 2014 general election. Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat, who protested along with the Congress workers in the capital, told ANI, "People are unhappy with the BJP government. Demonetisation created a huge loss. We are protesting against it because Indian economy suffered badly because of it. We need to have a telescope to find a common man, who can stand up and say that he profited due to demonetisation. Only few people earned money due to this move." While staging a protest outside the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) headquarters in New Delhi, several Congress workers were also detained. "It's shocking. I have never seen this kind of repression. We are a democracy. We should have been allowed to raise our voice against a wrong and reckless decision, which led to disaster. Prime Minister Modi is responsible for inflicting that pain on Indian people - there was loss of jobs, loss of lives, loss of businesses. Poor people were hurt the most," said Congress' Anand Sharma. Similar were the scenes in other cities like Mumbai, Chennai, Ranchi, Patna, Chandigarh and Patna. There also Congress workers raised slogans criticizing the Centre over demonetisation drive. While addressing a press conference in Guwahati, Congress leader P Chidambaram said, "Demonetisation was an ill-conceived move, inspired by one or more persons who are totally unqualified on matters concerning money and the economy." On November 8, 2016, the Centre had declared Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes as non-legal and introduced new Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 notes. Since then, various opposition parties have been highly critical of the Centre's move, while the members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies have backed the decision. On the second anniversary of demonetisation on Thursday, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley strongly defending demonetisation, said that the note ban had a huge impact on formalising the Indian economy. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress party workers on Friday held a nationwide protest against the Bharatiya Janata Party-led central government's demonetisation drive, which had its second anniversary on Thursday. Party workers took to the streets in Mumbai, Chennai, Chandigarh, Patna, Jaipur, Bhubaneswar, Ranchi, Bengaluru and in the capital, protesting against the note ban. The workers of Himachal Pradesh division observed black day in Shimla. Wearing black bands on their heads, the party workers carried placards and raised anti-demonetisation slogans. Himachal Pradesh Congress spokesperson Naresh Chauhan said that people have now realised that Prime Minister Narender Modi has deceived them and that no black money has been recovered as promised before 2014 general elections. Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat, who protested along with the Congress workers in the capital, told ANI, "People are unhappy with the BJP government. Demonetisation created a huge loss. We are protesting against it because Indian economy has suffered badly. We need to have a telescope to find a common man, who can stand up and say that he profited due to demonetisation. Only few people earned money due to this move." Party workers who staged a protest outside the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) headquarters in Delhi, were detained. "It's shocking. I have never seen this kind of repression. We are a democracy. We should have been allowed to raise our voice against a wrong and reckless decision, which led to disaster. Prime Minister Modi is responsible for inflicting that pain on Indian people - there was loss of jobs, loss of lives, loss of business. Poor people were hurt the most," said senior Congress leader Anand Sharma. Congress workers raised slogans criticising the Centre in other cities also such as Mumbai, Chennai, Ranchi, Patna, Chandigarh and Patna. While addressing a press conference in Guwahati, Congress leader P Chidambaram said, "Demonetisation was an ill-conceived move, inspired by one or more persons who are totally unqualified on matters concerning money and the economy." On November 8, 2016, the Centre had declared Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes as non-legal and introduced new Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 notes. Since then, various opposition parties have been highly critical of the Centre's move, while the members of the BJP and its allies have backed the decision. On the second anniversary of demonetisation on Thursday, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley strongly defended demonetisation saying that the note ban had a huge impact on formalising the Indian economy. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday released party's manifesto for Chhattisgarh assembly elections. In the manifesto, named as "People's Manifesto", the Congress has promised immediate loan waivers within 10 days of being voted to power. The party has also promised better healthcare facilities and a safer society for women in Chhattisgarh. Addressing the media after releasing the manifesto, the Congress president said, "This is not Congress' Manifesto, it's People's Manifesto. Whatever we have mentioned in the manifesto is what people want from us. This manifesto is Congress party's commitment. I appeal to people to give an opportunity this time to the Congress; we will surely fulfill all the commitments promised to you. Whoever becomes the Chief Minister of the Congress party in Chhattisgarh is going to be accountable to deliver this document. That is the philosophy we are following." The assembly elections in the state will be held in two phases on November 12 and November 20. Counting of votes will be on December 11. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) British defence company BAE Systems, on Friday congratulated India over the induction of the M777 Ultra Lightweight Howitzers, saying that it is the first step in their Make-in-India commitment. "The M777 ULH is more than a very effective piece of artillery technology. With the M777 program, BAE Systems has made the first step of our substantive Make-in-India commitment, which includes our pledge to develop a network of Indian suppliers for our global supply chain and deepen our relationship with industry in India. We are committed to a strong and collaborative working relationship between BAE Systems, the Indian Armed Forces and Indian industry," Nik Khanna, managing director of BAE Systems, India, said. Echoing similar thoughts, the Group President of Mahindra Group's Aerospace and Defence Sector and the chairman of Mahindra Defence Systems, S. P. Shukla, said: "This is a landmark event with the first M777s being delivered to the Indian Army. It is a product of our long-standing business partnership with the BAE Systems. In this program, each of the M777 Howitzers have value addition from Mahindra Defence. I believe that this is the first step towards Make-in-India with much bigger programs to follow." Joe Senftle, the vice president and general manager of BAE Systems' weapon systems business termed M777 as an "extremely reliable and battle-proven artillery unit." "The Indian Army is receiving an extremely reliable and battle-proven artillery platform. The M777 brings a new level of capability to the artillery unit by offering rapid deployment and extreme accuracy. It can operate in areas that are difficult to access and is also very easy to maintain," Senftle said. On Friday, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman dedicated three M777 Howitzers, ten K9 Vajra Self Propelled Guns and field artillery tractors to the Indian Army at a ceremony held at Devlali Field Firing Ranges. The M777 Howitzers, which fire 155 mm calibre shells up to a maximum range of 30 kilometres, have been procured from the USA under Government to Government Foreign Military Sales and assembled in India by BAE Systems in partnership with Mahindra Defence. Indian Army will get a total of 145 M777 Howitzers including the three inducted on Friday. Out of these 145, India is getting 25 from the US while 120 will be assembled in India with the assistance from the BAE Systems. The K9 Vajra is a South Korean-made self-propelled howitzer, which also fires 155 mm calibre shells up to 30 kilometres. 10 K9 Vajra units have been acquired, with a further 90 to be assembled in India by L&T. This was the first procurement of field artillery guns in over 30 years, since the controversial Bofors deal in the 1980s. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy will not participate in Tipu Jayanti celebrations due to health concerns. According to the chief minister office's statement, Kumaraswamy has been advised by doctors to take rest for three days, i.e. November 9-11. The chief minister will spend time with his family during this period and there will hold no official engagements. Janata Dal (Secular) Ministers Venkatrao Nadagouda and B Kashempur will attend the celebrations on behalf of Kumaraswamy in his constituencies Bengaluru and Bidar respectively. "Kumaraswamy has given full authority to the department for celebrations. JDS Minister Venkatrao Nadagouda is attending on behalf of Karnataka Chief Minister in Bengaluru and I'm attending Tipu Jayanti in Bidar," Kashempur said. Meanwhile, section 144, which prohibits the assembly of more than four people in an area, has been imposed in several parts of the state including Kodagu, Hubli, and Dharwad in order to prevent any untoward incident. The birth anniversary of the 18th century Mysore ruler has been celebrated on November 10 by the state government since 2014. However, many people protest against the celebration saying that Tipu Sultan was a 'tyrant' who slaughtered Mysuru rulers. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Afghan High Peace Council plans to raise the issue of launching direct talks between the authorities in Kabul and the Taliban movement at the second round of the Moscow format consultations on Afghanistan slated for Friday, council's spokesman Ihsan Taheri told Sputnik. Later in the day, Moscow will host the second round of talks on Afghanistan, which will involve the Afghan High Peace Council. Representatives from China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and the United States have been invited to join the meeting. The political office of the Taliban movement in Doha will for the first time take part in these talks. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is set to take part in the event. "We did not come here to negotiate peace. This will be a discussion between the participating delegations on how to start a dialogue and peace negotiations between the authorities of Afghanistan and the Taliban," Taheri said. Taheri also expressed hope that a desired result would be achieved soon and it would be possible to organize a direct meeting between the Afghan authorities and the Taliban movement. Afghanistan's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Sibghatullah Ahmadi, earlier told Sputnik that the High Peace Council representatives sent to the talks would not represent Afghanistan's government. This was confirmed by Taheri either. The first round of consultations took place in mid-April last year, and was attended by deputy foreign ministers and special representatives of 11 countries interested in reaching a peace settlement in Afghanistan. The United States declined the invitation to attend, citing a lack of an Afghanistan strategy at the time. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Administrator James Bridenstine said in a statement that he discussed US-Russia space cooperation with Russian Ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov. "I was pleased to host Russian Federation Ambassador Anatoly Antonov today for a courtesy meeting at NASA Headquarters to discuss the important space cooperation between our two countries," Bridenstine said in a Twitter message on Thursday. NASA has recently invited the chief of Russia's space agency Roskosmos to visit the United States for discussions on bilateral collaboration. Dmitry Rogozin's visit is slated for early 2019. Bridenstine said earlier that NASA was working on obtaining a sanctions waiver for Rogozin, who has been subject to US restrictions. Bridenstine visited Russia in the beginning of October, where he praised the successful collaboration between Russia and the United States on the International Space Station (ISS) as a means to improve bilateral cooperation on earth science and share relevant information. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday came down heavily on the Congress accusing the party of backing urban Naxals who misguide the tribal youth of the state and force them down the path of Naxalism. Speaking at a rally here ahead of the assembly elections in the state due on November 12 and 20, the Prime Minister said: "Children who should hold pens in their hands, they are now holding guns in a monstrous manner. Urban Maoists live a luxurious lifestyle while they ruin the lives of children belonging to tribal community, and the Congress supports these people (urban Maoists)." Further training guns at the rival Congress, Prime Minister Modi said: "For past 10 years, Congress created obstructions for the government to carry out developmental work in the state and deliberately tried to delay projects in Chhattisgarh. But despite all this, Raman Singh ji didn't stop the developmental work." "It's been so many times that Congress has come to power in the country but unfortunately they have not done enough for the upliftment of the underprivileged and tribals," he said. He also lauded former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for creating a separate ministry for the tribals. "Congress party considers Dalits, underprivileged, victims and poor people as their vote bank and are not willing to treat them as humans," he added. "The day is not very far when Chhattisgarh will reach to such heights that people from different parts of the country will come here seeking employment, income opportunities. Our government has connected 9,000 villages in Chhattisgarh. We laid a network of Highways with an investment of Rs 35,000 crore," Prime Minister Modi said. In his concluding remark, the Prime Minister said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) doesn't discriminate people on the basis of gender or caste. "We believe in sabka sath, sabka vikas. My government wants progress for everybody. Earlier, elections were all about a candidate's caste and family." Addressing the voters in the rally, Chief Minister Raman Singh said that he would work day and night to fulfill the dreams of Vajpayee to develop Chhattisgarh. Emphasising that the BJP would again sweep the polls and emerge victorious, he said: "No other party will come to power in Chhattisgarh, and if an outfit wins the election even in some corner of Bastar, it will be a blot on us." The first phase of elections comprises 18 seats and these are distributed in eight Naxal-affected districts. Of these, 12 are Scheduled Tribe seats while one is a Scheduled Caste-reserved seat. The polling for remaining 72 seats will take place on November 20. The counting of votes will take place on December 11. A total of 1,291 candidates are in the fray for the two-phased state polls. In the 2013 assembly elections, the BJP had bagged 49 seats, Congress got 39, Bahujan Samajwadi Party and Independent got one seat each in the 90-member House. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting Maldives to attend the swearing-in of President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on November 17. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official spokesperson Raveesh Kumar announced it in a media briefing on Friday. Referring to the Maldivian President-elect's invite to Prime Minister Modi, he said: "PM has accepted the invitation with pleasure. In keeping with our 'neighbourhood first' policy, India looks forward to closely working with Maldives in further deepening our partnership". Prime Minister Modi will be returning the same night. Announcing further about Prime Minister Modi's forthcoming visit to Singapore, Kumar elucidated: "The Prime Minister will make an official visit to Singapore to attend the 13th East Asia Summit and associated meetings on November 14 and 15." He also added that Prime Minister Modi is expected to participate in a number of events including a keynote address at the Singapore Fintech summit during his visit. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Seems like, Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas are one step closer to tying the knot. According to The Blast, the couple recently obtained a marriage license in the United States (US), reports People magazine. Priyanka and Nick stopped by the Beverly Hills courthouse last week to fill out the necessary paperwork. In August, Priyanka and Nick confirmed their engagement during a trip to Mumbai, where their families gathered for festivities, including a Roka ceremony and a big engagement celebration. Priyanka's bridesmaids Mubina Rattonsey and Anjula Achari recently hosted a bridal shower for her at Tiffany's Blue Box Cafe in New York City. It was attended by all her family members and close friends and the actor looked all excited and happy during the bash. Last week, the bride-to-be was joined by her cousin Parineeti Chopra and her future sister-in-law and 'Game of Thrones' actor Sophie Turner, among others, as they headed to Amsterdam to enjoy Priyanka's final days as a bachelorette. Reportedly, Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas will get married in Jodhpur in December. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Friday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure that the status quo in the Punjab and Haryana share in Chandigarh Union Territory's (UT) administrative posts is maintained. Seeking his personal intervention, the Punjab Chief Minister requested the Prime Minister to advise the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, to take early steps to maintain the ratio of 60:40 between Punjab and Haryana. Singh insisted on the need to maintain the ratio properly as it apparently leads to an imbalance which has been continuing since the past few years, not only in the case of placing the officers in Chandigarh Administration but also in other categories of employees such as teachers, doctors and other civil officers posted in Chandigarh Administration. In the letter, Singh mentioned that it was heartening to note that the Government of India had agreed to keep in abeyance its notification of September 25, 2018, merging the posts of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSPs) of Chandigarh Police with Delhi, Andaman, Nicobar Islands Police Service (DANIPS), in response to his letter of October 1 this year. Further, Singh pointed out that of the 14 IAS Officers posted in Chandigarh Administration, only three belonged to Punjab and two belonged to Haryana, while the remaining officers were from UT cadre. Singh, in addition, asked Prime Minister Modi to advise the Chandigarh Administration not to curtail the role and responsibilities of the officers of Punjab and Haryana, as assigned to them in pre-determined ratio and posts. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Friday urged External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to take up with Pakistan the issue of opening up of the corridor from Dera Baba Nanak to Sri Kartarpur Sahib in Narowal district, 120-km from Lahore. The Punjab CM, in a letter to the External Affairs Minister, has expressed his desire to ensure the opening up of Kartarpur corridor before the celebration of 550th birthday of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, begins next year. In the letter, he has also apprised Swaraj of a unanimous resolution passed on August 27, 2018 in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha seeking uninterrupted opening of the corridor from Dera Baba Nanak to Sri Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan. Kartarpur Sahib is one of the most revered religious places for the Sikh community, as the founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak Dev is believed to have spent a large part of his life there. The gurdwara is situated around four kilometres westward from Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district of the Punjab province in Pakistan. CM Singh said that the Punjab government has time and again requested the Government of India to take up the issue with the Pakistan government. Earlier on August 20, 2018, Singh through a demi-official (DO) letter had requested Sushma Swaraj to take up the matter with Pakistan. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has written to Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Ram Vilas Paswan, seeking to revise paddy driage at two per cent from one per cent of the Minimum Support Price (MSP). In his letter, the Chief Minister highlighted that such relaxation was warranted primarily due to the excessive, abnormal and untimely rains and hailstorm that occurred prior to harvesting period. The rains and hails adversely impacted the out-turn ratio, in turn causing problems in procurement of paddy due to the relatively high-moisture content. The Chief Minister further apprised Paswan that higher moisture content in paddy arrivals in several mandis, coupled with dip in temperature due to unusual climatic conditions this year, had led to unrest amongst the millers and the farmers, which was hampering the paddy purchase operations. Singh also informed the Minister that various procurement agencies across the state had so far procured 130 lakh metric tonnes of paddy during the current Kharif marketing season 2018-19, and requested him to issue necessary guidelines in this regard at the earliest, so as to ensure smooth procurement operations for paddy during the remainder of the Kharif season. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bharatiya Janata Party's spokesperson Sambit Patra took a dig at Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday, claiming that Gandhi scion continues to make laughable statements. He also alleged that Gandhi himself is a black money holder. Addressing media persons here, Patra said: "Today Rahul Gandhi is in Chhattisgarh. He asked the gathering if anyone of them had seen any rich black money holder getting out of a big car and standing in the queue to deposit banned notes during demonetisation. I would like to tell him that 'yes, we saw you getting out of your Rs 4 crore car' and standing in the queue." Earlier in the day while addressing a gathering in the poll bound Chhattisgarh's Kanker, Rahul Gandhi had said, "All of you were standing in long queues during demonetisation (in 2016), but not one black money holder was seen (in the queue). Also, Nirav Modi, Vijay Mallya, Lalit Modi and Mehul Choksi ran away from the country with your money." BJP leader further attacked the Congress party of being corrupt. He said, "It has been two years since demonetisation took place and yet the Congress is restless. The Gandhi family has been accumulating black money for four generations and suddenly one day all of it became useless. It is natural that they will be in pain and that pain is very well evident." He further hit out at Gandhi for protesting against the shutdown of illegal shell companies. Patra claimed that Indian economy got formalised only after demonetisation and that in itself is a reason to celebrate. He also said that the Congress leaders had tweeted calling urban Naxals 'NGOs' and even called them revolutionaries. He said that there had been a substantial decline in Naxal attacks post-demonetisation. Earlier in the day Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a gathering in Chhattisgarh's Jagdalpur, where he said: "Children, who should hold pens in their hands, are now holding guns in a monstrous manner. Urban Maoists live a luxurious life while they ruin the lives of children belonging to tribal community, and the Congress supports these people (urban Maoists)." Patra also alleged that Rahul Gandhi has not changed his script since the year 2014 and repeats the same dialogues everywhere. "I can tell you what he will say in the press conference tomorrow. He just knows how to repeat his good old three lines," Patra added He also hit out at father-son duo, Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah for their comments on the Centre's approach towards solving the problem of Jammu and Kashmir. "The two of them do not have any right to ask question so far as Kashmir is concerned. They have no work to do. Every morning they just wake up and say autonomy, autonomy. Each worker of our party stands by the people of Kashmir," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Sangeet Som, second time MLA from Sardhana in Uttar Pradesh, on Friday asked the state government to rename Muzaffarnagar as Laxminagar. Som told ANI, "Names of many cities will be changed. Muzaffarnagar's name has to be changed. People have demanded that Muzaffarnagar be renamed as Laxminagar. The name Muzaffarnagar was given by the Mughal ruler Muzaffar Ali. It has been ages since people have been demanding that the city be renamed as Laxminagar." Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday announced that the city of Faizabad would be renamed as Ayodhya. While addressing a gathering on the occasion of Deepotsav, Adityanath said, "Faizabad district of the state, of which Ayodhya city is a part, would be restored to its original name and would be known as Ayodhya from today." BJP MLA alleged that the Mughal had tried to abolish the Hindu culture. He added, "The Mughal tried to abolish our culture, specifically the Hindutva. We are working towards saving our culture. BJP is moving ahead with that goal only." Raja Singh, a Bharatiya Janata Party legislator representing Goshamahal assembly constituency in Telangana, has said that his party will rename Hyderabad as Bhagyanagar, if voted to power in the state. On Thursday, he also said the party would change the name of Secunderabad and Karimnagar. "Hyderabad was Bhagyanagar. In 1590, Quli Qutub Shah came to Hyderabad and changed Bhagyanagar to Hyderabad. At that time many Hindus were attacked. Many temples destroyed. We are planning to rename Hyderabad. In Telangana, BJP will win majority of seats. Our first priority will be to develop the state and the second one will be renaming Hyderabad as Bhagyanagar. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Rosenberger, a leading German technology company announced that it is keen to work with all the leading telecom companies in India for the deployment of 5G technology. India has leapfrogged into the 4G arena and there is growing anticipation around 5G. In the current scenario, the biggest issue the operators are facing is that of capacity crunch. At the recently concluded India Mobile Congress 2018, Rosenberger demonstrated capacity enhancement solutions in Base Station Antennas to address this issue. It is critical for India's highly competitive marketplace, that such solutions are deployed that would result in customers' satisfaction on a continuous basis. In line with this, Rosenberger showcased next-generation wireline and wireless solutions. With multiple bands and technologies, availability of tower space is a major concern with operators and they need multiport multiband antennas that can host all the bands and technologies. The regular multiport multiband antennas become too wide impacting wind loading on the towers. Rosenberger has come up with innovative solutions offering smallest width antennas to address this concern. The next frontier of wireless technological evolution sees dominant use of the E/V Bands for Backhaul/Fronthaul/ Access network, for which Rosenberger is already geared up. There is emerging trend of operators looking at using 5GHz band to alleviate the capacity bottlenecks. Rosenberger would be offering multi band and point to point backhaul solutions in 5GHz. Overall, Rosenberger is uniquely positioned to meet all such imperatives and demands of the Indian market. Operating out of a modern Goa facility, the localised manufacturing, best in class R&D and testing facilities, we at Rosenberger ensure to supply high quality products in accordance with the most stringent international regulatory standards. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) It is now Switzerland which entered the Oscars race, by officially choosing the film 'Eldorado' as a worthy contender under the 'foreign language film' category. 'Eldorado', the documentary directed by Markus Imhoof, which talks about the plight of refugees, is inspired from the director's own childhood experiences, especially his relation to a young Italian girl post World War-II, reported Deadline. His Swiss family took the young girl, Giovanna as a refugee, but unfortunately was sent back to her home country. In the documentary, he draws a parallel between his personal loss and the refugee crisis. He also shot the Italian Warships which took part in 'Operation Mare Nostrum' which was aimed to tackle the sudden surge of refugee migration. He even recorded asylum hearings where Swiss authorities denied entry to refugees. The film received a Special mention from the jury of the Amnesty International Film Prize after premiering at the Berlin Film Festival earlier this year. Previously, Imhoff was nominated for the Oscars in 1981 for his drama movie 'The Boat Is Full'. The 91st Academy Awards will be held on February 24, 2019. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The thick blanket of smog and fog have shrouded the capital after the country celebrated the festival of light- Diwali. According to the autonomous meteorological body set up under the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences, SAFAR, the overall Air Quality Index of Delhi at 8 An AQI between 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 is satisfactory, 101-200 moderate, 201-300 poor, 301-400 very poor and 401-500 is marked as severe/hazardous. At Dhirpur, the AQI was 724 at 8:30 am, while in Mathura Road area it dipped to 'very poor' category at 625. Furthermore, AQI near Pitampura, Airport, Terminal 3 and Delhi University stood at 679, 481 and 801 respectively. The haze and smog will continue to persist during the early morning and late evenings for the next couple of days. On Friday, the humidity level in Delhi was 1oo per cent with visibility 0.5 miles. According to a report published by a research group Urban Emissions, as much as 5 million kilograms of firecrackers were burnt in the region leading to an emission of 150,000 kilograms of Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5 despite the Supreme Court's order stating that bursting of firecrackers will only be allowed from 8 pm to 10 pm on Diwali. Not only that, the judicature only allowed the sale of 'green crackers' this festive season. Experts believe that not only the burning of crackers has been responsible for the deteriorating air quality but replacement of moderate winds with light and calm winds, low temperatures, increased humidity levels are also contributing in increasing the toxicity in the air by a whopping figure. If one looks closely, not only Delhi but many cities around the world such as Kampala, Bushehr, Narayangong, Rawalpindi, etc are gasping for breath owing to the increasing air pollution. It is believed that in order to combat air pollution New Delhi must follow Beijing's footsteps steps. In a span of less than four years, Beijing has shown tremendous improvement in its air quality by strictly enforcing comprehensive regional action plan and setting up time-bound targets. For instance, the Xi Jinping-led government in 2013 first identified the major pollution regions such as Hebei, Tianjin, and Beijing and set up specific pollution reduction targets and rolled out ten measures for the proper implementations of the regional action plans. Not only that, the administration also fixed the quota of a total number of vehicles in its state to 6 million in 2017. From the past couple of years, as much as 4022 hectares of land has been transformed into green spaces. It also has a target of reducing coal consumption by 80 per cent by 2020. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Raking up Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "burn me alive" statement he made during demonetisation, Congress leader and former Karnataka Law Minister TB Jayachandra on Friday said the time has come to implement the former's remark. Speaking to media, Jayachandra asked the Prime Minister to quit the post, if he has any self-respect. "Prime Minister Modi had said (during demonetisation) that 'give me 15 days or you can burn me alive.' Now the time has come to do exactly that. If he has any self-respect, then he should quit and go," he said. In 2016, Prime Minister Modi turned emotional during a speech in Goa when he appealed to the people to give him 50 days to end their hardship they had been facing following demonetisation decision. "We started Jan Dhan accounts. When I came up with this scheme, I was mocked in Parliament... Even if you burn Modi alive, Modi does not get scared," he had reportedly said. On November 8, 2016, the Centre had declared Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes as non-legal and introduced new Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 notes. Since then, various Opposition parties have been highly critical of the Centre's move. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Indian pace duo of Umesh Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah and spinner Kuldeep Yadav have been rested for the third and final T20 international against West Indies. The All-India Senior Selection Committee has added Siddarth Kaul to India's squad for the final T20I scheduled to take place in Chennai on Sunday. The decision to rest the three players was taken keeping in mind that the trio will be in the best physical condition ahead of India's tour to Australia, starting from November 21. India has already taken an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the series, having won the Tests 2-0 and the ODIs 3-1. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The upcoming talks between Russia President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Donald Trump in Paris and Buenos Aires are extremely in demand even amid the new wave of sanctions, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov told Sputnik. "In recent days, officials in the United States have sent clear signals that new restrictive measures will be possibly introduced against Russia by the end of this month ... And in this situation, I think, dialogue, especially dialogue at the highest level, is extremely in demand," Ryabkov said, when asked how recent and forthcoming sanctions would impact the prospects for Putin-Trump meetings in Paris and Buenos Aires. According to the diplomat, the upcoming contacts between the Russian and US leaders were necessary to express Russia's assessment of the situation, provide a clear explanation of what we are ready for, what we are intending to do, and what we would like to achieve," if there is a "constructive response." "Amid endless sanctions, of course, it is very difficult to talk about the improvement of relations, but I emphasize once again that this does not negate the need for dialogue. On the contrary, we are interested in dialogue at all levels - working, expert, bureaucratic, at any level. Not to mention the fact that the contacts of the leaders, of course, in this situation are especially in demand. They should set a different tone for the further development of our relationship," Ryabkov noted. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Ambassador, Zalmay Khalilzad will travel to Afghanistan, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar with an interagency delegation from November 8 to 20. He will meet with Afghan government officials and other interested parties to advance the goal of an intra-Afghan dialogue and negotiations that include the Taliban and lead to a sustainable peace, the US State Department said in a press release. It added that "a sustainable peace requires that all Afghans have a say in their country's future." On his last trip to the region in October, Special Representative Khalilzad had called on the Afghan government and the Taliban to organise authoritative negotiating teams. He has been encouraged to see that both parties are taking steps in that direction. "The United States remains committed to a political settlement that results in an end to the war and to the terrorist threat posed to the United States and the A peaceful Afghanistan can play a catalytic role in regional trade and development," the State Department said. For the past several years, Washington has been trying to persuade the Taliban to come to the negotiating table and formulate a peace process to end the 17-year-old conflict in Afghanistan. However, the group asserted that the presence of foreign troops in the war-torn nation was a hindrance to achieving long-lasting peace. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, who is on a three-day official visit to France arrived here on Friday. Vice President Naidu and his wife, M. Usha Naidu were received at the airport by Ambassador of India to France Vinay Mohan Kwatra. The Vice President will address the Indian diaspora in Paris today. He is scheduled to inaugurate the Indian Armed Forces Memorial at Villers Guislan on November 10, according to Raveesh Kumar, the spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). On November 11, Vice President Naidu will also attend the Paris Peace Forum being held to commemorate the centenary of the Armistice of War 1 at Arc de Triomphe. "Being received by the Ambassador of India to France, Shri Vinay Mohan Kwatra and others, on my arrival, in Paris, France today. I am here to participate in the #ParisPeaceForum and also inaugurate Indian War Memorial. #VPinFrance @Indian_Embassy," the Vice President tweeted. The centenary ceremony will be presided over by French President Emmanuel Macron, while the Heads of State or Heads of Government of over 50 countries and their representatives are expected to participate in the centenary activities. The Vice President is also scheduled to speak at a high-level panel discussion at the forum titled, "Dialogue of the Continents on Global Governance", along with holding several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the Paris Peace Forum. The aim of the Paris Peace Forum is to establish a global platform to reaffirm the importance of multilateralism, international cooperation, and reform of global governance institutions. The Forum also provides a platform for discussion and debate with a special emphasis on civil society initiatives and shares experiences and innovative solutions involving all the stakeholders in governance, according to an MEA release. Furthermore, India's participation at the Armistice Centenary Ceremony will be a tribute to the numerous Indian soldiers who participated in War 1, underlining India's historical contribution to global peace and security. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Ousted Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Thursday urged the citizens of the country to not give up fight for democracy and freedom. Wickremesinghe thanked the people who have taken to streets to fight against President Sirsena's sudden decision of power transfer, reported Colombo Page. "It has been thirteen days since democracy was taken hostage in Sri Lanka. But in these dark times, you, the people have not given up," Wickremesinghe said. United National Party (UNP) leader Wickremesinghe was abruptly sacked by the President Sirisena on October 26. He was later on replaced by former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. Sirisena further suspended the country's Parliamentary proceedings until November 16. Sirsena on November 5 announced to reconvene the Sri Lankan Parliament on November 14, amid rising demands by legislators of the state to end the political crisis in the island nation as soon as possible. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Headline shares of the Hong Kong market were higher on Tuesday, 06 November 2018, as investors took a breather at the end of a broadly positive week after Fed meeting outcome reinforced views that a rate hike is coming in December and this tempered equities. At closing bell, the Hang Seng Index dropped 625.80 points or 2.39% to 25,601.92. The Hang Seng China Enterprises Index decreased by 272.13 points or 2.54% to 10,431.46. The sub-index of the Hang Seng tracking the Commerce & Industry sector slipped 3.1%, financial sector declined 2%, properties sector shed 2.3%, and Utilities sector sank 1.1%. Guo Shuqing, chairman of the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission, said on Thursday that banks must allocate at least a third of their new loans to private companies, and they should not simply withdraw loans from companies facing difficulties in repayment. The market is worried that banks' non-performing loan ratios will go up if they need to lend more to businesses that are facing difficulties. Investors have been worried that the launch of a new board for tech companies this week, announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday, will disrupt the valuation structure of the market. These concerns mounted after Fang Xinghai, deputy head of the securities regulator, had said on Wednesday the regulator would quickly implement Xi's plan for a new board. Forty-nine blue chips, among the 50, fell, and only WH Group (00288) that was unchanged at HK$6.1. Tencent (00700) dipped 4.9% to HK$279.2 after CICC Research chopped its target price to HK$365 from HK$437. HSBC (00005) dipped 1.9% to HK$64.65. HKEX (00388) slipped 2.1% to HK$222.2. China Mobile (00941) retreated 2.6% to HK$72.9. AIA (01299) shed 1.1% to HK$62.65. Ping An (02318) sank 2% to HK$77.15. Chinese banks were lower after both Shanghai and Shenzhen equity markets declined. CM Bank (03968) fell 5.5% to HK$31.75. BOC (03988) shed 2.6% to HK$3.35. ABC (01288) slid 3.3% to HK$3.5. ICBC (01398) declined 2.7% to HK$5.34. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) At least 25 Indians, who went to Malaysia as construction labourers in September this year, have been allegedly held captive by the organisations that hired them, a city NGO said on Friday. The National Anti-Trafficking Committee has sought assistance of the Ministry of External Affairs to rescue the people after receiving video messages from two of the workers. It has also written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the state CID, and the Consulate Generals of both the countries to look into the matter. "Two construction workers from Bengal, Sanjay Mallick and Julfikar Ali Mondol, have sent a message stating they are held captive in Malaysia and pleaded to save their lives," National Anti-Trafficking Committee SK Jinnar Ali told IANS. "They said at least 25 people are locked in a room and are being threatened to be held captive till death," Ali said. "The number of stranded workers in Malaysia may further shoot up," he said. "In the message, the two said they went to Malaysia on a tourist visa through an agency named Manpower Construction in Bengal's Gopalnagar, but their passports were snatched away on arriving there... It seems to be human trafficking," the letter issued by the NGO said. The letter also claimed that the organisations which hired the workers have demanded hefty amounts from their family members for their release, but did not allow to return them to India despite paying the money. In the video message, the victims said that they have been kept locked without food for days and pleaded to be rescued immediately. One of the workers said he did not get any medical treatment in Malaysia in spite of being ill. "I am stuck in this room for more than a month. I came here for work. After seven days, I fell ill and was hospitalised. On returning from the hospital, no one enquired about me," Mallick said in his video plea," he said. The National Anti-Trafficking Committee had played a significant role in bringing back home a few goldsmiths stranded in Iran recently. --IANS bnd-mgr/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Six Chinese nationals, including two women, mistakenly crossed over to the Indian territory via Nepal and were detained briefly, police said on Friday. The Seema Sashatra Bal (SSB) arrested them at the Indo-Nepal border near Uttar Pradesh's Bahraich district late on Thursday. On interrogation, they claimed to be tourists and were found carrying Nepal visas. After brief detention they were handed over to Nepalese authorities. The Chinese nationals were accompanied by a Nepalese travel guide. They had also filmed the border areas in their cameras, police said. --IANS md/mag/sed (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Friday urged Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to take up the issue of opening of the corridor from Dera Baba Nanak to Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara with the Pakistan government. In a letter the Chief Minister said that Kartarpur Sahib, which lies four km westwards from Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district of Punjab, on the Pakistan side was one of the most revered religious places for Sikhs as Guru Nanak Dev had spent a large part of his life there. Amarinder said the Punjab government had, time and again, requested the Indian government to take up with the Pakistan government the issue of opening a corridor from the international border to Kartarpur Sahib. Referring to the 550th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev being observed in November 2019, the Chief Minister apprised the External Affairs Minister that the Punjab Assembly had passed a unanimous resolution on August 27, seeking an uninterrupted opening of the corridor. It was at the Kartarpur gurdwara that Guru Nanak Dev spent 18 years of his life till he died in 1539. --IANS js/mag/sed (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on Friday asked Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh to "apologize" to the Sikh community for the distortion of Sikh history in revised textbooks of senior classes of Punjab School Education Board (PSEB). Following a meeting of the SGPC held in Amritsar on Sunday, a resolution was passed asking Amarinder Singh to apologize for the controversial contents in the Class 12 textbooks. The meeting passed a resolution against the Punjab government in this regard. "This is a grave sin that has been committed by distorting Sikh history. The responsibility for this lies on Chief Minister Amarinder Singh. He should apologize to the Sikh community," SGPC President Gobind Singh Longowal told the media in Amritsar, around 250 km from here. "There should be action taken against the expert committee which allowed such glaring distortion in Sikh history to take place and be published in textbooks. The Chairman of the expert committee (on deciding content for the textbooks), Dr Kirpal Singh, should have apologized for the wrong done but he has tried to justify the distortion. We have removed him from the Sikh history project being undertaken for the SGPC," Longowal said. The SGPC and other Sikh organisations and experts have objected to the distortion of Sikh hitory in the textbooks in the portrayal of Guru Arjan Dev, Guru Hargobind, Guru Tegh Bahadur and the 10th Guru, Gobind Singh. The SGPC had earlier demanded registration of a case and arrest of the expert committee members and others connected with the publication of the textbooks. Former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal had earlier said that no Sikh could tolerate the claim as written in the new book that Guru Gobind Singh fled from Chamkaur Sahib without informing anyone and that the Mughals did not order the martyrdom of the fifth Guru, Arjan Dev, but had merely "fined" him. --IANS js/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) CBI Director and his deputy and Special Director on Friday blamed each other for corruption while defending themselves as they deposed before a panel headed by Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) K.V. Chowdary. In an hour-long examination before the enquiry committee comprising Chowdary, retired Supreme Court judge A.K. Patnaik and Vigilance Commissioners Tejendra Mohan Bhasin and Sharad Kumar, Verma denied the allegations levelled against him by Asthana, informed sources said. Verma, who appeared at the Central Vigilance Commission headquarters, told the panel that Asthana had made frivolous complaints against him because there was an FIR pending against him (Asthana) and he feared he would be arrested. Refuting allegations of corruption against him, Verma said his actions were in the interest of the probe against Asthana. Verma had on Thursday too appeared before the enquiry committee but the meeting was postponed for Friday due to the non-availability of a Vigilance Commissioner. Earlier this week, Verma responded in writing to a questionnaire sent by but the panel was not satisfied with his reply and sought his physical appearance. A 1979 batch IPS officer, Verma was sent on forced leave and divested of all his powers on October 23 after his name surfaced in a corruption scandal. Three days later the Supreme Court told the to complete its inquiry against Verma in two weeks. The war in the country's premier investigating agency came to the fore after an FIR was lodged against Asthana, who has also been divested of all powers, and others on the statement of Hyderabad-based businessman Sathish Babu Sana. Asthana, who reached the headquarters after Verma left, reiterated the corruption allegations against Verma in his 40-minute deposition and denied involvement in any bribery case. The sources said that Asthana counted more than 12 instances alleging Verma and his deputy, then Additional Director (Policy) A.K. Sharma, of involvement in corruption cases and ordering to slow down investigation in some cases. He presented what he claimed were evidences against Verma. Asthana blamed Verma of not filing a FIR and chargesheet in a case involving an Enforcement Directorate official, said the sources, adding the Special Director also accused Verma of preventing raids at the house of former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad in an IRCTC case. The Commission had examined several CBI officers who were part of the team probing cases that figured in Asthana's complaint against Verma. Ailing Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar's leadership will have to be changed "today or tomorrow", Union Minister of State for AYUSH Shripad Naik said on Friday. Naik also said that in view of Parrikar's ill-health, dropping him as the Chief Minister was a "requirement". "Change will have to be done today or tomorrow. It is a requirement. You know the Chief Minister's health is not good. But he is still working in this condition," Naik told reporters here. Naik is one of the first Goa BJP leaders to demand a change of leadership in Goa even as the state BJP as well as members of the BJP-led coalition have come under immense flak over the Chief Minister's prolonged absence due to his illness. Parrikar is suffering from advanced pancreatic cancer and has been in and out of hospitals in Goa, Mumbai, New York and Delhi for nearly nine months. He returned from New Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Sciences on October 14 and has not moved out of his private residence, for any official event since. The opposition has been demanding the resignation of the Chief Minister, claiming that the administration has come to a standstill due to Parrikar's absence. To a question, as to whether it was fair to let an unwell Parrikar to handle administrative matters despite his illness, Naik said: "There are many reasons, which cannot be fully talked about. Thing will happen in time." Naik also said that he would take the lead to patch up differences among top BJP leaders, including former Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar and Goa Speaker Rajendra Arlekar, who have openly rebelled against the decision taken by state BJP President Vinay Tendulkar and Parrikar to induct two Congress MLAs into the BJP. --IANS maya/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP) on Friday signed an agreement with US-based Research Institute for Fragrant Materials (RIFM) for improving the quality of fragrant oils, a spokesman of the institute said. The pact was signed by Anil Kumar Tripathi, Director CSIR-CIMAP and Jim Romane, President of the RIFM at the conclusion of the two-day annual conference of the International Fragrance Association in Paris. Since the RIFM internationally standardizes the quality of fragrant materials, it will give a big boost to the fragrance quality in India, spokesman Manoj Semwal said. "The pact will go a long way in standardizing the fragrant material produced in India and bring it to an international level," he told IANS while adding that the CSIR, under the "aroma mission" was aiming to enhance production of fragrant materials. To increase the acceptability and demand of Indian fragrances on a global level, a team of the RIFM had visited the Lucknow headquarter of CIMAP earlier in 2018. The deliberations during the visit resulted in the signing of the MoU. --IANS md/mag/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hundreds of Delhi Congress workers marched to the Reserve Bank of India office here on Friday on the occasion of the second anniversary of demonetisation, denouncing the great note-change exercise as "ill-fated" and "destructive" to the economy and the people of the country. Addressing party workers, Congress leader Ajay Maken said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi "betrayed" the people through a "hasty, faulty implementation " of demonetisation, which could neither end corruption, nor finish off terrorism. "... even two years after demonetisation, neither corruption has ended, nor black money unearthed, or terrorism wiped out. Even now, black money was being unearthed in the country while corruption has gone up, defeating the very purpose for which Modi had implemented demonetisation," Maken was quoted as saying in a statement issued by the party. The former Delhi Transport Minister said that because of the note ban, lakhs of people were rendered jobless, and forced to return to their villages. He said that demonetisation was done only to please the Prime Minister, and that the "ill-planned" exercise led to the death of 150 people "who died lining up before banks and ATMs across the country". The Congress said that the protest was to highlight the "miseries of the nation" since the last two years. "It is a protest against failed demonetisation of Modi government where common people of the nation suffered its grave consequences," it said. The police detained the protesters and took them to Parliament Street Police Station. All India Mahila Congress President Sushmita Dev tweeted: "Arrested from outside the RBI. Never seen Delhi Police act so fast against growing crime as they did in arresting us for protesting against demonetisation disaster." Apart from Dev, Congress leaders Ashok Gehlot, Anand Sharma, Mukul Wasnik, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Keshav Yadav, Manish Chatrath and Naseeb Singh were among those detained by the police. The Congress party also held demonstrations in Guwahati, Chandigarh, Odisha, Karnataka, Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) against the Centre's decision to demonetise 500-rupee and 1,000-rupee notes in 2016. On Thursday, Congress President Rahul Gandhi had called the note ban a "cruel conspiracy" and a "criminal financial scam". Other opposition leaders including Trinamool Congress Chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also attacked the Modi government, saying the note ban had harmed the informal economy. On November 8, 2016, Prime Minister Modi announced that 500-rupee and 1000-rupee currency notes were no longer valid, as the government sought to root out corruption, unearth black money, and curb terrorism. --IANS vn-rak/shs/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Several senior Congress leaders on Friday staged a protest outside the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on the second anniversary of demonetisation that was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 8, 2016. The Congress in a statement said the protest was to highlight the "miseries of the nation" since the last two years under the Modi regime. "It is a protest against failed demonetisation of Modi government where common people of the nation suffered its grave consequences," it said. The police detained the protesters and took them to Parliament Street Police Station. All India Mahila Congress President Sushmita Dev tweeted: "Arrested from outside the RBI. Never seen Delhi Police act so fast against growing crime as they did in arresting us for protesting against demonetisation disaster." Apart from Dev, Congress leaders Ashok Gehlot, Anand Sharma, Mukul Wasnik, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Keshav Yadav, Manish Chatrath and Naseeb Singh were among those detained by the police. Apart from Delhi, the Congress in Guwahati, Chandigarh, Odisha, Karnataka, Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) also held protests against the Centre's decision to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes in 2016. On Thursday, Congress President Rahul Gandhi had called the note ban a "cruel conspiracy" and a "criminal financial scam". Other opposition leaders including TMC Chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal too attacked the Narendra Modi government, saying the note ban had harmed the informal economy. --IANS sd/mak/mag/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Leaders and workers from the Karnataka unit of Congress on Friday slammed the Narendra Modi government's demonetisation of high value currency notes two years ago, calling it the worst attack in comparison to the 26/11 and the 9/11 attacks on Mumbai and in the US. Joining party cadres across the country as Congress held protests against the 2016 note ban, Congress state unit chief Dinesh Gundu Rao told the protesters at the city centre that compared to the Mumbai and World Trade Centre attacks by the terrorists demonetisation was worse as "it was an attack made by the country's Prime Minister himself". At least 200 of Congress supporters joined the protests marking the second anniversary of the ban on 500 and 1,000 rupee bills as a "black day". The Prime Minister had on November 8 in 2016 banned the currency notes in a sweeping and sudden decision that caused common man to suffer for months, Rao said. "Ever since not only citizens but even our national banks have been suffering huge loses due to problems in cash flow," Rao added. "Whatever reasons were given for the ban, it did not yield any benefits to our economy. The value of rupee also depreciated over the past few months," Rao said. Even though the price of crude oil in the international market has been cheaper during the NDA regime compared to what it was during the previous UPA rule, the Modi government failed to pass on the benefits to people, he said. "The petrol and diesel prices have only been rising even though the crude oil prices have been cheaper globally. The central government is making profits even from fuel," he said. The country's top institutions like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) were also being "attacked" by the union government, he said. "Modi has not responded to any of the issues raised by our President Rahul Gandhi," Rao added. He said it was now only up to the Congress to save the country from the "fascist" rule unleashed by the Modi regime. "We are the party that worked towards bringing Independence to our nation. It is also our responsibility to save our democracy when it's under threat," he added. --IANS bha/in/sed (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress workers staged a dharna at Civil Lines in Rajasthan Capital on Friday to protest the implementation of demonetisation on its second anniversary. Addressing the dharna, state party spokesperson Pratap Singh Khachriyavas said small traders and industries had suffered the most by demonetisation. "Modi during demonetisation had said he could change the entire economy in 50 days if he was granted a decent time," said Khachriyavas. "We want an honest answer from him as to whom this decision helped. The entire economic system collapsed after the decision. NPAs are rising and RBI is feeling helpless. Petrol and diesel prices are soaring," he said. Former Union minister C.P. Joshi said people would not vote the person responsible for bringing demonetisation.--IANS arc/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two police officers escorting British Prime Minister Theresa May and Belgium's Charles Michel were flung to the ground after an accident on a motorway in Belgium, local media reported Friday. The incident happened as May and Michel were travelling from a remembrance event at St. Symphorien Military Cemetery in southern Belgian city of Mons, ahead of the centenary of the end of the First World War on Sunday. Two police motorcycles were knocked over by a car in the collision and the officers were taken to hospital. Michel's spokesman described the incident as an "unfortunate accident", according to Belgian newspaper De Standaard. --IANS mr/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Google has finally confirmed that dark mode on Android phones uses less power and saves battery life. "Google revealed a bit of information on how your smartphone spends its battery life. They did this at this week's Android Dev Summit, speaking to developers about what they can do in their apps to avoid consuming massive amounts of battery life. "But this isn't just about that. This is about the biggest factor in battery consumption: screen brightness! And not only that, but screen colour, too," Slash Gear reported late Thursday. Dark mode essentially changes the overall colour theme of an operating system (OS) or applications to the colour black. During the presentation, the Internet giant added how dark mode can use 43 per cent less power at full brightness than "normal mode" in the YouTube app which traditionally uses a lot of white, according to Business Insider. The tech giant reportedly acknowledged its mistake of encouraging app developers to use the colour white for their applications, including its own apps. Since the inception of Google's "Material Design" initiative, the company had been pushing for the use of colour white, thus, encouraging designers to use white as their primary colour for all apps and interfaces. --IANS ksc/na/sed (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) For early detection and prevention of leprosy, the Delhi government will launch a fortnight-long leprosy case detection campaign (LCDC) on Saturday in the national capital, Health Minister Satyendar Jain said. The campaign, which will go on till November 23, will be conducted in eight districts of Delhi - Shahdara, North Delhi, North West Delhi, West Delhi, South West Delhi, South Delhi, Central Delhi and New Delhi. "The fortnight-long activity will see field teams comprising ASHA workers and volunteers conducting door-to-door visits for screening and detecting hidden leprosy cases under the supervision of experts," Jain told reporters here. A flagship campaign of the National Leprosy Eradication Programme, the LCDC will involve forming various committees to plan and implement the LCDC, Jain's office said in a statement. Under the campaign, it said, supervision of house-to-house search activities is done through identified field supervisors. Central monitors nominated by the Central Leprosy Division will directly monitor the activities, and systematic collection and compilation of reports will be done through the formats designed for this purpose which are filled by search teams and supervisors. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader said that currently Delhi has one case of leprosy among 10,000 people, which makes a total of 2,000 leprosy patients. "Our focus will mainly be on slum areas and the homeless people living in areas like Yamuna Bazar Mandir and Hanuman Mandir," he said. We target to achieve less than one case of disability per million population by 2020, he added. Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. The disease mainly affects the skin, the peripheral nerves, mucosal surfaces of the upper respiratory tract and the eyes. It is completely curable and is known to occur at all ages ranging from early infancy to very old age. Leprosy is a communicable disease whose treatment takes at least a year. --IANS sd/shs/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Mumbai Congress on Friday observed a 'black day' to mark the second anniversary of the November 8, 2016 demonetisation and warned that the move would destroy the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in the 2019 elections. Leading a large number of party activists at the protests, city chief Sanjay Nirupam listed the failures of the BJP government which had "made life miserable for the common masses". "Prime Minister Narendra Modi had requested the people of the country for 50 days. He also said if his (demonetisation) decision proved wrong within that time-frame, then the people of the country could hang him publicly," Nirupam recalled. However, he said that more than 700 days have passed and the people of India are angry and agitated now as the Prime Minister has kept quiet on the matter since then. "They will not hang the PM physically, but finish him off politically in the upcoming elections... Thousands of industries have shut down, youth have lost their jobs... Over 100 innocents lost their lives in queues outside banks because of demonetisation which benefited only BJP President Amit Shah," Nirupam said. Citing figures of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) he said that against the actual black money figures of around Rs 10,000 crore, Modi demonetised the entire currency worth more than Rs 15,00,000 crore at one shot, throwing the country into disarray. "Even after two years, the common man continues to battle the aftermath of spiking the Rs 1,000-Rs 500 notes, the promised terrorism and Maoist attacks have not stopped and our soldiers continue to be sacrificed at the borders," Nirupam said. Mumbai Mahila Congress President Ajanta Yadav reiterated that "no woman in India will ever forgive the BJP for the demonetisation which disrupted their lives and families badly" in the past two years. Several prominent personalities including Raju Waghmare, Charan Singh Sapra, Ganesh Yadav, Ashok Jadhav, Chandrakant Handore and others joined the protest carrying banners and placards with slogans condemning demonetisation. --IANS qn/mag/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Election Commission has banned all exit polls for the five poll-bound states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Mizoram and Telangana from November 12 till December 7. Also, as per Section 126(1)(b) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, displaying any election matter "including results of any opinion poll or any other poll survey" in any electronic media would be prohibited during the period of "48 hours ending with the hour fixed for conclusion of poll in each of the phases", the Commission said in a release. "The Election Commission of India, in exercise of the powers under sub-section(1) of Section 126A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 notified the period between 7 a.m. on November 12, 2018 and 5.30 p.m. on December 7, 2018 as the period during which conducting any exit poll and publishing or publicizing the result of exit poll by means of the print or electronic media or in any other manner shall be prohibited in the ongoing general elections," the order said. While polling in Chhattisgarh is scheduled in two phases on November 12 and November 20, Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram would vote on November 28. Rajasthan and Telangana will go to vote on December 7. A high-level Election Commission team on Friday held a series of meetings, including with the Mizoram NGO Coordination Committee (MNCC), which has been spearheading a state-wide protest calling for removal of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) and reinstatement of the ousted Principal Secretary (Home). "The EC team headed by Deputy Election Commissioner Sudeep Jain, immediately after their arrival in Aizawl on Friday afternoon, started holding meetings with various groups and Church leaders. The EC officials first held meetings with the leaders of MNCC and also with the state government and election department officials," an official of the Mizoram Election Department said. The outcomes of the meetings were not yet known. Also, it was not clear how the ongoing standoff would be resolved. The official said that the EC team, comprising four officials, was likely visit one or two district headquarters on Saturday to study the preparedness of the November 28 polls to the 40-member Mizoram assembly. The other members of the EC team include Jharkhand CEO Lalbiakthanga Khiangte, EC Secretary S.B. Joshi and Mizoram's Additional CEO Lalzarmawii. The current visit by the poll panel team led by Jain follows a similar exercise by a three-member team of the Election Commission on Tuesday and Wednesday. The leaders of MNCC, led by Mizoram's most powerful NGO, Young Mizo Association, started the agitation on Tuesday demanding removal of CEO S.B. Shashank after Principal Secretary (Home) Lalnunmawia Chuaungo was removed on an Election Commission order. The MNCC is also demanding that 11,232 voters among the tribal refugees lodged in seven Tripura relief camps be allowed to exercise their franchise at their respective polling stations in Mizoram and not in Tripura, as committed by the poll panel in 2014. The MNCC's agitation was supported by Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla and his ruling party Congress and opposition parties including Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The Election Department official said that the MNCC temporarily called off their protests late Wednesday evening after Shashank left Aizawl for New Delhi to meet Chief Election Commissioner Om Prakash Rawat and others. MNCC Chairperson Vanlalruata said that they would not "allow" the assembly elections if the Election Commission did not meet their demands. "The Reang tribal refugees, registered as voters of Mizoram but sheltered in Tripura, should cast their votes from Mizoram. The CEO must be replaced. Unless the EC agrees to these, no election can be conducted in Mizoram," Vanlalruata said. The 35,000 Reang tribals, taking shelter in Tripura for over 21 years, have demanded setting up of polling stations in refugee camps in northern Tripura so that the 11,232 voters among them could cast their votes. The Reang tribal refugees, comprising 5,907 families, fled Mizoram and have been staying in Tripura's Kanchanpur and Panisagar sub-divisions since October 1997 following ethnic tension after a Mizo forest official was killed. The CEO in his report to the Election Commission reportedly said that Chuaungo was creating obstacles in allowing the Reang tribals to vote in the November 28 polls to constitute the 40-member Assembly. Chuaungo, a native of the tribal dominated Mizoram, is a Gujarat-cadre IAS officer. The MNCC in a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner said that the Election Commission must stick to the written commitment made by the poll panel in April 2014. "The EC had made a written commitment before the 2014 Lok Sabha elections that a provision would be made to ensure that the Reang tribal refugees, sheltered in Tripura, are able to vote within Mizoram in future polls," said the MNCC letter, which was submitted to the three-member EC team that visited the state on Tuesday and Wednesday. Meanwhile, on the last day of filing nominations on Friday, a large number of nominees submitted their candidatures. --IANS sc/shs/sed (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Industrialist and former parliamentarian L. Rajagopal has tried to stop police from searching the residence of his friend, an official said. Late on Thursday, Rajagopal rushed to businessman G.P. Reddy's house on Jubliee Hills after learning that the police have arrived there. He questioned the officers' action without a search warrant. The former Lok Sabha member from Andhra Pradesh entered into a heated argument with the officers present. At one point he stopped them from entering the house. He also alleged that the police were harassing Reddy by conducting midnight searches despite his friend extending cooperation in the probe into a civil case. When a sub-inspector was speaking with his senior on the phone, Rajagopal snatched the device and vented his ire on the person across the line. He said Inspector General of Police Nagi Reddy was behind the search. A case was registered against Reddy for allegedly faking documents related to a land belonging to a police official. Deputy Commissioner of Police A.R. Srinivas clarified that police had gone to the Reddy house as part of the ongoing probe and it has the right to question an accused at any time. --IANS ms/in (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Google CEO Sundar Pichai has said the company has worked out a new comprehensive policy to address diversity and sexual harassment that became a great concern of Google employees. In an email to Google workers, Pichai on Thursday admitted that Google has "not always gotten everything right in the past," for which he felt "sincerely" sorry and vowed to make some changes, Xinhua news agency reported. Pichai's disclosure came after over 20,000 Google employees worldwide walked out last week in protest of sexual harassment at the company and its improper handling of sexual misbehaviour allegations against top executives. Google "will provide more transparency on how we handle concerns. We'll give better support and care to the people who raise them," said the Google CEO. He said Google will take more powerful steps to address sexual harassment, including making arbitration optional for individual sexual harassment and sexual assault claims. "We're revamping the way we handle and look into your concerns... we will update and expand our mandatory sexual harassment training," he said. "We will double down on our commitment to be a representative, equitable, and respectful workplace," Pichai promised. The new policy changes unveiled by Google have virtually met most of the requirements by Google protesters, except the one that demanded a place for an employee representative on the company's board. Organisers of last week's massive protests called for more transparency in handling sexual harassment, employee empowerment, and inequality over pay and work opportunities. The global walkout spread to many countries in Europe, North America and Asia, including Britain, Singapore, Japan, Germany, and Google's headquarters in Mountain View in northern California. --IANS pgh/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Friday said the Goods and Service Tax (GST) and demonetisation caused a huge loss to the economy. Speaking at election rallies in Kanker and Rajnandgaon in poll-bound Chhattisgarh, Gandhi also accused the government of using the Maoist issue to divert attention from corruption and unemployment. "Modiji is talking about Naxalites in his Bastar rally. But he is silent over corruption and unemployment," Gandhi said. Taking a jibe at Modi, Rahul said: "Before the Lok Sabha election, he (Modi) had promised Rs 15 lakh to every citizen and employment to 2 crore youth. But after the election, he asked the people to pick up the broom and start cleaning." Gandhi said that through demonetisation, the Modi government had tried to snatch money from the poor. "As much as the damage Narendra Modi has done with (demonetisation) and Gabbar Singh Tax (GST), no one else has caused such a huge loss in the history of India," Gandhi said. "All of you were standing in long queues during demonetisation. Have you seen Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi and Vijay Mallya in the queue? Did you see any rich people in the queue? Have you seen (Chief Minister) Raman Singh in the queue?" Gandhi asked. He also attacked Modi for destroying policies related to protecting tribal land and not implementing the Land Acquisition Act properly. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh and Modi promised jobs. But today nearly 60,000 posts of teachers and 13,000 of lecturers are vacant and 3,000 tribal schools had been shut down in the state, Gandhi said. The Congress President promised that if his party was voted to power in Chhattisgarh, the party will ensure that the government vacancies were filled up. He promised that Chhattisgarh farmers would get the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs 2,500 for paddy and bonus would be given to the farmers -- something the BJP had not done over the last two years. And a Congress government would cancel farmers' loans "within 10 days". --IANS akk-mak/mr/pgh (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has re-opened the issue of renaming Ahmedabad as 'Karnavati', days after his Uttar Pradesh counterpart Yogi Adityanath renamed Allahabad as Prayagraj and mooted the idea of changing Faizabad to Ayodhya. Soon after offering 'darshan' at the Bhadkrakali Temple on the Hindu new year on Thursday, Rupani said his government was committed to rename Ahmedabad as Karnavati. The task would be accomplished and the renaming would happen before the 2019 parliamentary elections. The Chief Minister said all legal hurdles would be tackled for this purpose as "millions of Hindus in Ahmedabad and most parts of Gujarat wished" that the city was renamed as Karnavati. The BJP has been using this name in all its official functions, events and publicity paraphernalia. "My government is committed to the cause and we will ensure the the process is completed ahead of the Lok Sabha elections," he told reporters. In 2002 the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government with party veteran L.K. Advani as the Union Home Minister had rejected a 1990 proposal of the then BJP-ruled Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation to rename Ahmedabad as Karnavati. Later, the subsequent Congress-ruled local civic body overturned the proposal and retained the original name. The Gujarat Congress asserted that Rupani's idea to re-open the renaming issue was provoked by political motivation. "The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation is under the BJP without a break for the last 13 years, the State Government for more than two decades and the Centre for the last four and a half years. "Why was this not initiated all these years and being brought up again, just when the Lok Sabha elections are around the corner?" former state Congress president Arjun Modhvadia asked. He asserted that the ruling BJP wanted to distract the distract public attention from the failures of the Modi government across all spheres and keep people bogged down in non-issues. The BJP, meanwhile, stated that "Karnavati" was Ahmedabad's original ancient after King Karnadev who had set up his kingdom here in 12th century. Ahmed Shah had conquered it in 1411 and the city was renamed after him as Ahmedabad. A party spokesperson said, "The people of Ahmedabad have already embraced Karnavati, it is only a matter of legal process to be completed. It should be noted that this has nothing to do with the 2019 elections." --IANS desai/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for a reformed, reinvigorated and strengthened multilateral system to deal with today's global challenges. "Toward that end, we need a stronger commitment to a rules-based order, with the UN at its center, with the different institutions and treaties that bring the (UN) Charter to life," Guterres told an open debate of the Security Council on strengthening multilateralism and the role of the UN. "But it is not enough to have laws and international conventions, vital as they are. We need new forms of cooperation with other international and regional organisations -- a networked multilateralism. And we need closer links with civil society and other stakeholders -- an inclusive multilateralism," Xinhua reported on Friday. The world is facing many challenges. But at the same time, trust is on the decline, within and among nations. People are losing faith in political establishments, national and global. Key assumptions have been upended, key endeavours undermined, and key institutions undercut, he said. "This is a time of multiplying conflicts, advancing climate change, deepening inequality and rising tensions over trade. It is a period when people are moving across borders in unprecedented numbers in search of safety or opportunity. We are still wrestling with the risk of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and only beginning to reckon with the potential dangers of new technologies." There is anxiety, uncertainty and unpredictability across the world, he said. "It often seems that the more global the threat, the less able we are to cooperate. This is very dangerous in the face of today's challenges, for which global approaches are essential." Multilateralism is nothing more than countries coming together, respecting one another, and establishing the forms of cooperation that guarantee peace and prosperity for all in a healthy planet, he explained. "As 21st century challenges threaten to outpace 20th century institutions and mindsets, let us reaffirm the ideals of collective action while pursuing a new generation of approaches and architecture capable of responding," he said. Guterres stressed the necessity to stick to the UN Charter. "Reform of the UN has a crucial contribution to make, and I look forward to continuing to press ahead across the pillars of that effort. But most of all it is our resilient and still visionary UN Charter that points the way -- with its articulation of universal values, its grounding in peace, development, human rights and the rule of law, and its vision of countries living as good neighbors and sharing a common fate and future," he said. "Strengthening multilateralism means strengthening our commitment to the charter. Such a commitment is needed now more than ever -- from all around this table, and around our world," he added. vc (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Actress-director Robin Wright is happy with the #MeToo movement in Hollywood and says that there is finally a microphone on the voice so that people "wake up and change the bad". The #MeToo movement began in Hollywood last year with The New York Times reporting multiple sexual assault allegations against Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein. It led to the opening of a Pandora's box of complaints against celebrated personalities like Bill Cosby, Morgan Freeman and Kevin Spacey, who shared screen space with Wright in Netflix's political thriller series "House Of Cards". Asked about the #MeToo movement in Hollywood, Wright said: "...I am just happy that there is finally a microphone on the voice, so that people wake up and change bad habits... "I think it's great for the whole new generation of kids... Yes, we have always been taught the difference between right and wrong, but we are going to have a new lesson about right and wrong and I think that kind of movement shines a light... Teaching a new way of operating and being decent. We have lost decency." Trouble for Spacey started when actor Anthony Rapp claimed that he sexually assaulted him when he was 14. Following the allegations, Spacey apologised to Rapp, but claimed that he didn't remember the encounter and said that he now will "choose to live as a gay man". This opened a box full of troubles for Spacey. More allegations were made against him. He was fired from the show and removed from the film "All The Money In The World" too. Talking about dealing with the crisis with Spacey's exclusion from the series, Wright said: "The crisis was going on... It was a current affair... Everybody was shocked and alarmed it was hitting the news and multiple things. People were hitting the news on a daily basis and because the climate was so sensitive and hot at the same time... It was a conversation that we all had... "Me, the showrunners, Netflix -- we said 'you know what we need to take a pause here, let the dust settle and really digest and what do we do collectively. Let's decide.... And ultimately, I wanted to continue because we would have put over thousands of people out of employment in the state of Maryland..." In the current atmosphere in Hollywood, how's it to be an actress? The Golden Globe winner said in response to the question by IANS in a press conference: "I don't know because finishing 'House of Cards' six years great run having tasted the field of directing, I don't feel like an actress right now and I am seeking out things to direct more than acting right now." Wright has gone behind the camera to direct "House Of Cards". The first two episodes were directed by filmmaker David Fincher. She was here for Netflix's "See What's Next Asia" event. Wright says direction was daunting at first for her. "In the beginning it was daunting because I actually believed I was sailing the ship. It was all upto me.... But as a director you are dependent on all of the other departments and we are all architects of that building (story).The production designer, castings and prop department... Having every department head be a part of your vision...We all did it together," she replied to a question by IANS. (Durga Chakravarty is in Singapore on an invitation by Netflix. She can be contacted at durga.c@ians.in) --IANS dc/nv/sed (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Lunaticoutpost.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program , anaffiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.Amazon, the Amazon logo, MYHABIT, and the MYHABIT logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.Don't be a pest to the forum.No profanity in thread-titles or usernamesNo excessive profanity in postsNo Racism, Antisemitism + HateNo calls for violence against anyone..This website exists for fun and discussion only. The reader is responsible for discerning the validity, factuality or implications of information posted here, be it fictional or based on real events. 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Charles, who as the monarch's eldest son is the Prince of Wales, is about to celebrate his 70th birthday on November 14, and made the comment in a media interview, Xinhua news agency reported on Friday. He has a reputation of making his views known on a range of subjects ranging from architecture, the environment, climate change to natural health remedies such as homeopathy. In a documentary for the BBC, the prince said he will stop speaking out on topics he feels strongly about when he becomes king, adding that "he is not that stupid". Prince Charles said the idea he would continue making interventions as king was nonsense, adding he would have to operate within constitutional parameters. Queen Elizabeth never comments on political matters, though what she says at her regular meetings with serving prime ministers is never reported or publicly disclosed. According to the BBC, in the documentary, Prince Charles was asked about his campaigning, which some people described as "meddling". Documentary film-maker John Bridcut, who followed the prince for 12 months, said Prince Charles "bridled a bit" at the use of the word "meddling" and instead preferred to think of his interventions as "motivating". The heir to the throne said: "If it's meddling to worry about the inner cities as I did 40 years ago, then if that's meddling I'm proud of it." He added the roles of Prince of Wales and king were completely separate. --IANS pgh/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Philippine anti-graft court on Friday sentenced former First Lady Imelda Marcos to at least 42 years in prison after she was found guilty of graft for creating private foundations in Switzerland and having "financial interests" in companies while in office from 1968 to 1986. Neither Imelda Marcos nor any of her lawyers were present during the promulgation of the decision, reports Xinhua news agency. The Sandiganbayan court also ordered the arrest of the 89-year-old widow of ousted Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos for violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. Imelda Marcos, nicknamed the "Iron Butterfly", was sentenced to a minimum of six years and one month to a maximum of 11 years for each of the seven counts of the graft. The court barred Marcos from holding public office as part of the sentence. The Office of the Ombudsman filed the 10 graft cases in 1991. The court acquitted her in three counts of graft. The court said Imelda had "financial interest" in the seven Swiss foundations they created pegged to amount to $200 million. Imelda was Minister of Human Settlements from 1976 to 1986 and concurrent Metro Manila governor from 1978 to 1984. The court said Imelda, now a member of the Philippine House of Representatives, can have a provisional liberty if she posts a cash bond while appealing the conviction. Imelda is running for governor in Ilocos Norte, a province in the northern tip of the Philippines' main Luzon Island, in the 2019 midterm elections. She can still appeal the conviction. Imelda is known for her ostentatious lifestyle, her thousands of expensive shoes and her collection of jewelry. Ferdinand Marcos was elected as the president of the Philippines in 1965, but declared martial law in 1972 heralding a dictatorial regime. Millions of Filipinos took to the streets in February 1986, deposing Marcos and his wife Imelda. The Marcoses were forced to flee to Hawaii where the elder Marcos died in 1989. Imelda returned to the Philippines in 1992 and campaigned for the presidency, but lost it. However, in 1995, Imelda won election to the House of Representatives, representing the first district in her home province of Leyte. The Philippine government is fighting dozens of suits abroad to claim art and property owned by Ferdinand Marcos and his cronies. --IANS mr/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India on Friday expressed its appreciation to the US for waiving it from Washington's sanctions on Iran's oil imports and development of the crucial Chabahar port. "We have seen the US notification including India in the list of countries granted significant reduction exemption for continued purchase of Iranian crude oil without attracting US sanctions," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said. "We appreciate that the US government has taken into account our need for energy security and understood our sensitivities on this matter," he said. "We welcome this. We are now examining the details of the exemption." US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced on Monday that Washington was exempting India and seven other countries from the sanctions on importing oil from Iran. There had been concerns in New Delhi following the fresh US sanctions on Iran, which came into effect on November 5, as Tehran is a major supplier of crude oil to India. The US pulled out of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) that Tehran signed with the five permanent members (P5) of the UN Security Council, Germany and the European Union and imposed the new sanctions on Iran over its alleged nuclear programme. On Friday, the External Affairs Ministry spokesperson also said that New Delhi had taken note of the exception provided by Washington of the Chabahar port on the southeastern coast of Iran that is being jointly developed by India, Afghanistan and Iran. "We have taken note of the US statement that exception has been provided under the Iran Freedom and Counter Proliferation Act of 2012 with respect to development of Chabahar Port and the construction of an associated railway line," Kumar said. "We appreciate that the US recognized the role which this port will play to bring strategic and long-term benefits to Afghanistan as well as enhance Afghanistan's connectivity with the outside world." India is investing $500 million to develop the Chabahar port and a road link from there to Afghanistan to give access to that country by bypassing Pakistan. --IANS ab/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The BJP on Friday hit back at former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah saying the government was not in talks with the Taliban in any form and that India had been invited as part of a reconciliation team for peace moves in Afghanistan. The Bharatiya Janata Party's remarks came a day after Abdullah slammed the Centre for talking to the Taliban at a non-official level while not doing so by engaging with the Kashmiri separatist leadership, "There is no talks with Taliban. India was simply invited as part of a reconciliation team for peace measures in Afghanistan," BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said here. Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson confirmed that India will attend, albeit at a non-official level, a multilateral meeting in Moscow on Afghanistan where the Afghan Taliban will also be present. This is the first time India will be sharing the table with the Afghan Taliban on issues of peace and stability in Afghanistan. Attacking the Abdullahs, the BJP leader said: "As far as these people are concerned, (Omar and Farooq) time and again have been clutching to excuses to demand autonomy... Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. Those demanding autonomy are doing disservice to the country." --IANS aks/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Indian Army and China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) on Friday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen friendship, maintain peace and tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control, an official statement stated. The reaffirmation was adopted at a first-ever border personnel meeting (BPM)at the Major General-level between Indian Army and Chinese PLA at Bum-la. The meeting was the first to be conducted at Major General level between two Asian giants since the inception of BPMs at Bum-la since 1990. Bum-la is located at an altitude of 15,000 feet and situated 42 km north of Tawang town. It is one of the five designated border personnel meeting venues, between two of the world's largest armies. The Indian delegation was led by Major General P.G.K. Menon and Brigadier Zubin Bhatnagar. Major General Li Xi Zhong headed the Chinese side. "The meeting included the hoisting of national flags followed by interaction which took place in cordial atmosphere wherein both sides reaffirmed their resolve to strengthen friendship, maintain peace and tranquillity along the LAC," the statement said. "Both the delegation leaders expressed satisfaction over the growing mutual trust and harmony between the two countries and were sanguine that the India-China relationship would grow stronger in future at all the levels," the statement said. "This meeting at Bum-la was yet another milestone in the ongoing effort by both the nations to increase interactions at all levels of diplomatic as well as military channels," the statement added. --IANS rrk/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Indian and Pakistan troops exchanged fire on the Line of control (LoC) on Friday in Tangdhar sector of north Kashmir's Kupwara district, official sources said. Defence sources said Pakistan army resorted to unprovoked firing at Indian posts in Dhani, Sadpora and Amru areas along the LoC in Tangdhar sector today. "Our positions retaliated effectively and strongly. No casualty or damage was reported from our side", sources said. --IANS sq/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Rome, Nov 9 (IANS/AKI) Italian Parliament has come out in support of Asia Bibi, a Pakistani Christian woman acquitted of blasphemy, and sought protection for her and her family. The Foreign Affairs Committee of Italy's lower house of Parliament on Thursday unanimously approved a resolution calling for protection for Asia Bibi. "In backing this resolution, the Italian Parliament has demonstrated its support for international efforts and to the serious and constructive commitment of Italy's government towards a positive outcome to these events," said committee chairwoman Marta Grande. Asia Bibi was released from jail in Multan, Pakistan, on Thursday following her acquittal of blasphemy last week by the Supreme Court after eight years on death row. Asia Bibi's husband Ashiq Masih had said the family was in danger from Islamists and pleaded for asylum. Several Western countries are understood to have held discussions with Asia Bibi's family about granting them asylum. Masih has reportedly asked the Italian government for help. --IANS 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.) President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday greeted the people of Uttarakhand on their Statehood Day. "Greetings and best wishes to the people of Uttarakhand on foundation day. May the state continue to prosper and develop in the years to come," the President tweeted. Greeting the people of Devbhumi (God's land), Modi tweeted in Hindi: "The confluence of nature, progress and rich culture will continue to establish new records on the path of development." After a long-drawn agitation, Uttarakhand was carved out of Uttar Pradesh as the 27th state under the Bharatiya Janata Party government on this day in 2000. --IANS aks/in (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Jailed former Bihar Chief Minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad is under stress over his elder son Tej Pratap's planned divorce. Lalu Prasad, serving a jail sentence in the Rs 950 crore fodder scam, is currently being treated for various ailments at the Rajendra Institute of Medical Science (RIMS) here. Tej Pratap had met Lalu Prasad a week ago and discussed the divorce issue with him. In the meeting that lasted over two hours, Lalu Prasad reportedly tried to dissuade Tej Pratap against divorcing his wife Aishwarya Rai. Tej Pratap married Aishwarya, daughter of former Bihar Minister Chandrika Rai and granddaughter of former Bihar Chief Minister Daroga Rai, in May. D.K. Jha, Associate Professor of medicine at RIMS who is treating Lalu Prasad, said: "Tension and stress are not good for Lalu Yadav. He is nearly 70 years old and is being administered 14-15 types of medicines daily. Stress and inadequate sleep can badly hurt his health. "He is suffering from various ailments such as sugar (diabetes), kidney-related and more. He is being given a heavy dose of insulin." Hospital sources said that insulin dose had been increased in the past three days due to fluctuating sugar level. Lalu Prasad is also facing sleeplessness. "Lalu Yadav keeps awake till late night. He is sleeping less due to family problems which is not good for his health," said the doctor. Lalu Prasad was out from jail on a provisional bail for treatment in May this year. He had to surrender on August 30 in a special CBI court of Ranchi on the orders of the Jharkhand High Court. On the same day, he was shifted to RIMS from the Birsa Munda Central Jail. The Jharkhand High Court had on August 24 directed him to surrender by August 30. He was out on provisional bail since May 11. He was in Ranchi's Birsa Munda Central Jail after being convicted in December 2017 in the fodder scam case. He was convicted in two more cases in January and March and awarded 14 years of imprisonment. In 2013, Lalu Prasad was convicted in the first fodder scam case and sentenced to jail for five years. --IANS ns/shs/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistani Christian woman Asia Bibi's lawyer on Friday said he was seeking asylum for his client and her family in The Netherlands amid violent protests in Pakistan by radical Islamists against her acquittal in a blasphemy case. Saif-ul-Malook said he had already spoken with Dutch politicians and ministers, although he was yet to make an official asylum request, reports Efe news. Speaking at a vigil for Asia Bibi organised in Vianen near Utrecht by the foundation Persecuted Christians, which covered the costs of her nine-year long legal battle in Pakistan, the lawyer said he would file a written request with the appropriate authorities in the next few days. A Dutch Foreign Ministry source said only affected persons can file asylum applications and no third parties were allowed to do so on their behalf. Last week, a majority of parties in the Dutch Parliament urged the government to temporarily take charge of Bibi and her family after she was acquitted by Pakistan's Supreme Court of blasphemy charges for which she had been sentenced to death eight years ago. Since her acquittal and release, she has been threatened amid widespread protests that accelerated her departure from a Lahore prison and her transfer to Islamabad on Wednesday. Malook said Bibi, her husband and children were under the protection of the Army and police in the wake of threats from radical Islamists who demanded a public execution, rejecting her acquittal. The lawyer was also forced to flee to The Netherlands last week but has not filed an asylum application to stay permanently in the country. On Thursday, the Dutch Foreign Ministry made an official offer to him to join a special programme for human rights activists under pressure in their home countries. --IANS ksk/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Username: Password: or Register Back to Forum Reply to This post Post New Thread Thread Rating: 1 Vote(s) - 5 Average 1 2 3 4 5 Page: 1 2 Florida teacher finds provisional ballot box in storage area. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 472797 11-09-2018 09:48 PM Post: #1 Florida teacher finds provisional ballot box in storage area. Advertisement https://nypost.com/2018/11/08/florida-te...rage-area/ A teacher in Florida found a container labeled Provisional Ballot Box in a storage area of her elementary school on Thursday. Lakeisha Williams, of Broward County, said she discovered the ballot box two days after Election Day at Miramar Elementary School where it was apparently left behind by election workers. I went into the area that we use for storage and saw it in there, Williams told The Post. Williams said she did not touch or look inside the box. Instead, she told the schools principal and they decided to contact a local state representative. I dont know where it is now, Williams said, noting that all provisional ballots needed to be GOP Senate candidate Rick Scott files bombshell lawsuit accusing Dem Florida election officials of trying to steal the election. I suppose the next thing will be a massive Democrat search for dangling chad. Accusing Democrats of a coordinated effort to steal the election, Republican Senate candidate Rick Scott filed explosive lawsuits late Thursday against the top election officials in two heavily Democratic counties, as three major races in the state appeared headed for recounts and votes continue to be tallied. In his lawsuit against Broward County, Scott and the National Republican Senatorial Committeee (NRSC) allege that officials there are continuing to hide critical information about the number of votes cast and counted. And in a parallel suit against Palm Beach County, Scott and the NRSC charge that the election supervisor illegally used her own judgment to determine voter intent when reviewing damaged absentee ballots. https://www.foxnews.com/politics/gop-sen...aling-race Hmmm. No one knows what was in it or where it went. Probably full of Rick Scott votesA teacher in Florida found a container labeled Provisional Ballot Box in a storage area of her elementary school on Thursday.Lakeisha Williams, of Broward County, said she discovered the ballot box two days after Election Day at Miramar Elementary School where it was apparently left behind by election workers.I went into the area that we use for storage and saw it in there, Williams told The Post.Williams said she did not touch or look inside the box. Instead, she told the schools principal and they decided to contact a local state representative.I dont know where it is now, Williams said, noting that all provisional ballots needed to beI suppose the next thing will be a massive Democrat search for dangling chad.Accusing Democrats of a coordinated effort to steal the election, Republican Senate candidate Rick Scott filed explosive lawsuits late Thursday against the top election officials in two heavily Democratic counties, as three major races in the state appeared headed for recounts and votes continue to be tallied.In his lawsuit against Broward County, Scott and the National Republican Senatorial Committeee (NRSC) allege that officials there are continuing to hide critical information about the number of votes cast and counted. And in a parallel suit against Palm Beach County, Scott and the NRSC charge that the election supervisor illegally used her own judgment to determine voter intent when reviewing damaged absentee ballots. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 472797 11-09-2018 10:02 PM Post: #2 RE: Florida teacher finds provisional ballot box in storage area. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 472797 11-09-2018 10:03 PM Post: #3 RE: Florida teacher finds provisional ballot box in storage area. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 397180 11-09-2018 10:05 PM Post: #4 RE: Florida teacher finds provisional ballot box in storage area. Wait I just found a box labeled "provisional ballot box" in my office. I haven't opened it, but I'm pretty sure it's full of republican votes. Should I sent it to Florida so they can count these too? LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 450011 11-09-2018 10:05 PM Post: #5 RE: Florida teacher finds provisional ballot box in storage area. Tossing republican votes out..and keeping the dem votes LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 450011 11-09-2018 10:07 PM Post: #6 RE: Florida teacher finds provisional ballot box in storage area. So some of the polls was making republ8can fill out the paper while democrats used the machine..pretty sure they did right down the road from me also..they made my roommate fill out the paper and couldnt use the machine LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 442897 11-10-2018 12:29 AM Post: #7 RE: Florida teacher finds provisional ballot box in storage area. LoP Guest Wrote: (11-09-2018 10:07 PM) So some of the polls was making republ8can fill out the paper while democrats used the machine..pretty sure they did right down the road from me also..they made my roommate fill out the paper and couldnt use the machine They sure did in Broward. This is what they did to the 7 AM people that are out getting it. Made them fill out paper ID and call each one in. By 9 AM problem fixed. Dr. Snipes is in trouble. They sure did in Broward.This is what they did to the 7 AM people that are out getting it.Made them fill out paper ID and call each one in.By 9 AM problem fixed.Dr. Snipes is in trouble. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 460404 11-10-2018 12:44 AM Post: #8 RE: Florida teacher finds provisional ballot box in storage area. proof of chain of custody should be required but our voting system has many flaws in its design we really rely on integrity of the local officials if local officials want to cheat, they probably can LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 442897 11-10-2018 12:54 AM Post: #9 RE: Florida teacher finds provisional ballot box in storage area. Lakeisha Williams. Democratic ties? LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 391721 11-10-2018 01:00 AM Post: #10 RE: Florida teacher finds provisional ballot box in storage area. This stuff has most likely been going on from time immemorial. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 442897 11-10-2018 01:02 AM Post: #11 RE: Florida teacher finds provisional ballot box in storage area. Miramar H.S.? LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 370703 11-10-2018 01:04 AM Post: #12 RE: Florida teacher finds provisional ballot box in storage area. Trumps been tweeting about the voter fraud like crazy today.. The Dims are going down for all the voter fraud.. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 450018 11-10-2018 01:08 AM Post: #13 RE: Florida teacher finds provisional ballot box in storage area. Hold YER Horsey's.. I was in Walmart and In the Warehouse when I walked thru I Saw A Stack Of Boxes Barked Broward COunty FLorida , Burn As Soon As Possible. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 450018 11-10-2018 01:11 AM Post: #14 RE: Florida teacher finds provisional ballot box in storage area. Jeezuz Krist It is THe year Two ThOusand And Eighteen And we still cannot figure out how count votes, HELL we cannot even find a way to for without cheating corruption and accidentally leaving ballot's in closet's . I heard Hilary was talking to people in Broward county before the elections, what was up with that?? LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 442897 11-10-2018 01:13 AM Post: #15 RE: Florida teacher finds provisional ballot box in storage area. LoP Guest Wrote: (11-10-2018 01:11 AM) Jeezuz Krist It is THe year Two ThOusand And Eighteen And we still cannot figure out how count votes, HELL we cannot even find a way to for without cheating corruption and accidentally leaving ballot's in closet's . I heard Hilary was talking to people in Broward county before the elections, what was up with that?? YT;er FL Marquis is saying that this will kick off down South. The old Que Tip broad aint got nothing to loose at her age; except not making it too the bathroom in time. YT;er FL Marquis is saying that this will kick off down South.The old Que Tip broad aint got nothing to loose at her age; except not making it too the bathroom in time. Advertisement Back to Forum Reply to This post Post New Thread Big Ben, one of the world's most famous bells, is to ring out on Sunday to mark the end of the centenary of World War One. The UK Parliament authorities said on Thursday that, despite ongoing essential conservation works, the Elizabeth Tower's world famous Great Bell, better known as Big Ben, will strike on Sunday to commemorate those that died in the two world wars and later conflicts, Xinhua reported. At precisely 11.00 GMT, Big Ben will sound 11 times, with a strike rate of 4.5 seconds, replicating the usual strike rate of the Great Clock. At 12.30, Big Ben will strike a further 11 times, joining bells across Britain and worldwide to commemorate the centenary of the Armistice, marking the end of the war in 1918. That forms part of as a British government programme for bells across the country to ring out in thanksgiving for the end of the war one hundred years ago. A spokesperson at the Houses of Parliament said only Big Ben itself will strike, not the quarter bells which usually produce the 16 musical notes of the Westminster Chimes. The Elizabeth Tower, one of London's most photographed attractions, is currently undergoing a complex program of conservation works to safeguard the 159-year-old iconic clock for generations to come. --IANS pgh/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a setback to former Union Telecom Minister Dayanidhi Maran and his elder brother and Sun TV group head Kalanithi Maran, the Madras High Court on Friday dismissed the petitions filed by them to quash charges framed against them in the alleged illegal telephone exchange case. The CBI had alleged a loss of Rs 1.78 crore to the government due to the alleged installation of an illegal telephone exchange at Dayanidhi Maran's house, which was used for Sun TV operations. The others discharged by the special CBI court were BSNL's former Chief General Manager K. Brahmanathan and former Deputy General Manager M. Velusamy, the former Minister's Personal Secretary V. Gowthaman and Sun TV network employees S.Kannan and K.S. Ravi. --IANS vj/shs/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Exactly a week after the controversial shooting of an alleged man-eater tigress Avni (T1), the Centre and state announced two separate expert committees to probe the incident, officials said on Friday. While the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) set up its own committee, Maharashtra Minister of Forests Sudhir Mungantiwar ordered an inquiry through an independent committee to find out the facts on whether guidelines/ procedures given in SOP were followed. The committee includes Principal Chief Conservator of Forests S.H. Patil as Chairman besides Bilal Habib representing the Wildlife Institute of India and Anish Andheria, the President, Wildlife Conservation Trust, as members. Another senior official, Nitin Kakodkar, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (APCCF), will be the Convenor. The Centre's panel includes Hemant Kandi of NTCA, Nagpur as Convenor and O.P. Kaler, senior retired wildlife expert and Jose Louies deputy director, of Wildlife Trust of India as Members. Avni's killing late last Friday night, which left her two 11-month-old dependent cubs orphaned and untraced, sparked off a bitter nationwide row, involving animal lovers and politicians, farmers and activists. It provoked a public spat between Union minister Maneka Gandhi and Mungantiwar after she virtually accused him of 'murder' and demanded his sacking from the state cabinet. Earlier this week, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis attempted to mollify Maneka by announcing a probe into "possible procedural lapses" in the tigress' killing by a professional marksman from Hyderabad. All important parties including ruling ally Shiv Sena, Congress, Nationalist Congress Party, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena attacked the government for allegedly clearing out the forests of wildlife to help big industrialists wanting to set up base in Yavatmal and surroundings. The matter was brought to the notice of the PMO seeking a NIA probe while other activists plan to move the Supreme Court soon in the matter. --IANS qn/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In five years, India will have so many tigers that people will poison them and the "terror" caused by these animals is going to be such that no government can control it, warns celebrity hunter Nawab Shafath Ali Khan. He believes human-animal conflict will spiral out of control unless the government takes steps to maintain the land-to-animal ratio, fence all national parks and ensure availability of food and water for animals in forests so that they don't venture into human habitations. Shafath is under attack from animal lovers for killing man-eater tigress Avni in Maharashtra's Yavatmal district last week. Referring to the last week's incident in Uttar Pradesh in which a tiger was crushed to death by villagers after it killed a man, he warned that this would happen at more places around the country. The 60-year-old professional hunter, who has been helping various states in capturing tigers, elephants and other animals for last four decades, favours culling animals to maintain the natural balance. He pointed out that many countries, including the United States and Russia, cull animals to maintain the land-to-animal ratio. "Till 1972, the number of animals was under control because killing of animals entering fields was allowed. Today the law provides full protection to animals, and as a result, their numbers are increasing," said Khan, who is wildlife adviser to nine states. "In 1980, there were 15,700 elephants and today their number is 30,000. They are venturing into human habitations and creating havoc. Nilgais are causing terror in Gujarat, Bihar and other states. Thousands of nilgai are destroying fields," Khan told IANS in an interview. With the population of tigers also going up to 3,000, Khan underlined the need to make base prey and water available to big cats in their natural habitat. Each tiger needs a kill every week. He believes lack of proper maintenance of forests have turned 5.5 crore people living in 1.87 lakh villages adjoining the forests into enemies of animals. "Last year, 18 tigers were killed due to poisoning and electric fencing in Maharashtra alone. Nobody talks about it. Here when one man-eater tiger is killed they are raising all sorts of questions," said Shafath, whose son Asghar Ali Khan shot the tigress dead in self-defence. Last year, they captured alive a tigress near Tadoba National Park in Maharashtra after it had killed two people. On the allegation by animal lovers that he is trigger-happy, Shafath says that not even once in his life had he requested any state government to call him. "I have received 50 orders from governments since I was 19. They called me because of my work, experience and expertise which they lack," he said showing the latest order issued by Maharashtra government, seeking his services to capture Avni alive or to kill it. Rubbishing all charges made by animal rights activists, including Union Minister for Women and Child Development Maneka Gandhi, he said he never took money for the operations. Shafath claims he dedicated his life for those poor for whom there is no one take care of. The happiness which he sees in poor farmers, tribals, widows and orphans on successful completion of operations inspire him to work. "I don't need awards, media publicity or money," said Shafath, whose grandfather was adviser to the British colonial rulers in the 1930s and whose father was also a renowned hunter. "Show me the pugmark of a tiger, I will tell you if it is male or female, old or young, healthy or ill. That's our expertise and that's why we are called," said the man from an erstwhile royal family. He said it was the government's responsibility to ensure that animals don't cross the borders of forest . He pointed out that tigress Avni covered a distance of 60 km to reach human habitations and killed 13 people in two years. "If such a thing happens in US, the officer concerned will be tried for manslaughter. The life of a human being is more important, there but here a man-eater tiger has become more important," he said. Khan alleged that activists have a hidden agenda and get foreign funds. "They have nothing to do with wildlife and the man-animal conflict," he said and demanded a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the funding of such individuals. (Mohammed Shafeeq can be contacted at m.shafeeq@ians.in ) --IANS ms/vm/hs/tb (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Microsoft India on Friday said the fourth edition of its annual global learning event Skype-a-Thon will start on November 13. The two-day event will connect an estimated half a million students from over 100 countries, the company said. The event will allow students go on virtual field trips, experience new cultures, hear from guest speakers and learn from other students, educators and experts from around the world by travelling virtual miles over Skype over a 48-hour period. Skype-a-Thon will dwell on diverse topics including conservation, history and computer science in addition to sharing cultural experiences through song and dance, games, reading, stories and virtual field trips, exchanging ideas and learning from each other. In India, the discussions will also focus on AI in education, cyber security, empathy and inclusiveness, Microsoft India said. "We invite schools from across the country to join this movement. Skype-a-thon will also encourage students to engage in positive, safe, legal and ethical behaviour when using technology, including social interactions online or when using networked devices," said Manish Prakash, Country General Manager -- Public Sector, Health and Education, Microsoft India. Schools located anywhere in India can join Skype-a-thon through an online registration process. Microsoft also announced that for every 400 virtual miles travelled by Skype-a-Thon participants, the company will donate to WE, a non-profit organisation that helps students internationally. --IANS gb/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A militant was killed and a policeman injured on Friday in a gunfight in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district. Police sources said the gun battle took place in Darganai Gund village of Tral area during a cordon and search operation. The fighting began when the militants opened fire at the security forces including the Rashtriya Rifles, the special operations group (SOG) of the police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), a police officer said. Authorities suspended mobile Internet services in the area to prevent the spread of rumours. --IANS sq/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Singapore next week to attend this year's East Asia Summit, the External Affairs Ministry said on Friday. "The PM will make an official visit to Singapore to attend the 13th East Asia Summit (EAS)and associated meetings on November 14-15," ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said at a media briefing. "The Prime Minister is also expected to participate in a number of other events, including a keynote address at the Singapore Fintech Summit," Kumar said. The EAS member states comprise 10 Asean nations and Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, the US and Russia. According to Tabla, a Singapore-based English newspaper, Modi's topmost agenda will be a summit meeting on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) on November 14. RCEP is a proposed free trade agreement between the 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) member states and the six countries with which this regional bloc has existing free trade agreements -- Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand. The RCEP is expected to be concluded by the end of this year as New Delhi continues to increase its engagement with southeast Asia under its Act East Policy. Modi on November 14 will also deliver a keynote address at the Singapore Fintech Festival, the biggest fintech event in the world which is expected to attract over 30,000 people, including influential entrepreneurs, leaders and experts. India will be the largest participant at the event with 400 exhibitors. Modi will also confer awards to a hackathon between Indian and Singaporean students. On November 15, Modi will have a breakfast meeting with leaders of the Asean countries. During the course of his visit, Modi will attend a meeting of the leaders of the quad, comprising India, the US, Japan and Australia, that was revived last year and which seeks to work for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. --IANS ab/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the swearing-in ceremony of new Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on November 17, the External Affairs Ministry said on Friday. "The Prime minister has accepted the invitation with pleasure," Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said at a media briefing here. "In keeping with our Neighbourhood First Policy, India looks forward to closely working with Maldives in further deepening our partnership," he added. Modi will return to New Delhi the same night. Solih, the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party's candidate, emerged victorious over incumbent Abdulla Yameen. His term is expected to continue until 2023. The island nation's relations with India became strained during Yameen's rule, with tensions peaking after New Delhi criticised Male's refusal to enforce a Supreme Court ruling quashing the convictions of nine opposition figures, among them former President Mohamed Nasheed. --IANS ab/ksk/sed (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A delegation of the National Defence College (NDC) from Myanmar visited Sarnath and Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh on Friday, a spokesman of the army said. The 38-member delegation led by Major General Myat Kyaw, Commandant of the NDC earlier visited Gaya in Bihar. The delegates visited places of historical significance including Myanmar Monastery, Dharmaraj Stupa, Dhamek Stupa and Mahabodhi temple at Sarnath. The aim of their visit is to develop bonhomie and enhance mutual understanding between both the countries, the spokesman told IANS. --IANS md/mag/sed (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former Chief Minister on Friday slammed the Centre for talks with the at a non-official level while not doing the same by engaging with the Kashmiri separatist leadership. "If 'non-official' participation in a dialogue that includes the is acceptable to the Modi government why not a 'non-official' dialogue with non-mainstream stakeholders in J&K? Why not a 'non-official' dialogue centred around J&K's eroded autonomy and its restoration?" he asked on Twitter. If non-official participation in a dialogue that includes the is acceptable to the Modi government why not a non-official dialogue with non-mainstream stake holders in J&K? Why not a non-official dialogue centered around J&Ks eroded autonomy & its restoration? https://t.co/722SrqKkvo (@OmarAbdullah) November 8, 2018 India on Thursday confirmed that it will attend, albeit at a non-official level, a multilateral meeting in Moscow on Afghanistan on Friday where the will also be present. This is the first time that India will be sharing talks table with the on issues of peace and stability in Afghanistan. The Department of Transportation said it expects to restore the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 to its high-grade infrastructure condition in 26 months after the loan agreement signing for the MRT-3 Rehabilitation Project. DOTr Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John Batan said the P18-billion loan agreement between the Philippine and Japanese governments would address the persisting problems of the MRT-3 and improve its systems to deliver a fast, reliable and safe transportation to commuters. Batan said the MRT-3 sought to maintain its current average capacity of 350,000 commuters daily for the first seven to nine months of the rehabilitation. The capacity is expected to gradually increase beginning in the third quarter of next year. He added the train operating speed and time between trains were expected to improve. Currently, we are running at 30 kilometers per hour, which we will increase to 60 kph. Our current headway is at 7 to 10 minutes and it would be reduced to 3.5 minutes. And currently, 15 train sets are operational during peak hours, we will increase it to 20, Bayan said.The Philippine and Japanese governments, through the Department of Finance and the Japanese International Cooperation Agency, formally signed Thursday a P18-billion loan agreement for the MRT-3 Rehabilitation Project. The project will run until 2022, which covers the rehabilitation and maintenance of the systems electromechanical components, power supply, rail tracks, depot equipment, and overhaul of its 72 18-year old Light Rail Vehicles. The rehabilitation of the MRT-3 is the third of four railway projects under the Duterte Administrations Build Build Build Program. The signing of the loan agreement for the North-South Commuter Railway Extension Project is due in the coming weeks. Loan agreements were signed for the Metro Manila Subway Project in March and the establishment of the Philippine Railway Institute in January. Actor Rana Daggubati on Friday launched the first official poster of actress Tamannaah starrer Telugu film "Next Enti". "Happy to be launching the first look of 'Next Enti'. All the best..," Daggubati wrote on Instagram while unveiling the first look of the film. Through the posters, the film is touted to be a romantic entertainer. Being helmed by Bollywood director Kunal Kohli, "Next Enti" also stars actors Sundeep Kishan and Navdeep in the lead roles. Talking about his experience working with Tamannah, Kunal, who is making his debut in Telugu film industry, tweeted: "What a pleasure working with you Tamannaah. You made this film and your character come alive like only you could." Produced by Raina Joshi and Akshai Puri, "Next Enti" is reported to release this December. --IANS sim/nv/sed (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Reporters from many news organisations have expressed support to senior CNN correspondent Jim Acosta after the White House revoked his press pass "until further notice" because of the journalist's combative exchange with President Donald Trump at his post-midterms press conference. The "hard pass", which speeds up entry to the White House grounds, was suspended by the Trump administration on Wednesday night, CNN reported. Acosta is CNN's chief White House correspondent. He was trying to re-enter the White House grounds for a live shot on the show "Anderson Cooper 360", when he was stopped by Secret Service officers. Right-wing websites and pro-Trump commentators alleged that Acosta mistreated a White House intern who tried to take a microphone away from him during the press conference. Within minutes, White House press secretary Sarah Sanders announced the suspension, citing Acosta's "inappropriate behaviour". CNN and several major journalism advocacy groups denounced the White House's move. On Thursday, the Radio Television Digital News Association, which represents newsrooms across the country, called the revocation "unconscionable". Chuck Ross of The Daily Caller, a website that harshly criticizes CNN, stood up for Acosta. "Plenty to criticise Acosta about," Ross wrote, "but he did not 'place his hands' on the intern. It's ridiculous for anyone to suggest he did." The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press said Sanders' "false description of the events leading up to it is insulting not only to the nation's journalists, but to its people". The White House Correspondents' Association called the yanking of Acosta's pass "out of line" and "unacceptable". "We urge the White House to immediately reverse this weak and misguided action," the association added. The White House News Photographers Association's President Whitney Shefte issued a statement expressing outrage that Sanders "may have shared a manipulated video". Senior journalists represented by the association also spoke up. Hallie Jackson, of NBC, wrote on Twitter that the press corps "should stand up against this". Peter Baker, of The New York Times tweeted: "This is something I've never seen since I started covering the White House in 1996." Baker wrote that he believes Trump called on Acosta at the presser because "he wants the confrontation". In 2015 and 2016, Trump's campaign refused to give press credentials to reporters from several major news outlets, including The Washington Post and BuzzFeed. --IANS ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Roma, Nov 9 (IANS/AKI) Italy's Interior Minister Matteo Salvini has deplored an Afghan man who was jailed for attacking his baby daughter and wife, saying people who behaved in such a "monstrous" way had no place in Italian society. "Monstrous. No integration for whoever in this day and age mistreats and humiliates women and children. #Zero tolerance#," Salvini wrote on Facebook on Thursday. Salvini's post came after a court in the northern Italian city of Milan jailed the 30-year-old Afghan for three years and eight months for beating his one-year-old daughter and for kicking, punching, hitting with a belt and raping his wife. The man, who had wanted a son, "repeatedly" subjected his baby daughter and wife to "physical and psychological violence", the court said. He had married his wife in Pakistan when she was 15 years old. --IANS/AKI mr/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Samsung Electronics has stepped up efforts to increase cooperation with Microsoft in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cloud computing for its devices including smartphones. According to a report in retailnews.asia on Thursday, Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong met Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella this week as he delivered a keynote speech at Microsoft Korea's "Future Now" AI conference on Wednesday. They met and agreed to step up partnership in artificial intelligence, cloud computing and big data, a Samsung spokesman was quoted a saying. "Microsoft currently uses Samsung's semiconductors for Cloud servers, and Samsung could sell more of its chips to the American partner in the near future," the report added. According to media reports, Samsung is also looking to use Microsoft Cloud services on some devices, including smartphones. Samsung already uses Microsoft Azure Cloud platform for its system air conditioners to collect data. During his keynote speech, Nadella talked about Samsung. "Take the example of Samsung Electronics' IoT-based air conditioner that runs on Azure. By taking into account environmental factors, like the number of people, the smart air conditioner can save up to 25 per cent in energy and 30 per cent in costs," the Microsoft CEO was quoted as saying. The development came on the heels of Samsung this week unveiling its first foldable smartphone and opening up its digital assistant Bixby for developers. --IANS na/ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Despite a strong rebound in the domestic currency and continued decline in crude oil prices, the key equity indices -- S&P BSE Sensex and Nifty50 -- traded on a negative note during the afternoon session of the trade on Friday. The rupee bounced back 30 paise to Rs 72.71 a US dollar from its previous close of 73. The benchmark Brent Crude also slipped below the $71 a barrel mark. Consequently, export-oriented stock S&P BSE IT fell by 1.37 per cent. Metal, Realty and energy also came under heavy selling pressure. However, the index pivotals -- finance and banking -- stocks held the positive territory. The market breath was positive with 1,171 advances and 1,138 declines even though the equity indices traded with a negative bias. "This is owing to the lower level buying in quality small and mid-cap stocks by investors," Astha Jain, Senior Analyst, Hem Securities, told IANS. At 1.58 p.m., the S&P BSE Sensex traded 101.14 points down at 35,136.54. It had opened at 35,258.13 from its previous close of 35,237.68. It touched an intra-day high of 35,287.29 and a low of 35,011.23. The NSE Nifty50 traded at 10,574.40, down 24 points or 0.23 per cent. It opened at 10,614.70 from its previous close of 10,598.40. --IANS ravi/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Lion cubs born in South Africa have become the first two to have come into the world using artificial insemination in what was a medical first for the species. Victor and Isabel were born two months ago at the Ukutula Conservation Centre, a private reserve some 70 km northwest of Pretoria, as part of a project led by Spanish veterinarian Isabel Callealta, who is studying a doctorate at the University of Pretoria focusing on wildcat reproduction, reports Efe news. "They're not test-tube lions, as we didn't use the 'in vitro' fertilization technique," the 34-year-old vet from Madrid told Efe of the pair, whom staff at the centre have named after her and her partner. The process developed by Callealta, under the supervision of two university professors, offers a non-surgical alternative to fertilization techniques that are much more invasive because they involve growing an embryo "outside" the animal. "This means it's not necessary to subject an animal to surgery to apply this technique, though of course we have to use sedation, seeing as we're talking about lions," Callealta said. The technique involves taking semen from a male lion and putting a female under anesthesia so that she can be impregnated using a catheter. There had only been two successful cases of artificial insemination involving lions before this, but the two South African cubs were the first lions who were actually born. "There are lots of factors that make it complicated. Generally, felines are solitary, and if you research a species at a center where the animals are in captivity, you're only going to have one or two animals of the same species and for research, you always need a high number of samples so the results are reliable," the vet said. "You need a lot of resources, a lot of money and you need a lot of people working on it," she said, adding that there were not many studies around on the subject, even less so about animals. "If it wasn't possible before it's because there wasn't the scope to be able to test it," said Callealta. Unlike other animals, like cows or humans, felines usually only ovulate when a male is nearby, or more specifically during copulation. "If we inseminate, there's no copulation, so there's no natural ovulation," Callealta pointed out. "So not only do you need to develop a process for artificial insemination, you also need to develop one to make them ovulate." "It seems simple, putting semen inside a female, but there are loads of steps we know nothing about and you've got to do it little by little," she said. The vet said her team hoped to be able to apply what it had learned to other endangered species, like tigers and leopards. "Lions are considered vulnerable, but there are other wildcats under threat that are in an even more critical situation," she said. The lion population in South Africa is slowly growing thanks to national and private nature reserves, but in the rest of the world, the iconic big cats are in decline. The global population of lions in 1800 was estimated to be 1.2 million, a number that has fallen by 98 percent over the last couple of centuries. The births of Victor and Isabel were the result of over a year-and-a-half of research and are set to open new doors for conservation. "Assisted reproduction - and specifically, artificial insemination - is not the only solution that is going to save every species on Earth from extinction, but it's another tool we can use to help," the vet said. --IANS mr/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Sri Lanka's new Tourism Minister Wasantha Senanayake said on Friday that the ongoing political crisis had no impact on the country's tourism and efforts were being made to brief foreign governments after travel advisories had been issued. Senanayake told a press briefing that the lives of local citizens and tourists had not been affected by the "political tussle" and there had been no cancellations reported by travel operators and agents, reports Xinhua news agency. "What we are presently facing is a political tussle and this will be resolved in Parliament most democratically. This should not reflect on the tourism industry," he said. The Minister said going forward, the new government would launch fresh campaigns to attract more tourists from China and India as these were the leading markets for Sri Lanka tourism. He said efforts would also be made to attract more tourists from Europe. "We will work at doubling our figures by next year," Senanayake said. So far, over 1.8 million tourists have arrived in the island till October this year, with industry experts voicing concerns that the present political crisis may slow the arrival rate. Sri Lanka has been facing a political turmoil since October 26 when President Maithripala Sirisena dissolved his cabinet and sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and appointed former president Mahinda Rajapakse to the post. President Sirisena has suspended the Parliament till November 14. --IANS mr/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi will pay a visit to Singapore soon and attend the 33rd Summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and its related summits, an official said on Friday. At the invitation of Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Suu Kyi will make the trip three months after she paid a working visit to the Southeast Asian member nation in August., Xinhua news agency reported. Singapore stood as Myanmar's second largest investor after China with $19.644 billion in 287 projects as of August 2018 since late 1988, accounting for 25.42 per cent of the total foreign investment in the country. A total of over 200 Singaporean firms have been permitted to operate in Myanmar, according to the Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC). Trade between Myanmar and Singapore reached $3.8 billion in the fiscal year 2017-18 which ended in March, up $833 million or 28 per cent from $2.967 billion in 2016-17, according to statistics of the Commerce Ministry. --IANS pgh/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India on Friday said its participation, albeit at a non-official level, at a meeting on peace process in Afghanistan in Moscow, where the Taliban are also in attendance, is in line with New Delhi's policy towards the strife-torn South Asian nation. "There are two-three things here," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said at a media briefing here. "One is that we fully support peace and reconciliation efforts in Afghanistan," Kumar said. "(it is) to preserve unity and plurality, to bring security, peace and prosperity in the country. "The third important priority, which we have been repeatedly emphasising, and which is India's consistent policy, is that India will support any effort which is Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled and also with the participation of the government of Afghanistan." Stressing that India is doing nothing out of compulsion, Kumar said: "Whatever effort is made which we feel will continue the process, and which is consistent with our policy on Afghanistan, I think we will participate in that process". Amar Sinha, former Secretary in the External Affairs Ministry who also served as India's Ambassador to Afghanistan, and T.C.A. Raghavan, former Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan, are representing New Delhi at the talks in Moscow on Friday. This is the first time that India is sharing the talks table with the Afghan Taliban on issues of peace and stability in Afghanistan. The Indian move comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to New Delhi last month for the annual bilateral summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A joint statement issued following the summit said that both India and Russia supported the Afghan government's efforts towards the realisation of an Afghan-led, and Afghan-owned national peace reconciliation process. "Concerned with unabated violence, the (two) sides resolved to work through the Moscow Format, SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation) Contact Group on Afghanistan, and all other recognised formats for an early resolution to the conflict in Afghanistan," the statement said. New Delhi and Moscow also resolved to launch joint development and capacity building projects in Afghanistan. Russia sent invitations for what is called the Moscow Format talks to Afghanistan, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, the US and the Afghan Taliban. --IANS ab/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two consortium groups submitted bids for the operations and maintenance contract of Clark International Airports passenger terminal and the new one that will rise in 2020. The Bases Conversion and Development Authority and the Transportation Department confirmed during the opening of bids Friday that the X-Droid Consortium and the North Luzon Airport Consortium tendered their bids. X-Droid Consortium is a four-company group comprising of Indonesian airport management firm Angkasa Pura II, local company Globalport 900, capital solutions provider Mazys Capital Inc. and Desco Inc. North Luzon, meanwhile, is composed of Filinvest Development Corp., JG Summit Holdings Inc., Philippine Airport Ground Support Solutions Inc. and Changi Airport Philippines Pte. Ltd. BCDA vice president for business development and operations Joshua Bingcang said the bids would be subject to technical and financial assessment before the announcement of the winning party by the special bids and awards committee. The O&M contract is expected to be awarded next month. We want the O&M to be on board to avoid problem in interface with the engineering, procurement and construction provider, Bingcang said. The O&M concessionaire will finance, design and complete all fit-out for the existing and new passenger terminals. The Clark International Airport is set to be the countrys next premier gateway to Asia.The airports new terminal building is the first of the hybrid infrastructure projects and complements other high-impact projects in Central Luzon, such as New Clark City and the Subic-Clark Railway. Megawide Construction Corp. is building a new terminal in Clark. But the company said earlier it was carefully evaluating plans to bid for Clarks O&M contract, citing that the viability could be affected by San Miguel Corp.s planned Bulacan airport and the rehabilitation of Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Megawide president and chief executive Edgar Saavedra said earlier the Clark O&M project could no longer be that attractive because of the proposed rehabilitation of Naia and the implementation of the Bulacan airport project. The numbers could be challenging because of the award of original proponent status to San Miguels Bulacan airport and the Naia rehabilitation plan, which could potentially cannibalize the market, Saavedra said. He said the ongoing Clark International Airport terminal expansion, which Megawide was currently building, involved the construction of a new passenger terminal capable handling twice the size of Terminal 2 of Cebu Mactan International Airport. Clark is currently handling 1.5 million passengers. The size of [Clark Airport] terminal we are building right now is twice the size of Terminal 2 of Cebu because the plan last year was to close down Naia eventually. So the traffic will go to Clark and they wanted to build a bigger terminal even though traffic is currently only at 1.5 million passengers, Saavedra said. Then suddenly there have been changes in the plan with the Bulacan airport and Naia rehabilitation plans. So it will be challenging and it may no longer be that attractive, he said. Film: "Thugs Of Hindostan"; Director: Vijay Krishna Acharya; Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan, Fatima Sana Sheikh, Katrina Kaif; Rating: ** Not done! You can't take two of Bollywood's superstars together for the first time and then make a film that confounds your senses, boggles your mind and tries your patience. "Thugs Of Hindostan" does all of this, and more. It is guilty of many crimes, not the least of them being the rather strange attempt to pass off the corny as the epic, and the dishevelled as the spectacular. The plot, we are told, is based on an ancient novel by Philip Meadows Taylor which no one seems to have read. The film, if you ask me, also deserves much the same treatment. It is an overblown, undercooked piece of abomination masquerading as majestic when it is nothing of the sort. Speckled on top and hollow and dull inside this is the kind of con-job which a door-to-door salesman for an icky brand of perfume sells to you when your olfactory nerves are not working. There is something pronouncedly hollow about the plot, as it brings forward two larger-than-life heroes, a wizened buccaneer Khuda Baksh Azad and a colourful con-man Firangi Malla. The latter's scene-hogging moneky-tricks will annoy you to a breaking point. Firangi Malla could serve well in police torture. He confuses us about which side he owes his allegiance to, the British or the native. Firangi, himself, I suspect, doesn't know which way his loyalty goes. He is joined in this carnival of confusion by others in the cast who dance bellow and snarl in a clueless mob, indicating some kind of ferocious pledge out to get the British Colonists out of our country. The British are gone. But they seem to have left behind a legacy of hate-filled films that show them to be utterly stupid. From Manmohan Desai's Toofan to this the latest attempt to downsize and ridicule the Goras, makes us wonder how they managed to rule us for centuries when they were so stupid. Stupidity, however, is not the crux of this film's vacuousness. Dullness is. The more noise, colour and computer graphics director Vijay Acharya adds to the bristling broth, the more desperate the film appears to qualify as an epic. All attempts to infuse the goings-in with gallons of glory remain in the domain of the vain. The plot is a mish-mash of pulpy patriotism and tawdry swash-buckling. The ships are not the only visible entities at sea. After a point, the writer-director seems to have just given up on the logistics of his purported spectacle, as scene after scene of fireballs exploding midair weave in and out of the plot in a smoky haze of absurdity and implausibility. Besides the fact that Aamir Khan plays his over-the-top character with a hammy relish, the film's other major failing is its pedestrian periodicity. There is no sincere attempt to create an 18th century aura during the British Raj. This failing is most evident in Katrina Kaif's styling. As Surraiya, the seductress with a permanent nose-ring, who comes on screen only when she is required to contort her curvaceous body to a tantalizing tempo, Katrina must ask herself one vital question after she finishes asking what on earth she's doing in this film: did Surraiya have Manish Malhotra to style her chic look? By the time Manish's Surraiya starts wriggling and sizzling in front of the (Gora) villains while the hero stands enchained, I was thinking of Laxmi Chaya singing Maar diya jay ke chhod diya jaye in the 1970s' hit "Mera Gaon Mera Desh". Not one to be left out, Fatima Sana Shaikh bursts into a lullabye there and then in the middle of Kaif's drizzle of sizzle, reminding us that sleep is perhaps one escape from this over-decorated, underwhelming chamber of periodicity. Sheikh gets a lot of footage. I wonder why! She can't emote properly and all the dancing has gone to the curvaceous Ms Kaif. The one performance that towers above all else is that of Mr Bachchan. Silently seething for wrongs done, he was the character I most identified with. Believe me, no atrocity committed by the Britishers can match what The Thugs have done to us. Mohabbat Zeeshan Ayyub and Ronit Roy struggle to give some malleability to their characters in a plot that favours the stiff and trite stance even while fighting off the Raj. Not one dialogue, one song is worth humming . At one point, Mr Bachchan exasperated by Aamir Khan's babble asks wrily, "Are you going to speak more? Or do you have anything else up your sleeve?" The characters simply speak and snarl. And when they run out of energy they simply collapse in heap of smouldering helplessness waiting for the writer-director to resuscitate them. Alas, the air is so thick and heavy no one gets a chance to breathe except a computer-generated hawk which pops now and then to remind us that pirates are not only the prerogative of the Caribbean. --IANS skj/pgh/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters, a group of transwomen from West Bengal observed 'Bhai Dooj' with street children here on Friday. The ritual, also known as 'Bhai-Phota' in Bengal, is celebrated two days after Diwali, when sisters travel to their brothers' house and pray for their long life and prosperity. The transwomen, all of them members of state-based Manabi Foundation, a welfare organisation for the transgender people, gathered near Kolkata's Girish Park area on Friday afternoon and blessed the street kids by applying vermilion and sandal paste tilaks on their foreheads. "This is an initiative to bring the marginalised and the mainstream together. Street kids often do not get the chance to have 'bhai-phota'. Also, the transwomen are not given a chance to observe the ritual as most of them are still not considered to be a part of the mainstream society," India's first transgender college principal Manabi Bandyopadhyay, who is also the head of the organisation told IANS. "This year six or seven of our transwomen gave Bhai-phota to 20 street children and offered them sweetmeats as part of the ritual. Humanity is our biggest identity. I feel everyone should have the right to celebrate such social occasions. We need more such events to help the transgenders overcome the loneliness and negligence from the society," she said. Some transwomen of the Foundation also celebrated the occasion with a group of sex workers from Kolkata's Sonagachi, considered to be Asia's largest red light area, on Thursday. --IANS mgr/mag/sed (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump have left for Paris to attend a ceremony commemorating 100 years since the end of the World War I. Administration officials have said that the President will use the moment to underscore the essential role the US played in restoring European peace and security, CNN reported on Friday. The President confirmed his attendance at the centenary event after determining in August that the $90 million price tag for the military parade he had commissioned in Washington was too steep. He said then that he would "go to the Paris parade" instead. During his trip, Trump will visit two burial grounds near Paris set aside for some of the roughly 117,000 American military personnel who died in World War I. On Sunday -- Veterans Day in the US -- he will deliver remarks from Suresnes, the American cemetery perched on the side of Mont Valerien. The only leader Trump will formally meet is his host, French President Emmanuel Macron. --IANS ksk/sed (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Geneva, Nov 9 (IANS/WAM) A United Arab Emirates (UAE) delegation attended a high-level international conference on Afghanistan in Geneva. The delegation was headed by Ahmed Al Hameli, Director of West Asia Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The UAE's participation in the conference comes as part of the country's support for the development and stability of Afghanistan, which is vital for the stability of the region at large. The conference was attended by representatives of 50 countries and international organisations. --IANS/WAM ksk/sed (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Thousands of demonstrators across the US have called on President Donald Trump's administration to maintain the investigation into the alleged Russian 2016 presidential election meddling, led by Special Counsel Robert Mueller. The dismissal of Attorney General Jeff Sessions, and the provisional appointment of Matthew Whitaker in his place, who is critical of Mueller and the investigation, raised fears that the Department of Justice will finally comply with Trump's desire to close it. In Washington, hundreds of people protested, some holding candles, in Lafayette Park in front of the White House, shouting "nobody is above the law", reports Efe news. The protesters had such a powerful loudspeaker that these slogans were heard in the West Wing of the White House. One of the largest marches in the country was in New York, where hundreds of people gathered in Times Square. The national call of various platforms and organisations was also echoed in Oakland (California), Boston (Massachusetts), Chicago (Illinois), Charlottesville (Virginia), Chattanooga (Tennessee), Louisville (Kentucky) and Orlando (Florida) among many other cities. Trump fired Sessions on Wednesday after months of tension. The President never forgave him for recusing himself from the investigation of the alleged Russian meddling, due to his contacts with Moscow during the presidential election campaign. Trump appointed Whitaker and granted him the authority to oversee Mueller's investigations, taking it from Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who had that responsibility for a year and a half. Last year, Whitaker said on TV that Mueller was "dangerously close to crossing" a "red line", in reference to his inquiry, which he called "ridiculous", about Trump's possible financial ties with Russia and said he was in favour of limiting it. That has raised fears that, now he is at the forefront of Mueller's investigation, he may limit its scope or cut its budget. --IANS ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In its efforts to mount pressure on the government for bringing a law to construct a grand Ram temple, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Friday announced that it would hold several rallies across the country beginning November 25 from Ayodhya. "The VHP has been demanding that the government bring a law at the earliest to build a grand Ram temple at Ayodhya. We will be holding countrywide rallies from November 25 followed by other rallies in December," VHP spokesperson Vinod Bansal told IANS. He said that the organisation will be holding three rallies in Ayodhya, Nagpur and Bengaluru on November 25. It will be followed by a grand rally in the national capital on December 9. "Lakhs of Ram bhakts will participate in these rallies. And ultimately, we will wage a nation-wide movement from December 18," he said. After a day-long meeting of 'sants,' the VHP had announced holding of public meetings in each and every parliamentary constituency and said that the delegations of sants will meet their MPs and urge them to make a law in Parliament. As the Supreme Court adjourned the hearing of the Ram Janmabhoomi appeals to 2019, the RSS and the VHP have been demanding that the central government enact a law in Parliament's Winter Session for constructing a Ram temple. The VHP's call comes ahead of a two-day Dharm Sansad in January in Allahabd to discuss the Ram temple issue. --IANS bns-vn/vsc/sed (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US President Donald Trump's administration has said it would restrict the ability of those crossing illegally to seek asylum in the country's southern border. The rule becomes effective once a presidential proclamation is issued, CNN quoted senior administration officials as saying on Thursday. The administration announced the new federal rule, issued by the Department of Homeland Security and the Justice Department, that will limit eligibility for asylum seekers coming from Mexico. The interim rule, which is set to be published in the Federal Register on Friday, states that "if applied to a proclamation suspending the entry of aliens who cross the southern border unlawfully, would bar such aliens from eligibility for asylum and thereby channel inadmissible aliens to ports of entry, where they would be processed in a controlled, orderly and lawful manner". It adds that "aliens who enter prior to the effective date of an applicable proclamation will not be subject to the asylum eligibility bar unless they depart and re-enter while the proclamation remains in effect". The regulation will also amend the screening process for aliens subject to a bar on asylum eligibility, a senior administration official said. However, it does not specify whom it applies to. "We do not expect one action to solve immigration problems," the officials said. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) called the rule "illegal", CNN said. "US law specifically allows individuals to apply for asylum whether or not they are at a port of entry. It is illegal to circumvent that by agency or presidential decree," said Omar Jadwat, Director of the ACLU's Immigrants' Rights Project. Trump first revealed plans to take unilateral steps during a rambling and detail-free speech from the White House last week. --IANS ksk/sed (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A raging wildfire forced thousands of residents of a California town to flee from their homes, with dozens still trapped inside the fire zone, the authorities said. The northern California town, called Paradise, is about 150 km north of Sacramento, the state capital, reports Xinhua news agency. "The whole town's on fire," Scott Lotter, a town councilman who evacuated with his family, told the media on Thursday, adding, "It's pretty grim." Video posted online showed that the blaze devoured trees and houses along the highway. A thick, dark plume of smoke filled the sky in the video. Fueled by steady winds and dry grass, the blaze, dubbed Camp Fire, was first reported at about 6.30 a.m. on Thursday and it rapidly exploded to an estimated 18,000 acres by 2.30 p.m. Cal Fire said the fire had zero containment so far. --IANS ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Delhi used to be a village before it binged on steroids to become a megapolis which, some say, still isnt cosmopolitan, and no one exemplifies this more than the connected Dilliwalla. This is the Delhi boy who went to school in Delhi, whose buddies are now bureaucrats, or heads of companies, or hotels, whos familiar with every nook and cranny of the city and not just its posh parts, and who can help to move stuck files, get club memberships, or open doors. Hes the one hogging conversations at friends homes, stuck to the bar in the institute, ... Senator Gregorio Honasan II on Friday said he is accepting the post as secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology. For a better Philippines, a better government, for the Filipino people, and for a better future for our most precious children; I have decided to accept the offer of the President to help lead the DICT, Honasan said in a statement. President Rodrigo Duterte, in a media interview in Boracay, Aklan on Thursday, confirmed he offered the post of DICT secretary to Honasan. I think hes considering the possibility. On my part, I invited him. I said, if you are not doing anything and if you will not run again... why dont you join me in a quest for a better Philippines and a better government, he said. Senate President Vicente Sotto III earlier said the appointment of Honasan may come as early as Monday, Nov. 12. In the Kapihan sa Manila Bay media forum on Nov. 7, Sotto said Honasans impending appointment to the DICT has been discussed during a meeting with Duterte on Oct. 29. Honasan will replace DICT Acting Secretary Eliseo Rio Jr. Malacanang expressed optimism that Honasan would steer the DICT in good direction. Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said the Duterte administration is glad that Honasan accepted the offer to join the Cabinet. We are confident that the senator would provide good direction and sound management to the DICT, consistent with the Presidents priority programs beneficial to Filipino consumers in the areas of information, communications, and technology, Panelo said in a statement. The Palace official also added the entry of Mislatel Consortium, as the provisional new major player in the telecommunications industry, would help Honasan in his functions. Honasan, chairman of the Senate defense committee, will end his fourth Senate term next year. He also served as a Senator from 1995 to 2001, 2007 to 2013 and 2013 to 2019.Honasan will join the roster of former military appointees in the Duterte Cabinet such as retired Army Chief Rolando Bautista as Social Welfare secretary, former Armed Forces Chief of Staff Roy Cimatu as Environment chief, and former Armed Forces Chief of Staff Eduardo Ano as the secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government. Senator Panfilo Lacson said Friday his first piece of advice to Honasan was to replace his Jurassic cellphone so that he at least appears to be a techie. He also said the appointment was important, given the key role the DICT can play. Sotto, meanwhile, said he knows Honasan will be of great value to the executive department, and expressed confidence that the Commission on Appointments would swiftly confirm him. Senator Paolo Benigno Aquino IV, chairman of the Senate science and technology committee, said he looks forward to working with Honasan to strengthen the ICT sector. Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto, principal author of the law creating the DICT, stressed that the immediate challenge before Honasan is to assure the public, the Senate included, that the third telco will not compromise national security and will be able to meet its rollout schedule and service deliverables on time. Many of the problems we confront todayfrom traffic to illiteracy to health carehave ICT solutions which can ease the pain they cause or make them totally go away, said Recto. Another area of concern, he said, is the nations defense against cyber attacks because an enemy with a missile is as dangerous as one with malware. He described Honasan as a silent workhorse in a chamber of show horses. He has always been after good policies not after good publicity, he said. Greg takes the helm of an agency whose policies affect every Filipino who has a cellphone in his pocket and a social media account in his name, Recto said. This is so because broadband is now the third utility, after water and power. It needs to be improved because every 10 percentage points increase in broadband penetration is said to boost gross domestic product by 1 percent. The income-tax (I-T) department has launched a major operation to investigate cases of illegal funds and properties stashed abroad by Indians. There were recent reports that the I-T department has launched investigations against at least 7,500 Indians who have bought properties in Dubai in the last few years. Purchasing a property abroad can get complex depending on the structure that a buyer uses for the transaction. The tax department may want to know the source of funds and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) wants to know whether the individual stuck to the Liberalised ... A day ahead of 'Tipu Jayanti', the on Friday staged protests against Karnataka government-sponsored celebrations for the birth anniversary of the controversial 18th century ruler of erstwhile Mysore kingdom, Tipu Sultan. The party, which has appealed to the government to drop the celebrations, staged demonstrations at several places including Bengaluru, Mysuru and Kodagu, in the state. The JDS-Congress coalition government led by Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, last week, had said would be celebrated on November 10 in continuation of the previous Congress government's policy, prompting the to announce protests. However, Kumaraswamy is not scheduled to attend main function here to be inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara. The Chief Minister's Office in a statement said on Friday that Kumaraswamy would not take part in any official function for the next three days in view of "doctors' advice." On the advice of doctors, the chief minister will take three days rest till November 11. He will spend time with family on these days and there will be no official engagements on these days, it said. Minister for Minority Welfare, Haj and Wakf B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan said the chief minister had told officials before hand that he would be away for medical check-up and hence, his name should not be mentioned in the invitation. Police said security has been tightened at sensitive places, including Bengaluru, Mangaluru and Kodagu. An official said the function in Bengaluru would be held at the Vidhana Soudha, the seat of the state legislature, as the original venue, in view of representations to the government from Mulsim community leaders. Parameshwara, who also holds the Home portfolio, had on November 5 announced that the venue had been shifted to Ravindra Kalakshetra here on advice of the police department owing to security reasons. He had said strict action would be taken against anyone causing riots or disturbing peace. celebration events should be organised indoors and posters and banners would be allowed there only, he had said, adding that social media posts would also be monitored and action would be taken if they were derogatory. The previous Congress government, led by Siddaramaiah, began celebrating "Tipu Jayanti" on November 10 every year since 2015, amid stiff opposition by the BJP, several Hindu organisations and some individuals. Widespread protests and violence had marred the celebrations during the first two years. leaders, including former deputy chief minister R Ashok, B Y Raghavendra and MLC Ravi Kumar, took part in the agitation here and accused the state government of "hurting" the sentiments of Hindus only to appease Muslims. They said Tipu was accused of killing thousands of people in Kodagu and Mandyam Iyengars of Melukote near Mysuru. Tipu was a tyrant and a religious fanatic. Those who tried to exalt him suffered huge losses, BJP MP Pratap Simha claimed. The BJP also took a dig at Kumaraswamy's absence in the event. Party spokesperson S Prakash quipped that the chief minister was avoiding taking part in Tipu was a ruler of Mysore and considered an implacable enemy of the British East India Company. He was killed in May 1799 while defending his fort at Srirangapatna against the British forces. While BJP and some Hindu outfits see Tipu as a "religious bigot" and a "brutal killer", some Kannada outfits call him anti-Kannada, saying that he had promoted Persian at the cost of the local language. The on Friday demanded a White Paper on what was achieved by "imposing" that, the party claimed, adversely effected the country's economy. Senior leader said the prime minister has not answered to queries raised by the party and former prime minister on and the government should come out with a White Paper. He was talking to reporters after joining the Youth workers in a protest outside the (RBI) office in the capital. Senior Congress leaders, including Gehlot, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Anand Sharma and Mukul Wasnik, were later detained by and taken to the Parliament Street police station, for staging the protest. "Our demand is that the prime minister should issue a White Paper that whatever you did, was wrong, or right. I have never heard this language before that the finance minister is saying that if the RBI governor wants to go, then he can go but we will continue our demand," he told reporters. Alleging that the dispensation is subverting "institutions that are the pillars on which the country is standing", he asked, "Has Prime Minister Modi taken a contract to ruin all these institutions?" Sharma said Modi took an "arbitrary and reckless" decision on demonetisation, which, actually slashed away 86 per cent of India's currency in circulation and he had given reasons that it was black money which has tarnished the image of India abroad. "This was people's money; hard earned money of our farmers, of our employees, of our factory workers and the small businesses. Now, all that money has come back as per the RBI. What has the prime minister got to say? "It is the Indian economy which suffered. People lost their jobs, not in lakhs but in crores, many businesses shut down and many not have opened back since. So, the Indian economy has still not recovered from the loss he caused. Prime Minister remains in arrogant denial. Instead of apologizing, he has let loose, this repression on the opposition," Sharma said. Gehlot said Modi imposed the decision of on the country, even when the Reserve Bank Board did not agree with him and said that it would not help achieve the desired results of eradicating black money and fake notes. Ten years after her estranged husband passed away, a woman's plea challenging their divorce by mutual consent was allowed by the Delhi High Court which set it aside by saying that she had not consented to the trial court's decision. Justice Anu Malhotra said that under the Hindu Marriage Act, divorce by mutual consent can be granted only if there was continued consent of both parties up to the date of decision. The high court noted that in the instant case the woman was absent when the lower court had passed the order. "In the absence of the continued mutual consent a decree of divorce under Section 13 B(2) of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 as amended cannot be granted. From the absence of one of the parties before the trial court, the presumption of consent for divorce cannot be attributed to that party as consent needs to continue till the date of the decree of divorce...," the high court said. It further said that trial court was under the law obligated to hear the parties to ascertain their consent, but this was "clearly not done in the instant case" as the woman was not present when the decree of divorce was granted on October 6, 2007. Four years after their marriage in February 2001, the husband had moved the trial court in May 2005 seeking divorce on the ground of cruelty. However, during the proceedings, they had negotiated a settlement under which they had agreed to file a petition for divorce by mutual consent and part ways. According to the settlement agreement, the man had to pay Rs 15 lakh as alimony to her, the high court noted. The high court also noted that according to the trial court records, the woman had later said that she would agree for divorce by mutual consent only after she was paid Rs 28 lakh. The trial court had observed that the man had already paid Rs eight lakh to her and that she was trying to "extort" more money from him. It had dismissed her plea to withdraw her consent and granted the decree of divorce by mutual consent. The trial court had said the woman was free to collect the four demand drafts totalling Rs eight lakh submitted by the man. She had challenged the decision in the high court, saying that she had not consented to the decision and that she was absent on the date of the order. During the appeal proceedings, in the high court, the man had expired in 2008 and later his mother also passed away. The high court, referring to decisions of the Supreme Court, said the appeal was maintainable even after the man's death against his legal heirs. It also agreed with the woman that there was no continued consent to the trial court's decision by her and set aside the decree of divorce by mutual consent. The high court, however, said that the Rs eight lakh, which had been kept in fixed deposit during the appeal proceedings, be handed over along with the accrued interest to the man's father. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Amid strains in the marriage of former Bihar chief minister Lalu Prasad Yadav's son Tej Pratap Yadav, an 11-day puja was performed at the Maa Vindhyavasini Devi temple here, a priest said Friday. Lalu Yadav's family members have immense faith in the goddess enshrined there and have been frequent visitors to the temple in eastern Uttar Pradesh, bordering Bihar, said priest Raj Mishra. The priest said he performed the 'havan puja' for them so that they can overcome their current problems. "A havan puja was held for 11 days to please the 'grah nakshatra' and for peace in the entire family," Mishra said. He said he talked over the phone with Tej Pratap Yadav, who asked him to pray to the goddess. Yadav could not be contacted to confirm this. "I have been talking to him and the family all through, ever since the present problems surfaced. We held special prayers to the goddess for the entire family to overcome them," the priest said. Mishra said he got the puja conducted by 11 priests and the 'purnahuti', marking the end of the prayers, was performed on Thursday night. Tej Pratap Yadav, a former Bihar minister who has been in the for his failing marriage, Friday said he is currently in Haridwar. He told a tv channel that he would not return home until his family backs his decision to divorce his wife of six months. The Rashtriya Janata Dal leader was seen Saturday in Bodh Gaya, where he had checked in at a hotel after meeting his ailing father at a hospital in Ranchi. Lalu Prasad Yadav is learnt to have been upset over his elder son's decision to seek divorce. The former chief minister is serving sentences in a number of fodder scam cases. At present, he is lodged at a hospital in Ranchi on medical grounds. Tej Pratap Yadav and Aishwarya Rai -- daughter of RJD MLA Chandrika Rai and grandchild of former Bihar chief minister Daroga Prasad Rai -- had married on May 12. "Our differences are irreconcilable. I had said this to my parents before the marriage was solemnised. But nobody listened to me then and nobody is listening to me now, the former Bihar minister has said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A total of 110 Huthi rebels have been killed in 24 hours of clashes in western Yemen's Hodeida along with 22 pro-government troops fighting to retake the port city, medical sources said Friday. The latest deaths raised to 382 the number of fighters killed on both sides since the battle for Hodeida intensified on November 1. According to two doctors at two different hospitals in Hodeida, 55 rebels were killed during clashes and an air strike inside the city and across the province. A third doctor and a rescuer said that 55 other Huthis were killed in fighting inside the port city and that their bodies had been transferred to the capital Sanaa, which the rebels control. A loyalist military official reported the deaths of 22 pro-government fighters also during the past 24 hours. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The US has carried out a total of 409 drone attacks in Pakistan since January 2004, killing 2,714 people and injuring 728 others, a media report said on Friday. The attacks over the years have targeted the areas of Bajaur, Bannu, Hangu, Khyber, Kurram, Mohmand, North Waziristan, Nushki, Orakzai, and South Waziristan, Dawn reported. Majority of the drone strikes were carried out during the government of the Pakistan Peoples Party between 2008 and 2012. Citing sources within the National Counter Terrorism Authority (Nacta), the paper said the period saw 336 aerial attacks, in which 2,282 people lost their lives and 658 received injuries. The officials said that 2010 alone saw 117 attacks that killed 775 people and injured 193 others. Between 2013 and 2018 -- during the government of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz -- 65 drone attacks occurred in which 301 people were killed and 70 others injured. In 2018, two drone attacks killed one person and injured another. The top leadership of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan has been killed in drone attacks. Taliban chief Mullah Akhtar Mansour was killed in one of such strikes in 2016. Days after Mullah Mansour's killing, then Pakistan army chief General Raheel Sharif had said: "US drone strikes in Pakistani territory are regrettable and must stop." Pakistan opposes drone strikes, saying they violate its sovereignty. The officials said that 289 attacks were conducted in North Waziristan alone, in which 1,651 individuals were killed and 421 others injured. South Waziristan saw 91 attacks that killed 707 individuals and injured 215. There were 13 strikes in the Kurram Agency that killed 110 and injured 32, five in the Khyber Agency that killed 57 and injured 29, four in the Bajaur Agency that killed 129, two in Hangu that killed seven and injured two, one in the Mohmand Agency that killed 18 and one in Nushki that killed two. Quoting officials, the paper said that at least 19,177 civilians and officials have been killed so far and 47,869 others injured in the 18,850 terror related attacks in Pakistan since 2001. The attacks, they said, mostly targeted Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) and were carried out through different methods that included bomb explosions, hand grenade attacks, mine explosions, missiles, rockets, and suicide attacks. Terrorists also targeted minorities to instigate sectarian violence and employed sophisticated methods, including the usage of Improvised Explosive Devices - vehicle explosive devices as well as radio controlled improvised devices, the paper said. In 2018, at least 405 terrorist attacks took place in the country, killing 133 officials and 233 civilians. In Punjab, 14 incidents of bomb blasts, suicide attacks and engagements with terrorists led to the deaths of six LEA officials and as many civilians this year. Sindh has seen 11 incidents of terror related attacks, which included strikes on LEAs, through bomb explosions, hand grenade attacks and general aggressive engagement with terrorists. Two LEA officials and as many civilians lost their lives in the attacks. There were 51 incidents of targeting LEAs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa this year, resulting in the death of 21 personnel and 11 civilians. In Balochistan, 172 terror-related incidents were recorded, resulting in the death of 58 personnel and 193 civilians. In Fata, 42 personnel and 21 civilians were killed in 150 terror attacks this year. The paper reported that capital Islamabad has remained safe so far in the year. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two wagons of a goods train caught fire near Dahanu in Palghar district of Maharashtra late on Thursday night, as a result of which rail services on this route were affected, officials said. After the incident, the Western Railway (WR) cancelled a couple of long-distance trains. Besides, at least 10 long-distance trains were halted and suburban train services between Virar and Dahanu Road stations were stopped till Friday morning, they said. However, the services were restored by 9.10 am on Friday, they said. According to a railway official, the incident took place late on Thursday night between Dahanu Road and Vangaon Railway Stations. "The fire incident was reported at 10.35 pm. The 15th and 16th wagons of the goods train that was coming from Vadodara to JNPT in Mumbai caught fire. Due to the blaze and heat, the overhead wire equipment melted," a senior official said. After being alerted about the incident, senior WR officials rushed to the site and work on overhead wire restoration was taken up. The fire brigade, Railway Police Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) rushed to the spot, a police official said, adding that the blaze was doused around 2 am. At least 10 long-distance trains were halted as a result of the incident, the police official added. The WR cancelled some long-distance trains. "Train 59024/59023 (Valsad-Mumbai Central-Valsad) and 12935 (Bandra T- Surat) are cancelled today, while train no. 22954 (Ahmedabad-Mumbai Central) is short terminated at Surat," the WR said in a tweet. A WR official said, "The suburban services between Dahanu Road and Virar stations were stopped after the incident. However, the train services, including those on the suburban route, were restored by 9.10 am on Friday." A probe is underway to ascertain the exact cause of the fire, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Three IRS officers have been appointed as new members in the CBDT, the policy-making body for the Income Tax (I-T) Department. The officers P K Dash, Akhilesh Ranjan and Neena Kumar, are from the 1982-batch of the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) and have taken charge of their posts in the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT). While Dash was till now serving as the principal chief commissioner of I-T (PCCIT) in Bhopal, Ranjan and Kumar have been serving as the PCCsIT in Delhi. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had issued the order for their appointment on November 6. With the new joinings, the CBDT is now a full house after a long time. The board has a strength of five members and a chairman. The two other members of the CBDT are IRS officers Aditya Vikram and P C Mody while the borad's Chairman is Sushil Chandra. The CBDT frames policy for the I-T Department that is tasked to enforce direct tax laws in the country. It functions under the Union finance ministry. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Five people died when the earth caved in Bihar's Samastipur district on Friday while they were digging it to make earthen ovens for the 'Chhath' festival. The incident happened in the morning at Nazirpur village -- 80 km east of Patna. Local villagers said eleven people were digging the soil to make earthen ovens for preparing prasad during the four-day 'Chhath' festival that begins on Sunday. Five people, including two women and a minor, died on the spot and six were injured after a mound of earth fell on them, District Magistrate (DM) Chandrashekhar Prasad Singh told PTI. The deceased have been identified as Amit Kumar (15), Runa Devi (30), Ram Kumari Devi (35), Lal Paswan (43) and Shivji Singh (50), the district magistrate said. The injured have been admitted to a hospital, the official said, adding that the kin of the deceased would be provided financial assistance. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) THE Metro Manila Development Authority is set to deploy 1,500 traffic auxiliaries from various local government offices in the National Capital Region to assist the agency in managing the anticipated monstrous traffic during the holiday season. In a press briefing held on Friday, MMDA general manager Jose Arturo Garcia Jr. said he sought the assistance of city administrators and local traffic bureau officials in Metro Manila about fielding traffic auxiliaries to help ease traffic, with the number of vehicles increasing by as much as 20 percent during the holiday rush. We need to boost the manpower all over the metropolis. Eighty traffic auxiliaries per city will help manage traffic in critical areas, said Garcia. The focus of their deployment would be on national roads, Mabuhay Lanes and its adjoining roads and other traffic-congested thoroughfares effective Nov. 16. Garcia called on the traffic officials to issue citation tickets on illegal parking violators and those obstructing the roads. He also asked the LGU representatives to strictly implement the one-side parking to ease traffic in their localities.Representatives from local government units of Mandaluyong, Makati, Pateros, Pasay, Marikina, Navotas, Malabon, San Juan, Caloocan, Muntinlupa, Pasig, and Las Pinas attended the meeting held at the MMDA headquarters on Thursday. Garcia acknowledged that traffic was getting heavier on Epifanio de los Santos Avenue and other major roads leading to commercial establishments as the Yuletide season draws near. Since Nov. 5, shopping mall operators on Edsa have started adjusting their mall operating hours, opening at 11 am, an hour late from their original 10 am schedule. Other traffic mitigating measures initiated under the leadership of MMDA chairman Danilo Lim concerning malls are prohibition of weekday sales and limitation of delivery for non-perishable goods at night-time. The moratorium on road diggings and repairs has also started on Nov. 5. Only government flagship projects and emergency projects are exempted from the suspension. A delegation of AAP leaders met Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik on Friday demanding registration of a case against the BJP's city unit chief Manoj Tiwari in connection with ruckus during the inauguration of the Signature Bridge last week. AAP's Rajya Sabha member N D Gupta provided an eyewitness account of the incident in a complaint letter, alleging that Tiwari and his supporters entered the Signature Bridge as part of a "pre-planned conspiracy" with the intention of "committing violence and assaulting" Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his council of ministers. The Delhi Police has registered three FIRs in connection with the incident, including one against AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan who was accused of pushing Tiwari and threatening him at the event. One case each has been registered on complaints of BJP and AAP workers. Alleging police "inaction", Gupta said he and another party MP, Sushil Gupta, witnessed the incident and were ready to record their statements. "In my view, police is duty-bound to register an FIR against Tiwari and other hoodlums who committed serious cognizable offence by obstructing public servants on duty and assaulting them," Gupta said. The delegation also offered to provide "whatever evidence police required" for a speedy probe into the incident. Senior AAP leader Raghav Chadha and party MLA Sanjiv Jha were part of the delegation. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Dr Raman Singh, who has been ruling Chhattisgarh for a record 15 years in its 18-year history, feels he still has a lot to do in the state and Delhi is far away for him as of now. Singh said he is fully satisfied with his three terms as the chief minister and he has been getting a lot of love from the people of the state. "As of now, I believe that 'Dilli door hai' (Delhi is far away). It's a pleasure to work here in Chhattisgarh and there is a lot to work here," Singh told PTI in an interview here. He was replying to questions on what role does he see for himself in the next phase of his political career and whether it would include shifting to Delhi for a national-level stint. There have been talks in some quarters that Singh and a few other senior BJP leaders from various states may be shifted to the Centre, though there has been no official word on this from the ruling party or its top leaders. The 66-year-old BJP veteran, who was a practising ayurvedic doctor before taking the plunge into in 1980s, became Chhattisgarh's chief minister in December 2003, after the saffron party snatched power from the Congress just about three years after the state was carved out of Madhya Pradesh. Before being sent to lead the BJP's charge against the then ruling Congress in Chhattisgarh in 2003, Singh was serving as a union minister in the then NDA government headed by Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Leading the BJP's bid again to retain power in Chhattisgarh in the upcoming assembly elections, Singh said there is a "pro-incumbency" wave in the state on the basis of the work his government has done in the agriculture sector and the effective functioning of the public distribution system. Opposition leaders have been talking about a strong anti-incumbency wave against Singh. Confident of winning his fourth term as chief minister, Singh said the state polls might have some impact on the Lok Sabha election next year but it should not be seen as a referendum on the Narendra Modi government at the Centre. Many political pundits have called the upcoming assembly polls in five states -- Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Telangana and Mizoram -- as semi-finals before the 2019 Lok Sabha election, when Prime Minister Modi will make his bid for a second term with his BJP eyeing to project him as a nationwide mascot of the party. The state elections have become more interesting with a direct fight between the ruling BJP and the Congress in at least three of these five states. Among the five states, Chhattisgarh is the first to go to polls in a multi-phase voting. The voting will take place for a total of 18 seats of Chhattisgarh assembly in the first phase on November 12, including for Singh's own Rajnandgaon constituency, while the remaining 72 seats in the state will go to polls in the second phase on November 20. The counting for all 90 seats will take place on December 11, along with the same for the four other states -- neighbouring Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Rajasthan and Mizoram. Voting will take place in Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram on November 28; and in Rajasthan and Telangana on December 7. Chhattisgarh itself has over 1.85 crore registered voters, while it is over 5 crore in Madhya Pradesh and about 4.75 crore in Rajasthan. Mizoram has more than 7.6 lakh voters while the same for Telangana is about 2.6 crore. The number of assembly seats in Madhya Pradesh is 230, in Rajasthan 200, Telangana 119 and in Mizoram 40. In Chhattisgarh, MP and Rajasthan, the ruling BJP is pitted directly against the Congress, even as the presence of the Mayawati-led Bahujan Samaj Party's alliance with former Chhattisgarh chief minister Ajit Jogi's party has made the contest more interesting in that state. Besides, the Congress's plan to forge a broad-based anti-BJP alliance has failed to fructify fully in all poll-bound states. Modi got a thumping majority in 2014 Lok Sabha polls, while Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan were among the states where the BJP won big. The chief minister said one of his focus areas in the next term would be to establish complete peace in the Naxal-hit Bastar region. With Naxal violence back in limelight, the opposition leaders in their campaign rallies have been accusing the Raman Singh government of failing on the security front. Singh said anger for Naxals is still there is the Bastar region and it would be his priority to ensure peace in the region if voted to power again. On Salwa Judum, Singh said the movement emerged due to anger among people towards Naxals, which is still there but such movements could not last long. In 2011, the Supreme Court had ordered disbanding of the anti-Naxal force after calling it illegal and unconstitutional. Salma Judum was mobilised in 2005 by the late Congress leader Mahendra Karma, who was assassinated by Naxals in 2013, as a vigilante force against the left-wing extremists. While many had described it as a spontaneous uprising of tribals against the violence in the Bastar region, it had acquired a controversial reputation with allegations that the state administration supplied them arms and helped them recruit untrained locals as 'special police officers'. They were also accused of burning villages, assaulting people and forcing them out of their homes. In the 2013 election, the BJP got 49 seats while the Congress secured 39. The BSP got one. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Russia on Friday said no one should play "geopolitical games" in Afghanistan as Moscow hosted a major conference to create "favourable conditions" for the start of direct peace talks with the Taliban whose representatives were present at the meeting which was attended by India for the first time. Opening the second Moscow meeting on Afghanistan, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Russia and the countries of the region will continue to do everything possible to launch dialogue between Afghanistan's government and the Taliban, which is banned in Russia. "We are determined to make every possible effort to facilitate the opening of a new page in the history of Afghanistan," was quoted as saying by the state-run Tass agency. Addressing the gathering, Lavrov said the conference was "aimed at building an inclusive intra-Afghan dialogue in order to advance the national reconciliation process." The US Embassy in Moscow has sent a diplomat to observe Friday's discussions at the meeting which is being attended by representatives from Afghanistan, India, Iran, China, Pakistan and some other countries. India's former envoy to Afghanistan Amar Sinha and former Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan T.C.A. Raghavan are representing New Delhi at the Moscow meeting at a "non-official level". India's consistent policy has been that the peace talks should be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, and Afghan-controlled and with participation of the government of Afghanistan. In his address, Lavrov said, all countries of the region and the entire international community would like to see Afghanistan as a peaceful, independent and prospering country, free of terrorism and drug trafficking. At the same time, Lavrov said Afghanistan should not be used for "geopolitical games" and stressed the importance of preserving territorial integrity of the country. "Russia supports the preservation of a united and indivisible Afghanistan in which all ethnic groups populating the country could live peacefully and happily. I have no doubts that the other participants of the Moscow format share this approach and that we all go by basic national interests of the Afghan people," he said before the talks continued behind closed doors. "No one should think in terms of geopolitical games that may result in another transformation of Afghanistan into a field for competition between external players with drastic consequences both for the Afghans and their neighbors," the minister stressed. He said the issues Afghanistan has been facing can be resolved only through political means. "That said, we welcome the delegations of the Afghan High Peace Council and the Taliban movement," Lavrov said. "Their participation in today's event is intended to make an important contribution to efforts to create conditions for direct talks between the government, the Taliban movement, public and political circles." He outlined the threat posed by the Islamic State group in Afghanistan and said the group has relied on foreign sponsors in a bid to "turn Afghanistan into a springboard for its expansion in Central Asia."The first meeting on Afghanistan, proposed for September 4 of this year, was called off at the last moment after the Afghan government pulled out, describing its involvement in the Moscow meeting as "unnecessary" as the Taliban had "disrespected internationally-sanctioned principles and rejected the message of peace and direct negotiations."The Moscow conference comes a month after the Taliban held talks with US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, who is tasked with finding a negotiated end to Afghanistan's protracted and increasingly bloody war, in Qatar, where the Taliban maintain a political office. Taliban political chief Abbas Stanikzai led the five-member delegation that discussed with Khalilzad "ways of finding a peaceful end to the occupation of Afghanistan," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid had said at the time in a statement. On Thursday, Pakistan said the Afghan Taliban's former deputy chief Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar was released from jail at the request of the US as part of efforts to pursue a political settlement in war-torn country. Baradar, one of the four top commanders who formed the Afghan Taliban in 1994, was in custody since 2010 after his capture by Pakistani authorities in a search operation. The decision to free him was taken following the visit of US Special Envoy on Afghan Reconciliation, Khalilzad, to the region and his meetings with Taliban representatives in Doha, Qatar. The Trump administration has also intensified its efforts to seek a negotiated settlement of America's longest war. The US has lost more than 2,400 soldiers in Afghanistan since late 2001, when it invaded the country after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. President Donald Trump is keen to withdraw the approximately 14,000 American troops who remain in Afghanistan, a promise he made on the campaign trail. The US has said that it was ready to "support, facilitate and participate" in discussions with the Taliban over the role of international forces in Afghanistan but that the peace process would be Afghan-led. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) SGPC president Gobind Singh Longowal Friday held Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh responsible for the alleged distortion of Sikh history in the revised school textbooks and sought his apology. Talking to media persons here, Longowal said a special meet with various Sikh religious and scholars was organised in the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbhandhak Committee (SGPC) complex on Friday and it was decided that the Punjab CM must issue an unconditional apology. "If the CM doesn't tender an apology... the SGPC would be forced to adopt a legal remedy," he said. The Punjab chief minister had earlier clarified that the controversial text books of senior classes would not be introduced until an expert group reviews the matter. He had also directed the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) to continue with the existing history textbooks. Longowal further alleged that the "repeated distortions" were an attempt by the Congress government in Punjab to ensure that the future generations of Sikhs do not take pride in their heritage. "SGPC on it's part will not allow this conspiracy to succeed," he said, adding that that the body will not allow anyone to use derogatory words in history books against Sikh Gurus. "We can't tolerate this at any cost and are ready for any sacrifice to protect the honour and dignity of Gurus and Sikh religion," he added. Longowal said that the SGPC was all set to publish its Sikh religious books and will be reviewing those authored by historian Kirpal Singh who was instrumental in preparing the controversial history text books of the PSEB. "Keeping in view the gross distortion of facts in the 12thstandard text books, SGPC decided to disassociate itself from Kirpal Singh and the books published by SGPC and authored by him would also be reviewed," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has urged External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to take up with the Pakistan government the issue of opening the corridor from Dera Baba Nanak to Kartarpur Sahib. In a letter to Swaraj, the chief minister said Kartarpur Sahib in Narowal district of Pakistan's Punjab province was one of the most-revered religious places for Sikhs as Guru Nanak spent a large part of his life there, an official statement said Friday. Pointing out that the gurdwara lies around four km westwards from Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district, he said the state government had, time and again, requested the Centre to take up the issue with the neighbouring country on the opening a corridor from the international border to Kartarpur Sahib. Referring to the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak in November, the chief minister apprised Swaraj that the Punjab assembly had passed a unanimous resolution on August 27, seeking uninterrupted opening of the corridor. It may be recalled that Amarinder had requested Swaraj in August to take up the matter. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) : Police have prepared a verification album with photographs of 150 persons allegedly involved in the attack on a 52-year-old woman pilgrim, when she visited the Lord Ayyappa shrine on November 5. The album has been sent to the Superintendentts of Police of all districts for verification, police sources said. Tension had prevailed at the Lord Ayyappa temple here Tuesday as nearly 200 frenzied devotees tried to prevent the woman pilgrim, whom they suspected to be of menstrual age, from offering prayers at the shrine. Police had also registered cases against 200 "identifiable" persons. The Ayyappa temple had been opened for two days on November 5 and 6 for the "Sree Chitira Atta Thirunal" ritual. It was the second time in three weeks that the shrine was opened amid unprecedented security over apprehension of protests by those opposing the Supreme Court order, allowing women of menstrual age there. Kerala Police Friday informed that all vehicles coming to Sabarimala for the annual Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrim season,starting on November 17 should acquire a police 'pass'. The passes would be available for the vehicles from their concerned police stations. "The pass facility has been started to ensure proper parking for the vehicles of the pilgrims at Nilackal," Police Chief Lokanath Behera said in a release. The pass, which will carry the date of travel to the shrine, must be affixed on the front windshield of the vehicle, police said. Vehicles without a pass would have to wait for a vacant space or would be diverted to a convenient area. The parking facility has been completely shifted to Nilackal after the recent floods. The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation had earlier said that they could ply bus services till Pamba. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Austria has a launched a probe into a colonel suspected of spying for Russia for several decades, Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said Friday, the latest in a string of cases where Moscow has been accused of espionage in EU states. Kurz told a press conference that the 70-year-old army official, now retired, is suspected to have begun working with Russian intelligence in the 1990s and carried on until 2018. The public prosecutor's office in Salzburg province confirmed the colonel was being investigated for the crime of revealing state secrets. Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl has summoned the Russian charge d'affaires over the matter and cancelled an upcoming trip to Russia. Russia's foreign ministry meanwhile said it was calling in the Austrian ambassador to discuss the issue. "Of course if such cases are confirmed, whether it be in the Netherlands or in Austria, it can't improve the relationship between the EU and Russia," Kurz told reporters in Vienna. He was referring to the expulsion of four Russian agents by the Netherlands in April for allegedly planning a cyber-attack on the world's chemical weapons watchdog in The Hague. "Russian spying in Europe is unacceptable and to be condemned," the chancellor added. He said that Austria was "demanding transparent information from the Russian side" and that it would consult its European partners on further steps. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said he had been "unpleasantly surprised" by the from Vienna. "Recently our Western partners have made it a rule not to use traditional diplomacy, but instead so-called 'megaphone diplomacy' by publicly accusing us and for explanations about matters we know nothing about," he told a press conference. "We will call (the Austrian ambassador's) attention to the methods that must be used if you have questions to put to Russia," Lavrov added. Austrian Defence Minister Mario Kunasek said the case came to light "a few weeks ago" as a result of information from another European intelligence agency. "We can't say for the moment whether this is an isolated incident or not," Kunasek said. He said that the colonel had handed over "technical equipment" including his laptop which was now being examined. Kunasek said that under questioning, the colonel said the Russians had been interested "in weapons systems, in the migration situation here in Austria in recent years". "Profiles of certain people were also created and passed on," Kunasek said. The case indicated that "even after the end of the Cold War, spying has continued and shows us the need to tighten our security network, within Austria and within the defence ministry," Kunasek said. According to Austrian press reports, the colonel was paid 300,000 euros (USD 340,000) for his services. Austria is not a member of NATO and sets great store by its status as a neutral country. As such it was one of the few European countries not to expel Russian diplomats following the poisoning of ex-spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in Britain in March. Austria's relationship with Russia has come under particular scrutiny since the far-right Freedom Party (FPOe) entered government in coalition last December. The FPOe -- which nominated Kneissl and of which Kunasek is also a member -- has had a "cooperation pact" with Russian President Vladimir Putin's United Russia party since 2016. In August, Kneissl caused controversy by inviting Putin as a guest of honour to her wedding. In addition, the FPOe Interior Minister Herbert Kickl admitted in September that Austria had been asked to take "trust-building measures" to retain cooperation with allied secret services. It followed reports that Western secret services were increasingly wary of sharing information with Austria over concerns it could be passed to Moscow. Earlier this week the Austrian Falter weekly published what it said was a document from the Finnish domestic intelligence agency in which it asked for information from partner countries but specifically excluded Vienna's BVT agency. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A retired colonel in the Austrian army is suspected of having spied for Russia for several decades, Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said on Friday. Kurz told a press conference that the colonel is suspected to have begun working with Russian intelligence in the 1990s and carried on until 2018. Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl has summoned the Russian ambassador over the matter and cancelled an upcoming trip to Russia, Kurz added. "Of course if such cases are confirmed, whether it be in the Netherlands or in Austria, it can't improve the relationship between the EU and Russia," Kurz said. He was referring to the expulsion of four Russian agents by the Netherlands in April for allegedly planning a cyber-attack on the world's chemical weapons watchdog in The Hague. "Russian spying in Europe is unacceptable and to be condemned," Kurz added. Austrian Defence Minister Mario Kunasek told the press conference that the case came to light "a few weeks ago" as a result of information from another European intelligence agency. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The war of words between the BJP and the Congress has intensified ahead of the November 28 polling in Madhya Pradesh with both parties raising a range of issues to attack each other. While the Congress accused the BJP of raking up the issues of Pakistan and Ram temple to ward off an impending electoral defeat, the ruling party said the main opposition outfit is feeling like a "fish out of water" since it lost power in Madhya Pradesh 15 years ago. Talking to reporters at Indore Friday, Congress national spokesperson Shakeel Ahmad said the BJP starts taking the name of Pakistan whenever it senses defeat in elections. It also starts doing in the name of Lord Rama when elections are just around the corner, he said. Asked about the Congress' stand on the Ram temple issue, he said, "This matter is being heard at the Supreme Court. We will surely react if Prime Minister Narendra Modi makes any statement about construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya." The Congress leader said, "If the BJP government at the Centre wants to build a Ram temple in Ayodhya then why it is not brining an ordinance? This government is only trying to deceive people in the name of Lord Rama." Ahmad said India's key defence needs were ignored in the controversial Rafale deal. Meanwhile, Union Minister for Minority Affairs and BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi hit out at the Congress. Talking to journalists at Mandsaur while accompanying local BJP candidate Yashpal Singh Sisodiya for filing his nomination papers, Naqvi said the Congress feels restless when out of power and flutters like a "fish out of water". Accusing the Congress of engaging in corruption and running governments in a dictatorial manner, Naqvi said the Rahul Gandhi-led party is spreading canards about Prime Minister Narendra and Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Taking potshots at Congress and opposition leaders, Naqvi said there are two dozen candidates for the posts of prime minister and Madhya Pradesh chief minister, but there is no vacancy for these top positions. Union minister and BJP leader Suresh Prabhu said the Congress is running out of ideas in elections and hence it is doing on the country's security. He accompanied local BJP candidate Devendra Verma at Khandwa in a rally to file his nomination papers. Prabhu said Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has given answers of all questions related to the Rafale fighter jet deal. There should be no on the issue of country's defence and security, Prabhu said. All the BJP candidates contesting from assembly seats in Bhopal district reached the returning officer's office in a rally to file their nomination papers. These candidates offered prayers at a temple in Bhopal's Somwara Chowk along with Chief Minister Chouhan before taking out the rally. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tacloban CityNo more tears in our eyes, as the tragedy has made us stronger, but we still cry in our hearts for many things lostnot only buildings, houses, and propertiesbut lost lives, lost courage, lost hopes, Tacloban City Mayor Cristina Romualdez said as the city remembers Super Typhoon Yolanda that devastated the city on Nov. 8, 2013. It has been five years, and the city has since stood up and underwent the painful process of rebuilding. But Romualdez said the rebuilding and the healing process are far from over. We have moved on and forward. We have proven our resilience to the world. But we will never forget so that it does not happen again, added Romualdez, who at that time was a city councilor. The mayors own house was washed away by the worst storm surge that swallowed parts of Tacloban, including the historical Leyte Park Hotel. But though we were victims ourselves, we first had to retrieve the bodies of dead Taclobanons littering the whole area. It was heartbreaking, said Romualdez The mayor recalled that then-Secretary Mar Roxas gave her and her children a ride in the army truck. I and my children almost died when the flood washed away our house. The good secretary was immediately there to save us. I dont know if I thanked him already, but thank you, said Romualdez. The mayor also thanked the international community which sent relief goods from the first day. She also sent her deep gratitude to President Rodrigo Duterte, who was then the mayor of Davao City, for his unsolicited help, a day after Yolanda struck.Mayor Duterte brought with him his whole City Health Officedoctors, nurses, paramedics,medical equipment and supplies, truckloads of relief goods, and a cash donation of two million pesos! she said. Super typhoon Yolanda affected a total of 8,065,019 persons (1,686,098 families; 7,904 barangays and 409 municipalities), and left 6,300 dead, 1,061 missing, and 28,689 injured. In a commemoration event on November 8, former Governor Imee Marcos, former Senator BongBong Marcos, and former Representative of the 1st District of Leyte Martin Romualdez were present, as Taclobanons gathered at the 120-square-meter Yolanda Shipwreck Memorial Park to release sky lanterns and light candles. I wanted to spend time with the Taclobanons in San Jose, on my birthday and on this special day that we remember Yolanda. Tindog Tacloban! Bilib po ako sa inyo, said Imee. In a speech, Mayor Romualdez said, To the volunteers, local and international NGOs, LGU officials, good public servants from the national government, and to everyone who has a good and helping heart, may you always have a strength and power to help the needy ones, now and in the future. To our friends and loved ones who left us during Yolanda, you will always be missed and remembered. You are our inspiration to continue moving on and live the most of our lives. Senior leader on Friday accused the of reopening issues that are polarising the country and taking it on a path of conflict and economic disaster. "The (is) nearing the end of its term, (and) has resurrected the agenda," Chidambaram said, pointing out that Prime Minister had himself on August 15, 2014, appealed to the people to put a moratorium of 10 years on all issues that were divisive and controversial. "Today, that appeal has been forgotten and the -- from the prime minister to the chief ministers, ministers and party functionaries to 'pracharaks' to supporters -- has embraced and has reopened every issue that is divisive, controversial and polarising," the former Union minister told reporters here. Chidambaram said the was implacably opposed to the not because of being a rival party. "The opposition to BJP is because its vision of India is majoritarian, insular, exclusionary, discriminatory, oppressive and illiberal." He said it was the duty of the to caution the people that the BJP was taking the country "on a path of conflict and economic disaster". "The BJP had come to power on promises that it never intended to fulfil, and which, anyway, it was incompetent to deliver... Many of those promises were 'jumlas'. Every promise has gone up in smoke," he said. Continuing his tirade against the BJP, Chidamabaram asked, "Where is the promise of doubling farmers' income, reducing the prices of food and fuel, restoring the exchange value of the rupee to Rs 40 per US dollar, putting an end to alleged tax terrorism, achieving double digit GDP growth rate?" About his visit to Guwahati, the Congress leader said he would hold an open-house consultation about the party's manifesto for the forthcoming elections. The will outline a vision for the future and the path that the country should take towards becoming a truly-free, open, liberal, equal, inclusive, prosperous, just and humane society, he added. The BJP would "aim" to rename Hyderabad and other cities in the state after the names of great people if it is elected to power in Telangana in the December 7 poll, party leader Raja Singh said Thursday. "Our aim is, when our Bharatiya Janata Party government comes to power in Telangana, our first (priority) is development, second is these names should be changed. They should be named after great people, those who worked for our nation, righteousness and Telangana," he told PTI. Singh, who was a member of the recently-dissolved legislative assembly, said the Qutb Shahis, who ruled the region during the 16th century, had changed the name of the city, Bhagyanagar, to Hyderabad. They had also changed the names of other places, he said, adding Secunderabad and Karimnagar were among them. Singh also found fault with AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi's comments earlier Thursday that BJP president Amit Shah wants a "Muslim-free" India. He said Muslims should not believe Owaisi, who had often spoken against Telangana. Owaisi is Lok Sabha member from Hyderabad. Telangana goes to polls on December 7. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Brent crude oil sank Friday to a seven-month low under USD 70 on surging US energy stockpiles ahead of a weekend meeting of major oil producing nations. In London morning deals, benchmark oil contract Brent North Sea crude for delivery in January slumped to USD 69.13 per barrel, the lowest level since April. New York's West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for December tanked to USD 59.28 to hit a February low. The US benchmark had overnight entered a technical bear market, meaning that WTI has now lost 20 percent from its most recent peak last month. The fresh plunge comes as representatives from OPEC and non-cartel members prepare to meet Sunday in Abu Dhabi to discuss a possible output cut to protect their revenues amid slumping prices. Since hitting four-year highs last month, crude prices have slumped on rising production, Chinese economic growth fears, and easing concerns about the impact of sanctions on Iran. Sentiment took another hammering overnight after the US Department of Energy revealed soaring crude stockpiles, indicating weaker demand in top oil consumer the United States. Washington's decision this week to grant waivers to eight countries including China, India and Japan from US oil sanctions on Iran, has helped also to push prices south. "The recent drop in oil prices reflects a combination of factors," Economist Intelligence Unit analyst Cailin Birch told AFP. "For one, signs of slowing oil demand are beginning to appear; the rate of GDP growth in China is beginning to ease. Likewise, a spate of relatively weak corporate earnings reports in the US has raised concerns that the trade barriers will be damaging to many US firms." Birch added: "Slower than expected growth in these two markets would translate into lower oil demand, and therefore prices." On Monday, US President Donald Trump's administration reimposed tough sanctions on Iran's financial institutions, shipping lines, energy sector, and petroleum products. However, worries over oil supplies from Iran -- which is the second biggest OPEC producer after kingpin Saudi Arabia -- have diminished somewhat. "The US government's decision to grant waivers to some important importers of Iranian oil has reduced fears of a supply crunch from the Middle East," said Birch. The Abu Dhabi meeting is aimed at addressing the market slump with a view to protecting the precious revenues of producer nations. However, CMC Markets analyst David Madden told AFP that the participants would likely refrain from any immediate action. "I do not expect much from the oil meeting," Madden said. "The oil producers might talk about future production cuts as a way of stabilising the price, but the price needs to strike a balance -- of being cheap enough to keep demand strong and keep (President) Trump happy, but not so low that their oil revenue drops drastically." Separately, the Wall Street Journal reported Friday that a government-funded think-tank in Saudi Arabia was studying the possible impact of breaking up OPEC. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistani troops fired at Indian posts along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district on Friday, injuring a BSF jawan, officials said. Pakistani personnel targeted forward posts along the LoC in the Manajakote sector around 0930 hours. A jawan of the Border Security Force (BSF) was injured in the firing, they said. The number of ceasefire violations this year by Pakistan has been the highest in the past eight years. The first seven months of this year saw 52 deaths and 232 people getting injured in 1,435 ceasefire violations in Jammu and Kashmir, according to an RTI reply by the Home ministry. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The incitement case against three Myanmar journalists who reported critically on the financial management of Yangon's government has been withdrawn, their lawyer told AFP Friday, in rare good for the country's beleaguered press. Eleven Media's executive editors Kyaw Zaw Lin and Nayi Min and chief reporter Phyo Wai Win were arrested in October but allowed out on bail after a few weeks in detention. They were accused of incitement after an article raised questions about budgeting within the city government, which is run by Phyo Min Thein, a close confidante of civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Article 505 (b) criminalises published or circulated information that causes "fear or alarm to the public". The case prompted an outcry amid fears of declining press freedom in Suu Kyi's Myanmar and was lodged weeks after Reuters reporters Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo were sentenced to seven years on state secrets charges while reporting on a massacre of Rohingya Muslims. But the lawyer for Eleven Media's staff said the Yangon government had sent a letter to the court asking to drop the charges and take up their grievance through arbitration at Myanmar's Press Council. "The judge allowed them to withdraw and gave a verdict (Friday) right away. So the case is finished," lawyer Kyee Myint told AFP. In an interview on Thursday, however, Phyo Min Thein told state media the city government would seek a correction through the council, and could resume the legal tack if it was not satisfied with the outcome. "If they do not follow and if negotiation by the press council is not a success, we will continue this case legally," he said. Cases against journalists in Myanmar have further tarnished the reputation of one-time rights icon Suu Kyi, whose legacy fell apart during the Rohingya crisis. Suu Kyi has said little in defence of the Reuters journalists, who will have spent a year in prison next month. They are appealing. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A day after conducting searches at his Ballari residence, the Central Crime Branch here Friday issued notice asking mining baron Gali Janardhana Reddy, who is absconding, to appear before it on November 11. Reddy is wanted in connection with money transaction amounting to crores of rupees allegedly linked to a ponzi scheme. The central crime branch (CCB) is also hunting for Reddy's close aide Ali Khan, who allegedly struck a Rs 20-crore deal with Syed Ahmed Fareed of Ambidant Marketing Pvt Ltd, a firm accused of involvement in the ponzi scheme, to bail him out of an Enforcement Directorate investigation. Reddy's lawyer C H Hanumantharaya, who earlier moved a city civil court Friday seeking anticipatory bail plea, told reporters that Reddy would take a call Saturday whether to appear before the CCB or not. "The bail plea we had filed was withdrawn after the court asked the prosecution to file their objection by Monday. The court also agreed to hear the victims of the case (ponzi scheme). Since the matter is coming up on Monday, we will decide whether Reddy should appear before the CCB or not," Hanumantharaya said. Meanwhile, Reddy filed two petitions in the Karnataka High Court. The first petition pertained to quashing the First Information Report against him stating that it was based on "baseless allegations." The second plea sought removal of two police officials from investigating the case. Reddys lawyer R P Chandrashekhar accused the officers of physically torturing the accused in the case to sign on confessional statements implicating Reddy and Ali Khan. He also alleged that there were political interests behind targeting Reddy. Reddy has alleged that the investigation was unfair as the accused have been tortured in police custody, Chandrashekhar said. Searches continued at Reddy's residence in Ballari Thursday which started around 6 am and went on till evening, two days after Reddy's confidante Sriramulu's sister J Shantha, a BJP candidate, lost in the bypoll from Ballari Lok Sabha constituency, considered a stronghold of the Reddy brothers. The Congress won the seat breaking the BJP's hold over Ballari since 2004. Bengaluru Police Commissioner T Suneel Kumar has said Reddy was absconding and police were looking for him to question him in connection with the case. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Competition Commission has found no evidence of Mumbai-based Retail and Dispensing Chemists Association (RDCA) indulging in anti-competitive practices with respect to charging fee for product information services from pharmaceutical companies. After taking into consideration the report of its investigation arm Director General (DG) and views from various entities, the regulator has ruled that there is "no cogent evidence on record" to suggest that collection of Product Information Services (PIS) charges by the association was mandatory. Generally, PIS is in the nature of a fee charged by chemists and druggists associations for introducing a new product/drug launched by the pharmaceutical companies in their bulletins and newsletters. The CCI also said that implementation of the decision in the present case would be subject to proceedings before the Delhi High Court. After the regulator ordered a detailed probe into the matter on August 25, 2015, the RDCA had moved the Delhi High Court as it was aggrieved by the decision. On March 19, 2018, the court said that if any final order is passed by the CCI, it would be subject to the orders in the writ petition. The watchdog said that the decisive test of whether PIS charges is anti-competitive or not depends on whether it has been collected on mandatory or voluntary basis. "... there is no cogent evidence on record to suggest that collection of PIS charges by the Opposite Party (RDCA) from pharmaceutical companies was mandatory," the CCI said. Companies, which were directly affected, have come forward during investigation to say that there has been no compulsion to pay such charges, post the CCI's previous orders and directives. The regulator had found such mandatory seeking of charges by various retailers associations to be anti-competitive, as per the 30-page order dated November 8. Further, the regulator said evidence on record does not suggest that PIS charges were mandatory for introduction of new drugs in Mumbai. There is no contravention of provisions under Section 3 of the Competition Act and subsequently "no question of liability of the office bearers of the opposite party arises in the present case", it added. RDCA is affiliated to the Maharashtra State Chemists and Druggists Association (MSCDA). The latter is affiliated to All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD). (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Actor Mrunal Thakur, who will star as a young Sivagami in Netflix's ambitious live-action series "Baahubali: Before the Beginning, says it would be challenging to measure up to Ramya Krishnan's portrayal of the queen. Krishan was a the parallel lead in Baahubali: The Beginning and its sequel The Conclusion apart from Prabhas. Now the team behind the Telugu blockbuster has reunited for a series in the same universe. Speaking at a session during the See What's Next: Asia event here, Mrunal said she is aware of the expectations from her. "For me, when I gave the audition, it was not easy. When I saw both the films, the benchmark was there. To match up to Ramya who played Sivagami was a challenge. It's a big treat to work with this team. When I got to know that it was a Netflix project, I was even more excited. I was very fascinated with the dialogue Mera Vachan, Mera Shasan'. That really attracted me," she said. Mrunal said she is living a dream through the project. "The process wasn't easy as well. It was a little difficult but somewhere down the line in my head, I knew I was going to be Sivagami because she is a strong character who rules the entire Mahishmati. She's got the sense of motherhood at the same time she is got the sense of what is right and what is wrong. She treats everybody equal no matter who it is. Through this project I'm living my dream, she said. The live-action series, based on Anand Neelakantan's book, will also feature Rahul Bose, Atul Kulkarni, Vaquar Shaikh, Jameel Khan, Siddharth Arora and Anup Soni in pivotal roles. The series, being co-directed by Deva Katta and Praveen Sataru, will trace the dramatic rise of Queen Sivagami and her empire. The story backtracks about 50 years from the beginning of Baahubali story. The movie was a singular emotion and singular conflict, now we are exploring it in a deeper way.You will also get deeper into the street level life and multi-layer life in the kingdom, Deva Katta said. He also said that being a Netflix project allowed them the opportunity to explore different characters and their individual stories, "When we have consciously evolving characters throughout unpredictable eventualities, we relate to those stories a lot. Those are epic stories like Ramayana and Mahabharata. They stand in time and are relevant to us. When you dig deeper and make the characters more dimensional with root stories and root psyche, that's what this platform gives us. We grew up watching a lot of Hollywood films and that's what ignited our passions to become storytellers. Co-director Praveen Sataru said the series is being shot in different locations in India and stressed that the show will have a pan-India appeal. "We are covering the length and breadth of India. This is not just a south or north series. It's a pan-India series and you have characters from all across India. "Baahubali: Before the Beginning, which was announced by the streaming giant in August, has already been given a two-season order. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) China has clinched a multi-billion-dollar deal to build a port at a strategic town along the coast of the Bay of Bengal in Myanmar, its third project in India's neighbourhood after Sri Lanka and Pakistan. China and Myanmar signed an agreement on Thursday to build the deep sea port project in Kyaukpyu town after negotiations dragged for years due to financing and other issues, state-run Global Times reported on Friday. China is also developing deepwater strategic Gwadar port in Pakistan in the Arabian Sea which faces the Mumbai coast. It has also acquired Sri Lanka's on debt swap in the Indian Ocean. China has persistently denied the String of Pearls theory of building a strategic network of ports to encircle India. The Chinese consortium led by State-owned conglomerate Citic Group signed the framework agreement with the Kyaukpyu Special Economic Zone Management Committee on the development of the Kyaukpyu, deep-sea port, at a ceremony in the Myanmar capital of Nay Pyi Taw, the report said. Under the framework agreement, China will fund 70 per cent of the investment for the project and Myanmar will pitch in the remaining 30 per cent. The initial phase of the project will include two berths with a total investment of $1.3 billion, according to the agreement. A joint venture will be set up to construct and operate the port. The signing of the framework agreement marks a significant step for the port project, which has been stalled since 2015, and for the continued implementation of the China-proposed (BRI), which has come under increased scrutiny because of the cases such as the Kyaukpyu port project, the report said. The Chinese consortium first won the bid to construct the port in December 2015 with an estimated investment of USD 7 billion but further development was halted due to a disagreement between the two sides over details of the project's funding. This is the biggest project China had secured after Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi took charge of the government replacing the prolonged rule of pro-China military junta. Prolonged negotiations fuelled criticism of the BRI as it could add to Myanmar debts and even threaten other countries' sovereignty. The Kyaukpyu project is estimated to bring 100,000 jobs to the local community and will contribute as much as USD 15 billion in tax revenue to Myanmar. Once completed, the port will have an annual gross output of $3.2 billion, the report said. Fil-American coed killed in California bar shooting posted November 09, 2018 at 11:30 pm by PNA November 09, 2018 at 11:30 pm Alaina Punzalan Housley The Department of Foreign Affairs reported Friday that a Fil-American college student was among the fatalities in the latest shooting incident in the United States.In a statement, the agency extended its sympathies to the family of Alaina Punzalan Housley, an 18-year-old Filipino-American freshman student of Pepperdine University. Housley was among the 13 people killed in the shooting spree at Thousand Oaks Bar in California, where an ex-Marine opened fire inside the crowded establishment. The gunman, suspected to be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, was among those killed.Consul General Adel Angelito Cruz said the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles continues to monitor developments related to the incident.PNA The Consulate General is still checking with local authorities whether other members of the 25,879 Filipinos and Filipino-Americans in Ventura County were among the casualties in the shooting. 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. A top Chinese official on Friday demanded in high-level talks that the United States not violate the Asian power's sovereignty, criticizing US military patrols in the South China Sea and its comments on human rights. "The Chinese side made it clear to the United States that it should stop sending its vessels and military aircraft close to Chinese islands and stop actions that undermine China's sovereignty and security interests," Yang Jiechi, a longtime architect of Chinese foreign policy, told a joint conference after talks in Washington. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A self-driving car that turns the coffee machine on as you get home, a vending machine that scans prescriptions to dispense drugs, a 'judiciary assistant' that can help predict the outcome of a court case -- these are few of the 'smart' ideas taking shape in China where the big data industry is pushing new frontiers. Big data, a term that refers to data sets that are too large for traditional computers to process or analyse, meets the various needs of a more technology advanced tomorrow. As upcoming technologies like Internet of Things, machine learning and artificial intelligence become more sophisticated, they need huge data storage and processing requirements that can not be met by traditional computers. Big data computing technologies aim to address this deficiency of traditional computing, enabling companies to process huge amounts of consumer information, say experts. One of the systems being supported by the big data industry is a smart judiciary assistant that can quickly scan through past judgements and case details to pull out relevant legal points, helping judges to arrive at decisions much faster. The project, being piloted in Guiyang, the capital city of Guizhou, can also help citizens know if they are likely to win a case. "If you are hit (in a road accident) and you want to take the case to court, with the smart assistant you can get an idea if you will win the case," said He Yuan, general manager of China Big Data, one of the biggest big data companies in the area. Guizhou, a mountainous province with pleasant climate all year round, provides an ideal location for the big data industries. The province, located away from major earthquake prone areas, has been designated the official centre for big data in China. The Chinese government has enabled several big data companies to set up their servers in the area and are even providing free work area for start ups to launch their next-generation ideas. The Hyundai Motors Group is using big data capabilities in China to work on its 'Connected Car Vision' -- a vehicle that not only has self driving capabilities but is also connected to a smart home. The company envisions a system that can switch off devices inadvertently left on when users leave home, and can also automatically turn on the air conditioning or the coffee machine as they drive home. Another start-up has developed a vending machine that not only dispenses over the counter drugs, but can also scan prescriptions to dispense medication that cannot be otherwise sold without prescriptions. Many such futuristic technologies -- designed by both privates as well as government entities -- are now getting a push towards reality. Earlier this year, the Office of Guizhou Cyberspace Administration and the National Institute of Information Technology (NIIT) signed a strategic cooperation agreement in Bangalore to develop big data education in the Guizhou province. This partnership between 'Asia's Silicon valley' and 'China's Data Valley' aims to establish a China-India IT hub and train IT engineers in Guizhou. "This is an opportunity to learn from each other," said Mu Degui, director-general of the Publicity Department of Guizhou Provincial CPC Committee. In an interaction with journalists, Degui said he has discussed with the Chinese ambassador in New Delhi the possibility of starting a direct flight between India and Guizhou to facilitate an effective partnership between the IT industries of both countries. While big data infrastructure can push the IT industry towards the future, and make the lives of ordinary citizens easier, there remains a grey area when it comes to who can access the data. With various government entities holding stakes in the big data industry, officials were non-committal when asked questions on citizen privacy and the prevention of data misuse. (Mohana Basu was in Guiyang at the invitation of the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi). (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) China bluntly told the United States to stop sending ships and military aircraft close to islands claimed by Beijing in the South China Sea, during talks Saturday that set the stage for a meeting between President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping later this month. The US pushed back, insisting it will continue to "fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows." In late September, U.S. and Chinese vessels nearly collided near a disputed reef. Despite the frank airing of differences at the meeting in Washington of the two nations' top diplomats and military chiefs, both sides stressed the need to tamp down tensions, which have flared amid a bitter trade dispute that Trump and Xi are expected to tackle at the Group of 20 summit in Argentina. "The United States is not pursuing a policy of Cold War containment with China," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters following the US-China Diplomatic and Security Dialogue. "Rather we want to ensure that China acts responsibly and fairly in support of security and prosperity of each of our two countries." The talks were due to be held in Beijing last month but were postponed after Washington announced new arms sales to Taiwan, and after a Chinese destroyer came close to the USS Decatur in late September in what the U.S. Navy called an "unsafe and unprofessional maneuver." Beijing has sweeping but disputed sovereignty claims in the area. "The Chinese side made it clear to the United States that it should stop sending its vessels and military aircraft close to Chinese islands and reefs and stop actions that undermine Chinese authority and security interests," said Pompeo's Chinese counterpart, Yang Jiechi, who also had sharp words over US support for Taiwan. However, Yang and Chinese defense minister Wei Fenghe spoke of the need to improve cooperation, including between the U.S. and Chinese militaries, to ease the risk of conflict as the two powers jockey for pre-eminence in the Asia-Pacific. "Cooperation is the only option for us," Wei said. "Confrontation and conflict between the two militaries will spell disaster for us all." Defense Secretary Jim Mattis asserted U.S. rights to freedom of navigation but also said the two sides should work together on areas of common interest. "Competition does not mean hostility. Nor must it lead to conflict," Mattis said. Although the rescheduling of the dialogue signaled an effort by the two sides to contain the slide in the relationship, it did not address the core dispute on trade. Trump has slapped tariffs on USD 250 billion in Chinese products, in a push to narrow the US trade deficit and push back against what the U.S. views as predatory Chinese tactics on the high technology industry. Beijing has retaliated with tariffs on USD 110 million worth of US goods. Yun Sun, a China expert at the Stimson Center think tank, said Beijing is uncertain about what exactly Trump wants out of a trade deal, but hopes that with US midterm elections out of the way, the mercurial American president may be more inclined to reach a compromise. "Their top priority is to stabilize relations," she said. On human rights, Pompeo voiced concern over China's treatment of religious minorities, including the mass detention of minority Uighur Muslims. But overall, the tone of the US officials' public comments was milder than that of the Chinese. Yang insisted that Chinese people have freedom of religion, and that "foreign countries have no right to interfere. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Congress leader Friday termed the Shiv Sena's comments a day earlier on demonetisation as "fairly accurate" but also asked the latter if it would continue to be a part of the BJP-led governments at the Centre and Maharashtra. Shiv Sena spokesperson Manisha Kayande had Thursday slammed the note ban decision of the Centre and had claimed that "the situation after two years has become so bad that people are waiting to punish the PM". On November 8, 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a ban on Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 denomination bank notes with immediate effect. "Interesting...Statement & observation by long term ally of #BJP over #DemonetisationDisaster is fairly accurate...Now, whether .#ShivSena will sail the same boat to be downed in #Maharashtra or chart a different course is yet to be seen... Time will tell!" All India Congress Committee (AICC) secretary in charge of Maharashtra Ashish Dua tweeted Friday. The Sena spokesperson Thursday had also claimed the note ban exercise was a "complete failure" as none of its objectives were achieved. "While the (Union) Finance Minister says more number of people have been brought under the tax net, he has failed to explain the rationale behind it (demonetisation) as several lakh people lost jobs," Kayande had said Thursday. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress cadres Friday staged protests against demonetisation in several states a day after the second anniversary of the note ban with one senior leader calling it a "Modi-made disaster" that will be probed if the party comes to power at the Centre in 2019. The protests were staged near the offices of the Reserve Bank of India(RBI) in Delhi and the state capitals. With no let up in the war of words between the government and the opposition over the ban of high-value notes announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 8, 2016, the Samajwadi Party(SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party(BSP) also joined the Congress in dubbing the exercise a "failure". Leaders of the SP and BSP demanded an apology from the Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP) for the hardship caused to the poor. "Demonetisation broke the back of the poor," they said. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Thursday staunchly defended the demonetisation drive, saying 'prophets of doom' have been proven wrong as hard data of two years showed an increase in tax base, greater formalisation of the economy and India retaining the fastest growing economy tag for the fifth year in a row. The BJP also posed 10 questions to the Congress, asking why it finds merit in protesting every "anti-corruption" measure of the Modi government. Senior Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala dubbed demonetisation as the "biggest scam of independent India" and claimed it had pushed the country towards economic disaster. "The PM and BJP had claimed demonetisation was taken to eradicate black money and fake currency. None of the objectives of demonetisation, like eradication of black money and fake currency in circulation or breaking the backbone of Naxalism and terror activities, have been achieved," he told a conference in Bhopal, "Demonetisation is a Modi-made disaster," he said. Surjewala said demonetisation and all other scams of the present government would be inquired into if the Congress was elected to power. Surjewala earlier tweeted that demonetisation was a "scam" to convert black money to white and asked the BJP to declare who is responsible for the "economic loss" caused by the move. Youth Congress members accompanied by senior party leaders were detained by police after they staged a protest against demonetisation outside the RBI office in Delhi. "Around 70-80 Congress protesters, including Ashok Gehlot, Anand Sharma and Bhupinder Singh Hooda have been detained," police said. The protesters were later released. Congress activists led by Punjab unit chief Sunil Jakhar and Punjab cabinet minister Balbir Singh Sidhu protested near the RBI building in Chandigarh. They raised slogans against the Centre describing the exercise as an "anti-people" decision. "People are still awaiting an answer that except ruining business and increasing unemployment, what benefit has it given? If the government considers it a success, it should tell (people) in whose pocket the benefit went," SP chief Akhilesh Yadav said in Lucknow. BSP supremo Mayawati claimed that none of the objectives of demonetisation have been met. "The BJP should offer an apology for the move. The BJP government at the Centre will be remembered as a government of failures in which none of the promises made to the people were fulfilled," she said in a statement. Mayawati said resentment was brewing among the people as the BJP, which promised to bring back black money and ensure "acche din" (good days), stood exposed. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra, meanwhile, hit back at Rahul Gandhi over his criticism of demonetisation, saying a war is going on in Indian with the Modi-led government working to curb black money while the Congress president was allegedly trying to save it. Demonetisation destroyed the "ill-gotten wealth of the four generations of the Gandhi family", Patra alleged at a conference in Delhi, claiming that the move led to many benefits, including increase in tax base, curbing black money and hitting Naxalism. In his criticism, the Congress chief had said that demonetisation was a planned "brutal conspiracy" and a "shrewd scheme" to convert the black money of Modi's "suited-booted friends". In a fresh tweet, Gandhi took a swipe at the prime minister over demonetisation, accusing him of conning people after promising to generate jobs and bring back black money, but helping his "suited-booted" friends instead. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Congress Friday held demonstrations across Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh against demonetisation and slammed the BJP-led government at the Centre for "adversely affecting the economy and causing hardships to people" with the "ill-conceived" move. Congress activists led by Punjab unit chief Sunil Jakhar and Punjab cabinet minister Balbir Singh Sidhu protested near the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) building in Chandigarh's Sector 17 on the second anniversary of demonetisation. They raised slogans against the Centre describing the exercise as an "anti-people" decision. Meanwhile, appropriate security arrangements were made by Chandigarh Police which had put up barricades and stationed water cannons near the RBI building. The Congress activists were stopped at the point where the barricades were installed and not allowed to move near the building. "Demonetisation badly affected the Indian economy. The decision of scrapping notes (of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000) completely destroyed businesses especially small and medium entrepreneurs," Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) chief Sunil Jakhar said. "The government had claimed that demonetisation would curb black money. But this move instead benefited capitalists only, he added. He further said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will be punished for its "anti-people decision" in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The Chandigarh unit of Congress under the leadership of former union minister Pawan Kumar Bansal also held protest in Sector 46. "The economic situation continues to be bad in the country even after demonetisation was announced two years back. Common people were adversely hit and small businesses were completely destroyed with this move which wrecked the economy," Bansal said. "It only benefited capitalists who are favourites of the BJP government," he added. Bansal, the former MP from Chandigarh said another consequence of demonetisation was the rise in the Non Performing Assets (NPA) of the banks which has now reached Rs 10.50 lakh crore. Demonetisation completely failed in curbing black money and fake currency, he said. Punjab cabinet minister Navjot Singh Sidhu termed the exercise as a "well-planned dacoity". It broke the backbone of country's economy and its poor while benefited a select few, he said. The Congress activists also burnt effigies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at several places. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Friday accused the of backing urban Maoists who he said have ruined the lives of poor Adivasi youth. Addressing his first election rally for the state Assembly polls scheduled later this month, Modi also said makes "fun" of adivasis (tribals). "I don't know why makes fun of adivasis. Once I had gone for a rally in North-East India and wore a traditional adivasi headgear but Congress leaders made fun of it. This was an insult of adivasi culture," he said. Modi said he will not rest till he fulfils late Atal Bihari Vajpayee's dreams for a prosperous Chhattisgarh, adding the Congress-led government did not do enough to develop the Naxal-infested Bastar region citing the menace as an excuse. "The urban Maoists who live in air-conditioned homes in the cities, look clean and whose children study abroad, remote control the adivasi children in the dominated areas," Modi said. "I want to ask the Congress why it supports the urban Maoists when the government takes action against them and come to Bastar and speak against Naxalism," he said. Describing Naxals as "monsters with evil mindset", the Prime Minister said earlier governments did not do enough for the development of Bastar region. "Will you forgive such people? These people will not win Chhattisgarh. I appeal to you to ensure that wins all seats in the Bastar region. If anyone else wins, it will be a blot on Bastar's dreams," he added. Modi said no other Prime Minister visited Bastar as often as he did. "I have not come empty-handed but given you some scheme and development programme. We are working hard to eradicate unemployment, poverty and hunger from the region. Previously there were resources but nothing happened," he said. Modi said he wanted to serve the people of Chhattisgarh and fulfil Atal Bihari Vajpayee's dreams of a prosperous state. "I will not rest till I fulfil his dreams. Chhattisgarh is now 18 years old. There are different dreams and aspirations of 18-year-olds now," he said. Congress speaks of Dalits, deprived sections and tribals but the party considers them as vote banks and not as human beings, he said. "Do you want a government which works or one which stops development works," he said. Modi said his government has never discriminated among people. "Previous governments did that. Our government works for the development of all," he said. Elections to the 90-member Chhattisgarh Assembly will be held in two phases on November 12 and November 20. The opposition Congress in Tripura on Friday held demonstrations in front of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) branch here to protest against the demonetization exercise by the NDA government in 2016. Similar demonstrations were also organised at the party's headquarters in other districts across the state. The demonetisation move by the central government was nothing but a tactic of the BJP leaders to convert their black money into white," Tripura Pradesh Congress Committee president Birajit Sinha said during the two-hour long demonstration. "Our country has become bankrupt after demonetization. BJP president Amit Shah has converted his black money into white. Many other BJP leaders did the same taking advantage of demonetization, he added. Sinha also said that the Congress workers and leaders led by its president Rahul Gandhi were protesting in different parts of the country against the ill-effects of demonetisation. "Its a nation-wide protest and in our state, we are protesting in eight district headquarters today. Congress leaders and workers led by our president Rahul Gandhi are protesting in different parts of the country," Sinha said. Pradyot Kishore Deb Burman, AICC General Secretary and in-charge of Sikkim, joined the demonstration. He said the central government has become bankrupt and has failed to deliver on all counts. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A woman and her husband were allegedly hacked to death at a village in Pune district of Maharashtra on the suspicion that she was practising black magic, police said on Friday. The incident took place on Thursday at Aundhe village, around 50 kms from here and the victims were identified as Lilabai Mukane (47) and her husband Navasu Mukane (55), police said. Two persons, identified as Jaitu Borkar and Baban Mukane, were arrested by Khed police in this connection, they said. According to a police officer, the deceased woman was a quack, but some people in the village, located in Khed tehsil, suspected that she was practising black magic. "A few days ago, Borkar's daughter had developed cyst in her abdomen. Borkar suspected that it due to the black magic done by Lilabai," a senior officer at Khed police station said. "Baban's wife had also developed some rashes on her body and even he suspected that it was due to Lilabai's black magic," he added. According to the officer, on Thursday both the accused stormed into Mukane's house with sticks and sharp weapons and attacked Lilabai. "When her husband came to save her, they also hacked him to death with sharp weapons," he added. After some of their neighbours found the couple lying in a pool of blood, they alerted the police. "During the probe, Lilabai's daughter told us that in the past her mother had arguments with Borkar. Based on the inputs, he was picked up for questioning. During his interrogation, he spilled the beans and confessed to killing the couple with the help of Baban," he added. A case under section 302 (murder) has been registered against the duo, police said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The CPI, a partner in the "grand alliance" of opposition parties for the December seven Assembly elections in Telangana, Friday expressed dissatisfaction on being given three seats by the Congress, describing it as "injustice." The alliance comprises the Congress, Telugu Desam Party, CPI and Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS). Congress Thursday said the party has decided to leave 25 seats -- 14 to Telugu Desam Party, eight to Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS) and three to CPI. "We (alliance partners) had discussed that an approach of give and take should be there (in the alliance). There should be respectable arrangements. What happpened now is against that. But, our political motive is to dislodge the KCR government in Telangana," CPI state secretary Chada Venkat Reddy told reporters. Noting that his party had asked for at least five seats, he said it is "injustice" (towards his party) to give only three seats. Venkat Reddy said his party has informed senior Congress leader K Jana Reddy about its complaint who promised to take it up with party high command. TJS president M Kodandaram has expressed solidarity with the CPI. TDP's Telangana unit president L Ramana said the alliance partners would soon sit and review the developments since the last two months and try to strengthen the coalition. The meeting would take place after Congress leaders return to Hyderabad from gulf countries. Congress leaders have gone to Gulf countries to enquire about migrant workers' problems, he said. The first list of Congress candidates for the Assembly polls would be released on November 10, RC Khuntia, AICC incharge of party affairs in Telangana said Thursday. He had said the party has cleared 74 names. There are 119 ssembly segments. The Gazette notification for the polls would be issued on November 12 and the last date of nominations is November 19, according to the schedule released by the Election Commission. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System raised the specter of a water shortage hitting Metro Manila in the next few years if no new structure like the Kaliwa Dam Project comes on stream. MWSS Administrator Reynaldo V. Velasco issued the warning amid opposition posed by some sectors who he claimed had been peddling disinformation about the project, which is funded with P12 billion by the Chinese government and forms part of President Rodrigo Dutertes Build, Build, Build program. Velasco said the construction of the P12.1-billion New Centennial Water Supply Project-Kaliwa Dam will go full speed ahead to ensure it is able to feed the needs of Metro Manila and nearby areas. After 34 years in the doldrums, construction of the Kaliwa Dam Project will finally go full blast in the coming months that will supply an additional 600 million liters of water per day to Metro Manila and environs for the years by 2023, Velasco said at a press conference Thursday. Velasco said the Duterte administration deserved credit for having the political will to help address the possible water shortage in the coming years in Metro Manila and its environs since no new surface water source was developed after Angat Dam which supplies practically 96 percent of the water needs of Metro Manila, Bulacan, Rizal, and Cavite. After a thorough process and review by MWSS together with its consultants and with the forthcoming formal signing of the contract between President Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jing Pin on Nov. 21, the construction will be undertaken by China Energy Engineering Corp. starting next year and will be completed in 2023. Its a done deal national project, Velasco said, referring to the New Centennial Water Source ProjectKaliwa Dam Project located in Quezon Province. The water project includes the construction of a 27.70 kilometers of conveyance tunnel, Velasco said. The objective of the government is to ensure water security since admittedly we are on a catch-up mode and as a redundant water source, thereby reducing the total dependency on the Angat Dam reservoir that also supplies water to the metropolis and nearby areas, he said. Velasco also said that the water project was first approved by the National Economic and Development Authority on May 29, 2014, and on June 27, 2017 on the change of project financing scheme from Public, Private Partnership to Overseas Development Assistance. The ambitious water project was planned 34 years ago but it was only during the Duterte administration that the Kaliwa Dam project is being carried out, Velasco said.When completed, this will answer the nagging water security problem in Metro Manila, Cavite, Rizal, and Bulacan, he said.Velasco said the benefits include tourism boom, opening of new roads, employment opportunities and the economy in these areas. At the same time, Velasco assured that engineers and other experts will see to it that the Kaliwa Dam can withstand an 8-magnitude earthquake. Our experts and consultants have carefully studied this possibility and made sure it can withstand the Big One just in case it strikes, Velasco said. Meanwhile, MWSS Deputy Administrator Leonor Cleofas said that both governors of Quezon and Rizal gave their fiat on the flagship project after various consultations were made with the projects stakeholders to address the latters concerns on environmental impact and resettlement, among others. Various leaders representing peoples organizations and non-governmental organizations as well as the indigenous peoples based in the three towns of Quezon who will be affected by the multibillion-dam project took part in the consultation process over several months. The Kaliwa dam water project is largely credited to President Duterte who made possible the funding for the project through a bilateral agreement with Chinese President Xi Jing Pin in October 2016 in a visit to China. Stressing it took 30 years for the project to finally take off, she said the project is not only an additional 600 million liters per day (MLD) water-source project for Metro Manila to augment the 4,000 MLD from Angat Dam, but will also contribute to the development of the municipalities near the project site. I am very certain this Kaliwa Dam project will benefit the local government units around the project area notably Infanta and General Nakar, she said. Cleofas said an interagency cooperation is necessary for the realization of the project. Last September, BCDA Chairman and China ODA Flagship Project Chair Vince Dizon lauded MWSS for laying the groundworks and working side by side with the Department of Public Works and Highways for access road construction and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in connection with the Environmental Compliance Certificate. Of the P12.1 billion construction cost of the project, 85 percent will be funded by the official development assistance from China amounting to P10.2 billion, while 15 percent will be shouldered by MWSS. Velasco said three Chinese firms were initially prequalified to bid in the construction of the Kaliwa Dam: China Energy Engineering Co. Ltd., Power China Ltd. and the consortium of Guandung Foreign Construction Co. Ltd. and Guandong Yuantian Engineering Co. Ltd. nominated by the China Ministry of Commerce. The Dalai Lama left Dharamshala Friday for a brief visit to the national capital and then begin his 10-day teaching tour of Japan beginning November 13. From Delhi, the Tibetan leader will leave for Japan on Tuesday. His Holiness will give teachings on different spiritual topics during his tour. He will also hold a dialogue between Buddhist science and modern science with scientists at the Pacifico Yokohama (National Convention Hall of Yokohama). The spokesperson at the Dalai Lama office said His Holiness will give a public talk to the youth on 'One We Are One Family' at Hibiya Open Air Concert Hall. The event is being organised by Sherab Kyetsel Ling Institute. Dalai Lama will participate in the opening ceremony of Sherab Kyetsel Ling Institute. Tomorrow in Delhi, His Holiness will inaugurate the year-long celebration of the 550th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev at Bhai Vir Singh Sahitya Sadan. Dalai Lama will return to Dharamshala on November 25. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A man set a car on fire and stabbed three people, killing one of them, before being fatally shot in central Melbourne, in an attack described by the Australian police as an "act of terror." Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton said the man who stabbed three members of the public and attacked police officers has died in a hospital. "We are now treating this as a terrorism event," said Ashton, adding that the suspect is "someone that is known to us". ''I'm not at liberty at this point to disclose the identity of that person. But we are, as I say, having counter-terrorism investigations under way. The person is known to police. He's known to police mainly in respect to relatives that he has that are certainly persons of interest to us. He is someone that, accordingly, is known to both Victoria Police and federal intelligence,'' Ashton said. The man was shot after confronting police officers on a busy city street, authorities said. He was taken into custody in a critical condition. He succumbed to the gunshot wounds in the Royal Melbourne Hospital. Officers were initially called to reports of a car fire near Bourke Street, a busy thoroughfare, at about 4.20pm local time. "As they got out of the car, they were confronted by a male brandishing a knife and threatening them," Supt David Clayton told reporters. Ashton said a four-wheel drive Ute drove into Bourke street between Russell and Swanston Street and parked there. A male person was in that vehicle. ''Fire then started in the vehicle and he's got out of the vehicle. He then engaged with members of the public at that location,'' he said. 'The fire brigade turned up to put the fire out discovered there were gas bottle - I understand at this stage they are those barbecue-style gas bottles - within the vehicle," Ashton said. Footage captured the shocking scenes as a car went up in flames and police shot the knife-wielding man in the chest after he confronted officers as they arrived at the scene. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said Australians will "never be intimated by these appalling attacks". Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews has called the attack an "evil and terrible thing". Local media reports quoted 22-year-old Markel Villasin, who was finishing his shift at KFC on the Bourke St as the incident happened. "Me and the managers ran out and that's when we saw the car on fire and then we saw the guy on the floor and we wanted to help, there were two blokes helping him out already, he was face down pools of blood around his face," Villasin said. "I'm pretty sure he got stabbed in the face. I really wanted to help but I was in shock, I didn't know what to do. Because he was on his stomach, they turned him over to see if he's alright, he was still alive," he said. According to a bystander, Drew Hair, he was walking on Swanston Street when he heard an explosion. The next thing he saw was a big dude punching into the police car. Hair said the assailant was dressed in Islamic clothing and of African appearance and about six foot four inches tall. An eyewitness said it appeared the car was on fire before it crashed and exploded. "I was walking up Bourke St and we heard this loud explosion. I thought it was a car backfiring but there was flames coming out of the car. It then veered to the left and exploded in flames," the eyewitness said. "People were running everywhere. I thought it was like what happened last year so I started running. Everyone started running. It was so scary. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi government will launch a 14-day Leprosy Cases Detection Campaign (LCDC) starting from Saturday in the national capital, Health Minister Satyendar Jain said Friday. The campaign will be conducted in eight districts of the city -- Shahdara, north, northwest, west, southwest, south, central and new Delhi. Talking to reporters here, Jain said the campaign will see field teams, comprising Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers and volunteers, conducting house to house visits for screening and detecting hidden leprosy cases under the supervision of experts. At present, there are around 2,000 patients suffering from leprosy in the national capital, the health minister said, adding that the campaign will be conducted from November 10 till November 23. The LCDC as a flagship activity of National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) is unique in its approach as various committees are formed at each level, the government said in a statement. It stated that the teams are being trained to suspect the leprosy patients through physical examination. The statement also said that early detection of leprosy prevents disability, deformity, and it is completely curable. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Delhi's air quality remained in the 'severe' category on Friday despite a slow but "significant" improvement in pollution levels with the AAP government restricting the entry of heavy and medium goods vehicles into the national capital as an emergency measure. Government-run agency SAFAR said that the city's air quality would remain in the severe category till Saturday, as the already toxic situation caused by smoke from fireworks is likely to aggravate further due to intensified stubble burning in neighbouring states. Despite severe pollution, stray incidents of firecracker burning were reported from various localities in the national capital on Thursday night. Over 400 heavy and medium goods vehicles were returned from Delhi's borders after the city government's transport department banned their entry from 11 pm on Thursday night to 11 pm on November 11 in the wake of the worsening air quality. Delhi's air quality on Thursday went off the charts to the "severe plus emergency" category. The city recorded the overall air quality index (AQI) of 642, according to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR). It said the city's air quality has "improved significantly" since Thursday, but the recovery was slow due to low surface wind speed. The AQI was recorded in the severe category at 453 on Friday, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Twenty-six areas in Delhi recorded 'severe' air quality, while seven areas registered 'very poor' air quality, according to CPCB data. On Friday, the PM2.5 (particles in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres) level was recorded at 303 gm-3, five times the permissable limits. The PM10 (particles in the air with a diameter of less than 10 micrometres) level was recorded at 440 gm-3, four times the permissable limits, according to SAFAR. An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered "good", 51 and 100 "satisfactory", 101 and 200 "moderate", 201 and 300 "poor", 301 and 400 "very poor", and 401 and 500 "severe". AQI above 500 falls in the "severe-plus emergency" category. SAFAR said, "As per satellite images, heavy fire counts were recorded in the last 24 hour and the latest SAFAR model results show a movement of cold front carrying heavy air mass towards Delhi region." Elaborating on it, the weather forecast system said the air in the surrounding stubble-burning areas is already heavy due to increased moisture and pollutants.This heavy air will travel towards Delhi, where a similar situations exists, in the next 24 hours. This combined effect might add to the pollution woes. "There is a possibility that the wind may pick up at the upper level, late in the night and push the level of pollution and keep it in severe zone tomorrow with intensified fog which will further trap the pollutants," it said. The entry of heavy and medium goods vehicles into the national capital has already been banned for three days beginning 11 pm on Thursday night as a measure to check air pollution in Delhi. According to Alok Kumar, joint commissioner of police (Traffic), 1,008 vehicles were allowed in the national capital between 11 pm on Thursday and 6 am on Friday as they were carrying essential goods. As many as 445 vehicles were returned from Delhi's borders, he added. Another officer said many trucks did not enter Delhi either by choice or because they were returned by police in neighbouring districts. The transport department had issued a notification regarding the ban. It has also appealed to private diesel vehicle owners to avoid using their vehicles during the period. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Congress Friday alleged that was a "scam" to convert black money to white and asked the BJP to declare who is responsible for the "economic loss" caused by the Modi government's move. Congress' chief spokesperson said Prime Minister had called the "disaster" an economic revolution and had given tackling black money, counterfeit currency, terrorism and Naxalism as reasons for the move. None of the stated objectives of the government were achieved, the Congress leader said. He cited a report to state that over 99 per cent of the demonetised currency has been deposited in banks. The BJP should now state that who is responsible for the economic loss caused by demonetisation, Surjewala said in a statement. " was a scam to convert black money into white," he alleged. Surjewala's remarks come a day after the second anniversary of demonetisation. Earlier in the day, Youth Congress members accompanied by senior party leaders Friday staged a protest against demonetisation outside the office here and were detained by police. The government and opposition parties were Thursday locked in a bitter war of words with Finance Minister Arun Jaitley citing a spike in the number of taxpayers to staunchly defend demonetisation while Congress president said the note ban cost 1.5 million jobs and 1 per cent of India's GDP. Jaitley said demonetisation resulted in formalisation of economy and increased tax base. The BJP also posed 10 questions to the Congress, asking why its finds merit in protesting every "anti-corruption" measure of the and accused it of "living in denial" despite a surge in GDP numbers. Sidelined AIADMK leader T T V Dhinakaran and some of the disqualified party MLAs Friday met V K Sasikala at a prison here. This was the first meeting the former legislators had with Sasikala post a Madras High court order upholding their disqualification by Speaker P Dhanapal last year. Sasikala, the deposed AIADMK leader, is serving a four year jail term in a disporportionate assets case at the Parappana Agrahara prison here. Dhinakaran was accompanied by a group of disqualified MLAs besides a couple of sitting legislators, all loyal to him. Later, speaking to reporters, Dhinakaran said the disqualified MLAs had earlier expressed their desire to meet her. He said she appreciated their decision to face bypolls rather than appealing against the Madras High Court order in the Supreme Court. "They discussed the High Court verdict and our future activities. She is aware of everything and she said it is the right decision (to face polls)," Dhinakaran, Sasikala's nephew, said. One of the disqualified MLAs, P Palaniappan, said Sasikala was doing well. He said she appreciated them for their decision to face elections. He also said the disqualified MLAs were united and that they consulted Dhinakaran over important matters. The Madras High Court had on October 25 upheld the June 14 order of the then Chief Justice disqualifying 18 rebel AIADMK legislators, in a huge relief to the K Palaniswami government. They were disqualified on September 18 last year by Dhanapal under the anti-defection law after they met the then Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao and expressed loss of confidence in Palaniswami. Though they had initially decided to appeal against the October 25 verdict, the disqualified MLAs later chose to face the bypolls. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Ayodhya had a radiant look as earthen lamps dotted walls and lights illuminated houses and buildings, while fireworks added to the festive spirit as people celebrated Diwali in the holy town. Several devotees from Ayodhya and its neighbouring areas also visited Ram Janmabhoomi, Hanuman Garhi, Kanak Bhawan and old temples, which were lit up on the occasion. Among the thousands of people, who visited Ram Janmabhoomi, was transgender activist Lakshmi Tripathi, who is also the 'mahamandaleshwar' of the 'Kinnar Akhara'. "I am delighted to visit the birthplace of Lord Ram. It is my first visit to the place and it feels very spiritual here," Tripathi told PTI. The festive spirit in the city that saw a three-day grand event 'Deepotsav', which ended Tuesday, reached a crescendo on Wednesday as skies sparkled with fireworks and streets and ghats were lit up with lamps, candles and diyas or earthen lamps. Sweets shops and restaurants were also decked up and florists also did brisk business as many devotees offered flowers and sweets to deities in temples. Ram Ki Paidi, the centre stage of Deepotsav festivities where South Korean First Lady Kim Jung-sook was the chief guest, dazzled with illuminated temples on the riverfront and several people visited it in the evening to celebrate Diwali. Draped in an elegant saree, Kim Jung soaked in Diwali festivities in Ayodhya much to the delight of the people of this pilgrim town. The Korean First Lady Tuesday got a taste of Diwali as she was treated to a dazzling display of earthen lamps at Ram ki Paidi, where a record over 3 lakh 'diyas' were lit up in front of her. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Madras High Court Friday restrained police from arresting director of Tamil film "Sarkar" A R Murugadoss till November 27 on complaints related to some scenes opposed by the ruling AIADMK in the state. Justice G K Ilanthiraiyan passed the interim order on the anticipatory bail petition filed by Murugadoss, who apprehended arrest over complaints filed in connection with the "objectionable" scenes. AIADMK workers staged protests against the film Thursday after several ministers took exception to scenes in the film criticising welfare schemes and a reference to late chief minister J Jayalalithaa. When the petition came up for hearing, police informed the judge that only preliminary investigation was being conducted on the complaints against Murugadoss. Certain scenes in the film, which show grinder, mixers and fans being burnt, have created law and order problem, they submitted. Counsel for the petitioner contended that the protests by the AIADMK workers against the film which had been certified by the Censor Board was totally unlawful. He also claimed that the director had dealt with "real problems" faced by the people and no viewer had objected to it. The counsel also informed the judge that the objectionable portions had already been removed from the film. The judge later adjourned the petition to November 27 for further hearing. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An Election Commission team, held discussions with government officials and members of a apex body for civil societies in Mizoram here Friday and agreed to remove state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) S B Shashank, a civil society leader said. The four-member EC team, headed by Deputy Election Commissioner Sudeep Jain, did not speak to the press. Chief Secretary Arvind Ray and the joint CEO were not allowed inside the hall where the meeting was held. The EC team held discussions with two additional CEOs, Home Secretary Lalrinliana Fanai, leaders of the NGO Coordination Committee - apex body of the civil societies. It was a closed door meeting and the team left the venue without making any comments. Committee chairman Vanlalruata said the EC team agreed to the body's demand to remove Shashank as CEO of Mizoram immediately. The team also agreed to stick to the commitment made by the poll panel in April 2014 that Bru voters who are staying in Tripura would exercise their franchise in Mizoram and not in the relief camps of that state, he said. Thousands of Bru community members had fled Mizoram in October 1997 after ethnic clashes and have been living in camps in Tripura since then. The EC team, however, refused to make any commitment on revoking the transfer order of former principal secretary Lalnunmawia Chuaungo and restore him in his position in Mizoram, he said. Shashank, who was being seen by the civil society as a Bru sympathiser, had allegedly complained to the EC that Chuaungo was interfering with the poll process in Mizoram where election to its 40-member Assembly is slated for November 28. The EC team also met members of the Mizoram Kohhran Hruaitute Committee (MKHC), which is a conglomerate of leaders of major churches in the state, and those of the IAS officers association which included several serving and retired bureaucrats. They would visit Champhai district, on the Mizoram-Myanmar border, Saturday and hold discussions with the Deputy Commissioner Naveen Agrawal, before returning to Delhi. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) England made strides towards a big victory in the first Test in Galle on Friday, removing Sri Lanka's top three before lunch on the fourth day as thunderstorms held off. Set a gargantuan 462 for victory, the hosts ended the morning session on 98 for 3, after their openers had earlier batted out the first hour of play. But Kaushal Silva went leg before to Jack Leach for 30 and Dimuth Karunaratne was caught and bowled by fellow spinner Moeen Ali for 26, both dismissals the result of attacking strokes. Dhananjaya de Silva, who had made a confident start to his innings, was caught at first slip by skipper Joe Root off Ben Stokes in the last over of the session for 21. One ball earlier, de Silva had been given out caught behind flashing at a Stokes delivery wide of the off stump, but he was reprieved on review. England's varied attack, which features three seamers and three spinners, probed persistently through the morning as captain Root employed attacking field placements. Home skipper Dinesh Chandimal is unable to bat any higher than number seven because of a groin injury that kept him off the field for all of Thursday, weakening Sri Lanka's batting order. With five further sessions to play and only seven wickets to get, England will be confident of victory. No team has batted more than 114 overs in the fourth innings in Galle. Stokes said before the day's play that he expected Moeen, Leach and Adil Rashid to do the most damage, with the ball spinning more quickly off the pitch as the match has progressed. "If our spinners can get the ball in the right area on a consistent basis then I think it's going to make it really hard work for the Sri Lankans," the Durham all-rounder said. England secured a first innings lead of 139 and on Thursday an unbeaten 146 by Keaton Jennings, his first century since a ton on his 2016 debut, allowed Root to declare at 322 for six. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) FORCEFUL FIREARMS. At Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City on Thursday, PNP chief Oscar Albayalde (middle) and NCRPO chief Director Guillermo Eleazar (left) inspect the high-powered firearms allegedly seized from National Democratic Front of the Philippines peace consultant Vicente Ladlad, Alberto and Virginia Villamor during a raid in Lot 16-A Block 3 Saint Mark corner Saint Joseph Sts., Dona Tomasa, Barangay. San Bartolome, Novaliches, Quezon City Wednesday night. Quezon City Police District Director P/C Supt. Joselito Esquivel (unseen) escorts the arrested CPP- NDF leader (left above) identified as Vicente Ladlad in clenched fist at Camp Karingal. (left below) Esquivel escorts another CPP- NDF identified as Virginia Villamor, aka ate Anna. Norman Cruz, Manny Palmero READ: Reds wont fall for Rodys trap The Palace said Thursday that the sudden arrest of National Democratic Front of the Philippines peace consultant Vicente Ladlad was not a violation of the provisions of the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees.Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said the JASIG, an agreement which essentially guarantees the immunity and safety of individuals involved in the peace talks, is not currently in force as the peace talks between the Duterte administration and the NDFP have already been terminated. The JASIG is operative only if there are peace talks ongoing, but that has been terminated by the proclamation of the President on Nov. 23, 2017. Secondly, the crime of rebellion is a continuing crime and therefore no warrant of arrest is needed for that, Panelo said. Panelo said other consultants covered by the JASIG can be arrested by the government any time since peace talks were already terminated. Ladlad, a long-time activist and peace advocate, was arrested early Thursday by police. Fides Lim, Ladlads wife took to Facebook and announced the disappearance of her husband, claiming that members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group abducted Ladlad. Arresting unit can only be the CIDG which tailed me last week. Please help me look for Vic, she said, expressing worries about his health, as he suffers from chronic asthma, which has already deteriorated into emphysema. Communist Party of the Philippines founding chairman Jose Ma. Sison was quick to speculate that Ladlad could have been framed by the Duterte administration as he claimed there is no warrant of arrest issued against the NDFP consultant. There is no valid warrant of arrest against him. But in the Duterte scheme, he is likely to be framed as a combatant with firearms and explosives planted despite his serious health condition, he said. Earlier reports said Ladlad was arrested for charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosGovtives in Novaliches, Quezon City. Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Carlito Galvez, Jr., lauded law enforcement agents and the concerned citizen who helped in the arrest of Ladlad. I would like to commend the swift response of the authorities and the concerned citizen for the arrest of these notorious personalities. The peoples vigilance has been an important aspect of our security operations and has been valuable in the fight against terrorism, Galvez said in a statement. The AFP chief also stressed the importance of cooperation in the security sector to curb terror groups and their leaders. The AFP and PNP (Philippine National Police) in [their] unrelenting pursuit of peace and prosperity will be hitting them in all fronts. The apprehension of Ladlad will create a leadership vacuum in their organization which will speed up the process of defeating insurgency in the country, Galvez added.He added that since the assumption of President Rodrigo Duterte, 54 prominent communist personalities have been neutralized. This has resulted in the disruption of internal coordination of the rebel group from the national level down to the New Peoples Army (NPA) platoons. The leadership vacuum led the insurgents to fall complacent, causing the stagnation and decline in their major fields of work in launching the armed struggle, the AFP chief added. Ladlad is a member of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Central Committee, head of its National United Front Commission, and consultant to its now defunct peace negotiations. Ladlad and his aides, Alberto and Virginia Villamor, were arrested in his alleged safehouse in Dona Tomasa Subdivision, Barangay San Bartolome, Novaliches, Quezon City early Thursday. Police said they found an AK-47, one M-16A1, one Colt Mk IV, four hand grenades, and assorted ammunition during the raid. Ladlad is accused of involvement in the multiple murder cases for the purging of communist members tagged by the CPP leadership as government spies in their organization. At least 67 bodies were unearthed in September 2006 involving the Southern Leyte Front of the NPA. Ladlad was among those in the CPP who were charged with multiple counts of murder over the massacre. Also charged were Adelberto Silva, head of the National Organization Department and Secretary General of the CPP. He was arrested in Laguna in October. But PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said Ladlad and two others were arrested for illegal possession of firearms, not their affiliation with the communists. He added that Ladlad could not hide behind the JASIC because they broke the law. India Friday welcomed the US announcement allowing it to keep buying crude oil from Iran and said it was examining the details of the exemptions. The US on Monday re-imposed sanctions on import of crude oil from Iran but temporarily allowed India, China, South Korea, Japan, Italy, Greece, Taiwan and Turkey to continue the purchase from the Gulf nation without any penalty. "We appreciate that the US government has taken into account our need for energy security and understood our sensitivities on this matter. We welcome this. We are now examining the details of the exemption," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said. Asked whether India was going to reduce crude oil imports from Iran, he did not give a direct reply but said Iranian oil was very important for India's energy security. "India is a major importer of crude oil from Iran. This is very important for our own energy security needs. We appreciate the fact that US has shown understanding of our position and have said that their intention is not to hurt India," he said. "I am not at the liberty to give you details about the quantum of crude oil that we will continue to import," Kumar added. The MEA spokesperson said India also appreciated the US for exempting it from sanctions for the development of the strategically-located Chabahar port in Iran. "We have taken note of the US statement that exception has been provided under the Iran Freedom and Counter Proliferation Act of 2012 with respect to development of Chabahar Port and the construction of an associated railway line," he said. "We appreciate that the US recognised the role which this port will play to bring strategic and long term benefits to Afghanistan as well as enhance Afghanistan's connectivity with the outside world," Kumar added. Ports in Iran have also come under the US sanctions. New Delhi has been a key partner in development of the Chabahar port which is being considered a gateway to golden opportunities for trade by India, Iran and Afghanistan with central Asian countries. The port is being considered crucial for trade among the three countries in the wake of Pakistan denying transit access to India. In May 2016, India, Iran and Afghanistan had signed a pact which entailed establishment of a transit and transport corridor among the three countries using Chabahar Port as one of the regional hubs. India had requested the US to allow it to continue its engagement in the Chabahar port, saying it can be a major link for trade with war-ravaged Afghanistan. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Asia editor of the Financial Times has been refused entry to Hong Kong, weeks after he was denied a new work visa in what critics call an ominous sign of Beijing encroaching on the semi-autonomous Chinese territory's civil liberties. The newspaper reported that Victor Mallet was turned away at the border on Thursday after being questioned for several hours. He had sought to enter as a visitor. Mallet's visa rejection in October came shortly after he hosted a talk at the Hong Kong Foreign Correspondents Club by the head of a now-banned political party advocating the financial hub's independence from China. That brought heated criticism from the territory's pro-China elites, some of whom called for the journalists' organisation to be kicked out of its clubhouse in the central financial district. Hong Kong's immigration authority has given no explanation for his expulsion and on Friday responded with a statement saying it would "act in accordance with the laws and policies and decide whether the entry will be allowed or refused after careful consideration of the circumstances of each case." In Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said Hong Kong had the right to decide who could enter the territory. "As you know, when people travel around the world, it is normal for every country to permit or reject a visitor's entry according to its law governing the administration of entry and exit," Hua said at a daily briefing. In a statement issued Friday, the Hong Kong Journalists Association said that in barring Mallet's entry, the government was "severely violating the freedoms of press and speech, and further damaging the reputation and status of Hong Kong as an international city," according to the newspaper South China Morning Post. Pro-democracy legislators on the city council also expressed worries over the incident, saying the erosion of basic legal rights could harm Hong Kong's ability to attract foreign investment. The denial of a visa to Mallet has been widely condemned by journalists, human rights and civic society groups in Hong Kong, who saw it as a sign of China's growing encroachment on freedom of speech in the city. Concerns have also been raised by the apparent kidnappings and prosecutions in China of independent booksellers from Hong Kong and legal cases brought against pro-democracy legislators and organisers of large-scale anti-government protests in 2014. Hong Kong was promised semi-autonomy for 50 years as part of its 1997 handover from British rule, allowing it to retain its limited democracy and rights to assembly and free speech that are denied on the Chinese mainland. The Foreign Correspondent's Club is an institution dating back more than 75 years ago to when Hong Kong was a British colony. At the August 14 talk at the FCC, Mallet introduced Hong Kong National Party leader Andy Chan by acknowledging official criticism while citing the territory's tolerance for dissent. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The finance ministry Friday asked foreign diplomatic missions or UN organisations to correctly mention the 'place of supply' of services in their GST return forms to enable quick processing of refund. The GST Act provides for allotting a Unique Identification Number (UIN) to consulates, embassies and UN organisations to enable them claim refund of the GST paid. However, it has come to the notice of the revenue authorities that many UIN entities while filling invoice data have been reporting their 'place of supply' as the state where they are registered instead of the 'place of supply' as reflected in the invoice. Giving example, the ministry said it was observed that embassies registered in Delhi have been consistently declaring their 'place of supply' as New Delhi even on hotel service consumed in the state of Maharashtra. "It is advised that while reporting the 'place of supply' and charging of CGST / SGST or IGST on an invoice, the details shall be exactly as per the details mentioned in the invoice issued by the supplier of goods or services. Wrong reporting of invoice level data in Form GSTR-11 or in the statement of invoice submitted may lead to delay in processing / rejection of refund claims," the ministry said. It said that one of the conditions for claiming refund by these entities is to file invoice level data in their return form GSTR-11 on the common portal. Form GSTR-11 mandates reporting 'Place of Supply' for every invoice on which refund is applied for. However, many UIN entities while filling invoice data have been reporting their place of supply as the State where they are registered instead of the place of supply as reflected in the invoice, the ministry said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A fire broke out at a plastic godown on Friday night in Anandapur area on the southern fringes of the city, police said. Four fire tenders were rushed to the spot, they said. The incident took place in Anandapur's Chawbhaga area at around 9.30 pm. The exact cause of the fire was not yet known, a senior officer said, adding that nobody was injured. "The situation is under control but we are trying to douse the fire so that it does not spread further," the officer said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former Miss India and actor Niharika Singh shared her #MeToo story on Friday in which she accused the husband of a female flight attendant, who allegedly committed suicide in July, of being a "sociopath" and "physically violent" when they were briefly engaged in 2011. Anissia Batra, who worked with a German airline, had allegedly jumped from the terrace of her house in July. Her husband Mayank Singhvi was arrested on the charge of dowry death, and her in-laws were also arrested earlier this month. Singh said Batra had contacted her and they had formed "a kind of sisterhood". PTI had reported in September that a former Miss India had approached Delhi Police and recorded her statement in the Anissia Batra case. In her statement, she had told police that she called off her engagement after Singhvi threatened her and chased her with a knife. Singh's #MeToo story was shared by journalist Sandhya Menon on Twitter. In the post, Singh said she had met Singhvi at a friend's birthday party. "He was an investment banker and had nothing to do with film, which to me, was like a breath of fresh air. Within two months of meeting me, Mayank tattooed my name on his chest and told me that he was in love with me. "I didn't feel the same way about him but he managed to get into my social circle and develop a bond with my family and friends who insisted 'I settle down'. In 2011, on my 29th birthday, he gave me a ring and asked me to marry him," Singh said. She said, she found out later, that Singhvi "was a sociopath, and I broke off my engagement at the end of 2011". "His ego was completely bruised and his anger was uncontrollable. Using casteist slurs, he got abusive and physically violent. I went to a friend's house to protect myself and left Mumbai soon after with a broken spirit," she said. She also wrote about Singhvi creating a "false narrative" about her which hurt her more than the abuse. "Mayank created a false narrative about me after I left that many of my friends chose to believe, which hurt even more than the abuse. I moved to Dehradun where my father lived, did vipassana and spent time on my own to heal," she said. Without mentioning Batra's name, Singh said Singhvi's wife had contacted her days before she allegedly committed suicide. "In June this year, I received a call from a woman who introduced herself as Mayank Singhvi's wife; the same man I was briefly engaged to, in 2011. She wanted to know my reasons for calling off the engagement. "I told her my story. She confided in me that she's been abused right from the first week of their marriage and was trying to get out. We stayed in touch forming a kind of sisterhood. A few days later she was found dead in her marital home under mysterious circumstances. Mayank Singhvi was taken into judicial custody," Singh said. The #MeToo movement started after actor Tanushree Dutta alleged that Nana Patekar sexually harassed her on the sets of a movie in 2008. Since then, many women have come out in public to share their experiences of harassment. Patekar's lawyer has sent a legal notice to Dutta for allegedly making false accusations. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The French civil aviation authority said Friday it had seized a plane to get the Irish low-cost airline to repay illegal public aid, the latest in a string of troubles for the carrier. The EU Commission in 2014 ruled that subsidies received from a regional authority had to be repaid, but the airline had not complied despite repeated warnings. The plane, a Boeing 737, was seized on Thursday at Bordeaux airport in southwestern France. "This measure was taken as a last resort by the French authorities after several reminders and attempts to recuperate the money failed," the DGAC civil aviation body said. "By this action, the government reaffirms its intention to guarantee the conditions of fair competition between airlines and between airports," it said. The plane "will remain immobilised until the sum is paid". It was "regrettable" that the 149 passengers on board the plane had to wait five hours before being able to take off from the Bordeaux-Merignac airport in another aircraft, the civil aviation body added. Regional newspaper Charente Libre reported that the plane was close to take-off for London's Stansted airport when a bailiff, accompanied by police, declared it seized on the tarmac and sealed the aircraft. The airline owes the regional authority 525,000 euros ($595,000), regional officials said. The president of the regional airport authority, Didier Vallat, told AFP he expected the money to be disbursed Friday or Saturday. "Ryanair practically promised that they will pay us today," he said. Ryanair's fleet is made up mostly of Boeing 737-800 aircraft, which have a list price of around USD 98 million each. In October, EU anti-trust authorities opened an investigation into whether Ryanair benefited from measures at a German airport that give the Irish low-cost carrier an unfair leg-up over competitors. And last week ministers from five European governments warned Ryanair that it could face legal trouble if it ignores national labour laws after a series of strikes across the continent. The pan-European stoppages prompted the airline to cut its profit forecast, but it still expects to make profits after tax of 1.10-1.20 billion euros in its current financial year. Ryanair is also fighting an order by Italian regulators to suspend a charge for carry-on bags. A French NGO said Friday it was pursuing a class action suit against Facebook, saying the social network was violating users' privacy despite the enactment of strict new EU rules this year. Internet Society France, part of the Internet Society global advocacy group, said it had sent Facebook a formal notice listing seven areas where it had allegedly failed to respect personal data. It said several hundred people had joined its campaign, part of the "eBastille" initiative, and it hopes to get 100 million of Facebook's 278 million users in France to back the lawsuit. "This action aims to show that individuals are neither alone nor powerless to have their rights respected," said Odile Ambry, the group's honorary president. "We hope this will create a European dynamic," she said. Facebook's alleged faults include gathering data on users' sexuality, religious beliefs and political views, and not allowing people to partially block data gathering. The group also claims Facebook uses cookies to trace internet activity of people who simply consult its website without being members. The social media giant has four months to respond to the notice under the EU's General Data Protection Regulation or (GDPR) which came into effect last May. Failing to respond could trigger the class action suit. The new rules give internet users more control over their personal data, and requires companies to be more explicit in how such data is used. Internet Society France estimates that if the social media giant is found to have breached privacy laws, it should have to pay damages to each user. Its campaign comes ahead of Unesco's annual internet governance forum which opens in Paris on Monday, in which the NGO is participating. Facebook executives will also be in Paris next week as part of Paris Digital Week alongside the Paris Peace Forum being hosted by President Emmanuel Macron. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Germany's president is calling on his compatriots to embrace an enlightened, "democratic patriotism" and reject aggressive nationalism that romanticises the country's history. President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said Friday that acknowledging and remembering Germany's dark Nazi past should be considered a strength, not a weakness. Steinmeier's remarks came in a speech to Parliament marking the 100th anniversary of the proclamation of a German republic after World War I. The November 9 ceremony also commemorates the 1938 Nazi pogrom against Jews, known as the "Night of Broken Glass," and the 1989 fall of the Berlin Wall widely seen as ending the Cold War. In a swipe at the far-right Alternative for Germany party, Steinmeier urged Germans to reject those who seek to exclude minorities. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Uttarakhand Governor Baby Rani Maurya and Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat Friday called for a collective endeavour to build the state as per the aspirations of the people who fought for its formation. Though the state has made significant progress in the 18 years of its existence there are still challenges to overcome, they said at a function of the Uttarakhand Police here to mark the state's 18th foundation day. Uttarakhand was carved out of Uttar Pradesh in 2000. "We have to honestly evaluate our achievements and set a target for moving forward. In the 18 years, since its foundation, Uttarakhand has performed well on many parameters of development, but there are still many challenges that need to be addressed," the governor said. Maurya underscored the need to bridge the gap between the hills and plains in terms of development by empowering women and providing employment to the youth in the state's hilly areas. She called upon the people to work for 100 per cent success of the "Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign. The Governor also took the salute of a ceremonial parade organised at the Police Lines and honoured three President Police Medal recipients and 18 Police Medal recipients for their meritorious services. Chief Minister Rawat said there are challenges to overcome with the advent of new technologies and issues such as cyber crime. He expressed hope that the process of development would continue. "Uttarakhand is completing 18 years today and is moving forward. We have faith that the state will continue to progress," Rawat said. "We have many challenges. The use of technology is increasing. Technology is available to criminals also but we have complete confidence that the Uttarakhand Police will be successful in keeping criminals at bay," he said. Rawat said whether it is cyber crime, other crimes or a time of disaster, the Uttarakhand Police has discharged its duties with full dedication and utmost discipline. After the function, the chief minister went to the Court Complex, Dehradun, and paid tributes at the Martyrs Memorial. The governor and the chief minister also released two police magazines on the occasion. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan Friday appealed to the Centre to reconsider its decision to lease out six airports, including Thiruvananthapuram aerodrome, for operation, management and development under the Public Private Partnership (PPP). The Union cabinet took this decision stating that it would increase efficiency and revenue and bring in more investments. But by keeping them in public sector, the airports can be developed and also attract investments, Vijayan said in a Facebook Post. The decision has come at a time when the state government was going ahead with steps to acquire 18 acres for the development of the Thiruvananthapuram airport, the first to come up in the state, he said, adding the move was "totally disappointing." Alleging that the Centre was trying to fully privatise the civil aviation sector in phases, Vijayan said this was against national interest and the government should withdraw from such a move, Vijayan said. The Union Cabinet Thursday approved a proposal to manage Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Guwahati, Mangaluru besides Thiruvananthapuram airports under public private partnership (PPP). (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) 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. BORACAY ISLANDPresident Rodrigo Duterte has reminded agrarian reform beneficiaries in Aklan, including the Ati of Boracay, to keep their land instead of selling it. Till the land, make it productive and when the progression period is over, maybe your children can sell it and it could be worth millions, Duterte said in his speech during the distribution of Certificates of Land Ownership Award to the beneficiaries at the Manoc Manoc Covered Court in Boracay on Thursday night. There will be Ati here who will become rich someday, he said. Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Friday said President Duterte could ban casino operations in Boracay even without an executive order. With or without an EO, the President has the power and the tools to stop casino operations, Guevarra told ABS-CBN News. The only advantage of an EO is that it sets a long-term policy and provides a formal framework for all government actions pertaining to the subject matter. A total of 623 CLOAs covering 274.0352 hectares of land under the Agrarian Reform Program were distributed to 484 beneficiaries from Boracay and mainland Malay and the towns of Buruanga and Tangalan, Aklan. Duterte noted the importance of owning land to the beneficiaries who called it a prized possession.It could be worth millions if you want to build something, he said. Of the 623 certificates distributed, six land titles covering 3.2064 hectares of land were given to the 44 members of the Boracay Ati Tribal Organization or BATO. Meanwhile, in a speech by a BATO member delivered on behalf of their tribal chieftain Delsa Justo, the Ati community expressed their gratitude to the President for the land given them and for the rehabilitation of the island. We Ati are very grateful that our prayers to God have been answered, that our beloved island, which is slowly being destroyed, will now be restored, an Ati member said. The Ati expressed hope that with the additional land given to them, no trouble would arise. Agrarian Reform Secretary John Castriciones said Thursday the Ati should not worry about their land ownership as Boracay is government property. The land that will be given to them is government-owned and they will not pay a single cent, he said. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Friday said he believes in development of the people of the state, while the Congress is only interested in defaming his government. Chouhan said while his government is taking care of all sections of the soceity, the main opposition party just dreams about seeing him out of power. "I have opened new vistas of development, including for the welfare of bhanje-bhanji (nephew and niece), built the Kundalia dam in Rajgarh district and launched Teerth Darshan Yojna (a state sponsored scheme for the elderly). "The Congress, on the other hand, just expresses anger at these things," he said. Chouhan, who is the CM since 2005, is popularly known as 'mama' in Madhya Pradesh. Chouhan was addressing a rally here after accompanying BJP candidates who filed their nomination papers from various assembly seats in Rajgarh district for the November 28 polls. "The Congress has nothing to claim in the name of development. It is just running false advertisements on television to defame my government," he alleged. The BJP chief minister said in the days to come every inch of land in the district will be covered by irrigation facilities. "I am sending our old-age parents on pilgrimage tours, sons and daughters to good educational institutions, making daughters 'Ladli' (a scheme where money is deposited in bank a/c of girls soon after their birth) as I understand the pain of women, but the Congress leaders just get angry," he said. Chouhan said the Congress is only interested in disapproving the work being done by the BJP government. "Even when I took a resolve to remove poverty from the state, the Congress got angry, when I waived power bills, the Congress got angry. They only see mama in dreams and always think when this mama will go," Chouhan said. The district has five assembly constituencies and four of them - Biora, Rajgarh, Khilchipur and Sarangpur - are held by the BJP, while the fifth one - Narsinghgarh - is with the Congress. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Indian Institute of Technology-Madras has developed a portable solar-powered cold storage device with a 500 kg capacity for storing vegetables, and fruits, among other items. The device will help farmers store their produce for sufficient time so that it does not get spoilt before it is sold, thereby preventing wastage of agricultural produce. The first unit of the device, which provides storage facility with temperature ranging between four and 10 degree celsius, was deployed at a farm in Madurantakam in Kancheepuram district, around 80 km from Chennai, recently. "Vegetables, leaves, flowers and fruits can be stored for 24 hours in the device. Each device would be enough for 5 or 6 acres of land or for a group of three to four farmers," professor Satyanarayanan Seshadri, who developed the system, told PTI. Each unit would cost between Rs 5.5 to Rs 6 lakh and storage capacity could be scaled down based on requirement. "The unit uses thermal energy storage... The photovoltaic-powered refrigeration system is used to charge the indoor thermal battery in the form of latent heat during day time and used to maintain temperature (10 C) for 20-24 hours," Seshadri said. The project has been funded by Department of Science and Technology (Ministry of Science and Technology) and IIT-M. "We are trying to look at online retailers who can deploy these devices in their aggregation centres," he said. A startup called Tan90, initiated by IIT-M students, aims to commercialise the technology and take it to individual farmers with even smaller devices at affordable prices. Three years ago, students of IIT-Kharagpur developed a similar system which works at almost zero running cost. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Delhi Environment Minister Imran Hussain met his ministry officials on Friday to discuss the deteriorating air quality in the national capital which slipped to "severe plus emergency" category after Diwali. A thick haze engulfed Delhi on Thursday as it recorded its worst air quality of the year the morning after Diwali, with the pollution level entering "severe-plus emergency" category or ten times the permissible limit due to rampant bursting of toxic firecrackers in gross violation of a Supreme Court order, authorities said. Hussain met officials of the Environment Ministry to discuss the deteriorating air quality and plan action if the air quality remains hazardous, officials said. The Supreme Court-appointed Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority on Thursday said it was closely monitoring the situation and if the pollution shows an increasing trend then emergency measures will be imposed in the national capital. The emergency measures would be implemented as prescribed under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Under the GRAP, stringent actions are implemented based on the air quality of the city. The measures such as banning entry of heavy vehicles and odd-even scheme are implemented if the air quality slips to "severe plus emergency" category. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) National Conference leader Omar Abdullah has asked why the Centre did not initiate talks with the stakeholders in Jammu and Kashmir if it could participate in the dialogue on Afghanistan in Russia in the presence of the Taliban. "If 'non-official' participation in a dialogue that includes the taliban is acceptable to the Modi government why not a "non-official" dialogue with non-mainstream stake holders in J&K? Why not a "non-official" dialogue centered around J&K's eroded autonomy & its restoration?," Omar wrote on Twitter on Thursday night. India on Thursday said it would participate in the meeting being hosted by Russia on Afghanistan at a "non-official level" in Moscow, where representatives of the Taliban will be present. Representatives of the Afghan Taliban radical movement will take part in the Moscow-format meeting on Afghanistan on Friday, the Russian Foreign Ministry had said last week. "We are aware that the Russian Federation is hosting a meeting in Moscow on 9 November on Afghanistan. Our participation at the meeting will be at the non-official level," Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said. He said India supports all efforts at peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan that will preserve unity and plurality, and bring security, stability and prosperity to the country. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) National Conference leader Omar Abdullah has questioned the Centre's participation in a dialogue on Afghanistan in the presence of Taliban representatives while holding no talks with stakeholders in Jammu and Kashmir. "If 'non-official' participation in a dialogue that includes the taliban is acceptable to the Modi government why not a non-official dialogue with non-mainstream stake holders in J&K? Why not a non-official dialogue centered around J&K's eroded autonomy & its restoration?" he tweeted Thursday night. India had on Thursday said it would participate in the dialogue hosted by Russia at a "non-official level" in Moscow. The Moscow-format meeting on Afghanistan will be held on November 9 and representatives of the Afghan Taliban radical movement will take part in it, the Russian Foreign Ministry had said last week. "We are aware that the Russian Federation is hosting a meeting in Moscow on 9 November on Afghanistan. Our participation at the meeting will be at the non-official level, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said. He said India supports all efforts at peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan that will preserve unity and plurality, and bring security, stability and prosperity to the country. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan army's Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Zubair Mahmood Hayat Friday alleged that India was attempting to alter the regional strategic landscape through an unprecedented military build-up. Hayat was speaking at a book launch event hosted by Center for International Strategic Studies Islamabad (CISS). The CISS said in a statement that General Hayat reviewed the regional security situation and listed the threats faced by Pakistan especially in the context of latest developments, including the first deterrence patrol by Indian nuclear submarine INS Arihant, Indo-Russian nuclear deal for S-400 air defense missile systems and India's shifting doctrinal posture. "An aggressive hybrid war had also been imposed on Pakistan," he alleged. "Pakistan was determined to maintain credible minimum deterrence against full spectrum of evolving threats while exercising restraint and responsibility in order to preserve regional peace and stability," he said. Besides, India's destabilising actions, the world powers providing high-tech military hardware and technologies were also aggravating regional and global security, he claimed. Hayat also claimed that exceptional access to modern technology granted to India was undermining strategic stability. "We are fully alive to these challenges. We will do what it minimally takes to restore the strategic balance in the region," he said. He reminded about Pakistani proposal for a 'Strategic Restraint Regime'. About the challenge of hybrid war, Hayat said that it would be dealt with through "a whole of the nation approach". He additionally called for a fair, equitable and non-discriminatory treatment for Pakistan's application for membership of Nuclear Suppliers Group. Executive Director CISS Ambassador Ali Sarwar Naqvi said South Asia was a crisis-prone region due to unresolved disputes between India and Pakistan. These issues have resulted in trust deficit and lack of communication between the two countries, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A high-level meeting between Army officials and Chinese PLA troops was organised on Friday at Bumla, near Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh, where the two sides reaffirmed their resolve to strengthen friendship and maintain peace along the Line of Actual Control. The 4057-km-long Line of Actual Control separates India from China. The delegations, led by Major General PGK Menon from India and Major General Li Xi Zhong from China, hoisted flags of both the countries and discussed ways to boost relationship between the neighbours, a defence ministry release said. This was the first time major generals of the two countries took part in a border personnel meeting (BPM), since its initiation in 1990, the release said. On Wednesday, too, the army personnel of the two sides exchanged greeting and gifts on the occasion of Diwali. The BPM at Bumla was yet another milestone in the ongoing efforts by both the nations to increase interactions at all levels - diplomatic as well as military channels, the defence release said. Located at an altitude of 15,000 ft and situated 42 km North of Tawang town, Bumla is one of the five designated venues for BPMs between two of the world's largest armies. Both the delegation expressed satisfaction over the "growing mutual trust and harmony" between the two countries and expressed hope that the Sino-Indian relationship would only get stronger with time, the release added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An Indian freelance journalist, who has been the target of online trolling and harassment for her investigative reports, has bagged the 2018 London Press Freedom Award for Courage. Swati Chaturvedi, author of the book 'I am a Troll: Inside the Secret World of the BJP's Digital Army', beat shortlisted journalists from Italy, Turkey and Morocco for her work in exposing the "IT cell" within the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for keeping an army of angry trolls. "This means a lot. But I think it is very sad that you have to win an award for courage just for doing your job," Chaturvedi said at the first award ceremony organised by the UK chapter of Paris-based Reporters Sans Frontieres (RSF) or Reporters Without Borders in London on Thursday evening. "The US President (Donald Trump) saying we are the enemy of state; in India last year journalist Gauri Lankesh being gunned down outside her house; it is very frightening. There is something clearly very wrong," she said. "I don't think journalists have stopped what they are doing, but the governments across the world have become very intolerant of any criticism or scrutiny." The columnist for print and broadcast media in India commended the work of organisations like the RSF, a non-profit organisation that works to document and combat attacks on journalists around the world. Charturvedi added: "I get a lot of online threats but if I let that affect me, I won't be able to do my job. It is heartening to see RSF speaking up for journalists because we have become an attacked, endangered species. At least there is someone advocating the rights of journalists." "I think it is scary to be a journalist in today's world, especially if you are doing investigative journalism. But at the same time, it is very necessary," she said. Chaturvedi was among four worldwide winners at the awards held at Getty Images Gallery in London. "Recognising great journalism is important, not least because it sends a message of solidarity, proving that there is an international community will stand up for the free media no matter where it is threatened, or by whom," said RSF UK Bureau Director Rebecca Vincent. The ceremony highlighted the importance of press freedom and safety of journalists, especially in the wake of the killing of Saudi Arabian journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi embassy in Istanbul last month. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An Indian-origin man has been sentenced to nine years' imprisonment by a UK court after being found guilty of conspiracy to supply illegal Class A drugs. Jeetendra Parekh, 48, was sentenced after a three-day trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court in east London on Thursday. The court was told that Parekh and a female accomplice, 29-year-old Sibela Ahmed, were caught in a taxi by Scotland Yard officers carrying a plastic bag containing 5 kilograms of heroin in the rear passenger foot-well, with an estimated street value of 500,000 pounds. Officers later searched an address linked to Ahmed and found a further 46 kg of heroin, with an estimated street value of 4.6 million pounds. Ahmed had pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to possession with intent to supply and was jailed for eight years last month. "This operation has seen a significant quantity of drugs removed from London's streets and we are pleased Parekh will be joining Ahmed behind bars," said Detective Constable Kevin Rowley, from the Metropolitan Police's East Area Proactive Team. "I hope these lengthy sentences provide some level of reassurance to the public that we are doing all we can to clamp down on drug dealers and the criminality associated with them," he said. The Met Police team had caught Parekh and Ahmed with the drugs in December last year. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday slammed his critics for blaming his administration for the death of human rights lawyer Benjamin Ramos. What the f***** s***? Why would I kill a lawyer? You are very small-time. Why would I assassinate him? For what? Duterte said in his speech during the awarding of land certificates to agrarian reform beneficiaries in Boracay. He made his statement even as Senator Nancy Binay said Friday the assassinations, harassments, threats and other forms of attacks on lawyers were not only alarming but were clear threats to the rule of law and democracy. She made her statement as she condemned Ramos killing in Kabankalan, Negros Occidental. She also expressed alarm over the pattern of violence against lawyers and called on the authorities to investigate the spate of killings in the country. We convey our deepest sympathy to the family of Attorney Ben and condemn in the strongest terms his brutal slay, Binay said. Ramos, who was working on the case of nine slain farmers in Sagay City, Negros Occidental, was shot dead in the city of Kabankalan about three kilometers from a police station. Police reports said he took three bullets in the chest from motorcycle-riding men at 10:30 pm on Tuesday.Anakpawis Rep. Ariel Casilao blamed the Duterte administration for allowing impunity to prevail in the country. ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro echoed Casilaos remarks and said the Duterte administration was behind Ramos killing. But the Palace said blaming the government for Ramos death was reckless, irresponsible and baseless. Authorities are now conducting a speedy and impartial investigation with respect to the incident and pertinent agencies will do all they can to ensure that the perpetrators of this detestable atrocity are brought to justice, Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said in a statement. He [Duterte] will spare no one in his relentless drive against criminality pursuant to the constitutional directive for him to protect and serve the countrys citizenry. Ramos gave free legal assistance to the National Federation of Sugar Workers following the massacre of its members by still unidentified gunmen at Hacienda Nene in Sagay town last month. The police and the military have previously tagged the New Peoples Army for the killing of the farmers. Cleaning trains in seven minutes flat and passengers with minimum baggage are what Indian railway officials are hoping to replicate in the country's bullet train project to ensure the famous clinical efficiency of Japan's Shinkansen trains. Indian officials said the technology apart, the calm efficiency of workforce in Japan was the reason behind the reliability of its high speed network. They are hoping that the 300-odd employees, to be sent to Japan for training, will bring back these lessons for use at home. "It was amazing how it took the cleaning crew exactly seven minutes to clean up the train. Everything here is precise, with no extra movements. One can hardly see any passenger with more than one bag or anyone using the overhead luggage storage space. "It is this that we want to replicate because it ensures minimum waste of time whether in boarding or de-boarding," said Brijesh Dixit General Manager, National High Speed Rail Corporation which is implementing the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project. Speaking on the sidelines of the International High Speed Rail Association conference here, Dixit said Indians needed to replicate this attitude. "They truly challenge the limits of what a human being can do. We need to create this attitude in India. Our officials who are being trained in Japan are closely studying these aspects and hopefully they will help replicate this discipline in India," said Dixit. Passengers on board Shinkansen trains, which are called bullet trains in India, mostly travel with just their handbags. They queue up in time before the train arrives and let those on board alight first. The cleaning crew on the high speed trains are called the 'seven minute miracle workers' of the 12 minutes in which a train is supposed to be in and out of the platform, two minutes are designated for passengers to alight and three more for waiting group to get aboard, leaving only seven minutes in between for cleaning. "India should immediately begin training its workforce and create a support system for their high speed project. The success of the Japanese network is not just because of the technology, but also because of its people. "It is dependent on its workers who clean the train, however dirty it is in seven minutes, or the drivers who at the cost of being laughed at shout out their every move to increase their efficiency. "Even the passengers who travel with just their handbags are to be credited for it as they can get in and out of trains with ease. India has to adopt this to succeed," Professor Roderick Smith of Imperial College London who is also the Chair of the Future Railway Research Centre told PTI. Smith points out that in Japan it is a rare sight to see passengers dragging luggage while on the streets or in trains. They use the one of its kind system, 'takkyubin' where a customer's luggage is picked up and dropped at pre-decided destinations at their convenience. There are pick up services even for the airport, Smith said. "Sometimes, if the person is not at home, the package is delivered to the nearest convenience store where it can be picked up. It's of course completely reliable. In your country as in mine, systems such as these needs to be developed to ensure that the benefits of high speed trains are maximised," said Smith. The over-all system ensures that the average delay in running Shinkansen trains in Japan is around 60 seconds, including the delays incurred during natural calamities. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Madras High Court Friday held that insurance companies cannot be made liable to pay compensation to accident victims who travel in goods carriers. Justices K K Sasidharan and R Subramanian said that in the light of the categorical pronouncements of the Supreme Court in various accidents, Motor Accidents Claims Tribunals are not right in directing insurance companies to pay the compensation and recover the same from the vehicle owner. The bench gave the ruling while passing orders on a batch of appeals from Bharati AXA General Insurance Company Limited in Bengaluru, challenging a September 23, 2014 order of the Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal in Dharmapuri, on October 24. On September 1 2011, a 16-member marriage party from Kottapatty village had engaged a goods carrier to go to Soolakurichi to attend the event. On the way back, the van turned turtle, killing some people and injuring others. They moved the tribunal, which in September 2014 awarded various amounts. The tribunal directed the insurance firm to pay the amount and recover it later from the vehicle owner. Aggrieved, the insurance company moved the court. The court said it was no doubt true that in many cases, the claimants may not be able to realise the award amount from the owners of the vehicles involved in the accident. "But the said factual situation alone cannot impel us to do something against the provisions of the statute and the decisions of the larger benches of the Supreme Court," the bench added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tech giant Intel has decided to set up their technology development centrehere, a Telangana government release said Friday. A top delegation headed by Intel India Country Head Nivruti Rai met Telangana Caretaker Minister for IT and Industries KT Rama Rao at his camp office, it said. In the meeting, Intel delegation and the Minister discussed about the Industrial policy of Telangana and the infrastructure available in the state We are very happy that Intel decided to start a tech centre in Hyderabad, Rao said. The Intel Indias proposed centre here will provide a major boost to the IT sector in the region and is expected to create 1,500 employment opportunities in its initial stages, it added. The state government and the Intel delegation had held several meetings which culminated in its decision. The delegation invited Rao to attend Intel Indias 20th anniversary scheduled on November 15, in Bengaluru, the release said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Pakistani Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) militant was killed in an encounter with security forces in Tral area of Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Friday, police said. Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Dar-Ganiegund area of Tral following inputs about the presence of militants there, a police spokesman said. He said the search operation turned into an encounter when the ultras opened fire on the security forces, who retaliated. One JeM militant, was killed in the gunbattle, the spokesman said, adding that a policeman also suffered minor injuries during the operation. The deceased militant was identified as a Pakistani national and he was using a code name, Anwar, he said. "Incriminating material, arms and ammunition were recovered from the site of the encounter," the spokesman said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tata Motors-owned on Friday reported 4.6 per cent decline in total retail sales at 44,282 units in October. Sales in China decreased by 49 per cent as market conditions remained challenging amid tariff changes and continued trade tensions with the US, which are impacting consumer confidence and automotive purchases, said in a regulatory filing. Retail sales rose significantly in the UK by 46.9 per cent and North America by 24.1 per cent on the back of newer models -- Jaguar I-PACE and E-PACE and refreshed and Sport, it added. During the month, Jaguar retail sales were 13,764 units, up 11.6 per cent, driven by the EPACE and I-PACE as well as the long wheel base XEL from the company's Chinese joint venture, JLR said. On the other hand, Land Rover retailed 30,518 units in October, down 10.5 per cent as increased sales of refreshed and Range Rover Sport as well as the Velar were offset by lower sales of the Evoque and Discovery Sport, primarily in China, it added. Commenting on the sales performance, Chief Commercial Officer Felix Brautigam said,"We continue to face challenges in some markets, notably China. "Despite this, we saw a strong performance in the UK and North America, which is a testament to our customers' loyalty to our brands and the positive response of new customers to our evolving product line-up. The Joint Chief Electoral Officer of Mizoram, Zorammuana, has directed the deputy commissioner of Kolasib district to delete the names of 'Bru' voters who were enrolled in the electoral list without holding any public hearing. Zorammuana said he has written a letter to the Kolasib Deputy Commissioner Dr Arun T in this regard. He said that hearing should be conducted in the presence of NGOs and local leaders who could identify voters from the Bru community as bona fide residents of the villages. Altogether 218 'Bru' voters have been enrolled in the district and all of them are living in relief camps in Tripura. More than 11,000 people belonging to the Bru community fled Mizoram following ethnic clashes in 1997, and they have been living in relief camps in Tripura. Meanwhile, the Kolasib unit of Mizoram's NGO Coordination Committee Friday asked the deputy commissioner to publicly apologise for enrolling 218 Brus in the voters' list without holding any hearing, a press statement issued by the committee said. While the committee is in favour of 'Bru' voters casting their votes in their respective villages in Mizoram in the November 28 Assembly elections, the Election Commission has allowed them to vote in relief camps in Tripura. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Restoration of an aristocratic house from a state of partial ruin in Ladakh has won an UNESCO Asia-Pacific award for conservation, the world body announced Friday. While the Ladakh project won in the category of Award of Distinction under UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation, rejuvenation of an university clock tower and a fountain in Mumbai have have jointly received Honourable Mention, along with a project in China. The LAMO Center in Jammu and Kashmir's Ladakh region was chosen for its systematic restoration project that used salvaged and local building materials, and indigenous construction techniques while adroitly introducing modern amenities to assure its ongoing use, UNESCO Bangkok said in a statement. "The recovery of the aristocratic house from a state of partial ruin establishes an important precedent for conserving the non-monumental urban fabric of Leh Old Town," it said. In its citation for the award for the Ladakh project, the jury said, "A dynamic programme of arts activities enlivens its space for the benefit of both local residents and visitors." "Strategically located at the foot of the Leh palace, the restored structure contributes significantly to the continuity of the historic townscape dating back to the 17th century," it said. From Mumbai, the restoration projects of the iconic Rajabai Clock Tower of Mumbai University and Ruttonsee Muljee Jetha Fountain, both belonging to the colonial-era have received Honourable Mention. Noted conservation architect Vikas Dilawari, whose earlier restoration projects in the city have also UNESCO heritage conservation awards, was ecstatic after the announcement. "It was a great project as it was a public-private-partnership model, between the MCGM (Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai) and KGA (Kala Ghoda Authority) to restore neglected urban landscape, especially a city fountain," Dilawari told PTI. The challenge was to restore its water engineering too, apart from the architectural conservation, he said. Funded and now looked after by the KGA it took about a year for restoration, the Mumbai-based architect said. The Award of Excellence this year has been won by Shijo-cho Ofune-hoko Float Machiya, of Kyoto, Japan, the statement said. "The renewal of this early 20th-century machiya celebrates Kyoto culture through the safeguarding of the city's endangered wooden townhouse typology as well as the iconic annual Gion Festiva," the citation said. The "meticulously restoration" of the building undertaken by master carpenters in collaboration with conservation experts, the artful conservation work showcases innovation within a traditional architectural context, it said. The project sets a model for its seamless approach to safeguarding built heritage intertwined with intangible cultural heritage in a mutually enriching way, the UNESCO statement said. On the renewal of the Rajabai Clock Tower and Library, the citation said, it opens up a new chapter for one of the city's significant neo-Gothic landmarks. "A comprehensive programme of restoration arrested decay and stabilised the brick masonry, interior timber structure, and extensive decorative works," it said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Sri Lankan strongman and former president Mahinda Rajapaksa remains short of the 'magic number' 113 required to prove his majority in Parliament, his spokesman acknowledged Friday, days ahead of the floor test in the House. Sri Lanka is facing a major constitutional crisis after President Maithripala Sirisena ousted Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and replaced him with Rajapaksa and suspended Parliament. Without specifying the exact figure of the lawmakers supporting Rajapaksa, United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella told reporters, "At the moment we have 105 to 106 MPs." Rambukwella is one of the ministers appointed after the political crisis erupted on October 26. He is currently the incumbent Media and Information Minister. Sirisena had earlier claimed at a public rally that he has the support of 113 parliamentarians in the 225-member House to prove the premiership of Rajapaksa. His comments came after Speaker Karu Jayasuriya slammed Sirisena's "unconstitutional and undemocratic" actions to sack Wickremesinghe and suspend Parliament, saying he will not recognise Rajapaksa as the new premier unless he wins a floor test. With eight United National Party (UNP) and one Tamil National Alliance (TNA) legislators defecting to the Rajapaksa camp, the former president was hopeful of passing the floor test. Sirisena had suspended parliamentary proceedings until November 16 after abruptly firing Wickremesinghe and replacing him with Rajapaksa. However, owing to domestic and international pressure, Sirisena later issued a notice to reconvene Parliament on November 14. The sudden constitutional crisis came amid growing tensions between Sirisena and Wickremesinghe on several policy matters and the President has been critical of the Prime Minister and his policies, especially on economy and security. Meanwhile, Wickremsinghe remains confident of proving his majority in Parliament. Wickremesinghe, whose party dubbed Sirisena's move a "constitutional coup", has refused to vacate his official residence, saying he is the lawful prime minister and that the president has no constitutional right to replace him. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former finance minister P Chidambaram on Friday warned the against laying its hands on RBI reserves, saying it will have "catastrophic" economic consequences for the country. He also said the minutes of a meeting on November 7, 2016, is a "comprehensive repudiation" of the government's "justification" for demonetisation. Talking to reporters in Guwahati, the senior Congress leader said it is clear that the BJP has no understanding of the role of the central bank and no respect for the independence of its governor. The government has already taken the "extraordinary step" of invoking Section 7 of the RBI Act (that empowers the government to issue directions to the RBI), he said. He alleged that the "immediate goal of the government is to lay its hands on the reserves of the RBI and appropriate a sum of at least Rs 1 trillion to meet its fiscal deficit target and to increase spending in an election year". He also said that "According to reports the BJP government is planning to override the RBI governor through the board of directors in which it has planted its hand-picked nominees". Taking to Twitter, he said the RBI Board had met on November 8, 2016, and "disagreed" with the key reasons given by the government, but "obediently endorsed demonetisation" and that was a "black day" in the central bank's history. Chidambaram also hit out at the government over its claim to "fix appropriate economic capital framework of RBI" after it rejected as speculation reports that it was seeking the reserve bank's approval for release of Rs 3.6 trillion. "RBI minutes of 7-11-2016 is a comprehensive repudiation of the government's "justification" for demonetisation. "RBI Board, with many members absent, met at 5.30 pm on 8-11-2016 and disagreed with the key reasons given by the government, yet obediently endorsed demonetisation. That was a black day in RBI's history," he tweeted. He said that "shockingly, government's paper calculated GDP growth in real terms and growth in money circulation in nominal terms, yet compared the two and reached absurd conclusions. So much for the competence of the government." On Modi government's clarification that it is not seeking transfer of Rs 3.6 trillion reserves from the RBI and the only proposal under discussion is to fix appropriate economic capital framework of the central bank, the former finance minister questioned the claim as a "jargon". "What is this jargon put out by the government about "fix the economic capital framework of the RBI"? "You fix what is broke. Which part of RBI has broken that the government is anxious to fix," he asked. Economic Affairs Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg earlier tweeted, "Lot of misinformed speculation is going around in media. Government's fiscal math is completely on track. There is no proposal to ask RBI to transfer Rs 3.6 or 1 trillion, as speculated." On the fiscal roadmap, he said, the government will stick to the fiscal deficit target of 3.3 per cent for the current financial year. Garg further said the only proposal "under discussion is to fix appropriate economic capital framework of RBI". The clarification came amid reports that the government is seeking transfer of at least a third of Reserve Bank's Rs 9.6 trillion reserves. In Guwahati, Chidambaram said he fears the worst at the next meeting of the RBI board on November 19. "I consider it my duty to warn the people of the country of the catastrophic consequences of the BJP government's ill-conceived actions." He said, "Our (Congress) immediate concern is the BJP government's determined efforts to wreck or capture crucial institutions of the country. The latest victim is the " Asked if the RBI governor would resign over the standoff with the Centre if the central bank fund is transferred to the government through the resolution, Chidambaram said: "Either way - whether the governor resigns or the money is transferred - it will be disastrous". He said if RBI is directed by the government to transfer money from its reserve it will be "way more dangerous than the note ban. No government has till now made such a proposal to the RBI". To a question whether there was legal recourse available to halt the government's alleged move, Chidambaram, also a legal luminary, said, "I don't know. I will have to see." Asked to comment on his tweet that the results of the midterm elections in the US is a lesson for India, he said, "America is becoming one person, one man government. Institutions are being humiliated. The results were a mandate of the people for checks and balances". Referring to India, he said, "In India too it is the same. Cabinet, ministers have no power. Institutions are humiliated. So people of India should vote for checks and balances. Actor Athiya Shetty says she has been keenly observing her "Motichoor Chaknachoor" co-star Nawazuddin Siddiqui and it has turned out to be an enriching experience for her. The quirky wedding comedy brings together the unusual pairing of Nawazuddin and Athiya for the first time. "I am sharing the screen space with a versatile actor like him (Nawazuddin) for the first time and while shooting I am also learning a great amount of work from all the actors, including Nawaz Sir, who is unbelievable to even observe," Athiya told PTI. The actor, who has featured in films like "Hero" and "Mubarakan", says she is equally happy to be working with female director Debamitra Hasan, for the first time. The team has started shooting in Bhopal and Athiya is enjoying the process. "'Motichoor Chaknachoor' is a genre that I've always wanted to be a part of. It's the type of cinema I enjoy watching as an audience. Though comedy appears to be an easy genre, it's quite a difficult task to make people laugh. I'm truly excited to be working on the project," Athiya said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Department of Justice has recommended the prosecution of Rappler Holdings Corp., its president Maria Ressa, and independent certified public accountant Noel A. Baladiang for violation of the National Internal Revenue Code. In a Resolution dated Oct. 2, Assistant State Prosecutor Zenamar J. L. Machacon-Caparros found probable cause to indict RHC, Ressa and Baladiang for willful attempt to evade or defeat tax and willful failure to supply correct and accurate information punishable under Sections 254 and 255, respectively, of the NIRC. In its complaint, the BIR accused RHC, Ressa, and one other respondent, RHC treasurer James C. Bitanga, of failing to reflect in RHCs 2015 tax returns the total gain of almost P162.5 million, which it realized from its issuance of Philippine Depositary Receipts to NBM Rappler L.P. (NBM Rappler) and Omidyar Network Find LLC (Omidyar. A PDR is a security, which grants the holder the right to the delivery or sale of the underlying shares of stock. It derives its value from an underlying asset. As such, its value depends on the value of its underlying assetwhich is the shares of stock of a corporation. The BIR alleged that on various dates between 2014 to 2015, RHC purchase a total of 119,434,438 common shares from Rappler, Inc. at one-peso per share. RHC thereafter issued PDRs against most of the RI shares that it held to NBM Rappler and Omidyar. The subscription price for said PDRs was P181.6 million. RHC allegedly gained close to P162.5 million from the transaction, which it failed to declare in its tax return. On the other hand, the BIR accused accountant Baladiang of having violated Section 257 of the Tax Code for having certified the financial statements of RHC despite said corporations failure to disclose its purchase of RI shares.The investigating fiscal ruled that in buying RI shares for the purpose of underwriting PDRs for resale to interested buyers, RHC acted as a middleman whose profits were taxable under the Tax Code. By not declaring such profits in its returns, the RHC has violated the Tax Code. The DOJ ruled that Ressa, as RHC president, should be held liable for such violation because Section 253 of the Tax Code makes a corporate president, among other officers, personally liable for such infraction by the corporation. Caparros rejected Ressas assertion that the non-declaration of such gain was neither intentional nor willful, holding that a defense of lack of criminal intent is better ventilated during the trial proper. Meanwhile, the DOJ dismissed the complaint against Bitanga upon Ressas certification that Bitanga was an inactive and nominal treasurer who did not participate in the management and operations Of RHC. UK-based Liberty, part of Indian origin industrialist Sanjeev Gupta's global GFG Alliance, Friday said it has entered into a financing pact with a syndicate of major international banks for buying Aluminium Dunkerque -- the Europe's largest aluminium smelter -- from Rio Tinto. The term loan, secured on standard financial terms, provides five-year committed funds, the company said in a statement. "This now clears the way for the eagerly-anticipated deal on the 560-worker site to be formally completed before the end of November following the completion of closing mechanics," it said. The development follows extensive talks over recent months aimed at securing French government approvals, long-term power price contracts and robust measures to protect the business in the face of aluminium market turbulence arising in part from US sanctions against Rusal and the closure of a major alumina refinery in Brazil, Liberty said. "After completion, Liberty intends to make substantial investments in the flagship plant, making it the cornerstone of a major integrated manufacturing business, producing metals and components for the automotive and other growing industries in France," it said. As part of this, Liberty recently acquired the aluminium wheels factory at Chateauroux in central France, it added. "I'm very pleased to have completed this committed facility with a broad range of leading banks allowing Liberty to complete this landmark transaction. It allows us to press ahead with our plans to develop Dunkerque, to expand production and create added-value downstream operations," Sanjeev Gupta, executive chairman of the GFG Alliance, said. GFG Alliance is a global enterprise with activities spanning steel and aluminium production, mining, engineering, power generation, infrastructure, banking, property and commodities trading, as well as education and skills. The agreement underlines the support of the banking community for GFG's vision for economic and environmental sustainability, Gupta added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two NDA constituents, the LJP and the RLSP, have made it clear that the number of seats they wanted to contest for the next election was the same as that of 2014. A speculation had been rife that the BJP and the JD(U) could field candidates on 34 out of the total 40 seats in Bihar, leaving the rest to Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) and the Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP). The BJP had won 22 seats in in the 2014 election, while Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan's LJP had contested seven seats and won six. His colleague Upendra Kushwaha's RLSP had contested and won three seats. LJP's unit chief Pashupati Paras, a state minister, dismissed as "kite-flying" the rumours that his party and the RLSP were likely to make 'sacrifices' in the wake of BJP president and JD(U) supremo and Chief Minister agreeing to contest an equal number of seats in the state. "No seat-sharing talks will be complete until national presidents of all the four NDA alliance partners - BJP, JD(U), LJP and RLSP - sit together. That is yet to happen. All that is appearing in the media is hawa hawai (kite flying)", Paras, the younger brother of Paswan, said. In reply to a query, he said, "Obviously we would like to contest from at least seven seats. We had won six of the seven from which we had contested last time, and lost one by a slender margin of 7,000 votes. "Our graph has not gone down since the last poll and there is no reason why we should not get our due share." Asked about the agreement Shah and Kumar reached, he said it indicates "nothing". "The 50-50 formula could mean anything. It could even imply that the BJP and the JD(U) would be fighting only 10 each, leaving the remaining 20 for other allies," he added. The RLSP insisted that it would not accept a share of less than three seats. Madhaw Anand, the party's national general secretary and spokesman, told PTI, "There is no question of our agreeing to less than three seats. In fact, Kushwaha has conveyed the same to the BJP national secretary general in-charge of Bihar, Bhupendra Yadav, in person and to Shah over telephone". Kushwaha had met RJD leader at a Bihar town, minutes after Shah and Kumar announced in that they have reached a seat-sharing arrangement, fuelling speculation of a political realignment in the state. The RLSP chief, who is known to have been sharing an uneasy relationship with Kumar, has maintained that he is firmly with the NDA even as said there was a standing invitation to the party to join the Grand Alliance. Relations between Kushwaha and Kumar soured recently after the chief minister remarked that speaking about the dispute over seat-sharing with the RLSP was tantamount to lowering the standard of discourse. Kushwaha has taken affront to the remark, claiming that Kumar, who is his erstwhile mentor, had in effect called him a lowly person and had taunted him for having joined hands with the BJP again, after taking umbrage over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's caustic remark about his political DNA during the 2015 assembly election. (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.) London Mayor Sadiq Khan attended the Diwali celebrations held at a famous temple here and hailed the Hindu community for its contribution to the diversity of the city. The celebration held at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan temple, popularly known as Neasden Temple, was attended by tens of thousands people on Wednesday with the devotees lighting rows of lamps symbolising triumph of good over evil. Reflecting on the contribution of creator of the temple His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, Khan, whose grandparents were born in India and parents migrated from Pakistan to the UK, said that he was aware of the his contribution for not just in London but also around the world. He also announced that a road around the temple would be named in honour of Pramukh Swami Maharaj. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Kolkata-based NGO has sought assistance from the Ministry of External Affairs to rescue 32 people from West Bengal, allegedly held captive in Malaysia by two organisations that had hired them. The National Anti-Trafficking Committee has also written to the Prime Minister's Office and the West Bengal Chief Minister's Office to come to the rescue of the people, whose plight came to light through a video shared on WhatsApp, an official of the NGO told PTI Friday. In the video, two people from the group claimed that after reaching Malaysia, passports and visas were snatched and they were taken to Kuching, capital of the Malaysian state of Sarawak. "The two said that they, along with 23 others, were locked in one room in Malaysia by a casino staff, while seven others were held captive in another room," Sheikh Jinnar Ali of the NGO said. The group of 32, including two children, belong to the districts of North and South 24 Parganas, Hooghly and Birbhum, he said. Ali said Indian High Commission officials have informed the NGO that Malaysia police have started a probe into the matter and were able to locate their whereabouts at Kuching. He said the 32 people were initially lured with a hefty pay package in Malaysia by a man named Kabir Hussain, who runs a job consultancy firm at Gopalnagar in North 24 Parganas district. "They were made to pay Hussain around Rs 80,000 to Rs 90,000 before they were taken to Malaysia under tourist visa in September," Ali said. Following this, some of the people were "sold to a casino, while the others were sold to a construction company" in that country, the two said in the video message. They also claimed that the casino staff have threatened the people that only their "bodies would reach home". Ali said they were denied food and medical assistance in captivity, according to the video message. "When we contacted members of their respective families, they claimed to have paid agents of Hussain a hefty amount to bring the group back from Malaysia. Despite paying the sum, they were not allowed to return to India," he said. The National Anti-Trafficking Committee had played a big role in bringing back home a few goldsmiths stranded in Iran recently. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Maharashtra government Friday constituted a four-member committee, comprising wildlife experts and officials, to conduct an "in-depth" probe into the killing of tigress Avni. The state government has come under fire over the death of the tigress, who was believed to have turned a man- eater and killed 13 people in the last two years in Yavatmal district. The big cat was shot dead in an operation in a forest in Yavatmal district last Friday. The killing of T1, as the tigress was officially known, led to an outrage among animal lovers and wildlife organisations. An official statement issued by the forest department stated that the committee has been formed on directions of Forest Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar to conduct an "in-depth" inquiry into the death of the tigress. The committee is headed by Principal Chief Conservator of Forest S H Patil. It will include Wildlife Institute of India member Habib Bilal, Wildlife Conservation Trust chairman Anish Andheriya and Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forest Nitin Kakodkar, the statement said. Kakodkar will also act as the panel's convenor, it said. Union minister Maneka Gandhi had lashed out at the state government over Avni's killing and dubbed it a "ghastly murder". Avni was the mother of two 10-month-old cubs. The Maharashtra government, however, defended itself calling the incident "sad" but necessary after the tigress attacked forest staff trying to tranquilise it. Opposition NCP dubbed the inquiry as an "eyewash". Party spokesman Nawab Malik said the probe is aimed at giving a clean chit to the state government and demanded constitution of an SIT. Asked about the criticism by the opposition, Mungantiwar said he has written a letter to Maneka Gandhi, asking for an independent probe by Supreme Court judges into the killing of Avni. "This inquiry (by SC judges) will happen when it has to happen, but the state government has to probe the issue at the earliest," Mungantiwar said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Mumbai police constable was arrested Friday for allegedly creating ruckus at a police station in neighbouring Thane, a senior official said. Constable Mahadeo Kamble (29) had reached the Kolsewadi police station in Kalyan here after his wife arrived there to file a complaint against him, Thane police spokesperson Sukhada Narkar said. The accused's wife told Kolsewadi police that he used to assault her after getting drunk, the official said. "The accused came to the police station and started abusing personnel who were attending to his wife's complaint. He broke the jaw of one of the personnel on duty. He has been arrested and a court has remanded him in judicial custody," the official said. Kamble is attached to Shahu Nagar police station in Mumbai, the official said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tigress Avni died due to excessive internal haemorrhage and cardio-respiratory failure and her stomach and intestines were filled with fluid and gas, indicating she had not hunted or eaten for 4-5 days, according to a provisional necropsy report. The tigress, who was believed to have turned man-eater and killed 13 people in the last two years in Yavatmal district's Pandharkawda area, was shot dead in Borati forest there last Friday. The examination, conducted by veterinarians of various institutions, has also revealed that two "major" parts of the bullet, used to kill the 119 kg tigress, were observed and that it died due to excessive internal haemorrhage and cardio-respiratory failure. Explaining the contents of the report, a wildlife expert said, "Observation of fluid and gas, without any solid content, means that the tigress had not hunted or eaten for about 4-5 days. However, it is commonly observed in large cats that they eat 25-30 kg meat on a single day and do not eat for 7 days at a stretch." The necropsy report states that a circular punctured wound on the skin of 0.5 cm diameter on left thoracic region was found and that the gunshot was fired from below the left scapular caudal angle. Explaining the report, the wildlife expert said the shot was fired from the left side of the chest and hit the scapula (shoulder bone) near the shoulder and punctured the lungs. Interestingly, the report further says a dart on the middle of the left thigh cranially was observed and that 5 ml capacity plastic dart with stabilisers and 1.5 inch collared needle "placed subcutaneously" was observed. It added that fascia (connective tissue underneath the skin) beneath the darted needle was intact. The wildlife expert said, ideally, the dart should have pierced the muscular region so that the tranquilising fluid can be absorbed by the blood. "However, the report indicates that the dart did not even pierce through fascia (in between muscle and skin), which does not have blood supply, and just punctured the skin," the expert said. The killing of T1, as the tigress was officially known, led to outrage among animal lovers and wildlife organisations. Union minister Maneka Gandhi had lashed out at the Maharashtra government and had dubbed it a "ghastly murder". The Maharashtra government, however, defended itself calling the incident "sad" but necessary after the tigress attacked forest staff trying to tranquilise it. Avni was the mother of two 10-month-old cubs. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Punjab Chief minister Amarinder Singh has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to maintain the status quo in filling up of civil posts in Chandigarh Union Territory (UT), according to an official statement here Friday. In a letter to Modi, Singh asked the PM to personally intervene and advise the Ministry of Home Affairs to maintain the ratio of 60:40 between Punjab and Haryana in filling up civil posts in the UT as has been done in the past. Singh said it was heartening to note that the Government of India (GoI) had agreed to keep in abeyance its notification of September 25, 2018, merging the posts of DSPs of Chandigarh Police with Delhi, Andaman, Nicobar Islands Police Service (DANIPS), in response to his letter on October 1. In the letter, the CM further pointed out that currently of the14 IAS officers posted in Chandigarh administration, only three belonged to Punjab and two belonged to Haryana, with the remaining officers from the UT cadre. Similarly, of the seven IPS officers posted in Chandigarh, only one each belonged to Punjab and Haryana, whereas the remaining five were from UT cadre. The ratio of 60:40 was also not being adhered to in placing officers in Chandigarh administration, he claimed, adding that the situation was similar in other categories of employees, such as teachers, doctors and other civil officer posts in Chandigarh administration. Given the fact that the Government of India had appreciated the need to maintain the ratio of 60:40 between Punjab and Haryana in filling up the posts in Chandigarh administration, the imbalance created during the last few years needed to be rectified, Singh said. The CM also urged Modi to advise the Chandigarh administration to not curtail the role and responsibilities of the officers of Punjab and Haryana, as assigned to them in pre-determined ratio and posts. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has agreed to Home Minister Rajnath Singh's request to acquire 300 acres of land in the state and give it to the Centre for constructing barbed wire fencing along the India-Bangladesh border, officials said Friday. The move came after the home minister wrote to the chief minister, whose government had been dithering for months over acquiring the land, leading to a delay in construction of a fence along the international border, they said. Singh's letter to Banerjee, requesting her to acquire and hand over about 300 acres of land, has worked, a Home Ministry official privy to the development said. The firebrand West Bengal leader enjoys cordial relations with the home minister, who is known to have friends across political parties and acts as an emissary of the Narendra Modi government whenever necessary. With an agreement on handing over the land, the long-delayed construction of the fencing in the West Bengal sector of the India-Bangaldesh border is expected to start soon, the official said. India shares a 4,096-km border with Bangladesh. Of this, 2,216 km falls in West Bengal. The border in the state is infamous for a variety of reasons such as illegal immigrations and smuggling of cattle and narcotics. The home minister had sent similar letters to the chief ministers of Uttar Pradesh, Meghalaya, Tripura and Bihar, which helped resolve pending issues related to the acquisition of land in the states, the official said. The home minister on Friday also reviewed the progress of various projects being undertaken along the borders with China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Myanmar. During the meeting, it was conveyed to Singh that various projects got delayed due to the non-availability of environment clearances from state governments. The home minister asked the officials present to pursue the matter with the concerned governments. Singh also reviewed the progress of ongoing projects being executed by the Land Ports Authority of India and the border management division under the Home Ministry. There was very good progress and Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) at five border crossing points out of seven approved projects have been completed, an official statement said. Terminals for smooth movement of goods and people at ICP Raxaul and ICP Jogbani on the India-Nepal border, ICP Petrapole and ICP Agartala on the India-Bangladesh border and ICP Attari on IndiaPakistan border have been made functional. At each ICP, facilities have been constructed for customs clearance, immigration, warehouses for storage of goods, approach roads and terminal buildings to adequately handle import and export of goods and entry and exit of people. Work on ICP Moreh on the India-Myanmar border and ICP Dawki on India-Bangladesh border is in advanced stage of completion. The total approved expenditure for the seven ICPs is over Rs 700 crore, the statement said. The home minister also directed officials to take up construction of an additional 13 ICPs -- Hili, Jaigaon, Ghojadanga, Mahadipur, Changrabandha, Fulbari, Rupaidiha, Kawrpuichhuah, Panitanki, Sutarkandi, Sunauli, Banbasa and Bhithamore -- and the passenger terminal at Petrapole, the statement said. Projects have been taken up for construction of 18 coastal border outposts (BOPs) in Gujarat and improvement of border floodlighting in Punjab and Rajasthan. Some floating BOPs have also been approved in Gujarat and West Bengal. To improve coastal security, 121 coastal police stations have been operationalised, 30 jetties have been constructed and biometric cards have been issued to 18.5 lakh fishermen. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A day after five people were arrested for allegedly slaughtering a cow in South Tripura district, the Viswa Hindu Parishad on Friday claimed that several migrant workers from Assam and Bangladesh are working in Sabroom and indulge in various anti-social activities. The Hindutva organization on Friday met Sabroom Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Biplab Das and submitted a memorandum saying these workers were employed in brick fields in the area. VHPs South Tripura district president Biplab Sen claimed in the memorandum that the migrant workers are involved in Love Jihad, cow slaughter, theft and other anti-social activities. "We want the administration to take stock of the situation and publish a list of photo identity cards for all workers who are engaged on contract basis at these brick fields so that no incident of communal flare up happens, Sen wrote in the memorandum. A group of VHP and Bajrang Dal supporters took out a rally in Sabroom sub-divisional town before the deputation was submitted. Shortly afterwards, the SDM issued a letter to Labour Inspector at Sabroom and asked the officer to arrange identity cards for the labourers who are engaged in brick fields. On Thursday, five migrant labourers from Assam were arrested for slaughtering a cow and later released by a local court on bail. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) President Rodrigo Duterte will raise issues on the South China Sea, including Chinas installation of a weather monitoring system on some artificial islands, during the 33rd Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit, a Foreign Affairs official said Friday. We are quite sure that the South China Sea would be one of those regional developments that would be taken up in the summit, said DFA Assistant Secretary Junever Mahilum-West in a pre-departure briefing in Malacanang Friday morning. Other issues include infrastructure development, economic integration and cooperation, connectivity, counter-terrorism, illegal drugs, disaster management, and climate change, Mahilum-West said. The 33rd ASEAN Summit in Singapore will be the second and last summit for 2018. Mahilum-West also said the 10 ASEAN leaders will hold their own meetings with leaders from dialogue partners in the Plus One summit format. Theyre going to meet individually with Australia, China, India, Japan, Republic of Korea, Russia, and the United States, she said. Under the ASEAN Plus Three Summit, the Asean leaders will meet with those from China, Japan and South Korea. In the East Asia summit, the ASEAN 10 will engage with Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russia, and the United States.Last week, the South China Morning Post reported that Beijing has started the operations of a maritime observation center, a meteorological observatory, a national environmental and an air quality morning station in 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, SCMP quoted Chinse Foreign Ministry official Lu Kang in a press conference. Malacanang declined to comment on the new construction in the disputed waters. The government will undertake appropriate actions once these reports are properly validated, Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said Tuesday. A security expert said the weather stations could also be used for military purposes. Rommel Banlaoi told a GMA-7 news program that the Chinese were proud of their weather facilities, but like other structures China has built on disputed land, they can have dual purposesfor private commercial use and for military use. The mjunction services limited, a B2B e-commerce company, has launched in association with the Tata Steel a working capital finance programme for the MSME sector for buying steel. The programme christened 'URJA' will provide unsecured finance to buyers purchasing material from Tata Steels distributors, mjunction CEO Vinaya Varma told PTI. "We'll be serving a category of MSMEs buying primary steel which accounts for Rs 1200 crore market. The platform will allow an MSME to buy steel from a distributor without cash which was not possible in the traditional method," Varma said. "The financing will not be done by the Tata Steel. The platform has financers which will finance for the Tata Steel product bought," he said. The Tata Capital, the Hero FinCorp and Axis Bank are already on the platform and talks are on to bring the Aditya Birla Finance, mjunction officials said. "This digitally enabled platform solution will connect emerging corporate accounts to potential lenders. I believe the initiative has the potential to set a new norm for steel consuming segments. We expect to touch over 600 customers through this initiative within a years time," Tata Steel chief of marketing & sales Sanjay Sahni said. The mjunction officials said financing would be done to pre-approved consumers and distributors. The need surfaced after it was found MSMEs were seeking products in credit while the steel distributors were unable to meet their demand. "mjunctions e-finance platform that provides onboarding, transacting, monitoring and reporting services will be well leveraged to make this programme a success," Varma said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday accused the Congress of backing "urban Maoists" and described the left-wing extremists as "monsters with evil mindset". He added that voting for anyone apart from the BJP would be a "blot on the dreams of Bastar". Addressing his first election rally in the insurgency-hit Bastar district in Chhattisgarh, Modi said the Congress was making "fun" of Adivasis. "I don't know why Congress makes fun of Adivasis. Once I had gone for a rally in Northeast India and wore a traditional Adivasi headgear but Congress leaders made fun of it. This was an insult to Adivasi culture," he said. He said the BJP government in the state, led by Chief Minister Raman Singh, had ushered in a new era of development in Bastar while earlier governments did nothing for the region despite having funds. Going all out to denounce the Maoists, Modi said they were destroying schools and not allowing doctors to treat people. "Those who are giving guns in the hands of kids in place of the pen are actually monsters with evil mindset. They are destroying schools and not letting doctors perform their duty," the prime minister said. He said "urban Naxals" were remote-controlling the left-wing insurgency in the region. 'Urban Naxals' is a term coined for city-based supporters working as front organisations of the proscribed Maoist outfits. "The urban Maoists, who live in air-conditioned homes in the cities and whose children study abroad, remote control Adivasi children in Naxal-dominated areas," Modi said. "I want to ask the Congress why it supports urban Maoists when the government takes action against them," he said. He asked people to vote for the BJP and ensure that it wins all seats in Bastar, adding that "if anyone else wins, it will be a blot on Bastar's dreams". Hitting out at previous governments for ignoring the area, he said that the "such people" will not win in Chhattisgarh. He said that Naxalism needed to be stamped out to pave the way for development, adding that the BJP wanted to strengthen Bastar and root out unemployment, poverty and hunger. "This is the reason I have come here. This is our responsibility because you have reposed that faith in us," he told the gathering. The prime minister said that he wanted to fulfil late Atal Bihari Vajpayee's dream of a prosperous Chhattisgarh and "will not rest" till he achieved it. Speaking about his multiple visits to the region, Modi said, "I have never come empty-handed but have given you some scheme or development programme. We are working hard to eradicate unemployment, poverty and hunger from the region. Previously, there were resources but nothing happened." Lashing out at the Congress, Modi said it treated Dalits, deprived sections and Adivasis as vote banks and not as human beings. "Do you want a government which works or one which stops development works," he said, adding that his government never discriminated among people. "Previous governments did that. Our government works for the development of all," he said. He also paid tribute to Doordarshan cameraman Achyutanand Sahu who, along with two security personnel, was killed in a Naxal attack in the state's Dantewada district on October 30. "An innocent cameraman of Doordarshan, Achyutanand Sahu, who was doing his duty, was killed by Maoists. He was sharing the dreams of the people of Bastar with other people across the country. What was his fault?" Modi asked. Earlier, Chief Minister Raman Singh addressed the gathering and claimed that his government was ensuring that no tribal or poor person in Bastar was going hungry. "We are distributing rice to the poor at Re 1 per kilo. We are giving a minimum support price of Rs 2,500 per quintal for tendu patta, up from Rs 400 per quintal earlier. About 3,000 kilometres of roads and bridges are being constructed in Bastar," Singh said. The state goes to polls in two phases on November 12 and 20. The first phase of voting will cover Antagarh, Bhanupratappur, Kanker, Kondagaon, Narayanpur, Bastar, Jagdalpur, Keshkal, Chitrakot, Dantewada, Bijapur, Konta, Khairagarh, Dongargarh, Rajnandgaon, Dongargaon, Khujji and Mohla-Manpur seats. Stakes are very high for the BJP on these 18 seats as it had lost 12 of them in the last polls in 2013. In the 2013 Assembly polls, of the total 90 seats, the BJP had won 49 seats, Congress 39, BSP 1 and Independent 1. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Congress Friday hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his "urban Naxals" attack on it, saying he is staring at defeat in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh and is resorting to this to hide his "abject failure" and "weak-kneed" approach towards fighting Naxalism. Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala also attacked him while quoting his pro-Naxal comments made as Gujarat Chief minister. He also quoted Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh over his remarks made in 2015 that Naxals are "sons of the soil" and would be welcomed back in the mainstream as children. He also said that the Congress had lost its entire leadership in Naxal attacks ahead of last assembly elections. "Staring at defeat in Chhattisgarh/MP, a frustrated PM seeks to hide his abject failure and weak-kneed approach to fighting Naxalism, which he claimed to finish post Demonetisation. Post Demo, 1030 Naxal incidents till February 2018 and 114 jawans martyred (sic)," Surjewala said on Twitter. Taking a dig at Modi, he said the prime minister indulged in his trademark "petty politics" and did not even remember the 11 jawans who lost their lives in the past fortnight, including five CISF jawans on Thursday, in Naxal attacks in Chhattisgarh. "Reminding a spineless Modi Government that we lost 11 Jawans to Naxal terror in Chhattisgarh in last 14 days since October 27, including 5 CISF jawans yesterday. Did Modiji find time to even remember them today as he indulged in his trademark petty " he asked. In a series of tweets, the Congress leader quoted Modi, when he as Gujarat chief minister in May 2010 had said that "Naxals are our own people". He also quoted Raman Singh in May 2015 saying "Naxals are the sons of the soil and will be welcomed back as their children". "Modiji, do you still stand by: Your own statement calling Naxals' our own people' and Dr Raman Singh calling Naxals sons of the soil' who will be welcomed like our own children'. Do you remember Congress lost over 25 of its leaders to Naxal terror under BJP's watch," he said. He alleged Modi's "shrill claims and dishonesty" come to the fore when Naxalism-affected Chhattisgarh is allocated a paltry Rs 53 crore. It "speaks volumes about your incompetence", he added. Modi Friday accused the Congress of backing "urban Maoists" who he said have ruined the lives of poor Adivasi youths. Addressing his first election rally for the state Assembly polls scheduled later this month, Modi also said the Congress makes "fun" of Adivasis (tribals). "I don't know why Congress makes fun of Adivasis. Once I had gone for a rally in Northeast India and wore a traditional Adivasi headgear but Congress leaders made fun of it. This was an insult of Adivasi culture," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India Friday attended in a "non-official" capacity a conference on bringing back peace in Afghanistan, which was hosted by Russia and participated by the Taliban as well as representatives from several countries including Pakistan, China and Iran. Hours after the multi-lateral conference began in Moscow, India made it clear that its participation was in sync with its Afghan policy and asserted that attending the meeting was not talking to the Taliban at all. In his opening remarks at the conference, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Russia and the countries of the region will continue to do everything possible to launch dialogue between Afghan government and the Taliban, which is banned in Russia. "We are determined to make every possible effort to facilitate the opening of a new page in the history of Afghanistan," he was quoted as saying by the state-run Tass agency. Lavrov said the conference was "aimed at building an inclusive intra-Afghan dialogue in order to advance the national reconciliation process". The US Embassy in Moscow has sent a diplomat to observe Friday's discussions at the meeting which is being attended by representatives from Afghanistan, India, Iran, China, Pakistan and some other countries. India's former envoy to Afghanistan Amar Sinha and former Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan T C A Raghavan were representing New Delhi at a "non-official" capacity. Asked why India sent representatives to the meeting when the Taliban was participating in it, spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Raveesh Kumar said in New Delhi that India will be part of any peace process which is Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled. "We will participate in any process which is consistent with the policy we have for Afghanistan... It was decided by the government that our participation will be at non-official level," he said. To a question on participation of Taliban in the meeting, he said, "Where did we say that there will be talks with Taliban? We did not say that." "In our policy on Afghanistan which we have articulated and which has been consistent for quite sometime that we will be supportive of any process in Afghanistan is a party to the process," said Kumar. India's consistent policy has been that the peace talks should be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, and Afghan-controlled and with participation of the government of Afghanistan. Initially, the meeting was proposed for September 4 but it was called off after the Afghan government pulled out of it. India had also declined an invitation to the meeting then. The Afghan government is learnt to have sent the country's High Peace Council. In his address, Lavrov said all countries of the region and the entire international community would like to see Afghanistan as a peaceful, independent and prospering country, free of terrorism and drug trafficking. At the same time, he said Afghanistan should not be used for "geopolitical games" and stressed the importance of preserving territorial integrity of the country. "Russia supports the preservation of a united and indivisible Afghanistan in which all ethnic groups populating the country could live peacefully and happily. I have no doubts that the other participants of the Moscow format share this approach and that we all go by basic national interests of the Afghan people," he said. The Moscow conference comes a month after the Taliban held talks with US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, who is tasked with finding a negotiated end to Afghanistan's bloody war. According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, invitations to take part in the event had been sent to Afghanistan, India, Iran, China, Pakistan, the US and some other countries. India has been actively engaged in reconstruction activities in war-ravaged Afghanistan and has already spent USD 2 billion in various projects there. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Twenty-nine people were injured in the annual "Hingot festival" in Gautampura town in Madhya Pradesh's Indore district, an official said Friday. The festival, observed traditionally on the day after Diwali, sees people of two villages, about 55 kilometres from here, attacking each other with hingots, a forest fruit, hollowed and filled with gunpowder, coal and brimstone. The group from Gautampura village is called "turra" and the one from Rungi is dubbed "kalgi" and they throw burning hingots at each other as part of what locals calls "hingot war". Depalpur Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Aditi Garg told PTI on Friday that 29 persons sustained minor injuries during the festival and were discharged following treatment. Despite several attempts to stop the festival, the tradition has continued. Villagers, this time, had threatened to boycott polls if they were not allowed to organise the festival. Madhya Pradesh goes to polls on November 28 and counting of votes will be taken up on December 11. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Friday claimed the Congress had meted out "injustice" to Arun Yadav by fielding him from Budhni. Yadav, a former Congress state unit president, will take on Chouhan from the seat which is considered the latter's home turf. The state goes to polls on November 28 and counting of votes will be taken up on December 11. Talking to reporters in Bhopal, Chouhan said, "I welcome Arun Yadav ji in my area. But the Congress did injustice with Arun ji for the second time in three months. He was first removed from the post of PCC president. Now, he is fielded from Budhni. I request workers (BJP's) to give him due respect in Budhni." Chouhan, chief minister since 2005, is a multiple-time MLA from Budhni. Yadav, meanwhile, filed his nomination papers Friday after offering prayers at Salkanpur Temple. Yadav asked Chouhan to explain the suicides of 30,000 farmers in the state and claimed that Sehore, the latter's home district, had witnessed the highest number of these suicides. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) BJP national vice president Vinay Sahasrabuddhe Friday dismissed reports about the Madhya Pradesh government facing anti-incumbency. The BJP-led government has been in power in MP since 2003. The state goes to polls on November 28 and counting of votes will be taken up on December 11. "I don't find anti-incumbency in the state. Normally, anti-incumbency prevails when the existing government has not done any work and its leaders are corrupt. In Madhya Pradesh, both these factors are non-existent," he said. He was accompanying BJP candidates who filed their nomination papers here Friday. Answering a query on the BJP giving tickets to the kin of party leaders, the BJP VP said, "It is wrong to see it as encouraging dynastic They were given tickets on the basis of their work in the party. They cant be denied nominations merely on the ground that they are relatives of BJP leaders." He, however, attacked the Congress on dynastic and claimed that Rahul Gandhi would not have been party chief if he was not the son of Rajiv and Sonia Gandhi. When asked about the BJP fielding a lot of "old faces" for the Assembly polls, he said "continuity and change" moved parallel to each other, adding that the party had given tickets to experienced leaders as well as fresh faces. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An inebriated man vandalised the ticket booking area of Central Railway's Sandhurst Road station Friday evening before being nabbed and handed over to the local police, officials said. The man broke glass windows at the ticket booking counter and also damaged flower pots kept there, a railway official said. He also tried to attack Railway Protection Force personnel who arrived at the spot to nab him. The RPF later handed him over to Dongri police for further action, the official said. A video of the man, clicked by a commuter there, went viral on social media platforms. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) should be provided with powers to publish audit inspection results, which will act as an effective deterrence tool for better compliance by auditors of public companies, says an expert panel report. The Committee of Experts, consisting of three government officials, was set up in April by the Corporate Affairs Ministry following directions from the Supreme Court in a case regarding multinational accounting firms. The panel's recommendations on 'Regulating Audit Firms and the Networks' was submitted last month to the ministry. While observing that setting up of the NFRA creates no inconsistency between the Companies Act, 2013 and the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949, the report said the body has been structured on the lines of international best practices followed by other independent audit regulators in advanced jurisdictions. The view also comes at a time when chartered accountants' body ICAI has been voicing its opposition to the establishment of the NFRA. The NFRA would regulate auditors of only listed companies, and public companies beyond a certain threshold while the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) would continue to regulate the auditors of public companies below a certain threshold and private companies. The panel has recommended that the NFRA could be further strengthened and the rules being formulated must provide it with powers to publish audit inspection results, subject to necessary checks and balances. "This will strengthen NFRA further and will provide an effective tool of deterrence for better compliance by the auditors of public companies with the applicable laws and professional standards," it said in the 217-page report, that includes annexures. As per the panel, independent audit regulators in other jurisdictions have been empowered to publish the results of audit inspection. Noting that globally there has been a growing acceptance of independent audit regulators, the committee said the creation of the NFRA is a positive development. "While NFRA as an audit regulator has been vested with necessary powers, drawing inferences from global best practices may help in creating a more robust regulator," it added. Consultancy Grant Thornton India LLP's CEO Vishesh C Chandiok said the committee's recommendations, if implemented as suggested, would improve audit quality, financial reporting and in the process ease of doing business in the country. "Activation of the independent regulator NFRA, formation of multi-disciplinary partnerships, activation of global brands for audit, including marketing and business promotion, transparency on non- audit service fees, are all steps aligned with the direction progressive countries in the world have already moved towards...," he noted. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) WashingtonPresident Donald Trump was accused Thursday of pushing America toward a constitutional crisis after his firing of the attorney general cast doubt over the future of an explosive probe into election collusion with Russian agents. Trump emerged from Tuesdays midterm elections promising a new era of cooperation, but suspicions that he is trying to kill the Russia probe and an extraordinary intensification of his war with journalists has thrown Washington into turmoil. The investigation by special counsel Robert Muellers into whether the Trump campaign colluded with Moscow during the 2016 election has been hanging over Trump throughout his turbulent presidency. Trump has continuously threatened that he has the power to shut down what he calls a witch hunt and on Wednesday he took the first potential step when he replaced his attorney general, Jeff Sessions, with loyalist Matthew Whitaker. The switch, announced abruptly in a Trump tweet, provoked consternation across Washington, where politicians from both sides of the aisle have long warned that political interference in Muellers work cannot be tolerated. Democrats, who won the lower house of Congress in Tuesdays midterm elections, now see Trump as close to crossing that line with the ultimate goal of covering up alleged crimes. The rule of law is disappearing before our eyes, tweeted Sally Yates, a deputy attorney general under Trumps predecessor Barack Obama and briefly in the top job under Trump before he sacked her. He wants a political crony to protect him from the investigation of his own campaign, she said. Neal Katyal and George Conway, two prominent Washington lawyers, wrote in The New York Times that Trump was already breaking the law by appointing Whitaker without Senate confirmation. The rushed appointment is unconstitutional. Its illegal. And it means that anything Mr. Whitaker does, or tries to do, in that position is invalid, they argued. In cities, nationwide protesters took to the streets urging Congress to protect Muellers probe. Matthew Whitaker has criticized Robert Muellers investigation again and again, said Noah Bookbinder at a park near the White House, where some 500 demonstrators had gathered as part of the Nobody Is Above The Law protests. Hes called it a lynch mob, said Bookbinder, head of the Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics, a Washington group. He said it should be shut down. Congress has to step in, and protect this investigation. Trump said Wednesday that the midterms, where Democrats won the House of Representatives and Republicans held the Senate, meant both sides would have to learn bipartisanship. But if anything, the election aftermath has featured even hotter controversy than before, whether over Mueller or Trumps other favorite bugbearthe media.At a press conference Wednesday, Trump branded CNN reporter Jim Acosta an enemy of the people when he posed questions, including about the Russia probe, and refused to give up the mic. The row, carried live on national TV networks, was followed by Trump issuing angry put-downs to several other reporters. Shortly after, the White House took the extremely rare measure of revoking Acostas press pass. On Thursday, the Acosta incident entered even more bizarre territory when the White House was accused of tweeting a video doctored to make the reporter appear more aggressive in fending off the female press aide who tried to remove his mic. Answering allegations Thursday that the White House had used a clip edited by a notorious right-wing conspiracy theorist, Trump spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said: We stand by our statement. Spats between Trump and journalists can sometimes seem circus-like, but critics say the presidents hot temper illustrates his deeper disdain for Washington normsand allegedly for the rule of law. Those concerns are now focused on the future of the Mueller probe, which began as a look into alleged links with Russians seeking to disrupt the election and expanded into an investigation of billionaire Trumps murky finances, including his business ties to Russia. As Mueller has gotten closer to the heart of the Trump familys closely guarded financial secrets, the president has become more enraged. Whitaker now becomes Muellers new boss and will likely be sympathetic towards Trump. Sessions had recused himself from the investigation, because of his own contacts with Russians during the 2016 campaign, instead of handing responsibility for Mueller to his deputy Rod Rosenstein. Trump responded by repeatedly seeking to publicly humiliate Sessions. Whitaker has made no public comment since being named, but is reported in US media to have made clear he will not recuse himself. In the past, he has shown distinct skepticism about the probe, calling for its scope to be curtailed. In 2017 he even used Trumps words, warning against Mueller engaging in a witch hunt. He also called the appointment of Mueller as special counsela position meant to be safe from political influenceridiculous. In the House of Representatives, the senior Democrat on the Intelligence Committeewhich Democrats will control from Januarysounded the alarm. If the president seeks to interfere in the impartial administration of justice, the Congress must stop him, Adam Schiff said. Republicans, with a handful of exceptions, have so far remained silent. : Asserting that he was not the face of the anti-BJP front which he is trying to forge, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Nadu Friday said the question of who would lead the alliance would be taken up later. Naidu, after visiting DMK president M K Stalin as part of his efforts to cobble up a front against the saffron party, lauded the Dravidian party leader as being better than Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Asked by reporters if he was the face of the alliance, Naidu said "No, I am not the face of this alliance. You have to understand that. I am very clear I am not an aspirant, I am only a facilitator... I will bring everybody together. we will decide and take things forward." On who would lead the alliance,he said there were so many leaders. "Even Stalinji is better than Narendra Modiji...there are strong leaders...we will work that out and decide." While Rahul Gandhi led Congress has a pan Indian presence, Naidu described regional leaders, including himself, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Stalin and Deve Gowda as strong leaders in their respective states, who are coming together against the BJP. After a 50-minute meeting with the DMK chief, Naidu said he had come to request Stalin to join him to "save this nation since democracy and the nation are in danger and all of us have to work together against the BJP". Stalin said he pledged DMK'S full support to Naidu's effort to rally all parties to dislodge the BJP government at the Centre, which has been "initimidating" even autonomous institutions like the RBI. Stalin said he assured Naidu that he would participate in a proposed consultative meeting of leaders at Delhi or any other suitable place to take forward the initiative. "Things like the Common Minimum Programme will be devised for sure," the DMK top leader said to a question. Stalin said he has all along been batting for the unity of state leaders and Opposition parties to halt the 'snatching away' of the rights of states by the Centre. Downplaying the possibility of differences among parties repeatedly, Naidu said "national interest is of utmost importance when compared to individual or political interest." "We have to join together... I am in touch with Mamata Banjerjee. I am going to meet her again. We have to work togther to save this nation." Despite past differences with the Congress, he had joined forces with that party, considering the national interest, Naidu said. Only if there is democracy could there be parties, he said, adding that was the situation today. "We will provide Krishna water to Chennai and in future will work to bring Godavari water to Chennai," a smiling Naidu said. Asking journalists if people had got any benefit from the NDA government, the TDP top leader It was a pity that people were not even able to withdraw money from ATMs post demonetisation. To a question on his view on the AIADMK government in Tamil Nadu, he shot back asking "where is the government?" Recalling his association with DMK since the National Front government days of the late 1980s, he said his idea was to facilitate an anti BJP platform. Naidu charged the centre with interefering in the affairs of a regulatory body like RBI, which was never done in the past. He alleged that the economy was in the doldrums and pointed to aspects like Non-performing assets and hit out at the government over demonetisation. Levelling a slew of accusations against the BJP, he said there was intolerance, farmers distress and unemployment. Naidu alleged that the Enforcement Directorate and Income Tax departments were being used only to malign and harass all opposition leaders. Stalin lauded Naidu for his good effort to defeat the "anti-people," BJP at the hustings. "Be it court, CBI or RBI, all autonomous institutions are being initimidated by the Centre... to stop it the BJP government should be dislodged," Stalin said. Naidu's meeting with Stalin came a day after he called on his Karnataka counterpart H D Kumaraswamy and JDS supremo H D Deve Gowda. Earlier, Naidu was accorded a warm welcome by Stalin at his Alawarpet residence. DMK Rajya Sabha MP Kanimozhi, party top leader and treasurer Duraimurugan, former Union Ministers A Raja and T R Baalu were present during the discussions. Days ago, when Naidu visited Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Stalin had welcomed it saying it was the need of the hour for all non-BJP parties to come together on a common platform. He also had pledged DMK's support to the initiative of Rahul Gandhi and Naidu to defeat the saffron party in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The DMK chief also had months ago endorsed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's efforts to bring various parties together to oppose and defeat the BJP. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) lifted the curtains off its plans for expansion by announcing the launch of 17 new originals, nine of them hailing from India. The announcement was made by chief executive Reed Hastings and chief content officer Ted Sarandos at the See What's Next: event here. "What we do is very special. We invest in stories and we commission some of the best stories around the world," Hastings said. "And in particular with Asian filmmakers, storytellers from India, Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, Japan and everywhere throughout Asia, we are producing stories and sharing them. What happens when you share stories, it builds connections," he added. The line-up of its made-in- shows also includes five Anime titles from Japan and original productions in Thai, Korean and Chinese languages. "Our core belief is that great stories can come from anywhere and right now, they are also coming from Asia. Whether it is 'Sacred Games' or 'Lust Stories', we are fortunate to be able to work with the best storytellers from Asia," said chief content officer Ted Sarandos. The original series from India currently being made includes "Baahubali: Before the Beginning", "Bard of Blood" and an official adaptation of Salman Rushdie's "Midnight Children". The "Baahubali" prequel will star Smaran Sahu, Mrunal Thakur, Rahul Bose, Atul Kulkarni, Sahib Verma and Sunil Palwal, the company announced. At a panel discussion, Simran Sethi, director, international originals, India talked about another Indian original "Leila", which has celebrated director Deepa Mehta and scriptwriter Urmi Juvekar onboard. "Leila is an amazing story. It is from a novel by author Prayaag Akbar. We optioned the book because it is a very powerful story of a mother's quest to find her daughter in dystopic future. "It was very important for us to find amazing female filmmaker to tell this story. So we have got an amazing director in Deepa Mehta and Urmi Juvekar who is the showrunner. We are shooting in Delhi right now." Sethi said it is important for the streaming giant to find the right talent for its shows, be it in direction or acting. "Leila" will feature Huma Qureshi, Sidharth and Sanjay Suri. The Indian subscribers of Netflix will soon get to watch to two projects on the platform feature film Rajma Chawal and another original series Selection Day. Netflix is working with Sujoy Ghosh on a new original, "Typewriter", a Goa-set horror thriller. Apart from India, Netflix will also a launch a slew of new anime series, including ones based on Pacific Rim and Altered Carbon. Other anime projects include "Cagaster of an Insect Cage", a series from Gonzo that's set in a post-apocalyptic world where a disease has turned people into giant insects; "Yasuke", which is about a former warrior tasked with protecting a child targeted by dark forces; and "Trese", which is based on a Philippine graphic novel about a woman going up against elements of a supernatural criminal underworld. The Thai-language shows include the live-action mystery series The Stranded and drama Shimmers, which is about five teens, stranded in a remote school, who are visited by terrifying forces. The streaming giant also announced a Chinese language Taiwanese show, "Triad Princess", apart from the already commissioned series "Nowhere Man". A Delhi Police deputy commissioner has tweeted he never imagined that bursting firecrackers could land somebody in jail, only to delete the post after it went viral. The Delhi Police, however, on Friday said it had nothing to do with the tweet and the officer had posted it from his personal Twitter handle. "Bursting firecrackers on Diwali could land you in jail. Never imagined such a day would come. Am I in my country, Bharat? Jai Sri Ram. Jai Hind," Deputy Commissioner of Police(Southwest) Devender Arya, had tweeted in Hindi. He later deleted it. The officer, in another tweet on Friday, said, "It was a momentary inadvertent slip on my part. It does not reflect any opinion/view. I sincerely apologize for this inadvertent slip." The Supreme Court had allowed people to burst firecrackers from 8 pm to 10 pm only on Diwali and other festivals. The top court also allowed manufacture and sale of just "green crackers" which have low emission of light, sound and harmful chemicals The Delhi Police, in a statement, said it has nothing to do with the tweet. "The said tweet got posted from the personal handle of Sh. Devender Arya. It was immediately deleted by the officer. Delhi Police has nothing to do with that tweet. "We are committed to ensure that directions of Hon'ble Supreme Court on this issue are strictly complied with," it said. The apex court had also said police should ensure that there was no sale of banned firecrackers and in case of any violation, the station house officer (SHO) of the police station of the area would be held personally liable and this would amount to committing contempt of the court. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India on Friday made it clear that its participation at a multi-lateral conference on Afghanistan in Moscow in a "non-official" capacity was in sync with its Afghan policy, asserting that it was not talking to the Taliban. India sent two former diplomats to the meeting Russia hosted Friday for peace in Afghanistan which was attended by representatives from several countries and the Taliban. Replying to questions on why India sent representatives to the meeting, although in "non-official" capacity, when the Taliban was participating in it, a spokesperson in the (MEA) said India will be part of any peace process which is Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled. "We will participate in any process which is consistent with the policy we have for Afghanistan... It was decided by the government that our participation will be at the non-official level," he said. To a question on the participation of the Taliban in the meeting, he said,"where did we say that there will be talks with Taliban. We did not say that." The conference organised by Russia was attended by representatives of Afghanistan as well as from several other countries including the US, Pakistan and China. "In our policy on Afghanistan which we have articulated and which has been consistent for quite sometime that we will be supportive of any process in Afghanistan is a party to the process," said Kumar. Initially, the meeting was proposed for September 4 but it was called off after the Afghan government pulled out of it. India had also declined an invitation to the meeting then. Official sources said India sent Amar Sinha and TCA Raghavan as non-official participants for Friday's meeting. While Sinha served as India's Ambassador to Afghanistan, Raghvan was a former Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan. According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, invitations to take part in the event had been sent to Afghanistan, India, Iran, China, Pakistan, the US and some other countries. India has been actively engaged in reconstruction activities in war-ravaged Afghanistan and has already spent $2 billion in various projects there. United States Ambassador has said that cancelled this week's talks between US Secretary of State and a senior North Korean official but the summit between the two leaders is still on after January 1. "I don't think there was some major issue" for the postponement, Haley told reporters on Thursday. "I have talked with the administration and basically what we're looking at is they postponed it because they weren't ready," she said, "and secretary Pompeo and the administration stand ready to talk." Pompeo was supposed to meet Kim Yong Chol in New York Thursday. Haley spoke ahead of Security Council closed consultations called by Russia to discuss exemptions from UN sanctions. She stressed that hasn't "done anything to warrant getting rid of the sanctions yet. The number of the endangered giant pandas living in captivity globally has reached a record high number of 548, Chinese officials said. The number of pandas living in the wild was fewer than 2,000, according to official data in 2013. After decades of caring for giant pandas, China's panda experts have created sound conditions to raise and breed giant pandas, whose numbers have reached 548, state run Global Times on Friday reported. Citing quoting a press release of State Forestry and Grassland Administrations (SFGA), it said that 45 of 48 panda cubs born in captivity this year survived. In the 1990s, the survival rate of captive-born cubs was only 30 per cent. Forty-three of this year's surviving newborn giant pandas were born in China; one was born in Japan and the other in Malaysia. Li Chunliang, vice administrator of the SFGA, said on Thursday that scientists are looking to expand the genetic diversity in their breeding pairs of pandas by avoiding mating pandas that share blood ties. In 2016, a giant panda named He Sheng was found dead two months after it had been released into the wild. It had been attacked by "unknown animals," said the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding at the time. Media reported four of the released-to-the-wild pandas have not survived. The incidents sparked heated discussions, with netizens worried the giant pandas could not survive after being released into the wild. China is working with 22 zoos and safaris from 17 countries to better protect pandas, Li said, adding that that China has sent 58 pandas to other countries to help local scientists to conduct research and bring joy to local people. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The issue over actor Vijay's Tamil film 'Sarkar' blew over Friday with its producers voluntarily cutting scenes, including an apparent reference to late chief minister J Jayalalithaa and criticism of welfare schemes initiated by her, and the AIADMK government welcoming it. A day after the movie faced a backlash from AIADMK over the 'objectionable' scenes and reference, prompting the makers to agree for the cuts, Information and Publicity Minister Kadambur C Raju welcomed it and said the "issue has come to an end" and AIADMK would not stage any more protests against it. His cabinet colleague R B Udhayakumar thanked the film producers for respecting "the sentiments of Tamil people" and urged movie-makers to exercise restraint in future. Earlier in the day, Tamil 'Superstar' Rajinikanth threw his weight behind Vijay, questioning the AIADMK's rationale in protesting against a film certified by the censor board. After several ministers objected to the reference to Jayalalithaa and some scenes, including the one showing mixers and grinders being burnt, AIADMK workers Thursday protested in front of several theatres screening the film, released on Deepavali day on November 6. In a related legal development, the Madras High Court Friday restrained the police from arresting the film's director A R Murugadoss till November 27. Passing interim orders on the anticipatory bail application filed by Murugadoss, who apprehended arrest in connection with some complaints lodged against him, Justice G K Ilanthiraiyan directed him to co-operate with the police and adjourned the matter to November 27. Murugadoss's counsel informed the court that the objectionable portions had already been removed from the film. According to Tamil film industry sources, "relevant scenes" in 'Sarkar' have been removed and the theatres will now start screening the 'edited' version. They added the cuts in the digital copies of the film for all theatres can be made online from Chennai itself. The cuts effected were 'voluntary' with the approval of the Central Board of Film Certification, they said. "While we don't know how many scenes have been deleted, we can say for sure that the objectionable scene on mixer and grinder being burnt has been removed," they said. Also, the audio part mentioning the name Komalavalli, deemed to be a reference to Jayalalithaa, will be 'muted,' they said. The removal of the scenes prompted Raju to declare that the "issue has come to an end" and that the AIADMK would not hold anymore protests. "We believe they (Sarkar team) have realised that they have hurt people's sentiments and have come forward to remove the scenes... it is welcome. So the issue has come to an end. The protests (against the film) will not continue," he told reporters here. Defending the protests, Raju said AIADMK workers "ranging from an ordinary cadre to the Chief Minister (K Palaniswami)," consider Jayalalithaa as their 'God'. "We have nothing to do with the film or Vijay," Raju said describing the star as a "dear friend." He said the party's opposition had nothing to do with criticism of the government. A name said to be referring to Jayalalithaa was used for a negative character and therefore the opposition to it was "wholehearted" from the party workers, he added. Revenue Minister Udhayakumar thanked the 'Sarkar' crew for removing the scenes. "In future, filmmakers should avoid including scenes that would hurt the sentiments, especially relating to Amma's (Jayalalithaa's) sacrifices and hardwork," he said. Fans of "dear brother Vijay" also benefited from government welfare schemes like the free mixer-grinder and fan initiative, he told reporters in Madurai. Meanwhile, Rajinikanth "strongly condemned" the demands for deletion of the scenes. "It is against the law to hold protests seeking removal of some scenes from a Censor board certified film and trying to stall the screening and damaging the banners," he tweeted. On Thursday, the AIADMK was up in arms against 'Sarkar' with senior state ministers demanding deletion of the contentious scenes, besides threatening to initiate legal action if the film crew failed to comply. Law Minister C Ve Shanmugham had said certain scenes amounted to inciting violence and warned of 'action'. The AIADMK took strong exception to scenes showing mixer-grinder and fans being burnt, seen as an obvious affront to its flagship scheme of providing these goods free of cost to people, fulfilling an electoral promise made by Jayalalithaa in 2011. 'Sarkar' had earlier courted a row after an aspiring filmmaker claimed that the film's story was his, following which director Murugadoss went in for a compromise with him. Produced by Sun Pictures, the film stars Vijay and Keerthi Suresh in key roles with Oscar winner A R Rahman scoring the music. Vijay's 2017 film 'Mersal' too had ran into a controversy after BJP objected to some scenes critical of GST among others. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The agitating Odisha farmers under the banner of Naba Nirman Krushak Sangathan (NNKS) Friday said they would launch civil disobedience movement from November 15 to press for their demands. On Monday, police stopped the farmers on the National Highway before they could enter Bhubaneswar where a mass convention was planned to highlight the issues facing them. NNKS national convener Akshya Kumar, who had earlier rejected the state government's inter-ministerial committee to hold discussion on the farmers' issues, said the stir would begin from November 15. "Our activists will stage demonstration before all the police stations across the state on November 15 protesting the police role in preventing the farmers' entry into the state capital for holding congregation," Kumar told reporters here. Criticising the state government for foiling the farmers' rally, Kumar said the police arrested them before they could enter the state capital on November 5. The government used police to prevent farmers entry, he said. The farmers would also hold dharna in all the gram panchayats in Odisha on November 12, Kumar said. Asked about the government's inter-ministerial panel headed by finance minister S B Behera, the NNKS leader said: "We have already rejected the government committee as this will not solve the problems of farmers." "We had demanded the state government to provide Rs 21,600 crore stipend to 36 lakh farmers and announce an ordinance to this effect. We have decided that the farmers will continue civil disobedience in all villages, tehsils, blocks and the district headquarters till the state government issues the ordinance," Kumar said. He said the NNKS has been demanding '3Ps' (price on agricultural produces, pension for both young and old farmers and prestige in government offices) for the past eight years. However, the government has not been able to fulfil any of the three demands, Kumar said adding that the agitation will continue till the government constitutes a farmer welfare fund. Only after the farmers marched towards the state capital on Monday, the state government had formed an inter-ministerial committee to look into the demands of the farmers, he pointed out. The committee, with Finance Minister S B Behera as chairperson, along with ministers of Agriculture, Panchayati Raj and Cooperation as other members, would discuss the demands of the farmers. "The committee will frame a term of reference (ToR) on the basis of which the demands of the farmers would be discussed," Behera had said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Australian Navy Ship HMAS Ballarat, commanded by Commander Paul Andrew Johnson, arrived Friday on a five-day visit to Kochi. The Commanding Officer called on Rear Admiral R J Nadkarni, Chief of Staff, Southern Naval Command and discussed subjects of common interest to both the navies. The Chief of Staff conveyed his gratitude to the Commanding Officer for the assistance rendered by HMAS Ballarat for locating and rendering medical assistance to Commander Abhilash Tomy during the search and rescue mission coordinated by the Royal Australian Navy, a Defence release said here. Cdr Abhilash Tomy while on sea voyage in his sail-boat 'Thuraya' in southern Indian Ocean had encountered rough seas on September 21 following which his vessel had got demasted while he himself suffered severe back injury. During the stay at Kochi, various activities such as professional interaction and friendly volleyball match between the two navies have been planned, the release said. "India's bilateral relations with Australia are rooted in historical social and cultural interactions and extensive people-to-people contact. The cooperation between the two navies is in pursuance of Indias Act East policy and is aimed to enhance inter-operability," the release said. The HMAS Ballarat is set to sail for Manama on November 13. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan's delegation at the Russia-led peace conference on Afghanistan Friday highlighted the threat posed by the instability in the war-torn country to the neighbouring nations, the country's Foreign Office said. The Foreign Office said the Pakistan delegation to the Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan held in Moscow was led by Additional Secretary (Afghanistan and West Asia) Muhemmed Aejaz. "The participants of today's meeting candidly expressed their views about deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan and the threat it posed to the neighboring countries, which have been most affected by the Afghan conflict," the Foreign Office said. "Pakistan's positive approach and consistent efforts to promote peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan through initiatives acceptable to the entire Afghan nation and the futility of military intensive approach which had resulted in colossal human losses and compounded miseries of the people of Afghanistan was particularly highlighted," it said. Senior officials from Afghanistan, the US, India, Iran, China, Pakistan and some other countries also participated in the meeting aimed at starting of direct peace talks with the Taliban. It was first meeting of the Moscow Format with participation of Afghan High Peace Council representatives and Afghan Taliban delegation from its Qatar political office. India and the US were present in the meeting as observers. Pakistan delegation noted that the phrase "Afghan-owned, Afghan-led" peace process, coined by Pakistan several years ago, had now been adopted as an international guiding principle in charting the collective way forward to achieving peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan, the Foreign Office said. It also signified Pakistan's respect for Afghan sovereignty and the desire to empower the Afghan nation to take its destiny in its own hands, it said. Pakistan delegation also underscored that all stakeholders had shared responsibility to help create favourable conditions for a result oriented peace process as there was no military solution to the Afghan issue, it added. "Only a political settlement, fully cognizant of and responsive to the hard core socio-cultural, political and economic realities of Afghanistan, can restore peace in the country," Pakistan officials said at the conference, according to the Foreign Office. Moscow Format was initiated in December 2016. Its membership gradually increased to eleven last year. It signifies a growing consensus among regional countries for jointly promoting peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan. It offers an opportunity to participants to exchange views on the prevailing situation in Afghanistan and its implications for the region, in particular for countries bordering Afghanistan. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) "The hard truth is Congress collectively committed an act of betraying public trust and for culpable violation of the Constitution for contracting our electoral system." Maybe it is high time for us to take a second look at the suggestion of former Senator Francisco Kit Tatad for the government to examine the possibility of taking over the functions of the Commission on Elections. The idea is not ludicrous as some narcissistic hypocritical criers for democracy might think, but to bring about rejuvenation to the mangiest electoral system we ever had. I do not want to sound syllogistic but I want to remind all that the primary function of the Comelec is to conduct, supervise and hold a clean, honest, fair and peaceful election. The converging point to actualize this noble process is to guarantee that it would be peaceful. Only the Armed Forces can do it. Without that guarantee, our election would be nothing more but beatitude. No amount of self-righteous exhortation will assure that our electoral exercise will work. The role of the AFP is not to conduct and hold an election but to ensure that the exercise will be peaceful, clean, fair and honest to prevent our society from slipping into the precipice of violence. The promise of speeding up the counting to justify the hiring of Smartmatic by the money-making yellow government ended up as one of nirvana. Unfortunately, not one of those promises was fulfilled. On the contrary, the wholesale electoral fraud saw in us electing winners, which many say, are the products of electronic hocus-pocus. For the AFP, taking over the Comelec is not to militarize our electoral system or a prelude to establishing a dictatorial form of government. If we look ourselves as patients inside the ICU, the military is just acting as doctors racing to keep us alive. They are not concerned about the result, but the manner how we conduct our election to avoid the circumstance of our society sliding towards a bloody upheaval. Many suspect both the Comelec and Smartmatic connived to manacle our people into technical slavery with those foreign operators of the electoral cheating machines free to choose candidates they like to win. We cannot for long allow this farce election to continue by depriving us of our sovereign right to elect who will govern us. Electoral fraud is our best recipe for a bloody upheaval. This is clear in Article IX, C, and Section 2 (4) of the Constitution, to quote: Deputize, with the concurrence of the President, law enforcement agencies, and instrumentalities of the Government, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines, for the exclusive purpose of ensuring free, orderly, honest, peaceful and credible election. Are we going to allow ourselves to be engulfed in violence to validly invoke the Constitution? Surely, this is not what the Constitution meant for us to attain a workable democracy. Second, if the Comelec is the one that violated the Constitution, then who is that one being suggested to in Article IX, C, Section 2 (8) of the Constitution as having the power to recommend to the President the removal of any officer or employee it has deputized, or the imposition of any disciplinary action, for violation or disregard of, or disobedience to its directive, order or decision? Many may not agree but the hard truth is Congress collectively committed an act of betraying public trust and for culpable violation of the Constitution for contracting our electoral system. Article IX, Section 2, (1) and (2) provides respectively: (1) The Commission on Election shall exercise the following powers and functions: (1) Enforce and administer all laws and regulations relative to the conduct of an election, plebiscite, initiative, referendum, and recall. (2) Exercise exclusive original jurisdiction over all contest relating to the elections, returns, and qualifications of all the elective regional, provincial, and city officials, and appellate jurisdiction over all contests involving elective municipal officials decided by the trial courts of general jurisdiction, or involving elective barangay officials decided by trial courts of limited jurisdiction.There is nothing in the Constitution that mandates Congress or the Comelec to contract out the exercise of our electoral system, more so to a foreign corporation. Remember, Smartmatic managed to sneak in as partner of Strategic Alliance Holding Inc. What is not clear is whether Strategic Alliance Holding Inc. brought in Smartmatic, or that their partnership was forged immediately after they clinched the deal to computerize our electoral system. Congress approved P11.3 billion for the initial operations of Smartmatic. For the coming electoral exercise, Comelec, without consulting Congress, unilaterally and without its approval, renewed the contract which would cost us P12.4 billion for the mere lease of those voting counting machines (VCM) despite the unresolved protest against the rigged election of Leni Robredo as alleged Vice President. The question that is asked is whether it is justifiable for us to have an easy quick count that will cost us about P13 billion for the rent of those machines; and second, whether we have complete control on how to operate them in case of protest like rechecking the results in those precincts that are questioned? But as it is, protesting candidates are merely allowed a recount such that if ever the protestee is finally declared winner, the term for the position he is contesting would be over. Technically, Smartmatic was able to get away with the crime of fraud. As we observed, the computerized ballots have almost been destroyed after they have been intentionally soaked in water or badly mangled that hardly anything written on it could be deciphered. To this date, the election protest remains in limbo with no end is in sight as to when these so-called anointed honest men will decide the case. Moreover, there is no provision in the Constitution which gives the Comelec the power to amend or revise any of its provision or for Congress to legislate or enact a law pertaining to the qualifications of candidates. I am particularly referring to the arbitrariness of Comelec to declare certain candidates nuisance candidates. The Comelec should be reminded that its powers and functions are only limited to look into the qualifications of candidates, but not to prejudge them as nuisance on the presumption that certain candidates are not known, have no money to spend for their candidacy or will not win, and counting their votes is a waste of time. Is it because the computerized counting machines dictate that they limit the number of candidates to avoid possible glitch in the VCM? Such reasoning to declare some as nuisance candidates gives the Comelec a plausible alibi but not a valid excuse for Smartmatic to swindle the electorates of the candidates they voted. The same can be said of party-list representatives. Many are accredited but do not represent the marginalized. Rather they represent certain vested interest class even religious organizations often used as electoral safety latch by some ambitious but notorious politicians to put cosmetics to hide the truth about their character as gangsters. As Tatad said, knowledgeable sources talk of a brisk trade in the accreditation of party-list parties, and a big powerful politician could end up representing a whimsically party-list party of manicurists or security guards. The going rate for a party-list seat, according to the same Comelec sources, is usually P10 to P20 million, upfront. ( [email protected] Pakistan's Supreme Court Friday ordered the authorities to restrain from acquitting 68 terrorists convicted by military courts on terrorism charges. The release of the convicts was earlier ordered by the High Court (PHC). All 68 were sentenced by the military courts in different cases but they challenged the conviction in the PHC which on October 18 overturned the sentence and ordered the authorities to set them free. The acquittal order was challenged by the Defence Ministry on behalf of army in the Supreme Court, where a two-member bench headed by Justice Azmat Saeed heard the case. Additional Attorney General Sajid Ilyas Bhatti told the apex court that the high court failed to take into account the accurate review of the facts. He argued that all convicts were involved in acts of militancy and were convicted by the military courts after due process of law. The court after hearing argument ordered jail authorities that convicts be released until final adjudication of the appeal. The court also issued notices to the parties and adjourned the case indefinitely. The military courts were set up for speedy trial of militants after they attacked an Army-run school in in December 2014 and killed around 150 people, mostly students. The military courts work in secrecy and their decision are made public when endorsed by the Army Chief. However, details like venue and dates of trial and officials involved are withheld due to security reasons. Philippine prosecutors said Friday they will file tax evasion charges against a website that has clashed with President Rodrigo Duterte, a case the outlet branded as an "intimidation" effort. Rappler, which denies the allegations, is one of few Philippine media outfits openly critical of Duterte's leadership, in particular his deadly anti-narcotics crackdown. The government accuses Rappler Holdings Corp., the site's CEO Maria Ressa and its accountant of failing to pay taxes on 2015 bond sales that it alleges netted gains of 162.5 million pesos (USD 3 million). "The National Prosecution Service has found probable cause to indict... for violation of the national Internal Revenue Code," the justice department said in a statement. Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra told AFP that state prosecutors are to file the tax evasion charges in court next week. Rappler described the case as "a clear form of continuing intimidation and harassment" as well as "an attempt to silence reporting that does not please the administration". The bonds, called Philippine Depositary Receipts, are at the heart of a case that led to the Philippines' corporate watchdog to void the site's corporate license in January. Rappler has been battling a string of government moves to shutter the site, which has won international awards over its efforts to publish critical reports on Duterte. The president banned a Rappler reporter from covering his official activities, calling its reports "twisted". Press watchdogs have criticised the government actions as payback for coverage that challenges Duterte's signature crackdown that has resulted in police shooting dead alleged pushers and addicts. To ease the pressure on Rappler, a key foreign backer, Silicon Valley firm Omidyar Network, announced in February it was donating its investments worth about USD 1.5 million to the site's local managers. The Philippines' constitution forbids foreigners from owning media properties in the southeast Asian nation of 105 million people. In March an appellate court ruled that Rappler must be given "a reasonable time" to correct or modify objectionable portions of its corporate structure, a decision that allowed the website to continue operations for the time being. Duterte has also attacked other media outfits that criticise him, including top newspaper, The Philippine Daily Inquirer and major broadcaster ABS-CBN, threatening to also go after their owners over alleged unpaid taxes. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Left parties Friday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his remarks on "urban Maoists" at a rally in Chhattisgarh, saying he cannot tolerate people who question his policies. Addressing a rally in Jagdalpur, Modi accused the Congress of backing 'urban Maoists' who he said have ruined the lives of poor Adivasi youth. Reacting to Modi's remarks, CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat alleged the prime minister cannot tolerate dissent. "The PM can use any language he wants, but he himself, nor his party or government can tolerate any kind of questioning of policies. Anybody who questions him or his policies is either branded anti-national or an urban Maoist," alleged Karat. Karat also alleged that the prime minister has failed in his handling of poor Adivasis in Bastar district. D Raja, CPI national secretary, said the prime Minister should first explain who is an urban Maoist. "Let him name urban Maoists. Modi and his team cannot stomach any criticism. Those who criticise Modi government's works, they become target of the BJP," he said. Raja claimed Modi avoided real issues and concerns of people by raising unrealistic issues in public domain. Elections to the 90-member Chhattisgarh assembly will be held in two phases on November 12 and November 20. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In his first visit as the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi will travel to Male on November 17 to attend the swearing-in ceremony of new Maldivian president, indicating an attempt to mend bilateral ties, which nosedived during the outgoing Abdulla Yameen government. Announcing Modi's day-long visit, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said the prime minister has accepted president-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih invitation to attend the ceremony "with pleasure". Kumar, however, made it clear that it is not a "bilateral visit". "In keeping with its neighbourhood first policy, India looks forward to closely working with Maldives in further deepening the partnership," Kumar said. India-Maldives ties came under strain under Yameen who was perceived to be close to China. Some decisions by Yameen including imposition of restrictions on work visas for Indians and signing of a new Free Trade Agreement with Beijing also did not go down well with New Delhi. The relations deteriorated further after Yameen imposed emergency on February 5 this year. India had criticised his decision and asked his government to restore the credibility of the electoral and political process by releasing political prisoners. The emergency lasted for 45 days. Presidential elections were held in Maldives on September 23 in which joint opposition leader Solih defeated Yameen, capping months of political upheaval in the tourist paradise. Maldives is an important country for India's maritime security and there have been concerns in India over China's growing influence over the country in last few years. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the Regional Economic Cooperation Partnership meeting and the ASEAN summit in Singapore next week and hold talks with his counterpart Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and other leaders from the US, Japan and Australia. On November 15, he will have a breakfast with the ASEAN leaders, according to a report by Friday weekly Tabla, a Singapore-based weekly English newspaper. On November 14, Modi will address 30,000 people at the Fintech Festival, the biggest event of its kind in the world. India with 400 exhibitors is represented by the largest contingent at the event. The Prime Minister will launch a platform to connect Indian with ASEAN banks and financial institutions. He will present awards to the winners of the first hacklathon between India and Singapore, which has students from both countries providing questions and solutions. The final of sixty students each form India and Singapore will be held on November 12 and 13 at the Nanyang Technological University. Modi will leave on the evening of November 15. is a proposed free trade agreement (FTA) between the ten member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam) and the six Asia-Pacific states with which ASEAN has existing free trade agreements (Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand). The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a regional intergovernmental organisation comprising ten Southeast Asian countries, which promotes intergovernmental cooperation and facilitates economic, political, security, military, educational, and sociocultural integration among its members and other Asian states. Describing Maoists as "monsters with evil mindset", Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday accused the Congress of backing "urban naxals" who, he said, were "remote-controlling" the Maoist insurgency in this region and ruining the lives of poor tribals. The Congress hit back at Modi and accused him of indulging in his "trademark petty politics" and seeking to hide his "abject failure and weak-kneed" approach to fighting Naxalism. The party spokesperson Randeep Surjewala also reminded Modi that the Congress lost over 25 of its leaders to Naxal attack in 2013. Addressing his first election rally in insurgency-hit Bastar district in poll-bound Chhattisgarh, Modi also said the Congress was making "fun" of Adivasis. Bastar goes to vote on Monday as part of the first phase of the two-phase Assembly polls. Urban naxals is a term used to describe city-based supporters working in alleged front organisations of proscribed Maoist outfits. Modi's comments came a day after four civilians and a CISF jawan were killed when suspected Naxals blew up a bus with an improvised explosive device (IED) in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district in a fresh wave of Maoist attacks. On October 30, three police personnel and a cameraman of national broadcaster Doordarshan were killed in Dantewada district. Modi also said that voting for anyone apart from the BJP would be a "blot on the dreams of Bastar". Going all out to denounce the Maoists, Modi said they were destroying schools and not allowing doctors to treat people. "Those who are giving guns in the hands of kids in place of the pen are actually monsters with evil mindset. They are destroying schools and not letting doctors perform their duty," the prime minister said. He also went on to allege that "urban naxals" were remote-controlling the Maoist insurgency in the region. "The urban Maoists, who live in air-conditioned homes in the cities and whose children study abroad, remote control Adivasi children in Naxal-dominated areas," Modi said. "I want to ask the Congress why it supports urban Maoists when the government takes action against them," he added. He asked people to vote for the BJP and ensure that it wins all seats in Bastar, adding that "if anyone else wins, it will be a blot on Bastar's dreams". "I don't know why Congress makes fun of Adivasis. Once I had gone for a rally in North-East India and wore a traditional Adivasi headgear but Congress leaders made fun of it. This was an insult to Adivasi culture," he said. He said the BJP government in the state, led by chief minister Raman Singh, had ushered in a new era of development in Bastar while earlier governments did nothing for the region despite having funds. He said that Naxalism needed to be stamped out to pave way for development, adding that the BJP wanted to strengthen Bastar and root out unemployment, poverty and hunger. "This is the reason I have come here. This is our responsibility because you have reposed that faith in us," he told the gathering. The prime minister said he wanted to fulfil late Atal Bihari Vajpayee's dream of a prosperous Chhattisgarh and "will not rest" till he achieved it. Speaking about his multiple visits to the region, Modi said, "I have never come empty-handed but have given you some scheme or development programme. We are working hard to eradicate unemployment, poverty and hunger from the region. Previously, there were resources but nothing happened." Lashing out at the Congress, Modi said it treated Dalits, deprived sections and Adivasis as vote banks and not as human beings. "Do you want a government which works or one which stops development works," he said, adding that his government never discriminated among people. "Previous governments did that. Our government works for the development of all," he said. He also paid tributes to Doordarshan cameraman Achyutanand Sahu who was killed along with two security personnel. "An innocent cameraman of Doordarshan, Achyutanand Sahu, who was doing his duty was killed by Maoists. He was sharing the dreams of the people of Bastar with other people across the country. What was his fault?" Modi asked. Targeting Modi over his allegation against the Congress, Surjewala tweeted, "Do u remember- @INCIndia lost over 25 of its leaders to Naxal Terror under BJP's watch!" As many as 28 people including Congress leaders were killed in Chhattisgarh when a group of Maoists attacked them at Darbha Valley in Sukma district on May 25 in 2013. CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat also hit out at the prime minister for his remarks on "urban Maoists", alleging he cannot tolerate dissent and that anybody who questions his policies is either branded "anti-national or a urban Maoist". The state goes to polls in two phases on November 12 and 20. The first phase of voting will cover Antagarh, Bhanupratappur, Kanker, Kondagaon, Narayanpur, Bastar, Jagdalpur, Keshkal, Chitrakot, Dantewada, Bijapur, Konta, Khairagarh, Dongargarh, Rajnandgaon, Dongargaon, Khujji and Mohla-Manpur seats. Stakes are very high for the BJP on these 18 seats as it had lost 12 of them in the last polls in 2013. In the 2013 Assembly polls, of the total 90 seats, the BJP won 49 seats, Congress 39, BSP 1 and independent 1. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the swearing-in ceremony of Maldivian president-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih next week, the Ministry of External Affairs announced Friday. The prime minister will also visit Singapore to take part in the 13th East Asia Summit and other meetings on November 14 and 15, MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said at a media briefing. The prime minister has accepted the invitation extended by Maldives' president-elect Solih to attend his swearing-in ceremony on November 17, he said. On the US waiver to India from Iran sanctions, Kumar said the US has shown understanding of India's position on the issue. India, China and Japan were among eight countries temporarily allowed to continue buying Iranian oil as they showed significant reduction in oil purchase from the Persian Gulf country after the US reimposed crippling sanctions on Tehran, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had said earlier this week. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the first multi-modal terminal on the Ganga river in Varanasi on Monday under a project aimed at promoting inland waterways as a cheaper and more environment-friendly means of transport. This is the first of the three such terminals and two inter-modal terminals being constructed on the river, according to an official release on Friday. The multi-modal terminals are being built as part of the central government's Jal Marg Vikas Project that aims to develop the stretch of the river Ganga between Varanasi and Haldia for navigation of large vessels weighing up to 1,500-2,000 tonnes, it said. The objective is to promote inland waterways as a cheaper and more environment-friendly means of transport, especially for cargo movement. The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is the project implementing agency. The Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP) is being implemented on the Haldia-Varanasi stretch of National Waterway-1 (NW-1) with the technical assistance and investment support of the World Bank. It is being built at an estimated cost of Rs 5,369.18 crore, on a 50:50 sharing basis between the Government of India and the World Bank. The project entails construction of three multi-modal terminals (Varanasi, Sahibganj and Haldia); two intermodal terminals; five roll on-roll off (Ro-Ro) terminal pairs; new navigation lock at Farakka; assured depth dredging; integrated vessel repair and maintenance facility, differential global positioning system (DGPS), river information system (RIS), river training and river conservancy works, the release said. Operation, management and further development of the terminal is proposed to be entrusted to an operator on public-private partnership model and selection of the operator through an international competitive bidding is at an advanced stage and is expected to be completed by December. The project of multi-modal terminal and proposed freight village in Varanasi are expected to generate 500 direct employment and more than 2,000 indirect employment opportunities. The prime minister will also receive India's first container vessel that sailed from Kolkata on October 30, carrying cargo belonging to PEPSICO (India) from Kolkata to Varanasi. Container movement on an inland waterway in India is being done for the first time post-Independence, the release said. The IWAI vessel, MV Rabindranath Tagore, is transporting 16 containers equivalent to 16 truckloads of food and snacks and is expected to reach Varanasi on Sunday. It will make its return journey with fertilisers from IFFCO. At a separate event, the prime minister will inaugurate two national highways projects - the Babatpur-Varanasi Airport Road and Varanasi Ring Road. He will also inaugurate some sewerage projects in the city and lay the foundation stone of a project under the National Mission for Clean Ganga. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay a two-day visit to Singapore beginning November 14 to attend the East Asia Summit, an influential bloc which delves into political, security and trade related issues in the Asia-Pacific region. Making the announcement, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said Modi is also expected to participate in a number of other events during the visit. "PM will make an official visit to Singapore to attend the 13th East Asia Summit and associated meetings on November 14th and 15th," he said. Kumar said the prime minister is also scheduled to deliver a keynote address at the Singapore Fintech Summit. The East Asia Summit is a premier forum in the Asia-Pacific region. Since its inception in 2005, it has played a significant role in the strategic, geopolitical and economic evolution of East Asia. Apart from the 10 ASEAN member-states, East Asia Summit includes India, China, Japan, Republic of Korea, Australia, New Zealand, United States and Russia. The annual ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) summit is also taking place in Singapore next week. However, there will be no ASEAN-India summit during the annual congregation of the powerful grouping. The ASEAN-India summit was held in January this year when leaders from all 10 ASEAN nations visited India to attend the Republic Day celebrations. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) "They will have to kill all of us for this great human being to die!" "They will have to kill all of us for this great human being to die!" The news about Ben Ramos, a lawyer of the people if there was one, came suddenly last Tuesday night. The text message from a common friend broke my heart: Sad news tonight Prof! Atty Ben Ramos has been shot dead on his way home. No details yet. Benjamin Ramos, 56 years old, was Secretary General of the Negros Chapter of the National Union of Peoples Lawyers (NUPL). He was a passionate and dedicated defender of peasants, environmentalists, activists, political prisoners and mass organizations in Negros. Among others, he assisted the farmers in the wake of the recent massacre of nine sugarcane workers in Negros. He was shot dead in Kabankalan, Negros Occidental by motorcycle-riding men while taking a break after he had just finished a legal paper for another of his many pro bono clients. He sustained three gunshot wounds at the right back side and left upper chest of his body and was declared dead on arrival at the hospital. Oh Ben! I grieve and rage! I still remember our last meeting in Bais, Negros Oriental last September. I was so honored to work with you. You were a lawyers lawyer, a good and decent man. I saw you interact with your clients among the Mabinay 6, a model for all lawyers. You were brilliant, funny, passionate, and compassionate. Grace Cantal Albasin, mother of Myles Albasin, the student leader from the University of the PhilippinesCebu and an alumna of Xavier University High School, posted about Bens assassination: Our hearts bleed for the murder of Atty. Ben Ramos. On day one of the arrest of Myles and the five others, Atty. Ben came regardless of border and distance because no one was there to assist them on legal matters yet. As the Secretary General of NUPL in Negros Occidental, he chose to be more human and showed up to assess the Mabinay 6 case. He escorted the mothers to see their children at the jail. He slept in an office and ate with us. From then on, he never missed a single court appearance together with the other NUPL lawyers for Mabinay 6. He knew he was targeted, but it didnt deter his spirit to take the cases of the ordinary folks including Mabinay 6. He always braved the more than two hours traveling to attend court hearings. He made his house a home to the families he defended. He eased tension with humor. In the short time we spent together, we saw a man of compassion and dedication to the less fortunate. He lived for the people without fear. This legacy he left behind is etched in the hearts of the people he served. His colleagues in the National Union of Peoples Lawyers describe Ben as passionate, dedicated and articulate yet amiable and jolly. He was a founding member of NUPL and was for the longest time the go-to pro-bono lawyer of peasants, environmentalists, activists, political prisoners and mass organizations in Negros. Ben, according to his brother-in-law, was a loving husband and doting father to his three children. He was a funny and very Internet-savvy brother-in-law. I make mine the words of Bens NUPL colleagues: We are shocked, devastated and enraged at the premeditated cold-blooded murder of our colleague and fellow peoples lawyer, Atty. Benjamin Tarug Ramos, our Secretary General for the NUPL Negros Occidental Chapter. * * * Earlier, he was maliciously and irresponsibly tagged in a public poster by the Philippine police as among the so-called personalities of the underground armed movement. Ben is the 34th lawyer killed under the 2-year administration of President Duterte. Excluding judges and prosecutors, he is the 24th member of the profession killed and the 8th in the Visayas. These beastly attacks by treacherous cowards cannot go on. Not a few of our members have been attacked and killed before while literally practicing their profession and advocacies in the courts, in rallies, in picket lines, in urban poor communities, and in fact-finding missionsThe killing of our beloved, adorably husky-voiced zany, Ben has distressed all of us, battle-scarred and seemingly undaunted and impervious to threats and dangers while courageously, even at times audaciously, running against the tide of daily injustice, oppression and repression in defense of the defenseless and persecuted. Manananggol Laban sa Extra Judicial Killing (Manlaban sa EJK), a group of lawyers and law students that I co-convene, also condemn in the strongest possible terms the killing of Ben. For us in Manlaban: In life as in death, Atty. Benjamin faithfully followed his chosen mission to defend the poor and the downtrodden; unselfishly offering himself, up to the very end, in the service of others. Let Atty. Benjamins death not be in vain! Let us continue the fight for justice for Atty. Benjamin and all victims of human rights violations! Abdiel Dan Elijah Fajardo, on behalf of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines which he heads as President, echoes the NUPL and Manlaban statements:We decry this latest incident in a quick succession of violent attacks against lawyers, who are now enveloped in fear as they seek to provide access to justice to their clients. Our pens and typewriters are helpless against guns and bullets that have tilted the scales of justice alarmingly in favor of impunity and lawlessness, all in arrant disregard of the sanctity of human life. I share the sentiments of Dean Chel Diokno who said: I condemn the murder of a fellow member of the Bar. I am outraged at the thought that his advocacy could have caused his own murder or might justify it. His murder is inexcusable and must be investigated, and the perpetrators, brought to justice. I condole with Atty. Ramoss family and friends, his clients, and colleagues. Now is not the time to cower in fear, especially for men and women of the law. There is nothing uncertain about why Ben was killed. As Erin Tanada pointed out, this was because of his human rights advocacy. Chief Justice Meilou Sereno is absolutely correct when she says, Any government that does not act to stop the rampant killing of defense lawyers, by such inaction, kills not only its citizens and their defenders, but also the rule of law, and thereby, extinguishes hopes for a just and humane future. Kabataan party-list Representative Sarah Elago has insight in pointing out that it is ironic that those who fight for the spirit of the law are the ones who get demonized and killed, while the state perverts it. According to Sarah: The tables are turned against the people and their defenders as the police and armed mercenaries of the state reign in impunity, under a president that seeks to monopolize power and wreak havoc on the nation. They killed Ben Ramos, lawyer of the people. But Inday Espina-Varona is right: Human rights lawyer Ben Ramos has always known that he was a target. He could have fled to comfort to safer lands. He carried on, knowing his fellow Negrosanons needed champions of the law to defend against attacks both brazen and insidious. They got him. Six wounds. They got the body. And only the body. His spirit whispers in the wind, urging strength; he sings the psalms of comfort. In the wind the spirit croons a name. It is called Freedom. This is why the NUPL, and I am with them on this, promises: And we the lawyers of the people will not be cowed, will not blink, will not retreat, we will not look the other way, and we will stand our ground. Yet we will close ranks. We will be there in the trenches in defense of the defenseless. There is no other choice. It is a painful price we have to pay sometimes in the service of the people and as a pledge to the next generations we will leave behind. Ben Ramos lives on! They will have to kill all of us for this great human being to die! Facebook and twitter: tonylavs Palestinian civil servants formed long queues in Gaza on Friday to receive Qatari-funded salaries, as part of efforts to ease tensions in and around the impoverished territory. A total of USD 90 million is to be distributed in six monthly instalments of USD 15 million, according to authorities, primarily to cover salaries of officials working for Hamas, the Islamist movement that rules the Palestinian enclave. Some exited post offices, where the first instalment was being distributed, to show off hundred-dollar bills before the cameras, after several months of sporadic salary payments in cash-strapped Gaza. The cash was driven into the Palestinian enclave through Israel late Thursday by Qatar's envoy to Gaza, Mohammad al-Emadi, according to a government source in Gaza. Qatar has also said it would hand out $100 to each of 50,000 poor families, as well as larger sums to Palestinians wounded in clashes along Gaza's border with Israel. The Israeli-authorised money transfer appeared to be part of a deal that would see cash-strapped Hamas end months of often violent protests along the border in exchange for Israel easing its blockade of Gaza. Senior Palestine Liberation Organisation official Ahmed Majdalani expressed the discontent of the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority over the deal. Emadi had "smuggled the money" into Gaza in suitcases like a "gangster", the official said. "The PLO did not agree to the deal facilitating the money to Hamas that way," Majdalani, who is close to Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas, told AFP. Such a deal harmed Egyptian efforts to reconcile Hamas and the PA and would allow the Islamist movement to consolidate its control over Gaza, Majdalani said. Hamas has controlled Gaza since ousting forces loyal to the internationally recognised PA in a near civil war in 2007. Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman criticised the Qatari money transfer to Gaza. "This is capitulation to terrorism, and in effect Israel is buying short-term calm with money, while severely undermining long-term security," he said, quoted in Yediot Aharonot newspaper on Friday. In another Israeli-approved deal, Qatar has started buying additional fuel for Gaza's sole power station, allowing planned outages to be reduced to their lowest level in recent years. Egypt and the United Nations have been brokering indirect negotiations for a long-term truce with Israel, with which Hamas has fought three wars since 2008. Deadly clashes have accompanied the major protests along the Gaza border with Israel that began on March 30, generating at times fears of a new war between the Jewish state and the strip's militant rulers. At least 220 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire, the majority shot during protests and clashes, while others have died in tank fire or air strikes. One Israeli soldier was killed by a Palestinian sniper. Israel says its actions are necessary to defend the border and stop infiltrations and attacks, which it accuses Hamas of seeking to orchestrate. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress president Rahul Gandhi Friday launched a tirade against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh, alleging they are "openly indulging in graft" and taking decisions only after "permission" from their industrialist friends. Addressing a poll rally in Singh's home turf Rajnandgaon, Gandhi asserted his party would act against the "corrupt" and write off debts of farmers if elected to power in Chhattisgarh, which is being ruled by the BJP for the past 15 years. At another rally in the poll-bound state ahead of the first-phase voting on November 12, he alleged, "In Delhi, Modi ji has 10-15 industrialists friends and similarly Chhattisgarh CM has 10-15 big businessmen friends. Modi ji and Singh never do any work until they take permission from these 10-15 friends." The Congress has been accusing the Modi government of indulging in crony capitalism from time to time, a charge which has been vehemently denied by the saffron party. In the rally in Rajnandgaon, Gandhi accused Modi of pitching for industrialist Anil Ambani in the Rafale deal and referred to former France President Francois Hollande's reported remark to drive home his point. A French media report had in September quoted Hollande as purportedly saying that the Indian government proposed the Ambani-led Reliance Defence as the off-set partner for Dassault Aviation in the Rs 58,000-crore Rafale jet fighter deal and Paris did not have a choice. The Reliance Group has denied allegations of Reliance Defence benefiting by thousands of crores in the Rafale deal. Dassault, the makers of Rafale jets, has also said it had made the decision to partner with Reliance Defence for the deal. Gandhi also targeted Raman Singh over his government's alleged chit fund scam, civil supplies scam and his son Abhishek Singh, who is accused of holding offshore assets. "The truth is be it Raman Singh or Narendra Modi, they openly indulge in corruption. Be it Rafale or chit fund scam," Gandhi said. "Pakistan put (former PM) Nawaz Sharif in jail (after revelations in Panama Papers). But the name of Raman Singh's son, Abhishek also emerged in Panama. "When the Congress government will come (to power), action will be taken. Be it in Delhi or Chhattisgarh, whoever has indulged in corruption, we will put him behind bars," he said. The Panama Papers refer to 11.5 million leaked documents published by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists with details of offshore entities set up by a Panamanian legal firm. The papers had named several world leaders and celebrities as having stashed money abroad in offshore companies. They also included details of entities set up by some Indian nationals. In the past, Abhishek Singh has termed allegations against him with regards to Panama Papers as "baseless and politically motivated". Gandhi attacked the BJP-led central government over the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), which he alleged, was rather a 'Gabbar Singh Tax'. The Congress chief told the gathering he did not want to make false promises to the people of the state like the ruling BJP had allegedly made. Gandhi said his party had promised farm loan waiver during polls in Punjab and Karnataka and kept its word after coming to power in the two states. "If elected to power, Congress will write off debt of each farmers in Chhattisgarh in 10 days," Gandhi told the gathering. He also promised to give bonus to farmers if the Congress comes back to power in the state, where it has been in opposition for the past 15 years. Elections to the 90-member Chhattisgarh Assembly will be held in two phases - on November 12 and November 20 - and counting of votes will take place on December 11. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju on Friday attended the first-ever Nagaland cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio at Kiphire and also inaugurated an upgraded district hospital there. Yhe minister said Kiphire, which is located 230 kms from the state capital Kohima, is poised to see rapid development and there will be no dearth of funds from the Centre. "Attended the special Nagaland Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio at Kiphire. Many significant decisions were taken for Kiphire district as well as for whole of Nagaland, Rijiju said in a Twitter post. Sources in Kiphire district administration said that the Union MoS while congratulating the people of Kiphire also said the district will very soon see beacon of development. In a tweet, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said the upgraded District Hospital, Kiphire, will provide access to better healthcare for the people. Further, Rio tweeted that the policy of Nagaland government is to pursue a vision of inclusiveness and take administration and government machinery to all corners of the state for all-round development. He also expressed hope that people of the district would not only fully utilize the upgraded facities and infrastructure but also take its ownership. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani Friday met BJP president Amit Shah at the latter's residence here and greeted him on the occasion of the Gujarati New Year, party office-bearers said. Shah is here to celebrate Diwali and the Gujarati New Year (which started on November 8) with his family. "The chief minister visited Amitbhai Shah to greet him on the occasion of (Gujarati) New Year," party spokesperson Harsad Patel said. Shah has avoided any public engagements during his stay here during Diwali. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Russia on Friday hosted a conference on Afghanistan to create "favourable conditions for the start of direct talks" with the Taliban whose representatives were present at the high-profile meeting which was attended by India for the first time. "We are determined to make every possible effort to facilitate the opening of a new page in the history of Afghanistan," Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said, opening the second Moscow meeting on Afghanistan. He said Russia and the countries of the region will continue to do everything possible to launch dialogue between Afghanistan's government and the Taliban (banned in Russia), the state-run Itar Tass agency reported. Addressing the gathering, Lavrov said the conference was "aimed at building an inclusive intra-Afghan dialogue in order to advance the national reconciliation process." "All countries of the region and the entire international community would like to see Afghanistan as a peaceful, independent and prospering country, free of terrorism and drug trafficking," Lavrov said. He said the issues Afghanistan has been facing can be resolved only through political means. "That said, we welcome the delegations of the Afghan High Peace Council and the Taliban movement," Lavrov said. "Their participation in today's event is intended to make an important contribution to efforts to create conditions for direct talks between the government, the Taliban movement, public and political circles." He outlined the threat posed by the Islamic State group in Afghanistan and said the group has relied on foreign sponsors in a bid to "turn Afghanistan into a springboard for its expansion in Central Asia."The US Embassy in Moscow has sent a diplomat to observe Friday's discussions at the meeting which is being attended by representatives from Afghanistan, India, Iran, China, Pakistan and some other countries. India on Thursday said it will participate in the meeting on Afghanistan at a "non-official level" in Moscow. India's former envoy to Afghanistan Amar Sinha and former Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan T.C.A. Raghavan are representing New Delhi at the Moscow meeting. India's consistent policy has been that the peace talks should be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, and Afghan-controlled and with participation of the government of Afghanistan. The first such meeting, proposed for September 4 of this year, was called off at the last moment after the Afghan government pulled out, describing its involvement in the Moscow meeting as "unnecessary" as the Taliban had "disrespected internationally-sanctioned principles and rejected the message of peace and direct negotiations." The Moscow conference comes a month after the Taliban held talks with US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, who is tasked with finding a negotiated end to Afghanistan's protracted and increasingly bloody war, in Qatar, where the Taliban maintain a political office. Taliban political chief Abbas Stanikzai led the five-member delegation that discussed with Khalilzad "ways of finding a peaceful end to the occupation of Afghanistan," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid had said at the time in a statement. On Thursday, Pakistan said the Afghan Taliban's former deputy chief Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar was released from jail at the request of the US as part of efforts to pursue a political settlement in war-torn country. Baradar, one of the four top commanders who formed the Afghan Taliban in 1994, was in custody since 2010 after his capture by Pakistani authorities in a search operation. The decision to free him was taken following the visit of US Special Envoy on Afghan Reconciliation, Khalilzad, to the region and his meetings with Taliban representatives in Doha, Qatar. The Trump administration has also intensified its efforts to seek a negotiated settlement of America's longest war. The US has lost more than 2,400 soldiers in Afghanistan since late 2001, when it invaded the country after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. President Donald Trump is keen to withdraw the approximately 14,000 American troops who remain in Afghanistan, a promise he made on the campaign trail. The US has said that it was ready to "support, facilitate and participate" in discussions with the Taliban over the role of international forces in Afghanistan but that the peace process would be Afghan-led. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Russia is hosting a conference on Afghanistan bringing together representatives of the Afghan authorities and the Taliban. Opening Friday's meeting, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov voiced hope it could help pave the way for peace talks. The conference marks Moscow's attempt to get the Afghan authorities and the Taliban together at a table. The US Embassy in Moscow has sent a diplomat to observe the discussions. Russia's first attempt to hold the conference in September fell through after the Afghan authorities refused to attend. This time, the Afghan government hasn't sent its envoys, but members of the government-appointed Peace Council are attending the event. Taliban officials and Peace Council members have met at past forums elsewhere, and while no formal talks were ever held they have had some face-to face discussions. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Friday accused France of ignoring UN resolutions and illegitimately holding the Indian Ocean archipelago of Mayotte. Situated between Madagascar and Mozambique, Mayotte is the only island in the Comoros archipelago which did not split from France after an independence referendum in 1974. Even though Mayotte opted to remain with its colonial-era power, the Comoros still claims control -- in which it is backed by several UN resolutions -- in a territorial dispute with France. "Despite numerous resolutions adopted by the UN General Assembly on this issue, France continues to illegitimately hold Mayotte," Lavrov told a conference in Moscow alongside Comoros Foreign Minister Souef Mohamed El Amine. "Countries which organised the separation of Kosovo from Serbia, Mayotte from the Comoros, and have tried several times to change regimes in countries where they considered it necessary, show blatant double standards," said Lavrov, alluding to Western countries. Mayotte, comprising two islands, Petite-Terre and Grande-Terre, today has the administrative status of a French "department," roughly equivalent to a county. This entitles it to support for infrastructure, medical care, and education just as in mainland France. Its citizens, living in the farthest region of the European Union, have unfettered rights to travel, work and live in the EU. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Satanic Temple activist group has dragged Netflix and Warner Bros to the court filing a USD 50 million copyright suit accusing them of ripping off the temple's statue of Baphomet to fuel "Satanic panic" in series "The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina". According to Variety, the lawsuit, filed on Thursday in New York, states that the temple created its statue in 2013 and 2014, basing it on iconography dating to the 19th century. The suit alleges that the statue contains several elements that make it an "original expression," and subject to copyright. The statue features two children looking up in awe at a goat-headed man-beast. The temple says the statue cost about USD 100,000 to design and build. Lucien Greaves, co-founder of the Satanic Temple, posted a tweet comparing their statue with that in the show. "The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina" follows Sabrina Spellman, a half-mortal half-witch teenager. It is based on a comic book of the same name, which also inspired the show "Sabrina the Teenage Witch", a series which ran from 1996-2003. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Star Indian paddler G Sathiyan knocked out world number 16 Marcos Freitas after a gripping battle to move to the pre-quarterfinals of the ITTF Austrian Open in Linz. Ranked 35 in the world and lone Indian in the main draw, Sathiyan had to play out of his skin to down Freitas 4-3 in the elite Platinum tournament. The Indian lost the first game 4-11 but fought back in his usual aggressive way, winning the next games 11-9, 11-9. But the Portuguese was not ready to give up, clawing his way back into the contest by clinching the next two games 11-8, 11-6. A valiant Sathiyan managed to level the match 3-3, battling to a 11-9 victory. With everything to play for in the decider, he showed great temperament to race to a 11-7 win for a sensational victory. "It was a wonderful victory and I am very satisfied with the way I performed today. I just hope to continue my streak and go as deep as possible in the tournament," Sathiyan said after the match. He next plays China's World No. 2 Xu Xin for a place in the quarterfinals. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) "If the SC affirms its earlier decision, Celdran can possibly go to jail for his advocacy for the bill. What a price to pay for being an advocate!" "If the SC affirms its earlier decision, Celdran can possibly go to jail for his advocacy for the bill. What a price to pay for being an advocate!" This is the concluding piece of my mini-series on important strategies used, and events that transpired during the many years of relentless advocacy that led to the passage of the RH bill into law. This series is aimed at adding on to already existing documentation and publications on the RH law. The Damaso protest of Carlos Celdran was a major turning point for the RH advocacy. Few events in the many years of pushing for the bill can claim to have singularly and significantly positively impacted on the public more than Carlos Celdrans Damaso protest inside the Manila Cathedral on Sept. 30, 2010. Although done alone, unplanned, and spontaneous, Celdrans act, and the Catholic hierarchys response to it sparked public outrage against the church, and became a major turning point in favor of the RH bill. People knew that Celdran was an RH advocate. When he shouted, Stop meddling in politics! as he was being accosted by the Cathedral security personnel, people knew that he was referring to the church meddling in the RH bill congressional process. This protest landed in the front pages of newspapers, was the headline for many days, and extensively covered by international media. Virtually all reports noted that Celdran protested against the Catholic Churchs meddling in the legislative process involving the RH bill. Thus, the incident significantly strengthened the call for the bills passage into law. Social media exploded with criticisms against the Church over the Damaso protest, and against Congress for dilly-dallying on the bill. More and more people, especially among the younger generation, were speaking out in support of Carlos and the bill. Celdran was charged with violation of the Offending the religious feelings provision of the Revised Penal Code, an archaic law that goes all the way back to the Spanish colonial period. All throughout the Court processes, Celdran was supported by my organization, the Democratic Socialist Women of the Philippines (DSWP), Filipino Freethinkers (FF), and Rep. Edcel Lagman who even joined Celdrans lawyers and became one of his legal counsels. I remember that as the incident was unfolding at the Manila Cathedral, Celdran (correctly) thought that he was being arrested. He asked his companion to call me, making me the first to know of the incident. I immediately informed Rep. Lagman and other RH advocates. We hurried to the police precinct where Celdran was jailed, and found Rep. Lagman already there. Members of the media were all over. The support for Celdrans Damaso protest was the context of another incident at the Manila Cathedral. This time, Pro-Lifers including lawyer Romulo Macalintal shouted at and shooed away members of the DSWP and FF who wanted to witness a public event there. Since then, Celdran was found guilty by the Metropolitan Trial Court. The verdict was affirmed by the Regional Trial Court, the Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court. Celdran filed a Motion for Reconsideration with the SC and is now awaiting the High Courts final decision. While the RH bill was passed into law in 2012, Celdran still awaits the final verdict on his case because of his protest in 2010. If the SC affirms its earlier decision, Celdran can possibly go to jail for his advocacy for the bill. What a price to pay for being an advocate!The mainstream media also played an important role in the advocacy. Pro-RH groups used the media to the hilt, and the media, in turn, highlighted and amplified the advocates voices, including the contentions and compromises surrounding the bill. I dare say that without media support, it would have been extremely difficult for this advocacy to succeed. The fact was, there were many media practitioners who were RH advocates themselves. Rina Jimenez-David, Ces Orena-Drilon, Karen Davila, Twink Macaraig, Pia Hontiveros-Pagkalinawan, Maria Ressa, Howie Severino, Ivan Mayrina, Ricky Carandang, and my friend, the late Christine Herrera were some of the major journalists who showed strong support for the RH bill. Their programs both on radio and TV, columns, and even social media accounts gave space and airtime to the RH cause. Pro-RH CSOs, on the other hand, were quite creative in the conduct of activities. The media could not afford to ignore these. One activity that landed on the headlines and was extensively covered was the State of the Nanay Address (SONA), a brainchild of the DSWP and co-organized with PLCPD. This event mimicked the traditional State of the Nation Address of then anti-RH President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and was held within days of her real SONA. The activity highlighted the situation of Filipino mothers and made a strong case for the passage of the RH bill. That pro-RH activities consistently made it to the news was also because of our allies in media. After the law was passed and signed by former President Noynoy Aquino, the Supreme Court became the next battlefield as opposing groups petitioned the High Tribunal to declare the law unconstitutional. The book, The RH Bill Story: Contentions and Compromises is the first to come out that includes the battle in the SC. However, while the book mentions the anti-RH position, and quotes from the Supreme Court Justices, as well as Rep. Lagman, the then Solicitor General Florin Hilbay who was the chief defender of the law during the Oral Arguments is excluded. I remember that former SolGen Hilbay brilliantly defended the law before the High Court en banc continuously for at least four hours. He became the rockstar of RH advocates online and offline because of his defense. I think that Hilbays appearance before the en banc should have merited inclusion in the book. These are some of the major RH advocacy-related events/strategies that we miss in the publications on the law. There were many players who contributed to the enactment of this landmark legislation and we would, as much as possible, want to recognize them. The thousands of community women from various parts of the country, Carlos Celdran, the netizens and mainstream media personalities, former SolGen Florin Hilbay, in addition to the CSO personalities, legislators, and leading advocates from the Executive then, all came together for one purposedefend the RH bill and then the RH law. They all must be celebrated and acknowledged. The RH bill story as experienced by us needs to be told and retold. It is a story that can inspire those doing advocacy on other issues. @bethangsioco on TwitterElizabeth Angsioco on Facebook A Congress leader Friday termed the Shiv Sena's comments, that people were "waiting to punish" Prime Minister Narendra Modi for announcing demonetisation two years ago, as "interesting and fairly accurate". All India Congress Committee (AICC) secretary in- charge of Maharashtra, Ashish Dua, however, also said it remains to be seen if the Shiv Sena would still be part of the BJP-led governments at the Centre and the state despite its constant criticism of its senior ally. Shiv Sena spokesperson Manisha Kayande had Thursday slammed the 2016 note ban decision of the Centre and claimed "the situation after two years has become so bad that people are waiting to punish the PM". On November 8, 2016, Modi had announced scrapping of then in use Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 denomination bank notes with immediate effect. "Interesting...Statement & observation by long term ally of #BJP over #DemonetisationDisaster is fairly accurate...Now, whether .#ShivSena will sail the same boat to be downed in #Maharashtra or chart a different course is yet to be seen... Time will tell!" Dua tweeted. The Sena spokesperson had also claimed the note ban exercise was a "complete failure" as none of its objectives was achieved. "While the (Union) Finance Minister says more number of people have been brought under the tax net, he has failed to explain the rationale behind it (demonetisation) as several lakh people lost jobs," Kayande had said Thursday. However, the BJP strongly defended the note ban exercise. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had Thursday said demonetisation has strengthened the economy and increased the government resources to fund poverty alleviation and infrastructure development programme. "What has happened to prophets of doom who said India's GDP will decline by at least 2 per cent. For the fifth year running India will be the fastest growing (large) economy in the world. "It is continuing to happen. So prophets of doom have been proved wrong and conclusively proved wrong," Jaitley had told reporters in New Delhi. Jaitley had said that demonetisation has favourably impacted the tax system, digitisation, and formalisation of India economy. "By the time the first five years of this government are over, we will be close to doubling the assessee base," he had said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Six Chinese nationals, who inadvertently entered India, have been handed over to Nepal Police, police said Friday. SSB jawans had stopped them when they were entering India from Nepal at Rupaideeha border on Wednesday. The Chinese nationals, including two women, entered the Indian side inadvertently on Wednesday while they had gone to see the Bageshwari Temple in Nepalganj in Nepal. All of them had a Nepal visa, Superintendent of Police Gaurav Grover said. "Nothing suspicious was found with them due to which they were handed over to Nepal Police onThursday evening. Due to language problem, the probe took time. They were kept at a forest guest house" Grover said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A special police officer (SPO) of Jammu and Kashmir Police was killed while 2 brothers were seriously injured when a load carrier they were travelling in skidded off the road and fell into a deep gorge in Doda district on Friday morning. The load carrier, which was on its way to Doda from Gath, skidded off the road as the driver lost control over the vehicle while negotiating a sharp curve and fell into a 150-feet deep gorge, police said. SHO, Doda, Sunil Sharma said, police rushed the injured to a hospital where doctors declared one of them as brought dead, while the seriously injured persons are undergoing treatment. The deceased SPO has been identified asIrfan Ahmed. The injured have been identified as Mohsin Ali and Liyakat Ali. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena Friday dissolved the country's parliament, paving the way for an early general election expected to be held in January, amid a worsening constitutional crisis triggered by the surprise sacking of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. Sirisena signed a gazette notification to dissolve the nation's parliament with effect from Friday midnight, in another surprise move that comes after two weeks of political and constitutional turmoil. The dissolution comes hours after a close aide of the President said Sirisena had decided that there will be no snap elections or a national referendum to end the current political and constitutional crises in Sri Lanka. Analysts said tonight's dissolution was again unconstitutional in terms of the four and a half year term rule in the 19th amendment. "We vehemently reject the dissolution of parliament. He has robbed the people of their rights", Wickremesinghe led United National Party (UNP) said in a statement. A fresh parliamentary election could be held in early January following president Sirisena's sudden decision to dissolve the 225-member assembly, political parties said. Sirisena signed an official notification dismissing the 225-member assembly well ahead of its August 2020 term expiry, state television reported. Sri Lanka was plunged into a political crisis after Sirisena sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on October 26 and replaced him with his former rival Mahinda Rajapaksa. Wickremesinghe, who dubbed the move as a "constitutional coup", has refused to vacate his official residence, saying he is the lawful prime minister and that the president has no constitutional right to replace him. His request for a floor test to prove his majority in the House has been turned down. He cited the 19th amendment to the Constitution in which the president has been barred from sacking a prime minister or dissolving parliament before the expiry of its four and a half years term. After Wickremesinghe's sacking, Sirisena suspended parliament until November 16. It was to allow Rajapaksa to muster the 113 seats required to prove his majority. Sri Lankan strongman and former president Rajapaksa, however, remains short of the 'magic number' 113 required to prove his majority in Parliament, his spokesman acknowledged Friday. Parliament Speaker Karu Jayasuriya on Monday slammed Sirisena's "unconstitutional and undemocratic" actions to sack Prime Minister Wickremesinghe and suspend Parliament, saying he will not recognise Rajapaksa as the new premier unless he wins a floor test. The assembly speaker wants the floor test to take place on November 14. The sudden constitutional crisis came amid growing tensions between Sirisena and Wickremesinghe on several policy matters and the President has been critical of the Prime Minister and his policies, especially on economy and security. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Sri Lanka's political crisis deepened Friday after its president Maithripala Sirisena dissolved parliament, paving the way for a general election to be held on January 5, nearly two years ahead of its time. Sirisena signed a gazette notification to dissolve the nation's parliament with effect from Friday midnight, in another surprise move that comes after two weeks of political and constitutional turmoil. According to the gazette notice, nominations to contest the snap election would be taken between November 19 and 26. The election will be held January 5 and the new parliament would be convened on January 17. Sirisena issued a gazette noticing that parliament stands dissolved some 21 months ahead of its schedule in August 2020, amid a worsening constitutional crisis triggered by the surprise sacking of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. The dissolution comes hours after a close aide of the President said Sirisena had decided that there will be no snap elections or a national referendum to end the current political and constitutional crises in Sri Lanka. Analysts said tonight's dissolution was again unconstitutional in terms of the four and a half year term rule in the 19th amendment. "We vehemently reject the dissolution of parliament. He has robbed the people of their rights", Wickremesinghe led United National Party (UNP) said in a statement. Sirisena signed an official notification dismissing the 225-member assembly well ahead of its August 2020 term expiry, state television reported. Sri Lanka was plunged into a political crisis after Sirisena sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on October 26 and replaced him with his former rival Mahinda Rajapaksa. Wickremesinghe, who dubbed the move as a "constitutional coup", has refused to vacate his official residence, saying he is the lawful prime minister and that the president has no constitutional right to replace him. His request for a floor test to prove his majority in the House has been turned down. He cited the 19th amendment to the Constitution in which the president has been barred from sacking a prime minister or dissolving parliament before the expiry of its four and a half years term. After Wickremesinghe's sacking, Sirisena suspended parliament until November 16. It was to allow Rajapaksa to muster the 113 seats required to prove his majority. Sri Lankan strongman and former president Rajapaksa, however, remains short of the 'magic number' 113 required to prove his majority in Parliament, his spokesman acknowledged Friday. Parliament Speaker Karu Jayasuriya on Monday slammed Sirisena's "unconstitutional and undemocratic" actions to sack Prime Minister Wickremesinghe and suspend Parliament, saying he will not recognise Rajapaksa as the new premier unless he wins a floor test. The assembly speaker wants the floor test to take place on November 14. The sudden constitutional crisis came amid growing tensions between Sirisena and Wickremesinghe on several policy matters and the President has been critical of the Prime Minister and his policies, especially on economy and security. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Thailand's legislature has officially proposed legal amendments that would allow the licensed medical use of marijuana, making it a potential trailblazer in Asia in legalising what used to be regarded strictly as a dangerous drug. The National Legislative Assembly on Friday submitted proposed amendments to the health ministry that would put marijuana and the plant kratom, popular locally as a stimulant and painkiller, into a legal category that would allow their licensed possession and distribution under regulated conditions. The proposed changes would not allow recreational use of the drugs. The action was taken because of growing interest in the use of marijuana and its components to treat some medical conditions. Public hearings showed overwhelming support for the measures. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Friday backed his party colleague and Maharashtra Forest Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar on the killing of tigress Avni. The tigress, who was believed to have turned man-eater and killed 13 people in the last two years in Yavatmal district's Pandharkawda area, was shot dead in Borati forest there last Friday. The killing of T1, as the tigress was officially known, led to outrage among animal lovers and wildlife organisations. Union minister Maneka Gandhi had lashed out at the Maharashtra government and had dubbed it a "ghastly murder". The Maharashtra government, however, defended itself with Mungantiwar, earlier, calling the incident "sad" but necessary after the tigress attacked forest staff trying to tranquilise it. Speaking on the sidelines of Indian Roads Congress convention here, Gadkari said, "The tigress had killed 13 innocent farmers and no one is shedding a tear for them. No one wants to kill a tiger but what can be done when the tiger turns man-eater." He said the Forest department, under Mungantiwar, ordered the killing of the tigress only as a "last option". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Trinamool Congress on Friday slammed the Narendra Modi government for hiking the price of the domestic cooking gas, describing it as a festive gift by the Bharatiya Janata Party to the people. The prices of the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) have been hiked by over Rs 2 per cylinder after the government increased the commission paid to the dealers. "In the festive season, (the) BJP gifts another price rise to the people! LPG price hiked by over Rs 2 per cylinder," a TMC statement said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The guard of Howrah-Digha AC Express had a providential escape on Friday, as the train started moving while he was attending to a glitch in the air pipe between two compartments under the rake. South Eastern Railway spokesman Sanjoy Ghosh said that an enquiry has been ordered into the incident, which took place at around 11.30 am. The train reportedly stopped shortly after it left Howrah station, owing to possible chain pulling and the guard went to inspect the situation. On finding that the air pressure in the brake system had dropped, he started mending it, when the train started moving again with the hapless guard holding on to the pipe, as shown in a video clip shot by a bystander. "It is possibly a case of miscommunication between the driver of the train and the guard," Ghosh said. The train was made to halt by RPF personnel alerting passengers to pull the chain, and the guard escaped unhurt, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two persons, including a junior accountant of a government sub-treasury, were arrested here Friday for alleged misappropriation of more than Rs 1.4 crore government funds by fraudulent transfer into the accounts of a few pensioners, police said. A hunt had been launched for three more people allegedly involved in the fraud, they said. Police said they have recovered Rs 76.15 lakh, including Rs 64.54 lakh in cash, from the duo. The arrested have been identified as junior accountant Y Venkata Narasinga Rao of Seethammadhara sub-treasury office here and his friend Garikina Santhosh Kumar, both natives of the city. Deputy Commissioner of Police M Ravindranath Babu said Narasinga Rao had stolen user IDs and passwords of his colleagues at the sub-treasury office and fraudulently credited a total of Rs.50.66 lakh into the bank account of his mother Varalakshmi, a pensioner, in two transactions in May and August this year citing them as pension arrears. He had also transferred funds into the account of his friend's father. The fraud came to light during random verification by Assistant Treasury Officer K S Venkateswara Rao, who then lodged a complaint with police last month. Similarly, another complaint was lodged by Assistant Treasury Officer (In-Charge) V L Subhashini that bank accounts of two other pensioners had been credited with Rs 54 lakh and Rs 19 lakh respectively. Police after investigation arrested Narasinga Rao, the mastermind behind the fraud, and his friend. We have recovered Rs.64.54 lakh in cash and Rs.11.61 lakh in bank deposits besides a car and a bike from Narasinga Rao and Santhosh Kumar, the DCP said. As the pensioners who received the excess money did not inform the treasury officials, cases had been registered against them also and further investigation was on to recover the remaining siphoned-off money, he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Trump administration has taken a major step to restrict asylum claims by barring "aliens" who illegally cross the US southern border to seek asylum, a controversial move by President Donald Trump on efforts to crackdown on immigration. The move, opposed by several right groups, is at preventing the several thousands of people, mainly from three Latin American countries - Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador - from entering the country and using the existing asylum law to gain entry into the United States. The Justice Department and Department of Homeland Security published a joint rule on Thursday prohibiting certain people caught crossing the US southern border from Mexico between ports of entry from claiming asylum. Once the plan goes into full effect, migrants entering at the US southern border would only be eligible for asylum if they report at official ports of entry, officials said. For doing so, President Trump is using his authority to suspend or restrict entry of aliens into the US if he determines it to be in the national interest to do so. "Our asylum system is overwhelmed with too many meritless asylum claims from aliens who place a tremendous burden on our resources, preventing us from being able to expeditiously grant asylum to those who truly deserve it," Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen said in a joint statement. The president is also expected to sign an accompanying directive specifying which migrants would be subject to the new asylum limits, senior administration officials said. The officials did not say to whom the ban would apply. President Trump made his hard-line policies toward immigration a key issue ahead of Tuesday's midterm elections. The announcement on Thursday suggests he will not ease up on his immigration crackdown, which dominated his first two years in office. "Today, we are using the authority granted to us by Congress to bar aliens who violate a Presidential suspension of entry or other restriction from asylum eligibility," they said. "The interim rule, if applied to a hypothetical proclamation suspending the entry of aliens who cross the border unlawfully, would bar them eligibility for asylum, and thereby channel inadmissible aliens to ports of entry where they would processed in a controlled, orderly and lawful manner," a senior administration official told reporters during a conference call. House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer described the latest move as "inhumane" and as part of Trump's ill-conceived asylum policies. "Imposing illegal restrictions on refugees seeking asylum through the proper channels according to US law runs counter to our principles as a nation and represents a gross overreach of presidential power," he said. "Upending our asylum process and rejecting people who have travelled thousands of miles to escape violence and death from even seeking asylum at the border is not only immoral, it's illegal," said Steven Choi, executive director of the New York Immigration Coalition. The statute, section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which governs the US immigration system, states that the president can suspend entry of foreigners deemed "detrimental to the interests of the United States." The Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security said new rule applies to prospective presidential proclamations, and is not retroactive. In a conference call with reporters, a senior administration official said that in the fiscal year 2018, the US encountered 600,000 inadmissible aliens. Of those, 400,000 attempted to enter illegally. "Almost all of those who attempted to enter illegally entered on the Southwest Border," the official said. It is the same border through which the caravan is expected to enter the US. Trump has deployed several thousand military to stop them from entering the US illegally. Under the current process if an alien is apprehended after crossing across the border unlawfully, after apprehension and initial processing they are taken under US Customs and Border Protection. If they express an intent or, express a fear of return, they are referred for an interview with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services asylum officer. "Although there may be a number of people seeking to come here claiming asylum, history's statistics have shown the number who are actually qualified for asylum is a much, much lower number, and in the case for many of these countries, less than 10 per cent," the official said in response to a question. "Our objective is to have a process that works quickly and efficiently so that those people who actually qualify for an asylum claim are able to have that determination made so that they can then begin their life under the protections granted by the US Government," the official said. In the last five years, there has been a 2,000 per cent increase in aliens claiming credible fear once placed into expedited removal. As a result, credible fear interview has increased from 5,000 in 2008 to 97,000 in 2018. Presently, the US asylum rules do not bar people who enter the country without authorisation, and the Immigration and Nationality Act, specifically allows people who arrive in the US, whether or not they do so at a designated port of entry, to apply for asylum. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) United States President Donald Trump would celebrate Diwali in his Oval Office next Tuesday, the White House has said. "The President will be celebrating Diwali with a ceremonial lighting of the diya (lamp) in the Oval Office next Tuesday," Deputy Assistant to the president Raj Shah said in a statement on Thursday. A day earlier Trump had greeted people celebrating the festival of lights the world over and said it is a special opportunity to reflect on the bond of friendship between India and the United States. Trump said First Lady Melania joins him in sending their best wishes for a very happy and memorable Diwali. He also recognised the "extraordinary" contributions of Indian-Americans in the development of the United States. "We recognize the extraordinary contributions of Indian-Americans to the strength and success of our nation. Their achievements in business and industry, public service, education, scientific research, and other fields continue to represent the very best of our American virtues and the spirit of the Diwali season," said Trump, who had celebrated Diwali last year by lighting the ceremonial lamp in the Oval Office. Asserting that Diwali is a joyous and spiritual time marked by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists, Trump said lighting of lamps on the occasion symbolises the true meaning of Diwali, which is triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Republican National Committee (RNC) chairperson Ronna McDaniel also greeted people celebrating Diwali. "We wish you and your family and friends a meaningful celebration of the victory of light over darkness. We at the RNC will continue to honour the traditions of diverse communities that enrich and strengthen our country," she said. Earlier this week, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had said nearly a billion people from around the world will light the lamp "as a reminder that good ultimately overcomes evil, understanding over ignorance, and kindness over animosity". "As those celebrating decorate their homes with vibrant lights, I would also like to recognise the achievements of our friends in the United States observing Diwali who make important contributions to our country on a daily basis," he had said. Top American lawmakers also joined Trump in extending Diwali greetings. "Wishing a very happy Diwali to everyone around the world celebrating the Festival of Lights!" said Senator Mark Warner, the Co-Chair of the Senate India Caucus. "These lights are physical, including lanterns, candles, and fireworks, but for those who light the flames, they hold a deeper meaning. Diwali celebrates awareness of one's inner light and light's triumph over darkness. It celebrates goodness over evil and hope over despair," Senator John Cornyn, the Co-Chair of the Senate India Caucus, said. Indian American lawmaker Raja Krishnamoorthi said, "Happy Diwali to those celebrating the Festival of Lights today, which commemorates the victory of good over evil and illumination of knowledge." Congressman John Sarbanes said the festival of lights serves as an important reminder for all that love and light will always prevail over hate and darkness, and that knowledge and reason will invariably overcome intolerance and ignorance. Indian American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal said, "Happy Diwali to the millions around the world celebrating the Festival of Lights! What a beautiful reminder that light prevails over darkness and that goodness will guide us toward a better future." Congressman Derek Kilmer said "Diwali is a celebration of our shared aspirations for the world: The triumph of light over darkness. As millions come together to celebrate this holiday, let's join them in striving to embrace the values of Diwali in our politics & our communities, he said. Tulsi Gabbard, the first Hindu elected to the House of Representatives, in a video message said Diwali is such a special time of year where people all over the world are coming together to light their lamps in honour the return of Lord Ram to His kingdom after many years in exile, and celebrate the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The administration wants to make changes in the existing H-1B provisions for it to play a better role in attracting highly skilled foreign workers as opposed to the what it has now evolved into an "outsourcing" role, the said Thursday. "The president's overall instinct -- and he said this publicly a number of times -- he wants to find ways to make sure that people who graduate in a highly skilled area like technology stay in the country. He finds that a very positive part of the overall immigration," Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Coordination Chris Liddell told a audience on Thursday. During the Post's live discussion on new technology, when asked about the president's thoughts on H1B immigration, Liddell said, "He (Trump) has talked about merit immigration, clearly that (H-1B) fits in merit immigration." At the same time, he acknowledged that legislatively, the issue might get caught up in a border discussion. A former executive at and General Motors, Liddell is tasked with overseeing and coordinating Trump's policy process. "To the extent that we can from a regulatory point of view rather than a legislative point of view, because the H-1B system to a large extent is governed by legislation -- but to the extent that we can modify the regulatory point of view to promote it to be more highly skilled as opposed to roles, there's 1,20,000 H-1Bs. So it's quite a big pool," the official said. "Traditionally, unfortunately, they have gone to lower-skilled types of jobs," Liddell said. The administration, he said, would love to find ways to change that as more people are coming out with PhDs in the tech sector. "So the is 100 per cent aligned with that. We'll try and do it as much as we can by regulatory; if it can be done legislatively as well in some way that would as part of a merit-based system, that would be fantastic," Liddell said. The top White House official emphasised that there is need to carry on reforms in H-1B to keep more talented graduates in this country. This is an incredibly constructive part of the immigration debate, which, unfortunately doesn't get a lot of focus, he said. Liddell said has repeatedly spoken about merit-based reform as part of the immigration platform. The Silicon Valley and the tech industry should welcome that as a concept, he said. "Relatively, as a country, a very small proportion of the people who come in as legal immigrants do it on a merit-based system relative to any other country I know, he said. "So promoting the concept of merit-based immigration, which clearly would be at least partially orientated towards the tech sector, I would think that there should be a high degree of alignment on," Liddell said. US Vice would meet Prime Minister during his four-nation trip next week, during which he will also attend the US- and the in Singapore, the has said. Generally the summit is attended by US However, this time Pence would be representing the country at the request of Pence will travel to Japan, Singapore, Australia, and Papua New Guinea between November 11 and 18 to attend the US- and the in as well as the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings in Papua New Guinea. Pence will also participate in meetings with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, premier Lee Hsien Loong, India's Narendra Modi, Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister Peter O'Neill, and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, in addition to other bilateral meetings, the said. National Security Advisor will join Pence for the US- and in and APEC meetings in Papua New Guinea. "The is honoured to represent President at the US-ASEAN Summit and APEC next week, where he will highlight American leadership in the region and reaffirm our commitment to freedom, economic prosperity, and security in the Indo-Pacific," Alyssa Farah, Press Secretary for the said. This will be Pence's third trip to the region as the Vice President and he will reaffirm President Trump's commitment to the final, fully verified denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, she said. "He will also deliver the message that authoritarianism, aggression, and the disregard for other nations' sovereignty by any nation in the will not be tolerated by the United States," Farah said. Robin Wright says she was adamant on giving a proper end to popular Netflix series "House of Cards" because she did not want thousands of people working on the show to lose their job in the aftermath of the sexual assault allegations against lead actor Kevin Spacey. Wright, who has been credited by her co-star, Patricia Clarkson, for fighting to keep the series afloat after Spacey was fired by the streaming giant, says she always wanted the fans of the series to get a proper closure. "The crisis which was going on was a current affair. It was definitely a part of our social fabric. Everybody was alarmed and shocked and it was in the And because the climate was so sensitive and hot at the same time it was a conversation that we all had. Me, the showrunners (Frank Pugliese and Melissa James Gibson), Netflix where we said we need to take a path here and let the dust settle and digest. "We collectively decided what was the best for the show and the fans... So we shut down and assessed in that time away what was the right thing to do and ultimately we discussed it after Christmas and decided let us finish this show the way we always intended. Let us close it for the fans," Wright said during a press conference here Friday. The actor, who essays the role of Claire Underwood, a Lady Macbeth-like character, in the hit Netflix series says the makers always wanted the character to come in the forefront and that is how they shaped up the final season. "We ended season five with her breaking the fourth wall and saying 'its my turn'. We decided to explore that as we always intended. Really ultimately the reason I wanted the show to continue because if we had closed we would have put thousands of people out of employment. People who have been given that security, children to feed, so many other things to do... I mean it was insane. We couldn't have left them in the dust... It was the reason why we decided to continue," she added. Last October, actor Anthony Rapp had accused Spacey of sexual assault in an interview with BuzzFeed and alleging that the incident happened at a party in 1986, during which the "American Beauty" star made sexual advances towards his then 14-year-old self. In response to Rapp's accusations, Spacey issued a statement claiming he did not recall the incident, but apologised for what he said would have been "deeply inappropriate drunken behaviour". He also came out in his apology letter. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The has assured lawmakers and the American corporate sector that the public would get an opportunity to respond to its proposal of revoking work authorisation to H-4 spouse visas after they raised their concerns over the move, which will impact thousands of Indians. H-4 visas are issued to the spouses of H-1B foreign workers. The is a non-immigrant visa through which many Indians workers are employed in US companies. It allows the US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. It is the most sought-after visa among Indian IT professionals. H-4 visas are issued only to very close or immediate family members of the holders. It includes the employee's spouse and children less than 21 years of age. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had said that the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will come out with a new proposal by January 2019 under which it is mulling to remove from its regulations certain H-4 spouses of H-1B non-immigrants as a class of aliens eligible for employment authorisation. The new rules could impact up to 70,000 holders who have work permits. The USCIS has recently written a near identical letter to top US lawmakers and leaders of the corporate sector who had raised concern over the Trump administration's proposal to revoke the H-4 visas. "The public will be given an opportunity to provide feedback during a notice and comment period on any proposed revisions to regulations providing employment authorisation to certain H-4 non-immigrants," L Francis Cissna, USCIS director, wrote to senators and Kirsten Gillibrand in a letter dated October 16, which was posted on the organisation's website this month. The two lawmakers had urged not to revoke work authorisation to H-4 visas. However, the letter makes no commitment on the fate of the decision to revoke the work authorisation to H-4 visas, except for saying that the DHS is committed to safeguarding the integrity of the immigration system and protecting the wages and job opportunities for US workers. In a letter dated September 26 and addressed to Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielson, Harris and Gillibrand had said the administration's proposal to revoke the employment authorisation of certain H-4 dependent spouses of non-immigrant H-1B workers would permanently force approximately 1,00,000 predominantly high-skilled women to abandon their professional careers. "This will harm the wellbeing of these women and their families and have negative consequences for American communities where they live and work," they had said. In another letter dated July 23 and addressed to the DHS, as many as 34 US legislators had expressed concern that revoking work authorisation to H-4 visas would "create significant uncertainty and financial hardship for many highly skilled professionals who are vital to US economy". A group of top corporate leaders had expressed similar concerns to the DHS in a letter dated August 22. The H-4 spouses are "often highly skilled" and have built careers and lives around their ability to "contribute to companies here", they said. "Other countries allow these valuable professionals to work, so revoking their US work authorisation will likely cause high-skilled immigrants to take their skills to competitors outside the US," stated the letter, which among was signed by Chuck Robbins, CEO of Cisco Systems; Roger K Newport from AK Steel Corporation; Doug Parker of American Airlines and Stephen Squeri of American Express. The USCIS director also sent them similar responses as given to the lawmakers. RJD chief Lalu Prasad's son and MLA Tej Pratap Yadav, who has been in the for his failing marriage, Friday said he was currently putting up in Haridwar and would not return home till his family backed his decision to divorce his wife of six months. Talking to a regional channel here over telephone, he extended his greetings to younger brother Tejashwi Yadav on his birthday, but said he would not be able to join the celebrations in New Delhi, where the RJD heir apparent has gone to meet their sisters. The mercurial RJD leader was last seen in Bodh Gaya on Saturday where he had checked in at a hotel after meeting his ailing father at a hospital in Ranchi. Lalu Prasad is learnt to have been upset over his elder son's decision to seek divorce. Prasad is serving sentences in a number of fodder scam cases. At present, he is lodged at a hospital in Ranchi on medical grounds. Tej Pratap Yadav and Aishwarya Rai - daughter of RJD MLA Chandrika Rai and grandchild of former Bihar chief minister Daroga Prasad Rai - had tied the knot on May 12. "Our differences are irreconcilable. I had said this to my parents before the marriage was solemnized. But nobody listened to me then and nobody is listening to me now. Until they agree with me, how can I return home?" Yadav said. The former Bihar minister also expressed displeasure over the role played by some of his close relatives, including in-laws, in his marital dispute. In an apparent rebuttal of reports that he has been feeling slighted over the growing clout of his younger brother, Yadav said, "I offer my blessings to Tejashwi. May he become the next chief minister of Bihar. I would be by his side and help him the way Krishna had assisted Arjuna in the battle of Mahabharata". Meanwhile, party national general secretary and Lalu Prasad's close aide Bhola Yadav requested journalists "not to make out of differences within the family". "Lalu ji has been not keeping well. The developments have only made the matters worse for him and the way things are being highlighted in the media is causing him further anguish," Bhola Yadav - who has been by the side of the RJD supremo for most part of his incarceration - said. He also said that Prasad's wife Rabri Devi will not be performing 'Chhatth' this year. "She has decided to stay away from the festivities as she is also not keeping well. But please do not jump to any conclusions upon hearing this," Bhola told reporters. Chhath is arguably the most popular festival in Bihar and the Lalu Prasad family arranges for fervent celebrations on the occasion every year. The RJD national general secretary also extended his birthday greetings to Tejashwi and expressed hope that Tej Pratap would return home soon. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The world's first artificial intelligence (AI) anchor made "his" debut at the ongoing fifth World Internet Conference in east China's Zhejiang province. AI is a way of making a machine or a software 'think' and 'demonstrate' intelligently in a manner similar to humans. The AI anchor has a male image with a voice, facial expressions and actions of a real person. "He" learns from live broadcasting videos by himself and can read texts as naturally as a professional anchor, state-run Xinhua news agency reported on Thursday. The AI news anchor was jointly developed by Xinhua and the Chinese search engine company, Sogou.com. According to Xinhua, "he" has become a member of its reporting team and can work 24 hours a day on its official website and various social media platforms, reducing news production costs and improving efficiency. In 2015, China's Shanghai Dragon TV had "employed" a robot as a weather reporter on its live breakfast show, which evoked concerns among Chinese television anchors that in near future machines may threaten their jobs. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Youth Congress members accompanied by senior party leaders Friday staged a protest against demonetisation outside the RBI office here and were detained by police. The security forces forcibly took the protestors to police station in a bus. "Around 70-80 Congress protesters, including Ashok Gehlot, Anand Sharma and Bhupinder Singh Hooda have been detained," police said. The protesters wore masks and shouted slogans against the BJP-led government. Amrish Ranjan Pandey, national spokesperson of the Youth Congress, said the protest was aimed at "highlighting the miseries of the nation since the last two years under the Modi regime". "It is a protest against the 'failed' demonetisation of the Modi government wherein common people suffered its grave consequences," he said. On November 8, 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced that Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 denomination bank notes would cease to exist as legal tenders. The withdrawal of the notes had led to a liquidity crunch and people stood in serpentine queues outside banks and ATMs to exchange old notes. The opposition parties have criticised the exercise as "ill-advised" and "disastrous" for the country, but the government has maintained that the move helped increase the tax base and allowed greater formalisation of the economy. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) By Hugh Bronstein and Jonathan SaulBUENOS AIRES/LONDON (Reuters) - Top U.S. grain merchant Archer Daniels Midland Co has approached Argentine soy crusher Molinos Agro about buying the company's livestock feed and soyoil manufacturing plant, and talks may continue, three sources said.Molinos and other Argentine soy crushers have been pummeled by fallout from the U.S.-China trade policy war which has given U.S. crushers a competitive advantage. The discussions began last year and then stalled over the price that ADM would pay for Molinos, a Buenos Aires-based industry source with knowledge of ... (Reuters) - Indian banks' loans rose 14.6 percent in the two weeks to Oct. 26 from a year earlier, while deposits rose 9 percent, the Reserve Bank of India's weekly statistical supplement showed on Friday.Outstanding loans rose 407.40 billion rupees ($5.62 billion) to 90.34 trillion rupees in the two weeks to Oct. 26. Non-food credit rose 312.30 billion rupees to 89.79 trillion rupees, while food credit rose 95.10 billion rupees to 550.30 billion rupees.Bank deposits fell 150.50 billion rupees to 117.71 trillion rupees in the two weeks to Oct. 26.($1 = 72.5350 rupees)(This story has not been ... By Samuel Shen and John RuwitchSHANGHAI (Reuters) - Scores of Chinese brokers and banks are struggling under the weight of hundreds of billions of dollars worth of loans to companies using their own plummeting shares as collateral.Southwest Securities, a Chinese securities broker based in Chongqing, said last month in its quarterly earnings report it had to set aside the equivalent of 80 percent of its profits through September to provide for likely losses because of such loans.Southwest and its peers are caught in the slow-motion collapse in China of pledged share financing, in which ... By Devika Krishna KumarNEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil prices fell more than one percent on Friday, with U.S. crude on track for its longest losing streak since 1984 as global supply increased and investors worried about the impact of lower economic growth and trade disputes on fuel demand.Benchmark Brent crude fell below $70 a barrel for the first time since early April, and was down nearly 20 percent since reaching four-year highs at the beginning of October. Brent crude futures fell 53 cents to $70.12 a barrel, a 0.8 percent loss. It was down about 3.7 percent for the week and more than 15 ... PARIS (Reuters) - Industralist Sanjeev Gupta's Liberty steel company has secured the financing for its acquisition of a Dunkirk aluminum smelter from Rio Tinto.The Liberty company said on Friday that it had entered into a committed financing agreement with a syndicate of major international banks. It said the term loan, secured on standard financial terms, provided for five years of committed funds.Liberty added that the financing allowed it complete the takeover of the site, which employs 560 staff, by end-November."Today's announcement follows extensive talks over recent months aimed at ... By Brendan O'Brien and David Gaffen(Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday blasted a federal judge's decision to halt construction of the Keystone XL pipeline that would carry heavy crude oil from Canada to the United States, a project that has been in development for a decade. The ruling out of U.S. Court in Montana on Thursday dealt a major setback to TransCanada Corp and could possibly delay the construction of the $8 billion, 1,180 mile (1,900 km) pipeline. It was also a blow to Trump, who approved the pipeline shortly after taking office in 2017 as part of a plan to boost U.S. ... By Pete Schroeder and Michelle PriceWASHINGTON (Reuters) - Randal Quarles, head of supervision at the Federal Reserve, said on Friday the central bank would re-propose aspects of a bank capital rule known as the "stress capital buffer" due to industry concerns.Speaking at a conference in Washington, Quarles said the regulator should also ease a key element of its annual stress tests that allows the regulator to fail firms on operational grounds. The changes are part of a broader Fed effort to streamline its stress-testing process, a tool introduced after the 2007-2009 financial crisis that ... By Rod Nickel and David GaffenWINNIPEG, Manitoba/NEW YORK (Reuters) - A U.S. judge in Montana has blocked construction of the Keystone XL pipeline designed to carry heavy crude oil from Canada to the United States, drawing praise on Friday from environmental groups and a rebuke from President Donald Trump.The ruling of a U.S. Court in Montana late on Thursday dealt a setback to TransCanada Corp , whose stock fell 1.7 percent in Toronto. Shares of companies that would ship oil on the pipeline also slid. TransCanada said in a statement it remains committed to building the $8 billion, 1,180 mile ... It is somewhere between wine and beer but that is just a crude way of putting it. Something that is mentioned in the Rig Veda deserves an identity of its own. In 1896, Ralph Thomas Hotchkin Griffith, an English Indologist, translated the Rig Veda into English. HYMN XLIII has the following: "Adhvaryus, make the sweet libations ready, and bring the beautiful bright juice to Vayu. God, as our Priest, be thou the first to drink it: we give thee of the mead to make thee joyful." This joyful drink, mead, is made from fermented honey. It is probably man's first alcoholic drink, found not just in India but across many cultures. The American Mead Makers Association says that "in Asia, pottery vessels containing chemical signatures of a mixture of honey, rice and other fruits along with organic compounds of fermentation dating from 6500-7000 BC were found in Northern China. In Europe, it is first attested in residual samples found in ceramics from 2800-1800 BC." The English word honeymoon derives from 'hony moone' and hony is about the newly married being given mead. The good news is there is a revival of mead across many countries - the United States has more than 500 meaderies today, up from just about 30 in 2003. There is one Indian start-up trying its hand at this drink, the Pune-based Moonshine Meadery. It began producing less than a year ago. Will Indians drink a slightly modern version of the 'nectar of the gods'? Business Today recently chatted with Rohan Rehani and Nitin Vishwas, co-founders of the company. Their first challenge is to create this category. Not only do they have to school consumers but also state governments because under current excise laws, there is no category called mead. What exactly goes in mead apart from honey? You could need just three ingredients - honey, water and yeast to ferment. Unless, of course, you are doing the modernist twist of adding fruit and spices. The founders say Maharashtra understood the category. The more mead made, the more honey gets consumed, the more honey consumed, the better it is for farmers. The state's Excise Department created a sub-category under Wine that accommodated 'Honey Wine'. The company, subsequently, got the approvals and is currently available in Mumbai and Pune, in retail stores, bars, and pubs. Moonshine is now in talks with Goa. The reason it sits somewhere between a wine and a beer is because of how Moonshine makes and packages the product. A beer's alcohol percentage varies between 4 and 8 per cent. Wines come between 8 and 14 per cent while distil spirits can start at 24-28 per cent. Mead can transcend across alcohol percentages. It could be as less as 4 per cent and go up to 21 per cent. Moonshine's meads have a percentage of 6.5 per cent and come in beer-like 330 ml bottles. The production process, however, is closer to wine making. In wine, grapes are crushed and then fermented. In mead, the sugars come from honey. The fermentation process and temperature is similar to that of wine making. It takes about 12-15 days for mead with 6.5 per cent alcohol percentage to ferment. Those that have higher alcohol content can take longer. "There is no malt, or hops. There is no boiling process involved. It is the cleanest form of alcohol you can get after the red wine. There is nothing artificial," Vishwas says. The company has two flagship styles, the Apple Cider Mead and the Coffee Mead. The apple comes from Kashmir; the coffee from Chikmagalur in Karnataka. Moonshine experiments with other fruit and spice combinations in smaller batches. These include a Bourbon Oaked Apple Mead, the Kaffir Lime & Vanilla Mead, the Guava Chilli Mead, and a tart Strawberry Mead, among others. The flagship bottles are priced at Rs 220 in Maharashtra. Moonshine, the founders say, is making about 2000 cases a month at the moment and hopes to reach an annual capacity of 60,000 cases next year. They raised a seed round from angels even before starting sales, earlier in 2018. "Now, we have validated that there is a market," Vishwas says. There is a whole new generation of consumers out there who gives innovation a chance. In Moonshine's case, it is also re-packaged history. Good news abounds the Class of 2019 who are likely to see a surge in offers from start-ups, e-commerce companies and new unicorns. Firms like OYO, Amazon, Droom, Shadowfax, ShopClues, all laden with fresh funds are aggressively pushing for growth. This means that campus placements could be up by up to 100%. These firms are also adding new institutes to their list in search of talent. According to companies and business schools, hiring will happen across multiple functions such as finance, human resource, operations, product management, sales, data science, marketing, business development, software development and transformation. Annual pay is likely to touch at least Rs 30 lakh per annum. To begin with, OYO that acquired its unicorn status in September is planning to double its campus hiring from 200-plus in 2018. It is looking at IITs, IIMs, Indian School of Business (ISB), XLRI-Xavier School of Management, Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and National Institutes of Technology (NITs) to find fresh talent. According to Dinesh Ramamurthi, head of Human Resource at OYO, candidates also have the opportunity to gain international exposure when they join the company, as mentioned in a report in The Economic Times. Amazon that led summer placements for Class of 2020 in terms of hiring, has been seeking software engineers for cloud, computer vision, machine learning and artificial intelligence. Raj Kaza, Director of Talent Acquisition told the daily that since the inception of their university programme, the company's hiring has grown at 40% CAGR (compound annual growth rate). Droom that raised $30 million in October will be looking for specialists in marketing, technology and product management, especially from IIFT, IITs at Roorkee and Delhi, IIMs at Ahmedabad, Indore, Kashipur, Kozhikode as well as from Faculty of Management Studies (FMS) and ISB. ShopClues is also gearing up to double its intake from last year. Apart from the usual suspects, the e-commerce firm also plans to encourage institutes from Tier-2 and Tier-3 towns. It is looking for digital marketers, product managers, analytics specialists, data scientists, UX designers, software engineers and category managers. Logistics startup Shadowfax that hired six students last year is planning to hire 20 students from engineering and B-schools. IITs, BITS and NITs are where the firm is looking for fresh talents. (Edited by Anwesha Madhukalya) A Palestinian fisherman died Wednesday after he was shot at by Egyptian naval forces, which opened fire on the fishing trawler on the Mediterranean. Mustafa Abu Awda, 32, from the Shatti refugee camp, died shortly after being brought on the beach at Rafah, southern city of Gaza Strip, according to the Palestinian fishermen Union. He was shot at in the Mediterranean after the Egyptian naval forces took aim at their boat with fire as the vessel carrying Palestinian fishermen neared the border with Egypt. There was no confirmation whether the boat crossed the maritime border with Egypt but the most populous Arab countrys forces regularly open fire on Palestinian boats that they accuse of crossing into Egyptian waters. Palestinian fishermen in the enclave have been restricted to go far at sea by Israeli forces that reduced the permissible zone from nine to six nautical miles in response to mounting Palestinian protests. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has flagged to the RBI about alleged dubious activities of a Karnataka-based firm charging it with running a ponzi scheme "in the name of Islamic banking or halal investment" and collecting over Rs 950 crore funds from gullible investors till now, officials said Thursday. The central probe agency's zonal office in Bengaluru has also written to Karnataka Police seeking all FIRs filed by it against the firm on the alleged chit fund scheme being run by it in order to study the case comprehensively and file a fresh criminal case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Islamic banking or halal investment is illegal in India.The ED identified the accused firm as Ms Ambidant Marketing Private Limited, run by one S Fareed Ahmed and S Afaq Ahmed, and said it first came under its radar in January for alleged FEMA contraventions and subsequently searches were conducted on the company that month.Emails and phone calls to the company did not elicit a response. "The ED had acted on the firm based on some vital information obtained from the Income Tax Department about its financial dealings and possible indulgence into hawala transactions. The raids were conducted on January 4 and 5," a senior official said.The agency said it seized Rs 1.97 crore cash from the premises of S Fareed Ahmed and subsequently registered a case against the firm under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). "A penalty of Rs 1.86 crore was recovered from the firm after adjudication proceedings were made under FEMA while the cash of Rs 1.97 crore was seized," the official said.Now during further probe against the firm for its forex dealings in UAE, the ED said it was revealed that the firm is "involved in collecting investments from customers in the name of halal investment and offering huge returns to the extent of up to 12 per cent per month."This money was collected through electronic transfer, cheque and cash, the official said, adding no permission either from the RBI or market regulator SEBI was obtained by the company.The company, since December, 2016, has received over Rs 954.05 crore from investors under plans called "ultimate plan and Haj/Umrah plan." "It is intriguing that returns to the tune of 10-12 per cent per month are being offered to the investors in the name Islamic banking," the ED said in its communication to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)."This scheme surely looks to be a potential ponzi scheme and the RBI has been asked to have a re-look into the matter and protect the interest of investors at large who are being duped in the name of Islamic banking and halal investment," the official said. Delhi became the most polluted city in the world as air quality index reached dangerous levels a day after the festival of Diwali. What is contributing significantly to the air pollution in the national capital region is illegal stubble burning in neighbouring states. Add to that vehicular pollution, fireworks during Diwali and construction dust and you have an annual crisis that is only getting from bad to worse Stubble burning and its effects on air pollution Burning the fields right after harvest from late September and all through October has been a regular practice by farmers in Punjab and Haryana who consider it cost effective. There are some advantages that farmers cite like the killing of weeds, slugs and other pests when burning crop residue. But it's the low cost of disposal that makes it an attractive option for farmers. Of late, the disadvantages have outweighed them. There is a risk of fires that can spread out of control. In recent years, it has led to toxic clouds forming over Delhi and the National Capital Region which are beginning to threaten life. Satellite images released by NASA have shown stubble burning and formation of smog over northern India. Despite India's aim to reduce stubble burning by 70 per cent this year, the fires have only got bigger as farmers get ready for the winter planting. What's the problem? Farmers are demanding Rs 200 per quintal as bonus from the government for the management of crop residue if it fails to propose a viable solution for stubble burning problem. Farmers have also blamed private farm equipment companies of making a profit by hiking the cost of machinery. Lower costs and easy availability of the machine is the need of the hour. To this end, some organisations like Haryana-based Grameen Yuvti Vikash Mandal are working towards raising awareness, crowdfunding of Happy Seeders and even working on a renting model for them. What are happy seeder machines? Enter the Happy Seeder. It was conceived by the Punjab Agricultural University and allows farmers to sow without removing stubble. It completely eliminates the need for stubble burning and therefore is being considered as the perfect alternative to the polluting method. The new technology was tested last year. It is mounted on a tractor and can cut and lift the previous crop. It then sows the new wheat crop. Can stubble burning be resolved by using Happy seeder machines? The question then is if these machines can resolve the crisis northern India is reeling under. Centre has announced special schemes to incentivise farmers to shift to mechanisation of various forms. According to the Agriculture department of Punjab over 25,000 machines that included 8000 Happy Seeders were purchased in the state this year. But most farmers can't afford these machines and can't find access to rent them either. Happy Seeders cost Rs 1.70 lakh and are used for just two months in a year which is why farmers find them an unviable option. Delhi's current crisis Post Diwali the Air Quality Index rose sharply putting Delhi in the severe plus emergency category at 642. It nearly doubled in comparison to last year. Firecrackers have added to the PM2.5 and PM 10 pollution. Although some efforts are on at the ground level, they are currently inadequate in curbing the spike in air pollution. The most noticeable change post Prime Minister Narendra Modi's surprise demonetisation announcement in 2016, apart from snaking queues outside ATMs, was the spurt in cashless payments. The note ban had triggered a tsunami of digital payment initiatives, and the impact was most noticeable in the smaller cities and towns. As per RBI data, debit card transactions at point-of-sale terminals shot up 105% in FY17 but growth has since slowed to 37.5% till August 2018 year-on-year. But while the top metros are displaying signs of saturation, industry executives told The Economic Times that card transactions in towns with populations of up to 1 million have doubled in the two years since demonetisation, raising expectations of sustained growth for non-cash payments. Moreover, experts say that people are increasingly switching to newer modes of digital payments for daily purchases. "Adoption of debit cards shot up just after demonetisation as people had run out of choices and wallets did not [yet] have [as much] merchant acceptance like banks," Bhavik Hathi, managing director at Alvarez and Marsal, a Mumbai-based consultancy, told the daily. "As merchants started accepting wallets like Paytm or PhonePe for digital transactions, the trend has shifted and a lot of small-value retail payments could have moved away from cards." The shift to digital payments has also been boosted by the rapid expansion of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), which manages the platform, recorded 482 million UPI transactions in October 2018, up from 0.2 million in November 2016 and 105 million a year later. "Across cities like Udaipur, Aligarh and Hubli, merchants are open to adopting QR code for payments and they are platform-agnostic," Amrish Rau, CEO of PayU India, told the daily. "This was never the case in my two decades of experience in the payments industry." While India's $200 billion digital payments market is attracting plenty of competition these days - after all, who would want to miss out on a market expected to mushroom to $1 trillion in the next five years - fintech entrepreneurs say that there are enough and more speed-breakers to contend with. The recent Supreme Court diktat banning private companies from accessing Aadhaar data for authentication purposes and India's moves towards data localisation have all affected businesses in this space. Edited by Sushmita Choudhury Agarwal Absconding diamantaire Mehul Choksi has sued the Antigua and Barbuda government as its Ministry of External Affairs is examining the plea by Indian authorities to extradite him. A letter dated November 7 from the office of Deputy Solicitor General to the Prime Minister's office indicates that the Minister Responsible for Citizenship and Minister Responsible for External Affairs of the Antigua and Barbuda government have been named in the lawsuit filed by Choksi. The letter asks the named parties to be present in the court for hearing in the lawsuit, or send the Permanent Secretary within their ministries. The matter will be heard on the morning of November 14 at the High Court before Justice Rita Joseph Olivetti. Although it is not clear why Choksi has decided to take the Antiguan government to the court, it could be related the fact that the same government is weighing the proposal of handing him over to India. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) have submitted an extradition plea before the Antigua and Barbuda authorities which now being looked into by the Ministry of External Affairs there. Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had met Foreign Minister of Antigua and Barbuda E P Chet Greene in September on the sidelines of the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly and raised the issue of extradition of Choksi. Greene had assured Swaraj on behalf of his Prime Minister that their government will fully cooperate in the matter of extradition of Choksi to India. ALSO READ: Antigua and Barbuda 'examining' Mehul Choksi's extradition; to respond soon, says MEA This could very well be enough to make Choksi nervous, who had fled to Antigua and Barbuda after orchestrating the Rs 14,000-crore scam at Punjab National Bank with his nephew Nirav Modi. He became a citizen of the Caribbean country by the way of Citizenship by Investment after his Indian passport and citizenship were revoked on account of the banking fraud charges against him. Since then, India has been looking to extradite Mehul Choksi under the Antiguan laws that allow it for Commonwealth countries. Choksi still has some breathing space though, as the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is yet to take a call on his extradition. It is now up to the DPP to take a call on whether Choksi is in the wrong or not, and not the Antiguan Solicitor General. ALSO READ: PNB fraud: ED seizes over Rs 218 crore assets of Mehul Choksi, others As per earlier reports, the Antiguan government has also stated that Choksi has the right to defend himself against the charges levelled against him like any other Antiguan citizen. Edited by Vivek Punj While addressing an election rally in Chattisgarh's Jagdalpur on Friday, PM Narendra Modi accused "Urban Maoists" of exploiting the adivasis. The PM also asked why the Congress party was supporting them. "Urban Maoists live in AC surroundings, move around in big cars and their children study abroad, but they ruin the lives of our poor adivasi here through remote control. Why is Congress supporting these urban Maoists?" the PM said. "Will you forgive such people?" he asked, adding that whenever the government acts against them the Urban Maoists take to the streets. The PM also said that he urges the people of Bastar to teach a befitting lesson to the Congress leaders who he said "on one hand try to shield the Urban Maoists, and in Chattisgarh, they speak about freeing the state from Maoists". In August, many left-leaning activists were arrested on the charges of abetting Maoists. These activists were arrested following the probe on Elgar Parishad that was held on the eve of the Bhima Koregaon violence. Human rights activists Sudha Bharadwaj, Arun Ferreira, Vernon Gonsalves, Gautam Navlakha and writer and Maoist ideologue P Varavara Rao were the arrested activists. Upon the arrests, BJP President Amit Shah had accused Congress President Rahul Gandhi of creating a hue and cry over the arrests of Urban Naxals. Amit Shah said at a BJP workers' gathering that these activists wanted guns and mortars and were plotting to kill Modi. The PM also further added that the previous Congress-led government ignored developmental work in the state. The PM also accused the Congress of dehumanising the Dalits and the underprivileged and looking at them only from the view of vote bank. Most diplomats in New Delhi were glued to their television sets to watch the much-awaited media interaction of US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and Secretary of Treasury Steven Mnuchin on Monday. Informally, New Delhi had already been informed that Washington had allowed it a six-month waiver for purchase of oil from Iran, along with seven other countries. But diplomats here wanted to see if the Donald Trump administration would hint at some exemption for the Chabahar port and subsequent trade from there to Afghanistan, Central Asia and Russia. Tehran - with certain riders related to payments, etc - is ready to hand over to India the first berth of this port soon. Meanwhile, Washington expects New Delhi, along with other eight countries, to bring their oil imports from Iran in this embargo period to zero. India is the second-largest buyer of Iranian crude, next only to China. Post sanctions, India had reduced the average monthly purchase from 22.6 million tonnes (452,000 barrels per day) bought in fiscal 2017/18 to 1.25 million tonnes or 300,000 barrels per day. Will the future of the port depend on a further reduction? Washington, it seems, isn't comfortable enough to respond as yet. A day before the briefing, Pompeo appeared in a talk show on Fox News where he dodged queries around India and China but indicated the establishment might give them a waiver. However, he was non-committal on further relaxation. In May-end this year, New Delhi had successfully negotiated a way out of the complicated US law CAATSA, or Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, to compete the military deal to buy the S-400 Triumf air defence missile system from Russia. Three weeks before this, US President Donald Trump had pulled out of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA, negotiated by his predecessor Barack Obama's establishment in 2015 along with five other permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany. The pact had sought to curb Iran's nuclear activities in return for lifting of sanctions by the UN, US and EU. He called the accord disastrous. From November 4, these sanctions were reinforced; these barred 600 Iranian entities (individuals and companies) from dealing with the international community. The list included oil as well as shipping, trade and financial transactions. Only food and humanitarian aid were exempted. Since then, Indian diplomats have been trying to convince their counterparts in Washington about the strategic importance of Chabahar in the regional and geopolitical balance. New Delhi's argument is that this berth at the port will be operated by an Indian PSU and not much revenue will go Iran's exchequer. And strategically, this port may also help the US. This corridor will ease movement of Indian cargoes to Kabul and other Central Asian economies where Chinese products dominate. Washington will also be interested as Chabahar will allow Afghan businesses to reduce their dependence on Pakistan to reach global markets. This corridor is seen as a balancing act to the Chinese backed Belt and Road Initiative and the China Pakistan Economic Corridor. As a back-up plan, New Delhi is engaging with Moscow and Iranian government to speed up trade infrastructure at the much delayed International North South Transport Corridor. India has already completed a dry run of (empty) cargo's movement from shores of Mumbai to Moscow via this route. This port's negotiations were initiated during PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee's tenure but fell causality to earlier sanctions initiated by the Obama regime. The Dredging Corporation of India stock surged in early trade today after the Cabinet on Thursday cleared strategic sale of government stake in Dredging Corporation to consortium of four ports. The government currently holds 73.44 per cent in Dredging Corporation of India Ltd (DCIL). The Dredging Corp stock rose up to 9.98% or 34.8 points to 383.15 level on the BSE. The micro cap stock has been gaining during the last two days and risen 15.76% during the same period. It opened with a gain of 9.99% at 383.15 in trade today against its previous close of 348.35 level on BSE. It has lost 46.18% during the last one year and fallen 55.10% since the beginning of this year. "CCEA has given in principle approval for strategic disinvestment of 100 per cent Government of India's share in DCIL to consortium of 4 ports, namely Vishakhapatnam Port Trust, Paradeep Port Trust, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust and Kandla Port Trust," an official tweet said. The approval will further facilitate the linkage of dredging activities with the ports, keeping in view the role of the DCIL in expansion of dredging activity in the country as well as potential diversification of ports into third party dredging, the tweet said after the meeting of the Cabinet Committee of Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "The co-sharing of facilities between the company as well as ports shall lead to savings for ports. This would further provide opportunities for larger investment in DCIL as integration with ports shall help in effective vertical linkage in the value chain," the tweet added. The government has budgeted to raise Rs 80,000 crore from PSU disinvestment. So far this fiscal, the government has mopped up over Rs 15,000 crore from PSU stake sale. Dredging Corporation is engaged in dredging. The company is engaged in maintenance dredging, capital dredging, beach nourishment, land reclamation, shallow water dredging, project management consultancy and marine construction. It owns a fleet consisting of approximately three cutter suction dredgers and over 10 trailer suction dredgers. Sugar stocks rose in trade today after the government decided to resume export of raw sugar to China next year. Stocks of Avadh Sugar and Energy (4.27%), Dhampur Sugar (5.83%), Balrampur Chini Mills (5.26%), EID Parry (6.67%) , Ugar Sugar (4.99%) and Magadh Sugar and Energy (4.26%) rose in trade today. The development is a positive for sugar manufacturers as India has been eyeing overseas markets to shed surplus stocks that have muted prices and created financial distress in mills. India plans to export 2 million tonnes of sugar to China to cut trade deficit with the neighbouring country, a government statement said. "Export of raw sugar from India to China will begin early next year. A contract for exporting 15,000 tonnes of raw sugar has been entered to by the Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA) and COFCO, a Government of China run public sector company," the commerce ministry said in the statement. "Raw sugar is the second product after non-basmati rice that China will import from India. It is a move to reduce the $60 billion trade deficit that China has with India," the statement said. India's export to China in 2017-18 amounted to $33 billion, while imports from China stood at $76.2 billion. India produced a record 32.5 million tonnes of sugar in the 2017-18 marketing year and the output is estimated to be around same level or slightly lower in the current marketing year. The annual domestic demand is around 26 million tonnes. The country also has an opening stock of 10 million tonnes at the start of the current marketing year that started last month. To liquidate surplus stock, Indian government has asked sugar mills to mandatory export 5 million tonnes in 2018-19 and has even announced some financial assistance to facilitate outward shipments. The government is also negotiating with many countries, including China and Indonesia, to boost exports. China's sugar production is around 10.5 million tonnes as against its annual demand of 15 million tonnes. The neighbouring country imports sugar to meet its domestic demand as well as to build buffer stocks. It issues quota, twice a year, to traders to import sugar from world market. 09 Nov 2018, 1:37 PM FM Arun Jaitley says Mastercard, Visa losing out to RuPay and UPI after demonetisation India's finance minister has said that Mastercard and Visa were losing market share to domestic payments networks, months after Mastercard complained to the U.S. government that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was using nationalism to promote a local rival. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley spoke about the surging growth of RuPay and Unified Payment Interface (UPI), which allows swift inter-bank fund transfers, on the second anniversary of Modi's shock decision to replace high-value bank notes in a bid to flush out untaxed wealth. Govt approves mechanism for sale of enemy shares worth Rs 3,000 cr; proceeds to be used for development The government Thursday approved a mechanism for sale of enemy shares which at the current price is estimated at around Rs 3,000 crore.According to Enemy Property Act, 1968, "Enemy property" refers to any property belonging to, held or managed on behalf of an enemy, an enemy subject or an enemy firm. The decision, taken by the Union Cabinet, will lead to monetisation of movable enemy property lying dormant for decades and the proceeds will be used for development and social welfare programmes Google promises reforms in sexual misconduct regulations after protest over its male-dominated culture Google is promising to be more forceful and open about its handling of sexual misconduct cases, a week after thousands of high-paid engineers and others walked out in protest over its male-dominated culture. Google bowed to one of the protesters' main demands by dropping mandatory arbitration of all sexual misconduct cases. That will now be optional, so workers can choose to sue in court and present their case in front of a jury. India pips US to become 2nd largest smartphone market in Q3: Canalys India has overtaken the US to become the second largest smartphone market in the July-September 2018 quarter, according to a report by research firm Canalys. India -which saw a shipment of 40.4 million units during the third quarter - was second to China where 100.6 million smartphones were shipped, the data showed. Smartphone shipment in the US was at 40 million units in the July-September 2018 period. DGCA asks Jet Airways, SpiceJet to check their Boeing 737 MAX planes after Lion Air crash The DGCA has asked Jet Airways and SpiceJet to check and correct possible sensor-related issues in the Boeing 737 MAX planes in their fleet which could cause the aircraft to lose altitude significantly. The directive from the civil aviation regulator has come after a fatal air crash involving a Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft operated by Indonesian Lion Air caused due to similar issues last month. ED flags ponzi scheme in name of Islamic banking by Karnataka-based firm, writes to RBI The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has flagged to the RBI about alleged dubious activities of a Karnataka-based firm charging it with running a ponzi scheme "in the name of Islamic banking or halal investment" and collecting over Rs 950 crore funds from gullible investors till now, officials said Thursday. The central probe agency's zonal office in Bengaluru has also written to Karnataka Police seeking all FIRs filed by it against the firm on the alleged chit fund scheme being run by it in order to study the case comprehensively Trump administration blocks asylum claims by those crossing US border illegally The Trump administration has taken a major step to restrict asylum claims by barring "aliens" who illegally cross the US southern border to seek asylum, a controversial move by President Donald Trump on efforts to crackdown on immigration. The move, opposed by several right groups, is at preventing the several thousands of people, mainly from three Latin American countries - Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador - from entering the country and using the existing asylum law to gain entry into the United States. Nokia, Infosys collaborate to drive enterprise digital transformation Finnish mobile telecom network maker Nokia and Indian IT services firm Infosys have formed an alliance to develop solutions powered by new-age technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). The partnership will help drive digital transformation in a wide array of enterprises and industries, addressing vertical markets, including transportation, energy and manufacturing, media and entertainment, and education. This collaboration will couple technology, products and services from Nokia with platform solutions, engineering and operations management expertise from Infosys. Financial details of the partnership were not disclosed. In August this year, car-sharing company Revv raised Rs 100 crore in new funding from Hyundai Motor - automakers are rushing to invest in the future of mobility where people may prefer not to own but just to rent cars. While Uber and Ola have disrupted transportation within cities, companies such as Revv had positioned themselves largely in the leisure use case. Nevertheless, this may be changing soon, co-founders of the company Anupam Agarwal and Karan Jain told Business Today. Here are some excerpts. 1. When Revv started in 2015, it had a fleet of nine cars given out for hourly rentals. Now, the company has a fleet of 1,100 cars across 15 cities. The company, over time, has introduced new products though all of them stay true to the self-driving philosophy. 2. About 70 per cent of its cars are used for leisure (over weekends and extended weekends), and 30 per cent for utility. The hourly rentals range between a few hours to a few days. The company's second product is Switch, a monthly subscription plan where one can rent a car for 1-6 months. The use case was initially for a consumer who would have moved cities and didn't want to invest in a vehicle right away. The founders now say they want to experiment with even longer-term alternatives to car ownership. What if you don't buy a car at all? 3. Revv's differentiation is about convenience. The start-up does doorstep delivery and says it is on time 98 per cent of the time. Globally, car rentals have a fulfilment problem - cars can be returned late by the users, for instance, which affects capacity utilisation. Revv says it has invested in an artificial intelligence-driven technology that tells the probability of delays and the estimated time of returning a vehicle depending on different parameters. 4. The car-sharing sector has its challenges, particularly in India. Most of the start-ups learnt it the hard way. Companies have reported theft of car parts. On one occasion, a user (at a different company) replaced new tyres with old. Rash driving is rife. The result is high insurance rates. Car-sharing companies are therefore putting in technologies to check user behaviour. Revv has a driver alert system that sits on the windshield of the vehicle; the company's accident rates are down by 78 per cent compared to the time it did not have the alert system. 5. Revv currently has a revenue run rate of $10 million and 20,000 monthly customers. With the new funding and expansion, it is targeting a run rate of $100 million over the next 18 months. The founders say that the unit economics of profitability are different for each city - it is operationally profitable in most of the large metros apart from Delhi. Saudi Arabias crude oil shipper, Bahri, known as the worlds largest carrier of crude, is planning acquisition of a number of companies in the maritime sector in the Middle East and Asia as it seeks to expand its reach. We are looking at multiple acquisitions in the Middle East and Asia worth tens of millions of dollars, Bahri CEO Abdullah Aldubaikhi told Reuters. We want to tap into a new area related to the maritime sector by acquiring companies offering services that are not currently available within Bahris portfolio, he added. One of the acquisitions in Asia could be completed in the third quarter of 2019, Reuters quoted Bahri CEO as saying. The operations will be made possible with the companys own funds as well as financial support from banks. The acquisition plan is part of the companys expansion strategy and objective to improve its fleet. Bahri currently operates 45 very large crude carriers (VLCCs) but is planning to acquire 15 others for an investment of $1.5bn that it built last year jointly with Arab Petroleum Investments Corp (APICORP). The APICORP Bahri Oil Shipping Fund (ABOSF) will raise $1.5bn in three stages raising $500m each time. APICORP will contribute 85 per cent of the funds and Bahri the rest, Reuters reports. Bahri is owned by kingdoms Public Investment Fund, which controls 22 per cent. The Gulf countrys largest company and oil producer Aramco also a 20 per cent stake. India's finance minister said on Thursday that Mastercard and Visa were losing market share to domestic payments networks, months after Mastercard complained to the U.S. government that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was using nationalism to promote a local rival. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley spoke about the surging growth of RuPay and Unified Payment Interface (UPI), which allows swift inter-bank fund transfers, on the second anniversary of Modi's shock decision to replace high-value bank notes in a bid to flush out untaxed wealth. Modi has said when Indians use RuPay they were serving the country as its transaction fees stay within India and could help build roads, schools and hospitals, an endorsement that has worried Purchase, New York-based Mastercard, which is the world's second-largest payments processor. "Today Visa and Mastercard are losing market share in India to indigenously developed payment system of UPI and RUPAY Card, whose share has reached 65 per cent of the payments done through debit and credit cards," Jaitley said in a Facebook post about the various results of the note scrapping exercise, known as demonetisation. Visa declined to comment. Mastercard did not respond to an email seeking comment. RuPay processes payments between banks and merchants for purchases made with credit or debit cards, while UPI instantly transfers funds between two bank accounts linked to mobile phones. SOCIAL MEDIA BACKLASH Jaitley was referring to the volume of transactions, not the value. Though RuPay, owned by many Indian and foreign banks, accounts for more than half of India's 1 billion debit and credit cards, industry sources say Visa and Mastercard still process the vast majority of the value of payments transactions in the country. Indian payments transactions were worth $51 billion in August, according to central bank data. Jaitley said RuPay's total transactions had leapt to 84.3 billion rupees ($1.16 billion) as of September, from 11 billion rupees before demonetisation. Total transactions done using UPI had jumped to 598 billion rupees ($8.26 billion) from 500 million rupees in October 2016, around the time it was launched. Reuters reported last week that Mastercard complained to the Office of the United States Trade Representative on June 21 that Modi "associated the use of RuPay cards with nationalism, claiming it serves as 'kind of national service'." The Mastercard note said that while Modi's digital payments push was "commendable", the Indian government had adopted "a series of protectionist measures" to the detriment of global companies. The story sparked a backlash on social media against Mastercard in India, one of the world's biggest payments growth markets. Several people said on Twitter they had asked their banks to replace their Mastercard with RuPay, with some using the hashtag 'BoycottMastercard' to voice their concerns. One user posted a picture of a Mastercard cut into pieces, while another named Ramesh uploaded a graphic with a Mastercard logo on a toilet flush. A spokesman for the Delhi arm of Modi's ruling party, the Bharatiya Janata Party, said he had asked his bank to cancel his Mastercard and switch to RuPay. Mastercard did not respond to Reuters' emailed request for comment on the social media backlash. Ashwani Mahajan, who heads an economic group, Swadeshi Jagran Manch, which is linked to the ideological parent of Modi's party, said on Thursday that companies such as Mastercard should be "competing with RuPay, not complaining to the U.S. government". "They have enjoyed their market share for so long, we have the right to protect and promote our economic interests," Mahajan told Reuters. From getting rid of some Muslim names of places to promising a "grand" statue of the Hindu god Ram, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling party is making passionate appeals to its hard-core Hindu nationalist base in the most politically important state ahead of a national election next year. A near clean-sweep in Uttar Pradesh, the northern state of 220 million people that sends the highest number of lawmakers to the lower house of parliament, helped Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) win its biggest mandate in three decades in 2014. Political strategists say keeping its mainly Hindu base intact in Uttar Pradesh and elsewhere would be crucial to repeat such a performance, but there are also concerns that the BJP has been turning up the heat on divisive religious issues. Yogi Adityanath, a robe-wearing Hindu priest who is the BJP chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, on Tuesday changed the name of Faizabad district to Ayodhya, the place where Hindus believe Lord Ram was born thousands of years ago. Before the change, Ayodhya was the name of a town in Faizabad. Last month, he changed the name of Allahabad, where three rivers considered holy by Hindus meet, to the Hindu name Prayagraj. Both Faizabad and Allahabad were Islamic names given to places hundreds of years ago by India's then Muslim rulers. "Ayodhya is our honour, prestige and pride," Adityanath said at an event in the town, declaring the name change amid loud cheers from the audience. "Ayodhya is identified with Lord Ram." He said the state would decide on a location for a statue of Ram that could become an Ayodhya landmark. He also promised to open an airport in the district that would be named after Ram. Many leaders of the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the Hindu-first group from which the BJP was born, are demanding the government issue an executive order that would bypass the Supreme Court so that they can build a Ram temple at a highly controversial religious site in Ayodhya. The destruction of a mosque on that site by a frenzied Hindu mob in 1992 sparked deadly riots across the country. At the moment the site is under court control. There are fears that communal tensions between the majority Hindu population and Muslims, the biggest minority group in India with more than 170 million people, could flare again if the status quo is disturbed. The moves aren't limited to Uttar Pradesh. In the western state of Gujarat, the BJP government there is also considering changing the name of the state's commercial centre, Ahmedabad, a name given to it by a former Muslim ruler. And only last week, Gujarat unveiled the world's tallest statue, a $400 million effigy of independence hero Vallabhbhai Patel that is near twice the height of New York's Statue of Liberty as part of a BJP campaign to re-brand what it terms "forgotten" leaders. A day after the Congress launched a Twitter campaign against demonetisation on the second anniversary of the exercise, party workers have taken to the streets in protest. The dharnas are not only being held at the Capital but also across the country in Chennai, Chandigarh and Mumbai. "Indian Youth Congress is organising a protest outside RBI Headquarters on the occasion of the second anniversary of failed demonetisation. The protest is to highlight miseries of the nation since last two years under Modi regime. It is a protest against failed demonetisation of Modi government where common people of the nation suffered its grave consequences," the Congress said in a statement. Several Congress leaders, including former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Anand Sharma, Sushmita Dev, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Keshav Yadav and Manish Chatrarh were reportedly detained by the police for protesting outside the RBI headquarters. Yesterday, several Opposition leaders and activists took to Twitter to attack Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led BJP government for the note ban decision. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor tweeted about the "cost of demonetisation", adding that demonetisation cost the exchequer Rs 8,000 crore just for the printing of new notes while 1.5 million jobs and 100 lives were lost. "Though the list of financial scams of Modi govt is endless, demonetisation was a self inflicted deep wound on Indian economy which even two years later remains a mystery why the country was pushed into such a disaster?" tweeted Delhi CM and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal. "#DarkDay The government cheated our nation with this big #DeMonetisation scam. It ruined the economy and the lives of millions. People will punish those who did this (sic)," tweeted West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The ruling party, meanwhile, has hit back with the hashtag #CorruptCongressFearDemo on Twitter. Stating that "confiscation of currency was not an objective" of demonetisation, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the decision to scrap currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 two years ago had led to formalisation of the economy, curbing of cash transactions and more direct tax revenue. He added that the "prophets of doom" have been "conclusively proved wrong" with India retaining its position as the fastest growing economy for the fifth year in a row. In fact, the BJP has lobbed the ball back in the Congress court, challenging it to respond to the following 10 questions: 1. Why does Congress find merit in protesting against every anti-corruption measure of the Government of India? What do they fear? 2. Why is it that wherever black money is there, the Congress is not far behind? 3. What sort of politics and anti-development mindset is this of the Congress that opposes a bold move that has widened the tax base? 4. How is a former Finance Minister, himself under radar of investigating agencies for massive corruption involving land, cash and foreign bank accounts, speaking on policy matters? With what face? 5. Mr Anand Sharma, a Congress leader, had personally opposed demonetisation on the floor of Parliament. In the last 2 years, India has seen an increase of more than 2 crore tax returns. Is this why you were opposed to demonetisation? 6. Informal economy meant exploitation of the poor and the marginalised, many of whom came from lower middle class. Demonetisation has led to formalisation of the economy, which has empowered them. Why is Congress opposing that? 7. Is the Congress party living in a state of denial that it cannot see the surge in GDP numbers, the 'Ease of Doing Business Rankings' and Global Competitiveness Index? Why are they unhappy that India's economic prowess is being recognised world over? 8. Why is it that whenever India's standing in the world increases, the Congress takes to defaming India and creating an atmosphere of gloom to mislead the people? 9. Congress now remembers small business but did the UPA think of this sector even once? Except tax terror, raid raj and arbitrary policies, what did Congress do for small businesses? 10. Can the Congress name even one stringent measure they took during the UPA regime, which was aimed at eliminating corruption and black money? The US has carried out a total of 409 drone attacks in Pakistan targeting suspected militants since January 2004, killing 2,714 people and injuring 728 others, a media report said on Friday. The attacks, carried out by the CIA-operated drones, over the years have targeted the areas of Bajaur, Bannu, Hangu, Khyber, Kurram, Mohmand, North Waziristan, Nushki, Orakzai, and South Waziristan, Dawn reported. Majority of the drone strikes were carried out during the government of the Pakistan Peoples Party between 2008 and 2012. Citing sources within the National Counter Terrorism Authority (Nacta), the paper said the period saw 336 aerial attacks, in which 2,282 people lost their lives and 658 received injuries. The officials said that 2010 alone saw 117 attacks that killed 775 people and injured 193 others. Between 2013 and 2018, during the government of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, 65 drone attacks occurred in which 301 people were killed and 70 others injured. In 2018, two drone attacks killed one person and injured another. The top leadership of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan has been killed in drone attacks. Taliban chief Mullah Akhtar Mansour was killed in one of such strikes in 2016. Days after Mullah Mansour's killing, then Pakistan army chief General Raheel Sharif had said, "US drone strikes in Pakistani territory are regrettable and must stop." Pakistan opposes drone strikes, saying they violate its sovereignty. The officials said that 289 attacks were conducted in North Waziristan alone, in which 1,651 individuals were killed and 421 others injured. South Waziristan saw 91 attacks that killed 707 individuals and injured 215. There were 13 strikes in the Kurram Agency that killed 110 and injured 32, five in the Khyber Agency that killed 57 and injured 29, four in the Bajaur Agency that killed 129, two in Hangu that killed seven and injured two, one in the Mohmand Agency that killed 18 and one in Nushki that killed two. Quoting officials, the paper said that at least 19,177 civilians and officials had been killed so far and 47,869 others injured in the 18,850 terror-related attacks in Pakistan since 2001. The attacks, they said, mostly targeted Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) and were carried out through different methods that included bomb explosions, hand grenade attacks, mine explosions, missiles, rockets, and suicide attacks. Terrorists also targeted minorities to instigate sectarian violence and employed sophisticated methods, including the usage of Improvised Explosive devices, explosive vehicle devices as well as radio-controlled improvised devices, the paper said. In 2018, at least 405 terrorist attacks took place in the country, killing 133 officials and 233 civilians. In Punjab, 14 incidents of bomb blasts, suicide attacks and engagements with terrorists led to the deaths of six LEA officials and as many civilians this year. Sindh has seen 11 incidents of terror-related attacks, which included strikes on LEAs, through bomb explosions, hand grenade attacks and general aggressive engagement with terrorists. Two LEA officials and as many civilians lost their lives in the attacks. There were 51 incidents of targeting LEAs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa this year, resulting in the death of 21 personnel and 11 civilians. In Balochistan, 172 terror-related incidents were recorded, resulting in the death of 58 personnel and 193 civilians. In Fata, 42 personnel and 21 civilians were killed in 150 terror attacks this year. The paper reported that capital Islamabad has remained safe so far in the year. Speaking at the Dublin Chamber of Commerce Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland, Philip R. Lane today discussed the importance of the enterprise sector to economic performance. In his address he said that economic success depends on a thriving enterprise sector - the employment, investment and innovation decisions made by the over two hundred thousand private sector firms active in Ireland are critically important in determining national economic performance. In addition, Lane said the behaviour of firms also has a wider impact in terms of making progress in meeting the countrys social, environmental and regional objectives. While noting that the economy is currently in an expanded expansion phase he warned that the Irish economy is intrinsically volatile. Laney said there can be sudden and sizeable adverse shifts in fundamentals, especially for small and highly open economies including changes in international conditions, disorderly Brexit scenarios, shifts in international trade or domestic policy errors that add to pro-cyclical dynamics in the economy. Source: www.businessworld.ie The Luang Prabang railway bridge, a section of the China-Laos Railway built by the state-owned China Railway Group Ltd., is under construction near Luang Prabang, Laos on Oct. 21. Photo: VCG The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) was initially welcomed throughout much of Southeast Asia and other regions, but recent elections in countries like Malaysia and the Maldives have sparked international criticism. Voices have emerged there and in Pakistan, Central Asia, Latin America and Africa expressing reservations and seeking to re-examine the terms of BRI projects. Scholars and policy experts in Chinas public sphere are tempted to dismiss BRI-bashing as a tactic calculated to hamper Chinas rise. In the face of criticism from the international community, more-nuanced explanations of the recent backlash have been offered, as well as pointers on how the BRI can improve its appeal. But while some Chinese analysts are questioning aspects of the BRIs implementation, they generally shy away from probing into any structural flaws the initiative may have, and its strategic mission remains sacrosanct. Key Belt and Road issues Following elections in a variety of Southeast Asian nations and stalled projects across several regions, accusations of debt traps in the Belt and Road Initiative have been mounting. The prospect of Chinese investment is often disruptive to political arrangements in BRI recipient states. Interests are divided among potential winners and losers. This is the case both in democratic and more-authoritarian regimes, but exerts a more visible impact in the former. Incumbent ruling parties who favor BRI deals with China often find that this mobilizes their opposition. Opposition-party criticism may or may not be supported by facts; once in power, they may decide that BRI projects are desirable after all. But the political temperature, having risen, is slow to subside. These disruptions create challenges for the overall investment environment. Given limited progress on yuan internationalization, BRI projects are also likely to increase Chinese firms dollar dependence, especially for the large state-owned enterprises undertaking most projects. Scant reporting of Chinas dollar-denominated loans leads to serious underestimations of these projects vulnerability to currency risk. Despite reports that some countries will push for domestic currency use in joint projects, this too poses significant challenges. Aside from economic impacts, governance issues in partner nations are an increasing concern that Beijing must work to address. Investment tends to increase at difficult times for developing democracies. In some states such as Sri Lanka and Malaysia, BRI investment has tended to increase, fueling fears that funding supports undemocratic trends. For countries like the Philippines, accusations of corrosive capital raises fears that Chinese money will crowd out domestic producers and weaken good-governance practices. These anxieties are only more likely to increase as partner countries undergo domestic elections and political transition. As pushback in countries like Malaysia, Pakistan, Vietnam, Australia and New Zealand has demonstrated, China is poised to become a wedge issue: low-hanging fruit that is a popular target for criticism as opinions on Chinese investment sour. Chinas take: Blame fearmongering Chinese analysts remain largely sanguine about the BRIs basic structure, instead faulting international observers for the change in public opinion. Most defend China against direct attacks on the BRI from Malaysia or other countries. It is the work of Western nations, not partner countries, that sours perceptions of the BRI, writes Chen Qinghong, a researcher at the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations. For instance, despite interference from Western countries, Chen says, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has contributed to the positive development of China-Malaysia relations. China-Malaysia trade now stands at over $100 billion, and firms from the two countries maintain active relations. In response to these warming ties, according to Chen, Western nations jealously provoke disputes through heated rhetorical attacks. A better Belt and Road But some Chinese commentators are more sensitive to external criticism, admitting that adjustments are needed in the BRIs scope and structure. These fall generally into two camps: the first supports institutional upgrading to realize the BRI in its current state, while the second suggests that the nature of the BRI itself must be adjusted to make it sustainable. The former camp supports structures that formalize and internationalize the BRI, making it less susceptible to isolated failures. The Supreme Peoples Court is setting up international Belt and Road courts to provide fair, effective and accessible legal services to participating parties, said Liu Guixiang, a member of the Supreme Peoples Court Judicial Committee. The court is also drafting a regulation on understanding and implementing civil and commercial judgments from foreign courts, Liu said. These measures will boost legal cooperation, making BRI projects sustainable and legally defensible for nations regardless of their internal judicial system. Institutional upgrades along these lines craft the BRI as an international strategy, strengthening its credibility, said Xue Li of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. As a global platform, the Belt and Road Initiative is less likely to be undermined by this or that opponent, above all the U.S., Xue said. The second range of opinion sees the need to adjust the aims and scope of the Belt and Road Initiative, making it more modest and effective through strategic planning, acknowledging geopolitical challenges, and more closely aligning to local conditions. The BRI needs more-modest and realistic claims, or risks facing immediate opposition and suspicion from an international community that already distrusts China, warns Zheng Yongnian, chairman of the South University of Technology Institute of Public Policy Academic Committee. Given these BRI-bashing tendencies, overpromising BRI deliverables could be a fatal error, he said. To avoid such errors, argue Cheng Chengping and Wu Fang of Wuhan University Economics and Management School, the BRI must align more closely to local conditions. This includes creating local coordination mechanisms and supporting cooperation in industry and finance. Efforts to assuage fears of a debt crisis, such as aid package to Pakistans Imran Khan government, are likely to be made conditional on adopting tighter financial regulations. The BRI has made lofty promises in its five years on the books, a fact heightened by its integration into the Party Constitution as an integral element of new-era thinking under President Xi Jinping. At present, domestic questioning of the BRI is noticeable and expectations are high. However, these questions remain phrased mostly in terms of the BRIs implementation rather than its strategic mission. It remains easy for Beijing to reject foreign criticism as part of a Cold War mindset, which Chinese analysts will continue to do unless the BRI fails so thoroughly that that strategy becomes untenable. Until that point, it is not beneficial for analysts to assume that the BRI may be structurally flawed, as the vision of Belt and Road as successful is both the official line and a vision of economic progress. If Beijing continues to rationalize its foreign development and aid policies, we are likely to see less talk of a panacea-style China solution and more differentiation of target countries with attention paid to their precise national conditions. Hannah Feldshuh is a contributing author for China Policy, a leading policy analysis and strategic advisory firm based in Beijing. If you want to submit an opinion piece to Caixin Global, please send an email to gangwu@caixin.com. Pork on display at an industry even in Beijing in June 2013. Photo: VCG The outbreak of African swine fever spreading across China is starting to infect its financial markets, with a desperate pig farm operator who defaulted on a bond offering to pay interest on its debts in pork amid a cash crunch it's blaming on slumping sales. Shenzhen-listed Chuying Agro-Pastoral Group wants creditors to accept ham and premium pork products rather than cash as interest payments on its borrowings, the company said in a filing (link in Chinese) with the stock exchange on Thursday. Creditors owed a combined 271 million yuan ($39 million) in principal and interest have agreed to the offer, it said, without providing further details. The principal will be repaid in cash but payment is being deferred, it said. The announcement came after the privately owned company said on Monday (link in Chinese) that it was unable to repay in full a nine-month bond with principal and interest totaling 528 million yuan due that day. China Lianhe Credit Rating Co. cut the company's long-term issuer credit rating to C from B after the default, effectively giving its bonds junk status, and Chuying warned on Tuesday that its efforts to raise money may be negatively affected by the downgrade. In October, the company, which is based in Zhengzhou in central China, was named and shamed by a law enforcement information system under the Supreme People's Court as dishonest after it failed to pay back a 150 million yuan loan to a trust firm. Sales slump Chuying said generating cash through sale of pigs and related products had become increasingly difficult because of government measures to stem the spread of African swine fever, including curbs on transporting live hogs. Chuying sold 121,000 pigs for a total of 129 million yuan last month, half of what it sold and raised in July before the first outbreak was reported, according to data provided in a company statement (link in Chinese) on Wednesday. African swine fever, found in warthogs, bush pigs and ticks, has historically been reported across Europe, Russia and sub-Saharan Africa, but never in East Asia until China reported the first outbreak in the northeastern province of Liaoning in early August. It does not harm humans but is always fatal in pigs. Hundreds of thousands of infected hogs have been culled since the first outbreak was discovered. The government has handed out subsidies to compensate farmers for the slaughtering of infected pigs, banned the transport of live pigs out of disease-hit areas and strengthened oversight over the transportation of livestock and poultry by road. Even so, the virus has spread to more than half the countrys provincial-level regions, including Jilin in the northeast, Inner Mongolia in the north and the central province of Henan areas where most of Chuyings farms are based. Contact reporter Fran Wang (fangwang@caixin.com) The US administration has given special permission to Iraq to continue importing energy from Iran despite fresh sanctions on Tehran and threats against countries wishing to continue trade with the Islamic regime. The US State Departments representative on Iran, Brian Hook, Wednesday, told reporters that Washington is allowing Bagdad to continue relying on Iran for its gas and electricity. We granted Iraq a waiver to allow it to continue to pay for its electricity imports from Iran. We are confident that this will help Iraq limit electricity shortages in the south, Hook said. Iraq is a friend and a partner, and we are committed to its stability and prosperity. The waiver is temporary, a source told AFP noting that the US expects Iraqi authorities to come up with a plan in one month and half that will demonstrate Bagdads strategy to stop depending on Iran for its energy needs. The US gave us 45 days to give them a plan on how we will gradually stop using Iranian gas and oil, the source said. Iraq has strong ties the US with whom it cooperates in many field including security. Early this week, President Donald Trump and his administration imposed new punitive measures on Iran with its oil and financial sector in target. Washington has also forbidden countries wishing to trade with the US to engage with Iran. Iraq depends heavily on Iran to provide electricity to its 39 million people. It also pipes in natural gas and 1,300 MW of Iranian-generated electricity to cope with power shortages. Iraqi economy is extensively reliant on its powerful neighbor. Imported consumer goods reached around $6 billion in 2017. German shipbuilder Luerssen has put on ice operations at its Peene shipyard after the German government put a ban on arm sales to Saudi Arabia in relation to the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Luerssen, a Germany-based private shipbuilding company, has been working since 2016 at its Peene workshop on Saudi Arabias orders for several coastguard patrol vessels. The order, placed five years ago, received last month a blow after Chancellor Angela Merkel imposed a ban on all defense hardware cooperation with the kingdom in the wake of Saudi confession that 59-year old journalist and The Washington Post contributor died in the Saudi consulate in the Turkish city of Istanbul. The journalist entered the diplomatic mission on October 2 for some paperwork he needed to marry his Turkish fiancee, but never came out. Merkel conditioned resumption in military cooperation on providing more convincing evidences to Khashoggis death after Riyadh claimed that the critic died in a brawl inside the consulate. Harald Jaekel, head of the shipyard said in a statement Luerssen has suspended and cut down working hours of the 300 personnel working on the project as direct effect of the ban, Reuters reports. It is unclear when the construction will resume as the kingdom has not provided further evidences about the journalists death. Riyadh however concurred with Turkish authorities saying that Khashoggis death was premeditated. The uncertainty over future authorizations made production planning impossible, the company added, saying that suspending production was the only way to minimize the resulting risk, Reuters reports. Saudi Arabia is one of German defense industrys top clients. The kingdom has so far this year received approval for the importation of German military equipment worth 400 million. news, latest-news Our pick of what to do in Canberra this weekend. DAY OF THE DEAD Embrace the Mexican tradition of Dia De Muertos right in the bush capital. The line-up of local acts as well as performers from Melbourne, Sydney, Peru and Colombia will bring a mixture of funk, reggae and samba music plus folk dance and capoeira. There will also be a craft and food market, plus face-painting for all. An after-party at Smith's Alternative will kick on from 11.30pm. Ainslie Arts Centre. Saturday, 2-11pm. Tickets via Eventbrite. $19-$38 31 DAYS IN... The Kiwi-Australian duo behind the 31 days in... art series will be exhibiting drawings from their past month in Canberra. Their art depicts Canberra classics such as Skyspace, the ACTION bus stops and the Belconnen owl, many of which were suggested by readers of The Canberra Times. Also showing are drawings from their recent adventure in Belgium. Embassy of Belgium, Yarralumla. Saturday, 11am-4.30pm. Free. SANTA ARRIVES While you might refuse to hear a single carol or set up the tree until December, think of the kids. Both Belconnen and Woden Westfield will kick off the silly season with a parade just for Santa. The usual suspects like Mrs Claus, Frosty the Snowman plus that red-nosed fella will be strutting their stuff and also delivering a special musical performance. Saturday 10am at Westfield Belconnen. Saturday 1pm at Westfield Woden. Free. SRI LANKA FESTIVALThis Saturday the Sri Lanka High Commission is hosting a festival full of arts, crafts, food and drink. Try something new or indulge in a tasty curry and roti at this culture-filled event. Sri Lanka High Commission, Yarralumla. Saturday 11am6pm. Free entry. COWBOYS ON SCREENTip your hat to some modern westerns with The National Film and Sound Archive's season of Lonesome Cowboys. Coming up this weekend is Australian crime thriller Mystery Road, followed by Goldstone and The Proposition screening throughout November. The National Film and Sound Archive, Acton. Saturday 1.30pm. Tickets via NFSA. $10. /images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/3faa096f-57aa-4c64-9176-a26bd1f77665/r0_189_3682_2269_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg news, latest-news This is what we know so far about what police have described as a lone wolf terror attack on Bourke Street, which brought Melbourne's CBD to a standstill. About 4.20pm, a car mounted the footpath of Bourke Street, near the corner of Swanston Street, and erupted in flames. The man got out of the vehicle and engaged with members of the public. Three men were stabbed and one died at the scene. Police arrived and the man punched one of them through a police car window. The two police officers began to engage with him as police flooded the scene. Witnesses could hear explosions caused by barbecue gas canisters in the ute. The man then produced a knife and lunged at the police officers. A bystander tried to assist police by ramming a shopping trolley between police and the suspect. The suspect is then shot by police in the chest and falls to the ground. He was taken to hospital under police guard in a critical condition and later died. One of the injured victims has a neck injury and is in a suspected critical condition, while another has a head injury, according to Ambulance Victoria. Police have said it was a lone-wolf terror attack. The man was known to police through relatives with terror links. He was originally from Somalia and police said arrived in Australia in the 1990s. The area was evacuated and the city's warning system used for the first time. Police said Bourke Street between Russell and Swanston streets would remain closed until about 8am on Saturday. There will be increased police presence in the CBD and at sporting events and gatherings over the weekend, including the racing at Flemington and Remembrance Sunday ceremonies. Counter terrorism police are investigating. It is normal for people to have strong emotional or physical reactions following a distressing or frightening event. People can seek help and advice by visiting your local doctor or calling Lifeline 13 11 14, GriefLine 1300 845 745, or beyondblue 1300 224 636. /images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/a288f68c-a557-4612-8fcb-67a97706a89a/r0_526_1125_1162_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg news, act-politics Changes to the ACTs discrimination laws fall short of protecting the LGBTI community from religious discrimination in hospitals and aged care facilities, analysis from the Public Interest Advocacy Centre indicates. ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr and Justice Minister Shane Rattenbury introduced a bill to strengthen protections for students and staff in religious schools last week. Under the draft legislation, Canberra's schools will still be able to discriminate on the basis of their religion so long as they publish a policy proclaiming they plan to so do first. Public Interest Advocacy Centre chief executive Jonathon Hunyor said while the amendments did a good job balancing religious freedom with the right of students and employees of religious schools to live free of discrimination on the basis of sexuality or gender identity, there was room for improvement. These amendments dont go as far as they could to protect LGBTI people from discrimination by religious organisations, but they are a good start. They should be welcomed as another step forward in the protection of the human rights of people in the ACT, Mr Hunyor said. However, the bill falls short of protecting the LGBTI community from discrimination by religious organisations in other contexts like community services, including hospitals and aged care facilities. Unlike the Tasmanian Act, the ACT bill only applies to religious schools. This is a big omission that means big religious service providers will continue to be allowed to discriminate against LGBTI Canberrans outside of educational institutions. However Mr Hunyor said the bill represented a major step forward in protecting LGBTI students and staff in religious schools against discrimination and offers a possible model for the Commonwealth Parliament to consider as it addresses the same challenges in coming weeks. An ACT government spokeswoman said discrimination protections in other religious settings would be looked at next year. "The Discrimination Amendment Bill was developed to address a particular issue of public concern regarding exceptions that could potentially allow discrimination on the grounds of sexuality and relationship status in the context of religious education. It was important to act quickly to reassure the community that discrimination on this basis is not consistent with our progressive and inclusive values and will not be permitted in our ACT schools," she said. However Christian Schools Australia executive policy officer Mark Spencer hit out at the lack of consultation with religious schools and the "intemperate" language from the chief minister when speaking about the bill. Mr Spencer was also concerned about the "unnecessary rush" in introducing the bill, given "the clear evidence that there is no genuine problem, only a contrived and confected crisis" and the ongoing Commonwealth consideration of these issues. "[There's a] need to provide greater certainty around the ability of religious schools to continue to teach a Christian view of sexuality and sexual conduct and enforce general behavioural standards on those and other issues consistent with our faith," Mr Spencer said. "Comments in the explanatory statement to this effect have little value and need to be strengthened by the inclusion of examples in the legislation itself." Mr Spencer also said there was a need to include further criteria for determination of reasonable indirect discrimination along the lines of the Commonwealth proposals, in the context of religious schools. However the government spokeswoman said the bill gave "appropriate weight" to religious freedom while improving protections for children and young people. "The bill respects the right of religious schools to discriminate in employment on the grounds of the religious conviction of the teacher or staff member, provided that this approach is made clear to employees and prospective employees in publicly available policies," she said. "However, under the new law, a religious school would not be entitled to treat a staff member unfavourably because of their sexuality or other protected attributes." /images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/2a1bac4b-15f8-4977-bfc1-947c8f255a7d/r0_192_3834_2358_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg Two top officials of the international press rights group, the Committee to Protect Journalists, CPJ, have been arrested in Tanzania on Wednesday, the United States based organization said. Angela Quintal CPJs Africa program coordinator, and Muthoki Mumo its sub-Saharan Africa representative were detained in their hotel rooms by Tanzanias Immigration authority. We are concerned for the safety of our colleagues Angela Quintal and Muthoki Mumo, who were detained while legally visiting Tanzania, said Joel Simon, CPJs executive director. The two CPJ officials were in the East African nation on a reporting mission for CPJ, the body said in a statement. According to the groups statement, the pairs belongings were searched and their passports seized before being escorted from the hotel to an unknown location. The two were released in the early hours of Thursday but without their passports. Through parliamentary legislation in March 2018, the John Magufuli-led administration of Tanzania passed the Electronic and Postal Communications (Online Content) Regulations Act, which would seek control over the Internet, social media and the content shared therein. This was met with a lot of criticism and opposition from CPJ. Quintal, the former Mail & Guardian editor and her organization argued that the disputed law contains provisions, which deny, infringe and threaten freedom of expression, media and persons besides the right to privacy, property and a fair hearing. 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. West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (WBSEDCL) has released an employment notification calling out aspirants to apply for the posts of Assistant Managers and Junior Executive. Those interested can check out the eligibility, salary scale, how to apply and the complete details of the government job here. The selection process comprises a written test, computer proficiency test and a personal interview. Selected candidates can earn up to INR 45,000 per month. The last date to apply for this government job is 26 November 2018. BEL Recruitment 2018: Engineer And Company Secretary Posts Available Under Defence Ministry WBSEDCL Recruitment 2018 Vacancy Details CRITERIA DETAILS Name Of The Posts Assistant Manager and Junior Executive Organisation Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited Educational Qualification: Graduate degree in any discipline for Junior Executive and MBA for Assistant Manager Experience Desirable Skills Required Managerial skills Job Location West Bengal Salary Scale INR 15,000 to INR 45,000 per month Industry Electricity Application Start Date November 3, 2018 Application End Date November 26, 2018 Age Limit: 18 to 27 years Also Read: DMRC Recruitment 2018: Apply For General Manager's Job And Earn Up To INR 67,000 How To Apply For WBSEDCL Recruitment 2018 In order to apply for WBSEDCL Recruitment 2018, follow these steps: Step 1 Log on to the WBSEDCL official website. Step 2 Click on the Career tab at the bottom of the page. Step 3 The list of notifications will open. Step 4 Click on the application link against the text that reads, Departmental Circular - Recruitment for the Post of Assistant Manager (HR&A), Assistant Manager(F&A) & Junior Executive (Finance) under WBSEDCL - Notification No. MPP/2018/04. Step 5 Click Apply Now. Step 6 Read the declaration and click on the checkbox to accept. Step 7 Click Proceed. Step 8 The registration form will open. Enter your details in the fields provided. Step 9 Click Submit and complete the registration process. Step 10 Login using your credentials and complete the application process. Follow the link - https://www.wbsedcl.in/irj/go/km/docs/internet/new_website/pdf/Careers/F&A_HR&A_Finance_MPP-2018-04.pdf to read the detailed official notification. Step 1 Log on to the BEL official website. Step 2 Hover over the Careers tab on the home page. Step 3 Select Recruitment - Advertisements. Step 4 The list of notifications will be displayed on the screen. Step 5 Click on the application form link against BEL-THALES Systems Limited requires experienced & competent Engineers and Company Secretary for a period of 5 Years, on fixed term contract basis. Step 6 The application form will open. Step 7 Take a printout of the application form. Step 1 Log on to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Limited official website. Step 2 Click the CAREERS tab on the home page. Step 3 Read the public notice from the pop-up menu and close it. Step 4 The list of notifications will be displayed on the screen. Step 5 Click on the link that reads, Requirement of General Manager (Signal & Telecom)(Deputation-7). Step 6 The detailed advertisement will open. Read the details carefully. Step 7 Scroll down to the bottom to find the application form. Step 8 Take a printout of it. Georgia to Tighten Labor Inspection Regulations By Tea Mariamidze The Parliament of Georgia is holding hearings over the amendments to the Labor Safety law, which tightens regulations of labor inspection.The draft law aims at defining the main requirements of labor safety and general principles of preventive measures at the workplace.The legislative initiative envisages the creation and operation of a system of effective and working mechanisms of enforcement and inspection.The mandate of the labor inspectorate is extended and, according to the draft law, the supervisory body is authorized to check any workspace covered by the inspectorate mandate without prior warning at any time of day or night.Under the current law, the requirements of the law only covered 11 areas of severe, harmful and dangerous jobs and the regulations did not affect other fields of the work. However, the new version will cover all kinds of jobs.Also, under the new amendments, the labor inspectorate does not require advance court permission and is authorized, without prior notice, to check any workspace subject to inspection, at any time of day or night, inspect, examine and check the workspace, which is necessary to ensure effective implementation and application of labor safety norms.The current law reads that an employee has the right to receive compensation for injuries received at the workplace in accordance with the procedures established by the law, but after the amendments are adopted, an employee has the right to receive compensation for injuries received at the workplace, including injuries resulting from occupational disease.In addition to this, if today prevention of the work of the supervisory body can result in a warning or a fine in the amount up to GEL 200, the new version reads that preventing the supervisory body to carry out inspection will result in a fine in the amount of up to GEL 4,000 for an individual and up to GEL 14,000 for a person registered as a VAT taxpayer. The amount of the fine is linked to the income received during the previous calendar year and to the total amount of operations taxable under VAT.If the changes are adopted, the new regulations will enter into force on September 1, 2019. A wildfire in Northern Californias Sierra Nevada foothills continued to rage Friday as dry, gusty winds have left much of the state at risk. Californias largest utility, PG&E Corp., fell the most in 10 months. The blaze near the city of Chico, 150 miles (240 kilometers) northeast of San Francisco, has left about 24,000 homes and businesses without power, according to PG&Es website. Residents in several towns were evacuated. The National Weather Service warns flames will spread rapidly as high pressure across the region has parched the air and fueled gusts of up to 65 miles per hour. The foothills fire had grown to 20,000 acres Thursday, up from 5,000 earlier in the day. Two fires are also burning in Ventura County, just north of Los Angeles, consuming about 12,000 acres, and causing residents there to flee the flames. More than 25,000 homes and businesses are without power in the region, according to Edison Internationals Southern California Edison utility. More than 75,000 homes are under evacuations orders in the area, according to local media reports. PG&E shares fell as much as 9.3 percent, to $43.34, the most intraday since Dec. 21. The utility is still struggling to cope with losses from last years deadly fires that could cost it as much as $17.3 billion in liabilities, according to a JPMorgan Chase & Co. estimate. Investors are waiting on the states investigation into the Tubbs fire, the deadliest of the 2017 wine country fires. Copyright 2021 Bloomberg. Photo: Library and Archives Canada The casualty record for Pt. George Lawrence Price Moments before the armistice ending the First World War took effect on Nov. 11, 1918, a sniper's bullet sliced the morning air. It struck a Canadian soldier in the chest as he emerged from the doorway of a house in a small Belgian village. Pt. George Lawrence Price died minutes later at 10:58 a.m. a mere two minutes before hostilities ceased. He became the last British Empire soldier to die in a war that claimed millions of lives, including nearly 67,000 Canadians and Newfoundlanders. It's unclear whether the 25-year-old was aware the war was so close to being over when he and five other members of 'A' Company, the 28th Battalion of the Saskatchewan North West Regiment, decided on their own to search a series of houses for Germans in Ville-Sur-Haine, east of Mons. "They had heard rumours for months that maybe the war was going to come to an end, but if you are a soldier on the front lines you tend to take that stuff with a grain of salt," said Ken Hynes, curator of the Army Museum Halifax Citadel. Price was posthumously awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. He is interred in a cemetery in Belgium not far from the war's first British Empire casualty, Pt. John Parr of the 4th Battalion Middlesex Regiment. Price's story has remained ingrained in the lore of succeeding generations of his surviving family, according to his niece, Beverly McLean, of Kentville, N.S. "My mom was his second youngest sister and from the time I was a little girl that's all I heard was about Uncle George," McLean said following the recent premiere in Halifax of a short documentary film about Price. Price, a native of Falmouth, now Port Williams, N.S., was working as a labourer in Moose Jaw, Sask., when he was conscripted on Oct. 15, 1917. He fought in the Battle of Amiens, the Battle of Cambrai and the Pursuit to Mons, and was gassed in the Canal-du-Nord area on Sept. 8, 1918. Upon his discharge from hospital, he returned to his unit on Sept. 26 and was on the line in Canal-du-Centre when he took part in the final action that led to his death. According to unit records, Price and his comrades crossed the canal to check on houses that appeared to be the site of a German machine gun post. They rushed one house and found only the owner and his family after the Germans ran out the back door. A second house was checked, and as Price stepped back into the street he suddenly slumped into the arms of Pt. Art Goodmurphy. He was dragged back into the house where attempts to save him proved futile. A poll revealed some 10 million Pakistanis would be willing to murder Asia Bibi, a Christian, either for her 'blasphemy' or for offered payment. Asia Bibi Nothing short of an international effort will save the life of Asia Bibi, who faces mortal danger now that Pakistan's supreme court has acquitted her of the blasphemy charges that kept her on death row for eight years. The state will not execute her, but the mob will. Perhaps the world's most prominent religious liberty case, Bibi's troubles began in 2009 when she was accused of insulting Muhammad. Bibi worked as a farmhand, and the charge grew out of dispute when her fellow farmhands objected to her drinking from a common water supply, because she was Christian and they were Muslim. A mob threatened her then, from which she was rescued by the police, only to be charged with "blasphemy" against Islam. She was convicted in 2010 and sentenced to death. Pakistan's blasphemy law prescribes death by hanging for those convicted. No one has ever been executed under the law, as it causes grave embarrassment for Pakistan's government in international relations. However, Christians charged under the law often spend years in prison or are subject to mob "justice." Salmaan Taseer, the Muslim governor of Punjab, spoke out against the blasphemy law in 2010 and petitioned for a pardon for Asia Bibi. He was assassinated in January 2011 by his own bodyguard, riddled with 27 bullets from an assault rifle. His murderer was executed for the crime in 2016. Two months later, Shahbaz Bhatti, a Catholic and Minister for Minority Affairs in the Pakistani national government, was also assassinated by Islamist extremists for taking up Bibi's case. His killers have not been brought to justice. The Catholic Church has opened a formal "cause" to investigate whether Bhatti might be declared a martyr and canonized a saint. Bibi's case has been winding its way through the Pakistani justice system and the court of international opinion. It reached the supreme court, only to be delayed when a justice likely fearing for his own life recused himself. Yet last week, in an act of supreme courage, the Pakistan Supreme Court threw out the blasphemy conviction, dismissing as "nothing short of concoction incarnate." The ever combustible "Islamic street" inflamed itself immediately, with mass protests calling for Bibi's death, even if by extra-judicial means, i.e. the bloodthirsty mob. Bibi's lawyer, Saiful Malook, fled the country after the acquittal due to death threats against him and his family. A national poll revealed that some 10 million Pakistanis would be willing to kill Bibi themselves, either for the "blasphemy" or the money offered for doing so. One Pakistani mullah has offered a large cash reward to anyone who kills Bibi on the street or in detention. Bibi was released on Thursday after being flown to the Pakistani capital overnight from her detention facility in southern Punjab. Her whereabouts in Islamabad remains a closely guarded secret. Since her acquittal, fundamentalist groups have filled the streets with protests, prompting the government to make a deal to end them: Bibi's acquittal would be "reviewed" by the supreme court and she would be added to the list of people not permitted to leave the country. The review will likely not change anything, as the court just ruled last week. The entire Christian world is watching. But if Bibi is not permitted to leave Pakistan, her acquittal means that she has gone from death row to "life" row apparently permanent protective custody. So what will happen to Bibi? We know from Taseer and Bhatti that Pakistan cannot protect even its senior government officials from Islamist violence. The only hope is for Bibi and her family is to leave Pakistan and live in seclusion somewhere else, hoping that the religious hatreds in Pakistan will not hunt her down abroad. Bibi's husband has publicly and urgently begged for the EU, Britain, Canada and the United States to grant them asylum. The Pakistan government needs to find a diplomatic way to get Bibi out of Pakistan, for the entire Christian world is watching. How that will be accomplished remains to be seen. If American special forces could get into Pakistan to kill Osama bin Laden against the wishes of the Pakistani government, surely it should be possible to get Asia Bibi out with the co-operation of the Pakistani government. In 2011, just weeks before his assassination, Shahbaz Bhatti met Stephen Harper in Ottawa. The prime minister offered him refuge in Canada, knowing that his life was in mortal danger at home. Bhatti was grateful but declined, choosing to go back home to his likely death. I would expect that the Canadian High Commissioner in Islamabad has already been instructed to offer the Pakistani government safe passage and immediate asylum in Canada for Bibi, her family and her lawyers. She is in desperate need. It would be an honour for Canada to grant her safety and liberty. After saying goodbye to FantasticAnd Thaddeus Schmidt He is on vacation with his wife. The journalist took advantage of the... Freedom House: Georgias Score in Internet Freedom Ranking Has Worsened On November 1st, Freedom House published an annual report on Internet freedom around the world. Georgia obtained a score of 25 out of 100 and was assessed as Free in terms of Internet freedom. The countrys score worsened by 1 point compared to 2017.The following facts are highlighted among key developments that happened between June 2017 and May 2018:- Amendments made to the Constitution of Georgia, according to which, free access to and use of the Internet was recognized as a fundamental right. The report notes that these changes were submitted to the Constitutional Commission by a local organization, Institute for Development of Freedom of Information (IDFI).- Establishment of an e-petition platform www.ichange.gov.ge by the government, through which citizens are able to create a petition and, in case a sufficient number of signatures is gathered, the Georgian government is obligated to provide responses to citizen petitions and make them publicly available on the platform.- The case of the arrest of rapper duo Birja Mafia by the police on charges of illegal purchase and possession of an excess amount of drugs. As the accused men and their supporters argued, the charges were fabricated, and the arrest could be connected to a video they posted on Youtube mocking the police. Following mass demonstration protesting the arrests, rappers were released on bail. Later, as the investigative media organization Studio Monitor reported, the police were not held responsible for allegedly falsifying evidence.- The May 2018 Tbilisi City Court decision, which fined a condom producing company AIISA GEL 500 citing offending religious feelings and ordered to stop selling and marketing the products, including Facebook advertisements.- The case of a May 2019 kidnapping of an Azerbaijani journalist Afgan Mukhtarli from Tbilisi. According to the report, despite official denials, there are suspicions that Georgias security services were involved in the kidnapping.With regard to the issues of accessibility and the state of Internet freedom, the report states that Internet penetration and its usage continues to grow in Georgia. Also, there are few indications of censorship or online content manipulation. Georgian activists freely use social media tools to disseminate information, organize themselves and hold online campaigns.As far as online media content is concerned, according to the report, the Georgian media landscape is becoming diverse, however, the proliferation of unbiased and unreliable media content, especially anti-Western propaganda, was observed.Freedom House focuses on the issue of surveillance and overviews the latest developments in this regard. In particular, the report discusses the functions of a newly established entity called the Operative Technical Agency (OTA) under the State Security Service. It also mentions public concerns about OTAs power to have direct access to telecommunications data, to compel ISPs to cooperate with investigations and fine them for non-compliance.Evaluation of each country includes a detailed narrative report and a numerical score based on three categories: an obstacle to access, limits on content and violations of user rights. The 2018 report covers the period between June 2017 and May 2018. A Midland woman is in mourning after her fiance passed away from injuries sustained in a car accident, just 10 days after they became engaged. The accident happened on October 28th in Winkler County, on Highway 302 near mile marker 232. Chad Hicks moved to Midland less than a month and a half ago for a position with an oil company, when a proposition in Colorado threatened the industry. His girlfriend, Caitlin Utley, moved with him. Then, weeks later, tragedy struck and their worlds went dark. Im just in shock, cause, we just moved here, you know. And we were trying to better our lives. And he was I mean the most selfless person on the planet, she said. And their two lives were set to become one. Chad Hicks and Caitlin Utley became engaged just 10 days before the accident that claimed his life. He stopped for fuel nine miles west of here, and texted me and said that he loved me. And thats the last time that I heard from him, she said. Driving around a turn at dusk, his F350 and an 18-wheeler collided, launching his car hundreds of feet. Utley said 20 minutes went by before an onlooker called 911. Hicks was airlifted to a Lubbock hospital, where he passed away after a seven hour surgery. It is heartache that has permanently torn them apart, but also initially drew them together. The couple met around the time the father of Utley's children passed away. I had met Chad after my own tragedy, and he kind of brought me back to life. And I felt like he was put on this earth for me specifically for me, she said. Utley said Hicks was a light in her life, and in the lives of her two children. He wasnt the step dad. From day one, they called him dad. And you know, we never asked them to. He said they just lit up his life, she said. Their love story doesnt have a happy ending. But Utley hopes her fiances story makes an impact on others. Please, if you come up on an accident, call 911, even if other people have called 911. Because Chad was there for 20 minutes and that could have potentially saved him, she said. And the things that are getting Utley through her tragic loss, are family, faith, memories and the few items her fiance treasured most. As Im walking over here, I found his hat. And right here, where they found Chad, I found his Bible. And it was opened to Proverbs, she said. Utley honored her fiance by placing a cross at the accident site Thursday afternoon. The metal cross was welded from parts of his truck. Tim Harris used his time and skill to make the special marker. The marker has a United States Navy Emblem, representing the sacrifice he made serving our country. Utley is asking for anyone who saw the accident to come forward, and report that information to police. A has been set up for Hicks medical expenses. Utley also spoke about her thankfulness for the woman who reported the accident and comforted her fiance. If it werent for the angel that showed up and comforted him until the helicopter arrived, you know, I didnt want him to leave the world this way, she said. Chad Hicks' funeral will be on November 14th, at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colorado. Loma Negra reports 47% 3Q revenue growth ICR Newsroom By 09 November 2018 Argentina-based Loma Negra has posted a net revenue of ARS6.131m (US$192m), up 47.2 per cent YoY in the third quarter of 2018. The company has attributed the increase to growth in its cement, masonry and lime business in Paraguay and its concrete operations in Argentina. In Argentina the companys cement, masonry and lime reported a 41.5 per cent increase in net revenues due to a favourable pricing environment. In terms of consolidated adjusted EBITDA, gains of 69 per cent were made YoY to ARS1.699m, mainly due to a 69.3 per cent rise in adjusted EBITDA in the Argentine cement, masonry and lime business with further supported from the similar division in Paraguay and concrete operations in Argentina. The consolidated adjusted EBITDA margin expanded by 357 basis points YoY to 27.7 per cent while for the Argentine cement, masonry and lime segment EBITDA margin growth reached 492 basis points to 30 per cent. Commenting on the financial and operating performance for the third quarter of 2018, Loma Negras CEO, Sergio Faifman, noted: "The Company reported a solid performance in the quarter. Specifically, our core Argentine Cement business, delivered both revenue growth and Adjusted EBITDA margin expansion notwithstanding the challenging macro backdrop in the country in which our volume declined at a mid single-digit pace year-on-year in line with overall industry performance. Our concrete operations also showed strong results, reaching record high levels for a quarter." "Supported by the good performance in our core Cement businesses in Argentina and Paraguay, as well as in our Concrete business, consolidated Adjusted EBITDA margin increased by nearly 360 basis points year-on-year and approximately 350 basis points compared to 2Q18." Published under Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus A.Dapkiunas takes part in the Belarusian-Chinese business forum in Shanghai 08-11-2018 On November 7, 2018 the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, Andrei Dapkiunas, took part in the Belarusian-Chinese business forum in Shanghai, organized as a part of the First China International Import Exhibition. His statement was dedicated to the dynamics of bilateral trade and economic cooperation between Belarus and China in the context of the need to correct the existing trade imbalance. A.Dapkiunas noted that despite the steady growth in the volume of bilateral trade, the share of Belarusian exports in it remains less than the supply of Chinese goods to Belarus. The Deputy Minister identified the correction of this imbalance as one of the most important issue in the context of developing and improving the quality of the Belarusian-Chinese cooperation and identified new growth factors that can help solve this problem. The Belarusian diplomat drew the attention of the forum participants to the active work of Belarusian agricultural producers in increasing supplies of high-quality Belarusian food to China, which have increased 5 times since the beginning of 2018. A.Dapkiunas noted a balanced structure of bilateral trade in services (trade in services makes up 1/5 of the total trade turnover between the two countries), as well as a great potential for cooperation in the field of education and tourism. The Deputy Minister noted that Belarus has special hopes on the growth of exports to China through the active development of direct links between the regions of Belarus and China. A.Dapkiunas called the transition from credit cooperation in the implementation of projects involving tied crediting to investment cooperation through the growth of the inflow of direct investment from China into the economy of Belarus as an important factor in correcting the imbalance in bilateral trade. During the visit to the research center of the Huawei corporation in the free economic zone of Shanghai, A.Dapkiunas met with the president of Huawei Technologies for global government relations, Victor Zhang. During the meeting, the interlocutors discussed prospects for the development of cooperation between Belarus and Huawei Corporation, which is one of the world's largest producers of information and communication products. The Deputy Minister noted exceptional opportunities for high-tech business in Belarus, including in terms of using the possibilities of mobile communication of a new generation in urban economy, medicine, education and the implementation of advanced solutions within the concept of smart home smart city smart society. A.Dapkiunas urged the leadership of the Huawei corporation to supplement research works and the sale of finished products in Belarus by using the unique advantages of Belarus and the Chinese-Belarusian industrial park Great Stone to organize the production activities of the Huawei corporation in Belarus. print version Dr. Jose Ruiz, assistant professor of music business at Lee University, has been nominated for a 2018 Suncoast Regional EMMY Award. Dr. Ruiz collaborated with director Mateo Vengoechea on Art Vessel, which was nominated in the Best Cultural Documentary category. The film was produced by MVProductions and is set in Florida. As Miami grows as an art hub, we put ourselves smack dab in the middle of this movement by interviewing and portraying both up-and-coming and established artists in the Miami scene, Dr. Ruiz said. With interviews from nationally known artist-entrepreneur Gabriel Gimenez to New York fashion visionary Jeff Staple, Art Vessel looks to put the right eye on Miami art with a visit to Miami's Art Basel, its murals, and some of New York's best street art. Dr. Ruiz served as a saxophonist for the films score as well as a co-producer for some of the musical content in the project. He had previously worked with MVProductions on two other documentaries before Art Vessel. Its an honor to be associated with this team of hard-working media professionals, Dr. Ruiz said. Im elated to have contributed to the musical aspects of this documentary." When asked about his passion for teaching music technology, Dr. Ruiz said, "It's a joy to be able to teach students how to score visual media and train them up to a level in which we can collaborate in many industry-level projects. We have so many gifted students here at Lee University." Dr. Ruiz also worked with long-time collaborator Eduardo Jaramillo, who served as the principal film scorer for the documentary. The two had previously released I Make You Want To Move, a collaborative album that garnered their first Latin GRAMMY Award nomination for Best Latin Jazz/Jazz Album. Dr. Ruiz joined Lees faculty in 2016 as an assistant professor of music business and teaches courses on music business, music technology, applied lessons for electric bass, and directs one of the small jazz ensembles. He is the recipient of two Latin GRAMMY Award Nominations, has served as a film scorer for Hayden5Media, and currently serves as strategic communications director for Trevor James Flutes and Saxophones UK Co. He has performed at esteemed venues such as Carnegie Hall and Tanglewood. He is a TEDx presenter, 49-time DownBeat Student Music Award recipient, 2018 Global Music Award winner, and a 2017 Gold Medal Parents Choice Award winner. The Suncoast Chapter of The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences is a nonprofit Florida corporation dedicated to excellence in television. It offers annual EMMY Awards called The Suncoast EMMY Awards to television markets in the entire state of Florida; Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, and New Orleans, Louisiana; Mobile, Alabama; Thomasville, Georgia; and Puerto Rico. To learn more about the Suncoast EMMY Awards, go to https://suncoastchapter.org/awards. Thank you, those two words seem inadequate after Tuesdays election. I want to express my heartfelt thanks to the voters of District 30. I am humbled that you have put your trust in me to represent you in Nashville. I am honored to have earned your confidence. I will be the plain-spoken voice of the people in Nashville. It has been wonderful and encouraging to meet so many new people throughout the district. The support I felt on Election Day was incredible and I owe it all to you, the voters. As I said from the start of this race last year, my passion is people not politics. I will work tirelessly on your behalf to secure lasting and meaningful improvements in your quality of life. My message throughout this election cycle has been to reduce healthcare costs, improving our public schools, improving vocational education opportunities and continuing to develop a business environment for more and better jobs. I would not be your next representative without my family, church family and my many, many friends. To my children Lee, Lisa, Kip and my mother, you are my heart, I love you. To my campaign team, you kept me focused and grounded, thank you for believing in me and working so hard on my behalf. To Joda Thongnopnua, best wishes on your future endeavors. If I can be of assistance or help, please let me know. In closing, I look forward to working for you the citizens of District 30. Once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Esther Helton Bradley County Sheriff Steve Lawson announced the formation of a new team to assess and manage potential threats to school safety. The purpose of the School Threat Assessment Team is to establish behavioral threat assessment and management processes, including the assessment of risk factors and warning signs while identifying concerning behavior, assessing potential threats of violence involving weapons or threats of serious bodily injury, with follow up investigations and interventions designed to prevent or mitigate school violence before it occurs. Additionally, the team will seek to identify potential student threats to commit violent acts, determine the seriousness of the threat, and develop a plan of intervention that will protect potential victims from harm. Sheriff Lawson said, "During the campaign, I made school safety a priority. I maintain that we cannot sit back and be reactive when it comes to the safety of our children, teachers, and administrators. We must be proactive. This team is being put in place to do just that." The team will present a multi-disciplinary approach with representatives from the school system, mental health professionals, school resource officers, other law enforcement investigative personnel, District Attorney Generals Office, juvenile court officials, and members of the community trained in threat assessment to ensure varying points of view are represented to fully assess every threat or potential threat to our schools, students, and faculty members. Linda Cash offered her support by saying, "The development of a multi-disciplinary relationship allows for consistent coordinated communication. Working together I believe allows for thorough risk assessment and instills another level of safety for our schools and community. This model strengthens connections for future efforts and allows for planning and strategies to be in place for all safety situations. I appreciate the cooperation of all agencies involved." The goals of this team could not be accomplished without support from the Bradley County School system. Dr.Linda Cash offered her support by saying, "The development of a multi-disciplinary relationship allows for consistent coordinated communication. Working together I believe allows for thorough risk assessment and instills another level of safety for our schools and community. This model strengthens connections for future efforts and allows for planning and strategies to be in place for all safety situations. I appreciate the cooperation of all agencies involved." Information on potential threats will be collected via the STOPIT app recently announced by the school system, calls to the Bradley County Sheriff's Office, and reports from school administrators. The team will have established protocols and procedures that will be followed for each assessment in order to allow for a thorough assessment of any potential threats. The team will meet whenever a threat to the schools has been communicated or a situation arises that should merit immediate attention. The team will also meet on a regular basis to engage in discussions with team members to ensure a thorough and comprehensive assessment has been made of any potential threats or assess concerning behavior involving students who may present a potential threat. District Attorney Steve Crump said, "Our office will devote all necessary resources, including assigning a senior prosecutor to the team, to give all support necessary to assist law enforcement carry out the critical mission of school safety. I am grateful to Sheriff Steve Lawson for assembling this team and taking another step in securing our schools." Members of the team Include: Detective Sergeant Kevin White (Team Leader) Bradley County Sheriffs Office Criminal Investigations Division Lieutenant Douglas Towne Bradley County Sheriffs Office School Resource Officers Supervisor Paul Moyle 10th Judicial District Attorney Generals Office Dr. Ben Biller Health Management Services Vickie Towne Bradley County Juvenile Director Tim Gobble Tennessee Board of Parole United States Secret Service (Retired) Former Bradley County Sheriff Trained in Threat Assessment Scotty Hernandez Bradley County Schools Director of Safety Barry Brakebill Special Agent Tennessee Bureau of Investigations (Retired) Trained in Threat Assessment Ruth Ann White Bradley County Schools Special Education Supervisor Captain John Stone (Support Team Member) Bradley County Sheriffs Office Criminal Investigations Division Captain Jon Collins (Support Team Member) Bradley County Sheriffs Office Patrol Services Division The County School Board on Thursday afternoon voted 6-3 to enter into a four-year contract with Teach For America to supply 15 teachers per year, many of which are slated for the Opportunity Zone Schools. In favor were Jenny Hill, Karitsa Mosley Jones, Kathy Lennon, Joe Smith, Tiffanie Robinson and Steve Highlander, who said he wants a quick review of how it is working out. Against were Rhonda Thurman, Tucker McClendon and Joe Wingate. Board attorney Scott Bennett said the school system can get out of the contract with a 30-day notice. The county school portion to cover administrative costs is $250,000 per year, but officials said that will be covered by state funds allotted by the Haslam administration. In addition, the group will work to secure $4 million in private funding. The first batch of teachers from Teach For America are due next school year. Keith Fogelman, who oversees county school hiring, said TFA "will be one part of the solution." He said he is also working with Project Inspire and The Chattanooga Fellows Great Teachers, Great Leaders program in the constant effort to hire and retain teachers. His office is also carrying out an expanded recruitment effort. There are curently five teacher vacancies in the Opportunity Zone, as well as other needs in other school slots. Board members had some sharp exchanges in discussion why it has been so difficult for years to hire and keep teachers in the low-performing schools. Ms. Thurman said one factor is that principals, teachers, crossing guards and bus drivers have been threatened by parents after their children were suspended. She said, "The parents won't show up even when you offer pizza and Coke. But they always show up when their child is suspended and sometimes threaten school personnel with bodily harm." She said unless that type problem is dealt with "we're just trying to fill a pocket with holes." Ms. Thurman also said that three teachers she felt were highly qualified and doing an excellent job in the Opportunity Zone got notices that they were not being retained. "She said, "They didn't even have bad evaluations. They were shocked. They had wanted to be there." Ms. Mosley Jones said, "Kids are sitting without teachers in pivotal classes" in the high priority schools. She said that children in the poorer schools also wonder why their facilities are inadequate and "why they didn't get a new track like Hixson did." Ms. Jones also said, "Zoning sucks in some of the schools. What are we going to do about that?" Defending the use of TFA teachers, she said, "If somebody wants to be in those schools, let's give them the opportunity." Mr. Smith said, "It takes a special kind of individual. It seems the risk for the county is pretty low and there is the possibility of some high returns. It may work. What we've got ain't working." Ms. Hill said, "It is 15 teachers. But if we can't get the little stuff done how will we ever be able to get to the big stuff." She added, "It will not solve it, but it will help." She bemoaned the fact that students at Brainerd High average 14.6 on the ACT. She said, "That's not OK. The county average is 20 and the minimum for acceptance at UTC is 18." Principal Rosalynda Odom, who worked with TFA teachers in Memphis, said, "I found them to be very hard working. They infused an excitement into the students and the schools." Supt. Bryan Johnson was in favor, saying, "We have some real gaps. We feel this is a strong strategy that fills a need." Teach For America teachers, known as corps members, will be eligible for open positions and will have the rights and benefits of other county teachers. To lead operations, Eric Dailey will serve as deputy executive director of Teach For America Nashville-Chattanooga. In this role, he will expand the footprint of Teach For America in Southeast Tennessee, it was stated. Most recently, he served as the national managing director of The Collective at Teach For America "supporting over 16,000 Teach For America alumni of color to lead, connect, and accelerate the work of ending educational inequity." Previously, Mr. Dailey spent three years as a public school principal in North Little Rock, Ark., serving 350 students. He began his career as a middle literacy teacher in the Mississippi Delta. Mr. Dailey received a bachelors of arts degree in political science from Rhodes College in Memphis and a masters of education in educational leadership from the Rossier School of Education at the University of Southern California. He said, Today is the beginning of a valuable partnership to support the work of district and community leaders in placing quality teachers in classrooms in Hamilton County Schools. I am looking forward to meeting and learning from students, teachers, leaders and others in Chattanooga as we collectively pursue greater opportunities for all students in our schools. Currently, Teach For America has school partnerships in Nashville and Memphis with more than 400 corps members and almost 1,300 alumni combined. For the eighth year in a row, the Tennessee State Report Card identified Teach For America teachers to be among the most effective teachers in the state, officials said. Teach For America "recruits top college graduates and career-changing professionals who make a commitment to teach for a minimum of two years in under-resourced public schools. From there, corps members continue a lifelong commitment to educational equity by continuing to work from within or outside of schools to shape the academic and personal growth of students." The East Ridge City Council on Thursday night approved the rezoning for a $27 million hotel and water park near Interstate 75. Roshan Amin, the CEO of Dynamic Group, told the council that his development group intends to invest $27 million in the hotel that will fly the Marriott flag. The project, which includes a 25,000 square-foot indoor water park, would generate $10 million a year in taxable revenue and spur new development in the city. A public hearing on the rezoning at 730 Frawley Road was held prior to the council voting on first reading of the ordinance. More than a dozen residence who may be affected by the rezoning were in attendance. However, only Jeff Ellis, who lives on a hill above the proposed project, addressed the council. Mr. Ellis had several requests of the developers that ranged from burying a small stretch of power line that dangles five-feet off the ground on the project site, to possibly installing turn lanes on Ringgold Road to facilitate traffic flow in the area. Mr. Ellis said that he was concerned about noise coming from the water park and opportunistic criminals breaking into cars at the facilities' parking lot. Tommy Massingale, who is working in conjunction with the Dynamic Group, told Mr. Ellis that the water park would be an indoor facility and that it was in the best interests of the business to keep noise levels low to accommodate hotel guests. He also said that in addition to the parking lot being monitored by surveillance cameras, it would be patrolled by a security guard. Vice Mayor Larry Sewell, who was running the meeting as Mayor Brent Lambert was absent, told Mr. Ellis and others in the audience that this ordinance simply rezoned the property. There would be additional opportunities, he said, for public input as the development moves forward. The vote to rezone was 3-0, as Councilwoman Esther Helton was also absent from the meeting. A second reading of the ordinance is required for the rezoning to be finalized. The developer planning a Marriott and a water park earlier said the Exit One LLC group was trying to kill the project. Mr. Amin, in remarks prepared for the council, said that the firm that was given a no-bid contract to develop land around Camp Jordan insisted on terms that made it unfeasible to build the project at that site. He said the group then found the location on Frawley Road, but he said he was advised that Exit One LLC was also opposing that. Mr. Amin said, "I was scheduled to speak to the City Council about the details of our project this evening - a Marriott hotel and indoor water park at Ringgold and Frawley Roads - which received zoning approval from the East Ridge Planning Commission a few weeks ago. In just the last two days, however, we have heard that members of the Exit One LLC development group are opposed to my project. In light of this, it seem my time should be spent defending our development team, instead of talking about the details of our project. "After we heard about the East Ridge/Exit One, LLC project from one of its members, both parties spent several months organizing a development agreement for the construction of a hotel on the Exit One LLC site. After months, both parties came to an agreement to develop a Marriott branded 88-room Towne Place Suites Hotel. "During the due diligence period, it became apparent that the $800,000 per acre price tag that the Exit One LLC members required was exorbitantly higher than any comparable real estate in the area. This issue was compounded by the terms of the purchase which was structured as a 99-year lease that would increase substantially in 2042 when the Border Region Tax Incentive expires. Additionally, and perhaps most egregiously, over the course of 12 months, Exit One LLC pushed our site location to the absolute rear the overall site, pushing our project much further from the interstate. "During this extended stalling period, we were able to flesh out some additional ideas to enhance our overall project by bringing an amusement and/or theme park to East Ridge. Our investors and development team loved the idea and we began to push hard for both projects at the Exit One LLC and Exit One II, LLC sites. "Unfortunately, as we continued to tweak our business plan and engage investors, it became clear that leasing a site at such an exorbitant price was no longer fiscally sound. In short, the lease term, increased construction cost, and the drawn out pre-development period rendered the project impossible. In addition, Exit One members had made it abundantly clear that a hotel was not on the top of their agenda, as it was on ours. "Since we had already made a commitment to Marriott to develop a Towne Place Suites, my partner in Atlas Land & Development, Tommy Massengale, found a new site at 730 Frawley Road, and we applied for a site change with Marriott, which is now approved. Marriott is supportive of the new location, an increase in the room count to 104 rooms, and the plan of an indoor water park adjacent to the hotel. We are back on track! "After the new project site was located, we worked hard as a show of good faith with the Exit One LLC members and offered to bring a different hotel, a Marriott FourPoints, to their site. The reality is that I wanted to bring a second new Marriott hotel to East Ridge. The newly re-branded Marriott FourPoint Hotels are absolutely stunning and feature a Lobby Bar, generating additional tax revenue and profit for the Exit One LLC members. However, this proposal was rejected. "Now I am hearing that they are opposing my project as it exists now. I want to say to the members of the City Council and the citizens of East Ridge that we are doing exactly what a good developer and a good steward to the community should do. We are Tennesseans and we choose to live, work and play in our community. We will create 100 permanent new jobs with this Hotel and Water Park. We will raise the bar for hotels in East Ridge and the entire East Ridge commerce market, which will encourage visitors of Camp Jordan and East Ridge to stay in East Ridge instead of going to Shallowford Road, Ringgold, or downtown Chattanooga to sleep. "We believe our project offers the City Council an opportunity to bring another big win to East Ridge by saying yes to a developer with a proven track record of delivering. Our project will bring $27 million of investment into the community, throw off $10 million in taxable gross revenue annually, increase property taxes received by the community and create new revenue for convenience stores, gas stations, restaurants, and small business as East Ridge continues to thrive, including the Border Region Tax Incentive to the City from the sales taxes received by the State of Tennessee. "We want to be in East Ridge. However, if the City Council bows to pressure from Exit One LLC members, and says no to our project, we will be forced to find site options outside of East Ridge. "We are the developers you want in your community. We have more plans to continue to grow East Ridge the right way. We take action and show results. If the City approves, we intend on commencing the Hotel construction in the summer of 2019 and starting the water park around the same time. The water park could lag about six months behind the hotel, but they are both scheduled to open in 2020. "We are excited about this opportunity and look forward to adding value to our community. We hope the members of the City Council see the value of what we are planning to do for East Ridge. Up to this point, we have been treated very fairly by the city of East Ridge and its officials. We ask that you consider our project based on the tremendous benefits it will bring to the city, to its people and to the other businesses here." The East Ridge City Council several years ago obtained idle land near Camp Jordan from TDOT for $130,000. That was transferred to Exit One LLC for the same amount paid by the city for the land, which now holds a Bass Pro Shop and other businesses. Exit One LLC includes Matt and Ethan Wood and John Healey. The council passed on first reading an ordinance to rezone the property at 6750 Ringgold Road to C-2 (general commercial) to allow for construction of the new home of Southern Honda Powersports. There was no discussion. The council passed a resolution to move forward with obtaining a loan and issuing bonds in the amount of $2.3 million. The money will be used for improvements to Camp Jordan Park. In regard to the city borrowing the money, Councilman Jacky Cagle asked City Attorney Mark Litchford about a state statute that allows citizens to potentially stop the city from taking on too much debt. City Attorney Litchford cited the statute which allows citizens to circulate a petition requiring 10 percent of the registered voters to sign it within 20 days of the city passing the measure. The petition would then go to the Hamilton County Election Commission and a special election would be held. If the majority of voters cast ballots against borrowing the money, it would stop the action of the city to issue the bonds. Councilman Cagle said in light of that information, he would vote in favor of the resolution. His fellow councilmen joined him in passing the measure. The council passed without discussion an ordinance that would permit the city to move forward with the construction of a new communications tower behind the Fire and Police Services Center. The Motorola communications tower would provide public safety officers in East Ridge better coverage on its radios. Cost of the tower is about $900,000. The council approved on final reading an ordinance that permits narrower lots in a subdivision being built in the 500 block of Frawley Road. The narrower lots will allow the developer, Bharati Desai, to build 40 additional homes in the subdivision. The council passes a resolution approving a bid by Talley Construction for road resurfacing. The city intends to resurface 18 streets in three phases, said Assistant City Manager Kenny Custer. The cost of the project is not to exceed $705,000. The Council took no action on a tabled resolution that would commit the city to building a field house at Raymond James Stadium at East Ridge High School. Mr. Custer told the council that football coach Tim James is looking at alternate designs for a multi-use building and is considering new fundraising efforts by the alumni association to help defray costs. The council said it anticipates revisiting the measure in February of 2019. A man federal authorities say was a major heroin supplier to Chattanooga, as well as Knoxville and Atlanta, told a federal jury on Thursday that he did not sell drugs. James Silas, 50, is charged with a single count of conspiracy to sell heroin in the trial before Judge Curtis Collier. Silas did tell the jury he was a close associate of Percy "Pooh" Richard, who earlier pleaded guilty in the case and got a 10-year sentence. He also said he knew Marlon Eberhardt, a Chattanooga drug dealer, who is also in federal prison serving a 10-year term. During a raid at Silas' home outside of Chicago, agents found photos showing him with Richard, Eberhardt and others charged in the drug conspiracy. Prosecutor Scott Winnie noted that Silas was situated in the middle of the photos. Some of those in the pictures were flashing gang signs, including Silas. He testified that he had gotten out of the gang earlier. Authorities said those in the conspiracy were involved in the Mafia and the Vice Lords. In one of the pictures, a man was wearing a shirt with "oso" on it. Silas agreed that referred to the last part of Mafioso. Agents during the search also found a listing of expensive items of jewelry that Silas had gotten appraised. Silas, in contrast to Richard, said he lived "in a small, three-bedroom rented house." He told of being on welfare and getting food stamps. Silas said he worked as a painter, but prosecutor Winnie said he was only able to produce five receipts for paint jobs. Silas told the jury he grew up in the same neighborhood as Richard in West Chicago. He said Richard was younger and was like a little brother to him. He said Richard had moved to Atlanta and opened a motorcycle shop. Under questioning, Silas said he was aware that Richard was also a drug dealer. He said he was with him in his car on one occasion when Richard reached under the seat for a bag, then took it to someone in another vehicle. Silas said when he visited Richard in Atlanta he stayed at his luxurious house. He said, "Pooh was doing really well. He was a big dog. I was proud of him." He said Richard also had several houses and apartments in Chicago. He said, "He put women up in some of the places. He had kids all over." Silas said Richard provided him with phones that were found during the search. He said on one of them "there were a lot of pictures of naked women and sex videos that I deleted." He denied every visiting Chattanooga, but said he had been to Knoxville. Silas also told the jury that the voice on the phone in secretly recorded conversations was not his. His step-father, a retired minister, also said it was not his voice. His attorney, Leslie Corey, said it was possible to "spoof" a phone. She had a voice expert who said the voice was likely not that of Silas. The judge did not allow that testimony to go before the jury. The prosecution earlier called several of those in the conspiracy who told of buying heroin from Silas. The witnesses referred to Silas as "P" or "Prince." Silas denied anyone had ever called him by those nicknames. Prosecutor Winnie said letters at his home addressed to him referred to him as "the Prince." Silas said he and his second wife were about to pull away from their home in separate vehicles when about 20 police officers and agents swooped in. He said, "My wife was crying and they were telling me I was going to spend the rest of my life in prison." The case goes to the jury on Tuesday. It was not only Georgia Governor Nathan Deal who would receive honors this month at the Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce Banquet. In paying tribute to the governor and his work towards preparing a more educated workforce, industry leaders decided to make the honor also extend to the future students of Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC), as well. In a resolution drafted in honor of Governor Deal, the first recognition of the Nathan Deal Scholarships for future Georgia Northwestern students was made. The program will offer selected applicants $2,500 scholarships in the initial years with plans to increase the award to $5,000 per winner. The president and CEO of the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) and Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) Board Member Joe Yarbrough presented the resolution to Governor Deal at the banquet. Mr. Yarbrough, a Rome, Ga., native, said this was about recognizing the governor for his dedication to technical education in Georgia. With the Governors term about to expire, we wanted to make sure we honored him for his commitment and service to training Georgias workforce, said Mr. Yarbrough. Leaders of the Carpet and Rug Institute made the decision to honor his legacy by creating this endowment from which scholarships will be awarded every year to students who will be attending Georgia Northwestern Technical College. In cooperation with the Community Foundation of Northwest Georgia, CRI hopes to select and award scholarships to students who qualify. The (Community) Foundation would screen applicants and CRI would select from the finalists, added Mr. Yarbrough. Of course, applicants would also have to meet GNTCs requirements. We are hoping to make a significant impact on as many students as possible. The requirements to qualify for the Nathan Deal Scholarships are still being drawn up. The scholarships will likely go towards those who will be employed in the flooring industry, said Georgia Northwestern Technical College President Pete McDonald. Of course, that industry offers many career opportunities. They have everything from business to industrial technology opportunities in Northwest Georgia. And, of course, the scholarships will be set up to benefit students in the GNTC service area. Community Foundation of Northwest Georgia President David Aft says Governor Deal has made Technical Education a priority in Georgia. He (Deal) is very aware of the pipeline from the classroom to the workforce, said Aft. He is turning that into a very powerful process. One that has such an impact on the people and businesses of the region. So, this scholarship created by the Carpet and Rug Institute, and named in his honor, is more than fitting. The CRI board of director members behind the creation of the Nathan Deal Scholarship program are Chairman of the Board Jim McCallum (Milliken Floor Covering Division), Vice Chairman of the Board Jack Ganley (Mannington Commercial Carpets), Treasurer David Repp (Mohawk Group), Marc Ammen (Universal Fibers), Vance Bell (Shaw Industries, Inc.), Mark Clayton (Phenix Mills), Len Ferro (Tandus Centiva), Daniel Frierson (The Dixie Group), Ralph Grogan (Bentley Mills, Inc.), Chip Howalt, (Textile Rubber and Chemical Company), Jeffrey Lorerbaum (Mohawk Industries, Inc.) Franco Rossi (Aquafil USA), and Robert Shaw (Engineered Floors, LLC). The Community Foundation of Northwest Georgia serves more than a dozen counties across the region, as well as reaches out to other counties in Georgia, as needed. We work diligently and passionately to help the families and organizations with their goals to be more philanthropic, added Mr. Aft. This endowment honoring Governor Deal is just one more great example of this. We are appreciative of what the Governor has done for us, added Mr. Yarbrough. And, we are appreciative of what GNTC has done with the expansion of the Whitfield Murray Campus of the college. One which includes the commitment of a new building opening next year. Governor Deal, GNTC President Pete McDonald, Yarbrough and Northwest Georgia business leaders and legislators broke ground on the 80,000-square foot facility set to open in 2019. A year ago, if you had asked CSCC Computer Information Technology student Nilou Hozouri about CSCCs CougarTech Repair Center, she would not have known what it was, but now she is gaining significant experience for a future career in I.T. by working there. Ms. Hozouri plays a key role at the center, assisting with both the accounting side as well as the repair side.The CougarTech Repair Center is located in Room 309 of the Career Education Building on the Cleveland State campus. It is a support center offering free assistance to the local community with a wide range of technical issues including:PC RepairViral RemovalWindows OS IssuesSetting up peripheral devicesSoftware and App ProblemsFile ManagementEmail SupportThis center is manned by student interns pursuing degrees in Computer Information Technology at CSCC.This service is completely free, but donations are always appreciated.Before finding out about the repair center, Ms. Hozouris family planned a trip to her home country of Iran. She took her computer with her to be fixed because the cost to fix computers there is significantly cheaper.Ms. Hozouri stated, I had no idea they did it here for free.She first found out about the center through Bob Uhl, associate professor of computer technology. She knew she wanted to do something with I.T. security, so she went to speak with Prof. Uhl, who explained the different programs to her.I started with very little background in computers, but the more time I spend in the shop, the more I learn and the more I have become interested in computers. The center has given me a lot more experience. Im more confident that Im in the right field now.Ms. Hozouri continued, Mr. Uhl is a great teacher who really wants his students to learn and succeed. He spends a lot of time in the shop, and if he sees someone who needs help he is so dedicated to help them, but it is a great feeling when I am able to fix issues by myself. Not a lot of schools have centers like this. Its definitely a unique experience to work here. I will be able to put this on my resume that I have this experience.The CougarTech Repair Center is open on Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. They do not take phones, tablets or any Apple products, only laptops and desktops. For more information on the CougarTech Repair Center, contact 423-473-2359 or email www.cougartech.org. The Tennessee Valley Authority released on Friday the names of the businesses who earned this years TVA Carbon Reduction Award for businesses served by local power companies. The new award recognizes businesses who had the lowest carbon emission rates in calendar year 2017 as well as companies with the largest year-over-year carbon emission improvement for 2016-2017. TVA cares about the environment and we want to recognize Valley businesses who share our commitment to improve air quality and the health of our communities, said Dan Pratt, TVA vice president of Customer Delivery. These businesses have not only lowered their own as-delivered carbon rates, but their actions have also helped to lower TVAs system carbon rate as a whole, which is good for all who live in the Valley. Pratt explains that TVA continues to provide its customers with a combination of price and carbon content, attracting capital investment to the Valley and powering a strong clean energy economy. The award recognizes TVAs partnership with those businesses who go above and beyond to make a significant difference in their carbon emissions each year. Businesses with low carbon footprints are assets to their communities because they have made a commitment to making a positive impact to improving the environment, Mr. Pratt said. This years recipients, and the LPC that serves them, are: Lowest Carbon Emissions Category Winners Archer Daniels Midland Company, Gallatin, Tn. (Memphis Light, Gas and Water Divisions) Florim USA, Inc., Clarksville, Tn. (Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation) Grupo Antolin Kentucky, Hopkinsville, Ky. (Pennyrile RECC) Insteel Wire Products, Gallatin, Tn. (Gallatin Department of Electricity) Metro Water Services, Nashville, Tn. (Nashville Electric Service) Mississippi State University, Starkville, Ms. (Starkville Utilities) Enbridge, Inc., Summer Shade, Ky. (Tri-County Electric Membership Corporation) Most Improved Carbon Emissions Category Winners CBC INGS America LLC, Muscle Shoals, Al. (Muscle Shoals Electric Board) ES Robbins Corporation, Muscle Shoals, Al. (Muscle Shoals Electric Board) Lhoist North America of Tennessee, Inc., Crab Orchard, Tn. (Volunteer Energy Cooperative) Magotteaux Inc., Pulaski, Tn. (Pulaski Electric System) Roxul USA, Inc., Byhalia, Ms. (Northcentral Mississippi Electric Power Association) Shaw Industries, Decatur, Tn. (Volunteer Energy Cooperative) Tennessee State University, Nashville, Tn. (Nashville Electric Service) The Pictsweet Company, Bells, Tn. (Gibson Electric Membership Cooperative) According to Mr. Pratt, TVA carbon dioxide emissions are down 47 percent and are on track to be about 60 percent below 2005 levels before 2020 that is about twice as much as the U.S. energy industry as a whole for the same time period. This performance has also helped make the regions air quality better now than when measurements began in the 1970s. We could not have achieved these reductions alone. It takes a team of TVA, local power companies and Valley industries who are committed to reduce carbon emissions, he said. Some 1,000 members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the greater Chattanooga area gathered for a conference on Christ. Held every May and November, the conference is held at the Stake Center (meetinghouse) at 3067 Ooltewah-Ringgold Road. The conference is always open to the public. Ester Helton of the East Ridge City Council, Tennessee State Senator Bo Watson, and Chancery Court Judge Pam Fleener attended Sunday services. The conference was conducted by John Griffey, president of the Chattanooga Stake. Talks centered on the Divinity of Jesus Christ, that Christ is The Lord, the true and living Son of the true and living God, and there is no other name given under heaven save it be Jesus Christwhereby man can be saved (2 Nephi 25:20). President Jim Barrott, second counselor in the Stake Presidency, spoke about how a marvelous work and wonder would go forth to all mankind to proclaim these glad tidings of great joy, as foretold by the prophet Isaiah (29:14). The good news includes the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ, complete with prophets and apostles, and the coming forth of the Book of Mormon which is another testament of Jesus Christ and a companion to the Holy Bible. Because of the restoration, President Barrott said, we have living prophets today. President Russell M. Nelson is a true prophet of God in our day. If we follow the prophet, he will lead us to Christ. President Brian Silvenis, first counselor in the Stake Presidency, spoke about the Savior waiting at the door. All we have to do is knock and invite Him into our lives. Our Redeemer will make all that is unfair in our lives whole again. President Silvenis referred to John 5 and the healing of a certain man at the waters of Bethesda. A certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up they bed, and walk. And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked. Jesus beckons, Come unto me all that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28). In 2nd Corinthians 5:17, we are taught, If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature. In Isaiah 1:18, The Lord says, Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. And, in Mark 5:25-34, we learn of the healing of a woman with an issue of blood. She had faith that Jesus could make her whole. She reached out and touched His garment. And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that virtue had gone out of Him, turned aboutand saidWho touched my clothes? Of course, the Savior already knew who had touched Him but this question created an opportunity for the woman to acknowledge her act of faith and the miracle of her healing. The Saviors response Daughter, thy faithhath made thee whole helped the woman and others present avoid the misconception that the miracle had resulted from any miraculous power in His garment itself (lds.org New Testament manual). The miracle came because the woman had faith in Christ, and followed Him. In turn, the Redeemer provided healing that only He can provide. Sister Tricia Haymore, whose husband serves in the Atlanta Temple Presidency, encouraged everyone to live worthy of the blessings of the temple. President Henry B. Eyring of The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said, Temples are a witness of our faith. Temples are sacred places, not secret places. In temples, families can be sealed together for time and all eternity, not just til death do us part. God has made it possible for us to be together forever. President Haymore re-emphasized this message by encouraging everyone to be a Christ-centered family. President Griffey reminded everyone of the upcoming Christmas devotional to be held on Dec. 8, at 7 p.m., also at 3067 Ooltewah-Ringgold Road. The public is invited to attend this special celebration of Christ. President Griffey told the congregation that The Lord knows what you are going through. If we follow The Lord, President Griffey said, The Lord will give us relief, blot out our transgressions and make us whole and complete. Lasting relief, as the late Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught, is available on conditions established by The Lord. Remember, the Savior is the center of everything, President Griffey said. Write the doctrine in the fleshy tablets of your heart because you love the Savior. Doctrine changes behavior more than the study of behavior changes behavior. President Griffey also encouraged the congregation to share the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ with everyone. As followers of Christ, we are obligated to extend refuge and hope to others, he said. Do your part to bring others to the SaviorThis great gathering in the last days will be the defining moment of the Latter-day Saints. President Griffey concluded the conference saying, I add my testimony that you have heard the truth. A newly-installed special viewfinder at Ruby Falls provides guests with the opportunity to witness the true colors of fall in the Tennessee Valley. Each year, a half-million guests from all over the world travel to Lookout Mountain to explore Ruby Falls, known for its underground waterfall and sweeping views of the Tennessee Valley. During autumn, the view is especially colorful with vibrant foliage dominating the landscape. However, until recently, those challenged with protanopia and protanomaly, also known as red-green color blindness, were unable to fully enjoy natures beautiful transition from deep green to striking red, yellow, and orange. The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development selected 12 of the most scenic overlooks in the state of Tennessee as partners to install special viewfinders outfitted with an innovative lens designed to enable people with color blindness to see a wider range of vibrant, true colors. Ruby Falls received one of the uniquely equipped viewfinders in time for peak fall foliage season. It is estimated that one in 12 men and one in 200 women have a congenital color vision deficiency. Hugh Morrow, Ruby Falls president said, Providing guests with color deficiencies the ability to enjoy the brilliant colors we are surrounded by each fall, is humbling and a remarkable opportunity. It is exhilarating to be a part of guests first-time true color experience. The new technology viewfinder is placed on Ruby Falls accessible Blue Heron Overlook. The Overlook was completed in June 2018 and has a deep view of the Tennessee Valley and distant mountain ranges. Equipped with Enchroma lenses, the innovative viewer is the only colorblind-less viewfinder located in Chattanooga. The technology of the special lenses alleviates red-green colorblindness in order to see a broader range of the vibrant picturesque foliage just as it appears to individuals with typical color vision. Access to the Blue Heron Overlook and viewer are included with Ruby Falls admission. The color blind-less viewfinders are positioned at 12 different locations all throughout the state of Tennessee. For more information on where to find the accessible lenses, visit www.tnvacation.com. I Am Hamilton begins a new phase of recognition for people making a difference for children with the first presentation of an I AM Hamilton T-shirt to Andrea Dyer, an ESOL teacher at The Howard School. Superintendent Dr. Bryan Johnson presented the shirt this morning. The shirt has the new district logo on the front with I AM Hamilton in large print on the back. Dr. Johnson recognized Ms. Dyer for her work with students from Guatemala in her ESOL class. She has taken three trips to Guatemala to meet the families of students, slept on the floor in their homes and cooked tamales with them during her visits. She has even taken her children with her on the trips and enrolled them in a Guatemalan school during the summer months so they would be able to experience the culture. I think it really helps me to know my students and where they come from so that I can more effectively teach them, Ms. Dyer said. If I know what they are going through it just helps me to be a better teacher. She legally adopted two students and both recently graduated high school at Howard.The efforts Ms. Dyer has gone to for her students is a shining example of the spirit that makes this a great school district, said Dr. Johnson. As we talk about being Hamilton, Ms. Dyer is certainly representative of the people working to make a difference for the children we serve each day. I am Hamilton spotlights the contributions of alumni, teachers, parents, students, support workers, and community members in providing opportunities for children in the classrooms of Hamilton County Schools. Better opportunities for children today mean a brighter future filled with possibilities for our graduates, their families, and the community. Anyone can nominate someone for "I am Hamilton" recognition. Send a short message that describes the difference the person makes in the lives of children each day in Hamilton County Schools. Include the persons name, connection to Hamilton County Schools, your name, and your connection to Hamilton County Schools. Send the nomination to communications@hcde.org. The next meeting for Leadership Hamilton County Schools will be Tuesday, and the group will visit Red Bank High to learn more about Future Ready Institutes in Hamilton County Schools. The meeting at Red Bank High School will begin at approximately 10 a.m. The group is the first class of Leadership Hamilton County Schools and involves 18 community leaders representing businesses, non-profits, government, and faith-based organizations in the community. Leadership Hamilton County Schools is a six-session program running through April that will allow participants to experience the people and programs in our area schools preparing children for success after graduation. The staff of Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military will commemorate the 155th anniversary of the Battles for Chattanooga with a series of special programs taking place in and around the city from Nov. 23-25. The programs are open to the public. 155 years ago, months of fighting culminated with a series of battles throughout the Chattanooga area. By the time the smoke cleared, Orchard Knob, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, and Ringgold Gap were strewn with the wreckage of war, and the Confederate Army of Tennessee was in full retreat. It was, as one Confederate later wrote, the Death Knell of the Confederacy. Throughout the weekend, the park will offer a variety of special programs marking the anniversary of the battles, including ranger-led hikes and tours on Moccasin Bend, Orchard Knob, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge and Ringgold Gap. Artillery demonstrations will also take place inside Point Park, atop Lookout Mountain, as well as on Moccasin Bend. The historic Cravens House, on Lookout Mountain, will also be open. Printed schedules are available at the Chickamauga Battlefield and the Lookout Mountain Battlefield Visitor Centers, and a digital schedule, including times and descriptions, is available online at: https://www.nps.gov/chch/chattanooga155.htm For more information about programs at Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, contact the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center at 706 866-9241, the Lookout Mountain Battlefield Visitor Center at 423 821-7786, or visit the park website at www.nps.gov/chch. Now that Meghan Markle is a part of the royal family, shes entitled to some pretty amazing royal perks. The United Kingdom pulled out all the stops for her wedding. And she went from being a network television star to being one of the most well-known people in the world. It wouldnt be surprising if designers were offering their clothes to her in an effort to promote their own clothing lines. Plus, it would be an honor to have someone like Meghan wearing your clothes. But does the Duchess of Sussex get any of her clothes for free? Meghan has been spotted wearing extremely expensive brands Meghan doesnt shy away from expensive brands. Shes worn coats that were well over $1,000, and thats on the lower end. When Meghan first stepped out alone with the queen, she was wearing a custom $18,000 Givenchy dress. She wore a $10,000 Dior dress to an event, and paired it with shoes and earrings that cost a combined $102,000. Meghan definitely doesnt shy away from expensive clothing and accessories. She even had two wedding dresses, the first of which was a custom Givenchy that cost a staggering $135,000. Everything she wears is out of the royal familys pocket It would make sense that designers would offer free clothing to the royals. After all, there is almost no bigger platform to promote a clothing brand than with the worlds most well-known family. But unfortunately, royal rules prohibit Meghan from taking any clothes for free. That means those custom Givenchy dresses were paid for out of pocket by the family. And Meghan was wearing strikingly expensive outfits even before she and Harry were married. The money from the clothes comes from Harrys income, which isnt as high as you might think. According to People, he drew all his necessary living expenses for the year from a fund of about $4.8 million. The family cannot accept gifts and that includes clothes Assistants to the royals can call in outfits and get them sent to the family for free. However, once the winning outfit is chosen, the others are returned and the family purchases the chosen outfit, People reported. The royal family has a very strict gift-receiving policy. Most of the time, they arent allowed to accept gifts from anyone. There are exceptions, but designer clothes are not one of those exceptions. Every outfit you see Meghan sporting comes out of the royal family income. She does occasionally dress in affordable clothing, though. But they can definitely afford to spend the money on clothing The royal family may have to spend their own money to get the exact fashion looks they want, but they likely dont think much of it. While Harry actually lives fairly modestly compared to others (if you want to consider $4.8 million to be modest), the royal family is worth billions. When you think about the price tag of Meghans dress (and the $46 million cost of their wedding) it makes sense that they dont mind paying out of pocket. Check out The Cheat Sheet on Facebook! When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were married on May 19, 2018, they exchanged vows and rings. The plan to exchange rings was made public when the order of service for the couples wedding ceremony was released. In the wedding program, there is a section titled the giving of the rings, where Meghan Markle and Prince Harry exchange wedding bands. Prince Harrys decision to wear a wedding ring was a significant one. Heres why. Meghan Markles wedding ring Meghans ring was crafted by British jewelers Cleave and Company, the jewelers for Queen Elizabeth, reports People. Prince Harry, who designed the ring, chose a very special way to honor the life of his late mother, Princess Diana. He included small diamonds from Princess Dianas jewelry collection to be placed on either side of the ring. For the main piece, he chose a larger stone sourced from Botswana. The inside of her ring is stamped with the couples wedding date, reports The Sun. The significance behind Prince Harrys choice to wear a wedding ring Most male members of the British royal family choose not to wear a wedding ring. They include Jack Brooksbank, Prince Phillip, and Prince William. Prince Harrys choice to wear a ring shows not only his willingness to break away from royal tradition but also his desire to display a physical symbol of his commitment to his marriage. Why dont some male members of the British royal family wear wedding rings? Prince William doesnt wear a wedding ring because he doesnt like jewelry. A royal expert told Vogue going ringless is Prince Williams personal preference. He doesnt like jewelry, and the Palace issued a statement before their wedding saying so, royal expert Penny Junor told the magazine. Senior royal sources told Daily Mail Prince William discussed the issue with Kate Middleton before the wedding ceremony. This is what a St. Jamess Palace aide had to say about the matter: It was something the couple discussed, but Prince William isnt one for jewelryhe doesnt even wear a signet ringand decided he didnt want to. It really is just down to personal preference, said the aide. How Prince Harrys wedding ring is different Prince Harrys wedding ring is also significant because it goes against another royal tradition. The second way he breaks tradition is that his ring is made from platinum instead of Welsh gold. Royal family members usually have wedding rings made with Welsh gold. Hello! magazine reports the gold has a special meaning. [Prince] Charles ring is made from classic gold, like all other wedding rings in the royal family, which is traditionally gifted by the Queen from her personal collection of Welsh gold from the Clogau St. David Gold Mine in Dolgellau, Wales. Who designed Prince Harry and Meghan Markles wedding rings? Meghans wedding band was a gift from Queen Elizabeth. Just like the other royals, Meghans ring is made from Welsh Gold, made by Cleave and Company. Prince Harrys wedding band is also made by Cleave and Company. Read more: How Much Did Meghan Markles Engagement Ring Cost? Check out The Cheat Sheet on Facebook! Asia Bibi Freed From Prison, Reunited With Family but Stuck in Pakistan Awaiting Asylum Christian Post Contributor | 09 November, 2018 by Samuel Smith Pakistani Christian mother Asia Bibi has finally been freed from prison after spending over eight years on death row for allegedly committing "blasphemy" against Islam, but she and her family still remain in the Muslim-majority country awaiting asylum. Government officials confirmed Thursday that the Catholic mother of five left a detention center in the Punjab province on Wednesday while aided by security due to radical Muslim death threats against her and her family following the news of her acquittal. Bibi was flown to Islamabad, according to The Guardian. While early reports had indicated that Bibi was flown out of the country, a spokesman for Pakistan's foreign ministry told reporters on Thursday that those reports are not true. "Let me state clearly that Asia Bibi remains at a safe place in Pakistan," the spokesperson said during a press briefing. "I would also request all of you to verify such news before issuing them, in line with standards of objective, impartial journalism to prevent needless sensationalism and controversy." Bibi, a farm laborer from the Punjab province, was accused of insulting the Muslim prophet Muhammad in 2009 by Muslim farm workers after an argument over the Christian woman drinking from the same water supply as the Muslim women. As blasphemy is a crime punishable by death or life imprisonment in Pakistan, Bibi was sentenced to hanging in 2010. After the Supreme Court ruled last month to acquit Bibi of the charges, thousands of radical Muslims took to the streets in protests that rocked several cities across Pakistan. The protests were led by the political party Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan, which staunchly supports the blasphemy law. As Muslims demonstrated for days in response to Bibi's acquittal, Bibi remained in jail and a deal was reportedly reached between the TLP and government officials in which the party leaders would call off the demonstrations in exchange for the Supreme Court reviewing its petition asking for the reversal of Bibi's acquittal. As part of the agreement with TLP, Bibi is not allowed to leave the country until after the review is completed, which in some cases can take a matter of years to a decide. The government also agreed to put Bibi on the "Exit Control List." When asked about the Supreme Court review during the briefing, the foreign ministry spokesperson said: "this is a technical and legal matter." CNN reports that foreign ministry spokesperson Mohammad Faisal confirmed Thursday that Bibi is a "free woman." "She is a free woman now," Faisal said. "Her writ is being heard. When a decision is made, she will go wherever she wants to go. It is a free country; she is a free national. She can go wherever she wants to go. No one can object to that. If a free national of Pakistan wants to go somewhere, he/she has to get a visa and go. Nothing odd about that." A spokesperson for the papal charity Aid to the Church in Need told CNN that Bibi is with her family in a secured location as they wait to leave Pakistan. Bibi's release from prison comes as her family has been seeking asylum from western nations due to the threats against their lives by radical Muslims. "Help us get out of Pakistan. We are extremely worried because our lives are in danger," Bibi's husband, Ashiq Masih, told Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need. "We no longer have even anything to eat, because we cannot leave the house to buy food." Bibi's lawyer, Saiful Malook, fled Pakistan this week to seek asylum in the Netherlands. Malook told CNN on Thursday that Bibi has also filed an application for asylum in the Netherlands. Masih has also reportedly appealed to the United Kingdom, United States and Canada for help. The Italian government has also said that it's working to relocate Bibi and her family. Although Prime Minister Imran Khan has condemned the Muslim extremist protests of Bibi's acquittal, he has also received criticism over the government agreement with TLP. Read more about Asia Bibi on The Christian Post. Cameroon: 79 Kidnapped Presbyterian Schoolchildren Returned, but 'Tortured,' Church Officials Say Christian Post Contributor | 09 November, 2018 by Stoyan Zaimov Seventy-nine children who were kidnapped from a school in Cameroon on Sunday have now been returned, but Presbyterian Church officials say they appear to have been tortured. "They were brought last night to one of our churches ... near Bamenda (the regional capital). They look tired and psychologically tortured," said Fonki Samuel Forba, moderator of the country's Presbyterian Church, according to The Associated Press. While the children were released, two staff members remain in captivity. Forba has plead for the kidnappers to "free the staff still in their keeping." What is more, the Presbyterian school has said that it will close, as it cannot guarantee the students' safety. "It is unfortunate we have to close the school and send home 700 children," Forba said. "Their security is not assured by the state and armed groups constantly attack and kidnap them." The children, aged between 1117, were taken on Sunday by separatist abductors who are seeking to establish an independent state in Cameroon's Anglophone Northwest and Southwest regions. Hundreds have been killed in clashes and other kidnappings have taken place. The separatists say that English-speakers are being oppressed in the African country. Issa Bakary Tchiroma, Cameroon's communications minister, confirmed in an interview with AFP on Wednesday that all 79 pupils have been released. Tchiroma was unable to provide details about the circumstances under which the students were freed, and could not provide an update on the condition of the two staff members who are still being held captive. BBC News said that the school's principal and a teacher are the two staff members yet to be released, though the school's driver was freed. Read more about Cameroon: 79 Kidnapped Presbyterian Schoolchildren Returned, but 'Tortured,' Church Officials Say on The Christian Post. Election Was Success for America, But We Still Need Jesus Christian Post Columnist | 09 November, 2018 by Jim Denison The midterm election results are not yet finalized, but it is clear that Republicans increased their control of the Senate, while Democrats regained control of the House of Representatives. At least 101 women were elected to the House, a new record. Two Muslim women and two Native American women are projected to win seats in Congress. The percentage of minority voters was the largest ever for a midterm election, reflecting the increasing diversity of the American population. With yesterday's vote, the US is returning to a divided government. Whether you are discouraged or encouraged with the results, one fact is clear: America's democratic experiment worked yet again. If a building could speak The House of Representatives and Senate began meeting in the building we know as the US Capitol in 1800. The structure was expanded in 1850; some of the construction labor was supplied by slaves. The dome was enlarged and crowned with the "Statue of Freedom" in 1863. Since the House and Senate first met in the Capitol on November 17, 1800, the building has seen the War of 1812 (in which it was partially burned), the Civil War, two World Wars, the Korean conflict, the Vietnam War, the Cold War, and ongoing conflicts with global terrorism. Legislators met there during the Great Depression and the Great Recession. The Capitol has witnessed presidential administrations from Thomas Jefferson to Donald Trump. It has survived fifty-four midterm elections and significant political turmoil. Over the past twenty-one midterm elections, the president's party has lost an average of thirty seats in the House and four seats in the Senate. Like its Capitol building, the United States of America has faced and overcome enormous challenges to our survival. What explains our success? We have the advantage of geography, with no national enemies on our borders. No foreign nation has successfully occupied the United States. By contrast, Israel has been occupied by at least eleven empires across its history. 9/11, which killed 2,977 Americans, was the worst attack by a foreign agent on our soil. By contrast, Nazi Germany's siege of Leningrad in Russia led to more than three million casualties, with more than a million deaths. We have the advantage of enormous natural resources. The United States is now the world's leading producer of energy, ranking first in oil, natural gas, nuclear power, and geothermal power production. Our people are among the most industrious in the world, producing the world's largest economy and ranking among the world's leaders in technology. We are far more religious and more optimistic than people in other wealthy nations. As we'll discuss tomorrow, our nation faces critical challenges. But beyond question, we are a country with remarkable resources and opportunities. The heart of the American experiment Assessing America biblically, however, I believe there is one factor that especially explains our resiliency in the face of political, economic, and cultural turmoil. It was on clear display in yesterday's elections and is proclaimed in the closest statement to a national creed we possess: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." This declaration identifies the cultural DNA at the heart of the American experiment. It rejects the systems built on class and caste that dominated human history. Prior to America's founding, the list of nations in which anyone could rise to the pinnacle of leadership was remarkably short. Kings and dictators ruled by right of birth or force. The vast majority of the human race was consigned to lifelong servitude. A government "of the people, by the people, for the people," as Abraham Lincoln so famously described America, was both novel and radical. It was "self-evident" to our nation's founders because they were steeped in a Judeo-Christian worldview. This perspective values each person as someone made by God in his own image (Genesis 1:26-27). According to Scripture, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female" in God's eyes (Galatians 3:28). I believe this emphasis on the innate worth of each person to be the foundational value that explains America's ethos and success. No matter how frustrated we become with our leaders, we have a regular opportunity to cast ballots for change. The laws that regulate national life are produced by lawmakers who are accountable to the people they govern. While our democracy is significantly flawed in practice, it contains the seeds of its own continued rebirth and regeneration. And it stands aligned with our Creator in embracing the intrinsic value of his highest creation. The message America needs most As we will see in tomorrow's Daily Article, America's focus on the individual is not only our foundational attribute but also our primal challenge. For today, whether your candidates won or lost yesterday, let's recognize the fact that our democracy worked yet again. But let's also note that no "democracy" (the "power of the people") can repair what is most fundamentally broken with the people. With all due respect to President Clinton's first inaugural address, it is not true that "there is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right with America." Read more about the Election Was Success for America, But We Still Need Jesus on The Christian Post. White Evangelical Turnout Was Record-Setting in 2018 Midterm Election: Ralph Reed Christian Post Contributor | 09 November, 2018 by Samuel Smith Despite the Republicans losing control of the House of Representatives, white evangelicals and other conservaitve Christians turned out to vote in record capacity to help Republicans win in key gubernatorial and Senate races. The national conservative evangelical grassroots organization Faith & Freedom Coalition, which knocked on over 2 million doors across 21 states in their voter turnout efforts this year, announced Wednesday that the 2018 election marked the "highest share of the electorate made up of conservative Christians in a mid-term election in the modern era." Faith & Freedom Coalition President Ralph Reed, a longtime conservative activist who served as the executive director of the Christian Coalition during the 1990s, told reporters Wednesday morning that he is "pleased" with the result of the midterms as Republicans added to their majority in the Senate. While it is true that the Republicans will no longer control the House and will give up control in a number of state legislatures, Reed stressed that increased white evangelical turnout in states like Florida, Georgia, Indiana and Missouri helped Republicans edge out their Democrat challengers in highly competitive races. "We had an astonishing level of evangelical voters cast their ballots," Reed said at a press conference at the National Press Club. "This is the most ambitious and the most effective voter education, get-out-the-vote program directed at the faith-based vote in a midterm election in modern political history." Faith & Freedom Coalition, which expected to more than triple its spending from the 2014 midterms to 2018, commissioned a post-election survey from Public Opinion Strategies that found that white evangelicals comprised 26 percent of the electorate while conservative Christians more generally made up 35 percent of the electorate. About 86 percent of conservative Christians said they voted for Republican candidates for Congress, while 12 percent voted for Democrats. As 80 percent of white evangelical voters said they voted for Republicans in congressional races, about 76 percent of non-white evangelicals voted for Democrats for Congress. The poll surveyed over 800 voters Tuesday and has an error margin of 3.46 percentage points. "Essentially, if you are a new Republican senator or governor, white evangelicals, conservative Christians and white Catholics are a significant reason that you won your election," Public Opinion Strategies principal researcher Glen Bolger said during the press conference. In his remarks, Reed cited available exit polling data to argue that evangelical turnout in certain states played an important role in the outcome. In Florida where former Republican Gov. Rick Scott looks to have narrowly defeated incumbent Bill Nelson in the Senate race and where Republican gubernatorial candidate Ron DeSantis narrowly edged out Democrat Andrew Gilliam Reed says that white evangelicals accounted for 30 percent of the vote in the state. By comparison, evangelicals comprised just 21 percent of the electorate. Florida white evangelicals voted 80 percent to 20 percent in favor of DeSantis and Scott, Reed explained. "So, the number of evangelicals who voted yesterday [in Florida] was higher by about 50 percent as a share of the electorate as it was two years ago in Florida," Reed said. With the gubernatorial race so close, Nelson has called for a recount. In Georgia where Democrat Stacey Abrams is hoping for a runoff as she appears to be trailing Republican Brian Kemp in the state's gubernatorial race Reed said that white evangelicals made up 36 percent of the electorate. Eighty-nine percent of Georgia's white evangelicals voted for Kemp. "They are the reasons that Kemp is the governor-elect of the state of Georgia," Reed said. "We believe he will be so without a runoff." Reed said that should there be a runoff in Georgia, his home state, Faith & Freedom Coalition will resume its get-out-the-vote efforts. In Missouri where Republican challenger Josh Hawley knocked off incumbent Democrat Claire McCaskill in the Senate race Reed said that the white evangelical vote increased from 35 percent of the electorate in 2016 to 38 percent in 2018. In 2018, 75 percent of the white evangelicals voted for Hawley, Reed added. As for Indiana where Democrat Sen. Joe Donnelly has lost to Republican challenger Mike Braun evangelical turnout increased from 37 percent of the electorate to 40 percent in 2018, Reed detailed. "In Indiana, [white evangelicals] voted 71 percent for Mike Braun and only 23 percent for Joe Donnelly," he stated. Reed stressed that it wasn't just the white evangelicals supporting Republicans. According to the Public Opinion Strategies survey, GOP candidates also had the backing two-thirds of mass-attending white Catholics, which comprised 16 percent of the electorate. "If you add to the self-identified evangelical number, the frequently mass-attending pro-life Catholic number, you are now talking about 42 percent of the entire electorate," Reed stressed. Read more about White Evangelical Turnout on The Christian Post. The issue of religious tolerance has created challenging times for the United States military. All the service branches are trying to protect the rights of both those with religious beliefs and those with none. The choices made by military leaders exist in a pressure-packed environment framed by their oath of service, the Constitution, military guidelines, public opinion, and their own personal beliefs. Recently, Brig. Gen. E. John Teichert, commander of Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California, became the focus of a Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF) demand for an official investigation into his conduct, specifically a personal website that calls the nation to pray for itself and its future. The MRFF, led by former Air Force captain and activist attorney Michael L. (Mikey) Weinstein, alleges that Teichert is violating the Defense Department policy concerning religious proselytizing. Retired Four-Star Gen. Roger A. Brady has had discussions with Weinstein regarding these kinds of religious issues and pressures. He was once the personnel director for all Air Force personnel, and he finished his 41 years of duty in 2011 as 33rd commander of all US Air Forces in Europe and led the joint NATO Allied Command from Ramstein, Germany. General Brady is a longtime Christian who now sits on the board of trustees for Mid-Atlantic Christian University and serves as the deacon over adult education at his local congregation of the Church of Christ. Brady led the 2005 inquiry into whether religious intolerance and discrimination were occurring at the United States Air Force Academy. Bradys team found no outright or intentional religious discrimination, although it did discover some overzealous evangelism and a lack of awareness of how it adversely affected some cadets. In a recent interview, Gen. Brady recalled his experiences and offered his viewpoints on the challenging issues facing Christians in the military. Image: Used by permission Is there a conflict between the culture of the military and an officer who wants to live out his or her concept of Christian leadership in the military? Sometimes people may assume that its harder to be a Christian in the military than in other occupations. With very few exceptions, I believe the opposite to be true. Theres not a natural rub between Christian leadership and the military. Have you witnessed any discernible trends in military personnel becoming moreor lessfaith-conscious over the decades of your career? In some waysand this is just my observation of peopleI believe the generations coming behind me in the military may be more open and expressive about their faith than my generation was. But at the same time, the institution [of the military] itself is definitely becoming more nervous about expressions of faith. Why is that? I think there are a couple of reasons for this. First, there have been instances of Christians who abused their position in promoting their faith, though I think that may be exaggerated by the attention it gets when it occurs. The second is that we are in an era where many people want safe zones, and some feel unsafe where people hold a view different from their own. Its very easy to be offended and, so the thinking goes, if someone offends me, surely the system must do something about that. All of this tends to make the situation a bit more difficult than it might have been in the past. What do you think of the approach the military is taking regarding believers in the ranks who wonder about sharing their faith with others in the military? I become concerned at times that some people seem to think there should be almost a dont ask, dont tell policy for Christians in the military. The government ended that policy with regard to gender orientation, but there are some who would like to apply it to people of faith, as in, I dont care if youre a Christian, but dont tell me about it. Article continues below The question of witnessing to your faith comes up occasionally. Between peers, I frankly see no issue at all. Not everyone agrees with me on that, by the way. But I really do not care if peers have spirited discussions about faith. We argue about everything else thats important in life and some things that are not very important. So why should we worry about that? Young people all over America argue about everything under the sun, and thats part of what education is about. So why should Air Force Academy students who are elite people of all faiths and no particular faith not have the opportunity to figure out who they are and what they believe with their peers? Its actually part of their development. Those opposing views have surfaced in the rhetoric and actions of Mikey Weinstein, whom you have had discussions with, and Air Force Reserve Chaplain Capt. Sonny Hernandez. Weinstein argues against most forms of religious expression in the military, while the Air Force Times has noted that Hernandez has posted a blog saying Christian service members who support religious liberty serve the Constitution and not Christ. What are your thoughts on these views? These individuals you mention represent the extremes. I believe there is a reasonable middle ground. Actually, I think the most effective witness is our example. Sometimes I remind people of the life of Saint Francis of Assisi as illustrative of one who personified Christ with his daily behavior. Hes thought to have said, Preach the gospel at all times. When necessary, use words. I think thats pretty good guidance. Why were you tapped to lead the Air Force Academy inquiry into religious discrimination, and what was that like for you personally as a Christian military officer? All things people tended to get dumped into the inbox of the personnel guy. I was happy to do it, but there were some moments that were not fun at all. I had some very good but difficult conversations with people during the Air Force Academy investigation. Some of the best conversations I had were with the people who were the most concerned about religion. I had discussions with the head of the Anti-Defamation League. He was very concerned about it but a real gentleman. It was a very good and very respectful discussion. And I found in discussions with the Air Force and with Congress that there were people who thought I was the wrong guy to be conducting the studyoverly religiousand others who thought I was not nearly religious enough on that subject. So it was a stressful time but a really interesting time. It was very enlightening to me to have that discussion with Congress. While I shared the faith of many in Congress who were Christians, I probably had the most respectful conversations with those who disagreed with me the most, including several members of the Jewish faith. They were very understanding of the needle I was trying to thread. The goal there was to keep the train on the track and between the ditchespreserve religious freedom while not running afoul of the establishment clause. You have cited the need for respect as an aspect of religious discussions in the Air Force. What else is important there? We do need to be respectful of each other. That includes being sure that people in positions of authority do not take advantage of their positions to impose their beliefs on people in a subordinate position. Thats where the Constitution and the First Amendment became part of the discussionespecially the [religious] establishment clause. There was concern that there would be people in positions of authority who could impose their belief. That is clearly inappropriate. Article continues below [But] it raises a question: Can a person in a higher position ever witness to a person in a lower position? That becomes more challenging. But I think it is absolutely appropriate for military leadersand I have done thisto encourage people to talk to a chaplain or a minister if its his belief a chaplain can be helpful to them. That may sound like I am dodging the issue, but that is sometimes the best advice one can give. If the individual is being suspected ofor under investigation in relation tosome inappropriate behavior, a commander who is a Christian could unwittingly lead the individual into disclosing information that the commander would have to act upon. So reference to a chaplain is sometimes to the benefit of everyone. A person can speak to a chaplain in confidence. As a commander, as a Christian leader, you cannot guarantee them confidence. Speaking to the commander has the potential of compromising either of the parties in that discussion. So I wouldnt say an officer could never witness, but Im saying its fraught with potential complications. Do Air Force guidelines on religious tolerance address proselytizing about faith? When the Air Force wrote the instruction on religious tolerance, theres a statement that commanders should be officially neutral on matters of religion. I remember making a comment at that meeting, Gosh, I hope nobody ever thinks Im neutral on the concept of religion. I can be neutral in terms of the way I treat people, but the neutrality statement gave me pauseI do not want senior individuals to have to check their faith at the door. That can be tantamount to denying who you are. But when youre drafting and getting policy approved, it rarely comes out worded exactly how you might prefer it. Can an Air Force recruit expect to find an environment conducive to Christian values? The military expects you to be truthful and diligent, respectful, trustworthy, and those are certainly not inconsistent with the Christian faith. So the military is a pretty comfortable fit in that regard. I had some questions about it when I began. The military has changed a lot since I entered active duty. When I came into the Air Force in the late 60s, it was a very effective fighting force, but the standards of behavior were not what they would become later. The military had a reputation for being kind of a hard-drinking, devil-may-care outfit with less scrutiny of personal lifestyles. But things would change dramatically. The Vietnam experience and the years that followed it told us that we have problems with drugs, race relations, and, as more women came into the Air Force, gender discrimination as well. At the end of the war, I was not at all sure I would stay. I loved the work and I enjoyed the people I engaged with at work, but it was sometimes uncomfortable. I wasnt a drinker, which was encouraged, and some units I was in seemed to ignore instances of inappropriate relationships that were widely known. In the 80s that would change, and I became much more comfortable with the environment I was in. Former President Jimmy Carter, himself a Christian who served as a naval officer, wrote in his book A Living Faith that he occasionally felt torn between his Christian beliefs and what his job required him to do. Have you experienced that also in your Air Force career? Ive thought a lot about that, and I have not been in a situation where I thought I had to do something that was clearly not sound biblically. That said, I did face a couple situations in which there were only two possible courses of action, each of which might understandably have been called into question. Article continues below As a very young intelligence officer in Vietnam, I was required to make a recommendation of whether we should conduct suppression bombing of an area in which there were both friendly and enemy forces. There had been reports of ground fire aimed at our aircraft, and the upcoming mission involved large, slow, unarmed aircraft flying very low through the area. So do you suppress enemy fire in advance and risk harming civilians, or do you withhold suppression and put your aircrews at risk? That dilemma taught me that there are some cases where the path of right and wrong is not always absolutely clear. Im often reminded that Jesus told his disciplesand usthat this would be a challenging life and that we should be as wise as serpents and as harmless as doves. He really expects us to be what he was: the solution, not the problem. 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. Two California Christian colleges are mourning losses after a deadly shooting at a country and western dance hall last night. A Pepperdine University freshman and a recent alumnus of California Lutheran University were among the 11 people killed as a shooter launched smoke bombs and fired bullets across the crowd at an 18-and-up college night at Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks, California. A sheriffs sergeant and the gunman, identified as 29-year-old David Ian Long, also died in the shootout. At least 18 others were injured. School officials said that 16 Pepperdine students, including from Seaver College and the School of Law, were known to be at Borderline on Wednesday. Among them was 18-year-old Alaina Housley, who didnt make it out of the bar when her friends escaped through a broken window. On Thursday morning, her uncleformer Fox News correspondent and Pepperdine alumnus Adam Housleytold news media that her iPhone still showed her location as inside Borderline. By the afternoon, her familys worst fears were confirmed. At least two other Pepperdine students were injured in the attack; they were released from the hospital today. Justin Meek, a graduate from nearby Cal Lutheran, was also killed. The school canceled classes Thursday and Friday. Christians have tweeted their prayers for both campuses and all the victims. Many are burdened by a sense of certain loss for many in the Borderline shooting, said Pepperdine president Andrew K. Benton. May God grant comfort to all impacted by this senseless tragedy. Our students are resilient, but the burden is great. Benton joined fellow campus leaders expressing grief and anger over the shooting at a prayer service at noon. We are sad and grieving with the students, assistant chaplain Lauren Begert told the student newspaper, The Pepperdine Graphic. We feel the fear you feel and the sadness you feel. We want to be as present as possible and sit with you in your sadness. We want to bring it all to God because thats where we put our hope in times like this. A 2017 Pew Research Center survey found that most Americans do not worry they will be caught in a mass shooting. About 38 percent of white evangelicals are concerned about mass shootings, but only 5 percent say they worry about it a lot. You never think itll happen to you, until it happens to you and your community, tweeted Pepperdine alumna Nenah Mikuska. The school has offered pastoral care and counseling to grieving students. Last year, CT reported on how faith has been shown to help people who make it through a mass shooting incident handle their grief and trauma. Survivors who get support from faith communities show greater resilience to severe tragedy than those without such networks, researchers found. Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Let's consider today how we can learn to follow God's direction for our lives. How does God leads us? How can we know the direction that he has for us? Discerning God's will begins with the vital relationship between us and God. The more I'm treating my daily life as a constant dialogue between God and me, the more I will be able to follow His will. There's a simple prayer I learned and I pray it often: "God grant me knowledge of your will for me, and the power to carry it out." Two fundamentals, knowledge and power. Knowledge, to know it, and power to do it. It would be nice if God would just come out and say what's next. But it doesn't work like that. One of the hardest things is waiting, not knowing what's next. And I insist to God, that he tell me what's coming. But he won't say. I try to figure it out, I spend hours in prayer, reading scripture, pondering the events in my life trying to line then up in some coherent fashion, but everything is silent. And once I'm done strenuously wrestling, begging for dreams and visions, and insights and signs, emotionally exhausted, disturbed, I finally surrender, and come like a little child, lost, upset, confused, and simply nestle into the arms of the Father and say: "I don't know what's happening Father, but I trust you completely, and rest in you, in the not knowing." I'll often go out at night and walk around the city. And I'll see the lights. They shine in the darkness. I'll walk out in the sticks, see the street lamps, leading me down the road. It's like the Holy Spirit, symbolically leading me through life. God is speaking always; we just have to attune ourselves to watch for it. And understand what he is saying. But I always must remember, my ability for self-deception is extreme. I can create scenarios in my mind and develop all sorts of false delusions, and believe many things that aren't true. So there is a danger that I will take what God is revealing to me, and twist it to suit my own desires. Or I'll construct a future of my choosing, point in that direction, manipulate my way forward, and then say "this is from God" when it was really me manipulating events. But, if we really, honestly seek to do God's will, and not our own, He will lead us in beautiful ways. It won't be easy. But it is so worth it. Sometimes, as I live with God... it's the craziest thing, but it's like I can sense things that are coming. I have a communion with God that begins to reach beyond today. He shares perceptions from Himself. He tells us that a trial is coming, or a blessing is coming. We begin to have an emotive perception of reality. Practically speaking, it begins with asking in prayer, God are you calling me to this. And it takes action. When I first encountered the Salvation Army, I began to attend conferences. At the conference they would have a moment of "calling forward to officership" and I would feel God calling me out of my seat, and toward the front to pray. That's a sign from God. When others see the calling in you, that's a sign from God. When doors begin to open in front of you, that's a sign from God. When you love what you do, that's a sign from God. In the final analysis, the way God communicates with me and shows me his will is really a daily dialogue, hour by hour through the day. God is always doing so many things in my life. And if you're really seeking to know the truth, praying, and looking for God's signs in your life, you will find your way forward. Do it. Do God's will. The words are true from the famed Salvation Army chorus: "I'm in his hands. I'm in his hands. Whatever the future holds, I'm in his hands, The days I cannot see, have all been planned for me, His way is best, you see, I'm in his hands." Justin Steckbauer is the founder of Lifestyleofpeace.com. He is a graduate magna cum laude from Liberty University, currently holding an associates degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and a bachelors degree in the study of Religion. He is currently a graduate student at Olivet Nazarene University working on a masters degree in the study of Ministry. He is a cadet in training at the Salvation Army College for Officer's training (CFOT) as well. A hundred years after the end of WWI, what should we be saying on Sunday? On 'the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month' of 1918 the 'Armistice of Compiegne' was signed, and with it the carnage of the First World War came to an end. Over 800,000 British soldiers died: if we include all the military and civilian casualties, then maybe there were around 40 million deaths it was one of the bloodiest conflicts in human history. Ever since the end of that 'war to end all wars' we as a nation have remembered every November all those who served, died and were affected by the war both at home and overseas. Traditionally the main act of remembrance has taken place on Remembrance Sunday, always the second Sunday of November. However, in recent years, even though there are no combatants left, Remembrance Day, marking the actual anniversary of the signing, has gained in importance with two minutes silence being observed in many places. This year Remembrance Day and Remembrance Sunday fall on the same day. What is more, there will be added solemnity, for November 11, 2018, marks one hundred years since hostilities ceased at the end of the Great War. Along with the National Service of Remembrance at London's Cenotaph which will include a march-past of some 10,000 veterans, church bells will ring out as they did at the end of the First World War. In addition, of course, in every church and at many a war memorial there will be special acts of remembrance, most of which will follow the Two Minutes Silence with a recitation of Laurence Binyon's poem for For the Fallen. They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them. Although the rights and wrongs of that war remain a matter of controversy, I have no doubt that we are right to remember before God the enormous sacrifices made by so many in the service of their country. I shall, for instance, remember my grandfather who died not in action, but as a result of a military accident back in England; I shall also remember my father's step-father who never really recovered from being gassed in the trenches. I will remember too how whenever he combed his hair, little pieces of shrapnel fell out as a result of his having fought on the beaches of Gallipoli. But let us be clear. Although many a war memorial has the words 'To our glorious dead', the truth is that there is nothing glorious about war. Rather war is about pain, misery and hate. In the words of GA Studdert Kennedy ('Woodbine Willie'), probably the best-known chaplain to the forces in the First World War: Waste of Muscle, waste of Brain, Waste of Patience, waste of Pain, Waste of Manhood, waste of Health, Waste of Beauty, waste of Wealth, Waste of Blood, and waste of Tears, Waste of Youth's most precious years, Waste of ways the Saints have trod, Waste of Glory, waste of God War! Of course, war is not the only evil. There's hunger and disease, poverty and ignorance. But how much more could be done to alleviate these but for the crippling cost of war past, present and to come every year billions are spent on armaments. As the former soldier and US President, Dwight Eisenhower, said: 'Every gun that is fired, every warship launched, every rocket fired, signifies, in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed.' He went on: 'The world in arms is not spending money alone. It is spending the sweat of its labourers, the genius of its scientists, the hopes of its children.' On this Remembrance Sunday we shall not only look back with thanksgiving, but we shall also remember those who still suffer as a result of war. We will pray for the injured and the disabled, for the mentally distressed, and for all those whose faith in God and in others has been weakened or destroyed. We will pray for the homeless and the refugees, for those who have lost their livelihood and security. We will pray for those who have lost loved ones and especially for those who have no hope in Christ to sustain them in their grief. We will also bring before God the many conflicts that still bedevil our world, and pray for the ending of hatred and distrust, and the restoration of peace and justice. How we long for the day when the Lord 'will settle disputes among the nations, among the great powers near and far. They will hammer their swords into ploughs and their spears into pruning knives. Nations will never again go to war, never prepare for battle again. Everyone will live in peace among their own vineyards and fig trees, and no one will make them afraid' (see Micah 4.3-4 GNB; also Isaiah 2.4). In a world of so much pain many are tempted to despair: but with God there is hope. One day his kingdom will indeed come! This article was first published on Church Matters and is reproduced with permission. Cameroon child kidnappers warned victims not to return to Christian school Children kidnapped by gunmen in western Cameroon said their captors had warned them not to go back to school, recounting their ordeal as parents on Thursday packed up belongings from a boarding school now being closed. Kidnappers freed about 80 school children and a driver in west Cameroon on Wednesday, but kept hold of a principal and one teacher, two days after snatching them in a school raid. The armed men had seized the kids on Monday in Bamenda a green city nestled in the hills of western Cameroon and hub of the country's troubled English-speaking region. The military and a priest involved in negotiations blamed the abduction on anglophone separatists, but a spokesman for the separatists denied this. 'It was around 3 am in the morning. We were still sleeping, then we heard people shouting, some other people, some men, came and broke our door. They told us: "come out". They were all dressed in black,' a 13-year-old boy told Reuters TV, recounting his ordeal. He declined to be identified. Stopping children going to school is a favoured tactic of anglophone separatists, who say schools are being used to spread government propaganda. 'When they set us free, they said we should tell the other schools that they should stop, so no one goes to school,' he said. The secessionists have imposed curfews and closed schools as part of their protest against Biya's French-speaking government and its perceived marginalisation of the English-speaking minority. The government has denied discriminating against them. 'I am really, really worried,' a mother of one of the children said, before packing her boy's things into a car. 'I know his education is not guaranteed because of the security [situation] ... because I am not sure for his safety.' Cameroon's linguistic divide is a legacy of World War I, after which the former German colony in central Africa was carved up between allies France and Britain. Is an armistice needed for divided nations and churches? This weekend churches up and down the country will mark the centenary of the Armistice that brought peace after the Great War. However, that peace was to be sadly short-lived as the 20th century proved to be one of the bloodiest in history. Two decades later war was to break out again, leading to the demise of fascism in 1945. This was then followed four decades later by the fall of the Berlin Wall, with which we arguably saw the demise of Communism. What followed was perhaps an uneasy peace but a rise in the liberal consensus. Was this a 'via media' in world politics? If this was a Golden Era, it has faded somewhat in recent years. In its place we have witnessed the rise in populism and nationalism, not least across Europe but wider afield too. This in turn has led to a rise in division, and resulted in Nancy Pelosi declaring after the recent US midterm elections that her party was 'seeking solutions that will bring us together' because 'we have all had enough of divisions'. But perhaps the first of those divisions that have to be dealt with is the religious divide. Indeed, the first anaylsis of those US midterm election results highlighted the stark divisions, both between religious believers and those who do not follow a faith. The figures show that white evangelical or born-again Christians backed Republican candidates for the US House of Representatives at about the same rate they did in 2014. In contrast, religiously unaffiliated voters (also known as religious 'nones') and Jewish voters once again backed Democratic candidates by large margins. The figures, from the National Election Pool (NEP) exit poll data, are on par with the figures from the midterm elections in 2014. So we not only have divided nations, but also divisions within nations themselves. And in particular, divisions between religious believers. 'Seeking solutions' seems to be an obvious route to take, but there are immense problems in trying to do that as we well know. If we turn to the churches, a new survey on religious views in New Zealand gives fresh insights into the scale of divisions. Although it concerns churches from the other side of the world, one suspects that similar findings would be reported across Europe. And the divisions reported in the 'Faith and Belief in New Zealand' survey occur across the age ranges. Respondents were classified in five groups: Generation Z (18-23 year-olds); Generation Y (24-38-year-olds); Generation X (39-53-year-olds); Baby Boomers (54-72-year-olds); Builders (those aged over 73). Those in Generations Z and Y both said that spirituality is extremely or very important to mental health (52 per cent), and that it is important to overall well-being (51 per cent and 50 per cent respectively). In contrast, for Builders the figures for mental health and well-being were only 41 per cent and 38 per cent. But the majority of Generations X Y and Z questioned said they did not identify with any religion or spiritual belief (39 per cent, 39 per cent and 43 per cent respectively). Only 26 per cent of Builders took that stance, with most (59 per cent) identifying as Christian. So there is an openness to spirituality among the younger generations, but also some significant blockers. For Generations X, Y and Z the number one issue is the church's stance and teaching on homosexuality, followed by gender inequality in the church and how a good God could allow so much evil and pain. Only that last one figured as an issue for Builders, who were more concerned about how a loving God could allow people to go to hell and questions about miracles, angels, demons and resurrection. This is a stark division, and a problematic one for church leaders. The majority of stakeholders in churches are of course the Builder generation (aged over 73), but the key issues for the younger generations hardly concern them at all. If they wish to reach a younger generation they will require building some major bridges, and quickly. For non-Christians the survey reveals a need for the church to rebuild trust, particularly in the wake of abuse scandals. Showing love rather than fear is perhaps the biggest challenge facing our world, both secular and religious as we look to our future. Colin Blakely is the editor of the Church of England Newspaper and co-editor of ViaMedia.News, on which this article first appeared. MPs urge Mike Pompeo to ban Tommy Robinson from US fundraising tour British parliamentarians have written to US secretary of state Mike Pompeo urging him to confirm that 'Tommy Robinson' real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon will not be allowed into the US on a speaking and fundraising tour next week. Robinson, a far-right activist and co-founder of the nationalist English Defence League, is currently banned from entering the US after being convicted in 2012 of entering the country on a false passport. Fifty-five cross-party MPs, including Select Committee chairs, prominent Conservatives and Shadow Cabinet members, have written to Pompeo expressing 'grave concern' at the proposed visit, which would see him undertaking speaking and media engagements in Washington DC next week. In their letter, the MPs warn that Lennon would take the opportunity to 'speak to prominent audiences in Washington DC, and to secure media appearances to promote his violent and extremist agenda'. They highlight the fear that funds he could raise would be used 'to organise further disruptive demonstrations in communities across the UK'. Seven Republican Congressmen as well as US anti-Muslim groups, the Middle East Forum (MEF) which has been helping to fund his legal defence, during a contempt of court jailing and appeal and the David Horowitz Freedom Centre, have invited the former leader of the English Defence League to speak at a closed event. Calling on the US government to maintain its ban, Joe Mulhall, senior researcher at HOPE not hate, said: 'Stephen Lennon is a violent thug who broke American law by entering the US on a fake passport in 2012. It would make a mockery of the US laws for the Administration to allow him into the country. 'His fundraising visit is not in the UK public interest. Lennon would receive a huge boost if he's allowed into the US, not least in the form of around 1million in funding, which he would then use to organise demos around the UK, sowing further division and violence.' Robinson has convictions for fraud, assault and drug offences. However, he is a hero to the far right because of his incendiary language about Islam and immigration. After he was jailed for contempt of court in May, an online petition for his release attracted half a million signatures. The MPs' intervention came after PayPal refused to allow Robinson to use its services to raise funds. It said in a statement that it did not comment on individual accounts, but added: 'We do not allow PayPal services to be used to promote hate, violence, or other forms of intolerance that is discriminatory. 'We do not take decisions like these lightly, and we work hard to be rigorous and fair-minded when reviewing PayPal accounts.' Why did Christians support the First World War? One of the most difficult challenges for contemporary British Christians as we approach Remembrance Sunday is to understand why the Christians of a century ago were in general so hugely supportive of Britain's engagement in the Great War. Charles Gore, Bishop of Oxford, told his clergy: 'I may take it for granted, I dare say, that we are all of one mind in believing that it was our duty to engage in this war.' The President of the Primitive Methodist Conference, a denomination far removed from the established Church of England, wrote: 'The call of our beloved nation to all of us to render service in any and every conceivable way will meet with a ready and immediate response on the part of us all.' The contrast with the responses of the British Churches to more recent conflicts is self-evident. We may recall the attitudes of church leaders to the first Iraq war, or to the sending of the task force to the Falklands. In 1918 there was no argument between Church and State comparable to the confrontation between Archbishop Robert Runcie and Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher over the tone and content of the Thanksgiving Service after the liberation of the Falkland Islands. Almost all the main denominations in 1914 fully supported the government. The big question, from the perspective of 2018, is 'Why?' While just days before the declaration of war, many in the churches had been urging that Britain should avoid getting involved in the crisis which was brewing across the Channel, the invasion of Belgium by Germany totally undermined that argument. Germany's military action was brutal, and while some stories may have been exaggerated by the press at the time, it is indisputable that civilians who offered any resistance whatsoever were attacked, killed and raped, their houses razed to the ground, on a massive scale. Very soon, press reports enraged the people of Britain, and within a few days, boat loads of refugees were being warmly welcomed in British towns. Britain, it was argued, had a moral duty to defend smaller countries, and to ensure that the might of the German army did not trample over what was right. Whatever the technicalities of the various international treaties, the pillage and rape of 'brave little Belgium' triggered a gut response of outrage and horror in the people of Britain, which motivated a grass-roots response. In 1914, while the halcyon days of the British Empire were past, Britain still saw herself as the guardian of civilisation for the world. Moreover, for many in the churches, it could not be that it was purely by chance that a quarter of the land on classroom globes was pink. Indeed, it must have been divinely-intentioned that the Empire had become so large and so powerful. Therefore, it was believed, Britain and her Empire had a God-given duty to respond when the militarism of Germany threatened Europe. The conflict was not between two countries with conflicting geo-political interests, but between good and evil. On August 2, 1914, the Archbishop of Canterbury had declared, 'The thing which is now astir in Europe is not the work of God but the work of the devil.' Consequently while some British Christians did become conscientious objectors, the vast majority supported the war and well over a million practising Christians enlisted. For many it was a matter of Christian duty a matter of conscience. From our perspective, it is all too easy to dismiss their response as naive and misguided, if not plain morally wrong. Yet I suspect that most of us, in their shoes, would have done the same. The 'mud and futility' narrative of the Great War, so dominant in popular culture, has warped our perceptions of the conflict. It is arguable that the First World War, responding to the invasion of Belgium, was just as morally justified as was the Second, triggered by the invasion of Poland. The Kaiser may have been less of a danger than Hitler, but in 1914, no such comparisons were possible. Nor should we let what happened in 1914-18, a military stalemate along the Western Front caused by the state of military technology at that particular time, affect our judgment of the decision to respond to the invasion of Belgium. Of course, war is contrary to God's will for humanity. Of course, we should pray and strive that wars may cease. Those who are pacifists will reject the validity of every declaration of war, and I respect their opinion. For those of us who do not and it is the rise of Hitler which stops me from being a pacifist we cannot honestly claim to remember and respect the Christians of a century ago if we do not try seriously to understand why they believed that it was right for Britain to go to war in 1914. Stuart Bell is a Methodist minister, and an honorary research fellow of St John's College, Durham. In his book 'Faith in Conflict', published in 2017 by Helion & Co, he examines how the Great War affected the faith of the people of Britain. The Houston aviation services company Bristow Group is acquiring Aurora, Ore.-based Columbia Helicopters in a $560 million deal that will reduce its exposure to the volatile oil and gas market. "The acquisition will diversify our revenue by geography and end-market, deepen our position with the U.S. government and enable us to pursue global government contract opportunities that would not be available to either standalone company," Jonathan Baliff, CEO of Bristow Group, said in the news release. Two pipeline and storage companies are exploring building a crude oil and condensate pipeline from Cushing, Okla., to Houston. Tulsa-based Magellan Midstream Partners and Dallas-based Navigator Energy Services announced this week an open season to gauge interest in a 500-mile, 250,000-barrel-a-day pipeline. The pipeline would terminate at Magellan's terminal in east Houston, where oil and condensate could be delivered to Houston and Texas City refineries or to oil export terminals. The oil and condensate, which is an oil byproduct, would be sourced from the Rocky Mountain region and North Dakota's Bakken shale field. If the pipeline is built, it is expected to be online by the end of 2020. RELATED: Magellan may try to build own VLCC-capable Texas terminal Magellan added that it is also evaluating a possible oil pipeline from Houston to Corpus Christi and a crude export terminal on Harbor Island near Corpus Christi. The export terminal would be able to load Very Large Crude Carriers, or VLCCs, which shippers prefer because of the cost savings related to the ships' ability to transport larger volumes. The Port of Corpus Christi has teamed up with asset manager The Carlyle Group to develop a VLCC-capable oil export terminal on another part of Harbor Island. Swiss commodities trader Trafigura has voiced interest in building an offshore VLCC-capable oil export buoy. The Port of Corpus Christi opposes the Trafigura plan and has not voiced an opinion on Magellan's possible terminal. A historic Sugar Land property set to be redeveloped into a mixed-use project with retail and office space, housing and a hotel has been foreclosed on by its lender. The property, the original site of the Imperial Sugar factory, was sold to SLP-90A Ltd. at an Oct. 2 foreclosure auction, according to documents filed with Fort Bend County. There are a different set of security concerns because of who these people are, said Caleb Barlow, vice president of threat intelligence at IBM Security. Modern CEOs use email and search the web rare is the chief executive that has an assistant print out emails these days and so they are just as likely to run into malicious websites and phishing emails, Barlow said. And with CEOs at bigger companies, they are likely to be older and not immersed in digital culture. There is a generational gap there, he said. These people didnt grow up with computers. They know M&A, finance and corporate management because they came up learning these issues. But thats not always true with cybersecurity. Barlow said there are three types of cyberthreats CEOs and other C-suite executives face. Phishing attacks. Phishing involves sending an email that appears to come from a trusted source in an attempt to get the recipient to take some action. They may contain a link to a malicious website, or request personal or proprietary information, or may try to get the recipient to take some other type of imprudent action. Highly specific phishing emails, aimed at high-value targets, are known as spear phishing, and a target as big as a CEO is considered whale. CEOs meet a lot of people, Barlow said. A CEO might get an email that says, Hey, I met you at the XYZ conference, remember we talked about how your wife and mine both went to Stanford? Ive been meaning to talk to you about a deal. Its easy to figure out what a CEO is into, and get this kind of information about them. Business email compromise. Known by the acronym BEC, this involves a hacker getting into a companys email system, then using that access to spoof the CEO and order employees to perform some action. A 2017 FBI report indicated that this type of cybercrime is among the most rapidly growing, with a 1,300 percent increase in complaints and more than $3 billion in losses. The bad guy sends an email, it looks like it came from the CEO, and it says, Hey, I am working on a deal, please keep this confidential, and I need you to wire $2 million from this account to another account, Barlow said. This has resulted in some of the largest losses weve seen. Doxxing. This is the practice of digging up detailed personal information about a person and making it public. Because CEOs of larger companies have been in the corporate and public spotlight for a while, a lot is known about them. That makes them a target for doxxing, which can be used to gain leverage on a CEO. You can find out things like where their children go to school, you might post health records, or anything that could cause problems for a CEO, Barlow said. The best way to prevent these from happening to a CEO is a coordinated training effort not just for the chief executive, but also for the people around him, Barlow said. The CEO needs training similar to what all employees get, but it also needs to be coordinated with training for the people around him. For example, the direct reports to the CEO need to know that I am never going to ask you by email to wire money someplace, he said. Thats true of other C-suite executives and those who report to them. As part of its cybersecurity training products, IBM has built a mobile security command center that is aimed at teaching executives how to respond to a breach at their companies. Its similar to the mobile command operations set up by the military or police, complete with an 18-wheeler loaded up with computers and wall-sized screens. CEOs are used to making decisions slowly and deliberately, with lots of research and information available to them, Barlow said. This teaches them what its like to make important decisions in real-time when they are on the right side of a security breach. dwight.silverman@chron.com twitter.com/dsilverman Mark Lennihan/STF FedEx Corp. Chief Executive Officer Fred Smith isnt sweating Amazon.coms move to expand its own delivery network, saying the e-commerce giant is likely to take more business from the post office than the package courier. Amazon is a good customer. We think theyll be a bigger customer in years to come if they continue to grow and they certainly should, Smith said in an interview Tuesday in Singapore, where he was attending the Bloomberg New Economy Forum. The biggest single entity that will lose traffic as Amazon puts out its contractor delivery force is U.S. Postal Service. Welcome to the inaugural edition of Texas Inc., your weekly guide to business and enterprise in what can be counted as the worlds 10th largest economy. Here well be covering the big money, big players and big companies that drive the states economy. Our goal is to develop the most authoritative voice of Texas capitalism covering everything from energy and industry to real estate and entrepreneurs online every day and in print every week. Please visit our website at texasinc.com and sign up for our daily business news briefing by clicking here. Well bring you exclusive features, profiles and stories on major issues, newsmakers and companies. Well name the winners and losers. Well tell you whats growing and whats slowing, gathering probing insights on how why companies, and their leaders, succeed or fail. Well give you a weekly scorecard with our Bloomberg/Texas Inc. Stock Watch and Economics Dashboard. Well give you: Real estate and development updates on our Prime Property pages Energy news on our Fuel Fix pages Legal news by Texas Lawbook on our Docket pages Technology news on our Innovations pages Business news on our Bizfeed pages Each week, well interview some of the states most powerful, successful and interesting business leaders. In this weeks edition, CEO of ConocoPhillips talks about how hes lead the energy giant to become Wall Streets favorite oil company, and John Johnson, CEO of David Weekly Homes, one of the nations largest homebuilders, talks about the housing boom were enjoying now and the challenges that lie ahead in the near future. Also be sure to catch veteran business columnist Chris Tomlinsons take each week. In this edition, he brings up an inconvenient trend: Americans mistrust of leaders extends to corporate executives. And he offers some salient advice for what to do about it. We are writing Texas Inc. for the C-Suite, for the people who own or manage large businesses, for investors, and for anyone who aspires to one day build a great enterprise. Well be sharing the best ideas in business. And well be telling the stories of the companies and the people that truly make Texas great. Texas Inc. is produced by the Houston Chronicles business news staff, one of the largest in the state, and it is backed by the power of the Hearst Corp., a privately held media giant with more than $11 billion in annual revenues. Nevertheless, this nascent publication should be thought of as a startup company - a business model in search of a revenue stream. It will be instructive to see how we do - just as it is often illuminating to see how any company does. Were looking for sponsors to get behind this idea: Business leaders and companies that are proud of what they do, love sharing ideas, and support the communities in which they prosper. Please let me know what you think of Texas Inc. Share your thoughts for business and economic stories youd like to see covered. Your comments and questions are always welcome at al.lewis@chron.com. More than 60 national law firms have flooded into Houston, Austin and Dallas during the past five years, and the invasion shows no sign of slowing. As many as a dozen more corporate law firms from across the country are reportedly interested in moving into Texas either by merging with an existing legal practice or opening a new standalone office by hiring away attorneys from competitors. In addition, a handful of law firms with offices in Houston are reportedly interested in expanding to Dallas, according to three dozen law firm leaders and legal industry analysts interviewed by The Texas Lawbook. The national law firms are looking at Texas like a Field of Dreams, says Michael Newman, managing partner for Foley Gardere in Texas. Texas has built a vibrant economy, so law firms continue to come, he said. It is amazing how many firms are still trying to come here, Porter Hedges managing partner Rob Reedy of Houston says. The last couple of years have seen an extraordinary use of cash to lure lawyers to open new offices. Weve never witnessed anything like this, and I dont think were done. In 2017, nearly 40 percent of the lawyers at the top 35 corporate law firms in Texas work for out-of-state based firms, which is up from 10 percent only six years ago. The Texas offices of national law firms generated $2.57 billion in revenues in 2017 a 38 percent increase from just two years earlier, according to Texas Lawbook research. Texas law firm leaders identified nine out-of-state law firms, including Troutman Sanders of Atlanta, Faegre Baker Daniels of Minnesota, Kansas City-based Lathrop Gage and two Phoenix-headquartered firms, Lewis Roca and Snell & Wilmer. In addition, law firm leaders say they have been contacted by legal headhunters saying they are recruiting attorneys for two huge New York corporate law firms, Davis Polk and Dechert. I know personally theres at least four or five more firms looking to move here, and thats because theyve contacted me and my firm about merging, says Phil Appenzeller, CEO of Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr in Houston and Dallas. I listen to their pitch, but the firm has no interest in losing our market identity. Other firms are being named because an entrepreneurial headhunter became a little too aggressive. There are quite a few firms that tell headhunters that they would be or might be interested in opening a Texas office if the headhunter could put together the right team of Texas lawyers, says Chicago law firm consultant Kent Zimmermann, who is advising corporate firms in Texas. So, the headhunter goes fishing. I can tell you for sure that some of the firms you mentioned would love to have an office in Texas if they could put together key lawyer groups. Two of the nine law firms issued statements denying that they have plans to expand to Texas. Please know that the information you have is not accurate, and we have no comment, a Lewis Roca spokesperson wrote in an email. Other law firms did not dispute the report. While Lathrop Gage is committed to strategic growth as a way to bring added value to our clients, at this time I do not have any information to share regarding potential growth in Texas, a spokesperson for the Kansas City law firm wrote to The Lawbook. If that changes, I will be happy to reach back out to you. Andy Baker, managing partner of Houston-based Baker Botts, says it is no surprise that out-of-state firms continue to have interest in Texas and predicts there will be more firm mergers. Firms will keep coming as long as there are more opportunities here compared to other areas, Baker says. There will be more consolidation in the Texas market. Just as we are gaining market share in other jurisdiction, we are defending market share in our traditional markets. Even the largest and most financially successful law firms in Houston admit they still get inquiries from out-of-state firms about combinations. I get monthly calls from firms to seek our interest in a merger, V&E chairman Mark Kelly says. The mood of the partnership is, we like it where we are now. But we know the calls will keep coming. For a longer version of this article, please visit TexasLawbook.net. Houstonians will taste another of Sam Fox's restaurant brands when Blanco Tacos + Tequila opens at the Galleria on Dec. 17. If Fox's name doesn't ring a bell, it should. The owner of Phoenix-based Fox Restaurant Concepts (he has more than 50 restaurants across the country) is already well represented in Greater Houston. He's the man behind North Italia and Flower Child, which recently opened in Uptown Park and will open another store in The Woodlands in second quarter 2019. Both those businesses are in play as acquisition targets by California-based Cheesecake Factory Inc. To Bridgette Dorian, Houston's Fifth Ward isn't just her childhood neighborhood. It's where her father opened a shoe repair business that employed former boxer, George Foreman, and the late congressman, Mickey Leland. It's where businesses sponsored events for local schools, including the historic Phillis Wheatley High School. It's where Houston's African-American middle class thrived. And it's all about to change. Dorian, together with a handful of other Fifth Ward business owners, has formed a Chamber of Commerce which must walk the line of bringing needed development into the neighborhood, while also preserving the neighborhood's history and pushing against gentrification. The bar for the new Chamber is high. A developer who called the area "the next Heights" last year, bought hundreds of lots in the Fifth Ward and is drawing urban professionals to the area. Residents who refused to sell their homes years ago are getting older each day. The Chamber wants to ensure that the neighborhood renaissance doesn't drown out the mostly black and Latino family-owned businesses in the area nestled between the Near Northside to the north and EaDo to the south. Read more about the Fifth Ward Chamber of Commerce's efforts to preserve the Houston neighborhood's past while welcoming its future on our subscriber site, HoustonChronicle.com. Click through the gallery above to view the Fifth Ward's transformation. *** Ileana Najarro covers race, labor and immigration for the Houston Chronicle. She formerly covered small business and the intersection of immigration and the economy. Traffic and drainage issues figure to be major themes in a Dec. 18 runoff for a League City council seat that pits NASA systems engineer Chad Tressler against teacher Chris Gross. In a three-way race for Position 6 on Nov. 6, Tressler won the most votes with 11,551, but fell shot of garnering more than 50 percent of total votes cast, according to unofficial results. Gross finished in second place with 27.3 percent and 6,757 votes. A third candidate, Silvio Vincenzo came in third with 26 percent and 6,448 votes. Tressler, who has served on the League City parks board, said man-made issues have caused localized flooding in areas along Dickinson Bayou and Clear Creek watersheds. He has advocated securing funds and partnering with other cities, counties, the state and federal agencies to develop regional solutions. Tressler said he has built relationships with council members as a regular visitor to meetings and that the networks Ive built will help as we work toward solutions. If elected, Gross said via email that he would work to address local and regional flooding and work to build partnerships with counties and surrounding cities to find solutions. Locally, I will push our city engineers to explore workable yet fiscally responsible solutions to drainage issues, Gross said. Gross said that areas in the city that are not in the 500-year flood plain are being impacted by flooding and that many neighborhoods are experiencing flooding as often as every five years. Approximately 75 percent of the homes in Bay Ridge were damaged by Hurricane Harvey, but few neighborhoods in our city were unharmed, he said. As their neighbor and as a (potential) council man, this is very concerning to me. Gross said that he would support road projects to ease traffic congestion on the west side along FM 518. During peak hours, traffic is backed up almost a half mile in this area, he said. Gross suggests the city could better synchronize traffic lights to improve traffic flow. On a proposed Landing Boulevard/NASA Road One bridge extension that would intersect at a roundabout in League City and Webster, Gross supports the project. However, he added that hed want to see the effects that project will have on traffic before he backed later bridge projects. Id like to see how (the project) helps traffic issues in this area before I would support additional expensive bridge projects, he said. Tressler, 38, said the runoff will give voters a chance to take another look at his and his opponents campaign platforms. There was a three-way race with no incumbent that occurred in a general election where a lot of new or irregular voters were energized by the big-ticket race for (U.S.) Senate, he said. With all the attention at the top of the ballot, many voters simply knew very little about the local races on the ballot, even when they hit the button to cast the ballot. This runoff is a renewed chance for our friends and neighbors to decide the path for League City to take moving forward. Tressler has received public endorsements from two council members, Larry Millican and Todd Kinsey. Gross, a teacher and coach who graduated from Clear Creek ISD, said his roots in the city inform his desire to serve as an elected official. The best qualification I have is my love for League City, he said. I grew up here, I am a product of Clear Creek ISD, I have many friends who are still here, and most of my family lives here. I will also remain here no matter how this election turns-out. These are the reasons I decided to throw my hat in this ring, so to speak. In the mayoral race, incumbent Pat Hallisey easily defeated a challenger for a second consecutive term. Hallisey won with 68.8 percent (19,701 votes) over Sebastian Lofaro, a 26-year old software engineer, who received 31.2 percent (8,933 votes). After the election, Hallisey said he was eager to return to work. I worked all through the election, nothing has changed, but now I just dont have the distraction (of the campaign), he said. Hallisey, 68, had counted drainage, economic development and transportation and mobility among his core projects. Hallisey cites the Marketplace at Ninety-Six, a $40 million 38-acre retail project currently under construction and will include office buildings, a 14,820-square foot pharmacy, 63,626 square feet of retail development and 66,000 square feet of business offices all to be anchored by a 123,000-square foot Kroger store as a development he would like to see through. Im excited to have four years to try to get this almost to fruition, so that people of this community can reap the benefits of it, he said. Hallisey previously served as interim mayor of League City for seven months in 1994 and 1995 and as a member of two charter review committees. While he grew up in the Edgebrook area and graduated from South Houston High School, Hallisey has been a resident of League City for more than 40 years, and has served as executive director of the Galveston County Beach Park Board in addition to various capacities of city government throughout the years. He was elected in a special election following former mayor Tim Paulissens resignation to run for a Galveston County commission seat. Hallisey said a second term is a chance to follow through what he had already begun when first elected, and that his re-election is reaffirmation from his constituency. It feels as though the community validated the direction were moving in, trying to take care of the challenges in front of us, he said. Im proud of this community. Rarely do you get a chance to initiate the future and then have it validated by an election just makes it sweeter. If they had voted me out, I guess it would have meant they didnt like the direction we were going; so Im glad they didnt. In other League City council races, Andy Mann won the Position 1 seat over Traci Jacobs 54.42 percent to Jacobs 45.58 percent and Nick Long defeated Ange Mertens in the Position 7 contest with 62.86 percent to Mertens 37.14 percent. Melanie Feuk / Melanie Feuk Austin-based Stratus Properties has purchased a 38-acre site in New Caney northeast of Houston for the future development of an H-E-B-anchored mixed-use project, the company said in an earnings report. The purchase, completed in October, was made in partnership with the San Antonio-based grocer for $9.5 million. The project would include 145,000 square feet of retail space, including the grocery store, five pad sites and a 10-acre parcel for apartments. Kelsey-Seybold Clinic Kelsey-Seybold Clinic has completed the purchase of 5.5 acres on U.S. 59, just north of Northpark Drive, for its new Kingwood Clinic. The multispecialty clinic will be nearly three times the size of its previous leased location, which was damaged in Hurricane Harvey. A satisfied Brian Babin was beaming from ear to ear as he greeted supporters at his election eve party at Al-Ts Cajun Food Restaurant in Winnie, Texas. The dentist, who put down the drill four years ago and picked up a winning platform, celebrated his victory over opponent and celebrity Dayna Steele and fanned off the Beto effect to earn a third term back in Washington, D. C. Babin garnered 160,783 votes or 72.6 percent to his challengers 60,751 or 27.4 percent of the vote. I just want to thank everyone for their support. I just talked to my opponent on the phone and she has conceded the election, he said to the raucous applause and cheers from his supporters. Earlier, there was some concern amongst the Babin staff with the amount of money being raised by his Democratic opponent. Its a little disconcerting when youre being outraised, especially when youre seeing money coming in from the east and west coast, the congressman said. Steele estimated they would have raised $1 million when they file their final report. It was the most money raised by either party since the creation of the district in 2012 following the 2010 census. We were outraised in this campaign, but thats not unusual for Republican candidates across the United States, he told the crowd. None of that money was used for influence in Babins campaign, but most of Steeles money came directly from friends and connections shes made across the country. Not one penny of that was from the Democratic Party or corporations, she said. My husband likes to say I dont collect things, I collect people. Because Ive been a local celebrity, writer, and a national speaker, my network is all over, she said. Steele said a lot of her east and west coast friends are from Houston and know her as a radio personality. My best friend from the second grade donated, Steele joked. It was not strangers trying to sway a Texas race, but my friends who know my ethics, she said. Despite being underfunded, Babins message was simple: All we did was deliver the goods. He admits not being a professional politician having spent 36 years as a dentist back in his hometown of Woodville, but he was happy to elaborate on the successes of the last two years. We brought businesses back to this district. We have four ports that are busier than ever. Weve got construction booming. The price of oil has come back up and were looking at infrastructure projects, he said to the supporters. Liberty County Judge Jay Knight and Pct. 2 Commissioner Greg Arthur were happy to see Babin returned to the congressional seat. The best thing hes done for us is his assistance on the flooding issue in our county. Hes been right there beside us elbow-to-elbow, the judge said, particularly in speeding up claims with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Knight also said hes been helpful with the federal government side of railroad issues theyve been discussing including grant money to help address transportation issues in Liberty County. Its always great to have a congressman who will answer our calls and offer us help, said Pct. 2 Commissioner Greg Arthur. Hes always been there for us and Im glad to be here to support him when he needs our help, Arthur said. One of Babins few disappointments in the last congress was healthcare. Weve got to rollback Obamacare and get good healthcare for our citizens, he promised. As a healthcare professional, I know how much its hurting our folks. We actually passed healthcare reform, but it was turned down by one vote in the Senate, Babin reminded his voters. Babin was in town when President Donald Trump made a campaign stop in Houston. I rode back to Houston on Air Force One with the president of the United States and he assured me that health care reform was still at the top of the list. Weve got to give Americans some relief, he said including more choice and less on the premiums. Outside of healthcare, he said he and his staff were still in the midst of helping his constituents recover from Hurricane Harvey. Were still working to get ourselves out of Harvey. All nine counties that I represent were declared disaster areas, he said, and we still have some folks still living in temporary housing. He also praised Trumps leadership and decisions in restoring the economy and security around the world. I havent seen a strong leader like this since Ronald Reagan and he may even be stronger than that, Babin said. Dont go by what this president says as much as you go by what he does, the congressman said. I think hes done a tremendous job. Steele said she knew the mountain she was climbing in this race. We knew it was a tough race from the very beginning, she admitted. Ive said from the very beginning that a win would be great, but my goal was to get young people involved, give Democrats an example of someone that would speak up, encourage others to run, and to take back the House, Steele said. We still didnt win, but the goals I set we reached, she said. Steele wants every district in the country divided equally. Its an unbelievably gerrymandered district, so until we play fair and we evenly divide every district, it wont work, she lamented. Steele said the 36th congressional district was the 11th reddest in the country. She said it was too soon to decide if shell run again. I jokingly say its like a pregnancy. You have that baby and you swear youre never doing this again, she laughed. She said shes giving herself at least three months to travel, cook a Thanksgiving meal, regroup, and maybe write another book. Ill tell you in the spring how I feel about it, but I cant just walk away from it. Ive made too many friends across the district. She plans on staying involved somehow. Babin revved up his supporters with a closing argument. Theres a rumor out there that Im going to retire, he laughed. Its absolutely untrue and were ready to gear up for the 2020 race, he said. He invited everyone to make a visit to the Capital and the White House. Its a beautiful place and bring your Southeast Texas values with you and well drop them along the Beltway wherever we can. dtaylor@hcnonline.com The South Korean film "Burning" is, pardon the pun, on fire and now Houston-area moviegoers finally will be able to see how hot it actually is. The Alamo Drafthouse LaCenterra in Katy has booked it for a week-long run beginning Nov. 30, three to four weeks after it opened in other markets where it generated buzz and excited word-of-mouth. The art house drama about a young, aimless man from outside Seoul who finds himself trapped between the mysterious object of his desire and the wealthy interloper who might lure her away from him is one of the most acclaimed foreign-language films of the year, currently with a 94 per-cent among critics and 96 per-cent among viewers on Rotten Tomatoes. And the reviews aren't just laudatory but positively ecstatic with the Los Angeles Times hailing it as "a masterpiece of psychological unease." The film, directed by Lee Chang-dong and South Korea's official entry for the Foreign-Language Film at next year's Oscars, earned two prizes at Cannes and was a nominee for its coveted Palme d'Or award. Not only that but it's helping turn actor Steven Yeun, best known until now as Glenn, the quick-witted zombie killer on "The Walking Dead," into a certified Hollywood star with splashy profiles in Vanity Fair, the Los Angeles Times, and the New York Times. But if you were a Houstonian intrigued by all this hunka-hunka "Burning" love online, you had to merely remain curious because the film which opened in New York City Oct. 26, L.A. Nov. 2 and is opening on a continent's worth of other markets from Vancouver to Miami on Friday was not scheduled to open here. To add cinematic insult to H-Town injury, this week "Burning" is opening in two theaters in North Texas in Dallas and Plano and three in Austin. Heck, even Oklahoma City, where it's set to screen Nov. 16, is getting shown the love before Houston. For a time, it seemed like "Burning" might not open here at all, mirroring what's happened to so many smaller films, such as another South Korean film the taut thriller "The Witness" which never played in this market earlier this year. So, let's be thankful for small favors while still irked that the country's fourth-largest city and perhaps, soon, its third largest still so often gets treated by movie distributors like a backwater with barbecue. Friendswood authorities are seeking the publics help in finding a suspect who allegedly went shopping after stealing a purse from a vehicle Oct. 18 at Stevenson Park, 1100 S. Friendswood Drive. The burglary occurred between 1:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. while the victim was cleaning the restrooms, police said. Surveillance photos appear to show the suspect, a man, went straight to a Kroger on League City Parkway and used the victims credit card to make purchases in the store and at the gas kiosk. Police also obtained a photo of the suspects car, which appears to be an Infinity G36 sedan with a sunroof, according to the report. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact detective Simon Anguiano, 281-996-3347. Burglary A vehicles passenger-side window was smashed and a purse stolen between 9:50 a.m. and 10:20 a.m. Oct. 20 at Stevenson Park, 1100 S. Friendswood Drive, police said. Two unlocked vehicles were burglarized Nov. 5 or Nov. 6 in the 700 block of Oak Drive, police said. About $9 in change and a prescription bottle was missing from one vehicle, and some $12 in change and two prescription bottles were taken from the second, police said. Theft Management of The Reserve at Autumn Creek, 3102 W. Bay Area Blvd., discovered a washing machine, dryer, two shower heads and two mirrors stolen from an apartment, according to an Oct. 29 police report. The most recent tenants had been evicted, police said. An air-conditioner unit was stolen Oct. 30, the day it was installed, in the 16700 block of Hibiscus Lane, police said. Fraud A Friendswood man discovered a Fingerhut account with a Santa Fe address on his credit report after receiving a fraud protection alert, according to an Oct. 29 police report. A Friendswood man received a call from his bank about suspicious transactions made in Denver, according to an Oct. 31 police report. His wifes banking information had been compromised, and she was locked out of the account, police said. A Friendswood woman checking her bank account online found five fraudulent charges, according to an Oct. 31 police report. The chargesat Kroger, Walmart, H-E-B and Loweswere made using fake checks, police said. A Friendswood woman found an unauthorized charge on her account to a Best Buy in Minnesota, according to a Nov. 3 police report. Narcotics A Friendswood woman, 24, was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia after a traffic stop Oct. 30 in the 1300 block of South Friendswood Drive, police said. A vehicle search reportedly yielded marijuana and a grinder. Police charged a Webster man, 43, with possession of a controlled substance after a traffic stop for fictitious and expired registration Oct. 30 in the 2700 block of West Bay Area Boulevard. The officer reportedly noticed unpackaged marijuana in pain view on the console. In the back seat, a Webster woman, 35, appeared to be trying to hide her purse, according to the report. The bag contained a syringe loaded with methamphetamine, police said, and the woman was charged with possession of a controlled substance. The officer allegedly found more syringes during a vehicle search as well as methamphetamine in the drivers possession. Marijuana was found concealed in the womans clothing at jail, police said. Also during the stop, a 20-year-old La Porte woman was found to have an outstanding warrant from Nebraska, according to the report. Police charged Friendswood man, 25, with possession of a controlled substance after a traffic stop for speeding Oct. 31 in the 100 block of Whispering Pines Avenue. A vehicle search yielded marijuana and cocaine, police said. Bond was set at $2,000. A 22-year-old Alvin man was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia after a traffic stop Oct. 31 in the 2400 block of West Parkwood Avenue. The officer reportedly knew the man had outstanding warrants and a suspended drivers license. A vehicle search yielded a pipe and a partially smoked marijuana cigarette, according to the report. Police charged a 16-year-old boy with possession of a controlled substance after Friendswood High School officials found him with a vape pen and THC oil Oct. 31. The student was booked and processed at the Friendswood Police Department before transport to the Galveston County Juvenile Detention Center, according to the report. A Houston man, 27, was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia after a traffic stop for no insurance Nov. 3 in the 600 block of West Parkwood Avenue, police said. While the officer waited for a warrant check, the suspect reportedly opened the passenger door and exposed a small bag of marijuana. The officer found several bags containing trace amounts of marijuana, a scale and a grinder during a vehicle search, according to the report. The driver also had outstanding Pearland warrants, police said. Police charged a Texas City man, 31, with possession of drug paraphernalia after an officer stopped to check on a disabled vehicle Nov. 4 in the 1500 block of Azalea Trail. The man reportedly was looking under the hood of a truck stopped in the middle of the road with its hazard lights flashing while a 30-year-old man remained inside. The officer checked for warrants on both men and discovered the passenger was wanted for theft, according to the report. A vehicle search allegedly revealed a scale with marijuana residue in the center console. Assault Police charged a Friendswood man, 56, with assault, family violence after he reportedly had an altercation with his wife during an attempt to take her phone Oct. 31 in the 1800 block of Sandy Lake Drive. Driving while intoxicated Police charged a Pearland man, 23, with DWI after a traffic stop for speeding and weaving outside his lane Nov. 3 in the 300 block of East Parkwood Avenue. He reportedly failed a field sobriety test and agreed to provide a blood specimen. Two passengersboth 22-year-old Alvin menwere charged with public intoxication, police said. An Alvin man, 38, was charged with DWI after passing a police vehicle and reaching a speed of 91 mph Nov. 3 in the 800 block of East Parkwood Avenue, police said. He reportedly failed a field sobriety test and refused a breath or blood test. While searching for a reported intoxicated driver Nov. 3 in the 3200 block of West Bay Area Boulevard, officers learned the suspect vehicle hit another motorist, police said. The driver, a 25-year-old La Porte man, was charged with DWI, according to the report. A League City man, 27, identified as a passenger in the suspect vehicle, was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia after a bag of marijuana allegedly fell from his shorts. Police charged another passenger, a 24-year-old Friendswood man, with possession of drug paraphernalia after he reportedly was found with a small amount of marijuana. A Friendswood woman, 41, was charged with DWI after an officer observed her speeding before slamming her brakes, putting on a seatbelt and texting at a red light Nov. 4 in the 600 block of South Friendswood Drive, police said. She allegedly finished her text and made a turn when the light turned green before the officer conducted a traffic stop. She failed a field sobriety test and agreed to a breath test, according to the report. Police charged a Pearland woman, 49, with DWI after she reportedly was involved in a disturbance Nov. 4 at Cheers Pub, 502 N. Friendswood Drive. When police arrived, she allegedly got into her vehicle and attempted to drive away. Another officer stopped her in the 500 block of North Friendswood Drive, police said. She failed a field sobriety test and refused a breath or blood test, according to the report. Public intoxication A 43-year-old Friendswood woman was charged with public intoxication after a witness reported her banging on doors Nov. 2 at Skyhawk Apartments, 17231 Blackhawk Blvd., police said. She reportedly had been dropped off by a friend and went to the wrong apartment. Police charged a Pasadena man, 34, with public intoxication after a witness reported an intoxicated driver Nov. 4. An officer found the man allegedly drinking a Miller Lite inside a parked vehicle in the 900 block of Sunset Drive. His drivers license was invalid and he thought he was in Pearland, police said. Threats Charges are pending against a customer who reportedly threatened Oct. 30 to shoot up Enterprise Car Rental, 607 S. Friendswood Drive, police said. Traffic A La Porte man, 34, was charged with no drivers license and no insurance Nov. 1 in the 2700 block of West Bay Area Boulevard, police said. Police charged an Alvin woman, 29, with driving while license invalid Nov. 1 in the 1100 block of West Parkwood Avenue. She reportedly had outstanding Alvin warrants. A 40-year-old La Marque man was charged with no drivers license, no insurance and expired license plates Nov. 2 in the 100 block of East Edgewood Drive, police said. Police charged a Pearland woman, 38, with driving while license invalid and possession of drug paraphernalia after a traffic stop Nov. 2 in the 3000 block of FM 528. The officer reportedly stopped her after checking the vehicles registration and discovering she had been charged seven days with drug possession and driving with a suspended license. Once in custody, the woman allegedly told the officer she had a joint in her underclothing before retrieving a container holding one fresh marijuana cigarette and two partially smoked joints. Other incidents Police charged a Houston man, 34, with walking on a roadway where sidewalk provided Nov. 4 following a daylong series of suspicious incidents. At 8:27 a.m. a witness reported a bloody, half-naked man in a vehicle parked in the 200 block of Point Royal Drive, police said. An officer arrived to find a man sleeping in a maroon Cadillac with two expired tags, according to the report. The engine and headlights were on, and the man was wearing only a T-shirt and briefs, police said. He also had blood on his face, according to the report. The officer opened the car door, and the man fell out of the vehicle, police said. Clothing in the back seat appeared to have blood on it, and the officer reportedly observed a bloody handprint inside the vehicle. Medics arrived to check the mans vital signs and transported him to the hospital, police said. He left the hospital at about 2 p.m., and by 4:30 p.m. he was in the custody of Friendswood police after he was seen walking in the roadway in the 200 block of West Parkwood Avenue, according to the report. After winning an election to remain in her Friendswood ISD trustee seat, Denise Ruiz says shell continue working for issues she considers priorities for the district, including school safety, addressing the effects of state funding cutbacks and keeping teacher salaries competitive. Ruiz, who defeated Dakota Carter in the Nov. 6 election for Position 2 with nearly 57 percent of the vote, said, I was truly humbled by the amount of support from the community during the election. Ruiz, 56, is a 25-year Friendswood resident who also served as a FISD trustee between 2006 and 2010. She was appointed as interim trustee after urologist Matt Robinson left to run as a Republican candidate for Texas Board of Education District 7 and will serve the remaining two years of the four-year term. Robinson won his race against Democrat Elizabeth Markowitz, a teacher from Katy. According to unofficial results, Ruiz received 5,456 votes compared with 4,145 for her challenger, Carter, a psychiatrist at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. Ruiz has three children who graduated from Friendswood ISD and has cited her history with the community and district as a leader and volunteer valuable resources in serving on the board of trustees. She sees her win as confirmation that the community approves of the current direction of the district. It is very reassuring to know the voters want to continue the tradition of excellence in our school district, and I look forward to my continued work with the board on our forward vision for FISD, she said. Ruiz is vice president of Ruiz Cash & Carry, a family owned restaurant supply business in Houston. Campaign websites Chad Tressler:https://bit.ly/2OA8nQ4 Chris Gross:https://bit.ly/2zESUsB See More Collapse During the campaign, Carter spoke about the need for the district to do more to identify underlying issues and developing preventive initiatives as a way to promote school safety, including more awareness to mental health issues among students. In September, Carter, who is openly gay, decried comments on social media that claimed he was promoting an LGBT agenda. In an Aug. 29 public post on the Friendswood Republican Women Facebook page, Robinson stated, Dakota Carter wants to promote the LGBT agenda in our Friendswood schools. When asked to respond to Robinsons post, Ruiz said the former trustees comments did not reflect her views. The next stop in METdances mission to reach out Humble. Starting at 7 p.m. Friday at the Charles Bender Performing Arts Center, the Houston-based dance company will perform Reaching Out!, a show it bills as an effort to have its shows, talents and prestige vault beyond familiar territories and toward surrounding communities. Marlana Doyle, METdances artistic director since 2012 said the initiative unfurled in the companys 20th season, or the fall of 2015-2016. The idea is to spread the wealth a little bit and also to go beyond I-610, she said. Its really about reaching a new set of friends, new corners and audience members. She credited lover of dance Jennifer Wooden, the director of Charles Bender Performing Arts Center and Humble Civic Center, for giving METdance a stage to the north of town. Were on the touring roster, which means if you have a theater and you want to bring in METdance you can apply for funding to help support that, Doyle said. Which she did, which is great. Wooden got to choose which dance pieces will be featured in the show. One of them will be When We Take Flight from New York City-based choreographer Kyle Abraham. Reaching Out!" will be the first time the company performs the show, which wont have its full debut until 7:30 p.m. next Thursday at Midtown Arts and Theatre Complex (MATCH). METdance is probably one of the most respected dance companies in the city of Houston, Wooden said last Saturday. Risa DSouza, whos been a company member for five years, hopes that people will fill all the seats and ignite an interest in METdance. I hope that they enjoy [the show] as much as us, she said. Its always good to support the arts no matter where you are. Prior to coming to the Lake Houston area, Reaching Out! had been performed at San Jacinto College, Sam Houston State University, Berry Center in Cypress and near Pasadena. Being a repertory company, she said, METdance would bring in artists from all over the country to create works for the dancers and then put on a show. This enables diversity to be fused into both the moves and those who move. She also sees a great future for the initiative. Should Reaching Out! be a hit in Humble it will definitely make an encore and have other areas in mind. There are little gems of theaters like Charles Bender that we could be in, she said. Tickets for the upcoming show are currently available to purchase for $15. For more on METdance, visit www.metdance.org. For a list of shows coming to Charles Bender, visit www.humblepac.com/upcoming-events. nguyen.le@chron.com Despite all precincts reporting, State. Rep. Mike Schofield still has not conceded victory in the race for District 132. On election night, Schofield trailed Democrat Gina Calanni in the vote, 49.21 to 49.14 percent. In a post to Facebook on Thursday, Schofield is holding out hope the election can still turn. The district covers parts of Katy up to the Cypress area along State Highway 290. In the post addressed to his constituents, friends and supporters, Schofield said: Tuesdays results are not yet final. As it stands right now, the unofficial results have us 49 votes behind. The Harris County Clerk advises me that there are many votes yet to be counted - more absentee ballots and provisional ballots. We will continue to wait for a final vote count. With a few exceptions, the vote must be canvassed no later than 11 days after the election, according to state statute. A CLOSE RACE: Democrat Gina Calanni slips past incumbent Mike Schofield in District 132 by .07 percent of the vote In the coming days, final and official results be released, he said in the post. Those of you who know me best, know that I am both deliberative and tenacious. I do not act without first gathering the facts - which in this instance are still incomplete. I am also tenacious and in the same fashion will not give up without a fight. Schofield went on to say he would serve in his current capacity as state representative. This will all play out in the coming days and weeks, he said. In the mean time I will continue to fulfill my duties and responsibilities as your Texas state representative. Calanni, meanwhile, is moving forward with the understanding that she is the victor in the district. Thank you to everyone who supported my race, she said early Wednesday. I look forward to serving the people of (House District) 132 during the next legislative session. There are so many people to thank but I especially want to acknowledge my boys, Annie's List, Battleground Texas, all of the amazing union members who helped my campaign and my volunteers. If the vote stands and Calanni is declared the winner after canvassing of the vote, Democrats will have picked up 12 seats in the State House of Representatives. The Republican advantage in the House when the Legislature meets in January for the 86th legislative session will be 83-67. rkent@hcnonline.com Christopher Morcos paused for a moment when he was asked to described how big 80,000 was. Fifty dollars? the 8-year-old answered while surrounded by classmates, his parents and several Katy Independent School District officials. Christopher was sitting with on the floor with his fellow students Friday morning when Katy ISD Superintendent Lance Hindt and Board President President Courtney Doyle, along with his parents, came into his classroom at Davidson Elementary School, 26906 Pine Mill Ranch Drive. The boy, who had been living with his family in Egypt about a week ago, was officially identified as the 80,000 student in the Katy Independent School District. Were what is called a fast growth school district but we werent expecting 80,000 kids until late in the Spring time. Here we are hitting it just before the winter Christmas break, Hindt said. The enrollment milestone came amid Katy ISDs commemoration of the districts 100th anniversary. Yes, thats older than me, Hindt told one of the students in the class. Christopher received a bouquet of balloons and an official Katy ISD centennial lunch box from district officials. Its very exciting. We absolutely love it, said his father, Peter Morcos. A new place a new school and a very good start. KATY ISD TOPS LIST: Report highlights Houston's top 25 best public middle schools for 2019 Although he spent most of his life in Egypt, Christopher was born in New York. He was excited after learning that his fathers job in the oil and gas industry meant the family would be moving to Texas. Peter Morcos said the quality of the education his children could receive convinced them to set up stakes in Katy. I did my research and everybody recommended Katy ISD as the best school district in Houston, Morcos said. We decided to move to Katy ISD and look for a house in Katy. He didnt expect Christophers transition from student in Egypt to student in Katy, Texas, to go off without a hitch but said it was smooth and trouble-free. He told me he made friends the first day and was happy. We liked that very much, Morcos said. The diversity of his classmates made the adjustment to school life in Katy even easier. He gets to know people from all around the world. He doesnt feel that hes that unique, Morcos said. Hes able to mingle very easily. School principal Jessie Miller said the 1,200 students at Davidson Elementary come from 39 different countries around the world. Its something we really celebrate, she said. This is an incredible melting pot. Miller said Christopher was a little shy but called him a sweet, sweet boy who has fit right in with his classmates in the relatively short time he has been a student at the campus she leads. I made a lot of friends, he said. This is a surprise. mike.glenn@chron.com When Meena Dhanjal Outlaw one day suddenly couldnt swallow a very ripe banana, she and husband knew something was terribly wrong. The author and freelance writer had an onset of strange symptoms: no vision, difficulty swallowing, chewing, slurring words and trouble breathing. Her husband David Outlaw rushed her to the emergency room where she spent several months in acute care being treated for a rare neuromuscular disorder called myasthenia gravis. Meena Outlaw, a Sugar Land resident who was born in Wimbledon, still lives with the incurable disease that she discovered she had in 2014; and will be honored at the upcoming 2018 Houston MG Walk happening on Saturday, Nov. 17 as the MG Walk Local Hero at Bear Creek Pioneers Park in Houston, said Carline Czaja, a member of the MG Walk Team. The National MG Walk Campaign is marking its 8th year of raising funds and awareness for those living with myasthenia gravis, having raised $5.5 million since the first Walks back in 2011. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, myasthenia gravis causes weakness in the skeletal muscles, which are responsible for breathing and moving parts of the body, including the arms and legs. It also causes weakness in muscles that control eye and eyelid movement and neck and limb movements, according to the NINDS. Dr. Thy Nguyen, associate professor of neurology, who specializes in movement disorders, at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, said patients with myasthenia gravis can manage their lives with treatment. They can live a normal life, Nguyen said. Your symptoms can be managed with medications and treatments. The disease is rare, and the numbers differ, but the prevalence of myasthenia gravis is about 10 to 20 per 100,000 people, Nguyen said, adding that its estimated to have around 65,000 cases in the United States. These numbers may be a little bit of an underestimation because patients maybe going through the evaluation and havent been given the diagnosis yet and were also developing new ways to find the diagnosis, she said. When doctors first began describing and treating the disease in the 1960s, the mortality rate was about 40 percent, but now it is less than five percent, Nguyen said, adding that intensive care treatment has really improved in the past five decades. It is an autoimmune disease, so that means your body got confused and started attacking the communication point between the nerve and the muscle, Nguyen said. We use treatments for autoimmune diseases like steroids to treat people with myasthenia gravis. Meena Outlaw, who also has an unrelated spinal cord injury, said she was a classic case of myasthenia gravis, according to her doctors. After learning how to become independent when her spinal cord injury left her unable to walk, she was suddenly thrust into a new health predicament, which left her unable to move. Its not just fear that goes through you. Its just everything else, Meena Outlaw said. I thought I was very much over having crises in my life when it came to my health, so when my myasthenia had occurred, it really threw me back. This strong person that I was, I could feel myself emotionally crumbling. It was around that time where she began desperately searching for answers and when she became involved with the Houston myasthenia gravis support group, which was founded by Rachel Higgins and has roughly about 170 members. Higgins herself was diagnosed in 2009. We realized the significance of having the support group for us, which was huge, Higgins said. To be able to go and sit amongst other families, who are living with the same challenges we were, to experience the same fears that we wereit was invaluable to go sit amongst men and women, families, patients, doctors and learn what this was. Yes, this is a manageable disease. The 2018 MG Walk takes place on Saturday, Nov. 17 at Bear Creek Pioneers Park 3535 War Memorial Drive. Check-in / registration starts at 9 a.m. and the walk starts at 10 a.m. For more information on MG, visit www.myasthenia.org. Elizabeth Conley, Chronicle / Houston Chronicle U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul will return to Congress after winning his re-election bid but not to his powerful position as Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security. McCaul received 154,652 votes compared to 142,511 for his opponent, Austin lawyer Mike Siegel. However, enough Democrats won in other races around the country to shift the balance of power in the House of Representatives from the GOP. Had he remained on the committee, McCaul would have become its most senior Republican known as the Ranking Member. The threat of stormy weather did not stop more than two dozen Mayde Creek High School Naval Junior ROTC students from honoring military veterans at a commemorative wreath-laying ceremony Thursday. Lt. Travis Godwin, a Senior Naval Instructor at Mayde Creek HS and 21-year Navy veteran, spoke before the audience made up of teachers, military personnel, parents and students. Every military member has done his or her fair share of sacrifice, Godwin said. The moment that our veterans step foot on to a bus headed for boot camp or officer candidate school, they start their sacrifice. They sacrifice their own comfort and safety for something bigger than themselves. During the ceremony, Cadet Commanding Officer Justin Soriano, placed a wreath with a star from a decommissioned United States flag and a Naval Junior ROTC command coin near the flagpole. Godwin called the ceremony a visualization of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The significance of the service is bringing to mind those you have made the sacrifice for our freedoms and our liberties, Godwin said. Its a visualization. We can talk about sacrifices all day, but when you hear the Taps, or when you see a wreath or when you see an honor guard like that, its a visual reminder of those sacrifices that everybody else has made. Edward Cruz, a six-year U.S. Army Veteran who served in Iraq, was in the audience. Cruz, whose daughter is a freshman at Mayde Creek HS, said he appreciated being personally invited by Principal Ronnie Edwards. Every time you hear that Taps, it still brings tears to my eyes, Cruz said fighting back tears and adding that he lost friends in the war. Its still fresh in the memory even though it was over 15 years ago. Cruz said he told the principal that he felt honored to attend the high school ceremony. I know there is a lot of stuff out there for veterans already, but when you can truly say thank you, in the end, thats what a veteran wants, Cruz said. Just a thank you. We have a made a lot sacrifice and some have paid the ultimate price. I think it goes further than most people think. Americans actively serving in the military make up less than one percent of the U.S. population, according to information from the U.S. Census Bureau. Even more staggering is that 71 percent of all Americans between the ages of 17 and 24 are ineligible for military service but the remaining 29 percent that are actually eligible for service, you can take out a large chunk of them who are just not willing to serve in the United States military, Godwin said. I hope this example highlights just how rare, significant and prized our veterans really are. GLORIA FERNIZ/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS I didn't how much a pet's death would impact me until it happened. My beloved black Cocker Spaniel, Misty, a rescue from a Missouri shelter, died more than a decade ago, and I still can feel her paws on my leg. She lived until about age 12. A woman was shot by a stray bullet allegedly intended for a Harris County deputy constable Friday. The shooting happened in along Gears Road around 4:30 p.m., according to the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable's Office. A deputy constable was in his patrol car when he heard gunshots coming toward him someone, according to Constable Mark Herman. A stray bullet from that gunfire struck a woman at a nearby bus stop. Deputies responded and helped the woman as other deputies chased after the shooter. The vehicle reportedly crashed out during the pursuit. The victim was treated by EMS. Herman told Chron.com, "She's in pretty bad condition, she's lost a lot of blood." Three suspects are involved in total, according to the constable's office. Deputies chased them east on Gears Road to an apartment complex, where the three bailed out. Two of them are in custody while one is still on the run, authorities said. Deputies were still searching for the third suspect as of 6:30 p.m. They know the identity of that third suspect, deputies said. Authorities did not release the identities of the three suspects but said they will likely face several aggravated assault charges. No other information was available. Check back for updates as they come in. Jay R. Jordan covers breaking news in the Houston area. Read him on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and our subscriber site, HoustonChronicle.com | Follow him on Twitter at @JayRJordan | Email him at jay.jordan@chron.com | Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message The Harris County election judge who reportedly made racist comments to a black voter on Tuesday worked county polls for the past five years, an election official confirmed. Juanita Barnes was sent home on Election Day after witnesses said she told a woman who was concerned about voter registration paperwork, "Maybe if I'd worn my blackface makeup today you could comprehend what I'm saying to you." The holiday season will be rolling into downtown Tomball with Christmas decorations on cars during its annual parade. The Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the 53rd annual parade that will travel along Main Street on Saturday, Nov. 17. It is our kickoff to the holiday season, said Amy Mason, communications director for the chamber. The parade has so far had about 160 entries for participation this year, she said. It is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. and end at noon. After the parade, the chamber will also host the Miss Tomball Pageant at 7 p.m. at the Salem Lutheran Church Worship Center on 22601 Lutheran Church Road. Related: Tomball kicks off 2017 holidays with parade, beauty pageant This years pageant will have 27 girls in their junior or senior year from Tomball High School, Tomball Memorial High School and Concordia Lutheran High School competing for the title. The winner of the pageant will win a $1,750 scholarship, Mason said. Other participants will also be awarded scholarships. The first runner up will win $1,000, while the contestant who is named Miss Congeniality will win $250. The contestants who win the community service and excellence in leadership awards will both earn $500. mayra.cruz@chron.com The Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce will focus on economic development, education and transportation as some of its priorities before heading to Austin on Feb. 25. The GTACC Legislative Affairs Committee met Tuesday, Nov. 6, to discuss a rough draft of the chambers legislative priorities, which will lay the groundwork for two days of lobbying on behalf of the business community. The draft was compiled using the chambers previous legislative priority list, as well as previous lists of entities including the Greater Houston Partnership, and the Alliance of North Houston Chambers of Commerce ANHOC which comprises several regional chambers, including the GTACC. The chamber based its priorities on the Texas Association of Business, although it may choose to change items or language to reflect the specific needs of the Tomball area. Among the major topics the chamber discussed were economic development; taxes and spending; transportation; education and workforce; and health care. Economic Development Tomball city manager Robert Hauck called attention to an item supporting the encouragement of privatization efforts, arguing the use of the word encourage may be too vague. What does that really mean from a legislative agenda standpoint? Its not really saying do anything, Hauck said. Colleen Gilbert committee leader and enterprise development manager of the nonprofit Reach Unlimited defended the language, saying she preferred using terms that did not support the creation of unnecessary laws. I couldnt agree more, Hauck said. Thats why I totally appreciate the oppose unfunded government mandates that require things of both the private sector, or other forms of government. Taxes and spending The committee discussed legislation requiring local governments to implement certain measures at their own expense, such as the installation of residential sprinklers, or providing the right-of-way for cell towers. There is an unfunded mandate piece of legislation coming this session. The piece of legislation essentially is going to say, If you create a piece of legislation that forces a municipality or a county to spend money, then you state of Texas must fund it, said Robert Nolen, director of legislative affairs for the Harris County District Clerks office. Gilbert and others in attendance said they supported the potential legislation. The committee removed an item about continuing the implementation of a franchise tax, which some members argued was ineffective due to excessive alterations over the years. The committee also opposed any legislation that would impede local taxing entities from raising property taxes, since the effects of unexpected circumstances, such as Hurricane Harvey, can negatively affect the tax base and would ultimately affect the revenue that taxing entities use to fund operations. Transportation The chamber has been one of the driving forces behind the construction of Texas 249, to provide congestion relief for areas in northwest Harris County, said chamber president Bruce Hillegeist. The first phase of the Texas 249 tollway road was first constructed in 2013 and opened in 2015 with six lanes. Committee members said they were concerned about possible legislation against toll roads being introduced in the next legislative session. No, we dont love toll roads, but its the only way were going to get a road, Hillegeist said. Thats why we advocate for them. Education and Workforce The chambers legislative priorities also included an item supporting legislation requiring districts that receive funding for career and technology to offer courses that prepare students with a blend of on-site or virtual on-site training. Weve got to have good public community college education and workforce development, Hillegeist said. College may not be for everyone, he said, but area high schools are working to provide students real-world career and technology training so that by the time students graduate high school, they already have certifications to work in fields such as welding. For those who do pursue a higher education, Hillegeist said the community was fortunate to have a Lone Star College campus in Tomball, where community members can get a lower-cost education close to home. Support for a school choice pilot program was among the items included in the chambers draft. The priority specifies that the program must be a well-designed pilot geared toward students currently attending low-performing or unsafe public schools. Jim Ross chamber board member and Tomball ISD chief financial officer said the pilot program is meant to collect and analyze metrics to determine the viability of a school choice program. Which is fine. Thats totally different than just choice across the board, Ross said. Health Care Gilbert also proposed the chambers document support legislation to allow advanced nurse practitioners and physicians assistants to practice primary care with less physician supervision. That would absolutely be something that (TOMAGWA) as a group would support, said Hauck, who serves as board president of TOMAGWA HealthCare Ministries. The ability for nurse practitioners to deliver primary care services with less restrictions would be valuable in areas that may sometimes experience a shortage of doctors, he said. The committees legislative priorities draft will be reworked, taking into consideration any changes discussed during the Nov. 6 meeting. The reworked document is scheduled to be presented at the committees next meeting in December. mfeuk@hcnonline.com Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce / Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce The Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for Citizen of the Year. The chamber is currently accepting applications until Friday, Dec. 7. For almost a quarter-century, Daniel Office Products has made its home in a little brown house at the southern edge of The Woodlands. The small, nine-employee office supplier has survived the likes of the 1980s oil glut that brought economic growth in the area to a screeching halt and the advent of big-box and online retailers that led to the end all of its similar-sized competitors. Despite the challenges and ups and downs, President Bob Daniel said the company takes no chances. We cant take any account or client for granted, Daniel said. Not for a minute. Daniel Office Products got its start in 1978, shortly after Daniels parents, Raymond and Winona, moved to Montgomery County from West Texas in order to return to Raymonds Conroe roots. Two years later, the business followed one of their biggest and most dedicated clients down to The Woodlands. Were selling office supplies, but were also selling an experience, Daniel said. Since then, and their move to the little brown house on Nursery Road, Daniel Office Products has sold the experience of working with a small-scale office supply dealer to hundreds of clients. Their strategy, Daniel said, began with his dads aversion to clutter in the warehouse. It drove him crazy to have inventory and stock that wasnt moving very well, Daniel said. The company pioneered the stockless inventory business plan, where low on-site inventory keeps overhead expenses low. In partnership with their wholesaler, Daniel said, the company is able to fill orders the day after they are placed. With this business model we were able to compete and actually grow, Daniel said. The office supplier is an active member of the chambers of commerce of both The Woodlands and Conroe and was named a finalist for the Lone Star College Districts Small Business Award in 2007. The presence of locally-owned small businesses is essential for the community, said the CEO of The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce, JJ Hollie. The chamber is partnering with American Express to bring Small Business Saturday on Nov. 24, where shoppers are encouraged to patronize their local businesses on one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year. Its very important to support those small businesses and recognize the value they bring to the community, Hollie said. There was no Office Depot or Office Max when Daniel Office Products came to The Woodlands, there was no Amazon or Wayfair, or any other online office supply retailer. Their emergence has made it difficult for small businesses to stay competitive, Hollie said. But organizations like the chamber work on policy to benefit businesses and supply resources and networking opportunities for up-and-coming business owners that may not be knowledgeable on running a company. Small businesses are really the backbone of the economy, Hollie said. For the Daniels, that work extends throughout Montgomery County and into Harris County. The most important person in this business is the customer, Daniel said. Without a customer or client there is no business. As the business has grown, so has its offerings adding Keurig coffee machines and cups, health and safety supplies as well as office furniture. Daniel assumed the role of leading the company in 1996, and continued his fathers work of supplying to churches, other small businesses and school districts, lapping up accounts in the Conroe, Spring, Willis and Montgomery Independent School Districts. The challenge, he said, comes from not just gaining new accounts, but retaining them. Thats what were after, Daniel said. Youre only as good as your last performance. mrincon@chron.com Rachel Hollis to speak at Women Empowering Women event Interfaith Community Clinic has recently announced that Rachel Hollis, New York Times best-selling author of Girl Wash Your Face and founder of thechicsite.com and the Lets Rise conference, will be the featured speaker at the sixth annual Women Empowering Women (WEW) luncheon. The luncheon will be held at The Woodlands Resort and Conference Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 1, 2019. This annual event raises much-needed funds for the Clinic, allowing them to provide over 9,000 routine healthcare visits each year to those in need throughout the area, shared Missy Herndon, president & CEO of Interfaith Community Clinic, in a press release. We are so excited to welcome Rachel Hollis to our community and share the mission of Interfaith Community Clinic. For more information, please visit interfaithcommunityclinic.org or call 832-615-8225. Building Hope Gala scheduled for May 4 Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County has announced that its 2019 Building Hope Gala will be held May 4, 2019, at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott. Leading the committee this year are co-chairs Missy Jacobson and Karen Lach, who are both long-time Habitat supporters and gala committee members. The 2019 Building Hope gala theme is Making Dreams Come True and is a fun-filled evening that will feature silent and live auctions, an elegant dinner, a program that features a testimonial by a Habitat home owner, and dancing. Sponsorship opportunities and more information can be found at HabitatMCTX.org/gala LMC class project to benefit Angel Reach The Leadership Montgomery County (LMC) Class of 2019 has announced its class project benefiting Angel Reach, a faith-based nonprofit organization based in Montgomery County that is dedicated to working with youth ages 16-24 who have aged out of the foster care system or are homeless. One component of the organizations outreach includes the management of a furniture and clothing resale center, currently known as Shared Treasures. Over the next six months, the LMC class will work with Angel Reach to enhance the furniture center by improving many aspects of its operations, including designing a system to handle the influx of furniture and household item donations as well as a program to train and employ the youth they serve. Partnering with Angel Reach, the LMC Class of 2019 project will utilize financial and in-kind donations to provide minor renovations to the facility, to develop a marketing plan to better reach the surrounding community, to procure inventory, sales, and human resources software, and to develop a training program for the youth who will be working in the resale center. The long-term goal of the project is to provide a foundation for the furniture center to thrive as a business as well as an opportunity for job training for the youth who work there. Angel Reach and LMC will host a Grand Opening in April of 2019 to re-introduce the store to the community. More details for the Grand Opening will follow in the coming months. For more information or to contribute to the project, contact Brian Garcia, Finance Team Lead, LMC Class of 2019, at 281-297-2211 or bgarcia@entergy.com. THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - California is on fire again, north and south, the flames deadly and swift, fanned by ferocious Santa Ana winds and fueled by dry tinder. The fires have killed at least nine people, immolated a mountain town and jangled the nerves of many tens of thousands of residents forced to evacuate their homes. The fires have thus far proved to be unstoppable, operating at flash-flood velocity. The big wildfire here in Southern California, known as the Woolsey Fire, quadrupled in size Friday, covering more than 22 square miles, with no containment. It easily jumped eight-lane Highway 101 and rambled over the Santa Monica Mountains to posh Malibu, where it torched homes and cars. The wildfire then finally ran into its only match so far: the Pacific Ocean. The bulletins from the northern part of the state were even worse. At least nine people died in or near their homes or vehicles as they tried to outrace the Camp Fire, which devastated the mountain town of Paradise, about 90 miles north of the state capital, Sacramento. Paradise was anything but, with block after block of destruction, downed power lines, charred cars in the middle of roads, utility poles still smoldering and spot fires around the town, though there wasn't much vegetation left to burn. Random buildings still stand in the town of 27,000, but for every edifice that survived, dozens that did not. Marc Kessler, 55, a science teacher at one of Paradise's middle schools, said the smoke was rising from the Sierra Nevada foothills when he arrived at work Thursday. "The sky turned black; you couldn't tell it was daytime," he said. "It was raining black pieces of soot, coming down like a black snowstorm and starting fires everywhere. Within minutes, the town was engulfed." Kessler said authorities told teachers to forget seat belt laws and start piling the 200 or so students who showed up for class Thursday morning into the teachers' personal vehicles. Some frantic parents showed up to get their children, he said, and bus drivers drove through flames to help save children's lives. Kessler said one of the students in his car said, "Oh, look at the moon!" "I said, 'That's not the moon. That's the sun,' " he recalled, his voice breaking. "There were times when there were flames near the vehicles. There were times when you couldn't see through the smoke. Some of our teachers didn't think they'd survive." About 23.4 million Californians were under red-flag warnings into Friday, and officials warned that flames could reach the city of Chico, a college town of more than 90,000 about six miles from Paradise. People scrambled to evacuate. The Camp Fire had covered 110 square miles and was just 5 percent contained as of Friday, state officials said, warning that there might be additional deaths that they cannot confirm until they can safely enter smoldering neighborhoods. It is a terrifying situation for family members of residents who were last heard from when the town and others nearby were ordered evacuated. "We didn't have much time; it came too fast," said Cory Nichols, a barber who fled his home in Paradise. "We were going to sell the house. Don't have to now." California has experienced debilitating fires of unprecedented regularity in the past few years, many of them encroaching on towns and cities built up to the edges of forests in areas prone to wildfires. In August, the Mendocino Complex Fire became the largest wildfire ever recorded in the state, burning more than 400,000 acres. The previous record was set less than a year before, when the Thomas Fire burned through more than 280,000 acres in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. In October 2017, some 21 wildfires burned nearly 95,000 acres and 7,000 buildings in Sonoma and Napa counties in the heart of California's wine country, killing 40 people. The California fire season normally begins in late spring and lasts through summer. But hot, dry weather has persisted this year well into autumn, and the winter rains have yet to arrive. The Santa Ana winds, which blow out of the Sierra Nevadas and toward the western coastline, are building into howling gales that dry the vegetation and the soil, creating potentially explosive fire conditions. In Thousand Oaks, 40 miles from downtown Los Angeles, residents have endured a brutal week. This city, cherished by its residents for clean air and low crime, already was in mourning after Wednesday night's mass shooting at a country music bar. At a vigil downtown Thursday night, people had lit candles and pondered an unspeakable crime. Just hours later, the same area was choked in smoke and imperiled by the Woolsey Fire. In the pre-dawn darkness, a gusty wind whipped American flags flying at half-staff in honor of the shooting victims. An orange glow could be seen throughout the city, sometimes leaping into bright flares along the ridgelines. Emergency bulletins buzzed cellphones in the middle of the night, sometimes urging evacuations. "It's dangerous to sleep all night," said Sergio Figueroa, 34, who was dropping his wife off at a hotel where she works on Friday. Late Thursday and into the early hours Friday, he watched television, knowing his home was in the "voluntary" evacuation zone. He said he allowed himself one hour of shut-eye - but not actual sleep. "You just close your eyes and stay alert," he said. At 3 a.m., streets normally empty at that hour were filled with parents, children and pets evacuating as the orange glow crept closer. "Don't wait too long. Get out when they tell you to get out," said Uber driver Brent Young, 52, who was about to take a client from Thousand Oaks to the Los Angeles International Airport through a roundabout route that would circumvent closed freeways and dangerous conditions. The problem was figuring out which way to go. There were fires in many places. Even before the Woolsey Fire kicked up, another wildfire, the Hill Fire, threatened homes west of town. Highway 101 was closed in both directions at various times for two different fires. The only thing inhibiting the Hill Fire was that it ran into the footprint of a 2013 fire and lacked fuel, officials said. Longtime resident Peggy Smith, 64, was filling her gas tank at 4 a.m. Friday at a Mobil station in an area under voluntary evacuation. She said people began flocking to Thousand Oaks in the 1960s after airline pilots on the flight path into Los Angeles noticed that there was no smog here. The pilots moved in, and then police officers, and firefighters. She was ready for the fire. She needed only 10 minutes to load her car with her favorite family photos, important documents, clothes and food. "My son's a fireman. I was married to a fireman. I'm not scared," Smith said. "I have full faith in our fire departments." They were busy. The trucks rolled through neighborhoods and zoomed down Highway 101. People had fled, power was out, and the only light came from the fires. Wendy Eldredge, 54, drove to work as always, to Noah's Bagels, close to the freeway, aiming for a 5 a.m. arrival so doors could open at 6. When she topped a hill and looked down into Thousand Oaks, she was stunned. "What am I driving into?" she asked herself. "How am I going to get out?" She drove in to work and opened up, the only employee in just about the only place for miles open for business. "I didn't want to let the people down," she said. Dawn arrived with a pall of smoke blotting out the sun. The Woolsey Fire came from the north, not in a single wall of flame but in leaps and bounds. "This is crazy," said Paige Gordon, a real estate agent who was checking on a friend's multimillion-dollar house in Westlake Village as flames devoured the parched brush. "We have all aspects of Ventura County on fire." As he turned on sprinklers in his friend's backyard, an eruption of flame on the hillside caught his attention: "There's the fire right there!" Smoke loomed over Thousand Oaks like a thunderhead, the black cloud slowly advancing toward the sea as it crossed hills covered in blackened stubble. In Malibu, film and television producer Ben Rosenblatt, 35, took one look at the approaching fire and knew he had to get out fast. He had just enough time to walk the dog first. There aren't many ways in and out of Malibu, with the roads that wind up through the canyons impassable because of fire. That left the Pacific Coast Highway, where traffic moved at a crawl. The drive to Santa Monica should have taken him 35 minutes, but the navigation app on his phone said it would be 2 hours 35 minutes. "It's like a slow-motion race with massive fire clouds behind you and bumper-to-bumper traffic in front," Rosenblatt said. "Think of any disaster movie you've seen where you're trying to outrun the storm but it's happening so slowly." Back in Thousand Oaks, the smoke would recede and then billow up again as a spot fire flared anew. At a teen center, set up as an evacuation site for those fleeing the fires, people became nervous when they saw flames on a nearby hillside. In the parking lot, people slept in their cars beside their cats and dogs, their belongings packed in the back. Mary Leighton, 57, of West Lake, had just gone to bed Thursday night when her brother heard on the news that they needed to evacuate. "You think, 'What do you take?' " She said. "My mind went blank." Five minutes later, carrying her husband's ashes and her cat, Pumpkin, she and her family were gone. They slept in a shelter overnight and woke Friday morning to news that homes in their neighborhood had burned. Leighton didn't know whether her home survived. She then recalled the mass shooting at the Borderline: "I just don't understand why this city has been hit so hard." She and her family didn't get cots at the shelter until 4 a.m., she said. Leighton slept until 9 a.m. and woke to figure out a plan for what comes next. She had been sitting in a white Volvo in the parking lot all morning, still wearing her pajamas. "I can't find any information. I don't know what's going on," she said. "I have nothing; I know nothing." - - - Williams, a freelance journalist based in California, reported from Paradise, California. Bever reported from Washington. The Washington Post's Katie Zezima in Thousand Oaks and freelance journalist Noah Smith in Santa Monica, California, contributed to this report. --- Video Embed Code Video: Two fires continue to burn through Southern California. The Woolsey Fire alone has spurred the voluntary evacuation of 75,000 homes.(The Washington Post) Embed code: Thousand Oaks, Calif. Using a smoke bomb and a handgun, a hooded Marine combat veteran dressed all in black opened fire during college night at a country music bar in Southern California on Wednesday night, killing 12 people and sending hundreds fleeing in terror before apparently taking his own life, authorities said Thursday. The killer was identified as 28-year-old Ian David Long, a former machine gunner and veteran of the war in Afghanistan. Screaming in fear, patrons rushed for the exits, dived under tables and used barstools to smash second-floor windows and jump to safety as gunfire reverberated through the Borderline Bar & Grill, a hangout popular with students from nearby California Lutheran University. The dead included 11 people inside the bar and a veteran sheriff's sergeant who was the first officer inside the door, Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean said. The bloodshed was the latest in what seems to be a never-ending string of mass shootings that are happening with terrifying frequency across the United States. All morning, people looking for missing friends and relatives arrived at a community center, where authorities and counselors were informing the next-of-kin of those who died. Many walked past TV cameras with blank stares or tears in their eyes. Jason Coffman received the news that his son Cody, 22, who was about to join the Army, was dead. Coffman broke down as he told reporters how his last words to his son as he went out that night were not to drink and drive and that he loved him. "Oh, Cody, I love you, son," Coffman sobbed. "Sister Sister" actress Tamera Mowry-Housley and her husband said their 18-year-old niece Alaina Housely, a student at Pepperdine University, was also among those killed. So was Justin Meek, a 23-year-old recent graduate of Cal Lutheran, according to the university. It was the nation's deadliest such attack since February, when 17 students and teachers were killed at a Parkland, Fla., high school. It also came less than two weeks after a gunman massacred 11 people at a synagogue in Pittsburgh. Democratic Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom, lamented the violence that has come again to California. "It's a gun culture," he said. "You can't go to a bar or nightclub? You can't go to church or synagogue? It's insane is the only way to describe it. The normalization that's the only way I can describe it. It's become normalized." President Donald Trump praised police for their "great bravery" in the attack and ordered flags flown at half-staff in honor of the victims. Long was armed with a Glock 21, a .45-caliber pistol designed to hold 10 rounds plus one in the chamber, according to the sheriff. But it had an extended magazine that is illegal in California, Dean said. The killer also deployed a smoke device, a law enforcement official told The Associated Press. Authorities converged on Long's home in Newbury Park, about 5 miles from the Borderline bar, in a search for clues to what set him off. Long was in the Marines from 2008 to 2013, rose to the rank of corporal and served in Afghanistan in 2010-11 before he was honorably discharged, the military said. Court records show he married in 2009 and was divorced in 2013. Authorities said he had no criminal record, but in April officers were called to his home, where deputies found him angry and acting irrationally. The sheriff said officers were told he might have PTSD. Tom Hanson, 70, who lives next door to Long and his mother, said Thursday that he called the police about six months ago when he heard "heavy-duty banging" and shouting coming from the Longs' home. Hanson said that the sheriff's deputy who arrived took his information, but that he never learned more about what happened. The gunman first shot a security guard standing outside, then went in and opened fire on staff members and patrons, the sheriff said. Sheriff's Sgt. Ron Helus and a passing highway patrolman arrived around 11:20 p.m. in response to several 911 calls, heard gunfire and went inside, the sheriff said. Helus was immediately shot, Dean said. The highway patrolman pulled Helus out, then waited as a SWAT team and scores more officers arrived. Helus died at a hospital. By the time officers entered the bar again, the gunfire had stopped, according to the sheriff. They found 12 people dead inside, including the gunman, who had apparently shot himself, the sheriff said. "There's no doubt that they saved lives by going in there and engaging with the suspect," said Dean, who was set to retire on Friday. He praised the slain officer as a hero: "He went in there to save people and paid the ultimate price." Around midday, the body of the slain sheriff's officer was taken by motorcade from the hospital to the coroner's office. Thousands of people stood along the route or pulled over in their vehicles to watch the hearse pass. Helus was a 29-year veteran of the force with a wife and son and had planned to retire in the coming year, said the sheriff, choking back tears. NORWALK What began as a show of support for the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election Thursday night at the Norwalk Green devolved for a time into a shouting match with counter-protesters, all amid a heavy police presence. Hundreds of protesters converged on the Norwalk Green around 5 p.m. as part of nationwide effort, months in the making, to speak out against what some believe is President Donald Trumps plan to kill Special Counsel Robert Muellers investigation. The group gathered around the gazebo and chanted This is what democracy looks like! Democracy is not a reality show! and Nobody is above the law! As the size of the group kept swelling eventually to 300 or more the lone officer stationed at the protest called for reinforcements. When a small group of counter-protesters arrived, the language grew heated and all available police units were called to the scene. Police closed a lane in each direction of East Avenue for safety. The counter-protesters four men who stood across the road from the gazebo on East Avenue jeered at the activists and hurled expletives. They waved an American flag and used a traffic cone as a megaphone to chant phrases including Lock her up! The much larger rally on the green crossed the road, interrupting traffic. The two groups stood feet apart as the counter-protesters made sexist and racist comments. Both sides shouted profanities at one another as officers looked on. At one point, a man taking part in the pro-Mueller protest stood alone beside the counter-protesters, with his arm outstretched in their direction and his middle finger raised. A large contingent of pro-Mueller people, still standing on the Green-side of East Avenue, chanted, Thank you officers! Despite the tension, around 5:45 p.m., the demonstration broke up without any violence. Mayor Harry W. Rilling said he asked police to speak with organizers on both sides. I told the police department to go to the organizers of each group and say, Were asking you to disassemble, said Rilling, the citys former police chief. Were asking them to just disperse so there will be no problems. But from what I can gather, its been peaceful on both sides. The protest in Norwalk one of hundreds held across the country was put into action after Trump asked for and received the resignation of Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Wednesday, the day after the midterm elections. Trump had repeatedly criticized Sessions for recusing himself from overseeing the Mueller investigation. Trump also named Sessions former chief of staff Matthew Whitaker to be the acting attorney general, which raised concerns about possible interference into Muellers work. Whitaker has made past statements as a CNN analyst criticizing the Mueller investigation and defending Trump. Multiple press reports Thursday said Whitaker did not plan to recuse himself from oversight of Muellers work. The rally in Norwalk was part of a national effort led by Indivisible, Move On and other activist groups. The groups had been planning for some time to hold simultaneous events if they felt Trump was interfering in the Mueller investigation by firing Sessions or Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who had been overseeing Mueller prior to Whitakers appointment. According to Swomley, there were 900 groups taking part nationally, including 14 in Connecticut. About 300 people also showed up at Town Hall in Greenwich for another protest. Protesters called on residents to call their elected officials, including U.S. Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy and U.S. Rep. Jim Himes. All three have said they support protecting the Mueller investigation. The first 15 minutes of the protest were without drama. The size of the group slowly grew and with it, the volume of the chants. Shortly after 5 p.m., Rilling addressed the demonstrators, stating his concern over the ouster of Sessions. Vocal opposition is very, very important, Rilling said. Groups like this, not only here, but across the state, are critically important. Courtney Henry, a Norwalk resident, brought her 11-year-old son to the rally. Im scared of Mueller being fired, Henry said. And I want him to know its important to use your voice. Fiona Hodgson of Westport cancelled other plans to make the protest. No one is above the law, Hodgson said. Im really afraid for our democracy at the moment. The location of the protest was nearly changed early Thursday after the First Taxing District, which owns the Green, said a permit was required and objected to the demonstration. Norwalk police officials said it had been in touch with the organizers, members of the advocacy groups MoveOn and TrumpIsNotAboveTheLaw, and that they were looking for a second location. The protest had been pre-emptively planned many months ago through MoveOn.org, and stipulated that in the event of any signal by Trump to threaten the Mueller investigation, demonstrations would be help nationwide the following day at 5 p.m. Andrea Chase, a volunteer with MoveOn, said shortly before the rally was to begin that she didnt have a sense how many people would show up, but that she and other volunteers would try to respect the concerns of the First Taxing District by moving quickly through a protest. But people turned out in larger and more disruptive numbers than was expected. Justin.papp@scni.com; @justinjpapp1; 203-842-2586 MOSCOW - Sitting between Afghan envoys and their fierce rivals from the Taliban movement, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Friday promised to work for a united and peaceful Afghanistan, showcasing his country's return to the diplomatic forefront of the 17-year war. Russia's unprecedented hosting of the peace conference almost 30 years after it pulled out of Afghanistan in disgrace comes after efforts of the United States and others repeatedly failed to stem the constant fighting. "Russia stands for preserving the one and undivided Afghanistan, in which all of the ethnic groups that inhabit this country would live side by side peacefully and happily," Lavrov said, sitting between a five-man Taliban delegation and four members of Afghanistan's High Peace Council, a government-appointed body charged with overseeing the peace process. "Russia, as the organizer of this session, sees its role in working together with Afghanistan's regional partners and friends who have gathered at this table today to extend all possible assistance to facilitate the start of a constructive intra-Afghan dialogue There are few expectations of significant breakthroughs during the Moscow meeting, which was attended by representatives of 11 countries, including regional heavyweights China, Iran and Pakistan. As the delegates gathered around a large table in a Moscow hotel, the atmosphere was jovial and almost festive. Hugs were exchanged with members of the Taliban. There was waving and winking at familiar faces. Ahead of the talks, the Taliban drank cups of green tea, while their Russian minders downed lattes. Ahead of the meeting, the Taliban statement described the gathering as a forum to lay out its demands for a peace process, including its objections to the presence of U.S. and other foreign military forces in the country. A representative from the U.S. Embassy in Moscow will attend, but only as an observer, State Department deputy spokesman Robert Palladino said this week. But bringing both sides of the Afghan conflict to Moscow is still a major success for Russia as the Kremlin seeks to reclaim its clout and influence on the world stage. Afghanistan also brings up some painful historic memories. Nearly 40 years have passed since the Red Army invaded Afghanistan, beginning a disastrous decade-long war that ended with the Soviets' humiliating withdrawal. The talks come after years of back-channel diplomacy between Moscow and the Taliban. The Taliban has spoken to a range of countries in recent years, including the United States, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Iran, but often under the shroud of secrecy. Friday's meeting in Moscow will be the first of its kind to take place publicly. A previous attempt to host Afghan talks two months ago was thwarted - and the Kremlin's invite to the Taliban rescinded - when the Afghan government objected, saying it must lead the outreach. Washington also declined to attend, saying the talks were unlikely to yield any progress. Kabul has chosen not to send diplomats to the talks. But members from the High Peace Council, a government-appointed body charged with overseeing the peace process, have agreed to take part. Washington was invited, but an embassy representative will be dispatched "to the working level to observe the discussions," Palladino told reporters. "The United States stands ready to work with all interested parties to support and facilitate a peace process," he said. Any peace plan also would need close coordination with the U.S. military. Heavily strained ties between Washington and Moscow are influencing decisions on who should join the Afghan talks, according to a former senior U.S. official. "The U.S., of course, is naturally skeptical, but that's only because the Russians are convening it," said the former official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss views on U.S. diplomacy. The Taliban, in a statement to media, said it was sending top political envoy Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai and his deputy, Abdul Salam Hanafi, both from the Taliban's political office in Doha, the Qatari capital. That Doha office is increasingly acting as a mediator. In recent months, the U.S. special adviser on Afghan peace, Zalmay Khalilzad, met Taliban representatives in Qatar, where both sides agreed to continue dialogue. Khalilzad's reported meeting - only the Taliban vouched it had taken place - came just months after senior State Department official Alice Wells went there. Moscow invited delegates from 11 countries, including China, Iran and Pakistan. Only Pakistan has so far confirmed its attendance. Besides serving as a potential peace broker, Russia has considerable worries of its own when it comes to an unstable Afghanistan. Groups affiliated with the Islamic State have gained footholds in northern Afghanistan, near countries with close Moscow ties including Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. But, the Taliban warned, "there will be no negotiating of any sort" at the talks. This especially applies to representatives of the Kabul administration, whom the Taliban have long accused of being willing "puppets" of an American-led occupation. Instead, the Taliban insisted, the meeting "is about finding a peaceful solution" for Afghanistan, the statement said. For years, the Taliban has maintained that the presence of foreign troops in Afghanistan is the greatest obstacle to peace. Last year, President Trump roughly doubled the number of troops in Afghanistan, to the current deployment of 14,000. - - - The Washington Post's Sayed Salahuddin in Kabul contributed to this report. The childrens and adolescent psychiatry hub in Midland is open for business. Officials from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, the Midland Development Corp., Midland Health and the city of Midland cut the ribbon Thursday on a new facility in central Midland. The ceremony also served as an acknowledgment of a partnership that could impact as many as 9,000 children and adolescents in West Texas every year. The facility, the only one of its kind in West Texas, was the product of a conversation between officials with Texas Tech and the Midland Development Corp. MDC officials approached the neighbors to the north and asked about a priority for the health sciences center, and a mental health facility for youth and children was the response. This is an absolutely phenomenal day, said Dr. Tedd Mitchell, president of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. RELATED: MDC adds to its deal with Midland Health to recruit doctors TTUHSC will see a minimum of 9,720 patients each year to be served by four fellows and up to 16 medical residents, according to the contract. In return, the MDC will help fund the program with $8.4 million to be disbursed in $1 million installments each year, with an extra $400,000 in the first year to go toward renovating the programs home at 2301 W. Michigan Ave., adjacent to Midland Memorial Hospital. TTUHSC will lease the facility from the hospital. The Scharbauer Foundation also helped underwrite renovation costs. Dr. Bobby Jain, who will head the program, previously told the Reporter-Telegram that there is great need for child and adolescent psychiatry in West Texas. He estimated there were four board-certified child psychiatrists in an area of about 250,000 people. Jain said Thursday that officials will approach local schools about providing support for students. Mitchell said this center will provide families with a childrens specialty option that doesnt require leaving the city and region. He also said this is one of those anchor facilities that will make it easier to recruit teaching doctors in the future. MDC board member Keith Stretcher said this project is an example of the organizations attention to roads, education and health care in Midland. He also said he hopes the development corporation has other opportunities to partner with Texas Tech University and impact the city and region. Lastly, Stretcher said the fellowship program wasnt possible without the support of state Rep. Tom Craddick, a graduate of Texas Tech. Midland Health CEO Russell Meyers also was on hand to celebrate the advent of service for Midlanders. Most of the results from Tuesdays midterm election are now in, but what do they mean for Emory? Emorys Office of Government and Community Affairs (OGCA) has spent considerable time evaluating this question. Our office of government affairs specialists is the official liaison between Emory and the government at the federal, state and local levels. The OGCA team develops, guides and executes public policy priorities in support of Emorys mission, while serving as a resource to government and community stakeholders. Over the last six months, the state affairs team met with both campaigns for governor and travelled across the state to expand Emorys relationships with state legislators. As of Thursday afternoon, we are still waiting for the election results to be certified. Currently, Brian Kemp leads in the vote tally to be the next governor of Georgia. Regardless of candidate, we are looking forward to working on mutual issues of importance to Emory, like improving access to health care and serving as a resource to lawmakers. There is considerable turnover in the Georgia General Assembly, with at least 35 new state legislators, including at least four Emory graduates. The federal affairs team will continue to work with the entire Georgia congressional delegation, partnering on issues important to Emory. In the U.S House of Representatives, at least 12 of 14 current House members will return to Capitol Hill in the 116th Congress. One seat that flipped was Georgias 6th Congressional District, where current Rep. Karen Handel, a Republican, was defeated by Democrat Lucy McBath, a former Delta Airlines employee and activist who emphasized her family's history with gun violence. Her son Jordan Davis was shot and killed in Jacksonville, Florida, in 2012; she had been running for the state House but switched to run for Congress after the Parkland school shooting in February 2018. The race for Georgias 7th District, currently held by Republican Rep. Rob Woodall, is still too close to call. The OGCA team is closely monitoring that race. The House will be controlled by the Democrats for the first time in eight years. There may be some areas of bipartisan agreement in the area of criminal justice reform and infrastructure investment. Democrats are also expected to unveil a series of legislative proposals on ethics reform, prescription drug pricing, immigration, criminal justice reform and health care insurance stabilization. Republicans will continue to lead in the U.S. Senate, and Georgias two Republican senators, Johnny Isakson and David Perdue, will continue to rise in seniority. We expect Senate leadership to continue pushing the presidents agenda and spend a considerable amount of Senate floor time confirming federal judges and executive branch appointments. In the next few weeks, Congress will return to finish its work for the year. Spending for 30 percent of the federal government expires on Dec. 6, and some insiders anticipate a confrontation with President Trump over his border wall. The OGCA team will be on the Hill advancing issues important to Emory. We applaud Congress for advancing the majority of the federal budget through regular order in a timely manner. We are especially pleased the National Institutes of Health received a $2 billion boost for FY2019. Emorys priorities Looking ahead, Emorys 2019 government and community affairs priorities include: Promoting Emory as an economic and innovation hub; Increasing investment in research; Committing to a culture of inclusiveness and maintaining a welcoming environment that embraces diversity; Maintaining financial aid for our students, and a healthy financial foundation from which Emory can advance its academic, research, and healthcare missions; Highlighting Emory as a national model in inspired teaching and workforce development; Fostering access to patient care; Assisting Georgia in addressing its public health challenges, including the current addiction crisis; Showcasing Emorys unique capacity to prepare for the next epidemic through global efforts to reduce disease, research the newest treatments, educate and protect healthcare workers, and expertly treat the next infectious disease patient; Engaging with the local community in support of quality of life issues impacting our shared neighborhoods. As Emory continues its work with government officials, the OGCA welcomes the partnership of experts across campus. We also encourage our students to take advantage of internship opportunities like those listed on our website. Compliance and coordination are particularly important at the federal level where the law is prescriptive regarding the reporting of lobbying activities. Here is the link to Emorys lobbying policy, which ensures Emorys compliance with lobbying disclosure laws. The two boys involved in an apparent murder-suicide in Houston on Thursday have been identified as 15-year-olds Pierce Schwartz and Samuel Yeargain, according to records from the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences. RELATED: Two Lamar High School students dead in apparent murder-suicide at Upper Kirby-area apartment The two were found dead inside an apartment at The Park at River Oaks along Buffalo Speedway, near West Alabama Street. The mother of one of the boys found them when she came home around 5 p.m., but it's unclear which of the two were her son. It's also unclear which boy shot the other then himself. At the time of the incident, Houston police Assistant Chief Henry Gaw said the shooting appeared to be a murder-suicide. Police described the boys as best friends, and the mother told police her son had been "going through chronic mental issues." Houston ISD released a statement about the incident on Thursday. "We extend our deepest sympathies to each student's family and friends, as well as the school community," according to the statement. "The district is making grief counselors available at Lamar to assist school administrators and students." 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 Jose R. Gonzalez contributed to this report. State Sen. Sylvia Garcia, a Democrat elected to Congress earlier this week, resigned from the Texas Senate Friday, prompting Gov. Greg Abbott to set an expedited election for Dec. 11 to fill her seat. The order ramps up what had been a low-key race to represent Garcias district, which covers Houstons north and southeast sides and was drawn to favor Democrats. State Reps. Carol Alvarado and Ana Hernandez, both Houston Democrats, launched their candidacies after Garcia won her March primary. Garcia, who was elected Tuesday to the 29th Congressional District, resigned Friday from the Texas Senate to coincide with the start of the expedited election period, a provision of the Texas Election Code intended to speed up special elections for vacancies that occur during or close to a legislative session. The expedited period kicks in the 60th day before the Legislature convenes. The upcoming legislative session begins at noon Jan. 8. Abbott ordered the election soon after Garcia submitted her resignation letter at 12:01 p.m., revealing a rapid series of deadlines. Candidates have until 5 p.m. Nov. 16 to file for the election, 10 days before the start of early voting Nov. 26. Election Day is Dec. 11, a Tuesday. Under expedited election rules, the governor must schedule the election on a Tuesday or Saturday, 21 to 45 days after it is ordered. That means Abbott could have scheduled the election as early as Dec. 1. He also could have held off on scheduling it until as late as Jan. 19. During a news conference Tuesday, Garcia said she resigned at the beginning of the expedited period to give Abbott time to schedule the election before the session begins. In her resignation letter to Abbott, she said she looked forward to continuing our work together for a better Texas. From fighting human trafficking, to making sure Texas gets what it needs at a time of disaster, to our common goal of high-quality early childhood education, we have found common ground before, and I hope we find it again, Garcia wrote. Abbott and Garcia feuded earlier this year over language in Garcias initial July resignation letter, in which she announced her intent to resign Jan. 2, just before joining Congress. She asked Abbott to schedule a special election to coincide with the Nov. 6 general election, but the governor determined he could not order an election short of Garcia submitting an actual resignation. Garcia then withdrew her letter, though she said it constituted a valid resignation because the election code says vacancies can occur when an officer submits a resignation, whether to be effective immediately or at a future date. Abbotts chief of staff, Luis Saenz, said Garcias use of the word intent did not amount to a valid resignation. Meanwhile, Republicans control 19 seats in the Texas Senate after losing a pair of incumbents Tuesday. The 31-seat upper chambers rules require three-fifths approval to bring legislation to the floor, meaning Republicans current numbers allow them to do so without Democratic support. But if even one Republican breaks ranks, the party will fall below the 19-seat threshold. Garcias vacancy affords Senate Republicans one seat of breathing room, allowing them to bring bills to the floor with an 18-person bloc. Both Alvarado and Garcia acknowledged that Republicans outnumber Democrats in the Texas Senate, but said they were hopeful they could work across the aisle. What weve seen this election cycle is that voters are more engaged, Hernandez said Friday. We saw that in the increase in voter turnout in the November election, and I hope to see that continue throughout the legislative session. In my 13 years as a state (representative) thats when Ive seen the greatest change, is when you have that involvement from the community. Alvarado, who lost to Garcia in a 2013 special election for the seat, touted her history of passing bills when Democrats had slim representation in the House. I have a good track record of working across the aisle, working in a bipartisan way, but never compromising the values that I hold near and dear to my heart and that are important to my district, she said. Alvarado and Hernandez were both re-elected to their House seats Tuesday, with Alvarado facing only a third-party challenger and Hernandez running unopposed. Their districts overlap with Senate District 6. Shortly after Garcias announcement, both lawmakers weighed in with statements urging Abbott to call the election as soon as possible. I look forward to taking my message of a new generation of leadership in the continued fight for quality schools, affordable healthcare, and economic opportunities to the voters of Senate District 6, Hernandez said. Alvarado focused her statement on Garcia, saying her advocacy to those who needed a voice at the State Capitol was steadfast. Her leadership will be missed. Others echoed the call for Abbott to schedule the election swiftly, including Aldine ISD Superintendent LaTonya Goffney in a letter to the governor. During the upcoming legislative session, there will be many critical issues facing school districts, including Aldine ISD, which is located in State Senate District 6, spanning 111 square miles in North Houston, Goffney wrote. Our district serves more than 67,000 students in 81 schools with nearly 9,500 employees. It is already being projected that there will be numerous measures significantly impacting our students, parents, staff and community. The Greater Houston Partnership in a statement said it hoped the election will be called as soon as possible to ensure the Houston region is fully represented during the legislative session. We have many pressing regional and statewide issues that need to be addressed, and we need all Houstonians to have their voice heard in Austin, a statement from the group reads. Garcia and Veronica Escobar, a former El Paso County judge, jointly will become the first Latinas to represent Texas in Congress. Garcia beat Republican Philip Aronoff to replace Rep. Gene Green, a Democrat who is not seeking re-election. Escobar, a Democrat, won the House seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Beto ORourke, D-El Paso, who made an unsuccessful bid to unseat Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas. jasper.scherer@chron.com The trouble that eventually landed the Bright family in court started back in July. It was a hot, Texas summer day and Melissa Bright let her kids 2-year-old Charlotte and 5-month-old Mason play in the sprinkler outside their Tomball home. When she put the baby down on a lawn chair so she could help Charlotte strip off wet clothes, she heard a thud. Mason had fallen the 19 inches from the chair to the cement driveway below. The tumble launched a months-long legal case with Texas Child Protective Services that began with the removal of the children from the Brights' home and ended Thursday with a Harris County judge ordering what may be the largest-ever sanctions against the agency. After a five-day hearing, Juvenile Court Judge Mike Schneider ordered the state to come up with new regional training for workers and pay more than $127,000 for wrongfully removing the couple's children and allegedly lying about the case in court. Now, attorneys for parents Melissa and Dillon Bright are calling for the firing of the CPS workers involved and asking for prosecutors to investigate for possible criminal charges. "They lied in their affidavit, they lied in their sworn removal testimony and they have when questioned about those lies taken the Fifth," said family lawyer Dennis Slate. "When the Harris County District Attorney ran for office said that she would investigate perjury claims within the Harris County courts," he said. "She needs to live up to that campaign promise and look into this case and bring the appropriate action." The ruling late Thursday by the judge came weeks after caseworker Lavar Jones shocked the courtroom by pleading his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination repeatedly during a removal hearing in which the judge ordered CPS to stay away from the two young children before ultimately giving them back to the parents. It's an unusual case that offers repeated examples of CPS missteps, but the Brights' attorneys say it's also a sign of a "broken system" and highlights the need for more accountability from the agency tasked with making decisions as to whether parents are fit to keep their children. The agency offered a short comment on the decision. "In light of today's ruling, we are reviewing our options," said CPS spokeswoman Tejal Patel, "including our right to appeal." **** When she heard her baby fall, a panicked Melissa called her husband, then dialed 911. At the hospital, the child abuse prevention team at first told CPS that Melissa's explanation of the injury was a likely one, according to court records. But the next day, an MRI revealed that Mason had a second fracture a smaller, hairline crack and bleeding in his brain. The second fracture, the abuse team decided, would have come from a second incident. And when Melissa couldn't offer an alternate explanation, the team deemed the injuries were "consistent with child abuse." So, as the Brights struggled with medical decisions, the bills those would entail and the difficulties of parenting from the hospital, they also needed to fend off accusations of child abuse. They agreed to an in-home monitoring plan, but before Mason left the hospital, CPS supervisor Niesha Edwards instead decided the kids would have to go live with Dillon's mother in Baytown, more than an hour away. Meanwhile, the Texas Children's Hospital hematology department found that Mason likely had a blood clotting disorder. That could have explained how a fall from a lawn chair could generate so much bleeding and so many problems, but it also meant that there could be more problems ahead and there were. The head injury didn't heal as planned, so before baby Mason left the hospital, doctors drilled a hole in his skull to relieve pressure. Afterwards, according to the Brights, doctors warned that if the family wanted to avoid a second surgery it was important to keep the child from crying. But, the Brights said, that would require nursing, and CPS wouldn't allow Melissa to live with the child. The baby went to Baytown, but caring for a medically fragile child eventually became too much for Dillon's mother, and the Brights asked to move the baby closer to home with an aunt and uncle in Tomball. But the agency delayed its response, repeatedly promising answers and failing to deliver, records show. Eventually, Dillon called caseworker Jones, according to court records, and told him that since CPS hadn't followed through on getting approval and the current plan was quickly becoming infeasible, the Brights planned to bring the kids home. So they did. Twenty-two days passed. Then, on Sept. 18, Jones texted to ask how the kids were, and Melissa sent along happy photos and a health update. The next day, the state without notifying the Brights filed a petition asking for emergency custody of the children who, officials said, were in "immediate and continuing danger." The parents were never told that the court would hold a removal hearing the same day. Jones didn't tell the court about the diagnosed blood disorder, which could have explained some of the medical problems. And he didn't mention that the parents had gotten a second medical opinion that explained the second, hairline fracture. So, just after noon on Sept. 19, a court approved the removal. "It didn't even dawn on me that he was going to show up and take our kids," Melissa told the Chronicle. "It wasn't even on our radar, especially after it being so long." That night, the children were separated and both taken to foster care. The caseworker didn't even leave behind a copy of the order of removal as required by law, family attorney Slate said. *** A few weeks later, in early October, the parents, their lawyers, CPS workers and county attorneys showed up in court again for a three-day hearing to figure out whether the state had enough cause to keep the kids. When questioned about the earlier claims he'd made during the Sept. 19 emergency hearing and about the agency's reasons for removing the kids, Jones pleaded the Fifth, making for a case the judge found thoroughly unconvincing. "It is not possible," Schneider said in court last month, "to look at the facts and imagine that the agency actually felt there was any sort of urgent need for protection to remove the children." When Schneider sided with the Brights, the case moved to a November sanctions hearing, where Slate and fellow attorney Stephanie Proffitt argued that the agency's efforts to take the kids were based on such groundless arguments that they should be forced to pay the family for legal fees and other costs, a total of more than $127,000. Over the course of five days, the court heard testimony from the Brights, a program director and supervisor Edwards,who claimed so frequently that she didn't know, couldn't answer or didn't understand the questions that Slate eventually asked whether she had any knowledge that made her qualified to make decisions. Slate and Proffitt laid out a litany of accusations, including claims that workers had altered computer records to match an affidavit, intentionally failed to turn over incriminating text messages, and plowed ahead with the "bad faith" removal to avoid telling their program director they had not checked on the kids for 22 days. "We're not here to get a pound of flesh from CPS," Slate said. "I haven't solved the riddle of why they would knowing they were going to be caught in a perjury trap continue going on with the case, except that they didn't want to tell their program director. It's baffling to me." Stephen Dieu with the Harris County Attorney's Office, which represented CPS in the hearing, accused the family's attorneys of "cherry-picking" text messages and records, and argued repeatedly that the agency was protected by sovereign immunity. "There are legal remedies but this is not the one," he said. "The department cannot be sanctioned." But a look back at agency records would show that's not true. Seven years ago, Slate and Proffitt won a $32,000 sanction in another case involving a "groundless" removal where the agency didn't tell the parents about the emergency hearing and waited hours to take the kids after courts closed. "When we got the sanctions in 2011, we really thought that would open somebody's eyes," Proffitt said. "There are only a handful of cases in Harris County that have even filed for sanctions. There's no repercussions." This time, there were. In a scathing ruling from the bench on Thursday, Schneider dinged the agency for being "dishonest" and possibly "malicious," saying the entire removal and subsequent legal battle never would have happened if the agency had told the Brights about the emergency removal hearing and given them a chance to defend themselves at the start. "We do need to deal with the issue of how we make sure this doesn't happen again," he said, before ordering the agency to pay $127,000 and giving them two weeks to create the new training program for the Houston region. But, Schneider said, there was one thing the family requested that he said he could not order: an apology. keri.blakinger@chron.com @keribla UVALDE Jack D. Young, the driver of a large Dodge pickup truck who killed 13 people and badly injured another when he crashed into their church bus last year, was sentenced Friday to 55 years in prison. State District Judge Camile DuBose sentenced Young after an emotionally draining three-day hearing. You have a choice. You can choose to live your life as a victim or you can honor the spirit and the lives of those who were killed that day, and rise above your circumstance, DuBose told him before handing down the sentence. Jesus loves you, and you must learn to love yourself. More than 60 people were in the courtroom, many of them relatives of the accident victims who were members of the First Baptist Church of New Braunfels. Also present were Youngs family and friends. After the sentence, some relatives of the victims went over to comfort and embrace Youngs family. Several of them spoke tenderly to him as well. Im crushed. Im hurt. This is a no-win situation for everyone, said Dawn Tysdal-Jean, whose mother was killed in the crash, moments after she spoke to Young as he cried. I feel its just another life lost. Im broken in my heart for both families, she said. The 14 elderly churchgoers were returning from a retreat in Leakey on March 29, 2017, when Youngs truck crashed into their bus on U.S. 83 north of Uvalde. It was one of the deadliest accidents in state history. Young, 21, later admitted he had smoked marijuana and taken clonazepam, a prescribed anti-depressant, before the accident. The National Transportation Safety Board concluded that the accident was caused by his impaired driving, which was captured on a cell phone video by a motorist who noticed Young weaving on the highway. Young pleaded no contest in June to 13 counts of intoxication manslaughter and one count of intoxication assault. He faced a possible life sentence. Young was the last person to take the stand Friday, and gave an emotional apology to the friends and families of the victims. I cant put into words how sorry I am. I cant tell you how many times I have prayed to God that it isnt so, he said. If anyone, it should have been me. Ive tried to kill myself before. They were beautiful people with beautiful families, he said. In a sometimes barely audible voice, Young talked about his difficult upbringing and about being raped as a boy. He said the assault had haunted him in recent years, leading to his commitment for psychiatric treatment in a San Antonio hospital. He said his drug use was a means of coping with recurring memories of the assault. Rogelio F. Munoz, Youngs lawyer, tried to blame one of Youngs doctors for giving him a six-month prescription for clonazepam, and not monitoring its effects. This doctor gave a mind-altering drug to a mental patient, Munoz asserted. Under cross-examination from District Attorney Dan Kindred, Young admitted that his drug use continued after the accident and he was sent to jail to await sentencing. Friends and relatives of the victims shared memories during the hearing this week, told favorite stories, showed family photographs and testified about their losses. Rose Mary Harris, the only survivor in the bus, brought many in the courtroom to tears Thursday when she talked about seeing so many of her friends perish. Harris has undergone multiple surgeries and now walks with a cane, where before she could walk three miles. Several of Youngs family members, including his parents and older sister, testified in detail Friday of the difficult circumstances of his upbringing, beginning with alcohol and drug abuse by both parents. His sister, Chelsea Young, described how the family had basically fallen apart after the death of her grandmother, and how Jack had suffered the most from neglect. Im very sorry for the pain you are going through. You all have such beautiful loving family members you lost, she said, before contrasting it with her own childhood. I dont have any happy memories. It was emotional and mental abuse, physical abuse sometimes, she said. But, she said, despite the neglect and instability at home, she never foresaw such a tragedy. Im sorry for the actions of my brother. I never thought it would reach this far. We didnt have any example. There was no chance, she said. Youngs father, Ben Young, and his mother, Lori Davis, also testified about his harsh upbringing. Both acknowledged substance abuse and accepted blame for failing as parents. In his closing arguments, Munoz pleaded with the judge, saying, We have one incident, one time. Dont throw him away. Dont throw him away. District Attorney Dan Kindred asked for a sentence of 130 years. The magnitude of the loss of life must be reflected in the magnitude of the sentence. Jack Young has made his bed, and now hes going to lay in it, he said. jmaccormack@express-news.net Two major mishaps involving the Russian space program have made the last three months tumultuous for NASA astronaut Anne McClain, , raising questions about whether her flight to the International Space Station in December would happen as planned. "Whirlwind is a great way to describe it," she told the Houston Chronicle on Friday. "In space, everything is dependent on everything else and one hiccup causes a lot of ripple effects." First, a hole that caused an air leak was discovered in August in a Russian Soyuz spacecraft attached to the space station, but was later patched. Then last month, the launch of a different Soyuz headed to the space station was aborted because of a rocket booster failure, grounding American astronauts who depend on Russia to ferry them into space until the cause was determined. But on Friday -- with her launch date moved up to Dec. 3 and her training regimen adjusted -- McClain said she is more confident than ever to strap into a Soyuz and rocket out of Earth's atmosphere. "I do have confidence," she said. "No one would give the green light to fly," she said, unless everything was OK for launch. This will be McClain's first spaceflight since being selected as an astronaut in 2013. She, along with Russia's Oleg Kononenko and Canadian Space Agency's David Saint-Jacques initially were supposed to launch from Kazakhstan on Dec. 20. "We got moved up, we had to cut some training and we had to compress things ... but I feel ready to go," McClain said. "The training flow for the space station is a year-and-a-half to two years. Over the last few months, we've just made sure we're keeping up with everything." When McClain and her two crew mates launch Dec. 3, they will join a group of three astronauts, including NASA's Serena Aunon-Chancellor, who have been living on the space station since June. Aunon-Chancellor and her crew mates were supposed to welcome NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Alexey Ovchinin aboard the orbiting laboratory in October, but then the launch was aborted. Because of the abort, NASA had to cancel two spacewalks to upgrade the space station's power systems that were supposed to be conducted by Hague. There is a possibility McClain could conduct those in his stead, she said, though an official decision has not been made. "We were able to train for the procedures on the ground just in case we did those [spacewalks]. We're ready to execute," she said. "Someone will do them in the next year, and it may be me." The failed mission last month would have been Hague's first spaceflight since being tapped as an astronaut in 2013 and it's not clear when he'll get to fly again. Russian officials have said he will enter the rotation again in the spring, though NASA has repeatedly declined to comment on that scenario. Russian officials immediately began investigating the cause of the failed launch in October. And earlier this month, they announced that a malfunctioning sensor caused the first and second stages of the rocket to crash into each other, breaking the second stage and forcing an emergency landing. The sensor, they continued, was damaged during the rocket's assembly at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, where the Soyuz is launched. Russian officials still are investigating the hole discovered in August. NASA expects that investigation to conclude in December. Since NASA's space shuttle program was shuttered in 2011, the U.S. has relied on Russia to ferry American astronauts to the station. The U.S. has spent billions of dollars on the space station in its 20-year lifetime, but NASA currently cannot reach the space station on its own. Alex Stuckey writes about NASA and the environment for the Houston Chronicle. You can reach her at alex.stuckey@chron.com or Twitter.com/alexdstuckey. Regarding Emmett ousted in Dem surge (City/State page, Wednesday): Amazing, isnt it? A young person with no qualifications or experience for public office comes into town looking for any public office she can get her hands on. Now Harris County has lost one of the best public officeholders we ever had. If anyone deserved re-election, it was Harris County Judge Ed Emmett, an energetic, caring dedicated, hard-working public servant whom everyone liked. Unfortunately, with straight-ticket voting too many voters forgot about all of this and voted straight-Democrat because they thought they were throwing it in President Trump's face. So what did they accomplish? Trump is still in office. Ed Emmett is not. Jan T. Steinberg, Houston Great coordinator Losing Ed Emmet is our greatest election loss. God save Houston in the next flood. Emmett won't be here to coordinate all the emergency operations. Jo King, Houston Sessions next chapter I am actually relieved for Jeff Sessions. For two years he has had to endure the insults and tirades from President Trump. I cant imagine how he must have felt during those years of abuse and public humiliation. Now he is free to pursue the next chapter of his life and be happy once again. I am sure he will now be inundated with many job offers and speaking engagements. Enjoy your newfound freedom, Jeff. Robert Nackman, Houston Ignoble departure Regarding Unseated judge clears juvenile defendants (City/State page, Thurday): Harris County Juvenile Court Judge Glenn Devlin released defendants who appeared before him on Wednesday after losing the election. It is better to judge a person not by how they enter but rather, how they exit. In my book, the maturity of Devlin's commitment to serve now ranks at infant level and the integrity of his entire service is now questionable. Gregory R. Ford, Houston Positive thinking Regarding GOP needs to move beyond the cult of Trump (Editorial page, Thursday): Sen. Jeff Flake of Arizona speaks truth to power because he has no more elections to face the wrath of the president and his sycophants. Republicans who failed to embrace Trump and lost their races were called out by name at his post-election press conference. He spun the election results giving Democrats control of the House of Representatives and the national purse strings as very close to complete victory. Democrats and independents who are social liberals and fiscal conservatives likewise have no home in the party of Trump. H. Clay Moore, Houston IRCC now accepting results of new TCF Canada language test IRCC now accepting results of new TCF Canada language test Move gives French-speaking permanent residence applicants a second language test option IRCC now accepting results of new TCF Canada language test Move gives French-speaking permanent residence applicants a second language test option IRCC now accepting results of new TCF Canada language test Move gives French-speaking permanent residence applicants a second language test option Stephen Smith Aa Accessibility Font Style Serif Sans Font Size A A Pour lire cet article, cliquez ici. The Government of Canada is now accepting the results of a new test as proof of language ability for French-speaking economic immigration candidates applying for permanent residence. The Test de connaissance du francais pour le Canada (TCF Canada) is administered by the French government-run Centre international detudes pedagogiques (CIEP) to test proficiency in French and will be available at approved test centres in Canada and more than 150 countries. The CIEP says the TCF Canada was designed to correspond with the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)s recognized French language standards, the Niveaux de competence linguistique canadiens (NCLC). Candidates for economic immigration programs including those managed by the Express Entry system the Federal Skilled Worker Class, the Federal Skilled Trades Class and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) must prove a sufficient level of proficiency in either English or French in order to be eligible for immigration to Canada, where both serve as official languages. For example, candidates for the Federal Skilled Worker Class who are claiming French as their first language have to prove a proficiency that is equivalent to NCLC level 7. The TCF Canada is now the second French language test thats recognized by IRCC. The other recognized option remains the Test devaluation de francais (TEF Canada). This means that the results of either the TCF Canada or the TEF Canada will be honoured by IRCC. English-speaking candidates for permanent residence arent required to provide French test results unless they are claiming French language ability. The accepted tests for English language proficiency are International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP). The Government of Canada and provinces like Ontario have introduced a number of measures to encourage francophone immigration and bolster Canadas French-speaking communities outside of Quebec. Ontarios Express Entry-aligned French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream is one of Canadas most active immigration pathways for francophone economic immigration candidates and has issued 1,383 invitations to eligible Express Entry candidates this year. Canadas 2016 census found more than seven million Canadians who reported using French as their mother tongue. Of that number, nearly 950,000 lived outside the province of Quebec. Discover your Canadian immigration options by completing a free assessment form. 2018 CICNews All Rights Reserved Canada's new immigration levels plan could widen gap if U.S. immigration levels are left as they are or reduced Trudeau says immigration gives Canada competitive advantage over U.S. Trudeau says immigration gives Canada competitive advantage over U.S. Canada's new immigration levels plan could widen gap if U.S. immigration levels are left as they are or reduced Trudeau says immigration gives Canada competitive advantage over U.S. Canada's new immigration levels plan could widen gap if U.S. immigration levels are left as they are or reduced Trudeau says immigration gives Canada competitive advantage over U.S. Canada's new immigration levels plan could widen gap if U.S. immigration levels are left as they are or reduced CIC News Aa Accessibility Font Style Serif Sans Font Size A A Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Canadas immigration policies are giving it a big advantage over the United States when it comes to attracting business. Were a country thats open to immigration right now, he said earlier this week, on the eve of the November 6 U.S. mid-term elections. Being able to get the top talent and draw on big pools of well-educated, ambitious, forward-thinking and diverse [people] is a hell of a competitive advantage that I dont see the U.S. matching anytime soon. Trudeau made the remarks in an appearance at the Fortune Most Powerful Women International Summit in Montreal, which brought together women CEOs, thought leaders, entrepreneurs and senior representatives of the Canadian government. Trudeau said Canadians are positively inclined toward immigration and said they know from Canadas experience over generations and centuries that immigrants have created our success. We are able to take in almost one per cent of our population every year in immigration a little over 300,000 and were able to do that because its a system that Canadians have confidence in; its rules-based, its controlled, he said. Last week, Trudeaus Liberal government unveiled its new immigration levels plan, which will see admissions of new permanent residents through Canadas economic, family and refugee / humanitarian programs reach nearly one per cent of Canadas population in 2021. Of the 350,000 immigrants that Canada is planning to welcome that year, nearly 60 per cent will arrive through Canadas economic immigration programs. A majority of economic immigrants are slated to arrive through Canadas Federal High Skilled immigration programs and its Provincial Nominee Program. Discover your Canadian immigration options by completing a free assessment. U.S. at risk of falling further behind in international competition for labour Trudeaus remarks were echoed this week by David Bier, an immigration policy analyst with the Cato Institutes Centre for Global Liberty and Prosperity in Washington. Bier said Canadas new immigration levels plan will put the U.S. at an even greater disadvantage if immigration rates there remain as they are or are even reduced. In 2017, the U.S. immigration rate of 0.3 per cent paled compared to Canadas rate of just over 0.8 per cent. In terms of economic immigration, Canadas rate was 11 times higher than that of the U.S. in 2017, Bier noted a gap that Canadas immigration levels plan threatens to widen. If the U.S. rate remains as steady as it has, America will fall further behind in the international competition for labour, he said. Republican proposals to reduce legal immigration would harm economic growth and make America less competitive economically, Bier wrote. In a talk last month, Canadas Minister of Science, Innovation and Economic Development, Navdeep Bains, described his governments immigration policies as a key element of Canadas value proposition, especially in the current geopolitical climate. Immigration policies really differentiate [Canada], Bains said. When youre seeing the rise of anti-immigrant sentiments, populist politics, nationalism, and our brand in Canada is that were open open to trade, open to investment, open to people that brand, that openness is so critical. Canadas updated immigration levels plan calls for welcoming 310,000 new permanent residents this year, a number that will rise to 330,800 in 2019, 341,000 in 2020 and hit 350,000 in 2021. Canadas Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Ahmed Hussen, said the plan will provide vital support for Canadas economy, which is facing widespread labour shortages as the Canadian population ages and a rising number of workers retire. Growing immigration levels, particularly in the Economic Class, will help us sustain our labour force, support economic growth and spur innovation, he said. To find out if you are eligible for any Canadian immigration program, fill out a free assessment. 2018 CICNews All Rights Reserved The corner of Wall and Nassau Streets where Federal Hall now standsopposite the New York Stock Exchange and J. P. Morgans old officeis sacred ground for American liberty. In the cupola-crowned City Hall built there in 1699, representatives of the American colonies called themselves together for the first time, in the Stamp Act Congress of 1765, and declared their undoubted right not to be taxed but with their own consent. In May 1789, four days after George Washingtons inauguration on the balcony of the refurbished building, just renamed Federal Hall and housing the new Senate and House of Representatives, congressman James Madison opened debate on a proposed Bill of Rights, which he guided to the necessary two-thirds majorities in both chambers by the end of that summer. In that same building over half a century earlier, by a sweet coincidence, the free speech, free press, and trial by jury that the Bill of Rights protects had won their first great vindication in British America, in the famous 1735 seditious-libel case of printer John Peter Zenger. Its dramatic outcome put British authorities sharply on notice that Americans believed that they had certain God-given rights and would not give them up without a fight. The trial had its origins in a spat over money that quickly escalated into a battle over fundamental rights and legitimate authority. When a new royal governor, William Cosby, arrived in New York in 1732, he demanded that the senior provincial council member, Rip Van Dam, give him half the salary that Van Dam had received as acting governor before Cosby reached the New World. Fair enough, according to custom; but Van Dam countered that hed relinquish the 1,000 or so at issue only if Cosby gave him half the 6,400 worth of perks that the governor had already raked in even before starting his new job. Cosby, ill-educated, ill-tempered, and implacable, decided to suebut in which court? Since his greedy imperiousness had begun offending New Yorkers the moment he landed, he knew he darent trust an ordinary jury, and he couldnt turn to the nonjury Chancery Court, of which he was the ex-officio judge, since even he didnt have the brass to hear his own case. His solution: to ask the colonys Supreme Court, whose judges were gubernatorial appointees, to sit as an equity Exchequer Court, an unusual but not unheard-of ploy that further inflamed New Yorkers, who reasonably thought that trials without juries violated their rights as freeborn British subjects. Lewis Morris, chief justice since 1715 and owner of the vast Morrisania manor in Westchester, didnt like the tactic, either, and vigorously agreed in April 1733 with Van Dams capable lawyers, James Alexander and William Smith, who objected that the proposed hocus-pocus of transmuting the Supreme Court into a juryless equity court was improper and illegal. Morris rebuked his two fellow justices for taking the opposite view, and published his rebuke. Cosby responded by summarily firing him in August and elevating loyal supporter James De Lancey to the chief justiceship instead. By so doing, he created in Morris, Alexander, and Smith powerful, canny enemies who could now attack him on the constitutional grounds that he had tried to take away a citizens property without the due process of a jury trial, and that he had arbitrarily dismissed a judge for trying to protect basic rights. Attack him they did, with guns blazing. On the political front, Morris and his son began campaigning only weeks after the chief justices firing as anti-Cosby candidates for seats in the provincial assembly, which they won in the November 1733 election, and they began recruiting anti-administration candidates for the next autumns New York City Common Council elections. More important, on November 5, 1733, James Alexander and other Morris allies launched Americas first opposition newspaper, the New-York Weekly Journal, which Alexander edited and largely wrote. Most articles appeared under pseudonyms, though; the only name on the masthead was John Peter Zenger, the papers 36-year-old printer, who had arrived in America among the 2,000 to 3,000 Germans fleeing from famine in the Palatinate in 1710the biggest German immigration of colonial times and part of Queen Annes effort to people her New World empire. After an apprenticeship to the Kings Printer in New York, Zenger had set up on his own, turning out tracts, pamphlets, and textbooks in English and Dutch. The Journals attacks could be scurrilous, especially in its mock classified ads. One, searching for a runaway monkey given to grimace and chattering, broadly caricatured Cosby. Another, seeking a lost spaniel that fetched and carried fulsome Panagericks (on Cosby) to the establishment newspaper, lampooned gubernatorial toady and political appointee Francis Harison. But most often, Alexander anchored his critique in a carefully explained political theory of British constitutionalism, much of which he learned, as did so many American colonists, from Catos Letters, written a decade earlier by the hugely influential radical English Whig journalists John Trenchard and Thomas Gordon. Alexander, who regularly reprinted Trenchard and Gordon in the New-York Weekly Journal, didnt follow their Lockean radicalism all the waynot explicitly, anyway. He never went so far as to say, as Cato No. 11 succinctly declared, that the sole end of mens entering into political societies, was mutual protection and defence; and whatever power does not contribute to these purposes, is not government, but usurpation. But he wholeheartedly endorsed Catos theory of limited monarchy, where the laws protect everyones basic rights against all state authorities, from the king on down. Central to this scheme is a free press, as Alexander explains in the second and third issues of the Journal, which purport to be a letter from Cato himself. Nothing restrains a powerful and wicked minister so effectively as a free press, Alexander argues. It can awaken his conscience, . . . sting him with the dread of punishment, cover him with shame, and render his actions odious. Indeed, he asserts, This advantage . . . of exposing the exorbitant crimes of wicked ministers under a limited monarchy makes the liberty of the press not only consistent with, but a necessary part of, the constitution itself. So crucial is this right, concludes Alexander, paraphrasing Trenchard and Gordon, that no nation ancient or modern ever lost the liberty of freely speaking, writing, or publishing their sentiments but forthwith lost their liberty in general and became slaves. Thus cloaked in the British constitution, Alexander, a Scottish-born former attorney general of New Jersey, set to flaying Cosby with patriotic fervor. Was it prudent in an English governor to suffer a Frenchman to view our fortifications, sound our harbors, etc.? asked the Journal after Cosby permitted a French warship to do just that. Could we not, by seizing their papers and confining their persons, have prevented them in great measure from making use of the discoveries they madeas Cosby failed to do? The same December 17, 1733, issue of the paper went on to remind readers that Cosby had arbitrarily displaced Chief Justice Morris and had added to the provincial council a newcomer to New York whose main distinction is having first been and still he is, one of His Excellencys counsel in his suit . . . against the Honorable Rip Van Dam. Esq. Surely, Cosby thought, he didnt have to put up with this. Accordingly, at the start of the new year, the governors newly installed Chief Justice De Lancey, aged 30, asked the grand jury to indict whoever was responsible for all the seditious libels recently circulating in the province. The 19 jurors demurred. Enflamed and emboldened, Alexander excoriated with redoubled zeal. THE PEOPLE of this city . . . think, as matters now stand, that their LIBERTIES and PROPERTIES are precarious, and that SLAVERY is like to be entailed on them and their posterity, if some past things be not amended, he thundered in the January 28, 1734, issue. After all, the liberty of the press is now struck at, which is the safeguard of all our other liberties. And sure enough, he charged in the April 8 number, I think the law itself is at an end: We see mens deeds destroyed, judges arbitrarily displaced, new courts erected without consent of the legislature, by which it seems to me trials by juries are taken away when a governor pleases. What a list of malefactions!the arbitrary firing of Chief Justice Morris (as well as the later firing of a local judge, Vincent Matthews) for upholding the law, the enchantment of the Supreme Court into a juryless Exchequer Court, and Cosbys high-handedly permitting the Mohawk Indians to burn a deed by which they had transferred land to Albany settlers. With such goings-on, Who is then in that province that call anything his own, or enjoy any liberty longer than those in the administration will condescend to let him do it? Less than a week before the Common Council elections, the Journal took one last swipe. Contrary to custom, it remarked, the governor made a practice of sitting in with the provincial council and meddling in its legislative function, as Van Dam had earlier complained to the Board of Trade in London. Such interference by a veto-wielding executive officer subverted the constitutional separation of powers, a concept well understood since antiquity, though still a decade away from getting its modern formulation by Montesquieu. Laws made in this way, the Journal opined, are a nullityand making a nullity of the constitution not only infers but introduces a nullity of liberty. The September 29, 1734, Common Council elections gave the Morrisite candidates a landslide. A week later, the Journal gloated by printing the list of victors and remarking that all but one were put up by an interest opposite to the Governors, while all the losers were Cosby supporters. Twisting the knife, Zenger printed a broadside with two celebratory ballads right after the election. A sample: Come on brave boys, let us be brave For liberty and law, Boldly despise the haughty knave, That would keep us in awe. . . . Though pettifogging knaves deny Us rights of Englishmen; Well make the scoundrel rascal fly, And neer return again. Our judges they would chop and change For those that serve their turn, And will not surely think it strange If they for this should mourn. An outraged Cosby resolved to crush such effrontery. He asked a new grand jury for indictments over the scandalous songs, but though the jurors agreed that the ballads were libelous, they professed bewilderment as to who might have written or published them. Cosby then pressed the assembly and the provincial council to act. Though the assembly refused, the council voted on November 2 to order four issues of the Journal to be burned by the common Hangman, or Whipper, by the pillory and to direct the sheriff to arrest Zenger for publishing seditious libels tending to raise factions and tumults among the people of this Province, inflaming their minds with contempt of His Majestys government, and greatly disturbing the peace thereof. When New Yorks mayor and aldermen wouldnt let their hangman destroy the newspapers, the sheriff delivered them unto the hands of his own Negro, and ordered him to put them into the fire, which he did, James Alexander later reported. With Zenger hauled off to jailit was in the garret of City Hallon November 17, 1734, Alexander and Smith volunteered as his lawyers and went to bail him out. Elementary fairness, they soon learned, was not in the cards for the printer. As Alexander explains in his Brief Narrative of the case, published in 1736 (and splendidly annotated by Stanley Nider Katz for Harvard University Press), English law requires bail to be set within the accuseds means. But for Zenger, whose net worth didnt reach 40, Chief Justice De Lancey set bail at 400, so the printer languished in his attic cell, plagued by its leaky roof and drafty window, for the next eight months. To compound the unfairness, when a grand jury yet again failed to indict Zenger in January 1735, Attorney General Richard Bradley filed an information against him, a way of bypassing a grand jury and charging someone without an indictment. With so much legal hanky-panky, Alexander and Smith immediately called into question the basic legitimacy of the whole proceeding. They formally took exception to the commissions of De Lancey and his fellow judge, Frederick Philipse, which appointed them to serve during pleasure of the governor rather than during good behavior, as was customary in England. As any reader of Catos Letters would know, officials who serve at pleasure easily decline into tools and henchmen of the person who can fire them, if that superior is as arbitrary as Cosby showed himself in firing Morris, trampling judicial independence and further subverting the separation of powers. De Lancey understood Alexander and Smiths cheeky implication perfectly. And, proving them right by silencing them, he summarily disbarred them for their presumption. Lawyerless after this unheard-of move, Zenger asked the court to appoint counsel for him, and De Lancey named John Chambers, a competent Cosbyite who pled his new client not guilty and asked for a so-called struck jury. Hanky-panky marred even this normally fair jury-selection method, in which the court clerk randomly chooses 48 names of freeholders and allows both sides to reject a dozen each, with the jury picked by lot from the remaining 24. The 48 random names included many non-freeholders, however, including some Cosby political appointees, along with his baker, tailor, and shoemaker. The court clerk pooh-poohed Chamberss protest, but even De Lancey couldnt swallow this particular injustice and ordered fair play, resulting in a half-Morrisite jury. When the trial began on August 4, 1735, Chambers argued that there can be no libel without a specific victim, and he challenged the attorney general to prove whom exactly the supposedly libelous Journal articles targeted. When he sat down, it wasnt Attorney General Bradley who rose as expected, however. It was Americas foremost lawyer, Andrew Hamilton, of Philadelphia. Wary of Chambers, James Alexander had enlisted his good friend and fellow Scottish immigrant to defend Zenger pro bono. At 59, Hamilton was a vivid, accomplished political infighter whoaccording to lawyer Smiths historian son, William Smith, Jr.had art, eloquence, vivacity, and humor, was ambitious of fame, negligent of nothing to ensure success, and possessed a confidence which no terrors could awe. Heightening the drama of his unexpected appearance, Hamilton opened by saying, Ill save Mr. Attorney the trouble of examining his witnesses and confess that my client both printed and published the two newspapers for which he is being prosecuted. Independence National Historical Park Well, that ends it, replied Attorney General Bradley. I think the jury must find a verdict for the King. After all, the law statesas it did at that timethat a libel is a libel even if it is true. As Bradley explained, government, which protects our lives, religion, and property, is too essential to allow people to weaken or subvert it by publishing scandal, whether true or false, about the magistrates who administer it. That way lies anarchy, and the law has always forbidden it. And that is why the Governor and the chief persons in the government . . . had directed this prosecution, to put a stop to this scandalous and wicked practice of defaming His Majestys government. Oho, said Hamilton, his voice tinged with irony and mock surprise; I had no idea, until the attorney general pointed it out, that the governor was the butt of Zengers supposedly libelous articles, and I had thought Bradley had brought this prosecution on his own initiative, obsequiously to show his superiors the great concern he had lest they should be treated with any undue freedom. But now that he tells us that this prosecution was directed by the Governor and Council, and now that I look around and see the huge audience in this courtroom, I have reason to think . . . that the people believe they have a good deal more at stake, than I apprehended. Surely, Hamilton continued, even Bradley must think the truth or falsehood of Zengers articles is a critical question in this case, whatever the law says. After all, he charged the printer in his information with publishing a certain false, malicious, seditious and scandalous libel. This word false must have some meaning, else how came it there? . . . The falsehood makes the scandal, and both make the libel, he contended. Mr. Attorney has now only to prove the words false in order to make us guilty. Hold on, interjected the chief justice, backing up Bradleys quite correct reading of the law. You cannot be admitted, Mr. Hamilton, to give the truth of a libel in evidence. A libel is not to be justified; for it is nevertheless a libel that it is true. Hamilton begged to differat considerable length. Mr. Hamilton, the Court have delivered their opinion, and we expect you will use us with good manners, De Lancey concluded. You are not to be permitted to argue against the opinion of the Court. Then, gentlemen of the jury, it is to you we must now appeal, said Hamilton, turning toward them. You are citizens of New York; you are really what the law supposes you to be, honest and lawful men. . . . In your justice lies our safety. Easy there, De Lancey interposed: the only question for the jury is whether Zenger published the papers. According to the law, they must leave it to the Court to decide if they are libelous. The jury may do so; but I do likewise know they may do otherwise, Hamilton countered. I know they have the right beyond all dispute to determine both the law and the fact, and where they do not doubt of the law, they ought to do so. This of leaving it to the judgment of the Court whether the words are libelous or not in effect renders juries uselessas had already happened when Bradley charged Zenger despite three grand juries refusal to indict him. And here Hamilton effectively snatched the trial out of the hands of the judges and the prosecutor and transformed it from a question of law into a question of politics. The issue became, as a contemporary observer remarked, not what the law was, but what ought to be law, and will always be law wherever justice prevails. Echoing the language and political philosophy of Catos Letters, Hamilton told the jurors that all freemen . . . are entitled to complain when they are hurt; they have a right publicly to remonstrate the abuses of power in the strongest terms, to put their neighbors upon their guard against the craft or open violence of men in authority, and to assert with courage the sense they have of the blessings of liberty, . . . and their resolution at all hazards to preserve it as one of the greatest blessings heaven can bestow. The only restraint the law can put upon this natural right . . . can only extend to what is false. Otherwise, were this to be denied, then the next step may make them slaves; For what notions can be entertained of slavery beyond that of suffering the greatest injuries and oppressions without the liberty of complaining; or if they do, to be destroyed, body and estate, for so doing? As for the libel laws curtailing free speech, almost all the precedents that the attorney general cites come from the tyrannical reigns of the Stuarts. They are mostly Star Chamber cases, that nonjury court where the most arbitrary and destructive judgments and opinions were given that ever an Englishman heard of. There, prosecutions were set on foot at the instance of the Crown or its ministers andto take a swipe at De Lancey as well as Cosbytoo much countenanced by the judges, who held their places at pleasure (a disagreeable tenure to any officer, but a dangerous one in the case of a judge). In those Star Chamber days, great men accused people by an information, and the people of England were cheated or awed into delivering up their ancient and sacred right of trials by grand and petit juries. No wonder the Glorious Revolution of 1688 did away with such a tyrannical court: The people of England saw clearly the danger of trusting their liberties and properties to be tried, even by the greatest men in the kingdom, without the judgment of a jury of their equals. They had felt the terrible effects of leaving it to the judgment of these great men to say what was scandalous or seditious, false or ironical. We should let the Star Chamber and its cases stay dead: In the reign of an arbitrary prince, where judges held their seats at pleasure, their judgments have not always been such as to make precedents of, but to the contrary. Free speech and trial by a jury of ones peers: the whole case really is about these two great guardians of liberty, Hamilton put it to his 12 jurors, focusing the spotlight of history squarely upon them and asking them to play their part in a momentous constitutional drama. Power may justly be compared to a great river, while kept within its due bounds, is both beautiful and useful; but when it overflows its banks, he told them, it brings destruction and desolation wherever it comes. It needs checks and balances to restrain its inevitable tendency to excesschecks like the dozen men before him. Let us at least do our duty, Hamilton urged them, and use our utmost care to support liberty, the only bulwark against lawless power. Lawless power precipitated this affair. Just as in the worst days of the Stuart era, we are seeing prosecutions upon informations set on foot by the government to deprive a people of the right of remonstrating (and complaining too) of the arbitrary attempts of men in power, Hamilton charged. Men who injure and oppress the people under their administration provoke them to cry out and complain; and then make that very complaint the foundation for new oppressions and prosecutions. But under the British constitution, a jury can stymie such lawless administrators by refusing to ratify their unjust schemesdespite what the presiding judge may say, as Hamilton had asserted at the start of his argument. The question before the Court and you gentlemen of the jury is not of small nor private concern, it is not the cause of a poor printer, nor of New York alone, Hamilton summed up. It is the cause of liberty; and I make no doubt but your upright conduct this day will not only entitle you to the love and esteem of your fellow citizens; but every man who prefers freedom to a life of slavery will bless and honor you as men who have baffled the attempt of tyranny; and by an impartial and uncorrupt verdict, have laid a noble foundation for securing to ourselves and our posterity, and our neighbors that to which nature and the laws of our country have given us a rightthe libertyboth of exposing and opposing arbitrary power . . . by speaking and writing truth. The jury, after a small time of deliberation, came back with a verdict of not guilty, sparking three cheers from the spectators. The next day, Zenger was a free man, and the mayor and aldermen of New York gave Hamilton the freedom of the city and a gold box, engraved Won not by money but virtue, for his learned and generous defense of the rights of mankind, and the liberty of the press. This defiant act of jury nullification didnt change the law, of course. Even after the Bill of Rights became part of the U.S. Constitution, the government brought libel cases under John Adamss shameful 1798 Sedition Act, which, however, finally made truth a lawful defense in federal cases; and later still, Jeffersonian Republicans brought such actions under state law, until a brilliant argument by Alexander Hamilton (no relation to Andrew) in an 1804 New York Supreme Court appeal prompted the state the next year to redefine libel as a false, malicious, and defamatory statement, with other states following suit. But after 1735, British officials knew that American juries were unlikely to convict in libel cases, so such prosecutions became rare once the newspapers and James Alexanders widely read Brief Narrative spread the tale of the Zenger verdict all across the colonies. These reports helped mold the political culture of British America, and, of course, the verdict opened the floodgates on a torrent of political pamphleteering that heightened the colonists reverence for liberty, constitutional rights, freedom of speech and of the press, and trial by jury. So when in 1772, British authorities seemed ready to carry out their threats to try American customs evaders in nonjury admiralty courts, Virginians formed the first revolutionary committee of correspondence and set the colonists on a course from which they never turned back. Photo: Tiago_Fernandez/iStock Education charity Think Global has closed after being unable to replace funding which was withdrawn by the Department for International Development (DfID). Think Global, an organisation that supports its members to promote development education, used to receive the majority of its 400,000 income as part of a consortium delivering DfIDs Global Learning Programme. The charity said changes in UK government priorities has meant the DfID funding has now been withdrawn. It said: This resulted in a substantial reduction to our income that we have been unable to replace. The charity said Brexit has also had a dampening effect on its ability to potentially access European Union funding. It also said that its 12,000 members, which include local development education centres as well as large charities like Oxfam and and Save the Children, are increasingly unable to pay their membership fees. The charity said it had been working for the past 18 months to secure alternative sources of funding, including a potential merger, but it was unable to replace the amount it received from DfID. According to the charitys latest accounts, it had nine employees, all of which have now moved on. Programmes to continue Some of its services will be passed to other charities, but others will close down, the charity said. James Luger, chair of Think Global, said: We are acutely aware that at the very moment we close our doors, the need for global learning has never been greater. The challenges of the 21st Century be they technological, political, economic or environmental will all require more, not less, of the key tenets of global learning: viewing learning as a process; critical-analytical thinking; openness to others perspectives and a deep understanding of the interdependence of society. However, Think Global didnt act alone we were an effective force for global learning because our members, networks, friends and supporters amplified our message, and this community will continue to promote the vital importance of helping people understand and act on global issues, and help create a world that is just and sustainable for all. Think Global was established in 1993 as the Development Education Association to promote development education and global learning. The association built on and brought together two existing networks, the National Association of Development Education Centres and the Inter Agency Committee for Development Education. In 2008, the association changed its name to Think Global. Thomas Lawson, the chief executive of Leap Confronting Conflict, has been appointed chief executive of Turn2us, the national charity providing help for people struggling financially. Lawson, who leaves Leap Confronting Conflict after over eight years in the top job, has over 20 years of senior experience in the sector. He is currently chair of the Centre for Youth Impact, and was previously a trustee of Heart n Soul, an arts charity that works with artists with learning disabilities. Ben Kernighan, deputy chief executive of Leap Confront Conflict, told Civil Society News that Lawsons leaving date has yet to be decided. The recruitment process for finding his replacement is currently being planned. Speaking about Lawsons appointment, Sally OSullivan, chair of Turn2us, said: Turn2us is delighted that Tom has agreed to become our new CEO to lead the charity forward in its mission to help people in the UK who are struggling financially from spiralling into crisis. His reputation for inspirational leadership precedes him but we also value his compassionate understanding of personal dignity and his commitment to making a lasting and real difference. Turn2us believes there are many opportunities ahead for cross sector collaboration to the mutual benefit of those in need. We know that Tom will further this ambition. Lawson said: I am delighted to have been appointed as CEO of Turn2us. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to be able to contribute to the battle against poverty in the UK, and to build on the excellent work of the organisation. I have loved working at Leap for the last eight years. It is a fantastic team of young people, trainers, staff and trustees who create such positive impact for young people through their creativity and dedication. The organisation will go from strength to strength. "I will miss the people a great deal and wish them all well. Helping young people to manage conflict has become an even more crucial priority for our society. American journalism outlets often miss the point on Russia, according to New Yorker staff writer Masha Gessen, and theyre not doing an excellent job of navigating the myriad dilemmas of the Trump era, either. Gessen addressed a crowded lecture hall at Columbia Journalism School on Thursday evening, as part of the Delacorte Lecture Series. In an insightful and at times wryly comic exchange with Professor Keith Gessen, her brother, Gessen spoke about her early work in Americas gay press, her transition to foreign correspondence and Russian media, and what covering Putins Russia taught her about autocracy. Gessen, who won the National Book Award for 2017s The Future is History: How Totalitarianism Reclaimed Russia, became interested in storytelling at an early age, in part due to the influence of family members who were also writers. As you know, she began, addressing her brother, Im a fifth-generation journalist. And so are you. In the 1980s, amid Americas AIDS epidemic, Gessen began work at a gay newspaper in Boston, where journalism was a necessarily political act. Im not afflicted with this idea that there is a view from nowhere, or that objectivity means presenting two equidistant points of view, Gessen said. In 1991, on the eve of the Soviet Unions collapse, she returned to Moscowa city she left with her family at 14to cover developments in the region for a host of American magazines, later joining the Russian press. It was an exciting time, when all aspects of Russian life seemed up for discussion, Gessen said, including journalism: There was a widely shared understanding that journalism was being invented. Upon Russian President Vladimir Putins initial rise to power in 2000, however, Gessen saw the countrys liberal reforms rolled back. As Putin took control of national media and set about dismantling the countrys electoral system, Gessenserving by then as Moscow bureau chief for US News & World Reportforecasted the countrys democratic decline. Prescient though she may have been, she struggled to be taken seriously by western editors, at a time when the prevailing narrative in the US held Putin as a well-intentioned reformer. If Gessens own alarm-sounding was once criticized as hysterical, today its the bulk of the American press which has become overwrought vis-a-vis Russia, she said. Its always desirable for a country going through turmoil to have an imaginary villain that explains everything, she explained. Having a villain that explains a little but not everything, not by a long shot, is just not as satisfying. Sign up for CJR 's daily email This has led to an overabundance of unnuanced takes on Russias role in American political life, Gessen said, at the expense of more urgent stories, including the deregulation of American industries, Trumps war on immigrantswhich, even despite a glut of stories on the subject, is under-covered, in Gessens viewand a deeper look into the people who actually installed Trump in the White House: Americans. The basic narrative is that these people are misguided, misled, not terribly intelligent, and that if they had better information they would have voted differently, Gessen said of media dispatches from Trump country. Such simplistic portrayals fit neatly with the Russian disinformation storyline, but they often fail to capture the nuances of a broader story about endemic disillusionment with the American electoral system, she said. In the immediate aftermath of Trumps election in November 2016, Gessen penned an essay for The New York Review of Books, entitled Autocracy: Rules for Survival. In it, she leveraged what she saw in Putins Russiawhich she fled in 2013 amid peaking anti-gay rhetoric and threats to her familyto provide a sober portrait of what lay ahead for the United States. Believe the autocrat, she wrote. He means what he says. Whenever you find yourself thinking, or hear others claiming, that he is exaggerating, that is our innate tendency to reach for a rationalization. She warned further in the piece that journalists might soon face a dilemma that is common under autocratic regimes, the need to fall in line at risk of penalty, a point underscored by the White Houses decision Wednesday to suspend Jim Acostas credentials, after a testy exchange between the CNN reporter and the president. When a political leader puts journalists in a position of choosing between loyalty and access, he always wins, and journalists always lose, Gessen said. We can talk about how to minimize the loss, but it is certainly a net loss. Indeed, there are few good answers for journalists in the Trump era. Does one fail to cover the tweets of the president, or engage with lies and hate that should have no space in the public sphere? But there are clear wrong answers, Gessen said, citing cable news networks that featured commentary from White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders on election night Tuesday, despite the news having nothing immediately to do with the White House. Why go for comment to somebody who lies on the record on a daily basis? Gessen said. Its uninformative, and its degrading to you. That is not to say that journalists do well to think of themselves as expressly opposed to the Trump team. Asked by one student about the title of her lecture, The Journalism of Resistance, Gessen said she does not view her journalism as activism. Moreover, most journalists representing prominent outlets likely arent under enough direct pressure to claim membership in the so-called #Resistance. When I came in and saw the sign, I looked at my brother and said, Did you call it that? I thought it was a good title! Keith Gessen defended, laughing. Well, Gessen said. This is the problem when we dont write our own headlines. Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today Andrew McCormick is an independent journalist and former CJR Delacorte Fellow. His work has appeared in the New York Times, The Atlantic, the South China Morning Post, and more. Follow him on Twitter @AndrewMcCormck. The midterms were three days ago, but so much has happened since that they feel like three years ago. The elections (which still arent over if you live in Florida or Arizona) proved a direct catalyst for some of the subsequent news congestion: the forced resignation of Attorney General Jeff Sessions in their immediate aftermath was no coincidence, and the barring of CNNs Jim Acosta from the White House grounds on Wednesday looked, among other bad things, like a distraction. By the end of Wednesday night in Thousand Oaks, California, 12 people were fatally shot at a bar. Anything happening on Thursday was likely to get lost, and an important immigration story became incidental. Sessionss ouster, in particular, inspired aggressive reporting. His successor, Matthew Whitaker, has a history with shenanigans and has made hostile comments about the Robert Mueller probe. Nevertheless, some outlets observed that the firing of Sessions has had an anti-climactic feel. Times writers said that it came as little surprise; others, including David Leonhardt, an opinion columnist at the same paper, argued that Muellers findings are likely to be safe whatever happens next. Reporters have been well aware of Trumps anger that Sessions recused himself from oversight of Mueller. Perhaps the lack of alarm in coverage reflects our media fatigue. ICYMI: NPR kills journalists piece over her accent Journalists did stir over the Trump-Acosta showdown: even though the presidents war on the press is not a new story, this was the first time hed decided to ban a reporter from the briefing room. Many media reporters, in particular, reacted angrily: The Washington Posts Margaret Sullivan, for example, called on CNN to sue the White House on First Amendment grounds for revoking its reporters access. On Thursday, a debate raged over whether a videowhich the White House apparently borrowed from a far-right internet personality, then sharedhad been doctored in a way that appeared to show Acosta manhandling a female intern, itself a new front in the administrations anti-truth crusade. In this context, many news outlets deserve credit for centering the Thousands Oaks shooting in their coverage: The three major broadcast networks sent anchors to California last night, while the story topped the homepages of the Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, NPR, CNN, the AP, Reuters, NBC News, and others. Its repetition of so many tragedies past proved its most poignant symbolismreports emerged that survivors of last years mass shooting in Las Vegas, the worst in US history, were present on Wednesday, too, having adopted the Thousand Oaks bar as a place of solace. Katie Zezima, Mark Berman, and David Fahrenthold wrote in the Post that, for many affected, There was a grim benefit to being young in America during an age of massacres: They knew exactly what to do, in the way that past generations knew how to hide from tornadoes or nuclear bombs. With so many new normals to cover, it was perhaps inevitable that the media would downplay one that deserved greater scrutiny. That story was the White Houses announcement yesterday, invoking national security laws, that Trump will have practically untrammeled power to deny asylum to unlawful migrants. The new policy may get more airtime today as Trump prepares to announce the countries to which it will apply. So far, however, its received a sliver of the wall-to-wall attention paid to Trumps wild, pre-midterm fear-mongering about the migrant caravan, despite its being unhinged from reality. Sign up for CJR 's daily email In the week Democrats won back the House, the media has faced a series of sharp reminders that Trump is still at the top of the agenda, with the power to send reporters racing. The prominence of the medias Thousand Oaks coverage, however, shows that national tragedies can still resonate beyond the tiresome churn of Washington. The latest immigration policy should be an example of that, tooand it is. The press should stop treating it as a mere product of the Beltway. Below, more on the crowded post-midterms news cycle: Sessionss varied legacy: As the Mueller probe understandably dominated coverage of Sessionss departure, other aspects of his legacy have been under-covered. On Wednesday, the Freedom of the Press Foundation drew attention to his disturbing and dangerous attacks on journalists and whistleblowers. Yesterday, Chris Gelardi wrote in The Nation that Sessionss legacy will be catastrophic for asylum seekers. As the Mueller probe understandably dominated coverage of Sessionss departure, other aspects of his legacy have been under-covered. On Wednesday, the Freedom of the Press Foundation drew attention to his disturbing and dangerous attacks on journalists and whistleblowers. Yesterday, Chris Gelardi wrote in The Nation that Sessionss legacy will be catastrophic for asylum seekers. A matter of semantics: BuzzFeeds Charlie Warzel says the argument over the doctored Acosta video was basically semantic. The entire ordeal is a near-perfect example of a scenario disinformation experts have predicted and warned of, where the very threat of video manipulation can lead to a blurring of reality, he writes. BuzzFeeds Charlie Warzel says the argument over the doctored Acosta video was basically semantic. The entire ordeal is a near-perfect example of a scenario disinformation experts have predicted and warned of, where the very threat of video manipulation can lead to a blurring of reality, he writes. A different view: Poynters Al Tompkins and Kelly McBride had a contrary take on Acosta, writing that by making statements rather than asking questions, he gave Trump room to critique his professionalism. Poynters Al Tompkins and Kelly McBride had a contrary take on Acosta, writing that by making statements rather than asking questions, he gave Trump room to critique his professionalism. But if you read/watch just one Acosta thing: Make it this video and photo essay for CJR by Nina Berman, who trailed him at a Trump rally in Fort Myers, Florida, in late October. For the Trump audience, demeaning Acosta is a bonding experience, Berman writes. He is both an enemy and a selfie trophy. Make it this video and photo essay for CJR by Nina Berman, who trailed him at a Trump rally in Fort Myers, Florida, in late October. For the Trump audience, demeaning Acosta is a bonding experience, Berman writes. He is both an enemy and a selfie trophy. Rare unity: Reporters and pundits from across the spectrum condemned the Antifa activists who vandalized Tucker Carlsons home and yelled threats at his family on Wednesday night. Mediaite rounds up some reaction. Other notable stories: An investigation into Mike Ward, who resigned from the Houston Chronicle in September over allegations he invented sources, was unable to find any trace of 122 people quoted across 72 of his stories. The Chronicle is fully retracting eight articles. And Wards former employer, the Austin American-Statesman, is launching its own review. For CJRs Race Issue, Alexandria Neason looks at the history and future prospects of Americas black press. Consistent throughout the existence of the black press has been denial, Neason writes. Just as white society ignored black society, so too did white journalists ignore their black counterparts. If you missed our launch event for the issue on Monday, you can now listen back to Guest Editor Jelani Cobbs discussion with HuffPost Editor-in-Chief Lydia Polgreen on our podcast The Kicker. Amid lower-than-expected annual revenue projections, Vice Media plans to lay off up to 15 percent of its workforce and fold down some of its digital properties, The Wall Street Journals Keach Hagey, Benjamin Mullin, and Alexandra Bruell report. Christine Blasey Fords lawyers told NPR she is still being harassed over sexual assault allegations she leveled at Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh two months ago. Ford has moved house four times and hired a private security detail, and has yet to return to work at Palo Alto University. After her hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee in late September, CJRs Alexandria Neason and Nausicaa Renner discussed how the news media bullied Ford. Victor Mallet, Asia news editor of The Financial Times, was blocked from entering Hong Kong as a visitor yesterday, one month after his application to renew a work visa was rejected in an apparent political blacklisting. The Hong Kong government did not give an explanation for his original visa denial but it is widely seen as linked to Mallets chairing of a press club talk by a Hong Kong independence activist, Agence France-Presse reports. In an interview with The New York Times, Google CEO Sundar Pichai downplayed his companys work on a censored version of its product for use in China, likening it to Googles compliance with European right to be forgotten laws. CJRs Mathew Ingram took issue with the comparison. Acceding to Chinese demands for widespread censorship and digital surveillance of its citizens is not the same as complying with the right to be forgotten, Ingram writes. When Google removes search results because of the latter, it is only after a specific complaint is made by an individual concerning information related to them, and Google can refuse. ICYMI: Facebook slammed by UN for its role in Myanmar genocide Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today Jon Allsop is a freelance journalist whose work has appeared in the New York Review of Books, Foreign Policy, and The Nation, among other outlets. He writes CJRs newsletter The Media Today. Find him on Twitter @Jon_Allsop. A crucial sensor that is the subject of a Boeing Co. safety bulletin was replaced on a Lion Air jet the day before it plunged into the Java Sea and possibly worsened other problems with the plane, Indonesian investigators said Wednesday. Indonesias National Transportation Safety Committee said it had agreed with Boeing on procedures that the airplane manufacturer should distribute globally on how flight crews can deal with angle of attack sensor problems following the Oct. 29 crash that killed all 189 people on board. The sensor keeps track of the angle of the aircraft nose relative to oncoming air to prevent the plane from stalling and diving. But a Boeing statement said a safety bulletin, sent to airlines on Tuesday, directs flight crews to existing guidelines on how they should respond to erroneous angle of attack data. It wasnt immediately clear if it plans an update, though comments from Indonesian officials indicate they expect one. Soerjanto Tjahjono, chairman of the transport safety committee, said Wednesday that airspeed indicator malfunctions on the jets last four flights, which were revealed by an analysis of the flight data recorder, were intertwined with the sensor issue. The point is that after the AOA (sensor) is replaced the problem is not solved but the problem might even increase. Is this fatal? NTSC wants to explore this, he said. Lion Airs first two attempts to address the airspeed indicator problem didnt work and for the Boeing 737 MAX 8 planes second to last flight on Oct. 28, the angle of attack sensors were replaced, Tjahjono said. On that flight, from Bali to Jakarta, the pilots and copilots sensors disagreed. The 2-month-old plane went into a sudden dive minutes after takeoff, which the pilots were able to recover from. They decided to fly on to Jakarta at a lower than normal altitude. Indonesian investigators said their flight procedure recommendations to Boeing were based on how the flight crew responded to problems on the Bali to Jakarta flight. The draft of what will be conveyed by Boeing this morning has been presented to us, said air accident investigator Nurcahyo Utomo. There are some things that we ask for explanation and some that we ask to be removed, and there has been an agreement between NTSC and Boeing to release a new procedure to all Boeing 737 MAX users in the world, he said. Indonesias search and rescue agency on Wednesday extended the search effort for a second time, saying it will continue until Sunday. Body parts are still being recovered and searchers continue to hunt for the cockpit voice recorder. The plane hit the water at very high speed just 13 minutes after takeoff from Jakarta. Its flight crew had requested permission to return to the airport several minutes after taking off. 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. 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 Southeast Asia, a fast-growing region of more than 600 million people. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. AKRON, Ohio - The city is poised to award grants to 43 small businesses in the first facade-improvement program under the Great Streets initiative. The city announced Great Streets earlier this year, offering businesses revolving loans, or grants for neighborhood improvements, facade upgrades and street enhancements. The citys goal is to bring business and vibrancy back to small-business districts in 10 Akron neighborhoods - West Hill, North Hill, Copley Road East, Maple Valley, Middlebury, Ellet, Firestone Park, Wallhaven, Kenmore and Goodyear Heights. The city earmarked $600,000 for the facade program from the Department of Housing and Urban Developments Community Development Block Grant program. Through an application process, the city is awarding up to $30,000 to businesses in the designated Great Streets areas to help them improve exterior fixtures, such as signs, doors, walkways, lighting and awnings, said Helen Tomic, Akrons capital planning manager. The businesses are required to match 25 percent of the grant they are awarded by investing that amount back into their project. Thirteen applications from the Maple Valley business district (Copley Road East) and 11 from Kenmore Boulevard together represented more than half the applicants, Tomic said. Aster Avenue in Firestone Park submitted four applications; Middlebury had three; and West Hill had two, she said. Once the awards are announced, the city will work with each business owner to set the bid process in motion for the improvements they want, Tomic said. Some of the business districts, such as Kenmore Boulevard, are simultaneously vying for a listing on the National Register of Historic Places to garner tax credits for development projects. In those cases, the city will advise the business owners on appropriate improvements for buildings with architecture that has historical significance, Tomic said. We have cool neighborhoods, Tomic said. They just need a little bit of TLC to get them going and make them destinations. The new facade program will bring positive improvements to Akron business districts, said Ed Michalec, owner of the Guitar Department on Kenmore Boulevard. Kenmores getting attention for good reasons these days, he said. Michalec has been on Kenmore Boulevard for eight years, selling new and consigned musical instruments and offering music lessons. He applied for the full $30,000 for his building at 972 Kenmore Blvd. to pay for new doors, signs, walkways and a roof, and to repave his parking areas. The facade program offers advantages over the program it replaces, he said. Under the earlier program, grants were awarded based on the size of a businesss frontage, and wasnt enough money to make significant improvements, he said. It also required a dollar-for-dollar match. All it is going to take is some investment in the area and this is certainly going to spawn it, Michalec said. A lot of buildings were not kept up, and this is a good chance for people to actually improve their buildings and the area in general. Great Streets also offers businesses assistance with interior improvements, Tomic said. Businesses in Great Streets districts can apply through an ongoing revolving loan program for up to $10,000, she said. Visit the website to learn more about the Great Streets program or to see the boundaries of the programs small business districts. Want more Akron news? Sign up for cleveland.coms Rubber City Daily, an email newsletter delivered at 5:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. Disorderly conduct, West Bagley Road: An intoxicated Cleveland man, 29, was arrested at about 7 a.m. Nov. 3 after he bothered people inside Burger King, 1321 West Bagley. At 6:30 a.m., police received a call about an abandoned Jeep on West Bagley in front of Burger King. The Jeep's front end was badly damaged and the rear passenger-side window was broken. Police checked the license-plate number and identified the Jeep's owner as the 29-year-old Cleveland man. Then police were dispatched to Burger King about a drunk man inside. The man had told restaurant workers that he needed help returning home. Restaurant workers didn't understand everything the man was saying. Police recognized the man as the owner of the Jeep. He smelled like alcohol. The man told police that unidentified females had been driving his Jeep that night and that he was only a passenger. He said the females had stolen his Jeep and left him in the road. The man later modified his story, saying that two males, who were with the females, had robbed him at gunpoint. The man made several contradictory statements. Police found the Jeep's keys in the man's clothes. The man denied the keys were his. Shoplifting, North Rocky River Drive: A Berea man, 73, was banned from Speedway, 880 North Rocky River, after he stole two sets of headphones from the store at about 12:30 p.m. Nov. 2. A Speedway customer saw it happen and told store managers, who described the man to police. Officers spotted a man fitting the suspect's description headed southbound on North Rocky River. The man admitted he was in Speedway but denied stealing the headphones. Police escorted the man back to Speedway, where he confessed that he had regularly stolen merchandise from the store because he had "sticky fingers." He said he had also stolen items from a dollar store in Cleveland. He reached for the two stolen headphones inside his hoodie and handed them to police. Speedway managers chose not to press charges. Police told the man that if he ever returned to the store, he would be charged with trespassing. Drug abuse, North Rocky River Drive: A Cleveland woman, 36, faces criminal charges after police caught her carrying pills without a prescription at about 12:45 a.m. Nov. 2. Police stopped the woman's Cadillac CTS, which was traveling southbound on North Rocky River near Burger King, after checking the license-plate number and determining that the driver's license of the car's owner had been suspended. Police noticed an unlabeled pill bottle in a purse on the car's passenger seat. Police, knowing that illegal drugs are commonly carried in unlabeled pill bottles, asked for permission to search the vehicle. The woman said police could search everywhere but inside the purse. Police told the woman they had probable cause to search the purse due to the unlabeled pill bottle. The woman said the bottle contained Adderall pills, used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Police searched the Cadillac but found nothing else potentially illegal. They wrote the woman a traffic ticket because she hadn't been wearing a safety belt. Criminal mischief, Eastland Road-East Center Street: Three 21-year-old men - one from Berea, the second from Lewis Center and the third from Palatine, Illinois - were cited at about 11:50 p.m. Nov. 5 after they were seen kicking down a stop sign at Eastland and East Center. An off-duty Strongsville officer saw it happened and called Berea police, who found the men walking on Beech Street. They denied kicking over the sign but the Strongsville officer identified them as the vandals. Disorderly conduct, East Bagley Road: Two 15-year-old girls - one from Brookpark, the other from Middleburg Heights - fought each other at about 7 a.m. Nov. 7 in the gymnasium of Berea-Midpark High School, 165 East Bagley. An adult broke up the fight and called police. The girls told police they had exchanged messages on Snapchat Nov. 6. One girl told the other she was a member of a gang. The other girl then challenged the first girl to a fight. When the girls met Nov. 7 in the high school gym, the girl claiming gang membership threw the first punch. Adults separated the girls and placed them in separate rooms. Police told the girls there would be no more talk of being in gangs. Both girls were charged with fighting. Operating a vehicle under the influence, North Rocky River Drive: A Berea woman, 35, was arrested at about 1:30 a.m. Nov. 4 after police saw her Toyota Camry weaving on North Rocky River near Grayton Road. The woman smelled like alcohol, but she denied drinking. She failed field sobriety tests. Underage liquor consumption, Front Street: Police gave a 19-year-old Rockland, Massachusetts woman a summons to appear in court after spotting her with a can of raspberry White Claw Hard Seltzer, an alcoholic beverage. At about 10:50 p.m. Nov. 3, police responded to a complaint of fireworks near Campus Barber Styling Shop, 222 Front. While interviewing witnesses, police saw the Massachusetts woman walking with the can of White Claw, which she tried to conceal behind her purse. She then stepped into an Uber or Lyft vehicle. The woman immediately exited the vehicle, intentionally leaving her purse behind. Police asked the woman for identification, looked inside the car and found four more cans of White Claw. The woman was a student at Baldwin Wallace University. Operating a vehicle under the influence, West Bagley Road: A Berea man, 22, was arrested at about 1:45 a.m. Nov. 3 after police saw him driving without headlights on West Bagley near Lindberg Boulevard. The man was also speeding, traveling 35 mph in a 25-mph zone. He smelled like alcohol and failed field sobriety tests. BROOK PARK, Ohio -- Personal injury, West 130th Street: An Olmsted Falls man, 56, suffered a head injury at about 3 p.m. Oct. 27 after falling off an all-terrain vehicle. It happened in the parking lot of Cutting Edge Glass, 5350 West 130th. The Olmsted Falls man had been driving the ATV. He was found lying in the parking lot next to the ATV, which was still upright. His head was bleeding and he was confused. The man was taken to Southwest General Health Center in Middleburg Heights. Falsification, Interstate 71: A Lakewood man, 25, was arrested at about 6:45 p.m. Oct. 29 after he gave police false identification following a vehicle crash. The two-car crash occurred on I-71 northbound. The Lakewood man was a passenger in one of the cars. After the crash, he gave police his brother's ID information. The man claimed he was injured, so he was taken to Southwest General Health Center in Middleburg Heights. The man left the hospital without receiving treatment. Police called the man's brother, believing it was the man, and learned the man's true identify. They also determined that the Lakewood man was wanted in four communities. The man had been carrying 26 tablets of ropinirole and 51/2 tablets of pramipexole, both of which treat Parkinson's disease and restless-legs syndrome, and 23 tablets of metoprolol, which treats high blood pressure. He had prescriptions for all the medication. Disorderly conduct, Brookpark Road: An intoxicated Parma man, 32, was arrested at about 11:15 p.m. Oct. 29 after he caused a disturbance inside Amber's Cabaret, 13311 Brookpark. After workers escorted the man out of the bar, he repeatedly kicked the door. The club called police, who upon arrival saw the man running on Brookpark. When stopped by police, the man vomited due to exhaustion and intoxication. Burglary, Birchcroft Drive: A Brook Park man, 28, was arrested at about 4:45 p.m. Oct. 23 after he broke into a home, came face to face with a resident living in the home and ran away. The man, wearing a black jacket and black knit cap, broke a rear sunroom window to get inside the house. When the resident saw the man, he snapped his picture with a cell phone and told him he had called police. The man darted from the house. The man ran through several back yards. Police arrived and caught him a few yards from the house. The man resisted arrest, so police wrestled him to the ground. The man was wanted in connection with several other burglaries. Stolen vehicle, Smith Road: A 2017 Chevrolet Cruz was reported stolen at about 9:45 p.m. Oct. 29 from outside Planet Fitness, 5755 Smith. The victim had left his vehicle keys on a rack inside Planet Fitness. Keys belonging to a woman who had accompanied the victim were also stolen from the rack. She had left her purse in the victim's car. The car was later found in East Cleveland. Grand theft vehicle, Rademaker Boulevard: An unlocked 2012 Honda Civic was reported stolen from a driveway at about 1:10 p.m. Oct. 25. Breaking and entering, West 137th Street: A laptop and diagnostic computer were reported stolen at about 6 a.m. Oct. 22 from Cleveland Express Limousine Service LLC, 5297 West 137th. Someone had entered the business through an unlocked door. The locked door to an office, where the stolen items had been located, was damaged. Theft, Snow Road: A man and a woman, both 35 and from Cleveland, stole clothing Oct. 28 from Goodwill Industries of Greater Cleveland & East Central Ohio, 14690 Snow. Goodwill workers witnessed the theft, which was also captured on security video. The man and woman were found and arrested later the same day at a Goodwill store in Middleburg Heights. Theft, Brookpark Road: An unidentified male suspect stole an unknown amount of beef jerky at about 1 a.m. Oct. 20 from Shell, 13030 Brookpark. Witnesses saw it happen and called police. The suspect was last seen climbing into the passenger seat of a white sport-utility vehicle, which then drove from the parking lot. Neighbor dispute, Liberty Bell Drive: A Liberty Bell Drive man called police at about 8 p.m. Oct. 29 after his neighbor placed her garbage cans on his property. The man said he and his neighbor had just fought against each other in court. Police told them that the dispute was a civil matter, not a criminal one. CLEVELAND, Ohio A former Oberlin College professor fired after her anti-Semitic online posts drew international criticism sued the liberal-arts college Friday, alleging that officials there discriminated against her and concocted a plot to oust her from her job. Joilynn Karega-Mason, who worked as an assistant professor of rhetoric and composition from December 2013 to November 2016, says in her lawsuit that Oberlin officials engaged in an unrelenting and pervasive conspiracy to terminate the employment of Plaintiff. (You can read the lawsuit here or at the bottom of this story.) Karega-Mason was fired after some pro-Israel organizations publicized some of her online statements. She posted that Israel was behind the terrorist bombings on Sept. 11, 2011 and the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 in 2014. She also wrote that the Islamic State was made up of U.S. and Israeli intelligence personnel, and that they not terrorists had planned the 2015 attacks on magazine Charlie Hebdo in Paris. One post included an image of an ISIS fighter taking off a mask of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to posts preserved by the pro-Israel blog The Tower. Oberlin and then-college President Marvin Krislov released statements in February 2016 that Karega-Masons posts represented her views alone. College trustees later posted a statement that her statements were abhorrent. The issue lingered for several months and sparked debates regarding Karega-Masons First Amendment right to free speech. The university announced in August 2016 that she was placed on paid leave, and she was fired three months later. In her lawsuit, Karega-Mason wrote that she filed unlawful discrimination complaints with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Ohio Civil Rights Commission in August 2016. The suit also says she filed a second charge of unlawful discriminatory retaliation in January 2017. Karega-Mason says the universitys discrimination included filing false charges of professional misconduct, soliciting student complaints, trying to eliminate black people from having the authority to make decisions for the college and ignoring racist language and discrimination committed by men and white women. The lawsuit also says officials solicited professionals from throughout the U.S. in an effort to generate and manipulate adverse opinion(s) against her. The suit says the colleges Professional Conduct Review Committee found that none of Karega-Masons actions warranted being fired or suspended. Krislov and Oberlin trustees ignored the committees findings, the lawsuit states. Krislov, then-arts and sciences Dean Timothy Elgren and then-Board of Trustees chair Clyde McGregor are named as defendants in the lawsuit. Karega-Mason brings claims of breach of contract and employment discrimination, among others, and is seeking more than $885,000 in damages. Oberlin spokesman Scott Wargo said the college does not comment on pending litigation. Karega-Masons attorney Gary Benjamin did not immediately return a message seeking comment. Oberlin announced Karega-Masons firing in a statement on its website. The statement she failed to meet the academic standards that Oberlin requires of its faculty and did not show intellectual honesty. Dr. Karega attacked her colleagues when they challenged inconsistencies in her description of the connection between her postings and her scholarship, the statement said. She disclaimed all responsibility for her misconduct. And she continues to blame Oberlin and its faculty committees for undertaking a shared governance review process. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Solomon Oliver Jr. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who resigned Wednesday at President Donald Trumps request, took a parting shot at Justice Department-led efforts to reform police departments. The Justice Department on Thursday night released a memo Sessions signed before his departure, laying out new criteria that reform agreements -- known as consent decrees - must meet before they are filed. The criteria are much more stringent than guidelines followed under President Barack Obamas administration, which favored large-scale, court-enforced efforts and frequently used them to weed out unconstitutional policing. But just like Session rhetoric about consent decrees during his tenure as attorney general, the memo doesnt appear to apply to Clevelands police reform efforts. The new rules require top Justice Department officials to sign off on any agreement. The consent decrees must also spell out how long they will last - which the memo says generally should be no more than three years - and have sunset provisions that say they end when the government or department can show durable compliance with federal law. regardless of whether they fulfilled every specific requirement. Any consent decree must also be narrowly tailored to remedy only the violations the Justice Department finds, rather than a sweeping reform agreement that could, in many ways, change the way a police department operates. Sessions' memo states that the Justice Department should exercise special caution before entering into a consent decree with a state or local governmental entity. The new rules likely mean the Justice Department will enter into fewer consent decrees than it did during the Obama era. The memos contents were not a surprise, as Sessions has long shown a disdain for large-scale efforts to reform police departments. Sessions has criticized a consent decree the Justice Department reached with the city of Baltimore, and he opposes a proposed consent decree between the Illinois attorney general and Chicagos police department. Sessions resigned as attorney general on Wednesday, one day after the midterm elections. Trump named Matthew Whitaker, Sessions' chief of staff, as acting attorney general. The city of Clevelands consent decree has been in place since 2015, and U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said in an interview last week that it is not going anywhere. The reform efforts have continued after President Donald Trump was sworn into office, including the implementation of key policies on use of force and crisis intervention. Herdman, a Trump appointee, noted last week that the Cleveland consent decree is locked in and overseen by a federal judge. "My boss, all the way up to the White House, my bosses talk about this administration upholding the rule of law," Herdman said in an Oct. 31 interview. "That includes agreements like the consent decree that the DOJ has entered as a party." The city of Cleveland has a lot of work to complete, but the team monitoring the citys progress under the agreement has shown cautious optimism for recent results. Instances of officers using force dropped in the first five months of 2018, as did injuries on the job. Crime also fell during the same time period. Herdman has said he is happy with the progress the city of Cleveland has made thus far. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A Cuyahoga County jury found a Cleveland man not guilty of all charges related to a womans execution style killing, a case that also resulted in a Cleveland homicide detectives demotion for bungling the investigation. Melvin Bradley, 62, was released from custody Thursday after jurors acquitted him in the April 18, 2015 killing of Tina Martin. Martin was shot twice in the top of the head in the backyard of a Beachwood Avenue home, investigators said. Bradleys DNA was found in several places on the 40-year-old womans body, including under her fingernails, on her abdomen and on her shoulder. But defense lawyers seized on three aspects of the case: Investigators never found the gun used to kill Martin, witnesses gave differing descriptions of a man they saw riding away from the scene on a bicycle, and then-Cleveland homicide detective Rhonda Gray failed to follow up on the DNA results for two years. Two of Martins siblings said in phone interviews Friday that they were was devastated by the jurys verdict. His DNA was on seven different places on my sisters body, including places on her shoulder where he made her kneel down and he executed her, Martins older sister, Margaret Gill, said as she sobbed. We just dont know how they could have not found him guilty. Martins brother, Mike Martin, blamed Gray for the jurys verdict. No matter what those jurors decided, Melvin Bradley is the murderer of my baby sister, he said. And he just walked off scot-free because of Rhonda Gray not doing her job. Cleveland police spokeswoman Sgt. Jennifer Ciaccia declined to comment on Grays behalf. Ryan Miday, a spokesman for Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael OMalleys office, declined to discuss the specifics of the case. No family should have to endure the loss of a loved one due to a brutal act of violence, Miday said in an email. We will continue to seek justice for all victims of violent crime. Cleveland police officer Rhonda Gray. Gray was assigned the case the same day that children found Martin dead in the backyard of a home in the 13200 block of Beachwood Avenue. The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiners Office sent swabs taken from Martins body to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations crime lab for DNA testing. On July 21, 2015, the crime lab notified the medical examiners office that the results were a match for Bradley, whose DNA was already in the system because of previous felony convictions dating back to the early 1980s, according to court records. The medical examiner forwarded the DNA hit to Gray on the same day it received the results, according to the results of an internal investigation. The case sat dormant for two years until Mike Martin contacted homicide unit supervisor Lt. Ali Pillow on April 24, 2017 to complain about Gray, the internal investigation found. Pillow reviewed Grays case file and found it was incomplete, so he ordered her to follow up on the case. Gray contacted the medical examiners office, which forwarded her the original email from 2015 that contained the DNA match for Bradley. The DNA match was eventually used to indict Bradley on July 14, 2017. Gray wrote in a statement for the internal investigation that she checked for videos, conducted interviews and submitted evidence. She spoke with Martins family several times while she waited for the evidence to yield results, she wrote in the statement. Pillow said it appeared Gray falsified documents to back up those assertions. Gray was suspended for 10 days and removed from the unit earlier this year. During Bradleys trial, Gray maintained that she never received the DNA results, said Assistant Cuyahoga County Public Defender Chris Maher, who defended Bradley. Maher was joined by the countys chief public defender Mark Stanton and attorney Jeff Richardson. After investigators got the DNA results, they found a gun at Bradleys home that matched the caliber of the bullets that killed Martin. But ballistics testing showed Bradleys gun did not match the bullets, Maher said. Four people said they saw a man riding a bicycle away from the scene of the shooting, but none of them could directly identify Bradley. One of them said the man had an afro-style haircut and a beard. Bradley never wore a beard or an afro, Maher said. Bradley told detectives that he did not remember meeting Martin, and he did not recognize a photograph of her during his interrogation. Maher said Bradley met Martin for sex the night she died, but he said Bradley did not kill her. Bradley did not remember the meeting because he suffered from memory loss due to two serious motorcycle accidents, including one in 2012 that left him with a brain bleed, Maher said. Bryant may have remembered more, and he and his attorneys could have offered an alibi, if Gray had come to them after they first got the DNA results, Maher said. This truly is a tragic case," Maher said. Not only was Melvin Bradley let down, but Tina Martins family was also let down by former detective Rhonda Gray. My sympathies go out to the Martin family." Mike Martin questioned how Gray could still have a job in the wake of the internal investigation he helped spur. But he said he was particularly upset because his mother died in March. Had Gray followed up on the DNA results immediately, the case may have turned out differently. And his mother would have been able to attend the trial with the rest of the family, he said. My mother died not knowing if my daughters murder would ever be solved, Mike Martin said. To comment on this story, please visit Fridays crime and courts comments page. PAINESVILLE, Ohio -- Firefighters believe unattended cooking caused a fire that injured one man and displaced approximately 70 residents late Thursday at a Painesville apartment complex. The man hurt in the fire lived in a second-floor apartment where the fire started just before 9:30 p.m. at the Tropical Village Apartments on West Walnut Avenue, Painesville Fire Chief Mark Mlachak said. The man was taken to Tri-Point Hospital to be treated for injuries that are not life-threatening. His current condition is unknown. One firefighter also suffered a minor injury, Mlachak said. The apartment complexs fire walls helped protect the majority of its 30 units, a spokesman for the Red Cross said. The Red Cross is assisting 13 residents from 10 apartments who were displaced by the fire. FIRE AT TROPICAL VILLAGE The Painesville City Fire Department, with assistance from Concord, Fairport Harbor and Painesville Twp. fire departments, responded to a fire at the Tropical Village Apartment complex on W Walnut St. last night (11/8/2018) at approximately 9:25 p.m. First arriving units found a fully involved 2nd floor apartment. All residents were evacuated with only 1 injury to an occupant of the fire apartment. The injured occupant was transported to Tripoint Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries. Additional assistance was requested and received from Mentor, Kirtland, Grand River, Perry, and Madison fire departments. The fire was confined to the apartment of origin. The fire building contained over 30 apartments and 65 - 70 people were displaced due to the gas and power being shut off. The cause of the fire was determined to be UNATTENDED COOKING. Posted by Painesville City Fire Department on Friday, November 9, 2018 It took about 30 minutes for firefighters to extinguish the flames, Mlachak said. The fire was contained to the apartment where it started, but other apartments sustained smoke and water damage. Crews from Concord, Painesville Township, Fairport Harbor, Grand River, Madison, Perry, Mentor and Kirtland assisted at the scene, Mlachak said. Cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and home injuries, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Be alert, stay in the kitchen and keep all flammable materials away from the stovetop. If you have a cooking fire, get out and call 911. To comment on this story, visit Fridays crime and courts comment section. PARMA, Ohio - Fast-casual Middle Eastern chain Naf Naf Grill is adding its second Ohio location at 8635 West Ridgewood Drive, Parma, following its move into Independence last year. For its grand opening Monday, Dec. 3, it will offer a free pita sandwich or bowl during lunch, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., and dinner, 5-7 p.m. The build-your-own concept allows guests to customize meals that are created in view in an open kitchen. First, opt for a pita or a bowl with a base of basmati rice, romaine lettuce, hummus or couscous. Naf Naf Grill's build-your-own pita. Layer it with their signature chicken shawarma, steak or handcrafted falafel, and top it with chopped salad, purple cabbage, sumac onions and Middle Eastern pickles. Rounding out the options are a handful of sauces: Tahini, garlic, amba (made with pickled mango), Skhug (blending red pepper, garlic, cumin and jalapenos) and Harissa (a mix of red chili peppers and Middle Eastern seasoning). The company was founded in Chicago in 2009 and currently boasts locations in nine states. CLEVELAND, OhioAs the opioid epidemic has worsened across the country and legislators, public health officials and doctor's groups have responded by restricting access to opioid prescriptions, chronic pain patients say they've been abandoned by the healthcare system. Many of these legacy patients have been safely and responsibly using pain medications for a decade or more, and were often managed by their primary care doctors. Over the past five years, they say, everything has changed: In order to receive medication, they say they're subjected to judgment and suspicion by their doctors, nurses and pharmacists, are forced to sign humiliating and coercive contracts, and submit to random drug testing. With little warning, some are being dumped by their doctors and left to withdraw from the dangerous drugs on their own. Over the past year, Ive spoken with dozens of chronic pain patients, and heard their horror stories about withdrawal, poor treatment, and daily suffering. More than one doctor has told me: Its just a really bad time to be a pain patient in America. So why are pain patients being dropped by their doctors, and should opioids for pain be eliminated completely? Why are there now so few doctors comfortable managing chronic pain? And what can patients and doctors do to improve the care of those coping with everyday pain? The Lakewood Public Library and the Greater Cleveland chapter of the League of Women Voters will host a discussion on the topic Thursday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in a free public forum at the Lakewood main library branch, 15425 Detroit Road. The discussion is co-sponsored by Case Western Reserve University Siegal Lifelong Learning Program and First Interstate Ltd. Whos speaking Panelists include Dr. Adam Hedaya, founder of Cleveland Pain Care; chronic pain patient Larry Harbert of Sagamore Hills; Dr. Ted Parran, co-medical director and educator at St. Vincent Charity Medical Centers Rosary Hall, and an expert on addiction. I will moderate the discussion and field your questions. Whats it like being a pain patient today? "They treat us like dirt... like a number and a drug addict," Jean Karchefsky told me when I met her at her home in Willoughby earlier this year. The retired Mentor Schools bus driver had been suffering for months after her Chardon primary care doctor refused to continue managing her pain with opioid medications. "I don't even want to go to a doctor anymore," she said. Karchefsky endured cold-turkey withdrawal from her opioid medications when she couldnt find a new doctor to take on her care and ran out of pills. Many other Northeast Ohio pain patients have experienced similar problems over the past five years. Larry Harbert, whose Beachwood pain management doctor was suspended for admitted drug use last year, has been managing his multiple back and leg issues without a physician for nearly a year. Harbert, who suffered withdrawal from morphine and oxycodone after his doctor left, said he tried unsuccessfully to find a lawyer to sue for malpractice. He believes there are grounds for a suit because his doctors sudden departure left him and other patients with no alternatives but withdrawal from their medications, he says. "The whole thing was wrong," Harbert said. "It was totally wrong the way it was handled. Nobody should be forced to go through withdrawals. [Withdrawal] was horrible. Every bone in your body hurts. Every joint in your body hurts. My teeth hurt." How did we get here? The number of prescriptions nationwide for opioids rose steadily throughout the 2000s during a period when pharmaceutical companies were aggressively marketing the drugs for uses outside terminal cancer, and when more patients were being screened for pain. Dosages rose over time as well. Both prescriptions and dosages began to fall after a peak in 2010 following two events: publication of two national chronic pain guidelines that established for the first time what qualified as a "high-dose" for prescribing, and, shortly after, studies that showed a correlation between escalating opioid doses and a progressively increasing risk of overdose. In 2013, the Ohio Governor's Cabinet Opiate Action Team (GCOAT) advised doctors to "press pause" and re-evaluate when prescribing doses of opioids above a certain threshold for chronic pain patients. Ohio's threshold was set even lower than the "high dose" established by national guidelines. In 2016, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued guidelines warning doctors to avoid prescribing high doses of opioids when possible. The message came through to doctors: Since peaking in 2010, prescriptions for higher-dose opioids dropped 41 percent over the next five years, according to a CDC analysis. In Ohio, the number of prescription painkillers dispensed has fallen by 28 percent over the past five years, according to the state Pharmacy Board. At some institutions the drop has been even more drastic. Opioid prescribing fell by as much as 66 percent at some VA medical centers from 2012 to 2016, and by 41 percent at the Cleveland VA Medical Center, according to the institution's Opioid Safety Initiative. Are the restrictions working? While the current overdose crisis can be traced back to the wave of liberal prescribing that began with the introduction of Oxycontin in the mid 1990's, today most overdose deaths involve the use of illegally-obtained street drugs such as heroin or fentanyl. In 2016, almost 60 percent of unintentional overdose deaths in Ohio, about 2,300 deaths, were due to fentanyl and its potent relatives. About 14 percent, or about 500 unintentional overdose deaths, were due to prescription opioids, the lowest proportion since 2009. Yet opioid overdose deaths in the state, which has one of the most aggressive prescription monitoring programs in the country, continue to climb: up 32 percent to 4,050 deaths from 2015. Well discuss what chronic pain patients here in Ohio are facing, and what, if anything, can be done to improve their care on Thursday evening. If youre a chronic pain patient, or if you treat patients with pain, wed love to hear your stories and answer your questions, so please join us. If you cant make it and would like to talk about the issue, you can leave a note in the comments here, comment on Facebook at facebook.com/brie.zeltner, call me at 216-538-6140 or drop me a note at bzeltner@plaind.com. SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio -- Disorderly conduct, Warrensville Center Road: A man reported Oct. 31 that he had gotten into an argument with three male suspects in front of the Sprint store while he was playing Pokemon. He said they shot a paint-ball at him and drove away. He said he ran after their vehicle and caught up to them at a red light, where they once again shot paint balls at him. The suspects then drove away from the area. Heroin possession, Mayfield Road: Officers checked on a report of a suspicious vehicle with two people slumped over inside of it in the KFC parking lot. Suspected heroin was located inside the vehicle and the occupants -- a Medina woman, 35, and Euclid man, 26 -- were subsequently charged with drug possession. Forgery, Lambert Road: A woman, 96, and her family reported Oct. 27 that someone had stolen and fraudulently cashed checks in the woman's name in the amount of $3,775. The suspect is the boyfriend of a granddaughter. An investigation is pending. Domestic violence, Warrensville Center Road: A woman and her son, 15, were involved in a domestic dispute at their home on Oct. 27. Neither wanted to pursue the incident and no one was injured. The son left the home for a while to calm down and the woman was advised to contact the juvenile court if she wanted to file unruly juvenile charges. Recovered property, Warrensville Center Road: Two vehicles crashed around 4 a.m. Oct. 27 and the driver of one ran from the scene. His vehicle was found to have been stolen out of Euclid while it was parked in front of the owner's home. Purse snatching, Warrensville Center Road: A woman reported Oct. 27 that her purse had been stolen while she was at Walmart. She said it contained cash and jewelry. Domestic violence, Bluestone Road: A woman and her brother were involved in a domestic incident with each other on Oct. 28. Neither was injured or chose to pursue the matter. The woman, 23, was turned over to Euclid police for a traffic warrant. Domestic violence, South Belvoir Boulevard: A woman reported at 2:19 a.m. Oct. 30 that the father of her children had kicked in her door and assaulted her. The man had left before officers arrived and the woman said she did not want to press charges, but no longer wanted the man living in the home. She was advised of the eviction process. Theft, Warrensville Center Road: A Lyndhurst woman, 43, was arrested at Walmart Oct. 30 for the suspected theft of $197 worth of groceries. Theft, South Green Road: A man reported Oct. 30 that the Let's Get It Inn restaurant he owns had most of its equipment stolen from it. The stolen items included a refrigerator, freezer and prep tables. Abusing a minor, South Green Road: A woman said Oct. 30 that her 18-month-old child had been abused while at a daycare in the city. The incident is under investigation. Theft, South Green Road: A vacant home was reported Oct. 31 to have been burglarized and a stove and washing machine were reported stolen. Police are investigating. General assistance, Okalona Road: A woman said Oct. 31 that she had been involved in an argument with her adult daughter, who rents an upstairs unit from her. She said they were arguing over cigarettes and clothing. There were no signs of violence and officers advised the woman of the eviction process. See more South Euclid news at Cleveland.com/Lyndhurst-south-euclid. If you would like to discuss the police blotter, please visit our crime and courts comments page. CLEVELAND, Ohio A Cleveland Clinic employee who works in pediatrics is on leave while being tested for a potential case of tuberculosis, according to a Clinic statement. The Clinic said there is a low probability that the employee has the disease and that preliminary tests are negative. We are continuing to monitor and will have a definitive answer in the coming weeks, the Clinic said in a prepared statement. Tuberculosis is a highly contagious bacterial disease that typically affects the lungs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is an airborne disease that spreads when someone infected speaks, coughs or sneezes and is treatable and curable. There were 9,105 cases of tuberculosis in the United States in 2017, according to the CDC. Tuberculosis is a bacterial disease that typically affects the lungs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The employee in question works in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit on main campus. The Clinic is reaching out to patients and employees who could have been exposed between early September and early November and is working closely with the Cuyahoga County Health Department. The Clinic said no other locations in the Childrens Hospital were affected. Kelly Hancock, executive chief nursing officer for the Clinic, said the probability that the employee has tuberculosis is low because two preliminary tests for the disease came back negative. The employee also had participated in the Clinics annual staff tuberculosis screening. We think its important just to make sure were taking precautionary measures, Hancock said. If tuberculosis manifests in the lungs, symptoms can include: a bad cough for more than three weeks, chest pain, coughing up blood, weakness or fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite, chills, fever and night sweating, according to the Ohio Department of Health. Not everyone exposed will be infected and not everyone infected will experience symptoms. Of the 151 cases of tuberculosis in Ohio in 2017, 27 were in Cuyahoga County, according to the state health department. Those with questions should call the Clinic at 216-442-2500. CLEVELAND, Ohio - The five Cuyahoga County Common Pleas judges who oversee the countys mental-health docket say county jail inmates with serious mental illnesses are not receiving appropriate care or proper medications, and the jail lacks enough mental health care staff. The judges Hollie Gallagher, Robert McClelland, Deena Calabrese, Michael Shaughnessy and Shannon Gallagher sent a letter to Dr. Akram Boutros, MetroHealths CEO, asking him to address the issues immediately, as MetroHealth provides psychiatric, pharmaceutical and other services at the jail. County Executive Armond Budish also was copied on the letter. Read the letter below. A MetroHealth spokeswoman said Friday that the hospital system is working to address the judges concerns and has implemented new remote psychiatry services at the jail. The judges letter is the latest in a series of criticisms of conditions inside the jail, where six inmates have died in three months and the FBI is looking into possible civil rights violations. Another letter was sent to Budish on Wednesday by Common Pleas Court Administrative Judge John J. Russo, who said on behalf of the countys 34 common pleas judges that Budish administration has been indifferent to the dangerous conditions in the county jail. The five mental-health-docket judges echo some of Russos concerns about health care in the jail. They say inmates must wait four to five weeks to be seen by a mental-health-care provider. No psychiatrist has overseen mental care at the jail since April. The jail has lacked a director of nursing for some time. And only one nurse practitioner is administering mental-health care in a jail that at times houses 2,500 people. The judges say inmates are not receiving medications after psychiatric assessments determine the drugs are needed. And inmates taking prescriptions that appropriately address their mental-health needs are denied those medications because they are not on the jails list of drugs that can be prescribed, the letter says. The judges believe mental-health care should be available at the jail round the clock, and say the lack of medication and weeks-long backlog for appointments are unacceptable. When individuals with serious mental illnesses fail to be appropriately evaluated in a timely manner, and, when needed, medicated, we facea worsening of their psychiatric health, an inability to move forward with their criminal charges, difficulties with behavior in the county jail, and increased costs associated with treatment, the letter says. The county did not respond to inquiries seeking comment for this story. MetroHealth provided the following statement: MetroHealth remains committed to providing medical care to jail inmates, including mental health services. We are implementing telepsychiatry services at the jail as a new initiative to ensure the inmates have timely psychiatric evaluation and management. We continue to support the county in their recruitment of a Director of Nursing, by engaging our leadership team in the process. AKRON, Ohio Police have arrested two suspects after a 19-year-old male was shot in the stomach in the Chapel Hill neighborhood. Anthony Finney, 18, of West Avenue, is being held in the Summit County Jail on a charge of obstructing, police say. A 17-year-old Akron male is charged with felonious assault and tampering with evidence. He is being held in the countys Juvenile Detention Center. Police were called to the 1400 block of Brittain Road at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, where officers found the wounded victim. A 2000 Toyota Camry in a parking lot also was hit by a bullet. The wounded teen was taken to Akron City Hospital. The suspects were caught by officers in Tallmadge after running from the scene, Akron police say. Investigators say the shooting appears to be over a prior fight between the victim and one of the suspects. To comment on this story, visit the crime and courts comment section. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Mary Beth Tinker, the plaintiff in the landmark Supreme Court case that defined free speech in public schools, will speak at the City Club of Cleveland Friday. On the tails of the midterm elections, Tinker will discuss free speech and student activism. In recent years, students seem to be more involved in politics than ever, with students filing en masse out of schools earlier this year to protest for gun control in the wake of the Parkland, Florida school shooting. In 1965, Tinker and a group of students wore black armbands to school to protest the Vietnam War. They were told to go home and not come back to school with the armbands on. The legal battle that ensued went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, where a majority decided that students do not shed their rights at the schoolhouse gate. Tinker vs. Des Moines set a legal precedent that students were allowed to protest at public schools, if it is not disruptive. Watch the City Clubs annual report at noon in the video player above. Tinker will speak afterward. WASHINGTON, D.C. - Northeast Ohio Congress members Marcy Kaptur and Tim Ryan are in line to head a pair of plum subcommittees when Democrats take charge of the U.S. House of Representatives next year. Currently, theyre both senior members of the House Appropriations Committee, which makes the nations funding decisions. Right now, Ryan is the top Democrat on its subcommittee that funds the governments legislative branch, and Kaptur is the top Democrat on its subcommittee on Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies. Theyre likely to chair those subcommittees when their party takes control, which would give them huge sway over how federal money is spent. Chairs of those subcommittees are known as cardinals because of their clout. It is a big deal that we will control two of the 12 subcommittees, said Ryan, whose subcommittee funds entities including the Library of Congress and the U.S. Capitol Police. The portfolio that Kapturs subcommittee supervises is particularly diverse and relevant to Ohio. It includes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which oversees construction projects on waterways such as the Great Lakes, as well as the Appalachian Regional Commission, which promotes economic growth in a region that includes parts of Ohio. The subcommittee also funds the Department of Energy, the Nuclear Regulatory Agency and the nations nuclear waste cleanup efforts. If confirmed as the subcommittees chair, Kaptur said shed use the post to boost infrastructure funding, promote U.S. independence from foreign energy sources and limit nuclear proliferation. She also said shed like to modernize and broaden a federal programs thats helped weatherize 28,000 homes in Ohio since 2010, so it will cover fixes like roof repairs. She also said shed like to conduct hearings on the proposed shutdown of nuclear plants around the country, including Ohios Perry and Davis-Besse facilities, and examine the impact the closures will have not just tomorrow, but 25 years from now. Basically, the administration has told us this is a private sector decision, but we need to look at what consequences this will have for the nation, said Kaptur. CLEVELAND, Ohio - Ohio Democratic Party Chairman David Pepper's position may be in jeopardy after a second straight election of underperformance, including a chaotic coordinated campaign between the party and statewide candidates, sources said. Party insiders with knowledge of the Ohio Democratic Party's interactions with several statewide campaigns described poor financial decisions, petty squabbles over basic party functions and an inability by Pepper to rein in staff. Coupled with Republicans sweeping the constitutional offices during Tuesday's midterm election, the revelations point to an uncertain future for Pepper, who recently started his second term as chairman. Pepper said he hadn't thought about his future with the party. "My focus is not on myself, but on reaching out to and thanking our wonderful candidates, both those who won and lost, and the countless other people who left it all on the field in a tough state," Pepper said in a statement. "I serve at the pleasure of our executive committee, and I welcome their feedback, as well as the feedback of our stakeholders, about how we can build a stronger Ohio Democratic Party at a critical moment for our country and state." None of the insiders blamed Pepper directly for the problems, but did say he was responsible for not holding staffers accountable. They spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the situation openly. An Ohio campaign strategist with intimate knowledge of statewide candidates and ODP operations said Pepper was a fundamentally good and likable chairman, but allowed a culture of ineptitude. "David Pepper is a good man who works really hard," the strategist said. "That did not stop the Ohio Democratic Party from being ineffective throughout the cycle and detrimental to the success of campaigns." The strategist, along with two other Democratic operatives with knowledge of statewide campaigns and a source close to the coordinated campaign, described incidents that paint a picture of a party that was needlessly difficult to work with, inefficient and often a burden to the campaigns as they were trying to win difficult races. None of them said the party caused Democrats' losses Tuesday night. U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown was the only high-profile Democrat to win, with former federal consumer watchdog Richard Cordray and the rest of the statewide executive slate falling short. But they felt the lack of awareness by Pepper and the party could hinder future candidates' chances at success. "I think they often got out in front of campaigns and didn't understand that Rich Cordray and Sherrod Brown should've been leading the party's efforts and not David Pepper," one source said. "The biggest disagreements with multiple campaigns is how money was spent." The party disputed the incidents laid out by the sources. Spokeswoman Kirstin Alvanitakis said ODP was one of the best-run Democratic parties in the nation. "Some of the issues of disagreement that emerge during such coordinated efforts are inherent because of a strategic disconnect between what individual campaigns want -- short-term victories -- and what state parties are focused on -- an entire ticket up and down the ballot, compliance, and building a brand and a bench that sustains over the long term," Alvanitakis said in a statement. "Unfortunately in the past, state parties have been treated like ATMs and pass-throughs for individual officeholders, and that is part of the reason why the progressive infrastructure of parties has been steadily weakened over time." Money squabbles The sources detailed numerous accounts of the state party not being able to keep track of money. In one instance, a box was found in a closet at ODP headquarters in Columbus with $25,000 in checks that had not been deposited, sources said. Another time, a box with more than 20 cell phones was discovered. None of the cell phones were in use and nobody was assigned the phones, but ODP was paying the bills to keep the lines active, sources said. Campaigns also had to regularly battle with the party to receive financial support for specific programs from the state candidate fund - a pool of money overseen by the party. "There were constant arguments about supporting campaigns," one source said. "The idea that you have to argue about that to just get basic things done feels like a huge problem." Much of the criticism centered on the party's interaction with the coordinated campaign, a joint operation between ODP and Democratic campaigns around the state. Each provides staff, funds and other necessities for operating the campaign, which is mostly focused on voter mobilization. The coordinated campaign was co-managed by ODP and the Brown and Cordray campaigns, though other campaigns also provided input. While coordinated campaign staff are technically ODP employees, they are overseen by a director agreed upon by the co-managers. The sources felt the coordinated campaign was an overall success, but faced numerous obstacles from the party over basic functions. They said most of the problems involved money, which Alvanitakis denied. "The fact is that the Ohio Democratic Party is one of the strongest and most professionally run state parties in the country, and our team members are the experts in election law compliance," she said in a statement. "State campaign finance law is frustratingly complex, and even veteran campaigners often don't understand it, let alone unnamed sources or folks who are on the ground here for months as opposed to years." The party lost contribution checks from down-ballot candidates meant for coordinated campaign operations, the sources said. The coordinated campaign would hold weekly check-ins to measure a number of metrics - most importantly, money. For three months the party's tabulation of how much they contributed to the campaign was off by hundreds of thousands of dollars, three sources said. The director found out about the discrepancy after combing through receipts and contribution logs, three sources said. That money was an issue is striking. For the most part, Democratic candidates outraised their Republican counterparts this cycle. Brown raised enough money to dole out $300,000 to the state party and maximum contributions of $12,707 to each of the candidates for Ohio's five executive offices in the final weeks of the campaign, even while facing re-election. Brown gave out $2 million to Ohio Democrats over the two-year cycle. Riding the bus Several moves caused friction between the campaigns and the party, the insiders said. After strategy for the coordinated campaign had been agreed upon, senior level ODP staffers would circumvent the coordinated campaign director, instructing employees to do something different, three sources said. A particular sore spot was the ODP's statewide bus tour. The Ohio Democratic Party's bus tour became a point of contention for several campaigns. Party insiders thought the money for the bus could have been better spent elsewhere. The 35-day tour was an earned media play to get coverage in smaller towns. The party emblazoned a charter bus with the candidates' names on the back and "People First" on the side. Candidates would sometimes join the tour to stump. To some extent, the tour was successful. Numerous small-town newspapers featured front-page articles about it. "A few campaigns didn't agree with that strategy, but most embraced it enthusiastically, as did our grassroots and county leaders," Alvanitakis said. "Looking at Tuesday's results, it's obvious we needed even more investment and resources going toward outreach outside our urban areas, not less." But the insiders questioned how helpful the tour was to the campaigns. "Nobody wanted the (expletive) bus," one of the sources said. "There is no major cry for this thing. It's something they wanted to do to show that they were getting out there and running in every county. I don't know how much it cost, but I'm sure some smart person could've found a better way to spend that money." The tour kicked off during crunch time of the election, eating into volunteers' door-knocking time. "It became the kind of thing where the coordinated campaign was having to actively tell the party to not have the bus come because they were trying to get people out on the doors and do what they do, and it was just a total distraction," one source said. A coming change? Disorder aside, the insiders had universally kind things to say about Pepper. They viewed him as fundamentally good, but not able to control some on his staff who caused the most headaches. "I actually believe that David's heart and mind and energy are in the right place," one source said. "I think he just has a complete disconnect with accountability for his staff and that his staff don't express the same energy or focus that he does." The Brown and Cordray campaigns released a joint statement saying they were proud of the work they did with the party, but did not dispute any of the individual claims. "Our coordinated campaign was full of hardworking people who put in a strong effort to win," the campaigns said. "Both our campaigns were proud of how well we worked with the other statewide campaigns and with all our Democratic partners across the state, including the Ohio Democratic Party." Democrats from around the state, including members of the Democratic Party's executive committee, told cleveland.com they would not be surprised by a change in leadership. Nobody who spoke with cleveland.com said Pepper's departure was imminent, but some said he should step down. Many of the Democrats said they hoped Brown would chart a new course for the party given he's the only statewide Democrat who has proved he can win a high-profile office consistently. Pepper, 47, is a former Cincinnati city councilman who ran unsuccessfully for auditor in 2010 and attorney general in 2014. He lost the auditor's race to Dave Yost and the attorney general's race to Mike DeWine, both of whom won high-profile statewide races on Tuesday for attorney general and governor, respectively. The Ohio Democratic Party's executive committee elected Pepper as its chairman over Sharon Neuhardt, Brown's preferred candidate, shortly after the 2014 election. Pepper succeeded Chris Redfern, who was forced out after similar back-to-back disastrous defeats in the 2010 and 2014 midterm elections. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The 2018 midterm election is officially over and while Democrats made significant gains nationwide, any semblance of a "blue wave" was stunted in Ohio. Republicans swept the statewide executive offices, with Republican Attorney General Mike DeWine besting Democratic former federal consumer watchdog Richard Cordray in the governor's race. Democrats claimed victory in several races, most notably U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown's re-election, but will mostly cede control to Republicans for the next four years. This week on the Ohio Matters politics podcast, cleveland.com data guru Rich Exner guest hosts to discuss what happened Tuesday night and what that means for the future. Do Democrats have a chance at statewide office again, or do the Republican victories solidify Ohio as a red state? Ohio Matters is the weekly politics podcast from cleveland.com. Each week, reporters Andrew Tobias, Mary Kilpatrick and Seth Richardson sit down with political figures from around the state for in-depth conversations. Past episodes can be found here and include DeWine, Brown and Auditor-elect Keith Faber. CHARDON, Ohio -- East Cleveland schools are currently in the process of being taken over by the state of Ohio due to poor performance on various measures of student achievement. I grew up in East Cleveland and attended Rozelle Elementary School, the old Kirk Junior High School, and Shaw High School. I returned to East Cleveland as a curriculum specialist/administrator in 1990 and remained there until my retirement. As a resident and educator, I have witnessed substantial changes both in the city and the schools. Such changes, in an older suburban city, have been accompanied by rising poverty, deteriorating housing, and now a pending state takeover of its schools. During my years in the schools, I was privileged to work with many outstanding and dedicated teachers and administrators. I also was fortunate to meet many concerned parents and grandparents as well as many interesting and vibrant young people. During those years, we worked diligently to help students pass their proficiency tests. The effort did prove to be an ongoing challenge and we sometimes felt that too much emphasis was being placed on test preparation and student performance. We recognized that our students shared many outstanding qualities and abilities that were not measured by such tests. But, we also recognized that there were other factors influencing test results -- chief among them the poverty and conditions in the neighborhoods in which our students lived. Robert Brownlee, a product of the East Cleveland schools, later worked for the school district as a curriculum specialist and administrator. Recently I returned with a cousin to see the home (a duplex) in which we were raised and in which our grandparents and parents had lived for more than 60 years. We were taken aback - our home had been demolished! As we drove through the area bordered by Hayden, Superior and Phillips Avenues and East 125th Street, we saw homes that had been abandoned, some with overgrown vegetation, and many in various stages of decay. At the same time, there were homes where the residents have been able to maintain their homes and continue to live amid a visibly deteriorating neighborhood. When we think in terms of the obvious differences between these East Cleveland neighborhoods and those where students perform well on state tests, it is clear that the neighborhoods and conditions in which students live have a direct impact on their learning in school. The research is available that highlights the effects of such living conditions on the brains of young people. In addition to the obvious physical conditions of the neighborhoods in which students live, they must also contend with the results of poverty itself that affect cognitive and emotional development, especially as young people experience poor nutrition, stressful living conditions, and urban blight. Rather than resorting to a state takeover of districts such as East Cleveland, we must all take a closer look at the neighborhoods and the attendant poverty that impact the lives and learning of young people! Our visit to the neighborhood of our youth further strengthened my belief that we must focus our energy, time, and financial resources on making certain that no child lives in neighborhoods that not only affect their learning but their lives and futures as well. I would suggest that rather than state takeovers, our concern should be on improving such neighborhoods and cities like East Cleveland. East Cleveland could, as a result of such intensive assistance, become a shining beacon on the hill! East Cleveland could be an example of our societys willingness and commitment to addressing the needs and conditions of those who may not be as fortunate as many of us are. Our country, the United States, has an obligation and the resources to promote the general welfare and act on the belief that we are endowed with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all of our citizens! It is time that as Americans we commit ourselves to focusing on the well-being of all of our young people and strive to improve the conditions that impact their lives and learning. Robert Brownlee is a retired teacher, administrator, and graduate school lecturer who is currently researching the brain and learning and its impact on schooling. ********** Have something to say about this topic? Use the comments to share your thoughts. Then, stay informed when readers reply to your comments by using the Follow option at the top of the comments, and look for updates via the small blue bell in the lower right as you look at more stories on cleveland.com. CLEVELAND -- Moments after lumbering onto the IX Center stage a day before the election, President Donald Trump declared, Theres something going on in Ohio that theyre not talking about. It was one of those rare moments when the president of the United States opened his mouth and out tumbled the truth. Indeed, Ohio has become the capital of Donald Trumps political universe. John Kasich is still governor. But within the Ohio Republican Party hierarchy, Kasich is a total nonentity, a meaningless man. And as Election Day 2016 hinted at and 2018 proved, nowhere in the industrial heartland does Trumps message resonate more than here. Trump didnt singlehandedly drag gubernatorial candidate Mike DeWine and the entire GOP ticket for the states administrative offices across the finish line Tuesday. But his support gave DeWine credibility with voters from the far-right wing of the party, many of whom supported Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor against DeWine in the Republican gubernatorial primary. Whats more, Trumps message of economic prosperity laced with large doses of fear, lies, racism and veiled hints of violence may have driven worried and resentful voters to the polls in numbers pollsters didnt anticipate. It worked. The country went one way. Ohio went the other. The national vote in U.S. House races favored Democrats by about 9 percentage points, according to preliminary estimates. The Ohio vote in those races went Republican by a bit more than 5 percent. That is no small swing. Ohio has been headed towards full red-state status for at least two decades. Tuesday, it arrived. While Democrats were electing women, flipping governors offices and state legislatures across the country, Ohio voters dug in deep, resisting any attempts to drag the state into the 21st century. Ohios political realignment is now complete. Trumps Republican Party has wiped out all vestiges of the one that produced Jim Rhodes, George Voinovich and Bob Taft. The country is changing. The number of dark people is growing. Whites, especially older ones, are worried. Trump shares their fears with promises to protect them. Protect them he will. Until he cant. Which wont be long. In the aftermath of Democrat Richard Cordrays loss to DeWine, the second-guessers were out in force, combing through his shortcomings and mistakes in an attempt to suggest the result could have been different. Heres the truth: Had Cordray run a perfect race, he probably would have lost. Consider the campaign for Sherrod Browns Senate seat. In strategy and implementation, Browns campaign was near flawless, his television advertising relentlessly negative and effective. When the final numbers are in, expect Brown to have outspent Renacci by a margin of at least 4 to 1. Early on, he put his Republican opponent on the defensive and kept him there. Reanaccis campaign was historically awful, his fundraising pathetic, his strategy seemingly nonexistent. In the Ohio that first elected him to the Senate in 2006, Brown would have crushed Renacci by at least 15 percentage points, maybe a whole lot more. In the Ohio of 2018, Brown escaped with a six-point win. Stuff like that doesnt happen in real swing states. As much as Trump probably helped DeWine and the entire ticket, the governor-elect is hardly a Trumplike Republican. His views on gays and guns are extremist, but DeWine will probably govern closer to the center than many imagine. And of the six Republicans elected in Tuesdays sweep of statewide offices, only one State Auditor-Elect Keith Faber is without question unfit to hold any elected office. Its never a good idea to hire as bean-counter-in-chief someone who looked the other way while the state treasury was being looted. Thats what Faber did with the online charter school known as ECOT, for Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow. With Faber having done it once - and been rewarded for it by voters - its right to worry Faber will do it again. Every move he makes deserves close scrutiny. At the end of DeWines first term, Republicans will have run state government for all but four of 32 years. One-party Republican rule in Columbus has been no better for a state in obvious decline than Democratic dominance in Cleveland and Cuyahoga County has been for a region headed in the same direction. When he takes office in January, DeWine will promise to change that. Hes earned the chance. But just because DeWine will neither govern nor lie like the president, that doesnt mean hell have the guts to challenge him publicly. DeWines history with Trump gives no reason for optimism. As a U.S. senator, DeWine considered Jeff Sessions such a dear friend that, in January 2017, he flew to Washington and sat behind the Alabama senator during his confirmation hearing as U.S. attorney general before the Senate Judiciary Committee. When Trump effectively fired Sessions the day after the election, he could have ordered his hand-picked attorney general drawn and quartered on Public Square and DeWine probably wouldnt have uttered a word of protest. Loyalty and issues that speak to an officeholders character should matter to voters. In the Age of Trump, they often matter not at all. Brent Larkin was The Plain Dealer's editorial director from 1991 until his retirement in 2009. To reach Brent Larkin: blarkin@cleveland.com Have something to say about this topic? Use the comments to share your thoughts. Then, stay informed when readers reply to your comments by using the Follow option at the top of the comments, and look for updates via the small blue bell in the lower right as you look at more stories on cleveland.com. Governor-elect Mike DeWine may have won decisively in most of Ohio's 88 counties but the nine he lost and the three he won by fewer than three points include Ohio's most populous -- and all of its urban -- counties. That explains why DeWine and running mate Jon Husted won barely half the unofficial popular vote, 50.66 percent -- a percentage that could tighten once provisional and remaining absentee votes are counted. The combined population of the counties DeWine lost -- Athens, Cuyahoga, Franklin, Hamilton, Lorain, Lucas, Mahoning, Summit and Trumbull counties -- and the three he won by fewer than 3 points -- Erie, Montgomery and Portage counties -- is 5.9 million. That's slightly more than half Ohio's population of 11.7 million. The numbers underscore that this latest red wave in Ohio -- a sweep of all statewide offices with a legislature still firmly in GOP hands -- is both less and more than that. It's a complex red-blue wave of rural-urban divisions where the interests of Ohio's major population centers and its most vibrant economic engines are not being reflected in a Statehouse firmly entrenched in downstate and rural interests. At his lengthy press conference Wednesday, President Donald Trump took credit for DeWine's 4.22-point win over Democrat Richard Cordray in Ohio. But Tuesday's election represented a significant erosion of Trump's 8.5-point Ohio victory, with a flip in Northeast Ohio's Trumbull County, which Trump won by 6 points -- and DeWine lost by 5 points in Tuesday's unofficial results. At the same time, Ohio Democrats showed Tuesday that they still have not been able to find traction in rural parts of the state. These include southeast Ohio's Appalachian counties that just a decade ago were represented in Congress by Democrat Zack Space, who lost Tuesday by 3.87 points in unofficial returns in his run for Ohio auditor. What does this all mean for Governor-elect Mike DeWine? First, DeWine must to do all he can to make sure his fellow Republicans legislate responsibly and in quest of future economic growth. DeWine, of Cedarville in southwest Ohio, is a quintessential small-town Ohioan. His ice cream socials are renowned. But he also knows that GOP support in rural Ohio will decline if jobs and livelihoods continue to erode. As a former state senator, U.S. House member, U.S. senator, lieutenant governor and state attorney general, DeWine has the capacity to refocus the General Assembly on critical investments in education and innovation. First up is crafting Ohio's next two-year budget. DeWine must end the practice of shipping the costs of statewide problems downstream to courthouses and city halls. Candidate DeWine told our editorial board he wanted to review the state's financial position before restoring Local Government Funding cuts. But that's a dodge. Thanks to outgoing Republican Gov. John Kasich's stewardship, state finances are strong. With poor educational attainment one of the major factors keeping Ohio down economically, DeWine also needs to persuade lawmakers to repair Ohio's grossly deficient school funding formula. Then there's Lake Erie, Ohio's greatest single natural resource, whose future is threatened by those General Assembly Republicans allied to corporate agriculture stalling efforts to tackle western Lake Erie's toxic algal blooms. DeWine told our editorial board he'd rather study Kasich's distressed watershed designation for eight Maumee River tributaries. But action is what's needed. Voters in Republican-leaning lakeshore counties, from Ottawa in the west to Ashtabula in the east, appeared to convey that message Tuesday with significantly narrowed support for DeWine compared with Trump's 2016 margins in those counties. It is also long past time for Ohio law to require full disclosure of how much money lobbying clients pay lobbyists. The Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow online charter-school scandal, and the separate ten-year struggle to reform payday lending, starkly demonstrate the sway the Statehouse's lobbying army has over the legislature. DeWine is a sincere and long-term "right-to-life" advocate. Given that, he knows that the right to life extends even to the most down-and-out crack-smoker and opioid addict. Ohio can set a national standard for effective and humane treatment of addiction. Or the state can keep doing what, often as not, doesn't work. The choice of which legacy to bestow on tomorrow's Ohio is up to Mike DeWine - and the General Assembly. About our editorials: Editorials express the view of the editorial board of cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer -- the senior leadership and editorial-writing staff. As is traditional, editorials are unsigned and intended to be seen as the voice of the news organization. Have something to say about this topic? * Send a letter to the editor, which will be considered for print publication. * Email general questions about our editorial board or comments on this editorial to Elizabeth Sullivan, director of opinion, at esullivan@cleveland.com. * Use the comments to share your thoughts. Then, stay informed when readers reply to your comments by using the "Follow" option at the top of the comments, & look for updates via the small blue bell in the lower right as you look at more stories on cleveland.com. Foot Locker Inc.: "I've got to tell you, I think Foot Locker's OK, but it would've been a lot better in the $30s. So we think it's moved a little too much." Arista Networks Inc.: "I think that they are very good and [CEO] Jayshree Ullal, whom I would love to have back on the show, is a brilliant manager. But I also like what Chuck Robbins is doing at Cisco and Cisco's got less volatility." SailPoint Technologies Holdings Inc.: "It's very good. Digital identities. The problem is there are, like, five companies that are in this same ilk and they're all too high and people could come in and sell them between here and year-end." Crown Holdings Inc.: "I think it's a very inexpensive stock. It does a great job. I like the company." Idexx Laboratories Inc.: "They did a good number. I thought the number was good. I'm not backing away one bit from Idexx or the humanization of pets. As a matter of fact, I'll throw out another one that I really like just in terms of the diagnostics: I like Thermo Fischer. I haven't been talking about it enough." Emerson Electric Co.: "[CEO David] Farr is really good. My charitable trust own it. We've got a big meeting next week and I've got to tell you, I am going to talk positive about Emerson. Why? Because that quarter was good and it's a great American industrial." Mellanox Technologies Ltd.: "People think it's going to get taken over, but I can't recommend stocks on a takeover basis if I don't like them on the fundamentals." California was joined in the DACA case by attorneys general for Maine, Maryland and Minnesota, as well as the University of California, individual DACA recipients and other plaintiffs. In their arguments to the 9th Circuit, Becerra's legal team focused on "the irreparable harm that DACA recipients, their communities and the states would suffer if the program were terminated." In remarks to reporters Thursday, California Attorney General Xavier Becerra called the appeals court decision "a tremendous victory for everyone who is a believer of the American dream, and certainly a victory for the rule of law. But for ... the young men and women we call Dreamers, those who have had to live in the shadows, those who had an opportunity to come out of the shadows and actually prove themselves to America, and have done so so ably and so courageously, it's a victory for them as well." The ruling by the three-judge panel for 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco affirmed a nationwide preliminary injunction that U.S. District Judge William Alsup issued in January that shielded young people with protections under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program. The administration in February unsuccessfully appealed the district court's ruling to the Supreme Court. California's top lawyer on Thursday hailed an appeals court decision blocking the Trump administration from ending the so-called DACA program as "a tremendous victory" and one that will continue protections for hundreds of thousands of young undocumented immigrants known as Dreamers who were brought to the U.S. as children. The Trump administration moved in September 2017 to phase out the DACA program that shields Dreamers from deportation and gives them work permits. There are currently around 700,000 young adults nationwide with protections under the DACA program, which was introduced in 2012 by former President Barack Obama. California alone has about 200,000 Dreamers. The Trump administration has argued that Obama exceeded his constitutional powers when he bypassed Congress and created the program. Back in January, the district judge had ordered the federal government to continue processing renewals of existing DACA applications while litigation over the legality of Trump's action was resolved. After the January ruling, President Donald Trump called the court system "broken and unfair." "When President Trump announced the rescission of the DACA program, we knew right away that we needed to take legal action here in California," said Becerra. "We are home to one of every four Dreamers in this country." On Monday, the administration urged the U.S. Supreme Court to take up the DACA case, a move that came before the 9th Circuit handed down its ruling. The U.S. Department of Justice and White House didn't immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday. "We want all Americans and all Dreamers to know that whatever comes next we will continue to fight on their behalf to ensure that they can remain as working, contributing members of our society," Becerra said. "And for those who wish to understand what it means to have this victory today, just think of what it would feel like for you to be able to come out of the shadows and live your dreams." As a result of the January preliminary injunction, the federal government resumed accepting applications Jan. 13 from Dreamers to renew DACA status. Becerra said more than 187,000 Dreamers have been able to regain or renew their DACA protections as a result of the court injunction from January and added that "hundreds of thousands of additional Dreamers continue to be eligible to renew their status as well." Becerra, the state's attorney general since last year, has been at the center of California's legal war with the Trump administration on immigration and several other fronts, including health care, education, environmental protections, as well as the 2020 Census. The Democrat also has defended California from the administration's lawsuit challenging the state's sanctuary laws that are designed to protect undocumented immigrants. Becerra called the fight for Dreamers "personal for so many communities in California. And I must say, as the son of immigrants myself, this fight is personal to me too." Reuters contributed to this report. The Food and Drug Administration plans to limit sales of most flavored e-cigarettes to vape shops and move forward with a ban on menthol cigarettes as it tries to curb "epidemic" levels of teen e-cigarette use, according to senior FDA officials, who asked not to be named because the proposal is not yet public. FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb in September gave five e-cigarette manufacturers Juul, British American Tobacco's Vuse, Altria's MarkTen, Imperial Brands' Blu E-cigs and Japan Tobacco's Logic until Sunday to submit proposals on how to prevent youth e-cigarette use. He has said the FDA will share its own plan sometime mid-November. Senior officials said the agency plans to announce its plan next week. The agency plans to prohibit sales of flavored cartridge-based e-cigarettes in convenience stores and gas stations, allowing them to be sold only in vape and tobacco shops that tend to enforce age restrictions better, the officials said. The FDA also plans to ban online sales until manufacturers implement FDA-mandated guidelines for age verification, the sources said. Gottlieb first raised the idea of this policy in an interview with CNBC's "Squawk Box" in October. The flavor restrictions will exclude menthol, meaning menthol vapor products will still be allowed to be sold in convenience stores and gas stations until the FDA removes menthol cigarettes from the market. Officials worry that in removing menthol e-cigarettes from places where menthol cigarettes are sold, consumers might opt for conventional cigarettes. This spring, the FDA took the first step toward implementing a rule that would ban menthol or other flavors from cigarette and e-cigarette products. The agency banned certain flavors in cigarettes in 2009, but menthol was excluded from those new rules, as were other tobacco products. Critics have repeatedly called for FDA to reverse this because research has shown kids are more attracted to flavored products. The bans won't take effect immediately. It would likely take weeks, if not months, for the FDA to adopt new rules and the changes to impact consumers. E-cigarette manufacturers are expected to soon make public their proposals to the FDA, with the 60-day mark falling on Sunday. Altria has already said it will remove its MarkTen pod-based products and will stop selling all flavors except for menthol or tobacco in its cig-a-like products until the FDA reviews and approves them. Preliminary data show a 77 percent increase in high school students using e-cigarettes, Gottlieb told CNBC in October. The full study is expected to be released this month. WATCH: How Juul made vaping cool and became a $15 billion e-cigarette giant More than 250,000 people in California were under evacuation orders statewide as of Friday evening due to growing wind-whipped fires which have burned over 6,600 homes and led to at least nine fatalities, according to officials. There are at least three major wildfires burning in California, stretching California's firefighting resources thin and leading authorities on Friday to ask for help from several Western states. One of the fires devastated communities in Ventura County and as of Friday afternoon was burning out of control and destroying multiple structures in the Calabasas and Malibu areas of Los Angeles County. "Weather-wise we are literally in a statewide 'red flag' weather warning," said Mark Ghilarducci, director of the California Office of Emergency Services. "Fire weather conditions are extreme. We are literally seeing it from border to border." https://twitter.com/LACoFireAirOps/status/1061048433094488066 Over 250,000 people are under evacuation orders in Southern California, mostly from the so-called Woolsey fire. Another 52,000 people are under evacuation in Northern California's Butte County from a blaze authorities have dubbed the Camp fire, which is blamed for the loss of more than 6,000 homes and nine fatalities. Authorities estimate the Woosley blaze destroyed approximately 150 homes. However, those numbers were expected to grow as the massive fire continues to rage with zero containment. https://twitter.com/LASDHQ/status/1061122407325347840 The Los Angeles County Coroner's office reported late Friday two bodies were found in the Malibu area, although the agency couldn't immediately confirm the fatalities were due to the fire. The entire city of Malibu was under mandatory evacuation Friday as flames threatened nearby homes and other structures. After burning homes in Bell Canyon, Oak Park and Thousand Oaks, the fire crossed the 101 Freeway from the Ventura County line on Friday morning and within hours led to the evacuation of the entire city of Malibu, where many celebrities have homes. Cher was one of the celebrities who tweeted about her home being in harm's way. Actor Orlando Bloom also posted on Instagram about the blaze being near his residence. Evacuations remained in effect in several Ventura County communities as of Friday evening, including portions of Westlake Village, Hidden Hills, Calabasas, Oak Park, Thousand Oaks and Agoura Hills. The Woolsey fire burns on hillsides overlooking the West Hills area in the city of Los Angeles on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018. Jeff Daniels The fast-spreading Woolsey fire is believed to have started Thursday afternoon in eastern Ventura County near the former Rocketdyne research facility in the Santa Susana Pass. The blaze spread into the nearby Bell Canyon area and then wind gusts of up to 60 mph pushed it into Agoura Hills, Oak Park and Thousand Oaks Homes in the West Hills area of the city of LA were threatened Friday evening as flames came down from the canyons and wind gusts spread embers. The Paramount Ranch in Agoura Hills, a Western-style town where many television shows and movies have been filmed over the decades, was reported to be destroyed Friday. https://twitter.com/SantaMonicaMtns/status/1060984290266279937 "We now we have a number of structures that were lost during the firefight overnight," Ventura County Fire Chief Mark Lorenzen told reporters Friday during a briefing. "Fortunately there have not been any civilian fatalities as a result of lack of evacuations." Several large air tankers and copters were helping battle the Woolsey fire, dropping fire retardant or water to slow or stop the spread of flames. There was video posted on Twitter showing a firefighter helicopter picking up water from a private swimming pool in LA County to fight the blaze. https://twitter.com/MichaelDubron/status/1061092146675994624 Lorenzen said there were "hundreds of firefighters" assigned to the Woolsey fire and more crews on the way to battle the menacing blaze. The Woolsey fire exploded to an estimated 35,000 acres Friday afternoon, or more than double the amount it stood at in the morning. Another 6,100 acres were charred from the so-called Hill fire near Thousand Oaks. The Hill fire is burning into the footprint of the Springs fire of 2013, causing it to slow, according to Lorenzen. As a result of the Hill and Woolsey fires, California's acting Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency on Friday for Los Angeles and Ventura counties. It follows Newsom declaring an emergency proclamation on Thursday for Butte County in Northern California due to the so-called Camp fire, which has led the evacuation of about 52,000 people and devastated the community of Paradise. Newsom announced late Friday that the White House approved a federal presidential emergency declaration for three counties affected by major wildfires, Butte, Ventura and Los Angeles counties. It will speed up federal assistance, including air assets to help with the fires as well as shelter supplies and water for evacuated residents. Evacuees from a wildfire rest on cots and blankets supplied by the Red Cross in the gymnasium at Taft Charter High School in the Woodland Hills section of Los Angeles on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018. Richard Vogel | AP "California is appreciative for the timely response, which will help emergency responders in their heroic efforts to protect Californians and their communities," said Newsom in a statement. Statewide, more than 100,000 homes or structures are threatened. Ghilarducci, the state emergency official, said at a news briefing Friday that the Butte County blaze is "an extremely challenging fire and has resulted in significant and catastrophic loss," especially to the community of Paradise located just outside Chico. A line of burned out abandoned cars sit on the road after the Camp Fire moved through the area on November 9, 2018 in Paradise, California. Fueled by high winds and low humidity, the rapidly spreading Camp Fire ripped through the town of Paradise and has quickly charred 70,000 acres and has destroyed numerous homes and businesses in a matter of hours. Justin Sullivan | Getty Images As of Friday evening, a total of 6,713 homes or structures were reported destroyed in Butte County's Camp fire, including 6,453 single-family homes and another 260 commercial structures, according to authorities. According to the Butte County Sheriff's office, a total of nine fatalities have been linked to the Camp fire, including five victims found inside burnt cars in the Paradise area Thursday. A preliminary investigation by the local agency revealed they were overcome in vehicles by the fast-moving fire. At a briefing Friday evening, local law enforcement officials announced an additional four deaths due to the Camp fire, including three people found outside of residences and another person found deceased inside a home. There also are 35 official missing person reports, according to the sheriff's office. More than 90,000 acres have burned in the Camp fire, according to Cal Fire. The agency reported that more than 3,200 firefighting personnel were battling the blaze and were assisted by at least 18 aircraft. The fire is located about 90 miles north of Sacramento. A Cal Fire firefighter monitors a burning home as the Camp Fire moves through the area on November 9, 2018 in Magalia, California. Justin Sullivan | Getty Images THE RISE OF THE MACHINES will be televised if China's artificial intelligence (AI) news presenter is anything to go by. A Chinese company has worked with the state news agency, Xinhua, to develop the world's first virtual news anchor, which can read scripts like a human, with appropriate facial expressions and lip movements. While identical in appearance, the two versions are created to appease both English and Mandarin-speaking watchers. The AI will have "endless outputs", Xinhua says, given that they can "work 24 hours a day on its official website and various social media platforms" - provided that a human editor can supply them with the copy, that is. The AI confirms as much, saying "I will work tirelessly to keep you informed as texts will be typed into my system uninterrupted". "I'm an English artificial news anchor, this is my very first day in Xinhua News Agency, my voice and appearance are modeled on Zhang Zhao a real anchor with Xinhua", he said. Since it's an AI anchor, news is read out in a very monotonous manner with no expressions in between. "It's quite hard to watch for more than a few minutes", University of Oxford Professor Michael Wooldridge told the BBC. The virtual newsreader donning a sharp suit is basically a collection of digital composites created from videos of real human hosts. "It's very flat, very single-paced, it's not got rhythm, pace or emphasis", Prof Wooldridge told the BBC. Xinhua started using the AI anchor in its broadcast Thursday as well as in a separate Chinese-language version modeled on another presenter. "If you're just looking at animation you've completely lost that connection to an anchor". But Noel Sharkey, emeritus professor of artificial intelligence and robotics at the University of Sheffield, called it a "good first effort". "We will see it improve over time". President Donald Trump answers questions during a meeting with military leaders in the Cabinet Room on October 23, 2018 in Washington, DC. The American Civil Liberties Union has filed a legal challenge to President Donald Trump's order denying asylum to migrants if they cross the U.S.-Mexico border illegally. The lawsuit was filed Friday in federal court in San Francisco and argues the new rules are against the law. Attorney Lee Gelernt says the regulations will put families in danger. The suit seeks to declare the regulations invalid and want a judge to stop rules from going into effect while the litigation is pending. The new rules were spurred in part by caravans of Central American migrants slowly moving north on foot, but officials say they will apply to anyone caught crossing illegally. Officials say about 70,000 people who enter the country illegally claim asylum. The order invoked the same national security powers Trump used to push through his travel ban. Lawmakers in the U.K. have questioned online "fast fashion" retailers about the impact of their production processes on workers and the environment. Mary Creagh, chair of the U.K. government's Environmental Audit Committee, wrote to five online-only fashion retailers including global firms Amazon and ASOS to request information on areas including staff wages, the life-cycle of the garments sold, and steps being taken to reduce the environmental and social impact of their businesses. The committee said it was considering policy recommendations on reducing the harm caused by cheap garment production, and would factor in the retailers' responses when delivering those recommendations to fellow lawmakers. Published Friday, letters to Amazon and ASOS asked the retailers how they had ensured that all garment workers are paid the minimum wage; whether they educated suppliers on the cost of U.K. labour; and what recycled materials were used in their products. Retailers were given a deadline of November 15 to respond to the letters, with MPs suggesting they could ask certain companies to give evidence in parliament. In a statement on Friday, Creagh said evidence the committee had heard on October 30 from industry experts "raised alarm bells about the fast growing online-only retail sector." "Low quality 5 ($6.51) dresses aimed at young people are said to be made by workers on illegally low wages and are discarded almost instantly, causing mountains of non-recycled waste to pile up," she said. "We will be calling some of these online retailers in front of the Committee to answer questions, but in the meantime, my letters encourage them to face up to the social and environmental consequences of their business models. We want to know that they are fully compliant with employment law, that garments have a decent life-span, and that profit is not put before environmental damage." Stella Claxton, senior lecturer in fashion management, marketing and communication at Nottingham Trent University, said the UK fashion industry in its current form was "not that environmentally sustainable." "Coupled with that we have a situation where chasing low prices has led to global supply chains looking for cheaper manufacturing, which is normally in developing countries," she said. "Thinking about how consumption in Asia is going to rise in the next few years and how UK brands are looking to service those markets. Although it is a UK problem, it is a global problem as well." Further evidence raised concern that suppliers in developing countries outsourced to sweatshops or were not paying workers the minimum wage. "Sweatshop" is a term for a workplace that has very poor, socially unacceptable working conditions. Amazon declined to comment on the issue. In an email to CNBC, an ASOS spokesperson said: "ASOS is looking forward to co-operating with the committee." WATCH: Here's how Target is making a comeback Rep. Martha McSally, R-Ariz., and Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz. Bill Clark | CQ Roll Call | Getty Images The pivotal Arizona Senate race, separated by a razor-thin margin, may get a jolt Friday from a Republican lawsuit that could limit the votes counted in the contest. Democratic Rep. Kyrsten Sinema took a tiny lead Thursday over Republican Rep. Martha McSally in the Arizona contest, which NBC News considers too close to call. The Democrat holds an edge of only 0.5 percentage points, or about 9,000 votes, in a race that will help to determine how wide Republicans can make their Senate majority starting in January. Republicans have challenged the process of counting mail-in ballots which account for about three-fourths of Arizona's votes in the state's two largest counties. The lawsuit, which a judge will hear Friday, targets the practice of Maricopa and Pima Counties allowing voters to fix issues with their ballots for up to five days after Election Day. The state has a tedious process of matching signatures on voters' registration forms to those on their ballots, and the counties let voters fix signature problems for days after the election. The litigation could potentially cap the number of votes counted in the race, in which every ballot will be critical due to the tight margin. The result of the contest has huge stakes for what President Donald Trump and Senate Republicans can accomplish in the next Congress. The GOP could hold 52 to 54 seats in the chamber, depending on how the Arizona race and still unresolved Florida Senate contest go. Sinema's bid for the office vacated by Republican Sen. Jeff Flake's retirement gives Democrats their second best chance to win a GOP-held seat this year. Democratic Rep. Jacky Rosen is already projected to unseat Republican Sen. Dean Heller in Nevada. Australia remains open to Chinese investments regardless of whether Canberra blocks an acquisition of a major energy company by a Hong Kong-led consortium, Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg told CNBC on Friday. Earlier this year, a consortium led by Hong Kong property developer CK Infrastructure owned by billionaire Li Ka-shing offered a $9.4 billion takeover bid for APA Group, Australia's leading energy infrastructure business. The deal would be "contrary to the national interest," Frydenberg said in a statement released Wednesday. Speaking to CNBC on Friday, Frydenberg said his preliminary view was "not about a particular company or country." The judgement call was based on "what the implications would be for Australia were we to see a concentration of foreign ownership by a sole company in such a key set of assets as is the gas transmission sector," Frydenberg stated. "APA is a unique company, with more than 50 percent of the gas transmission business in Australia, more than 15,000 pipelines supplying gas and electricity into key markets," he added. The company holds approximately $20 billion of energy assets and delivers half the nation's natural gas usage, according to the company. Then-Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein attended a 2009 meeting with the Malaysian financier later accused of plundering billions of dollars from his country's investment fund, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. Blankfein, who retired as CEO last month, is the unidentified Goldman executive who attended the 2009 meeting in New York referenced in U.S. court documents released last week, according to this person, who declined to be identified speaking on this matter. The Justice Department unsealed an indictment last week accusing Malaysian financier Low Taek Jho and an associate with laundering billions of dollars embezzled from the state investment fund known as 1MDB. Goldman Sachs is undergoing scrutiny for its role in the 1MDB scandal. The bank arranged three bond deals in 2012 and 2013 to fund 1MDB, raising $6.5 billion to supposedly attract foreign investment. Instead, Low is accused of paying bribes to officials and attempting to launder billions stolen from the fund. Goldman has said that bankers including Tim Leissner, who plead guilty to the scheme, deceived the firm and dodged its internal controls. The 2009 meeting was an introduction between Blankfein and recently-elected Prime Minister of Malaysia Najib Razak to talk about trade and investments, according to the person. Such meetings are commonplace for investment bank leaders. Low, known as "Jho Low," was one of about 12 attendees of that meeting. Blankfein also moderated a discussion with Najib in 2013 held with private equity firms in New York. While Low was scheduled to attend that meeting, he wasn't there, according to the person. By then, the bank had already flagged Low as someone the firm shouldn't do business with. Najib was ousted as prime minister in May and has since been charged with money laundering and corruption charges tied to 1MDB. Blankfein's attendance at the 2009 meeting was reported Thursday by Bloomberg News. The Wall Street Journal reported Friday that Blankfein attended the 2013 meeting. Campbell Soup has begun the process of selling off a number of its brands, including its Arnott's cookie and crackers business, as it looks to pay down the debt left in the wake of its acquisition of Snyder's Lance earlier this year, people familiar with the matter tell CNBC. The soup company had previously said it planned to sell its international and fresh food food businesses after a three-month review it announced after a string of poor quarterly results. It said focusing on its signature packaged food would help regain its financial footing. The decision came despite pressure from activist fund Third Point, which initially said the only justifiable outcome of the review was a sale to a strategic buyer. Third Point has since said it would also accept other moves for Campbell, including a breakup. Campbell has sent out materials to tease the sale of its Australian Arnott's biscuits business and Kelsen baked snacks that could fetch $2.5 billion to $3 billion from buyers. The biscuit and cracker maker is the largest in Australia and has therefore caught the eye of a number food companies that are eyeing global expansion as challenged U.S. grocers continue to exert their pressure. Food companies including Oreo-owner Mondelez, Kraft Heinz and Ferrero, which owns Nutella are among those eyeing the business, the people said. Snacks have become increasingly important for food companies to buy as more and more people eat on-the-go and sales of grocery staples, like cereal, have slowed. In the U.S., though, there are few brands available to buy to move the needle for companies that generate billions in annual sales. Arnott's gives buyers a chance to buy a large business in an established market. Still, with Australia relatively isolated, it would also likely require a buyer with an existing global footprint and may also limit their ability to expand the brand further into other international markets like China, say people familiar with the industry. Campbell expects to sign non-disclosure agreements for its international snack business in the next weeks, and will then begin to send out confidential materials, the people said. This will launch a formal sale process. While such processes take weeks, it remains possible a keenly interested party could expedite it by lobbing in a particularly high bid, some of the people said. One likely consideration in the sale process is potential anti-trust issues due to Arnott's hold on the Australian cookie market. Campbell is under pressure from activist investor Dan Loeb and his hedge fund Third Point, which have chastised it for poor performance, making it unlikely it will want to take on much risk that antitrust authorities could oppose a deal. Chinese President Xi Jinping is making peace with his country's private companies. That reassurance comes amid an environment in which privately owned enterprises have taken a hit from banks constricting lending in a national effort to rein in debt. On top of that, confidence has been shaken on concerns private firms were falling out of political favor in relation to their powerful state-owned brethren. Now, facing trade war with the United States and a slowing economy, Xi is offering the sector an olive branch, which analysts and investors say is necessary to boost confidence in the critical job-providing sector. China's big state-owned enterprises have long enjoyed exalted status, with preferential access to funding and other benefits. And despite years of reform talk, their political influence has actually been seen to grow in recent years. But at a symposium last Thursday with private entrepreneurs and reported by the official Xinhua news agency, Xi sought to make amends, promising measures including lower taxes and improved financing, while also offering soothing words of inclusion. "All private companies and private entrepreneurs should feel totally reassured and devote themselves to seeking development," Xi said at the event, according to Xinhua. "Private enterprises and private entrepreneurs belong to our own family." Andy Xie, an independent economist formerly with Morgan Stanley, said Xi's words may have a positive psychological impact but action will be more critical. Xie told CNBC on Thursday that state-owned enterprises have become "emboldened" by an environment that "stresses politics above everything else" in the last five years. "They've been basically really taking on private companies in a very negative way," he added, citing anecdotal examples of the latter either being forced out of business by state rivals or seeking investment from them to stay in business. Department of Justice Chief of Staff Matt Whitaker (R) participates in a round table event with the Joint Interagency Task Force - South (JIATF-S) foreign liaison officers at the Department of Justice Kennedy building August 29, 2018 in Washington, DC. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer sent a letter Friday to President Donald Trump questioning whether the appointment of acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker was constitutional. Whitaker, who was then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions' chief of staff, was promoted after Sessions' ouster was revealed Wednesday. Sessions, whom Trump regularly vented his rage at in tweets and interviews, wrote in a letter to the president that he had resigned "at your request." The announcement came less than a day after Republicans lost their majority control of the House in the midterm elections, and quickly sparked heated criticism from legal experts and Democratic lawmakers. "Mr. Whitaker is a political appointee who is not serving in a Senate confirmed position in the Justice Department. I am not aware of any precedent for appointment of an official who has not been confirmed by the Senate to serve as Acting Attorney General," Schumer, D-N.Y.,wrote in his letter to Trump. He also raised the possibility that Whitaker's appointment violated a clause in the U.S. Constitution requiring the president to appoint certain officials only "with the Advice and Consent of the Senate." Some lawyers have argued that Whitaker is a "principal officer," as opposed to "inferior officers," for whom the Constitution gives the president the power to appoint without Senate confirmation. Among those questioning the move are Neal Katyal, former acting solicitor general in the Obama administration, and George Conway, an attorney and husband of Trump's senior advisor, Kellyanne Conway. "A principal officer must be confirmed by the Senate. And that has a very significant consequence today," the two lawyers wrote in a New York Times op-ed Thursday. "It means that Mr. Trump's installation of Matthew Whitaker as acting attorney general of the United States after forcing the resignation of Jeff Sessions is unconstitutional. It's illegal. And it means that anything Mr. Whitaker does, or tries to do, in that position is invalid." The White House did not respond to CNBC's request for comment on Conway's op-ed. Schumer appears to adopt a similar stance in his letter to Trump. "The Attorney General, as head of the Department of Justice, is unquestionably a principal officer," Schumer said. "It is not clear to me how your appointment of an unconfirmed official as Acting Attorney General comports with this constitutional mandate either on its face or intent." Whitaker, 49, was indeed confirmed by the Senate in 2004, when he became a U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Iowa. But Whitaker tendered his resignation to former President Barack Obama in 2009. Schumer notes that Peter Keisler was appointed acting attorney general in 2007 without a separate Senate confirmation, but said that Keisler "was already serving in a Senate-confirmed position in the Department." Whitaker was reportedly appointed under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act, which allows him to remain acting attorney general for up to 210 days. But depending on when Trump nominates a permanent replacement, Whitaker could remain in the role longer as the nomination process is carried out. Experts have also questioned the Trump administration's use of this act, arguing that the law may not apply if Sessions was indeed fired by Trump. Even if it does, some say, the line of succession would put Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein in the acting role. Rosenstein oversaw the Mueller probe after Sessions recused himself, but the DOJ said Whitaker will now oversee the investigation. Schumer also expressed concern about Whitaker's fitness to serve in an acting capacity as the chief law enforcement official in the U.S., given his "specific expressions of bias against" special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation. Whitaker has critiqued the Mueller probe of Russian interference during the 2016 U.S. presidential election on multiple occasions. He wrote an op-ed for CNN in August 2017 arguing that if Mueller looked into the Trump family's finances "without a broadened scope in his appointment, then this would raise serious concerns that the special counsel's investigation was a mere witch hunt." Whitaker also appeared to defend Trump campaign officials' meeting with Kremlin-connected Russians at Trump Tower in June 2016, saying: "There is no federal crime of collusion. So we're either looking at espionage charges, which seems farcical with the evidence we have now, or we're looking at campaign finance violations, but I still don't see how there's anything of value there." In June 2017, Whitaker said on a radio show that "the truth is, there was no collusion with the Russians and the Trump campaign," Politico reported. His remarks have led to numerous calls from Democrats and legal experts alike for Whitaker to recuse himself from the probe. But The Washington Post reported Thursday that he has no intention of recusing himself, citing people close to the new acting attorney general. Jay Sekulow, Trump's lawyer in the Mueller probe, said Thursday that Whitaker's promotion will have "no effect day-to-day" on the special counsel, Bloomberg reported. Pelosi tweet Schumer's letter included five questions for Trump, asking him why he chose Whitaker and whether he had discussed the Mueller probe with him, among others. Trump appeared to respond to some of those questions in remarks to reporters Friday morning en route to Paris for events commemorating the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. "I don't know Matt Whitaker," the president said repeatedly. But Whitaker "is a very highly respected man. You didn't have any problems when he worked for Jeff Sessions. He's respected by law enforcement. He's a very strong law enforcement personality and person," Trump added. Asked whether Whitaker should have been confirmed by the Senate, Trump turned the question on Mueller: "Mueller was not Senate confirmed. Why didn't they get him Senate confirmed? He should've been Senate confirmed." Katyal and Conway argued in their op-ed, and in prior writings, that "What makes an officer a principal officer is that he or she reports only to the president. No one else in government is that person's boss. But Mr. Mueller reports to Rod Rosenstein, the deputy attorney general. So, Mr. Mueller is what is known as an inferior officer, not a principal one, and his appointment without Senate approval was valid." Read the full text of the letter below, or download it here. Below is the transcript of a CNBC Exclusive interview with Daniel Zhang, Group CEO, Alibaba. The interview was first broadcast on CNBC's Squawk Box Asia on 9 November 2018. All references must be sourced to a "CNBC Interview'. Interviewed by CNBC's Arjun Kharpal Arjun: Daniel you joined Alibaba back in 2007. When you thought about what e-commerce would become all these years, when you look at 2018 now, has your expectations been met or have you been surprised? Zhang: I joined Alibaba in 2007. I thought e-commerce would have a bright future. That was the key reason why I joined Alibaba - because I was then an online shopper already, and I thought more and more people would enjoy this, and especially young people, and with the penetration of internet, we will have more online shoppers. So that's why - that's a starting point, I joined Alibaba. But I think 11 years later, when we look back, I would say how e-commerce changed the life of the consumers - the impact is even bigger than what I expected, and this is not only about the shopping, it's about the whole lifestyle. And today, many millennials are living on the internet and they don't go to the brick and mortars. They don't go to the shopping malls but they live online. And I think if you look at the people even younger, I mean teenagers, internet to them is more like water, electricity; when they were born, this is there. So I think over time people will rely more on the life of the internet. Arjun: You're the architect of the double 11 shopping festival. Many people also know that as singles' day. When you came up with the idea 10 years ago, what was your thought? How did you get prompted to think of starting this shopping festival? Zhang: Well actually this is a very occasional case because at that time we just started our new business - b2c Taobao mall business, which is today's Tmall. And at the time nobody knew us actually. We wanted people to remember us, and that's the starting point of when we thought of, 'let's do something to make people remember us', and then we found the day, 'let's do a promotion on November 11' - and we didn't even realize this is a holiday and this is the holiday in the western society, because in China there is no November 11. But when we did this, we thought, 'Ok, we have a very good slogan, and if people are still single on the day, if people feel lonely, then please come to us for some shopping and just get some fun from this shopping'. Arjun: It's interesting to look back at that first one in 2009 and actually the kind of sales that raked in 7.8 million dollars in Gross Merchandising Value (GMV). If you look at that compared to 2017's singles' day where it was over 25 billion dollars, that seems like such a huge and very quick rise in the popularity of that event. In that first one you had 10 years ago, what were your expectations? Did you think that it would take off the way it has? Zhang: Well actually - I never expected that we could actually transform this day into a commercial day, a consumer day for the whole society. I think today, when you look at the scale, it's more like all the people enjoy the shopping on the same day and all the merchants, they participate and share their best products on that day. And I think obviously this, today, is more like a phenomenon. Arjun: So what's changed? What other things have changed from your first single day to now, except the fact that more people are being moved in and more money is being spent with them? Zhang: The biggest change is how business people look at the power of internet. On day 1, people just thought that this is a new channel to sell more products. But today, most of the businesses view digital technology and the internet as infrastructure to transform their existing business and to go to a new market to serve the new customers Arjun: In a recent speech you gave a pledge that this would be the largest single day ever. What did you mean by that? Zhang: Well it means a lot. And in terms of the level of engagement of the customers in terms of the participants to be involved in this singles' day - I think this will mean a lot to both consumers as well as the business people. Arjun: Does that mean you're confident you could potentially break that record of GMV you guys set last year? Zhang: Well, GMV is the outcome of the day. I think most important is what we can offer to our customers together and what we can achieve in terms of business disruption and business innovation. Arjun: It's the tenth anniversary in 2018. When you look 10 years down the line, what does single's day look like to you? What is the future of this event? Zhang: Singles' day needs to be innovative as we always did in the past 10 years. I think if you look ten years from now, I would say that the format of the day and the way we do this will totally change. Arjun: You have spoken about new retail a lot over the past couple of years. There are a lot of buzz words around it - online, offline - and you are investing in things like logistics networks, cainiao, and of course, cloud computing. What does new retail mean to the people watching this show? What does new retail mean to the company? Zhang: When we talk about new retail, we strongly believe that online commercial world and offline brick & mortars are not separate worlds. And if you look at the customer base today, everyone is living in the internet. Everybody is an internet user. So you have the same customer base, you must have the same commercial world. It's all about how to integrate online and offline to transform to a whole digitalized commercial world. Arjun: And how do you do that? What are the steps you're taking to do that? Zhang: Well we have made a lot of efforts in terms of digitalising the existing brick & mortars in terms of creating new retail formats like Hema to meet the growing demand of the customers in, for example, in the fresh food categories. Arjun: Hema's a very interesting example of a futuristic grocery store, almost. What learnings have you had from this so far? What are the trends you're seeing of how consumers have reacted to this kind of experience that you putting out there? And do you see now that a store like hema and the experience that it brings really is what the future of retail looks like? Zhang: Well actually Hema is one of the new retail formats. The reason why we created this is because when we look at the format of the traditional e-commerce, we don't think it meets the demands of the people in the food categories, especially fresh foods. So that's why we were thinking about, can we create a new format, which people can enjoy instore - the fresh foods - but also they can order from online and deliver from stores. So I think when we look at the pinpoints of the customers we can still find a lot more. But this means to us the new opportunities, and we can definitely create a new format to address these pinpoints and create new business. Arjun: And another new format that has become very popular, of course, is on-demand delivery of food as well. You recently struck a big deal with Starbucks. What was the driving force behind that deal? Zhang: Well actually we have made a strategic partnership with Starbucks, and we work together to integrate their membership program between Alibaba and Starbucks. We help them to build the intelligence stores online in Alibaba eco-system. Also, with the support of our logistic infrastructure, we are now helping them to deliver coffee to home. And people can order coffee online, and expand their coffee space into fullest of coffee space, of Starbucks. Arjun: Sometimes people look on-demand delivery and wonder if it has a long-term future, if it is sustainable business model. From what you've seen so far, do you think that these on-demand deliveries, the way you carry it out, is a sustainable business model going forward? Zhang: Well on-demand delivery, I think, is an infrastructure - and not only for the food delivery business. This is also the infrastructure for future retail. And in terms of food delivery, I think, today more and more young people need these services, and they either don't have time to cook or they don't cook, and so people need these food delivery. But when we look at this on-demand delivery network, this also can serve many other categories' products. For example, people can order from some pharmacies at night if they catch a cold. So I think this could be an infrastructure for the future integrated digital business. Arjun: Alipay is another important part of your strategy - run by ant financial, one of your affiliates. Why do you see the whole payments and financial technology piece of the puzzle as an important part of the strategy? Zhang: Well payment is very very important infra for Alibaba's ecosystem, and with this digital payment platform, people can not only can enjoy the easy payment, but business people can also leverage this digital payment to serve the customer better and know more about customer behaviour, which will create huge value for their future business. Arjun: While we're speaking about Ant Financial, I have to ask you for our viewers watching as well. We've been hearing a lot about the future of this company. It's a huge company here in China now and it's expanding globally as well. We have heard a lot of talk about potential initial public offering. Do you have any more clarity of when Ant Financial might go public? Zhang: Well we don't have the agenda to go public. I think we still focus on how to create the value for the customers, and especially in the new technology. Arjun: Many people call Alibaba an e-commerce giant, but you're much more than that. There's a lot of investment going on in technology. A big focus in your 2017 letter to shareholders last year, you said data is the new fuel. What kind of role - how do you use data at Alibaba across the business? Zhang: Well we started from e-commerce, but today we have already transformed from an ecommerce company, to a data company. The way we create the data is from real business cases - for example, Taobao, Tmall, in food delivery - all these businesses are not only separate businesses to us, but also cases to create data. What we do is to first create the data, mine the data, and get the value from the data - and refuel back into business cases to make them even better. So I think this is a positive cycle, to make data useful, and to make data the core of our future digital business. Arjun: Another interesting part of the business I've seen in action as well is cainiao - last year on singles' day, over 800 million parcels they dealt with. You said that there could be even more this year. How are you making it more efficient at Alibaba, to deal with the growing number of packages people are ordering, and making sure that they're able to get to the customers on time and in the quickest way possible? Zhang: If you look at the delivery industry in China, I think that today it's about 130 million packages a day, and we expect this to continue to grow. I think the delivery experience is a very important part of the shopping experience. So that's why we are taking a partnership approach. We worked with many delivery companies to make sure that we can help them to optimize the end-to-end experience. And I think we can still do a lot more to help them not only to digitalise and improve the customer experience, but also help them to optimize their operations to get more efficiency from their network operation. If you look at the relationship between Alibaba and these delivery companies in China, it's a very real reflection of the partnership and the eco-system, because we love each other, and we grow together, and we serve our mutual customers. Arjun: And artificial intelligence is another buzzword in the technology world at this moment. It's another area that you are investing in - there was an announcement earlier this year that Alibaba is developing some AI chips as well. It could be seen as a strange area for Alibaba to be developing and designing chips. What's the thinking behind this? Zhang: A chip is the core of computing power. If you want to apply AI in the business, it's not only about the algorithm, but all about computing power. Can you get better computing power with more efficient costs? That's why we think we have to spend time on chips, and we have to develop chips for AI, and for various types of computing business cases. Arjun: This of course links to your cloud computing strategy as well, which accounts for around 6% of the revenue at this moment. How important is this business for you going forward - as it grows at a really fast pace at the moment? Zhang: Cloud computing is our long-term strategy. We strongly believe that every business in the future will be powered by cloud. We are very happy to build this cloud infrastructure in the new digital era and support all the businesses going digital. Arjun: Do you see it in the future being a very significant part of the business? Zhang: Yes sure, I think cloud will be the main business of Alibaba in the future. Arjun: Another interesting trend we've seen in the technology world is the rise of these voices assistants. You've of course debuted Tmall genie. Well how does this fit into your version of what new retail looks like, because many people have said the future, or a big part of the future, will be the way we interact with our services through voice and our devices through voice. Is that a strategy you think is viable in the long term? Zhang: Well we believe that voice is the next entry point of internet so if you look at the history of internet then we have the p.c. times and people get into the internet by click, right? And then they have the mobile internet people go to internet by scrolling the screen. And now it comes to the voice age, so people can go to the virtual world via voice. So that's why we started work on our Tmall genie. We strongly believe it could be an entry point in the living room when people want to go to the virtual world. And this also helps people to not only enjoy the services by the voice, but also to monitor all the equipment and the facilities in the home. Arjun: So do you believe there'll be a big part of the shopping experience in the future for Alibaba customers? Zhang: Well shopping is definitely one of the services we will offer in this voice system. Arjun: I want to just move on to a big topic at the moment and that's of course the announcement by Jack Ma to step down as Chairman and you to take up that role. I want to learn a little bit more about your relationship with Jack and how this came about. When was the first time you met Jack. And what were your impressions of him? Zhang: I met him right before I joined Alibaba - I met him and he invited me to join, so I came. I think that jack is a very visionary guy, and he thinks for long term, and he cares about people. We have worked very closely together in the past eleven years. In terms of characteristics, we are very complementary to each other. He flew a lot in the past years - he spent a lot of his time in the air - but I spent most of the time in the campus, and with the day to day operations. I think he's given me a lot of ideas out of the box. And I think these ideas - many ideas, maybe - you will be surprised to hear them for the first time. But if you think again you will find some real opportunities there. And they will work well for you to think more. So I think this is more like a share of the ideas, share of the energies, but I'm very happy to work with him in the past few years. Arjun: You've worked with him for many years now. How do you meet up, how do you talk to each other, how do you inspire each other with ideas to help take the business forward? Zhang: Well he has a lot of ideas. So as he's always said - and this is also my discipline, which is, when I hear his ideas for the first time I will listen. I will take the ideas and I will think about them for a while. But if he repeated his ideas once, then once again, at least three times - then I would take it very seriously. I think of them as his very serious ideas. Arjun: So he has to say it three times and then you know it's a serious idea? Zhang: You have to think of this seriously. Because if he repeats three times then you have to treat it seriously as well, right? Arjun: Now, I understand you often had meetings over tea with Jack and you obviously worked together. What was one of your most memorable meetings with him? Zhang: Well it's actually more like a catch-up right? It's a sort of catch-up, and you just share what you think. Some things are relevant to the business, and some things are not that relevant - and it's about people, about your experiences. So it's more like brothers that haven't seen each other for some time, so you catch up for coffee and tea. That's it. Arjun: So you weren't always talking about the company and the strategy. Sometimes there were other things as well. Zhang: Well you know this. We cannot change strategy once a month. The strategy is very clear. It's all about the sharing of the experience and the sharing of the ideas. Arjun: You said you two were complementary and have complementary styles. There must have been times though when you had some disagreements. Were there any that spring to mind where you both disagreed on something? Zhang: I think if you have some different opinions, you have to voice out right? You have to let him know that this is your view. But I think the most important thing is that you have to express this in a very clear way. Maybe we will argue, but actually I know that he hears what i say, and maybe he still insists - you know that he is very confident about his ideas, and he will insist on his ideas - but he will also listen and he will think, and maybe he will change some days later. Arjun: How did you find out that you would be the next chairman? And how did that make you feel? Zhang: He told me that. Arjun: When was that? Zhang: Well more than half a year ago, he said it to me. But I know that he planned this for a long time, as he said. And this is not easy. Because we want to be a company for 102 years - and if that is the case, you have to think about the future, about the succession plan. Arjun: Can you tell me what he said to you when he told you that you'd be the next chairman? Zhang: Well actually I cannot remember clearly what we talked about. And he tried to convince me to accept this, and we had several conversations. But I understand why he decided this. It's all about the future of Alibaba. Arjun: You know, he's praised what you've done, and you've achieved lots for the company - very successful things. But of course at the same time there were lots of questions that were written in the media about whether you were up to the job. Did that add a bit of pressure to the role? Zhang: You know I have a finance background and when I joined Alibaba, my first job was the CFO of Taobao. I never imagined that I will take on the business role, and I never imagined that I will be the CEO of the company. So I'll try my best to do the jobs and to lead the company in the next journey, and forget about the pressure. And that's what I always did. And if you look back on what I did in Alibaba, in Tmall, in this mobile transition, in new retail - I think, try everything you can for the best results. And of course you need a little bit of luck. Arjun: Of course you are thinking long term about the company. 102 years is a key number, you've been talking about these spanned three decades. But is there anything you might do differently when you become chairman? When it comes to the strategy or the culture of the company? Zhang: Well as I said, I am a very logical person. I do think about the big picture and to be the chairman of the company in the future, I think I need to spend more time on the future, on the long term goals of the company rather than just the three to five years. As what Jack did as a chairman, he always think about what will happen in ten, twenty years. So, think longer but start from now. It's very important and I think this is what I will change in terms of role and in terms of the working style. Arjun: Under your tenure as CEO, while you've been at the company, you've been really pushing the internationalization of the business. Lazada, of course, has become a key part of the strategy in Southeast Asia. So how do you expect alibaba's presence on the international sphere to grow as you go forward? Is that is that an area of the business that you will be putting a lot more emphasis on? Zhang: Well, we have a very long term goal about globalization and we want to serve two billion people over the world by 2036. We are very serious about this goal. Globalization, it is a long-term job but we have to start from now and the Southeast Asia is our first pick. But we do realize that we still need a China feature and to keep one leg in China. For example, to help imports to China and to help business partners to enjoy the largest consumer market in the world and help the Chinese people to sell out of China. So, cross-border is still very important. But, over time, we will try to explore opportunity in certain local markets. Southeast Asia, obviously, is a very promising one and close to china enough. It has a big population, 600 million population in six countries, and the mobile, young and retail landscape is very similar to China eight to ten years ago. Arjun: And when you say you look to certain local countries would that mean with some sort of perhaps Alibaba product in those markets? Similar to how Lazada serves Southeast Asia? Zhang: Well, we strongly believe that the consumption is very relevant to local culture and local lifestyle. So when we think about local businesses, we do need to help the local people grow the business and to build a business. So that's what we think and Alibaba is very happy to share our technology, our knowhow, experience to them to help them to win in the local market. Arjun: And you mentioned globalization as well, which has become a very key topic but of course it's a difficult time in the world right now. I think Jack mentioned in his recent shareholder letter that the global economy is in a state of turmoil. He mentioned a few reasons, stock markets and manufacturing consumer trends as well as the difficult trading environment, which continues to persist. He said that the trade environment at the moment is increasing the risk of instability. Does this keep you awake at night? And is it something that is a big risk to Alibaba's business? Zhang: I would say nobody likes trade war and nobody likes the uncertainty of the economic condition. But we always try to find opportunities in a tough time. If people have some pain points that means there are some opportunities. How to help people, for example, in the tough times to get more business, not only in China but also in the global markets? This is one of the examples we can explore, one of the opportunities. So I think for Alibaba, we always think about our mission which is to make it easy to do business anywhere. I think this is more relevant today in this condition. Arjun: Are you doing anything in particular or different to help navigate the company through the difficult macroeconomic environment at the moment? Zhang: Well, I would say if you look our business, we still have very strong business growth and our financials are very strong. We always say that we work for today, we invest for tomorrow and we incubate for future. I think this is a good time for us to incubate for the future and to create a new business for Alibaba's next journey. Arjun: What does the future of retail look like? Zhang: Well, I think future retail is not about e-commerce or brick and mortars, it is about the digitalized commerce or not. So the whole commercial world, the whole retail world should be one world. Online and offline brick mortar should be a highly integrated operation and serving one customer base. They operate one product segment. So it should be data driven retail operation, online and offline together. Arjun: Daniel, the economy in China has not always been stable, of course, that is true anywhere in the world. But you've managed to increase sales on double 11 as well as just revenues generally for the business over the past few years. They continue to grow at a very rapid pace. How did you managed to do that even when the environment hasn't been as easy as you'd like it? Zhang: Well, when we started November 11th ten years ago, it was 2009. And in this time, ten years ago, generally I think the economy was going up, and November 11 is more like a real reflection of the consumption growth and the growth of the digital business. And today I think more and more people join this shopping day, I think for customers they want more shopping but for business people, they are not only thinking about sales on that day. They are thinking more about customer engagement and acquisition of new customers and how to innovate new products and deliver this to their existing customers. So, it's more like a day to reflect their growing power, their business power. So, I call this olympics for all these business people. So, I'm sure if we work together, if we continue to innovate, we can create more great days for our mutual customers. Arjun: And are you confident that the consumer market in China will stay strong over the next few years? There's been a few concerns raised by economists about the health of the consumer market in china. Are you confident that those still remain strong and good for the business? Zhang: Well we do see the up and down of consumptions by categories. I think overall speaking, I think Chinese people, especially young people, they are growing up in a new era and they like to spend and they want a better lifestyle. So I think we want to continue to serve them in a better way. Arjun: Daniel in your 2017 letter to shareholders, you said data is the new fuel. Alibaba is not just an e-commerce company now like many think, it's also a very key technology player as well. So what role does data play at the company? Zhang: Well, Alibaba already transformed from an e-commerce company to a data company to a digital economy. What we experience is that we create a lot of data from real business cases, like Taobao, Tmall, our food delivery businesses, ele.me, so on and so forth. We tried to utilize the data and create value from the data and feedback to these businesses to help participants make better business growth. So, we are in the process of building, in the digital area, an operating system. Alibaba's operating system to enable our business partners to transform in this digital era. And I think in the future, all business people need this data engine and a data driven operating system to do digital business. END Media Contact: Clarence Chen Communications Manager APAC, CNBC International D: +65 6326 1123 M: +65 9852 8630 clarence.chen@cnbc.com About CNBC CNBC is the leading global broadcaster of live business and financial news and information, reporting directly from the major financial markets around the globe with regional headquarters Singapore, London and New York. The TV channel is available in more than 410 million homes worldwide. CNBC.com is the preeminent financial news source on the web, featuring an unprecedented amount of video, real-time market analysis, web-exclusive live video and analytical financial tools. CNBC is a division of NBCUniversal. For more information, visit www.cnbc.com Below is the transcript of a CNBC Exclusive interview with Josh Frydenberg, Treasurer of Australia. The interview was first broadcast on CNBC's Squawk Box Asia on 9 November 2018. All references must be sourced to a "CNBC Interview'. Interviewed by CNBC's Matthew Taylor and Sri Jegarajah MATTHEW TAYLOR (MATT): Morning treasurer, a pleasure to see you there and thanks very much for joining us. What is the biggest challenge for the Australian economy right now? We've seen some strong growth numbers over the last little while, particularly in the second quarter, strong job creation. But what worries you the most when you're determining forecasts and looking at how the Australian economy is performing right now? FRYDENBERG: Well as you say the Australian economy is performing very well. We've seen GDP growth through the year at three point four percent. We've seen our unemployment rate fall to 5 percent, the lowest level since 2012, with strong, increased employment across various brackets including seniors, women as well as younger people and we've also seen a budget that is on track to come back to balance in 2019, 2020, a year earlier than expected, and we have had triple A credit rating reaffirmed by Fitch and Standard and Poors most recently. But when we look abroad and having just been to the IMF World Bank G20 meeting in Bali, there are some global headwinds. We're seeing some trade tensions between China and the US, and Australia would be affected if that were to accelerate or to expand. We've also seen global debt levels increase since the time of the GFC and we've also seen the impact of the normalization of US monetary policy, particularly in the strengthening US dollar vis-a-vis some of the emerging economies. So we're watching the global growth story very closely. There's still a good story to tell but obviously what happens internationally impacts us here in Australia as well. MATT: Yeah we'll talk more about what's happening internationally in a moment but you mentioned the budgetary position, of course we saw the final outcomes of the budget released just a few weeks ago. You're of course gearing up to the mid-year economic and fiscal outlook that I understand will be released next month, the budget deficit at its lowest level in a decade. Will we see that surplus when you front everyone in a few weeks' time and reveal the mid-year budget update because we saw a big improvement from what was handed down in May to what was just revealed at the end of September. FRYDENBERG: You are right we've seen improvements on the receipt side as companies are doing well, jobs and employment is increasing and that is leading to more government revenue at the same time lower government payments since the number of working age Australians on welfare has fallen to its lowest level in 25 years, but we're still on track to bring the budget back to balance in 2019, 2020. Everything will be revealed in terms of the 18, 19 year, when we go forward with the next statement in through MYEFO but we are pleased with where the economy's at. We're not complacent. The economy doesn't run on autopilot and therefore will continue to put in place good economic reforms like lower taxes, infrastructure spending and targeted programs to get people into work. MATT: You just mentioned some of what's going to drive the economy. Infrastructure spending, lower taxes. But in terms of what you're going to be selling as we head into the election cycle, the election is going to be held some time potentially in the middle half of next year. What's going to be your economic story to tell the electorate and seek re-election because we know that under the former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and his former Treasurer Scott Morrison, the big keystone economic policy of the government was this cut to corporate tax particularly for the big end of town, that was seen to give the economy a shot in the arm. But that's been scrapped now, so what's your major economic cornerstone that you're going to be selling to the electorate as you try and get re-elected sometime in 2019? FRYDENBERG: Well just to point out we actually have recently legislated through the Parliament, tax relief for 3.3 million Australian businesses incorporated and unincorporated businesses employing some 7 million workers-- that's very significant. Our message to the Australian people is that the economy is strong following significant reforms that the Coalition has put in place. We're a center right government and therefore we reduce spending and we reduce taxes and we increase employment. We have done all of the above with more than a million jobs being created over the last five years. So whether it's a budgetary record of bringing the budget back to balance a year earlier than expected, whether it's a record with the triple A credit rating agencies, having seen triple A credit rating reaffirmed, whether it's the job numbers or whether it's the other economic programs and tax relief that we've provided, we believe that is a good record to go into an election campaign. And of course there will be other announcements and policies that we'll make in due course and while we point out the strengths of a Coalition government's economic plan, we'll also point out the weaknesses in our political opponents, particularly the 200 billion dollar plan for higher taxes - higher taxes on your income, higher taxes on your business, higher taxes on your property, higher taxes on your savings and higher taxes on your electricity. SRI: Can I get back to the external environment, and can I ask you Mr. Frydenberg, what's your message to the G20 audience in Buenos Aires later on this month. What's your message to Mr. Trump, to Mr. Xi, and how confident are you of any kind of breakthrough concession or detente in this trade conflict. FRYDENBERG: Well, as you know, the tit-for-tat tariffs that we've seen extended by both the US and China has only been affecting about 2 percent of world trade. So we would ask that cool heads prevail here, and that that is not expanded. And while we understand some of the legitimate concerns that the United States has, we think it's in the global economies' interests, certainly in Australia's economic interests for a multilateral rules based international trading system to be maintained. We believe that the WTO is the place where disputes should be resolved, bearing in mind that some countries do have concerns with some of the current WTO processes but we would just say to all countries, big and small, through the G20 and beyond, that an international rules based trading system has supported growth, has supported jobs and is the way to go into the future. MATT: How is Australia's relationship with China? I know the Foreign Minister's been there this week but earlier on in the week you of course announced that you'd be blocking that CKI bid for APA group saying that it was contrary to the national interest but not discriminatory. Are you expecting any kind of backlash from China, who likes to invest in Australia, and of course this is not the first time a significant deal like this has been blocked by the Australian government? FRYDENBERG: Well as you know, Australia is a capital importing country. We are a major trading country and China is our number one trade partner. So we continue to welcome Chinese investment and we continue to welcome foreign investment and the preliminary view that I have made is not about a particular company or a particular country, it's making a judgment based on advice that I've taken into account from the Foreign Investment Review Board, from our critical infrastructure committee about what the implications would be for Australia. We just see a concentration of foreign ownership by a sole company in such a key set of assets as in the gas transmission sector in Australia. APA is a unique company with more than 50 percent of the gas transmission business in Australia. More than 15,000 pipelines supplying gas and electricity into key markets. And I've made my preliminary view known and will make a final decision in the next couple of weeks. MATT: We await that decision. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, thank you very much for joining us this morning with your insights on everything from Australia to the world. END Media Contact: Clarence Chen Communications Manager APAC, CNBC International D: +65 6326 1123 M: +65 9852 8630 clarence.chen@cnbc.com About CNBC CNBC is the leading global broadcaster of live business and financial news and information, reporting directly from the major financial markets around the globe with regional headquarters Singapore, London and New York. The TV channel is available in more than 410 million homes worldwide. CNBC.com is the preeminent financial news source on the web, featuring an unprecedented amount of video, real-time market analysis, web-exclusive live video and analytical financial tools. CNBC is a division of NBCUniversal. For more information, visit www.cnbc.com "We don't know who shot anybody at this point". Daniel Manrique was a native of Thousand Oaks and had served in Afghanistan with the Marine Corps, Task and goal reported. He added, "Obviously he had something going on in his head that would cause him to do something like this". He recalled their last conversation as the younger man was leaving for Borderline: "I talked to him last night before he headed out the door". Don MacLeod said he did not call police but avoided speaking with Ian Long. "It's got to change", said Gavin Newsom, governor-elect of California, at a news briefing on Thursday. It's unclear whether he took his own life or if the attack was terror-related. "I already didn't wish it on anybody to begin with for the first time", Brendan Kelly said Thursday outside his Thousand Oaks home. Asked what the scene inside the bar was like, Dean said, "Like ... hell". "There is blood everywhere and the suspect is part of that, and I didn't want to get that close and disturb the scene and possibly disturb the investigation". Law enforcement officials said 10 to 15 people went to hospitals with injuries, including at least one with gunshot wounds. But Dean said Long had used an extended magazine - illegal in California - during the shooting, which would enable the weapon to fire more rounds before needing to be reloaded. President Donald Trump, who has resisted a surge in calls for tougher gun controls since 17 students were shot dead at Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida earlier this year, said on Twitter that he had been "fully briefed on the awful shooting in California". Long shot an unarmed security guard outside the bar before going inside, where he fired on security staff, CNN reported. Trump ordered USA flags to be flown at half-staff at public buildings and grounds. At Borderline Bar and Grill, a country-western dance bar that is a popular venue for college students, the night took a turn when a gunman entered and opened fire. Pepperdine University said some of its students were at the bar, and it's working to identify them. Dozens of lives were saved during Wednesday night'sCalifornia bar shooting thanks to a hero who smashed a window to help people escape. He said that there are at least "six victims including one deputy" who are still inside the bar. Other people described jumping out of windows, piling on top of each other in the bathrooms or hiding under pool tables. "You just don't expect it to happen in Thousand Oaks". "I would open the garage and would be like, 'What are you doing?'" It doesn't matter how safe your community is. "It can happen anywhere". Hours into the tragedy no one had been reunified with a loved one. Jason Coffman told reporters Thursday that his oldest son, Cody Coffman, was killed. He said he and others smashed their way out of the bar onto a balcony and then jumped down to safety. So are her aunt and uncle, actress Tamera Mowry-Housley and her husband, former Fox News reporter Adam Housley. The typical American retires in their early 60s. Justin McCurry, a father of three based in Raleigh, North Carolina, quit his engineering job in 2013 and retired at age 33. His wife, Kaisorn, joined him in early retirement in 2016 at age 38. "Neither of us ever reached a six figure salary, with my salary topping out at $69,000 and [Kaisorn's] at $74,000," Justin writes on his blog, Root of Good, which explains how he saved more than $1 million in 10 years to retire early. "No winning lottery tickets or inheritances, either," he says. "Just steady saving and investing in our low cost index fund portfolio year after year." Their journey to early retirement began in 2004, when Justin graduated from law school and landed a job at an engineering consulting firm. Kaisorn was still in law school, meaning their combined annual income was Justin's $48,000 salary. They had a good bit in savings already: Between the two of them, they had accumulated $49,000 from investments during college and grad school. Over the next decade, thanks to incremental raises and careful saving and investing, their portfolio grew to more than $1.3 million, enough to support their modest lifestyle in retirement. Justin and Kaisorn McCurry Source: McCurry family By carefully tracking their expenses and living frugally in Raleigh, "every year we saved more than half of our income," Justin tells CNBC Make It. At their peak earning period, they were making a combined $138,000 and saving up to 70 percent of it. They didn't just save a ton of money they put their money to work. "We consistently pumped our savings into 401(k)'s, IRA's, HSA's, 529's, and regular brokerage accounts," Justin writes. "These investments grew enormously over roughly 10 years and made us financially independent today." You can see a detailed breakdown of how their money grew from 2004 to 2014 on their blog. It's been five years since Justin left the workforce and two years since Kaisorn followed suit. CNBC Make It, which profiled the couple in April 2017, checked back in with the McCurry family and asked about life in early retirement. What is your budget in retirement? Originally, the McCurry's set their retirement budget at $32,000 a year, which they stuck to in 2014 and 2015. But the budget isn't set in stone. In 2016, for example, the McCurrys revisited their portfolio and realized they could increase their retirement budget to $40,000 a year. On the flip side, they can "always trim back on spending in some areas if our investment portfolio performed really poorly or we had an unexpected expense in one category," Justin says. They're still aiming to spend $40,000 a year but, since their portfolio has gone up quite a bit in the past couple of years and they've earned money from their blog, "we're giving ourselves permission to spend $5,000, $10,000 or $20,000 more than that if we find something worthwhile to spend it on," says Justin. Flexibility is key in early retirement, he adds: "You may have to spend less if the markets go down. Or, you may be able to spend more than what you originally budgeted for. ... As long as you're OK cutting back on some of the wants if your portfolio goes down, then you can still cover your needs without worrying about depleting your assets prematurely." The McCurry family Source: The McCurry family How are you managing family expenses? Even after the McCurry's started having kids in 2005, they managed to maintain a high savings rate by taking advantage of the benefits offered by their companies, having family help out with child care and using hand-me-downs. "We had good health insurance, so we weren't paying a lot out-of-pocket for the child delivery," says Justin. "We had Grandma watch the kids we gave her some money, but it wasn't $20,000 per year so we lucked out just by staying close to where we grew up." "After childbirth, we didn't spend a whole lot," he continues. "We bought a mattress, crib and some child seats, so it was several hundred dollars, but not thousands and thousands. Having kids was kind of a blip on the radar in terms of spending." Today, their kids are six, 12 and 13, and they all attend public school. Plus, "we don't go overboard when there's the big study abroad, expensive field trips," he says. "Instead of spending $2,000 or $3,000 to send one of the kids to Spain for a week, we would spend that same amount of money, or less, and to go to Spain for the entire family." The McCurry kids in Malaga, Spain The couple has already started planning for college costs by setting aside "several years of tuition for each one of them," says Justin. It's "not a full ride," he notes, but "I don't think it's necessarily a foregone conclusion that we would pay 100 percent of the price. ... So we're having those discussions with our children about public schools versus private schools, looking into scholarships and getting them ready academically to compete for scholarships." Justin estimates that they spend "probably one-half or one-third of what most people report spending on kids." According to a report from the Department of Agriculture, families spend $233,610 per child and that number doesn't include college costs. Still, "they have phones and they have computers and games and bikes and we go on vacation with them," he adds. "They have a pretty normal upbringing other than their parents are retired early." What does a day in the life of an early retiree look like? "It's pretty wide open in terms of day-to-day: Hiking or biking, volunteering at school, tennis, TV on Netflix, video games, board games, reading," says Justin. "We get out and about more during the day now," he adds. "It's a nice feeling to have that freedom of time. What a lot of people do on the weekends, we do that seven days a week, more or less, now." They also have more time to travel: "Every summer we take usually a month or two to go on vacation somewhere internationally, like the Bahamas, Mexico, Europe this coming summer we're going to Southeast Asia for eight weeks, so it's a big shift from the normal vacation of one or two weeks for most working people." Their flexible schedule makes it easier to jump on good airline deals and keep travel costs low. Justin and Kaisorn McCurry Source: McCurry family Do you ever miss working? "No, I have to say definitely not," says Justin. "There may be some small aspects of it, in terms of working on big projects that I would miss ... but in terms of the constraints on lifestyle and requirements to show up every day at 8 a.m. and do things and be on a schedule and have deadlines, I definitely don't miss it at all." Kaisorn adds: "For me, the only thing I miss is the interaction with my colleagues. But outside of that, no, I don't miss the waking up early in the morning and getting home late and hardly seeing my kids." Retiring early "was pretty great five years ago and it's still really great now," says Justin. "We're sitting on the couch or outside walking around or going shopping in the middle of the day on a Tuesday. I still get a smile on my face when I sit back and think, Oh, this is our hard work we put this together and now it's really working out for us." Are there any unexpected challenges of retiring early? "When you leave your full time job, you leave behind a lot of social interaction," says Justin. Plus, "work keeps you busy, so you're not sitting around at home thinking, how do I fill my days?" "I think the social aspect is an area that people sort of overlook when they're going into regular retirement or early retirement. How are they going to get out and meet people? How are they going to stay busy and stay active? And I think a lot of the answer to that is to do what interests you and find people who have similar interests in these activities that you do." Kaisorn McCurry with their youngest child Courtesy of Root of Good How can other people do what you did? Daniel Loeb's Third Point Capital added a new stake in American Express of 5 million shares, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. American Express shares pared their losses following news of the stake from the activist hedge fund. The stock closed down 0.2 percent at $108.28 a share on Friday. "With shares trading at just 12.5X our 2019E EPS, and 11x 2020E EPS, we think markets underappreciate the strategic pivot occurring at Amex and see shares trading above $135 over the next 18 months for a total return of 30 percent upside," stated the letter. The American Express franchise strayed from the path to steady growth over the last half decade, Loeb said in the letter. But the hedge fund manager believes the financial services company is turning things around. American Express shares have gained more than 15 percent over the last 12 months as of Thursday's close of $108.50 a share. "New CEO Stephen Squeri is reenergizing Amex by focusing on topline growth and underappreciated structural opportunities in Commercial and International," the Third Point letter said. Loeb's firm noted that American Express is the fourth largest payment network in the world, pulling about $1.2 trillion in business. American Express offered offered the following statement to CNBC regarding its relationship with Third Point: "We have ongoing conversations with Third Point as we do with other investors. We appreciate their support and welcome investments in our company's stock." The last four years saw American Express lose branding partnerships with JetBlue and Costco, as well as face increased competition from other credit cards. Third Point said the years of lagging performance "galvanized the franchise" and "forced necessary investments." Third Point noted that American Express "aims to reach virtual parity with" the reach of the Visa and Mastercard networks by the end of next year. CNBC's Leslie Picker contributed to this report. Electricity company EDF, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Republic of Cameroon have signed "final and binding" agreements for the construction of a 420-megawatt hydropower project on the Sanaga River. The Nachtigal hydropower plant will be located close to the Nachtigal falls, 65 kilometers northeast of Cameroon's capital, Yaounde. The expected cost of the development is 1.2 billion euros ($1.36 billion), EDF said in a statement Thursday. A quarter of the project's cost will be funded by shareholder's equity, with the remainder funded by lenders. EDF said that the IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, had coordinated a lender group that included 11 development finance institutions and four local, commercial banks. The International Energy Agency has described hydropower as the "largest source of renewable electricity in the world." It adds that hydropower generates roughly 16 percent of the planet's electricity from more than 1,200 gigawatts of installed capacity. The project in Cameroon will involve the design, construction and operation of the facility for 35 years, EDF said. A 50-kilometer power transmission line will also be built. It will be owned and operated by the Nachtigal Hydro Power Company, which is 40 percent owned by EDF. The IFC and Republic of Cameroon own 30 percent each. EDF added that Nachtigal's expected power generation would meet 30 percent of Cameroon's electricity demand and amount to an annual power output of almost 3 terawatt hours. Construction is to start by the end of 2018, with the dam set to be commissioned in 2023. Billionaire Ron Baron, a major Tesla shareholder, told CNBC on Friday that Elon Musk doesn't need "adult supervision." "Are you kidding me? When all of a sudden you have this success? He could have retired when he was 30, 32 when he made $150 million, he chose to put all that money into SpaceX and into Tesla," Baron said in a "Squawk Box" interview from his annual investment conference at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York. "This guy is worth $30 billion, $40 billion," Baron said two days after Robyn Denholm was named to replace Musk as Tesla chair. Musk was forced to relinquish the chairmanship in the wake of his infamous unfounded tweet that he had backing to take the electric auto maker private. Musk remains CEO. "You need adult supervision?" Baron continued. "There's one Elon Musk. There's one Warren Buffett. There's one Jeff Bezos. There's one Sam Walton." Tesla critics suggest that Denholm, a director there since 2014, does not count as the "adult supervision" they believe that Musk needs. Meanwhile, Baron said he doesn't know Denholm, but expects to meet her next week. He also said he's a "fan of women" in business. "[GM CEO] Mary Barra has done an amazing job." Women "think differently" than men, he added. He also credited women at Baron Capital who have "done an amazing job." Musk has done phenomenally well with Gwynne Shotwell as president and COO of SpaceX, the entrepreneur's privately held commercial space company, Baron said, adding he hopes Denholm will be like Shotwell. Tesla on Wednesday announced it elevated Denholm to chairwoman. Stripping Musk of the chairmanship was mandated as part of a September settlement with the Securities and Exchange Commission following his August tweets in which he claimed he had secured funding to take Tesla private at $420 a share. During Thursday's trading session, Tesla eclipsed $357 per share, topping the $356.77 price when Musk sent those tweets. Tesla shares were down as much as 26 percent at their near-term closing lows on Oct. 19. Last month, in his first CNBC appearance since Musk's erratic behavior over the summer, Baron told "Squawk Box" that he believes Tesla could be a $1 trillion company in revenue by 2030. Baron reiterated that prediction on CNBC Friday, and added "maybe a $2 trillion in valuation" someday. The Baron Capital founder said his average cost of acquiring his Tesla stake between 2014-2016 stands at $219 per share. Baron Funds currently owns 1.7 million shares, worth nearly $600 million at Wednesday's close of $351 per share. Former Starbucks Chairman and CEO Howard Schultz is putting together an elite public relations team as he prepares to release a civic-minded new book and considers running for president in 2020. A key player in Schultz's growing team is Steve Schmidt, a former vice chairman at public relations powerhouse Edelman who managed Republican Sen. John McCain's presidential campaign in 2008. Schultz is one of the many names widely considered as a possible candidate to take on Trump in two years. In an interview with CNBC earlier this year, Schultz left the door open to a run. With experience mainly in the business world but not the political arena, Schultz would likely need experienced political operators on his side if he were to dive into presidential politics. Schmidt fits that bill. Schmidt got to know Schultz through Edelman's partnership with Starbucks. The two have kept in touch since Schultz left Starbucks earlier this year, people familiar with the relationship have said. Schmidt has continued to do private consulting work for Schultz on a variety of issues, including guiding him ahead of his upcoming book tour. "Mr. Schultz has known Mr. Schmidt for a number of years through his work at Edelman," Schultz's spokeswoman told CNBC. "Mr. Schultz values Steve's insights and they have stayed in touch," she added. Schmidt is a political analyst for MSNBC. He is a strident critic of President Donald Trump, and he left the Republican Party earlier this year. Schmidt did not return requests for comment. In October, Schultz hired Cheryl Cook, a longtime executive vice president at Edelman, according to two people with direct knowledge of the matter. She will be representing Schultz up until and throughout his book tour, which is expected to start in February in New York City, these people said. Cook worked at the PR firm for more than a decade and got to know Schultz directly when Starbucks was one of her clients. A representative from Schultz's office confirmed in a recent email that Cook will help promote the former coffee executive's new book, "From the Ground Up: A Journey to Reimagine the Promise of America," which is described as "part dramatic memoir, part blueprint of the new responsibilities that leaders and citizens share in America today." Cook declined to comment, and an Edelman representative did not return a request for comment. Another close advisor recruited by Schultz is Rajiv Chandrasekaran, who worked with the former Starbucks executive throughout his tenure at the company, according to a person familiar with the relationship. He joined Starbucks in 2015 to help the company work on social issues, and he followed Schultz out of Starbucks after serving as a senior vice president. He also co-authored the book "For the Love of Country" with Schultz. Prior to his stint at Starbucks, Chandrasekaran was a senior correspondent at The Washington Post. People close to Schultz describe Chandrasekaran as one of his closest confidants and say he's positioned to be a pivotal voice when the coffee executive decides whether he will run for office. Strong signal that Schultz might run The FBI is investigating a Florida-based company at which Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker previously served as a member of the advisory board, The Wall Street Journal reported Friday. The Journal, citing an alleged victim and others familiar with the criminal investigation, reported that the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the FBI's Miami office are looking into World Patent Marketing. In March 2017, the Federal Trade Commission accused the company of misrepresenting its services and defrauding customers of nearly $26 million. The company settled the civil allegations in May 2018. The Journal noted that the existence of an ongoing FBI investigation suggests officials are looking into potential criminal charges. France has bestowed one of its highest honors on Kirill Dmitriev, the head of Russia's sovereign wealth fund, for his contribution to strengthening cooperation between Russia and France. Dmitriev, the chief executive of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) that has $10 billion of reserved capital under management, was awarded the title of the "Knight of the National Order of the Legion of Honor," by French President Emmanuel Macron, RDIF announced Friday. The Order of the Legion of Honor (Ordre national de la Legion d'honneur) is the oldest French national order, established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802. Belonging to the Order is the highest distinction and honor in France; it is awarded by the president for outstanding service. The award comes after several years of joint investment projects between France and Russia since 2013 with RDIF promoting the development of French companies in Russia and the entry of Russian companies into the French market. "I am grateful to the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, for his recognition and such a high appreciation of RDIF's contribution to strengthening bilateral relations between Russia and France," Dmitriev said in a statement from RDIF. "This award is a reflection of the progress we have achieved through investment cooperation in recent years, as well as an incentive for further proactive work." Google employees arriving after bicycling to work at the Googleplex in Mountain View, CA. Google is moving forward quickly with its newly-formed health organization led by former Geisigner CEO David Feinberg. Before Feinberg officially starts next year, the company has named an interim leader: Linus Upson, the former engineering lead for Google Chrome and now an engineering head at Verily, the Alphabet subsidiary focused on life sciences. That appointment was announced in an internal email to Google employees on Friday, two sources familiar with the hiring told CNBC. Upson was selected for the job because he has already been a key figure behind-the-scenes in helping drive coordination and strategy across the various Alphabet health units, the sources said. At Verily, Upson is responsible for "Debug," the company's project to curb the spread of mosquitoes that carry disease, along with a variety of other initiatives. Vivian Lee, another high-ranking Verily employee, will also work closely with Feinberg once he joins Google, sources said. Alphabet has broadly been trying to improve communication and coordination across its various health teams. Employees have been told that Verily and other Alphabet groups won't be impacted by Feinberg's hire and will work closely with the new health team instead, sources said. Feinberg will report to Google's AI chief Jeff Dean, who ran the hiring process and took input from other Alphabet health executives to help define the scope of the role, the sources said. It's essentially a coordination and strategy effort, they said, rather than a company re-org across Alphabet. Sources said that the decision to hire Feinberg was driven by some external confusion in the marketplace, with some health customers unclear about the difference between Alphabet and Google's health efforts. Google declined to comment. Update: The story has been updated to reflect that this new role will not carry a "CEO" title. "It's clear that gun issues are no longer abstract," said John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety. "Mass shooting after mass shooting has left an indelible mark on Americans, and this explains the success of our candidates in the House." Sixty-one percent of voters who responded to VoteCast, a survey of the electorate conducted by The Associated Press, said they support stricter gun laws, compared with 8 percent who said they should be loosened. Eighty-six percent of those supporting Democratic candidates backed stricter gun laws, along with 34 percent of those who supported Republicans. "I do think there's new energy" on gun issues, even before the California assault late Wednesday night and an Oct. 27 shooting that killed 11 people at a Pittsburgh synagogue, said Kris Brown, co-president of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. Wexton, Spanberger and Luria all made gun violence a central issue in their campaigns disproving the notion that gun control is a "third rail" of politics that Democrats should not talk about, Brown said. "Two years ago, you couldn't run on gun safety in the West and Southwest," said Feinblatt. "This year, people ran on gun safety and won. All the indication from public polling and our polling suggests that the NRA had a bad year. Their grades used to be king maker. Not anymore." McBath, an African-American, became a spokeswoman for Everytown for Gun Safety after her son was slain at a Florida gas station by a white man angry over the loud music the black teenager and his friends had been playing in their car. McBath said her victory over Republican Rep. Karen Handel sent a strong message to the country. "Absolutely nothing no politician & no special interest is more powerful than a mother on a mission," she said in a tweet. While the election provided gun control advocates with additional momentum, enacting controls on weapons or ammunition will remain an uphill battle with a GOP-controlled Senate. Republicans are projected to expand their Senate majority and Trump remains a favored ally of the NRA. Still, House Democrats are already promising to take action on gun control after a recent string of mass shootings, including a late-night assault at a California bar that killed 12 people. Those measures including expanded background checks and a ban on assault-style weapons are likely to reach the House floor when Democrats retake control after eight years of Republican rule. Who really won the midterms? Why both parties can claim victories 3:59 PM ET Fri, 9 Nov 2018 | 04:41 Voter participation rates approached presidential year levels in some states, including Wisconsin, Minnesota, Montana, Oregon and Colorado, where more than 60 percent of eligible voters cast ballots, according to estimates from the United States Elections Project. Data from the United States Elections Project also show that this year marked the highest turnout in a midterm election in more than 50 years. Some dozen house races, as well as Senate seats in Florida and Arizona were still too close to call on Friday, with a Florida recount expected. Democrats seized the House majority by flipping at least 28 seats nationwide. The Democrats could expand their House majority to as many as 35 new seats once all the votes are counted, which could take weeks in some cases. Analyzing 417 House races that featured at least two candidates on the ballot, the AP determined that Democrats earned more than 51.4 million votes in competitive House races nationwide, or 52 percent, compared to 47.2 million votes cast, or 48 percent, for Republicans. Voting experts noted that turnout exploded in states with big-ticket elections such as Florida, which featured high-profile races for Senate and governor. But even those states with lower-profile contests such as North Carolina, which featured only judicial races on the statewide ballot, saw similarly increased action. Voter participation rates jumped by around 10 points in both states. Youth turnout, as defined by voters between 18 and 29, surged to a number not seen in a midterm election in a quarter century. Overall, 31 percent of eligible young people cast ballots, according to an analysis by the Center for Information and Research on Civil Learning and Engagement at Tufts University. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Watch: 'Historic' night for voting rights as Florida restores voting rights for more than a million former felons The Fly Jamaica Airways jet took off from Guyana around 2:10 a.m. local time with 118 people, along with two infants, and eight crew members on board. Bowen said 120 passengers and crew were on the plane. The aircraft, a Boeing 757-200 according Flightradar 24, was bound for Canada when it suffered a hydraulic issue after take-off, AFP reported, citing Guyana's infrastructure minister, David Patterson. But while coming into land it overshot the runway, went through a fence and ended up in a large pile of sand, tearing one of its wings and an engine off in the process. Officials said that the injuries are non-life threatening, and those injured are being treated at Diamond Hospital. Fly Jamaica said in a statement: "We can confirm that flight OJ256 bound for Toronto has returned to Georgetown with a technical problem and has suffered an accident on landing". Minister Patterson explained that the flight departed the airport at 02:10hrs and at about 02:21grs, the Pilot indicated that he was experiencing hydraulic problems. "There were no reports of broken bones". The passengers included one American, 82 Canadians, 35 Guyanese, one Pakistani and one Trinidadian. The Airline has since said it is providing local assistance and "will further release information as soon as it is available". On landing at 2:53 AM, the emergency services were activated and since then an investigator from the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority has taken responsibility for the crash site. Patterson said that the United States' National Transportation Safety Board has been informed. Disney's better-than-expected earnings and upcoming streaming service have Wall Street glowing as the longtime media giant enters a whole new world of content delivery. Shares jumped nearly 3 percent in early trading Friday, adding to their 8 percent gain for the year. Though analysts were impressed with Disney's studio revenue, which grew 50 percent from the prior year, many focused on its new over-the-top strategy, known as Disney+. Set to launch in late 2019, the OTT platform will host the company's expansive movie collection (including Pixar content) and will be home to all future movies, starting with the 2019 theatrical slate, which includes "Toy Story 4," "Frozen 2" and a live-action "The Lion King." Barclays analyst Kannan Venkateshwar told clients that the company's upcoming Investor Day is likely to be a catalyst for the stock given the importance of the initiative. "Disney also announced plans to host an Investor Day in April 2019, to announce more details on its OTT strategy," the Barclays analyst wrote in a note. "We expect this to be a material catalyst for the stock, especially if the company provides enough details around investment needs of the service to de-risk estimates." Others, such as Morgan Stanley, said the broader impact of Disney's direct-to-consumer offering will depend on the timing of its deal with Fox. "Augmented further with Fox's content production and international assets, as well as a majority ownership in Hulu, we believe New Disney can deliver healthy growth while executing on a successful transition into the streaming future of TV," analyst Benjamin Swinburne wrote in an investor note. Here is what some of Wall Street's top analysts thought of Disney's results. When the United States imposed sanctions on China's military this fall, China retaliated by canceling Defense Secretary Jim Mattis' plans to meet his counterpart in Beijing. But just days later, a Chinese general visited the Pentagon with a reassuring message: Beijing valued the importance of military ties between the two countries. In the previously unreported visit, Huang Xueping arrived on Oct. 10 to see Mattis' aides, but the secretary briefly met him in the hallway with a message for Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe. The two were still going to be at a security conference in Singapore later in October, and Mattis told Huang he looked forward to meeting Wei there, said Randall Schriver, the Pentagon's top Asia policy official. Relations between the world's two largest economies have plumbed new depths under President Donald Trump amid a bitter trade war and disagreements over Taiwan, the South China Sea, and other geopolitical flashpoints. US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis with his Chinese counterpart General Wei Fenghe during a meeting on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations security summit in Singapore on October 18, 2018. THOMAS WATKINS/AFP/Getty Images Worried that weak ties between major militaries can lead to misunderstandings that snowball into conflict amid tense relations, U.S. officials said Mattis is attempting to forge a relationship with Chinese military leaders. He appears to be getting traction. On Friday, he is set to hold a third meeting with Wei in less than five months, an unusual intensity of top-level contact. Mattis' trip to China in June was the first by a U.S. defense secretary since 2014. Schriver said U.S.-China talks in Washington on Friday will include "risk reduction" efforts that the two countries can undertake, which aim to drive down the chance of an inadvertent clash. "We want to make sure that as we compete that it's a benign type of competition (and) doesn't result in something catastrophic," he said. Risk of mishap New military data and recent incidents involving U.S. military activity in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait show the defense secretary is walking a fine line. Even as Mattis tries to forge ties to contain crises, the Pentagon is ramping up activity that irritates the Chinese government. In the 12 months ending on Sept. 30, for example, there were six so-called "Freedom of Navigation" operations in the South China Sea, compared with four in the same period of the previous year, a U.S. official told Reuters. Such operations involve sending warships into international waters if they are claimed by other countries. China claims most of the South China Sea and has been militarizing islands there. The six operations are equivalent to what the Navy did during the last two years of President Barack Obama's administration. The Pentagon is also running warships through the Taiwan Strait with greater frequency and this year weighed sending an aircraft carrier through the narrow waterway, U.S. officials said. China claims Taiwan as its own and sees U.S overtures to self-ruled Taiwan as meddling in its internal affairs. Susan Thornton, who until July was the State Department's top Asia adviser, said the increased military activity is ratcheting up the risks. "We are doing things that are frankly more aggressive, and the Chinese are pushing back harder than they ever have before," Thornton said. "The risk of a mishap is growing." Schriver acknowledged that it was hard to predict how resilient U.S.-Chinese military ties would be in an actual crisis. "I guess we won't know until there's a crisis, and it's tested," he said. China is becoming more assertive militarily. On Sept. 30, for example, a Chinese ship came within 45 yards of a U.S. Navy destroyer in international waters in the South China Sea. The Chinese ship put bumpers on its side, suggesting it expected a possible collision when it ran the maneuver. "You don't do that when you're out in the middle of the ocean, unless you're intending to run into something," Mattis told reporters last month. At the same time, China's defense ministry has said it hopes the military relationship can become a "stabilizer" for overall ties, and officials have suggested that Beijing has more confidence in Mattis than some other top Trump administration officials. One Chinese official said Beijing regards Mattis as a "wise man," experienced enough in war to know that it is best to avoid armed conflict. The Chinese defense ministry did not respond to a request for comment. Competitor, not enemy Elon Musk has a new boss, and she is not well-known to the public. Tesla announced on Wednesday night that Australian telecom executive and chair of Tesla's audit committee Robyn Denholm will take over from Elon Musk as chair of the company. Musk agreed to surrender the position for three years in his settlement with the SEC over fraud allegations that grew out of a Musk tweet claiming he had a deal to take the company private. The deal never materialized and the actual capital commitments Musk said Tesla had lined up have been questioned. Denholm, who was one of three Tesla board members to review the privatization idea, is from Australia, and has worked for Toyota, Sun Microsystems, Juniper Networks and Telstra. She was just promoted from COO to CFO and head of strategy at Telstra, Australia's largest telecommunications company, in October, and as a result, the announcement that she is taking the Tesla chairman role was viewed as abrupt by analysts who cover the Australian company. She will officially depart from the company, which at a market cap of roughly $36 billion is a little more than half the size of Tesla's $60 billion value, in six months to focus on her new gig at Tesla full-time. Here are a few things to know about Denholm and current issues faced by Tesla as she steps into a high-profile role at the electric car and energy company. 1. The new Tesla chair comes from a company facing shareholder pressures Telstra shares have underperformed, according to Morningstar data, down 10 percent year-to-date and 6 percent in the past one-year period. Telstra is very different from Musk's electric car and power company, situated in the defensive telecom sector know for high dividends rather than high growth. But Telstra, the most widely held retail stocks in Australia due to its dividend, has faced its serious financial and strategic issues of late, with angry shareholders attacking executive pay at its recent annual meeting, amid concerns about decreasing dividend payouts. The company's shares hit a seven-year low during 2018 as institutional shareholders pressed for a dividend cut to preserve cash and questioned management strategy amid earnings and margin pressure caused by the rapid changes in mobile and internet sectors. As a financial executive, one of Denholm's biggest strengths in her role may be to help Tesla manage its debt as it strives for the profitability on a consistent basis that always has eluded it. Telstra's carries a significant amount of debt, not uncommon for the capital-intensive telecom business. Telstra's debt to equity ratio is 1.02 percent currently, according to Morningstar, versus 2.22 for Tesla. 2. Past Denholm comments about business can appear conventional compared to Musk. That may be a good thing, because Musk needs to 'be boring,' a Tesla billionaire shareholder recently said. Musk has a history of saying too much, and is the most heavily covered CEO in the market. He has even discussed his manic highs and lows in a manner not typical of corporate leaders. Denholm is not a celebrity capitalist, though she was interviewed by the Australian edition of Vogue, and over the years, in print and video interviews and articles she has penned, Denholm has spoken about issues that will factor in Tesla's future: risk-taking, business transformation and balancing work and life as a leader. Her comments often can read as if they come straight from the contemporary corporate playbook, but a former colleague described her in am email to CNBC as "charismatic" and added that "she naturally draws people in to want to follow her." For Tesla shareholders who have been through extraordinary ups and downs with Musk over the past year, a more conventional view at the top may be what is needed right now. Billionaire fund manager and major Tesla shareholder Ron Baron who speaks to Musk regularly told shareholders of his funds on Friday at his annual conference in New York City that while he has told Musk he should never feel forced to lose "the you in you" in recent conversations between the two, "I keep saying 'be boring, be conventional as much as you can.'" Baron, who told CNBC last week that Musk does not need "adult supervision," also told his shareholders that some of the criticisms of Musk have been unfair given what he has accomplished already: since Baron's funds bought Tesla in 2014, the electric car company has grown annual sales from $3.7 billion to $20 billion. Ron Baron, founder of Baron Capital, is a Tesla shareholder and a big believer in Elon Musk's vision of the future. Baron believes Tesla can grow sales to $1 trillion in 12 years. Anjali Sundaram | CNBC 3. Critics say Musk sometimes does too much himself. Denholm likes to mentor. Musk has been accused by some critics, including Tesla workers, of trying to do too much, and as a result, setting Tesla back rather than helping it to reach goals in the most effective manner. As production snafus with Tesla's Model 3 led to repeatedly missed targets, Musk become even more adamant about personally overseeing the car production line and has been accused by Tesla insiders of "extreme micromanagement." Denholm, 54, who graduated from the University of Sydney with a degree in economics and went back to school later to get her master's in commerce from the University of New South Wales in Australia, has made a point of focusing on bringing up the next generation of talent. "Even before I knew it was called mentoring I used to spend a lot of time with people that were up-and-coming talent within the various organizations that I've worked with," she said in a television interview. "Fostering a community of peers is one of the most important things a mentor can do. Get people together and they can solve anything, whether they're male or female," she told the Australian in 2016. Specifically, she mentioned "mentoring the next generation of CFOs" as a primary responsibility. Tesla's balance sheet management will continue to be a key issue. The company's current CFO Deepak Ahuja was also Tesla's first CFO. He came back to the company last year after retiring when its financial troubles mounted. Since returning, Tesla has made large staff cuts and cost-cutting moves involving its suppliers Tesla, one of the most-heavily shorted stocks in the market, has been through a difficult period that culminated in the SEC settlement. The company just turned in a profitable quarter, but has never been able to sustain profitability. It also has a high level of debt, roughly $10 billion, which will need to be paid off in the years ahead and has yet to reach the production scale on its Model 3 that will allow it to offer the car at a mass-consumer price which is critical to its goal of sustained profitability and no longer needing to go back to the capital markets for additional funding.. 4. Tesla's board independence has long faced skepticism. Denholm is among the members considered 'independent' by outside experts. The Tesla board has been criticized for too many members having personal ties or business ties to Musk, including his brother Kimbal Musk. Denholm was originally appointed to the board and to chair the company's audit committee in 2014 when Brad Buss, who is still on the Tesla board, took the CFO position at SolarCity, a company which at that time was run by cousins of Musk, and has since been acquired by Tesla. Tesla considers all of its board members accept for Musk and his brother, Kimbal, to be independent directors. But Institutional Shareholder Services, a major proxy advisor firm for stock shareholders, considers only five of Tesla's nine directors to be independent, including Denholm. Denholm has been on the Tesla board since 2014, a fact that skeptics have pointed to this week in saying she is not a true outsider pick for chairman. The Tesla board has a history of expressing full support and confidence in Musk no matter what outside questions are raised, or stock drops suffered by the company's shareholders after Musk surprises. The board was not informed of the ill-fated private deal before Musk tweeted that the funding had been secured, and when Musk pulled out of an SEC settlement at the last minute, a move that shocked many corporate and legal experts who saw the deal as a gift from the SEC, the board released a statement expressing support. Within days, Musk changed his mind and accepted a slightly more harsh SEC deal. The board, including Denholm, has faced lawsuits from shareholders over the privatization issue. The FBI and Department of Justice have been investigating Tesla's Model 3 production reporting as well. Critics have said that at worst, Denholm will be no better than a rubber stamp for Musk's decision; at best, Denholm can serve as a counterbalance to Musk's most-impulsive ways. Joe Pollard, former chief marketing officer at Telstra, told CNBC via email that Denholm always listens to a broad range of input and "is incredibly focussed on delivery by holding people to account. Nothing is ever left unsaid no matter how unpopular." 5. Tesla's board has been criticized for a lack of diversity in the past. Denholm has spoken up about diversity. Tesla's board of directors hasn't only faced criticism about its independence. It has faced criticism for its lack of diversity. It includes seven men and two women, and the only other women on the board, Linda Johnson Rice, CEO of Johnson Publishing, which owns Ebony, was first added to the board in 2017. Denholm has spoken repeatedly over the years about the value of diversity in business. "I think having people from diverse backgrounds, diverse genders, really adds to the fabric of how you solve problems and actually take advantage of opportunities," she said in a Telstra video blog. "I came up through the ranks at a time when there were very few women leaders. Most of my mentors were men," Denholm said in the interview with the Australian. "A lot of people, and it's valid, talk about gender diversity and ethnic diversity, but to me the root of all of that is actually how people think and the experiences they've had. I don't care what people look like. If everybody thinks the same way they won't create the next wave of innovation. They need differences of opinion and differences in life experiences." "Having diverse experience and being able to share that diversity of thought is very helpful when you are sitting around the table working through challenges or toward opportunities," she said in a Russell Reynolds Associates report on the perspective of female board members. "Having dissimilarities makes for more robust conversations and probing questions." Pollard said that he worked with Denholm on diversity at Telstra and she made inroads in changing the make up of what were male-dominated groups like engineering and technical operations. Denholm is not the first woman Musk has elevated to a top position working alongside himself: Gwynne Shotwell is president and COO of SpaceX, the private space company led by Musk. 6. Musk takes many risks, often on Twitter. Denholm was virtually non-existent on Twitter before this week. Musk's obsessive nature doesn't only surface in the workplace, but on Twitter, and not always to his or his shareholders' benefit. After reaching the settlement with the SEC, Musk mocked the agency on Twitter. Denholm, like many corporate senior executives, has had no Twitter presence, but that did not stop some social media users from making one for her this week in a stunt that made it seem that the new chairman had joined her CEO and took to his favorite communication tool for the first time after the Tesla announcement. Her first faked retweet was an actual message from Musk thanking her for taking the chairman role. Tesla is currently attempting to have the fake Denholm Twitter account removed, according to a spokeswoman, an official one, who said Denholm has in the past had her own Twitter account but she did not use it. The fake Denholm account was still up on Twitter as of Sunday morning. Although Denholm is not one for extreme risks, online or offline, she has spoken about liking to push the envelope. "I don't jump out of planes or bungy jump or any of that stuff, but I do take professional risks," she said in an online interview. "You make the best decisions you can with all the information you have and you have to move quickly. You're not pushing hard enough if you never make mistakes." "Fearless and focused," is how her former Telstra colleague Pollard described her. 7. Musk has worked 120 hours a week. It is unclear if Denholm's views on work/life balance will be a check on that obsessiveness. Responding to his own shareholders' concerns about their exposure to Musk in funds, Ron Baron said in a broader defense of Musk on Friday that, "he drives himself to extremes, he works 120 hours a week and I'm sure he doesn't think clearly all the time." From limited comments Denholm has provided on balancing the personal and the professional, it isn't clear that she and to be fair to her, really anyone could rein Musk in when it comes to his fundamental approach to life and work. "I believe that you have one life, you need to live it to the fullest. My philosophy is to be clear about what matters most to you and integrate the things that you love to get the most out of life. I love my family first and foremost and I love my work, and so my family plays an important role in my career they know what I am doing at work and support me in what I am trying to achieve," she told the Australian edition of Vogue last summer. "I also put a lot of effort into being present when I'm at home. That means being focused, in the moment, not thinking about work all the time. At work, I try to do the same thing. The best advice I was ever given was to be very thoughtful and focused about where you spend your time, both at home and work and once you have made your choices about how to spend your time get on with it and don't fret about them," she said. Pollard said that at Telstra, Denholm was a big supporter of flex positions that enabled people to work from anywhere, at anytime, "but like all senior executive roles, the hours are long and the pressure is intense." 8. Musk's mind is always going. Denholm expects non-stop change. Brussels and Rome are in a constant back and forth over budget negotiations but analysts told CNBC that it is the markets that matter the most. Officials from the European Union (EU) and Italy have found themselves in a deadlock after the former's economic forecasts showed the Italian economy would grow at a slower pace in the next two years than Rome thinks. The Italian government was quick to dismiss, blaming the EU for its "inadequate and partial" analysis of the country's spending plans. These comments came after Brussels said earlier on the day that Italy's 2019 deficit will reach 2.9 percent and not 2.4 percent as Rome insists. Both sides have clashed over Italy's 2019 budget plans after the anti-establishment government promised to increase spending, challenging European fiscal rules. On Friday, Italy's Economy Minister Giovanni Tria said Brussels' proposed deficit cuts would be "suicide" for the country's economy. The unyielding stance from Rome triggered a rise in the yield spread between German and Italian debt, a common measure of risk for European investors. Analysts told CNBC the standoff looks set to continue, and that the EU is laying the ground to open the process that could eventually lead to sanctions though no EU country has ever been fined for breaching spending limits. But, the big question in front of investors is how the markets will react to this noise. "Continued pressure from the EU, further ratings downgrades and even higher risk spreads will force Rome to soften its policies by just enough in coming months to stave off an immediate debt crisis," Florian Hense, economist at Berenberg told CNBC Friday in an email. L-R: First Lady Melania Trump, President Donald Trump,former President Barack Obama, Michelle Obama at the US Capitol after inauguration ceremonies at the in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2017. Former first lady Michelle Obama said she will "never forgive" President Donald Trump for spreading the so-called birther conspiracy theory with "reckless innuendos" that she said threatened her family's safety. Michelle Obama wrote the scathing critique of Trump among the harshest words she's ever had for the president in her forthcoming memoir, "Becoming," according to a Friday report from The Washington Post, which received an advance copy. The book will be released Tuesday. "The whole [birther] thing was crazy and mean-spirited, of course, its underlying bigotry and xenophobia hardly . But it was also dangerous, deliberately meant to stir up the wingnuts and kooks," Obama writes in the book, according to the Post. "What if someone with an unstable mind loaded a gun and drove to Washington? What if that person went looking for our girls? Donald Trump, with his loud and reckless innuendos, was putting my family's safety at risk. And for this I'd never forgive him." When Trump was asked about Obama's book, he deflected and instead criticized his President Obama. "I'll never forgive him for what he did to our United States military. I'll never forgive him for many other things," Trump told reporters outside the White House on Friday morning. Javers tweet The conspiracy theory, which alleged that former President Barack Obama was born outside the U.S. and therefore ineligible to serve as president, first surfaced in 2008. In 2011, Trump started pushing the theory in television interviews as he floated the possibility of a presidential run. Trump tweet credible source "Why doesn't he show his birth certificate?" Trump asked in March 2011 on daytime talk show "The View." On NBC's "Today Show" the same month, Trump said, "I would like to have him show his birth certificate, and can I be honest with you, I hope he can. Because if he can't, if he can't, if he wasn't born in this country, which is a real possibility ... then he has pulled one of the great cons in the history of politics." Trump injected a religious element into the conspiracy, as well, suggesting that he hasn't shown his birth certificate because "maybe it says he's a Muslim." The White House did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment. The 426-page book is divided into three sections, the Post reports: Becoming Me, Becoming Us and Becoming More. The first discusses her upbringing in Chicago and explores issues of race, class and education. The second recounts her romance and relationship with Barack Obama, and the final section focuses on their lives in politics and under the public eye. WATCH: Trump's fight against 'fake news' has been a boon for media companies Procter & Gamble CEO David Taylor worries about the long-term damage the global trade war will have on consumer behavior and spending. "What I worry most about with the trade war is it destroys consumers' confidence in American brands," Taylor told CNBC's Sara Eisen in an interview that aired Friday on "Squawk on the Street." Rising commodity costs have already forced the company to hike prices on Pampers diapers, Bounty paper towels, Charmin toilet paper and Puffs tissues in recent months, and the trade war isn't helping. "It's not good. I believe, and our company believes, in free and open trade. We think that raises all boats," Taylor said. "It'd be good for the global economy, good for our country, good for China for a productive and constructive resolution of this." Still, Taylor noted he has not yet seen an impact on consumer confidence. Procter & Gamble tends to manufacture close to its customer base, so its products intended for Chinese buyers are typically made in China and products for American buyers are mostly made in the United States. As such, Taylor noted P&G is impacted less than other global companies by trade ware threats. The maker of everyday household goods, including Tide detergent and Crest toothpaste, said in early October that tariffs on products sent to Canada were hurting the company. P&G successfully obtained an exemption from paying steel tariffs on its Gillette and Venus brand razor blades after arguing against the levies in a letter to the U.S. Trade Representative. "Higher costs from tariffs may also translate into higher prices, reduce P&G sales, and undermine American jobs in P&G U.S. operations," P&G lobbyist Selina Jackson wrote. Still, Taylor said the U.S. remains a primary focus for the company. He said that with innovation of its brands like Olay Whips cream-to-liquid moisturizer and Tide Pods detergent packets, he is confident Americans will continue to be willing to "pay a little more because they provide better value." That's even as it sees competition from cheaper, store-owned brands. Meantime, the sprawling consumer products company announced plans Thursday to simplify its operations. The announcement came after activist investor Nelson Peltz joined the board in March following a vigorous proxy battle. Peltz had previously pushed for a simplified structure, saying it would improve accountability, agility and responsiveness to local needs. Under the new business structure, the company will now have six sector business units organized by industry. Each business will have a unit "CEO" responsible for running all major decisions, like marketing, costs and supply chain. "We did certainly consult with all 12 of our external board members. And we have a very active and engaged board...But certainly any good ideas we'll take. I don't care where they come," said Taylor. Shares of P&G have jumped by more than 29 percent since hitting a 52-week low of $70.73 a share in May, giving it a market value of $227.6 billion. They closed on Thursday at $91.36 a share and opened Friday's session little changed. WATCH: Twelve US execs explain how Trump's trade war affects their bottom lines [The stream is slated to start at 12:35 p.m. ET. Please refresh the page if you do not see a player above at that time.] U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defense James Mattis are slated to hold a joint press conference to discuss US-China relations with Yang Jiechi and Wei Fenghe at the State Department on Friday afternoon. This presser comes in light of growing trade tensions between the two countries. The talks were supposed to be held in Beijing last month, but were postponed after the Trump administration announced new arms sales to Taiwan and two U.S. and Chinese vessels almost came close to colliding in the South China Sea. These talks are a predecessor to a meeting scheduled to happen at the end of the month between President Donald Trump and China's president Xi Jinping in Argentina. Among the growing trade dispute between the two countries, the two leaders are likely to discuss issues such as dealing with North Korea, and how to better serve their respective constituents. The U.S. is also planning to ask for China's help in controlling the distribution of fentanyl, a synthetic form of opioids which is causing a surge of drug-related deaths across the United States. Friday's meeting will be followed by a joint news conference. Shares of PG&E plunged more than 16 percent on Friday as wildfires continued to rage through California. This was the biggest one-day decline for the stock since Aug. 8, 2002, when the stock plummeted 29.8 percent. PG&E also traded 23.6 million shares, about five time its average 30-day volume. PG&E is the parent company of Pacific Gas and Electric, which has 16 million customers in California. PG&E, in the past year, has been blamed for several destructive wildfires in Northern California. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the so-called Camp fire in Butte County, about 80 miles north of Sacramento. The Butte County sheriff's office said five people have died from the fire. Mark Ghilarducci, director of the California Office of Emergency Services, said at a press briefing Friday that the Butte County blaze has been "an extremely challenging fire and has resulted in significant and catastrophic loss," especially to the community of Paradise located just outside Chico. "The magnitude of the destruction is heartbreaking," said Ghilarducci. "We know there have been injuries and that there have been loss of life. We're still accounting for that and working with our local authorities." California has a history of power lines or faulty equipment sometimes sparking wildfires, and a state fire agency recently pinned the blame on PG&E for at least 16 of last year's wildfires in Northern California, including some with fatalities. Tens of thousands of homes received evacuation orders. There are nearly 2,000 fire crews battling fires with requests for additional assistance being sent out to other Western states, including Nevada and Oregon. Friday's decline wiped out PG&E's gains for the year. Prior to Friday's session, the stock was up more than 6.5 percent. The company did not immediately return a call for comment. With reporting by Jeff Daniels Singles Day celebrated on Nov. 11 has become a massive online retail, bringing in more than the online sales of Black Friday and Cyber Monday combined. Alibaba turned the holiday into the annual shopping event in a bid to boost sales on its e-commerce platform. Last year, it generated a whopping $25 billion in sales all in just a 24-hour period of purchases. That's a staggering figure, considering Cyber Monday in the U.S. generated $6.59 billion, while Black Friday saw $5 billion in online sales that same year. Other retailers have also jumped on the bandwagon. Alibaba's rival, Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com, generated $19 billion of sales in an 11-day period centered on Singles Day. Even American tech giant Amazon is promoting Singles Day now, sending out emails about the holiday in Singapore. How did it get so big? In 2009, Daniel Zhang, Alibaba Group's current CEO, launched the concept of offering discounts to consumers on Singles Day. The event, though, can be traced back even earlier, and is believed to have been started in 1993 at Nanjing University for students as a way to celebrate being single. Fast forward to 2017: At its peak, Alibaba handled 256,000 transactions per second, and more than 775 million parcels were shipped from orders generated in that 24-hour period. That growth can be partly attributed to China's huge population of nearly 1.4 billion people, as well as the rising middle-class that increasingly uses smartphones. Alibaba has also taken advantage of China's mobile-first market by live streaming events featuring celebrities and hosting fashion shows that appear on numerous social media platforms as well as several Chinese TV networks. Last year, Alibaba brought in celebrities including Nicole Kidman and Pharrell Williams to help with its midnight countdown to Singles Day. "India's consistent policy has been that such efforts should be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, and Afghan-controlled, and with the participation of the government of Afghanistan". "India supports all efforts for peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan that will preserve unity and plurality, and bring security, stability and prosperity to the country", Kumar said. The talks, known as the "Moscow format" will include a "high-level" delegation from the Taliban as well as a delegation of Afghanistan's "High Peace Council", along with twelve countries, and will mark the first time an Indian delegation has been present at the table in talks with the Taliban representatives based in Doha. Taliban envoys have taken part for the first time in a high-level global talks, meeting Afghan officials in Moscow as part of a Russian-sponsored peace effort. A Russian proposal to hold the talks on September 4 had to be cancelled after the U.S. pulled out of them, and the Ghani government opposed them. Sources told The Indian Express that former Indian Ambassador to Afghanistan, Amar Sinha, and former Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan, T C A Raghavan, will attend the meeting as India's representatives. According to Sputnik news agency, Russian Federation has sent invitations for what is called the Moscow Format talks to Afghanistan, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, the United States and the Afghan Taliban. Opening Friday's meeting, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that the participation of both Afghan leaders and the Taliban was an "important contribution" aimed at creating "favourable conditions for the start of direct talks". "Our participation at the meeting will be at the non-official level", Ministry of External Affairs' official spokesperson, Raveesh Kumar, said. Regional players like Pakistan, China and Iran are among the participants of the meeting hosted by Russian Federation. This format has given Moscow a leadership position in the Afghanistan situation, at a time when the USA is ceding the space. The US Embassy in Moscow said a US representative will attend the talks as an observer. "On his last trip to the region in October, Special Representative Khalilzad called on the Afghan Government and the Taliban to organise authoritative negotiating teams, and has been encouraged to see that both parties are taking steps in that direction", the State Department said in a statement. The Moscow meeting was initially scheduled to take place in September but was postponed after Kabul insisted that the process should be Afghan-led. "This is a meeting to debate the current situation in Afghanistan", Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said. The Afghan foreign ministry has emphasised that the council does not represent the Afghan government at the meeting, however. A TV anchor has joined a Chinese news agency, but with a twist: he isn't human. China's state-run Xinhua News Agency has launched an artificial intelligence (AI) anchor, a move it claims to be a world first. "English AI Anchor" debuted Thursday at the World Internet Conference in the country's eastern Zhejiang Province. Modeled on the agency's Zhang Zhao presenter, the new anchor learns from live videos and is able to work 24 hours a day, reporting via social media and on the Xinhua website. "'He' learns from live broadcasting videos by himself and can read texts as naturally as a professional news anchor," the company said in an online statement. TWEET "The development of the media industry calls for continuous innovation and deep integration with the international advanced technologies," the AI anchor said in his first broadcast. "I will work tirelessly to keep you informed as texts will be typed into my system uninterrupted. I look forward to bringing you the brand new news experiences." Xinhua developed the robot anchor with Chinese search engine Sogou.com and has posted two more reports from the AI broadcaster on its Twitter feed. One covers China's announcement that it will launch its first Mars probe in 2020 and ends with the AI anchor paying tribute to Chinese journalists. "Before we go, I'd like to send my good wishes to all of the journalists across the country. As an AI anchor under development I know there is a lot for me to improve," he said. WUZHEN, China The head of Sequoia Capital's China affiliate said Thursday there are still big opportunities for growth in the country's digital economy, contrary to many concerns about a slowdown. "As an investment firm enthusiastically participating in China's information industry, we still think the Chinese Internet sector has good prospects," Neil Shen, founding and managing partner of Sequoia Capital China, said at a press event at the World Internet Conference, according to a CNBC translation. "Every year, our investment size and pace has been increasing." Shen also said he believes the consumer-oriented internet still has a very big opportunity for future development, and that the industrial-oriented internet will develop quickly, especially with the support of artificial intelligence. Sequoia is an investor in China's largest technology companies, including e-commerce giant Alibaba, ride-hailing company Didi and Meituan Dianping, which went public in Hong Kong this year. Shen is also a co-founder of Chinese tourism booking site Ctrip.com. Many worry China's burgeoning technology industry will be hit by a national economic slowdown. Some recent data reports have been soft, adding to concerns that increasing trade tensions with the U.S. will cause growth to slow even further. Beijing, for its part, has announced a slew of policy measures in the last few months to support the economy. Shen, however, pushed back Thursday against concerns about trade tensions and a cold spell for the Chinese tech sector. "My sense is the digital economy is something unique to China," he said. "I don't think it will be affected that much by a U.S.-China trade war." Stormy Daniels Gabe Ginsberg | Getty Images President Donald Trump was involved in "nearly every step" of hush-money agreements with multiple women who claimed they had sexual affairs before he became president, The Wall Street Journal reported Friday. The newspaper, citing dozens of interviews and documents, also reported that Trump may have violated federal campaign finance laws through his participation in the deals. Trump has denied knowing about a $130,000 payment made to Stormy Daniels, an adult film star and director who alleges she had sex with Trump in 2006. Daniels is currently suing Trump and Michael Cohen, his former personal attorney, in connection with a nondisclosure agreement barring her from discussing the alleged tryst. Trump has denied he had sex with Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford. Cohen pleaded guilty in August to campaign finance violations, and admitted that he made payments to two women at the direction of a candidate for political office. The payments were made to influence the outcome of the 2016 presidential election, Cohen said. Watch: Trump underreported payments to Cohen in disclosures Cohen's lawyer, Lanny Davis, said at the time that "Donald Trump directed [Cohen] to commit a crime by making payments to two women for the principal purpose of influencing an election." Davis declined CNBC's request for comment. The Journal reported that Trump, as a presidential candidate, "directed deals in phone calls and meetings" related to the women with Cohen. The U.S. attorney's office in Manhattan, which prosecuted Cohen, has reportedly also collected evidence of Trump's involvement in the agreements. Daniels' lawyer, Michael Avenatti, told CNBC that the Journal's report "confirms what we have been saying all along." In a subsequent tweet, Avenatti wrote: "In light of the sworn testimony and evidence relating to the payment to my client and Trump's involvement (confirming our allegations), we are calling for the immediate indictment of the president. No one is above the law in the United States." Neither the White House, nor Trump's lawyer Jay Sekulow, immediately returned CNBC's requests for comment on the report. The Journal's story begins with an anecdote about Trump meeting with his friend, American Media Chief Executive David Pecker, in Trump Tower in New York City in 2015. The report said Trump asked Pecker what he could do to help Trump's presidential campaign. Pecker then offered to have his supermarket tabloid newspaper, The National Enquirer, "buy the silence of women if they tried to publicize sexual encounters with Mr. Trump," The Journal reported. Pecker's company later paid a Playboy model, Karen McDougal, $150,000 in return for her story. The Journal said that payment was made after "Mr. Trump asked Mr. Pecker to quash" McDougal's story. McDougal was freed from her own nondisclosure contract with American Media in April, following a lawsuit in which she claimed that Pecker's company misled her about the terms of the agreement. Trump's role in arranging the payoffs to Daniels and McDougal were detailed in an indictment that federal prosecutors in Manhattan were preparing to file against Cohen at the time he pleaded guilty. Since that plea Cohen has met with prosecutors in Manhattan as well as with investigators from the office of special counsel Robert Mueller, who is investigating the Trump campaign's possible collusion with Russians. Watch: Mueller's investigation could make money for taxpayers President Donald Trump talks to the media before boarding Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House, Friday, Nov. 9, 2018, in Washington. President Donald Trump on Friday said he had not discussed special counsel Robert Mueller's with acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker, the man overseeing the inquiry, at least for now. "I didn't speak to Matt Whitaker about it, I don't know Matt Whitaker," Trump said. Whitaker faces increasing scrutiny over his criticism of Mueller's investigation. Whitaker, a Trump ally, has accused Mueller of "going too far," and once tweeted a message likening Mueller's prosecutors as a "lynch mob." He told CNN last year that he could envision a scenario where the person overseeing the probe "reduces [Mueller's] budget so low that his investigation grinds to almost a halt." People close to the president said it was Whitaker's public skepticism of the probe that drew Trump to take an interest in him, according to a report in The New York Times. The president appointed him on Wednesday, and has Whitaker's comments should not disqualify him. "I think everybody looking at a permanent position in any department has done many shows," Trump said. "Does that mean we can't hire anybody? We have to hire somebody that's in a shell? I don't think so." Legal experts have suggested that Whitaker's appointment as acting head of the Justice Department may be unlawful because he was not confirmed by the Senate to his most recent position in government. Before Wednesday, Whitaker served as chief of staff to Jeff Sessions. If Trump formally nominates him as attorney general, he would face Senate confirmation. Trump addressed that criticism Friday. He said that Whitaker was confirmed by the Senate following his 2004 appointment as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Iowa by President George W. Bush. That argument is not certain to pass constitutional muster. In an op-ed co-written by President Barack Obama's acting solicitor general Neal Katyal and George Conway, a Republican attorney and husband of White House advisor Kellyanne Conway, the two disputed that the 2004 confirmation would permit his appointment. "Mr. Trump can't cut and paste that old, lapsed confirmation to today," they wrote in The New York Times. "For the president to install Mr. Whitaker as our chief law enforcement officer is to betray the entire structure of our charter document." Asked about the argument on Friday, Trump said that Conway was just trying to get "publicity" for himself. "Why don't you ask Kellyanne that question, all right?" he said. Tech unicorn Taxify is chipping away at Uber's dominance in the European ride-hailing market and its CEO predicts massive growth ahead. The Estonian ride-hailing company valued at $1 billion has 15 million users and 500,000 drivers worldwide, split evenly between Europe and Africa. In an interview with CNBC at the Web Summit tech conference in Lisbon, Portugal earlier this week, Taxify CEO Markus Villig said he sees big potential in the European ride-sharing and scooter markets. "Overall if you look at tech in Europe we're still so much behind the U.S. and in that sense it's definitely a massive achievement for us as a team that we get this far," Villig said. "But when you look at the wider transportation space there's still room to grow another 100 times from where we are today." Twenty-four-year-old Villig founded Taxify five years ago in Tallinn, Estonia. The company said it is now the market leader in 11 of the 25 countries where it operates. It has raised capital from investors including German automaker Daimler and Chinese ride-hailing firm Didi Chuxing. A reconfiguration of cargo routes is underway as the trade war between the U.S. and China spills over globally, a logistics industry executive said on Friday. "We've definitely seen an impact in certain trade routes," said Alex Hungate, president and CEO of airport ground-handler and catering solutions provider SATS. While there are "strong flows" between countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and China, trade volumes in Greater China which includes mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan are "softer," Hungate told CNBC's "Squawk Box." Listed on the Singapore Exchange, SATS operates in over 60 locations and 13 countries across Asia and the Middle East. Overall, Greater China would be the most sensitive to the trade fracas, said Hungate. Where air freight is concerned, Vietnam is a strong performer while trading hub Singapore is "holding up pretty well," he said, adding that growth in India is also strong. Hungate confirmed the phenomenon of "front-loading" where exporters benefit from increased orders before tariffs hit as he witnessed 300 Harley-Davidson bikes lined up at a freight terminal for shipping. In October, Harley-Davidson Chief Financial Officer John Olin said the American motorcycle manufacturer was expecting to pay at least an additional $40 million this year to cover the costs of new tariffs across the world. Harley-Davidson is doing everything it can to minimize the impact of tariffs on its profits, he said. Markets are now keeping their eyes on a much-touted meeting later this month between U.S. President and China President at the for any signs of easing tensions in the trade war. WATCH: Twelve US execs explain how Trump's trade war affects their bottom lines The U.S. government on Thursday filed a civil fraud lawsuit accusing UBS Group, Switzerland's largest bank, of defrauding investors in its sale of residential mortgage-backed securities leading up to the 2008-2009 global financial crisis. UBS was accused of misleading investors about the quality of more than $41 billion of subprime and other risky mortgage loans backing 40 securities offerings in 2006 and 2007, the Department of Justice said in a complaint filed with the federal court in Brooklyn. The lawsuit came after UBS rejected a government proposal that it pay nearly $2 billion to settle, according to a person familiar with the talks who was not authorized to speak publicly about them. While UBS was not a big originator of U.S. residential home loans, U.S. Attorney Richard Donoghue in Brooklyn said investors suffered "catastrophic losses" from the bank's failure to fully disclose the risks of mortgage securities it helped sell. A UBS spokesman and a Justice Department spokeswoman declined to comment on the settlement talks, but the bank said it will fight the lawsuit. "The DOJ's claims are not supported by the facts or the law," it said in a statement. "UBS is confident in its legal position and has been fully prepared for some time to defend itself in court." U.S. officials are seeking unspecified fines against UBS under a federal law allowing it to pursue penalties up to the amounts the bank gained or others lost from alleged misconduct. The case is one of the last addressing alleged misconduct in the pooling and sale by large banks of mortgage securities that were a major cause of the financial crisis. Bank of America, Barclays, Citigroup, Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs, HSBC, JPMorgan Chase, Morgan Stanley and Royal Bank of Scotland previously settled. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the swearing-in ceremony of Maldivian president-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih next week, the Ministry of External Affairs announced on Friday. The prime minister will also visit Singapore to take part in the 13th East Asia Summit and other meetings on November 14 and 15, MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said at a media briefing. The prime minister has accepted the invitation extended by Maldives' president-elect Solih to attend his swearing-in ceremony on November 17, he said. On the US waiver to India from Iran sanctions, Kumar said the US has shown understanding of India's position on the issue. India, China and Japan were among eight countries temporarily allowed to continue buying Iranian oil as they showed significant reduction in oil purchase from the Persian Gulf country after the US reimposed crippling sanctions on Tehran, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had said earlier this week. Bazaar Corporate Radar | Feb 22, 2021, 12:00 AM IST Bazaar Corporate Radar Bazaar Corporate Radar is your window into the minds of top CEOs, Boardrooms, global economists, fund managers and sector analysts. If it?s making news, you?ll find it on Bazaar Corporate Radar. Finance Minister Asad Umar earlier this week confirmed that talks were held with China for a relief package during the prime minister's visit, and that the two sides agreed on continuing discussions in this regard. China has reportedly barred Pakistan from disclosing the amount of financial aid given during Prime Minister Imran Khan's maiden official visit to the country. "We have been offering our assistance to Pakistan within the best of our capacity". "We had told you about the $12 billion financing gap, of which $6 billion have come from Saudi Arabia, and the rest has come from China". BEIJING: Chinese Foreign Ministry on Wednesday said that China will continue to provide assistance and support to Pakistan's economic and social development in accordance with the needs of the Pakistani side and through mutual agreement. The adviser said that during the last fiscal year, Pakistan's exports to China were worth $1.2 billion which would be doubled after this facility. Hua said that China was satisfied with Khan's visit during which the two countries agreed to deepen their ties and to complete the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) with a stronger commitment. Pakistan has recently approached the International Monetary Fund for a bailout package and wants to minimise its loans with the international lender apprehending stringent financial conditions which included scrutiny of the confidential details of the CPEC. A court in northwest Pakistan on Wednesday summoned Prime Minister Imran Khan to appear before it on December 13 in a case filed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf chief's rival candidate in the July 25 general elections over his alleged relation with a United States national, Sita White. "Imran Khan is the father of the child", superior court commissioner Anthony Jones said in a brief hearing in the United States court, according to the petitioner. "We believe our ties withstood the test of times in domestic and global changes", she said. The report said that China's directive to Pakistan to not disclose the amount was compelled by the concerns of "regional partners" of Beijing. Hi! I'm an education beat reporter for Fall 2018, and I'm a senior studying print and digital news. Please provide me with any feedback, questions or tips you have my email is kyle.lahucik@mail.missouri.edu and my phone number is 708.359.9917. Follow this search Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today I agreed to what? Bird requires users to enter their email addresses and by clicking "ride," the users agree to Birds Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Its Terms of Service and User Agreement include the sentences below: You agree that your sole remedy is to cease using the service. Rider agrees that Vehicles are machines that may malfunction, even if the Vehicle is properly maintained, and that such malfunction may cause injury. Rider assumes full and complete responsibility for all related risks, dangers, and hazards. I acknowledge that this section limits my legal rights and remedies. I intend my assent to this Agreement to be a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the greatest extent permitted by law. The Missourians Opinion section is a public forum for the discussion of ideas. The views presented in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Missourian or the University of Missouri. If you would like to contribute to the Opinion page with a response or an original topic of your own, visit our submission form "We know that modern humans arrived around 40-thousand years ago in Europe, but they were in Southeast Asia at least 20-thousand years before that-and also in Australia". Homo sapiens left Africa between about 70,000 and 60,000 years ago, and "once they spread out across Eurasia, they developed, after about 40,000 years ago, the desire (or ability) to produce figurative art", Christopher Henshilwood, director of the Centre for Early Sapiens Behaviour at the University of Bergen in Norway, who wasn't involved with the study, told in an email. This composite image from the book "Borneo, Memory of the Caves" shows the world's oldest figurative artwork dated to a minimum of 40,000 years, in a limestone cave in the Indonesian part of the island of Borneo. The area of Borneo where the caves are located is relatively unexplored, so there could be many other examples waiting to be found. We now believe the Borneo artworks are far older than previously thought, according to research we conducted with colleagues from the National Research Center for Archaeology (ARKENAS) in Jakarta and other Indonesian scientists. Prior to the study, the oldest known animal painting in the world was a "pig-deer" called babirusa, which was found on the island of Sulawesi in Indonesia. Media captionScientists spent several days trekking through rural Borneo to find the 40,000-year-old artwork. The team, whose research was published in the journal Nature on Wednesday, looked at multiple layers of artwork painted on top of each other. Researchers aren't certain what animal it is, but believe it could be a banteng - a type of wild cow which still exists in Borneo today. These artworks include a painting of what seems to be a local species of wild cattle, which makes it the world's oldest example of figurative art - that is, an image that looks like the thing it is meant to represent. First there were lines, then hand stenciling and eventually figurative art depicting images from everyday life such as animals and people. Through dating, a study has found that the cave paintings are approximate 40,000 years old. "Who the ice-age artists of Borneo were and what happened to them is a mystery", said Dr Pindi Setiawan, an Indonesian archaeologist at Bandung Institute of Technology and team co-leader. This attractive region is remote and difficult-to-access, and contains numerous caves, some of which contain remarkable drawings made by early humans. The figurative painting is of wild cattle, part of a large panel with three large animal paintings. The transition to depicting the human world hints a significant change occurred in the region, according to researchers. The artists in this phase favored a dark mulberry-purple color and painted hand stencils, abstract signs and human-like figures wearing elaborate headdresses and engaging in various activities, such as hunting or ritualistic dancing, the researchers said. The researchers can take a sample of the cave and determine the ratio of uranium to thorium, allowing them to better calculate the age of the art. "They develop gradually over 100,000 years if not more". Limestone karst of East Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo. "We see the same thing in Europe at more or less the same time", Aubert said. But Aubert says that might soon change. "Around 20,000 years ago, painting becomes of the human world, not the animal world". "The new findings illustrate that the story of how cave art emerged is complex", Oktaviana said. Indian PM Modi in Singapore next week for East Asia Summit Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay a two-day visit to Singapore beginning November 14 to attend the East Asia Summit organised by ASEAN. He will also participate in the crucial Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) meeting. Making the announcement, Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said Modi is also expected to participate in a number of other events during the visit. PM will make an official visit to Singapore to attend the 13th East Asia Summit and associated meetings on November 14th and 15th, he said. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shares a close bonhomie with Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Photo courtesy: Twitter/@MEAIndia RCEP is a proposed trade agreement between Asean countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam) and their six free trade agreement partners - Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand. RCEP is expected to be the world's largest regional trading bloc, with nearly 45 per cent of global population and combined gross domestic product of USD21.3 trillion (SGD29.38 trillion). Besides attending the important meetings, PM Modi is also scheduled to deliver a keynote address at the Singapore Fintech Summit. It is the biggest fintech event in the world which is expected to attract more than 30,000 people including influential entrepreneurs, leaders and experts. In the Fintech festival, India has the highest number of exhibitors numbering 400. At the Singapore Expo Convention Centre, Modi will also launch a platform to connect Indian fintech companies with Asean banks and financial institutions. PM Modi interacting with Nadine, Nanyang Technological Universitys humanoid social robot during his last visit to Singapore in June 2018. H.E. Jawed Ashraf, Indian High Commissioner to Singapore is also seen in the photograph. Photo courtesy: NTU PM Modi will also present awards to the winners of the first hackathon between Indian and Singaporean students. The final of the hackathon, which will see the participation of 60 students each from India and Singapore, will be held at Nanyang Technological University on November 12 and 13. PM Modi will attend the RCEP meeting in the evening of November 14, followed by the East Asia gala dinner at the Suntec Convention Centre. He will also hold bilateral talks with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and other leaders that day. During his last visit to Singapore in June, PM Modi has praised Singapore, saying that the island nation shows us that when the oceans are open, the seas are secure, countries are connected, the rule of law prevails and the region is stable, nations small and large prosper as sovereign countries. He said that Singapore has a special place in Indias heart. Singapore is our springboard to the ASEAN. It has been, for centuries, a gateway for India to the broader East, he added. PM Modi delivering the opening address at the Shangri-La Dialogue during his last visit to Singapore in June 2018. Photo courtesy: Twitter/@MEAIndia On November 15, Modi will have breakfast with Asean leaders at Suntec Centre. It will be followed by a lunch retreat involving the leaders who will be attending the East Asia Summit (EAS). The East Asia Summit is a premier forum in the Asia-Pacific region. Since its inception in 2005, it has played a significant role in the strategic, geopolitical and economic evolution of East Asia. The annual ASEAN summit is also taking place in Singapore next week beginning from November 11. However, there will be no ASEAN-India summit during the annual congregation of the powerful grouping. The ASEAN-India summit was held in January this year when leaders from all 10 ASEAN nations visited India to attend the Republic Day celebrations. Singapore teachers work long hours, but are paid twice as much as public think A global survey of 35 countries found that teachers in Singapore rank second in terms of the longest working hours. This is topped only by New Zealand. At the same time, their salary is also twice as much as what the public thinks, according to reports. Italy and Finland are the only other two countries in which the actual pay of teachers is significantly higher than what the educators themselves perceived to be fair. The Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Status Index 2018 released on Thursday, November 8, found that the starting salary for a secondary school teacher in Singapore is SGD 68,954. However, the public estimated the figure to be The public, however, estimates the annual starting salary to be SGD 38,622 the largest gap between estimated and actual wages of teachers of any country polled. Photo courtesy: Unsplash Singaporean teachers polled said that they consider fair SGD 50,494 to be a fair starting secondary school teacher. This is far less than the actual salary they receive, said Todayonline in a report. Teachers in Singapore also longer hours per week (52 hours) than any other country aside from New Zealand (52.1 hours). However, the public reckoned that teachers only work 45.33 hours per week. The survey by education charity Varkey Foundation polled 1,000 members of the public and up to 200 teachers in each of 35 countries around the world. It aims to measure key indicators such as the status of teachers in their home countries, including the public perception of the profession and salaries. Brexit and the Union 1) May under siege from the DUP over border in the Irish Sea Raab accuses Lidington of going behind his back on Ireland The Sun Extracts from the leaked letter The Times DUP warns May over backstop betrayal FT Brexit to dominate discussions at British Irish Council summit News Letter ECB warns Ireland to prepare for a no-deal Brexit Daily Express A Brussels plan to put a customs border in the Irish Sea if there is no Brexit agreement will be included in a divorce deal, a leaked letter from Theresa May suggests. The prime minister was accused last night of breaking her promise to the Democratic Unionist Party that she would never sign up to a deal that could allow Northern Ireland to be divided from the rest of the United Kingdom. The European plan, known as the backstop to the backstop, would leave Northern Ireland tied to the single market and customs union if Brexit talks collapse. Brussels wants this insurance policy to avoid a hard border in Ireland. Mrs May has previously said that no UK prime minister could ever agree to such a plan. The five-page letter, leaked to The Times, was sent on Tuesday from Mrs May to Arlene Foster, the DUP leader, and Nigel Dodds, her deputy. In it, the prime minister says that the EU is still pushing for the backstop to the backstop but insists that she would never allow a divide between Ulster and Great Britain to come into force. The Times More: Fox says UK must be able to leave backstop FT Crucial legal advice should be made public, says Hancock Daily Telegraph and Gove demands to see it too Daily Mail Brexiteers plan to reject deal come what may The Guardian Comment: How to solve the legal advice row Robert Courts MP, Daily Telegraph Law probably says what May wants it to Catherine Barnard, The Guardian We can bin the backstop David Campbell Bannerman MEP, Daily Telegraph Editorial: Advice should be published, but it will leave politicians confused Daily Telegraph >Yesterday: Brexit and the Union 2) and Scottish Conservatives over EU fishing rights European Union fishing fleets must be given wide-ranging access to British coastal waters as the price of agreeing an all-UK Brexit divorce deal, the Telegraph can reveal. Senior EU diplomats have warned that any plan to grant the UK a temporary customs union to solve the Irish backstop problem must come with cast-iron guarantees that EU boats will be free to fish in UK waters. The EU demands threaten to re-open a fierce row inside the Tory party over the potential size of the Brexit dividend for coastal and fishing communities. Fishermen warned Mrs May that she must not squander the chance to claw back valuable quotas for British fleets, while MPs representing fishing communities said extending the current arrangements would be totally unacceptable The Scottish Tories, who won a series of coastal seats from the SNP in last years general election, warned the long-awaited Conservative revival in Scotland would be destroyed if the party does not make good its promises to the countrys fishermen. Daily Telegraph Ministers play down talk of an imminent deal Daily Telegraph but Tusk says one will be done within a week The Sun Deal in seven days pushing it, says Hunt Daily Express How May plans to cajole ministers into backing plan FT Davis says no-deal departure is not intimidating or frightening Daily Telegraph Sturgeon says May is offering all things to all people The Scotsman Ministers: Hunt says departure wont damage Anglo-French relations FT Raab failing to grasp the basics of Brexit The Times Brexit Secretary admits importance of Dover to EU trade FT Editorial: Will the Tories stand and fight for Brexit? The Sun Fraser Nelson: How the Prime Minister plans to sell her deal Brexit has plenty of unexpected bonuses Ed Conway, The Times We already know the economic effects of a Brexit deal Chris Giles, FT So how to navigate through this barrier reef of Conservative mutineers? Until recently, her plan was to warn that a no-deal Brexit would unleash all kinds of mayhem, with pets imprisoned for months in quarantine and Eurostar carriages mothballed in Gare du Nord. But these arguments strike many Tories as another implausible Project Fear. If Brexiteers were daunted by predictions of havoc, they would not be Brexiteers. So Mrs May instead intends to win them over with a political argument. That no-deal would unleash the anti-Brexit rebels who would then start to hijack legislation: perhaps voting to force her government to stay in the Customs Union, to hold a peoples vote referendum or even stay in the EU. So this, she will say, is the real choice. Her deal, with the admitted risks and defects or a no deal that might lead to no Brexit at all. Take the bird in hand: this is the message from No 10. Daily Telegraph >Today: Eamonn Ives in Comment: No, Brexit will not threaten all creatures great and small May pushing for overhaul of workers rights in the gig economy Theresa May is pressing ahead with plans to boost the rights of workers in the gig economy on areas including flexibility and pay as part of a package of measures to overhaul employment laws, the Guardian has learned. The prime minister plans to end a legal loophole that allows companies to pay agency workers less than full-time staff for doing the same job as she attempts to demonstrate that she understands concerns about inequalities in the world of work. Ministers are proposing repealing the so-called Swedish derogation rule even though the Treasury would be cautious about upsetting business, which reacted with alarm when it was first floated, when they are already facing Brexit uncertainty. Business secretary Greg Clark has told cabinet colleagues that he hopes to implement several key recommendations from a review by Matthew Taylor, the chief executive of the RSA and a former senior policy advisor to Tony Blair, that was commissioned by the government last year. The Guardian Ministers 1) Hunt pushes for sanctions against Russian spies Ministers 2) Javid says police will get new stop-and-search powers to tackle knife crime Britain is pushing for new EU sanctions on senior figures in President Putins military spy network responsible for the Salisbury poisoning in March. Members of the GRU senior leadership are on a draft list of individuals to be sanctioned under a new EU regime aimed at curbing the use of chemical weapons, say diplomatic sources. The UK hopes to secure the backing of France and Germany for the sanctions. It is pressing for other foreign ministers to approve freezing assets and banning travel for the named senior Russian spies within weeks. Jeremy Hunt, the foreign secretary, met ministers from former Soviet states, including Hungary, in London last month to discuss new sanctions. Half a dozen named individuals involved in the novichok attack on Sergei Skripal, a former double agent, and his daughter Yulia, are likely to be targeted, according to a minister. The Times Police are to get enhanced powers to stop and search suspects in an attempt to combat the surge in violent crime and knife attacks, Sajid Javid has revealed. The Home Secretary said he wanted police to be more confident to use stop and search, sweep away bureaucracy and make it easier to deploy powers that senior officers say are vital in the fight against crime. Some police chiefs say constables have become reluctant to use the power as they fear being accused of racism. The approach represents a significant departure from Theresa Mays legacy as home secretary. She placed restrictions on stop and search after discovering young black men were seven times more likely to be stopped by police. In an interview with The Daily Telegraph, Mr Javid said: I want to make sure that police have the powers they need and the tools. With stop and search I want to make sure it is easier for police to be able to use it and reduce the bureaucracy around it. My aim is to make police officers much more confident in using stop and search. Daily Telegraph Security minister fears that axing train guards could boost gangs Daily Mail Drug busts at lowest level in 14 years after curb on searches The Sun Ministers 3) Hancock puts NHS trust in special measures Hold Skype appointments to save time, hospitals told The Times Ashcroft call puts pressure on ministers over Cenotaph service A hospital trust where 100 babies are feared to have died or been harmed by poor care has been placed in special measures. Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust in Shropshire was already reporting weekly to the care regulator over its maternity and emergency services but yesterday NHS Improvement said the trust could no longer run itself. The watchdog announced that it was placing the trust in special measures as a result of poor management, workforce issues, problems in maternity care and whistleblowing concerns that meant patient care could be at risk. Matt Hancock, the health secretary, wrote to local politicians yesterday to inform them of the move. He said that the trust would benefit from enhanced oversight, extra funding and increased support from NHS Improvement. The decision comes two days after the Care Quality Commission warned over staffing levels in critical care and concerns over practice on some medical wards. The Times Ministers came under mounting pressure last night to reverse an outrageous ban on Zimbabwe from attending the Cenotaph to remember southern Rhodesians killed in the two world wars. More than 34,000 young men from southern Rhodesia both black and white served in the world wars with an estimated 1,800 losing their lives. But no official from present day Zimbabwe is allowed to attend the wreath-laying at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday in a ban that dates back more than 50 years. The sanction was first put in place in response to Ian Smiths unilateral declaration of independence from the UK in 1965. Zimbabwe was banned again in 2003 after it withdrew from the Commonwealth as Robert Mugabes regime grew more tyrannical. Although Zimbabwe has now applied to rejoin the Commonwealth after Mr Mugabe was forced out of office, its officials will remain barred from Sundays emotional service that will mark 100 years since the end of First World war Lord Ashcroft, the former Conservative party deputy chairman and owner of the worlds largest collection of Victoria Crosses, called for the urgent lifting of the ban in an article in the Daily Telegraph at the weekend. Daily Telegraph Prime Minister to mark sacrifices with wreaths The Sun More: Chief of Defence Staff uncomfortable about Ulster investigations Daily Telegraph McDonnell considering an inquiry into a four-day working week Shadow Chancellor says Labour would reverse child benefit cuts The Times News in Brief: Backstop to the future David Shiels, CapX Scruton scandal shows that British public life cant handle difficult ideas Mark Fox, Reaction The National Student Survey is having a terrible effect on academia David Butterfield, The Spectator Why global English is a force for division Peter Franklin, UnHerd Dysons five-year legal battle reveals the crony capitalist corruption at the heart of the EU Matt Ridley, Brexit Central John McDonnell is in talks with Robert Skidelsky, the economist, about heading an independent inquiry for the Labour party into a four-day week. The shadow chancellor hinted at the review in a television interview a month ago, saying that Britain worked the longest hours in Europe but was less productive. This week Mr McDonnell told the Financial Times that he hoped to be in a position to say more on the issue in the next couple of weeks. Lord Skidelsky admitted he had held discussions with the shadow chancellor about the idea of an independent inquiry into the feasibility of a shorter working week. For now, however, he said he had nothing definite to say. Lord Skidelsky is a prominent economic historian who has belonged to Labour, Conservative and the Social Democratic Party although he currently sits in the Lords as a cross-bencher. In 2015 he endorsed Jeremy Corbyns campaign for the Labour leadership, accusing the political elites of complacency for trying to dismiss him. FT Famous last words: the TwitterMob campaign to oust Roger Scruton from his government-appointed post appears to be running out of steam. Why? Perhaps because the original charge against him of anti-semitism, based on isolating seven words from a paragraph of almost a hundred, is demonstrably false. As William Shawcross proved on this site earlier this week, Scruton was lamenting that indigenous anti-Semitism still plays a part in Hungarian society and politics, and presents an obstacle to the emergence of a shared national loyalty among ethnic Hungarians and Jews. Since this is so, those concerned have scrabbled around in the mud, desparately searching for something that, when hurled at Scruton, will stick eugenics, sexism, Islamophobia etc. But, so far, the calls for him to be removed have by and large been confined to Labour and Liberal Democrat MPs. Downing Street is nervous these days, but not so much so to ask, when Andrew Gwynne asks it to jump, to reply: how high? But there may be a deeper reason why Scruton is still in place, and the bandwagon of those opposition MPs has become bogged down. Perhaps feminists and Muslims and others have read his work in greater numbers than some on the Right might assume. If so, they will have noticed that the philosopher is more than capable of taking right-wing thought full circle to meet them. Feminists hate the degradation of women for feminist reasons. Scruton hates it for conservative ones. Many Muslims believe that liberty in the western world has degenerated into licence. There is no more eloquent champion of liberal democracy than Scruton. But he none the less sees eye-to-eye with them on the place of faith, the role of piety and the primacy of the family. In The West and the Rest, he displays a deep unease about the displacement of traditional Islamic society, in the Muslim-majority world, by western consumer culture. This may explain why those claiming to speak for Muslims and Muslim institutions more widely have been relatively quiet about the Scruton controversy. At any rate, there have been plenty of voices from the Left speaking up for him: Jason Cowley, Peter Broadbent, Giles Fraser, Jacob Reynolds. As a voice on the Right, the only disappointment that we can express about Scruton is that he was made only a knight, not a hereditary peer. A final point. That government-appointed post is Chairman of its Building Better, Building Beautiful commission. It is no coincidence that the campaign to oust Scruton didnt exist, first, until this appointment and, second, since it became evident that the Government is taking the idea of beauty in design seriously. The interest comes from the top. Theresa May has been known to brandish Policy Exchanges document Building More, Building Beautiful spot the overlap at meetings on housing and design. Scruton was one of the authors. James Brokenshire has taken up the cause, and he is very much Mays appointment. Potentially at least, there is a lot at stake here. The campaigning for and against beauty in design has wider implications. Buildings help to shape our view not just of them, but of the world and of ourselves. Poundbury, to pick a well-worn example of revived traditional architecture, preaches a kind of sermon in stone (and, as its champions would remind us, slate and render) about our relationship with the past, the nature of beauty, and what makes for happy communities. No wonder Scrutons appointment is seen as a threat by those who have a jaundiced take on the past, or believe that beauty cant be spoken of meaningfully at all. Theresa May and Jo Johnson didnt get on. She inherited him as Universities Minister from David Cameron, who had previously appointed him head of the Policy Unit and Policy Board, during the run-up to the 2015 election. (It would thus have been Johnson who first supervised a form of words committing the Party to the EU referendum.) As both a Cameroon and a friend of George Osborne, Johnson a devout Remainer, unlike his brother was the real Johnson on the rise. He is a migration liberal, didnt care who knew it, and clashed with Downing Street over students and the immigration system. So the Prime Minister shunted him off to Transport in effect a demotion where he didnt hit it off with Chris Grayling. Johnson has now departed the Government, but was going nowhere. This isnt to suggest that his resignation was driven by thwarted ambition, but context is always important. Now that it has been given, it is essential to emphasise that Johnson, like his father and sister, is a believer in the European project. This highly intelligent, able, deeply civilised man is a true citizen of the world, a status for which his experience as a former Financial Times leader writer also qualifies him. There is a touch of the Molotov-Ribbentrop pact about this resignation. Boris Johnson is a Leaver. Jo Johnson is a Remainer. But they bond in their view of the outline deal that is taking shape. The heart of the latters fluent resignation letter is a sentence that the former might have written: William Hague once described the goal of Conservative policy as being in Europe, but not run by Europe. The governments proposals will see us out of Europe, yet run by Europe, bound by rules which we will have lost a hand in shaping. He goes on to reference Johnson senior: My brother Boris, who led the leave campaign, is as unhappy with the Governments proposals as I am. Indeed he recently observed that the proposed arrangements were substantially worse than staying in the EU. On that he is unquestionably right. If these negotiations have achieved little else, they have at least united us in fraternal dismay. We know that ERG Brexiteers and some others are poised to vote against any deal in the form taking shape. ConservativeHome has had its first squint at the numbers this afternoon. We believe there is a floor of at least 25 and a ceiling of over 60 (though our best guess at present is that the total is nearer the lower estimate). If former Remainers, such as Jo Johnson, join these committed Leavers in the lobbies, the Prime Minister will face a war on two fronts. Heidi Allen has piled in on Twitter, saying that if we dont know what our future trade deal with the EU will look like, MPs shouldnt support it. So has Anna Soubry. Surely, you will object, neither these MPs nor Johnson prefer the prospect of No Deal to Mays Deal? This takes us to the crunch. I reject this false choice between the PMs deal and no deal chaos, writes Johnson. On this most crucial of questions, I believe it is entirely right to go back to the people and ask them to confirm their decision to leave the EU. Soubry and Allen agree. Here, then, is a new nightmare for the Prime Minister, as she grapples with the DUP over her proposals. On the one side, a Johnson advances on her, proposing No Deal if necessary. From the other comes another Johnson, championing a second referendum. We leave our readers to decide which is Ribbentrop and which Molotov, but there can be no doubt about the identity of the corpse. The company says it doesnt think any financial information was exposed Robinhood, the trading app comprised of users who drove this years Reddit stock craze, reports that it has suffered a data breach in which the names and email addresses of millions of traders were stolen. In a blog post, the company emphasized that no Social Security or bank account numbers were compromised, and none of its users suffered any financial loss. The company said the hacker gained access to Robinhoods network systems by impersonating an authorized party to ... Wireless networks using current methods and protocols have been part of the process industry for more than a decade. There are many reasons why facilities adopt wireless networks, but they often boil down to two categories. The first category is reactive; wireless is used to bolster saturated wired infrastructure or in locations hard to access with cable. The second category is proactive; wireless is a critical means to quickly increase the reach of instrumentation and communication capabilities without the costs, long installation time, and possible downtime required for wired instruments. Regardless of the category, the ultimate goal is to increase a facilitys productivity and the workforces effectiveness. There is a constant drive for profitability despite there being less experienced personnel in the industry and reduced worker populations overall. Todays networking protocols fulfill four requirements for success: Reliable communication Secure data transfer Deterministic communications Managed power consumption. Wi-Fi and other onsite networks When most people think of wireless, their first thought is the wireless Ethernet (Wi-Fi) networks that connect computers, phones, tablets and other devices to office, home and even industrial networks. While Wi-Fi is very versatile and good for a wide variety of applications, its high-power requirements and high-protocol overheads make it impractical for measurement devices where battery life needs to be measured in years. Still, the ubiquity of Wi-Fi-enabled devices and the high bandwidth it offers make it suitable for wireless plant networks (WPNs), Figure 1) used for other purposes. Figure 2: With WirelessHART, each device on the network can serve as both as an instrument and a repeater. Courtesy: Emerson Automation Solutions[/caption] Alternatives to Wi-Fi for WPNs and broader geographic networks, such as a municipal water or electric utility applications, include long-term evolution (LTE) and wireless interoperability microwave access (WiMax). These networks offer different ways of handling coverage distance, bandwidth, mobility, and network support. In some cases, deployments may involve the participation of a commercial network provider, or may be installed and maintained privately. LTE and WiMAX are appropriate for a variety of use cases, but are not suited to process instrumentation networks. Another commercial protocol with that can be applied in an industrial setting is Bluetooth, and its later incarnation Bluetooth Low Energy. Bluetooth was originally designed as a cable replacement technology for short-distance, point-to-point connections such as wireless computer keyboards, cellular phone headsets, and headphones. Industrial adaptations include interfacing a laptop computer to a programmable logic controller (PLC) for configuration and maintenance functions without a physical cable, and other similar short distance applications. Wireless instrumentation networks One of the positive factors supporting user acceptance has been the establishment of standard protocols for wireless field instrumentation networks. The two main standards governing wireless process instruments: International Society of Automations (ISAs) 100.11a-Wireless systems for industrial automation: Process control and related applications and WirelessHART, each adopted as international standards IEC 62734-Industrial networks Wireless communication network and communication profiles and IEC 62591-Industrial Networks-Wireless communication network and communication profiles-WirelessHART, respectively. While these standards cover much of the same material, there are significant differences in their approaches. Both have established a reputation among vendors and users. The first of these to hit the market was WirelessHART. The first WirelessHART field devices were released in 2007. To overcome the interference issues inherent in industrial applications, WirelessHART uses a mesh network (Figure 2) where each device acts as a repeater for the network, providing multiple paths for signals to reach the access point or gateway. Since it was designed specifically for industrial applications by the FieldComm Group, certified devices from any manufacturer can interact with each other. Additionally, bandwidth use and security considerations are optimized for measurement and control applications. As wireless instruments are frequently battery-powered, the protocol was designed to minimize power usage. Depending on how frequently a given device provides measurement updates to the host, battery life can be up to 10 years. Developing the ISA100.11a standard was a longer-term project and was not completed until 2009. It is part of the larger ISA100 family, which covers a wider range of wireless applications. ISA100.11a is specifically for wireless instrumentation. It takes a different approach regarding how devices mesh, requiring users to determine how they interact. This necessitates a higher degree of network management than WirelessHART requires, which is self-organizing. ISA100.11a is generally installed so field devices directly communicate with one or more access points, which then communicate to a wireless gateway device that schedules communications and forwards the data to the host system. ISA100.11a devices can also be configured to act in a mesh network when it is necessary to improve signal reliability, but this reduces battery life. In some applications, various low-power wide-area networks (LPWANs) have been used to varying degrees of success. The original application of these protocols was for very low-bandwidth communications over very large areas, such as smart power meters for electrical and gas distribution companies where individual customer meters typically send updates once a day. While they have an extremely long range, the very low bandwidth and slow update times of these protocols make them unsuitable for most industrial monitoring applications. Adopters versus laggards According to Everett Rogers Diffusion of Innovations, the adoption of new technologies can be described with a curve from innovators and early adopters who are excited to experiment and try out a new technology, through to laggards who come very late to the party (Figure 3). Engineers who installed the first WirelessHART and ISA 100.11a devices in the 2007 to 2010 period would have fit the innovators description. Large instrumentation vendors investing heavily in developing devices using WirelessHART and ISA100.11a supported the successes of those innovators and early adopters. Where a WPN operated in conjunction with a wireless instrumentation network, plant personnel quickly realized many advantages (Figure 4). For example, giving plant personnel access to the control system data with mobile worker applications in the field can reduce loop commissioning time by up to 50% by enabling increased efficiency for operator and engineering workflow. Other applications such as location monitoring can significantly improve mustering during an incident, and wireless cameras provide significant safety and operational benefits. Looking at the current state of the wireless instrument market, WirelessHART is now entering the stage of the early majority. Most large industrial customers in the oil & gas, petrochemical, power, and other process industry markets have installed WirelessHART networks. Extending the range of instrumentation The first generation of wireless instrumentation was all about process variables, but users quickly realized the additional data provided could enable asset condition monitoring and other applications. For example, adding a WirelessHART-enabled acoustic sensor can determine if a steam trap is wasting energy, or if a pressure-relief valve is leaking. The same concept can be extended to all sorts of diagnostic applications now because of WirelessHART networks capabilities. While saving the cost of wiring is still a major benefit, the greatest value of wireless instrumentation and networks is the ability to facilitate pervasive sensing systems. With the costs of end devices and networks declining, the ability for plant operators to gather data and support decision-making has increased with many different applications. Shane Hale is the director of global business development at Emerson Automation Solutions. Hale has over 27 years of experience in the instrumentation and control field in many industry segments. He joined Emerson 20 years ago as a field technician in Sydney, Australia, and has held various roles including project design and commissioning engineer for international projects, business development manager, director of product management, and now global business development for Rosemount wireless. Shane has been involved with several standards committee boards including the AGA Gas Measurement Committee and the ISO Standards working groups. Edited by Emily Guenther, associate content manager, Control Engineering, CFE Media, eguenther@cfemedia.com. MORE ANSWERS KEYWORDS: Wireless plant network (WPN), WirelessHART Wireless plant network design and management plant network design and management The value of wireless instrumentation of wireless instrumentation Protocols to use for WPNs. Consider this If youre still waiting for wireless, are you losing productivity? Halpert said he heard the judge say the easier-than-normal releases today were "what the voters wanted". "Judge Devlin would never normally ask that question of a juvenile". A judge in Harris County, Texas, released almost all the juvenile defendants who appeared before him Wednesday morning after asking whether they planned to kill anyone. "Harris County Public Defender Steven Halpert, whose client was among those released by Devlin on Wednesday, said Devlin's defeat appeared to have motivated the releases, which started with him asking the defendants, "'If I release you, will you go out and murder anybody?'". Judge Devlin was not at work on Thursday. Devlin did not respond to a request for comment from the local news outlet. Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg didn't find Devlin's stunt amusing, however, considering some of the juveniles he released were charged with violent crimes such as aggravated robbery. Judge Devlin was one of 59 Republican jurists who lost their seats to Democrats on Tuesday, including all three juvenile court judges, the Chronicle reported. "We oppose the wholesale release of violent offenders at any age", Ogg said in a statement, expressing concern that Devlin's move could "endanger the public". Juveniles in Texas who are waiting in local detention centers before their cases are resolved are entitled to detention hearings every 10 working days to decide whether they can remain behind bars or be safely released under supervision, according to the Chronicle. He said the court is the first of its kind in Texas and only the second in the U.S. Devlin was elected to Houston's 313th district court in 2010, according to the court's website. The number of kids sent to state juvenile centers dropped in counties elsewhere in Texas. A juvenile judge in Houston freed at least seven youngsters brought to his court the day after he lost reelection to a Democrat. "But nobody has seen this before", he added. "He was releasing everybody", Halpert said Wednesday. The released defendants will have their cases heard on January 4, when Democratic Judge Natalia Oakes takes over. "I'm not sure that I can wrap my arms around what he's actually doing", Alex Bunin, Harris County's chief public defender, told the newspaper. We are analyzing the site. Please wait a few seconds.. 100% Website cookingpalette.net uses latest and advanced technologies like: JQuery. It supports HTTPS and GZIP compression. The main html page has a size of 334312 bytes (326.48 kb uncompressed) and 64325 bytes (62.82 kb compressed). This CoolSocial report was updated on 2021-08-23, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want. NORTH GLENGARRY, Ontario On Nov. 2, 2018 at approximately 2:36 p.m., Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry(SD&G) Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers observed a male in a Canadian military uniform soliciting funds for a charitable organization. The investigation revealed that the male did not have authorization to wear the uniform. Simon de Rothschild, 47, of North Glengarry, Ontario was arrested and charged with; Unlawful use of a military uniform wear a uniform Criminal Code of Canada section 419(a) He was released and scheduled to appear in Alexandria court on December 12, 2018. "We're one big family", said Spellman, who was not at the bar Wednesday night. A mental health specialist with the crisis team met with him and felt he might be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. She says he knew some of the people who teased him would be there. Friends and family mourn Ventura Country sheriff Sgt. Ron Helus, who was killed in a shooting at Borderline Bar. "I tried to get as many people to cover as I could", Knapp said. Nick Champion was among those inside when the gunman struck, killing at least a dozen people. "I said we go, and we ran", he said. "Since he can no longer be with us, we will hold a memorial in his honor". Helus was a 29-year veteran of the force with a wife and son and planned to retire in the coming year, said the sheriff, choking back tears. Dean said he has no doubt Helus and a California Highway Patrol officer who also was the first to respond "saved lives by going in there and engaging with the suspect". It is yet to be determined if he shot himself or was shot by other officers, according to Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean. But Dean said Long had used an extended magazine - illegal in California - during the shooting, which would enable the weapon to fire more rounds before needing to be reloaded. "Great bravery shown by police", Trump tweeted. Jerry Nadler, the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, said lawmakers would get to work on legislation including universal background checks when the House of Representatives convenes in January with a Democratic majority. "We do live in a scary time where we do have to be more cautious, but I also think we can't stop living our lives because things like this are happening", Jacksonville resident Cada White said. "I don't want thoughts", his mother, Susan Schmidt-Orfanos, said earlier. "He's one of the reasons that I'm here right now", she said. Borderline features country music, and Wednesday was "college night" that drew many young people to the bar. But the shooting at the bar in Thousand Oaks, California, has yet again placed a spotlight on businesses considered soft targets. "Pop pop pop", he said. I hit the ground. Suddenly, a man wearing a black trench coat and sunglasses approached the door and shot the security guard at the entrance. The gunman was throwing smoke grenades all over the place. People out there didn't really know what was going on. Dean estimated 10 to 15 people, including one with a gunshot wound, had gone to hospitals. He said he and others smashed their way out of the bar onto a balcony and then jumped down to safety. People at the bar fled from all exits, broke through windows and hid in the attic and bathrooms, the sheriff said. When the gunshots paused, Wennerstorm said he knew the shooter must be reloading, and he didn't waste the moment. Police tell the Ventura County Star that the initial report came around 11:20 p.m. that a man opened fire at the Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks, which is about 40 miles west of Los Angeles. "I was actually about to leave when you start hearing pop, pop, pop". "It doesn't matter how safe your community is". "It can happen anywhere", he said. United Methodist Church Westlake Village identified another victim, Noel Sparks, as a member of its congregation. Thirteen people died, including a sheriff's deputy and the suspected shooter. Ms Sanders commented: "As a result of today's incident, the White House is suspending the hard pass of the reporter involved until further notice". It shows Acosta harshly tugging away the microphone. "You shouldn't be working for CNN". After two years of being blocked by the White House and the Trump Organisation at every turn, Democrats hope the new year brings a new day on such issues as foreign government spending at Trump properties, Trump's foreign licensing deals, Trump administration ties to lobbyists and special interests, and spending by Trump's charitable foundation. "This is a test for all of us", Acosta told Cooper later. Sarah Silverman, host of I Love You, America, also went off. "Pardon me, ma'am", Acosta quickly said. CNN and several major journalism advocacy groups denounced the White House's move. "I came in here as a nice person wanting to answer questions, and I had people jumping out of their seats screaming questions at me", said Trump, who talked for almost 90 minutes despite the run-ins with reporters. John Legend then called Trump a "f**king embarrassment". No one is suggesting that Acosta threatened President Donald Trump. In this March 5, 2018 photo, a man removes the word Trump, off a marquee outside the Trump Ocean Club International Hotel and Tower in Panama City. Acosta pushed the woman's arm down as she tried to take the microphone away from him while he was haranguing the president. Sanders tried to justify the decision by accusing Acosta on Twitter of placing "his hands on a young woman just trying to do her job". "It's ridiculous for anyone to suggest he did". After taking criticism for the gross mischaracterization of events, Sanders proceeded to tweet a video of the event as evidence of Acosta's "inappropriate behaviour". Watch video of the full, unedited, exchange at the top of this article. In an explanation, Press Secretary Sarah Sanders lied. "Jim Acosta is always the story". Acosta steadfastly refuted Sanders' accusation, which she made via Tweetstorm, calling it "a lie". "We urge the White House to immediately reverse this week and misguided action", the WHCA wrote. The video shared by Sanders appeared edited to make the moment seem more violent. But it has also highlighted how video content - long seen as an unassailable verification tool for truth and confirmation - has become as vulnerable to political distortion as anything else. "It's deceptive, unsafe and unethical". "Knowingly sharing manipulated images is equally problematic, particularly when the person sharing them is a representative of our countrys highest office with vast influence over public opinion". "I've just been denied access to the WH". The president complained that the media did not cover the humming economy and was responsible for much of the country's divided politics. It was covered by every major outlet in the USA and beyond. Conservatives, like Ben Shapiro and Chuck Ross at the Daily Caller, called out the White House's lame excuse for the suspension. You and I disagree on this, ' Trump said. Whitaker was virtually unknown to Sessions before becoming his chief of staff. The bulk of Whitaker's relevant experience came when he served as USA attorney for the Southern District of Iowa from 2004 until 2009, a position for which he was recommended by Iowa Republican Sen. Matthew Whitaker is replacing his former boss, Jeff Sessions. As reason for his recusal, Sessions cited news reports of two undisclosed meetings he had with Sergey Kislyak, then Russia's ambassador to Washington. Trump blamed the recusal for the appointment of Mueller, who took over the Russian Federation investigation two months later and began examining whether Trump's hectoring of Sessions was part of a broader effort to obstruct the probe. The almost year and a half long investigation by the special counsel stems from allegations of Russian Federation coordinating with members of the Trump presidential campaign. Reports claim that Special Counsel Mueller has begun writing his final report. David Bosel, a retired political scientist, described Trump's attempts to scupper the Mueller investigation as "dictatorial" and accused most Republicans in Congress of helping Trump tilt the United States towards "fascism". Sen. Chuck Schumer of NY said in a statement that Whitaker should recuse himself from the Russian Federation probe in light of "his previous comments advocating defunding and imposing limitations on the Mueller investigation". Through his CNN role, where he was deeply critical of the Mueller probe, Whitaker got to know Trump, who saw him on TV and later met in person. Instead, the congressman said, the fact Sessions "followed the rules and simply was not involved at all in overseeing the Mueller probe was grounds for this rather long-awaited firing, and all of the public berating that went along with it". The Justice Department did not directly answer whether Whitaker would assume control of Mueller's investigation, with spokeswoman Sarah Isgur Flores saying he would be "in charge of all matters under the purview of the Department of Justice". "I think if you were to ask anyone with DOJ experience they would say 'Huh?" The document was released on Twitter by Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey, who tweeted that Whitaker "recuse himself immediately". Republicans, however, have been mostly silent. Republican Senator Susan Collins of ME criticized Trump for stripping Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein of his role overseeing the probe. "I could fire everybody right now, but I don't want to stop it because politically I don't like stopping it", Trump said at a stormy White House press conference that was even more tempestuous than the standard he has set. He earned $402,000 in 2016, the group's tax filing shows. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell blocked consideration of the Senate bill earlier this year. He served as state chairman during the 2012 election cycle for former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty's campaign. In either (or both cases), Trump appeared to take the relatively modest losses in the mid-term polls, supplemented by gains in the Senate, as a signal to further consolidate his position, premised on his view (and that of his supporters) that the President is all-powerful and can do no wrong in the originalist interpretation of the US Constitution. He majored in communications studies as an undergraduate and was interested in broadcasting and film production. Free air promotions for Norwegian Cruise Line sailings in 2019 are part of the companys extension of its go-to-market bundling strategy, according to Frank del Rio, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. Del Rio said it was an extension of the brands Free at Sea offering, which allows guests to bundle in various offerings, from internet access to food and beverage and shore excursion packages. The advantages of this next evolution of our unique bundling strategy are many. First, it overcomes a major hurdle of what high yielding long haul customers need and want, easy to book in affordable air transportation, del Rio said, on the companys third quarter earnings call. The success of Free at Sea has demonstrated that there is overwhelming demand for an inclusive contemporary cruise product. Free Air is the natural extension of that strategy. He said that travel agents are further incentivized to sell Norwegian products, earning an additional commission on air inclusive packages. The offerings strategically focuses on capturing more long haul, fly-cruise guests, reinforcing our strategy of sourcing the highest quality guests as long haul guests tend to be higher paying consumers both in ticket purchase and in onboard, del Rio added. Andy Stuart, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line, explained that the free air promotion for Norwegian Joys 2019 Alaska sailings drove bookings, and moved pricing up. Because what you get is you get some people who booked inclusive product and some people who buy cruise only, Stuart said. And the result of that mix is that you end up with a higher overall pricing outcome. So we're very happy with it. We are in the early days of the initiative. Its a 100 percent strategic initiative. Our goal here is to evolve the bundling strategy that has been so successful for us. Global Ports Holding (GPH) has announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Antigua and Barbuda to negotiate a long-term concession for cruise port operations for Antigua, including St. John's cruise port. The concession will also include certain retail outlets in the project area. Under the terms of the MoU, both parties have now entered into an exclusive period. GPH is the largest cruise port operator in the world, with numerous cruise ports under its banner in the Mediterranean, as well as Singapore, and an expanding presence in the Caribbean. During this period GPH and the Government of Antigua and Barbuda will continue to carry out further extensive due diligence and both parties will work towards the successful signing of the concession agreement, according to a statement. GPH said that it is willing to invest into a material upgrade of the St. John's cruise port including the construction of a new pier that will allow the port to handle Oasis-class ships, as well as investing in improving the current retail facilities and designing and constructing of new purpose-built retail and food and beverage facilities. In addition, as part of the proposal, GPH, will establish a charitable foundation to support essential social programs in Antigua and Barbuda. In 2018, St. John's cruise port will welcome an estimated 800,000 passengers, and the completion of the new pier and upgrade of the facilities are expected to lead to a passenger number north of one million. A finalized deal is expected to close in early 2019. Earlier this year, GPH made its first move in the Caribbean, winning a deal to manage and expand Havana's cruise port. Connecticuts George Jepsen was among several state attorneys general to ask acting U.S. Attorney General Matthew Whitaker to recuse himself from any role in overseeing special counsel Robert Muellers investigation of possible Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Whitaker took over as the Department of Justices acting attorney general on Wednesday after Jeff Sessions submitted his letter of resignation at President Donald Trumps request. Whitakers appointment to acting attorney general by Trump raised concerns among critics that Whitaker would attempt to curtail Muellers investigation. A letter addressed to Whitaker was initiated by Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey and is dated Nov. 8. Other than Healey and Jepsen, signatures on the letter included attorney generals from New York, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, California, North Carolina, Oregon, Vermont, Rhode Island and Washington, D.C. Your recusal is necessary to maintain public trust in the integrity of the investigation and to protect the essential and longstanding independence of the department you have been chose to lead, on an acting basis, the letter said. In the letter, the attorney generals said Whitakers public comments criticizing Mullers investigation have been widely circulated, including his suggestion to cut the special counsels budget or limit Mullers authority to follow lines of inquiry. We believe that the independent special counsel must have the full authority to investigate and, if warranted, prosecute any violations of federal law, the letter goes on to say. Healey shared the letter on Twitter, though it was unclear if Whitaker issued any kind of response to it on the platform because he set his account to private earlier this week. A Washington Post report from Thursday said Whitaker has no intention of recusing himself from overseeing the special counsel probe. The information was attributed to people close to Whitaker. BRIDGEPORT City firefighters put their training to the test last week when a car got trapped under the flatbed of a tractor trailer. Around 2 a.m. on Nov. 3, fire units raced to a report of a car under a flatbed. BRIDGEPORT On a campaign swing through the Park City last week and before attending a Democratic fundraiser at Testos Restaurant, some wanted then-gubernatorial candidate Ned Lamont to visit Bassick High School. The 89-year-old school, after all, is looking for the state to foot nearly 80 percent of a $115 million upgrade. Schools Superintendent Aresta Johnson reportedly agreed to a request made by State Rep. Steve Stafstrom, a member of the legislatures bonding committee who has been leading the charge in getting the state to fund the Bassick project. Then a day later, Johnson changed her mind. I opted to reschedule the visit until after the election, Johnson said. The board has a policy that bars employees from engaging in political activities on school premises during school hours. Johnsons about face didnt sit well with Dennis Bradley, a school board member who on Tuesday won the 23rd State Senate seat. Late in the evening on Nov. 1 the day of Lamonts visit to the city Bradley sent an email to Johnson and the rest of the board asking for a discussion and possible action at the boards Nov. 13 business meeting on why Johnson canceled/denied State Representative Stafstrom a tour of Bassick High School last minute when the democratic nominee for Governor, LT. Governor, Mayor and others were scheduled for a tour. By the following Tuesday, Lamont was the governor-elect. On Wednesday, Bradley was still pushing for a board discussion. That better be on the agenda. As per our bylaws, Bradley wrote in an email to the board. Board Chair John Weldon assured him it would be. Weldons reassurance was sought after three other board members Ben Walker, Maria Pereira and Joe Sokolovic wrote that it should be Bradley and Stafstrom who are admonished for suggesting the use of public schools and students as props to further a political agenda. On Thursday, Bradley said the proposed visit by Lamont and others was aimed at helping win money for a new Bassick. In short its not politics its doing the right thing, Bradley said. Thats her job. Now ... we made enemies, Bradley added. In his email, Walker characterized the proposed visit a political side show that would have occurred during school hours and that Johnson had his full support. It is inappropriate for anyone, including a sitting member of the General Assembly, to commandeer the use of school property in search of partisan political advantage, Walter wrote. No superintendent should be subjected to political pressure of this sort. During her recent evaluation, Bradley told Johnson that although the board often plays politics, she shouldnt. Dont pick a side, Bradley said. Be your own side. Stafstrom said he was unaware of the board policy and that his expectation was that any major candidate that had requested to tour would have been given equal access. He said Thursday, that Lamont would be re-invited as his schedule allows. Lamonts camp, on Thursday, said they unaware of the controversy and not bothered by it. BRIDGEPORT A local man has been charged with choking and raping a Massachusetts woman he met on an online dating website. Gimel Anderson, 25, of Hawley Avenue, was charged Friday with aggravated first-degree sexual assault, first-degree strangulation, second-degree assault and first-degree unlawful restraint. He was being held in lieu of $750,000 bond. On Oct. 20, Springfield, Mass., police were called to a hospital there for an assault victim. Police said a young woman had bruises on her face and throat and cuts on her head that requires stitches. Police said the woman told them she contacted Anderson through the dating website Tagged and arranged to come to Bridgeport to meet him. The woman picked up Anderson at his home. Police said he was carrying a bottle of beer, got into the womans car and then directed her to drive to Seaside Park, ostensibly so they could watch the sunset. However, once they parked there, police said, Anderson began choking the woman and hit her in the head with the beer bottle. He then pulled off her clothes and raped her, police said. Before leaving the victims car, police said, Anderson took a photo with his cell phone of her drivers license and threatened that he would come to her home and kill her if she went to police. The woman then drove to the hospital near her home in Springfield. What services does your agency provide, and who generally does it serve? We're an organization that matches a mentor and mentee that get together one hour a week on school grounds. It's meant for the mentee to have a positive role model in their lives. Mentees are children from grades 3-12. After eight years of grappling with Connecticuts finances, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy has one more budget to tackle. Malloy must offer Gov.-elect Ned Lamont strategies to avert the multi-billion-dollar deficit state finances could face over the next two years if adjustments arent made. But while the governors mandated tentative budget isnt due until Nov. 15, Malloy has been transparent about his fiscal principles. In many cases, these involve suggestions the governor made over the last two years to legislators who rejected them and excluded the administration from budget talks. I urge you in the strongest terms to take action, Malloy wrote last April to top lawmakers from both parties, to give the next governor the best chance for success. According to the legislatures nonpartisan Office of Fiscal Analysis, state finances unless adjusted will run 10.5 percent or $2 billion in deficit next fiscal year. And by two years out the potential gap hits 12 percent or $2.4 billion. A hefty chunk of that potential gap is tied to pension contributions, other retirement benefit costs and payments on bonded debt. Rising Medicaid expenses and compensation for state employees who forfeited raises this fiscal year and last also are key factors. A new taxing arrangement with hospitals has been a win-win deal for both the state and the industry by drawing more federal Medicaid dollars to Connecticut. But that deal expires next year, potentially punching a $450 million hole in the budget. Legislators also cut a few corners over the past 12 months, using gimmicks to defer budget challenges until after the 2018 elections. They propped up more than $160 million in annual operating expenses with a raid of energy conservation funds. After fierce public outcries they repealed new limits on a health care program for seniors, with no plans to cover the added costs next year. Similarly, they committed to move an extra $90 million annually into the transportation program starting July 1 also with no plan to replenish the General Fund. So how might Malloy whittle down the problem? The administration hasnt commented on the strategies it is preparing, though Lamont told reporters Thursday an initial meeting with the governor went well and that Malloy has been very supportive. But again, the governor hasnt kept many of his budget strategies a secret in recent years. Heres a quick rundown of Malloy proposals from the past two years. Dont promise relief you dont plan to deliver. After absorbing considerable criticism in 2017 for taking nine months to adopt a new budget, legislators laced the plan with a slew of small tax cuts but scheduled many to take effect after the election, when deficits many times the size of this promised relief must be solved. Middle income households, college graduates, retirees and others stand to receive tax breaks worth $120 million in the first year, and $163 million in the second. In past years many of these types of tax cuts often are canceled before they can take effect but after the election. Malloy was charged with doing this himself after winning re-election in November 2014. Three months later he delivered a budget that canceled or deferred more than $200 million in approved tax cuts that had not yet been implemented. The governor also has urged lawmakers to stop dangling municipal aid that likely wont be delivered. About $150 million of each annual deficit forecast involves local aid increases driven by formulas in state law increases that are suspended year after year during tough times, rather than simply repealed entirely. But as long as these potential municipal aid hikes remain on the books, budget analysts must count them, thereby making deficits appear larger and more imposing then they actually are. Get real about revenue The governor has asserted on several occasions that the too often state under-projects future revenue growth though, on occasion, his administration also has been too optimistic in its assessments. Connecticut currently adjusts its revenue projections three times annually in November, January and April through a consensus process that involves negotiations between analysts for the Executive and Legislative branches. And when they can agree that revenue is on the rise, projected deficits by definition shrink. Share teacher pension costs Malloy challenged lawmakers in 2017 to order cities and towns to foot the bill for roughly one-third of the annual contribution to the pension fund for municipal teachers an expense state government, to date, has borne by itself. The governor has said Connecticut no longer can afford to single-handedly cover the fastest-growing expense in the state budget. The fund suffers from more than seven decades of inadequate contributions prior to 2010. And according to one study, the annual contribution could more than quintuple, topping $6.2 billion by 2032. The current system of funding teacher pensions also is regressive. To make his point, Malloy contrasted one of the states most affluent communities, Greenwich, with one of its poorest, New Britain. Both have similar populations and school enrollment totals, but Connecticut spent $24 million more last year to cover pension costs for retired Greenwich teachers than for those from New Britain. In simple terms, Greenwich can afford to pay much higher salaries than New Britain can, yet it gets more help from the state on a per capita basis to provide pensions for its retired teachers. Adhere to the spending cap Even if all of these suggestions are followed, and if revenue projections improve, legislators will still likely face hundreds of millions of dollars in red ink in each fiscal year. The state spending cap adopted last November would force Lamont and the next legislature to close much of any remaining projected deficit with spending reductions but there also is a way to legally exceed the cap. This can be done provided the new governor signs a declaration of fiscal exigency effectively declaring a budget emergency and if 60 percent of the House and Senate each votes in favor of doing so. Malloy praised the enactment of the new cap and has urged lawmakers to live within its restraints. Lamont, who announced his transition team on Thursday, said developing plans to stabilize the budget and spur economic development will be among their top priorities. Lamont must submit his first two-year budget proposal to the General Assembly on Feb. 6. NAFCUs award-winning advocacy team is preparing for Congress to return to Washington following this weeks midterm elections. Although the 116th Congress will be split with Democrats controlling the House and Republicans controlling the Senate there are opportunities for credit union priorities to be addressed yet this year and in the new congressional session. The association secured a number of major wins for the credit union industry this year that have set the landscape for even more. A rundown of accomplishments is available here, highlighting credit unions efforts to get S. 2155 enacted, a delay to the NCUAs risk-based capital (RBC) rule and more guidance on a number of issues. In the lame-duck session, which begins next week, NAFCU will: Sharmon Lenth Catering to members who log long hours in trucks traveling across the country, Sharmon Lenth, president/CEO of $20 million asset Coast2Coast Financial Credit Union in Tampa, Fla., understands members must be able to access their accounts from anywhere at any time. Theyre a very transient group. Our core field of membership is still the trucking industry, and we all know their schedules are crazy, Lenth tells the CUNA News Podcast. We want to make sure they have access to their accounts no matter what city or state theyre in. But Lenth also knows its important to give members a warm welcome when they do walk into a branch. You try to emulate your person-to-person experience, and even your over-the-phone experience, to the same easy, simple, friendly experience, whether youre going online into home banking from your laptop or desktop, or youre logging into the app, she says. Patriot Park memorial receives crucial 6-acre donation David Schmucker donated nearly 7 acres to the park for the centerpiece Gold Star Memorial Plaza. The recent call launched by King Mohammed VI to neighboring Algeria for a direct, open and frank dialogue without constraints to resolve all the Moroccan-Algerian issues continue to score positive reactions worldwide. French Foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian paid tribute to the royal move, saying Paris has always called for the strengthening of relations between Morocco and Algeria, which are Frances major partners. He went on to say that the Maghreb cannot succeed if it remains divided and if the land borders continue to be closed, noting that the unity of this region can enable Maghreb people to overcome all challenges. Moroccan-Algerian land borders are closed since 1994 when Algeria decided to shut down the border after Morocco imposed visa regulations on Algerian visitors in the wake of a terrorist attack on the Atlas Asi hotel in Marrakech. Moroccan authorities lifted the visa requirement in 2004. However, the border has remained closed despite Rabats numerous calls to end this abnormal situation and tear down the barriers. In Madrid, Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Borrell praised the call made by King Mohammed VI to Algeria for a direct dialogue, saying that Moroccos proposals are destined to strengthen the ties between two important neighbors, friends and partners of Spain. At the United Nations, Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the UN Secretary General said the UN chief Antonio Guterres has always been very supportive of increased dialogue between Algeria and Morocco and welcomes the royal initiative. The Secretary General welcomes the support extended by His Majesty, the King of Morocco, in relation to the efforts made by the Secretary Generals Personal Envoy for the Sahara, Horst Kohler, towards the resumption of the talks on the Sahara issue, he added. For his part, Secretary General of the Arab Maghreb Union (UMA) welcomed the initiative of King Mohammed VI to set up a joint mechanism for dialogue between Morocco and Algeria to settle differences between the two countries. The proposals voiced by the Moroccan King will spur a new dynamic, facilitating cooperation, complementarity and integration in the Maghreb, said the UMA secretary General. He expressed hope that Algeria would embrace the bold royal initiative to give a new impetus to the Maghreban joint action to achieve sustainable development and counter the threat of terrorism, while building a better future for the peoples of the region. In a speech marking the 43rd anniversary of the Green March, the Moroccan Sovereign deplored the state of Moroccan-Algerian relations as unreasonable and utterly inconsistent with the brotherly bonds uniting the two peoples, who share the same religion, language, history and destiny. To remedy the situation, the Sovereign called for a direct and frank dialogue in order to settle the transient and objective differences impeding the development of relations between the two countries and suggested the establishment of a mechanism for dialogue and consultation to break the stalemate in bilateral relations. The Royal initiative was also commended by several Arab and African countries as an opportunity to open new perspectives for peace, stability and development in the Maghreb. Moroccan Energy and Mines Minister Aziz Rabbah has dismissed reports claiming a halt in the Moroccan-Nigerian gas pipeline saying that studies are ongoing and that West African states welcome the project. The project was launched by Morocco and Nigeria in 2016 with feasibility studies already underway. Studies relating to the Morocco-Nigeria pipeline are underway, said the minister adding that West African countries are always interested by this future infrastructure, including Mauritania, which has expressed its interest in the pipeline as a producing country. He dismissed the media reports that claimed that Nigeria will give up the project in favor of a trans-Saharan pipeline to Algeria. In this respect, the Minister explained that the two projects complement each other. Rabbah underscored the positive impact of the Atlantic pipeline on regional integration in West Africa. The gas pipeline is also conducive to reaching energy independence in the entire West African region. The trans-Saharan gas pipeline between Algeria and Nigeria was resurrected at a joint committee between the two countries. Experts estimate that a gas pipeline crossing the sea is safer for Nigeria to find new energy markets. Security conditions in northern Nigeria, Niger and the Algerian south, the supposed route of the Trans-Saharan Gas pipeline, remain volatile with the presence of terrorist groups taking advantage of porous borders and attacking pipelines and gas installations. This adds to the unfeasibility of the Algerian project and gives credence to the Atlantic gas pipeline project to channel gas through offshore pipelines. Some economists consider that Algeria has also shown indifference to the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline because it does not want to offer its main client, Europe, an alternative source of gas. Algeria nurtured the hope of becoming Russias Europe to the South. On the other hand, several reports by international think tanks warned that Algerias domestic consumption of gas is on the rise coupled with a falling production. The countrys export capacity is steadily decreasing making it an unreliable gas supplier. Therefore, the Moroccan-Nigerian pipeline will offer Europe a much needed new source of gas that will reduce European countries dependence on Russian and Algerian gas. WEST CHESTER While Fuzzy, Rover and Max might be mans best friend, a female Henderson High School student has fallen in love with rescue dog Stella. In time for Octobers Adopt-a-Dog-Month, 17-year-old Caroline Capuzzi wrote about Stella as part of a compilation which includes the work of 25 authors from all over North America. Dog Joy: Amazing Stories of the Indescribable Love Only a Rescued Dog Can Give is available online at DogJoyBook.com Each story is accompanied by a photograph of a rescued dog and each chapter was contributed by a unique individual or family. To date, more than $2,500 has been donated to several of the featured rescue shelters. Nine hundred dollars worth of books was donated for organizations to sell. Many rescue dogs are happier, Capuzzi said, They often come from such a tough life. You often dont know what they came from. They definitely have a heightened sense of appreciation and are gratified. Stella is a mixed breed and likely a border collie/Australian Shepherd mix and was a puppy, at less than a year old, when Stella moved into her forever home with the Capuzzis. Capuzzi is considering heading off to college next fall and will not take Stella with her. During a phone call interview, the high school senior reported that Stella was on her back receiving lovins and rubs on her belly. Ill miss her-thats going to be the toughest part about going away to school, Capuzzi said. At 16, Capuzzi started working at Dr. Brenda Perkins West Chester Animal Hospital on Pottstown Pike. While employed at the hospital, during a five or six month time period, the Capuzzis were without a pooch after the passing of German Shepherd Zoe. I was surrounded by all these dogs, she said. It opened my eyes so much to all the demeanors, personalities and traits of the rescue dogs that board (at the hospital). Father Mike Capuzzi said he is proud of Caroline, who during summer vacation decided to do something helpful and meaningful. To date, she has been able to help people share their dog rescue stories and raise money for dogs in need, Mike Capuzzi said. I hope other kids are inspired by what she has done and create their own helpful effort. The ultimate goal of the book is to encourage people to consider visiting an animal shelter the next time they are looking for a new friend. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals estimates that nationally shelters take in 6.5 million animals per year. Roughly 3.3 million are dogs. Although numbers have declined, 670,000 dogs are euthanized each year. The increase in adoptions and return of animals to their owners has aided in that decrease, wrote Capuzzi in the books introduction. For more information, go to www.DogJoyBook.com Almost before the public announcement that the conservative philosopher Sir Roger Scruton had been made head of a new public body to champion beautiful buildings, the Left were on manoeuvres. They began digging into his background and into his pronouncements over the years to try to unearth embarrassing material to block him from getting the job. The Lefts archaeological dig in search of material that they could potentially label as offensive has echoes of the witch-hunt against another Right-winger who was appointed to a government post. Sir Roger Scruton, English philosopher, portrait at Aldeburgh Literary Festival, Aldeburgh, Suffolk Educationalist Toby Young, who founded the West London Free School, was forced to quit as a board member of the Governments university regulator, the Office for Students, after his tasteless tweets about women made years earlier were unearthed by his detractors. Scruton, 74, has been a thorn in the Lefts side for a great deal longer than Young. The high priest of the libertarian Right, hes written 50 books and relishes controversy. Labour MPs and the Lefts lynch mob are therefore only too eager to denounce him after scouring the internet for his most controversial comments. They have claimed he is both anti-Semitic and Islamophobic as well as homophobic, citing as evidence selected quotes from his past writings that have been taken out of context. For what its worth, as a gay man, I am not offended by his comment made back in 2007 before gay marriage was introduced that homosexuality was not normal. More importantly, though, I cant see why it should disqualify him from opining on whether a building looks good or bad. For the best part of 40 years Scruton, an accomplished musician and composer, has been a leading authority on aesthetics which is why it is, in fact, a clever appointment. Now 74, he was brought up in Milton Keynes where his childhood was dominated by his father Jacks depressive moods. Jack was a school teacher and ardent socialist as well as a harsh man who would not allow Roger or his two sisters to read Beatrix Potter books because they polluted the image of the countryside with cosy bourgeois sentiment. When Roger got into High Wycombe Royal Grammar School, Jack disapproved because of his aversion to affectations of privilege. His mother Beryl died of cancer when he was a teenager, but he won a place at Cambridge and eventually became estranged from his father, of whom he now says: Funnily enough he looked very like Jeremy Corbyn. And his worldview was pretty similar too. Like so many of his generation, the 1968 Paris riots in which student protests against capitalism almost brought the entire country to a halt were the defining political moment of Scrutons life. Professor Sir Roger Scruton with his wife Sophie and children Sam and Lucy Investitures at Buckingham Palace He was in the Latin Quarter of Paris when students tore up cobblestones to hurl at riot police. His friends overturned cars to build barricades. As he watched from his apartment window, Scruton had a Damascene conversion. I suddenly realised that I was on the other side, he says. What I saw was an unruly mob of self-indulgent middle-class hooligans. When I asked my friends what they were they trying to achieve, all I got back was ludicrous Marxist gobbledegook. I was disgusted. Thats when I became a conservative. I knew I wanted to conserve things rather than pull them down. Following a brief marriage to Paris student Danielle Laffitte, the wild-haired tweed-coated professor of philosophy and aesthetics at Londons Birkbeck College joined a chain of Western academics secretly teaching behind the Iron Curtain. He provided covert classes in Prague leading to university degrees for dissidents and was detained and expelled by the communist government. In the mid-1980s Scruton published a volume of prescient essays, Thinkers of the New Left, attacking the grip of Marxists in universities. Vice-chancellors were outraged and his publishers, under pressure of a boycott from their more profitable academic writers, remaindered the book. Driven from academia he started a new life in a farmhouse in Wiltshire, with 100 acres of land, which he calls Scrutopia. In his timbered rural idyll he churns out books on architecture, music, religion and politics. He has a string of hunting horses (another reason the Left hate him) and met his second wife Sophie, 30 years his junior, when they were riding. They have two children. Never far from controversy, Scruton was damaged by the revelation in 2002 that he was taking money from tobacco companies while criticising the World Health Organisation campaign against smoking. In 2016 he was knighted for services to philosophy, teaching and public education. But to this day he is despised by an education establishment which instinctively distrusts Right-wing academics. As Scruton himself said last year: Once you are identified as Right-wing, you are beyond the pale of argument You are not an opponent to be argued with, but a disease to be shunned. Two jihadists, members of ISIS terror group, were nabbed Friday by Moroccan security services, engaged in a tireless war against terrorism and extremism. According to Moroccos Central Bureau of Judicial Investigation (BCIJ), the suspects, aged 25 and 18, were planning to carry out a terrorist attack threatening the countrys stability. The two ISIS operatives were arrested in Inzegane and Ait Melloul, Southern Morocco. One of the captured extremists is a former terror convict, while the other is a sharia law student. Both have links with other terrorists arrested in July 2018 in Fes and Safi and were trying to get weapons to commit terror attacks in the North African Kingdom. Preliminary investigation showed that the suspects also have contacted jihadists operating overseas to learn from their experience in making explosive devices and poisons. Few days ago, Moroccan authorities arrested in the city of Mohammedia (near Casablanca) an engineering student with ties to ISIS. He was planning to launch a terror attack using an explosive belt. Since its creation in 2015, the BCIJ, Moroccos FBI, dismantled 183 terror cells. Thanks to this proactive strategy, there have been no terrorist attacks on Moroccan soil since 2011. The authorities have placed counterterrorism at the top of priorities following the Casablanca terror attacks in 2003 and the two subsequent attacks of 2007 and 2011. Moroccos counterterrorism efforts mitigated the risk of terrorism, but the country continues to face threats, largely from numerous small, independent violent extremist cells. Before I write another word, I should caution that I will be straying a long way from my habitual territory this week to touch upon matters sexual. Those who prefer more salubrious reading material at the breakfast table should turn the page now. As for any who choose to stick with me, well, dont say you havent been warned. I blame Jess Phillips MP (of whom more in a moment). Anyway, here goes. Getting on for 50 years ago, as a smutty-minded schoolboy of 17, I sent a newspaper cutting to the satirical magazine, Private Eye, in the hope of being paid for having spotted it. Labour MP Jess Phillips has said that girls should be taught about orgasms during sex education lessons at school At the time, I thought it one of the funniest things anyone could hope to read and I blush to realise that, to this day, I remember it word for word. The year was 1971 and controversy was raging in the media over an explicit sex education film, Growing Up, made for use in schools by a so-called sexologist, Dr Martin Cole. Traditionalists who believed the sexual revolution of the Sixties had already gone too far were up in arms. They included the formidable clean-up TV campaigner Mary Whitehouse and her co-founders of the Nationwide Festival Of Light anti-pornography pressure group, Lord Longford and the journalist Malcolm Muggeridge. How we mocked them, we sophisticated metropolitan schoolboys who thought we knew it all. Caution The then-Education Secretary, an obscure politician called Margaret Thatcher, told the Commons she was very perturbed at the thought of the film being shown in schools and advised local education authorities to consider it with extreme caution. Cue a newspaper report of a lecture given by Dr Cole to schoolchildren, during which his film was screened. The account contained the following lines, which struck the teenaged me as hilarious: A 15-year-old girl said she found Dr Coles lecture very interesting, but the only thing in it that she hadnt heard about before was masturbation. About 50 members of the Festival Of Light anti-pornography league demonstrated outside the hall. Womens expectations should be greater, said Mrs Phillips, a 37-year-old mother of two. They should start demanding more during sex For reasons that mystified me, Private Eye chose not to print my contribution. Had the editor failed to pick up the double entendre in the word demonstrated? Or did he just think it too unfunny, or too tasteless, to defile the pages of his magazine? Anyway, I was reminded this week of my puerile failed attempt to earn a fiver from Private Eye when I read Labour MP Mrs Phillipss demand that girls should be taught about orgasms during sex education lessons at school. Her remarks were apparently prompted by a Kinsey Institute study, which found that only 65 per cent of heterosexual women usually or always climax during sex, compared with 95 per cent of men.Here was yet more evidence of cruel sexual inequality, suffered by women in our wickedly patriarchal society. Womens expectations should be greater, declared Mrs Phillips, a 37-year-old mother of two, who will be familiar to viewers of the BBCs Have I Got News For You. They should start demanding more during sex. Im not suggesting we teach children how to masturbate, she said. Im suggesting we talk to them about the things theyre doing anyway. Im not entirely sure what she meant by that, or quite what form she thought these orgasm lessons should take. But it was clear that her intention was to open up a new battlefront in the feminist war for equality with members of my sex. I pictured mass rallies in Parliament Square, thronged with protesters holding placards demanding A Womans Right To Sexual Fulfilment. Before long, the Government would be cowed into action, perhaps sending inspectors into the nations bedrooms to advise us on where weve been going wrong. Eccentric After all, to a Labour MP there is no inequality too intractable to be remedied by state intervention and no human activity too private to be shielded from Big Brothers all-seeing eyes. Two thoughts immediately sprang to my mind. The first was that, these days, Mrs Phillips would be hard pushed to find a 15-year-old, of either sex, who had never heard of masturbation. Heaven knows, there were few enough around even in 1971, before Dr Cole and his followers made it their eccentric mission to tell girls and boys all about it. Though I may be wrong, I suspect a substantial majority of todays teenagers have seen it demonstrated (if I may use that word again) in all-too-graphic detail on the internet. Their generation must be the best informed in history on what we might call the mechanics of sex. Tom Utley suspects that a substantial majority of todays teenagers might be the best informed in history on what we might call the mechanics of sex - thanks to the internet My second thought was that if lessons were really needed on how heterosexual women could achieve satisfaction, they would surely be better directed at boys than at girls. I cannot stress too strongly that I claim no expertise in this area. But if I had to guess, I would suggest that all this aggressive hammering away on the internet, accompanied by yelps of ecstasy, might be misleading to the young lads of today. They might find a little tenderness would sometimes be more appreciated. Indeed, as feminists now admit, Mrs Whitehouse and Co had it right when they argued that pornography and the modern worlds obsession with sex do a grave disservice to women. But then what do I know? Born in 1953, I missed out on the sort of lessons pioneered by Dr Cole, with all the visual and audio aids schools now use to help pupils understand the process of human reproduction and associated matters. Indeed, my entire formal sex education was confined to the five-minute Leavers Talk, delivered to a group of a dozen 13-year-olds by an acutely embarrassed headmaster at my prep school. Sniggers The awful thing was that we all knew exactly what he was going to say, because the Leavers Talk had been gleefully mimicked in the dorm by generations who had gone before us complete with the nervous tics the poor man had suffered since his days as a prisoner of the Japanese during the war. As he gave the talk, you could tell he would marginally have preferred to be back in that POW camp. I am not going to tell you the facts of life, because you all know them already, he began, as we tried desperately not to catch each others eyes, for fear of bursting into uncontrollable sniggers. No, he just wanted to warn us about a dreadful crime we might encounter at our public schools. We had probably noticed, he said, that when there was a bitch on heat in the neighbourhood, the local dogs became so confused that they sometimes attempted to mate with each other. So we should all watch out if any older boys tried to become over-friendly with us. He left the rest to our imagination. And that was that the beginning and end of my formal sex education. Indeed, I cant remember where, when or how I learned the facts of life. My parents certainly didnt pass them on to me, and Ive often thanked God that our four boys never asked me how babies were made (I was going to tell them, gently but firmly: Ask your mother). But the boys very existence suggests I must have picked up the basics somewhere along the line from a whispered word behind the school pavilion, perhaps, or a well-thumbed page in Encyclopedia Britannica. Like generations before me, I knew how it was done from a very early age without needing official guidance. As for Mrs Phillipss demand for orgasm lessons, I fear this is one battle for equality between the sexes she may never win. I just pity the poor teachers she expects to pass on the mysteries of sexual fulfilment to classes full of giggling girls. When Galit Tsuk agreed to support her husband Amit through gender reassignment surgery, the couple's bond seemed unbreakable. But the childhood sweethearts who lived as husband and wife for 20 years before remarrying as two women have since made the heartbreaking decision to go their separate ways. The former couple from Nahariya, Israel, star in a groundbreaking new documentary exploring the aftermath of Amits decision to live as a woman and the shockwaves it sent through their close-knit family and the wider community. For two years, Galits support of her husband was defiant and unwavering, as she resolved to find a way to keep the family together for the sake of their four children, now aged 10 to 21. Speaking exclusively to MailOnline this week, she explained: I loved [Amit] so much that I didnt care if [she] was a man or a woman.' Galit Tsuk, right, refused to leave her husband's side when Amit, left, came out as transgender in 2016. The couple remarried as wife and wife, but have since divorced. The story of their remarkable journey and how it affected their children is the subject of a new documentary Galit (left) and Amit Tsuk were childhood sweethearts who met aged 15 and married at 22 (pictured at their wedding in 1996). The couple went on to have four children, before everything changed on Amit's birthday when she came out as a transgender woman After Amit's surgery in July 2016, the pair returned to Nahariya, Israel and remarried as two women (pictured). Sadly the childhood sweethearts later split and have both since remarried The Tsuk children were equally open-minded about their father's journey, with daughters Yuval, Agam and Peleg offering jewellery, trinkets and makeup tips. Today, the three eldest children now live with 44-year-old Amit, who they call Eema (Mum), while the youngest, ten-year-old Peleg, is currently in joint custody. And in another twist to their remarkable story, the former couple have both found love with women since their divorce - despite Galit, also 44, having never been intimate with a woman before. Moment the Tsuk family changed forever Galit could not have prepared herself for her husband's earth-shattering revelation on [her] 40th birthday in 2016, and was shocked to learn that Amit had secretly been wearing womens clothing since childhood. Amit blames her difficult childhood and injury sustained while serving in the Israeli army for keeping her in the closet for so long, making her feel she was 'living in disguise' trapped in a man's body. Galit recalls: 'At first I thought [she] was kidding, and I told [her] to go back to sleep because this must be a nightmare.' Galit, left, refused to leave her husband's side when Amit came out as transgender. The pair swapped fashion and makeup tips (pictured) and later travelled to Thailand together for Amit's gender reassignment surgery. Around this time the cracks began to appear in their marriage Amit, left, and Galit at home with daughter Yagam in the foreground. The Tsuk children were open-minded about their father's journey, with daughters Yuval, Agam and Peleg offering jewellery, trinkets and makeup tips Twenty years after their first wedding Galit, left, and Amit remarried as wife and wife. Footage shows the couple beaming from ear to ear, wearing matching white dresses and dancing a song that translates to 'Blessed be he who made me a woman' But when Amit explained that [she] felt [she] had been 'living in disguise' for 40 years, Galit admits she 'broke down'. Instead of leaving her husband, however, Galit made the decision to support Amit throughout the transition process and learn to love her again as a wife. Daddy thinks that he was born in the wrong body Together, they broke the news to their children that 'Daddy thinks that he was born in the wrong body'. She explains: In Israel, gender dysphoria is when your soul is not connected to your body. So I thought maybe if she could get a woman's body, her own body, then she would be happy and be in a better place in her life... and maybe I could get back my husband as a wife. I loved her soul, and I loved her so much that I didn't care if she was a woman or a man,' Galit adds. 'I wanted to check how far I could go with out breaking up the family. To check what my boundaries were for loving Amit.' Amit, far left, and Galit with their two youngest daughters before the gender reassignment surgery. Speaking about her decision to stay with her husband, Galit told MailOnline: I loved her soul, and I loved her so much that I didn't care if she was a woman or a man' Twelve-year-old Agam's Bat Mitzvah was sparsely attended, as family friends began to shun the Tsuk household (pictured: Agam with Amit before her gender reassignment surgery) No turning back: Amit's new life as a woman Amit's new identity also weighed heavily on the children who had to cope with strangers staring and calling their mother a f***ot and a 'd**e*. Nahariya is a small coastal city home to less than 60,000 people where Judaism is an integral part of daily life. Twelve-year-old Agam's Bat Mitzvah was sparsely attended, as family friends began to shun the Tsuk household. Despite this heartbreaking setback, Amit went ahead with full reassignment surgery, resolute in her knowledge that it would help her feel more at peace with herself. I loved her so much that I didn't care if she was a woman or a man' Galit Tsuk In the months leading up to the operation, Amit battled depression, low moods and 'constant' tears caused by her hormone pills as the first cracks in the couple's marriage began to show. In July 2016 the couple travelled to Chonbori, Thailand for the procedure with renowned surgeon Dr. Suporn Watanyusakul MD at a cost of around 150,000 ILS (31,200). Galit was visibly nervous as she waited for her now-wife to return from the operating theatre, and was a source of strength and comfort in the weeks that followed. Starting a new life as wife and wife Back in Israel, Amit and Galit remarried as wife and wife; footage shows the couple beaming from ear to ear, wearing matching white dresses and dancing a song that translates to 'Blessed be he who made me a woman'. In July 2016 the couple travelled to Chonbori, Thailand for Amit's reassignment surgery with Dr. Suporn Watanyusakul MD at a cost of around 150,000 ILS (31,200). The couple are pictured at the airport after returning to Israel for an emotional reunion with their children Amit went ahead with full reassignment surgery, resolute in her knowledge that it would help her feel more at peace with herself (pictured with Galit before the pair split in 2017) Yet just a few months later, the pair had split in a turn of events that came as a shock not just for Amit but for the producers who had been following the familys every move and were preparing to wrap up filming. Galit felt that Amit needed space to grow as a woman and no longer had the patience to 'wait for her to be happy'. She explains: 'For three years I didn't talk about myself at all, I just talked about [her] and the kids, and what people would say and what they would think about me. I realised that I was losing myself to her to be happy Galit Tsuk 'When I came back from Thailand I [decided] it was time for me to start thinking about myself, because I realised that I was losing myself to her to be happy.' Amit has since found love again with Shirley, a woman who she met on a lesbian dating website, and the pair are now married. Life is far from perfect, but Amit 'gets stronger every day' and says of her relationship with her ex-wife: Today we try to remain as normal a relationship as possible between a divorced couple. We have four children and we are trying to do the best for them. Galit adds: I never believed that I would love again. Not this kind of love. Family in Transition won the Best Israeli Documentary Film Award at DocAviv, the annual film festival in Tel Aviv, qualifying the film for a Documentary Feature Film Academy Award this year, as announced by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Family In Transition will premiere internationally on Sunday, November 11 at DOC NYC, followed by a theatrical release in Los Angeles on November 16 and in New York on November 23 Moisturiser is regarded as a skincare staple, but one doctor has made the controversial claim that we should give it up for good. Dr. Sobia Ali warns that the millions of British women using cream on a daily basis could be making themselves dependent on the product, leading to a 'vicious cycle' that could spell disaster for your skin. Dr. Sobia, who works at Edinburgh's Medical & Cosmetic Centre, has issued a stark warning to those who incorporate it into their daily regime, noting that overusing it can aggravate wrinkles, acne, rosacea and pigmentation. Here, she gives her practical advice for ditching the product - along with her top tips for caring for your skin throughout the winter. Is moisturising a myth? Edinburgh-based Dr. Sobia Ali warns that the millions of British women using daily cream could be making themselves dependent on the product (file photo) Is your skin really dry? 'Only a very small percentage of people have a 'true' dry skin condition, like eczema or psoriasis,' Dr Sobia explains. 'But in reality, many of us feel that we do have dry or sensitive skin, and the automatic reaction is to reach for a moisturiser, particularly in winter when the weather can give our skin a battering. 'Moisturisers account for over 50 per cent of skincare sales, which isn't surprising, as we are brought up to believe that the ritual of "cleanse, tone, moisturise" is as important as brushing our teeth, but it's a misconception,' says Dr Sobia. 'Moisturiser doesn't hydrate our skin. Natural hydration must come from within our skin, and it cannot be replaced by moisturisers.' What happens when you use a moisturiser? 'When a moisturiser is applied to the skin regularly, the deeper layers of the skin detect this and switch off their own natural moisturising mechanisms, resulting in dry skin and even moisturiser dependence. A doctor has given her practical advice for ditching the product - along with her top tips for caring for your skin throughout the winter (file photo) 'This is a vicious cycle, as the more that the moisturiser is placed on to the skin, the drier the skin will be on the insider, resulting in long-term skin problems. The moisturiser can also sit on the surface of dry skin, clogging the pores and damaging the texture of the skin; it can also aggravate wrinkles, acne, rosacea and pigmentation. Dr Sobia Ali is the skin health lead doctor at Dr Nestor's Medical & Cosmetic Centre 'Most of my patients do not have a dry skin condition, such as eczema or psoriasis, and so I encourage them to stop using moisturisers immediately. It takes around three weeks to wake up the skin's own natural moisturising process, but in the long run, your skin will thank you for it.' How to achieve healthy winter skin So, what should we be using over the winter, if our moisturisers are banned? Dr Sobia explains: 'Serums rich in vitamin C will help the skin repair, especially over the winter months. Vitamin C is a multitasking antioxidant powerhouse which repairs, renews and strengthens the skin. 'Typically, I start my patients on at least 10 per cent pure Vitamin C to help them see real results. Hyaluronic acid and ceramides are essential for skin hydration as they help the skin retain its natural moisturiser. 'It is also important to continue exfoliating throughout the winter, to remove dead skin cells. Exfoliants rich in glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids will help stimulate healthy skin turnover and boost collagen levels in the skin.' Dr Sobia Ali, MBChB, Bsc (Hons), MRCGP is the skin health lead doctor at Dr Nestor's Medical & Cosmetic Centre. Consultations can be booked by visiting drnestor.co.uk Australia is in for a long and hot summer this year. So for those living in a house without air conditioning it's going to be tough trying to find ways to escape the humid, sticky weather. But one mother from Queensland has come up with a cheap Kmart hack to solve the problem for babies - and the answer lies within the retailer's pet section. One mother from Queensland has developed a cheap Kmart hack to solve the problem for small children and the answers lies within the retailer's pet section Uploading a picture of her child to a Facebook group, Kacey-Leigh Macdonald said a special 'cooling mat' was the answer to her problems. 'Comes in handy for a cranky bub on hot days,' she said. The water-patterned mat is actually meant to cool down household pets but in this case can be used on a grumpy child. Kmart states that the mat contains a cooling gel rather than water or ice you have to freeze. There is also no electricity required. It works by absorbing body heat and dissipating it around the mat, chilling the occupant on it It works by absorbing body heat and dissipating it around the mat, chilling the occupant on it. Mothers were excited by Ms Macdonald's discovery and said it could also work on swollen feet and ankles in the summer time. It's currently in stock online and comes in a large size, which is $20, and a small size, which is $12. For adults not able to fit on the mat there are a few extra things you can do to keep your temperature low. Wearing cotton and applying a cold press to your pressure points at the wrists, neck, elbows, ankles and behind the knees will work a treat. The cast of Mary Poppins Returns filmed scenes at Buckingham Palace, Lin-Manuel Miranda has revealed. The US actor, who plays street lamplighter Jack in the reboot of the hit musical, relocated from New York to London with his family in a bid to 'immerse himself' in British life during filming, he told Vogue. Speaking in the fashion bible's December issue, the Hamilton creator said he 'wanted to understand the culture that had given rise to the world of the Banks family' - and developed a taste for Dip Dabs and Fawlty Towers. And while Britain's most famous export is arguably Shakespeare, father-of-two Miranda concluded during his time in the big smoke that 'its real treasures are less highbrow'. Scroll down for video Lin-Manuel Miranda, pictured in April, relocated from New York to London with his family in a bid to 'immerse himself' in British life while filming Mary Poppins Returns, he told Vogue Miranda, plays street lamplighter Jack in the reboot of the hit musical (pictured with British co-star Emily Blunt outside Buckingham Palace) He also spoke of the pressure of filming musical numbers inside the Queen's official London residence, saying: 'We were never going to be able to take over Buckingham Palace again or get 120 men on vintage bicycles to ride through central London.' Filming began in February 2017, with the cast based at Shepperton Studios in Middlesex, and Miranda said he had worked hard at nailing his cockney accent. Miranda, 38, wrote hit musical Hamilton and met the Duke and Duchess of Sussex when they came to see the show in London in August. The royal couple sat in the royal circle at Victoria Palace Theatre during the performance, and afterward they joined Miranda on stage to thank the cast and crew. Lin-Manuel Mirnda joins the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for a performance of his hit musical Hamilton in August (pictured in the royal circle at Victoria Palace Theatre) Harry received enthusiastic cheers from the cast and audience as he sang the opening words to 'You'll Be Back,' a ballad about the 'break-up' between Britain and America performed in the musical by the actor playing his sixth great-grandfather, King George III. Speaking about the character of the king, Miranda said he envisioned it during his honeymoon then quipped: 'Smash cut to 2018 I'm sitting next to his sixth great-grandson.' He added it was 'fun and surreal' to have Harry there because 'you don't often get a direct descendent' of the characters to watch the show. Melania Trump donned a somber black dress to watch Brett Kavanaugh formally take his seat as the 114th justice on the Supreme Court Thursday. The 48-year-old first lady joined her husband, President Donald Trump, at the traditional investiture ceremony, wearing the same Dolce & Gabbana coat dress that she wore to Barbara Bush's funeral service in April. She accessorized the look with a pair of $625 black Manolo Blahnik pumps and elbow-length leather gloves, which she left on while posing for photos with the Supreme Court justices. Outfit: Melania Trump donned a black Dolce & Gabbana coat dress to watch Brett Kavanaugh formally take his seat as the 114th justice on the Supreme Court Thursday Added touch: She accessorized the look with a pair of $625 black Manolo Blahnik pumps and elbow-length leather gloves. At one point, she was seen carrying one of her gloves Melania had a bright smile on her face as she stood between Trump and Kavanaugh, who was joined by his wife, Ashley. Associate Justices Neil Gorsuch, Sonia Sotomayor, Stephen Breyer, Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Jr., Elena Kagan, and Chief Justice John Roberts, Jr. all posed for pictures, but Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was noticeably absent from the photos. Ginsburg was hospitalized after a fall in her office that led her to fracture three of her ribs. The 85-year old was admitted 'for observation and treatment' according to a statement put out by the Supreme Court. Earlier in the day, Melania was seen being escorted to her car in the motorcade before traveling to the Supreme Court for the investiture ceremony. On the way: She wore a somber expression as she trailed behind her husband Happy: Once inside, however, she smiled wide for the photo, keeping her gloves on for the shot The whole group: Associate Justices Neil Gorsuch, Sonia Sotomayor, Stephen Breyer, Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Jr., Elena Kagan, and Chief Justice John Roberts, Jr. all posed for pictures, but Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was noticeably absent Her highlighted brown hair was down and loose around her shoulders, and she shielded her eyes from the morning glare with a pair of dark sunglasses. At one point, Melania was seen wearing only one glove as she made her way into the vehicle. She held the glove in her left hand, possibly removing it to use her cellphone. The outfit, all black, was certainly a somber choice for the day, particularly in the context of her having worn it once before to Barbara Bush's funeral. There are a few reasons Melania may have chosen a staid ensemble for the occasion. Ginsberg's hospitalization has been on the minds of many this morning, with several political leaders offering well wishes. And naturally, the shooting at a country music bar in southern California on Wednesday night has been on the country's mind. Melania again took off one of her long black gloves, perhaps to give herself some added dexterity, to sign a guest book in the Supreme Court building. Melania's gloves are being compared today to those worn by another model turned political wife, Louise Linton, who was gently mocked for her sartorial flair at a visit to a U.S. Mint facility with her husband, Treasury Secretary Stephen Mnuchin, a year ago. Flashback: Melania had previously worn the dress at the funeral for former first lady Barbara Bush at St. Martin's Episcopal Church on April 21, 2018 After a gunman opened fire and killed 12 people at Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks at 11.20pm, the president took to Twitter to share his thoughts. 'I have been fully briefed on the terrible shooting in California,' he wrote just after 7:30am. 'Law Enforcement and First Responders, together with the FBI, are on scene. 13 people, at this time, have been reported dead. Likewise, the shooter is dead, along with the first police officer to enter the bar.... '....Great bravery shown by police. California Highway Patrol was on scene within 3 minutes, with first officer to enter shot numerous times. 'That Sheriffs Sergeant died in the hospital. God bless all of the victims and families of the victims. Thank you to Law Enforcement.' Other close observers of Melania's wardrobe might guess that FLOTUS' outfit choice has a hidden political meaning, as many have speculated in the past that she has sent messages with her clothes. Occasion for black: On Wednesday night, 11 people were killed when a gunman opened fire at a California bar Tweet about it: Trump addressed the mass-shooting in a pair of 7:30am tweets Updates: Trump tweeted that a sheriff's sergeant was killed in the hail of gunfire Also on everyone's mind: Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, 85, fell and cracked three of her ribs Wednesday This particular all-black look comes less than two months after she wore a black shirtdress to the General Assembly, sparking a conspiracy theory that she wore the solemn shade in solidarity with sexual assault survivors. From her 'I really don't care, do u' jacket to her pussy-bow blouse, quite a few of her style choices have inspired a long-running belief that the first lady uses fashion to make subtle political statements despite her ongoing support for her husband. The collared midi dress that Melania wore to watch her husband speak at the UN headquarters in New York City in September had people taking to Twitter to speculate that her ensemble was an indication of her support for Dr. Christine Blasey Ford and the #BelieveSurvivors movement. Ford accused Kavanaugh of sexually assaulting her in high school, and the day before Melania's appearance at the UN supporters wore black while participating in a walk-out launched by the #TimesUp movement. Despite the previous speculation, it's not uncommon for Melania to wear black or monochromatic outfits for that matter. However, in Omarosa Newman-Manigault's latest book, Unhinged: An Insider's Account of the Trump White House, she claims Melania's controversial fashion choices are made to intentionally embarrass her husband. According to the fired White House aide, the first lady uses her style to 'punish' Trump. Victorias Secret Angel Elsa Hosk will have the distinct honor of wearing this years fantasy bra in the annual fashion show. The 30-year-old model will strut her stuff down the runway wearing the sparkly undergarment, made of more than 2,100 jewels. The bra took more than 930 hours to make and is upwards of 71 carats. Pining after this years fantasy bra? Unfortunately, the actual bra costs about $1 million (764,125) which is a little more than most people are comfortable spending on their skivvies. Victoria's Secret Angel Elsa Hosk has been selected to wear this year's fantasy bra in the fashion show Fear not, however. Victorias Secret has announced plans to sell a similar bra made with Swarovski crystals for $250 (191). The bra will be available in select retails stores and online on November 29. The fantasy bra is typically one of the most highly anticipated parts of the annual Victorias Secret fashion show. Heres a full list of all the Victorias Secret Angels selected to wear the highly-coveted bra. Elsa Hosk Elsa Hosk has been chosen to wear the fantasy bra in the 2018 Victorias Secret fashion show. The model is originally from Sweden. She first modeled in the Victorias Secret fashion show in 2011. Hosk became a full-time Victorias Secret angel in 2015. The bra shes wearing is made of more than 2,100 jewels and valued at $1 million. Elsa Hosk will wear at $1 million bedazzled fantasy bra during the 2018 Victoria's Secret fashion show Lais Ribeiro Lais Ribeiro wore the fantasy bra in the 2017 Victorias Secret fashion show. The bra, designed by Mouawad, was more than 600 carats and featured handset diamonds, yellow sapphires and blue topaz. It also had gold details. Lais Ribeiro wore the 2017 Victoria's Secret fantasy bra, which featured more than 600 carats in jewels Jasmine Tookes Jasmine Tookes wore a $3 million (2.29m) fantasy bra in the 2016 Victorias Secret Fashion Show. It was designed by Eddie Borgo and was more than 450 carats. The bra took Borgo more than 700 hours to put together. It was made up of 9,000 gems. Lily Aldridge Lily Aldridge had the honor of wearing the Victorias Secret fantasy bra in 2015. The piece she wore was worth $2 million (1.52m) and was designed by Mouawad. It included diamonds, blue topaz and yellow sapphires set in 18-karat gold. The bra featured a detachable belt as well. Adriana Lima and Alessandra Ambrosio In 2014, two models Adriana Lima and Alessandra Ambrosio were chosen to wear fantasy bras designed by Mouawad. The pair wore identical bras made of sapphires, rubies and diamonds. Both bras featured 16,000 gems set in 18-karat-gold. Theyre valued at a collective $2 million. Candice Swanepoel Candice Swanepoel rocked the Victorias Secret fantasy bra in 2013. The garment was designed by Mouawad and included more than 4,200 stones. It was made of rubies, diamonds and yellow sapphires. The bra came with a matching belt. It was valued at about $10 million (7.64m). Alessandra Ambrosio Alessandra Ambrosio wore a floral fantasy bra designed by London Jewelers of Long Island, New York in 2012. The bra, which featured hand-set amethysts, sapphires, rubies and diamonds and a 20-carat removable white diamond in its center, was valued at $2.5 million (1.9m). Miranda Kerr Miranda Kerr was chosen to wear the Victorias Secret fantasy bra in 2011. The garment was designed by London Jewelers and featured more than 142 carats of white and yellow diamonds. Pearls, faceted citrine and aquamarine were also on the bra. The centrepiece featured two eight-carat white diamonds and two 14-carat yellow diamonds. Overall, the bra was valued at $2.5 million. 2011: miranda kerr - fantasy treasure bra $2,500,000 pic.twitter.com/GSb7dobw5e (@gihardid) October 20, 2018 Adriana Lima In 2010, Adriana Lima wore a $2 million fantasy bra during the Victorias Secret fashion show. The bra was created by a team of six jewelers and took more than 1,500 hours to complete. It featured 60 carats in diamonds and 80 carats in blue sapphires and topaz pieces. 2010: adriana lima - bombshell fantasy bra $2,000,000 pic.twitter.com/XpkQvoU2Lu (@gihardid) October 20, 2018 Marissa Miller Marissa Miller was selected to wear the Victorias Secret fantasy bra in 2009. The bra was harlequin-inspired and valued at $3 million. It featured a 16-carat heart-shaped diamond pendant and 2,300 white, champagne and cognac diamonds totalling 150 carats. 2009: marisa miller - harlequin fantasy bra $3,000,000 pic.twitter.com/c34oVBmuLs (@gihardid) October 20, 2018 Adriana Lima In 2008, Adriana Lima wore a Victorias Secret fantasy bra designed by Martin Katz. The garment was covered in roughly 4,000 gems. It featured black diamond drops and 120 single-carat round white diamonds. Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb played a game of 'Never Have I Ever' while hosting a 'Favorite Things' party in New York City on Wednesday and one of them couldn't resist outing the other. When asked if they had ever hosted the Today show after pulling an all-nighter, Kathie Lee, 65, revealed that Hoda, 54, once went straight to work following a night of partying on Super Bowl Sunday. Hoda took the revelation in stride, and the two pals were all smiles at the soiree, which was held at the Refinery Rooftop in Midtown Manhattan in honor of the Today show's popular 'Favorite Things' segment. Ready for the holidays! Kathie Lee Gifford, 65, and Hoda Kotbe, 54, hosted a 'Favorite Things' party at the Refinery Rooftop in Midtown Manhattan on Wednesday evening Celebration: The soiree was thrown in honor of the Today show's popular 'Favorite Things' segment Revelation: While playing a game of 'Never Have I Ever' with the crowd, Kathie Lee dished that Hoda once went right into work after partying all night long Both Kathie Lee and Hoda donned jumpsuits at the event that was attended by Today show regulars Bobbie Thomas, Jill Martin, and Madelyn Fernstrom, among others. Hoda showed off her arms in a sleek navy blue halter jumpsuit that was belted at the waist, while Kathie Lee opted for a black version featuring a lace top and a ruffle across her shoulders. The two co-stars host the fourth hour of the Today show together, and after all these years, they still have plenty of love for each other. While giving a touching speech, they both shared the things that they admire about each other. The look: Both Kathie Lee and Hoda donned jumpsuits at the event that was attended by Today show regulars, among others Close pals: While giving a touching speech, they both shared the things that they admire about each other Praise: Kathie Lee called Hoda the 'hardest working woman out there' Her dreams come true: Hoda gushed about Kathie Lee's incredible ability to manifest her desires 'My Hodie is the hardest working woman out there and the best mom. I just adore her,' Kathie Lee said of Hoda, who became the show's co-anchor in January. Hoda, meanwhile, gushed about Kathie Lee's incredible ability to manifest her desires. 'Kath is one of those people where when she dreams something, it happens,' she said. 'It actually comes true. And Ive learned so much from her about that.' Kathie Lee's GIFFT wine was served at the event, and guests noshed on fried chicken sliders and sushi. The co-stars also showed a highlight reel from the past year, which included appearances from celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, Alex Rodriguez, Ricky Gervais, Kelly Clarkson, Tina Fey, Blake Shelton, Mindy Kaling, Tyra Banks, and Matt Damon. Fun times: Hoda was all smiles as she posed for photos with guests at the bash Group shot: Kathie Lee and Hoda had a blast with the Today show producers Squeeze in: Kathie Lee and Hoda are pictured with Today style editor Bobbie Thomas Just in time for the holidays: Bobbie joined the Today show duo on the show Thursday to help them do a roundup of their favorite things this year The morning after the event, Today style editor Bobbie Thomas joined Kathie Lee and Hoda on the fourth hour of the show as they did a roundup of their favorite things this year just in time for the holiday season. But before getting started, they briefly chatted about the 'fun' party that Kathie Lee and Hoda hosted the night before. 'We got to celebrate not only our crew but all of the people that help make the show possible and highlight your favorite things,' Bobbie said. Among the 13 products featured in the segment, they recommended everything from a $130 cashmere ribbed beanie from White and Warren to the $99 Chi Escape cordless styling iron. However, Hoda's favorite item was undoubtedly Color Wow's $28 Dream Coat, a hair treatment that protects against humidity. 'It's amazing. 'You could go out in the rain [with it in your hair],' Hoda gushed. 'If it's humid out and you have done that to your hair, you will be so surprised when you go back inside.' Having a sex dream is widely common and deeply thought-provoking, especially if it involves a colleague or close friend. But while sleeping with someone in your subconscious can be disturbing, the reason behind such salacious slumber-time activity can be more innocent than you might expect. Hilda Burke, a UK-based couples counsellor and author, and Australian dream therapist Martina Kocian, have spoken about the deeper meaning behind different forms of sexual dreams. Having a sex dream is both widely common and deeply thought-provoking, especially if it involves someone you know who you are not in a romantic relationship with (stock image) According to the relationship expert, dream-side sexual intimacy symbolises different issues depending on who your fantasy partner is. Although the vast majority of us aren't on first name terms with the rich and famous, slipping between the sheets with a celebrity is often indicative of the qualities we are really looking for in a partner. 'Most of us have an instinctive feel about celebritieswe imagine them to be a certain way,' Ms Burke told Cosmopolitan, adding it is these presumed qualities which we find attractive. Sex with your boss can be a truly disconcerting experience and is likely to make morning conferences quite uncomfortable for the dreamer. But Ms Burke said this type of erotic dreaming is more connected with your career ambitions and professional aspirations than an irrational infatuation with your superior. Having sex with a friend is a common dream sure to rattle even the most level-headed individual. Ms Burke said these dreams can be prompts from your subconscious to re-evaluate platonic relationships while the person may not be your usual type, it can be interesting to ask yourself what this fantasy might represent. A commonly held belief among the dream community is that sex with friends signifies a wish to take on the traits or talents of the person in question. This is particularly true of saucy dreams with a gender you are not attracted to in waking life. Likewise, cheating on your partner can indicate an interest in the object of your desires' good personal qualities, while being cheated on is more straightforward and can suggest insecurities or trust issues in your relationship. Martina Kocian (pictured) is a dream interpreter and therapist who splits her time between Sydney and Brisbane Even if our night time escapades don't involve getting hot and heavy between the sheets, waking from any sort of vivid dream can provoke a range of emotions depending on what the subconscious has experienced during sleep. According to Martina Kocian, the four most common dreams involve falling, being chased, sex and your teeth falling out. Ms Kocian revealed that dreaming of teeth falling out or losing them in an accident is often symbolic of anxiety towards change or a major transition. Death inside a dream, whether involving a loved one or unknown person, also signifies an resistance to huge change in life. In a similar vein, being chased is a sign that you are running away from or avoiding addressing an issue in your life. Being chased can also be a symbol of guilt. Falling from a height generally highlights a lack of control in a person's waking life. 'Water related dreams represent the state of our emotions,' she said. 'For example, are you dreaming of crashing tsunamis or calm waters? These dreams are a good indication of where we are at psychologically and mentally during our waking hours.' DREAM SYMBOLS WITH HIDDEN MEANINGS * Water: Water related dreams represent emotions and can indicate you feel overwhelmed or unsupported in some aspect of your life. * Transport: Dreaming about vehicles or transportation systems usually means you are concerned about the direction your life is taking. * Feeling trapped: Being trapped in a confined space signifies the need for a fresh outlook or change, but this can be minor and easily fixed by something like going for a rejuvenating weekend away. * Losing your teeth: Teeth falling out is related to repressed feelings or a sense of losing control. * Being chased: This almost always means feeling stressed or under pressure. * Monsters or evil looking creatures: Demons are an indication that you'd like to change certain aspects of yourself. * Money: This is a symbol of self-worth and how much you truly value yourself. * Sex: Sleeping with someone inside a dream usually means you have a desire for more sex (or better sex) with your current partner, not necessarily anyone else. It can also mean you're growing as a person and becoming more comfortable with your true self. * Falling: Usually indicates that you're thinking of letting something go or feeling overwhelmed by life situations. Advertisement Ms Kocian (left) believes dreams are vitally important to our overall health and mental well being because they 'connect us with our innermost thoughts WHAT IS CHARCOT-WILBRAND SYNDROME? Charcot-Wilbrand syndrome (CWS) is a condition which involves the loss of ability to dream due to focal and visual brain damage (usually after stroke) which destroys the capacity to recall images or memories. CWS is rare and affects only a select number of brain damage patients. Advertisement Ms Kocian believes dreams are vitally important to our overall health and mental well being because they 'connect us with our innermost thoughts'. 'Dreams help us to express repressed emotions, work through trauma and promote mood regulation,' she said. 'Our dreams are alive. The more attention and nurturing we give them, the more they will reveal to us. 'Studies have found that people who experienced dream deprivation experienced signs of mental breakdown and clear psychotic episodes after just four nights without dreaming.' People who experience brain damage related Charcot-Wilbrand syndrome lose their ability to dream. Ms Kocian believes our dreams are subconscious representations of situations we are trying to avoid or things we fear in our daily lives (stock image) Ms Kocian believes our dreams are subconscious representations of situations we are trying to avoid or things we fear in our daily lives. 'This is particularly the case with nightmares and recurring dreams,' she said. 'Our dreams emphasise and amplify our fears and anything we are trying to avoid in waking life in order to first provide us with awareness of these issues and then to help us deal with and work past them. 'Nightmares and recurring dreams will become more vivid and occur more frequently until we have either acknowledged or dealt with the waking issue. Dream therapy helps with resolving these issues by allowing us to work with dream protagonists to help move away from our ingrained habitual consciousness. 'We start to see and comprehend hidden details of familiar objects and characters in order to gain a new and unique perspective along with increased vitality in response to the waking issue.' Prince Harry's ex-girlfriend Cressida Bonas, looked effortlessly chic last night as she attended a private art viewing at the Sladmore Gallery in London's Bruton Place. The 29-year-old was joined by her mother Lady Mary-Gaye Curzon, 71, and boyfriend Harry Wentworth-Stanley, 29, at the exclusive soiree held by artist Georgiana Anstruther. Proving she can do low-key style just as well as she works ultra-polished glamour, Cressida opted for a pair of slouchy burnt orange trousers that skimmed the floor. Prince Harry's ex Cressida Bonas, 29, chose a pair of over-sized burnt orange trousers as she stepped out with her mother and boyfriend at the private viewing of work by artist Georgiana Anstruther in London last night Cressida was joined by her mother Lady Mary-Gaye Curzon, 71 (left) - a former 'It' girl of the Sixties. Showing statement trousers can work for any age, she chose a blue velvet pair with a similar high-neck blouse, accessorised with Charlotte Olympia Kitty flats She paired the 'paper bag-waist' design with a Victoriana-inspired lace blouse, chunky gold hoops and a bouncy blow-dry. The pretty blonde's beau Harry looked suitably dapper for the plush event in a smart navy coat as they smiled in front of a sculpture that appeared to be on sale for over 27,000. The pair were joined by Cressida's mother Mary-Gaye - a former 'It' girl of the Sixties. Showing statement trousers can work for any age, she chose a blue velvet pair accessorised with a similar high-necked blouse and Charlotte Olympia Kitty flats, 365. It was Cressida's second sartorial success in 24 hours. Just one night before she appeared at the BAFTA Breakthrough Brits x Burberry party, also held in London, wearing sleek tartan trousers It was Cressida's second sartorial success in 24 hours. Just one night before she appeared at the BAFTA Breakthrough Brits x Burberry party, also held in London. This time, she embraced her petite figure with form-fitting tartan flares, a printed tee and an on-trend over-sized cardigan. Pointed shoes and the same gold hooped earrings topped off Cressida's after-hours ensemble. Cressida dated Prince Harry on and off between 2012 and 2015, reportedly after being introduced by close friend Princess Eugenie. She's since found love again with estate agent and old Harrovian Harry. The pair - who dated for four years at university - are believed to have reunited in 2016, following Cressida's split from the royal. Mauritania has commended King Mohammed VIs initiative to open a direct and frank dialogue with Algeria as an initiative that will safeguard regional stability. Mauritania encourages and wishes full success to any initiative aiming to guarantee regional stability and security as well as neighborliness, Spokesperson for the Mauritanian government Sidi Mohamed Ould Maham said. Algerias support for separatism in Moroccos Sahara has poisoned relations between the two Maghreb heavyweights and hijacked the construction of the Maghreb Union, which also includes Mauritania, Tunisia and Libya. In a speech on the anniversary of the Green March, the King has made Moroccos good intentions clear calling on Algeria for dialogue to settle the transient and objective differences impeding the development of relations between the two countries. The Moroccan initiative was met with praise in Africa, Europe and the Arab world as well as the UN as a step mirroring the Kingdoms good intentions to build a strong Maghreb Union. Prince Harry might have the reputation of being more of an extrovert than his older brother, but it is William who is the more outgoing, a film producer claims. BAFTA-nominated Nick Bullen explains the seemingly chatty Harry, 34, 'switches on' his carefree attitude for the camera while William, 36, is more naturally forthcoming. Speaking on Yahoo UK's online series The Royal Box, Bullen, who has worked with the brothers on a number of occasions, speculates the difference in their characters might come down to their positions within the monarchy. He says: 'Harry appears the most relaxed, but I think he's probably the more reserved in many ways 'When he's there he'll switch it on and he knows what he's got to do, but given his choice he'd really rather not do it. 'Whereas William knows it's his role, it's his future, he has to deal with it and he has to face up and front it up, so I think ultimately William is the one that gets on and does it.' Bullen, who is behind a number of high-profile royal documentaries, also explains the important role the media has played in making the princes' - and the wider royal family - more appealing to the public. Different characters: BAFTA-nominated Nick Bullen explains the seemingly relaxed Harry, 34, 'switches on' his carefree attitude for the camera while William, 36, is more naturally forthcoming. Pictured the brothers host a reception at St James's Palace in October Bullen, pictured, who has worked with the brothers on a number of occasions, speculates the difference in their characters might come down to their places within the monarchy 'All of the Royal family realise the benefits of the press, of a good documentary or a good access piece,' he says. A clear example of this is the way on-camera interviews have been used to transform the public's perception of William and Harry's relationship with their father, following years of high-profile commentary on how close they were to Princess Diana. 'They said things they had never said about their father and people thought "oh, these boys have got a great relationship with their Dad",' he says of a TV appearance. Turning his attention to the rest of the family, Bullen confirms the Queen chose Windsor Castle as the venue for Princess Eugenie's recent royal wedding, pictured, dismissing speculation that the bride was copying the Duke and Duchess of Sussex 'And the more they can allow people a little glimpse of that relationship, the better it is for them.' Turning his attention to the rest of the family, Bullen confirms the Queen chose Windsor Castle as the venue for Princess Eugenie's recent royal wedding, dismissing speculation that the bride was copying the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The producer, who was responsible for coverage of Eugenie's big day, adds the monarch's control over her family is absolute and that 'everything we did was approved by the Queen'. Bullen adds Meghan has made the royal family more relevant and extends their longevity by '100 years'. Pictured, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in Melbourne last month He also offers his take on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's decision to announce their pregnancy just three days later. 'Personally, if it were my wedding, I wouldn't have been thrilled,' he concedes. 'What went on behind castle walls, I don't know.' Bullen adds Meghan has made the royal family more relevant and extends their longevity by '100 years'. The Duchess of Cornwall has emerged as the breakout star of a new documentary about the Prince of Wales. Cameras followed Camilla and Charles over the course of 12 months, interviewing the Duchess about her husband's thoughts on ascending to the British throne. It provided a fascinating insight into the couple's private life at home and at court, with viewers enthusing about Camilla's wry sense of humour and '40 a day' husky voice on social media. The Duchess is an ex-smoker but kicked the habit almost 20 years ago, much to Charles' relief. Taking to Twitter, viewers have been won over by Camilla's wry sense of humour and '40 a day' husky voice in BBC One's Prince, Son & Heir which aired on Thursday evening Filmmaker John Bridcut's documentary showed the couple walking their dog Beth at their Scottish retreat in Birkhall and speaking about family life. After watching the show, one delighted viewer tweeted, 'I bet Charles and Camilla throw good parties.' And commenting on a scene that saw the couple playfully bickering, another wrote: 'Camilla telling Charles off and to listen to the kids singing is the highlight so far'. Appearing on BBC One's Prince, Son & Heir - Charles at 70 on Thursday evening, the Duchess spoke at length about Charles' thoughts on becoming king, and the close bond he shares with his eight grandchildren. 'He will get down on his knees and crawl about with them for hours, you know making funny noises and laughing and my grandchildren adore him, absolutely adore him,' Camilla revealed. 'He reads Harry Potter and he can do all the different voices and I think children really appreciate that.' In last night's BBC One documentary, the Duchess of Cornwall spoke at length about Charles' thoughts on becoming king, and the close bond he has with his eight grandchildren Charles and Camilla travel on a train during last night's documentary. Commenting on a scene that saw the couple squabbling, one fan wrote wrote: 'Camilla telling Charles off and to listen to the kids singing is the highlight so far' In another scene, producers asked the duchess whether Charles often thinks about becoming king in the future. 'No I don't,' she replied. 'I think his destiny will come, he's always known it's going to come and I don't think it does weigh on his shoulders at all. It's just something that's going to happen.' The great and good of European royalty are set to gather in London next week to mark the Prince of Wales' landmark 70th birthday. Kings, queens, princes and princesses from across the continent are expected to travel to Buckingham Palace for a glittering banquet held in Charles' honour on November 14. Denmark's Crown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik will be attending on behalf of the Danish royal family, while Queen Sonja and King Harald are rumoured to be on the guest list. The soiree will see hundreds of guests enjoy a reception followed by a lavish dinner, possibly in Buckingham Palace's opulent state rooms, with details kept strictly under wraps until the big night. Prince, Son & Heir - Charles at 70 is available on iPlayer now Vodafone has joined the battle for this year's best Christmas advert - launching a new campaign featuring Martin Freeman doing a very impressive figure-skating routine. The humorous advert, entitled Gliding Through Christmas, begins with the Love Actually star arriving at a family gathering along with girlfriend Clare, who was his love interest in last year's campaign. However, he is left panicked when Aunty Sue turns up unannounced, as he hasn't got her a Christmas present. Luckily, Clare saves the day by buying a present off her mobile phone - leading to Freeman's character jumping for joy in the ice rink. Vodafone has joined the battle for this year's best Christmas advert - launching a new campaign featuring Martin Freeman doing a very impressive figure-skating routine In the campaign, Freeman's character is reunited with his love interest from last year's Christmas advert (left) Vodafone has joined a host of other companies in launching its Christmas advert so far this month, with the campaign set to air for the first time tonight. Currys PC World kicked off proceedings with its festive offering last week, with Aldi, Waitrose, Asda and Tesco quickly following suit. Freeman starred in Vodafone's Love Actually-inspired Christmas campaign last year, which saw his character falling for a mystery brunette on a train platform - as she watched the movie It's a Wonderful Life. The pair locked eyes as Freeman quoted the famous line 'I'll give you the moon, Mary', to which the woman replied: 'I'll take it. Then what?' After she saves the day by buying his aunt a Christmas present, Freeman's character decides to jump for joy in the ice rink Freeman's character was left panicked when his Aunty Sue (second from left) arrived at a family gathering unannounced Freeman has starred in a number of previous Vodafone campaigns, including last year's Christmas advert The Hobbit star then began talking to her about the dangers of burning through her data if she watches movies on her phone. After eventually getting on the train, he berated himself for bringing up mobile phone data, before the mystery woman appeared at the window with her phone number at the end of the heartwarming advert. Freeman has starred in a number of previous Vodafone campaigns, including one in which he plays a bumbling wedding guest. Last month, a Vodafone TV advert featuring the Hobbit star hopelessly trying to leave a mobile phone contract has been banned for 'misleading' customers into thinking they could leave their contracts at any time. The ASA said the ad gave the impression that Freeman's character was wanting to leave a contract that had been in place for some time, but the service guarantee only applied to the first 30 days of a new deal. A children's clothes store owner who starred on The Apprentice has been praised for her generous act of kindness for one of her regular customers. Frances Bishop, 27, appeared in the 2016 series of Lord Alan Sugar's BBC reality series, and is the owner of children's clothing store The Pud in Doncaster. The married mother-of-one, who lives just outside the town, posted a message in response to one of her customers who had called the store to ask for an extension on her payment plan for some scooters she had bought her children. Not wanting the struggling mother, who she didn't name, to worry, Frances wrote in the open letter that she had cleared the woman's bill reassuring her that she was 'not alone'. Speaking to FEMAIL Frances said of her generous gesture which she'd initially posted on her private Facebook group before posting it on Twitter: 'I think its a social responsibility we have just to be nice and I dont think there is enough of it. 'She just touched my heart. I was driving home and it kept playing on my mind and I thought I had to do something for her.' Frances Bishop, who appeared on series 12 of The Apprentice in 2016, wanted to do something to help her customer who had phoned the shop to ask for an extension on her payment plan The mother-of-one tweeted the message she'd posted telling the unnamed woman that she didn't have to worry anymore and that Frances had generously cleared her bill Frances' Twitter followers were quick to praise the entrepreneur for her act of kindness with one saying it had brought a tear to their eye Frances said that she had remembered the lady from a previous trip to her shop in the town centre and thought she looked a 'little on edge'. When one of her employees explained that one of their customers had called about an extension Frances said she recognised her name and put two and two together. Frances knew that the lady had been worried about how she was going to be able to enjoy the festive period while trying to get funds together to pay for the scooters that another family member had promised to pay for, but wasn't able to. Encouraged by other members of the Facebook group to share her act of kindness Frances posted the message to her Twitter page with the comment: 'Because retailers have hearts too... xx' The entrepreneur received heaps of praise from her followers who wrote to tell her how how lovely the idea was. 'This truly moved me to tears, Fran you have the biggest of hearts and I think this is a wonderful thing you have done for this lady and her children,' said one woman. 'Lovely kind-hearted lady,' added another. 'This is amazing, nice there are some kind-hearted people in the world,' said a third. In the post Frances had written: 'I just want you to know that good things happen, and people can still be nice.' Frances had originally posted the message on her closed Facebook group Frances Bishop Pud and on encouragement from members said she should share it widely to inspire others to be kinder Frances, who appeared in the 2016 series on the BBC programme, described herself ahead of the show: 'Im a pocket rocket. Im quite fiery and live by the rule "kill them with kindness"' Not wanting to let her children down the woman had set up a payment plan with The Pud, which allows you to place a deposit for items and pay back the cost over four weeks. Frances added that the woman's story had played on her mind: 'I am so lucky to have my family and home I have everything I need in my life. 'So I just opened up Facebook and just wrote the post knowing that she would see it.' The business owner said she prefers the personal touch and knows all her customers, saying that she often looks for ways to help: 'I get fascinated by human kindness, I do it all the time I just do.' Frances revealed that the lady had been in touch and told Frances that she had cried seeing the message: 'She said it has taken the pressure off.' The biggest names in fashion have graced the covers of British Vogue, but this month the magazine chose to use the platform to showcase some of the industry's brightest rising stars. The fashion bible chose three fresh-faces to feature alongside industry veteran Stella Tennant, 47, on four different covers of its December issue, which marks Edward Enninful's one year anniversary as editor-in-chief. British models Saffron Vadher, 21, and Primrose Archer, 18, and Sudanese-Australian star Adut Akech, 18, all dazzle in their individual covers images, shot in New York by Steven Meisel. But the three young women also possess fascinating - and diverse - personal stories that are well worth learning more about. Here, FEMAIL offers a closer look at all three... Primrose Archer, 18 Fresh face: Primrose Archer was one of three rising stars chosen to feature alongside industry veteran Stella Tennant, 47, on four different covers of Vogue's December issue, which marks Edward Enninful's one year anniversary as editor-in-chief. Pictured, farmer's daughter Primrose walking Anna Sui Spring/Summer 2019 at New York Fashion Week in September On the rise: The teenager, whose relatively modest 1,500-strong Instagram following is a reflection of her newcomer status, was discovered at Birminghams Clothes Show Live Many models wait their entire careers for the chance to feature in the pages of Vogue, but Primrose Archer ticked that achievement off her bucket list at the tender age of five. The 18-year-old, the eighth of 10 siblings, was photographed with her family at their Worcestershire farm in August 2005. But the shoot didn't mark the start of a career as a child star, instead Primrose, who has four brothers and five sisters, worked on the family farm as a teenager, herding cattle and feeding chickens. The teenager, whose relatively modest 1,500-strong Instagram following is a reflection of her newcomer status, was discovered at Birminghams Clothes Show Live. But she doesn't look set to lose her country roots anytime soon. 'Today I was helping move the cows over the road,' she told the magazine. 'I love coming to cities but I am such a country girl. I miss the wide open spaces.' Saffron Vadher, 21 Homebody: Despite her global success, emerging talent Saffron Vadher, 21, chooses to live at her parents' home in Harrow, north-west London. Pictured, the model at Altuzarra's Spring/Summer 2018 show at Paris Fashion Week in September last year Famous faces: Saffron with Flo Millar, left, and Sofie Hemmet at a London event in June 2017 Up until a few years ago, London-born Saffron Vadher was working behind the Waitrose cheese counter at John Lewis' Oxford Street store. Her world changed last year when she walked exclusively for Burberry's a/w '17 show but has since been cast for the likes of Alexander McQueen, Chanel and Roksanda. Add to that campaigns for Meghan's favourite label Givenchy and it is of little wonder why fashion insiders are excited for Saffron's future. But despite the buzz, the Anglo-Indian has managed to stay grounded, choosing to live at home with her parents in Harrow, north west London. 'I dont think Ive actually changed at all since I started modelling,' she told Vogue.'Its an amazing experience, staying in these wonderful hotels, but I just love coming home.' Adut Akech, 18 Industry insider: At just 18 Adut Akech has the support of Naomi Campbell, whom she describes as a 'second mum' and Vogue's own Edward Enninful, who has dubbed her his 'honourary daughter'. Pictured, at the Versace S/S 19 show in Milan in September this year Adut Akech, 18, spent her early years in a refugee camp in Kenya after her family fled war-torn South Sudan before arriving in Australia aged seven. Her big break came when Saint Laurent booked her exclusively for its spring/summer 2017 show and almost overnight she became one of the industry's most sought after models and she has since graced the runways of Prada, Valentino and Versace, to name a few. This summer she made history when she became Chanel's first black runway bride in over a decade and recently cemented her position with a nomination for Model of the Year at the 2018 Fashion Awards. Add to that the public support from Naomi Campbell, whom Adut describes as a 'second mum' and Vogue's own Edward Enninful, who has dubbed her his 'honourary daughter', and there can be no doubt she is destined for greatness. But one of the things that sets Adut apart is her determination to give back - and never forget where she came from. She told Vogue: 'I would love to start my own modelling agency back in South Sudan in the future. There are so many beautiful dark-skinned girls that have the potential, but they just dont have the connections or the resources.' See the full features in the December issue of Vogue, available on digital download and newsstands now. Celebrity makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury has revealed how she prepped the Victoria's Secret Angels to be runway-ready ahead of the fashion show and it cost an astounding $832 worth of product. The 45-year-old makeup guru was chosen to lead the beauty team for the 2018 fashion show in New York City on Thursday, and she decided this year's look would be a 'dreamy, glamorous goddess' with glowing accents. 'Its an angelic filter to enhance what nature naturally blessed you with and to make you look and feel like a beautiful, celestial angel,' Charlotte said in a press release. 'A look that lights up the runway and casts a magic makeup spell on the world.' Stunning: Celebrity makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury, 45, (pictured with Elsa Hosk) was picked to lead the beauty team for the 2018 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in New York City Beauty: Charlotte used an astounding $832 worth of products on the models, pictured is Elsa Hoska, to accent their natural complexions Gorgeous: The Exagger-Eyes palette ($53) added a bronzey glow to the eyes and Charlotte's Beachsticks ($45) provided color on the cheeks of Elsa Hoska (left) and Jasmine Tookes (right) Pout: For the lips, Charlotte over-lined the dimensions to create a fuller pout before adding a gloss over top for all models including Georgia Fowler (pictured) An inspiration behind glowy and natural look for the show was one iconic Victoria's Secret Angel: Gisele Bundchen. 'One of my inspirations for the look was inspired by the healthy, happy, naturally flawless beauty look of Gisele she embodies that signature fresh, glowing angel gorgeousness' Charlotte said. 'I also wanted the makeup channel that Victorias Secret feeling. Victorias Secret is all about pure fun, joy and abandon,' she continued. The first focus for the makeup team was to properly prep and moisturize the models' skin before applying any other products. Charlotte used her secret to supermodel skin, the Instant Magic Dry Sheet Facial Mask ($22), to provide a radiant glow to the complexion before moisturizing with Charlotte's Magic Cream ($29). Then the models' skin was primed with Charlotte's Wonderglow primer ($55) before using the Light Wonder Foundation ($46) to accent everyone's natural complexion. One key product used for the makeup look to create an ethereal glow was the Filmstar Bronze & Glow palette ($68). The bronzer helped sculpt out the cheekbones of each model before adding shimmer along the apples. This glow was further amplified with Charlotte's Diva Light Beauty Light Wand ($38) before applying the Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder ($45) along the T-zone to finish the face. Hard work: Charlotte first moisturized the models' faces before applying primer and foundation to highlight their natural complexion Stunner: The goal for the makeup look was to accent the models, pictured is Candice Swanepoel, natural features for an ethereal glow Glow: The makeup look sculpted each models' natural complexion with the help of bronzer and highlighter. Pictured is Cheyenne Maya Carty (left) and Iesha Hodges (right) Incredible: Charlotte used Victoria's Secret Major Lash ($14) on Kelly Gale (pictured) and the others to make their eyelashes pop from down the runway Beauties: The makeup artist wanted to create an Instagram filter-effect on the eyes to make them pop, so she used her Exagger-Eyes shadow palette. Pictured is Barbara Palvin (left) and Ming Xii (right) Luxurious: The runway look can be achieved by anyone by purchasing all $832 worth of Charlotte Tilbury and Victoria's Secret beauty products For brows, Charlotte first brushed them up with her Brow Lift tool ($30) before using a pencil to gently fill in any gaps in upward strokes. Victoria's Secret Brow or Never eyebrow gel ($12) was then used to fix any areas of the brow. Charlotte also wanted to make the models' eyes appear larger like an Instagram filter, so she used her Exagger-Eyes shadow palette ($53) to help make them pop. The glittery shadow was blended in a windmill motion across the lid before using a darker shad along the lash line to add definition. Eyes to Memerise in Rose Gold ($32) was then applied underneath the lower lash line to help heighten each models' eye color. An 'Angel Wing' was added over top to elongate the eyes with the use of the Sophia eyeliner pencil ($22) in a chocolate-brown shade. The lashes were then adorned with Victoria's Secret Major Lash ($14) to give just the right length to be seen from down the runway. Moving onto lip, Charlotte wanted emphasis the pillow shape of the feature. This was created by first re-shaping the dimensions using Charlotte's Lip Cheat lip liner ($22) in the shade Pillow Talk to fake fuller lips. She then applied Victoria's Secrete Velvet Matte Creame in Showstopper ($14). For just the right glisten to be seen by anyone in attendance, Charlotte applied Collagen Lip Bath ($35) over the top of the shade for a dewy glow. The entire beauty look was completed after Charlotte applied her Supermodel Body lotion ($65) to the models' limbs to make the skin luxuriously smooth and glowing before they strutted their stuff down the runway. The 2018 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show will air on Dec. 2 on ABC. Melania Trump hasn't even arrived in France yet, but the first lady is already upping her style game before meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte. The 48-year-old donned a $2,695 Burberry black and white plaid trench coat and knee-high $1,295 Christian Louboutin boots as she and her husband, President Donald Trump, boarded Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House on Friday morning. The couple is headed to Paris to meet with world leaders and commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I on November 11. Style: Melania Trump donned a $2,695 Burberry coated trench coat to fly to France with her husband, President Donald Trump, on Friday Added touch: The 48-year-old first lady accessorized the raincoat with knee-high Christian Louboutin boots The first lady and president appeared to be in good spirits as they made their way across the South Lawn ahead of their flight. Melania was prepared for the rainy weather in Washington, D.C with her sleek coated wool trench and high leather boots. She wore her highlighted brown hair loose around her shoulders and donned minimal jewelry aside from her wedding band. Trump, meanwhile, had on a navy blue coat over his suit, which he paired with a white button-down shirt and long red tie. On the go: Melania and her husband boarded Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House on Friday morning Weekend getaway: The two were smiling brightly and appeared to be in good spirits United: Trump held his wife's hand as they walked across the grassed and boarded Marine One Next up: After their quick jaunt to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, they stepped off of the helicopter and walked across the tarmac to board Air Force One The two were smiling and holding hands as they walked across the wet grass and boarded Marine One for the first leg of their flight. After their quick jaunt to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, they stepped off of the helicopter and walked across the tarmac to board Air Force One. As Trump led the way, Melania stopped to shake hands with a woman who greeted them upon their arrival. A White House staff member was seen carrying the couple's personal luggage and papers across the tarmac, including a Louis Vuitton bag. The president and first lady happily waved at the top of the steps before entering Air Force Once. Meet and greet: Melania stopped to shake a few hands as she made her way to the plane Look: Melania wore her highlighted brown hair loose around her shoulders and donned minimal jewelry aside from her wedding band Blustery: The hem of the first lady's jacket flew up and revealed her boots as she battled the wind Carry-on: A White House staff member was seen carrying the couple's personal luggage and papers across the tarmac, including a Louis Vuitton bag The weekend jaunt to Europe comes just days after the midterm elections that delivered a split referendum on his presidency. 'I think it's going to be something very special,' he said of the trip. In addition to meeting Macron, Trump will be joining fellow world leaders at a ceremony on Sunday commemorating the 100th anniversary of the agreement that ended World War I. The president is also planning to visit several memorial sites dedicated to American service members in honor of Veterans Day. However, he'll be skipping the inaugural Paris Peace Forum led by Macron that's set to kick off Sunday. Old friends: Melania and her husband will be meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, as well as other world leaders Celebration: Trump will join fellow world leaders at a ceremony on Sunday commemorating the 100th anniversary of the agreement that ended World War I They're off: Melania and Trump gave a wave before they stepped inside Air Force One Outfit: Melania donned a black Dolce & Gabbana coat dress to watch Brett Kavanaugh formally take his seat as the 114th justice on the Supreme Court Thursday First ladies of fashion: Melania and Brigitte Macron both went all out with their style choices during the French first lady's visit to the White House in April The day before she flew to Paris, Melania donned a somber black dress to watch Brett Kavanaugh formally take his seat as the 114th justice on the Supreme Court Thursday. The first lady joined her husband at the traditional investiture ceremony, wearing the same Dolce & Gabbana coat dress that she wore to Barbara Bush's funeral service in April. She accessorized the look with a pair of $625 black Manolo Blahnik pumps and elbow-length leather gloves, which she left on while posing for photos with the Supreme Court justices. Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was noticeably absent from the photos; she was hospitalized after a fall in her office that led her to fracture three ribs Ginsburg's injuries and the news of another mass shooting in California put a damper on what probably would have been a more festive event. patron of charity, previously known as The Sick Kids Friends Foundation Princess Beatrice has had a very busy schedule since she acted as younger sister Eugenie's maid-of-honour last month. And the royal, 30, kept up her flurry of engagements, meeting leaders from Edinburgh Children's Hospital Charity at Buckingham Palace on Thursday - just a day after flying to Lisbon for a web summit. Beatrice looked chic in a purple pleated skirt and black jumper as she met with the charity's CEO Roslyn Neely and Director of Fundraising Rachel Baxter. Wearing her brunette locks off her face, she opted for a minimal make-up look for the meeting. Princess Beatrice met Edinburgh Children's Hospital Charity CEO Roslyn Neely (right) and Director of Fundraising Rachel Baxter (left) Beatrice became patron of Edinburgh Children's Hospital Charity, formerly known as the The Sick Kids Friends Foundation, in 2013. The charity supports and complement the work of Edinburgh's Royal Hospital for Sick Children, which the royal has visited on a number of occasions in the past. The photograph of Beatrice was shared on Twitter by the Edinburgh Children's Hospital Charity, along with the caption: 'Our CEO @neely_r & Director of Fundraising @RachelBaxter23 had a lovely meeting with our Royal Patron @yorkiebea today. 'They thanked Her Royal Highness for her ongoing support of our work & hand delivered a card from Amy in the hospital.' Beatrice was a guest speaker at the Web Summit 2018 in Lisbon on Wednesday, in her role as vice president of partnerships and strategy at US software company Afiniti Beatrice was younger sister Eugenie's maid-of-honour last month, opting for an all-blue ensemble for the big day at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle Beatrice's meeting at Buckingham Palace on Thursday comes after she attended Web Summit 2018 in Lisbon on Wednesday. She was there in her role as vice president of partnerships and strategy at US software company Afiniti. With Afiniti based in Washington DC, the Queen's granddaughter splits her time between London, Windsor and New York. She recently spoke about the trials and tribulations of life as a princess, telling British Vogue: 'It's hard to navigate situations like these because there is no precedent, there is no protocol. 'We are the first: we are young women trying to build careers and have personal lives, and we're also princesses, and doing all of this in the public eye.' An ex-army father with severe hearing damage can finally hear his baby cry after being gifted hearing aids. Darren Young, 38, from Preston, served in the British Army for 13 years, and was exposed to extreme noise from his first tour in Iraq. He claims he was not provided with 'noise suppression boxes', which would have protected his hearing from the explosions and machinery noise. As a result, My Young's hearing was seriously affected. It put him off of starting his dream career as a paramedic. But the last straw was being unable to hear the cries and 'magical moments' of he and his wife Marie's baby Freyja Rose, who is now five months. Mr Young went to get a hearing test, and was later gifted hearing aids by a high street specialist who was touched by his story. Darren Young, 38, served in the British Army for 13 years, and was exposed to extreme noise from his first tour in Iraq. Pictured, Mr Young in his last year of the army in 2013 in Afghanistan Mr Young can finally pursue his dream of being a paramedic after being gifted hearing aids from high street hearing specialist, Hidden Hearing Prior to having his hearing aids fitted, Mr Young, who is currently undertaking a three-year paramedic science degree, struggled with communication and feelings of anxiety. Pictured, with his wife, Marie Young, at a British Army ball in 2012 Mr Young won a pair of hearing aids, which are worth 2999, when his story touched of a campaign panel at high street hearing specialist, Hidden Hearing. As a Non-Commissioned Officer in the Army, Mr Young toured all over the world to places like Iraq, Madeira, Portugal and Canada, until six years ago. 'I first noticed I had difficulty hearing during my first tour in Iraq, around 15 years ago', Mr Young said. 'We received personal radios for driving and walking around, but I really struggled to hear people talking through them. 'Then one day while in Iraq, I woke up and I had absolutely no hearing in my right ear. 'The medic at the military base said my ear canal looked fine but, although my hearing did come back, it was just never the same.' WHAT CAUSES HEARING LOSS? AND CAN IT BE TREATED? Hearing loss can be temporary or permanent. It can also develop gradually with age or come on suddenly. Hearing loss in just one ear may be due to a build up of wax, an infection or a burst eardrum. Sudden loss in both ears may be due to damage from a very loud noise or side effects of certain medication. Gradual hearing loss may be the result of fluid building up, known as glue ear; a bony growth, called otosclerosis; or skin cell accumulation, known as cholesteatoma. Gradual hearing loss in both ears is usually caused by ageing or exposure to loud noises over many years. Hearing loss sometimes gets better on its own. A build up of wax can also be treated by being suctioned out or softened with drops. However, hearing loss can also be permanent, with treatment then focusing on making the most of the hearing that remains. This may involve: Hearing aids Implants - attach to the skull or are placed deep in the ear, if hearing aids are ineffective Communicating via sign language or lip reading Hearing loss can be prevented by avoiding loud music and wearing headphones that block out background noise. Ear defenders should also be worn if you work in a noisy environment, such as a building site. And ear protection should be worn at concerts and other noisy events. Source: NHS Choices Advertisement Prior to having his hearing aids fitted, Mr Young, who is currently undertaking a three-year paramedic science degree, struggled with every area of life that involved communication. As a result of his hearing loss, Mr Young felt anxiety. He said: 'I used to feel overwhelmed in crowds and often quite unprotected when I was in the army.' While training to work as a paramedic, he had difficulties working as a chef in a pub. He said: 'Theres lots of background noise in the kitchen, with fellow staff members shouting orders, which was often quite overwhelming and hard to digest. 'I was constantly asking my wife to repeat herself, which she must have found frustrating.' Even though Mr Young struggled to hear, he underestimated how bad his hearing was, and kept putting a test off. 'My mates used to say to me "I dont know how you cope" when I couldnt hear them at the pub, but I was just used to it.' But things took a turn when his daughter, Freyja Rose was born. He said: 'I even struggled to hear her cry which, for a new born, is quite something. I didnt want to miss out on magical moments with my children.' Mr Young originally thought he had one bad ear, but was shocked to find out at his local Hidden Hearing branch in Lytham that he had, in fact, lost hearing in both ears. His audiologist Elaine Norris nominated him for free hearing devices. 'My wife no longer shouts at me and I can have proper, easy conversations with my kids. I feel much more confident', Mr Young said. He is now looking forward to his new career as a paramedic. He said: 'I was worried... people may think I was ignorant for asking patients to repeat themselves. 'Asking people to say something over and over in an emergency can waste valuable time, and I didnt want to be the one responsible for that. 'But now its all fixed, I have nothing to worry about. 'When I found out I had won, there were rainbows and fluffy unicorns I was absolutely over the moon!' 'I didnt want to miss out on magical moments with my children', said My Young, pictured with his wife Marie, and children Cara-Leigh (10), Brooke (8), Aaron (7) and Freyja Rose (5 months) Audiologist Elaine Norris said: 'Many people ignore their hearing problems until its too late which can affect their health and quality of life.' Over five per cent of the worlds population or 466 million people has disabling hearing loss, according to the World Health Organisation. This is estimated to increase in 2050 to over 900 million people. A person who is not able to hear as well as someone with normal hearing hearing thresholds of 25 dB or better in both ears is said to have hearing loss. Women now have fewer children than they did 70 years ago but populations are still on the rise in more than half of countries, data revealed today. A huge study has compiled statistics of the countries where women have the most and the fewest children around the world. Cyprus has the lowest birth rate, with women averaging just one child each, whereas mothers in Niger in Africa give birth to seven children each, on average. The UK, US and Australia are among the 91 countries where women have fewer than two children each, with average rates of 1.7, 1.8 and 1.9 each, respectively. Experts say some nations are seeing baby 'booms' while others are going baby 'bust', pointing to education and employment for bringing down birth rates. The population of the earth has been rising by around 87million people every year since 2007 and only 14 per cent of those people one in seven are born in high income countries. Countries in Africa, plus Afghanistan, make up the entire top 10 of countries with the highest birth rates 'These statistics represent both a "baby boom" for some nations and a "baby bust" for others,' said Dr Christopher Murray, from the University of Washington. 'The lower rates of women's fertility clearly reflect not only access to and availability of reproductive health services. 'But also many women choosing to delay or forgo giving birth, as well as having more opportunities for education and employment.' Research included in the annual Global Burden of Disease study today showed the findings the research examines births, diseases and deaths around the world. The huge in-depth report, which is thousands of pages long, gives a snapshot of the human population in countries around the world for the year 2017. The growth of the world's population has sped up in recent years, according to the study published in The Lancet. Between 1997 and 2007 there was an increase of 81.5million people each year, whereas between 2007 and 2017 this sped up to 87.2million people a year. 10 COUNTRIES WITH THE HIGHEST FERTILITY RATES Niger (7.1 children per mother) Chad (6.7) Somalia (6.1) Mali (6.0) Afghanistan (6.0) South Sudan (5.9) Burkina Faso (5.4) Burundi (5.3) Uganda (5.2) Dem. Republic of the Congo (5.1) Angola (5.1) Nigeria (5.1) Advertisement And most of these people are being born into poor countries only 14 per cent of people in the entire world live in a high-income country such as in Western Europe or North America. In addition to Niger, Mali, Chad and South Sudan, India, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea and Haiti were among the 104 countries where birth rates are high enough to be driving a population boom. Meanwhile, women in richer, more developed countries tend to have fewer children mothers in Singapore, Norway and South Korea are all among the nations where the average birth rate is lower than two children per woman. And populations actually went down between 2010 and 2017 in countries including Georgia, Poland, Romania, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Cuba and Japan. 'Although total fertility rates are decreasing,' Dr Murray added, 'the global population continues to grow as death rates decline and because of population "momentum" in previous decades.' The countries with the highest populations are China and India, which both have more than a billion people each. And around half the entire population of Earth live in just countries China, India, US, Indonesia, Pakistan and Brazil contain more than 3.8billion people. Death counts in thousands due to famine between 1980-2017. Dark blue is less than 1,000, light blue is less than 5,000, yellow is less than 50,000, orange is less than 500,000 and red is more than 500,000 Death counts due to disease outbreak, including malaria, ebola and diarrheal diseases, between 1980-2017. Dark blue is less than 1,000, light blue is less than 5,000, yellow is less than 50,000, orange is less than 500,000 and red is more than 500,000 Death counts due to disasters, such natural disasters and transport injuries, from 1980-2017. Dark blue is less than 1,000, light blue is less than 5,000, yellow is less than 50,000, orange is less than 500,000 and red is more than 500,000 Death counts due to violence, such as terrorism and interpersonal violence, between 1980-2017. Dark blue is less than 1,000, light blue is less than 5,000, yellow is less than 50,000, orange is less than 500,000 and red is more than 500,000 Highest rates of death by country for the top causes of death Heart disease Uzbekistan: 534.2 deaths (per 100,000) Ukraine: 386.1 3. Azerbaijan: 381.8 Neonatal disorders 1. Central African Republic: 77.5 2. Pakistan: 67.3 3. Mali: 65.0 Stroke 1. Marshall Islands: 201.2 2. Papua New Guinea: 198.1 3. Montenegro: 185.1 Respiratory infections 1. Central African Republic: 159.0 2. Solomon Islands: 153.6 3. Chad: 148.4 Diarrhea-related diseases 1. Central African Republic: 175.3 2. Chad: 153.1 3. South Sudan: 138.6 Road injury-related deaths 1. Central African Republic: 85.5 deaths per 100,000 2. Somalia: 51.1 3. United Arab Emirates: 49.9 Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) 1. Papua New Guinea: 229.9 2. North Korea: 153.7 3. India: 113.7 Advertisement King Mohammed VI flew Thursday to Paris where he is expected to meet French President Emmanuel Macron. According to Le360 e-journal, during his few-day visit, King Mohammed VI will meet French President Emmanuel Macron and will take part in the first Paris Peace Forum, scheduled for November 11 to 13 in the French capital. The Sovereign had actually received from the French Head of state an invitation to participate in the Forum, recalled Le360. This global platform, initiated by the French President, is intended to respond to the rise of tensions in the contemporary world. According to organizers, it is a new annual event based on a simple idea: international cooperation is key to tackling global challenges and ensuring durable peace. To support collective action, it gathers all actors of global governance under one roof for three days states, international organizations, local governments, NGOs and foundations, companies, experts, journalists, trade unions, religious groups and citizens, organizers said. The forum, held in connection with the commemoration of the centenary of the end of World War I (1914/1918), is organized by an NGO founded in 2018 by the Korber Foundation, the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, the Institut francais des relations internationales, the Institut Montaigne, Sciences Po and the French Ministry for European and Foreign Affairs. Just two days after the Paris Peace Forum, French President Emmanuel Macron will visit Morocco at the invitation of King Mohammed VI for the launch on November 15 of the Tangier-Casablanca high-speed train. A woman has had surgery to remove 7lbs (3.2kg) of excess skin after she lost a staggering 303lbs (137.4kg). Lexi Reed, 27, from Terre Haute, Indiana, who used to weigh 490lbs (222.2kg), was left with severe folds of loose skin after she shed more than half her body weight. Mrs Reed would be left in tears after battling agonising pain in her jaw, back and neck, which doctors put down to sinus pain related to a root canal. It was not until her husband Danny, 30, lifted up the excess skin on Mrs Reed's front last September that she finally felt relief. A doctor later revealed the weight of Mrs Reed's excess skin was pulling her body out of its natural posture. Mrs Reed is now finally enjoying having a flat stomach after undergoing nine-hour surgery to remove the excess skin from her abdomen, thighs and buttocks. Lexi Reed was left with folds of excess skin on her abdomen, arms, legs and buttocks after losing a staggering 303lb (137.4kg) from her 490lbs (222.2kg) frame. She was forced to have surgery to remove the skin after it was pulling her posture into an agonising position Pictured at her heaviest with her husband Danny, Mrs Reed had a BMI of 78.3. Danny weighed 280lb (127kg) at the time, with the pair eating 8,000 calories a day between them. They embarked on a weight loss journey in the hope it would boost their chance of having a baby Speaking of her discomfort, Mrs Reed said: 'I suffered months of pain, taking four or five antibiotics and was told it may even be a sinus infection. 'But I knew my body and the way I felt wasn't normal, the bizarre symptoms weren't adding up. 'A few times I wondered if I would wake up the next day as no one knew what was wrong with me. 'It wasn't until standing in front of the mirror that we figured it out, some days I would stand there crying to Danny not knowing what was wrong with me. 'Danny asked if the skin may be causing the problem because of how heavy it was on my new body.' Mrs Reed's husband lifted up the excess skin on her front, which instantly relieved the strain on her neck. 'It was then that we came to the realisation that it was my skin that was causing me pain,' she said. The couple reached out to consultant Dr Joseph Michaels, who confirmed her excess skin was likely to blame and recommended surgery to remove it. Although still recovering, Mrs Reed believes the ordeal of surgery, which cost $17,000 (13,060), will be worth it. 'While I'm still in pain from the surgery right now I don't have my stomach holding me back and the pain being gone from my neck will be a new life and make it worth it,' she said. Pictured after losing 392lb (177.8kg) between them, Mrs Reed is now a lean 182lb (82.5kg) and Danny 185lb (83.9kg). The pair even kept motivated with chants of 'baby Reed' while they worked out. To celebrate their weight loss, they ticked off a travelling bucket list Mrs Reed claims she was not fazed by the appearance of her excess skin but the weight of carrying it left her with agonising pain in her jaw, back and neck. She did not realise the skin was to blame until her husband lifted it up and her discomfort vanished immediately Doctors previously dismissed Mrs Reed's pain as a sinus infection linked to a root canal but a cosmetic surgeon recommended she go under the knife. She is pictured after surgery, which removed skin that was 3ft wide and 1ft high from her abdomen, thighs and buttocks Despite having the surgery to remove her loose skin, Mrs Reed insists vanity played no part in her decision and she was actually proud of her 'battle wounds'. 'I knew going into this I would have loose skin,' she said. 'I saw my skin as a battle wound, I knew my body didn't deserve to carry around the weight of all the excess skin. 'I would have preferred to have ten times extra skin than be 485lb and on my death bed, there's so much more I can do now. 'I could fit in a airplane seat, go for walks and so many things, my skin never held me back before. 'People shouldn't be afraid of having loose skin, but instead worry about not living their best life.' But looking at her abs was a moving moment for Mrs Reed, who still has some loose skin on her legs and arms. 'Seeing my stomach was emotional, I have never had a flat tummy in my entire life,' she said. 'I always had rolls, stretch marks and never had a perfect body, so while this decision wasn't for vanity reasons it's amazing to see the hard work over the past three years.' Pictured wearing one of her dresses from when she was obese, Mrs Reed says there is so much more she can do now from kayaking, hiking and even just fitting in aeroplane seats. She always knew she would have excess skin but says it is 'ten times better than being on my death bed' The married couple motivated each other in the gym and are now more in love than ever Mrs Reed started her weight loss journey three years ago, along with Danny who weighed 280lb (127kg) at the time. The pair hoped losing weight would boost their chances of starting a family and even used chants of 'baby Reed' to motivate themselves. At their heaviest, they got through 8,000 calories a day between them. Mrs Reed was always the heavier of the two and even had a BMI of 78.3 - the healthy range is between 18.5 and 24.9. After losing 392lb (177.8kg) between them, Mrs Reed is now a lean 182lb (82.5kg) and her husband 185lb (83.9kg). To celebrate their weight loss, the couple embarked on a bucket list of challenges including visiting theme parks, travelling, kayaking and hiking. Cosmetic surgeon Dr Joseph Michaels (pictured left with Mrs Reed and Danny) performed the operation to remove her skin, saying it was a 'privilege' to be involved and that he hopes this will be the start of a 'new chapter in her life' by relieving the 'pull on her skeleton' HOW TO CALCULATE YOUR BODY MASS INDEX - AND WHAT IT MEANS Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on your weight in relation to your height. Standard Formula: BMI = (weight in pounds / (height in inches x height in inches)) x 703 Metric Formula: BMI = (weight in kilograms / (height in meters x height in meters)) Measurements: Under 18.5: Underweight Underweight 18.5 - 24.9: Healthy Healthy 25 - 29.9: Overweight Overweight 30 or greater: Obese Advertisement Dr Joseph Michaels, who operated on Mrs Reed, said it was a 'privilege' to be part of her surgery and he hopes this will start a 'new chapter in her life.' 'Excess skin can constantly pull on her skeleton and can cause pain in the back, neck and other areas,' he said. 'It's not just the sheer strain but the way it pulls the body and the problems that can cause. 'The skin can be an issue in terms of their hygiene and daily activities, fortunately Lexi is very mobile, but was being caused chronic pain. 'The surgery will not only help her contour but aids to relieve her body of a lot of excess skin.' The skin Dr Michaels' removed was more than 3ft wide and 1.5ft high. He also took some excess fat out of her abdomen and legs via liposuction, which he transferred to her buttocks. 'We don't want patients to look like a pancake on their buttock, we want good shape and good curves,' the board-certified plastic surgeon said. 'I'm very pleased with how the surgery came out and happy that she is reporting improvements with her muscular skeletal pain. 'It's really important for patients to know you can't exercise your skin and for a lot of patients the skin is not only a physical burden but a psychological one too. 'It can really prevent patients from realising the true extent of their weight loss accomplishments but once the skin is removed the physical and emotional improvement is very dramatic. 'It's a privilege for me to help patients on this last part of their journeys.' It's not just flu that's seasonal. At least 31 diseases are more likely to strike at specific times of the year, according to research. The hazy summer months cause a spike in cases of gonorrhoea, genital herpes and syphilis cases in the northern hemisphere. And chickenpox peaks in spring, which may be due to the virus thriving under warm, wet conditions, researchers say. The study also found going 'back to school' in September causes a surge in the highly infectious disease measles among children. Here, MailOnline lists when you are most more likely to be struck down with 31 different diseases - and the results may surprise you. It's not just flu that's seasonal! Research suggests at least 31 diseases ranging from gonorrhoea to chickenpox are more likely to strike at specific times of the year Professor Micaela Martinez analysed statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, and the European Center for Prevention and Control to come up with a list of infectious diseases 'of public health interest'. Professor Martinez, from the Columbia Mailman School of Public Health, then assessed dozens of scientific papers to determine if these conditions peak during different seasons of the year. Some diseases had several studies dedicated to their seasonality, while other more rare disorders had just one. Professor Martinez also discovered diseases can peak at varying times of the year in different countries depending on their temperature and rainfall. When gathering the results, certain diseases, such as Ebola and African sleeping sickness, were excluded because they could not be accurately linked to a certain time of year. Just looking at when diseases peak in the northern hemisphere, some may be surprised to learn most strike during summer. Warmer temperatures may boost the reproduction rates of disease-carrying insects like ticks and mosquitoes, which spread Lyme disease and West Nile Virus, respectively. Research has also linked people enjoying the warm, long evenings of summer to having a higher libido, which may explain why STIs are more common in the hotter months of the year. Perhaps unsurprisingly, both bird and seasonal flu are more common in winter, which is thought to be due to the virus remaining in the air for longer during cold, dry weather. As well as climate playing a key role, the migration and hibernation of animals can also be important, particularly in less developed countries. Rabies, for instance, can be carried by bats and dogs, while Salmonella live in chickens. Environmental factors can also spread diseases, with summer algal blooms long being responsible for cholera outbreaks in Bangladesh. Algal blooms occur when microscopic algae rapidly multiply, which often causes a coloured scum to gather on the water's surface. This prevents oxygen from reaching deeper parts of the water. Under these 'unfavourable conditions' cholorea bacteria in the water develop into hardy 'spores' that are more infectious than the pathogen itself. Some scientists have also suggested natural fluctuations to a human's hormones throughout the year may weaken their immune system. The study was published in the journal PLOS Pathogens. 'Seasonality is a powerful and universal feature of infectious diseases, although the scientific community has largely ignored it for the majority of infections,' Professor Martinez said. 'Much work is needed to understand the forces driving disease seasonality and understand how we can leverage seasonality to design interventions to prevent outbreaks and treat chronic infections.' Professor Martinez believes scientists should continue to analyse databases and official health reports that record infectious diseases. This information could then be combined to determine what drives their seasonality. 'Uncovering the mechanisms of seasonality for disease systems would empower the public health community to better control infection,' he said. And knowing when diseases peak may better enable infections to be controlled, Professor Martinez added. He is now studying whether seasonal fluctuations in the 'sleep hormone' melatonin affect a person's immune system and makes them more vulnerable to certain conditions. Some 10 percent of men and seven percent of women struggle to control sexual thoughts and urges, a new study reveals. A healthy sex life has been shown to have benefits for health and happiness, but when sex becomes a compulsion it can interfere with every day functioning and cause distress to those who must constantly fight urges. Researchers at the University of Minnesota found that the number of Americans struggling with difficult-to-control sexual desires may be increasing. What's more, it's an issue that may affect different groups - particularly sexual and racial minorities - disproportionately, suggesting sexual compulsion may be part of wider health disparities. About 10 percent of men and six percent of women in the US struggle with hard-to-control sexual urges raising concerns among psychiatrists American attitudes toward sex have undergone something of a transformation in the last several decades. In the 1970s, the majority of men and and women in the US disapproved of sex before marriage. Now, most milennials are in favor of sex before marriage, casual sex is on the rise, and far more open to the idea of same sex couples and activities. And as these perspectives have shifted, access to sexually explicit content has proliferated online. Coupled with a seemingly relentless stream of sexual misconduct movements fueling the #MeToo movement, some psychiatrists, parents and public health experts have worried that sexual behavior is getting out of control. But it's a divisive subject, and despite these concerns, hypersexuality - also referred to as sex addiction - has been turned down by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) each time its addition was been proposed. Still, it's remained a concern to University of Minnesota psychiatrist Dr Janna Dickenson, especially in light of the growing number of celebrities and high profile people who have publicly admitted their compulsions. 'From Tiger Woods to Harvey Weinstein, news articles have conjectured that 'sex addiction' is a growing and heretofore unrecognized 'epidemic,' while the scientific community debates whether such a problem even exists,' she said. 'Although psychiatry has a long history of attempting to characterize hypersexuality, researchers and clinicians have disparate views regarding whether it represents a true psychiatric disorder or is merely indicative of a larger sociocultural problem- labelled as out-of-control sexual behavior.' How to define and label this also divides the experts but a new recognized classification of compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD) was used. Dr Dickenson added: 'Specifically, CSBD is characterized by a persistent pattern of failure to control intense, repetitive sexual urges, which results in repetitive sexual behavior that causes marked distress or social impairment. 'Such distress and impairment includes neglecting social activities or personal health, repeatedly attempting to control sexual behavior unsuccessfully, and continuing to engage in sexual behavior despite adverse consequences or even when the individual derives minimal pleasure from his or her sexual activities.' Yet previous studies found most were in denial and relatively few individuals perceived their sexual behavior as problematic. Previous estimates for the US suggested prevalence ranged from one to six percent in adults, with the expectation that sexual compulsions would be two to five times more common among men. Amid the #MeToo movement, disgraced Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein (left) and comedian Louis CK (right) have both claimed that they struggle with sexual compulsions So the new study set out to get an accurate estimate of the prevalence of CSBD by questioning 2,325 adults - 50.5 percent of whom were women - aged 18 and 50 taking part in the National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior in November 2016. Distress and impairment associated with difficulty controlling sexual feelings, urges, and behavior were measured using the Compulsive Sexual Behavior Inventory. The study found that 8.6 percent of the nationally representative sample - seven per cent of women and 10.3 per cent of men - endorsed clinically relevant levels of distress and/or impairment associated with difficulty controlling sexual feelings, urges, and behaviors. Dr Dickenson said the gender difference was much smaller than hypothesized. 'Explanations justifying the hypothesis that CSBD may be much more common among men than women have been vague, although some researchers have pointed to differences in male sexuality with regard to intrinsic sexual motivation, ease of arousal, and more permissive attitudes toward casual sex,' she said. 'Such explanations tap into the sociosexual culture that underlies conceptualizations of masculine ideology, in that male sexuality as 'irrepressible,' and suggest that when men get more access to sexual 'outlets,' they may be more prone to developing compulsive sexual behavior.' Traditionally, sex has been seen as a male behavior, while women have been expected to be modest and less interested in sex - particularly in the US, where social values were first founded on Puritanical Christianity. 'Feminine ideology that marks women as the 'sexual gatekeepers.' who are expected to keep sexual urges in check and, thus, would be less likely to develop compulsive sexual behavior,' said Dr Dickenson. But that's finally beginning to change. 'Given recent cultural shifts toward becoming more permissive of female sexual expression and the proliferation in accessibility to sexual imagery and casual sex through the internet, software applications, and social media, one possible explanation for the smaller gender differences found in our study is that the prevalence of difficulty controlling sexual behaviors among women may be increasing.' Dr Dickenson concluded: 'The high prevalence of this sexual symptom has major public health relevance as a sociocultural problem and indicates a significant clinical problem that warrants attention from health care professionals. 'Moreover, gender, sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, and income differences suggest potential health disparities, point to the salience of sociocultural context of CSBD, and argue for a treatment approach that accounts for minority health, gender ideology, and sociocultural norms and values surrounding sexuality and gender.' She advised that health professionals should be on 'alert,' as sexual compulsions become more common, and perhaps more distressing to those fighting them. The metrics from World War I are horrific. In all, there were 37m military and civilian casualties 16m dead and 21m wounded. Never before had a conflict brought such devastation in terms of death and injury. In response, during the four years of the war, military surgeons developed new techniques on the battlefield and in supporting hospitals which, in the war's final two years, resulted in more survivors of injuries that would have proved mortal in the first two. On the Western Front, 1.6m British soldiers were successfully treated and returned to the trenches. By the end of the war, 735,487 British troops had been discharged following major injuries. The majority of the injuries were caused by shell blasts and shrapnel. Many of the injured (16%) had injuries affecting the face, over a third of which were categorised as 'severe'. Historically, this was an area where very little had been attempted, and survivors with major facial injuries were left with major deformities that made it difficult to see, breathe easily, or eat and drink as well as looking horrific. A young ENT (ear, nose and throat) surgeon from New Zealand, Harold Gillies, working on the Western Front saw attempts to repair the ravages of facial injuries and realised that there was a need for specialised work. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO The horrific scale of facial injuries in the First World War pushed doctors and sculptors to develop methods to help the sufferers move on without feeling mutilated. A surgeon from New Zealand developed a skin-grafting technique, producing a 'mask' of skin across the person's face and eyes. They would also fit those that needed them with glass eyes, and fashioned a pair of fake glasses to hold it all together as innocuously as possible. Pictured: an archival image of one patient before (left) and after (right) The story of prosthetics was touched on in the hit show Boardwalk Empire with a character played by Jack Hutson who had the tell-tale glasses and face mask The timing was right, because the military medical leadership was recognising the benefit of establishing specialist centres for dealing with specific injuries and wounds, such as neurosurgical and orthopaedic injuries or victims of gassing. Gillies was given the go ahead, and by January 1916 was setting up Britain's first plastic surgery unit at the Cambridge Military Hospital in Aldershot. Nobody won the last war but the medical services. The increase in knowledge was the sole determinable gain for mankind in a devastating catastrophe Gillies toured base hospitals in France to seek suitable patients to be sent to his unit. He returned expecting about 200 patients but the opening of the unit coincided with the opening of the Somme offensive in 1916, and more than 2,000 patients with facial injuries were sent to Aldershot. Treatment was also needed for sailors and airmen suffering from facial burns. Gillies described the development of plastic surgery as a 'strange new art'. Many techniques were developed by trial and error, although some mirrored work that had been done centuries previously in India. This is a close-up of a prosthesis for an eye and eyelid, attached to glasses to keep them fixed A selection of newly molded noses, eyes and eyelids in France in 1918 for wounded soldiers The prosthetics creators would make a mold of the person's face using paper mache to get the right shape of their faces. Once it was made, they would paint on their facial features and skin Making coloured glass eyeballs: Master craftsmen use cut glass and enamel to make glass eyes for soldiers who lost their eyes in the First World War. A bulb of glass is blown and color applied (top left); the eyes are baked and the colors set (top right); the eyeball is cut to fit (bottom left); the finished article is carefully polished (bottom right) One of the main techniques Gillies developed was tube pedicle skin-grafting. A flap of skin was separated but not detached from a healthy part of the soldier's body, stitched into a tube, and then sutured to the injured area. A period of time was needed to allow a new blood supply to form at the site of implantation. It was then detached, the tube opened and the flat skin stitched over the area that needed cover. One of the first patients to be treated was Walter Yeo, gunnery warrant officer on HMS Warspite. Yeo sustained facial injuries during the Battle of Jutland in 1916, including the loss of his upper and lower eyelids. The tube pedicle produced a 'mask' of skin grafted across his face and eyes, producing new eyelids. The results, although far from perfect, meant that he had a face once again. Gillies went on to repeat the same sort of procedure on thousands of others. Four photographs documenting the facial reconstruction of a soldier whose cheek was extensively wounded during the Battle of the Somme in July 1916 Craftsmen would paint the mask while it was on the soldier so that it would closely match the soldier's actual skin tone. Pictured above left is a severely disfigured soldier and right he is pictured wearing the mask created There was need for larger facilities for surgical and postoperative treatment and also rehabilitation of the patients, together with the different specialities involved in their care. Gillies played a large part in the design of a specialist unit at Queen Mary's Hospital in Sidcup, southeast London. It opened with 320 beds and by the end of the war, there were more 600 beds and 11,752 operations had been carried out. But reconstructive surgery continued long after hostilities ceased and, by the time the unit finally closed in 1929, some 8,000 military personnel had been treated between 1920 and 1925. The details of the injuries, the operations to correct them and the final outcome were all recorded in detail, both by early clinical photography and also by detailed drawings and paintings created by Henry Tonks, who although trained as a doctor, had given up medicine for painting. Tonks became a war artist on the Western Front but then joined Gillies to help not only in the recording of the new plastic procedures, but also with their planning. The complex facial and head surgery necessitated new ways of delivering anaesthetics. Two wounded soldiers playing cards after having full face prosthetics fitted in April 1919 Anaesthesia generally had advanced as a speciality during the war years both in the way it was administered, and also how doctors were trained (previously, anaesthetics had often been given by a junior member of the surgical team). The survival from operations requiring anaesthesia was improving, although techniques were still based on chloroform and ether. The Queen Mary's anaesthetic team developed a method of passing a rubber tube from the nose to the trachea (windpipe), as well as working on the endotracheal tube (mouth to trachea) whch was made from commercial rubber tubing. Many of their techniques remain in use today. As an Austrian doctor wrote in 1935: 'Nobody won the last war but the medical services. The increase in knowledge was the sole determinable gain for mankind in a devastating catastrophe.' This article was originally published by The Conversation The author would like to acknowledge the assistance of Norman G Kirby, Major General (Retired), Director of Army Surgery 1978-82 US health officials are urging the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to make kratom, the opioid supplement linked to scores of deaths, a schedule 1 drug. At least 36 people have died of apparent overdoses after ingesting kratom, a controversial herb used in capsules, teas and powders. The products are not FDA-approved or regulate and have been sold as supplements promising slight euphoria. Kratom has been marketed and become popular as an unapproved opioid withdrawal aid. But scientists have recently discovered that compounds in the plant-derived substance actually are opioid substances in kratom. Now, Health and Human Services (HHS) is pleading with the DEA to give kratom the same illegal status as heroin, according to a letter obtained by Stat News. Kratom has gained popularity in the US as an unapproved herbal supplement to treat opioid withdrawal. A Florida mother's use of the controversial herb gave her newborn withdrawals Kratom, derived from a Southeast Asian plant, has long been used there as a stimulant for workers or to give those who chewed, smoke or drank it as a tea a feeling of euphoria. But in Thailand, the plant's country of origin, it's since been outlawed. Here in the US, products made from it have only recently emerged. Because they were plant-based, natural, substances, kratom powders, teas and capsules did not require approval from the FDA before they could be marketed and sold in the US. Manufacturers and sellers pushed it as a cheaper natural alternative to opioid addiction withdrawal assistance drugs like methodone. Kratom gained quite a following. The American Kratom Association estimated that between three and five million Americans have used the supplement. After reports of ER visits and even deaths surged, doctors called on the FDA to investigate the supplement. Case reports of babies born with drug withdrawals from kratom - nearly identical to those caused by mothers' use of opioids during pregnancy - have even begun to emerge. When FDA scientists tested it, they found that substances in kratom behave like pharmarceutical opioid drugs, meaning the substance should be regulated as such. Commissioner Scott Gottlieb warned in a statement in September that because kratom has never substantiated its many claims of medical benefits with scientific study, its manufacturers are already breaking federal law. In his statement, Gottlieb stressed the need for the FDA and HHS to work together to make sure that approved, proven and effective medications for use disorder are accessible to people fighting opioid addiction, that unproven ones are not marketed, and that new potentially safe and effective drugs are brought to market. The agency has called on several manufacturers to stop making their kratom products and recalled, but ultimately HHS itself has not formally taken any action against the substance, and in order for the drug to be outlawed and seized, the DEA must get involved. In a letter obtained by Stat and dated October 1 of last year, the HHS urged the DEA to do just that. According to the letter, the DEA requested scientific review of kratom's potential for abuse back in 2014. Now, the HHS has detailed the results of those investigations in 15 pages summarizing negative health effects and addictive qualities. As a result of the FDA's studies, the agency's parent organization, HHS and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) made concurrent recommendations that kratom be classified as a schedule 1 substance. That would designate kratom as a substance with no accepted medical value and a high risk for addiction and abuse. But over a year later, the DEA has ostensibly not made a decision about kratom. The HHS was none too pleased that Stat obtained the letter and spokeswoman Caitlin Oakley told Daily Mail Online that the document 'should have been withheld' after being 'inadvertently disclosed.' She added that deliberations over kratom's status are ongoing. US regulators plans to ban menthol cigarettes when they impose stricter rules on sales of flavored e-cigarettes in a bid to stop Americans - particularly young ones - from feeling lured into the dangerous habit. Officials at the US Food and Drug Administration told the Wall Street Journal that menthol cigarettes are known for being harder to quit, likely because the flavor soothes the throat while injecting a hit of addictive nicotine. Combustible cigarettes have taken a backseat as the FDA carries out a vendetta on e-cigarettes, which are soaring among popularity among young people, rather than adults trying to quit, who were supposed to be the target market. But this week, FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb has revealed a number of strategies he plans to explore to crack down harder on smoking in every group. Among e-cigarettes, he plans to make it harder to buy flavored products underage - even online - since that is how most young people seem to start. Menthol cigarettes are the second most popular among young people, so he's loosely cutting that supply too. Officials at the FDA said menthol cigarettes are known for being harder to quit, likely because the flavor soothes the throat while injecting a hit of addictive nicotine The ban could take two years to reach the market, the Wall Street Journal says. The agency first presented data in 2013 showing menthols are harder to quit, but only recently suggested they may move to ban them. Today, FDA officials confirmed to the Journal that the agency is going ahead with its steady push against the minty products - as the tobacco industry pushes back. Speaking on Politico's Pulsecheck podcast this morning, Dr Scott Gottlieb said he has no immediate plans to ban or limit the sale of minty e-cigarettes as he cracks down on attractive flavors. When it comes to e-cigarettes, he is focusing on fruity flavors, which he says are the most attractive to young never-smokers. But for smokers trying to quit, the devices are certainly safer than tobacco products, and they need something that doesn't remind them of the sticks that got them hooked in the first place. 'Would you give a recovering alcoholic a whiskey-flavored drink? No. So we don't want to leave smokers with only tobacco-flavored e-cigarettes,' Gottlieb told Politico's Pulsecheck podcast on Thursday. However, for teens suddenly cut off from their favorite flavors, they will then be left with minty e-cigarettes and menthol cigarettes - which, to the naive, may seem one in the same. The move to ban menthols may at least funnel consumers into one, more manageable direction. TRINITY by Louisa Hall (Corsair 16.99, pp 336) TRINITY by Louisa Hall (Corsair 16.99, pp 336) As well as being the father of the atomic bomb, J. Robert Oppenheimer was fascinated by black holes. Evidently taking her cues from this fact, Louisa Hall has made him an unfathomable absence at the centre of Trinity, which unfolds over 20 years as a series of testimonies from bit-part players in his story. We hear from (among others) an intelligence agent sent to trail Oppie as he meets his doomed mistress, a member of the Womens Army Corps who witnesses the first nuclear test, and one of the brilliant physicists Princeton secretaries. Her narrative, which could almost stand alone, is perhaps the most arresting, as she battles with the same eating disorder that killed her twin sister. History, Hall insists, happens on the human scale and the narratives in which we find ourselves caught up often blind us to larger truths. This is an intelligent, serious novel saved from ponderousness by an abundance of sharp-edged details and the intensity of its characters need to speak. AS THE WOMEN LAY DREAMING by Donald Murray (Saraband 8.99, 288 pp) AS THE WOMEN LAY DREAMING by Donald Murray (Saraband 8.99, 288 pp) On January 1, 1919, a ship carrying servicemen home to the Hebrides sank off Stornoway. More than 200 lives were lost, making the disaster one of the worst in 20th-century maritime history. Hebridean-born Murray tells the story of one survivor, blacksmith Tormod, through the eyes of his seven-year-old grandson, who arrives on the desolate Isle of Lewis in 1936 following his mothers death. Murray is an evocative painter of landscapes and a deeply sympathetic writer, although, as a novel, this doesnt quite work: a Nineties-set frame narrative never develops and a strand involving Tormods diaries is slightly awkward. But it ultimately matters little. This diligently researched book exists principally as a space for forgotten voices to sound, bearing witness not just to this tragedy, but to the terrible cost of World War I itself. FRIEDA by Annabel Abbs (Two Roads 14.99, 384 pp) FRIEDA by Annabel Abbs (Two Roads 14.99, 384 pp) AbbsS debut, The Joyce Girl, delved into the life of the Ulysses authors tragic daughter. Here, her subject is German aristocrat Frieda von Richthofen: the real Lady Chatterley. We begin in Nottingham in 1907, where Frieda has settled, having married the English professor Ernest Weekley. Unfortunately, egghead Ernest is more interested in etymology than Eros and a brush with free love in Munich leaves Frieda frustrated by her stifling marriage. Enter one D. H. Lawrence, a pallid young poet who has the vim and spirit of a wildcat. But, as the couples tempestuous affair develops, Frieda finds herself agonisingly torn between her lover and her children. Alternating between viewpoints including that of the poor, dutiful Ernest this is a compassionately imagined tale. But it contains some thudding dialogue and numerous cliches, too, and, given its subject, feels disappointingly tame. BLACK CITY by Boris Akunin (W&N 20, 368 pp) BLACK CITY by Boris Akunin (W&N 20, 368 pp) In 1914, on the eve of World War I, the Tsars head of security is assassinated by a murderer calling himself Odysseus. Well-known for his sleuthing triumphs, detective Fandorin and his associate Masa are ordered on to the case. A clue takes them to Baku, the capital of the infant Russian oil industry on the Caspian Sea. The black city seethes with bandits, oil men, fanatics and nationalists, some of whom wish to neutralise Fandorin. His discomfort is enhanced further when he encounters his beautiful, estranged, actress wife. The Erast Fandorin detective novels are always meaty, packed with historical detail, old-fashioned in the best sense and intricately plotted. Readers can expect prime Akunin ingenious, twisty, at times digressive, exotic a challenge to which his translator, Andrew Bromfield, rises magnificently. HOUSE OF GLASS by Susan Fletcher (Virago 16.99, 368 pp) HOUSE OF GLASS by Susan Fletcher (Virago 16.99, 368 pp) Clever, forthright, rational and a sufferer of brittle bone disease, in 1914 Clara Waterfield takes the job of supervising the plants in the glasshouse at Shadowbrook, a house in Gloucester with a lurid history. Eerie footsteps sound at night, the housekeeper is terrified and Shadowbrooks owner is mysteriously absent. Clara may be small and partially crippled, but she is educated and rational. However, she needs all of her scientific resources to distinguish between rumour, speculation and what is actually true at Shadowbrook including her feelings for Kit Preedy, the farmer. The plot dips in and out of the Gothic and demands a pinch of salt, but the writing is magical and often extremely moving. A gem. FIVE DAYS OF FOG FIVE DAYS OF FOG by Anna Freeman (Orion 14.99, 368 pp) by Anna Freeman (Orion 14.99, 368 pp) Ruby Palmer is the leader of the Cutters, a gang of female criminals, and her daughter, Florrie, is tipped to take over. However, Florrie is dithering between her familial loyalty with its financial perks and whether to go straight for the sake of Ted, the man she loves. Worse, someone is grassing up the Cutters. As the Great Smog of 1952 descends over London, the hunt is on to find out who it is and to cut them down. Swaddling buildings and choking citizens, the fog is a great metaphor for the murk in which the Cutters operate. Thoroughly at home with her material, the author enjoys herself with her sharply realised cast of characters in her pacy, sometimes brutal, but entertaining novel. IN THE GALWAY SILENCE by Ken Bruen (HoZ 18.99, 304 pp) IN THE GALWAY SILENCE by Ken Bruen (HoZ 18.99, 304 pp) Bruens troubled Irish hero, Jack Taylor, has travelled through a world of woe fuelled by Jameson whisky and Xanax but seems finally to have found contentment with a new woman and a smart apartment. Inevitably, trouble comes calling. A wealthy French businessman called Pierre Renaud, who married a woman from Galway, wants Taylor to investigate the deaths of his twin sons, killed on their 18th birthday by what could have been a professional assassin. Taylors past experiences have left him with limp, mutilated fingers and hearing problems, but he gradually realises that he has no choice but to help. Enter a mysterious hitman called Silence, so-called because he is the last thing his victims will ever hear. Wonderfully evocative of Ireland, this is a gritty, brutal tale told with its authors typical lyricism. It is not for the faint-hearted. NO TIME TO CRY NO TIME TO CRY by James Oswald (Wildfire 7.99, 336 pp) by James Oswald (Wildfire 7.99, 336 pp) This is the first book by the talented Oswald that is not part of an established series, such as his Inspector McLean mysteries. Here, he brings us a new, feisty heroine, Constance Fairchild, an undercover detective constable with the Met. We first meet her when shes on her way to see her boss, who runs their undercover operation from a seedy office in a forgotten part of London. When she gets there, she discovers him executed by a gunshot to the head, after having been tortured for information. Fairchild finds herself a suspect and is suspended from the force. She then learns that a price has been put on her head that might tempt any villain aware of it to kill her. So begins a rollercoaster ride for the determined and resilient Fairchild, who uncovers child abuse and police corruption along the way as she endeavours to stay alive. A cracking story beautifully told. THE INSIDER THE INSIDER by Mari Hannah (Orion 7.99, 416 pp) by Mari Hannah (Orion 7.99, 416 pp) Few crime writers capture the workings of the police and the pressures on officers better than Hannah. This is the second in a new series about the freshly minted pairing of DCI David Stone and DS Frankie Oliver and it weaves a spell from the first page. Three women have been killed in the area around Newcastle and now there is a fourth, a young woman found beside a railway line. There are no witnesses and Stone and Oliver face an uphill battle to find the serial killer. Stone is convinced that there is a leak somewhere, which is helping the killer, and decides that he can trust only Oliver. But she is fighting demons from her past, which pull her in several directions at once. The murderer is wonderfully drawn and the investigation captured with Hannahs trademark skill. If you read only one police procedural this year, make it The Insider. It deserves it. SPECTATOR BOOK OF WIT, HUMOUR AND MISCHIEF ed Marcus Berkmann (Abacus 9.99 480 pp) SPECTATOR BOOK OF WIT, HUMOUR AND MISCHIEF Edited Marcus Berkmann (Abacus 9.99 480 pp) Christmas looms and, with it, the perennial problem: what to buy the relations on the senior branches of the family tree? If they happen to have a sense of humour, then your problem is solved. This gloriously entertaining volume draws together the wittiest writing from The Spectator magazine from 1990 to 2014. Contributors include such household names as Boris Johnson, Hilary Mantel and Ozzy Osbourne. Here is the novelist Beryl Bainbridge on finding a radish in her vodka and lime: I was brought up to pay little attention to vegetables. And writer Sebastian Faulks shares his favourite Christmas game: Somebody goes out of the room. Everyone else waits for a minute and tries to remember who it was. Your uncle will love it. THE LIBRARIAN by Salley Vickers (Penguin 8.99 400 pp) THE LIBRARIAN by Salley Vickers (Penguin 8.99 400 pp) Dedicated to those titans of childrens literature, Philip Pullman and Jacqueline Wilson, Salley Vickerss latest novel is a bittersweet love story thats played out against a backdrop of childrens books. Vickerss heroine, Sylvia, is a naive twentysomething who chooses a career in librarianship after a kindly librarian encourages her childhood love of books. Arriving to take up a post in the imaginary village of East Mole in 1958, she finds herself instantly embroiled in village politics. The bullying Senior Librarian, Mr Booth, is sleeping with the volunteer, Mrs Harris, whose husband, Cyril, takes an unhealthy interest in the young boys of the youth club. Then there is the handsome village doctor, Hugh, and his clever daughter, Marigold, whose passion for reading brings Hugh and Sylvia together. This gentle and nostalgic romance is perfect comfort reading for those dark winter nights. BLOOD ON THE PAGE by Thomas Harding (Windmill 8.99 368 pp) BLOOD ON THE PAGE by Thomas Harding (Windmill 8.99 368 pp) In 2006, an elderly man called Allan Chappelow, was found dead under a vast pile of papers in his squalid home in Hampstead, North London. He was a Cambridge-educated writer who had become reclusive. His death had remained unnoticed for weeks. A police investigation identified his alleged murderer as a Chinese refugee, Wang Yam, whose subsequent murder trial at the Old Bailey in 2009 took place in secret for reasons of national security the first murder trial in which such a secrecy order had been imposed. Thomas Hardings rather compelling book examines the extraordinary facts surrounding the murder and Yams conviction, but comes to the conclusion that, a decade since the killing of Allan Chappelow, little is certain. Moroccos royal navy has rescued 140 illegal migrants, including women and children, while patrolling in the Mediterranean Sea during the last 24 hours. The rescued migrants, who were trying to reach Spain, have all been brought safely to Moroccan ports, the navy said in a statement. Earlier in October, the Moroccan navy saved 31 migrants stranded at sea and recovered at least 11 bodies. On October 6 and 7, units of the Moroccan Navy had assisted thirty-one inflatable boats of different categories that were in difficulty in the Mediterranean. The boats were carrying 615 candidates for illegal migration. They were all brought back safely to Moroccan ports. More than 43,000 migrants have made it to Spain since the start of the year, including around 38,000 by sea, according to the International Organization for Migration. However, more than 1,700 have died or disappeared in the Mediterranean during the same period, including 362 off the Spanish coast, according to the IOM. During the past nine months, Moroccan authorities have dismantled more than 122 trafficking networks and foiled more than 68,000 migration attempts. Meanwhile, some 50,000 migrants living in Morocco have benefited from the two phases of the operation to regularize their status. In its human rights report, the US State Department welcomed Moroccos protection of migrants rights and its regularization and integration policy. The Moroccan government cooperated with the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other humanitarian organizations in providing protection and assistance to refugees, returning refugees, asylum seekers, and other persons of concern, said the report, adding that the government also provided funding to humanitarian organizations to provide social services to migrants, including refugees. The State Department hailed Moroccos efforts to give migrants access to basic services, saying that recognized refugees and migrants were able to work and access health care and education services, including publicly funded professional and vocational training. Fraudsters are cloning Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs contact numbers to help pass scam attempts off as 'legitimate' it has warned. The aim is to then steal thousands of pounds from unsuspecting victims who go on to believe the ruse - and This is Money has received examples of this happening. Criminals call potential victims using Voice over Internet Protocol technologies to copy the taxman number (usually 0300 200 3300) and cruelly pass themselves off as HMRC employees that are conducting audits and catching out tax evaders. Readers have written to This is Money telling how they have lost thousands of pounds to criminals purporting to be calling from the HMRC They tell their target they haven't paid their taxes in previous years and they need to make an immediate transfer of the 'outstanding' monies, or risk legal action and prison. Some smartphones even display that the number comes from the HMRC making the scam more believable to people who then transfer money to criminals out of fear. If the victim isn't home or doesn't answer the phone, the scammers aren't put off. They often leave voice messages or send emails purporting to be from the HMRC and demanding immediate call backs. An HMRC spokesperson told This is Money: 'We are well aware that fraudsters are trying to spoof our real numbers in order to legitimatise their crimes. We encourage people, as with any scam, to be vigilant. 'We will never call you out of the blue asking for money. If you're in doubt, you can put the phone down and call us back. 'You can report this scam to phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk or Action Fraud at 0300 123 2040. All our phone numbers are listed on gov.uk if people want to call us.' HSBC: The bank says scammers are expert manipulators and use a range of techniques to find and use public and private information about their victims Reports of a surge in taxman number cloning comes after our report last week in which a mum of two lost 2,900 from her HSBC savings, It came after a scammer persuaded her that he was calling from the HMRC and threatened her with legal action and arrest. Another reader from Surrey wrote in soon after our report conveying a similar story of how his wife was targeted by 'HMRC' fraudsters and lost more than 2,400. Beat the Scammers In 2016, This is Money launched its Beat the Scammers section, in a bid to help readers stay one step ahead of the latest fraud trends. This HMRC prison scam is yet another example of how criminals adapt and attempt to play on fear in order to deceive people out of their hard-earned cash. Have a story? Get in touch: editor@thisismoney.co.uk She also banks with HSBC. He said: 'My wife has just last week been involved in the exact same scam, and some of the similarities are really terrifying. 'I finished early last week and got home to find my wife and daughter both crying. He added: 'My wife was on the phone and refused to tell me what was happening other than she was being investigated for tax evasion by HMRC, and that she was being monitored and wasn't allowed to speak to anyone else about the case as it would break the terms of their agreement. 'I eventually managed to convince her that this could not be genuine, but by that point the damage had already been done. 'They had been keeping her on the phone to make sure the payment she had made (2,486) earlier on had gone through.' A HSBC UK spokesperson said: 'Scammers are expert manipulators and use a range of techniques to find and use public and private information about their victims, both before and during contact with them, without them realising. My wife was on the phone and refused to tell me what was happening other than she was being investigated for tax evasion by HMRC. This is Money reader 'They then use this information within different scenarios to convince people that a bank transfer is necessary and make it appear plausible and legitimate. 'In this case, there's nothing to suggest the scammer already had access to specific financial information about the customer. 'After being notified of the scam we acted quickly to contact the receiving bank, making it aware of the transaction in question and the suspected fraudulent activity. 'It is then up to the receiving bank to investigate and return funds to the customer.' Number spoofing is a fairly simple technique for fraudsters. They clone the telephone number of an organisation they wish to impersonate and make it appear on the caller ID display seen by their intended victim. Websites that offer this type of service are easy to find. The scammer gains trust by drawing attention to the number on the display and uses this as proof of identity in order to disguise the fraud. Many may not realise how easy it is for a fraudster to make a telephone number appear it is coming from a bank or a government organisation. Tesla has appointed an Australian accountant to take over as chairman from Elon Musk as part of a settlement with US regulators. The electric car maker said Robyn Denholm, one of its non-executive directors, had been appointed to the role with immediate effect. It ends speculation about who will fill Musks shoes after the chief executive was banned from holding the role of chairman for three years. Australian accountant Robyn Denholm will replace Elon Musk as the chair of US electric car manufacturer Tesla That followed a settlement with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which accused the billionaire of fraud when he said a plan for taking Tesla private had funding secured. Denholm will remain as chief financial officer of Australian telecoms firm Telstra for six months before joining Tesla. Musk said: Robyn has extensive experience in the tech and auto industries. "She has made significant contributions as a board member over the past four years in helping us become profitable. Denholm said: I believe in this company, I believe in its mission and I look forward to helping Elon and Tesla achieve sustainable profitability. Looking ahead: John Lewis Chairman Sir Charles Mayfield Odd that John Lewis's upright chairman Sir Charles Mayfield, 51, should announce his departure date two years in advance. Still, can't hurt to give the headhunters an early heads up, I suppose. Ex-army officer Mayfield's predecessor, Sir Stuart Hampson, 71, has done all right for himself post-John Lewis. He's chairman of the Crown Estates and tours the lucrative speaker circuit, where his bon mots command as much as 25,000. Nor, one suspects, will Lieutenant Mayfield be knowingly undersold. Business poobah Sir Mike Rake, whose stuffed-to-the-brim CV includes chairmanships of BT and Worldpay as well as president of the CBI, was asked by Radio 4's Dominic O'Connell whether he could refer to him as a City grandee. 'I'd rather not,' he replied sternly. Why so touchy? Perhaps Rake, 70, worries his lofty status undermines his demands for a second referendum. He and his millionaire business contemporaries have laughingly dubbed it the 'People's Vote'. Google's geeky chief executive Sundar Pichai talks in an interview of his sparse upbringing in Chennai, India, where cramped conditions required him to sleep on the sitting room floor: 'There was a drought and we had anxiety. Even now, I can never sleep without a bottle of water beside my bed.' Now a reputed billionaire, shouldn't Pichai, 46, be more anxious about hushed-up sexual harassment allegations dogging his firm? Just a thought. Ruddy-nosed JD Wetherspoon publican Tim Martin is surprised to discover his customers 'even builders and rugby players' are drinking pink gin as an aperitif. He's referring to a syrupy pink-hued spirit his pubs now stock. I rather hoped he was referring to the tres buvable navy concoction of Plymouth gin and angostura bitters, still consumed in proper City lunching haunts. Former Prime Ministerial consort Denis Thatcher referred to it as his rocket fuel, and jolly well he ran on it too. Sainsbury's head offices in Holborn, London, now boast gender-neutral lavatories. A bold statement to reflect these complicated, non-binary times in which we now live (God help us) or just penny-pinching boss Mike Coupe's latest cost-cutting wheeze? Among the little-trumpeted reasons why Britain should grow and prosper after we leave the European Union is that the UK is a leader in biotechnology, pharmacology and natural science research. The hub of Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial and UCL universities with the Crick Institute added on has no match outside of the Boston area in the US. It is of marginal importance that the European Medicines Agency is moving to the Netherlands, as long as Britain seizes the initiative and creates a UK regulator open to fast-track testing and approvals. The European Medicines Agency is moving its headquarters to Amsterdam from London, and will start its operations on March 30, 2019, the day after Brexit will be formally completed When AstraZeneca stood firm in the face of an assault from Pfizer in 2014, the defence, led by French chief executive Pascal Soriot, was based around the future value of AZs drugs pipeline and the promise to establish a 700million research centre in Cambridge. Both are now happening. AZ cancer treatments, largely based around immunology treatments Imfinzi and Tagrisso for lung cancer and Lynparza for ovarian cancer, are now on the market. Indeed, Astra is working on a blood test that can identify tumour cells, which it hopes will lead to patients being scanned much earlier. The faster the diagnosis, the better chance of survival, with the possibility of a 95 per cent cure rate. The groups new medicine for life-threatening asthma, Fasenra, is also exceeding expectations. Sales in the third quarter are up 9 per cent. AZ also looks to be cracking the China market, where sales are up 32 per cent. There, the group has embraced smart technology to drive sales. The bottom line doesnt look as healthy, reflecting the huge continuing cost of R&D and drug development. But by the end of the year, AZ is pledging a rise in earnings per share. Like many businesses, it is committing funds to Brexit contingencies, including setting up supplementary production in Sweden for its blockbuster treatment Lynparza, currently made in Macclesfield. But, unlike former BT boss Sir Mike Rake and the car makers, it is not screaming foul from the sidelines. Good-time Charlie It was just 18 months ago that Sir Charles Mayfield was garlanded with the Chartered Management Institutes gold medal award, regarded as one of the highest honours in business. And it was only in September that the 51-year-old chairman of John Lewis was describing himself as energetic and noted the longevity of past holders of the job. But while many eyes were diverted by the ousting of our old friend Jeff Fairburn of Persimmon, clutching his 75million cheque, John Lewis let it be known that Mayfield would be heading for the door in a relaxed fashion in 2020. While it is still fashionable to laud the John Lewis stakeholder model, where the good and bad times are shared among partners, the most recent results, showing profits had plunged 99 per cent in the first half to 1.2million, are almost enough to make Marks & Spencer look like a Rolls-Royce operation. In a world of online price transparency, Lewiss never knowingly unsold creed is looking a little threadbare. Anecdotal evidence is that some of its newer Waitrose outlets are struggling and fresh produce in established outlets is not what it was. Arguably, the problems of other department store chains House of Fraser and Debenhams should provide an opportunity for John Lewis, as the last full-service department store standing, to reassert itself. Mayfield has more than a year to make mid-course corrections. But there may be partners wondering whether it was wise to have allowed the tubby grocer Mark Price, a potential successor, to head off into the sunset in 2016. Argos back-stop Is Sainsbury's chief executive Mike Coupe getting windy about the 14billion merger with Asda? Certainly, he sounds confident that, if Asda floundered, the purchase of Argos and its logistics has given it an online edge. Some 60 new Argos outlets have been added to its supermarkets, and synergies of 63million delivered early. Turnover and earnings are heading in the right direction. The risk is that after a 32 per cent rise in Sainsburys shares this year, the Competition & Markets Authority will block or demand remedies which could mess with the economics of greater purchasing power. That could bring the stock down with a nasty bump. Holidaymakers looking for a winter break will see their money stretch further than it did a year ago against a number of popular currencies. Despite uncertainty in Britain with Brexit looming, sterling is now worth more than it was a year ago against 80 per cent of its 40 bestselling holiday currencies, the latest Post Office holiday money index shows. Those looking for a winter Vitamin C boost will be happy to hear that heading to Egypt or Turkey will dramatically boost their spending power. Turkey: Holidaymakers heading for some winter sun will get 37.7% more lira for their pound compared to a year ago. Pictured, Kaputas Beach Sterling has gained 37.7 per cent against the Turkish lira in the last year, mainly due to the collapse of the lira. It has also seen a 97 per cent rise in year-on-year sales, indicating more travellers are heading there. Those exchanging 500 will in fact now get 139 more than six months ago - a huge incentive for any traveller tempted to head to Turkey. This is Money has also drilled into the data to see how the pound is performing against currencies since the EU referendum. According to the Post Office data, sterling is 57.4 per cent stronger against the lira than 24 May 2016 - a month before the EU referendum decision - and 70.1 per cent stronger compared to a month later, after the vote. Sterling has also risen 82.3 per cent against the Egyptian pound since the month before Brexit, the figures show. However, against a number of currencies, it still has much to recover compared to pre-referendum levels, as the table below shows. How sterling compares since 2016 The table below shows the five currencies that sterling has performed best against in the last year - the Turkish lira, Brazilian real, Icelandic krona, Russian ruble and Indonesian rupiah. It also shows the five currencies which sterling was strongest at the time of the Brexit referendum - the South African rand, Mexican peso, Egyptian pound, Russian ruble and Turkish lira. For comparison, the rates pre-Brexit have been included, as well as the euro and the US dollar. It highlights that sterling is still down considerably against many currencies, especially the South African rand, Icelandic krona and the euro. CURRENCIES THAT WERE THE STRONGEST AGAINST THE STERLING PRE AND POST-BREXIT Currency % 2018 v 2017 % now v 24.6.16 % now v 24.5.16 RATE: 07-Nov-18 RATE: 24 June post-Brexit RATE: 24 May pre-Brexit Turkish lira 37.7% 70.1% 57.4% 6.5189 3.8332 4.1422 Brazilian real 16.2% 7.7% -4.6% 4.4785 4.1598 4.6962 Icelandic krona 13.7% -7.9% -12.4% 142.1715 154.3112 162.372 Russian ruble 13.7% -2.5% -10.7% 80.304 82.4048 89.8852 Indonesian rupiah 9.3% 5% -3% 17,522.57 16,696.47 18,056.16 Mexican peso 4.2% -2.1% -3.8% 24.342 24.8564 25.3046 South African rand 0.9% -12% -19.3% 17.6822 20.0937 21.9039 Euro 2.7% -7% -11.1% 1.125 1.2091 1.266 Egyptian pound 2.1% 93.4% 83% 21.2681 10.9944 11.6245 US dollar 1% -3.7% -6.1% 1.2893 1.3384 1.373 The pound is stronger year-on-year against every European currency - including the euro. Meanwhile, those heading down under will also benefit from a spending boost as the pound is up 7.2 per cent against the Aussie dollar in the last year, meaning visitors get 33.53 extra when exchanging 500. However, it is still down significantly compared to 2016 - you'll get 1.76 Australian dollar per 1 today, compared to 1.97 a month before Brexit. The data shows that the Croatian kuna is now one of the fastest selling currencies seeing a 29 per cent rise annually in sales last month compared to a year ago, cementing Croatia as one of the UK's new favourite holiday destinations. Sterling is also doing better against many long-haul currencies. For example, it is up 11 per cent year-on-year against the Indonesian rupiah and 5.1 per cent against the Mexico peso. It is also currently stronger against Brazilian real, Icelandic krona and Russian ruble compared to November 2017. Andrew Brown, of Post Office Travel Money, said: 'Not only is sterling holding its own against all European currencies at a time when many Britons will be planning visits to cities holding Christmas Markets, but there are relatively few winter sun getaways where the pound is weaker than a year ago. 'The best advice for people planning holidays abroad to get the most for their money is to do their homework on resort and city costs and set a realistic budget.' Despite performing better, the pound is still a way of returning to pre-Brexit rates However, despite the Post Office insisting that the latest Index holds 'reassuring' news, sterling was still higher against many currencies in May 2016, demonstrating the long lasting impact that the referendum has on exchange rates. Since May 2016, sterling has fallen 11.1 per cent against the euro - although it is up 1.8 per cent annually. The US dollar has, too, fallen 6.1 per cent since May 2016 and the exchange rate is unchanged from a year ago. Currently, the sterling has fallen most annually against the Kenyan shilling, dropping 2.3 per cent. Other currencies the sterling has weakened against in the last year includes United Arab Emirates dirham, the East Caribbean dollar and Thai baht. Social media influencers, the press, consumers and buyers have given Burberry's refreshed 'creative vision' the seal of approval, the high-end fashion retailer claims. The firm, which is undergoing a multi-million pound transformation plan, said it had enjoyed an 'exceptional response' to its new lines and look. In the six months to 29 September, Burberry's total year-on-year sales fell by three per cent to 1.22billion. Sales: In the six months to 29 September, Burberry's total year-on-year sales fell by 3 per cent That's not the full story, however. Like-for-like in-store sales increased by three per cent, spurned on by decent growth in the firm's crucial Asian market. Higher like-for-like sales in stores included growth in the UK, despite concerns of weaker consumer demand and lower tourist spend. Pre-tax profits increased by 36 per cent to 174million over the period, after taking into account 33million worth of restructuring costs and 28million linked to the disposal of its beauty arm. Analysts had forecast profits to come in at around 169million. The interim results follow new creative director Riccardo Tisci's debut collection, called 'Kingdom'. Investor reaction to Burberry's interim results has been upbeat and the company's share price is up 3.54 per cent or 64.25p to 1,880p this afternoon. The group has maintained its dividend at the same level of 11p a share. Naeem Aslam, an analyst from Think Markets said: 'Burberry has proven one thing that hiring the right person for the right job matters a lot.' He added: 'Designer Ricardo, is the hope for the company and his collection has received exceptional response despite the fact that most products won't reach stores until February. The company styled ad campaign resonated with its lovers.' On the subject of share price, Mr Aslam said: 'The price is trading above the 200,100 & 50-day moving average, this confirms that the price is bullish.' Upbeat: Investor reaction to Burberry's interim results has been upbeat and the company's share price is up 3.54 per cent Marco Gobbetti, Burberry's chief executive, said the company was 'energised' by early results of the transformation process. 'Mindful that we are only in the first phase of our multi-year plan, we continue to manage dynamically through the transition,' he said. The group confirmed its outlook for the full year. The company is in the process of closing some shops and pulling out of department stores as it targets high-end shoppers. FULL THROTTLE Online car marketplace Auto Trader has raised its full-year expectations, after what its boss called a great first half. The firm, which matches customers looking to buy or sell a car with larger dealerships over its website, saw revenues climb 7 per cent to 176.8million for the six months to September while operating profit jumped 10 per cent to 120.6million. Autotrader saw revenues climb 7 per cent to 176.8m PAY CUT The boss of Primark owner Associated British Foods has had his pay cut by 1million. George Weston, chief executive of ABF, was paid 3.8million last year compared with 4.8million a year earlier, after missing profit targets. Weston, 54, received a salary of 1.1million and 2.5million in share-based payments. The remainder was made up of pension and other taxable benefits. TECH EXPANSION US internet giant Google is planning a major base in New York to add space for another 12,000 workers there. More space in Manhattan would take its headcount in the city to 20,000. Google has separately increased its space in London. ON BOARD Takeaway firm Just Eat has appointed former M&S and John Lewis finance boss Helen Weir to its board. She has also been a non-executive director at Royal Mail and SAB Miller. NETWORK GROWS The broadband network Virgin Media serves has been expanded to another 109,000 premises in the third quarter, it said yesterday. The figure was below the 147,000 added over the same period last year. It also added 105,000 customers. SCOOTER SWOOP Car giant Ford has snapped up an electric scooter company Spin for more than 30million. REVENUE RISE Hotel owner Mandarin Oriental International said revenues were higher than a year earlier despite the temporary closure of Hotel Ritz in Madrid for renovation. It is preparing to reopen the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park in the spring after a fire in June. SALES UP Coca-Cola bottling firm Coca-Cola HBC posted a 2.6 per cent rise in sales to 1.9billion in the third quarter amid strong demand in Poland, Nigeria and Russia. REPOSSESSIONS DOWN The number of homeowners missing mortgage payments or having their houses repossessed has remained at historic lows, according to data from UK Finance. Sainsbury's has been criticised for letting standards slip as it revealed sluggish sales growth and plunging profits. The supermarket, the second-biggest in the UK, blamed staff shortages and hot weather after customers grew frustrated with poorly stocked shelves and messy stores. Chief executive Mike Coupe insisted he was pleased with the latest results despite same-store sales edging up just 0.6 per cent in the 28 weeks to September, while profits tumbled 40 per cent to 132million. Sainsbury and Asda are in the middle of a company merger also involving Argos which is reported to be in the region of 12billion He said empty shelves and shabby stores were due to hotter weather and slashing thousands of roles to cut costs. It comes as Sainsburys awaits a decision from the competition authority on a 14billion merger with Asda. The merged group is targeting 500million savings by using its buying power to get better deals from suppliers and lower prices for customers. Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, said the store were crucial: Shoppers will quickly lose patience if they cant find what they want. Sainsburys shouldnt be making such mistakes given the heightened competition. Neil Wilson, analyst at trading platform Markets, added: Standards have slipped. Its hard to see how merging with Asda will help much. But Coupe said the issue was fixed, saying: I could go around any of our competitors and take photos of empty shelves. Sainsburys has made space for sushi bars, beauty aisles, Specsavers concessions and Argos stores, after buying the retailer for 1.4billion. It now has 251 Argos shops within its stores. Despite a 0.5 per cent slump in supermarket sales, total revenues were boosted by the opening of new Argos shops, rising 3.5 per cent to 16.8billion compared with a year earlier. Sales in convenience stores rose 4.3 per cent and online grocery sales jumped 6.9 per cent. The Competition and Markets Authority is investigating Sainsburys takeover of Asda and its potential impact on suppliers and customers. It identified almost 500 areas that Sainsburys and Asda could be forced to sell supermarkets to get the deal done. But Coupe was confident Sainsburys could go it alone if the merger is not approved. He said: We have a clear strategy and you can see in the numbers were delivering. Were confident in our future whatever basis that future is. Burberry has shrugged off fears of a slowdown in China after selling out of a range of 290 T-shirts in the country within hours. The items, with a logo based on the interlocking initials of founder Thomas Burberry, were on sale through social media apps for 24 hours in South Korea, the UK, Japan and China. They proved massively popular with celebrities and shoppers and sold out within four hours in China. In fashion: Riccardo Tisci and Irina Shayk model Burberry's 290 T-shirts which feature a logo based on the interlocking initials of founder Thomas Burberry Burberry has been selling limited ranges through social media apps to excite customers. It comes after Italian Riccardo Tisci, 44, joined the British fashion house in March to lead its design team after 12 years as creative director at Givenchy. Chief executive Marco Gobbetti, 58, said: 'The initial response from influencers, press, buyers and customers to our new creative vision and Riccardo's debut collection 'Kingdom' has been exceptional.' He said Burberry was in the first phase of a plan to go more upmarket. Revenues slid 3 per cent to 1.2billion in the 26 weeks to September 29 but same-store sales rose 3 per cent. Operating profit fell 4 per cent to 178million. AstraZeneca boss Pascal Soriot hailed a turning point as his firm reported rising sales of its drugs. After eight years of decline, the Anglo-Swedish pharmaceuticals giant said booming demand for new medicines meant it could expect sustained growth. Sales of its drugs rose 8 per cent to 4billion in the third quarter of the year. Soriot, 59, said that the new products were picking up the slack from older ones. The Frenchman added: This is really a major milestone for us. When we set out the new strategy a few years back, not everyone believed we could return to growth. After eight years of decline, Anglo-Swedish pharmaceuticals giant Astrazeneca said booming demand for new medicines meant it could expect sustained growth Its clear that weve achieved an important inflection point. Im often reminded weve been in sales decline since 2010. And for the first time now, we experienced a very strong quarter. In the coming quarters and years, well make it sustainable. The promising update sent shares up 4 per cent though overall revenue and profit fell. This was because takings from asset sales and partnerships short-term measures it resorted to while it waited to deploy new drugs fell by 95 per cent. Profits were down 29 per cent to 1billion in the third quarter and 31 per cent to 2.7billionn in the first nine months of the year. When Soriot was brought in as chief executive in 2012, Astra faced a steep loss of revenues as patents for some of its best-sellers expired. Since then, it has seen more than half of its sales wiped out. But Soriot made re-stocking the cupboard the top priority, with supporters also crediting him with backing the most promising drugs that were in development. He also fought off a 70billion takeover bid from US rival Pfizer four years ago, urging investors to keep the faith in Astras pipeline. Yesterday, analysts said his strategy was at last paying off. Astra saw huge rises in sales of its new medicines during the quarter, with cancer drugs Lynparza, Tagrisso and Imfinzi leading the charge. Cardiovascular, renal and metabolism drugs Brilinta and Farxiga flew off the shelves and Soriot said respiratory drugs Fasenra and Pulmicort were doing extremely well. China remained a stand-out market, with sales rising by 32 per cent in the quarter. Overall, Soriot said new medicine sales grew 76 per cent, or 1.4billion, in the nine months to September 30. However total revenue for that period fell 6 per cent to 12billion. Nicholas Hyett, an analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: On the face of it these numbers are far from pretty. But scratch the surface and Astra is far from sickly. Its new drugs are flying off pharmacy shelves, particularly in oncology. Astra still needs to get debt back under control before it can start growing returns to shareholders, but chief executive Pascal Soriot isnt wrong when he says today is an important day. Graham Doyle, an analyst at Liberum, said: The continued outperformance from the new product launches and core diabetes portfolio should be well received. Advantage Trump. Photo: Calla Kessler/The Washington Post/Getty Images Tuesday, if you step back, was an ordinary election in an extraordinary time. The swing against the presidents party in the first midterm election was not far off the historical range. The average loss for the presidents party in the House two years into a first term over the last century is 29. Trumps GOP, at last estimate, lost 37. For some recent perspective: In 1982, Reagans GOP lost 26 seats; in 1990, George H.W. Bushs GOP lost 8; in 1994, Clintons Democrats lost 54; in 2002, W.s GOP gained 8 (but in the context of 9/11); in 2010, Obamas Democrats lost a devastating 63 seats. In terms of the popular vote in the House, the Dems share 51.7 percent is also very close to the norm for the opposition in a first-term midterm. There was, in other words, no blue wave. It was rather a familiar blue tide (which nonetheless looked more impressive by Thursday night than it did in the wee hours of Wednesday morning). If you just looked at the data, and knew nothing about the last two years, youd think it was a conventional, even boring, election. I wrote last week that the midterms would finally tell us what this country now is. And with a remarkable turnout a 50-year high for a non-presidential election, no less we did indeed learn something solid and eye-opening. We learned that the American public as a whole has reacted to the first two years of an unfit, delusional, mendacious, malevolent, incompetent authoritarian as president with relative equanimity. The net backlash is milder than it was against Clinton or Obama (and both of them went on to win reelection). The Senate results for the Democrats were modest although they improved a bit as all the votes were counted in Florida and Arizona. Yes, it was a forbidding map, and keeping the GOP tally to what might be 52 or 53 (if Democrats prevail in both or one of the contests that remain in limbo) is not too shabby. 2020 will be easier for the Dems but not by much, given the way the rural-urban split now operates. The very nature of that split gives the GOP a real edge in the Senate, where relatively lower-population and whiter states have structurally more clout. That, in turn, could have a huge impact on the judiciary, especially now that the judicial filibuster is pining for the fjords, and Gorsuch and Kavanaugh are ensconced. At the rate the GOP is going and they have close to no legislative agenda apart from judges the third branch of government may soon be indistinguishable from the annual meeting of the Federalist Society. (Though its worth noting that Democrats do have some control over the situation: The further left they move on cultural issues and the more comfortable they appear to be with media rhetoric that condescends about white people, and particularly white men, the more likely it is that the Senate remains lost to them for the indefinite future.) The Senate and House GOP, like the courts, will also be Trumpier in the future. The congressional Republican dissidents have been winnowed, the best are dead, and the rest, having whiffed when they had actual power, are looking for work. The newbies have generally demonstrated the necessary fealty to the cult leader; and, for good measure, in that ghastly Wednesday press conference, Trump named and shamed those few Republicans who tried to steer clear of him in the campaign and lost. I cant think of a swifter or more complete takeover of a political party in recent times. It took 16 years for Goldwaters vision to be actualized by Reagan. It took only two years for Trump to turn the entire GOP into a nationalist cult. And its taken root. Whatever way you look at it, thats quite an accomplishment. Trumps strategic instincts may have been vindicated if one discounts any question of decency or ethics in choosing to run on an anti-immigrant election message, including the infamous closing ad. If he had run on the economy, I doubt his base would have shown up the way they did. The rural first-time voters who came out of the woodwork and surprised everyone two years ago showed up again, and that made the difference. After all, in many ways, the Democrats played this election right. They selected good candidates; they focused on their most potent issue health care; they allowed far-left and centrist candidates to run with different emphases. What made this election a disappointment for them was that the presidents party traditionally more complacent and disengaged in a first midterm voted just as fervently (hence the record turnout). Fear worked like a charm. It usually does. What I take from this is that Trump really does have a cultlike grip on a whole new population of voters, as well as the reliable Republican voters of the past. Thats not just 42 percent of the country (to use Trumps approval rating); its a motivated 42 percent. And what Trump has successfully done, by corralling right-wing media, tweeting incessantly, dominating the discourse, tending so diligently to his base, and holding rally after rally, is keep that engagement going. Most presidents are interested in governing and sometimes take their eye off the ball politically. Trump is all politics and all salesmanship all the time. And it works. If he can demonstrate this in the midterms, imagine what his reelection campaign will be like. So where does this point us? To nowhere good, Im afraid. The trouble with a normal election cycle in 2018 is that we do not have a normal president in 2018. We have a deranged, fabulist bully. For a presidency like Trumps to generate less opposition after two years than Clintons or Obamas is a rather chilling sign of how far down the rabbit hole we have already gone. To greet what is an emergency for liberal democracy as a business-as-usual political cycle, is de facto a big win for the whole idea of strongman rule. And on the key issues of a free press and the rule of law, the strongman is winning. Confidence in the mainstream media not great to start with has tumbled even further in the last couple of years, as the very concept of a common set of facts has been corroded. Trump aids and abets this the way all authoritarians do because he simply cannot handle a different picture of the world than his deranged psyche has managed to twist into existence. But the result is a weakening of our common discourse, which means that politics becomes much more about emotion than reason, about tribal reality than any lingering notion of objectivity. In that atmosphere, bullies and liars will tend to win. And the press itself will respond in defensive ways that actually make it more vulnerable to the charge of subjectivity and bias. The Kavanaugh hearings were a disaster in terms of encouraging that perception of bias. The coverage was ludicrously tilted against Kavanaugh, and along urban, left-feminist lines. Reporters like Jim Acosta dont help either. Im a First Amendment fanatic, but Acostas self-regard appears to be fathomless. He and Trump almost need each other to sustain a mutual narcissism. Ive also been a little shocked, to tell the truth, by the way CNN has moved in just a couple of years into MSNBC territory. The surrender of mainstream newsrooms and magazines to the social-justice cult has also hurt their credibility with readers who are looking for insight rather than ideology. All of this makes it easy for partisans to ignore or dismiss all the excellent journalism being done by mainstream outlets. Trumps entire business career was brutally exposed by the New York Times, for example, a month before the election and it mattered not a jot. It also seems evident that Trump has little to fear from Mueller. One small nugget from the exit polls that hasnt been adequately noted: Americans believe that the Mueller investigation is politically motivated by a 5441 percent margin, and they disapprove of Muellers handling of the inquiry by 4641 percent. Since Mueller was appointed by a Republican-led DOJ, is himself a lifelong Republican, and, by almost everyones account, has behaved impeccably, this is grim news. At this point, I dont think it matters what Mueller finds. I cant imagine any revelation that could seriously damage Trump. Its also perfectly clear to me that Trump is prepared to turn the Department of Justice into his own investigative tool, and has already instructed a loyalist, Matt Whitaker, to undermine (if not cripple) the Mueller inquiry. I expect Whitaker to spend the next 12 months purging the DOJ of anyone not willing to pledge fealty. And if Trump is subpoenaed, Kavanaugh is the backstop. Kavanaugh seems to have been specifically selected to get the president off the hook, if the case goes all the way to SCOTUS. Maybe John Roberts will save the day and whats left of the courts nonpartisan reputation but I wouldnt bet on it. And I cant imagine the experience of the recent hearings will have mellowed Kavanaughs naked partisanship and deference to the Executive branch. On the question of Whitaker, Im with Jonathan Chait. Its a big deal. Firing Sessions and replacing him the day after the election is an aggressive, shameless move by a president who clearly doesnt intend to be subjected to the rule of law, if he can help it. And the GOP-led Senate is clearly not going to stand in his way (which makes impeachment a very dicey proposition for the House). If this had happened a year ago, the streets would be filled with protestors. Now, not so much. And when a president can flout these crucial norms, and can rely on the courts to back him up and a Senate to cover for him, its a bona fide slow-moving constitutional crisis. Its new phase started Wednesday. And we have no idea how it will end. Am I being hysterical? Maybe. It wouldnt be the first time although my worry about the fragility of liberal democracy in early 2016 doesnt look so nutty today. So let me run through the counterarguments to the idea that these elections helped Trump more than hurt him. First off: the strong economy. In that context, wasnt Trumps performance poor? Reagan, Clinton, and Obama, after all, were all crawling out of recessions in their first midterms, Obama a massive one. Trump inherited a boom, and boosted it by borrowing a trillion. Yes, youd be crazy not to factor that in. Im sure it helped. But the top two issues in the exit polls were healthcare and immigration, not the economy. Yes, a Democratic House is a big win, whatever the size of the majority. Without it, wed be in a much more acute crisis. In that sense, the system did work, and the election helped. Subpoenas can now be deployed; documents revealed; Cabinet members grilled; corruption exposed. That matters a huge amount. But when Trump dismisses all of it as obstructionism? When he refuses subpoenas? When he launches DOJ investigations into those Dems challenging him? When he uses House Democrats as foils in a new reality show designed for Twitter? This is not a president willing to go along with real scrutiny. And because Trump has no concern for the system as a whole, because he is incapable of self-restraint, because he has no understanding of justice as something that doesnt reflect his own personal interests, hell go full Roy Cohn on his political opponents. And we know that his propaganda channel will serve all this up on a hot plate for the bases consumption. And if he needs to, he can rally support across the country with cheering, chanting crowds from stadium to stadium. Ive been razzed a little for using the term existential threat to describe Trump two and a half years ago. But I used it in a specific context: He was and remains such a threat to liberal democracy. Not democracy as a whole. Strongmen can win election after election with big majorities without rigging the vote. A single political party can co-opt the judiciary, or capture the Senate, by democratic means, for illiberal ends. I mean by liberal democracy one in which pluralism is celebrated, power is widely distributed, justice is dispensed without regard to politics, the press is free and respected, minorities protected, and where an opposition has a chance to win real, governing power. The space for this in America has significantly shrunk these past two years and this election has only consolidated that new status quo. In a textbook case of authoritarian creep, Trump will now further marginalize the press, rid his Cabinet of anyone not wedded to him entirely (bye-bye, General Mattis and Jeff Sessions), quash or marginalize any independent investigation into his campaign, politicize the Justice Department, and launch new inquiries against his opponents. The fever hasnt broken. Its still rising. And, after this election, its going to rise some more. Demography Is Not Destiny A word about the midterms, women and minorities. There was a big gender gap. Men backed the GOP 5147. Women backed the Dems by 5940. At first blush, this seems an impressive result for a year in which the gender question, in the wake of #MeToo, was very much in the news. But its a little different when you also factor in race. Minority women, as in 2016, were overwhelmingly Democratic: 92 percent of black women and 73 percent of Latina women voted for the Democrats. But white women were divided right down the middle: 4949. More to the point, minority women were not that different in their votes than minority men: 88 percent of black men and 63 percent of Latino men backed the Democrats as well. Yes, a gender gap remains, but with racial minorities, it matters much less. The only point Id want to make from this is that white women as a political class are very heterogeneous, and as deeply divided as the whole country, and this important truth is utterly at odds with the narrative driven by the national media. The Kavanaugh hearings did not only unleash a wave of white women identifying with Christine Blasey Ford, it empowered another wave of white women to back Kavanaugh. And the way in which social-justice ideology construes gender as implying a monolithic political position is at odds with, well, reality. Theres also a new and interesting study of 3,000 women from June of this year that sheds more light on this. It looked at partisanship and gender and came to a striking conclusion: a greater emphasis on gender and gender solidarity actually increases partisanship and polarization. From the abstract: Social psychological work suggests that common in-group identities unite competing factions. After closely examining the conditions upon which the common in-group identity model depends, I argue that opposing partisans who share the superordinate identity of being a woman will not reduce their intergroup biases. Instead, I predict that raising the salience of their gender will increase cross-party biases. Make women feel they have to vote one way because they are women, and they actually get more partisan, not less. Thats maybe why a black man did better with white female voters than a white female presidential candidate. One more thing: The exit polls say that 29 percent of Latinos voted for the Republicans. That is no different than the 28 percent who voted for Trump in 2016 or the 27 percent who voted for Romney in 2012. Thirty-four percent of Latino men voted Republican this time around. Now think of how Trump campaigned in the last month. And consider: It made no difference to his Latino support. Could it be that the demographic model that Latinos will be part of a Democratic demographic majority is a little off? More to the point: Is favoring mass immigration a position that really moves Latino votes? It doesnt necessarily seem so. It may be that legal Latino immigrants Latino voters, in other words are not necessarily hostile to much stronger border enforcement. It may even that recently naturalized Latino immigrants are actually more hostile to the next wave of illegal immigrants than white liberals because they took the trouble to get through the grueling legal process, and have more at stake facing competition in the labor force from the new arrivals. I dont want to overdo this. A big majority of Latinos still vote for the Dems. And a gender gap of 24 percent is big. But assuming a particular politics from a particular minority group or an entire gender is often a very crude or even misleading way of understanding our politics. Americans With No Vote at All So I did my duty, just so you know. I registered online in time, which isnt like me, and got my voter-registration card in the mail last week. I havent voted in any election anywhere since 1983, when I cast a ballot to reelect Margaret Thatcher in Oxford, England. So it was with some excitement that I made my way to a local school with my passport and registration card, only to find that those two items were not enough. I was told I needed a drivers license for D.C. which was a bit of a reach since I dont drive. After a little wrangling, they nonetheless let me vote, which, well, I have to confess, was a little underwhelming. D.C. is not exactly competitive to say the least. I registered as an Independent but voted Democrat down the ticket because I wanted to send a national message and because they were all going to win anwyay. It felt good. Better than simply blogging about it, anyway. It was only leaving the place and plonking that sticker on my jacket that it sunk in that, in fact, I hadnt sent a national message, because, living in D.C. I couldnt send a message although I suppose my lone ballot might have added to the national popular-vote numbers. There was, after all, no member of Congress on the ballot and no senator. I understand the frustration that comes with the structure of the Senate if you vote in a big coastal city. Your urban vote counts much less than a rural one. But at least you actually have a vote in Congress. If you live in the capital city, youre out of luck. This is insane. Ive written about this before as an abstract matter. But actually voting really brings it home. North Dakota has one congressman and two senators for 755,000 citizens. The District of Columbia has 694,000 citizens and no members of Congress or senators. I know why, of course. And I also know why we cant seem to change it, despite the obvious scandal of taxation without representation. Its not a constitutionally controversial issue, but pure partisanship. D.C. would add to the Democrats tally in the House and Senate, and very few Republicans will support that. But its still outrageous. Can you imagine if, say, Westminster in London had no member of Parliament, or central Paris was taken off the electoral map in France? Ive tried to explain it to visitors from abroad before but they can barely believe it. We lost thousands of soldiers to bring democracy to Baghdad. It would cost nothing to bring it to America itself. And yet this former colony had a revolution to establish a colony among its own people. Among all the glaring contradictions of the American experiment, this has to be one of the most perverse. See you next Friday. More than 10,000 people have taken part in the free survey by Engaging Works Workers are being urged to go online and check how happy they are in a move that could boost the British economy. More than 10,000 people have taken part in the free survey by Engaging Works, which was set up by former Waitrose boss Lord Price. And 81 companies have signed up to the website, including Coca-Cola, Virgin Money and Burger King. Businesses pay a fee for the service, which allows them to survey staff and find out where they need to improve morale. Lord Price, who ran Waitrose for ten years before serving as a trade minister from April 2016 to September 2017, set up Engaging Works last year. The 57-year-old said: 'We have found academic research to show that businesses with engaged workforces have productivity which is 20 per cent higher and profits 20 per cent higher, so it is important for employers to help employees be engaged with their work. 'Our mission is to make the world a little happier and we want to help businesses and individuals improve workplace happiness.' Advertisement There's not a lot that the three churches that surround a sacred Mormon site in Independence, Missouri agree on - but they all do believe the consecrated land is a key place for Jesus Christ's Second Coming. Indeed, in the past, this belief has led to sparring over the spot and lawsuits. The three churches - the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Community of Christ, and the Church of Christ (Temple Lot) - all have the same roots: Joseph Smiths Mormon movement, which he founded in 1830. Nineteen churches in Independence, which has a population of about 117,300, have ties to Smith and the Book of Mormon. Smith had a revelation from God that the land in Jackson County would be a center place for the Second Coming and he designated where a temple should be built in 1831. But the Mormons would be driven from western Missouri after violent conflicts in 1833 and the 1838 Mormon War, with the governor ordering an extermination order against them. Smith escaped a military execution then only to be shot dead later in 1844. Smiths death spurred a splintering because there was no clear succession plan. This led to many offshoots and differences in doctrine, including views on polygamy. So there are three different divisions of the church, theyre all branches of the same church but they all have a little different understanding about certain doctrines and how the authority come through the different organizations so they havent been able to get together so far,' Seventy and Missionary Gary Wayne Metzger of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ told DailyMail.com in Independence. Metzger and other church leaders, including a Smith descendant, are working on unifying the three denominations, which have had 'tension' in the past. A 2.75-acre Mormon sacred site, now known as the 'Temple Lot,' which is outlined by the dotted line, in Independence, Missouri has been a source of tension between the three churches - the Church of Christ (Temple Lot), Community of Christ and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that are near the consecrated land. The three churches all have the same roots: Joseph Smiths Mormon movement, which he founded in 1830 Joseph Smith had a revelation from God that land (above) in Jackson County in western Missouri would be a center place for Jesus Christ's Second Coming and he designated where a temple should be built in 1831. But the Mormons would be driven from the state with violent conflicts in 1833 and 1838. Smith escaped a military execution then only to be shot dead later in 1844. Smiths death spurred a splintering because there was no clear succession plan and led to differences in doctrine, including views on polygamy The three churches shown here - the Church of Christ (Temple Lot), (left), the Community of Christ (middle), and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Visitors' Center, (right) - surround a Mormon sacred site known as 'Temple Lot.' Joseph Smith had a revelation from God that the land in Jackson County in western Missouri would be a key place for Jesus Christ's Second Coming 'I think some people are trying to build bridges where there have been walls but thats not true of everybody, but some people are trying to do that, Metzger said. The three churches all own a piece of the around 63-acre parcel, which has gone by many names over the years but is now known as Temple Lot, according to R. Jean Addams, an independent historian who has been researching and writing about Temple Lot since 2005. Addams said that the three now maintain cordial relationships. The Church of Christ owns the 2.75-acre parcel that Smith marked for the temple. According to Addams, when asked about selling it, a senior pastor of the church told him, You might as well as offer a postage stamp for a million dollars. Either way, its not for sale. The three churches declined multiple interview requests from DailyMail.com. Irene Caso, a spokesperson for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, declined to respond to email questions about whether they had tried to buy the land in the past, their relationship with the other two churches or to explain its views on the Second Coming. Independence, Missouri is an important place in the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We are grateful for the relationships we have with the other churches in the area with whom we share many common beliefs. We appreciate the efforts of the Church of Christ Temple Lot to care for this historically significant property and look forward to continuing to work together with them in the future, Dennis Cato, president of the Independence Missouri Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said in an emailed statement through a spokesperson. Metzger explained that after Smith died, a number of people went to Utah under the leadership of Brigham Young, which is now the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Others followed Smiths son - Joseph Smith III - and formed the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, which is now the Community of Christ. Another group, which had been in Illinois since 1839, moved to Independence in the 1860s and is the now the Church of Christ. When you grow up believing that these certain principles are true and that theyre what God wants you do, then you hold to that, and if someone presents something else, you go that cant be true, I dont accept that. And if the person, like Brigham Young in Utah, had authority of God than you didnt, Metzger said. In 1830, Joseph Smith founded what has been commonly referred to as the Mormon religion. He had a revelation from God that a temple for Jesus Christ's Second Coming should be built on land, now known as the 'Temple Lot,' in western Missouri. After his death, the religion split into several different branches In the past, there was always a tension of saying that theyre wrong and were right, and no one was ever pointing to the Lord, they were always pointing to what they had, which is the focus is totally wrong. Metzger said that now some of that tension has lessened. The Mormon movement was also known as the restoration movement. The Lord restored authority and power of his ministry to the earth through the ministering of angels, through John the Baptist, and Peter, James and John, whose ministry continue after the grave, Metzger said. Right now, there are no plans to build a temple, according to Tyler Crowell, an elder with the Church of Jesus Christ Living Hope Restoration Branch, who is working with Metzger and Joseph Frederick Smith Jr., to bring the three churches together. Theres not much any other group can do who dont currently own the property so the way itll come about is really up to God to bring it to pass, Crowell told DailyMail.com in Independence. He added: Each group has its own understanding of the scriptures and each group has taken a little bit different path. What I believe needs to happen is we all need to consider what Gods plans were and find our way back to that common place where we all have the same understanding. Crowell said the Temple Lot is the place where the gathering will begin to bring together the Lords people in the Last Days. It will be where the city of New Jerusalem will be established and it will be where the house of the Lord will be built. There are also differences between the churches on how to interpret the Second Coming whether it is literal or allegorical and how it will unfold. There are scriptures that say he will suddenly come to his temple So we do believe he will come here, Crowell said. So I dont know exactly how thats going to occur but it says like the sun comes up from the East to the West so everyone will see that together. Jesus Christ will use the temple, which has yet to be built in some churches point of view, in Independence to teach, according to both Crowell and Metzger. The Community of Christ has built their temple on the land they own, according to Addams, the historian. They purchased part of the larger acreage after they returned to Independence, said Addams, who wrote the book, Upon the Temple Lot: The Church of Christs Quest to Build the House of the Lord, after extensive research. The Church of Christ (Temple Lot) on their particular two and three quarters acres in this 63 and one quarter acre parcel, they have believe that they have the exact spot where Joseph Smith stood at the time that he dedicated the ground on August the 3rd, 1831, he told DailyMail.com. He set a cornerstone, which was really just a rock, and he blazed a tree. Addams wrote that after Smith arrived in Jackson County, Missouri in 1831, he announced the Lords intention to make this location His chosen place for the gathering of His followers. In this revelation, the town of Independence, Missouri was designated as the center place; and a spot for the temple is lying westward, upon a lot which is not far from the court-house. Smith and his followers had moved to Jackson County because he had received a revelation that the Latter-day Saints should establish a settlement there, Dr Patrick Q. Mason, a Mormon and author who is a professor of religion at Claremont Graduate University, told DailyMail.com. Above, people form a human chain marking the spot where Joseph Smith, the founder of the Mormon movement, designated in 1831 for a temple to be built for Jesus Christ's Second Coming. Smith had a revelation from God that the land would be the 'center place for the Second Coming. The Church of Christ (the white building pictured) owns the 2.75-acre parcel, which is now known as the Temple Lot On August 3, 1831, Joseph Smith dedicated a spot for the temple that was to be built as a key part of Jesus Christ's Second Coming. Above (center and right) are markers for the temple. Smith set a cornerstone, which was a rock, for the temple and (left) is the marker for where that stone was found. He also blazed a tree as well While the three churches that surround the Temple Lot all have the same roots in Joseph Smith's Mormon movement, which he started in 1830, there are differences in doctrine and gospel interpretation Local settlers, most of whom were from the South, were upset with the influx of Mormon settlers. This is also part of the politics of slavery at the time, Missouri was a slave state, came in under the Missouri Compromise, many of the settlers were from the South, were slave owners, were as most of the Mormons were from the North so there were cultural conflicts almost immediately, Mason explained. And in 1833, the non-Mormon residents of Jackson County formed a vigilante group or a mob and drove out the Mormons from the county. So the violent conflict actually went back to 1833. While the Mormons resettled, the same dynamics began to play out again in 1836. Local settlers claimed that they were religious fanatics, and were upset that Mormons were preaching to Native Americans and free people of color. In addition, there were economic and political concerns due the Mormons voting for their own candidates, buying land and doing business with one another, Mason said. By 1838, one of Smiths top church leaders, Sidney Rigdon, gives a sermon on July 4 that Mason paraphrased as: Were sick of been pushing around. Were sick of being driven from our homes it happened now a couple of different times. He says, were going to stand up and fight and he said we will wage a war of extermination against any of our enemies who come against us. That language obviously inflames local tensions and so through the summer and early fall you see both sides both the Mormons and non-Mormons form their own militias and sort of the line between a militia and a mob at this time is not entirely clear. Both sides claimed that the other militia was illegitimate, both sides believe that their own militia was legitimate. In August, violence breaks out at a polling place that then escalates to pitched conflict and open battles what has been called the 1838 Mormon War with both sides committing depredations against the other, he said. Both Mormon and non-Mormon settlements are burned and looted. Meanwhile, Lilburn Boggs, who Mason said had been anti-Mormon since 1833, is elected the states governor. Seventy and Missionary Gary Wayne Metzger of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ (left) and Elder Tyler Crowell of the Church of Jesus Christ Living Hope Restoration Branch (right) are working on bringing the three churches that surround the Mormon sacred site in Independence, Missouri together. The three churches share a history and roots in Joseph Smith's Mormon movement, but have differences in doctrines and interpretation of how Jesus Christ's Second Coming will happen. Both Metzger and Crowell, shown here in Independence, say that Jesus Christ will use the temple to teach Pictured above is a first edition of the Book of Mormon. Dr Patrick Q. Mason, a Mormon and author who is a professor of religion at Claremont Graduate University, told DailyMail.com that the Mormon movement started with the book's publication in 1830 Mason said: Hes obviously sympathetic to the non-Mormon militias. They send him reports of Mormon depredations - some of which were true At that point, Governor Boggs issues the extermination order saying that Mormons had to be driven from the state or they would be exterminated. Its clear at that point, I mean the Mormons are outgunned, theyre outnumbered, they cant win going toe to toe against the state and so at that point the Mormons are forced to surrender their arms, which they do, and turn over their leaders. Joseph Smith narrowly averts military execution. Mason said that this history would be common to the three churches in Independence. He also explained how the word Mormon can to be associated with the Latter-day Saints and the many other denominations that trace their roots back to Smith. The word Mormon was never officially the name of the church. It was originally a nickname because the followers of Joseph Smith believed in the Book of Mormon. This additional book of scripture that he produced. Really the movement begins with the publication of the Book of Mormon in 1830. So its their enemies or their opponents, their critics who first nickname them Mormonites and then that becomes Mormons, he said. Originally, its a derogatory nickname leveled at them by their critics but pretty quickly, the term sticks and pretty quickly church members use it themselves. Joseph Smith referred to himself as a Mormon so they use that term and kind of co-opt it. Recently, the leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which is based in Utah, President Russell M. Nelson, said they do not want to be referred to as Mormons. Essentially the issue now is that the president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints says that when we use the word Mormon were obscuring, you know, the object of our worship, who is Jesus Christ. He says were a Christian church, we worship Jesus Christ, we dont worship Mormon, when we refer to ourselves as Mormons, were not really being true to being true as our identity as Christians, said Mason. The leadership of the church has given this instruction and so now a lot of members of the church are trying not to use the word even though its hard because its so ingrained in our discourse. Joseph Smith placed the two stones (pictured) as markers for a temple in Independence, Missouri, designating it as a 'center place' for Jesus Christ's Second Coming The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints - now the Community of Christ headquartered in Independence did not want to be associated with anything having to do with the Utah church, Mason said. Those two churches, the Utah-based church and the Missouri-based church, even though they were close cousins or maybe especially because they were close cousins, they were constantly in tension with one another throughout the 19th and 20th Century. Now the relationships are much more civil. The Church of Christ, which has always been a much smaller group, wanted to establish their own identity and not be confused with the Utah church. All of these smaller churches always struggle with living under the shadow of the much larger Utah church, said Mason. Its the 800-pound gorilla and all the other churches always kind of live in its shadow and have been trying for now 150 years to distance themselves and create their own identity separate from the Utah church. Russia has named a square after the Cambridge Spy Ring traitor Kim Philby. Moscows mayor Sergei Sobyanin ordered that an intersection in the south-west of the Russian capital near the headquarters of its Foreign Intelligence Service be renamed Kim Philby Square. The British double agent defected to the Soviet Union in 1963 and died in 1988. The move comes as relations between London and Moscow have plunged their lowest since the end of the Cold War over the poisoning of former spy Sergei Skripal in Salisbury. Kim Philby is being honoured in Moscow (PA) Considered Britains biggest Cold War traitor, Philby was a senior MI6 officer. He was exposed in the 1960s after passing information to Moscow over three decades. After his defection Philby lived in central Moscow, some miles from the sprawling campus of the Russian spy agency, and is not known to have had links with the district that will now bear his name. However, the agency has fawned over Philbys legacy, with a page on its website dedicated to him. A father has avoided deportation to his birth country of New Zealand despite having a criminal history littered with violent assaults and driving offences. Christian Feetham, from Apollo Bay, in Victoria, has spent a total of four years behind bars while living in Australia. In 2016, he pleaded guilty to 36 charges committed during a two year crime spree, which included an assault on his sister. He last appeared in front of the courts in May 2017 for driving an unregistered vehicle while unlicensed, which earned him an 18-month community corrections order. Christian Feetham (pictured) from Apollo Bay, Victoria has been permitted to stay in the country despite his criminal history and has been reunited with his family Despite his lack of citizenship, Feetham said he was 'more Aussie than Vegemite' He and his partner (pictured) have raised three young children, two sons and a daughter, in Australia Mr Feetham served prison sentences from 2004 to 2006 for a drunken assault and driving offences, and from 2012 to 2014, 9 News reported. These prior convictions formed the basis of the Federal Government's 'bad character' decision and the cancellation of Mr Feetham's permanent residential visa. The father-of-three has been detained at detention centres since April, awaiting a decision on his case. Mr Feetham, who works as a tradie, added that he always had great employment and paid his taxes Despite his lack of citizenship, Mr Feetham said he was 'more Aussie than Vegemite' after coming to Australia when he was 13 months old. Mr Feetham's parents never applied for Australian citizenship for their son because it wasn't necessary for travel between Australia and New Zealand. He and his partner have raised three young children, two sons and a daughter, in Australia. Changes to the Migration Act in 2014 meant that non-citizens in Australia who failed a character test could face deportation. The change in the law led to Mr Feetham being stripped of his visa and put in Maribyrnong Detention Centre for five months and Melbourne Immigration Transition Accommodation Centre for a further month. 'In 2015 I received a letter in the mail to cancel my so-called visa,' Mr Feetham wrote on Facebook from the detention centre in August. 'This country is my home and I'm more Aussie than most [of] the people I've had dealings with that work for immigration. 'Where's the sense?' Mr Feetham admitted he had been 'no angel' in the past but said he has become 'reformed and rehabilitated.' Mr Feetham, who works as a tradie, added that he always had great employment and paid his taxes. The change in the law led to Mr Feetham being stripped of his visa and put in Maribyrnong Detention Centre for five months and Melbourne Immigration Transition Accommodation Centre for a further month Following backlash over his deportation from people within his community, the Department recently ruled that Mr Feetham can stay in the country Following backlash from Mr Feetham's community about his deportation, the Department of Home Affairs ruled that he could remain in Australia. On his release from the detention centre, Mr Feetham has vowed to apply for Australian citizenship. 'It's just unreal to be home,' he told A Current Affair of his new-found freedom. 'You can see why I'm so happy to be back too, it's a beautiful place.' The Department of Home Affairs refused to comment on Mr Feetham's release from detention, telling Daily Mail Australia: 'The Department does not comment on individual cases.' Uber driver Michael Squadrito, 40 (pictured), of Everett, Massachusetts was charged on Wednesday with the alleged rape of an unconscious Boston woman during a ride that she had ordered home An Uber driver was charged on Wednesday with the alleged rape of an unconscious Boston woman during a ride that she had ordered home from her birthday party. Michael Squadrito, 40, of Everett, Massachusetts was arrested by members of the Boston Police Sexual Assault Unit on Tuesday after allegedly forcing sex on a 'highly intoxicated' woman in the backseat of his car in the city of Dorchester, police said. After Squadrito had allegedly raped the woman, she told police he woke her up and said, 'I finished, do you want me to pull your pants up for you?' according to the police report. An investigation published in May by CNN revealed that at the time, 103 Uber drivers had been accused of sexual assault or abuse over the last four years. Squadrito admitted to having sex with the woman, but said it was consensual. He has pleaded not guilty to the charge of rape and is being held on a $10,000 bond. His access to the Uber app has been rescinded, a spokesperson for the company told HuffPost. Through a spokesperson, Uber said: 'Whats been reported is deeply disturbing and our thoughts are with the rider during this difficult time. The drivers access to the app has been removed and we will continue to cooperate with law enforcement' The woman who said she was attacked had ordered an Uber to pick her up from Wild Rover, a karaoke bar in the Faneuil Hall area of downtown Boston, the Boston Globe reported. Squadrito arrived as her driver. She was 'highly intoxicated,' she told police, when he picked her up. Squadrito then allegedly drove her to a one-way street, where he got out of the car and got into the back seat with her, got on top of her and had sex with her without her consent. 'She remembered the suspect getting on top of her and seeing her jeans and underwear pulled all the way down to her ankles, and remembered the suspect feeling heavy on top of her,' prosecutor Darcy Carey said in Dorchester District Court on Wednesday. Squadrito allegedly drove the woman to a one-way street, where he got out of the car and got into the back seat with her, got on top of her and had sex with her without her consent After he allegedly finished having he was with the woman and awakened her, the woman told police she got out of the car to 'get away from the suspect as soon as possible' and went for treatment at Brigham and Womens Hospital, where she contacted authorities. Squadrito, who remained out of public view during his arraignment on Wednesday, admitting to have sex with the woman but said it was consensual. He said video from the inside of his car would show that she asked him for sex. Police obtained a memory card from Squadrito, which prosecutors said did not show any evidence that the interaction was consensual. Squadrito, who remained out of public view during his arraignment on Wednesday, admitting to have sex with the woman but said it was consensual, saying video from the inside of his car would show that she asked him for sex; Police obtained a memory card from Squadrito, which prosecutors said did not show any evidence that the interaction was consensual In 2015, Squadrito was arrested for paying for sex in Chelsea, Massachusetts, but those charges were later dropped; Squadrito is shown here in that 2015 mugshot Through a spokesperson, Uber said: 'Whats been reported is deeply disturbing and our thoughts are with the rider during this difficult time. The drivers access to the app has been removed and we will continue to cooperate with law enforcement.' Squadrito was represented on Wednesday by court-appointed attorney Nancy Hurley, who argued in her client's defense that the woman was intoxicated to the point that she could not remember portions of the evening, WDHD reported. Hurley insinuated that she the woman would therefore not know whether she consented due to being inebriated. But according to Mass.gov, the commonwealth of Massachusetts recognizes lack of consent explicitly due to intoxication in rape cases. In such a case, 'The prosecution must prove not only intoxication, but 1) that the intoxication rendered the complainant incapable of consent and 2) that the defendant knew or should have known that the condition rendered the complainant incapable of consenting.' In 2015, Squadrito was arrested for paying for sex in Chelsea, Massachusetts, but those charges were later dropped. Uber has a long history of a toxic corporate culture, rife with sexual misconduct allegations, and many reports of drivers attacking passengers. In October, Fredrick Gaston, 51, one of the company's drivers in Miami admitted to what he told police was 'good sex' with a intoxicated 26-year-old woman he picked up for a ride. 'He said that those are the perks of being an Uber driver. You get a lot of p**sy,' Special Victims Det. Michelle Farinas said, according to the Miami New Times. Gaston has been charged with felony sexual battery and kidnapping. His next hearing date is January 10. With these allegations against Gaston in Florida and Squadrito in Massachusetts, there have now been at least 105 allegations of sexual assault and abuse against Uber drivers in the past four years, according to CNN. The next hearing in Squadrito's case has been set for November 21. A simple clerical mistake turned the lives of a couple upside down and left them in financial limbo. Tim and Nicki McDavitt, from Brisbane, had their financial reputation put at risk during the hard fought two-year battle to clear their name and credit history. The nightmare began in 2015 when the couple won a Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal case against a door manufacturer, the ABC reported. Financial planner Nicki McDavitt (pictured) spent many hours and calls trying to clear her name and credit history after administrative error made by the courts When the manufacturer initially failed to pay up, the McDavitts were wrongly listed as debtors instead of creditors in court documents lodged in Brisbane Magistrates Court. The mistake caused significant financial heartache for the McDavitts and it took many hours and phone calls to get the error rectified. A financial planner herself, Mrs McDavitt has fixed up errors on many clients' credit histories but couldn't fix her own. 'I felt abused to be honest. I couldn't talk to anybody nobody would listen to me,' she told the ABC. The couple is still seeking answers as to how personal information is shared with third parties through the court system. It took Tim McDavitt (pictured) almost two years of financial stress to get the clerical error by the courts rectified The McDavitts only became aware of the error by the courts when they were contacted by a credit repair agency several months later. They then received a call out of the blue from American Express to advise them that their cards were cancelled due to the court ordered judgement against them. Despite an apology from the court registrar in 2016, the couple was still facing financial ramifications a year later when they were declined credit while being contacted by a third-party credit agency. 'Then as we found out, once you determine that the information isn't accurate, there's no process or system in place to retrieve the information back,' Mr McDavitt told the ABC. 'If it's happened to us, how many has it happened to and they don't know about it.' Court documents lodged in Brisbane Magistrates Court (pictured) wrongly listed the McDavitts as debtors instead of creditors, an error the department has since described as rare The court and Queensland Department of Justice and Attorney General have since investigated and apologised. The department described the case as a very rare incident and has since reviewed its procedures and training for staff to ensure a similar error doesn't happen again. 'We have thoroughly investigated this and we contacted all credit agencies we engage with directly at the time and ensured all records were corrected and updated,' a spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia. 'The issue that arose since then relates to a sub-agency of a credit agency providing outdated information, which was beyond the Department's control. The Department has liaised extensively with the McDavitts and sought to assist them throughout and apologised for the error.' Shark numbers off north Queensland are 'out of control' according to a fisherman who says he is surprised there have not been more attacks. Bruce Batch has worked in the same commercial fishery for 47 years and fishes in the waters from Townsville to Princess Charlotte Bay. 'When you're out here on the water and you see the amount of sharks and the amount of large sharks, it's out of control and I don't know what the answer is,' he told the ABC. His comments come after Melbourne doctor Daniel Christidis was fatally bitten by a shark at Cid Harbour in the Whitsundays in Queensland, on Monday. A fisherman said he is surprised there haven't been more shark attacks after a doctor was killed in a picturesque tourist hot spot The comments come after the tragic death of Melbourne doctor Daniel Christidis (pictured) after he was bitten by a shark at Cid Harbour at the Whitsundays in Queensland, on Monday Mr Batch also said the combination of environmental campaigns and a move to reduce commercial catches had driven the shark population upwards. He went on to say the trawler industry along the east coast had gone through a massive downturn. 'What's happened is the trawler industry's taken a massive downturn, but those sharks didn't go away - they just got bigger and fatter,' he said. Mr Batch also said environmental groups had persuaded major supermarkets to remove shark meat, known as flake, from shelves, meaning that the population was allowed to grow unchecked. 'We used to have a 1,200-tonne take a year in Queensland and that now is probably down to less than 100 tonnes and those sharks are still getting caught but you haven't got a market for them so you can't use them you just discard them,' he said. A round table discussion will be held at Airlie Beach today, where Queensland Government representatives will meet with marine experts to discuss the alarming number of shark attacks. The most recent attack was in the same area where 12-year-old Hannah Papps and Justine Barwick, 45, narrowly survived shark attacks within 24 hours of each other in mid-September A discussion will be held at Airlie Beach today, where Queensland Government representatives will meet with marine experts to investigate the alarming number of shark attacks Hannah Papps, 12, and Justine Barwick, 45, were both attacked by sharks within 24 hours of each other in September, although both survived. Queensland shark control program manager Jeff Krause told The Courier-Mail drumlines as a safety measure simply wouldn't cut it. 'There's obviously a large population of sharks in that area and the feeling is that you catch one, (another) one is going to take its place,' he said. Mr Krause is expected to broach an education program to drive shark safety awareness. Queensland's LNP opposition is calling for a parliamentary review of shark attacks. Meanwhile, the government will install warning signs urging holidaymakers to not swim at Cid Harbour. PETA told Daily Mail Australia it was important to strike a balance between the safety of visitors and protection of the sharks. 'We should invest in initiatives such as increased surveillance, the development of shark deterrents, and better public education about avoiding incidents between sharks and humans something that will help both sharks and help us avoid tragic incidents like this one.' A doctor accused of running a child snatching ring claims hundreds of children need protecting from abuse by their fathers. William Russell Pridgeon, 64, allegedly helped a mother abduct and hide her twin children for four years after their father was awarded custody. He last month faced Brisbane Magistrates Court charged with aiding and abetting child stealing, conspiracy to defeat justice, and dealing with the proceeds of crime. William Russell Pridgeon, 64, is accused of running a child snatching ring 'It doesn't matter if I end up in jail, there are hundreds of children out there who need rescue and protecting and that's more important,' he told Daily Mail Australia. 'This case is not about child stealing, it is about child sexual abuse of the worst kind and the desperate actions of good people to save these children from ongoing rape.' The Australian Federal Police earlier said it investigated allegations of abuse of the two children and believed them to be unfounded. Police also told the court Pridgeon paid an unemployed 'paedophile hunter', 37, to portray the fathers of the runaway children as sexual abusers on social media. Pridgeon in 2015 formed the Australian Antipaedophile Party to 'reduce the shocking rate of child sexual abuse in Australia' and demand a Royal Commission into the Family Court. He allegedly helped a mother abduct and hide her twin children (mother and children pictured together) for four years after their father was awarded custody, among others The mother, 45, was arrested in May four years after allegedly taking the children (pictured) from their school in Townsville, Queensland, and disappearing The doctor's medical licence was suspended on October 29, less than two weeks after he was charged, pending the outcome of his case. The mother, 45, was arrested in May four years after allegedly taking the children from their school in Townsville, Queensland, and disappearing. They were found in Taree on the NSW mid-north coast with the twins given back to their father and the mother extradited to Queensland. Pridgeon received support on social media from patients who praised their longtime doctor. 'We admire respect and thoroughly support our wonderful GP and friend Dr Pridgeon,' one woman said. 'We have had the great fortune and privilege to have had Dr Pridgeon in our lives for many many years. 'He is a beautiful honorable gentle man that we admire and trust and respect with all our hearts. We will always stand up and support this amazing selfless man.' The syndicate allegedly plotted to transport women and children on a $140,000 yacht (pictured in Fremantle, Western Australia) from Australia to start new lives in New Zealand or Zimbabwe Another said: 'Dr Pridgeon has been our doctor for many years. A great caring doctor and a very special person. 'Doctor Pridgeon, we respect and admire you.' A fundraiser for his defence set up by his son James has raised $6,525 in just over a week, and 7,300 people signed a petition calling for charges to be dismissed. Pridgeon faced up to seven years jail for aiding and abetting child stealing, and up to 15 each for conspiracy to defeat justice, and dealing with the proceeds of crime. The AFP told the court Pridgeon was the 'key financier and organiser' of the abduction ring that allegedly had up to 40 members and was linked to as many as five child abductions. He and six others including the twins' mother were charged after a two-year investigation that began as a hunt for the abducted children. Pridgeon (left), 64, was arrested last month and charged with aiding and abetting child stealing, conspiracy to defeat justice, and dealing with the proceeds of crime Pridgeon's friend Patrick O'Dea, 64 (pictured in red shirt) was also charged as he allegedly transported the women and children around the country They include Pridgeon's friend and Rhodesian army veteran Patrick O'Dea, 63, who allegedly transported the women and children around the country. He was also charged with stalking, harassing, and threatening the twins' father online, and faced court on the same day as Pridgeon. Perth woman Patricia Plaisted, 78, was given a court summons alleging she helped women escape police detection. A 68-year-old Newcastle woman was charged with helping to abduct children and a 75-year-old Taree woman with conspiracy to defeat justice. Police allege O'Dea (pictured in red shirt) was given the job of driving around Australia for days at a time to pick up women and their children Pridgeon allegedly sold his house and most of his possessions and bought gold bullion, at one stage totalling 11kg with about $750,000 in storage in Sydney. Police told the court he used the bullion, along with Commonwealth money, to fiance the operation for up to 10 years. Police said he also bought a $140,000 yacht, which he allegedly learned to sail so he could spirit the women and children away to New Zealand or Zimbabwe to start new lives. The court heard Pridgeon allegedly ran a Facebook page where women would send messages asking to escape from men they claimed to be paedophiles. He allegedly wrote prescriptions in different names to give mothers drugs - also performing surgery on one of the women. ALLEGED CHILD STEALING SYNDICATE MEMBERS Alleged mastermind Dr William Russel Pridgeon, 64 Founder of the Australian Antipaedophile Party, charged with conspiracy to defeat justice, deal in the proceeds of crime to the value of $50,000 or more, aid and abet child stealing Alleged mother and child courier Patrick O'Dea, 63 Retired, charged with conspiracy to defeat justice, aid and abet child stealing, unlawful stalking, using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence, publish an account of proceedings Allegedly paid to defame fathers and investigate Man, 37 Unemployed/'paedophile hunter', served court attendance notice for role in alleged criminal activity Allegedly helped mothers and their children Woman, 83 Retired, charged with deal in the proceeds of crime, aid and abet te publication of an account of proceedings Allegedly helped mothers and their children Patricia Plaisted, 78 Retired, served a court attendance notice Advertisement AFP Assistant Commissioner Debbie Platz said the 'syndicate' demonstrated a complete disregard for the rule of law and decisions of the courts. 'The actions of this group do not protect children. What it does is potentially endanger the safety and wellbeing of them,' she said. 'This activity has the potential to significantly endanger the safety and wellbeing of children. 'Parental child abduction can have harmful physical and emotional effects on the children abducted. 'They can suffer the loss of contact with their family and friends, miss their educational stability and are often hidden away from people around them. 'They are removed from almost everything familiar to them including their toys, daily routine, and sometimes even their name.' Tucker Carlson called into his Fox News Show, Tucker Carlson Tonight, on Thursday during a pre-scheduled vacation to address the Antifa group that showed up at his home on Wednesday. Carlson told Brian Kilmeade, who was filling in for him, that the last 24 hours have been 'nice' as he's received an outpouring of bipartisan support. 'For every masked lunatic in front of my house there have been 100 people some of whom I don't agree with politically, calling or sending texts of support and kindness and its just a reminder of what a really nice country it is,' Carlson said. 'But what's it like to find out that your wife is hiding in the pantry because people are upsetting her? I mean it's upsetting. I've characterized the Antifa people and people like them as protesters but they're not. They weren't protesting anything.' 'To do this is a form of intimidation, so why are we describing it as a protest?' Carlson added. 'When a mafia boss tells a store owner, "I'd hate to have this place destroyed," that's not a protest, it's a threat, and that's what this is.' Tucker's former Fox News colleague, Megyn Kelly, decried the incident over Twitter. 'This has to stop. Who are we? What are we becoming? Tucker Carlson is tough & can handle a lot, but he does not deserve this. His family does not deserve this. Its stomach-turning,' she tweeted Wednesday evening as the incident was unfolding. Carlson focused on the positive as much as he could as he spoke to Kilmeade, following the series of unsettling events. 'If you work in our business as you know you can lose sight of [what a really nice country it is] because you see the lunatics but most people are not lunatics. Most people are humane and decent and kind, and it's just been a great reminder of that and really a wonderful experience,' he said. 'The irony is this is the one show that regularly invites people like that on to say what they think, and if you have a point of view that we disagree with, I'll debate you but I still wanna hear it, because I think people should hear it. 'But they weren't trying to change my mind or advocate for a position. They were threatening my family to get me to stop talking, and obviously I'm not going to because it's my job to talk and I have the support of Fox News and I'm grateful for that. 'But then you think of all the people, most people in this country, who don't have that lucky combination of circumstances and they really feel like they have to shut up, that they can't say what they think because they they'll be punished. 'I mean this has a chilling effect on people's ability to speak and to think freely and that's the point of it, its totalitarian in its intent and we should fight it.' Tucker Carlson called into his Fox News Show, Tucker Carlson Tonight, on Thursday during a pre-scheduled vacation to address the Antifa group that showed up at his home on Wednesday Tucker Carlson (left) says his door was damaged by protesters banging on it, while his former Fox News colleague, Megyn Kelly (right) decried the incident on Twitter The angry mob of Antifa protesters who targeted Carlson's home on Wednesday night are under investigation by the D.C.'s Metropolitan Police Department. 'We welcome those who come here to exercise their First Amendment rights in a safe and peaceful manner; however, we prohibit them from breaking the law,' the MPD tells DailyMail.com in a statement. 'Last night, a group of protesters broke the law by defacing private property at a Northwest, DC residence. MPD takes these violations seriously, and we will work to hold those accountable for their unlawful actions. 'There is currently an open criminal investigation regarding this matter,' the statement concluded. Protesters from far-left group Smash Racism DC knocked on the door of Tucker Carlson's D.C. home before chanting 'we know where you sleep at night' on Wednesday at 6.30pm When Megyn had left her apartment building on Thursday to see the eye doctor she was being blocked by her driver and one of her door men as she walked to her awaiting car Kelly denounced the angry mob of protesters at Tucker's home saying that while the Fox News host is tough- his family does not deserve to be dragged into it The group of about 20 from Smash Racism DC, descended on the conservative commentator's home, while Tucker's wife Susan, was alone when she heard the commotion outside. She locked herself in the pantry and called police at 6.30pm as the mob screamed and banged on her front door. The protesters chanted slogans such as 'we will fight, we know where you sleep at night' 'I called my wife. She had been in the kitchen alone getting ready to go to dinner and she heard pounding on the front door and screaming. ... Someone started throwing himself against the front door and actually cracked the front door,' Carlson told The Washington Post. Stop racism: The Antifa protesters left a sign on Tucker's door that read Stop Racism along with his address which was also tweeted out by an account called 'ShutitDownDC' which was removed for violating Twitter policy After the furious mob of about 20 people protested at Tucker's front door, an affiliated Twitter account called 'ShutitDownDC' released his home address and that of his brother Buckley Carlson, Ann Coulter, Sean Hannity and Neil Patel, with whom Carlson co-founded the Daily Caller. None of the other conservative figures are believed to have been targeted Wednesday evening and the tweets with their addresses have since been taken down. Activists from Smash Racism DC also targeted Ted Cruz as he ate with wife Heidi in a Washington restaurant. Fox News CEO Suzanne Scott and President Jay Wallace issued the following joint statement on Thursday: 'The incident that took place at Tuckers home last night was reprehensible. The violent threats and intimidation tactics toward him and his family are completely unacceptable. We as a nation have become far too intolerant of different points of view. Recent events across our country clearly highlight the need for a more civil, respectful, and inclusive national conversation. Those of us in the media and in politics bear a special obligation to all Americans, to find common ground.' Advertisement A town of 27,000 people has been pretty much destroyed by a raging wildfire that forced terrified residents to flee their homes clutching pets and babies and collapsing pillions fell across roads. The northern California town of Paradise and the surrounding area of around 15 square miles has been hit by devastating blaze which was swept through the area by a dry wind. Thousands of people fled the fast-moving wildfire which quickly spread out-of-control as mountain winds swept the flames through the community, engulfing homes and destroying businesses. Some were clutching babies and pets as they abandoned vehicles and struck out on foot ahead of the flames that forced the evacuation of an entire town and destroyed hundreds of buildings. Portions of southern California have also remained under siege by two large brush fires as some 75,000 homes have been placed under evacuation orders along the border of Ventura and Los Angeles counties. Los Angeles Fire Department Public Information Officer Erik Scott says the blaze has destroyed or damaged many buildings. A second fire has been burning in the Santa Rosa Valley east of Camarillo, west of Simi Valley near Newbury Park and Thousand Oaks. By last night it had scorched up to 7,000 acres and sent residents of more than 1,200 homes fleeing, the Los Angeles Times reports. A home burns as the Camp Fire moves through the area in Paradise, California, fueled by high winds and low humidity A Jack In The Box fast food restaurant burns as the Camp fire tears through Paradise, north of Sacramento, California Fire rages through neighborhoods as the Camp Fire burns out of control through Paradise, fueled by high winds. The nearby communities of Pulga, Paradise and Concow, have been ordered to evacuate the area An American flag stands unburned at the corner of Pearson and Middle Libby roads in Paradise after the Camp Fire destroyed several homes in the area Embers blow in the wind as a Camp Fire burns a KFC restaurant in Paradise, California Dogs roam burned out neighborhoods as the Camp fire tears through Paradise last night This photo taken from video provided by CBS2/KCAL9 shows a wildfire burning in Camarillo. Known as the Hill fire, it here has crossed U.S. Highway 101, at center right, threatening hundreds of homes A home burns as the Camp Fire rages through Paradise, California An American flag waves in the wind as a home burns during the Camp fire in Paradise. More than 18,000 acres have been scorched in a matter of hours burning with it a hospital, a gas station and dozens of homes Fire rages through neighborhoods as the Camp Fire burns out of control through Paradise. Fueled by high winds and low humidity, the rapidly spreading wildfire has ripped through the town Slide me The Blackbear Diner burns as the Camp fire tears through the town of which little has been left standing Little remains of the the Blackbear Diner as fire roared past it taking with it a hospital, a gas station and dozens of homes Paradise lost: The Paradise Inn hotel burns as the Camp Fire tears through the community No injuries have yet been reported in either fire. Flames were engulfing homes, utility poles were crashing down and explosions were going off as people fled to safety, one witness said. As she fled, Gina Oviedo described a devastating scene as she evacuated the town in which flames engulfed homes, sparked explosions and toppled utility poles. She said: 'Things started exploding. People started getting out of their vehicles and running.' Along with low humidity levels, the strong winds blowing northeast were blamed for the fire's rapid movement - as humidity is expected to drop to five to ten per cent. A red flag warning was in effect from this morning, meaning firefighters face a battle against the high dry winds and low humidity that help spread the wildfire. The flames have been described as 'growing uncontrollably' by fire officials as they sweep across Butte County, California, at a rate of about 80 football fields per minute. Late last night more than 2,200 firefighters were battling the flames and the Camp Fire in northern California remains completely uncontained, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). Cal Fire Capt. Scott McLean late last night: 'Pretty much the community of Paradise is destroyed, it's that kind of devastation. The wind that was predicted came and just wiped it out.' McLean says a wind-whipped wildfire destroyed thousands of structures but he said they won't have an exact count, nor have an idea over the extent of any injuries until they can get into the dangerous area. A PG&E truck makes its way past a hot spot fire in Paradise, California A firefighter directs an unidentified driver who narrowly survived after a large tree fell on to the road and cracked the windshield during the Camp Fire, as it burned out of control through Paradise In the town of Paradise, about 180 miles northeast of San Francisco at least 27,000 people in the town were ordered to flee Smoke from the Camp Fire, burning in the Feather River Canyon near Paradise, Calif., darkens the sky as seen from Highway 99 near Marysville, California Authorities in Northern California have ordered mandatory evacuations in a rural area where the wildfire has grown to 1,000 acres amid hot and windy weather The Camp Fire in Butte County California just north of Chico quickly grew to over 5000 acres before noon on November 8th Patients are quickly evacuated from the Feather River Hospital as it burns down during the Camp fire in Paradise A PG&E truck makes its way past a hot spot Pentz Rd. during the Camp Fire in Paradise California Wildfires An inmate firefighter pours water on a hot spot while battling the Camp Fire in Paradise The town of about 27,000 people 180 miles northeast of San Francisco was evacuated as businesses and homes were leveled or in flames, including a liquor store, a gas station and a Jack In the Box fast food restaurant. The town was ordered to evacuate the fast-moving wildfire that exploded in size Thursday forcing panicked residents to race to help neighbors and drive through walls of flames to escape. As people fled in cars, some abandoned their vehicles, running from encroaching flames as they held babies and pets in their arms. At one stage, more than 60 people were reported to be trapped inside a Walgreens in the town, waiting for buses to shuttle them to safety. The police chief in Paradise, Eric Reinbold, was in that group and said he lives in the middle of town and doesn't know if his house is still standing. Butte County CalFire Chief Darren Read said at a news conference that two firefighters and multiple residents were injured. The blaze erupted as windy weather swept the state, creating extreme fire danger. A wind-whipped fire north of Los Angeles in Ventura County burned up to 15 square miles and at least one home in a matter of hours. It threatened thousands of homes and prompted evacuations of a mobile home park, a state university campus and some neighborhoods. A nearby blaze was smaller at about 2 square miles but moving quickly. Fire officials were working on a plan to rescue patients from a hospital after officials tried to evacuate them but had to turn back because of gridlocked traffic. A scorched vehicle rests on a roadside as the Camp Fire tears through Paradise A burning sign is seen outside Paradise Skilled Nursing home Wind-driven ambers are seen during the Camp Fire in Paradise A structure is seen engulfed in flames. Authorities have no idea how many have been destroyed but the town is gone Firefighters face a losing battle to save structures while tackling the Camp Fire in Paradise An American flag is seen at an engulfed car dealership during the Camp Fire in Paradise A flag is seen at a burning at a used car dealership with an ironic call for attention A firefighter drags a hose as he battles the Camp Fire in Paradise The fire forced the evacuation of an entire town and destroyed hundreds of structures Firefighters say the fire is zero per cent contained and will have to wait for a change in the weather Firefighter Adrien Mahnke pauses while battling the Camp Fire as it tears through Paradise A home burns as the Camp Fire moves through the area on quickly charring 8,000 acres and has destroying dozens of homes in a matter of hours Authorities fear the fire, fueled by winds, would reach the nearby city Chico, which has a population of 90,000 people and where many Butte County families already have evacuated to shelters. 'It's a very dangerous and very serious situation', Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea told The Associated Press. 'I'm driving through fire as we speak. We're doing everything we can to get people out of the affected areas.' He confirmed reports that evacuees had to abandon their vehicles as they fled the scene. 'We're getting them on other vehicles with room. We're working very hard to get people out. The message I want to get out is if you can evacuate, you need to evacuate,' Honea said. Many people who fled the town say they don't know whether their homes survived. A home burns as the Camp fire tears through Paradise. More than 18,000 acres have been scorched in a matter of hours burning with it a hospital, a gas station and dozens of homes A fire fighter works a line to keep the fire from jumping at a home in Paradise The Feather River Hospital burns down during the Camp fire in Paradise At least 27,000 people in the town of Paradise about 180 miles northeast of San Francisco were ordered to flee. A group of U.S. Forest Service firefighters monitor a back fire while battling to save homes at the Camp Fire in Paradise Acting California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for the fire-stricken area in Northern California and requested a presidential disaster declaration, saying that dangerous weather conditions were expected to last several days. Shari Bernacett said her husband tried to get people to leave the Paradise mobile home park they manage. He 'knocked on doors, yelled and screamed' to alert as many residents as possible, Bernacett said. 'My husband tried his best to get everybody out. The whole hill's on fire. God help us!' she said before breaking down crying. She and her husband grabbed their dog, jumped in their pickup truck and drove through flames before getting to safety, she said. Terrifying videos posted on social media showed cars driving along roads that looked like tunnels of fire with flames on both sides of the road. Concerned friends and family posted frantic messages on Twitter and other sites saying they were looking for loved ones, particularly seniors who lived at retirement homes or alone. Among them was Kim Curtis, who was searching for her grandmother, who told family at 8 a.m. Thursday that she would flee her Paradise home in her Buick with her cat. Her grandmother, who is in her 70s and lives alone, never showed up up at a meeting spot in Chico, though. 'We've just been posting all over social media. And just praying for a miracle, honestly,' said Curtis, who lives in Salt Lake City, Utah. Officials were sending as many firefighters as they could, Cal Fire spokesman Rick Carhart said. 'Every engine that we could put on the fire is on the fire right now, and more are coming,' he said. 'There are dozens of strike teams that we're bringing in from all parts of the state.' The heat is on: A firefighter battles to keep the fire from jumping at a home and setting it alight in Paradise during the Camp Fire in northern California A Pacific Gas & Electric lineman cuts a downed power line during the Camp Fire in Paradise, California A Cal Fire firefighter monitors a burning home while battling the Camp Fire in Paradise, California A fire fighter puts water on a fire as he as he performs structure protection Flames and smoke light up ridge lines from the Woosley Fire which has burned 1,000 acres in Bell Canyon, California The smoke was so thick that it turned the skies above Paradise into nigh The sheriff confirmed reports that evacuees had to abandon their vehicles. Rescuers were trying to put them in other vehicles, he said. 'We're working very hard to get people out. The message I want to get out is: If you can evacuate, you need to evacuate,' Honea said. The wildfire was reported around daybreak. Within six hours, it had grown to more than 26 square miles, Gaddie said. Thick gray smoke and ash filled the sky above Paradise and could be seen from miles away. Fire officials said the flames were being fueled by winds, low humidity, dry air and severely parched brush and ground from months without rain. 'Basically, we haven't had rain since last May or before that,' said Read, the fire chief. 'Everything is a very receptive fuel bed. It's a rapid rate of spread.' The wildfire was reported at 6:30am., Rick Carhart, a Cal Fire spokesman, said. Within roughly six hours, the fire had grown to more than 26 square miles, said Gaddie. Flames consume The Screen & Window Shop as the Camp Fire tears through Paradise An used car dealership is seen engulfed in flames during the Camp Fire in Paradise Flames burn inside a van as the Camp Fire tears through the small town. Tens of thousands of people fled the fire Flames consume a Kentucky Fried Chicken as the Camp Fire tears through Paradise. As people left, some were clutching babies and pets as they abandoned vehicles and struck out on foot ahead of the flames Flames consume a car dealership making this flag seem very appropriate A car is engulfed in flames at a used car dealership during the Camp Fire in Paradise 'The blaze is being driven by fairly strong winds,' Carhart said. 'It's really dry and we have low humidity - and unfortunately those are great conditions for a fire to spread.' At the hospital in Paradise, more than 60 patients were evacuated to other facilities and some buildings caught fire and were damaged. But the main facility, Adventist Health Feather River Hospital, was not, spokeswoman Jill Kinney said. Some of the patients were initially turned around during their evacuation because of gridlocked traffic and later airlifted to other hospitals, along with staff, Kinney said. Four hospital employees were briefly trapped in the basement and rescued by California Highway Patrol officers, Kinney said. The National Weather Service issued red-flag warnings for fire dangers in many areas of the state, saying low humidity and strong winds were expected to continue through Friday evening. A hospital and several schools were evacuated as thick grey smoke and ash filled the sky above Paradise and could be seen from miles away. The Adventist Health Feather River Hospital in Paradise evacuated staff and 41 patients to other hospitals, given its close proximity to the fire, said Jill Kinney, an Adventist Health spokeswoman. She said a group of 20 other patients were initially evacuated but then returned to the facility because of gridlocked traffic. Gaddie, the fire official, said authorities were 'working on a plan' to rescue the patients. A Cal Fire firefighter unrolls a hose while battling the Camp Fire in Paradise, California A vintage car rests among debris as the Camp Fire tears through Paradise. Tens of thousands of people fled a fast-moving wildfire Thursday in Northern California, some clutching babies and pets as they abandoned vehicles and struck out on foot Flames consume a home as the Camp Fire tears through Paradise. A California fire official says a fast-moving wildfire in Northern California has destroyed structures and injured civilians A California fire official says a fast-moving wildfire in Northern California has destroyed structures and injured civilians A plume of smoke rises above the Camp Fire as it moves through the area. Fires across California and fueled by very dry conditions and warm strong Santa Ana winds have destroyed structures and caused fatalities Hospital workers at the Feather River Hospital work in a triage area while evacuating patients as the Camp Fire moves through the area Hospital workers and first responders evacuate patients from the Feather River Hospital as the Camp Fire moves through A patient walks away from a makeshift triage area as the the Feather River Hospital is evacuated Patients are quickly evacuated from the Feather River Hospital as it burns down A hospital worker embraces her co-worker as they evacuate patients from the Feather River Hospital A burned out car sits in front of a home that burned down as the Camp Fire moves through the area A statue sits on the deck of a burning home which burns in the background Once and future House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is fighting back against attempts to oust her. Photo: Zach Gibson/Getty Images The next speaker of the House will be a Democrat. That much we know. Just who that Democrat will be, though, is not exactly clear. House minority leader, and former speaker Nancy Pelosi is the obvious front-runner. But after an election season that saw some Democrats promise to oppose her and others cry out for new leadership, the California Democrat doesnt have the position locked up. Now, according to the Washington Post, a group of a dozen or so anti-Pelosi Democrats have begun plotting to prevent her from retaking the gavel. The group is led by Representatives Seth Moulton of Massachusetts, Kathleen Rice of New York, and Tim Ryan of Ohio. Ryan, you may recall, challenged Pelosi for the minority leader job in 2016, but only got 63 votes from his fellow Democrats. Politico adds more names to the mix, including five sitting lawmakers and two who will be freshman come January. The die-hards held a conference call Wednesday to discuss their plan. According to the Post, they flirted with and discarded an idea to publicly come out against Pelosi. Instead, theyre going to work behind the scenes, Politico explains: Meanwhile, the anti-Pelosi faction whom some have dubbed the revolutionaries or the rebels are working to grow their numbers. Eight of them joined an hour-long conference call Wednesday night to discuss strategy and messaging. Theyve divvied up the names of just-elected candidates who have called for new leadership and are reaching out to encourage them to vote against Pelosi on the floor. These members pitch to incoming lawmakers is this: Youre not alone. But Pelosi isnt sitting back quietly. On Wednesday, she sent a letter to Democratic lawmakers outlining her vision for the next two years as speaker. On Thursday, she worked the phones. Leader Pelosi is confident in her support among Members and Members-elect, her spokesman told Politico. Democrats dont let Republicans choose their leaders. The election proved that the GOP attacks on Pelosi simply do not work. Theres already evidence that Pelosis campaigning has changed minds. Politico notes that two lawmakers who had signaled opposition to Pelosi have thrown their support behind her. Representative Robin Kelly of Illinois, who had previously signaled her opposition to Pelosi, is one of them. On Thursday, she told Politico, that Democrats need an experienced person at the top to help get that together, get us organized and start off on the right foot as we get back to work for the American people. One thing the Pelosi opposition does not have at this point is a person willing to challenge her. Ryan said Thursday on Fox News that he has no intention of repeating his 2016 challenge, but he hopes someone does. I think its important for us to have this competition, he said. The most high-profile new Democratic member of Congress is trying to figure out how to afford an apartment in Washington and trying to stretch funds from her restaurant job until January. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, 29, shocked Washington by knocking off powerful Queens Rep. Joe Crowley. Now, as an incoming freshman lawmaker, the democratic socialist has other problems of her own. The transition period between her election win Tuesday and her swearing-in in January is a problem, and she is no longer drawing a salary. She told the New York Times that gap will be 'very unusual, because I can't really take a salary. I have three months without a salary before I'm a member of Congress,' she said. Alexandria Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez says she is running low on cash and has to make it until January without a job, when she will start drawing a salary as a member of Congress Ocasio-Cortez holds a Puerto Rico flag as she greets supporters at her midterm election night party in New York City Other elected House members draw pay, but she may have been referring to potential ethics problems of soliciting work after being elected as a member of Congress. 'So, how do I get an apartment?' she wondered. 'Those little things are very real.' Ocasio-Cortes, who stressed her working class status and upbringing during her unlikely win, said she saved some funds before leaving her restaurant job. But that might not cut it Washington D.C.'s hot real estate and high rent market, which doesn't quite rival New York's but has led some lawmakers to sleep in their offices or even bunk in group houses. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speaks to her supporters during her election night party in the Queens Borough of New York on November 6, 2018 Ocasio-Cortez says she saved up funds from her restaurant job HELP WANTED: Ocasio-Cortez won't draw a salary until she gets to Washington, which has high housing costs Ocasio-Cortez celebrates after defeating Republican challenger Anthony Pappas in the race for the 14th Congressional district of New York 'We're kind of just dealing with the logistics of it day by day, but I've really been just kind of squirreling away and then hoping that gets me to January, she said of she and her partner. In her previous life, she made Margarita cocktails at a Manhattan taqueria called Flats Fix. The 29-year old told Bon Appetit, 'My campaign started in food, and in a lot of ways evolved out of food,' 'For 80 percent of this campaign, I operated out of a paper grocery bag hidden behind that bar,' she said, referencing her political pamphlets and change of clothes. There have been other hardships, including having to turn down an annual trip for New York pols to Puerto Rico frequented because it conflicts with orientation for new lawmakers, where they get tips for hiring staff, running an office, and the bare bones of legislating. 'I need a minute,' she said. Stephanie Leahy ditched her office job nine months ago and signed up to work remotely while traveling the world - the only catch was a cut to her pay packet. But now more than half way through her 'gap year' and having visited 14 countries while working online, the Brisbane native has never had a greater work-life balance. Not only has she ticked items from her 'bucket list', the 26-year-old said she had become more efficient in her work and gained new skills to bring home to Australia. Stephanie Leahy (pictured in Morocco) ditched her office job nine months ago and signed up to work remotely while traveling the world - the only catch was a cut to her pay packet More than half way through her 'gap year' and having visited 14 countries while working online, the Brisbane native has never had a greater work-life balance (Steph pictured in Portugal) Not only has she ticked items from her 'bucket list', the 26-year-old said she had become more efficient in her work (Steph pictured riding a camel in Morocco) She works online for a digital recruitment agency based in Brisbane which sources talent for software companies and encourages its employees to work on-the-go. After hearing about a friend heading overseas as part of a Remote Year program, Ms Leahy saw no reason she couldn't head off and do the same. 'I figured if she could make it work, surely I could to. I moved to a company, Digital Talent Co, that encouraged flexible work,' she told Daily Mail Australia. 'There was of course a level of skepticism at first from both my manager and myself because it felt so new before I started out. Now we've built up an even stronger connection by fostering trust and respect and learning how to best communicate.' She has globe trotted through amazing locations in southeast Asia, North Africa, Europe and South America, is currently residing in Medellin, Colombia. She works online for a digital recruitment agency based in Brisbane which sources talent for software companies (pictured at La Tomatina in Spain) After hearing about an acquaintance heading overseas as part of a Remote Year program, Ms Leahy (sipping cocktail in Europe) saw no reason she couldn't head off and do the same She has globe trotted through amazing locations in southeast Asia, North Africa, Europe and South America, is currently residing in Medellin, Colombia (pictured in Morocco) On top of gaining an impressive collection of 'Instagram-worthy' travel photos, she has had the benefit of working and traveling with 30 people from different professions and cultures. 'I assumed that a remote worker wouldn't have traditional set of 'colleagues' or 'coworkers,' but I've actually found that there are even more people to learn from when you're working alongside others with very different professional experiences and cultures. 'I believe that the constant change that comes with traveling and working remotely has actually made me more productive as I've learned how to hit the ground running in every new city I've visited - we adjust to new locations, new schedules and new work environments.' Her journey will wrap up in Mexico City in January and she will return to Australia with the prospect of taking on a managerial position in her home city. On top of gaining an impressive collection of ' Instagram -worthy' travel photos, she has had the benefit of working and traveling with 30 people (pictured in South East Asia) A Home Office minister has voiced fears that removing guards from trains could boost county lines drug gangs. Ben Wallace is concerned that driver-only trains will mean guards can no longer spot children carrying heroin and cocaine. Mr Wallace has ordered officials to work with the Department for Transport to see if the move will worsen the county lines menace where city gangs groom boys and girls as young as 12 to carry cocaine and heroin to market towns and seaside resorts. Ben Wallace, above, a Home Office minister, is concerned that driver-only trains will mean guards can no longer spot children carrying heroin and cocaine. He voiced fears that removing guards from trains could boost county lines drug gangs [File photo] The minister pledged to review the proposals in a letter to independent MP John Woodcock this week. He wrote: I was very interested in your comments about the role of public transport in facilitating county lines, particularly where rail franchises are removing guards from trains. Home Office officials will liaise with the Department for Transport to consider this issue further and determine whether there is any additional action we can take in this space, working alongside our partners including British Transport Police. Welcoming Mr Wallaces move, former Labour MP Mr Woodcock, above, said: Guards are up close with passengers in a way that drivers can never be. His constituency of Barrow-in-Furness has been blighted by the drugs trade [File photo] Former Labour MP John Woodcock, whose constituency of Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria, has been blighted by the county lines drugs trade, told the Commons last month guards could detect and pick up on signs when something does not look right. 'Many of these young people stick out like a sore thumb because they are travelling alone and look vulnerable, so public transport staff can play a vital role in alerting the police. Welcoming Mr Wallaces move, Mr Woodcock said: Guards are up close with passengers in a way that drivers can never be. 'If we can train and resource public transport staff properly we can cut off the arteries that feed the county lines drug explosion but only if the staff get to keep their jobs. Mr Wallace has ordered officials to work with the Department for Transport to see if the move will worsen the county lines menace where city gangs groom boys and girls as young as 12 to carry cocaine and heroin to market towns and seaside resorts [File photo] More than 1,400 county line gangs are believed to operate in Britain making an estimated 1.8billion annual profit. They are named after the phone lines used to organise the illegal trade. The majority of children recruited are aged 15 to 17 and male, while girls were often controlled by gang members and subjected to sexual violence. Mr Wallaces intervention risks a clash with Transport Secretary Chris Grayling, who has backed proposals which could see more train services run without a guard on board. Police trained security guards on South Eastern trains still patrol London's busiest commuter routes. Ben Wallace is concerned that driver-only trains will mean guards can no longer spot children carrying heroin and cocaine [File photo] The father and brother of a woman who fled to Syria to join Islamic State face lengthy jail terms after running a county lines racket. Mohammed Shakil, 47, of Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire, was found guilty at Derby Crown Court yesterday of dealing drugs. His son Tareem, 25, had already pleaded guilty to the conspiracy. They will be sentenced later, In 2016, Mohammeds daughter Tareena, then 25, became the first woman in the UK to be jailed for joining IS after fleeing to Syria with her toddler son but later returning. Malcolm Turnbull has hit back at the nine Liberal Party 'insurgents' he claims conspired to depose him during the leadership spill. In his first media appearance since being ousted as prime minister, he took aim at the key person who led the challenge - Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton. He also listed Greg Hunt, Mathias Cormann, Tony Abbott, Mitch Fifield, Steve Ciobo, Michaelia Cash, Michael Keenan and Angus Taylor during the interview on ABC's Q&A. Scroll down for video Ousted prime minister Malcolm Turnbull has hit back at the nine Liberal Party 'insurgents' who conspired to depose him during the leadership spill (pictured left to right Peter Dutton, Greg Hunt and Mitch Fifield) Also named in the ex-prime minister's naming and shaming were Michaelia Cash (left), former prime minister Tony Abbott (centre) and Steve Ciobo (right) The final three conspirators who Mr Turnbull blamed for his downfall were Michael Keenan (left), Mathias Cormann (centre) and Angus Taylor (right) Mr Turnbull appeared on a special episode of Q&A on Wednesday night, where he answered questions from ABC journalist Tony Jones and members of the public Mr Turnbull's naming and shaming came in the opening moments of the episode on Thursday night, where he answered questions from host Tony Jones and members of the public. The ex-prime minister had been answering a question from an audience member - who asked simply why he had been removed as leader. 'The only people that can answer that are the people that engineered the coup people like Peter Dutton and Tony Abbott and Greg Hunt and Mathias Cormann the people who voted for the spill,' Mr Turnbull said. 'Most of them are well known. There are no bones about who they are. They have to answer that question. I can't answer it. From my own point of view, I described it at the time as madness.' He continued to list the other senior members of the party who agreed to vote him out. 'It really never occurred to me that senior members of the government, particularly people with such solemn responsibilities you know, Peter Dutton's the Home Affairs Minister, responsible for Australia's national security, for heaven's sake,' he said. 'It never occurred to me that those people would act in a way that was going to be so damaging both to the government, to the party and, frankly, to the nation.' Mr Jones then asked him if he was shocked by the sudden ousting. 'No, I did not anticipate that people, particularly cabinet ministers, would act so self-destructively,' he told the audience. 'It was so obvious that it was going to be destructive. It was so obvious that there was not going to be any upside to it.' When asked why he thought the people who orchestrated the coup challenged him, Mr Turnbull (pictured) replied by saying the question would be better answered by them The deposed leader did offer one wry explanation for why the coup may have been launched. He said: 'Maybe they were worried we'd win the election. Maybe they were not worried we'd lose it - maybe they were worried we'd win it'. Mr Turnbull was then asked to explain what role Prime Minister Scott Morrison played in his downfall, to which he said he takes the PM at his word that he didn't plan it. 'The insurgency was led by Peter Dutton, was obviously strongly supported by Tony Abbott and others,' he said. He said the nine people he listed 'blew up the government'. The ex-PM said it really never occurred to him senior members of the government - particularly people with such solemn responsibilities could do such a thing. The conversation then switched to the role the media played in his downfall. Mr Turnbull said he had complained about News Corp's coverage of his government to owner Rupert Murdoch, who said the company wasn't campaigning against him. 'The point that I made to him, and to others in News Limited, is that this sort of relentless campaign against me, which was very personal and didn't seem to have any rationale in terms of policy,' he says. He concluded by saying Kerry Stokes told him Mr Murdoch said he wanted a change of leader and was prepared to endure a Bill Shorten government. A bus driver will not lose his job after he refused to let a wheelchair-bound boy onto his bus. Lewis Thomas, 10, was told he could not get on the TransLink bus due to there being 'no room', following a hospital procedure in Brisbane on Monday. Lewis and his mother were at a bus stop outside the Queensland Children's Hospital when the incident occurred. A bus driver will not lose his job after he refused to let a wheelchair-bound boy onto his bus (stock image) CCTV footage of the city-bound 66 bus has revealed that there would have been plenty of space for Lewis's wheelchair. 'The driver refused us entry and said the bus was too full. It wasn't. There was a lot of room, however he didn't even try to help,' said Lewis's mother Sarah. 'I am shocked, disappointed that in Brisbane we are still faced with discrimination towards the disabled community.' The bus driver in question has not lost his job following the incident. Instead he was given counselling, Brisbane County Council told Daily Mail Australia. 'The bus driver involved in the incident has been counselled and reminded of his responsibilities to provide the highest standards of customer service. 'The council has also contacted the mother to apologise for the inconvenience.' A council spokesperson said the actions of the bus driver were 'disappointing'. 'Bus drivers are expected to ask other passengers to make way for wheelchair users so that they can get to their destination safely and quickly,' the spokesperson said. 'The council has reviewed CCTV footage of this particular incident and more should have been done to make room on the bus.' The spokesperson said the council had 'invested heavily' in accessible buses and bus stops to accommodate passengers with a disability. Laws were tightened on public transport in Queensland following the murder of school boy Daniel Mourcombe in 2003. The state of Queensland issued a 'No Child Left Behind' mandate requiring all bus drivers to wait with unaccompanied school-age children if there is no space on their bus, to prevent children being left waiting alone. The Queen 'had words' with Prince Harry over his 'difficult' bride Meghan Markle's preferred choice of wedding tiara, it was claimed today. The Duchess of Sussex was said to have had her 'heart set' on a tiara containing emeralds but was told she couldn't wear it because the green stones might have come from Russia, The Sun reports. A royal insider told the newspaper that the Queen stepped in and told Harry: 'She gets what tiara she's given by me.' 'The Queen also questioned why Meghan needed a veil for the wedding, given it was to be her second marriage', the source alleged, adding that: 'Meghan can be difficult'. Meghan has never mentioned the alleged row and said last month how 'fortunate' she felt about being able to choose Queen Mary's diamond and platinum bandeau tiara from the Queen's private collection. Her good relationship with Her Majesty - and their recent joint engagements - are known to be a great source of pride for Harry. Today's claims are not in Robert Jobson's new book 'Charles At Seventy: Thoughts, Hopes And Dreams' - but it does say Harry was said to have been 'petulant and short-tempered' in the build up to the Windsor Castle wedding. He allegedly told staff with a raised voice: 'What Meghan wants, Meghan gets' and when reports of his 'tiresome behaviour' reached the Queen who asked to see her grandson privately and she 'put him firmly in his place', Mr Jobson wrote. Scroll down for video The Queen had words with Prince Harry over his 'difficult' bride's choice of wedding tiara, it has been claimed The diamond and platinum bandeau tiara worn by Meghan is on display at the A Royal Wedding exhibition at Windsor Castle, which a royal source claimed was not her preferred option Meghan picked the tiara from the Queen's collection during a visit to Buckingham Palace with Prince Harry. And she gave no hint that it wasn't her first choice. She described her visit to see the Queen and choose a headpiece for her wedding as 'an incredibly surreal day'. Meghan and Prince Harry recorded their memories of the wedding for an audio commentary that is part of the new 'Relive the Royal Wedding' exhibition at Windsor Castle, which opened last month. Speaking about the tiara she wore, Meghan said: 'When it came to the tiara on the day, I was very fortunate to be able to choose this gorgeous art deco style bandeau tiara. 'Harry and I had gone to Buckingham Palace to meet with Her Majesty The Queen to select one of the options that were there, which was an incredibly surreal day as you can imagine. 'And that was the one that, I think, as we tried them on, stood out.' A royal insider told The Sun the Queen (pictured on Wednesday) stepped in and told Harry: 'She gets what tiara she's given by me' after an alleged row Meghan Markle, pictured with the Queen in June, is said to have a very good relationship with Her Majesty She added: 'I think it was just perfect because it was so clean and simple - and also to that point, an extension of what Clare [Waight Keller] and I had been trying to do with the dress which was have something that could be so incredibly timeless but still feel modern.' Harry joked in the commentary: 'Every girl's dream to be able to try on a tiara, and, funnily enough, the one that suited the best, the one that looked the best on you without question, I shouldn't have really even been there, but such an incredible loan by my grandmother, it was very sweet.' When Harry and Meghan's romance was revealed in December 2016 the Queen was one of their main cheerleaders. The Queen was apparently charmed by her and was 'fully supportive' of her grandson's relationship with the actress and was 'delighted to see Harry in a loving relationship'. In June - a month after she married Harry - she showed her growing bond with the Queen as the pair carried out their first official engagements together in Cheshire. Meghan, 36, and the monarch, 92, were obviously getting on famously, with Meghan giggling and whispering into the Queen's ear while watching a children's performance at the opening of a new bridge across the River Mersey in Widnes. It was around ten months after her own nuptials before the Duchess of Cambridge undertook a similar day of events - and was viewed as a sign of royal confidence in the former actress. Seattle is planning to review its iconic totem poles located throughout the city in consideration of whether the public works of art are culturally appropriate, given the fact that area natives never actually made any totem poles. A proposal to evaluate these public art works was up for discussion at the Seattle City Council meeting on Wednesday, KOMO-TV reported. Seattle City Council member Debora Juarez, a member of the Blackfeet Nation, had called for such a review last summer, also citing displeasure with the City Seal. 'Imagine people who have been here for time immemorial, in which the only thing that shows that we're here is that fake Chief Seattle thing over there,' Juarez said earlier this year. Juarez previously said the council needs to ask the people of Seattle about 'what is historical, what is cultural, what gets built, [and] what gets saved.' The council now plans to engage with community members on the historical and cultural relevance of art already in existence and currently in the process of being procured, to decide the next steps. Seattle will review its iconic totem poles located throughout the city in consideration of whether the public works of art are culturally appropriate, given the fact that they don't represent natives; A portion of the Tlingit Totem Pole that stands in Pioneer Square is shown The City Seal was adopted in 1931, and was patterned after a model designed by artist/sculptor James A. Wehn of Seattle. Wehn, who was born in Indiana to a mother who had lived there her whole life and father of German descent, made a name for himself creating bronze works of art of Northwest pioneers and explorers. The real 'Chief Seattle' (shown) was a Suquamish and Duwamish chief, living from 1786-1866. Wehn's statue of 'Chief Seattle' was the first statue erected by city in 1912. Even before that time, totem poles had come to be considered staples of the city, but not because of any tie to the natives. Seattle City Council member Debora Juarez, a member of the Blackfeet Nation, had called for such a review last summer, also citing displeasure with the City Seal (shown), which features a 'fake Chief Seattle' designed by an Indiana man The real 'Chief Seattle' (shown) was a Suquamish and Duwamish chief, living from 1786-1866 James A. Wehn's statue of 'Chief Seattle' was the first statue erected by city in 1912; Wehn is shown here posing with a model for the statue in 1908 Wehn's statue of 'Chief Seattle' erected in 1912, is shown here in Tilikum Place at 5th Avenue and Denny Way in July 2002 'Totem poles are thought of as symbols of Seattle by many residents and visitors, but, in fact, the indigenous people of Washington state, the Coast Salish peoples, did not traditionally carve totems,' the Burke Museum, located in Seattle, has explained. 'Instead, these tall multi-figured poles originated much farther north on the Pacific coast and represent the crests of clans and family histories of the indigenous people of Coastal Alaska and Canada. The appropriation of this symbol by Seattle dates to the late 1800s when entrepreneurial civic leaders sought to position Seattle as the "Gateway to Alaska" by installing an Alaskan pole downtown.' Today, they can be seen on school campuses, government office buildings and city parks, including next to the famous Pike Place Market inVictor Steinbrueck Park, as well as in Occidental Square. Totem poles first came to the area in the 1800s in an effort to brand the city the 'Gateway to Alaska,' where native people did create totem poles; The Tlingit Totem Pole (shown in 1910) had been taken, apparently without permission of any kind, from a Tlingit village in Alaska by a group of 'prominent' Seattle citizens and presented to the city of Seattle in 1899 'The appropriation of [totem poles] by Seattle dates to the late 1800s when entrepreneurial civic leaders sought to position Seattle as the "Gateway to Alaska" by installing an Alaskan pole downtown,' the Burke Museum said; The Tlingit Totem Pole is shown here in 1989 Today, totem poles can be seen in Seattle on school campuses, government office buildings and city parks, including next to the famous Pike Place Market in Victor Steinbrueck Park, as well as in Occidental Square; A Native American totem is shown here in Pioneer Square Whether totem poles remain appropriate since it's known they're not representative of the indigenous people of Seattle is now a question; A totem pole is shown in Occidental Park Whether they remain appropriate since it's known they're not representative of the indigenous people of Seattle is now being questioned. 'This is the time for us to have these community conversations, and genuinely discuss what does it mean to have equity in our public spaces,' Chief Seattle Club President Colleen Echohawk said. For some, equity means removing outdated pieces of art that conflate the history of the local people with that of other Native Americans from the Pacific Northwest. 'It's always time to talk about our history,' University of Washington Professor Kathryn Bunn-Marcuse said. '[These works were] always being used as part of the commercial marketing of the city, and so it's time to talk about these art pieces and really to figure out what are the new pieces that we can support.' Council member Sally Bagshaw pointed out that all public works in the city should be reviewed. 'Whether it's a stone, whether it's a totem pole around the city that has been here sometimes for over a hundred years, it may have passed not only a useful life but may have now moved in to what is politically offensive,' Bagshaw said. There's currently no stated cost associated with the city council's proposal to look at whether totem poles and other works throughout Seattle are appropriate today. Police arrested a man after a high speed police chase, but not before the suspect urinated out of his car window. The motorist, from Adelaide, led police on a chase at 4.45am today, after refusing to pull over on Morphett Street. The 24-year-old drove his blue BMW through north Adelaide and Walkerville, and repeatedly slowed and stopped before driving through several red lights. The 24-year-old drove his blue BMW through north Adelaide and Walkerville, and repeatedly slowed and stopped before driving through several red lights (stock photo) He managed to avoid road spikes laid along Hancock Road as he careered onto the wrong side of the road. At around 5.20am, the driver slowed the vehicle to a crawl on McIntyre Road and urinated out of the vehicle from the driver's seat. Police took advantage of the situation and rolled out more road spikes. The runaway car hit the spikes and spun out of control before crashing into a bus stop. Police have charged the reckless driver with drive dangerously to evade police, driving with a suspended licence, driving an unregistered and uninsured car and failing to truly answer. They also slapped him with an $140 on-the-spot fine for urinating in a public place. The arrested man has been bailed to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on December 19. There were no injuries and no damage to any police vehicle. Australian bank Westpac have announced that transgender workers will get four weeks of paid leave while they make a gender transition. Trans employees will also be entitled to take up to a year's unpaid leave while they are undergoing their transition. Westpac is the first Australian bank to offer transgender leave, according to Finance Sector Union national assistant secretary Nathan Rees. Australian bank Westpac have announced workers seeking a gender transition will be granted four weeks of paid leave Transgender workers will also be able to take off up to a year of unpaid leave while they are undergoing their transition A spokesperson from the bank told Daily Mail Australia: 'Westpac has a proud history of supporting the LGBTIQ community and we want to empower employees to be themselves, no matter their gender or sexual orientation. 'This is something we feel passionate about, so we're pleased to now become one of Australia's largest employers to call out this singular specific category of leave in our EA, over and above existing leave entitlements.' The move was part of a wider overhaul of Westpac employees' leave entitlements. Compassionate leave has been increased from two to three days per occasion. Domestic and family violence support leave has been doubled from 10 to 20 days. Deakin University, in Victoria, has introduced a similar policy to Westpac and has offered staff 10 days of paid leave for gender transitioning. Parents are used to telling their kids to put the phone down. And now they have extended the order to nannies. Nannies are being asked to sign contracts that limit their smartphone time due to fears they're glued to their screens, it was reported last night. Some parents are specifically asking for older nannies because they feel they're less likely to be distracted by Facebook or Twitter while looking after their little ones, according to the Times. Nannies are being asked to sign contracts that limit their smartphone time due to fears they're glued to their screens, it was reported last night. Stock photo Kate Baker, co-founder of childcare agency Abeville Nannies in south London, told the Times that around 20 parents had asked about having a clause about mobile phone use in contracts in the past three months alone. She said: '(Parents are) saying, 'we don't want you to be texting your friends or being constantly on your phone while looking after the kids in the playground'.' The company helps parents find nannies, but does not directly employ them. It is now considering adding in a clause about phone use in the standard contract it offers. It states that 'unauthorised use during working hours may result in a disciplinary warning or dismissal.' Kensington Nannies, another childcare agency, already has rules about social media use in some of its contracts. Some parents are specifically asking for older nannies because they feel they're less likely to be distracted by Facebook or Twitter. Stock photo As part of the agreement, nannies are given a work mobile and aren't permitted to use their personal mobile while babysitting. Some parents also instruct nannies about how much screen time their children are allowed. But Ms Baker, who has spent 17 years in the childcare business, said parents must be wary about making too many demands. She said: 'You are trusting the nanny with your most treasured possessions: your children. 'Do you want that nanny to think that you don't trust them?' It comes after the New York Times reported that nannies in Silicon Valley in the US are being instructed to not use devices in front of their children they are looking after. Parents are demanding that devices such as smartphones and tablets are kept hidden and computers and TVs are turned off, according to the newspaper. To ensure the instructions are followed, parents who work in the tech sector are even going so far as to draw up stringent 'no-phone contracts' for their nannies to sign. He knows exactly what hes doing. Photo: Jeff Mitchell/Getty Images On Tuesday night in Florida, Democratic senator Bill Nelson conceded a Senate race to Republican Rick Scott, because he was trailing the Florida governor by more than 57,000 voters. Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, meanwhile, conceded Floridas governor race to Republican Ron DeSantis, because he was trailing the congressman by an even larger margin. And then, Nelson and Gillum discovered that there were more outstanding votes from heavily Democratic counties than they had realized. By Thursday afternoon, Nelsons deficit had fallen to just 17,000, or 0.22 percent. State law requires a manual recount of any election with an initial margin under 0.25 percent. Gillums deficit, meanwhile, fell to 38,000, or 0.47 percent, which is under the 0.5 percent threshold that triggers an automatic machine recount, under state law. More significantly (and alarmingly), irregularities began to emerge in Nelsons pattern of support. Specifically, an aberrant percentage of voters in Broward County marked their ballots for gubernatorial candidates but left the Senate ballot-line blank. OMG. Looking at county-level undervote. Broward stands out for having 3.7% of its ballots left blank for #FLSEN but cast for #FLGOV. No other county comes close, and Palm/Dade had more votes for Senator. Either this is ballot design or machine error. #flapol #sayfie pic.twitter.com/OtyK0oO20g Matthew Isbell (@mcimaps) November 8, 2018 Its possible that this was a product of bad ballot design (similar to the infamous butterfly ballot that led some Broward County voters to accidentally vote for Pat Buchanan instead of Al Gore in 2000). Specifically, many voters in Broward County reported having had difficulty finding the Senate race on the ballot, as it was tucked beneath a long block of voting instructions on the ballots left-hand column. Im at @BrowardVotes HQ. Heres an image of a ballot to aide discussion about whether layout caused undervotes in the US Senate race pic.twitter.com/4gUkp1uR2C David Smiley (@NewsbySmiley) November 8, 2018 This theory is buttressed by the fact that undervoting in the Senate race was especially pronounced in Floridas 24th Congressional District, where no House race was listed (as the incumbent ran unopposed), and thus the Senate race box was even lower down on the ballots left-hand side. I randomly picked a precinct in each CD. Here's Sen-Gov dropoff: FL20 (C005): 97.5% FL22 (A001): 95.7% FL24 (M001): 97.8% FL24 (Q050/051): 89.6% !!! It was low in each precinct compared to rest of state, but especially low where no House race was on ballot. Poor design! https://t.co/CWjUyn20E4 Patrick Murray (@PollsterPatrick) November 8, 2018 If ballot design produced the undercount, then nothing can be done to rectify the error. But it is also possible that vote-processing machines in Broward suffered a technical glitch that caused them not to read Senate votes that were properly marked on paper ballots and if that is the case, then a recount would very likely tip the Senate race to Nelson. For this and other reasons, lawyers for Nelson and Gillum decided to call on the state of Florida to honor its statutory obligation to perform a recount. In response, Florida senator Marco Rubio decided to accuse the Democratic Party of conspiring with Broward County election officials to illicitly overturn the will of the electorate, and illegitimately install Bill Nelson into the U.S. Senate. Long but IMPORTANT THREAT ON ELECTIONS IN #FLORIDA.#BayCounty was hit by a Cat 4 Hurricane just 4 weeks ago,yet managed to count votes & submit timely results. Yet over 41 hours after polls closed #Broward elections office is still counting votes? #Sayfie 1/6 Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) November 8, 2018 #Broward supervisor: - says she doesnt know how many ballots are left to be counted; & - Isnt reporting hourly or regularly,but rather releasing thousands of additional votes,often in the overnight hours,that are chipping away at GOP leads 2/6 #Sayfie Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) November 8, 2018 #Broward elections department has a history of violating the law: A court found they improperly handled votes by mail:https://t.co/NOE6qdbWly Court found they destroyed ballots in 2016 in violation of state & federal law:https://t.co/ywP8qE46J5 #Sayfie 3/6 Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) November 8, 2018 Now democrat lawyers are descending on #Florida. They have been very clear they arent here to make sure every vote is counted. - They are here to change the results of election; & - #Broward is where they plan to do it.#Sayfie 4/6 Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) November 8, 2018 A U.S. Senate seat & a statewide cabinet officer are now potentially in the hands of an elections supervisor with a history of incompetence & of blatant violations of state & federal laws. Read Here: https://t.co/empQvOOgEb 5/6#Sayfie Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) November 8, 2018 #Broward election supervisors ongoing violation of #Florida law requiring timely reporting isnt just annoying incompetence. It has opened the door for lawyers to come here & try to steal a seat in the U.S. Senate & Florida Cabinet #Sayfie 6/6 Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) November 8, 2018 Rubio offered no evidence to support the claim that Democratic lawyers have been very clear that they dont want every vote to count, and are merely seeking to win the election by any means necessary (even if that involves not counting all the votes), nor did he specify what ongoing violations of the law Broward County election officials were engaged in (notably, the elections supervisor with a history of incompetence was appointed by former Republican governor (and Rubio ally) Jeb Bush). The Florida senator also neglected to mention the fact that more than 20 percent of voting-age African-Americans in Florida were prohibited from casting ballots in Tuesdays election largely because Rick Scott made disenfranchising them a top policy priority. The fact that we're treating an election in which more than one in 5 African Americans were disenfranchised as anything but a grotesque farce is a massive indictment of the U.S. media and of so much of our entire political discourse. https://t.co/sWYqGPdgyL Taniel (@Taniel) November 9, 2018 To be sure, it is perfectly reasonable for Republicans or anyone else, for that matter to demand an explanation for why it is taking Broward County so long to finish its initial vote count (as opposed to the impending recount that will likely follow its completion). But as of this writing, there is simply no reason to believe that the delay is the product of anything worse than incompetence. Even after networks called the race for Scott Tuesday night, the New York Timess forecasting algorithm was only giving him a 53 percent chance of winning the election because, based on the vote totals in other parts of the state, the model assumed that there had to be a lot of missing votes in (heavily Democratic) Broward County. Which is to say: One doesnt need to invoke a vast left-wing conspiracy to explain why Nelson gained votes between election night and Thursday afternoon. And yet, Rick Scott and Donald Trump have now joined Rubio in doing so. I understand why the late ballots in Florida seem like a surprise. But when we turned off the needle yesterday, it seemed like there just wasn't enough counted in south Florida; turned it off w/Scott having virtually no edge at all pic.twitter.com/zpBcwqOels Nate Cohn (@Nate_Cohn) November 9, 2018 Many #NeverTrump conservatives like to fantasize about a world in which Marco Rubio won the 2016 GOP nomination and, as a result, the Republican Party retained its commitment to civility over demagoguery, and democratic ideals over the raw pursuit of power. There are many problems with this fantasy. But two conspicuous ones are that Rubio spent much of his 2016 campaign baselessly accusing Americas first black president of deliberately sabotaging the country (he knows exactly what hes doing); and that he is now telling his supporters, without evidence, that if Bill Nelson wins a recount they should regard the outcome of the 2018 Florida Senate race as illegitimate. Which suggests that reckless demagoguery would still have a place in Republican politics even in a universe where Donald Trump didnt. Watchdog vows to investigate why loyal customers are overcharged for bills Failing to shop around for the best broadband deals costs loyal customers an average of 230 a year, research shows. This loyalty penalty is costing households an estimated 3.94billion a year in total. Around four out of five families are paying over the odds according to figures from the Is My Bill Fair website. The watchdog is also investigating the loyalty rip-off over concerns that insurance firms ramp up prices at renewal each year, costing families hundreds of pounds [File photo] Its analysis of 30,000 bills found that the average customer remains loyal to the same provider for seven years. The research has now been handed to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), which is investigating concerns that customers are routinely overcharged if they fail to shop around. It followed a super-complaint by Citizens Advice in September, which claimed that loyal households were being overcharged by 4.1billion a year in total on their bills including energy, mobile and mortgages. The average loyalty penalty was 877 a year, including 113 on broadband, it said. But Alex Perrin, of Is My Bill Fair, warned that the Citizens Advice figures were just the tip of the iceberg. By analysing real data from tens of thousands of real bills, weve demonstrated to the CMA that the actual scale of the problem is far bigger than initially reported, he said. The watchdog is also investigating the loyalty rip-off over concerns that insurance firms ramp up prices at renewal each year, costing families hundreds of pounds. Failing to shop around for the best broadband deals costs loyal customers an average of 230 a year, research shows [File photo] Gillian Guy, chief executive of Citizens Advice, said: No one should be penalised for their loyalty. Its clear the industry needs more scrutiny which is why the Government should set up an independent champion for consumers as is the case in other essential markets. A spokesman for the CMA said: We are carefully considering the concerns raised by Citizens Advice in the super-complaint. There are five key markets being investigated, including broadband. Our response will set out our recommendations on this important issue and any next steps we think are needed to make sure businesses dont take unfair advantage of their long-standing customers. Saudi Arabia's leading government-financed think tank is looking into the possible effects on oil markets of a breakup of OPEC. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, founded in 1960, coordinates petroleum prices among producers and maintains a regular supply to consumer nations. However, in a remarkable move for a country which has dominated oil exportation for 60 years, a study into the cartel's dissolution has been demanded by top Saudi officials who see it as a high priority economic-policy. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, founded in 1960, coordinates petroleum prices among producers and maintains a regular supply to consumer nations The move comes amid growing pressure on the Saudi government, including from the US President Trump, who has accused the cartel of hiking up oil prices. While investors have temporarily distanced themselves after US-based Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi was brutally murdered by regime henchmen. Despite this, the think tank's president, Adam Sieminski, said the study hadn't been triggered by Trump's forceful statements or the increased global scrutiny. 'The kingdom knows demand for oil won't last foreverso you need to think past OPEC,' one senior adviser said. The move comes amid growing pressure on the Saudi government, including from the US President Trump, who has accused the cartel of hiking up oil prices. While investors have temporarily distanced themselves after US-based Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi was brutally murdered by regime henchmen (Trump with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman) The study is part of a broader discussion among Saudi officials about the future of OPEC, the WSJ reports, with leading figures in the kingdom anticipating increased demand as supply dwindles in the coming decades. It comes as the cartel faced increasingly irate calls from Trump over the alleged manipulation of oil prices at the expense of large oil-consuming countries - such as the US. Legislation in the US, dubbed NOPEC, has also been discussed which would curtail OPEC's influence and effectively label them an illegal cartel. Although it has been suggested Saudi is intent on disbanding OPEC soon, some have questioned the long-term rationale for the move given the kingdom's dominance within the group. Meanwhile, internal feuding among founder members, namely Iran and Saudi have caused more turbulence, with Tehran accusing officials in Riyadh of acting on America's behalf, particularly following US sanctions on Iranian oil exports Saudi, along with Russia, exerts the most influence among the collective, and the pair joined forces in 2016 to rein in oil production as supply threatened to outstrip demand which had created super low prices. The coordination among the two has upset some OPEC members, who have complained they are being sidelined by decision makers in Riyadh and Moscow. Meanwhile, internal feuding among founder members, namely Iran and Saudi have caused more turbulence, with Tehran accusing officials in Riyadh of acting on America's behalf, particularly following US sanctions on Iranian oil exports. Nonetheless, Saudi remains the biggest exporter among the cartel, accounting for roughly a third of the group's collective 33 million barrels per day output. While its minister has long been considered the group's de facto principle. A father was left stunned when he bought his daughter a toy and discovered that the lyrics to a popular nursery rhyme had been edited. Steve McCarthy, 31, a courier from County Durham, bought the toy from an Argos store in Sunderland as a present for his two-year-old daughter Niamh. He was left baffled when he realised the popular lyrics 'baa baa black sheep' had been replaced with 'baa baa sheep sheep'. Father Steve McCarthy, 31, was left stunned when he discovered the lyrics to 'baa baa black sheep' had been edited to 'baa baa sheep sheep' by toy manufacture Vtech The Little Star Activity table created by Vtech replaced the lyrics to 'baa baa black sheep' with 'baa baa sheep sheep'. The Courier from County Durham bought the toy from an Argos store in Sunderland as a present for his two-year-old daughter Niamh The sheep used in the toy had also had its colour changed to white and the words in an accompanying book had been edited too. Mr McCarthy said: 'I was playing the toy to my two-year-old daughter, and it suddenly played a different version. Which surprised me. 'Why has a good old fashioned nursery rhyme been changed? 'Its a great toy but sad they arent using the original nursery rhyme, why have they changed it?' Theories have suggested the traditional nursery rhyme, which dates back to the 1700s, refers to the medieval wool tax, imposed in the 13th Century by King Edward I The popular English nursery rhyme, which dates back to the 1700s, has been condemned by some for its negative connotations while others consider the rhyme to be harmless. Theories have suggested the rhyme is about the importance of sheep to the English economy and refers to the medieval wool tax, imposed in the 13th Century by King Edward I. The popular nursery rhyme has been a part of English tradition for years however more recently it has sparked debate due to its racial implications Under the new laws imposed by the king a third of the cost of a sack of wool went to the king while another went to the church and the last to the poor shepherd (the little boy who cries down the lane). The toy made by Vtech and is described as a 'Little Star Activity table' suitable for children up to 36 months of age. In 2014, the nursery rhyme once again sparked debate after a kindergarten in Melbourne changed its lyrics due to racial implications. The toy, which was bought as a present by McCarthy, is suitable for children up to 36 months of age Staff at a school in Melbourne's east told the Herald Sun they were left concerned over the connotations of 'black' while teachers were also troubled by the line 'one for the little boy who lives down the lane', which they believed had sexist overtones. Director of nearby centre, Bubble Pre-School in Malvern East Roula Tsoukalas had told the Daily Mail Australia: 'The kids don't think about that at all when they sing the rhyme. 'Of course we teach tolerance and acceptance at our school but the song has no focus on the colour itself.' MailOnline have approached Vtech and Argos for comment. The former First Lady of the Philippines Imelda Marcos has been found guilty of corruption and is facing up to a decade in jail. An arrest warrant was issued for the Ilocos Norte Representative after she was found guilty of seven counts of corruption It stems from private organisations Marcos, 89, created while holding a variety of posts in government. Imelda Marcos could be facing a decade behind bars after being found guilty of seven counts of corruption The court's fifth division acquitted her in three counts of corruption. Marcos was sentenced to imprisonment for a minimum of six years to 11 years and a month maximum. Marcos is the widow of dictator Ferdinand Marcos and served as First Lady from 1965 to 1986. She is currently a member of the House of Representatives for Ilocos Norte. It is thought the former First Lady can post bail while appealing the conviction. Brussels will include a plan to put a customs border in the Irish Sea if there is a no-deal Brexit, a leaked letter from Theresa May suggests. The Democratic Unionist Party said it appeared the Prime Minister was prepared to break her promise never to agree a deal which could separate Ireland from the UK. The European plan would leave Northern Ireland tied to the single market and customs union if Brexit talks collapse. Mrs May has previously insisted no UK prime minister could ever agree to such proposals. However, Brussels has demanded an insurance policy to avoid a hard border in Ireland. Mrs May has previously insisted no UK prime minister could ever agree to such proposals The PMs five-page letter, leaked to The Times, was sent on Tuesday to Arlene Foster, the DUP leader, and Nigel Dodds, her deputy. Mrs May says in the letter that the EU is still pushing for a backstop to the backstop. But she stresses that she would never allow a divide between Northern Ireland and Britain to come into force. This wording has been interpreted by the DUP to mean the clause will nevertheless be inserted into the legally-binding agreement, the paper reported. Mrs Foster said: The Prime Ministers letter raises alarm bells for those who value the integrity of our precious Union and for those who want a proper Brexit for the whole of the UK. It appears the Prime Minister is wedded to the idea of a border down the Irish Sea with Northern Ireland in the EU single market regulatory regime. Mrs Foster said: The Prime Ministers letter raises alarm bells for those who value the integrity of our precious Union' Mrs May needs the ten DUP votes to help get her Brexit plan through the Commons. Last night a Downing Street spokesman said: The Prime Ministers letter sets out her commitment...to never accepting any circumstances in which the UK is divided into two customs territories. Jacob Rees-Mogg told The Times: 'None of this works at all. To say, "because Ive been incompetent in the negotiation so far Im going to have to agree to a final backstop that could undermine the integrity of the UK, but go on to say, trust me because Ill be more competent in my future negotiation than I have in the ones to date", is a line that lacks credibility.' Sam Lowe, from the Centre for European Reform, said the acceptance of a backstop is good news for withdrawal negotiations but agreed it will cause tensions between the prime minister and the DUP. It came as Mrs May embarked on a diplomatic tour of Europe as she raced to get a Brexit deal ready to present to her Cabinet as soon as Monday. She will hold meetings today with French president Emmanuel Macron and Belgian prime minister Charles Michel. EU chiefs yesterday suggested a Brexit deal could be finalised by the start of next week paving the way for it to be rubber-stamped by leaders at a special summit on Sunday, November 25. A Downing Street spokesman told The Time last night: 'The prime ministers letter sets out her commitment, which she has been absolutely clear about on any number of occasions, to never accepting any circumstances in which the UK is divided into two customs territories. 'The government will not agree anything that brings about a hard border on the island of Ireland.' In February, Mrs May told the Commons that a draft deal by the EU would, if implemented, undermine the UK common market and threaten the constitutional integrity of the UK by creating a customs and regulatory border down the Irish Sea, and no UK prime minister could ever agree to it. Hollywood celebrities have thrown their support behind a campaign calling for a change to laws which prevent sexual assault victims from speaking out. Alyssa Milano, Tara Moss and John Cleese are among the well-known faces who have backed the #LetHerSpeak initiative, news.com.au reported. In Tasmania and the Northern Territory, the identities of sexual assault survivors are not allowed to be revealed even if they have given their consent. Scroll down for video Hollywood actress Alyssa Milano (pictured) has shown her support for the #LetHerSpeak campaign Author Tara Moss has also backed the campaign, which seeks to 'amend the laws which prevent sexual assault survivors from telling their story' The #LetHerSpeak online campaign, which was launched this week, seeks to 'amend the laws which prevent sexual assault survivors from telling their story'. 'We want to change the law so that any survivor who wishes to be named can waive their right to anonymity without them, or the publication which names them, facing penalty,' the campaign website states. Nina Funnell, who has designed the campaign in partnership with End Rape On Campus Australia and Marque Lawyers, said the current laws protect 'perpetrators, not victims'. 'The most empowering thing I ever did following my own assault was to speak out publicly about it. It was an important part of my recovery,' she said. 'There is tremendous power in survivors owning their own stories without fear or stigma. It is incredibly disempowering for survivors who want to reclaim ownership of their narrative, to be told that they have no right to speak out about their own abuse.' On Instagram Ms Moss posted a photo of her holding up a #LetHerSpeak sign, with a caption where she backed the campaign. 'This is an important one. Gagging survivors of sexual assault from speaking out is hugely problematic and sends the message that they have no agency, no control over their own stories and their own lives, just as they had no choice in what was done to them,' she said. Ms Moss and Ms Milano have also spoken to Channel Nine's 60 Minutes about the #LetHerSpeak campaign. Actor John Cleese (pictured) has also lent his support to the #LetHerSpeak campaign, which was launched this week 'It's absolutely dehumanising. Silence comes hand-in-hand with injustice,' Ms Moss told the program. Ms Milano added: 'It's been swept under the rug for far too long'. A now 23-year-old woman who was just 15 when she was groomed and sexually molested by her maths teacher said she was desperate to have her story heard. 'The fact that I can't take control of my own story, that's frustrating,' she told 60 Minutes. The maths teacher was sentenced to two years and six months in jail after pleading guilty in 2011. Tasmania's Attorney-General Elise Archer told news.com.au the 'Tasmanian Government is considering Section 194K (of the Tasmanian Evidence Act) to ensure that it appropriately protects the rights of all victims of sexual assault'. The 60 Minutes segment will air on Sunday at 7pm. Advertisement Thousands of people are out on the streets of New York protesting President Trump's sacking of attorney general Jeff Sessions. 6,000 people were estimated to be marching from Times Square to Union Square on Thursday evening demanding special counsel Robert Mueller be allowed to continue his investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. General Election. The worry is that firing Sessions could have serious implications for Mueller's probe given that the new acting attorney general, Matthew Whitaker, until now Sessions' chief of staff, has questioned the inquiry's scope and could reduce its operating budget effectively shutting down the investigation. People take part in a protest to protect the investigation led by Special Counsel Robert Mueller, in New York City President Donald Trump was accused of pushing America toward a constitutional crisis after his firing of the attorney general cast doubt over the future of an explosive probe into election collusion with Russian agents Protesters have converged to call for the protection of special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into potential coordination between Russia and President Donald Trump's campaign Six thousand demonstrators gathered Thursday in New York's Times Square and chanted slogans including 'Hands off Mueller' and 'Nobody's above the law' before marching downtown Several hundred demonstrators gathered Thursday in New York's Times Square and chanted slogans including 'Hands off Mueller' and 'Nobody's above the law' before marching downtown. Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney makes a speech during the 'No One is Above the Law' protest in New York City People march through Times Square during a protest the day after President Donald Trump forced the resignation of Attorney General Jeff Sessions Trump abruptly dismissed Sessions following the mid-term elections, putting the future of Special Councel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation in jeopardy People protest against US President Donald J. Trump giving Acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker oversight of the Special Counsel investigation into alleged Russian 2016 presidential election meddling, at Lafayette Park in Washington, DC Upon the request of US President Donald J. Trump, Jeff Sessions handed in his resignation as US Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein will no longer oversee the federal Russia investigation A couple of signs held up by protesters wanting to make their point loud and proud Scenes in New York were very similar to those in Washington D.C. - as seen here Some signs were printed by MoveOn.org while others were far more makeshift and were clearly homemade A woman holds up the US national flag while participating in a protest against President Donald J. Trump A woman holds up a candle while participating in a protest against US President Donald J. Trump Congressional Democrats, concerned about protecting Mueller, called on Whitaker to recuse himself from overseeing the investigation in its final stages. Whitaker had already spoken publicly before joining the Justice Department about ways an attorney general could theoretically stymie the entire process. The demonstration was one of hundreds across the U.S. and overseas, quickly organized by the Move On advocacy group into a network called 'Nobody Is Above the Law.' A website set up by MoveOn.org Political Action says Trump 'crossed a red line, violating the independence of the investigation' Wednesday, when Sessions handed in his letter of resignation, reportedly at Trump's urging. People hold signs as they protest and march against the US president's alleged interference in the Robert Mueller Organizers say the naming of acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker is a 'deliberate attempt to obstruct the special counsel's investigation.' The demonstrations follow President Donald Trump's removal of Jeff Sessions as attorney general on Wednesday and his appointment of Matthew Whitaker as acting attorney general Trump also tasked Whitaker with overseeing the special counsel's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, thus removing Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein from the probe The move places the investigation in jeopardy, as Whitaker has previously expressed deeply critical views of it and may seek to end it altogether A network of activists called Nobody Is Above the Law set up a website where organizers around the country could list their demonstrations The protests kicked off Thursday night as media outlets began recirculating a 2017 interview Whitaker gave on in which he argued that a U.S. president has the power to end any federal investigation without obstructing justice Trump has been critical of the Mueller investigation for months, deeming the probe which has ensnared several former members of his campaign in criminal charges as a 'witch hunt' led by 'angry Democrats' The ousting of Sessions will give the president authority to replace him with someone who could attempt to derail the investigation, which is also examining possible obstruction of justice by the president The protests come a day after Trump effectively fired Attorney General Jeff Sessions, a move many see as clearing the way for Trump to go after Mueller The group says Trump 'just crossed a red line' that violates the independence of special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation. More than 1,000 began that march from Times Square at 5pm holding signs reading 'Nobody is above the law' and chanting 'Hands off Mueller!' Within 90 minutes, the crowd had grown to more than 6,000 as the group marched towards Union Square. Photos of events posted on Twitter showed hundreds of protesters gathered in various locations holding signs or even painting their hands reading 'Protect Mueller' and 'Nobody is above the law' Those gathered chanted slogans including 'Hands off Mueller' and 'Nobody's above the law' before marching downtown. They held signs saying 'Truth Must Triumph' and 'Repeal, Replace Trump' The president's decision to replace Sessions with an even more devoted loyalist, Matthew Whitaker, in an acting capacity has drawn outrage from critics, including senior Democrats, who won control of the House of Representatives in the midterms With control of the lower house of Congress, the Democrats have the power to order their own investigation into Trump's dealings with the Russians and other foreign governments Protesters ended up shutting down traffic as they marched south down Broadway towards Union Square Signs are seen at the 'No One is Above the Law' protest in New York City The protests, organized by MoveOn.org, come just a day after Jeff Sessions was ousted as attorney general, with Matthew Whitaker, his chief of staff, taking his place in the interim Even the open-top tourist buses appeared to be empty as protesters instead lined the streets Some protesters didn't hold back in making their feelings known about the current occupant of the White House The anger felt by New Yorkers was clear to see judging from the look on these people's faces in the Big Apple People protest against US President Donald J. Trump giving Acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker oversight of the Special Counsel investigation into alleged Russian 2016 presidential election meddling A protest in New York City has drawn several hundred people calling for the protection of Mueller's investigation into potential coordination between Russia and President Donald Trump's campaign You can always rely on New Yorkers to do something creative and zany -even when the subject is serious Traffic through Midtown Manhattan came to a halt as the protesters marched for 30 blocks towards downtown A Nigerian prince accused of bamboozling hundreds of job seekers out of thousands of dollars by promising them high-paying gigs appeared in Manhattan court Thursday with a special request. Osmond Eweka, 31, asked a judge in the case for permission to travel to Nigeria for the upcoming birth of his child. The judge will determine next month whether or not to approve. Photos captured by DailyMail.com inside the court show an eager Eweka speaking with his attorney while dressed in a navy suit and a navy polka tie for his appearance. The Manhattan District Attorney's Office said the royal and his friend, Kamel McKay, 27, pretended earlier this year to run two consulting firms in Manhattan telling clients that if they paid a fee they would be placed at various jobs across New York City. Prosecutors said some of the jobs Eweka and McKay promised their victims were for hotel housekeeping and front desk receptionists. The men used the popular job-seeking website Indeed.com to find them. Osmond Eweka, a Nigerian prince, (pictured sitting center) is accused of scamming New York job seekers out of thousands of dollars by promising to find them work. He wants to travel to Nigeria for the birth of his baby A judge will decide next month whether or not to approve the request Eweka pleaded guilty to charges of larceny and scheme to defraud back in July Osmond Eweka, left, dressed in a navy suit and a navy polka tie for the court appearance Thursday in Manhattan HOW EWEKA AND HIS ACCOMPLICE LURED THEIR VICTIMS IN Eweka and his friend, Kamel McKay, 27, pretended to run consulting firms in Manhattan beginning in January 2018. According to court documents, Eweka and McKay used office space in the Empire State Building, and another building on fifth avenue. These are where they operated two bogus employment agency firms, Stamford Consulting Firm and Howard Consulting Group. Eweka and McKay used the popular job-seeking website Indeed.com to find their victims. They lured clients in by telling them if they paid a fee, they would be placed at various jobs across New York City. The men also used fake names. The alleged scam concluded in June 2018, shortly before they were arrested for the crimes and charged with larceny and scheme to defraud. Advertisement According to court documents, Eweka and McKay used office space in the Empire State Building and another building on fifth avenue to run two bogus employment agency firms, Stamford Consulting Firm and Howard Consulting Group. They also used fake names, according to the New York Post. Eweka went by the name Sean Jackson and McKay reportedly used the name Tyrone Hayes. Prosecutors said they would invite their victims to their office for an interview and then have them pay a fee, ranging between $300 and $700, the Post reports. Prosecutor Catherine McCaw said they told victims the fee would cover the cost of uniforms, training and background checks. They also said that paying the high fee would result in higher-paying jobs. 'But in reality, there was no such job,' she said at Eweka's arraignment on Thursday in Manhattan Supreme Court. After collecting the money, the men would send the job seekers to different businesses, where they were turned away by employers who weren't expecting them. The victims then found that they could no longer get in contact with the alleged fraudsters or the consulting firm. The Nigerian prince is pictured in an Instagram photo with his wife, Imade Eweka is accused of scamming job seekers in New York out of thousands of dollars by promising them high-paying jobs According to authorities, Eweka and McKay duped 250 people and pocketed more than $54,000. Prosecutors said they never provided a single job. They ran the alleged scam from January to June 2018. Eweka is a prince from the Benin royal family in Nigeria, according to reports, and a United States citizen living in New Jersey. McKay is from the Bronx. Both men were indicted on charges of larceny and scheme to defraud. McKay was arraigned last week and released on $200,000 bail, the New York Times reported. Eweka was in court on Thursday and pleaded not guilty to the charges. He was released without bail. In 2016, Eweka married attorney Imade Igbinedion in an elaborate wedding ceremony in Nigeria. Representatives from the Benin family told the Times they could not confirm whether Eweka was a family member because the 'it is a very large family'. Florida Governor and Senate elect Rick Scott, unleashed lawsuits against Broward County and Palm Beach County while accusing Democrats of trying to steal the election. Both the senate seat Scott thought was his on Tuesday night, and the Governor's spot that looked all but won by Republican Ron DeSantis are both now within the margin of error for a recount. Scott believed he won over the Democratic incumbent Bill Nelson, however, during a press conference Thursday night, after his Senate campaign sued Broward County and Palm Beach County elections officials to turn over records regarding how ballots are being counted, Scott said: 'The people of Florida deserve fairness and transparency, and the supervisors are failing to give it to us.' The lawsuit was filed about the same time Scott ordered state law enforcement officials to investigate the Broward and Palm Beach voting operation. A spokesperson for Nelson bristled at Scott's legal maneuvering, telling CNN 'The goal here is to see that all the votes in Florida are counted and counted accurately. Rick Scott's action appears to be politically motivated and borne out of desperation.' Scroll for video Senator elect Rick Scott sued Broward County and Palm Beach County election officials Thursday night alleging there could be 'rampant fraud' in the counties' ballot-counting process As ballots were still being counted in Palm Beach and Broward counties, the gap closed between Rick Scott and Democratic incumbent Bill Nelson (pictured) Scott's emergency complaints accuse Broward County Supervisor of Elections Brenda Snipes and Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Susan Bucher of being 'unwilling to disclose records revealing how many electors voted, how many ballots have been canvassed, and how many ballots remain to be canvassed'. The complaints say the counties handling of the ballots 'raises substantial concerns about the validity of the election process'. 'Late Tuesday night, our win was projected to be around 57,000 votes,' Scott told reporters during his press conference Thursday. 'By Wednesday morning, that lead dropped to 38,000. By Wednesday evening, it was around 30,000. This morning, it was around 21,000. Now, it is 15,000.' He continued: 'On election night, Broward County said there were 634,000 votes cast. At 1am today, there were 695,700 ballots cast on election day. At 2.30pm today, the number was up to 707,223 ballots cast on Election Day. And we just learned, that the number has increased to 712,840 ballots cast on election day. In Palm Beach County, there are 15,000 new votes found since election night. Florida Senator Marco Rubio tweeted a shot of boxes that reportedly had yet uncounted ballots in them in Broward- almost 48 hours since the polls had closed Adding to the chaos of ballot counting in Broward County, a teacher found a container labeled 'Provisional Ballot Box' in a storage area of her elementary school on Thursday 'So, it has been over 48 hours since the polls closed and Broward and Palm Beach Counties are still finding and counting ballots and the Supervisors Brenda Snipes and Susan Bucher cannot seem to say how many ballots still exist or where these ballots came from, or where they have been,' Scott said. During the press conference, Scott declared there could be 'rampant fraud' in the counties ballot-counting process. President Trump, following the Scott's press conference tweeted 'Law Enforcement is looking into another big corruption scandal having to do with Election Fraud in Broward and Palm Beach. Florida voted for Rick Scott!' Earlier Thursday Scott told Fox News: 'No rag tag group of liberal activists or lawyers from D.C. will be allowed to steal this election from the voters in the state of Florida.' 'The lack of transparency raises substantial concerns about the validity of the election process,' the suits against the counties states. 'An emergency hearing is necessary as the Canvassing Board is obligated to submit the unofficial elections results to the Division of Elections by noon November 10, 2018. A recount in at least two, possibly three, of the statewide races appears likely,' Scott's Senate campaign alleged against Broward County officials in the suit that was filed by Scott, along with the National Republican Senatorial Committee. Senator Nelson's re-election bid is likely headed to a hand recount given that the incumbent Democrat now trails Scott by just 17,000 votes, within the .25 per cent margin required for a hand recount. Nelson's campaign aides believe he will emerge victorious once all the ballots are counted. Meanwhile, a teacher in a Broward County school found a container labeled 'Provisional Ballot Box' in a storage area of her elementary school on Thursday. Ron DeSantis and his wife Casey celebrate after winning the Florida Governor's race Tuesday Florida Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum gives his concession speech as he is joined on stage by his wife R. Jai Gillum, right, and running mate Chris King and his wife Kristen Tuesday, A teacher in a Broward County school has claimed to have found a container labeled 'Provisional Ballot Box' in a storage area of her elementary school on Thursday. Lakeisha Sorey, of Broward County, said she found the box Thursday at Sunshine Elementary School. It was apparently left behind by election workers. 'I went into the area that we use for storage and saw it in there,' Sorey told the New York Post. She claims that she did not open the container, or even touch it, concerned about tampering. Sorey said she quickly informed the school's principal, who then contacted the local state representative. The container was taken away and Sorey added to the Post: 'I dont know where it is now.' But Dozel Spencer, Browards director of voting equipment center operations said there weren't any ballots in the box, just supplies. In the Gubernatorial race in the Sunshine state, Democrat Andrew Gillum had conceded to DeSantis late Tuesday. However, as votes were still being counted Gillum was only down 38,000 votes, which is in the margin of error for a machine recount. While Gillum conceded the race on Tuesday, the deficit of votes is down to 38,000, within the .5 per cent needed for a machine recount. 'On Tuesday night, the Gillum for Governor campaign operated with the best information available about the number of outstanding ballots left to count. Since that time, it has become clear there are many more uncounted ballots than was originally reported,' Gillum's communications director Johanna Cervone said in a statement. 'Mayor Gillum started his campaign for the people, and we are committed to ensuring every single vote in Florida is counted.' The possibility of a Florida recount are reminiscent of when the Sunshine state plated a critical role in the election of George W. Bush in 200. Bush was elected after winning Florida by all of 537 votes in the recount. Recounts have no yet been officially authorized in either the senate or gubernatorial race as of yet. A Georgia mother who lost her son to gun violence made her first run for public office in Congress as a Democrat on a gun-control platform and won over the long held Republican seat. 'We've sent a strong message to the entire country,' Congresswoman elect Lucy McBath tweeted on Thursday after Republican Congresswoman Karen Handel conceded. 'Absolutely nothing no politician & no special interest is more powerful than a mother on a mission,' she said. In her emotional ad-campaign released earlier this year the sound of gunfire rings out as a woman inside a gas station is paying at a counter. Scroll down for video Lucy McBath lost her 17-year-old son to gun violence and became a gun control activist. She ran on a gun control platform and unseated her Republican Congressional contender in the mostly red district in Georgia McBath's son, Jordan Davis, was just 17-years-old when he was killed by gun violence when a white man who was angry about the music he and his friends were playing in a Florida gas station It's the surveillance from the Florida gas station on the day her 17-year-old son Jordan Davis was shot and killed while sitting in a car with his friends in the parking lot. McBath's son, Jordan Davis, was shot and killed while sitting in a car with his friends in the parking lot Davis, was killed in Jacksonville in 2012 by a white man who was angry over the loud music the black teen and his friends had been playing in their car. Michael Dunn used the 'stand-your-ground' law in his defense, but was convicted and is serving a life sentence. After her son's slaying, McBath became active in gun control advocacy. John Feinblatt, who heads the gun control group Everytown for Gun Safety, said McBath first came to them as a volunteer and eventually joined the staff and headed faith outreach efforts. 'We saw in Lucy a natural leader that people immediately started to look up to for her real devotion to honoring her son and ability to rally others,' he said. Over the years she's testified before Congress and spoken at rallies, often wearing a button with her son's photo on it. In the 2016 presidential race, as a member of 'Mothers of the Movement,' she endorsed Hillary Clinton. The Mothers group is a sisterhood of black women whose sons were shot to death by white men or police officers. McBath decided to run for office after the February massacre at a south Florida high school, she said during a campaign rally. In running against Handel, McBath made gun control a key issue, sharing with voters her personal journey. 'I lost my son Jordan but I'm still his mother. And I still continue to mother him through making sure that I preserve the lives of other children like him,' she said during a television ad. At the beginning of her campaign McBath released a heart wrenching ad relating to her son's murder showing spots of the crime scene A shot of the car Davis was killed in shows the windows blown out from gunfire The longtime Delta Airlines flight attendant also frequently mentioned her battle with breast cancer during the campaign as she attacked Handel on health care issues. Her neophyte campaign for the suburban Atlanta seat former House Speaker Newt Gingrich held got a big boost from Democrat Stacey Abrams' efforts to increase turnout in the governor's race. McBath appeared on stage with Abrams and former President Barack Obama during a campaign event last week. Handel conceded Thursday and offered McBath 'good thoughts and much prayer for the journey that lies ahead for her.' McBath's victory extends Democrats' strength in suburban districts. In 2016, Rep. Tom Price cruised to victory without a serious Democratic challenge. Republican Congresswoman Karen Handel (pictured) was unseated by McBath on Tuesday But his resignation to join President Donald Trump's Cabinet as health secretary set off a fierce special election battle featuring Handel against Democrat Jon Ossoff. Handel won, leaving the appearance that the district was still fundamentally Republican. But getting any kind of gun control measures signed into law, as McBath hopes, will be difficult if not impossible in the next Congress. Republicans expanded their Senate majority Tuesday, and Trump remains a favored ally of the National Rifle Association. In his midterm campaign sweep, the president frequently delighted his boisterous rallies with promises to 'protect the Second Amendment.' Another congressional race remained too close to call Thursday in the neighboring 7th District. Absentee ballots were still being counted in Gwinnett County, where four-term GOP incumbent Rob Woodall remains locked in a tight contest with Democrat Carolyn Bourdeaux, a college professor who outpaced the congressman in total fundraising. Not-so-great Scott. Photo: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call In the Trump era, prophesying Americas imminent collapse into a second civil war has gone from being an occupation for street-corner cranks, to something approaching a national pastime. In recent months, U.S. news outlets have published articles under the following headlines: Is America Headed Toward a Civil War? Is America Headed for a New Kind of Civil War? Is America Really Headed For a Second Civil War? Should We Be Worried Were Headed For Civil War 2.0? Stop Worrying About a Second Civil War No, America Is Nowhere Near a Civil War As those last two headers indicate, most of this speculation about imminent insurrection is driven less by the premises credibility, than by social medias insatiable demand for doomsaying. And yet, that demand is rooted in an important truth about American politics, circa 2018: The two major parties have developed worldviews so irreconcilable and thus, the stakes of whether one or the other controls government have become so high that their ability to exchange power peacefully can feel almost miraculous (and therefore, unsustainable). The U.S. remains a long way from state failure. But the threat that distrust in the legitimacy of the democratic process will inspire routine acts of domestic terrorism is already a live one. In this context, political leaders have a profound responsibility to avoid sowing distrust in the legitimacy of election results, unless they have a strong evidentiary basis for doing so. On Thursday, Florida governor Rick Scott, Senator Marco Rubio, and President Donald Trump accused Democratic officials of fabricating votes in order to steal elections in the Sunshine State despite having no evidence whatsoever to support that extraordinary charge. Their reckless rhetoric did stem from (what appears to be) a legitimate grievance. On Tuesday night, Scott appeared to have won a Senate race in Florida with virtually all precincts reporting, the governor led incumbent Democrat Bill Nelson by more than 57,000 votes, and Nelsons campaign signaled its intention to concede. But then, over the ensuing days, election supervisors in Broward County began releasing large batches of previously uncounted ballots, which steadily narrowed Scotts margin until, on Thursday, his lead dropped to under 16,000 votes well beneath the threshold for a mandatory recount. No other county in Florida failed to tabulate its votes in a timely manner on Tuesday night. And no other county in the state has as poor a reputation for competent and ethical election supervision. Broward County Election supervisor Brenda Snipes has repeatedly failed to execute the duties of her office in perfect compliance with the letter of the law. In one instance, her office prematurely disposed of ballots cast in the 2016 Democratic congressional primary between incumbent Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Tim Canova. Critically, Snipes did not destroy the ballots before they were counted, but merely failed to wait the statutorily mandated amount of time before eliminating them. Given that the SchultzCanova race wasnt a close contest in the initial vote (and wasnt expected to be), theres little reason to interpret Snipess actions as consequential or nefarious (which is to say, there is little reason to think she destroyed the ballots to secure her preferred candidates victory). In another instance, a judge found that Snipes was not following the proper procedure for tabulating absentee ballots. Now, in the days since Scott declared victory, Snipes has refused to tell his campaign how many absentee and early-voting ballots remain uncounted information that the Republican Party says that it is entitled to, under Floridas Public Records Act. Thus, the National Republican Senatorial Committee has filed a lawsuit against Snipes, demanding such data. On Friday afternoon, a Florida District Court found in the committees favor, ordering Snipes to hand over voter records by 7 p.m. that evening. Meanwhile, the combination of Snipess checkered history, Browards singular tardiness in processing its votes, the countys refusal to disclose how many ballots remain to be counted (before tomorrows noon deadline for certification) and the steady erosion in Scotts margin of victory has led Republicans to fear foul play. Such concerns are understandable. But they are also utterly unsubstantiated. When networks called the race for Scott Tuesday night, the New York Times forecasting algorithm was still giving him a mere 53 percent chance of winning the election because, based on the vote totals in other parts of the state, the model assumed that there had to be a lot of missing votes in (heavily Democratic) Broward County. Which is to say: One doesnt need to invoke a vast left-wing conspiracy to explain why Nelson gained votes between election night and Thursday afternoon. And yet, that is precisely what Scott, Rubio, and Trump have done. I understand why the late ballots in Florida seem like a surprise. But when we turned off the needle yesterday, it seemed like there just wasn't enough counted in south Florida; turned it off w/Scott having virtually no edge at all pic.twitter.com/zpBcwqOels Nate Cohn (@Nate_Cohn) November 9, 2018 Every day since the election the left-wing activists in Broward County have been coming up with more and more ballots out of nowhere, Scott told reporters Thursday night. I will not sit idly by while unethical liberals try and steal this election from the great people of Florida, the governor who had personally disenfranchised so many former felons in the Sunshine State, more than 20 percent of its voting-age African-American population was not allowed to cast a ballot on Tuesday continued. Earlier in the day, Marco Rubio had leveled similar charges, tweeting that democrat lawyers are descending on #Florida. They have been very clear they arent here to make sure every vote is counted. They are here to change the results of election; & - #Broward is where they plan to do it. In reality, Democratic lawyers descended on Florida because the margins in both the states Senate and gubernatorial races had thinned to the point where Florida law would require a recount. And in the Senate race, a recount appears especially necessary, due to irregularities in Nelsons pattern of support. Specifically, an aberrant percentage of voters in Broward County marked their ballots for gubernatorial candidates but left the Senate ballot line blank. This might have been the product of poor ballot design (in which case, Nelson has no way to rectify the error). But there is a chance that it might be the result of glitchy voting machines (in which case, a hand recount just might throw the race to Nelson). OMG. Looking at county-level undervote. Broward stands out for having 3.7% of its ballots left blank for #FLSEN but cast for #FLGOV. No other county comes close, and Palm/Dade had more votes for Senator. Either this is ballot design or machine error. #flapol #sayfie pic.twitter.com/OtyK0oO20g Matthew Isbell (@mcimaps) November 8, 2018 Nevertheless, the president of the United States decided that there was simply no explanation for why the Democratic Party would send lawyers to Florida right around the same time that major statewide races hit the the threshold for a recount other than an elaborate conspiracy to commit election fraud. As soon as Democrats sent their best Election stealing lawyer, Marc Elias, to Broward County they miraculously started finding Democrat votes. Dont worry, Florida - I am sending much better lawyers to expose the FRAUD! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 9, 2018 As of this writing, there is good reason to believe that Broward County election officials are incompetent but no evidence to suggest that they are willing to undermine the foundations of our democracy, in order to safeguard partisan gains. And that is more than one can say about the elected leadership of the Republican Party. Actor and political activist Alyssa Milano has called on Women's March organizers Linda Sarsour and Tamika Mallory to condemn Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan for anti-Semitic remarks; Milano is pictured at a political forum in Los Angeles on October 21 Actor and political activist Alyssa Milano has called on Women's March organizers Linda Sarsour and Tamika Mallory to condemn Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan. Milano has said she won't speak at any upcoming Women's March events if she's asked so long as Sarsour and Mallory are involved, if the two women don't speak out against Farrakhan's widely publicized anti-Semitic remarks. Farrakhan, 85, most recently made comments comparing Jewish people to termites while speaking at a 23rd anniversary event for the 1995 Million Man March held in Detroit in October. 'Any time that there is any bigotry or anti-Semitism in that respect, it needs to be called out and addressed. Im disappointed in the leadership of the Womens March that they havent done it adequately,' Milano told the Advocate in an interview published on October 30. On October 27, less than two weeks following Farrakhan's hateful rhetoric, 11 people were murdered and seven others injured during Shabbat morning services at a synagogue in Pittsburgh. Before the mass shooting targeting people of Jewish faith, Mallory had repeatedly praised Farrakhan, publicizing her attendance at his events, and Sarsour had come to her defense after Mallory has been criticized for doing so. The next Women's March event is scheduled for January 19 and is being called #WomensWave, a reference to Democrats' 'blue wave' in the November 6 midterm elections, in which the party took back control of the US House of Representatives. Milano has said she won't speak at any upcoming Women's March events if she's asked so long as Sarsour and Mallory are involved, if the two women don't speak out against Farrakhan's widely publicized anti-Semitic remarks; Tamika Mallory, co-chair for the Women's March (left), and Linda Sarsour, co-chair for the Women's March (right), attend the Women's March One-Year Anniversary: Power To The Polls event in Las Vegas, Nevada, on January 21 Nation of Islam Minister Louis Farrakhan, 85, most recently made comments comparing Jewish people to termites while speaking at a 23rd anniversary event for the 1995 Million Man March held in Detroit in October; Farrakhan is shown here giving a speech at the Watergate Hotel, on November 16, 2017 in Washington, DC Milano called out Mallory after she attended an event in February where Farrakhan said, 'The powerful Jews are my enemy,' according to CNN. While at that event, Mallory received a shoutout from Farrakhan, and shared that she was there over social media. When Mallory was pressed on her attendance, Sarsour came to her defense in a lengthy Facebook post. 'I will not sit back while a strong, bold, unapologetic, committed Black woman who risks her life every day to speak truth to power and organize and mobilize movements is questioned, berated and abused,' Sarsour wrote on March 2. 'We will not allow people to play double standards and hold us to standards that they would never hold themselves to. We can play the same game too and we know how but we choose to stay focused on the work ahead and the beloved communities we come from. 'One thing we should all agree on is a woman should never be attacked, vilified and abused. A woman should be judged for her own words and her deeds. We should allow for complexities and nuance because making things clear cut is a cop out from the true transformative conversations and work that needs to be done. We should also always be open to checking our own misgivings and internal biases and racism that we hold that allows us to be silent in the moments when those amongst us who have put in the work and have always stood for all people are the targets of such venom.' The next Women's March event is scheduled for January 19 and is being called #WomensWave Milano called out Mallory after she attended an event in February where Farrakhan said, 'The powerful Jews are my enemy;' Milano is seen here at the office of Senator Susan M. Collins (Republican from Maine) during protests against now-Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh on Capitol Hill on September 26 in Washington, DC Sarsour then came to Mallory's defense in a lengthy Facebook post on March 2 (shown) 'I will not sit back while a strong, bold, unapologetic, committed Black woman who risks her life every day to speak truth to power and organize and mobilize movements is questioned, berated and abused,' Sarsour (left) wrote about Mallory (right) on March 2 Eventually the Women's March group condemned Farrakhan in March, in a statement that read in part: 'Within the Women's March movement, we are very conscious of the conversations that must be had across the intersections of race, religion and gender. We love and value our sister and co-President Tamika Mallory, who has played a key role in shaping these conversations. Neither she nor we shy away from the fact that intersectional movement building is difficult and often painful. Minister Farrakhan's statements about Jewish, queer and trans people are not aligned with the Women's March Unit Principles, which were created by women of color leaders and are grounded in Kingian nonviolence. Women's March is holding conversations with queer, trans, Jewish and Black members of both our team and larger movement to create space for understand and healing. Milano was not satisfied with this statement. Eventually the Women's March group condemned Farrakhan in March, in a statement on March 6 that left Milano unsatisfied Then, a video of Farrakhan's remarks on October 14 showed him saying: 'So when they talk about Farrakhan, call me a hater, call me anti-Semite. Stop it. Im anti-Termite. I dont know nothing about hating somebody because of their religious preference' Leading up to the comment comparing members of the Jewish community to insects, Farrakhan said: 'In fact, to the members of the Jewish community that dont like me, thank you very much for putting my name all over the planet because of your fear of what we represent, I can go anywhere in the world and theyve heard of Farrakhan. Thank you very much. Im not mad at you, because youre so stupid.' Prominent personalities, like Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, responded to Farrakhan's words in October with disgust Jonathan Greenblatt, who is the CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, a group with the mission 'to stop the defamation of the Jewish people, and to secure justice and fair treatment to all,' spoke out against Farrakhan's words on Wednesday Well-known Jewish leader Rabbi Shmuley Boteach responded via Twitter on October 17. 'Louis Farrakhan calling Jews termites is a virtual call to genocide. The Nazis regularly referred to Jews as roaches and pests who needed to be exterminated,' Rabbi Shmuley wrote. 'I call on African-American leaders like my close friend @CoryBooker to immediately condemn this vile and loathsome attack.' Jonathan Greenblatt, who is the CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, a group with the mission 'to stop the defamation of the Jewish people, and to secure justice and fair treatment to all,' tweeted on the same day: 'Not sure whats worse, Louis Farrakhan dehumanizing Jews & calling us termites or the crowd of people laughing & applauding his gross #antiSemitism -- & public officials standing idly by. This is in line with Farrakhan's long history of #antiSemitism. People need to speak out!' Full transcript of the anti-Semitic video posted to Louis Farrakhan's Facebook and Twitter accounts 'Now, white folk dont like Farrakhan. Some of them respect me. But those who have been our deceivers, they cant stand me. Im not mad with you. In fact, to the members of the Jewish community that dont like me, thank you very much for putting my name all over the planet because of your fear of what we represent, I can go anywhere in the world and theyve heard of Farrakhan. Thank you very much. Im not mad at you, because youre so stupid. Dont you know my teacher, Elijah Muhammed, taught me one day: he said, "There once was a donkey that fell in a ditch, and everybody came along and picked up a stone and threw it at the donkey. They threw so many stones til the ditch got filled up, and the donkey walked out." So my teacher said, "Brother, remember: every knock is a boost." So when they talk about Farrakhan, call me a hater, call me anti-Semite. Stop it. Im anti-Termite. I dont know nothing about hating somebody because of their religious preference.' Advertisement Deborah Hutton's ex-boyfriend was in a paranoid and agitated state when he staged a break-in at her home, a court has heard. Robert Venour Dulhunty, 49, allegedly called Triple Zero claiming he confronted an attempted attacker outside the home he shared with the glamorous presenter and former model in Bronte, Sydney's east, shortly after 6am on August 8. During the call with emergency services Dulhunty allegedly reported the burglar was making 'meow' sounds. Dulhunty allegedly left behind a 'rape kit' for Hutton to find, which included condoms and an apparatus used to restrain someone, which were later found by investigators. The man accused of stalking his ex-partner TV star Deborah Hutton (pictured) has claimed he was in a paranoid and agitated state when he staged a break-in to intimidate her into remaining in the relationship Robert Venour Dulhunty (left), 49, allegedly called Triple Zero claiming he confronted an attempted attacker outside the home he shared with the glamorous presenter and former model in Bronte, Sydney's east, shortly after 6am on August 8 Dalhunty's lawyer Bryan Wrench told the court his client, who suffers from autism, was depressed when he offended and was on heavy medication Prosecutor Chris Davis told the Waverley Local Court on Friday that Dulhunty's actions were intentional, Ten Daily reported. 'It is a premeditated, planned, serious domestic violence offence that he's been charged with,' he said. 'He went out there with the intention to scare the living daylights out of her.' Dalhunty's lawyer Bryan Wrench told the court his client, who suffers from autism, was depressed when he offended and was on heavy medication. He described the execution of the crime as 'irrational' and 'bizarre' and told the court he did not recollect the full account of the offending. 'It's really indicative of his disorders state of mind, not appreciating the consequences of his actions,' Mr Wrench said. During the call with emergency services Dulhunty allegedly reported the burglar was making 'meow' sounds He told police the attacker left behind a number of items, with investigators later finding condoms and an apparatus used to restrain someone (Hutton pictured) Hutton had asked Dalhunty to move out of the multimillion-dollar home when their relationship broke down, the court heard. Police initially believed Hutton had been targeted by a celebrity stalker but nine days later they were led back to Dulhunty. He was arrested at the home and taken to Waverley Police Station where he was charged with stalk or intimidate to cause fear of physical or mental health (domestic violence). Dulhunty also faced three counts of destroy or damage property, false representation resulting in police investigation and making a false call to an emergency services number. He pleaded not guilty. Prosecutor Chris Davis told the Waverley Local Court on Friday that Dulhunty's actions were intentional (Hutton pictured) They will allege Dulhunty (centre) staged the event hoping it would push Hutton into staying with him for protection as they were in the midst of a break-up It is alleged Dulhunty, a former company director, staged the event hoping it would push Hutton into staying with him for protection as they were in the midst of a break-up. Hutton described Dulhunty as an 'eccentric fellow and good bloke' but he had recently become 'paranoid and agitated', News Corp reported. 'She wants Robert to get treatment because she saw something that she's never seen before,' Mr Wrench said. Prior to the couple's six-and-a-half year relationship they signed a pre-nuptial agreement, the court heard. Magistrate Lisa Stapleton is expected to decide on the application to have charges dealt with under mental health grounds on Friday afternoon. Court documents listed Hutton as the owner of the home (pictured), which was also listed as Dulhunty's address She purchased the spectacular four bedroom abode (pictured) in Bronte, which boasts an uninterrupted vista of the ocean in Sydney's eastern suburbs, late 2015 for $3.8million Hutton purchased the spectacular four-bedroom abode in Bronte, which boasts an uninterrupted vista of the ocean in Sydney's eastern suburbs, in late 2015 for $3.8million. Hutton has been a household name in Australia for more than 40 years, having worked as a model and in the media. She graced the cover of Cosmopolitan magazine at the age of 16, was the face of Qantas for 12 years and was the editor of Women's Weekly magazine. While in a long-term relationship with late celebrity agent Harry M Miller, she was a regular feature in newspaper social pages. Hutton has also hosted Looking Good and Location Location on the Nine Network and was a fashion expert at Kerry Packer's old TV station almost two decades ago. In a statement posted to her Balance by Deborah Hutton website following the fake break-in, staff said she was 'shocked and devastated by the situation as it evolved'. In a statement posted to her Balance by Deborah Hutton website following the fake break-in, staff said she was 'shocked and devastated by the situation as it evolved'. 'We can confirm she is now safe and working with the police on resolving this matter and letting the legal process take its due course,' the statement said. 'Deborah is surrounded by friends and family, and we trust the Balance community will also support her through this difficult time. 'As a community, we believe (every) woman, man and child has a right to feel safe in their relationships and in their home - a celebrity should be no different. 'We also acknowledge that it takes courage and resilience beyond measure to recognise and remove yourself from toxic situations. So we are sending Deborah all our love.' Ms Hutton (right with Megan Gale) been a household name in Australia for more than 40 years, having worked in some of the world's most competitive industries - namely modelling and TV The Asia news editor of the Financial Times was refused entry to Hong Kong as a visitor, the newspaper said, after authorities declined to extend his work visa last month. Victor Mallet 'attempted to enter Hong Kong on Thursday as a visitor but was turned away at the border after several hours of questioning by immigration officers,' the Financial Times said. Analysts have cited the FT editor's case among other examples of Hong Kong officials taking a tough line on perceived critics and dissent in the former British colony. The Financial Times Asia news editor, Victor Mallet, speaks during a luncheon at the Foreign Correspondents Club in Hong Kong in August. He was refused entry to the city on Thursday Mallet's visa rejection came shortly after a speech he hosted at the Hong Kong Foreign Correspondents' Club (FCC) by an independence activist was strongly condemned by officials in China and Hong Kong. British citizens are usually allowed into Hong Kong without a visa and are permitted to stay for 180 days under immigration rules. Mallet did not comment further when contacted by Reuters. Hong Kong's government said on Friday it does not comment on individual immigration cases. 'In handling each immigration case, the Immigration Department will act in accordance with the laws and policies, and decide whether the entry will be allowed or refused after careful consideration of circumstances of each case,' the government said in an emailed statement. On Thursday, a prominent Chinese dissident writer, Ma Jian, said on Twitter that he was told by a Hong Kong arts centre that it would no longer host two of his talks Hong Kong Journalist Association Chairperson Chris Yeung (2-L), Foreign Correspondents Club President Florence De Changy (2-R) and others display a petition letter in support of FT editor Victor Mallet on October 8 outside the Central Government Offices in Hong Kong On Thursday, a prominent Chinese dissident writer, Ma Jian, said on Twitter that he was told by a Hong Kong arts centre that it would no longer host two of his talks as part of the Hong Kong International Literary Festival. Authorities have not explained why Mallet's work visa was not renewed. The decision shocked many in the city's international community and reignited a debate about the viability of promised freedoms in Asian financial hub. Hong Kong enjoys freedoms unseen on the mainland, protected by an agreement made before the city was handed back by Britain to China in 1997, but there is growing evidence those rights are being eroded. China's Foreign Ministry had urged the FCC to withdraw its invitation to Andy Chan, a founder of the pro-independence Hong Kong National Party, which was formally banned by Hong Kong authorities in September. The FCC, however, refused to cancel the event saying it defended free speech, while neither endorsing nor supporting the views of its speakers. Authorities in Beijing and Hong Kong have said the notion of independence violates the principle of 'one country, two systems' under which the territory has been governed since Britain handed it back to China in 1997. Hong Kong enjoys freedoms unseen on the mainland, protected by an agreement made before the city was handed back by Britain to China, but it appears those rights are being eroded The principle promises Hong Kong a high degree of autonomy and freedoms not enjoyed elsewhere in China, rights which are enshrined in a mini-constitution known as the Basic Law. The human rights situation in Hong Kong received unprecedented scrutiny this week from several foreign governments at a United Nations hearing. On Thursday, the exiled Chinese author Ma Jian tweeted that the Tai Kwun arts centre had cancelled his events there. The arts centre, which was set up with government support, gave no immediate comment to Reuters. Ma said he had been unable to find a Hong Kong publisher for his satirical novel, China Dream, dubbed by Hong Kong's literary festival organisers as 'Ma's answer to President Xi Jinping's goal of restored national greatness'. 'I'm a novelist, not an activist, and am attending the Festival to discuss my new novel, China Dream. My "politics" are simple: I believe in free thought and free speech. Without them, life has no meaning,' Ma wrote on Twitter. Ma is due to arrive in Hong Kong on Friday afternoon. A rebel Liberal MP who helped bring down Malcolm Turnbull has fired back at the former prime minister after he accused him of 'blowing up' his government. Finance Minister Mathias Cormann has hit back after Mr Turnbull named right-faction 'insurgent' Liberals who had supported his challenger, Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton, in August. The former prime minister used an hour-long appearance on the ABC's Q&A program on Thursday night to accuse Senator Cormann, former PM Tony Abbott and ministers Mitch Fifield, Michaelia Cash, Greg Hunt, Steven Ciobo, Michael Keenan and Angus Taylor of destroying his government. Scroll down for video Finance Minister Mathias Cormann (pictured) has hit back after Mr Turnbull named 'insurgent' Liberals of 'blowing up' his government Former PM (pictured) told Q&A Senator Cormann, Tony Abbott and ministers Mitch Fifield, Michaelia Cash, Greg Hunt, Steven Ciobo, Michael Keenan and Angus Taylor destroyed him 'There's a long list of them they effectively blew up the government,' he said. Mr Turnbull said their behaviour was 'madness'. 'Those people who are responsible for taking a successful, competitive government and literally blowing it up need to have an explanation,' he said. 'They need to really explain why they did it. And none of them have.' Senator Cormann told Sky News he voted for Mr Turnbull on August 21 but realised the former PM's position was untenable after he won by a narrow 48 votes to 35 against Peter Dutton Responding to the charge, Senator Cormann told Sky News on Friday he voted for Mr Turnbull on August 21 but realised the former prime minister's position was untenable after he won by a narrow 48 votes to 35 in the Liberal leadership ballot. Two days later, Senator Cormann and his ministerial colleagues Michaelia Cash and Mitch Fifield fronted the media at Parliament House to declare they could no longer support Mr Turnbull. The Finance Minister, who retained his position under new Prime Minister Scott Morrison, said the close result of that first leadership challenge convinced him Mr Turnbull needed to be replaced. 'I voted for Malcolm on that Tuesday as did Mitch Fifield and Michaelia Cash for that matter,' he told Sky News. 'But it was clear, given the result that day, that his position had become irretrievable and that it was in the interests of the country, the government and the Liberal Party for the issue of the leadership of the Liberal Party to be resolved with more certainty before we left that week.' Senator Cormann said the alternative was 'unbelievable instability, chaos and dysfunction'. Mr Turnbull resigned as Liberal Party leader and prime minister on August 24 and did not contest the leadership ballot, leaving Scott Morrison to narrowly prevail 45 votes to 40 against Peter Dutton, drawing supporting from the party's moderate and centre-right factions. At the time, the Coalition was trailing Labor 49 to 51 per cent after preferences in Newspoll but that losing gap has since blown out to 44 to 56 per cent, which would see Bill Shorten's Labor Party win the next election in a landslide. A man has been charged over the murder of a mafia lawyer who was gunned down two years ago. Homicide squad detectives brought the charge against 69-year-old Vincent Crupi, after he was arrested at Ringwood in Melbourne at 9.45am on Friday. The Sydney Morning Herald reported lawyer Joseph 'Pino' Acquaro represented several Melbourne gangland and Calabrian crime figures, with some in the 'Ndrangheta or Honoured Society. Joseph 'Pino' Acquaro represented several Melbourne gangland and Calabrian crime figures, with some reputed to be in the 'Ndrangheta or Honoured Society Convicted drug trafficker Francesco Madafferi and Rocco Arico were among that long list. Mr Acquaro had just closed his Gelobar Cafe on Lygon Street in Melbourne on March 15, 2016. The 54-year-old was on his way back to his parked Mercedes on St Phillip Street in Melbourne when he was fatally shot around 3am. A truck driver discovered the body of the slain lawyer hours afterwards. Prior to his death, Mr Acquaro had cut off ties with some of his mafia clients due to a falling out. The relationship became strained and police warned him in June 2015 his life was in danger. His cafe was destroyed in a suspicious fire months before his death. Mr Acquaro had just closed his Gelobar Cafe on Lygon Street in Melbourne on March 15, 2016. The 54-year-old was on his way back to his parked Mercedes on St Phillip Street in Melbourne when he was fatally shot around 3am Police had a key suspect in the murder, who was arrested and questioned a week after the shooting, but they denied any involvement. Footage from Lygon Street and Gelobar appeared to capture the culprit outside the business on the same night of Mr Acquaro's death. The father of three sons was a former president of the Italian Chamber of Commerce the Reggio Calabria Club. He had deep ties with the Calabrian community and assisted disadvantaged members. Mr Crupi has been charged with one count of murder and will front Melbourne Magistrates Court on Friday. Investigators will seek to remand him in custody. A man has been caught for tearing off the wigs from the heads of three unsuspecting Orthodox Jewish women in California. The first two incidents occurred on the most holiest of days in the Jewish calendar, Yom Kippur. The man, who had not yet been identified, is alleged to have approached an 80-year-old woman who was walking in North Hollywood when she noticed a man following her. Police on Wednesday night arrested a man suspected of a string of attacks against Orthodox Jewish women in the North Hollywood area The man was seen pulling the wigs off Orthodox Jewish women and is being investigated as a hate crime As the stranger approached her, he snatched the wig from her head before smiling and handing it back to her. He then walked away without saying a word, police said. On the same day, a 36-year-old woman was also had the man attempt to pull her wig off. The man then remained quiet for a few days before approaching a 58-year-old woman who was busy loading her before tearing off her wig. 'Oh, I'm sorry!' he said once again before throwing the pricey wig onto the ground and walking away. 'The suspect appears to have battered the women and targeted their wigs because of their religious beliefs,' police said in a statement. The anti-semitic man, who was not immediately identified was taken into custody on Wednesday on suspicion of battery, according to the Los Angeles Times. 'This is something for a Jewish woman which is so personal,' Rabbi Nachman Abend told CBS Los Angeles. 'This wig or this hair covering is something to them which is so important. To rip that off somebody's head is crossing all lines and I'm really glad the LAPD considered this a hate crime.' Orthodox Jewish women usually wear wigs after getting married as a symbol of modesty. The wigs are also considered a blessing. Orthodox Jewish women usually wear wigs after getting married as a symbol of modesty. The wigs are also considered a blessing Attacks on the Jewish community have become an increasing concern for local law enforcement in recent weeks, after a gunman stormed the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, killing 11 people in late October. The shooter, 46-year-old Robert Bowers, explicitly stated a desire to kill Jews as he engaged in a firefight with police. Anti-Semitic incidents have been on the rise nationally, according to the Anti-Defamation League, which tracks such incidents by drawing on reports from police and news publications. There were 1,986 such incidents in 2017, a 57% jump from the prior year, according to data compiled by the ADL. The young family and their friend found dead in Australia's unforgiving Outback after their car broke down were less than a 10 minute drive from water, it has been revealed. The bodies of a yet unnamed young couple, both aged 19, and their three-year-old son were found in the Northern Territory on Wednesday, 4.5km away from their broken-down car. The body of a 12-year-old boy was found a day later at around 2pm just 120 metres away after a desperate air and land search. The young family and their friend found dead in Australia's unforgiving Outback after their car broke down were less than a 10 minute drive from water (pictured Willowra where they started their ill-fated journey) The car and the bodies were found 18km from the Jarra Jarra community on a dry but unsealed access road. The vehicle had a flat tyre and had run out of fuel. Jarra Jarra would have been the nearest water source and it would have taken around ten minutes to drive the short distance. It is understood there was no mobile phone coverage. The alarm was raised by a man at an Aboriginal health clinic at remote Willowra (pictured) just before 12.30pm on Wednesday Their deaths have been attributed to hyperthermia and starvation after what was meant to be a five-hour commute turned into five days in the wilderness. Police are continuing to search the remote region, about 60km from the remote indigenous community of Willowra, for any other passengers. Authorities said the 12-year-old had 'broad family linkages' with the deceased family. Out of respect for the families involved, the authorities will not release the hometowns of the dead or say which specific community they belonged to. The group had left Willowra with plans to travel to Jarra Jarra, 500 kilometers north of Alice Springs. But roughly halfway through the five-hour trip, their car broke down. The car and the bodies were found 18km from the Jarra Jarra community on a dry but unsealed access road (pictured) The teenage parents left morsels of food and water at their abandoned car and attempted to find help in the Jarra Jarra community. They never made it that far, and even if they had police said there was no-one living in the isolated community at the time. An alarm was raised by a 'distraught' man at an Aboriginal health clinic at remote Willowra who found their dead bodies just before 12.30pm on Wednesday. Ryan, the manager of the Ti-Tree Roadhouse in Ti Tree, the community where the car set off from on Friday, said the situation was tragic and he felt especially for the youngest victim. He said: 'I feel for the three-year-old the most - he would have had no idea what was going on. At least the rest of them would have known the trouble they were in.' The governing Central Desert Regional Council, meanwhile, has offered their sympathy to the communities affected while saying the incident was 'a timely reminder of the harshness of the Australian outback'. The searing heat reached 40C (104F) at the start of the week in Willowra and 38C (100F) on Wednesday before dropping off in the past few days. Police are still continuing precautionary land and air searches to rule out anyone else being stranded in the Outback Police are still continuing precautionary land and air searches to rule out anyone else being stranded in the Outback, according to The NT News. Southern Desert Division Superintendent Jody Nobbs said: 'Although police have no information that suggests there were other passengers in the car, we will continue searches until we are satisfied that all areas of interest have been sufficiently canvassed.' Police will prepare a report for the coroner while they scour the area. The deaths were initially thought to have been caused by a car crash - but that was quickly ruled out as the tragic reality of the situation became clear. Investigators were only able to arrive at the scene on Thursday due to flooding and the remoteness of the area. The 12-year-old boy's body was found near the young family's corpses, after they had all left Willowra (inset) on Friday destined for nearby Yarra Yarra 'One of the avenues of inquiry that we're looking at is if people walked away from a broken down vehicle and may have suffered as result of that,' duty superintendent Shaun GIll said on Thursday. Mr Gill said the two adults and child may have died several days ago, and NT Police stated in a press conference on Friday they believed the family could have been at the location since the day they set off . 'This does serve, unfortunately, as a timely reminder for anyone travelling on NT roads to ensure that when you travel your vehicle is in a fit state and that you have sufficient supplies including water and a first aid kit,' Superintendent Jody Nobbs said. 'Also make sure someone is aware of what your travel itinerary is when you intend to leave, arrive and your anticipated routes.' Mr Gill said an 'extreme weather event' may have caused the deaths. A Vietnam veteran has been jailed for three months after he sexually assaulted an intellectually disabled woman. Wayne Howlett, 74, enticed the 24-year-old woman into bushes, before undressing and touching her inappropriately at a park on the Gold Coast despite her protests. The victim has the intellectual ability of a child aged between three and six. An intellectually disabled woman on the Gold Coast was assaulted by a 74-year-old man in 2016 - he was jailed today (stock image) Howlett pleaded guilty in the Southport District Court in October to charges of sexual assault and indecent dealing with an impaired person. On Friday, judge Katherine McGinness sentenced the married man, supported by his wife in court, to a three-month stint behind bars. Howlett will also have to serve two years probation once released and will be required to complete a sexual offenders program. The horrific incident took place on June 26, 2016 in Palm Beach. 'You took off her clothes in a public but screened area and touched her inappropriately,' judge Ms McGinness said. 'You assisted her to dress before leaving.' The court was told the woman, who did not have the ability to consent, still tried to reject Howlett's sexual advances. Southport Court on the Gold Coast, where a Vietnam veteran was jailed on Friday for assaulting an intellectually disabled woman in 2016 (stock image) 'You had a reasonable belief she was not impaired,' Ms McGinness said. 'You are saying you did not hear her say no.' In sentencing, Ms McGinness said she also took into account Howlett's plea of guilty, as it ensured the woman avoided giving evidence about the assault. A mechanic has admitted to stabbing his ex-wife to death in a horrific street attack after she left him for another man. Shiu Prasad, 52, attacked Keshni Naicker, 28, in a suburban street in Christchurch, New Zealand, on September 15 this year - a week after Ms Naicker moved out of their shared home. Prasad pleaded guilty to murdering Ms Naicker and wounding her partner with intent to cause grievous bodily harm at the High Court in Christchurch on Friday, the NZ Herald reported. After stabbing Ms Naicker, Prasad told her the couple were 'going to die together'. Shiu Prasad, 52, attacked Keshni Naicker, 28, in a suburban street in Christchurch, New Zealand, on September 15 this year - a week after Ms Naicker moved out of their marital home Prasad (pictured) pleaded guilty to murdering Ms Naciker and wounding her partner with intent to cause grievous bodily harm at the High Court in Christchurch on Friday Ms Naicker, who married Prasad in 2013, moved out of their home on September 8 following an argument. The following day she told Prasad their relationship was over and she began to date Asveen Sharan, a 31-year-old meat-process worker, she met online in January. Ms Naicker denied the new relationship when Prasad challenged her. Prasad called and texted her multiple times telling her he still loved her. He threatened suicide, and said it would be her fault, as well as claiming he would expose the infidelity to her family in Fiji. On the afternoon of the attack, Prasad saw Ms Naicker walking with Mr Sharan near Bush Inn shopping mall. He waited outside her work and drank wine until her shift finished at 7.45pm. Mr Sharan arrived to walk Ms Naicker home and Prasad followed the pair wielding a kitchen knife with a 21cm blade. Prasad attacked on Ilam Road, stabbing Ms Naicker in the back and Mr Sharan in the head. When Mr Sharan fell to the ground Prasad proceeded to stab him an additional four times in the chest. Ms Naicker was told to run by her new partner but she fell over about 80m from where the attack began as Prasad chased her. After stabbing Ms Naicker (pictured), Prasad said: 'I'm going to die with her. We are going to die together!' She attempted to fight for her life as Prasad stabbed her in what was described as a 'frenzied assault'. Members of the public and a severely injured Mr Sharan tried to intervene but Prasad threatened them to keep away. 'I'm going to die with her. We are going to die together,' Prasad said. Prasad stabbed himself in the abdomen four times before throwing the knife away and cradling Ms Naicker's head. Ms Naicker died in the ambulance from six stab wounds. Australian surgeons have successfully separated conjoined twins after a tense and lengthy six-hour operation. Fourteen-month-old twins Nima and Dawa Pelden from Bhutan were admitted to Melbourne's Royal Children's Hospital for the delicate procedure on Friday. Lead paediatric surgeon Joe Crameri told ABC News the procedure was a success and had been shorter than initially expected and the twins were 'doing well'. Scroll down for video Fourteen-month-old twins Nima and Dawa Pelden (pictured with mother Bhumchu Zangmo) were admitted to Melbourne 's Royal Children's Hospital for the delicate procedure on Friday After the girls were given the green light on Friday, they were anaesthetised about 8.30am, before a team of four surgeons and about 18 people 'We saw two young girls who were very ready for their surgery, who were able to cope very well with the surgery and are currently in our recovery doing very well,' Dr Crameri said. The paediatrician said his team was well prepared for the surgery and there weren't any complications or major bleeding during the procedure. Mr Crameri said there was no significant bowel attachments that complicated the procedure and the main challenge was to reconstruct the infants' abdomens. The surgeon said the next 24 to 48 hours would be the most critical for the little girls, but the twins will be closely monitored. 'We feel quietly confident that we will have a good result,' he said Dr Crameri said the best part of the surgery was that there weren't any 'highs or lows' - it was all very calm and quiet with 'calm conversation', He said once the team realised they were able to divide the liver successfully without compromising the girls or doing 'anything fancy' to the bowel was a 'sense of relief'. The twins from Bhutan in the Himalayas, had first arrived at the hospital in October, though the surgery had been postponed to allow more time to bolster their nutrition levels The pair were joined at the the lower chest above the pelvis, and were thought to have shared a liver The twins were brought to Australia from the Himalayas' Bhutan for the surgery earlier this month, but the procedure had been delayed as a result of assessments. Since then, they have been staying at a property at Kilmore, north of Melbourne, which is run by Children First Foundation, which funded their flights and procedure. After they first arrived at the hospital in October, doctors decided to postpone the surgery to allow more time to bolster their nutrition levels. When the girls were given the green light on Friday, they were anaesthetised about 8.30am, before a team of four surgeons and about 18 people. 'We saw two young girls who were very ready for their surgery, who were able to cope very well with the surgery and are currently in our recovery doing very well,' lead paediatric surgeon Joe Crameri (pictured) told ABC after the surgery After the twins first arrived at the hospital in October, doctors decided to postpone the surgery to allow more time to bolster their nutrition levels The pair had been joined at the the lower chest above the pelvis and shared a liver. Preliminary scans and tests had prepared the surgical team, which managed to carry out the entire operation in about six hours. 'There weren't any things inside the girls' tummies that we weren't really prepared for,' Mr Crameri said. 'The main challenge is to get the wound, which we repaired, to heal and be strong. We think we will achieve that but that's the important thing we will need to monitor.' The paediatrician confirmed the twins were in recovery and that their breathing tubes had been removed but where they will go next will depend on their progress. Dr Crameri congratulated his fellow surgeons and nursing staff for their help during the lengthy procedure and said he had notified the girls' mother Bhumchu Zangmo. Donald Trump speaks during a White House press conference the day after the midterm elections. Photo: Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images On November 7, President Trump woke up to a world in which Democrats had smashed through a gerrymandered map to win three dozen House seats, depriving him of both his legislative majority and his effective immunity from congressional oversight and accountability. He responded in the most Trumpian way: with an atavistic display of brute dominance. He insisted the election had been a triumph (I thought it was a very close to complete victory), belittled Republicans who had lost for declining his embrace, pulled the press pass from CNN reporter Jim Acosta, and warned Democrats not to investigate anything in his administration or he would refuse to work with them and have Senate Republicans investigate them back. And he fired Attorney General Jeff Sessions, whose sole offense, in Trumps eyes, was recusing himself from the Russia investigation. Trump maintains the attorney generals job is to protect the presidents political interests, even if the president or his allies have committed serious crimes. In an interview with the New York Times last year, Trump explicated this belief. Barack Obama, according to Trump, had engaged in all manner of wrongdoing (as any Fox News addict could tell you), but Attorney General Eric Holder shielded him from investigation. Trump held up this imagined cover-up as admirable. Holder protected the president, he said. And I have great respect for that, Ill be honest, I have great respect for that. Trump finally acted on this vision, skipping the normal chain of command and declaring Matthew Whitaker the acting attorney general. As recently as three years ago, Whitaker worked for a scam company that catered to customers with invention ideas and provided almost no service in return, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Whitakers role was to testify to the companys integrity (World Patent Marketing goes beyond making statements about doing business ethically and translate [sic] those words into action) and serve as legal muscle, firing off threatening letters to customers who complained they had been bilked. Aside from his now highly relevant experience working for con men, Whitakers primary qualification to serve as the nations highest law-enforcement official is a fanatical adherence to the right-wing legal agenda. As an unsuccessful far-right Senate candidate in Iowa, Whitaker declared he would be very concerned about any judge with a secular worldview and should instead follow a biblical view of justice. Whitakers version of biblical justice blends harsh Old Testament punishments for Democrats with New Testament forgiveness for Republicans. Like Trump, he has argued that Hillary Clinton should have been indicted for using a personal email account, and has publicly opposed the appointment of a special counsel to investigate Russian interference in the 2016 election. Whitakers hostility to the Mueller investigation is surely what recommended him to the president. He claimed Trumps campaign had not colluded with Russia (The truth is there was no collusion with the Russians and the Trump campaign) at a time when such a defense could not possibly be known. He even denied that Russia interfered in the election at all, a conclusion directly at odds with what U.S. intelligence agencies have found. He has said Mueller has no right to probe Trumps finances (which of course contain links to Russia) and called for Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein to curb the investigation. Trump had appointed Whitaker as Sessionss chief of staff, a position that reportedly allowed him to serve as the presidents eyes and ears within the building. Whitaker will have ample opportunity to undermine or quash Muellers investigation, but his authority over Mueller is not the only weapon at Whitakers disposal. Nor is the Mueller investigation the only threat to the president. Trump is a crook who is drawn to other crooks, and the potential criminal exposure across his administration is vast. We barely have a handle on the criminality that has already occurred it has only been in the last few weeks that we learned, via the Times, that Trump committed systematic tax fraud over many decades. A lawsuit credibly accusing Trump of having run a variety of fraudulent schemes came out October 29 nearly two years after his election. Because Trump has benefited in office from a near-total Republican blockade on oversight of the Executive branch, it is difficult to estimate how much misconduct has escaped detection. Weeks before the election, congressional Republicans privately circulated a lengthy list of Trump scandals that would be investigated if Democrats won Congress. The list ranges from Trumps tax returns (which Republicans had voted to keep hidden) to his acceptance of undisclosed payments from foreign and domestic interests while in office to more routine incompetence and sleaze, like lavish expenses by Cabinet members and the hurricane response in Puerto Rico. In public, Republicans are warning that investigating any of these matters will backfire on Democrats. The business of presidential harassment, offered Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, which we were deeply engaged in in the 90s, improved the presidents approval ratings and tanked ours. It ought to be self-evident that McConnell is not actually expressing sincere concern for the political fortunes of the party with which he is engaged in zero-sum competition. Alas, it isnt self-evident. The notion that rigorous oversight amounts to harassment, and can backfire on the congressional party, has taken hold in Establishment Washington. There is scant evidence of a mandate for a scorched-earth pursuit of Trump, two senior editors at Politico wrote the day after the election. In the Times, Nicholas Kristof warned that Democrats jockeying for the presidential nomination in 2020 will tug the party toward impeachment talk or a blizzard of subpoenas in ways that may help Trump. Yes, sometimes aggressive congressional oversight can backfire, like when Republicans fanatically pursued conspiracy theories like Benghazi and IRS targeting during the Obama years. The Republican investigation of Bill Clinton also created some blowback, although even that famous episode has a much less straightforward denouement than is widely understood. While hounding Clinton over his affair, Republicans lost the 1998 midterms, an outcome that suggests that there can be a price for going overboard in the pursuit of a scandal that is palpably unrelated to job performance. But the atmosphere of scandal and dysfunction still clung to the Clinton presidency, and it was that stink that allowed George W. Bush to make a case for change in 2000 in what was otherwise an atmosphere of peace and prosperity. As Fred Barnes reported at the time in The Weekly Standard, impeachment played a historic role, holding Clinton accountable, seeking just punishment, and, not least, shaping the 2000 race and paving the way for a likely Republican victory. A Bush adviser told him, There are 13 people who are responsible for where we are now. They are the House impeachment managers. The lesson seems clear: Even if Congress somehow overreaches in its pursuit of Trump a prospect that is almost logistically impossible, given the staggering list of misconduct already in plain sight it would still probably help the Democrats$2 2020 presidential candidate run against the mess in Washington. From the very beginning, when Donald Trump and his father ignored demands from the Nixon Justice Department that they stop discriminating against African-Americans, through his repeated tax fraud and financial scams, legal impunity has formed the through-line of his career. Holding him accountable serves not only Democrats self-interest but the rule of law. That process begins now. *This article appears in the November 12, 2018, issue of New York Magazine. Subscribe Now! A Japanese man has been caught attempting to smuggle lizards worth more than $10,000 each out of Australia. The 45-year-old man was attempting to catch a flight to Hong Kong when he was caught with six bobtail lizards stuffed in his suitcase at Perth Airport on Thursday. Wrapped in a paper towel and tightly packed inside a hessian bag, the lizards were discovered squished into the corner as the suitcase went through the X-ray machine at security. It's believed the reptiles were kept in the bags for up to eight days with no food and little water. A 45-year-old Japanese man was caught with six bobtail lizards (pictured) in his suitcase after his luggage went through security at Perth Airport on Thursday Wrapped in a paper towel and tightly packed inside a hessian bag, it's alleged the reptiles (pictured) were kept in the bags for up to eight days with no food and little water Flags were raised after a tip was made by Western Australia's Parks and Wildlife Service, leading to a full bag examination as the man attempted to slip by security undetected. It is alleged that three of the lizards were taken from Rottnest Island, two from the Perth metropolitan area and one from the Mid West region. The man has since been charged with attempting to export a regulated native specimen and subjecting the animals to cruel treatment. If found guilty, the maximum penalty for wildlife trade offences is 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $210,000. Australian Border Force regional commander for Western Australia Rod O'Donnell said that wildlife smuggling was unfortunately a lucrative trade. 'We know individuals and organised criminal syndicates can make significant profits by exporting and selling Australia's unique native fauna overseas, particularly in Asia,' a statement reads. An x-ray of the man's suitcase (pictured) shows the lizards cramped in the top left corner Parks and Wildlife Service wildlife officer Matt Swan said Western Australian reptiles were particularly attractive to buyers on the black market because they were exotic and easy to care for. Mr Swan also condemned the smuggling of native wildlife as the reptiles are often kept in small confines for long periods of time without food or water and in extreme climates. The lizards had been checked by Perth Zoo vets, and depending on their health, will be released back into the wild. The man is due to appear in the Perth Magistrates Court today. Witnesses have described the horror and chaos in Melbourne's Bourke Street Mall as a knife-wielding man crashed into pedestrians, before stabbing three shoppers, leaving one dead. The attacker was shot by officers after witnesses repeatedly begged them to shoot him. He has since died in hospital under police guard, while multiple pedestrians receive treatment for stab wounds. More than 100 police swarmed the city's busy Bourke Street at 4.20pm on Friday after reports of a man setting his car alight and chasing people with a knife. Sarah called into radio station 3AW to describe the scene as 'chaotic'. 'I heard a massive explosion, the car is completely alight,' she said. 'It was pretty frightening.' Three people have been stabbed in the street, one fatally, by a knife-wielding man known to terror authorities One witness said he was 'terrified' after seeing a body covered in a white sheet on the footpath Pedestrians were sent running for their lives by a knife-wielding man in Melbourne's inner-city Other witnesses described the police with the knife, despite them telling him to back off. Pedestrians reportedly yelled 'shoot him, shoot him' as they fled. As police surrounded the man, two bystanders stood in to assist, one of which using his shopping trolley as a weapon. Some listened to officers, who urged bystanders to run. 'They ran into a cafe and locked themselves in a kitchen,' one pedestrian said. Another terrified witness, Ben, called the radio station to say he saw a white sheet covering a body in the middle of the sidewalk. Stores lining the street urged people inside before locking their customers inside. An Internet Cafe on Bourke Street called OP Gaming has just let their patrons out after almost two hours in lockdown. Police are currently interviewing them. Witnesses say they fled inside adjacent shops to hide from a man who stepped out of a flaming car (pictured) and began chasing people with a knife Witnesses say they saw a man walk out of the burning car (pictured) and begin brandishing a long knife at passersby Officers are methodically letting witnesses out of locked down stores to interview them Witness Christian, who was in a nearby bookstore, said he was drawn outside by a loud noise. 'I heard a loud bang, I ran outside and saw everyone was running the other way,' he told the Herald Sun. 'I saw a man covered in blood and also saw officers chasing someone.' One witness said a man was stabbed in the face. Markel Villasin, 22, was finishing his shift at KFC on Bourke St as the drama unfolded. 'Me and the managers ran out and that's when we saw the car on fire and then we saw the guy on the floor and we wanted to help, there were two blokes helping him out already, he was face down pools of blood around his face,' he told AAP. 'I'm pretty sure he got stabbed in the face. 'I really wanted to help but I was in shock, I didn't know what to do. 'Because he was on his stomach, they turned him over to see if he's alright, he was still alive.' The attacker was shot after pedestrians repeatedly begged officers to 'shoot him' as they fled Police and a pedestrian surrounded the attacker before he was shot and arrested One man told Sky News he saw a 'fireball' out the window of the TAB and went to investigate. 'I noticed a car on fire which then exploded in a big fireball,' he said. He was then urged back inside and hid with other terrified witnesses. Ambulance Victoria confirmed three people had been rushed to hospital. The attacker has since died from his gun wound while under police guard in hospital. Another of the victims has reportedly died in hospital care, while a third is fighting for life. The attacker, reportedly of Somalian background, was declared dead in hospital at about 7:30pm, the Herald Sun reports. He is reported to be known to Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) as Jihadi links. Three people have been stabbed, one fatally, in a horror attack in Melbourne's city More than 100 police responded to the bustling intersection, urging shoppers to flee One group of witnesses watched the man speed down the street and crash after narrowly avoiding a collision with a tram. 'He seemed to be waving something, people around me screamed that he had a knife, but I couldn't see clearly from where I was,' Michelle told ABC radio. Another witness, Markel, told the radio station he ran out of the store he was working and almost stood on a victim. 'Turned out there was an old man in front of me, literally by my feet. He was face down, face down, and there was a lot of blood,' he said. 'I was already stepping on his blood.' Iceland's Christmas advert has been banned after a watchdog deemed its orangutan-friendly story was 'too political' due to its criticism of palm oil. The supermarket chain's festive commercial features the friendship between a young girl and a baby orangutan. The orangutan tells the little girl about his home and the advert shows a digger ripping up trees. 'There's a human in my forest and I don't know what to do,' the orangutan says. 'He took away my mother and I'm scared he'll take me too.' Iceland's Christmas advert has been banned after a watchdog deemed its orangutan-friendly story was 'too political' due to its stance on palm oil The orangutan tells the little girl about his home and the advert shows a digger ripping up trees The advert eventually ends with the caption: 'Dedicated to the 25 orangutans we lose every day.' It comes as Iceland goes about removing palm oil from all of its own-label food amid concerns over its impact on wildlife. The oil is used in a huge number of products on supermarket shelves ranging from bread to soap. Millions of acres of forests across Indonesia have been burned to make way for plantations producing palm oil. However, the demand has led to the destruction of tropical rainforests across south-east Asia. Clearcast, the watchdog for adverts on the UK's main commercial channels, said it was concerned the commercial 'doesn't comply with the political rules'. The supermarket chain's festive commercial features the friendship between a young girl and a baby orangutan Clearcast, the watchdog for adverts on the UK's main commercial channels, said it was concerned the commercial 'doesn't comply with the political rules' Palm oil is the most widely consumed vegetable oil on the planet, and it is in about half of all packaged products sold in the supermarket. Some 61 million tonnes were produced in 2015. Palm oil production was responsible for 8 per cent of global deforestation between 1990 and 2008, as huge areas of forest were cleared for palm oil production. This has been devastating for wildlife and local communities who have been displaced. The boom in palm oil production has also been blamed for contributing to the near extinction of the orangutan, with thousands killed every year from deforestation in Borneo and Sumatra. By far the biggest producers of palm oil are Indonesia and Malaysia but the UK imports the majority of its palm oil from Papua New Guinea. A memorial stone will be laid at Parliament's Carriage Gates where father-of-one PC Keith Palmer was murdered last year A permanent and fitting memorial for PC Keith Palmer will be built at Westminster after disquiet over the existing tribute, it was revealed today. A memorial stone will be laid at Parliament's Carriage Gates where the father-of-one was murdered by terrorist Khalid Masood on March 22 last year. The decision came after a brass plaque memorial installed on the door of the police mess in a scruffy corner of the Parliamentary estate caused anger. But two months on a specially commissioned remembrance stone to the husband and father will be placed at the Carriage Gates, the Police Memorial Trust said. Chairwoman Geraldine Winner said: 'I am so very pleased to confirm that this fitting and lasting tribute to Pc Palmer will be placed at this iconic site. 'We know it will bring some small comfort to his family and loved ones. 'Forever more the memorial will remind Londoners and those who visit this site from around the world of the service, sacrifice and heroism of this brave British police officer.' The announcement was welcomed by Scotland Yard Commissioner Cressida Dick and Speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow. Keith Palmer, who lost his life defending Westminster last year, has only been commemorated with the brass plaque on a canteen door (right) in the parliamentary estate Mr Bercow said: 'Pc Palmer died doing the job he loved - ensuring the safety of Members of both Houses, the staff who work here and members of the public on the estate at the time. 'We owe him a profound debt of gratitude for his bravery, which resulted in him paying the ultimate price. 'This memorial will serve as a lasting tribute to his dedication and his courage.' Kent-born terrorist Masood, 52, drove a hire car over Westminster Bridge, mounted the pavement and hit pedestrians before crashing into railings outside the Palace of Westminster in the rampage. Also killed in the 82-second atrocity were US tourist Kurt Cochran, Romanian tourist Andreea Cristea, 31, and Britons Aysha Frade, 44, and 75-year-old Leslie Rhodes. Masood was shot dead by armed police just feet from Big Ben. Seven Iranian migrants have been rescued from a small dinghy in the English Channel. The Dover coastguard and Royal National Lifeboat Institution launched into action at sea after the men in the boat called 999 as soon as they got close enough to land, at about 2.30am. Border Force officials brought the migrants onto British shores after finding them two miles from the coast. The seven people are currently waiting to be interviewed by immigration officials. The small dinghy which seven Iranian migrants attempted to cross the English Channel with Seven migrants, all men aged between 19 and 54, who said they were Iranian, were found. They have been given a medical assessment and do not require treatment. They will be interviewed shortly by immigration officials. A Home Office spokesman said: 'On the morning of 9 November, HM Coastguard and the RNLI intercepted a group of migrants in the channel in a small RHIB approximately two miles off Dover. 'A Border Force coastal patrol vessel was deployed and Border Force maritime officers assisted with moving the migrants ashore. 'Seven men, aged between 19 and 54, who presented themselves as Iranian were found. They were given a medical assessment by paramedics but were found to be fit and well. 'They are now being interviewed by immigration officials and their cases will be dealt with according to the immigration rules.' They added: 'The alarm was raised by those on board the vessel.' A spokesman for HM Coastguard said it was 'currently assisting Border Force with an incident in the Dover Channel'. The port has not been affected by the incident. There has been a spate of attempts to cross the channel in the last week. It comes after 15 migrants claiming to be Iranian were found in two separate incidents last weekend. Eight people were found in a rigid hulled inflatable boat (RHIB) in the channel off Dover, Kent. Two people also on the boat were arrested for suspected people smuggling offences. Another dinghy was found on the shore with seven men on board. Charlie Elphicke, MP for Dover and Deal, said: 'This incident shows again how reckless smugglers will be to help illegal immigrants break into Britain. 'They will also target small ports and beaches in the hope they are less well-resourced. 'That's why we need to invest in more boats and trained officers to patrol the whole border effectively not some Dad's Army-style volunteer scheme that has been suggested.' On November 1 a total of 21 Vietnamese migrants were found in a refrigerated lorry carrying sparkling water at Newhaven, East Sussex. Donald Trump claimed on Friday that two Arizona counties are guilty of 'corruption' because they give voters a do-over if the signatures on mail-in ballots don't match the ones that state election officials have on file. But as of Friday evening, the entire state will be on an even keel. In a tweet as Air Force One soared above the Atlantic Ocean carrying him to France, the president suggested the lapse in fairness could be reason enough to throw out the results of a tight Senate contest and start again. 'Just out in Arizona, SIGNATURES DONT MATCH. Electoral corruption Call for a new Election? We must protect our Democracy!' he wrote on Twitter. Trump carped Friday morning outside the White House that 'in Arizona, all of a sudden, out of the wilderness, they find a lot of votes.' Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, the Democrat in the race, jumped into the lead late Thursday over Republican Rep. Martha McSally as more votes were counted. There are still more than 300,000 yet to be tallied because of a decades-old computer system that wasn't built to handle this year's flood of ballots cast with a stamp instead of a click. Some Republicans raised allegations of fraud as the vote count starts to tip into Democratic terrain. President Donald Trump suggested that the process of tallying votes in Arizona's U.S. Senate election is rife with corruption because officials in two large Democrat-majority counties allow voters to fix their signatures up to five days after an election if they don't match state records A supporter crosses her fingers as she talks with Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Kyrsten Sinema, who leaped ahead by 9,000 votes on Thursday as more ballots were counted Arizona Republican Rep. Martha McSallyled on Election Day but is now in danger of losing; four Republican Party organizations have sued to force Arizona to use the same standard in all 15 of the state's counties A judge Friday heard a lawsuit by the GOP seeking to limit the tally, or expand it in the state's conservative-leaning rural areas. Four local Republican parties filed the suit Wednesday night challenging the state's two biggest counties for allowing voters to help resolve problems with their mail-in ballot signatures after Election Day. If the signature on the voter registration doesn't match that on the sealed envelope, both Maricopa and Pima County allow voters to help them fix, or 'cure' it, up to five days after Election Day. Arizona Republicans and Democrats agreed Friday to give rural voters the same extra chance to fix their signatures that Democrat-friendly urban counties enjoy. The settlement was announced in a Phoenix courtroom Friday afternoon. The counties have until Nov. 14 to address the issue. There's every indication the vote counting will take that long. Only a few thousand votes would have been affected by the suit, but every one will count in the razor-close election. Trump carped Friday morning outside the White House that 'in Arizona, all of a sudden, out of the wilderness, they find a lot of votes' The presidnet floated the idea of scrapping the Arizona election, something he doesn't have the power to order Workers at the Maricopa County Recorder's Office went through ballots on Thursday in Phoenix Sinema, the Democrat, attracted the ire of Republicans during the campaign for saying years ago that Americans should be permitted to fight overseas for the Taliban Sinema advantage is just 9,000 out of 1.9 million votes counted; she had trailed since Tuesday. Her lead came from the two counties singled out by Republicans in their lawsuit, Maricopa and Pima Counties. Maricopa County Recorder Adrian Fontes said counting may continue another week. 'We know there's urgency out there, but we want to get it right, not quick,' he said. Arizona is notoriously slow at tallying ballots even though about 75 percent of votes are cast by mail. Each of those ballots must go through a laborious verification process. If the signature on the envelope does not match the signature on the voter file, elections officials can contact the voter to try to resolve the discrepancy. Such situations arise, for example, when voters have Parkinson's disease and can no longer sign as they did in the past or as their signature changes over the years. The GOP lawsuit centers on that 'cure' process. It asks that the judge either stop Maricopa and Pima from contacting voters to fix their ballots after Election Day or permit the rest of the state to do it. At least two other rural counties also allow post-Election Day 'cures' but several others do not. Democrats contended that the GOP is trying to prevent votes from being counted. 'The Republican Party is doing everything it can to silence thousands of Arizonans who already cast their ballots,' Democratic Party chairwoman Felicia Rotellini said in a statement. GOP attorney Brett Johnson said in an interview the party would be happy if the end result is the rural counties are ordered to extend their cure period and more votes are counted. 'At the end of the day, each vote should be treated the same way,' Johnson said. The Senate race between McSally and Sinema remains too close to call, and there are still more than 300,000 ballots left to count Maricopa County, Arizona's election computers were built in the 1980s when few people voted by mail, and can only process 75,000 of those ballots per day The state's junior Republican Senator, Jon Kyl, issued a statement trying to frame the lawsuit as a question of equal protection rather than limiting urban vote counting. 'Every single lawful vote in Arizona should be counted,' Kyl said. 'And voting laws in our state should be applied uniformly across the map.' At a brief hearing Thursday, a Maricopa County official said only about 5,600 ballots are at issue in her county and the rate is similar in the 14 smaller counties. More than 2.2 million votes were cast statewide. There were more than 600,000 mail-in ballots left to process statewide as of Wednesday, about 75 percent in Maricopa County. That huge amount has put pressure on a system that spends a lot of time already verifying the mail ballot signatures. Fontes said his office's 1980s-era computer system is partly to blame. It was put in when Maricopa was far smaller and only a handful of its residents voted by mail. He said the system only allows his office to tally about 75,000 votes a day. There are another 375,000 votes outstanding in Maricopa County alone as of Thursday night. McSally flew A-10 Warthogs in missions in Iraq, logging more than 100 combat hours The two Senate campaigns have long braced for a slow vote count. McSally is no stranger to the issue. It took The Associated Press 12 days to declare a winner in McSally's first race for Congress, which she narrowly lost in 2012. On Thursday, she tweeted: 'Woke up this morning dreading a long and painful process. I've been here before, and now, here I am again.the dentist's chair.' She attached a photo of herself leaning back at the dentist's office, about to get her teeth examined. Sinema also had to wait for finality in her first congressional election that year, sweating out six long days of vote counts. She prevailed. Gloating saboteurs have trolled the family of a huntswoman facing jail for whipping a saboteur with her crop after she was killed in a riding accident. Jane Goring, 57, was caught on camera in Hailsham, East Sussex, thrashing an animal rights activist up to 17 times around the head last November. But she died on Wednesday after falling from her horse during a draghunt an equestrian sport where riders chase a trail of artificially laid scents with hounds. Jane Goring (right) is thought to have fallen from her horse and died during a draghunt. She is pictured with her husband Richard, 79, and Alice Goring, centre left The tragedy, which took place in Leigh, Surrey, comes weeks after Mrs Goring was told she would be prosecuted and ahead of a court date in January. However some activists appeared to mock the death of Mrs Goring - whose husband Richard, 79, is part of Britain's oldest luxury family hotel dynasty in posts shared on animal rights Facebook pages. Some posted the word 'karma' beneath the posts reporting her death, while others appeared to use the laughing emoji to 'react' to messages of condolences. And an administrator of a group named Stop The Cull shared the story with the caption: 'She won't be missed by us.' Meanwhile animal rights activist Taylor Yates posted on Mrs Goring's Facebook page: 'Karma came back to you! Good riddance, animal murderer!' An administrator from Stop The Cull shared the story with the note: 'She won't be missed by us' Animal rights activist Taylor Yates posted on Mrs Goring's page: 'Karma came back to you' Some posted the word 'karma' beneath the posts reporting her death, while others appeared to use the laughing emoji to 'react' to messages of condolences Footage of the riding crop confrontation in Hailsham last year went viral and was viewed hundreds of thousands of times online. But less than two months later investigators concluded there was not enough evidence to proceed and dropped the case. However, wealthy sheep farmer Mrs Goring still faced two criminal charges through a civil prosecution. The pair travelled from their 1million farm in Heathfield, on the Sussex Downs, to appear at Brighton Magistrates' Court last month. Alice Goring paid tribute, writing: 'The cruelest reminder to live every day, because you never quite know when your time may be up. Sleep tight Jane, we will never ever forget you' Mrs Goring whose husband Richard, 79, is part of the country's oldest luxury family hotel dynasty faced two criminal charges through a civil prosecution Mrs Goring was being prosecuted for assault for thrashing the activist up to 17 times around the head during an ugly row caught on camera. She has been killed in a riding accident During a brief hearing, Mrs Goring pleaded not guilty to beating Simon Medhurst with her riding crop. Mr Medhurst is a veteran animal rights and environmental campaigner and member of the South Coast Hunt Saboteurs. Mrs Goring also denied assaulting fellow saboteur Shirley Makin by 'riding her down' with her horse during the confrontation. Both offences were to be dealt with by magistrates in Hastings next January. The maximum penalty if Goring was convicted would have been six months' imprisonment. Mrs Goring is thought to have fallen from her horse and died during a draghunt - an equestrian sport where riders chase a trail of artificially laid scents with hounds Footage of the confrontation was posted on the Brighton Hunt Saboteurs' Facebook page, dividing viewers over who was in the wrong Clash: Huntswoman Jane Goring, a wealthy landowner from Tunbridge Wells, Kent, was filmed striking a saboteur with her riding crop during an ugly clash The footage of the confrontation, posted on the Brighton Hunt Saboteurs' Facebook page, showed Mrs Goring riding towards the saboteurs, shouting at them to 'get back to the road'. She then appeared to spur her horse into a man recording the incident, pushing him back several feet. Another masked man rushed in front of the horse and grabbed hold of the bridle. In response, she yelled: 'Get off my horse, get off my horse' and repeatedly whipped the man. Foxhunting was banned in 2004 but trail hunts for artificial scents remain legal. Confrontation: The hunt saboteurs claimed that Mrs Goring, 57, (pictured) used her whip 17 times during the altercation Mrs Goring repeatedly hit out at the protester during the clash between the Brighton Hunt Saboteurs and East Sussex & Romney Marsh Hunt Club on Saturday The saboteurs claimed they were the victims of an unprovoked attack and claimed the huntswoman simply 'lost the plot' However, hunt saboteurs believe they are being used as a cover to hunt foxes. Yesterday, a post from the Mid Surrey Farmers' Draghounds group on Facebook said: 'We very much regret to inform you that Jane Goring was tragically killed whilst out dragging yesterday at Leigh. 'On behalf of the masters and members of the drag hunt, we send our condolences and thoughts to Richard and Jane's family at this awful time.' A relative, Alice Goring, also paid tribute, writing online: 'The cruellest reminder to live every day, because you never quite know when your time may be up. Sleep tight Jane, we will never ever forget you.' Kardashian was said to have visited the jail on Thursday Kim Kardashian has visited the notorious San Quentin prison where a convicted murderer she is trying to free is being held. According to TMZ, the reality TV star was said to have toured the jail in Northern California for several hours on Thursday, meeting prison staff and several inmates at the facility. A source claimed she had been attending the prison to find out more about programs the prison offers detainees. But the notorious jail is also home to quadruple murderer Kevin Cooper who Kardashian has previously spoken out for. Although it is unclear whether she met cooper on Thursday's visit, the reality queen has previously taken to Twitter to defend him. In a tweet last month, the mother-of-two said: Governor Brown, please add Kevin Cooper to your legacy of smart, fair and thoughtful criminal justice reforms.' She retweeted an opinion article from the New York Times titled 'Justice Delayed, With a Life on the Line'. A source said she stayed at San Quentin (pictured) for several hours meeting inmates and staff Kevin Brown was arrested in 1983 and convicted in 1985 for the gruesome murders of two children and two adults - but he has always maintained his innocence Cooper was sentenced to death in 1985 for the slaying of Douglas and Peggy Ryen, their 10-year-old daughter Jessica, and 10-year-old Chris Hughes, who was staying at their house in the Los Angeles suburb of Chino Hills. During Cooper's appeal, testing of evidence, including a t-shirt believed to have belonged to the killer, was found to have his blood - and test tube preservative on it. This indicated the blood on the shirt had been put there from inside a test tube of Cooper's blood, not splattered on during the quadruple murder. Advocates argue that the San Bernardino Sheriffs Department tampered with DNA evidence to frame Cooper and that this evidence found on a t-shirt Cooper says he never wore should be retested. Family photo of Peggy, Doug, Jessica and Joshua Ryan, who was the lone survivor of a hatchet attack in 1985 Witnesses also said they had seen three white men driving - what was believed to be the family car - away from the home, but cops focused on Cooper instead. The California man has been fighting to have evidence in his case re-examined for years. Five judges even agreed that he was wrongly convicted, but he is still behind bars. David Alexander - the person who saved Cooper from the death penalty in 2014 just three hours and 20 minutes before he was to be executed and has been working on his behalf ever since - has asked Governor Jerry Brown to order a review of his case, with no success. He and Cooper want new DNA testing to be performed on evidence they believe was tampered with. Alexander has made it clear they are not asking for a pardon or commutation of Cooper's sentence, just new testing they believe will exonerate the 60-year-old and hopefully implicate the real killers. Kardashian made headlines in June after meeting with President Donald Trump following months of campaigning for the release of Alice Johnson - a 63-year-old woman who was sentenced to life behind bars for her minor role in a drug trafficking syndicate. Johnson, who had been behind bars for 20 years, had her sentence commuted earlier this month - and Kardashian was widely credited for her release. Kardashian tweeted a California Governor to ask if the DNA test from Kevin Cooper's case could be carried out again Max Hill QC has said that the word terrorism should not be attached 'to any of the world religions' The new CPS chief has been accused of using 'deeply unhelpful' language about extremists by refusing to say 'Islamic terrorism'. The Henry Jackson Society (HJS) is unhappy about Max Hill QC's appointment as the Director of Public Prosecutions because he believes it is 'fundamentally wrong' to attach terrorism 'to any of the world religions'. He said that the term 'Daesh-inspired terrorism' should be used instead. Today he was accused of 'apeing' the language used by CAGE, who said Mohammed Emwazi, ISIS' executioner-in-chief until he was killed in a drone strike, was 'beautiful' and 'extremely gentle'. Mr Hill, who replaced Alison Saunders last week, met with Cage last autumn just a month after director Muhammad Rabbani was convicted of a terror offence after refusing to hand over passwords to his mobile phone and laptop at Heathrow Airport. Today the HJS claimed Mr Hill has been 'influenced, inaccurately, by the Islamist group's agenda'. Emma Webb, a research fellow, told The Daily Telegraph: 'In the wake of negative publicity damaging the CPS, Max Hill has vowed that through his appointment he will "restore trust". But it is difficult to see how this will be possible given his habit of meeting disproportionately with extremist and intolerant groups. 'He has shown himself to have bad taste and judgment in the company he keeps. This is certainly not a man who can be trusted to ensure justice is done when it comes to Islamist extremism.' In February Mr Hill declared that it is 'fundamentally wrong' to use the phrase 'Islamist terrorism' to describe any attacks carried out in Britain and elsewhere. Britain was hit by five major terror attacks last year - causing carnage which killed dozens and injuring many more (pictured, mourners light candles for those killed at the Ariana Grande terror attack in May last year). But Mr Hill has said Islamist terrorism should be called 'Daesh-inspired terrorism' Max Hill QC said that the word terrorism should not be attached 'to any of the world religions'. His comments put him at odds with Prime Minister Theresa May, then Home Secretary Amber Rudd, the police and MI5 who all spoke about the threat posed by 'Islamist terrorists'. The former terrorism watchdog takes charge of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) after months in which it has been heavily criticised for a catalogue of disclosure failings that led to cases collapsing. His predecessor Ms Saunders announced she was quitting the post in April, rejecting criticisms of her five-year stint and describing claims that standards had slipped as 'hugely insulting' to prosecutors. Who is Max Hill QC, the new director of public prosecutions? Max Hill (file picture) was appointed the Government's independent reviewer of terror legislation in February 2017 - a turbulent and deadly year for Britain's streets Max Hill is a leading QC who has prosecuted many terrorists before becoming the DPP He secured the conviction of the failed 21/7 bombers - terrorists who plotted to blow up a London tube train in July 2005. He was appointed the Government's independent reviewer of terror legislation in February 2017 - a turbulent and deadly year for Britain's streets. The UK saw four deadly terror attacks strike across London and Manchester that year - killing dozens and injuring many more. He announced in July that he would be leaving his post to become the new head of the Crown Prosecution Service after Alison Saunders stepped down after a series of scandals. Mrs Saunders had faced widespread criticism for overseeing a series of botched investigations into historic sex crimes branded 'witch hunts' by her critics. Advertisement Mr Hill, who was called to the bar in 1987, successfully prosecuted the failed 21/7 bombers and appeared in the inquest into the 7/7 attacks, as well as acting in fraud, corporate crime and serious violence cases. He said: 'I am in no doubt this is a challenging time for the CPS. The crime landscape is changing, which is creating an increasingly complex caseload'. Confidence in the criminal justice system was rocked after a flurry of cases collapsed when it emerged vital evidence had not been passed to defence lawyers. The collapsed trial of rape-accused Liam Allan raised the profile of a string of similar sex cases, where charges were dropped when critical material emerged at the last minute. The revelations prompted a review of every live rape and serious sexual assault prosecution in England and Wales, which found issues with the disclosure of unused material in 47 cases. A Justice Committee report earlier this year concluded the CPS may have underestimated the number of cases stopped because of disclosure errors by 90%. Chairman Bob Neill MP said it was unacceptable that correct disclosure of evidence was 'too often regarded as just an administrative headache'. He added: 'The failings are symptomatic of a system under immense strain: without change, we cannot expect the public to have confidence in the criminal justice system.' Mr Hill is originally from Hertfordshire and was appointed Queen's Counsel in 2008 The Oxford graduate has appeared on Channel 4's The Trial, in which real juries, barristers and judges tried a fictional murder case to see how the jury system works. He had been the Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation since March 2017. Beleaguered residents still reeling from a massacre at a country music bar the night before have been evacuated as a raging wildfire threatens their homes. Just 24 hours after a gunman killed 12 people at the country music bar the uncontrollable blaze is bearing down on homes and business in Thousand Oaks, California. Smoke could be seen over the area where a vigil was held last night for the victims of the shooting at the Borderline Bar and Grill on Wednesday night. Dubbed the 'Hill Fire' the blaze quickly spread to cover between 8,000 and 10,000 acres on this morning, according to Ventura County Fire Department officials. The fire swept through the mountainsides due to the fast, dry, winds, known as a Santa Ana wind from the northeast. A firefighter battles against a raging wildfire in the beleaguered community of Thousand Oaks, the night after a gunman killed 12 revelers at a country music bar The flames are thought to have spread due to the dry, fast winds heading northeast, made worse by high temperatures and low humidity Ventura County Fire Department tweeted a picture of a vehicle in front of a blazing hillside as smoke and flames billow in the background Newbury Park residents take pictures of flames as the creep down a hillside towards buildings and homes in the beleaguered county Portions of southern California have been under siege as the two large brush fires caused 75,000 homes to be put under evacuation orders along the border of Ventura and Los Angeles counties. Los Angeles Fire Department Public Information Officer Erik Scott says the blaze has destroyed or damaged many buildings. A second fire has been burning in the Santa Rosa Valley east of Camarillo, west of Simi Valley near Newbury Park and Thousand Oaks. By last night it had scorched up to 7,000 acres and sent residents of more than 1,200 homes fleeing, the Los Angeles Times reports. No injuries have been reported in either fire. Along with low humidity levels, the strong winds were blamed for the fire's rapid movement - as humidity is expected to drop to five to ten per cent. A red flag warning was in effect from this morning, meaning firefighters face a battle against the high dry winds and low humidity that help spread the wildfire. Santa Rosa Road and Camarillo Springs Road were closed as the fires threaten Newbury Park, which is around five miles from the deadly mass shooting at a country music bar on Wednesday night Homes and businesses were destroyed as fires ripped through the already devastated community The Hill fire, which began at around 2pm, was being spread by powerful winds that pushed it through canyons and to the edge of Camarillo Springs and Cal State Channel Islands, both of which were evacuated. More than 165 firefighters were rushed to the area and eight aerial air tankers have been ordered to tackle the fierce blaze from above. A 'red flag' warning came into effect at 10am today in the San Diego County mountains and valleys and will last until 10pm Friday. In nearby Newbury Park where ex-marine Ian Michael Long lived, residents stood and watched two scenes unfolding - one of reporters standing outside of home of the suspected shooter, the other a brush fire raging behind their homes. Connor Chaney, 21, told the LA Times: 'You feel hopeless. There's nothing you can do over there or there.' This morning the flames were said to be only three miles from the Borderline Bar and Grill. Firefighters battle flames overnight during a wildfire that burned dozens of homes in the idyllic city of Thousand Oaks Huge plumes of smoke could be seen rising from the hills of Ventura County as the wildfires threaten homes and businesses Residents took to social media to share their views of the flames nearly consuming the hillside in Newbury Park, which borders Thousand Oaks to the west. Guy Ferrari posted an Instagram picture of flames creeping down a burning hillside towards some buildings in Newbury Park, with the caption: 'Wow!!! God is testing us...' A man who was trying to attend a memorial to the shooting victims tweeted: 'In the most 2018 moment of 2018, we cant get to the memorial for the shooting victims because a fire has cut off the 101 north of Thousand Oaks. We tried to take a farm road so we wouldnt get stuck. Didnt work.' One woman tweeted: 'Please pray for Thousand Oaks, California!!!! The fires are not being contained.' Mourners kneel next to candles during a vigil to pay tribute to the victims of the Thousand Oaks shooting on Wednesday night Mourners gather outside the Rivalry Roasters coffee shop for a vigil for victim bouncer Sean Adler who was killed in Wednesday's tragedy Point Mugu Naval Base, located near Oxnard, is also under voluntary evacuation. The base supports 80 tenant commands, with a base population of over 19,000 personnel, according to its website. Last night mourners packed out the 18,000-seat Fred Kavli Auditorium to pay their respects to the victims of the attack. The packed bar had been full of college students enjoying a 'country-themed' night of dancing as ex-Marine Ian Michael Long, 28, walked in and fired a hail of bullets into the unsuspecting crowd. Among those killed was a Ventura County sheriff sergeant called Ron Helus, who was responding to the emergency call, Kristina Morisette, a 20-year-old Borderline cashier and bouncer Sean Adler. The clocks fell back on Sunday, meaning we all woke up a little easier than usual on Monday. To celebrate the extra hour, were dedicating this week to work and productivity. Welcome to Work Week. Chos computer setup. Photo: Mark Cho Mark Cho is co-founder of classic menswear store The Armoury, which has locations in Hong Kong and New York, and is co-owner of Drakes, an English menswear brand based in London. Hes also a tech geek who posts gadget reviews on his personal Instagram. Here, he tells us why everyone should use an ultrawide computer monitor. I dont know why more people dont use ultrawide computer monitors. Maybe they just dont know about them. Most computer monitors and screens have a width-height ratio of 16:9 (or in the case of MacBooks, 16:10), but ultrawides are 21:9 and sometimes even wider, giving you significantly more real estate on the sides. Ive been using them almost exclusively since 2015 and am impressed every day by their utility. Say you had to write a report and needed to reference a website at the same time. Have you ever tried doing that on a regular monitor? How much time do you waste toggling between two windows or cutting off a third of each to fit both within the screen? An ultrawide lets you use half the screen for a web browser and and the other half for a document with enough space for both. Or maybe youre trying to pick some images out of a large catalogue and lay a couple of them side by side. An ultrawide would let you see how that would actually look without making you zoom all the way out so the pictures look like nothing. Large spreadsheets are infinitely easier to deal with. The new Gmail works so much better you can get your headers on the left, body text in the middle, and your calendar on the right. Computer gamers love the curved versions of these screens, which wrap your field of view for a more immersive experience. If youre a Mac user, ultrawides will work for that, too, on the latest OS. The only thing that is slightly trickier is watching a movie on an ultrawide, as the width-height ratio is obviously far wider than films ratio, but there are workarounds. Everything you like about your monitor, an ultrawide does better. Here are my favorite models. LG 29WK600-W 29 UltraWide 21:9 IPS Monitor $356 This cheap and cheerful monitor is whats in all of our offices. We have six of them now and the team loves them. Theyre 29-inch screens, equivalent to the height of a normal 16:9, 24-inch monitor, but much wider. While the color gamut and brightness leave a little to be desired, its well worth the price. $356 at Amazon Buy $244 at Walmart Buy Samsung LC49HG90DMNXZA CHG90 Series Curved 49-Inch Gaming Monitor $1,227 An ultra-ultrawide, this monitor has a screen ratio of 32:9, making it one of the widest screens available. It has Samsungs Quantum Dot Color which gives a huge color gamut, great for photos and images. It has a low response time of 1ms, making it very suitable for gaming. A bonus: NBA 2k will display the entire court on this monitor without any panning. $1,227 at Amazon Buy $1,227 at Amazon Buy Acer XR382CQK 37.5 UltraWide QHD $1,090 A great model for non-gaming use, this monitor has one of the tallest and highest resolution panels available, at 37.5 inches. Its useful for any photo editor or code jockey, for whom the additional vertical resolution is key. Unfortunately it only has a refresh rate of 75 Hz, a red flag for some gamers. $1,090 at Amazon Buy $1,090 at Amazon Buy Dell Alienware 1900R 34.1 Curved Gaming Monitor $951 now 7% off $880 A well balanced monitor that is great for gaming but well suited for color and productivity as well. It has a 100 Hz refresh rate and can be overclocked to 120 Hz, which is all a way of saying its great for showing fast moving objects. It also features NVidias G-SYNC technology, which locks the screens refresh to the frames drawn by your graphics card, allowing for a smoother, better-looking gaming experience. $880 at Amazon Buy $880 at Amazon 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 rights of gig economy workers are set to be given a boost as firms are made to pay agency staff the same amount as their full-time colleagues. Prime Minister Theresa May plans to end a legal loophole that allows companies to pay different types of workers alternative amounts for doing the same job. Ministers are now considering repealing the 'Swedish derogation' rule, which is a model of working that sees an agency employ temporary workers directly. Research for takeaway provider Deliveroo suggested that the gig economy has the potential to double in size over the next five years However there are concerns within the Treasury that this could anger businesses who were unimpressed when the idea was first suggested, reported the Guardian. The plans include new laws to give gig economy workers the right to request a temporary or fixed-hours contract after a year in their job. There are also proposals to deter employers who are trying to flout the law by naming and shaming those who fail to pay out after employment tribunals. It follows Labour's proposals in September for better rights for workers including more places on company boards and employees getting a financial stake in firms. Prime Minister Theresa May plans to end a legal loophole that allows companies to pay different types of workers alternative amounts for doing the same job The Government's plans come as a report released today revealed more than five million people are likely to be working in the so-called gig economy by 2022. Research for takeaway provider Deliveroo suggested that the sector has the potential to double in size over the next five years. Students, parents and carers are set to be among the biggest groups to take advantage of new jobs, said the report. A Deliveroo spokesman said: 'The world of work is changing and the flexibility that comes with companies like Deliveroo is hugely popular and is set to grow.' Theresa May is holding crunch talks with Emmanuel Macron today as the Brexit deal hangs in the balance amid DUP fury at her 'betrayal'. The Prime Minister is having lunch with the French President as the drama ramps up - with signs a divorce package is on the brink of being agreed. The two leaders greeted each other warmly and smiled for the cameras before beginning their talks in the town of Albert this afternoon. But domestic pressure on Mrs May is mounting after the DUP - which is propping Mrs May up in power - claimed she is preparing to break her promise never to sign off a deal which risks splitting Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK. The row erupted after a leaked letter from the premier to the party's leader Arlene Foster suggested she is ready to make concessions on EU demands over the Irish border 'backstop'. The principle of the backstop was included in the draft divorce deal struck last December, and is intended to avoid a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic. It would only come into effect if no wider trade agreement is sealed by the end of a mooted transition period in December 2020. Theresa May has held talks with Emmanuel Macron over lunch in the French town of Albert today before attending Armistice commemorations Mrs May (pictured left in Albert) will be hoping to win Mr Macron over to her Brexit plans. Earlier she laid a wreath at Mons in Belgium But the EU and UK have proposed significantly different versions - and thrashing out a compromise is the last stumbling block in the withdrawal talks. The letter said Brussels is still pushing for its backstop - which would see Northern Ireland stay effectively within the bloc's customs and regulatory jurisdiction - to be included in the Withdrawal Agreement as an insurance policy in case the UK's all-UK backstop does not work. Mrs May insisted in her missive, written on Tuesday and leaked to The Times, that she will never allow a divide in the Irish Sea to 'come into force'. 'I am clear that I could not accept there being any circumstances or conditions in which that 'backstop to the backstop', which would break up the UK customs territory, could come into force,' she wrote. 'That is why it is critical that the provision for a UK-EU joint customs territory is legally binding in the Withdrawal Agreement itself, so that no 'backstop to a backstop' is required.' Irish border backstop mechanism is the final hurdle in divorce talks The Brexit divorce negotiations have boiled down to the issue of the Irish border. Brussels had initially demanded that Northern Ireland stays within its jurisdiction for customs and most single market rules to avoid a hard border. But Mrs May flatly rejected the idea, saying she would not agree to anything that risked splitting the UK. Instead, the government has mooted a temporary customs union for the whole UK, and accepted the need for extra regulatory checks in the Irish Sea. Brussels has also given ground, and now appears to be prepared to sign off a UK-wide backstop in the divorce deal. That leaves the mechanism for ending the backstop as the final hurdle to overcome - but the two sides have different views. UNILATERAL EXIT Dominic Raab has been arguing that the UK should be able to scrap the backstop arrangements by giving three to six months' notice. That would assuage Eurosceptic fears that the country could end up being trapped in an inferior customs union indefinitely, unless the EU gives permission for it to stop or a wider trade deal is sealed. ALL-WEATHER BACKSTOP For its part, the EU has been adamant that the backstop must offer an 'all-weather' solution to the Irish border issue and stay in place 'unless and until' it is superseded by other arrangements. The bloc has already effectively killed off calls for a hard end date to the backstop - and No10 is now convinced that a simple unilateral notice period will not unlock the talks. COMPROMISE PLAN Mrs May and Irish PM Leo Varadkar have discussed a 'review mechanism' for the backstop, which could involve an independent arbitration body assessing whether the terms were being honoured and if the arrangement should be ended. Potentially this could provide a solution that allows Mrs May to say the backstop would not go on for ever. But the devil will be in the detail, and ministers are keen to ensure there are 'robust' ways for the UK to escape. Advertisement However, the DUP has interpreted the wording as meaning that the EU's version of the backstop could go into the agreement. Ms Foster said: 'The Prime Minister's letter raises alarm bells for those who value the integrity of our precious Union and for those who want a proper Brexit for the whole of the UK. 'It appears the Prime Minister is wedded to the idea of a border down the Irish Sea with Northern Ireland in the EU single market regulatory regime.' The DUP's Brexit spokesman Sammy Wilson said the PM appeared to be considering 'total betrayal' of her promises. Tory Eurosceptics said the spat showed Mrs May's approach 'will not work'. Downing Street tried to cool the tensions, with a spokesman saying: 'The Prime Minister's letter sets out her commitment, which she has been absolutely clear about on any number of occasions, to never accepting any circumstances in which the UK is divided into two customs territories. 'The Government will not agree anything that brings about a hard border on the island of Ireland.' Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright said the government 'understood the concerns' of the DUP and would not accept a deal with the 'component' of splitting Northern Ireland and mainland Britain. He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'Were there to be a border down the Irish Sea, as I've said and the Prime Minister has said, we wouldn't accept a deal incorporating that. 'What's important is we get a deal that satisfies our requirements - and by our requirements I mean the whole of the United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland. 'We don't have that proposed deal yet. When we do we'll be able to discuss it. 'There is no doubt we have understood the concern the DUP and others have expressed about a hard border down the Irish Sea, we share it, and we will not accept a deal that involves that component.' At a press conference at the British-Irish council meeting on the Isle of Mann today, Cabinet Office minister David Lidington said: 'The Prime Minister has always been very clear we won't accept something that involves carving out Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK.' He said a UK-EU deal would involve 'compromises, give and take on all sides' but when faced with 'product on the table' in the form of an agreement backed by all 28 governments there could be a shift in attitude at Westminster. 'People will need to ask themselves what is it that is going to be in the best interests of those who sent them to Westminster to represent them, to ensure that we maintain living standards and investment and prosperity and employment in our country. 'I hope and I believe that we can secure that majority in Parliament for the agreement.' Irish PM Leo Varadkar told journalists 'it is more likely than not that we will be able to conclude an agreement' in the coming weeks but 'lots of things can go wrong' - including having to get a deal through Westminster and the European Parliament. 'Even when all of that is done, then we begin the talks on the future relationship,' he added. 'There is no clean break here, Brexit is going to go on for a very long time.' Mrs May needs the ten DUP votes to help get her Brexit plan through the Commons. Tory Eurosceptic Jacob Rees-Mogg told The Times: 'None of this works at all. 'To say, 'because I've been incompetent in the negotiation so far I'm going to have to agree to a final backstop that could undermine the integrity of the UK, but go on to say, trust me because I'll be more competent in my future negotiation than I have in the ones to date', is a line that lacks credibility.' Sam Lowe, from the Centre for European Reform, said the acceptance of a backstop is good news for withdrawal negotiations but agreed it will cause tensions between the prime minister and the DUP. It came as Mrs May embarked on a diplomatic tour of Europe as she raced to get a Brexit deal ready to present to her Cabinet as soon as Monday. Mrs Foster (pictured with DUP deputy Nigel Dodds) said: 'The Prime Minister's letter raises alarm bells for those who value the integrity of our precious Union' She will hold meetings today with Belgian prime minister Charles Michel before lunch with Mr Macron and attending Armistice commemorations. EU chiefs yesterday suggested a Brexit deal could be finalised by the start of next week paving the way for it to be rubber-stamped by leaders at a special summit on Sunday, November 25. In February, Mrs May told the Commons that the draft backstop proposed by the EU 'would, if implemented, undermine the UK common market and threaten the constitutional integrity of the UK by creating a customs and regulatory border down the Irish Sea, and no UK prime minister could ever agree to it'. Advertisement Theresa May today joined Emmanuel Macron for a poignant visit to a town in the heart of the Somme region which suffered heavy bombardment during the First World War. The Prime Minister and her French counterpart had a private meeting in the town of Albert as she visited Belgium and France to pay her respects ahead of the 100 year anniversary of the Armistice. Albert is where Mr Macron's great-grandfather George Robertson, from Bristol, fought for Britain in the trenches. He was 19 during the Somme campaign, and won medals for his service before staying on in France after the war. The leaders later held a wreath-laying ceremony at the nearby Thiepval Memorial, which bears the names of more than 72,000 members of the Armed Forces who died in battle. Scroll down for video French President Emmanuel Macron (left) and Theresa May walk through the WWI graves at the Thiepval Memorial in France They study a grave at the cemetery in France, which honours more than 72,000 men from the Armed Forces forces who died Mrs May and Mr Macron lay a wreath at the Thiepval Memorial today to commemorate 100 year's since the conflict's end The Thiepval Memorial commemorates more than 72,000 men of British and South African forces who died in the Somme The Thiepval Memorial commemorates men who died in the Somme before March 20, 1918 and have no known grave Mrs May and Mr Macron walk up the steps of the First World War memorial in France as they prepare to lay wreaths today A wreath combining poppies and le bleuet, the two national emblems of remembrance for Britain and France, was made Mrs May and Mr Macron walk down the steps of the Thiepval Memorial today after the wreath-laying ceremony today Albert is where Mr Macron's great-grandfather George Robertson (left), from Bristol, fought for Britain in the trenches Connor Dale, 15, from Sunderland, above, is the only British school boy to lay wreath out in Belgium for Armistice A wreath combining poppies and le bleuet, the two national emblems of remembrance for Britain and France, was made for the occasion at the memorial, which holds an annual commemoration for the Missing of the Somme. The wreath that was laid says: 'There lie the flower of youth, the men who scorn'd to live (so died) when languished liberty'. This is quote from A Soldier's Cemetery by John William Streets, who was killed in 1916. The duo toured the cemetery with interns from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in a moving visit. Connor Dale, 15, from Sunderland, was the only British schoolboy to lay a wreath in Belgium for Armistice. His school in Sunderland, Redhouse Academy, had arranged for history students to visit the battlefields of World War One, including Passchendaele. Dale was not a history student, but his teacher knew he was a cadet and asked him along. He got to wear army uniform after being given special permission to do so. Cadets are normally not allowed to wear their uniform outside of the country. His Mum Leah Henderson said the wreath laying was emotional and she was proud of her son. His great, great, great Grandad, Private McManus of the Royal Irish Fusiliers, is buried in Belgium. Dale joined his local air cadet unit at the age of 12, before working his way up from a basic cadet into a medical corporal. He laid the wreath at the Menin Gate in Ypres, Belgium this week. Dale hopes to join the army in the future after he leaves school. He is hoping to attend Welbeck Army College, and then on to Sandhurst Military Academy. This graphic shows how Britain will commemorate the centenary of the end of the First World War on Remembrance Sunday Theresa May and French President Macron pause beside a headstone during their visit to the Thiepval Memoria, France The Thiepval Memorial in France is known for holding an annual commemoration for the Missing of the Somme The political leaders left flowers at the Thiepval Memorial, which commemorates the thousands killed at the Somme Mrs May and Mr Macron tour the cemetery in France with interns from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission today Mrs May and Mr Macron smile as they stand together next to flag bearers at the First World War Thiepval Memorial today The British Prime Minister and French President walk together at the Thiepval Memorial in France today Mr Macron and Mrs May wore le bleuet and a poppy, the two national emblems of remembrance for France and Britain Mr Macron and Mrs May talk to flag bearers as they visit the First World War memorial of Thiepval this afternoon The British Prime Minister and French President talk as they visit the Thiepval Memorial this afternoon The wreath that was laid by Mrs May and Mr Macron says: 'There lie the flower of youth, the men who scorn'd to live (so died) when languished liberty'. It is quote from A Soldier's Cemetery by John William Streets, who was killed in 1916 Mrs May and Mr Macron walk across the grass during their visit to the Thiepval Memorial in northern France today Soldiers stand awaiting Mrs May and Mr Macron to attend the wreath-laying ceremony at Thiepval Memorial today Earlier, Mrs May thanked fallen troops who fought in the war for being 'staunch to the end against odds uncounted' at a poignant ceremony as she visited St Symphorien Military Cemetery just outside Mons. With autumn leaves falling on the ground, Theresa May joined Belgian leader Charles Michel to view the white graves of hundreds of men among the 14 million who died in the conflict. Mrs May was sombre as she laid a wreath this morning on the immaculate grass in front of the grave of Private John Parr of the Middlesex Regiment, who died on August 21, 1914 - the first UK soldier killed in the conflict. She laid a second wreath at the grave of the last UK soldier killed, Private George Ellison of the Royal Irish Lancers, who died on the Western Front on November 11, 1918, at 9.30am before the Armistice came into effect at 11am. Mrs May, who is among 60 political leaders marking the anniversary of the Armistice around the world, learned about the site as she walked through it solemly with Liz Sweet from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. The cemetery was set up by the German army as a final resting place for British and German soldiers killed at the Battle of Mons. Prime Minister Theresa May and French President Emmanuel Macron arrive for a meeting this afternoon in Albert, France Mr Macron and Mrs May shake hands at the city hall before their meeting in Albert, a town in the heart of the Somme region The Prime Minister and her French counterpart had a private meeting and a working lunch in the town of Albert today The visit came with Mrs May in Belgium and France to pay her respects ahead of the 100 year anniversary of the Armistice Mr Macron and Mrs May smile as she arrives for their meeting as part of a First World War commemoration tour today The two European leaders will later hold a wreath-laying ceremony at the nearby Thiepval Memorial following their meeting Mr Macron welcomes Mrs May as they prepare to pay their respects to the French and British soldiers killed during the war The pair were greeted by a guard of honour from the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers and stood for the sound of The Last Post before a minute's silence. At the grave of Private Ellison, in blue pen on a headed Downing Street card attached to the garland of poppies, Mrs May wrote: 'They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted ... We will remember them.' In the note left by the resting place of Private Parr, Mrs May quoted a line of wartime poetry - The Soldier written by Rupert Brooke. She wrote: 'There is in that rich earth a richer dust concealed.' The sonnet was written by Brooke, an officer in the Royal Navy, while on leave at Christmas and formed part of a collection of work entitled 1914 which was published in January 1915. A sombre Prime Minister Theresa May lays a wreath at the grave of John Parr, the first British soldier to be killed in 1914, at the St Symphorien Military Cemetery in Mons, Belgium, while the country's Prime Minister Charles Michel watches on today Mrs May visits Belgium to pay her respects to those who died in the First World War as autumn leaves fall at the cemetery The wreaths were placed at the graves of Private Parr (left) the first soldier to be killed, and George Ellison (right), the last Mrs May goes to lay a wreath at the grave of George Ellison, the last UK soldier killed in WWI, on the immaculate grass today Mrs May holds a wreath of poppies at the St Symphorien Military Cemetery during the poignant ceremony in Mons today Mrs May places a wreath at the grave of Private Ellison, who was killed just before Armistice in 1918, as soldiers stand by The message on a wreath next to Private Parr's grave from Mrs May, which quotes The Soldier, a famous poem written by Rupert Brooke while he was on leave in Christmas 1914, saying: 'There is in that rich earth a richer dust concealed' John Parr (left) and George Ellison (right) were the first and last UK soldiers to die in the war Mrs May (centre) walks at the St Symphorien Military Cemetery with Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel (right) and Liz Sweet from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (left) Mrs May, Mr Michel and Ms Sweet walk through the cemetery in Mons this morning Mrs May lays a wreath at the grave of Private Parr, the first British soldier to be killed in 1914 Mr Michel stands and watches (left) as Mrs May lays the wreath for Private Parr this morning Soldiers stand behind the grave of Private Parr as Mrs May lays a wreath next to it in Mons today Brooke never experienced front-line combat and died from blood poisoning on April 23 1915 after being bitten by a mosquito while sailing to Gallipoli. He was buried on the island of Skyros. During the brief visit, she and Mr Michel then met British and Belgian serving members of the armed forces. As she left she thanked organisers for what had been a moving visit. Mrs May said the visit would be a chance to reflect on the time the countries spent fighting side by side in Europe but also to look ahead to a 'shared future, built on peace, prosperity and friendship'. Returning to the UK tomorrow, Mrs May will attend the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall. On Remembrance Sunday she will lay a wreath at the Cenotaph and attend the national service to mark the Centenary of the Armistice at Westminster Abbey. Mrs May and Mr Michel stand in remembrance the St Symphorien Military Cemetery today Mrs May is shown around St Symphorien Military Cemetery with Mr Michel and Ms Sweet The wreaths placed on the grave of Private Ellison, by Mrs May and Mr Michael this morning Mrs May and Mr Michel walk down steps at the St Symphorien Military Cemetery today Mrs May arrives at the cemetery in Mons, with Belgium's Prime Minister Charles Michel (left) She arrives to lay wreaths at the graves of the first and last UK soldiers to be killed in the war Members of the Armed Forces take part in the official opening of the Field of Remembrance at Royal Wootton Bassett today Poppies in the Field of Remembrance at Royal Wootton Bassett in a walled garden in the grounds of Lydiard House and Park Staff line the atrium as poppies fall during a Armistice commemoration service at Lloyd's of London this morning Workers stand for a poppy drop during a Remembrance Service at the Lloyd's building in the City of London this morning Poppies fall to the floor during the Remembrance Service held at the Lloyd's building in the City of London today Workers take pictures on their phones as they stand for a poppy drop during the service at the Lloyd's building today Members of the Armed Forces salute as workers stand for a two-minute silence during the service at the Lloyd's building French President Emmanuel Macron meets with locals in a bar in Lens, France, after his Armistice visit How a young British schoolboy, 15, who laid an Armistice wreath in Ypres is doing our country proud Connor Dale, 15, from Sunderland, above, was the only British schoolboy to lay a wreath in Belgium for Armistice Connor Dale, 15, from Sunderland, was the only British schoolboy to lay a wreath in Ypres, Belgium for Armistice. His school in Sunderland, Redhouse Academy, had arranged for history students to visit the battlefields of World War One, including Passchendaele. Dale was not a history student, but his teacher knew he was a cadet and asked him along. Cadets are normally not allowed to wear their uniform outside of the country, but he was given special permission to do so. His Mum Leah Henderson said the wreath laying was emotional and she was proud. Dale joined his local air cadet unit at the age of 12, before working his way up from a basic cadet into a medical corporal. He laid the wreath at the Menin Gate in Ypres, Belgium this week. Dale hopes to join the army in the future after he leaves school. He is hoping to attend Welbeck Army College, and then on to Sandhurst Military Academy. Advertisement May and Macron honour the WWI dead close to where his great-grandfather fought for Britain as a 19-year-old George Robertson was just 19 during the Somme campaign, and won medals for his service before staying on in France Theresa May and Emmanuel Macron will honour the First World War dead on the battlefields of the Somme today where the French president's great-grandfather fought for Britain. The two leaders met 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. Butcher George Robertson was just 19 during the Somme campaign, and won medals for his service before staying on in France after the war. 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. Mr Robertson cut all ties with his family in France and Mr Macron only learned of his British bloodline when the Daily Mirror revealed it last year. 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. Advertisement Rebellious scout John Parr, 17, was shot dead before first major battle and ex-miner George Ellison, 40, was killed by a German sniper just 90 minutes before peace JOHN PARR was working as a caddy at the local golf course when he lied about his age to enlist at 15. Born in July 1897, he grew up in poverty, sharing a small terraced house in North Finchley, North London, with a big family. He was the youngest of 11 siblings, at least five of whom died before their fourth birthday. His father, Edward, worked as a milkman until the age of 66, and his mother Alice also laboured long hours, taking in laundry for better-off families and offering her services as a midwife. As soon as he could Parr found a job as a butchers boy and later as a caddy at the North Middlesex Golf Club. Just 5ft 3in tall, he joined the Middlesex Regiment in 1912, claiming to be 18. The young reconnaissance cyclist was described by his superiors as clean, sober and intelligent but inclined to be insubordinate. After his death in August 1914 there was no official news of what happened to him. His mother visited the War Office in London in October after receiving a letter from another soldier. Months later Parr was listed as missing and his death was no confirmed until after the war. Private John Parr (left) and Private George Ellison (right) GEORGE ELLISON was a family man whose luck ran out minutes before the end of the Great War. He somehow survived four years of horrific trench warfare only to be shot dead minutes before hostilities ceased. Ellison left a wife Hannah and a four-year-old son James, who had his fifth birthday just a few days after his fathers death. The former miner fought during the war with the 5th Royal Irish Lancers. He must have been one of the few members of the original British Expeditionary Force, shipped to Europe in August 1914, to survive until the final day of the war. Born in York in 1878, he had two siblings and lived in Hull and Hartlepool with his family. Ellison married in 1912 and the couple celebrated the birth of their son in November 1913 - months before the outbreak of war. Advertisement How Theresa May quoted a famous WWI poem in her wreath tribute Prime Minister Theresa May quoted a piece of First World War poetry as she left a message on a wreath for John Parr, the first UK soldier killed in 1914. In it, she quoted The Soldier, by soldier Rupert Brooke, which dates back to the same year, saying: 'There is in that rich earth a richer dust concealed'. The sonnett was written while Brooke while on leave at Christmas - and was in a collection of five entitled '1914', published in a magazine one month later. He never faced front-line combat, but died in April 1915 after suffering blood poisoning from a mosquito bite en route to Gallipolo. He was buried in Skyros. The message on a wreath at Private Parr's grave, which quotes The Soldier, a poem by Rupert Brooke in 1914, saying: 'There is in that rich earth a richer dust concealed' The Soldier, by Rupert Brooke If I should die, think only this of me: That there's some corner of a foreign field That is for ever England. There shall be In that rich earth a richer dust conceal'd; A dust whom England bore, shaped, made aware, Gave, once, her flowers to love, her ways to roam, A body of England's, breathing English air. Wash'd by the rivers, blest by suns of home. And think, this heart, all evil shed away, A pulse in the eternal mind, no less Gives somewhere back the thoughts by England given; Her sights and sounds; dreams happy as her day; And laughter, learnt of friends; and gentleness, In hearts at peace, under an English heaven. Advertisement Famous faces including Warwick Davis and Bear Grylls pen personal messages to commemorate Armistice Actor and TV presenter Warwick Davis pens a personal note to be to accompany a Tommy figure, which could be found at a WH Smith Stars from Harry Kane to Hollywood legend Arnold Schwarzenneger have each penned a personal note to commemorate 100 year anniversary of the end of the First World War. The notes will accompany 10-inch perspex Tommy figures which are being sold for charity. Anyone buying the iconic Tommy, sold at WH Smith, stands a chance of bagging one of the specially signed items. Bear Grylls, charity There But Not There ambassador, which is organising the project, said: 'What 'There But Not There' does so powerfully is support those struggling with the wounds of their service. 'Because it is through remembering and honouring the past that we can best stand alongside those facing so many scars of conflict today'. All of the profits from the sale of the Tommies will go to a collection of military and mental health charities supporting veterans today, including Help for Heroes and the Commonwealth War Graves Foundation. Standard 10 inch Tommy figures are also available to buy at all WHSmith high street stores. Advertisement How a WW2 soldier who captured 12 Germans on his own, and another who faced enemy fire on D-day beach aged just 18 are awarded French military honour Left to right, Ruth Bourne, Alfred Hicks, Albert Avann, Joseph Randall and Thomas Stonehouse after being presented with Legion d'Honneur Medal in London on Friday Sword Beach, D-Day in June 1944 when British and American troops invaded German occupied France to push on inland. Mr Hicks watched soldiers turn green as they drove into enemy fire [File photo] Ruth Bourne was one of the codebreakers of Bletchley Park, who started to work there aged just 17 [File photo] All five were presented with the Legion d'Honneur Medal, for their role in liberating the country during the Second World War, at the French Ambassador's residence in London on Friday Four British soldiers and a Bletchley Park code breaker have received France 's highest military honour for their role in liberating the country during the Second World War. The four men and one woman all played different parts in winning the war and each have different stories to tell. They are all in their 90s and were only teenagers and young adults when the war broke out. Left to right, Ruth Bourne, Alfred Hicks, Albert Avann, Joseph Randall and Thomas Stonehouse after being presented with Legion d'Honneur Medal in London on Friday Ruth Bourne, 92, from London, Joseph Randall, 95, from Devon, Albert Avann, 93, from Sussex, Alfred Hicks, from Dorset, and Thomas Stonehouse, from Hampshire, were each presented with their Legion of Honour medals in a ceremony at the French Ambassador's Residence in London on Friday. The recipients included Mr Stonehouse, who finished his training a fortnight before D-Day. He was called up the day after his 18th birthday. Mr Stonehouse said he did not like to speak about the war, saying he preferred to put it out of his mind, but his son in law said he captured 12 German soldiers on his own. 'He was out on patrol one night, on his own in the dark, and he came across 12 Germans,' son in law Kevin Exley said. Sword Beach, D-Day in June 1944 when British and American troops invaded German occupied France to push on inland. Mr Hicks watched soldiers turn green as they drove into enemy fire [File photo] 'He thought they were going to shoot but they surrendered to him.' Fellow Normandy veteran Mr Hicks, 93, was a cameraman in the Royal Air Force film unit. He took part in D-Day, the Allied invasion of German-controlled France in June 1944, on one of five beaches, Sword Beach in Normandy, France. He watched as other soldiers 'turned green' as they drove on to the beach under enemy fire. Ruth Bourne was one of the codebreakers of Bletchley Park, who started to work there aged just 17 [File photo] He said: 'When I got up to the beach we were shot at by the Germans, with tracers coming over. They were just missing us, thank goodness. 'The landing craft had ducks on it, vehicles that go into water, and I was with the army medical craft. 'The driver of the duck went green. He said to the officer, I can't go on.' But after some stern and threatening words from the officer, the duck driver did go on, Mr Hicks said. Ruth Bourne was one of the codebreakers of Bletchley Park, who started to work there aged just 17. All five were presented with the Legion d'Honneur Medal, for their role in liberating the country during the Second World War, at the French Ambassador's residence in London on Friday She operated the computers which helped to break German code during the war. French ambassador Mr Jouyet presented the veterans with their medals and kissed them on both cheeks before the French and British national anthems were played. 'It is a very great honour for me to recognise and express our country's heartfelt gratitude to each of you, who helped liberate France during the Second World War,' Ambassador Jean-Pierre Jouyet said. 'The French authority was able to count on the support of its closest partner from the very first hours of the war. The ceremony on Friday follows several others that have taken place across the UK since the 70th anniversary of D-Day in June 2014. Former French President Francois Hollande at the time pledged to honour all British veterans who had served and France has so far decorated more than 5,500 veterans. Advertisement Advertisement One of the biggest warships in the Norwegian navy was warned repeatedly it was on a collision course with a Britain-bound oil tanker before the two vessels smashed into each other, it has been claimed. Crew on board the KNM Helge Instad, part of a NATO fleet in the Atlantic, insisted they 'had control' before smashing into Sola TS in Sture, north of Bergen, Norway. The frigate had received alerts from the tanker and from the Coastal Maritime Traffic Center Fedje VTS, sources have told the Norwegian news website Aldrimer. But ship management are said to have responded: 'We are in control' in the run-up to the crash. Some 10,000 litres of helicopter fuel from the frigate has leaked into the sea after the collision tore a large hole in its side, the military said. The frigate's 137 crew members were evacuated amid fears that it may sink. Scroll down for video One of the biggest warships in the Norwegian navy was warned repeatedly it was on a collision course with a Britain-bound oil tanker before it ploughed into the vessel, it has been claimed Crew on board the KNM Helge Instad, part of a NATO fleet in the Atlantic, insisted they 'had control' of the ship before smashing in to Sola TS in Sture, north of Bergen, Norway There were fears from officials that the ship would sink but eventually the warship, one of the biggest in the Norwegian navy, ran aground Eight people on the KNM Helge Instad were injured in the 4am collision said Rear Adm. Nils Andreas Stensoenes, the head of Norway's navy. Two of them were taken to a nearby hospital. The ship, which had recently taken part in the vast Trident Juncture NATO military drill in Norway, is 'strongly listing,' Stensoenes told a news conference Thursday afternoon. The frigate was lying in the water almost on its side with its stern under the water. The 442ft long frigate, built in Spain in 2009, is part of a NATO fleet in the Atlantic. The alliance has been informed of the accident, he said. A Norwegian navy frigate (pictured) and a Maltese oil tanker collided in a fjord in western Norway yesterday morning, injuring seven people Eight sailors were injured after the warship, one of the largest in the Norwegian navy, collided with the oil tanker Despite the terrifying collision and fears of the warship sinking, none of the 137 people on board were seriously injured The Maltese-flagged oil tanker, Sola TS, was not damaged and its 23-man crew remained on board. The shipping site Sysla reported the tanker had been loaded with crude oil and was on its way to Britain. Stensoenes said the cause of the accident was not clear and the Navy would wait for the findings of Norway's Accident Investigation Board. Earlier reports had said a towboat was also involved in the collision, but Stensoenes denied that report. He said the frigate had been pushed by towboats into shallow water where it could not sink fully. The tanker, the Sola TS, was only slightly damaged and it appears that it did not spill oil after the collision with the warship Norwegian Lieutenant Colonel Ivar Moen said: 'The armed forces is now reviewing all the means available in the region to assist the KNM Helge Ingstad' 'We are in a security phase for the time being,' he said. He declined to comment on what would happen to the weapons on board the ship. Some 10,000 liters of helicopter fuel from the frigate has leaked into the sea, said Johan Marius Ly of the Norwegian Coast Guard. The fuel was expected to evaporate quickly. Norway's largest oil and gas company, Equinor, formerly known as Statoil, said its non-emergency activities at the Sture terminal where the collision occurred were shut down as a precaution for many hours but were gradually starting up again late Thursday afternoon. The Accident Investigation Board said because the tanker is Maltese-registered, the Marine Safety Investigation Unit (MSIU) of Malta will participate in the investigation. A total of 137 people were on board the frigate (pictured) while 23 were on the tanker, which was flying the Maltese flag The circumstances of the accident, which took place shortly after 4am yesterday in the Hjeltefjord near Bergen, are not yet clear France's prime minister referred to a new Night of Broken Glass across France as he announced that anti-Semitic acts were up by 69 per cent this year. Edouard Philippe made the claim on the 80th anniversary of the November 1938 pogroms in Germany when Nazis attacked Jewish businesses and synagogues. Every aggression perpetrated against one of our fellow citizens because he is Jewish sounds like a new breakage of glass, Mr Philippe said in a Facebook post. French president Emmanuel Macron visits the 'Ring of Memory' WWI memorial in northern France, as he caused outrage this week by claiming Vichy France leader and Nazi collaborator Philippe Petain had been a WWI hero French PM Edouard Philippe leaves a cabinet meeting held in northern France on November 7 While Mr Philippe did not point to particular acts of physical violence, he made it clear that online hate crimes and related offences went up significantly this year. Referring specifically to Kristallnacht the Night of Broken Glass Mr Philippe said: Why remember, in 2018, such a painful memory? Because we are very far from having finished with anti-Semitism. While [anti-Semitism] has been declining for two years, the number of these acts has increased by more than 69% in the first nine months of 2018. Kristallnacht took place in November 1938 and involved the targeting of Jewish businesses and synagogues by Nazi paramilitaries and civilians. It was the 'Night of Broken Glass,' as Jewish shop windows were smashed and synagogues were torched. Mr Philippe said that in relation to anti-Semitism he would let nothing pass, and that new measures included a clampdown on cyber hate crime. A modification of the law will strengthen the fight against online anti-Semitism, while a new Ministry of Education team will fight against Jewish hate in schools. Mr Philippes government is also experimenting with a network of investigators and magistrates specifically trained in the fight against hate crimes. These will target all forms of discrimination, including hate acts aimed at other vulnerable religious communities including Muslims. Anti-Semitic acts fell by 50 per cent in 2016, according to government figures, and then by a further seven per in 2017. But more than 500 complaints have already been reported in 2018, accounting for the 69 per cent rise. 'Kristallnacht', or the night of broken glass, was an attack on Jewish businesses and synagogues carried out by Nazi paramilitaries and civilians in November 1938 Many are related to Israel, with French Jews frequently complaining that they frequently suffer prejudice because of their links with the Middle Eastern country and its conflict with Palestine. France has a long history of anti-Semitism behind it, and many say that it remains institutionally racist. President Emmanuel Macron caused outrage this week by referring to the Nazi collaborator Marshall Philippe Petain as a great soldier. Petain led French forces to victory during World War I, but then ran the pro-German Vichy regime, allowing thousands of Jews to be entrained to concentration camps where they were murdered. Petain is still revered, including by some members of the historically notoriously anti-Semitic National Rally (NR) party. The NR which used to be called the National Front is led by Marine Le Pen, and has seen a surge of support since she came runner-up to become head of state in 2017. Ayodeji Azeez (pictured) died after being attacked by a gang of men A teenage girl has been arrested on suspicion of murder over the stabbing of a 22-year-old man. Ayodeji Habeeb Azeez was stabbed in Anerley, south London on Sunday. Mr Azeez was chased down the street before he was stabbed. He was murdered in broad daylight in Samos Road. Emergency services were called at 12.30pm on Sunday November 4 but he died half an hour later, despite efforts from paramedics. Mr Azeez who was from Dagenham in east London, was the 121st person to be murdered in the capital this year and the fourth of five people to have been stabbed since Halloween. Ayodeji Azeez died after being found with fatal stab wounds on Samos Road, London (pictured above) Detective Chief Inspector Mark Cranwell, from the Met's Homicide and Major Crime Command, said: 'This attack took place in the middle of the day, in broad daylight in a residential street. 'It goes without saying that this incident would have stood out in what would normally have been a quiet environment. 'It appears that four or five male suspects were involved in the attack; both they and Ayodeji were seen to run into Samos Road from Grace Mews. By this point Ayodeji had been attacked. The suspects fled in one direction while Ayodeji went the other way before he collapsed. Police had cordoned off the scene on Sunday after they launched an investigation into the stabbing The attack happened on Samos Road (pictured above) in broad daylight 'I am appealing to anyone who was in the area on Sunday afternoon and saw this attack, or the events surrounding the attack, to come forward and speak to police. This includes trying to establish if anyone was with Ayodeji when he was attacked. 'My officers are making progress as to why Ayodeji was in the area, why he came to be attacked and who was responsible for his murder, but we need information from the public to assist us in keeping the momentum of this investigation moving forward.' Police had previously arrested two men, aged 19 and 21, on suspicion of murder on Sunday, who were later released under investigation. Earlier this week, Britain's stabbing epidemic reached its peak, as the country saw saw six stabbing attacks take place across the country in just over 24 hours. Four of the six stabbings had taken place in London, one in Great Yarmouth and the other in Birmingham. Police arrested three men on suspicion of murder in Birmingham after a man was found dead in the street on Tuesday night. As many as five people have been stabbed to death around South London in the last week Footage from the scene in Sparkbrook showed officers laying a white sheet over the victim's body. It is believed the incident was a stabbing. Also on Tuesday, officers were called to an alleyway in well-heeled West Hampstead in North West London at about 8pm after reports of yet another knife attack. The boy was found on a road named after rock legend Billy Fury, close to a street of multi-million pound houses and the three train stations in the area. Rocky Djelal (left) was killed in Rotherhithe in a targeted attack last Wednesday. Malcolm Mide-Madariola (right) was fatally stabbed outside Clapham South Tube station last Friday On Wednesday in Hackney, paramedics raced to the scene near the Olympic Village after police were called to the 'disturbance' shortly before 2pm. A group of people ran out the front of the square after the attack, and officers said no one could pass the cordon because a police dog was on the way. One resident said he heard that a suspect leapt into gardens and was hammering on windows to try to get away from the scene by going through peoples houses. Jay Hughes (above) was attacked by four men who slashed at his body on the street last Thursday The man was taken to hospital and a forensic scene was put in place at the site near Hackney Wick train station, but no arrests have been made. Elsewhere in London on Wednesday a teenager was left with 'life-threatening injuries' after a stabbing in Shepherd's Bush, while on the other side on the city in Enfield a man in his 20s was 'repeatedly stabbed'. Police are working to stem the bloodshed after five men and boys were stabbed to death in one week. It began with the murder of father Rocky Djelal, 38, who was killed in Southwark Park, Rotherhithe, in a targeted attack last Wednesday. Malcolm Mide-Madariola (left) was stabbed outside Clapham tube station. John Ogunjobi (right) was stabbed in Tulse Hill The next evening 15-year-old Jay Hughes, also known as Jai Sewell, was killed by a stab wound to the heart in a premeditated attack in Bellingham, South East London. On Friday, college student Malcolm Mide-Madariola, 17, was knifed to death outside Clapham South Tube station. The latest victim, a 16-year-old boy who died after being stabbed in Tulse Hill, south London on Monday has been named by Scotland Yard as John Ogunjobi. Friends said he was a drill rapper known as JaySav. John Porteous, 85, pictured, was jailed for abusing David Whelan, 61, between 1969 and 1974 while he worked at a fire safety officer at the Quarriers Village Children's Home in Renfrewshire A convicted paedophile has refused to apologise to the man he sexually abused and yesterday boasted to an inquiry about stringent child protection measures at his former care home. John Porteous, 85, was jailed for the abuse of David Whelan at Quarriers Village. At the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry (SCAI) yesterday, Mr Whelan, 61, listened as the statutory probes chairman Lady Smith said Porteous had refused to apologise for the sexual abuse. She said the inquiry accepted the offences of which he was convicted as fact, but added that Porteouss position was that no apology is offered or is due. Earlier Porteous told the hearing in Edinburgh that he was a child at the village, near Bridge of Weir, Renfrewshire, until the age of 15. He returned to work there as a fire safety officer but also helped to run a cottage where vulnerable children were looked after, between 1969 and 1974. Porteous said there was strict discipline when he was a child at Quarriers, and youngsters were subjected to punishments that would now be seen as beatings. He said he could remember children screaming and he was belted by a wicked individual. When he came back to work there, he was given a fortnights training in childcare. Under questioning by the inquirys senior counsel James Peoples, QC, Porteous said child protection measures had been stringent. He said when it came to protecting children, every precaution was taken. Porteous denied having routine access to children in his care while he was on his own, but under further questioning he said: It could be possible. Mr Whelan was abused at the Quarriers Village Children's Home in Renfrewshire, pictured, during the late 1960s and early 1970s Later a witness using the name Jack was confronted with physical abuse allegations relating to his time on the staff at Quarriers. He denied abusing children, but when asked if he had slapped a child said it was possible, adding: Oh, [it was] just a smack in the arm, just to make the child aware that theyre doing wrong. The inquiry continues. A group of British MPs has urged U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo not to allow anti-Islam activist Tommy Robinson into America. Robinson, a founder and former member of the far-Right group the English Defence League, has been invited to speak at an event in Washington later this month. He is understood to be waiting for authorisation under the U.S.'s ESTA system before embarking on the trip, which opponents fear could open up new sources of funding for his campaigns. A cross-party group of MPs has now written to the Trump's administration's Mike Pompeo, head of the U.S. State department, insisting Robinson should not be allowed to use the trip to 'promote his violent and extremist agenda'. MPs have urged U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo (right) not to let British anti-Islam campaigner Tommy Robinson (left) into America MPs Michael Fabricant, Luciana Berger and Chris Bryant are among those calling for the ban The politicians say Robinson's previous bid to get into the U.S. using someone else's passport, for which he was jailed in 2013, should preclude him from going there again. The letter states: 'We hope you agree that it would send a terrible signal if a convicted felon deemed inadmissible to the United States such as Yaxley-Lennon were allowed to travel to your country and speak before a prominent audience despite his conviction for previously entering the United States illegally. 'Clearly the gravity of his criminal serious record, his brazen violation of U.S. immigration law and the threat he poses to the American public will ensure that he isn't granted admission to the U.S.' The letter is signed by Tory Michael Fabricant, Labour's Chris Bryant, Ian Austin and Luciana Berger and the Lib Dems' Tom Brake, among others. Robinson, who is also planning a speaking tour of Australia, has previously claimed 'lies' are being spread about him to prevent him from travelling. His profile around the world grew after he was jailed for endangering the trial of an Asian grooming gang by posting videos filmed outside court online. His conviction was later quashed. Robinson, pictured with EDL members in 2013, was jailed in 2013 for travelling to the U.S. on someone's else's passport Anti-extremism group Hope Not Hate say he is now trying to cash in on the notoriety the case brought him and will use any money raised to organise 'violent and divisive' demonstrations. Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was freed from prison in August after three judges quashed a contempt of court finding made at Leeds Crown Court. He was formally released from bail on Monday, but could face further legal action by the Attorney General. He denies breaching the Contempt of Court Act and making a broadcast likely to seriously prejudice the trial, the Old Bailey has heard. The Attorney General's Office has said all the material was being looked at 'afresh' before a decision was made on whether to refer Robinson to the High Court for contempt. Did ancient Chinese people love drinking wine like the Europeans? The answer is yes. Archaeologists claim to have found a pot of wine from more than 2,000 years ago in an ancient tomb in China. The bronze vessel contains 3.5 litres of liquid which dates back to China's West Han Dynasty (202BC-8AD), a researcher told MailOnline. Chinese archaeologists have discovered 3.5 litres of liquid (left) in an ancient vessel (right) typically used to contain wine. Researchers say the liquid dates back to West Han Dynasty The 210 sq. metre tomb has six parts, including the main chamber and two smaller chambers The tipple was unearthed in September inside a tomb thought to belong to a local official in the ancient capital of Luoyang in central China. Researchers at Luoyang Municipal Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology were excavating a group of more than 300 ancient tombs in Luoyang's Xigong district when they made the discovery. Pan Fusheng, a deputy researcher from the institute, told MailOnline that the liquid was pale yellow and had a slight alcoholic scent when the team opened the vessel. 'We think it was wine. The pot was a typical alcoholic container from the time,' said researcher Pan. He added: 'We know that people from West Han loved drinking alcohol. Previously we have found many drinking cups and goblets in the tombs. 'It is probably because China was prosperous during the time and people lived a happy and comfortable life.' According to a researcher, people from the West Han Dynasty loved drinking alcohol and the team have previously found many drinking cups and goblets in the tombs from the era Dozens of pots and plates, large bronze serving trays, coins and an extremely rare lamp shaped after a goose (left) have also been unearthed in the tomb in Luoyang in September After being buried for two millennia, the alcohol content in the liquid has mostly evaporated, which is why the 'wine' has such a light colour, according to the expert. It has survived until today because the container was sealed well. Pan and his colleagues plan to carry out further studies to determine the exact content of the liquid. The wine vessel was excavated from a luxurious tomb situated about 1,000 metres (3,280 feet) from the site of the old Luoyang town during the West Han Dynasty. Occupying 210 square metres (2,260 square feet), the tomb has six parts, including the main chamber and two smaller chambers. Researchers found one skeleton in the tomb. Its identity remains unknown. However, expert say the tomb likely belonged to a high-level government official. 'He was not just rich. We think he could be the county's magistrate,' explained Pan. The identity of the tomb's owner remains unknown, but researchers say the tomb likely belonged to a high-level government official judging from the relics (pictured) they found Experts were digging 300 tombs in Luoyang's Xigong district when they made the discovery Apart from the liquid, archaeologists discovered more than 100 relics inside the tomb, including dozens of pots and plates, large bronze serving trays, coins and an extremely rare lamp shaped after a goose - an animal well loved by ancient Chinese people. A large number of jewellery made of jade were also unearthed in the main chamber. Earlier this year, another team of Chinese archaeologists came across 300 millilitres of liquid likely to be wine in the north-west China's Shaanxi Province. The liquid was found inside a commoner's tomb and thought to be from the Qin Dynasty (221-207BC). Experts from Archaeological Research Institute of Shaanxi Province believed the milky yellow liquid was a type of fermented alcoholic beverage. The Somali-born terrorist at the centre of Friday's lone wolf terror attack on Melbourne's inner-city was a known security risk. Mohamed Khalif, also known as Hassan Shire, 31, died on the operating table Friday night, hours after running rampant through Melbourne's Bourke Street, stabbing three men, one fatally. He had been known to police for years due to his family's known connections to terror groups in North Africa. But it was revealed shortly after his death that his wife had gone missing the night of the horrific attack and is believed to have been radicalised. The 31-year-old Khalif, who lunged at police and pedestrians with a knife, was well-known to authorities as a potential security risk Shortly after his death, it was revealed his wife had gone missing a night prior and is presumed to have been radicalised In a press conference on Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton revealed the attacker's family had known connections to terror groups, making him a 'person of interest' on a state and federal level. Sources told the Herald Sun authorities were likely to utilise a new law, allowing them to detain Khalif's wife and other associates deemed to be a security risk, but she was revealed to have gone missing and is presumed to have been radicalised. The Somalian national was revealed to have moved to Melbourne's north-western suburbs in the 1990s, and later had his passport cancelled. Mr Ashton was asked about reports from eyewitnesses that Khalif screamed 'Allahu Akhbar' as he chased pedestrians, to which he could not confirm. He was one of 300 Victorians on a list of 'persons of interest' who counter-terrorism authorities deemed as posing a potential security risk. Khalif has a history of cannabis use, theft and driving offences. The man, who had prior convictions for drug use, theft and driving offences, is expected to be investigated for links to North African extremism groups Police are expected to investigate the any potential connection between Khalif and North African extremism groups. Witnesses of the terror attack on Friday afternoon told authorities they saw the man narrowly avoid a collision with a packed tram, before crashing his ute. He got out of the car and set it alight, extracting a knife from the car and brandishing it at civilians. He stabbed three men, one of which died shortly after. Opposition Leader Matthew Guy said the deceased man was aged in his 60s. A 26-year-old and a 58-year-old were taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Most of us want to be good genealogists. We want to do our best to find our ancestors. We want to find the facts,and know that what we found... The EU has demanded that its fishing fleets be allowed access to British waters as part of an all-UK Brexit backstop deal, it was claimed today. Brussels is said to be insisting that boats must be allowed to fish in the UKs territorial waters as part of a 'backstop' plan to avoid a hard Irish border. The concession is apparently the price of the EU agreeing to a whole-UK backstop, instead of specific arrangements that would split off Northern Ireland. Government sources tried to play down the idea - but the EU is believed to be using the 'ticking clock on sealing a divorce deal as leverage to extract more from the government. Brussels is said to be insisting that boats must be allowed to fish in the UKs territorial waters as part of a 'backstop' plan to avoid a hard Irish border (file picture from Wigton in Cumnbria) The Prime Minister (pictured in Downing Street this week) is meeting the French President for lunch as the drama ramps up - with signs a divorce package is on the brink of being agreed An EU diplomat told The Telegraph: It is paramount the UK gives assurances on the access of the European fleet to UK waters before the EU can agree to a UK wide backstop. Another diplomat from a major EU fishing power added: 'There can be a customs union, but there must be rules to ensure that EU fisherman will be able to continue to fish in UK waters, otherwise there is no point in having a customs union. A Government source said: Michael Gove, David Mundell and the Prime Minister could not have been clearer, leaving the EU means taking back control of our waters. This includes in any, unlikely, backstop arrangement. Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson has previously insisted she sees taking back control of fishing waters as one of the main advantages of Brexit. Currently British boats are said to collect 40 per cent of fish in the waters. The latest detailed wrangling emerged as Mrs May holds crunch talks with Emmanuel Macron as the Brexit deal hangs in the balance. The Prime Minister is meeting the French President for lunch as the drama ramps up - with signs a divorce package is on the brink of being agreed. But domestic pressure on Mrs May is mounting after the DUP - which is propping Mrs May up in power - claimed she is preparing to break her promise never to sign off a deal which risks splitting Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK. The row erupted after a leaked letter from the premier to the party's leader Arlene Foster suggested she is ready to make other concessions on EU demands over the Irish border 'backstop'. The principle of the backstop was included in the draft divorce deal struck last December, and is intended to avoid a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic. It would only come into effect if no wider trade agreement is sealed by the end of a mooted transition period in December 2020. Mr Macron, pictured at a war memorial yesterday, has been among the EU leaders taking a hard line on Brexit But the EU and UK have proposed significantly different versions - and thrashing out a compromise is the last stumbling block in the withdrawal talks. The letter said Brussels is still pushing for its backstop - which would see Northern Ireland stay effectively within the bloc's customs and regulatory jurisdiction - to be included in the Withdrawal Agreement as an insurance policy in case the government's all-UK backstop does not work. Mrs May insisted in her missive, written on Tuesday and leaked to The Times, that she will never allow a divide in the Irish Sea to 'come into force'. Irish border backstop mechanism is the final hurdle in divorce talks The Brexit divorce negotiations have boiled down to the issue of the Irish border. Brussels had initially demanded that Northern Ireland stays within its jurisdiction for customs and most single market rules to avoid a hard border. But Mrs May flatly rejected the idea, saying she would not agree to anything that risked splitting the UK. Instead, the government has mooted a temporary customs union for the whole UK, and accepted the need for extra regulatory checks in the Irish Sea. Brussels has also given ground, and now appears to be prepared to sign off a UK-wide backstop in the divorce deal. That leaves the mechanism for ending the backstop as the final hurdle to overcome - but the two sides have different views. UNILATERAL EXIT Dominic Raab has been arguing that the UK should be able to scrap the backstop arrangements by giving three to six months' notice. That would assuage Eurosceptic fears that the country could end up being trapped in an inferior customs union indefinitely, unless the EU gives permission for it to stop or a wider trade deal is sealed. ALL-WEATHER BACKSTOP For its part, the EU has been adamant that the backstop must offer an 'all-weather' solution to the Irish border issue and stay in place 'unless and until' it is superseded by other arrangements. The bloc has already effectively killed off calls for a hard end date to the backstop - and No10 is now convinced that a simple unilateral notice period will not unlock the talks. COMPROMISE PLAN Mrs May and Irish PM Leo Varadkar have discussed a 'review mechanism' for the backstop, which could involve an independent arbitration body assessing whether the terms were being honoured and if the arrangement should be ended. Potentially this could provide a solution that allows Mrs May to say the backstop would not go on for ever. But the devil will be in the detail, and ministers are keen to ensure there are 'robust' ways for the UK to escape. Advertisement 'I am clear that I could not accept there being any circumstances or conditions in which that 'backstop to the backstop', which would break up the UK customs territory, could come into force,' she wrote. 'That is why it is critical that the provision for a UK-EU joint customs territory is legally binding in the Withdrawal Agreement itself, so that no 'backstop to a backstop' is required.' However, the DUP has interpreted the wording as meaning that the EU's version of the backstop could go into the agreement. Ms Foster said: 'The Prime Minister's letter raises alarm bells for those who value the integrity of our precious Union and for those who want a proper Brexit for the whole of the UK. 'It appears the Prime Minister is wedded to the idea of a border down the Irish Sea with Northern Ireland in the EU single market regulatory regime.' The DUP's Brexit spokesman Sammy Wilson said the PM appeared to be considering 'total betrayal' of her promises. Tory Eurosceptics said the spat showed Mrs May's approach 'will not work'. Downing Street tried to cool the tensions, with a spokesman saying: 'The Prime Minister's letter sets out her commitment, which she has been absolutely clear about on any number of occasions, to never accepting any circumstances in which the UK is divided into two customs territories. 'The Government will not agree anything that brings about a hard border on the island of Ireland.' Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright said the government 'understood the concerns' of the DUP and would not accept a deal with the 'component' of splitting Northern Ireland and mainland Britain. He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'Were there to be a border down the Irish Sea, as I've said and the Prime Minister has said, we wouldn't accept a deal incorporating that. 'What's important is we get a deal that satisfies our requirements - and by our requirements I mean the whole of the United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland. 'We don't have that proposed deal yet. When we do we'll be able to discuss it. 'There is no doubt we have understood the concern the DUP and others have expressed about a hard border down the Irish Sea, we share it, and we will not accept a deal that involves that component.' Mrs May needs the ten DUP votes to help get her Brexit plan through the Commons. Tory Eurosceptic Jacob Rees-Mogg told The Times: 'None of this works at all. 'To say, 'because I've been incompetent in the negotiation so far I'm going to have to agree to a final backstop that could undermine the integrity of the UK, but go on to say, trust me because I'll be more competent in my future negotiation than I have in the ones to date', is a line that lacks credibility.' Sam Lowe, from the Centre for European Reform, said the acceptance of a backstop is good news for withdrawal negotiations but agreed it will cause tensions between the prime minister and the DUP. It came as Mrs May embarked on a diplomatic tour of Europe as she raced to get a Brexit deal ready to present to her Cabinet as soon as Monday. Mrs Foster (pictured with DUP deputy Nigel Dodds) said: 'The Prime Minister's letter raises alarm bells for those who value the integrity of our precious Union' She will hold meetings today with Belgian prime minister Charles Michel before lunch with Mr Macron and attending Armistice commemorations. EU chiefs yesterday suggested a Brexit deal could be finalised by the start of next week paving the way for it to be rubber-stamped by leaders at a special summit on Sunday, November 25. In February, Mrs May told the Commons that the draft backstop proposed by the EU 'would, if implemented, undermine the UK common market and threaten the constitutional integrity of the UK by creating a customs and regulatory border down the Irish Sea, and no UK prime minister could ever agree to it'. A middle school teacher in east China has been detained by police for beating a student with brooms, leaving bruises all over his body. The 13-year-old boy in Bozhou, Anhui province had been five minutes late to class on Thursday and argued with the teacher before she got upset and started assaulting the student, Chinese media reported. The pupil has been taken to hospital for treatment and the female teacher, surnamed Lei, has been suspended and detained for 13 days by local police. A middle school teacher in east China's Anhui province has been detained by police for beating a 13-year-old student with brooms, leaving bruises all over his body Pictures show the student, identified by his nickname Zhao Hua, lying in bed at Bozhou People's Hospital, covered with injuries all over his body including lumps on his head Pictures show the student, identified by his nickname Zhao Hua, lying in bed at Bozhou People's Hospital on Thursday. He was covered with injuries all over his body, including large bruises on his back, abrasions on his legs and lumps on his head. Zhao arrived at 6:35am at Hong Xue Ying Cai Middle school that morning, five minutes after class had started, his devastated mother told video news site Pear. The teacher, Lei, interrogated Zhao why he was late and the two got into an argument. Furious, Lei then picked up a broom at the back of the classroom and started beating the boy with it. Student Zhao Hua was left with bruises all over his body and was treated in hospital Zhao told reporters that this is not the first time he was abused by the same teacher The teacher broke a total of four broomsticks while issuing the extreme punishment, according to Anhui Online. Lei then demanded him stand in pain outside the teacher's office while she carried on the lesson. After a while, Zhao then checked himself into the school infirmary as the pain became unbearable. Medical staff at the clinic were shocked by the horrific injuries on the boy's body and immediately alerted emergency services as well as his mother. Zhao told reporters this is not the first time he was abused by the same teacher. Lei had previously kicked him with her high-heeled shoes and issued him a 'fine' of 100 yuan (11) because he had misbehaved, he said. Lei has been detained by Bozhou police for 13 days for assaulting others, according to local police in a statement on Weibo. Medical staff at the school clinic were shocked by the horrific injuries on the boy and immediately alerted emergency services as well as his mother The teacher has been suspended from teaching at Hong Xue Ying Cai Middle school in Anhui 'The pair had gotten into an argument after the student arrived late to class. After that, Lei used a broom to beat Zhao,' the statement said. 'The injured student has been taken to hospital for treatment and he is in stable condition,' according to the Bozhou Education Ministry in a statement on Weibo. 'The teacher involved has been suspended from teaching at the school ... and will be dealt with in accordance to the law,' it added. Various incidents of child abuse in recent years have haunted China's education industry. Experts have previously told South China Morning Post that abuse in mainland schools was due to a mindset widely accepted in society that adults can use methods they themselves deem appropriate, like beating, scolding and emotional abuse or 'cold violence' to control or educate children. A Mexican MP burst into tears and howled with grief during a parliamentary session after receiving a phone call informing her that her daughter had just been murdered. Carmen Medel Palma, from the National Regeneration Movement (Morena), was told 22-year-old Valeria Cruz Medel had been shot nine times while exercising at the gym. The 59-year-old let out hysterical screams of sadness after receiving the news while her colleagues tried to console her. Carmen Medel Palma is seen crying hysterically in parliament after receiving a phone call informing her that her daughter had been murdered The Morena MP was consoled by her colleagues as she screamed and howled at the news Her 22-year-old daughter Valeria Cruz Medel (pictured) had been shot nine times while exercising at the gym The session of parliament was ended and postponed. Medical student Valeria was gunned down in the city of Ciudad Mendoza in the state of Veracruz after she was confused for a gang member's girlfriend. The governor of Veracruz, Miguel Angel Yunes, explained that a female of similar physical appearance who goes to the same gym and had been identified as the girlfriend of a member of a criminal gang. Two men were arrested in connection with the murder and they reportedly told investigators a man known as 'El Richy' had been the gunman. Medical student Valeria was gunned down after being mistaken for a gang member's girlfriend The parliamentary session was ended and postponed after Mrs Palma (pictured), 59, received the phone call The body of a third man, the main suspect, was later found dead in a van, according to reports. The investigation is ongoing. The video highlights the wave of violence that has struck Mexico and underlines the tragic cost for those left behind with 21,283 people murdered so far this year in the country - nearly 20 percent more than last year. Advertisement These sombre images show the moment pallbearers carried the Unknown Warrior on his final journey from a chapel in France to Westminster Abbey after he was chosen from a group of British heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. As the centenary anniversary of Armistice Day approaches on Sunday, these rarely-seen photographs show the ceremony which brought the British serviceman, who has now come to embody all of the unnamed fallen soldiers who never made it back, home from the First World War. His grave now takes pride of place in Westminster Abbey, and becomes a focal point every year as the nation falls silent on Remembrance Sunday, as well as at each royal wedding when the new bride pays tribute to the war dead by placing her bouquet on the poppy-encircled tomb. However, the story of how and why the soldier was selected from the thousands who perished has rarely been told. Historian Richard Pursehouse from The Chase Project, a military research group based in the Midlands, was asked by the Staffordshire Regiment Museum to look into the Unknown Warrior in time for the Armistice centenary. He said: 'The story of the Unknown Warrior is important for the process of healing the grief felt a century ago by so many who had no grave to visit. It's an incredible story. 'The Unknown Warrior became an iconic representation for hundreds of thousands of grieving mothers, sisters, wives, brother, fathers and children - each one of them was able to have a focus for their grief.' North Staffordshire Regiment officer, Brigadier-General Louis John Wyatt, was enlisted to choose from one of four soldiers, each of whom had served in either the Aisne, the Somme, Arras and Ypres. The soldiers had died during the early part of the war to ensure they were so badly decomposed that no-one could ever trace their identity. With all four draped in their own Union Jack, Wyatt had to pick one. Although he rarely spoke of his decision, on November 1939, on the eve of the 20th anniversary of the first ceremony at the Cenotaph, Wyatt penned a letter in his own words which revealed how he came to the decision that would shape history. The coffin of the Unknown Warrior is carried by pallbearers onto a cart after it had been selected by brigadier-general Wyatt in France. Wyatt is believed to be walking behind the pallbearers. The body was chosen from four British servicemen who were buried near the battlefields of the Aisne, the Somme, Arras and Ypres The coffin was brought through Boulogne, France, as part of a procession back to Westminster. People lined the streets for the procession as he was transported by the military A silent procession was held on HMS Verdun for the Unknown Warrior. HMS Verdun was deliberately selected for its emotive solidarity with the French city where so many French troops had fought and died, and was accompanied by six escorting destroyers to Dover The coffin of the Unknown Warrior leaves HMS Verdun for Dover railway station, where it was then taken to London so it could be taken to its final resting place The Unknown Soldier was taken put onto a gun carriage and transported from a London train station to Westminster The exact spot marked by the 'X' prior to the ceremony in Westminster Abbey. Four bodies were exhumed and the final decision of which body would travel to London was made by North Staffordshire Regiment officer, Brigadier-General Louis John Wyatt In his letter, Wyatt revealed that he asked for the four bodies of the soldiers to be place in a chapel in St Pol. He said: 'The four bodies lay on stretchers, each covered by a Union Jack; in front of the altar was the shell of the coffin which had been sent from England to receive the remains. I selected one, and with the assistance of Colonel Gell, placed it in the shell; we screwed down the lid. The other bodies were removed and reburied in the military cemetery outside my headquarters at St Pol. 'I have no idea even of the area from which the body I selected had come; no one else can know it.' The Unknown Warrior was then transported to Boulogne with a full French military escort with troops. From there escorted to Boulogne Quay where it was loaded onto HMS Verdun and onto its final resting place of Westminster Abbey. Wyatt added: 'The French military authorities sent a Division of all arms to pay their last homage to the memory of their gallant Allies.' He added: 'Then HMS Verdun cast off, a guard of honour of bluejackets Marines at 'the Present' carrying the Unknown Warrior to Dover and England.' The next morning on November 11, nine battalions from the Brigade of Guards lined the procession route to the Unknown Warriors' final resting place. King George V was the chief mourner and met the pall bearers at the Cenotaph. He laid his wreath of red roses and bay leaves with the message: 'In proud memory of those Warriors who died unknown in the Great War. Unknown, and yet well-known; as dying, and behold they live. George R.I. November 11th 1920' King George V at the ceremony for the Unknown Warrior on November 11, 1920. Nine battalions from the Brigade of Guards lined the procession route to the Unknown Warriors' final resting place Laetitia Hardie, the daughter of brigadier-general Wyatt, pictured with Staffordshire Regiment Museum curator Danielle Crozier The Unknown Warrior draped across a Union Jack in Westminster Abbey. Estimates claim 100,000 wreaths were place around the nearby Cenotaph in honour of the brave serviceman The Duchess of Sussex sent the bouquet she carried during her wedding in May to Westminster Abbey to rest on the Grave of the Unknown Warrior. The tradition was started by the Queen Mother during her wedding in 1923 and has been continued by all the royal brides since King George V was the chief mourner and met the pall bearers at the Cenotaph. He laid his wreath of red roses and bay leaves with the message: 'In proud memory of those Warriors who died unknown in the Great War. Unknown, and yet well-known; as dying, and behold they live. George R.I. November 11th 1920.' Estimates claim 1.2 million people visited the Abbey during the first week after the burial and 100,000 wreaths were place around the nearby Cenotaph in honour of the brave serviceman. The idea to bring a soldier back from the battlefields of France to Westminster Abbey was proposed by Reverend David Railton, and has now come to represent a famous war memorial which plays an integral role in royal weddings. The Queen Mother placed her wedding bouquet on the his grave following her marriage. The tradition has continued with all the royal brides since, including Queen Elizabeth, Princess Diana, Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle. Other nations have followed Britain's lead and conducted similar ceremonies. In France, a private killed at Verdun was buried at the Arc du Triomphe. Italy held a ceremony in the Piazza de Venezia in Rome back in 1921, while Germany's Momument of Honour was unveiled in 931. Wyatt's daughter, 100-year-old Laetitia Hardie, made contact with the Staffordshire Regiment Museum to request photographs of her father's medal. It was only when curator Danielle Crozier began to look into the significance of Hardie's father that she unravelled his role in choosing the Unknown Warrior. Ms Hardie was given the chance to come into the museum and hole her father's medals on her 100th birthday, as his legacy in selecting the Unknown Warrior lives on. Mr Pursehouse said: 'The fact that Danielle was prepared to take Wyatt's medals to his daughter for her 100th birthday was really poignant and also made the story "came alive". Myself and Danielle feel extremely humble and honoured to have had the opportunity to tell a wider audience about Laetitia, her father.' Nathan Orritt, 18, died alongside his friend Richard Hollis, 37, after the pair jumped off an Anglesey Bridge on February 5, an inquest in Caernarfon has heard A man and a teenager ended their lives by plunging from a bridge while tied together with a rope, an inquest heard. The hearing in Caernarfon heard police recovered a training shoe belonging to Richard Hollis, 37, on February 7 at Felinheli, on the Menai Strait. Two days later the bodies of Mr Hollis and 18-year-old Nathan Orritt were discovered washed up on Llanddwyn beach, a beauty-spot near Newborough on the west side of Anglesey. Home Office pathologist Dr Brian Rodgers said they drowned. He added: 'Both individuals were tied together with yellow rope. The tying was concealed. The rope passed up the sleeve of Mr Hollis, across his body, up the sleeve of Mr Orritt and across his body. They were firmly tied together. It was under garments. 'If the two individuals were walking close together I don't think anyone would be aware they were roped together.' Dr Rodgers said it appeared they had fallen from a 'considerable' height, probably from Menai suspension bridge. Det Con Matthew Corkish of North Wales police said the rope went around the waist and wrists and through the sleeves of their coats 'so they couldn't free themselves.' In Mr Orritt's pocket was a Conwy county library card and mobile phone. A week before the bodies were discovered, the teenager had registered at Conwy library. He and another man had used a computer to make internet searches lasting around 90 minutes for jobs, places to rent and local caravan parks. Two men, believed to be Mr Hollis and Mr Orritt, had stayed at a campsite at Bryn Pydew, near Conwy, and on the morning of February 5 asked the owner for directions to walk to the tourist town. The bodies of the men were recovered from Dinas Llwyd beach near Newborough in Anglesey on February 9 Analysis of the phone that day showed it moved along the coast to Bangor. DC Corkish said just before midnight there was a silent 999 call in the Menai Bridge area lasting 52 seconds. The operator eventually hung up. North West Wales senior coroner Dewi Pritchard Jones recorded conclusions that the men killed themselves. He said : 'The two were roped together which is very unusual. The two were fit and healthy and the barriers on the bridge are quite substantial. I can only conclude they had climbed over the barrier.' He said : 'My view is these two young men did throw themselves off the Menai suspension bridge. Nobody would throw themselves off one of the bridges unless they intended death to be the result.' After the inquest Ian Orritt, Nathan's father, of Blackpool, said the family were still upset. He said : 'The family are still feeling it. We have most of what we needed. There are little things we will never know.' Mr Hollis was originally from Preston. Both friends were described as unemployed and of no fixed address. They were identified by fingerprints. A pensioner who broke his penis in two places while having sex in a motel was admitted to hospital with his manhood resembling an 'aubergine-sized 'saxophone'. The 62-year-old surnamed Liao, from Taichung in Taiwan, reportedly heard a loud crack as his member fractured into three segments. His lover rushed Liao to Feng-Yuan Hospital, Ministry Of Health And Welfare. Doctor Kuo Chia-cheng, a urologist, said: 'It was shaped like a saxophone and was the size of an aubergine.' Doctor Kuo Chia-cheng demonstrates how the patient's penis snapped in two places, 'shaped like a saxophone and was the size of an aubergine' Dr Chia-cheng demonstrates how the penis was misshapen into three segments using a balloon He added, 'When he was admitted, his penis was already bruised and swollen due to the double fracture.' The injury is caused by the rupturing of the penis's enveloping membrane tunica albuginea. The medic and his team mended his membrane in order for him to regain his erectile function, with Liao said to be recovering well following surgery. Doctor Kuo said the retiree should not suffer any long-term effects from his unfortunate injury. He noted: 'From my experience, the earlier a patient has surgery, the less likely he is to be affected by erectile dysfunction in the future.' He added: 'Some post-surgery effects include irregular erections or a deformed penis, but the chances of that happening are quite low - roughly 3 to 5 percent.' Doctor Kuo also revealed: 'All the penile fracture patients I've met suffered their injury during woman-on-top intercourse.' The medic said men with a suspected fracture should keep an ice pack on their penis before immediately seeking medical attention. Advertisement Thousands of mourners gathered on Thursday to attend a vigil for the 11 people murdered in a California bar mass shooting. Mourners packed out the Fred Kavli Auditorium in Thousand Oaks to pay their respects to the victims of the attack, which was carried out in the Borderline Bar and Grill in the town just 24 hours earlier. According to police the bar had been full of college students enjoying a 'country-themed' night of dancing as ex-Marine Ian Michael Long, 28, walked in and fired a hail of bullets into the unsuspecting crowd. Friends and family members of the 11 people who were killed by Long, survivors of Wednesday night's shooting and community members were present at the service and all 1,800 seats inside the auditorium were filled. Mourners cry and comfort each other during a vigil for the victims of the mass shooting at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza on Thursday According to the event's organisers all 1,800 seats in the auditorium were filled and a large crowd gathered outside the theater People could be seen holding candles up and comforting one another as they gathered to pay their respects to the victims A second crowd gathered outside of the auditorium, creating makeshift memorials with flowers and photos as the doors closed for the program. Thousand Oaks Mayor Andy Fox compared his city to other shooting hotspots in an emotional speech during the ceremony. 'Tonight, Thousand Oaks takes its place with those cities, that in order to move forward must rely on hope,' Fox said. 'Tonight we are a hurting city. But we are a city of love, compassion and community The dawn will break and we will be more loving, more compassionate, more unified.' 'Because we're "Thousand Oaks strong",' Fox said, borrowing a phrase adopted in Las Vegas after the Route 91 Harvest festival shooting that killed 58 people. Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean, who lost one of his officers in the massacre, recounted the moment he told the man's wife. Sgt. Ron Helus was shot and killed while responding to a call at the bar after he exchanged fire with the gunman. 'When I met with his wife at the hospital, she didn't know yet,' said Dean, who's set to retire Friday. 'She had a scanner at home and heard his call on the radio, and was worried and drove herself to the hospital.' A woman in the crowded auditorium wipes back the tears as prayers were said for the 11 people who died during Ian David Long's shooting Outside the hall people kneeled around lit candles during a separate vigil to pay tribute to the victims of the deadly shooting Friends and family could be seen comforting one another during the emotionally charged open air ceremony to remember the victims Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean, who lost one of his officers in the massacre, recounted the moment he told the man's wife Sgt. Ron Helus was shot and killed 'And when I told her that we had lost her hero, I said to her, 'Because of Ron, many lives were saved,' Dean said. 'And she looked at me through her tears and said, 'He would have wanted it that way, because he was all about the ultimate sacrifice.' Hannah Williams, 20, of Simi Valley, lost her best friend Kristina Morisette, a 20-year-old Borderline cashier, who she had been friends with since first grade. Williams and other friends and family of Morisette huddled near the stage, holding a poster that read #KristinaStrong. Outside the vigil, Williams recalled how excited Morisette had been in recent days after returning from Texas, where she had landed an internship training police dogs. Williams said Morisette would have been touched to see so many of her friends, family, and community members gathering together. 'She would see how many people loved her,' Williams said, fighting back tears. 'She had the biggest heart, and gave it to everybody, and she deserves us to give that to her.' 'I've known her my whole life,' Williams said. 'She was my forever friend.' Commander Tim Hagel, Police Chief of city of Thousand Oaks, is comforted by a friend during a vigil for the victims of the mass shooting Friends and family of the victims turned out in their droves to pay their respects for the victims of Wednesday night's tragic shooting Helen Evans who grabbed a shocked schoolmaster by his testicles after a parents evening cannot teach for two years A teacher has been banned from the classroom for two years after she grabbed a shocked colleague by his testicles after a parents and teachers evening. Helen Evans, 48, ripped open the shirt of the younger male colleague at the after-school disco - leaving him feeling 'intimidated' in the 'sexually motivated' grope at Llanishen Fach Primary School in Cardiff.. The male colleague gave up teaching after the incident and told a disciplinary hearing how primary schoolteacher Miss Evans liked to be the 'centre of attention.' The teacher, who cannot be named, told a disciplinary hearing: 'I was completely shocked. 'Out of the blue Miss Evans strode up to me, faced me, with one hand ripped on my shirt and got underneath and grabbed my testicles. 'It was completely unprovoked. I made a noise as she caught me and she rushed away. 'I went back to the table and sat there in shock - she didn't come up to me and apologise.' The hearing was told the bizarre encounter happened at a fundraising event involving parents and teachers in May 2013. Miss Evans, a teacher of 22 years, was approached by her colleague a few days later in the staff room. He said: 'I whispered to her that if that had been a man to a woman it would've been handled differently. She didn't react. 'She has never approached me in a sexual way before. My guess is that it was more of a control issue - exerting control over another colleague, getting one up on them. 'Helen always liked to be the centre of attention - she had narcissistic tendencies. Helen Evans, 48, was accused of leaving her younger male colleague feeling 'intimidated' 'It was a shock, I don't expect anyone to treat someone like that. 'But Helen did what Helen wanted to do. She ignored advice and warnings and had no empathy for other colleagues.' The male colleague said the aftermath was dealt with in-house. It was referred to police but the Crown Prosecution Service did not take it any further. He added: 'It was dealt with in-house - there should have been procedures that should have been followed. 'My fear was in order to protect the school's reputation it was kept in-house to carry on pretending everything was fine.' EWC presenting officer Hannah Eales added: 'Miss Evans confirmed the incident happened, describing it as part of a much wider group of silly behaviour. 'An event between consenting adults and just silly behaviour.' Headteacher Sarah Coombes said the male teacher alleged the assault happened at a parent-teacher event. She said the colleague felt 'intimidated and extremely upset' and his self esteem was lowered in the 'sexually motivated' incident. Miss Evans is also accused of bringing a snake into the school in 2015 without a risk assessment. Ms Coombes said: 'Colleague C has an extreme phobia of snakes and was not made aware of the visit.' Llanishen Fach Primary school in Cardiff where the two teachers worked before Miss Evans was accused of grabbing the other by the testicles Miss Evans, who worked at the school for 22 years, also allegedly called senior staff 'dumb and dumber' as they entered a room. The hearing was told she failed to mark books correctly - using phrases like 'wicked dude' and 'love it babes' - before being dismissed in April 2015. Presenting officer Hannah Eales said the allegations related to 'bullying behaviour and sexually motivated actions'. Miss Evans is accused of failing to follow management instructions, behaving unacceptably towards colleagues and making inappropriate comments. Miss Evans is facing eight allegations - including failing to follow management instructions, behaving unacceptably towards colleagues and making inappropriate comments. She is also accused of providing inaccurate information in school reports and behaving in a sexually-motivated way to a colleague. Education Workforce Council panel chairman Steve Powell said there was no evidence of any regret or remorse - and she has not apologised. Headteacher Sarah Coombes said the male teacher alleged the assault happened at a parent-teacher event Mr Powell said although the incident was not sexually motivated it could be described as a 'sexual assault.' Ms Evans also brought an unspecified snake into school without carrying out a risk assessment and into the class of a teacher with a 'widely known' phobia of the animal. The disciplinary panel ruled her behaviour was part of 'a wider pattern of insubordination' - and she was suspended from the teaching register for two years. A Ryanair plane was seized by French officials and 149 London-bound passengers were forced to disembark in a dispute over subsidies to the airline, it has emerged. The French civil aviation authority seized the aircraft on Thursday at Bordeaux airport ahead of its planned flight to London Stansted, the latest episode in a string of troubles for the low-cost Irish carrier. The dispute was sparked by French subsidies paid to Ryanair to provide flights from Angouleme, the capital of the Charente region, to London between 2008 and 2009. The French civil aviation authority seized the aircraft (pictured) on Thursday at Bordeaux airport ahead of its planned flight to London Stansted The European Commission has since claimed the subsidies were illegal, and ordered Ryanair to pay them all back. Charente officials claim that Ryanair owes them the equivalent of just over 450,000, having paid back half of the subsidies. The Boeing 737 was close to take-off when a bailiff declared it seized on the tarmac and sealed the aircraft. Some 149 passengers on board had to wait five hours before being able to take off from the Bordeaux-Merignac airport in another Ryanair aircraft. Ryanair has had a plane seized by French authorities in a bid to force the airline to repay illegal public aid (file picture) 'This measure was taken as a last resort by the French authorities after several reminders and attempts to recuperate the money failed,' the DGAC civil aviation body said. 'By this action, the government reaffirms its intention to guarantee the conditions of fair competition between airlines and between airports,' it said. The plane 'will remain immobilised until the sum is paid'. It was 'regrettable' that passengers on board the plane had to wait five hours before being able to take off on another Ryanair aircraft, the civil aviation body added. Regional newspaper Charente Libre reported that the airline owes the regional authority 525,000 euros ($595,000), the paper said on its website. French airport official Didier Villat told Sud Ouest newspaper: 'To my knowledge it's the first time a Ryanair plane has been seized in this way. 'Just because we manage a little airport in Charente it doesn't mean we are not going to defend ourselves.' A spokesman for the DGAC, France's aviation authority, said: 'By this act the French state reaffirms its desire to guarantee the conditions of fair competition between airlines and its airports. The plane was close to take-off when a bailiff declared it seized on the tarmac and sealed the aircraft. Some 149 passengers on board the plane had to wait five hours before being able to take off from the Bordeaux-Merignac airport (pictured) in another Ryanair aircraft 'The plane will remain stationary until the debt is paid.' Ryanair's fleet is made up mostly of Boeing 737-800 aircraft, which have a list price of more than $90 million each. Last month, EU anti-trust authorities opened an investigation into whether Ryanair benefited from measures at a German airport that give the Irish low-cost carrier an unfair leg-up over competitors. And last week ministers from five European governments warned Ryanair that it could face legal trouble if it ignores national labour laws after a series of strikes across the continent. The pan-European stoppages prompted the airline to cut its profit forecast, but it still expects to make profits after tax of 1.10-1.20 billion euros in its current financial year. Ryanair is also fighting an order by Italian regulators to suspend a charge for carry-on bags. MailOnline has requested a comment from Ryanair. Three teachers at a kindergarten in east China have been detained after encouraging a fight between two students. Shocking footage of the incident has emerged showing a boy scolding and punching his classmate in front of other students at the pre-school in Linyi city, Shandong province on Tuesday. Not only did the instructors present refused to stop the brawl, they spurred him on by telling him to repeat words of abuse. Footage of the incident has emerged showing a boy scolding and punching his classmate in front of other students at the pre-school in Linyi city, Shandong province on Tuesday Not only did the instructors present refused to stop the brawl, they spurred him on by telling him to repeat words of abuse. All three teachers have been suspended from their positions In the one-minute clip, a crying boy was heard repeating the words of a female teacher, which included: 'Moron' and 'I hate you' as he hits another student. 'You made me cry,' the teacher said. 'You made me cry,' the boy, surnamed Wang, repeated, tears streaming down his face as he smacked his classmate on the arm. 'Hit him,' the instructor urged in front of stunned students. The other boy, identified by his surname Huang, stood expressionless throughout the ordeal and did not respond. In the one-minute clip , a crying boy was heard repeating the words of a female teacher, which included: 'Moron' and 'I hate you' as he hits another student Following a probe, Linyi Gaoxin district government released a statement saying the teachers had been trying to discipline Huang because he had hurt Wang (pictured) during class The video, uploaded to Chinese micro-blogging site Weibo, saw the instructors heavily criticised and prompted an investigation by the authorities. Following a probe, Linyi Gaoxin district government released a statement saying that the teachers had been trying to discipline Huang because he had hurt Wang during class. One of the instructors, surnamed Zuo, decided that Wang deserves to exact revenge and let him hit Huang several times. 'The instructor did not mean it as an insult when she asked Wang to call the boy a moron,' the statement added. 'Teacher Zuo incorrectly handled the dispute between the students and this constitutes disguised corporal punishment,' the statement added. Various incidents of child abuse in recent years have haunted China's education industry 'As for the other teachers present, Pei and Zhang, not only did they not stop the mishandling of the incident, they filmed and shared the incident as a joke, violating the educators' code of conduct.' All three teachers have been suspended from their positions. The authorities have also contacted the students' parents and offered an explanation of the situation. 'We will step up efforts to mange operations at our kindergartens to prevent similar incidents in the future,' the statement added. Various incidents of child abuse in recent years have haunted China's education industry. 'These teachers should all be sacked,' one highly-rated comment read. 'I'm worried what kind of person the student would turn out to be,' another said. 'What kind of values is the teacher trying to instil in these young minds?' one said. A woman died after she was reportedly dragged to a field, raped by her ex-husband and two others, who then violated her with a stick. According to NDTV, the victim had gone to watch a play at the theatre during the Hindu festival of Kali Puja when she was attacked on Wednesday night. Three men dragged her to a nearby field, raped her and then abused her with a stick. Local police in the Jamtara province of Jharkland said her neighbours heard her crying out for help the following morning and took her to the hospital in Narayanpur. An Indian protester stands with a placard during demonstrations against two recently reported rape cases outside the Indian parliament in New Delhi in April In her agony she was accusing her former husband and two others of the attack. Police officer, BN Singh, said they had arrested her ex-husband but his associates remained at large. She was referred to the Jamtara Sadar Hospital but was dead by the time she had been rushed there, according to the broadcaster. Rape in India continues to shock the world after a spate of high profile sexual assaults in recent years, including the gang-rape and murder of a student on a moving New Delhi bus in 2012. That attack brought the conversation about sexual violence to the fore in a country where widespread violence against women had long been quietly accepted. The government has passed a series of laws increasing punishment for rape of an adult to 20 years in prison and earlier this year approved the death penalty for people convicted of raping children under age 12. However, it is rare for more than a few weeks to pass without another brutal sexual assault being reported. Just days ago a four-year-old girl was reportedly gang-raped by a nurse and four others while being treated in an intensive care unit for a snake bite. A man has been charged after a horrific road rage beating left a young student paramedic with a split eyebrow and broken eye socket. Joshua Burke, 21, became enraged after 23-year-old paramedic, known as Erin, flashed her headlights at him after he cut her off driving along Bungower Road in Sommerville, east Melbourne on Thursday. After pulling over by the side of the road, Burke approached her car and began to bash her over the head, delivering multiple blows using a can of deodorant, Nine News reports. Her facial injuries are so severe she may have to undergo surgery to repair her eye 23-year-old student paramedic, known as Erin (pictured) suffered a broken eye socket and had to get her eyebrow super-glued back together after Joshua Burke, 21, beat her after the road rage incident Erin suffered was taken to hospital with serious injuries to her face, including a broken eye socket and had to get her eyebrow super-glued back together. The student paramedic may have to undergo surgery to repair her eye. He also smashed her car window and kicked her side mirror. After the incident, Burke fled the scene in his vehicle but was later found and arrested by police. He has been charged with a string of offences which include assaulting an emergency worker, intentionally causing serious injury, possessing cannabis and a controlled weapon. Burke was scheduled to appear at Frankston Magistrates Court on Friday but court was adjourned. A time capsule containing items from a First World War veteran who died nearly 40 years ago has only just been reopened by his grandson. Fred Deighton served in the Royal Army Medical Corps at the Somme and Passchendale but rarely spoke to his family about the horrors of war. He left a box of letters, photographs and other wartime memorabilia from the war behind for his grandson Graham Underwood after he died in 1976 aged 86 - but the trunk was only opened three weeks ago. Graham Underwood, 71, recently opened his grandfather's box of memorabilia which he collected during his time serving the Britain in the First World War Fred Deighton served in the Royal Army Medical Corps at the Somme and Passchendale Mr Underwood, 71, from Wellingborough, said: 'I knew there was stuff in there but never appreciated it's significance. 'He was a very important part of his life and we spent a lot of time with him. He was a funny, positive man. 'Like so many men of his generation, he never talked about the war. He was in the trenches and was haunted by what he saw.' Fred Deighton joined the army aged 22 in October 1915. He was wounded in action when he was shot in the head, but returned to serve in the trenches the next year. Following the war, Deighton took a job at a local hospital and kept the trunk of war memorabilia for the rest of his life. A chest full of memories of Fred Deighton (far left in soldier picture) who served as a medic in WWI. Fred kept his post cards, pictures, trinkets and other memories in a chest Post cards sent from Fred Deighton during his service as a medic during World War One, including 2 images of him from that period Mr Underwood, a retired graphic designer, said: 'Growing up, I never really noticed the trunk. It wasn't ever opened when I was around. 'After my grandfather died though I suddenly realised how important it was.' The trunk, which was the only which Underwood took to Flanders in 1915, is full of mementos including bandages, uniform and notes used to treat his patients with in battle. Also included was a watch, more than 100-years-old, which still works. The trunk also contains cartoons drawn by an artist who served alongside Fred. Graham said: 'He fought with a cartoonist William Owen who designed the famous Bisto cartoon and I've got three of the cartoons he drew for my grandfather. 'How you could go through what those guys were going through and still do that was amazing. Mr Underwood looks through an old medical book written in by his grandfather during his time as a medic in 1918 Fred Deighton was a medic in WWI, he survived a shot to the head during conflict, he returned on the H.M. Hospital Ship Asturias (pictured) where he wrote a message back to his mother and father Medical arm bands from the First World War were also included in the trunk 'The trunk is a snapshot of what life was like, hell on earth. It's in pretty good condition despite being over 100 years old. 'There are photos of his wife, good luck charms and a lot of medical stuff. I've also got tobacco tins.' The trunk contains documents that detailed how Fred should treat casualties and reveals the shocking and gruesome reality of those injured during wartime. The grandfather-of-three said: 'There are forms here about what to do when people were shot but it's all so matter of fact. 'It shows how routine and normalised death was.' 'I want the trunk to be passed down to my children so they can appreciate what he left behind.' A picture of Fred Deighton, Fred's wife Lillian, and Graham Underwood when he was a child Diane Abbott has delivered a stark warning to Remainers demanding a second referendum that they should be 'careful what you wish for'. The shadow home secretary admitted her constituents were furious about leaving the EU and said MPs should not be forced to back a 'bad and destructive deal'. But she said she believed that another national vote on whether to leave the bloc would just give the same result, with the public asking: 'Didn't you hear us the first time?' The warning came amid growing calls for a referendum - branded a 'People's Vote' by supporters. On BBC Question Time last night, shadow home secretary Diane Abbott admitted her constituents were furious about leaving the EU but played down second referendum calls Large numbers of Labour MPs, the SNP, the Lib Dems and some Tories have joined the campaign to force a new vote that could cancel Brexit altogether. Polls have also suggested that the balance might have swung away from the 52 per cent to 48 per cent result last time. But Theresa May has dismissed the idea pointing out that the country made a clear decision on the issue in 2016. The Labour leadership has so far resisted grass roots pressure to endorse the plebiscite. Jeremy Corbyn has stressed that he would prefer an election to be held, while saying a referendum should be kept 'on the table'. But shadow trade secretary Barry Gardiner has publicly decried the prospect, warning that trying to overturn the outcome from two years ago could lead to 'civil disobedience'. Ms Abbott made clear she has grave concerns about a 'People's Vote' during an appearance on the BBC's Question Time last night. She criticised the way Mrs May was negotiating with the EU, saying the future trade package was not even being considered yet. But she added: 'What I say to people calling for a second referendum now is that you should be careful what you wish for. 'Because my suspicion is that if we had a second referendum now, the same people that voted Leave - who are not, largely speaking in London - would vote Leave again saying, "didn't you hear us the first time?"' A 69-year-old fighting to be officially recognised as 49 says he has 'hit a nerve' by suggesting that if people can legally swap sex they should also be able to change age. Dutch pensioner Emile Ratelband made global headlines when it emerged that he had taken his local authority to court for refusing to amend his age on official documents. Ratelband - who was born on March 11, 1949, but wants to change his birth date to March 11, 1969 - argued that reducing his age by 20 years would mean he could get more work and attract more women on dating websites. Having fathered seven children with three different woman, he says he also hopes to become a father two more times. Ratelband said if people are allowed to change sex, he should be allowed to change his date of birth because doctors said he has the body of a 45-year-old. The real-life Benjamin Button? Emile Ratelband (pictured in front of court) is battling to reduce his age by 20 years He said that 'in the same spirit there should be room for an age change.' The entrepreneur and self-help guru has insisted that his court case is not a PR stunt. He said: 'It seems to be very-much talked about. So in some kind of strange way I managed to hit a nerve in society that everyone is saying: "He has got a point." Mr Ratelband said his story is such a hit that he is due to fly to London to appear on ITV's Good Morning Britain, for which he said he even managed to negotiate 'a private jet to pick me up'. The Dutchman said it is proven that 'when you behave like a young man, your body takes the same shape'. He said: 'I take this very seriously. I have been psychologically checked to see if I suffer from the Peter Pan syndrome [a psychological disorder in which people who do not want or feel unable to grow up], that you just do not want to get older. The positivity guru, a media personality in the Netherlands, is suing his local authority 'Well, I do not suffer from it. I'm also not mentally insane. Of course I know that I get loads of criticism. On the internet they have all kinds of opinions. But the internet is a gutter full of unemployed people who are no-good, people who check all day for who they can slam this time.' Mr Ratelband, who works as a consultant and self-proclaimed positivity and self-help guru, said that one of the main reasons to have his age lowered is that he will be able to pick up more girls. Mr Ratelband said: 'When I'm on Tinder and it says I'm 69, I don't get an answer. When I'm 49, with the face I have, I will be in a luxurious position.' The judge at the court in the Eastern Dutch city of Arnhem where his case has been discussed said that he had some sympathy with Mr Ratelband. But the court said there would be practical problems in allowing people to change their birth date - as it would mean legally deleting part of their lives. The judge asked Mr Ratelband about the status of his early years, from 1949 to 1969, if his official birth date was put back. The judge asked: 'Who did your parents care for in those years? Who was that little boy back then?' The court is due to deliver a written ruling within four weeks. An army veteran has lost her sight after an alleged act of police brutality saw her tasered in the eye. Tanisha White from Winnfield, Louisiana, says she was beaten by police in an attack so bad it has caused her to lose the sight in one eye. Ms White explained that she was at a friends' house when she called Winnfield police for a ride home on Monday night, something she's done many times before. Tanisha White will never see out of her right side again after she was allegedly tasered in the eye Ms White from Winnfield, Louisiana, said she was beaten by police in a brutal attack after asking them for a ride home She believes a 'misunderstanding' led to her brutal attack. 'The police officer pulled the taser out and started shooting in my right eye,' Ms White said. She claims the police attacked her so badly it has left her blooded and bruised and with several broken bones, 'I couldn't see, I was screaming, It felt like I was getting electrocuted.' She claims the police attacked her so badly it has left her blooded and bruised and with several broken bones White has been in the hospital for three days and said her injuries will make her life even harder White has been in the hospital for three days and has now learned she will never be able to see out of her injured eye again. 'It's already hard living day to day, I have to stay with my parents you know, so this is just going to make my life even harder,' White said. She is an army veteran who suffers from PTSD, anxiety and depression. Louisiana state police are investigating the allegations. A former soldier who rescued a puppy from the rubble of a bombed out Syrian school today revealed his pet is settling into British life already and said: 'She's a fully fledged Essex girl now'. Bomb disposal expert Sean Laidlaw, 30, credits 'Barrie' - given that name because he initially thought she was a boy - with saving his life after struggling with the pressure of working in a war zone. In February Sean found the puppy lying next to six or seven of its dead siblings in a school and after four days of giving her food and water the nervous dog agreed to be picked up and taken to safety. Mr Laidlaw, from Essex, returned home from the minefields for some leave believing he would return two weeks later - but his contract was then ended and he thought he may never see Barrie again. But on Saturday they were reunited after the young dog was moved from Syria to Iraq, Jordan and then to France before coming to Britain seven months on. Speaking today Sean said seeing her again was 'the best moment' of his life, adding: 'She had been in a cage for months and she came over and sniffed me and rolled over on to her tummy thats when she knew it was me. And when asked about her new life in the UK, he said she was already like the locals: Shes become an absolute diva she is a fully fledged Essex girl now. Sean Laidlaw and Barrie on This Morning today where he described his dog, rescued from Syria, as a 'diva' and a true 'Essex girl' Barrie and Sean Laidlaw, 30, were inseparable after he rescued her from rubble in Syria and he says she saved his life Barrie quickly became part of Sean's life as he brought her back to stay with him at his camp Barrie was in a bombed out school building where six or seven other puppies died. Sean Laidlaw refused to give up on her and won her trust, which took four days Sean said he had been fighting PTSD after leaving the Army and decided to go to Syria to work as a bomb disposal expert. Describing life after 'Working in a war zone, coming back to camp you sit in your room on your own. To have a companion you can play with and train, it kept my mind away from all the things I was seeing and doing out there. 'You can only imagine how bad Syria is, and to be able to come back to the camp and train her for three hours, take her for a walk, things like that really took my mind away from where I was. 'It gave me a bit of normality, she definitely kept me sane. 'She stayed with me all day, every day. She did jobs with me, I'd wake up, she'd come eat with me, she'd then sit in the passenger seat of my car when we drove to Raqqa. 'Having a companion, is one of the best things to help with PTSD. A dog always makes you happy, always wants to be with you. 'Going to Paris was both exciting and nerve-wracking, but I left the house at 6am and just sped there. 'Meeting her at the airport, seeing her in the flesh, was one of the best moments of my life. I've never been so happy. 'Everyone's got their lives, my parents and girlfriend are at work, and so when I get back I at least know I've got my dog, and she'll always be there.' When Sean found Barrie she had her nestled in rubble from a school that had exploded and collapsed. A terrified Barrie, surrounded by four dead puppies, initially rejected Sean's advances - but he refused to give up. He made sure she was safe and brought her food and drink, and cordoned off the area as it wasn't safe from explosives. After three days the furry pooch grew to trust Sean and the two became inseparable in the three months he was in Syria. Sean named her Barrie when he first spotted her, and by the time he came to discover she was a girl, the name had already stuck. Barrie spent each day following Sean on jobs in Raqqa, and even had a harness made from a bullet-proof vest and a plush teddy bear made of jeans made for her. Barrie, pictured with Sean today, is a calm and happy dog despite the trauma of his early life in Syria Sean made a jacket for Barrie and the pair travelled together on his jobs across Syria Sean who now runs a gym is getting Barrie used to life in Essex after she moved from Syria and she helps with his training Sean, who now runs a gym, said: 'I think as soon as Barrie and I bonded, where I could pick her up, for me she'd already become my dog. 'When we got back to camp, she lived in my room, I looked after her, I was responsible for her. She slept in my room, I was training her, I was feeding her. 'She stayed with me every day all day. She did jobs with me, I'd wake up, she'd come eat with me, she'd then sit in the passenger seat of my car when we drove to Raqqa.' Sean contacted War Paws - a charity based in Iraq who specialise in bringing dogs home from war-torn areas - to find a way to bring Barrie back with him after his contract was due to run out. In February, Sean set up a gofundme page to bring Barrie to the UK and raised 4,500 - but that was the first of many hurdles in their path. Barrie was brought to Iraq in April where she was vaccinated and checked by War Paws before being flown to Jordan in August, where she was quarantined for two months. In April, after four months in Syria, Sean returned to the UK for a short leave when his contract was abruptly cancelled, and he was informed that he wouldn't be returning to Syria. Barrie hiding in Raqqa in February after being found by Sean Laidlaw. She was surrounded by her dead siblings after the school they sheltered in blew up Sean Laidlaw, 30, was stationed in Syria in February 2018 as a private contractor leading a bomb disposal team when he found whimpering Barrie Barrie would not go to Sean at first but he returned over a number of days to build up her trust He said: 'I might be one of the only people who was unhappy not to go back to Syria. I was on the way to the airport with my dad when I got a message telling me not to board my flight and go home. 'I thought there might be a security issue, but then I got a call that night saying the contract is cancelled and that everyone is being sent back home. 'I put the phone down and immediately called the charity, I didn't think of anything else and tried to see how I could get Barrie home. 'When it came to going home without her, I thought I'd never be able to leave her so I started thinking about how I could bring her back. 'It's very difficult to be apart, my biggest issue was that I never had that moment with her to say goodbye as when I left I thought I'd see her in a couple weeks. 'But then months passed and she's gone from a puppy to a full-grown dog. That was hard for me, as I worried she was a totally different dog.' The plan to fly Barrie to London Heathrow in late October quickly collapsed as Barrie was missing some paperwork and the nervous pooch wasn't allowed to travel. Barrie was told his contract was cancelled but Barrie remained in Syria. The former soldier began to look for ways to get her home Sean and Barrie helped one another through their time in the war zone but Sean said it was the puppy who saved his life Reunited at last! Barrie and Sean met again at Charles De Gaulle Airport after seven months apart Sean Laidlaw, 30, anxiously waiting for Barrie in Paris on Saturday after he successfully found a charity to help bring her home Sean made a vest for Barrie from a bomb jacket and a teddy bear from old denim jeans Barrie travelled with Sean on jobs around Syria as he worked dismantling explosives in the war-torn country Barrie has grown up significantly since the pair were separated and now Sean will get her used to life in the UK The heart-melting journey that brought a soldier from Essex and an abandoned dog from Syria together finally came to its culmination on Saturday, November 3 Barrie was alone without Sean for seven months while he battled to have her brought back to the UK Sean was prepared to fly to Jordan to pick up his best friend, but owner of War Paws, Louise Hastie, came to the rescue as she was already flying two dogs from Jordan to Paris. Sean made the 12-hour journey from Essex to Paris at 6am on Saturday, November 3, in what he says was a surreal feeling. Sean said: 'All the help we've received to bring us together has been amazing, just to bring one dog to Essex, it's been incredible. 'Thinking about having Barrie with me now, the life we can have together - it's surreal. 'One of my biggest fears was that she wouldn't recognise who I was, or that she would be a different dog to the girl I left. 'It was pure joy when she realised who I was. She's exactly as she was back in Syria, it was just great to have my dog again. 'I'd be willing to travel across the whole world to have Barrie with me.' Nicki Minaj's dressing room has been hit by several bullets in an attack by drive-by shooters just moments before the rapper arrived to the exclusive $80million estate in Beverly Hills where Kanye and Tekashi 6ix9ine were filming a music video. Police received a call of shots being fired within the vicinity of the exclusive Alpine Drive on Thursday at 10.25pm. TMZ reports that Tekashi and Kanye were both inside the home when the shooting occurred. Tekashi was reportedly supposed to be in that room, but last minute decided Nicki should have it. The Pinkprint rapper was also scheduled to be at the video shoot but hadn't yet arrived when the gunfire rang out. No one was injured in the shooting but one bullet is went through a bedroom window. Fellow rapper 50cent, who didn't appear to be at the shoot, posted a photo on Friday morning of the bullet-shattered glass. He captioned the photo: 'now somebody done shot my son video up in LA.' Multiple shots were fired at an exclusive $80million estate in Beverly Hills on Thursday night where Kanye and Tekashi 6ix9ine were filming a music video. Above is a photo posted by 50cent of a bullet-shattered glass at the home Multiple shots were fired at an exclusive $80million estate in Beverly Hills on Thursday night where Kanye and Tekashi 6ix9ine were filming a music video Crews on the scene reported hearing at least eight shots fired. Kanye is said to have left the estate immediately after the shooting. It came as his wife Kim Kardashian and three children were given just one hour to evacuate their home as wildfires swept through the Calabasas area. He later tweeted, saying: 'Thank you for everyone's prayers. Our family is safe and close.' Tekashi had rented the estate as a backdrop to his new music video that features Kanye and Nicki Minaj. The shooting happened near the famous Alpine Drive, which is one of the most expensive streets in Beverly Hills. Authorities are going to examine the home's surveillance cameras. Nicki Minaj was also scheduled to be at the video shoot but hadn't yet arrived when the gunfire rang out It comes soon after Tekashi was affiliated with a shooting in New York. The 22-year-old Brooklyn rapper was celebrating at a Manhattan restaurant last month after being given just four years probation for posting footage of a 13-year-old girl performing sex acts at a party. A brawl broke out between security for record label 10k Projects and Tekashi's entourage. A third party opened fire and struck the rapper's guard in the torso. Heart-stopping footage has emerged of a French daredevil leaping from a crane, before he knew his parachute was faulty. Jonathan Perherin, 24, filmed himself jumping off the top of a crane of the old IMAX theatre in Darling Harbour, Sydney in the early hours of the morning on October 2. Police seized the video from last month but was uploaded on YouTube for public viewing for the first time on Friday. The GoPro footage captured Perherin carefully stepping onto the thin metal rails of the crane and he can be heard breathing heavily. He then proceeded to sit on the edge of the crane and looked down at the western distributor and a body of water, hundreds of metres below. When Perherin made his leap of faith, the footage gave the impression he was leaping towards the water. He then smoothly veered past Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre and landed safely on the ground behind the Harbourside Shopping Centre. Perherin said he is aware what he's done is 'forbidden' but has no regrets over the stunt because he's still 'alive'. Daredevil Jonathan Perherin (pictured) said he had no regrets about his dangerous stunt 'Here, I know police is not good with that. In other countries we can do that,' he said. The daredevil was detained by rangers and arrested by police shortly after his jump. Police have said tears were found within his faulty parachute which had holes. It was alleged the Frenchman broke into the construction site off Wheat Road at about 3.15am before jumping the crane. The 24-year-old faced the Downing Centre Local Court on October 17 where he was convicted of risking the safety of others by jumping from a building and was fined $660. The wife of a man who was stabbed by a terrorist during a deadly rampage on Bourke Street in central Melbourne has revealed how they were caught up in the horrific attack. Tasmanian Rodney Patterson, 58, was one of three people who were knifed by the Somali-born attacker, who was shot dead by police after crashing a car and setting it on fire. Mr Patterson's wife Maree said the couple were 'caught up in the attack' before he was stabbed. Rodney Patterson (second from left) was one of three people who were knifed by the Somali-born attacker, who was shot dead by police after crashing a car and setting it on fire Mr Patterson and his wife Maree (not pictured) said the couple were 'caught up in the attack' before he was stabbed 'Rodney was hurt - good news is he is in a great hospital and doing ok given the circumstances,' she posted on Facebook. 'Can't take calls at the moment but will speak to everyone when I can. 'Thanks to everyone for their wishes and caring.' Tasmanian MP Will Hodgman praised Mr Patterson's 'brave' actions. Victoria Police said they are treating the incident as a terrorist attack, and have identified the man responsible. The lone wolf attacker was rushed to hospital in a critical condition but later died from his wounds. His passport was cancelled several years ago after he was noted as one of 300 potential security risks. A terrorist stabbed a shopper to death on Melbourne's Bourke Street Mall and injured two others. A body was seen lying on the street covered in a white sheet Video showed a man wielding a knife attempt to stab and slash at two police officers before he was shot and fell to the ground, and also a brave shopper try to hit him with a trolley It was also noted police are unable to get in touch with the man's wife, and believe she is both missing and radicalised. Authorities may be hoping to utilise the state's preventative detention laws for the first time since they came into effect, in which police are legally allowed to detain a suspect for up to seven days should they believe the person poses a threat or security risk, Herald Sun reported. Premier Daniel Andrews said the attack was 'an evil and terrifying thing that's happened in our state'. 'Our thoughts and prayers are with everybody touched by this, but we will not be defined by this,' he said. Victorian Liberal Party leader Matthew Guy said 'we must eradicate this sort of thing,' in a media conference shortly after. 'Every resource should be going into keeping Victorians safe.' The officers then retreated to the other side of the road as the bearded attacker with a shaved head and dressed in a long brown tunic, pursued them as horrified bystanders called on police to shoot him The offender chased the officers around a tree as they tried to avoid his blows and convince the man to surrender, and a brave bystander tried to stop the attack by running him down with a shopping trolley. The officers then retreated to the other side of the road as the bearded attacker with a shaved head and dressed in a long brown tunic, pursued them as horrified bystanders called on police to shoot him. The man again attempted to stab and slash at the officers several times before one policeman unsuccessfully tried to taser him. His partner then shot the assailant in the chest. The knifeman clutched his chest and and fell to the ground where he was quickly arrested on the pavement by two plain clothing officers and rushed to hospital under police guard, where he later died on the operating table. His possible links to known terror plotters and extremist elements of the North African community in Australia are being investigated. The man moved to Australia from Somalia in the 1990s, Victoria Police commissioner Graham Ashton said, and had a record of 'minor' offences in relation to 'cannabis use, theft and driving offences'. Victoria Police commissioner Graham Ashton and Premier Daniel Andrews spoke at a press conference after the attack 'He is someone that is known to both Victoria police and at a federal level,' Commissioner Ashton said. 'There is no ongoing threat, but this is an ongoing investigation. It will be handled by the counter terrorism command and Victoria Police.' Prime Minister Scott Morrison also released a statement condemning the actions of the assailant. 'Australians will never be intimidated by these appalling attacks and we will continue to go about our lives and enjoy the freedoms that the terrorists detest,' he wrote. 'I praise the bravery of the police who were on the scene and took action and those who selflessly came to the assistance of the injured and provided comfort to the distressed.' Opposition leader Bill Shorten also praised the bravery of 'our extraordinary police officers who acted so swiftly and professionally in Melbourne's CBD... and the passers-by whose first instinct was to go to the aid of others.' woWitnesses said the Holden Rodeo hit a pedestrian as it mounted the kerb and burst into flames outside Target near the Swanson Street intersection about 4.20pm on Friday, before the stabbing rampage began The man was quickly arrested on the pavement by two officers in front of shocked pedestrians who stood back to film it Victoria Police said officers responded to reports of a car fire before they were confronted by the man. 'Officers were confronted by a male brandishing a knife and threatening them,' Superintendent David Clayton said. Counter Terrorism Command in conjunction with the Homicide Squad will investigate the incident but police do not perceive any ongoing threats at this stage and are not looking for anyone else in relation to the attack. 'The exact circumstances are yet to be determined at this stage. The area has been cordoned off and the public are urged to avoid the area,' they said earlier. The attacker was taken to Royal Melbourne Hospital in a critical condition after he was shot in the chest, where he later died. One of his victims had a head injury, and another an unknown injury. The men were 26 and 58-years-old. Witnesses said one of those injured was a security guard who tried to intervene. A police officer sustained minor injuries but was treated at the scene. Another man, in his 60's, died of his injuries at Royal Melbourne Hospital. 'People were trying to help victims because he was just knifing at random. The security (guard) from building next door was also stabbed, but I saw he was sitting up so we know he survived,' a witness told the Herald Sun. Shopping trolley hero tries to take down Bourke Street attacker A bystander has been hailed as a hero after he attempted to take down a knife-wielding man using a shopping trolley during Friday's horrific attack on Bourke Street. Video shot from the scene showed a brave man shoving a shopping trolley into the knifeman as he charged at two police officers and slashed at them, while a ute engulfed in flames burned in the background. The bystander's heroic actions were praised on social media. 'Total respect to the shopping trolley hero trying to take down a mad knife man with nothing but a metal basket on not very good wheels,' one person tweeted. 'Incredible work by police in Melbourne bur also bystanders - one using a trolley to try subdue the man,' another said. 'Cops trying to take down man armed with knife. Passerby seems to be trying to take him out with a shopping trolley!' one person said. Another bystander, who lunged at Khalif using a traffic cone, told the Daily Telegraph the offender had 'crazy eyes'. Advertisement Two victims lie on the ground in pools of blood after being stabbed by the knifeman in the street, as bystanders rush to their aid One witness said he was 'terrified' after seeing a body covered in a white sheet on the footpath Victoria Police said officers responded to reports of a car fire (pictured) before they were confronted by the man Witnesses said the car hit a pedestrian as it mounted the kerb outside Target near the Swanson Street intersection about 4.20pm on Friday Witnesses described a chaotic scene with an injured pedestrian lying on the ground, and numerous police cars and helicopters flying overhead. 'Police response was swift and overwhelming. I heard at least one gunshot initially,' one said. Another said they heard 'what sounded like a bomb and gun shot'. 'Roads are blocked and police advising to stay away from Bourke St. Feels like de ja vu,' they said, referring to the car attack on Bourke Street Mall last year that killed six people. Panicked pedestrians ran in all directions away from the scene, some hiding in nearby cafes and shops, locking themselves in back rooms. The area was locked down and the public shooed away while stores including Myer, Target, and David Jones evacuated and the bomb squad was called in to assess the car. The burned-out car sitting where it crashed on to the pavement and exploded before the rampage began The area was locked down with the public shooed away and stores including Myer, Target, and David Jones evacuated and the bomb squad called in to assess the car Police are asking people to avoid the area and said more information would be given when it was available Another said they heard 'what sounded like a bomb and gun shot' Warnings blared from the newly-installed terror warning loudspeakers for the first time, saying: 'This is Victoria Police, please evacuate the area. This is Victoria Police, please evacuate the area.' The fire was brought under control within about five minutes, a Metropolitan Fire Brigade spokeswoman said. The fire brigade initially discovered 'BBQ style gas cylinders' inside the vehicle, but the bomb squad 'rendered them useless' shortly thereafter. Police are asking people to avoid the area, saying the streets may be blocked off until as late as 8am Saturday morning. Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp praised emergency services for their efforts and the city for coming together to support each other. 'Melburnians should be reassured by the rapid response from Victoria Police and emergency services who worked quickly, bravely and effectively to minimise harm to the public and contain the situation,' she said. 'I'm proud of the way our community responded respectfully to police instructions at the scene. 'I know many of us will feel the impact of these terrible events and it's important at these times that we pull together as a community and support one another.' It comes as a trial continues into the horrifying rampage in Bourke St in January last year. James Gargasoulas is accused of deliberately crashing into pedestrians, killing six and injuring 27 others. Police will investigate whether Friday's attacker was a copycat to last year's rampage. Google is clamping down on alcohol-fuelled work events as part of a plan to stamp out a culture of sexual harassment at the organisation. The head of the web giant has released an action plan detailing how the site will turn its act around just days after workers across the globe walked out in protest against covered up sleaze allegations. Android creator Andy Rubin had reportedly been given a heros goodbye and a $90million (69m) pay packet, despite allegations he had forced a woman to perform a sex act on him. Female workers last week told of the pervasive culture of sexual harassment at the company with many sharing stories about impropriety by male colleagues during a global protest. Scroll down for video Sundar Pichai, Google CEO, announced the sweeping new measures on the company's website One protester in San Francisco held a sign that read, 'Happy to quit for $90M, no sexual harassment required' Following mass outrage, Google chief Sundar Pichai told of how he would turn the company around, and promised to better support those who brought cases against fellow workers and executives. On the current boozing culture he said: Harassment is never acceptable and alcohol is never an excuse. In 20 per cent of cases which had been brought forward involving harassment, the perpetrator had been drinking, Mr Pichai noted. He said in a document attached to a blog post online: Our policy is clear: Excessive consumption of alcohol is not permitted when you are at work, performing Google business, or attending a Google-related event, whether onsite or offsite. Some teams had imposed two-drink limits, he said, while others had introduced a ticketing system to stop alcohol flowing freely. Going forward, all leaders at the company - Directors, VPs and SVPs - will be expected to create teams, events, offsites and environments in which excessive alcohol consumption is strongly discouraged, the plan notes. If bosses do not clamp down on drinking within their teams, more onerous action will be imposed, the Google chief warned. Workers protest against Google's handling of sexual misconduct allegations at the company's Mountain View, California, headquarters last week Google employees are shown outside of the San Francisco area Google office during the global walkout on Thursday From now on, the website will publish a report containing details of sexual harassment cases brought by workers. The process it follows to handle harassment and discrimination will also be made public. And a specialist team will be set up to investigate sexual harassment and discrimination cases. The tech boss said it had become clear that to live up to the high bar set for Google, changes must be made. Every year from now, workers will complete mandatory sexual harassment training. Previously, the process happened every two years. Those who do not will see their annual rating cut. New hires at Google, dubbed Nooglers by the company, will all have training with a focus on harassment and discrimination. Last week, a Google workers group, reminiscent of a fledgling union, also demanded an end to forced arbitration a request the company has agreed to. Those who do report cases will also be better cared for, Mr Pichai promised, with time off granted as well as long-term counselling paid for by the company. Google employees fill Harry Bridges Plaza in front of the Ferry Building during a walkout in San Francisco And following complaints about how HR treated workers, those with a grievance will soon be able to take colleagues to meetings. Reacting to the announcements, the organisers of last weeks Google Walkout said the pledges proved collective action works. But the group said that, although it commended the process, some concerns had been ignored such as their demand for a employee representative to be put on the board. In a post, on website Medium, organizer Stephanie Parker said of the response: We demand a truly equitable culture, and Google leadership can achieve this by putting employee representation on the board and giving full rights and protections to contract workers, our most vulnerable workers, many of whom are Black and Brown women. Sexual harassment is the symptom, not the cause. If we want to end sexual harassment in the workplace, we must fix these structural imbalances of power, the group post added. In a warning that action will continue until demands are fully met, the group said: This is a global movement, and the beginning of our continued work, not the end. Interpol is facing damaging allegations it colluded with China after the arrest of the Chinese former head of the global crime fighting body. Lawyers representing the family of Hongwei Meng, detained by the Chinese authorities over alleged corruption in his homeland, have accused Interpol of compromising its independence and political neutrality over the case. In particular, they claim that Interpol worked closely with Beijing on a media strategy following Mr Mengs detention. They also accuse Interpol of infringing the fundamental rights of Mr Meng and his family under international law. Interpol's former president Hongwei Meng at the headquarters of Interpol in Lyon, France, in May 2018 Mr Meng's last WhatsApp message sent on September 25 says, 'Wait for my call,' at 12:26pm and is then followed by a knife emoji four minutes later The allegations made in a letter to the Secretary General of Interpol raise the stakes following the controversial arrest of Mr Meng while on a visit to China from Interpol HQ in France in late September. He was missing for several days before the Chinese authorities confirmed he had been detained over bribery allegations. A letter of resignation, purporting to come from Mr Meng, was later sent to Interpol informing it of his decision to step down as president. His wife, Grace, who is in hiding in France, has revealed that he sent her a text message with a knife emoji on the day he went missing and she remains extremely concerned about his safety. Her husband, whose whereabouts are unknown, is the latest high-profile target to be ensnared in China's sweeping anti-corruption campaign. A number of top Chinese government officials, billionaires and even an A-list celebrity have vanished in recent months. Mr Meng's high-profile position at Interpol was once seen as a prize for Beijing, but his arrest has raised questions about whom he might have angered or what he might have done to be targeted as part of President Xi's anti-corruption crusade. It is not clear whether he had his Interpol computer with him when he was detained and if so whether it contained any operational secrets of value to China. Grace Meng, who does not want to be identified, fears for her husband's safety as she consults her phone in the lobby of a Lyon hotel In a separate letter this week to the Chinese ambassador to France, lawyers acting for Mr Meng and his family have asked for details about the charges he faces, the alleged evidence underpinning the charges and the location of his detention. In a statement today, Mr Mengs wife told Mail Online: My twin boys celebrate their 8th birthdays tomorrow without their father. Tomorrow is also the second anniversary of my husbands election to be President of INTERPOL. I hope that INTERPOL, and President Xi and Premier Li, respect my familys rights and provide full answers to our letters of yesterday. I look forward to my family being safely reunited as soon as possible. Speaking yesterday a top Interpol official said its rules forbid him from probing into the fate of Mr Meng, who served as Interpol president for almost two years before he vanished during a trip to China. Interpol's Secretary General Jurgen Stock said he encouraged Chinese authorities to provide information about Mr Meng's location and legal status but can do no more. We are a rules-based organisation. That is very important to understand, Mr Stock said, adding that the role of Interpol is not to govern over member states. There is no doubt this is a very regrettable situation. But on the other hand, we have to ensure day-to-day operations ... continue, he went on. Confirming Mr Mengs arrest last month, China's Public Security Ministry said the probe was correct, wise and shows the determination of [President Xi]'s administration to continue its anti-corruption drive.' Then China's Vice Minister of Public Security, Mr Meng makes a campaign speech at the 85th session of the general assembly of Interpol, in November 2016, in Bali, Indonesia Interpol is the global policing agency that co-ordinates between police forces around the world, including searches for missing and wanted persons. Its general secretariat oversees the day-to-day work of the 192-member organisation, with the role of the president largely ceremonial. Following confirmation of his arrest last month, Interpol urged China to clarify Mr Meng's status, saying it was concerned about the well-being of its president. There has been no word from him on the charges he faces. Mr Meng, 64, rose through the ranks of China's feared public security apparatus before being caught himself in President Xi Jinping's no-holds-barred campaign against corruption. His arrest marks the end of a 14-year career overseeing various top public security bureaus in China, including the country's armed police force. Born in 1953 in northeastern Heilongjiang province, he joined the Communist Party of China in his early 20s after graduating from Beijing University with a bachelor's degree in law. As vice security minister, Mr Meng has been entrusted with a number of sensitive portfolios, including the country's counter-terrorism division, and he was in charge of the response to violence in China's fractious north-western region of Xinjiang. At Interpol, he was expected to serve a four-year term until 2020. His election in 2016 had raised concerns among human rights groups, which feared that Beijing would use the organisation to round up Chinese dissidents overseas. Today two law firms representing Mr Meng and his family said: Lindeborg Counsellors at Law and Marsigny Avocats confirm that they have sent letters to INTERPOL and the Ambassador of the Peoples Republic of China in France on behalf of Mr Hongwei Meng and his family. 'Mr Hongwei Meng and his family look forward to receiving full responses. Interpol has been asked to comment. Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright today revealed he is a Lego fanatic - and boasted about building a 4,500 piece model of the Death Star. The Cabinet minister gave details of his unexpected sideline during a round of interviews, saying he found it 'therapeutic'. But the QC admitted that his wife did not approve of his 'very large' collection, and he had to store it in boxes because it took up too much space. Bizarrely, Mr Wright's Labour opposite number Tom Watson declared this afternoon that he also owns a Lego Death Star. The insight came after he was widely mocked for admitting he did not subscribe to any British newspapers or magazines. Despite having responsibility for media issues since Theresa May's reshuffle in July, Mr Wright also struggled to name a single female columnist at a conference earlier this week. It is not known which particular model of the Lego Death Star Jeremy Wright has in his collection, but the currently available version (pictured) costs 409.99 and has 4,016 parts Speaking to TalkRadio's Julia Hartley-Brewer today, Mr Wright insisted it was 'complete nonsense' to suggest he did not read newspapers. Mr Wright said: 'It's not even what I said. I was asked a straight question, which is 'what newspaper did you read that morning?' and the answer I gave was I didn't read a newspaper that morning. Which was true. 'To suggest that I don't read newspapers is complete nonsense, of course I do.' In an apparent attempt to spice up his image, Mr Wright also went into some detail when asked about his Lego collection. 'It's very large indeed, my wife would say far too large, but I find Lego therapeutic,' he said. 'I think everybody who does any difficult or stressful job needs a way to switch off. We all have different ways, mine is Lego. 'In my view it's a great way of putting your brain into neutral, which sometimes we all need to do.' Pressed on what his biggest build was, Mr Wright said: 'I think the biggest and most impressive, I've got a Lego Death Star and that is a fairly impressive model.' Asked how many pieces it was, he replied: 'It is about 4,500 pieces I think.' It is not known which particular model of the Lego Death Star Mr Wright has in his collection, but the currently available version costs 409.99 and has 4,016 parts. Mr Wright (pictured in Downing Street this week) gave details of his unexpected sideline during a round of interviews, saying he found it 'therapeutic' Reviews on the Lego website brand it 'totally awesome', and praise the 23 minifigures, including Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine. Mr Watson was asked on Twitter today whether he also had a Lego Death Star. 'Strictly speaking its my 13 year old that owns the Death Star. Not that hes allowed to touch it,' he replied. One anonymous reviewer aged 45-54 heaped praise on the silk capes, adding: 'The turbo lift was sleek and the trash compactor was my favourite part of the set because you get a dianoga in it!' Father-of-two Mr Wright is married to Yvonne, and has been MP for Kenilworth and Southam - and previously Rugby and Kenilworth - since 2005. He served as justice minister from 2012-14 and attorney general from 2014 until July this year, when he was promoted to Culture Secretary. Two motorcycle outriders leading a convoy containing Theresa May crashed today after they were knocked down by a car in an 'unfortunate accident' during her Armistice visit to Belgium. The collision happened on the A7 near Mons where Mrs May had been visiting the graves of British soldiers to mark the 100th anniversary of the First World War. The two motorcyclists were escorting the British PM and her Belgian counterpart Charles Michel as they headed towards France to meet President Macron for lunch. Mr Michel, who is a keen motorcylist, is said to have got out to check on the men but Mrs May stayed in her vehicle. Theresa May was with Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel (pictured together today) when the two outriders crashed in their convoy in an 'unfortunate accident' Theresa May held talks with Emmanuel Macron in the French town of Albert today before attending Armistice commemorations following the accidental car crash The incident was on the A7 near Mons where Mrs May had been visiting the graves of British soldiers The outriders were taken to hospital and De Standaard quoted Belgian premier Michel's spokesman describing the incident as an 'unfortunate accident'. Mrs May's car was ahead, was not involved in the accident and continued driving. Downing Street confirmed Mrs May had not been involved in the accident but said it would not comment further. It is thought no-one was seriously injured in the crash involving one of the vehicles accompanying Mr Michel's car. Mrs May is currently having a working lunch with French President Emmanuel Macron in Albert and is due to lay a wreath at the Thiepval Memorial this afternoon. The ceremony at the memorial has been slightly delayed. Earlier Mrs May quoted First World War poetry while she thanked fallen troops for being 'staunch to the end against odds uncounted' as she paid her respects to mark the centenary of Armistice. Theresa May is visiting war cemeteries in Belgium and France alongside French President Emmanuel Macron and Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel. Starting in Mons on Friday morning, Mrs May and Mr Michel were escorted through the St Symphorien Military Cemetery by Commonwealth War Graves Commission representative Liz Sweet. The cemetery was set up by the German army as a final resting place for British and German soldiers killed at the Battle of Mons. The pair were greeted by a guard of honour from the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers and stood for the sound of The Last Post before a minute's silence. Dressed in a black coat and knee-high patent boots, Mrs May was sombre as she laid wreaths at the graves of Private John Parr of the Middlesex Regiment, who died on August 21 1914 - the first UK soldier to be killed in the conflict. A 35-year-old widow and her 12-year-old son have been stabbed to death by a violent criminal she met on a dating website. Ekaterina Smirnova was killed by Dmitry Batygin, 30, at her home in Moscow which was then filled with gas in the hopes it would explode and destroy evidence. Police say Batygin carefully planned the murders, wearing shoe covers to disguise his shoe-prints and gloves so as not to leave fingerprints behind. Ekaterina Smirnova, 35, was stabbed to death at her home in Moscow alongside her 12-year-old son Alexander Dmitry Batygin, 30, confessed to stabbing the pair before leaving the apartment with the gas turned on, in the hopes of causing an explosion The boy's mouth had been taped closed to stop him screaming before he was stabbed more than 30 times. But he confessed to the killings after police found his identity from conversations he had with Smirnova online before her death. Officers eventually raided the flat of one his friends where they found him hiding along with Ekaterina's mobile phone and her son's games console. He was also caught on CCTV entering Ekaterina's block of flats with her earlier on the evening of the murders. Batygin had previously served a jail sentence for violent crimes, though it is likely that Ekaterina did not know this. Police have not yet revealed a motive for the crime, but are investigating whether Batygin was paid to contact Ekaterina by a relative of her late husband in a dispute over property. Alexander was found with his mouth covered by tape, muting his screams as he was stabbed more than 30 times Ekaterina (left) had met Batygin on a dating website after her 61-year-old husband Vadim (together right) had died from a heart attack An unnamed woman has been detained amid further investigations but denies hiring Batygin. Police had initially detained 37-year-old Dmitry Nesterov because he was due to spend the night with Ekaterina when she died. But he had a cast-iron alibi and so was released. He also had a conviction for a violent crime, and it is unclear whether he was also paid to contact her. Batygin has since been filmed by the Russian Investigative Committee confessing to the double murder. 'I plead guilty,' he told a police interrogator. Ekaterina's spouse Vadim Smirnov, 61, had died of a heart attack last year. Ekaterina's mother had become concerned when her daughter did not answer the phone. 'I had a very trusting relationship with Katya (Ekaterina), and I knew she was waiting for a Dmitry, who she had met on a dating site,' said her mother. Police are investigating whether a relative of Ekaterina's late husband paid Batygin to contact her in a dispute over property The both her daughter and grandson 'disappeared' and did not answer calls. The distraught mother found the bodies and needed the help of neighbours after fainting before calling police. A law enforcement source said: 'One thing is for sure, the killer did not act suddenly. He had calculated everything in advance. 'He put on shoe covers so as not to leave footprints in the apartment. In the kitchen, we found the knives which he used. 'There are no fingerprints on them. Obviously, he wore gloves, and he opened the gas when leaving. 'He probably expected that the apartment would be filled with gas, and when someone entered, turning on a light, an explosion would occur.' A brave father and his 18-year-old son held down a convicted paedophile after believing he was trying to abduct two young girls from a park. Viper MacDonald, 49, spotted the man talking to two children at Hallglen Park in Falkirk, before ushering the girls to safety with his son Brandon. The duo waited for police while restraining the man - and it turned out to be John Bermingham, 52, who had a conviction for sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl. Viper MacDonald, 49, and his 18-year-old son Brandon restrained John Bermingham, 52, while waiting for police at Hallglen Park in Falkirk The pair have been commended for their actions at the Police Scotland Bravery and Meritorious Conduct Awards in Tulliallan, Fife After police arrested Bermingham and took him into custody, they discovered condoms, sweets and sleeping pills in his possession, reported the Daily Record. He was charged for trying to abduct the girls in May last year, but a jury found the charges not proven at the High Court in Edinburgh one year later. However, Mr MacDonald and his son have now been commended for their actions at the Police Scotland Bravery and Meritorious Conduct Awards in Tulliallan, Fife. Yesterday, the pair were commended for their actions at the Police Scotland Bravery and Meritorious Conduct Awards in Tulliallan, Fife. Mr MacDonald said: 'He was asking them questions and the girls pointed to where they lived. He started telling them to follow him. It just didn't look right. Bermingham (pictured) was charged for trying to abduct the girls in May last year, but a jury found the charges not proven at the High Court in Edinburgh one year later 'I ran downstairs and shouted on my son Brandon. We asked the girls if they knew him and they said they didn't. We held him down until the police came.' The mothers of the girls have praised the duo, with one saying that the family 'owe a debt' to them for saving their children from 'something terrible'. She said: 'We hope their bravery motivates other people to be vigilant in their communities and keep kids safe.' Bermingham was previously jailed for 12 years in 2002 for sexually assaulting an 18-year-old woman and an 11-year-old girl in one hour. Nearly 40,000 people took to the streets of Belgium's capital Brussels on Sunday to protest against new anti-Covid measures banning the unvaccinated from entering restaurants and bars (pictured). Some protesters were seen throwing projectiles at police officers and in response, police fired water cannon and tear gas at the group. The protest came just hours after it emerged Germany is set to follow Austria's example in making vaccinations compulsory with ministers admitting that the move is 'unavoidable' amid a fourth wave of the pandemic which is crippling the country's hospitals. Last night also saw similar demonstrations against virus restrictions take place in Austria, Switzerland, Croatia, Italy, Northern Ireland, Austria and North Macedonia on Saturday, a day after Dutch police opened fire on protesters and seven people were injured in rioting that erupted in Rotterdam. Europe has become the epicentre of the pandemic once again, with the World Health Organisation warning that the Continent was the only region in the world where deaths had increased as Covid-related fatalities spiked by five per cent just this week. In Belgium, cases have been surging, with infections reaching 13,836 on Sunday. In response, the government has introduced restrictions including a ban on the unvaccinated from venues such as restaurants and bars. Police said 35,000 protesters marched from the North Station in Brussels on Sunday afternoon against a fresh round of Covid measures announced by the government on Wednesday. The demonstration, called 'Together for Freedom', saw some protestors clash with riot police near the Belgian capital's EU and government district. Many of the protestors caught up in the clash were wearing hoods and carried Flemish nationalist flags. Three years after the body of 21-year-old Lauren Agee was found floating in a Tennessee lake, the lead detective on the case has admitted under oath that he did not interview people at the scene, did not look for DNA evidence or order a rape kit before ruling the womans death an accident. In July 2015, Agee went camping with four friends during a popular three-day wakeboarding event called Wakefest in Smithfield. On the morning of July 26, she was found floating facedown in Center Hill Lake. Scroll down for video What really happened to Lauren? Lauren Agee, 21, was found dead in a Tennessee lake in 2015 while on a camping trip with friends and her death was ruled an accident, but her family disagree Agee was found floating facedown in Center Hill Lake after allegedly falling from a cliff Then-DeKalb County Sheriff's detective Jeremy Taylor conducted a two-month investigation and concluded that Agee fell from a cliff into the lake and either died from the fall or drowned, reported Fox 17. His report detailing his findings was just three paragraphs long. Detective Jeremy Taylor, the lead detective on the case with no prior homicide investigation experience, was deposed as part of a lawsuit this summer, admitting that he failed to talk to witnesses or look for DNA or blood evidence But Agee's mother, Sherry Smith, was not satisfied with the results of the probe and in 2016 filed a $10million wrongful death lawsuit against her late daughter's friends who had gone camping with her: Aaron Lilly, Brix Gambrell, Hannah Palmer, Christopher Stoudt. The friends always denied any involvement in Agee's death and were never charged with any wrongdoing. As part of that lawsuit, Smith's lawyers deposed detective Taylor in June 2018, forcing him to detail his investigation into Agee's death, revealing the gaping holes in the case. During the videotaped deposition, the now-former detective admitted that he did not listen to 911 calls reporting the discovery of Agees body, nor did he interview the people who had made those calls. When asked why he did not talk to the callers, Taylor replied: I just didnt. The ex-cop also said he did not know when Agee was last seen alive and he did not attempt to speak to the residents of houseboats that were docked not far from the spot where her body was recovered by fishermen. In 2016, Agee's mother filed a $10million wrongful death lawsuit against her late daughter's friends who had gone camping with her, among them Hannah Palmer (right) None of the four friends, among them Chris Stout (right) was ever charged with any wrongdoing in connection to her death When asked if he looked for blood evidence on the rocks at the campsite, he replied with a bowed head: 'no, not specifically, no.' Agees family hired a hydrologist who determined that if the young woman fell from the cliff where she and her friends were camping, like Taylors report claimed, it would have been impossible for her body to float against the current to the cove where her body eventually ended up. During the deposition, former detective Taylor admitted that he did not factor in the direction of the current during his investigation and did not think to bring in a diver to look for evidence in the lake. I didn't. I just didnt, he said. Taylor admitted that he had never worked a homicide case and had no training in homicide investigation. He said he made no attempt to collect potential DNA evidence from under Agee's fingernails and did not request a rape kit because the victim was supposedly on her period at the time of her death. After watching the recording of Taylor's deposition, Agee's mother said she was 'shocked' by his answers. Agees family hired a hydrologist who determined that if the young woman fell from the cliff where she and her friends were camping, like Taylors report claimed, it would have been impossible for her body to float against the current (pictured) Agee's mother, Sherry Smith (right), has used her savings to hire a private investigator in an effort to find out what really happened to her daughter Unsatisfied with the results of the official investigation, Agee's mother used her savings to hire a private detective in February 2016 after the first police officer to respond to the scene, Chris Yarchuck, told her he didn't agree with Taylor's findings. 'There is no way that was an accident, I will go to the grave believing that girl was killed, her body was moved and they are hiding the truth,' Yarchuck told Fox17. Agee's friends told police they were all drunk when they returned to the campsite and Agee fell asleep in a hammock close to the cliff edge with Stout. Dekalb County Sheriff's Patrick Ray conceded in July 2018 that former detective Taylor could have collected more informatio When they woke up the following morning, they said Agee was nowhere to be found and they assumed she had gone off to meet someone at the wakeboarding event. Her friend Palmer did tell police she was worried because Agee's flip flops, phone and wallet were still at the campsite. Palmer said she went looking for her friend, presuming she would run in to her at the lake. But the family's private investigator Sheila Wysocki claimed autopsy photos show a strange bite mark near the young woman's breast and that Agee had bleeding in her throat suggesting strangulation. In March 2017, a judge dismissed Smith's wrongful death lawsuit against her daughter's friends, ruling there was insufficient evidence. Dekalb County Sheriff's Patrick Ray conceded in July 2018 that former detective Taylor could have gathered more information, but he refused to say that he should have done so. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, 85, fell and cracked three of her ribs Wednesday and went to hospital after experiencing 'discomfort' President Donald Trump said Friday he hopes Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg serves on for 'many, many years' as she recovers from injuries she sustained in a fall. Trump got asked about Ginsburg as he headed for Paris two days after she fell and cracked three of her ribs. The 85-year-old liberal justice was released from hospital Friday morning and had already been up and working in her hospital room, her nephew said late on Thursday at the Hollywood premiere of a film about her life. 'I wish her well,' Trump said. 'She said something very inappropriate during the campaign, but she apologized for it,' he added. After bringing up her past criticism, Trump added: 'I wouldn't say she's exactly on my side. But I wish her well. I hope she gets better, and I hope she serves on the Supreme Court for many, many years.' It was part of his free-flowing question and answer session with the press as he boarded Marine One on his way to Paris with Melania, where they will mark the 100th anniversary of the end of World War One. Trump has already installed two conservative justices on the Supreme Court, and has spoken publicly about getting the chance to nominate several additional justices.' 'She said something very inappropriate during the campaign, but she apologized for it,' Trump said, as Ginsburg, 85, recovers after being hospitalized and breaking three ribs Ginsburg during the 2016 campaign called Trump a 'faker' and said she couldn't conceive of him winning. 'I can't imagine what this place would be -- I can't imagine what the country would be -- with Donald Trump as our president,' she told the New York Times in July 2016, in comments that were unusually pointed for a sitting justice. Trump tweeted in response that her 'mind is shot' and called for her to resign. She later called her own comments 'ill-advised' and promised to be 'more circumspect.' Ginsburg, a ground-breaking liberal jurist who at 85 is the oldest U.S. Supreme Court justice, was hospitalized on Thursday after falling at her office at the court, a court spokeswoman said. 'The last I heard she was up and working, of course, because what else would she be doing, and cracking jokes,' her nephew Daniel Stiepleman said at the premiere of the film 'On the Basis of Sex', about a gender-based discrimination case Ginsburg tried as a young lawyer in 1972. 'I can't promise they were good jokes but they were jokes,' said Stiepleman, who wrote the script for the film with input from the justice herself. Aunt Ruth is OK: Daniel Stiepleman spoke at the premiere of On The Basis Of Sex in Hollywood to say the Supreme Court Justice is up and working in her hospital room Ginsburg, who made her name as an advocate for women's rights, is one of four liberals sitting on the court, to which she was appointed in 1993 by then President Bill Clinton. The court's 5-4 conservative majority was restored last month when the Senate confirmed Republican President Donald Trump's appointee Brett Kavanaugh after a contentious nomination process in which Kavanaugh denied a sexual assault allegation from his youth. Ginsburg went home after the fall but experienced discomfort overnight and went to George Washington University Hospital on Thursday morning, court spokeswoman Kathy Arberg said in a statement. Tests showed Ginsburg fractured three ribs on her left side and she was admitted for observation and treatment, Arberg added. The court is due to hear its next arguments on Nov. 26. If Ginsburg were unable to continue serving, Trump could replace her with a conservative, further shifting the court to the right. Drama: The fall came just before the premier of On The Basis of Sex in which Felicity Jones plays Ruth Bader Ginsberg when she was a young lawyer who struggled for equal rights , while Armie Hammer takes on the role of her husband Marty Elegant: Felicity Jones, 35, arrived on the red carpet for On The Basis of Sex in a bold scarlet suit jacket and matching skirt. She plays Ruth Bader Ginsburg as a young attorney Missing RBG: President Trump and the first lady pose with the rest of the Supreme Court bench who are from left: Associate Justices Neil Gorsuch, Sonia Sotomayor, Stephen Breyer and Clarence Thomas; Chief Justice John Roberts; and Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh with his wife Ashley; Associate Justices Samuel Alito, and Elena Kagan With his man: Donald Trump posed with Brett Kavanaugh in the Justices' Conference Room of the Supreme Court Congratulations: Melania Trump signed a book at the inauguration ceremony for the new associate justice and later tweeted:'Congratulations Justice Kavanaugh. I know you will continue to serve our country with honor' A potentially dominant 6-3 conservative majority would have major consequences for issues including abortion, the death penalty, voting rights, gay rights and religious liberty. As the oldest justice, Ginsburg is closely watched for any signs of deteriorating health. She has bounced back from previous medical issues and has fallen twice before at her home, in 2012 and 2013, leading to rib injuries. She was treated in 1999 for colon cancer and again in 2009 for pancreatic cancer, but did not miss any argument sessions either time. In 2014, doctors placed a stent in her right coronary artery to improve blood flow after she reported discomfort following routine exercise. She was released from a hospital the next day. Trump went to the court on Thursday for a ceremony welcoming Kavanaugh to the nation's highest court. Kavanaugh was sworn in to the lifetime job last month. The president took the First Lady Melania Trump with him for the trip to the opposite end of Pennsylvania Avenue, where the first couple posed with the rest of the Supreme Court bench and Kavanaugh's wife, Ashley. The inauguration is traditionally attended by all the Supreme Court bench. Also present Thursday was retired justice Anthony Kennedy, whose seat Kavanaugh is taking and for whom the new justice had been a clerk. The ceremony, however, did not feature the tradition of the new justice posing on the steps of the court with Chief Justice John Roberts because of security concerns. The president sat with the first lady at the front of the marble-walled courtroom near the justices' mahogany bench, making no public remarks. Some leading congressional Republicans, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and outspoken Trump ally Senator Lindsey Graham, attended. The event came a day after Trump fired Jeff Sessions as attorney general; Matthew Whitaker, who Trump named as Sessions' interim replacement, participated. Honored visitor: Retired Associate Justice Anthony Kennedy - who new justice Brett Kavanaugh had clerked for - also posed (far left) for a photograph in the Justices' Conference room with the First Couple and from left: Associate Justices Neil Gorsuch, Sonia Sotomayor, Stephen Breyer and Clarence Thomas; Chief Justice John Roberts; and Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh with his wife Ashley; Associate Justices Samuel Alito, and Elena Kagan On his way to court: Donald and Melania Trump took the Beast from the White House to the home of the third branch of government Back again: Donald Trump met with Lindsey Graham on the South Lawn of the White House when he returned from the Supreme Court Ceremony: The Supreme Court was the venue for Brett Kavanaugh's formal inauguration as associate justice On his way: Donald Trump's motorcade heads for the Supreme Court to mark Brett Kavanaugh's inauguration Ginsburg called Trump an egotistical 'faker' when he was running for president in 2016, in an unusual foray into politics by a justice. Trump responded, saying her 'mind is shot' and she should resign. Ginsburg later expressed regret, saying 'judges should avoid commenting on a candidate for public office.' She is a hero among many U.S. liberals, who revere her as 'The Notorious R.B.G', a nickname based on a late rap star. A documentary film about her, 'RBG,' was released earlier this year, and the Hollywood biopic will be released on Christmas. The director, Mimi Leder, called described the film as Ginsburg's 'origin story', a term used in superhero movies. 'Our thoughts are with her tonight after her fall yesterday. We send her our love and pray for a speedy recovery. I have it on good word that she's in great shape, and she is shooing the doctors out of her room so she can work,' Leder said at the premiere. She told Reuters her own information about Ginsburg's health had come from Stiepleman. Ginsburg has helped buttress equality rights during her time on the high court, including in sex discrimination cases. Her career was shaped in part by discrimination she faced as a young lawyer in a predominantly male profession: she was one of just nine women at Harvard Law School in the 1950s, and later struggled to find a firm that would hire her. 'She was making mistakes, finding out who she was, had a very young family, her husband wasn't very well,' actress Felicity Jones, who plays her in the film, told Reuters on the red carpet. 'She was juggling a lot of difficult things at the same time but always (had) this absolute commitment to the law.' Ginsburg voiced support for the #MeToo movement against sexual misconduct after Kavanaugh was accused of sexual assault by a university professor, saying that unlike in her youth, 'women nowadays are not silent about bad behavior.' Kavanaugh's Senate confirmation process convulsed the nation just weeks before Tuesday's congressional elections in which Trump's fellow Republicans lost control of the House of Representatives but expanded their majority in Senate. On Wednesday, Trump credited the fight over confirming Kavanaugh, who was strongly opposed by Democrats, for the gains in the Senate. 'She can take anything she needs!' Twitter users are offering to donate their own RIBS and other organs to keep Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg healthy after her fall The nation was left shaken on Thursday after it was revealed Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was hospitalized from a fall at the office that left her with three fractured ribs. The 85-year-old woman, nicknamed RBG, was admitted 'for observation and treatment' early on Thursday morning after her Wednesday fall because she experienced discomfort overnight. Ginsburg is the oldest Supreme Court justice and one of four liberal-leaning judges on the high court. So the news rocked the Democrats as many online offered to give her anything including their ribs, internal organs and bubble wrap to keep the prominent woman healthy until the next Democratic presidency. Twitter was flooded with people digesting the news of Ginsburg being admitted to George Washington University Hospital in Washington, D.C. with three rib fractures. Although many recognized they couldn't actually donate a rib to the fallen justice, it didn't stop them from still making the offer. Actress Alyssa Milano, 45, was one of the ones reacting to the news online, writing: 'Ruth Bader Ginsberg [sic] can have my ribs. And my kidneys and a lung, And anything else she needs. She can even have my husband on Thursdays.' Another supporter was in agreement with Alyssa and wrote: 'I will literally give three ribs to Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg if she needs them, along with whichever other body parts she requires until 2020.' Panicked: The news rocked liberals in the United States, including actress Alyssa Milano, who need Ginsburg to stay healthy until 2020 Priorities: People online made insane offers to donate their own ribs to the liberal-leaning justice to keep her healthy True: The news shocked the nation after a tumultuous news cycle yesterday involving President Donald Trump firing Jeff Sessions as his attorney general Fair: One person asked how no one has thought to wrap Ginsburg in bubble wrap to keep her safe until the next presidential election Concerned: Many people said the justice's health should take priority for the next two years Willing: One person shared that he would buy the justice an inflatable hamster ball to keep her body safe Make it happen: One person joked Ginsburg should be kept in bubble wrap until she decides to retire from the high court On the way: There were a number of gifs and memes to express how people would donate anything to keep Ginsburg healthy In an attempt to make light of the situation, supporters joked the Democrats needed to wrap the justice in bubble wrap in an attempt to keep her healthy for the next two years. 'How have liberal activists not physically bubble wrapped RBG yet?' Journalist Sam Stein wrote on Twitter after the news broke on Thursday morning. Ginsburg previously broke two ribs in a fall in 2012. She also survived two bouts with cancer and had a stent implanted to open a blocked artery in 2014. Despite all these health setbacks, Ginsburg has come back stronger than ever and even recently spoke about how long she intends to remain in her seat. 'I'm now 85,' Ginsburg said in July, according to CNN. 'My senior colleague, Justice John Paul Stevens, he stepped down when he was 90, so I think I have about at least five more years.' But these health scares have worried Democrats who don't want Ginsburg to step down and allow President Trump to appoint his third Supreme Court justice. 'Holy f*** can we just wrap Ruth Bader Ginsburg in bubble wrap and cary her around in a sedan chair for the next two or more years because she is currently our country's most precious natural resource,' one person wrote after news broke. Another person wrote: 'GoFundMe for a 20-foot thick bubble wrap inside which Ruth Bader Ginsburg will be placed for at least two years.' Ginsburg, who was the second woman ever nominated to the Supreme Court, has become an icon for women's right movements and advocates. She recently gained celebrity status after her biography, The Notorious RGB, released and was made into a documentary. A movie entitled On The Basis Of Sex will explore more of Ginsburg's background in law before her Supreme Court appointment, and the justice will be played by Felicity Jones. The Kremlin say their hypersonic nuclear missiles, capable of moving through any missile defense system, will be operational in 2019. Russia has been showcasing their new missiles since Vladimir Putin unveiled the Avanguard hypersonic glide vehicle in March. The ferocious missile delivery system can travel at 20 times the speed of sound and can launch missiles from the north and south poles within minutes. The Russians report they tested it twice in 2016 and currently the US is unable to defend itself against the new technology. A computer generated image of the Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle which sails on top of the Earth's atmosphere at incredible speeds Russian President Vladimir Putin and his American counterpart Donald Trump spoke at a summit in Helsinki in July after Putin unveiled his new arsenal in March The Avangard glide vehicle is designed to sit atop an intercontinental ballistic missile. Once launched, it uses aerodynamics to sail on top of the atmosphere. It is loaded with advanced countermeasure systems that allow it to skirt around missile defense systems. The gliders are also highly unpredictable thanks to their exceptional maneuverability, making them almost impossible to track. Each weapon could be loaded with a nuclear warhead but experts say the sheer speed of the vehicles means they would do damage even without an explosive payload. Putin described his hypersonic arsenal as 'invincible' during a state-of-the-nation address in March. He claimed Avangard strikes 'like a meteorite, like a fireball' and was capable of reaching targets at 20 times the speed of sound. At this speed the weapon could circle the Earth in just over half an hour. Images released by the Kremlin, who say that the weapons will be operational as early as 2019 A high altitude variant of the Russian MiG fighter jet can be used to launch the nuclear weapons The new RS-28 Samrat liquid-fueled superheavy thermonuclear armed intercontinental ballistic missiles can carry up to 24 Avangards and were also unveiled in March. They were developed to replace the old SS-18 Satan missile. In July the Kremlin showcased the new missile and Russia's Strategic Missile Forces Commander, Colonel General Sergei Karatayev said Samrat, 'allows the use of all types of individually targeted warheads, including those still on the drawing board.' The massive firepower means that a single missile would have the ability to wipe out 24 London-sized cities with one shot. The news comes as President Donald Trump announced his intention to withdraw from a landmark missile treaty with the Russians. Trump claims the Kremlin has repeatedly violated the terms of the deal which was struck by former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev and President Ronald Reagan in 1987. A generation ago Russia was virtually bankrupt as it emerged from the Soviet Union, but now Putin seeks to put pressure back on the Americans. A former Wisconsin high school teacher has pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a 17-year-old male student after police found sexually graphic messages on her phone that revealed six months of sex romps. Samantha Fitzpatrick, 29, took a plea deal in court on Tuesday after being charged with assaulting the teenager when she was an English teacher at Ripon High School last year. Her sex assault charge carries a potential six years in prison. Fitzpatrick was arrested in December last year after police received a tip that she was having an 'inappropriate relationship' with one of her students before she abruptly resigned before the summer break. Samantha Fitzpatrick, 29, took a plea deal in court on Tuesday after being charged with assaulting the teenager when she was an English teacher at Ripon High School last year During the investigation, a teacher at the school told police she had heard from a different student that the victim had been telling people he'd had sex with Fitzpatrick at her home. Fitzpatrick was arrested in December last year after police received a tip that she was having an 'inappropriate relationship' with one of her students Another student also told police that the victim had also said he had 'done stuff' with Fitzpatrick at the Comfort Inn hotel in Ripon. A teacher also said she noticed flirtatious behavior between the pair and that the victim was often in Fitzpatrick's classroom sitting next to her desk. She would pay close attention to the student and tune out the remaining students in the class, according to the teacher. When the concerned teacher approached Fitzpatrick about the rumors, she chuckled and said: 'I could see how they would say this.' They both initially denied the sexual encounters when confronted by police. The victim admitted that Fitzpatrick often gave him car rides, but denied the two had a sexual relationship. He claimed he only 'joked' about the romp sessions to his friends. Fitzpatrick's sex assault charge carries a potential six years in prison Another student also told police that the victim had also said he had 'done stuff' with Fitzpatrick at the Comfort Inn hotel in Ripon But police quickly discovered a slew of racy and 'sexually graphic' Facebook messages between the pair, which included details of role playing and sex acts they wanted to perform on each other. A search of phone records uncovered 67 phone calls the victim made to Fitzpatrick. The teacher had deleted the student's number but investigators were able to recover it. Some messages included Fitzpatrick professing her 'love for the victim' and asking the student to send revealing photos. The Facebook messages between them stemmed from November 2016 to May 2017 before she resigned when details of the trysts became public. As part of a plea deal, the charges of child enticement, exposing a child to harmful materials and obstructing an officer were dropped. A woman who complimented a police officer while she was drunk has been banned from a popular pub for life. Heidi Lucas, 42, was banned from the Coogee Bay Hotel in Sydney's eastern suburbs six years ago after she complimented a police officer on his uniform. Ms Lucas was kicked out by four security guards within minutes and warned she could receive a large fine due to her actions. 'It's humiliating and insulting,' the aged care worker told The Daily Telegraph. Heidi Lucas (pictured) was given a life ban from Coogee Bay Hotel after she complimented a police officer on his uniform while she was drunk Ms Lucas was not issued a formal ban but was forced to leave the premises again when she went back three years later. Ms Lucas was confronted by security guards and told her she had been 'barred for life'. 'You should know this place is dead to you,' another bouncer told her. 'You'd think I'd glassed someone ... but I was only ever drunk there that once,' Ms Lucas said. 'Now whenever the head security officer spots me, he sends two or three bouncers to turf me out.' Ms Lucas made a complaint to operations manager Mitch Rose six months ago who agreed her six year ban sounded 'excessive'. The operations manager of Coogee Bay Hotel is in the process of reviewing 'hundreds' of bans Mr Rose has said he is in the process of reviewing 'hundreds' of bans and said he wanted to ensure Coogee Bay Hotel 'to remain a friendly place'. He said Ms Lucas' complaint was on top of the pile among others who feel they have been unfairly banned. The operations manager confirmed he had scheduled meetings with the pub's ten year security team to review existing bans. The Liquor Act 2007 states landlords can refuse entry to anyone who is repeatedly drunk, violent, disorderly, or quarrelsome for up to six months. The ban can potentially be extended for another six months. A British woman who was found dead in an Australian lap dancing club may have had her drink spiked, an inquest heard today. Stacey Tierney, 29, who died of a drug overdose was found lying partially clothed on a sofa with tests showing she had traces of MDMA, cocaine and heroin in her system. An inquest into her death heard that her boss found her body 30 hours after she was last seen working, however, two men Joseph Berhe and Tomas Mesfun, were in the room with her throughout that time, including when she passed out and later died. The hearing at Stockport Coroner's Court heard the former fitness instructor took the drugs during a staff party at the Gentleman's Dreams Club in Melbourne but was then left dying in the bar manager's office. Police were only alerted to the tragedy more than a day after the party had begun when club owner Steve Kyriacou arrived for work and made the discovery. Berhe and Mesfun, who were found in the same room as Miss Tierney, were quizzed by police over the death but were released without charge. Stacey Tierney (pictured left and right) was found lying partially clothed on a sofa with tests showing she had alcohol plus traces of MDMA, cocaine and heroin in her system The former fitness instructor took the drugs during a staff party at the Gentleman's Dreams club in Melbourne but was then left dying in the bar manager's office The hearing was told Miss Tierney (shown left and right) had moved to Victoria in Australia after her boyfriend got an engineering job As paramedics attended the scene on December 19, 2016, one of the men was overheard telling another man: 'I think we're alright here.' Police discovered the office had been 'cleaned up' before officers arrived on the scene. At an inquest in Stockport, Miss Tierney's family accused members of the group of being 'inhumane' as a coroner recorded an open verdict. The inquest heard that a fellow reveller had sent text messages saying: 'This chick has passed out and I can't leave her; it's scaring me.' Stacey's mother Michelle Frost, of Withington, Manchester, wept as she said: 'I don't think we will ever get the answers we want as I don't think they are telling the truth. 'Nobody tried to help her, The didn't pick up the phone for an ambulance and I don't know why. Police were only alerted to the body of Miss Tierney (pictured) after the party had begun when club owner Steve Kyriacou arrived for work and made the discovery Although Miss Tierney said she did not like the work at the club (pictured) the money was good and she had gained a study visa to save up to pay for a nursing studies course, the court heard Stacey's mother Michelle Frost, of Withington, Manchester, wept as she said she might never know the truth about her daughter's death Timeline of tragedy: How Stacey Tierney's body was found two days after she arrived for work Saturday, December 17, 2016: 8.30pm: Miss Tierney begins her shift at the club around. She is seen on CCTV working normally and 'does not appear to be overly intoxicated'. 3.41am: After work, in the early hours of the next day Miss Tierny is seen going into the management offices for an after party. Six people entered the office. Some time later: Another woman, the bar manager and his friend left, CCTV revealed. But Miss Tierney remained with Berhe and Mesfun. 12:30am, Sunday December 18: A text message is sent to the bar manager saying: 'This chick's passed out and I can't leave her. She's scaring me.' 5.30am: A second message read: 'I don't know what to do any more.' Miss Tierney dies around this time (pathology reports show). 11.43am, Monday December 19: Steve Kyriacou, arrived at to find Berhe and Mesfun along with Miss Tierney's lifeless body on a sofa and emergency services were called. Advertisement 'To watch somebody die like that. They have got reasons but what are these reasons? 'That's what I feel; it stinks, it's lies, how can a human being not do something to help somebody else. 'The was a good person and I feel there's been an injustice somewhere but I don't think I will ever find the truth.' The hearing was told Miss Tierney had moved to Victoria in Australia after her boyfriend got an engineering job. She travelled around Australia and when her study visa was accepted in November 2016 she started working at Dreams Gentleman's Club. The inquest heard that she had told friends she 'didn't like' working at the club but she was trying to save up to fund her studies and 'the money was good'. She arrived at the club at 8.20pm on December 17 and worked into the early hours of the morning. After all the customers had left the premises at about 4am, staff held at after-party in the manager's office. Det Supt Estelle Matheson, from Greater Manchester Police, said: 'It's almost impossible to ascertain what happened in that room. 'That room was the one place where there was no CCTV footage. Once she disappears into that room she is not seen alive again. 'The accounts that were given were inconsistent, some aspects were similar, but there were many inconsistencies with the accounts given.' Police discovered the office where Miss Tierney (pictured) was found had been 'cleaned up' before officers arrived Miss Tierney travelled around Australia and when her study visa was accepted in November 2016 she started working at Dreams Gentleman's Club One of the men in the room with Miss Tierney (pictured) had claimed to be asleep for much of the duration of the party, but phone records revealed that he had been active on the device One of the men in the room had claimed to be asleep for much of the duration of the party, but phone records revealed that he had been active on the device. The inquest was told a pathologist had given an estimated time of death of 5.30am on December 18, but police were not alerted until about 12pm on December 19. Det Matheson added: 'Just shortly after 5.30am one of the main suspects messages the manager at 5.34am and says: 'I don't know what to do, she's unresponsive.' Miss Tierney had first travelled to Australia in 2014 with her boyfriend and returned a year later The inquest was told a pathologist had given an estimated time of death of 5.30am on December 18, but police were not alerted until about 12pm on December 19 Alison Mutch, senior coroner for South Manchester recorded an open verdict into Miss Tierney's death, saying there was still 'unanswered questions' surrounding her death 'He was raising concerns about her. They didn't take any steps to assist her. That text suggests she was possible dead at 5.30am or extremely unwell. 'A further message was sent to the owner saying 'I don't know what to do anymore'. She added that there was no evidence or drugs being injected but officers were unable to rule out that her drink was spiked. Stacey's stepfather David Frost said: 'I struggle to reason with why they never answered any follow up questions. 'Why weren't there answers to those questions? Like when they left the room when the paramedics arrived, one boy said to the other 'I think we're alright here'. 'It's hard to believe really. We thought it was basic police work and thought police in different countries worked with each other. 'We have found it hard not to have the answers to our questions and we have been left baffled.' Advertisement A witness has described the moment he rushed to help Sisto Malaspina in the Bourke Street terror attack, who was lying in a pool of his own blood. Markel Villasin, 22, was working at a KFC restaurant near the scene when he heard a 'commotion', causing him to run out onto the street. 'Me and the managers ran out and we saw the car on fire. We took a step closer and there was an old man with blood on him, face down on the floor,' Mr Villasin told the ABC. 'Unfortunately, the man passed away, they put a sheet on him. It was crazy because he was alive at my feet as they tried to work on him and then he passed away.' Scroll down for video Markel Villasin, 22, (pictured) was working at Bourke Street's KFC restaurant near the scene when he heard a 'commotion' The victim at Villasin's feet was cafe maestro Sisto Malaspina (centre), who was stabbed when trying to help Ali out of his burning car A knifeman stabbed a shopper to death on Melbourne's Bourke Street Mall and injured two others. A body was seen lying on the street covered in a white sheet Mr Villasin said he saw the terrorist Hassan Khalif Shire Ali holding a knife and swinging it at police officers. He said he saw Malaspina was breathing but appeared to be 'bleeding out', as emergency responders attempted to resuscitate him using CPR. Despite the desperate attempts to save the man, he later died as a result of his wounds. Officers shot Ali in the chest after his Holden Rodeo loaded with gas cylinders hit a pedestrian as it mounted the kerb and exploded outside Target near the Swanson Street intersection about 4.20pm on Friday. Video shot from the scene showed the frenzied attack that carried on for more than a minute, beginning with Ali charging at two police officers, punching one through a car window and lunging at them with a knife. The Islamic State claimed the attack as their own, releasing a statement saying 'the perpetrator of the operation... in Melbourne... was an Islamic State fighter and carried out the operation... to target nationals of the coalition' fighting IS, Amaq reported, quoting a jihadist security source. They have previously claimed responsibility for attacks that were later discovered to be unrelated to the organisation. ISIS have since claimed the attack as their own via the propaganda platform, releasing a statement saying 'the perpetrator of the operation... in Melbourne... was an Islamic State fighter and carried out the operation... to target nationals of the coalition' fighting IS, Amaq reported Ali's passport was cancelled several years ago after he was noted as one of 300 potential security risks. It was also noted police are unable to get in touch with the Ali's wife, and believe she was both missing and radicalised. She has since been located and interviewed by authorities. Premier Daniel Andrews said the attack was 'an evil and terrifying thing that's happened in our state'. 'Our thoughts and prayers are with everybody touched by this, but we will not be defined by this,' he said. Victorian Liberal Party leader Matthew Guy said 'we must eradicate this sort of thing,' in a media conference shortly after. 'Every resource should be going into keeping Victorians safe.' Video showed a man wielding a knife attempt to stab and slash at two police officers before he was shot and fell to the ground, and also a brave shopper try to hit him with a trolley The officers then retreated to the other side of the road as the bearded attacker with a shaved head and dressed in a long brown tunic, pursued them as horrified bystanders called on police to shoot him Ali chased the officers around a tree as they tried to avoid his blows and convince the man to surrender, and a brave bystander tried to stop the attack by running him down with a shopping trolley. The officers then retreated to the other side of the road as the bearded attacker with a shaved head and dressed in a long brown tunic, pursued them as horrified bystanders called on police to shoot him. Ali again attempted to stab and slash at the officers several times before one policeman unsuccessfully tried to taser him. His partner then shot the assailant in the chest. The knifeman clutched his chest and and fell to the ground where he was quickly arrested on the pavement by two plain clothing officers and rushed to hospital under police guard, where he later died on the operating table. His possible links to known terror plotters and extremist elements of the North African community in Australia are being investigated. Ali moved to Australia from Somalia in the 1990s, Victoria Police commissioner Graham Ashton said, and had a record of 'minor' offences in relation to 'cannabis use, theft and driving offences'. Victoria Police commissioner Graham Ashton and Premier Daniel Andrews spoke at a press conference after the attack 'He is someone that is known to both Victoria police and at a federal level,' Mr Ashton said. Mr Ashton was asked about reports from eyewitnesses that Ali screamed 'Allahu Akbar' as he chased pedestrians, to which he could not confirm. 'There is no ongoing threat, but this is an ongoing investigation. It will be handled by the counter terrorism command and Victoria Police.' Prime Minister Scott Morrison also released a statement condemning the actions of the assailant. 'Australians will never be intimidated by these appalling attacks and we will continue to go about our lives and enjoy the freedoms that the terrorists detest,' he wrote. 'I praise the bravery of the police who were on the scene and took action and those who selflessly came to the assistance of the injured and provided comfort to the distressed.' Opposition leader Bill Shorten also praised the bravery of 'our extraordinary police officers who acted so swiftly and professionally in Melbourne's CBD... and the passers-by whose first instinct was to go to the aid of others.' A man caught a birds eye view of the explosion, recording the car bursting into flames from his bedroom window Witnesses said the Holden Rodeo hit a pedestrian as it mounted the kerb and burst into flames outside Target near the Swanson Street intersection about 4.20pm on Friday, before the stabbing rampage began The man was quickly arrested on the pavement by two officers in front of shocked pedestrians who stood back to film it Victoria Police said officers responded to reports of a car fire before they were confronted by the man. 'Officers were confronted by a male brandishing a knife and threatening them,' Superintendent David Clayton said. Counter Terrorism Command in conjunction with the Homicide Squad will investigate the incident but police do not perceive any ongoing threats at this stage and are not looking for anyone else in relation to the attack. 'The exact circumstances are yet to be determined at this stage. The area has been cordoned off and the public are urged to avoid the area,' they said earlier. Ali was taken to Royal Melbourne Hospital in a critical condition after he was shot in the chest, where he later died. One of his victims had a head injury, and another an unknown injury. Witnesses said one of those injured was a security guard who tried to intervene. One of the victims was identified as Tasmanian man Rodney Patterson, 58. Mr Patterson and his wife Maree (not pictured) said the couple were 'caught up in the attack' before he was stabbed His wife Maree took to social media to share the harrowing turn of events, detailing how she and her husband were 'caught up in the attack' before he was stabbed. 'Rodney was hurt - good news is he is in a great hospital and doing ok given the circumstances,' she posted on Facebook. 'Can't take calls at the moment but will speak to everyone when I can. 'Thanks to everyone for their wishes and caring.' Tasmanian MP Will Hodgman praised Mr Patterson's 'brave' actions. Rodney Patterson (second from left) was one of three people who were knifed by the Somali-born attacker, who was shot dead by police after crashing a car and setting it on fire Two victims lie on the ground in pools of blood after being stabbed by the knifeman in the street, as bystanders rush to their aid Shaheen and Alex Knox are suing Leesel Transportation Corporation and attendant Beleck Valmont (pictured) for the incident on October 30 An angry Brooklyn couple is demanding justice after a school bus attendant was filmed manhandling their 13-year-old special needs daughter. Shaheen and Alex Knox are suing Leesel Transportation Corporation and attendant Beleck Valmont over the incident on October 30 that was captured by another bus employee while en route to the Manhattan Children's Center. Their daughter, 13-year-old India Knox, is dependent on 24-hour medical assistance and has the mental capacity of a five-year-old. Valmont was seen on video violently shaking the girl - who weighs just 84lbs - as they rode to the school. The other bus staffer notified school officials of the cell phone footage. India can be heard repeatedly crying out 'I'll calm down,' as Valmont grabs the back of her head and uses her hood to force her head into the seat in front of her. Valmont rejects the horrified girl's pleas as he keeps pushing her face. Valmont was seen on video violently shaking the girl - who weighs just 84lbs - as they rode to the Manhattan Children's Center School officials informed the police and India's parents of Valmont's actions and the man was arrested that day. He was charged with six crimes including assault. 'It's every parent's worst nightmare,' the girl's father said to the New York Daily News. 'You give people trust that they're going to do safely transport your child to school. Assault isn't something you expect.' Justin Foster, the 34-year-old paraprofessional on the bus, said that he filmed the altercation in order to protect India and the other children. 'He was pulling her hood over her head and mashing her head into the seat and you don't do stuff like that,' said the Manhattan resident. 'It was a situation where I felt I had to do the right thing.' Justin Foster, the 34-year-old paraprofessional on the bus, said that he filmed the altercation in order to protect India and the other children The Manhattan Children's Center But Valmont claimed that he hadn't done anything wrong and had jumped into action to prevent the girl from spitting on and angering other students. 'I'm sorry about what happened because I didn't want to do anything wrong to the girl,' he said. 'I love kids and I never got into trouble.' Valmont has a daughter of his own and has been working as a city school bus attendant for 13 years. He was released without bail and is expected back in court next month. A new bus and driver was assigned to the route as City Education Department officials suspended the man. While India returned to the bus on Monday, her father claimed that she is still fearful. The 48-year-old bus attendant claimed that India Knox had been spitting on other students (Valmont pictured with his daughter) Leesel has around 350 school bus routes and is paid $50million a year by the city, according to Education Department officials The family has hired lawyers Matthew Blit and Sanford Rubenstein to represent them in the lawsuit. 'It is fortunate we were able to obtain a video of this assault and pictures of the cuts,' Rubenstein stated. Education Department officials wouldn't indicate if there were any red flags in Valmont's background check but the man claimed that he had never been arrested before. 'The NYPD and (the schools') Special Commissioner of Investigation are investigating this deeply disturbing allegation, and we swiftly suspended the attendant and provided this family with a new bus route,' said DOE spokeswoman Miranda Barbot. Leesel has around 350 school bus routes and is paid $50million a year by the city, according to Education Department officials. The staff at John & Tonys Steakhouse in West Chicago know the couple well: Theres 54-year-old John a genial man with a big, partially toothless smile who works in truck deliveries and his wife, Jackie, a petite, dark-haired beauty in a wheelchair whose favorite dish is bacon-wrapped dates. The inseparable pair are staples at John & Tonys, and its their annual dining spot for celebrating Valentines Day but the wait staff are accustomed to taking other reservation calls, too, from people who simply want to sit near them to observe Johns doting love. Because Jackie is no normal suburban wife; she doesnt walk, talk, laugh or even eat her beloved dates. Instead, shes a life-sized doll that John married on the Jerry Springer show years ago, but he treats her like shes a human princess, gazing adoringly at and chatting away to his silent bride (as strangers look on, aghast.) John and Jackie are the stars of new documentary Silicone Soul, which chronicles the lives of men whove fallen in love with dolls as well as other doll enthusiasts who have interests and motivations separate from sex or romance, such as a female artist who uses dolls for photography and friendship. In addition to John - who purchased Jackie for $7,000 - the film follows a man named Davecat in Detroit whos married to doll Sidore and owns another, Elena, with whom hes involved (theyre polyamorous, he says). Theres also a New Jersey husband going by the pseudonym of Ben who keeps several dolls in the basement as surrogates for his severely ill wife. And theyre far from the only people choosing such a lifestyle, according to director Melody Gilbert, who was wholly unacquainted with the phenomenon before embarking upon this project though it immediately fascinated her. Scroll down for video New documentary Silicone Soul features Chicago man John, who lives in a trailer in a retirement community, and his 'wife,' Jackie - a sex doll he married on the Jerry Springer show Detroit man 'Davecat' says he is married to one of his dolls, Sidore, but they are involved in a polyamorous relationship with another silicone doll, Elena; he believes he is a pioneer in 'synthetic' love and believes he'd be 'shooting himself in the foot' by dating 'organic' women Abyss Creations in California has been selling anatomically-correct silicone sex dolls for years, and the company is also behind RealBotix, which is developing robot companions The life-sized dolls can be customized and are shipped to customers in massive wooden boxes; they retail for thousands of dollars, and thousands more must be shelled out to replace models suffering from wear and tear Im really interested in subcultures, Gilbert tells DailyMail.com. Im interested in subcultures to find out more how were alike than how were different. I think the easy thing to do would be to sensationalize this story; Im not interested in that. Thats easy. Its much harder to dig deeper, spend time and find out what really drives these folks. And what I saw and this takes time to explain, it takes time even watching the film I developed a lot of compassion and understanding for why people are doing this, especially in this day and age in our society. Gilbert was actually contacted several years ago by Long Island professor and psychoanalyst Danielle Knafo, whod stumbled upon the subculture when a patient told her of his own unorthodox living arrangement. Initially, I did not know, she says of the patient. Initially, this patient of mine was telling me about this wonderful relationship he was in; he had had two failed marriages and now he found the love of his life and, as he described it, it was a little too perfect, in my eyes. Then eventually, like in the fourth session, he revealed to me that it was a doll. I was taken aback; I tried to stay cool, she tells DailyMail.com. She adds: You know how men call women dolls at first, he was using that, and I thought, Okay, shes a doll to him and then I realized. I looked at him and I said, You mean a real doll? And he goes, Yeah, yeah. I had to go through a lot of mixed emotions. You know, Im a feminist, and suddenly this man telling me that his best relationship with a woman was with a doll and all these thoughts about objectifying women and blah, blah, blah went through my head. But little by little, I got to know him and his own story, the pain involved in his relationships I developed sympathy and began understanding the appeal of this kind of relationship. She began seeking out similar case studies to further educate herself about the existence of whats known as iDollators, or people attracted to dolls. While jokes and jibes about blow-up dolls are rampant in popular culture, such female stand-ins were for years about the only alternatives available. Modern advancements in technology, however, have extended to sexual surrogates, with businesses such as California-based Abyss Creations churning out customized, anatomically-correct, lifelike female dolls. Theres a waiting list at the Abyss factory in California; creator Matt McMullan describes the process in the film of creating the mold, skeleton and more customized parts of the companions to be shipped across the country. They have online forums for these people who live with dolls, and I posted a request if anybody was open to speaking with me and quite a few replied and actually wanted their stories heard, Dr Knafo tells DailyMail.com. I think some of them kind of wanted to hear from me, are they normal, are they abnormal? But I did develop relationships with quite a few of these men, and they opened up to me about their relationships. In the beginning, I thought that most of the men were asocial, they were socially challenged loners, had difficulties with relationships but what I discovered, over the years: Some of these men are married, some of them have relationships. They have a doll relationship in addition to a human relationship. So its not easy to just peg them as one thing. Matt McMullan, of Abyss Creations and RealBotix, describes the doll-making process in the documentary, which involves meticulously creating the mold, skeleton and customized parts John's 'wife,' Jackie, sits on the porch outside of their small home; he takes great pride in dressing her and often takes her on trips to the zoo or the couple's favorite restaurant The reactions of friends, relatives and strangers vary; the film shows John and Jackie visiting with a very accepting neighbor, while other people approach John on a trip to the zoo - during which he pushes Jackie in a wheelchair - asking about the doll and questioning his sincerity While sex dolls have evolved from the more primitive blow-up dolls often referenced in popular culture to anatomically-correct, life-sized silicone models, the industry continues to advance, and companies such as RealBotix are fine-tuning technology and artificial intelligence to make dolls even more realistic In the case of John, hed been married before and was actually alerted to the existence of such dolls by his stepson. The marriage disintegrated, however, and John ordered Jackie; the anatomically-correct silicone doll cost him $7,000 brand new, and Jackie requires occasional body replacements due to wear and tear that cost thousands more. I worked my a** off to pay for it, to pay for her, he says in the film. She was something I wanted; she was someone I wanted. She was everything I wanted. He says: I was married to a flesh-and-blood person for eight years, and it didnt work out Now Im with Jackie, and were happy and it is weird, but its good weird. Weird doesnt necessarily mean bad. He takes great pride in dressing Jackie, though his long-suffering niece, who tries desperately to incorporate the unusual couple into family life and even invited them to an awkward Thanksgiving dinner, complains that he dresses her kind of like my grandmother. He takes her for walks outside of his trailer in the modest retirement neighborhood where he lives and on trips to the zoo and to their favorite restaurant. Real dolls dont cheat, he says in the film. They dont lie. They dont steal She keeps me honest. She keeps me happy. [Im] trying to learn the zen from her. Shes just so calm and so collected and so much more mature than me. Were married like any other married couple, he adds, while conceding that such a marriage is not deemed legal. We communicate more or less; she has her own body, but we share the same brain, he says in the film. She has her own private spaces in here. She knows everything about me; I dont know everything about her. She has places in my head that she develops independently that are subconscious to me so that way, she can surprise me. The reactions to Jackie run the gamut, to put it mildly. In footage from one of Johns trips with his wife to the zoo, long-time staff rave about his friendly demeanor, while strangers gape and question. Ambivalent or supportive reactions often come from perhaps unlikely places; a boss at John & Tonys, for example, speaks highly of his unconventional regulars. I grew up on the east side of Detroit, and I was the only white guy in the neighborhood, the restaurateur says in the film. So I know what its like to be different [It] doesnt make you bad, just different. Hes a gentle person; he doesnt bother anyone. Thats a point hammered home by Davecat, the articulate Detroit husband of Sidore whose dolls have active online presences that he engineers. I would describe myself, essentially, as a synthetic activist and a person who wants to get people to realize that dolls are not something to be feared, but something beneficial, he says in the film. Hes been with Sidore for nearly 20 years; for their tenth anniversary, he purchased matching wedding bands that say Synthetic love lasts forever. While Sidore is his wife, he says, the couple are involved in hierarchical polyamory with another doll, Elena: Basically, that means that, like, were all in love with each other, he says in the film. Its all equal, but Sidore will always be my wife. For all his protestations, however, Davecat is clearly aware keenly that his paramours are dolls; he takes them apart and explains the mechanics in the film, as well as the eye-brow raising question of cleaning Sidore and Elena. There are special tools, lets just say, that are involved with that, he says, attempting to gloss over the issue in an awkward exchange with Gilbert, though he explains that hell put down a bed sheet on the floor before he works to clean that area out with basically a bulb with a syringe. He says in the film: A large part of it is self-deception. Its like, Right, okay, she cant really love me because shes not really a she, shes an it. On the other hand, she does love me, because Ive created a personality for her and that gives her her own sort of spirit, ideas likes, dislikes, etc. For some iDollators, Dr Knafo tells DailyMail.com, the physical aspect of the relationship falls by the wayside after time as the men nurture a different kind of bond with the dolls. Eventually, some of them stop having sex with the dolls, just like in a marriage, she says. Across the board, however, these men do realize that their companions are not capable of mutual feelings, according to Dr Knafo. On one level, they know theyre not real; theyll show you the mechanics, how they work, their heads, their whatever, she tells DailyMail.com. But on another level, when theyre speaking about the dolls, you get the impression that they really believe that these dolls are real people, real humans. They live in this in-between place between fantasy and reality the reality that the dolls are objects, and the fantasy that they are women who care about them and have personalities and have histories. She adds: These guys, some of them spend almost all their waking hours preoccupied with these dolls in some way whether its dressing them or creating stories for them or creating blogs. A lot of them have blogs and twitter accounts so theyre speaking through these dolls like ventriloquists. Theyre like their alter egos. John says in the film: 'I was married to a flesh-and-blood person for eight years, and it didnt work out Now Im with Jackie, and were happy and it is weird, but its good weird. Weird doesnt necessarily mean bad Silicone Soul profiles John, Davecat and other iDollators - such as a New Jersey husband whose sick wife agreed to let him use a silicone surrogate - and their lives with their dolls Director Melody Gilbert, left, was contacted about making the documentary by Long Island professor and psychoanalyst Danielle Knafo, right, who became acquainted with the subculture when one of her patients revealed he was in a relationship with a silicone doll Perhaps most interesting in the film is Ben, who remains committed to a relationship with his living, breathing wife while enjoying the company of his dolls Marina and Tasha. His cancer patient wife can no longer participate in physical intimacy, while Ben remains a very sexual person, Dr Knafo says so the couple came up with real dolls as a solution. People are judgmental, and unless youre kind of in our shoes, I guess its difficult to understand, Bens wife says in the film. But you know, here I have a husband who continues to be faithful, and I dont have to worry about him having safe sex or, you know, going out and finding somebody else and then coming back to me. She adds: Thats why I say its a win-win, as long as hes happy and hes safe. Hes not doing anything wrong. Im fine with it. I really am. She requested that she take a little time before she meet the dolls, however but eventually began helping her husband to dress and style them. Marina, in particular, proved particularly helpful through their personal struggles. My wife was very critically ill; we almost lost her, he says in the film. She was in very bad shape Marina got me through. I just held her at night and talked to her, and we got through that whole thing together. Thats how she became very special thats how she got so deep into me. For others such as Davecat, however, the allure of dolls has trumped the need for human women altogether. Being able to picture myself with an organic woman, its Id almost be shooting myself in the foot, Davecat says in the film. Theres so many expectations that she would have to uphold. He adds: At any point in the relationship, she could just be like, Yeah, youre weird, get away from me. Obviously, she has the right to do that, but if that was an option, then obviously I wouldnt want an intimate relationship. The car may crash, so Im not going to get into the car: Thats how I think about it these days. According to Dr Knafo, Davecat is very much in love with this doll; he considers himself a pioneer in this kind of relationship and that this is just the beginning. The way we would think of taste somebody who prefers blondes or redheads then will prefer an inanimate object. Abyss Creations McMullan is also behind RealBotix, which has engineered more robot-like products with programmable memory and personality and conversational capabilities. The interesting thing is theyre putting AI in these dolls, which is, in effect, turning them into robots but some [of the men] dont want that, Dr Knafo says of emerging technology. They dont want a doll who speaks; they want that silent female who doesnt respond that they can control. She adds that technology and humanity is developing to the point where many people in artificial intelligence are predicting that well be marrying robots within 40 years. In the meantime, however, the varying rationales and existences of iDollators really challenged director Gilberts assumptions and her world view, to some extent. She spent significant time with her case studies, working hard to earn the trust of a subculture that is, understandably, wary of openly telling their stories. Its a film about companionship and relationships and love and acceptance and secrets, and all those kind of things thats what I was trying to do, she tells DailyMail.com. Because you know what? Its easy to make a film about sex dolls. A lot of people are doing that right now. Thats not what Im doing I like the balance of the different people in the film. She adds: Its hard to imagine that a documentary about sex dolls would be about creating empathy. After researching her subjects and spending time with the me, she says: What I realized is that everyone has a need or desire to love or be loved and I think thats really what this is about, and it just took time to see that and spent time with people, because you first hear about it, its a little shocking. And John, with his wife Jackie, I mean, it is so clear to me that he has so much love to give. She points out that hes far from alone, since theres a waiting list for dolls from a California factory, a business is churning them out in Japan where theres even a doll brothel and a similar establishment has recently opened up in Paris. I dont advocate this; this is not an advocacy film, she tells DailyMail.com. Im not saying this is the way to go, this is right or wrong or you shouldnt; Im just showing that this exists in the world. Not only that, its growing, and were going to have to deal with that. President Donald Trump defended his decision to name Matt Whitaker as 'acting attorney general' with oversight over the Robert Mueller probe and says the two men never discussed the topic. 'I don't know Whitaker,' Trump told reporters on the South Lawn of the White House as he headed to Paris. He called Whitaker as 'highly thought of' but denied ever taking his pulse over the Russia probe which he now will oversee following Trump's decision to force out attorney general Jeff Sessions and sideline oversight that had been given by deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein. Scroll down for video 'I didn't speak to Matt Whitaker' about the Mueller probe, President Trump said 'I didn't speak to Matt Whitaker about it. I don't know Matt Whitaker. Matt Whitaker has a great reputation and that's what I wanted,' Trump said. Trump plucked Whitaker from his post as chief of staff for Jeff Sessions. 'When Sessions left what I did very simply is take a man who worked for Sessions,' Trump said. 'I didn't speak to Matt Whitaker' about the Mueller probe,' Trump said. When a reporter asked he if wanted Whitaker to rein in Mueller, he called it a 'stupid question.' Whitaker has spoken publicly about the need to rein in Mueller, and skeptics have called it the sole purpose of his appointment. Trump told Fox News last month: 'I can tell you Matt Whitaker's a great guy,' and added, 'I mean, I know Matt Whitaker.' He was responding to a Washington Post report they had spoken and discussed him leading the Justice Department. CNN reported Friday that Whitaker had visited the White House dozens of times and had met with Trump. President Donald Trump talks to the media before boarding Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House, Friday, Nov. 9, 2018, in Washington Trump also pushed back at complaints from Democrats and conservative legal scholars that it is illegal and unconstitutional for Whitaker to serve as the nation's top law enforcement officer since he was not confirmed by the Senate to any Justice Department post. 'He was confirmed at the highest level,' Trump said, pointing to his confirmation back in 2004 to be a federal prosecutor in Iowa. That is a relatively junior post there are 93 US attorneys, and it happened 14 years ago. LOYALIST: Former Sessions chief of staff Matt Whitaker has taken over oversight of the Russia probe. He has criticized it in the past and spoken about cutting its funding. He was not confirmed by the Senate for his post President Donald Trump, left, appears with Attorney General Jeff Sessions during the FBI National Academy graduation ceremony in Quantico, Va. in 2017 Trump noted that Mueller was not confirmed by the Senate either, 'so don't talk to me about Whitaker.' However, Mueller does report to Senate confirmed appointees he has previously been reporting to the deputy attorney general, Rod Rosenstein, who was confirmed by the Senate. Trump also claimed that the Republican-run Senate didn't confirm Mueller because of conflicts of interest. He didn't state what those were, but in the past the White House has pointed to a dispute over fees at a Trump Virginia golf course that Mueller used to belong to. 'I don't know Matt Whitaker,' Trump said of the new acting attorney general he named who has gained control of the Russia probe 'Mueller was not Senate confirmed. Why didn't they get him Senate confirmed? He should have been Senate confirmed. But because of all the conflicts, they didn't want to bring him before the Senate Because he was very conflicted. So because of those conflicts, they didn't want to bring him before the Senate,' Trump said. The fight over the validity of the appointment comes as Democrats howl the chess moves are part of a plan by Trump to seize control of the Mueller probe. Whitaker has brushed off the significance of Donald Trump Jr.'s meeting with Russians. 'You would always take that meeting,' he said. He called an article about the 'Mueller lynch mob' words that were in the headline 'worth a read.' He also said there was 'not collusion' between the Trump campaign and Russians. Trump also said that although 'I like' former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, he hasn't spoken to him about being a candidate to replace Sessions. Democratic attorneys general for 17 states and Washington, D.C. wrote Whitaker Thursday demanding he recuse himself from the Russia probe something Sessions had done, which infuriated President Trump. George Conway III, a prominent lawyer, penned an op-ed in the New York Times along with former solicitor general Neal Katyal, arguing that Trump's power play at the Justice Department is 'unconstitutional.' Whitaker has spoken critically about the Mueller probe and spoke in a TV interview about choking off its funding. He also was not confirmed by the Senate, since he does not hold one of the top posts that meet this bar. According to Conway, this come in violation of the Constitution's appointments clause. 'Mr. Whitaker's installation makes a mockery of our Constitution and our founders' ideals,' the men wrote. 'President Trump's installation of Matthew Whitaker as acting attorney general of the United States after forcing the resignation of Jeff Sessions is unconstitutional,' they wrote. 'It's illegal. And it means that anything Mr. Whitaker does, or tries to do, in that position is invalid. An advert asking for 'a lady to live with' to 'perform all wifely duties' has sparked after appearing in a shop window in east London. The notice, which came from a man named Gerry, was put up in a Baltika mini market on Walthamstow High Street in Hackney. It has since been taken down after a customer complained but social media users have continued to shame it. A man named Gerry asked for 'a lady to with' to 'perform all wifely duties' in a shop window The advertisement read: 'Rent and food free. Gentleman looking for a lady to live with him. Must perform all wifely duties. No children.' A worker said: 'We get a lot of people putting ads up and we don't really look at them. We just tell them to put it up themselves.' Many Facebook users have shown outrage at the shocking ad. Conor Hughes wrote: 'Not really that funny. When people can't afford to live in city without selling their bodies. Shame on London rather than s***.' Ian Heath added: 'I used to live in Walthamstow. I sold and moved to the Essex marshes mostly to get away from weirdos like 'Gerry'. There is something about E17 that attracts some really evil and nasty people. Seriously.' Laurel Khutulun Lee wrote: 'How does anywhere say yes to putting these up? 'Be far safer to be an actual sex worker than rely on the whims and moods of some man who can ask whatever he wants or threaten you with homelessness.' Another added: 'That's basically modern slavery which can be quite serious entrapment, often trafficked or illegal immigrants won't have any other choice. Actually very sad.' The advert was displayed at the Baltika mini market (pictured) in Hackney, East London However, others found the advert funny and made jokes about Gerry's appeal for a lady. Zoe Mach wrote: 'He's just ripped off my ex-husband's tinder profile.' Claire Howard said: 'Wifely duties? Oh yeah hubby goes to work all week so wifey can spend all the money at weekends.' Bradley Morcombe added: 'Sounds like a man with standards as well. He has underlined the fact that he won't even consider a child for the position!' Michelle Dalley wrote: 'I may ring tomorrow. I'm a shit wife but I reckon his standards are low.' Calls to Gerry's mobile number are being cut off. More than 250,000 women have had a landlord ask them for sex or sexual favours in the last five years, according to a YouGov poll released earlier this year. The average rental cost for a three-bed property in Walthamstow is currently 1700 per month, which is 100 lower than the London median according to the London Rents Map produced by the Valuation Office Agency. A one-bedroom property costs on average 1150 per month in Walthamstow compared to 1295 across London generally. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on Friday allowing border agents to deny asylum to migrants who enter the United States illegally through the U.S.-Mexico border. Trump invoked the same national security powers he used to push his travel ban through. 'We need people in our country but they have to come in legally and they have to have merit,' he said as he departed for Paris. A promised order restricting birthright citizenship was not part of the package. Trump told reporters, 'Other things have come up, but we will be signing it soon.' President Donald Trump said Friday as he left the U.S. for Paris that he'd deal with birthright citizenship in a separate executive order Trump insisted that it was a delay but not a retreat from the directive that constitutional scholars say is prevented by the 14th Amendment. 'We're signing it and it will probably work its way up to the Supreme Court,' he said. 'Birthright citizenship probably works up to the Supreme Court. It will be signed and we wanted a perfect document.' Trump also said he hopes a legal battle over an Obama-era program shielding young immigrants from deportation goes to the Supreme Court. 'Its a terrible thing, whats happening with the courts. DACA will now hopefully go the Supreme Court, where it will be given a fair decision,' he stated. A three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday decided to keep in place an injunction blocking Trump's decision to phase out the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA. Lawsuits by California and others challenging the Trump administration's decision will continue in federal court while the injunction remains in place. DACA has protected 700,000 people who were brought to the U.S. illegally as children or came with families that overstayed visas. Trump said Friday that the DACA decision 'was actually good news yesterday because you never win in the Ninth Circuit if youre on this half of the equation' and the court ruling will allow his administration to take the case to the Supreme Court. The Trump administration has said it moved last year to end DACA because Texas and other states threatened to sue, raising the prospect of a chaotic end to the program. 'Obama said he had no right to sign it. He had no right, but it was upheld in the Ninth Circuit as usual,' Trump said Friday. 'He knew that he couldnt sign it.' Legal scholars have questioned Trump's authority to make many of the changes to the immigration rules he's attempting to force through by fiat. A group of Central American migrants, representing the thousands participating in a caravan trying to reach the U.S. border, undertake an hours-long march to the office of the United Nations' humans rights body in Mexico City on Thursday Trump signed a proclamation on Friday allowing border agents to deny asylum to migrants who enter the United States illegally through the U.S.-Mexico border Officials say the measure is meant to funnel asylum seekers through official border crossings for speedy rulings instead of having them try to circumvent such crossings on the nearly 2,000-mile (3,200-kilometer) stretch Trump's proclamation on asylum puts into practice regulations adopted by immigration officials on Thursday. Officials say the measure is meant to funnel asylum seekers through official border crossings for speedy rulings instead of having them try to circumvent such crossings on the nearly 2,000-mile (3,200-kilometer) stretch. The busy ports of entry already have long lines and waits, forcing immigration officials to tell some migrants to return to make their claims. The measures are meant to funnel asylum seekers through official border crossings for speedy rulings, officials said, instead of having them try to circumvent such crossings on the nearly 2,000-mile (3,200-kilometer) border. But the busy ports of entry already have long lines and waits, forcing immigration officials to tell some migrants to come back to make their claims. The move was spurred in part by caravans of Central American migrants slowly moving north on foot, but officials say it will apply to anyone caught crossing illegally. Spanish police have arrested a British couple for allegedly abandoning their new-born child in hospital. Officers say the baby's mum was still dressed in her hospital gown when she was tracked down and arrested. Officials would not disclose the couple's age but say they were held in the village of Fuente Piedra near Antequera a short distance inland from Malaga. They were arrested yesterday after the baby was left at Antequera Hospital. The Antequera Hospital in southern Spain where the infant was abandoned, about a 40 minute drive from the coastal city of Malaga A spokesman for Spain's National Police said: 'Officers have arrested a British man and woman on suspicion of a crime of child abandonment. 'Yesterday afternoon police received an alert from Antequera Hospital informing them a woman had given birth during the night and had just left the hospital, leaving her child there without saying anything to medical staff. 'An operation was mounted to find the baby's parents, which ended with their arrests in Fuente de Piedra. 'When she was arrested, the woman still had her hospital gown on.' The couple are expected to appear in court behind closed doors this afternoon, only trials in Spain are held in public. A magistrate will question the pair and decide whether they should be bailed or remanded in custody as the criminal investigation continues. The couple are thought to live in Spain, although officials could not be contacted this afternoon to confirm they were expats. Advertisement A Boeing 747 cargo plane skidded off the runway at Halifax Stanfield International Airport in Canada's east coast province of Nova Scotia Wednesday after landing in a strong tailwind. Four crew members were sent to hospital with minor injuries after the 5.15am incident where the Skylease Cargo aircraft went 210 meters off track from Runway 14, crashed into a large localized antenna, had two of its four engines torn off and caught on fire under the tail. One witness said the damage done to the aircraft was 'kind of crazy to see' as it sat 50 meters from the fence that marks the parameter of the airport. A Boeing 747 skidded off runway at Halifax Stanfield International Airport, Canada The nose of the white aircraft showed moderate damage on Wednesday The underside of the plane appeared to be cracked and heavily damaged The nose of the white aircraft showed moderate damage. The underside of the plane appeared to be cracked and heavily damaged. 'The motors were tore off and the wings were cracked off. And it looked like halfway through the plane it was broke in half,' John Fudge said. He saw the 183,500kg plane before authorities sealed off the nearby Old Guysborough Road on the eastern side of the airport. An aluminum ladder trailed down from the main door near the front. Emergency responders work the area where a SkyLease Cargo plane skidded off a runway at Halifax Stanfield International Airport and stopped near a road The airport activated its emergency operations center and suspended all flights afterwards Flight KKE 4854 was arriving from Chicago and was due to be loaded with live lobster before heading off to China Flight KKE 4854 was arriving from Chicago and was due to be loaded with live lobster before heading off to China. As an investigation began with the examination of the aircraft, surrounding terrain and flight records, it was noted the rainy conditions were 'an immediate red flag'. Larry Vance, an aviation analyst and accident investigator who spent 25 years with the Transportation Safety Board of Canada, said the rough weather left no room for deviation - this could include landing at high airspeed or delaying the landing. 'It takes longer to stop on a wet runway. It could be they got into a situation we call hydroplaning,' The Canadian Press reports he said at a media briefing. Winds were raging at 33km per hour from the west at 250 degrees and with the aircraft moving in a southeastern direction, it caused 'quarterly tail winds'. 'I believe it was the pilot's request (to use) that runway, but that's preliminary,' lead investigator Austin Adams told a media briefing at a hotel near the airport Thursday. Larry Vance, an aviation analyst and accident investigator who spent 25 years with the Transportation Safety Board of Canada, said: 'It takes longer to stop on a wet runway' All aircraft are designed to land in windy conditions and a good gust can even be beneficial to pilots in order to give them extra lift. However the pilot must also consider the what they have on the runway to help them and the individual factors of a plane. Transport Canada says at 60 meters of buffering must lie at the end of a runway. However it recommends an additional 90 meters to measure up to 150 meters in total. Halifax only has 140 meters. While it's 10 meters less than Transport Canada recommends, it's less than half the 300-meter stretch the International Civil Aviation Organization requires. TSB investigator Isabelle Langevin will be looking into the specific limits for the Boeing 747-400 and Adams said human behavior will also be a big part of the investigation from a team of 15 people. Austin Adams, the Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge, delivered a briefing regarding a SkyLease Cargo plane at Halifax Stanfield International Airport, on Thursday Adams said he believed it was the 'pilot's request (to use) that runway' A specialist will interview staff and witnesses at the airport and analyze recording equipment from the cockpit. 'I don't want to speculate or state anything,' Adams said. 'I want to engage the crew and speak with them about their decision-making process.' While the airport canceled flights immediately after the incident, the main runway had reopened by 8am the same day. The same airport has experienced two crashes in recent years, but on a different runway. On October 14, 2004, seven crew members were killed after an MK Airlines 747 dragged its tail and burst into flames in a wooded area during takeoff. Spokesperson Theresa Rath Spicer reassured there were no glaring safety issues at Halifax Stanfield International Airport (pictured) Inadequate software and lack of training were noted as causes. Then March 29, 2015, 25 people were injured after an Air Canada 624 passenger plane crashed near the runway threshold as it tried to take off in a blizzard. Poor visibility and lighting were said to be factors in causing the aircraft to bounce in the air and careen along the tarmac on approach. The airport's spokesperson Theresa Rath Spicer reassured there were no glaring safety issues at Halifax Stanfield International Airport. 'We are very proud of our safety record,' she said. 'Obviously, safety is our number 1 priority and we are now focused on resuming our operation, ensuring the safety of our passengers and working with the officials to determine how we can assist with the investigation.' A Harry Potter and Hermione Granger lookalike couple who bonded over their love of the JK Rowling novels found love together. Luke Williams, 30, and girlfriend Kathryn Burnett, 31, have been together for almost a year after meeting at Alnwick Castle in Northumberland - where scenes from Hogwarts castle in the movie franchise were filmed. The pair, who are both huge Harry Potter fans, love working as their lookalike characters together - but now face being recognised wherever they go. Harry Potter lookalikes Luke Williams (left), 30, and Kathryn Burnett (right), 31, have been together for almost a year after meeting at Alnwick Castle (pictured) where movie was filmed Luke, who is originally from London and has worked as a Harry Potter lookalike since aged 12, said: 'We are known as the Harry Potter couple. 'As soon as we got together, we knew it was meant to be. 'People's reaction when they see us is amazing, we do get asked for pictures. 'We are both big Harry Potter fans and love the books and films because we have grown up with them, so we are in our dream job. 'Our love for Harry Potter brought us together and it couldn't have been more perfect. 'It's ridiculously cool and is an honour and a pleasure to do what we do and to be able to work together. The pair are known as the 'Harry Potter couple' and they are contacted by fans who were rooting for Harry and Hermione to be together in the end of the franchise The couple plan to launch a YouTube channel about their impressive collection of Harry Potter merchandise (pictured) 'I couldn't possibly think of any other job we would each rather do - and being able to do it together is even better. 'It worked out perfectly - it was a match made at Hogwarts!' Luke and Kathryn first met three years ago when Kathryn visited Alnwick Castle, where Luke had been working for the past eight years. The castle is famous as being the location where Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone's quidditch lesson scenes were filmed. Luke and Kathryn were friends first, before the pair began dating last Christmas. Kathryn said: 'We were both in Manchester and had just finished work, I was getting ready to go home. The couple dressing as their lookalikes Harry Potter (left) and Hermione Granger (right) now frequently appear together at events 'Luke asked me to go for a drink and that was it - we went to the Christmas markets, and it was magical. 'We decided to keep meeting up and now here we are. 'We were in a long distance relationship for a while, but three months ago we moved in together. ' After the couple got together Kathryn, who is also a performer and historical interpreter, realised her likeness to Emma Watson. Kathryn realised her likeness to Emma Watson after the couple got together over a drink a year ago Now she is involved in all sorts of wizarding activities too, including teaching young fans how to ride broomsticks. The couple now frequently appear together at events and are approached by fans keen to photograph them wherever they go. Being big fans of Harry Potter also means that they have quite an impressive collection of merchandise, which will be on their Youtube channel they are set to launch. And they both agree that one of their favourite perks of the job is the chance to travel around the world performing shows - with their next trip attending a child's birthday party in Monaco. Kathryn said: 'Considering that in the films, Harry ends up with Ginny and Ron with Hermione, we are breaking the rules. 'We have had many people messaging us, saying we made their dreams come true because they were rooting for Harry and Hermione to be together.' Dutch authorities are prosecuting a doctor for euthanising an elderly woman with dementia in the first case of its kind since the practice was legalised in 2002. The doctor, who was not named, has been charged with secretly drugging the woman's coffee with Dormicum to make her drowsy and asking her family to hold her down as she was lethally injected in a care home in The Hague in 2016. Whilst the 74-year-old patient was receiving the lethal injection she woke up and began fighting the doctor. A Dutch euthanasia doctor has been charged with drugging an elderly woman's drink and getting family members to hold her down as she was lethally injected (file image) An investigation showed that the only way the doctor could complete the injection was by getting family members to help restrain her. It also revealed that the patient said several times 'I don't want to die' in the days before she was put to death. It's the first time prosecutors in the Netherlands have successfully charged a doctor with unlawfully ending a patients life since euthanasia was legalised 16 years ago. The Netherlands and neighbouring Belgium became the first countries in the world to legalise so-called mercy killing, but it can only be carried out by doctors and under very strict conditions. According to the Dutch Medical Complaints Board, the dementia-sufferer had earlier expressed a desire for euthanasia when 'the time was right' if she ever ended up in a care home. The medical board reprimanded the doctor in July after concluding its investigation. It found that even though the woman was suffering intolerably and there were no further treatment options, two key prerequisites mentioned in Dutch euthanasia law, they deemed that the doctor had acted carelessly by not asking the patient explicitly if she agreed with the euthanasia. Whilst the elderly patient was receiving the lethal injection she woke up and began fighting the doctor (file image) Medical paperwork showed that she often exhibited signs of fear and anger and would wander around the building at night. The nursing home's senior doctor was of the opinion that the patient was suffering intolerably, but that she was no longer in a position where she could confirm that the time was now right for the euthanasia to go ahead. However, the euthanasia doctor reportedly believed that the woman's circumstances made it clear that the time was right for euthanasia. The doctor also did not tell her patient what was in her coffee as it was also likely to cause further disruption to the planned euthanasia process. Prosecutors said the doctor in the case 'overstepped the mark' with the nursing home patient, who had written a will saying she wanted to die but did not clearly say so at the time of her death. 'A nursing home doctor who performed euthanasia in April 2016 on a 74-year-old demented and incapacitated woman will be prosecuted,' the Netherlands prosecution service said in a statement. 'This is the first time that the Dutch Public Prosecution Service will prosecute a doctor for euthanasia since the introduction of the Act on Termination of Life on Request and Assisted Suicide in 2002.' The doctor believed she had acted cautiously and 'welcomes further guidance on the question of the wishes of incapacitated patients,' her spokesman was quoted as saying by the NOS public television channel. 'She regrets however that she has been prosecuted for this.' The medical complaints board found that the advance directive of the OAP was contradictory and it should have never been read as a voluntarily and well-thought out wish to die. The board added that the doctor made a mistake not discussing the use of a soporific in the patient's coffee. Prosecutors added that the doctor 'should have checked with the woman whether she still had a death wish by discussing this with her.' It's the first time prosecutors in the Netherlands have successfully charged a doctor with unlawfully ending a patients life since euthanasia was legalised in 2002 (file image) They said the case 'addresses important legal issues regarding the termination of life of dementia patients. To get these questions answered, the prosecution service now presents this specific issue to the court.' The medical complaints board ruled: 'Given the irreversibility of ending a life and the ethical aspects linked to consciously ending the life of a fellow human being, a written euthanasia declaration should not leave any doubts for interpretation.' The doctor, who retired a month after the euthanasia incident, has appealed the decision. According to Dutch law, euthanasia is only legal as long as the doctor abides by the strict standards described in the 'Termination of Life on Request and Assisted Suicide (Review Procedures) Act'. The Dutch law code reads: 'Any person who deliberately terminates another person's life at that person's express and earnest request shall be liable to a term of imprisonment not exceeding twelve years or a fifth-category fine. In 2017, some 6,585 people chose euthanasia to end their own lives in the Netherlands, about 4.4 percent of the total number of more than 150,000 registered deaths in the country, according to the Regional Euthanasia Review Committee which strictly monitors all cases. That year, the number of people in the Netherlands who legally ended their lives with medical assistance rose by eight per cent; the figure for 2016 was 6,091. Twelve cases were identified as having possible concerns by the committee, of which two are now under investigation by prosecutors. According to the Euthanasia Review Committee, which checks after the event if each euthanasia process was performed according to the law, 90 per cent of those who underwent euthanasia had been suffering from incurable diseases such as cancer or muscle-wasting diseases such as ALS. However, three patients in a severe state of dementia also chose to end their life, as did 166 who only had early symptoms of dementia. The images were found in British magazine The War Illustrated Newly unearthed magazine covers from World War One show American soldiers arriving in Europe to fight alongside the Allies. The US servicemen can be seen travelling to the continent and training in trench warfare in the French countryside. The pictures, on display at the USS Texas Museum, were discovered at the University of Sheffield Library and show America's vital contribution to the defeat of Germany. More than one million American soldiers fought at sea and on the Western Front during the Great War. The historic images, originally published in British wartime magazine War Illustrated, have been compiled by Dr Jonathan Rayner of the University's English School. The collection gives an insight into the involvement of the US Navy in the war effort with photographs of ships such as the American Dreadnought USS New York, taken from Manhattan as she was sailing down the East River on her way to war. Pictures show US troops training on artillery pieces alongside their battle-hardened French counterparts American soldiers can also be seen strolling off their ships and making camp in the French countryside The Dreadnought USS Delaware, hailed at the time as 'one of the monsters of the Navy', also appears in the collection. USS Parker and USS Banham, two of America's swiftest destroyers, can be seen steaming at full speed on a special military run. In others, officers are pictured aboard Submarine Chasers, small craft only 40ft long that were essential in the battle against German U-boats which were threatening to starve Britain of vital supplies and into surrender. American troops can also be seen training for the dangerous trench warfare which awaited them in France. Men of the 2nd Field Artillery of the New York National Guard practice the daring horsemanship that made them famous across America and marines carry out rifle drills aboard a ship of the US Atlantic Fleet. Dr Jonathan Rayner said: 'The collection of images provides a fascinating new perspective into America's involvement in the First World War. Two American soldiers carrying water as the troops around them make camp alongside French troops Pictures from the magazine also show the 'typical fighting ships of the Western World' including several large frigates 'It features images and illustrations that accompanied reports by journalists who were reporting from the battlefields and seas across Europe for people who were back home in Britain. 'During the war, the War Illustrated magazine was hugely popular among people in Britain. 'In its early days it was sensationalist and patriotic in nature, but it became a more reliable and respected source of journalism with personal accounts of the war from its correspondents who were often on the frontline. 'It also published descriptions and illustrations to report events from the battlefield and ran comment pieces from writers and politicians reflecting on wartime events.' The images, on display at the USS Texas Museum in Houston, provide a renewed insight into the significant role that the US played in the war, particularly at sea. Dr Rayner added: 'Despite having the largest naval force in the world, Britain's Royal Navy still needed the assistance of its allies to win the war at sea. US troops from the American Navy depart their ship on the shores of Northern France as they joined the conflict More than one million American soldiers fought at sea and on the Western Front during the Great War 'The United States Navy helped defend trade, escort merchant ships and hunt German U-boats. 'In the First World War, both sides expected battle fleet engagements to decide not only control of the sea, but the entire war. 'Britain concentrated its battleships in a Grand Fleet based in Scotland to oppose the German High Seas Fleet. 'Upon America's entry, Battleship Division 9, composed of the USS Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, New York, Texas and Wyoming, extended the Allied Forces' superiority in battleship strength. 'The US Navy's ships operated alongside British ships for a year without ever getting chance to engage the German fleet. 'Nonetheless, a close friendship grew between the US and Royal Navies from this co-operation. 'When King George V visited the fleet in July 1918, he welcomed the opportunity to see 'the splendid ships of the United States in line with our own'. 'Additionally the British press gave the public an opportunity to appreciate the US Navy's 'monster' ships in War Illustrated.' Leo Varadkar today warned that the UK will not get a 'clean break' from the EU as tensions escalated. The Irish PM insisted wrangling over the shape of relations will go on for a 'long time' - as he jibed that striking a divorce deal was not 'guaranteed'. Meanwhile, Nicola Sturgeon has renewed her calls for the whole UK to stay in the customs union if Brexit cannot be cancelled altogether. The comments came at a meeting of the British-Irish council on the Isle of Mann today. There have been growing signs that the two sides are close to an agreement on the withdrawal package. Irish PM Leo Varadkar (pictured with Nicola Sturgeon today) warned that wrangling over the shape of relations will go on for a 'long time' Theresa May has held talks with Emmanuel Macron over lunch in the French town of Albert today before attending Armistice commemorations Mrs May held talks with Emmanuel Macron - one of the EU leaders taking a hard line - over lunch in France today as she tries to secure a breakthrough. But domestic pressure on Mrs May is mounting after the DUP - which is propping Mrs May up in power - claimed she is preparing to break her promise never to sign off a deal which risks splitting Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK. The fury over the so-called 'backstop', intended to avoid a hard Irish border if no other trade arrangements can be found, risks derailing the negotiations at a critical stage. Mr Varadkar said he was still hopeful a Brexit deal could be done by the end of the year but it would not amount to a 'clean break' as talks would have to continue. 'I'm hopeful that it can be done in the next few weeks, I think it is more likely than not that we will be able to conclude an agreement in the next few weeks before the end of the year,' he said. 'But lots of things can go wrong and even if we can agree before the end of the year, bear in mind that what's agreed will have to be ratified in Westminster, will also have to be ratified by the European Parliament. 'Even when all of that is done, then we begin the talks on the future relationship. There is no clean break here, Brexit is going to go on for a very long time.' At the British-Irish council today were (left to right) David Lidington, Isle of Mann chief minister Howard Quayle, Mr Varadkar and Ms Sturgeon Speaking at the same event, Ms Sturgeon said that MPs should not be left in the position where voting down any deal Mrs May secures results in a no-deal Brexit. The Scottish First Minister has previously stated that she would not vote for any deal that does not keep UK within the single market and the customs union. It follows a vote on Holyrood on Wednesday that saw a majority of MSPs express their 'unequivocal support' for a referendum on the final terms of Brexit. She said: 'My preferred option all along, if the UK is leaving the EU, which I regret, is that it should seek to stay in the single market and the customs union, which would resolve along the way the issues around it, with the Northern Ireland/Republic border and the border between Ireland and Great Britain.' Duarte Xavier has been jailed for 15 years for tricking men into sex by posing as a woman A bearded gay man who tricked four straight men into having sex with him by posing as a woman and covering their eyes with a blindfold has been jailed for 15 years. Duarte Xavier, 33, posed as 'Ana' on dating apps including Tinder and sent provocative images to fool the victims into meeting for sexual encounters. After being lured to his flat or parks, the victims, aged between 26 and 45, were then blindfolded throughout the encounter. Police suspect Xavier has more victims who have not yet come forward and appealed to them after he was jailed at Kingston Crown Court today. Xavier was arrested twice and released pending inquiries but not charged until his third arrest in April. He committed two offences while on bail. The judge questioned whether Xavier was free to offend on bail because his victims were heterosexual men and therefore treated as less of a priority. Addressing the police officer in the case after sentencing, he said: 'It's very rare for a heterosexual male to be a victim of a sexual offence, as we know. 'I hope the fact that these victims were heterosexual males did not cause them to be put rather lower in the list of priorities.' The court heard Xavier, pictured arriving at a previous hearing, committed two offences while on bail. Police said the delay was due to a 'waiting list' for downloading mobile phone evidence Detective Constable Lucy Marsh, of Wandsworth Police, who took over the investigation after the original officer dealing with the matter lost evidence, rejected the suggestion. She said a 'waiting list' for downloading mobile phone evidence led to a delay in the investigation. Judge Michael Hunter said: 'You have been found guilty of what can only be described as a campaign of deception and obtaining sex by pretending that you were a woman. 'By pretending that you were an attractive and sexually adventurous young woman, you tempted them into engaging in sex with you. 'You have demonstrated no remorse or understanding of the position of your victims.' 'Cruel' Xavier, pictured leaving at a previous hearing, has shown no remorse for his crimes, the judge said One of his victims was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the court heard. Xavier was reported to police after a victim whipped off his blindfold mid-encounter. The court heard an impact statement from a victim who was diagnosed with PTSD after being used for Xavier's 'own sick fantasy'. The man said: 'He was so convincing. It was supposed to be a bit of honest fun between two consenting adults.I now have extreme stress, anxiety, panic attacks and depression. 'I was a people person before and loved meeting new people. Now I feel I'm carrying around a dark secret that will always be part of me. I hope one day I can learn to trust people again.' Xavier, of Wandsworth, south-west London, was found guilty of six counts of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent in October following a trial. He was sentenced to 11 years each for counts one and two; four years each for counts three and four; and six years each for counts five and six. The sentences for counts one, two, five and six are to be served concurrently. Those for counts three and four, which were committed once Xavier had been bailed, were ordered to be served concurrently with each other but consecutive to the other counts, making a total of 15 years' imprisonment. The Metropolitan Police have appealed for any other potential victims of Xavier to get in touch. Advertisement A billionaire Qatari sheikh is restoring an 'urban palace' that could become London's first 300million mega-mansion, it was revealed today. Hamad Bin Jassim al-Thani is believed to have bought the six-storey pile in Belgravia for around 150million and will carry out a refurbishment expected to double its value. Forbes House is spread over an acre of some of the country's most valuable land sandwiched between Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park in central London. Sheikh Thani, 57, who is worth around 1billion, already personally owns a large chunk of One Hyde Park - the Candy brothers' luxurious apartment block in Knightsbridge. The Qatari royal family he is part of has bought up Harrods, the Shard, Chelsea Barracks and Canary Wharf in recent years with the capital earning the nickname 'Londoha'. Thani's new Belgravia stately home has more than 20 bedrooms, a carriage driveway sweeping through its landscaped lawn and parking for 32 vehicles. The Georgian mansion, previously owned by the billionaire Barclay brothers, was designed by Sir Robert Smirke - the creator of the British Museum - and has been an office block since the last residential owners left in 1941. But planning documents reveal that the sheikh will again make it one of the world's grandest 'small urban palace' enjoyed by the rich and powerful 'the British Empire was at its zenith and as rich as it ever was'. Forbes House has been bought by a Qatari sheikh for around 150million but after adding a new swimming pool, cinema and underground garage it could be worth 300million The house is spread over an acre of some of the country's most valuable land sandwiched between Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park in central London Hamad Bin Jassim al-Thani, who is worth 1billion, is believed to have been bought from the Barclay brothers with stamp duty alone probably reaching 20million A heritage report submitted to Westminster Council and written by DIA Historic Buildings Consultancy says it would become 'a single family house of the highest quality'. The document adds: 'There are few individuals who could/would be able to restore it while ensuring what is truly remarkable about it is both preserved and enhanced'. A magnificent double staircase leads from the ground to first floor, with lifts from the basement to upper floors. The building works, which already have planning permission and have started, will include two plunge pools in the basement with luxurious gym and Turkish bath. The bottom floor will also have a cinema and a car garage with a lift suitable to move vehicles up and down from storage. There will also be two floors for children, with games and TV room and two sitting rooms in the 50,000 sq ft super-mansion and 'his and hers' master bedroom suites on the floors below. The Barclay brothers, who own the Daily Telegraph and the Ritz, put it on the market two years ago for 150million. Twins Sir David and Sir Frederick Barclay, both 81 who own the Ritz bought the house for just over 33 million in 2013, offering them a potential profit of at least 117million on the sale. Formerly the HQ of the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders, the Barclays converted it to residential use and renewed the lease for 150 years but was largely empty. The Georgian mansion designed by Sir Robert Smirke - the creator of the British Museum - was an empty office block for years and not been occupied as a home since 1941. Up these magnificent staircases there will also be two floors for children, with games and TV room and two sitting rooms in the 50,000 sq ft super-mansion and 'his and hers' master bedroom suites on the floors below They have sold its 148-year lease for 34m, according to the Standard, but the price paid for property was kept secret although it is believed to have made asking price. The Sheikh will have paid around 22.4million in stamp duty and must pay ground rent of 17,000 a year to freeholder the Duke of Westminster. Hamad Bin Jassim al-Thani, owns it through his property development company Waterknights, which backed One Hyde Park but the Arab nation is buying up swathes of London, especially with the pound at a low level. Qatari Diar the state's investment arm teamed up with UK property developer Delancey Estates to buy the Olympic Village in Stratford for 557million. They also bought the US embassy building in Grosvenor Square in 2009. The five-star Berkeley Hotel, also in Knightsbridge, was added to Qatar's portfolio in 2015 after it bought a 64 per cent stake in The Maybourne Group, which owns it. That year, investors from Qatar also agreed to buy a majority stake in the company behind the world-famous Claridge's Hotel where penthouses start at more than 4,600 a night - in Mayfair. Another Mayfair hotel the Connaught is owned by hotel company Coroin, in which Qatar now holds a majority stake. In 2015, Qatar Holding and Canadian company Brookfield bought the Canary Wharf Group estate for 2.6billion. President Donald Trump said Friday that he hasn't decided how long CNN correspondent Jim Acosta will be banned from the White House, and threatened to revoke the credentials of other reporters next. He also lashed out at April Ryan, a CNN commentator who doubles as a White House reporter with a network of black radio stations. The president told DailyMail.com on the South Lawn as he left for France that Acosta, who frequently publicly tangles with him and his press secretary, 'is a very unprofessional man.' He called Ryan 'a loser' who 'doesn't know what the hell she's doing.' Acosta got into a shouting match with Trump during a press conference on Wednesday and lost his access pass for what the White House saud was 'putting his hands' on an intern who tried to take a microphone away from him. 'He gets paid to do that. You know, he gets paid to burst in. He is a very unprofessional guy,' Trump said, adding that 'I don't think he's a smart person, but he's got a loud voice.' 'I haven't made that decision' about Acosta's fate, he said, 'but it could be others also' who are banned. President Donald Trump said Friday that CNN correspondent Jim Acosta, whom he banned from the White House on Wednesday, 'is a very unprofessional man' Acosta saw his press credentials rescinded Wednesday after he clashed with an intern over a press conference microphone April Ryan, a CNN media personality, called out questions during Wednesday's press conference about what some see as 'voter suppression' of blacks, but Trump hadn't called on her and called her 'rude' for taking someone else's turn 'When you're in the White House, this is a very sacred place to be. This is a very special place. You have to treat the White House with respect. You have to treat the presidency with respect,' he said. Trump complained that Acosta's interactions with Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee are often 'a disgrace.' 'The same thing with April Ryan,' he continued. 'I watch her get up. I mean, you talk about somebody that's a loser. She doesn't know what the hell she's doing. She gets publicity and then she gets a pay raise or she gets a contract with, I think, CNN. But she's very nasty. And she shouldn't be.' Ryan interrupted Trump during Wednesday's press conference and blurted out questions without being called on. She has used the same approach during Sanders' press briefings with some success, forcing her questions typically about the politics of race into the open. She went on CNN via phone call within minutes of Trump's departure, claiming that 'something is awry' in the White House. 'Those words are terrible from a sitting United States president,' she said, after hearing Trump call her a 'loser.' The president said Friday, in response to a question from DailyMail.com about Jim Acosta, that April Ryan is a 'loser' who 'doesn't know what the hell she's doing' in her job Sanders refused to back down Thursday from Trump's decision to rescind Acosta's press pass, insisting incidental physical contact with a female intern during a heated presidential news conference was enough to get him banned. Acosta found himself without access to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue following a tense shouting match with President Donald Trump and a near-tussle over the White House's microphone as he pushed the intern's arm away. Facing stern questions from the rest of the press corps, Sanders issued a terse statement: 'The question is: did the reporter make contact or not? The video is clear, he did. We stand by our statement.' That video, a brief C-SPAN clip that made the rounds Wednesday night, generated new outrage in the evening when Sanders tweeted an altered version that was first distributed by an editor of the alt-right 'InfoWars' conspiracy theorist website. Sarah Sanders shared a re-cut video on Twitter, showing the moment Acosta clashed with one of her interns. The video was originally posted by an InfoWars host; that has opened her up to criticism over the footage's alterations Sanders was pictured Wednesday in the East Room of the White House during the press conference where Acosta tangled with Trump and later found himself banned from the building CNN media critic Brian Stelter pressed her on Twitter: 'InfoWars personality @PrisonPlanet posted the same video two hours before you did. Surely you don't trust InfoWars...?' Dartmouth College digital forensics expert Hany Farid told theMotherboard tech website that the footage itself wasn't doctored, but the video was slowed down and zoomed in to focus on a single moment. The question is: did the reporter make contact or not? The video is clear, he did. We stand by our statement. White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders 'I believe that the video tweeted by the Press Secretary is misleading but I dont see unambiguous evidence that it has been doctored,' Farid said. He also suggested that the vantage point of C-SPAN's camera 'gives the appearance that there was more contact between the reporter and the intern than there probably was.' 'In particular, if you look at original, higher-quality videos from other vantage points you can more clearly see that while there was some contact between the reporter and intern, he did not strike her as his hand comes down.' The video Snaders tweeted does appear to speed up and zoom in on the moment of contact. Acosta wrestled with an unnamed White House intern who tried to take the White House's mic from him on Wednesday after the president decided he was done answering CNN's questions Acosta's defenders urged people to look at video of the interaction, saying it proves White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders was incorrect to say he 'placed his hands' on the female intern; the video shows the intern reaching for the mic and Acosta's left hand pushing her left arm down as he grips it Sanders, pictutred during an October 29 press briefing, is under fire for treating Acosta's moment of contact like a serious infraction Kellyanne Conway said Thursday morning that the White House was right to cancel Acosta's press credentials, casting his physical contact with the intern as a male-on-female threat. In a 'Fox & Friends' interview, Conway described it as 'a rough moment for the young aide' and cast Acosta as a chauvinist villain for stopping the young woman from taking the microphone back once President Donald Trump said he was finished answering the reporter's questions. 'The reporter from NBC was already standing, getting ready to ask his question, and she was just doing her job, which was to reclaim the microphone that belongs to the federal government,' Conway said. 'Obviously I don't think anybody should have any young woman, particularly should have somebody swiping away them and grabbing the microphone back.' During a Fox Business Network appearance on Wednesday evening, she laid out the controversy as a #MeToo moment. 'You dont put your hands on a woman. I think we all had to hear that recently in some other context, and Im not sure that hes apologized to that young woman but she certainly is owed one, Conway said. Kellyanne Conway, a senior adviser to President Donald Trump, said Thursday that the White House was right to cancel a CNN reporter's press pass following a brief and incidentally physical confrontation over a microphone during a presidential press conference Conway framed the incident as a male-on-female moment and lumped it in with threats she and other pro-Trump women have faced On Thursday she re-framed the moment, replayed millions of times on social media videos, as part of a culture of harassment that Trump aides deal with on a regular basis. She blamed Democrats and the media for a 'red-hot tone' that has put some female Trump backers in dangerous positions. 'I've been physically touched by people. I've been yelled at, my kids have been threatened,' she said. 'Tucker Carlson ... had a mob show up at his house last night. His wife was hiding in a pantry!' 'Let's talk about red-hot rhetoric,' she said. 'I'll stand here all day long in my four-inch heels and talk about it if you want to, but I will not let it be cast as one-sided and the president's fault.' Conway didn't mention Acosta by name but drew a contrast between journalists who 'try to do their job by getting the story' and others who 'try to get the president.' 'Some people like to grandstand and be part of the story,' she complained, claiming that other correspondents secretly agree with her: 'Maybe they're not going to come forward and say that, but they say that.' Acosta tweeted Thursday morning: 'Dont believe the lies coming from the WH. Believe in our freedoms. Thank you all for your support. We wont back down.' Acosta shot a hasty cell phone video of a uniformed Secret Service officer denying him entry to the White House and revoking his press pass on Wednesday evening President Donald Trump and Acosta got into a heated verbal back-and-forth during Wednesday's post-election press conference Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio responded by blasting him on Twitter even while suggesting that the White House overreacted. 'I dont think they should revoke his WH pass. Revoking press access for being rude is a very slippery slope,' Rubio wrote. 'But the WH pass is to cover the news,not make yourself the news. This tweet & his behavior is what you expect from an activist,not a journalist.' CNN has cast the White House's reaction as an over-reaching attack on the First Amendment. Conway pointed out that Trump 'answered 68 questions from 35 different reporters over the span of 90 minutes' on Wednesday. 'That's pro-press, that's transparent, that's accountability. A uniformed Secret Service officer denied Acosta entry to the White House grounds Wednesday evening and revoked his 'hard pass,' the long-term credential issued to regular members of the White House press corps. Acosta's tense exchange with Trump wasn't his first; the president has slammed him publicly before, and considers much of what CNN airs 'fake news' Sanders stunned Washington by announcing Wednesday evening that Acosta was persona non grata at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue; CNN can still send other reporters to cover the White House 'Ive just been denied entrance to the WH. Secret Service just informed me I cannot enter the WH grounds for my 8pm hit,' Acosta tweeted before sharing a cell phone video of the officer taking his pass away. In a statement, White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said that Acosta's hard pass had been suspended 'until further notice.' Acosta appeared on 'Anderson Cooper 360,' calling the tension 'a test for all of us. I do think they're trying to shut us down to some extent.' He also insisted that White House press secretary Sarah sanders was wrong to claim video captured him 'placing his hands on a young woman just trying to do her job.' 'The fact that CNN is proud of the way their employee behaved is not only disgusting, its an example of their outrageous disregard for everyone, including young women, who work in this Administration,' sanders said in a statement Wednesday night. Acosta tweeted that her claim was 'a lie.' 'I didn't put my hands on her or touch her as theyre alleging. It's unfortunate the White House is saying this... I think I handled myself professionally,' Acosta told Cooper. 'Put the mic down,' Trump told Acosta as the female intern (left) tried to take it back from him CNN flatly accused Sanders in a statement of lying about the nature of the confrontation between Acosta and the unnamed female intern. 'She provided fraudulent accusations and and cited an incident that never happened,' the network said. 'This unprecedented decision is a threat to our democracy and the country deserves better. Jim Acosta has our full support.' The White House Correspondents Association issued a statement condemning the Trump administration for confiscating Acosta's hard pass. 'Revoking access to the White House complex is a reaction out of line to the purported offense and is unacceptable,' the group said. 'We urge the White House to immediately reverse this weak and misguided action.' 'We encourage anyone with doubts that this reaction was disproportionate to the perceived offense to view the video of the events from earlier today.' Acosta's shouting match with Trump came as he was asking the president a lengthy question about the Central American migrant caravan, arguing that Trump should not have called it an 'invasion.' 'That's enough!' Trump boomed as Acosta tried to pivot to a question about Special Counsel Robret Mueller's Russia investigation. 'CNN should be ashamed of itself having you work for them. You are a rude terrible person. You shouldn't be working for CNN,' the president told Acosta as the intern tried to reclaim the mic. 'When you report fake news, which CNN does a lot, you are the enemy of the people,' he told him, later quipping: 'I think you should let me run the country and you run CNN. If you did it well your ratings would be much better.' NBC correspondent Peter Alexander got the next question, and leapt to advocate for Acosta following the jaw-dropping exchange. 'In Jim's defense, I've traveled with him and watched him. He's a diligent reporter who busts his butt,' Alexander said. 'Well, I'm not a fan of yours either,' Trump replied. 'You aren't the best.' The election of two Democrats in Wisconsin could be good news for the stars of a Netflix documentary who claim they were wrongfully convicted of murder. Governor Scott Walker and Attorney General Brad Schimel, both republican incumbents, lost their bids for reelection on Tuesday. They are described as the top two elected officials most determined to keep Steven Avery and his nephew Brendan Dassey in jail. Steven Avery (pictured) is currently serving a life sentence for the murder of Teresa Halbach Brendan Dassey, 29, (above) was convicted for helping his uncle Steven Avery murder photographer Teresa Halbach in Two Rivers, Wisconsin in 2005 Democratic challengers Tony Evers (left) and Josh Kaul (right) both took seats in Wisconsin, which is perceived as positive for Wisconsins celebrity prisoners. Dassey and Avery both appear in the hit Netflix series Making A Murderer and are both serving life sentences for the murder of photographer Teresa Halbach in Two Rivers, Wisconsin in 2005. Democratic challengers Tony Evers and Josh Kaul both took seats in Wisconsin, which is perceived as positive for Wisconsins celebrity prisoners. They will replace Scott Walker and Brad Schimel as Governor and Attorney General. Schimel fought Dassey ferociously, not only appealing Duffins ruling but making sure Dassey stayed in jail throughout his appeal process. New Attorney General-elect Josh Kaul hasnt specifically stated that he wants to change the way Avery and Dasseys cases are being handled. However sources told Rolling Stone that some believe the negative publicity Walker and Schimel caught from Making a Murderer may have cost them their reelections. Season two of the true-crime series, which premiered October 19, chronicled attempts by the men's legal teams to facilitate their release from prison for the apparent wrongful convictions. The show captured the Dassey familys emotional reaction to a decision by Federal District Court Judge William Duffins to overturn Dasseys conviction when it was determined that the then-16-year-olds confession was coerced. Though Duffin ordered his immediate release, Schimel, the recently unseated former Attorney General, immediately appealed Duffins decision and convinced the Court of Appeals to block Dasseys release. In June 2018, the US Supreme Court refused to hear any further appeal and his conviction was upheld. Governor Scott Walker (left) and Attorney General Brad Schimel (right), both republican incumbents, lost their bids for reelection on Tuesday Now Dasseys only hope is that fellow prisoner Steven Averys appeal will be more successful than his own legal battle. Avery, who is represented by attorney Kathleen Zellner, is at the beginning of his first attempt at appealing his conviction and life sentence. The Attorney General can tell the Department of Justice whether to fight a particular case or not, or whether to concede in certain areas or not. Averys trial attorney, Jerry Buting, told Rolling Stone: 'Kaul can order that a transparent review be done of their files and the special prosecutors files, as well as a reinvestigation of the case'. Steven Avery (pictured) is at the beginning of first attempt at appealing his conviction and life sentence. InOctober 2005, Teresa Halbach, a photographer for Auto Trader Magazine, went to Averys property to take photos of his sisters minivan. Her remains were later found on his property Time will tell what kind of impact Kaul and Ever may have on Avery and Dassey in the months and years to come, but Kathleen Zellner, Averys current attorney, told Rolling Stone she is 'guardedly optimistic'. 'It would be a refreshing change if the newly elected governor and attorney general did not make pronouncements about the two cases for political gain, as their predecessors did, without taking the time to evaluate all of the evidence or lack thereof'. After the airing of the series in 2015, one of the most high profile and prominent lawyers in country, Kathleen T Zellner, took over Averys case to prove his innocence. Zellner was important to Averys case due to the high number of wrongful conviction cases she had won. Lawyer Kathleen T Zellner (pictured) has taken over Averys case to prove his innocence in 2015 The second season, released October 19 this year, brought the compelling evidence against Avery under high scrutiny. The second season focuses on Brenden Dassey, Averys nephew, which shows how Dassey was pressured by his own lawyer Len Kachinsky to confess to helping Avery kill Halbach. Kachinsky also left Dassey alone to be interrogated by police while the lawyer carried out duties for the Wisconsin Army Reserve where he was lieutenant colonel. The change in leadership in the Governors office is a substantial development for any prisoner who applies for clemency in the form of a pardon or commuted sentence. Dassey's conviction was overturned in August 2016 by federal magistrate William Duffin who explained Dassey's constitutional rights were violated and Dassey should be freed pending an apperal, citing Kachinsky's conduct as 'indefensible'. That is something the soon-to-be former Governor made clear he would never consider - in the Avery/Dassey cases or any other. To me, the only people who are seeking pardons are people who have been guilty of a crime and I have a hard time undermining the actions of a jury and of a court, Walker told the Associated Press in 2013. Walker was supposed to make appointments to a state advisory board to review pardons, but he eschewed the process altogether, and during his nearly eight years in office, he has not considered a single pardon, despite receiving thousands of applications. 'The only governor in our history to do that,' Buting notes. A Utah mother has been left in tears after her daughter was unfairly reprimanded for violating the school dress code by wearing a long sleeve sweater with a picture of Marilyn Monroe exposing her shoulder on it. Katie Fabert, of South Ogden, said her 13-year-old daughter loves Marilyn Monroe and has a couple sweatshirts with the actress on it. But she was shocked to learn a school employee forced her daughter to leave South Ogden Junior High to return home and change her shirt on Wednesday, claiming it violated the dress code. Mom Katie Fabert confronted school officials after her daughter was forced to change out of her Marilyn Monroe sweatshirt on Wednesday at South Ogden Junior High in Utah She says that her daughter was unjustly scolded when the school sent her 13-year-old daughter home for the sweater that depicted Marilyn Monroe with an exposed shoulder School officials said Wednesday that it was inappropriate because Monroe was pictured with an exposed shoulder. On Thursday school principal called Fabert to apologize and say her daughter didn't actually violate any code However, the sweatshirt didn't expose any of the student's skin or share an offensive message. The Monroe was simply exposing her shoulder in the image, posing next to rapper Tupac Shakur. 'She basically just said "I got dress coded for this shirt,"' Fabert said to Fox13, meaning she got in trouble for her clothing. Fabert asked her daughter what was wrong with the top and she answered 'I don't know'. So the next morning the furious mother took matters into her own hands and confronted school officials on Thursday morning. 'I said, "Is this not in dress code?" And he said, "No, it's not," And I said, "Well why isn't it?"' she said. She added that the meeting with the vice principal was tense and he started acting unprofessionally. The Weber School District released a statement saying the principal of South Ogden High (above) is investigating the matter 'He just said, "If Marilyn Monroe on the shirt isn't South dress code, then the shirt isn't South's dress code,' Fabert recalled. 'He just got kind of in her face, and I just kind of looked over at her-- and she just looked like she was on the verge of tears. I was like, "Alright let's go,"' she added pulling her daughter out of class for the day. Later in the day the principal of the school phoned Fabert to say that sweater didn't actually violate the dress code at all. But he didn't specify if she'd be allowed to swear the Marilyn Monroe sweater again. He said he would go over the dress code policy personally with his staff members. 'Instead of enforcing what is actually dress code...these teachers are coming in and bringing their own opinion,' an upset Fabert said. This whole thing just got out of hand," Fabert said. "It was a sweater, and they made it something... and she felt bad. I mean, it's something that she really loved. The Weber School District released a statement in light of the incident. 'We did have an issue yesterday with a student wearing a shirt that an employee thought was in a violation of the dress code. The student was asked to wear something different. The principal is in the process of reviewing that decision. We will work closely with the student and their family to appropriately resolve the matter,' the statement said. Donald Trump claimed Friday that Democratic election officials in south Florida 'probably' plotted to rig the 2016 presidential election there against him, saying their slowness in submitting results indicated that only his sizable lead prevented them from trying to 'falsify' the results. The president sent a series of tweets while Air Force One was en route to Paris, blasting Broward County Supervisor of Elections Brenda Snipes, a Democrat, for 'finding votes' to whittle away at Republicans' leads in U.S. Senate and gubernatorial contests that they appeared to win on Tuesday. Snipes is required by Florida law to tell state officials how many ballots were cast in her county, and to update the counting numbers every 45 minutes. Her office has done neither, causing Republicans to worry about a lack of accuntability that could be ripe for partisan abuse. 'In the 2016 Election I was winning by so much in Florida that Broward County, which was very late with vote tabulation and probably getting ready to do a number, couldnt do it because not enough people live in Broward for them to falsify a victory!' Trump wrote. The president's effort to personalize his complaints about the shrinking victory margins of Senate candidate Rick Scott and governor hopeful Ron DeSantis came just minutes before the Republican National Committee blasted out an appeal for donations to a 'Florida Grassroots Recount Fund.' 'We need to ensure a FAIR PROCESS,' said the email, send under Trump's signature. President Donald Trump signaled that the federal government might have to exercise oversight in Florida over Democratic election officials whose work has resulted in the narrowing of a U.S. Senate race in favor of the Democratic incumbent Broward County Supervisor of Elections Brenda Snipes has had a history of questionable results including one case where a judge ruled that she illegally destroyed ballots; Trump blasted her without naming her on Friday, and then tweeted a charge that her department was prepared to try to steal Florida's presidential electors from him in 2016 Trump claimed in a transatlantic tweet that only the size of his 2016 lead in Florida prevented Broward County officials from trying to stack the deck against him Scott, the current Florida governor, challenged Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson for his seat. DeSantis is a member of the U.S. House who ran against Tallahassee's Democratic Mayor Andrew Gillum. 'Rick Scott was up by 50,000+ votes on Election Day, now they found many votes and he is only up 15,000 votes,' Trump vented on Twitter, attributing the march toward parity 'The Broward Effect. How come they never find Republican votes?' And he noted that Gillum conceded his race to DeSantis on Tuesday, but 'Broward County has put him back into play.' Gillum withdrew his concession on Thursday. Trump claimed Nelson had also 'conceded,' something several Florida newspapers incorrectly reported as Tuesday wore into Wednesday. The president's complaints came after he had already lashed out at Broward County's top election official, suggesting 'dishonesty' could play a role in handing Nelson a victory when the dust settles. Trump tweeted about that race and one in a neighboring state, snarking about Democrats' efforts to change unfavorable results. Trump contends that Broward County's effort to 'find' votes has intentionally been a one-sided affair that reversed Democrats' Election Day concessions STUFFED? A teacher in Broward County found a container labeled 'Provisional Ballot Box' in a storage area of her elementary school on Thursday Trump thanked Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio for highlighting Snipes' past ethical lapses; Rubio spent part of Thursday and Friday listing them on Twitter 'You mean they are just now finding votes in Florida and Georgia but the Election was on Tuesday? Lets blame the Russians and demand an immediate apology from President Putin!' he wrote. 'They have had a horrible history,' he said of Snipes' department at the White House on Friday morning. Snipes has a checkered past there, including a judge's finding that she illegally destroyed ballots in a previous election. She 'has been to court' and 'she lost,' he said. The margin between Scott and the incumbent Nelson narrowed as additional ballots were located in Broward and elsewhere. The race now stands close enough to trigger an automatic hand-recount statewide. 'She has had a horrible history,' Trump said of Snipes. 'And all of a sudden they're finding votes out of nowhere! And Rick Scott, who won by you know, it was close but he won by a comfortable margin every couple of hours it goes down a little bit.' 'All of a sudden they're finding votes?' he said later. 'You mean, after the election, they're finding votes?' The Republican National Committee began raising money Friday for a 'Florida Grassroots Recount Fund' aimed at countering the Democrats' efforts that Trump sees as illegitimate Florida's Republican governor, Rick Scott appeared to win his U.S. Senate election on Tuesda but officials have located a stream of additional ballots that continues to narrow his marring of victory to the point where a hand recount will be ordered Senator Bill Nelson's campaign held off on conceding his race Tuesday night even as Scott claimed victory, and now the contest appears to be a 15,000 vote affair out of more than 8 million cast Trump tweeted as Air Force One left for Paris that Georgia gubernatorial hopeful Stacey Abrams should give up her quest to force a runoff with Brian Kemp, who defeated her on Tuesday in Georgia. '@BrianKempGA ran a great race in Georgia he won. It is time to move on!' he wrote. If Kemp's final total is 50 per cent or less of all the votes cast, he will have to battle Abrams again on December 4. The president complained at the White House about Hillary Clinton's 2016 campaign lawyer Marc Elias, who is supervising Nelson's push for a recount. 'As soon as Democrats sent their best Election stealing lawyer, Marc Elias, to Broward County they miraculously started finding Democrat votes,' he tweeted. 'Dont worry, Florida I am sending much better lawyers to expose the FRAUD!' 'Rick Scott was up by 50,000+ votes on Election Day,' Trump wrote later, but 'now they found many votes and he is only up 15,000 votes. The Broward Effect. How come they never find Republican votes?' Elias also was the middle-man that year when the Clinton campaign and the Democratic National Committee sent millions of dollars to political research firm Fusion GPS, a transaction that launched a so-called 'dirty dossier' on Trump that alleged he cavorted with prostitutes in Moscow. Florida Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum gave a concession speech on Tuesday, eding the victory to Republican Ron DeSantis, but then withdrew it on Thursday as officials found more votes cast for him The president tweeted as he left Friday for Paris, mocking Democrats for 'finding votes' and telling a Georgia Democrat to 'move on' from her defeat The president cited 'dishonesty' in Broward County and encourage reporters to dig into Snipes' past 'They were involved with that fraud of the fake dossier, the phony dossier,' Trump said of Elias, without naming him directly. 'And I guess I hear they were somehow involved, or work, with the GPS Fusion [sic] people.' 'You look at the dishonesty!' Trupm vented. 'Look, look, there's bad things that have gone on in Broward County, really bad things.' Scott unleashed lawsuits against Broward and Palm Beach Counties on Thursday, accusing Democrats of trying to steal the election. Both the Senate seat Scott thought was his on Tuesday night, and the governor's contest that looked all but won by Republican Ron DeSantis, are within the margin for recounts. 'The people of Florida deserve fairness and transparency, and the supervisors are failing to give it to us,' Scott claimed. The lawsuit was filed about the same time Scott, as governor, ordered state law enforcement officials to investigate the Broward and Palm Beach voting operations. A spokesperson for Nelson bristled at Scott's legal maneuvering, telling CNN: 'The goal here is to see that all the votes in Florida are counted and counted accurately. Rick Scott's action appears to be politically motivated and borne out of desperation.' Elias's role in the Florida recounts will continue to be a sore spot for Republicans. Nelson's lawyer organizing his effort to tilt as many votes in his favor as possible is Marc Elias, the top attorney for Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign who funneled the money that created the anti-Trump 'dirty dossier' Senator-Elect Rick Scott sued Broward and Palm Beach County election officials Thursday night alleging there could be 'rampant fraud' in the counties' ballot-counting process 'Folks involved in funding this lied about it, and with sanctimony, for a year,' Times reporter Maggie Haberman tweeted after The Washington Post linked the dossier to Elias and his law firm Perkins Coie. Kennth Vogel, another Times journalist, tweeted: 'When I tried to report this story, Clinton campaign lawyer @marceelias pushed back vigorously, saying "You (or your sources) are wrong".' The deal was born in the spring of 2016, when Elias was approached by Fusion GPS, and lasted until just before Election Day that year. When Fusion approached Elias, it had already been doing anti_Trump research work for the conservative Washington Free Beacon during the Republican primary season. But the dossier itself was funded entirely by Democrats, using Elias as a middle-man. After the DNC and the Clinton campaign started paying, Fusion GPS hired former British spy Christopher Steele to do the dirt-digging. His work later resulted in the dossier, which made unsubstantiated claims that Trump patronized prostitutes while visiting Moscow, and that he paid them to urinate on each other while cavorting on a bed that Barack and Michelle Obama had slept in during their pown previous trip to Russia's capital city. Trump has called the material 'phony stuff,' and the White House has complained that the dossier's other unconfirmed allegations were part of the Obama-era Justice Department's justifications fo spying on Carter Page, one of his campaign advisers. Elias also led the five-month recount process that resulted in the 2008 election of former Minnesota Democratic Sen. Al Franken, who won that contest by just 312 votes. It was later determined that officials counted the votes of at least 341 convicted felons in the state's largest county. Another 52 voters cast ballots illegally in a second county. Franken resigned in disgrace last year following the publication of a photo showing him groping an actress while she slept on the way home from performing in a USO tour. Florida Senator Marco Rubio tweeted a photo of boxes that reportedly contained uncounted ballots in Broward, almost 48 hours since the polls had closed Scott's emergency complaints accuse Snipes and Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Susan Bucher of being 'unwilling to disclose records revealing how many electors voted, how many ballots have been canvassed, and how many ballots remain to be canvassed.' The complaints say the counties' handling of ballots 'raises substantial concerns about the validity of the election process.' 'Late Tuesday night, our win was projected to be around 57,000 votes,' Scott told reporters during his press conference Thursday. 'By Wednesday morning, that lead dropped to 38,000. By Wednesday evening, it was around 30,000. This morning, it was around 21,000. Now, it is 15,000.' He continued: 'On election night, Broward County said there were 634,000 votes cast. At 1am today, there were 695,700 ballots cast on election day. At 2.30pm today, the number was up to 707,223 ballots cast on Election Day. And we just learned, that the number has increased to 712,840 ballots cast on election day. In Palm Beach County, there are 15,000 new votes found since election night. Trump tweeted Friday that Stacey Abrams, the Democratic candidate for governor in Georgia, should 'move on' and concede defeat instead of pressing for a runoff 'So, it has been over 48 hours since the polls closed and Broward and Palm Beach Counties are still finding and counting ballots and the Supervisors Brenda Snipes and Susan Bucher cannot seem to say how many ballots still exist or where these ballots came from, or where they have been,' Scott said. During the press conference, Scott declared there could be 'rampant fraud' in the counties ballot-counting process. President Trump, following the Scott's press conference tweeted 'Law Enforcement is looking into another big corruption scandal having to do with Election Fraud in Broward and Palm Beach. Florida voted for Rick Scott!' Senator Nelson's re-election bid now trails Scott's by just 17,000 votes, within the .25 per cent margin required for a hand recount. Nelson's campaign aides believe he will emerge victorious once all the ballots are counted. Meanwhile, a teacher in a Broward County school found a container labeled 'Provisional Ballot Box' in a storage area of her elementary school on Thursday. Lakeisha Sorey, of Broward County, said she found the box Thursday at Sunshine Elementary School. It was apparently left behind by election workers. 'I went into the area that we use for storage and saw it in there,' Sorey told the New York Post. She claims that she did not open the container, or even touch it, concerned about tampering. Sorey said she quickly informed the school's principal, who then contacted the local state representative. The container was taken away and Sorey added to the Post: 'I dont know where it is now.' But Dozel Spencer, Browards director of voting equipment center operations said there weren't any ballots in the box, just supplies. A terrifying 'firenado' has been seen swirling in the scorched debris of a fire ravaged California. The apocalyptic scenes showed a towering inferno of fire twisting through the air as charred cars and blackened trees surround it in Butte County., California. Areas of northern and southern California continue to be evacuated as the fiery whirlwind of the the Camp Fire struck today. Butte County Sheriff received reports of multiple fatalities, but officials are trying to confirm those reports, authorities told ABC News. In video footage posted on line the tower of fire can be seen appearing from behind burnt trees near a long empty road covered in falling ash. A 'firenado' whirl, also commonly known as a fire devil, fire tornado, fire swirl, or a fire twister, is a whirlwind induced by a fire and often made up of flame from a brush fire. The terrifying 'fire twister' was caught on camera surrounded by scorched trees and falling ash An ABC News crews caught the 'firenado' in action as wildfires swept through Butte County in nouthern California Towering "firenado" seen swirling amid the #CampFire that has scorched at least 20,000 acres in Northern California. The Butte County Sheriff has received reports of multiple fatalities, but officials are trying to confirm those reports, authorities say. https://t.co/F8alZj6Usg pic.twitter.com/C8KgS9xDtx ABC News (@ABC) November 9, 2018 In Butte County, about 80 miles north of Sacramento, has seen strong winds hamper efforts by aircraft to drop retardant on the fast-moving fire that largely destroyed Paradise and moved into the eastern side of Chico this morning, a city with a population of around 90,000. The blaze, which has grown to 20,000 acres in northern California, has raged since yesterday evening. In less than 24 hours, the Camp Fire had torched over 31 square miles, or 20,000 acres, turning escape routes around the town of Paradise into tunnels of fire as the entire community of 27,000 residents were ordered to evacuate. Cal Fire said the fire was only five per cent contained and had consumed 70,000 acres. On Thursday, as flames engulfed Paradise, frantic residents racing to safety plunged into the thick smoke that darkened the daytime sky and made driving difficult. More than 1,000 buildings face being damaged by the fast-moving blaze, Butte County Cal Fire Chief Darren Read said in the press conference. One sheriff's deputy described his surroundings as 'blackout conditions' as others detailed roads that were 'completely blocked' due to roaring flames. A fork of fire was seen appearing from behind trees the city of Chico, a city with a population of around 90,000 The wildfires have grown to 20,000 acres in northern California and have raged since yesterday evening Police officer Mark Bass, who lives in the hard-hit town of Paradise and works in neighboring Chico, said: 'We were surrounded by fire, we were driving through fire on each side of the road. 'He evacuated his family and then returned to the fire to help rescue several disabled residents, including a man trying to carry his bedridden wife to safety. 'It was just a wall of fire on each side of us, and we could hardly see the road in front of us.' Southern California was also under siege from raging wildfires a two separate blazes encroached on Thousand Oaks, the scene of Wednesday night's mass shooting, and upmarket Calabasas, home to celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, who was forced to evacuate her home. Around 75,000 homes have been placed under emergency evacuation orders, meaning more than 100,000 homes in danger across the state. The Los Angeles Police Department also issued a citywide tactical alert for the fire, allowing its units to assist in handling the fire. A Florida jury on Thursday unanimously recommended to send convicted killer Gerhard Hojan, 43, back to death row for the 2002 Waffle House killings A Florida jury has reached a unanimous decision to send a killer convicted of murdering two employees at a Waffle House and gravely wounding a third 16 years ago back to death row, after his previous sentence was overturned. It took jurors in Broward County nine hours of deliberations to decide the fate of 43-year-old Gerhard Hojan. Hojan was originally sentenced to death in 2003 after being convicted of first-degree murder, attempted murder, armed kidnapping and robbery in connection to the cold-blooded killings of Willie Absolu and Christina Delarsoa inside the freezer of the Waffle House near Interstate 75 in Davie in the early hours of March 11, 2002. That first jury voted 9-3 in favor of capital punishment for Hojan, which at the time was enough to send him to death row, reported NBC6. But in 2016, a new law was passed making it necessary for a jury to reach a unanimous decision on the death penalty, which prompted the Florida Supreme Court to overturn Hojan's sentence, reported Sun-Sentinel. During Hojan's resentencing trial last month, the prosecution argued that the execution-style murders of 18-year-old cook Absolu and 17-year-old waitress Delarosa were especially heinous and cruel. In March 2002, Hojan herded three employees into a freezer at this Waffle House in Davie, Florida, and shot them execution-style during an armed robbery The victims co-worker Barbara Nunn, who was shot the head but survived, told the court how Delarosa and Mickel had all three of them kneel in the restaurant freezer and ordered them to put their hands on their heads. State Attorney Mike Satz recounted for the jury how a terrified Delarosa asked Hojan and his accomplice, Jimmy Mickel, whether she would ever see her six-month-old son, Kyle again. According to court documents, at 4am on March 11, 2002, Hojan and Mickel entered the Waffle House in Davie, where Mickel had at one time worked, and where both men were known to the staff from past interactions. After eating breakfast, Mickel left, then returned with a pair of bolt cutters. Hojan then produced a gun, herded the three employees working the graveyard shift into a small freezer in the kitchen and locked them inside. As Delarosa, Absolu and Nunn huddled together for warmth, Mickel went about cutting the locks on cash stores. Hojan returned to the freezer three separate times: first, he demanded the victims give him their cellphones; then he returned and demanded their money; the third time, Hojan ordered the two teenage workers and Nunn to turn around and kneel on the floor. Nunn tried to convince Hojan not to shoot them, but her pleas for mercy left him unmoved and he opened fire, hitting Absolu in the arm, neck and head, and shooting Delarosa in the spine and neck. Hojan (pictured in court in 2005) was originally sentenced to death in 2003 by a jury that voted 9-3 in favor of capital punishment, but in 2016, a law passed requiring a jury to reach a unanimous decision in capital murder cases According to published reports, Delarosa died cowering under a freezer rack and screaming for her baby. Despite being shot in the back of the head from a point-blank range, Nunn regained consciousness after the suspects left, and was able to crawl out of the freezer and make her way to a gas station for help. Hojan's accomplice, Jimmy Mickel (pictured), is serving five life sentences for his role in the attack Before she was airlifted to a hospital in critical condition, Nunn gave police a taped statement, identifying Mickel and Hojan as the perpetrators of the deadly armed robbery. During his resentencing, Hojan's defense attorneys presented mitigating circumstances on behalf of their client, including that a history of parental abandonment and neglect, and evidence of child abuse and head trauma. The jury, however, found that the aggravating factors that justified the death penalty outweighed the mitigating factors. But its not the end of the road for Hojan: retiring Broward County Judge Paul Backman is allowed to set aside the jury's recommendation for the death penalty. Hojan will get one more chance to plead for mercy during a hearing scheduled for December 10. His accomplice, the 49-year-old Mickel, is serving five life sentences after being convicted of armed robbery and felony kidnapping charges, but acquitted of the murders. Cobina Kessie, 28, (pictured) stabbed his hoarder mother in the face, back, breast, rib and arm at their home in Bermondsey, south London A son who screamed 'I'm going to kill you' as he stabbed his mother 18 times for trying to clean up her home has been jailed for 10 years. Cobina Kessie, 28, stabbed his hoarder mother Akua Kessie in the face, back, breast, rib and arm at their home in Bermondsey, south London. As she tried to crawl into the bedroom to call police, her son ripped the phone wire out from the socket. Ms Kessie was left with a 12cm cut to her face and an 8cm gash to her shoulder, Inner London Crown Court heard. She has since forgiven her son and wanted police to drop the charges against him. Kessie gave up his university studies to care for his brother Richard, who requires round the clock care for his cerebral palsy, leaving only him and his mother as carers. He kept his own room clean and had clashed with his mother previously because she was a 'hoarder by her own admission'. Tensions boiled over on May 18 when Akua told him to leave home after he threw away some of her belongings. He left the house but returned later that evening to talk. After he was told to leave again, he went to a nearby Asda and brought three kitchen knives. He took the largest knife and returned to the home at 11.45pm. He was told to leave again when he stabbed her repeatedly as she lay naked on the floor. She managed to escape and seek refuge with a neighbour who called the police. In a letter read to the court Mrs Kessie said she was 'keen for the family to be back together.' Judge Mark Bishop told Kessie: 'This is a tragic case for you Mr Kessie and your family. Cobina Kessie was sentenced to nine years and seven months at Inner London Crown Court He added: 'She had no idea the defendant would react in this way to, in her words, being chucked out. 'There's no psychological harm but in an event as this I have no doubt will have taken a toll on her. 'Given the intention to kill being made clear there is a high level of culpability but this is an unusual case. 'This is more of a spontaneous attack than a planned attempt to kill. 'You are remorseful and I accept that remorse is sincere and heartfelt. 'You also have good character not just previously but in terms of your commitment to caring for your brother.' Kessie, of Bermondsey, admitted attempted murder. He was jailed for nine years and seven months. A truck driver went through a wall of fire in his vehicle to get away form raging wildfires that have swept California. Colton Percifield captured a video while driving Concow, northern California, yesterday night as wildfires engulfed homes and roads in the region. The 20-year-old said he awoke at a friend's house to find smoke outside at around 7am as spot fires were encroached on the house. He headed for an emergency shelter on the outskirts of the town in his pickup truck, but as he hit an empty road he was surrounded by a huge tower of fire and a towering inferno on both sides of the road. Colton Percifield filmed himself trying to escape the California wildfires in his pick-up truck as burning ash and falling trees surround him Footage he captured showed the hellish conditions he faced as he battled through thick smoke with heat engulfing the truck as the temperature rose inside the vehicle as giant sparks, flames covered the burning road and covered the roof. As he pushed through the burning debris the engine of his truck can be heard in the clip struggling to carry on through the tough terrain. At one point a tree branch fell on his car, smashing his windshield and denting the front of his car and he tied to navigate his way to safety in the pitch-black darkness. He said: 'Within half an hour, the whole place was in flames. By 8.20 am, the house was burning.' Residents of Concow were asked to evacuate as the Camp Fire that erupted yesterday morning, but some residents were said to have not been aboe to escape their homes. The road in Concow, northern California, was covered in flames as Colton tried to get to safety from the blaze the has seen thousands of homes evacuated The flames covered his vehicle and at one point a falling trees hit the from of Colton's truck The fire started in the early hours of the morning near Pulga, a small community surrounded by the Plumas National Forest, officials said. The first firefighters to arrive found about ten to 15 acres burning with wind gusts of nearly 50mph blamed for the speed the blaze's rapid growth. Officials warned the situation could get worse as Cal Fire Chief Darren Read told reporters that an estimated 1,500 first responders were at the scene or en route, as well as 300 fire engines, 20 bulldozers, aircraft and other support vehicles. Evacuations were also directed for all of Paradise, which is home to nearly 27,000 residents and was described as 'pretty much destroyed', nearby Pulga. The fire started at about 6.30am yesterday morning and reached 5,000 acres in three hours, fueled by high winds but by late afternoon today, the fire had stretched to more than 20,000 acres. The FBI has revealed the number of mass shootings is on the rise, with a massacre taking place once a fortnight on average. According to the bureau's latest figures, released this week, there has been a worrying increase in the rate of deadly incidents - with 30 mass shooting attacks taking place in total last year alone. The Office of Partner Engagement, found that in the years 2016 and 2017, there were 50 active shooter incidents 20 in 2016 and 30 in 2017. It marks a sharp increase from the 2014-2015 period during which there were 40 active shooter incidents. The shooting at the Mandalay Bay casino in Las Vegas in October last October remains the deadliest mass killing in US history Texas was said to have been the worst hit state with five, followed by four each in California and Florida. In total 943 people were either hurt or killed in 2016 and 2017, not counting the shooters. The biggest mass casualty incident in the country's history happened on October 1, 2017 when Stephen Paddock opened fire on the Route 91 Harvest Festival from across the street at the Mandalay Bay hotel killing 58 and injuring 489. According to the FBI, three incidents spiked casualty numbers in the most recent report: the Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida, that aforementioned Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas, Nev., and the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas. The report says most of the incidents occurred in places of business, such as a shopping mall, followed by open spaces, such as a park or an outdoor concert venue and school environments. The year 2000 saw the lowest number of both incidents and casualties and since then there has been an increase in both. Since 2000 there have been at least 20 casualties in a year because of active shooting incidents. A suspect package containing a 'white powder' has been posted to the judge who controversially jailed English Defence League (EDL) founder Tommy Robinson. The package was posted to Judge Geoffrey Marson QC at Leeds Crown Court where he had jailed Robinson for 13 months in May. It is understood to have been delivered to the general office at the court before being identified as potentially dangerous. Emergency services scrambled to the court at 11:44am following reports of a 'suspect item of mail'. Tommy Robinson was jailed by the judge leading to huge protest from his followers in the UK Police, fire and ambulance incident response units attended the building on Oxford Row in Leeds city centre. The building was not evacuated and many of the courts continued to function as usual. A West Yorkshire Police spokesman confirmed the item has now been deemed safe. The spokesman confirmed the incident is now being treated as a 'malicious communications'. The suspected package was sent to Leeds Crown Court but it was not evacuated, police confirmed Robinson - real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was jailed on May 25 by Judge Marson for alleged contempt of court. He was arrested, charged and sentenced for filming people at a grooming trial in Leeds and live-streaming the footage on social media. The trial had was the subject of a court order banning reporting or broadcasting of the proceedings to prevent prejudicing linked trials. Right-wing protesters had claimed that the non-reporting of the trial was part of an establishment cover-up of Asian paedophile rings. The jailing of Robinson, 35, prompted large-scale protests and threats have been directed at the judge on social media. Robinson was released from jail in August after the Court of Appeal quashed a contempt of court finding pending a fresh trial. Details of the Leeds trial and two other linked prosecutions were later published when reporting restrictions were lifted. Mr Robinson was at the centre of another drama today as a group of British MPs urged U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo not to Tommy Robinson into America. The marches for Tommy Robinson turned violent in Westminster as police tried to control the crowds Robinson, a founder and former member of the far-Right group the English Defence League, has been invited to speak at an event in Washington later this month. He is understood to be waiting for authorisation under the U.S.'s ESTA system before embarking on the trip, which opponents fear could open up new sources of funding for his campaigns. A cross-party group of MPs has now written to the Trump's administration's Mike Pompeo, head of the U.S. State department, insisting Robinson should not be allowed to use the trip to 'promote his violent and extremist agenda'. Thirty-four supporters of a traditional Christmas blackface character who blocked anti-racism demonstrators have been sentenced to hundreds of hours of community service. 'Zwarte Piet' or Black Pete appears during the festive period with a blackened face, red lips and afro wig, handing out gifts to children as the sidekick to Sinterklaas, or Santa Claus. Last year a small anti-racist demonstration was blocked by supporters of 'Zwarte Piet,' causing chaos on the busy A7 in northern Friesland. The character sparks heated debate every Christmas and small but vocal protests anti-racist protests take place across the Netherlands, as he is branded a throwback to the colonial era. A child talks to 'Black Pete' the traditional black-faced assistant of Sinterklaas, the Dutch version of Santa Claus The supporters stopped the two buses with activists on their way to the small Frisian town of Dokkum, where Saint Nicholas and his Black Petes stepped off a boat. 'The court seriously condemns all the accused,' Leeuwarden District Court said in a statement, adding that while 'to demonstrate is a fundamental right... the accused took the law into their own hands.' The blockaders were given sentences of between 80 and 240 hours community service. Judges also handed compensation to an anti-racism activist who suffered concussion when the buses were abruptly halted. Black Pete's defenders say he is simply black from coming down the chimney and a children's figure, refusing to admit there might be anything racist about the character. Anti-racist activist Jenny Douwes smiles outside the courthouse for the trial of the highway blockers in Leeuwarden, the Netherlands, on November 9 After a particularly heated debate in 2014 other Petes were introduced for the first time: 'Cheese Petes' with yellow faces, 'Stroopwafel Petes' with striped, light brown faces resembling the traditional syrup biscuit of the same name and a white-faced 'Clown Pete'. Last month the Dutch public broadcaster prevaricated over its decision to change the appearance of Black Pete at this year's 'arrival' in Zaanstad north of Amsterdam. But they eventually decided that 'some Petes go down the chimney a lot, therefore they turn properly black', the NOS reported. Activists plan to make anti-Pete protests again this year, the largest at The Hague on November 17, news reports said. A UN committee that looks at the eradication of racism in 2016 branded Black Pete a 'vestige of slavery'. The Dutch children's ombudsman also ruled that the character must be 'stripped of discriminatory or stereotypical characteristics.' An American man who was on vacation in the Mexican coastal town of Playa del Carmen for a bachelor party was stabbed to death in broad daylight during a mugging. The 27-year-old, only identified as Taylor, was murdered on Wednesday afternoon at a park just four blocks away from the beaches one of the Mexico's' top tourist attractions. The seaside town along the Yucatan Peninsula's Riviera Maya has remained an attraction for out of towners despite the out of control violence that has swept across many of the country's top destinations for beach lovers. WARNING GRAPHIC IMAGES Mexican outlet NotiCaribe is reporting a Canadian resident was killed by a companion at a park just blocks away from the beaches Playa del Carmen A spokesperson for the homicide division with the Playa del Carmen Public Ministry confirmed to DailyMail.com that the man was a foreigner. According to a police report obtained by NotiCaribe, the man was out with a friend and two transvestites when he was stabbed to death. Police said they found several bags containing a white substance that was identified as 'crack', as well as a banking receipt with the initials: 'T.M'. Nobody intervened to aid the defenseless man, NotiCaribe reported. No arrests have been reported. The seaside Caribbean city of Playa del Carmen is still a main tourist attraction despite the crime wave that has swept across the resort town in 2018 A spokesperson for the Playa Del Carmen Public Ministrys homicide division confirmed the victim is a foreign man According to Forbes, Mexico remains the top destination for American tourists. It saw almost 10 million visitors in the first quarter of the year. But it has not been immune to the violence and crime that could hamper its economy. In March, a bomb was placed on a ferry in Cancun, leaving 24 injured. In April, nine were murdered during a 36-hour period. Late in August, the U.S State Department issued a 'Level 2' advisory warning tourists of the ongoing violence in the region that has always been a favorite landing spot for spring breakers. In the first six months of 2018, the state of Quintana Roo saw homicides rise 132 percent, to the equivalent of about 35 killings per 100,000 inhabitants. Its resort city of Cancun tallied 308 murders in the first seven month of the year. Absconding diamantaire Mehul Choksi has sued the Antigua and Barbuda government as its Ministry of External Affairs is examining the plea by Indian authorities to extradite him. A letter dated November 7 from the office of Deputy Solicitor General to the Prime Minister's office indicates that the Minister Responsible for Citizenship and Minister Responsible for External Affairs of the Antigua and Barbuda government have been named in the lawsuit filed by Choksi. The letter asks the named parties to be present in the court for hearing in the lawsuit, or send the Permanent Secretary within their ministries. The matter will be heard on the morning of November 14 at the High Court before Justice Rita Joseph Olivetti. Although it is not clear why Choksi has decided to take the Antiguan government to the court, it could be related the fact that the same government is weighing the proposal of handing him over to India. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) have submitted an extradition plea before the Antigua and Barbuda authorities which now being looked into by the Ministry of External Affairs there. Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had met Foreign Minister of Antigua and Barbuda E P Chet Greene in September on the sidelines of the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly and raised the issue of extradition of Choksi. Greene had assured Swaraj on behalf of his Prime Minister that their government will fully cooperate in the matter of extradition of Choksi to India. ALSO READ:Antigua and Barbuda 'examining' Mehul Choksi's extradition; to respond soon, says MEA This could very well be enough to make Choksi nervous, who had fled to Antigua and Barbuda after orchestrating the Rs 14,000-crore scam at Punjab National Bank with his nephew Nirav Modi. He became a citizen of the Caribbean country by the way of Citizenship by Investment after his Indian passport and citizenship were revoked on account of the banking fraud charges against him. Since then, India has been looking to extradite Mehul Choksi under the Antiguan laws that allow it for Commonwealth countries. Choksi still has some breathing space though, as the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is yet to take a call on his extradition. It is now up to the DPP to take a call on whether Choksi is in the wrong or not, and not the Antiguan Solicitor General. ALSO READ:PNB fraud: ED seizes over Rs 218 crore assets of Mehul Choksi, others As per earlier reports, the Antiguan government has also stated that Choksi has the right to defend himself against the charges levelled against him like any other Antiguan citizen. Edited by Vivek Punj A passenger plane was endangered when it came within 32ft of a drone over Scotland, a report has revealed. Investigators said 'safety had not been assured' during the incident which happened 14 miles east of Edinburgh on July 7. The pilot of the short haul ATR-72 turbo prop said that he was on the base leg of an approach to Edinburgh Airport when the first officer saw a drone in the 12 o'clock, initially well below but which 'appeared to be climbing.' The drone passed within 32 feet of the ATR-72 turbo prop while it prepared to land, file photo The aircraft was 14 miles east of Edinburgh Airport when the co-pilot spotted the drone It passed down the left side of the aircraft and slightly above. The separation was put at 200ft vertically but less than 33ft horizontally. The pilot said the risk of collision was 'medium.' The UK Airprox Board, which investigates near misses, rated the incident as category B - its second highest rating where safety was 'not assured.' It said the drone was being flown above the visual line of sight limit 'such that it was endangering other aircraft at that location.' 'The board wondered whether there had been opportunity for the ATR72 pilot to avoid the drone, but agreed that the incident was best described as the drone was flown into conflict with the ATR42,' it said. 'The board considered that the pilot's overall account of the incident, given that they had seen the drone at range, portrayed a situation where safety had been much reduced below the norm to the extent that safety had not been assured.' Last year a drone came within three seconds of hitting a passenger plane over Glasgow, an official report revealed. The pilot of the Bombardier Dash 8 (DH8) described the risk of collision as 'high.' The incident happened as the plane left Glasgow on September 8. The UK Airprox Board said the separation between the the plane and drone was 100 feet vertically and just under 50 feet horizontally. The pilot said that during the acceleration on departure he noticed 'a small black object' moving towards the aircraft. 'As it got closer he could see it was a drone; it was black and had an object or device attached below. In the space of about three seconds they had narrowly missed it, there was no time to take avoiding action,' said the report. The pilot reported the risk of collision as 'high.' Drones were also flown close to passenger planes at Edinburgh Airport in two separate incidents, just three days apart, last year. In the second of the near misses, the pilot of an Airbus A319 was landing on July 30 when a white or grey drone came within 100 metres. The plane was at altitude of 500 feet. The UK Airprox Board said the drone was being flown in the vicinity of an airfield approach path 'such that it was endangering other aircraft at that location and altitude.' In the earlier incident on July 27, a Boeing 757 was climbing out of Edinburgh at 3500 feet when the First Officer observed a drone to the left of the aircraft at a distance of about 500 metres. The board said the drone was 'was endangering other aircraft at that altitude and location.' In the previous April, the board said a drone had avoided crashing into a plane over Edinburgh only 'by providence.' It missed the Airbus passenger plane by just 75 feet. And it was then the second incident involving drones and planes in Scotland's skies - again within three days of each other. The Edinburgh incident on November 25, 2016, was rated by the board as Category A, its highest level in which serious risk of collision has existed.' Three days earlier on November 22 another Airbus also had come close to a drone - this time over Kilmarnock. The UK government has already passed legislation that bans drones from flying at heights above 400ft (122m) and within 1km (0.6 miles) of airport boundaries. Pilots flouting the rules face unlimited fines or up to five years in prison. The Department for Transport has been carrying out a consultation on new proposals. A 57-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman have been arrested on suspicion of terror offences in London. The man has been arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation and instigation of terrorist acts. He was detained in north London on Friday alongside a 20-year-old woman, who was arrested on suspicion of possessing money or property for the purposes of terrorism. The man and woman were arrested as part of an investigation by the Met's Counter Terrorism Command A police statement said: 'Two people have today, 9 November, been arrested as part of an investigation by the Met's Counter Terrorism Command. 'Officers arrested a 57-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman at an address in north London. 'The man was arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation and instigation of terrorist acts contrary to section 5 of the Terrorism Act (TACT) 2006. The woman was arrested on suspicion of possessing money or property for the purposes of terrorism contrary to section 16 TACT, 2000. The Counter Terrorism Command is a specialist operations branch within London's Met Police Service 'Both were detained under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) and taken to a south London police station where they currently remain in police custody. 'Officers are carrying out a search at the address in north London and are also searching an address in Luton.' The Counter Terrorism Command is a specialist operations branch within London's Met Police Service. It was established as a result of the merging Anti-Terrorist Branch and the Special Branch in October 2006. The aim of the merger was to bring together intelligence, operations and investigative functions to form a single command. President Donald Trump dismissed one of his most piercing legal critics Friday and said he 'doesn't know' George Conway who is married to counselor to the president Kellyanne Conway. Trump got asked about Conway as he left the White House for Paris, following Conway's New York times op-ed, which blasted his decision to designate Mike Whitaker as his acting attorney general. Conway argued it violated the Constitution's Appointments Clause and was an 'illegal' move since Whitaker has not been confirmed as a senior official to run the Justice Department and serve as the nation's top law enforcement officer. 'You mean you mean Mr. Kelleyanne Conway?' Trump told a DailyMail.com reporter during a long press availability where he ranted at critics in the press and government. Trump called George Conway III 'Mr. Kelleyanne Conway' after he penned a scathing op-ed about Trump naming Mike Whitaker to run the Justice Department. He also said he didn't know him. Conway, whose wife is Kellyanne Conway, called the move unconstitutional 'He's just trying to get publicity for himself,' wrote Trump, whose rise to power began in the New York City tabloids and culminated with him serving as the protagonist on NBC's 'The Apprentice.' The the president took another shot at Conway, saying: 'Why don't you do this, why don't you ask Kelley Ann Conway that question, all right? She might know him better than me. I really don't know the guy.' Trump made the statement in the same press scrum where he told reporters 'I don't know Whitaker,' although he told Fox News last month: 'I know Matt Whitaker.' Conway, a prominent lawyer, penned an op-ed in the New York Times along with former solicitor general Neal Katyal, arguing that Trump's power play at the Justice Department is 'unconstitutional.' 'He's just trying to get publicity for himself,' wrote Trump, whose rise to power began in the New York City tabloids and culminated with him serving as the protagonist on NBC's 'The Apprentice' Trump responded: 'Why don't you do this, why don't you ask Kelley Ann Conway that question, all right?' POWER COUPLE: Kellyanne Conway, senior advisor to President-elect Donald Trump, speaks to reporters as she arrives at Union Station for a dinner for campaign donors, January 19, 2017 in Washington. DC. Her husband, George Conway III, is pictured behind her holding a coat 'You mean you mean Mr. Kelleyanne Conway?' Trump told a DailyMail.com reporter when asked about George Conway III and his scathing op-ed The article packed extra punch because of Conway's involvement with the conservative Federalist Society as well as his marriage to Conway, who helmed Trump's successful 2016 campaign during the final stretch. Whitaker has spoken critically about the Mueller probe and spoke in a TV interview about choking off its funding. He also was not confirmed by the Senate, since he does not hold one of the top posts that meet this bar. According to Conway, this come in violation of the Constitution's Appointments Clause. 'Mr. Whitaker's installation makes a mockery of our Constitution and our founders' ideals,' Conway and Katyal wrote. 'President Trump's installation of Matthew Whitaker as acting attorney general of the United States after forcing the resignation of Jeff Sessions is unconstitutional,' they wrote. 'It's illegal. And it means that anything Mr. Whitaker does, or tries to do, in that position is invalid. 'Mr. Whitaker's installation makes a mockery of our Constitution and our founders' ideals,' Conway wrote in New York Times op-ed with former solicitor general Neal Katyal 'Mr. Whitaker has not been named to some junior post one or two levels below the Justice Department's top job. He has now been vested with the law enforcement authority of the entire United States government, including the power to supervise Senate-confirmed officials like the deputy attorney general, the solicitor general and all United States attorneys,' they wrote. 'We cannot tolerate such an evasion of the Constitution's very explicit, textually precise design. Senate confirmation exists for a simple, and good, reason. Constitutionally, Matthew Whitaker is a nobody. His job as Mr. Sessions's chief of staff did not require Senate confirmation,' they concluded. Trump appeared to be taking on some of these arguments directly during public comments Friday. Countering the 'nobody' claim, Trump said Whitaker 'was confirmed at the highest level.' The Senate did confirm him to a US attorney post in Iowa, but that was back in 2004. He also made a point that Conway dispensed with at the top of his article, noting that Special Counsel Robert Mueller wasn't confirmed to his post. That is a relatively junior post there are 93 US attorneys, and it happened 14 years ago. 'Mueller was not Senate confirmed. Why didn't they get him Senate confirmed? He should have been Senate confirmed. But because of all the conflicts, they didn't want to bring him before the Senate,' Trump said. But the law doesn't provide for Mueller to be confirmed. He was appointed by, and reported to, deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein, who was Senate confirmed. Creditors of Gourmet Burger Kitchen have approved a plan to close 17 of the premium burger chain's restaurants, putting around 250 jobs at risk. The restaurant chain agreed to closures as part of a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) within a turnaround plan, but GBK said it would try to redeploy staff where possible. Managing director Derrian Nadauld said: 'We'd like to thank the landlord community, our trade suppliers and our restaurant teams for their support through a challenging process. 'With the positive vote on our proposal to restructure our property portfolio, we are now able to execute the final stage of our turnaround plan, which we are confident will position the business for long-term sustainable growth.' Creditors of Gourmet Burger Kitchen have approved a plan to close 17 of the premium burger chain's restaurants, putting around 250 jobs at risk At the time of writing, GBK had not responded to requests for a list of the affected locations. South Africa's Famous Brands, which acquired GBK in 2016 for 120 million, has previously unveiled stinging losses at the burger chain. The firm said in October that it would take a pre-tax impairment charge of 874 million rand (47.2 million) due to the brand's sustained under-performance. Famous Brands issued a cautionary announcement in August, warning its shareholders that it was looking at options for its subsidiary. South Africa's Famous Brands, which acquired GBK in 2016 for 120 million, has previously unveiled stinging losses at the burger chain That cautionary advice has now been lifted in light of the CVA's approval. Store closures at GBK represent the latest in a long line of casual dining firms to shut restaurants this year. Gaucho, Carluccio's, Prezzo, Byron and Jamie's Italian have all fallen on hard times as costs have rocketed off the back of the Brexit-hit pound, while consumer confidence has nosedived as the economy falters. A man who spent eight years restoring a classic Austin A35 watched his painstaking work go up in smoke - after yobs robbed and then torched the rare motor. Owen Lokuciejewski-Taylor, 25, has been left 'heartbroken' by the mindless vandalism to his prized possession which was sold from 1956 until 1968. The arson attack happened on November 4 at 6.30am after thieves swiped the eye-catching blue car from Owen and his partner Molly Peckham's driveway. 'Bessie' was Owen Lokuciejewski-Taylor's pride and joy before it was stolen and burned out He found the remains of his beloved motor - christened with the name of Bessie - three hours later which was burned to the shell of the car after being ditched in a field. Project geologist Owen, from Leeds, West Yorks., described how he purchased the motor aged 17 and has spent 2,000 on it over the years. He said: 'The last few days have just been a bit sad. I'm heartbroken if I'm honest. Heartless thieves left the classic vehicle in an irreparable state and left Owen 'heartbroken' The Austin A35 was unrecognisable after the mindless vandals burned it out before dumping it 'It's still hard to believe, just like that and something so special to you is just gone, made all the worse by the fact that it was stolen and vandalised so thoughtlessly. 'It is just such an incredible waste of history and a beautiful little car. 'My little blue Austin A35 was my first ever car after passing my driving test two months after my 17th birthday and was christened with the name of Bessie. 'Bessie became a bit of a local car celebrity during my school days - I don't think Horsforth School had ever had a student pull up to school in a vehicle like that before. The vintage motor was sitting in Owen's driveway in Leeds when it was swiped by the vandals He found the remains of his beloved motor - christened Bessie - just hours after it was stolen 'The assistant headteacher took a real interest and would let me park in the 'teachers only' spaces from time to time. 'I have spent over 2,000 throughout the years restoring her but that's nothing compared to the time I spent tinkering and making sure everything was perfect.' He said two young men were the suspects after getting caught on CCTV trying to open multiple car doors with it been a sheer coincidence they got Betty. Owen Lokuciejewski-Taylor, 25, spent eight years restoring the Austin A35 Bessie was Owen's first ever car, bought two months after passing his test at 17-year-olds Owen said: 'Nearby CCTV has picked up two lads trying car doors all the way up until they get to Bessie. 'Ten minutes later you can see Bessie dangerously speeding down the road. It's so much harder to know that they were chancers that just happened to get Bessie 'By 9.30 am, Molly and I are standing down by Fagley Beck looking at the smouldering remains of the car.' Owen said that despite the sadness of losing his car, the support from the community has helped. Owen said: 'The last few days have just been a bit sad. I'm heartbroken if I'm honest' 'If there is any positive from all of this, it is the reaction of the local (and national) community spirit. 'Within minutes of posting online about Bessie missing, people from all over the UK had rallied behind her and started looking out for her. 'The kind-heartedness and sympathy of people really shone through once the tragic end to the story was revealed. A West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said enquiries into the crime are ongoing 'As so many people have said, you can't let idiots like those lads ruin your day, so I look to the future and possibly to the next little Austin.' A West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said enquiries into the crime are ongoing. She said: The incident happened on 4 November at around 6:25am when suspects stole a blue Austin A35 from a driveway on Carr Hill Road. 'The car was later recovered by police. CCTV from the area is being examined by police and enquiries are ongoing.' The Johnson clan has been mired in a bitter and very public feud over Brexit since Boris decided to back the Leave campaign. But his younger brother Jo suggested tonight that his resignation could finally heal the rift - even though he is demanding a fresh referendum to cancel the process of departing the EU. Pointing out that the former Foreign Secretary was 'as unhappy with the Government's proposals as I am', Jo said: 'If these negotiations have achieved little else, they have at least united us in fraternal dismay.' The family's differences on the crucial issue facing the country have been well documented. He and his sister Rachel were remainers while older brother Boris campaigned for Brexit Jo Johnson was more comfortable working for David Cameron than Theresa May Their father Stanley, who once worked as a diplomat at the EU commission, was also firmly on the other side of the argument Boris vacillated for months before finally throwing in his lot with the Brexiteers in 2016. And his decision to spearhead the successful campaign came in the face of fierce opposition from his nearest and dearest. Both Jo - who was serving as universities minister in David Cameron's government at the time - and Rachel were staunch Remainers. Their father Stanley, who once worked as a diplomat at the EU commission, was also firmly on the other side of the argument. The battle pitched the siblings into head to head confrontations. And while Jo and Boris found themselves in government together once the dust settled, tensions with Rachel lingered. Before the general election in June last year she shocked the Tory-aligned family by joining the Lib Dems. In a highly personal jibe at her brother, she accused Brexiteers of selling 'faulty goods' during the referendum. 'I wanted to stand up and be counted in my continuing opposition to what I've always thought is a suicide mission to take us out of Europe and over a cliff,' she said at the time. Despite Jo's admission of family strife, the clan always appear to have stayed on speaking terms. And the reconciliation process seemed to be in train last month, when Mr Johnson senior revealed he had been converted to the Brexit cause. He said EU commission president Jean-Claude Juncker's state of the union address, hailing the prospect of Brussels having its own army, had convinced the bloc was headed 'in a direction we don't really want to go'. Jo has been described as 'quieter and cleverer' than his older sibling. While Boris started his education in England, Jo didn't start school until after the family had moved the Brussels when their father Stanley got a job with the European Commission. Jo therefore first took classes as European School in Uccle in the south of the Belgian capital. Both brothers became fluent in French during their childhood years on the continent. Both he and Boris later went to Eton College and then Balliol College, Oxford, Boris studying classics, Jo studying modern history. Jo, like Boris, was a member of the notorious Bullingdon Club, a drinking society known for its wanton acts of drunken vandalism, and numbering Oxford's wealthiest undergraduates among its members. Jo did his postgraduate studies in Europe and has degrees from two further European universities. Boris went into journalism after graduating, working for the Times and the Daily Telegraph. Jo, meanwhile, became an investment banker at Deutsche Bank, before also becoming a journalist at the Financial Times, working in Paris and South East Asia before editing the influential finance column, Lex. The two brothers have lived parallel lives but have different political opinions He and his sister Rachel were remainers. He became Secretary at the Cabinet Office in 2014 (pictured, right) Jo married Amelia Gentleman, a reporter for the Left-wing Guardian in 2005 and the couple have two children. The brothers both went into politics after leaving journalism, Boris being elected as MP for Henley in 2001. Nine years later in 2010, Jo stood as the Conservative candidate in Orpington, south-west London and won with a 19,000 vote majority. Boris's political career has been more high profile than his brother. He became mayor of London in 2008 and won a second term in 2012, before returning to Parliament and becoming Foreign Secretary in 2016, quitting two years later in protest at Theresa May's Brexit plans. Jo has meanwhile held less well-known cabinet roles, Assistant Government Whip, Parliamentary Secretary at the Cabinet Office before becoming Minister of State at the Department for Transport in January. Both siblings have lived somewhat in the shadow of their high-profile older brother One of the few times he raised his head above the parapet was as Universities Minister last year, when he called on universities to cut down on so-called 'safe space' political correctness. He said: 'Universities should be places that open minds, not close them, where ideas can be freely challenged.' But while he was at home in David Cameron's Conservatives, he has found life less comfortable under Theresa May's leadership. The mother (pictured) was on the sofa with her youngest child when she took the overdose A mother-of-three took a fatal overdose of anti-depressants as her youngest lay asleep next to her on the sofa. Elizabeth Stephenson had hoped to be found in time but was already dead when her ex-boyfriend was alerted to messages which sparked concern about her welfare. The 25-year-old from Colne, Lancashire, had battled depression since the birth of her first child was found on the floor of her front room as her son was lying near her. Tests shown she had taken the painkiller codeine, alcohol and mirtazapine she'd been prescribed for depression just days before her death. Her mother Caroline Stephenson told the Burnley hearing that she did not believe her daughter meant to take her life. 'I would put my life on it that she didnt intentionally take her life,' she said. 'She lived in an alternative reality and loved to get her own way. 'She was suffering from depression and was drinking far too much. She would go out and act in a completely bizarre way and the next day regret it. That happened a lot. She didnt have an ordinary depression. 'She would be fine for weeks and then hit rock bottom. She loved the children although she was completely disorganised. I knew we would always have to support her and we would pick up the pieces be it financially or mess she would get herself into. 'That evening she was desperately trying to get the attention of somebody and it backfired. My grandson was asleep on the sofa that night and she would never have done that where the children could find her. Elizabeth's mother told the Burnley inquest that her daughter (pictured) died following a desperate bid for attention 'I think she took the tablets whilst extremely drunk and she sent a lot of messages. She took photos of the pills as well. I saw the empty packets when I went in. There were more tablets in the house she couldve taken if it was intentional. 'She accepted that she needed help. She would post messages online that she was getting a grip and that things were getting better. But she would make split-second decisions - she wouldnt have taken her life intentionally. 'She wouldnt have done that especially not with her children there. She would drink too much. If she was in pain she would take four Co-Codamol instead of two. 'She wasnt very good at taking prescription medication regularly. I believe she was having a tantrum and seeking attention and that is what my Elizabeth would do. She never thought about the consequences of her actions and if she had been leaving us she wouldve contacted us. 'She wouldve said goodbye to us as we are a very close family. She didnt because she knew we would turn up for her. All the children are in the house and one of them was with her when we found her.' Jessica Lee, a friend of Miss Stephenson said: 'I would see her on most days. Recently she was a bit depressed but I saw her the day before she died and she seemed in good spirits and was happier than normal. Elizabeth Stephenson (pictured) died after taking an overdose of anti-depressants 'On Friday morning I got a message from her that was sent at about 12:55 AM. I saw it in the morning and contacted her ex-partner. 'This has been a terrible shock. I knew she was struggling but didnt expect it to end like that. 'I knew she took some pills before. She said to me once I took some pills last night but I woke up and laughed. 'She was always really bubbly and bouncy but she was struggling underneath. The children were a positive influence on her but I know she struggled after having her first child. 'Her problems had been recognised. I would help her where I could. When I saw her she said the tablets are working really well and she felt happy and relaxed but she was drinking every day.' Coroner Richard Taylor recorded a narrative conclusion at today's inquest into the death on March 9. He said: 'She had been suffering with depression although it is thought that the severity of her illness was not seen until her death. 'On that day messages were received and her former partner was notified and went round to the house and the door was unlocked. 'She was on the floor in the front room and her family attended. Evidence that there was some form of overdose was present and a number of tablets were taken. 'She was a troubled young lady and was looking for assistance, and getting it. It has been a long haul for her and you tell me about her going to the doctors on Monday. She was given antidepressants but they cant wave a magic wand over somebody unfortunately. 'She had good friends and family around her but was overcome with this. You cannot believe she would have the intention to end her life. She was positive and bubbly otherwise. Messages were sent on the day but they were not terribly clear.' A Berlin court has overturned a ban on a far-right rally planned for this evening - the 80th anniversary of the infamous anti-Semitic pogrom known as Kristallnacht. The far-right 'Wir fur Deutschland' (We are for Germany) movement, will march through the German capital on Friday night. Although Berlin's interior minister, Andreas Geisel, called off the march on Wednesday, The Administrative Court in Germany's capital overturned his decision. Right-wing protestors hold a banner with their motto 'We are for Germany' (WfD) during a far-right demonstration in Berlin on November 9 2018 - the 80th anniversary of the anti-Jewish pogrom Kristallnacht WfD have called the event a 'funeral march' and invited protesters to bring along candles to 'commemorate the victims of politics and their actions'. It is to start near to the Reichstag - Berlin's parliament building Counter protesters hold a banner reading: 'It happened, therefore it can happen again' during a demonstration against the far-right march in Berlin Police secures the area as people take part in a counter-protest against a right-wing activists' demonstration, in front of the Berlin's main railway station A counter protester holds a placard reading: 'In remembrance of my Jewish grandmother. Never again war - never again fascism!' Counter protesters hold a placard reading: 'Never again anti-Semitism or Xenophobia of any kind' Geisel, a member of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), took issue with timing such a rally to coincide with the anniversary of Kristallnacht. He said it would 'blatantly negate the moral and ethical significance of this memorial day',German news agency dpa reported. 'The idea that on the 80th anniversary of Kristallnacht right-wing extremists could march through the government district perhaps in the dark with burning candle I find it unbearable,' Deutsche Welle quoted Geisel as saying. WfD called the event a 'funeral march' and invited protesters to bring along candles to 'commemorate the victims of politics and their actions'. It is due to start near to the Reichstag - Berlin's parliament building. Supporters of the far-right 'We are For Germany' movement take part in a rally in Berlin on November 9 Counter-demonstrators hold up a placards which reads 'Never Again antisemitism' (L) and 'Sad that I have to protest against hate' (R) A counter-demonstrator holds up a placard which reads 'Unified in diversity' on November 9, 2018, the day which commemorates the 80th anniversary of the Kristallnacht Nazi pogrom Speaking following the decision, a court spokesperson said it was illegal to prevent the march because it did not pose a threat to public order - a condition of such bans. Geisel said he would appeal the court's decision. KRISTALLNACHT: THE NIGHT OF BROKEN GLASS On November 9. 1938, the Nazis began their campaign to destroy the Jewish race. The authorities watched on as Hitler's SA paramilitary force and non-Jewish civilians targeted Jewish businesses and homes. 91 Jews were killed in the attacks in Germany and Austria and more than 30,000 were arrested and incarcerated in concentration camps. A pedestrian looks at the wreckage of a Jewish shop in Berlin Jewish homes, hospitals and schools were ransacked and more than 1,000 synagogues were burned down, while thousands of Jewish businesses were destroyed. Historians have long pointed to the two-day campaign of terror as the start of Hitler's Final Solution - the dictator's comprehensive plan to exterminate the entire Jewish population in Nazi occupied Europe. The name of the wave of violence refers to the shards of glass left strewn across cities in the aftermath of the bloody pogroms. Advertisement While it is going ahead this evening, the marchers are being met by anti-fascist groups who have mobilised to counter what they call a 'right-extremist provocation.' The Local reported that more than a thousand people are expected to join the counter-protest. The WfD is a nationalist and anti-EU group, purporting to stand for German culture and identity. A spokesperson told The Local that the march was in remembrance of people who died trying to cross the Berlin Wall - which also fell on this day, November 9 1989. November 9 is referred to in Germany as 'Schicksalstag' or 'Day of Fate' because of the magnitude of events that took place on this day in history. As well as Kristallnacht and the fall of the Berlin Wall, it marks the the abdication of the Kaiser in 1918 and the Beer Hall Putsch in 1923. However for most people it is a time to remember the night Nazis launched a wave of attacks on Jewish homes and businesses. On November 9, 1938, Jews were murdered, synagogues were set alight, the windows of 7,500 Jewish-owned shops were smashed and the insides ransacked, and up to 30,000 Jews were forcibly detained. Although the Kristallnacht official death toll is 91, it is thought that around 1,300 people were killed or took their own lives in the aftermath. The night marked an explosion of the anti-Semitism that had been building in Germany since Adolf Hitler became Chancellor in 1933. It was a grim indicator of the future mass murder of Jews by Nazis in death camps across Europe. Ceremonies are being held across Germany and the rest of the world tonight to remember the victims of Kristallnacht and the Holocaust. An aggressive deer charged at a pastor in Oklahoma, forcing him to wrestle the buck's antlers away from him. In a video on Facebook, the deer can be seen repeatedly running at Travis Hurst, as he tries and hold the buck'a head to avoid his sharp antlers. Hurst, a pastor in Shawnee, Oklahoma, was working to build a church bonfire when the deer emerged from the woods. Travis Hurst seen as the deer lunges at him (left) and as he grabs his head to take control (right) He got the best of me,' Travis Hurst said told Fox 4. I think that hes had some human contact because he wasnt afraid of us at all'. Hurst and the deer walked away from the encounter though the deer got in a few good hits, Hurst wrote on Facebook. 'So I literally got attacked by a deer! It went on for much longer than the recording. 'Every time I let him go he would charge me. When I got home I found two puncture wounds on my legs! Im pretty sure he won. Its all good,' Hurst wrote onFacebook. The video shows Hurst backing away from the deer and saying: 'Take it easy!' before the deer lowers its head and charges at him with its antlers. 'Why is he fighting us?' Hurst shouts, as he tries to keep hold of the animal and its antlers away from his body. Travis Hurst (pictured) looks petrified as the wild ruck charges towards him He tries to prevent the animal from injuring him by grabbing his antlers In the footage Hurst is seen jostling with the deer for several seconds before he calms down The deer eventually grows tired and stops lunging at Hurst but the damage has been done 'Were probably in his area,' another man said. Hurst keeps struggling with the deer. 'I dont want to let him go,' he said before the deer charges at him once again. Another video shows the animal calming down and walking away into the woods. I cant believe it, man, he attacked me, Hurst says as he reviews his injuries, some cuts to his legs and hands. Captain Wade Farrar, with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife, said the deer were likely hand raised by someone he isn't scared of humans. Farrar says deer are in rut right now, meaning they're frisky and ready to fight. Hurst shows his injuries which includes cuts and bruises to his arms and legs Hurst claimed he was fine after the incident, adding that the man 'got the better of me' He's going to try to act like a big bad deer and if he thinks we are a threat, then he's going to treat us just like he would a big buck out in the woods, said Farrar. He said anytime you come across deer or any wildlife, it's best to leave it alone. Never a good idea at all, said Farrar. It's best to contact us and let us take care of it. Hurst claimed he learned a few lessons from this experience and hopes to never be in this dangerous position again. Not posing a threat to him. I might keep my hands down and I think that doing this caused him to charge me. Edward John Abernathy, 50, was arrested on Thursday and charged with grand theft for allegedly stealing $900 from a mentally disabled 9-year-old A Florida elementary school principal is accused of stealing $900 from a mentally disabled 9-year-old. Edward John Abernathy, 50, was arrested on Thursday and charged with grand theft for allegedly stealing the cash from the student at Connerton Elementary School in Land O'Lakes. The child brought $2,100 of his parents' money to the school on October 23. When teachers realized the child had brought the cash in, they counted it and lock it in the principal's office for safe keeping. An investigation by the Pasco County Sheriff's Office revealed Abernathy allegedly only gave the student's mother $1,200 when she went to pick up the money. Abernathy is accused of pocketing the remaining $900. Pasco County schools Superintendent Kurt Browning said Abernathy would be placed on paid administrative leave pending an investigation. He has been employed by the Pasco County district for 26 years. Abernathy was charged with one charge of grand theft. It is unclear if Abernathy has a lawyer. Asia Bibi is in Pakistan: FO The Foreign Office Thursday rejected reports that a Christian woman who was acquitted by the Supreme Court last week in a blasphemy case has left the country. Asia Bibi is in Pakistan, Foreign Office Spokesman Dr Faisal said during a weekly press briefing. There is no truth in reports that Asia Bibi has left the country. She is at a safe location in Pakistan, he added. Media should confirm before airing such reports, he asserted. Asia Bibi is now a free citizen and can go wherever she wishes to after the SC verdict. No ban can be placed on the movement of a free citizen, the spokesman said. A review petition against her acquittal has been filed in the court and the Ministry of Interior can inform regarding whether she can be legally barred from leaving the country, he added. The FO statement came in response to reports that Bibi had left the country following her release from a prison in Multan Wednesday night. Shortly after FOs clarification, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry slammed some media organisations for running fake news regarding Bibi leaving the country. It has become a norm to publish fake news for sake of headlines, #AsiaBibi case is sensitive issue it was extremely irresponsible to publish news of her leaving the country without confirmation, I strongly urge section of media to act responsible, he tweeted. Last night, Bibis lawyer Saif-ul-Mulook said, She has been freed. I have been told that she is on a plane but nobody knows where she will land. Asia Bibi has left the prison and has been transferred to a safe place! tweeted Antonio Tajani, president of the European Parliament. Donald Trump directly asked for a hush money payment to be made to a Playboy model who claimed they had an affair then thanked the National Enquirer's boss for paying her federal prosecutors have found, it was reported Friday. The Wall Street Journal said that prosecutors had evidence that Trump had intervened directly to suppress alleged sexual encounters 'several' times. Trump asked David Pecker, the CEO of the National Enquirer parent company AMI, how he could help his campaign in August 2015, and Pecker told him that he could buy the silence of women claiming sexual encounters with the then candidate. The prosecutors with the evidence are from the Southern District of New York, who are acting separately from Robert Mueller's special counsel investigation. The Friday report casts doubt on two years of denials by Trump and his legal team that he knew about hush money payments to Playboy model Karen McDougal and porn star Stormy Daniels. It says that Trump directed the deals during meetings and in telephone calls with Michael Cohen, his longtime attorney and fixer. Long time friends: Donald Trump and David Pecker have a long relationship. They were pictured together in 2004 when Trump presented Pecker with a distinguished alumnus award from Pace University, in New York, which the AMI publisher graduated in 1972. Among the payments made by AMI were $150,000 to McDougal. The payment was made by a direct request from Trump to Pecker. The now-president later thanked Pecker, the newspaper reported. It cited interviews with more than 30 people as well as court and company documents. The Journal reported that Trump was involved in the hush payments at 'nearly every step of the agreements' and 'directed deals'. It said evidence has been gathered by federal prosecutors in the Southern District of New York - the same district which has secured the guilty plea from Cohen for which he can expect to send time in prison. The Mueller probe handed the Cohen case off to SDNY after deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein signed off. The bombshell report comes days after Trump forced out attorney general Jeff Sessions and installed political loyalist Matt Whitaker as acting head of the Justice Department, with authority over the Russia probe. Former Playboy model Karen McDougal got a $150,000 payment from American Media Inc. Campaign finance violation Cohen pleaded guilty in federal court in connection to campaign finance violations, and faces sentencing in December. He pleaded under penalty of perjury that he made an illegal campaign finance contribution 'at the direction of' a person who is Trump, although he didn't say Trump's name in court. Cohen's charging document stated that he 'coordinated with one or more members of the campaign, including through meetings and phone calls, about the fact, nature, and timing of the payments.' That phrasing referred to Trump, officials familiar with it told the Journal. But it is not clear whether Trump committed a crime through his participation in the scheme. A conviction on campaign finance charges would require him to have knowingly and willfully violated restrictions. Cohen testified in federal court that he was directed to engage in the campaign finance violation. Sources familiar with his agreement said the person was Trump According to the Journal report, Pecker researched campaign finance laws and contacted an 'election law specialist' about the $150,000 payment. 'The question was: Would American Medias payment amount to an illegal campaign contribution to Mr. Trump? Corporations are barred under federal law from giving directly to candidates, either in cash or in-kind contributions,' according to the account. Pecker concluded that the deal as structured was in the clear, since McDougal was required to perform work in the form of promised magazine covers and fitness columns she was to write. Cohen's lawyer, Lanny Davis, said at the time of Cohen's plea: 'Donald Trump directed [Cohen] to commit a crime by making payments to two women for the principal purpose of influencing an election.' President Donald Trump has minimized his relationship with Cohen, while denying he had affairs with Daniels or McDougal The prosecutors drew up an 80-page draft indictment against Cohen in August in which Trump's role was outlined and he was described as a 'member of the campaign.' When Cohen agreed to a deal, a shorter 22-page charging document said that the attorney 'coordinated with one or more members of the campaign, including through meetings and phone calls, about the fact, nature, and timing of the payments.' Call for Trump indictment That was a reference to Trump, the newspaper said. The development prompted a call from Michael Avenatti, the attorney for Stormy Daniels, for the immediate indictment of the president. There is an unresolved legal dispute about whether sitting president can be indicted, and such a move, if it occurred, would ultimately end up in the Supreme Court. The paper said Cohen has told prosecutors that Trump was directly involved in the payment of Daniels and that Pecker refused to provide money from AMI to her because he did not want the National Enquirer's parent company paying a porn star. The development was published shortly after a tweetstorm from Trump about the recount of senate and gubernatorial election results in Broward County, Florida. Immunity deals And the fresh reports come after revelations in August that Pecker reached an immunity deal with prosecutors. It followed longtime Donald Trump lawyer Cohen's guilty plea to eight counts including campaign finance violations related to payments to two women who claim they had affairs with Trump. The extent of the terms of the immunity deal are unknown. The Associated Press reported that Pecker 'kept a safe containing documents on hush-money payments and other damaging stories it killed as part of its relationship with Donald Trump leading up to the 2016 presidential election.' Trump referenced Pecker in a recording made by Cohen of discussions surrounding a $150,000 payment by AMI to former Playboy model Karen McDougal. Prosecutors included substantial information about the payment in the charging document against Michael Cohen. But the AP's story on the safe notes that Pecker and chief content officer, Dylan Howard who also got immunity removed the documents from the safe in the weeks before the election, citing a person 'directly familiar' with events. The documents contained information about hush payments and potentially damaging stories. They were fearful the documents could be used against the company, according to the report. Now, the story notes, it is unclear 'whether the documents were destroyed or simply moved to a location known to fewer people.' 'Holy s***, I thought Pecker would be the last one to turn,' a Trump friend told Vanity Fair. Trump can be heard discussing the talks with Pecker in a September 2016 call obtained by CNN. 'I need to open up a company for the transfer of all of that info regarding our friend, David, you know, so that I'm going to do that right away. I've actually come up and I've spoken,' Cohen tells Trump. 'And, I've spoken to Allen Weisselberg about how to set the whole thing up,' Cohen adds, mentioning the Trump Organization CFO. 'So, what do we got to pay for this? One-fifty,' Trump replies. Cohen mentions funding, then adds: ''Um, and it's all the stuff.' Coverage: How the National Enquirer put Trump on the cover in January 2016 and again in December 2016 - after he had won the election Trump then replies, 'Yeah, I was thinking about that,' without clarifying what stuff he may being referring to. 'All the stuff. Because here, you never know where that company you never know what he's,' Cohen explains, prompting Trump to observe: 'Maybe he gets hit by a truck.' Trump's comment appears to address what would happen to the 'stuff' were Pecker no longer around, such as if he left the company. The New Yorker in April published a detailed account of AMI's actions to buy stories that were potentially damaging for Trump. Pecker was so close to disgraced Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein, who also worked to kill damaging stories, that he was known as an 'F.O.P.' or 'friend of Pecker's,' the New York Times reported in 2017. Cohen pleaded guilty to two campaign finance violations one of which was 'causing an unlawful corporate contribution' to a campaign. Charging documents lay out in great detail details of an agreement where former Playboy model Karen McDougal got a $150,000 payment from American Media Inc., which is the parent company of the National Enquirer, and which Pecker heads. The documents revealed what was known 'catch and kill' - an arrangement to prevent the story being published elsewhere. It identifies 'Corporation-1' which was to 'advance a payment of $150,000 to Woman-1' with the promise of reimbursement, 'so as to ensure that Woman-1 did not publicize damaging allegations before the 2016 presidential election and thereby influence that election.' The Wall Street Journal reported the grant of immunity to Pecker - and also to Dylan Howard, editor-in-chief of AMI. Trump and Cohen can be heard discussing the deal in a September 2016 audio tape released by Cohen and seized by authorities during an FBI raid in April. 'So what are we gonna pay,' Trump says. 'Yes, um, and it's all the stuff,' Cohen responds. 'All the stuff, all the stuff because you never know where that company -- you never know where he's gonna be.' Trump then inquires what if he [Pecker] 'gets hit by a truck?' - meaning if he were no longer in charge. 'Correct. So I'm all over that,' Cohen responded. Trump fumed about prosecutorial tactics in an interview with 'Fox and Friends' that aired Thursday. 'People make up stories. This whole thing about flipping, they call it, I know all about flipping. For 30, 40 years I've been watching flippers. Everything's wonderful and then they get 10 years in jail and they -- they flip on whoever the next highest one is, or as high as you can go,' he said. 'It almost ought to be outlawed. It's not fair. Because if somebody's going to give -- spend five years like Michael Cohen or 10 years or 15 years in jail because of a taxi cab industry, because he defrauded some bank -- the last two were the tiny ones. 'You know, campaign violations are considered not a bit deal, frankly. 'But if somebody defrauded a bank and he's going to get 10 years in jail or 20 years in jail but if you can say something bad about Donald Trump and you'll go down to two years or three years, which is the deal he made,' the president said. The Journal reported in June Pecker and AMI's chief content officer Dylan Howard had received subpoenas from prosecutors. At the time, the firm said: 'American Media Inc. has, and will continue to, comply with any and all requests that do not jeopardize or violate its protected sources or materials pursuant to our First Amendment rights.' Pecker visited the White House in July 2017 and met with Trump in the Oval Office. Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner was also there. He brought along guest French businessman Kacy Grine, who advises the richest man in Saudi Arabia, the New York Times reported in March. AMI CEO David Pecker - seen (center) with his wife Karen and DuJour Media's Jason Binn - got a grant of immunity from prosecutors who secured details of a deal that resulted in a $150,000 payment to a former Playboy model who claims she slept with Donald Trump The details of 'catch and kill' were set out in federal court documents released after Cohen's appearance in front of a judge in Manhattan. Trump himself was referenced obliquely but unmistakably as 'Individual 1' - a man who prosecutors note, in formulaic but wry phrasing, began his bid for office 'on or about June 16, 2015.' Just two months later, as Trump stunned the political world with his rise, the chairman of a tabloid media company offered the campaign some assistance, the documents said. That company was no named, but is AMI. The company agreed to flag for Cohen and the campaign unflattering, unpublished stories about Trump's relationships with women 'so they could be purchased and their publication avoided,' prosecutors said. The company eventually did exactly that, allowing for Cohen throughout the campaign to arrange for stories to be bought and suppressed with the express purpose of 'influencing the election.' The timing and amount of the payments line up with those paid to porn star Stormy Daniels and Playboy Playmate Karen McDougal to buy their silence in the weeks and months leading up to the election. Although the plan was in place nearly a year earlier, the first arrangement began in June 2016, weeks after Trump had clinched the Republican nomination. McDougal, prosecutors allege, began attempting to sell a story of a sexual relationship with Trump in 2006 and 2007. The timing and amount of payments Cohen pleaded guilty to line up with those paid to porn star Stormy Daniels and Playboy Playmate Karen McDougal As promised, it didn't take long for Cohen to be notified - and to take action, promising to reimburse his tabloid friends for the purchase of her tale. That August, prosecutors allege, AMI struck a $150,000 deal with McDougal to buy her story, feature her on two magazine covers and publish more than 100 magazine articles she authored. 'Despite the cover and article features to the agreement, its principal purpose, as understood by those involved, including Michael Cohen, the defendant, was to suppress Woman-1's story so as to prevent it from influencing the election,' prosecutors wrote. The pattern repeated that October, this time with Daniels, who had her own story of a sexual relationship with Trump she was eager to tell. In that case, Cohen and a lawyer for Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, negotiated a $130,000 payment to buy her silence. According to the government, the deal nearly fell apart just weeks before the election. Cohen was slow in finalizing the payment and was warned Daniels was close to completing a separate deal with another outlet to make her story public. An unidentified editor texted Cohen to say it 'could look awfully bad for everyone' if a deal was not struck. Cohen received an encrypted telephone call from someone matching Pecker's description and from another top editor at the publication before agreeing to make the payment and calling Daniels' lawyer to finalize the arrangement, prosecutors said. On Oct. 26, 2016, just weeks before the election, Cohen drew down $131,000 from a home equity line of credit he obtained by lying about his debt and cash flow. He wired funds to a lawyer for Daniels, falsely saying it was for a 'retainer,' and one week before the election, received copies of a signed confidential agreement with the actress. Prosecutors allege Trump Organization executives ultimately reimbursed Cohen for both the $130,000 payment to Daniels and another $50,000 for 'tech services' that Cohen solicited on the campaign's behalf. Prosecutors cited an email in which one unnamed Trump Organization executive told another to pay Cohen $420,000 out of 'the trust,' disguising the money as payment owed to the lawyer under a legal retainer agreement. 'In truth and in fact, there was no such retainer agreement,' prosecutors wrote. For federal prosecutors who have spent months investigating the president's lawyer, the timing of the payments was no accident. They don't say specifically Trump directed Cohen to make the payments, an allegation Cohen made in court, but the documents do note Cohen 'coordinated with one or more members of the campaign.' The money, the government says, was intended 'to influence the 2016 presidential election.' The intent is essential to the case. Corporations aren't permitted to contribute to campaigns and money intended to influence an election must be reported as a contribution. The money to Daniels and McDougal was not. All told, Cohen pleaded guilty to eight crimes, including campaign finance violations, tax evasion and false statements to a bank. He could get about four to five years in prison at sentencing Dec. 12. As for Trump, personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani said there 'is no allegation of any wrongdoing against the president in the government's charges against Mr. Cohen.' The revelation of the catch-and-kill arrangement and immunity for Pecker and Howard came as people familiar with the National Enquirer's parent company, American Media Inc., told the Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because they signed non-disclosure agreements, that it had a safe full of stories which had been 'caught and killed'. They said the safe was a great source of power for Pecker, the company's CEO. The Trump records were stored alongside similar documents pertaining to other celebrities' catch-and-kill deals, in which exclusive rights to people's stories were bought with no intention of publishing to keep them out of the news. By keeping celebrities' embarrassing secrets, the company was able to ingratiate itself with them and ask for favors in return. But after The Wall Street Journal initially published the first details of Playboy model Karen McDougal's catch-and-kill deal shortly before the 2016 election, those assets became a liability. Fearful that the documents might be used against American Media, Pecker and the company's chief content officer, Howard, removed them from the safe in the weeks before Trump's inauguration, according to one person directly familiar with the events. The AP cannot say whether the documents were destroyed or simply were moved to a location known to fewer people. American Media did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Former Enquirer employees who spoke to the AP said that negative stories about Trump were dead on arrival dating back more than a decade when he starred on NBC's reality show 'The Apprentice.' In 2010, at Cohen's urging, the National Enquirer began promoting a potential Trump presidential candidacy, referring readers to a pro-Trump website Cohen helped create. With Cohen's involvement, the publication began questioning President Barack Obama's birthplace and American citizenship in print, an effort that Trump promoted for several years, former staffers said. The Enquirer endorsed Trump for president in 2016, the first time it had ever officially backed a candidate. In the news pages, Trump's coverage was so favorable that the New Yorker magazine said the Enquirer embraced him 'with sycophantic fervor.' Positive headlines for Trump, a Republican, were matched by negative stories about his opponents, including Hillary Clinton, a Democrat: An Enquirer front page from 2015 said 'Hillary: 6 Months to Live' and accompanied the headline with a picture of an unsmiling Clinton with bags under her eyes. Mueller's final tally: Trump's inner circle of convicts and turncoats - and 25 wanted Russian trolls GUILTY: MICHAEL FLYNN Pleaded guilty to making false statements in December 2017. Awaiting sentence Flynn was President Trump's former National Security Advisor and Robert Mueller's most senior scalp to date. He previously served when he was a three star general as President Obama's director of the Defense Intelligence Agency but was fired. He admitted to lying to special counsel investigators about his conversations with a Russian ambassador in December 2016. He has agreed to cooperate with the special counsel investigation. GUILTY AND JAILED: MICHAEL COHEN Pleaded guilty to eight counts including fraud and two campaign finance violations in August 2018. Pleaded guilty to further count of lying to Congress in November 2018. Sentenced to three years in prison and $2 million in fines and forfeitures in December 2018 Cohen was investigated by Mueller but the case was handed off to the Southern District of New York,leaving Manhattan's ferocious and fiercely independent federal prosecutors to run his case. Cohen was Trump's longtime personal attorney, starting working for him and the Trump Organization in 2007. He is the longest-serving member of Trump's inner circle to be implicated by Mueller. Cohen professed unswerving devotion to Trump - and organized payments to silence two women who alleged they had sex with the-then candidate: porn star Stormy Daniels and Playboy model Karen McDougal. He admitted that payments to both women were felony campaign finance violations - and admitted that he acted at the 'direction' of 'Candidate-1': Donald Trump. He also admitted tax fraud by lying about his income from loans he made, money from taxi medallions he owned, and other sources of income, at a cost to the Treasury of $1.3 million. And he admitted lying to Congress in a rare use of the offense. The judge in his case let him report for prison on March 6 and recommended he serve it in a medium-security facility close to New York City. GUILTY AND JAILED: PAUL MANAFORT Found guilty of eight charges of bank and tax fraud in August 2018. Sentenced to 47 months in March 2019. Pleaded guilty to two further charges - witness tampering and conspiracy against the United States. Jailed for total of seven and a half years in two separate sentences. Additionally indicted for mortgage fraud by Manhattan District Attorney, using evidence previously presented by Mueller Manafort worked for Trump's campaign from March 2016 and chaired it from June to August 2016, overseeing Trump being adopted as Republican candidate at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. He is the most senior campaign official to be implicated by Mueller. Manafort was one of Washington D.C.'s longest-term and most influential lobbyists but in 2015, his money dried up and the next year he turned to Trump for help, offering to be his campaign chairman for free - in the hope of making more money afterwards. But Mueller unwound his previous finances and discovered years of tax and bank fraud as he coined in cash from pro-Russia political parties and oligarchs in Ukraine. Manafort pleaded not guilty to 18 charges of tax and bank fraud but was convicted of eight counts in August 2018. The jury was deadlocked on the other 10 charges. A second trial on charges of failing to register as a foreign agent due in September did not happen when he pleaded guilty to conspiracy against the United States and witness tampering in a plea bargain. He was supposed to co-operate with Mueller but failed to. Minutes after his second sentencing hearing in March 2019, he was indicted on 16 counts of fraud and conspiracy by the Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr., using evidence which included documents previously presented at his first federal trial. The president has no pardon power over charges by district and state attorneys. GUILTY AND GOING TO WEEKEND JAIL: RICK GATES Pleaded guilty to conspiracy against the United States and making false statements in February 2018. Sentenced to 45 days weekend jail and three years probation, December 17, 2018 Gates was Manafort's former deputy at political consulting firm DMP International. He admitted to conspiring to defraud the U.S. government on financial activity, and to lying to investigators about a meeting Manafort had with a member of congress in 2013. As a result of his guilty plea and promise of cooperation, prosecutors vacated charges against Gates on bank fraud, bank fraud conspiracy, failure to disclose foreign bank accounts, filing false tax returns, helping prepare false tax filings, and falsely amending tax returns. GUILTY AND JAILED: GEORGE PAPADOPOLOUS Pleaded guilty to making false statements in October 2017. Sentenced to 14 days in September 2018, and reported to prison in November. Served 12 days and released on December 7, 2018 Papadopoulos was a member of Donald Trump's campaign foreign policy advisory committee. He admitted to lying to special counsel investigators about his contacts with London professor Josef Mifsud and Ivan Timofeev, the director of a Russian government-funded think tank. GUILTY AND JAILED: RICHARD PINEDO Pleaded guilty to identity fraud in February 2018. Sentenced to a year in prison Pinedo is a 28-year-old computer specialist from Santa Paula, California. He admitted to selling bank account numbers to Russian nationals over the internet that he had obtained using stolen identities. GUILTY AND JAILED: ALEX VAN DER ZWAAN Pleaded guilty to making false statements in February 2018. He served a 30-day prison sentence and was deported to the Netherlands on his release Van der Zwaan was a Dutch attorney for Skadden Arps who worked on a Ukrainian political analysis report for Paul Manafort in 2012. He admitted to lying to special counsel investigators about when he last spoke with Rick Gates and Konstantin Kilimnik. His law firm say he was fired. GUILTY: W. SAMUEL PATTEN Pleaded guilty in August 2018 to failing to register as a lobbyist while doing work for a Ukrainian political party. Sentenced to three years probation April 2019 Patten, a long-time D.C. lobbyist was a business partner of Paul Manafort. He pleaded guilty to admitting to arranging an illegal $50,000 donation to Trump's inauguration. He arranged for an American 'straw donor' to pay $50,000 to the inaugural committee, knowing that it was actually for a Ukrainian businessman. Neither the American or the Ukrainian have been named. CHARGED: KONSTANTIN KILIMNIK Indicted for obstruction of justice and conspiracy to obstruct justice. At large, probably in Russia Kilimnik is a former employee of Manafort's political consulting firm and helped him with lobbying work in Ukraine. He is accused of witness tampering, after he allegedly contacted individuals who had worked with Manafort to remind them that Manafort only performed lobbying work for them outside of the U.S. He has been linked to Russian intelligence and is currently thought to be in Russia - effectively beyond the reach of extradition by Mueller's team. INDICTED: THE RUSSIANS Twenty-five Russian nationals and three Russian entities have been indicted for conspiracy to defraud the United States. They remain at large in Russia Two of these Russian nationals were also indicted for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and 11 were indicted for conspiracy to launder money. Fifteen of them were also indicted for identity fraud. Vladimir Putin has ridiculed the charges. Russia effectively bars extradition of its nationals. The only prospect Mueller has of bringing any in front of a U.S. jury is if Interpol has their names on an international stop list - which is not made public - and they set foot in a territory which extradites to the U.S. INDICTED: MICHAEL FLYNN'S BUSINESS PARTNERS Bijan Kian (left), number two in now disgraced former national security adviser Mike Flynn's lobbying company, and the two's business partner Ekim Alptekin (right) were indicted for conspiracy to lobby illegally. Kian, an Iranian-American was arrested and appeared in court charged with a conspiracy to illegally lobby the U.S government without registering as a foreign agent. Their co-conspirator was Flynn, who is called 'Person A' in the indictment and is not charged, offering some insight into what charges he escaped with his plea deal. Kian, vice-president of Flynn's former lobbying firm, is alleged to have plotted with Alptekin to try to change U.S. policy on an exiled Turkish cleric, Fethullah Gulen, who lives in Pennsylvania and who is accused by Turkey's strongman president Recep Tayyip Erdogan, of trying to depose him. Erdogan's government wanted him extradited from the U.S. and paid Flynn's firm through Alptekin for lobbying, including an op-ed in The Hill calling for Gulen to be ejected. Flynn and Kian both lied that the op-ed was not paid for by the Turkish government. The indictment is a sign of how Mueller is taking an interest in more than just Russian involvement in the 2016 election. GUILTY AND AWAITING SENTENCE: ROGER STONE Roger Stone, a former Trump campaign official and longtime informal advisor to Trump, was indited on seven counts including obstruction of justice, witness tampering, and lying to Congress about his communications with WikiLeaks in January 2019. Convicted on all counts November 15, 2019, awaiting sentence Stone was a person of interest to Mueller's investigators long before his January indictment, thanks in part due to his public pronouncements as well as internal emails about his contacts with WikiLeks. In campaign texts and emails, many of which had already been publicly revealed before showing up in Mueller's indictment, Stone communicated with associates about WikiLeaks following reports the organization had obtained a cache of Clinton-related emails. Stone, a former Nixon campaign adviser who has the disgraced former president's face permanently tattooed on his back, has long been portrayed as a central figure in the election interference scandal. 'They got nothing,' he said of the special counsel's investigation. Stone gave 'false and misleading' testimony about his requests for information from WikiLeaks. He then pressured a witness, comedian Randy Credico, to take the Fifth Amendment rather than testify, and pressured him in a series of emails. Following a prolonged dispute over testimony, he called him a 'rat' and threatened to 'take that dog away from you', in reference to Credico's pet, Bianca. Stone warned him: 'Let's get it on. Prepare to die.' CLEARED: GREG CRAIG Greg Craig, President Barack Obama's White House counsel, was indicted for failing to register as a foreign agent. Mueller's investigators uncovered Craig's work on behalf the government of Ukraine while probing Manafort, who did business with Craig. Prosecutors released a grand jury indictment of Craig in April 2019, after Craig's law firm of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP agreed to pay more than $4.6 million as part of a settlement. The prominent firm also acknowledged it had failed to register, and placed much of the blame on Craig, a senior partner there. Craig's lawyer blasted the decision as an abuse of prosecutorial discretion, and prepared to argue that omission of information during an interview is not tantamount to making false statements. The charges stem from a 2012 report Craig and the firm produced on behalf of the Ukrainian government on opposition figure and former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko. She was an opponent of Manafort's client , former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych. Craig was cleared on September 9 2019. Advertisement Rory Cowan told his former friend Twink to leave his mother's funeral and accused her of using the service as an excuse to reconcile with him. The former Mrs Brown's Boys, 59, said he was devastated by his mother's death and that he had 'no time' on the day for Twink, whose real name is Adele King. The Irish entertainer attempted to approach Rory after the service, held in Dublin, but was told to go home instead. Rory Cowan criticised his former friend Twink for not considering his feelings when attending his mother's funeral Rory revealed that there was serious bad blood between the former friends, with 'dreadful things being said that can't be unsaid'. He criticised Twink and accused her of not considering his feelings on the difficult day. He told the Irish Mirror: 'There has been bad blood between us for over a year now and there have been dreadful things said that can't be unsaid. Twink, whose real name is Adele King, attended the funeral but had a heated exhange with Rory before driving home in tears 'She came over and tipped me on the shoulder and I told her: ''You shouldn't be here. This event is for family and friends and you are neither. Go home.'' 'She would have known that I didn't want her there. She didn't consider my feelings at all. Rory's mother Esther passed away at the age of 85 on Monday and her funeral mass was held on Thursday - where the tense exchange took place. Rory's mother Esther passed away at the age of 85 on Monday and her funeral mass was held on Thursday Adele King was one of hundreds of mourners who attended the service, which was held at the Church of the Ascension of the Lord in south Dublin. She said that her short chat with Rory left her devastated as it was in front of a packed crowd. She also claims that she drove home with tears in her eyes afterwards and that she thought the ground would open and swallow her up. Rory, pictured in Mrs Brown's Boys, revealed that there was serious bad blood between the former friends Adele also revealed that she brought a card to the service - which she was unable to give to Rory. She told the Irish Sun: 'If you can't offer an old friend sympathy on the death of their mother, there is no hope for anyone. 'I came out of the church and saw Rory standing at the back of his mother's coffin. I would have gone around him but the crowd was too big. It was too narrow a margin to get by. 'I wasn't going to go up to Rory but it was awkward to get out without going by him. Adele shared her sympathies for Esther's death (pictured with her son in 2015) but Rory accused her of using the funeral as an excuse to try and reconcile 'I had my head down and I tapped his arm and told him, ''You have my sympathies on Esther''. 'But Rory said, ''That's right, you just keep walking. You get out of here. This is for family and friends, you are not welcome here, go on, get out of here, keep walking.'' During the service, Rory told mourners: 'I'm so glad she was my mother'. Republican protesters held demonstrations on Friday against the election boss in Broward County, Florida, who is at the center of controversy over ballot counting which threatens to tear up the anticipated GOP victory in the state's senate and gubernatorial contests. Activists with MAGA hats and placards protested against Brenda Snipes, the head of Broward County Election Board and a registered Democrat, as late ballot results appeared on the verge of forcing a mandatory state-wide recount of the two elections. The GOP had claimed victory in both, with Democrat Andrew Gillum conceding the gubernatorial contest to Ron DeSantis, and Rick Scott, the state's governor, saying he had beaten incumbent senator Bill Nelson. But Broward County revealed growing numbers of ballots for both Democrats after that, prompting Nelson to say he was not conceding - and for his campaign to retain a deeply controversial Democratic attorney: Marc Elias, who commissioned the 'golden showers' dossier of unverified claims against Donald Trump. Brenda Snipes, 75, (right) has been accused of 'fraud' and potential election theft by President Trump, concerning the ballot counting in Broward County in Florida Activists with MAGA hats and placards protested against Brenda Snipes, the head of Broward County Election Board and a registered Democrat, on Friday The Republican protesters held posters in Broward County accusing Snipes of 'attempting to steal' the election Broward County revealed growing numbers of ballots for both Democrats, prompting incumbent senator Bill Nelson to say he was not conceding - and for his campaign to retain Marc Elias (pictured), who commissioned the 'golden showers' dossier of unverified claims against Donald Trump Snipes was accused of 'fraud' and potential election theft by President Trump and Republicans. She has previously faced allegations of 'incompetence' and corruption from activists across the political spectrum. Snipes, a 75-year-old former teacher was appointed by Jeb Bush in 2003 to serve as Broward County Supervisor of Elections despite being a registered Democrat. Remarkably, she has been criticized and sued by a Bernie Sanders ally; medical marijuana advocates; and the Florida Republican Party for alleged elections misconduct. She has also been admonished by judges in at least two cases this year involving her elections oversight. Snipes is now facing another lawsuit from Scott, who claims there was 'fraud' in the vote count in his race against Nelson. Scott has questioned the validity of late-discovered ballots in Broward County, which continued to count votes days after the election. Nelson conceded the race to Scott on Tuesday, but the race appears to be headed for a recount as newly counted votes from Broward County put Nelson within the automatic recount margin. The tightening vote count has also put the Florida gubernatorial race between Republican Ron DeSantis and Democrat Andrew Gillum back into play, days after Gillum conceded the race. Trump blasted Snipes on Friday, saying she 'has had a horrible history.' 'All of a sudden they're finding votes out of nowhere,' said Trump. 'Rick Scott who won by, it was close but he won by a comfortable margin, every couple hours it goes down a little bit.' Florida's Republican governor, Rick Scott (pictured) appeared to win his U.S. Senate election on Tuesday but officials have located a stream of additional ballots that continues to narrow his marring of victory to the point where a hand recount will be ordered Senator Bill Nelson's (pictured) campaign held off on conceding his race Tuesday night even as Scott claimed victory, and now the contest appears to be a 15,000 vote affair out of more than 8 million cast The tightening vote count has also put the Florida gubernatorial race between Republican Ron DeSantis (left) and Democrat Andrew Gillum (right) back into play, days after Gillum conceded the race Trump also raised concerns about the involvement of Democratic attorney Marc Elias in the Florida recount. Elias, who is Nelson's campaign attorney, reportedly commissioned the dossier on Trump's Russia connections from the firm Fusion GPS in 2016. 'And then you see the people, and they were involved with the fraud of the fake dossier, the phoney dossier, and I guess I hear they were somehow involved or worked with the GPS Fusion people,' said Trump. 'There's bad things gone on in Broward County, really bad things.' Elias, who is Nelson's campaign lawyer, will be overseeing the looming recount in the senate race. DailyMail.com reported on Elias's role in the Florida election and his involvement with the Trump 'dossier' on Thursday. Elias, who served as general counsel for Hillary Clinton's campaign as an attorney for the Democratic National Committee, retained the research firm Fusion GPS to investigate Trump's connections to Russia in April 2016. Elias's law firm Perkins Coie channelled $1.02 million from the Democratic National Committee and the Clinton campaign to Fusion GPS during the election. Fusion GPS told congress that it used $168,000 to pay Orbis Business Intelligence, a company founded by former MI6 officer Christopher Steele, to compile a dossier on Trump's Russia ties. The infamous dossier, which was published after the election, suggested that Trump campaign officials were being recruited by Russian intelligence agencies and claimed Russia was blackmailing Trump with video of his liaisons with Russian prostitutes. During the election, Elias's firm was paid $5.6 million by Clinton and $3.6 million by the DNC. Elias also serves as counsel for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, and the Democratic Governors Association. Trump blasted Snipes on Friday, saying she 'has had a horrible history.' Trump also raised concerns about the involvement of Elias, who reportedly commissioned a 'dossier' on Trump's Russia connections from the firm Fusion GPS, on behalf of the Democratic Party in 2016 Trump claimed in a transatlantic tweet that only the size of his 2016 lead in Florida prevented Broward County officials from trying to stack the deck against him Trump contends that Broward County's effort to 'find' votes has intentionally been a one-sided affair that reversed Democrats' Election Day concessions He previously helped oversee former Sen. Al Franken's successful 2008 recount in Minnesota. Elias also worked as John Kerry's general counsel during his 2004 campaign. Republican critics of Snipes have called the delayed count suspicious, with Sen. Marco Rubio pointing out that an abandoned box of ballots was reportedly discovered at a Broward County school two days after the election. Snipes did not respond to request for comment from DailyMail.com. Snipes defended the slow count on Thursday, telling a Florida ABC affiliate that the county simply has a lot of ballots to review. 'We ran 22 sites, we ran 14 days, we ran 12 hours, we had a big vote by mail (during early voting), so don't try to turn it around to make it seem like I'm making comedy out of this,' said Snipes. Although Snipes is facing heat from national Republicans, her election oversight has drawn bipartisan criticism over the years. Nan Rich, a Democratic Broward County Commissioner, rebuked the elections supervisor for slow vote counts in September, according to Florida news reports. 'We have consistently been the bottom of the barrel getting our voting results in,' said Rich. 'I don't want to be 67th in 67 counties again in voting.' Snipes graduated from Talladega College with a major in modern foreign languages, according to her official biography. She later received a master's degree in adult education and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. Snipes worked as a teacher and an elementary school principal, before becoming an education consultant. She was then appointed as Broward County election supervisor by Republican Gov. Jeb Bush in 2003. She has been reelected four times. Snipes has faced several lawsuits since 2016 over her elections supervision. A teacher in Broward County found a container labeled 'Provisional Ballot Box' in a storage area of her elementary school on Thursday, adding to the controversy over ballot counting TEACHER FINDS 'PROVISIONAL BALLOT BOX' IN STORAGE AREA OF SCHOOL A teacher in a Broward County school has claimed to have found a container labeled 'Provisional Ballot Box' in a storage area of her elementary school on Thursday. Lakeisha Sorey, of Broward County, said she found the box Thursday at Sunshine Elementary School. It was apparently left behind by election workers. 'I went into the area that we use for storage and saw it in there,' Sorey told the New York Post. She claims that she did not open the container, or even touch it, concerned about tampering. Sorey said she quickly informed the school's principal, who then contacted the local state representative. The container was taken away and Sorey added to the Post: 'I dont know where it is now.' But Dozel Spencer, Browards director of voting equipment center operations said there weren't any ballots in the box, just supplies. Advertisement Tim Canova, a Bernie Sanders protege who ran unsuccessfully against Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz in 2016 Democratic primary, sued Snipes in 2017 for illegally destroying ballots from the race. Canova and his supporters filed public records requests to review vote-by-mail ballots in November 2016 and March 2017. When Snipes failed to turn over the records, Canova filed a lawsuit demanding to view the ballots in June 2017. Three months later, Snipes reportedly ordered her office to destroy nearly 700 boxes of voting records as Canova's lawsuit was pending in court. Last May, a judge determined that Snipes's decision to destroy the records was a violation of state law and ordered the payment of Canova's legal fees. The Florida Republican Party also filed a suit against Snipes this year claiming that she and her staff opened vote-by-mail ballots in a private setting before they could be reviewed by the Elections Canvassing Board. In August, Broward County Circuit Court Judge Raag Singhal issued an injunction to Snipes ordering her not to open the ballots prior to turning them over to the Canvassing Board. He also ordered her to make sure that vote-by-mail ballots were not cast in the names of deceased voters, and to confirm that voters' signatures are valid. The order also prohibited Snipes from 'engaging in or approving actions not authorized by the statute or the law.' In 2016, Snipes also came under fire from medical marijuana advocates, after a small number of ballots were sent out without an initiative to approve a medical marijuana law. Organizers of the initiative sued Snipes after the election, arguing that voters had been disenfranchised by the inaccurate ballots. The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws called the missing ballot item 'catastrophic and cataclysmic' and said it is 'effectively disenfranchising voters and eliminating the right to vote on certain matters,' in a lawsuit. Snipes has also overseen a number of 'technical glitches' in Broward County that have allegedly been responsible for vote tallies being posted online too early and too late. Broward County Supervisor of Elections Brenda Snipes has had a history of questionable results including one case where a judge ruled that she illegally destroyed ballots In August 2016, Broward County posted primary elections results thirty minutes before the polls closed a violation of state law. Snipes said a contractor, VR Systems, was responsible for the error and the company apologized for the flub. 'In the process of providing technical assistance to the Broward County Supervisor of Elections' Office, VR Systems created a link on the supervisor's website that unintentionally made Broward County early voting and absentee ballot results public at 6:30 p.m. VR Systems assumes responsibility for this error, which is not in keeping with our service and performance standards,' said VR Systems in a statement on Aug. 31, 2016. Last August, Snipes also blamed a 'technical glitch' for Broward County's delayed posing of primary election results. The county posted its results online around midnight after Election Day, five hours after the polls closed. In addition to the technical problems, some Democrats have also raised concerns about Russian hacking of election equipment in Florida. '[The Russians] have already penetrated certain counties in the state and they now have free rein to move about,' Nelson told the Tampa Bay Times. And in another troubling incident, an 11-year-old attending a recent hacking conference demonstrated how to infiltrate the Florida election website and change the voting results in just minutes. Snipes denied that there was any evidence of Russian meddling in the Broward County system, saying she had 'not seen anything with our system that something strange is going on.' Snipes graduated from Talladega College with a major in modern foreign languages, according to her official biography. She later received a master's degree in adult education and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. Snipes worked as a teacher and an elementary school principal, before becoming an education consultant. She was then appointed as Broward County election supervisor by Republican Gov. Jeb Bush in 2003. She has been reelected four times. Snipes has faced several lawsuits since 2016 over her elections supervision. Tim Canova, a Bernie Sanders protege who ran unsuccessfully against Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz in 2016 Democratic primary, sued Snipes in 2017 for illegally destroying ballots from the race. Snipes worked as a teacher and an elementary school principal, before becoming an education consultant. She was then appointed as Broward County election supervisor by Republican Gov. Jeb Bush in 2003. She has been reelected four times Canova and his supporters filed public records requests to review vote-by-mail ballots in November 2016 and March 2017. When Snipes failed to turn over the records, Canova filed a lawsuit demanding to view the ballots in June 2017. Three months later, Snipes reportedly ordered her office to destroy nearly 700 boxes of voting records as Canova's lawsuit was pending in court. Last May, a judge determined that Snipes's decision to destroy the records was a violation of state law and ordered the payment of Canova's legal fees. The Florida Republican Party also filed a suit against Snipes this year claiming that she and her staff opened vote-by-mail ballots in a private setting before they could be reviewed by the Elections Canvassing Board. In August, Broward County Circuit Court Judge Raag Singhal issued an injunction to Snipes ordering her not to open the ballots prior to turning them over to the Canvassing Board. He also ordered her to make sure that vote-by-mail ballots were not cast in the names of deceased voters, and to confirm that voters' signatures are valid. The order also prohibited Snipes from 'engaging in or approving actions not authorized by the statute or the law.' In 2016, Snipes also came under fire from medical marijuana advocates, after at least two ballots were sent out without an initiative to approve a medical marijuana law. Organizers of the initiative sued Snipes after the election, arguing that voters had been disenfranchised by the inaccurate ballots. The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws called the missing ballot item 'catastrophic and cataclysmic' and said it is 'effectively disenfranchising voters and eliminating the right to vote on certain matters,' in a lawsuit. Snipes has also overseen a number of 'technical glitches' in Broward County that have allegedly been responsible for vote tallies being posted online too early and too late. In August 2016, Broward County posted primary elections results thirty minutes before the polls closed a violation of state law. Snipes said a contractor, VR Systems, was responsible for the error and the company apologized for the flub. 'In the process of providing technical assistance to the Broward County Supervisor of Elections' Office, VR Systems created a link on the supervisor's website that unintentionally made Broward County early voting and absentee ballot results public at 6:30 p.m. VR Systems assumes responsibility for this error, which is not in keeping with our service and performance standards,' said VR Systems in a statement on Aug. 31, 2016. Last August, Snipes also blamed a 'technical glitch' for Broward County's delayed posing of primary election results. The county posted its results online around midnight after Election Day, five hours after the polls closed. In addition to the technical problems, some Democrats have also raised concerns about Russian hacking of election equipment in Florida. '[The Russians] have already penetrated certain counties in the state and they now have free rein to move about,' Nelson told the Tampa Bay Times. And in another troubling incident, an 11-year-old attending a recent hacking conference demonstrated how to infiltrate the Florida election website and change the voting results in just minutes. Snipes denied that there was any evidence of Russian meddling in the Broward County system, saying she had 'not seen anything with our system that something strange is going on.' Veterans are given the French Legion of Honour for their role in liberating France Four WWII British soldiers are awarded France's highest honour for their service Four British soldiers and a Bletchley Park code breaker have received France's highest military honour for their role in liberating the country during the Second World War. The four men and one woman all played different parts in winning the war and each have different stories to tell. They are all in their 90s and were only teenagers and young adults when the war broke out. Left to right, Ruth Bourne, Alfred Hicks, Albert Avann, Joseph Randall and Thomas Stonehouse after being presented with Legion d'Honneur Medal in London on Friday Ruth Bourne, 92, from London, Joseph Randall, 95, from Devon, Albert Avann, 93, from Sussex, Alfred Hicks, from Dorset, and Thomas Stonehouse, from Hampshire, were each presented with their Legion of Honour medals in a ceremony at the French Ambassador's Residence in London on Friday. The recipients included Mr Stonehouse, who finished his training a fortnight before D-Day. He was called up the day after his 18th birthday. Mr Stonehouse said he did not like to speak about the war, saying he preferred to put it out of his mind, but his son in law said he captured 12 German soldiers on his own. 'He was out on patrol one night, on his own in the dark, and he came across 12 Germans,' son in law Kevin Exley said. Sword Beach, D-Day in June 1944 when British and American troops invaded German occupied France to push on inland. Mr Hicks watched soldiers turn green as they drove into enemy fire [File photo] 'He thought they were going to shoot but they surrendered to him.' Fellow Normandy veteran Mr Hicks, 93, was a cameraman in the Royal Air Force film unit. He took part in D-Day, the Allied invasion of German-controlled France in June 1944, on one of five beaches, Sword Beach in Normandy, France. He watched as other soldiers 'turned green' as they drove on to the beach under enemy fire. Ruth Bourne was one of the codebreakers of Bletchley Park, who started to work there aged just 17 [File photo] He said: 'When I got up to the beach we were shot at by the Germans, with tracers coming over. They were just missing us, thank goodness. 'The landing craft had ducks on it, vehicles that go into water, and I was with the army medical craft. 'The driver of the duck went green. He said to the officer, I can't go on.' But after some stern and threatening words from the officer, the duck driver did go on, Mr Hicks said. Ruth Bourne was one of the codebreakers of Bletchley Park, who started to work there aged just 17. All five were presented with the Legion d'Honneur Medal, for their role in liberating the country during the Second World War, at the French Ambassador's residence in London on Friday She operated the computers which helped to break German code during the war. French ambassador Mr Jouyet presented the veterans with their medals and kissed them on both cheeks before the French and British national anthems were played. 'It is a very great honour for me to recognise and express our country's heartfelt gratitude to each of you, who helped liberate France during the Second World War,' Ambassador Jean-Pierre Jouyet said. 'The French authority was able to count on the support of its closest partner from the very first hours of the war. The ceremony on Friday follows several others that have taken place across the UK since the 70th anniversary of D-Day in June 2014. Former French President Francois Hollande at the time pledged to honour all British veterans who had served and France has so far decorated more than 5,500 veterans. A Colorado man sporting a face tattoo has been banned from Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks for five years for walking dangerously close to Old Faithful geyser in September. Gabriel Villalva, 27, of Greeley, pleaded guilty on Thursday to disorderly conduct and foot traffic on a thermal area in Yellowstone park. Magistrate Judge Mark L. Carman sentenced him to five years of unsupervised probation, during which time he cannot enter the parks. Gabriel Villalva, 27, on September 14 was caught on video standing dangerously close to Old Faithful geyser in Yellowstone park (left and right) On Thursday, the tattooed Colorado man pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and was sentenced to five years of unsupervised probation Tourists captured videos of Villalva standing within a few feet of Old Faithful on September 14. One of the videos showed Villalva sitting on the ground next to one of Yellowstone's hottest springs. 'We take these cases very seriously,' said Yellowstone Superintendent Dan Wenk said at the time. 'The law requires people to stay on boardwalks or marked trails in thermal areas. Anyone who ignores this law risks their life and possibly the lives of emergency personnel.' Five days after the dangerous stunt, Villalva was arrested in Cheyenne after a 15-minute police chase in which his vehicle caught on fire. A tourist's video showed a man matching Villalva's description sitting next to one of Yellowstone's hottest springs Villalva violated park rules requiring visitors to stay on boardwalks or marked trails in thermal areas Police had to deploy spike strips to stop Villalva's car and were then forced to fire beanbag rounds at him to subdue him. Villalva reportedly told police, 'I was running from my family, there's only one God,' as KGAB reported. He also allegedly asked officers, 'Do you think you can stop the fountains at Yellowstone with a car?' According to information available on the National Park Service's website, during an Old Faithful eruption, the water temperature at the vent has been measured at 204 degrees, while the steam temperature has been measured above 350 degrees. A far-right terrorist has admitted planning to stab President Emmanuel Macron during World War One commemorations in France this week. Identified only as Jean-Pierre B, the 55-year-old planned to get a ceramic knife through security checks as the head of state walked through crowds in Charleville-Mezieres last Tuesday. Mr Macron was in the Ardennes town for a Council of Ministers meeting, and was also paying tribute to thousands of local war dead in the run up to the Armistice centenary on Sunday. A far-right terrorist has admitted planning to stab President Emmanuel Macron during World War I commemorations in France (pictured, Theresa May and Mr Macron at the First World War memorial in Thiepval, France) Mr Macron was visiting Charleville-Mezieres for a Council of Ministers meeting last Tuesday 'Others were involved in the plot, which would have seen the suspect getting close to the president and then using his knife on him,' said a Charleville-Mezieres source familiar with details of the case. 'The suspect sent encrypted messages which were intercepted and then decoded by the security services. 'They followed the suspect and a second man to Charleville-Mezieres on Monday, and arrested them there. The knife was found in the boot of their car.' Jean-Pierre B is currently in custody at a secure police station, and it is there that he made a full confession to interrogators. The 55-year-old, identified only as Jean-Pierre B, planned to get a ceramic knife through security checks as the head of state walked through crowds in the town A total of six suspected far-right terrorists remain in custody in connection with the plot, which led to coordinated raids across the country (pictured, Mrs May and Mr Macron prepare to lay a wreath at the Theipval Memorial on Friday) A total of six suspected far-right terrorists remain in custody in connection with the plot, which led to coordinated raids across the country. Four were holed up in a flat in Bouzonville, close to the Belgian border, in the eastern Moselle department, where weapons were also found. The other raids were in the Brittany department of Ille-et-Vilaine, and in the mountainous Isere department. 'All those arrested are accused of plotting violent action against the President of France,' said another source with knowledge of the case, which is being investigated by the DGSI (General Directorate for Internal Security) France's equivalent of MI5. Mrs May and Mr Macron at the Thiepval Memorial in northern France on Friday 'The suspects are aged between 22 and 62, and included a woman aged 60. All are under investigation for plotting terrorist crimes. None have been identified publicly.' News of the raids came as Mr Macon was visiting the former World War I battlefields at Verdun, in eastern France, as part of Armistice commemorations. The plot was uncovered days before world leaders including Prime Minister Theresa May arrived in France, along with presidents Donald Trump of America, and Vladimir Putin on Russia, to mark the end of the war in 1918. Last year, an extreme-right terrorist was arrested in Paris after planning to assassinate President Macron in front of President Trump. The plot by the unnamed 23-year-old Frenchman was foiled when he tried to get hold of a Kalashnikov assault rifle online. He wanted to murder Mr Macron, as well as 'blacks, Arabs, Jews and homosexuals,' said an investigating source. The suspect, who came from the Paris area, planned to target Mr Macron as he took the salute at the Bastille Day celebrations on July 14, 2017. His profile was said to resemble that of Maxime Brunerie, who fired at President Jacques Chirac during the Bastille Day parade in 2002. Brunerie was a neo-Nazi who was sentenced to ten years in prison before being released in 2009. Mr Macron meets with locals in a bar where he promised to return during his presidential campaign, in Lens, northern France, on Friday The OAS Secret Army Organisation also regularly plotted to assassinate President Charles de Gaulle as they campaigned against the loss of the French colony of Algeria in the early 1960s. The antics of the far-Right terrorist group, which was mainly made up of army and police officers, were fictionalised in the Frederick Forsyth novel 'The Day of the Jackal'. It was made into a hit film staring Edward Fox as the assassin and Michel Lonsdale as the detective who foils him. President Macron, who became president in May 2017 aged only 39, has already received a number of death threats, including ones contained in menacing letters and emails. Responding to the latest plot, French Interior Minister Christophe Castaner said the country needed to be 'very attentive' to extremist movements from Right and Left threatening violence. A fight between two mothers of elementary school children started with one being airlifted to hospital after the women used shards of the mug to slash each other. The horrifying brawl broke out at a bus stop in Sarasota, Florida with young children and their parents witnessing the violence Tuesday. Tiffany Cruz, 26, said she smashed the mug over Leslie Arguelles' head in self-defense but admitted it started with an 'incident that made no sense'. Scroll down for video Tiffany Cruz said she smashed the mug over the woman's head in self-defense Horrified children watched from a school bus as the parents fought with the mug shards Their disliking for each began two weeks ago when they disagreed about parenting. Cruz reportedly accused Arguelles, 32, of bullying a child but the spat simmered down until Tuesday morning. 'She walks directly up to me she said we need to hash this out, we need to talk about this,' Cruz told the North Port Sun. She claims she then stood up. 'I'm not trying to fight you,' I told her multiple times. 'Leave me alone; get away from me.' Then Cruz hit the woman with her weapon, she claimed afterwards that Arguelles came after her with pieces of the broken cup. 'She hit me in the nose with her nose and punched me in the jaw. I hit her with the cup,' she continued. 'I was trying to get her away from me. I just punched. I didn't think of what was in my hand. She then picked up a piece of it and attacked me.' While both ended up in hospital, the other mother's wounds were so serious she was airlifted. Cruz maintains that she smashed the mug on her because 'she hit me'. She told Fox 13: 'I put my arm up like this and I went to run and that's when she picked up the glass, ran at me and stabbed me twice in my arm, once at my wrist and in back of my shoulder.' Cruz reportedly accused Leslie Arguelles, 32, of bullying a child two weeks prior Cruz claimed that Arguelles came after her with pieces of the broken cup and slashed her However on Wednesday Leslie Arguelles, 32, was at the North Port Police station to pursue pressing charges. Arguelles claims it was a premeditated attack on her but law enforcement were still pursuing what charges were possible as they speak to witnesses. 'They are still working to make sure they are absolutely certain on the aggressor in this case,' North Port Police spokesman Josh Taylor told the North Port Sun. 'No arrests have been made at this point.' Arguelles has claimed her accuser 'kept calling me a b***h'. 'I was not bullying no child,' she denied about the original accusations made against her. 'She slashed my whole throat. She nearly killed me,' she said. 'I have all the laceration wounds because she had cut the artery of my neck. Cruz ended up in hospital for her injuries but the other woman was airlifted 'I had a 7-inch piece of glass inside my neck and I pulled it out and I just started gushing blood and started bleeding out. I guess I fainted and they had to airlift me and all of that.' Cruz kept her child out of school the following day and has since claims she has received threats. She hinted she will not be pursuing charges against Arguelles because 'I don't want to see (her children) be without a mother'. Meanwhile, Sarasota County Schools has offered counseling to dozens of youngsters who had to see the brawl. Eithan Cruz, who was watching from the back of his schoolbus, told Fox 13 'My heart was racing,' as he saw one woman's face bleeding. His sibling, Bairon Velazquez, said it was so difficult to see that he looked away, calling it 'Crazy' that parents were behaving in such a way. Cruz added that she now regrets her actions: 'I regret the whole incident, there's no reason it should have happened. We're adults.' The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office Victims Assistance Unit can be reached at 941-861-4923 for parents seeking support. Detective Adam Taylor can be reached at 941-429-1586 for those who witnessed the incident who wish to make a statement. Luis Rodrigo Perez, 23, has been charged with three murders in Missouri, ICE said Friday, eight months after he was released from jail An illegal immigrant from Mexico has been charged with three murders, months after he was released from a New Jersey jail that failed to hand him over to ICE. ICE issued a detainer last December and requested to be notified before 23-year-old Luis Rodrigo Perez was released from prison Middlesex County Jail in North Brunswick, where he was serving time for domestic violence charges. But the prison, located in a 'sanctuary city' county, failed to honor the detainer and didn't notify ICE when Perez was released from prison in February 2018. Just eight months after his release, Perez has been arrested and charged with triple murder in Springfield, Missouri, on Tuesday. 'Yet again, an ICE detainer was ignored and a dangerous criminal alien was released to the streets and is now charged with killing three people,' said ICE Acting Executive Associate Director Corey Price in a news release on Friday. 'Had ICE's detainer request in December 2017 been honored by Middlesex County Jail, Luis Rodrigo Perez would have been placed in deportation proceedings and likely sent home to his country and three innocent people might be alive today. It is past time that localities realize the perils of dangerous sanctuary policies and resume their primary goal of protecting their residents,' he added. It's not clear how or when Perez made his way to Missouri. He was charged with the murders on Tuesday. He's accused opening fire fatally killing two men and a woman at two different homes on November 1, according to the Washington Times. Charging documents say he was kicked out of a home then attacked his two former roommates still living in the home. ICE issued a detainer in December 2017 and requested to be notified prior to his release from Middlesex County Jail in North Brunswick, New Jersey. But the prison (pictured above) is located in a 'sanctuary city' county and did not honor the detainer The victims could be heard 'begging for their lives,' according to AP. He left the home then returned later in the day and shot another person. His victims were Steven Marler, 38, Aaron Hampton, 23, and Sabrina Starr, 21, according to NJ.com. Perez also still has outstanding warrants in New Jersey. A second man, 19-year-old Aaron Anderson was charged as an accomplice. The two are jailed without bond in Greene County. Tsoukaris said that ICE detainers have not been honored in several other cases where migrants went on to 'commit serious crimes'. 'We hope that this tragic turn of events forces Middlesex to reconsider its policy and that the local elected officials stop protecting criminal aliens,' Tsoukaris said. Advertisement Kim Kardashian and Kanye West's Calabasas home, Caitlyn Jenner's mansion in Malibu and even the famed Bachelor Mansion have been hit by the devastating wildfires overtaking Southern California. The Woolsey Fire reached the Kardashian-West pad in the Hidden Hills neighborhood on Friday afternoon, according to TMZ. Around the same time reports emerged that Jenner's 3,500 square foot, four-bedroom pad overlooking the Malibu beach was destroyed by fierce flames from the same blaze. Later it was confirmed that it had not burned down though flames were close. Meanwhile, Lady Gaga's mansion nearby in Malibu was seen surrounded by a blanket of thick smoke as the wildfire overtook the beachside city before moving toward Oxnard. Will Smith posted a video to his Instagram story expressing worry that his own home would be hit by the flames as the path of destruction continues. Hundreds of thousands of residents in Southern California have been ordered to evacuate as the Hill and Woolsey Fires move westward toward the Pacific Ocean. Many celebrities' homes have been affected by the Woolsey and Hill Fires, with several shown on this map, including those of Caitlyn Jenner, Kim and Kanye West, Lady Gaga, Will Smith and even the Bachelor Mansion THE BACHELOR MANSION The Bachelor mansion, which is located at 2351 Kanan Road in Agoura Hills, has reportedly been caught up in the blaze that is ripping its way through Southern California. At the very least, the mansions back patio is believed to have been burned, as the fire was pushing closer toward the residences on the property, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The latest Bachelor to star in the franchise, Colton Underwood, was rumored to have started filming this season on September 21, according to US Weekly. According to Reality Steve, known for providing spoilers for the Bachelor franchise while it's filming, shooting has long been completed at the mansion in California for Underwood's season, so it's not likely that any contestants were on site or in any danger. Bachelor franchise producer Mike Fleiss, who lives in Malibu, tweeted at 10am on Friday, 'Pray for Malibu and #TheBachelor Mansion...' before the fires had made their way to the famed location The Bachelor mansion, which is located at 2351 Kanan Road in Agoura Hills, has reportedly been caught up in the blaze that is ripping its way through Southern California, ack patio is believed to have been burned, as the fire was pushing closer toward the residences on the property Bachelor franchise producer Mike Fleiss, who lives in Malibu, tweeted at 10am on Friday, 'Pray for Malibu and #TheBachelor Mansion...' before the fires had made their way to the famed location. Fleiss received backlash for the post, which critics seemed to think was too lighthearted a take for the destruction being experienced in the region, and somehow excluded the parts of Malibu that didn't include the mansion, but Fleiss wasn't having it. At 5.12pm, he shared a new tweet that read, 'What part of "pray for Malibu" confuses you idiots. I live in Malibu! My heart is broken. Go f*** yourselves!' CAITLYN JENNER In a video updating her social media followers, Jenner appeared visibly upset but let everyone know she and Hutchins had made it out of the area safely. 'We're safe, at a safe house,' Jenner said, who at the time of the video said she didn't know whether her home had been spared from the blaze. 'The dogs are out in the pool swimming and having a good time,' 'Having a good day, ha! I don't think we're having that good of a day, but anyway,' Jenner said, with teary, or possibly glassy, eyes. At that comment, Hutchins playfully swatted Jenner on the shoulder, and said, 'We're having a vodka, it's been a Hell of a morning, but we're safe, that's all that matters.' At around 7am Pacific on Friday, officials issued a mandatory evacuation order for the entire city of Malibu, home to 13,000 people, as the fire was declared an 'imminent threat'. Jenner had owned her home in Malibu since 2015 and it has been featured multiple times on her reality series. Later it was confirmed that it had not burned down though flames were close. Caitlyn Jenner's home in the Malibu hills has been destroyed by wildfires raging in Southern California, after Jenner (right in both photos above) and girlfriend Sophia Hutchins (left in both photos above) evacuated. In an Instagram video updating her followers, Jenner appeared visibly upset but let everyone know she and Hutchins had made it out of the area safely All good at her mansion: Later it was confirmed that it had not burned down though flames were close as evidenced by this photo taken from a helicopter The map above shows the three major fires now burning in California, two in the south and one in the north Jenner (pictured) is shown here evacuating Malibu early on Friday as her girlfriend films Jenner's girlfriend Sophia Hutchins (pictured) said in an Instagram story: 'I just want to let everyone know we made it out, both of us made it out Blurry video showed the couples' dogs in the backseat of their car, as Hutchins said, ''The dogs made it out, a few of our belongings made it out and we are safe, and that's all that matters. We're safe;' Caitlyn can be heard in the background talking on the phone about how she 'was going to stay at the house,' but obviously thought better of it Her girlfriend Sophia Hutchins said in an earlier Instagram story: 'I just want to let everyone know we made it out, both of us made it out. 'The dogs made it out, a few of our belongings made it out and we are safe, and that's all that matters. We're safe. Caitlyn can be heard in the background talking on the phone about how she 'was going to stay at the house,' but obviously thought better of it. THE KARDASHIAN-WESTS Kim and Kanye left their 15,000 square-foot estate in Hidden Hills, which is thought to be worth around $20million, on Thursday night. At around 4.30pm in California, Kim shared a photo kissing her niece, as she tried to calm her nerves. 'Trying to get my mind off of this fire and snuggling with my niece. We are all safe and thats all that matters,' she wrote in the photo's caption on Instagram. Before sharing the sweet image, she was spotted with friend Larsa Pippen leaving an Epione Skin Clinic in Beverly Hills. At around 4.30pm in California, Kim Kardashian_West shared a photo kissing her niece Kim was seen at the spa with friend Larsa Pippen while firefighters fended off flames from her Calabasas home on Friday Firestorm: Kim made sure to document the action, sharing pictures and videos of first responders to the tragedy This was not long after Kim had tweeted that she had heard her home had been engulfed in flames, mixed with a bit of good news, at around 3pm Pacific. 'I heard the flames have hit our property at our home in Hidden Hills but now are more contained and have stopped at the moment,' she wrote. 'It doesnt seems like it is getting worse right now, I just pray the winds are in our favor. God is good. Im just praying everyone is safe [praying hands emoji].' She almost immediately added, in a second tweet: 'Fire Fighters, I love you and thank you for doing all that you can to keep us safe!' Flames from wildfires tearing across Southern California reportedly reached Kim Kardashian and Kanye West's home in Calabasas on Friday afternoon, along with those of other celebrities Shortly before 3pm Pacific, Kim Kardashian West tweeted: 'I heard the flames have hit our property at our home in Hidden Hills but now are more contained and have stopped at the moment. It doesnt seems like it is getting worse right now, I just pray the winds are in our favor. God is good. Im just praying everyone is safe [praying hands emoji]' Kim Kardashian West had asked her fans to 'pray for Calabasas' after the reality TV star and her children were evacuated from their home in the Hidden Hills neighborhood on Thursday night KOURTNEY AND KHLOE KARDASHIAN Khloe and Kourtney Kardashian also evacuated their homes in Calabasas on Thursday night as the fires grew out of control just hours after igniting. Kourtney decided to stay at sister Kendall Jenner's home in Beverly Hills, while the younger model was away at the Victoria's Secret fashion show in New York City. The oldest Kardashian sibling shared an image on her Instagram story with the street she lives on circled, writing: 'This is so devastating and crazy, my home is on this street [praying hands emoji] [broken heart emoji] I keep praying for all of those affected and for those fighting this fire for us, God bless you.' Kourtney Kardashian's house in Calabasas, California, is pictured; Kourtney evacuated and went to stay at sister Kendall Jenner's home in Beverly Hills while the younger model was awat at the Victoria Secrets fashion show in New York Kourtney Kardashian shared an image on her Instagram story with the street she lives on circled, writing: 'This is so devastating and crazy, my home is on this street [praying hands emoji] [broken heart emoji] I keep praying for all of those affected and for those fighting this fire for us, God bless you.' Khloe Kardashian wrote on Friday: 'I cant believe this is happening!!! May God bless us all! I can not believe what is happening! Completely devastating for anyone who loses tangible memories and the security of their homes. Thank you to EVERYONE who has a hand in helping. Ive never seen anything like this' Khloe Kardashian tweeted her own message, at around 3pm Pacific: 'I cant believe this is happening!!! May God bless us all! I can not believe what is happening! 'Completely devastating for anyone who loses tangible memories and the security of their homes. 'Thank you to EVERYONE who has a hand in helping. Ive never seen anything like this.' KENDALL AND KYLIE JENNER While away in New York, Kendall posted a video to her Instagram story sharing her sadness over the fires sweeping through the Southern California area, at around 10.30pm Pacific. '[crying emoji face] my home,' she wrote over the sky in the clip, which remained blue, high above a thick cloud of smoke covering much of the area below. 'Praying for everyone and everything.' Kylie Jenner is also away from Los Angeles at the moment, in Baltimore. While away in New York, Kendall posted a video to her Instagram story expressing sadness at the fires in Southern California Kylie Jenner, who is also away from Los Angeles at the moment, in Baltimore, shared two messages on her Instagram story, first thanking firefighters and then sending hopes that people in the affected areas are staying safe Kylie shared two messages on her Instagram story, first thanking firefighters and then sending hopes that people in the affected areas are staying safe. 'Thank you to all the brave firemen fighting this fire back home,' she wrote on her Instagram story at around 9.20am Pacific time. By 2.20pm the fire had advanced, and the cosmetics mogul wrote on her story again, 'Fire is so close to my house [crying emoji] hoping everyone is staying safe. I'm hoping for the best [fingers crossed emoji].' KANYE WEST'S OFFICE Kanye's office in Calabasas was also evacuated due to the Woolsey Fire. Emergency responders were pictured on the scene, on ladders extending to the rooftop of the building. A car was pictured in the parking lot outside of Kanye's offices, ablaze. A virtual wall of fire that torched shrubbery near where the car was parked may have been what led to the vehicle catching fire, itself. The car was eventually doused, with at least one window complete shattered as the flames were put out by emergency responders The Woolsey Fire could be seen raging on in the hills surrounding the area, with one person standing alone, taking in the mass destruction. The Woolsey Fire is shown here raging on in the hills of Calabasas with one person standing alone, taking in the mass destruction Kanye's office in Calabasas was also evacuated due to the Woolsey Fire Some 20,000 acres of land have been left scorched in the natural disaster's wake, which remain zero percent under control as of Friday afternoon, according to officials Responders were pictured on the scene, on ladders extending to the rooftop of the building A car was pictured in the parking lot outside of Kanye's offices, having caught on fire A photograph showed a virtual wall of fire that torched shrubbery near where that car was parked, which may have been what led to the vehicle catching fire, itself The car was eventually doused, with at least one window complete shattered as the flames were put out by emergency responders BUSY PHILLIPS Busy Phillips, who recently premiered a new late night talk show called 'Busy Tonight' on E!, reposted a photo shared by the Instagram account belonging to Baby2Baby, at around 4.30pm in California, calling for donations to secure items needed for children affected by the fires. Phillips wrote: 'I just put the link in my profile for a registry for basic essentials to help those affected by the wildfires here in California. Please consider helping out if you can.' The link Phillips shared goes to a Target gift registry, which can be accessed by clicking here. The original post written by Baby2Baby, which is a group that 'provides low-income children, ages 0-12 years, with diapers, clothing, and all the basic necessities that every child deserves,' read: 'Baby2Baby is working to get high-need items to children affected by the ongoing Camp Fire, Hill Fire & Woolsey Fire in California. 'Help us put diapers, wipes, blankets and other basic essentials into the hands of these families who have lost everything by purchasing from our registry.' Busy Phillips, who recently premiered a new talk show called 'Busy Tonight' on E! reposted a photo shared by the Instagram account belonging to Baby2Baby, at around 4.30pm in California, calling for donations to secure items needed for children affected by the fires BELLA HADID Bella Hadid shared a heartfelt post on Instagram including photos posted over Thursday and Friday. The first photo in her post was one taken by Grant Denham, showing people evacuating in Malubue. Denham and his wife Cassie have experienced being displaced by Southern California fires before. '[I] cant believe this....it makes me so emotional looking at these photographs taken in the past two days. our beautiful Malibu looks so sad today,' Hadid wrote at around 5.30pm in California, though she was away for work at the Victoria's Secret fashion show in New York, with fellow model Kendall Jenner, as well. 'Malibu is such a connected, loving community with families that have lived there for 30+ years. Many of them growing up together raising children together for so many decades making so many memories... our high school has gone down as well as so many of the homes we all grew up in... Pavilions was more than just a grocery store. 'I cant even imagine how you all are feeling back home having to evacuate... I'm so sorry that you have to watch this happen right in front of you- Im sure it is the most painful thing in the world. my heart is so broken I am so sorry to every single person that lost their homes, and I hope we can come up with something very soon to help... 'As you can see- horses and other animals are being brought to beaches because there is no way to get out of Malibu anymore...I added a few places you can evacuate your animals to if anyone that needs help is reading this.' Bella Hadid shared a heartfelt post on Instagram including photos posted over Thursday and Friday, including this one taken by Grant Denham, showing people evacuating in Malibua; Denham and his wife Cassie has experienced being displaced by Southern California fires before '[I] cant believe this....it makes me so emotional looking at these photographs taken in the past two days. our beautiful Malibu looks so sad today,' Hadid wrote at around 5.30pm in California, though she's away for work at the moment 'malibu is such a connected, loving community with families that have lived there for 30+ years. Many of them growing up together raising children together for so many decades making so many memories... our high school has gone down as well as so many of the homes we all grew up in...pavilions was more than just a grocery store,' Hadid wrote in the post 'I cant even imagine how you all are feeling back home having to evacuate...im so sorry that you have to watch this happen right in front of you- Im sure it is the most painful thing in the world. my heart is so broken I am so sorry to every single person that lost their homes, and I hope we can come up with something very soon to help...' Hadid wrote Hadid shared that a large animal evacuation center had been established at the Zuma Beach parking lot in Malibu, and at the Hansen Dam Equestrian Center in Lake View Terrace, California. She also provided information that The County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control [DACC] would be providing shelter for large animals displaced by the Woolsey and Hill Fires at Pierce College, located at 7100 El Rancho Drive in Woodlands Hills, California, and for small animals displaced at Borchard Park, next to Newbury High School, located at 190 North Reino Road in Newbury Park. 'I cant imagine having to leave my horses behind..I feel so helpless right now,' Hadid went on in her post. 'Thank you to all of the incredible fire fighters in Malibu and from the valley who are working so hard in danger for the community. You are so incredible And we salute you. 'I hope everyone is safe and I am praying for this psychotic fire to just stop!!!!!' 'Horses and other animals are being brought to beaches because there is no way to get out of Malibu anymore,' Hadid wrote 'I added a few places you can evacuate your animals to if anyone that needs help is reading this...' Hadid added in her post 'thank you to all of the incredible fire fighters in Malibu and from the valley who are working so hard in danger for the community. You are so incredible And we salute you 'I hope everyone is safe and I am praying for this psychotic fire to just stop!!!!!' she wrote on Friday LADY GAGA Meanwhile, Lady Gaga's mansion in Malibu was seen surrounded by a thick blanket of smoke. The 'A Star Is Born' performer was relatively silent on social media as the blaze overtook the coastal city where her home is located, before making its way toward Oxnard, except for a few clips posted to her Instagram story as she evacuated Malibu on Friday morning. Later in the day, she shared another brief clip with text sending her prayers to others in the affected areas. Meanwhile Lady Gaga's mansion nearby in Malibu was seen surrounded by a thick blanket of smoke as the blaze overtook the coastal city before making its way toward Oxnard The 'A Star Is Born' performer was relatively silent on social media as the blaze overtook the coastal city where her home is located, before making its way toward Oxnard Later in the day, she shared another brief clip with text sending her prayers to others in the affected areas WILL SMITH Smith, who has recently taken to producing seemingly endless content for social media, shares his daughter's fears on Instagram. 'I'm going up to a higher place to take a look out at the fire. We're probably about eight miles away from it,' he said at the time. 'We haven't been told to evacuate j ust yet, but Willow is nervous, so made me go outside and look and make a Daddy assessment.' Flipping the camera away from his face for a moment, Smith showed their home as he said, 'Our house is there,' before panning to the right and adding, 'the fire's right there.' 'That is very scary,' he said. 'We are prepared to evacuate as soon as we get the word.' Smith ended the video with the pointed advice: 'If you are in the evacuation zone, go now.' Will Smith posted a video to his Instagram story expressing worry that his own home would be hit by the flames as the path of destruction continues ERIC WYNALDA Former American soccer star Eric Wynalda watched his home in Westlake Village burn to the ground on live TV just after he and his family evacuated as the Woolsey Fire approached. Wynalda received emergency alerts warning of a voluntary evacuation around 12.30am Saturday, so his wife and children loaded up their car with clothes, important documents and other valuables and took off. He stayed behind to pack up a second car and evacuate soon after them. As he was gathering decades worth of soccer memorabilia - including mementos from the three times he competed in the World Cup - police pounded on Wynalda's front door around 3am and told him to leave immediately as a fireball had just landed near his home. 'The firetrucks werent even there yet,' Wynalda told the San Diego Union-Tribune. 'I went across the street and got an elevated look at the fire and I was like: "OK, thats not good." There got to be so much smoke and ash that I couldnt even see any more, so I left and got on the freeway.' An hour later Wynalda received a text from a friend that said: 'Im so sorry, bro.' He responded: 'I know, this is horrible.' The friend wrote back: 'No, your house is on Channel 9. Im watching it. Your house is on fire.' As soon as he arrived at his in-laws' home Wynalda turned on the TV and saw his home engulfed in flames. It was the only house in the entire 162-building development that was on fire. 'Gone,' Wynalda told the Union-Tribune. 'Brutal Watched it burn on live TV.' Former American soccer star Eric Wynalda watched his home in Westlake Village burn to the ground on the local news He later tweeted a photo of his family confirming that his house in Westlake Village was gone but they were all safe ROBERT IGER, EDDIE McCLINTOCK Robert Iger, Chairman and CEO of the Walt Disney Company, tweeted a photo of the harrowing view from ABC/Disney headquarters in Los Angeles on Friday, at 8.22am Pacific. 'View from my office. Hope everyone is being very careful this morning,' he wrote, adding the hashtag '#abc7eyewitness.' The photo accompanying the tweet showed mustard-brown billowing out from the hillside behind the iconic Walt Disney Company water tower in Burbank, California. Paramount Ranch, where a number of Hollywood westerns have been filmed, was completely decimated by the wildfires on Friday, in Agoura Hills. There was hardly anything left standing of the historic Hollywood location, where current cultural phenomenon West World has been filmed. Iconic features that were taped at the site include The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Geronimo, The Texan, and more recent hits like American Sniper starring Bradley Cooper and the Eddie Murphy comedy, Norbit. Eddie McClintock, known as Warehouse 13's 'Secret Service agent Pete Lattimer,' tweeted just before 9pm on Thursday: 'That's it. We've been evacuated from Old Agoura. Things just got real. Damn.' Robert Iger, Chairman and CEO of the Walt Disney Company, tweeted a photo of the harrowing view from ABC/Disney headquarters in Los Angeles on Friday, at 8.22am Pacific Paramount Ranch, where a number of Hollywood westerns have been filmed, was completely decimated by the wildfires on Friday There was hardly anything left standing of the historic Hollywood location, where current cultural phenomenon West World has been filmed Eddie McClintock, known as Warehouse 13's 'Secret Service agent Pete Lattimer,' tweeted just before 9pm on Thursday: 'That's it. We've been evacuated from Old Agoura. Things just got real. Damn' CHER Many more celebrities have been affected by the fires, including Cher, Denise Richards, Alyssa Milano, Rainn Wilson, Guillermo del Toro and Roma Downey. Music Mogul Cher tweeted her heartbreak over the idea of the total loss of the place she's called home for the past nearly 50 years, at 1.13pm on Friday. 'Im worried about my house [fire emoji], but there is nothing I can do. Friends houses have burned [praying hands emoji],' she tweeted. 'I cant bear the thought of there being no Malibu Ive had a house in Malibu since 1972 [loudly crying face emoji].' Music Mogul Cher tweeted her heartbreak over the idea of the total loss of the place she's called home for the past nearly 50 years, at 1.13pm on Friday. DENISE RICHARDS Richards shared a photo tagged to Malibu Beach on Instagram, at around 3pm Pacific on Friday, that showed bright red flames burning homes, not far off in the distance. 'We love our community #malibu so devastating... taking us hours to evacuate. Girls are safe. @aaronwilliamcameron & I trying to get out with our furry children. Be safe everyone... so emotional seeing the devastating loss of homes, families & animals,' the Starship Troopers and Wild Things star wrote. In a second photo in the same post, Richards shared an image of grey smoke coming over the hills, behind power lines. Richards shared a photo tagged to Malibu Beach on Instagram, at around 3pm Pacific on Friday, that showed bright red flames burning homes, not far off in the distance In a second photo in the same post, Richards shared an image of grey smoke coming over the hills, behind power lines ALYSSA MILANO At 12.33pm on Friday, Milano updated her followers, tweeting: 'Horses are finally safe. My children are safe. My home is in jeopardy but... everything with a heartbeat is safe. Thank you all for your concern. To those who insisted on still being hurtful because our political affiliation is different, you are what is wrong with the country.' Prior to that, the My Name is Earl actor confirmed she had to leave her home and some of her animals temporarily behind. 'I just had to evacuate my home from the fires. I took my kids, dogs, computer and my Doc Marten boots. (Husband is in NY. Horses are being evacuated by my trainer,' she wrote shortly before 6pm Pacific on Thursday. At 12.33pm on Friday, Milano updated her followers, tweeting: 'Horses are finally safe. My children are safe. My home is in jeopardy but... everything with a heartbeat is safe. Thank you all for your concern. To those who insisted on still being hurtful because our political affiliation is different, you are what is wrong with the country.' Prior to that, she confirmed she had to leave her home and some of her animals behind RAINN WILSON Wilson, perhaps most well known as 'Dwight' from The Office, had been evacuated due to the Woolsey Fire by 10.40pm on Thursday, when he wrote: 'My House has been evacuated due to nearby fires in Thousand Oaks. (The pigs & dogs are fine, thank you) Please send your prayers to the people of Thousand Oaks and the victims of the shooting that are now having to evacuate their homes and neighborhoods. Then send them some cash.' Shortly after 12pm on Friday, Wilson tweeted a photo of smoke rolling over the hills toward many homes, with the simple message, 'My house is in that. #WoolseyFire.' Rainn Wilson had been evacuated due to the Woolsey Fire by 10.40pm on Thursday Shortly after 12pm on Friday, Rainn Wilson tweeted a photo of smoke rolling over the hills toward many homes, with the simple message, 'My house is in that. #WoolseyFire' GUILLERMO DEL TORO, ROMA DOWNEY Shape of Water director Guillermo del Toro said much of the same at 9.38am on Friday, tweeting in both English and Spanish: 'Evacuated last night. Bleak House and the collection may be endangered but the gift of life remains. Thousand Oaks and Agoura are still in danger. Malibu is being evacuated.' Roma Downey, who acted in and produced the mini-series 'The Bible,' captured a photo of the chaos as she left her home, posting it at around 9am on Friday. 'Pulling out of my driveway with my two big dogs in the back . Malibu fire evacuation . Please pray for our community and the safety of our first responders #malibufire #evacuation #pray,' she wrote with a photo shared on Instagram. Guillermo del Toro shared that he had been evacauted the night before, at 9.38am on Friday Roma Downey captured a photo of the chaos as she left her home, posting it at 9am on Friday SCOTT DERRICKSON, MELISSA ETHERIDGE Doctor Strange director Scott Derrickson, singer-songwriters Melissa Etheridge and Iggy Azalea, Mortal Kombat star Linden Ashby and Mark Hamill, of Star Wars fame as the character of Luke Skywalker, also shared updates about the fires with their many followers. Derrickson wrote, 'We lost our home, but we are all safe and that't the important thing. Gonna be offline for awhile.' Etheridge added that she, too, was displaced for the time-being, at 10.19pm on Thursday, writing: 'Well, well, as if life needed to get more interesting...we have a mandatory evacuation of our home due to the #WoolseyFire. We have gone to a hotel in Santa Monica where we will stay until we can return. Send love and strength to our amazing California firefighters.' Melissa Etheridge added that she, too, was displaced for now, at 10.19pm on Thursday Scott Derrickson wrote, 'We lost our home, but we are all safe and that't the important thing. Gonna be offline for awhile' IGGY AZALEA Azalea, whose legal name is Amethyst Amelia Kelly, wrote on Friday shortly before 6pm Pacific that she hoped an air drop may have saved her home from the path of destruction. Earlier in the day, at 10.45am, she tweeted: 'I am genuinely concerned about my home burning down its right on the canyon in calabasas and I can't get home to any of my things right now [weary face emoji] [fingers crossed emoji].' Azalea also shared a video on her Instagram story at around 5pm in California, showing the fiery blaze off in the distance, with the words, 'F*** this is my backyard now [sad face emoji].' Iggy Azalea wrote on Friday at 10.45am: 'I am genuinely concerned about my home burning down its right on the canyon in calabasas and I can't get home to any of my things right now [weary face emoji] [fingers crossed emoji]' Iggy Azalea, whose legal name is Amethyst Amelia Kelly, hoped for the best for her home on Friday night Azalea also shared a video on her Instagram story at around 5pm in California, showing the fiery blaze off in the distance, with the words, 'F*** this is my backyard now [sad face emoji]' LINDEN ASHBY, MARK HAMILL Ashby shared an early update on Friday, as well, writing the following at 9.42am: 'We were forced to evacuate from our home today. Were safe, (Susan and the pups) all the rest is just stuff. Shit got real pretty quick. Now we just wait and see what happens.' Hamill gave thanks to those who had checked up on him and his family,but let everyone know that his home was not yet affected. 'Thanks for your concern everyone. Although the [fire emoji][fire emoji] are dangerously close to our home-@MarilouHamill-@NathanHamill-@GriffinHamill-@chelseahamill-Millie-Mabel & I are all safe at the moment & rooting for our #FearlessFirefighters in their battle vs #MeanMotherNature,' he tweeted at 1.40pm on Friday. Linden Ashby shared an early update on Friday, letting everyone know he and his family had evacuated safely by 9.42am Pacific Hamill gave thanks to those who had checked up on him and his family,but let everyone know that his home was not yet affected ROBIN THICKE AND APRIL LOVE GEARY At 4.30pm in California, singer Robin Thicke shared a photo of a cloud of smoke that looked like an explosion had just gone off, with the caption, 'Our home is just to the left! Praying.' Model April Love Geary, who shares one child with Thicke, and is expecting another with the singer, shared the same photo with a caption that read: 'Our house is somewhere in there. Im so sad but so thankful that we all made it out safe. Praying for everyone in Malibu, our home is up in flames [broken heart emoji].' At 4.30pm in California, singer Robin Thicke shared a photo of a cloud of smoke that looked like an explosion had just gone off, with the caption, 'Our home is just to the left! Praying;' Model and partner April Love Geary shared the same image A helicopter drops water over fierce flames charging into Malibu on Friday afternoon The Woolsey Fire had already scorched at least 35,000 acres north of Los Angeles, according to the latest CAL FIRE update which was released at 8.08pm on Friday, since the fire first ignited near Rocketdyne, at around 2pm local time on Thursday. It quickly spread southwest toward Newbury Park and Thousand Oaks, the community still reeling from a mass shooting on Wednesday night, before making its way to the coast. To the west of the Woolsey Fire a second, smaller blaze dubbed the Hill Fire had torched 4,531 acres in Ventura County, per an update posted at 8.12pm on Friday, after igniting at around the same time as the Woolsey Fire, but in Hill Canyon on Thursday afternoon. The Woolsey fire remained at zero percent contained as of the most current updates on Friday, with the Hill Fire then listed as 15 percent contained. Dozens of communities on the border of Ventura and Los Angeles counties have been ordered to evacuate as the flames rage Dozens of communities on the border of Ventura and Los Angeles counties have been ordered to evacuate as the flames rage on. Meanwhile, a third fire is raging in the northern part of the state in Butte County where dry winds have swept what's being called the Camp Fire across at least 90,000 acres north of Sacramento as of 7.46pm on Friday, after quadrupling in size overnight on Thursday. That fire has devastated the town of Paradise, where officials say nearly every structure has been obliterated by out-of-control flames and five people were found dead in burned out vehicles early on Friday afternoon. That fire has been at least five percent contained, Cal Fire posted in the latest update. Cesar Sayoc (pictured in his mugshot) was indicted on 30 counts on Friday MAGAbomber Cesar Sayoc was indicted on 30 counts in New York on Friday. He was sent from Florida to New York City to face charges for mailing homemade pipe bombs to prominent Democrats, a judge ruled on Friday. The 56-year-old's lawyers waived a bond hearing on Friday, saying they agreed that it was in his best interest if the case played out in New York court. Sayoc was originally charged with five counts on October 26 and was facing 50 years behind bars. Now, he faces life in prison. The charges include five counts of use of a weapon of mass destruction for each pipe bomb mailed to and intercepted in the New York area, targeting billionaire liberal donor George Soros, former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, actor Robert de Niro, former CIA director John Brennan and former intelligence chief James Clapper. Sayoc is charged five times with interstate transportation and receipt of explosives and five times with threatening interstate communications. THE CHARGES x 5 five counts of use of a weapon of mass destruction x 5 interstate transportation and receipt of explosives x 5 threatening interstate communications x 5 illegal mailing of explosives x 5 with use of explosives to commit a felony x 5 use of a destructive device in furtherance of a crime of violence Advertisement Allegedly included with the bombs were a print-out or photograph of his intended victim marked with a red X. Sayoc was also charged five times with illegal mailing of explosives, five times with use of explosives to commit a felony and five times with use of a destructive device in furtherance of a crime of violence. Outside the New York area, Sayoc is also accused of sending other pipe bombs to former president Barack Obama, former vice president Joe Biden and others. The attempted bombings fanned tensions across the United States ahead of this week's midterm elections, which saw Trump retain control of the Senate but the Democrats win the majority in the lower House of Representatives. The original charges were; interstate transportation of an explosive, illegal mailing of explosives, threats against former presidents and certain other persons, threatening interstate communications and assaulting federal officers. The timing of Sayoc's transfer to New York is uncertain. It can happen quickly or take weeks, and is not usually announced ahead of time by the US Marshals Service, Mr Benjamin said. Even defence lawyers are not informed. 'Your guess is as good as mine,' he said. 'The government wants to get him up there as soon as they can.' FBI agents with the van in Plantation, Florida. He was arrested last week after being traced to the sunshine state Sayoc is accused in New York of sending 15 improvised explosive devices to numerous Democrats, Trump critics and media outlets. 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 Mr 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. The decision by his lawyers not to seek release on bail came after federal 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 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. The laptop also has a file with the address in Sunrise, Florida, of the office of 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. Mr Benjamin said the prosecution letter does not prove anything, and noted that it refers to 'possible' DNA matches to Sayoc. 'The word flimsy actually still applies,' he told reporters. We can't do anything but speculate now. And it's too early.' China barred govt from disclosing amount of financial assistance: Imran Khan Prime Minister Imran Khan Thursday said that China has barred the government from disclosing the amount of financial assistance given during the recent visit owing to concerns from some of the Beijings regional partners, a private TV channel reported. When asked during a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party meeting in Islamabad, the prime minister said China has offered Pakistan an unprecedented aid package. But, they do not want the exact figure of the aid to be disclosed, he added. Talking about the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) protests against the acquittal of Asia Bibi, Imran Khan said the government had to deal with the issue carefully because of the sensitivity of the matter. He claimed the protesters had been paid to take part in the sit-ins. The prime minister went on to say if the protests had not ended, it would have compelled him to return to the country immediately.No one can imagine the way we tackled the protests, he added. The prime minister said after coming into power, he has come to know of the scale of corruption committed during the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) tenure. A man who groped a woman in the New York City subway then threw her onto the tracks has been jailed for 22 years. Kimani Stephenson, 25, attacked Bonnie Currie, 23, as she waited for the 1 train at West 14th Street and Sixth Avenue subway station in April 2017 . He grabbed her crotch and breast then pushed her onto the track when she tried to fight him off. Currie was lifted to safety by two bystanders. Kimani Stephenson, 25, was sentenced to 22 years for the attempted attacked Bonnie Currie, 23 On Friday, she attended his court hearing and watched as he was given a 22-year sentence. Stephenson's lawyers argued that police arrested the wrong man. He was convicted of first-degree assault and sex abuse earlier in the year but was acquitted of attempted murder. Currie, who is an actress, was standing on the platform waiting for a train when Stephenson attacked her. She told him to 'f*** off' but he persisted and overpowered her. Stephenson, 25, said he was not guilty. He claimed police got the wrong man Currie was supported by friends in court. She was emotional throughout the hearing Currie tears up as she looks in Stephenson's direction during his sentencing hearing 'He had one hand on my breast and the other in my crotch area, and he pulled me into his body,' Currie recalled, according to the New York Post. 'I told him to f**k off and then he threw me onto the train tracks,' she said of the alleged attack. After Stephenson allegedly tossed her onto the tracks, he asked: 'Why you bugging, b***h?' Fortunately, two people at the station heard her screams and were able to pull her off the tracks. These are the surveillance camera images police issued to try to find the man after the attack At the time Currie told CBS: 'I put my arms up, and one man took one arm, and the other took the other, and they pulled me up out of the track.' The petite 5'4 actress was later taken to Northwell Health Lenox Hill Hospital to be treated for a broken left wrist, a torn ligament in her left shoulder and deep bruising in her left femur. The cameras at the West 14th Street station were not working at the time, but Stephenson was arrested after a neighbor from his Lower East Side housing project recognized his face from a surveillance photo and called police. His story has all the makings of a Hollywood crime blockbuster. A real-life classic featuring a jailed Scotland Yard chief who reinvents himself as a highly successful international entrepreneur. Now disgraced former Metropolitan Police commander Ali Dizaei, 56, is rubbing shoulders with acting royalty in Hollywood dining with his very good friend, Mad Max star Mel Gibson, 62. The shamed police chiefs wife Shaham posted a picture online of the couple dining with Gibson and his girlfriend Rosalind Ross, 28. 'Good friends': Ali Dizaei put his arms round Mel Gibson as he and wife Shaham dine with the star and his girlfriend Rosalind Mrs Dizaei, 43, gushed: Unforgettable night with a very good friend of my husband a Legend, a Superstar, Oscar winner actor, an Award winning Director and a Hollywood mogul. No-one will ever forget Mad Max, Braveheart, Lethal Weapon, Passion of Christ and many more. It was also a pleasure to meet beautiful Rose. Thank u for the dinner invite looking forward to seeing u both in London soon andto seeing next Block busting movie u are working on now. The world knows it will be another great film. Dizaeis extraordinary transformation from crooked policeman to international jet-setter has seen him live in a 5million house in Surrey and drive a 250,000 Rolls-Royce convertible which he upgraded last weekend to a 400,000 Rolls-Royce coupe. Iranian-born Dizaeis apparent friendship with controversial Gibson will raise eyebrows among former police colleagues. A drunken Gibson stunned Hollywood in 2006 after he made anti-Semitic comments to police who arrested him for drink-driving. Ali Dizaeis extraordinary transformation from crooked policeman to international jet-setter has seen him live in a 5million house in Surrey and drive a 250,000 Rolls-Royce convertible which he upgraded last weekend to a 400,000 Rolls-Royce coupe (pictured with Mrs Dizaei last week) F***ing Jews. The Jews are responsible for all the wars in the world, he said. He later issued a grovelling apology, blaming the outburst on alcoholism. In 2010, during a recorded phone call between Gibson and then-girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva, he allegedly said: Youre an embarrassment to me. You look like a f***ing pig on heat, and if you get raped by a pack of n*****s, it will be your fault. He later pleaded no contest to battering her. Yet two years ago, he made an astonishing comeback with his critically-acclaimed movie Hacksaw Ridge, claiming it was really unfair that people still focus on his previous shameful behaviour. Just how he met Dizaei an outspoken critic of racism as former president of the National Black Police Association is unclear. Mrs Dizaei, 43, (pictured left and right with her husband) posted on social media: Unforgettable night with a very good friend of my husband a Legend, a Superstar, Oscar winner actor, an Award winning Director and a Hollywood mogul' But the picture of them beaming together at a Hollywood restaurant suggests a warm friendship. Earlier this year, Dizaei was pictured in the back of a Rolls-Royce with F1 boss Bernie Ecclestones former son-in-law James Stunt, 36, whose godfather Terry Adams has been dubbed the head of Britains most notorious crime family. Dizaei was previously branded a criminal in uniform and was jailed for four years in 2010 for perverting justice and misconduct. In 2015, a court heard that Dizaei had considerable debts and had been unable to find work. He has since claimed to have a portfolio of business interests including a security firm and an import-export company specialising in Iran. Watching pornography at work is not an activity many would even consider let alone risk carrying out. But one high-flying City lawyer thought he could get away with it in the privacy of his office. However, what he didn't take into account was the neighbouring legal firm, which was just 30ft away on the other side of a narrow lane. The small gap between the top law firms' swanky offices apparently gives occupants a front-row view of whatever their rivals are doing. A senior lawyer was spotted watching pornography on his work computer from a partner at a rival firm (file photo) With his back to the window, the senior lawyer was unaware that his private viewing choice was in fact very public and obvious to a rival at the other legal firm. The second man had a clear view of the desk and work computer screen of the partner at Hogan Lovells. He used a mobile phone to film his rival's activity and reported it. Yesterday the unseemly affair had sparked a war of words after the partner, earning a six-figure salary, was suspended for watching an 'adult' film and will face an investigation. However, the actions of the lawyer at rivals Irwin Mitchell in tipping off the HR department situated just across Shoe Lane, central London, have attracted as much if not more outrage. According to legal news website RollOnFriday: 'On Monday morning, a lawyer with Irwin Mitchell, whose London office is separated from Hogan Lovells by a narrow lane, looked out of their window and straight into the partner's office. 'Sources told RollOnFriday that the Irwin Mitchell lawyer was shocked to see the Hogan Lovells partner watching porn at his desk, with his back to the window. 'The Irwin Mitchell lawyer filmed the absorbed partner on a mobile phone, sources told RollOnFriday, and sent the footage to Hogan Lovells' lawyers. It then made its way to the firm's HR.' But among legal eagles commenting on the story online yesterday, sympathies were more with the suspended lawyer. The Irwin Mitchell lawyer had spotted his online activity through a small gap between the firms' offices (file photo) One wrote: 'I am more concerned that Irwin Mitchell lawyers think it's OK to snoop into the office on another solicitor and that they could see the computer screen!' Another wrote: 'A silly thing to do, but the one who reported him and possibly cost him his career is the bigger t***er.' Hogan Lovells said: 'We were made aware of an individual in our office misusing their computer to watch adult material. 'Such behaviour is unacceptable and we have suspended them pending a full internal investigation.' Asked how the partner avoided the firm's internet firewall, the spokesman added: 'We didn't block access to websites unless they represented a cybersecurity risk, for example they have malware on them. 'The nature of our work for clients sometimes means we need to carry out investigations in areas which require us to have flexible access.' Irwin Mitchell has declined to comment. CNN reporter Jim Acosta tweeted a defiant message to Donald Trump from Paris Friday, saying he intends to cover the president's trip there despite being stripped of White House press credentials. The reporter tweeted a view of the Eiffel Tower and said: 'Greetings from Paris where we are on the ground for Trumps trip to France. #1A' The hashtag is a reference to the first amendment, which guarantees freedom of the press. Acosta's French message suggests that he will attempt to gain access to events attended by Trump to commemorate the end of World War One even though he no longer carries Secret Service-issued press credentials. Those credentials are themselves meaningless in Paris, raising the possibility that he will once again be in proximity to the president. Trump, speaking before his departure, said that he hasn't decided how long Acosta will be banned from the White House, and threatened to revoke the credentials of other reporters next. Sacre bleu! CNN's Jim Acosta's message from Paris made clear his defiance of the White House ban Back on air: Acosta reported from Paris in another scenic spot, this time with a view of the Arc de Triomphe, just after Trump arrived He also lashed out at April Ryan, a CNN commentator who doubles as a White House reporter with a network of black radio stations. The president told DailyMail.com on the South Lawn as he left for France that Acosta, who frequently publicly tangles with him and his press secretary, 'is a very unprofessional man.' He called Ryan 'a loser' who 'doesn't know what the hell she's doing.' President Donald Trump said Friday that CNN correspondent Jim Acosta, whom he banned from the White House on Wednesday, 'is a very unprofessional man' Acosta saw his press credentials rescinded Wednesday after he clashed with an intern over a press conference microphone Acosta got into a shouting match with Trump during a press conference on Wednesday and lost his access pass for what the White House saud was 'putting his hands' on an intern who tried to take a microphone away from him. 'He gets paid to do that. You know, he gets paid to burst in. He is a very unprofessional guy,' Trump said, adding that 'I don't think he's a smart person, but he's got a loud voice.' 'I haven't made that decision' about Acosta's fate, he said, 'but it could be others also' who are banned. April Ryan, a CNN media personality, called out questions during Wednesday's press conference about what some see as 'voter suppression' of blacks, but Trump hadn't called on her and called her 'rude' for taking someone else's turn 'When you're in the White House, this is a very sacred place to be. This is a very special place. You have to treat the White House with respect. You have to treat the presidency with respect,' he said. Trump complained that Acosta's interactions with Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee are often 'a disgrace.' 'The same thing with April Ryan,' he continued. 'I watch her get up. I mean, you talk about somebody that's a loser. She doesn't know what the hell she's doing. She gets publicity and then she gets a pay raise or she gets a contract with, I think, CNN. But she's very nasty. And she shouldn't be.' Ryan interrupted Trump during Wednesday's press conference and blurted out questions without being called on. She has used the same approach during Sanders' press briefings with some success, forcing her questions typically about the politics of race into the open. She went on CNN via phone call within minutes of Trump's departure, claiming that 'something is awry' in the White House. 'Those words are terrible from a sitting United States president,' she said, after hearing Trump call her a 'loser.' The president said Friday, in response to a question from DailyMail.com about Jim Acosta, that April Ryan is a 'loser' who 'doesn't know what the hell she's doing' in her job Sanders refused to back down Thursday from Trump's decision to rescind Acosta's press pass, insisting incidental physical contact with a female intern during a heated presidential news conference was enough to get him banned. Acosta found himself without access to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue following a tense shouting match with President Donald Trump and a near-tussle over the White House's microphone as he pushed the intern's arm away. Facing stern questions from the rest of the press corps, Sanders issued a terse statement: 'The question is: did the reporter make contact or not? The video is clear, he did. We stand by our statement.' That video, a brief C-SPAN clip that made the rounds Wednesday night, generated new outrage in the evening when Sanders tweeted an altered version that was first distributed by an editor of the alt-right 'InfoWars' conspiracy theorist website. Sarah Sanders shared a re-cut video on Twitter, showing the moment Acosta clashed with one of her interns. The video was originally posted by an InfoWars host; that has opened her up to criticism over the footage's alterations Sanders was pictured Wednesday in the East Room of the White House during the press conference where Acosta tangled with Trump and later found himself banned from the building CNN media critic Brian Stelter pressed her on Twitter: 'InfoWars personality @PrisonPlanet posted the same video two hours before you did. Surely you don't trust InfoWars...?' Dartmouth College digital forensics expert Hany Farid told theMotherboard tech website that the footage itself wasn't doctored, but the video was slowed down and zoomed in to focus on a single moment. The question is: did the reporter make contact or not? The video is clear, he did. We stand by our statement. White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders 'I believe that the video tweeted by the Press Secretary is misleading but I dont see unambiguous evidence that it has been doctored,' Farid said. He also suggested that the vantage point of C-SPAN's camera 'gives the appearance that there was more contact between the reporter and the intern than there probably was.' 'In particular, if you look at original, higher-quality videos from other vantage points you can more clearly see that while there was some contact between the reporter and intern, he did not strike her as his hand comes down.' The video Snaders tweeted does appear to speed up and zoom in on the moment of contact. Acosta wrestled with an unnamed White House intern who tried to take the White House's mic from him on Wednesday after the president decided he was done answering CNN's questions Acosta's defenders urged people to look at video of the interaction, saying it proves White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders was incorrect to say he 'placed his hands' on the female intern; the video shows the intern reaching for the mic and Acosta's left hand pushing her left arm down as he grips it Sanders, pictutred during an October 29 press briefing, is under fire for treating Acosta's moment of contact like a serious infraction Kellyanne Conway said Thursday morning that the White House was right to cancel Acosta's press credentials, casting his physical contact with the intern as a male-on-female threat. In a 'Fox & Friends' interview, Conway described it as 'a rough moment for the young aide' and cast Acosta as a chauvinist villain for stopping the young woman from taking the microphone back once President Donald Trump said he was finished answering the reporter's questions. 'The reporter from NBC was already standing, getting ready to ask his question, and she was just doing her job, which was to reclaim the microphone that belongs to the federal government,' Conway said. 'Obviously I don't think anybody should have any young woman, particularly should have somebody swiping away them and grabbing the microphone back.' During a Fox Business Network appearance on Wednesday evening, she laid out the controversy as a #MeToo moment. 'You dont put your hands on a woman. I think we all had to hear that recently in some other context, and Im not sure that hes apologized to that young woman but she certainly is owed one, Conway said. Kellyanne Conway, a senior adviser to President Donald Trump, said Thursday that the White House was right to cancel a CNN reporter's press pass following a brief and incidentally physical confrontation over a microphone during a presidential press conference Conway framed the incident as a male-on-female moment and lumped it in with threats she and other pro-Trump women have faced On Thursday she re-framed the moment, replayed millions of times on social media videos, as part of a culture of harassment that Trump aides deal with on a regular basis. She blamed Democrats and the media for a 'red-hot tone' that has put some female Trump backers in dangerous positions. 'I've been physically touched by people. I've been yelled at, my kids have been threatened,' she said. 'Tucker Carlson ... had a mob show up at his house last night. His wife was hiding in a pantry!' 'Let's talk about red-hot rhetoric,' she said. 'I'll stand here all day long in my four-inch heels and talk about it if you want to, but I will not let it be cast as one-sided and the president's fault.' Conway didn't mention Acosta by name but drew a contrast between journalists who 'try to do their job by getting the story' and others who 'try to get the president.' 'Some people like to grandstand and be part of the story,' she complained, claiming that other correspondents secretly agree with her: 'Maybe they're not going to come forward and say that, but they say that.' Acosta tweeted Thursday morning: 'Dont believe the lies coming from the WH. Believe in our freedoms. Thank you all for your support. We wont back down.' Acosta shot a hasty cell phone video of a uniformed Secret Service officer denying him entry to the White House and revoking his press pass on Wednesday evening President Donald Trump and Acosta got into a heated verbal back-and-forth during Wednesday's post-election press conference Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio responded by blasting him on Twitter even while suggesting that the White House overreacted. 'I dont think they should revoke his WH pass. Revoking press access for being rude is a very slippery slope,' Rubio wrote. 'But the WH pass is to cover the news,not make yourself the news. This tweet & his behavior is what you expect from an activist,not a journalist.' CNN has cast the White House's reaction as an over-reaching attack on the First Amendment. Conway pointed out that Trump 'answered 68 questions from 35 different reporters over the span of 90 minutes' on Wednesday. 'That's pro-press, that's transparent, that's accountability. A uniformed Secret Service officer denied Acosta entry to the White House grounds Wednesday evening and revoked his 'hard pass,' the long-term credential issued to regular members of the White House press corps. Acosta's tense exchange with Trump wasn't his first; the president has slammed him publicly before, and considers much of what CNN airs 'fake news' Sanders stunned Washington by announcing Wednesday evening that Acosta was persona non grata at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue; CNN can still send other reporters to cover the White House 'Put the mic down,' Trump told Acosta as the female intern (left) tried to take it back from him 'Ive just been denied entrance to the WH. Secret Service just informed me I cannot enter the WH grounds for my 8pm hit,' Acosta tweeted before sharing a cell phone video of the officer taking his pass away. In a statement, White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said that Acosta's hard pass had been suspended 'until further notice.' Acosta appeared on 'Anderson Cooper 360,' calling the tension 'a test for all of us. I do think they're trying to shut us down to some extent.' He also insisted that White House press secretary Sarah sanders was wrong to claim video captured him 'placing his hands on a young woman just trying to do her job.' 'The fact that CNN is proud of the way their employee behaved is not only disgusting, its an example of their outrageous disregard for everyone, including young women, who work in this Administration,' sanders said in a statement Wednesday night. Acosta tweeted that her claim was 'a lie.' 'I didn't put my hands on her or touch her as theyre alleging. It's unfortunate the White House is saying this... I think I handled myself professionally,' Acosta told Cooper. CNN flatly accused Sanders in a statement of lying about the nature of the confrontation between Acosta and the unnamed female intern. 'She provided fraudulent accusations and and cited an incident that never happened,' the network said. 'This unprecedented decision is a threat to our democracy and the country deserves better. Jim Acosta has our full support.' The White House Correspondents Association issued a statement condemning the Trump administration for confiscating Acosta's hard pass. 'Revoking access to the White House complex is a reaction out of line to the purported offense and is unacceptable,' the group said. 'We urge the White House to immediately reverse this weak and misguided action.' 'We encourage anyone with doubts that this reaction was disproportionate to the perceived offense to view the video of the events from earlier today.' Acosta's shouting match with Trump came as he was asking the president a lengthy question about the Central American migrant caravan, arguing that Trump should not have called it an 'invasion.' 'That's enough!' Trump boomed as Acosta tried to pivot to a question about Special Counsel Robret Mueller's Russia investigation. 'CNN should be ashamed of itself having you work for them. You are a rude terrible person. You shouldn't be working for CNN,' the president told Acosta as the intern tried to reclaim the mic. 'When you report fake news, which CNN does a lot, you are the enemy of the people,' he told him, later quipping: 'I think you should let me run the country and you run CNN. If you did it well your ratings would be much better.' NBC correspondent Peter Alexander got the next question, and leapt to advocate for Acosta following the jaw-dropping exchange. 'In Jim's defense, I've traveled with him and watched him. He's a diligent reporter who busts his butt,' Alexander said. 'Well, I'm not a fan of yours either,' Trump replied. 'You aren't the best.' Johnson said the PM has delivered an incoherent strategy as he quit his role Theresa May's Brexit plans faced a fresh threat today as Boris Johnson's brother became the 18th person to resign under her premiership. Remainer Jo Johnson has quit his position as minister for transport as the Prime Minister tries to strike a deal tonight. The Orpington MP branded her emerging package - which the PM hopes to finalise within days - a massive failure in British statecraft on the scale of Suez. Speaking to the Daily Mail, Johnson said the 'reality' of what was being negotiated was far from what had been promised during the referendum campaign in 2016, and the country was faced with a 'terrible' choice between 'vassalage and chaos'. He told the paper: 'I have always been a loyal member of parliament. I have never rebelled on anything. Im not a serial mutineer. Ive just reached the point where I cannot see the logic of how we are proceeding with Brexit. 'Its riddled with such contradictions as to make no sense at all now at any level. It is a fake fudge. 'It was meant to be about sovereignty and trade deals, but were going to have no capacity to make meaningful trade deals. 'It was meant to be about a brave new future as a deregulated economy. But were signing up to the common rule book on standards and health and safety, the environment and all the rest of it. Its completely incoherent. 'Rather than take this irrevocable step we should give the public a chance to reflect on whether this extraordinary course, which is so different from what was promised in the referendum, is really the one they want to go down. And if they do, well fair enough. 'I really wanted the Prime Minister to make a success of Brexit, and stood by silently and watched over the past couple of years and lent every support I could in the Commons voting lobbies. But whats the point when were about to do something which doesnt stack up. Theresa May (pictured today with French President Emmanuel Macron) faces more disruption as she tries to hammer out a deal 'We are on the verge of doing the deal. I have waited for two years to give the Prime Minister space, not to tie her negotiating hand, not to narrow her freedom of manoeuvre. 'But now that were actually at the point of being asked to vote it through in the coming days, at some point you got to say hold on, does this make sense or not? 'And to me it doesnt anymore. I dont want to resign from the government - you work hard for these privileged positions, but Ive got to do it. 'Ive got no idea if others will follow, Im not part of a plot, this is not about leadership. Im not trying to oust Theresa May: Ive wished her well. Its not about her.' Prime Minister Theresa May quoted a piece of First World War poetry as she left a message on a wreath for John Parr, the first UK soldier killed in 1914. In it, she quoted The Soldier, by soldier Rupert Brooke, which dates back to the same year, saying: 'There is in that rich earth a richer dust concealed'. The sonnett was written while Brooke while on leave at Christmas - and was in a collection of five entitled '1914', published in a magazine one month later. He never faced front-line combat, but died in April 1915 after suffering blood poisoning from a mosquito bite en route to Gallipolo. He was buried in Skyros. The message on a wreath at Private Parr's grave, which quotes The Soldier, a poem by Rupert Brooke in 1914, saying: 'There is in that rich earth a richer dust concealed' The Soldier, by Rupert Brooke George Robertson was just 19 during the Somme campaign, and won medals for his service before staying on in France Theresa May and Emmanuel Macron will honour the First World War dead on the battlefields of the Somme today where the French president's great-grandfather fought for Britain. The two leaders met 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. Butcher George Robertson was just 19 during the Somme campaign, and won medals for his service before staying on in France after the war. 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. Mr Robertson cut all ties with his family in France and Mr Macron only learned of his British bloodline when the Daily Mirror revealed it last year. 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. Pesticides can impair the behaviour of bumble bees and affect their ability to eat and rear their young, a new study has shown. The research - which allowed humans to take a closer look at the bee in its environment - revealed how the pesticide neonicotinoid can harm its behaviour. Neonicotinoids are a class of insecticides chemically similar to nicotine. The most commonly used to control weeds and pests are Bayer and Ortho products. The findings add to a long-standing list of concerns about these critical creatures that pollinate 70 of the around 100 crop species that feed 90 per cent of the world. Scroll down for video The United Nations has warned that 40 percent of the planet's insect pollinators risk global extinction, which would have serious implications for food production and ecosystem health The study, published in the journal Science, compared the behaviour of bees exposed to pesticides and bees who weren't. Researchers from placed cameras inside 12 specially made boxes that contained one chamber for a nest and another chamber for foraging. Some bees were exposed to concentrations of the neonicotinoid imidacloprid similar to that expected in the environment. Others were not. What they found confirmed what environmentalists had been warning for years; that pesticides are killing bees and threatening our livelihoods. The pesticide-exposed bees were less social in a variety of ways than bees not fed nectar that contained neonicotinoids. 'Exposure to the neurotoxic pesticide resulted in measurable changes in worker bee behaviour within the nest,' said the report. 'The workers were less active, less likely to feed and care for larvae, and more likely to be found towards the periphery of the nest.' However, the effects were particularly apparent at night, the bees showed further signs of inactivity. 'Bees actually have a very strong circadian rhythm,' said Dr James Crall, a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard University. 'So what we found was that, during the day, there was no statistically observable effect, but at night, we could see that they were crashing.'= Experiments also showed that pesticide exposure made it more difficult for bees to regulate their body temperature, and to build a protective wax cap over the colony. 'Almost all of our control colonies built that cap,' Dr Crall said. 'And it seems to be totally wiped out in the pesticide-exposed colonies, so they lose this capacity to do this functional restructuring of the nest.' Some of the bees used in the study were exposed to concentrations of the neonicotinoid while others were not. The pesticide-exposed bees were less social, less active and less likely to feed and care for larvae WHAT ARE NEONICOTINOIDS? Neonicotinoids (neonics) are a relatively new type of insecticide, used in the last 20 years to control a variety of pests, especially sap-feeding insects, such as aphids on cereals, and root-feeding grubs. The pesticides are most commonly used in farming Unlike contact pesticides, which remain on the surface of the treated foliage, systemics are taken up by the plant and transported to all the tissues (leaves, flowers, roots and stems, as well as pollen and nectar). The insecticide toxin remains active in the plant for many weeks In the UK, five neonicotinoid insecticides are authorised for use in agriculture: acetamiprid; clothianidin; imidacloprid; thiacloprid; and thiamethoxam Neonics affect the central nervous system of insects. They bind to receptors of the enzyme nicotinic acetylcholine, causing excitation of the nerves, leading to eventual paralysis and death Bees have a genetic vulnerability to neonics because they have more of receptors than other insects, as well as more learning and memory genes for their highly evolved system of social communication and organisation Advertisement Their findings add to mounting evidence of the harm posed by neonicotinoid pesticides. The United Nations has warned that 40 per cent of the planet's insect pollinators, particularly bees and butterflies, risk global extinction, which would have serious implications for food production and ecosystem health. The European Union states have voted against the use of three neonicotinoids - clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam - in crop fields. Use of neonicotinoids are used in farming on more than 140 crop varieties against pests in soil, seed, turf, timber as well as foliar treatments for cereals, cotton, legumes, potatoes, orchard fruits, rice and vegetables. France has gone even further and banned these three neonicotinoids plus thiacloprid and acetamiprid, both outdoors and in greenhouses. The pesticides continue to be used in America, Canada and Australia although they are being put under pressure by conservationists and wildlife authorities. In recent years, bees have been mysteriously dying off from 'colony collapse disorder,' blamed partly on pesticides as well as mites, viruses, and fungi. A massive sunstorm on 4th August 1972 may have scuppered a major US Navy operation in Vietnam by exploding hundreds of mines. Operation Pocket Money, a plan to deploy 11,000 sea mines off the coast of North Vietnam to cut off naval supply routes to the region, was hit by the detonation of dozens of mines in a strange event. Now, a new study says extreme space weather could have caused the explosions south of Hai Phong, North Vietnam. Scroll down for video A new Boulder study claims Operation Pocket Money, a plan to deploy 11,000 sea mines off the coast of North Vietnam to cut off naval supply routes to the region, was scuppered by the 1972 storm. Pictured, footage from the big Bear Observatory of the August 7th flare that was part of the same eruption THE 1972 SOLAR STORM The major solar flare that erupted on Aug. 4, 1972 knocked out long-distance phone communication across some states, including Illinois, according to a NASA account. 'That event, in fact, caused AT&T to redesign its power system for transatlantic cables,' NASA wrote in the account. One of the flares was a 'two-ribbon' flare, dubbed the 'seahorse flare' in which the flaring region appear as two bright lines threading through the area between sunspots within a sunspot group. Advertisement Researchers say the solar storm activated magnetic sensors in the undersea destructor mines, causing them to blow up en masse. The underwater explosives were rigged to detonate in response to magnetic, acoustic, and pressure signatures from passing ships. However, on August 4, 1972, crew members aboard U.S. Task Force 77 aircraft suddenly observed explosions south of Hai Phong. 20 to 30 explosions were documented in just 30 seconds. Another 25 to 30 patches of muddy water were also observed, indicative of further explosions. 'The extreme space weather events of early August 1972 had significant impact on the US Navy, which have not been widely reported,' researchers led by Delores Knipp, a space weather expert at the University of Colorado at Boulder, said in their paper. 'These effects, long buried in the Vietnam War archives, add credence to the severity of the storm: a nearly instantaneous, unintended detonation of dozens of sea mines south of Hai Phong, North Vietnam on 4 August 1972.' The largest solar storm ever recorded, The Carrington Event in 1859, took out telegraph machines across the US, purportedly causing sparks to fly from equipment some bad enough to set fires inside offices. WHAT WAS OPERATION POCKET MONEY? Operation Pocket Money was timed to coincide with a televised speech by President Richard Nixon at 21:00 8 May ET. President Richard Nixon signed off on Operation Pocket Money, a plan to deploy 11,000 sea mines off the coast of North Vietnam to cut off naval supply routes to the region. These underwater explosives were rigged to detonate in response to magnetic, acoustic, and pressure signatures from passing ships. The operation was timed to coincide with a televised speech by President Richard Nixon at 21:00 8 May ET. But on August 4 of that year, a mysterious force triggered a mass explosion of dozens of mines. Crew members aboard U.S. Task Force 77 aircraft suddenly observed explosions south of Hai Phong. 20 to 30 explosions were documented in just 30 seconds. Another 25 to 30 patches of muddy water were also observed, indicative of further explosions. Additional mining missions began on 11 May. By the end of the year Navy and Marine Corps bombers had dropped more than eight thousand mines in North Vietnamese coastal waters and three thousand in inland waterways Advertisement The team concluded that the 1972 event could have been in the same league as the Carrington Event. 'The activity fits the description of a Carringtonclass storm minus the low latitude aurora reported in 1859,' they wrote. U.S. Marine helicopters leave troops into suspected Viet Cong area during a full fledged assault operation by U.S. Marines near Da Nang, South Vietnam, in this April 29, 1965 black-and-white file photo during the Vietnam War. Researchers now say a solar storm may have impacted the US Navy during a mining operation 'In our view this storm deserves a scientific revisit as a grand challenge for the space weather community, as it provides spaceage terrestrial observations of what was likely a Carringtonclass storm,' the authors said. NASA describes the storm as 'legendary' because it occurred in between two Apollo missions: the crew of Apollo 16 had returned to Earth in April and the crew of Apollo 17 was preparing for a moon landing in December. A new Boulder study claims Operation Pocket Money, a plan to deploy 11,000 sea mines off the coast of North Vietnam to cut off naval supply routes to the region, was scuppered by the storm. Pictured, a solar flare erupting in 2013. It says a moonwalker caught in the August 1972 storm might have absorbed dangerous levels of radiation, forcing them to return to Earth immediately for treatment. The US Navy attributed the dramatic event to 'magnetic perturbations of solar storms.' Facebook said it's been more successful at removing terrorist content from its platform - owed in large part to its advanced AI tools. The social media giant said on Thursday it took down 3 million pieces of terrorist content from its site in the third quarter, down from 9.4 million pieces in the second quarter. It said new machine learning tools have helped it pull down posts that may signal support for ISIS or al-Qaeda faster than before. Scroll down for video The social media giant said on Thursday it took down 3 million pieces of terrorist content from its site in the third quarter, down from 9.4 million pieces in the second quarter Facebook said the AI gives each post a score showing how likely it is to violate the firm's counterterrorism policies, which allows its human reviewers to prioritize which posts need attention first. Facebook has also reduced the median time between when a user first reports a terrorist post and when it takes it down. The firm has focused its approach toward removing terrorist content before it's viewed by a wide audience. In the third quarter, that median time was 18 hours, which is a significant decrease from 43 hours in the first quarter and 22 hours in the second quarter. 'In both Q2 and Q3 we found more than 99% of the ISIS and al-Qaeda content ultimately removed ourselves, before it was reported by anyone in our community,' Monika Bickert, Facebook's global head of policy, and Brian Fishman, Facebook's head of counterterrorism policy, wrote in a blog post. The firm says it now uses machine learning to spot posts that may signal support for these terrorist groups. Facebook has also reduced the median time between when a user first reports a terrorist post and when it takes it down. In the third quarter, that median time was 18 hours, which is a significant decrease from 43 hours in the first quarter and 22 hours in the second quarter In some cases, Facebook automatically removes posts that are given a 'very high' score. 'We still rely on specialized reviewers to evaluate most posts, and only immediately remove posts when the tools confidence level is high enough that its decision indicates it will be more accurate than our human reviewers,' Bickert and Fishman explained. What's more, Facebook's algorithms can now understand roughly 19 different languages. Some of the 3 million posts identified were old, but Facebook said it was able to pull 2.3 million brand new posts in the third quarter. The firm says it will continue to work hard to remove terrorist content. '[We] should not view this as a problem that can be solved and set aside, even in the most optimistic scenarios,' Bickert and Fishman said. 'We can reduce the presence of terrorism on mainstream social platforms, but eliminating it completely requires addressing the people and organizations that generate this material in the real-world.' Committee to prepare code of conduct for NA members The opposition parties on Thursday welcomed a government proposal to form a committee that will prepare a code of conduct for members of the National Assembly. Defence Minister Pervez Khattak informed the Lower House of parliament that it had been decided during a parliamentary party meeting of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) that assembly proceedings would be run strictly in accordance with the rules and use of non-parliamentary language would be discouraged. He also proposed the formation of a committee comprising members from the treasury and opposition benches to devise a joint strategy for the smooth running of the House. Opposition Leader Shehbaz Sharif, taking the floor of the assembly, welcomed the proposal, while regretting the use of unbecoming language by members from both sides of the aisle. He complained that some ministers were in the habit of leveling allegations without presenting any evidence to back their claims with. He said the use of abusive language by members of the parliament was creating an air of despondency among the people. For the past few days, we have turned this House into a fish market, he said.If we want respect for this House, we should use parliamentary language and our conversation should be based on facts. We should talk on national issues instead of wasting time, he added. Former prime minister and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Raja Pervez Ashraf also supported the idea.He said by using unbecoming language, members of the House were only ridiculing themselves. He pointed out that the House has been unable to complete debate on the economic conditions of the country, which has been on the assembly agenda for the past one week. Earlier during the question hour, the House once again saw the treasury and opposition benches coming to verbal blows after Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry accused the previous two governments of destroying every institution in the country. Fawad said institutions under his ministry could not be run as was being done in the past, adding that billions of rupees were spent on institutions that were running in losses.We will bring the biggest reforms to improve working of the institutions, he said, adding that 163,000 persons were inducted in the public sector institutions by a previous government which led to their present precarious situation. Google's CEO has admitted that Silicon Valley was 'naive' to believe it could 'solve humanity's problems'. In a new interview, Sundar Pichai, 46, also defended Google's controversial decision to launch a censored version of its search engine in China. Google remains fully committed to the project, despite receiving heavy criticism for the tool following a string of high-profile leaks, Pinchai says. He vowed to push through with the technology, which will reportedly block search terms linked to human rights and protest - 'whatever form it takes'. Scroll down for video Google's CEO Sundar Pichai (file photo) has admitted that Silicon Valley was 'naive' to believe it could 'solve humanity's problems' After he was asked by the New York Times whether he felt 'like Silicon Valley has retained that idealism that struck you when you arrived here,' Pichai responded: 'There's still that optimism, but it is tempered by a sense of deliberation. 'Things have changed quite a bit. We deliberate about things a lot more, and we are more thoughtful about what we do. 'But there's a deeper thing here, which is: Technology doesn't solve humanity's problems. It was always naive to think so. 'Technology is an enabler, but humanity has to deal with humanity's problems. 'I think we're both over-reliant on technology as a way to solve things and probably, at this moment, over-indexing on technology as a source of all problems, too.' Pichai also defended Google's decision to work with authoritarian governments, including China, where it is planning to launch Project Dragonfly next year. Pichai, 46, also defended Google's controversial project to bring a censored version of its search engine to China. Pictured are the company's offices in New York City (file photo) 'Dragonfly' is a rumoured effort inside Google to develop a search engine for China that would censor certain terms and news outlets, among other things. Reports claim the tool ties users' Google searches to their personal phone numbers to help the Chinese government monitor its citizens. Pinchai said: 'One of the things that's not well understood, I think, is that we operate in many countries where there is censorship. WHAT IS GOOGLE'S 'PROJECT DRAGONFLY' SEARCH ENGINE? 'Dragonfly' was a rumoured effort inside Google to develop a search engine for China that would censor certain terms and news outlets, among other things. Reports claimed the tool ties users' Google searches to their personal phone numbers to help the Chinese government monitor its citizens. Outside of high-profile leaks, few details have emerged on what the search engine entailed as Google has kept tight-lipped on the project. A former Google employee warned of the web giant's 'disturbing' plans in a letter sent to the US's senate's commerce committee in August 2018. Jack Poulson said the proposed Dragonfly website was 'tailored to the censorship and surveillance demands of the Chinese government'. In his letter he also claimed that discussion of the plans among Google employees had been 'increasingly stifled'. Mr Poulson was a senior research scientist at Google until he resigned in July 2018 in protest at the Dragonfly proposals. Advertisement 'When we follow "right to be forgotten" laws, we are censoring search results because we're complying with the law.' 'I'm committed to serving users in China. Whatever form it takes, I actually don't know the answer. 'It's not even clear to me that search in China is the product we need to do today.' Google is currently wrangling with what is arguably the toughest period in the company's 20-year history. Google is currently wrangling with what is arguably the toughest period in the company's 20-year history. Thousands of high-paid engineers and other Google staff walked out of their offices in protest last week over over the company's male-dominated culture (file photo) Thousands of high-paid engineers and other Google staff walked out of their offices in protest last week over over the company's male-dominated culture. Workers left their cubicles in dozens of offices around the world to protest what they considered management's lax treatment of top executives and other male workers accused of sexual harassment and other misconduct. The protest's organisers estimated that about 20,000 workers participated. Google bowed to one of the protesters' main demands on Thursday by dropping mandatory arbitration of all sexual misconduct cases. That will now be optional, so workers can choose to sue in court and present their case in front of a jury. It mirrors a change made by ride-hailing service Uber after complaints from its female employees prompted an internal investigation. The probe concluded that its rank had been poisoned by rampant sexual harassment. Xiaomi have launched their first smartphone in the UK to rival Apple and Samsung ahead of opening up a store in London. The Mi 8 Pro flagship phone will go on sale in the UK today - the first time the device has been available outside China. Xiaomi is already the fourth largest smartphone maker in the world by market share, behind only Samsung, Huawei and Apple. The UK shop will open in Westfield shopping centre, which also has an Apple store, and will sell other gadgets including fitness trackers and electric scooters. The Mi 8 Pro has a unique glass rear case which shows some of the phones components and includes a fingerprint sensor built into the 6.2 inch AMOLED screen, and dual 12-megapixel cameras. It uses the Snapdragon 845 processor and runs on a customised version of Google's Android operating system. Scroll down for video The Mi 8 Pro, which launches in the UK today, includes a fingerprint sensor built into the 6.2in AMOLED screen, and dual 12-megapixel rear cameras and uses the Snapdragon 845 processor What's notable is that all these features can be found on rival high-end phones that can cost more than 700 ($910), but Xiaomi is selling theirs for significantly less with prices starting at 499 ($650), part of a strategy it calls 'honest pricing'. As well as the Pro, Xiaomi will also launch its budget Redmi 6A device for 99 ($130), which it claims has a battery that can last for up to 19 days. Wang Xiang, the firm's senior vice president, said: 'Today we witness a new chapter in Xiaomi's global expansion journey, underpinned by our global ambitions. 'We are thrilled to make great strides by announcing our arrival in the UK. 'By bringing a range of our amazing products at honest pricing we want to offer more choices and let everyone in the UK enjoy a connected simple life through our innovative technology.' The company will face stiff competition to establish itself in a crowded market, with three new iPhones, two Google Pixel 3 handsets and devices from Samsung, Sony and fellow Chinese firms Huawei and OnePlus being released in recent months. As well as the Pro, Xiaomi will also launch its budget Redmi 6A device for GBP99, which it claims has a battery that can last for up to 19 days The Chinese firm is also bringing a range of its other gadgets to the UK, including its Band 3 wearable fitness tracker and an electric scooter. These products will go on sale in the Xiaomi Mi store, which will open at the Westfield shopping centre in Shepherd's Bush on November 18th. Mobiles expert Ru Bhikha said the firm's arrival in the UK should be taken seriously. 'Since releasing its first smartphone in August 2011, Xiaomi has rapidly gained a strong foothold in the market - so much so that it's already the fourth largest handset manufacturer in the world,' he said. GROWTH FIGURES FOR THE TOP 5 PERFORMING MOBILE MANUFACTURERS Company Q3 2018 Shipments (millions of units) Q3 2018 Market Share Q3 2017 Shipments (millions of units) Q3 2017 Market Share Year on Year Change Samsung 72.3 20.10% 83.4 21.20% -13.30% Huawei 51.8 14.40% 39.1 9.90% 32.50% Apple 46.9 13.00% 46.7 11.90% 0.40% Xiaomi 33 9.20% 27.7 7.00% 19.10% OPPO 31.2 8.70% 31.4 8.00% -0.60% Others 124.8 34.70% 164.8 41.90% -24.30% Total 360 100.00% 393.1 100.00% -8.40% The company will also launch its first store in the UK which will sell electric scooters, wearable fitness trackers and phones 'Xiaomi's highly anticipated arrival in the UK therefore threatens to put a big cat amongst the pigeons - by combining top tier design and performance with relatively modest pricing, it poses a real threat to the market. 'Looking at Xiaomi's success so far, it's hard to see how its winning combination of high-end smartphones with lower-than-expected prices won't drive similar results over here. 'Thursday's launch marks the arrival of a significant new kid on the block, and there is no doubt that in finally coming to the UK, Xiaomi means business.' Xiaomi's wearable fitness tracker. Xiaomi is already the fourth largest smartphone maker in the world by market share, behind only Samsung, Huawei and Apple Co-founder Xiang Wang said that Xiaomi intended to expand its range of products in the UK in 2019, and might also launch its sub-brand Poco. 'When Xiaomi enters a country they almost always grow very fast,' commented Neil Mawston, from the consultancy Strategy Analytics. 'That's happened in India, Indonesia and Russia and now we're seeing it grow very quickly in Spain.' Some consumer experts that Xiaomi's launch in the UK was a strategic move from the company for after Britain leaves the European Union. One analyst predicts that after Brexit, consumers will be limiting their spending on luxury items and looking to buy more affordable smartphone models. James Smith, from Futuresource Consulting said: 'We may see consumers rein back on discretionary spending, resulting in a falling average sales price moving forward. 'Should the consumer wallet be squeezed... we may see increasing demand for mid-range handsets, a market in which Xiaomi has a very strong offering.' Computers can be transformed into smart speakers with a mere app. Both laptops and PCs operating on Windows 10 can be now enhanced with AI assistant, Alexa, from this week. It comes after the voice-activated product was made available on the Microsoft store for users in the UK, US and Germany. It works through a devices microphone and speakers, instantly making Alexa portable for use both inside and outside the home. Scroll down for video Virtual assistant in an instant: Users in UK, US and Germany can download the voice-activated function without charge after it was made available on the official Microsoft store Some Windows PCs will already be compatible with the program's 'wake word' functionality, meaning people can use it hands-free by simply saying its name - much like separate speakers. But others will need to create a desktop shortcut and manually open it up. Either way, it will allow users to control smart home devices, play music, organise their diary and set personal reminders. It will also tell jokes, provide weather forecasts and offer food recipes. Unfortunately, the Alexa app - which is free - does have limited facilities. For example, it currently won't operate Spotify or Pandora, nor will it host video and telephone calls. However, a number of PC-specific features are expected to be added in early 2019. Compatible: Some Windows PCs will be instantly operate the program's 'wake word' functionality, meaning people can use Alexa hands-free by simply saying its name Limitations: The app does lack some function - for example, it currently won't operate Spotify or Pandora, nor will it host video and telephone calls, but more features are expected in 2019 Windows already has its own virtual assistant, Cortana, but Alexa is more established and well-known. Not least because it was first on the market. 'With Alexa for PC, customers have access to thousands of the same capabilities they already love about Alexa,' Amazon said in a statement. 'Just tap-to-talk to control, ask questions, set timers and alarms, manage your calendar, access tens of thousands of skills, and more.' Salts found in Martian soil could be transformed into breathable air thanks to a bacteria created in the lab by a group of students. Their genetically engineered organism can convert perchlorate - a chemical compound that covers over one per cent of Mars - into oxygen. The did so by placing a solution containing the salt into a bioreactor with the engineered bacteria. It then broke the compound down into its building blocks, chloride and oxygen, the latter of which was then harvested. NASA aims to have humans on Mars by 2030 and, if successful, a colony may be built in the future. Finding a way to produce oxygen on the red planet could help settlers establish a permanent presence. Scroll down for video The petri dish containing the bacteria was used to break the compound down into its building blocks, chloride and oxygen, the latter of which was then harvested The research group from Exeter University behind the project earned a gold medal at the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition in Boston for their creation. The gold medal is Exeter's fifth consecutive gold medal in the iGEM competition, which this year attracted more than 300 teams from around the world. 'It's the culmination of a summer full of new experiences in team work, organisation and discovery in synthetic biology,' said team member Juliana Sackey. 'It was a great ending to our trip to Boston and we'd like to say a big thank you to our supervisors at the university and everyone that helped us along the way. The genetically engineered bacteria, pictured left, was made by the group of students and was able to convert perchlorate - a chemical compound - into oxygen Juliana went onto explain how the group devised the project and the steps they took to complete it. 'Our project was initially inspired in two ways; bioremediation (introducing a bacteria to consume or break down water sources) and space exploration. 'We found a link between the two in perchlorate, an ion found in contaminated water sources on Earth that could potentially help humans breathe on Mars.' Martian topsoil is made up of one per cent perchlorate and - although perchlorate salts are toxic to humans - the team thought it might be possible to reduce perchlorate into chloride and breathable oxygen. The gold medal is Exeter's fifth consecutive gold medal in the iGEM competition, which this year attracted more than 300 teams from around the world They interviewed many experts contributing towards the effort to get to Mars. 'They have been a great team, always open to new ideas,' said principal supervisor, Professor John Love. Professor Love, the team's principal supervisor said that the group met regularly to discuss ideas and interviewed experts during the course of their research. 'The competition was fierce this year, and a few rule changes meant that we had to raise our game,' he said. 'As ever, iGEM is a massive team effort. I am very grateful to those researchers and PhD students who, in addition to their day jobs, helped the students in the lab.' The solution containing the salt was put into a bioreactor with the engineered bacteria which then broke the compound down into chloride and oxygen, the latter of which was harvested Advertisement NASA has spotted a gigantic new iceberg three times the size of Manhattan in Antarctica. Named B-46, it is believed to measure 66 square nautical miles (87 square miles), according to estimates from the U.S. National Ice Center. NASAs Operation IceBridge flight spotted the giant berg, which broke off from Pine Island Glacier in late October. Scroll down for video A close-up view of the rift separating Pine Island Glacier and iceberg B-46, as seen on an Operation IceBridge flight on November 7, 2018 Wednesday's flight plan took the IceBridge team over Pine Island Glacier as part of the long-running campaign to collect year-over-year measurements of sea ice, glaciers, and critical regions of Earth's ice sheets. 'As NASA's DC-8 flew its pre-determined flight pattern, the new iceberg that calved in late October came into view,' the Space Agency said. Ice shelves, floating glacial ice areas that surround much of Antarctica, calve icebergs as part of the natural process of ice flowing out to sea. Slide me Pine Island Glacier in West Antarctica is known for dispensing icebergs into the Amundsen Sea, but the frequency of such events appears to be on the rise. The Operational Land Imager (OLI) on Landsat 8 acquired the left image of the new iceberg on November 7, 2018. For comparison, the second OLI image shows the same area on September 17, 2018, before a rift quickly propagated across the glacier and spawned the bergs. Wednesday's flight plan took the IceBridge team over Pine Island Glacier as part of the long-running campaign to collect year-over-year measurements of sea ice, glaciers, and critical regions of Earth's ice sheets. However, the giant berg may not last long - NASA said 'satellite imagery and the IceBridge flight showed that the main iceberg is already beginning to break up.' Scientists are also watching closely to see if the frequency of calving events is changing over time. The crack that would become B-46 was first noticed in late September 2018 and the iceberg broke away about a month later. But in late 2016, IceBridge saw a crack beginning across the ~ approximately 22 mile-wide trunk of Pine Island Glacier. It took a year for the rift to fully form and the iceberg named B-44 to break away in September 2017. Pine Island has now calved major icebergs in 2013, 2015, 2017, and 2018. Prior to that stretch, the glacier was experiencing major calving events about every six years. Pine Island and nearby Thwaites Glacier alone are contributing about 1 millimeter per decade to global sea level rise, as their flow of ice to the sea has accelerated in recent years, according to NASA research. It comes a day after NASA revealed a strange rectangular iceberg spotted in the Antarctic was 'born' far earlier that thought. New sea ice forms in a rift created when the B-46 iceberg broke off from Pine Island Glacier. The rectangular iceberg was thought to be freshly calved from Larsen C, which in July 2017 released the massive A68 iceberg, a chunk of ice about the size of the state of Delaware. 'The berg was so clean-cut that it was reasonable to assume it might have very recently calved from the Larsen C ice shelf,' NASA said. However, new satellite images reveal it 'has a far more interesting history that thought' and had actually been floating around the sea for four months before it was spotted. THE ANTARCTIC ICE CRISIS Global sea levels are rising three times faster than a quarter of a century ago because of global warming, a study shows. Ice losses from Antarctica have increased sea levels by almost 8mm (1/3 inch) since 1992, with two-fifths of this rise coming in the last five years alone. The finds mean people in coastal communities are at greater risk of losing their homes and becoming so-called climate refugees than previously feared. They are the result of a major climate assessment known as the Ice Sheet Mass Balance Inter-comparison Exercise (Imbie). In one of the most complete pictures of Antarctic ice sheet change to date, an international team of 84 experts combined 24 satellite surveys to yield the results. Study co-leader Professor Andrew Shepherd, of Leeds University, said: 'We have long suspected that changes in Earth's climate will affect the polar ice sheets. Advertisement The image below, tweeted November 9, 2018, by Stef Lhermitte of Delft University of Technology, shows the small, newly calved icebergs. The rectangle icebergwhich was about 4 kilometers long at the time appears just north of a curved berg. WHAT IS A TABULAR ICEBERG? Tabular icebergs split off the edges of ice shelves in the same way a fingernail that grows too long ends up cracking off. This is why they have sharp edges. Advertisement The sharp-angled iceberg that made headlines in late October 2018 had a longer, rougher journey than was initially thought. The iceberg was spotted on October 16, 2018, during a flight for Operation IceBridge -NASA's long-running aerial survey of polar ice. During that day's survey of glaciers and ice shelves along the northern Antarctic Peninsula, scientist Jeremy Harbeck spotted the compelling berg. Not only were the edges of the iceberg extremely straight, but the two corners appeared 'squared off' at right angles. Scientists used images from Landsat 8 and the European Space Agency's Sentinel-1 to trace the berg back to its origins. The original 'monolith'rectangular berg was spotted near the Larsen C ice shelf, and NASA experts believe it the sharp edges are evidence it may have recently broken off the shelf They found that it actually calved from the ice shelf's new front in early November 2017, just a few months after A-68 broke away. The rectangle berg then began a northward journey, navigating the newly open water between the Larsen C ice shelf and Iceberg A-68. Collision threats were everywhere: A-68 could smash into the little bergs at any time, and smaller bergs could collide with each other. THE RECTANGULAR BERG'S INCREDIBLE JOURNEY It calved from the ice shelf's new front in early November 2017, just a few months after A-68 broke away. The rectangle berg then began a northward journey, navigating the newly open water between the Larsen C ice shelf and Iceberg A-68. Collision threats were everywhere: A-68 could smash into the little bergs at any time, and smaller bergs could collide with each other. The berg cruised all the way north and through a narrow passage between the A-68's northern tip and a rocky outcrop near the ice shelf known as Bawden Ice Rise. NASA/UMBC glaciologist Chris Shuman likens this zone to a nutcracker. An area of geometric ice rubble is visible in the Landsat 8 image from October 14, 2018, two days before the IceBridge flight. A-68 has repeatedly smashed against the rise and caused pieces of ice to splinter into clean-cut geometric shapes. The once-long rectangle berg did not make it through unscathed; it broke into smaller bits. The iceberg in Harbecks photograph, circled in the annotated Landsat 8 satellite image, appears closer to the shape of a trapezoid. The trapezoidal berg is about 900 meters wide and 1500 meters long, which is tiny compared to the Delaware-sized A-68. A-68 has repeatedly smashed against the rise and caused pieces of ice to splinter into clean-cut geometric shapes. An area of geometric ice rubble is visible in the Landsat 8 image from October 14, 2018, two days before the IceBridge flight. The once-long rectangle berg did not make it through unscathed; it broke into smaller bits. The iceberg in Harbeck's photograph, circled in the annotated Landsat 8 satellite image, appears closer to the shape of a trapezoid. The trapezoidal berg is about 900 meters wide and 1500 meters long, which is tiny compared to the Delaware-sized A-68. By November 2018 the iceberg had moved out of the rubble zone and into open water. box text Advertisement The berg cruised all the way north and through a narrow passage between the A-68's northern tip and a rocky outcrop near the ice shelf known as Bawden Ice Rise. NASA/UMBC glaciologist Chris Shuman likens this zone to a nutcracker. A-68 has repeatedly smashed against the rise and caused pieces of ice to splinter into clean-cut geometric shapes. An area of geometric ice rubble is visible in the Landsat 8 image from October 14, 2018, two days before the IceBridge flight. The once-long rectangle berg did not make it through unscathed; it broke into smaller bits. The iceberg in Harbeck's photograph, circled in the annotated Landsat 8 satellite image, appears closer to the shape of a trapezoid. The trapezoidal berg is about 900 meters wide and 1500 meters long, which is tiny compared to the Delaware-sized A-68. By November 2018 the iceberg had moved out of the rubble zone and into open water. Shuman said: 'Now it's just another iceberg on its way to die.' A second rectangular berg, known as a 'tabular' iceberg, was spotted off the east coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, near the Larsen C ice shelf and close to the first one. It is part of a large 'field of bergs NASA experts may have recently broken off the shelf, and say the sharp angles and flat surfaces are evidence the break occurred very recently. Just past the original rectangular iceberg, which is visible from behind the outboard engine, IceBridge saw another relatively rectangular berg and the A68 iceberg in the distance. The image was taken during an IceBridge flight an airborne survey of the planet's polar ice that gives a 3D view of the ice that makes up the Arctic and Antarctic, providing vital information on how it changes over time. 'I thought it was pretty interesting; I often see icebergs with relatively straight edges, but I've not really seen one before with two corners at such right angles like this one had,' said IceBridge senior support scientist Jeremy Harbeck. The rectangular iceberg appeared to be freshly calved from Larsen C, which in July 2017 released the massive A68 iceberg, a chunk of ice about the size of the state of Delaware. In a different photo (above), Harbeck captured both the edge of the now-famous iceberg, and a slightly less rectangular iceberg. That image also captures A68 in the distance. 'I was actually more interested in capturing the A68 iceberg that we were about to fly over, but I thought this rectangular iceberg was visually interesting and fairly photogenic, so on a lark, I just took a couple photos,' Harbeck said. The flight originated from Punta Arenas, Chile, as part of a five-week-long IceBridge deployment, which began Oct. 10 and is scheduled to conclude Nov. 18. The scheme is NASA's longest-running aerial survey of polar ice. During the survey, designed to assess changes in the ice height of several glaciers draining into the Larsen A, B and C embayments, IceBridge senior support scientist Jeremy Harbeck spotted a very sharp-angled, tabular iceberg floating among sea ice just off of the Larsen C ice shelf. The strange, angular berg is known as a tabular iceberg. The flight saw a 'field' of large tabular icebergs located between Antarctica's Larsen C ice shelf and the A-68 ice island, which calved off of the Larsen C last year, as seen on a NASA Operation IceBridge mission This panorama of the entire first tabular iceberg was edited together from two images taken while flying past the berg 'A tabular iceberg can be seen on the right, floating among sea ice just off of the Larsen C ice shelf,' the space agency said. 'The iceberg's sharp angles and flat surface indicate that it probably recently calved from the ice shelf.' In an interview with LiveScience, NASA scientist Kelly Brunt said 'tabular icebergs are rather like fingernails that crack of, giving them sharp edges. 'What makes this one a bit unusual is that it looks almost like a square,' she said. She estimated its size to be about a mile wide. Scientists have been closely tracking Larsen C since a massive iceberg broke free, and began to spin. Experts had previously said the giant area, estimated to be about the size of Delaware, was locked into place, saying it 'likely got stuck on the sea bed' 'But now A68 has started to swing northwards,' said Polar oceanographer Mark Brandon recently, who spotted the movement using temperature data collected by the Suomi NPP satellite. The Russian Ministry of Defence has been keen to promote a range of new super weapons currently believed to be in development. President Putin unveiled a catalogue of doomsday weaponry as part of his annual 'State of the Nation' speech in March 2018. However, questions remain about the true nature of their capabilities, how far into development the weapons truly are, and when they will be combat-ready. RS-28 Sarmat ICBM The RS-28 Sarmat is intended to replace the Soviet-designed SS-18 Voyevoda, the world's heaviest ICBM (Intercontinental Ballistic Missile). It is known as 'Satan' in the West and carries 10 nuclear warheads. Sarmat can unleash ten large thermonuclear warheads, 16 smaller ones, or a combination of both, according to the Russian Ministry of Defence. Each warhead is purportedly capable of taking aim at a different target. The hypersonic glide vehicle, dubbed Avangard, launches atop an intercontinental ballistic missile (IBM) before sailing on top of the atmosphere toward its target. Russia tested its latest IBM, the Sarmat missile, for the first time last year (pictured) The (ICBM) weapons can strike targets via both the North and South poles. TV broadcaster Zvezda, which is run by the Russian Ministry of Defence, has previously claimed the missile will be capable of wiping out areas the size of Texas or France. It is also capable of carrying up to 24 of Russia's new Avangard hypersonic glide vehicles, designed to sit atop of an ICBM. Putin says both weapons will be combat-ready in 2020. Avangard Hypersonic Glide Vehicle Russia is also believed to be developing a hypersonic weapon that can breach even the world's most advanced missile defence systems. The Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle purportedly travels at 20 times the speed of sound and can hit targets anywhere in the world within half an hour. The vehicle launches atop an intercontinental ballistic missile, or ICBM, before gliding on top of the atmosphere toward its target. It is loaded with advanced countermeasure systems that allow it to skirt around the latest-generation of missile defence systems, Russia claims. The vehicles are equipped with onboard countermeasure systems capable of dodging even the most advanced missile defence systems. This artist's impression shows how the glider could manoeuvre at high speed to bypass missile defences The gliders are also highly unpredictable thanks to their manoeuvrability, making them almost impossible to track using conventional systems. Each weapon could be loaded with a nuclear warhead, however military experts say the sheer speed of the vehicles means they could do damage even without an explosive payload attached. Putin described his hypersonic arsenal as 'invincible' during a state-of-the-nation address in March 2018. He claimed Avangard strikes 'like a meteorite, like a fireball' and was capable of reaching targets at 20 times the speed of sound. At this speed the weapon could circle the Earth in just over half an hour. Speaking to MailOnline, Neil Gibson, senior weapons analyst for Jane's by IHS Markit, said: 'I think the ability of hypersonic systems to defeat air-defence system is highly exaggerated. 'They have advantages and disadvantages as per any other weapon system. 'The fact is, the vast majority of ballistic missiles are already hypersonic anyway, it's the controlled flight when still hypersonic that we are talking about here. 'If nuclear armed, they just come under 'mutually assured destruction' style posturing. Using them is always possible of course. 'Conventionally-armed versions are more likely to be used, though any confusion with what they carry - nuclear or conventional warhead - could start an exchange of nuclear weapons if it is mistaken for a nuclear attack.' Kinzhal Hypersonic Air Launched Missile Another new missile, the hypersonic Kinzhal, travels at ten times the speed of sound, Putin says. It is currently undergoing tests in southern Russia. The hypersonic Kinzhal missile is launched from a high-altitude MiG-31 fighter jet and can be fitted with either nuclear, or conventional weapons. This still shows the hypersonic Kinzhal, which travels at ten times the speed of sound and is currently undergoing tests in southern Russia It has an effective range of 1,250 miles (2,000 km), although Putin claims its total range is actually 'unlimited'. Russia has already conducted some 350 training missions with the military unit tasked with testing the Kinzhal. Putin claims the new missile would be capable of striking 'anywhere in the world', and that its high speed and manoeuvrability allowed it to pierce any missile defence. However, despite Putin's major promises, the missile has still not been able to stay airborne for more than a few minutes, according to US intelligence sources. The new missile has purportedly been tested four times between November and February and crashed every time. Burevestnik nuclear powered cruise missile The burevestnik, or thunderbird, nuclear propulsion system for Russian cruise missiles aims to give them 'unlimited range and unlimited ability to manoeuvre', according to Sergey Pertsev, a developer. Ministry of Defence officials said in July, 2018, that work on the unlimited-range missile is going according to plan. Footage purported to show the missile in action, although it is unclear whether it was being powered by nuclear or conventional fuel. The 'Burevestnik' nuclear propulsion system for Russian cruise missiles, pictured, is said to have 'unlimited range and unlimited ability to manoeuvre' 'Launching systems are also being designed, while technological processes to manufacture, assemble and test the missile are being improved,' an official said at the time. However, experts have criticised the missile, including Jeffrey Lewis, a nuclear expert at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey. He told Vice's Motherboard: 'The nuclear-powered cruise missile is newand bats**t crazy.' Poseidon Drone Submarine The Poseidon drone submarine is a sister project to burevestnik. It is essentially a giant, nuclear-capable torpedo capable of carrying a two megaton nuclear warhead capable of obliterating military ports. The Kremlin's Poseidon torpedo sub is designed to destroy 'enemy navy bases' and will be able to travel up to 70 knots (80 miles per hour), it claims. Russian state news agency TASS says it has not been able to confirm details of the weapon. The Poseidon drone submarine - with a miniature nuclear propulsion system - is shown undergoing a static test However, it quoted a military source as saying: 'It will be possible to mount various nuclear charges on the 'torpedo' of the Poseidon multipurpose seaborne system, with the thermonuclear single warhead similar to the Avangard charge to have the maximum capacity of up to two megatonnes in TNT equivalent.' With its nuke, the weapon 'is primarily designed to destroy reinforced naval bases of a potential enemy,' the report added. Peresvet Combat Laser System Named after a medieval warrior monk, very little is known about this system. Many believe Peresvet is a jamming system carried on the back of military lorries, which can be used to 'blind' optical electronic equipment inside enemy vehicles using a laser beam. According to ex-Russian Deputy Defense Minister Yuri Borisov the 'combat laser systems' that Putin addressed in his State of the Nation speech back in March had already been delivered to the nation's armed forces last year. Many believe Peresvet is a jamming system carried on the back of military lorries (pictured), which can be used to 'blind' optical electronic equipment inside enemy vehicles using a laser beam Once found only in works of fiction, Mr Borisov said such devices were now a very real and necessary tool of modern warfare. 'We can talk a lot about laser weapons and movies were made about them a long time ago and fantastic books have been written, and everyone knows about this,' Mr Borisov said in comments translated by the state-run Tass Russian News Agency. But the fact that these systems have started entering service is indeed today's reality.' Picts that lived in the ancient Scottish highlands developed their first written language thanks to the Romans, according to new research. Symbols inscribed in ancient rocks prove that the early highlanders started carving as a primitive form of written language after contact with the Romans. A Pictish stone was dragged up from the Aberdeen seas earlier this year by fishermen with geometric markings, believed to be one of the earliest examples of this emerging language. Scroll down for video A Pictish stone was dragged up from the Aberdeen seas earlier this year by fishermen with geometric markings, believed to be one of the earliest examples of this emerging language (stock) Romans and Picts occupied the British Isles at the same period of time and the first mention of the tribes comes from the year 297 AD. However, there is no surviving written evidence from the picts themselves. All that remains now is a series of 200 stone slabs adorned with a variety of symbols depicting eagles, bulls and fish did survive. Thirty different symbols appear regularly and are almost always found in pairs. According to research from the University of Aberdeen published in the journal Antiquity, this is a naming system created by the picts. Experts are yet to reach an agreement on the meaning of the obscure symbols but there is a developing school of thought that is was a form of non-alphabetic script - similar to Egyptian hieroglyphs. To date the carving of the stones, Gordon Noble at the University of Aberdeen and his colleagues found and dated organic material from an ancient fort called Dunnicaer. It is believed this was once the epicentre of Pictish power and features some of the unique symbol stones. Engraving of a pict warrior. The Picts were a group of wild savages who lived in eastern and northern Scotland from around 270-900AD WHO WERE THE PICTS? The Picts were a collection of tribes lived in what is today eastern and northern Scotland during the Late Iron Age and early Medeival periods from around 270-900AD. They formed a tribal confederation whose political motivations derived from a need to ally against common enemies such as the Britons and the Romans. They have long been seen as fearless savages who fought off Rome's toughest legions and refused to surrender their freedoms to live in conventional society. However, this wild reputation might well be undeserved. They actually built a sophisticated culture in northern Scotland and were more advanced than their Anglo-Saxon rivals in many respects. Mel Gibson's blue face paint in Braveheart (pictured) is a nod to the Pictish tradition of body-paint As a people, research has shown they were sophisticated, hard-working and skilled in many ways. We are increasingly finding that these 'lost' peoples - who have somewhat disappeared from history - were capable of great art and built beautiful monasteries. The Roman name for the people - Picti - means 'painted people'. It's not known what they called themselves. Mel Gibson's blue face paint in Braveheart is a nod to the Pictish tradition of body-paint - but the real Picts fought stark naked, and there are records of them doing so up until the 5th Century. The habit of fighting naked, especially in the cold Scottish climate, didn't harm the tribe's reputation for ferocity. Picts held the territory north of the Firth of Forth in Scotland - and were one of the reasons even heavily armoured Roman legions could not conquer Scotland. The Picts mysteriously disappear from written history around 900AD. Experts suggest that they likely merged with southern Scots, who already had a written history by that time, and the two clans' histories combined. Advertisement This analysis revealed the wall was built between the 3rd and 4th century AD, several hundred years before scholars estimated the symbol system was in use. 'Where did the Picts learn about written scripts? The obvious connection is the Roman Empire,' says Dr Noble, the New Scientist reports. Researchers believe that once picts saw the Latin script from the Roman army, they decided to develop their own form of nomenclature. Karen Milek at Durham University, UK, thinks the argument is compelling. 'The dating evidence and contextual analysis of Pictish symbols significantly enhance our understanding of Pictish symbols, their origins, uses, and meanings,' she told New Scientist. His mission to create high-speed broadband from space is well-documented. But, for the very first time, a simulated video had predicted how Elon Musk's Starlink project will look when it's fully-realised. Professor Mark Handley from University College London has devised a detailed clip of how the SpaceX project will probably operate in the solar system. The seven-minute footage, which will be presented at a conference next week, shows 32 different orbital planes with 50 satellites rotating on each. Detailed: Professor Mark Handley from University College London has devised a detailed clip of how the SpaceX project will probably operate in the solar system It illustrates the most likely way they'll be be positioned - and how they'll interact with one another to avoid collisions. Mr Handley based his visualisation on information from Musk's public documents to the US Federal Communications Commission, who previously approved the project. As a result, he believes it's a realistic projection of the tech plan - even though SpaceX filed slightly changed proposals with the FCC on Thursday. 'I wanted to understand what it might mean for the future of the Internet, and whether it would work well enough to pay for itself,' Mr Handley told MailOnline. 'To do this, I wrote a computer simulation based one what is in public filings, and filled in the rest from basic physics and my knowledge of networking. If they can build it, and I think they probably can, then it promises to revolutionize the Internet, giving good connectivity anywhere on Earth.' Visualisation: The seven-minute footage, which will be presented at a conference next week, shows 32 different orbital planes with 50 satellites rotating on each Realistic: Mr Handley based his visualisation on information from Musk's public documents to the US Federal Communications Commission, who previously approved the project The video also suggests there'll be a density of satellites over London, Paris, New York and Frankfurt at latitudes between 47 and 52 degrees. This, Mr Handley adds, is because it's likely to serve financiers foremost. 'The real question though is who will pay for it? What the simulations show is that this network can signicantly cut the communications delay for long distance traffic,' he said. 'That's nice for video conferencing and gaming, but it's crucial for the finance industry. In that business, if you know something a few milliseconds before anyone else, you can make money. 'So I think that this network will be paid for by the finance industry, who probably won't have a choice whether to use it - if they don't, they'll lose money to the companies that do. And on the back of that, it will suddenly become cost effective to do things like putting solar powered cell towers that connect via Starlink in the middle of remote parts of Africa, enabling them to gain access to information the rest of us take for granted.' Expensive ambitions: The SpaceX project, which Musk previously said would cost at least $10 billion (8.03 billion), was first announced in January 2015 and launched satellites in February Each satellite in SpaceX's planned group will weigh about 850 lbs (386 kg). They will orbit at altitudes ranging from 715 miles (1,150 km) to 790 miles (1,275 km). From this height each satellite will be able to cover an area on the ground about around 1,300 miles (2,120 km) wide. The project, which Musk previously said would cost at least $10 billion (8.03 billion), was first announced in January 2015. 'If one made a research grant application to work on time travel it would be dismissed immediately,' writes the physicist Stephen Hawking in his posthumous book Brief Answers to the Big Questions. He was right. But he was also right that asking whether time travel is possible is a 'very serious question' that can still be approached scientifically. Arguing that our current understanding cannot rule it out, Hawking, it seems, was cautiously optimistic. So where does this leave us? We cannot build a time machine today, but could we in the future? Scroll down for video The late theoretical physicists Stephen Hawking was 'cautiously optimistic' on the subject of time travel, the researcher explains Let's start with our everyday experience. We take for granted the ability to call our friends and family wherever they are in the world to find out what they are up to right now. But this is something we can never actually know. The signals carrying their voices and images travel incomprehensibly fast, but it still takes a finite time for those signals to reach us. Our inability to access the 'now' of someone far away is at the heart of Albert Einstein's theories of space and time. Light speed Einstein told us that space and time are parts of one thing spacetime and that we should be as willing to think about distances in time as we are distances in space. As odd as this might sound, we happily answer 'about two and half hours', when someone asks how far Birmingham is from London. What we mean is that the journey takes that long at an average speed of 50 miles per hour. Mathematically, our statement is equivalent to saying that Birmingham is about 125 miles from London. As physicists Brian Cox and Jeff Forshaw write in their book Why does E=mc?, time and distance 'can be interchanged using something that has the currency of a speed'. Einstein's intellectual leap was to suppose that the exchange rate from a time to a distance in spacetime is universal and it is the speed of light. The speed of light is the fastest any signal can travel, putting a fundamental limit on how soon we can know what is going on elsewhere in the universe. This gives us 'causality' the law that effects must always come after their causes. It is a serious theoretical thorn in the side of time-travelling protagonists. For me to travel back in time and set in motion events that prevent my birth is to put the effect (me) before the cause (my birth). Now, if the speed of light is universal, we must measure it to be the same 299,792,458 metres per second in vacuum however fast we ourselves are moving. Einstein realised that the consequence of the speed of light being absolute is that space and time itself cannot be. And it turns out that moving clocks must tick slower than stationary ones. Einstein also told us that the force of gravity is a consequence of the way mass warps space and time. The more mass we squeeze into a region of space, the more spacetime is warped and the slower nearby clocks tick. File photo The faster you move, the slower your clock ticks relative to ones you are moving past. The word 'relative' is key: time will seem to pass normally to you. To everyone standing still, however, you will be in slow motion. If you were to move at the speed of light, you would appear frozen in time as far as you were concerned, everyone else would be in fast forward. So what if we were to travel faster than light, would time run backwards as science fiction has taught us? Unfortunately, it takes infinite energy to accelerate a human being to the speed of light, let alone beyond it. But even if we could, time wouldn't simply run backwards. Instead, it would no longer make sense to talk about forward and backward at all. The law of causality would be violated and the concept of cause and effect would lose its meaning. Wormholes Einstein also told us that the force of gravity is a consequence of the way mass warps space and time. The more mass we squeeze into a region of space, the more spacetime is warped and the slower nearby clocks tick. If we squeeze in enough mass, spacetime becomes so warped that even light cannot escape its gravitational pull and a black hole is formed. And if you were to approach the edge of the black hole its event horizon your clock would tick infinitely slowly relative to those far away from it. So could we warp spacetime in just the right way to close it back on itself and travel back in time? The answer is maybe, and the warping we need is a traversable wormhole. But we also need to produce regions of negative energy density to stabilise it, and the classical physics of the 19th century prevents this. FROM THE BIG BANG TO BLACK HOLES: HOW STEPHEN HAWKING HELPED EXPLAIN THE UNIVERSE'S BIGGEST MYSTERIES Stephen Hawking probed the very limits of human understanding both in the vastness of space and in the bizarre sub-molecular world of quantum theory. As well as numerous best-selling books, Hawking also published several important scientific papers during an illustrious research career. Through his groundbreaking theories, the legendary physicist examined the origins of the universe and helped explain the behaviour of black holes. Stephen Hawking, who sought to explain some of the most complicated questions of life while working under the shadow of a likely premature death, has died at 76 1970 Space-time in black holes One of Hawking's first key ideas was how space and time react within the brutal confines of black holes. Black holes are regions of space with a gravitational field so intense that no matter or radiation can escape. The objects are so powerful they bend time and space in bizarre ways, and in 1970 Hawking showed how black holes alter 'space-time'. 'Space-time' is a theory used by physicists to describe the fusion of 3D space and time into a four-dimensional continuum. Up until the '70s physicists had known Einstein's theory allowed for 'singularities' - points where space-time appeared to be infinitely curved. But it was unclear whether or not these singularities actually existed. Birkbeck College physicist Sir Roger Penrose showed that singularities do exist as they can form in black holes. Alongside Sir Penrose, Hawking applied the same idea to the universe in its entirety in 1970. They showed that Einstein's theory predicted a singularity in our distant past: The Big Bang. 1971-72 Black hole mechanics Black holes are regions of space with a gravitational field so intense that no matter or radiation can escape. Their field is so intense that they form their own set of physical laws unlike anything else in the universe. Hawking devised the second law of black holes, which states that the total surface area of a black hole will never get smaller. In separate work, Hawking sparked the 'no hair' theorem of black holes. This states that black holes can be characterised by three numbers their mass, charge and angular momentum. The 'hair' in Hawking's idea is other information that disappears when it falls into the black hole. 1974-75 How black holes vanish Hawking showed that black holes emit heat and eventually vanish in an extremely slow process. While a black hole with the mass of the sun would take longer than the age of our universe to evaporate, smaller ones disappear faster. Near the end of their lives they release heat at a dramatic rate, with an average-sized black hole releasing the energy of a million hydrogen bombs in just a tenth of a second. Hawking's drew on 'quantum theory' for the finding - the branch of physics concerned with how the universe works at the subatomic level. Through his groundbreaking theories, the legendary physicist helped explain the behaviour of black holes (artist's impression) and examined the origins of the universe 1982 How galaxies arise Many physicists believe the universe inflated rapidly shortly after the Big Bang. Hawking was one of the first to show how galaxies may have formed during this explosion of time and space. He found that quantum fluctuations - tiny variations in the distribution of matter - grew into the galaxies that dot the cosmos today. This is because strong gravitational forces made matter clump together. Hawking's theory is supported by recent observations of the faint afterglow of the Big Bang, which spotted the sort of variations Hawking worked with. 1983 How the universe began Hawking is best known for his attempts to combine two key theories of physics: Quantum theory and Einstein's general relativity. While quantum theory covers how tiny subatomic particles stitch together the fabric of our universe, general relativity deals with larger objects. It describes how galaxies, stars, black holes, planets and more interact with one another via gravitational forces. Much of Hawking;s work focussed on combining quantum theory and general relativity with Einstein's theory of gravity. He suggested that this new theory, known as quantum gravity, could fill in many of the gaps of our current understanding of physics and the universe. In 1983 the physicist partnered with Chicago University's Professor Jim Hartle to propose a 'wave function of the universe'. Known as the Hartle-Hawking state, this notion is meant to figure out how the universe began through quantum mechanics. In theory, this could be used to understand the properties of the universe around us. 1988 A brief history of time Hawking's bestselling book A Brief History of Time has sold more than ten million copies since it was published in 1988. The book, which described the structure, origin, development and eventual fate of the universe, was a surprise success for the relatively unknown physicist, staying in the Sunday Times bestseller list for 237 weeks. Hawking wrote the book for readers with no knowledge of any scientific theories. The physicist joked himself that many who owned the book struggled to understand its complexity and never finished it. The book ultimately propelled Hawking to stardom, with the physicist publishing or co-publishing 15 books in total and writing or starring in multiple scientific documentaries, television shows, films and more. What happened before the Big Bang? At the time of the Big Bang 13.8 billion years ago, all matter in the universe erupted from a singularity to create the cosmos. But scientists are unsure what happened before then. In a recent TV interview, Hawking said 'nothing was around before the Big Bang'. Instead, time and space existed in a 'bent state' that was distorted along another dimension. The physicist believes the Big Bang was the formation of what we now regard as time because the event broke down the laws of physics. This means that anything that preceded it cannot be applied to our understanding of time and existence. By Harry Pettit, science and technology reporter Advertisement The modern theory of quantum mechanics, however, might not. According to quantum mechanics, empty space is not empty. Instead, it is filled with pairs of particles that pop in and out of existence. If we can make a region where fewer pairs are allowed to pop in and out than everywhere else, then this region will have negative energy density. However, finding a consistent theory that combines quantum mechanics with Einstein's theory of gravity remains one of the biggest challenges in theoretical physics. One candidate, string theory (more precisely M-theory) may offer up another possibility. M-theory requires spacetime to have 11 dimensions: the one of time and three of space that we move in and seven more, curled up invisibly small. Could we use these extra spatial dimensions to shortcut space and time? Hawking, at least, was hopeful. Saving history So is time travel really a possibility? Our current understanding can't rule it out, but the answer is probably no. Einstein's theories fail to describe the structure of spacetime at incredibly small scales. And while the laws of nature can often be completely at odds with our everyday experience, they are always self-consistent leaving little room for the paradoxes that abound when we mess with cause and effect in science fiction's take on time travel. 'If one made a research grant application to work on time travel it would be dismissed immediately,' writes Hawking in his book. But he was also right that asking whether time travel is possible is a 'very serious question' that can be approached scientifically WHAT DOES PROFESSOR STEPHEN HAWKING THINK HAPPENED BEFORE THE BIG BANG? Professor Stephen Hawking believed that before the Big Bang 3.7 billion years ago, time and space as we know it did not exist. In the past, the esteemed theoretical physicist predicted that as the universe goes back in time, it shrinks and closes off like a sphere. His latest paper, however - submitted just weeks before his death - adds new constraints to the history of the universe that challenge his previous theories. According to earlier 'no boundaries' theory, the universe was shrunk and condensed to an incredibly dense ball of heat and energy the size of a single atom. Inside this speck, the laws of physics and time as we know them cease to function, and time as we understand it did not exist. If we move back in time from the Big Bang, the 'arrow' of time shrinks infinitely as the universe becomes smaller, never reaching a clear starting point. Professor Stephen Hawking believes that before the Big Bang 3.7 billion years ago, time and space as we know it did not exist Hawking said in a recent interview that before the Big Bang, time was bent - 'It was always reaching closer to nothing but didn't become nothing.' Essentially, 'there was never a Big Bang that produced something from nothing. It just seemed that way from mankind's point of perspective.' In a lecture on the so-called no-boundary proposal, Hawking wrote: 'Events before the Big Bang are simply not defined, because there's no way one could measure what happened at them. Since events before the Big Bang have no observational consequences, one may as well cut them out of the theory, and say that time began at the Big Bang.' But, his new work, published posthumously, challenges this earlier no boundary theory.' Borrowing points from the string theory the concept that the universe is a complex hologram Hawking and colleague Thomas Hertog argue that our universe and other pocket universes are not the infinite structures some have proposed. Instead, Hawking says the universe is reasonably smooth and globally finite, setting new boundaries in cosmological history that could ultimately allow the theory to be tested. Now were saying that there is a boundary in our past, Hertog added. Advertisement Despite his playful optimism, Hawking recognised that the undiscovered laws of physics that will one day supersede Einstein's may conspire to prevent large objects like you and I from hopping casually (not causally) back and forth through time. We call this legacy his 'chronology protection conjecture'. Whether or not the future has time machines in store, we can comfort ourselves with the knowledge that when we climb a mountain or speed along in our cars, we change how time ticks. So, this 'pretend to be a time traveller day' (December 8), remember that you already are, just not in the way you might hope. NASA astronaut Anne McClain has said she has 'no qualms' about riding a Russian rocket next month despite back-to-back mishaps with the aging craft. She said Friday that spaceflight is never 100 percent safe and it's coincidental the last two Soyuz missions to the International Space Station encountered trouble. Last month, astronauts had to make an emergency landing following a failed launch. A month earlier, a space station air leak was traced to a hole mysteriously drilled into a docked Soyuz capsule. Scroll down for video In this image from video made available by NASA, U.S. astronaut Anne McClain speaks during an interview in Star City, Russia on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018. She is set to blast off Dec. 3 on her first spaceflight, with a Russian and Canadian. McClain is set to blast off Dec. 3 on her first spaceflight, with a Russian and Canadian. She says her family is used to her risky work, given her Army combat-flying experience. She says she wants to teach her young son and other children that sacrifice is necessary for achieving dreams. Russia's space agency has revealed new video footage of the Soyuz rocket failute that forced astonauts to abandon their mission to the International Space Station 50 miles above Earth. It shows one of the rockets four boosters failing to release properly, causing the terrifying spin. Usually, the four boosters fall away perfectly symmetrically, creating a visual phenomenon sometimes referred to as a 'Korolev Cross,' after a Soviet rocket engineer. Russian investigators say that the rocket itself was sound - and a sensor that sent the signal to jettison the rocket was to blame. The Soyuz-FG rocket carrying a NASA astronaut and a Roscosmos cosmonaut failed two minutes into the Oct. 11 flight, sending their emergency capsule into a sharp fall back to Earth. They landed safely on a steppe in Kazakhstan, but the aborted mission dealt another blow to the troubled Russian space program that serves as the only way to deliver astronauts to the orbiting outpost. Roscosmos' executive director Sergei Krikalyov said Wednesday the probe found that a malfunction of a sensor which signals the jettisoning one of the rocket's four side boosters caused the booster to collide with the second stage of the rocket, but didn't explain why it didn't work. (L-R) Roscosmos' Deputy Director General for rockets production, operation of ground-based infrastructure and quality control, Alexander Lopatin, acting TSNIIMASH head Nikolai Sevastyanov, Head of the Roscosmos commission investigating the Soyuz rocket accident on 11 October 2018, Oleg Skorobogatov and RSC (Rocket and Space Corporation) Energia head Sergei Romanov take part in a news conference on causes of Soyuz rocket accident which took place on October 11 Oleg Skorobogatov, who led the probe into the accident, told reporters Thursday that the investigation found that the sensor was damaged during the final assembly at the launch pad in Kazakhstan. Russian rockets are manufactured in Russia and then transported by rail to the Russia-leased Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Skorobogatov said officials are now taking steps, including putting all assembly staff through competence tests and additional training, to make sure such malfunctions don't happen again. The rocket producer will also take apart two other rockets that have been recently assembled and are due to launch in the coming weeks and then re-assemble them, Skorobogatov said. Roscosmos officials on Wednesday met with their counterparts from NASA to give them a full briefing on the malfunction, Roscosmos director general Dmitry Rogozin said Thursday. FILE - In this Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018 file photo, the Soyuz-FG rocket booster with Soyuz MS-10 space ship carrying a new crew to the International Space Station, ISS, flies in the sky at the Russian leased Baikonur cosmodrome, Kazakhstan. Russia's space agency says an investigation has found that a rocket carrying a crew to the International Space Station failed recently because of a technical malfunction of a sensor. Russian space officials plan to conduct one more unmanned Soyuz launch from Russia and one abroad before launching a crew to the space station. Krikalyov said they hope to send the new crew to the orbiting lab on Dec. 3. That would also mean that the current crew will have to stay there for at least an extra week or two to ensure a smooth carry-over. Sergei Krikalyov, a senior Roscosmos official, was quoted by state news agency TASS as saying the next manned launch had been planned for mid-December, but that Russia was trying to bring the date forward so that the ISS is not briefly left without a crew. The three-person crew may return home on Dec. 20, he was quoted as saying. 'The industry is making significant efforts to move the launch to Dec. 3 so that the station does not switch to autopilot mode, and landing is expected around Dec. 20,' he said. The Soyuz MS-10 spacecraft carrying the crew of astronaut Nick Hague of the U.S. and cosmonaut Alexey Ovchinin of Russia blasts off to the International Space Station (ISS) from the launchpad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan October 11, 2018 seconds before the mission was aborted My visit to China was successful: Imran Khan ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan claimed on Thursday that his maiden visit to China was successful and Pakistan would reap its benefits in the days to come. Apprising the federal cabinet of his recent visit to China, the prime minister said Pakistan and China had never signed such pacts which were done during his official visit. The visit to China was more successful than expected as the host country has assured Pakistan of every kind of assistance, he added. The cabinet also took some other important decisions, including formation of a new board of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), publication of sixth tax directories of common taxpayers and parliamentarians by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), top appointments, protective custody of several individuals and approval of treaties for exchange of prisoners with the United Kingdom and Ireland. The prime minister said that for the first time in the history of Pakistan-China relationship, Beijing assured Islamabad of its full support in the agriculture sector. Briefing media on the cabinet meeting, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry termed the prime ministers visit to China very successful. We have no example of such a successful visit of the prime minister to China. He said details of the agreements signed between Pakistan and China would come to the fore in the next few days. The information minister said that following the visit of the prime minister, the issue of the balance of payments had been settled, adding that the countrys economic crunch would be no more as talks with the International Monetary Fund were under way. He lamented that the media had run a false story that Aasia Bibi had flown out of Pakistan after her release form jail. These misleading reports could have caused bloodshed in the country, he regretted. During the cabinet meeting, the prime minister approved a summary empowering the FBR to issue sixth directories of common taxpayers and parliamentarians. The cabinet also approved appointment of Rizwan Memon as chairman of the Trading Corporation of Pakistan. On the recommendations of the interior ministry, the cabinet gave its approval for taking several individuals into protective custody. A number of international agreements were also approved, including treaties for exchange of prisoners with England and Ireland. The cabinet approved formation of a new SECP board headed by Khalid Mirza. The information minister said the cabinet had approved formation of a task force for restructuring the Evacuee Trust Property Board. The task force will be headed by former State Bank governor Dr Ishrat Hussain. He said the cabinet approved issuance of licence to Liberty Air Limited for launching a new airline. The cabinet approved the appointment of senior bureaucrat Ahmed Nawaz Sukhera as secretary of the Board of Investment. Advertisement Scientists are narrowing in on the landing site for the upcoming mission that could finally find out if life ever existed on Mars. The team behind the mission has recommended a spot called Oxia Planum, where its thought a large body of water sat billions of years ago. ESA and Roscosmos will review the proposal before officially confirming the ExoMars landing site in mid-2019, ahead of the 2020 launch. Scroll down for video According to ESA, Oxia Planum sits on the boundary of an ancient body of water that numerous channels once drained into. As a result, it is home to layers of clay-rich minerals. A texture map of Oxia Planum is shown above Researchers have been looking into two candidate sites Oxia Planum and Mawrth Vallis for the ESA-Roscosmos ExoMars rover. Both sites are rich with evidence of Mars watery past, and sit north of the equator. With ExoMars we are on a quest to find biosignatures, says ESAs ExoMars 2020 project scientist Jorge Vago. While both sites offer valuable scientific opportunities to explore ancient water-rich environments that could have been colonized by microorganisms, Oxia Planum received the majority of votes. An impressive amount of work has gone into characterizing the proposed sites, demonstrating that they meet the scientific requirements for the goals of the ExoMars mission. Mawrth Vallis is a scientifically interesting sites that have been identified from orbit. Researchers have been looking into two candidate sites Oxia Planum and Mawrth Vallis for the ESA-Roscosmos ExoMars rover. Both sites are rich with evidence of Mars watery past, and sit north of the equator The team behind the mission has recommended a spot called Oxia Planum (close-up pictured), where its thought a large body of water sat billions of years ago. ESA and Roscosmos will review the proposal before officially confirming the ExoMars landing site in mid-2019, ahead of the 2020 launch The ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter has already begun work searching for signs of biological activity in Mars atmosphere. Researchers met at the National Space Center in Leister, UK for a two-day meeting to discuss the candidate sites. According to ESA, Oxia Planum sits on the boundary of an ancient body of water that numerous channels once drained into. As a result, it is home to layers of clay-rich minerals. The mission is scheduled to launch between July 25 and August 13 of 2020 atop a Proton-M rocket for a long journey to Mars. The ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter has already begun work searching for signs of biological activity in Mars atmosphere. After the summer 2020 launch, the rover is expected to land on the red planet in March 2021 With ExoMars we are on a quest to find biosignatures, says ESAs ExoMars 2020 project scientist Jorge Vago. While both sites offer valuable scientific opportunities to explore ancient water-rich environments that could have been colonized by microorganisms, Oxia Planum received the majority of votes' It will arrive at the red planet in March 2021. Rover laboratory is pictured inside test chamber The Mars rover is now well into tests ahead of its mission to verify all of its instruments and its ability to take on different types of terrain. On the red planet, the ExoMars rover will relay the data it collects back to Earth through the Trace Gas Orbiter. Our ExoMars mission combines extreme performance with the novel design features of the rover, and we are looking forward to operating the first European mission on the surface of Mars, says Francois Spoto, ExoMars Programme team leader. Landing on Mars has a long chain of risks, but thanks to the combined skills and expertise of European and Russian industries working with reliable technologies, we are focused on a safe landing. Advertisement NASA has revealed a stunning new image of swirling 'oil painting' storms on Jupiter. It shows storms in Jupiter's dynamic North North Temperate Belt captured by NASA's Juno spacecraft. 'Appearing in the scene are several bright-white 'pop-up' clouds as well as an anticyclonic storm, known as a white oval,' NASA said. Scroll down for video This color-enhanced image was taken at 1:58 p.m. PDT on Oct. 29, 2018 (4:58 p.m. EDT) as the spacecraft performed its 16th close flyby of Jupiter. At the time, Juno was about 4,400 miles (7,000 kilometers) from the planet's cloud tops, at a latitude of approximately 40 degrees north. WHAT IS A WHITE OVAL? White ovals area large scale storm that is prevalent in Jupiter. White ovals can change their shape, migrate through the atmosphere, jostle each other for position, and even eventually merge with each other.Despite all of this, white ovals have been known to survive for 40 years or more in Jupiter's atmosphere - and can grow as large as Earth. Advertisement 'A multitude of magnificent, swirling clouds in Jupiter's dynamic North North Temperate Belt are captured.' It captures the intensity of the jets and vortices in Jupiter's North North Temperate Belt. The clouds are likely made of ammonia-ice crystals, or possibly a combination of ammonia ice and water. Although the region as a whole appears chaotic, there is an alternating pattern of rotating, lighter-colored features on the zone's north and south sides. Scientists think the large-scale dark regions are places where the clouds are deeper, based on infrared observations made at the same time by Juno's JIRAM experiment and Earth-based supporting observations. This color-enhanced image was taken at 1:58 p.m. PDT on Oct. 29, 2018 (4:58 p.m. EDT) as the spacecraft performed its 16th close flyby of Jupiter. At the time, Juno was about 4,400 miles (7,000 kilometers) from the planet's cloud tops, at a latitude of approximately 40 degrees north. Citizen scientists Gerald Eichstadt and Sean Doran created this image using data from the spacecraft's JunoCam imager The image, captured in the final minutes of a recent close flyby of Jupiter, NASA's Juno spacecraft captured a departing view of the planet's swirling southern hemisphere. At the time, Juno was about 55,600 miles (89,500 kilometers) from the planet's cloud tops, above a southern latitude of approximately 75 degrees. NASA's Juno probe previously revealed a stunning 'rear view mirror' view of Jupiter. The image, captured in the final minutes of a recent close flyby of Jupiter, gives a view of the planet's swirling southern hemisphere. It shows the giant storms and vast vortices that engulf the planet from a new perspective. 'The color-enhanced image was taken at 7:13 p.m. PDT on Sept. 6, 2018 (10:13 p.m. EDT) as the spacecraft performed its 15th close flyby of Jupiter,' NASA said. At the time, Juno was about 55,600 miles (89,500 kilometers) from the planet's cloud tops, above a southern latitude of approximately 75 degrees. Citizen scientist Gerald Eichstadt created this image using data from the spacecraft's JunoCam imager. Previous images have largely concentrated on storms within Jupiter's northern hemisphere. Earlier this year NASA approved an update to Juno's science operations, keeping them running until July 2021. NASA's Juno spacecraft took this color-enhanced image at 10:23 p.m. PDT on May 23, 2018 (1:23 a.m. EDT on May 24), as the spacecraft performed its 13th close flyby of Jupiter. At the time, Juno was about 9,600 miles (15,500 kilometers) from the planet's cloud tops, above a northern latitude of 56 degrees. The region seen here is somewhat chaotic and turbulent, given the various swirling cloud formations, NASA said. 'This provides for an additional 41 months in orbit around Jupiter and will enable Juno to achieve its primary science objectives,' NASA says. Juno is in 53-day orbits rather than 14-day orbits as initially planned because of a concern about valves on the spacecraft's fuel system. This longer orbit means that it will take more time to collect the needed science data. An independent panel of experts confirmed in April that Juno is on track to achieve its science objectives and is already returning spectacular results. The Juno spacecraft and all instruments are healthy and operating nominally. NASA has now funded Juno through FY 2022. The end of prime operations is now expected in July 2021, with data analysis and mission close-out activities continuing into 2022. The color-enhanced image was taken at 11:31 p.m. PDT on May 23, 2018 (2:31 a.m. EDT on May 24), as the spacecraft performed its 13th close flyby of Jupiter. At the time, Juno was about 44,300 miles (71,400 kilometers) from the planet's cloud tops, above a southern latitude of 71 degrees NASA has released another stunning images of swirling storms on Jupiter. The latest image from the Juno probe shows gigantic storms raging across the southern hemisphere of the planet. It reveals the vast storms and swirling vortices cover the entire planet. 'The latest image of Jupiter's southern hemisphere was captured by NASA's Juno spacecraft on the outbound leg of a close flyby of the gas-giant planet,' NASA said. How NASA's Juno probe to Jupiter will reveal the secrets of the solar system's biggest planet The Juno probe reached Jupiter in 2016 after a five-year, 1.8 billion-mile journey from Earth The Juno probe reached Jupiter on July 4, 2016, after a five-year, 1.8 billion-mile (2.8bn km) journey from Earth. Following a successful braking manoeuvre, it entered into a long polar orbit flying to within 3,100 miles (5,000 km) of the planet's swirling cloud tops. The probe skimmed to within just 2,600 miles (4,200 km) of the planet's clouds once a fortnight - too close to provide global coverage in a single image. No previous spacecraft has orbited so close to Jupiter, although two others have been sent plunging to their destruction through its atmosphere. To complete its risky mission Juno survived a circuit-frying radiation storm generated by Jupiter's powerful magnetic field. The maelstrom of high energy particles travelling at nearly the speed of light is the harshest radiation environment in the Solar System. To cope with the conditions, the spacecraft was protected with special radiation-hardened wiring and sensor shielding. Its all-important 'brain' - the spacecraft's flight computer - was housed in an armoured vault made of titanium and weighing almost 400 pounds (172kg). The craft is expected to study the composition of the planet's atmosphere until 2025. Advertisement A bright oval at bottom center stands out in the scene. This feature appears uniformly white in ground-based telescope observations, astronomers said. 'However, with JunoCam we can observe the fine-scale structure within this weather system, including additional structures within it. 'There is not significant motion apparent in the interior of this feature; like the Great Red Spot, its winds probably slows down greatly toward the center.' Citizen scientists Gerald Eichstadt and Sean Doran created this image using data from the spacecraft's JunoCam imager. Jupiter's storms up close: The view is oriented with south on Jupiter toward upper left and north toward lower right. The North North Temperate Belt is the prominent reddish-orange band left of center. At the time, the Juno spacecraft was about 4,900 miles (7,900 kilometers) from the tops of the clouds of the gas giant planet at a northern latitude of about 41 degrees. Those observations show warmer, and thus deeper, thermal emission from these regions. To the right of the bright zone, and farther north on the planet, Jupiter's striking banded structure becomes less evident and a region of individual cyclones can be seen, interspersed with smaller, darker anticyclones. Citizen scientist Kevin M. Gill created this image using data from the spacecraft's JunoCam imager. Most images tend to focus on Jupiter's Great Red Spot. Once big enough to swallow three Earths, Jupiter's 'Great Red Spot' is shrivelling at a rate of 140 miles (230km) per year, driving its cloud tops upwards, according to a recent NASA study. Advertisement Americas civilian air industry in the 1920s was, to all intents and purposes, non-existent. When Los Angeles Airport (LAX) opened on October 1, 1928, it was just like all the other U.S airports - a field. LAX historian Ethel Pattison described it as a dirt patch with rabbits running around, which was a good standard for that time. But how times have changed. Here we tell LAXs story as it celebrates its 90th anniversary past, present and future using fascinating vintage photographs and renderings of whats in store for users of the hub in the years to come. The dedication of Mines Field (L.A. International Airport from 1941) in 1928 saw a large crowd treated to formation flying An aerial view of Mines Field and its surroundings in 1930. The airport's first proper building, Hangar 1, had been opened the year before. The airport had a 2,000ft runway and hangar space for 40 planes The earliest images show that Ms Pattisons rabbit patch description was spot on. Though it was a rabbit patch with a 2,000ft runway and parking for 40 planes. The oldest image was taken in 1928 a year after Charles Lindbergh became the first to fly from New York to Paris non-stop, the year Delta ran Americas first ever scheduled air service and a year before the airports first proper building, Hangar 1, was erected. The image shows crowds gathered at the airport, known then as Mines Field, for its dedication as planes buzz overhead. It was still more or less the era of magnificent men in their flying machines. There was more razzamatazz at the airport in 1936 when it hosted the National Air Races, an event featuring stunt pilots, parachute jumps, airships and the fastest planes of the day going head to head. The images here of the event show wing-walkers and formation flying, plus lots of dapper hats. The 1936 National Air Races at Mines Field. The broadcasting of the event took place in the officials stand located in the center of the photograph. In the background is smoke from bombs dropped by military planes displaying wartime maneuvers Navy Voughts fly in formation at the 1936 National Air Races at Mines Field Stunt pilots perform on a glider as it is placed on a truck during the 1936 National Air Races at Mines Field Our series then jumps forward to 1950, with a photograph of an airport barber shop passengers loved to look good for their flight. Another photo, taken in 1953, shows how the airport expanded rapidly during this decade. It shows cars and trucks going through the $3,500,000 Sepulveda Boulevard Tunnel on the south side of LAX in a final testing prior to opening. By this time the airport had become a scheduled airline terminal and renamed Los Angeles Airport it was Mines Field until 1941 - but catching a plane at it would have been worlds apart from the modern-day experience. Airport security, for instance, didnt really exist. As people would want to look smart before boarding their flight, a barber shop was set up in the airport so they could have a trim before jetting off. This picture was taken in 1950 Cars and trucks go through the $3,500,000 Sepulveda Boulevard Tunnel on the south side of LAX in a final testing prior to it opening. This picture was taken in 1953 International passengers who arrived at LAX had to line up and have their documents checked in the Customs Building. This picture was taken in 1959 Nearly all passengers arrived at the airport by car and as air travel became more popular, huge lines would form at the drop off and pick up areas. This picture was taken in 1959 In general it wasnt taken seriously until the late 1950s, when bag searches began to be implemented. X-Ray machines and metal detectors werent required by law at U.S airports until 1974. In the early days at LAX passengers would have simply walked straight through the terminal and boarded their planes on the tarmac, their luggage having been loaded into the hold by a baggage handler. Basic security came courtesy of police officers dotted around the terminal. Some of the images here were taken in the 1960s and show passengers navigating an airport that had grown enormously. The main terminal complex was built in 1961 and that heralded an age of duty free shops, moving walkways and escalators. An aerial view of LAX taken in 1963. The main terminal complex was built in 1961 A vintage image from 1963 showing arriving international passengers having their luggage inspected in the Customs Building at LAX The 420ft moving sidewalk in the American Airlines terminal in October 1964. It provided an efficient way for passengers to get from the ticket desk to the satellite buildings Pictured is the United Airlines baggage check-in area at Terminal 7 in 1965 Passengers line up to exchange their money at a Bank of America branch inside a satellite terminal at LAX in 1968, where foreign carriers were based An underground walkway was built for departing passengers to get from the ticketing area to the gates, and for arriving passengers to get from the gates to the street. This image was taken on June 21, 1963 Passengers make their way to the baggage carousel after arriving on the first United Airlines flight to land at LAX in 1961 (left). Travellers would dress in their finest clothes to fly. The image on the right was also taken in 1961 Inside the passenger transit area of the international satellite terminal at LAX in 1962. Several fliers gather around a change machine In general airport security wasnt taken seriously until the late 1950s, when bag searches began to be implemented. X-Ray machines and metal detectors werent required by law at U.S airports until 1974. This image was taken in 1963 A Pan Am ticket counter at LAX. This photograph was taken on March 28, 1977 But in common with users of the airport from previous decades, passengers still regarded air travel as a luxury, and dressed for the occasion. These images show men and women moving through the airport in their Sunday finest. How times have changed. The flying experience today is vastly different from yesteryear. LAX now has nine terminals including the Tom Bradley International Terminal The airport is set to totally transform thanks to a $14billion renovation program. This Image shows what the CTA (Central Terminal Area) when it's finished in 2023 will look like when illuminated at night time This image shows the future APM (Automated People Mover) that will ease access between the Central Terminal Area from nearby parking areas Present day LAX has nine terminals including a Private Suite terminal for VIPs with chauffeur-driven BMWs that take passengers across the tarmac to their aircraft - over 62 dining and shopping venues, an observation deck with 360-degree views and therapy dogs that offer emotional happiness and support to nervous fliers. The airport is, however, set to totally transform once again, thanks to a $14billion renovation program. In the near future passengers can look forward to a new $1.6billion concourse in the Tom Bradley International Terminal, which will add 12 new aircraft gates and childrens play areas, a driverless electric train the automated people mover - that will ease access between the Central Terminal Area from nearby parking areas and facial recognition check-ins rolled out by more airlines (BA and Lufthansa have already introduced it). Its an airport thats definitely on the up-tiddly-up-up. For more on Los Angeles visit www.discoverlosangeles.com and its Instagram page . Advertisement Its wobbly screen time for San Francisco. These fascinating before and after pictures show how the city has changed over the decades. Some parts have been transformed such as Haight Street, which in 1948 was home to the Haight Theater. This has now been demolished and modern buildings stand in its place. In other areas San Franciscos heritage is remarkably intact for example China Town in 1910 looks surprisingly similar to todays version. Other comparisons presented here include the Flood Building, Lombard Street and California Street. Scroll down for a fascinating glimpse into the citys past... Golden Gate Bridge San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge during its construction between 1933 to 1937. The bridge is 1.7 miles long, linking San Francisco on the south with Marin County on the north The Golden Gate Bridge pictured today. More than two billion vehicles have passed over the bridge since it opened City Hall Construction of San Francisco's City Hall in 1913. One of the most famous weddings to take place in the building was that of Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio in 1954 City Hall pictured today. It has been the used for filming several movies including Dirty Harry and Indiana Jones Old St Mary's Cathedral Old St Mary's Cathedral has stood on California Street since 1854. It is pictured here in 1900, six years before a huge earthquake almost destroyed the city The cathedral pictured in modern day San Francisco. It survived the 1906 earthquake but was severely damaged by a huge fire the day after the disaster. A renovation of the church was completed in 1909 Lombard Street Lombard Street is famous for its steep hairpin bends. It is pictured in 1922 while being constructed Today, tourists flock to Lombard Street, which is now festooned with flowers, plants, trees and shrubbery Flood Building The Flood Building on Market Street pictured during its construction in 1904. When it opened later that year, it was the tallest building in San Francisco The Flood Building has had many tenants since it opened including the Southern Pacific Railroad and the US government. Now it houses several stores including Gap and Urban Outfitters Hyde Street Pier The Hyde Street Pier, which is home to a half-dozen historic ships and is part of the San Francisco Maritime National Park, pictured in 1975 Today the pier houses more than 500,000 photographs and 2,500 pieces of fine art showcasing the region's rich maritime heritage China Town China Town in San Francisco is one of the oldest and most established in the United States. It is pictured left in 1910 and right in the present day Haight Theater The Haight Theater, pictured in 1948, standing in the middle of Haight Street in the city. The theater had a large marquee advertising its latest shows A shot taken from the same spot on Haight Street today shows how the theater has now been demolished and replaced with modern buildings Sentinel Building The Sentinel Building, also known as the Columbus Tower, pictured left in 1915. Today, the building, right, is occupied by tenants including Pixar, Skywalker Sounds and Francis Ford Coppola's American Zoetrope studio Transamerica Building The Transamerica Building as seen in 1911 in the city's Jackson Square Historic District. It is adjacent to what is now the Transamerica Pyramid, which opened in 1972 Today, the historic Transamerica Building houses the the Church of Scientology of San Francisco. It has restored many of the building's original features She said fellow Australian model, Elle Macpherson, was the 'first person she called' when she found out she was pregnant with newborn, Dahlia De La Lune. So it comes as no surprise that Cheyenne Tozzi was thrilled to attend the launch of Elle's new Wellco beauty range at Bondi Icebergs on Thursday. The 29-year-old, who gave birth to her first born over nine weeks ago, showed off her trim post-baby body as she made her way into the event. Scroll down for video 'The Body' 2.0? Cheyenne Tozzi flaunts her trim post baby figure as she attends Elle Macpherson's Wellco beauty launch event... nine weeks after giving birth Cheyenne wore a thigh-skimming number as she beamed at onlookers outside of the iconic venue in Sydney. The freshly minted mother stunned in the flirty summer dress, which perfectly accentuated her slender stems. She added further height to her statuesque frame by slipping into a pair of dusty-pink suede knee-high boots. Windswept beauty! Meanwhile the windswept beauty appeared to receive a free blow-dry as wind gusts whipped her blonde locks across her face The stunner accessorised the black floral number with a nude Louis Vuitton handbag and a pair of love heart shaped black shades. Nine weeks after the birth of her daughter, Cheyenne is still sporting an amazing bronzed glow, which she enhanced with a generous slick of dewy foundation and pop of nude lipstick. Meanwhile the windswept beauty appeared to receive a free blow-dry as wind gusts whipped her blonde locks across her face. Flawless physique! The mother-of-one who gave birth to her first born over nine weeks ago also gave the 54-year-old supermodel known as 'The Body' a run for her money in the figure stakes Hours prior to Elle's exclusive event, the supermodel revealed that she is the godmother to Cheyenne's newborn daughter. The 54-year-old took to her Instagram Story on Wednesday, to share a snap of herself cradling the nine-week-old baby. In the photo, Cheyenne can be seen playing with her bub and pulling funny faces to entertain the tot. Windy city: The stunner was exposed to the elements as she stepped outside of Bondi Icebergs on Thursday Yummy mummy! Cheyenne continued to show off her incredible post baby body as she left the venue Elle captioned the sweet photo, 'mother, daughter, godmother'. Cheyenne shares Dahlia De La Lune with her model partner Marlon Teixeira, 26. She recently revealed to Harper's Bazaar that Elle was the first person she called about her baby news. Blown away! Meanwhile the windswept beauty appeared to receive a free blow-dry as she departed the venue Sweet! Supermodel Elle Macpherson has revealed she is the godmother to Cheyenne Tozzi's newborn daughter Dahlia De La Lune. The 54-year-old took to her Instagram Story on Wednesday to share a snap of herself cradling the nine-week-old baby It's her third chance at love on the Bachelor franchise. And as the finale approaches in coming weeks, Ali Oetjen travelled to the last four contestants' hometowns to meet their loved ones during Thursday night's episode. While heading to Melbourne to meet Bill Goldsmith's family, the 32-year-old was shocked to learn that she'd be meeting an ex-girlfriend instead. 'It left a really bad taste in my mouth': Bachelorette Ali Oetjen (left) is left baffled as Bill Goldsmith casually introduces her to his ex-girlfriend, Amy, (right) instead of his family during hometown week Bill explained that his parents were overseas and his siblings were 'caught up with work' and could not meet Ali. 'The people you will meet tonight are two of my best mates Sam and Callum and another girl I've met here at the dog park.' Heading off to Amy's home, Ali was suspicious of the blonde as she gushed over Bill for majority of the dinner. 'The people you will meet tonight are two of my best mates Sam and Callum and another girl I've met here at the dog park:' Bill told Ali, explaining that his parents were overseas and his siblings were 'caught up with work' and could not meet her In a piece-to-camera, Ali said: 'There is so much love in this room and a lot of it is coming from Amy.' 'So, what is it like dating four guys Ali?' Amy asked, as the reality TV star responded: 'It's not natural. It's really hard.' 'Have you spoken about your past relationships together? Well, it's been so public so I say that for Ali. Two break ups for you has been very public,' Amy added. 'So, what is it like dating four guys Ali?' Amy asked, as the reality TV star responded: 'It's not natural. It's really hard' After feeling attacked, Ali confronted Amy alone and questioned whether she has dated Bill in the past. 'We hit it off. We have, maybe, for a very very short period of time... Yeah. We dated...a year ago,' Amy admitted while trailing off. Speaking to the camera, a flabbergasted Ali said: 'I'm just so weirded (sic) out right now. Why would Bill invite me here? What is going on?' 'We hit it off. We have, maybe, for a very very short period of time... Yeah. We dated...a year ago,' Amy admitted after Ali questioned whether she dated Bill 'Seriously, what part of him thought this would be a good idea? I would never, ever bring my a possible future husband home to meet someone I used to date. 'It's left a really bad taste in my mouth and has me questioning my future with Bill. If there's a future at all,' she added. Meanwhile, in a preview for next week's episode, Bill is seen denying the fact that he ever dated Amy during an intense confrontation with Ali. The Bachelorette continues next Wednesday at 7:30pm on Channel Ten. Jennifer Hawkins officially retired after 12 years as the face of Myer, on Thursday. And despite launching a multimillion-dollar career after winning Miss Universe in 2004, the 34-year-old said she's never considered herself to be model material. 'I've never really treated myself as, or seen myself, as a model,' she told to The Daily Telegraph. 'I don't see myself as a model': Jennifer Hawkins humbly reflects on her multimillion-dollar career... as she officially steps down as the face of Myer She said the glamorous persona portrayed in the media is far from who she really is 'as a person'. 'People know me that way. That's how I've dealt with it, which means I can live my life normally, away from it,' she said. She acknowledged that winning Miss Universe catapulted her to stardom and boosted her career. Humble: 'I've never really treated myself as, or seen myself, as a model,' she told to The Daily Telegraph 'When Myer came along I took each opportunity like, ''Wow. This might end tomorrow!'' Now, 12 years later, I'm like, ''What?'' she said. In August, she penned a reflective note on Instafram about retiring, writing: 'Yesterday was a blur... So much fun, thank you to the whole team at Myer.' That same month, Jennifer spoke about her departure to The Daily Telegraph, saying, 'It is definitely the right time. It is not a flippant decision.' Retirement: She said, It is definitely the right time. It is not a flippant decision' The former beauty queen told the publication she will turn her attention to her myriad of businesses; Sesion Tequila, J Bronze and luxury building firm J Group Projects. When asked about her successor Elyse Knowles, Jennifer had nothing but praise for the stunner despite earlier speculation she was being replaced by the 25-year-old over a pay dispute. 'There have been stories that wasn't the case but that has never been true,' she said. It was revealed back in October that Bachelorette star Charlie Newling had fathered a 'secret son' in 2010. And now, the Sydney builder has blamed producers for supposedly not allowing him to tell Ali Oetjen about his child. Speaking to The Daily Telegraph on Friday, Charlie said producers stopped him from telling Ali the truth. Scroll down for video 'Everyone knew I had a child': Bachelorette reject Charlie Newling claims producers 'stopped him' from telling Ali Oetjen about his 'secret son' 'Everyone knew from day dot that I had a child when I auditioned and there was a process in place to tell Ali but it was shut down by production every time I was going to tell her,' he said. Charlie, who was booted off the show on Thursday, claims he had a plan to tell the blonde bombshell about his now eight-year-old son. 'If I had stayed on the show, I had a letter written that I was going to give her explaining why I'd waited so long, but it never came out,' he said. Secret plan: Charlie said, 'If I had stayed on the show, I had a letter written that I was going to give [Ali] explaining why I'd waited so long, but it never came out' In October, photos emerged on Facebook of Charlie cradling his baby son back in 2010, with it not addressed in interviews for the show or to Ali Oetjen. At the time, a source told Daily Mail Australia: 'Charlie keeps this part of his life very private. Some of his newer friends don't even know he has a son.' It comes after Charlie revealed he is now dating Russian-born Bachelor beauty Dasha Gaivoronski, 32. Secret son: It was revealed in October that Charlie (pictured above in 2010) had fathered a child with an ex-partner Charlie confirmed he broke his Bachelorette contract in order to start a relationship with the brunette beauty during an interview on OK! Magazine. 'We have really clicked,' he told the publication on Thursday. Charlie revealed that he and Dasha - who was a contestant on Nick Cummins' season of the Bachelor - bonded over their children. 'We understand each other like no one else': It comes after it was revealed Charlie is dating former Bachelor star Dasha Gaivoronski, 32 (pictured) 'We're both single parents, they're both boys,' he said. Charlie was among the top four remaining contestants vying for Ali Oetjen's heart on The Bachelorette but was sent home on Thursday's episode. They were first spotted on a dinner date in Sydney last month and have been photographed together several times since. 'We both clicked': The Bachelorette's Charlie Newling said he bonded with his new girlfriend Dasha Gaivoronski because they are 'single parents' Several Bachelorette stars have criticised the pair's relationship, with Bill Goldsmith recently labelling Charlie 'selfish' for spoiling the show's outcome. Dasha confirmed the couple's romance on Instagram last week. '[We] understand each other like no one else. That's so rare these days,' she wrote during an Instagram Story Q&A. The Bachelorette continues Wednesday at 7.30pm on Channel 10. On Wednesday night, the recently-reformed Spice Girls taped an episode of The Jonathan Ross Show, promoting their comeback. And naturally, the subject of Victoria Beckham's decision to sit out the reunion was broached by the chat show host, causing a ripple of disagreement between band members Geri Horner, Emma Bunton, Mel C and Mel B. Addressing the matter first, Mel C said: 'Do you know what is actually quite funny I saw Victoria recently and obviously weve all been in contact, she is still very much a part of the Spice Girls, she really supports us and we really support her. Setting things straight: Wednesday evening saw the Spice Girls taping an interview on The Jonathan Ross Show, discussing their much-anticipated comeback - and squabbling over the Victoria Beckham issue 'But she did raise the point that she was never actually asked. We just presumed.' This caused an interjection from Emma, in disagreement to Mel, insisting that she was indeed asked. 'She just didnt want to do it She was busy with her fashion and she has moved on. 'The philosophy of us lot is that we are a band, on and off the stage and we care each other, we support each other and we support her and she has been a huge part of our lives and we care about her so its all good.' Not involved: Naturally, the subject of Victoria's decision to sit out the reunion was broached by the chat show host, causing a ripple of disagreement between band members Geri Horner, Emma Bunton, Mel C and Mel B Addressing the matter: 'I saw Victoria recently and obviously weve all been in contact, she is still very much a part of the Spice Girls, she really supports us and we really support her,' Mel C explained Wasn't asked: 'Victoria did raise the point that she was never actually asked. We just presumed,' Mel said Geri added: 'I spoke to her two days ago, before the announcement, and she has said it for years that she just doesnt want to do it anymore, so we knew that.' Since the girls' last reformation - 2012's performance at the London Olympic Games closing ceremony - rumours have swirled about the band's potential reformation for a full tour, sparking further whisperings that Victoria was never a fan of performing. Geri cleared this matter up when asked by Jonathan: 'No, and you dont want to make somebody do something they dont want to do.' Actually...: This caused an interjection from Emma, in disagreement to Mel, insisting that Victoria was indeed asked Geri added: 'I spoke to her two days ago, before the announcement, and she has said it for years that she just doesnt want to do it anymore, so we knew that Last hurrah? Since the girls' last reformation - 2012's performance at the London Olympic Games closing ceremony [pictured] - rumours have swirled about the band's potential reformation for a full tour, sparking further whisperings that Victoria was never a fan of performing 'We realised that a while back that she didnt enjoy that so much,' Emma agreed. Mel B addressed her Halloween costume last week, which seemed to make a dig at Posh Spice. She dressed up as her for the festivities, brandishing a sign that read: 'No I Am Not Going On Tour!' 'I just have a northern sense of humour and its very tongue-in-cheek and I really enjoyed being Victoria for the night,' Scary Spice said. The girls also cleared up that Victoria has given them their seal of approval, with Geri adding that 'the door is always open' should she wish to be involved going forward. Geri cleared the matter of Victoria's no-show up: 'You dont want to make somebody do something they dont want to do' Harmonious: The girls also cleared up that Victoria has given them their seal of approval, with Geri adding that 'the door is always open' should she wish to be involved going forward Just a joke: Mel B addressed her Halloween costume last week, which seemed to make a dig at Posh Spice This prompted a joke from Jonathan: 'What is the night [of the tour] I should come when Victoria is going to be on stage with you?' The rest of the girls joked: 'Sunderland!' Mel B went on to express how much she'd like Victoria to reconsider. 'Im always hopeful,' she said. 'I love the Spice Girls, they are my girls and I would love nothing better than all five of us to be together so I always put it out there but Im happy with four too.' 'We are going to have a great time, this feels really strong,' Emma said. All in jest: 'I just have a northern sense of humour and its very tongue-in-cheek and I really enjoyed being Victoria for the night,' Scary Spice said of Halloween Mel B went on to express how much she'd like Victoria to reconsider: 'Im always hopeful. I love the Spice Girls, they are my girls and I would love nothing better than all five of us to be together so I always put it out there but Im happy with four too' With the host: The girls chatted at length with chat show host Jonathan, set to air on Saturday night The girls also revealed details of their Spice Girls WhatsApp group, explaining how they had to keep things top secret. 'There was a code,' Geri explained, with Emma adding: 'Gifs, we had some fun things going on.' 'Gifs of ourselves!' Mel B laughed. Mel C added: 'There are loads of Spice Girls gifs and I only noticed this the other day. Its quite fun to send them to each other In my house we did have a code for Spice Girls because I was so paranoid. Because Im a good girl, and I do as Im told, and so I kept the secret. 'My little girl said "Mummy, why dont you call it Cucumber?" So any time I spoke about Spice Girls it was called "Cucumber". And then at the other end of the spectrum, Melanie [B] just went on national TV and said we were doing it.' Comin' right back at ya! We are going to have a great time, this feels really strong,' Emma said Tell us what you want! The girls also revealed details of their Spice Girls WhatsApp group, explaining how they had to keep things top secret Say yes to the dress: On being a Spice Girl now shes older - and her famous Union Jack dress - Geri said, 'That dress was a Gucci black dress and I was thinking, "Lets be patriotic and be proud of Britain" and I just got a tea towel and sewed it on there' On whether Mel Bs lack of discretion annoyed the other girls, Mel B joked: 'They felt sorry for me because Id been through a lot, they felt sorry for me, they were like, "lets not have a go at her".' Geri added: 'The brilliant thing about us lot is its like family. We have been together over 20 years and we have our ups and downs just like normal families, and sometimes we disagree but the best thing about it is a couple of nights ago we were in my kitchen, we all came together and we just had a really big group hug, a little bit of a tear, a scream, its been a long time coming, weve wanted this to happen. 'I have to say Melanie B and Emma from 2012 have been trying to make this happen. For different reasons, everybody is at different places in their life and finally the stars aligned. 'We went round to Mel [C]s house and she went, "Yeah Im ready" and we were like, "Great, lets do it".' On whether Mel Bs lack of discretion annoyed the other girls, Mel B joked: 'They felt sorry for me because Id been through a lot, they felt sorry for me, they were like, "lets not have a go at her"' They're back: Jonathan broached the infamous subject of when Geri quit the band in 1998 Saturday Night Divas: The Jonathan Ross Show will air on Saturday night, on ITV, at 10:05PM Mel C elaborated: 'I have said there have been times when it hasnt felt right and I think after the Olympics, because it was such a highlight of being a Spice Girl, I was frightened that we couldnt live up to that and spending time with the girls again, I just thought, "Do you know what, I really want to do it". 'Weve got amazing fans, really incredible fans that have supported us throughout. Not only as the Spice Girls, in all of our individual ventures. And now we have a new generation [of fans], our own children' Emma added: 'Our own children are so excited I think our kids are going to absolutely love it. Mine are getting their mics out and singing along to Spice Girls songs.' On being a Spice Girl now shes older - and her famous Union Jack dress - Geri said: 'When youre younger, I dont think you think about whether its appropriate or not and that dress was a Gucci black dress and I was thinking, "Lets be patriotic and be proud of Britain" and I just got a tea towel and sewed it on there. Love thing! We always come back together,' Emma added Putting up a fight! Mel B won't take Victoria's 'no' for an answer as she once again told fans Posh Spice would be joining the Spice Girls on stage for their London Wembley date during a chat on Wednesday's installment of the Heart Breakfast Show On whether Geri might cover up more now shes older, Mel B revealed: 'She still walks around naked when we are in the dressing room' Jonathan broached the infamous subject of when Geri quit the band in 1998. 'I think when youre younger, you dont have the tools to - when youre together all the time - to sort things through,' Geri mused. 'I think credit to us lot, were still talking and we work through things, the ups and the downs.' 'We always come back together,' Emma added. And indeed, Geri made her return to the band in 2007/2008s global Return Of The Spice Girls world tour. After leaving in 1998, the girls continued without her, releasing their third album as a four-piece, titled Forever. Bring on the summer! The band's six-date stadium tour, kicks off next June Five-piece: Geri made her return to the band in 2007/2008s global Return Of The Spice Girls world tour On becoming a global phenomenon and the stress that added to the band, Emma said: 'Being away from home, that was difficult, but having each other made it so much easier. We were girls having fun, we were travelling all over the world.' 'I used to sneak out of the hotel and go clubbing by myself, as a Spice Girl. Then Id come back in and wed have early interviews,' Mel B added. Jonathan was keen to know whether their reformation meant new music. 'I think its got to be an organic process,' said Geri. 'If something happened and we felt like it. We think first things first, get out there and sing the hits, people want to hear that and if something else happened, thats great.' 'Lets put it this way, when I go to a concert - lets say Madonna - I just want her to sing Vogue, all the hits that I know.' Four-piece: After leaving in 1998, the girls continued without Geri, releasing their third album, titled Forever 'I won't be joining the girls on stage again': Victoria categorically confirmed she wouldn't return to the stage with the Spice Girls in a statement posted on Instagram earlier this week 'We are really passionate about writing our music though so its a process and we havent gone there,' Emma added. In response to the rumours that the band are reforming just for the money, Geri explained: 'From the beginning of our journey 20 years ago, we have always put what we believe and love first. 'When you earn money, and this is a privilege, thats a by product of what you do. We are doing it wholeheartedly, we can honestly say for each other because its a bit of fun but also for the fans. We have been asked so much.' Mel B was sure to joke: 'Theres no denying, it will help with my lawyers bills!' Scary Spice has suffered much public drama over the past couple of years, crediting the comeback tour as a way of helping her get through it. On whether there are any plans to tour internationally after their UK tour dates, Mel B teased: 'Itll be all over the world!' Reining her bandmate in, Geri said: 'The thing is, itll be one step at a time. Weve got families and we want to do it for the fans. Were going to do Britain, its our home, its where we started and Britain means the world to us. We care about our fans, we want to celebrate, lets see what happens' Viva Forever! The girls re-joined as a fivesome in 2012 after the Olympics to launch a musical based on their music 'Ive got my girls, Ill be okay,' she said. 'I feel very loved and very supported and I feel very lucky to be back in contact the way that I have always wanted to be, because for a long time I couldnt be during my ex-marriage. Thank you ladies!' Emma also talked about how she was late to the Spice Girls party, with Geri recalling: 'There was somebody in the band before Emma Theres always one that didnt make it. The point is we found our member.' On whether there are any plans to tour internationally after their UK tour dates, Mel B teased: 'Itll be all over the world!' Reining her bandmate in, Geri said: 'The thing is, itll be one step at a time. Weve got families and we want to do it for the fans. 'Were going to do Britain, its our home, its where we started and Britain means the world to us. We care about our fans, we want to celebrate, lets see what happens.' The Jonathan Ross Show will air on Saturday night, on ITV, at 10:05PM. Furious Bachelorette fans have complained about Charlie Newling's 'disturbing' and 'possessive' behaviour towards Ali Oetjen on Thursday's episode. Outraged viewers expressed their frustrations on Twitter, accusing the 31-year-old of being 'controlling' and 'scary', and even claiming he was trying to 'gaslight' Ali. After he was kicked off the dating show for demanding an 'exclusive' relationship, one viewer tweeted: 'Charlie, you disgust and terrify me in equal measures.' 'You disgust and terrify me': The Bachelorette viewers have slammed Charlie Newling (pictured) for 'gaslighting' and 'controlling' Ali Oetjen during their hometown date on Thursday 'So thoughtless and irresponsible': One viewer tweeted that Channel 10 acted 'irresponsibly' by not warning viewers of Charlie's 'triggering' behaviour Several fans criticised Channel 10 for not warning viewers about Charlie's troubling behaviour, which included him refusing to let Ali meet his family until she agreed they were an 'exclusive' couple. 'So thoughtless and irresponsible of Channel 10 not to warn viewers of the gaslighting and emotional manipulation they were about to witness. To those triggered and affected - be gentle with yourselves,' one viewer tweeted. Another wrote: 'Charlie just literally frightened the hell out of me. He's scary and intimidating.' Shocked: Ali Oetjen (pictured) was horrified by Charlie's possessive behaviour on the show Backlash: One viewer tweeted during Thursday's episode: 'Charlie just literally frightened the hell out of me. He's scary and intimidating' Ouch! Another added, 'Charlie is everything that's wrong with men in one horrific package' 'I am having an emotional reaction to this': A handful of Twitter users claimed that Charlie's behaviour was 'triggering' A handful of Twitter users claimed that Charlie's behaviour was 'triggering' and brought up painful memories from the past. 'Seriously, I am actually having a pretty visceral, emotional reaction to this,' one viewer tweeted. 'I know that seems bizarre, but honestly, watching this is a little triggering. I wonder if any other women are reacting the same?' Another posted: 'Holy s**t. How controlling is Charlie? How demanding and intense. How many red flags do you all see?' A similar comment read: 'Charlie is everything that's wrong with men in one horrific package.' Even the show's makeup artist Audrey Griffen, who is married to host Osher Gunsberg, called out Charlie's behaviour. 'I've never ever yelled at the TV so much before!': Even the show's makeup artist Audrey Griffen (right), who is married to host Osher Gunsberg (left), called out Charlie's behaviour She wrote on Instagram: 'I've never ever yelled at the TV so much before! Ever. It was a good teaching moment as Georgia [her teenage daughter] was watching with me. 'I told her to run as fast and far as she can if she ever finds herself in a similar situation!' In the comments section, Audrey further claimed that she believed Charlie's behaviour constituted 'gaslighting'. 'The gaslighting! As someone who's been lit before, it's good to be able to recognise it and point the behaviour out to my daughter!' she wrote. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Charlie Newling and Channel 10 for comment. Reality TV villain: On Thursday's episode, Charlie (pictured) was sent home by Ali after his possessive behaviour made her feel uncomfortable On Thursday's episode, Charlie was sent home by Ali after his possessive behaviour made her feel uncomfortable. After making it to hometown week, he refused to let her meet his family unless she committed to an 'exclusive' relationship with him - despite there still being three other men left in the competition. He told her: 'I need to share something with you. My cousin, my auntie and her partner are where we were going to go tonight for dinner... But, it just didn't feel right so it's not going to happen.' As Ali looked horrified, Charlie continued: 'I need to know this is 100 per cent real and right. And to do that, I just feel we need to be exclusive.' Shocked: After making it to hometown week, Charlie refused to let Ali meet his family unless she committed to an 'exclusive' relationship with him - despite there still being three other men left in the competition Ali was shocked by Charlie's unreasonable request. She later said: 'What the f**k?... This is intense. Charlie is rearing his ugly head again and to be honest, I'm sick of it... I'm p***ed off.' During the nightly cocktail party, he reiterated that Ali's involvement with the other contestants - Bill Goldsmith, Taite Radley and Todd King - was 'not right'. 'You can call it unfaithful and in here it's The Bachelorette,' he said. 'I want this more than anything but to know there's other people involved it kills me. It eats me up.' Ali explained that she wanted a partner who was willing to fight for her and see the experience through until the end - but Charlie refused to cooperate. 'What do want me to do, Ali? I'm not gonna beg for you. I'm got gonna go, ''Please, don't go, please don't go",' he said. Ali eventually sent him home, saying: 'Know that I'll be thinking of you. Bye.' The Bachelorette continues Wednesday at 7:30pm on Channel 10 Pakistan-RoK agreed on high-level visits ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the Republic of Korea (RoK) have agreed in principle on an exchange of high-level visits between them to boost economic cooperation, regional peace and security. The agreement was reached during a meeting between Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua and RoK Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-Wha before the 10th round of Pakistan-Korea bilateral policy consultations held in Seoul on Wednesday, said a press release issued by the Foreign Office here on Thursday. Both sides discussed cooperation in culture, education, forestry and climate change. Foreign Secretary Janjua led the Pakistani delegation, which included Ambassador of Pakistan to Korea Rahim Hayat Qureshi and Director General of East Asia Pacific Samina Mehtab, while First Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Korea Cho Hyun led the South Korean team. The two sides reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations and identified possibilities for deepening relations in education, culture and parliamentary exchanges. Discussions were also held on the regional security situation in South Asia and the Korean peninsula. Pakistan highlighted the importance of the resolution of the Kashmir dispute for peace in South Asia. The South Korean side spoke of the positive developments for establishment of peace regime on the Korean peninsula. During the visit, the foreign secretary also interacted with members of the Pakistani community living in South Korea who had contributed funds to the construction of dams. Fellow model Georgia Fowler let it slip that Adriana Lima will be walking her last Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. And soon after, Adriana Lima took to her Instagram to confirm the news as she thanked the lingerie giant. The 37-year-old model, who has been an Angel since 2000, said: 'Dear Victoria, Thank you for showing me the world, sharing your secrets, and most importantly not just giving me wings but teaching me to fly.' The first year: Adriana Lima took to her Instagram on Thursday to confirm the news as she thanked the lingerie giant; pictured at the age of 18 The mother of two, who shed tears during her final appearance on the annual runway show, continued: 'And all the love to the best fans in the world. Love, Adriana.' Adriana shared a video compilation of all her Victoria's Secret Fashion show moments from over the years. According to a tweet by InStyle magazine, a montage package dedicated to the brunette was played during the show in New York City, which described her as 'the greatest angel of all time.' The model closed out this year's show with a dramatic winged look, and when she stepped out onto the runway, she was visibly emotional as she blew kisses to the crowd. Wow: The 37-year-old model, who has been an Angel since 2000, said: 'Dear Victoria, Thank you for showing me the world, sharing your secrets, and most importantly not just giving me wings but teaching me to fly;' pictured in 2002 Prep: The Brazilian-born beauty has working with the lingerie giant since 1999 with her debut at their annual runway show at the age of 18 (pictured getting ready before the show in 2000) The Brazilian-born beauty has working with the lingerie giant since 1999 with her debut at their annual runway show at the age of 18. In 2000, Adriana became an Angel; she has opened the 2003, 2007, 2008, 2010 and 2012 shows for Victoria's Secret. The only show she was absent from was in 2009 because she was pregnant with her daughter Valentina. She opened her fifth show in 2012, just two months after giving birth to her second child Sienna. Throwback: The Brazilian-born beauty has working with the lingerie giant since 1999 with her debut at their annual runway show at the age of 18; pictured in 2001 at the show Flashback: The mother of two continued: 'And all the love to the best fans in the world. Love, Adriana;' (left in 2001, and right in 2002) In 2008, Adriana was chosen to war the coveted Fantasy Bra, which was valued at $5 million featuring over 3.5K black diamond, over a hundred one carat white diamond, 34 rubies and two black diamond drops with 100 carats. Two years later, Adriana was chosen to wear the Fantasy Bra again, this time with a $2 million bra. She wore it for the third time in 2014 alongside fellow Brazilian model Alessandra Ambrosio; they each wore a $2 million bra. Happy: Adriana pictured backstage at the 2001 Victoria's Secret show In 2000, Adriana became an Angel; she has opened the 2003, 2007, 2008 and 2010 shows for Victoria's Secret; seen in 2002 with Karolina Kurkova Over the years: Adriana pictured from l to r: 2005, 2006,2007 and 2008 Adriana has two children: Valentina, age eight, and Sienna, age six, with ex husband Marko Jaric. The news of her retirement was accidentally let slip by Georgia Fowler. She told Grazia that Adriana was taking a step back from the brand after 19 years. 'It will be [Adriana's] last year this year I think,' said Georgia, who is also walking the runway for Victoria's Secret in NYC. 'But she's done it for so many years and continues to look amazing on the catwalk and up against the younger girls.' Amazing: Adriana has two children: Valentina, age eight, and Sienna, age six, with ex husband Marko Jaric; pictured in Shanghai on November 20, 2017 for the Victoria's Secret show Closing the chapter: She ended the video thanking Victoria's Secret Moving forward: After 19 years, the stunner has revealed she will no longer be walking the annual show Peace and love: Adriana looked incredible makeup free as she got ready for the show; pictured Thursday in New York City She is trying to branch out of the modelling industry into the film industry. And Poppy Delevigne looked like a movie star when she joined forces with Jourdan Dunn and Suki Waterhouse at the British Vogue party, in London on Thursday. The model-turn-actress looked sensational in her scarlet frilled dress which caressed every inch of her slender figure at the National Portrait Gallery bash. For the frill of it: Poppy Delevingne looked ravishing in her red ruffled dress as she led stars Jourdan Dunn and Suki Waterhouse at British Vogue event, in London on Thursday Layers of frills were stitched at the waist and into the body of the dress to accentuate the model's phenomenal figure. Keen to show off her model features, the Kingsman: The Golden Circle star pinned her sleek straight golden locks off her face with tidy hairgrips. A slew of stars were in attendance at the event, held in partnership with Maxx Royal Resorts, with big names such as Suki Waterhouse and Jourdan Dunn. Check her out: Jourdan went for an altogether different look with her risque crocheted dress which teased a glimpse of her naked body beneath the very fabric Breast attraction! The supermodel ditched her bra, best showing off her cleavage Jourdan went for an altogether different look with her risque crocheted dress which teased a glimpse of her naked body beneath the very fabric. The supermodel ditched her bra, best showing off her cleavage, but she put her black briefs on display in the sexy semi-sheer dress. Next up was Suki in her PVC raincoat-inspired dress which commanded the attention of the gala with its scarlet shade. The sophisticated soiree was being hosted to celebrate Edward Enninful's one year as editor-in-chief of British Vogue at the National Portrait Gallery. Make an impression: Next up was Suki in her PVC raincoat-inspired dress which commanded the attention of the gala with its scarlet shade Beautiful blonde: Robert Pattinson's new girlfriend wore her golden locks in dramatic coiffed curls which perfectly framed her face Hey girly friend! Georgia May Jagger was pleased to grab a moment with her pal Suki when they enjoyed the evening at the star-studded bash Pretty in polka dots: Georgia May Jagger looked lovely in her spotty black dress which had a gathered hem to draw attention to her legs Going strong: Sabrina Dhowre and Idris Elba looked loved-up when they made their red carpet arrival at the swanky party Robert Pattinson's new girlfriend wore her golden locks in dramatic coiffed curls which perfectly framed her face. Also at the star-studded bash, Kate Moss, 44, didn't disappoint as she brought her signature supermodel style to the affair. The fashion icon looked absolutely incredible as she took centre stage at the National Portrait Gallery in her velvet jumpsuit. Stunning: All about making a statement, Vogue cover girl Adwoa Aboah carried a huge fluffy handbag which she contrasted with her floral print dress Very together: Edward Enninful and Alec Maxwell celebrated the Vogue editor's first year as the magazine boss What an ensemble! Fat Tony nailed an edgy look with a leather jacket Its plunging neckline gave party-goers an eyeful of Kate's ample bust and the trendy number was cinched at the waist with a bow belt. Kate had her clutch, which was edged with statement studs, close to hand as she pulled off her sophisticated look. Kate embarked on a romance with German aristocrat Nikolai in late 2015, following her split from The Kills rocker husband Jamie Hince. Bow-tiful look: Maya Jama looked blooming beautiful in her floral print co-ords which had decorative bows stitched into the trousers Wonderful: The radio presenter sashayed through the streets in her golden sky-high heels which elevated her height Burst of colour: Eva Herzigova was impossible to miss as she draped her sunshine yellow jacket over her shoulders while she partied in the chilly capital All about the frills: Molly Goddard looked beautiful in her flattering pleated dress and she contrasted the pink dress with red heels Three's a party! Adwoa Aboah, Neelam Gill and Clara Paget looked glamorous as they posed for a photograph together at the magazine bash Breast in the business! Sadie Frost went braless in the gaping neckline of her black midi dress when she mingled among the stars Recently, Kate and Jamie were the picture of the friendliest exes in the world as they enjoy time out in Los Angeles with the supermodel's daughter Lila. Kate and Nikolai were hit by split claims in October last year, but silenced rumours by putting on a loved-up display at a number of public events soon after. Proving their romance is only going from strength to strength, the pair were even seen purchasing a new puppy in London late last year. Holding it together: Kate had her clutch, which was edged with statement studs, close to hand as she pulled off her sophisticated look Beautiful blonde: Its plunging neckline gave party-goers an eyeful of Kate's ample bust and the trendy number was cinched at the waist with a bow belt Close pals: Liv Tyler and Kate Moss looked close when they enjoyed each other's company Chic: Poppy balanced a black blazer on her shoulders as she strutted along Happy: Poppy still proved to be in great spirits as she exited the bash Eyes on her: Poppy continued to command attention as she headed home Elsewhere, Lila discussed how she learnt everything she knows about modelling from her supermodel mum in a new interview with Allure magazine. She told the publication: 'I loved going to watch her on shoots. I think because I've seen it since I was so small it's always been an interest. 'When I did my first modeling shoot, I was like, "Yeah I enjoyed it". I want to do more. And I think it's worked out really well.' Model reunion: They looked delighted to be reunited once again as they partied together Blooming beauty! Emma Weymouth looked lovely in a rose print dress, while Rodial founder Maria Hatzistefanis (left) kept it simple in a chic black two-piece Women in black: Pals Kate and Liv strutted along the sidewalk outside the London event Here she is: Kate was sure to make her usual arrival Pals: The pair laughed and clutched on to one another, picking their way through photographers Hometime: Maya Jama was spotted sauntering out of the event Fuming? Idris Elba and Sabrina Dhowre looked agitated on arrival earlier in the night Man in black: Idris kept things sleek with an all-black ensemble Sassy: Kate breezed out of her car and into the venue Calling it a night: Suki and Sadie headed off following the glitzy do Home: Liv was seen leaving with a pal Stylish: Jordan Dunn and Georgia May Jagger headed home at the end of night She's making the most of her free time after wrapping filming on the latest series of TOWIE. And Georgia Kousoulou was letting loose at a Prezzo event in London on Thursday evening, treating herself to a fun-filled night out. The blonde beauty was celebrating the restaurant's 18th birthday at the newly-refurbished Marble Arch restaurant as it introduced its new menu. Stepping out in style: Georgia Kousoulou was letting loose at a Prezzo event in London on Thursday evening, treating herself to a fun-filled night out Georgia looked lovely in a silky shirtdress with a stylish snakeskin print as she partied the night away. The reality star layered up with a simple black vest top underneath her dress and completed the look with matching ankle boots. The Essex beauty wore her long locks down in voluminous waves and highlighted her features with plenty of bronzer. Stylish: Georgia looked lovely in a silky shirtdress with a stylish snakeskin print as she partied the night away Tucking in: The blonde beauty was celebrating the restaurant's 18th birthday at the newly-refurbished Marble Arch restaurant as it introduced its new menu Georgia has been having a tough few months, supporting boyfriend Tommy Mallett through his battle with anxiety. Talking about his darkest moments, Tommy explained: 'I woke up one morning I just sat there and looked at a wall. I couldn't leave the house. I know it was only a few days but still. It was scary.' Georgia responded: 'That's why I called your dad, it was awful.' With emotions starting to bubble up, Tommy admitted: 'I feel like I need to do something to people. I need to sort myself out first more than anything but I'd like to try and help people, because it can be naughty. Joining forces: Also in attendance at the event was Celebs Go Dating star Nadia Essex 'Young men if you're going through something and you don't talk about it, it can f*** you.' Breaking down in tears following his heart-wrenching confession, Georgia comforted her hunky beau, telling him: 'I think you're being really brave, I think you're doing really well'. The emotional moment clearly struck a nerve with many viewers, who took to Twitter to share their thanks for Tommy's openness, with fans hoping his brave actions will lead others to get help. She surprised fans in 2014 when she showed off her baby bump at a red carpet event after keeping her pregnancy a secret. And top model Erin O'Connor made the same move on Thursday night as she debuted her bump at a British Vogue party. Pregnant Erin and her long-term partner Steve Gibson welcomed their first child, son Albert, in July 2014. Expecting! Top model Erin O'Connor, 40, debuted her baby bump on Thursday night at a British Vogue party in London The fashion star looked gorgeous in a simple black dress on Thursday night, teamed with an emerald green jacket. Cradling her sizable bump, the model looked in great spirits, beaming for the cameras as she mingled at the bash to celebrate Vogue editor Edward Enninful's one year in his role at the fashion bible. Back in 2014 Erin again chose to reveal her pregnancy for the first time on the red carpet, explaining at the time: 'Nobody knew. This is my first outing. It was a well kept secret. Thank God for all those winter coats. I just thought I'd come out with a bang.' Bump: Cradling her sizable bump, the model looked in great spirits, beaming for the cameras as she mingled at the bash to celebrate Vogue editor Edward Enninful's one year in his role Baby number two: The fashion star looked gorgeous in a simple black dress on Thursday night, teamed with an emerald green jacket A few days later, responding to a message of congratulations on Twitter, Erin told a follower: 'My partner of many years & father of the baby is the lovely Steve Gibson,' before she announced the birth on Instagram in July of that year. 'He's funny and interesting and wears a suit every day to work, which seems so exotic and outlandish to me that ironically it makes him my equivalent of wild rock'n'roll,' Erin said previously of her long-term love Steve. 'He's also easy to love and I hope we'll have a baby lots of them, if we're lucky together. It's a nice feeling to have found The One at long last. 'We have half a dozen godchildren between us, so I like to think we have some idea of what's required for parenthood.' Emily Blunt has teased that more Mary Poppins movies are in the pipeline. Chatting to American Vogue, the British actress - who takes over the role of the iconic nanny from Dame Julie Andrews 54 years after the first movie - has said there 'are more stories to tell' and that she'd be more than open to another film. 'Oh, I would pay Rob [Marshall, director] to do it again with me,' she gushed to the publication for their December issue. 'Yeah, I would. Definitely. More stories left to tell.' Onward and upward: Emily Blunt has teased that more Mary Poppins movies are in the pipeline Also in conversation with the magazine, director Marshall said: 'I do know that theres a lot of material there and its very rich with all kinds of adventures and ideas. Its certainly ripe for the picking.' Mary Poppins originates from a series of books by P L Travers, whom Emma Thompson portrayed in the 2013 film Saving Mr Banks, about the author's concerns about selling the movie rights of the stories to Disney. There were eight books in the series, published between 1934 and 1988. Marry Poppins the movie - released in 1964 - was based on books 1-4, while the forthcoming Mary Poppins Returns is said to be an amalgamation of books 2-8, expanding the story beyond Travers' original stories. High flying fashion: The actress was shot for Vogue by renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz. In the images, she embodies the character of Mary Poppins, but with an almost couture twist Stars of the film: She is also snapped with co-star Lin-Manuel Miranda who portrays Jack Of the role of Mary herself, Blunt, 35, added: 'Shes a superhero. You could say shes some sort of angel. She recognizes what people need, and she gives it to them. Yet they discover something about themselves in the process. 'I dont think she concerns herself with what she is. Theres nobody else like her - which she quite likes.' The actress - known for roles in the likes of The Devil Wears Prada, The Young Victoria and A Quiet Place - was shot for Vogue by renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz. Nod to the original: Jack is a lamplighter and the former-apprentice of Bert, played by Dick Van Dyke in first movie Coming soon: Set in 1935 London, 25 years after the events of the original film, the movie features Mary returning to visits a now-grown up Jane and Michael Banks, who have recently suffered a family tragedy In the images, she embodies the character of Mary Poppins, but with an almost couture twist. She is also snapped with co-star Lin-Manuel Miranda who portrays Jack - a lamplighter and the former-apprentice of Bert, played by Dick Van Dyke in the original. Set in 1935 London, 25 years after the events of the original film, the movie features Mary returning to visits a now-grown up Jane and Michael Banks, who have recently suffered a family tragedy. The movie is scheduled for release on December 19th. American Vogue's December 2018 issue is available on newsstands in NY/LA November 16th, and nationwide November 23rd. They filed for divorce in August after only three months of marriage. And it seems things have gone from bad to worse for Real Housewife of New Jersey Danielle Staub and her estranged husband Marty Caffrey. According to TMZ, it seems Marty put the New Jersey mansion they still share on the market on Wednesday, without telling his former significant other. Unfortunate news: It seems things have gone from bad to worse for Real Housewife of New Jersey Danielle Staub and her estranged husband Marty Caffrey Apparently Danielle only found out about the listing on Thursday morning after a friend spotted the house on the market for more than two million dollars. Sources told the outlet that Danielle was overcome with emotion and burst into tears upon hearing the news. She then called Marty to confirm, before calling her attorney to research options for blocking the sale. Another complicating factor exists in the form of Danielle's youngest daughter Jillian, who is currently living with her mother in the house. Secret: It seems Marty put the New Jersey mansion they still share on the market on Wednesday, without telling his former significant other Danielle and Marty have been sharing the 7500 square foot abode since Marty initially filed for divorce. The property also features six bedrooms, 8 bathrooms and opulent high ceilings. A rep for Danelle addressed the house sale in a statement that read 'This is yet another example of the blatant disrespect and emotional abuse she has endured in this relationship.' Cool couple: Before getting married in May, Danielle and Marty had been dating since April 2016 and lived together in New Jersey (pictured together in December 2017) Before getting married in May, Danielle and Marty had been dating since April 2016 and lived together in New Jersey. Marty proposed to the beauty on an episode of season eight of the famed Bravo reality show. The couple ended up getting married on the beach in the Bahamas. Advertisement She gave birth to her second child, Ariel Swanepoel Nicoli, just four months ago. But Candice Swanepoel looked better than ever when she stepped out flaunting her incredible post-baby body on the Victoria's Secret catwalk on Thursday night. The 30-year-old got all jaws dropping when she stepped out with her enviable hourglass physique and commanded attention during her runway appearance. Hot mama! Candice Swanepoel reminded everyone on Thursday why she's a Victoria's Secret model when she stepped out on the catwalk, just four months after giving birth for the second time One look saw Candice stun in a red lace bodysuit that drew attention to her tiny waist with a black belt. The ensemble was teamed with a cropped white T-shirt that read 'Victoria's Secret Angel' on it. With her long bronzed legs out on display, she strutted down the runway with a pair of lace-up heels and accessorised with a necklace and matching bracelet. Incredible: One look saw Candice stun in a red lace bodysuit that drew attention to her tiny waist with a black belt Unique look: The ensemble was teamed with a cropped white T-shirt that read 'Victoria's Secret Angel' on it She got her wings! Candice's look was completed with a red neck bow and of course a pair of intricately painted feather wings Candice's look was completed with a red neck bow and of course a pair of intricately painted feather wings. Her blonde locks were styled out into signature Victoria's Secret beach waves for the annual televised show. The South African beauty's glam was put together with Charlotte Tilbury makeup and featured a gorgeous and radiant bronzed glow that brought out her stunning blue eyes. She's no rookie! Candice showed all the new models how it was done when she stepped out on Thursday Amazing! During the finale performance, Candice was also seen in a black two piece that featured straps around her taut and toned mid-section Shining bright: She was seen in a shimmery black set and teamed the look with galaxy inspired heeled boots Beware! Her wings for her second look were black and appeared to be spiky if touched During the finale performance, Candice was also seen in a black two piece that featured straps around her taut and toned mid-section. She was seen in a shimmery black set and teamed the look with galaxy inspired heeled boots. Her wings for her second look were black and appeared to be spiky if touched. Commanding attention: Candice put on quite the sexy display at the end of the catwalk Hot mama! The new mom gave birth to her second son just four months ago, with her first-born Anaca turning two last month Eye of the tiger: At the end of the runway, Candice was pictured biting her lip for a split second During the finale performance, Candice (far right) was also seen in a black two piece that featured straps around her taut and toned mid-section (pictured L-R: Taylor Hill, Jasmine Tookes, Elsa Hosk, Adriana Lima, Behati Prinsloo) End of an era: Candice was seen giving good friend Behati a little hug as they sent their well wishes to departing Angel Adriana Lima All mom's of two! Enjoying some time backstage with her fellow models, the mom to sons Anaca, two, and Ariel, four-months, was seen with fellow mothers Adriana Lima and Behati Prinsloo Matching looks: The girls, joined by songstress Rita Ora, were all dressed in their signature black show dressing gowns that had stars over the shoulders and on the back 'The show is a year-long production, and 2018 promises to be our most ambitious yet,' said Victoria's Secret executive producer Ed Razek last month. Enjoying some time backstage with her fellow models, the mom to sons Anaca, two, and Ariel, four-months, was seen with fellow mothers Adriana Lima and Behati Prinsloo. The girls, joined by songstress Rita Ora, were all dressed in their signature black show dressing gowns that had stars over the shoulders and on the back. Natural goddess: The South African beauty's glam was put together with Charlotte Tilbury makeup and featured a gorgeous and radiant bronzed glow that brought out her stunning blue eyes A hit once again: 'The show is a year-long production, and 2018 promises to be our most ambitious yet,' said Victoria's Secret executive producer Ed Razek last month 'We have more musical guests, more fashion and more stories than ever; and, of course, 60 of the world's top models.' Shawn Mendes, the Chainsmokers, Halsey, Rita Ora, Kelsea Ballerini, and The Struts all performed during the night. The 2018 Victoria's Secret Show will air at 10pm ET/PT on Decmeber 2 on ABC. On Monday, he was ordered by a judge in South Carolina to stand trial for the alleged assault of his children's nanny. And on Thursday, Southern Charm star Thomas Ravenel, 56, responded to his ex Kathryn Dennis' filing seeking to modify their shared custody agreement. He filed a counterclaim, People reported, in which he accused Dennis, 27, of acting 'for the purpose of garnering media attention, creating material for her storyline on Southern Charm and ensuring her marketability as a 'reality TV star.'' Response: Southern Charm star Thomas Ravenel, 56, slammed his ex Kathryn Dennis for seeking to gain primary custody of their two young children following his arrest for assault The former couple share two young children - daughter Kensie, four, and son Saint, two. Dennis spent two years proving she was drug free in order to regain joint custody of her children. She filed for primary custody of the kids following Ravenel's arrest for assault claiming he had displayed 'periods of impulsive and uncontrollable bouts of anger' as well as 'extreme narcissism and anger management problems.' She also alleged he mixed alcohol and prescription drugs and was 'impaired' while in charge of the children. Ravenel, according to People, denies all her accusations and alleges in response in his court documents that Dennis is acting 'in bad faith' and to progress 'her storyline as the 'rehabilitated mother who regains possession of her minor children.'' Where it stands: Dennis, 27, proved she was drug free for two years in order to regain shared custody of daughter Kensie, four, and son Saint, two Counter claim: Ravenel accused Dennis of acting 'for the purpose of .... creating material for her storyline on Southern Charm and ensuring her marketability as a 'reality TV star'' Ravenel was arrested in September after his former nanny Dawn Ledwell claimed she was in his Charleston, South Carolina home in January 2015 when he allegedly took off her pants and fondled her. Judge Stepehn Harris ordered Ravenel to stand trial during a preliminary hearing in Charleston after deciding there was enough probable cause to move the case forward, according to a report by Us Weekly. A Charleston police detective testified at the preliminary hearing that photos showed scratches on the nanny's body. Legal drama: Ravenel, shown in his mugshot following his arrest in September, was ordered by a judge on Monday to stand trial for the alleged assault of his children's nanny An affidavit obtained by DailyMail.com detailed the accusations against Ravenel. 'While inside the location, the defendant undressed and made sexual advances on the victim,' the affidavit said. 'The defendant grabbed the victim's hand and placed it on his penis before attempting to [remove] the victim's clothing. While attempting to remove the victim's clothing, the victim's underwire bra cut into her skin and her shirt wrapped around her neck, which caused the victim to struggle to breathe.' The affidavit said the victim 'crouched down to the ground to try and prevent further assault' before Ravenel 'allegedly put his penis in her face'. Ravenel faces up to three years in prison, if convicted. Bravo shortly after Ravenel's arrest announced that the original primary cast member would no longer appear on Southern Charm. Advertisement She was unable to appear at last year's show in Shanghai, having been denied a visa by the Chinese government. But there were no such hiccups at Thursday's Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, as Gigi Hadid put on a show-stopping performance for her third appearance at the massive fashion event. The 23-year-old dropped jaws when she emerged on the catwalk at the New York City event in an unmissable pink peacock-style parachute. Styles: Gigi Hadid put on a show-stopping performance for her third appearance at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show The daughter of model Yolanda Hadid was pretty in pink in her first outfit, which paired floral leggings with matching brassiere. Behind her as she walked trailed a billowing parachute made from the same material. The unmissable ensemble gave the 5ft10in beauty the look of a glorious peacock. Gigi wore her light brunette tresses loose and cascading down her shoulders, which framed the supermodel's spectacular cleavage. Incredible: The daughter of model Yolanda Hadid was pretty in pink in her first outfit, which paired floral leggings with matching brassiere Pulling the 'chute: Behind her as she walked trailed a billowing parachute made from the same material Bird of paradise: The unmissable ensemble gave the 5ft10in beauty the look of a glorious peacock Showstopper: Gigi wore her light brunette tresses loose and cascading down her shoulders, which framed the supermodel's spectacular cleavage For her next outfit, the sister of fellow model Bella Hadid went for a tartan look, pairing tartan bra and panties with a Scottish kilt-inspired cape. Her gorgeous gams were encased in thigh high lace-up boots and she accessorized with an ornate diamond necklace and drop earrings. Later, the Californian native took a bow with her fellow catwalk queens including Kendall Jenner, Winnie Harlow and Alexina Graham, among others. Queen of Scotland: For her next outfit, the sister of fellow model Bella Hadid went for a tartan look, pairing tartan bra and panties with a Scottish kilt-inspired cape Accessories: Her gorgeous gams were encased in thigh high lace-up boots and she accessorized with an ornate diamond necklace and drop earrings Spot the sporran: Gigi also accessorized with a sporran, a traditional Scottish pouch worn with a pocketless kilt Well-heeled: Hadid shows off her striking, dominatrix-inspired lace-up boots Baby got back: Gigi shows off her glorious posterior A bevy of beauties: Later, the Californian native took a bow with her fellow catwalk queens [L-R] Barbara Palvin, Yasmin Wijnaldum, Winnie Harlow, Gigi, Kendall Jenner and Alexina Graham Vogue: The ladies strike a pose Before the show: Gigi -born Jelena Noura Hadid- gets her hair done Shout: Gigi calls out to a colleague The 2018 show was moved back to New York after two years abroad. Last year's show in China was a disaster after a handful of models were denied their visas. Along with Gigi and the models, Katy Perry was also refused entry, causing the lingerie brand to scramble at the last minute to replace the women. Advertisement She confirmed that the 2018 Victoria's Secret Fashion show will be her last time walking the runway earlier in the day. And after holding the title of the longest standing Angel after 18 years, Adriana Lima broke down in tears during her final walk on Thursday. The 37-year-old was dressed in a baby blue set with large feathered wings as she held her hands on her chest, thanked the crowd and the brand while closing the show. Scroll down for videos Emotional exit: Adriana Lima broke down in tears as she walked the Victoria's Secret runway for the last time following her 19-year reign on Thursday evening in New York City Thankful: Adriana was seen stopping at the end of the catwalk to pray and thank her fans and the brand for their support over the years As she reached the end of the catwalk, footage shows the the Brazilian beauty was seen pausing, taking a deep breath and bowing her head down in gratitude. Adriana appeared to be in tears as she placed her hands over her heart as the crowd gave her a standing ovation. The beauty completed her completed her iconic look with a pair of feathered heels that perfectly matched her statement wings. Touching: Adriana was visibly distraut as she reached the end of the catwalk of what will be her final time after nearly two decades Grateful: The 37-year-old was dressed in a baby blue set with large feathered wings as she held her hands on her chest, thanked the crowd and the brand while closing the show An actual Angel! The beauty completed her completed her iconic look with a pair of feathered heels that perfectly matched her statement wings Taking it in: As Adriana reached the end of the runway, she bowed her head to pray Another look saw Adriana command attention in a black lace leotard with a very low v-neck design. Her ensemble was accessorised with a diamond necklace and a pair of black boots with galaxy stars throughout. Her daring outfit was complimented with a large moon shaped 'wing' that was decked out in shimmery diamantes. Much loved: Adriana appeared to be in tears as she placed her hands over her heart as the crowd gave her a standing ovation One last time: She confirmed that the 2018 Victoria's Secret Fashion show will be her last time walking the runway earlier in the day Nothing but love and gratitude: Adriana was seen crossing her hands while tears filled her eyes Wow! Another look saw Adriana command attention in a black lace leotard with a very low v-neck design Adriana's brunette locks were styled into loose waves and appeared darker than usual for her final Victoria's Secret catwalk appearance. Her glam brought out her enviable high cheekbones and deep-set blue eyes with a sweep of blush and a nude lip. And despite her tearful runway appearance, she appeared to be in high spirits when she joined fellow Angels: Taylor Hill, Jasmine Tookes, Elsa Hosk, Behati Prinsloo and Candice Swanepoel for the finale. She's been working out! Adriana's look for the galaxy section drew attention to her incredibly toned and gym-honed physique Out of this world: Her ensemble was accessorised with a diamond necklace and a pair of black boots with galaxy stars throughout Intricate details: Her daring outfit was complimented with a large moon shaped 'wing' that was decked out in shimmery diamantes The main attraction: It was without a doubt Adriana's night on Thursday Adriana's final appearance comes after fellow model Georgia Fowler let it slip that Thursday would be her last time walking in the lingerie show after 19 years. And soon after that, the mom-of-two confirmed the news on Instagram with a sweet montage of some of her past appearances. The 37-year-old model who's been an Angel since 2000 wrote: 'Dear Victoria, Thank you for showing me the world, sharing your secrets, and most importantly not just giving me wings but teaching me to fly. And all the love to the best fans in the world. Love, Adriana.' Hard to beat! Adriana currently holds the record as the longest standing Angel after 18 years in the top spot Loved: Year after year, Adriana has been one of the brand's top favorite models for both her enviable physique and playful personality Time to celebrate! And despite her tearful runway appearance, she appeared to be in high spirits when she joined fellow Angels: (L-R) Taylor Hill, Jasmine Tookes, Elsa Hosk, Behati Prinsloo and Candice Swanepoel for the finale Success! The Angels were all seen partying as they closed the show and said goodbye for the final time All fun and games: Adriana no doubt had a great time at the conclusion of the event, playfully posing with fellow Angel Elsa Hosk as Jasmine Tookes watched on According to a tweet by InStyle magazine, a montage package dedicated to the brunette was played during the show in New York City, which described her as 'the greatest angel of all time'. The Brazilian-born beauty has working with the lingerie giant since 1999 with her debut at their annual runway show at the age of 18. In 2000, Adriana became an Angel; she has opened the 2003, 2007, 2008, 2010 and 2012 shows for Victoria's Secret. Friends: Backstage Adriana was seen alongside fellow Angels and mom's-of-two Candice Swanepoel and Behati Prinsloo Peace and love: Adriana looked incredible makeup free as she got ready for the show; pictured Thursday in New York City Iconic: According to a tweet by InStyle magazine, a montage package dedicated to the brunette was played during the show in New York City, which described her as 'the greatest angel of all time' Getting ready: Adriana posing with Rita Ora backstage on Thursday before the show kicked off The only show she was absent from was in 2009 because she was pregnant with her daughter Valentina. She opened her fifth show in 2012, just two months after giving birth to her second child Sienna. In 2008, Adriana was chosen to war the coveted Fantasy Bra, which was valued at $5 million featuring over 3.5K black diamond, over a hundred one carat white diamond, 34 rubies and two black diamond drops with 100 carats. The first year: Adriana Lima took to her Instagram on Thursday to confirm the news as she thanked the lingerie giant; pictured at the age of 18 Wow: The 37-year-old model, who has been an Angel since 2000, said: 'Dear Victoria, Thank you for showing me the world, sharing your secrets, and most importantly not just giving me wings but teaching me to fly;' pictured in 2002 Prep: The Brazilian-born beauty has working with the lingerie giant since 1999 with her debut at their annual runway show at the age of 18 (pictured getting ready before the show in 2000) Two years later, Adriana was chosen to wear the Fantasy Bra again, this time with a $2 million bra. She wore it for the third time in 2014 alongside fellow Brazilian model Alessandra Ambrosio; they each wore a $2 million bra. Adriana has two children: Valentina, age eight, and Sienna, age six, with ex husband Marko Jaric. Throwback: The Brazilian-born beauty has working with the lingerie giant since 1999 with her debut at their annual runway show at the age of 18; pictured in 2001 at the show Flashback: The mother of two continued: 'And all the love to the best fans in the world. Love, Adriana;' (left in 2001, and right in 2002) Happy: Adriana pictured backstage at the 2001 Victoria's Secret show In 2000, Adriana became an Angel; she has opened the 2003, 2007, 2008 and 2010 shows for Victoria's Secret; seen in 2002 with Karolina Kurkova Over the years: Adriana pictured from l to r: 2005, 2006,2007 and 2008 The news of her retirement was accidentally let slip by Georgia Fowler. She told Grazia that Adriana was taking a step back from the brand after 19 years. 'It will be [Adriana's] last year this year I think,' said Georgia, who is also walking the runway for Victoria's Secret in NYC. 'But she's done it for so many years and continues to look amazing on the catwalk and up against the younger girls.' Amazing: Adriana has two children: Valentina, age eight, and Sienna, age six, with ex husband Marko Jaric; pictured in Shanghai on November 20, 2017 for the Victoria's Secret show Closing the chapter: She ended the video thanking Victoria's Secret Pakistan taken note of the first deterrence patrol of Indian nuclear submarine Foreign Office spokesperson Dr. Mohammad Faisal has said that Pakistan has taken note of the first deterrence patrol of the Indian nuclear submarine and the self-congratulatory messages in India. Speaking at his weekly briefing in Islamabad on Thursday, he said this development marks the first actual deployment of ready to fire nuclear warheads in South Asia which is a matter of concern not only for the Indian Ocean littoral states but also for the international community. He said the bellicose language employed by the top Indian leadership highlights the threats to strategic stability in South Asia and raises questions about responsible nuclear stewardship in India. He also said that the increased frequency of missile tests by India, aggressive posturing and deployment of nuclear weapons calls for an assessment of the non-proliferation benefits resulting from the Indian membership of the Missile Technology Control Regime. The spokesperson said Pakistan is committed to the objective of the strategic stability in South Asia and believes that the only way forward for both the countries is to agree on measures for nuclear and missile restraint. At the same time, he said, no one should be in doubt about Pakistans resolve and capabilities to meet challenges posed by the latest developments both in the nuclear and conventional realms in South Asia. To a question, Dr. Mohammad Faisal expressed grave concern over unabated atrocities by the Indian forces in occupied Kashmir. He said the world community should come forward to stop India from using lethal weapons, pellet guns and brute force against the innocent civilians in the held valley. The spokesperson said after the United Nations Human Rights Office report, the United Kingdoms parliamentary bodys report has also pinpointed the grave human rights situation in occupied Kashmir where a number of marked and unmarked graves are being found as a result of the ongoing Indian brutalities. He said Indian forces are acting in complete immunity under draconian laws and there are no legal rights for the number of Kashmiri inmates languishing in Indian jails. Replying to a question about the follow up of Prime Minister Imran Khans visit to China, the spokesperson said a high-level Pakistan delegation will have talks with the counterparts in Beijing to sort out technical matters and finalise the modalities for further enhancing the existing bilateral strategic cooperation between the two countries. Chris Martin has admitted he was 'a mess' after splitting from his wife Gwyneth Paltrow in 2014 following ten years of marriage. The Coldplay frontman struggled after the A-list couple, who are parents to Apple, now 14, and Moses, 12, famously announced they were consciously uncoupling, leading Chris' bandmates to fear for his wellbeing. Speaking in a new documentary film Coldplay: A Head Full Of Dreams Chris, 41, said while the band toured their album Mylo Xyloto he felt 'completely worthless and nothing to anybody.' 'Worthless': Chris Martin has admitted he was 'a mess' after splitting from his wife Gwyneth Paltrow in 2014 following ten years of marriage (pictured in January 2014) 'I was just like, "I'm a mess", really, because I can't enjoy the great things around me. Then, of course, I went through a break-up with Gwyneth. Listen, I'm never going to moan, I'm grateful for everything, but it was pretty touch and go.' Chris's bandmates Jonny Buckland, Guy Berryman and Will Champion along with their former manager Phil Harvey were concerned for their friend, with Phil confessing: 'Your mind can go to the worst case scenario. 'I was worried about him to the extent that I was just really glad to get a text in the morning just to know he was OK.' Both Chris and Gwyneth have moved on, and while Chris is currently dating Fifty Shades Of Grey actress Dakota Johnson, 29, Gwyneth, 46, married American TV director Brad Falchuk in September. Tough: The Coldplay frontman struggled after the A-list couple, who are parents to Apple, now 14, and Moses, 12, famously announced they were consciously uncoupling In January Gwyneth told PeopleStyle she could not wait to be a bride as she considers this her first wedding, after eloping with Chris in 2003. 'Im excited about everything! Ive never had a wedding before. So even though Im 45, I sort of feel like a 21-year-old,' she said. The Coldplay documentary also sees a candid Chris admits he understands why he and his clean-living band are often mocked by fellow stars in the industry. Concerns: Chris's bandmates Will Champion, Guy Berryman and Jonny Buckland(pictured with Chris in 2015) were concerned for their friend's wellbeing 'I get it. I think it's important to have figures of ridicule and I don't mind being one of them, admits Chris, adding that his anxiety and lack of confidence in his talents have plagued him. 'I think everything we've done is s**t. That's why I keep trying to do new stuff. But that's my gut feeling. That's what fires you up to do the next thing,' he explained. A Head Full of Dreams hits 'limited' UK theaters November 14 and the behind-the-scenes movie starts streaming November 16 on Amazon Prime. Advertisement She hit the headlines recently for staunchly defending the annual extravaganza. And Stella Maxwell was a dazzling presence on the runway at this year's Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, which made its grand stateside return this year and took place in New York City. The 28-year-old Victoria's Secret Angel tied a bright orange sash into a bow around her neck, teaming her skimpy powder pink lingerie with an orange-lined gold corset. Swank: Stella Maxwell was a dazzling presence on the runway at this year's Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, which made its grand stateside return this year and took place in New York City She left he corset slightly open at the top, allowing for a glimpse of her enviably chiseled midriff as she strode down the runway on sky-high ankle-strap heels. Stella played up her supermodel features with lustrous makeup, letting her luxurious blonde hair tumble freely over her shoulders and modeling a set of angel wings to remember. The Belgian bombshell had three slender pink wings swirling out at each side, complementing not only her sleek lacy underwear but also the bow and the corset lining. Coordinated: The 28-year-old Victoria's Secret Angel tied a bright orange sash into a bow around her neck, teaming her skimpy powder pink lingerie with an orange-lined gold corset Aglow: She left he corset slightly open at the top, allowing for a glimpse of her enviably chiseled midriff as she strode down the runway on sky-high ankle-strap heels Looking her best: Stella played up her supermodel features with lustrous makeup, letting her luxurious blonde hair tumble freely over her shoulders and modeling a set of angel wings to remember Unforgettable: The Belgian bombshell had three slender pink wings swirling out at each side, complementing not only her sleek lacy underwear but also the bow and the corset lining Megawatt smile: She pointed outward and shot an irresistible grin over her shoulder from the catwalk In one showstopping group shot to remember, she stood on the runway amid a claque of stunning models including Cindy Bruna, Stella Sampaio and Romee Strijd. Backstage before the show got started, Stella was seen wrapped up in a shiny black Victoria's Secret Robe as she settled into a chair to have her makeup applied for her big day. Stella, a social media maven who happens to be dating Twilight star Kristen Stewart, got in a bit of multitasking by snapping some selfies while she was in the makeup chair. Spellbinding: In one showstopping group shot to remember, she stood on the runway amid a claque of stunning models including Cindy Bruna, Stella Sampaio and Romee Strijd The Brussels-born modeling star covered this year's November issue of Glamour UK and vigorously defended the Victoria's Secret Fashion show from claims it may be upholding sexism. 'For me, it feels empowering to walk down a runway in my underwear! The message I want to send out is that women are sexy,' Stella contended. 'We have girls from all over the world in the show its just a very sexy and confident role and situation you are lucky to be in. I personally really enjoy the moment of the runway show. I think its all about feeling good AND looking amazing,' she told the British fashion magazine. Sticking up for it: The Brussels-born modeling star covered this year's November issue of Glamour UK and vigorously defended the Victoria's Secret Fashion show from claims it may be upholding sexism Making herself clear: 'For me, it feels empowering to walk down a runway in my underwear! The message I want to send out is that women are sexy,' Stella contended 'Exercise is great for your mental health!': She said of the show's relationship to body image: 'I think every girl has worked really hard and I think you can see that even just through our Instagrams' Peekaboo: While striding the runway beside Rita, Stella modeled lacy lingerie with an opening to flash her taut tummy She said of the show's relationship to body image: 'I think every girl has worked really hard and I think you can see that even just through our Instagrams. We show all the exercise we are doing and the mental health, too. Exercise is great for your mental health!' Stella went on: 'The show is about being really comfortable in your body and its about embracing your body. All the hard work we have been doing over months comes to a point where you go: "Yes, this is it, this is what I have been working so hard for!" I think thats mainly what it is about: its about hard work! Friday's event marks the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show's return to its native United States - it took place in Shanghai last year, and the year before that alighted in Paris. Keeping warm: In chilly autumnal New York, she slipped on a pair of socks beneath her high-heeled black leather stilettos Positive reinforcement: Stella told Glamour UK: 'The show is about being really comfortable in your body and its about embracing your body' Fit as a fiddle: Stella shared: 'All the hard work we have been doing over months comes to a point where you go: "Yes, this is it, this is what I have been working so hard for!"' Homecoming: Friday's event marks the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show's return to its native United States - it took place in Shanghai last year, and the year before that alighted in Paris It was also the final show walked by the longest-serving Victoria's Secret Angel Adriana Lima, who announced her retirement from the brand on her Instagram page that day. 'I think this year is going to be the highlight of my career. This has been my 18th fashion show and I am still as excited as I was from the first day,' she told People magazine. Before walking this Thursday's fashion show, she dished: 'I always love to be on runways and being part of the Victorias Secret show. It my favorite to do.' This Friday's show also marked the return of Angel Behati Prinsloo - who took the last two years off while having children - and happened the day after Angel Elsa Hosk's 30th birthday. Preparation: Backstage before the show got started, Stella was seen wrapped up in a shiny black Victoria's Secret Robe as she settled into a chair to have her makeup applied for her big day True to form: Stella, a social media maven who happens to be dating Twilight star Kristen Stewart, got in a bit of multitasking by snapping some selfies while she was in the makeup chair What a day: It was also the final show walked by the longest-serving Victoria's Secret Angel Adriana Lima, who announced her retirement from the brand on her Instagram page that day They've been enjoying a relaxing beach break in Barbados. And Zoe Salmon and her husband William Corrie were calling it a day on Thursday as they prepared to jet out of Barbados following their romantic getaway. The former Blue Peter presenter, 38, was in high spirits as she arrived at the airport ahead of her flight, flashing a beaming grin. Homeward bound! Zoe Salmon and her husband William Corrie were calling it a day on Thursday as they prepared to jet out of Barbados following their romantic getaway Zoe was dressed to impress for her flight in a boho inspired dress in a muted, earthy tone. She carried her travel essentials in a black leather handbag and opted for comfort with coordinating black sandals. The TV personality wore her hair down loose and protected her eyes behind a pair of giant sunglasses. Radiant: The former Blue Peter presenter, 38, was in high spirits as she arrived at the airport ahead of her flight, flashing a beaming grin Laid back look: Zoe was dressed to impress for her flight in a boho inspired dress in a muted, earthy tone Zoe and William are known to be fans of the holiday hot spot, after eloping to the island to get hitched two years ago. The couple were together for five years before tying the knot, after meeting at a friend's wedding in Castle Leslie, County Monaghan - where Sir Paul McCartney famously married Heather Mills in 2002. Zoe's romance with William comes after she dated another fellow Northern Irish man - former Hollyoaks actor Gerard McCarthy. Regular visitors: Zoe and William are known to be fans of the holiday hot spot, after eloping to the island to get hitched two years ago The pair split in 2009 after 18 months, with Gerard declaring 'there's plenty more Salmon in the sea' following the end of their romance. The blonde started her career when she won Miss Northern Ireland in 1999, before turning her attention to presenting. She co-hosted iconic children's show Blue Peter to 2004 until 2008, and went on to appear as a contestant on Dancing On Ice in 2009. Advertisement The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show boasts some of the most attractive models in the world. And Sara Sampaio was definitely sizzling in her crimson-hued number as she traipsed down the runway on Thursday. The 27-year-old Portuguese beauty no doubt turned heads as she rocked her unique sleeved corset, which boasted a plaid pattern throughout. Red hot! Sara Sampaio was definitely sizzling in her crimson-hued number as she traipsed down the runway on Thursday at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show Lacey accents ensured her decolletage was on full display, while a high cut hem flashed a lot of flesh at her hips. Tiny matching panties completed the racy look. A pair of black boots which laced up from feet to thigh added yet another focal point to the outrageous outfit. Crimson sparkly wings ensured the beauty meshed well with the show's famous angel aesthetic while glimmering earrings and a bejeweled necklace added some bling to the already visually arresting ensemble. Sexy stuff! Lacey accents ensured her decolletage was on full display, while a high cut hem flashed a lot of flesh at her hips Her silky brunette tresses were parted slightly on the left and were allowed to cascade down past her shoulders. Thick eye liner, subtle blush and rich rose lipstick ensured the 5ft8in stunner looked exquisite as she made her turns on the catwalk. While the red outfit may have been her main ensemble, Sara appeared again later wearing a far more demure silvery bra paired with black panties as she took the stage with some of her fellow angels. Bevy of beauties! While the red outfit may have been her main ensemble, Sara (third from right) appeared again later wearing a far more demure ensemble as she took the stage with some of her fellow angels Flattering! A silvery bra paired with black panties composed her second runway look All smiles! Before the show, Sara looked to be in great spirits as she posed with a pink 'Grl Pwr' sign Before the show, Sara looked to be in great spirits as she posed with a pink 'Grl Pwr' sign. As her hair and make-up were tended to, she lounged in a black bra with shimmering straps and panties emblazoned with silver stars. She also took a moment to pose with fellow model Josephine Skriver, 25, for the official Victoria's Secret Instagram account. The account gushed in the caption: 'I just can say BODY GOALS AS HELL.' The 2018 Victoria's Secret Show will air at 10pm ET/PT on December 2 on ABC. Double trouble! She also took a moment to pose with fellow model Josephine Skriver, 25, for the official Victoria's Secret Instagram account Sara managed to wow even when on the pink carpet for the event. She went with a thigh skimming mini dress which was covered with a silver foil texture. A diamond necklace and very delicate strappy stiletto heels rounded out the shiny look. Always a looker! Sara managed to wow even when on the pink carpet for the event Advertisement She became an Angel in 2015. And on Thursday night, Jasmine Tookes once again took the annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in her stride. The 27-year-old strutted her stuff on the catwalk at Pier 49 In New York. Annual showcase: She became an Angel in 2015. And on Thursday night, Jasmine Tookes once again took the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in her stride Tookes looked fabulous in a pale pink bustier and tiny lace panties. The items perfectly showcased her long legs and ample bosom. She also wore a colorful cropped jacket decorated with a stunning faux floral display. Her long flowing black hair fanned out around her shoulders and she stepped out in stiletto-heeled ankle boots. Working it: The 27-year-old strutted her stuff on the catwalk at Pier 49 In New York Stunner: Tookes looked fabulous in a pale pink bustier and tiny lace panties. She also wore a colorful cropped jacket decorated with a stunning faux floral display In 2016, Tookes was chosen to wear the lingerie brand's Fantasy Bra at that year's extravaganza. That made the California native the third black model to wear the bra. The beauty also took to her social media to tease some images from behind the scenes of the show. Instagram pics: The beauty also took to her social media to tease some images from behind the scenes of the show Flirty and fun: In 2016, Tookes was chosen to wear the lingerie brand's Fantasy Bra at that year's extravaganza. That made the California native the third black model to wear the bra Pals: Tookes shared this selfie taken backstage with fellow Angel Josephine Skriver Moves: The California native danced around in her underwear in a social media video clip He is the father of her eldest sister's children. And when they were glimpsed stepping out for lunch in the Los Angeles suburb of Encino, Khloe Kardashian and Scott Disick showed their familial affection. The 34-year-old mother of one and her sister's used-to-be kissed each other on the cheek outside the Italian restaurant Emilio's Trattoria. So sweet: When they were glimpsed stepping out for lunch in the Los Angeles suburb of Encino, Khloe Kardashian and Scott Disick showed their familial affection Sweeping her blonde hair back into a ponytail, Khloe pulled on a stylish little headband and accessorizing with swinging hoop earrings. The Revenge Body With Khloe Kardashian hostess, who gave birth in April, was business chic in a fitted pantsuit that played up her enviably trim frame. Meanwhile, the dashing ex-boyfriend of her eldest sibling went for a casual ensemble, teaming a pair of simple black shades with a midnight blue hoodie. Still on good terms: The 34-year-old mother of one and her sister's used-to-be kissed each other on the cheek outside the Italian restaurant Emilio's Trattoria Scott has three children with Kourtney Kardashian - eight-year-old son Mason, six-year-old daughter Penelope and three-year-old son Reign. Kourtney and Scott, who were introduced in 2006 by Girls Gone Wild founder Joe Francis in Mexico, last ended their romantic relationship in July of 2015. For over a year now, Scott has been running around with Lionel Richie's daughter Sofia, who at the age of 20 is a decade and a half his junior. Hoofing it: Sweeping her blonde hair back into a ponytail, Khloe pulled on a stylish little headband and accessorizing with swinging hoop earrings Kourtney was also dating an extravagantly younger man - 25-year-old Algerian model Younes Bendjima - but they broke up this year. This April, Khloe welcomed her daughter True, whose father is Khloe's allegedly unfaithful boyfriend, the Cleveland Cavalier Tristan Thompson. Less than 48 hours before Khloe gave birth, DailyMail.com ran footage of Tristan apparently kissing strip club bartender Lani Blair in New York. She made her Victoria's Secret debut to an estimated five million people on Thursday, stunning onlookers and viewers alike with her killer curves. Maia Cotton, 19, took to the runway in a silver hoodie and an electric blue bra and underwear set which showed off her voluptuous figure. The New Zealand born model completed her outfit with a pair black and white stiletto heel boots. Scroll down for video If you've got it, flaunt it! Model Maia Cotton (pictured), 19, showed off her incredible curves during her catwalk debut at Victoria's Secret on Thursday The brunette beauty wore her long tousled locks out and accessorised her look with silver hoop earrings and matching necklaces and bracelets. Maia's outfit perfectly complemented her skin tone, and she beamed with confidence on the prestigious runway. The New York based stunner has been modelling since she was 14 and joined fellow Kiwis Stella Maxwell and Georgia Fowler for the Victoria's Secret show. Set to shimmer: Maia took to the runway in a silver hoodie and an electric blue bra and underwear set which showed off her figure The brunette has appeared in the pages of New Zealand magazines such as Miss FQ and has featured in shoots for Urban Outfitters and Tigerlily, among others. On Tuesday, Maia shared a series of videos her Instagram Story showing her last-minute preparations in the lead up to Thursday's runway debut. First up was a visit to a luxury Cryo Studio in New York for a cryotherapy session. Curves ahead! The New Zealand born model completed her outfit with a pair black and white stiletto heel boots The experience claims to burn 500 to 800 calories within three minutes by exposing the body to sub-zero temperatures. A full body session at Quick Cyro costs $116. According to the studio's website it 'burns as many calories as an hour at the gym, liquefies cellulite, promotes collagen and reduces inflammation'. Maia also filmed herself at the Oxygen Bar, which is meant to boost the effects of the fat-freezing Cyro and costs $27 for 10 minutes. A bit chilly! Maia prepared for the Victoria's Secret show by getting an extra hit of oxygen, before standing in the cyro tank for three minutes Maia captioned a picture of the treatment: 'Just your standard pre-Cyro oxygen.' She is seen grimacing in the Instagram footage, suggesting the -278 degree temperature was more than a bit chilly. Cryotherapy wasn't the only last-minute preparations the model underwent - she also shared a shot of herself wearing a 24k Pure Gold Mask from Mimi Luzon. Precious mettle: The brunette also wore a 24k Pure Gold Mask from Mimi Luzon A package of the gold foil facial mask, which contains four treatments, costs $480 and promises to 'improve skin elasticity' and 'reduces dryness and wrinkles'. The striking beauty was discovered on Instagram and has admitted being booked for the Victoria's Secret show was a dream come true. 'I used to think about what this moment might feel like, and it is simply indescribable,' she wrote on Instagram. 'Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined I would get the opportunity to cast, let alone confirm the show of a lifetime.' It was all eyes on Duckie Thot on Thursday. The Australian model set the catwalk during her debut at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in New York on Thursday. Duckie, 23, was fitted out in bright floral leggings and matching heels as she strolled the runway alongside the likes of Gigi and Bella Hadid. Flawless in floral! Australian Model Duckie Thot, 23, flaunts her sensational figure in her Victoria Secret's runway debut In what was quite a conservative ensemble for the lingerie giant, she drew attention to her svelte waist and toned stomach. Duckie's minimal makeup was flawless, with just a touch of pink highlighter and a glossy lip to compliment her colourful wardrobe. The Australian model has been making waves ever since she landed the Victoria's Secret gig. LOreal Paris recently named her their new spokeswoman. In good company! Duckie, 23, was fitted out in bright floral leggings and matching heels as she strolled the runway alongside the likes of Gigi and Bella Hadid Keeping it conservative! In what was quite a conservative ensemble for the lingerie giant, she drew attention to her svelte waist and toned stomach Duckie shot to fame on Australia's Next Top Model in 2013. Since then, she's worked with the likes of Oscar de la Renta, Moschino, Yeezy and Fenty Beauty by Rihanna. The hard work has paid off in more ways than one, with her Instagram follower count surpassing the million mark in recent days. She hopes to use that influence to defy stereotypes and push the fashion industry towards a more inclusive future. Claim to fame: Duckie shot to fame on Australia's Next Top Model in 2013 'The industry has definitely made strides in terms of representation recently and I'm so glad to be a part of this change,' the 23-year-old said during an interview with Vogue last week. But Duckie, who is the daughter of South Sudanese refugees, insists the issue of representation exists beyond the catwalk and that not enough progress has been made. 'Diversity is important because beauty and fashion are such integral parts of culture and the runway should represent what's actually happening in the world,' she told the publication. 'The runway should represent what's happening in the world': She hopes to use her influence to defy stereotypes and push the fashion industry towards a more inclusive future Nicole Kidman and Amber Heard are featured in a series of new promotional shots for the upcoming Aquaman film. The Australian actress, who plays Aquaman's mother Queen Atlanna in the motion picture, showed off her gorgeous glare in a multicolored outfit with a steel trident in hand. In the ad, Kidman, who's married to country crooner Keith Urban, has her teased blonde locks pushed back while wading in the sea with a lighthouse in the far distance. Scroll below for video Stunning: Nicole Kidman and others are seen in a series of new promotional shots for the upcoming Aquaman film Focused: Amber Heard portrays Princess Mera, the romantic interest of Jason Momoa's titular character, in the forthcoming Hollywood film The lighthouse holds a special distinction in the storyline of the comic book-based motion picture, as it's the location where the superhero's mother and father would meet. Heard, 32, portrays Princess Mera, the romantic interest of Jason Momoa's titular character, in the forthcoming Hollywood film. The Austin, Texas native, who was formerly wed to Johnny Depp, is wearing an ocean blue bodysuit with her resplendent red locks flowing upwards as she's submerged in the water. A number of sharks with soldiers riding them are seen lurking in the background, as well as a soldier brandishing a trident. Mighty: The long-haired hunk Jason Momoa is in a battle stance in his underwater shot Fighting mood: King Orm (Patrick Wilson) is hyped for action in his poster for the film Momoa presents a powerful presence in his promotional picture, as he's in the traditional Aquaman attire of an orange top and green bottoms adorned with armor. Other promotional images include shots of Vulko (Willem Dafoe), King Orm (Patrick Wilson), and King Nereus (Dolph Lundgren). According to Warner Bros., 'The film reveals the origin story of half-human, half-Atlantean Arthur Curry and takes him on the journey of his lifetime - one that will not only force him to face who he really is, but to discover if he is worthy of who he was born to be ... a king.' The movie, which is directed by James Wan, hits theaters December 21. Battle stance: Vulko (Willem Dafoe) is on defense in his promotional poster She made her sensational debut in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in New York City on Thursday night. And at the VS after party, New Zealand newcomer Maia Cotton left very little to the imagination in an eye-popping nude illusion number. The 19-year-old flaunted her supermodel figure in the sheer flapper-style frock, embellished with strategically placed crystals and gems. Sheer daring! Kiwi model Maia Cotton, 19, left very little to the imagination in a sheer nude dress at Victoria's Secret Fashion Show after party in New York on Thursday Allowing her brunette locks to cascade past her shoulders, the stunner accessorised with glittering hoop earrings and an ivory clutch while stepping out in silver pumps. Showcasing her stunning features, Maia wore a natural makeup palette consisting of dark brows, flawless complexion and light pink lip. Her jaw-dropping display comes after the Kiwi beauty dazzled on the Victoria's Secret runway. Shimmering! The 19-year-old flaunted her supermodel figure in the sheer flapper style frock, embellished with strategically placed crystals and gems Maia took to the catwalk in a silver hoodie and an electric blue bra and underwear set that also showed off her phenomenal figure. And the newcomer held her own alongside established models, including Kendall Jenner, Gigi and Bella Hadid and Shanina Shaik. New York-based Maia has been modelling since she was 14 and appeared in the pages of New Zealand magazines such as Miss FQ and has featured in shoots for Urban Outfitters and Tigerlily, among others. Showstopper: Allowing her brunette locks to cascade past her shoulders, the stunner accessorised with glittering hoop earrings and an ivory clutch The striking beauty was discovered on Instagram and has admitted being booked for the Victoria's Secret show was a dream come true. 'I used to think about what this moment might feel like, and it is simply indescribable,' she wrote on Instagram. 'Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined I would get the opportunity to cast, let alone confirm the show of a lifetime.' India, Afghanistan defy US on Iran's Chabahar port plan 10/24/18 Source: Press TV India and Afghanistan are pushing ahead with plans to open a new transportation corridor between the two countries via Iran's strategic port of Chabahar despite US sanctions. Iran-India-Afghanistan meeting in Tehran on Chabahar port plans October 23, 2018 (photo by Mehr News Agency) New Delhi sees the port crucial to its connectivity ambitions, including access to CIS countries - a regional organization of 10 post-Soviet republics in Eurasia. For landlocked Afghanistan, the corridor means opening the way for billions of dollars in trade and cutting the country's dependence on foreigners for aid as well as stemming the illicit opium trade. The US is plainly opposed to the project, not just because of its entrenched hostility to Iran, but also its plans for a long-haul military stay in Afghanistan and its efforts to keep India and Russia as apart as possible. US President Donald Trump has also expressed an interest in Afghanistan's massive mineral resources which India has already won the rights to exploit, including an iron mine. New Delhi seeks to use a planned railroad to Chabahar to export iron ore from the Hajigak iron mine in central Afghanistan. Both India and Afghanistan have signaled their commitment to the development of Chabahar. On Tuesday, senior officials from the two countries met their counterpart in Tehran to discuss a full commissioning of the port that the three countries are jointly developing. Iran-India-Afghanistan meeting in Tehran on Chabahar port plans October 23, 2018 (photo by Mehr News Agency) It was the first trilateral meeting of the Coordination Council of the Chabahar Agreement, coming in the face of fresh sanctions imposed by Washington on the Islamic Republic. "Detailed discussions were held between the three sides on full operationalization of the trilateral agreement for international transit and transport through Chabahar port," India's External Affairs Ministry said in a statement. "All sides shared the view that a full operationalization of the trilateral Chabahar initiative will promote connectivity and economic development of Afghanistan and the region," it added. According to the statement, a decision was also taken to form a follow-up committee that would hold its first meeting within two months in Chabahar. It will discuss and aim to finalize a protocol to harmonize transit, roads, customs and consular matters that were shared by the Indian side at the meeting for making the route attractive, decreasing logistic costs and paving the way for a smooth implementation of the trilateral Chabahar agreement, the statement said India has pledged to invest $500 million in Chabahar on the Gulf of Oman which is Iran's closest port to the Indian Ocean. Last December, Iran opened an extension of the port, carried out with an investment of $1 billion including $235 million from India. In October, India sent its first consignment of wheat to Afghanistan through Chabahar. The port is also a key link in the International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a multi-modal network of ship, rail and road routes to move freight between India, Iran, Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Central Asia and Europe. India is also attempting to put in place a separate corridor linking Gujarat and West Bengal to Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and eastern Russia via Iran's Bandar Abbas. Indian officials say the idea is to access the markets of the landlocked region and create a corridor to import natural resources from the region in a shorter period than being done currently. Officials from India and Kazakhstan will reportedly meet in New Delhi next week to finetune proposals for the corridor which will run parallel with INSTC and Chabahar route. Advertisement She's walked in the Victoria's Secret catwalk three times, even closing the show in 2012. And after a five year hiatus, Toni Garrn made her highly anticipated return for the 2018 show in New York City. The 26-year-old bombshell was dressed in a tiny silver set and walked while songstress Halsey was performing. Scroll down for videos She's back! Toni Garrn showcased washboard abs and pom pom wings when she returned to the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show after a five year hiatus on Thursday evening Toni's ensemble drew attention to ample cleavage and washboard abs. Her ensemble saw her stun in a intricately stitched two-piece while a large green and blue pom-pom like set of wings were on her back. The German native teamed her look with soft multi-colored heels that also had the shaggy effect on them. Making heads turn! The 26-year-old bombshell was dressed in a tiny silver set and walked while songstress Halsey was performing Glamour queen: Her ensemble saw her stun in a intricately stitched two-piece while a large green and blue pom-pom like set of wings were on her back Throwback: Toni's last time walking in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show was back in 2013 (pictured) Toni's blonde locks were styled out into soft natural waves to ensure attention was kept on her ensemble. Her glam was also kept soft and radiant with blushed cheeks and a subtle cat eye to bring out her blue eyes. The human rights and female activist first walked the Victoria's Secret catwalk back in 2011 when she was 19. Matching: The German native teamed her look with soft multi-colored heels that also had the shaggy effect on them Simple: Toni's blonde locks were styled out into soft natural waves to ensure attention was kept on her ensemble That was fun! (L-R): Nadine Leopold, Shanina Shaik, Harieth Paul, Barbra Fialho, Toni Garrn and Cheyenne Maya Carty The following year, the former girlfriend of Leonardo DiCaprio closed the show. Toni was a part of the extraviganza for one more year after that before taking a five year hiatus ahead of her 2018 return. 'I'M BACK B*****s,' she wrote on Instagram back in September. 'Excited to be back and lets make 2018 the best one yet.' Friends: Toni was seen posing backstage with fellow beauty Laid Ribeiro Another showstopping look! Toni was also seen gracing the pink carpet following her stellar show appearance on Thursday evening Toni was also seen gracing the pink carpet following her stellar show appearance on Thursday evening. She was dressed in a risque shimmery ensemble that kept her modest while still showcasing much of her taut skin. Her long and lean legs were also out on display and she completed the look with simple strappy heels. Leonardo DiCaprio was spotted on a casual trip with girlfriend Camila Morrone. But on the other side of the coast, his ex Toni Garrn stole the show at one of the biggest runway events of the year. The 43-year-old actor was spotted enjoying a relaxed outing with his 21-year-old actress girlfriend in West Hollywood on Thursday. Just us: Leonardo DiCaprio, 43, was spotted enjoying a relaxed outing with 21-year-old girlfriend Camila Morrone in West Hollywood on Thursday Meanwhile: His ex Toni Garrn stole the show at one of the biggest runway events of the year as she made her return to the Victoria's Secret catwalk after a five-year hiatus Meanwhile his ex girlfriend Toni, 26, was making her return to the Victoria's Secret catwalk after a five-year hiatus. The stunner had previously walked the show three times and even closed it in 2012. The bombshell was dressed in a tiny silver set and walked while songstress Halsey was performing. She's back! She showcased washboard abs and pom pom wings when she returned to the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show after a five year hiatus on Thursday evening Toni's ensemble drew attention to ample cleavage and washboard abs. Her ensemble saw her stun in a intricately stitched two-piece while a large green and blue pom-pom like set of wings were on her back. The German native teamed her look with soft multi-colored heels that also had the shaggy effect on them. Making heads turn! The 26-year-old bombshell was dressed in a tiny silver set and walked while songstress Halsey was performing Glamour queen: Her ensemble saw her stun in a intricately stitched two-piece while a large green and blue pom-pom like set of wings were on her back Throwback: Toni's last time walking in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show was back in 2013 (pictured) Toni's blonde locks were styled out into soft natural waves to ensure attention was kept on her ensemble. Her glam was also kept soft and radiant with blushed cheeks and a subtle cat eye to bring out her blue eyes. The human rights and female activist first walked the Victoria's Secret catwalk back in 2011 when she was 19. Simple: Toni's blonde locks were styled out into soft natural waves to ensure attention was kept on her ensemble That was fun! (L-R): Nadine Leopold, Shanina Shaik, Harieth Paul, Barbra Fialho, Toni Garrn and Cheyenne Maya Carty The following year, the former girlfriend of Leonardo DiCaprio closed the show. Toni was a part of the extraviganza for one more year after that before taking a five year hiatus ahead of her 2018 return. 'I'M BACK B*****s,' she wrote on Instagram back in September. 'Excited to be back and lets make 2018 the best one yet.' Friends: Toni was seen posing backstage with fellow beauty Laid Ribeiro Another showstopping look! Toni was also seen gracing the pink carpet following her stellar show appearance on Thursday evening Toni was also seen gracing the pink carpet following her stellar show appearance on Thursday evening. She was dressed in a risque shimmery ensemble that kept her modest while still showcasing much of her taut skin. Her long and lean legs were also out on display and she completed the look with simple strappy heels. They joined forces on Sunday to implore Latina women in Miami to go out and vote in the US midterms. And on Thursday, Latina actresses Rosario Dawson, Zoe Saldana, Eva Longoria and Gina Rodriguez were together again, this time for the Eva Longoria Foundation Dinner in Los Angeles. Longoria, 43, looked ravishing in red, having given birth to her first son, Santiago, in June. United: Actresses [L-R] Eva Longoria, Zoe Saldana, Gina Rodriguez and Rosario Dawson joined forces for the Eva Longoria Foundation Dinner in Los Angeles on Thursday The Desperate Housewives star flaunted her incredible form in a floor length red gown with long sleeves. Her wavy brunette tresses were worn loose and cascaded down Eva's back. The actress' foundation stated goals are to close the education gap plaguing Latinas and to confront Latino poverty. New mama: Longoria, 43, looked ravishing in red, having given birth to her first son, Santiago, in June Lady in red: The Desperate Housewives star flaunted her incredible form in a floor length red gown with long sleeves Got the blues? Meanwhile Avatar star Zoe Saldana looked incredible in a light blue lace gown Meanwhile Avatar star Zoe Saldana looked incredible in a light blue lace gown. The dress boasted a deep, plunging neckline that made the most of the Guardians Of The Galaxy actress' assets. The 40-year-old beauty added inches to her frame with a pair of towering heels. Taling the plunge: The dress boasted a deep, plunging neckline that made the most of the Guardians Of The Galaxy actress' assets Rosario Dawson showed off her timeless beauty in a black top with a black lace dress. Her straight raven tresses were worn loose and the highlight of her simple makeup was a slash of deep red lip liner. On her feet, the 39-year-old wore a pair of stilettos. Hasn't aged a day: Rosario Dawson showed off her timeless beauty in a black top with a black lace dress Green with envy: Gina Rodriguez dazzled in a green velvet, off the shoulder gown for the evening Gina Rodriguez dazzled in a green velvet, off the shoulder gown for the evening. The Jane The Virgin breakout star wore a green sash around her slender waist and added inches to her 5ft3in frame in heels. The Annihilation actress' raven tresses were worn loose and cascading down her back for the star-studded evening. Belted: The Jane The Virgin breakout star wore a green sash around her slender waist and added inches to her 5ft3in frame in heels White on: Roselyn Sanchez dazzled in a white suit Lovebirds: Rebecca Crews and Terry Crews Perfection: Andrea Navedo looked incredible in blue Mario Lopez and Courtney Laine Hugging it out: Eva and Rosario embrace Girl power: Gina and Eva Kim Kardashian and her three children were given just one hour to evacuate her home as wildfires swept through California. The reality TV star flew back from San Quentin jail, where a death row inmate she is campaigning to have released is being held, when she was told to quickly flee the devastating blazes. As the 38-year-old came into land in her private plane she took aerial videos and pictures of the flames spreading around the around Los Angeles and Ventura County. The star has asked her fans to 'pray for Calabasas' after the reality TV star was 'evacuated' from her home due to wildfires. High drama: Kim Kardashian has asked her fans to 'pray for Calabasas' after the reality TV star was 'evacuated' from her home due to wildfires Firestorm: And once on the ground, Kim made sure to document the action, sharing pictures and videos of first responders to the tragedy The socialite was returning from a business trip when she spotted the fires from the air. Seen here with kids [L-R] North, Chicago and Saint. She shared this picture of her children last night She took to Instagram to share aerial photos of the Woosley fire in California and praise the efforts of firefighters. However once she landed, Kim revealed her and kids North, Chicago and Saint only 'had 1 hour to pack up & evacuate our home'. The socialite was returning from a business trip when she spotted the fires from the air. And once on the ground, Kim made sure to document the action, sharing pictures and videos of first responders to the tragedy. She captioned as video with: 'Fire fighters are arriving. Thank you for all that you do for us!!!' wrote the mother-of-three.' Kim and rapper Kanye West's 15,000 sqft estate in Hidden Hills is thought to be worth around $20million. Kim Kardashian and Kanye West's $20m home in the Hidden Hills neighborhood in Calabasas. She was forced to flee with her children as wildfires swept Los Angeles and Ventura County The fire first erupted on Thursday afternoon east of neighboring city Chatsworth and has since grown to 4,000 acres in Ventura County. It rapidly burned down several houses as mandatory evacuations were ordered in areas like the Kardashian neighborhood of Hidden Hills. Kim and her sister Kourtney, 39, both live in exclusive Calabasas, near their mother Kris Jenner and brother Rob. Kourtney left her Calabasas home and posted an Instagram picture of suitcases in her car as she went to stay with sister Kendall Jenner's house in Beverly Hills and joked she was raiding her pantry for food. Kim posted an Instagram story from her private plane as she touched down in California of wildfires raging through the county The reality star also praised the emergency services as she was forced out of her home due to the encroaching flames Kourtney Kardashian's house in Calabasas, California. She also left her home and stayed with sister Kendall in Beverly Hills while she was at the Victoria Secrets fashion show in New York She wrote alongside the picture: 'I pray that everyone is kept safe and protected from these fires. No Calabasas tonight.' Kris Jenner's upmarket Hidden Hills neighborhood was evacuated, but she was also not at her $9.9m home as the drama unfolded as she was watching daughter, Kendall, take to the catwalk and star in the Victoria Secrets fashion show in New York. Kylie was not in California at the time as she was supporting boyfriend, Travis Scott, at his Astroworld tour in Baltimore, Maryland. Khloe Kardashian revealed that she and daughter True were staying with Rob Kardashian and his daughter, Dream, who live near Kris, but were not forced out of their home. She tweeted last night: 'I am with Rob, Dream and True and I am up keeping watch! Saying prayers and thanking all of the brave firefighters who risk their lives for us.' The Kardashian/West family live just around 13 miles from Thousand Oaks, where the night after a mass shooting left 12 dead, fires have threatened to rip through the community. Kourtney Kardashian shared an Instagram story of her belongings in the back of her car as she headed off to sister Kendall's house while she was away in New York Kourtney also raided her sibling's pantry for snacks while she was home alone in Beverly Hills Smoke could be seen over the area where a vigil was held last night for the victims of the shooting at the Borderline Bar and Grill on Wednesday night. Dubbed the 'Hill Fire' the blaze quickly spread to cover between 8,000 and 10,000 acres on this morning, according to Ventura County Fire Department officials. The Hill fire, which began at around 2pm, was being spread by powerful winds that pushed it through canyons and to the edge of Camarillo Springs and Cal State Channel Islands, both of which were evacuated. Two large brush fires caused 75,000 homes to be placed under evacuation orders along the border of Ventura and Los Angeles counties. Los Angeles Fire Department Public Information Officer Erik Scott said the blaze destroyed or damaged many buildings. A second fire has been burning in the Santa Rosa Valley east of Camarillo, west of Simi Valley near Newbury Park and Thousand Oaks. Nearly 500 miles away in northern California, the town of Paradise was left 'pretty much destroyed by a raging wildfires. Model Kendall Jenner walks the runway during the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show last night while her sister Kourtney stayed at her home in Beverly Hills and ate her food Kim had been returning from a visit to one of the most notorious prisons - San Quentin State Prison in northern California - according to a Thursday report from TMZ. According to the publication's sources, she was on prison grounds for several hours as she met with inmates and staff. Death row inmate Kevin Cooper is currently in San Quentin though it remains unclear if they met during the visit according to the publication. Cooper been on death row for 33 years and will face the lethal injection for the murders of four people, including two ten-year-old children. The KUWTK star today urged California Governor Jerry Brown to allow the retesting of the prisoner's DNA on Twitter. In a tweet, the mother-of-two said: 'Governor Brown, please add Kevin Cooper to your legacy of smart, fair and thoughtful criminal justice reforms.' She retweeted an opinion article from the New York Times titled 'Justice Delayed, With a Life on the Line'. The piece argues that Cooper might have been framed for the heinous crime. Kardashian took to Twitter weeks ago, just months after she helped 63-year-old Alice Johnson be commuted from her life sentence after 20 years behind bars Brown was arrested in 1983 and convicted in 1985 for the gruesome murders of two children and two adults - but he has always maintained his innocence She is set to portray Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who overturned gender discrimination to become Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. And Felicity Jones turned out alongside a star-studded crowd for the premiere for On The Basis Of Sex at the AFI Festival held at TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles on Thursday night. The actress, 35, was a vision as she arrived on the red carpet in a bold scarlet suit jacket and matching skirt. Leading lady: Felicity Jones turned out alongside a star-studded crowd for the premiere for On The Basis Of Sex at the AFI Festival held at TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles on Thursday The Theory Of Everything star's fitted jacket featured a revealing wrap-front lapel and a dramatic plunging neckline. Felicity complemented her striking ensemble with a pair of chic ankle strap heels to add height to her frame. The talented thespian wore her brunette locks in a sleek, straight fashion, while opting for low-key make-up. Felicity completed her red carpet ensemble with a pair of dramatic pearl drop earrings. Elegant: The actress, 35, was a vision as she arrived on the red carpet in a bold scarlet suit jacket and matching skirt Lady in red: The Theory Of Everything star's fitted jacket featured a revealing wrap-front lapel and a dramatic plunging neckline Handsome: Felicity was joined at the premiere by her co-star Armie Hammer, who looked dapper in a black coat which had a red and blue stripe across one lapel English rose: Felicity opted for natural hair and make-up, while giving her outfit a pop with a pair of dramatic gold and pearl drop earrings Felicity was joined at the premiere by her co-star Armie Hammer, who looked dapper in a black coat which had a red and blue stripe across one lapel. The Call Me By Your Name star, 32, wore a simple white polo shirt, while he teamed his attire with black trousers and smart shoes. Armie styled his chocolate brown tresses in a slick up-do and he sported a close-cropped beard. Chic: The Call Me By Your Name star, 32, wpre a simple white polo shirt, while he teamed up his attire with black trousers and smart shoes Glam: Felicity complemented her striking ensemble with a pair of chic ankle strap heels Dapper: Armie styled his chocolate brown tresses in a slick up-do and he sported a close-cropped beard Supportive: Felicity and Armie were joined by their co-star Justin Theroux at the premiere Kesha made quite the entrance at the premiere as she stepped out in a black mini dress which she teamed up with a tasselled poncho. The Tik Tok hitmaker pulled her blonde locks back into a sleek wet-look, keeping her hair out of her face. Boosting her height in a pair of block peep-toe heels, she gave her Gothic look a touch of glitter by accessorising with an array of gold and silver jewellery. Striking: Kesha made quite the entrance at the premiere as she stepped out in a black mini, dress which she teamed with a tasselled poncho Stylish: The Tik Tok hitmaker pulled her blonde locks back into a sleek wet-look, keeping her hair out of her face Work it! Kesha worked every angle as she posed for photos on the red carpet Accessorise: Boosting her height in a pair of block peep-toe heels, she gave her Gothic look a touch of glitter by accessorising with an array of gold and silver jewellery Cailee Spaeny, who plays Ruth's daughter Jane Ginsburg in the film, pulled out all the stops in a glamorous monochrome gown which had a jewel-encrusted top. Her ensemble featured a chiffon skirt that flowed to the ground, and complemented the look with a pair of dangling earrings. Justin Theroux, 47, also looked dapper as he donned a black suit, shirt, and tie for his outing on the red carpet. In the film, Felicity plays Ruth, a young lawyer who struggled for equal rights to become a U.S. Supreme Court Justice, while Armie takes on the role of her late husband Martin D. Ginsburg. Making an entrance: Cailee Spaeny, who plays Ruth's daughter Jane Ginsburg in the film, pulled out all the stops in a glamorous monochrome gown which had a jewel-encrusted top Pretty: The actress styled her cropped brunette locks into a chic sideswept style, and accentuated her plump pout with a slick of mauve lipstick Glamorous: The star's ensemble featured a chiffon skirt that flowed to the ground, and she complemented the look with a pair of dangling earrings Suited and booted: Justin, the ex-husband of Jennifer Aniston, also looked dapper as he donned a black suit, shirt, and tie for his outing on the red carpet Excited: The cast put on an animated display as they posed for a selfie together New role: In the film, Felicity (pictured with Cailee and Chris Mulkey) plays Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a lawyer who struggled for equal rights to become a U.S. Supreme Court Justice It follows the lawyer during her early years as she helps overturn a century of gender discrimination by bringing a revolutionary case before the U.S. Court of Appeals. Justin also stars as Mel Wulf, former legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), a role Wulf fulfilled until he stepped down in 1977. 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. And the film is set to come out in the US on December 25, while it will be released in the UK in time for awards season on February 8. Important time: It follows her during her early years as she helps overturn a century of gender discrimination by bringing a revolutionary case before the U.S. Court of Appeals Standing out: Armie's wife Elizabeth Chambers showcased her sensational figure in a blue and green jumpsuit which featured a chic geometric pattern They appeared together on the hit British sitcom Only Fools And Horses, playing love interests of lead characters Del Boy (David Jason) and Rodney (Nicholas Lyndhurst). And Tessa Peake-Jones, 61, and Gwyneth Strong, 58, are set to reunite on screen for the first time in 15 years, in a joint appearance on Loose Women. It was announced on Thursday that they will take part on the panel show's retro week special, and the actresses, who played Raquel and Cassandra respectively, are set to discuss their iconic roles. Back together Only Fools And Horses' Tessa Peake-Jones (L) and Gwyneth Strong (R) to reunite for the first time in 15 YEARS on Loose Women, it was announced on Thursday Speaking to The Sun, a source said that the interview is sure to be 'a must-watch for Only Fools fans.' The acting pair have not appeared alongside one another since the hilarious British show ended in 2003. After her time on the sitcom Tessa appeared in Midsomer Murders and Granchester, while Gwyneth starred in Eastenders and Casualty. Tessa's character Raquel was the longtime girlfriend of Del Boy, and she had an on-and-off relationship with him after they met via a dating agency. Long time: The pair have not acted together since the hilarious British show ended in 2003 (pictured with David Jason, Nicholas Lyndhurst and Lennard Pierce on the show in 1991) Promoting: Tessa appeared on Lorraine in 2014 (pictured) to talk about the DVD release of her series Grantchester and her new film role in Bonobo She gave birth to their son Damien during season seven's episode Three Men, a Woman and a Baby, and the pair never married. Cassandra met Rodney while attending his adult education classes, and the pair married during the series' sixth season before breaking up in the seventh. The couple eventually reconciled during the show's 1992 Christmas special Mother Nature's Son, and they welcomed their daughter Joan into the world during the show's final episode Sleepless in Peckham. Iconic roles: Raquel was the longtime girlfriend of Del Boy, and the pair shared son Damien, while Cassandra and Rodney married and had daughter Joan in the show's final episode The popular BBC series won several awards such as six BAFTA Awards, seven British Comedy Awards and three National Television Awards. And it is now set to return as a West End musical from February 9 at London's Theatre Royal Haymarket. Only Fools and Horses: The Musical was the final project of late writer John Sullivan, with his son Jim Sullivan honouring his father's legacy and taking over the script with BAFTA-winning comedy writer Paul Whitehouse. She was spotted breaking down in tears at Derby Day on Saturday, just days after she reportedly shared a tense dinner with Kourtney Kardashian. And Sofia Richie and her boyfriend Scott Disick looked stony-faced as they emerged from a dinner date in Los Angeles on Thursday night. The 20-year-old model failed to smile as she left the building, raising questions her formal meeting with Scott's ex-girlfriend of nine-years was still firmly on her mind. Solemn: Sofia Richie and Scott Disick looked stony-faced as they emerged from a dinner date in Los Angeles on Thursday night... just days after their 'tense' dinner with Kourtney Kardashian Sofia dressed down for the occasion and took inspiration from the sportluxe trend as she sheathed her trim frame in an over-sized jumper and black Adidas joggers. She teamed the look with black trainers and donned a pair of her signature Matrix-inspired sunglasses. Wearing her long blonde hair in a sleek straight centre-parting, Sofia opted to showcase her natural beauty with a minimal make-up look. Emotions running high: Sofia was as spotted breaking down in tears at Derby Day on Saturday, just days after she reportedly shared a tense dinner with Kourtney (pictured) The 20-year-old model failed to raise a smile as she left the building, raising questions her first formal meeting with Scott's ex-girlfriend of nine-years was still firmly on her mind Father-of-three Scott was also casually-clad for their date night, donning a charcoal grey hoodie and khaki corduroy trousers. Their outing comes after the couple made a hasty exit at Derby Day on Saturday. Dressed in designer threads at Flemington Racecourse, Sofia looked upset during what looked like a tense exchange with the reality star and was spotted wiping away her tears. Their tense exchange comes after the socialite shared a 'quick' but 'tense' dinner with Kourtney and Scott on Sunday at Nobu in Malibu. Loved-up: Sofia and Scott have been an item for more than a year, with the model also spending time with his three children Kourtney and Scott share Mason, eight, Penelope, six, and Reign, three, with the meal reportedly set up by the Keeping Up With The Kardashians star. Though the trio broke bread together, those who scoped the scene said the meal was less-than-friendly. 'It wasnt like they are all friends and were hanging out for fun. It looked more like a business dinner,' the insider told People. According a source close to the situation, the reality star isn't interested in getting 'to know Sofia better,' but rather feels like she needs to spend more time with the 20-year-old model 'because of the kids.' 'Sofia spends time with Kourtneys kids, so Kourtney wants to make sure they are all on the same page,' the source said. 'Scott and Sofia tend to get into arguments. Kourtney wants to make sure the kids are in a positive environment when they are at Scotts house. She is setting up rules for how things needs to be when the kids are with Scott.' After what was described as a 'quick' meal, all three exited in succession. Carey Mulligan has revealed she suffered 'dehydration' after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding because she didn't drink any water before the ceremony. The actress, 33, attended the royal nuptials at Windsor Castle in May alongside her husband, Mumford and Sons rocker Marcus Mumford, 31, and said she wanted to 'play it safe' so she didn't need a toilet break at a pivotal moment. Speaking in an interview to air on Friday night's Graham Norton Show, the An Education star joked the couple got to the chapel early because they 'didn't think we should be later than Oprah Winfrey', resulting in a long period of waiting. Awkward! Carey Mulligan has revealed she suffered 'dehydration' after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding because she didn't drink any water before the ceremony Talking about the star-studded royal occasion, she explained: 'We had a lovely day. We got there early because we didn't think we should be later than Oprah Winfrey. 'We had a two hour wait and I was really worried that there wouldn't be a toilet so I played it safe and I didn't drink anything. 'I was pretty dehydrated. It was a crazy day and I was super focused on just not falling over.' Carey and her musician husband, who raise two children together, received invites to the Royal Wedding after being friends with Prince Harry for years. The friendship formed back in 2013 when Prince Harry and his then-girlfriend Cressida Bonas were invited backstage at a Mumford and Sons' gig at London's Queen Elizabeth Park. The big day! The actress, 33, attended the royal nuptials at Windsor Castle in May alongside her husband, Mumford and Sons rocker Marcus Mumford, 31 (pictured) Spilling the beans: The An Education star said she wanted to 'play it safe' so she didn't need a toilet break at a pivotal moment Carey has previously joked about how she was bombarded with '15,000 text messages' after Marcus went viral when he was seen yawning as the couple waited for the wedding to begin. During an interview on The Jimmy Kimmel show last month, Jimmy asked: 'How does it work the royal wedding, are you friends with Harry and Meghan or do they just invite people who are famous? Carey replied: 'No it's a friendship. We all got up at 5am but we got to our friends house and we were watching the TV and we saw Oprah going in. 'We were like if Oprah's there we can't be after Oprah, so we all hustled to the church and we got in but then it was like a two hour wait for everyone to come. 'It was lovely and atmospheric and beautiful but kind of a long time. There were cameras everywhere. Sleepy? Carey has previously joked about how she was bombarded with '15,000 text messages' after Marcus went viral when he was seen yawning at the royal wedding 'We were all chatting with my friends and my husband was like "give us a kiss" and I was like "I'm not going to give you a kiss there's cameras" and he said "well George Clooney is here and Elton John is here and the Beckhams, they're not filming us." Jimmy interrupted: 'I'm glad you brought this up because I do actually have a clip here of Marcus Mumford, your sweetheart. As he brought up the clip, Carey cringed as the host narrated it, saying: 'We come to you and Marcus yawns.' He then asked: 'So when something like that happens and the whole world is watching, did you know he was on?' 'No we were convinced there were so many absurdly famous people that we were not going to be allowed on camera at all,' Carey said. Talented: Carey appeared on The Graham Norton show alongside musician Michael Buble (left) and actor Taron Egerton (right) 'Of course it finishes and we are allowed to turn our phones back on. We have 15,000 messages going, "Marcus you yawned on TV!"' Carey's next film, Wildlife, sees her portray sixties-era Montana housewife Jeanette Brinson. The movie is based on the Richard Ford novel with the same name and is about a boy seeing the breakdown of his parent's marriage after his mother falls in love with someone else. Asked about her new role on The Graham Norton Show, Carey revealed her role has been polarising views: 'Some people have been appalled by my character. It's interesting and has raised the question of how people view woman on screen. She continued: 'If a man behaves badly it is okay but if a woman steps out of line it's kind of not okay.' The film will be hitting UK cinemas on November 9. The Graham Norton Show, BBC One, Friday 9th November 10.35pm. Sir Ian McKellen, Michael Buble, and Taron Egerton, will also appear. Lily Collins was showcasing her sartorial style sense on Thursday as she attended the Academy Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting Awards. The 29-year-old actress cut a classic figure in a black trouser suit and gold heels as she led the stars at the event in the heart of Los Angeles. Lily's outing came after she teamed up with numerous other stars to encourage young people to vote in the Mid-Term elections on Tuesday. Looking good: Lily Collins was showcasing her sartorial style sense on Thursday as she attended the Academy Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting Awards Lily was showing off her trim figure in the classic black blazer and matching cropped trousers, adding some height with gold strapped heels. The Rules Don't Apply star accessorised with matching gold chunky rings and dainty hoop earrings. Showcasing her glossy brunette tresses, Lily had her hair down with simple centre-parted waves, and accentuated her English rose complexion with defined brows and a simple nude lip. Gorgeous: The 29-year-old actress cut a classic figure in a black trouser suit as she led the stars at the event in the heart of Los Angeles Chic: Styling her glossy tresses into simple waves, Lily highlighted her English rose complexion with a nude lip and defined brows Lily was joined by several other stars as they honoured the best screenwriters of the year with the prestigious honour, including Hangover star Ken Jeong and The Gifted's Jamie Chung. The stunning American actress was also suited and booted in grey check co-ords and white heeled ankle boots. Lily's outing came after she joined several stars joining together for the Telethon For America, which encouraged young people to go out and vote in the recent Mid-Term Elections. Dressed to impress: Lily added some height to her look with gold strapped heels and an array of chunk rings United: The star was joined at the event by (L-R) Ken Jeong, Jamie Chung, Blair Underwood and Jennifer Yuh Beautiful: The star in attendance for the awards event which celebrates some of the best screenwriters of the year Flawless: It comes as the British beauty is also set to appear in an upcoming adaptation of the epic novel Les Miserables, playing the doomed mother Fantine Lily's outing comes as she is set to appear in an upcoming biopic about the legendary Lord Of The Rings author J. R. R Tolkien. Playing his wife Edith, Lily will star opposite Nicholas Hoult in the titular role, and the picture is believed to be directed by Finnish film maker Dome Karukoski. It comes as the British beauty is also set to appear in an upcoming adaptation of the epic novel Les Miserables, playing the doomed mother Fantine. Set to air sometime in 2019, the BBC drama is not expected to include the musical elements of the iconic stage show, and will instead return the tale to its gritty 19th Century roots. Awaited: Set to air sometime in 2019, the BBC drama is not expected to include the musical elements of the iconic stage show She's the descendant of showbiz royalty as the daughter of Rolling Stones rocker Sir Mick Jagger and his supermodel ex-wife Jerry Hall. And Georgia May Jagger made it a family affair as she joined her half-sister Jade Jagger and close friend Suki Waterhouse for a night out at a star-studded Vogue event at London's National Portrait Gallery on Thursday. The model, 26, looked beautiful in a classic polka dot dress as she celebrated the one-year anniversary of Edward Enninful becoming editor-in-chief of the British fashion bible. Girls' night: Georgia May Jagger joined half-sister Jade Jagger and close friend Suki Waterhouse (pictured) at a Vogue event at London's National Portrait Gallery on Thursday Georgia was a vision of beauty as she added a pop of colour to her all black ensemble with a bold red lipstick and red spotted heels. Channelling her rock 'n' roll father, the blonde donned a sleek leather jacket to complete her outfit. Actress and model Suki put on an equally striking display as she arrived in a red hot off-shoulder gown with statement gold heels. Sister sister: The model, 26, looked beautiful in a classic polka dot dress as she celebrated the one-year anniversary of Edward Enninful becoming editor-in-chief of the British fashion bible Going dotty: Georgia was a vision of beauty as she added a pop of colour to her all black ensemble with a bold red lipstick and red spotted heels Cool: Georgia looked the image of her supermodel mother Jerry Hall as she posed inside Blonde ambition: The catwalk queen looked chic and sophisticated in her striking dress The sophisticated soiree, held in partnership with Maxx Royal Resorts, was being hosted to celebrate Edward Enninful's one year as editor-in-chief of British Vogue. A slew of stars were in attendance, with big names such as Kate Moss and Poppy Delevigne as well as Jourdan Dunn. Georgia was kept in further good company when joined by her older sister, Jade Jagger, 47. Hey girly friend! Georgia was pleased to grab a moment with her pal Suki when they enjoyed the evening at the star-studded bash Two's company: Georgia greeted the fellow stunning model Suki with a big hug On the move: Actress and model Suki turned heads in a striking red ensemble Wearing a gorgeous black velvet dress, the socialite ensured all eyes were on her as she donned a bright yellow floral jacket. The daughter of Bianca Jagger finished off her edgy ensemble with a long silver necklace and a dash of red lipstick. Catwalk queen Georgia has been getting used to having a new Jagger to contend with, after her rocker dad welcomed his eighth child in December at the age of 75. Girl power: Georgia was kept in good company when joined by her older sister, Jade Dressed to impress: Jewellery designer Jade looked effortlessly chic in a black lace dress layered beneath a mustard coloured cropped floral jacket Strike a pose! The daughter of Bianca Jagger finished off her edgy ensemble with a long silver necklace and a dash of red lipstick Ballet dancer Melanie Hamrick, 30, welcomed son Deveraux Octavian Basil Jagger - - Octavian means 'born eighth' in Latin - with the Rolling Stones legend. Sir Mick also has daughter, Karis Hunt Jagger, 46, from his relationship with model Marsha Hunt. He had four children with his ex-partner Jerry Hall - Elizabeth, 32, James, 31, Georgia and Gabriel, 21. The rocker has a son Lucas, 19, from his affair with Brazilian model Luciana Gimenez. Glitz: Actress Suki put on an equally sizzling display as she arrived in a red hot off-shoulder gown with statement gold heels A Ghana native residing in Dumfries, Va., has been indicted by a federal grand jury for his role in wire fraud and money laundering conspiracies as part of a more than $5 million romance fraud scheme. Henry N. Asomani, 33, a naturalized U.S. citizen, was charged in a six-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2018. That indictment was unsealed and made public today upon Asomanis arrest and initial court appearance. Asomani remains in federal custody pending a detention hearing, which has not yet been scheduled. According to the indictment, 13 victims lost a total of $5,075,569 in the wire fraud conspiracy over an approximately two-year period from Sept. 15, 2015, to Oct. 17, 2017. Asomani allegedly received a total of $2,993,354 from victims across the United States, including three victims in the Kansas City metropolitan area. Unknown co-conspirators targeted individuals through online dating websites with various romance frauds, the indictment says. The unknown co-conspirators impersonated individuals who were involved in businesses overseas. They convinced the victims that they needed funds to help with moving gold from a foreign country, orphanage expenses, and school and travel expenses. The co-conspirators told the victims they would share the profits when the gold was returned to the United States. In fact, none of the victims received any profit or received any gold from the co-conspirators. For example, one victim who resides in Lees Summit, Mo., set up a profile on ChristianMingle.com following the death of her husband to brain cancer. In October 2015, an individual claiming to be Larry B. White initiated contact with her. Following numerous conversations by email and telephone, White convinced the victim to invest in a Ghana gold mine. White promised a 40 percent return on the investment of money. From November 2015 through January 2016, under the direction of White, the victim sent funds to multiple entities by check and wire totaling approximately $3,292,000. Of that amount, the indictment says, $2,292,000 was transferred to accounts controlled by Asomani. To date, the victim has not received any money or gold profits from White. Another victim, who resides in Leawood, Kan., met George Bill Parker on Facebook. Parker convinced the victim to send funds for gold-related expenses, such as legal fees, customs, storage, farm-related expenses and ransom. Parker promised he would pay the victim back with money or gold. This victim had a total loss of approximately $800,000. Of that amount, the indictment says, the victim sent approximately $220,700 to accounts controlled by Asomani. A third victim, who resides in Kansas City, Mo., met Bradley Fischer on ChristianMingle.com. Fischer convinced the victim to send funds for school expenses, travel expenses and to start a new life in Kansas City. On July 19, 2017, the victim wired $24,000 to Asomanis bank account. Fischer promised to pay the victim back when he got to Kansas City. To date, the victim has received $1,000 back from Fischer. Other victims reside in New Jersey, Alaska, Oklahoma, Florida, Texas, Kansas and Iowa. According to the indictment, Asomani wired $1,789,416 from his bank accounts in the United States to bank accounts in Ghana. He spent approximately $342,278 on auto purchases and auto- or shipping-related expenses. Asomani shipped 18 vehicles to Ghana, having a declared value of approximately $284,190. The federal indictment charges Asomani with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, two counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and two counts of money laundering. The indictment also contains a forfeiture allegation, which would require Asomani to forfeit to the government any property derived from the proceeds of his alleged violation, including $2,993,354 and a 2019 silver Lexus NX300. The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul S. Becker and Stacey Perkins Rock. It was investigated by the FBI. Source: Daily Graphic 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 She recently confessed she had to put her wedding with fiance John Noble on hold, with the couple going on a 'make-or-break' holiday to Dubai last month. But Vicky Pattison confirmed their relationship was well and truly back on track as she shared a Instagram snap of her trying on a stunning lace bridal gown on Thursday. Posing in designer Suzanne Neville's Knightsbridge boutique, the reality star, 30, looked every inch the blushing bride as she shopped for her dress for the big day. Wedding bells: Vicky Pattison confirmed her relationship with fiance John Noble is back on track as she shared a Instagram snap of her trying on a stunning lace bridal gown on Thursday The low-cut V neckline of the gown highlighted Vicky's surgically-enhanced cleavage, while the form fitting structure showcased her slim figure. Featuring a modest train, the dress accentuated her tiny waist with embellished lace detailing, with the former Geordie Shore star adding a trailing veil and a bouquet of peonies to complete the look. She captioned the post: 'I cant wait to try on wedding dresses again soon...,' alongside champagne flutes and an engagement ring emoji. Rumours of strife: The reality star recently confessed she had to put her wedding with John on hold, with the couple going on a 'make-or-break' holiday to Dubai last month Their wedding planning has been a hot topic, with Vicky previously admitting she had to put all plans for the big day on hold. Last month, the star confessed she was 'fighting a battle' in her relationship after being plagued by rumours of strife following the death of her best friend Paul Burns and two of John's grandparents' passing earlier this year. Speaking to New Magazine, the former Geordie Shore star was typically candid about her battles as she admitted the couple are struggling. She said: 'We're going to Dubai, so we're out of the hardest bit. My birthday's coming up, his birthday is coming up, so we're on a nice run of seeing each other a lot. Everyone's fighting a battle to make it work.' Tough: Their wedding planning has been a hot topic, with Vicky previously admitting she had to put all plans for the big day on hold The couple, who got engaged in July 2017 - were apparently not on speaking terms before their romantic trip and had severed ties on social media, with sources claiming their relationship is 'hanging by a thread'. 'Vicky and John's relationship is hanging by the thinnest of threads, but they both think what they've got is worth fighting for,' an insider told The Sun. 'When they first rekindled their flame two years ago John was exactly the kind of stable man Vicky wanted, but as time's gone on she's found it harder to commit to a quiet life up North when all her mates are still down here in London. 'It's been causing massive rows and John has warned her if she doesn't start making him a priority over her pals and work it's over.' Vicky reportedly asked John to accompany her in Dubai where she was working at the time so they could 'talk things through'. John had allegedly felt like he was playing 'second fiddle' to Vicky's busy lifestyle in London. The businessman is also reportedly desperate to start a family while Vicky was said to be less keen. Vicky appeared to hint at troubles in their romance when she shared a cryptic post about the 'perfect relationship' on Instagram. Sharing a snap of the couple enjoying a rooftop dinner, she wrote: 'I can't promise you a perfect relationship, but what I can promise you is if you're trying, I'm staying.' She famously dated and was dumped by Nick Knowles in 2016, before having a couple of other ill-fated romances. And ex Emmerdale star Gemma Oaten, 34, told MailOnline on Thursday, that she's been 'completely destroyed by dating 'narcissistic men.' Arriving at the Gay Times Honours at The Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool, she was emotional as she said: 'I think I, unfortunately, have had a really bad run of luck. Emotional: Emmerdale's Gemma Oaten told MailOnline at the Gay Times Honours in Liverpool on Thursday that she's been 'completely DESTROYED by dating narcissistic men 'I think there's a massive increase in narcissism in this culture at the minute, where you get love-bombed and gas-lit, and the man or woman involved, walks away leaving the person absolutely destroyed. 'And just because someone dumps or leaves someone, they look like the bad guy. When actually they've found the strength to walk away.' Gemma split from her panto co-star Stuart Earp in August after a four month romance, after she questioned his loyalty. All over: There's nothing to suggest Gemma is referring to any man in particular - her last romance was with panto star Stuart Earp - they split after four months in August Not her Prince Charming: Gemma split from her boyfriend Scott Walker, in April - she moved in with him after three months of dating Not The One: She famously dated and was dumped by Nick Knowles in 2016 In April, she split from boyfriend Scott Walker, who she moved in with after three months of dating. Gemma told MailOnline: 'I don't know why I've been gravitating towards the wrong men, or why they've chosen me. 'But, I do think that the rise in narcissism and cluster B personality type is worrying. Gemma told MailOnline: 'I don't know why I've been gravitating towards the wrong men, or why they've chosen me' Pals: Gemma was pictured with Strictly's Dr Ranj (right) and another male guest on the night 'I'm not perfect, I'm far from it. There are, I guarantee you, so many men and women cross the country, who've just been made to feel like they're the ones losing the plot.' Gemma said she doesn't want to come across as bitter and twisted but says she's turned her back on love for now. She said: 'I'm totally single right now. I don't need to find a man. I need to find my strength in myself again, in all honesty. Former role: Gemma is best known for playing Rachel Breckle in ITV soap Emmerdale (left) 'I'm doing a cabaret show at the minute with my production company and it's called Love Me Tinder. And we have a laugh, it's musical comedy, but it's all about the heartache of finding The One. 'I don't want to be one of those bitter and twisted people. God, I still believe in love - I look at my mum and dad everyday and I love them with my life. 'I think now's the time to be me and do something that I don't normally do: be selfish.' Gemma spoke at the Gay Times Honours event last night where Harry Styles, Sir Ian McKellen and MNEK led the winners. Liverpool-born soul singer Rebecca Ferguson performed at the event which was also attended by actor Russell Tovey and Strictly Come Dancing star Ranj Singh. Harry Styles received the LGBTQ Advocate honour after showing his support for the LGBTQ community by waiving Pride and trans flags during his headline shows earlier this year, while Sir Ian McKellen won the Gay Times Honour for Lifetime Achievement. She said: 'I'm not perfect, I'm far from it. There are, I guarantee you, so many men and women cross the country, who've just been made to feel like they're the ones losing the plot.' Sir Ian McKellen said: 'When I finally made it out of my half-open closet 30 years ago, Gay Times generously put me on its front cover. That's when it really hit me that I'd joined the human race, confident at last to be myself, whatever anyone else thought about me or my kind.' Gay Times owner James Frost said: 'They Gay Times Honours were established to celebrate inspirational members of the LGBTQ community from all over the UK who have worked to advance the rights of our community. Every honouree is incredibly deserving of the recognition. 'It has been a fanatic night for LGBTQ visibility in Britain and around the world. Paintings of all of the honourees will be on display at the Walker Art Gallery, who have been a wonderful event parent, for the next two weeks.' She boasts the distinction of being one of the original '90s supermodels, after rising to fame alongside the likes of Naomi Campbell and Cindy Crawford. And Helena Christensen, 49, showed she can still effortlessly command attention on Thursday, when she took to Instagram to share shots of herself looking youthful and radiant as she relaxed in a black monokini during a sun-soaked getaway. The Danish beauty uploads two snaps of herself posing in the flattering number, which featured a deeply plunging frilly neckline and cut-outs at the side. Stunning: Helena Christensen wowed her Instagram followers on Thursday, when she shared shots of herself posing in a black monokini during her sun-kissed getaway Wearing her voluminous raven tresses in a mound of beachy waves, the runway veteran let her natural beauty shine through, opting to go makeup-free for her snap. However, the star couldn't resist injecting some of her sense of humour, propping up a small doll in her cleavage in the image, which was captioned: 'Mermaids can be tricky #hercgotsquashed.' In another snapshot, the mother-of-one was seen relaxing on an outdoor swing as she basked in the sunshine and took in her breathtaking surroundings. Snap decision: The 49-year-old supermodel, who is now a photographer, has been sharing shots of herself enjoying her break over the past few days Helena, who now works as a photographer, is mother to 19-year-old son Mingus with her former boyfriend, The Walking Dead star Norman Reedus. The handsome teen, who boasts his mother's striking looks and piercing eyes, made his runway debit at New York Fashion Week in September 2017. Helena recently spoke to Tatler about her son's foray into modelling, saying: 'It's strange to sit there and watch your kid do that, and I knew he wouldn't take to it.' The supermodel then joked that she berates men for 'ruining' the modelling industry, which was once dominated by women. Getting into the swing of things: In another snapshot, the mother-of-one was seen relaxing on an outdoor swing as she basked in the sunshine and took in her breathtaking surroundings She said: 'And I think it's a more interesting job for a girl. Now it's actually becoming big business for guys as well, but it was one of the only industries that we women had for ourselves, where we were the bosses and making more money than the guys, and now they have to come and ruin that!' she laughed. Helena also discussed her thoughts on working as a photographer with the next generation, and revealed the advice which she offers those aspiring to follow in her modelling footsteps. 'As a photographer I work with the younger girls a lot and you absolutely feel protective, it's such a daunting time. 'They can be pretty misguided, because they might be listening to the wrong people giving them advice. Basically, I just tell them to give everyone shit that's what I do.' Glam: The Danish beauty has been impressing fans with her stream of glamorous snapshots Helena was previously in a relationship with late INXS frontman Michael Hutchence, who tragically passed away in 1997, aged 37. They dated and lived together on and off for five years across France and Denmark in the early 1990s. In an extract from her new book, Michael's brother Tina, 70, recalled one particular 'magical' Christmas she spent with the couple in France in 1991. 'Their relationship was very loving, spirited and, at times, competitive,' Tina wrote in an extract recently published in Sunday Life. 'She challenged him.' Icon: She boasts the distinction of being one of the original '90s supermodels, after rising to fame alongside the likes of Naomi Campbell and Cindy Crawford Rise to stardom: Helena's modelling career was launched when she won the Miss Universe Denmark title back in 1986. Pictured in 1992 Describing the couple's lifestyle in France, Tina added: 'Michael enjoyed relaying how he and Helena had gone to the local market and bargained for the beautiful old furniture.' Following Michael's split from Helena, he became romantically involved with Paula Yates in the mid-1990s. The couple then went on to have daughter Heavenly Hiraani Tiger Lily Hutchence in 1996, one year before Michael died of an alleged suicide. Helena's modelling career was launched when she won the Miss Universe Denmark title in 1986. She went on to become one of the original 1990s supermodels alongside Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington, Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, Elle Macpherson and Claudia Schiffer. They love to sing about how friendship never ends - but The Spice Girls' friendship appeared on the cusp of doing just that on The Jonathan Ross show. The interview, taped on Wednesday and set to air on Saturday, sees the girls criticising Geri Horner, 46, for singing too loudly on their tracks and she looks visibly miffed. It all starts when Jonathan, 57, asks Mel C, 44, about a rumour he has heard, that she demanded the girls get vocal training. Jibe: They love to sing about how friendship never ends - but The Spice Girls' friendship appeared on the cusp of doing just that on The Jonathan Ross show While she said it wasn't true, she did say, 'We all have our strengths and I do crack the whip when it comes to vocals.' Mel B, 43, then turns to Geri and says: 'Some of us are louder than others,' as Ginger appears to get a little red-faced. Emma Bunton, 42, says she doesn't know how to blend in with the rest of the band and she said: 'I thought I did blend.' Annoyed: The interview, taped on Wednesday and set to air on Friday, sees the girls criticising Geri Horner, 46, for singing too loudly on their tracks and she looks visibly miffed Awkward: Emma Bunton, 42, says she doesn't know how to blend in with the rest of the band to which Geri replied: 'I thought I did blend' Baby Spice replies: 'You didn't used to, but you do now.' The girls only announced their comeback on Monday but it's fair to say the group is made up of strong personalities. Also on the show, the subject of Victoria Beckham's decision to sit out the reunion was broached by the chat show host, causing a ripple of disagreement between the group. Addressing the matter first, Mel C said: 'Do you know what is actually quite funny I saw Victoria recently and obviously weve all been in contact, she is still very much a part of the Spice Girls, she really supports us and we really support her. Setting things straight: The girls squabbled over the Victoria Beckham issue and didn't hold back 'But she did raise the point that she was never actually asked. We just presumed.' This caused an interjection from Emma, in disagreement to Mel, insisting that she was indeed asked. 'She just didnt want to do it She was busy with her fashion and she has moved on. 'The philosophy of us lot is that we are a band, on and off the stage and we care each other, we support each other and we support her and she has been a huge part of our lives and we care about her so its all good.' Not involved: Naturally, the subject of Victoria's decision to sit out the reunion was broached by the chat show host, causing a ripple of disagreement between band members Geri Horner, Emma Bunton, Mel C and Mel B Addressing the matter: 'I saw Victoria recently and obviously weve all been in contact, she is still very much a part of the Spice Girls, she really supports us and we really support her,' Mel C explained Wasn't asked: 'Victoria did raise the point that she was never actually asked. We just presumed,' Mel said Geri added: 'I spoke to her two days ago, before the announcement, and she has said it for years that she just doesnt want to do it anymore, so we knew that.' Since the girls' last reformation - 2012's performance at the London Olympic Games closing ceremony - rumours have swirled about the band's potential reformation for a full tour, sparking further whisperings that Victoria was never a fan of performing. Geri cleared this matter up when asked by Jonathan: 'No, and you dont want to make somebody do something they dont want to do.' Actually...: This caused an interjection from Emma, in disagreement to Mel, insisting that Victoria was indeed asked When five become four: Geri added: 'I spoke to her two days ago, before the announcement, and she has said it for years that she just doesnt want to do it anymore, so we knew that' Last hurrah? Since the girls' last reformation - 2012's performance at the London Olympic Games closing ceremony [pictured] - rumours have swirled about the band's potential reformation for a full tour, sparking further whisperings that Victoria was never a fan of performing 'We realised that a while back that she didnt enjoy that so much,' Emma agreed. Mel B addressed her Halloween costume last week, which seemed to make a dig at Posh Spice. She dressed up as her for the festivities, brandishing a sign that read: 'No I Am Not Going On Tour!' 'I just have a northern sense of humour and its very tongue-in-cheek and I really enjoyed being Victoria for the night,' Scary Spice said. The girls also cleared up that Victoria has given them their seal of approval, with Geri adding that 'the door is always open' should she wish to be involved going forward. Geri cleared the matter of Victoria's no-show up: 'You dont want to make somebody do something they dont want to do' Harmonious: The girls also cleared up that Victoria has given them their seal of approval, with Geri adding that 'the door is always open' should she wish to be involved going forward Just a joke: Mel B addressed her Halloween costume last week, which seemed to make a dig at Posh Spice This prompted a joke from Jonathan: 'What is the night [of the tour] I should come when Victoria is going to be on stage with you?' The rest of the girls joked: 'Sunderland!' Mel B went on to express how much she'd like Victoria to reconsider. 'Im always hopeful,' she said. 'I love the Spice Girls, they are my girls and I would love nothing better than all five of us to be together so I always put it out there but Im happy with four too.' 'We are going to have a great time, this feels really strong,' Emma said. All in jest: 'I just have a northern sense of humour and its very tongue-in-cheek and I really enjoyed being Victoria for the night,' Scary Spice said of Halloween Mel B went on to express how much she'd like Victoria to reconsider: 'Im always hopeful. I love the Spice Girls, they are my girls and I would love nothing better than all five of us to be together so I always put it out there but Im happy with four too' With the host: The girls chatted at length with chat show host Jonathan, set to air on Saturday night The girls also revealed details of their Spice Girls WhatsApp group, explaining how they had to keep things top secret. 'There was a code,' Geri explained, with Emma adding: 'Gifs, we had some fun things going on.' 'Gifs of ourselves!' Mel B laughed. Mel C added: 'There are loads of Spice Girls gifs and I only noticed this the other day. Its quite fun to send them to each other In my house we did have a code for Spice Girls because I was so paranoid. Because Im a good girl, and I do as Im told, and so I kept the secret. 'My little girl said "Mummy, why dont you call it Cucumber?" So any time I spoke about Spice Girls it was called "Cucumber". And then at the other end of the spectrum, Melanie [B] just went on national TV and said we were doing it.' Comin' right back at ya! We are going to have a great time, this feels really strong,' Emma said Tell us what you want! The girls also revealed details of their Spice Girls WhatsApp group, explaining how they had to keep things top secret Say yes to the dress: On being a Spice Girl now shes older - and her famous Union Jack dress - Geri said, 'That dress was a Gucci black dress and I was thinking, "Lets be patriotic and be proud of Britain" and I just got a tea towel and sewed it on there' On whether Mel Bs lack of discretion annoyed the other girls, Mel B joked: 'They felt sorry for me because Id been through a lot, they felt sorry for me, they were like, "lets not have a go at her".' Geri added: 'The brilliant thing about us lot is its like family. We have been together over 20 years and we have our ups and downs just like normal families, and sometimes we disagree but the best thing about it is a couple of nights ago we were in my kitchen, we all came together and we just had a really big group hug, a little bit of a tear, a scream, its been a long time coming, weve wanted this to happen. 'I have to say Melanie B and Emma from 2012 have been trying to make this happen. For different reasons, everybody is at different places in their life and finally the stars aligned. 'We went round to Mel [C]s house and she went, "Yeah Im ready" and we were like, "Great, lets do it".' On whether Mel Bs lack of discretion annoyed the other girls, Mel B joked: 'They felt sorry for me because Id been through a lot, they felt sorry for me, they were like, "lets not have a go at her"' They're back: Jonathan broached the infamous subject of when Geri quit the band in 1998 Saturday Night Divas: The Jonathan Ross Show will air on Saturday night, on ITV, at 10:05PM Mel C elaborated: 'I have said there have been times when it hasnt felt right and I think after the Olympics, because it was such a highlight of being a Spice Girl, I was frightened that we couldnt live up to that and spending time with the girls again, I just thought, "Do you know what, I really want to do it". 'Weve got amazing fans, really incredible fans that have supported us throughout. Not only as the Spice Girls, in all of our individual ventures. And now we have a new generation [of fans], our own children' Emma added: 'Our own children are so excited I think our kids are going to absolutely love it. Mine are getting their mics out and singing along to Spice Girls songs.' On being a Spice Girl now shes older - and her famous Union Jack dress - Geri said: 'When youre younger, I dont think you think about whether its appropriate or not and that dress was a Gucci black dress and I was thinking, "Lets be patriotic and be proud of Britain" and I just got a tea towel and sewed it on there. Love thing! We always come back together,' Emma added Putting up a fight! Mel B won't take Victoria's 'no' for an answer as she once again told fans Posh Spice would be joining the Spice Girls on stage for their London Wembley date during a chat on Wednesday's installment of the Heart Breakfast Show On whether Geri might cover up more now shes older, Mel B revealed: 'She still walks around naked when we are in the dressing room' Jonathan broached the infamous subject of when Geri quit the band in 1998. 'I think when youre younger, you dont have the tools to - when youre together all the time - to sort things through,' Geri mused. 'I think credit to us lot, were still talking and we work through things, the ups and the downs.' 'We always come back together,' Emma added. And indeed, Geri made her return to the band in 2007/2008s global Return Of The Spice Girls world tour. After leaving in 1998, the girls continued without her, releasing their third album as a four-piece, titled Forever. Bring on the summer! The band's six-date stadium tour, kicks off next June Five-piece: Geri made her return to the band in 2007/2008s global Return Of The Spice Girls world tour On becoming a global phenomenon and the stress that added to the band, Emma said: 'Being away from home, that was difficult, but having each other made it so much easier. We were girls having fun, we were travelling all over the world.' 'I used to sneak out of the hotel and go clubbing by myself, as a Spice Girl. Then Id come back in and wed have early interviews,' Mel B added. Jonathan was keen to know whether their reformation meant new music. 'I think its got to be an organic process,' said Geri. 'If something happened and we felt like it. We think first things first, get out there and sing the hits, people want to hear that and if something else happened, thats great.' 'Lets put it this way, when I go to a concert - lets say Madonna - I just want her to sing Vogue, all the hits that I know.' Four-piece: After leaving in 1998, the girls continued without Geri, releasing their third album, titled Forever 'I won't be joining the girls on stage again': Victoria categorically confirmed she wouldn't return to the stage with the Spice Girls in a statement posted on Instagram earlier this week 'We are really passionate about writing our music though so its a process and we havent gone there,' Emma added. In response to the rumours that the band are reforming just for the money, Geri explained: 'From the beginning of our journey 20 years ago, we have always put what we believe and love first. 'When you earn money, and this is a privilege, thats a by product of what you do. We are doing it wholeheartedly, we can honestly say for each other because its a bit of fun but also for the fans. We have been asked so much.' Mel B was sure to joke: 'Theres no denying, it will help with my lawyers bills!' Scary Spice has suffered much public drama over the past couple of years, crediting the comeback tour as a way of helping her get through it. On whether there are any plans to tour internationally after their UK tour dates, Mel B teased: 'Itll be all over the world!' Reining her bandmate in, Geri said: 'The thing is, itll be one step at a time. Weve got families and we want to do it for the fans. Were going to do Britain, its our home, its where we started and Britain means the world to us. We care about our fans, we want to celebrate, lets see what happens' Viva Forever! The girls re-joined as a fivesome in 2012 after the Olympics to launch a musical based on their music 'Ive got my girls, Ill be okay,' she said. 'I feel very loved and very supported and I feel very lucky to be back in contact the way that I have always wanted to be, because for a long time I couldnt be during my ex-marriage. Thank you ladies!' Emma also talked about how she was late to the Spice Girls party, with Geri recalling: 'There was somebody in the band before Emma Theres always one that didnt make it. The point is we found our member.' On whether there are any plans to tour internationally after their UK tour dates, Mel B teased: 'Itll be all over the world!' Reining her bandmate in, Geri said: 'The thing is, itll be one step at a time. Weve got families and we want to do it for the fans. 'Were going to do Britain, its our home, its where we started and Britain means the world to us. We care about our fans, we want to celebrate, lets see what happens.' The Jonathan Ross Show will air on Saturday night, on ITV, at 10:05PM. She's cemented her place as one of the world's most recognisable supermodels after stepping on the scene in 2006. And Jourdan Dunn showcased her model credentials when flaunting her sensational figure for the launch of Calzedonia's Winter hosiery range. The British beauty, 28, showed off her incredible physique in a range of plunging black ensembles as she modelled the racy collection. Super star! Jourdan Dunn showcased her model credentials when flaunting her sensational trim figure for the launch of Calzedonia's winter hosiery range Perfect pout! The British beauty, 28, showed off her incredible physique in a range of plunging black ensembles as she modelled the racy collection Embracing her fun side, the Vogue cover girl posed with disco balls and kicked her heels back under a cover of falling glitter. From wardrobe classics to party ready statement prints, the glamorous tights accentuated Jourdan's enviably-lean legs and svelte frame. She boosted her already impressive height with a pair of black court shoes and displayed her toned abs with a two-piece ensemble. Having a blast! Embracing her fun side, the Vogue cover girl posed with enormous disco balls Fun times: The model kicked her heels back under a cover of falling glitter for the campaign Her usual long locks were kept short and wavy for the photoshoot with renowned photographer Dennis Leupold. On Friday, Italian hosiery brand Calzedonia announced the British supermodel as a new UK ambassador for its tights collection. The British star recently spoke of the 'dangerous' pressure placed on young girls to look picture perfect as they are confronted with Photoshopped images on social media. She said: 'Some young girls don't know how to separate reality from Instagram. They're comparing themselves to a Photoshopped image, but how can you compare yourself to something that's not real? It can be very dangerous.' Strike a pose! From wardrobe classics to party ready statement prints, the glamorous tights accentuated Jourdan's enviably-lean legs and svelte frame Work it! Her usual long locks were kept short and wavy for the photoshoot with renowned photographer Dennis Leupold Glamorous: Jourdan was scouted at the age of 15 by Storm Model Management and has gone on to find fame across the globe Jourdan was scouted at the age of 15 by Storm Model Management and has gone on to find fame across the globe. The ground-breaking star topped Forbes' top-earning models list in 2014 - making her the first black British model to be included in the prestigious line-up. Speaking exclusively to MailOnline last year, the mother-of-one admitted that being in the spotlight means she finds it hard to form friendships - and she trusts her instincts to filter out the disingenuous people. Fame: The ground-breaking star topped Forbes' top-earning models list in 2014 - making her the first black British model to reach the prestigious line-up Star of the show: Jourdan teamed a pair of glittering tights with an equally sparkling top Superwoman: In one shot the supermodel wore an elegant cape as part of her outfit Fierce: The mother-of-one displayed her toned abs with a two-piece ensemble She said: 'I've made strong friendships in the spotlight and you're meeting new people all the time. 'But you soon become wary and realise that some people just want to get near you for your name. 'I have developed good judgement and go off vibes now. Anyone with bad energy is cut off straight away.' The Calzedonia campaign with Jourdan Dunn launches in-store and online at calzedonia.com from November 9th. Prices start from 11.00. All the fun: Looking fierce in these animal print tights, the model beamed towards the camera Elegant: Jourdan displayed her enviably-lean frame in this photo as she posed on top of a table She plays the late American war correspondent Marie Colvin in the gritty new drama, A Private War. But Rosamund Pike has admitted she almost gave up on the role, as she found out that the journalist's friends didn't want the film to be made. In an interview with NET-A-PORTERs weekly digital magazine PorterEdit, released on Friday, the actress, 39, explained: 'There was a time I felt I might give up. I realised how painful it was to some of her very close friends.' Difficult: Rosamund Pike revealed she almost gave playing journalist Marie Colvin in A Private War because she 'realised how painful it was' for her loved ones Talking about her reaction to Marie's friends' apprehension, she added: 'I said to her, things like this make me feel [the film] is not right. 'And she said, "No, please don't give up." I think now, people are pleased I didn't give up. People have been quite moved.' The actress also recalled one scene from the film, in which a Syrian father mourns his dead son. The man playing the father was a Syrian refugee whose own child had been shot dead, so his anguish was real. Worried: The actress, 39, (right) found out that the journalist's (left) friends didn't want the film to be made, she admitted: 'I said to her, things like this make me feel [the film] is not right' Rosamund explained: 'It was like an eruption of grief, so painful to be around. I was so confused, this torrent of, "This is so private, what the f**k are we doing?" 'The director said to me afterwards, "This is the journalist's battle: your instinct is to walk away and give someone privacy, your obligation is to look".' Rosamund has previously admitted that taking on the role has been taxing, and she told the publication that she began crying during a screening of the film which Colvin's sister was attending. The Gone Girl star revealed: 'I said, "It's very hard, I have what I feel is a really intimate understanding of her mind, and yet I am sitting here and I see her sister, who I have never met to this day" And tears started pouring down my face. 'You're exposed to other people's pain, it's not yours to feel; you feel it's not your right to show emotion yourself, even though it does move you; and yet you're obviously feeling stuff, so where on earth does it go?' Emotional: The Gone Girl star previously admitted that the role was taxing, and she told the publication that she began crying during a screening of the film Rosamund also admitted that she wasn't planning to tell her friends to watch the film, as she said: 'I dont want to put [my friends] in a situation where I am centre of attention. I think its why I dont necessarily want to have a wedding.' It's not the first time that the actress has struggled with a role, as she also admitted to feeling Impostor Syndrome when she first began acting. She explained: 'In the beginning, especially in the Bond film [Die Another Day], you think, "What right do I have to be here? Who am I?" 'I look at people in their twenties now and I think, God, youre so self-composed. But Im sure I seemed composed [then], too.' The Jack Reacher star also said that while she thinks actresses can 'look pretty composed' on the outside they might be struggling inwardly, and so she would often check in with her co-stars to make sure they were alright. Inspirational: Colvin reported on a number of conflicts including the Arab Spring, and was working up until her death in 2012 while reporting from Syria during the siege of Homs Out now: To see the full interview with Rosamund Pike read PorterEdit on their website and/or download the Net-A-Porter app for iPhone, iPad and Android. Rosamund revealed: 'It was the height of the #MeToo movement, and I thought, I am just going to make sure I check in with all these younger actresses. 'They probably look pretty composed, but I remember looking composed and feeling so insecure, not knowing what to do. 'Im not going to take outward appearance as [a sign] that somebody is fine.' Marie was a war correspondent in a number of conflicts including the Arab Spring, and she was working up until her death in 2012 while she was reporting from Syria during the siege of Homs. During her time covering the Arab Spring in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya, she met with and interviewed Libyan Prime Minister Muammar Gaddafi, the first international interview with the political leader since the war began. The film is based on an article about the war correspondent, which was published in Vanity Fair magazine in 2012 by Marie Brenner. A Private War also stars Jamie Dornan, Tom Hollander and Stanley Tucci, and will be released in the UK on February 1 and the USA on November 16. To read PorterEdit on iPhone, iPad and Android, visit their website or download the NET-A-PORTER app, from the App Store and Google Play. He has two degrees under his belt, along with 15 years of working in clinical medicine. But Dr Ranj Singh has claimed that taking part in Strictly Come Dancing has been the hardest challenge he's had to face yet, while speaking with MailOnline at the Gay Times Honours, held at The Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool on Thursday. The TV personality, who found himself kicked out of the BBC series on Sunday night, admits Strictly took its toll on him 'mentally and physically', as he touched on the show's 'curse' while standing by Seann Walsh in the wake of 'kiss-gate'. Tough: Dr Ranj Singh claimed to MailOnline that taking part in Strictly Come Dancing has been the hardest challenge he's had to face yet - harder than his two degrees and career in medicine Ranj had been partnered with Janette Manrara on the show and admits he was left 'shocked' over their exit, after throwing himself into their latest routine. The duo had performed a samba to Freedom 90 by George Michael, but narrowly missed out on staying in the competition, as the judges - bar Craig Revel Horwood - opted to save Charles Venn instead. Sharing his shock and sadness over the decision, Ranj told MailOnline: 'I wasnt ready [to go]. We had danced our socks off that week and scored seven points higher than we had done the week before. 'We came back fighting, and I honestly thought to myself, Were going to be ok because wed danced really well and weve worked really hard for this.' Support: The doctor touched on the show's 'curse' while standing by Seann Walsh (above) in the fallout from the comedian's kiss with married Strictly professional Katya Jones Red carpet: MailOnline spoke to Dr Ranj at the Gay Times Honours, held at The Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool on Thursday Despite being sent home, Ranj insisted that Strictly has been 'one of the best experiences I've ever had' but was quick to add: 'It was one of the hardest things I have done in my life. And I have done two degrees, and Ive worked in hospital, in clinical medicine for 15 years. 'This was the hardest thing Ive ever done; physically and mentally. But its the best thing Ive ever achieved in my life, and I have friends and memories that I will cherish for so, so long. Im so lucky.' The doctor confessed that he isn't ready to turn his back on the dance floor just yet and has already booked himself in for more dance lessons, so not to do a 'disservice' to dancing professional Janette and to ensure the weight he has lost from competing on the show stays off. Ranj competed on a series of Strictly that has been plagued with scandal - first sparked by Seann Walsh kissing his married dance partner Katya Jones. Hard: Ranj insisted Strictly has been 'one of the best experiences I've ever had' but was quick to add: 'It was one of the hardest things I have done in my life. And I have done two degrees' All over: Ranj had been partnered with Janette Manrara on the show and admits he was left 'shocked' over their exit, after throwing himself into their latest routine Seann had been in a five-year relationship with ex-girlfriend Rebecca Humphries at the time of the smooch, while Katya is married to fellow Strictly professional Neil Jones. The duo had locked lips after a boozy outing to the pub and were left red-faced when pictures surfaced of their kiss. Seann's ex Rebecca publicly dumped the British comedian, while he apologised for his actions and branded his kiss with Katya a 'mistake' on Strictly spin-off It Takes Two. Katya, meanwhile, has insisted her marriage to Neil is 'absolutely fine', but she was sorry for any hurt she had caused. Speaking of kiss-gate, Ranj touched on the curse long attributed to Strictly, as he revealed he was 'surprised' by Seann and Katya's actions, but continued to support his co-star in the wake of the scandal. Loyal: Ranj also touched on the curse long attributed to Strictly, as he was 'surprised' by Seann and Katya's actions, but continued to support his co-star in the wake of the scandal Awkward: Seann had been in a five-year relationship with ex-girlfriend Rebecca Humphries at the time of his kiss with Katya, while she is married to fellow Strictly professional Neil Jones 'I don't think anyone had expected anything like that, but do you know what... everyone supports each other. We're all friends, we got really close,' he said.' Ranj continued: 'We're in this intense environment together and we all supported each other - that's what mates do. 'We were mates and, regardless of what else was going on, we knew that when it came to Saturday night, we had to be there for each other. And that's what we did.' Reports have since surfaced romantically linking Joe Sugg and Dianne Buswell, following her split from ex-boyfriend and Emmerdale star Anthony Quinlan. Neither have commented on the claims, but Joe previously insisted he 'doesn't have time' to date his dance partner. Having his say: Speaking of the Seann and Katya (above) drama, Ranj said: 'I don't think anyone had expected anything like that, but... everyone supports each other. We got really close' Home time: Ranj graciously bowed out of Strictly Come Dancing on Sunday night, after going head-to-head with former EastEnders star Charles in the dance off Meanwhile, Ranj's comments on Strictly come after he appeared on the BBC series' spin-off show It Takes Two, alongside dance partner Janette - who broke down in tears over the pair's exit from the competition. She told host Zoe Ball: 'It's very bittersweet, but I'd rather leave on an awesome high, feeling like we gave it our all, no regrets and we left happy, smiling. Speaking about his time with Janette, Ranj added: 'I've been so lucky to dance with this incredible lady. I couldn't have asked for a better partner.' He graciously bowed out of the competition on Sunday night, after going head-to-head with former EastEnders star Charles in the dance off. Head judge Shirley Ballas had the deciding vote, but insisted her decision had come with great difficulty. She said: 'First of all for me it's a heart-breaking decision 'cause I think both couples have done amazingly well. Grateful: Dr. Ranj insisted he had loved every minute of his time on Strictly, insisting: 'I've done something that I only could have dreamed of' 'Both couples have made little iddy-biddy errors that I can see but due to great timing, sophistication I am going to choose Charles and Karen.' Dr. Ranj insisted he had loved every minute of his time on Strictly. 'I can't express how much this has meant to me,' he said. 'I have made friends for life. I've done something that I only could have dreamed of. I just want to say to anyone who ever dreams of this you can, you really can, 'cause I'm here and I've done it.' Reflecting on her six-weeks with the TV doctor, Janette added: 'I just want to say he is an incredible human being for what he does as an actual job. He is there saving children's lives and he is a special, special man. 'On this show you get to celebrate people that have never done something like this before and for me Ranj is the epitome about what Strictly Come Dancing is about. I couldn't have asked for a better friend, a better partner or better series I love you so so much. Thank you.' She enjoyed a winter wellness break at the Rosewood Hotel in Phuket, Thailand, last week. And Millie Mackintosh treated her Instagram followers to a rather cheeky throwback snap of from her relaxing holiday on Friday morning. The reality star, 29, displayed her gym-honed figure as she shared a bikini shot of her peachy, sand-covered bottom while soaking up the sun on her tropical break. Life's a peach! Millie Mackintosh displayed her gym-honed figure as she shared a bikini shot of her peachy, sand-covered bottom in a throwback snap posted to her Instagram on Friday Flaunting her tanned physique, the newlywed donned a colourful floral two-piece, while her straight locks flew freely behind her. The fashion designer posted the idyllic photograph along with the caption: 'Flash back Friday'. Last week, Millie posed up a storm in a series of swimwear shots as she enjoyed a relaxing weekend of yoga, Thai cookery lessons and sight-seeing at the Wat Chalong temple in Phuket. Joined for her girls' break by her manager, Millie told her followers how much she was enjoying her week of rest and relaxation. Soaking up the sun: The reality star, 29, spent last week enjoying a winter wellness break at the Rosewood Hotel in Phuket, Thailand Fun in the sun: Millie slipped into a retro-style leopard print bikini while enjoying a day of exploring the Phi Phi Islands and Maya Bay in Thailand Using the Thai greeting sawadee ka, she wrote alongside a snap: 'Sawadee Ka. Ive only been here 2 days but already I am in love with this island and the kindness of the Thai people I have met.' Millie's sun-soaked girls' break came after she reflected on a year of personal ups and professional downs in an interview with the December issue of Red magazine. The former MIC star admitted she 'cried every day for two months' after seeing her eponymous fashion line crumble at the start of the year, owing 548,000 and personally costing her 178,000. Millie said: 'Its been an up-and-down year. I've had the highest highs and the lowest lows. When the business went under it was upsetting and not just for me. Life's a beach: Millie looked incredible as she spent the day on a boat trip, while keeping her Instagram followers updated with her holiday last Wednesday Exploring: Millie visited the picturesque location Leonardo DiCaprio movie The Beach was shot in back in 2000 Elegant: Millie posed in a patterned bikini and matching turban and kaftan as she treated fans to a glimpse of her lavish champagne breakfast 'The worst part was feeling like I'd let down everyone involved. I sat people down and let them know what was happening. 'It was upsetting, anxiety inducing, tearful I cried every day for two months. It was painful. Horrible.' Millie tied the knot with sunglasses entrepreneur Hugo Taylor, 32, at his uncle's country estate, Whithurst Park, in West Sussex on June 22, followed by a romantic Greek honeymoon to the islands of Crete and Kefalonia. Millie and Hugo first dated back in 2011 when they co-starred on Made In Chelsea, but split when it emerged Hugo had cheated on her with her friend Rosie Fortescue. Exploring: Joined for her girls' break by her manager, Millie told her followers how much she was enjoying her weekend of rest and relaxation They reunited in May 2016 shortly after Millie's split from first husband, rapper Professor Green, 34. Millie was married to the musician, real name Stephen Manderson, for two-and-a-half years before they announced their split in February 2016. The couple finalised their divorce in May 2016, the same week that Millie went public with Hugo on a trip to the Monaco Grand Prix to celebrate Hugo's 30th birthday. Newlywed: Millie tied the knot with sunglasses entrepreneur Hugo Taylor, 32, at his uncle's country estate, Whithurst Park, in West Sussex on June 22 Hugo then popped the question a year later during a holiday in Mykonos, Greece, in July 2017. Talking about his bride, Hugo told Hello! magazine at the wedding: 'I knew she was The One within about five minutes of us getting back together.' Millie concurred: 'But if we'd stayed together when we were younger, we wouldn't be together now. 'We had to go away, do our separate things and grow as people. We needed that time apart.' There wasn't much romance on the menu for Sofia Richie and Scott Disick on Thursday night. The 20-year-old aspiring model and her 35-year-old boyfriend were spotted out for dinner at YU/MI Sushi in Beverly Hills. The pair were both glued to their cell phones and didn't seem to talk much at all once their food arrived. Dialing it in: Sofia Richie, 20, and Scott Disick, 35, were glued to their phones when they were spotted out for dinner at YU/MI Sushi in Beverly Hills on Thursday. No romance on the menu: The couple didn't even get off their phones when their meal arrived They're talking... but not to each other: They didn't switch off during their night out Earlier in the day, Sofia and Scott looked stony-faced as they emerged from an office. Lionel Richie's daughter failed to smile as she left the building, raising questions her recent meeting with Kourtney Kardashian, Scott's ex-girlfriend of nine-years and mother of their three children, was still on her mind. Sofia was dressed down in an over-sized jumper and black Adidas joggers which she teamed with black trainers and a pair of her signature, Matrix-inspired sunglasses. Wearing her long, sleek blonde hair with a center-parting, Sofia showcased her natural beauty with a minimal make-up look. So solemn: Sofia and Scott looked stony-faced as they left an office in Los Angeles earlier on Thursday... just days after their 'tense' dinner with Kourtney Kardashian Scott was also casually clad in a charcoal grey hoodie and khaki corduroy trousers. Their outing comes after the couple made a hasty exit at Derby Day in Melbourne, Australia, on November 3. Dressed in designer threads at Flemington Racecourse, Sofia looked upset during what appeared to be a difficult exchange with Scott and was spotted wiping away her tears. Emotions running high: Sofia and Scott reportedly shared a 'tense' dinner with his ex and the mother of their three children, Kourtney Kardashian. She's seen at an LA event on November 3 It comes after the socialite shared a 'quick' but 'tense' dinner with Kourtney and Scott on November 4 at Nobu in Malibu. Kourtney and Scott share Mason, eight, Penelope, six, and Reign, three, with the meal reportedly set up by the Keeping Up With The Kardashians star. Though the trio broke bread together, those who scoped the scene said the meal was less-than-friendly. 'It wasnt like they are all friends and were hanging out for fun. It looked more like a business dinner,' the insider told People. According a source close to the situation, the reality star isn't interested in getting 'to know Sofia better,' but rather feels like she needs to spend more time with the model 'because of the kids.' 'Sofia spends time with Kourtneys kids, so Kourtney wants to make sure they are all on the same page,' the source said. The way they were: Kourtney and Scott began dating in 2006 but parted ways in 2015 after nine years together. They share children Mason, eight, Penelope, six, and Reign, three 'Scott and Sofia tend to get into arguments. Kourtney wants to make sure the kids are in a positive environment when they are at Scotts house. 'She is setting up rules for how things needs to be when the kids are with Scott.' After what was described as a 'quick' meal, all three exited in succession. She is preparing to wed her fiance of four years Greg Shepherd in the Maldives in May next year. And proving she is pulling out all the stops to look better than ever on her big day, Billie Faiers looked incredible as she stripped down to a patterned bikini on a recent family break to Dubai. The former TOWIE star, 28, sported a red and white striped two-piece for her jaunt by the pool, where she was joined by her beau and their adorable brood; daughter Nelly, four, and Arthur, one. Sensational: Billie Faiers looked incredible as she stripped down to a patterned bikini on a recent family break to Dubai with beau Greg Shepherd and their two children Billie showcased her incredibly gym-honed physique in her minimal swimwear, with the two-piece leaving little to the imagination. It paired together a halter-neck style bikini top, that framed Billie's ample assets, with a pair of scanty briefs that tied together at the hip. As she basked in the sunshine in the popular holiday resort, Billie had all eyes on her as she paraded her washboard stomach and slender pins poolside while topping up her already bronzed glow. The beauty favoured a flawless make-up look and pinned her short blonde locks back from her face in a low ponytail. Billie hid behind a pair of chic round-framed shades and looked every inch the doting mother as she tended to her children while cooling off in the water. Bikini-clad: The former TOWIE star, 28, sported a red and white striped two-piece for her jaunt by the pool, where she was seen doting on her brood (above with daughter Nelly, four) Wow: Billie showcased her incredibly gym-honed physique in her minimal swimwear, with the two-piece leaving little to the imagination Family affair: She was seen cooling off in the pool with her children and husband-to-be Greg close by her side Little Nelly looked cute as a button in a flamingo printed swimsuit while she held onto the hand of her reality star mother, before shrieking with delight as she jumped into the pool. She was joined by her dad Greg who appeared to be kicking back in the sunnier climes on an inflatable unicorn. He and Billie were seen watching over Arthur in the water, with blonde beauty Billie planting a sweet kiss on her baby boy. And it's not just her children that Billie was being attentive too, as the star was also seen smothering sun cream on her future husband's back. Billie's sweet display with her family comes after the Faiers/Shepherds have made a triumphant return to our screens in the new series of The Mummy Diaires. All eyes on her: As she basked in the sunshine in the popular holiday resort, Billie had all eyes on her as she paraded her washboard stomach and slender pins Doting mother: The blonde beauty was seen cuddling son Arthur, one, in her arms as she kept a watchful eye over Nelly in the pool High spirits: Billie was seen putting on a playful display with Greg and little Arthur in the pool Sweet: Billie paraded her bikini-clad frame while affectionately cradling Arthur in her arms Billie joins her sister Sam Faiers - who appears with beau Paul Knightley and their children Paul and Rosie - on the show, with the cameras documenting the girls' home life in Essex. This series has been following the lead-up to Billie and Greg's idyllic wedding ceremony, with much focus being on their stag and hen parties. Fans have seen Billie left disgruntled with Greg, after learning of his plans to have two stag dos - one in Marbella and one in Las Vegas - as well as a booze up with his mates the night before their wedding ceremony in the Maldives. Wednesday night's episode saw the first of Greg's stag dos take place, with the groom-to-be and his family and friends heading to Marbella for three days. Helping hand: Billie was seen rubbing sun cream into Greg's back as they basked in sunnier climes in the Middle East Beach babe: Billie favoured a flawless make-up look and pinned her short blonde locks back from her face in a low ponytail Hot: Billie hid behind a pair of chic round-framed shades and looked every inch the doting mother as she tended to her children while cooling off in the water A worried Billie was seen banning Greg from posting any of the group's wild antics to social media, before criticising his decision to include a foam party in the plans for his stag do in the Spanish party resort. She warned her beau that she didn't want to be left 'embarrassed' by any crude or drunken social media posts, but as predicted, Greg wasn't able to adhere to his fiancee's golden rule - despite Billie claiming he could be 'sacrificing his wedding' as a result. However, fans were bemused by the Instagram ban, as they recalled how much social media content had been posted by Billie and Sam during her hen do to Ibiza - which is set to be shown on The Mummy Diaries' next episode. Daddy's little girl: Greg was seen playing with daughter Nelly while on an inflatable unicorn Having a ball: The family enjoyed a break away from their busy filming schedule to chill in the sun overseas Centre of attention: As usual Nelly appeared to be stealing the show, as she teetered on the edge of the pool with mum Billie close by Happy days: Nelly's face was a picture as she jumped into the pool And she's off: The youngster shrieked with delight as she jumped into the water to join her dad 'Billie so jealous... swear your hen do was all over your Instagram#MummyDiaries,' one fan tweeted. 'Sam & Billie saying why would you put everything on instagram is an unbelievable cliche #MummyDiaries,' another pointed out. 'Billie saying Greg cant upload his whole stag do on social media. Pretty sure ur hen do was #MummyDiaries.' Despite their tiffs, viewers labelled Billie and Greg 'couple goals' though, with one fan tweeting: 'I love Billie I want to be her!! Her and Gregs relationship is the best!!' Easy does it: Billie looked every inch the stylish mother as she helped Arthur ease his way into the pool Cute! Billie and the Faiers/Shepherd clan have made a triumphant return to our screens in the new series of The Mummy Diaires Fan favourite: Billie joins sister Sam Faiers - who appears with beau Paul Knightley and their children - on the show, with the cameras documenting the girls' home life in Essex Exciting: This series has been following the lead-up to Billie and Greg's idyllic wedding ceremony, with much focus being on their stag and hen parties Billie and Greg announced their engagement, after the Essex-based businessman proposed during a babymoon in the Maldives four years ago. Speaking of the romantic proposal, Billie, who had been pregnant with the couple's eldest child Nelly at the time, told OK! magazine: '[Greg] told me on the second night of our holiday that the hotel manager had arranged for us to watch the sunset on one of the sandbanks in the ocean. 'I had no idea he was going to propose! Even when we got there and I saw two chairs with a bottle of champagne, I didn't suspect a thing. 'I took one look at that ring and said yes. I really couldn't believe it. We'd spoken about marriage but I thought he'd wait until after the baby was born to propose.' Billie and Greg welcomed daughter Nelly five months after their engagement in July 2014. The couple later added a second addition to their family and Billie gave birth to son Arthur in March last year. Simply stunning: And Billie proved she is more than wedding ready as she showcased her svelte frame on her recent sun-soaked getaway Not long to go now! Billie and Greg have revealed they will wed in the Maldives in May 2019 Family of four: Billie and Greg welcomed daughter Nelly five months after their engagement in July 2014 and son Arthur (above) in March last year Special place: Essex-based businessman Greg proposed to Billie during a babymoon in the Maldives four years ago In recent months, the couple have thrown themselves into wedding planner, with Billie exclusively telling MailOnline that their nuptials will feature on The Mummy Diaries. Revealing she and Greg do have plans to film their big day, Billie said: 'Everyone will see the ceremony but not really all the the after party stuff. It's more about all the build up. That's all the best bit. And then walking down the aisle.' Although, being a mother-of-two, filming for a reality series and planning a wedding can take its toll, with Billie revealing: 'A million per cent I feel like saying, "Give us a break, I'm trying to plan a wedding" when the crew are filming us all the time. 'But they want to cover every little thing we do. It's the smallest things the people at home want to see. I don't hold back. If I've got the hump with Greg I show it. So that makes it good TV.' Nice surprise: Speaking of the romantic proposal, Billie, who had been pregnant with eldest child Nelly at the time, told OK! magazine: 'I had no idea he was going to propose' Government says it is yet to conclude its investigations into the case of some Ghanaian police peacekeepers indicted by the United Nations for sexual misconduct in South Sudan last year. Though the Police Adminsitration in May this year said investigations by the IGPs three-man investigative team had concluded its work, the Interior Minister Ambrose Dery claimed in Parliament Thursday the team was yet to finish with the investigations. Director General of the Police Intelligence and Professional Standards, COP Kofi Boakye who said in May the investigations had ended noted the Police was awaiting the results of the UN investigators to compare notes in order to have a compete and comprehensive report. But when summoned by Parliament to brief members of the House what have been the results of the investigations, Mr. Dery said the investigations are expected to end by the end of November 2018, nine months on. Some MPs wanted to know if the sexual exploitation incident had affected Ghanas participation UN in peacekeeping but the minister responded in the negative, noted even after that incident some troops were deployed for peacekeeping. Mr. Dery said some of those police officers who were withdrawn from South Sudan over the alleged sex exploitation and abuse have been interdicted while others are still at post. He revealed steps are being taken by the Interior Ministry and the office of the Attorney General to amend the Ghana Police Service Regulations 2012 (CI176) to include sexual exploitation and abuse which are not explicitly captured in its current form. Background A total of 46 personnel of the Formed Police Unit of the Ghana Police Service were on February 22, 2017 recalled from Wau and confined to a base in Juba after a preliminary investigation into allegations of sexual exploitation. According to the UN, it received information that the Ghanaian personnel were allegedly engaged in transactional sex clear breach of the UN and UNMISS Code of Conduct that prohibits sexual relationships with vulnerable individuals. Director of Public Affairs of the Ghana Police Service, ACP David Eklu stated at the time that the alleged conduct of the personnel has put the image of the police service into disrepute, assuring an inquiry proceedings will be instituted against them on their return The necessary administrative inquiry will be conducted upon their return and if theyre found guilty they may be reduced in rank or removed from the service, he said on Sunrise Morning show on February 26. Ghana Police to sack peacekeepers in sex exploitation if The Police, he said, wrote to the UN to grant it permission to send a team from Ghana to South Sudan to have firsthand information about the sexual scandal. On May 30, 2018, the officers involved were repatriated to Accra. Source: 3news.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 They left viewers delighted on Monday by getting engaged after a two-way proposal. But a surprise return could spell trouble for Coronation Street lovebirds Kate Connor and Rana Nazir, as Melissa Johns was spotted back on set on Friday. The stunning actress - who made headlines as only the soap's second disabled actress to join the soap - previously starred as Kate's ex-girlfriend Imogen, but left the show last year when her character was dumped in emotional scenes. She's back! Coronation Street's Melissa Johns was spotted making a surprise return to the soap on Friday, hinting she could be back to cause trouble to lovebirds Kate and Rana Melissa was seen filming on location with numerous other Corrie, including Bhavna Limbachi who plays Rana. Of course the duo never say eye to eye thanks to their feelings for Kate (played by Faye Brookes) though at the time Rana was struggling with her sexuality thanks to her strict Muslim upbringing, and the small matter that she was married to Zeedan Nazir. The timing of Imogen's return to Weatherfield, could be to coincide with Kate and Rana's upcoming wedding, after the pair surprised each other with a proposal earlier this week. Returning: The actress was seen back on set almost a year after leaving the show as the role of Imogen, hinting she could be back to cause trouble for Kate and Rana Low-key: Bhavna Limbachi who plays Rana was also seen on location filming the scenes Trouble in paradise? Fans were elated when Kate and Rana both surprised each other with a two-way proposal, and many are eager to see them tie the knot At war: Imogen could be back to drive a wedge between the two lovebirds, after she and Rana previously competed for Kate's affections It seems Kate will be keen to settle down with her fiance as scenes airing this week also see her broach the subject of having a child with her wife-to-be. But Rana will be less keen on the idea of being a parent, and perhaps this will open the door for Imogen's return to the show. Fans will have to wait and see how the storyline plays out, but it looks like nothing will stop Kate from becoming a mum, as it has also been reported that she will seduce and sleep with Adam Barlow in an attempt to fall pregnant. Melissa previously made headlines during her last stint on Corrie after being only the second disabled actress to land a role on the soap. Impressive: Melissa previously made headlines during her last stint on Corrie after being only the second disabled actress to land a role on the soap. She was born missing half her right arm Low-key: Georgia Taylor - who plays Toyah Battersby - was also spotted on-set filming scenes The blonde beauty was born missing half of her right arm, and has gone onto to champion diversity in modelling and showbusiness. Not long after her soap stint the actress even called out airline Ryanair for their treatment of her on a flight, furiously tweeting that an attendant told her she had to pay for priority boarding the receive extra assistance. But a spokesperson for Ryanair dismissed her claims, telling MailOnline that she did not request any special assistance. Coronation Street continues on Friday 9th November at 7:30pm and 8:30pm on ITV. Coming soon: Fans will have to wait and see how the storyline plays out, but it seems the filming was an extra-heavy showcase She has continued to stay strong with beau Wes Nelson in the wake of split rumours. And Megan Barton Hanson looked in high spirits as she enjoyed an evening shopping at the Pretty Little Thing headquarters in London on Friday. The Love Island star, 24, dressed to accentuate her curves in a tartan pinafore dress, which she teamed with sexy fishnet tights and a statement coat. Loving life: Megan Barton Hanson looked in high spirits as she enjoyed an evening shopping at the Pretty Little Thing headquarters in London on Friday Megan was clearly going for a grunge-inspired look for her afternoon and commanded attention as she strutted along in a pair of knee-high boots. The beauty teamed her red tartan number with a frilly white clingy top. Taking into consideration the chilly weather, she wrapped up in an oversized mustard coloured coat. Megan enhanced her striking features with a glamorous coat of make-up, which complemented her sleek long blonde locks. Fashionista: The Love Island star, 24, dressed to accentuate her curves in a tartan pinafore dress, which she teamed with sexy fishnet tights and a statement coat Stylish: Megan was clearly going for a grunge-inspired look for her afternoon and commanded attention as she strutted along in a pair of knee-high boots Trendsetter: The beauty teamed her red tartan number with a frilly white clingy top The beauty looked like she was in her element as she held onto PLT shopping bags. Recently, Megan and Wes were hit by claims of furious arguments and rumours of a night in a strip club with Pete Wicks, yet they dismissed the claims. Megan wrote on Instagram: 'I love you to the moon and back thank you for supporting me through these past hellish weeks your my world and wouldn't have been able to get through it without you [sic]'. Last week, Megan was accused of disappearing with TOWIE star Pete during a boozy night out at a strip club while Wes was in Belfast doing a PA. Statement: Taking into consideration the chilly weather, she wrapped up in an oversized mustard coloured coat Babe: Megan enhanced her striking features with a glamorous coat of make-up, which complemented her sleek long blonde locks And later on, she finally addressed the claims made by The Sun, calling them 'bulls***.' Following the rumours, Megan and Wes continued to stay strong in the face of their haters as they moved in to their new Camden home. The couple revealed that they've been living with each other since the first week of coming out the Love Island villa, and later put a deposit down on a two bedroom house in Camden, which they have now moved into. Reports emerged this week that he 'refuses' to meet his newborn daughter Lyla, who he conceived with a woman he's casually dated for five years. But despite the unsettling headlines, Owen Wilson appeared carefree while riding his bike through Los Angeles on Friday. The 49-year-old actor donned a white Fedora and a blue sweater for the early morning cruise. Dad denial: On Friday, Owen Wilson appeared carefree while riding his bike through Los Angeles despite the unsettling headlines that say he 'refuses to meet his daughter Lyla' Owen, who was seen taking a call, smiled as he cycled past cameras. News broke on Wednesday that the Wedding Crashers star wants nothing to do with daughter Lyla, who was born in October. Wilson 'refuses to meet his daughter,' a source told Us Weekly, noting the the blonde-haired, blue-eyed baby looks just like her father. Multitasker: Owen, who was seen taking a call, smiled as he cycled past cameras Dapper dude: The 49-year-old actor donned a white Fedora and a blue sweater for the early morning cruise 'He even checked the no visitation box in court in June. He does not want to visit [and does not] want any custody of her.' A representative for Owen said: 'This is a private matter and it's not appropriate to comment further.' Owen casually dated Lyla's mother, Varunie Vongsvirates, for five years and underwent a paternity test earlier this year confirming he's the father. Bundle of joy: News broke on Thursday that Wilson reportedly wants nothing to do with daughter Lyla, who was born in October. 'He checked the no visitation box in court in June. He does not want to visit [and does not] want any custody of her,' a source told Us Weekly New mom: Varunie Vongsvirates, left, with a friend at her baby shower this summer While he reportedly has yet to meet his daughter, Owen is often seen with his sons, seven-year-old Robert, named after Owen's father, and four-year-old Finn. The Marley & Me actor welcomed Robert with then-girlfriend Jade Duell, from whom he split in 2011. Finn was born to fitness trainer Caroline Lindqvist, who was in the process of divorcing then-husband, plastic surgeon Ritu Chopra, when news of her pregnancy became public. Wildfires have started spreading throughout Northern and Southern California yesterday. After Kim Kardashian revealed she had just an hour to evacuate her Hidden Hills home, her sister Khloe tweeted last night that she couldn't sleep over the fires. Khloe, 34, revealed on Twitter that she has also left her Calabasas, California home with her six-month-old son True, and his staying with her brother Rob after the Woolsley Fire broke out. 'I am with Rob, Dream and True and I am up keeping watch! Saying prayers and thanking all of the brave firefighters who risk their lives for us,' Khloe said in tweet on early Friday morning. Staying safe: Khloe Kardashian was too nervous to sleep on Thursday night after she was forced to evacuate amid wildfires in Calbasas Evacuating: Khloe revealed she's staying with her brother Rob after the Woolsley Fire broke out She added another tweet a few minutes later, stating, 'I can not sleep! I am too nervous with these fires,' along with the hashtag #MamaKoKo. The reality star also retweeted tweets from The Los Angeles Times and LAFD Fire Talk that included more information about the wildfires. Kim and Kanye West were forced to evacuate their Hidden Hills home, while Kourtney Kardashian also evacuated her Calabasas home, staying with sister Kendall Jenner. Mama Koko: She added another tweet a few minutes later, stating, 'I can not sleep! I am too nervous with these fires,' along with the hashtag #MamaKoKo Kourtney, 39, shared a photo with supplies packed into one of her vehicles, stating, 'I pray that everyone is safe and protected from these fires,' adding, 'No Calabasas tonight.' Kourtney then headed to half-sister Kendall Jenner's home, where she proceeded to 'raid' Kendall's pantry. She shared a photo of 'Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Sandwich Cremes' from the Whole Foods brand 365 Everyday Value, adding, 'Wait, What? I'm raiding your pantry @kendalljenner.' On the go: Kourtney Kardashian, 39, shared a photo with supplies packed into one of her vehicles, stating, 'I pray that everyone is safe and protected from these fires,' adding, 'No Calabasas tonight' Pantry raiding: She shared a photo of 'Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Sandwich Cremes' from the Whole Foods brand 365 Everyday Value, adding, 'Wait, What? I'm raiding your pantry @kyliejenner' Kim Kardashian-West also took to her Instagram story on Thursday night, sharing a photo from a private plane of the fires. 'Pray for Calabasas,' Kardashian-West said. 'Just landed back home and I had 1 hour to pack up and evacuate our home. I pray everyone is safe.' Both Kylie Jenner and family matriarch Kris Jenner were both in New York City for the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show when the fires broke out, according to People. Prayers for Calabasas: Kim Kardashian-West also took to her Instagram story on Thursday night, sharing a photo from a private plane of the fires She also added another Instagram story image featuring firefighters arriving on the scene. 'Fire fighters are arriving, Kardashian-West, 38, said. 'Thank you for all that you do for us!!!' The City of Calabasas Twitter revealed early Friday morning that the Woolsley Fire has spread to 7,300 acres with no containment. They also tweeted this morning that there are mandatory evacuations in place, 'From Las Virgenes Road and Malibu Cyn Road to the Ventura County Line,' due to, 'a fast-moving fire line.' From @LACoSheriff @LHSLASD Los Angeles County Fire Dept has issued a mandatory evacuation order for the following areas due to a fast moving wild fire. From Las Virgenes Road and Malibu Cyn Road to the Ventura County Line. City of Calabasas (@CityofCalabasas) November 9, 2018 A shooting took place while Kanye West and Tekashi 6ix9ine were filming a music video at an exclusive $80million estate in Beverly Hills Thursday. And now rapper 50 cent has shared images from the scene of the crime and shaded Kanye in the process. The Get Rich Or Die Tryin' artist, who did not appear to be present for the shooting, posted images of a bedroom window with a bullet hole along with a ribbing caption. 'Kanye was like [running man emoji]' the rapper born Curtis Jackson wrote in the caption which began: 'Now somebody done shot my son video up in LA.' 50 Cent has shared images of a bullet hole which was taken from inside a room in an upscale estate that was shot at during the filming of a Kanye West and Tekashi 6six9ine music video Second hand source: The rapper, who was born Curtis Jackson, was not present at the scene according to reports He seemed to suggest that Kanye was swift to head off from the scene, matching similar reports from TMZ. 50 also appeared to be referring to 6ix9ine as his 'son' in the post. Sources say eight shots were fired at an exclusive $80million estate in Beverly Hills where Kanye and 6ix9ine were filming together. Police received a call of shots being fired within the vicinity of the exclusive 900 block of Alpine Drive on Thursday at 10.25pm. It appeared to be a drive-by. Nicki Minaj was also scheduled to be at the video shoot but hadn't yet arrived when the gunfire rang out. TMZ reports that Tekashi and Kanye were both inside the home when the shooting occurred. Multiple shots were fired at an exclusive $80million estate in Beverly Hills on Thursday night where Kanye and Takeshi 6ix9ine were filming a music video Kanye is said to have left the estate immediately. No one was injured in the shooting but one bullet is reported to have gone through a bedroom window, which 50 Cent later shared images of. Tekashi had rented the estate as a backdrop to his new music video that features Kanye and Nicki Minaj. The shooting happened near the famous Alpine Drive, which is one of the most expensive streets in Beverly Hills. Authorities are going to examine the home's surveillance cameras. Nicki Minaj was also scheduled to be at the video shoot but hadn't yet arrived when the gunfire rang out It comes soon after Tekashi was affiliated with a shooting in New York. The 22-year-old Brooklyn rapper was celebrating at a Manhattan restaurant last month after being given just four years probation for posting footage of a 13-year-old girl performing sex acts at a party. A brawl broke out between security for record label 10k Projects and Tekashi's entourage. A third party opened fire and struck the rapper's guard in the torso. Tekashi was affiliated with a shooting in New York last week when a brawl broke out at a restaurant between security for record label 10k Projects and his entourage She broke down in tears during the standing ovation for her final walk at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in New York City on Thursday. But Adriana Lima looked much happier as she enjoyed dinner with her daughters Valentina, eight, and Sienna, six, that evening. The 37-year-old Brazilian beauty posted a sweet snap of them all in the light of candles as they gazed in wonder at a huge cake. Scroll down for videos 'Celebrating with my family': Adriana Lima shared this cute shot of her and daughters Sienna, six, and Valentina, eight, at Berimbau Brazilian restaurant in Greenwich Village after her final walk at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in New York City on Thursday She captioned it: 'Celebrating with my family...thank you @berimbau.nyc for bringing some Brazilian taste to such a special night,' giving a shout out to the Greenwich Village restaurant. Adriana also shared an Instagram video of her best moments strutting her stuff for the upscale undies brand. 'Dear Victoria' she said at the start of the caption. 'Thank you for showing me the world, sharing your secrets, and most importantly not just giving me wings but teaching me to fly.' And she offered a heart emoji 'to the best fans in the world! Love, Adriana. Touching tribute: 'Dear Victoria' she said in the caption. 'Thank you for showing me the world, sharing your secrets, and most importantly not just giving me wings but teaching me to fly' Touching tributes from fellow models poured in, including one from Georgia Fowler, 26, who shared the shot of Adriana in her sheer, crystal encrusted top, pink feather wings and pale blue undies. She wrote:'After 19 shows @adrianalima is hanging up her wings. You've inspired me to work hard and never give up on my dreams. 'And when I knew no one backstage took me under your wing. The kindest, most dedicated and not to mention jaw dropping angel there was. Thank you.' 'Our favorite angel': Model Georgia Fowler, 26, shared this snap, saying, 'You've inspired me to work hard and never give up on my dreams' Portuguese VS Angel Sara Sampaio, 27, shared the same shot with a long, gushing caption, that read: @adrianalima thank you! This made me cry so much for 2 days, you are the reason most of us wanted to be models and VS models in the first place! 'You represent everything we aspire to be! You are an inspiration and every year you showed us what true class, beauty, fierce, hard work and humility is! Thank you for all these years you are forever the GOAT! Love you!' Adriana confirmed that the 2018 Victoria's Secret Fashion show at Pier 94 in New York City would be her last earlier in the day. . 'You are the reason most of us wants to be models': Portuguese VS Angel Sara Sampaio, 27, shared the same shot with a long, gushing caption She holds the title of the longest standing Angel after 18 years Victoria's Secret brings its famous models together for the glittery catwalk extravaganza every year. It's probably the most-watched fashion events of the year with some 800 million TV viewers and around $12 million spent on putting the spectacle together, according to the Independent. She was dragged into the scandalous Seann Walsh headlines when historic pictures of her and the funnyman emerged amid claims they had a secret fling years ago. Now Emily Atack's home has come under the microscope after rumours the actress will jet to Oz for the latest series of I'm A Celebrity started circulating. As The Inbetweeners star, 28, is rumoured to be temporarily leaving behind her home comforts, fans take a closer look inside the North London pad she lives in. Pictured: Inside Emily Atack's modern London pad complete with Banksy artwork and dozens of books... amid claims she will 'appear on I'm A Celebrity after THAT Seann Walsh scandal' With lots of light pouring in from the window, the spacious living room has a lovely vibe with its velvet sofa as well as its wooden table and chairs. Blue orchids, cacti and house plants also could be seen to bring some colour and character into Emily's home. Having written a comedy show Emily Atack: Talk Thirty To Me, it's no surprise a glimpse inside her home shows she's an avid reader with 26 books stacked up. Check it out: As The Inbetweeners star, 28, is rumoured to be temporarily leaving behind her home comforts, fans take a closer look inside the North London pad she lives in Bookworm! Having written a comedy show Emily Atack: Talk Thirty To Me, it's no surprise a glimpse inside her home shows she's an avid reader with 26 books stacked up Striking artwork pieces scale the cream walls throughout her home, including an envy-inducing copy of Banksy's Policeman Kissing. A slew of selfies have captured the actress relaxing in her bedroom which has a double bed and a cream faux fur rug as well as a full-length mirror. Also decorated in cream, Emily's bathroom is kitted out with a bath/shower as well as a radiator and a mirror for getting ready. People who own plants live longer: Blue orchids, cacti and house plants also could be seen to bring some colour and character into Emily's home It is hot gossip that the actress could be heading for the Australian jungle reality show in November, fronted by Dec Donnelly and Holly Willoughby this series. MailOnline has approached Emily Atack's representatives for comment. The Sun made further claims The Inbetweeners star is 'fed up' of indie movie roles and wants to build a more stable presence on television. Controversial: Striking artwork pieces scale the cream walls throughout her home, including an envy-inducing copy of Banksy's Policeman Kissing The newspaper claimed bosses are hoping she will spill everything about her reported fling with Seann at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2016. Rebecca Humphries dumped the comedian after photographs of her beau locking lips with his Strictly dance partner Katya Jones. Actress Rebecca had no qualms staking her claim on their cat when she put an end to their five-year romance. Danny John-Jules and his professional partner Amy Dowden set the record straight on Friday's episode of Strictly Come Dancing's It Takes Two after it was claimed that he reportedly swore and shouted at her during training. The Red Dwarf actor, 58, and Welsh dancer, 27, were asked by host Gethin Jones: 'It has been a tough week of training for Danny and Amy. 'Been quite a lot of press about Strictly today and I know you guys would like to say a few words about it. How would you want to respond?' What drama?: Danny John-Jules and his professional partner Amy Dowden set the record straight on Friday's episode of Strictly Come Dancing's It Takes Two To which Amy said: 'Yeah, its our turn this time! Things did get a little intense the other day in rehearsals,' with Gethin adding: 'This was Wednesday?' 'Yeah, but do you know what we took a half an hour break and got straight to it,' the professional dancer continued. 'I've never felt threatened or bullied by Danny. I really want to get this man to Blackpool, and then to the final.' Making light of the situation, Gethin joked: 'She has said the B (Blackpool) word! What about you Danny?' 'Intense': The Red Dwarf actor, 58, and Welsh dancer, 27, were asked by host Gethin Jones over the claims that he reportedly swore and shouted at her during training 'Intense': To which Amy said: 'Yeah, its our turn this time! Things did get a little intense the other day in rehearsals,' with Gethin adding: 'This was Wednesday?' With the actor adding: 'Well, all I can tell you is that the only reason Im here, this far, is because of Amy and I would never bite the hand that feeds me. 'Im more than happy; its probably the best dancing we have done in the last couple of days since I have been on the show. And Im just happy to go along, she is the boss, she wears the pants. Why would I argue with a Welsh woman!' The interview comes after Danny was reportedly issued with a 'final warning' by show bosses over his 'bullying' behaviour. According to reports, the Red Dwarf actor allegedly left his professional partner Amy in tears during training, after shouting and swearing at the dancer, who is in her second series of the hit BBC show. Joking: In the early hours of Friday morning, he upload a meme of King Kong holding a distressed Ann Darrow, adding the caption, 'My new CV.....' Star: The Red Dwarf actor, 58, has allegedly left his professional partner Amy Dowden in tears during training, after shouting and swearing at the dancer Star-studded: Pictured leaving It Takes Two were celebrity guests for the evening Martin Kemp (left) and Georgia Toffolo (right) Stylish: Ashley Roberts also appeared on the spin-off show in a glamorous silver dress However, the screen star reacted shockingly to the allegations, taking to his Twitter account in the early hours of Friday morning to upload a meme of King Kong holding a distressed Ann Darrow, adding the caption: 'My new CV.....' He also wrote on the micro-blogging site that his 'conscience has never been clearer' as he lashed out at the reports and retweeted several supportive messages. The Sun reported Amy threatened to quit the show, while a source has told MailOnline it has been a 'tough' week for the pair. Sources have claimed that Amy, 27, stormed out of training this week after her partner swore and shouted at her. Dream team: Aljaz Skorjanec and his celebrity dance partner Kate Silverton were in good spirits on It Takes Two Angry scenes: Sources have claimed that Amy, 27, stormed out of training this week after her partner swore and shouted at her Threatened to quit? After fleeing to a cafe after a tense session on Wednesday, the Welsh dancer called producers to say she did not know if she could continue 'Amy's been crying constantly at the hands of Danny. He gets very angry in the training room and he swears and shouts at her a lot. He also makes a lot of snide comments about him being famous and her not. After fleeing to a cafe after a tense session on Wednesday, the Welsh dancer called producers to say she did not know if she could continue, leading bosses to step in and hold a series of meetings with the acclaimed actor. A source close to the show played down the bullying incident to MailOnline, explaining: 'Its been a tough week for Danny and Amy learning their challenging Samba routine.' 'After a long day training they had a minor disagreement but theyve put their differences behind them and were back in rehearsals today and are looking forward to performing on Saturday nights show.' The Sun's insider adds that popular Amy is being supported by her fellow dancers on the show, and alleges 'everyone on Strictly wants Danny to go.' Danny himself admitted in an interview with The Sun last week that he doesn't socialise with his Strictly co-stars, declaring: 'Anything that is part of our contract, for example It Takes Two, I'll do, but as far as socialising, I have not been out with one member of the cast.' While there is no suggestion Danny's arguments have got physical, in 2008 the star was ordered to carry out 120 hours community service for assaulting two dustmen, in an incident the district judge called 'ugly'. Danny hit the headlines last week after declaring that he thinks most celebrities these days are an 'insult' to real entertainers such as himself. Making amends: The pair were pictured looking in good spirits as they left filming for It Takes Two together on Thursday night, beaming for the cameras The 58-year-old compared himself to the likes of Cliff Richard and George Michael, claiming that he thinks of himself as an 'entertainer' rather than a celebrity. Danny confessed during an interview with the Sun that he considers himself in a different league, after the Strictly line-up was criticised for its lack of 'real' celebrities. He said: 'I'm a different level. I'm talking about variety artists. I came up working with people like Norman Wisdom, Bernie Winters, Freddie "Parrot-Face" Davies and Vince Hill and on and on and on... They're stars. Celebrities today are an insult to those guys.' However rather than blaming producers for the what he considers a lack of entertainers, he claims it is impossible to find a genuine star these days. The actor said that all you have to do to qualify as a celebrity is appear on a couple of episodes of Love Island, which causes confusion between a celebrity and an entertainer. Tough week: A source close to the show played down the incident to MailOnline , explaining: 'Its been a tough week for Danny and Amy learning their challenging Samba routine.' To clarify, he said that you know when a star is present because all of the celebrities in the room will be looking at the star. Danny and Amy scored the first ten of the 2018 series with their jive two weeks ago, but in a shock result the pair crashed to the bottom of the leaderboard during their latest performance on Saturday night with a score of just 22. Meanwhile Amy has been battling a nasty ankle injury after clashing with fellow pro Gorka Marquez during a group dance practice for the Halloween special of the show. While the dancer had to be strapped up for their American Smooth performance to Spirit In The Sky, Amy believes it actually helped Danny achieve a score of 30 the week before last, as he was so caring. She added: 'We didnt get to rehearsals at all on the Friday. I actually think it helped Danny. Going in and out of the lifts he was really acting. He was brilliant, he lifted me round that floor beautifully and I wasn't worried.' The Real Housewives Of Atlanta star Kenya Moore is accused of refusing to pay up a hefty property tax bill...and now the IRS is coming after her. The reality star, 47, was hit with a federal tax lien of $152,678.36 in Georgia on October 12 over money due on her Atlanta mansion in 2016, according to court documents obtained by The Blast. The IRS placed the lien against Kenya's home, which means if the property is sold it gets its money before she sees a dime. That's a big bill: The Real Housewives Of Atlanta star Kenya Moore was hit with a federal tax lien of $152,678.36 on her home in Atlanta, Georgia over unpaid 2016 property taxes This all happened in the weeks before Kenya gave birth to a baby girl named Brooklyn Doris on November 4. She was a guest on the last season of Real Housewives after being a main cast member from season 5 through season 10. Kenya finished renovations on her 7,200-square-foot Georgia home, which she dubbed 'Moore Manor,' in 2016. Alongside a sprawling kitchen and master suite, one of Kenya's favorite elements is in the master bathroom, which features a touchless toilet that remembers users preferred seat temperature and music. Magnificent home: The 47-year-old finished renovations on her 7,200-square-foot Georgia home, which she dubbed Moore Manor, in 2016 Comfy place to watch TV: Kenya shared these shots of Moore Manor on Instagram 'This is the crown jewel of the bathroom,' she said in a video home tour in 2017. 'When youre done it actually sanitizes itself, closes itself and kisses youre a**.' The beauty may actually have to fork out the taxes she owes as she mentioned in the 2017 season 10 premiere of RHOA that she was considering moving out. Apparently the house has too many memories of her ex boyfriend Matt Jordan, 43, whom she was with throughout the renovation. 'The crown jewel': The master bathroom features a touchless toilet that remembers users preferred seat temperature and music. 'When youre done it sanitizes itself, closes itself and kisses youre a**,' she said in a video about the house posted last year Overlooking a forest: Unfortunately, Kenya appears to have overlooked the 2016 property tax on her home 'Ghosts have been walking around in there. I want a new life,' Kenya said at the time, adding that she and husband, Marc Daly, who tied the knot in June 2917, were looking for a new house. Recently, she has been traveling back and forth between Atlanta and Brooklyn, NYC, where Marc owns a restaurant. The couple welcomed their first child, a baby girl named Brooklyn Doris Daly, on November 4. Kendall Jenner has been granted a permanent restraining order against her alleged stalker, John Ford. A judge approved a five-year order barring Ford from being within 100 yards of the model, according to TMZ. It also forbids Ford from having any contact with Jenner, in person, online, or otherwise. Last month Ford, 37, was arrested for trespassing after he broke into the gated community where the 22-year-old model resides, according to The Blast, who were able to obtain photos of Ford. Protection: Kendall Jenner had been granted a five-year restraining order against her alleged stalker John Ford. The model is seen in September above To access the exclusive property Ford had to scale the side of a mountain adjacent to the property. After being apprehended Authorities put him on a 5150 psychiatric hold, at which point - due to his lack of insurance - he was transported to Los Angeles County Hospital for a psychiatric evaluation. Ford was determined to be stable mentally by a psychiatrist, and released from the hold well short of the 72-hour maximum. Upon his release, police arrested him in connection with criminal trespassing and violation of a restraining order, with officials setting bail at $30,000. Though charged with misdemeanor criminal trespass, for which he could face a maximum penalty of six-months in jail, TMZ said it's unlikely he'll serve much - if any - time because of LA County Jail's overcrowding. Now if he violates the terms of the restraining order, he will be sent to jail. Ford had previously been arrested in September after a break-in. The suspected: Last month Ford, 37, was arrested for trespassing after he broke into the gated community where the 22-year-old model resides, according to The Blast, who also obtained photos of Ford, above Fearful: Alleged stalker Ford had previously been arrested in September after a break-in to the star's house. Kendall is seen October 9 above He later plead guilty to a trespassing charge and was issued a restraining order to remain at least 1,000 feet in distance from the property. Ford is a native of Canada but because none of his offenses have been violent he has not been deported. Sadly this isn't Kendall's first experience with an obsessive fan. In 2016 she testified in court against alleged stalker Shavaughn McKenzie after he followed her to her Hollywood Hills home. For his actions, McKenzie was charged with one count of misdemeanor stalking and one court of misdemeanor trespassing. Addressing the judge during the 2016 trial, Jenner said: 'I really don't feel safe in my own house.' The gated community where the oldest daughter of Caitlyn and Kris Jenner lives is taking additional security measures in both manpower and fencing.' The area is a hotbed for celebs, with stars such as Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears and Paris Hilton living there, or having lived there before. Our company, located in Lvov, Ukraine offers fuel pellets for export to Italy. We can supply approx. 120 tons. Her two young children and hugely successful fashion business keep her busy. But Sam Faiers enjoyed a rare night out on Friday as she attended the Boux Avenue Christmas Campaign Launch held at Somerset House in London with pal Jacqueline Jossa. The reality TV star, 27, oozed glamour in a thigh-grazing snakeskin dress with a plunging neckline. Gorgeous: Sam Faiers looked incredible as she attended the Boux Avenue Christmas Campaign Launch held at Somerset House in London Pals: The reality TV star, 27, oozed glamour in a thigh-grazing snakeskin dress with a plunging neckline while Jacqueline Jossa opted for a power blue a-line dress The brunette beauty paired the dress with hot pink stilettos as she showed off her gorgeous tan. Meanwhile, friend Jacqueline Jossa, 26, channelled Hollywood glamour in a powder blue a-line dress and diamante shoes. Sam wore her chestnut tresses loose in a gentle curl that tumbled down to her very ample bosom. Meanwhile blonde beauty Jacqueline kept her ombre locks straight and slicked back behind her ears. Classically beautiful: Jacqueline Jossa, 26, channelled Hollywood glamour in a powder blue a-line dress and diamante shoes Pretty in blue: The Eastenders actress, who is married to TOWIE star Dan Osbourne, looked pretty in the floaty dress Classy: Sam wore her chestnut tresses loose in a gentle curl that tumbled down to her very ample bosom. Meanwhile blonde beauty Jacqueline kept her ombre locks straight and slicked back behind her ears The TV personalities are the faces of the brand's Christmas campaign this year, with Made in Chelsea's Louise Thompson and Instagram star Emily Shak also joining them. The ladies hosted the lingerie brand's party which took on a magical theme, with Sam taking the role as the Fairy Godmother, Jacqueline taking on the role of the Queen, Louise playing the Princess and Emily Shak as the Enchantress. Speaking at the launch of the campaign earlier this week, Sam told MailOnline she's rekindled her friendship with former TOWIE co-star Ferne McCann. Every inch the star: The TV personalities are the faces of the brand's Christmas campaign this year, with Made in Chelsea's Louise Thompson and Instagram star Emily Shak also joining them Influencer: Instagram sensation Emily Shak joined the TV personalities in an embroided jacket She said: ''We haven't spoken about it and I doubt we will. We've both moved on. 'We attended my sister Billie's bridal shower in Ibiza and we saw each other the other day at the Pride of Britain Awards, so we're just over it now.' She added: 'It's Sunday's birthday coming up and we're going to that so everything is back on track. Everything is absolutely fine.' Keeping up: Emily looked every inch the fashionista in the wide-leg white trousers, statement heel and Louis Vuitton bag Frienship: Speaking at the launch of the campaign earlier this week, Sam told MailOnline she's rekindled her friendship with Ferne McCann Sam's own daughter Rosie has featured prominently on the Mummy Diaries in the months following her birth, but she provoked bemusement from fans after revealing she sleeps with the youngster while partner Paul Knightley sleeps with their oldest child, son Paul Jr. But while the couple are happy to sleep apart for the sake of their children's well-being, she admits the unusual arrangement might change in the near future. 'Little Paul sleeps with Paul and I sleep with Rosie, and that's how it's been since Rosie was born,' she explained. Having a giggle: Sam and Jacqueline were seen leaving the party together arm-in-arm Fun times: The ladies hosted the lingerie brand's party which took on a magical theme, with Sam taking the role as the Fairy Godmother, Jacqueline taking on the role of the Queen All in the details: Sam paired her dress with hot pink stilettos as she showed off her gorgeous tan 'But I'm just about to decorate Paul his own bedroom; it will have an animal theme and toys and once I present his room to him as a surprise he will 100% want to sleep in his own room. She added: 'Up until now it's been absolutely fine. Our kids get to sleep and our house is really chilled. For us it's not a problem. 'I know people say when do you spend time alone, but we do, we always do. We just say how nice it is to have our babies in with us.' All smiles: The pair beamed as they left the Christmas occasion with one another The TV personality has been equally open about her willingness to breastfeed Rosie in public, but admits she's cautious after suffering unnecessary backlash for posting a series of breastfeeding images on social media. 'I've had some funny looks but if I am somewhere really busy I have a muslin or a little blanket and I cover it over, because I can't be bothered with it,' she explained. 'If someone says something to me it would really aggravate me. I'd have to respond. I just feel like if she's really thirsty or hungry I have to whack the boob out there and then. Glam: Sam opted for a black fur coat to combat the winter weather when leaving A secret shared: The two cosied up together as they carried on the fun times 'If you don't like it then just look away and don't be offended because I'm just trying to comfort my baby. 'But I wouldn't be able to hold back if someone said something to me, and I'm not a confrontational person.' Speaking of the Boux Avenue shoot, which saw Sam pose in her underwear, she said: 'It's the first underwear shoot I've done since having babies, probably a good four years so it's a good thing for me to do - especially now, being a mum,' Special arrangement: Sam has provoked bemusement from fans after revealing she sleeps with the youngster while partner Paul Knightley sleeps with their oldest child, son Paul Jr 'It gives me a little bit more confidence in myself. I know I go on holiday and wear a bikini, but when you're on a photoshoot and all glammed up in front of lots of people in just underwear it can be quite daunting.' She added: 'Although I've done it before I was fairly young. It's a confidence thing because I hadn't done it for so long, so I was quite nervous prior to the shoot, but once I got the first image out of the way I got on a roll with it and I actually enjoyed it. 'When I came out of the shoot I felt really good. I think as a mum you sometimes need something like that to uplift you and pick you up.' Helping lonely Australians build friendships could be good for their health, a new study has found. The news comes as a survey of more than 1600 Australians found loneliness has strong links to poorer quality of life and physical wellbeing. The Australian Loneliness Report, released on Friday in time for Psychology Week, found people with higher loneliness levels reported more physical health symptoms including sleeping difficulties, headaches, stomach complaints, nausea, colds and infections. The research, by the Australian Psychology Society and Swinburne University, also shows nearly 55 per cent of the population feel they lack companionship at least sometimes, with the number highest in young adults (62 per cent) compared to seniors (46 per cent). Swinburne's Michelle Lim said chronic loneliness was on the rise in Australia and the findings highlighted the importance of establishing meaningful relationships. "If you don't know where to start when it comes to making new friends, focus on the relationships you already have," Dr Lim said. "Quality is more important than quantity. Strengthening existing relationships and building intimacy is important." Society president Ros Knight said everyone benefited from connecting with others. "Whether it's family, friends, neighbours, people we work with, or the strangers we meet, social connections make our lives richer. They are vital for good health," she said. Britain recently appointed a minister for loneliness to tackle the isolation felt by more than one in 10 people in the UK. Victorian MP Fiona Patten believes the state should follow in the footsteps of Britain and introduce a minister of loneliness to improve the health and lives of isolated community members. The number of people dying on Tasmanian roads has risen. A total of 37 people died in crashes in the 12 months to September 2018, up 19.4 per cent on the previous year when there were 31 deaths, according to a report from the Australian Automobile Association. Tasmania, along with every other state, is not on track to meet national targets to reduce the annual number of deaths on its roads by at least 30 per cent by 2020. It also has the second highest road death rate after the Northern Territory, at 7.03 per 100,000 population, above the national average of 4.87. The Royal Automobile Club of Tasmania (RACT) says the failure to meet the targets set by the National Road Safety Strategy shows the need for a change in tact. Chief executive Harvey Lennon says he agrees with the findings of a recent inquiry into the strategy and wants greater federal leadership on the issue of road safety. "While the RACT notes that the federal government has begun a road safety governance review as recommended by the inquiry, the other recommendations need to be implemented," he said. "These include appointing a cabinet minister with responsibility to address road trauma issues and establishing a national road safety entity." Across Australia, there were 1213 road fatalities in the year to September 2018, down 0.7 per cent from the previous year, according to the report. James Gargasoulas, accused of killing six people and injuring dozens of others when he drove through Melbourne's bustling Bourke Street, plans to tell a jury his reason for the 2017 attack. The 28-year-old mostly agrees with a prosecution case against him over the January 20 violence but has pleaded not guilty to six charges of murder and 27 of reckless conduct endangering life. "Mr Gargasoulas, for better or for worse, is absolutely committed to his explanation," lawyer Theo Alexander told a Supreme Court jury on Thursday of his client's plan to take the witness stand. Gargasoulas has a mental illness, but has been found fit to stand trial, and was in a drug-induced psychosis after using ice at the time of the rampage. Dr Alexander said neither element defended the events outlined to the court by the prosecution, little of which he will dispute. Director of Public Prosecutions Kerri Judd QC played graphic footage of the rampage to the courtroom, which was packed with victims and families. There were audible gasps as the footage showed the first of 33 pedestrians was mowed down, followed by flying bodies. "In a period lasting only about a minute during the busy lunchtime period, the accused left a trail of death and carnage along Bourke Street Mall," Ms Judd said. He drove under shop awnings, where the number of pedestrians was greater, she noted. The car eventually stopped, due to mechanical fault and being rammed by a police car. Witnesses saw Gargasoulas appear to drive deliberately at people without hesitation and went out of his way to hit a pram containing a baby and toddler, Ms Judd said. Those killed were three-month-old Zachary Matthew-Bryant, Tahlia Hakin, 10, Yosuke Kanno, 25, Jessica Mudie, 23, and 33-year-olds Matthew Si and Bhavita Patel. Gargasoulas showed no emotion in court, occasionally reading. In the lead up to the rampage, Ms Judd said Gargasoulas stabbed his younger brother, Angelo, repeatedly in the head and neck, causing life-threatening injuries. Gargasoulas then led police on a 12-hour pursuit. "I'm going to do something drastic, take everyone out. They will suffer the consequences. Watch me. You will see me tonight on the news. The police have stopped me before but they ain't going to get me this time," he told a friend. Two strangers on the street called triple zero after Gargasoulas said they would see him on the news that night. Police witness and long-time Melbourne detective Senior Constable Murray Gentner told the court Gargasoulas was an "attention seeker". In text messages between the two on the day of the rampage, he said Gargasoulas believed he would "either die in jail or die trying to run from the boys". "I sent a text saying 'don't be silly, I'll help you fix everything'," Snr Const Murray said. Minutes later he followed Gargasoulas down Bourke St as pedestrians were thrown up to nine metres in the air. "There was just so many people being hit. There were ones that were very clearly being struck," he said, pausing to blink back tears. As Gargasoulas' car stopped, the detective pulled his gun and intended to "neutralise him". He was tasered and shot at twice - hit once - by other officers as arrested. The trial continues. Queensland's government will try to work out how best to prevent swimmers being mauled by sharks in the Whitsundays at a special meeting with experts in the region. It comes after Daniel Christidis, 33, died on Monday after being bitten by a shark at Cid Harbour on the first day of a yachting holiday with friends and colleagues. It was the third serious attack there in the past two months after Tasmanian woman Justine Barwick and Victorian 12-year-old Hannah Papps were bitten in separate incidents in September. Tourism Minister Kate Jones and Fisheries Minister Mark Furner will meet with local tourism operators and marine experts, as well as the Whitsundays council, in Airlie Beach on Friday. Putting in drum lines to catch sharks has already been ruled out as potentially giving people a false sense of security, despite accusations from the opposition the government is risking lives. The government's only response to this tragedy has been a talkfest," Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington said on Thursday. "Why does the Whitsundays not have a shark control, program? It's good enough on the Gold Coast, it's good enough on the Sunshine Coast, it's good enough for areas like Mackay." The LNP opposition wants a parliamentary review in the wake of the incidents. Mr Furner said the shark control program elsewhere was "highly successful" but there are no plans to extend it. The government is installing signs warning people not to swim at Cid Harbour. A recycler who turns electronic waste into bikes powered by old laptop batteries and flood warning systems is among a stellar list nominated for the 2018 Queensland Australian of the Year Award. Tony Sharp's innovative use of e-trash saves 92 per cent of what he collects from landfill by re-using the steel, plastic, copper and electronic components from household items such as computers and televisions. The social entrepreneur has not only solved the world's fastest-growing environmental problem, he has created more than 150 first-time jobs within the Logan community. However he faces stiff competition including from the founding father of paediatric surgery in north Queensland, Dr Harry Stalewski. When Dr Stalewski arrived in Townsville from the UK in 1987, he became solely responsible for all paediatric surgery north of Brisbane. This meant being on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for 25 years. Dr Stalewski has saved countless lives and supported thousands of families through some of their toughest times. Another nominee is indigenous leader and army veteran, Lorraine Hatton. The proud Quandamooka woman and elder from the Nunukul tribe distinguished herself in service to her country in the Australian Regular Army for 20 years. Her career spanned peacekeeping and humanitarian missions, peace-monitoring and war operations in various theatres and campaigns. Ms Hatton now plays a significant role in community leadership, including as a mentor with the Titans 4 Tomorrow and Brisbane Broncos Indigenous Girls' Academy program. The final nominee is children's champion Detective Inspector Jon Rouse, who has 34 years' service with Queensland Police. In 1996 Det Insp Rouse commenced investigating crimes against children and five years later moved to Task Force Argos where he implemented Australia's first operation proactively targeting internet child sex offenders. He has also delivered training sessions and presentations on online child exploitation investigations to law enforcement officers across Australian and internationally. He currently works with the INTERPOL Covert Internet Investigators Group and is a director with The Society for the Policing of Cyberspace. "The Queensland nominees are extraordinary people doing what they see needs doing most," National Australia Day Council chief executive Karlie Brand said in a statement. The Queensland nominees are among more than 120 people being recognised in all states and territories as part of the 2019 Australian of the Year Awards. The winner will be announced on Friday, along with the winners of the Queensland Senior Australian of the Year, Queensland Young Australian of the Year and Queensland Local Hero awards. Scott Morrison will focus firmly on free trade during international summits in Asia and the Pacific, as regional leaders grapple with escalating tensions between China and the United States. The prime minister will travel to Singapore on Tuesday to attend the East Asia Summit. Against a backdrop of sharpening competition between the US and China and the rise of protectionism, multilateral trade is expected to be a major focus at the East Asia Summit. Leaders are also due to discuss tensions in the South China Sea and violence in Myanmar. There are growing expectations Australia and Indonesia may sign a major free trade deal on the sidelines of the Singapore summit. Mr Morrison and Indonesian President Joko Widodo will both be in Singapore for the event and have previously agreed to sign the deal by the end of this year. The potential signing - a big win for Mr Morrison - would come just weeks after he inflamed diplomatic tensions with Indonesia by announcing a review into whether to move Australia's embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. The prime minister is also due to take part in talks on a mega free-trade pact called the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. The accord includes the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Australia, India, China, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand. The deal does not include the United States, which is locked in a trade spat with China, and last year pulled out of another international trade agreement, the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Mr Morrison is also expected to hold at least six bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the event. Australian officials are working to secure meetings with President Widodo along with new Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Mr Morrison is also likely to meet with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and the leaders of Vietnam, Singapore and Thailand. He will then fly to Darwin to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who is making a historic visit to the city 75 years after his nation's imperial army bombed it during World War II. His visit to Darwin is the first by a Japanese leader since the country's military struck the country's devastating air raids on the city in 1942 and 1943, which killed more than 250 people. Mr Abe is due to tour a gas pipeline project run by a Japanese company and cement military ties with Australia through joint training exercises and increased defence co-operation. The pair will then travel on to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Papua New Guinea. Mr Morrison will meet with Pacific leaders in PNG to talk about Australia's new focus on island nations and aims to meet with other key international leaders. Malcolm Turnbull says the Liberals who brought him down might have been worried he would win the next election. That's one of the only explanations he's got for the August coup that saw him dumped as prime minister, as internal polling showed the government leading in marginal seats. "We were doing the best we had done since the 2016 election, as it happened," he told the ABC's Q&A on Thursday night. "Maybe they were worried we'd win the election. Maybe they were not worried we'd lose it - maybe they were worried we'd win it." He named Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton, Health Minister Greg Hunt, Finance Minister Mathias Cormann, and former prime minister Tony Abbott as the coup leaders. But Mr Turnbull takes Scott Morrison at his word that he wasn't involved in the coup to bring him down as prime minister, despite speculation Mr Morrison used his supporters to bring on a spill. "I take Scott at his word. The insurgency was led by Peter Dutton, was obviously strongly supported by Tony Abbott and others," Mr Turnbull told the ABC's Q&A on Thursday night. Mr Turnbull said Mr Morrison took advantage of a situation others created. "That is how he's presented the circumstances himself and I'm not in a position to contradict that or question that," he said. Mr Turnbull also said a "messy week" just before the Wentworth by-election killed off the coalition's majority, not his lack of campaigning on the ground. "My judgment is that (Liberal candidate) Dave Sharma would have won the election had it been held the Saturday before," he said. The coalition had a number of scandals in that final week, including senators accidentally voting for a white supremacist One Nation motion and a plan to move an embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. Mr Turnbull says he believed campaigning in Wentworth would have "unhelpful" to Mr Sharma's prospects. "It also frankly, would not have been very helpful for me maintaining my own peace of mind, after an event like this, it's very important to look after yourself and your family," he said. Criminals who are granted pardons in NSW will no longer be kept anonymous under planned changes to state laws. NSW Attorney-General Mark Speakman said the royal prerogative of mercy had been used for almost a millennium but with little transparency. "Such secrecy might have been appropriate under Edward the Confessor in the 11th century, but in modern-day NSW it's time to lift the veil of mystery," he said in a statement on Friday. In NSW, the attorney-general can recommend that a criminal be granted mercy to the governor. If successful, an offender can be pardoned, have their sentence reduced or punishment changed. The draft laws, to be introduced to parliament by year's end, would will make NSW the first state or territory in Australia to regularly publish details of such decisions. Information including the petitioner's name, nature of the offence, the outcome of the application and brief reasons for the decision will be published online. Australian officials are making urgent enquiries to determine if Australians were among the victims of a mass-shooting at a popular country music bar packed with college students near Los Angeles. Ventura County Sheriffs said 12 people were killed just before midnight on Wednesday at The Borderline Bar and Grill, including first responder Sergeant Ron Helus, who was gunned down when he arrived on the scene minutes after the alleged shooter Ian David Long opened fire and tossed smoke bombs. Authorities said 18 people were also injured at the bar, located in the city of Thousand Oaks. "The Australian Consulate General in Los Angeles is making urgent enquiries with local authorities to determine whether any Australians have been affected by the shooting incident in Thousand Oaks, California," a Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson said. Long, a decorated 28-year-old former US Marine Corps gunner who served a seven-month tour in Afghanistan, reportedly had post-traumatic stress disorder. Long was known to police before the massacre. The Borderline Bar and Grill was holding its "College Night" on Wednesday and was crowded with students from nearby Pepperdine and California Lutheran universities. Thousand Oaks is an affluent community located between LA and Santa Barbara that is home to Australian expatriates and the headquarters of global companies including biotech giant Amgen. Long lived near the bar with his mother. He is believed to have driven to the location in his mother's car and opened fire with a Glock 21 .45-caliber handgun he purchased legally in nearby Simi Valley. The gun reportedly had an illegal extended magazine. Our company willing to buy sunflower husk pellets for export to Spain. Waiting for you commercial offer with photos and results of laboratory tests attached. Developers will be able to better see the toll their plans could take on thousands of mammal species after a study found human land use was the single biggest threat to their survival. Researchers have found people pose the most risk to wiping out 4421 mammal species after comparing changes in land use between 1993 and 2009 and their chances of extinction from 1996 to 2008. "They can tolerate some human pressure but beyond, where we start to see industry, it becomes a disaster, there is a clear tipping point," University of Queensland Professor James Watson told AAP. "How we change land use impacts them." The study shows activities like widespread deforestation, mining and development are to blame for their increasing vulnerability. It also found big data can be used to predict their survival. "This result contrasts with the findings from previous extinction risk modelling for mammals, where the importance of human pressure as predictors was found to be lower than environmental or life-history variables," it said. Professor Watson says predicting trends in the way land is used or developed has become easier and more accurate because of the kind of data available. It also means being able to forecast the response of animals to those changes and enables planning to reduce the risk of extinction. "(That is) fundamental data that policymakers can use to change the course of the future for the environment," Professor Watson added. "Right now conservation doesn't have that ability." US President Donald Trump sacked Attorney General Jeff Sessions after accusing him of protecting the investigation into whether the Trump campaign colluded with Russians The Kremlin said on Thursday that the Washington investigation into alleged interference by Moscow in the 2016 US election was not Russia's problem, after President Donald Trump sacked Attorney General Jeff Sessions. "This investigation is a headache for our American colleagues, it has nothing to do with us," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists when asked if Session's firing would influence the probe by Special Counsel Robert Mueller. Moscow has repeatedly denied accusations it attempted to influence the vote that elevated Trump to the White House. "What Mueller's commission has produced up to now has hardly been able to stand up to serious critical assessment," Peskov added. On Wednesday Sessions became the first casualty of a cabinet shakeup that had been expected from Trump following midterm elections the day before. Trump had repeatedly publicly assailed Sessions for not taking a tougher approach to illegal immigrants. Trump also accused him of protecting Mueller's investigation into whether the Trump campaign colluded with Russians -- an investigation that is also examining whether the president himself obstructed justice. Sessions' firing immediately threw into question whether the 18-month-old Mueller probe would be able to continue unimpeded. At least 400 civilians and 175 police and soldiers have been killed this year, according to an NGO toll A prominent journalist and television presenter from Cameroon's restive anglophone region, where a violent separatist campaign has sparked a massive government crackdown, has been jailed for "attacking state security", her lawyer told AFP on Thursday. Mimi Mefo, who heads English news for privately-owned Equinoxe broadcasting, was charged by a military tribunal late Wednesday and placed in preventive detention in the New-Bell prison in Cameroon's commercial capital Douala, lawyer Alice Nkom said. She will be tried by a military court on Monday, Nkom said. Mefo was charged over a social media post which said "the army was responsible for the death of US missionary Charles Trumann Wesco who died in October after an attack in the English-speaking North West region," her lawyer said. Nkom said her client had also posted the Cameroonian government's version of what happened -- that Wesco had died after a raid by anglophone separatists. "Her innocence is established and the proof that her imprisonment was planned is overwhelming," said the National Union of Cameroon Journalists. Media watchdog Journalists Without Borders also called for her immediate release, saying: "Journalists who cover the anglophone crisis are not criminals!" Wesco had just arrived in northwestern Cameroon and was still in the process of settling in when he was shot in the head while driving to do some shopping in Bamenda, one of the main cities in the region. Eighty percent of Cameroon's population are French speakers while the rest are anglophones, who are concentrated in the country's troubled west. In 2016, resentment at perceived discrimination in education, the judiciary and the economy fanned demands for autonomy in the North West and neighbouring South West regions. Radicals declared an independent state called the "Republic of Ambazonia" and took up arms soon after. Separatists have since attacked troops and police, boycotted and torched schools and attacked other state symbols, prompting a brutal official crackdown. At least 400 civilians and 175 police and soldiers have been killed this year, according to an NGO toll. More than 300,000 other have fled the violence, some crossing into neighbouring Nigeria. Police cars are seen outside a country music bar and dance hall in Thousand Oaks, west of Los Angeles, after a gunman killed 12 people and was later found dead himself A 28-year-old former Marine opened fire in a California country music bar packed with college students, killing 12 people including a police officer as dozens of terrified youngsters stampeded towards the door, authorities said Thursday. The gunman -- who apparently killed himself -- stepped into the Borderline Bar and Grill around 11:20 pm Wednesday and coolly began shooting, witnesses said, unleashing pandemonium as terrified patrons scrambled to escape. "He had perfect form," bar patron Teylor Whittler told Fox News. "He looked like he knew what he was doing, he had practiced." Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean told a news conference the suspect had been identified as Ian David Long, a veteran of the US Marine Corps. He was found dead at the bar in Thousand Oaks, California, an upscale city northwest of Los Angeles. Dean said authorities so far had no indication of a motive, or of any connection to terrorism. He said the victims were apparently targeted at random. "We believe he shot himself," said Dean, who earlier described it as a "horrific scene." Dean said his department had "several contacts" with Long over the years, for minor incidents including a traffic collision, and in 2015 when he was beaten up at a local bar. In April this year, deputies were called to his house for a disturbance and found him "acting a little irrationally." "They felt he might be suffering from PTSD, the fact he was a veteran and had been in the corps," Dean said. "They called out our crisis intervention team, our mental health specialists who met with him, talked to him, and cleared him." Dean said Long was believed to have been armed with a single handgun when he launched Wednesday's attack. "It appears he walked up to the scene. He shot the security guard that was standing outside. He stepped inside," Dean said. "It appears that he turned to the right and shot several of the other security and employees there, and then began opening fire inside the nightclub." - 'Everyone dove to the floor' - A witness talks to reporters outside the bar, which was packed with students on a "college night" Among those killed in the assault was a three-decade veteran of the sheriff's department, 54-year-old Ron Helus, who was married and had a grown son. "He went in there to save people and made the ultimate sacrifice," Dean said. The other 11 victims have yet to be identified by the authorities. Besides the dead, around a dozen other people were injured. Matt Wennerstron, a 20-year-old college student who regularly attended events at the bar, said the shooter fired a short-barreled pistol that apparently had a 10-15 round magazine. "Then, when (he) started to reload, that's when we got people out of there and I didn't look back," Wennerstron said. He said he and others smashed their way out of the bar onto a balcony and then jumped down to safety. "One bar stool went straight through a window," he told reporters. Jasmin Alexander, who was part of a group of around 15 friends at the bar, said there was chaos and confusion inside when shots first rang out. Map of California locating shooting at a bar in Thousand Oaks "It was a normal Wednesday. We were just at the bar, having fun, dancing," she told reporters after escaping. "All of a sudden we heard the 'bang, bang' of the gunshots and it just started going crazy and people were pushing. "We thought it was a joke, we didn't take it seriously at first... because it sounded like firecrackers and everyone just dropped down to the floor." TV footage showed SWAT teams surrounding the bar, with distraught revelers milling around and using their cell phones as lights from police cars flashed. President Donald Trump tweeted that he had "been fully briefed on the terrible shooting," the latest chapter in America's epidemic of gun violence that came just 10 days after a gunman killed 11 worshippers at a synagogue in Pittsburgh. Last year, a country music festival in Las Vegas was the scene of the worst mass shooting in modern US history. A gunman shooting from the 32nd floor of a hotel and casino with high power weapons killed 58 people. Sri Lankan loyalists of deposed prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe staged a rally in the capital Colombo on Thursday A rally of hundreds of cars carrying supporters of Sri Lanka's deposed prime minister brought chaos to Colombo streets on Thursday as they demanded that parliament be reopened. A noisy cavalcade of motorcycles, auto-rickshaws, cars and vans took loyalists of ousted prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to a rally to hear speeches slamming the president for sacking the head of government last month. President Maithripala Sirisena named former president Mahinda Rajapakse as the new prime minister in a shock move on October 26, and suspended parliament so neither has won a vote of confidence. The rival prime ministers have now spent nearly two weeks at loggerheads, and the move -- which has been described as illegal by opponents -- has triggered a constitutional crisis. Protestors had initially planned to drive to the residence of parliament speaker Karu Jayasuriya to urge him to defy the president and lift the assembly suspension. But amid traffic chaos, the route was shortened and the rally was staged at Independence Square. The motorists displayed posters of Wickremesinghe and carried banners which read "People Power". The US embassy in Colombo issued a security alert warning of traffic hold ups. "The embassy reminds citizens that even events intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence," it said. One man was killed and two others wounded in a shooting linked to the constitutional crisis last month. The power struggle has paralysed much of the administration, according to legislators on both sides of the dispute. Rajapakse is reportedly trying to engineer defections to ensure he has a majority in the 225 member assembly which Sirisena has said can only reopen on November 14. Sirisena has filled only 22 of 30 cabinet positions -- purposefully keeping some jobs vacant to tempt legislators of Wickremesinghe's party to defect to Rajapakse's side. According to latest counts, Wickremesinghe has 103 MPs after gaining a defector on Tuesday, while Rajapakse and Sirisena have 101. Most of the remaining 21 MPs are set to oppose Rajapakse, observers say. A video grab obtained courtesy of Jeremy Childs twitter account shows people outside a country music bar and dance hall in Thousand Oaks, in the Los Angeles-area, after a gunman killed at least 11 people In the latest mass shooting in the United States, a gunman killed 12 people Thursday in a California music bar packed with college students. Here is a recap of some of the other most deadly shootings in the country in the past 10 years. - Las Vegas: 58 dead - On October 1, 2017 a heavily armed "lone wolf" gunman opens fire from a 32-floor hotel room on an open-air concert on the Las Vegas Strip. He kills 58 people before turning the gun on himself. Around 500 are wounded. The Islamic State (IS) group claims the 64-year-old is one of its "soldiers" but the FBI says it finds no such connection. - Florida club: 49 killed - A 29-year-old gunman opens fire inside a gay nightclub in the Florida city of Orlando on June 12, 2016 and kills 49 people. The shooter, who pledged allegiance to the IS group in a 911 call during the attack, is killed in a shootout when police storm the building. - Sandy Hook: 27 killed - A 20-year-old man kills his mother in Newtown, Connecticut, in December 2012 before blasting his way into Sandy Hook Elementary School and shooting dead 20 six- and seven-year-old children and six adults. He commits suicide. - Texas church: 26 dead - A gunman opens fire with an assault rifle during a Sunday morning church service in the rural Texan community of Sutherland Springs on November 5, 2017, killing 26 people and wounding 20. The gunman, aged 26, is found dead in his vehicle. - Florida school: 17 dead - A former student opens fire at a high school in Parkland, Florida, on February 14, 2018, killing 15 people on the premises with two dying in hospital. A 19-year-old who had been expelled for disciplinary reasons is arrested. - California office party: 14 dead - A newlywed radicalized Muslim couple storm a Christmas office party at a social services center in San Bernardino, California on December 2, 2015 and gun down 14 people, wounding 22 others. They are shot dead by police. - Fort Hood military base: 13 dead - On November 5, 2009 a US army psychiatrist opens fire at his military base in Killeen, Texas, killing 13 people and wounding 42, before being overpowered by police. - New York immigrant center: 13 dead - A Vietnamese immigrant shoots dead 13 people at a civic center in the city of Binghamton, New York on April 3, 2009, before killing himself. - Navy Yard: 12 dead - A former serviceman shoots randomly at workers at the Washington Navy Yard, a military compound in southeast Washington, on September 16, 2013, killing 12 people before he is shot dead by officers. - Colorado cinema: 12 dead - A young man wearing body armor storms a cinema showing a late-night premiere of a Batman film in Aurora, Colorado on July 20 2012, opening fire and releasing tear gas. Twelve people are killed and 70 wounded. He is sentenced to life in prison. - Synagogue: 11 dead - A gunman opens fire at the Tree of Life synagogue in the northeastern city of Pittsburgh on October 27, 2018, killing 11 people before being taken into custody. He reportedly yelled "All Jews must die!" during the attack. - High school: 10 dead - A 17-year-old student bursts into a classroom and opens fire at the Santa Fe High School, near Houston, on May 18, 2008, killing 10 people. The Grade 11 student, who uses a shotgun and revolver legally owned by his father, is taken into custody on murder charges. - Alabama: 10 dead - On March 10, 2009 a heavily armed gunman goes on a shooting spree in three towns in southern Alabama, mowing down 10 people including his mother and grandmother. The 28-year-old turns a gun on himself after being cornered by police. Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir walks to make his speech during the inauguration ceremony of Djibouti International Free Trade Zone (DIFTZ) in Djibouti on July 5, 2018 Sudan on Thursday welcomed a US announcement that Washington was willing to remove Khartoum from its blacklist of state sponsors of terrorism and said it was ready to cooperate. The US State Department Wednesday said Washington was prepared to "initiate the process of rescinding Sudan's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism" if Khartoum undertakes more reforms. It called on Sudan to engage in further anti-terrorism cooperation and improve its human rights record, and act on outstanding claims related to terrorism as well as work to resolve internal conflicts. The announcement came after talks Tuesday in Washington between US Deputy John Sullivan and Sudanese Foreign Minister Al-Dierdiry Ahmed. The Sudanese foreign ministry said the talks marked the "launching of the second phase of the strategic dialogue with the United States" aimed at bolstering "bilateral cooperation" between the two countries and achieving "progress in a number of fields of mutual concern". A statement said Sudan "welcomes" these talks and the US announcement that it was "ready to engage in a process to remove Sudan from a list of state sponsors of terrorism" in stages. The statement stressed Sudan's "readiness to engage" in steps aimed at "reaching the aspired goals". Washington blacklisted Sudan in 1993 over its alleged links with Islamist extremists, and in 1998 it struck Khartoum with cruise missiles. Al-Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden lived in Sudan between 1992 to 1996. In October 2017, Washington lifted decades-old sanctions on Sudan following improved relations between the two countries. Officials say blacklisting Sudan is holding back it crisis-hit economy from recovering as international banks, global financial institutions and investors remain wary of conducting commercial transactions with the country. Ties between French President Emmanuel Macron (L) and his US counterpart Donald Trump have cooled recently amid a growing list of disagreements US President Donald Trump will not attend a conference organised in Paris this weekend to discuss democracy and multilateralism, organisers said Thursday, in a snub to French President Emmanuel Macron. Trump is due in the French capital along with around 70 other world leaders for a ceremony on the Champs-Elysees on Sunday to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. Dozens of leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Germany's Angela Merkel, are then expected to attend the opening of the inaugural Paris Peace Forum, which Macron will host. Ending uncertainty about whether the US leader would participate, chief organiser Justin Vaisse confirmed to AFP on Thursday that Trump would not attend. Earlier this week, Vaisse had played down the importance of his presence -- while explaining why Trump might not have found the agenda to his liking. "The aim of the forum is to show that there are lots of forces in the international system -- states, NGOs, Foundations, intellectuals, companies -- who believe we need a world of rules, an open world and a multilateral world," he said. "This world needs to meet up and defend itself," he said. "It doesn't matter if those who don't believe in multilateralism aren't there." Macron has been an outspoken critic of Trump's "America First" policies and his decisions to pull out of international agreements such as the Paris climate accord, the Iran nuclear deal and most recently a nuclear arms treaty. While the two leaders struck up a warm relationship initially, particularly during Trump's first visit to Paris as president in July 2017, their ties have cooled recently amid a growing list of disagreements, diplomats say. Macron has used the WWI commemorations to issue a series of warnings about the rise of nationalism across the world -- embodied by Trump -- and has likened it to "leprosy". The Paris Peace Forum, which will run until Tuesday, is part of what he sees as a "fightback" against nationalist forces which risk destabilising the international system, Vaisse said. Macron conceived the forum as an annual gathering for political leaders and civil society groups to discuss democracy -- along the same lines as the Davos meeting in Switzerland, which is devoted to economics and business. At least 220 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since major protests backed by the Gaza Strip's Islamist rulers Hamas began in March A Palestinian was killed by Israeli fire during clashes along the border of the Gaza Strip on Thursday, the health ministry in the coastal enclave said. Israel's military said soldiers opened fire after "several suspects were spotted approaching the security fence in the southern Gaza Strip and attempting to sabotage it." A Gaza health ministry spokesman said the man was shot by Israeli forces during clashes east of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza. He was identified as Mohammed Abu Sharbeen, 20, from the southern Gaza city of Rafah. At least 220 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since major protests backed by Gaza's Islamist rulers Hamas began in March. The majority have been shot during protests and clashes, but others have died in tank fire or air strikes. One Israeli soldier was killed by a Palestinian sniper. Israel says its actions are necessary to defend the border and stop infiltrations and attacks, which it accuses Hamas of seeking to orchestrate. The often violent demonstrations usually peak on Fridays, but last week's was the calmest in months, amid talk of a truce deal between Hamas and Israel. Such a deal would see the protests end in exchange for an easing of Israel's blockade of the coastal enclave. The White House suspended the press pass of CNN reporter Jim Acosta, who regularly spars with Donald Trump and his spokeswoman and on Wednesday was branded an "enemy of the people" by Trump Donald Trump emerged from midterm elections promising cooperation only to plunge Washington into turmoil Thursday over suspicions that he's trying to kill the Russia collusion probe and an extraordinary intensification of his war with journalists. Nothing provokes the anger of the fiery and unconventional president more than special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into whether his campaign colluded with Russian agents during his 2016 election. Trump has continuously threatened that he has the power to shut down what he calls "a witch hunt" and on Wednesday he took the first potential step when he replaced his attorney general, Jeff Sessions, with loyalist Matthew Whitaker. The switch, announced on Trump's Twitter feed, provoked consternation across Washington, where politicians from both sides of the aisle have long warned that political interference in Mueller's work cannot be tolerated. Democrats, who won the lower house of Congress in Tuesday's midterm elections, now see Trump as close to crossing that line with the ultimate goal of covering up alleged crimes. "The rule of law is disappearing before our eyes," tweeted Sally Yates, a deputy attorney general under Trump's predecessor Barack Obama and briefly in the top job under Trump before he sacked her. "He wants a political crony to protect him from the investigation of his own campaign," she said. - Faked video? - The midterm elections saw the Democrats win control of the lower house of Congress for the first time in eight years, meaning that from January onwards Trump will finally face an opposition that has teeth. However, with Republicans tightening their grip on the Senate, an initially magnanimous-sounding Trump suggested that a divided Congress would bring opportunity for bipartisan cooperation -- something in low supply in Washington. "Everybody is in love," he said at a White House press conference. Only minutes later, a series of questions he found overly hostile sent him into a most un-loving blowup. CNN's Jim Acosta, who regularly spars with Trump and his spokeswoman Sarah Sanders, annoyed the president by asking if he'd demonized immigrants during the midterms election campaign and then went on to ask about the Russia probe. An ever-more exasperated Trump ordered him to give up the mic and Acosta refused, with Trump branding him an "enemy of the people" and a "rude, terrible person." The row, carried live on national TV networks, was followed by Trump issuing angry put-downs to several other reporters. Shortly after, the White House took the extremely rare measure of revoking Acosta's press pass. On Thursday, the Acosta incident entered even more bizarre territory when the White House was accused of tweeting a video doctored to make the reporter appear more aggressive in fending off the female press aide who tried to remove his mic. Answering allegations that the White House had used a clip edited by a notorious right-wing conspiracy theorist, Trump spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said: "We stand by our statement." "The question is: did the reporter make contact or not? The video is clear, he did," she said. - 'Constitutional crisis' - Spats between Trump and journalists can sometimes seem circus-like, but critics say the president's hot temper illustrates his deeper disdain for Washington norms -- and allegedly for the law. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced he was resigning at President Donald Trump's request Those concerns are now focused on the future of the Mueller probe, which began as a look into alleged links with Russians seeking to disrupt the election and expanded into an investigation of billionaire Trump's murky finances, including his business ties to Russia. As Mueller has got closer to the heart of the Trump family's closely guarded financial secrets, the president has become more enraged. "It was supposed to be on collusion. There's no collusion," Trump said Wednesday. "They went after people with tax problems, from years ago. They went after people with loans and other things. Had nothing to do with my campaign." Whitaker now becomes Mueller's new boss and judging by past statements he will be sympathetic towards Trump. Sessions had recused himself from the investigation, because of his own contacts with Russians during the 2016 campaign, instead handing responsibility for Mueller to his deputy Rod Rosenstein. An infuriated Trump responded by repeatedly and publicly seeking to humiliate Sessions. Whitaker has made no public comment since being named, but he has previously shown distinct skepticism about the probe, including calling for its scope to be curtailed. In 2017 he even used Trump's words, warning against Mueller engaging in a "witch hunt." In the House of Representatives, the senior Democrat on the Intelligence Committee -- which Democrats will control from January -- sounded the alarm. "Interference with the special counsel's investigation would cause a constitutional crisis and undermine the rule of law," Adam Schiff said. "If the president seeks to interfere in the impartial administration of justice, the Congress must stop him. No one is above the law," Schiff said. Republicans, however, have been mostly silent. One of the exceptions, Senator Susan Collins, said non-interference in the Mueller probe was "imperative." We are interested in fuel husk pellets for export to United Kingdom. Volume of supply - 2000-2500 tons wit delivery to East coast port Hull, UK. Define the cost with delivery in your inquiry. Eric Schneiderman was forced to resign this year after being accused of physically assaulting four women Prosecutors announced Thursday that they would not file charges against a New York former attorney general, forced to resign this year after being accused of physically assaulting four women. But instead, prosecutors have drafted new legislation that would make sexual harassment a class A demeanor, fill "deficiencies in New York law" and protect future victims of sexually-motivated violence. Nassau District Attorney Madeline Singas said she had personally interviewed the women who accused Eric Schneiderman and that while she believed them, legal obstacles prevented the ex-state attorney general from being charged. "I believe the women who shared their experiences with our investigation team, however legal impediments, including statutes of limitations, preclude criminal prosecution," Singas said in a statement. If adopted, the new bill would allow a prosecutor to charge someone who slaps, punches, shoves, or kicks another person without consent for sexual gratification, and relax the current legal definitions of physical injury. It would allow for a criminal charge when the abusive conduct causes no injury, injuries that do not meet the current legal definition, or injuries that cannot be proven beyond reasonable doubt, Singas's office said. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo had ordered Singas to investigate the allegations against Schneiderman last May. The divorced 63-year-old Democrat resigned on May 7, just hours after Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Ronan Farrow co-published an explosive article in The New Yorker levelling the assault accusations. It was a sensational fall from grace for a man who had been a public defender of the #MeToo movement and a thorn in the flesh of US President Donald Trump, subjecting his administration to multiple legal challenges. Two of the women spoke to The New Yorker on the record, saying they sought medical attention after being slapped hard across the ear and face, and choked. The magazine said none of them classified the behavior as consensual. New York prosecutors have filed sexual assault charges against disgraced Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein, whose downfall led to the #MeToo movement and an American cultural reckoning with sexual harassment. Hong Kong's Tai Kwun arts centre has cancelled appearances by dissident Chinese writer Ma Jian, the author said. Hong Kong refused entry to a senior Financial Times journalist Thursday hours after an arts centre hosting the city's high-profile literary festival cancelled appearances by exiled Chinese writer Ma Jian, as Beijing tightens its grip. Asia news editor Victor Mallet had already had his work visa renewal denied last month and had left semi-autonomous Hong Kong, but the British national was barred by immigration Thursday when he tried to come back in as a visitor, according to a report in the FT. The Hong Kong government did not give an explanation for his original visa denial but it is widely believed the decision was linked to Mallet's chairing of a press club talk by a Hong Kong independence activist. The decision to effectively blacklist Mallet prompted a backlash against an unprecedented challenge to freedom of the press in the city. The FT said Mallet had been turned away Thursday after several hours of questioning by immigration officers. British citizens are usually allowed into Hong Kong without a visa and are permitted to stay for 180 days under immigration rules. It came on the same day the Tai Kwun arts centre, a major new cultural hub in Hong Kong, pulled talks by dissident author Ma, with venue director Timothy Calnin saying it did not want to become "a platform to promote the political interests of any individual". Ma responded on Twitter saying he was a "novelist not an activist" and was simply attending the festival to discuss his new work. He is due to land in Hong Kong Friday afternoon and expressed concern he would be refused entry to the city but said he was still determined to try. Hong Kong International Literary Festival said late Thursday it had found a new venue for the talks, the Annex event and exhibition space in the Central district of Hong Kong island, adding that it "stands by the principles of free speech and cultural expression". The Hong Kong government did not give an explanation for Victor Mallet's original visa denial but it is widely believed the decision was linked to his chairing of a press club talk by a Hong Kong independence activist Ma, who now lives in London, writes dark and satirical works depicting life in China and his books are banned on the mainland. He is due to promote his latest novel "China Dream" at festival events Saturday, a title that plays on Chinese President Xi Jinping's rhetoric of national rejuvenation and is described by publisher Penguin as "a biting satire of totalitarianism". Ma said it was Tai Kwun, not the festival, that had pulled his events. Rights group Amnesty International said Tai Kwun's cancellation was more evidence that freedom of expression in Hong Kong was "under attack". Tai Kwun is the result of a multi-million-dollar renovation of a colonial-era prison and police station, led by the government and the Hong Kong Jockey Club. - Arts under attack - Hong Kong has rights unseen on the mainland, protected by an agreement made before the city was handed back to China by Britain in 1997, but there are fears they are being steadily eroded. A highly anticipated art show by Chinese political cartoonist Badiucao was cancelled with Hong Kong organisers citing safety concerns due to 'threats made by Chinese authorities relating to the artist' A highly anticipated art show by Chinese political cartoonist Badiucao was cancelled last week with Hong Kong organisers citing safety concerns due to "threats made by Chinese authorities relating to the artist". The city's publishing sector has taken a hit since five booksellers known for printing gossipy titles about China's leaders disappeared in 2015 and resurfaced in custody on the mainland. Since then some of Hong Kong's bookshops selling works banned in China have closed, and chain stores have removed the titles from their shelves. Hong Kong has rights unseen on the mainland, protected by an agreement made before the city was handed back to China by Britain in 1997, but there are fears they are being steadily eroded Ma Jian said on Twitter last week that for the first time he had been unable to find a Hong Kong publisher for the Chinese language version of his new book. In neighbouring Macau, also a semi-autonomous part of China, three writers including bestselling "Wild Swans" author Jung Chang -- who has been highly critical of China's political system -- stayed away from the city's literary festival in March after authorities there said they were likely to be barred. The Hong Kong literary festival attracts leading authors from around the world and this year features Scottish novelist Irvine Welsh and bestselling American author Cheryl Strayed. A sign outside a voting station in Laguna Beach, California November 6, 2018 Colorful campaign placards still dot front yards across America after this week's midterm elections, but Democrats have already turned their attention to the next goal: winning the presidency in 2020. "We're going to keep organizing, mobilizing, and fighting," said party chairman Tom Perez, minutes after Democrats claimed victory in their bid to win majority control of the House of Representatives on Tuesday. "And that's how we're going to take back the Senate and the White House in 2020." For Democrats mulling a challenge against President Donald Trump, sand is slipping through the political hourglass, with the first primary ballots just 15 months from now. "Look for multiple Democrats to declare their presidential bids in the coming weeks to months," said Democratic strategist Dena Grayson. Now that they have reclaimed the House, flipped several governorships and enjoy a nine-point generic ballot lead over Republicans, she said, "Democrats have big momentum going into 2020." But with septuagenarians dominating her party's leadership, the potential contenders list hardly heralds the Democratic renewal that voters are expecting. Former vice president Joe Biden will be nearly 78 at the time of the November 2020 election, while Senator Bernie Sanders will be 79. Senator Elizabeth Warren will be a spry 71. But new faces have emerged. Driven by startling campaign trail enthusiasm, Democrat Beto O'Rourke would have been an instant frontrunner had he managed to dethrone Senator Ted Cruz in ruby red Texas. Despite his narrow defeat, not all hope is lost for the lanky and engaging 46-year-old former punk rocker. "Beto O'Rourke's surprisingly strong showing against Ted Cruz potentially could launch a presidential bid," Grayson said. One major hiccup: Beto, as everyone calls him, could drop out of the national spotlight once he leaves Congress in January. Beto O'Rourke, a Democratic member of Congress, garnered a lot of attention in his run for governor of Texas "The problem is, in our environment, his celebrity will diminish given that he won't be in office," said political science professor Lara Brown of George Washington University. That's not an insurmountable handicap, offered political scientist Larry Sabato of the University of Virginia. "There was another guy who lost a Senate race and was elected President two years later," Sabato quipped. "A fellow named Abraham Lincoln." - 'More impressive' than Beto - Other charismatic Democrats are stepping forward. California Senator Kamala Harris, 54, and 49-year-old Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey, both African-American, are among the names consistently circulating in the 2020 hopper. Their grilling of Trump's conservative US Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh during tense Senate hearings lifted their profiles, but neither has broken out as the frontrunner. Senator Sherrod Brown's resounding re-election in swing state Ohio has marked him as a Democrat to watch in 2020 Also potentially in the starting blocks: 51-year-old Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York. But for many observers, Democrats seeking a White House savior should steer clear of the coasts, reviled by conservatives as lands of elite liberalism, and look instead to more centrist territory like the Midwest, a hearty mix of agricultural and industrial regions that proved decisive in Trump's 2016 victory. "Even more impressive" than O'Rourke, noted Grayson, was Senator Sherrod Brown's resounding six-point re-election victory in Ohio, a closely-watched swing state that Trump won by eight points. That 14-point swing could bode well for Brown should he launch a presidential campaign from the heartland. Also emerging from the Midwest is Senator Amy Klobuchar, 58, who handily won re-election in Minnesota, a state which could prove pivotal in 2020 as Trump came close to snatching it in 2016. Klobuchar may have less star power than Harris or Booker, but this miner's granddaughter with a conciliatory but firm tone also made a name for herself at the Kavanaugh hearings. Fleshing out the potential Democratic field is a gallery of current and former lawmakers and officials: New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and former governor Deval Patrick of Massachusetts, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, and Barack Obama's first attorney general Eric Holder. Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota stood out for her firmness in televised confirmation hearings of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh And in the model of Trump himself, two billionaire businessmen: Ex-New York mayor Michael Bloomberg and California's Tom Steyer, each of whom spent millions helping Democratic candidates this year. Rounding out the group is Michael Avenatti, the highly visible lawyer for adult film star Stormy Daniels who has already announced his interest. Perhaps it is all a bit too much, too early. "It will take a good six months for the country to digest this election and to start contemplating the next one," Brown said. US President Donald Trump points to journalist Jim Acosta from CNN during a post-election press conference in the East Room of the White House The White House war on the press took a new turn with the banning of a CNN reporter, marking a tense new phase in the long-running battle between President Donald Trump and his chief media antagonist. The ban on CNN's Jim Acosta came after a heated exchange at a White House news conference Wednesday where Trump called the TV reporter a "rude, terrible person" and an "enemy of the people." White House press secretary Sarah Sanders announced the decision to revoke Acosta's pass hours after the event, claiming it was because Acosta was inappropriately "placing his hands" on a woman who was taking back a microphone. She tweeted a video purportedly backing up that claim. But analysts and other journalists pointed out the video had been manipulated, sped up to make it appear he was striking the female aide. "I think we have crossed a new line, because the reason for taking away Acosta's credentials is a lie," said Dan Kennedy, a Northeastern University journalism professor. "It's a lie that anyone who has seen the video can see for themselves. We've crossed into a new territory -- not only is the White House going to lie but it's going to be obvious, and they expected people loyal to them to believe it." The White House Correspondents' Association said it "strongly objects" to the action, calling it "out of line to the purported offense." Sanders said Thursday the White House stood by its decision: "The question is: did the reporter make contact or not? The video is clear, he did." Jeff Mason, a Reuters journalist and former president of the association, said on Twitter: "I was seated next to @Acosta at today's press conference and did not witness him 'placing his hands' on the young intern, as the White House alleges." The video was first shared by a contributor to the Infowars website know for promoting conspiracy theories, reports said. - Going 'too far' - US President Donald Trump gets into a heated exchange with CNN chief White House correspondent Jim Acosta (C) as NBC correspondent Peter Alexander (L) looks on CNN said "this president's ongoing attacks on the press have gone too far," in a statement. "They are not only dangerous, they are disturbingly un-American." The White House sought to brush aside suggestions it is stifling a free press. "Contrary to CNN's assertions there is no greater demonstration of the President's support for a free press than the event he held today," Sanders tweeted. "Only they would attack the President for not supporting a free press in the midst of him taking 68 questions from 35 different reporters." The incident is the latest in a series of clashes between the president and mainstream media outlets, following a spate of comments from Trump calling unfavorable coverage "fake news" and threatening to revoke credentials at some organizations. But the skirmishes have also created an unusual kind of political theater that has boosted ratings of cable news channels and given Trump ammunition to rally his supporters. Trump has skipped the traditional presidential appearance at the White House Correspondents Association dinner the past two years, and media organizations have been hard-pressed to respond to the attacks. Craig Aaron of the activist group Free Press called Trump's actions "a direct and dangerous attack on the public's rights to hold their leaders accountable" and called for "a unified stand" by the press corps. "If that takes a walkout, a boycott or turning off the cameras when the president is at the podium, they should do it," Aaron said. Media analysts said a concerted action by the press was unlikely. "White House press corps is a beast without a brain," tweeted New York University professor Jay Rosen. "It cannot make decisions. Only individual news organizations, each a part of the corps, can do that." Ken Paulson, president of the Newseum's First Amendment Center and dean of media studies at Middle Tennessee State University, said CNN and other news organizations should hang tough. "The core principle of a free press is that the government can't be allowed to decide who keeps an eye on it," Paulson said. "If Jim Acosta is out, CNN should send a similarly persistent reporter and spend that much more time digging for information outside the White House walls." Google CEO Sundar Pichai promised more transparency in dealing with allegations of sexual misconduct Google on Thursday outlined changes to its handling of sexual misconduct complaints, hoping to calm outrage that triggered a worldwide walkout of workers last week. "We recognize that we have not always gotten everything right in the past and we are sincerely sorry for that," chief executive Sundar Pichai said in a message to employees, a copy of which was shared with AFP. "It's clear we need to make some changes." Arbitration of harassment claims will be optional instead of obligatory, according to Pichai, a move that could end anonymous settlements that fail to identify those accused of harassment. "Google has never required confidentiality in the arbitration process and it still may be the best path for a number of reasons (e.g. personal privacy, predictability of process), but, we recognize that the choice should be up to you," he said in the memo. Pichai promised that Google will be more transparent with how concerns are handled, and provide better support and care to those who raise such issues with the company. Google will provide "more granularity," regarding sexual harassment investigations and their outcomes, according to Pichai. A section of an internal "Investigations Report" will focus on sexual harassment to show numbers of substantiated concerns as well as trends and disciplinary actions, according to the California-based company. He also said Google is consolidating the complaint system and that the process for handling concerns will include providing support people and counselors. Google will update its mandatory sexual harassment training, and require it annually instead of every two years as had been the case. - Less booze - Google announced changes to its policy on dealing with harassment after a walkout on November 1 by "Googlers" in offices around the world, including this group in New York Google is also putting the onus on team leaders to tighten the tap on booze at company events, on or off campus, to curtail the potential for drunken misbehavior. "Harassment is never acceptable and alcohol is never an excuse," Google said in a released action statement. "But, one of the most common factors among the harassment complaints made today at Google is that the perpetrator had been drinking." Google policy already bans excessive consumption of alcohol on the job; while on company business, or at work-related events. Some teams at the company have already instituted two-drink limits at events or use ticket systems, Google said. Google executives overseeing events will be expected to strongly discourage excessive drinking, according to the company, which vowed "onerous actions" if problems persisted. The company also promised to "recommit" to improving workplace diversity through hiring, retention, and career advancement.' - 'Googleplex' walkout - Concerns about Google's response to sexual misconduct claims sparked a global walkout by employees, including at the internet giant's London office, seen here Thousands of Google employees joined a coordinated worldwide walkout a week ago to protest the US tech giant's handling of sexual harassment. A massive turnout at the "Googleplex" in Silicon Valley was the final stage of a global walkout that began in Asia and spread to Google offices in Europe. Some 20,000 Google employees and contractors participated in the protest in 50 cities around the world, according to organizers. Demma Rodriguez, head of equity engineering and a seven-year Google employee, said during the walkout that it 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." The protest took shape after Google said it had fired 48 employees in the past two years -- including 13 senior executives -- as a result of allegations of sexual misconduct. 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. In a statement organizers commended Google for the response, but said more changes are needed. "We demand a truly equitable culture, and Google leadership can achieve this by putting employee representation on the board and giving full rights and protections to contract workers," organizer Stephanie Parker said in the statement. Along with sexual harassment, Google needs to address racism and discrimination that includes inequity in pay and promotions, organizers said. "They all have the same root cause, which is a concentration of power and a lack of accountability at the top," Parker said. Security is tight for the trial of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, a Mexican drug baron accused of smuggling drugs into the United States for decades The US judge overseeing the New York trial of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman ruled Thursday that the notorious drug baron could not hug his beauty queen wife, as requested, just before opening statements are to begin. Guzman has been held in solitary confinement since he was extradited to the United States in January 2017, after twice escaping from prison in Mexico, subjected to the strictest inmate security protocols in the United States. This week, with jury selection underway in a Brooklyn federal court for his trial, he asked Judge Brian Cogan, in a letter submitted by his lawyer, if he could greet and embrace wife Emma Coronel before opening statements begin next Tuesday, kicking off the substantive part of the four-month trial. But while Cogan praised Guzman's "exemplary" behavior in court and confinement to date, and for having "displayed considerable grace under pressure," the request was denied as "contrary to all" security procedures. Guzman, 61, is banned from communicating with or having any physical contact with 29-year-old Coronel, the mother of the couple's seven-year-old twin girls. The restrictions, Cogan noted, were "tailored to the government's legitimate objectives of preventing" Guzman from "coordinating any escape from prison or directing any attack" on cooperating witnesses. "This is especially true on the eve of trial, when the reality of the potential liability defendant faces if convicted may be setting in and his motivation to escape or threaten witnesses might be particularly strong." Guzman is on trial, accused of smuggling drugs into the United States over a quarter of a century, and is likely to spend the rest of his life behind bars in a maximum security US jail if convicted. A jury of seven women and five men have been selected to determine whether Guzman is guilty on 11 trafficking, firearms and money laundering charges. Bassam and Issa Tlaib, uncles of Palestinian-American Rashida Tlaib who was elected to the US Congress, receive well-wishers at their home in the occupied West Bank village of Beit Ur al Foqa on November 8, 2018 The West Bank family of a Palestinian-American who became one of the first two Muslim women elected to the US Congress hopes she can help curb some of President Donald Trump's pro-Israel policies. Rashida Tlaib, 42, made history on Tuesday when she won a seat in Michigan's 13th congressional district, which includes parts of Detroit, as Democrats retook control of the House of Representatives. She became the first Palestinian-American woman and one of the first two Muslim women to enter Congress, with Somali-American Ilhan Omar also winning a seat. Tlaib herself was born in the United States but both her parents left the Palestinian territories in the 1970s. Sitting in the Tlaib family home in the village of Beit Ur al-Foqa, her uncles Bassam and Issa said they hoped she could help stop Trump, who has taken a series of steps that have pleased Israel but infuriated the Palestinians. Among these have been moving the US embassy to Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, a city the Palestinians also consider their capital. "Trump is the most influential person taking (Israel's) side. Look at what he has done -- moving the US embassy to Jerusalem in addition to a number of issues we don't want to list," Bassam said. Rashida Tlaib's uncles say the hope the new Palestinian-American congresswoman will be able to curb some of US President Donald Trump's pro-Israel policies "Of course, Rashida will be against these policies," he said. "We need someone to raise our issue, the Palestinian issue." - 'Source of pride' - Tlaib is a staunch critic of Trump and has accused the US president of demonising Muslims. She once heckled the president during a 2016 campaign stop in Detroit and was detained for interrupting one of his speeches. Palestinian-American congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, here seen in a family picture as a young girl, once heckled Trump during a 2016 campaign stop interrupting one of his speeches Earlier this year she told the UK's Channel Four news she would oppose aid to Israel unless it worked for peace, and to end its injustices against Palestinians. "I will be using my position as a member of Congress to say no country, not one, should be able to get aid from us... when they still promote that kind of injustice," she said. The US provides Israel $3.8 billion in military aid a year. It has cut around $500 million in aid to Palestinians in the past year. The Palestinian leadership severed all ties with the Trump administration after the embassy move was announced last December. The Tlaib family home is around 50 meters (yards) from the 443 motorway -- an Israeli road that cuts through the occupied West Bank. The closest neighbours are two Israeli military checkpoints which guard the road. "There are many times when they stop you, search you, make you late for work. That's the suffering of the Palestinian people," Bassam said. The uncle of Rashida Tlaib, the winner of Michigan's 13th congressional district in the 2018 US general election, displays a picture of her with Palestine Liberation Organisation official Hanan Ashrawi Tlaib has returned home to visit several times, most recently in 2006, he added. She also married in the village, in what her other uncle Issa described as a fantastic celebration. Bassam said the election was a source of great pride for the family. Since Wednesday morning, he said, they had received a near constant stream of well-wishers from nearby neighbourhoods. "We are very happy. This is a source of pride for us -- as a family, as Palestinians, as Arabs and as Muslims." They said Tlaib has promised to come back and visit. Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi gives a press conference on November 8, 2018 at the presidential palace in northern Tunis Tunisia's President Beji Caid Essebsi on Thursday criticised this week's reshuffle by his prime minister, but denied there was a rift between the two men. "I have no disagreement with the head of government," Essebsi told reporters, pointing out that it was him who put Youssef Chahed forward for the post in the first place. "I recognise that he has qualities," Essebsi told reporters at the presidential palace in Tunis. Immediately after the reshuffle was announced on Monday evening, press reports appeared saying Tunisia's presidency did not approve of the changes. The alleged tensions between 91-year-old Essebsi and Chahed -- appointed by the president in 2016 -- have drawn intense press coverage. Chahed "is not my adversary, and I am not his adversary", the president said. But "things are not going in a good direction" and the reshuffle "displeased me", Essebsi said. The prime minister "must inform the head of state of everything he decides", he added. But the president said he would not seek to block the reshuffle if parliament approves it. Chahed appointed 13 new ministers, but did not change the defence and foreign ministers -- posts that constitutionally require him to consult the president. The premier fell out earlier this year with the president's son Hafedh, who leads the Nidaa Tounes party and has been battling to oust the premier for months. Analysts say tensions have been stoked by competition ahead of a presidential election due in December next year. Ali Bongo took power in 2009 after the death of his father Senior figures in Gabon's ruling party on Thursday called on the government to clarify the condition of President Ali Bongo, whose hospitalisation in Saudi Arabia has fuelled speculation that he is incapacitated. The consultative committee of the Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG) said clarity was necessary to "reassure the public" at a time "of wild rumours in the media and on social networks." While insisting that "vacation of power is not on the agenda", the committee warned lack of information could "promote hatred, division and a deteriorating political climate." Bongo, 59, fell ill on October 24 during a visit to Riyadh to attend an economic forum. His spokesman Ike Ngouoni said doctors there had diagnosed him with "severe fatigue" and ordered bed rest. A foreign source close to the couple told AFP on Wednesday that Bongo had had a stroke. Lack of official news -- along with memories of the secrecy-shrouded demise of Bongo's father, Omar Bongo, who died in office in 2009 after decades at the helm -- has set the rumour mill churning at full tilt. French-born First Lady Sylvia Bongo, meanwhile, said on social media that she and her family were "particularly touched... by the numerous prayers and messages of support." She also recently swapped her profile photo on social media from a colour portrait to a black and white shot of the couple. Asia Bibi's conviction was overturned by Pakistan's Supreme Court but Islamists have taken to the streets in protest A Pakistani Christian woman who spent eight years on death row for blasphemy has been freed from jail after an acquittal that triggered Islamist protests, but is still in Pakistan, officials said Thursday amid appeals for her to be offered asylum. Asia Bibi's conviction was overturned by the country's highest court last Wednesday, but she remained in prison as the government negotiated with hardliners who blockaded major cities and demanded her immediate execution. Thousands of supporters of Islamist parties took to the streets of Karachi Thursday to protest Bibi's acquittal and call for her beheading. "We can sacrifice our lives but can never compromise on the honour of the prophet," said a speaker at the protest. The demonstration comes hours after Bibi was flown from the central city of Multan where she was in custody to a "safe" place elsewhere in Pakistan. "She has been freed," her lawyer Saif-ul-Mulook said in a text message to AFP. "I have been told that she is on a plane but nobody knows where she will land." Pakistani lawyer Saif-ul-Mulook said Asia Bibi has been freed and taken from prison by plane Following protests at last week's ruling, the government agreed in a deal with Islamists to impose a travel ban on Bibi, and not to challenge a review of the Supreme Court's ruling. One of the most vocal groups in the protests -- the Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) -- called for "mutiny" against the army's top brass and the assassination of the top court's justices. Following Bibi's release, the TLP vowed to return to the streets if she was allowed to leave the country. "If the promise is broken and she is sent abroad, then Allah willing, a movement will start and it will be decisive," said TLP leader Afzal Qadri, after an earlier message from the group accused the government of reneging on the agreement. Pakistani police stand guard at the gates of the central jail where Asia Bibi was held in Multan Foreign ministry spokesman Muhammad Faisal on Thursday denied media reports that Bibi had left the country, telling AFP: "She is in Pakistan". Intelligence sources also told AFP that she had not left the country. An order for her release arrived Wednesday at the jail in Multan where she was held, a prison official told AFP. "Asia Bibi has left the prison and has been transferred to a safe place!" tweeted Antonio Tajani, president of the European Parliament. Another civil aviation official, in Multan, said a small plane arrived in the city with "a few foreigners and some Pakistanis" on board to fetch Bibi. Supporters of Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan, a hardline religious political party, block the road during a protest against the court decision to overturn the blasphemy conviction of Christian woman Asia Bibi, in Karachi Her case has underscored deep divisions between traditionalists and modernisers in the devoutly Muslim country. The conviction stemmed from a 2009 incident when Bibi was asked to fetch water while out working in the fields. Muslim women labourers objected to her touching the water bowl as a non-Muslim, and a fight reportedly erupted. A local imam then claimed Bibi insulted the Prophet Mohammed. Bibi has consistently denied the charges, and her prosecution rallied international rights groups, politicians and religious figures. Pope Benedict XVI called for her release in 2010, while his successor, Pope Francis, met her daughter in 2015. - Incendiary charge - Thousands of Islamist hardliners poured onto the streets of Pakistan in protest after Supreme Court judges overturned Asia Bibi's conviction Bibi's husband Ashiq Masih has appealed for Britain or the United States to grant the family asylum and several governments including those of Italy and France have offered to help. Her lawyer fled to the Netherlands on Saturday under threat to his life. Italy's Interior Minister Matteo Salvini tweeted: "I will do everything humanly possible to guarantee this young woman's future." Blasphemy is an incendiary charge in Muslim-majority Pakistan, where even unsubstantiated allegations of insulting Islam can result in death at the hands of mobs. Mere calls to reform the law have provoked violence, most notably the assassination of Salmaan Taseer, the governor of Pakistan's Punjab province, by his own bodyguard in Islamabad in 2011. Taseer had called for Bibi's release, and his son Shahbaz tweeted "Pakistan Zindabad" ("Long live Pakistan") following last week's ruling. Thousands of Islamist hardliners poured onto the streets in protest after Supreme Court judges overturned Bibi's conviction last Wednesday. Demonstrations broke out in major cities across the country in the wake of the ruling, with club-wielding protesters blocking Islamabad's main highway and barricading roads in Karachi and Lahore. One resident in Multan, Rizwan Khan, told AFP that Bibi would not be safe wherever she went, while another, Qari Muneer, said the decision should be reversed and called for her to receive "strict punishment". This picture taken and provided to AFP by Zhifan Liu shows demonstrating students holding placards outside an Apple Store in Beijing Beijing police Thursday briefly detained two students who were part of a group protesting alleged worker exploitation outside an Apple store, according to one of the demonstrators. The group was protesting in response to allegations made last month that one of the US company's suppliers was exploiting student workers in southwest China. The two held were from Renmin University and Peking University -- two schools that have seen a surge of student-led labour activism this year. One of the other protesters, a 21-year-old from Renmin University, told AFP that a group of police ordered the students to show their IDs shortly after they finished taking photos in front of the Apple store. A total of 10 students participated in the protest. "They said we were disrupting the order, disrupting law and order, and asked to check our IDs," said the student, who requested anonymity. After the protesters initially refused to show their identification cards, the police took the two away, she said. They were later released at about 8:00pm (1200 GMT) after police questioned them about the protest, the source said. Teachers from their respective universities then escorted them back to school. Beijing police did not immediately respond to AFP's request for comment. According to photos shared on Twitter by eyewitness Zhifan Liu, a French freelance journalist based in Beijing, the students were holding signs denouncing "illegal" student employment at an Apple factory and in support of workers being allowed to form unions. The students had planned to take photos and shoot a video to raise awareness around the alleged exploitation of student workers at an Apple Watch factory in Chongqing municipality. According to a report published last month by Hong Kong-based labour rights group Students and Scholars Against Corporate Misbehaviour (SACOM), students from a vocational school had to work punishing hours at the factory, assembling Apple Watches -- under the guise of "internships" -- or else their degrees would be withheld. The Chongqing factory is operated by Quanta Computer, a Taiwanese electronics manufacturer, and also produces devices for other brands. Apple has said it is investigating the allegations. An Apple spokeswoman declined to comment on Thursday's protest. Student activists from top Chinese schools are rallying behind labour rights and unions despite crackdowns by universities and the police this year. Many belong to Marxist societies or student groups -- some of which have struggled to register officially with their schools as universities try to rein in labour activism. In August, a police raid swept up student activists in Guangdong province, according to the official website of the Jasic Workers Solidarity group. The students were there to support workers from Jasic Technology, a welding machinery company, who were trying to form their own union. According to the Jasic Workers Solidarity group, which the student activists were members of, the police beat students and confiscated their phones during the raid. Yue Xin, a Peking University student who co-authored a petition demanding details of a sexual abuse case at the school, was detained during the August police sweep and has not been heard from since. Some 63 journalists, 11 citizen journalists and four media assistants have been killed so far in 2018, including Washington Post contributor Jamal Khashoggi, according to RSF Two Asian women won Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Press Freedom Awards on Thursday for their bravery in holding governments to account in the face of persistent threats. Indian freelance reporter Swati Chaturvedi and Filipina social media campaigner Inday Espina-Varona were honoured at the RSF annual awards, being staged in London for the first time. Maltese journalist Matthew Caruana Galizia, who has carried on the work of his mother Daphne, murdered for exposing corruption on the Mediterranean island, was also honoured at the ceremony at the Getty Images Gallery. Established in 1985 to defend and promote press freedom, Paris-based RSF has been presenting its yearly awards since 1992. Previous winners include the late Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo, imprisoned Saudi blogger Raif Badawi and the Turkish newspaper Cumhuriyet. Chaturvedi won the Prize for Courage, awarded for journalism in a hostile environment. She has faced online harassment campaigns after exposing what she calls a "troll army" operating for the governing Bharatiya Janata Party of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "I get a dozen death threats every day and around 15 to 20 rape threats," she told AFP. "The whole idea of a democracy is that you are allowed to have a dissenting view. "Unfortunately, the way politics has panned out across the world, journalists are really under threat. "It is sad that you are called courageous just for doing your job." - Sexist attacks - Veteran journalist Espina-Varona founded a social media women's rights campaign in response to Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's comments on women. "After a particularly hard-hitting column, I find 50 to 80 private messages calling me a liar, an ugly woman, and mostly these are sexist attacks," she told AFP. "The slurs don't really bother me but the threats that say 'we know where you live, we'll see if you are as brave as you think' -- that bothers me because it also happens to other journalists." She won the Prize for Independence, awarded to reporters for resisting pressure in carrying out their work. "Independence is very important for citizen journalism. I teach young people to be critical minded and I hope this award will inspire them," she said. Some 63 journalists, 11 citizen journalists and four media assistants have been killed so far in 2018, RSF said, including Washington Post contributor Jamal Khashoggi, who was murdered in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. A total of 55 journalists were killed in the whole of 2017. Caruana Galizia won the Prize for Impact, awarded for work that has led to an increase in awareness of journalistic freedom. His mother, Malta's pioneering anti-corruption blogger, was assassinated in a car bomb attack in October 2017. - 'Fight for the right thing' - "It's a recognition that what we're fighting for is right," he said of the award. "It's about continuing to fight for the right thing: justice for my mother and for her stories. Everything else will follow. "Hope is a word for people who have already given up." He said Malta could and should become a functional European Union democracy that did not have to rely on investigative journalism as the last remaining line of defence. However, "its toxicity will spread" throughout the EU if partners including Britain and France did not join the fight. Daphne Caruana Galizia's murder remains unresolved. Ninety percent of violent crimes against journalists go unpunished, said RSF. Afghanistan is currently the world's deadliest country for journalists, with 14 killed this year. "The alarming number of deaths is a reminder of the urgent need to provide journalists with more protection," said RSF secretary-general Christophe Deloire. Some 168 journalists, 150 citizen journalists and 19 media assistants are in jail, the organisation said. RSF's 2018 World Press Freedom Index ranks the worst five countries for journalists as China, Syria, Turkmenistan, Eritrea and North Korea, which came last at 180th. A Yemeni child suffering from severe malnutrition is measured at a treatment centre in a hospital in Yemen's northwestern Hajjah province, on November 7, 2018 The UN's World Food Programme (WFP) said Thursday it will nearly double food aid to Yemen to reach 14 million people a month -- almost half the war-ravaged country's population. Yemen is in the grip of the world's worst hunger crisis as government troops backed by a Saudi-led coalition battles Huthi rebels. On Wednesday, 35 Yemeni and international NGOs called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in the impoverished country, and said 14 million people were "on the brink of famine". The WFP is providing food assistance to about seven to eight million people every day, "but the situation has now got so dire that WFP is preparing to scale up", spokesman Herve Verhoosel told journalists in Geneva on Thursday. He added: "Indications are that even greater efforts will be needed to avert mass starvation. The new target of 14 million requires a huge amount of logistic work, outreach, funding and preparation." The WFP said the violence must stop immediately to give Yemen "a chance to pull back from the brink". "Unless it does, this will become a country of living ghosts, its people reduced to sacks of bones. Humanitarians can only do so much in the face of relentless bombing and unconscionable war tactics that spare no one." The WFP said it will need more money to provide food to all of those in need. The budget for eight million people is about $125 million per month, but "as the food security situation deteriorates and WFP prepares to scale up its food and nutrition programmes, it is clear our funding requirements are set to increase accordingly". US President Donald Trump campaigned on a vow to clamp down on illegal immigration, including a signature promise to build a wall on the Mexican border The United States will no longer allow people who enter the country illegally to claim asylum, officials said Thursday, unveiling a controversial new crackdown on immigration. The restriction on asylum claims will seek to address what a senior administration official called the "historically unparalleled abuse of our immigration system" along the border with Mexico. The new rule was published by the Department of Homeland Security and is expected to get President Donald Trump's signature shortly -- as well as face court challenges. The American Civil Liberties Union said that the right to request asylum must be granted to anyone entering the country, regardless of where they were. "US law specifically allows individuals to apply for asylum whether or not they are at a port of entry. It is illegal to circumvent that by agency or presidential decree," the ACLU said. But according to the new rule, Trump has authority to restrict illegal immigration "if he determines it to be in the national interest." Trump's administration argues that he has the executive power to curb immigration in the name of national security, a power he invoked right after taking office with a controversial ban on travelers from several mostly-Muslim countries -- whose final version was upheld by the US Supreme Court on June 26 after a protracted legal battle. "Today's rule applies this important principle to aliens who violate such a suspension or restriction regarding the southern border," Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen and acting attorney general Matthew Whitaker said. Those seeking political or other kinds of asylum -- nearly all of them coming from impoverished and violent crime-plagued countries of Central America -- will be heard exclusively at the border crossings, administration officials told journalists. This is expected to put a dent in those streaming into an already overburdened system, officials said, noting that there is a backlog of more than 700,000 cases in the immigration courts. - Campaign controversy - Many politicians on both sides of the aisle agree that the US immigration system is hugely inefficient and unable to cope with demand. However, Trump's focus on the issue during campaigning for Tuesday's hotly contested midterm congressional elections was criticized as veering into immigrant-bashing and even racism. In speeches and on Twitter, Trump hammered away nearly daily at "caravans" of a few thousand impoverished Central Americans that periodically attempt to walk up through Mexico and then gain entry to the United States. He called a current caravan, which is still hundreds of miles from the US border and dwindling in numbers, an "invasion" and said it would bring hardened criminals to US streets. Administration officials say that aside from the rhetoric the border really does have a problem, given that anyone who manages to get across can request asylum and subsequently often vanish while their case sits in the court system. "The vast majority of these applications eventually turn out to be non-meritorious," a senior administration official said, asking not to be identified. Less than 10 percent of cases result in asylum being granted, the government says. Human rights campaigners and other critics of the Trump crackdown say that by restricting asylum seekers to the narrow border crossing points -- which are already under enormous pressure -- the government is effectively shutting the door on people who may truly be fleeing for their lives. But the administration official argued that "what we're attempting to do is trying to funnel credible fear claims, or asylum claims, through the ports of entry where we are better resourced." That way, he said, courts will "handle those claims in an expeditious and efficient manner, so that those who do actually require an asylum protection get those protections." In 2018, border patrols have registered more than 400,000 illegal border crossers, homeland security said. And in the last five years, the number of those requesting asylum has increased by 2,000 percent, it said. Governors' races in the southern US states of Florida and Georgia had yet to be decided on November 8, 2018, two days after the midterm elections Florida's races for governor and US Senate appeared headed Thursday for law-mandated recounts, while the Democratic candidate for governor in neighboring Georgia threatened legal action to ensure all votes are counted in her tight race. The two southern states are in the spotlight after Tuesday's closely watched midterm elections, in which Democrats reclaimed the House of Representatives from President Donald Trump's Republicans and flipped a number of governorships. Two Democratic candidates, Andrew Gillum in Florida and Stacey Abrams in Georgia, were aiming to become the states' first African-American governors, but the races were tilting in favor of their Republican rivals. Unofficial results show Gillum trailing Ron DeSantis, a Trump-endorsed Republican, by just 38,515 votes out of 8.1 million cast, or 0.47 percentage points. Since Tuesday's election, "it has become clear there are many more uncounted ballots than was originally reported," Gillum spokeswoman Johanna Cervone said in a statement, amid reports that unknown numbers of ballots had yet to be counted in Democrat-leaning Broward County. Gillum is "ready for any outcome, including a state-mandated recount," she added. The race between Democratic Senator Bill Nelson and Republican challenger Rick Scott, Florida's term-limited governor, was even closer: Scott leads by 17,344 votes, or 0.22 percent. State law triggers a recount if the difference in a race is within 0.5 percent. If the margin is within 0.25 percent, as it stood Thursday in the Senate race, a hand recount -- slower and more thorough than by machine -- is ordered. Unusual voting discrepancies were also being reported in Broward County. The South Florida Sun Sentinel said it analyzed voting patterns and found that of Broward ballots already counted, 24,700 residents voted for a governor candidate but did not pick a candidate for Senate. The unusual pattern appeared in no other Florida county, the newspaper reported. The likely recount is reminiscent of the dramatic recounts that occurred in parts of Florida after the 2000 election. Those recounts were halted by the US Supreme Court, and George W. Bush defeated Al Gore by 537 votes in Florida to win the presidency. Meanwhile, Abrams trailed Georgia secretary of state Brian Kemp by 1.3 percent in their governor's race, but her campaign complained that Kemp proclaimed victory prematurely. "All the votes haven't been counted," Abrams lawyer John Chandler told reporters, adding that there are outstanding absentee and provisional ballots. "We will litigate until we have determined that every person's vote has been counted," Chandler said. Amid mounting concern over Kemp's oversight role in elections, Kemp resigned Thursday as secretary of state, but repeated his assertion that he defeated Abrams. "The votes are not there for her," he said. Some one million Rohingya have taken refuge in Bangladesh, including at the main Kutupalong camp A plan to start repatriating Rohingya Muslims back to Myanmar is premature and the refugees are "terrified" about leaving Bangladesh where they sought refuge, dozens of aid agencies working in the region said Friday. More than 720,000 Rohingya Muslims fled Myanmar's northern Rakhine state after a heavyhanded army crackdown in August last year that survivors say involved mass rape and extrajudicial killings. UN officials say the country's military leaders should be investigated for genocide but Myanmar has rebuffed the calls, arguing it was only defending itself against Rohingya militants who attacked police posts. Both Bangladesh and Myanmar signed a repatriation agreement in November last year to allow Rohingya to return but many fear going back without guarantees of citizenship, freedom of movement and safety. However the governments confirmed in recent weeks that they were pushing ahead with the first large-scale repatriation set for mid-November, prompting an outcry from activists who say conditions on the ground in Rakhine are not adequate to take the refugees back. "They are terrified about what will happen to them if they are returned to Myanmar now, and distressed by the lack of information they have received," the group of 42 aid agencies and civil society groups said in a statement that referred to the push as "dangerous." "They fled to Bangladesh to seek safety and they are very grateful to the Government of Bangladesh for giving them a safe haven." Oxfam, World Vision and Save the Children were among the groups working in Myanmar and Bangladesh that signed the statement. They said refugees fear living in enclosed settlements like the one in central Rakhine state, where more than 120,000 Rohingya have been confined to camps for six years since intercommunal violence erupted in the region in 2012. The Hla Phoe Khaung transit camp in northern Rakhine state is intended to house returning Rohingya refugees Myint Khaing, the Maungdaw township administrator in northern Rakhine, told AFP that November 15 is the estimated repatriation start date and that the plan is to receive more than 2,200 people in total at a rate of 150 per day. But he seemed unsure if it would go ahead. "We can confirm only on the 15th whether the people from our given list are coming or not," he said. Northern Rakhine has been largely sealed off since the crackdown except for tightly organised government trips for media and senior visiting diplomats. The UN has been granted access to the area to assess conditions on the ground but the approvals have been slow and the amount of territory accessible has been limited. Authorities in Bangladesh worry that Rohingya may once again risk travelling to other parts of Southeast Asia by boat, a route previously popular with those seeking economic opportunities outside the grim camps. This week Bangladesh's coast guard rescued 33 Rohingya and detained six alleged human traffickers from a fishing trawler headed for Malaysia in the Bay of Bengal. A Palestinian man shows his money after receiving his salary in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip November 9, 2018 Palestinian civil servants formed long queues in Gaza on Friday to receive millions of dollars in Qatari-funded salaries, as part of efforts to ease tensions in and around the impoverished territory. For the second consecutive Friday, clashes along the Gaza-Israel border were less violent than in previous weeks, although one Palestinian was killed by Israeli fire and 37 others wounded by gunshots, the Gaza health ministry said. Hundreds of demonstrators gathered at points along the frontier but most kept a distance from the separation barrier, correspondents said. In Qatar's operation, a total of $90 million is to be distributed in six monthly instalments of $15 million, according to authorities, primarily to cover salaries of officials working for Hamas, the Islamist movement that rules the Palestinian enclave. Some exited post offices, where the first instalment was being distributed, to show off hundred-dollar bills before the cameras, after several months of sporadic salary payments in cash-strapped Gaza. Palestinians line up to receive their salaries in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip The money was driven into the Palestinian enclave through Israel late Thursday by Qatar's envoy to Gaza, Mohammed al-Emadi, transporting suitcases packed with dollars, according to a Hamas source. The Israeli-authorised money transfer appeared to be part of a deal that would see cash-strapped Hamas end months of often violent protests along the border in exchange for Israel easing its blockade of Gaza. Qatar has also said it would hand out $100 to each of 50,000 poor families, as well as larger sums to Palestinians wounded in clashes along Gaza's border with Israel. "I came to collect $400, my salary for July," Fadi Abu Safia, a 35-year-old government employee, said at a post office in Gaza City. Mohamed Abed al-Hadi, 27, said he would be collecting 700 shekels ($190 dollars), "quite a sum considering the conditions we're living in", as compensation for an injury in the border clashes. - 'Capitulation to terrorism' - Palestinians line up to receive their salaries in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip November 9, 2018 Senior Palestine Liberation Organisation official Ahmed Majdalani expressed the discontent of the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority (PA) over the deal. Emadi had "smuggled the money" into Gaza in suitcases like a "gangster", the official said. "The PLO did not agree to the deal facilitating the money to Hamas that way," Majdalani, who is close to Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas, told AFP. Such a deal harmed Egyptian efforts to reconcile Hamas and the PA and would allow the Islamist movement to consolidate its control over Gaza, Majdalani said. Hamas has controlled Gaza since ousting forces loyal to the internationally recognised PA in a near civil war in 2007. Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman criticised the Qatari money transfer to Gaza. "This is capitulation to terrorism, and in effect Israel is buying short-term calm with money, while severely undermining long-term security," he said, quoted in Yediot Aharonot newspaper on Friday. In another Israeli-approved deal, Qatar has started buying additional fuel for Gaza's sole power station, allowing planned outages to be reduced to their lowest level in years. Egypt and the United Nations have been brokering indirect negotiations for a long-term truce with Israel, against which Hamas has fought three wars since 2008. Palestinians run for cover from tear gas during clashes near the border between Israel and Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on November 9, 2018 Deadly clashes have accompanied the major protests along the Gaza border with Israel that began on March 30, generating at times fears of a new war between the Jewish state and the strip's militant rulers. At least 221 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire, the majority shot during protests and clashes, while others have died in tank fire or air strikes. One Israeli soldier was killed by a Palestinian sniper. Israel says its actions are necessary to defend the border and stop infiltrations and attacks, which it accuses Hamas of seeking to orchestrate. HAGATNA, Guam (AP) - A man accused of stabbing to death a Guam teenager during a burglary of her home has pleaded not guilty. Brandon Michael Acosta, 24, entered his plea Wednesday to charges of aggravated murder and home invasion, the Pacific Daily News reported . Timicca Nauta, 15, was found stabbed to death in her Chalan Koda home on Guam in June. Acosta was initially arrested in connection to a series of burglaries reported in the Dededo neighborhood at about the same time of the killing. He has remained in custody since the arrest. While locked up, Acosta told another inmate that he killed Nauta, authorities claimed in court documents. Acosta said he did not intend to kill the teen during the burglary, but "he merely made a mistake" after startling Nauta when he entered her dark bedroom, authorities alleged. The charges against Acosta were enhanced with special allegations of commission of a felony while on felony release. Acosta was charged in January with family violence. He is accused of kicking his ex-girlfriend during an argument, according to court documents. He is scheduled to appear in court again on Nov. 27. WASHINGTON (AP) - Attorney General Jeff Sessions was pushed out after enduring more than a year of blistering and personal attacks from President Donald Trump, who inserted in his place a Republican Party loyalist with authority to oversee the remainder of the special counsel's Russia investigation. The move Wednesday has potentially ominous implications for special counsel Robert Mueller's probe given that the new acting attorney general, Matthew Whitaker, until now Sessions' chief of staff, has questioned the inquiry's scope and spoke publicly before joining the Justice Department about ways an attorney general could theoretically stymie the investigation. Congressional Democrats, concerned about protecting Mueller, called on Whitaker to recuse himself from overseeing the investigation in its final but potentially explosive stages. That duty has belonged to Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who appointed Mueller and closely monitors his work. The resignation, in a one-page letter to Trump, came one day after Republicans lost control of the House and was the first of several expected post-midterms Cabinet and White House departures. Though Sessions was an early and prominent campaign backer of Trump, his departure letter lacked effusive praise for the president and made clear the resignation came "at your request." "Since the day I was honored to be sworn in as attorney general of the United States, I came to work at the Department of Justice every day determined to do my duty and serve my country," Sessions wrote. Jeff Sessions returns to his home in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018. Sessions was pushed out Wednesday as Attorney General after enduring more than a year of blistering and personal attacks from President Donald Trump over his recusal from the Russia investigation. Sessions told the president in a one-page letter that he was submitting his resignation "at your request." (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) The departure was the culmination of a toxic relationship that frayed just weeks into Sessions' tenure, when he stepped aside from the Russia investigation because of his campaign advocacy and following the revelation that he had met twice in 2016 with the Russian ambassador to the U.S. Trump blamed the recusal for the appointment of Mueller, who took over the Russia investigation two months later and began examining whether Trump's hectoring of Sessions was part of a broader effort to obstruct the probe. The investigation has produced 32 criminal charges and guilty pleas from four former Trump aides. But the work is not done, and critical decisions await that could shape the remainder of Trump's presidency. A Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, on Thursday called Mueller's investigation a "headache" for U.S. authorities but said it "has nothing to do with us," and he declined to comment on Sessions' departure. Mueller's grand jury has heard testimony for months about Trump confidant Roger Stone and what advance knowledge he may have had about Russian hacking of Democratic emails. Mueller's team also has been pressing for an interview with Trump. And the department is expected to receive a confidential report of Mueller's findings, though it's unclear how much will be public. Separately, Justice Department prosecutors in New York secured a guilty plea from Trump's former personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, who said the president directed him to arrange hush money payments before the 2016 election to two women who said they had sex with Trump. Trump had repeatedly been talked out of firing Sessions until after the midterms, but he told confidants in recent weeks that he wanted Sessions out as soon as possible after the elections, according to a Republican close to the White House who was not authorized to publicly discuss private conversations. The president deflected questions about Sessions' expected departure at a White House news conference Wednesday. He did not mention that White House chief of staff John Kelly had called Sessions beforehand to ask for his resignation. The undated letter was then sent to the White House. The Justice Department did not directly answer whether Whitaker would assume control of Mueller's investigation, with spokeswoman Sarah Isgur Flores saying he would be "in charge of all matters under the purview of the Department of Justice." Rosenstein remains at the department and could still be involved in oversight. He has previously said that he saw no basis for firing Mueller. Trump said Wednesday that he did not plan to stop the investigation. Without Sessions' campaign or Russia entanglements, there's no legal reason Whitaker couldn't immediately oversee the probe. And since Sessions technically resigned instead of forcing the White House to fire him, he opened the door under federal law to allowing the president to choose his successor instead of simply elevating Rosenstein, said University of Texas law professor Stephen Vladeck. "Sessions did not do the thing he could have done to better protect Rosenstein, and through Rosenstein, the Mueller investigation," Vladeck said. That left Whitaker in charge, at least for now, though Democrats, including Rep. Nancy Pelosi and Sen. Chuck Schumer, said he should recuse himself because of his comments on the probe. Rep. Jerry Nadler, the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, said he wants "answers immediately" and "we will hold people accountable." Whitaker, a former U.S. attorney from Iowa who twice ran unsuccessfully for statewide office and founded a law firm with other Republican Party activists, once opined about a scenario in which Trump could fire Sessions and then appoint an acting attorney general who could stifle the funding of Mueller's probe. In that scenario, Mueller's budget could be reduced "so low that his investigation grinds to almost a halt," Whitaker said during an interview with CNN in July 2017 before he joined the Justice Department. In a CNN op-ed last year, Whitaker wrote, "Mueller has come up to a red line in the Russia 2016 election-meddling investigation that he is dangerously close to crossing." Trump's relentless attacks on Sessions came even though the Alabama Republican was the first U.S. senator to endorse Trump and despite the fact his crime-fighting agenda and priorities, particularly his hawkish immigration enforcement policies, largely mirrored the president's. He found satisfaction in being able to reverse Obama-era policies that conservatives say flouted the will of Congress, encouraging prosecutors to pursue the most serious charges they could and promoting more aggressive enforcement of federal marijuana law. He also announced media leak crackdowns and tougher policies against opioids, and his Justice Department defended a since-abandoned administration policy that resulted in migrant parents being separated from their children at the border. But the relationship was irreparably damaged in March 2017 when Sessions, acknowledging previously undisclosed meetings with the Russian ambassador and citing his work as a campaign aide, recused himself from the Russia investigation. Trump repeatedly lamented that he would have never selected Sessions if he had known the attorney general would recuse himself. The recusal left the investigation in the hands of Rosenstein, who appointed Mueller two months later after Trump fired then-FBI Director James Comey. In piercing attacks, Trump called Sessions weak and beleaguered, complained that he wasn't more aggressively pursuing allegations of corruption against Democratic rival Hillary Clinton and called it "disgraceful" that Sessions wasn't more serious in scrutinizing the origins of the Russia investigation for possible law enforcement bias - even though the attorney general did ask the Justice Department's inspector general to examine those claims. The broadsides escalated in recent months, with Trump telling an interviewer that Sessions "never had control" of the Justice Department. Sessions endured most of the name-calling in silence, though he did issue two public statements defending the department, including one in which he said he would serve "with integrity and honor" for as long as he was in the job. Sessions, who likely suspected his ouster was imminent, was spotted by reporters giving some of his grandchildren a tour of the White House over the weekend. He did not respond when asked why he was there. ___ Associated Press writers Jonathan Lemire and Mary Clare Jalonick in Washington and Ryan Foley in Iowa City, Iowa, contributed to this report. FILE - In this July 20, 2017 file photo, Attorney General Jeff Sessions accompanied by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, speaks at a news conference at the Justice Department in Washington. Sessions resigned Nov. 7, 2018. as the country's chief law enforcement officer after enduring more than a year of blistering and personal attacks from President Donald Trump over his recusal from the Russia investigation. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein waits for his car as he departs the West Wing of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018. Attorney General Jeff Sessions was pushed out Wednesday as the country's chief law enforcement officer after enduring more than a year of blistering and personal attacks from President Donald Trump over his recusal from the Russia investigation. . (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) FILE - In this Feb. 9, 2017 file photo, President Donald Trump shakes hands with Attorney General Jeff Sessions, accompanied by his wife Mary, after he was sworn-in by Vice President Mike Pence, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington. On Nov. 7, 2018, Sessions submitted his resignation in letter to Trump. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File) FILE - In this July 13, 2018 photo, Attorney General Jeff Sessions speaks in Portland, Maine. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, File) President Donald Trump listens to a question during a news conference in the East Room of the White House, Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) FILE - In this April 24, 2014, file photo, then-Iowa Republican senatorial candidate and former U.S. Attorney Matt Whitaker watches before a live televised debate in Johnston, Iowa. President Donald Trump announced in a tweet that he was naming Whitaker, as acting attorney general, after Attorney General Jeff Sessions was pushed out Nov. 7, 2018, as the country's chief law enforcement officer after enduring more than a year of blistering and personal attacks from Trump over his recusal from the Russia investigation. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File) A copy of Attorney General Jeff Sessions' resignation letter is photographed in Washington on an image of the exterior of the Justice Department Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/J. David Ake) WASHINGTON (AP) - Suddenly facing life under divided government, President Donald Trump and congressional leaders talked bipartisanship but then bluntly previewed the fault lines to come. Trump threatened to go after House Democrats who try to investigate him, while Rep. Nancy Pelosi said her party would be "a check and balance" against the White House. The day after midterm elections reset Washington, Trump took a victory lap at a raucous news conference, celebrating Republican Senate wins but distancing himself from the GOP's loss of the House. He said Wednesday he was interested in working with House Democrats but was ready to respond if he felt he was being ill-treated. As long as Republicans have controlled both houses of Congress, Democrats have been hampered in pursuing any significant probes of Trump and his administration, and he made it clear he expects the Senate to follow that course. "They can play that game," he said of possible House Democratic investigations, "but we can play it better, because we have a thing called the United States Senate." On Capitol Hill, Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell said Democrats must decide how much "harassment" they want to pursue against Trump, while suggesting there could be limited opportunities to work across the aisle. And Pelosi, who is expected to run for a second stint as speaker when Democrats take the House majority in January, said the party has "a responsibility to seek common ground where we can." But she added, "Where we cannot, we must stand our ground." After midterm elections that served as a referendum on Trump's divisive presidency, Congress and the White House reckoned Wednesday with expected Republican gains in the Senate and a Democratic flip of the House. The early positioning provided the first glimpse of how all parties will balance calls for bipartisanship with an appetite for anger going into the next two years. President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference in the East Room at the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) By turns combative and conciliatory, Trump said Democrats and Republicans should set aside partisanship to work together. On legislative prospects, Trump said he could potentially work with Democrats on issues such as taxes, infrastructure and health care, saying it "really could be a beautiful, bipartisan type of situation." And Pelosi, during a news conference that was delayed because of Trump's lengthy remarks, said she had worked productively with President George W. Bush when she was speaker a decade ago on taxes and other issues, and she welcomed the chance to do so again with Trump. "We'd like to work together so our legislation will be bipartisan," she said. Still, Pelosi said Democrats weren't elected to be "a rubber stamp" for Trump. Some House Democrats have threatened to use the subpoena power they will gain in January to investigate Trump and administration actions. But, he warned, he will respond in kind and government will suffer. Plus, he said, Democrats have "nothing, zero," on him. Of the special counsel's Russia investigation that has shadowed his administration for more than 18 months, Trump said, "I could end it right now" but "I let it go on." Shortly thereafter, however, it was announced that Attorney General Jeff Sessions had been forced out. His departure followed 18 months of criticism and insults from Trump, who had appointed him but objected to Sessions' stepping aside from the Russia probe rather than guiding. It. On the potential for House investigations, Pelosi said Democrats will have a "responsibility for oversight" when they take charge in January and she will leave final decisions to committees. She wouldn't answer a question about whether Democrats will seek Trump's tax filings, but said committee requests for documents and hearings won't be "scattershot." Democrats are expected to investigate Trump's business dealings, his Cabinet's conduct and his campaign's possible ties to Russia, among other issues. "We'll know what we are doing and we'll do it right," she said. Pelosi spoke with Trump and McConnell after the Democrats' victory. McConnell said Wednesday that the two had discussed how they might "find a way forward" in a divided Congress. He and Pelosi, the Kentucky senator said, are "not unfamiliar" with one another as longtime leaders and colleagues. As for congressional action the rest of this year, he said he could not imagine taking up immigration and acknowledged that the Democratic House and Republican Senate were likely to go their separate ways when it comes to the legislative agenda "Areas for legislative agreement will be more limited," he said. "The one issue that Leader Pelosi and I discussed this morning where there could be a possible bipartisan agreement would be something on infrastructure, but there could be a lot of other things," he said. McConnell also echoed Trumps' warnings on investigations, saying: "The Democrats in the House will have to decide just how much presidential harassment they think is good strategy." ___ Associated Press writer Eric Tucker contributed to this report. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., speaks in during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018. Pelosi says she's confident she will win enough support to be elected speaker of the House next year and that she is the best person for the job. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky., speaking to members of the media at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) President Donald Trump points to CNN's Jim Acosta during a news conference in the East Room of the White House, Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Police shot a knife-wielding man Friday after he fatally stabbed one person and injured two others in the center of Australia's second-largest city. Victoria Police Superintendent David Clayton said when police arrived at the scene they were confronted by a man brandishing a knife and threatening them. He said: "Three people have been stabbed, unfortunately one of them is deceased at the scene". An explosion is heard on Bourke Street at 4:10pm. Mr Hair said two civilians became involved as well as two police, trying to stop the man from his attack. Ashton declined to identify the attacker but said he was from Somalia and known to police. Three people were reportedly been taken to hospital after the incident on Bourke St. This attack is being treated as a terrorism incident. At least two members of the public bravely stepped in to help police. Matan a Valeria Cruz, hija de diputada federal de Veracruz Luego de cometer el crimen , los responsables huyeron a bordo de un vehiculo negro, en sentido contrario a la avenida Juarez. En plena sesion, le anunciaron a la diputada Carmen Medel, del Distrito 14 de Veracruz, que su hija fue asesinada . Astronomos de Harvard dicen que el asteroide Oumuamua es una nave extraterrestre Sin embargo, el problema es que ya salio del sistema solar , por lo que ya no hay telescopios que puedan seguirlo. La opcion es buscar otros objetos estelares que sean mas o menos similares. Pelosi starts bid for speakership with kind words from Trump He was quick to distance himself from losing GOP House members who had been critical of his heated rhetoric, citing Florida Rep. Most presidents would have come forward, congratulated the victor and pledged a bipartisan cooperation for the next two years. "It's very early in the stages of the investigation", Supt Clayton said. As police surrounded the man, two bystanders stood in to assist, one of which using his shopping trolley as a weapon. Police said officers "initially responded to a report of a vehicle on fire" in the city centre at 4:20 pm local time, but discovered at the scene that members of the public had been stabbed. The journalist also said an emergency speaker system was warning people to avoid the area. Videos from the scene showed officers arresting the man on the sidewalk immediately after he was shot. The bomb response unit was called and the vehicle was rendered safe. Horror footage shows a auto on fire. "This is an evil and terrifying thing that has happened", Victoria State Premier Daniel Andrews said alongside Ashton. "Today, more than ever, we offer our thanks to Police and first responders for the unbelievable work they do for all of us". "It's the center of Melbourne, where a lot of the transportation changes over.it's probably the busiest part of Melbourne and late on a Friday", said Meegan May who witnessed part incident from a nearby tram. WASHINGTON (AP) - An unprecedented federal and state collaboration to defend election systems against Russian interference ended with no obvious voting system compromises, although it's not entirely clear why. Federal officials are wondering whether foreign agents are saving their ammunition for the 2020 presidential showdown or planning a late-stage misinformation campaign to claim Tuesday's election had been tainted. It doesn't change how vulnerable most states are to possible interference. "They've shown will, they've shown the capability," Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen said. "I certainly can't speak to why they're doing or not doing something. But I would just offer to put it in a broader perspective - they have a full-court press through many means ... to try to affect our democracy." In a news conference Wednesday after Democrats won control of the House, President Donald Trump said his administration worked hard to shore up elections and he'd issue a report soon on the effort. U.S. intelligence officials have asserted that Russia, China, Iran and other countries are engaged in ongoing efforts to influence U.S. policy and voters in elections. Chris Krebs, head of cybersecurity at the Department of Homeland Security, said this year's election was the warm-up. "The midterm is not the big game," he said. "The big game we think for the adversaries is probably 2020." FILE - This Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018 file photo shows a business center building known as the "troll factory", an Internet Research Agency, one of a web of companies allegedly controlled by Yevgeny Prigozhin, who has reported ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin, in St. Petersburg, Russia. Federal cybersecurity officials aren't aware of any voting system compromises by Russia or other foreign agents during the midterm elections. But it's not entirely clear why or whether hackers are saving their gun powder for the 2020 presidential showdown.(AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky, File) Interference by Russia during the 2016 presidential race caught federal and state officials flat-footed. Since then, Homeland Security, the department tasked with helping states securing election systems, and state election officials have worked to create better communication to confront and deter election tampering. That effort was largely successful Tuesday: Federal experts and officials in 45 states came together to report on any potential cyber threats in real time. The difference was stark compared to 2016, when federal officials were accused first of being too tight-lipped on their intelligence about possible hacking into state systems and later for trying to exert control over election infrastructure, which is operated by state and local governments. Intelligence officials say all 50 states had some type of intrusion attempt two years ago, although only a few were compromised. That included Illinois, where records on 90,000 voters had been downloaded. There is no evidence any votes were altered. Krebs said there was an increase this year in reporting of potential cyber incidents, but he attributed it to better communication, not an increase in overall threats. "We are getting an increase in reporting from our partners in general, but that's based on the relationships we've developed over the last couple of years. Two years ago, in 2016, we didn't have an information-sharing mechanism. Now we do, so we have a better awareness." The push will continue as state election officials work to certify winners. After that, federal officials will look at what worked and what didn't to see how communication and security can improve. One challenge is the antiquated election equipment in many states. Outdated software, for example, is highly vulnerable to cyberattacks. Cybersecurity experts say it's imperative that U.S. election officials take steps over the next two years to ensure that voting systems are updated and include a paper trail so election results are subject to a rigorous auditing process that can detect outside manipulation. Federal officials cautioned that the apparent absence of hacking this election does not mean foreign agents are keeping quiet. They have warned repeatedly that in addition to probing election equipment, Russia and others are using social media messaging to sow divisions throughout the country. Just hours before the polls opened, Facebook officials removed 30 Facebook accounts and 85 Instagram accounts after a tip from federal law enforcement that the accounts were linked to foreign entities. While social media companies are making an effort to identify fake accounts and bogus news stories, there is a concern it may not be enough to combat the foreign interference. The Justice Department unsealed criminal charges in October detailing how a Russian troll farm created thousands of false social media profiles and email accounts that appeared to be from people inside the United States. The criminal complaint provided a clear picture that there is still a hidden but powerful Russian social media effort aimed at spreading distrust for American political candidates and causing divisions on social issues such as immigration, race and gun control. "We are seeing that, and we are seeing that from multiple nation states," Nielsen said. A Kremlin spokesman on Thursday called the investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. election a "headache" for U.S. authorities and said it "has nothing to do with us." ___ Associated Press writer Christina A. Cassidy in Atlanta contributed to this report. BEIJING (AP) - Growth in Chinese exports to the United States ticked up in October as traders rushed to beat a new tariff hike in a battle over Beijing's technology policy. Shipments to the United States, China's biggest market, have been unexpectedly resilient since Trump started imposing punitive tariffs goods in July in a fight over Beijing's technology policy. Exports rose 13.3 percent in October over a year earlier to $42.7 billion, up from September's 13 percent growth, customs data showed Thursday. China's trade surplus with the United States narrowed to $31.8 billion from September's record $34.1 billion as imports of American goods rose 8.5 percent to $10.9 billion. Traders are rushing to beat a U.S. tariff hike planned for January, ING economist Iris Pang said in a report. Pang said they are pessimistic this month's planned meeting between Presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump in Argentina will yield positive results. "We expect this front-loading behavior to continue for the rest of 2018," Pang said. The Trump administration has imposed a 10 percent charge on $200 billion of Chinese goods that is due to rise to 25 percent in January. Another $50 billion of Chinese goods already is subject to 25 percent duties. Containers are piled high at a port in Qingdao in eastern China's Shandong province Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. Growth in Chinese exports to the United States ticked up in October as traders rushed to beat another round of tariff hikes. (Chinatopix via AP) Beijing has responded with tariff hikes on $110 billion of American goods. Trump has threatened to expand U.S. penalties to all goods from China. China's global exports rose 12.6 percent to $217.3 billion in October, down from September's 14.5 percent growth. Imports rose 20.3 percent to $183.3 billion, accelerating from the previous month's 14.3 percent. The global trade surplus was $34 billion, up from September's $31.7 billion. "While shipments to the U.S. held up well, those to other parts of the world grew even faster, suggesting that global demand is more resilient than expected," Louis Kuijs of Oxford Economics said in a report. Unexpectedly strong imports contrasted with other signs that China's factory output and other economic activity is cooling. In the quarter ending in September, economic growth slowed to 6.5 percent over a year earlier, down from the previous quarter's 6.7 percent. A government survey found factory activity in October fell to a two-year low. Chinese leaders have cut tariffs on non-U.S. goods and promised to encourage imports of consumer goods but reject pressure to roll back plans for state-led development of technology industries. Washington, Europe and other trading partners complain plans such as "Made in China 2025," which calls for creating Chinese global champions in artificial intelligence, robotics and other fields, violate Beijing's market-opening obligations. Xi presided over the opening of an import fair Monday in Shanghai that is meant to rebrand China as a welcoming market for other countries' goods. Some 3,600 companies from 152 countries are taking part in the five-day event. The president promised to open Chinese markets wider, to cut costs for importers and to increase consumer spending power. But he gave no response to foreign complaints about technology policy and investment barriers. Beijing agreed in May to narrow its trade gap with the United States by purchasing more American soybeans, natural gas and other exports. But Chinese leaders scrapped that deal after Trump's first tariff hikes hit. Chinese companies have been ordered to stop buying American soybeans - the biggest U.S. export to China - and find other suppliers and export markets. China's exports to the 28-nation European Union in October rose 12 percent over a year ago to $35 billion. Imports of European goods increased 14.1 percent to $21.6 billion. American demand for Chinese goods should weaken next year as tariff hikes bite, said ING's Pang. She said exporters might try to sell more to Europe or other Asian economies, but those markets also might be hurt by U.S. import controls. "Strong export growth may not last very long," said Pang. "We are not particularly optimistic on China export growth in 2019." CAIRO (AP) - Aid groups warned of the plight of civilians in Yemen's contested Hodeida where casualties are mounting as a Saudi-led coalition is fighting to take the port city from the country's Shiite rebels. Separate from the warning, a collection of aid groups, including CARE and 34 others, issued a statement on Thursday, calling for an immediate cease-fire in Yemen. Amnesty International warned late Wednesday that rebels have taken up positions on a Hodeida hospital rooftop, raising concerns they are using the hospital's patients as human shields to ward off coalition airstrikes. Doctors Without Borders, meanwhile, said it was treating two dozen wounded from the latest offensive. The push against the Iran-backed rebels also known as Houthis who are holding Hodeida began anew this month, shortly after the United States called for a cease-fire by the end of the month. Apparently in a rush to try to take Hodeida before then, coalition artillery, helicopter gunships and airstrikes have pounded the rebels, with dozens killed on both sides. The rebels admit they are outnumbered but have vowed to fight on. Cease-fires in Yemen's civil war have rarely held, and peace talks have repeatedly broken down in the past. FILE - In this Friday Sept. 28, 2018 file photo, a fisherman paddles his boat past destroyed buildings on the coast of the port city of Hodeida, Yemen. Amnesty International said warned late Wednesday. Nov. 7, 2018 that Yemen's rebels have taken up positions on a hospital rooftop in the contested Red Sea city of Hodeida that a Saudi-led coalition is trying to capture. This raises concerns the Shiite rebels, known as Houthis, plan to use the patients at the Hodeida hospital as human shields to ward off airstrikes from the coalition. Amnesty is urging the warring sides to protect civilians. (AP Photo/Hani Mohammed, File) Amnesty urged the warring sides to protect civilians. It said that the coalition, which relies heavily on air power, has killed scores of civilians in recent airstrikes, and rebels are responding with mortars in residential neighborhoods that cause indiscriminate casualties. "The presence of Houthi fighters on the hospital's roof violates international humanitarian law," said Amnesty's Samah Hadid, adding that "this violation does not make the hospital and the patients and medical staff lawful targets" for the coalition. Hadid said the hospital was full of wounded "civilians who have nowhere else to go for lifesaving medical care. Anyone attacking a hospital under these conditions risks responsibility for war crimes." The conflict in Yemen, the Arab world's poorest country, began with the 2014 takeover of the capital, Sanaa, by the Houthis who toppled the internationally recognized government. The Saudi-led coalition has been fighting the rebels since 2015, in an attempt to restore that government to power. In recent days, fighting intensified with troops trained by the United Arab Emirates, a coalition member, advanced in eastern Hodeida, pushing toward the city's port and key Red Sea facilities, some 5 kilometers (3 miles) away. In their statement, CARE and 34 other groups urged the international community to "secure an immediate cessation of hostilities" and "suspend the supply of arms at risk of being used in Yemen." The United States sells most of the weapons used by the coalition, while the rebels largely use local stocks. The Houthis have also been accused of firing Iran-made missiles into Saudi Arabia and at coalition ships. Doctors Without Borders reported an influx of wounded civilians in recent days, with 24 wounded, including women and children from Hodeida, with mostly blast and gunshot injuries. The aid group, known under its French acronym MSF, said civilians were reported leaving Hodeida over the weekend but that it was difficult to assess how many remained trapped inside. The Saudi-backed Yemeni President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi appointed a new defense minister to fill a role that had been empty for several years, naming Mohammed al-Maqdishi for the post, according to the state SABA news agency late Wednesday. He also appointed Abdullah al-Nakhi as the new chief of staff, the agency reported. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - As a girl, Debra Haaland remembers joining her grandmother as she chopped wood and fetched water for her home in tiny Mesita, a Native American community situated in New Mexico's high desert. Haaland, an enrolled Laguna Pueblo member, is certain it was these early experiences and the example of her grandmother's work ethic that helped her win a seat in the U.S. House Representatives on Tuesday - a political victory that until this year had been beyond reach for numerous Native American women. Her fellow Democrat Sharice Davids, who is Ho-Chunk, also won her historic bid to represent a U.S. House district in Kansas. Their wins add them to a record number of women elected to the U.S. House on Tuesday following an election cycle that also saw a significant boost in Native American female candidates at the state and local levels. In an interview, Haaland, a former New Mexico Democratic Party chairwoman, credited a vast political network she built after nearly 20 years of working on other candidates' campaigns, her team and volunteers, and her own hard work. "My grandmother worked really hard; she expected us to work hard," Haaland said. "I mean that in and of itself is what really sustained me. It's my work ethic." Haaland, who is 57, will replace U.S. Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham, a Democrat who ran successfully for governor this year. Her district covers Albuquerque and a handful of rural communities that include tribal communities. Davids' district, meanwhile, lies in the suburbs west of Kansas City. She unseated U.S. Rep. Kevin Yoder, a Republican. In addition to being one of the first Native American congresswomen, she'll also be the nation's first LGBT Native American to serve as a federal lawmaker. New Mexico candidate for congress Deb Haaland speaks to constituents at Barelas Coffee House restaurant in Albuquerque, N.M., on midterms election day Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018. (AP Photo/Juan Labreche) On election night, Davids, a lawyer and former White House fellow, highlighted her life story of being raised by a single mother, being a first-generation college student and working while she was in school, saying those experiences were not unusual. "What is uncommon, until now, is to have those voices and those stories and those experiences truly reflected in our federal government, in Congress and the Senate," she said. The two women will join U.S. Reps. Tom Cole, who is Chickasaw, and Markwayne Mullin, an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation, in the House. Cole and Mullin are Republicans, representing districts in Oklahoma. Haaland and Davids' wins marked an emotional high point for Kalyn Free, a citizen of the Choctaw Nation in Oklahoma and former district attorney in southeastern Oklahoma, who has been part of a decades-long push to get Native American women elected to Congress. "l always say little Indian boys and little Indian girls cannot be what they cannot see," Free said. "Now, there are going to be two male Republicans and two very outspoken, two talented Indian Democrat women who are going to be there as well." She recalled donating to the 1992 congressional campaign of Ada Deer, a Menominee woman who ran as a Democrat for a seat in Wisconsin. Twelve years later, Free herself ran for Congress in Oklahoma and then founded INDN's List, a political organization that sought to recruit and build support for Native American candidates. In the past, Free said many Native American women she supported faced a "double barrier" along race and gender lines in winning over donors who doubted their competitiveness. But Haaland and Davids toppled it. Haaland raised about $1.9 million, more than any of her opponents, despite hearing of doubts from other Democrats early in the race that she wouldn't be able to compete financially, she said. She cleared a crowded primary field before handily defeating former state lawmaker Janice Arnold-Jones, a Republican, in Tuesday's election. Davids raised about $4.3 million, almost all of it since mid-July. The sum represented an unusually large amount of money for congressional races in the state. In the final full month of her race alone, she recorded a $1.16-million haul. Federal Election Commission filings showed both candidates benefiting from a mix of individual and super PAC contributions, as well as donations from numerous tribes in their states and beyond. "We have to compete at the same level," Free said. "We have to have money, professional staff, and data-driven campaigns. That's the difference." Haaland said her fundraising push included visits to tribes' administration buildings throughout the country, where she said she discussed a range of issues with tribal leaders. In what has become a reliably Democratic district in the past decade, she ran on a progressive agenda that prioritized health care, public education and the environment, saying the issues span the interests of her constituents and Native Americans nationwide. "I hope that I can help (tribes) to see some success with my win," she said. "When I go to Congress, it's, you know, them having a seat at the table. It's them having a voice." ___ Associated Press writer John Hanna in Topeka, Kansas, contributed to this report. New Mexico congressional candidate Deb Haaland embraces a supporter during her visit to the Albuquerque Indian Center for the Native Vote Celebration in Albuquerque, New Mexico midterms election night Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018. Haaland and Kansas Democrat Sharice Davids were elected the first two Native American women to serve in Congress. (AP Photo/Juan Labreche) FILE - Deb Haaland poses for a portrait Tuesday, June 5, 2018 in a Nob Hill Neighborhood in Albuquerque, N.M. Haaland is one of two Native American women who marked historic congressional victories as a record number of women were elected to the U.S. House following an election cycle that also saw a significant boost in Native American female candidates at the state and local level. (AP Photo/Juan Labreche) New Mexico congressional candidate Deb Haaland exits the Albuquerque Indian Center after the Native Vote Celebration in Albuquerque, New Mexico midterms election night Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018. (AP Photo/Juan Labreche) FILE - In this Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018 file photo, Democrat house candidate Sharice Davids speaks to supporters at a victory party in Olathe, Kan. Davids defeated Republican incumbent Kevin Yoder to win the Kansas' 3rd Congressional District seat. Democratic House candidate Debra Haaland who won in New Mexico's 1st congressional district and Davids will join U.S. Reps. Tom Cole, who is Chickasaw, and Markwayne Mullin, an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation, in the House. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley, File) FILE - In this Tuesday, Nov.6, 2018 file photo, Democrat House candidate Sharice Davids gives a victory speech to supporters at a election party in Olathe, Kan. Davids defeated Republican incumbent Kevin Yoder to win the Kansas' 3rd Congressional District seat. Democratic House candidate Debra Haaland who won in New Mexico's 1st congressional district and Davids will join U.S. Reps. Tom Cole, who is Chickasaw, and Markwayne Mullin, an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation, in the House. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley, File) FILE - In this Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018 file photo, supporters for Democrat House candidate Sharice Davids react to election returns during a watch party in Olathe, Kan. Davids won against incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Kevin Yoder for the Kansas 3rd Congressional District seat. Democratic House candidate Debra Haaland who won in New Mexico's 1st congressional district and Davids will join U.S. Reps. Tom Cole, who is Chickasaw, and Markwayne Mullin, an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation, in the House. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley, File) FILE - In this Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018 photo Congresswoman-elect Deb Haaland, right, watches election returns with Beth Touchin, the Native American Outreach Director of the Democratic Party of New Mexico in Albuquerque, N.M. Haaland and Sharice Davids, of Kansas, on Tuesday became the nation's first Native American women to win their bids for the U.S. House of Representatives. Democrats Haaland and Davids will join U.S. Reps. Tom Cole, who is Chickasaw, and Markwayne Mullin, an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation, in the House. (AP Photo/Mary Hudetz, File) FILE - In this Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018 file photo, New Mexico Democratic congressional candidate Deb Haaland speaks to supporters during her visit to the Albuquerque Indian Center for the Native Vote Celebration in Albuquerque, N.M., on midterms election night. Haaland and Kansas Democrat Sharice Davids were elected the first two Native American women to serve in Congress. Haaland who won in New Mexico's 1st congressional district and Davids who won in Kansas' 3rd congressional district will join U.S. Reps. Tom Cole, who is Chickasaw, and Markwayne Mullin, an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation, in the House. (AP Photo/Juan Labreche, File) 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, sits at her Albuquerque home. Haaland who won in New Mexico's 1st congressional district and Native American Democrat Sharice Davids will join U.S. Reps. Tom Cole, who is Chickasaw, and Markwayne Mullin, an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation, in the House. (AP Photo/Russell Contreras, File) FILE - In this June 13, 2018 file photo, Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla., arrives for a closed-door GOP meeting on immigration, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Democrat Debra Haaland an enrolled Laguna Pueblo member won a seat in New Mexico's 1st congressional district and Democrat Sharice Davids who is Ho-Chunk won in Kansas' 3rd congressional district Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018. They will join U.S. Reps. Cole, who is Chickasaw, and Markwayne Mullin, an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation, in the House. Cole and Mullin are Republicans, representing districts in Oklahoma. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) FILE - In this May 16, 2013 file photo, House Transportation and Infrastructure Full Committee member Rep. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla. speaks on Capitol Hill in Washington. Democrat Debra Haaland an enrolled Laguna Pueblo member won a seat in New Mexico's 1st congressional district and Democrat Sharice Davids who is Ho-Chunk won in Kansas' 3rd congressional district Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018. They will join U.S. Reps. Tom Cole, who is Chickasaw, and Mullin, an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation, in the House. Cole and Mullin are Republicans, representing districts in Oklahoma (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File) Congresswoman-Elect Deb Haaland backstage before delivering her acceptance speech in Albuquerque, New Mexico midterms election night Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018. (AP Photo/Juan Labreche) New Mexico congressional candidate Deb Haaland visits the Albuquerque Indian Center for the Native Vote Celebration in Albuquerque, New Mexico midterms election night Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018. (AP Photo/Juan Labreche) Congresswoman-elect Deb Haaland reacts to the news of her election during midterms' election night in Albuquerque, N.M., Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018. (AP Photo/Juan Labreche) WARSAW, Poland (AP) - Poland's main gas company signed a long-term contract Thursday to receive deliveries of liquefied natural gas from the United States as part of a larger effort to reduce its energy dependence on Russia. The state company PGNiG signed the 24-year deal with American supplier Cheniere during a ceremony in Warsaw attended by U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry and Polish President Andrzej Duda. "This is a sign across Europe that this is how your energy security will be developed, your energy sources diversified," Perry said before the deal was signed. He and Polish Energy Minister Krzysztof Tchorzewski also signed an agreement to confirm long-term cooperation on energy security, which Perry said indicated America's "pro-Poland and pro-Europe" approach to developing diverse sources of energy. "We are prepared to be a competitive, reliable and transparent" partner, he said. Perry is visiting several countries in central and eastern Europe to expand energy partnerships in the region, the U.S. Department of Energy said. Poland's President Andrzej Duda, left, and U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry, right, shake hands during a ceremony in which Poland's main gas company PGNiG signed a long-term deal for liquefied gas deliveries with the U.S. firm Chenier, in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski) The value of the deal with the Polish company was not disclosed, in line with traditional secrecy for such energy deals. However, Piotr Wozniak, the president of PGNiG's management board, said the price is 20-30 percent lower than what Poland pays its current supplier in Russia. Under the deal, Poland will receive some 700 million cubic meters of gas from 2019 through 2022, and 39 billion cubic meters from 2023 through 2042. Poland's annual consumption of gas is almost 16 billion cubic meters, 25 percent of which is covered from Poland's own deposits. Wozniak said the deal would also provide a safety net to protect neighboring Ukraine, a transit route for Russian gas, from unexpected breaks in Russian gas deliveries. PGNiG is planning two more deals for U.S. gas deliveries, he said. Poland and Ukraine feel especially concerned about their level of dependence on Russia energy supplies, which Moscow has used as political leverage in the past. Their anxieties have increased because of a German-Russian project to build Nord Stream 2, a second pipeline under the Baltic Sea that would deliver gas directly from St. Petersburg to Germany, and to other European countries, while bypassing Poland and the route through Ukraine. Perry said the U.S. opposes Nord Stream 2 because it thinks the pipeline project would increase the region's dependence on Russian gas. The gas will be delivered by ship from terminals in Louisiana and Texas to a liquefied natural gas terminal in Swinoujscie, in the northwest, on Poland's Baltic coast. In October, PGNiG signed a separate long-term contract for the purchase of some 40 million tons, or over 50 billion cubic meters, of liquefied natural gas from Louisiana-based Venture Global Calcasieu Pass and Venture Global Plaquemines LNG. The deal, the first of its kind in central and eastern Europe, was meant to replace an expiring deal with Russia's Gazprom that Poland said cost too much. ___ Vanessa Gera in Warsaw contributed to this report. Poland's President Andrzej Duda, rear right, and U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry, rear left, look on as U.S. gas company Chenier Vice-President for Trade, Anatol Feygin,front left, and President of Poland's PGNiG gas company Piotr Wozniak,front right, sign a long-term deal for U.S. liquefied gas deliveries to Poland,in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski) Poland's President Andrzej Duda speaks about increasing the nation's energy security during a ceremony in which Poland's main gas company PGNiG signed a long-term deal for liquefied gas deliveries with the U.S. firm Chenier, in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski) THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (AP) - Terrified patrons hurled barstools through windows to escape or threw their bodies protectively on top of friends as a Marine combat veteran killed 12 people at a country music bar in an attack that added Thousand Oaks to the tragic roster of American cities traumatized by mass shootings. Dressed all in black with his hood pulled up, the gunman apparently took his own life as scores of police converged on the Borderline Bar and Grill in Southern California. The motive for the rampage late Wednesday night was under investigation. The killer , Ian David Long, 28, was a former machine gunner and Afghanistan war veteran who was interviewed by police at his home last spring after an episode of agitated behavior that authorities were told might be post-traumatic stress disorder. Opening fire with a handgun with an illegal, extra-capacity magazine, Long shot a security guard outside the bar and then went in and took aim at employees and customers, authorities said. He also used a smoke bomb, according to a law enforcement official who was not authorized to discuss the investigation publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. The dead included a man who had survived last year's massacre in Las Vegas, a veteran sheriff's deputy who rushed in to confront the gunman, a 22-year-old man who planned to join the Army, a freshman at nearby Pepperdine University and a recent Cal Lutheran graduate. Mourners embrace outside of the Thousand Oaks Teen Center, where relatives and friends gathered in the aftermath of a mass shooting, Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, in Thousand Oaks, Calif. Multiple people were shot and killed late Wednesday by a gunman who opened fire at the Borderline Bar & Grill, which was holding a weekly country music dance night for college students. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) "It's a horrific scene in there," Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean said in the parking lot. "There's blood everywhere." Survivors of the rampage - mostly young people who had gone out for college night at the Borderline, a hangout popular with students from nearby California Lutheran University and other schools - seemed to know what to do, having come of age in an era of active-shooter drills and deadly rampages happening with terrifying frequency. For some it was not a new experience. Survivors and their relatives said several people who were at the bar Thursday had been at the outdoor country music festival in Las Vegas last year where a gunman in a high-rise hotel killed 58 people. "I don't want prayers. I don't want thoughts," said Susan Schmidt-Orfanos, whose son Telemachus Orfanos survived the Vegas shooting only to die less than 10 minutes from his home. "I want those bastards in Congress - they need to pass gun control so no one else has a child that doesn't come home." Many of the estimated 150 patrons at the Borderline dived under tables, ran for exits, broke through windows or hid in the attic and bathrooms, authorities and witnesses said. "Unfortunately our young people, people at nightclubs, have learned that this may happen, and they think about that," the sheriff said. "Fortunately it helped save a lot of lives that they fled the scene so rapidly." Matt Wennerstrom said he instinctively pulled people behind a pool table, and he and friends shielded women with their bodies after hearing the shots. When the gunman paused to reload, Wennerstrom said, he and others shattered windows with barstools and helped about 30 people escape. He heard another volley of shots once he was safely outside. "All I wanted to do was get as many people out of there as possible," he told KABC-TV. "I know where I'm going if I die, so I was not worried." A video posted on Instagram after the shooting by one of the patrons shows an empty dance floor with the sound of windows shattering in the background. As a silhouetted figure comes through a doorway, the camera turns erratically and 10 gunshots ring out. "I looked him in his eyes while he killed my friends," Dallas Knapp wrote on his post. "I hope he rots in hell for eternity." The tragedy left a community that is annually listed as one of the safest cities in America reeling. Shootings of any kind are extremely rare in Thousand Oaks, a city of about 130,000 people about 40 miles (64 kilometers) from Los Angeles, just across the county line. Mourners gathered for a vigil on Wednesday evening as smoke from a fast-moving, nearby wildfire billowed over them. Earlier, people stood in line for hours to give blood. All morning, people looking for missing friends and relatives arrived at a community center where authorities and counselors were informing the next-of-kin of those who died. Many people walked past TV cameras with blank stares or tears in their eyes. In the parking lot, some comforted each other with hugs or a pat on the back. Jason Coffman received the news that his son Cody, 22, who was about to join the Army, was dead. Coffman broke down as he told reporters how his last words to his son as he went out that night were not to drink and drive and that he loved him. "Oh, Cody, I love you, son," Coffman sobbed. It was the nation's deadliest such attack since 17 students and teachers were killed at a Parkland, Florida, high school nine months ago. It also came less than two weeks after a gunman massacred 11 people at a synagogue in Pittsburgh. Democratic Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom, in his first public appearance since winning office on Tuesday, lamented the violence that has returned to California. "It's a gun culture," he said. "You can't go to a bar or nightclub? You can't go to church or synagogue? It's insane is the only way to describe it. The normalization, that's the only way I can describe it. It's become normalized." President Donald Trump praised police for their "great bravery" in the attack and ordered flags flown at half-staff in honor of the victims. Authorities searched Long's home in Newbury Park, about 5 miles from the Borderline bar, for clues to what set him off. "There's no indication that he targeted the employees. We haven't found any correlation," the sheriff said. "Maybe there was a motive for this particular night, but we have no information leading to that at all." Long was in the Marines from 2008 to 2013, rose to the rank of corporal and served in Afghanistan in 2010-11 before he was honorably discharged, the military said. Court records show he married in 2009 and was divorced in 2013. Authorities said he had no criminal record, but in April officers were called to his home, where deputies found him angry and acting irrationally. The sheriff said officers were told he might have PTSD because of his military service. A mental health specialist met with him and didn't feel he needed to be hospitalized. Tom Hanson, 70, who lives next door to Long and his mother, said he called the police about six months ago when he heard "heavy-duty banging" and shouting coming from the Longs' home. "Somebody has missed something here," his wife, Julie Hanson, said. "This woman has to know that this child needed help." Long was armed with a Glock 21, a .45-caliber pistol designed to hold 10 rounds plus one in the chamber, according to the sheriff. But it had an extended magazine - one capable of holding more ammunition - that is illegal in California, Dean said. Sheriff's Sgt. Ron Helus and a passing highway patrolman arrived at the club around 11:20 p.m. in response to several 911 calls, heard gunfire and went inside, the sheriff said. Helus was shot immediately, Dean said. The highway patrolman pulled Helus out, then waited as a SWAT team and other officers arrived. Helus died at a hospital. By the time officers entered the bar again - about 15 to 20 minutes later, according to the sheriff's office - the gunfire had stopped. They found 12 people dead inside, including the gunman, who was discovered in an office, the sheriff said. "There's no doubt that they saved lives by going in there and engaging with the suspect," said Dean, who was set to retire Friday. He praised the slain officer - a close friend - as a hero: "He went in there to save people and paid the ultimate price." One other person was wounded by gunfire, and as many as 15 others suffered minor injuries from jumping out windows or diving under tables, authorities said. Five off-duty police officers who were at the bar also helped people escape, authorities said. For several hours after the violence, survivors gathered in the dark, some sobbing and hugging as they awaited word on the fate of friends as ambulances idled nearby. Several men were bare-chested after using their shirts to plug wounds and tie tourniquets. Around midday, the body of the slain sheriff's officer was taken by motorcade from the hospital to the coroner's office. Thousands of people stood along the route or pulled over in their vehicles to watch the hearse pass. Helus was a 29-year veteran of the force with a wife and son and planned to retire in the coming year, said the sheriff, choking back tears. ___ AP journalists Andrew Dalton, Amanda Lee Myers, John Antczak and Brian Melley in Los Angeles, Michelle A. Monroe in Phoenix and Michael Balsamo in Washington contributed to this report. An honor guard salutes the body of Ventura County Sheriff's Department Sgt. Ron Helus before it departs the Los Robles Regional Medical Center Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, in Thousand Oaks, Calif. Helus was killed after a gunman opened fire the night before inside a country dance bar crowded with hundreds of people on "college night." (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) This 2017 photo from the California Department of Motor Vehicles shows Ian David Long. Authorities said the Marine combat veteran opened fire Wednesday evening, Nov. 7, 2018, at a country music bar in Southern California, killing multiple people before apparently taking his own life. (California Department of Motor Vehicles via AP) Mourners embrace outside of the Thousand Oaks Teen Center, where relatives and friends gathered in the aftermath of a mass shooting, Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, in Thousand Oaks, Calif. Multiple people were shot and killed late Wednesday by a gunman who opened fire at the Borderline Bar & Grill, which was holding a weekly country music dance night for college students. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) A law enforcement motorcade, providing an escort for a hearse carrying the body of Ventura County Sheriff's Sgt. Ron Helus, makes its way northbound on Highway 101 Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, in Newbury Park, Calif. Helus was fatally shot while responding to a mass shooting at a country music bar in Southern California. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) Firefighters salute from an overpass as a motorcade with the body of Ventura County Sheriff's Sgt. Ron Helus goes by Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, in Newbury Park, Calif. Helus was fatally shot while responding to a mass shooting at a country music bar in Southern California. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) Law enforcement and fire personnel salute from an overpass as a motorcade with the body of Ventura County Sheriff's Sgt. Ron Helus passes by Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, in Newbury Park, Calif. Helus was fatally shot while responding to a mass shooting at a country music bar in Southern California. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) In this image taken from video a victim is treated near the scene of a shooting, Wednesday evening, Nov. 7, 2018, in Thousand Oaks, Calif. A hooded gunman dressed entirely in black opened fire on a crowd at a country dance bar holding a weekly "college night" in Southern California, killing multiple people and sending hundreds fleeing including some who used barstools to break windows and escape, authorities said Thursday. The gunman was later found dead at the scene. (RMG News via AP) A law enforcement motorcade, providing an escort for a hearse carrying the body of Ventura County Sheriff's Sgt. Ron Helus, makes its way northbound on Highway 101 Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, in Newbury Park, Calif. Helus was fatally shot while responding to a mass shooting at a country music bar in Southern California. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) Ventura County Sheriff's deputies stand outside the house of shooting suspect David Ian Long in Newbury Park, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. Authorities said the former Marine opened fire at a country music bar in Southern California on Wednesday evening. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel) Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean speaks to reporters near the scene in Thousand Oaks, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, where a gunman opened fire the previous night inside a country dance bar crowded with hundreds of people. Officials say the suspect is dead inside the bar. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Potential witnesses sit near the scene Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, in Thousand Oaks, Calif., where a gunman opened fire Wednesday inside a crowded country music bar. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) This undated photo provided by the Ventura County Sheriff's Department shows Sheriff's Sgt. Ron Helus, who was killed Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018, in a deadly shooting at a country music bar in Thousand Oaks, Calif. (Ventura County Sheriff's Department via AP) Ventura County Sheriff's deputies and FBI investigators stand outside the house of shooting suspect David Ian Long in Newbury Park, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. Authorities said the former Marine opened fire at a country music bar in Southern California on Wednesday evening. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel) People comfort each other as they stand near the scene Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, in Thousand Oaks, Calif. where a gunman opened fire Wednesday inside a country dance bar crowded with hundreds of people on "college night," wounding 11 people including a deputy who rushed to the scene. Ventura County sheriff's spokesman says gunman is dead inside the bar. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) A forensics team works the scene Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, in Thousand Oaks, Calif. where a gunman opened fire Wednesday inside a country dance bar crowded with hundreds of people on "college night," wounding 11 people including a deputy who rushed to the scene. Ventura County sheriff's spokesman says gunman is dead inside the bar. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) CAIRO (AP) - Human Rights Watch is cautioning the United States against lifting its designation of Sudan as a state sponsor of terrorism. The New York-based watchdog says Khartoum continues to violate basic human rights, with security forces regularly attacking civilians and opening fire on peaceful protesters. Thursday's statement comes after Washington agreed to a second phase of rapprochement with Khartoum that includes six criteria, which if fulfilled would qualify Sudan to have the designation lifted. The State Department says these include expanding counterterrorism cooperation and enhancing human rights protections and practices, including freedoms of religion and press. Also on the list are "ceasing internal hostilities and creating a more conducive environment for progress in Sudan's peace process." Washington also wants Khartoum to abide by U.N. resolutions related to North Korea. HELSINKI (AP) - The European Union's Brexit negotiator on Thursday said that gaps remain to be bridged in talks on the U.K.'s departure from the bloc as time runs out to secure a deal and have it endorsed. Britain leaves the EU on March 29, but a deal must be sealed in the coming weeks to leave enough time for the U.K. Parliament and European Parliament to sign off on it. "We need much more work" to clinch an agreement, Michel Barnier told The Associated Press on the sidelines of a gathering of center-right political parties in Helsinki, Finland. The main obstacle to an agreement is how to keep goods flowing smoothly across the border between the Republic of Ireland, an EU member, and Northern Ireland, which is part of the U.K. All parties have committed to avoid a "hard border" with costly, time-consuming border checks that would hamper business. Any new customs posts on the border could also re-ignite lingering sectarian tensions. Finnish Prime Minister Juha Sipila said, however, that major progress in Brexit talks was likely "within a week," based on his discussions with several visiting EU leaders and European Council President Donald Tusk, who chairs summits of the EU's 28 leaders. "We're going through crucial days now. We're very close now," Sipila told reporters. European Chief Negotiator for the United Kingdom Exiting the European Union, French Michel Barnier and Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov, right, at the European People's Party (EPP) congress in Helsinki, Finland, Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. (Markku Ulander/Lehtikuva via AP) European leaders are awaiting Barnier's assessment as to whether sufficient progress has been made in the Brexit negotiations for an EU summit to be convened to announce a deal. Rumors are swirling that one might take place by the end of November, weeks ahead of a pre-planned EU summit in mid-December, but Barnier declined to say when or if that would happen. In Paris, Britain's foreign secretary, Jeremy Hunt, said Brexit negotiations are in "the final phase" and he is confident an agreement will be reached. "Seven days is probably pushing it, but I am optimistic that there will be a Brexit deal," Hunt said, adding it is "very, very difficult to resolve but I am confident that we can." European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, in Helsinki, said that British Prime Minister Theresa May "is, as we are, decided to have the deal, and we will have a deal." Later, addressing leaders of the European People's Party group, Barnier warned of the threat that rising nationalism and populism pose to the EU ahead of European Parliament elections in May. He referred to Nigel Farage, the former U.K. Independence Party leader who helped convinced many Britons to vote for Brexit. "This election will be tougher than those before," Barnier said. "We will have to fight against those who want to demolish Europe - their fear, their populist deceit, their attacks against the European project. There is now a Farage in every country." The European elections will be the first of the post-Brexit era. Europe's incapacity to manage migration has fueled far-right sentiment across the continent and many worry that nationalists might make more progress in May. The slow pace of Brexit talks and the standoff between the EU and Italy over the budget plans of the populist government in Rome are reminders of the kinds of upheavals that might occur if disenchanted European voters look to the right or far-right for answers. ___ David Keyton in Helsinki and John Leicester in Paris contributed to this report. Finnish Prime Minister Juha Sipila, left, welcomes EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker at the Prime Minister's official residence Kesaranta in Helsinki, Finland, on Thursday Nov. 8, 2018. Finland's Presidency of the Council of Europe will start on November 21. (Antti Aimo-Koivisto/Lehtikuva via AP) The President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker arrives to the European People's Party (EPP) congress in Helsinki, Finland, Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. (Markku Ulander/Lehtikuva via AP) Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban arrives to the European People's Party (EPP) congress in Helsinki, Finland, Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. The EPP, the group uniting Europe's center-right parties, has been wringing its hands over whether to keep Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Fidesz in the fold or cut them loose before European Parliament elections in May. (Markku Ulander/Lehtikuva via AP) PARIS (AP) - A French judge has extended the detention of six people arrested this week on suspicion of plotting to attack French President Emmanuel Macron. A judicial official said Thursday the six can remain in detention without formal charges until Saturday with this ruling. A preliminary investigation of alleged criminal terrorist association opened on Tuesday, the day of their arrest. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the allegations, said the alleged plot appeared to be incomplete, but violent. Interior Minister Christophe Castaner said it's believed they were far-right activists. French presidents have been targeted before. In 2002, a far-right sympathizer tried to attack President Jacques Chirac on Paris' Champs-Elysees Avenue on Bastille Day. U.S. President Donald Trump comes to France this weekend for the World War I Armistice centenary. LONDON (AP) - Britain's Prince Charles has pledged not to interfere in the affairs of state when he becomes king, seeking to dispel concerns about his past activism on issues ranging from global warming to architectural preservation. In an interview for a documentary marking his 70th birthday, the heir to the throne told the BBC that he understands he will have to act differently when he becomes king. Britain's monarch is barred from interfering in politics. "I'm not that stupid," Charles said when asked if his public campaigning would continue after he succeeds his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. "I do realize that it is a separate exercise being sovereign, so of course I understand entirely how that should operate." The prince has caused disquiet in the past by expressing his commitment to organic farming, traditional architecture and environmental causes. In 2015, he lost a long court battle to prevent the disclosure of 27 letters sent to government officials on matters such as badger culling, fish protection, military readiness and the preservation of historic buildings. The "black spider" memos, so called because of Charles' cramped handwritten greetings and closings, were controversial because some saw them as inappropriate lobbying by the heir to the throne. But Charles defended his past actions, including establishing the Prince's Trust in 1976 to help disadvantaged young people, saying he had always steered clear of party politics. He wondered aloud whether his interventions were really "meddling." Britain's Prince Charles, centre, speaks to fashion designers during a visit to the British Council Arts Festival in Lagos, Nigeria, Wednesday Nov. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/ Sunday Alamba) "If it's meddling to worry about the inner cities as I did 40 years ago ... if that's meddling, I'm very proud of it," he said. The documentary captures the prince in both public and private, including images of him feeding vegetable scraps to his chickens and collecting their eggs at his Highgrove home. It includes an interview with the prince's wife, the Duchess of Cornwall, who said Charles is driven by a need to help others. "He's pretty impatient, he wants things done by yesterday as I think everybody who works for him will tell you. But that's how he gets things done. He's driven by this, this passion inside him to really help," she said. "He would like to save the world." In extracts published by The Times, the prime minister's letter refers to European Union demands for the proposed Brexit backstop arrangement to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland. The PM's five-page letter, leaked to The Times, was sent on Tuesday to Arlene Foster, the DUP leader, and Nigel Dodds, her deputy. "That is why it is critical that the provision for a UK-EU joint customs territory is legally binding in the Withdrawal Agreement itself, so that no "backstop to a backstop" is required". Brexit talks had been deadlocked over the so-called backstop - the fallback position that would be activated if a future EU-UK trade deal does not produce a solution that would prevent a hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland. In the letter, Mrs May said she would never allow a divide between the Northern Ireland and Britain "to come into force". The Democratic Unionist Party said it appeared the Prime Minister was prepared to break her promise never to agree a deal which could separate Ireland from the UK. Ataque a militares venezolanos viene de Colombia: Diosdado Cabello El lunes la Cancilleria de Colombia publico un comunicado donde se puso a disposicion de Caracas para " facilitar toda la colaboracion " que le fuese requerida. "Dragon Ball Super Broly": fans de Vegeta sorprendidos por su espectacular transformacion Es por eso que una nueva version oficial del personaje debutara en la siguiente cinta en donde sera el antagonista. Hoy muchos se preguntan como haran Goku y Vegeta para superar al nuevo rival. Blizzard Debunks Rumor Of A Diablo 4 Scrapped BlizzCon 2018 Reveal The safe bet says that Diablo 4 is being made , though I wouldn't be surprised if it's still many years away. We're only going to release the game when we feel like it is meeting the community's very high standards. The UK Prime Minister relies on the support of the DUP's 10 MPs for her Commons majority, votes which may become crucial as she attempts to get a deal through Parliament. To say, "because I've been incompetent in the negotiation so far I'm going to have to agree to a final backstop that could undermine the integrity of the United Kingdom, but go on to say, trust me because I'll be more competent in my future negotiation than I have in the ones to date", is a line that lacks credibility'. Mrs Foster told the newspaper: "The prime minister's letter raises alarm bells for those who value the integrity of our precious Union and for those who want a proper Brexit for the whole of the UK". Your letter has raised a series of issues about the nature of the backstop. The prime minister wrote: "They want to maintain a Northern Ireland-only "backstop to the backstop" in case the future negotiations are unsuccessful". 'The government will not agree anything that brings about a hard border on the island of Ireland'. A senior UK Government source said that reports in the European media that a deal could come in the next few days should be taken "with a very large pinch of salt". TEHRAN, Iran (AP) - Iran's oil minister on Thursday predicted a painful time ahead for international oil customers as U.S. sanctions take hold, saying waivers that Washington granted to eight major oil-importing countries are not enough for market demands. Iranian state TV quoted the minster, Bijan Zanganeh, as saying he sees the months ahead as "painful months for oil consumers." Zanganeh claimed the Trump administration may have been able to "superficially" bring fuel prices down ahead of the U.S. mid-term elections this week but that there's bound to be a hike in prices in the future. The United States on Monday re-imposed oil and banking sanctions on Iran that where lifted under the 2015 nuclear deal but granted waivers to eight major importers to continue buying Iranian petroleum products without penalty for another six months. Also Thursday, Iran's representative to OPEC, Hossein Kazempour Ardebili, claimed that Russia and Saudi Arabia were helping Trump by increasing their own production to keep oil prices low. Trump repeatedly has asked oil producers to pump more crude to lower prices. The latest batch of U.S. sanctions severely impacts Iran's oil industry, the major source of the country's foreign revenue. Tehran worries OPEC and non-OPEC countries such as Russia will increase their production to fill the gap in response. FILE - In this June 19, 2018 file photo, Iran's Minister of Petroleum Bijan Zangeneh speaks to journalists at a hotel in Vienna, Austria. On Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, Iranian state TV quoted the minster as predicting a painful time for international oil customers as U.S. sanctions take hold, saying waivers that Washington granted to eight major oil-importing countries are not enough for market demands. (AP Photo/Ronald Zak, File) On Tuesday, Zanganeh, the oil minister, wrote a letter to the OPEC chief, asking that the so-called Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee - which consists of all OPEC and non-OPEC countries -some members of the committee "openly" take side with the United States on the matter of sanctions on Iran. The committee is due to hold a meeting next week in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, an ally of Iran's regional rival Saudi Arabia. VRIGNE-MEUSE, France (AP) - Augustin Trebuchon is buried beneath a white lie. His tiny plot is almost on the front line where the guns finally fell silent at 11 a.m. on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, after a four-year war that had already killed millions. A simple white cross says: "Died for France on Nov. 10, 1918." Not so. Like hundreds of others along the Western Front, Trebuchon was killed in combat on the morning of Nov. 11 - after the pre-dawn agreement between the Allies and Germany but before the armistice took effect six hours later. His death at almost literally the eleventh hour only highlighted the folly of a war that had become ever more incomprehensible to many in nations drawn into the first global conflict. FILE - In this file photo taken on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014, the sun begins to rise behind barbed wire next to a re-constructed WWI trench in Ploegsteert, Belgium. Hundreds of troops died on the final morning of World War I _ even after an armistice was reached and before it came into force. Death at literally the 11th hour highlighted the futility of a conflict that had become even more incomprehensible in four years of battle. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo, File) Before Nov. 11, the war had killed 14 million people, including 9 million soldiers, sailors and airmen from 28 countries. Germany came close to a quick, early victory before the war settled into hellish trench fighting. One battle, like the Somme in France, could have up to 1 million casualties. The use of poison gas came to epitomize the ruthlessness of warfare that the world had never seen. For the French, who lost up to 1.4 million troops, it was perhaps too poignant - or too shameful - to denote that Trebuchon had been killed on the very last morning, just as victory finally prevailed. "Indeed, on the tombs it said 'Nov. 10, 1918,' to somewhat ease the mourning of families," said French military historian Nicolas Czubak. There were many reasons why men kept falling until the call of the bugler at 11 a.m.: fear that the enemy would not abide by the armistice, a sheer hatred after four years of unprecedented slaughter, the ambition of commanders craving a last victory, bad communications, the inane joy of killing. As the hours ticked down, villages were taken, attacks were thwarted with heavy losses and rivers were crossed under enemy fire. Questions remain whether the gains were worth all the human losses. Historian Joseph Persico estimated the total dead, wounded and missing on all sides on the final day was 10,900. U.S. Gen. John J. Pershing, who had been bent on continuing the fighting, even had to explain to Congress the high number of last-day losses. Other nations also were not spared such casualties. With two minutes to go, 25-year-old Canadian Pvt. George Lawrence Price was slain by a German sniper. About 250 kilometers (150 miles) away in France, a 23-year-old American, Henry Gunther, was killed by German machine-gun fire one minute before the armistice. Trebuchon, 40, also was shot minutes before the cease-fire. He was running to tell his comrades where and when they would have a meal after the armistice. All three are considered their nations' last men to fall in active combat. ___ "THE FUTILITY OF THE LARGER WAR" Anti-German sentiment ran high after the United States declared war in April 1917, and Gunther and his family in Baltimore were subjected to the kind of prejudice and suspicion that many of German descent faced at the time. "It was not a good time to be German in the United States," said historian Alec Bennett. Gunther had little choice when he got drafted. He was given the rank of sergeant, but he later was demoted when he wrote a letter home critical of the conditions in the war. Soon after, he was thrown into the biggest U.S. battle of the war, the Meuse-Argonne offensive in northeastern France. There were reports he was still brooding over his demotion right on Nov. 11. When he emerged from a thick fog in the valley around Chaumont-devant-Damvillers, he and his comrades faced a German machine gun nest on the hillside. Indications are that the Germans fired one salvo over his head as a warning, knowing the war was almost over. But he still charged onward. "His time of death was 10:59 a.m., which is just so haunting," Bennett said. Gunther was recognized by Pershing as the last American to die on the battlefield. Questions remain whether it was a suicide run, an attempt at redemption or an act of true devotion. "It is just as puzzling now as it was 100 years ago," Bennett said, adding that one thing is clear: "Gunther's act is seen as almost a symbol of the futility of the larger war." But there was one more cruel twist for his family: They were unaware he had been killed. Upon his expected return "they went to the train station to meet Henry - not there!" said Bruce Malone, superintendent of Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery, the final resting place for 100 Americans who died Nov. 11. ___ "A NEED TO KILL ONE LAST TIME" There was no mystery surrounding the death of Price, the Canadian. It was an utterly senseless loss of life. He was a farm laborer in Saskatchewan when the swirl of history plucked him off the land in October 1917 as the Allies sought ever more manpower for the Western Front. The summer after he was drafted, he was part of the surge of victories that seized villages and cities right up to Nov. 11. By that time, Canadians were retaking Mons in southern Belgium, where soldiers from the British Commonwealth had their very first battle with the Germans in August 1914. It was especially sweet for the Commonwealth commanders to retake the city, bringing the war full circle where they lost their first soldier, English Pvt. John Parr, on Aug. 21, 1914. Price decided to check out homes along the canals while civilians in the center of Mons had already broken out the wine and whiskey they had hidden for years from the Germans to celebrate with the Canadians. Suddenly, a shot rang out and Price collapsed. "It really was one man, here and there, who was driven by vengeance, by a need to kill one last time," said Belgian historian Corentin Rousman. The final minutes counted not just for the casualties but also for the killers. "There are rules in war," Rousman said. "There is always the possibility to kill two minutes before a cease-fire. Two minutes after, the German would have had to stand before a judge. That's the difference." At the St. Symphorien cemetery just outside Mons, Price, the last Commonwealth soldier killed in the war, lies a stone's throw from Parr, the first. "He is not forgotten," Rousman said of Price. "It's a soldier whose tomb is often draped in flowers." ___ "PART OF THIS GREAT PATRIOTIC MOMENTUM" Trebuchon's grave stands out because of the date, underscoring the random fortunes of war. He was a shepherd from France's Massif Central and could have avoided the war as a family breadwinner at age 36. "But he was part of this great patriotic momentum," said Jean-Christophe Chanot, the mayor of Vrigne-Meuse, where he died. Trebuchon knew misery as part of France's most brutal battles - Marne, Somme, Verdun. He survived right up to his last order - to tell soldiers where to gather after the armistice. Instead, his body was found with a bullet wound to the head. He was recognized as "the last French soldier killed during the last French attack against the Germans," Chanot said. The date on his grave - Nov. 10, 1918 - remains controversial, even if it was meant to soothe a family's sorrow. "It was a lie, without a question," said Czubak, the French historian. ___ Photojournalist Virginia Mayo and video journalist Mark Carlson contributed. ___ For more information on World War I, go to The Associated Press' WWI hub: https://www.apnews.com/WorldWarI ___ World War I: An AP Centennial Commemorative Edition. Available now exclusively at Amazon: https://amzn.to/2JGrx5U In this photo taken on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, the grave marker of French WWI soldier Augustin Trebuchon in Vrigne-Meuse, France. His tiny plot is almost on the front line where the guns finally fell silent at 11 a.m. on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, after a four-year war that had already killed millions. Hundreds of troops died on the final morning of World War I _ even after an armistice was reached and before it came into force. Death at literally the 11th hour highlighted the futility of a conflict that had become even more incomprehensible in four years of battle. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo) FILE - In this undated file photo American World War I soldiers wave their helmets after the Nov. 11, 1918 Armistice was signed in France. Hundreds of troops died on the final morning of World War I _ even after an armistice was reached and before it came into force. Death at literally the 11th hour highlighted the futility of a conflict that had become even more incomprehensible in four years of battle. (AP Photo, File) FILE In this file photo taken on Saturday, July 26, 2014, wooden crosses and Canadian flags adorn the grave of World War I Canadian soldier Pvt. George Lawrence Price, center, at the St. Symphorien Cemetery near Mons, Belgium. Price was recorded as the last Canadian soldier to die on the Western Front during the First World War. Hundreds of troops died on the final morning of World War I _ even after an armistice was reached and before it came into force. Death at literally the 11th hour highlighted the futility of a conflict that had become even more incomprehensible in four years of battle. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo, File) In this photo taken on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, a memorial to US World War I soldier Henry Gunther perched on a hill where he died in Chaumont-devant-Damvillers, France. Henry Gunther's time of death was recorded at 10:59am and was recognized by General John Pershing as the last American to die on the battlefront. Hundreds of troops died on the final morning of World War I _ even after an armistice was reached and before it came into force. Death at literally the 11th hour highlighted the futility of a conflict that had become even more incomprehensible in four years of battle. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo) FILE - In this file photo from Nov. 1918, the German and French delegations speak as they wait in Rethondes for the start of the train to the Armistice conference in the Forest of Compiegne, France. Hundreds of troops died on the final morning of World War I _ even after an armistice was reached and before it came into force. Death at literally the 11th hour highlighted the futility of a conflict that had become even more incomprehensible in four years of battle. (AP Photo, File) In this photo taken on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, a photo of French WWI soldier Augustin Trebuchon hangs on a wall outside a cemetery in Vrigne-Meuse, France. Trebuchon is recorded as the last French soldier to die. Hundreds of troops died on the final morning of World War I _ even after an armistice was reached and before it came into force. Death at literally the 11th hour highlighted the futility of a conflict that had become even more incomprehensible in four years of battle. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo) FILE In this file photo taken on April 3, 2017, the bones of soldiers are piled in a crypt at the Douaumont Ossuary in Verdun, France. Hundreds of troops died on the final morning of World War I _ even after an armistice was reached and before it came into force. Death at literally the 11th hour highlighted the futility of a conflict that had become even more incomprehensible in four years of battle. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo, File) FILE - In this Saturday, Aug. 3, 2014 file photo, George Barkhouse, 84, from Nova Scotia, Canada, looks out to where his uncle, World War I soldier Pvt. George Lawrence Price, was killed in Ville-sur-Haine, Belgium on Nov. 11, 1918 just two minutes before the Armistice. He is known as the last Canadian soldier to die on the Western Front in the First World War. Hundreds of troops died on the final morning of World War I _ even after an armistice was reached and before it came into force. Death at literally the 11th hour highlighted the futility of a conflict that had become even more incomprehensible in four years of battle. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo, File) In this photo taken on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, Historian Nicolas Czubak speaks with the Associated Press at the Verdun Memorial in Fleury-devant-Douaumont, France. Hundreds of troops died on the final morning of World War I _ even after an armistice was reached and before it came into force. Death at literally the 11th hour highlighted the futility of a conflict that had become even more incomprehensible in four years of battle. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo) In this photo taken on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, a memorial to US World War I soldier Henry Gunther perched on a hill where he died in Chaumont-devant-Damvillers, France. Henry Gunther's time of death was recorded at 10:59am and was recognized by General John Pershing as the last American to die on the battlefront. Hundreds of troops died on the final morning of World War I _ even after an armistice was reached and before it came into force. Death at literally the 11th hour highlighted the futility of a conflict that had become even more incomprehensible in four years of battle. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo) In this photo taken on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, hunters walk on a hill where American World War I soldier Henry Gunther died in Chaumont-devant-Damvillers, France. Henry Gunther's time of death was recorded at 10:59am and was recognized by General John Pershing as the last American to die on the battlefront. Hundreds of troops died on the final morning of World War I _ even after an armistice was reached and before it came into force. Death at literally the 11th hour highlighted the futility of a conflict that had become even more incomprehensible in four years of battle. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo) WARSAW, Poland (AP) - A Polish court on Thursday overturned a Warsaw city ban on a march organized by far-right nationalist groups, justifying the decision on constitutional grounds of the freedom of assembly. The decision by Judge Michal Jakubowski is the latest development surrounding contentious, confusing preparations for an Independence Day march on Sunday in the Polish capital to honor the country's 100 years of independence. For the past decade, far-right nationalists have been organizing marches on the Nov. 11 Independence Day in Warsaw, and this year fears of open demonstrations of extremism and possible clashes with counter-protesters threatened to overshadow all other events on the nation's centenary calendar. Last year marchers carried xenophobic banners proclaiming the desire for a "White Europe" that drew international criticism, especially coming only a few months after a violent rally of white nationalists in Charlottesville, Virginia. Polish government officials had tried for months to persuade the nationalists to make the Warsaw march this year an inclusive affair involving state officials without any provocative banners but the two sides were unable to agree. On Wednesday, Warsaw's city mayor stepped in and banned the march, citing security reasons. The president and prime minister then quickly announced that an inclusive state march would take place instead Sunday along the same route, led by President Andrzej Duda and including the prime minister, other top leaders and World War II veterans. FILE - In this Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, file photo, Demonstrators burn flares and wave Polish flags during the annual march to commemorate Poland's National Independence Day in Warsaw, Poland. Thousands of nationalists marched in Warsaw on Poland's Independence Day holiday, taking part in an event that was organized by far-right groups. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski) After the court ruling, it wasn't immediately clear if both marches will go ahead separately, or as one. The uncertainties about security had been heightened by a mass walk-out by police officers in recent days over pay, prompting the government to ask the Defense Ministry to help with security on Sunday. But late Thursday a police union announced it was ending the protest after agreeing upon a deal with the Interior Ministry. The Warsaw court ruling follows a similar ruling in Wroclaw on a city ban on a nationalist march there for Sunday. City authorities still have the right to appeal the rulings. Warsaw city spokesman Bartosz Milczarczyk said "we respect the court's verdict." He said town hall officials were studying it before deciding whether to appeal. Earlier in the day, before the ruling, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said authorities would do everything in their power to crack down on any expressions of extremism at the march. "We want the march to be peaceful and not provoke tensions," Morawiecki told reporters. His comments come amid other signs that Poland's conservative ruling Law and Justice party is now seeking to take a firmer stance against ultra-nationalists after a period in which they seemed to be trying to appease them. Extremists from Hungary and elsewhere have in past years joined Poland's Nov. 11 march, which is meant to mark Poland's regaining of its independence at the end of World War I. Saying he expected up to 200,000 participants Sunday at the inclusive Warsaw march, Morawiecki acknowledged it could be hard to control them all, but said "we will try to eliminate all banners which are extremist." He also said there will be no tolerance for foreign neo-fascists or other agitators. Many other World War I centennial events are expected across the country on Sunday, with the most emotional expected to be the public singing of the national hymn at noon in hundreds of places. FILE - In this Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, file photo, Demonstrators burn flares and wave Polish flags during the annual march to commemorate Poland's National Independence Day in Warsaw, Poland. Thousands of nationalists marched in Warsaw on Poland's Independence Day holiday, taking part in an event that was organized by far-right groups. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski) A worker cleans a statue depicting late Polish President Lech Kaczynski after it was installed at a central square in Warsaw, Poland, Wednesday Nov. 7, 2018. Kaczynski, who was killed in a 2010 plane crash in Russia, was the twin brother of Jaroslaw Kaczynski, the head of the current ruling party, Law and Justice. The statue will be official unveiled on Saturday as part of the centennial observances marking 100 years of Polish independence. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski) BERLIN (AP) - Walter Frankenstein was 14 years old when a police officer came to the Jewish orphanage he was living at in Berlin, urging all children to leave the building immediately because "something bad will happen tonight." It was early evening, November 9, 1938. Later that night, he climbed up on the roof of the orphanage and saw fire lighting up the city. "Then we knew: the synagogues were burning," he said. "The next morning, when I had to go to school, there was sparkling, broken glass everywhere on the streets." Frankenstein, now 94, was describing Kristallnacht - the "Night of Broken Glass" - when Nazis, among them many ordinary Germans, terrorized Jews throughout Germany and Austria. They killed at least 91 people and vandalized 7,500 Jewish businesses. They also burned more than 1,400 synagogues, according to Israel's Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial. Up to 30,000 Jewish men were arrested, many taken to concentration camps such as Dachau or Buchenwald. Hundreds more committed suicide or died as a result of the mistreatment in the camps years before the official mass deportations began. As Germany marked the 80th anniversary of the anti-Jewish pogroms this week with a series of memorial events, Frankenstein returned to the place where he witnessed the violence as a teenager. In this Nov. 5, 2018 photo Walter Frankenstein, born in 1924, witness of the Nov. 9, 1938 terror against Jews in Berlin and one of the few survivors of Auerbach'sches Waisenhaus orphanage shows a box with the Yellow badge the Nazis forced him to wear and with the Germany's Federal Cross of Merit he got 2014, during an interview with the Associated Press in Berlin. Frankenstein witnessed as the orphanage was attack by a Nazis during the terror night of Nov. 9, 1938. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber) One of the dwindling number of Holocaust survivors, Frankenstein needed a walker as he slowly entered the compound where the Auerbach'sches Waisenhaus orphanage once stood. But his memory is still sharp, and he remembers exactly how the events unfolded that night. "A few hours after the plain clothes police officer had warned us, a group of men in uniforms came and told us, 'you need to leave now, we want to set fire to the building,'" Frankenstein said during an interview with The Associated Press this week. There would have been no way to take the youngest children to a safe place that quickly, he said. Frankenstein and some of the older boys at the home managed to convince the uniformed men, who belonged to the paramilitary SA, that if they burned down the orphanage the fire would spread to surrounding buildings. "So instead, they went into our synagogue and turned off the sanctuary light in front of the holy ark," Frankenstein said. "They did not turn off the gas and after they left, we suddenly could smell gas everywhere inside the building." Frankenstein and his peers ran inside the synagogue, tore open all windows, and turned off the gas before it could lead to an explosion. "The men probably thought that if enough gas would stream out, the building would blow up," he said. Kristallnacht is often referred to as the beginning of the Holocaust. It would still be years before the Nazis formally adopted their "Final Solution" for the Jews of Europe, when boycotts, anti-Semitism legislation and expulsions would evolve into a policy of mass murder. In all, 6 million European Jews were killed in the Holocaust. Guy Miron, who heads Israel's Yad Vashem's Center for Research on the Holocaust in Germany, said Kristallnacht represented an end to Jewish life in Germany, a point of no return. "Until then, the Jews could still try to convince themselves that the wheel could be turned back. After it, the rupture was complete. They realized it was over," he said at a Yad Vashem event this week marking the anniversary. "Before Kristallnacht people emigrated. After it, they fled." Standing under an old poplar tree shedding its bright yellow leaves, Frankenstein gazed at a red brick wall - the only remainder of the orphanage in the city's Prenzlauer Berg neighborhood. The building was badly destroyed during a World War II air raid in 1943, and the ruins were torn down in the 1950s. The wall was turned into a memorial for those Jewish orphans who did not survive the Holocaust, with the names and ages of 140 children inscribed on the bricks. The youngest one, Cilla Fuks, was ten months old when she was murdered. Frankenstein was one of the few who survived. In 1943 he went into hiding with his wife Leonie, whom he had met at the orphanage, as the Nazis were deporting thousands of Jews from Berlin to Auschwitz. "We had promised ourselves not to do what Hitler wanted," he said, still feisty after all these years. "So we went into hiding." Together with their newborn son Uri, the couple spent 25 months in hiding in Berlin. A second son, Michael, was born in 1944, during their time on the run. In 1945, after the collapse of the Nazis' Third Reich, the Frankensteins immigrated to what was then still Palestine. Eleven years later, in 1956, they moved from Israel to Sweden where they settled for good. Nowadays, Walter Frankenstein returns to Germany several times a year. He often talks to schoolchildren about his life and on Friday, the anniversary of November 9, 1938, he will be honored in an award-giving ceremony by Germany's Culture Minister Monika Gruetters. In 2014, he received Germany's highest civil honor, the Federal Cross of Merit. Every time Frankenstein travels to Berlin, he brings along the small blue case containing the cross. Inside the case's lid, he has attached the first "mark" he got from the Germans: The Yellow Badge, or Jewish Star, that he had to wear during the Nazi reign to identify him as a Jew. "The first one marked me, the second one honored me," he said as he slowly closed the lid. ___ David Rising contributed reporting from Berlin, Aron Heller from Jerusalem and Randy Herschaft from New York. Follow Kirsten Grieshaber at twitter.com/kugrieshaber FILE - In this Nov. 10, 1938 file photo firefighters are at the Fasanenstrasse synagogue, Berlin's biggest house of Jewish worship, after Nazis set fire to it in anti-Jewish demonstrations throughout Germany known as Kristallnacht, Nov. 9,1938. (AP Photo) In this Nov. 5, 2018 photo Walter Frankenstein born in 1924, witness of the Nov. 9, 1938 terror against Jews in Berlin and one of the few survivors of Auerbach'sches Waisenhaus orphanage arrives at the orphanage memorial site for an interview with the Associated Press in Berlin. Frankenstein witnessed as the orphanage was attack by Nazis during the terror night of Nov. 9, 1938. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber) In this Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018 photo a Nov. 10, 1938 photo from the AP Archive, showing by Nazis destroyed shops at the Potsdamer Strasse street, is placed at the same location 80 years later in Berlin, Germany. On Nov. 9, 1938 Jews and their holdings were attacked across Nazi Germany - also known as Kristallnacht or Night of the broken glasses. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber) In this Nov. 5, 2018 photo Walter Frankenstein born in 1924, witness of the Nov. 9, 1938 terror against Jews in Berlin and one of the few survivors of Auerbach'sches Waisenhaus orphanage arrives at the orphanage memorial site for an interview with the Associated Press in Berlin. Frankenstein witnessed as the orphanage was attack by Nazis during the terror night of Nov. 9, 1938. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber) The Nov. 5, 2018 photo the memorial site of Auerbach'sches Waisenhaus orphanage in Berlin. A wall near the building was turned into a memorial for those Jewish orphans who did not survive the Holocaust. The names and ages of 140 children and teachers have been scribed into the bricks. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber) In this Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018 photo a Nov. 10, 1938 photo from the AP Archive, showing by Nazis destroyed Jewish shops at the Nuernberger Strasse street, is placed at the same location 80 years later in Berlin, Germany. On Nov. 9, 1938 Jews and their holdings were attacked across Nazi Germany - also known as Kristallnacht or Night of the broken glasses. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber) In this Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018 photo a Nov. 10, 1938 photo from the AP Archive, showing by Nazis destroyed Jewish shops at the Kurfuerstendamm street, is placed at the same location 80 years later in Berlin, Germany. On Nov. 9, 1938 Jews and their holdings were attacked across Nazi Germany - also known as Kristallnacht or Night of the broken glasses. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber) In this Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018 photo a Nov. 10, 1938 photo from the AP Archive, showing a fire engine outside the Jewish synagogue on Fasanenstrasse that was burned by Nazis during Kristallnacht, is placed at the same location 80 years later in Berlin, Germany. On Nov. 9, 1938 Jews and their holdings were attacked across Nazi Germany - also known as Kristallnacht or Night of the broken glasses. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber) In this Nov. 5, 2018 photo Walter Frankenstein born in 1924, witness of the Nov. 9, 1938 terror against Jews in Berlin and one of the few survivors of Auerbach'sches Waisenhaus orphanage poses for a photo at the orphanage memorial site for an interview with the Associated Press in Berlin. Frankenstein witnessed as the orphanage was attack by Nazis during the terror night of Nov. 9, 1938. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber) The Nov. 5, 2018 photo shows the memorial site of Auerbach'sches Waisenhaus orphanage in Berlin. A wall near the building was turned into a memorial for those Jewish orphans who did not survive the Holocaust. The names and ages of 140 children and teachers have been scribed into the bricks. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber) JOHANNESBURG (AP) - A Danish woman suspected of a huge fraud at home, will return to Denmark, a South African court ruled Thursday. The magistrate at Johannesburg's Randburg court said Britta Nielsen will return to Denmark accompanied by a Danish police officer later in the day. Piet du Plessis, Nielsen's attorney, told court that the 64-year-old Danish civil servant "is cooperating fully" with international and Danish authorities. She is the main suspect in a fraud case that caused a Danish government welfare agency to lose at least 111 million kroner ($17 million). In court, she sat quietly with her legs crossed, short hair dyed black, a cardigan over her arms and wearing sneakers. Du Plessis read a statement saying Nielsen was willing to fly home, meaning no formal extradition was needed. "We have made an agreement with the state that the matter against Ms. Nielsen would be withdrawn (.) and as a free person she would accompany" officials back to Denmark, du Plessis told The Associated Press. Danish national Britta Nielsen appears in the Randburg Magistrates Court in Johannesburg, Thursday, Nov. 8 2018. Nielsen is reported to have been an employee of the Danish ministry for social affairs for more than 40 years and is alleged to have transferred millions of dollars to her own bank accounts between 2002 and 2018. (AP Photo/Thembe Hadebe) Nielsen's adult son also can travel back to Denmark where he faces criminal charges for handling stolen goods, the court in Kempton decided Thursday, according to Danish media. South African authorities have identified him as Jimmy Hayat. A Danish court has barred media in Denmark from naming him. He was arrested Oct. 30 as he was about to leave the country with two diamonds in his luggage. Nielsen was arrested in Johannesburg Monday and had 648,700 rand in cash ($46,000) in her possession which was confiscated. On Oct. 10. Denmark's minister for children and social affairs, Mai Mercado, said Nielsen, whom she described as "a trusted employee," had "abused" her position to commit systematic fraud from 2002 to 2018. It was not clear how Nielsen stole the money, but it appears she had privileged access to the agency's computer system. A preliminary probe by the Ministry for Children and Social Affairs says that at least 274 money transfers were made during the period. ___ Olsen contributed from Copenhagen, Denmark. Danish national Britta Nielsen appears in the Randburg Magistrates Court in Johannesburg, Thursday, Nov. 8 2018. Nielsen is reported to have been an employee of the Danish ministry for social affairs for more than 40 years and is alleged to have transferred millions of dollars to her own bank accounts between 2002 and 2018. (AP Photo/Thembe Hadebe) Danish national Britta Nielsen appears in the Randburg Magistrates Court in Johannesburg, Thursday, Nov. 8 2018. Nielsen is reported to have been an employee of the Danish ministry for social affairs for more than 40 years and is alleged to have transferred millions of dollars to her own bank accounts between 2002 and 2018. (AP Photo/Thembe Hadebe) Danish national Britta Nielsen appears in the Randburg Magistrates Court in Johannesburg, Thursday, Nov. 8 2018. Nielsen is reported to have been an employee of the Danish ministry for social affairs for more than 40 years and is alleged to have transferred millions of dollars to her own bank accounts between 2002 and 2018. (AP Photo/Thembe Hadebe) Danish national Britta Nielsen appears in the Randburg Magistrates Court in Johannesburg, Thursday, Nov. 8 2018. Nielsen is reported to have been an employee of the Danish ministry for social affairs for more than 40 years and is alleged to have transferred millions of dollars to her own bank accounts between 2002 and 2018. (AP Photo/Thembe Hadebe) WASHINGTON (AP) - This week's midterm elections offered revealing lessons for both parties as battle lines begin to emerge for the 2020 presidential election. For Democrats, a string of statewide victories in Rust Belt states opened a potential path back to the White House. But President Donald Trump's Republican Party found strength in critical states that often hold the keys to the presidency. Perhaps no state offered Democrats more hope than Wisconsin, which shocked the party in 2016 by narrowly falling into Trump's column. Republican Gov. Scott Walker's narrow loss in his bid for a third term left Democrats optimistic they could reclaim Wisconsin along with other traditionally blue states that Trump carried, such as Michigan and Pennsylvania. "To have Walker lose is a significant turning point that the right candidate in 2020 could win all of these states" across the industrial north, Democratic pollster Paul Maslin, who advised Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin's campaign. "If they do, Trump's map starts to get more difficult." Still, there are plenty of reasons for caution for Democrats. Gains in Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania were offset by mixed results in Ohio and GOP dominance in electoral powerhouse Florida. In Ohio, Republicans came out on top in the governor's race and a handful of other statewide offices. The GOP kept their 12-4 majority in the U.S. House delegation. Ron DeSantis and his wife Casey celebrate after winning the Florida Governor's race during DeSantis' party at the Rosen Centre in Orlando on Orlando, Fla., on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel via AP) Ohio Democratic Rep. Tim Ryan, who won another term representing a district that Hillary Clinton won in 2016, called it a "really bad election night" for his party. But he said Democrats were able to win when they focused on "bread-and-butter economic issues," the way he and Sen. Sherrod Brown, who also won re-election Tuesday, did. "If you're not connecting with the workers, then you're not going to be able to do well," Ryan said in an interview. "Trump connected to the workers. If we don't do that, if we're continuing to be seen as elite and that people are 'deplorables' if they don't vote for us, we're going to have a big problem." In his victory speech, Brown said his state had provided a "blueprint for America in 2020." Republicans, though, pointed to Trump's 8-point victory in Ohio in 2016, and the four campaign visits he made to the state, including a southwest Ohio jaunt three weeks before the election. Trump remains very popular in the region, spanning from the politically swing-voting Hamilton County eastward along a string of Ohio River counties that the president carried by more than 30 percentage points. The area's white and vastly rural profile outside Cincinnati is part of what is expected to keep Ohio from springing back easily for Democrats, Hamilton County Republican Chairman Alex Triantafilou said. "I think southwest Ohio is becoming more reliably red under President Trump," Triantafilou said. "There's definitely a turnout benefit to talking to conservatives the way Trump has." There were also warning signs for Democrats in Florida, a perennial swing state that is increasingly delivering victories - however narrow - to the GOP. Republican Ron DeSantis defeated Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, handing Democrats their third consecutive loss for the Florida governor's mansion. Adding to their trouble was incumbent Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson trailing Republican Rick Scott. One bright note for Democrats in Florida was the passage of Amendment 4, which will restore voting rights to most felons when they complete their sentences and probation, adding 1.4 million possible voters to the rolls. It's unclear how this group of people will affect the 2020 election. Democrats also see bright signs in places like Nevada, once a conservative state that is now more consistently trending blue. Beto O'Rourke's Democratic campaign for Senate in Texas fell short by less than 3 percentage points in Texas, a GOP-heavy state that hasn't elected a Democrat to statewide office since 1994. And Democrat Stacey Abrams ran a competitive campaign for governor in Georgia, which hasn't elected a Democrat to the governor's mansion since 1998. "There are some assumptions about states Democratic presidential candidates will visit that are being truly reconsidered," Democratic strategist Anita Dunn said. "I'm talking about changing the map." Tensions were already flaring over what type of candidate could capitalize on the emerging 2020 map. "We're going to see a huge field, but the big question will be whether they learn lessons from the midterms because I think the electorate was trying to tell us something loudly and clearly," Matt Bennett of Third Way, a centrist think tank, said in an interview. "The message they were trying to send us is you've got to beat Trump in the battleground states, and you've got to run on very mainstream, nonextreme Democratic ideals and values." "The people that ran that way won in those tough places," Bennett added, "and the people who didn't run that way lost almost everywhere." But Adam Green, a co-founder of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, said he saw a shifting center of gravity within the Democratic Party. "Thanks to Stacey Abrams, Andrew Gillum and Beto O'Rourke, places where Democrats have had trouble winning for years became unpredictable toss-ups in large part because of an electorate inspired by never-before-heard bold visions for economic and racial justice," Green said. Governor-elect Tony Evers, left, and Lt. Governor-elect Mandela Barnes, right, with pillows found on the tour of the Boys & Girls Club of Dane County. State Rep-elect Shelia Stubbs (D-Madison) is right. On Wednesday Nov. 7, 2018 Governor-elect Tony Evers, and Lt. Governor elect Mandela Barnes took a tour of the Boys & Girls Club of Dane County in Madison, Wis. (Steve Apps/Wisconsin State Journal via AP) LONDON (AP) - Like many people, Zamira Hajiyeva often dropped by a neighborhood shop, just down the street from her London home, to pick up a few things - including gem-encrusted jewelry and a cellar-full of fine wines. Hajiyeva's local shop was posh department store Harrods, where British investigators say she spent 16 million pounds ($21 million) over the course of a decade, using 35 credit cards issued by a bank led by her husband. Britain's National Crime Agency wants to know where Hajiyeva got the money to fund her Harrods shopping sprees and buy two U.K. properties worth 22 million pounds ($29 million). She is also the subject of a separate investigation in her home country of Azerbaijan, where her husband, former International Bank of Azerbaijan Chairman Jahangir Hajiyev, was sentenced to 15 years in jail in 2016 for fraud and embezzlement. On Thursday, Hajiyeva was freed on bail by a British judge while she fights extradition to Azerbaijan over embezzlement allegations. Hajiyeva, 55, is the first person to be subject to an Unexplained Wealth Order, a measure introduced by the U.K. at the beginning of the year in a bid to curb London's status as a haven for ill-gotten gains. The orders allow authorities to seize assets from people suspected of corruption or links to organized crime until the owners account for how they were acquired. This photo made available by the National Crime Agency shows a Magic Alhambra bracelet, one of the 49 items of jewelry worth 400,000 pounds seized by Britain's National Crime Agency from Christie's auction house. The agency says they are linked to Zamira Hajiyeva, who is the subject of an investigation into the source of her wealth. Zamira Hajiyeva, a woman from Azerbaijan, whose fortune has been targeted by British authorities under anti-corruption laws was freed on bail Thursday while she battles extradition to her homeland over embezzlement allegations. (National Crime Agency via AP) At a court hearing this year, a lawyer for the National Crime Agency gave details of Hajiyeva's spending at Harrods, including 100,000 pounds in one day on Cartier jewelry, 150,000 pounds in another trip on goods from luxury brand Boucheron, and 1,800 pounds on wine. Last week the agency, which investigates cross-border and organized crime, seized 49 items of jewelry worth 400,000 pounds from Christie's auction house, where Hajiyeva's daughter had taken them to be valued. The items included a Boucheron sapphire and ruby necklace worth up to 120,000 pounds and a Van Cleef & Arpels pearl necklace worth 20,000 pounds, which investigators say was originally bought by Hajiyeva's husband in St. Moritz, Switzerland, for more than 10 times that amount. Hajiyeva denies wrongdoing and is fighting to overturn the order and hang on to her assets. Her lawyers have said the wealth order "is part of an investigative process, not a criminal procedure, and it does not involve the finding of any criminal offense." British police arrested Hajiyeva for alleged embezzlement last week at the request of Azerbaijan. Ben Keith, a lawyer for Azerbaijan's government, said during a British High Court hearing Thursday that Hajiyeva faced allegations of "embezzling money from the International Bank of Azerbaijan." He said there were "substantial grounds to believe she would not surrender" to the court if she was granted bail. But judge Jeremy Baker ruled there were no "substantial grounds" to refuse bail. JERUSALEM (AP) - Israeli police are recommending that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's trusted personal attorney be indicted in a conflict-of-interest case involving a $2 billion purchase of German submarines. Police said on Thursday they have sufficient evidence to charge David Shimron with bribery and money laundering offenses for his role in the affair. Shimron, who is also Netanyahu's cousin, represented the German manufacturer Thyssenkrupp involved in the sale and has been suspected of trading his influence over the prime minister in return for a hefty cut of the deal. Police also recommended indicting a former Cabinet minister, a former navy chief and former Netanyahu chief of staff in the affair. Netanyahu himself is not a suspect. But police have recommended indicting him for bribery, fraud and breach of trust in two separate cases. LONDON (AP) - Four fishermen have been rescued after capsizing in the English Channel during a heavy storm. Britain's Maritime and Coastguard Agency said Thursday the men capsized east of Eastbourne late Wednesday afternoon. Two were reportedly in the sea and the other two were sitting on the hull of the overturned fishing boat. The two men in the sea were safely taken on board a merchant ship that rushed to the scene. The two men on the hull were in danger of being washed away because of high waves and strong winds until they were airlifted onto a search-and-rescue helicopter. The men were treated for exposure. Coast guard controller Kaimes Beasley said a potential tragedy had been averted by the coordinated rescue effort. In this grab taken from video made available on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018 by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, fishermen are airlifted by a rescue helicopter, off the English Channel. Four fishermen have been rescued after capsizing in the English Channel during a heavy storm. Britain's Maritime and Coastguard Agency said Thursday the men capsized east of the town of Eastbourne late Wednesday afternoon. (Maritime and Coastguard Agency via AP) LONDON (AP) - Louis Smith, who ended Britain's 80-year Olympic medal drought in gymnastics, has retired from competition. The 29-year-old Smith won bronze on the pommel horse at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and silver in the same event at both the 2012 London Games and in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. He also won team bronze in 2012. Smith had been working toward qualification for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics but now says he will pursue "other exciting opportunities that I've been presented with." A blot on his career was receiving a two-month suspension from the British gymnastics federation in 2016 after appearing to mock Islam in a video. ___ More AP sports: https://apnews.com/apf-sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports The wife of a Utah mayor and Army National Guard member who was killed in Afghanistan by one of his Afghan trainees says there is "heartache but no regret". On October 28, the father-of-seven shared photographs from an Afghan election and urged his USA friends and followers to vote on November 6. "It's bitter", Maj. Gen. Jefferson S. Burton, the adjutant general of the Utah National Guard, said on Sunday. The body of a Utah mayor who was killed in Kabul was flown back to the United States on Tuesday morning ahead of the midterm elections a week after he urged people to vote. The roughly 17,000 residents of North Ogden are mourning the loss of their city's mayor - the city government writing in a statement posted to its website that Taylor had "a profound influence on this community". Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Milley, left, salutes as an Army carry team moves a transfer case containing the remains of Maj. Last month on their 15th wedding anniversary, Taylor penned a post on Facebook about his "rock star wife" who he said had been "superwoman through birthing and raising seven children, and through four deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan". The remains of Maj. Taylor's body will arrive back at Dover Air Force Base in Maryland on Monday at 9:45 p.m. Details regarding funeral arrangements will be forthcoming. "I do believe that Major Taylor felt he was among friends, with people he was working with". Oklahoma rises to No So both teams have one loss, but West Virginia has the best win, the best loss, and it has played the more hard schedule. If they win outright, and one of the teams in front of them loses, Oklahoma might be able to sneak into the top four. Muere frances Francis Lai, legendario compositor El mundo del cine ha dicho adios a Francis Lai , compositor de la musica de Un hombre y una mujer y la mitica Love Story . Francis Lai recibio su Oscar en 1970 por " Where Do I Begin ", interpretado por Andy Williams . Assassins Creed Odyssey is getting gear transmog Defeating the Cyclops will be a high-level challenge, and should you manage to succeed you will be rewarded with a Legendary Bow. The self-contained story Divine Intervention will center around a "mysterious woman" who will test players with divine trials . "He died on our soil but he died for the success of freedom and democracy in both of our countries", Rahmani wrote. Over the weekend, people lined the street leading to the town's municipal center with American flags and placed flags in front of his home, too, the Salt Lake Tribune reported. "It is timeless and cherished honor to serve in our country's armed services". He was on a yearlong leave of absence to deploy with the Utah National Guard. "And it has been mine just as long as I have proudly stood by his side". A GoFundMe page set up for his wife, Jennie, and their seven children has raised almost $294,000 since Sunday. I am fighting for a great cause, as Brent said, 'You fight for not only the safety of Afghans, but the safety of my family back in Utah. "But the value of freedom is immeasurable to all who know and love America and all that she represents". The post became widely shared online and received more attention Tuesday as his widow talked about Taylor's service in Afghanistan that coincided with recent parliamentary elections there. 'As the U.S. gets ready to vote in our own election next week, I hope everyone back home exercises their precious right to vote. And that whether the Republicans or the Democrats win, that we all remember that we have far more as Americans that unites us than divides us. "God Bless America", he wrote. Taylor was shot and killed by an Afghan security forces soldier who he was training. The attacker was immediately killed by other Afghan forces, the NATO-led Resolute Support coalition said. Taylor was elected mayor of North Ogden in 2013 after serving on the City Council since 2009. WASHINGTON (AP) - The Latest on Jeff Sessions' departure as attorney general (all times local): 8 p.m. A coalition of 18 state attorneys general has sent a letter to Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker calling on him to recuse himself from the special counsel's Russia probe. In the letter dated Thursday, the AGs reference Whitaker's "widely-circulated public comments criticizing Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election." Whitaker replaced Jeff Sessions, who was forced out Wednesday. The AGs say Whitaker's recusal is "necessary to maintain the public trust in the integrity of the investigation." FILE - In this March 27, 2017 file photo, Attorney General Jeff Sessions pauses while speaking to members of the media during the daily briefing in the Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House in Washington. Sessions resigned Nov. 7, 2018. as the country's chief law enforcement officer after enduring more than a year of blistering and personal attacks from President Donald Trump over his recusal from the Russia investigation.(AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) They say Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein should "continue to supervise" the Mueller probe. The letter was signed by the attorneys general of Massachusetts, New York, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and the District of Columbia. __ 5:05 p.m. Republican Sen. Jeff Flake and Democratic Sen. Chris Coons will try to force a vote next week on legislation to protect special counsel Robert Mueller. Flake announced the move Thursday, a day after President Donald Trump fired Attorney General Jeff Sessions and replaced him with loyal ally Matt Whitaker. Whitaker is expected to oversee Mueller's investigation into potential coordination between Trump's 2016 Republican campaign and Russia. Trump has called the investigation a "witch hunt." The Senate Judiciary Committee approved the bill in April. It would give special counsels a 10-day window to seek review of a firing. The senators will ask for consent to vote on the bill, but any senator can object. House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi scheduled a call Thursday for Democrats to discuss their response. ___ 1:20 p.m. In a goodbye message to staff, Jeff Sessions says his time serving as President Donald Trump's attorney general "goes beyond anything I ever would have thought possible." Sessions sent the message to Justice Department workers on Thursday, a day after he resigned at Trump's request. Sessions says he was proud to run the department and to work to reduce violent crime and overdose deaths. He's also citing the department's increased prosecutions for weapons and immigration offenses. Sessions writes that it was "an incredible honor to work with people who day after day and year after year consistently exceeded expectations." Sessions' chief of staff, Matthew Whitaker, has been named as acting attorney general. ___ 10:05 a.m. White House counselor Kellyanne Conway says the exit of Attorney General Jeff Sessions is "not a constitutional crisis." Sessions' former chief of staff, Matt Whitaker, is now acting attorney general and has authority to oversee the remainder of the Russia probe. Conway spoke to reporters at the White House on Thursday. Conway was asked if President Donald Trump had instructed Whitaker to limit the Russia investigation and said the "president hasn't instructed him to do anything" beyond serve as acting attorney general. Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein (ROH'-zen-styn) previously oversaw the probe. Conway says Rosenstein was at the White House on Wednesday for a regularly scheduled meeting and was expected back for another such meeting on Thursday. ___ 7:05 a.m. The Kremlin has called the investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. election a "headache" for U.S. authorities but has declined to comment on the departure of Jeff Sessions as attorney general. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov made the comments Thursday after Sessions handed in his resignation. Sessions' departure has potentially ominous implications for special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia probe given that the new acting attorney general has questioned the inquiry's scope. Peskov says Sessions' departure isn't something for the Kremlin to weigh in on. Peskov says the inquiry is "a headache for our American counterparts - it has nothing to do with us." He argues Mueller's team hasn't "managed to produce anything that can withstand serious criticism." Mueller's team has obtained several guilty pleas and a jury conviction and has indictments pending against Russian companies. ___ 12:25 a.m. Jeff Sessions' departure as attorney general is raising questions about the fate of the special counsel's Russia probe. President Donald Trump asked for Sessions' resignation and then replaced the former Alabama senator with Sessions' chief of staff, Matthew Whitaker. Whitaker is a former U.S. attorney from Iowa who founded a law firm with other Republican Party activists. He has questioned the Russia probe's scope and spoken publicly before joining the Justice Department about ways an attorney general could theoretically stymie the investigation. Congressional Democrats have already called on Whitaker to recuse himself from overseeing the investigation. So far that has been the job of Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who appointed special counsel Robert Mueller. The ongoing investigation has produced guilty pleas from four former Trump aides. FILE - In this Feb. 9, 2017 file photo, President Donald Trump shakes hands with Attorney General Jeff Sessions, accompanied by his wife Mary, after he was sworn-in by Vice President Mike Pence, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington. On Nov. 7, 2018, Sessions submitted his resignation in letter to Trump. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File) Counselor to President Donald Trump Kellyanne Conway, is interviewed on television at the White House's North Lawn in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) FILE - In this July 20, 2017 file photo, Attorney General Jeff Sessions accompanied by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, speaks at a news conference at the Justice Department in Washington. Sessions resigned Nov. 7, 2018. as the country's chief law enforcement officer after enduring more than a year of blistering and personal attacks from President Donald Trump over his recusal from the Russia investigation. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) A copy of Attorney General Jeff Sessions' resignation letter is photographed in Washington on an image of the exterior of the Justice Department Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/J. David Ake) HELSINKI (AP) - German conservative politician Manfred Weber has won the race to lead the European Union's center-right parties into key EU elections in May. Weber was endorsed with 492 of 619 valid votes Thursday at a European People's Party Congress in Helsinki, ahead of former Finnish prime minister Alexander Stubb. The 46-year-old Bavarian conservative will also be the candidate of the EPP - the most powerful group in the European Parliament - to be the next president of the European Commission. The EU's executive arm proposes and enforces the bloc's laws. The current presidents of the EU commission, parliament and council are EPP members. But all EU leaders must choose the next commission chief and Weber is not guaranteed to get the job. Germans hold many senior EU positions. Manfred Weber of Germany delivers his speech during the European People's Party (EPP) congress in Helsinki, Finland, Thursday Nov. 8, 2018. The EPP, the group uniting Europe's center-right parties, has been wringing its hands over whether to keep Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Fidesz in the fold or cut them loose before European Parliament elections in May. (Markku Ulander/Lehtikuva via AP) Candidates of the EPP, Alexander Stubb of Finland, left, and Manfred Weber of Germany pose together before the session of the European People's Party (EPP) congress in Helsinki, Finland, Thursday Nov. 8, 2018. The EPP, the group uniting Europe's center-right parties, has been wringing its hands over whether to keep Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Fidesz in the fold or cut them loose before European Parliament elections in May. (Markku Ulander/Lehtikuva via AP) A volunteer campaigns for candidate to lead EPP, Manfred Weber of Germany at the European People's Party (EPP) congress in Helsinki, Finland, Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. EPP, the largest political family in the European Union (EU), are to elect their lead candidate, the 'spitzenkandidat' for the 2019 European elections, at the congress on Thursday. (Markku Ulander/Lehtikuva via AP) UVALDE, Texas (AP) - A driver convicted in a church bus crash in South Texas that left 13 people dead will soon learn his punishment. Twenty-one-year-old Jack Dillon Young , of Leakey, faces up to 270 years in prison after pleading no contest in June to 13 counts of intoxication manslaughter and one count of intoxication assault. Prosecutors say Young was driving under the influence of a prescription antidepressant and had smoked marijuana before the March 2017 collision on U.S Highway 83 near Uvalde, about 75 miles (120 kilometers) west of San Antonio. His sentencing hearing began Wednesday in Uvalde. Defense attorney Rogelio Munoz asked for mercy and said doctors didn't properly monitor Young's prescription drug use. The hearing is expected to last at least through the end of the week. ATLANTA (AP) - The Latest on the race for Georgia governor (all times local): 12:25 p.m. Stacey Abrams' campaign says it will continue to fight to get all outstanding votes counted in the Georgia governor's race and won't accept former Secretary of State Brian Kemp's declaration of victory. At a news conference Thursday, Abrams' campaign manager Lauren Groh-Wargo said the campaign demands that the secretary of state's office "release all the data, all the numbers, and they need to count every single vote." Her comments came shortly after Kemp announced he was stepping down as secretary of state and moving forward with the transition to become the state's next governor. Kemp is a Republican. Abrams is a Democrat. (This item has been edited to correct attribution of quote to Abrams' campaign manager). This combination of May 20, 2018, photos shows Georgia gubernatorial candidates Stacey Abrams, left, and Brian Kemp in Atlanta. Democrats and Republicans nationwide will have to wait a bit longer to see if Georgia elects the first black woman governor in American history or doubles down on the Deep South's GOP tendencies with an acolyte of President Donald Trump (AP Photos/John Amis, File) ____ 10:30 a.m. Georgia Republican gubernatorial candidate and Secretary of State Brian Kemp says only about 20,000 provisional ballots remain uncounted in the race. He says even if his opponent Democrat Stacey Abrams "got 100 percent of those votes, we still win." Kemp's statement came at a news conference Thursday with outgoing Republican Gov. Nathan Deal. Kemp also announced that he was stepping down as secretary of state as of 11:59 a.m. An interim secretary will oversee the rest of the vote counting. That announcement came as a federal court hearing was being held on a lawsuit from five Georgia residents who asked a judge to block Kemp from having any further role in overseeing the election. ___ 10 a.m. Republican gubernatorial candidate Brian Kemp says he is resigning as Georgia's secretary of state. Attorney Russ Willard with the attorney general's office of Georgia announced the resignation in federal court Thursday morning. Willard said Kemp delivered a letter of resignation to Gov. Nathan Deal on Thursday morning, and it is effective at 11:59 a.m. The state said Kemp will not perform any election-related duties Thursday. ___ 8:30 a.m. Republican Brian Kemp says he and his campaign are declaring victory because it isn't possible for his opponent to pick up enough votes to force a runoff. Democrat Stacey Abrams' campaign has said there are still enough uncounted votes to force a Dec. 4 runoff and that they need to pick up about 15,000 votes to do so. In an interview with WSB Radio Thursday, Kemp says his rival's campaign is using "old math." Without providing specifics, he said the number "is actually more like 30,000 votes." Abrams' campaign manager Lauren Groh-Wargo says Kemp has offered no proof of why anyone should take his word. Kemp plans a 10 a.m. news conference Thursday at the Georgia Capitol, where he will be meeting with Gov. Nathan Deal to begin the transition to the governor's office. ___ 1:40 a.m. The Georgia governor's race isn't officially over. But Republican Brian Kemp's campaign says he's the winner based on numbers provided by his own secretary of state's office. Democrat Stacey Abrams' campaign says there are still enough uncounted votes to force a Dec. 4 runoff. Incomplete returns show Kemp with just enough votes to win without a runoff. Abrams and voting-rights groups have called it a conflict of interest for Kemp to keep overseeing the vote tabulations as the state's chief elections officials. Five Georgia residents are suing him in federal court asking a judge to block him from having any further role in the election's administration. An initial hearing is scheduled for Thursday. ___ For AP's complete coverage of the U.S. midterm elections: http://apne.ws/APPolitics Georgia Republican gubernatorial candidate Brian Kemp speaks with supporters after a long election night in Athens, Ga., Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018. Georgia's hotly contested and potentially historic governor's race may not be over yet, with Democrat Stacey Abrams and Kemp awaiting the final accounting of absentee and provisional ballots. (Joshua L. Jones/Athens Banner-Herald via AP) Georgia Republican gubernatorial candidate Brian Kemp acknowledges supporters early Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018, after a long election night in Athens, Ga. (Joshua L. Jones/Athens Banner-Herald via AP) DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) - Syrian troops have liberated 19 women and children hostages held by the Islamic State group since July in a military operation in the country's center, ending a months-long crisis that has stunned Syria's Druze religious minority, state media reported Thursday. An opposition war monitor said the release was part of an exchange. SANA news agency said in its report that the operation occurred in the Hamima area east of the historic town of Palmyra. It said all IS fighters in the area where the hostages were held have been killed. The Suwayda 24 activist collective quoted local officials as saying the women and children held by IS have all been freed. "My happiness is huge," Nashaat Abu Ammar, whose wife, two sons and daughter are among those freed, told The Associated Press by telephone. The 19 women and children were among 30 people kidnapped by IS in the southern province of Sweida on July 25 when militants of the extremist group ambushed residents and went on a killing spree that left at least 216 people dead. The rare attacks in Sweida province, populated mainly by Syria's minority Druze, came amid a government offensive elsewhere in the country's south. The coordinated attacks across the province, which included several suicide bombings, shattered the calm of a region that had been largely spared from the worst of the violence of Syria's seven-year long civil war. In this photo released by the Syrian official news agency SANA, shows women and children who has been liberated from the Islamic State group in the Hamima area east of the historic town of Palmyra, Syria, Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. Syrian troops have liberated 19 women and children hostages held by the Islamic State group since July in a military operation in the country's center, ending a crisis that has stunned Syria's Druze minority, state media reported today. (SANA via AP) A Syrian opposition war monitor contradicted the reports on state media, saying IS set free the hostages in return for the government's release of women related to IS fighters and commanders who were held by Syrian authorities as well as a monetary payment. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said it was not immediately clear how much money the government paid for the release of the hostages. State TV aired footage of the women, children and teenagers in a desert area standing with soldiers who gave them bread and water. The soldier then asked the women and children for their names and wrote them on a piece of paper. The TV later aired footage showing the former hostages having meals around a table. "We are living the joy of victory in Syria," Druze cleric Sheikh Kameel Nasr told Syrian state TV. Since July, one woman died in IS custody while another was shot dead by the extremists. In August, a 19-year-old man was also killed in detention. Six other hostages, two women and four children, were freed in an exchange with the government last month. Negotiations were expected to free the remaining hostages but after the talks failed, Syrian troops launched a broad offensive against IS in southern Syria. The July 25 attack on the southern city of Sweida and nearby villages was one of the deadliest by the extremists since they lost most of the land they once held in Syria and Iraq. "I am so happy they have been freed and I thank the Syrian army for that," Abu Ammar said. The man said he is getting ready to leave his village to the provincial capital of Sweida where the freed were expected to be brought later. By sunset, scores of people gathered in the city of Sweida waiting for the return of the former hostages. Elsewhere in Syria, opposition activists and paramedics reported that two blasts in rebel-held parts of northern Syria have inflicted casualties. The Observatory said the first explosion occurred in the northern town of Azaz wounding six children while the opposition's Syrian Civil Defense said four were wounded including three children. The observatory and other opposition activists reported another blast in the town of Jinderis saying a bomb went off outside an office of the Turkey-backed Failaq al-Sham rebel group killing three fighters and wounding seven. Azaz and Jeideris are controlled by Turkey-backed opposition fighters. The two towns were once controlled by Kurdish fighters opposed to Turkey. Explosions in rebel-held parts of northern Syria are not uncommon and have killed and wounded dozens in recent months. ____ Mroue reported from Beirut. FILE - In this Thursday, July 26, 2018, file photo, released by the Syrian official news agency SANA, Abeer Shalgheen and her four children after being freed by the Islamic State group that kidnapped them on July 25 during a raid by the extremists on the southern province of Sweida. Syrian troops have liberated 19 women and children hostages held by the Islamic State group since July in a military operation in the country's center, ending a crisis that has stunned Syria's Druze minority, state media reported Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. (SANA via AP, File) FILE - In this Thursday, July 26, 2018, file photo, released by the Syrian official news agency SANA, mourners carry a coffin of more than 200 people who were killed a day earlier by a series of suicide bombings launched by the Islamic State's fighters on the eastern and northern countryside of the southern province of Sweida during a mass funeral. Syrian troops have liberated 19 women and children hostages held by the Islamic State group since July in a military operation in the country's center, ending a crisis that has stunned Syria's Druze minority, state media reported Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. (SANA via AP, File) FILE - In this Thursday, July 26, 2018, file photo, released by the Syrian official news agency SANA, mourners carry coffins 200 people who were killed a day earlier by a series of suicide bombings launched by the Islamic State's fighters on the eastern and northern countryside of the southern province of Sweida during a mass funeral. Syrian troops have liberated 19 women and children hostages held by the Islamic State group since July in a military operation in the country's center, ending a crisis that has stunned Syria's Druze minority, state media reported Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. (SANA via AP, File) FILE - In this Thursday, July 26, 2018, file photo, released by the Syrian official news agency SANA, mourners carry a coffin of more than 200 people who were killed a day earlier by a series of suicide bombings launched by the Islamic State's fighters on the eastern and northern countryside of the southern province of Sweida during a mass funeral. Syrian troops have liberated 19 women and children hostages held by the Islamic State group since July in a military operation in the country's center, ending a crisis that has stunned Syria's Druze minority, state media reported Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. (SANA via AP, File) FILE - In this Thursday, July 26, 2018, file photo, released by the Syrian official news agency SANA, mourners attend a mass funeral of people killed a day earlier by a series of suicide bombings launched by the Islamic State's fighters on the eastern and northern countryside of the southern province of Sweida, Syria. Syrian troops have liberated 19 women and children hostages held by the Islamic State group since July in a military operation in the country's center, ending a crisis that has stunned Syria's Druze minority, state media reported Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. (SANA via AP, File) FILE - In this Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018, file photo, Druze children run at the village of Shreihi in the southern province of Sweida, Syria. Syrian troops have liberated 19 women and children hostages held by the Islamic State group since July in a military operation in the country's center, ending a crisis that has stunned Syria's Druze minority, state media reported Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar, File) FILE - In this Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018, file photo, a Druze family visits a memorial erected in honor of the 37 Druze who killed during a stunning Islamic State attack at the village of Shreihi in the southern province of Sweida, Syria. Syrian troops have liberated 19 women and children hostages held by the Islamic State group since July in a military operation in the country's center, ending a crisis that has stunned Syria's Druze minority, state media reported Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar, File) VATICAN CITY (AP) - Pope Francis has decreed that an American religious brother, James Miller, was killed out of hatred for the Catholic faith during Guatemala's civil war and can be beatified. Miller is the second American slain in Guatemala to move a step closer to possible sainthood in recent years. The Rev. Stanley Rother, who was gunned down during the Guatemalan conflict in 1981, was beatified as a martyr in his native Oklahoma last year. The Vatican said Thursday that Francis approved a decree recognizing that Miller, from Stevens Point, Wisconsin, died as a martyr on Feb. 13, 1982, in Huehuetenango, Guatemala. The 37-year-old Miller had been working with indigenous youths as a member of the De La Salle Christian Brothers when he was killed by three masked men. No one was ever arrested in the slaying. Miller's fellow brothers reported receiving warnings that Guatemala's armed forces intelligence unit, the G-2 death squad, was looking for them. A U.N. truth commission determined that some 245,000 people were killed or disappeared during Guatemala's 1960-1996 civil war, which pitted right-wing, U.S.-backed governments against leftist guerrillas and indigenous peoples. The vast majority of the killings were attributed to the army or to pro-government paramilitary groups. Being declared a martyr exempts Miller from the usual beatification requirement of having a miracle attributed to his intercession confirmed. However, such a miracle would be required for him to be declared a saint. A date for his beatification has not been set. Miller was one of more than a dozen people whose saint-making causes advanced during an audience Wednesday between Francis and the head of the Vatican's saint-making office. During the audience, Francis took the unusual step of decreeing that Michael Giedroyca, a lay member of the Order of St. Augustine during the 15th century, could be beatified without being declared a martyr or having a miracle attributed to his intercession. Giedroyc was born in Lithuania with a condition that resulted in short stature. He spent much of his life in Krakow, Poland, where he died in 1485. Francis has granted a handful of such "equivalent" decrees for well-known and revered saintly figures, including Pope John XXIII, whom Francis declared a saint alongside St. John Paul II in 2014. ___ This story has been corrected to show the city where Miller was killed is spelled Huehuetenango, not Huehuetenago. ATLANTA (AP) - The Latest on Georgia's pending congressional races (all times local): 9:55 a.m. Democratic gun-control activist Lucy McBath has defeated Republican Rep. Karen Handel of Georgia in a suburban congressional district long considered safe for the GOP. Handel had to seek re-election after winning her seat last year in a close special election race against Democrat Jon Ossoff. McBath became an advocate for stricter gun laws after her son, Jordan Davis, was fatally shot at a Florida gas station in 2012 by a man angry over loud music the teenager and his friends were playing in a car. McBath's margin of victory was narrow enough for Handel to have requested a recount. The Associated Press declared McBath the winner Thursday after Handel conceded. A Fulton County election worker counts provisional ballots, Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018, in Atlanta. Malfunctioning voting machines, missing power cords, and hours-long lines at the polls are being scrutinized in Georgia, where the governor's race is still undecided as votes are still being tallied.(AP Photo/Mike Stewart) ___ 9:05 a.m. Republican U.S. Rep. Karen Handel has conceded to her Democratic rival in a hard-fought Congressional race in Georgia. Handel says in a statement Thursday morning that after reviewing all of the election data, it's clear she "came up a bit short" in Tuesday's vote. Handel congratulated Democrat Lucy McBath, offering "good thoughts and much prayer for the journey that lies ahead for her." McBath, who is African-American, became a gun control activist after her son was killed in a shooting. She declared victory Wednesday. ___ 6:20 a.m. One Republican holds the congressional seat of former House Speaker Newt Gingrich. The other is a four-term GOP congressman accustomed to winning by wide margins. Now Reps. Karen Handel and Rob Woodall of Georgia are both at risk of losing re-election in suburban Atlanta districts long considered safe for Republicans. Handel's Democratic challenger, Lucy McBath, declared victory in their contest Wednesday. But unofficial returns showed the vote margins separating the incumbent Republicans and their rivals hovering near the 1 percent threshold that could trigger a recount. The Associated Press has not declared a winner in either race. Absentee ballots were still being counted Wednesday and provisional ballots remained untallied across the state. The Georgia secretary of state's office said it would certify the official vote within the next week. The contests will determine if Democrats add to their majority after winning control of the U.S. House in the Tuesday midterm elections. A Fulton County election worker counts provisional ballots, Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018, in Atlanta. Malfunctioning voting machines, missing power cords, and hours-long lines at the polls are being scrutinized in Georgia, where the governor's race is still undecided as votes are still being tallied.(AP Photo/Mike Stewart) Provisional ballots sit in a room ahead of being counted in Fulton County, Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018, in Atlanta. Malfunctioning voting machines, missing power cords, and hours-long lines at the polls are being scrutinized in Georgia, where the governor's race is still undecided as votes are still being tallied. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) Karen Handel, U.S. Representative, GA 6th Congressional District, talks to the media during an appearance at her election watch party on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018, in Atlanta. (Curtis Compton/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP) FILE - In a Friday, Nov. 2, 2018 file photo, Democrat Lucy McBath speaks during a rally for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams, at Morehouse College in Atlanta. McBath and GOP Rep. Rob Woodall faced a risk of losing their seats Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018 as election returns showed them in perilously tight races with Democratic challengers in a pair of suburban Atlanta districts long considered safe for the GOP. (Alyssa Pointer/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP, File) SAO PAULO (AP) - Police arrested state legislators in Rio de Janeiro on Thursday as part of an investigation into allegations they accepted bribes in exchange for supporting a criminal organization run by a former governor, Brazilian officials said. Former Gov. Sergio Cabral is serving a prison sentence for his participation in a massive corruption scheme in which prosecutors say he received hundreds of thousands of dollars a month to help companies secure contracts that ranged from projects in Rio's slums to the refurbishing of its Maracana Stadium. He is also accused of playing a central role in a scheme to buy votes when the International Olympic Committee chose Rio to host the 2016 Olympics. Police arrested seven sitting state lawmakers Thursday. Warrants were also issued for three who previously had their legislative terms suspended and were in custody on other charges - two in prison and one under house arrest. Prosecutors are asking the court to strip the lawmakers, some of whom won re-election last month, of their seats. Police also executed dozens of search warrants and arrested 12 other people in connection with the probe. The probe is part of Brazil's massive "Operation Car Wash" investigation, which has revealed almost systemic graft in the political system. Dozens of top executives and politicians have been jailed, unleashing a wave of anger against Brazil's political class that helped pave the way for far-right congressman Jair Bolsonaro to win the presidency last month. Federal prosecutors said in a statement that the legislators are accused of accepting monthly "allowances" - some worth tens of thousands of dollars - in exchange for supporting Cabral. Some also were allowed to hand out civil service jobs. "The investigations tell a story: that of how an ex-governor neutralized, with bribes and other illicit benefits, the control that state legislators should exercise over the executive, and, in this way, the criminal organization spread to various state organs and entities, causing a breakdown in the services provided to the people," prosecutors said. Many argue that corruption contributed to a financial crisis in Rio that has resulted in a deterioration of public services and hampered the police's ability to confront a spike in crime. WASHINGTON (AP) - Hackers impersonating journalists tried to intercept the communications of a prominent Saudi opposition figure in Washington, The Associated Press has found. One attempt involved the fabrication of a fake BBC secretary and an elaborate television interview request; the other involved the impersonation of slain Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi to deliver a malicious link. Media rights defenders denounced the hacking effort, which they said would make it harder for genuine reporters to do their jobs. "It's incredibly dangerous to employ this kind of tactic," said Elodie Vialle, who heads the technology desk at Paris-based Reporters Without Borders. "The chilling effect is that people are deterred from speaking to journalists. In the end, it undermines the freedom of information." The most involved masquerade took place in February of this year, when someone posing as a BBC journalist called "Tanya Stalin" emailed Washington-based Saudi dissident Ali AlAhmed inviting him to a live broadcast about Saudi Arabia. Stalin engaged with AlAhmed over several days, sending him a list of proposed topics and talking him through the logistics of his purported television appearance. AlAhmed said he knew from the beginning that something was up. In this Oct. 26, 2018, photo Ali AlAhmed poses for a photograph in his office in Washington. Hackers are impersonating reporters in a bid to intercept the communications of the prominent Saudi opposition figure in Washington. An Associated Press review of malicious emails sent to AlAhmed shows he was approached by hackers masquerading as a BBC reporter and as Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi, who was killed last month at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. The emails were attempts to break into AlAhmed's inbox. AlAhmed blames the Saudi government for the hacking campaign, although the AP has yet to find any forensic evidence to back that.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon) For starters, Stalin said her position was "Secretary to the Editor In Chief," a title that didn't correspond to a job typically done by producers or bookers. Odder still, the message came over Gmail rather than from an official BBC address. And then there was her eyebrow-raising last name. "The Stalin business threw me off," AlAhmed said in a recent interview. "I asked my wife, who is Russian, and she said: 'No one has this name.'" AlAhmed was right. The BBC said it wasn't aware of anyone called "Tanya Stalin" working for the broadcaster and that the title she claimed to hold did not formally exist. An Associated Press analysis of her messages suggests the interview request was a sloppily executed trap, an attempt to get AlAhmed to click a malicious link and break into his inbox. AlAhmed believes Saudi Arabia is behind Stalin's emails, as well as dozens of other suspicious messages he has received over the past year. One November 2017 missive purportedly came from Khashoggi, whose killing last month on the grounds of the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul has refocused international attention on the brutality of the Arab kingdom's leadership. The Saudi Embassy in Washington did not return written questions from the AP. Washington Post Executive Editor Marty Baron said the hackers' theft of Khashoggi's identity was "contemptible." A researcher with internet watchdog Citizen Lab recently reviewed AlAhmed's emails and confirmed they were malicious - although he stopped short of drawing a link between the different messages or blaming anyone for the hacking campaign. "This was a targeted operation designed to gain access to his accounts and private communications," said John Scott-Railton, whose group is based at the University of Toronto's Munk School of Global Affairs. "This does appear to be closely linked to his political activities." Some of the messages - like a prompt to install a "free security update" called "Ninja security" - were generic phishing messages of the type used by criminals and spies the world over. But many of the 40-odd malicious messages recovered from AlAhmed's inbox were closely attuned to current events in the Gulf. Most troubling was a May 31 message dressed up to look like it came from an event photography service, complete with pictures of AlAhmed holding a microphone during a question and answer session featuring the Qatari foreign minister at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington. The photos, which appear to have been pulled off a publicly available video of the event, suggest that the hackers or someone working with them had been tracking AlAhmed's whereabouts closely. "That email was really when I felt fear," said AlAhmed, who says his work is largely self-funded. "They are actually physically here. They're looking at me." Scott-Railton said the persistence of the hackers - and the variety of different tactics they employed to try to pry open AlAhmed's inbox - pointed to a manpower-intensive effort to compromise the Saudi gadfly. "Over an extended period of time, humans were tasked with getting into his computer and getting into his head," Scott-Railton said. As a critic of Saudi Arabia's ruling family, AlAhmed has been a regular on Arabic and English-language cable news for more than a decade. He has long served Washington journalists as a source about the kingdom's problems, especially in relation to extremist propaganda in the country's school textbooks. Saudi Arabia is a known practitioner of cyberespionage. The country was exposed as a customer of notorious Italian surveillance firm Hacking Team in 2015 and a mysterious Saudi investor has since taken a minority stake in the company, according to a Motherboard report published this year. Recent reports by Citizen Lab and human rights group Amnesty International have also documented the use of Israeli-made spy software to break into the smartphones of Saudi human rights activists, including Canada-based Omar Abdulaziz, who was working with Khashoggi on several confidential projects before the columnist was killed. Whoever is behind the bogus Tanya Stalin persona or the fake Jamal Khashoggi emails, the messages give an idea of how the always-fraught overlap between espionage and journalism has evolved in the internet age, with government-backed hackers routinely impersonating journalists or news organizations to hunt their prey. Even the FBI has impersonated reporters to hack its targets, at one point pretending to be an AP journalist to locate a bomb threat hoaxer's computer. Scott-Railton explained that masquerading as a journalist was a perfect way of getting someone to lower their guard and click a link or open an attachment. "It ticks all kinds of boxes," he said. "It explains messages out of the blue and as part of communications with journalists you'd expect to receive documents, like questions in advance." The attempt to hack AlAhmed under Khashoggi's name involved a simple link sent by email , but the Tanya Stalin ruse was unusually involved. The hackers created a fake LinkedIn profile with more than 500 connections to corroborate her identity and pass her off as a graduate of journalism schools at Columbia and Berkeley. The profile's picture consisted of a headshot of Souad Mekhennet, a real Washington Post journalist who writes about national security and the Middle East and has covered the aftermath of Khashoggi's death. It's not clear why the hackers used Mekhennet's photo in the sham profile or whether they even tried particularly hard to make the "Tanya Stalin" persona credible. Stalin did not immediately return messages seeking comment. Neither did whoever was behind the fake Khashoggi email. Baron, the Washington Post's top editor, said in his statement Wednesday that he condemned the use of Mekhennet's image and Khashoggi's name. "To be clear, neither of these distinguished journalists had any involvement whatsoever in these despicable schemes," he said. ___ Online: Raphael Satter can be reached at: http://raphaelsatter.com ___ A selection of the phishing emails sent to Ali AlAhmed: https://www.documentcloud.org/search/projectid:41381-Fake-Journalist-Hackers ZAGREB, Croatia (AP) - Croatian police have arrested four suspects in the brazen theft last January of precious Indian jewels from the famed Al Thani Collection that were on display in a Venetian palace. Four men, all Croatians ranging in age from 43 to 60, were arrested Wednesday after a months-long joint investigation with Italian police, Croatian police said Thursday in a statement. The force did not reveal whether the jewels had been recovered and Italian police had no immediate comment on the heist. The Croatian statement said one of the arrested suspects is believed to be linked to several major heists in Europe and the notorious, multinational "Pink Panther" gang of thieves. He is also sought by Switzerland over a 2011 jewelry heist, police said. Croatian police also said fifth member of the gang, a 54-year-old Serbian citizen sought on a European warrant, was arrested Thursday on the border crossing with Serbia. It was not clear if he was linked to the Venice heist. The thieves made off with a brooch and a pair of earrings worth an estimated $3 million by mixing with the crowd on the final day of the exhibition at Venice's Doge's Palace, one of the city's top tourist destinations on the edge of St. Mark's Square. FILE - In this Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018 file photo, some jewels from the famed Al Thani Collection are on display at the 'Treasures of the Mughals and the Maharajahs' exhibition, at Venice's Doge's Palace, in Venice, Italy. Croatian police say they have arrested four suspects in the brazen theft last January of precious Indian jewels from the famed Al Thani Collection that were on display in a Venetian palace. Police said Thursday, Nov. 8 the men, all Croatians, were arrested Wednesday after a months-long investigation in cooperation with Italian police. (Andrea Merola/ANSA via AP, file) The stolen jewels were not the top highlights of the Al Thani Collection, which includes gems dating from the time of the Mughal Empire. The collection includes 270 pieces of Indian and Indian-inspired jewelry and precious stones, spanning 400 years from the Mughal period to the present. It was assembled by Qatar's Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Thani, and Forbes magazine says "there is no comparable collection on the planet." Before Venice, the "Treasures of the Mughals and the Maharajas" had also been displayed at Paris' Grand Palais, London's Victoria and Albert Museum, New York's Metropolitan museum and at the Miho Museum near Kyoto, Japan. 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 LYON, France (AP) - Interpol's secretary general said Thursday that the international police organization's rules forbid him from probing into the fate of the Chinese government official who served as Interpol president for almost two years before he vanished during a trip to China. In his first public remarks about the disappearance of Meng Hongwei, Interpol Secretary General Juergen Stock said he "encouraged" Chinese authorities to provide information about Meng's location and legal status but can do no more. Stock spoke to journalists as Interpol member prepare to elect a new president to replace Meng during a general assembly in Dubai on Nov. 18-21. Meng became the organization's president in November 2016. Chinese authorities said they detained Meng, 64, on bribery charges, though his wife has described him as a victim of political persecution. He was China's vice minister of public security and appears to be the latest ranking Chinese official to have been caught in a sweeping purge under President Xi Jinping. Stock said his organization learned of Meng's disappearance on Oct. 5 via media reports that came out after Meng's wife said she had not heard from him since the end of September and reported him missing. Interpol contacted Beijing, asking for clarification, according to Stock. A high-level Chinese delegation arrived at Interpol's Lyon headquarters on Oct. 7, reported that Meng had written a resignation letter and advised that he was no longer a delegate from China to Interpol - meaning he could no longer serve as president. Interpol Secretary General Jurgen Stock poses a the international police agency in Lyon, central France, Thursday, Nov.8, 2018. Stock says that the international police organization's rules forbid him from probing the fate of the man who served as Interpol president until two months ago when he vanished on a trip to China, his homeland. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani) China's Interpol office transmitted the resignation letter to Interpol headquarters later that day. Pressed on whether Interpol had assurances Meng actually wrote it or did so without duress, Stock hedged. "There was no reason for me to (suspect) that anything was forced or wrong," he said. Interpol appeared to accept the Chinese delegation's explanation at face value and publicly announced that night that Meng had stepped down, without commenting on why or what happened. Stock cited the structure and nature of the 192-member organization, which provides a platform for member nations to share information on criminal activities, and the vast needs it fulfills in trying to contain ballooning transnational crime. Interpol databases are queried 200 times each second by police around the world, he said. "We are a rules-based organization. That is very important to understand," Stock said, adding that the role of Interpol is "not to govern over member states." "We are not an investigative body," he said. Stock said he is in "constant" contact with the national central bureau in Beijing that serves as Interpol's point of contact in China. As secretary general, Stock manages Interpol's day-to-day activities, while the agency's elected president has a less hands-on, more symbolic role. "We are strongly encouraging China" to come forth with details of Meng's case, Stock said. He suggested Chinese officials would "when the right moment comes." Meng's wife, Grace Meng, told The Associated Press last month that she received threats after her husband disappeared. She and their two children are under police protection in Lyon. "There is no doubt this is a very regrettable situation," Stock said. "But on the other hand, we have to ensure day-to-day operations ... continue." He also conceded that Interpol must "mitigate negative impact" springing from Meng's disappearance. Interpol acts as a clearinghouse for national police services that want to hunt down suspects outside their borders. Governments have repeatedly tried to use Interpol to find political enemies, even though its charter explicitly proclaims its neutrality and prohibits use of police notices for political reasons. Stock said that ensuring the notices are not misused has been one of his priorities. Lil Peep, "Come Over When You're Sober, Pt. 2" (Columbia) On late rapper Lil Peep's second studio album, the first release since his November 2017 death, the young artist takes fans on a singsongy journey through a familiar haze of themes - death, drugs, isolation and broken relationships, among them. The topics loom large over every languorous turn of "Come Over When You're Sober, Pt. 2," making the set a natural follow-up to Peep's 2017 studio debut. Sonically, the albums are quite similar - somber but melodic, hovering at the intersection of where emo meets rap. A toxic combination of prescription drugs resulted in Peep's death at age 21, so on his new album his lyrics aren't just typical sad-rap fare, they give a glimpse into real-life tragedy. "It comes a time, everybody meets the same fate/I think I'm gonna die alone inside my room," Peep sings on the introspective standout track "Life is Beautiful." When he sings "I gotta go right now." on album opener "Broken Smile (My All)," Peep's words carry the weight of a prediction proven true. As with his previous work, Peep's sorrow is sugar-coated by peppy beats, like on the guitar-laced and catchy "Cry Alone," where he fantasizes about burning down his old high school. "Tell the rich kids to look at me now," he muses. From the head-bob-inducing "16 Lines" to the bittersweet "Sex with My Ex," one emotional song seems to roll into the next, ending with final track "Fingers," where Peep signs off with these final bars: "I'm not gonna last here/I'm not gonna last long." As a whole, "Come Over When You're Sober, Pt. 2" serves as a soft bed for wallowing in dark thoughts. Some will find it a relatable respite, while others will count it as, simply, a tough space to be in. BOSTON (AP) - The Latest on a legal fight over former New England Patriots player Aaron Hernandez's murder conviction after his death (all times local): 11:15 a.m. A Massachusetts prosecutor says it's unfair that the murder conviction of former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez was thrown out just because he killed himself in prison before his appeal was heard. Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn III told Massachusetts' highest court Thursday that the legal doctrine that erased Hernandez's conviction "makes no sense" and needs to change. Quinn is urging the court to do away with the legal principle under which courts dismiss the convictions of defendants who die before their direct appeals can be heard. John Thompson, Hernandez's appellate attorney, told the Supreme Judicial Court there's nothing wrong with the legal doctrine and that the alternatives floated by Quinn are problematic. FILE - In this Friday, April 14, 2017, file photo, former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez turns to look in the direction of the jury as he reacts to his double murder acquittal in the 2012 deaths of Daniel de Abreu and Safiro Furtado, at Suffolk Superior Court in Boston. On Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, Massachusetts' Supreme Judicial Court will consider whether the state should get rid of the centuries-old legal principle that erased Hernandez's murder conviction after he killed himself in prison. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia, Pool, File) The court is expected to rule in the coming months. ___ 1:30 a.m. The highest court in Massachusetts will consider whether the state should scrap a legal principle that erased the murder conviction of Aaron Hernandez after the former New England Patriots tight end killed himself in prison. At issue in the case before the Supreme Judicial Court on Thursday is a rule that holds that a defendant who dies before an appeal is heard should no longer be considered guilty in the eyes of the law. Prosecutors say it's unfair to victims and their families to void the convictions of defendants like Hernandez. They say a defendant's estate should be able to pursue an appeal if they wish or the verdict should stand. Hernandez's lawyers are urging the court to keep the practice in place. Hernandez killed himself last year after his acquittal in two other slayings. DENVER (AP) - An FBI agent who accidentally shot a man in the leg while dancing at a Denver nightspot pleaded not guilty to a second-degree assault charge Thursday but attorneys say a plea deal is still possible. Chase Bishop, 30, entered his plea after waiting his turn to appear before the judge in a courtroom with other defendants. The move came four months after it was disclosed that his lawyer and prosecutors were negotiating a possible deal. Bishop's lawyer David Goddard, told District Judge Karen Brody there was no final determination yet so Bishop, who lives and works in the Washington, D.C. area, wanted to proceed with a plea of not guilty. Another hearing was scheduled for Jan. 17, to determine whether there would be a plea deal or whether Bishop will go on trial over the June 2 shooting at Mile High Spirits and Distillery. Video footage shows Bishop dancing in the middle of a circle of people before doing a backflip. The gun falls to the ground mid-flip, and as Bishop picks it up, appears to go off. The video then shows the agent putting the gun back into a waistband holster and walking away with his hands up. The bystander, Tom Reddington, was treated and released from a hospital. FILE - This undated file photo provided by the Denver Police Department shows Chase Bishop, an FBI agent who accidentally shot a man in the leg while dancing at a Denver nightspot on June 12, 2018. Bishop pleaded not guilty to second-degree assault in the case on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, but a plea deal is still possible in the case. (Denver Police Department via AP, File) In June, Goddard issued a statement calling the shooting "an incredibly tragic event" and expressing sympathy for Reddington. Bishop has been given permission to travel and to carry a gun so he can continue working while the case proceeds. He was allowed to be armed both on and off duty after Goddard told another judge that the FBI strongly encourages its agents to carry their service weapons when they are not working. OROVILLE, Calif. (AP) - Tens of thousands of people were ordered to evacuate a fast-moving wildfire that exploded in size Thursday, threatening several Northern California communities and forcing panicked residents to race to help neighbors and drive through walls of flames to escape. The blaze destroyed an unknown number of structures and injured some civilians, but the extent of their injuries was not immediately known, said California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Capt. John Gaddie. As people fled in cars, some abandoned their vehicles, running from encroaching flames as they held babies and pets in their arms, said Gina Oviedo, who described a devastating scene as she evacuated the town of Paradise. Flames were engulfing homes, utility poles were crashing down and things were exploding, she said. Fire officials were working on a plan to rescue patients from a hospital after officials tried to evacuate them but had to turn back because of gridlocked traffic. "It's a very dangerous and very serious situation," Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea told The Associated Press. "I'm driving through fire as we speak. We're doing everything we can to get people out of the affected areas." He confirmed reports that evacuees had to abandon their vehicles as they fled the scene. Smoke from the Camp Fire, burning in the Feather River Canyon near Paradise, Calif., darkens the sky as seen from Highway 99 near Marysville, Calif., Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Don Thompson) "We're getting them on other vehicles with room. We're working very hard to get people out. The message I want to get out is if you can evacuate, you need to evacuate," Honea said. All of Paradise, a town of about 27,000 people 180 miles (290 kilometers) northeast of San Francisco, was ordered to evacuate, said Butte County Sheriff's spokeswoman Miranda Bowersox. The wildfire was reported at 6:30 a.m., Rick Carhart, a Cal Fire spokesman, said. Within roughly six hours, the fire had grown to more than 26 square miles (69 square kilometers), said Gaddie. "The blaze is being driven by fairly strong winds," Carhart said. "It's really dry and we have low humidity - and unfortunately those are great conditions for a fire to spread." A hospital and several schools were evacuated as thick grey smoke and ash filled the sky above Paradise and could be seen from miles away. The Adventist Health Feather River Hospital in Paradise evacuated staff and 41 patients to other hospitals, given its close proximity to the fire, said Jill Kinney, an Adventist Health spokeswoman. She said a group of 20 other patients were initially evacuated but then returned to the facility because of gridlocked traffic. Gaddie, the fire official, said authorities were "working on a plan" to rescue the patients. Some of the hospital's "outbuildings," such as out-patient clinics caught fire and were damaged but the main hospital was not, said Kinney. Four of the hospital's employees were briefly trapped in the basement and rescued by California Highway Patrol officers, Kinney said. Shari Bernacett said she and her husband tried to get people to leave the mobile home park they manage in Paradise and had minutes to evacuate. She and her husband "knocked on doors, yelled and screamed" to alert as many of the residents of 53 mobile homes and recreational vehicles as possible, Bernacett said. "My husband tried his best to get everybody out. The whole hill's on fire. God help us!" Bernacett said before breaking down crying. She and her husband grabbed their dog, jumped in their pickup truck and drove through flames before getting to safety, she said. Officials were sending as many crews as they could gather, Carhart said. "Every engine that we could put on the fire is on the fire right now, and more are coming," he said. "There are dozens of strike teams that we're bringing in from all parts of the state." The National Weather Service issued red flag warnings for fire dangers in many areas of the state, saying low humidity and strong winds were expected to continue through Friday evening. ___ This story has been corrected to reflect that the fire had grown to more than 26 square miles, not 26,500 square miles. Associated Press writers Paul Elias, Jocelyn Gecker and Olga Rodriguez in San Francisco and Sophia Bollag in Sacramento also contributed to this report. The massive plume from the Camp Fire, burning in the Feather River Canyon near Paradise, Calif., wafts over the Sacramento Valley as seen from Chico, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. Authorities in Northern California have ordered mandatory evacuations in a rural area where the wildfire has grown to 1,000 acres (405 hectares) amid hot and windy weather. (David Little/Chico Enterprise-Record via AP) Smoke from the Camp Fire, burning in the Feather River Canyon near Paradise, Calif., darkens the sky above the Butte College sig in Oroville, Calif., Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Don Thompson) HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - A woman who authorities say was part of a drug trafficking ring that brought large amounts of cocaine into Connecticut from Puerto Rico has been sentenced to 18 months in prison. Connecticut U.S. Attorney John Durham says Alba Filomeno-Gomez, of New London, was sentenced Wednesday in federal court in Hartford. Local and federal authorities say multi-pound shipments of cocaine were sent through the U.S. mail from Puerto Rico to various Connecticut locations. Officials say they seized more than 26 pounds (12 kilograms) of cocaine. Authorities say the 23-year-old Filomeno-Gomez accepted some of the packages and was a courier for drugs and money. She pleaded guilty in July to a cocaine conspiracy charge. Her lawyers say she has serious mental health and drug addiction problems stemming from a difficult childhood. GREENBELT, Md. (AP) - A former recruiter of U.S. military language interpreters is accused of recruiting unqualified language interpreters for deployment alongside U.S. combat forces in Afghanistan in 2011 and 2012. WBAL-TV cites a U.S. Department of Justice release that says 34-year-old Abdul Aman of Fairfax, Virginia, was indicted Wednesday on one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud and one count of major fraud against the United States. He's charged in the District of Maryland. The release says he had a close associate take language tests on behalf of candidates he knew couldn't meet minimum language proficiency standards. He worked for a subcontractor on a multimillion-dollar Department of Defense contract, and received financial bonuses based on the number of successful candidates he recruited. It's unclear whether he has a lawyer. ___ Information from: WBAL-TV, http://www.wbaltv.com COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - The Latest on state Senate hearings into the drowning of two mental health patients during Hurricane Florence (all times local): 11:15 a.m. An attorney for the family of one of the two South Carolina mental health patients who drowned in the back of a police van says one door was blocked and the other was locked and the officers did not have keys. Lawyer Tommy Brittan says the Horry County van rolled over after driving into a hole covered by floodwaters during Hurricane Florence, blocking the door. Brittan told state senators Thursday that the officers didn't have keys or bolt cutters to get the back door open and Wendy Newton and Nicolette Green were still conscious as water filled the tiny cage in the van. The deputies were rescued from on top of the van. Brittan says the deputies aren't the only ones to blame. He says his client Newton was just seeking mental health medication for anxiety and fear and the hospital she visited shouldn't have had her committed. He also says a judge should not have agreed and she should not have been moved as Hurricane Florence was flooding the region. Authorities say the deputies drove around barricades before ending up in the floodwaters. ___ 10:40 a.m. Authorities say two sheriff's deputies drove around a barricades and then a manned checkpoint before their van was inundated with floodwater in South Carolina, killing two mental health patients during Hurricane Florence. State Law Enforcement Division Chief Mark Keel told a state Senate panel investigating the deaths that he can't give details like what was said between deputies and National Guard troops because his agents were reviewing their final report Thursday to see if any more investigation is needed before presenting it to prosecutors. Authorities say Wendy Newton and Nicolette Green were under court orders to be taken to a mental health facility and drowned in the back of the Horry County Sheriff's van Investigators say deputies Stephen Flood and Joshua Bishop were rescued from the top of the van. They have been fired. ___ 4:25 a.m. South Carolina lawmakers want answers after two mental health patients drowned when sheriff's deputies drove into floodwaters. Authorities say Wendy Newton and Nicolette Green were under court orders to be taken to a mental health facility when the deputies drove around a barricade closing a road where floodwaters were rapidly rising after Hurricane Florence in September. Investigators say Stephen Flood and Joshua Bishop tried to get the women out of the sheriff's van, but couldn't. They were rescued from the top of the van. The deputies were fired last month. State Criminal Justice Academy records say Flood made a conscious decision to drive around the barricade and Bishop didn't try to stop him. A criminal investigation is ongoing. A Senate subcommittee will discuss the deaths at 10 a.m. Thursday. The Trump administration says it is trying to speed up legal proceedings for some of the record 13,000 migrant children in federal custody by using video hearings to stream testimony from detained youths into courtrooms, The Associated Press has learned. The problem, some attorneys and judges say, is that technical glitches - including bad audio, weak connections and pixelated screens - are actually making it much harder for the teens in shelters to have a fair hearing. It can be challenging for judges to assess children's credibility without eye-to-eye contact, they say. And it further obscures the cases, which legally are supposed to be public. But the Office of Refugee Resettlement, which has custody of the teens, says its unannounced pilot program will save money and allows youths, some of whom are being housed at a cost of more than $775 a night, to appear before a judge more quickly. The program for teens, piloted in conjunction with the Justice Department's Executive Office for Immigration Review, launched several weeks ago. Video teleconferencing already has been widely used in a variety of adult legal proceedings. So far, about 30 youths have appeared via videoconferencing before immigration judges in Phoenix and Harlingen, Texas, said Lydia Holt, an ORR spokeswoman. Similar hearings have been conducted in immigration courts in Miami and New York City, said Kathryn Mattingly, an EOIR spokeswoman. The AP learned they also have been scheduled in Los Angeles, Philadelphia, El Paso, Seattle, Tucson and San Francisco. This summer, the optics of children in court became an embarrassment to the administration, with critics seizing on the fact that the immigration system requires children - some still in diapers - to appear before judges for legal proceedings. FILE - In this Sept. 21, 2018, file photo, Ashley Tabaddor, a federal immigration judge in Los Angeles and president of the National Association of Immigration Judges, speaks at the National Press Club in Washington. Tabaddor says the Trump administration's new pilot program to hold video court hearings for migrant teens instead of having them appear before a judge in person, has been riddled with glitches. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File) Holt said the administration has recommended 75 more unaccompanied children for video hearings, typically migrants between the ages of 15 and 17 who have been in custody for a longer period of time and want their immigration cases heard swiftly. "If at all possible, ORR does not want children to stay longer than necessary in our facilities while waiting for their immigration case to be heard," she said. ORR shelters are nearly full, mostly with children who immigrated without their parents and have family or friends in the U.S. willing to take them in. But the children can spend months in detention as the government arranges their deportation or release to parents or other sponsors, who are now facing stricter guidelines for vetting in the U.S. Almost 60 percent of all migrant children who had their first court date in fiscal year 2017 still did not have lawyers by this August, according to the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse. In states where children have been appearing before judges via video, attorneys say the new process hasn't worked well thus far and risks rolling back due process. Much of the legal representation is pro bono, and organizations can't afford to have two attorneys at each appearance - one in the courtroom and another in the shelter. In one case, there was no way to transmit court documents remotely, so someone had to drive to the shelter to serve the detained teen with paperwork. Another teen stopped talking and started looking around the room when the video feed coming from the court went blank, confusing the judge trying to evaluate the teen's credibility. The government is asking shelter workers to set up mock hearing rooms, complete with a table for the child and empty tables for the judge and the government attorney. Judge Ashley Tabaddor, president of the National Association of Immigration Judges, called the video teleconference equipment "very, very difficult to work with." She said she recently oversaw a video hearing in her Los Angeles courtroom: It took a half-hour to set up the connection, for a proceeding that would have taken five minutes in person. Phone lines drop, screens get fuzzy and participants have difficulty hearing each other, an issue exacerbated by language interpreters, who often aren't at both locations. "There is nothing that can substitute for an in-person hearing," Tabaddor said. Ingrid Eagly, a law professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, who has analyzed thousands of cases of detained adult immigrants, found that those who saw judges on a monitor were more likely to be deported than those who appeared in court. The reason: During in-person hearings, detainees often better understood their options and sought legal counsel and other relief. Inside the detention centers, immigrants were frustrated with technical problems and felt the proceedings were unfair, so tended to give up, she found. Immigration courts began using video hearings for adults 25 years ago, a process the federal government considers a "force multiplier" by saving time and money. It gives the government greater scheduling flexibility and allows judges in other regions to help clear dockets. And they have ramped up dramatically in the past decade. Archi Pyati, a New York-based attorney for the Tahirih Justice Center, which represents migrant children, said the government's growing effort to move immigrant children into remote, locked facilities is making it tougher to provide them their legal recourse. Sometimes, clients need to talk about deeply personal trauma, abuse and fear, Pyati said. "It's very hard to talk about that to a screen and not to a human being," she said. JOHANNESBURG (AP) - A bridge across Africa's mighty Congo River, the first to link the capital cities of Kinshasa and Brazzaville, is planned according to an agreement signed in Johannesburg Thursday. The agreement between the African Development Bank and the governments of the participating states - Congo and the Republic of Congo - was signed on the sidelines of an investor meeting in South Africa. The African Development Bank said it will raise the financing of the project, which is estimated to cost $550 million. The bridge will be just under 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) long and include a four-lane highway, a railroad track and a pedestrian walkway. The plans are for it to be a toll bridge and there will be border posts at both ends. Currently ferries connect Kinshasa and Brazzaville, which the bank says are the world's two closest capital cities. Kinshasa is estimated to have a population of 12 million and Brazzaville has about 1.8 million inhabitants. "The construction of this bridge will not only connect the two cities, but also promote the integration of the region across borders," said Congo's Planning Minister Modeste Bahati Lukwebo, speaking at the signing in Johannesburg. No start or competition dates were given for the construction of the bridge. WASHINGTON (AP) - The forced resignation of Jeff Sessions as attorney general has caused profound leadership changes at the Justice Department, above all affecting oversight of the investigation into ties between President Donald Trump's campaign and Russia. A look at the responsibilities of the Justice Department's top two leaders and the special counsel running the department's most consequential and politically sensitive investigation. ___ MATTHEW WHITAKER The new acting attorney general, Whitaker will assume the duties and responsibilities fulfilled by Sessions. It's a job he knows well given that Whitaker has spent the last year as Sessions' chief of staff. Whitaker is expected to assume oversight of Mueller's Russia investigation. That would give him authority over funding and allow him to make critical decisions such as signing off on charges and determining whether Trump should be subpoenaed. Protestors gather in front of the White House in Washington, Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, as part of a nationwide "Protect Mueller" campaign demanding that acting U.S. Attorney General Matthew Whitaker recuse himself from overseeing the ongoing special counsel investigation. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) But if Whitaker moves to curtail Mueller, he would eventually have to disclose that to Congress. Under the special counsel regulations, the attorney general must notify the leaders of congressional judiciary committees of any time he rejected a proposed action by Mueller because he deemed it "inappropriate or unwarranted" under department policy. That information would be disclosed to Congress at the end of the investigation, the regulations say. Congressional Democrats are calling on Whitaker to recuse himself because of comments he made before joining the Justice Department that were critical and skeptical of the probe. Those include an opinion piece on CNN.com in which he said Mueller would be going too far, and straying beyond his mandate, if he were to investigate Trump's family finances. In an interview last year with a conservative talk radio host, Whitaker said there was "no collusion" between Trump's campaign and Russia, a key question being examined by Mueller. It's not clear that Whitaker will need to step aside, and there were no signs Thursday that he intended to do so. Sessions recused himself in March 2017 because of his work on Trump's campaign and following the revelation that he had met during the 2016 campaign with the Russian ambassador to the U.S. ___ ROD ROSENSTEIN As deputy attorney general, Rosenstein is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Justice Department, including the activities of the country's U.S. attorneys. One of those offices, in New York, is leading an investigation involving the president's former personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, and hush money payments Cohen says he made to two women who say they had sex with Trump. Rosenstein appointed Mueller as special counsel after Sessions recused himself and after Trump fired former FBI Director James Comey. The No. 2 official remains in his position with most of the same duties as before, even though his own job status has appeared questionable at times. It's possible he'll still play a role in the Mueller investigation, but the Justice Department made clear Wednesday that Whitaker "is in charge of all matters under the purview of the Department of Justice." ___ ROBERT MUELLER The former FBI director has been working with a team of prosecutors and agents for the last year and a half to investigate whether the Trump campaign illegally coordinated with Russia to tip the 2016 election, and whether Trump tried to obstruct that investigation. The investigation has produced 32 criminal charges, including guilty pleas from four former Trump associates. But the key collusion and obstruction questions that underpin the investigation remain unanswered, and a grand jury in Washington continues to hear evidence about Trump confidant Roger Stone. Mueller, who has been negotiating with Trump's lawyers about interviewing the president, is expected to produce a written report for the Justice Department that explains the findings, though it's not clear how much will be public. ____ Associated Press writer Chad Day in Washington contributed to this report. Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein waits for his car as he departs the West Wing of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018. Attorney General Jeff Sessions was pushed out Wednesday as the country's chief law enforcement officer after enduring more than a year of blistering and personal attacks from President Donald Trump over his recusal from the Russia investigation. . (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Wisconsin Republican lawmakers on Thursday privately discussed ways they could limit the incoming Democratic governor before he takes office, which the governor-elect described as a "desperate attempt to cling to power." Tony Evers, who narrowly defeated Republican Gov. Scott Walker, said GOP legislative leaders should "stop any and all attempts to play politics and weaken the powers of the governor's office." Evers said in a statement that making those moves before he takes office Jan. 7 would be a "complete violation of the separation of powers in our system." Senate Republicans met privately Thursday to discuss ways to reduce Evers' powers, a day after Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said he, too, would be open to doing that. Republicans have been vague about their specific plans. Walker hasn't said whether he would sign any such bills into law. His spokeswoman, Amy Hasenberg, didn't immediately reply to a message seeking comment. Such a move has precedent: Republicans in North Carolina two years ago limited the number of appointments that the Democratic governor-elect, Roy Cooper, could make once he took office. GOP Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald downplayed what Republicans were considering, saying they were primarily focused on making sure the rules for how some laws are enforced wouldn't be changed, including the state's voter photo ID requirement. He said Republicans are also looking at reconstituting boards to make sure they have equal representation, but didn't specify which ones. Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald held a press conference Thursday Nov. 8, 2018 after a meeting of the Senate Republican caucus in the State Capitol in Madison, Wis. (Steve Apps/Wisconsin State Journal via AP) Fitzgerald also said Republicans would look to limit the governor's authority over the process of enacting rules designed to carry out laws the Legislature passes. The Legislature increased Walker's authority over that process shortly after he took office in 2011. Republicans have been in complete control of the Legislature and governor's office since that year. "I'm not sure why there's all this discussion we're trying to somehow undermine the new governor," Fitzgerald told reporters. "That's not the case at all. I think there's some stuff that's going to be reasonable." Former Democratic Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle told The Associated Press on Thursday that he hopes Walker will protect the powers of the office for his successor, Evers. "There's some obligation on a governor in that situation to not just be a partisan player anymore and be a protector of the office, and I hope the governor does that," Doyle said. "I think that's how many governors would see it. You're no longer just a party operative, you're somebody who has to look at the bigger picture." The lame duck session, which legislative leaders called at Walker's request during the campaign, was supposed to be exclusively about approving a $100 million tax break bill for paper products giant Kimberly-Clark Corp. The incentive package is designed to save a Fox Crossing plant that employs about 500 people. Republicans still don't have the votes to pass it and its future is uncertain. While that measure is in limbo, Republicans are talking about doing much more, including kneecapping Evers before he takes office. But Fitzgerald said that because of the governor's substantial veto power, Evers will be able to keep the Legislature "in check." "It's equal, balanced government," he said. "We'll respect Tony Evers like we have any other governor and we'll work with him." Republicans have an 18-15 majority in the state Senate for the lame duck session, giving them little margin to lose votes. But starting in January, their majority will increase to 19-14. Evers said in his statement that he wants to work with Republicans and Democrats on issues, including health care, education and infrastructure. Doyle was in office the last time there was divided government, in 2007 and 2008, when Republicans controlled the Assembly and Democrats had the majority in the Senate. Doyle said he anticipates that Evers will "make every effort to reach across the aisle" and work with Republicans. "He should approach them in good faith with an open hand," Doyle said. Republican Sen. Luther Olsen is chairman of the Senate's Education Committee and has worked closely over the years with Evers, the state superintendent since 2009. Olsen said he'd be open to scaling back the powers of the governor but acknowledged it would not look good for Republicans to undermine Evers before he takes office. "The problem is it just looks like you're trying to tie the hands of the new governor," Olsen said. "The optics problem looks bad." ___ Follow Scott Bauer on Twitter: https://twitter.com/sbauerAP ___ 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 Governor-elect Tony Evers, right, walks into a room filled with press before making a statement, and answering questions on Wednesday Nov. 7, 2018. Governor-elect Tony Evers, and Lt. Governor elect Mandela Barnes took a tour of the Boys & Girls Club of Dane County in Madison, Wis. (Steve Apps/Wisconsin State Journal via AP) Senator Scott Fitzgerald, right, smiles after being elected to the post of Senate Majority Leader during a meeting of the Senate Republican caucus in the State Capitol Thursday Nov. 8, 2018 in Madison, Wis. Senator Howard Harklein is left. (Steve Apps/Wisconsin State Journal via AP) BALTIMORE (AP) - A team of researchers is giving the world a chance to see the faces of two Egyptian women who walked the earth about 2,300 years ago. The Baltimore Sun reports that detailed portraits based on mummified remains form the core of "Who Am I? Remembering the Dead Through Facial Reconstruction," the newest exhibition on display at the Johns Hopkins University Museum of Archaeology at least until the end of next year. Experts in fields ranging from fine art, osteology, computer tomology, and craniofacial reconstruction worked together to create the likenesses from two mummies acquired abroad and brought to Baltimore more than a century ago. Sanchita Balachandran, the museum's associate director, sees the exhibit as an opportunity to say, "These people have been with us since the 1880s, and we're only now able to see them as real people." The veteran of archaeological digs, was familiar with Western collectors' treatment of ancient artifacts, particularly Egyptian mummies. In the early to mid-1800s, Americans of means collected what they saw as exotica in Egypt, where the ceremonially preserved bodies were plentiful. Mendes I. Cohen, A War of 1812 veteran, acquired a mummy in Egypt in 1834, brought it back to Baltimore, and left it to the university when he died in 1879. John F. Goucher, a local minister, missionary and educator, acquired a mummy in 1895 and brought it to Baltimore, where he donated it to the school he'd founded, the Baltimore Woman's College, later renamed Goucher College. It ended up at the Baltimore Museum of Art. In a Sept. 26, 2018 photo, a pull-out drawers offer more information about the facial depiction process at the new Johns Hopkins Archaeological Museum exhibit, "Who Am I? Remembering the Dead Through Facial Reconstruction," in Baltimore. Pictured here is the facial depiction of the Goucher mummy, and her "boot." FaceLab, Liverpool John Moores University, worked with Hopkins to create facial depictions of the Goucher mummy, ca. 4th c. BCE, and the Cohen mummy, ca. 664 - 525 BCE. (Amy Davis/The Baltimore Sun via AP) "They were often seen as curiosities that belonged in sideshows, freak shows and dime museums," said Meg Swaney, a doctoral student in Near Eastern Studies at Hopkins and co-curator of the exhibit. "People weren't sure whether to display them in natural history museums, or in art museums for the artifacts they came with. But there was so much curiosity, every museum wanted one." Balachandran's team, a group that included Swaney and six undergraduates, worked with Caroline Wilkinson, the director of Face Lab, a research group at Liverpool John Moores University in England that carries out forensic and archaeological research. Dr. Elliot K. Fishman, a professor of radiology and the director of diagnostic imaging at Johns Hopkins Hospital, performed a CT scan on the bodies, and those images provided information for three-dimensional representations. Researchers contributed other details including pelvic marks that showed both were female and tooth conditions that suggested ages of about 45 or 50. Face Lab built its illustrations out over two years. The team faced a range of ethical questions along the way, voting for two-dimensional portraits over three-dimensional busts. "Everyone felt it would risk being too macabre or creating too much of a spectacle," said Swaney, who specializes in the ethics involved in displaying Egyptian remains. They also agreed to render the portraits in grays since no reliable evidence exists regarding skin tone. For Balachandran, the exhibit is a new way of looking into the ancient past. "These women look at you the moment you walk in the door; you're looking at them, and they're looking at you," she said. "It feels as though they're right here with us." ___ Information from: The Baltimore Sun, http://www.baltimoresun.com Sanchita Balachandran, Associate Director of the Johns Hopkins Archaeological Museum, left, and Meg Swaney, graduate student in Near Eastern Studies, discuss the new exhibit, "Who Am I? Remembering the Dead Through Facial Reconstruction," on Sept. 26, 2018 in Baltimore. FaceLab, Liverpool John Moores University, worked with Hopkins to create facial depictions of the Goucher mummy, ca. 4th c. BCE, and the Cohen mummy, ca. 664 - 525 BCE. (Amy Davis/The Baltimore Sun via AP) Detail of the facial depiction process for the Goucher mummy at the new Johns Hopkins Archaeological Museum exhibit, "Who Am I? Remembering the Dead Through Facial Reconstruction", in Baltimore. FaceLab, Liverpool John Moores University, worked with Hopkins to create facial depictions of the Goucher mummy, ca. 4th c. BCE, and the Cohen mummy, ca. 664 - 525 BCE. (Amy Davis/The Baltimore Sun via AP) Detail of the facial depiction process for the Cohen mummy at the new Johns Hopkins Archaeological Museum exhibit, "Who Am I? Remembering the Dead Through Facial Reconstruction." FaceLab, Liverpool John Moores University, worked with Hopkins to create facial depictions of the Goucher mummy, ca. 4th c. BCE, and the Cohen mummy, ca. 664 - 525 BCE. (Amy Davis/The Baltimore Sun via AP) Upper portion of the Cohen mummy at the new Johns Hopkins Archaeological Museum exhibit, "Who Am I? Remembering the Dead Through Facial Reconstruction." FaceLab, Liverpool John Moores University, worked with Hopkins to create facial depictions of the Goucher mummy, ca. 4th c. BCE, and the Cohen mummy, ca. 664 - 525 BCE. (Amy Davis/The Baltimore Sun via AP) The Cohen mummy at the new Johns Hopkins Archaeological Museum exhibit, "Who Am I? Remembering the Dead Through Facial Reconstruction," in Baltimore. FaceLab, Liverpool John Moores University, worked with Hopkins to create facial depictions of the Goucher mummy, ca. 4th c. BCE, and the Cohen mummy, ca. 664 - 525 BCE. (Amy Davis/The Baltimore Sun via AP) Six of the 10 deadliest mass shootings in modern U.S. history have occurred since 2012. A list of some of the deadliest mass shootings: - Oct. 1, 2017: Stephen Paddock opened fire on an outdoor music festival on the Las Vegas Strip from the 32nd floor of a hotel-casino, killing 58 people and wounding more than 500. SWAT teams with explosives then stormed his room and found he had killed himself. - June 12, 2016: Omar Mateen opened fire at an Orlando, Florida, nightclub, killing 49 people. Mateen was later killed in a shootout with police. - April 16, 2007: Virginia Tech student Seung-Hui Cho shot and killed 32 people and wounded 17 others in separate attacks on campus before killing himself. - Dec. 14, 2012: In Newtown, Connecticut, an armed 20-year-old man entered Sandy Hook Elementary School and used a semi-automatic rifle to kill 26 people, including 20 first-graders and six adult school staff members. He then killed himself. - Nov. 5, 2017: Devin Patrick Kelley, who had been discharged from the Air Force after a conviction for domestic violence, used an AR-style firearm to shoot up a congregation at a small church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, killing more than two dozen. - Oct. 16, 1991: George Hennard drove his pickup truck though the front window of Luby's restaurant in Killeen, Texas, and then fatally shot 23 people, wounded 27 others and then killed himself after a shootout with police. - July 18, 1984: James Huberty drove to a McDonald's in the San Ysidro neighborhood of San Diego, California, armed with an Uzi submachine gun, a shotgun and a handgun. He shot and killed 21 people, injured 19 and then was killed by a police sniper. - Feb. 14, 2018: Nikolas Cruz shot and killed 17 students and staff members at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. It surpassed Columbine High School as the deadliest shooting at a high school in U.S. history. - Dec. 2, 2015: Syed Rizwan Farook, 28, and Tashfeen Malik, 27, opened fire at a social services center in San Bernardino, California, killing 14 people and wounding more than 20. They fled the scene but died hours later in a shootout with police. - Aug. 20, 1986: Postal worker Patrick Sherrill shot 20 co-workers, killing 14 of them, in Edmond, Oklahoma. He then committed suicide. The shooting at a bar in southern California marks the second deadliest mass shooting in the U.S. in 2018. A list of the deadliest mass shootings in the last year: - Nov. 7, 2018: Ian David Long killed 12 people at a country music bar in Thousand Oaks, California, before taking his own life. Long was a Marine combat veteran of the war in Afghanistan. - Oct. 27, 2018: Robert Bowers is accused of opening fire at Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, during Shabbat morning services, killing 11 and injuring others. It's the deadliest attack on Jews in the U.S. in history. - June 28, 2018: Jarrod Ramos shot through the windows of the Capital Gazette offices in Annapolis, Maryland, before turning the weapon on employees there, killing five at The Capital newspaper. Authorities say Ramos had sent threatening letters to the newspaper prior to the attack. - May 18, 2018: Dimitrios Pagourtzis began shooting during an art class at Santa Fe High School in Santa Fe, Texas. The 17-year-old killed eight students and two teachers and 13 others were wounded. Explosive were found at the school and off campus. Family members are led into the Thousand Oaks Teen Center where families have gathered after a deadly shooting at a bar on Thursday, Nov. 8,2018, in Thousand Oaks, Calif. Multiple people were shot and killed late Wednesday by the gunman who opened fire at the Borderline Bar & Grill, which was holding a weekly country music dance night for college students. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel) - Feb. 14, 2018: Nikolas Cruz shot and killed 17 students and staff members at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. It surpassed Columbine High School as the deadliest shooting at a high school in U.S. history. - Nov. 5, 2017: Devin Patrick Kelley, who had been discharged from the Air Force after a conviction for domestic violence, used an AR-style firearm to shoot up a congregation at a small church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, killing more than two dozen. - Oct. 1, 2017: Stephen Paddock opened fire on an outdoor music festival on the Las Vegas Strip from the 32nd floor of a hotel-casino, killing 58 people and wounding more than 500. SWAT teams with explosives then stormed his room and found he had killed himself. MOSCOW (AP) - The mayor of Moscow has decreed that a square near the headquarters of Russia's SVR foreign intelligence service be named after Kim Philby, the Briton who was the most successful Soviet double agent of the Cold War period. Mayor Sergei Sobyanin signed the order on Tuesday. The move comes amid tensions between Russia and Britain over this year's nerve agent poisoning of Russian former double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in the English city of Salisbury. Philby joined Britain's MI6 foreign intelligence service in 1940, eventually heading its counterespionage division and serving as intelligence liaison with the United States. He resigned in 1951 under suspicion that he had tipped off two other double agents, who fled to Moscow. Philby defected to the Soviet Union in 1963, where he died in 1988. HAVANA (AP) - Representatives from the United States' agricultural sector arrived in Cuba on Thursday for a conference aimed at promoting sales, one of the few U.S. business areas allowed to deal with the island under a half-century-old trade embargo that Cuban leaders blame for most of its economic troubles. The U.S.-Cuba Agriculture Coalition will explore potential opportunities for American agriculture producers seeking a market on the island. Cuba imports most of its food products from abroad, a multibillion-dollar market that has flourished despite U.S. sanctions. Relations between both countries normalized somewhat after former U.S. President Barack Obama loosened the trade embargo while in office. But President Donald Trump has intensified sanctions, making it harder for Americans to travel to Cuba and conduct business. In 2017, the United States sold $260 million of food to the Cuba, but the figure was one of the lowest in this decade and paled in comparison to the $450 million of U.S. food sold in 2012. The island still cannot sell its own products in the U.S. and is not given credit to help pay for imports as a result of the embargo. Cuba spends about $2 billion a year to import food for its 11 million citizens, who are given almost free rations each month of products such as chicken, rice and milk. Local vegetables are on display for sale at a food shop in Havana, Cuba, Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. Entrepreneurs from the United States' agricultural sector have arrived in Cuba to promote business between the two countries. (AP Photo/Desmond Boylan) Phil Peters, a trip organizer, said U.S. agribusiness is interested in exporting more products to Cuba and improving regulatory conditions, and in "building a broader and more normal relationship in which there is investment and shared business." About 30 participants were meeting with officials at the conference and visiting farms and cooperatives in the Caribbean nation. The group is scheduled to stay until Saturday. "Our country finds itself fully updating its economic model," Cuban deputy agriculture minister Jose Miguel Rodriguez de Armas said at the opening of the conference. "The concerns of the agriculture sector are very important for the development of our country." Member of the U. S. House Representatives from Arkansas Rick Crawford speaks to reporters during a U.S. - Cuba Agriculture Coalition press conference at the Hotel Nacional in Havana, Cuba, Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. Entrepreneurs from the United States' agricultural sector have arrived in Cuba to promote business between the two countries. (AP Photo/Desmond Boylan) People buy local vegetables at a food shop in Havana, Cuba, Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. Entrepreneurs from the United States' agricultural sector have arrived in Cuba to promote business between the two countries. (AP Photo/Desmond Boylan) WASHINGTON (AP) - A federal appeals court heard arguments Thursday about whether special counsel Robert Mueller's appointment to lead the Russia investigation was constitutional. The case was brought by Andrew Miller, a former aide to longtime Trump confidant Roger Stone, because he doesn't want to testify before a grand jury as part of the investigation into whether the Trump campaign coordinated with Russia in 2016. At issue is whether Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein had the authority to appoint Mueller. The special counsel's office says yes. But lawyers for Miller say no. The three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia is now weighing that question but the latest shake up at the Justice Department hangs over the case. On Wednesday, President Donald Trump appointed a Mueller critic, Matthew Whitaker, as acting Attorney General, putting him in place to oversee the Russia probe instead of Rosenstein. On Thursday, Judge Karen Henderson told attorneys for Mueller and for Miller to argue the case as if "the events of yesterday didn't happen" but noted that the judges may want the parties to file additional briefs in response to Trump's move. The court fight comes as Mueller's team is scrutinizing Stone's connection to WikiLeaks. American intelligence agencies have concluded that Russian agents were the source of damaging information on Hillary Clinton that WikiLeaks released during the 2016 campaign. Mueller's team has been probing whether Stone had any advance knowledge of WikiLeaks plans, a contention he has denied. Attorney Paul Kamenar as he leaves federal court in Washington, Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. Judges on a federal appeals court heard arguments from Kamenar and are weighing whether to invalidate the Russia investigation over arguments made a former aide to longtime Trump confidante Roger Stone that the special counsel's appointment was unconstitutional. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Four separate federal judges have upheld Mueller's appointment but Miller's case is the first to reach oral arguments at the appellate level. And his attorney, Paul Kamenar, says that regardless of the panel's decision, the case is bound to be decided by the Supreme Court. During oral arguments before Henderson, Judge Sri Srinivasan and Judge Judith Rogers, Kamenar cast the special counsel as an unchecked prosecutorial power. "He's like a U.S. Attorney-at-large," he told the judges. Kamenar argued that Congress hasn't passed a law specifically authorizing the appointment of a private attorney as a special counsel. And even if the legal authority existed, only Sessions could have appointed Mueller and not Rosenstein, who issued the order after Sessions recused himself from oversight of the Russia investigation, Kamenar said. But special counsel attorney Michael Dreeben rejected Kamenar's arguments, saying Rosenstein has closely supervised the probe. "It's not the case that the special counsel is out wandering in a free-floating environment," Dreeben said. He argued that there was ample case law and statutory authority for Mueller's appointment, noting that special counsels have been used for decades to ensure the American people that an investigation can be carried out independently, especially in cases involving the president. The case of Miller, the former aide to Stone, is backed by the right-leaning nonprofit group, National Legal and Policy Center, which hopes to use the case as a vehicle to invalidate every action Mueller has taken to date. That would include the six guilty pleas, one trial conviction and multiple pending indictments including one against a Russian company accused of taking part in a vast social media effort to interfere in the 2016 presidential election. That company, Concord Management and Consulting, joined Miller's case as an amicus. Kamenar told reporters Thursday that he doesn't know the details of the special counsel's interest in Stone or whether Miller is a key witness. He said he expects a ruling in later November but it could come sooner since it involves an active grand jury investigation. ___ Follow Chad Day on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChadSDay BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) - The harassment trial of former Ottawa Senators assistant general manager Randy Lee has been rescheduled for Dec. 20. The nonjury trial was to have begun Friday in Buffalo City Court. Lee is accused of making lewd comments and rubbing the shoulders of a 19-year-old male hotel shuttle driver while attending the NHL's pre-draft scouting combine in Buffalo in May. Lee faces up to 15 days in jail if convicted on the violation charge of harassment. Lee was suspended by the Senators and then resigned in August after 23 years with the team. The driver's lawyer, Charles Desmond, told The Associated Press on Thursday his client is suffering "a lot of pain and emotional distress" and is receiving medical treatment and counseling. Desmond plans a civil suit against Lee once the trial is completed. ___ More AP NHL: https://apnews.com/tag/NHL and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports DAYTON, Ohio (AP) - An Ohio man accused of trying to fly overseas to train with an Islamic State-affiliated group has pleaded not guilty to a federal charge of attempting to provide material support and resources to a foreign terrorist organization. Court records show Naser Almadaoji (NAH'-ser ahl-mah-DOW'-jee) pleaded not guilty Thursday in U.S. District Court in Dayton. The government has accused the Iraqi-born U.S. citizen of arranging to move through Kazakhstan to Afghanistan, where he intended to train with a group called ISIS Wilayat Khorasan (wihl-eye-AHT' KOH'-rah-sahn). A message seeking comment was left with his attorney. The 19-year-old from Beavercreek in suburban Dayton was arrested Oct. 24 at John Glenn International Airport in Columbus. The government said Almadaoji unsuccessfully tried to join a terrorist group after traveling to Egypt and Jordan in February. PHOENIX (AP) - A woman who was captured on video making derogatory comments about Muslims as she tore down fliers posted at an Arizona mosque was sentenced Thursday to 18 months of probation for her aggravated criminal damage conviction. Elizabeth Ann Dauenhauer of Phoenix was with a friend and three children in March when Dauenhauer took down announcements on bulletin boards and removed pamphlets from bins in a fenced-in courtyard behind the mosque in Tempe. Qurans also were taken, but it's unclear which of the two women was accused of walking away with them. The two women, known for making anti-Muslim statements at political events in the Phoenix area, walked past a no-trespassing sign posted on a gate to the courtyard, where only members of the mosque were allowed to go without permission. Dauenhauer, who also was ordered to complete 200 hours of community service, expressed remorse for her actions. "I am very sorry for the people I hurt," said Dauenhauer, who will have to serve one month in jail if it's determined that she hasn't followed the rules of probation. A burglary charge stemming from the visit to the mosque was dismissed against Dauenhauer as part of her earlier agreement to plead guilty to aggravated criminal damage. Her sentence mirrored the punishments called for in her plea deal. FILE - This March 15, 2018 file booking photo provided by the Tempe, Ariz., Police Department shows Elizabeth Dauenhauer, who was captured on video making derogatory comments about Muslims as she took pamphlets from an Arizona mosque. Dauenhauer, who tore down fliers from bulletin boards and removed fliers from bins in a courtyard behind the mosque in Tempe, is scheduled to be sentenced Thursday, Nov. 8 for her criminal damage conviction. (Tempe Police Department via AP, File) Dauenhauer, 52, faced fewer criminal charges than 32-year-old Tahnee Savanna Gonzales, who joined her at the mosque and posted video of the visit on her social media account. The video shows Gonzales starting a shouting match with a Muslim man after he walked out of the mosque and tried to pet her dog. Gonzales has pleaded not guilty to burglary, aggravated criminal damage and other charges. Her trial is set for Jan. 10. Lawyers for Gonzales contend her comments were protected by the First Amendment. They say the mosque is open to the public and intended for people to take the materials that Gonzales and Dauenhauer walked away with. "I'm working on trying to achieve a positive result in this case," Marc Victor, one of Gonzales' lawyers, said in an email to The Associated Press. Gonzales' attorneys didn't immediately return a call Thursday seeking comment on the case. In the video, Dauenhauer refers to Muslims as Satan-worshippers and claimed the mosque had pamphlets on Islamic training camps in America and tips on getting more government assistance. Dauenhauer stated the intent to take pamphlets from the mosque. "And there's nothing they can do about it," Dauenhauer said. In one clip taken in the courtyard, Dauenhauer holds a child in one hand as she takes away pamphlets with the other hand. When standing on the mosque's lawn, Dauenhauer snapped a photo of the children and Gonzales sitting atop a wall around the building, with their thumbs pointed downward in disapproval. Later, one of the children climbed on the bumper of a funeral services van in the mosque's parking lot, looking into the vehicle as Dauenhauer and Gonzales told the boy to get off bumper. "Muslims have been on there," Dauenhauer told the boy. Gonzales does most of the talking during the 23-minute video. She said complains about Sharia law and said Muslims engage in bestiality and are destroying America. When she sees a no-guns sign on a gate on mosque property, Gonzales said, "Ahhh, but they carry around AKs and kill people all the time." Near the end of the video, the two women, children and their dogs stood in the parking lot as a man exited the mosque. One of the dogs trotted over to the man, who, in response to a question from Gonzales, later identified himself as a practicing Muslim. "Stay away from our dogs, please. Don't eat them," Gonzales told the man, prompting guffaw from Dauenhauer. "Really?" the man responded, later explaining that he was trying to be peaceful and didn't understand what Gonzales was talking about. Gonzales kept yelling insults at the man as the shouting match continued. Gonzales faces a disorderly conduct charge for allegedly using abusive language toward a person at the mosque. The parents of the three children who were with the two women at the mosque haven't been publicly identified by authorities. Even so, Gonzales faces three misdemeanor charges of permitting life, health and morals of a minor to be imperiled by neglect, abuse or immoral associations. ____ Follow Jacques Billeaud at www.twitter.com/jacquesbilleaud On the East Coast, West Coast and in heartland states between them, LGBT candidates scored a raft of notable midterm election victories - winning two governorships, at least nine seats in Congress, and their first-ever legislative seats in Indiana, Kansas and Nebraska. The head of the LGBTQ Victory Fund, which recruits and assists LGBT candidates, said many of the winners in Tuesday's elections were motivated by concerns over the Trump administration's rollback of protections for transgender people. "We've worked hard to achieve the rights we have today," said the fund's CEO, former Houston Mayor Annise Parker. "But we realize we're still in a vulnerable position in many places." From Parker's perspective, the highlights were many. In Colorado, U.S. Rep. Jared Polis became the first openly gay man elected as a governor of any state. In Wisconsin, Tammy Baldwin - who in 2012 became the first openly gay person to win a U.S. Senate seat - easily won re-election despite being targeted by outside conservative groups that spent millions attacking her. In races for the U.S. house, a record eight LGBT candidates won seats for the Democrats. Four incumbents- Mark Takano of California, Sean Patrick Maloney of New York, David Cicilline of Rhode Island and Mark Pocan of Wisconsin - will be joined in January by newcomers Katie Hill of California, Sharice Davids of Kansas, Angie Craig of Minnesota and Chris Pappas of New Hampshire. For two other LGBT candidates, their races were too close to call - U.S. Rep. Kyrsten Sinema's bid for a U.S. Senate seat in Arizona and Gina Ortiz Jones' race for a U.S. House seat in Texas. FILE - In this Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018 file photo, Colorado Governor-elect Jared Polis hugs his Lt. Governor-elect Dianne Primavera during his victory speech at the watch party for Colorado Democrats at a hotel in downtown Denver. Polis became the first openly gay man elected as a governor of any state. (Jerilee Bennett/The Gazette via AP) Hill, Davids and Craig were among a batch of Democratic winners who flipped control of GOP-held House seats, overcoming initial skepticism that LGBT candidates were not best-suited for that challenge. "We saw LGBTQ candidates talk openly about their lives to a degree unseen in past elections - and it resonated with voters," Parker said. In Minnesota, Craig featured her wife and their sons in TV ads en route to winning a rematch against GOP Rep. Jason Lewis in the Twin Cities' suburban 2nd District. "What I say is my wife and I have four sons, just like any other politician would," Craig said during the campaign. "It'd be cool to be the first openly gay member of Congress from Minnesota, but that's not why I'm running." In Kansas' 3rd District, near Kansas City, Davids unseated four-term GOP incumbent Kevin Yoder. Being lesbian was only one aspect of an eye-catching biography - she's also Native American, a lawyer, a former White House fellow, and a past competitor in mixed martial arts. "From the beginning, this campaign has been built on bringing new leaders to the table, and new voices to the table," she said in her victory speech. In New Hampshire, Pappas did not stress his LGBT status during the campaign, but reacted with passion during a debate when his GOP rival, Eddie Edwards, questioned why Pappas had been photographed wearing a "Resist" T-shirt. "The photo you are referring to is a rainbow shirt I wore at a gay pride event," Pappas said. "I am proud of who I am and I am proud to stand up against hate, bigotry and intolerance." In Colorado, which was beset by gay-rights controversies in the past, Polis' successful campaign for governor was striking in that his LGBT status never became a campaign issue. "We went from a state where our elected officials struggled to provide even basic rights to same-sex couples to a state where a gay man ran for governor and his sexual orientation wasn't discussed as a political liability," The Denver Post wrote in an editorial. Kayla DeShon, an independent voter from the Denver suburb of Highlands Ranch, said she voted for Polis because of his stance on health care. "I did not know he is gay. I found out afterward - it was an added bonus," said DeShon, 29. "And I do think that it doesn't matter." Polis will join Oregon's Kate Brown as the only LGBT governors. Brown, who identifies as bisexual, narrowly won re-election over Republican Knute Buehler. In state legislative races, the Victory Fund projects that about 130 LGBT candidates will win seats - all but two of them Democrats. That would be up from 121 LGBT legislators heading into the election, according to the fund. Winning a state Senate seat in Utah was Derek Kitchen, a city councilor in Salt Lake City who rose to prominence when his lawsuit overturned Utah's ban on gay marriage several years ago. Voters in Omaha elected an openly bisexual candidate, Megan Hunt, to the Nebraska Senate. In New Hampshire, two transgender women, Gerri Cannon and Lisa Bunker, won seats in the state House of Representatives. A third transgender woman, Brianna Titone, was locked in a too-close-to-call race for the Colorado House. Unofficial near-complete returns showed Titone with a 12-vote lead after more than 47,000 votes were cast. Among LGBT victors elsewhere was Dana Nessel, elected as Michigan's attorney general. Nessel made headlines as co-counsel in the historic lawsuit that led to same-sex marriage in Michigan. She said the outgoing GOP attorney general, Bill Schuette, "made a mockery of state government" by bringing social scientists to court to denigrate the parenting skills of same-sex couples. "There are LGBTQ people clamoring for representation and tired of the office of attorney general using them as a punching bag," Nessel said during the campaign. In Massachusetts, voters soundly defeated an attempted repeal of a 2016 state law extending nondiscrimination protections to transgender people in the use of restrooms and other public accommodations. The outcome was hailed by Parker, who was mayor of Houston in 2015 when a trans-inclusive civil-rights ordinance was repealed in a referendum. Opponents of the ordinance played upon public fears with the slogan, "No Men in Women's Bathrooms." Parker said Massachusetts voters, having lived with the state law for two years, didn't buy such rhetoric. "They realized it was completely inane fear," she said. ___ Associated Press writer James Anderson in Denver contributed to this report. __ Follow David Crary at https://twitter.com/CraryAP FILE - In this Tuesday Nov. 6, 2018 file photo, U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., celebrates her victory in Madison, Wis. Baldwin _ who in 2012 became the first openly gay person to win a U.S. Senate seat _ easily won re-election despite being targeted by outside conservative groups that spent millions attacking her. (Steve Apps/Wisconsin State Journal via AP) FILE - In this Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018 file photo, Democratic house candidate Sharice Davids prepares to speak to supporters at a victory party in Olathe, Kan. Davids defeated Republican incumbent Kevin Yoder to win the Kansas' 3rd Congressional District seat. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley) WASHINGTON (AP) - Newly ascendant Democrats are promising congressional action on gun control amid a rash of mass shootings, including a late-night assault at a California bar that killed 12 people. Measures including expanded background checks and a ban on assault-style weapons are likely to reach the House floor when Democrats retake control after eight years of Republican rule. "The American people deserve real action to end the daily epidemic of gun violence that is stealing the lives of our children on campuses, in places of worship and on our streets," said Rep. Nancy Pelosi of California, the Democratic leader who is running for a second stint as House speaker. Pelosi vowed to push for a range of actions to stem gun violence, including restrictions on high-capacity magazines and a measure allowing temporary removal of guns from people deemed an imminent risk to themselves or others. The measures could win approval in the Democratic-controlled House next year but will face opposition from the Republican-controlled Senate and the White House, where President Donald Trump has promised to "protect the Second Amendment." Still, gun control advocates believe they have the political momentum to make guns a central issue next year. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., speaks in during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018. Pelosi says she's confident she will win enough support to be elected speaker of the House next year and that she is the best person for the job. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) The political calculus on guns is changing, said Democratic Rep. Ted Deutch, whose Florida district includes the Parkland high school where 17 people were killed in February. "We saw it start on Tuesday and we're going to see it accelerate in January," he said. Gun control was a major issue even before the most recent shootings. Lawmakers debated action following the Parkland attack and a 2017 shooting in Las Vegas that left 58 dead, and ultimately took modest steps to boost school safety funds and improve compliance with the federal background check system for gun purchases. The Democrats' new majority includes dozens of candidates who support gun control, including Lucy McBath in Georgia, whose 17-year-old son was fatally shot in 2012 and who made gun violence the centerpiece of her campaign At least 17 newly elected House Democrats back stricter gun laws, including Jennifer Wexton, Abigail Spanberger and Elaine Luria in Virginia, who defeated incumbents backed by the National Rifle Association. In Colorado, Democrat Jason Crow beat GOP Rep. Mike Coffman, who received an A rating from the NRA and more than $37,000 in campaign contributions from the group. "I do think there's new energy" on gun issues, even before the California assault late Wednesday night and an Oct. 27 shooting that killed 11 people at a Pittsburgh synagogue, said Kris Brown, co-president of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. "Our base is worked up, and people are reacting in a positive way at the ballot box," said Brown, who campaigned with the three Virginia Democrats in the final week alongside a stream of volunteers. "A large number of folks showed up and knocked on doors and said they finally have a candidate who will do something about gun violence," she said. Wexton, Spanberger and Luria all made gun violence a central issue in their campaigns - disproving the notion that gun control is a "third rail" of politics that Democrats should not talk about, Brown said. "We're finding candidates who aren't afraid to talk about this issue," she said. Spending to support candidates backing tougher gun control surged this year, even as campaign spending by the NRA declined. Everytown for Gun Safety, a group founded by former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, pledged $30 million for this year's elections and continued to put new money into competitive races in the final days. A political action committee formed by Gabby Giffords, the former Arizona congresswoman wounded in a shooting, spent nearly $5 million. Sixty-one percent of voters who responded to VoteCast, a survey of the electorate conducted by The Associated Press, said they support stricter gun laws, compared with 8 percent who said they should be loosened. Eighty-six percent of those supporting Democratic candidates backed stricter gun laws, along with 34 percent of those who supported Republicans. McBath said her victory over Republican Rep. Karen Handel sent a strong message to the country. "Absolutely nothing - no politician & no special interest - is more powerful than a mother on a mission," she said in a tweet. McBath, an African-American, became a spokeswoman for Everytown for Gun Safety after her son was slain at a Florida gas station by a white man angry over the loud music the black teenager and his friends had been playing in their car. While encouraged by the election results, gun control advocates know that getting any kind of weapons or ammunition ban signed into law will be difficult if not impossible in the next Congress. Republicans expanded their Senate majority Tuesday and Trump remains a favored ally of the NRA. But if the House votes to approve gun control and a bill is pending in the Senate, "it's harder to ignore," Brown said. "We can keep the pressure on." Deutch said gun control opponents would be wise to heed Tuesday's results. For years, GOP lawmakers thought they could avoid talking about gun control while accepting campaign contributions from the NRA and promoting an A rating from the group, he said. "They learned this week that just won't work anymore," Deutch said. CORRECTS THAT REPUBLICAN REP. KAREN HANDEL FACED A RISK OF LOSING HER SEAT, NOT MCBATH, HER CHALLENGER - FILE - In a Friday, Nov. 2, 2018 file photo, Democrat Lucy McBath speaks during a rally for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams, at Morehouse College in Atlanta. Republican Rep. Karen Handel faced and GOP Rep. Rob Woodall faces a risk of losing their seats Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018, as election returns showed them in perilously tight races with Democratic challengers in a pair of suburban Atlanta districts long considered safe for the GOP. (Alyssa Pointer/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP, File) People cry as a law enforcement motorcade escorts the body of Ventura County Sheriff's Department Sgt. Ron Helus from the Los Robles Regional Medical Center Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, in Thousand Oaks, Calif., after a gunman opened fire Wednesday evening inside a country music bar, killing multiple people including Helus. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - Kansas' new Democratic governor-elect said Thursday that she will look to block enforcement of a new adoption law that she and LGBT-rights activists consider discriminatory, a sharp break with the state's two previous conservative Republican governors. Gov.-elect Laura Kelly said she will have her staff review how far the state can go to avoid enforcing the law. It was designed to provide legal protections to adoption agencies that cite faith-based reasons for refusing to place children in homes that violate their religious beliefs. The debate over the law centered on agencies that won't place children in LGBT foster homes. The agencies handle those adoptions of abused and neglected children for the state Department for Children and Families. Supporters saw it as a religious liberties measure. Kelly, a veteran state senator from Topeka, voted against what she called "the adoption discrimination" measure when the Republican-controlled Legislature approved it in May. In the governor's race, she defeated conservative Republican Kris Kobach, the Kansas secretary of state, and was endorsed by Equality Kansas, the state's most influential LGBT-rights group. "If there is way to direct the agency to not implement that, then I will do that," Kelly said during a Statehouse news conference, her first since winning the election. Chuck Weber, the Catholic Conference's executive director, said supporters of the law will fight to see that it's fully enforced. Governor-elect Laura Kelly holds her first news conference Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, at the statehouse in Topeka, Kans. Joining her was her lieutenant governor-elect Lynn Rogers. (Thad Allton/The Topeka Capital-Journal via AP) "This is not a surprise, that Gov.-elect Kelly would try to circumvent the will of the people of Kansas to advance her own radical agenda," said Weber, a former Kansas House member. The law says the state can't force an adoption agency to make placements in homes that violate its religious beliefs. An adoption agency cannot be denied a license or state reimbursement for a placement, or blocked from participating in DCF programs, solely because of its beliefs. Tom Witt, Equality Kansas' executive director, said the law so clearly allows adoption agencies to engage in discrimination while receiving tax dollars that the state shouldn't enforce it. "There are a number of unconstitutional laws on the books that aren't being enforced," Witt said. "The (state's same-sex) marriage ban comes to mind." But Weber said: "We were very careful in drafting that bill, in dotting i's and crossing t's and making sure that this would pass constitutional muster." Departing Republican Gov. Jeff Colyer signed the measure, and his DCF secretary backed it as a way to encourage more groups to do adoptions. Colyer took office in January when GOP Gov. Sam Brownback resigned to become U.S. ambassador at large for international religious freedom. In 2015, Brownback rescinded a previous executive order from Democratic Gov. Kathleen Sebelius barring anti-LGBT bias in state hiring and employment decisions, saying such a policy should be set by the Legislature. Kelly told reporters Thursday that she will have a new order reinstating such protections drafted before she takes office so that it can be issued as quickly as possible. ______ Follow John Hanna on Twitter: https://twitter.com/apjdhanna . Indian brides display henna designs on their hands during a mass wedding ceremony of 35 couples. In other images from the Asia-Pacific region this week, a Nepalese vendor sells powder during Tihar, the festival of lights, in Kathmandu. In New Delhi, toxic smog shrouds the landmark India Gate following massive fireworks during the Diwali festival, a major Hindu holiday. A relative throws pedestals at a place where a Lion Air Boeing plane crashed at sea in Indonesia, killing all 189 people on board. ___ This gallery was curated by Associated Press photo editor Masayo Yoshida in Tokyo. In this Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018, file photo, Indian Muslim brides display henna designs on their hands during a mass marriage in Ahmadabad, India. Thirty five couples were married off in a mass marriage ceremony. Mass weddings in India are organized by social organizations primarily to help the economically backward families who cannot afford the high ceremony costs as well as the customary dowry and expensive gifts that are still prevalent in many communities. (AP Photo/Ajit Solanki, File) ___ Visit the AP Images blog: http://apimagesblog.com Visit AP Images online: http://www.apimages.com In this Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018, file photo, a Nepalese vendor sells powder during Tihar festival in Kathmandu, Nepal. Hindus decorate their houses and worship, Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth during the Tihar festival. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha, File) In this Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, file photo, a municipal worker with her daughter leaves after sweeping the India Gate area as a thick lawyer of pollution haze hangs a day after Diwali festival, in New Delhi, India. Toxic smog shrouds the Indian capital as air quality falls to hazardous levels with tens of thousands of people setting off massive firecrackers to celebrate the major Hindu festival of Diwali on Wednesday night. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup, File) In this Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018, file photo, a relative sprinkles flowers for the victims of the crashed Lion Air flight 610 from an Indonesia Navy ship in the waters where the airplane is believed to have crashed in Tanjung Karawang, Indonesia. (AP Photo/Tatan Syuflana, File) In this Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018, file photo, players and officials of the English Premier League club Leicester City arrive at a Buddhist temple to participate in the funeral rituals of Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha in Bangkok, Thailand. An elaborate funeral began Saturday for Thai billionaire and Leicester City owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, who died last week when his helicopter crashed in a parking lot next to the English Premier League club's stadium. (AP Photo/Gemunu Amarasinghe, File) In this Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018, file photo, a woman stands for souvenir photo under leaves in autumn color at the Gyeongbok Palace, the main royal palace during the Joseon Dynasty, and one of South Korea's well known landmarks in Seoul, South Korea. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man, File) In this Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, file photo, a voter casts his ballot at a polling station in Yangon, Myanmar. 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, File) In this Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018, file photo, a visitor wearing sunglasses with the reflection of the China's K-8 aircrafts from the Aerobatic Team "Hongying", meaning Red Eagle, of Chinese PLA's (People's Liberation Army) Air Force during performance at the 12th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai city, south China's Guangdong province. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung, File) In this Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018, file photo, China's K-8 aircrafts from the Aerobatic Team "Hongying", meaning Red Eagle, of Chinese PLA's (People's Liberation Army) Air Force perform during the 12th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, also known as Airshow China 2018, in Zhuhai city, south China's Guangdong province. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung, File) In this Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018, file photo, a worker observes the rising wooden roof process as part of Olympic Gymnastic Centre for Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic games under construction is seen in Tokyo. The new Tokyo 2020 Olympic venue is halfway completed. On Wednesday engineers raised a massive wooden roof section, one of five sections that will top out the 20.5 billion yen ($180 million) building. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko, File) In this Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018, file photo, Honda rider Marc Marquez of Spain sprays champagne after winning the Malaysia MotoGP at the Sepang International Circuit in Sepang, Malaysia. (AP Photo/Vincent Phoon, File) JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) - Two Papuan independence fighters and a third person have been killed during a week of gunbattles with security forces in the highlands of Indonesia's remote Papua region, both sides in the conflict say. An Indonesian police and military operation is trying to capture Purom Wenda, a West Papua Liberation Army commander who has eluded Indonesia for 15 years but who authorities call a former petty criminal of "low intellectual level." Villagers have fled into the jungle because of the fighting, which reports say has intensified in highlands districts for several months. Wenda, in a statement conveyed via an activist on Friday, said two of his fighters were killed in a shootout with police and soldiers in mountainous Lanny Jaya district after his group shot dead a motorbike taxi driver they believed was spying for Indonesian security forces. The military said the man, a migrant from Sulawesi, was an innocent civilian. An insurgency has simmered in the formerly Dutch-controlled Papua region since it became part of Indonesia more than half a century ago. "Our struggle in the jungle has been going for decades," said Wenda's statement. "Countless people have died for this struggle. Indonesia said that they have given us special autonomy, infrastructure, and other excuses. We do not want all that. We only want freedom." Papua province military spokesman Col. Muhammad Aidi said that Wenda forbade villagers from recovering the body of the man they shot on Saturday in an attempt to set a trap for security forces. He said police and soldiers using three vehicles recovered the body and exchanged fire with rebels for 30 minutes, later discovering that two were killed and also seizing a significant amount of ammunition. BERLIN (AP) - Austria's government said Friday that a retired colonel in the country's military is suspected of having spied for Russia for decades, a claim swiftly dismissed by Moscow. The 70-year-old man from Salzburg, who wasn't named, allegedly provided a Russian intelligence agency with information about Austria's military and political situation, officials said. "According to our information this activity may have begun in the 1990s and continued until the year 2018," Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz told reporters. "That means there's a case of espionage here." Kurz said the Russian charge d'affaires in Vienna was summoned to the foreign ministry. "At the moment we're demanding transparent information from the Russian side," he added. In Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused Austria of "microphone diplomacy" for making what he called "public accusations and demanding an explanation over an issue we know nothing about." FILE -- In this Saturday, Aug. 18, 2018 photo Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, dances with Austrian Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl as he attends the wedding of Kneissl with Austrian businessman Wolfgang Meilinger in Gamlitz, southern Austria. (Roland Schlager/Pool photo via AP) "If a country has concerns or suspicions about another country's actions and its alleged involvement seen as a threat, it should directly ask for an explanation in line with the international law," said Lavrov. The Russian Foreign Ministry later said it summoned the Austrian ambassador to tell him that "Vienna's steps based on suspicions not backed by any proof already have exacerbated our previously positive ties." Austria's Defense Minister Mario Kunasek said Vienna was warned several weeks ago by a friendly European intelligence agency about the suspected spy. Kunasek said the colonel in question retired five years ago. He said the man, whose electronic devices, including a laptop, were being examined, had told investigators that his handlers were interested in weapons systems, recent migration to Austria and information about Austrian personalities. Salzburg prosecutors, who are handling the case, declined to say whether the man is in custody. "Whether this was an isolated case can't be said at the moment," said Kunasek. Kurz, the Austrian chancellor, said that based on the information available so far "we can indeed assume at the moment that the suspicion (against the colonel) will be confirmed." If that occurs, the case in Austria and recent allegations of Russian espionage in the Netherlands "don't improve relations between Russia and the European Union," said Kurz, whose country holds the rotating presidency of the 28-nation bloc. He added that Austria's foreign minister, Karin Kneissl, has canceled a planned trip to Russia. Kneissl was criticized by Austria's opposition for inviting Russian President Vladimir Putin to her wedding in August. ___ Vladimir Isachenkov contributed from Moscow. DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) - A Syrian woman liberated from captivity said Friday that Islamic State militants held her and more than two other dozen women and children in different hideouts for nearly three months, once keeping them captive in a moving car for over twelve hours without knowing where they were headed. Najwa Abu Ammar, from the southern Sweida province, said the militants didn't torture them but fed them sporadically and insulted and beat the children. As her ordeal was about to end, Najwa Abu Ammar's 8-year-old was shot by IS militants during an operation by the Syrian military to liberate the hostages held since July. Her son Rafaat died in her arms. His cousin Qusay, 13, was also shot and bled for five hours before he died. "I am very sad for losing my son and his cousin Qusay," she told The Associated Press. Abu Ammar was captured with her two sons and daughter and 26 others on July 25, when militants of the extremist group ambushed residents and went on a killing spree that left at least 216 people dead. In this photo released by the Syrian official news agency SANA, women and children who were rescued from the Islamic State group in the Hamima area east of the historic town of Palmyra, after they arrived to the southern province of Sweida, Syria, Friday, Nov. 9, 2018. Islamic State group militants shot and killed two children during an operation to liberate a group of hostages from southern Syria that were being held by the extremist group since July, a father and activists said Friday. (SANA via AP) It was one of the deadliest IS attacks in months, targeting the Sweida province which has been spared from the worst of the violence of Syria's seven-year-long civil war. On Thursday Syrian state media reported that troops, after months of negotiations and military operations, liberated 19 women and children held by IS in central Syria, triggering celebrations in Sweida. News of the two children's killing came out after the hostages arrived in Sweida. One woman had earlier died in custody and another was shot dead by the extremists as they pressed for demands. In August, a 19-year-old man was also killed in detention. Six other hostages, two women and four children, were freed in an exchange with the government in October. Negotiations were expected to free the remaining hostages but the talks failed and Syrian troops launched a broad offensive against IS in southern Syria. The rare attacks in the province, populated mainly by Syria's minority Druze, had included several suicide bombings by the extremists, which devastated the community and shattered the region's calm. Nashaat Abu Ammar, Najwa's husband, said his 8-year-old son Raafat was shot dead by the extremists during the Syrian army raid to free the hostages. "They shot him in his mother's lap," Abu Ammar told The Associated Press by phone from Sweida, his voice cracking with emotion. He only learned of his son's killing after the former hostages arrived in Sweida. Only hours before, Abu Ammar had told the AP: "My happiness is huge." His joy was crushed hours later when the hostages arrived in Sweida. Among them was the body of Raafat and his 13-year-old cousin. His wife appeared very frail, he said, as the hostages were barely being fed. "Sometimes they fed us once every two days and other times twice every day," Najwa said, adding that it was mostly just olive oil, thyme and jam. "They didn't torture us but they insulted the children and beat them," she said, speaking after returning to her home in the village, Shibki. "Then they started threatening to kill us." She said they didn't know of the killed hostages until they were liberated. "They held us first in a camp then a cave and kept moving us from one place to the other," she said. "At one point we were in a car for 12 hours and we didn't know where we were heading." She was liberated shortly before noon Thursday with the others at a heel of a desert valley in central Syria. Russian Lt. Gen. Vladimir Savchenko said the hostages were freed by the Syrian military Thursday "in an operation directed by Russian military officers." He did not provide any details but claimed that no hostages were hurt. He also said IS kept the hostages in brutal conditions, keeping them in pits where they could barely sit or lie down, giving them no food for days and providing no medical care. Russia is a key ally of Syrian President Bashar Assad and wields significant power in the war-torn country. ___ Associated Press writer Vladimir Isachenkov in Moscow contributed to this report from. In this photo released by the Syrian official news agency SANA, a man holds an young girl who has been rescued from the Islamic State group in the Hamima area east of the historic town of Palmyra, after she arrived with others liberated hostages to the southern province of Sweida, Syria, Friday, Nov. 9, 2018. Islamic State group militants shot and killed two children during an operation to liberate a group of hostages from southern Syria that were being held by the extremist group since July, a father and activists said Friday. (SANA via AP) In this photo released by the Syrian official news agency SANA, shows women and children who has been liberated from the Islamic State group in the Hamima area east of the historic town of Palmyra, Syria, Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. Syrian troops have liberated 19 women and children hostages held by the Islamic State group since July in a military operation in the country's center, ending a crisis that has stunned Syria's Druze minority, state media reported today. (SANA via AP) FILE - In this Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018, file photo, young Druze armed men, who carry weapons to defend their village from Islamic State attack, patrol the village of Rami in the southern province of Sweida, Syria. Syrian troops have liberated 19 women and children hostages held by the Islamic State group since July in a military operation in the country's center, ending a crisis that has stunned Syria's Druze minority, state media reported Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar, File) FILE - In this Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018, file photo, Druze children run at the village of Shreihi in the southern province of Sweida, Syria. Syrian troops have liberated 19 women and children hostages held by the Islamic State group since July in a military operation in the country's center, ending a crisis that has stunned Syria's Druze minority, state media reported Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar, File) FILE - In this Thursday, July 26, 2018, file photo, released by the Syrian official news agency SANA, Abeer Shalgheen and her four children after being freed by the Islamic State group that kidnapped them on July 25 during a raid by the extremists on the southern province of Sweida. Syrian troops have liberated 19 women and children hostages held by the Islamic State group since July in a military operation in the country's center, ending a crisis that has stunned Syria's Druze minority, state media reported Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. (SANA via AP, File) THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) - A court in the Netherlands convicted 34 people Friday for blocking a highway to prevent anti-racism demonstrators from protesting at a festive parade featuring the Dutch version of Santa Claus - and his helpers, called Black Petes. Black Pete is often played by white people with their faces daubed in dark makeup. He has been at the center of fierce debate for years between supporters who see him as a traditional children's character and opponents who decry him as a racist stereotype. Those convicted were ordered to do unpaid community work and the ringleader was given a suspended one-month prison sentence. The court in the northern city of Leeuwarden said in a statement that by blocking the highway last year, they "took the law into their own hands" to infringe protesters' constitutional right to demonstrate. Lawyers representing the anti-racism demonstrators welcomed the ruling, saying in a written statement that it "sent a signal that citizens in a democratic society cannot play judge." The ruling came just over a week before this year's nationally televised parade to welcome the Dutch character Sinterklaas to the country for a festive period that ends on Dec. 5 when families traditionally exchange gifts. Smaller Sinterklaas parades are scheduled across the country next weekend and protests both for and against Black Pete are expected at a handful of them. In this Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017, file photo, a child dressed as Black Pete waits for the arrival of Sinterklaas, in Dokkum, northern Netherlands. A court in the Netherlands has convicted 34 people on Friday NOv. 9, 2018, who blocked a highway last year to prevent anti-racism demonstrators reaching the nationally televised arrival of Sinterklaas, the Dutch version of Santa Claus, and his helpers called "Zwarte Piet", or Black Petes. Black Pete is often played by white people with their faces daubed in dark makeup. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong) ZANZIBAR, Tanzania (AP) - Tanzanian authorities are carrying out physical examinations on 10 men suspected of homosexual activity in Zanzibar, according to police. A wave of arrests of gays in Tanzania is feared after a senior official urged the public to report suspected homosexuals to authorities. Homosexual acts are illegal in Tanzania and can bring a sentence of up 30 years. The examinations are taking place Friday to see if there are any signs of same-sex relations among the men, who were arrested last week on suspicion of celebrating a gay marriage at a resort hotel, police chief of the south region of Zanzibar, Suleiman Hassan, told The Associated Press. "We acted on a tip-off from a good citizen leading them to abort their party during the weekend and then police made a quick arrest," said Hassan. After being held for several days, the men have been released pending the investigations, he said. Last week Paul Makonda, the administrative chief of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania's largest city, urged citizens to report any suspected homosexuals. He said a task force would be established to seek out and punish homosexuals and prostitutes. Days later Tanzania's foreign ministry said Makonda's statement did not represent government policy but many gays in this East African country say they are frightened. Amnesty International warned against the examinations of the men who were arrested. "We now fear these men may be subjected to forced anal examination, the government's method of choice for 'proving' same-sex sexual activity among men," said Seif Magango, Amnesty International's East Africa Deputy Director. "This appalling attack on Tanzanian people simply exercising their human rights shows the danger of inflammatory and discriminatory rhetoric at senior levels of government," said Magango. "This is a shocking blow following the Tanzanian government's assurance that no-one would be targeted and arrested because of their actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity." There's also been a significant diplomatic reaction. The US State Department on Friday said it is "deeply concerned over escalating attacks and legislative actions by the government of Tanzania that violate civil liberties and human rights, creating an atmosphere of violence, intimidation, and discrimination. We are troubled by the continued arrests and harassment of marginalized persons, including lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, and others who seek to exercise their rights to freedom of speech, association and assembly. Legislation is being used to restrict civil liberties for all." The European Union has recalled its ambassador to Tanzania, citing "the deterioration of the human rights and rule of law situation" in Tanzania. The EU will be conducting a broad review of its relations with Tanzania, said the statement emailed to AP. The U.S. Embassy in Tanzania warned American citizens in the country and those planning travel to Tanzania about the possible crackdown against LGBT people. The embassy also urged its citizens to check their social media profiles and "remove or protect images and language that may run afoul of Tanzanian laws regarding homosexual practices and explicit sexual activity." Since coming to power in 2015, President John Magufuli has made several statements against the rights of sexual minorities. Another development this week highlighted repressive measures in Tanzania. Two journalists working for the Committee to Protect Journalists were detained for five hours after they began investigating the case of a Tanzanian journalist who is missing. The two journalists were released, but their detention attracted considerable international attention. "It is now abundantly clear to anyone who followed the latest developments that Tanzanian journalists work in a climate of fear and intimidation," said CPJ executive director Joel Simon, on the organization's website . We call on the government of Tanzania to allow journalists to work freely and to allow those who defend their rights to access the country without interference." ___ Meldrum reported from Johannesburg SALEM, Ore. (AP) - The young man traversed Andean mountains, plains and cities in buses, took a harrowing boat ride in which five fellow migrants drowned, walked through thick jungle for days, and finally reached the U.S.-Mexico border. Then Abdoulaye Camara, from the poor West African country of Mauritania, asked U.S. officials for asylum. Camara's arduous journey highlights how immigration to the United States through its southern border is evolving. Instead of being almost exclusively people from Latin America, the stream of migrants crossing the Mexican border these days includes many who come from the other side of the world. Almost 3,000 citizens of India were apprehended entering the U.S. from Mexico last year. In 2007, only 76 were. The number of Nepalese rose from just four in 2007 to 647 last year. More people from Africa are also seeking to get into the United States, with hundreds having reached Mexican towns across the border from Texas in recent weeks, according to local news reports from both sides of the border. Camara's journey began more than a year ago in the small town of Toulel, in southern Mauritania. He left Mauritania, where slavery is illegal but still practiced, "because it's a country that doesn't know human rights," he said. Camara was one of 124 migrants who ended up in a federal prison in Oregon after being detained in the U.S. near the border with Mexico in May, the result of the Trump administration's zero tolerance policy. In this Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2018, photo, Abdoulaye Camara, an immigrant from Mauritania, waits at the Dasmesh Darbar Sikh temple in Salem, Ore. Camara was one of 124 migrants who were detained near the border with Mexico in May 2018, and sent to a federal prison in Oregon, the result of the Trump administration's zero tolerance policy. (AP Photo/Amanda Loman) He was released Oct. 3, after he had passed his "credible fear" exam, the first step on obtaining asylum, and members of the community near the prison donated money for his bond. He was assisted by lawyers working pro bono. "My heart is so gracious, and I am so happy. I really thank my lawyers who got me out of that detention," Camara said in French as he rode in a car away from the prison. Camara's journey was epic, yet more people are making similar treks to reach the United States. It took him from his village on the edge of the Sahara desert to Morocco by plane and then a flight to Brazil. He stayed there 15 months, picking apples in orchards and saving his earnings as best he could. Finally he felt he had enough to make it to the United States. All that lay between him and the U.S. border was 6,000 miles (9,700 kilometers). "It was very, very difficult," said Camara, 30. "I climbed mountains, I crossed rivers. I crossed many rivers, the sea." Camara learned Portuguese in Brazil and could understand a lot of Spanish, which is similar, but not speak it very well. He rode buses through Brazil, Peru and Colombia. Then he and others on the migrant trail faced the most serious obstacle: the Darien Gap, a 60-mile (97-kilometer) stretch of roadless jungle straddling the border of Colombia and Panama. But first, he and other travelers who gathered in the town of Turbo, Colombia, had to cross the Gulf of Uraba, a long and wide inlet from the Caribbean Sea. Turbo, on its southeast shore, has become a major point on the migrant trail, where travelers can resupply and where human smugglers offer boat rides. Camara and about 75 other people boarded a launch for Capurgana, a village next to the Panamanian border on the other end of the gulf. While the slow-moving boat was far from shore, the seas got very rough. "There was a wave that came and tipped over the canoe," Camara said. "Five people fell into the water, and they couldn't swim." They all drowned, he said. The survivors pushed on. Finally arriving in Capurgana after spending two nights on the boat, the migrants split into smaller groups to cross the infamous Darien Gap, a wild place that has tested the most seasoned of travelers. The thick jungle hides swamps that can swallow a man. Lost travelers have died, and been devoured, boots and all, by packs of wild boars, or have been found, half out of their minds. Camara's group consisted of 37 people, including women - two of them pregnant, one from Cameroon and one from Congo - and children. "We walked seven days and climbed up into the mountains, into the forest," Camara said. "When it was night, we slept on the ground. We just kept walking and sleeping, walking and sleeping. It was hard." One man, who was around 26 and from the African nation of Guinea, died, perhaps from exhaustion combined with thirst, Camara said. By the sixth day, all the drinks the group had brought with them were gone. They drank water from a river. They came across a Panamanian man and his wife, who sold them some bananas for $5, Camara said. Once he got out of the jungle, Camara went to Panamanian immigration officials who gave him travel documents enabling him to go on to Costa Rica, which he reached by bus. In Costa Rica, he repeated that process in hopes of going on to Nicaragua. But he heard authorities there were not so accommodating, so he and about 100 other migrants took a boat around Nicaragua, traveling at night along its Pacific coast. "All we could see were the lights of Nicaragua," he said. Then it was over land again, in cars, buses and sometimes on foot, across Honduras, Guatemala and Mexico, all the way to the U.S. border at Tijuana. He was just about out of money and spent the night in a migrant shelter. On May 20, he crossed into San Ysidro, south of San Diego. "I said, 'I came, I came. I'm from Africa. I want help,'" he said. He is going to stay with a brother in Philadelphia while he pursues his asylum request. ___ Andrew Selsky on Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewselsky In this Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2018, photo, Abdoulaye Camara relates the story of his journey from Mauritania to Mexico, as Victoria Bejarano Muirhead, development director at the Innovation Law Lab, right, listens at the Dasmesh Darbar Sikh temple in Salem, Ore. Camara was one of 124 migrants who were detained near the border with Mexico in May 2018, and sent to a federal prison in Oregon, the result of the Trump administration's zero tolerance policy. (AP Photo/Amanda Loman) In this Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2018, photo, Dan McCracken, right, a volunteer with Innovation Law Lab, says goodbye to Abdoulaye Camara, an immigrant from Mauritania, at the Dasmesh Darbar Sikh temple in Salem, Ore. Camara was one of 124 migrants who were detained near the border with Mexico in May 2018, and sent to a federal prison in Oregon, the result of the Trump administration's zero tolerance policy. (AP Photo/Amanda Loman) In this Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2018, photo, Karandeep Singh, right, serves a bowl of curry to Abdoulaye Camara at the Dasmesh Darbar Sikh temple in Salem, Ore. Both are immigrants who were recently freed from the federal prison in Sheridan, Ore. Singh was released in late August 2018, and Camara had been released that afternoon. (AP Photo/Amanda Loman) FILE - In this June 22, 2012, file photo, a man bathes in a river at dawn in the Darien Province on the border with Colombia, in Union Choco, Panama. The area is known as the Darien Gap, a 60-mile (97-kilometer) stretch of roadless jungle straddling the border of Colombia and Panama. One man's journey to America from his home in Mauritania was a dangerous and arduous one that took him through the Darien Gap. (AP Photo/Arnulfo Franco, File) Concern about Brexit has risen sharply among over-65s to a level almost matching the youngest voting age group, a survey suggests. Some 61% of those aged over 65 say they are worried about the impact of Brexit, a 34 percentage point increase since September 2016, when Which? began recording the data. Among those aged 18 to 34, 64% say they are concerned about the consequences of Brexit, the consumer group said. But Which? also found a rise among the 34 to 64 age group who say they are concerned since September 2016, an increase of 24 percentage points to the current 60%. Meanwhile, 68% of people in Wales now say they are worried about Brexit, up 38 percentage points since September 2016 and higher than the 62% currently recorded for London. Levels of worry in both the West Midlands and the East of England now stand at 63%, Which? said, up from 32% in each area in September 2016. The South East has also seen its figure almost double from 35% to 67%, the polling indicates. Overall, 62% of people in the UK say they are worried about the impact of Brexit, up from 39% in 2016. Concern has almost doubled in the South East, the survey shows (Victoria Jones/PA) Concern is currently at 65% in Scotland, 63% in Northern Ireland and 61% in England, the watchdog found. Which? director of policy Caroline Normand said: The continuing lack of certainty about how the UK will leave the EU is clearly concerning people as they consider what it could mean for families and businesses across Britain. Consumers want a Brexit that protects and enhances their rights and gives them access to a wider range of high-quality, affordable goods and services. We believe that the best way to ease peoples worries is for the Government to agree a deal with the European Union that will meet these expectations and avoid the potential disaster scenario of a no-deal. The Which? Consumer Insight Tracker is a nationally representative online survey of around 2,000 people which reports every two months. A Government spokesman said: The UKs product safety and consumer protection rules are some of the strongest and most comprehensive in the world and this will continue after we leave the EU. We remain confident of reaching a deal. We will continue to work constructively and intensively together with the EU to make this happen. Toshiba is to wind up its nuclear arm, which was leading a project to build a new power station in the UK. The decision by the Japanese firms board is a huge blow to plans for a new nuclear plant at Moorside in Cumbria. Unions attacked the Government for not intervening to ensure the project went ahead. Toshiba said its NuGen business would start being wound up in the new year. A statement from Tokyo said: After considering the additional costs entailed in continuing to operate NuGen, Toshiba recognises that the economically rational decision is to withdraw from the UK nuclear power plant construction project, and has resolved to take steps to wind up NuGen. NuGen said the announcement came after 18 months of negotiations with a range of potential new owners. An artists impression by NuGen of how the Moorside nuclear plant in Cumbria might have looked (NuGeneration Limited) Unfortunately, it has not been possible to successfully conclude those negotiations. NuGen has retained a team to support the implementation of a winding-up process and will work with Toshiba and its other stakeholders. Whilst NuGen will not be taking the project forward, the Moorside site in Cumbria remains a site designated by Government for nuclear new build, and it is now for the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority as the owner of the site and the Government to determine its future. NuGen would like to pay tribute to colleagues, its shareholder, Toshiba, and to the other stakeholders, and many various friends of the project both in Cumbria and beyond, who have supported NuGens efforts through its development phase and throughout the proposed sale negotiations. Justin Bowden, national officer of the GMB union, said: The British Government has blood on its hands as the final sad but predictable nail is banged into the coffin of Toshibas jinxed jaunt into nuclear power. Relying in this way on foreign companies for our countrys essential energy needs was always irresponsible. Add to that the multiple opportunities to step in and take control, that were missed or ignored. In the wreckage that passes for a joined-up UK energy policy, the question now is whether Government has finally learned the mistakes of Moorside? A new nuclear power station in West Cumbria remains vital for the UKs future energy security and requires urgent action. The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority must be immediately given a role for nuclear development and tasked with developing a small modular nuclear reactor (SMR) on site, tapping into the wealth of nuclear experience and expertise in the area and ensuring we have security of supply in years to come. A Business Department spokesman said: We understand that Toshiba have faced a difficult decision in ending their involvement in new nuclear projects outside of Japan in light of their well-known financial challenges. All proposed new nuclear projects in the UK are led by private sector developers and while the Government has engaged regularly with the companies involved, this is entirely a commercial decision for Toshiba. Nuclear has an important role to play as part of the UKs diverse energy mix as we transition to a low-carbon economy, but in each case projects must provide value for money for consumers and taxpayers. This Government remains committed to new nuclear through the Industrial Strategy Nuclear Sector Deal as well as consenting the first new nuclear power station in a generation at Hinkley Point C. Greenpeace UK executive director John Sauven said: The end of the Moorside plan represents a failure of the Governments nuclear gamble. Their flawed approach to making our economy low carbon has dashed the hopes of prospective workers and businesses in Cumbria that should have been centred around renewable technologies. The Government now needs to rapidly deploy renewable energy to fill the gap. That means restarting onshore wind, a new deal for expanding solar power, and upping ambition on more offshore wind. Reports this morning that Toshiba has decided to wind up NuGen and the Moorside project are deeply worrying for staff working on the project | Government action needed to secure new nuclear, skills in the industry and our future secure, low carbon electricity supply @FernsSue pic.twitter.com/0EjZqLMHhJ Prospect Union (@ProspectUnion) November 8, 2018 Sue Ferns, senior deputy general secretary of Prospect union, said: This is devastating news for Cumbria and the wider energy sector. The nuclear industry and wider supply chain currently employ thousands of people in the north west of England. The long term future of this could be on the line if we cant move forward with building Moorside. Government has ultimate responsibility for ensuring a secure and stable supply of energy throughout the UK. The truth is that ministers have dithered and delayed for far too long. We now need urgent action. Our analysis shows that if the Government were to take a 50% stake then there would be a net benefit to the public purse, so there really is no excuse not to. We have a huge skills base in this country which is at risk. For the sake of jobs, skills, growth and security of supply it is vital that the Government now gets a grip on the future of this industry. Rebecca Long Bailey, shadow business secretary, said: Nuclear energy has an important role in the energy mix as we seek to rapidly decarbonise our energy system. That is why Labour has been consistent in its support for Moorside, calling on the Government to take a public stake. Todays announcement by Toshiba is hugely concerning for the future of the sector and the thousands of jobs it would bring to Cumbria. Unfortunately, its not surprising given the Governments long indecision and refusal to step in. Unite union official Ritchie James said: Todays news is a cruel blow to the prospects for the North West economy and the future of thousands of highly-skilled jobs in construction and operations, once it was up and running. It is our view that it is not too late to revive this project, but it needs the active engagement of Government, including the commitment of public money. Moorside could be a powerhouse for the regional economy, and we will work with other stakeholders, such as local authorities, to see that this project eventually comes to fruition. The hands-off attitude of the Government has been the elephant in the room and today this one step removed approach has come home to roost. This is another example of the Governments chaotic attitude to policy-making. The party may not be quite over on Boracay, but its definitely time to turn the music down and flick the lights back on. As the island reopens to visitors following a six-month tourism detox, the Philippines joins other destinations suffering from overtourism, such as Thailands Maya Bay, in taking stronger measures to regulate the industry. Visitor numbers on Boracay will be limited, and restrictions introduced on construction, watersports and beach parties, as well as single-use plastics. President Duterte very pleased with new Boracay President #Duterte was satisfied with the results of the six-month intensive rehabilitation of #Boracay Island, commending everyone, particularly the inter-agency task force for their patience and cooperation.#DuterteImpact pic.twitter.com/w2T9QYDtqn PH News (@PHNews01) October 27, 2018 Destinations worldwide need to manage tourism better and ensure that it works for them. What Ive always believed is that tourism shouldnt be regarded as a fundamental right, where everyone can go wherever they want, whenever they want and do as they please. It must be planned and regulated effectively so its sustainable. In Boracay its possible to see a microcosm of the tourism industry, where for too long the rights of tourists have trumped those of local residents and the environment; where loose or non-existent regulations have led to speculation and overdevelopment, and the overall tourism experience has been degraded for everyone. Thats symptomatic of a kind of Wild West atmosphere that has grown up around the tourism industry generally, where a lack of global oversight and control is leading to devastating impacts on many destinations. Boracay is a small island with a fragile environment. In recent years upwards of two million visitors have visited annually, which has resulted in around 70 tonnes of waste being produced every single day, while the sea and coral reefs that surround the island have become terribly polluted by sewage. (Thinkstock/PA) The conversation really does need to change. Instead of asking: What can we do for the tourism industry? Governments both national and local need to start thinking: How can we make tourism meet our needs? There will be an inevitable backlash from some Boracay tourism businesses of course, but we think the changes should be seen as an opportunity. There are many other islands in the Philippines that are larger than Boracay, and with the infrastructure in place to cope with high levels of visitors. By redirecting tourists to these islands, their local economies would benefit while the pressure on Boracay would be eased. But thats only one part of the solution. Much tighter regulation is needed, and the type of tourism on Boracay needs to change too. Beach parties can be hugely damaging for marine environments, no matter how big an island is, or the state of its facilities. (Thinkstock/PA) As with many other popular tourism destinations, Boracay has been the victim of its own success. Now it needs to redefine what success actually is. Its crucial that this move isnt seen as elitism or a crackdown on people having a good time. Well-managed tourism should be open to all, but within reason, and never at the expense of the local community and environment. Its about developing the right kind of tourism and the right level of visitor numbers in the right places. Thats something that in destinations as diverse as Venice, Machu Picchu and Ko Phi Phi Leh in Thailand, is beginning to be realised and addressed. Theres a long way to go, but awareness is clearly starting to grow. Its quite possible that Boracay is a sign were now entering a more progressive era in tourism. Lets hope so. A gunman has opened fire inside a country dance bar crowded with hundreds of people on college night, wounding 11 including an officer who had rushed to the scene, police in California said. Ventura County sheriffs Captain Garo Kuredjian could not confirm whether any of those shot were dead. He also said he could not confirm whether the gunman was killed or in custody, but added there is no further threat to the community. Mr Kuredjian said hundreds of people were in the Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks at 11.20pm on Wednesday, and shots were still being fired when officers arrived. Tayler Whitler, 19, said she was inside the bar when a man walked in with his face partly covered by something resembling a ski mask, opened fire on a person working on the door, then began to shoot people at random. It was really, really, really shocking, she told KABC-TV as she stood with her father in the Borderline car park. It looked like he knew what he was doing. Police at the scene (KABC via AP) It was college night and country two-step lessons were being offered at the Borderline, according to its website. It has been quite some time since there was a shooting of any kind in Thousand Oaks, a city of about 130,000 people around 40 miles west of Los Angeles. Nick Steinwender, student body president at nearby California Lutheran University, rushed to the scene when he heard about a shooting at the bar where he knew friends and fellow students were. It was chaos, people jumping out of windows, people hopping over gates to get out Mr Steinwender told KABC. He said he heard from people inside that they were hiding in toilets and the attic of the bar. The Duke of Cambridge has said he wants the Prince of Wales to spend more time with his grandchildren because when hes there, hes brilliant. William suggests in a BBC documentary that he has been working to get his father to see Prince George, Princess Charlotte and baby Prince Louis more often. In Prince, Son And Heir: Charles At 70, the duke is asked if Charles has time to be a grandfather on top of his other work, and replies: Its something Im working more heavily on, put it that way. I think he does have time for it, but I would like him to have more time with the children. Charles and William (Jane Barlow/PA) I think, hes reached his seventieth year, its a perfect time to consolidate a little bit because as most families would do, you are worried about having them around and making sure their healths OK, and hes the fittest man I know but equally I want him to be fit until hes 95, you know, going on. So, having more time with him at home would be lovely, and being able to, you know, play around with the grandchildren. Because when hes there, hes brilliant, but we need him there as much as possible. The Duchess of Cornwall also paid tribute to Charless role as a grandfather, saying her five grandchildren absolutely adore the prince, who can read the Harry Potter books while doing the voices of the characters. The documentary features a touching picture of the prince cradling his grandson Louis, and in another photograph he is seen swinging around a little girl thought to be one of Camillas grandchildren. In the documentary, Charless immediate family paint a picture of the heir to the throne as a compassionate man who wants to help those around him, but is driven to achieve these aims. His son the Duke of Sussex says: He does need to slow down, this is a man who has dinner ridiculously late at night. And then goes to his desk later that night and will fall asleep on his notes to the point of where hell wake up with a piece of paper stuck to his face. This image of a relentlessly working prince is something that was evident when his sons were boys, Harry adds, saying: The man never stops. I mean when we were kids, there was bags and bags and bags of work the office just sent to him. We could barely even get to his desk to say goodnight to him. Prince, Son And Heir: Charles At 70 will be screened on Thursday at 9pm on BBC One. The EUs chief Brexit negotiator has warned of the need to fight political forces which want to demolish Europe, saying that all of the continents countries now have an equivalent of Ukips Nigel Farage. Michel Barnier told a conference of the centre-right European Peoples Party (EPP) in Finland that the EU was in a fragile condition but remained vital to protecting Europes way of life. In a world where by 2050 Germany would be the only European nation able to sit among the G8 group of leading economies in its own right, Mr Barnier said the preservation of the EU was essential to ensure the continents future was not shaped by emerging giants like China. Mr Barnier made no predictions about the UKs fortunes following Brexit, but his comment suggests he expects it to slip out of the club of the worlds largest economies over the next three decades. Calling for delegates to stand up for Europe, he said: We need a strong Europe that speaks in one and the same voice. We need an EU that is capable and credible when it comes to security, defence, cyber-security and civil protection. A former vice-president of the EPP and European commissioner, Mr Barnier last month ruled himself out of seeking the partys nomination as lead candidate for next years European Parliament elections, saying that it was not compatible with his role as Brexit negotiator. If chosen as Spitzenkandidat, he would have been in pole position to succeed Jean-Claude Juncker as Commission president. EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier addresses the EPP congress in Helsinki (www.epp.eu) Addressing the EPP in Helsinki, he said he remained determined to see the Brexit process through: I shall fulfil my Brexit mission to the end. It is my responsibility. Mr Barnier made only passing reference to the Brexit talks, but told EPP delegates: The European project is fragile, it is under threat, it is perishable and at the same time it is vital. And he said: We all have to fight against those who want to demolish Europe with their fear, their populist deceit, their attacks against the European project. There is now a Farage in every country. He said: In 2050, no single European country will sit alone at the table of the G8, except maybe Germany. We must forcefully defend and promote our European model. If we dont write the rules of our game, China will write them for us. We want a Europe that brings opportunities for everyone, a renewed social market economy. He called for the EU to massively invest in the technologies of the future, like artificial intelligence and electric vehicles, to fight climate change by reducing emissions to zero by 2050 and to establish firm protection of external borders against irregular migration. If we want a Europe that is sovereign and close to citizens on what really matters, the time to act is now, said Mr Barnier. We must stand up for Europe. The Duke of Sussex has publicly praised the Prince of Wales for stepping in and walking his bride down the aisle after her father could not carry out the role. Harry revealed Charles said yes without hesitation when asked to perform the duty during their televised wedding ceremony in St Georges Chapel at Windsor Castle. Meghans father Thomas Markle was supposed to take on the symbolic role of walking his daughter down the aisle but pulled out days before the May wedding for medical reasons. Interviewed for a BBC documentary about Charles 70th birthday year, Harry said: I asked him to and I think he knew it was coming, and he immediately said yes, of course, Ill do whatever Meghan needs and Im here to support you. Prince Harry looks at Meghan Markle, as she arrives accompanied by the Prince of Wales (PA) For him thats a fantastic opportunity to step up and be that support, and you know hes our father so of course hes gonna be there for us. During the wedding ceremony Harry could clearly be seen mouthing a thank you to his father and said about the moment: Ive been brought up well, youve gotta say thank you. Just because hes my father that doesnt mean I can just sort of go, OK, thats all, Ill take it from here. Err, no! Though that is what I wanted to say but I was very grateful for him to be able to do that. The Duchess of Cornwall said in the documentary she was moved by the words spoken between son and father: I think that was very touching, sitting where I was, you couldnt hear what he said. But afterwards watching it on the television, I think it was a lovely gesture. Prince, Son and Heir: Charles at 70 will be screened on Thursday at 9pm on BBC One. Two women are in hospital after they were stabbed in a random and unprovoked attack near a hotel. A man who came to their aid was stabbed and also needed hospital treatment following the incident which happened near the Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel in the Grassmarket at about 3.35am on Thursday. Police are treating the attack on the 60-year-old woman as attempted murder and those on the other woman and man as serious assaults. The two women were standing at the vennel a narrow lane next to the hotel when a man came up and spoke to them before walking off towards Lothian Road. He soon returned and attacked the victims, leaving the 60-year-old woman with a number of injuries to her body and the other woman, aged 58, with a serious injury to her face and mouth. A 37-year-old man who came to help the women suffered a laceration to his hand during a struggle with the suspect, who then made off from the area. Police are investigating the attacks in Edinburgh (David Cheskin/PA) All three victims were taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. Both women remain in hospital but their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. Detective Inspector Grant Johnston, from Gayfield CID, said: This appears to be an entirely random and unprovoked attack, which has left three people with some very serious injuries. As part of this investigation we are reviewing CCTV in the Grassmarket and are keen to hear from any members of the public who were in the area at the time and witnessed what happened, or who can help us trace the suspect. In addition, should you have any other information relevant to this inquiry, then please also contact police immediately. The suspect is described as white, about 5ft 10ins, of average build and with dark eyebrows. He was wearing a black beanie hat, dark jacket, black gloves, blue jeans and Nike trainers with a blue tick and white sole. An Apex Hotels spokesman said: An incident took place outside Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel in the early hours of this morning. We are co-operating fully with the police who are investigating. Eager holidaymakers can already book summer 2020 breaks after the UKs largest tour operator launched its programme five months earlier than normal. Tui began selling trips for as far away as October 2020 on Thursday because customer feedback revealed many want to book as early as possible. Securing free child places, getting the best choice of hotels and spreading the cost are among the reasons why holidaymakers like to get an early booking, according to the travel firm. Summer 2020 holidays would not have gone on sale until April under Tuis previous strategy. More than 5,000 people made pre-registration appointments at the companys stores ahead of the launch so they could be among the first to book. Tui predicts its change of policy will prove popular with engaged couples planning an overseas wedding as it will give them peace of mind to secure their venue. Tui offers holidays in the Mexican resort of Los Cabos (Tui/PA) The firms UK and Ireland commercial director Richard Sofer said: We expect the feedback to be very positive. We have seen competitors move their dates forward over the last couple of years and we wanted to be bold by launching significantly earlier. In previous years weve aligned with the traditional brochure launches in April and July, however in an ever digital-focused landscape it made sense to offer more flexibility and choice much earlier. Mr Sofer predicted that rival firms will also begin selling beach holidays almost two years in advance. He said: We would expect our competitors to respond as quickly as they are able to by launching their programmes as soon as possible. We do expect the early launch to be a success and see this as something we will continue to do. Tui offers summer holidays in European hotspots such as Spain, Portugal and Greece, as well as long-haul locations like the US, the Caribbean and Mexico. Some of Britains biggest supermarkets will find out on Friday if they have have been successful in a long-running near-400 million legal dispute over business rates paid on cash machines. The Court of Appeal is set to hand down its judgment in a case brought against the Government by retail giants including Tesco, Sainsburys and the Co-operative Group, supported by independent cash machine operator Cardtronics Europe. They are appealing after a ruling last year upheld a decision in 2013 that cash machines built into the front of a shop or petrol station should have a separate business rates bill. It dashed retailer hopes of clawing back 200 million in rebates for past rates paid, while they are also facing a mammoth 181 million bill for the following four years under the recent revaluation. The legal decision sparked fears that small shops and independent petrol forecourts may be forced to close ATMs or start charging for cash withdrawals. It comes as access to cash dispensers has been dwindling amid a swathe of bank branch closures, with rural communities worst affected. Some of Britains biggest supermarkets will find out on Friday if they have have been successful in a long-running near-400m legal dispute over business rates paid on cash machines (Gareth Fuller/PA) Robert Hayton, head of UK business rates at real estate adviser Altus Group, said: If the decision is upheld, it is likely small shops will consider whether it is financially viable moving forward to offer free-to-use cash machines that are accessible from the outside of their store. The decision could deprive many communities of vital access to cash given the swathes of bank branch closures. Retailers were sent reeling after the 2013 decision by the Government to charge rates on hole-in-the-wall cash machines, which saw bills sent to thousands of retailers in 2014, backdated to the start of the last tax regime in April 2010. Altus calculated that the average business rates bill for an ATM is 2,888 this year, but can be as much as 21,600 for a set of cash machines at a Tesco Metro in Liverpool. Business rates from separate bills for cash machines will raise 44.5 million in rates tax this year across England and Wales and 181.3 million over the four-year life of the 2017 business rates regime, according to Altus. While ATMs attached to retailers are having to pay rates, the regime does not apply to free-standing cash machines within stores. But it still affects many thousands of hole-in-the-wall ATMs, with the number liable for business rates surging from 3,140 in 2010 to 15,422 this year. An arrest has been made over the shooting of a man in a flat. The 42-year-old was treated for serious injuries following the incident in Wellshot Road, Glasgow, on October 13. Police launched an attempted murder inquiry and a 24-year-old man has now been arrested and charged. He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Thursday. A Co Donegal man who is wanted by prosecutors in Northern Ireland over the 1972 murders of two soldiers has been granted bail in a Dublin court ahead of a formal extradition hearing. John Downey, 66, whose prosecution for the IRAs Hyde Park bombing collapsed in controversy four years ago, has been released from Cloverhill prison in the city after bail of 35,000 euro was approved by judge Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly. Downey was detained in Co Donegal on Monday on a European Arrest Warrant. The Northern Ireland Public Prosecution Service initiated extradition proceedings after determining it had sufficient evidence to charge him with the murders of Lance Corporal Alfred Johnston, 32, and Private James Eames, 33, in a car bomb attack in Enniskillen. The scene following an IRA car bomb blast in Hyde Park (PA) An extradition hearing is due to take place in two weeks. In 2013, Downey was charged with murdering four Royal Household Cavalrymen in an IRA bomb in Londons Hyde Park in 1982. He stood trial at the Old Bailey, but the case dramatically collapsed after it was revealed he had received a written assurance from former prime minister Tony Blairs government that he was not actively wanted by the authorities. Explaining the rationale for granting bail on Thursday morning, the judge highlighted that Downey had been on bail during court proceedings in England and had abided by all conditions. Ms Justice Donnelly also noted Downey appeared to have some health issues, and had lived in the Irish Republic for more than 30 years. On a previous occasion, he faced charges in a court in England and was released on bail during these matters and abided by the conditions, she said. Downey is on a State pension, however Ms Justice Donnelly said she did not know whether it was contributory or not. I have no idea what he has been working at, the judge added. I am told that he is living at a substantial property, and for some reason he transferred the house out of his name to his wife last year. The judge added that it was a concern to the court that his wife and two adult children were able to raise a cash sum of 5,000 euro (4,400). She added that she is left in a situation where I have to take a view that Downey has access through his acquaintances to a greater level of surety. The judge granted bail on Thursday morning conditional on Downey providing evidence that the financial bail guarantee could be covered. She sat again after lunch when the sureties were approved. A friend of Downeys agreed to provide surety of 30,000 euro (26,000) while Downey is to lodge his own bond of 5,000 euro. He was ordered to abide by a number of bail conditions including signing on every day at a garda station, residing at his own house, providing his mobile number to gardai and attending the High Court when ordered to do so. The Sinn Fein member, wearing a red jumper and checked shirt, remained impassive during the court proceedings. His defence barrister Tony McGillicuddy had earlier told the judge that Downey has had a commitment of working in a positive manner in the Irish peace process since the early 1990s, and had carried out functions in that regard with a number of agencies. Mr McGillicuddy said that he engaged positively in meetings around the peace process and has a strong commitment to it over the last 20 years. The two Ulster Defence Regiment soldiers died when an IRA bomb exploded in a car they were checking on Irvinestown Road, Cherrymount, Enniskillen, on August 25 1972. Downeys prosecution for the Hyde Park bombing collapsed when it emerged he had received a UK government letter issued under the terms of the controversial On The Runs (OTRs) scheme. In 2014, trial judge Mr Justice Sweeney ruled that Downeys arrest at Gatwick Airport, as he transited the UK on the way to a holiday, represented an abuse of process and he put a stay on any future prosecution in relation to the Hyde Park case. The episode sparked a government inquiry into the OTR scheme. Downey has always denied any involvement in the Hyde Park attack. French composer Francis Lai, who won an Oscar for his movie score in Love Story, has died aged 86. Lai, whose death was announced by Frances Culture Ministry, quickly rose through the ranks at the start of his career, composing songs for Edith Piaf and Yves Montand. He turned his attention to the silver screen in the 1960s after meeting director Claude Lelouch, and wrote the title track music for 1966s Oscar-winning A Man And A Woman. Lais success culminated with his 1970 Academy Award for the score of Love Story. Its main song Where Do I Begin? is near-universally known thanks to popular renditions by Andy Williams and Shirley Bassey. The mayor of Nice, Lais birthplace, said he hopes to name an emblematic place of our city after Lai. The European Court will be asked if the UK can unilaterally stop Brexit after the UK Government was refused an appeal by Scotlands highest court. The Court of Session in Edinburgh ruled in September to refer the question of whether the UK can unilaterally revoke its Article 50 request to leave the European Union to the Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU) after a case brought by a cross-party group of politicians. A date had been set for November 27 but the UK Government made an application for permission to appeal the ruling to the UK Supreme Court. Lord Carloway, Scotlands most senior judge and Lord President of the Court of Session, refused the application on Thursday and the case will proceed to the CJEU in the current timescale. Andy Wightman MSP and others (petitioners) v Secretary of State for Exiting the EU (respondent): Respondent's application for permission to appeal to the UK Supreme Court refused. Judges Scotland (@JudgesScotland) November 8, 2018 The initial case had been brought by a cross-party group of politicians: Labour MEPs Catherine Stihler and David Martin, Joanna Cherry MP and Alyn Smith MSP of the SNP and Green MSPs Andy Wightman and Ross Greer, together with lawyer Jolyon Maugham QC, director of the Good Law Project. After the case, Mr Maugham tweeted: The Governments last-ditch effort to block our attempt to empower Parliament to act in the national interest has failed. Application for permission to appeal refused and the end of the line for the Government. European Court judges are to be asked whether the UK can unilaterally stop Brexit (PA) The Government must now focus on meeting the promises made to voters in the Referendum campaign. If it cannot deliver that deal the people must be asked again because it has no mandate to drive the country off a cliff. The decision from Lord Carloway in September overturned an earlier ruling when it was said the question being asked was hypothetical and the conditions for a reference had not been met. But Lord Carloway said it was clear MPs at Westminster would be required to vote on any Brexit deal agreed by the EU and the UK Government. In his September judgment, Lord Carloway was clear the CJEU would not be advising Parliament on what it must or ought to do. Instead, he said it would be merely declaring the law as part of its central function, adding that how Parliament chooses to react to that declarator is entirely a matter for that institution. President Donald Trump has offered condolences after a mass shooting at a southern California bar. Mr Trump said on Twitter that he has been fully briefed on the terrible shooting. He praised law enforcement, saying Great bravery shown by police and said God bless all of the victims and families of the victims. A gunman opened fire on a crowd at a country dance bar holding a weekly college night on Wednesday night. The mass shooting killed 12 people and sent hundreds fleeing in terror. The gunman was later found dead at the scene. People comfort each other after the shooting (Mark J. Terrill/AP) Law enforcement said the dead from the shooting included 11 people inside the bar and a sheriffs sergeant who was the first officer inside the door. Mr Trump later ordered that the US flag be flown at half mast in respect for the victims of the shooting. Mr Trump ordered the flag be flown at half mast until sunset on Saturday at the White House and on all public buildings, military posts, naval stations and aboard all US naval vessels. Ireland has warned against assuming a breakthrough on the Brexit border row is imminent. Irish foreign minister Simon Coveney said that even if the UK Cabinet agrees exit plans in the coming days, the rest of the European Union must also back them. Senior ministers were invited to review the text of the withdrawal agreement that has so far been secured in negotiations with Brussels, and are poised to meet as soon as a deal is ready to be signed off. But Mr Coveney told the Irish Canada Business Association conference in Dublin: I would urge caution that an imminent breakthrough is not necessarily to be taken for granted, not by a long shot. Repeatedly people seem to make the same mistake over and over again, assuming that if the British Cabinet agrees something, well, then thats it then, everything is agreed. This is a negotiation and needs to be an agreement of course between the British Government, but also with the European Union and the 27 countries that are represented by Michel Barnier and his negotiating team. Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney (Kirsty OConnor/PA) So while of course we want progress to be made and we want it to be made as quickly as possible because time is moving on, I would urge caution that people dont get carried away on the back of rumour in the coming days. Theresa May last month told MPs that 95% of the deal had been agreed, although the key sticking point of the backstop to prevent a hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland remained unresolved. The Prime Ministers plan would see the whole UK effectively agree to remain in the customs union to help avoid a hard border with Ireland as a backstop if no other arrangement can be found. Brexiteer MPs, including Environment Secretary Michael Gove, have called on Mrs May to release full legal advice setting out how the arrangement could be ended to avoid it becoming a permanent settlement. Former Brexit secretary David Davis said the full government legal advice on Brexit must be published and insisted how the UK could exit from the customs union must be pinned down before MPs and peers vote on the deal. Leaving without an agreement would mean some hiccups in the first year, but the UK would have all the rights and controls over our own destiny, he added. Conservative Dominic Grieve has written to Cabinet Secretary Sir Mark Sedwill calling for government documents explaining any final withdrawal agreement to the public to include a full comparison with the status quo as well as with a no deal scenario. The former attorney general, who backs the Peoples Vote campaign for a fresh referendum, said: It is of course entirely right that the Cabinet Office seeks to explain the full implications of any deal to the British public. However, it is of concern that the Cabinet Office seems to be under instruction to keep from the public and from Parliament any ability to make a comparison between the deal and the arrangements we already have inside the European Union. It is of the utmost importance that Parliament and the public can compare any arrangement the Prime Minister agrees, against the benefits of European Union membership and make clear the impact that the deal proposed would have on every single area of the economy, public services, finances, security and opportunity. In Helsinki today. Good to meet w/ Prime Minister @juhasipila and the @FinGovernment. Clear that more work is needed in #Brexit negotiations. We remain determined to reach a deal. pic.twitter.com/Nssi7uGuIg Michel Barnier (@MichelBarnier) November 7, 2018 Michel Barnier, the EUs chief Brexit negotiator, meanwhile, has warned of the need to fight against forces seeking to demolish the European project, saying: There is now a Farage in every country. Speaking to a conference of the centre-right European Peoples Party (EPP) in Finland, Mr Barnier said: The European project is fragile, it is under threat, it is perishable and at the same time it is vital. A Norwegian Navy frigate carrying a crew of 137 was rammed by a tanker while in a harbour on the countrys west coast, tearing a large hole in its side, the military has said. Eight people on the KNM Helge Instad were slightly injured, two of whom were taken to a nearby hospital, in the 4am accident in Sture, north of Bergen, said Rear Admiral Nils Andreas Stensoenes, the head of Norways Navy. The crew were evacuated amid fears the vessel would sink. The ship, which had recently taken part in the vast Nato drill Trident Juncture in Norway, is strongly listing, Rear Admiral Stensoenes told a news conference. The Norwegian frigate KNM Helge Ingstad (Marit Hommedal/AP) The frigate was lying in the water almost on its side with its stern under the water. The Maltese-flagged tanker, Sola TS, was not damaged and its 23-man crew remained on board. The shipping site Sysla reported that the tanker had been loaded with crude oil and was on its way to the UK. Rear Admiral Stensoenes said the cause of the accident was not clear and the Navy would wait for the findings of Norways Accident Investigation Board. Earlier reports had said a towboat was also involved in the accident, but Rear Admiral Stensoenes denied this. Some 10,000 litres of helicopter fuel from the frigates tanks leaked into the sea, Johan Marius Ly of the Norwegian Coast Guard said. The fuel was expected to evaporate quickly. The 134-metre long frigate, built in Spain in 2009, has a helipad platform on its stern. Rear Admiral Stensoenes said the frigate had been pushed by towboats into shallow waters where it could not sink fully. We are in a security phase for the time being, he added. The frigate takes on water (Marit Hommedal/NTB Scanpix/AP) He declined to comment on what would happen to the weapons on board the ship. The frigate is part of a Nato fleet in the Atlantic and the alliance has been informed of the accident, he told reporters. Norways largest oil and gas company, Equinor, formerly known as Statoil, said it shut down non-emergency activities at the Sture terminal where the collision occurred as a precautionary measure. The Accident Investigation Board added that, because the tanker is Maltese-registered, the Marine Safety Investigation Unit (MSIU) of Malta will also participate in the investigation. Nicola Sturgeon has said she will reject any Brexit deal from the UK Government short of retaining permanent membership of the single market and the customs union. The First Minister said the Scottish Government would not give its support to any proposals which did not offer either of those provisions. Holyrood voted 66 to 28 on Wednesday in favour of having a Peoples Vote on Brexit. Speaking at First Ministers Questions, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie asked the First Minister whether she would support any deal put forward which proposed the UK remaining in the customs union for an unspecified period. He said: Momentum is building for the British people to have the final say to save us from the economic damage that will come with Brexit. The First Minister has previously talked of compromising with the UK Government the backstop could involve the whole of the UK remaining in the customs union for an unspecified time. Nicola Sturgeon said she would not support a deal which does not offer membership of the single market and customs union (Jane Barlow/PA) Can the First Minister clarify if that is enough for her to support the deal? I hope she rejects it and opposes everything but a Peoples Vote. Ms Sturgeon responded: That wouldnt be enough for me to give my support to that deal. I make no apology for trying to compromise in the interests of the Scottish people, but the absolute bottom line for me, for the Scottish Government, for my party, would be permanent, unequivocal membership of both the single market and the customs union. That said, I would prefer that we stayed in the European Union as full members. I would prefer that Scotland was in the European Union as full, independent members of it. The First Minister also indicated that SNP MPs would support holding a Peoples Vote on Brexit if a vote on the matter was put forward in the House of Commons. The Supreme Court has said 85-year-old Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg fractured three ribs in a fall in her office at the court and is in hospital. The court has said the justice went to George Washington University Hospital in Washington early on Thursday after experiencing discomfort overnight. The court says the fall occurred on Wednesday evening. The US Supreme Court (Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP) Ms Ginsburg was admitted to the hospital for treatment and observation after tests showed she fractured three ribs. Ms Ginsburg broke two ribs in a fall in 2012. She has had two prior bouts with cancer and had a stent implanted to open a blocked artery in 2014. The Supreme Court is a powerful body which has the final word on issues like abortion and same-sex marriage. Ruth Bader Ginsburg was nominated to the Supreme Court by Bill Clinton (Brian Lawless/AP) In Ms Ginsburgs absence, the court was going ahead on Thursday with a courtroom ceremony welcoming new Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who joined the court last month after a fiercely-contested nomination process. President Donald Trump and new acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker were expected to attend. Appointed by then-president Bill Clinton in 1993, Ms Ginsburg rebuffed suggestions from some liberals that she should step down in the first two years of President Barack Obamas second term, when Democrats also controlled the Senate and would have been likely to confirm her successor. She already has hired clerks for the term that extends into 2020, indicating she has no plans to retire. Bombardier has refused to rule out job cuts in the UK as the aerospace firm announced plans to axe 5,000 roles. The Canadian company said it is aiming to streamline, lean out and simplify the company as part of a restructuring initiative that aims to save 250 million Canadian dollars (146 million). Bombardier said the cuts will affect the global workforce but did not specify precisely where the axe would fall. Around 4,000 people are employed at Bombardiers Belfast operation, with a quarter of those working on the Airbus A220 (C-Series) line. When asked about the Belfast operations, a spokeswoman told the Press Association: Following Bombardiers announcement today, we will take the necessary time to evaluate what this means for our aerostructures and engineering services business. We will communicate with our employees in more detail over the coming weeks. Bombardiers aerospace plant in Belfast (PA) The group also has operations in Derby, where it employs 1,600. Unions reacted with fury to the news. Michael Mulholland, GMB Regional Organsier, said: GMB demands answers from Bombardier for our members in Northern Ireland. They have already suffered months of uncertainty following Trumps tariffs now they are under the cosh again. Bombardier jobs are crucial to Belfasts economy and GMB will fight tooth and nail to save them. The cuts will be made in the next 12 to 18 months and Bombardier will also sell off non-core assets worth about 900 million Canadian dollars (524 million), including the Q Series aircraft programme and the de Havilland trademark. Chief executive Alain Bellemare said: We have set in motion the next round of actions necessary to unleash the full potential of the Bombardier portfolio. Around 1,000 jobs were lost at the Belfast plant in 2016 as part of a global restructuring operation. Another 375 redundancies were announced last year. The shake-up comes after Bombardier recently warned stockpiling parts to mitigate the impact of a no-deal Brexit would cost the Belfast business up to 30 million. Michael Ryan, the head of the firms Northern Ireland operation, said spending such a sum to store goods is not how we can afford to run a business and is cash that I dont have. There are fears that the movement of goods could be disrupted by long queues at ports if the UK is unable to reach an agreement with the European Union over Brexit. In large swathes of Belgium and France, battlegrounds, cemeteries and memorials still stand as a testament to the horrors of the First World War. Thousands flock every year to visit these foreign fields, and in the centenary year of the Armistice, their message is particularly important. These magnificent, heartbreaking sites will remind you just how heavy the weight of history can be. 1. Tyne Cot Cemetery (Thinkstock/PA) There are few places on Earth that capture tragedy on quite this scale. The largest Commonwealth cemetery in the world, Tyne Cot marks the final resting places of nearly 12,000 Commonwealth servicemen, most killed at Passchendaele and Langemarck. 2. The Somme battlefield A byword for the futility of war, the Somme was one of the deadliest conflicts in human history, and one of the most miscalculated initiatives from Commonwealth command. The so-called Remembrance Circuit takes in several of the major flash points, giving a whistle stop but nevertheless harrowing tour of the mud, bullets and blood that defined this infamous battleground. If tackling the site independently, do not attempt to digest it all in one go neither your feet nor constitution will manage. 3. The Thiepval Memorial Standing guard over the Somme River lies the monolithic memorial at Thiepval. What Tyne Cot is for the dead, Thiepval is for the missing, alphabetically listing the name, rank and regiment of more than 72,000 soldiers with no known grave. Thiepval is a notoriously tough place to visit: Most can find a soldier who bears their name, and it is common for guests to be unexpectedly confronted with a deceased relative. 4. The trenches of Vimy Ridge Though often overlooked in GCSE history classes its 10,000-odd Commonwealth casualties dwarfed by the Somme and Passchendaele Vimy Ridge was an historic victory for Canadian forces that broke through enemy lines that had long repelled their British and French comrades. Today, the site features some of the best-preserved trenches of the war, allowing visitors to gain insight into the subterranean claustrophobia, and make the short walk across no-mans land. 5. The Last Post at Menin Gate At 8 oclock every evening in the Belgian town of Ypres, trumpeters at the Menin Gate Memorial sound the Last Post the slow, solemn bugle call that has symbolised commemoration ever since the Armistice. The ceremony is a point of local pride, and there is something uniquely moving about standing united in remembrance, surrounded by people of all different backgrounds and nationalities. 6. HMS M.33 If you cant make the trip across the channel, Portsmouths HMS M.33 is an option for some homegrown remembrance. Launched in 1915, this little monitor ship is now the sole survivor of that years catastrophic Gallipoli Campaign, and the only World War One warship currently open to the public. Her well-earned retirement is spent alongside HMS Victory in the Portsmouth historic Dockyard, where she was opened to the public in 2014. The Duke of Sussex has said he would like to include a symbol of Indias war dead in his Cenotaph wreath, to commemorate their First World War sacrifice but added that it would not please everyone. Harrys comment came as he honoured Britains war dead at a ceremony to open Westminster Abbeys Field of Remembrance, which marks its 90th anniversary this year. On Sunday the duke will join the Prince of Wales, Duke of Cambridge, the Prime Minister, cabinet members and other national figures laying wreaths at the Cenotaph, as the nation falls silent on the 100th anniversary of the end of the war. The duke, a former Army officer, stopped at one of the 370 plots in the shadow of the Abbey, representing regiments, military organisations and other bodies and covered with tiny wooden crosses, to chat to Suraj Samant, 23, from the Hindu Council UK. Speaking about Harrys encounter with the soon-to-be mascot he added: He went down to pat it and it jumped up and he held it by the paw, he got the royal seal of approval I think. During the event Harry left his own miniature cross at the site and the Last Post was sounded by a bugler before a minutes silence was observed. Among those present was Sarah Jones, president of the Royal British Legion Poppy Factory and widow of Falklands hero Lieutenant Colonel Herbert Jones known as H, who was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross. As he left the grounds of the Abbey Harry shook hands with decorator John Kinsella, 54, who wore a poppy on his hard hat and last month travelled to Belgium with his two brothers to visit the grave of their great grandfather, who was killed just a few weeks before the First World War ended. He said about his great grandfather Thomas Kinsella: He was 100 years dead on the 12th October 1918 and we went to give him the service he didnt have 100 years ago, really. Mr Kinsella, from Islington, London, who was working on a nearby apartment block, said about Harry: Ive met his grandma at St Pauls, I shook his old mans hand at Kennington about four years ago, and now Ive shaken his hand, its a nice touch to end the day my old womans going to laugh her head off. Two police officers who were stabbed while attending an incident at a house have been recognised for their outstanding bravery. Constables Laura Sayer and Kenneth MacKenzie were attacked after going to a house in Greenock, Inverclyde, to support colleagues from a partner agency and suffered serious injuries in the incident on June 1. Speaking for the first time, the officers thanked colleagues and the public for their support but said they were only doing what all police officers are trained to do. William Taylor, who appeared in court charged with stabbing the officers, has been detained for mental health treatment. Constable Sayer had six months service at the time of the attack while Pc MacKenzie had been an officer for nine years. They said their recovery has been very difficult at times but they hope to return to work in the near future. The pair, along with seven fellow officers who assisted as the incident unfolded, received bravery awards from Chief Constable Iain Livingstone at a ceremony at the Scottish Police College at Tulliallan, Fife, on Thursday. Cabinet Secretary for Justice, @HumzaYousaf - "what I commend you for is that day in and day out, you are putting yourself in harms way to help others" #PolScotBravery pic.twitter.com/mY2iRzsIjC Police Scotland (@PoliceScotland) November 8, 2018 In a joint statement, the injured officers said: The incident which we and our colleagues faced on June 1 was extremely challenging and not something that we will easily ever forget. We did what all police officers are trained to do and can only thank our colleagues who put themselves in harms way to help prevent what could have been a far more serious incident. Despite the serious injuries we suffered, we both recognise that without the support of fellow officers that day it could have been much worse. They added: The past few months have also been extremely challenging and we have faced a long road to recovery which has, at times, been very difficult. We are very proud to be recognised with this bravery award and to share this moment with the colleagues who helped during the incident. Our recovery is going well and we hope to return to work in the near future. This would not have been possible without the support of Police Scotland and fellow officers. The hundreds of messages of support we received from the public have also been a huge comfort as we recover and we would like to thank everyone for their kind wishes. Police constables Laura Sayer and Kenneth MacKenzie received awards from Chief Constable Iain Livingstone (Andrew Milligan/PA) The pair were among 64 police officers, two special constables, one member of police staff and 14 members of the public honoured at the Police Scotland Bravery and Meritorious Conduct Awards. Among those honoured were Sergeant David Rourke, who rescued an elderly couple from their house in West Linton in the Borders before it was engulfed by 12ft high snow in the Beast from the East storm, and Constable Adam Denny, who arrived at an incident in Auchterarder, Perth and Kinross, where three people had already been stabbed and prevented the attacker from hurting more people in August 2017. Shaun Carroll, a member of the public who rescued a driver from a burning vehicle near Dalkeith, Midlothian, last December, was also among those to receive an award. Chief Constable Iain Livingstone said: The Police Scotland bravery awards provide us with an opportunity to pause, reflect and admire outstanding acts of bravery displayed by members of the public, police officers and staff who put the protection of others before their own safety. These selfless acts of care, courage and professionalism include many instances where immense courage was shown in helping people at their time of greatest need, actions that were often life-changing for all involved. Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said: To start each day without knowing the danger that may arise is not an experience faced by many. The police officers commended today are shining examples of officers who have gone far beyond the call of duty when faced with that risk. The members of the public here who have responded bravely to help fellow citizens are a further representation of the compassion found across Scotland. An anonymous group of activists has erected billboards across London celebrating the Brexit collaboration between Russia and the UK. The group, calling itself Proud Bear, claims to be a collective of Russia GRU agents but evidence points to a band of British volunteers and satirists calling for an official investigation into Russias influence on the EU Referendum. Lets celebrate a red, white and blue Brexit, reads one poster in Stoke Newington, north London, accompanied by a picture of a winking Vladimir Putin waving a Russian flag. Another poster, in Bethnal Green, east London, proclaims Thank you! Boris, picturing the former foreign secretary and leader of the Vote Leave campaign group Boris Johnson waving Russian flags. #PROUDBEAR officers from POSTER SPETSNAZ division deployed ACROSS London to start celebration of #Brexit COLLABORATION. People of UNITED BRITAIN, many more for you to find! pic.twitter.com/yqpz687QIx Proud Bear (@Pr0ud_Bear) November 8, 2018 The Proud Bear posters, and Twitter account associated with the campaign, encourage viewers to visit a website where the group hopes to raise 55,000 for an advert on the 40-metre-wide LED screen at London Waterloo train station. One man, who took photographs of the billboard in Stoke Newington, said he thought they were hilarious. A billboard featuring Russian leader Vladamir Putin, in Hackney, east London (PA) Given that the whole world is falling apart, it doesnt seem too far-fetched that Russian interference could have had something to do with it, he told the Press Association. Stuff like this is good. People need to see more of it and call people out, he added. Tens of thousands of Twitter accounts are understood to have tweeted pro-Brexit messages in the build up to the EU Referendum in 2016, but the impact of the messages has not been accurately assessed. But hidden in the websites source code is a message, written in Russian, which reveals the true sentiment behind the posters. Theresa May prefers to promote Brexits ridiculous plan instead of stopping for a moment and truly investigating the question of whether Russias influence was really decisive in the vote. The UK immediately needs a Muller-style investigation into Russian intervention in the Brexit campaign, reads part of the script when translated into English. A Cabinet Office spokesman said: We have not seen evidence of successful interference in UK democratic processes. Mr Johnson declined to comment. You may have seen these #proudbear posters have popped up around London today. But hidden in the source code of the website is a message calling for a 'Muller-style' investigation into the EU Referendum. pic.twitter.com/Grw2F1Y21S Alastair Reid (@ajreid) November 8, 2018 Organisers said the hostile message in the website source code is CIA website hacking, responding to a request for comment from the Press Association via a Ukrainian mobile phone number. The groups webmaster, Mikhael Klikov, has been sent on a forever holiday in Siberia for allowing the mistake, they added. Ryanair is to operate 11 new routes from Edinburgh Airport beginning in summer 2019. A service to Luxembourg and Billund in Denmark will run all year through while new summer routes include Lisbon, Stockholm and Tallinn. The low-cost airline said its 58 routes would deliver 3.5 million passengers through Edinburgh Airport next year. Edinburgh is Scotlands busiest airport (Lesley Martin/Edinburgh Airport) A spokesman said: We will also base an additional aircraft at Edinburgh as we continue to grow traffic, routes, tourism and jobs. The other new routes are Berlin, Derry, Memmingen, Riga, Seville and Sofia. Meanwhile, British Airways has announced an expansion of its Inverness to Heathrow service. The airline will operate two daily return services from Monday to Friday and three return services at weekends from next summer. The route from London to the Highland capital was reinstated in 2016. The expanded schedule means business people will be able to travel between the two cities and complete a full working day before returning home the same day. BA said it had been able to increase flights to Inverness because the hub, run by Highlands and Islands Airports, is exempt from air passenger duty. Phyllis Stuart, British Airways airport manager in Inverness, said: Since we reintroduced the daily service between Inverness and Heathrow we have seen steady growth in passenger numbers at both ends of the route and this further expansion is testament to the support our partners at Inverness Airport, and the people and business community of the Highlands and Islands, have given us over the past two years. The new schedule will bring greater economic benefits to the region and the extra flights on Saturdays and Sundays will cater for the number of leisure passengers travelling to the Highlands and Islands during the summer months. Twelve people including a sheriffs sergeant were killed in a mass shooting inside a crowded southern California bar by a gunman who is then believed to have taken his own life. The killer was identified as Ian David Long, a 28-year-old former US Marine with mental issues, with investigators trying to find the motive for the attack at a venue hosting a country music evening for students. The hooded killer used a smoke bomb and a handgun, sending hundreds of people fleeing in terror. Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean said his department had several previous contacts with Long, including a call to his home in April, when deputies found him angry and acting irrationally. The sheriff said a mental health crisis team was called at the time and concluded Long did not need to be taken into custody. Patrons at the bar screamed in fear, shouted Get down! and used bar stools to smash second-floor windows and jump to safety as gunfire erupted at the Borderline Bar & Grill, a Thousand Oaks venue popular with students from nearby California Lutheran University. Today we mourn the loss of Sergeant Ron Helus who gave his life serving the community. Please keep his family and the families of the victims in your thoughts and prayers. pic.twitter.com/EwDsnPRDCs Ventura County Sheriff (@VENTURASHERIFF) November 8, 2018 The dead included 11 people inside the bar and a sheriffs sergeant who was the first officer inside the door, the sheriff said. Its a horrific scene in there, Mr Dean said in a press conference at a car park. Theres blood everywhere. The killer deployed a smoke device and used a .45-calibre handgun. A victim is treated near the scene (AP) It was the deadliest mass shooting in the US since 17 students and teachers were killed at a Parkland, Florida, high school nine months ago. It also came less than two weeks after a gunman massacred 11 people at a synagogue in Pittsburgh. That, in turn, closely followed the series of pipe bombs mailed to critics of President Donald Trump. Mr Trump praised police for their great bravery in the California attack and said, God bless all of the victims and families of the victims. People comfort each other as they stand near the scene of the shooting (Mark J. Terrill/AP) The gunman was tall and wearing all black with a hood and his face partly covered, witnesses told TV stations. He first fired on a person working the door, then appeared to shoot at random at people inside, they said. I dropped to the floor, Sarah Rose DeSon told ABCs Good Morning America. A friend yelled, Everybody down! We were hiding behind tables trying to keep ourselves covered. Sheriffs Sergeant Ron Helus and a passing highway patrolman arrived at the Borderline around 11.20pm in response to several 911 calls, heard gunfire and went inside, the sheriff said. Sgt Helus was immediately hit with multiple gunshots, Mr Dean said. The highway patrolman pulled Sgt Helus out, then waited as a Swat team and scores more officers arrived. Sgt Helus died early on Thursday at a hospital. By the time they entered the bar again, the gunfire had stopped, according to the sheriff. In light of the tragic events that occurred last night in Thousand Oaks, classes have been canceled today. University offices remain open. Visit our emergency page for more resources and updates at https://t.co/lXis049Ii9 Cal Lutheran (@CalLutheran) November 8, 2018 They found 12 people dead inside, including the gunman who apparently took his own life, the sheriff said. Theres no doubt that they saved lives by going in there and engaging with the suspect, said Mr Dean, who was set to retire on Friday. He praised the murdered officer, a close friend, as a hero, saying: He went in there to save people and paid the ultimate price. Shootings of any kind are extremely rare in Thousand Oaks, a city of about 130,000 people about 40 miles west of Los Angeles, just across the county line. The Borderline, which includes a large dance hall along with several smaller areas for eating and drinking, was holding its regular College Country Nights when the attack took place. Police at the scene (KABC/AP) The bar is also close to several other universities, including California State University Channel Islands in Camarillo, Pepperdine University in Malibu and Moorpark College in Moorpark. Nick Steinwender, Cal Lutheran student union president, told KTLA-TV he immediately started receiving messages about the shooting, and he and his roommate went to the scene to offer rides back to campus or moral support. Its going to be a very sombre day, Mr Steinwender said. I know we dont have all the details in yet, but you know, it just feels like its an attack on our community. You know, I think its going to be something that were going to have to come together and move past. An FBI agent (Mark J. Terrill/AP) Cole Knapp, a freshman at Moorpark College, said he was inside the bar when the shooting began, but he thought at first that it was just someone with an M-80, just kind of playing a prank. Then he said he saw the gunman, wearing a small black head covering and black hoodie and holding a handgun. I tried to get as many people to cover as I could, Mr Knapp said. There was an exit right next to me, so I went through that. That exit leads to a patio where people smoke. People out there didnt really know what was going on. People walk away from the scene (Mark J. Terrill/AP) Theres a fence right there so I said, Everyone get over the fence as quickly as you can, and I followed them over. He said a highway patrol officer who happened to be pulling someone over was nearby. I screamed to him, Theres a shooter in there! He was kind of in disbelief, then saw that I was serious, Mr Knapp said. He said he had friends who had not been accounted for. Tayler Whitler, 19, said she was on the dance floor with her friends nearby when she saw the gunman shooting and heard screams of Get down! Sheriffs deputies speak to potential witnesses (Mark J. Terrill/AP) It was really, really, really shocking, Ms Whitler told KABC-TV as she stood with her father in the car park. It looked like he knew what he was doing. The dead sheriffs officer was a 29-year veteran of the force with a wife and son and planned to retire in the coming year, said the sheriff, who choked back tears as he talked about the sergeant who was also his long-time friend. Ron was a hardworking, dedicated sheriffs sergeant who was totally committed, Dean said, and tonight, as I told his wife, he died a hero because he went in to save lives. The sister of an electrician killed at work has backed a proposal to reform the law around culpable homicide. Louise Taggart, whose brother Michael Adamson was killed in 2005, says the bill would serve as deterrent for employers. The bill, put forward by Scottish Labour MSP Claire Baker, would seek to create new legal avenues for the families of victims killed by recklessness or gross negligence by their employer. A consultation on the Bill was launched on Thursday in a speech to the conference for safety charity Scottish Hazards in Glasgow. Ms Taggart, a trustee of the charity, said: My wee brother, Michael, died in an entirely preventable electrocution at work. His employer company was referred to as the invisible man sitting in the dock and it was that invisible man which was convicted of health and safety offences in relation to his death. If passed, the Bill would look to reform the law over fatal workplace incidents (Joe Giddens/PA) This provided my family with very little in the way of justice. And our hearts continue to break all too regularly when we hear of the far too many loved ones in Scotland who have left home for work, never to return. Those who bear the real burden are those left behind, who currently are left to feel that we have failed our loved ones, because the justice system has failed us. As a nation we must be seen to care that far too many people still lose their lives to work-related incidents, put aside party politics and get behind this Bill, which is about justice, prevention and family. Seventeen people have died on average in industrial incidents each year in Scotland over the last five years but there has not been a prosecution under existing legislation in the last decade. Ms Baker said: I very much welcome Louises support for my Bill to reform Scotlands culpable homicide laws. It is simply unacceptable in the 21st century for people to go to their work and not come home to their families due to recklessness or gross negligence by their employer. Sadly, the law currently does not provide enough protection for workers and thats why I have launched this Bill to ensure that is brought to an end. New legal avenues for prosecution and statutory punishments would send a clear message to employers that health and safety must be the number one priority for any business. I hope all political parties in the Scottish Parliament will join with myself and Louise to end the scandal of death and injury at work. The family of a father-of-three murdered by a criminal who was unlawfully at large have said they are still in the dark over why he was free to kill. Craig McClelland, of Paisley, Renfrewshire, was stabbed to death in his home town by James Wright, who had been released from jail on a home detention curfew with an electronic tag. Having tampered with his tag, Wright had been unlawfully at large for six months when he murdered the 31-year-old in July 2017. Mr McClellands family do not feel the police and prison inspectorate reviews commissioned by the Scottish Government have given them the necessary answers about why his killer was on the streets and want a public inquiry to prevent any more families suffering their heartbreak. In a letter to Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf, Mr McClellands partner Stacey and his dad Michael said: We regret that the answers we desperately seek were not forthcoming in the reviews your government commissioned. As a family, we are still in the dark as to why Craigs murderer was free when he should have been behind bars. It still makes no sense to us. Further to that, we feel there is now a rush to draw the matter to a close when those responsible for these mistakes have yet to be held to account and the changes to the system required to prevent this happening again have not been made. In your statement to the Scottish Parliament, you praised our tireless campaigning and insisted the home detention curfew system is stronger, more robust as a consequence. This is credit we cannot accept. As far as we are concerned, we have not been campaigning and are not satisfied the system you refer to is fit for purpose. They add: Our only chance of moving on from our tragedy is to learn why these mistakes were made and ensure they will never happen again. We owe this to Craig, and we owe it to families all over Scotland. Murder victim Craig McClelland (Police Scotland/PA) Raising their concerns at First Ministers Questions, Labours Neil Bibby said the family does not have confidence lessons have been learned. Two reviews have indicated that there were significant failures but were not specifically tasked at looking at what went wrong in this case, he said. The McClelland family now believe that only a full public inquiry will give them the answers they deserve. Can the First Minister give them her support? Nicola Sturgeon said Mr McClellands murder was awful and she is not surprised the family is still seeking answers. She said the reviews looked at the processes leading to Wright being released and actions taken to apprehend him, making 37 recommendations which the government has accepted. Immediate action was taken to strengthen home detention curfew safeguards, she said, including a presumption against granting curfews to people convicted of violence or knife crime. Lessons have been learned from this dreadful, tragic case, the First Minister added. She said Mr Yousaf would be happy to meet with the family again and discuss what actions they feel are appropriate. The Liberal Democrats have also backed calls for an inquiry. Downing Street has played down suggestions that a Brexit deal is imminent, after European Council president Donald Tusk appeared to indicate a breakthrough could come within the next week. A senior UK Government source said that reports in the European media that a deal could come in the next few days should be taken with a very large pinch of salt. Meanwhile, Irish foreign minister Simon Coveney cautioned against assuming that the rest of the EU would necessarily back any exit plans agreed by the UK Cabinet. The UK Government is still working on the precise wording of a proposed review mechanism which might create a means short of a full trade deal to bring an end to a temporary backstop arrangement for the Irish border. Senior ministers are poised to meet as soon as a deal is ready to be signed off, with speculation over a special Cabinet meeting as early as Saturday or Monday. Austrias Der Standard newspaper quoted European Commission sources at a summit in Finland as saying that EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier and Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab could meet in the next few days to seal an agreement and pave the way for a special summit of EU leaders in Brussels on November 25. Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab is trying to negotiate a deal (Aaron Chown/PA) Asked about the prospects of a breakthrough in the coming week, Mr Tusk told Channel 4 News: I hope so but still we need maybe five, maybe six, maybe seven days. A Downing Street source stressed that no agreement had yet been reached and no Cabinet meeting scheduled. We are still in negotiations, and on that basis we dont know when and if this will conclude, he said. Mr Coveney told the Irish Canada Business Association conference in Dublin: I would urge caution that an imminent breakthrough is not necessarily to be taken for granted, not by a long shot. Repeatedly people seem to make the same mistake over and over again, assuming that if the British Cabinet agrees something, well, then thats it then, everything is agreed. This is a negotiation and needs to be an agreement of course between the British Government, but also with the European Union and the 27 countries that are represented by Michel Barnier and his negotiating team. So while of course we want progress to be made and we want it to be made as quickly as possible because time is moving on, I would urge caution that people dont get carried away on the back of rumour in the coming days. Theresa May last month told MPs that 95% of the deal had been agreed, although the key sticking point of the backstop to prevent a hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland remained unresolved. The Prime Ministers plan would see the whole UK effectively agree to remain in the customs union to help avoid a hard border with Ireland as a backstop if no other arrangement can be found. Brexiteer MPs, including Environment Secretary Michael Gove, have called on Mrs May to release full legal advice setting out how the arrangement could be ended to avoid it becoming a permanent settlement. Former Brexit secretary David Davis said the full government legal advice on Brexit must be published and insisted how the UK could exit from the customs union must be pinned down before MPs and peers vote on the deal. Leaving without an agreement would mean some hiccups in the first year but the UK would have all the rights and controls over our own destiny, he added. Conservative Dominic Grieve has written to Cabinet Secretary Sir Mark Sedwill calling for government documents explaining any final withdrawal agreement to the public to include a full comparison with the status quo as well as with a no deal scenario. Meanwhile, Mr Raab was subjected to a hail of ridicule after admitting he hadnt quite understood the full extent to which UK trade was reliant on the Dover-Calais crossing. He told a tech industry meeting in London on Wednesday: I dont think it is a question so much of the risk of major shortages, but I think probably the average consumer might not be aware of the full extent to which the choice of goods that we have in the stores are dependent on one or two very specific trade routes. Remain-backing TV scientist Brian Cox took to Twitter to ask: How could it possibly come as a surprise to Dominic Raab that our most important trade gateway is that which is closest geographically to our most important market? How could it possibly come as a suprise to Dominic Raab that our most important trade gateway is that which is closest geographically to our most important market? https://t.co/kCSMWywsw7 Brian Cox (@ProfBrianCox) November 8, 2018 Labour Brexit spokeswoman Jenny Chapman asked: How are we meant to trust this government to deliver a good deal for the country when we have a Brexit Secretary who doesnt even understand the very basics of Brexit? Scottish National Party MSP Stewart Stevenson said: This is a stunning admission that shows just how clueless the Tories are about their Brexit plans. A Tory Brexit could have a catastrophic impact on trade with the continent and leave supermarket shelves empty. In Helsinki today. Good to meet w/ Prime Minister @juhasipila and the @FinGovernment. Clear that more work is needed in #Brexit negotiations. We remain determined to reach a deal. pic.twitter.com/Nssi7uGuIg Michel Barnier (@MichelBarnier) November 7, 2018 Mr Barnier has warned of the need to fight against forces seeking to demolish the European project, saying: There is now a Farage in every country. Speaking to the Helsinki conference of the centre-right European Peoples Party (EPP), Mr Barnier warned: The European project is fragile, it is under threat, it is perishable and at the same time it is vital. Police have launched a murder inquiry after a man died in an extremely violent assault in Glasgow. Owen Hassan, 30, died in hospital shortly after he was found seriously injured in Greenview Street, Shawlands, at about 10.30pm on Wednesday. Detectives said Mr Hassan suffered a violent attack and are trying to establish a motive. Officers have appealed for anyone who was in the area at around 10.20pm on Wednesday to contact them. Police are trying to establish a motive for Owen Hassans murder (Police Scotland/PA) Mr Hassan died in the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow shortly after his admission. Detective Inspector Graham MacKellar said: This was an extremely violent assault and at this time we are trying to establish the exact circumstances and motive for such an attack. Officers are currently viewing CCTV and speaking to local people in the area in an attempt to gather more information. I appeal to anyone who was in the vicinity of Greenview Street around 10.20pm last night (Wednesday 7 November) and either witnessed Mr Hassan being assaulted, or perhaps saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area, to come forward. Anyone with information which may assist the investigation to contact police immediately via telephone number 101, quoting incident number 4167 of 7 November 2018. Police came under sustained attack by a crowd described as a criminal gang linked to a loyalist terrorist group in Co Antrim. Members of the public could have been harmed during the incident in Larne on Wednesday night, which saw a burning barricade erected and police officers coming under attack from missiles. It came after activity in the Linn Road area by the Police Service of Northern Irelands Paramilitary Crime Taskforce targeting the south east Antrim Ulster Defence Association (UDA). The taskforce was launched in 2017 to tackle crime by paramilitary groups in Northern Ireland. Mid and East Antrim District Commander Superintendent Darrin Jones described the disorder in Larne as reckless and totally unacceptable. He said members of the public were in put grave danger, and that a police Land Rover at one stage had to act as a buffer between those behind the incident and a number of people in their cars. No injuries have been reported. Supt Jones said police believe a criminal gang linked to the south east Antrim UDA wase behind the incident. Mid & East Antrim District Commander Superintendent Darrin Jones addressing media about disorder in Linn Rd area of Larne last night describing it as reckless & totally unacceptable. pic.twitter.com/uL1vPFl8jx Police Service NI (@PoliceServiceNI) November 8, 2018 He described Linn Road as a quiet residential area. This is why it was so shocking and so reckless, putting peoples lives in danger because people were actually driving into a burning barricade if someone had been seriously hurt last night, the ambulance could not have responded, he said. My assessment is that this incident was orchestrated and carried out by a criminal gang going under the badge of the south east Antrim UDA. We believe this incident followed some proactive activity by the Paramilitary Crime Task Force against some elements of south east Antrim UDA at the weekend. The activity was against criminal elements and we believe members of the south east Antrim UDA. It was targeting all sorts of criminality. Its an ongoing investigation so I cant elaborate, but what I can say is that this incident last night brought wanton destruction to the Linn Road area of Larne it inconvenienced the residents of Larne and it caused terror within the Linn Road area. Supt Jones said his officers came under sustained attack. PSNI Land Rovers will be on the streets (PA) They were faced with 30-40 masked men who, when police arrived, came under sustained attack from various missiles, bottles, bricks, fireworks and we also believe petrol bombs were thrown, he said. There is a full investigation under way and I would appeal to anyone within the community who has information in relation to this incident to call us. Supt Jones added that a police presence will remain in the area to deter any similar incidents from happening. I can assure the people of Larne that they will see a visible uplift in police resources in the area tonight and for as long as it takes, he said. There will be increased police patrols in the area and the community can be reassured that we will be there to deal with anything that happens. Two men have been arrested following reports that a group of people dressed as Ku Klux Klan members and posed for photographs outside an Islamic prayer centre. Images circulating on social media purport to show individuals dressed as members of the far-right group in a town close to Belfast last month. The suspected incident happened in the Co Down town of Newtownards on October 27. Im asking anyone with info on the identity of those dressed as the KKK on Saturday evening in Newtownards to please contact PSNI on 101. The despicable photograph outside the local Islamic prayer house does not reflect the welcoming Borough of Ards and North Down #NoHateHere Cllr Richard Smart (@ards_richard) October 29, 2018 The group is understood to have posed near an Islamic prayer house. The Police Service of Northern Ireland launched a hate crime investigation into the matter. On Thursday morning, two men, aged 33 and 36, were arrested. (PA) Superintendent Brian Kee said the pair were arrested in the Newtownards area during planned searches. He said a number of items were seized and removed for further examination, The 33-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of displaying written material to stir up hatred or arouse fear, and on suspicion of possession of a Class C controlled drug, he said. The 36-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of displaying written material to stir up hatred or arouse fear. Both men have since been released on bail pending further enquiries. There are no further details at this time. The incident was roundly condemned by local politicians. Last year, a pigs head was placed outside the same centre in Newtownards. New technology is helping farmers tackle the costly problem of sheep rustling. A theft deterrent system was launched on Thursday which sees the animals fleece ingrained with thousands of coded microdots which allow it to be traced easily and are virtually impossible to remove. The team behind TecTracer, which was adapted from technology used to discourage the theft of lead from church roofs, says it is more effective than ear tags or spray paint. The system identifies the animal and the farm it comes from, incriminating rustlers at random checks carried out at auction markets, abattoirs or on other farms. Drummond estate near Comrie, Perth and Kinross, which grazes almost 3,000 sheep across the Glenartney Hills, hosted the launch. David Wallace, from the estate, said: Weve experienced first-hand how sneaky and resourceful these criminals can be. The new system acts as a deterrent to sheep rustlers (Victoria Jones/PA) Sheep rustling is an increasing worry and this system is a valuable tool in our fight against would-be criminals intent on stealing our property and damaging our livelihoods. The system has the backing of NFU Scotland, who said a recent case in northern Scotland saw one farmer lose 60,000 worth of livestock overnight. Jamie Smart, chair of the organisations legal and technical committee, said the theft of pedigree animals could have a devastating effect on a farmers livelihood. They not only lose valuable animals, but possibly the entire bloodline in a stock that has taken years to establish, he said. We have to make thieves realise that sheep are no longer a soft option. John Minary, managing director of York-based TecTracer, said: The simple inclusion of thousands of coded microdots, backed up by our powerful database, provides a multi-layered response that protects sheep on hills and in glens. Where traditional ear tags can be removed, the microdots stay within the fleece and this simple preventative step turns the tables on would be thieves, making flocks identifiable and keeping them safe. A grandmother would not have been murdered if mental health staff had assessed the danger posed by a mentally ill woman properly, a coroner has concluded. Paranoid schizophrenic Nicola Edgington virtually decapitated Sally Hodkin, 58, with a butchers knife in a random attack six years after killing her own mother. The now 38-year-old murdered the law firm accounts clerk after attempting to kill artist Kerry Clark, 22, in Bexleyheath, south-east London, on October 10 2011 after suffering a relapse in her mental state. She had earlier walked out of a hospital mental health unit unchallenged after repeatedly calling police to beg for help and telling A&E staff she felt like killing someone. Nicola Edgington murdered a grandmother in London (Met Police/PA) Edgington was taken to Oxleas House in Greenwich but soon walked freely out of a door which should have been locked to commit the killing, coroner Sarah Ormond-Walshe said. Sitting at South London Coroners Court, she concluded on Thursday: I find that there was a failure to assess her properly, failure to risk-assess her properly, and failure to put her on one-to-one observations. I find that there was a failure to ensure that she be prevented from leaving Oxleas House if she attempted to do so. Had one or more of these failures not happened, the death of Sally Hodkin would not have happened. The coroner recorded a verdict of unlawful killing at the conclusion of the two-week inquest, saying that Mrs Hodkin would have died instantly from incised wounds to the neck. Ms Ormond-Walshe went on: She was waiting to be shown her bed, waiting in an unlocked area of Oxleas House being observed on 15-minute undocumented observations when she absconded. She had had no sleep, was very agitated, had not been taking her anti-psychotic and mood-stabilising medication and had probably also taken skunk. Sally Hodkin 58, was virtually decapitated by Nicola Edgington 32, with a butchers knife (Met Police/PA) In 2009, Edgington was discharged from the Bracton Centre mental health facility after just three years to live in the community despite an order she be detained indefinitely after killing her mother Marion. In the months and weeks before the killing, a series of events identified as major risk factors contributed to a collapse in Edgingtons mental state, the inquest previously heard. Around two weeks beforehand, Edgington believed she had suffered a miscarriage, which was significant because she had a termination against her will shortly before killing her mother. The inquest also heard Edgington threatened at least two people with knives after her discharge. Speaking after the inquest, Mrs Hodkins son and solicitor Len Hodkin, 42, standing with his brother Ian, 41, said: There were clear failings by the multidisciplinary team in the weeks and months leading up to this. If she was recalled to hospital a lot sooner she would not have been on the streets to kill our mum. Her care team gave evidence at the inquest defending her release and saying they followed correct procedure. Asked by the coroner if she would take the same steps if faced with the same scenario again, her psychiatric nurse and care co-ordinator Tanya Biebuyck said: Considering the clinical picture, yes, we made the right decisions. I think its difficult to say we could have made any other decisions given her mental health stability, co-operation with her care plan there was no evidence of any changes in her mental health. Edgington was found guilty at the Old Bailey in 2013 of murdering Mrs Hodkin and attempting to murder Miss Clark and was jailed for life with a minimum term of 37 years. The family of a heart patient who died after the first robotic heart operation of its kind in the UK said lessons must be learned from the catalogue of errors that were made. Following an inquest into the death of Stephen Pettitt, 69, it emerged that Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust dismissed Sukumaran Nair who was lead surgeon at the Freeman Hospital for the procedure which ended in tragedy. In February 2015, the father-of-three was the first person in the UK to undergo robotic mitral valve surgery, but after a lengthy operation which had to be completed with conventional open heart surgery, he died from multiple organ failure. His family released a statement saying an investigation revealed a catalogue of errors including significant deficiencies in training and competence of the surgeon who had performed the procedure, who was subsequently dismissed. The inquest in Newcastle heard an experts opinion that Mr Pettitt would have stood only a 1-2% chance of dying had conventional, open heart surgery been used to repair or replace his leaking valve. Mr Nair had no face-to-face training on using the robot before he operated on Mr Pettitt, but had watched similar procedures in the US and Holland and practised alone on a simulator. (PA) Trained experts in using the Da Vinci robot, known as proctors, were in the theatre to help, but left before the complex procedure finished. It was made more complicated and lengthy by sutures being found to be misaligned and the robot camera being blinded with blood. It emerged on the last day of the inquest that these proctors, who flew in from outside the UK, could not have stepped in to take over as they were not registered with the General Medical Council. The inquest heard Mr Nair had long cross-clamp times referring to the period where the heart was deliberately shut off from the blood supply to allow the procedure to take place in previous operations using minimally invasive techniques. And undertaking a new method of surgery would take longer. It was found the operating theatre team had not agreed the point after which robotic surgery should be converted to open heart surgery. Mr Pettitts cross-clamp time of more than six hours was a cause for concern, the inquest heard. Earlier, cardiac expert Professor David Anderson told the inquest that although techniques have improved in keeping a cross-clamped heart viable, there are still limits. When it gets to two or three hours, there is an ever-increasing nervousness that the heart will not function very well, he told the inquest. Coroner Karen Dilks gave a narrative conclusion, saying: Mr Pettitt died due to complications of an operation to treat mitral valve disease and, in part, because the operation was undertaken with robotic assistance. She will write to Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust with a series of recommendations about how its policies could be improved in the light of the operation. These include how proctors are recruited and making sure there was clarity over what was expected. She will also contact the Royal College of Surgeons and the Department of Health asking them to consider whether national guidelines surrounding how new procedures, like the use of robots, should be brought in. Northumbria Police launched a criminal investigation into what happened and called in Prof Anderson, an expert in conventional cardiac surgery, to produce a report. Mr Nair was interviewed under caution and no criminal charges followed the police inquiry. The surgeon, who now works in Scotland, told the inquest he no longer uses robotic techniques. After the inquest, Dr Andy Welch, medical director for the Newcastle Hospitals Trust, issued a heartfelt apology to Mr Pettitts widow. He said: Unfortunately, on this occasion, we failed to ensure the standard of care that would reasonably be expected of us with a tragic outcome. Following Mr Pettitts death, the robotic heart programme was stopped immediately and significant changes have been made, following a detailed investigation, in respect of process and training requirements, relating to the introduction of new procedures. He said the Trust has already largely addressed the issues raised by the coroner. Scotland will be the first country in the world to ensure its education system recognises the issues faced by the LGBTI community, ministers have announced. Equalities campaigners hailed the move as a monumental victory, claiming the destructive legacy of Section 28 which banned the promotion of homosexuality had been ended. Research by the Time for Inclusive education (Tie) campaign group found 90% of LGBT people experienced homophobia, biphobia or transphobia at school. Co-founder Jordan Daly said: After three years of campaigning, we are delighted that LGBTI inclusive education will now become a reality in all of Scotlands state schools. This is a monumental victory for our campaign and a historic moment for our country. We did it! @JohnSwinney has announced that @scotgov has fully accepted the recommendations of the LGBTI Inclusive Education Working Group. This is a monumental victory. LGBTI-inclusive education will now become a reality in all of Scotlands state schools #EducatetoLiberate pic.twitter.com/sLgYikCANw TIE (@tiecampaign) November 8, 2018 He added: The implementation of LGBTI inclusive education across all state schools is a world first and, in a time of global uncertainty, this sends a strong and clear message to LGBTI young people that they are valued here in Scotland. Education Secretary John Swinney (front row, left) announced education in Scotland would be LGBTI inclusive (Jane Barlow/PA) Eighteen years from the repeal of Section 28, we can finally put its destructive legacy to bed. He spoke after Education Secretary John Swinney announced the Scottish Government will accept all 33 recommendations made by the LGBTI inclusive education working group. This means all state schools will teach pupils of all ages about LGBTI equality, with the Government to fund training on this for teachers. Ministers will also ensure all schools have appropriate LGBTI teaching resources for lessons. Ties research had previously revealed four of five teachers do not feel adequately trained to tackle homophobia, biphobia or transphobia. Deputy First Minister @JohnSwinney has just announced that Scotland will become the first country in the world to have #LGBTI inclusive education embedded in the curriculum. #EducateToLiberate Learn more https://t.co/zzQC5tNVDo pic.twitter.com/JO7VEkgj5J Scottish Government (@scotgov) November 8, 2018 Mr Swinney said: I am aware that some may say that LGBTI inclusive education could undermine the values of their faiths or beliefs. I do not take this view. Human rights and the values of respect and tolerance are universal. Children and young people should feel happy, safe, respected and included in their learning environment, and all staff should be proactive in promoting positive relationships and behaviour in the playground, classroom, wider learning community and society. Mr Swinney said Scotland was already considered one of the most progressive countries in Europe for LGBTI equality. He stated: I am delighted to announce we will be the first country in the world to have LGBTI inclusive education embedded within the curriculum. Our education system must support everyone to reach their full potential. That is why it is vital the curriculum is as diverse as the young people who learn in our schools. The announcement was broadly welcomed across Holyrood, with Labours Iain Gray describing the Tie campaign as powerful, persuasive and long overdue. Well done to the @tiecampaign and others who worked so hard to achieve this outcome and ensure that LGBTI inclusive education will become a reality. https://t.co/Q8fIHL1B7G Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) November 8, 2018 He added that the groups founders Mr Daly and Liam Stevenson have changed Scotlands education system for the better for future generations to come. Green education spokesman Ross Greer stated: The recommendations in this report wont just transform lives when delivered, they will save lives. Every young person in Scotland is entitled to an inclusive education which recognises their identity and sexual orientation. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon praised the campaigners on Twitter, saying: Well done to the @tiecampaign and others who worked so hard to achieve this outcome and ensure that LGBTI inclusive education will become a reality. Liberal Democrat Alex Cole-Hamilton also congratulated Tie but had to remove one of their rainbow-coloured ties after being told by Holyrood Presiding Officer Ken Macintosh not to wear such ostentatious campaign material. Mr Cole-Hamilton said: While I meant no disrespect to the Parliament or the Presiding Officer, Lib Dems exist to fight for a world that is free from conformity and I want to do everything I can to further the aims of the Tie campaign. Simon Calvert, deputy director of The Christian Institute, insisted parents, pupils and teachers dont want to see controversial political agendas embedded across the curriculum. He added: Maths lessons should be about maths, not LGBT politics. Many families, religious and otherwise, will be concerned about how far this is going to go. There is already a great deal of emphasis on LGBT issues in schools. Perhaps the time and money would be better spent trying to improve education for everyone, instead of promoting LGBT politics. A further union has voted to reject a 350 million local government pay deal and move towards strike action. Unison Scotlands local government members voted by 79% in the consultative ballot to reject the pay offer from local government body Cosla. Around two-thirds (67%) were in favour of taking industrial action to pursue the joint trade union pay claim. Last month, Unite local government staff members voted by 73% in a similar ballot to reject the pay deal and, of these, 88% backed industrial action. GMB members have also voted against the deal in a consultative ballot and are now moving to vote on strike action. All three unions recommended members reject the pay offer, arguing council staff are being offered less than teachers, and are calling for pay parity across the local government workforce. Local government workers have voted to reject a pay deal in a consultative Unison Scotland ballot (Jane Barlow/PA) Cosla said the offer of a 3% increase for those earning up to 80,000 puts staff on a par with those working in the NHS and other parts of the public sector, and warned any further increase would lead to cuts to jobs and services. Unisons Johanna Baxter said: What this result demonstrates is a real anger and frustration amongst Unison members at the lack of action by Cosla and the Scottish Government to address the serious issue of low pay in local government. Unison will talk to other local government trade unions on Friday to discuss further action and we will inform employers of the ballot results then. As the Scottish Government prepare their budget we will put further pressure on them to make more money available to fund a decent pay rise for local government staff. She said the next step is holding a statutory ballot on industrial action. Cosla resources spokeswoman Gail Macgregor expressed her disappointment at the outcome of the ballot. She said: We value our workforce and our 3% offer matches other offers within the public sector in Scotland. However, whilst disappointed, we as employers look forward to discussing this with Unison at our joint meeting tomorrow. A Scottish Government spokesman said: We value and recognise the contribution of all local authority staff. However, pay for local government employees, other than teachers, is negotiated between the unions and Cosla, and the Scottish Government is not part of that process. Scottish Conservative MSP Annie Wells has been suspended from Holyrood. MSPs voted by 84 to 27 for her to be excluded from the Parliament for five days. Ms Wells was deemed to have breached the Code of Conduct for MSPs by commenting on a report on prisoner voting ahead of its publication. It means she will be excluded from Holyrood committee meetings and chamber debates for the week beginning Monday November 12. In moving the motion, SNP MSP Bill Kidd said: The Parliament has made it clear previously that when a committee deems information to be confidential, notably in relation to a committee report, it should remain confidential until any agreed publication date. When an MSP discloses the details of an unpublished committee report, particularly to record dissent, it seriously undermines the impact of the report and is considered deeply disrespectful to fellow committee members and to everyone involved in their enquiry. Scottish Conservative Annie Wells is facing a Holyrood ban (Jane Barlow/PA) Scottish Conservative MSP Maurice Golden defended Ms Wells and said that although his party accepted she had breached the technical charge, he argued that the sanction handed down was disproportionate to the offence. He said: The process we are involved in is not helping one single person in Scotland, the people we are all here to represent. The complaint itself is regrettable and utterly unhelpful, apart from scoring political points. Annie Wells did not seek or gain anything from the remarks she made. An SNP spokesman responded by saying: These are matters for the Parliament to determine and all MSPs are bound by the same rules. The independent Commissioner for Standards concluded that Annie Wells had breached the Code of Conduct for MSPs and the Standards Committee, which includes two Conservative members, unanimously agreed with the commissioners findings and determined that the breaches justified the imposition of sanctions on Annie Wells. Ahead of the vote, Ms Wells said: Numerous media outlets contacted our office seeking comment on a story on the front page of a national newspaper that morning on prisoner voting. So, I responded to that, as every MSP would, by issuing a statement to them reiterating my opposition to allowing prisoners voting rights. My response did not contain details of the report that werent already known, nor was I responsible for the original leak of the document to the paper, and we still dont know who was. European Central Bank (ECB) boss Mario Draghi has warned the Irish government to prepare for all possible Brexit outcomes, including a no-deal scenario. Speaking at the Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform Committee in Dublin, the European financial boss said that Ireland is more exposed to direct trade effects of a hard Brexit than other EU countries because of its close trading relationship with the United Kingdom. Mr Draghi added that the ECB will stand behind Ireland and back the country as Brexit takes effect. Mario Draghi's exchange of views at the Irish parliament, with the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach will be streamed live from 16:15 CET today https://t.co/RhBm3asfK1 pic.twitter.com/edw9rSAuJk European Central Bank (@ecb) November 8, 2018 The impact on the Irish economy is both direct through trade and indirect through financial channels, he said. We also see limited overall risks to the euro area financial stability. Without sufficient mitigating action, however, a cliff-edge Brexit could have an adverse impact in certain areas of centrally cleared derivatives markets. Sources of risk from outside the EU have grown since May. A stronger US dollar and heightened trade tensions triggered renewed stress in a number of emerging market economies. European Central Bank president Mario Draghi (Brian Lawless/PA) He said that ways of taking mitigating action against Brexit will only become clear once the ECB knows the outcome of a deal, but said he has advised businesses to take precautions. Things can be managed, however if the private sector were to decide there is going to be a cliff-edge or an unmanaged process, then the private sector behaviours could be a source of instability and that is something we have to monitor very closely. I think the most likely thing is gradual transition, which will allow all parties to negotiate in the best possible way. He went on to say that while the Irish economy is strong, there are risks of it overheating. Mr Draghi said that Irelands recovery from the financial crisis has been impressive and the countrys economy has seen a particularly strong expansion in recent years. Ireland is now growing at the fastest pace of any euro area country, he added. Unemployment has been falling too and now stands well below the euro area average. This is all the more impressive given the severe crisis Ireland went through and the legacies it is dealing with, including high private debt and arrears. Committee chairman John McGuinness, however, said that the devastation caused by the financial crash has been absolutely horrific and still continues today. It is wrong to say we are experiencing a recovery, certain parts are but vast amounts of people are still caught in courts and their homes are being taken from them, he added. People are being threatened because of what happened in the past and the system is ignoring them. They do not experience the recovery as much as the EU would tell them and the banks here are a disgrace. Mr Draghi also stated that while the financial stability environment remains favourable, it has become challenging in the last number of months. He continued: The results of the European stress test published last Friday show that euro area banks are increasingly resilient to financial shocks. This also reflects the continuing economic expansion, which has strengthened private and public balance sheets alike. Still, there are risks. These include liquidity risks in the non-bank financial sector that could be transmitted to the broader financial system. Developments in this area should be closely monitored, and the regulatory and supervisory framework for non-banks needs to be strengthened. Sinn Fein TD Pearse Doherty raised Irelands housing and homeless crisis with Mr Draghi. Mr Pearse said: Not everything is going great in Ireland, the GDP figures are going well, recovery is going well, but Michael [surname not given] was the 27th person to die on our streets in our capital city in the last 16 months hes homeless. Theres 4,000 children who wont have a home and will sleep in emergency accommodation and wake up on Christmas Day so not everything is going well. Scotlands top civil servant has said an incident where a Marine Scotland employee was pictured taped to a chair was completely unacceptable, whatever the circumstances. Permanent Secretary Leslie Evans was asked to review the case of DeeAnn Fitzpatrick by the First Minister earlier this year. Ms Fitzpatrick claimed she experienced bullying and harassment between 2015 and 2017 while employed as a fisheries officer at Marine Scotlands Scrabster office in the Highlands. The Canadian national lost her case at an employment tribunal in June, which did not consider the restraint incident alleged to have occurred in 2010. Ms Evans said action was under way at the government agency to make sure the working environment met the required standards of behaviour. She said in a statement on Thursday: Earlier this year I was asked by the First Minister to carry out a full review into the circumstances surrounding an image of a Marine Scotland employee taped to a chair. Leslie Evans was asked to conduct a review by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon (Jane Barlow/PA) I am clear that this was completely unacceptable, whatever the circumstances. A comprehensive internal review has now concluded. The Scottish Government has robust disciplinary procedures to address behaviour that falls below expected standards and I am satisfied that these have been followed thoroughly and objectively in relation to this incident. A broad set of actions are underway in Marine Scotland to ensure a working environment which meets both the Civil Service Code and Scottish Government Standards of Behaviour. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have arrived at a ceremony where William will present awards to three extraordinary people for their conservation work and bravery protecting Africas wildlife and natural heritage. Kate wore an aqua green floor-length Jenny Packham dress to the Tusk Conservation Awards at Banqueting House, London. The Duchess of Cambridge wore a Jenny Packham dress to the Tusk Conservation Awards (John Stillwell/PA) The duke will present the Tusk award for conservation, Tusk wildlife ranger award and the Prince William award for conservation in Africa to the winners. The charity was set up in 1990 by its current chief executive Charles Mayhew MBE to protect African wildlife against threats including poaching, habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict. The duke became a patron of Tusk in 2005 and has supported the charitys work privately and publicly, including visiting its projects in Namibia and Tanzania on his recent tour of Africa. He also visited projects in Kenya on his week-long tour before returning to the UK at the beginning of October. The Duchess of Cambridge with Tusk chief executive Charles Mayhew (John Stillwell/PA) Last year, William said the annual awards mean a great deal to him personally and play a huge part in preserving the continents wildlife. He added: These awards, which mean a great deal to me personally, play a huge part in our mission to preserve Africas precious wildlife for its people. It is vital that we recognise the dedication of these unsung heroes and the bravery of rangers risking their lives, day and night, on conservations front line. We all owe them a huge debt of gratitude. A neighbour described the aftermath of a shooting at a bar in California as like a battlefield as wounded victims fled from a hooded killer armed with smokebombs and a handgun. Police in Thousand Oaks said 12 people were shot dead when Ian David Long, a 28-year-old former US Marine with mental health problems, opened fire inside Borderline Bar and Grill on Wednesday night. Terrified drinkers used bar stools to smash windows as they desperately tried to escape the gunfire at the venue popular with students from nearby California Lutheran University. A sheriffs sergeant is among the dead and Long is believed to have killed himself. The flag of the United States will be flown at half-staff to remember the victims of last night's horrible act of violence in Thousand Oaks, California. https://t.co/WC3pW8uYvx The White House 45 Archived (@WhiteHouse45) November 8, 2018 Sarah Silikula lives minutes away from the bar and first realised something was wrong when she heard screaming. She told the Press Association: A few minutes earlier I noticed the music had stopped but really didnt process that it was a big deal until I heard slight screaming. Its very unusual to hear anything in this neighbourhood after sunset, its a quiet place. So I was about to walk outside when my daughter called and said, dont go outside, lock your house up, theres an active shooter at Borderline. They dont know where he is. I said how do you know where this is at, theres nothing on the news? She said I was supposed to go to Borderline tonight but I didnt go, I stayed home. My friends are there, and I just talked to one of them shes hiding in the bathroom. Mrs Silikula, a mother of eight, then left her house and saw dozens of police cars descending on the bar. The 44-year-old praised their bravery and said officers did not hesitate before rushing inside. Mourners embrace outside the Thousand Oaks Teen Centre (Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP) The injured then started to leave Borderline, desperately staggering to safety. Mrs Silikula said: The kids were running this way, like a tsunami of injured children. It was like a battlefield, you know when you carry soldiers off a battlefield? They were carrying their friends, they had no clothes on and they were missing their shoes and had covered up gunshot wounds with their shirts. You just dont know what to do but comfort them and pull them around. Mrs Silikula spoke to one victim who told her they had been hiding in the bathroom as the sound of gunshots got closer. The door opened as they were cowering in a stall and the barrel of a gun poked through before the police officer holding the weapon entered and guided the young girl to safety. Sheriffs Sgt Ron Helus was killed after a gunman opened fire in California (Ventura County Sheriffs Department via AP) Sheriffs Sergeant Ron Helus arrived at Bordeline around 11.20pm local time and entered the building after hearing gunshots, US police said. He was immediately hit with bullets and later died. Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean said: He went in there to save people and paid the ultimate price. Mrs Silikula said the neighbourhood was in shock. She added: Its so hard to believe. No-one locks their doors here, people forget to lock their cars all the time. Its just not where anyone expects this is going to happen. Authorities say it is the deadliest mass shooting in the US since 17 teachers and students were gunned down at a Parkland, Florida, high school nine months ago. And it comes less than two weeks after a gunman killed 11 people at a synagogue in Pittsburgh. Mrs Silikula begged Donald Trump to tighten gun laws to prevent further tragedies. She said: A week ago I would say its your business. Everyone has a right to get a gun. But not anymore, now I beg our president to stand up for our children, I challenge him to do it. He stands up to so many other people, he screams and yells to get his point across. I want him to scream and yell for our kids safety so my little kids dont have to worry about this happening to them when they go to school or when they go out. This should never happen again. Mr Trump praised police for their great bravery in the California attack and said, God bless all of the victims and families of the victims. The Duke of Cambridge has warned the clock is ticking towards a tipping point when our impact on the environment will be irreversible. Speaking at the Tusk Conservation Awards at Banqueting House in London, William said nature matters to us all and we have an obligation to reduce the extent to which we plunder the planets resources. He highlighted the recent Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change, warning that it was the loudest warning bell yet from the scientific community that we must act now. The duke added: The clock is ticking towards a tipping point when the impact of what we are doing will become dangerously irreversible. We have a responsibility and obligation to the next generation to drastically reduce the extent to which we plunder the worlds natural resources. He also said that reducing illegal poaching required global political leadership. William added: It was great to see so many countries come together to reaffirm their commitments at the Illegal Wildlife Trade Conference here in London last month. But for the tide to really turn on the trade, we require consistent, global political leadership and action. We must fiercely protect the fragile gains we have made. The duke was attending the awards in Whitehall with his wife the Duchess of Cambridge. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attend the Tusk Conservation Awards (Jeff Spicer/PA) Kate was wearing a teal floor-length Jenny Packham dress with a matching clutch bag. The duke presented the winners of the Tusk award for conservation, the Tusk wildlife ranger award and the Prince William award for conservation in Africa with their awards. He praised the winners and nominees for their hard work and dedication. William added: As ever, I am inspired and humbled by the sheer dedication and commitment that our 2018 nominees have demonstrated. It never ceases to amaze me how they achieve so much against the odds and with so few resources. The charity was set up in 1990 by its current chief executive Charles Mayhew MBE to protect African wildlife against threats including poaching, habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict. The duke became a patron of Tusk in 2005 and has supported the charitys work privately and publicly, including visiting its projects in Namibia and Tanzania on his recent tour of Africa. Mr Mayhew praised William for his unwavering commitment to conservation and said his role was invaluable. Dr Pete Morkel, who was awarded the Prince William award for conservation, joined the other finalists to meet the duke and duchess before the awards ceremony. Congratulations to Pete Morkel who receives The Prince William Award for Conservation in Africa - a lifetime achievement award which commends outstanding dedication and contribution to conservation #TuskAwards #ForAllTheyDo pic.twitter.com/ZTRqAJjwil The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) November 8, 2018 Dr Morkel, from Zimbabwe, is a world-leading wildlife veterinarian who practices across the African continent. He said he had been incredibly impressed with Williams passion for conservation. Dr Morkel added: We first met in Tanzania many years ago and from that moment I have always been incredibly impressed with his attitude and passion for conservation. Many people in Africa have the utmost respect for both William and his brother Harry for their continued efforts. Thank god there are people like them in the world who continue to shine a light on the issues of conservation and the environment around the world. Without them the vital work that is carried out by incredible people in Africa on the ground would not get the help or the respect it deserves. Dr Morkel has been instrumental in some of the most impactful conservation translocations in recent decades, including collaring forest elephant across the Congo Basin, assisting with the translocation of six black rhino from South Africa to Zakouma National Park in Chad, collaring and moving giant sable in Angola and assisting with the translocation of giraffe in Murchison National Park in Uganda. Julius Obwona was presented the Tusk wildlife ranger award for his bravery and dedication to the fight against poaching in Uganda. Julius Obwona receives The Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award from The Duke of Cambridge for his dedication and bravery working as a ranger to protect Africa's increasingly threatened wildlife #TuskAwards #ForAllTheyDo pic.twitter.com/cS0ECOLnHb The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) November 8, 2018 Before being presented with the award by the duke, wildlife ranger Mr Obwona said: Prince William has shown he is a man of honour who is very dedicated to the world of conservation and for that we are very thankful. He shares my views and passion that we must empower the communities to share the burden of protecting our wildlife and our lands. We need to work with the stakeholders and empower the communities. It is often dangerous and we need to educate the people around us and encourage love for our world around us. William also presented Vincent Opyene the Tusk award for conservation for his work changing how Uganda tackles wildlife crime. The Duke with The Tusk Award for Conservation winner Vincent Opyene. The award is given to an emerging leader in conservation in recognition of their contribution to date #TuskAwards #ForAllTheyDo pic.twitter.com/WjdhW53pYi The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) November 8, 2018 Mr Opyene used his field patrol experiences for the Uganda Wildlife Authority and work as a state prosecutor to establish the Natural Resource Conservation Network (NRCN). The NRCN is a partnership between civil society and government to improve how wildlife laws are enforced. Mr Opyene said the duke told all the finalists he appreciated the work they were doing. He added: It gives us a lot of stamina to go back and do better work. On November 8, 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an assault on corruption. In a rhetorical speech delivered to the countrymen, Modi lashed out at the politicians who came before him for failing to curb corruption, which diminished growth and employment opportunities. Ironically, the politicians involved included Syama Prasad Mukherjee, founder of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, co-founder Deen Dayal Upadhyay, and BJP leaders Atal Bihari Vajpayee and LK Advani, among others. The Prime Minister did not name them, but they were among the tall politicians of the India that preceded Modi. Modi, along with the Reserve Bank of India, demonetised the 1,000 and 500 currency notes, effectively reducing the overall value of currency by 86 per cent, leading to a severe shortage of notes. Serpentine queues were seen outside ATMs and banks through months. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley claims, The decision to scrap currency notes of 500 and 1,000 two years ago has led to formalisation of the economy, curbing of cash transactions and more direct tax revenue. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley says demonetisation has led to formalisation of the economy. (Source: India Today) This is untenable. The Modi sarkar had promised that the ban on high-value notes would hit black money hoarder and deprive terrorists of funds needed to carry out extremist activities. Much before demonetisation, Modi asked people to vote him to power in with a promise that he would ensure black money stashed abroad is brought back to India and Rs 15 lakh will be deposited into the bank account of each Indian. None of this ever happened. No explanation has been offered for Modis failure to fulfil his promise. To top it all, the Sangh Parivar pretends no such promise was ever made. By virtue of being the Finance Minister, Jaitley has some serious explaining to do. How has the government formalised the economy by banning old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes and introducing Rs 2,000 notes? The printing of the high currency 2000 notes is only likely to increase cash transactions. This in turn would lead to more black money, not less. Jaitley has also said, Confiscation of currency was not an objective. Since 500 and 1,000 currency notes were to be returned to the banks, the seizure of the high currency notes was tantamount to confiscation. Less than four hours before PM Modi announced demonetisation on November 8, the central board of the RBI rejected two of the key justifications black money and curtailing counterfeit notes that PM Modi would make in his televised address to the nation. This adventure is not justified by the circumstances. Economic growth recovered in 2014-15 to 7.2 per cent and 8.1 percent in 2015-16, up from 5.4 per cent and 6.1 per cent in the last two years of the UPA. During the demonetisation period, growth fell to 7.1 per cent in 2016-17, and 6.5 per cent in the following fiscal. But what was more critical was the unnecessary and avoidable pain inflicted on farmers, daily wage labourers, and informal enterprises used to transacting in cash. The move also failed to expose the bulk of black money. The promised windfall of 4-5 lakh crore proved to be a political chimera. Ironically, now RBI chairman Urjit Patel is being forced to deliver over Rs 3 lakh crore from the central banks reserve funds to the Modi government. Demonetisation hit the poor and middle-class of India hard. (Source: Reuters) The famous liberal economist John Maynard Keynes wrote in 1919, There is no subtler, no surer means of overturning the existing basis of society than to debauch the currency. The impact of demonetisation that has come into the open, shows that this move was badly planned, hurriedly enacted without any internal discussion. The post facto claims of its successes have not been accepted by most economists in India and abroad. It was an unnecessary measure as the economic figures show. Many poor people and the middle strata suffered. Was demonetisation worth it? Most economists would say no. They would also argue that the cost of this hasty measure has been very high. Yet, there has been no apology from the BJP government despite the criticism from all quarters. Also read: Numbers don't lie: PM Modi's rule has been unremarkable in economic performance As the South Korean First Lady Kim Jung-sook set foot in India on her first foreign visit without being accompanied by her husband, President Moon Jae-in, a historical page that defines Indias soft power narrative has been written and celebrated. What is most significant is that the First Lady commemorated the rich legacy and lineage of Heo Hwang-ok of the Karak dynasty whose original name is believed to have been Suriratna by laying the foundation stone to expand a monument dedicated to the ancient queen, in Ayodhya. Suriratna was an Indian Princess who became a South Korean Queen. (Source: Twitter) On reaching the historic city, the Kim Jung-sooks first stop was the existing plaque and park dedicated to Suriratna. She also attended grand Diwali celebrations alongside Uttar Pradesh chief minister, Yogi Adityanath, including cultural shows and the spectacular lighting of more than 300,000 lamps on the banks of the Saryu river. Kim Jung-sook certainly made a strong and graceful statement by donning a sari at the festivities, but the greater statement was made by the reason for her very presence. The original memorial for Suriratna was inaugurated in 2001 by a Korean delegation, which included over 100 historians and government representatives. Then in 2016, a Korean delegation proposed to develop the memorial further. A memorandum of understanding was signed between the governments of both countries. The recent visit by the First Lady consolidated and solidified the cultural bond and the flourishing robust economic ties between India and South Korea. The ability to build such cultural connections is indeed the new currency in international relations. Professor Joseph Nye, who first coined the phrase "soft power" 27 years ago has said, "Power with others can be more effective than power over others," and this is being demonstrated by Indias international relations in the present age. Kim Jung-sook attended the "Deepotsav" function at the Ram ki Paidi in Ayodhya. (Source: @CMOfficeUP) Other nations are keeping pace. As part of its renewed foreign policy approach, South Korea has officially documented its foreign policy initiatives towards India, as part of its New Southern Policy. Apart from prospective economic reasons, South Korea also wants to enable an India led Indo-Pacific region by rejuvenating its relations with India. Several visiting South Korean ministers have reiterated that historically their country has had no sensitive geo-political issues with India. In fact, while visiting India in July earlier this year, which was the longest visit by the head of either country, South Korean President Moon Jae-in, emphasised on the ancient relations between India and South Korea. He referred to queen Suriratna in one of his speeches during the visit and said, India and Korea have a long history of exchanges and have been friends helping each other in difficult times. Indian Princess Heo Hwang-ok (Korean name) from the Kingdom of Ayuta came to Korea about 2,000 years ago and later became the Queen of Koreas ancient Gaya Kingdom. According to legend, a young Indian princess from the city of Ayodhya was sent to Gimhae to marry King Kim Suro in AD 48. Princess Suriratna, who became known as Queen Heo Hwang-ok, bore him 10 sons.Many South Koreans visit Ayodhya, in Uttar Pradesh state, every year.. pic.twitter.com/jQYcWAmDIL Subash () (@swamisaranamm) November 9, 2018 Kim Byung-Mo, an anthropologist from Hanyang University, has identified Ayuta as Ayodhya in India. Chinese language texts have referred to a dream the then King of Ayodhya had, where God ordered him to send his 16-year-old daughter to South Korea to marry King Kim Suro. It is said by historians that today there are more than six million descendants of the couple, which is roughly about 10 per cent of the entire South Korean population. The visit of President Moon had also marked the 45th anniversary of establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties. In this way, historic stories do not only illustrate, but also illuminate and inspire. Ayodhya, which is best known as the birthplace of Prince Rama and which interestingly translates as a place of no conflict, holds special significance for the said community of South Koreans, many of whom believe that they trace their ancestry to the city. In fact, it appears to be more than just a belief a fact, which was so firmly validated by the First Ladys recent visit. On YouTube there are videos available which show how Korean youth start by tracing India-South Korea relations to the story of Suriratna and attribute that as a focal point in strengthening relations between the two countries. The fact that her story resonates with Koreas gen-next even to this date, speaks volumes. The respect is mutual. Recently, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Uttarakhand Investors Summit in Dehradun, he affirmed that South Korea was a country that he had wished to emulate as erstwhile chief minister of Gujarat as the state and the country shared almost the same population. In his words, I was asked who I see as my idol for development in Gujarat. Usually, when people are asked this, they say, 'I want to make the place like America or like England.' But I gave a different answer. I said that I want to make it (Gujarat) like South Korea. Many Indians wont know this, but more than 100 years ago, Rabindranath Tagore wrote a poem on Korea, titled Light of the East. Even today, Koreans learn this poem during their college years. In the golden age of Asia, Korea was one of its lamp bearers, And that lamp is waiting, To be lighted once again For the illumination of the East. All this clearly indicates the close bond between the two countries. Expanding the monument for Heo Hwang-ok furthers cultural as well as economic bonds between India and South Korea, but this is about much more than just tourism. It is about honouring the beliefs of the descendants of Suriratna and focussing on that which connects in a world where the focus is more often on that which divides and disintegrates. Amidst the hue and cry about the installation of statues in todays India, lets look beyond face value at the strategic big thinking involved in placing India in the global scene. Our statues and memorials are symbols of our soft power as a nation. Were no longer sheepish players on the world stage. India is stepping into the limelight and presenting her soft power in all the right ways and with all the right vantage points in this old yet new narration. Our statues and memorials are symbols of our soft power as a nation. (Source: India Today) As a country, important projects like Statue of Unity and a memorial for Suriratna in Ayodhya will posit India as a well-documented history and more importantly, it sets the scene for Indias cultural influence outside India to be adequately analysed in academic discourses. Also read: Why Korea loves Rabindranath Tagore In big success in drive against the misuse of money power during elections, Hyderabad police have seized `7.51 crore cash, more than half of it in one single case. With this, the total seizure of cash since the beginning of Telangana State Assembly election process has gone up to `62 crore. This was huge compare to `74 crore seized during the entire process in 2014. As one more month has to go to the polling on December 7, authorities fear that the cash pile up will continue and create a new record. Hyderabad police commissioner Anjani Kumar told the media that during the checking of vehicles, a stash of bundles of big current notes to the tune of `5.47 crore was found in a Volvo car in posh Banjara Hills. A cash counting machine and a revolver was also seized from them. Four persons were arrested as they were not able to produce any document to justify carrying such a huge amount of cash, he said expressing doubts that the money had come through Hawala channel and was meant for bribing the voters. Four persons arrested include Ashish Kumar Ahuja, Sunil Kumar Ahuja, Bhabut Singh Raj Purohit and driver Mohammed Azam. Commissioners Task Force, Flying Squad and a Static Surveillance Team took part in the operation. We are questioning the arrested persons about the source and the destination of the money, the commissioner said. They have told the police that the money was to be distributed among the voters at different places in the State. Commissioner said that the Hawala operators have opened bank accounts in the name of shell companies falsifying the documents to mislead banks and the Government. Huge amounts were transferred to these accounts, he said. The Central Crime Station will take up further investigation, he said. In another instance police seized `2 crore from a vehicle on NTR Marg in the city. Smaller amount of `3.5 crore was seized from Joshi Wada in the old city. Police have informed the Income Tax and the Enforcement Directorate about the seizure of the big amounts and they have taken up probe in to the money trail to identify those behind it. With the latest seizure the police have stepped up their vigil and were strictly checking the vehicles at the all the check posts. Security forces in Kashmir reported a ceasefire violation along the Line of Control (LoC) in Tanghdar sector of north Kashmirs Kupwara district on Friday while a Jaish-e-Muhammad terrorist was killed in a gunfight in Dar Ganaigund village of south Kashmirs Tral sub-district. Security sources said Pakistani forces resorted to unprovoked firing and shelling along the LoC in Tangdar. They said Indian army also retaliated in a befitting manner. In another incident, during a counter terrorist operation one Jaish-e-Muhammad terrorist was killed in Darganai Gund Aripal area in Tral subdivision of south Kashmir's Pulwama district, 50 kilometers from here. A policeman was also injured during the gunfight who has been hospitalised. Earlier, a gunfight raged between terrorists and the joint security forces following launch of counter terrorist operation. The internet services remained snapped in police district Awantipora that includes Tral, Awantipora and Pampore areas. Security sources said a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) was launched by joint forces of Army, J&K police and CRPF the on the basis of input about presence of militants in the area. They had said two unidentified terrorists were believed to be hiding in the area. However, it is believed that another hiding militant or more terrorists may have fled the area. Reports said the situation in the area was tense following the killing of terrorist. His identity is being ascertained. To build port in Myanmar, 3rd in Indias vicinity With China inking an agreement with Myanmar to build a deep sea port there in the Bay of Bengal, Indias security establishment will monitor this development as this is the third port built by China in its neighbourhood thereby encircling India and posing a threat to countrys strategic and economic interests. The other two ports are in Gwadar, Pakistan and Hambantota in Sri Lanka. Though China has always denied its efforts to flex its muscle in the Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal in the countrys neighbourhood, the building of ports and roads emanate from the String of Pearls philosophy of the eastern neighbour. It means China is fostering close ties with all the countries located around India by extending financial help and building infrastructure. Moreover, the Chinese Navy is rapidly modernising and has started patrols in the Indian Ocean region in the last few years thereby posing a new challenge to Indias maritime interests. Though the Chinese Navy submarines and warships patrol in the international waters, the Indian security establishment is keeping a close watch on Chinas growing maritime prowess. China and Myanmar signed an agreement to build the deep sea port project in Kyaukpyu town after negotiations dragged for years due to financing and other issues, State-run Global Times reported on Friday. China is also developing deep water strategic Gwadar port in Pakistan in the Arabian Sea which faces the Mumbai coast. It has also acquired Sri Lankas Hambantota port on debt swap in the Indian Ocean. The Chinese consortium led by State-owned conglomerate Citic Group signed the framework agreement with the Kyaukpyu Special Economic Zone Management Committee on the development of the Kyaukpyu, deep-sea port, at a ceremony in the Myanmar capital of Nay Pyi Taw, the report said. Under the framework agreement, China will fund 70 per cent of the investment for the project and Myanmar will pitch in the remaining 30 per cent. The initial phase of the project will include two berths with a total investment of $1.3 billion, according to the agreement. A joint venture will be set up to construct and operate the port. The signing of the framework agreement marks a significant step for the port project, which has been stalled since 2015, and for the continued implementation of the China-proposed Belt and Road initiative (BRI), which has come under increased scrutiny because of the cases such as the Kyaukpyu port project, the report said. The Chinese consortium first won the bid to construct the port in December 2015 with an estimated investment of $7 billion but further development was halted due to disagreement between the two sides over details of the projects funding. This is the biggest project China had secured after Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi took charge of the Government replacing the prolonged rule of pro-China military junta. Prolonged negotiations fuelled criticism of the BRI as it could add to Myanmar debts and even threaten other countries sovereignty. The Kyaukpyu project is estimated to bring 1,00,000 jobs to the local community and will contribute as much as USD 15 billion in tax revenue to Myanmar. Once completed, the port will have an annual gross output of USD 3.2 billion, the report said. Clarification after ex-J&K CM Omar slams Centre on reports for holding talks with Taliban but not Kashmiri stakeholders Putting all the speculations to rest, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday said it will not hold any talks with the Taliban. The MEA clarified that it had never said Indian representatives at an Afghan peace summit will be holding talks with the militant group. Addressing a Press conference, MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said no such discussions with Taliban representatives will be held in the Moscow format meeting on Afghanistan. There is no question of holding talks with Taliban. We just said we will be participating in the meeting on Afghanistan which will be hosted with its President Ashraf Ghani, Kumar said. This clarification comes in the backdrop of former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah slamming the Centre on reports for holding talks with Taliban but not Kashmiri stakeholders. Kumar further said India is just part of the meeting as it supports the reconciliation process. If any process is consistent with our policy on Afghanistan, then we will be part of it. We have already made it clear that our participation is at a non-official level, he said. Afghan leaders, Taliban attend peace talks in Moscow. Omar had pointed fingers at the Government for not holding non-official dialogue with non-mainstream stakeholders to resolve the Jammu & Kashmir issue and was instead participating in the meeting which includes Taliban representatives. If non-official participation in a dialogue that includes the Taliban is acceptable to the Modi Government why not a non-official dialogue with non-mainstream stakeholders in J&K? Why not a non-official dialogue centered around J&Ks eroded autonomy & its restoration? Omar wrote on his Twitter handle. Moscow on Friday hosted international talks on Afghanistan aimed at kick starting direct negotiations between Kabul and Taliban militant group, both of whom sent delegations. Taliban has sent five representatives but has made it clear that they will not hold any sort of negotiation with the delegation of Kabul administration. This is the first time that a Taliban delegation is taking part in such high level international meeting. The Taliban is banned from operating in Russia as it is classified as a terrorist organisation. India supports all efforts at peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan that will preserve unity and plurality, and bring security, stability, and prosperity to the country. Indias consistent policy has been that such efforts should be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, and Afghan-controlled and with the participation of the Government of Afghanistan, the MEA added. Two youths in their 20s succumbed to injuries after their bike lost control and hit the road divider in Shahdara. The incident occurred on early hours of Thursday. According to senior police official, the deceased were identified as HarishChandra Rai (25) and Govind Kumar (21). We received a Police Control Room call around 7 am following which a team rushed to the spot where Harish and Govind were found lying in a pool of blood. They were rushed to nearby hospital where doctors declared them brought dead, the senior police official said. During our initial investigation, we came to know that Harish was a resident of Loh Ghat in Uttrakhand. Harish was also preparing for SSC exam in Dehradun and following holiday he had come to visit his friend Govind who lived in Ghaziabad, the senior police official added. The duo had left home around 6 am with a plan to roam around in Delhi on bike but unfortunately while riding on bike they lost control and hit divider near pillar number-77 at Shahdara, the official said. The bodies were handed over to family after post-mortem, the senior police official added. It is the government's creative initiative to simplify the grant process for the drama, but it is the responsibility of the playwriter to perform a grand presentation of the plays, said a veteran playwright Ashok Bulani. Bulani was addressing the Rang Chaupal held here on Friday at Baithak The Art House. It is to be noted that this was the second season of Rang Chaupal organised by Swaroop Rang Aur Chhaya organization. In the second season of Rang Choupal, the famous theatre performers and playwrights of the city gathered at the Baithak- The Art House and discussed about the situation in today's Bhopal drama world. Special guest Ashok Bulani said that nowadays the performance of plays is increasing, but some of them are loosing in their creativity. Referring to the rich theater of Marathi, he said that if there are at least thousands of performances of a single play, then any drama is considered to be a hit, otherwise not. We have to develop such a tradition and leave an impression on the audience who becomes disturbed by the Hindi drama, he added. In today's scenario, he made an emotional appeal to the immediate closing of false traditions in the drama captains that do not stand a play on the basis of grants; rather, let the drama become self-realized on the land of creativity. He gave an example of Habib Tanveer's plays as to how he created dramatic plays in low resources. In the same way, he praised the contribution of Shashi Kapoor that he had set up his life's deposit capital "Prithvi Theater". On this occasion, senior playwrights Manoj Nair, Uday Nawalkar, Anshul Kulkarni, Shikhardutt Mishra, Alay Khan were present. At the end of the programme, actor Alay Khan performed leaving the audience mesemrised. Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala has termed demonetisation as a Modi-made disaster which would be inquired into if the Congress is elected to power at the Centre. While talking to media persons here on Friday, he claimed, the note ban exercise, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 8, 2016, had pushed the country towards economic disaster and it is the biggest scam of independent India. Surjewala alleged, "The BJP and RSS purchased huge amount of properties across the country before demonetisation. The Congress has already released a list of eight such properties in Bihar and 18 in Odisha. Whether the BJP and the RSS were privy to the decision of demonetisation should be inquired. Levelling charges against the ruling BJP, Surjewala said on the day of demonetisation, the BJP's Kolkata unit deposited Rs 3 crore in old currency into a bank account. Besides, Rs 5.88 lakh crore was deposited in banks a month before the announcement of demonetisation in 2016, he claimed. Sums totalling Rs 14,293-crore were deposited during demonetisation in cooperative banks in BJP-ruled states, he alleged, adding that this was 65 per cent of the total amount deposited in such banks nationwide. "All such facts should be inquired into," he demanded, adding that the note ban decision had resulted in the slowdown of the economy as well as rise in unemployment. "The prime minister and the BJP had claimed demonetisation was taken to eradicate black money and fake currency. None of the objectives of demonetisation, like eradication of black money and fake currency in circulation or breaking the backbone of Naxalism and terror activities, have been achieved," he said. He said demonetisation and all other scams of the present government would be inquired into if the Congress was elected to power. Haryanas main opposition party Indian National Lok Dal, which is split in two factions headed by two brothersAjay Chautala and Abhay Chautalais likely to witness a bitter battle for partys symbol spectacles (Chashma). Out of Tihar jail on parole for 14 days, Ajay Chautala, father of Hisar MP Dushyant and Digvijay Chautala has given indications that he will be laying claims on party symbol and to secure his sons right in the party. INLDs patriarch Om Prakash Chautala, Ajays father had on November 2 expelled his grandsons Dushyant and Digvijay for indiscipline and spreading disaffection within the party. Ajay Chautala, who came out of jail on parole on November 5 had announced to fight back and made it clear that he and his sons are in no mood to accept Abhay Chautala, Ajays younger brother, as the political successor to OP Chautala. Abhay Chautala is Leader of opposition in Haryana Assembly and partys MLA from Ellenabad. Ajay, who is INLDs state secretary general has already began his statewide tour to muster support for his sons. Before end of his parole, Ajay will be making efforts to gain support of maximum legislators and senior party leaders to substantiate claim on party symbol, said sources. On the other hand, Abhay Chautala on Friday convened an emergency meeting of MLAs and partys national and state executive body at Sirsa. The emergency meeting was convened as a show of strength by Abhay Chautala amid the turmoil in the INLD. At present, Abhay enjoys the support of legislative and organisational wing of the party. 13 party MLAs out of 18 and 1 Lok Sabha MP out of 2 attended the meeting at Sirsa. When asked about reason of convening an emergency meeting, Abhay Chautala, while talking to the mediapersons said that the meeting has been convened to chalk out partys strategy to begin campaign on the issue of Sutlej Yamuna Link canal. Even on such a short notice, 90 percent attendance of party leaders was registered at the meeting, he said. On his differences with elder brother Ajay Chautala, he claimed that there are no differences in the family. I was scheduled to meet him (Ajay) in the morning in New Delhi but he got busy due to some work, he added. Asked to comment on turmoil in the party, Abhay blamed Congress for trying to weaken the INLD and claimed that INLD will always remain a strong party. Four MLAs who stayed away from Abhays meeting had already announced their support to Ajays camp. These included Ajays wife Naina Chautala, who is MLA from Dabwali constituency and MLAs Anoop Dhanak, Rajdeep Phogat and Pirthi Singh. Several INLD district presidents, the state womens cell chief and former legislators have also joined Ajay Chautalas camp. While there were 19 party MLAs, one MLA had died in August. Another party MLA, Nagendra Bhadana has been staying away from the party events from a long time and has made clear his inclination towards BJP on several occasions. Reacting to the emergency meeting convened by his younger brother on Friday, Ajay Chautala said that partys executive committee meeting will be held on November 17 at Jind and the party workers will decide the future course of action. While a new state party executive committee had been announced recently, it remains to be seen who attends the meeting convened by Ajay. Meanwhile, Hisar MP Dushyant Chautala is scheduled to address mediapersons at Chandigarh on Saturday. He is likely to issue a clarification on allegations leveled against him by the party. After Dushyant and Digvijays expulsion from the party and resignations of their supporters, Abhay Chautala has repeatedly alleged that those who left the party were the paid agents of the Congress and were trying to weaken the INLD. Dushyant and Digvijay were accused of "indiscipline, hooliganism and spreading disaffection" against the party leadership during the birth celebrations of former deputy Prime Minister and INLD founder Chaudhary Devi Lal in Gohana on October 7. Notably, Abhay had been managing the party affairs since the conviction of OP Chautala and Ajay Chautala in a teachers recruitment scam. Both OP Chautala and Ajay Chautala are barred from contesting elections after they were convicted in a teachers recruitment scam in 2013 and are serving ten-year sentences in Tihar Jail. Out of parole, Ajay will now be holding statewide tour to meet the party workers and would conclude his tour at Jind, where he will announce his next course of action. The tour is aimed at gaining the support of party workers and senior leaders ahead of November 17 rally at Jind. The INLD was founded in October 1996 by Choudhary Devi Lal, father of OP Chautala. Both Dushyant and Digvijay are great-grandsons of former Deputy Prime Minister Devi Lal. Thirty-year-old Dushyant is the youngest MP in the Lok Sabha, and a popular youth leader in the state. This is not the first time that the INLD is witnessing a war of succession. Among Deputy Prime Minister Chaudhuri Devi Lals four sons, former Chief Minister OP Chautala and Ranjit Singh fought a bitter battle of succession. The father had at that time handpicked Chautala and crowned him the president of the INLD. As the history repeated itself, OP Chautala has now sided with his younger son, Abhay, who will be leading the party in 2019 Lok Sabha polls and is likely to be INLDs Chief Ministerial face in assembly polls. After being out of power since 2005, the INLD had in April this year announced to join hands with the BSP for 2019 crucial polls. The INLD had announced to contest Lok Sabha polls and assembly polls in Haryana in alliance with the BSP. Having lost three consecutive assembly elections in the state, the party has been trying for a comeback in the state. The INLD was reduced from its tally of 31 seats in the 2009 assembly polls to just 19 seats in 2014 polls. Police on Friday arrested a 29-year-old youth who used extort levy from Government officials and contractors by impersonating himself a CPI-Maoist rebel at Podahat thana under Sonua thana in West Singhbhum district. SP, West Singhbhum Kranti Kumar said the arrested person, identified Pankaj Mahto, would give call for Sonua bandh by changing his voice over telephone and later extort money from the government employees, including teachers and also contractors. Police officials informed that incidents of youths impersonating as rebels are becoming common. Recently too five persons were nabbed on charges of demanding levy impersonating as CPI (Maoist) cadres from the traders in Chakulia police station area. According to the police a private finance company employee Dinesh Gope, resident of Chakulia, complained to Chakulia police on October 29, 2018 about receiving an anonymous phone call demanding levy following which a four member special team under SDPO, Ghatshila, Ranveer Singh, was constituted to verify the information. On finding the information to be true the probe team planned and got the miscreants nabbed from Chakulia with the help of the IT cell. To promote the electors to cast their vote during polls , each polling centre will have Voter Selfie Zone, said Chhattisgarh Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Subrat Sahoo. The Voter Selfie Zone will have one 20x30 size one poster installed outside each polling centre but within the premises, installed at height of 4-5 feet so that each elector can stand before it and take the selfie. The selfie has to be taken with the inedible ink mark on the finger. After snapping the selfie it has to be posted with electors EPIC number and Assembly constituency number in their own Facebook and Twitter hastaging it as #Chhattisgarh and also tagging in @CEOChhattisgarh. Five best selfie will be selected from each assembly constituency and would be given awards. Sahoo further said that for more electors to cast their votes, a promotion is being also organized in Facebook of CEO Chhattisgarh page. It has a photo frame profile picture where electors through their Facebook account can fit their profile picture. Add Frames section exists in the profile picture, in which elector can search Chhattisgarh Votes and then upload it. WhatsApp sticker has also been issued for creating awareness among the electors through WhatsApp. Sahoo further said that for first time Chhattisgarh Tracking of Poll Process Software (C-TOPPS) is being utilized for distribution of polling materials and tracking the polling teams, starting from the starting point to return. It is a live monitoring. The Presiding Officer, Root in-charge and Sector In-charge have been given mobile application while district and state-level monitoring a dash-board has been provided. The Presiding Officer on polling day would provide mock-poll process, actual time of commencement of polling, status of polling each two hours, submission of election materials at collection centre and others can provide real time status. This can help to tackle any emergency. Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Upbhokta Parishad (UPRVUP) has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make audit of all private sector power generation companies by the Comptroller general of India (CAG) mandatory. A CAG audit is necessary to save the power sector from corruption and for this a new law is required, said UP Rajya Vidyut Upbhokta Parishad president Awadhesh Kumar Verma here on Friday. Verma has written a letter to the PM regarding the Vidyut Upbhokta Parishad demand, seeking his intervention to save the power sector from disaster. The private power companies are misusing and diverting funds collected from consumers through their high rate of tariff as they are not covered by the CAG audit radar, while on the other side, the public sector companies are facing huge losses due to their commitment to the consumers, he said. Private companies owned by different industrial houses own around 45 per cent of the total installed power generation capacity in the country. Of the total installed power generation capacity of 3,44,698 megawatt, the private power companies generate 1,57,136 megawatt electricity. These private power companies are increasing their power generation capacity every year and are also entering in a big way in power transmission and distribution sector, he pointed out. The private sector power companies have consistently opposed audit by the CAG and this shows that they have something to hide from the government and the people and their shareholders, Verma said in his letter sent to the PM. At least 20 dead in Tajik prison riot Dushanbe: Around 20 prisoners and two guards were killed in clashes at a maximum security prison in Tajikistans northern city of Khujand, two security sources told AFP on Thursday. The prison in Tajikistans second-largest city is home to prisoners serving long sentences for serious crimes including extremism, murder. 58 killed in fighting for Yemens Hodeida Aden: Fifty eight combatants were killed as pro-Government forces closed in on rebel forces in the heart of the Yemeni port city of Hodeida on Thursday, hospital sources said. Ailing Bangla ex-PM Zia shifted back to jail Dhaka: Bangladesh authorities on Thursday sent former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia back to jail after a month of treatment in a hospital here, an official said. Zia, 73, was sent as the specialised state-run hospital certified her fitness to serve the 10-year prison term after she was admitted to the hospital on October 6 following a High Court order. Prince Charles vows not to meddle as king London: Britains Prince Charles said on Wednesday he was not stupid enough to keep speaking out on contentious public issues once he becomes king in a rare interview about his future role. The eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II formally known as the Prince of Wales has long been seen as interfering because of his private lobbying of ministers and public statements on a range of subjects from architecture to the environment. 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.. 9 hours ago Dinner on the patio? First, hold the stench DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) Parts of downtown Des Moines have been so transformed in the past decade by new apartments, trendy shops and microbreweries, its sometimes hard to reconcile the present with the not-so-distant past. But one strong reminder of the city's heritage remains: the stench. Read Article China Telecom Corporation Limited, together with its subsidiaries, provides wireline and mobile telecommunications services primarily in the People's Republic of China. It offers wireline voice services, including local wireline telephone services and long distance wireline services; CDMA mobile voice services, such as local calls, domestic and international long distance calls, intra-provincial roaming, and inter-provincial roaming and international roaming; wireline Internet access services comprising dial-up and broadband services; wireless Internet access services; and wireline, Internet, and mobile value-added services. The company also provides Best Tone information services; and information technology-based integrated solutions, such as system integration and consulting, outsourcing, special advisory, information application, knowledge, and software development services. In addition, it offers managed data services that include digital data network, frame relay, and asynchronous transfer mode services for government agencies, large corporations, and institutions; and leased line services, as well as sells, repairs, and maintains customer-end equipment. Further, the company provides international telecommunications services, including network, Internet access and transit, Internet data center, and mobile virtual network services in various countries, including the Asia Pacific, Europe, Africa, South America, and North America; and music production and related information, instant messenger, finance leasing, capital and financial management, and e-commerce services, as well as sells telecommunications terminals. As of December 31, 2019, it had approximately 336 million mobile subscribers; 153 million wireline broadband subscribers; and 111 million access lines in service. The company was incorporated in 2002 and is based in Wanchai, Hong Kong. China Telecom Corporation Limited is a subsidiary of China Telecommunications Corporation. Read More Green Dot Corp. operates as a financial technology leader and bank holding company, which engages in the provision of modern banking and money movement accessible for all. It operates through the following segments: Account Services; Processing and Settlement Services; and Corporate and Other. The Account Services segment consists of revenues and expenses derived from deposit account programs, such as prepaid cards, debit cards, consumer and small business checking accounts, secured credit cards, payroll debit cards, and gift cards. The Processing and Settlement Services segment comprises of products and services that specialize in facilitating the movement of funds on behalf of consumers and businesses. The Corporate and Other segment represents eliminations of intersegment revenues and expenses, unallocated corporate expenses, depreciation and amortization, and other costs that are not considered when management evaluates segment performance. The company was founded by Steven W. Streit in October 1, 1999 and is headquartered in Pasadena, CA. Read More 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 Maxar Technologies Inc. provides earth intelligence and space infrastructure solutions in the United States, Asia, South America, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, Canada, and internationally. It operates through Earth Intelligence and Space Infrastructure segments. The Earth Intelligence segment offers earth imagery products, including orthorectified imagery, imagery basemap, 3D and elevation, and information products; and SecureWatch, a subscription offering that provides online access to imagery and geospatial intelligence platform. This segment also offers geospatial information, application, and analytic services. It serves U.S. and other international government agencies, such as defense and intelligence agencies, as well as commercial customers in various markets. The Space Infrastructure segment provides space based infrastructure, robotics, sub-systems, and information solutions, including communication and imaging satellites and payloads; platforms for space exploration and hosting instruments for earth science; space subsystems for power, propulsion, and communication; satellite ground systems and support services; space-based remote sensory solutions; space robotics; and defense systems. This segment serves government agencies and satellite operators. Maxar Technologies Inc. was founded in 1969 and is headquartered in Westminster, Colorado. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Occidental Petroleum: 1PointFive Inc., 1PointFive P1 LLC, APC Aviation Inc., APC International Holdings LLC, APC Midstream Holdings LLC, APC Venezuela Srl, ARCO Long Beach, Altura Energy, Amarok Gathering LLC, Anadarko 20-25 Company, Anadarko 20-36 Company, Anadarko 20-47 Company, Anadarko 20-48 Company, Anadarko 20-49 Company, Anadarko Algeria Block 403 c/e Company, Anadarko Algeria Block 406B Company, Anadarko Algeria Company LLC, Anadarko Algeria Oil & Gas Company, Anadarko Brazil Investment I LLC, Anadarko Brazil Investment II LLC, Anadarko Canada E&P Limited, Anadarko China Holdings 2 Company, Anadarko Colombia Company, Anadarko Consolidated Holdings LLC, Anadarko Cote d'Ivoire Block 103 Company, Anadarko Cote d'Ivoire Company, Anadarko DBMOS Operator LLC, Anadarko Development Company, Anadarko Development Holding Limited, Anadarko E&P Onshore LLC, Anadarko Egypt Holdings Company, Anadarko Energy Holding Limited, Anadarko Energy Services Company, Anadarko Exploracao e Producao de Petroleo e Gas Natural Ltda., Anadarko Finance Company, Anadarko Gabon Company, Anadarko Ghana Mahogany-1 Company, Anadarko Global Energy S.a.r.l, Anadarko Global Funding 1 Company, Anadarko Global Funding II Ltd., Anadarko Guyana Company, Anadarko Holding Company, Anadarko International Development S.a.r.l, Anadarko International Energy Company, Anadarko International O&G Company, Anadarko International Trading Corporation, Anadarko Jordan Company, Anadarko Kenya Company, Anadarko LMM S.a.r.l, Anadarko Land Corp., Anadarko Mexico B.V., Anadarko Mexico S.a.r.l, Anadarko Midkiff/Chaney Dell BR Corp., Anadarko Midkiff/Chaney Dell LLC, Anadarko Natural Gas Company LLC, Anadarko New Zealand Company, Anadarko OGC Company, Anadarko Offshore Holding Company LLC, Anadarko Offshore Well Containment Company LLC, Anadarko Oil & Gas 5 LLC, Anadarko Peru B.V., Anadarko Petroleum, Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, Anadarko Realty LLC, Anadarko Rockies LLC, Anadarko Royalty Holdings Company, Anadarko UK Corporate Limited, Anadarko US Offshore LLC, Anadarko USH1 Corporation, Anadarko Venezuela Company, Anadarko Venezuela LLC, Anadarko Venezuela Srl, Anadarko WCTP Company, Anadarko West Texas BR Corp., Anadarko West Texas LLC, Anadarko Worldwide Holdings C.V., Atlantic Rim Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Aventine LLC, Baseball Merger Sub 2 Inc., Bear Branch Exploration LLC, Big Island Trona Company, Bitter Creek Coal Company, Bravo Pipeline Company, Cain Chemical, Cain Chemical Inc., Carbon Finance Labs LLC, Concord Petroleum Corporation, Conn Creek Shale Company, D.S. Ventures LLC, DMM Financial LLC, Deerwood Exploration LLC, Downtown Plaza II, Elk Hills Field, FLAG Development LLC, FP Westport Commodities Limited, FP Westport GmbH, FP Westport LLC, FP Westport Limited, FP Westport Services LLC, FP Westport Trading LLC, Fosters Mill Exploration LLC, Glenn Springs Holdings Inc., Globrep Representaciones S.A., Grand Bassa Tankers Inc., Grupo OxyChem de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Headwater II LLC, Houndstooth Resources LLC, INDSPEC Chemical B.V., INDSPEC Chemical Corporation, INDSPEC Chemical Corporation, INDSPEC Chemical Export Sales LLC, INDSPEC Holding Corporation, Ingleside Cogeneration GP LLC, Ingleside Cogeneration Limited Partnership, Interore Trading Ltd., Joslyn Partnership, KERR-McGEE TT E&P LTD., KM BM-C-Seven Ltd., KM International Insurance Ltd., Kerr-McGee Corporation, Kerr-McGee Natural Gas Company Inc., Kerr-McGee Oil & Gas Onshore LP, Kerr-McGee Shared Services Company LLC, Kerr-McGee Stored Power Corporation, Kerr-McGee U.K. Energy Corporation, Kerr-McGee Worldwide Corporation, Kerr-McGee do Brasil Ltda., Kerr-McGee of Canada Northwest Ltd., Laguna Petroleum Corp., Laguna Petroleum LLC, Liwa Oil & Gas Ltd., MC2 Technologies LLC, Mariana Properties Inc., Marico Exploration Inc., Miller Springs Remediation Management Inc., Moncrief Minerals Partnership L.P., NGL Ventures LLC, Natural Gas Odorizing Inc., New OPL LLC, OEVC Energy LLC, OEVC Midstream Projects LLC, OIH LLC, OLCV CE Holdings ULC, OLCV CE US Holdings Inc., OLCV Net Power LLC, OLCV Services LLC, OOG Partner LLC, OOOI Chem Holdings LLC, OOOI Chem Sub LLC, OOOI Chemical International LLC, OOOI Chile Holder LLC, OOOI Ecuador Management LLC, OOOI Oil and Gas Sub LLC, OOOI South America Management LLC, OPM GP Inc., OPM Holdco LLC, OTCF LLC, OTH LLC, OXY CV Pipeline LLC, OXY Campus LLC, OXY Inc., OXY LPG LLC, OXY Libya E&P Area 103 BR4 B.V., OXY Libya E&P Area 35 Ltd., OXY Libya E&P Concession 103 Ltd., OXY Libya E&P EPSA 102 B.V., OXY Libya E&P EPSA 1981 Ltd., OXY Libya E&P EPSA 1985 Ltd., OXY Libya E&P NC 143 144 145 150 B.V., OXY Libya Exploration SPC, OXY Libya LLC, OXY Little Knife LLC, OXY Mexico Holdings I LLC, OXY Mexico Holdings II LLC, OXY Middle East Holdings Ltd., OXY Oil Partners Inc., OXY PBLP Manager LLC, OXY Support Services LLC, OXY Tulsa Inc., OXY USA Inc., OXY USA WTP LP, OXY VPP Investments LLC, OXY West LLC, OXY of Saudi Arabia Ltd., OXYCHEM (CANADA) INC., OXYMAR, Oakwood Exploration LLC, Occidental (Bermuda) Ltd., Occidental (East Shabwa) LLC, Occidental Advance Sale Finance Inc., Occidental Al Hosn LLC, Occidental Angola Holdings Ltd., Occidental CIS Services Inc., Occidental Canada Holdings Ltd., Occidental Chemical Asia Limited, Occidental Chemical Belgium B.V.B.A., Occidental Chemical Chile Limitada, Occidental Chemical Corporation, Occidental Chemical Export Sales LLC, Occidental Chemical Far East Limited, Occidental Chemical Holding Corporation, Occidental Chemical International LLC, Occidental Chemical Investment (Canada) 1 Inc., Occidental Chemical Receivables LLC, Occidental Chemical de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Occidental Chile Investments LLC, Occidental Chile Minority Holder LLC, Occidental Colombia (Series G) Ltd., Occidental Colombia (Series J) Ltd., Occidental Colombia (Series K) Ltd., Occidental Colombia (Series L) Ltd., Occidental Colombia (Series M) Ltd., Occidental Colombia (Series N) Ltd., Occidental Colombia (Series O) Ltd., Occidental Crude Sales Inc. (Canada), Occidental Crude Sales Inc. (International), Occidental Dolphin Holdings Ltd., Occidental Energy Marketing Inc., Occidental Energy Ventures LLC, Occidental Exploradora del Peru Ltd., Occidental Exploration and Production Company, Occidental Hafar LLC, Occidental International (Libya) Inc., Occidental International Corporation, Occidental International Exploration and Production Company, Occidental International Holdings Ltd., Occidental International Oil and Gas Ltd., Occidental International Services Inc., Occidental Joslyn GP 2 Co., Occidental LNG (Malaysia) Ltd., Occidental Latin America Holdings LLC, Occidental Libya Oil & Gas B.V., Occidental MENA Manager Ltd., Occidental Middle East Development Company, Occidental Midland Basin LLC, Occidental Mukhaizna LLC, Occidental Oil Asia Pte. Ltd., Occidental Oil Shale Inc., Occidental Oil and Gas (Oman) Ltd., Occidental Oil and Gas Corporation, Occidental Oil and Gas International Inc., Occidental Oil and Gas International LLC, Occidental Oil and Gas Pakistan LLC, Occidental Oil and Gas of Peru LLC, Occidental Oman (Block 27) Holdings Ltd., Occidental Oman Block 51 Holding Ltd., Occidental Oman Block 51 LLC, Occidental Oman Block 65 Holding Ltd., Occidental Oman Block 65 LLC, Occidental Oman Block 72 Holding Ltd., Occidental Oman Block 72 LLC, Occidental Oman Gas Company LLC, Occidental Oman Gas Holdings Ltd., Occidental Oman North Holdings Ltd., Occidental Oriente Exploration and Production Ltd., Occidental Overseas Holdings B.V., Occidental PVC LLC, Occidental Peninsula II Inc., Occidental Peninsula LLC, Occidental Permian Ltd., Occidental Permian Manager LLC, Occidental Permian Services Inc., Occidental Peruana Inc., Occidental Petrolera del Peru (Block 101) Inc., Occidental Petrolera del Peru (Block 103) Inc., Occidental Petroleum (Pakistan) Inc., Occidental Petroleum Corporation, Occidental Petroleum Corporation Political Action Committee, Occidental Petroleum de Venezuela S.A., Occidental Petroleum of Nigeria, Occidental Petroleum of Oman Ltd., Occidental Petroleum of Qatar Ltd., Occidental Power Marketing L.P., Occidental Power Services Inc., Occidental Qatar Energy Company LLC, Occidental Red Sea Development LLC, Occidental Research Corporation, Occidental Resource Recovery Systems Inc., Occidental Resources Company, Occidental Shah Gas Holdings Ltd., Occidental South America Finance LLC, Occidental Specialty Marketing Inc., Occidental Tower Corporation, Occidental Transportation Holding Corporation, Occidental West Texas Overthrust Inc., Occidental Yemen Ltd., Occidental Yemen Sabatain Inc., Occidental del Ecuador Inc., Occidental of Abu Dhabi (Bab) Ltd., Occidental of Abu Dhabi (Shah) Ltd., Occidental of Abu Dhabi Holdings Ltd., Occidental of Abu Dhabi LLC, Occidental of Abu Dhabi Ltd., Occidental of Bahrain Ltd., Occidental of Bangladesh Inc., Occidental of Colombia (Chipiron) Inc., Occidental of Colombia (Cosecha) Inc., Occidental of Colombia (Medina) Inc., Occidental of Colombia (Putumayo) Ltd., Occidental of Colombia (Teca) Ltd., Occidental of Colombia PUT-36 LLC, Occidental of Dubai Inc., Occidental of Iraq Holdings Ltd., Occidental of Iraq LLC, Occidental of Oman Inc., Occidental of Russia Ltd., Occidental of South Africa (Offshore) Inc., Occidental of Yemen (Block 75) LLC, Oceanic Marine Transport Ltd., Opcal Insurance Inc., Oryx Crude Trading & Transportation Inc., Oxy BridgeTex Limited Partnership, Oxy C & I Bulk Sales LLC, Oxy Canada Sales Inc., Oxy Carbon Solutions LLC, Oxy Carbon Storage LLC, Oxy Climate Ventures Inc., Oxy Cogeneration Holding Company LLC, Oxy Colombia Holdings LLC, Oxy Colombia TopCo Ltd., Oxy Delaware Basin LLC, Oxy Delaware Basin Plant LLC, Oxy Dolphin E&P LLC, Oxy Dolphin Pipeline LLC, Oxy Energy Canada Inc., Oxy Energy Services LLC, Oxy Expatriate Services Inc., Oxy FFT Holdings Inc., Oxy Holding Company (Pipeline) Inc., Oxy International Ventures Ltd., Oxy LPG Terminal LLC, Oxy Levelland Pipeline Company LLC, Oxy Levelland Terminal Company LLC, Oxy Low Carbon Ventures LLC, Oxy Midstream Strategic Development LLC, Oxy Oleoducto SOP LLC, Oxy Overseas Services Ltd., Oxy Permian Gathering LLC, Oxy Permian Plaza LLC, Oxy Petroleum de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Oxy Renewable Energy LLC, Oxy Salt Creek Pipeline LLC, Oxy TL LLC, Oxy Taft Hub LLC, Oxy Technology Ventures Inc., Oxy Transport I Company LLC, Oxy Vinyls Canada Co., Oxy Vinyls Export Sales LLC, Oxy Vinyls LP, Oxy Westwood Corporation, Oxy Y-1 Company, OxyChem Ingleside Ethylene Holdings Inc., OxyChem do Brasil Ltda., OxyChile Investments LLC, Oxychem Shipping Ltd., Permian Basin JV Tax Matters Member LLC, Permian Basin Limited Partnership, Permian VPP Holder LP, Permian VPP Manager LLC, Phibro, Placid Oil LLC, Ramlat Oxy Ltd., Rio de Viento Inc., Rodeo Midland Basin LLC, San Patricio Pipeline LLC, Scanports Shipping LLC, SequestCo LLC, Stetson Exploration LLC, Sun Offshore Gathering Company, Swiflite Aircraft Corporation, Transok Properties LLC, Troy Potter Inc., Turavent Oil GmbH [in liquidation], Tuscaloosa Holdings Inc., UP Petroleo III Ltd., Upland Industries Corporation, Venezuela US SRL, Vintage Gas Inc., Vintage Petroleum, Vintage Petroleum Argentina Ltd., Vintage Petroleum Boliviana Ltd., Vintage Petroleum International Finance B.V., Vintage Petroleum International Holdings LLC, Vintage Petroleum International LLC, Vintage Petroleum International Ventures Inc., Vintage Petroleum Italy Inc., Vintage Petroleum South America Holdings Inc., Vintage Petroleum South America LLC, Vintage Petroleum Turkey Inc., WGR Asset Holding Company LLC, WGR Canada Inc., Wardner Ranch Inc., Western Gas Resources Inc., Western Gas Resources-Westana Inc., Western Midstream Holdings LLC, Woodlands International Insurance Ltd., and YT Ranch LLC. 11 Wall Street equities research analysts have issued "buy," "hold," and "sell" ratings for Hugo Boss in the last twelve months. There are currently 6 hold ratings and 5 buy ratings for the stock. The consensus among Wall Street equities research analysts is that investors should "hold" Hugo Boss stock. A hold rating indicates that analysts believe investors should maintain any existing positions they have in BOSS, but not buy additional shares or sell existing shares. View analyst ratings for Hugo Boss or view top-rated stocks. Parkland Corporation operates as a marketer, distributor, and refiner of fuel and petroleum products in Canada, the United States, and internationally. The company operates through Canada, International, USA, Supply, and Corporate segments. The Canada segment supplies and supports a coast-to-coast network of 1,860 retail gas stations under the Ultramar, Esso, Fas Gas Plus, Chevron, Pioneer, and Race Trac as well as operates convenience stores under the On the Run/MarchA Express brand. Additionally it offers bulk fuel, bulk and cylinder exchange propane, heating oil, lubricants, and other related products and services to commercial, industrial, and residential customers in various industries, such as oil and gas, construction, mining, forestry, fishing, and transportation under the Ultramar, Bluewave Energy, Pipeline Commercial, Chevron, Columbia Fuels, and Sparlings Propane brands. The International segment operates retail service stations under the Esso, Shell, and Sol brands; and delivers and supplies gasoline, diesel, fuel oil, propane, and lubricants to customers in various sectors, including power, oil and gas, and mining. The USA segment operates a network of gas stations; and delivers bulk fuel, lubricants, and other related products and services under the Farstad Oil, Rhinehart Oil, Tropic Oil, Superpumper, Harts, and On the Run brands. The Supply segment manufactures transportation fuels; transports, stores, and markets fuels, crude oil, and liquid petroleum gases; and manufactures and sells aviation fuel to airlines. This segment also engages in the wholesale, supply, and distribution business. The company was formerly known as Parkland Fuel Corporation and changed its name to Parkland Corporation in May 2020. The company was founded in 1977 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada. Read More There is not enough analysis data for Sirius Minerals. 5.0 Community Rank Outperform Votes Sirius Minerals has received 832 outperform votes. (Add your outperform vote.) Underperform Votes Sirius Minerals has received 254 underperform votes. (Add your underperform vote.) Community Sentiment Sirius Minerals has received 76.61% outperform votes from our community. MarketBeat's community ratings are surveys of what our community members think about Sirius Minerals and other stocks. Vote Outperform if you believe SXX will outperform the S&P 500 over the long term. Vote Underperform if you believe SXX will underperform the S&P 500 over the long term. You may vote once every thirty days. Previous Next TelefAnica Deutschland Holding AG provides integrated telecommunication services to private and business customers in Germany. It offers voice, data, and value-added services in mobile and fixed line networks; access to infrastructure and services for its wholesale partners; and digital products and services in the fields of Internet of Things. The company provides its products and services through a network of independently operated franchise and premium partner shops, and online and telesales channels, as well as indirect selling channels, such as partnerships and co-operations with retailers. It markets its products and services under the O2, Blau, AY YILDIZ, Ortel Mobile, FONIC, netzclub, and TArkeiSIM brand names. As of December 31, 2020, TelefAnica Deutschland Holding AG had approximately 47 million customers. The company was formerly known as TelefAnica Germany Verwaltungs GmbH and changed its name to TelefAnica Deutschland Holding AG in September 2012. The company is based in Munich, Germany. TelefAnica Deutschland Holding AG is a subsidiary of Telefonica Germany Holdings Limited. Read More Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF's stock was trading at $46.36 on March 11th, 2020 when Coronavirus (COVID-19) 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. Invesco Dynamic Credit Opportunities Fund is a close-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 across the globe with a focus on the United States. The fund invests in securities of companies that operate across diversified sectors. It invests in fixed income securities such as senior secured floating rate loans, fixed rate loans, and collateralized debt. The fund employs fundamental analysis with a bottom-up security selection process to create its portfolio. It conducts in-house research to make its investments. The fund benchmarks the performance of its portfolio against the Credit Suisse Leveraged Loan Index. It was formerly known as Invesco Van Kampen Dynamic Credit Opportunities Fund. Invesco Dynamic Credit Opportunities Fund was formed on June 26, 2007 and is domiciled in the United States. Read More National Fuel Gas Co. is a holding company, which engages in the production, gathering, transportation, distribution, and marketing of natural gas. It operates through the following segments: Exploration and Production, Pipeline and Storage, Gathering, and Utility. The Exploration and Production segment handles the exploration for and the development of natural gas and oil reserves in California and in the Appalachian region of the United States. The Pipeline and Storage segment transports and stores natural gas for utilities, natural gas marketers, exploration and production companies, and pipeline companies in the northeastern United States markets. The Gathering segment builds, owns, and operates natural gas processing and pipeline gathering facilities in the Appalachian region. The Utility segment sells natural gas to retail customers and provides natural gas transportation services in western New York and northwestern Pennsylvania. The company was founded in 1820 and is headquartered in Williamsville, NY. 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. AK Steel Holding Corporation, through its subsidiary, AK Steel Corporation, produces flat-rolled carbon, and stainless and electrical steel products in the United States and internationally. It produces flat-rolled carbon steel products, including coated, cold-rolled, and hot-rolled carbon steel products; grain-oriented specialty stainless and electrical steels; and carbon and stainless steel tubing products. The company also buys and sells steel and steel products, as well as other materials; and produces metallurgical coal from reserves in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. It sells its flat-rolled carbon steel products, primarily to automotive manufacturers and their suppliers; customers in the infrastructure and manufacturing markets, including the manufacturers of power transmission and distribution transformers, who produce equipment for the electrical grid, as well as electrical motors and generators; and manufacturers of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment, and appliances. The company also sells its carbon steel products to distributors, service centers, and converters. AK Steel Holding Corporation was founded in 1993 and is headquartered in West Chester, Ohio. Read More There is not enough analysis data for American Shared Hospital Services. 4.0 Community Rank Outperform Votes American Shared Hospital Services has received 70 outperform votes. (Add your outperform vote.) Underperform Votes American Shared Hospital Services has received 48 underperform votes. (Add your underperform vote.) Community Sentiment American Shared Hospital Services has received 59.32% outperform votes from our community. MarketBeat's community ratings are surveys of what our community members think about American Shared Hospital Services and other stocks. Vote Outperform if you believe AMS will outperform the S&P 500 over the long term. Vote Underperform if you believe AMS 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 TransDigm Group: 1711 Waterview Pkwy LLC, ARA Deutschland GmbH, ARA Holding GmbH, Acme Aerospace, Adams Rite Aerospace GmbH, Adams Rite Aerospace Inc., Advanced Inflatable Products Limited, Aero-Instruments, AeroControlex Group Inc., Aerosonic, Aerosonic LLC, Air-Sea Survival Equipment Trustee Limited, Airborne Acquisition Inc., Airborne Global Inc., Airborne Holdings Inc., Airborne Systems, Airborne Systems Canada Ltd., Airborne Systems Group Limited, Airborne Systems Holdings Limited, Airborne Systems Limited, Airborne Systems NA Inc., Airborne Systems North America Inc., Airborne Systems North America of CA Inc., Airborne Systems North America of NJ Inc., Airborne Systems Pension Trust Limited, Airborne UK Acquisition Limited, Airborne UK Parent Limited, Aircraft Materials Limited, AmSafe, AmSafe Aviation (Chongqing) Ltd., AmSafe Bridport (Kunshan) Co. Ltd., AmSafe Bridport (Private) Ltd., AmSafe Bridport Ltd., AmSafe Global Holdings Inc., AmSafe Global Services (Private) Limited, AmSafe Inc., Angus Electronics Co., Arkwin Industries, Arkwin Industries Inc., Auxitrol SAS, Auxitrol Weston Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Auxitrol Weston Singapore Pte. Ltd., Auxitrol Weston USA Inc., Aviation Technologies, Aviation Technologies Inc., Avionic Instruments LLC, Avionics Instruments, Avionics Specialties Inc., AvtechTyee Inc., Beta Transformer Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Beta Transformer Technology Corporation, Beta Transformer Technology LLC, Breeze-Eastern Corporation, Breeze-Eastern LLC, Bridport Erie Aviation Inc., Bridport Holdings Inc., Bridport Ltd., Bridport-Air Carrier Inc., Bruce Aerospace Inc., Bruce Industries, CDA InterCorp LLC, CEF Industries LLC, CMC Electronics Inc., CMC Electronics ME Inc., Champion Aerospace LLC, Cobham, DDC Electronics K.K., DDC Electronics Ltd., DDC Electronics Private Limited, DDC Electronique S.A.R.L., DDC Elektronik GmbH, Darchem Engineering Limited, Darchem Holdings Limited, Data Device Corp., Data Device Corporation, Dukes Aerospace Inc., EST Defence Company UK Limited, Edlaw Limited, Electromech Technologies LLC, Elektro-Metall Export GmbH, Elektro-Metall Paks KFT, Esterline, Esterline Acquisition Ltd, Esterline Europe Company LLC, Esterline Foreign Sales Corporation, Esterline International Company, Esterline Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Esterline Services China Ltd., Esterline Technologies Acquisition Ltd, Esterline Technologies Corporation, Esterline Technologies Europe Limited, Esterline Technologies France Holding SAS, Esterline Technologies French Acquisition Limited, Esterline Technologies Global Limited, Esterline Technologies Holdings Limited, Esterline Technologies Management France SAS, Esterline Technologies SGIP LLC, Esterline Technologies Unlimited, Esterline do Brasil Assessoria e Intermediacao Ltda, Extant Components Group Holdings Inc., Extant Components Group Intermediate Inc., GQ Parachutes Limited, Guizhou Leach-Tianyi Aviation Electrical Company Ltd, Harco, HarcoSemco LLC, Hartwell Corporation, ILC Holdings Inc., Irvin Aerospace Limited, IrvinGQ France SAS, IrvinGQ Limited, Janco Corporation, Johnson Liverpool LLC, Jupiter SAS, Kirkhill Elastomers, Kirkhill Inc., Kunshan Shield Restraint Systems Ltd., Leach Holding Corporation, Leach International Asia-Pacific Ltd, Leach International Europe S.A.S., Leach International Mexico S. de R. L. de C. V., Leach International UK Ltd, Leach Technology Group Inc., MarathonNorco Aerospace Inc., McKechnie Aerospace, McKechnie Aerospace (Europe) Ltd., McKechnie Aerospace DE Inc., McKechnie Aerospace DE LP, McKechnie Aerospace Holdings Inc., McKechnie Aerospace US LLC, Mecanismos de Matamoros S.A. de C.V., Militair Aviation Ltd., Norco, Nordisk Asia Pacific Limited, Nordisk Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, Nordisk Aviation Products (Kunshan) Ltd., Nordisk Aviation Products AS, North Hills Signal Processing Corp., North Hills Signal Processing Overseas Corp., Norwich Aero Products Inc., Pascall Electronics Limited, Pexco Aerospace, Pexco Aerospace Inc., PneuDraulics, PneuDraulics Inc., Pressure Systems International Ltd, Racal Acoustics Inc., Racal Acoustics Limited, Rancho TransTechnology Corporation, Retainers Inc., SSP Industries, Schneller, Schneller Asia Pte. Ltd., Schneller LLC, Schneller S.A.R.L., Schroth Safety Products, ScioTeq LLC, ScioTeq Ltd., ScioTeq Pte. Ltd., ScioTeq SAS, ScioTeq bvba, Semco Instruments, Semco Instruments Inc., Shield Restraint Systems Inc., Shield Restraint Systems Ltd., Signal Processing Matamoros S.A. de C.V., Skandia, Skandia Inc., Skurka Aerospace, Skurka Aerospace Inc., Symetrics Industries, Symetrics Industries LLC, Symetrics Technology Group LLC, TA Mfg Limited, TDG ESL Holdings Inc., TDG France Ultimate Parent SAS, TDG Germany GmbH, TEAC Aerospace Holdings Inc., TEAC Aerospace Technologies Inc., TREALITY SVS LLC, TTERUSA Inc., Tactair Fluid Controls Inc., Takata Protection Systems, Technical Airborne Components Industries SPRL, Telair International, Telair International AB, Telair International GmbH, Telair International LLC, Telair International Services PTE Ltd, Telair US LLC, Texas Rotronics Inc., TransDigm (Barbados) SRL, TransDigm Canada ULC, TransDigm European Holdings Limited, TransDigm Ireland Ltd., TransDigm Receivables LLC, TransDigm UK Holdings plc, Transicoil (Malaysia) Sendirian Berhad, Transicoil LLC, Wallop Industries Limited, Weston Aerospace Ltd, Whippany Actuation Systems, Whippany Actuation Systems LLC, XCEL Power Systems Ltd., Young & Franklin, and Young & Franklin Inc.. Reinsurance Group of America, Inc. is a holding company, which engages in the provision of traditional and non-traditional life and health reinsurance products. It operates through the following segments: U.S. and Latin America; Canada; Europe, Middle East, and Africa; Asia Pacific; and Corporate and Other. The U.S. and Latin America segment markets individual and group life and health reinsurance to domestic clients for a variety of products through yearly renewable term agreements, coinsurance, and modified coinsurance. The Canada segment offers individual life reinsurance, and to a lesser extent creditor, group life and health, critical illness and disability reinsurance, through yearly renewable term and coinsurance agreements. The Europe, Middle East, and Africa segment serves individual and group life and health products through yearly renewable term and coinsurance agreements, reinsurance of critical illness coverage that provides a benefit in the event of the diagnosis of a pre-defined critical illness and underwritten annuities. The Asia Pacific segment comprises individual and group life and health reinsurance, critical illness coverage, disability, and superannuation thr Read More The Bank of Nova Scotia provides various banking products and services in Canada, the United States, Mexico, Peru, Chile, Colombia, the Caribbean and Central America, and internationally. It operates through Canadian Banking, International Banking, Global Banking and Markets, and Global Wealth Management segments. The company offers financial advice and solutions, and day-to-day banking products, including debit and credit cards, chequing and saving accounts, investments, mortgages, loans, and insurance to individuals; and business banking solutions comprising lending, deposit, cash management, and trade finance solutions to small businesses and commercial customers, including automotive financing solutions to dealers and their customers. It also provides wealth management advice and solutions, including online brokerage, mobile investment, full-service brokerage, trust, private banking, and private investment counsel services; and retail mutual funds, exchange traded funds, liquid alternative funds, and institutional funds. In addition, the company offers international banking services for retail, corporate, and commercial customers; and lending and transaction, investment banking advisory, and capital markets access services to corporate customers. Further, it provides Internet, mobile, and telephone banking services. The company operates a network of 952 branches and approximately 3,540 automated banking machines in Canada; and approximately 1,400 branches, 5,200 ATMs, and 22 contact centers internationally. The Bank of Nova Scotia was founded in 1832 and is headquartered in Halifax, Canada. Read More Polypipe Group plc manufactures and sells plastic piping, and water and climate management systems in the United Kingdom, other European countries, and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Residential Systems, and Commercial and Infrastructure Systems. It offers above and below ground drainage, and rainwater drainage systems; plumbing tools and accessories, plastic plumbing fittings, and plumbing and heating pipes; underfloor heating products; and ventilation systems. The company also provides water and gas supply systems, such as water supply, pre-insulated pipe, polypropylene, clamp saddle, PVCu pressure, and ABS pressure pipe systems, as well as accessories. In addition, it offers water management solution, such as rainwater harvesting, geo-cellular system, terrain controlled flow rainwater outlet systems, large diameter pipe systems, chambers, flow controllers, penstocks and valves, manholes, surface water treatment devices, and rain water re-use solutions. Further, the company provides terrain and surface water drainage systems; sewer systems; and cable protection products. It offers its products for use in the residential, commercial, civil, infrastructure, and public non-housing sectors. Polypipe Group plc was founded in 1980 and is based in Doncaster, the United Kingdom. Read More Our portfolio of high quality UK commercial property is focused on London Offices and Retail around the UK. We own or manage a portfolio valued at A13.7bn (British Land share: A10.3bn) as at 30 September 2020 making us one of Europe's largest listed real estate investment companies. Our strategy is to provide places which meet the needs of our customers and respond to changing lifestyles - Places People Prefer. We do this by creating great environments both inside and outside our buildings and use our scale and placemaking skills to enhance and enliven them. This expands their appeal to a broader range of occupiers, creating enduring demand and driving sustainable, long term performance. Our Offices portfolio comprises three office-led campuses in central London as well as high quality standalone buildings and accounts for 65% of our portfolio. Our Retail portfolio is focused on retail parks and shopping centres, and accounts for 31% of our portfolio. Increasingly our focus is on providing a mix of uses and this is most evident at Canada Water, our 53 acre redevelopment opportunity where we have plans to create a new neighbourhood for London. Sustainability is embedded throughout our business. Our places, which are designed to meet high sustainability standards, become part of local communities, provide opportunities for skills development and employment and promote wellbeing. In April 2016 British Land received the Queen's Award for Enterprise: Sustainable Development, the UK's highest accolade for business success for economic, social and environmental achievements over a period of five years. Read More Ingredion, Inc. manufactures and sells sweetener, starches, nutrition ingredients, and biomaterial solutions derived from the wet milling and processing of corn and other starch based materials. Its activities include turning corn, tapioca, potatoes and other vegetables and fruits into value added ingredients and biomaterials for the food, beverage, paper and corrugating, brewing, and other industries. The firm operates through the following geographical segments: North America, South America, Asia-Pacific and Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). The North America segment includes businesses in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The South America segment involves businesses in Brazil, the Southern Cone of South America (which includes Argentina, Peru, Chile, and Uruguay), Colombia, and Ecuador. The Asia-Pacific segment pertains businesses in South Korea, Thailand, China, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia, India, and Vietnam. The EMEA segment focuses businesses in Pakistan, Germany, the United Kingdom and South Africa. The company was founded in 1906 and is headquartered in Westchester, IL. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Ingersoll Rand: 211 E. Russell Road LLC, Air-Relief, Belliss & Morcom Brasil, Belliss and Morcom, Boardwalk Enterprises, Charm Merger Sub Inc., CompAir, CompAir (Hankook) Korea Co. Ltd., CompAir Acquisition (No. 2) Ltd., CompAir Acquisition Ltd., CompAir BroomWade Ltd., CompAir Canada, CompAir Finance Ltd., CompAir GmbH, CompAir Holdings Limited, CompAir Holman Ltd, CompAir International Trading (Shanghai) Co Ltd, CompAir Korea Ltd, CompAir South Africa (SA) (Pty) Ltd., CompAir UK Ltd, CompAir USA, Consolidated Distribution Holdings Ltd., DV Systems Inc., Emco Wheaton, Emco Wheaton GmbH Branch, Emco Wheaton Gmbh, Emco Wheaton UK, Emco Wheaton USA Inc, Enza Air Propriety Limited (South Africa), GD Aria Holdings #2 Limited, GD Aria Holdings Limited, GD Aria Investments Limited, GD First UK Ltd, GD German Holdings GmbH, GD German Holdings I Gmbh, GD German Holdings II GmbH, GD German Investments GmbH, GD Global Holdings, GD Global Holdings II, GD Global Holdings UK II Ltd., GD Global Ventures I B.V., GD Global Ventures II B.V., GD Global Ventures III B.V., GD Industrial Products Malaysia SDN. BHD., GD Investment KY, GD UK Finance Ltd., Gardner Denver (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Gardner Denver Austria GmbH, Gardner Denver Bad Neustadt Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Gardner Denver Belgium NV, Gardner Denver Brasil Industria E Comercio de Maquinas Ltda., Gardner Denver CZ + SK sro, Gardner Denver Canada Corp, Gardner Denver Cyprus Investments II Ltd., Gardner Denver Cyprus Investments II Ltd. - US Branch, Gardner Denver Cyprus Investments Ltd., Gardner Denver Cyprus Investments Ltd. - US Branch, Gardner Denver Deutschland GmbH, Gardner Denver Engineered Products India Private Limited, Gardner Denver FZE, Gardner Denver Finance II LLC, Gardner Denver Finance Inc & Co KG, Gardner Denver France SA, Gardner Denver France SAS, Gardner Denver Group Services Ltd, Gardner Denver Group Svcs Ltd, Gardner Denver Hoffman, Gardner Denver Holdings, Gardner Denver Holdings Limited, Gardner Denver Hong Kong Investments Limited, Gardner Denver Hong Kong Ltd, Gardner Denver Iberica, Gardner Denver Industries Ltd., Gardner Denver Industries Pty Ltd., Gardner Denver Industries Pty Ltd. Branch, Gardner Denver International, Gardner Denver International Ltd., Gardner Denver Intl Ltd Middle East Regional Rep Office, Gardner Denver Investments, Gardner Denver Italy Holdings S.r.L., Gardner Denver Japan, Gardner Denver Kirchhain Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Gardner Denver Korea, Gardner Denver Korea Ltd, Gardner Denver Ltd, Gardner Denver Ltd South Africa, Gardner Denver Ltd., Gardner Denver Ltd. Branch (Ireland), Gardner Denver Machinery (Shanghai) Co, Gardner Denver Machinery (Shanghai) Co., Gardner Denver Nash Brasil Industria E Comercio De Bombas Ltda, Gardner Denver Nash Deutschland GmbH, Gardner Denver Nash LLC, Gardner Denver Nash Machinery Ltd, Gardner Denver Nash Machinery Ltd., Gardner Denver Nederland BV, Gardner Denver Nederland Investments B.V., Gardner Denver Oberdorfer Pumps, Gardner Denver Oy, Gardner Denver Petroleum Pumps, Gardner Denver Polska Sp z.o.o., Gardner Denver Pte Ltd., Gardner Denver S.r.l., Gardner Denver Schopfheim GmbH, Gardner Denver Schopfheim Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Gardner Denver Schweiz AG, Gardner Denver Slovakia, Gardner Denver SudAmerica S.r.l., Gardner Denver Sweden AB, Gardner Denver Taiwan Ltd., Gardner Denver Thomas, Gardner Denver Thomas GmbH, Gardner Denver Thomas Pneumatic Systems (Wuxi) Co., Gardner Denver Thomas Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Gardner Denver UK, Gardner Denver Water Jetting Systems, Garo Dott. Ing. Roberto Gabbioneta S.r.l., Hamworthy Belliss & Morcom, ILMVAC (UK) Ltd., ILS Innovative Labor Systeme, ILS Inovative Laborsysteme GmbH, Indonesia Foreign Trade Representative Office, LeROI, LeRoi International Inc, MP Pumps Inc., Mako Compressors, Nash, Nash Elmo, Oina VV, Oina VV Aktiebolag, Robuschi, Rotary Compression Technologies, Runtech Systems, Runtech Systems (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Runtech Systems Inc., Runtech Systems OY, Shanghai CompAir Compressors Co Ltd, Shanghai Compressors & Blowers Ltd., Syltone, TCM Investments, TIWR Real Estate GmbH & Co. KG, TODO AB, Tamrotor Marine Compressors AS, Thomas Industries, Thomas Industries Inc., Tri-Continent Scientific, Welch Vacuum Equipment (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Zinsser Analytic, Zinsser Analytik GmbH, and Zinsser NA. The following companies are subsidiares of Dominion Energy: 96WI 8me LLC, Alamo Solar LLC, Align RNG Arizona LLC, Align RNG Arizona-Snowflake LLC, Align RNG California LLC, Align RNG California-Corcoran LLC, Align RNG Grady Road LLC, Align RNG LLC, Align RNG Magnolia LLC, Align RNG North Carolina LLC, Align RNG North Carolina-Bowdens LLC, Align RNG Utah LLC, Align RNG Utah-Milford LLC, Align RNG Virginia LLC, Align RNG Virginia-Waverly LLC, Atlantic Coast Pipeline LLC, Azalea Solar LLC, BOE Holdings Inc., Blackville Solar Farm LLC, Blue Ocean Energy Marine LLC, BrightSuite Home LLC, BrightSuite Inc., BrightSuite Solar CT Inc., BrightSuite Solar SC Inc., BrightSuite Solar VA Inc., Buckingham Solar I LLC, CEA Americus LLC, CEA CO-Fort Morgan LLC, CEA Clovis LLC, CEA Dairy RNG Colorado LLC, CEA Dairy RNG Georgia LLC, CEA Dairy RNG Idaho LLC, CEA Dairy RNG Nevada LLC, CEA Dairy RNG New Mexico LLC, CEA Dairy RNG Texas LLC, CEA Greely LLC, CEA Mason LLC, CEA TX-Dimmitt LLC, CID Solar LLC, CNG Coal Company, CNG Power Services Corporation, Carolina Gas Transmission Corporation, Catalina Solar 2 LLC, Clean Energy Asset USA LLC, Clean Energy Enterprises Inc., Clipperton Holdings LLC, Consolidated Natural Gas Company, Correctional Solar LLC, Cottonwood Solar LLC, Cove Point LNG LP, Cove Point LNG Limited, DE Arlington Solar LLC, DE Fluvanna Solar LLC, DE Hanover Solar LLC, DE Henrico Solar LLC, DE King William Solar LLC, DE Louisa Solar LLC, DE Newport News Solar LLC, DE Powhatan Solar LLC, DE Virginia Beach Solar LLC, DECP Holdings Inc., Dairy RNG Holdings LLC, Dairy RNG NY LLC, Dairy RNG NY-Curtin LLC, Dairy RNG OH LLC, Denmark Solar LLC, Dominion ACP Holding Inc., Dominion Alternative Energy Holdings Inc., Dominion Atlantic Coast Pipeline LLC, Dominion Capital Inc., Dominion Cogen WV Inc., Dominion Energy Fuel Services Inc., Dominion Energy Gas Distribution LLC, Dominion Energy Generation Marketing Inc., Dominion Energy Inc., Dominion Energy Kewaunee Inc., Dominion Energy Marketplace LLC, Dominion Energy Nuclear Connecticut Inc., Dominion Energy Overthrust Pipeline LLC, Dominion Energy Payroll Company Inc., Dominion Energy Questar Corporation, Dominion Energy Questar Pipeline LLC, Dominion Energy Questar Pipeline Services Inc., Dominion Energy RNG Holdings II Inc., Dominion Energy RNG Holdings Inc., Dominion Energy Services Inc., Dominion Energy Solar CA LLC, Dominion Energy Solutions Inc., Dominion Energy South Carolina Inc., Dominion Energy Southeast Services Inc., Dominion Energy Technical Solutions Inc., Dominion Energy Technologies II Inc., Dominion Energy Technologies Inc., Dominion Energy Terminal Company Inc., Dominion Energy Wexpro Services Company, Dominion Equipment III Inc., Dominion Equipment Inc., Dominion Fairless Hills Inc., Dominion Fowler Ridge Wind LLC, Dominion Gas Projects Company LLC, Dominion Generation Inc., Dominion Greenbrier Inc., Dominion High Voltage Holdings Inc., Dominion High Voltage MidAtlantic Inc., Dominion Investments Inc., Dominion Keystone Pipeline Holdings Inc., Dominion Keystone Pipeline LLC, Dominion MLP Holding Company III Inc., Dominion Mt. Storm Wind LLC, Dominion Nuclear Projects Inc., Dominion Oklahoma Texas Exploration & Production Inc., Dominion Person Inc., Dominion Privatization Florida LLC, Dominion Privatization Georgia LLC, Dominion Privatization Holdings Inc., Dominion Privatization Kentucky LLC, Dominion Privatization Maryland LLC, Dominion Privatization Pennsylvania LLC, Dominion Privatization South Carolina LLC, Dominion Privatization Texas LLC, Dominion Privatization Virginia LLC, Dominion Products and Services Inc., Dominion Projects Services Inc., Dominion Resources Capital Trust III, Dominion Retail Gas Holdings Inc., Dominion Solar Construction and Maintenance LLC, Dominion Solar Gen-Tie LLC, Dominion Solar Holdings I LLC, Dominion Solar Holdings II LLC, Dominion Solar Holdings III LLC, Dominion Solar Holdings IV LLC, Dominion Solar Projects A Inc., Dominion Solar Projects B Inc., Dominion Solar Projects C Inc., Dominion Solar Projects D Inc., Dominion Solar Projects I Inc., Dominion Solar Projects II Inc., Dominion Solar Projects III Inc., Dominion Solar Projects IV Inc., Dominion Solar Projects V Inc., Dominion Solar Projects VI Inc., Dominion Solar Projects VII Inc., Dominion Solar Services Inc., Dominion State Line LLC, Dominion Voltage Inc., Dominion Wholesale Inc., Dominion Wind Development LLC, Dominion Wind Projects Inc., ESCT-SA-Suffield LLC, Eagle Holdco Solar LLC, Eagle Solar LLC, Eastern Shore Solar LLC, Enterprise Solar LLC, Escalante Solar I LLC, Escalante Solar II LLC, Escalante Solar III LLC, Four Brothers Solar LLC, Fremont Farm LLC, Granite Mountain Holdings LLC, Granite Mountain Solar East LLC, Granite Mountain Solar West LLC, Greenbrier Marketing Company LLC, Greenbrier Pipeline Company LLC, Greensville County Solar Project LLC, Hardin Solar Energy LLC, Hecate Energy Cherrydale LLC, Hecate Energy Clarke County LLC, Hope Gas Inc., Imperial Valley Solar Company (IVSC) 2 LLC, Indy Solar Development LLC, Indy Solar I LLC, Indy Solar II LLC, Indy Solar III LLC, Innovative Solar 37 LLC, Iron Springs Holdings LLC, Iron Springs Solar LLC, Louis Dreyfus Natural Gas, Maricopa West Solar PV LLC, Moffett Solar 1 LLC, Moorings Farm 2 LLC, Mulberry Farm LLC, Mustang Solar LLC, PSNC Blue Ridge Corporation, PSNC Cardinal Pipeline Company, Pavant Solar LLC, Phone House, Pikeville Farm LLC, Prairie Fork Wind Farm LLC, Public Service Company of North Carolina Incorporated, QPC Holding Company LLC, Questar Corporation, Questar Energy Services Inc., Questar Field Services LLC, Questar Gas Company, Questar InfoComm Inc., Questar Southern Trails Pipeline Company, Questar White River Hub LLC, RE Adams East LLC, RE Camelot LLC, RE Columbia Two LLC, RE Kansas LLC, RE Kent South LLC, RE Old River One LLC, Richland Solar Center LLC, Ridgeland Solar Farm I LLC, SBL Holdco LLC, SCANA, SCANA Communications Holdings Inc., SCANA Corporate Security Services Inc., SCANA Energy Marketing LLC, SCANA Pharmacy LLC, SRFI LLC, Scana Corporation, Scott-II Solar LLC, Seabrook Solar LLC, Selmer Farm LLC, Siler Solar LLC, Sol Madison Solar LLC, Somers Solar Center LLC, South Carolina Fuel Company Inc., South Carolina Generating Company Inc., Southampton Solar LLC, Summit Farms Solar LLC, Sussex Drive Solar Project LLC, TA - Acacia LLC, TWE Myrtle Solar Project LLC, The East Ohio Gas Company, Trask East Solar LLC, Tredegar Solar Fund I LLC, VP Property Inc., Virginia Electric And Power Company, Virginia Power Fuel Corporation, Virginia Power Nuclear Services Company, Virginia Power Services Energy Corp. Inc., Virginia Power Services LLC, Virginia Solar 201 Projects LLC, Wakefield Solar LLC, Wexpro Company, Wexpro Development Company, Wexpro II Company, Wilkinson Solar LLC, Wrangler Retail Gas Holdings LLC, and Yemassee Solar LLC. The following companies are subsidiares of Ecolab: AO Ecolab, Abednego Environmental Services, Abednego Environmental Services LLC, Abednego Mexico Holdings LLC, Abednego de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Alcide Corp., Anios America S.A., Anios Diffusion SAS, Anios Manufacturing SAS, Bioquell, Bioquell Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Bioquell Global Logistics (Ireland) Ltd., Bioquell Holding SAS, Bioquell Inc., Bioquell Limited, Bioquell SAS, Bioquell Technology (Shenzhen) Ltd., Bioquell Technology Canada Ltd., Bioquell UK Limited, Bioxyquell Limited, CALGON EUROPE LIMITED, CALGON LLC, CID LINES HOLDING NV, CID LINES INVEST NV, CID LINES NV, CID Lines, CID Lines Beijing Animal Hygiene Co Ltd., CID Lines France Sarl, CID Lines Iberica SL, CID Lines LLC, CID Lines Mexico S.A. DE C.V., CID Lines R&D NV, CID Lines Sp. z o. o., CORPAK MedSystems, Cascade Water Services, Champion Technologies, Chamtech L.L.C., Chemlawn, Chemstaff Inc., Chemstar Corporation, Cirlam BVBA, Copal Holding NV, Copal Invest NV, DERYPOL SA, DMD, E&M Bio-Chemicals LLC, ECOLAB NL 10 B.V., ECOLAB PEST FRANCE SAS, Ecolab (Antigua) Ltd., Ecolab (Aruba) N.V., Ecolab (Barbados) Limited, Ecolab (China) Investment Co. Ltd, Ecolab (Fiji) Pty Limited, Ecolab (GZ) Chemicals Limited, Ecolab (Guam) LLC, Ecolab (Proprietary) Limited, Ecolab (Schweiz) GmbH, Ecolab (St. Lucia) Limited, Ecolab (Taicang) Technology Co. Ltd., Ecolab (Trinidad and Tobago) Unlimited, Ecolab (U.K.) Holdings Limited, Ecolab A.E.B.E., Ecolab AB, Ecolab AP Holdings LLC, Ecolab AT 2 GmbH, Ecolab AU2 Pty Ltd, Ecolab Acquisition LLC, Ecolab ApS, Ecolab Argentina S.R.L., Ecolab Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Ecolab B.V., Ecolab B.V.B.A./S.P.R.L., Ecolab Bahrain S.P.C., Ecolab CDN 2 Co., Ecolab CDN 4 ULC, Ecolab CH 1 GmbH, Ecolab CH 2 GmbH, Ecolab CH 3 GmbH, Ecolab CH 5 GmbH, Ecolab CH 6 GmbH, Ecolab Chemicals Limited, Ecolab Co., Ecolab Colombia S. A., Ecolab DE 1 GmbH, Ecolab Deutschland GmbH, Ecolab EOOD, Ecolab East Africa (Kenya) Limited, Ecolab East Africa (Tanzania) Limited, Ecolab East Africa (Uganda) Limited, Ecolab Ecuador Cia. Ltda., Ecolab Engineering GmbH, Ecolab Europe GmbH, Ecolab Export GmbH, Ecolab FR 1 SAS, Ecolab FR 4 SAS, Ecolab Finance Company Designated Activity Company, Ecolab Food Safety & Hygiene Solutions Private Limited, Ecolab G.K., Ecolab Global Business Services LLC, Ecolab GmbH, Ecolab Gulf FZE, Ecolab HK 1 Limited, Ecolab HK 2 Limited, Ecolab Hispano-Portuguesa S.L., Ecolab Holding Italy S.r.l., Ecolab Holdings (Europe) LLC, Ecolab Holdings Inc., Ecolab Holdings Mexico S. de R. L. de C. V., Ecolab Hygiene Kft., Ecolab Hygiene d.o.o., Ecolab Israel Holdings LLC, Ecolab JVZ Limited, Ecolab Korea Ltd., Ecolab LLC, Ecolab LUX & Co Holdings S.C.A., Ecolab LUX 1 Sarl, Ecolab LUX 2 Sarl, Ecolab LUX 4 Sarl, Ecolab LUX 7 Sarl, Ecolab LUX Sarl, Ecolab Limited, Ecolab Ltd., Ecolab Lux 10 Sarl, Ecolab Lux 12 Sarl, Ecolab Lux 13 Sarl, Ecolab Lux 14 Sarl, Ecolab Lux 15 Sarl, Ecolab Lux 9 S.a.r.l., Ecolab Lux Partner LLC, Ecolab MT Holdings LLC, Ecolab MT Limited, Ecolab Malta 1 Limited, Ecolab Malta 2 Limited, Ecolab Malta GPS, Ecolab Manufacturing IE Limited, Ecolab Manufacturing Inc., Ecolab Manufacturing UK Limited, Ecolab Maroc Societe a Responsabilite Limitee, Ecolab NL 11 B.V., Ecolab NL 15 BV, Ecolab NL 16 B.V., Ecolab NL 23 B.V., Ecolab NL 3 BV, Ecolab NL 4 BV, Ecolab Name Holding Limited, Ecolab New Zealand, Ecolab Peru Holdings S.R.L., Ecolab Pest Deutschland GmbH, Ecolab Philippines Inc., Ecolab Production Belgium B.V.B.A., Ecolab Production France SAS, Ecolab Production Italy Srl, Ecolab Production LLC, Ecolab Production Netherlands B.V., Ecolab Production Poland sp. z o.o., Ecolab Pte. Ltd., Ecolab Pty Ltd., Ecolab Quimica Ltda., Ecolab S. de R.L. de C.V., Ecolab S.A., Ecolab S.A. de C.V., Ecolab SAS, Ecolab SIA, Ecolab SNC, Ecolab SRL, Ecolab Sdn Bhd, Ecolab Services Argentina S.R.L., Ecolab Services Poland Sp. z o o, Ecolab Sociedad Anonima, Ecolab Sp. z o o, Ecolab Spain Services S.L.U., Ecolab Temizleme Sistemleri Limited Sirketi, Ecolab U.S. 2 Inc., Ecolab U.S. 6 LLC, Ecolab U.S. 7 LLC, Ecolab US 1 GP, Ecolab USA Inc., Ecolab Viet Nam Company Limited, Ecolab Water Holding LImited, Ecolab a.s., Ecolab d.o.o., Ecolab s.r.l., Ecolab s.r.o., Ecolab y Compania Colectiva de Responsabilidad Limitada, Ecolab-Importacao E. Exportacao Limitada, Ecolabone B.V., Ecolabtwo B.V., Endoclear Equipamentos Medicos Hospitalares Ltda., Enviroflo Engineering Limited, Food Protection Services, GCS Service, Gallay Medical & Scientific Pty Ltd, Gallay Medical & Scientific Pty Ltd., GallayTrac Pty. Ltd., Georgia-Pacific - Paper Chemicals Business, Gibson Chemical Industries, Green Harbour Mainland Holdings Ltd, Guangzhou Green Harbour Environmental Operation Ltd., HYDROSAN LIMITED, Henkel-Ecolab, Hicopla SL, Holchem Laboratories, Huntington Laboratories, Hydenet SAS, INDUSTRIAL) UNIPESSOAL LDA, INTERNATIONAL WATER CONSULTANT B.V., Immobiliare R.E.O.P.A. SRL, Instrunet Hospital SLU, Jianghai Environmental Protection Co., Jianghai Environmental Protection Co. Ltd., KATAYAMA NALCO INC., Kay BVBA, Kay Chemical Company, LHS (UK) Limited, Laboratoires Anios, Laboratoires Anios-Distribution SAS, Les Produits Chimiques ERPAC Inc., Lobster Ink, Lobster Ink Africa (Pty.) Ltd., Lobster International S.A., London & General Packaging Ltd, MALAYSIA SDN. BHD, MANUFACTURING S.R.L., MOBOTEC AB LLC, Master Chemicals OOO, Meratech Rus Group LLC, Microtek Dominicana S.A., Microtek Italy S.R.L., Microtek Medical B.V., Microtek Medical Europe Limited, Microtek Medical Holdings, Microtek Medical Holdings Inc., Microtek Medical Inc., Microtek Medical Malta Holding Limited, Microtek Medical Malta Limited, Midland Research Laboratories, Midland Research Laboratories UK Limited, NALCO (SHANGHAI) TRADING CO. LTD., NALCO AB, NALCO ACQUISITION ONE, NALCO ACQUISITION TWO LIMITED, NALCO AFRICA (PTY.) LTD., NALCO ASIA HOLDING COMPANY PTE. LTD., NALCO BELGIUM BVBA, NALCO CHINA HOLDINGS LLC, NALCO COMPANY OOO, NALCO DANMARK APS, NALCO DE MEXICO S. de R. L. de C.V., NALCO DELAWARE COMPANY, NALCO DEUTSCHLAND GMBH, NALCO DEUTSCHLAND MANUFACTURING GMBH UND CO. KG, NALCO DUTCH HOLDINGS B.V., NALCO EGYPT LTD., NALCO EGYPT TRADING, NALCO ESPANOLA MANUFACTURING S.L.U., NALCO ESPANOLA S.L., NALCO EUROPE B.V., NALCO FINLAND MANUFACTURING OY, NALCO FINLAND OY, NALCO FRANCE, NALCO FRANCE SNC, NALCO GLOBAL HOLDINGS B.V., NALCO GLOBAL HOLDINGS LLC, NALCO HOLDING B.V., NALCO HOLDING COMPANY, NALCO HOLDINGS G.m.b.H., NALCO HOLDINGS UK LIMITED, NALCO HONG KONG LIMITED, NALCO INDUSTRIAL OUTSOURCING COMPANY, NALCO INDUSTRIAL SERVICES, NALCO INDUSTRIAL SERVICES (NANJING) CO. LTD., NALCO INDUSTRIAL SERVICES (SUZHOU) CO. LTD., NALCO INDUSTRIAL SERVICES (THAILAND) CO. LTD., NALCO INDUSTRIAL SERVICES CHILE LIMITADA, NALCO INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS B.V., NALCO INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS LLC, NALCO INVESTMENTS U.K. LIMITED, NALCO ISRAEL INDUSTRIAL SERVICES LTD, NALCO ITALIANA, NALCO ITALIANA HOLDINGS S.R.L., NALCO ITALIANA SrL, NALCO KOREA LIMITED, NALCO LIMITED, NALCO LUXEMBOURG HOLDINGS SARL, NALCO MANUFACTURING BETEILIGUNGS GMBH, NALCO MANUFACTURING LTD., NALCO NETHERLANDS B.V., NALCO NORTH AFRICA LIMITED, NALCO OSTERREICH Ges m.b.H., NALCO OVERSEAS HOLDING B.V., NALCO PAKISTAN (PRIVATE) LIMITED, NALCO PHILIPPINES INC., NALCO PORTUGUESA (QUIMICA, NALCO PWS INC., NALCO SAUDI CO. LTD., NALCO TAIWAN CO. LTD., NALCO TWO INC., NALCO U.S. HOLDINGS LLC, NALCO UNIVERSAL HOLDINGS BV, NALCO WORLDWIDE HOLDINGS LLC, NALCO ZAO, NALFLOC LIMITED, NALTECH INC., NANOSPECIALTIES LLC, NLC PROCESS AND WATER SERVICES SARL, Nalco (BN) SDN BHD, Nalco (China) Environmental Solution Co. Ltd., Nalco Anadolu Kimya Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Nalco Canada ULC, Nalco Company LLC, Nalco Contract Operations LLC, Nalco Grundbesitz GmbH & Co. KG, Nalco Gulf Response Corp., Nalco Japan G.K., Nalco Libya, Nalco Middle East FZE, Nalco Polska Sp. z o. o., Nalco Production LLC, Nalco Real Estate GmbH, Nalco Schweiz GmbH, Nalco US 1 LLC, Nalco Wastewater Contract Operations Inc., Nalco Water India Limited, Nalco Water Pretreatment Solutions LLC, Nalco Worldwide Holdings S.a.r.l./B.V., Nigiko, Nuova Farmec S.r.l., Oksa Kimya Sanayi A.S., Oy Ecolab AB, PT Ecolab International Indonesia, PT Ecolab Technologies and Services, Purate business - AkzoNobel, Quantum Technical Services LLC, Quimicas Ecolab S.A. de C.V., Quimiproductos S.A. de C.V, RP Adam Ltd, Research Fumigation Co., Royal Pest Solutions, Shield Holdings Limited, Shield Medicare Limited, Shield Salvage Associates Limited, Soluscope International Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Soluscope SAS, Swisher Hygiene, Technical Textile Services Limited, Techtex Holdings Limited, Terminix, Ultrafab, Wabasha Leasing LLC, and vanBaerle Hygiene AG. Ferguson plc distributes plumbing and heating products in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Central Europe. It offers plumbing and heating solutions to customers in the residential, municipal, civil and industrial markets, and commercial sectors for repair, maintenance, and improvement (RMI), as well as new construction markets. The company also distributes pipes, valves, fittings, hydrants, meters, and related water management products, as well as offers related services, such as water line tapping and pipe fusion services. In addition, it distributes heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration equipment, and parts and supplies to specialist contractors in the residential and commercial markets for repair and replacement; and PVF products to industrial customers. Further, the company fabricates and supplies fire protection systems and bespoke fabrication services to commercial contractors for new construction and renovation projects, as well as offers products, services, and solutions to enable maintenance of facilities across various RMI markets. Additionally, it offers supply chain management solutions for PVF; and industrial maintenance, repair, and operations specializing in delivering automation, instrumentation, engineered products, and turn-key solutions. The company also sells its home improvement products directly to consumers, as well as through a network of online stores. In addition, it operates its B2B business primarily under the Ferguson brand; and B2C business under the Build.com brand. Further, the company provides products and services for maintenance of multi-family properties, government agencies, hospitality, education, healthcare, and other facilities. It operates a network of 2,194 branches and 19 distribution centers. Ferguson plc was founded in 1887 and is headquartered in Wokingham, the United Kingdom. Read More First Data Corporation provides commerce enabled technology and solutions for merchants, financial institutions, and card issuers in the United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and the Asia Pacific. The company operates through three segments: Global Business Solutions, Global Financial Solutions, and Network & Security Solutions. The Global Business Solutions segment provides solutions to merchants, such as retail point of sale merchant acquiring, e-commerce, and mobile payment services, as well as cloud based point of sale operating system that include a marketplace for proprietary and third party applications. The Global Finance Solutions segment provides technology solutions for bank and non-bank issuers, such as credit, retail private label, commercial card, and loan processing, as well as licensed financial software systems; suite of account services that include card personalization and embossing, customer communications, and professional services; and call center solutions and back office processing. The Network & Security Solutions segment offers EFT network, stored value network, and security and fraud solutions, as well as other value added solutions to its clients in GBS and GFS segments, smaller financial institutions, and other enterprise clients. First Data Corporation was founded in 1971 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Read More MAXIMUS, Inc. engages in the operation of government and human services programs. It operates through the following segments: U.S. Services; U.S. Federal Services; and Outside the U.S. The U.S. Services segment offers a variety of business process services, and appeals and assessments for state, provincial and national government programs. The U.S. Federal Services segment includes process solutions, program management, as well as system and software development, and maintenance services for various United States federal civilian programs. The Outside the U.S segment comprises of national, state, and county human services agencies with a variety of business process services, and related consulting services for welfare-to-work, child support, higher education institutions, and other human services programs. The company was founded by David V. Mastran in 1975 and is headquartered in Reston, VA. Read More iShares MSCI South Korea ETF's stock was trading at $52.04 on March 11th, 2020 when COVID-19 (Coronavirus) reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Since then, EWY shares have increased by 50.7% and is now trading at $78.43. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. Genworth Financial, Inc. is a financial services company, which engages in the provision of insurance, wealth management, investment and financial solutions. It operates through the following segments: U.S. Mortgage Insurance, Australia Mortgage Insurance, U.S. Life Insurance, and Runoff. The U.S. Mortgage Insurance segment offers mortgage insurance products predominantly insuring prime-based, individually underwritten residential mortgage loans. The Australia Mortgage Insurance segment offers flow mortgage insurance and selectively provides bulk mortgage insurance that aids in the sale of mortgages to the capital markets and helps lenders manage capital and risk. The U.S. Life Insurance segment offers long-term care insurance products as well as service traditional life insurance and fixed annuity products in the United States. The Runoff segment includes the results of non-strategic products which are no longer actively sold but continue to service its existing blocks of business. Its non-strategic products primarily include variable annuity, variable life insurance, institutional, corporate-owned life insurance and other accident and health insurance products. The company was fo Read More Hamburger Hafen und Logistik Aktiengesellschaft operates as a port and transport logistics company in Europe. It operates through four segments: Container, Intermodal, Logistics, and Real Estate. The company operates three container terminals in Hamburg; and container terminals in Odessa, Ukraine, and Tallinn, Estonia. It also offers intermodal services that connect ports on the North and Baltic seas, and between the Northern Adriatic and its hinterland, as well as inland terminals. In addition, the company provides specialist handling, and consulting and management services; and additive manufacturing and airborne logistics services, as well as develops, rents, and manages real estate properties. The company was formerly known as Hamburger Hafen- und Lagerhaus-AG and changed its name to Hamburger Hafen und Logistik Aktiengesellschaft in 2005. The company was founded in 1885 and is headquartered in Hamburg, Germany. Hamburger Hafen und Logistik Aktiengesellschaft is a subsidiary of HGV Hamburger Gesellschaft fAr VermAgens- und Beteiligungsmanagement mbH. Read More iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF's stock was trading at $39.49 on March 11th, 2020 when COVID-19 (Coronavirus) reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Since then, IEUR shares have increased by 48.4% and is now trading at $58.60. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. 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.. iShares MSCI Singapore ETF's stock was trading at $19.75 on March 11th, 2020 when COVID-19 (Coronavirus) reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization. Since then, EWS shares have increased by 20.1% and is now trading at $23.71. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. 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 The following companies are subsidiares of Jabil: AOC Technologies Co. Ltd., AOC Technologies Inc., Badger Technologies LLC, Celetronix, Celetronix India Private Limited, Celetronix USA Inc., Clothing Plus Hong Kong Ltd., Clothing Plus MBU Oy, Clothing Plus Zhejiang Ltd., Clothing+, Eco.logic Brands Inc., Ecologic Brands, F-I Holding Company, GET Manufacturing, Green Point Electronic Technology Co. Ltd., Green Point Precision Electronic Co. Ltd., Green Point Precision Sdn. Bhd., Green Point Technology Co. Ltd., Green Prosperity Co. Ltd., Greenam Electricity (Proprietary) Limited, JCI Funding Ireland Designated Activity Company, JCI Labuan Limited, JN Global Holdings C.V., Jabil AMS LLC, Jabil Advanced Mechanical Solutions Inc., Jabil Advanced Mechanical Solutions de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Jabil C.M. S.r.l., Jabil Canada Corporation, Jabil Chihuahua Holding S. de R.L. de C.V., Jabil Circuit Austria GmbH, Jabil Circuit Belgium N.V., Jabil Circuit Cayman L.P., Jabil Circuit China Limited, Jabil Circuit Co. Ltd., Jabil Circuit Financial II Inc., Jabil Circuit Holdings Limited, Jabil Circuit Hong Kong Limited, Jabil Circuit Hungary Contract Manufacturing Services Ltd., Jabil Circuit Inc., Jabil Circuit India Private Limited, Jabil Circuit Investment Co. Ltd, Jabil Circuit Italia S.r.l., Jabil Circuit Limited, Jabil Circuit Ltd., Jabil Circuit Luxembourg II S.a r.l., Jabil Circuit Luxembourg S.a r.l., Jabil Circuit Netherlands B.V., Jabil Circuit Pte. Ltd., Jabil Circuit SAS, Jabil Circuit Sdn Bhd, Jabil Circuit Technology LLC, Jabil Circuit Ukraine Limited, Jabil Circuit de Chihuahua S. de R.L. de C.V., Jabil Circuit de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Jabil Circuit of Michigan Inc., Jabil Consulting Limited Liability Company, Jabil DR S.R.L., Jabil Defense and Aerospace Services LLC, Jabil Denmark Aps, Jabil Dutch Mexico B.V., Jabil EMS Switzerland GmbH, Jabil Electronics Co. Ltd., Jabil Energy Ltd., Jabil Green Point Precision Electronics Co. Ltd., Jabil Green Point Technology Co. Ltd., Jabil Guadalajara Holding S. de R.L. de C.V., Jabil Healthcare DR S.R.L., Jabil Holding S. de R.L. de C.V., Jabil Holdings Ltd., Jabil Hungary LP Services Limited Liability Company, Jabil India Manufacturing Private Limited, Jabil Industrial do Brasil Ltda., Jabil International Holding S. de R.L. de C.V., Jabil International Treasury Pte. Ltd, Jabil Investment Pte. Ltd., Jabil Israel Ltd., Jabil Japan Inc., Jabil Korea International Limited, Jabil Limited Liability Company, Jabil Mexico Holding S. de R.L. de C.V., Jabil Mexico Investment S. de R.L. de C.V., Jabil Monterrey S. de R.L. de C.V., Jabil Nypro Holding LLC, Jabil Nypro I LLC, Jabil Nypro II LLC, Jabil Nypro International B.V., Jabil Optics Germany GmbH, Jabil Poland Sp. z.o.o., Jabil Precision Industry Co. Ltd., Jabil Science and Telecommunication Trading Co. Ltd., Jabil Sdn Bhd, Jabil Services Korea Limited, Jabil Silver Creek Inc., Jabil South Africa (Pty) LTD, Jabil Switzerland Manufacturing GmbH, Jabil Technology Co. Ltd, Jabil Technology and Trading Co. Ltd., Jabil Torres S. de R.L. de C.V., Jabil Tuttlingen Manufacturing GmbH, Jabil Umkirch Manufacturing GmbH, Jabil Vietnam Company Limited, Jabil do Brasil Industria Eletroeletronica Ltda., Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices, Kasalis, Kasalis Inc., Kuatro Technologies, Kuatro Ukraine LLC, Manna Renewable Energy Investments Two (Pty) Ltd, NP Medical Inc., NPA de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Nypro, Nypro Alabama LLC, Nypro Atlanta LLC, Nypro China Holdings Limited, Nypro DR LLC, Nypro Deutschland GmbH, Nypro France SAS, Nypro Guadalajara S.A. de C.V., Nypro Healthcare Baja Inc., Nypro Healthcare GmbH, Nypro Healthcare LLC, Nypro Inc., Nypro Iowa Inc., Nypro Limited, Nypro Monterrey Management S. de R.L. de C.V., Nypro Plastics & Metal Products Co. Ltd., Nypro Plastics & Molding Products Co. Ltd., Nypro Puerto Rico Inc., Nypro Research and Developments Limited, Nypro Spain Holding S.L.U., Nypro de Amazonia, Nypro de la Frontera S. de R.L. de C.V., NyproMold Chicago Inc., NyproMold Inc., NyproMold Investment Corp., PT Jabil Circuit Indonesia, Plasticast Hungary Kft., Plasticos Castella S.A.U., Radius Chicago LLC, Radius Hong Kong Limited, Radius Product Development Inc., Roosevelt Insurance Company Ltd., S.M.R. Metal Ltd., Shay Motion Ltd., Shemer Group, Shemer Motion (2009) Ltd., Taiwan Green Point Enterprises, Taiwan Green Point Enterprises Co. Ltd., Telmar Network Technology, TrueTech, Westing Green Plastic Co. Ltd, Wolfe Engineering, Wolfe Engineering Co. Ltd., and Yen Investments 140 (Proprietary) Limited. Brookdale Senior Living, Inc. engages in the operation of senior living communities. The firm manages independent living, assisted living and dementia-care communities and continuing care retirement centers. It operates through the following segments: Independent Living Assisted Living & Memory Care, CCRCs, Health Care Services and Management Services. The Independent Living segment is primarily designed for middle to upper income seniors who desire an upscale residential environment providing the highest quality of service. The Assisted Living & Memory Care segment offer housing and 24-hour assistance with ADLs to mid-acuity frail and elderly residents. The CCRCs segment offers a variety of living arrangements and services to accommodate all levels of physical ability and health. The Healthcare Services segment provides home health, hospice and outpatient therapy services, as well as education and wellness programs, to residents of many communities and to seniors living outside communities. The Management Services segment composes of communities operated by the company pursuant to management agreements. The company was founded in 1978 and is headquartered in Brentwood, TN. Read More Imperial Oil Limited explores for, produces, and sells crude oil and natural gas in Canada. It operates through three segments: Upstream, Downstream, and Chemical. The Upstream segment explores for and produces crude oil, natural gas, synthetic oil, and bitumen. As of December 31, 2020, this segment had 138 million oil-equivalent barrels of proved undeveloped reserves. The Downstream segment is involved in the transportation and refining of crude oil, as well as blending, distribution, and marketing of refined products. It also transports crude oil to refineries by contracted pipelines, common carrier pipelines, and rail; maintains a distribution system to move petroleum products to market by pipeline, tanker, rail, and road transport; and owns and operates fuel terminals, natural gas liquids, and products pipelines in Alberta, Manitoba, and Ontario. In addition, this segment markets and supplies petroleum products to motoring public through approximately 2,400 Esso and Mobil-branded sites. Further, it sells petroleum products, including fuel, asphalt, and lubricants for industrial and transportation customers, independent marketers, and resellers, as well as other refiners serving the agriculture, residential heating, and commercial markets through branded fuel and lubricant resellers. The Chemical segment manufactures and markets various petrochemicals and polyethylene, such as benzene, aromatic, and aliphatic solvents; plasticizer intermediates; and polyethylene resins. The company was incorporation in 1880 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada. Imperial Oil Limited is a subsidiary of Exxon Mobil Corporation. Read More Medtronic Plc is a medical technology company, which engages in the development, manufacture, distribution, and sale of device-based medical therapies and services. It operates through the following segments: Cardiac and Vascular Group; Minimally Invasive Technologies Group; Restorative Therapies Group; and Diabetes Group. The Cardiac and Vascular Group segment consists of products for the diagnosis, treatment, and management of cardiac rhythm disorders and cardiovascular disease. The Minimally Invasive Technologies Group segment focuses on respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, renal system, lungs, pelvic region, kidneys, and obesity diseases. The Restorative Therapies Group segment comprises of neurostimulation therapies and drug delivery systems for the treatment of chronic pain, as well as areas of the spine and brain, along with pelvic health and conditions of the ear, nose, and throat. The Diabetes Group segment offers insulin pumps, coninuous glucose monitoring systems, and insulin pump consumables. The company was founded in 1949 and is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. Read More Fortis Inc. operates as an electric and gas utility company in Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean countries. It generates, transmits, and distributes electricity to approximately 433,000 retail customers in southeastern Arizona; and 98,000 retail customers in Arizona's Mohave and Santa Cruz counties with an aggregate capacity of 3,233 megawatts (MW), including 59 MW of solar capacity. The company also sells wholesale electricity to other entities in the western United States; owns gas-fired and hydroelectric generating capacity totaling 65 MW; and distributes natural gas to approximately 1,048,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers in British Columbia, Canada. In addition, it owns and operates the electricity distribution system that serves approximately 572,000 customers in southern and central Alberta; owns 4 hydroelectric generating facilities with a combined capacity of 225 MW; and provides operation, maintenance, and management services to five hydroelectric generating facilities. Further, the company distributes electricity in the island portion of Newfoundland and Labrador with an installed generating capacity of 143 MW; and on Prince Edward Island with a generating capacity of 130 MW. Additionally, it provides integrated electric utility service to approximately 67,000 customers in Ontario; approximately 270,000 customers in Newfoundland and Labrador; approximately 31,000 customers on Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; and approximately 15,000 customers on certain islands in Turks and Caicos. The company also holds long-term contracted generation assets in Belize consisting of 3 hydroelectric generating facilities with a combined capacity of 51 MW; and the Aitken Creek natural gas storage facility. It also owns and operates approximately 91,000 circuit Kilometers (km) of distribution lines; and approximately 49,500 km of natural gas pipelines. Fortis Inc. was founded in 1885 and is headquartered in St. John's, Canada. Read More Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. engages in the exploration of mineral properties in the United States. Its principal mineral property is the Pebble copper-gold-molybdenum project comprising 2,402 mineral claims that covers an area of approximately 417 square miles located in southwest Alaska. The company was formerly known as Northern Dynasty Explorations Ltd. and changed its name to Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. in October 1997. Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. was incorporated in 1983 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. Read More Detention of Inter RAO ex-board member charged with espionage extended for 3 months TASS, Mikhail Pochuyev 13:59 09/11/2018 MOSCOW, November 9 (RAPSI) Moscows Lefortovsky District Court on Friday extended detention for ex-board member of Inter RAO energy holding Karina Tsurkan charged with espionage until February 14, the courts press service told RAPSI. Earlier, the court seized bank accounts of Tsurkan. Information on the amount of the arrested funds was not disclosed because of the case secrecy. According to attorney Ivan Pavlov, the case documents read that in August 2004 Tsurkan became an agent involved in confidential and unofficial cooperation with a Moldovan secret service. In April 2015, while staying in Moscow she allegedly received a digital version of a document on project prepared by the Ministry of Energy. The project was allegedly related to the actions of Russian energy companies in the sphere of international cooperation. In September of the same year, she allegedly transferred the document to a secret service. Tsurkan could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted. The defendant denies wrongdoing and claims that she does not know representatives of foreign secret services and did not see the document in question. She also asked to provide her evidence in the case. Aside from being the holdings board member, Tsurkan also headed its trading department. SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF's stock was trading at $36.95 on March 11th, 2020 when COVID-19 reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Since then, KRE shares have increased by 98.9% and is now trading at $73.48. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. Mongolias Human Rights Commission joins Eurasian Ombudsmen Alliance RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov 12:59 09/11/2018 MOSCOW, November 9 (RAPSI) The Human Rights Commission of Mongolia has become a fifth member of the Eurasian Ombudsmen Alliance, RAPSI correspondent reports Friday from the alliance session. Head of the Commission Bambyadorzh Djamsran expressed intent to join the Eurasian alliance and soon afterwards required documents were signed by other members of the organization. The Eurasian Alliance of Ombudsmen was established in December 2017 by representatives of Russia, Iran, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan in order to ensure cooperation in protection of citizens rights. Activities of the organization are apolitical and focused on humanitarian and legal issues. SociAtA GAnArale SociAtA anonyme provides financial services in Europe, the Americas, Asia, Oceania, Africa, and France. The company offers retail banking services, including deposits and loans, vehicles and asset management, corporate finance, insurance, payments, investment, and online brokerage and financial information services; Internet, mobile, telephone, and service platforms; and online banking to individual and professional customers, businesses, non-profit associations and local authorities under the Societe Generale, CrAdit du Nord, and Boursorama Banque brands. It also provides international retail banking and financial services, comprising of deposit and loan products; consumer finance and car finance; mortgage facilities; corporate and investment banking; infrastructure, renewable energies, and agribusiness financing; life, retirement savings, and personal protection insurance products; vehicle leasing and fleet management services; and vendor and equipment finance services to corporate and individual customers. In addition, the company offers capital market services, such as fixed income and currencies, equities, and securities services; mergers and acquisitions, advisory and other corporate finance advisory services, and corporate banking and investment banking, as well as capital raising solutions for debt or equity, financial engineering, and hedging for issuers; transaction and payment services, comprising of cash management, trade finance, cash clearing and correspondent banking, supply chain finance, and foreign exchange services; and export finance, aircraft finance, shipping finance, real estate finance, and structured solutions and leasing. Further, it provides financial engineering and wealth management solutions; structured products, hedge funds, mutual funds, private equity funds and real estate investment solutions; and asset management solutions. SociAtA GAnArale SociAtA anonyme was founded in 1864 and is headquartered in Paris, France. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Sonoco Products: AMGH, APEI UK Limited, APEI Unlimited IOM, Associated Packaging Technologies Inc., Beteiligungen Sonoco Deutschland Vermogensverwaltungsgesellschaft mbh, CP Acquisition LLC, Can Packaging, Can Packaging SAS, Cap Liners Limited, Capseals Limited, Capseals Liners Limited, Cascades Sonoco Inc. (fka Cascades Conversion Inc), Clear Lam Flexible Films (Nanjing) Co. Ltd., Clear Lam Packaging Inc., Clear Pack Co., Clear Pack Company, Colombiana P.M. LLC, Conitex Sonoco (BVI) Ltd., Conitex Sonoco (Mexico) S. de R.L. de C.V., Conitex Sonoco Hellas S.A., Conitex Sonoco Holding B.V., Conitex Sonoco Inc., Conitex Sonoco India Pvt. Ltd., Conitex Sonoco N.V., Conitex Sonoco Shanghai Ltd., Conitex Sonoco Suzhou Co. Ltd., Conitex Sonoco Taiwan Ltd., Conitex Sonoco USA Inc., Convex Mold Inc., Corenso Holdings America Inc., Corenso North America, Corenso Richmond LLC, Corepak Limited, CorrFlex Graphics LLC, Demolli Industria Cartaria S.p.A., Engraph Inc., Engraph Puerto Rico Inc., Fair Lawn Packaging Services LLC, Friarsgate Studio Limited, Graffo Paranaense De Embalagens S.A., Graffo Paranaense de Embalagens S/A, Grove Mill Paper Company Limited, Gunther of America Inc., Hartsville Corrugating LLC, Hayes Manufacturing Group, Heathfield Reels Limited, Highland Packaging Solutions, Highland Packaging Solutions LLC, Industrial Machine Co. Inc., Inversiones Sonoco Limitada, Italtubetti SpA, Laminar Medica, Laminar Medica (CE) s.r.o., Laminar Medica Limited, Manufacturas Sonoco S.A. de C.V., Matrix Packaging Inc., Nathaniel Lloyd & Company Limited, OOO Sonoco Alcore (fka ZAO Sonoco Alcore), Ontario Inc., PT Conitex Sonoco, PT Papcor Asia Pacific, PT Papertech Indonesia, PT Sonoco Indonesia, Packaging Holdings Inc., Papcor (Dezhou) Packaging Material Co. Ltd., Papertech Dezhou Co. Ltd., Papertech SL, PenPack LLC, Peninsula Packaging Company, Peninsula Packaging LLC, Penpack S. de R.L. de C.V., Phoenix Packaging Corp., Plastique Holdings LTD, SAS Du Lagon, SCI Lagon Quest, SMB GmbH, SPC Capital Management Inc., SPC Liquidation LLC, SPC Management LLC, SPC Resources Inc., SR Holdings of the Carolinas LLC, Sebro Plastics Inc., Sonoco (Shanghai) Co., Sonoco (Taicang) Packaging Co., Sonoco (Weifang) Packaging Company Ltd., Sonoco Absorbent Technologies LLC, Sonoco Absorbent Technologies Limited, Sonoco Alcore - Demolli S.r.l., Sonoco Alcore AB, Sonoco Alcore GmbH, Sonoco Alcore N.V., Sonoco Alcore Nederland B.V., Sonoco Ambalaj Sanayi Ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Sonoco Asia Holding S.a.r.l., Sonoco Asia L.L.C., Sonoco Asia Management Company L.L.C., Sonoco Australia Pty Ltd, Sonoco Board Mills Limited, Sonoco Bonmati S.A.U., Sonoco Canada Corporation, Sonoco Capseals Liners Limited, Sonoco Comercial S. de R.L. de C.V., Sonoco Consumer Products Dordrecht B.V. (fka Dorpak B.V.), Sonoco Consumer Products Europe GmbH (fka Weidenhammer Packaging Group GmbH), Sonoco Consumer Products Hellas S.A. (fka Weidenhammer Hellas S.A.), Sonoco Consumer Products Limited, Sonoco Consumer Products Mechelen BVBA (fka Weidenhammer Belgium BVBA), Sonoco Consumer Products Montanay SAS (fka Neuvibox SAS), Sonoco Consumer Products Poland Sp. Z.O.O., Sonoco Consumer Products SAS, Sonoco Consumer Products South Africa (PTY) Ltd., Sonoco Consumer Products Zwenkau GmbH (fka fka Weidenhammer Plastice Packaging GmbH), Sonoco Cores and Paper Limited, Sonoco D & P LLC, Sonoco D and P York LLC, Sonoco Deutschland GmbH, Sonoco Deutschland Holdings GmbH, Sonoco Development Inc., Sonoco Display and Packaging LLC, Sonoco Elk Grove Inc., Sonoco Embalagens Ltda. (fka Sonoco Embalagens S.A.), Sonoco Europe Limited, Sonoco Flexible Packaging Canada Corporation, Sonoco Flexible Packaging Co. Inc., Sonoco Graphics India Private Limited, Sonoco Hickory Inc., Sonoco Holdings Inc., Sonoco Holdings UK Limited, Sonoco Hutchinson LLC, Sonoco IPD France SAS, Sonoco Iberia S.L.U., Sonoco International Holdings GmbH, Sonoco JV GmbH & Co. KG, Sonoco Kaiping Packaging Co. Ltd., Sonoco Limited, Sonoco Luxembourg Holding S.a.r.l., Sonoco Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Sonoco Milnrow, Sonoco Netherlands Holding II BV, Sonoco Netherlands Holding III BV, Sonoco New Zealand Limited, Sonoco Operadora S. de R.L. de C.V., Sonoco Packaging Limited, Sonoco Packaging Tapes Limited, Sonoco Paper Mill & IPD Hellas SA, Sonoco Paperboard Group LLC, Sonoco Partitions Inc., Sonoco Phoenix LLC, Sonoco Pina S.A.U., Sonoco Plastics B.V., Sonoco Plastics Canada ULC, Sonoco Plastics Germany GmbH, Sonoco Plastics Inc., Sonoco Poland Holdings B.V., Sonoco Polysack A/S Inc., Sonoco Polysack Limited, Sonoco Products Company UK, Sonoco Products Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Sonoco Protective Solutions Inc., Sonoco Recycling - International Trade Group LLC (fka Reparco USA Inc.), Sonoco Recycling LLC, Sonoco Reels Limited, Sonoco Retail Packaging S. de R.L. de C.V., Sonoco S.A. de C.V., Sonoco SAS, Sonoco Saudi Limited Company, Sonoco Services LLC, Sonoco Singapore Pte. Ltd., Sonoco TEQ Holdings Ltd, Sonoco TEQ LLC, Sonoco TEQ Ltd, Sonoco TEQ Sp. Z.o.o, Sonoco Taiwan Ltd, Sonoco Thailand Ltd, Sonoco UK Leasing Limited, Sonoco Venezolana C.A., Sonoco Venture International Holdings GmbH, Sonoco Ventures UK Limited, Sonoco Wisconsin Rapids Core Plant LLC, Sonoco Wisconsin Rapids Inc., Sonoco Wisconsin Rapids Paper Mill LLC, Sonoco Yatai Pinghu Packaging Co Ltd, Sonoco de Colombia Ltda, Sonoco do Brasil Participacoes Ltda, Sonoco do Brazil Ltda, Sonoco of Puerto Rico Inc., Sonoco-Alcore AS, Sonoco-Alcore Ou, Sonoco-Alcore Oy, Sonoco-Alcore S.a.r.l., Sonoco-Alcore Sp. Z.O.O., Sonoco-Engraph Puerto Rico Inc., TPT Board Mills Limited, TPT Limited, Tegrant Alloyd Brands Inc., Tegrant Corporation, Tegrant International Inc., Tegrant Property Holdings LLC, Tegrant de Mexico S.A. de C.V., ThermoSafe Brands Asia PTE LTD., ThermoSafe Brands Europe Ltd., Thermoform Engineered Quality LLC, Trident Graphics Canada Corporation, Trident Graphics NA LLC, U.S. Paper Mills Corp., Unit Reels & Drums Limited, Weidenhammer Chile Ltda., Weidenhammer Packaging Group, Weidenhammer UK Ltd., and Wisenberg U.S. Inc.. The following companies are subsidiares of Dover: Accelerated Production Systems, Acme Elevator, Advansor A/S, Advansor Dover International (Poland) sp. z o.o, Advansor Germany GmbH, Alfred Fueling Systems Holdco Ltd., Alfred Fueling Systems Inc., Alfred Fueling Systems Intermediate Holdco Ltd., All-Flo Pump Company, Anman LLC, Anthony Equity Holdings Inc., Anthony Holdings Inc., Anthony Inc., Anthony International, Anthony International Foreign Sales Corp., Anthony International Holding Company, Anthony Mexico Holdings LLC, Anthony North Holdco Inc., Anthony Specialty Glass LLC, Anthony TemperBent GP LLC, Auto Glanz Solutions LLC, Automatik Grundstucksverwaltungs GmbH & Co. KG, Automatik Plastics Machinery (Taiwan) Ltd., BSC Filters Limited, Background2 Limited, Belanger, Belanger Inc., Belvac Middle East FZE, Belvac Production Machinery Inc., Blackmer, BlitzRotary GmbH, Butler Engineering and Marketing S.P.A., CDS Visual, CEP Liquidation LLC, CP Formation LLC, CPC Europe Inc., CPI Products Inc., Caldera, Canada Organization & Development LLC, Chief Automotive Technologies (Shanghai) Trading Company Ltd., Chippewa Square Captive Insurance Company, Colder Products Company, Colder Products Company GmbH, Colder Products Company LTD, Cook Compression BV, Cook Compression LLC, Cook Compression Limited, Cook-MFS Inc., DD1 Inc., DDI Properties Inc., DE-STA-CO Benelux B.V., DE-STA-CO FRANCE, DE-STA-CO Shanghai Co. Ltd., DESTACO UK Limited, DFH Corporation, DFS Netherlands B.V., DSR BZ Holdings LLC, Datamax International Corp, De Sta Co (Asia) Company Limited, De-Sta-Co Cylinders Inc., DeStaCo Europe GmbH, Delaware Capital Formation Inc., Delaware Capital Holdings Inc., Dover (China) Investment Co. Ltd., Dover (Schweiz) Holding GmbH, Dover (Shanghai) Industrial Co. Ltd., Dover (Shenzhen) Industrial Equipment Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Dover (Suzhou) Industrial Equipment Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Dover Asia Trading Private Ltd., Dover Australia Holdings Pty Limited, Dover Business Services EMEA Limited, Dover Business Services LLC, Dover Business Services Philippines Corporation, Dover CLP Formation Limited Partnership, Dover CR spol s r.o., Dover Canada Holdings ULC, Dover Canada Operations ULC, Dover Corporation Regional Headquarters, Dover DEI Services Inc., Dover Denmark Holdings ApS, Dover EMEA FZCO, Dover Energy UK Ltd, Dover Engineered Products Segment Inc., Dover Europe Inc., Dover Europe Sarl, Dover Fluids UK Ltd, Dover France Holdings, Dover France Participations, Dover France Technologies, Dover Fueling Solutions Segment Inc., Dover Fueling Solutions UK Limited, Dover Germany GmbH, Dover Global Holdings LLC, Dover Holdings de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Dover Imaging & Identification Segment Inc., Dover India Pvt. Ltd., Dover Intercompany Services UK Limited, Dover International B.V., Dover International Operations Inc., Dover International Ventures Inc., Dover International Ventures Tunisia S.a.r.l., Dover International ithalat ihracat ve Pazarlama Limited Sirketi, Dover Italy Holdings S.r.l., Dover Luxembourg Finance Sarl, Dover Luxembourg Participations Sarl, Dover Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Dover Luxembourg Services Sarl, Dover Operations South Africa (Pty) Ltd, Dover Overseas Ventures Inc., Dover Pumps & Process Solutions Segment Inc., Dover Refrigeration & Food Equipment Segment Inc., Dover Refrigeration & Food Equipment UK Ltd, Dover Resources International de Mexico S. de R.L. C.V., Dover Solutions Colombia SAS, Dover Southeast Asia (Thailand) Ltd., Dover Spain Holdings S.L., Dover UK Pensions Limited, Dover WSCR Holding LLC, Dover WSCR LLC, Dover do Brasil Ltda., Dow-Key Microwave Corporation, Dresser Wayne Data Technology (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Dresser Wayne Fuel Equipment (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., EOA Systems Inc., Ebs-Ray Holdings Pty Ltd, Ebs-Ray Industries Pty. Ltd., Ebs-Ray Pumps Pty. Ltd., Em-tec, Espy, Ettlinger, Ettlinger Kunststoffmaschinen GmbH, Fairbanks Environmental Limited, Fibrelite Composites Limited, Fibresec Holdings Limited, Fibresec Limited, Finder, GAL LLC, GIIER LLC, Gala Industries, Gala Kunststoff-und Kautschukmaschinen GmbH, Guangdong Tokheim LIYUAN Oil Industry Technology Limited Company, Highland Park Insurance Company, Hill PHOENIX Inc., Hill PHOENIX WIC LLC, Hill Phoenix Costa Rica Sociedad De Responsabilidad Limitada, Hill Phoenix El Salvador Limitada de Capital Variable, Hill Phoenix Guatemala Sociedad Anonima, Hill Phoenix Honduras Sociedad Anonima, Hill Phoenix Nicaragua Sociedad Anonima, Hill Phoenix de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Hiltap Fittings Ltd., Hydro Systems Company, Hydro Systems Europe Ltd., Hydronova Australia-NZ Pty Ltd, Industrial Motion Control LLC, Innovative Control Systems, Innovative Control Systems Inc., Inpro/Seal LLC, JK Group, JK Group S.P.A., JK Group USA Inc., K S Boca Inc., K&L Microwave DR Inc., K&L Microwave Inc., KPS (Beijing) Petroleum Equipment Trading Co Ltd., KPS Fueling Solutions Sdn. Bhd., KPS Hong Kong Holding Limited, KPS UK Limited, KS Formation Inc., KS Liquidation Inc., KSLP Liquidation L.P., Kiian Digital (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Knappco LLC, Knowles Electronics, LIQAL, Liquip, Liquip International Pty Limited, MAAG, MARKEM FZ SA, MARKEM-IMAJE Corporation, MIP Holdings Inc., MS Printing Solutions, MS Printing Solutions S.R.L., Maag Automatik GmbH, Maag Automatik Plastics Machinery (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Maag Gala Inc., Maag Italy S.R.L., Maag Pump Systems, Maag Pump Systems (US) Inc., Maag Pump Systems AG, Maag Reduction Inc., Maag Service (Malaysia) Sdn. Bdn., Maag Systems (Thailand) Limited, Marathon Equipment Company (Delaware), Markem Imaje Center of Competencies Spain S.L.U., Markem-Imaje, Markem-Imaje (China) Co. Limited, Markem-Imaje - Unipessoal Lda, Markem-Imaje A/S, Markem-Imaje AB, Markem-Imaje AG, Markem-Imaje AS, Markem-Imaje B.V., Markem-Imaje CSAT GmbH, Markem-Imaje Co. Ltd., Markem-Imaje GmbH, Markem-Imaje Holding, Markem-Imaje Identificacao de Produtos Ltda., Markem-Imaje Inc., Markem-Imaje India Private Limited, Markem-Imaje Industries, Markem-Imaje Industries Limited, Markem-Imaje KK, Markem-Imaje LLC, Markem-Imaje Limited, Markem-Imaje Limited, Markem-Imaje Ltd., Markem-Imaje N.V., Markem-Imaje Oy, Markem-Imaje Philippines Corporation, Markem-Imaje Pty Ltd, Markem-Imaje S.A., Markem-Imaje S.A. de C.V., Markem-Imaje S.r.l., Markem-Imaje SAS, Markem-Imaje Sdn Bhd, Markem-Imaje Singapore Pte. Ltd., Markem-Imaje Spain S.A.U, Markpoint Holding AB, Midland Manufacturing LLC, Mouvex, Northern Lights (Nevada) Inc., Northern Lights Funding LP, Northern Lights Investments LLC, Nova Controls Inc., OK International, OK International (UK) Ltd., OK International Holdings Inc., OK International Inc., OPW Engineered Systems Inc., OPW Fluid Transfer Group Europe B.V., OPW Fluid Transfer Solutions (Jiang Su) Co. Ltd., OPW Fluids Group Inc., OPW France, OPW Fuel Management Systems Inc., OPW Fueling Components (SuZhou) Co. Ltd., OPW Fueling Components LLC, OPW Iberia Sociedad Limitada, OPW Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., OPW Slovakia s.r.o., OPW Sweden AB, Officine Meccaniche Sirio S.R.L., PDQ Manufacturing, PDQ Manufacturing Inc., PISCES by OPW Inc., PSD Codax Holdings Limited, PSD Codax Limited, PSG (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, PSG (Tianjin) Co. Ltd., PSG California LLC, PSG Germany GmbH, Petro Vend Sp. z o.o., Pike Machine Products Inc., Pole/Zero Acquisition Inc., Precision Brasil Equipamentos E Servicos Para Postos De Combustiveis Ltda., Precision Service - Servicos De Manutencao E Instalacao De Postos De Abastecimento De Combustivel Ltda., Production Control Services, Pump Management Services Co. LLC, RAV Equipos Espana S.L., RAV France, Ravaglioli Deutschland GmbH, Ravaglioli S.P.A., Reduction Engineering GmbH, Revod Corporation, Revod Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Revod SAS, Revod Singapore Holdings Pte. Ltd, Revod Sweden AB, Robohand Inc., Rosario, Rosario Handel B.V., Rotary Lift Consolidated (Haimen) Co. Ltd, SE Liquidation LLC, SWEP Germany GmbH, SWEP Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., SWEP North America Inc., SWEP Slovakia s.r.o., SWEP Technology (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Seabiscuit Motorsports Inc., Simmons Sirvey Corporation, So. Cal. Soft-Pak, So. Cal. Soft-Pak Incorporated, Solaris Laser, Solaris Laser S.A., Somero Enterprises, Sound Solutions, Space S.R.L., Spirit, Start Italiana Petrol Cihazlari Sanayi Ticaret Anonim Sirketi, Start Italiana S.R.L., Swep Energy Oy, Swep International A.B., Swep Japan K.K., Sys-Tech Solutions, Sys-Tech Solutions Inc., Systech GB Limited, Systech Shanghai Consulting Company Limited, TQC Quantium Quality S.A. de C.V., TTSI III Inc., TWG Canada Consolidated Inc., TXHI LLC, Tartan Textile Services Inc., The Heil Co., Tokheim Belgium, Tokheim China Company Limited, Tokheim GmbH, Tokheim Group, Tokheim Hengshan Technologies (Guangzhou) Co. Ltd., Tokheim Holding B.V., Tokheim India Private Limited, Tokheim Sofitam Applications, Trans - Logistic Group S.R.L., Triton Systems, Tulsa Winch Inc., UPCO Inc., US Synthetic, Unattended Payment Solutions LLC, Unified Brands, Unified Brands Inc., Val TemperBent Glass L.P., Vectron Frequency Devices (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, Vehicle Service Group LLC, Vehicle Service Group UK Limited, Vos Food Store Equipment Ltd., WSCR Corp., Warn Automotive LLC, Warn Industries, Waukesha Bearings, Waukesha Bearings Corporation, Waukesha Bearings Limited, Waukesha Bearings Russia LLC, Wayne Fuel Management UK Ltd., Wayne Fueling Systems, Wayne Fueling Systems (Rus) Limited Liability Company, Wayne Fueling Systems Australia Pty Ltd, Wayne Fueling Systems Canada ULC, Wayne Fueling Systems Deutschland GmbH, Wayne Fueling Systems Italia S.R.L., Wayne Fueling Systems LLC, Wayne Fueling Systems Ltd., Wayne Fueling Systems Sweden AB, Wayne Fueling Systems UK Holdco Ltd., Wayne Industria e Comercio Ltda., WellMark, XanTec Steuerungs- und EDV-Technik GmbH, and em-tec GmbH. 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It operates through three segments: Canadian Retail, U.S. Retail, and Wholesale Banking. The company offers personal deposits, such as chequing, savings, and investment products; financing, investment, cash management, international trade, and day-to-day banking services to businesses; and financing options to customers at point of sale for automotive and recreational vehicle purchases through auto dealer network. It also provides credit cards; real estate secured lending; auto finance; consumer lending; point-of-sale payment solutions for large and small businesses; wealth and asset management products, private banking, investment advisory, and trust services to retail and institutional clients; and property and casualty insurance, as well as life and health insurance products. The company also provides capital markets, and corporate and investment banking services, including underwriting and distribution of new debt and equity issues; advice on strategic acquisitions and divestitures; and trading, funding, and investment services to companies, governments, and institutions. It offers its products and services under the TD Bank and America's Most Convenient Bank brand names. The company operates through a network of 1,085 branches, 3,440 automated teller machines, and 1,223 stores, as well as offers telephone, digital, and mobile banking services. The Toronto-Dominion Bank was founded in 1855 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Read More Valdor Technology International Inc. engages in developing, manufacturing, and marketing fiber optic products in the United States and internationally. It offers compact streaming systems; LAN patching products, snap packs, and coupler splitter modules; impact mount connectors, field termination kits, rigid and flexible enclosures, service enclosures, and laser pigtails; and build out attenuators, wavelength division multiplexers, and single mode cable assemblies. The company was formerly known as Valdor Fiber Optics Inc. and changed its name to Valdor Technology International Inc. in July 2008. Valdor Technology International Inc. was incorporated in 1984 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. Read More The Williams Cos., Inc. operates as an energy infrastructure company, which explores, produces, transports, sells and processes natural gas and petroleum products. It operates through the following segments: Transmission and Gulf of Mexico; Northeast G&P; and West. The Transmission and Gulf of Mexico segment comprises of interstate natural gas pipelines, Transco and Northwest Pipeline, as well as natural gas gathering and processing and crude oil production handling and transportation assets in the Gulf Coast region. The Northeast G&P segment includes midstream gathering, processing, and fractionation businesses in the Marcellus Shale region primarily in Pennsylvania and New York, and the Utica Shale region of eastern Ohio. The West segment consists of gas gathering, processing, and treating operations in the Rocky Mountain region of Colorado and Wyoming, the Barnett Shale region of north-central Texas, the Eagle Ford Shale region of south Texas, the Haynesville Shale region of northwest Louisiana, and the Mid-Continent region which includes the Anadarko, Arkoma, and Permian basins. The company was founded by David Williams and Miller Williams in 1908 and is headquartered in Tulsa, Read More ARLINGTON, Va. The Navys next-generation submarine-launched missile (SLBM) will not be a completely new design but will incorporate some of the current Trident D5 Life-Extension (D5LE) version systems. The follow-on missile is currently known as the Trident D5LE2, according to Vice Adm. Johnny Wolfe, director of Strategic Systems Programs (SSP). What Ohio [-class SSBN] has today [D5LE] is what Columbia will initially have until we get the Life-Extension 2, Wolfe said Nov. 8 at the Naval Submarine Leagues annual symposium. To lower technical and schedule risk in the Columbia-class ballistic-missile submarine program, the Navy decided to arm the boats initially with the existing Trident D5LE missile rather than develop an entirely new missile concurrent with the development of the submarine. At some point in the service life of the Columbia class, the boats will receive the D5LE2. Wolfe said the SSP will begin trade studies in 2020 to define an SLBM that can deploy throughout the life of Columbia, which is slated to serve to 2084. The studies will determine which D5LE components can be continued in the next missile and which will need to be modernized or replaced for D5LE2. The D5LE2 wont look like the D5 that weve got today, it wont be completely new, it will be somewhere in the middle, he said. If you look at the decisions that we made on Columbia, as we went down to 16 [launch] tubes [from 24 on the Ohio class], part of that decision was made because there was an assumption that the reliability of this weapon system way out in the 2070s and 2080s will be just as reliable and supportable as it is today with the current Trident, he said. Wolfe pointed out that the Trident missile inventory will decline to a point where new production will be needed. Part of the challenge is to sustain the industrial base to build, for example, rocket motors, so that the expertise is not lost during procurement troughs and would not have to be reconstituted. Our challenge is that whatever we do next has, at a minimum, the reliability, accuracy and supportability that weve got today, he said. Xcel Energy, Inc. operates as a holding company, which engages in the generation, purchase, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity. It operates through the following three segments: Regulated Electric Utility, Regulated Natural Gas Utility and All Others. The Regulated Electric Utility segment generates, transmits and distributes electricity primarily in portions of generates, transmits and distributes electricity in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, Colorado, Texas and New Mexico. In addition, this segment includes sales for resale and provides wholesale transmission service to various entities in the United States. It also includes commodity trading operations. The Regulated Natural Gas Utility segment transports, stores, and distributes natural gas primarily in portions of Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, Michigan and Colorado. The All Others segment engages in steam, appliance repair services, nonutility real estate activities, processing solid waste into refuse-derived fuel and investments in rental housing projects that qualify for low-income housing tax credits. The company was founded in 1909 and is headquartered in Minneapolis, MN. Read More MVC Capital, Inc. is a business development company specializing in equity, acquisition financing, mezzanine financing, management buyouts, leveraged buildups, corporate partnerships, PIPE transactions, going private transactions, private company recapitalizations, operational turnarounds, and growth and expansion capital transaction financing. The company seeks to invest in mature, small, and middle-market companies. It seeks to invest in companies in the consumer products, business services, industrial manufacturing and services, automotive retailing, energy, food and food service, financial services, insurance, industrial distribution and value-added distribution, medical devices and equipment, specialty chemicals, and security sectors. The company prefers to invest in companies based in the United States. The firm typically invests between $3 million and $25 million for control and non-control stakes in companies with revenues between $10 million and $150 million and EBITDA between $3 million and $25 million. It prefers to be the lead investor in transactions and also co-invests in companies with other private equity sponsors. The company invests in the form of preferred and common equity, and warrants or rights to acquire equity interests; bridge loans; term loans; debt; cash flow loans; senior and subordinated loans; convertible securities; venture capital; mezzanine; and private equity investments. It exits its investments in the form of maturity of loan, public offering, sale, mergers and acquisitions, and financial recapitalizations. It prefers to take majority stake in companies. 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 Man was fired from Luling PD on Wednesday, spent time at Seguin, New Braunfels, GCSO Overall, most banks showed a reduction in gross non-performing loans (NPLs) and lower formation of new NPLs. (Photo: ANI) Singapore: Notwithstanding the positive signs in the Indian banking sector, fundamentals still remain a long way from returning to "healthy level", a DBS report said on Friday. According to the global financial services major, the recent second quarter earnings of Indian banks showed some positive signs with a slight improvement in asset quality. Overall, most banks showed a reduction in gross non-performing loans (NPLs) and lower formation of new NPLs. Some banks also expect further improvement in asset quality in the coming quarters, noted the report. Lower credit costs also helped the bottom line of the banks, as the countries two leading lenders -- State Bank of India and ICICI Bank -- returned to profit in the September quarter after reporting losses in the prior quarter. "Gross NPL ratio of our sample remains above 10 per cent while capitalisation remains just about adequate (Tier I ratio of 9-10 per cent)," DBS said in a research note adding, the government is expected to maintain capital levels of banks through periodic equity injection. The report further noted that asset quality issues are unlikely to be resolved without "exceptional measures", and hence will remain a long-term issue. DBS however cautioned that the recent improvements seen could slow down as recoveries from ongoing bankruptcy resolutions get more challenging once the better quality assets are sold. Valuations of Indian bank USD bonds remain relatively expensive and do not offer much upside from current levels. Hence, the bonds have not reacted to the second quarter results unlike equities of the banks which have seen a rally. "That said, bond valuations are driven by government ownership and supported by the strong technicals (absence of new bond supply). At best, Indian bank bonds are suitable for buy and hold investors for coupon carry, the report said. If you are currently a print subscriber but don't have an online account, select this option. You will need to use your 7 digit subscriber account number (with leading zeros) and your last name (in UPPERCASE). The raids were conducted on January 4 and 5, a senior official said. New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has flagged to the RBI about alleged dubious activities of a Karnataka-based firm, charging it with running a ponzi scheme in the name of Islamic banking or halal investment and collecting over Rs 950 crore funds from gullible investors till now, officials said on Thursday. The central probe agencys zonal office in Bengaluru has also written to Karnataka Police seeking all FIRs filed by it against the firm on the alleged chit fund scheme being run by it in order to study the case comprehensively and file a fresh criminal case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Islamic banking or halal investment is illegal in India. The ED identified the accused firm as Ambidant Marketing, run by one S Fareed Ahmed and S Afaq Ahmed, and said it first came under its radar in January for alleged FEMA contraventions and subsequently searches were conducted on the company. Emails and phone calls to the company did not elicit a response. The ED had acted on the firm based on some vital information obtained from the Income Tax Department about its financial dealings and possible indulgence in hawala transactions. The raids were conducted on January 4 and 5, a senior official said. The agency said it seized Rs 1.97 crore cash from the premises of S Fareed Ahmed and subsequently registered a case against the firm under the Foreign Exchange Management Act. A penalty of Rs 1.86 crore was recovered from the firm after adjudication proceedings were made under FEMA while the cash of Rs 1.97 crore was seized, the official said. Now during further probe against the firm for its forex dealings in UAE, the ED said it was revealed that the firm is involved in collecting investments from customers in the name of halal investment and offering huge returns to the extent of up to 12 per cent per month. This money was collected through electronic transfer, cheque and cash, the official said, adding no permission either from the RBI or market regulator Sebi was obtained by the company. The company, since December 2016, has received over Rs 954.05 crore from investors under plans called ultimate plan and Haj/Umrah plan. It is intriguing that returns to the tune of 10-12 per cent per month are being offered to the investors in the name Islamic banking, the ED said in its communication to the RBI. This scheme surely looks to be a potential ponzi scheme and the RBI has been asked to have a re-look into the matter, the official said. Hollywood stars Chris Pratt and Anna Faris as part of their divorce settlement approved on Wednesday have agreed to live close to each other. Accoring to reports on TMZ.com, the two, who obtained a private judge to work out the deal, reportedly signed off on the deal. According to the documents, they have agreed to live no more than five miles apart for about the next five years. This deal was made so that the two parents stay in place until their six-year-old son, Jack, completes the sixth grade. If one needs to move further away for any reason, they reportedly must give written notice to the other no later than three months in advance. They must also provide 30 days notice if they plan to travel outside of the country with Jack, as well as reasonable advance notice for travelling out of the state. HT0 Police in Director Murugadoss s home? For what? Hoping and really hoping that nothing unforeseen happens. Thalapathy Vijays Diwali offering Sarkar has been running into controversies since last Thursday afternoon with several politicians protesting against the film. The ruling party cadres went on to tear banners of the movie in theatres, demanding that specific scenes be removed. Objections were against a scene in which the name of the antagonist played by Varalaxmi was uttered and another in which the director of the film AR Murugadoss himself throws Jaya freebies into the fire. The name Komalavalli may have been one of several given to the late chief minister Jayalalithaa in the naming ceremony when she was a child. The freebies in the fire scene was bound to evoke strong criticism. The Sarkar team acceded to make the necessary changes and the film was re-censored and shows on screens from Friday evening. While some high profile stars like Rajini, Kamal and Vishal extended their support for Sarkar, a few producers like SR Prabhu and CS Amudhan had called it more free publicity for Sarkar. RK Selvamani: The industry body Film Employees Federation of South India (FEFSI) has supported director AR Murugadoss. In a statement RK Selvamani, president of FEFSI, said, I spoke to ARM. He says that he has not named any particular government but all the governments which ruled in the past 30 years who have made the people lose their dignity and self-respect by offering them freebies. In that sense, it should be viewed only as the creative freedom of a creator (filmmaker) and I request the TN government, minsters and AIADMK cadres to view it in the same manner and restore peace in Sarkarissue. Kamal Haasan: The actor-politician was one of the first from the industry to voice his support for Sarkar. He said, Using pressure tactics through its dictatorial power to disrupt a duly censor certified film like Sarkar is not something new to this government. A government that cannot take criticisms will eventually be ruined. These people, who are after power, will perish one day. The virtuous people will win. Rajinikanth: It is illegal to protest against a film that has been censored. It is not fair to stop the film screening, stage protests to remove scenes from the film, and damaging the banners in front of the theatres. I strongly condemn this act. Vishal: Police in Director Murugadoss s home? For what? Hoping and really hoping that nothing unforeseen happens. Once again. Censor has cleared the film and public watches the content. Then why all this hue and cry? (The high court has directed the police not to arrest AR Murugadoss till November 27 while ruling on his anticipatory bail plea.) Karunas: Sarkar has totally exposed the horrible status of the present government and brought awareness to people. Does the AIADMK government want to cover up and divert the attention by indulging in violence? I strongly condemn those who are trying to sabotage the film - which has duly got the censor clearance - using their wily political ways. PA. Ranjith: The way they misuse government power and get into violent mode itself shows that democracy died long back here. CS Amudhan: I strongly object to the fact that we were not given similar publicity (when spoof movie Padam 2). We also tried our best! This is totally partisan behaviour. #IStandWithSarkaar. SR Prabhu: Creating controversy out of scenes approved and cleared by the Censor Board, comes under publicity for the film. That too free publicity! RD Raja: After a film got censor certification and got released, removing certain scenes and getting it re-censored is against democracy and law. Re-censoring of Sarkarshould have been avoided and we should bring an end to this trend. Hailing from a middle-class family in Bheemavaram, 23-year-old Siddhartha Shankar (Sidhu) had absolutely no experience in direction. His mother is a housewife and his father a mechanic, while his elder brother works at HCL in Pune. And though he had never worked as an assistant director nor made any short films, he managed to catch the eye of director Ram Gopal Varma. Unlike most filmmakers, all through childhood, Sidhu was disinterested in movies. It all began when I started editing some wedding videos to earn a living, says Sidhu. While I was doing my graduation in engineering, I switched to editing short films shot by my friends, he reveals. However, his parents did not encourage him to enter the film industry, as they wanted Sidhu to join a software company. As luck would have it, RGV wanted to do a web series and he called my friend, and thats how I came onboard the team as an editor, he says. One day, RGV called me and asked me to direct the film Bhairava Geetha, he says. I was shocked and scared initially because I hadnt even directed a short film until then. So, he asked me to do a test shoot, which he liked and then gave me this chance, recalls Sidhu. Under the tutelage of RGV, Sidhu learnt how to prepare a scene board and shoot. He never came to the sets, but I used to inform him of films progress twice a week, says Sidhu. The film was shot at Kadapa, Pulivendula, Badami and many other places. And was made in Kannada and Telugu simultaneously. Its a different experience for me as director. People who are older than me called me sir, which I find very odd. But everyone respects the person in the directors chair, so they all respected me, says Sidhu. On the first day, I was a bit confused and couldnt manage to take a single shot, he admits. Soft-spoken and boyish, Sidhu now commands a unit with ease. Bhairava Geetha is a period drama about landlords and workers that takes place in the 90s in Rayalaseema. Though RGV provided the story, he never got involved in the shooting. Even the artistes and locations were selected by me and RGV, he says. Most of the film was shot at real locations and has used the local people, with Sidhu taking charge of 500 people at times. Sidhu has no great aspirations, and would just like to go with the flow. I dont have any plan of spending a lifetime in films or of making some award-winning film. I just want to earn something and buy a house for my mother, says the humble director. He has, however, already signed his next film with producer Abhishek Nama of Abhishek Pictures. The judge said the prosecution proved the case beyond reasonable doubt, and sentenced Abbas to undergo RI for two years. The judge also imposed a fine of Rs 10,000. Representational Images) Chennai: A Mahila court here has sentenced an autorickshaw driver to undergo rigorous imprisonment for two years and also imposed a fine of Rs 10,000, for abetting his wifes suicide. According to Additional Public Prosecutor, Gowri Asokan, auto driver, Abbas, married Fathima on May 3, 2006. For the wedding, her family members gave him Rs 15,000 and 1 and 3/4 sovereigns of gold jewels and other household articles as dowry. Fathima was living with her husband Abbas and father-in-law Muthu Mohammed, in a house at Venkateswara Nagar, Kodungaiyur. Since the wedding, Abbas had been continuously harassing his wife for more dowry. Besides asking for more jewels and cash from Fathimas elder brother, he also demanded a new auto rickshaw and a new cellphone. Due to the mental torture and harassment, on February 22, 2007, at about 6 pm, Fathima set herself ablaze. She was rushed to hospital, but she died the next day. Fathima died within nine months of their marriage. Assistant Commissioner of Police, MKB Nagar Range, filed a chargesheet before the court. Mahila Court judge R.N. Manjula, said that marital cruelty is a serious offence. Abbas did not allow Fathima to lead a peaceful life. The judge said the prosecution proved the case beyond reasonable doubt, and sentenced Abbas to undergo RI for two years. The judge also imposed a fine of Rs 10,000. Bengaluru: Those illegally dumping garbage in and around Govindraj Nagar under cover of darkness and scooting off in their vehicles, better watch out. BBMP has installed 175 CCTV cameras in the area and it will help its officials monitor illegal dumping and burning of garbage, and other anti-social activites. The Palike plans to cover all the 198 wards with CCTV cameras by next year.A senior BBMP officer said, CCTV cameras were installed by the BBMP after the fund was allotted separately for this particular programme. These cameras will be monitored at the ward office by the officials to keep tabs on any illegal dumping of garbage. Moreover, any untoward incident can be reported to the jurisdictional police. We soon expect to cover all the wards in the city with CCTV cameras. In December, we will direct all the ward level officials to carry out a recee in their particular wards and find suitable spots where CCTV can be installed and they will have to submit a report. We will also examine the spots and start installing the cameras. We will hold a meeting with the Mayor and BBMP Commissioner and after their approval we will began the work to identify the spots, added the officer. Another officer mentioned that the presence of the CCTV cameras will create a sense of fear among the people. These cameras will act as a deterrent and the public would think twice before dumping garbage. The visuals will provide us with evidence to penalise people for dumping or burning garbage. These evidence will be provided to the Marshals, who can penalise the people after confirming the incident. The CCTV will also be helpful for the police department, as they can also obtain the visuals for the process of investigation, the official added. According to BBMP sources, in 2019 all 198 wards would be equipped with CCTV cameras. The Moscow-format meeting on Afghanistan will be held on November 9 and representatives of the Afghan Taliban radical movement will take part in it. (Representational Image | AP) New Delhi: India on Thursday said it will participate in the meeting being hosted by Russia on Afghanistan at a "non-official level" in Moscow where representatives of the Taliban will be present. The Moscow-format meeting on Afghanistan will be held on November 9 and representatives of the Afghan Taliban radical movement will take part in it, the Russian Foreign Ministry had said last week. In response to queries regarding India's participation in the meeting, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "We are aware that the Russian Federation is hosting a meeting in Moscow on 9 November on Afghanistan." "Our participation at the meeting will be at the non-official level," he said. India supports all efforts at peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan that will preserve unity and plurality, and bring security, stability and prosperity to the country, he said. "India's consistent policy has been that such efforts should be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, and Afghan-controlled and with participation of the government of Afghanistan," Kumar asserted. According to Russian news agency TASS, this is for the second time, Russia is attempting to bring regional powers together while discovering ways for establishing peace in war-torn Afghanistan. The first such meeting, proposed for September 4 of this year, was called off at the last moment after the Afghan government pulled out, describing its involvement in the Moscow meeting as "unnecessary" as the Taliban had "disrespected internationally-sanctioned principles and rejected the message of peace and direct negotiations." According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, invitations to take part in the event had been sent to Afghanistan, India, Iran, China, Pakistan, the US and some other countries. The meeting comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks a host of global issues. After the talks, in a joint statement, the two sides declared their support to the Afghan government's efforts towards the realisation of an Afghan-led, and Afghan-owned national peace reconciliation process. Both sides had called upon the international community to join efforts to thwart any external interference in Afghanistan, to restore its economy, contribute to sustaining peace and security, economic and political development of a stable, secure, united, prosperous and independent Afghanistan. India and Russia had resolved to direct their activities towards launching joint development and capacity building projects in Afghanistan. The first stage light flickers to life, its orange glow bringing Shekhar Sen slowly into view. Dressed in white, the slightly shabby attire of a sanyasin, he breaks into song. There is silence, save for his voice, which rings through the auditorium, "Yeh Pandit hai ya Maula?" This is Kabeer, a mammoth mono-act production by Shekhar Sen, the renowned musician and theatre artist, his biggest success on stage, has been performed 425 times around the world. On November 30, when Sen goes up on stage, it will be for the 1000th time. He grew up in Raipur, Chattisgarh, on the campus of the Indira Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalaya, where both his parents worked. Music was the language he knew most intimately and Sen, as a young boy, soon discovered a fondness for autobiographies. This was encouraged by his mother, the late Dr Aneeta Sen, who bought him many books. By the 1980s, Sen had established a name for himself in Mumbai, singing bhajans and by 1985, was doing 'research-oriented' programmes, like the ghazals of Dushyant Kumar and songs by mediaval poets like Kabir, Tulsidas, Raskhan and many others. Kabir, as fate would have it, was never too far away: His fathers uncle, the renowned scholar, Kshitimohan Sen, was the first Vice-Chancellor of Shantiniketan and the first to translate Kabirs poems to Bangla. When Tagore first decided to translate his poetry to English, it was Sen who suggested he begin translating Kabir. Tulsidas, Soordas, Kabeer and Swami Vivekananda were brought to life on stage by Sen's unmatched versatility (Kabeer alone has 38 characters and Sen provides a distinct voice for each one). One day, after Kabeer found success, he thought, "I don't deserve the money I'm making from this." He pulled out a map and traced a route from Kashi to Maghar and setting off on a yatra of 14 performances. "These are places that don't even have electricity, so I would go with all my lights, sound equipment and a generator to get it all running." "I began working on my first script, Tulsidas, in 1997 - 98," he says. Having travelled a good deal already, Sen was amazed by the scale and glamour of big theatre productions, Broadway's Lion King is the name that springs most easily to his mind. "I thought, why can't we do these things in India, too? That's how it began." Sen multi-tasks his way through the interview, successfully juggling his way through unconnected thoughts. It's a gift that comes in handy on stage. A mono-act production requires the virtuosity of both a musician and an actor: "I have a gift, I call it God's gift," he remarks. "If there is music playing, my mind automatically begins to count the bars (keep time)." Interspersed with dialogue and song, with a musical score that runs right through, timing is imperative. "It is a tough job," he agrees. "Actors would find it difficult to keep time musically and a musician might struggle with the dialogue." His journey, however, began almost as soon as he was born. His parents, both renowned musicians, served as principal and vice-chancellor of what was then the only Music and Fine Arts University in the country. "I grew up on campus, so music was a constant thing, from 6 am to 10.30 pm. It was a privilege, really." Both his parents belong to the Gwalior gharana and Sen followed suit. His career soon took off in Mumbai, "I had 227 CDs out by the time I turned to theatre," he says. Shrouded in mysticism and myth, stories of Kabir are both plentiful and varied - a complication for a biographer. "With Swami Vivekananda, I had the opposite problem - there was too much material!" When it was time to pepper the play with Bhojpuri, Sen decided to travel to Benaras, where he spent a week with a community of weavers. "The Bhojpuri spoken today is very different from what Kabir might have used in the 14th century. Today, their talk is crass - even a mother would call her son with a cuss word." 'For the family' was a strict motto for Sen and he proceeded to tone down the language without diluting the emotion underlying it. Every play takes nearly a year to complete, for Sen begins from scratch. "Composing the music is probably the easiest part, because that is what I do. writing the script, however, is a challenge." The next task is no less challenging: committing the dialogue and songs to memory, in the correct sequence. English subtitles will flash across the screen for those who aren't fluent in Hindi and Bhojpuri, It is a thoughtful addition, inspired by his many trips abroad (a Youtube search for Kabeer throws up results from a temple in Iowa), where he found people already enthralled by the poet-saint and eager to learn more. Saahab breaks away from his other works. It was a remark made in passing that got Sen thinking: "Someone said to me that only great men can do such great things. I thought, no. Everybody is capable of greatness, you can learn the most profound and beautiful lesson from a stranger." Jagdalpur: With less than a week left for the Chhattisgarh Assembly elections to kick-off, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi began campaigning in the state's Naxal-hit areas on Friday. PM Modi, who was addressing a rally in Bastar's Jagdalpur, lashed out at the Congress and questioned the party's intentions behind backing urban Maoists. "Urban Maoists live in AC surroundings, move around in big cars and their children study abroad, but they ruin the lives of our poor Adivasi youth here through remote control. Why is Congress supporting these Urban Maoists?" Modi asked. Addressing his first election rally in the state, PM Modi also said he will not rest till he fulfils late Atal Bihari Vajpayee's dreams for a prosperous Chhattisgarh. He urged the people of Bastar to teach a 'fitting lesson to the Congress leaders', who on one hand try to shield the urban Maoists, and in Chhattisgarh, they speak about freeing the state from Maoists, Modi said. He added that the Congress-led government did not do enough to develop the Naxal-infested Bastar region citing the Maoist menace. Assembly elections are scheduled to be held in Chhattisgarh next week in two phases on November 12 and November 20. The first phase is to be held in the Naxal-affected constituencies of Bastar region that falls in the southern part of the state. However, on June 10, 2018, while he was heading home on his scooter, he suffered a bad fall. He nevertheless continued his ride home. But later he experienced a severe headache and was rushed to hospital. BENGALURU: In a rare case of kidney transplant in the city, a 68-year-old patient received an organ that the donor himself got 8.5 years ago. Globally only eight such cases have been reported. The 62-year-old donor Surya (name changed) had received the kidney from his elder brother. Surya was suffering from severe chronic kidney disease and his brothers kidney was a perfect genetic match and it was functioning normally. However, on June 10, 2018, while he was heading home on his scooter, he suffered a bad fall. He nevertheless continued his ride home. But later he experienced a severe headache and was rushed to hospital. There he had a cardiac arrest and was shifted to B.G.S Gleneagles Global Hospitals. On evaluation, the doctors found that he had suffered an intracerebral hemorrhage and was swiftly taken for emergency surgery. Unfortunately, his condition continued to deteriorate and after two days he was declared brain dead. The family came forward and suggested organ donation. But as Surya himself was a kidney recipient, the possibility of donating his kidney was unlikely. In most cases, a kidney after 10 years of transplantation is likely to have some dysfunction and retrieving a transplanted kidney through surgery is clinically difficult. Surprisingly, in this case, the transplanted kidney was found to be functioning normally. Suryas elder brother was 62 during the time of donation. Hence the age of the kidney was around 71 years. Any donor after 60 years is considered an extended criteria donor, which means that transplanting such a kidney may have less than optimal function. However, in this particular case after a complete assessment and evaluation by a team of doctors, the kidney was offered to a 68-year-old individual, who was diagnosed as suffering from end-stage renal disease. As for complexity of the surgery, Dr Narendra S., Chief Transplant Surgeon and Urologist at BGS Gleneagles Global Hospitals, said the major challenge was the complexities involved in the procedure. BENGALURU: With the All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) directive coming into force, thousands of engineering teachers from unaided colleges are facing an uncertain future as many have already been laid off, while several others face a similar fate. Demanding that the government should intervene, the All-India Private College Employees Union (AIPCEU) has written to the Karnataka Fee Regulatory Committee (KFRC) and the Admission Overseeing Committee to address the issues. The Union stated that with the private college managements implementing the decision, over 7,000 qualified and experienced lecturers will lose jobs and that it will affect the academic output as well. Union founder K.M. Karthik said that almost 3,500 lecturers have already lost their jobs across the state since the beginning of this academic year. In June, AICTE approved a teacher-student ratio of 1:20, which was 1:15 till then, citing declining admissions. College managements are taking undue advantage of the new ratio to downsize faculty to maximise their profits. Lecturers are being laid off without prior notice or any justification and this is completely unjust, he said. He pointed out that there is no job security for over 28,000 lecturers serving in 182 unaided engineering colleges across the state. Further alleging private managements of eyeing larger profits, Mr Karthik said that the institutions included these faculty members to show big numbers to claim they had increased expenses to run each course, misinforming the KFRC. A fee hike of 8% was allowed by the state government only after such details, which were never authenticated, was handed over to the KFRC by the managements. While many on the payrolls submitted then have lost jobs now, the fee hike granted to them is just another avenue to earn more profits, he said. A teaching faculty from a private engineering college who was asked to resign in July this year alleged that her termination letter failed to cite any reason. Though we were up to the mark in academics and in contributing through research, four of us were asked to resign in a matter of 10 days. One among us even had more than five years of industry experience, but that had no value when the action was taken, the lecturer said. The finance ministry official, however, said that the only proposal concerning RBI reserves that the government was discussing was to fix an appropriate economic capital framework for the RBI. New Delhi: In an attempt to put at rest speculation about the government seeking Rs 3.6 lakh crore from the RBI, economic affairs secretary Subhash Chandra Garg on Friday said that the Centres fiscal math is on track and does not require any money from the Central bank. A lot of misinformed speculation is going around in the media. The governments fiscal math is completely on track. There is no proposal to ask RBI to transfer Rs 3.6 or Rs 1 lakh crore, as speculated, said Mr Garg, adding that the governments fiscal deficit under the UPA-2 in FY 2013-14 was 5.1 per cent. From 2014-15 onwards, the government has succeeded in bringing it down substantially. We will end the FY 2018-19 with FD of 3.3 per cent. The government has actually foregone Rs 70,000 crore of budgeted market borrowing this year, said the secretary. The finance ministry official, however, said that the only proposal concerning RBI reserves that the government was discussing was to fix an appropriate economic capital framework for the RBI. This framework would stipulate the amount of reserves that the Central bank should maintain. This proposal led to a speculation that the government wants to lay hands on a part of the RBIs massive Rs 9.59 lakh crore reserves. According to some reports, the government wanted the RBI to part with a third of the reserves an issue, which along with the governments demand for easing of norms for weak banks and raising liquidity, has brought the two at loggerheads in recent weeks. In the Economic Survey 2016-17, the then chief economic adviser Arvind Subramanian argued that the RBI was already exceptionally highly capitalised and that it could transfer nearly Rs 4 lakh crore of its capital to the government which can be used for recapitalising the banks and/ or recapitalising a Public Sector Asset Rehabilitation Agency. The Opposition Congress had alleged that the government was trying to accessing the RBIs money to dole out freebies ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and had called it the great Indian robbery. Earlier this year, the RBI decided to pay Rs 50,000 crore as a dividend to the government in line with the Union Budget provisions. Coimbatore: Police have launched a search for a 10-year-old girl who went missing while she was on the way to a relatives house, after getting a lift on a strangers motorcycle in the suburbs of the city here. Police said, Naresh (35), a native of Nepal settled in the city, was residing with his family at Vagarayanpalayam for over 20 years, and working as a load man in a gas agency in the same area. Recently, Nareshs daughter, Sujmitha, had wanted to visit a relatives house at Rasipalayam in the outskirts of Sulur. Both father and daughter came to the bus stand and despite waiting for a long time, Naresh was unable to get a bus to Rasipalayam. At that time, Naresh saw a stranger on a bike who when enquired said he was heading towards Rasipalayam. Without a second thought, Naresh requested the stranger to drop his daughter at Rasipalayam. The person agreed, and took the girl along with him. But to the family's shock, Naresh came to know that his daughter did not reach the house of the relative. Despite searching and waiting for a whole day in neighbouring places, they were unable to trace the girl. Finally, Naresh lodged a police complaint at Sulur police station. Based on the complaint, police have launched a search for the girl. Chennai: Citizens of Chennai city urged the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) to hold public grievance meetings at least once a month just as officials from the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) do. Residents say that such meetings help people come out with their grievances on a variety of issues like garbage clearance, storm water drain, road-relaying, encroachment, health and sanitation, construction of buildings in violation of rules. According to residents, every district in the state conducts public grievance meetings. Even agricultural grievance meetings are conducted in most districts. Since Chennai faces a host of issues ranging from storm water network to flooding, it is mandatory for corporation officials to conduct grievance meetings so that citizens can air their problems. Jayaram Sivaram, a civic activist and president of the T.Nagar Resident Welfare Association, said, "Such an interaction is necessary in view of the mounting problems people face every passing day. Adding to the issue is that there is no elected civic body officials and people are clueless as to whom they can meet to sort out their issues."Stating that there is no possibility for the GCC to accurately sense the concerns of people in the city, Jayaram noted, "The only way forward is a grievance meeting." Residents also pointed out that with the northeast monsoon setting in, a public hearing assumes significance. "Many works relating to the monsoon are pending. If Chennai receives heavy rain, surely there will be floods," said K Varun, a resident of Valasaravakkam. He blamed corporation officials for not paying special attention to civic issues. When contacted, a senior official of the GCC maintained that they have conducted such meetings whenever the GCC implemented major projects. "We will consider holding such meetings in the days ahead. People can convey civic-related issues to the concerned zonal officials and if there is no response, they can approach the GCC," added the official. The numbers may be small for a large country like India, but it has confirmed that the virus is present in the air as was suspected earlier. (Photo: Pixabay) Hyderabad: The Zika virus poses a very real risk for the Indian population. Its presence has been confirmed by five zika virus strains which have been isolated from patients in Jaipur. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) states that the virus in India lacks a particular gene linked to foetal microcephaly (babies born with abnormally small heads), and so at present this not a risk. But epidemiologists state that earlier vector-virus relationship studies with chikungunya and dengue, caused by the same type of mosquito, have suggested that in due course of time it will spread and become a major public health concern. A senior doctor in the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme explained, There are 159 positive cases of zika virus in Rajasthan. The numbers may be small for a large country like India, but it has confirmed that the virus is present in the air as was suspected earlier. This is Indias third outbreak of zika in the past two years which means that we need to be alert and there must be better diagnosis. The virus breeds in Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes and the environment in India is conducive to its spread as water here is stored, there are high levels of humidity and optimal temperature to support the survival of mosquito eggs for three to four days at a stretch. Prime Minister Narendra Modi at an election rally at Jagdalpur, in Bastar district, Friday where he addressed his first election rally in Chhattisgarh. The first phase polling for the Assembly elections is on November 12. (PTI) Bhopal: Hitting the campaign trail in Chhattisgarh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday slammed the Congress for backing urban Maoists who lead luxurious life and drive big cars in cities but ruin lives of poor tribals in the Bastar region by instigating them to take up arms against the government. Addressing a rally in Jagdalpur ahead of the first phase of Assembly polls scheduled on Monday, Mr Modi regretted that Urban Maoists live in air-conditioned houses, roam in luxury cars and send their children abroad for education, but they play havoc in lives of poor adivasis of Bastar by remote-controlling their life. Urban Maoists hit the streets whenever the state government takes action against Naxals, he said. Why is the Congress supporting them? Will you forgive the Congress for supporting urban Naxals? he asked the gathering. Mr Modi called upon the people of Bastar to vote for the BJP and teach the Congress a lesson for its double standards on Naxalism. I want to ask the Congress why it supports Urban Maoists when the government takes action against them and comes to Bastar and speaks against Naxalism, he said. The PMs remarks follow on from Congress campaigner Raj Babbar in Chhattisgarh describing Maoists as revolutionaries who seek to bring changes in the society. BJP leaders regularly use the term urban Maoists to refer to people in the cities who they allege are involved in carrying out anti-national activities. The term urban Naxal/Maoists had come into prominence in August following the arrest of Left-leaning activists on charges of abetting Maoists. Following the arrests, BJP president Amit Shah had accused Congress president Rahul Gandhi of raising a hue and cry over the arrest of urban Naxals. The Opposition says Mr Modi cannot stomach criticism and the action against the activists is aimed at silencing them. PM said that the previous governments run by the Congress had done little to improve the condition of tribals of Bastar and used to blame the Naxal problem for not being able to undertake developmental works. But, the state BJP government has undertaken development of the region in a massive way by spreading road and rail networks despite facing resistance from Maoists, he said. I appeal to you to ensure that the BJP wins all the 12 Assembly seats in Bastar in the coming polls. If anyone else wins, then Bastar youths dreams of a bright future will be derailed, he said. The Prime Minister also accused the Congress of mocking Adivasis (tribals) and dehumanising the Dalits, underprivilged, victims and poor. I dont know why the Congress makes fun of Adivasis. Once I had gone for a rally in North-East India and wore a traditional Adivasi headgear but Congress leaders made fun of it. This was an insult of Adivasi culture, he said, adding that the Congress is not ready to see Adivasis as humans. Modi also paid tributes to Doordarshans cameraman Achyutanand Sahu, who was killed by Naxals last month in Chhattisgarh. Sahu and two security personnel were killed on October 30 in a Naxal attack in Dantewada district, located around 450 km from the state capital Raipur. Forest sources said that Khadija (50), a farmhand in a private plantation near Kotagiri, was attacked and injured by a wild boar in the late evening of Wednesday. (Representational Images) Ooty: The man-wild boar conflict surfaced again in Kotagiri hills near here after a gap of three weeks when the movement of a sloth bear in Selas village limits near Coonoor triggered panic. Forest sources said that Khadija (50), a farmhand in a private plantation near Kotagiri, was attacked and injured by a wild boar in the late evening of Wednesday. She was rushed to Coimbatore where she is being treated in a hospital. Forester sources said that her condition is stabl now. Meanwhile, the movement of a sloth bear around human settlements in Selas village limits near Coonoor on Thursday night scared residents. While the Salem village limits witnessed quite a few man-animal conflicts in the recent past with the gaur menace proving to be a challenging task to deal with in the recent weeks, now the straying of a sloth bear has emerged as the new challenge for foresters. Selas residents want the foresters to take effective steps to either drive away the stray bear or capture and relocate it. The Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Kannada which is in urgent need of an independent building and adequate funds for its research work Hassan: Although Kannada was declared a classical language a decade ago, not enough research has gone into it mainly due to the poor funds allocated to the Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Kannada here by the Union Ministry of Human Resources Development (HRD). The Rs 1 crore that the centre receives annually is not enough to meet its requirements for research, complain its officials, who are now pinning their hopes on the state government coming forward to fund its research programmes. "We plan to approach the state government soon," reveals an official. Unfortunately, the Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Kannada has been functioning from the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL), Mysuru since it opened in 2011 and doesn't have a building of its own as yet. "We need five acres in Mysuru city for an independent building. If the state government provides it, the Union government will construct the building in no time," add the officials, who believe this will help the centre lobby for an autonomous status to give impetus to research on Kannada. "We need a library for our 5,000 books and the reference books of researchers, besides individual rooms for the linguistic, translation and literature wings of the centre. This can be possible only if we have an independent building," they explain. It was in the 2016-17 academic year that five researchers began their work at the Mysuru centre. Although one of them left mid-way , the four others have completed their work, which will be published in the form of books shortly. Ten more researchers are likely to join the centre for the 2017-18 academic year. Hyderabad: The Congress has decided to go ahead and announce its first list of 74 candidates despite the unhappiness of Mahakutami allies over seat sharing. While TD and TJS leaders have expressed dissatisfaction over the constituencies allotted to them, the CPI said it would contest from five seats against the three given to it. TPCC chief N. Uttam Kumar Reddy and TS Congress incharge R.C. Khuntia will hold the final round of talks with Mahakutami allies on Saturday morning. The Congress high command has directed AICC screening committee member Jothimani Sennimalai to go to Hyderabad to assist the TPCC leaders. Chennai: TD president and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Nadu said he was not the face of the anti-BJP front which he was trying to forge. He said the question of who would lead the alliance would be taken up later. Mr Naidu, after meeting DMK president M.K. Stalin, lauded the Dravidian party leader as being better than Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Asked by reporters if he was the face of the alliance, Mr Naidu said No, I am not the face of this alliance. You have to understand that. I am very clear I am not an aspirant, I am only a facilitator... I will bring everybody together. we will decide and take things forward. On who would lead the alliance, he said there were so many leaders. Even Stalinji is better than Narendra Modiji... there are strong leaders... we will work that out and decide. While Congress has a pan-India presence, he described regional leaders, including himself, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Mr Stalin and former prime minister Deve Gowda as strong leaders in their respective states, who were coming together against the BJP. The meetings have been held to listen to residents opinions and complaints to seek a common voice to completely solve complaints relating to the new urban area. At the second meeting on November 7, Mr. Phong committed to doing his best for legitimate rights of residents in Thu Thiem new urban area and have compensation policies to resolve disadvantages for them at a dialogue with people affected by the planning. Attending the meeting was 35 households in Binh An ward, District 2. At the meeting, the representative of an inter-agency group of the city pointed out ten contents in need of being changed in the compensation, assistance and resettlement policy for Thu Thiem residents to ask their opinions. Right after the representative finished reporting, some people immediately responded saying that the Governments inspection conclusion 1483 has not fully referred to their complaints and they proposed to thoroughly consider the urban area project. Ms. Nguyen Thi Ha from Binh An ward said that the conclusion determined the 4.3 hectares in Quarter 1 to locate outside the new urban areas boundary while residents complaints and denouncement say that up to five quarters in three wards Binh Khanh, An Khanh and Binh An are outside the boundary. Therefore, the municipal authorities should not use only Conclusion 1483 to solve all complaints in the area. Another resident expressed disappointment about responsibility evasion and push in solving the complaints in Thu Thiem new urban area. A resident even proposed to launch criminal prosecution against individuals breaking regulations while implementing the new urban area project to completely solve long lasting complaints for residents. Mr. Nguyen Hong Diep, head of Central Citizen Reception Board, said that Thu Thiem residents have complained for over 20 years and he has sided with them for nine years. According to Mr. Diep, during the implementation of Conclusion 1483, residents have the rights to complain about unsuitable and wrong contents. Chairman Nguyen Thanh Phong pledged to fully record residents opinions. Because the case is beyond the competence of the city so HCMC Peoples Committee will work with the Government inspectorate to clearly report residents opinions and wishes and propose the inspectorate to solve. Mr. Phong said that the city has organized meetings to listen to residents opinions. He informed of residents of how their complaints will be solved, Mr. Phong emphasized. Answering residents questions if the chairman has real regard for solving Thu Thiem problem, he said that if he did not want to settle the issue, he would have not organized meetings to listen to residents opinions. Solving Thu Thiem problems is not only to ensure residents' rights but also for the citys development, he added. Chairman Nguyen Thanh Phong said that he will have the third meeting with people in the remaining three wards next week to further to listen to their opinions and improve compensation and resettlement policies. The city has required working groups to give ten problems surrounding compensation and resettlement problems to get residents opinions. The working groups are urgently reviewing problems in the 160 hectare resettlement site of Thu Thiem new urban area and clarify responsibilities of relevant individuals. The Party does not abet corruptions and harassment harmful to residents benefits, Mr. Phong stressed. He committed to doing his best for legitimate benefits of Thu Thiem residents and have legitimate compensation policy to solve residents disadvantages. Chairman Nguyen Thanh Phong said that conclusion 1483 has pointed out wrongdoings during the implementation of Thu Thiem new urban area planning. The city has taken the initiative in working with ministries and agencies to implement the conclusion. In respond to some opinions saying that the conclusion does not fully reflect problems in Thu Thiem new urban area and it is needed to launch a comprehensive investigation over the area planning, Mr. Phong said that the Government inspectorate is improving the conclusion. Talking about wrongdoings during the process of land acquisition as per residents opinions, Mr. Phong affirmed that the city will require relevant sides to specific reports to handle. By staff writers Translated by Hai Mien Neutral voters could be confused and may not vote for the TJS, which would only benefit the TRS. The Congress hand is very popular and can be easily identified, they said. Hyderabad: In a significant development, Telangana Jana Samiti candidates are likely to contest with the Congress election symbol of hand, instead of the match box, their own symbol. According to sources, leaders of the two parties met Central Election Commission officials in Delhi on Thursday and sought their opinion with regard to certain legal issues. They asked whether these candidates would be treated as TJS MLAs or Congress legislators in the event of their election victory. EC officials said that this was to be decided by the Assembly Speaker. Congress leaders told their TJS counterparts that the people were not familiar with their symbol, the match box. Neutral voters could be confused and may not vote for the TJS, which would only benefit the TRS. The Congress hand is very popular and can be easily identified, they said. Sources said the TJS has not taken any final decision on the issue but the Congress is insisting that they contest under the hand symbol in the interest of Opposition unity. In the TJS case, if the Speaker recognises them as separate group in the Assembly they will not attract the anti defection law insofar as quitting the alliance is concerned. The joint statement released at the end of the visit by Prime Minister Imran Khan to China last week was one of the most detailed and comprehensive such statements that I have seen in this relationship, at least since CPEC got going. It is a mark of the massive shift that CPEC, as well as the larger body of Pakistan-China relations, is about to undertake. In 2003, Pervez Musharraf visited China and the two countries issued the Joint Declaration on Directions of Bilateral Cooperation, in which language began to appear pointing towards mutually beneficial economic and trade cooperation. In 2005, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao visited Pakistan and the two countries signed the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Good Neighbourly Relations, as well as launching the talks on the first Pakistan-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA). These three treaties and agreements form the core of the relationship around which everything is now developing. What was being discussed in that meeting back in 2003 sounds very much like a precursor to what eventually became the CPEC long-term plan. The treaty of friendship signed in 2005 was a standard one that China was signing with all other countries in its region. It simply outlined that China and its neighbours will respect each others sovereignty, refrain from using economic pressure against each other, and will respect and work with each other within the UN Charter. Every joint statement issued by China and Pakistan since then has reiterated these principles. There is one thing that is new in the latest one. The two sides agreed that JCPOA is an important outcome of multilateralism and a good model of negotiated settlement of complex issues through dialogue and diplomacy, says the latest joint statement. Clearly, China is concerned about the rising belligerence being shown towards Iran by the United States. The language can even be read to suggest that China views with concern the possibility that Pakistan may veer too far into the Saudi Arabian orbit, and become too enmeshed in the diplomatic push by the kingdom to isolate Iran in its own region. The Pakistan-China FTA was signed in 2006, and the next joint statement came in 2008, as an economic crisis was engulfing the country. In 2011, this was followed by the creation of the rupee-yuan swap agreement. This was the background to the beginning of what we now call CPEC that has become the lens through which all Pakistan-China relations are now viewed. CPEC built on this past history, but it is not where these priorities originated. They were formally incorporated in the long-term plan that was finalised by both parties in November last year. Since then, Pakistan has been in the grip of political uncertainty and held a general election. A new government emerged from this election, and in its early days promised greater transparency, greater disclosure, of all CPEC agreements, as well as a review and possible change. None of that happened. The visit to Beijing was a sobering moment for Imran Khan, whose body language appeared diminutive, fidgety and nervous through it all. At the Shanghai Expo, he even read his speech from a piece of paper, something he and his followers had berated Nawaz Sharif for doing as if it were a sign of weakness. The Chinese stage is too heavily adorned with agreements, treaties and all manner of understandings to be changed significantly now. The momentum behind the relationship is virtually unstoppable. One feels that inexorable momentum in the pronouncements emerging from the Chinese side. The latest joint statement does not herald a new era in Sino-Pak relations, but it certainly shows that gears are changing, and many of the terms of the long-term plan are now ready to be activated. By arrangement with Dawn H10 There seems to be a difference between the much-hyped effort to give a structural shape to the proposed coming together of anti-BJP parties although the move received a shot in the arm after the defeat of the BJP in the Karnataka Assembly elections earlier this year and the one recently mounted by Andhra Pradesh chief minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. In the first edition of the venture which still hangs loosely in the air, awaiting the results of crucial state polls in December, the initiative taken by Mr Naidu emphasised democratic compulsion, to use his own words to the media after his meeting with Congress president Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi last week. The meaning of this is understandably stark the BJP will be hard to dislodge unless its opponents came together. It is useful to understand that the Andhra Pradesh leader did not use the word secular, so favoured by non-BJP parties. This is probably because practically all the parties he has been approaching are indeed secular in their outlook. At the same time, not fixing a description leaves some room for manoeuvre in relation to a party like the Shiv Sena (which is not secular) if the Sena sticks to its current stance of going it alone in the Lok Sabha polls and not align with the BJP, with which it has had an extremely fraught relationship in government at the Centre and in Maharashtra. But beyond all that Mr Naidu enjoys a political stature no political leader in the country enjoys today, barring Sonia Gandhi. And like her he is not in play as a prime ministerial hopeful, unlike Sharad Pawar, Mamata Banerjee and Mayawati, whose bosoms heave with ambition. The Andhra Pradesh CM has met all of them in recent days, in addition to Mulayam Singh Yadav and Farooq Abdullah. And he is on course to have discussions with Karnataka CM H.D. Kumaraswamy and DMK leader M.K. Stalin this week. Along with the late Harkishan Singh Surjeet, the CPI(M) stalwart, Mr Naidu was a prime mover in the processes that had produced the United Front government in 1996. Politically, he crossed over to the BJP side subsequently, leaving his UF partners nonplussed. He has now crossed back but this time to a grouping that fundamentally includes the Congress, besides other secularists. While making his acute observation about democratic compulsion, Mr Naidu made his current politics more than evident when he proposed that among the BJPs opponents the Congress alone was a trans-regional entity (no matter its many weaknesses) and would in that sense be at the centre of things. How matters shape here on, and whether Mr Naidus efforts click, will crucially depend on the Assembly results next month. H10 When I visited Sabarimala in 1982, young women entering the Ayyappa temple was not an issue. The issue erupted in 1986 when Jayamala, an actress, crossed all the red lines. Not only did she enter the sanctum sanctorum, but she went a step further she touched Lord Ayyappas feet. This led to a furore. The chief priest and the tantrik shut the temple for two days. Special prayers were held to decontaminate the space and mollify the god, who is a renowned celibate. Only when Ayyappa was calmed was the temple opened again. If Jayamala had truly incurred the wrath of a god as powerful as Ayyappa is in the eyes of his devotees, she would surely have been consumed by hell fire. But Jayamala herself is convinced that she is basking in his favours. As minister for child welfare in the Karnataka JD(S)-Congress government the only woman member of the Cabinet Jayamala may be forgiven for her unshakable belief her elevated position in life is a boon from the celibate god. Her audacity did not attract too much attention in 1986. An impression was allowed to grow that the unstable woman who gate-crashed into Ayyappas presence and touched his feet may have been passed menstruating age. But Jayamala obviously revelled in the controversy bracketing her with Ayyappa. She announced in 2006, with great fanfare, that she was only 27 years of age, bursting with youth, when she had touched the Lords feet. The Sabarimala administration was hopping mad. That is when a tradition which discouraged young women from undertaking the pilgrimage was dressed up as a rule. This was the rule upturned by the recent Supreme Court judgement. My own experience of Sabarimala causes me to rub my eyes with disbelief at the unseemly spectacle. I owe my visit to Sabarimala entirely to Bob Murari, the distinguished IAS officer of the Tamil Nadu cadre who, along with his brothers, undertook the pilgrimage annually. Would the faith into which I was born be an obstacle? Not at all, said Bob, quite the contrary. The favourite of the Sabarimala deity, Lord Ayyappa, was a Muslim devotee named Vavar Swamy, whose shrine, before Ayyappas, is visited by most pilgrims. The Murari brothers and I obtained our share of Vibhuti, or holy ash, from a Muslim priest, his long beard coming virtually upto his navel. The 6-km trek from the base of the hill across the Pamba river is through lush forests reverberating to the sound of Vavar Swamy songs sung by Jesudasan, a Christian and a regular pilgrim. That a pilgrimage so all embracing of religions should be transformed into a battleground between devotees, the state and the Supreme Court is because of the very special talent for mobilisation which is patent to the BJP alone. The BJP-RSS will to win is incomparable. Amit Shah has chastised the Supreme Court for having ruled that young women, whose entry to Sabarimala was banned, be allowed entry. The state Congress has in fact taken an even tougher stand. Ramesh Chennithala, Congress leader in the Kerala Assembly, is insistent that the BJP at the Centre bring in an ordinance to nullify the effects of the court ruling. BJP state chief P.S. Sreedharan Pillai throws up his hands. It is a state subject the Centre is helpless unless the state Assembly makes the demand. His target is the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front. Rubbish, shouts Mr Chennithala, it is in the Concurrent List and does not require the state Assemblys certificate. The implication is that the BJP government at the Centre is unwilling to open the ordinance route in such matters because the party would then come under pressure to bring in an ordinance elsewhere on the Ram Mandir, for instance. This one-upmanship on Sabarimala casts both the parties as hardliners, opposed to the Supreme Court directive. The Congress is, in fact, following a folksy, Awadhi saying: Tum daal, daal to hum paat, paat (If you climb the branches; I shall climb the leaves). The Congress Mr Chennithala says Ayyappa devotees be given the status of a religious sect under Article 26, immunised from any legal interference. My party is with the believers, he asserts. Since the late K. Karunakarans chief ministership, the Congress has always been BJP-neutral, largely because its biggest political opponent is the Communist-led LDF. The BJP never entered the assembly, but it consolidated 0.5 to 1.0 per cent of the vote across the state. Whenever this one per cent vote is injected into the election process, the Congress-led United Democratic Front generally wins. The margins of victory in Kerala are thin. The post-Sabarimala bonhomie is in a different context. The scales are different. An aggressive BJP at the Centre has, by sheer will power, achieved the near-impossible in Tripura. It is eager to repeat the performance in Kerala. Even if the BJP takes an electoral dip in the 2019 elections overall, Kerala by itself will be a great trophy. It was the first state in world history that brought Communists to power through the ballot box in 1957. Salvador Allende came to power in Chile democratically much later, in 1972. While the Congress in Kerala has been tactically soft on the BJP, it has had to fight the BJP tooth and nail in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Diverse experiences institutionalised two broad Congress approaches to the BJP. One of Karunakarans great ambitions was to remove any doubts about Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhis caste, since his father Feroz Gandhi was a Parsi. He escorted a bare-bodied Rajiv Gandhi several times to the Guruvayoor temple. These visitations must have had the appropriate effect. For this reason, Congress spokesman Randeep Surjewala was able to assert in the course of the Gujarat campaign that Congress president Rahul Gandhi is a janeudhari (thread-wearing) Hindu, which means a brahmin. Rumours are now afoot that an itinerary for Rahul Gandhi is in the works to enable him to undertake the pilgrimage to Lord Ayyappas shrine in Sabarimala when the temple opens again. Who knows, the BJP may field Narendra Modi in the spirit of competitive piety. H11 The group behind the SamSam ransomware (Ransom.SamSam) has continued to mount attacks against entire organisations during 2018, with fresh attacks seen against 67 different targets, mostly located in the US. SamSam specializes in targeted ransomware attacks, breaking into networks and encrypting multiple computers across an organisation before issuing a high-value ransom demand. The group is believed to be behind the attack on the city of Atlanta in March, which saw numerous municipal computers encrypted. The clean-up costs for the attack are expected to run to over $10 million. The group was also linked to the attack on the Colorado Department of Transportation, which resulted in clean-up costs of $1.5 million. Heavy concentration on the US During 2018, Symantec has to date found evidence of attacks against 67 different organisations. SamSam targeted organisations in a wide range of sectors, but healthcare was by far the most affected sector, accounting for 24 percent of attacks in 2018. Why healthcare was a particular focus remains unknown. The attackers may believe that healthcare organisations are easier to infect. Or they may believe that these organisations are more likely to pay the ransom. A number of local government organisations in the US were also targeted by the group and at least one of these organisations is involved in administering elections. With the midterm elections in the US taking place on November 6, the focus is naturally on cyber information operations and threats to voting data integrity. However, ransomware campaigns such as SamSam can also be significantly disruptive to government organisations and their operations. The vast majority of SamSams targets are located in the US of the 67 organisations targeted during 2018, 56 were located in the US A small number of attacks were logged in Portugal, France, Australia, Ireland, and Israel. Targeted ransomware While most ransomware families are spread indiscriminately, usually via spam emails or exploit kits, SamSam is used in a targeted fashion. The SamSam groups modus operandi is to gain access to an organisations network, spend time performing reconnaissance by mapping out the network, before encrypting as many computers as possible and presenting the organisation with a single ransom demand. The attackers have been known to offer to decrypt all computers for a set ransom and/or offer to decrypt individual machines for a lower fee. In many cases, ransom demands can run to tens of thousands of dollars to decrypt all affected computers in an organisation. If successful, these attacks can have a devastating impact on victim organisations, seriously disrupting their operations, destroying business critical information, and leading to massive clean-up costs. How SamSam compromises organisations The attackers behind SamSam go to great lengths to infect as many computers as possible in a targeted organisation. Multiple software tools are used to carry out an attack and, in many cases, the entire process can take days to complete. In order to carry out its attacks, the SamSam group makes extensive use of living off the land tactics: the use of operating system features or legitimate network administration tools to compromise victims networks. These tactics are frequently used by espionage groups in order to maintain a low profile on the targets network. By making their activity appear like legitimate processes, they hope to hide in plain sight. For example, in one attack that took place in February 2018, more than 48 hours passed between the first evidence of intrusion and the eventual encryption of hundreds of computers in the targeted organisation. The first sign of an intrusion came when the attackers downloaded several hacking tools onto a computer in the targeted organisation. Ten minutes later, the attackers began running scripts in order to identify and scan other computers on the organisations network. They used PsInfo, a Microsoft Sysinternals tool that allows the user to gather information about other computers on the network. This could allow them to identify the software installed on these computers. PsInfo may have been used to identify systems with business-critical files that could be encrypted for ransom. The attackers also used the freely available hacking tool Mimikatz (Hacktool.Mimikatz) against selected computers to steal passwords. After this initial flurry of activity, the attackers returned two days later and, shortly after 5 a.m., loaded the SamSam ransomware onto the initial computer. Interestingly, two different versions of SamSam were loaded. It is likely that two versions were used in order to have an alternative at hand in case one version was detected by security software. An hour later, the attacks began executing SamSam on multiple computers across the organisations network. This operation was carried out using PsExec, another Microsoft Sysinternals tool, which is used for executing processes on other systems. Five hours later, just under 250 computers on the network had been encrypted. Ongoing and potent threat SamSam continues to pose a grave threat to organisations in the US The group is skilled and resourceful, capable of using tactics and tools more commonly seen in espionage attacks. A successful SamSam attack will likely be highly disruptive to any affected organisations. In the worst-case scenario, if no backups are available or if backups are encrypted by SamSam, valuable data could be permanently lost in an attack. Even if an organisation does have backups, restoring affected computers and cleaning up the network will cost time and money and may lead to reputational damage. Best practices Backing up important data is one of the key pillars of combating ransomware infections. However, as there have been cases of ransomware encrypting backups, it should not be a replacement for a robust security strategy. Victims need to be aware that paying the ransom does not always work. Attackers may not send a decryption key, could poorly implement the decryption process and damage files, and may deliver a larger ransom demand after receiving the initial payment. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. Admitting that the anti-BJP parties have "differences" with each other, TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday asked them to "sink their differences" and "sail together" to save the country from the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister reiterated that the Congress should anchor the coalition of parties since it has a pan-India presence and rest are just regional parties. Speaking to reporters here after meeting DMK president M K Stalin to seek his support in Naidu's efforts to bring all parties opposed to BJP to one platform, the TDP chief refused to be drawn into the question of who will lead the alliance. He said the anti-BJP parties have many strong leaders who are capable of leading. "Anyone will be better than Modi," he said. READ: Chandrababu Naidu calls on BJP foe Gowda The TDP and DMK were part of the National Front and United Front governments in 1989 and 1996. Naidu secured an assurance from Stalin for committing the DMK to "save the nation and democracy from the BJP." "He (Rahul Gandhi) is leading the Indian National Congress, which is the main Opposition party in the country. Congress has to be the anchor since it has a pan-India presence. We are all regional parties," he said in response to a question on the Congress chief's leadership. Contending that Mamata Banerjee's TMC, the TDP and DMK are "very strong" in their respective states, Naidu said he will soon meet West Bengal Chief Minister to take forward his mission of bringing all the anti-BJP parties together. "We (TDP) had differences with the Congress for 40 years and today we have buried our differences and come together for the sake of democracy and nation. I admit parties have differences but they have to sink their differences and sail together," he said. His comments come in the wake of reports that many Opposition parties are not enthused with Naidu's proposal for the Congress leading the Opposition front. Stalin said he has agreed to participate in a meeting of Opposition leaders to be held soon to take forward the initiative. "We agreed to have a common minimum programmee a concept that was the brainchild of my father and DMK chief M Karunanidhi," he said. The Andhra Pradesh chief minister also displayed "magnanimity" by promising to Stalin that his government will continue to release water from Krishna river for drinking purposes. READ: LS polls: Kumaraswamy predicts repeat of 1996 "In the future, we will also try and provide Godavari water to Tamil Nadu," he said. 'Not dreaming to be PM' "I am neither an aspirant (for Prime Minister's post) nor the leader of the anti-BJP front. I am just a facilitator," said Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu here on Friday. Naidu was responding to a volley of questions on whether he was leading the Opposition front. The TDP leader explained that he was neither leading the front nor aspiring to be the prime minister if the combine is in a position to form the next government in New Delhi. Maintaining that he was just a facilitator, Naidu said all parties opposed to the BJP coming together is the need of the hour. He also criticised the BJP for "remote-controlling" the Tamil Nadu government. As part of a beautification programme, Palakkad Division officials of the Indian railways had decided to paint murals portraying the local culture, history and tourist attraction on the walls of four buildings including Tirur railway station. Artist Prem Kumar The railway engineer had given the contract to artist Prem Kumar, who is based in Edappal, a town in Malappuram district. Murals of Thunchath Ezhuthachan, father of the Malayalam language and a depiction of the 'wagon tragedy' were painted on the walls of the station as decided by the divisional engineer of Palakkad division. However, following complaints from Sangh Parivar outfits, the higher-ups in the Railway ministry directed local authorities to erase the murals in Tirur that depict the 'wagon tragedy'. The groups claim that the tragedy is not even a part of the Indian struggle for Independence and thus, did not warrant a spot under the 'historical' section of murals. The British government had sent around 100 rebels in a freight wagon to Podanur Central Jail near Coimbatore from Tirur Railway station on 20 November 1921, after the quelling a rebellion in the south Malabar taluks of Kerala. When the jail was found full, the train returned back to Tirur. On the return journey, 67 people died due to lack of oxygen in the wagon. This incident is known as the 'wagon tragedy', which exposed the inhuman treatment meted out by the British. The Wagon tragedy mural, drawn on the wall of Tirur railway station building. Some Hindutva outfits created a ruckus even before Prem Kumar had finished the mural. The artist said that he and his team thought that the ruckus was unwarranted and even shared a laugh at the fact that the outfits thought 'wagon tragedy was not a part of the history of independence'. "At that moment, we hadn't expected any controversy," said Prem Kumar. However, officials from the station erased the murals the next day by applying a fresh coat of paint as directed by the Division office. It is learnt that officials from the Railway Ministry instructed the division to wipe out the murals after they received complaints from local BJP and RSS workers. Local BJP leaders confirmed that they had complained to the Railways against the murals in Tirur. BJP Tirur Legislative Constituency President Pradeep Kumar told DH, that they had lodged their complaints to top leaders in the party as well as Ministry of Railways. "Our top leaders intervened in this issue to pressure the Railways to erase the murals," Pradeep said. Prem Kumar says the divisional engineer contacted him and requested him to cover up the mural the day after it was completed. "The officers in Palakkad division and Tirur station told me that they received calls from Ministry of Railways," Prem Kumar told DH. "It was Railways plan and they had approved the designs. But, when I finished the drawing, they asked me to wipe it off. As an artist, it was a painful experience," rued the 28-year-old art teacher. As Prem could not turn up to erase the mural, station officials themselves applied a coat of paint over the murals. The Division officials claimed that they removed the mural due to its gory depiction. The wall after painting over the murals. (Facebook/Prem Koolath) "The mural depicted dead bodies spilling out of a railway wagon. If a small child saw it, they would be fearful. We wanted to create beauty in the station, not spread fear among passengers. It was a tragic image, and therefore, despite being both connected to Railways and Tirur, it did not meet with our aim of beautification, PRO of Palakkad Division was quoted as saying to The News Minute. Insult to the Freedom struggle: Chief minister Responding to the incident, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday accused RSS of forcing the Railways to remove the mural from the station. He said it was an insult to the freedom struggle. "The decision of Railway to erase the mural work of Wagon tragedy, which was recently painted at the Tirur railway station, is a heinous one. Wagon tragedy is an important chapter of our freedom struggle. The decision to remove the mural amounts to insulting the struggle," Chief Minister said on Facebook. "It is not difficult to understand the opposition of RSS to this painting. RSS is in general allergic to the memories of the Indian Independence struggle. They had no role in that struggle and it is no wonder that they hate the golden chapters. By capitalizing on their power in Central & state governments, they are now on a history-rewriting spree," he added. He also said, Railways, a public sector undertaking, accepting demands from RSS is unbecoming. "This is nothing short of being an anti-national move. Attempts to erase the memory of Independence movement must be condemned," he concludes his post. 'Image to create communal polarisation' "For Hindus in Malappuram district, 1921 is a reminder of a horrific event since the fanatic Mappilas exterminated several Hindus during the riot. Depicting a gory image of wagon tragedy on the major station of the district is directly rousing the sentiments of the Hindus, which is not acceptable for BJP," said Pradeep Kumar. Pradeep says they had spoken to the station master about this and asked him to portray other incidents too including 'Tuvvur Well', where apparently several Hindus were murdered by the mutineers and dumped into a well. "The station master refused to listen to our protest and he went ahead despite our warnings," Pradeep, a college teacher, told DH. "BJP considers this move (drawing Wagon Tragedy mural) is a polarising effort. The Hindus are already worried about the recent slogans like '1921 will repeat' etc from some fundamental Islamic groups," he said. Municipality allows mural to be drawn on Townhall Tirur Municipality has decided to give space to the wagon tragedy mural on the wall of the town hall. They requested the artist Prem Kumar to draw the same mural. Kamalsy Najmal speaks during the protest against the removal of the mural in Tirur railway station, on Thursday (Image credit: Akmal Akku) "We are meeting Municipality chairman tomorrow and will discuss further plans," Prem Kumar told DH. For the question about the Municipality's decision, Pradeep said BJP has not taken any stand so far, but we demand that the painting of 'Tuvvur Well' should also be painted along with 'wagon tragedy'. Protest gathering A group of activists on Thursday staged a protest against the removal of the mural in front of the railway station. They demanded the Railways to restore the murals. Activist Kamalsy Najmal, Ganesh Vadery, Dr Jawaharlal and others spoke in the protest. They said the removal of the mural is part of Modi government's attempt to rewrite the history of India. It should be a matter of embarrassment for the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) that its conduct has come in for adverse scrutiny by the Central Information Commission (CIC). The commission has issued a notice to RBI Governor Urjit Patel to show cause why the maximum penalty should not be imposed on him for the central banks persistent refusal to disclose the names of wilful defaulters of bank loans. As early as 2015, the Supreme Court had directed the RBI to make the disclosure in accordance with the RTI Act. The court had said that the RBI should put public interest above the interest of any bank, which wants to keep the defaulters names secret. Arguments based on customer secrecy or the need to maintain fiduciary trust between the banks and their clients are not strong, because the defaulters are violators of the law. Central Information Commissioner Sridhar Acharyulu also reminded the banking regulator that it had the responsibility to respect the orders of other constitutional bodies. The burgeoning NPAs of public sector banks in the form of loans not repaid by borrowers is a major problem not only for the banks but for the entire economy. The bad loans have been steadily increasing and now form over 11.6% of all bank loans. Former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan had sent a list of major loan defaulters to the government in 2015. But the government has not made it public and not disclosed what action it has taken. There is an unwillingness on the part of authorities in the banking sector and in the government to take effective action to recover bad loans. Such unwillingness becomes complicity in crime and amounts to protection of criminals in many cases. If the government and authorities had been vigilant, Nirav Modi and others like him would not have found it easy to milk the banks and escape with the stolen wealth. The countrys banking system, dominated by public sector banks, and the larger economy cannot hope to gain strength without action on the bad loans. The CICs directive shows how both the RBI and the government have been lax in the matter. It has strongly criticised the government also and asked the finance ministry to initiate action agent wilful defaulters who owe more than Rs 50 crore to the banks and take criminal action against them. The present government has blamed past governments for the huge bank NPAs, but it is now known that NPAs have actually grown faster under this government. If it is sincere, it should take action against defaulters and recover money from them. The RBI should, as a first step, disclose information on loans of Rs 1,000 crore and above before the November 16 deadline set by the CIC. The four excellent Vietnamese winners are the Ministry of Finance with the prize Outstanding User Organization, the Peoples Committee of the northern province of Quang Ninh with the prize Outstanding Digital Government, MISA Joint Stock Company with the prize Outstanding ICT Company, and FPT University with the prize ICT Education. The awards is a true credit of the international community towards achievements that Vietnam has gained in the field of developing and implementing information technology lately. The annual prestigious ASOCIO Awards is delivered to all individuals, organizations, and businesses with prominent accomplishments and great contributions to the development and application of information technology among all 24 members of ASOCIO. The ASOCIO Awards is held within the framework of the ASOCIO Digital Summit 2018 in Tokyo from November 7 8. This years event is organized by the Japan Information Industry Association (JISA) themed Connection, attracted more than 800 representatives of various economies in the region. On this occasion, Associate Professor Dr. Truong Gia Binh, Chairman of VINASA, is re-selected as Vice Chairman of the ASOCIO. Past Vietnamese winners of this Awards include former Prime Minister Phan Van Khai (2003); Associate Professor Dr. Truong Gia Binh, President of FPT Group (2013); FPT Software and Vietinbank (2016); FPT Information System Company, Masan Corporation, and Hanoi University of Science and Technology (2017). By TRAN BINH Translated by Vien Hong PHILADELPHIA An Aston man was indicted by a federal grand jury and charged with five counts of manufacturing child pornography, two counts of receipt of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography, U.S. Attorney William M. McSwain announced Thursday. The federal indictment charges Charles Orlando, 41, of the 2900 block of Concord Road, with manufacturing sexually explicit images involving two minor girls, and with receiving and possessing an additional 1,300 pornographic images of children on the Internet. The indictment charges the defendant with committing these crimes since 2011. Manufacturing child pornography is one of the most serious charges that my office pursues, McSwain said in a prepared release. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to stop child exploitation, as these types of crimes affect our youngest and most vulnerable members of the community. Delaware County District Attorney Katayoun Copeland previously described Orlandos alleged actions involving the sexual abuse of two children through the creation of child pornography as inconceivable, deplorable and abhorrent. If convicted, Orlando faces a statutory maximum sentence of 210 years behind bars, a 15-year mandatory minimum sentence of imprisonment, five years up to a lifetime of supervised release, a $2 million fine, an $800 special assessment, and, if found not to be indigent, an additional $15,000 special assessment. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in conjunction with the Delaware County District Attorneys Office and the Internet Crimes Against Children Unit. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Rotella. MEDIA The election is over; the protests are not. More than 200 hundred people came out to the steps of the Delaware County Courthouse Thursday evening to protest President Donald Trumps shakeup at the Justice Department, firing Attorney General Jeff Sessions and putting in his place Acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker, who will have oversight of Robert Muellers investigation into Russian involvement in the 2016 election. The protest was one of over 900 nationwide, organized by MoveOn.org and has been in the planning for a year. The group launched it at the point that national organizers concluded the presidents actions were, in their view, improperly moving toward shutting down the Mueller investigation. Protesters voiced outrage that Whitaker has voiced opinions that they believe will threaten the independence of the Mueller investigation. Two of the Delaware County organizers. Ruth Davidson of Folsom and Peggy Wilson of Drexel Hill said an alert for the event was sent out Wednesday and quickly drew hundreds of responses. Were worn out from the election, but we wont back down, said Wilson, a member of Delco Indivisible, another group that has been active in protesting Trump. Trump does not have the right to obstruct justice. Protesters demand that the Mueller investigation be protected by the Justice Department and called on members of Congress to pass legislation to protect the investigation. The American people spoke loudly and clearly this week, said Terry Baraldi, who calls herself the Revolting Granny as she read from a prepared text. They put a check on Donald Trump. Congress must uphold its constitutional obligation to do its job and hold power accountable. Dont think this is just a bunch of old people, said Rosie Faust of Lansdowne, who is in her early 20s. High school and college students are speaking up. We are here to stand up to Donald Trump. This is a critical time for our democracy, said Jeff Kowalski of Havertown. We need senators to stand up to the president. He (Trump) is not following the rule of law, he is not defending the constitution, said Linda Floyd of Media. Floyd also pointed out to the crowd that just across from the courthouse was the FBI office where in 1971 anti-war protesters took documents that showed the FBI was spying and disrupting antiwar activities. The crowd, a number with children in tow, chanted slogans such as; Show me what democracy looks like,this is what democracy looks like, Congress Do your job and Who is not above the law, Trump is not above the law. Tina Stanton of Rutledge led the crowd in a song she wrote about the protests since Trump came into office. It included the lines, I still believe in democracy, I still believe in Liberty. Following the speeches the protesters marched from the Courthouse to State Street and back. This is necessary and essential, said Denise Pettit of Springfield, who was sporting her pussy hat from the 2016 protests that followed Trumps inauguration People dont want to come out after work and do this but weve got to protect our democracy. I fear our nation is heading towards fascism. The new-age carrier Vietjets first ever flights connecting Vietnam and Japan were made yesterday on a new route linking Hanoi with Osaka (Japan), which is expected to further boost tourism and trade integration between the two countries and across the region. After the inaugural flight from Hanoi touched down in Kansai International Airport in Osaka this morning, a special celebration was held, featuring the Kagami Biraki (literally, Opening the Mirror), a Japanese tradition performed for opening ceremonies. Later on, passengers onboard Vietjets debut flight from Osaka to Hanoi were treated to outstanding Vietnamese folk dance performances, which showcased Vietnamese culture to all international passengers and especially Japanese ones travelling to Vietnam right onboard Vietjets inaugural flight. Besides, all passengers onboard both inaugural flights received charming souvenirs from representatives of Vietjets management. Using Vietjets new and modern A321neo aircraft, the Hanoi-Osaka route operates a return flight on a daily basis with a flight time of more than four hours per leg. A flight departs Hanoi each day at 1.40am and arrives in Osaka at 7.50am. Coming in the other direction, the flight takes off in Osaka at 9.20am and lands in Hanoi at around 1.05pm (all local times). Vietjets new service to Osaka brings the airlines total number of international routes up to 64 with a network that spans to 11 countries. The airline will soon launch two other routes to Japan from Vietnam including Ho Chi Minh City-Osaka (Kansai) route from December 14, 2018 and Hanoi-Tokyo (Narita) route from January 11, 2019. To celebrate these debut flights on the Hanoi- Osaka route, Vietjet has hosted a mega-promotion over three golden days on November 7- 9, 2018 with 10,000 promotional tickets priced only from zero dollar (excluding taxes and fees). Booking can be made at any time at www.vietjetair.com. The promotional tickets are applied for all three of Vietjets new international routes to Japan. Promotional tickets are available via sales channels at all hours on website www.vietjetair.com, (also compatible with smartphones at https://m.vietjetair.com) or www.facebook.com/vietjetvietnam (just click the Booking tab). Payment can be easily made with international debit and credit cards, including Visa/ MasterCard/ AMEX/ JCB/ KCP/Union; or with any ATM card issued by 34 Vietnamese banks and registered with internet banking. The Osaka-Hanoi route is also the first service that Vietjet and Japan Airlines offer as code-share flight. The two airlines have also offered code-share flights on other Vietjets domestic routes, including Hanoi-Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City Da Nang. By UYEN PHUONG Washington certainly will look different come January. But will it act differently? Dont look for that example to come from the White House. President Trump wasted little time at this wild press conference Wednesday before taking credit for what he referred to as a great Republican victory. This despite Democrats retaking the House of Representatives. The danger from Tuesdays midterm election is that the lesson may be lost on us. We remain a divided nation. And this is now evident concretely on Capitol Hill. But our divide goes much deeper than that. Democrats retook the House of Representatives, led in part by a Blue Wave of women voters that saw unprecedented numbers of women elected to the House. Here in southeastern Pennsylvania, four women Democrats won key Congressional races, led by Mary Gay Scanlon here in Delaware County. She won both a special election to fill the remaining few weeks of Rep. Pat Meehans old 7th District seat, as well as a full two-year term in the newly constructed 5th District. At the same time, Trump and Republicans not only did not lose the Senate, they actually added to their majority there. The result. Government will remain just as divided as the people it represents. The president downplayed what many believed was going to be a Blue Wave, saying it appeared more like a trickle. He may be right. Aside from the gridlock that likely will continue to grip Washington, there is another more frightening aspect of this ugly, nasty campaign that could have a far greater effect on the nation. The politics of division works. At least on some levels. The president spent the weeks leading up to the election preaching to his faithful about what pulls us apart, not what brings us together. He constantly warned of an invading horde of immigrants, people fleeing strife in their native Honduras and seeking what all of us can trace back in our family trees, a slice of the American dream. Trump used that dream as a cudgel to paint a nightmarish scene of us vs. them. It was a blatant platter of red meat for his base. And they ate it up. The president, who had trouble dealing with members of his own party when they controlled both the House and Senate, now will see a new threat to his program with a House that is now controlled by Democrats. When he wasnt attacking the media, the president at his press conference seemed ready to work with Democrats. He even complimented expected new House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. He suggested his prowess as a deal maker will allow him to work with Democrats on some of the big issues facing the country, the continuing health care war and the evolving popularity of the Affordable Care Act; spiking prescription drug costs; a plan to attack Americas crumbling infrastructure; and middle-class tax relief. Both parties spent much of the day after the election crowing about their victories and let there be no doubt, there were winners on both sides. But the underlying current remain troubling as the cracks in these United States appeared more pronounced than ever. Democrats made big gains in urban and suburban areas. The presidents appeal clearly resonated in more rural, conservative areas. The divide was put in perspective by a person who knows it well and has decided to walk away. Rep. Ryan Costello, R-6 of Chester County, took a look at the numbers after the state Supreme Court redrew the states congressional districts and saw the writing on the wall. He opted not to run for re-election. Not surprisingly, Democrat Chrissy Houlahan rode those favorable numbers to an easy win over Republican Greg McCauley. In the process she joined Scanlon in doing something that has never done before. Just as Scanlon will be the first woman ever to represent Delaware County, Houlahan becomes a similar barrier crasher in Chester County. This election probably more neatly organized the institutions of the Senate and the House into Trump and non-Trump areas, said Costello, who has grown increasingly critical of the president and his policies since deciding not to run for re-election. Thats also part of the underlying divisions. Trump made a point at his press conference to note that those Republicans who lined up with him won, while those who eschewed his support fell. You can put Delaware Countys Pearl Kim, who lost to Scanlon in the 5th race, in that camp. Our divisions remain. They will not be settled at the ballot box. Working them out will be infinitely harder. But perhaps the most important job facing the president and this new divided Congress. Putting the united back in the United States. SALT LAKE CITY Spanking is not an effective disciplinary tool and could cause long-term harm to children, according to a new policy statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics that also warns parents against harsh verbal discipline designed to shame or humiliate their kids. In the statement, released Monday during the group's annual conference in Orlando, the nation's largest pediatric association recommends pediatricians help families adopt strategies that teach children right from wrong and improve behavior long term using positive-parenting techniques. The guidance is online in the journal Pediatrics. "Spanking and verbal abuse don't have desirable long-term effects. If you think of discipline at its roots as teaching, that's not an effective way to teach children better behavior," said Dr. Paul Wirkus, president of the Utah Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Spanking and harsh or belittling verbal discipline teach "behaviors that probably make children more aggressive over the long haul and less respectful." The policy statement calls corporal punishment and harsh verbal discipline "aversive disciplinary strategies" and deems them "minimally effective in the short-term and not effective in the long-term. ... Researchers link corporal punishment to an increased risk of negative behavioral, cognitive, psychosocial and emotional outcomes for children." The report includes in its definition of corporal punishment and spanking "noninjurious open-handed hitting with the intention of modifying child-behavior." Although the academy as early as 1989 discouraged spanking, the wording is much stronger now and it's the first time in policy the group has addressed harsh verbal abuse, said policy statement co-author Dr. Benjamin S. Siegel of Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine. Wirkus rejects the notion that "my parents spanked me and I turned out just fine." It's akin, he notes, to claims that Aunt Jenny smoked her whole life and lived to be 105. "Even controlling for other factors, kids who are spanked tend to be more aggressive over time. It doesn't improve things like self-esteem and learning how to be a better citizen. The thing I think we all ought to be looking at is positive ways to teach our children, like rewarding good behavior," he said. The do-nots are not the only important piece of the new guidance, according to Siegel. "Part of the statement is how we can help parents become much better and more effective in terms of discipline. A lot of the paper refers to positive parenting thinking ahead of time about what the child's developmental needs are." Part of the statement is how we can help parents become much better and more effective in terms of discipline. Dr. Benjamin S. Siegel of Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine Instead of using spanking to interrupt bad behavior and deter future bad behavior, which evidence doesn't suggest actually happen, "we should be thinking how do we help kids learn better behavior to begin with," said Wirkus. The two pediatricians say members of their profession are often asked for suggestions on discipline and for guidance in various areas where parents struggle as they raise and care for their children. "Some of (the behavior) is age-related and expectations may be unrealistic," said Wirkus, who notes that when parents ask how to keep a 16-month-old from getting into stuff all the time or why a 16-year old is disrespectful, he responds that "it's in the wiring. There are things related to a child's age that are developmentally appropriate. We have to work within those constraints. We are not raising babies. We are trying to raise trustworthy adults whom we love and respect. So how do we guide them and get them there?" Ineffective discipline A 2016 survey of nearly 800 pediatricians found only 6 percent held "positive attitudes toward spanking," while just 2.5 percent said it leads to positive outcomes. Three-fourths disagreed that "spanking is a normal part of parenting." Studies of adverse childhood events ACEs show that spanking and other forms of physical punishment create an independent risk for unwelcome outcomes, Siegel said. The most famous ACE studywas conducted by Kaiser Permanente and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the late 1990s and involved about 17,000 participants. The majority had experienced some adverse childhood event: alcoholism, corporal punishment, spanking, yelling, parents' divorce, lots of variables. It found those who had two or more ACEs were more likely than others to become adults who developed physiological problems like high blood pressure or heart disease or mental illness. They were more apt to abuse alcohol or drugs or engage in early or risky sexual behavior. The more ACEs, Siegel said, "the more likely you are to have adverse outcomes." The policy report said research links spanking to greater risk for suicide attempts and substance abuse, "independent of the risks associated with having experienced physical and emotional abuse." Among other study findings on corporal punishment and harsh verbal discipline: Punishing small children that way increases likelihood of physical injury. Over time, such discipline may lead to aggressive behaviors and harm the parent-child relationship. Children subjected to corporal and harsh verbal discipline are more likely to be defiant. Such discipline is associated with increased risk of mental illness and cognition issues. Harsh verbal discipline is associated with increased depression and other mental health problems. Wirkus said he's had parents tell him they can no longer spank their kids hard enough to get their attention, which worries Wirkus. "If time-out goes wrong, it means you leave a child in double the time, not that you smack them so hard you regret it afterward." Siegel finds it noteworthy that adults spanked as children can often describe the spankings, though they've forgotten the behavior that prompted it. "The fact they remember means it's embedded in their long-term memory." Nor is it clear that all parents who were spanked turn out OK, he added. "We have good data that spanking causes a stress response in the brain; it can alter the brain. I imagine it's a dose response. So parents who may occasionally spank and then are also very positive in their parenting" would not have the impact as those "who spank repeatedly and yell and scream and reprimand children without providing positive support. Severe cases may come close to or become child abuse or neglect." Parents, reacting during a meltdown, don't have their usual restraint. If they have instead thought through positive parenting techniques, though, they are more likely to turn to those. Dr. Benjamin S. Siegel of Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine The academy report notes that after corporal punishment, most children soon return to the undesired behavior. It finds negative punishment strategies reinforce negative behavior "in a complex negative spiral." Even used infrequently, physical and harsh verbal punishments simply don't work, Siegel said. And they are most often employed when parents are frustrated or angry. "Parents, reacting during a meltdown, don't have their usual restraint," he said. "If they have instead thought through positive parenting techniques, though, they are more likely to turn to those." What's positive? Discipline itself is not the problem. The report says child development is enhanced by effective, age-appropriate discipline, which teaches children to self-regulate behavior, keeps them safe and improves their cognitive, emotional, social and executive function skills. It also recommends parents visit HealthyChildren.org for suggestions. Among positive strategies are time-out, redirection, praise for good behavior, clear and constructive consequences, setting limits and giving children attention. Siegel said the young parents he encounters have largely gotten that message and are more likely to use time-out and cool-down techniques. Polls show national approval of spanking shrinking. The academy cites a 2013 Harris Interactive poll that shows support for a "good, hard spanking" dropped from 84 percent in 1986 down to 70 percent in 2012. Among younger parents, the report says, fewer than half report spanking their children. "Our recommendations are in a sense twofold We want to prevent child abuse. We want to prevent changes in the brain and in child development associated with spanking and harsh verbal punishment. And we want to provide positive parenting, from a public health point of view to keep society healthy," Siegel said, noting parents are a child's first teachers and preventing toxic stress in families and in children is crucial to growing healthy adults. Positive reinforcement is a tool that works, said Wirkus. Rewarding good behavior instead of obsessing over bad behavior is likely to prompt more good behavior. SALT LAKE CITY Heres a look at the news for Nov. 8. After the Proposition 2 vote, those who are unhappy with expected medical marijuana compromise bill vow to push Utah lawmakers hard on the issue. Read more. A Boston commentator explains what Utah and the nation can expect from future Utah Sen. Mitt Romney. Read more. Retail chains are reinventing the in-store experience to get customers off couches and into stores. Heres how theyre doing it. President Donald Trump says Utah Rep. Mia Love already lost her race because she 'game me no love too bad.' Read more. Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell put on a show in his return from injury, leading the Utah Jazz past the Dallas Mavericks. Read more. Heres why Utah County became the epicenter of dysfunction on 2018 election night. A look at whats popular: Court Mann: On Freddie Mercurys proud awkwardness, and the joys of being seen Utah nurse charged with murdering 2-year-old foster son Here's what the national media are saying about Mitt Romney Here are the results for Utah's top 2018 midterm races Thoughts from our featured voices: Boyd Matheson: What we learned in the 2018 election Amanda Sanchez: Resilience isn't something we can give if we don't have it Erin Stewart: The hard but necessary transitions of motherhood Lois Collins: Trying to regain some sanity now that the midterm voting has ended A look at national headlines: Gunman kills at least 12 at Thousand Oaks bar [The New York Times] Russia says it would treat new sanctions as illegal [The Hill] Trump administration sides with Sudan against USS Cole survivors in lawsuit [NPR] Uganda is vaccinating for fear of Ebola virus spread [NBC News] Trump-Russia probe 'under threat' after Sessions fired [BBC News] Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone holds meeting to brief on laws and regulations governing fisheries to Chinese fishingcompanies in Sierra Leone 2018/11/08 On November 1, 2018, Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone held a meeting to brief on laws and regulations governing fisheries to Chinese fishing companies in Sierra Leone. Anchored by Economic and Commercial Counsellor Mr. Zhang Xueqian, the meeting was attended by Deputy Director of Fisheries of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Josephus Mamie, Chair of Sierra Leone Industrial fishing Association, Bassem Sahid, representatives from media, Chinese Fisheries Association and Chinese fishing companies in Sierra Leone. In August this year, a Chinese fishing vessel, Huaang 17 was caught and fined for fishing without fishing observers on-board, according to the report from Sierra Leonean Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources. To show his apology, the owner of Huaang fishing company expressed willingness to donate USD$ 2000 worth of fishing gears to the local fishermen through the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources . His Excellency Ambassador WU Peng reiterated at the meeting that the position of Chinese Government on opposing illegal fishing activities is very clear, and any violation of the rules and laws will face punishment. Ambassador WU called on Chinese fishing companies to respect related fishery laws and regulations in Sierra Leone while reinforcing management and self-regulation. Ambassador WU said that he had taken actions to freeze the total number of Chinese fishing vessels in Sierra Leone during his tenure because he deemed that maintaining balance between the contribution of the fishery industry to economic development and the sustainable development of the fishery industry itself very important. The Deputy Director of Fisheries of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Josephus Mamie, said that the meeting demonstrated that Chinese government is determined to regulate Chinese fishing companies in Sierra Leone. He commended Ambassador WU for his line of action in bringing Chinese fishing companies and the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources to talk on the matter of illegal fishing. Meanwhile, he assured the Embassy and the Fishing companies that the donation would be used for its intended purposes and highlighted the importance of translating relevant laws and regulations into Chinese so that the Chinese fishermen can have a better understanding of them. Journalists from Awoko Newspaper and Standard Times Newspaper attended the meeting and covered the said event. SALT LAKE CITY As a research geneticist, Noelle Cockett's early collaborations with international researchers took place by snail mail. "Needless to say, it was fairly difficult to significantly connect with international partners to set up collaborations that can tap into expertise from other countries," said Cockett, president of Utah State University. Now it is more common than not that research projects include international partners, said Cockett, speaking on a panel of five Utah college and university presidents all women Thursday during the Utah Global Forum at Grand America. The connections enable researchers to leverage funding available from different countries, personnel and opportunities for students, she said. "So when I hear the world is flat that's really, really true with research. I think those connections are a wonderful way to leverage Utah into new markets, new businesses and new discoveries," Cockett said. University of Utah President Ruth Watkins agreed, adding, Research really knows no boundaries." The university attracts researchers and students worldwide, she said. Our graduate students are coming from everywhere and our faculty are doing research around the world. I think about areas like global health, which is literally on every continent in their work in their research mission and operation, Watkins said. The U.'s Asia campus is one of the founding institutions of Incheon Global Campus in South Korea. Other founders include George Mason University and Belgium's Ghent University. U. students attend school on both the Salt Lake City and Incheon campuses while they earn their degrees. Utah Valley University President Astrid Tuminez attended Brigham Young University as an undergraduate, moving to the United States from the Philippines. Community connections were key to her success, she said. "I already knew English, but what was really important was the community support. I had a host family. They actually helped me understand why we had to eat turkey for Thanksgiving and climb the cherry tree in the backyard. That was a different addition to my experience as an international student, not just improving language but improving my ability to fit in the community and knowing I could thrive in it. Let's remember it's language plus, plus, plus, Tuminez said. Westminster College expects its students to be global learners, which happens in classrooms, through curriculum, internships and travel ranging from short experiences to study abroad terms, said President Bethami Dobkin. What we tend to do is treat our international engagements too much, I think, at times as tourist or travel experiences, Dobkin said. We dont go and immerse ourselves in a culture and figure out with a sense of humility what might be important to that population. Sometimes the most valuable connections occur in the classroom, where students born and raised in Utah connect with international classmates, said Salt Lake Community College President Deneece Huftalin. This regularly occurs at SLCC, which serves a significant numbers of international students, among them refugees served by the Refugee Education and Training Center. The center is a partnership among the college, the Utah Department of Workforce Services and USU, she said. We have over 230 international students that come to the college. In a small class of 20 students, if two of them from international countries are sharing that international perspective, that changes the learning environment significantly. They just bring a perspective that our students, our local students from Utah, need to hear, Huftalin said. One of the state's unique advantages in recruiting international students and faculty is the population of return missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who attend Utah colleges, Cockett said. "These students are incredibly welcoming to people of other cultures. They practically embrace them once they realize a student has come from another country. This goes a long, long way in making sure that these international faculty and students feel welcomed here in Utah, she said. Tuminez, former regional director for corporate, external and legal affairs in Southeast Asia for Microsoft, said "the world today is both bigger and smaller. Globalization is a real thing." Asia has been the world's economic engine for the past decades, said Tuminez who lived and worked there 13 years. As institutions of higher education in Utah, colleges and universities need to prepare students who have the skills and competencies to compete in the global marketplace and engage with international partners, she said. "Our people need to know how to work with other people," she said. 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 Utah lawmakers expect the governor to call them into special session on Dec. 3 to consider medical marijuana legislation, House Speaker Greg Hughes, R-Draper, said Thursday. Voters approved Proposition 2 on Tuesday to legalize the use of medicinal cannabis. But the governor, legislators, opponents and some proponents of the ballot initiative agreed on a bill to replace the initiative regardless of the vote's outcome. The ballot measure goes into effect on Dec. 1, prompting lawmakers to act quickly to pass the compromise legislation. Legislative leaders say the bill strikes the right balance between ensuring access for patients while involving medical professionals more in patients' purchase and use of marijuana and curbing opportunities for unenforced abuse. TOOELE The Life's Worth Living Foundation, a local nonprofit dedicated to preventing suicide, will unveil "Proud," an 18-foot bronze sculpture in Veterans Memorial Park that aims to raise awareness of veteran suicide. The sculpture, by Dan Snarr, will be unveiled Saturday during a ceremony that will begin at 2 p.m. at the park, which is located on the corner of Main and Vine. Following the unveiling and remarks by speakers, there will be a free concert by country recording artists J. Marc Bailey and Jamie Lee Thurston. There will also be a collection of antique military vehicles on display as well as booths from various veterans organizations. Before the unveiling, residents are invited to a Veterans Day program at 11 a.m. at the Utah Army National Guard, 16 S. First Street. Both fans and foes of Proposition 2 have said they will continue to press their case when state lawmakers meet soon in special session to rewrite the marijuana initiative voters apparently passed Tuesday by a narrow margin. But lawmakers should be undeterred. The main forces both for and against Proposition 2 agreed last month to a compromise that was to be presented to the Legislature shortly after Election Day. These forces are not the ones now advocating for something different. They dont speak for the main participants in the initiative drive and they should not carry the day. As part of the compromise agreement, both sides agreed to cease advertising, although they continued, when asked, to advocate for voters to either accept or reject the ballot measure. No one knows how this may have affected the eventual outcome. The lack of a vocal, well-funded opposition may have led some to vote yes when, with a bit more education, they might have voted no. At press time, the yes vote on Proposition 2 was leading by a 53 percent to 46 percent margin. Although the number of ballots remaining to be counted was higher than the margin separating the yes and no votes, it appeared likely the measure would pass. But it would be unwise for lawmakers to turn their backs on a sensible and groundbreaking compromise one that could be a model for other states to follow. Not only that, it would be dangerous. Proposition 2 contains too many loose ends, making it difficult for law enforcement to differentiate between legal, medicinal uses of the drug and illegal possession. This, in turn, would make it more likely that minors would have access to marijuana. Research is clear on the damaging affects this could have on developing minds. The compromise, on the other hand, makes certain that the medicinal value of marijuana is delivered to those who are suffering, and in forms that could do them the most good. Even whole flower versions of the plant would be available in one-gram amounts. The bill specifically would list the illnesses that qualify for this treatment, with room for exceptions decided by a compassionate-use board. A loose dispensary system would be replaced with up to five cannabis pharmacies statewide, augmented by county health departments. Patients would need prescriptions to obtain access. Gone would be the propositions rules allowing people to grow their own marijuana under certain circumstances and the confusion over what is legal and what isnt. Many voters may have been unaware of the details in Proposition 2. Many of them likely were motivated to support it out of a desire for compassion. Ironically, however, the proposition could lead to more suffering as the drug becomes readily available in Utah. An updated version of this compromise has been published. The changes it makes are minor, however, and do not affect the heart of the deal. Some people believe the compromise goes too far. They want a more restrictive measure. On the contrary, it draws a careful line between compassion and the careful control of distribution. We understand political realities. Some lawmakers may be concerned about ignoring the supposed will of the people by changing a proposition voters approved. But the initiative process allows for only up or down votes on someone elses proposal. Good lawmaking involves hearings, amendments and alterations by the peoples representatives. That process already is underway. The compromise on the table is a result of give and take from both sides. We urge lawmakers to turn it into law. HOLLADAY Even though Holladay voters shot down a controversial development on the site of the old Cottonwood Mall, the status of the project remains in limbo, days after the election. Whether voters' decision even matters remains tied up in the Utah Supreme Court but even if the court rules against the validity of the referendum, the project still may not happen. That's because if the court takes much longer to hand down a ruling, the developers may choose to walk away. Ivory Homes CEO Clark Ivory told the Deseret News on Thursday if the court doesn't announce its ruling in a reasonable amount of time within, hopefully, weeks developers may be forced to scrap the project. "We're hoping it will come out sometime in the next couple of weeks," Ivory said. "If it went beyond (that), then it would pose difficulties with us and the commitments we've made to the seller." Ivory said Ivory Homes and its partners at Woodbury Corp. decided in a meeting Wednesday they must wait for the court's opinion, "and as soon as they do, then we can start making decisions." But if that ruling doesn't come soon, that puts the entire project at risk, he said. Either way, however, Ivory said developers are invested in the court battle because a ruling in favor of the validity of the referendum could have far-reaching impacts on development issues across Utah. "Once we have clarity, we can make decisions," Ivory said. "But right now, we don't have clarity." In a process that began nearly two years ago, city officials had given unanimous approval to the developers' proposed project, which was revised from a higher density plan to build 775 high-rise apartments, more than 200 homes, and dozens of shops and restaurants on the 57-acre site. Concerned by the level of new density the project would bring to Holladay, a citizen-led group gathered enough signatures to put a referendum on the ballot. City officials, arguing their approval of the plan was administrative, rejected the referendum but still printed the issue on the ballot in case it was challenged in court. Sure enough, referendum organizers sued, and a 3rd District judge ruled in favor of the referendum. City officials and developers then appealed to the Utah Supreme Court in September. As election night tallies posted Tuesday night, Holladay Mayor Rob Dahle expressed frustrations about the absence of a court ruling. "I remain both surprised and disappointed (the court) did not weigh in prior to Nov. 6," Dahle said in a statement Tuesday night. "We hope to have that decision from the court in the near future, as the city still desires direction regarding future disposition of applications to amend the Cottonwood Mall (plan)." Thursday, Holladay voters' stark opposition to the project stirred deep concerns from business leaders about the implications of the referendum and how it could impact Utah's creeping housing crisis. "The overall sentiment of NIMBYism is concerning," said Abby Osborne, vice president of government affairs for the Salt Lake Chamber. "The irony of this is people are saying to put it somewhere else. Where? Then it's in someone else's backyard," Osborne added. "We are by no means saying density needs to go everywhere but we all have to do our part to absorb the population growth. And we're on a finite amount of land here." Osborne said whether Utahns like it or not, growth is happening, and "the thing people are forgetting here is the majority of population growth is from our own children and grandchildren wanting to stay here." The state's population, roughly 3.2 million now, is estimated to hit 5 million by 2050. According to the University of Utah's Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, Utah has gained 160,000 new households, or families, since 2011. Over the same time, it has created just 110,000 new housing units. Housing prices, meanwhile, are climbing 10 times faster than wages. "It's simple economics: supply and demand," Osborne said. If new housing units aren't built fast enough to keep up with demand and if residents are able to fight every project they dislike Utah's housing prices will continue to rapidly climb, she said. "I don't know that people actually realize that when they're saying no to these developments, they're saying 'no' to just advancing our quality of life," Osborne added. Paul Baker, referendum organizer of the group Unite for Holladay, said Tuesday's vote "clearly sent a strong signal to the city that they're out of touch with what people want." "We would recommend the city take a pause on the project, really digest the process, and understand what people want before revisiting it," he said. Overall, Baker said citizens want to see the site developed "in a way that creates enduring economic and community value." In response to the criticism, Baker said referendum organizers "wear the NIMBY badge with honor." "If density needs to be absorbed by cities, it has to be planned very well," he said. "Clearly the majority of Holladay disagrees with the plan." Baker added that even though developers and city officials feel like they addressed concerns in the development's revised proposal, the vote shows "they did not do so adequately, or a citizens group would not have risen up and spent their summer fighting this." "Nobody's going to do referendums on reasonable projects," Baker said. "It's not worth the effort. Clearly, that was not the case here, and the vote shows that." SALT LAKE CITY Utah Senate and House Republicans elected new leaders Thursday, elevating current members of their respective leadership teams to the top spots. Senate Majority Whip Stuart Adams, R-Layton, will now serve as Senate president, while House Majority Leader Brad Wilson, R-Kaysville, was elected as speaker of the House. Both are two-year terms. Adams said he's excited and honored to join new Senate leadership. "We will make every effort to be transparent and accessible as we represent our individual constituents, and the collective citizens of Utah," Adams said. "The new team is looking forward to working closely with members of the House leadership team and the governor's office to maintain Utah's place as the best state in the nation." Adams, who was appointed to the Senate in 2009, played a key role in crafting Utah's religious freedom and antidiscrimination compromise bill in 2015. He also has been involved in air quality and transportation legislation. Adams, the owner of a real estate, construction and development firm, replaces Senate President Wayne Niederhauser, R-Sandy, who did not seek re-election to the Legislature. Wilson said he is humbled and grateful for the opportunity lead the House. "During this upcoming session, we will continue to tackle big issues and find solutions to pressing concerns. Our work in the Utah Legislature will reflect the values and needs of all Utahns. Together, we will work to keep Utah the leading state for quality of life, prosperity and opportunity," he said. Wilson, a home builder and developer, was elected to the House in 2009. He served as co-chairman of the prison relocation commission and championed the recently passed ballot initiative allowing lawmakers to bypass the governor to call themselves into special session. Wilson replaces House Speaker Greg Hugues, R-Draper, who didn't run for re-election to the Legislature. Republicans hold supermajorities in both the House and Senate. Other leadership positions: Senate majority leader Sen. Evan Vickers, R-Cedar City Senate majority whip Sen. Dan Hemmert, R-Orem Senate majority assistant whip Sen. Ann Millner, R-Ogden House majority leader Rep. Francis Gibson, R-Mapleton House majority whip Rep. Mike Schultz, R-Hooper House assistant majority whip Rep. Val Peterson, R-Orem Senate Democrats will select their leaders Friday, while House Democrats will hold leadership elections Nov. 20. SALT LAKE CITY One day after President Donald Trump installed Matthew Whitaker as acting attorney general, Salt Lake protesters rallied to express their frustration with the news. It was one of hundreds of demonstrations that took place Thursday around the country calling for Whitaker to recuse himself from the investigation. In the cold during rush hour, at least 200 protesters showed up in front of the Wallace F. Bennett Federal Building, many holding signs and joining in on patriotic songs. "I think it's important that our justice system gets to run without interference from anybody. And I feel like the only reason that they would try to corner Mueller into silence or have him removed is because there's something to hide," Rhonda Devereaux, who took time off from her farm work to attend the rally, told the Deseret News. Organizers of the protest say installing Whitaker, who will oversee special counsel Robert Mueller's Trump-Russia investigation, is a conflict of interest as Whitaker has been an ally to the president. They fear Whitaker will hinder the investigation. "This is someone who has said publicly how he would essentially kill the investigation, and in my mind that's a serious threat to our entire system of government," protester Marshall Lent said. He held a sign that read "Rule of law, justice for all" on one side, and "Whitaker must recuse" on the other. For many on Thursday, it was their first time participating in a political rally. "This was the first time that I've ever been to the point where I felt like I needed to come out and do something. That's how scary it is. I just feel like, not to be dramatic, but our democracy could be slipping away," David Persche said. His son, Jaxson Persche, said, "Even as a Republican, this isn't right." "I just don't want to look back and feel like I didn't do anything," David Persche said. Similarly, the Barraza brothers had never attended a political rally until Thursday. "I feel like democracy's at risk of breaking down. And without democracy, we have no voice as a people. And we can't lose that," said Isaac Barraza, who took a break from homework to attend the rally. "If he's going to try and overrule anything that Mueller's investigating just because it's going to potentially hurt him that's not how justice is supposed to prevail. This matters. It's definitely important. To us, and it should be important to everyone else," Isaac Barraza said. His brother, Josh Barraza, agreed. "Hopes and prayers don't do it, you've got to come out and act on it," he said. Ransom Smith said he served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Kiev, Ukraine, during the Orange Revolution, a series of protests against Russian meddling in a presidential election. "I first fell in love with an American democracy when I was in Ukraine," Smith said. "This is very near and dear to my heart, and I had to show up and express my concern for threats to the integrity of the investigation into Russian meddling in the presidential election." David Richardson emphasized the importance of the investigation being "taken to its full extent. "At first the Mueller investigation was considered laudable by both sides, but when it became clear that it wasn't going to be a cover-up, suddenly it became an issue," he said. Andrew Greer said that he and his friend, Athena Trilon, showed up at the rally because "this country's important to us." "It feels good to be out here, and it feels good that there's a lot of people here. I just wish that there were more," Greer said. "It's good to just finally have an outlet. Because, I mean, you can go on social media all you want, but at the end of the day, saying it out loud, yelling it out loud, with a group of like-minded adults is always going to end up getting you a better turnout," Trilon added. Rallies also took place Thursday in Helper, Heber City, Logan, Ogden, Provo and St. George. SALT LAKE CITY In the wake of the midterm elections, with the migrant caravan marching steadily toward the border, Utah Sen. Mike Lee is in Mexico and Guatemala seeking solutions to America's burgeoning immigration crisis. Lee, representing the state that brokered the Utah Compact on immigration as a statement of values supporting both families and public safety in 2010, says the United States should enter into an agreement with Mexico that would require Central American migrants to first seek asylum there before attempting to cross the border. The safe third-country agreement would require asylum seekers to ask for protection in whichever of the two countries they enter first. Such an agreement already exists between the United States and Canada. This wave of caravans is enormous and its unlike anything weve seen, in terms of magnitude, Lee, a Utah Republican told the Deseret News in an exclusive interview by phone from Mexico Thursday. The subjective intent of any one individual or large group of people, thats very difficult to predict exactly. A large group of people disregarding the law of the country they are entering, theres a fear they might disregard our laws as well. Lee said that the White House was aware of his visit, but he did not elaborate on whether or not the visit was a part of a broader Trump administration policy strategy. Just hours after the Deseret News spoke with Lee, the Trump administration announced a new rule limiting eligibility for asylum seekers coming from Mexico. The rule would prohibit migrants who cross the border outside of ports of entry from seeking asylum in the United States. Lee said the "safe third-country agreement" could help sort out those who need help from those who present a national security risk. Only those that had been granted asylum in Mexico would then be admitted to the United States, without overwhelming our system with the need to process thousands of asylum claims on American soil. He said he discussed the idea with officials in the administration of Enrique Pena Nieto, the president of Mexico, and those in the incoming administration of Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, the countrys President-elect. Friday, he plans to do the same with Jimmy Morales, the President of Guatemala. He stressed he didn't travel to Mexico to broker a deal, but to establish relationships and feel out their level of interest in such a proposal. Im initiating a conversation surrounding U.S.-Mexico relations that was promoted in large part by these large caravans making their way towards the United States, Lee said. On Oct. 23, Lee and Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), put forward the idea in a letter addressed to Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Lee said Mexico is a good candidate for a safe third-country agreement because it does not have the same type of government-sponsored persecution of its citizenry that you see in other places in Central America, and it is a country with a lot of growth and opportunities and a growing respect for the rule of law. But Mexico may not be a safe place for everyone fleeing persecution in other countries, says Layla Razavi, Policy Director for the California Immigrant Policy Center. The same cartels have access to them and persecute them, she says, adding that the hardship is especially great for the LGBT community and people with indigenous heritage, who frequently report persecution in Mexico and seek asylum from Mexico itself. They are still afraid and are still in the mode of fleeing." According to a July 2017 report by Human Rights First, migrants and refugees face acute risks of kidnapping, disappearance, sexual assault, trafficking and other grave harms in Mexico. Mexican migration officers deport Central Americans who have expressed fear of return, the report states. Immigration attorney Tammy Lin says that Mexico does not have adequate infrastructure to handle processing a sudden influx of asylum seekers. It is an infrastructure that [the United States] and a lot of developed countries have, but Mexico will have to hire and train people, and find the money to do that, says Lin. Will the United States be footing the bill for that? They are thinking its a quick fix and its not, Lin says. Lee acknowledges that the problem is complex, and solving it will not be simple. "This is a complicated problem," he says. "I don't think we are going to find a silver bullet solution." But despite the challenges ahead, Lee says resolving the border crisis is necessary in order to maintain a strong relationship between the United States and Mexico. For Lee, that relationship is personal. Lee served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in McAllen, Texas, where he learned to speak Spanish and "grew to love the people on the border who were overwhelmingly Hispanic." His parents met in Mexico, and both his brother and his son and served missions there. "I have a great love for the Mexican people and a great love of this country," he says. Utah, in November 2011, brought business, civic, law enforcement and religious leaders together to sign a Utah Compact of principles espousing an approach to immigration based on a common humanity. PROVO The events that transpired in the last days of World War I were still vivid in Calvin S. Smith's memory 17 years later. Smith, the son of then-President Joseph F. Smith and one of three Latter-day Saint chaplains that served in The Great War, recalled what he saw and heard on Nov. 11, 1918, in an article for the Deseret News published Nov. 11, 1935. In the article, Calvin Smith wrote about being with the 3rd Battalion of the 362nd Infantry in a town called Oudenaarde, Belgium. He and other soldiers were walking through the town when they met a French soldier mounted on a horse. "He was unsteady in the saddle as though he had been drinking," Smith wrote. "As he passed us he waved his hand and called out to us 'Le guerre est finie!' ('The war is over!') and rushed on." A few minutes later, a group of officers wearing "service hats" instructed the soldiers to do the same. "You can wear your service cap now. The war is over," a Maj. Stephens told the group. While absorbing the news, Smith was assigned to see to the burial of an American soldier recently killed in action, which he did. "In this manner we learned of the armistice," Smith wrote. "Men were skeptical about an armistice. Rumor and hearsay had been so bounteous that men could not believe. The news was too good to be true." Smith's wartime service is one of many interesting Latter-day Saint connections to World War I that people can learn more about while attending the Saints at War Conference at Brigham Young University on Saturday, Nov. 10, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Robert C. Freeman, director of the Saints at War project and a professor at BYU, said this conference is for everyone, especially veterans and their families. "We want those who are interested in military history and service to God and country to come," Freeman said. "I never served in the military, but I have such great admiration for those who have. It's just a way for us all to show we haven't forgotten them or the price they paid. It's a way to express gratitude for freedom and to honor the sacrifice of those who have gone before us and who guard our liberties today." The conference will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Great War and honor the military service of all members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Elder Bruce A. Carlson, an emeritus general authority and retired four-star general in the Air Force, will be the keynote speaker at the event, which will be held in the BYU Conference Center. Other speakers include Kenneth Alford, Sherman Fleek and Andrew Skinner. After a lunch break, a final session will feature a premiere screening of a new documentary, "Saints at War: World War I." In timing with the conference, a new book titled, "Saints at War: World War I," co-authored by Freeman and Skinner, was released this fall. The volume documents the accounts of Latter-day Saint soldiers who served in the war and included some never-before-published photos. Freeman and Skinner worked together on the book for seven years. One motivating factor was knowing Skinner's father served in World War I, a reminder that the Great War was not that long ago, Freeman said. "Any competent historian will tell you that some of the current world struggles of today have roots in that period. So it's important to understand the conflict and the times that those soldiers and civilians lived through. It's still relevant today," Freeman said. "I sometimes picture in my mind some veteran who has long since passed from mortality and from whatever war whispering from beyond the veil 'thanks for remembering us.' That's what we do." The book gives many facts about the church and its connections to the war. Approximately 25,000 Latter-day Saints served in the American forces during World War I, and of that number, about 700 perished. Among those who served were several future general authorities, including Hugh B. Brown, William J. Critchlow, Delbert L. Stapley and S. Dilworth Young. The book has a chapter featuring glimpses of the home front and the journal of James E. Talmage, who served in the Quorum of Twelve Apostles. In addition to Calvin Smith, B.H. Roberts, another general authority, and Herbert B. Maw served as chaplains. Another Latter-day Saint, Pvt. Thomas C. Neibaur, of Sugar City, Idaho, became the first church member to be awarded the Medal of Honor. His unit, the Rainbow Division, faced some of the most brutal fighting of the war in France. It's estimated that several hundred German Saints served their country in the war and about 75 died. Other countries, including Canada, New Zealand and Australia, also had Latter-day Saints in their ranks. "World War I was a terrible conflict. Those who fought abroad and their families who endured it on the home front experienced hard things," Freeman said. "They fought for freedom and they deserve to be remembered. They have an amazing legacy they were in fact another 'Greatest Generation.' That's who we are honoring." To learn more or register for the conference, visit saintsatwar.com or call 801-422-8925. If you go ... What: Saints at War Conference the Great War: World War I When: Saturday, Nov. 10, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Brigham Young University, Conference Center, Provo Note: To register, saintsatwar.com or call 801-422-8925 The gravity of the existential threat we face from Islamic Jihad is truly of epic proportions. It is essentially a battle pitting free-civilized man against a totalitarian barbarian. What is at stake is the struggle for our very soul - namely who we are and what we represent. The lives that were sacrificed for individual rights and freedoms that we've come to cherish are being chiseled away from right under our noses by the stealth jihadists. And many of us are in denial and totally clueless. The left's appeasement and pandering to evil is nothing new. What makes their utopian delusions so infuriating and unpardonable is that it is not only they who will have to pay the consequences, and deservedly, so, they are thwarting and undermining our best efforts at resistance and are thus dragging us down in the process as well. By Peter Lancz,, the head of the Raoul Wallenberg World Campaign Against Racism. COTTONWOOD HEIGHTS An elderly woman was injured in an early morning fire that forced the evacuation of 25 units of an apartment complex. Just after 3 a.m. Friday, an elderly woman called 911 saying her apartment at the Santa Fe Apartments, 7015 S. Santa Cruz Drive (1550 East), was on fire, said Unified Fire Authority spokesman Keith Garner. The woman didn't give any information about how the fire may have started, he said. "(She said) 'My house is on fire,' and that's kind of it," Barnes said. Despite several requests by dispatchers for the woman to get out of her apartment, "They said she just couldn't do it," said Barnes. It was not immediately known whether the woman was disoriented or had a disability that prevented her from evacuating. Barnes said fortunately, Cottonwood Heights police arrived at the complex in under five minutes and helped the woman get out. The woman was taken to the University of Utah Burn Center with severe respiratory burns, according to the Unified Fire Department. The woman lived in a second floor apartment. Barnes said the fire quickly spread to a unit directly above the woman. Those two units were considered total losses from the fire, he said. Because it was 3 a.m., officials were worried about a lot of people being home and asleep. Barnes said extra firefighters were called to the scene just to go door to door to make sure everyone got out safely. At least two fire alarms did go off, Barnes said. A family of five had to be recused from their third-story balcony when thick smoke prevented them from getting to their front door. Barnes said firefighters used a ladder to get them down. The fire was knocked down in about 15 minutes. Damage was estimated at $200,000. In addition to the two units destroyed by fire, two other units suffered heavy smoke damage, according to Barnes. The cause of the fire remained under investigation Friday. The elderly woman who reported the fire uses an oxygen tank, he said. But crews were unsure Friday if that contributed to the fire. Most tenants were expected to be allowed back into their apartments by Friday afternoon. Those who need essential medications or a coat or shoes were being allowed to briefly return to their apartments to gather those items. Editors note: This article was originally published in November 2018. It has been updated to reflect the Supreme Courts decision to hear two cases on birth control coverage, which was announced Friday. SALT LAKE CITY The battle over birth control coverage is back at the Supreme Court. Justices announced Friday that they will hear two cases challenging the Trump administrations efforts to allow nearly all companies with a religious or moral objection to contraception to exclude birth control coverage from their health plans. The cases stem from policy guidelines announced in November 2018, which enabled faith-based nonprofits, religious schools, closely held businesses and anti-abortion rights activists to claim the same exemption from the Affordable Care Acts contraceptive mandate as houses of worship. The rules also left in place the Obama-era accommodation process, giving religious or moral objectors to birth control the option to have their insurer work directly with employees to provide free contraception coverage. At the time, many religious freedom advocates applauded the final rules, which President Donald Trump promised early in his presidency. This "should be the end of a long and unnecessary culture war fight," said Mark Rienzi, president of The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, on a press call. But it wasnt. The policy adjustment simply added to a legal and legislative saga thats involved hundreds of lawsuits and dozens of rule changes. Early missteps To understand the significance of the Supreme Courts announcement, it's helpful to understand previous birth control guidelines. Here's a rundown of the contraceptive mandate's complicated past. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was signed into law on March 23, 2010. Four months later, the Obama administration announced that the Health Resources and Services Administration was tasked with deciding which preventive services would be required to be covered cost free under employer health plans. Comments flooded in, before and after officials outlined potential religious exemptions in August 2011. Faith groups, health policy experts, business owners and others wanted a say in which medications and procedures should count as preventive services and which employers should be eligible for exemptions. Some commenters, including some faith groups, argued against any exemptions. Others "recommended that group health plans sponsored by religiously affiliated employers be allowed to exclude contraceptive services from coverage under their plans if the employers deem such services contrary to their religious tenets," government officials noted in 2012. The Obama administration chose to limit the religious exemption to "churches, their integrated auxiliaries and conventions or associations of churches," under the final rules published on Feb. 15, 2012. Some officials had questioned "whether religious arguments against the mandate were sincere," as the Deseret News reported in 2016. Officials did promise further study of the needs of faith-based nonprofits, protecting affected organizations from penalties for at least one year if they chose not to pay for birth control. Acknowledging the likely outcry to this narrow exemption, the government explained that "a broader exemption would lead to more employees having to pay out of pocket for contraceptive services, thus making it less likely that they would use contraceptives, which would undermine the benefits" of the Affordable Care Act. The contraceptive mandate sparked an onslaught of lawsuits from religious colleges and universities, faith-based nonprofits and business owners, prompting the government to make more changes in July 2013. This set of final rules created a new accommodation process, which allowed religiously affiliated nonprofits to avoid directly providing birth control coverage. Instead, health plan administrators would work directly with employees in need of contraception. But that satisfied few of the religious objectors whose lawsuits were making their way through the federal court system. Supreme Court, part 1 The Affordable Care Act's contraceptive mandate first appeared before the Supreme Court in 2014. In Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc., three closely held, for-profit corporations with religious objections to birth control argued that they, too, deserved access to the accommodation offered to faith-based nonprofits. The case was argued on the basis of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, a federal policy preventing the government from unnecessarily violating citizens' conscience rights. The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 on June 30 that the contraceptive mandate violated corporations' religious freedom rights. In response to the loss, the Obama administration yet again revised its birth control policies, publishing a new set of final rules on July 14, 2015. They extended "the accommodation to a for-profit entity that is not publicly traded, is majority-owned by a relatively small number of individuals and objects to providing contraceptive coverage based on its owners' religious beliefs." Supreme Court, part 2 Despite this notable policy adjustment, the legal drama was far from over. Religiously affiliated nonprofits argued the accommodation process they had to work through made them complicit in the use of sinful medications. They sought the same exemption offered to houses of worship. The resulting Supreme Court case, Zubik v. Burwell, pitted a group of religious schools and nonprofits, including the now well-known group of nuns affiliated with the Little Sisters of the Poor, against the Obama administration. On May 16, 2016, the Supreme Court unanimously decided to send the case back to the lower courts, urging religious objectors to birth control and government officials to work together to resolve the legal clash. "The court does not decide whether the petitioners' religious exercise has been substantially burdened, whether the government has a compelling interest, or whether the current regulations are the least restrictive means of serving that interest," the opinion stated, referring to the test the Religious Freedom Restoration Act imposes to determine if a government regulation violates an individual's or group's religious liberty. Trump has new plans The Trump administration inherited multiple ongoing lawsuits over the mandate, and chose to be more deferential to those who oppose birth control on religious grounds. No Americans should be forced to choose between the dictates of the federal government and the tenets of their faith, Trump said in May 2017 at a ceremony celebrating a new executive order on religious freedom. Five months later, officials proposed a new approach to the contraceptive mandate, which would expand the pool of employers eligible for an exemption to moral objectors. Both religious and moral objectors to birth control would just have to notify their insurance provider and employees and would face no penalties from the federal government. Religious groups like the Little Sisters of the Poor were thrilled, unlike womens rights advocates and some state leaders. The Trump administration faced new lawsuits from Pennsylvania, California and other states over the expanded exemption. Donald Trump wants businesses and corporations to control family planning decisions rather than a woman in consultation with her doctor, said California Attorney General Xavier Becerra to The Sacramento Bee in October 2017. We'll see the Trump administration in court. Latest developments In spite of these lawsuits, the Trump administration moved forward with its plan to protect religious and moral objectors to birth control. The final rules released in November 2018 formalized what was proposed 13 months before. At the time, government officials and others argued that the policy shift would affect very few Americans. Most religious objectors to birth control were already covered by the previous rules or had been protected by court injunctions, they said. The departments estimate the exemptions should affect no more than approximately 200 employers with religious or moral objections, according to a fact sheet. But the lawsuits out of California and Pennsylvania, which the Little Sisters of the Poor, represented by Becket, joined in 2017, continued and the Pennsylvania cases will now be heard by the Supreme Court. The justices decision is expected before the end of June. SALT LAKE CITY Incumbent Rep. Mia Love gained 2,522 more votes Friday than her Democratic challenger, Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams, in the latest counts in the 4th Congressional District. But the two-term congresswoman still trails McAdams, 103,609 votes to 108,515, even through she added more votes than him in Utah, Salt Lake and Juab counties in new counts released throughout the day Friday. "We were pleased to see the numbers today, but we are going to wait until every vote is counted," Love said in a statement. "Thank you to all of those people who waited in line for such a long time. You deserve better." McAdams' campaign manager, Andrew Roberts, said in a statement that the campaign is "happy with the mayor's lead and look forward to seeing additional results next Tuesday." Roberts praised the efforts by election officials to get a final tally for Tuesday's election. "Election officials are working around the clock to process the remaining ballots," he said. "We appreciate their hard work and dedication to ensuring a fair and accurate tally of the votes." Gov. Gary Herbert, who earlier this week slammed Utah County as the "epicenter of dysfunction" after voters had to stand in lines for hours there to cast ballots on Election Day, was less critical Friday. "I think we want to make sure we get it right. That's more important than getting it quick. It would be nice if we could get both," Herbert told the Deseret News, especially in a race long seen as a toss-up. "Right now it could be anybody that could win," the governor said. "We'll just wait until they count all the votes. So, the sooner the better, but I don't know that we'll know anything until next week now." Herbert, a Republican, said President Donald Trump's declaration at a news conference Wednesday that Love lost her race because she distanced herself from him was "way premature, so he's wrong on that count. And he did try to help." The governor said the last-minute telephone message Trump recorded for Love was "maybe a little bit of a rambling robocall. It was maybe not as effective or could be used as much. But I don't think there was really any impact Trump had." Instead, Herbert said Love was affected by "how she was presented. I don't think her campaign people did the best job in getting her out there. She's has a lot to be proud of and done a lot of good things." The 4th District race also ended up being "way too negative, on both sides," the governor said, bad enough that the eventual winner, whether it's Love or McAdams, will take office with a damaged image. "I just think that negative campaigning is not necessary. They think it's an easy way. You spend a lot of money tearing down your opponent and they're both really good people," Herbert said. Combined with the first results from Utah County since Election Day, Love is now 4,906 votes behind McAdams throughout the 4th District, with 48.84 percent of the vote to 51.16 percent for McAdams. Love added 1,998 votes in Friday morning's updated count from Utah County, while McAdams went up by 722 votes. She continues to lead there with 12,811 votes to 4,505 for McAdams. But in Salt Lake County, McAdams has 102,407 votes to Love's 84,923. She still managed to get 566 more votes than McAdams in the county where he serves as mayor, a total of 4,087 additional votes to 3,521 for him. And later Friday, Love increased her lead in Juab County by 694 votes while McAdams picked up only an additional 14 votes there in an updated count. Overall, Love had a total increase of 6,779 votes Friday to 4,257 for McAdams. The 4th District, which includes portions of Salt Lake and Utah counties as well as Juab and Sanpete counties, is one of just a handful of races for the U.S. House nationwide that is still considered too close to call. Both campaigns have said they have a path to victory for the seat last won by a Democrat in 2012, when then-Rep. Jim Matheson defeated Love. After Matheson retired, Love went on to win the seat in 2014 and again in 2016. Utah County, seen as key to the outcome of the election, saw long lines of voters waiting into the night on Election Day to cast ballots in person, leading the county to report Wednesday that almost 89,000 ballots remained to be counted. It is not clear how many ballots in the 4th District race are still be be tabulated in Utah or the other counties. The next releases from Salt Lake and Utah counties are set for Tuesday. PROVO For the second year in a row, some Utah firefighters will be spending Thanksgiving away from their families in order to help firefighters in California. A type 3 engine with a four-member crew from the Utah County Fire Department left Friday morning for California to help crews fight the highly destructive and fast-moving Camp Fire in Paradise, California. The fire has burned approximately 20,000 acres and several thousand buildings, and forced the evacuation of all 30,000 residents. State fire officials on Twitter announced that firefighters from the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands, Draper, Provo, Bluffdale, Cedar City and Hurricane, Washington County, are also en route to assist with the fire. Officials said California has asked for 25 wildland engines from the Great Basin to assist, 13 of which are deploying from Utah. Structure engines are also being sent. Friday evening, Unified Fire Authority officials said at least two fire engines and 10 firefighters from the authority are setting out for California on Saturday. The Utah County team was expected to arrive either late Friday or early Saturday. The crew, which is certified to fight fires around the nation, has been working since the spring, said Utah County Fire Capt. Jamie Nelson. "They started in Texas, and went to Nevada, Idaho, Utah and California. So they've been running nonstop since April," she said. The Utah County crew will be deployed a minimum 16 days and up to 21 days, Nelson said, meaning once again they'll miss Thanksgiving at home. "A lot of these individuals we sent out were part of the deployment (last year) that got home on Christmas Eve. Every year it's getting longer and longer," Nelson said. The fires in California right now are behaving the same way the destructive fires did over the summer, she said. The deployment of Utah firefighters comes on the heels of the tragic loss of Draper Battalion Chief Matt "Matty" Burchett, 42, a veteran firefighter with Draper and the Unified Fire Authority, who was killed in August while helping battle the Mendocino Fire. "That can happen anywhere. The fire is the same in California as it is in Utah. And the risks are there constantly and we keep that in mind and we try to keep our safety practices at the forefront and bring everyone home safely," Nelson said. U.S. Forest Service firefighters from Utah are already assisting on two other fires, the Woolsey Fire and Hill Fire, burning in California. "We currently have hotshot crews, helicopters, air tankers, dozers, and engines on scene," according to a tweet from Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest officials. FARMINGTON A person in Virginia has been arrested in connection with making threats at a school there, thanks to an alert student in Davis County. Officials from the Utah Department of Public Safety say the incident is a great example of how "see something, say something" works. "The young woman in Davis County did the right thing and reported suspicious activity," according to a statement from the department. Earlier this week, state officials received information about a possible school shooting threat. A girl in Davis County saw the threat on Snapchat, which appeared to target a school in Garfield County, according to officials. The threat was reviewed and determined not to have anything to do with Utah, according to the department. However, a bulletin was sent out to law enforcement nationwide, which led to investigators linking the threat to "Gar-field High School in Virginia." "A juvenile in Virginia was arrested by local law enforcement in connection to the threats made on social media," the department said. State officials want to remind all residents and students that if they see activity that seems suspicious, they should call the Utah Department of Public Safety at 833-DPS-SAFE (833-377-7233). OREM A passenger on a Greyhound bus was hailed as a hero Friday after he successfully pulled over a bus after the driver slumped over the wheel. About 7:15 a.m., a Greyhound bus was traveling north on I-15 near Orem when a passenger noticed the driver was slumped over, according to the Utah Highway Patrol. The bus may have also been going in and out of its lane as several motorists had pulled off to the shoulder, said UHP trooper Colton Freckleton. Greyhound in a statement to the Deseret News said the driver suffered a medical emergency. But the UHP late Friday afternoon said troopers are investigating whether impairment was a factor. A passenger was able to steer the bus off to the side of the road where a trooper was already stopped on another call, he said. The bus made slight contact with a barrier wall before coming to a stop. There were 23 passengers and the driver on board, according to a statement from Greyhound. The driver was taken to a local hospital in serious condition, the UHP stated. "One minor injury has been reported. A relief bus was sent to transport passengers to the Salt Lake City terminal," according to the Greyhound statement. Details about that minor injury were not immediately available. The company stated the bus was headed to Salt Lake City. Information about where the bus was coming from, and whether the passenger had any prior bus or large-vehicle driving experience was not immediately known. This is at least the second incident of a Greyhound driver suffering an apparent medical condition while driving through Utah. On New Year's Eve, a 13-year-old California girl was killed and a dozen others hospitalized when a Greyhound bus traveling from Denver to Las Vegas flew off I-70 near the Devil's Canyon view area in a remote area outside of Green River, Emery County, and into a steep wash, coming to rest about 200 feet off the interstate. Passengers reported seeing the driver in that incident slumped over the wheel just prior to the crash. SYRACUSE Formal charges were filed Friday against a Salt Lake police officer accused of offering up child pornography from his house. Jonathan Issac Dew, 39, of Syracuse, is charged in Farmington's 2nd District Court with four counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, a second-degree felony. The investigation began Oct. 20 when the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force discovered that a computer in Syracuse was "using sophisticated software to offer (child pornography) for download," according to charging documents. On Wednesday, investigators served a search warrant at Dew's home. They found a laptop in his closet that his wife told investigators she thought didn't work, the charges state. Four files of child pornography were found on the device, according to court documents. Prosecutors with the Utah Attorney General's Office noted that "Dew is also a police officer with access to sophisticated software and encryption capable of concealing additional crimes." The Salt Lake City Police Department announced Thursday that Dew, a 12-year veteran with the department, had been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the criminal case and an internal investigation. Prosecutors asked that Dew be held on $500,000 bail. Investigators believe he poses a high risk because there are children in his house, family members said he suffers from depression, and a firearm was "located in almost every room of the residence," according to the changes. If he is able to post bail, prosecutors have asked a judge to order that Dew not be allowed to access the internet or have contact with anyone under 18. Prosecutors have indicated they'll seek forfeiture of property if Dew is convicted, specifically Dew's laptop and other electronic devices. SALT LAKE CITY A man already charged this year with punching a police officer and an inmate at the Salt Lake County Jail has now been charged with stabbing another man at the Volunteers of America-Utah's Youth Resource Center. Anthony Brandon Oliva-Olsten, 22, of Salt Lake City, who has the moniker "Sharkboy," according to court records, was charged Friday in 3rd District Court with aggravated assault and obstructing justice, both third-degree felonies. On Aug. 11, Oliva-Olsten stabbed a man in the stomach at the center, 888 S. 400 West, then threw the knife into a nearby parking lot and ran away, according to charging documents. The stabbing was one of several violent episodes allegedly involving Oliva-Olsten this year. On Aug. 3, he was arrested for assault after allegedly punching his roommate, according to a Salt Lake County Jail report. While being booked into the jail on Aug. 4, Oliva-Olsten immediately dropped the items he was carrying as he entered a cell and saw his assigned cellmate, stated he wasn't "rooming with no blacks" and punched the other man in the jaw several times, according to court documents. Oliva-Olsten was charged in that incident with assault by a prisoner, a third-degree felony. On Oct. 1, a Cache County sheriff's deputy spotted Oliva-Olsten speeding down Sardine Canyon at more than 100 mph, according to court records. When he was pulled over, the deputy found the man's father in the passenger seat "extremely intoxicated" and Oliva-Olsten told the deputy he did not have a license, charging documents state. While attempting to place Oliva-Olsten in handcuffs, the deputy was punched in the throat, the charges state. SALT LAKE CITY A woman stabbed to death behind a dumpster this week has been identified. Meanwhile, Salt Lake City police continued to look for the man believed to have attacked the woman and left another man in critical condition. Wednesday night, police were called to the area of 477 North and 300 West where they found Candace Rose Samples, 20, and another man with stab wounds, according to police. Samples was pronounced dead at the scene by firefighters but was still taken to a local hospital with the other victim. The man's name had not been released as of Friday. The search continued Friday for the alleged attacker, described only as a balding Hispanic man last seen running from the scene with a blanket wrapped around him. Police have released few details about the incident, stating only that the victims and suspect were homeless, and the trio may have had an argument over a piece of property. On social media, friends and acquaintances remembered Samples. "She will be missed. May her beautiful soul rest in peace. The last year and half was one hell of an adventure I will never forget. She always made me feel young everytime we spent time together. I will always love you Candace Samples," one man wrote on Facebook. Anyone with information on the incident or the suspect is asked to call police at 801-799-3000. Emerging markets now make up the majority of the world's top ten smartphone markets. Worldwide smartphone shipments fell by 7% in Q3 2018, a fourth consecutive quarter of decline, according to research firm Canalys. This was also the worst third quarter performance since 2015. Chinas smartphone market had another disappointing quarter, only shipping 100.6 million units, a year-on-year decline of 15.2% and sequential decline of 2.9%. India overtook the US this quarter to be the second largest market, though both countries were hit by weaker seasonal performance compared with last year. Seven of the top 10 markets recorded year-on-year declines, caused by lengthening smartphone replacement cycles, worsening international trading conditions and competition from major Chinese vendors. Chinas market showed no improvement in terms of smartphone sell-in, and 14 of the top 20 brands in China declined in Q3, said Canalys Analyst Mo Jia, based in Shanghai. This has continued to put tremendous pressure on vendors amid rising component and labour costs in China. Chinese vendors are more focused than ever on overseas expansion in South Asia, Africa, and Central and Eastern Europe, to hedge against their business at home. But the current international trade environment and geopolitical issues are not great for business either. Only a few are likely to survive the tough winter. Greater China (including Hong Kong and Taiwan) was the worst performing region of all, down 14.6% annually. Central and Eastern Europe continued to be the top performer, growing 2.2% year on year, followed by Africa at 0.4%. At the vendor level, Samsung was the only company to post a year-on-year decline, of 14%, which pushed its market share down to 20.4% from 22.0% in Q3 2017. Huawei took second place ahead of Apple, shipping 52 million units after growing 33% year on year. Apple grew by just 0.4%, shipping 47 million units. Xiaomi and Oppo rounded out the top five, shipping 33 million and 31 million units respectively. All Chinese vendors combined now account for 52% of the worldwide smartphone market, their highest share in history. The worldwide smartphone market faces an unprecedented challenge, while its dynamics are changing rapidly at both the vendor and country level. This is providing growth opportunities for aggressive vendors with the speed to respond quickly to market changes, said Canalys Research Manager Rushabh Doshi. Huawei has seen a remarkable rise, with a competitive portfolio covering all price bands. Xiaomi, Oppo and Vivo, together with other Chinese brands, such as OnePlus and Transsion, are catching up fast, developing a much stronger footing outside of China. But Samsung remains in trouble, and its shipments are at risk of falling below 300 million by year-end, far from its initial 320 million goal. Despite recently revamping its product strategy with more frequent launches and stronger innovation in the low to mid-range, such as the quad-camera Galaxy A9 2018, Samsung still faces tremendous pressure in all price segments. Its hierarchical and layered structure is preventing it from effectively responding to the competition. Meanwhile, Apples smartphone product transition is still well underway. The vendor launched its new flagship smartphones on 21 September. In 10 days of availability in Q3, the iPhone XS shipped 3.3 million units, but was well beaten by the more expensive iPhone XS Max, which shipped 4.7 million units. China was the largest market for the iPhone XS Max, accounting for 45% of its shipments, while the US was its second largest market at 27%. In the post-Steve Jobs era, Apple has never disaggregated its global hardware strategy in any product line, said Senior Analyst Ben Stanton. That changed with the iPhone XS Max, which comes with a physical dual-SIM in China. This larger model is certainly popular with Chinese buyers but is also enjoying a small boost from unofficial distribution channels and online marketplaces, which are exporting this iPhone around the world. But as more operators start to support eSIM, this trend will wane, as the benefit of a dual physical-SIM over an eSIM becomes negligible. Smartphones have now truly passed their peak and this year is the first time that industry optimism has made way for worry, said Analyst Tuan Anh Nguyen, But smartphones will remain most peoples key personal computing devices and will still ship in high numbers. A declining market will push many smaller players out in favour of bigger vendors. The dynamic among the leaders is also changing, with contrasting fortunes. Vendors such as Huawei and Xiaomi are on track or already exceeding their ambitious targets while others are struggling. Canalys still expects the market to recover in 2019, but vendors are already pivoting toward trends such as 5G roll-out, artificial intelligence applications, new channels and local production capability. Smartphone quarterly estimate and forecast data is taken from Canalys Smartphone Analysis service. Google is supposedly working on two variants of a mid-range Pixel phone that are expected to be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 710 processor. In an APK teardown of ARCore version 1.5, folks at Android Authority found the mention of new profiles (or maybe even two currently unreleased Google devices). The first bares the name Bonito and a new fish-themed codename of a supposed device: Sargo. The smartphones are apparently being developed for emerging markets like India. According to mysmartprice, Sargo could be a smaller variant of Bonito. This is not the first time Google has been in news for making mid-range devices to counter flagship killers like OnePlus. The first rumour made rounds on the internet in early April when the company was said to release these devices in June. In June, however, no such announcement was made and a tweet by German scoop-master Roland Quandt said that Google is definitely working on a Pixel phone that will be powered by the new Snapdragon 710 chipset. It was also noted that Google is also supposedly making this phone for the Indian market only and that it will launch it in the first half of 2019, and not anytime before that as previously rumoured. Googles plan of creating a Pixel phone tailored for India seems most credible, given how India is reported to be a key driving factor in the sale of smartphones in 2019 and the years following it. With players like Samsung and Huawei/Honor also looking to crowd the Rs 30,000-Rs 40,000 segment, and Apple cutting down the prices of its old iPhones, Google could become a promising competitor if it launches these rumoured smartphones. Wind farms are considered environmentally friendly option for generating electricity. About 8 percent of the power in India is generated using electricity. Researchers from the Indian Institute of Science, studying the ecological impact of the wind farms found that there are far reaching consequences of these windmills. The ecological impact is on many levels. The blades of the wind mills directly strike birds and bats, and disrupt the migration routes of birds. The number of predatory birds reduce where wind farms were located. In the same plateau in the Western Ghats, the researchers studied predatory birds such as hawks and kites, at locations with and without wind farms. Predatory birds were far fewer in the locations with wind farms. Further, the birds were in the vicinity of wind farms, made fewer attempts at capturing prey, and displayed a reduced frequency of dives. Consequently, there was an increase in number of the prey species of these birds, the fan throated lizards. The disruptions in the ecosystem go beyond just interfering with the natural numbers of the predator and prey species. The lizards in the areas wind wind farms did not behave like they were a prey species at all. The scientists tested this out by conducting mock predation attempts on the lizards. In the areas with wind farms, the lizards allowed the humans to approach much closer than the areas without wind farms. This was because of the reduced stress from predator species, where the wind farms were located. The population of common lizard species has ballooned to three times the regular amounts, in locations with wind farms. However, that increase has negative consequences of its own. Wind farms are not exactly paradises for lizards. As there is increased competition in the prey species, the total available food for each individual in the population has gone down. This means that the lizards in the areas with wind farms are actually less fit and healthy than the lizards that have been exposed to regular levels of predation. The males in the populations near wind farms had dull colouration, as a result of not having adequate food. The reduced brightness could interfere with the sexual selection in the population. What is happening here is known as a trophic cascade. These are widespread changes through the food pyramid, which occurs when a new prey or predator species is introduced to an environment. The windmills are essentially playing the role of a new apex predator in the region, disrupting the natural predator and prey populations in the area. In a study that spanned 40 years, researchers studied the ecological impact of wolves disappearing from Yellowstone National park, and how reintroducing them helped improve the forest. An example of a bottom up trophic cascade is the dying out of insects in the rainforests, due to climate change. This is the same as wiping out the bottom of the food pyramid, affecting all the animals on the higher trophic levels. So, what does the study tell us? Wind farms have far reaching ecological consequences, which we are only beginning to fully comprehend. So far, these consequences had been heavily underestimated. When setting up wind farms, we have to ensure that biodiversity hotspot and sensitive ecozones are not adversely affected. It is not a good idea to set up wind farms in the migration routes of birds. When building wind farms, it is necessary to have environmental considerations as well, and not just economic ones. Source: Nature Targeted Muscle Reinnervation Shown to Reduce Amputee Pain and Phantom Limb Sensations Published: 2018-11-08 - Updated: 2019-02-09 Author: Gregory Dumanian, MD | Contact: drdumanian.com Synopsis: Innovative surgery Targeted Muscle Reinnervation (TMR) shown to reduce amputee pain, phantom limb sensations, according to new study published in the Annals of Surgery. Main Digest An innovative surgery originally developed for advanced prosthetics also significantly reduces amputee limb pain, according to a clinical study published in the peer-reviewed Annals of Surgery. The findings underscore the procedure's potential to revolutionize treatment and become the new standard of care for millions of amputees worldwide suffering from often-debilitating chronic pain. The study - the first-ever published randomized clinical trial for the treatment of postamputation pain in major limb amputees - found that a procedure called Targeted Muscle Reinnervation (TMR) resulted in a significantly greater reduction in phantom limb pain and trended toward improved residual limb pain, compared to standard treatment for nerve and pain issues. "This study proves what we've seen anecdotally - that TMR is the first major advance in the way we treat residual and phantom limb pain since the onset of amputations thousands of years ago," said Gregory Dumanian, MD, chief of plastic surgery at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, lead researcher and study author, and originator of the TMR surgical procedure. "Respite from pain means freedom from narcotics, freedom to engage in physical activity, freedom to enjoy time with family and friends, freedom to pursue careers and much more." Chronic pain is pervasive among the two million amputees across the United States and millions more around the world, often leading to reduced prosthetic function, poor quality of life, and dependence on opiates and other pain medication. A frequently cited survey published in 1983 showed that 85 percent of American military veterans reported significant amounts of phantom pain and noted that "few reported treatments were of any value." Other estimates suggest that as many as 76 percent of amputees experience residual limb pain, and as many as 85 percent suffer from phantom limb pain (PLP), which is the brain's perception of pain and discomfort seemingly originating in the absent limb. In contrast, findings from the recent TMR study show that 72 percent of participants who underwent the procedure reported feeling mild or no phantom limb pain (PLP) after 18 months, compared with just 40 percent who underwent standard neuroma excision and muscle burying for chronic postamputation pain. Additionally, 67 percent of patients were free of or felt only mild residual limb pain following TMR, compared to 27 percent who received standard treatment. The study, funded by the U.S. Department of Defense, included two sites: Northwestern University, led by Dumanian Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, led by Dr. Kyle Potter "In addition to being effective, the beautiful thing about TMR is that there are low barriers to adoption -it requires little specialized equipment and can be performed in university hospitals, in military medical settings, and more," Dumanian said. "With greater awareness and a little training, surgeons who treat amputees can ramp this up across the healthcare system, and they are doing so already." Brain controlled, prosthetic arm funded by the DARPA. Photo courtesy of Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL). One of the study participants treated at Northwestern, Keith Philizaire, said he lived through years of anguish and pain medication to address severe PLP following the amputation of his leg. "If you can imagine, for two to three years it literally felt like my leg was being cut off, over and over again," Philizaire said. "Now, about a year after having TMR, I'm pain-free and I'm no longer using any medications. I'm able to take my daughters to the park and the movies, and I even rode a bike with my prosthetic leg." Another study participant, Sarah Dean, is a registered nurse who lost her hand following a bus accident in Bolivia, where she was providing medical care for underserved communities. "After my amputation, I experienced intense phantom limb pain and neuropathic pain - on a pain scale of one to 10, I was at a 20. It was like torture," she said. "After undergoing TMR, I still had some pain at first but I understood it was part of the healing process. Thankfully, after about four or five months it was manageable enough for me to go back to work. Now, I am proud to say that I am completely off all pain medications, I've earned my master's degree and have been working at a hospital in the suburban Chicago area." Perhaps the most well-known TMR patient is Joe Pleban, who received international attention in 2014 when he tattooed "Please cut here" on his left ankle and memorialized his limb's adventures on Facebook prior to amputation. Although he was not a study participant, he cites his TMR surgery performed by Dumanian as critical to reclaiming his active lifestyle. "For me, TMR has been an amazing out from chronic pain," Pleban said. "Since the procedure, I've been able to start running, snowboarding, playing rugby, and it's just continued to go up from there. I started competing in World Para Snowboarding last season which allowed me to travel around the world. Being a professional snowboarder has been a dream of mine since I was a little kid, and now I'm living that dream." Residual limb pain is primarily caused by terminal neuromas, which are cut nerve endings encased in scars. Surgeons have devised numerous procedures to minimize or eliminate the painful symptoms of neuromas, but effective treatment has been largely elusive. Prevailing standard practice involves burying nerve endings from the amputated limb in a nearby muscle - essentially hiding a hot nerve ending, with limited success at reducing pain. A related condition, PLP, is thought to be a complex interplay between painful neuromas and the central nervous system - and has proven even more difficult to prevent or reverse, with no treatment regarded as universally effective. "Our nervous system is like an electric grid, and severed nerves are like live wires that cause pain," Dumanian said. TMR dissects the amputated nerve-the "live wire"-and surgically reroutes it to reinnervate a nearby functionless muscle, thereby "closing the circuit." The reinnervation process allows the nerve to find end-receptors within the muscle, fooling the nerves into feeling "healed," and more importantly, to feel less painful. "Simply put, TMR gives the nerves somewhere to go and something to do, a strategy absent from all other neuroma treatments," he said. Dumanian was the first to perform TMR surgery in 2002 to enable patients to control advanced myoelectric (bionic) prostheses. While the procedure's implications for prosthetics drew international attention, Dumanian also observed that TMR patients experienced less pain, making it a potential treatment for a broader population of amputees. These observations were published in a retrospective study in 2014, but the latest findings are the first to demonstrate significant improvements in a randomized, multi-center study. In the recently published trial, 28 amputees with chronic pain were assigned to either standard treatment or TMR. Researchers gathered information including patient-rated pain scores, neuroma size and functionality data at six months, 12 months and 18 months post-procedure. Patients in the study did not know whether they had received TMR or standard treatment for a full year after surgery. Notably, three study participants who originally underwent standard treatment opted to have TMR performed after the 12-month mark, including Philizaire. Eleven of the limbs treated with TMR had been amputated for five to 10 years or more. "Critically, we found that there's really no shelf life on TMR," Dumanian said, also noting that there were no surgical complications to report. "It's not too late to have the procedure if you're more than a decade post-amputation, or if you've had nerve surgeries in the past, which is common among the amputee community." Dumanian, a triple board-certified fourth generation Armenian-American surgeon, is no stranger to innovating. As a plastic surgeon, he regularly lectures at medical conferences around the world, raising awareness about TMR among neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons who treat amputee patients in pain. Outside of TMR, he frequently presents to general surgeons about his technique for mesh sutured repairs and his surgical device innovation, Suturable Mesh, which is currently pending approval before the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Suturable Mesh by Mesh Suture Inc. allows for the localized focal placement of a small amount of mesh. It is proposed for use in high-tension internal closures, when the surgeon hopes to achieve a durable repair to reduce the well-known phenomenon of suture pull through. While standard sutures have been used for 3,000 years, Suturable Mesh represents only the third ever design innovation for suturable devices. Overall, Dumanian is on a mission to encourage the use of TMR to provide much-needed relief for amputees. Notably, he has no intellectual property rights and no commercial interests in the TMR procedure. "I am absolutely committed to making sure every person living with an amputation and the doctors who treat them understand the potential of TMR to provide relief from chronic pain," Dumanian said. Primary Information Source(s): Targeted Muscle Reinnervation Shown to Reduce Amputee Pain and Phantom Limb Sensations | Gregory Dumanian, MD (drdumanian.com). Disabled World makes no warranties or representations in connection therewith. Content may have been edited for style, clarity or length. You're reading Disabled World. See our homepage for informative disability news, reviews, sports, stories and how-tos. You can also connect with us on social media such as Twitter and Facebook or learn more about Disabled World on our about us page. Disclaimer: Disabled World provides general information only. Materials presented are in no way meant to be a substitute for professional medical care by a qualified practitioner, nor should they be construed as such. Any 3rd party offering or advertising on disabled-world.com does not constitute endorsement by Disabled World. Cite This Page (APA): Gregory Dumanian, MD. (2018, November 8). Targeted Muscle Reinnervation Shown to Reduce Amputee Pain and Phantom Limb Sensations. Disabled World. Retrieved November 22, 2021 from www.disabled-world.com/medical/surgery/tmr.php What could possibly happen when a father and son are both attracted to the same guy? A new comedy, 3 Card Stud, by prolific playwright Ronnie Larsen and opening this weekend at the Foundry at Wilton Theater Factory, imagines what happens when they compete for the affections of a much younger man. I know this has to have happened before, especially in Wilton Manors, where anything is literally possible, said Larsen, who also directs. This play features a sort of contemporary Odd Couple that could only happen in South Florida, and I don't think Neil Simon would approve." Senior citizen Shelly (David Langler) and his middle-aged son Michael (Chad Tyler) peacefully coexist in their cramped apartmentuntil Michael hooks up with Richard (Mikhail Duggan) on Grindr and their comfortable relationship quickly gets complicated. The cast also includes George Wentzler and D.V. Carr as Shellys outspoken poker buddies. Larsen describes the trio as hilarious male versions of the Golden Girls who first meet Richard as he exits Michaels bedroom following the encounter. Witty one-liners from the seniors soon evolve into deep thoughts as the men develop a connection with Richard. I think weve seen these kinds of stories play out plenty of times on Lifetime TV with mothers and daughters competing for the same man, but weve never seen a gay father and son in this situation, said Larsen, who also wrote the Off Broadway hit Making Porn. "I also hope the play is a joyful reminder that you're never too old or too young to fall in loveand Im not revealing who eventually gets the boy!" While hes tight-lipped with that spoiler, Larsen is confident 3 Card Stud is one of the funniest plays hes written of the more than 30 shows hes written or produced over the past 25 years. Id have to say 3 Card Stud is a royal flush, he promised, at least when it comes to laughs. The world premiere of "3 Card Stud" by Ronnie Larsen will be presented Nov. 8 Dec. 2, Wednesdays through Fridays at 8:30 p.m., Saturdays at 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Foundry at Wilton Theater Factory, 2306 N. Dixie Hwy. in Wilton Manors. Tickets are $35 - $50 at RonnieLarsen.com. Indian team to join Taliban for Moscow meet on Afghanistan India on Thursday said it will participate in a non-official level meeting on Afghanistan hosted by Russia in Moscow where representatives of the Taliban are also expected to be present. The meeting is scheduled for today and representatives of the Afghan Taliban radical movement will take part in it, the Russian foreign ministry said last week. But Russias attempts to position itself as a key player on Afghanistan have not quite taken off, seeing that both Afghanistan and India are sending non-official delegations to the Moscow meeting. Our participation at the meeting will be at the non-official level, external affairs ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said on Thursday, without giving details. India supports all efforts at peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan that will preserve unity and plurality, and bring security, stability and prosperity to the country, Kumar said. Indias consistent policy has been that such efforts should be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, and Afghan-controlled and with the participation of the government of Afghanistan, he said. According to Russian news agency TASS, this is the second time Russia is attempting to bring regional powers together to seek peace in Afghanistan. The first such meeting, proposed for 4 September this year, was called off at the last moment after the Afghan government pulled out, describing its involvement in the Moscow meeting as unnecessary as the Taliban had disrespected internationally-sanctioned principles and rejected the message of peace and direct negotiations. According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, invitations to take part in the event had been sent to Afghanistan, India, Iran, China, Pakistan, the US and some other countries. The meeting comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin recently held talks on a host of global issues. India and Russia had resolved to direct their activities towards launching joint development and capacity building projects in Afghanistan. People familiar with planning for the meeting, being held under the Moscow format launched last year, said Indias non-official delegation will comprise two retired diplomats TCA Raghavan, a former envoy to Pakistan, and Amar Sinha, a former ambassador to Afghanistan. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani earlier decided to send a non-official delegation from the High Peace Council, including its deputy heads Haji Deen Mohammad and Habiba Surabi. The Taliban is sending a delegation from its political office in Qatar, reportedly led by Sher Abbas Stanekzai, and this is possibly the first time Taliban leaders and any Indian representatives, official or otherwise, will participate in such talks. US participation too will be low key, with the state department saying an official from the US embassy in Moscow will observe the discussions. Spokesman Robert Palladino said the US believes no government, including Russia, can be a substitute for the Afghan government in direct negotiations with the Taliban. India has so far not taken a public stand on negotiations with the Taliban, whose leadership is largely based in Pakistan and supported by that countrys military and intelligence establishments. The US has launched a quiet drive, spearheaded by its special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, to engage with the Taliban in Qatar that has not gone down well with Kabul. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the Moscow meeting is not about negotiating with any particular side (but) about holding comprehensive discussions for a peaceful solution and ending the American occupation. Ajai Sahni, executive director of the Institute of Conflict Management, said Russia had adopted the premise that Pakistan should be a dominant force in finding a solution in Afghanistan even though such an approach hasnt worked for the US and China. The Indian position is that you have to have Pakistan out of the equation, because Pakistan is part of the problem and not the solution, he said. Trump sacks Attorney General Jeff Sessions American President Donald Trump finally managed to push out Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who had not blocked a probe into a possible link of the Trump presidential campaign with Russia and had recused himself from the investigation. Sessions told the president that he was submitting his resignation at your request. Trump had been critical of Sessions for appointing Robert Mueller as the special counsel into the Russia probe, which the president was obviously keen on stopping. The American president had in the past described Sessions as weak and someone who was not aggressively pursuing corruption charges against his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton. Not surprisingly, after Sessions submitted his resignation, Trump announced that Matthew Whitaker would be the acting attorney general. Whitaker has been critical of Mueller and his probe into the possible links between Trumps presidential campaign and Russia. Last year, Whitaker had admitted in a TV interview that Sessions could be replaced with another person, who would slash the budget for the Mueller investigations and bring it to a virtual halt. Interestingly, Sessions resignation came hours after the Republicans lost control of the House of Representatives. However, the party has added to its majority in the US Senate. Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic House leader, described Sessions firing as another blatant attempt by Trump to end the Mueller probe. She was also critical of the appointment of Whitaker. Democrats want Whitaker to recuse himself as he had wanted limits to the probe. Preet Bharara, a former US attorney for the southern district of New York in the Obama administration, told CNN that he feared that there could be undue restriction of the Mueller investigation. Im very concerned, he said. It looks like you have someone who has prejudged the Mueller investigation. Australia blocks Chinese group's bid to acquire energy infra major Australia has blocked a $9 billion bid by the CK Group of Hong Kong to acquire an energy infrastructure company, claiming that the move would be against its national interest. The growing presence of Chinese companies in Australia is worrying government leaders, who fear that these foreign companies would have undue influence on the economy. Josh Frydenberg, the Australian Treasurer, said the proposed bid by the CK consortium to acquire the 15,000-km-long pipeline (representing more than half of Australias gas pipeline transmission system) would be contrary to national interest. I have formed this view on the grounds that it would result in an undue concentration of foreign ownership by a single company group in our most significant gas transmission business, he said. According to him, Australias foreign investment policy was not discriminating against any investor or country and the decision to block the CK Group bid was not an adverse reflection on it. There has been growing opposition in Australia to the increasing presence of Chinese corporates in the country. Peter Jennings, executive director of the government-established Australian Strategic Policy Institute think tank, had been opposed to the deal and was keen that the government veto it. If the takeover proceeded, wed have about 70 per cent or more of electricity and gas infrastructure owned by either CKI, a Hong Kong company, or State Grid, a Chinese state-owned entity, he said. I just think that's a risk that no country would really find acceptable. The freshwater pearl mussel in one Donegal river is of such a high quality that it is included in a European Union project aimed at improving the habitat for the mussel. The river in question is the Glaskeelan river in the Churchill area of the county. It flows into Gartan lake and its catchment area includes the upper and lower slopes of the Derryveagh Mountains. The pearl mussel in the Glaskeelan river is of a very high quality and that is why it is included among the eight river over the whole country, a spokesperson for the project told the Democrat. The project is a voluntary one and is aimed at incentivising farmers and landowners to improve the environmental condition of their farms lands with the aim of enhancing watercourses for the endangered freshwater pearl mussel. The Pearl Mussel Project EIP are organising a series of indoor farmer consultation meetings in the various project river catchments. The Donegal meeting is on Thursday, December 6, in the Colmcille Heritage Centre, Churchill, at 8pm. The organisers are anxious all farmers and landowners in the catchment area of the river attend the meeting. The meetings will outline the background and aims of the project. At these meetings it is hoped to receive input from the farmers on the design and implementation of the scheme. The scheme will be results-based in that the better the environmental result the higher the payment to farmers. There are two types of payments: one is a result-based payment and depends on achieving a certain standard on a scorecard. The second is a supporting action payment which is to help landowners achieve the required standard over time. Minister of State David Stanton is Donegal is launching a new Donegal Travellers Project (DTP) programme of supports for members of the Roma community who are living in the county today. The DTP Roma Project is one of six community-based projects nationwide to receive government funding in response to a recent report that documented high levels of poverty and discrimination experienced by people of Roma ethnicity in Ireland. The funding has been provided by the Department of Justice and Equality, where Minister Stanton is Minister of State with Special Responsibility for Equality, Immigration, and Integration. The launch is taking place this morning in the DTP office on the Port Road in Letterkenny. A new DTP Roma Cultural Information booklet funded by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission to facilitate the social inclusion of Roma will also be launched at the event. Donegal Travellers Project is delighted that Minister Stanton will be coming to Donegal to launch the DTP Roma Project, said Siobhan McLaughlin, DTP Manager. The Project offers a wide range of supports to Roma in Donegal, including helping families to access essential services such as education, housing, and medical care. The Project will also be working with other Donegal agencies to promote the culturally appropriate inclusion of Roma in Donegal society. The 'Roma Cultural Information' booklet which will also be launched has been developed to assist in this aspect of the Project. Roma In Ireland A National Needs Assessment is the name of the report published in January which documents the many blocks to full inclusion in Irish society that are faced by members of the Roma community. The report also identifies a range of steps needed to achieve outcomes for Roma that are equal to those of the general population. Announcing funding for the six projects in March, Minister Stanton said: I firmly believe that actions at local level are key to ensuring that the Roma community are included, can contribute to, and can play a full role in Irish society. I am very pleased that we are able to support these projects, and I look forward to seeing positive outcomes. Supports offered by the DTP Roma Project include home visits by a Roma Community Development and Advocacy Worker, Joleen Kuyper, who is available to provide members of the Roma community assistance with filling out forms, attending appointments, writing letters, making telephone calls, and more. Other aspects of the DTP Roma Project include raising awareness of the history, culture, and traditions of the Roma in Europe; providing opportunities for English language learning by Roma; and working to establish an independent Roma community group in Donegal. (Column) The Dolphin Democrats, a leading voice for the LGBT community within and outside the Democratic Party of Broward County, held its 2018 Annual Awards Gala Oct. 21 at the Venues Crystal Ballroom in Wilton Manors. Under this years theme, United We Win, the Gala brought together over 130 Democrats, including some of the countys leading political figures. Though Dolphin President Scott Herman was unable to attend the Gala, the event was a huge success, thanks to the work of Gala organizers Steve Fuller, Alfredo Olvera, Justin Proffitt and other committee members. Dolphins hope the Gala energized the community in time for the November 7, mid-term elections. Over dinner, the Dolphin Democrats gave out a variety of awards and listened to a rousing speech by State Rep. Shevrin Jones, who recently came out as a gay Black man. Dolphins Treasurer Adam Sabin was honored as Volunteer of the Year. Verna D. Johnson won the prestigious Jamie Bloodworth Leadership Award. Activists and past Dolphin presidents Michael Albetta and Ron Mills shared the LGBT Pioneers Award and Emma Collum, who is running for the State Legislature, was honored as the Outstanding New Candidate. Tatiana Williams, founder of TransInclusive, won the first Bishop S.F. Makalani-Mahee Award for trans activism; the Pride Center won an award for Excellence in Community Service; and the Womens March of Broward Chapter was honored as Partners in Equality. Two major awards were given out towards the end of the dinner, during dessert. Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean J. Trantalis, a former president of the Dolphin Democrats, was given the clubs first Harvey Milk Award for LGBT activism. Congressman Ted Deutch was honored with the Outstanding Elected Official Award; but he was unable to attend to accept his award or give the Keynote Speech. Instead, the speech was given by Deutchs congressional colleague Debbie Wasserman Schultz (a past award winner), who gave an amazing speech considering that she did not have much time to prepare it. All in all, the Gala was an amazing event which confirmed the Dolphin Democrats status as a leader in both Broward Countys Democratic Party and its LGBT community. The rear-disc Bullet 350 variant can be booked across all the Royal Enfield dealerships at a booking amount of Rs 5,000. Depending on the stock, the motorcycle will be delivered within a week. The overall design and features of the new Royal Enfield Bullet 350 variant remain unchanged; except for the addition of the disc brake at the rear, and its supporting rectangular swingarm. However, the Bullet 350 (or Standard 350) still misses out on ABS. The Royal Enfield Bullet 350 draws power from the same 346cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine that produces 19.8bhp and 28Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. There is no change in the performance, but the new Bullet 350 rear-disc model promises better braking. The Royal Enfield Bullet 350 is equipped with telescopic forks up front and twin-shock absorbers at the rear. The motorcycle gets 19-inch spoke wheels shod with Ceat Tyres; making the new rear-disc variant visually unchanged. Braking duties are handled by a 280mm disc at the front and 240mm disc at the rear. The Royal Enfield Bullet 350 comes in two variants: Standard and Electric Start. The Standard model is offered in a black paint scheme while the Electric Start variant gets two new colours: Silver and Red. Royal Enfield has been one of the leading players in the country with its best-selling models such as the Classic 350, Bullet 350 and the Classic Signals 350. Now, Jawa Motorcycles is all set to challenge the supremacy of Royal Enfield on the Indian market. We have already shared the pricing of the new Jawa bikes. Besides this, Jawa Motorcycles India dealerships have started unofficial bookings for the new models too. Thoughts On The Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Rear-Disc Variant Royal Enfield has introduced the Bullet 350 with rear disc brake, but the motorcycle still misses out on dual-channel ABS; currently offered on the Classic range. Although there is no change in performance compared to the regular version, the improved braking on the new rear-disc variant of the Bullet 350 will definitely gain some sales figures. Image Source: YouTube/Abhinash Panigrahi Peter Liston and Matthew Moseley are business partners and worked side-by-side serving in Afghanistan as part of the Australian army. After hanging up their uniforms, both men found it very challenging to transition into corporate life and decided to have a go at entrepreneurship. Since then, the duo have started 3x businesses, YourOra, a service providing Virtual Assistants to businesses, CheckMate, a mentoring company aiming to reduce issues around mental health and SecureWindows, a company that installs child-proof windows into households. All three businesses are very different, but all three are doing very well. The duo say that they have been able to use all the skills picked up in the military and convert them into entrepreneurial ventures. Dynamic Business spoke to Peter Liston to find out more about the businesses and the journey from military to entrepreneurship. How has your experience in Afghanistan shaped you as an entrepreneur? Afghanistan has allowed me to appreciate time. It is precious, short and not to be taken for granted. What was it like transitioning back into the traditional workforce when you returned to Australia? Transitioning from the military to the workforce can be very daunting. I knew that jumping into a traditional corporate role wasnt necessarily for me and so I was constantly challenging myself to think creatively about what the next step looked like. How did you get into entrepreneurship? With so many options out there, I decided to go through the Enterprise for Veterans program though a non-for-profit supported by the Sage Foundation, The Princes Trust Australia. As a graduate of the program, I was able to identify my strengths and weaknesses and understand what my options were when taking that big next step. I guess Ive always been an entrepreneur at heart, I just didnt know it. Ive always been the ideas guy at every job Ive had but just needed the right opportunity to break through. Tell us about your three businesses and how they all started? My first business was Secure Windows. I basically came up with the idea, after hearing about the new legislation requiring window locks on all strata buildings on the radio. The seed was sown and a year later, my business partner Matthew Moseley and I breathed life into the new business. Both still in the full time Army at the time, we grew the business until we were able to transition. Our second entrepreneurial adventure was with our business, yourORA. One thing Matt and I are masters of is process analysis and identifying waste. We found a great team in the Philippines who supported the administration of Secure Windows. This led to savings of $1,000 a day in wages by having a team based overseas allowing us to scale and hire more Australian workers. We learned how to do this so well, we wanted to share with other business people how to do it. Hence, we created yourORA. I guess the business we are most proud of, is Chekmate. When I deployed to Afghanistan in 2012 I met the most motivated, relevant psychologist I had ever come across. This guy cared and was committed to saving lives. Luke Foster is not only smart but is able to relate to soldiers on a personal level. Luke and colleague Sam Webb founded Chekmate as the premier provider of corporate mental health training. I have recently come on board (with my Secure Windows business partner Matt) to add our business acumen to their technical expertise and the combination is just magic. We are saving lives on a daily basis. They are all so different- talk us through that? Its an evolution. Secure Windows was our learning curve. We made a lot of mistakes and learned a lot of lessons. yourORA is us sharing our knowledge of process management and outsourcing with other small business owners. Chekmate is about coming together with passionate colleagues to make a difference in the world. Why did you decided to embark on three different businesses rather than focus on one? You cant move on until the first has been consolidated. Secure Windows is now in a mature state with an excellent operations manager running the business. This allows me to sit in the strategic space and pursue new ideas. Chekmate came from an irresistible opportunity. To be able to work with two of the most passionate leaders in promoting mental health (Sam Webb and Luke Foster) gave me the purpose I have been seeking since leaving the Australian Army. What did the military teach you that you have been able to use in your businesses? Loads. Confidence in myself, Leadership, Vision, Mission, Purpose, Teamwork, HR, Operations and Strategic planning. Top tips to those who want to become an entrepreneur? Test your minimum viable product. Just because you think its a good idea doesnt necessarily mean the market does. Ask someone other than your mum or your mates. Do market research. Work hard, accept failure, repeat. Be patient. No one owes you anything you are the master of your own success. Best piece of advice you have ever been given? If you cant give it away then no-one will buy it How important are the Invictus games? The Invictus Games have landed in Sydney and shone an important light on a part of society that is often forgotten, veterans. More than anything, these competitors are an example of the mentally and physically wounded and remind us of the challenges that ex-military men and women face when returning to civilian life, particularly to the workforce. Do you think there is enough recognition of veterans in the business world? Veterans are incredibly talented and if you have the opportunity to hire a veteran, do it. You will find they crave responsibility, reward you through punctuality, work ethic and commitment to the mission. You wont be disappointed. How can businesses be more accommodating to staff members who are veterans? The first step is to give them a chance. Once employed, a veteran should be able to establish themselves and prove their own worth. They have already had a career demanding the values of courage, initiative, teamwork and respect which should be highly sought after in any business. There are a lot of companies that support this exact issue. For example, the Sage Foundation actually goes into some of the worlds largest corporates and trains staff and HR teams on how to get the best out of veterans. Exciting news? We are very excited about our latest business venture, Chekmate. Investing in mental health awareness is not only the right thing to do, its the right thing for business. A business that understands the workforce is its most powerful asset understands that you need to invest in them. ROI sits at over 6:1 for effective mental health training. Chekmate is committed to changing lives. De-stigmatisation of mental health issues, promoting resilience, self care and stress management. Chekmates training program allows work colleagues to recognise the warning signs when someone is doing it tough and how to respectfully give them a hand. Another exciting moment for us, was being included in the Sage Power 50, a published book, that showcases 50 of the most inspiring ex-military men and women using the skills theyve learnt in the military to start a business. Theres no denying there was a rainbow wave on election night with LGBT candidates across the country making historic gains at the state and federal level. One such person many articles in Florida mentioned was Teri Johnston as Floridas first lesbian mayor. Except thats not accurate not even close. In Palm Beach County alone there has been at least two openly lesbian mayors, both of whom SFGN has covered in the past. Betty James served as Cloud Lakes mayor from 2007 to 2011. While Myra Koutzen was elected mayor of Palm Beach Shores in 2016. The misinformation seems to originated from a press release sent out by Equality Florida, the states largest LGBT rights organization. In municipal breakthroughs, Teri Johnston became the first lesbian candidate elected mayor of a Florida city with her history-making win in Key West, the article reads. Many publications around Florida ended up writing about Johnstons historic win including the Miami Herald and Tampa Bay Times both publications though altered their stories once they were contacted. The Associated Press, a news wire that many media outlets around the world rely on for stories also got it wrong. Rand Hoch, an LGBT activist and founder of the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council, spent time this week contacting the various publications to correct the record. Im a volunteer LGBTQ activist and it shouldnt be my job to correct one of our states largest LGBTQ news sources, Hoch wrote to SFGN. But it seems like I keep having to do that. Hoch has tussled with Equality Florida many times in the past over LGBT rights issues and LGBT information relating to Palm Beach County. You would think that after 22 years, Equality Florida would maintain a list of openly LGBTQ elected officials in Florida, Hoch said. But apparently, they dont. Its not like the list is huge! Victory Fund, a national LGBT organization that helps elects openly LGBT candidates, also got it wrong. On their website they had a profile page for Johnston stating Teri will be Florida first Lesbian Mayor. It was corrected Friday to read Teri will be one of Floridas first lesbian mayors. The Miami Herald began their story like this Teri Johnston didnt know she was about to make Florida history as the first openly gay woman elected mayor in a major Florida city. Hoch said the original story did not include the word major. But even so few people would describe Key West as a major city in Florida with a population of only 26,000. LGBT people are still very underrepresented in elected office and bring an all too rare perspective to the political discourse, which is evidenced by the fact that Teri Johnston is the first lesbian candidate ever elected mayor in our state, Stratton Pollitzer, deputy director of Equality Florida, told the Miami Herald. The Herald then noted Pollitzer said there has been an openly lesbian mayor in Florida, but she only came out while in office. Johnston is the first lesbian elected mayor in a major Florida city, he said. Hoch though disputes that assertion as well. And SFGN has written about James and Koutzen in the past. Hoch goes on to add there was a third lesbian mayor in Palm Beach County at one time but hes unsure how open she was. Koutzen told SFGN earlier this year The people in my town all know who I am and [my sexuality] doesnt seem to play a role in whether they vote for me, dont vote for me, support me, dont support me, she said. Its a very small town, so I have a personal relationship with many of the voters. There arent enough women in IT. The statistics show it. The lack of women in the sector hurts companies and the economy. But if given the chance, women can succeed. Women comprise 45 per cent of employees across all professional industries but only 28 per cent of the Information, Communications and Technology (ICT) sector, according to 2017 data from a report by Deloitte Access Economics and the Australian Computer Society this year. The numbers for women in top management roles are even smaller. Australian Bureau of Statistics figures released in September 2018 show that women hold only 17 per cent of CEO roles of non-public sector employers. The Deloitte/ACS report says having equal representation of women in leadership roles could lift labour force participation and add up to $10.8 billion to the Australian economy every year. Having few or no women in the workplace can impact a companys performance because the diversity of voices needed to get the best out of people and create an inclusive culture is lacking. A 2014 study by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and George Washington University found that changing from a single-gender office to an office where there is an even number of men and women lifted revenue by 41 per cent. Deloitte research has found that women in the Chief Information Officer role tend to outperform their male counterparts in interpersonal skills, persuasiveness and networking ability, which can boost a companys financial performance. Ive experienced plenty of barriers, hurdles and downright discrimination in more than 25 years in the IT sector.In all that time, Ive never had a female boss that I can remember. I was once in a very senior role in a healthcare IT company in Australia. I was the logical choice to run the local business when the time came for a new boss in Australia, but I missed out to a less qualified male. The UK-based CEO respected that he needed me, in what was a sales and product development role, but he couldnt talk to me. The leadership team was all male. IT also has a male-dominated feel to it. Women in IT tend to be in human resources and marketing roles rather than the technical side, and the collaborative environment and teamwork that is attractive to women is missing. Women can do the job if an opportunity is available. Ive had two male mentors who played a significant part in furthering my career. One of my mentors promoted me to run the Energy Australia Outsourcing account for CSC (Computer Sciences Corporation) despite me knowing nothing about poles and wires. I initially didnt want the role. The account was losing millions of dollars, and the prospect of having about 200 male staff working under me was daunting. But it turned out to be a pivotal time in my career. We built a great team, fantastic culture, we turned it (the business) around so it was turning a significant profit, and I learnt an enormous amount about people and how to run a business. I did hire a few females though. I believe that success for anyone comes down to people being comfortable enough in their own skin that they feel happy to develop others. We can change the environment. At Alcidion, our team is working towards attracting more women to the technically oriented roles as well as the healthcare business related roles. The company is making its recruitment advertisements more attractive to females. We say were a flexible workplace; were friendly, young, upcoming, engaging and open to new ideas language that resonates with females. Alcidionalso offers pay parity between men and women. The pay gap between men and women is a deterrent and should be addressed. At one point in my career, I was being paid as little as two-thirds of a man doing the same job. Deloitte Access Economics says there continues to be a significant difference in the average earnings of male and female IT workers in Australia, with an average pay gap of around 20 per cent. Workplaces can also be more attuned to the needs of women, such as working mothers who also manage families. Some men and women, too judge the value of women with families by the number of hours they are at the desk, and not by the output or their preparedness to work into the night after their kids have gone to bed. Importantly, more women need to be attracted to IT at school and university. They need to be shown female role models in IT even though they are few and far between such as Ginni Rometty, the first female boss of IBM in the US; Facebooks chief operating officer, Sheryl Sandberg. And, in Australia, theres the former head of Microsoft in Australia, Pip Marlow, now head of customer marketplace at Suncorp; Maile Carnegie, formerly Googles Australia and New Zealand managing director, now head of ANZs digital banking division; Kerri Lee Sinclair, the chief investment officer, technology and innovation, at the Kin Group; andTessa Herd-Court, CEO of the Intelligence Bank. Furthermore, change must come from the top down. The number of women in IT may not change significantly until more women are appointed to company boards. Ive made it my personal agenda to mentor others men and women. If you detect some talent, regardless of their experience, age or gender, you should foster that talent, give them a chance and help them be successful. Kate Quirke is CEO at Alcidion, which aims to make healthcare better with smart, intuitive solutionsthat support interoperability, allow communication and task management, and deliver clinical decision support at the point of care to improve patient outcomes. The races have captured the attention of one Donald Trump, who tweeted this Friday as he headed to Paris aboard Air Force One: "As soon as Democrats sent their best Election stealing lawyer, Marc Elias, to Broward County they miraculously started finding Democrat votes. Don't worry, Florida - I am sending much better lawyers to expose the FRAUD!" (Elias, a Democratic election lawyer, was involved in the 2008 recount in the Minnesota Senate race in which Al Franken came from behind to win.) All of the talk of Florida and recounts is enough to give some political observers a severe case of deja vu, given the extended recount of the state's 2000 presidential vote which led to George W. Bush's ultimate victory. I reached out to an expert on that recount -- the New Yorker's Jeffrey Toobin, who literally wrote the book on the 2000 recount -- for some perspective about what's changed and what hasn't in Florida's election system over the past 18 years. (Toobin is also CNN's chief legal analyst). Our conversation, conducted via email and lightly edited for flow, is below. Cillizza: The words "Florida recount" have political types breaking out in hives. What are the similarities -- and differences -- between the 2000 Florida recount and what we are headed for in the gubernatorial and Senate races in the state this year? Toobin: The biggest difference is that the notorious punch-card ballots -- where voters push out the little chads to make their choices -- are no longer in use. Much of the confusion in 2000 came from the difficulties in determining how punch-card ballots were cast -- that is, if an indented or hanging chad counted as a vote. That problem is gone, because most of the state (including Broward County) now uses optical scan ballots -- that is, ballots where the voter fills in a bubble, like on a standardized test, to vote. In theory, determining the intent of the voter on these kinds of ballots is a lot easier to determine when there is a recount. Another difference is that at this point in the process it's really more accurate to refer to what's going on as a count, rather than a recount, especially in Broward County, which is the current focus of controversy. There is still no final vote total from Broward, which is a heavily Democratic county that includes the city of Fort Lauderdale. It's only after an initial count is complete that it's possible to make a realistic assessment of whether the two Democratic candidates have any chance of making up the difference. To put it another way, Nelson is currently behind by about 16,000 votes and Gillum by about double that. There is no way, really, to make those kinds of deficits up in a recount. But if the difference continues to shrink as Broward completes its initial count, then the Democrats may have a chance in the recount. Remember that Al Gore lost Florida by 535 votes -- which is a great deal smaller margin than the ones we are discussing in 2018. Cillizza: It's been almost two decades since hanging chads and butterfly ballots. Has Florida improved its voting system? Why or why not? Toobin: Yes, as noted above, the systems are improved. Optical scan, as the current system is called, is much better than the punch card. But these systems are still under the control of people who are often not very good at their jobs. And election technology is never a priority for hard-pressed counties. There is no constituency that pressures government to spend money on elections. So no one generally notices or cares until a situation like this one arises. Cillizza: In 2000, it's broadly acknowledged that the Bush PR operation outflanked that of Gore -- and it made a difference. True? And if so, how important is getting out and framing the recount in a favorable light? Toobin: Definitely true. As I discuss in my book, the Republicans, led by James A. Baker III, understood that the controversy was as much political as legal. The Republicans used spokespeople and protesters ("Get out of Cheney's house!" they chanted at Gore.) The Democrats tried to take the higher road, and that was a mistake. But the biggest issue was that the Republicans were always ahead in the count in Florida, and that's what matters most. It's always easier to protect a lead than attack one. And most recounts end with the candidate who was ahead finishing with a bigger lead -- rather than a switch. Cillizza: President Trump suggested there might be a role for the federal government in the Florida recount. What could that possibly look like? Toobin: Hard to know exactly. The Republicans have made vague and unsupported allegations of fraud, which could be investigated by the FBI. But there has been nothing to investigate so far. Unlike in many countries, states and localities run elections in the United States, not the central government. That's where the decisions will be made. Cillizza: Finish this sentence: "The biggest lessons both parties going into the 2018 recounts should learn from the 2000 experience is ____________." Now, explain. Toobin: "... elections should be run by well-funded professional administrators, not partisan hacks using outdated equipment." It's simply absurd that we elect the people who run our elections -- usually the secretary of state. This is particularly outrageous, as in Georgia, where the secretary of state is a candidate in an election that is closely contested. At both the state and county level, partisans still run the elections in Florida, and that's the main root of the problem here. Partisans will never have the credibility that allows the losing side to accept the results without rancor or suspicion. 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. Just five years ago, mobile e-commerce was a minor part of the e-commerce landscape. Today, most online searches are carried out from mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, and 40 percent of all e-commerce is carried out from smartphones. This has forever changed the e-commerce industry. Why Mobile E-Commerce Is Important for Businesses The smartphone is the most important lead channel. Smartphones are an extended part of our brains and social life. We check our phones approximately 80 times a day, and they have become an integrated part of both our online and offline shopping experience. You probably recognize this: A product you consider buying comes to mind, and you instantly grab your smartphone to google it. So do most other customers, with the statistics speaking for themselves: A staggering 76 percent of all Americans rely on their smartphone to find a local store to carry out purchases, which has made the smartphone the most important lead channel to retail stores. Furthermore, 30 percent use their smartphone to compare prices when shopping in store, based on Deloitte's Omni-Channel Consumer Survey. The smartphone's importance is not limited to attracting local shoppers to your retail store. It has become a major part of the online shopping experience, with 73 percent of all customers using their smartphone to research an item before buying it, and 70 percent using it to check prices, according to Nielsen. Needless to say, the smartphone in just a few years has become a game changer in both the online and offline industry. On top of this, 40 percent of all global e-commerce today comes from directly from mobile e-commerce, which furthermore underlines why mobile e-commerce is important for all businesses to attract, convert and retain customers. Keeping that in mind, how do businesses prepare themselves for this new mobile e-commerce paradigm? First, they should know an essential fact: Customer conversion rates on smartphones are approximately 50 percent lower than the equivalent desktop customer conversion rates. This means that 50 percent fewer visitors end up buying a product. In an analysis based on 100,000 visitors, Monetate identified the following average Customer Conversion Rates: A desktop has a 3.5 percent customer conversion rate, while a smartphone has a 1.4 percent customer conversion rate. These numbers very clearly illustrate that most online shops have a largely untapped business potential in terms of truly optimizing their e-commerce stores for smartphones. The Top 10 Mobile E-Commerce Conversion Killers To realize their full mobile e-commerce potential, businesses should avoid these top 10 mobile e-commerce conversion killers: 1. Not Mobile Ready If an e-commerce store is not mobile ready, it not only will provide a poor or close-to-no shopping experience, but also will not be indexed in search engines such as Google. This is due to the fact that Google is rolling out Google Mobile First Index as we speak. First it crawls your smartphone e-commerce store to decide how to rank your smartphone, tablet and desktop store in Google search results. This has forever changed online search and e-commerce. To make sure your e-commerce store is mobile ready, start by running a test at this site. 2. Not Optimized for Smartphone DNA The most common way to make sure that an e-commerce store is mobile ready is to implement a "responsive design," which in simple terms ensures that a website's content adjusts to the screen sizes of smartphones, tablets and desktops, accordingly. Responsive design, however, does not fully comply with the DNA of the smartphone interface. You therefore must adapt features -- such as navigation, search, filters, the shopping cart, and especially checkout -- to the smartphone interface to maximize your mobile e-commerce customer conversion rate. 3. Too Slow - Speed Matters Speed always has been an essential part of the online shopping experience. If a site is too slow, customers lose patience and go astray. On the smartphone, however, this fact is even more predominant -- 53 percent of all customers abandon mobile websites that take longer than three seconds to load. It is therefore essential that businesses do everything they can to optimize the way their website content, images and code are structured and programmed. To fully master quick load time, businesses can implement AMP (Accelerated Mobile Pages) which ensures that customers experience very quick and close-to-instant page loads when entering a Mobile website. To avoid losing customers due to slow page loads, test the speed of your mobile e-commerce store and then correct the errors identified in the test report. 4. Complicated Navigation Poor navigation is the Achilles heel of many mobile e-commerce stores. The main reason for this is that the navigation has not been adapted specifically to the small smartphone interface and navigation patterns. Since approximately 30 percent of all customers in smartphone e-commerce stores do not find what they are looking for, a smooth and simple navigation is especially important. When you design a navigation, there are five fundamental principles you can keep in mind, where your customers must get answers to all the following questions without having to think: Where is my navigation? Where am I? Where can I go? Where did I come from? How do I get back to where I came from? As simple as this may sound, it may be very difficult to design. To cut corners, I recommend that you seek inspiration from the navigation design at Zalando. 5. Poor Search Due to these smartphone-specific navigation problems, more customers search mobile e-commerce stores than desktop stores. Since mobile e-commerce customers quickly lose their orientation and patience on the small smartphone screen, the search feature really is the mobile e-commerce epicenter. If the search engine does not work well, the mobile customer conversion rate will suffer dramatically. Customers not only expect you help them find the products they are looking for when pressing the "search" button, but also expect that you suggest matching products or product categories as they type along. Amazon.com is a champion at mastering mobile e-commerce search. If a customer for instance writes "furni" in the search field, Amazon suggests "furniture pads," "furniture sliders," etc., based on the customer's search input. On top of that, about 10-15 percent of all searches carried out at Mobile e-commerce stores are based on misspelled searches. It is therefore crucial that you help customers correct typos when they enter their search words or when they get a search result. If a customer carries out a misspelled search for "battari," Amazon then inserts a link to "did you mean: battery" at the top of the search results. A customer who clicks on that link gets the correct battery search result. These two intelligent search features undoubtedly are a central key to Amazon's massive online success. You therefore can feel safe in checking out Amazon's mobile e-commerce store for high-end search engine inspiration. It is best-in-class. 6. Poor Filters Approximately 30 percent of all customers give up locating products at mobile e-commerce stores, even though they are in stock. Imagine the same scenario in the retail industry -- that would be terrifying. The main reason customers cannot figure out how to locate products has to do with poor filters in search results and product lists. The first filter trick is to display an obvious "Filter" button on all product list pages, since many customers press this to narrow down the number of matching products. After a customer has pressed this button, you should then offer the option of more filters, such as size and brand on a separate page or in a dimmed layer on top of the page. Many mobile e-commerce companies wrongly open filters inside the product filter page, which clutters the page and makes is difficult to use. After selecting one or more filters, a customer should be able to press a "View items" button to return to the product list page in order to browse the products available. This may sound simple; however, it can be difficult to design in a user-friendly manor. To save a lot of time and money, you can look at the filters at Asos -- they are close to perfect. 7. Not Able to Save for Later Approximately 71 percent of abandoned shopping carts, according to Forrester, are due to three main reasons: The delivery costs are too high Customers are not ready to buy Customers compare prices at multiple sites Not many shop owners are aware that customers leave their e-commerce store simply because they are not ready to buy. Amazon, however, has a very clever way of solving this issue -- it displays "Save for later" buttons next to each item in the shopping cart. If a customer is not ready to buy the Levi's jeans in his shopping cart, he can just save them for later and then return to buy them whenever he is ready. This is a brilliant solution, especially since Amazon displays products saved for later below the shopping cart. Customers are exposed to the products every single time they add a product to the shopping cart. Knowing which products, a customer has saved for later and thus considered buying is a gold mine for personalized emails and other marketing purposes. Very clever indeed. 8. No Guest Checkout Option If you force customers to register to shop at your mobile e-commerce store, 30-50 percent will leave it at the login page, according to Jakob Nielsen. Tthis is one of the worst conversion killers of all. This login problem is quite easy to solve, however, simply by offering the customer a "guest checkout" option that does not require that customers create a password to complete a checkout. Debenhams has solved this issue by allowing the customer to "continue as a guest" (with no registration required) when entering its checkout flow. After they have completed the checkout process, customers can decide if they would like to register to get membership deals, etc. This is a very good way to maximize the mobile e-commerce customer conversion rate, based on a simple solution. 9. Complicated Checkout Approximately 50 percent of all customers who enter checkout do not complete it, according to Boston Consulting Group, mainly since many mobile e-commerce stores ask for too many personal details and due to poor usability. Bearing that in mind, this is where you can improve your customer conversion rate the most. To design a smooth checkout, the first trick is to create a checkout funnel, where you remove the store's main navigation and instead insert an obvious 1, 2, and 3 checkout step-indicator. At this point, customers would appreciate a quick and hassle-free checkout, rather than being required to navigate to your mobile e-commerce store. Since you would like to close the deal, you and the customer have a shared interest and goal. Next, you should make it very easy to select and understand time of delivery and delivery costs, based on a "fat-finger-proof interface," especially optimized for smartphones. When delivery has been selected, it is very important that the customer can enter personal details as quickly as possible. It takes a lot of time to enter name, address, etc. on a smartphone, so you should remove all unnecessary input fields and help customers look up addresses, based on phone number and postal code, if possible. Since you may lose 20-25 percent of all customers based on a complex personal data page during checkout, this can help you make a lot of money. Finally, you must make sure that customers can pay by selecting a preferred means of payment, and that they can verify their orders -- to make sure everything is OK -- before pressing that crucial "pay" button. 10. Not User-Tested It is obvious that many mobile e-commerce stores have not been user-tested. This is a shame, since it is the fastest and most efficient way to locate about 85 percent of all usability errors. What is a user test? A user test first and foremost has the secret superpower of including real customers in the design and optimization process. A user test is also called a "think-aloud test" because the users in the test talk aloud about how they perceive the user interface: what they like, why they get stuck, etc. Most user tests are based on five representative customers who help you locate approximately 85 percent of all errors within the given tasks. This makes a user test the most powerful conversion optimization tool out there. It does not take a lot of time to test, and it is based on real customers interacting with your e-commerce store, based on real-life shopping scenarios. When you carry out a user test, normally you locate 30-50 usability errors, of which four to five are conversion killers that cause you to lose customers -- customers who most likely never will return. By solving the usability errors located in the user test, you ensure that your mobile e-commerce store is better than most of your competitors, which certainly will improve your mobile customer conversion rate and revenue. If you are a "Do-It-Yourself" person, you can even learn how to carry out user tests yourself by reading Rocket Surgery Made Easy by Steve Krug. Benjamin Gundgaard is a European e-commerce expert, keynote speaker and founder of CustomerSense, an independent, high-end e-commerce consultancy that helps companies build and optimize their e-commerce Web stores. Gundgaard is also the author of Smartphone E-commerce. He lives in Copenhagen, Denmark. By Donna Hauser, Harry Stern and Kristin Laidre Americans often associate fall with football and raking leaves, but in the Arctic this season is about ice. Every year, floating sea ice in the Arctic thins and melts in spring and summer, then thickens and expands in fall and winter. As climate change warms the Arctic, its sea ice cover is declining. This year scientists estimate that the Arctic sea ice minimum in late September covered 1.77 million square miles, tying the sixth lowest summertime minimum on record. With less sea ice, there is burgeoning interest in shipping and other commercial activity throughout the Northwest Passagethe fabled route that links the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, via Canada's convoluted Arctic archipelagoas well as the Northern Sea Route, which cuts across Russia's northern seas. This trend has serious potential impacts for Arctic sea life. In a recent study, we assessed the vulnerability of 80 populations of Arctic marine mammals during the "open-water" period of September, when sea ice is at its minimum extent. We wanted to understand the relative risks of vessel traffic across Arctic marine mammal species, populations and regions. We found that more than half (53 percent) of these populationsincluding walruses and several types of whaleswould be exposed to vessels in Arctic sea routes. This could lead to collisions, noise disturbance or changes in the animals' behavior. Map of the Arctic region showing the the Northern Sea Route and Northwest Passage Arctic Council / Susie Harder Less Ice, More Ships More than a century ago, Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen became the first European to navigate the entire Northwest Passage. Due to the short Arctic summer, it took Amundsen's 70-foot wooden sailing ship three years to make the journey, wintering in protected harbors. Fast-forward to summer 2016, when a cruise ship carrying more than 1,000 passengers negotiated the Northwest Passage in 32 days. The summer "open-water" period in the Arctic has now increased by more than two months in some regions. Summer sea ice cover has shrunk by over 30 percent since satellites started regular monitoring in 1979. Bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus) in Disko Bay, West Greenland Kristin Laidre, CC BY 2.0 Arctic seas are home to a specialized group of marine mammals found nowhere else on Earth, including beluga and bowhead whales, narwhals, walruses, ringed and bearded seals and polar bears. These species are critical members of Arctic marine ecosystems, and provide traditional resources to Indigenous communities across the Arctic. According to ecologists, all of these animals are susceptible to sea ice loss. Research at lower latitudes has also shown that marine mammals can be affected by noise from vessels because of their reliance on sound, as well as by ship strikes. These findings raise concerns about increasing vessel traffic in the Arctic. Sensitivity Times Exposure Equals Vulnerability To determine which species could be at risk, we estimated two key factors: Exposurehow much a population's distribution overlaps with the Northwest Passage or Northern Sea Route during Septemberand sensitivity, a combination of biological, ecological and vessel factors that may put a population at a higher risk. As an illustration, imagine calculating vulnerability to air pollution. People generally are more exposed to air pollution in cities than in rural areas. Some groups, such as children and the elderly, are also more sensitive because their lungs are not as strong as those of average adults. Ringed seal (Pusa hispida) pup in Alaska NOAA We found that many whale and walrus populations were both highly exposed and sensitive to vessels during the open-water period. Narwhalsmedium-sized toothed whales with a large spiral tuskscored as most vulnerable overall. These animals are endemic to the Arctic, and spend much of their time in winter and spring in areas with heavy concentrations of sea ice. In our study, they ranked as both highly exposed and highly sensitive to vessel effects in September. Narwhals have a relatively restricted range. Each summer they migrate to the same areas in the Canadian high Arctic and around Greenland. In fall they migrate south in pods to offshore areas in Baffin Bay and Davis Strait, where they spend the winter making deep dives under the dense ice to feed on Greenland halibut. Many narwhal populations' core summer and fall habitat is right in the middle of the Northwest Passage. A pod of narwhals (Monodon monoceros) in central Baffin Bay. Narwhals are the most vulnerable animals to increased ship traffic in the Arctic during September. NOAA / OAR / OER / Kristin Laidre Vulnerable Arctic Regions, Species and Key Uncertainties The western end of the Northwest Passage and the eastern end of the Northern Sea Route converge at the Bering Strait, a 50-mile-wide waterway separating Russia and Alaska. This area is also a key migratory corridor for thousands of beluga and bowhead whales, Pacific walruses and ringed and bearded seals. In this geographic bottleneck and other narrow channels, marine mammals are particularly vulnerable to vessel traffic. Among the species we assessed, polar bears were least vulnerable to September vessel traffic because they generally spend the ice-free season on land. Of course, longer ice-free seasons are also bad for polar bears, which need sea ice as a platform for hunting seals. They may also be vulnerable to oil spills year-round. Research in the harsh and remote Arctic seas is notoriously difficult, and there are many gaps in our knowledge. Certain areas, such as the Russian Arctic, are less studied. Data are sparse on many marine mammals, especially ringed and bearded seals. These factors increased the uncertainty in our vessel vulnerability scores. We concentrated on late summer, when vessel traffic is expected to be greatest due to reduced ice cover. However, ice-strengthened vessels can also operate during spring, with potential impacts on seals and polar bears that are less vulnerable in September. The window of opportunity for navigation is growing as sea ice break-up happens earlier in the year and freeze-up occurs later. These changes also shift the times and places where marine mammals could be exposed to vessels. Arctic Sea Ice 1984 - 2016 (4K) youtu.be Planning for a Navigable Arctic Recent initiatives in the lower 48 states offer some models for anticipating and managing vessel-marine mammal interactions. One recent study showed that modeling could be used to predict blue whale locations off the California coast to help ships avoid key habitats. And since 2008, federal regulations have imposed seasonal and speed restrictions on ships in the North Atlantic to minimize threats to critically endangered right whales. These practical examples, along with our vulnerability ranking, could provide a foundation for similar steps to protect marine mammals in the Arctic. The International Maritime Organization has already adopted a Polar Code, which was developed to promote safe ship travel in polar waters. It recommends identifying areas of ecological importance, but does not currently include direct strategies to designate important habitats or reduce vessel effects on marine mammals, although the organization has taken steps to protect marine habitat in the Bering Sea. Even if nations take rigorous action to mitigate climate change, models predict that September Arctic sea ice will continue to decrease over the next 30 years. There is an opportunity now to plan for an increasingly accessible and rapidly changing Arctic, and to minimize risks to creatures that are found nowhere else on Earth. Donna Hauser is a research assistant professor at the International Arctic Research Center, University of Alaska Fairbanks. Harry Stern is the principal mathematician at the Polar Science Center, University of Washington. Kristin Laidre is an associate professor of aquatic and fishery sciences, University of Washington. Disclosure statements: Donna Hauser receives funding from the North Pacific Research Board, Alaska Arctic Observatory & Knowledge Hub, Moore Foundation and Collaborative Alaska Arctic Studies Program. Harry Stern receives funding from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Kristin Laidre receives funding from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Department of Defense, the Pew Foundation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Reposted with permission from our media associate The Conversation. (Photo: Ivars Kupcis/WCC)Rev. Kolade Fadahunsi of the Council of Churches in Nigeria, Peace a 15-year-old student and Rev. Rev. Juliet Eneh during the visit to Geneva in November 2018. Three members of Nigeria's Christian community have spotlighted the challenges that children, and particularly girls, face in their society, showing how churches and the United Nations system can interact to make the lives of young females better. Their meetings took place ahead of the November Universal Periodic Review of their country, at the United Nations in Geneva. Every few years the UPR looks at the human rights records of every country in a process which takes place at the UN in Geneva. The current session of the UPR from November 5 16 involves Nigeria as one nation having its record reviewed. Others under review in the current UPR session are: Belize, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Republic of Congo, Jordan, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia and Senegal. Nigeria has a population of some 203 million people, with about half said to be Chrisitians and the other half Muslims, Alfrican tradtional relgions are also followed by Muslims and Christians. One of the youngest contributors was Peace, a 15-year-old Nigerian student, who said that when she had to go before the nations of the world, and a representative from her government was there, "At first, I was scared." PEACE CHOSEN BY PEERS Peace said she was chosen by peers last year at a World Council of Churches workshop in Nigeria to speak to the UPR. The WCC represents more than 550 million Christians from mainly, Anglican, Orthodox and Protestant traditions. It is based in Geneva and cooperates with a number of UN agencies, including UNICEF, the UN children's agency. "Nigeria is the first time we have consulted children for such a process, but we hope to do this more in the future," said Jennifer Philpot-Nissen, WCC program executive for Human Rights and Disarmament. "We were approached in 2017 by the Methodist Church Nigeria with concerns about violations of the rights of the child in their country, particularly with respect to violence and sexual abuse of children," she said. During an interview Peace said, "The first problem I presented was the implementation of the Child Rights Act because in Nigeria only 24 states (out of 36) have adopted it." She also said that even those states that have adopted the law "not fully implemented it". Peace said it is important for children to speak before an international mechanism like the UPR because "children know what is happening. So, if politicians listen, then they will know what is needed to move the country forward." The UPR is special because it allows some paricipation by civiil society along with the State actors. The UN says that civil society actors, such as national human rights institutions, known as NHRIs and regional mechanisms can submit written information, which is considered during the review. So, the UPR process provides for the participation of all relevant stakeholders, including non-governmental organizations, NHRIs and regional mechanisms. PEACE CHOSEN BY PEERS Civil society actors, NHRIs and regional mechanisms can submit written information for the report containing a summary of information submitted by other stakeholders, which is considered during the review. The UPR complements the work of other human rights mechanisms, including the UN human rights treaty bodies. But it can be used to highlight whether countries are adhering to treaties they have signed. The UN says that civil society actors, such as national human rights institutions, known as NHRIs and regional mechanisms can submit written information, which is considered during the review. Accredited stakeholders can also attend and make oral statements, during the regular sessions of the Human Rights Council when the outcomes of the State reviews are considered. Rev. Kolade Fadahunsi, director of Institute of Church and Society for the Council of Churches in Nigeria said, "In the pre-session looking at the human rights record in Nigeria, the WCC has been pivotal for us in bringing our voice to the UPR session." LOOKING AT THE LAST REVIEW The session has looked at the recommendations for Nigeria in its 2013 review and "how we have done" enabling those making submissions to the reach diplomatic missions taking part in the UPR. "The World Council of Churches has remained an institute that helped us build our capacity and partner us with our public witness activity in Nigeria," said Fadahunsi. He spoke of the challenges for Nigerian children in getting access to education and in how they are treated by adults. Children in Nigeria face high education fees and for "girl children education is still a big challenge in some parts of Nigeria because of religious and traditional beliefs" that can have children forced into early marriage and due to having "to remain silent they can be second-class citizens in the family." "We as the church are trying to say all human beings are born equal and sexism should not be what is determining what a particular child should achieve as a member of a family," said Fadahunsi. Rev. Juliet Eneh of the Methodist Church Nigeria spoke about violence and sexual abuse that children face in Nigeria at home and in education, and in trafficking for those who do not make it to school which can drag them thousands of kilometers away. "Churches are trying their best, but a culture of silence is affecting the church. I appreciate the efforts of the WCC to allow children's voices to be heard. When children complain they often don't have someone to speak to," she said. Eneh said that when she had to speak to the UPR she was initially afraid of what might happen to her for speaking. But she realized, "We are talking to the world, not just to governments. So that when the world hears, and God will hear us, great things will be achieved. I am comfortable speaking to this environment." Sand Springs, Okla. In the first big election since teachers across the country walked out of their classrooms this spring, dozens of current teachers claimed state legislative seatsjoining the policymaking bodies that greatly influence pay and funding for schools. It was the culmination of months, if not years, of activism and advocacy for many of these educators, and yet the victory wasnt clear-cut. While 42 teachers won, nearly 80 teachersor two-thirds of those on the ballotlost their legislative bids in Tuesdays midterm elections, according to an Education Week analysis . And gubernatorial candidates who pushed for pumping more money into public schools were also defeated in Oklahoma and Arizona, leaving teachers there reeling. It could have cohered into a clear storya wave storybut in fact, its more of a patchwork, said Jeffrey Henig, the director of the program in politics and education at Teachers College, Columbia University. This will be disappointing to some folks who were very excited and envisioned a teacher wave. How Teachers Fared on Election Day Education Week tracked current teachers running for state legislative seats. Browse our full list of teacher candidates and see their election results. Still, educators remain hopeful that the tide is turningthat after the series of teacher walkouts that swept the country, voters are paying more attention to education. I personally lost an endeavor that I chose to do, but the people of Oklahoma won because they have more advocates [in the legislature], said Angela Graham, a pre-K teacher who was defeated by the Republican incumbent in her race for Oklahomas House, but who saw a handful of fellow teachers win their legislative races in that state. Back in the Classroom Now, the dozens of teachers who lost have dusted themselves off and are back in the classroom. At Charles Page High School in Sand Springs, Okla., the day after the election, Michael Ross greeted his journalism students with a bit of self-deprecation: You guys have the misfortune of being saddled with me the whole school year, he said. Last night, I did not emerge victorious. His students had questions: What will he do with all the money he raised? Can they have his leftover campaign stickers? By what percentage did he lose the race? (Answer: Ross claimed 30.8 percent of the vote, while his opponent received 57.4 percent.) Then, one student raised his hand: Was it hard? Ross paused. He had filed to run for state House as a Democrat at the peak of the states nine-day walkout in the spring, fired up and ready to make a difference for public schools. But the truth is, the campaign was grueling. And his defeat was heartbreaking. I regret none of it. I would do it again in a heartbeat, because you guys are worth it, he told his students. But Ive been on the campaign trail since the beginning of April. Its very, very taxing in terms of your emotional fortitude. See Also: Facebook Live, Friday, Nov. 9 at 3:30 p.m. ET: The Midterms Are Over. How Did Teachers Do? There were likely similar conversations happening across the state. Just six current teachers were elected to office on Nov. 6, with 23 losing their races. Many others lost during the primary elections: At least 66 current teachers in Oklahoma had originally filed to run for state legislature. Even so, several other former teachers, and at least four principals , were ultimately elected to the state legislature. Teachers won in other states that had experienced wide-scale demonstrations and walkouts in the spring, too. In West Virginia, three of the nine teachers in the general election were victorious Nov. 6. In Kentucky, 12 teachers lost, but three were elected. And in Arizona, one teacher won out of six on the ballot. For public education advocates in Oklahoma and Arizona, however, those legislative victories were tempered by the gubernatorial elections. In both states, the Democrats backed by teachers lost their racesinstead, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey won re-election, and in Oklahoma, businessman Kevin Stitt triumphed over Drew Edmondson, the states former attorney general. The results were a blow for the #RedforEd movement that swept the states after the walkouts. Ducey had clashed with teachers during Arizonas strike, and Stitt has said that he would not have signed the revenue package that raised taxes to give Oklahoma teachers their first pay raise in a decade. Still, at the Phoenix watch party for David Garcia, an education professor who challenged Ducey on a pro-school funding platform, defiant teachers pledged to keep fighting . And at the Tulsa County Democratic Partys watch party, education supporters were hopeful that the teachers who claimed victory would serve as a check for Stitt. Fresh off his victory, John Waldron, a high school social studies teacher who was elected to Oklahomas House as a Democrat, promised to hold Stitt accountable, along with other educators now in office. [Teachers] want things to be better, and we expect our leadership to want the same things, he said. And when they dont, when they put us down, when they go after school funding, we get a little emotional about that. And we work together to fight for our schools, for our kids, and for education. Lets Try This Again While Education Week generally saw the highest numbers of teachers running for office in the states with activism this spring, there were current K-12 classroom teachers on the ballot for state legislature in more than half the country. (The National Education Association counted nearly 1,800 candidates who are connected to education running for state legislative seatsthough that tally included former teachers, support staff, administrators, college professors, and others.) Educators also ran for other offices. Most notably, in Connecticut, Jahana Hayes, the 2016 National Teacher of the Year, was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives . And onlookers say that even though most teachers didnt win their races, the door is open for continued political engagement. Its quite possible that a lot of them, those who lost or those who were disappointed, will pick themselves up and say, Well, lets try this again, Henig said. Indeed, teachers are already gearing up for 2020. At the Democrats watch party in Tulsa, Craig Hoxie, a science teacher at Booker T. Washington High School, said he had already made the decision to run again. He lost his state House race to an incumbent. Well try this again. Were going to follow John Waldrons model, he said with a laugh. (Waldron, who made an unsuccessful bid to the state Senate in 2016, teaches at the same school as Hoxie.) After all, Hoxie said, change is measured in incremental gains. Jennifer Samuels, a middle school teacher who lost her bid for a seat in Arizonas state House, has also decided to run again. Im concerned about the future of public education in Arizona, having lost so many races that were a possible flip, said Samuels, a Democrat. Its frustrating to see that were going to have continuation of the same sort of politics that led to the walkout. But she said teachers need to stay engaged in state politics. We picked up more seats than we should have in this very red district, she said. Its about the long game for us. Preparing for the Legislature As for the teachers who won their races, they are now readying their policy proposals, hoping to put education back in focus in their state legislatures. We need to reinvest in our schools and our kids, said Cody Thompson, a high school social studies teacher who won his race for a seat in the West Virginia statehouse. We have schools where students havent had a certified math teacher their entire career, he said, and buildings that are in desperate need of upgraded technology. Some newly elected teacher-lawmakers anticipate an uphill battle. For R. Travis Brenda, a high school math teacher elected to the Kentucky state legislature, addressing the states underfunded pension system is top on his list of priorities. In the Republican primary, Brenda unseated House Majority Floor Leader Jonathan Shell, who co-authored the controversial pension law that spurred teacher protests across the state. If the law, which has been contested in the state supreme court, is overturned, lawmakers are likely to make another push to limit pensions for the states workers, Brenda said. All state employees have agreed to serve the state and work for a lower pay than if we were working in the private sector, he said. Protecting pensions is key to attracting high-quality teachers to the state, said Brenda. Brenda, a Republican, met Democrats in his deep-red district who said they were voting for him because he supports public schools. Education, he said, shouldnt be a partisan issue. More Candidates Down the Road? Even though teachers didnt sweep the statehouses, several governors races indicated that education was an important issue for voters nationally, Henig said. He noted Democrat Tony Everss victory over incumbent Wisconsin Republican Gov. Scott Walker , and Kansas Republican Secretary of State Kris Kobachs loss to Democrat Laura Kelly. You cant attribute Kobachs loss in Kansas to teacher activism, but the broad public unhappiness with the underfunding of education and other public services was a factor, he said. Education was also central in the ousting of Walkerthe governor who decimated teachers unions and slashed education funding. He was replaced by the state superintendent for education, a former teacher. But the energy that teacher candidates brought in races for red-state legislatures couldnt compete with the historical lack of political support for funding public education in those areas, said American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten. It cant just be a one-off with one person against a whole climate of a state, she said, adding that for more teachers to win in states like Oklahoma and Arizona, Democrats need to get more organized and build infrastructure for continued campaigns. Going forward, Henig predicted, Democrats may be recruiting more teachers to run at the state and local levels. And teachers say theyre not giving up the fight. [The mixed results] means that we dont get to rest, said Ross, the Sand Springs teacher who lost his legislative bid. It means that if were going to prove that these kids matter to us as much as they do, weve got to keep punching. Penas, Bolivia, Nov 9 (epa-efe).- The face of the indigenous leader Tupac Katari, executed at the end of the 18th century by the Spanish colonial rulers of Bolivia, was re-animated Friday in pieces by 20 sculptors in this small town near La Paz where he died. The artists began work Monday in the main square of Penas, near Lake Titicaca, with the mission of completing their works by Nov. 14, the 237th anniversary of Katari's gruesome death. Bolivia's deputy minister for Decolonization, Felix Cardenas, told reporters that the government commissioned the 20 artists to evoke "from their perspective" the figure of Katari and the meaning of his rebellion against the Spanish. Katari led an indigenous uprising against the Spanish crown, recruiting an army of some 40,000 men who besieged La Paz for three months until the rebel commander was betrayed by one of his allies. Sentenced to death by quartering, Katari had each of his limbs fastened to a horse and was literally torn apart when the horses galloped off in four different directions. "Tupac Katari did not propose to annihilate the white Europeans, what he proposed was that if they did not want to live like us, it was better for them to leave," Cardenas said. "He was a man of a strong character, he had a hard countenance, very strong in the expression of rebellion," sculptor Flavio Ochoa told EFE. Relacionados El caudillo indigena Tupac Katari revive en figuras de piedra en Bolivia The new electronica experience aims to arouse curiosity. For this purpose, it combines experience with information and career. The focus is on exciting live demos and applications from potential employers. Where? In the new Hall C6. This year, electronica is making the entire, newly built Hall C6 available to inspire enthusiasm for electronics and thus network talented people with companies in the industry. The Job Area provides an overview of job offers for graduates and experienced professionals as well as internships for students. You can get to know potential employers directly at the trade fair. So far, thats normal. However, the electronica experience concept is brand new: Experience electronics and get to know potential employers both of which are organized in the newly built Hall C6 at the Munich exhibition grounds. According to the trade fair organizers, candidates rely heavily on their gut feelings and emotions when deciding on an employer. Therefore, employers and their products must be made appealing. Applicants can look forward to live demos of product applications as well as being able to learn about cool products and the employers where these products can be developed. The aim here is for employers to promote their image, credibility and competitiveness, and thus triple their score in the war for talent. With peer2peer communication, employees act as representatives of their employers brand. This is ultimately more authentic than any ad campaign or headhunter. The trade fair organizers advise employers to use apprentices, trainees and employees as ambassadors and testimonials at their experience booth. electronica experience is largely defined by six elements in perfect cooperation. The architectural center is the discovery stage. Including the interior and visitor galleries, the stage segment measures over 65 feet (20 meters) in diameter. The first ring around the discovery stage is the Panorama Walk, which connects the four entrances to the stage area and is also where the experience cafe is located. Exhibitor booths are arranged around the discovery stage. The supporting program includes information on old and new job profiles, and employer portraits. The visitors themselves play an active role in workshops and tech slams; they will be inspired and gain knowledge. Starting Wednesday, November 14, there will be presentations on stage on technical, career choice-related and entertaining topics. Details of the supporting program will be available at www.electronica.de/messe/programm/talent-meets-industry. Makers and start-ups get their platform under the umbrella of electronica Fast Forward. They can present ideas, prototypes, products or services in pitches, demonstrations and personal conversations. This year, the start-up-platform of 2016 will become the start-up-week, with its own forum program and with the support of experienced consultants. The electronica Fast Forward Award, which reflects the electronica 2018 highlight topics of Automotive, Embedded, Artificial Intelligence, Solid State Lighting/LED, Smart Grid/Smart Energy, Industrial IoT, Electronics in Medical and Healthcare (including Wearables), and Cyber Security, can be won at the end. The forum program has been significantly extended and is aimed at both start-ups and the established industry alike. The range of workshops and networking opportunities has also been expanded. The start-up winner will receive a marketing package and an exhibition booth at electronica 2020. Mobile Communications Standard 5G Stricter Requirements for Network Operators 7. November 2018, 8:46 Uhr | dpa With stricter requirements for frequency auctions for 5G, the German government wants to ensure that providers achieve a higher level of coverage. Not everyone is enthusiastic about it. The federal government wants to make network operators more responsible for licenses for the ultra-fast mobile technology 5G than previously planned. In the future, the operators will make fast internet possible not only on federal highways, but also on country roads. This was explained by Federal Transport Minister Andreas Scheuer (CSU) on Tuesday at the request of the German Press Agency, after he had met with the head of the Federal Network Agency, Jochen Homann, the evening before. "Not only the metropolises should benefit from digitization, but also the rural regions", said Scheuer. This is the only way to achieve equal living conditions. At an event of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) in Berlin on Tuesday evening, Scheuer said that a great deal of progress had been made. It is also about people who do not live in big cities. Local networks should also be made possible with 5G - this is a demand from business associations, for example. High Speed, Short Range At the end of November, the German Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur) intends to define the allocation rules on the basis of which 5G frequencies are to be auctioned next year. In an earlier draft of the allocation rules, country roads were explicitly excluded from the 5G expansion obligation, as this would be disproportionately expensive. 5G masts offer immensely fast data transmission, but their range is low - for wide area coverage significantly more 5G masts would have to be installed than with systems in the previous 4G standard. The telecommunications industry therefore criticized the new course taken by the federal government. The industry said that a "forest of masts" was threatening to emerge that was almost unaffordable. Second change of the past allocation rules: In the future, not only ICE lines, but also other train lines will be connected to the fast mobile network. Compared to the 4G technology, the 5th generation (5G) of cellular mobile communications is many times faster. The standard is especially important for industry because it is a basis for autonomous driving or telemedicine applications. According to experts, however, 5G should be of little relevance for private customers - for example, 4G should be sufficient for streaming videos in normal resolution. Some Steam Packet Services have been cancelled today because of the bad weather The Harbour Master has said the 8.45am sailing of the Ben-my-Chree to Heysham wont go ahead because of strong winds. The 2.15pm sailing to the Island from Heysham will also not go ahead. This evenings voyage is still subject to cancellation but a final decision will be taken later today. At the Airport flights to and from Dublin have been cancelled. The Irish Prime Minister's been updating us on the Irish border issue With reports we could be just days away from a Brexit withdrawal deal, the Irish Prime Ministers been updating us on the Irish border issue. Leo Varadkar's been speaking at the British-Irish Council summit on the Isle of Man. At the same event, Theresa May's deputy, David Liddington, insisted the PM would never accept an agreement that carves Northern Ireland out from the rest of the UK. Thats after the party which props-up her government, the DUP, claimed she's broken promises. Le Collectif Cheikh Yassine a organise un certain nombre dactivites et de festivites pour les enfants de Gaza sous le theme La joie des enfants de Gaza pour lAid . Ces activites ont commence le premier jour de lAid et continue jusquau 4eme jour de lAid dans la bande de Gaza. Plusieurs activites, ont ete organisees parmi lesquelles : des competitions recompensees par des prix, des jeux, des animations et des chants presentes par un groupe ainsi que des distributions de cadeaux et daides financieres. Drawing from almost 200 scientific studies on workplace meetings, a team of psychological scientists provides recommendations for making the most out of meetings before they start, as they're happening, and after they've concluded. Their report is published in Current Directions in Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science. Meetings are a near-ubiquitous aspect of today's professional workplace and there is abundant trade wisdom and written guidance about how meetings should be run. But, as researchers Joseph Mroz and Joseph Allen (University of Nebraska Omaha) and Dana Verhoeven and Marissa Shuffler (Clemson University) point out, very little of this guidance is informed by the available science. "Meetings are generally bad, but meeting science shows us there are concrete ways we can improve them," says Allen. "Leaders can be more organized, start on time, and encourage a safe sharing environment. Attendees can come prepared, be on time, and participate." Science shows that, under the right circumstances, meetings can provide a place for creative thinking, problem solving, discussion, and idea generation. And yet, a large body of employee research suggests that most meetings are inefficient despite the organizational resources devoted to them, including time, wages, mental resources, and technology. Improving meetings isn't a trivial matter. According to the researchers' findings, employees average 6 hours per week in meetings, and managers spend an average of 23 hours in them. Studies suggest that employees' attitudes toward meetings can influence their overall attitudes toward work and their well-being. In their report, Mroz, Allen, Verhoeven, and Shuffler highlight the ingredients of good meetings, including how people can prepare for meeting success, how certain aspects of meetings can make or break them, and how what happens after a meeting can improve team outcomes. Before the Meeting Assess current needs : Meetings should involve problem solving, decision making, or substantive discussion. They should not be held to share routine or non-urgent information. : Meetings should involve problem solving, decision making, or substantive discussion. They should not be held to share routine or non-urgent information. Circulate an agenda: Having an agenda makes the meeting priorities clear to all stakeholders and allows attendees to prepare beforehand. Having an agenda makes the meeting priorities clear to all stakeholders and allows attendees to prepare beforehand. Invite the right people: Leaders should ask what the goal of the meeting is and whose expertise can help the team get there. During the Meeting Encourage contribution : Findings suggest that high-level performers use meetings to set goals, facilitate group understanding of work problems, and seek feedback. : Findings suggest that high-level performers use meetings to set goals, facilitate group understanding of work problems, and seek feedback. Make space for humor : Humor and laughter can stimulate positive meeting behaviors, encouraging participation and creative problem solving, research shows. These positive meeting behaviors predict team performance concurrently and two years later. : Humor and laughter can stimulate positive meeting behaviors, encouraging participation and creative problem solving, research shows. These positive meeting behaviors predict team performance concurrently and two years later. Redirect complaining : Attendees should be aware that complaining can quickly lead to feelings of futility and hopelessness, and leaders should quell complaining as quickly as they can. : Attendees should be aware that complaining can quickly lead to feelings of futility and hopelessness, and leaders should quell complaining as quickly as they can. Keep discussions focused: Leaders also make sure the purpose of the meeting and the agenda are followed. Leaders should be ready to identify dysfunctional behaviors and intervene to refocus the meeting. After the Meeting Share minutes : Sending meeting minutes serves as a record of the decisions that were made, a plan of action for next steps, and an outline of designated roles and responsibilities. This step also loops in people who weren't able to attend the meeting but need the information. : Sending meeting minutes serves as a record of the decisions that were made, a plan of action for next steps, and an outline of designated roles and responsibilities. This step also loops in people who weren't able to attend the meeting but need the information. Seek feedback : Feedback can inform the structure and content of future meetings. In particular, leaders can identify meeting problems to increase attendee satisfaction. : Feedback can inform the structure and content of future meetings. In particular, leaders can identify meeting problems to increase attendee satisfaction. Look ahead: To build on progress made during the meeting, stakeholders should think about future actions, follow-through, and immediate and long-term outcomes of the meeting. Mroz, Allen, Verhoeven, and Shuffler note that video, audio, and motion-tracking technology is allowing for better video and audio analysis of meetings. These improvements could help researchers analyze behaviors rather than attitudes and self-reports after the fact. They point out that "tele-meetings" and video conferences need more study, as they may present their own dynamics, advantages, or challenges. ### This material is based in part on work supported by Greenville Health System and the National Science Foundation (NSF; CAREER Award No. 165054 to M. L. Shuffler, principal investigator). The article abstract is available online at https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0963721418776307 Current Directions in Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science, publishes concise reviews on the latest advances in theory and research spanning all of scientific psychology and its applications. For a copy of "Article Title" and access to other Current Directions in Psychological Science research findings, please contact Anna Mikulakat 202-293-9300 or amikulak@psychologicalscience.org. On Saturday, 10 November 2018, the research icebreaker Polarstern will leave its homeport of Bremerhaven, bound for Cape Town, South Africa. This will mark the beginning of the Antarctic season, in which oceanographic fieldwork in the Weddell Sea, a resupply mission to the Neumayer Station III, and explorations of the Larsen C ice shelf region and the South Shetland Islands are on the agenda. The ship is expected to return to Bremerhaven in June 2019. An expedition to the Larsen C ice shelf abutting the Antarctic Peninsula will be at the heart of the upcoming Antarctic season. The Peninsula is one of the fastest-warming regions of our planet, which may also explain why first the Larsen A (1995) and later the Larsen B ice shelf (2002) virtually disintegrated, leaving only Larsen C as the last major ice shelf in the western Weddell Sea. In July 2017 the iceberg A68 - with an area of 5,800 square kilometres, one of the largest ever observed - calved from the shelf. In early February 2019, the Polarstern will set out for this region, departing from Punta Arenas, Chile. More than 50 experts from 17 institutes and five countries hope to precisely catalogue the seafloor landscapes and life forms below the ice shelf. The expedition will be led by Dr Boris Dorschel, a bathymetry expert at the Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI). In addition to survey work on the seafloor, he will be coordinating the geosciences and biology groups on board, as well as the sea-ice physicists. The expedition members are especially excited to see whether the sea-ice conditions will allow them to reach the Larsen C ice shelf. In the Antarctic summer (February / March) of 2018, the British research ship James Clark Ross sought in vain to penetrate so far south. Some of the biologists who were on board then will now try their luck again, this time on the Polarstern. The calving of A68 has shifted the shelf front landwards. This retreat has had, and continues to have, a major influence on environmental factors and ecosystems in the area previously covered by the ice shelf. Thanks to the shelf, for up to 120,000 years this area remained untouched by the atmosphere and the effects of sunlight. Yet recent events have opened the door for exchange processes between the ocean and atmosphere, and single-cell algae can now grow in the upper water column. These changes are taking place rapidly, forcing the ecosystems affected to quickly react and adapt. In order to understand these ongoing transformations and the ecosystems' adaptation mechanisms and robustness, it is imperative that the current conditions be recorded as soon as possible. Given their remote location - the nearest harbour is more than 1,500 kilometres away - there is currently only limited data on Larsen A and B; Larsen C is essentially uncharted territory. Accordingly, the Polarstern expedition PS118 will pursue a highly interdisciplinary approach, its goal being to explore and record the current status and natural diversity of this largely unknown region from a range of perspectives. Before the ship heads for the southern reaches of the Antarctic Ocean, students from the POLMAR Graduate School will be on board for the transit cruise from Bremerhaven, and will learn how the Polarstern's on-board echo sounders and sonar systems work. By scanning the seafloor, this equipment can help to find the best location for collecting samples, making it a valuable tool for experts from a range of disciplines. In mid-December the Polarstern will reach Cape Town and take on new expedition members before engaging in long-term oceanographic investigations in the Weddell Sea and resupplying the Neumayer Station III with research equipment, fuel and provisions. Once the voyage to the Larsen C ice shelf is over, there will be a subsequent, geosciences-focused expedition to the South Shetland Islands in April/May 2019. Instructors on board will use the return journey across the Atlantic to offer courses for international oceanography students. The Polarstern is expected to return to Bremerhaven on 29 June 2019. ### Metabarcoding, a technique of mass DNA sequencing, allows for tracing migratory routes of insects, an understudied subject due to technical limitations. A small DNA fragment of the pollen that insects transport is used as a barcode to identify the plant species they visited previously. This British Ecological Society funded study shows that transcontinental pollination mediated by migrating insects is possible and, therefore, various plants located very far apart can mix. The migration of insects is a natural phenomenon as important as it is unknown. In fact, it has only been studied in depth in some emblematic species, such as the migratory locust and the monarch butterfly. The reasons, in short, are the technical limitations to study this behaviour. Now, in a study published in the journal Molecular Ecology Resources, researchers from Institut de Biologia Evolutiva (IBE: CSIC - Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Institute of Botany of the Polish Academy of Sciences and Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona (UAB), have developed a technique that eludes these limitations and therefore allows to easily study the migratory movements of insects: the DNA metabarcoding analysis of the pollen transported by insects. By means of this technique, a small DNA fragment can identify the plant species to which the pollen belongs to, analogously to a barcode. By knowing the geographic distribution of the plant species detected, we can infer the place where the insect was feeding and, therefore, its migratory route. Previously, long-distance migrations were studied either by capture-mark-recapture experiments, or through telemetry using radio trackers. These two methods, however, have great disadvantages: the recapture rate of marked individuals is extremely low; as for telemetry, it is only feasible to track the largest insects over short distances, given the weight of the transmitters and their short battery life. Another method to study long-distance migrations involves analysing hydrogen or carbon isotopes present in organic tissues, because they provide information about where the insects were born. However, the resolution of isotope analyses is low and this method is only useful for insects that migrate on very large distances. Tell me what flowers you have visited, and I'll tell you where you are from When insects feed on the flowers, pollen is deposited on their bodies and can be transported over long distances. Taxonomical classification of the pollen grains using optical and electron microscopy, however, is often impossible at species level. In addition, it requires a great investment of time and having specialized knowledge in taxonomy, which is why this is an unsuitable tool for large-scale studies. However, as explained by Roger Vila, one of the authors of the study and principal investigator at IBE, the development of next-generation sequencing technologies has made it possible to massively sequence the genetic material present in a sample of pollen from various individuals. This is the metabarcoding technique, in which the species are identified from a small region of the DNA that performs a function analogous to that of a barcode. The researchers used the metabarcoding technique to study the pollen from 47 specimens of migrating painted lady butterflies (Vanessa cardui), which have been captured on the Spanish Mediterranean coast during spring. The objective was to test if the sequences obtained were from endemic African plant species and to shed light on the migratory circuits of these butterflies. The analysis revealed pollen of 157 species of plants of 23 different orders; the vast majority were, indeed, African and not present in Europe. The painted lady has recently been shown to be the butterfly species that performs the longest migrations in the world, traveling every year between tropical Africa and Europe (back and forth, crossing the Sahara desert) in successive generations, although the precise routes are still unknown. Transcontinental pollination The results of this study represent an important discovery from the point of view of the plants, because it demonstrates, for the first time that the transcontinental pollination by migratory insects is possible. It is a phenomenon to be taken into account both in wild and in cultivated plants because it enables plants from very distant locations to mix. We hope that the technique opens a new line of research that helps to clarify which insects migrate, which routes they follow and when, as we still do not know much about the impact of insect migration for ecosystems and the transmission of diseases, says Gerard Talavera, co-author of the article, researcher at IBE and National Geographic Explorer. ### The project was funded by the National Geographic Society, the British Ecological Society, the European Community and the Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovacion y Universidades. Cold Spring Harbor, NY -- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) hosted the 13th Double Helix Medals dinner (DHMD) on November 7th and raised $4.5 million. Held at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, the gala honored the contributions to basic research of Priscilla Chan, Mark Zuckerberg, and Larry Norton. Dr. Priscilla Chan and Mr. Mark Zuckerberg were honored for their philanthropic support of research through the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. The organization partnered with CSHL to fund bioRxiv, a free preprint service that enables life science researchers to openly share drafts of papers before they are published in peer-reviewed research journals. "Mark and I are beyond honored to receive Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory's Double Helix Medal," said Chan. "We feel privileged to help lift up and support the work of scientists and researchers who are on the front lines of helping to cure, prevent or manage all disease." Dr. Larry Norton was recognized for his work as a breast cancer oncologist. He is the Medical Director of the Evelyn H. Lauder Breast Center at Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Cancer Center and the scientific director of the Breast Cancer Research Fund. Norton was awarded the David A. Karnofsky Memorial Award from the American Society of Clinical Oncologists in 2004. "Looking back on my career, it is clear that all that I have been able to accomplish has been the result of collaborations and other meaningful interactions with my colleagues," said Norton. "Institutions like CSHL and my own MSK are extraordinary simply because they encourage and foster such interactions. This award honors the productivity of our entire community, of which I am proud to be a part." "Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory is proud to share in the mission of promoting basic research as a building block of our future with these prestigious honorees," said CSHL president and CEO, Dr. Bruce Stillman. The 2018 Double Helix Medals dinner was chaired by Ms. Jamie C. Nicholls and Mr. O. Francis Biondi, Mr. Leonard A. Lauder, Dr. and Mrs. Arthur D. Levinson, Mr. and Mrs. Robert D. Lindsay, Mr. and Mrs. Yuri Milner, Dr. and Mrs. Howard L. Morgan, Mr. and Mrs. Eduardo Saverin, and Mr. and Mrs. Paul Taubman. Since the first DHMD honored Muhammad Ali in 2006, the event has raised over $40 million for the Laboratory's biological research and education programs. ### About Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Founded in 1890, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has shaped contemporary biomedical research and education with programs in cancer, neuroscience, plant biology and quantitative biology. Home to eight Nobel Prize winners, the private, not-for-profit Laboratory employs 1,100 people including 600 scientists, students and technicians. The Meetings & Courses Program annually hosts more than 12,000 scientists. The Laboratory's education arm also includes an academic publishing house, a graduate school and the DNA Learning Center with programs for middle and high school students and teachers. For more information, visit http://www.cshl.edu. Exploring the mystery of the molecular handedness in nature, scientists have proposed a new experimental scheme to create custom-made mirror molecules for analysis. The technique can make ordinary molecules spin so fast that they lose their normal symmetry and shape and instead form mirrored versions of each other. The research team from DESY, Universitat Hamburg and University College London around group leader Jochen Kupper describes the innovative method in the journal Physical Review Letters. The further exploration of handedness, or chirality (from the ancient Greek word for hand, "cheir"), does not only enhance insight in the workings of nature, but could also pave the way for new materials and methods. Like your hands, many molecules in nature exist in two versions that are mirror images of each other. "For unknown reasons, life as we know it on Earth almost exclusively prefers left-handed proteins, while the genome is organised as the famous right-handed double helix," explains Andrey Yachmenev, who lead this theoretical work in Kupper's group at the Center for Free-Electron Laser Science (CFEL). "For more than a century, researchers are unravelling the secrets of this handedness in nature, which does not only affect the living world: mirror versions of certain molecules alter chemical reactions and change the behaviour of materials." For instance, the right-handed version of caravone (C 10 H 14 O) gives caraway its distinctive taste, while the left-handed version is a key factor for the taste of spearmint. Handedness, or chirality, only occurs naturally in some types of molecules. "However, it can be artificially induced in so-called symmetric-top molecules," says co-author Alec Owens from the Center for Ultrafast Imaging (CUI). "If these molecules are stirred fast enough, they lose their symmetry and form two mirror forms, depending on their sense of rotation. So far, very little is known about this phenomenon of rotationally-induced chirality, because hardly any schemes for its generation exist that can be followed experimentally." Kupper's team has now computationally devised a way to achieve this rotationally-induced chirality with realistic parameters in the lab. It uses corkscrew-shaped laser pulses known as optical centrifuges. For the example of phosphine (PH 3 ) their quantum-mechanical calculations show that at rotation rates of trillions of times per second the phosphorus-hydrogen bond that the molecule rotates about becomes shorter than the other two of these bonds, and depending on the sense of rotation, two chiral forms of phosphine emerge. "Using a strong static electric field, the left-handed or right-handed version of the spinning phosphine can be selected," explains Yachmenev. "To still achieve the ultra-fast unidirectional rotation, the corkscrew-laser needs to be fine-tuned, but to realistic parameters." This scheme promises a completely new path through the looking-glass into the mirror world, as it would in principle also work with other, heavier molecules. In fact, these would actually require weaker laser pulses and electric fields, but were just too complex to be solved in these first stages of the investigation. However, as phosphine is highly toxic, such heavier and also slower molecules would probably be preferred for experiments. The proposed method could deliver tailor-made mirror molecules, and the investigation of their interactions with the environment, for instance with polarized light, should help to further penetrate the mysteries of handedness in nature and explore its possible utilization, expects Kupper, who is also a professor of physics and of chemistry at Universitat Hamburg: "Faciliating a deeper understanding of the phenomenon of handedness this way could also contribute to the development of chirality-based tailor-made molecules and materials, novel states of matter, and the potential utilization of rotationally-induced chirality in novel metamaterials or optical devices." ### DESY is one of the world's leading particle accelerator centres. Researchers use the large-scale facilities at DESY to explore the microcosm in all its variety - ranging from the interaction of tiny elementary particles to the behaviour of innovative nanomaterials and the vital processes that take place between biomolecules to the great mysteries of the universe. The accelerators and detectors that DESY develops and builds at its locations in Hamburg and Zeuthen are unique research tools. DESY is a member of the Helmholtz Association, and receives its funding from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) (90 per cent) and the German federal states of Hamburg and Brandenburg (10 per cent). Reference Climbing the rotational ladder to chirality; Alec Owens, Andrey Yachmenev, Sergei N. Yurchenko, and Jochen Kupper; Physical Review Letters, 2018; DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.121.193201 Study by 72 researchers from eight countries concludes that the Lagoa Santa people are descendants of Clovis culture migrants from North America; distinctly African features attributed to Luzia were wrong The history of the peopling of the Americas has just been interpreted afresh. The largest and most comprehensive study ever conducted on the basis of fossil DNA extracted from ancient human remains found on the continent has confirmed the existence of a single ancestral population for all Amerindian ethnic groups, past and present. Over 17,000 years ago this original contingent crossed the Bering Strait from Siberia to Alaska and began peopling the New World. Fossil DNA shows an affinity between this migratory current and the populations of Siberia and northern China. Contrary to the traditional theory it had no link to Africa or Australasia. The new study also reveals that once they had settled in North America the descendants of this ancestral migratory flow diversified into two lineages some 16,000 years ago. The members of one lineage crossed the Isthmus of Panama and peopled South America in three distinct consecutive waves. The first wave occurred between 15,000 and 11,000 years ago. The second took place at most 9,000 years ago. There are fossil DNA records from both migrations throughout South America. The third wave is much more recent but its influence is limited as it occurred 4,200 years ago. Its members settled in the Central Andes. An article on the study has just been published in the journal Cell a group of 72 researchers from eight countries, affiliated with the University of Sao Paulo (USP) in Brazil, Harvard University in the United States, and Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History in Germany, among others. According to the researchers' findings, the lineage that made the north-south journey between 16,000 and 15,000 years ago belonged to the Clovis culture, named for a group of archeological sites excavated in the western US and dating from 13,500-11,000 years ago. The Clovis culture was so named when flint spearheads were found in the 1930s at a dig in Clovis, New Mexico. Clovis sites have been identified throughout the US and in Mexico and Central America. In North America, the Clovis people hunted Pleistocene megafaunas such as giant sloth and mammoth. With the decline of the megafauna and its extinction 11,000 years ago, the Clovis culture eventually disappeared. Long before that, however, bands of hunter-gatherers had traveled south to explore new hunting grounds. They ended up settling in Central America, as evidenced by 9,400-year-old human fossil DNA found in Belize and analyzed in the new study. At a later date, perhaps while pursuing herds of mastodons, Clovis hunter-gatherers crossed the Isthmus of Panama and spread into South America, as evidenced by genetic records from burial sites in Brazil and Chile revealed now. This genetic evidence corroborates well-known archeological finds such as the Monte Verde site in southern Chile, where humans butchered mastodons 14,800 years ago. Among the many known Clovis sites, the only burial site associated with Clovis tools is in Montana, where the remains of a baby boy (Anzick-1) were found and dated to 12,600 years ago. DNA extracted from these bones has links to DNA from skeletons of people who lived between 10,000 and 9,000 years ago in caves near Lagoa Santa, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. In other words, the Lagoa Santa people were partial descendants of Clovis migrants from North America. "From the genetic standpoint, the Lagoa Santa people are descendants of the first Amerindians," said archeologist Andre Menezes Strauss, who coordinated the Brazilian part of the study. Strauss is affiliated with the University of Sao Paulo's Museum of Archeology and Ethnology (MAE-USP). "Surprisingly, the members of this first lineage of South Americans left no identifiable descendants among today's Amerindians," he said. "Some 9,000 years ago their DNA disappears completely from the fossil samples and is replaced by DNA from the first migratory wave, prior to the Clovis culture. All living Amerindians are descendants of this first wave. We don't yet know why the genetic stock of the Lagoa Santa people disappeared." One possible reason for the disappearance of DNA from the second migration is that it was diluted in the DNA of the Amerindians who are descendants of the first wave and cannot be identified by existing methods of genetic analysis. According to Tabita Hunemeier, a geneticist at the University of Sao Paulo's Bioscience Institute (IB-USP) who took part in the research, "one of the main results of the study was the identification of Luzia's people as genetically related to the Clovis culture, which dismantles the idea of two biological components and the possibility that there were two migrations to the Americas, one with African traits and the other with Asian traits". "Luzia's people must have resulted from a migratory wave originating in Beringia," she said, referring to the now-submerged Bering land bridge that joined Siberia to Alaska during the glaciations, when sea levels were lower. "The molecular data suggests population substitution in South America since 9,000 years ago. Luzia's people disappeared and were replaced by the Amerindians alive today, although both had a common origin in Beringia," Hunemeier said. Brazilian contribution The Brazilian researchers' contribution to the study was fundamental. Among the 49 individuals from which fossil DNA was taken, seven skeletons dated to between 10,100 and 9,100 years ago came from Lapa do Santo, a rock shelter in Lagoa Santa. The seven skeletons, alongside dozens of others, were found and exhumed in successive archeological campaigns at the site, led initially by Walter Alves Neves, a physical anthropologist at IB-USP, and since 2011 by Strauss. The archeological campaigns led by Neves between 2002 and 2008 were funded by Sao Paulo Research Foundation - FAPESP. Altogether the new study investigated fossil DNA from 49 individuals found at 15 archeological sites in Argentina (two sites, 11 individuals dated to between 8,900 and 6,600 years ago), Belize (one site, three individuals dated to between 9,400 and 7,300 years ago), Brazil (four sites, 15 individuals dated to between 10,100 and 1,000 years ago), Chile (three sites, five individuals dated to between 11,100 and 540 years ago) and Peru (seven sites, 15 individuals dated to between 10,100 and 730 years ago). The Brazilian skeletons come from the archeological sites Lapa do Santo (seven individuals dated to about 9,600 years ago), Jabuticabeira II in Santa Catarina State (a sambaqui or shell midden with five individuals dated to about 2,000 years ago), as well as from two river middens in the Ribeira Valley, Sao Paulo State: Laranjal (two individuals dated to about 6,700 years ago), and Moraes (one individual dated to about 5,800 years ago). Paulo Antonio Dantas de Blasis, an archeologist affiliated with MAE-USP, led the dig at Jabuticabeira II, which was also supported by FAPESP through a Thematic Project. The digs at the river midden sites in Sao Paulo State were led by Levy Figuti, also an archeologist at MAE-USP, and were also supported by FAPESP. "The Moraes skeleton (5,800 years old) and the Laranjal skeleton (6,700 years old) are among the most ancient from the South and Southeast of Brazil," Figuti said. "These locations are strategically unique because they're between the highlands of the Atlantic plateau and the coastal plain, contributing significantly to our understanding of how the Southeast of Brazil was peopled." These skeletons were found between 2000 and 2005. From the start, they presented a complex mixture of coastal and inland cultural traits, and the results of their analysis generally varied except in the case of one skeleton diagnosed as Paleoindian (analysis of its DNA is not yet complete). "The study that's just been published represents a major step forward in archeological research, exponentially increasing what we knew until only a few years ago about the archaeogenetics of the peopling of the Americas," Figuti said. Hunemeier has also recently made a significant contribution to the reconstruction of human history in South America using paleogenomics. Amerindian genetics Not all the human remains found at some of the most ancient archeological sites in Central and South America belonged to genetic descendants of the Clovis culture. The inhabitants of several sites did not have Clovis-associated DNA. "This shows that besides its genetic contribution the second migration wave to South America, which was Clovis-associated, may also have brought with it technological principles that would be expressed in the famous fishtail points that are found in many parts of South America," Strauss said. How many human migrations from Asia came to the Americas at the end of the Ice Age more than 16,000 years ago was hitherto unknown. The traditional theory, formulated in the 1980s by Neves and other researchers, was that the first wave had African traits or traits similar to those of the Australian Aboriginals. The well-known forensic facial reconstruction of Luzia was performed in accordance with this theory. Luzia is the name given to the fossil skull of a woman who lived in the Lagoa Santa region 12,500 years ago and is sometimes referred to as the "first Brazilian". The bust of Luzia with African features was built on the basis of the skull's morphology by British anatomical artist Richard Neave in the 1990s. "However, skull shape isn't a reliable marker of ancestrality or geographic origin. Genetics is the best basis for this type of inference," Strauss explained. "The genetic results of the new study show categorically that there was no significant connection between the Lagoa Santa people and groups from Africa or Australia. So the hypothesis that Luzia's people derived from a migratory wave prior to the ancestors of today's Amerindians has been disproved. On the contrary, the DNA shows that Luzia's people were entirely Amerindian." A new bust has replaced Luzia in the Brazilian scientific pantheon. Caroline Wilkinson, a forensic anthropologist at Liverpool John Moores University in the UK and a disciple of Neave, has produced a facial reconstruction of one of the individuals exhumed at Lapa do Santo. The reconstruction was based on a retrodeformed digital model of the skull. "Accustomed as we are to the traditional facial reconstruction of Luzia with strongly African features, this new facial reconstruction reflects the physiognomy of the first inhabitants of Brazil far more accurately, displaying the generalized and indistinct features from which the great Amerindian diversity was established over thousands of years," Strauss said. The study published in Cell, he added, also presents the first genetic data on Brazilian coastal sambaquis. "These monumental shell mounds were built some 2,000 years ago by populous societies that lived on the coast of Brazil. Analysis of fossil DNA from shell mound burials in Santa Catarina and Sao Paulo shows these groups were genetically akin to the Amerindians alive today in the South of Brazil, especially the Kaingang groups," he said. According to Strauss, DNA extraction from fossils is technically very challenging, especially if the material was found at a site with a tropical climate. For almost two decades extreme fragmentation and significant contamination prevented different research groups from successfully extracting genetic material from the bones found at Lagoa Santa. This has now been done thanks to methodological advances developed by the Max Planck Institute. As Strauss enthusiastically explained, much more remains to be discovered. "Construction of Brazil's first archaeogenetic laboratory is scheduled to begin in 2019, thanks to a partnership between the University of Sao Paulo's Museum of Archeology and Ethnology (MAE) and its Bioscience Institute (IB) with funding from FAPESP. When it's ready, it will give a new thrust to research on the peopling of South America and Brazil," Strauss said. "To some extent, this study not only changes what we know about how the region was peopled but also changes considerably how we study human skeletal remains," Figuti said. Human remains were first found in Lagoa Santa in 1844, when Danish naturalist Peter Wilhelm Lund (1801-1880) discovered some 30 skeletons deep in a flooded cave. Almost all these fossils are now at the Natural History Museum of Denmark in Copenhagen. A single skull has stayed in Brazil. It was donated by Lund to the Brazilian History and Geography Institute in Rio de Janeiro. Colonization by leaps and bounds On the same day as the Cell article was published (November 8, 2018), a paper in the journal Science also reported new findings on fossil DNA from the first migrants to the Americas. Andre Strauss is one of the authors. Among the 15 ancient skeletons from which genetic material was taken, five belong to the Lund Collection in Copenhagen. They date from between 10,400 and 9,800 years ago. They are the oldest in the sample, alongside an individual from Nevada estimated to be 10,700 years old. The sample comprised fossilized human remains from Alaska, Canada, Brazil, Chile, and Argentina. The results of its molecular analysis suggested the peopling of the Americas by the first human groups out of Alaska did not come about merely through gradual occupation of territory concomitantly with population growth. According to the researchers responsible for the study, the molecular data suggests that the first humans to invade Alaska or neighboring Yukon, split into two groups. This happened between 17,500 and 14,600 years ago. One group colonized North and Central America, the other South America. The peopling of the Americas ensued by leaps and bounds, as small bands of hunter-gatherers traveled far and wide to settle in new areas until they reached Tierra del Fuego in a movement lasting one or at most two millennia. Among the 15 individuals whose DNA was analyzed, three of the Lagoa Santa five were found to have some genetic material from Australasia, as suggested by the theory proposed by Neves for the occupation of South America. The researchers are unable to explain the origin of this Australasian DNA or how it ended up in only a few of the Lagoa Santa people. "The fact that the genomic signature of Australasia has been present for 10,400 years in Brazil but is absent in all the genomes tested to date, which are as old or older, and found farther north, is a challenge considering its presence in Lagoa Santa," they said. Other fossils collected during the twentieth century include the Luzia skull, found in the 1970s. Almost 100 skulls excavated by Neves and Strauss in the past 15 years are now held at USP. A similar number of fossils are held at the Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais (PUC-MG). But the vast majority of these osteological and archeological treasures, belonging to perhaps more than 100 individuals, were deposited at the National Museum in Rio de Janeiro and were presumably destroyed in the fire that raged through this historic building on September 2, 2018. The Luzia skull was on display at the National Museum alongside Neave's facial reconstruction. Scientists feared it had been lost to the fire but fortunately it was one of the first objects to be recovered from the ruins. It had broken up but survived. The fire destroyed the original facial reconstruction (of which there are several copies). ### About Sao Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) The Sao Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) is a public institution with the mission of supporting scientific research in all fields of knowledge by awarding scholarships, fellowships, and grants to investigators linked with higher education and research institutions in the State of Sao Paulo, Brazil. FAPESP is aware that the very best research can only be done by working with the best researchers internationally. Therefore, it has established partnerships with funding agencies, higher education, private companies, and research organizations in other countries known for the quality of their research and has been encouraging scientists funded by its grants to further develop their international collaboration. For more information: http://www.fapesp.br/en. Highest healthy life expectancy in Singapore, Japan, and Spain; most nations will fail to meet UN goals for deaths from non-communicable diseases and suicide SEATTLE - Ninety-one nations are not producing enough children to maintain their current populations, while the opposite is true in 104 countries where high birth rates are driving population increases, according to a new scientific study. Total fertility rates (TFR), a summary measurement representing the average number of children a woman would deliver over her lifetime, have declined since 1950. In 2017, the lowest TFR was in Cyprus, where on average, a woman would give birth to one child throughout her life, as opposed to the highest, in Niger, where a woman would give birth to seven children. In addition to Niger, Mali, Chad, and South Sudan were among the 104 nations with fertility rates exceeding two births per woman, as compared to 91 countries, including Singapore, Spain, Portugal, Norway and South Korea, along with Cyprus, with rates lower than two. "These statistics represent both a 'baby boom' for some nations and a 'baby bust' for others," said Dr. Christopher Murray, Director of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington. "The lower rates of women's fertility clearly reflect not only access to and availability of reproductive health services, but also many women choosing to delay or forgo giving birth, as well as having more opportunities for education and employment." The findings are included in the annual Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study, to which 3,676 collaborators from 146 countries and territories contribute. This year's study includes more than 38 billion estimates of 359 diseases and injuries and 84 risk factors in 195 countries and territories. This version of the GBD study, published today in the international medical journal The Lancet, marks the first time the study has produced its own population and fertility estimates. The global population increased by 197% since 1950, from 2.6 billion to 7.6 billion in 2017. "To our knowledge, this is the first study to provide transparent and replicable estimates of population and fertility that can be used to inform decision-making and to monitor nations' economic progress," Murray said. "Although total fertility rates are decreasing, the global population continues to grow as death rates decline and because of population 'momentum' in previous decades." From 2007 to 2017, the world's population has grown annually by 87.2 million people, compared with 81.5 million annually from 1997 to 2007. In 1950, high-income countries accounted for 24% of the global population, but in 2017, the population of these countries accounted for 14%. Among countries whose populations grew annually more than 2% from 2010 to 2017, 33 were in sub-Saharan Africa. In addition to Niger, those nations include Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Mali. Outside of Africa, India, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, and Haiti are among others with growing populations. By comparison, 33 countries had declining populations between 2010 and 2017, most of which were located in Central, Eastern, and Western Europe - including Georgia, Poland, Romania, Greece, Spain, Portugal - as well as Japan, Cuba, and Puerto Rico. In addition to population and fertility, this year's GBD, with results described in seven scientific papers, covers mortality and life expectancy, causes of death and years of healthy life lost, years lived with disability, overall burden of disease, risk factors, and the chances of each nation meeting 41 of the health-related indicators that are part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030. Analysis of UN Sustainable Development Goals Among the findings on the SDGs: Among the highest scores for availability of health care workers - physicians, nurses, midwives, and pharmacists - were in Cuba, Qatar, and many European countries, while most of the lowest were in sub-Saharan Africa. Several Latin American nations had the worst scores for sexual violence by non-intimate partners, while many countries in Central Asia, Eastern Europe, and South Asia had the best scores. Most nations have a 95% likelihood of meeting SDG targets for malaria incidence, as well as those for deaths of children under age 5, neonatal mortality, and maternal mortality. Most nations will fail to meet their targets for reducing deaths from non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes or stroke, or for suicide. No nation has yet met the SDG target for overweight children, which is at or less than 0.5% of children ages 2 to 4 years. Males are more likely than females to die from non-communicable diseases and smoking, among other health problems. Rates of male suicide far exceed rates for females (13.8 per 100,000 as compared to 4.0 per 100,000). It is unlikely the goal of eliminating new HIV infections will be met. "HIV remains a massive public health threat, particularly because global financing has plateaued, domestic health spending has stayed low among high-burden countries, and its incidence has not declined as quickly in younger as in older populations," Murray said. "How best to galvanize accelerated action against HIV, as well as the world's other great health challenges, is far from clear. Going forward, the annual GBD study offers international agencies, nations' health officials, and other stakeholders a platform through which strategies and programs can be tested and analyzed." Leading Causes of Death and Health Risk Factors The study finds that each of the following caused more than 1 million deaths worldwide in 2017: ischemic heart disease, neonatal disorders, stroke, lower respiratory infections, diarrhea, road injuries, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The highest age-adjusted death rates for ischemic heart disease were in Uzbekistan, Ukraine, and Azerbaijan; lowest in South Korea, Japan, and France. Highest rates for neonatal disorders were in Central African Republic, Pakistan, and Mali; lowest in Singapore, Japan, and Iceland. Highest rates for stroke were in Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, and Montenegro; lowest in Switzerland, France, and Singapore. Highest rates for lower respiratory infections were in Central African Republic, Solomon Islands, and Chad; lowest in Austria, Finland, and Macedonia. Highest rates for diarrhea-related diseases were in Central African Republic, Chad, and South Sudan; lowest in Montenegro, Belarus, and Estonia. Highest rates for road injury-related deaths were in Central African Republic, Somalia, and United Arab Emirates; lowest were in Switzerland, Singapore, and Sweden. Highest rates for COPD were in Papua New Guinea, North Korea, and India; lowest in Kuwait, Iraq, and Japan. In addition, there have been rapid increases in death rates for which antibiotic use or resistance is a major factor, such as tuberculosis and cellulitis, a common skin infection. "An unintended consequence of increased access to health care globally is the dramatic increases in mortality from diseases and disorders linked to pharmaceuticals, specifically antibiotic resistance and opioid use," Murray said. He noted that over the past decade, deaths from opioid use disorders globally increased by more than 75%, from 61,859 in 2007 to 109,520 in 2017. Regarding health loss (measured in disability-adjusted life years, or DALYs) due to other risk factors, many of the most common, such as high blood pressure and smoking, have changed little in rankings of the top 15 between 2007 and 2017. However, looking back 27 years to the top risks in 1990, major differences emerge, when child wasting, short gestation for birthweight, and low birthweight ranked first through third. Those three rank ninth, fifth, and sixth, respectively, in 2017. Other highlights regarding rankings risk factors based on the number of all-ages DALYs include: Increases High blood pressure in 1990 ranked fifth; in 2017 it was first Smoking in 1990 ranked fourth; in 2017 it was second High blood sugar in 1990 ranked 11th; in 2017 it was third High body mass index in 1990 ranked 16th; in 2017 it was fourth Decreases Unsafe water source in 1990 ranked sixth; in 2017 it was 14th Household air pollution in 1990 ranked seventh; in 2017 it was 16th Unsafe sanitation in 1990 ranked ninth; in 2017 it was 20th "The world has seen several health success stories," Murray said. "Investments made in poor countries addressing prenatal care and water and sanitation problems clearly have made a significant difference in people's lives. Conversely, the combination of increasing metabolic risks and population aging will continue driving problematic trends in non-communicable diseases. This represents both a challenge and opportunity, and highlights the value of the GBD study to inform good policy decisions and strategic health planning." Years of Life Lost and Nations with Healthy Life Expectancy Those decisions and health planning efforts also are founded on analyses of DALYs, which are the sum of years of life lost (YLLs), plus years lived with disability (YLDs). Like risk factors, there were significant differences in the rankings and percent changes of causes of all-ages DALYs in 1990 as compared to 2017: Drug use disorders increased 71% Diabetes increased 117% Alzheimer's disease and other dementias increased 115% Neck pain increased 75% Age-related hearing loss increased 80% Depressive disorders increased 53% Tetanus dropped 90% Measles dropped 86% In 2017, there were several differences in the rankings of all-ages DALYs between males and females, including: Road injuries was the fifth leading cause of DALYs for males, compared to 16th for females. Headache disorders ranked 18th for males and eighth for females. Lung cancer ranked 12th for males and 27th for females. Self-harm was 16th for males and 31st for females. The GBD study also identifies nations with high and low healthy life expectancy, as measured by years a person can expect to live in good health, taking into account both death and disability. In 2017, the top three countries were Singapore (74.2 years), Japan (73.1 years), and Spain (72.1 years); lowest were Central African Republic (44.8 years), Lesotho (47.0 years), and South Sudan (50.6 years). "With increasing life expectancy in many countries, the question for all of us in the health policy arena is whether the additional years are spent in good health or poor health," Murray said. "The burden of disabling conditions has serious implications for health systems and health-related expenditures. Global trends among non-communicable diseases indicate that more effort is needed to increase healthy life expectancy." Nations with highest fertility rates (average number of children a woman delivers over her lifetime): Niger - 7.1; Chad - 6.7; Somalia - 6.1; Mali - 6.0; Afghanistan - 6.0; South Sudan - 5.9; Burkina Faso - 5.4; Burundi - 5.3; Uganda - 5.2; Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola, Nigeria (all 5.1) Top 10 nations with the largest populations: China - 1,412,480,000; India - 1,380,560,000; United States - 324, 839,000; Indonesia 258,134,000; Pakistan - 214,287,000; Brazil - 211,812,000; Nigeria - 206,087,000; Bangladesh - 156,981,000; Russia - 146,189,000; and Japan - 128, 363,000 Top 10 global health risks linked to all-ages DALYs (both sexes): High blood pressure, smoking, high blood sugar, high body mass index, short gestation for birthweight, low birth weight for gestation, alcohol use, high cholesterol, child wasting, and air pollution Top 10 causes of all-ages DALYs for males for 2017: Ischemic heart disease, neonatal disorders, stroke, lower respiratory infections, road injuries, COPD, diarrhea-related diseases, diabetes, congenital birth defects, and low back pain Top 10 causes of all-ages DALYs for females for 2017: Neonatal disorders, ischemic heart disease, stroke, lower respiratory infections, diarrhea-related diseases, COPD, low back pain, headache disorders, diabetes, and congenital birth defects. Top 10 and bottom nations for healthy life expectancy (HALE): Singapore - 74.2 years; Japan - 73.1 years; Spain - 72.1 years; Switzerland - 72.0 years; Italy - 71.9 years; France - 71.7 years; South Korea - 71.7 years; Israel - 71.4 years; Bermuda - 71.4 years; Iceland - 71.3 years Central African Republic - 44.8 years; Lesotho - 47.0 years; South Sudan - 50.6 years; Mozambique - 50.6 years; Papua New Guinea - 50.8 years; Somalia - 51.2 years; Swaziland - 51.3 years; Chad - 51.5 years; Guinea-Bissau - 52.0 years; and Sierra Leone - 52.1 years ### Media contacts: IHME: Kelly Bienhoff, +1-206-897-2884 (office); +1-913-302-3817 (mobile); kbien@uw.edu IHME: Dean Owen, +1-206-897-2858 (office); +1-206-434-5630 (mobile); dean1227@uw.edu About the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) is an independent global health research organization at the University of Washington that provides rigorous and comparable measurement of the world's most important health problems and evaluates the strategies used to address them. IHME makes this information widely available so that policymakers have the evidence they need to make informed decisions about how to allocate resources to improve population health. Researchers in Japan found that rural tourism has played a vital role in territorial development in Japan, and a super-ageing rural community has greatly improved their quality of life as as tourists have brought vitality to these remote villages Kanazawa, Japan - Tourism has been an economic tool for rural development the world over. Particularly in areas where agriculture has declined, tourists can help activate local economies and improve livelihoods. However, rural tourism's true impacts on the local environment and communities, and especially on individual households, have been hard to measure and interpret. Rural Japan, which suffers from agricultural decline and depopulation amid a "super-aging" society, poses unique challenges. The Japanese government has actively promoted "green tourism" since the 1990s, in which tourists visit and enjoy the attractions of rural areas. Yet there are few signs of this having a lasting positive impact; the agricultural sector and rural communities continue to decline. A team of researchers in Japan, centered at Kanazawa University, deeply examined rural tourism's impact on farm inns at the household level in the remote western peninsular town of Noto. Noto once had a thriving timber industry and now offers rustic accommodations, providing a humble and authentic countryside experience. The area has recently seen an increase in domestic and foreign tourists. The research team reported their findings based on in-depth interviews with accommodation providers in the journal Sustainability. "The average age of inn proprietors in our study in Noto was 70.3 years. They use tourism to supplement their pensions and other minimal income," one of the co-authors, Prof. Nisikawa Usio said. "We applied a sustainable livelihoods approach to consider physical, natural, human, financial, and social capital all as factors for comprehensively assessing the effects of tourism. We sought to accurately grasp tourism's impact on the farm inn households, rather than just giving a generalized portrait of the community and environment." On the whole, rural tourism's effects were found to be positive. It encourages preservation of landscapes and use of abandoned farmland. It also creates jobs, an aspect that motivates older people to stay active and preserve their traditions. The social aspects were especially encouraging. Many of the aging workers found it invigorating to engage with the range of visitors, who include foreigners and students. Conversely, the income generated from tourism industry is quite small, cost spent to repair old buildings need to be subsidized, and competition for guests is also reported among the inns. Seasonality also poses a stiff challenge, as the harsh winters keep most tourists away and visitors peak on holidays and weekends. Ageing farmers are actively involving in catering for tourists, however, Noto's greatest looming threat to long-term sustainability of rural tourism is aging. Many inns lack successors and the farmland and environment need to be maintained. "We found that the local hosts' quality of life generally improved because of tourism," another co-author, Dr. Zhenmian Qiu said. "However, economic gains were marginal. Working farmlands and other attractions, strong cooperation and leadership in the community, and governmental support are all keys to rural tourism's success in Japan into the future." ### A study from a group of Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) investigators may reduce the concern that elevating levels of urate, an approach being investigated to treat several neurodegenerative disorders, could increase the risk of hypertension. The study authors - several of whom previously conducted a phase 2 trial finding that the drug inosine safely elevated urate levels in patients with early Parkinson disease - are reporting their most recent findings in EBioMedicine, an open-access journal published by The Lancet. "Our study does not support a hypertensive effect from urate elevation," says Xiqun Chen, MD, PhD, of the MGH Department of Neurology, lead author of the EBioMedicine report. "It also highlights the need for a more careful evaluation of urate-lowering treatments being investigated to treat hypertension." Animal studies have suggested that the antioxidant urate could have neuroprotective effects, and observations in human patients - associations between naturally higher urate levels and reduced risk of developing Parkinson disease or slower disease progression - led to initiation of the two-year, phase 2 SURE-PD clinical trial, led by MGH neurologist Michael Schwarzschild, MD, PhD, senior author of the current study. The encouraging results of that trial, which enrolled 75 newly diagnosed Parkinson disease patients with relatively low urate levels, led to the initiation of the larger SURE-PD Phase 3 trial, which is currently underway. But because significant evidence has suggested that higher urate is associated with hypertension, the team took a closer look at any potential effects on blood pressure among participants in the phase 2 SURE-PD trial. Among all three groups of participants - those receiving doses producing mild or moderate urate elevation or those receiving a placebo - there were no significant differences in blood pressure readings taken before, during or after the 18- to 24-month study period. Those findings were further supported by experiments in mouse models genetically engineered to have either reduced urate or mild or moderate urate elevation. Those studies found no association of altered urate levels with significant differences in blood pressures between any of the genetically engineered mice and genetically unaltered control animals. In addition, the use of blood-pressure-manipulating agents had similar effects both on animals with elevated urate and on the controls, adding additional support to a lack of connection between urate levels and blood pressure. "Together with the original report on the SURE-PD trial, this study provides strong evidence that long-term administration of oral inosine can be generally safe in patients with early Parkinson disease." says Chen, who is an assistant professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School (HMS). "Although those SURE-PD participants were otherwise healthy with no obvious cardiovascular or renal disease, these findings may not be generalized to all patients. More studies are needed to definitively determine the role of urate in hypertension - including the potential of the urate-lowering drugs currently being investigated. Meanwhile, we are taking advantage of the current phase 3 inosine trial to monitor any possible risks of urate elevation in a larger group of patients." ### In addition to Schwarzschild, who is the Julieanne Dorn Professor of Neurology at HMS, co-authors of the EBioMedicine report are Danielle Feng, Michael Maguire, Fuxing Zuo, Maryam Rahimian, MD, Robert Logan and Xinliumei Wang, MGH Neurology; Robert Tainsh and Emmanuel Buys, PhD, MGH Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine; Eric Macklin, PhD, MGH Biostatistics; Chizoba Umeh, MD, Brigham and Women's Hospital; and Alberto Ascherio, MD, DrPH, Harvard Chan School of Public Health. The study was supported by Department of Defense grant W81XWH-11-1-0150, National Institutes of Health grants K24 NS060991, U01 NS090259, R21 NS090246 and R01 NS102735; RJG Foundation grant 2011D004473, and by the Michael J. Fox Foundation LEAPS program Massachusetts General Hospital, founded in 1811, is the original and largest teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School.The MGH Research Institute conducts the largest hospital-based research program in the nation, with an annual research budget of more than $900 million and major research centers in HIV/AIDS, cardiovascular research, cancer, computational and integrative biology, cutaneous biology, genomic medicine, medical imaging, neurodegenerative disorders, regenerative medicine, reproductive biology, systems biology, photomedicine and transplantation biology. The MGH topped the 2015 Nature Index list of health care organizations publishing in leading scientific journals and earned the prestigious 2015 Foster G. McGaw Prize for Excellence in Community Service. In August 2018 the MGH was once again named to the Honor Roll in the U.S. News & World Report list of "America's Best Hospitals." It is one of the most fundamental questions in neuroscience: How do humans think? Scientists from Germany and Norway, among them Nobel prize laureate Edvard I. Moser, offer a new proposal: Humans think using their brain's navigation system It is one of the most fundamental questions in neuroscience: How do humans think? Until recently, we seemed far from a conclusive answer. However, scientists from the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences (MPI CBS) in Leipzig, Germany, and the Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience in Trondheim, Norway, among them Nobel prize laureate Edvard I. Moser, offer a new proposal in the current issue of the journal Science--Humans think using their brain's navigation system. When we navigate our environment, two important cell types are active in our brain. Place cells in the hippocampus and grid cells in the neighboring entorhinal cortex form a circuit that allows orientation and navigation. The team of scientists suggests that our inner navigation system does much more. They propose that this system is also key to 'thinking', explaining why our knowledge seems to be organized in a spatial fashion. "We believe that the brain stores information about our surroundings in so-called cognitive spaces. This concerns not only geographical data, but also relationships between objects and experience," explains Christian Doeller, senior author of the paper and the new director at the MPI CBS. The term 'cognitive spaces' refers to mental maps in which we arrange our experience. Everything that we encounter has physical properties, whether a person or an object, and can therefore be arranged along different dimensions. "If I think about cars, I can order them based on their engine power and weight for example. We would have racing cars with strong engines and low weights as well as caravans with weak engines and high weight, as well as all combinations in between," says Doeller. "We can think about our family and friends in a similar way; for example, on the basis of their height, humor, or income, coding them as tall or short, humorous or humorless, or more or less wealthy." Depending on the dimensions of interest individuals might be stored mentally closer together or further away. A Theory of Human Thinking In their proposal, Doeller and his team combine individual threads of evidence to form a theory of human thinking. The theory begins with the Nobel Prize-winning discoveries of place and grid cells in rodents' brains, which were subsequently shown to exist in humans. Both cell types show patterns of activity representing the animal's position in space, for example, while it forages for food. Each position in space is represented by a unique pattern of activity. Together, the activity of place and grid cells allows the formation of a mental map of the surroundings, which is stored and reactivated during later visits. The very regular activation pattern of grid cells can also be observed in humans--but importantly, not only during navigation through geographical spaces. Grids cells are also active when learning new concepts, as shown by a study from 2016. In that study, volunteers learned to associate pictures of birds, which only varied in the length of their necks and legs, with different symbols, such as a tree or a bell. A bird with a long neck and short legs was associated with the tree whereas a bird with a short neck and long legs belonged to the bell. Thus, a specific combination of bodily features came to be represented by a symbol. In a subsequent memory test, performed in a brain scanner, volunteers indicated whether various birds were associated with one of the symbols. Interestingly, the entorhinal cortex was activated, in much the same way as it is during navigation, providing a coordinate system for our thoughts. "By connecting all these previous discoveries, we came to the assumption that the brain stores a mental map, regardless of whether we are thinking about a real space or the space between dimensions of our thoughts. Our train of thought can be considered a path though the spaces of our thoughts, along different mental dimensions," Jacob Bellmund, the first author of the publication, explains. Mapping New Experience "These processes are especially useful for making inferences about new objects or situations, even if we have never experienced them," the neuroscientist continues. Using existing maps of cognitive spaces humans can anticipate how similar something new is to something they already know by putting it in relation to existing dimensions. If they've already experienced tigers, lions, or panthers, but have never seen a leopard, we would place the leopard in a similar position as the other big cats in our cognitive space. Based on our knowledge about the concept 'big cat', already stored in a mental map, we can adequately react to the encounter with the leopard. "We can generalize to novel situations, which we constantly face, and infer how we should behave", says Bellmund. ### A legal battle over a 10,600 year old ancient skeleton -- called the 'Spirit Cave Mummy' -- has ended after advanced DNA sequencing found it was related to a Native American tribe A legal battle over a 10,600 year old ancient skeleton - called the 'Spirit Cave Mummy' - has ended after advanced DNA sequencing found it was related to a Native American tribe. The revelation has been published in Science today (Thursday, November 8 at 14:00 US Eastern Time) as part of a wide ranging international study that genetically analysed the DNA of a series of famous and controversial ancient remains across North and South America including Spirit Cave, the Lovelock skeletons, the Lagoa Santa remains, an Inca mummy, and the oldest remains in Chilean Patagonia. The study also looked at the second oldest human remains from Trail Creek Cave in Alaska - a 9,000 year old milk tooth from a young girl. Scientists sequenced 15 ancient genomes spanning from Alaska to Patagonia and were able to track the movements of the first humans as they spread across the Americas at "astonishing" speed during the Ice Age, and also how they interacted with each other in the following millennia. The team of academics not only discovered that the Spirit Cave remains - the world's oldest natural mummy - was a Native American but they were able to dismiss a longstanding theory that a group called Paleoamericans existed in North America before Native Americans. The ground-breaking research also discovered clues of a puzzling Australasian genetic signal in the 10,400 year old Lagoa Santa remains from Brazil revealing a previously unknown group of early South Americans - but the Australasian link left no genetic trace in North America. It was described by one of the scientists as 'extraordinary evidence of an extraordinary chapter in human history'. Professor Eske Willeslev, who holds positions both at St John's College, University of Cambridge, and the University of Copenhagen, and led the study, said: "Spirit Cave and Lagoa Santa were very controversial because they were identified as so-called 'Paleoamericans' based on craniometry - it was determined that the shape of their skulls was different to current day Native Americans. Our study proves that Spirit Cave and Lagoa Santa were actually genetically closer to contemporary Native Americans than to any other ancient or contemporary group sequenced to date." The Lagoa Santa remains were retrieved by Danish explorer Peter W. Lund in the 19th century and his work led to this 'Paleoamerican hypothesis' based on cranial morphology that theorised the famous group of skeletons could not be Native Americans. But this new study disproves that theory and the findings were launched under embargo by Professor Willeslev with representatives from the Brazilian National Museum in Rio on Tuesday, November 6 2018. He added: "Looking at the bumps and shapes of a head does not help you understand the true genetic ancestry of a population - we have proved that you can have people who look very different but are closely related." The scientific and cultural significance of the Spirit Cave remains, which were found in 1940 in a small rocky alcove in the Great Basin Desert, was not properly understood for 50 years. The preserved remains of the man in his forties were initially believed to be between 1,500 and 2000 years old, but during the 1990s new textile and hair testing dated the skeleton at 10,600 years old. The Fallon Paiute-Shoshone Tribe, a group of Native Americans based in Nevada near Spirit Cave, claimed cultural affiliation with the skeleton and requested immediate repatriation of the remains under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. The request was refused because the ancestry was disputed, the tribe sued the federal government and the lawsuit pitted tribal leaders against anthropologists, who argued the remains provided invaluable insights into North America's earliest inhabitants and should continue to be displayed in a museum. The deadlock continued for 20 years until the tribe agreed that Professor Willeslev could carry out genome sequencing on DNA extracted from the Spirit Cave for the first time. Professor Willeslev said: "I assured the tribe that my group would not do the DNA testing unless they gave permission and it was agreed that if Spirit Cave was genetically a Native American the mummy would be repatriated to the tribe." The team painstakingly extracted DNA from the petrus bone from the inside of the skull proving that the skeleton was an ancestor of present day Native Americans. Spirit Cave was returned to the tribe in 2016 and there was a private reburial ceremony earlier this year that Professor Willeslev attended and details have just been released. The geneticist explained: "What became very clear to me was that this was a deeply emotional and deeply cultural event. The tribe have real feelings for Spirit Cave, which as a European it can be hard to understand but for us it would very much be like burying our mother, father, sister or brother. "We can all imagine what it would be like if our father or mother was put in an exhibition and they had that same feeling for Spirit Cave. It has been a privilege to work with them." The tribe were kept informed throughout the two year project and two members visited the lab in Copenhagen to meet the scientists and they were present when all of the DNA sampling was taken. A statement from the Fallon Paiute-Shoshone Tribe, said: "The Tribe has had a lot of experience with members of the scientific community, mostly negative. However, there are a handful of scientists that seemed to understand the Tribe's perspective and Eske Willerslev was one of them. "He took the time to acquaint himself with the Tribe, kept us well-informed of the process, and was available to answer our questions. His new study confirms what we have always known from our oral tradition and other evidence - that the man taken from his final resting place in Spirit Cave is our Native American ancestor." The genome of the Spirit Cave skeleton has wider significance because it not only settled the legal and cultural dispute between the tribe and the Government, it also helped reveal how ancient humans moved and settled across the Americas. The scientists were able to track the movement of populations from Alaska to as far south as Patagonia. They often separated from each other and took their chances travelling in small pockets of isolated groups. Dr David Meltzer, from the Department of Anthropology, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, said: "A striking thing about the analysis of Spirit Cave and Lagoa Santa is their close genetic similarity which implies their ancestral population travelled through the continent at astonishing speed. That's something we've suspected due to the archaeological findings, but it's fascinating to have it confirmed by the genetics. These findings imply that the first peoples were highly skilled at moving rapidly across an utterly unfamiliar and empty landscape. They had a whole continent to themselves and they were travelling great distances at breath-taking speed." The study also revealed surprising traces of Australasian ancestry in ancient South American Native Americans but no Australasian genetic link was found in North American Native Americans. Dr Victor Moreno-Mayar, from the Centre for GeoGenetics, University of Copenhagen and first author of the study, said: "We discovered the Australasian signal was absent in Native Americans prior to the Spirit Cave and Lagoa Santa population split which means groups carrying this genetic signal were either already present in South America when Native Americans reached the region, or Australasian groups arrived later. That this signal has not been previously documented in North America implies that an earlier group possessing it had disappeared or a later arriving group passed through North America without leaving any genetic trace." Dr Peter de Barros Damgaard, from the Centre for GeoGenetics, University of Copenhagen, explained why scientists remain puzzled but optimistic about the Australasian ancestry signal in South America. He explained: "If we assume that the migratory route that brought this Australasian ancestry to South America went through North America, either the carriers of the genetic signal came in as a structured population and went straight to South America where they later mixed with new incoming groups, or they entered later. At the moment we cannot resolve which of these might be correct, leaving us facing extraordinary evidence of an extraordinary chapter in human history! But we will solve this puzzle." The population history during the millennia that followed initial settlement was far more complex than previously thought. The peopling of the Americas had been simplified as a series of north to south population splits with little to no interaction between groups after their establishment. The new genomic analysis presented in the study has shown that around 8,000 years ago, Native Americans were on the move again, but this time from Mesoamerica into both North and South America. Researchers found traces of this movement in the genomes of all present-day indigenous populations in South America for which genomic data is available to date. Dr Moreno-Mayar added: "The older genomes in our study not only taught us about the first inhabitants in South America, but also served as a baseline for identifying a second stream of genetic ancestry, which arrived from Mesoamerica in recent millennia and that is not evident from the archaeological record. These Mesoamerican peoples mixed with the descendants of the earliest South Americans and gave rise to most contemporary groups in the region." ### Latest global estimates for the state of the world's health from the Global Burden of Disease study (GBD) estimate that: Improvements in global mortality rates were less pronounced overall, and rates stagnated or got worse in some countries in 2017. Globally, fertility rates have declined since 1950. In 91 nations, fertility rates are not high enough to maintain current population, and in 104 nations high fertility rates are driving population increases. Half of countries estimated to face shortfall in healthcare workforce - with 47% of having fewer than 10 doctors to serve 10,000 people and 46% having fewer than 30 nurses or midwives to serve 10,000 people. Emerging adverse trends (such as conflict and terrorism, and the opioid crisis) could lead to negative shifts over time if action is not taken. Half of all global deaths were caused by just four risk factors in 2017 - high blood pressure, smoking, high blood glucose, and high body mass index (BMI). Low back pain, headache disorders, and depressive disorders were the three leading causes of disability globally in 2017, and have prevailed as leading causes for nearly three decades. The latest global estimates for the state of the world's health from the Global Burden of Disease study (GBD), published in a special issue of The Lancet, highlight that global progress in health is not inevitable. This year's GBD study estimates that improvements in mortality rates for adults were less pronounced overall and stagnated or got worse in some countries in 2017. In addition, no countries are on-target to meet the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals to improve health by 2030. Total fertility rates, which represent the average number of children a woman delivers over her lifetime, have declined since 1950. In 2017, 91 countries (including Singapore, Spain, Portugal, Norway, South Korea, and Cyprus) had rates lower than two and were not maintaining their current population size, while 104 nations were seeing population increases due to their high fertility rates (total fertility rates above two). The lowest rate was in Cyprus, where, on average, a woman would give birth to one child throughout her life, as opposed to the highest, in Niger, with a total fertility rate of seven children. "These statistics represent both a 'baby boom' for some nations and a 'baby bust' for others," says Dr Christopher Murray, Director of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington, USA. "The lower rates of women's fertility clearly reflect not only access to and availability of reproductive health services, but also many women choosing to delay or forgo giving birth, as well as having more opportunities for education and employment." [1] Emerging adverse trends could lead to negative shifts over time if action is not taken - for example, conflict and terrorism is an increasing threat to global health (with numbers of related deaths increasing by 118% between 2007-2017), and an era-defining epidemic of opioid dependence continues - with more than 4 million new cases and around 110,000 deaths in 2017. In addition, half of all global deaths (51.5%, 28.8 million of 55.9 million deaths) were caused by just four preventable risk factors in 2017 (high blood pressure [10.4 million deaths], smoking [7.1 million deaths], high blood glucose [6.5 million deaths], and high body mass index [4.7 million deaths]), presenting a public health challenge and an opportunity for action. The GBD is the only annual, comprehensive, peer-reviewed assessment of global trends in health, providing global and national estimates for around 280 causes of death, 359 diseases and injuries, and 84 risk factors in 195 countries and territories worldwide. The study is coordinated by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington, Seattle (USA), and involves more than 3,500 collaborators from across more than 140 countries and territories. The study is presented in 7 new papers in The Lancet, ranging from estimates of population and fertility, causes of death and disability, and measuring progress against the Sustainable Development Goals. Global disparities in number of health workers For the first time, the estimates include a global analysis of health worker density using surveys and census data on people's occupations. The authors note that the figures cannot estimate the quality of care, only the number of health workers available. Historically, in 2006, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that there should be a minimum of 23 physicians, nurses, or midwives per 10,000 population. However, this estimate has not since been updated and the study authors expect that larger, more varied health workforces are needed to provide a broader range of services and achieve universal health care. Although no target was set, the United Nations pledged to increase the health workforce in developing countries in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.c.1. The authors estimate that having more than 30 physicians, 100 nurses or midwives, and 5 pharmacists for every 10,000 people in the population has diminishing returns for healthcare access and quality. Overall in 2017, the estimates suggest that only 41 out of 195 countries had more than 30 physicians per 10,000 population, while only 28 countries had more than 100 nurses or midwives. Almost half (47.2% - 92 of 195 countries) of the countries included had fewer than 10 physicians per 10,000 people, while 46.2% (90/195 countries) had fewer than 30 nurses or midwives for every 10,000 people. Scoring countries on how well-resourced their health systems were from 0 (lowest) to 100 (highest), the authors scored 15 countries as 100 and one as 0. [2] "The balance of physicians, nurses, midwives and pharmacists in a country's workforce underpins the types of care that are available to the population. While increasing the overall number of health workers will be important for many countries, it's vital that this growth ensures a varied workforce composition," says lead author Professor Rafael Lozano, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington, USA. [1] The authors note that the study does not include physicians and nurses by speciality, which may be important for understanding the workforce shortfalls for each country's varying burden of disease. In future, the GBD study will refine health worker estimates by using more recent occupational data. Global Burden of Disease 2017 - other key findings Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) comprised the greatest fraction of deaths globally in 2017 (contributing 73.4% of total deaths, equivalent to approximately 41.1 million deaths). The total numbers of deaths from NCDs increased from 2007 to 2017 by 22.7% (from 33.5 million in 2007 to 41.1 million in 2017), representing an additional 7.6 million deaths in 2017. While the age-standardized death rate from NCDs decreased globally between 2007-2017 by 7.9%, this change was smaller in the most recent period - slowing from a decrease of 7.8% between 2003-07 to a decrease of 2.1% for 2013-17. The largest numbers of deaths from NCDs were from cardiovascular diseases (17.8 million deaths), neoplasms (9.6 million deaths) and chronic respiratory diseases (3.9 million deaths). The prevalence of obesity continues to rise in almost every country in the world, with more than one million deaths estimated as being due to type 2 diabetes, almost half a million (426,300 deaths) deaths due to diabetes-related chronic kidney disease, and more than 180,000 deaths due to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)-related liver cancer and cirrhosis in 2017. Low back pain, headache disorders, and depressive disorders were the three leading causes of disability globally in 2017, and have prevailed as leading causes for nearly three decades, while diabetes has emerged as the fourth leading cause of disability globally. In 2017, there were 245.9 million new cases of low back pain, 995.4 million new cases of headache disorders, 258.2 million new cases of depressive disorders, and 22.9 million new cases of diabetes. "The world has seen several health success stories," Murray says. "Investments made in poor countries addressing prenatal care and water and sanitation problems clearly have made a significant difference in people's lives. Conversely, the combination of increasing metabolic risks and population ageing will continue driving problematic trends in non-communicable diseases. This represents both a challenge and opportunity, and highlights the value of the GBD study to inform good policy decisions and strategic health planning." [1] Half of all global deaths (51.5%, 28.8 million of 55.9 million deaths) were caused by just four risk factors in 2017 - high blood pressure, smoking, high blood glucose, and high body mass index (BMI). High blood pressure was the leading risk factor, accounting for 10.4 million deaths, followed by smoking (7.1 million deaths), high fasting plasma glucose (6.5 million deaths), and high body-mass index (4.7 million deaths). The burden of dengue fever has increased over time in most tropical and subtropical countries, with the number of deaths globally increasing by 65.5% between 2007 and 2017 (from 24,500 to 40,500 deaths) and the age-standardized mortality rate increasing by 40.7% (from 0.4 to 0.5 deaths per 100,000). In addition, there were an estimated 104.8 million new cases of dengue in 2017. The disease is a notable exception in the estimated improvements for communicable diseases and might reflect changes in the range of its primary vector, Aedes aegypti. Women have longer lives but live more years in poor health. At the global level, between 1950 and 2017, life expectancy increased from 48.1 years to 70.5 years for men, and from 52.9 years to 75.6 years for women. In 180 of 195 countries, women were expected to live longer than men in 2017, with extra years lived varying from 1.4 years in Algeria to 11.9 years in Ukraine. Of the extra years gained, the proportion spent in poor health varied considerably across countries. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burundi, and Slovakia, less than 20% of additional years were spent in poor health, whereas in Bahrain all the extra years were spent in poor health. An accompanying editorial from The Lancet says: "GBD 2017 is disturbing. Not only do the amalgamated global figures show a worrying slowdown in progress but the more granular data unearths exactly how patchy progress has been. GBD 2017 is a reminder that, without vigilance and constant effort, progress can easily be reversed. But the GBD is also an encouragement to think differently in this time of crisis. By cataloguing inequalities in health-care delivery and patterns of disease geography, this iteration of the GBD presents an opportunity to move away from the generic application of UHC and towards a more tailored precision approach to UHC. GBD 2017 should be an electric shock, galvanising national governments and international agencies not only to redouble their efforts to avoid the imminent loss of hard-won gains but also to adopt a fresh approach to growing threats." ### Peer-reviewed / Modelling Country-level data available Latest global estimates for the state of the world's health from the Global Burden of Disease study (GBD) estimate that: Improvements in global mortality rates were less pronounced overall, and rates stagnated or got worse in some countries in 2017. Globally, fertility rates have declined since 1950. In 91 nations, fertility rates are not high enough to maintain current population, and in 104 nations high fertility rates are driving population increases. Half of countries estimated to face shortfall in healthcare workforce - with 47% of having fewer than 10 doctors to serve 10,000 people and 46% having fewer than 30 nurses or midwives to serve 10,000 people. Emerging adverse trends (such as conflict and terrorism, and the opioid crisis) could lead to negative shifts over time if action is not taken. Half of all global deaths were caused by just four risk factors in 2017 - high blood pressure, smoking, high blood glucose, and high body mass index (BMI). Low back pain, headache disorders, and depressive disorders were the three leading causes of disability globally in 2017, and have prevailed as leading causes for nearly three decades. The latest global estimates for the state of the world's health from the Global Burden of Disease study (GBD), published in a special issue of The Lancet, highlight that global progress in health is not inevitable. This year's GBD study estimates that improvements in mortality rates for adults were less pronounced overall and stagnated or got worse in some countries in 2017. In addition, no countries are on-target to meet the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals to improve health by 2030. Total fertility rates, which represent the average number of children a woman delivers over her lifetime, have declined since 1950. In 2017, 91 countries (including Singapore, Spain, Portugal, Norway, South Korea, and Cyprus) had rates lower than two and were not maintaining their current population size, while 104 nations were seeing population increases due to their high fertility rates (total fertility rates above two). The lowest rate was in Cyprus, where, on average, a woman would give birth to one child throughout her life, as opposed to the highest, in Niger, with a total fertility rate of seven children. "These statistics represent both a 'baby boom' for some nations and a 'baby bust' for others," says Dr Christopher Murray, Director of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington, USA. "The lower rates of women's fertility clearly reflect not only access to and availability of reproductive health services, but also many women choosing to delay or forgo giving birth, as well as having more opportunities for education and employment." [1] Emerging adverse trends could lead to negative shifts over time if action is not taken - for example, conflict and terrorism is an increasing threat to global health (with numbers of related deaths increasing by 118% between 2007-2017), and an era-defining epidemic of opioid dependence continues - with more than 4 million new cases and around 110,000 deaths in 2017. In addition, half of all global deaths (51.5%, 28.8 million of 55.9 million deaths) were caused by just four preventable risk factors in 2017 (high blood pressure [10.4 million deaths], smoking [7.1 million deaths], high blood glucose [6.5 million deaths], and high body mass index [4.7 million deaths]), presenting a public health challenge and an opportunity for action. The GBD is the only annual, comprehensive, peer-reviewed assessment of global trends in health, providing global and national estimates for around 280 causes of death, 359 diseases and injuries, and 84 risk factors in 195 countries and territories worldwide. The study is coordinated by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington, Seattle (USA), and involves more than 3,500 collaborators from across more than 140 countries and territories. The study is presented in 7 new papers in The Lancet, ranging from estimates of population and fertility, causes of death and disability, and measuring progress against the Sustainable Development Goals. Global disparities in number of health workers For the first time, the estimates include a global analysis of health worker density using surveys and census data on people's occupations. The authors note that the figures cannot estimate the quality of care, only the number of health workers available. Historically, in 2006, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that there should be a minimum of 23 physicians, nurses, or midwives per 10,000 population. However, this estimate has not since been updated and the study authors expect that larger, more varied health workforces are needed to provide a broader range of services and achieve universal health care. Although no target was set, the United Nations pledged to increase the health workforce in developing countries in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.c.1. The authors estimate that having more than 30 physicians, 100 nurses or midwives, and 5 pharmacists for every 10,000 people in the population has diminishing returns for healthcare access and quality. Overall in 2017, the estimates suggest that only 41 out of 195 countries had more than 30 physicians per 10,000 population, while only 28 countries had more than 100 nurses or midwives. Almost half (47.2% - 92 of 195 countries) of the countries included had fewer than 10 physicians per 10,000 people, while 46.2% (90/195 countries) had fewer than 30 nurses or midwives for every 10,000 people. Scoring countries on how well-resourced their health systems were from 0 (lowest) to 100 (highest), the authors scored 15 countries as 100 and one as 0. [2] "The balance of physicians, nurses, midwives and pharmacists in a country's workforce underpins the types of care that are available to the population. While increasing the overall number of health workers will be important for many countries, it's vital that this growth ensures a varied workforce composition," says lead author Professor Rafael Lozano, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington, USA. [1] The authors note that the study does not include physicians and nurses by speciality, which may be important for understanding the workforce shortfalls for each country's varying burden of disease. In future, the GBD study will refine health worker estimates by using more recent occupational data. Global Burden of Disease 2017 - other key findings Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) comprised the greatest fraction of deaths globally in 2017 (contributing 73.4% of total deaths, equivalent to approximately 41.1 million deaths). The total numbers of deaths from NCDs increased from 2007 to 2017 by 22.7% (from 33.5 million in 2007 to 41.1 million in 2017), representing an additional 7.6 million deaths in 2017. While the age-standardized death rate from NCDs decreased globally between 2007-2017 by 7.9%, this change was smaller in the most recent period - slowing from a decrease of 7.8% between 2003-07 to a decrease of 2.1% for 2013-17. The largest numbers of deaths from NCDs were from cardiovascular diseases (17.8 million deaths), neoplasms (9.6 million deaths) and chronic respiratory diseases (3.9 million deaths). The prevalence of obesity continues to rise in almost every country in the world, with more than one million deaths estimated as being due to type 2 diabetes, almost half a million (426,300 deaths) deaths due to diabetes-related chronic kidney disease, and more than 180,000 deaths due to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)-related liver cancer and cirrhosis in 2017. Low back pain, headache disorders, and depressive disorders were the three leading causes of disability globally in 2017, and have prevailed as leading causes for nearly three decades, while diabetes has emerged as the fourth leading cause of disability globally. In 2017, there were 245.9 million new cases of low back pain, 995.4 million new cases of headache disorders, 258.2 million new cases of depressive disorders, and 22.9 million new cases of diabetes. "The world has seen several health success stories," Murray says. "Investments made in poor countries addressing prenatal care and water and sanitation problems clearly have made a significant difference in people's lives. Conversely, the combination of increasing metabolic risks and population ageing will continue driving problematic trends in non-communicable diseases. This represents both a challenge and opportunity, and highlights the value of the GBD study to inform good policy decisions and strategic health planning." [1] Half of all global deaths (51.5%, 28.8 million of 55.9 million deaths) were caused by just four risk factors in 2017 - high blood pressure, smoking, high blood glucose, and high body mass index (BMI). High blood pressure was the leading risk factor, accounting for 10.4 million deaths, followed by smoking (7.1 million deaths), high fasting plasma glucose (6.5 million deaths), and high body-mass index (4.7 million deaths). The burden of dengue fever has increased over time in most tropical and subtropical countries, with the number of deaths globally increasing by 65.5% between 2007 and 2017 (from 24,500 to 40,500 deaths) and the age-standardized mortality rate increasing by 40.7% (from 0.4 to 0.5 deaths per 100,000). In addition, there were an estimated 104.8 million new cases of dengue in 2017. The disease is a notable exception in the estimated improvements for communicable diseases and might reflect changes in the range of its primary vector, Aedes aegypti. Women have longer lives but live more years in poor health. At the global level, between 1950 and 2017, life expectancy increased from 48.1 years to 70.5 years for men, and from 52.9 years to 75.6 years for women. In 180 of 195 countries, women were expected to live longer than men in 2017, with extra years lived varying from 1.4 years in Algeria to 11.9 years in Ukraine. Of the extra years gained, the proportion spent in poor health varied considerably across countries. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burundi, and Slovakia, less than 20% of additional years were spent in poor health, whereas in Bahrain all the extra years were spent in poor health. An accompanying editorial from The Lancet says: "GBD 2017 is disturbing. Not only do the amalgamated global figures show a worrying slowdown in progress but the more granular data unearths exactly how patchy progress has been. GBD 2017 is a reminder that, without vigilance and constant effort, progress can easily be reversed. But the GBD is also an encouragement to think differently in this time of crisis. By cataloguing inequalities in health-care delivery and patterns of disease geography, this iteration of the GBD presents an opportunity to move away from the generic application of UHC and towards a more tailored precision approach to UHC. GBD 2017 should be an electric shock, galvanising national governments and international agencies not only to redouble their efforts to avoid the imminent loss of hard-won gains but also to adopt a fresh approach to growing threats." ### Peer-reviewed / Modelling NOTES TO EDITORS **Country-level data available** The GBD study is funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The labels have been added to this press release as part of a project run by the Academy of Medical Sciences seeking to improve the communication of evidence. For more information, please see: http://www.sciencemediacentre.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/AMS-press-release-labelling-system-GUIDANCE.pdf if you have any questions or feedback, please contact The Lancet press office pressoffice@lancet.com [1] Quote direct from author and cannot be found in the text of the Article. [2] Taken from Figure 1, the 15 countries that scored 100 were: Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Finland, Iceland, Denmark, Belgium, New Zealand, Germany, Slovakia, Austria, Bermuda, Czech Republic, Cuba, Andorra. The country that scored 0 was Benin. IF YOU WISH TO PROVIDE A LINK FOR YOUR READERS, PLEASE USE THE FOLLOWING, WHICH WILL GO LIVE AT THE TIME THE EMBARGO LIFTS: https://www.thelancet.com/gbd The appearance of dunes and beaches might soon be changing due to the increase in carbon dioxide emissions in the atmosphere, already a significant factor in the ongoing phenomena of climate change. The findings are the result of a study coordinated by the Institute for the Study of Anthropic Impacts and Sustainability in Marine Environments of the National Research Council (CNR-IAS) of Oristano, carried out in collaboration with Ca' Foscari University of Venice. The research, published in the journal Climatic Change, analyzed the chain reaction of effects on the marine environment triggered by the rise in CO2, estimating that from now to 2100 the accumulation of sediment at the base of the Mediterranean dune systems could fall by 31%, with erosion of beaches and an increased risk of flooding. The case study analyzed by the researchers was the Bay of San Giovanni, along the Sinis peninsula in Sardinia. "Far from the mouths of rivers, dune-beach systems can be formed, either wholly or partially, by carbonate sediment produced by marine ecosystems, for example the underwater grasslands of Posidonia oceanica", explains Simone Simeone, CNR-las researcher and coordinator of the study. "These sediments may be dissolved by the increasing acidity of the seas; according to recent studies, by the end of the century the marine pH may have fallen by 0.4 units. What is causing the acidification of the oceans, as is widely known, the rising levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere." The research has revealed that the effects of this phenomenon can distort the sedimentary balance of a beach-dune system. "We have found that a significant quantity of the sediment forming the beach-dune system is made up of the remains of organisms which are vulnerable to the effects of acidification. A decrease in pH could significantly affect the prevalence of these organisms in marine ecosystems and consequently reduce carbonate sediment," adds Simeone. However, even submerged sediments would be at risk. "We are dealing with the 'foundations' of the beach-dune system, the sedimentary balance of which might be disrupted. Some beaches that are progressively growing or stable environments might turn into eroding environments. Furthermore, this research demonstrates that the effect of acidification on the beach-dune system, combined with the expected rise in sea level, will result in further withdrawal of the shore line as well as an increase in the adverse effects of floods," concludes Emanuela Molinaroli, professor of geomorphology and sedimentology for the Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics of Ca ' Foscari. ### UC San Francisco on Thursday awarded three UCSF Medals -- the University's highest honor -- to pioneers in women's health equity and pharmaceutical science, as well as a nationally renowned health care and policy leader. The 2018 UCSF Medals were given to health care activist Byllye Avery; longtime UCSF leader and health policy scholar A. Eugene Washington, MD, MSc; and the founding fathers of computational chemistry Irwin "Tack" Kuntz, PhD, Robert Langridge, PhD, and the late Peter Kollman, PhD. "These awardees exemplify the mission and values that drive UCSF," Chancellor Sam Hawgood, MBBS, said. "Each of these individuals has made an indelible mark in their fields, inspiring us to challenge the status quo and to push the boundaries of what's possible in advancing human health." The granting of UCSF Medals is an annual tradition that began in 1975 under the leadership of former Chancellor Francis Sooy, MD. Equivalent to an honorary degree, the medal recognizes individuals who have made outstanding personal contributions in areas that align with UCSF's mission. Recipients are formally nominated and then selected by a distinguished committee. Byllye Avery was honored for her decades-long work as a champion of health equity, focused on improving the health and wellness of black women through self-help groups and advocacy networks. Avery is best known as the founder of the National Black Women's Health Project in Atlanta, the first organization to bring attention to black women's health. The movement began in 1983, when Avery spearheaded the First National Conference on Black Women's Health Issues at Spelman College, which drew nearly 2,000 attendees to begin a dialogue around previously taboo subjects of sex and reproductive rights. The organization's signature self-help groups provided a safe environment for women to break the "conspiracy of silence" and talk openly about how psychosocial issues affect their health and well-being. Avery also founded the Gainesville (Florida) Women's Health Center in 1974; Birthplace, an alternative birthing center in Gainesville; the Avery Institute for Social Change; and co-founded Raising Women's Voices for the Healthcare We Need. The National Black Women's Health Project is today known as the Black Women's Health Imperative, a grassroots advocacy organization based in Washington, D.C., with an international network of more than 2,000 individuals in 22 states and six countries. The recipient of a 1989 MacArthur Fellowship for Social Contribution, Avery has written and lectured widely about how race, sex and class affect women's empowerment in the women's health movement. She received the National Academy of Medicine's Gustav O. Lienhard Award for the Advancement of Health Care in 1994, and the President's Citation by the American Public Health Association in 1995. Avery has also served as a clinical professor at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health, an advisor to the National Institutes of Health, and was a visiting fellow at the Harvard School of Public Health. Eugene Washington, MD, formerly executive vice chancellor and provost at UCSF, was honored for his dedication to improving health care as an internationally renowned health policy scholar, clinical investigator and executive-level leader. Washington graduated from the UCSF School of Medicine in 1976, and returned in 1989 as a professor of gynecology and epidemiology. In a career at UCSF that spanned 20 years, he ascended the academic ranks and became one of UCSF's most respected and beloved leaders, serving as chair of UCSF Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, before becoming executive vice chancellor and provost of the University. During his time at UCSF, Washington developed a deep appreciation for the role academic health systems play in communities at large. In each of his leadership posts, he has strived to achieve impact on a broader scale by envisioning institutions as cohesive wholes working toward a greater good. As executive vice chancellor and provost, Washington's ability to bring people together was instrumental in shepherding the first-ever University-wide strategic plan and leading the implementation of a 10-point diversity initiative. Washington won many honors and awards at UCSF, including the School of Medicine 1999 Alumnus of the Year and the UCSF's Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award, recognizing his extraordinary efforts to promote diversity. For more than 25 years, Washington has stood at the helm of some of the nation's most prominent academic health institutions. He is currently chancellor for health affairs at Duke University, and president and CEO of the Duke Health System. From 2010 to 2015, he served as vice chancellor of health sciences at UCLA, dean of the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, and CEO of the UCLA Health System. Through his work as a clinical investigator, Washington has been a national leader in assessing medical technologies, developing clinical practice guidelines and establishing disease prevention policies, particularly for women's health. Peter Andrew Kollman, PhD, Irwin "Tack" Kuntz, PhD, and Robert Langridge, PhD, were honored jointly for their collaborative spirit, passion for discovery and pioneering research in the field of pharmaceutical science. Kollman received the award posthumously, having passed away in 2001. Together, the UCSF School of Pharmacy professors emeriti are widely regarded as the founding fathers of computational chemistry, emblazoning UCSF as a leader in the field and paving the way for decades of groundbreaking discovery. The three joined UCSF in the 1970s, igniting a uniquely collaborative community in the School of Pharmacy. It was a time when computers had advanced to the point of being powerful enough to simulate the interactions of atoms and molecules with one another, opening the door to a deeper understanding of how physical structure affects biological function. Combining their individual areas of expertise, they developed approaches to model the protein targets of drugs, marrying computing to drug discovery and to a principled understanding of biochemistry. Their work became the pillars of today's computational chemistry -- Kollman's innovations in atomistic simulations, Kuntz's advances in molecular docking, and Langridge's pioneering work in molecular graphics. Collectively, they mentored more than 170 PhD students and postdoctoral fellows, hosted dozens of visiting scholars to UCSF, and disseminated their research results worldwide through publications and invited lectures. Kollman was one of the most cited chemists in the world in his era, having published more than 400 journal articles prior to his death. Both he and Kuntz were individual recipients of the American Chemical Society's Computers in Chemistry Award. ### Langridge founded and directed the UCSF Computer Graphics Laboratory and was elected as a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 1989 and to the Institute of Medicine in 1990. He retired from UCSF in 1994, followed by Kuntz in 2003. Editor's note: Video of the award recipients is available at the links below. These videos are embargoed until the start of the ceremony at 7 p.m., Nov. 8. Byllye Avery: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3WblJOV2X4 Gene Washington: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rCoC-8AeAE Kollman, Kuntz and Langridge: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCkVXj3RO24 About UCSF: UC San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It includes top-ranked graduate schools of dentistry, medicine, nursing and pharmacy; a graduate division with nationally renowned programs in basic, biomedical, translational and population sciences; and a preeminent biomedical research enterprise. It also includes UCSF Health, which comprises three top-ranked hospitals - UCSF Medical Center and UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals in San Francisco and Oakland - as well as Langley Porter Psychiatric Hospital and Clinics, UCSF Benioff Children's Physicians and the UCSF Faculty Practice. UCSF Health has affiliations with hospitals and health organizations throughout the Bay Area. UCSF faculty also provide all physician care at the public Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, and the SF VA Medical Center. The UCSF Fresno Medical Education Program is a major branch of the University of California, San Francisco's School of Medicine. Please visit http://www.ucsf.edu/news. Follow UCSF ucsf.edu | Facebook.com/ucsf | YouTube.com/ucsf Irvine, Calif., Nov. 8, 2018 -- In a process known as directed evolution, scientists reengineer biomolecules to find ones that perform beneficial new functions. The field is revolutionizing drug development, chemical engineering and other applications, but to realize its promise involves painstaking and time-consuming laboratory work. In a study published today in the journal Cell, University of California, Irvine researchers reported that they have accelerated and simplified directed evolution by having live cells do most of the heavy lifting. By inserting a specially engineered DNA replication system into yeast, the scientists were able to coax selected genes to rapidly and stably mutate and evolve as the host yeast cells reproduced. "By moving high rates of diversification into cells in a targeted manner, we can grow and pressure those cells to evolve into something new from any genes of our choosing," said first author Arjun Ravikumar, who earned his Ph.D. in biomedical engineering at UCI earlier this month. "Our work has reduced evolution to be an extremely rapid, straightforward and scalable process." Previously, for scientists to screen biomolecules to see if a desired function has been achieved, they needed to build a DNA library in a test tube and insert that DNA into the cells, a laborious and difficult process. The UCI team has eliminated this step entirely in their new approach, letting the cell's internal machinery do all of the work. According to senior author Chang Liu, UCI assistant professor of biomedical engineering, when using directed evolution to create a better enzyme or protein - the work that won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry this year - the number of evolutionary cycles becomes very important, because each one can be seen as a step toward a new or improved function. "But if each cycle requires repetitious test-tube DNA molecular biology processing, you can only reasonably go through a few iterations," he said. "In contrast, natural evolution runs cycles continuously, essentially by culturing cells over time in an environment that pressures them to develop some new function; the problem from a biomolecular engineering standpoint is that the process is very slow," Liu added. "We have figured out a genetic architecture that allows biomolecular evolution to be very fast." In addition to speeding and simplifying directed evolution, Liu said this new technique can allow scientists to perform additional types of experiments that they had difficulty doing in the past. For example, in their study, the UCI researchers described how they evolved an enzyme in 90 replicate experiments in order to figure out all the ways it could adapt to a certain condition - in this case how a malarial target could develop resistance to a certain drug. "There are many ways of solving a particular evolutionary challenge such as drug resistance, so the ability to run evolution experiments at the scale that we have allows us to capture and understand more of those possibilities, giving us therapeutically relevant insights into how resistance arises," Liu said. Future work will focus on getting the new platform to continuously evolve disease-fighting antibodies and valuable enzymes for drug synthesis, he added. "Instead of having to inject an antigen into an animal in order to isolate an antibody, imagine just putting it into a culture of yeast cells and having it come out as a specific antibody," he said. "That could revolutionize how these and other protein drugs are discovered and developed." Frances Arnold - the Linus Pauling Professor of Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering & Biochemistry at the California Institute of Technology, who won the 2018 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for her pioneering contributions in the field - said, "Directed evolution is a powerful way to build new proteins, but it can certainly benefit from technological innovations. The technique that Professor Liu and Dr. Ravikumar have developed will stimulate new applications and new avenues of investigation which will continue to expand our ability to compose new DNA." ### This research project was supported by the National Institutes of Health, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the Sloan Research Fellowship, the Beckman Young Investigator Award, the Dupont Young Professor Award and startup funds from UCI Applied Innovation. About the University of California, Irvine: Founded in 1965, UCI is the youngest member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. The campus has produced three Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UCI has more than 30,000 students and offers 192 degree programs. It's located in one of the world's safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County's second-largest employer, contributing $5 billion annually to the local economy. For more on UCI, visit http://www.uci.edu. Media access: Radio programs/stations may, for a fee, use an on-campus ISDN line to interview UCI faculty and experts, subject to availability and university approval. For more UCI news, visit news.uci.edu. Additional resources for journalists may be found at communications.uci.edu/for-journalists. There is widespread concern that global warming will have a strong negative effect on crop yields. Recent research published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on historical maize yields across the U.S. Corn Belt suggests that a continuation of the historical yield trend will depend on a stable climate and continued farmer adjustments. This research, conducted by Ethan Butler, postdoctoral associate in the Department of Forest Resources in the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences at the University of Minnesota and his colleagues from Harvard University and University of California, Irvine, analyzes how both climate and management have influenced the increase in yields. Overall, the research shows farmers have adapted to historical climate change. The combination of changes in climate, primarily cooling of the hottest temperatures, and farmer adjustments, including earlier planting and planting longer maturing varieties, increased maize yield trends 28 percent since 1981. "We wanted to add the farmer into the picture of how climate change will affect crops," said Butler. "Sometimes, it feels like climate change is a juggernaut that is going to trample our way of life. In this research we've shown that farmers have already made adjustments to better align their planting practices with historical climate changes, and we hope this can be a guide to changes in the future." Butler and the research team used a statistical model to study how rainfed maize yields reported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are affected by temperature using three crop development phases: vegetative, early grain filling and late grain filling. They found that planting is occurring earlier and that the late grain filling phase lasts longer. At the same time, the hottest temperatures have cooled. The earlier planting and longer grain filling are primarily associated with management decisions, while the cooling of hot temperatures appears to be an unintended benefit of widespread planting of high-yielding modern cultivars. "One of farmers' biggest decisions is what they plant and when they plant it," said Butler. "We are seeing that farmers are planting earlier--not only because they have hardier seeds and better planting equipment--but also because it's getting warmer sooner." The research also suggests the adjustments farmers have made have increased yields more than they would have in the absence of the historical changes in climate. However, in the Corn Belt, this means accentuating a surprisingly beneficial climate trend rather than reducing damages from a harmful change. This implies farmers have proven adept at adjusting to environmental changes, but that these benefits may evaporate in a warming climate. It is unclear whether these historical patterns of adaptation will be maintained in a hotter environment, but farmer decisions must be considered in future analyses of how crop yields will be affected by a changed climate. The team hopes that by studying farmer adaptations, which have received relatively little attention, they will help to improve concrete actions that can be taken to reduce damages from a hotter world in the future. ### This research was funded by the Packard Foundation, the United States Department of Agriculture, and the National Science Foundation. The first high quality ancient DNA data from Central and South America--49 individuals some as old as 11,000 years--has revealed a major and previously unknown exchanges between populations. Unprecedented details about the ancestry of the people of Central and South America have been uncovered in a new study in the journal Cell by archaeologists and geneticists at The University of New Mexico, Harvard Medical School, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History, the University of California Santa Cruz, the Pennsylvania State University, the University of Sao Paulo, and other institutions in Brazil, Belize, Chile, Argentina, Peru, the European Union and the U.S. The researchers analyzed DNA data from precisely dated skeletons found in excavations in Central and South America. Some of these people were over 10,000 years old. Previously, the only genomes that had been reported from this region and that provided sufficient quality data to analyze were less than 1,000 years old. After obtaining official permits to excavate, the researchers conducted analysis on ancient human remains, and consulted with local governmental agencies and indigenous organizations. By comparing ancient and modern genomes from the Americas and other parts of the globe, they were able to obtain qualitatively new insights into the early history of Central and South America. University of New Mexico Anthropology Professor Keith Prufer and his colleagues from Pennsylvania State and Exeter University (UK) contributed the Central American component of this unprecedented study as part of an NSF and Alphawood Foundation funded project studying the earliest humans to settle in the American tropics. Prufer led excavations in Belize where the they recovered three of the oldest skeletons from the region, all with well-preserved DNA. This UNM project focuses on early human adaptations in remote tropical rainforests in the Americas. The data from these excavations are reshaping how researchers view Early Holocene relationships between humans living in North, Central, and South America. Link between a Clovis culture-associated individual and the oldest Central and South Americans "A key discovery was that a Clovis culture-associated individual from North America dating to around 12,800 years ago shares distinctive ancestry with the oldest Chilean, Brazilian and Belizean individuals," explains co-lead author Cosimo Posth of the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History. "This supports the hypothesis that the expansion of people who spread the Clovis culture in North America also reached Central and South America." These individuals from Chile, Brazil and Belize date to more than 9,000 years ago. However, younger individuals and present-day people in South America do not share the Clovis culture-associated ancestry that characterizes the oldest individuals. Says co-senior author David Reich from Harvard Medical School and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, "This is our second key discovery: we have shown that there was a continent-wide population replacement that began at least 9,000 years ago." According to Prufer, there are many remarkable aspects to this research finding. "For the first time, we have archaeological and genetic evidence linking some of the oldest humans in Central America to the earliest known populations to arrive in the New World, and clear indications of an early relationship between this region and South America," says Prufer. "It is also a testament to the power of interdisciplinary research involving archaeologists and geneticists and how it is revolutionizing the study of ancient humans." The promise of ancient DNA research in the Americas The researchers emphasize that their study gives only a glimpse of the discoveries that may come through future work. To learn about the initial movements of people into Central and South America, it would be necessary to obtain ancient DNA from individuals dating to before 11,000 years ago. Additionally, even for the period between 11,000 and 3,000 years ago that is best covered in this study the picture is far from complete. "We lacked ancient data from Amazonia, northern South America and the Caribbean, and thus cannot determine how individuals in these regions relate to the ones we analyzed," explains Reich. "Filling in these gaps should be a priority for future work." "We are excited about the potential of research in this area," states co-senior author Johannes Krause of the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History. "With future, regionally focused studies with large sample sizes, we could realize the potential of ancient DNA to reveal how the human diversity of this region came to be the way it is today." ### A high-tech form of brain surgery that replaces scalpels with sound waves improved quality of life for people with Parkinson's disease that has resisted other forms of treatment, a new study has found. Further, the University of Virginia School of Medicine researchers conclude their study offers "comprehensive evidence of safety" in terms of the approach's effect on mood, behavior and cognitive ability, areas largely neglected in previous research. "In our initial study that looked at the outcomes of focused ultrasound surgery in Parkinson's disease, we primarily described post-operative improvements in motor symptoms, specifically tremor," said Scott Sperling, PsyD, a clinical neuropsychologist at UVA. "In this study, we extended these initial results and showed that focused ultrasound thalamotomy is not only safe from a cognitive and mood perspective, but that patients who underwent surgery realized significant and sustained benefits in terms of functional disability and overall quality of life." Focused Ultrasound and Parkinson's Disease Focused ultrasound, as the procedure is known, has already been approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of essential tremor, the most common movement disorder. That approval came after a pioneering international study led by UVA neurosurgeon Jeff Elias, MD. He and his colleagues have since demonstrated the technology's potential in reducing tremor in people with drug-resistant Parkinson's disease. The goal is to use focused sound waves to interrupt the faulty brain circuits responsible for the uncontrollable shaking associated with the disease. The new study looked at the effects on 27 adults, all with severe Parkinson's tremor that had not responded to previous treatment. The study participants were initially divided into two groups. Twenty received the procedure, while seven received a fake procedure, to serve as a control group. (The seven in the control group were later offered the opportunity to receive the real procedure, and all but one did.) After receiving the procedure, study participants reported improved quality of life at both three months and 12 months. "After surgery, patients experienced significant improvements in multiple aspects of quality of life, including their ability to perform simple daily tasks, emotional well-being and the sense of stigma they experienced due to their tremor," Sperling said. "Our results suggest that post-operative improvements in tremor lead to very meaningful improvements in day-to-day functioning and, subsequently, to better overall quality of life." The Effects on Mood and Memory The study was notable for its in-depth examination of the psychological and cognitive effects of the procedure, areas that have received relatively little attention in previous research. The researchers found that mood and cognition, and the ability to go about daily life, ultimately had more effect on participants' assessment of their overall quality of life than did their tremor severity or the amount of tremor improvement seen after the procedure. "A person's perception of their quality of life is shaped in many different ways," Sperling said. "Mood and behavioral symptoms, such as depression, anxiety and apathy, often have a greater impact on quality of life than the measurable severity of one's tremor." The only cognitive declines seen in participants followed through the study were in how quickly they were able to name colors and think of and speak words. The cause of this was unclear, though the researchers suggested this could be a result of the natural progression of Parkinson's. (Focused ultrasound is being tested to address the tremor associated with the disease, not its other symptoms.) The researchers noted that their study was limited by its small size and the fact that participants' medication dosing varied, among other factors. To become available as a treatment for medication-resistant Parkinson's, the approach would need approval from the FDA. UVA's new research is an important step in that process. ### Findings Published The researchers have published their findings in the scientific journal Neurology. The research team consisted of Sperling, Binit B. Shah, Matthew J. Barrett, Aaron E. Bond, Diane S. Huss, Jorge A. Gonzalez Mejia and Elias. The research was supported by the Focused Ultrasound Foundation, Diane and David Heller, Robert and Molly Hardie, the Prince Charitable Trust and the state of Virginia. Barrett disclosed that he receives grant support from the Department of Defense and the Commonwealth of Virginia's Alzheimer's and Related Diseases Research Award Fund. He is the site primary investigator for clinical trials funded by the NIH, Azevan, Axovant, and Merck. To keep up with the latest medical research news from UVA, subscribe to the Making of Medicine blog at http://makingofmedicine.virginia.edu. The Pound Sterling to Euro (GBP/EUR) Exchange Rate Sees Out the Week with a 6-Month High Pound Sterling looks likely to see out the week on a high against the Euro. After posting a 6 month high earlier in Friday's session (1.1504) the pair has fallen slightly lower. The exchange rate has been undoubtedly tumultuous of late with headlines often dominating and directing the pairing. In the week ahead this looks likely to continue with a wealth of Brexit related meetings on the agenda as well as the EUs internal issues relating to Italy's budget. Early in the week we can expect a Brexit-related cabinet meeting, a meeting between Dominic Raab and Michel Barnier and the publication of the UK's withdrawal proposal. Any progress on the as-yet unresolved border 'backstop' as well as general progress on the overall transition deal are likely to encourage the Sterling. However, as speculation abounds, sensational headlines are likely to prompt high volatility and price swings. With the UK posting positive Q3 figures, economic releases throughout the week will also be a focus with some high impact. Notable releases include Tuesday's Average Earnings Index for the UK (Tuesday 12th Nov @ 9.30am) and Wednesday's CPI release. UPDATE: In the last few minutes we've seen the pound sterling to euro (GBP/EUR) exchange rate, initially static after this morning mixed economic messages, fall out of the 1.1469 - 1.1485 range to the downside. At the time of writing the pair has slipped 1.1463, retreating from an overnight (and 6 month) high of 1.1504. Short term support now lies with 1.146 and yesterday's low of 1.1443. In response to the UK GDP data release, analysts at Lloyds said "The monthly estimate of GDP showed that the economy stagnated for a second successive month in September with output in the service sector contracting over the month. Meanwhile, the recent softness of business surveys including those from the CBI, the PMIs and our own Business Barometer point to a further moderation in October, possibly due to the ongoing impasse in the Brexit negotiations. Both of these factors suggest that the pace of growth is likely to drop back in Q4." Mixed Signals for UK Economy - Monthly GDP Down But Still up on the Quarter UPDATE: This mornings news releases for the UK have failed to shake the GBP/EUR significantly. Over the last 2.5 hours the pair has been trading between 1.1485 and a floor of 1.1469. A consensus (positive or negative) between the GDP or manufacturing productions latest releases could have a weighty market impact but given the mixed signals of this simultaneous release it seems indecision has gripped the GBPEUR pairing, failing to break out of the narrow range this morning has brought so far. With month on month GDP falling by 0.1% to 0% and manufacturing increasing to 0.2%, beating forecasts, the mixed messages have yet to be translated into market movements. On a very positive note for the UK economy, the Goods Trade Balance rose to it's highest level in recent years, on par with December 2016 at -9.7b, news that should at least slightly assuage ongoing import/export concerns ahead of a finalised Brexit transition deal. Octobers Uptrend Continues, High Impact News Could Set the Near-term GBP/EUR Exchange Rate Direction The GBP has continued its bullish run on the Euro, commencing at the end of October. After yesterdays initial pullback from the 6 month high of 1.15 set back in June, repeated attempts on the level led to an overnight break to set a new 6 month high of 1.1504. Early morning has seen a return below the 1.15 level, finding an initial floor at 1.147. The bigger picture sees the GBPEUR at a critical area of resistance which has only been significantly broken to the upside once this year. The MACD is showing a slight divergence, indicating we could see lows before any significant moves to the upside but with high impact news on the agenda this morning, eyes will be on the UK GDP, manufacturing and ad hoc Brexit hints. Above: GBP/EUR Daily Exchange Rate Chart New 6 month high set over night With this mornings French Industrial Production release for the month of September coming in at -1.8%, significantly lower than the forecast of -0.3%, traders turn their eyes to todays big ticket news, the UK GDP. Set for release at 9.30am, alongside UK manufacturing production, the market impact could be hefty. Last months delivery came in at 0.0%, down 0.4% on September. Looking at the market impact for the GBPEUR pairing, this delivery halted the Sterlings advances, kicking off a downtrend which lasted for the majority of October. Over the last 4 months, forecasts have consistently failed to hit the nail on the head, coming in either under or above projections. Simultaneous to the GDP release, well see the latest UK factory production figures. In the UK, manufacturing accounts for approximately 80% of total industrial output and so carries with it a large potential market impact. 4 of the last 5 months releases have been poor, coming in under forecast. Given the current status of the GBP/EUR exchange rate, positive news for the UK could push the pairing through 1.15, a level at which the price has consistently reversed (with the notable exception of April). A break here sees the next significant resistance at 1.16, the year-to-date high, and would represent significant positive sentiment for the Sterling, something which has been lacking of late. With headlines yo-yoing on Brexit progress, and yesterdays scheduled cabinet meeting on the matter delayed, ad-hoc news releases in relation to the on-going transition deal should also be in a traders focus for the day and could cause short-term swings amid high volatility. The US Dollar Has Maintained its Post-FOMC Gains but Struggles to Break 1.31975 vs Canadian Dollar At the time of writing, the US Dollar has held on to all of it's gains following yesterday's FOMC releases but is struggling to surpass 1.31975. Despite 6 runs on the level in the last 2 hours the USD has failed to break through towards 1.32 and the 3-month high of 1.32264 Today's upcoming US economic news releases could hold the key to further upside advances, marking a strong week for the Greenback versus the Loonie. In lieu of any interim breakouts, 1.30pm - 3pm (GMT) holds a host of deliveries for the US market, including the high impact PPI, a speech by Federal Reserve Governor Randal Quarles and Consumer sentiment survey results. Federal Reserve Maintains Outlook and Oil Sell-Off Push the USD/CAD Exchange Rates Higher At the time of writing the USD/CAD exchange rate has hit a monthly high surpassing 1.319. On the back of yesterday FOMC releases, the pair saw a huge spike in volume and surged from below 1.31 to above 1.38 a reaction to what was essentially a reaffirmation of the Feds on-going monetary policy. Despite maintaining the Fed Funds rate at a 2.25%, the lack of changes to the FOMC statement indicate the likelihood for a December rate rise is high. The pair is currently making headway towards the psychological resistance level of 1.32, a break of which would see resistance lying with Septembers high of 1.32264 before the yearly high of 1.339. Above: USD /CAD spikes on FOMC releases, maintains gains Todays an action packed ay for the USD/CAD pairing, with a plethora of afternoon US news likely to affect the pairing. First up (1.30pm GMT) and likely to have the highest immediate impact and potentially set the tone for the remainder of the trading week for the pairing is the Bureau of Labor Statistics monthly PPI. With a forecast maintained at last months figure of 0.2% even an on-target delivery could see the pairing make significant moves to the upside as witnessed with Octobers release. Shortly thereafter (2pm) the Census Bureau delivers their monthly Final Wholesale Inventories. If the delivery meets the low forecast of 0.3% this would represent an increase in future business spending. This release is likely to have lesser impact than the PPI but an on-target or lower delivery could add wind to the sails of any upside moves kicked-off by the PPI. With no FOMC press conference following yesterdays statement release, the Feds Governor, Randal Quarles, will be instead delivering a speech later today (2.05pm) on financial regulation. With audience questions expected, theres a chance for surprise remarks and the potential for market volatility. Rounding off the day we have the results of the University of Michigans Consumer Confidence Survey, expected at 3pm. The current forecast of 98 represents a small fall from last months 98.6 and with limited impact the release is likely to be overshadowed by the days earlier news, most notably the PPI. Greenback bulls will no doubt be looking to end the trading week on a high and with 1.32 achievable, were likely to see a run on the level if the upcoming news signals positive for the USD. With a Brexit-Heavy Agenda Anticipated, GBP to USD Exchange Rate is Set for High Volatility Maybanks look ahead at next weeks FX market action lays predictions on the table for Higher Volatility for the GBP/USD exchange rate with Brexit negotiations holding the spotlight.. UK Withdrawal agreement to be published on Tuesday Raab / Barnier meet-up expected early in the week PM May adamant against Irish hard border After posting weekly highs of 1.13747 this week, Sterling gave up most of it gains to the US Dollar, with the pairing currently hovering around 1.3 representing a flat week overall. Maybank attribute the withdrawal to a Times report that EUs no-deal Brexit includes new border in Irish sea something that PM May has consistently rejected. In the week ahead we have a Brexit-focussed schedule with PM May likely to call a cabinet meeting early in the week, Dominc Raab meeting with the EUs chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier and a publication of the full EU withdrawal agreement ahead of PM Mays House of Commons address, set for Wednesday AM. With rumours of a special summit being convened before the month is out between the UK and EU with a view to completing a deal before the end of 2018, Maybank outline their predictions for a best and worst case scenarios for the GBPUSD, A deal between EU and UK could see GBP extend its run higher but disappointment could see GBP slump below 1.30-handle again. 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. For more than ten years, the Borexino detector located 1,400 meters below surface of the Italian Gran Sasso massif has been exploring the interior of our Sun. During this time, the project has provided amazing insights into how the star at the center of our solar system generates its energy. The scientists involved, including physicists from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU), have now published a general analysis of the data they have collated on solar neutrinos. Neutrinos can penetrate all matter almost without leaving a trace and are thus difficult to detect. As a result, they have become known as 'ghost particles'. They originate from a variety of sources, ranging from radioactive decay to astronomical objects and, in the case of solar neutrinos, from the Sun. The current paper in Nature not only describes the results of measurement of the solar neutrino spectrum but also uses this to deduce details about processes at the Sun's core, giving us an insight into the mechanism that has kept our Sun shining for billions of years. The Borexino experiment is running at the Gran Sasso subterranean laboratory, which is maintained by the Italian National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN). Deep below the Earth's surface, the experimental facilities are well-shielded from cosmic rays. Thus, the experiment is able to detect the weak signal produced by solar neutrinos. Borexino was originally conceived 30 years ago and began recording data in 2007. This extensive collaborative project involves institutes from Italy, Germany, France, Poland, the USA, and Russia. Our understanding of the Sun's interior once again confirmed The project's scientific success is primarily due to the outstanding radiopurity of the experiment. At the innermost core of the facility only infinitesimal amounts of natural radioactivity are present, i.e., only one trillion times fewer atoms per gram of the elements uranium and thorium than in the surrounding rock. This extraordinary purity is crucial for precisely measuring the energy spectrum of solar neutrinos. It makes it possible to determine the rates of the fusion processes taking place inside the Sun, which are highly dependent on the temperature and elemental composition of the Sun's core. Alongside this glimpse into the conditions deep within our star, the results also provide detailed insights into the oscillation process the neutrinos undergo inside the Sun. Oscillations describe the transformation of the three different types of neutrinos into each other, a process that was only conclusively confirmed for solar neutrinos in 2001. "Borexino's findings far exceed the most optimistic predictions we made when we first started," said Gianpaolo Bellini, one of the pioneers of the INFN experiment. Professor Michael Wurm, a physicist at JGU and a Borexino partner, affirmed this: "The new results generated by Borexino impressively confirm our current understanding of fusion processes inside the Sun. Our measurements of the complete neutrino spectrum clearly demonstrate the effect solar matter has on the oscillations of the neutrinos produced at the Sun's center." While, at the lower end of the spectrum, neutrinos leave the Sun unaltered, at the upper end of the spectrum, the effect of the oscillations is intensified. The Mainz Borexino team is mainly concerned with studying the background conditions caused by cosmic muons in the detector. "These muons are the only cosmic ray particles that make it through the 1.5-kilometer-thick mountain shield above the underground laboratory," said Wurm. Reducing this background signal is crucial to detecting the solar neutrinos. The work of the group from Mainz is supported by JGU's Precision Physics, Fundamental Interactions and Structure of Matter (PRISMA) Cluster of Excellence. Other German partners involved in the Borexino Collaboration and the latest paper in Nature are the Technical University of Munich, Forschungszentrum Julich, Universitat Hamburg, RWTH Aachen University, and the Technische Universitat Dresden. Please follow SpaceRef on Twitter and Like us on Facebook. Bexar County commissioners gave initial approval to a tax incentive package worth about $538,000 for European company Okin BPS to build its planned U.S. headquarters on the South Side. The European companys North American headquarters is expected to create more than 1,400 jobs in San Antonio and a capital investment of about $23 million to the Brooks mixed-use development. This is a game changer, I think, for a couple of different reasons, County Judge Nelson Wolff said. One, its on the South Side of San Antonio. And, second, this brings an international company to establish their national headquarters right here in San Antonio. Thats a pretty big deal. Land at Brooks is already tax-exempt. But the commissioners unanimously approved exempting Okins personal property and equipment from taxes at their Friday meeting, an abatement with an estimated value of about $238,000. The county has also approved offering Okin a grant of up to $300,000 based on the company creating 100 new jobs paying at least $50,000 annually. Fridays vote allowed county officials to negotiate the incentive package with Okin. Commissioners are expected to give final approval to the incentives at a later date. Okin, which provides business processing services, employs 1,350 workers across the globe. The San Antonio headquarters would more than double its workforce, according to figures provided by the county. Of the 1,400 San Antonio positions, 800 will pay more than $50,000 right out of the gate. Starting pay for about 380 positions will be above $70,000. City and state officials also plan to kick in tax incentives to fund the headquarters. The state will grant $6.6 million from the deal-closing Texas Enterprise Fund to the project. San Antonio officials have said they expect to give a grant to Okin and exempt its personal property and equipment from taxes. The city also plans to nominate it as a Texas Enterprise Zone Program, giving it access to state incentive funds worth $1.25 million over a five-year period. Brooks will renovate two buildings for temporary use as Okins office space, financed by the Brooks Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone, before the company establishes a permanent presence at Brooks. Joshua Fechter is a San Antonio-based staff writer covering retail and tourism. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | jfechter@express-news.net | Twitter: @JFreports Democrats takeover of the House of Representatives means Texas Republican Mike Conaway will be ceding chairmanship of the agriculture committee, likely to centrist Collin Peterson of Minnesota. It will be a comeback for Peterson, who chaired the committee from 2007 through 2010. Conaway likely swaps positions with Peterson and becomes ranking member. Yes, were disappointed that we lost a chairman from Texas; he was a good friend of ag, Texas Farm Bureau President Russell Boening said. But we know Congressman Peterson is a good friend of ag as well, and so we look forward to working with him. The good news for the nations farmers and ranchers is that both Peterson and the Midland Republican are wanting to get the farm bill an $867 billion spending plan for safety nets like crop insurance and subsidies as well as national nutrition programs including food stamps through Congress before the end of the year rather than wait to let the incoming Congress tackle it. That is my No. 1 priority, Peterson told reporters. I will go back to Washington Sunday or Monday, and Im going to probably stay there until we get this thing done. Its what needs to happen. Conaway issued a brief statement, saying, This weeks election results dont change the circumstances in farm country. I remain 100 percent committed to completing the farm bill this year. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, in charge of setting the Senate agenda, said his top priorities were to finish the farm bill and finish funding the government. For Conaway, passing a farm bill will probably mean letting up on controversial work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps. Those requirements nearly sank the bill in committee. RELATED: House GOP proposes major cuts to food stamps with passage of 2018 farm bill Backed by President Donald Trump, the new rules increase the minimum hours of work or job training from 20 to 25 hours per week and raise the age of the mandate for able-bodied adults without children to be actively looking or training for jobs from 49 to 59 in order to receive benefits for more than three months in a three-year period. It also would extend work requirements to include adults with children ages 6 and over. An estimated 1.2 million people would see reduced or lost benefits by 2028 under the program. The farm bill passed 213 to 211, with not a single Democrat in the House voting for it. The Senate version of the bill does not have the work requirements and sailed through the Senate on a bipartisan basis. Jonathan Coppess, director of the Gardner Agriculture Policy Program at the University of Illinois, said the end of a contentious election season could allow for cooler heads to prevail. Thanks to the strong economy, SNAP enrollment has been shrinking on its own, he said. One of the things about the SNAP program is that there has been a significant decrease in spending for the program as people have moved off and moved above the poverty threshold; and the way that this economy is going with jobs and wage increases, wed expect that to continue, he said. Under the scenario of cooler heads, maybe this isnt the time to really wage this fight. An extension of the 2014 farm bill is another possibility, and though that wouldnt cause major waves in farm country, producers are already in tough times. A new farm bill would set the guidelines for the next five years and allow them to make longer-term decisions on things like which crops to plant, insurance options and participation in conservation programs. RELATED: Democrats' House takeover spurs hope for farm bill this year The farm programs are largely a continuation of the current farm bill anyway, Coppess said. The main issue is it adds another layer of uncertainty in a time with all the tariff escalation issues with China in particular (creating) the soybean challenges and the lower prices. Farm income has dropped to the lowest in 12 years, and farmers are sitting on stockpiles of soybeans and grain sorghum that would have gone to China if the trade disputes hadnt materialized. The fate of the recently announced U.S.-Mexico-Canada agreement is also in question, as Democrats may double down on Mexican labor standards and other issues. Farmers breathed a sigh of relief that an agreement had been reached that restores export markets worth $38.1 billion and allows more U.S. dairy products to be sold in Canada. But the deal still has to be ratified in all three countries. Peterson said he supported USMCA but questioned Trumps course on trade with China. Farmers are still telling me well, the president has a plan, we just have to be patient and withstand some pain and then were going to be better off, he said. Well I dont see any scenario where agriculture is going to be better off than where we were before this started with China. One thing Peterson said to expect is more oversight. I dont think weve done enough oversight in agriculture and in the department and in other areas that agriculture controls so I would expect us to do that, he said. We have a controversy going on (with) checkoffs right now should we take a look at that? RELATED: New NAFTA pact shores up farmers' support of Trump Cattle producers in Texas and 13 other states have challenged the beef checkoff program, saying their mandatory contributions are being used to promote Big Beef practices they dont agree with. Peterson also wants to tackle an unpopular plan by U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue to move two major subagencies out of the Washington, D.C., area. You know the whole issue of the transferring these agencies out of Washington into other areas I think are something that needs more examination, Peterson said. As it stands now, the House committee loses two Republicans and three Democrats. Theres a chance that Republicans will also lose Californias Jeff Denham, who as of Friday held only a slim lead over Democratic newcomer Josh Harder. The new additions may include suburbanite freshmen, such as Angie Craig of Minnesota, who has expressed interest in joining the committee. The Senate Committee on Agriculture will remain under control of Kansas Republican Pat Roberts. Conaway is leaving Texas, the nations largest cotton producer, with a couple of big wins. After a long battle, cottonseed was added as a covered commodity on the farm bill, restoring subsidies that had been lost to cotton growers due to a trade dispute with Brazil. In the interim, cotton growers also got government help with ginning costs. Certainly cotton country in particular would have to expect that the next Congress would be less favorable to it, Coppess said. It becomes sort of whats your higher priority, can they get what they want, versus this sort of ideological fight over SNAP, whats going to matter to them here now that push comes to shove in what is likely a tight window in a lame-duck session. lbrezosky@express-news.net Algiers, Nov 08, 2018 (SPS) - Ambassador of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) to Algeria Abdelkader Taleb Omar on Wednesday in Algiers said that the Moroccan regime was trying to mislead the international public opinion and "undermine" the efforts aiming the settlement of Western Sahara conflict, "as it is reflected in the speech of King Mohamed VI on the occasion of 43rd anniversary of the Moroccan invasion of the Sahrawi territory, he called the anniversary of the completion of the Moroccan territorial integrity." Speaking to El-Chaab daily forum, the Sahrawi ambassador said that this anniversary marked "the bitter failure" of Morocco to overcome the Sahrawi resistance in the occupied territories, adding that the Frente POLISARIO "expected that the Moroccan regime would comply with international law ... but unfortunately, it persisted in its obstinacy and escalation, and showed no desire to end its occupation. Stressing that the speech of the Moroccan monarch "reflects a great deception aimed at international public opinion," the Sahrawi diplomat identified some contradictions (in the speech), especially when "King Mohamed VI highlights Rabat commitment to support the efforts of the UN chief and personal envoy, Horst Kohler and sets, in return, unrecognized conditions and references, as preconditions for resolving the conflict, referring to the hypothesis of autonomy. For Talab Omar, any process of settlement must be based on the right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination. The Sahrawi ambassador has emphasized another contradiction as the Moroccan king reaffirmed his commitment to the African Union (AU) while he refuses the return of the AU Office to the occupied Al-Ayun to cooperate with MINURSO. This is a violation of one of the fundamental principles of the African organization, namely the respect of borders. "The Moroccan Monarch also mentioned the situation in the Sahrawi territories while he stopped international observers from accessing it and tried to organize illegal activities there," added the Sahrawi diplomat. The King "mentioned the Arab Maghreb Union (AMU) while Morocco occupies its neighbor, Western Sahara," he said. SPS 125/090/TRA Amid a raging cyber war, USAAs cybersecurity experts must be on the defense at all times. At the Cyber Threat Operations Center, located inside the banks headquarters in San Antonio, they are always monitoring attempts by cybercriminals to gain access. Teams focus on detecting threats, analyzing them, looking for vulnerabilities and reverse engineering malicious software. Theres someone on shift around the clock. An electronic map on a wall in the center lights up with yellow arcs showing the millions of attacks against the firm on a daily basis. They come in from all over the world. On a recent weekday, there were more than 12 million in a 24-hour period. Gary McAlum, chief security officer at USAA, said hes seen that figure get up to 20 million. We look at security as a 24/7 problem, he said. The problem of cybersecurity never gets solved. It just changes and morphs continuously. Financial institutions have always been appealing targets for thieves, but the frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks has contributed to a sense of urgency. Hackers have unlimited times and resources, McAlum said. At USAA, we live in a state of what I call healthy paranoia, he added. Along with financial implications, breaches can tarnish a companys brand. The average cost of cybercrime in the financial services sector was $18.28 million last year, according to a study by Accenture and Ponemon Institute. It was the highest figure among the 15 industries the groups looked at. In a 2017 report, the U.S. Department of the Treasury listed cyberattacks as one of the main threats to the industry. Financial firms are connected through complex, interconnected networks, the authors wrote. Disruptions to the operations of a key institution in the financial system could be transmitted through these networks and lead to a systemic crisis. Financial firms are getting better at preventing attacks, another report by Accenture found. They surveyed more than 800 security professionals from the financial services sector and found that companies stopped 81 percent of breaches between Feb. 1, 2017, and Jan. 31, 2018, compared with 66 percent for the 12 months prior to that time period. However, more than 40 percent of breaches on average went unnoticed for over a week, they found. Financial services firms are converging to a level of mastery when it comes to the security status quo, including their cyber resilience and response readiness, Chris Thompson, global security and resilience lead for financial services at Accenture Security, said in a news release. But as business technology evolves, so too must cybersecurity. The new technologies that banks and insurers are embracing including cloud, microservices, application programing interfaces, edge computing and blockchain will create new security risks, especially as cyberattacks evolve in sophistication. USAA had a net worth of $30.6 billion and more than 12 million members last year, according to its annual Report to Members. The firm has the dual responsibility of protecting its enterprise, which includes employees, servers, mobile devices, computers, data and the supply chain, as well as its members and their digital interactions, McAlum said. Staying safe online Three tips from Gary McAlum for protecting yourself: Be vigilant. If you're not sure about an email, a text or a phone call, call your bank or organization. Be skeptical of giving out personal information to someone you don't know. Set up stronger authentication. If you can set up more measures than a user ID and a password, do so. Don't use the same passwords for all accounts. Limit what you share publicly on social media. It's a key source of information for cybercriminals, and people should understand a platform's privacy settings. See More Collapse You have to respect the threat because they have unlimited resources and every advantage, he said. If you ever think you're better than the threat, you get complacent and careless. The organization and other financial institutions see an assortment of attacks, from large-scale bot attacks to phishing sites to different kinds of malware, said Joe Arthur, USAAs executive director of information security engineering and cyber operations. The firm does penetration testing, both standard tests and unannounced ones to see how employees respond to simulated attacks, and provides training for employees. One of the six teams he leads focuses on threats that didnt manage to get in, looking at who might be targeting the organization and how they can detect them. How do we understand the latest tactics and techniques that are out there that are used by attackers, and then how well-positioned are we to defend against that sort of attack? Arthur said. The biggest challenge on the consumer end is authentication, McAlum said. The main way to verify someones identity currently is through knowledge-based authentication: People have to enter a user ID and a password and possibly answer a few security questions. But McAlum believes thats a risky model because of the number of data breaches that have occurred, and USAA is trying to shift more members to multifactor authentication. On the firms mobile app, people can use face and voice recognition and their thumbprint along with other information to log in. USAA is also adding similar options to other parts of the organization, like their call center, McAlum said. If a member calls in, and depending on the type of transaction and whether theyre enrolled in multifactor authentication, the firm can send a one-time code to a phone on record. Its not just knowledge, but its something that you have or something that you are, McAlum said. Experts also examine peoples behavior on the back end, monitoring transactions and looking for red flags. Phishing, where someone gets an email from a seemingly legitimate organization seeking personal information, is rampant, he said. It prompted USAA to add a specific format and security mark to its emails about six years ago, making it more difficult for hackers to forge. Thieves try the same tactics over the phone with spoofing, and USAA is starting to see more attempts over text messages, where someone will get a text with a link, McAlum said. If the recipient clicks on it, they will generally either be taken to another location and asked to enter personal information, or in more serious cases it will download malicious software onto their device without their knowledge, he said. In 2017, USAA prevented nearly $3.2 billion in fraud, according to the Report to Members. Banks and financial institutions will continue to look for passive ways and new technologies to validate someones digital identity, McAlum said. Mobile devices can be seen as an extension of me: how I hold it, how I use it, how I secure it, he said. If you can gather enough information around that device, that can be used as a way to authenticate somebody online. There are technologies and techniques that allow us to tie devices to identities, and that's getting more robust. madison.iszler@express-news.net | @madisoniszler Vanessa Bessler wanted to do something different when she launched the Childrens Ballet of San Antonio, a pre-professional dance company, three years ago. She wanted to put young dancers in the spotlight. That includes giving them high-profile roles that in other youth companies might be danced by professional adult dancers. When that happens, she said, young dancers can get frustrated. We lose so many dancers, she said. They lose hope. And so, in her company, every dancer on stage ranges in age from 3 to 19. We dont use professional dancers, said Bessler, a former principal dancer with the National Ballet of Panama who has danced and studied around the world. The company's next production is The Childrens Nutcracker on Nov. 15 and 16 at the Majestic Theatre. Its a Tricentennial celebration, so we are showing all of the cultural elements that take place at Christmas in San Antonio, Bessler said. She drew some inspiration from the first Christmas she spent here after moving to the city with her husband, Tim, and their two sons. The family moved here after Tim was hired as vice provost of St. Marys University. They attended a posada that year, and so the companys staging includes a posada, as well as a pinata, mariachis, ballet folklorico and some Irish dance. In addition to maintaining a busy performance schedule the company is slated to perform Cinderella next year at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts and often performs for community events around town several company members have taken part in international competitions. Bessler believes that giving young dancers the opportunity to challenge themselves with leading roles gives them a leg up in those events. The standards simply to enter those competitions are rigid, she said. And she believes that the competition circuit will launch the next generation of ballet stars. This is where the next Misty Copeland will come from, she said. Mackenzie Kirsh, 15, who is dancing the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy in the companys Nutcracker, is preparing to compete in the Prix La Lausanne, a prestigious international dance competition in Switzerland in February. She is one of 10 dancers from the United States and the only one from Texas to make the cut. Kirsh, who took up dancing at 7, said she always dreamed of competing in that event. So shes excited to have the opportunity. Bessler is the only dance teacher she has ever had. They began working together when Kirsch was a 7-year-old student at Saint Mary's Hall, where Bessler taught. When Bessler left to start her own school, Kirsch continued studying with her. The gifted teen is now home-schooled to make sure she has enough time to devote to her dance training. She spends up to 30 hours a week working in the studio. She's one of the dancers I have to make go home," Bessler said. Kirsh said she loves ballet because it challenging: Its really hard, but thats good. In addition to helping dancers sharpen the skills needed to compete globally, putting youngsters in big roles also sends a message to their peers that they, too, might be able to fill those particular toe shoes. Celeste White, who coordinates the many volunteers who work with the company, said thats what happened to her daughter, Francesca, 12. She was not remotely interested in dance until she saw the companys staging of Swan Lake last year. After that, White said, her daughter wanted to give dance a try. She met Mrs. Bessler, and she was hooked, White said. Francesca will be dancing in Nutcracker. Bessler has danced all her life. She began as a child in Panama, where she crossed paths with ballet legend Dame Margot Fonteyn, who retired there. Fonteyn served as an adviser to the National Ballet Company of Panama. Bessler was 10 when she first laid eyes on Fonteyn, and her face lights up when she talks about that moment. I saw this lady who looked like a vision, she was so beautiful, she said. I could tell she was a ballerina. She got to work a bit with Fonteyn and drew inspiration from her. Bessler tries to do something similar for the young dancers that she works with now. They come here with a dream, she said. And we take it seriously. And we try to make it happen. The Childrens Nutcracker can be seen at 7 p.m. Nov. 15-16 at the Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston St. Tickets range from $22 to $32 at the box office and at ticketmaster.com. More information can be found at childrensballetofsanantonio.org or call 210-462-7660. dlmartin@express-news.net | Twitter: @DeborahMartinEN Deborah Martin is an arts writer in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read her on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | dlmartin@express-news.net | Twitter: @DeborahMartinEN Dear Cathy, We need to stop the madness of trapping, neutering and returning feral cats to their original capture site. It is not a sustainable practice of how to deal with these pests. Unlike other wild animals like squirrels, rats, possums and racoons, domestic cats even feral ones live long lives, lives of wandering and invading property of those who dont want them around. My neighborhood is overrun with captured/neutered/returned cats, yet somehow, we have a constant supply of kittens, too. These cats fight at night, poop everywhere, brazenly stand their ground against dogs in their own yards, ruin landscaping by digging, and kill songbirds. If we were as overrun with rats, we would be declared a disaster zone and the city would trap and kill the excessive animals. The spelling should be clear on what these animals are: P-E-S-T not P-E-T-S. Julia R. Dear Julia, Your statements are harsh. Its one thing to be frustrated by your situation, but quite another to suggest killing cats because you consider them pests. Those free-roaming cats didnt arrive in your neighborhood on their own. They are the result of your neighbors adopting cats and kittens and abandoning them intact, no less on the street when they no longer want them. I understand your frustration, though. Based on the behaviors (and kittens) you describe, most of those cats are probably not fixed. Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) is not only a proven model for managing these free-roaming cats, its the official policy of the city of San Antonio. READ ALSO: The best native trees for rural Texas Unfortunately, your cat colony population will continue to multiply unless your neighborhood pulls together to provide TNR fully. TNR is the only humane way to stop the cats from reproducing and engaging in the reproductive behaviors you describe. I hope you can educate your neighbors about not abandoning their cats and encouraging others to help take care of the ones who have been forsaken. TNR is the most compassionate way for society to care for these free-roaming felines. Cats have been our domesticated friends for centuries. We are the ones who have failed them; not the other way around. Dear Cathy, In 2012, we adopted a cat from the Humane Society. AbbyGirl was exactly what we wanted: an older cat, not a kitten. She had been declawed, so she was definitely an indoor kitty. AbbyGirl had been adopted once before and returned because of allergies. Then we adopted her. For the past six years, we have been a happy family and our little AbbyGirl keeps my husband and me in line. My husband takes shots as he is allergic to cats. Nancy O. Dear Nancy, Many animals are returned or taken to animal shelters because of allergies. Kudos to your husband for getting allergy shots so AbbyGirl can remain part of your family. Your husband is a keeper! After a perfect sophomore season, Sock It Away has graduated to aged company and will have his biggest test to date on Sunday afternoon at Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park. The 13-dash Sunday program has a special 2:00 p.m. post time out of respect for Remembrance Day services. Sock It Away will try to extend his streak to 17 straight in the race 12 Preferred pace carrying a $2,650 purse. Red Shores Charlottetowns leading driver, Marc Campbell, will be at the lines of the post three starter for trainer Kevin MacLean and owner Reg MacPherson of Stratford, P.E.I. The son of Pang Shui was a winner in 1:55.1 in a hard-fought stretch duel in his latest start in the $11,000 Island Breeders final. Governors Plate champion Czar Seelster has post six in the short field with Mike McGuigan back at the helm, while Rockin Indy rides a two-race win streak into the event with rail control for driver David Dowling. Race analyst Les MacIsaac admits Sock It Aways perfection is appealing but thinks the jump to face some of the best pacers around will be too much. MacIsaac places Czar Seelster as the one to beat Sunday afternoon. Czar Seelster made up a ton of ground last week after the tardy start, had to come first up at the half and still kicked home in 28 and change for the win, MacIsaac said. Off a performance like that how do you go against him? You don't. Also in the field is Three Truths (Kenny Arsenault), Rollwithitharry (Ron Matheson) and Winter Blast (Jason Hughes). Race 11 is carded as the Remembrance Day pace, featuring a $1,600 purse. Dusty Lane Zendaya is the favourite from post one, coming into the race with back-to-back victories. Adam Merner will drive for trainer Stephen Gass. The John J Thompson Memorial pace lines up in race nine in honour of the horseman and World War 2 veteran who passed away one year ago this month. Woodmere Ideal Art enters the race fresh from a near-miss against Sock It Away, as he was a nose short of beating the undefeated pacer in the Island Breeders final. Hughes will drive Woodmere Ideal Art again in this weeks $2,350 event for trainer Sifroi Melanson and owner Ultimate Stable of Greater Lakeburn, N.B. For race programs, live video and more visit redshores.ca. To view the entries for Sunday's card, click the following link: Sunday Entries - Charlottetown Driving Park. (with files from Red Shores) The man who led a splinter group of the infamous Zetas after the cartels leaders were sent to prison in Mexico, was himself sentenced Thursday in Texas to two consecutive life terms, plus 20 years in federal prison all without parole. Juan Francisco Kiko Trevino Jr., 38, was convicted at a trial in Waco in July of all seven charges related to drug-trafficking that he faced, and which alleged he led or helped smuggle hundreds of thousands of kilos of cocaine and marijuana into the United States. In addition to the prison terms, U.S. District Judge Alia Moses ordered Trevino to pay a $2 million fine and another $2 million as part of a forfeiture judgment. Officials with Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives lauded the sentence as a result of their collaborative effort with other law enforcement agencies. Trevino is a U.S. citizen and a nephew of Miguel Angel Trevino Morales, known as Z-40, and Oscar Omar Trevino Morales, Z-42. The brothers led the Zetas, which began as an enforcement arm of the Gulf Cartel but later became its own cartel and controlled the east and northeastern parts of Mexico. Kiko Trevino took over the Zetas after his uncles were caught in 2013 and 2015 and imprisoned in Mexico, and he later led one of the two groups that splintered from the Zetas, called the Cartel del Noreste (Northeast Cartel). Jurors heard testimony that Kiko Trevino organized the source and distribution of large quantities of narcotics, laundered drug proceeds and controlled cells of traffickers and a group of armed sicarios in the Nueva Laredo area. He participated in the trafficking of more than 250,000 kilos of cocaine, hundreds of thousands of kilos of marijuana and hundreds of firearms. The evidence further described the laundering of hundreds of millions of dollars in drug proceeds. One of the prosecutors, Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell Leachman, said in opening arguments that the cartel controlled important smuggling corridors, called plazas, along the border states of Nuevo Leon, Coahuila and Tamaulipas, which border Texas. They control and exclude all other cartels within that plaza, Leachman said, according to trial transcripts. They control law enforcement within that plaza. Even political subdivisions in Mexico were under Zetas control for several years, Leachman said. But the Zetas reach also crossed the border. A former Laredo police officer turned trafficker for the Zetas was among the governments witnesses who testified at the trial. From the Zetas home base of Nuevo Laredo, the cartel smuggled drugs across the border into Laredo and to cities along the way north, including San Antonio, Waco and Dallas. Associates in north Texas who worked with or for Kiko Trevino testified they shipped the drugs to the eastern seaboard, including in Boston, New York and even into Canada. The trial also revealed that after the arrests of Kiko Trevinos uncles, the Zetas splintered into two groups, and Kiko Trevino took over leadership of the faction loyal to his family with younger members on his side. Some of the older Zetas didnt take well to being basically led by these guys who were coming up because of their (family) connections, Leachman said. So it basically begins to fracture, and then the Zeta cartel, at least the Trevino wing ... is rebranded as the Cartel del Noreste, or the CDN cartel. Trevino led the CDN from spring 2015 until he was arrested in September 2016 in Baytown near Houston. 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 Convicted felon Gary Cain, who was scheduled to begin serving a more than five-year prison sentence Friday, had his remaining days of freedom cut short. Senior U.S. District Judge David A. Ezra apparently ordered Cains arrest last Friday. The order was filed under seal, so the circumstances of what led to Cains arrest have not been made public. RELATED: Prosecutors name LaHood, father in restraining order Cain and former state Sen. Carlos Uresti were convicted by a jury in February on a total of 20 charges in connection with their roles in FourWinds Logistics a now-defunct oil field services company that defrauded investors. Ezra sentenced Cain to 68 months in prison, while Uresti received a 12-year prison term. The pair also were ordered to pay $6.3 million in restitution to victims. Cain is being held at the Central Texas Detention Facility in San Antonio. San Antonio attorney Stephanie Stevens, who is representing Cain in the appeal of his conviction, declined to comment when reached Thursday. Daryl Fields, a spokesman for the U.S. attorneys office in San Antonio, said he could not comment on the matter. In a court motion Monday, Stevens said Cain was arrested shortly after Ezra issued his order. Stevens wants Ezras order and any related motion if one was filed by prosecutors unsealed. RELATED: Uresti's co-defendant gets more than five years in prison A day before Cains arrest, the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals denied his request to remain free on bond pending the outcome of his appeal. Prosecutors alleged in a Sept. 21 court filing that Cain has used family and friends including Bexar County District Attorney Nico LaHood and his father, former Judge Michael LaHood to shield assets to avoid paying victims in the FourWinds fraud. Ezra subsequently issued a restraining order that bars Cain, the LaHoods and others from dissipating, transferring or concealing property belonging to Cain. The order also prevents them from saddling any debt on Cains property, including a Shavano Park house thats valued at $1.3 million by Bexar County. Its not known if the allegations against Cain regarding his assets figured in his arrest. Cain and LaHood were business partners in a company that did work for FourWinds. Before he became district attorney, LaHood successfully defended Cain against criminal charges that he had defrauded Rackspace Hosting Inc. in a 2007 land deal. RELATED: Texas state Sen. Uresti, co-defendant Cain found guilty on all charges in criminal fraud trial Not long after his acquittal, Cain was hired as a consultant for FourWinds. The company purported to sell sand used in hydraulic fracturing in oil production. Uresti served as FourWinds outside counsel and raised money from investors. He surrendered his law license and gave up his Senate seat following his conviction. Staff Writer Guillermo Contreras contributed to this report. | Patrick Danner is a San Antonio-based staff writer covering banking and civil courts. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | pdanner@express-news.net | Twitter: @AlamoPD Convicted felon Gary Cain, who was scheduled to begin serving a more than five-year prison sentence Friday, had his remaining days of freedom cut short. Senior U.S. District Judge David A. Ezra apparently ordered Cains arrest last Friday. The order was filed under seal, so the circumstances of what led to Cains arrest have not been made public. Cain and former state Sen. Carlos Uresti were convicted by a jury in February on a total of 20 charges in connection with their roles in FourWinds Logistics a now-defunct oil field services company that defrauded investors. Ezra sentenced Cain to 68 months in prison, while Uresti received a 12-year prison term. The pair also were ordered to pay $6.3 million in restitution to victims. Cain is being held at the Central Texas Detention Facility in San Antonio. San Antonio attorney Stephanie Stevens, who is representing Cain in the appeal of his conviction, declined to comment when reached Thursday. Daryl Fields, a spokesman for the U.S. attorneys office in San Antonio, said he could not comment on the matter. In a court motion Monday, Stevens said Cain was arrested shortly after Ezra issued his order. Stevens wants Ezras order and any related motion if one was filed by prosecutors unsealed. A day before Cains arrest, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals denied his request to remain free on bond pending the outcome of his appeal. Prosecutors alleged in a Sept. 21 court filing that Cain has used family and friends including Bexar County District Attorney Nico LaHood and his father, former Judge Michael LaHood to shield assets to avoid paying victims in the FourWinds fraud. Ezra subsequently issued a restraining order that bars Cain, the LaHoods and others from dissipating, transferring or concealing property belonging to Cain. The order also prevents them from saddling any debt on Cains property, including a Shavano Park house thats valued at $1.3 million by Bexar County. Its not known if the allegations against Cain regarding his assets figured in his arrest. Cain and LaHood were business partners in a company that did work for FourWinds. Before he became district attorney, LaHood successfully defended Cain against criminal charges that he had defrauded Rackspace Hosting Inc. in a 2007 land deal. Not long after his acquittal, Cain was hired as a consultant for FourWinds. The company purported to sell sand used in hydraulic fracturing in oil production. Uresti served as FourWinds outside counsel and raised money from investors. He surrendered his law license and gave up his Senate seat following his conviction. Guillermo Contreras contributed to this report. Staff Writer Guillermo Contreras contributed to this report. | Patrick Danner is a San Antonio-based staff writer covering banking and civil courts. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | pdanner@express-news.net | Twitter: @AlamoPD A former San Antonio police officer who is accused of providing a feces sandwich to a homeless man said Thursday that his actions were misconstrued and he never intended to harm the man. Matthew Luckhurst, who was effectively fired in October 2016, is trying to get his job back. At a hearing before an independent arbitrator, Luckhurst said he handed the man a discarded tray of bread and feces so the man could throw it away, not eat it. I never humiliated a homeless person, Luckhurst said. I told him to throw the container away. The testimony Thursday is part of a three-day arbitration hearing that will determine whether Luckhurst, 35, can return to the force with benefits and back pay. Under the citys contract with the police union, a police officer can appeal any discipline issued by the police chief. The independent arbitrator decides if the discipline was fair. Police Chief William McManus also took the stand Thursday, testifying that he didnt believe Luckhurst was simply asking the person to throw the tray away. He stood by his decision to issue Luckhurst an indefinite suspension, which is tantamount to firing, rather than some lesser punishment. Its inhumane, he said. The incident was so egregious that I didnt want that person on the police force anymore. Throughout the proceedings, Luckhursts attorney, Ben Sifuentes Jr., has tried to portray the department as one where practical jokes were allowed, if not encouraged, even among supervisors. He has argued that McManus was unfair in firing Luckhurst and that other officers have not been disciplined for worse behavior. He also said the incident happened sometime before March 6, 2016, when Luckhurst had elbow surgery. If true, it would limit McManus ability to discipline Luckhurst. The police unions contract prohibits the police chief from disciplining an officer if 180 days have passed. Luckhurst, who was on the force for five years, received a second indefinite suspension for a separate incident. In June 2016, police say Luckhurst defecated in a womens bathroom stall at SAPDs Bike Patrol Office and spread a brown substance with the consistency of tapioca on the toilet seat, giving the appearance that there was feces on the seat. City lawyers cannot mention that incident in their case, as it violates the union contract. That firing will be heard by a separate arbitrator at a later date. Officers testify On the day of the encounter with the homeless man, Luckhurst said his superiors had directed the bike unit to clear out an encampment at Interstate 35 and Houston Street. When Luckhurst and two other officers arrived, most people at the encampment began to walk away. One remained, Luckhurst said. There was a lot of trash in the area, left from meals that were provided by volunteers. There was also feces on the ground. I picked it up with a piece of bread because I didnt have any plastic gloves, Luckhurst said. I put it on a Styrofoam tray. Throughout the proceedings, city lawyers have challenged Luckhursts version of events. In his statement to Internal Affairs, the unit responsible for investigating officer misconduct, Luckhurst did not indicate that he had told the man to discard the trash. He also didnt mention why he picked up the feces with a piece of bread. When asked why he didnt mention those details, Luckhurst testified that he told investigators verbally but forgot to include it in his written statement. No one witnessed the interaction and no body-worn camera footage was found to corroborate Luckhursts story. Investigators, who found out about the incident after Luckhurst boasted about it supposedly as a joke searched for the homeless man but were unable to find him. Duing cross-examination, Luckhurst admitted that it would be inappropriate for an officer to provide a feces sandwich to a homeless person. But if your intent was to have them throw it away, I dont think thats inappropriate, Luckhurst added. Earlier, an officer who was with Luckhurst that day testified that he believed Luckhurst. Other officers didnt. I felt it was egregious, said Officer Michael Marotta, who reported it to his superiors. It was not something that could be tolerated. McManus echoed that statement in his testimony. I dont know what other conclusion to draw other than that he hoped the person would pick it up and take a bite out of it, McManus said. There are certain things that happen in cases that there is no excuse for, there is no redemption. Testimony will continue Friday before the arbitrator, who has several months to review the case and issue a ruling. If the arbitrator agrees with the chiefs decision, the officer has a right of appeal to a state District Court. Emilie Eaton is a criminal justice reporter in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read her on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | eeaton@express-news.net | Twitter: @emilieeaton Newspaper and historical accounts described David Bennes Barkley as a regular swimmer at the San Pedro and Brackenridge Park pools who could slice his way through 300 yards of water without stopping. The tales, which his family confirmed, foretold a heroic moment in the last days of World War I. Barkley swam the icy Meuse River in France to gather intelligence, a mission that cost him his life and nearly killed a fellow soldier who went with him. To mark todays 100th anniversary of the Armistice that ended the Great War, the Army has been saluting Barkley as the first San Antonian to receive the Medal of Honor. He was the son of a career soldier and his mother was born in Mexico. Barkley became an almost mythic figure in the patriotic glow of the postwar years, but very little is known about him. His story has faded with time, retold only once every few decades in newspaper stories. Months before David Barkley became a hero, a man with the same name was facing 10 years in a military prison for desertion. The accolades Barkley received didnt mention that. Pvt. David Barkleys Medal of Honor citation "When information was desired as to the enemy's position on the opposite side of the Meuse River, Pvt. Barkeley, with another soldier, volunteered without hesitation and swam the river to reconnoiter the exact location. He succeeded in reaching the opposite bank, despite the evident determination of the enemy to prevent a crossing. Having obtained his information, he again entered the water for his return, but before his goal was reached, he was seized with cramps and drowned." See More Collapse What happened up to the point of the time he swam the river is kind of immaterial, said Bryan P. Howard, curator of the Fort Sam Houston Museum, who helped develop an exhibit on Barkley at the Institute of Texan Cultures last year. The point is, he did something very brave for the good of the country and he died for it, and I dont really care what he did before. Its what he did that night that matters. Barkley was among the roughly 200,000 Texans who served during the war from August 1917 through its end, many of them fighting in France, and he was among 5,100 who would not return to joyous reunions with their families. There are few facts known of his life from childhood until the day Barkley volunteered to swim the Meuse. His father, Joseph Barkley, served for years in the Army, often leaving his wife, Antonia Cantu Barkley, and the kids behind. As a boy, the younger Barkley dreamed of soldiering. He say, Im going to be a soldier, too, and he would put a spoon or fork to his mouth like a horn and go rootty-ty-tooty-too, his mother told an Abilene newspaper decades later. When the Army brought Barkleys body home and it lay in state in the Alamo, a rarely granted honor, no one mentioned his Hispanic roots. That came later, in several newspaper accounts published before World War II. Some called Barkley the first Hispanic recipient of the Medal of Honor, but that wasnt true. Cpl. Joseph H. De Castro, an 18-year-old flag bearer in Company I, 19th Massachusetts Infantry, received that distinction for his role in defending Cemetery Ridge against Picketts Charge at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania in 1863. Murky history Barkley is a mystery unlike any other Medal of Honor recipient who came to call San Antonio home a fairly lengthy list. He was born in 1899 in Laredo but grew up here. A sister, Amelia, was born in 1904. The 1941 newspaper story in Abilene reported he attended Eleanor Brackenridge Elementary School and made good grades, but quit school at 13 to do odd jobs delivering groceries and working as a newsboy for the San Antonio Light, where he won free clothes in a contest. The Texas National Guards World War I service records and his Medal of Honor citation spell his last name as Barkeley. Newspaper accounts over the years, including one describing how his mother received the Medal of Honor, spell it that way as well. But that first e is missing from other records and from news accounts over the span of a century. Some have suggested that his father abandoned the family. A career soldier, Joseph Barkley married Antonia Cantu in 1893 after being sent to Fort Ringgold in the Rio Grande Valley with the 5th Cavalry. Cantu, a native of Mexico whose parents were German and Mexican, claimed to be 15 when they married, but Howard thinks she was younger. The realities of Army life, which kept him moving from post to post, often meant that Antonia was on her own. Joseph Barkleys records show he reenlisted every few years from 1889 to 1904 and served in Texas, Arizona and, in 1900, Puerto Rico. A 1919 story about David Barkleys Medal of Honor said his father had fought in the Philippines, presumably in the lengthy insurrection against U.S. occupation following the Spanish American War. In 1904, Joseph Barkley was discharged from the Army and turned up weeks later in Philadelphia, remarried. When he died in 1922, his second wife got the military pension. And yet, Antonia Cantu is listed as a widow in a directory during the 1910 period, and she reappears the same way in similar records a decade later. She is referred to as Mrs. Barkley in 1919 and widow of Joseph Barkley in 1924. Howard, the historian, said theres no indication she reverted to her maiden name or any other name. She went by widow of Joseph in everything Ive seen until her death in 1956, he said. A nephew, Ruben Barkley Hernandez, told a historian in 1988 that David Barkley hid his Hispanic heritage from fellow soldiers. He cited a letter Barkley wrote to his family asking them not to tell anyone of his ethnicity, apparently fearing hed be ostracized or kicked out. A 1989 San Antonio Light account said it was common at the time for military organizations to limit black and Hispanic servicemen to support roles such as supply operations, rather than place them in combat units. The guy wanted to fight, Hernandez told the Light, so the family secret was kept this long. Howard also has seen claims, mostly on the Internet, that Barkley used his Anglo surname when he joined the Army to avoid being placed into a segregated unit, but he doubts Barkleys ethnicity alone would have kept him from the front lines. While the Army segregated African Americans into separate units, Howard said, it did not do that with Hispanics. Some Mexican-American soldiers were grouped together when they didnt speak enough English to be effectively trained, led by bilingual officers or NCOs, he said. Another World War I hero, Marcelino Serna, was a Mexican citizen who served in the Army and whose bravery was front-page news, Howard said. Brush with dishonor Another piece of the Barkley puzzle has been that a soldier identified as David Barkley was nearly drummed out of the Army during World War I until someone gave him a second chance. A review of Army and Texas National Guard records suggested they could well be the same person, complicated by a possible misspelling and transfers between regiments. Reached Friday, the grandson of Barkleys sister confirmed that Joseph Barkley abandoned the family he doesnt know why and that his great-uncle had been reported AWOL. He wrote that to his mother, asking her please not to tell anybody why he was in the stockade, said Ruben Hernandez Jr., 58, of San Antonio. The incident occurred when Barkley went from one unit to another, but he was released when his unit got orders to ship out to Europe, Hernandez said, adding, Davids story just has so many ironies. He could have stayed in the stockade and I probably wouldnt have known who he was. Hernandez thinks his grandmother, Amelia Barkley Hernandez, must have been devastated by news of Barkleys death. But then I think when she saw the outpouring of the city, he began, becoming tearful. And then he lay in state in the Alamo he was a kid from Laredo and laid in state in the shrine of Texas liberty. I think that had an effect on her and after that it was always about the veterans. Howard always thought the soldier named Barkley mentioned in a newspaper clipping describing his being sentenced at Camp Bowie to 10 years labor, reduced to six months, was the same man who died on the Meuse River mission in the final days of the war. He was pleased to hear it confirmed no court-martial or other disciplinary records had been found. In June 1918 we find a Private David Barkley in the 141st Infantry, a Texas National Guard unit at Camp Bowie, and the future Medal of Honor recipients service number was among those known to have been issued earlier that year to soldiers training there, Howard said in an email. Records kept by the Texas Military Forces Museum at Camp Mabry in Austin list a Pvt. David B. Barkeley as serving in the 141st until Aug. 14 1918, said Lisa Sharik, the museums deputy director. But when he arrived overseas on Aug. 22, he was with the 155th Infantry, which had trained at Camp Beauregard, Louisiana. And by the time he drowned right before the war ended, he was in the 356th Infantry Regiment, 89th Infantry Division. Army records and a unit history of the scouting mission spell his name Barkeley. He had seen action against the Germans near Romagen, France, in October and also on the Verdun front The shadow of war Barkley was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously in 1919. He is buried in the San Antonio National Cemetery on the citys East Side. As a teenager, he had come of age in the Great Wars shadow. It drew more than 30 nations and 65 million troops into combat starting in 1914, introducing planes, tanks, machine guns and chemical weapons to mechanize the mass death of human conflict. The United States joined the war in 1917 and by the time it was over, nearly 5 million Americans had served, with 116,516 losing their lives. An Army history says Barkley joined up at age 17. That seems correct, given his birth year, but the museum at Camp Mabry has records showing he was 21 when he enlisted at Fort Sam Houston on April 23, 1917. Whatever his age, there is little doubt about Barkleys end except that Army records and even his tombstone say he died on Nov. 8, while his unit history and medal citation say it was Nov. 9. His outfit, Company A of the 356th Infantry, was on high ground overlooking the Meuse, trying to locate enemy positions and continually harassed by Boche planes, with machine guns and bombs, as well as artillery fire, the unit history stated. Volunteers were called for to swim the river and reconnoiter the position. The water was frigid. Barkley, the accomplished swimmer from San Antonio, raised his hand. So did Pfc. Harold Johnston, who later rose in the ranks to become a lieutenant, and two other men. With covering detachments these brave men proceeded to the river bank, each one of them going with the knowledge that the chances were against them on this dangerous mission, the history said. But they did not hesitate. The other two made no headway, forced back by an enemy patrol, but Barkley and Johnston made the crossing. They scouted the German side, discussed what they had learned and headed back. Barkley was seized with cramps and vanished into the icy river. Pvt. Johnston reached the shore in the nick of time and was pulled out of the water almost frozen, the history said. If it truly happened on Nov. 9, then it was only the next day that the soldiers of Company A advanced into the valley, crossed the river and had to extricate themselves from heavy artillery fire in a bloody final engagement. The armistice was declared hours later. sigc@express-news.net Jurors were unable to reach a verdict Thursday in the federal criminal trial of a Lubbock businessman accused of conspiring to bribe a West Texas county judge using former state Sen. Carlos Uresti as a conduit. The jury, which began deliberating around 11:30 a.m. Thursday, is scheduled to reconvene Friday morning. Prosecutors have alleged Vernon Trey Farthing III was persuaded by then-Reeves County Judge Jimmy Galindo to hire Uresti as a consultant so that Farthings company Physicians Network Association could get a 2006 contract to provide medical services at the Reeves County Correctional Center in Pecos. Over the course of the 10 years of the contract with PNA, Uresti and Galindo shared more than $800,000 in kickbacks, prosecutors alleged. Uresti used his own consulting company and his law firms accounts to pay Galindo and conceal the conspiracy, prosecutors contend. During closing arguments Thursday, defense lawyer Gerald Gerry Goldstein told jurors that the payments to Uresti were for consulting work he did for PNA and that no bribery occurred. Each and every payment was on the companys books, Goldstein said. They prepared and filed with the IRS 1099s. I mean, are you going to do that with a bribe? Come on. Each and every payment was paid by check. Im old school, I guess. I always thought you paid cash under the table (in a bribe), he added. You didnt book it. Farthing had no knowledge that Uresti was splitting with Galindo half of the $10,000 monthly payments from PNA, Goldstein said. If there wasnt a deal in place among the trio, Assistant U.S. Joseph Blackwell wondered, then why was Uresti paying Galindo? Its because it would have raised a lot of eyebrows if it was discovered Galindo was being paid directly by PNA, Blackwell said during his closing arguments. Imagine the questions that would have been asked if its discovered that hes being paid directly, he said. It may take the whole deal and make it go away. PNA needed the lucrative contract because the company was for sale. Farthing later collected $10 million from the 2010 sale of the company, Blackwell said. Galindo and Uresti already pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery. They are scheduled to be sentenced separately in January. Farthing is the only one to fight the charges of conspiracy to commit bribery and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The former charge carries a maximum prison sentence of five years, while the latter carries a maximum term of 20 years. Galindo testified Oct. 24 that he persuaded Farthing to hire Uresti as a consultant at $10,000 a month, or $120,000 a year, and even proposed the name of Urestis consulting firm, Turning Point Strategies. Galindo also said he told Farthing he would work out how he would be paid from the deal with Uresti. But Farthing disputed Galindos account. Farthing testified Monday that he, not Galindo, was the one who mentioned the $10,000 monthly fee. Blackwell alleged Farthing knew Galindo was getting paid by Uresti; and during trial, the prosecutor brought up an email Farthing sent to another PNA official that mentioned Galindo asking about a past due check. Farthing acknowledged writing the email. He also acknowledged that Uresti received payments despite not having a signed contract. Uresti also never had provided PNA invoices until September 2010, Farthing said. Correctional Healthcare Cos. acquired PNA that year. When there were questions about that with CHC, you told the people at CHC that they would not agree to provide a contract or invoice, correct? Blackwell asked, emphasizing they. Yes, thats accurate, Farthing said. Asked if by they he was referring to Uresti and Galindo, Farthing responded, No, I mean Uresti. But defense lawyer Goldstein countered that PNA relied on pricing guidelines provided by the county because PNA was never at the negotiating table with the Bureau of Prisons. Farthing, Goldstein argued, offered a proposal with pricing that was nearly identical to services at other prisons where PNA had contracts at the time. Goldstein also said Galindo was lying to save himself from a lengthy prison sentence, highlighting variations in two of Galindos five interviews with the feds, some of which were not memorialized with transcripts or recordings. Galindo also pleaded guilty to failure to file his 2013 tax return. 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 | Patrick Danner is a San Antonio-based staff writer covering banking and civil courts. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | pdanner@express-news.net | Twitter: @AlamoPD El PASO Chuck McCarthy was hoping for a Beto ORourke victory when he lined up six hours before the Southwest University Stadium doors opened for an election night rally. While he said he wasnt happy about Ted Cruzs victory in the U.S. Senate race, he believes this isnt the last time Texas will see ORourke on a ballot. Hes got it in his blood now. This guy is not giving up hes coming back, McCarthy said. I dont know where or when, but hes coming back. The thousands who gathered in central El Paso agreed, evident in the cheers of 2020 that echoed through the stadium as ORourke walked off the stage. A day after nearly producing the first Democratic victory in a statewide race in Texas in 24 years a feat that caught the nations attention ORourke wasnt making any statements about his future. His top campaign aides did not respond to interview requests Wednesday. But speculation about his prospects as a presidential contender in 2020 or beyond were inevitable after his record-breaking haul of $70 million, about half of it in small-dollar donations from energized supporters around the nation. The questions also arise amid a wide-open field of Democratic contenders. Other than Sens. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and perhaps former Vice President Joe Biden few have the star power ORourke has developed over his improbable 19-month candidacy. All I can say is that Beto not only acquitted himself well as a candidate, but he inspired the nation, said Dallas lawyer Marc Stanley, a Democratic donor who formed the Fire Ted Cruz PAC for the 2018 Senate race. Hes got a future on the national stage. What that is, I dont know. Related: Democrats make gains in Texas Legislature, but Republicans still run the show When the question was put directly to ORourke during a CNN town hall last month in the Rio Grande Valley, a crowd made up mostly of young college students cheered wildly. ORourkes response was purposely brief: The answer is no, ORourke said, citing strains of public life on his wife and three young children. Its a definite no. Pressed by CNN host Dana Bash as to whether no meant never, ORourke seemed to put a potential expiration date on his promise not to run for president. Let me put it this way, ORourke said, I promise you, and most importantly to the people of Texas, that I will serve every single day of a six-year term in the United States Senate. Then, making a not-too-subtle comparison to Cruz, who launched his White House bid half-way through his Senate term, ORourke added, I wont leave the state to go run for president. If I dont win, the three-term congressman added, were back in El Paso his hometown. In a CBS interview days before the election, he gave a similar answer, but only ruled out a run in 2020. With Tuesdays narrow loss to Cruz, questions about the political future of ORourke, 46, have only intensified. Intriguingly, the same questions surround Cruz, who has not ruled out another presidential run, though he has said he will not run against President Donald Trump in 2020. The prospect of a future ORourke rematch with Cruz on a national level has captivated media pundits for months. But with the 2020 election cycle just one-day old, analysts can only speculate. I think that he, without a doubt, distinguished himself as a fresh and a positive voice, somebody who, regardless of what his position is on a particular issue, is open to all sides and to solving problem, said Texas Democratic strategist Matt Angle, who heads the Lone Star Project. But some Texas Democrats also have their sights set closer to home, on the seat held by U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, who will be up for re-election in 2020. Im not going to say whether he should be taken seriously as a contender for national office, Angle said of ORourke. Hes not asking my opinion, but I would kind of slow walk that if I were him. But I think hes a serious player in Texas, and we have a Senate seat up in two years. Nationally, Democratic excitement over ORourke is palpable. Texas Democratic consultant Colin Strother followed Tuesdays election results at a watch party with Democratic leaders on Capitol Hill in Washington. In the main ballroom, there were two huge jumbo screens, and anytime it showed an update with Beto in the lead, there was a huge roar from the crowd. Strother called ORourkes campaign monumental and unprecedented in Texas. As to whether he should be in the mix of Democratic contenders looking at the presidency, Strother said, if he isnt, he ought to be. Simon Rosenberg, president of NDN, a Democratic-aligned Washington think tank, also said hes sold on the idea of ORourke going national. He is among the most well-regarded Democratic politicians in the country right now, and he did it in a very short period time through his force of vision and his performance as a candidate. I dont know that he should do it, but I think he should look at it seriously, he said. That view is shared by some Texas Republicans who have seen ORourkes rise from the El Paso City Council to Congress. You cant underestimate Beto ORourke, said El Paso native Jacob Monty, a former member of Trumps National Hispanic Advisory Council. Monty quit Trumps advisory group over the presidents hard-line rhetoric on immigrants, but he supported Cruz in the Senate race. Monty believes that ultimately ORourke staked out positions that were too liberal for Texas. But he gives him credit for mobilizing new voters, many of the young or minorities. I didnt vote for him, but I wouldnt write this guy off, Monty said. Hes a dragon-slayer. Alejandra Matos and Bill Lambrecht contributed to this report. kevin.diaz@chron.com After this weeks charter-amendment election, the San Antonio Professional Fire Fighters Association should wait before exercising its new power to unilaterally call for binding arbitration, union ally and Councilman Greg Brockhouse said Thursday. The councilman said voters sent a mandate to City Hall in approving two of the unions three charter amendments Tuesday. Theyre saying enoughs enough, Brockhouse said at a news conference at the union hall. I think theres a clear referendum here. Voters passed Proposition B, which places salary limitations and term limits on future city managers, and Proposition C, which gives the firefighters union the unilateral right to declare an impasse with the city on a new contract and go to binding arbitration. Proposition A, which would have drastically reduced the threshold for referendums in San Antonio, was rejected. READ ALSO: San Antonio mayor searches for way forward on city manager constraints I tell you what, it was good to see the mayor contrite finally, after months of a very vitriolic, personally attacking campaign. It was good to see him contrite, recognizing his defeat at the hands of the voters, Brockhouse said, referring to the mayors statement after the propositions passed. And at the end of the day, thats the only thing that we said needed to happen. For his part, Nirenberg said San Antonians are sick of the politics that unfolded around the propositions. The public has had enough of overheated posturing from politicians, the mayor said. I am working to continue moving our city forward with the direction the voters have given us. Brockhouse suggested the firefighters union could bring forward more charter amendments and said its time for San Antonio to move away from a council-manager form of government and become a strong-mayor city. Nirenberg stood by City Manager Sheryl Sculley. Sheryl has done a great job and because of her fiscal stewardship, the city is a national model, he said. Thursdays news conference was called by the firefighters union, but longtime union President Chris Steele did not attend and no union representative spoke. Brockhouse was at the center, surrounded by union members as he addressed the media. With the passage of Proposition C, attention is turning back to the stalled contract negotiations between the city and the firefighters union. The collective bargaining agreement expired Sept. 30, 2014, and its evergreen clause kicked in, which allows the old contract to stay in force until a new contract is signed, up to 10 years. The city sued over that clause, claiming it violates the Texas Constitution and public policy. The union responded with a counter-suit, alleging the city had negotiated in bad faith. READ ALSO: Voters approve two charter amendments, reject the third The citys case went all the way to the Texas Supreme Court, which refused to hear the case this summer, effectively handing the union a victory. But the city hasnt dismissed its lawsuit and, this week, after losing at the ballot box, the city offered to drop the lawsuit if the union would drop its counter-suit at the same time. City Attorney Andy Segovia said he he has not received a response from the union, but at Thursdays news conference, Brockhouse called the request silly, demanding that the city immediately drop its case without regard to the unions counter-suit. Nirenberg said later he had instructed Segovia to seek the joint motion for dismissal of both cases. I hope the union will agree with that and will also agree to come to the negotiating table so we can reach a deal on a new contract that is equitable to both first responders and taxpayers, the mayor said. Though he was noncommittal Thursday, Brockhouse appears to be preparing for a campaign against Nirenberg in the May 2019 municipal election, as he blasted the mayor repeatedly at the news conference. Councilman Rey Saldana said Brockhouse seems to be confused by where power at City Hall lies. Its not with the city manager as Brockhouse has said, Saldana indicated, but with the mayor or council member who can count to six a reference to the number of votes needed for a council decision. My colleague claims that theres too much power in the city managers office, but remember this comes from someone whos only been able to count to two, Saldana said. The comments say more about the person making the claim than the claim itself. 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 When Will Hurd and Beto ORourke took a 1,600-mile trip last year from San Antonio to Washington, D.C., in a rented Chevy Impala, they forged a bipartisan friendship that has precluded both congressmen from politically undermining each other. This week, however, ORourke nearly cost Hurd his congressional seat. In truth, Hurds hold on District 23 remains uncertain, with the Helotes-based Republican clinging to an 1,150-vote (0.6 percent) lead over former Air Force intelligence officer Gina Ortiz Jones. (Jones hopes that outstanding mail-in and provisional ballots can swing the outcome for her). The fact that the District 23 contest is going into overtime normally would be no surprise, given the way this sprawling 29-county district which stretches from the South Side of San Antonio to West Texas has swung back and forth between the R and D columns over the past decade. But Hurd is a uniquely skilled retail politician and over the past two months I couldnt find anyone Republican or Democrat outside the Jones camp who thought his challenger had a chance. A mid-October New York Times poll placed Hurd ahead by 15 points. Thats where ORourke comes in. The blow he delivered to his former traveling buddy on election night was indirect, to be sure, but undeniable nonetheless. We all know that ORourkes close-but-no-cigar U.S. Senate campaign, which energized Texas Democrats and made him a political rock star, contributed to a big bump in voter turnout this year. His coattails helped Texas Democrats gain 12 seats in the Texas House, two in the state Senate and two in Congress. ORourkes impact in U.S. District 23 was particularly profound, however, because the district includes a piece of his home base: El Paso County. While district turnout this year was up 81 percent from the 2014 midterms, the bump in District 23s portion of El Paso County was much higher: 156 percent. Jones, like Hurds 2014 Democratic opponent in District 23, then-Congressman Pete Gallego, carried El Paso County by roughly a four-to-one margin. For Gallego, that meant gaining 4,263 votes in the county. With this years Beto bump, however, Jones carried the county by a whopping 10,567 votes. That turnout spike helped Jones defy October predictions and election-night projections and make the race a near-dead-heat. The ORourke effect in District 23 was loaded with irony, because some Jones backers expressed irritation during the campaign that ORourke did not endorse Jones. That short-sighted grievance failed to consider how he helped her candidacy simply by being on the ballot (just as she helped him). None of these factors can obscure Hurds achievement, if he manages to hold on in District 23. After one-and-done tenures from Gallego and Quico Canseco, hes on the verge of securing a third term. His victories have come under wildly varying circumstances too: taking advantage of a Republican midterm wave in 2014; surviving a 2016 election in which Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton carried his district by three points; and (possibly) riding out a 2018 challenge from a tough, well-funded challenger on a night when at least 30 of his GOP colleagues were shown the door. I caught up with Hurd on Tuesday afternoon while he greeted the slow but steady stream of voters at Parman Library at Stone Oak. Decked out in a white guayabera and blue jeans, Hurd projected supreme confidence, as he always does. Our secret is that whoever my opponent is doesnt change how I act, Hurd said. Elections are about someone making the decision of whos going to best represent them. Hurd determined early in his congressional tenure that if he engaged face to face with enough constituents (as hes done with his Dairy Queen town-hall tours) that it would supersede the impact of any negative campaign ads from his opponents. They want people that are going to represent them up in Washington, D.C., and they want people that are actually going to solve problems that impact their communities, he said. They dont want to send people up there that are going to burn the place down, right? Almost on cue, Hurd greeted a woman who asked him to convince her teenage son to defy the political consensus of his left-leaning friends and vote Republican. He also spent several minutes talking with an African-American teacher hoping to get scholarships for her students through the Congressional Black Caucus. Hurd, who is African-American but not a member of the Democratic-dominated caucus, promised to speak to CBC chair, Cedric Richmond, D-La., on her behalf. The teacher walked away with a smile and said, to no one in particular, Thats why I support this man. If Hurds lead holds, itll be those kinds of interactions that made the difference. 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 AUSTIN Texas will likely have to give up $33.3 million in federal special education funds after the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals found that the state violated a federal rule. States are prohibited by federal law from reducing funding for special education services. If states decide to reduce funding, the Department of Education reduces the amount of federal aid by the same amount. In 2012, Texas reduced its special education budget by $33 million, so the federal government withheld $33 million as a penalty. The law is designed to prevent states from shifting more of the financial burden of special education to the federal government. Still, Texas fought the Department of Education's decision to withhold the funding, arguing that the costs of providing special education services had gone down, so it allocated less money that year. On HoustonChronicle.com: Read the Houston Chronicles Denied series In a 13-page ruling released Wednesday, a three-judge panel called the state's argument "unpersuasive," and questioned the state's method for allocating special education funding. The federal government has the option to collect the $33 million penalty in one chunk or spread it out over several years. The penalty is about 3 percent of Texas' annual $1 billion federal special education grant, according to TEA officials who said penalty would have minimal impact on special education programs. The Texas Education Agency declined to comment, and it's unclear if the state will appeal the ruling. The Texas Attorney General did not immediately return a request for comment. On HoustonChronicle.com: Feds say Texas must do more to help students needing special education The ruling comes as the state is overhauling its special education system after the U.S. Department of Education determined that state officials illegally set up what amounted to a cap on the number of students receiving special education. While 13 percent of students across the nation are in special education programs, Texas officials pushed school districts to admit no more than 8.5 percent of their students into those programs. A 2016 Houston Chronicle investigation prompted the federal inquiry. While the ruling is unrelated to the cap, special education advocates say its yet another example of the state skirting its obligation to provide special education services to students in need. All states must ensure a minimum level of state aid for special education services and Texas is faced with multiple school years in which it fell short, said Steven Aleman, a policy specialist with Disability Rights Texas. Texas has to get its priorities straight, fix the broken grant allocation system, and put more resources into special education services. Re: By approving Alamo plan, council waved the white flag, by R. Michael Berrier, Another View, Monday: Mr. Berriers op-ed concerning the Alamo plan is right on target. My business takes me to all parts of town and among all types of people. Its hard to find anyone be they liberal, conservative, middle of the road, rich, poor and of any race who likes this plan. I still cant believe a City Council would approve a plan that would give away our plaza, which has been the center of San Antonio for nearly 150 years; close the residents of San Antonios access so we have to pass like a tourist to visit it; move the Cenotaph, which does not block the view of the Alamo; and (possibly) tear down historic buildings. With this much dislike and controversy, this plan needs to be put to a vote of those who live in San Antonio. Perry Donop Pilots forced out Re: U.S. military, airlines are battling for pilots, Business, Monday: This article was informative but lacking. It never mentions that this whole problem could be resolved with a stroke of the pen. The article explains that the military is short of pilots mostly because of airlines surge in retirements. What few people know, however, is that the government forces airline pilots to retire when they turn 65 years old. Most airline pilots retire only for that reason. Bruce Billig, Cibolo Live longer and pay Last month I turned 65. My Veterans Group Life Insurance premium went up $21. Should I make it to age 70, my insurance premium will go up more than $100. Is this or any other insurance company to blame for not thinking that I, along with millions of others, would not live this long? Or is this just politics? Rolando Acevedo The citys estimate of the cost of renovating Frost Banks old headquarters into offices for many municipal departments has risen to $75.7 million, an increase of about 83 percent. The city originally expected to pay $41.5 million for the renovation, which will resettle 1,500 employees into offices with open floor plans intended to encourage productivity and collaboration. That estimate was part of a 2015 agreement with Frost and developer Weston Urban that included the citys purchase of the 22-story building. By September, when the City Council approved a renovation contract, the estimate had increased by more than $34 million because of unforeseen problems and the citys decision to expand the scope of the makeover, according to interviews with city officials and documents obtained through a public records request. Features such as a cafeteria and a wellness center with a gym and doctors office were added to the plan in an effort to make the city a more competitive employer, Assistant City Manager Lori Houston said. Officials also decided to move 300 more employees to the building than first planned. That will save money on office rent in the long run, Houston said. This allows us to own our own destiny. We will be able to control our growth, she said. The amenities are all things we see Top 10 corporate campuses having. We want to make sure we do the same so we can recruit the talent that we want. The need to remove asbestos, upgrade wiring and make other improvements also drove up the estimated cost. Mike Frisbie, director of the citys Transportation and Capital Improvements Department, said that when officials took a close look at the 43-year-old building, they discovered asbestos between floors, old circuity that didnt meet code and areas that didnt have fire sprinklers. The good thing is that, for the 1970s, the architecture could have been worse. Its really a nice building. Its really professional-looking; its built well, he said. But the inside is really dated, in a few ways. One is, its dated aesthetically. If you walk through there, its very dark. The rising costs of construction labor and materials because of the building boom in San Antonio and other Texas cities also pushed up the cost estimate, Frisbie said. The city now expects to spend a total of $127.6 million on the purchase and renovation of the old Frost building, at the southeast corner of Houston and Flores streets. By Frisbies estimate, constructing a new building would have cost $220 million. This year, the city also began a $38 million renovation of the 125-year-old City Hall a block away. In 2015, consolidating municipal offices in the old Frost headquarters was expected to produce net savings of $1.2 million over 30 years. Houston said that estimate still stands, even with the increased renovation costs. Our commitment was it would be cost-neutral, and as we continue to move forward with the project, that remains the commitment, she said. The City Council voted 9-1 in September to award a $59.5 million contract to a joint venture between the U.S. subsidiary of Swedish company Skanska, and local contractor F.A. Nunnelly Co., to do most of the renovation work. District 10 Councilman Clayton Perry was the lone no vote. A project of such magnitude should have been included in last years bond package to give voters a say, he said. Here were just taking it upon ourselves, rather than getting public input, he said. He declined to comment on the cost increase, saying he didnt know enough about the details. Perry, who studied construction at Texas A&M University and worked as a civil engineer for the Air Force for 20 years, said he would wait and see whether the project saves the city money. The proof is in the pudding, he said. When you start tearing into these old buildings, theres no telling what you find. If it doesnt go well, they would have to come back to council for additional costs. The city plans to sell surplus properties it owns to offset the renovation costs, and consolidating offices in a city-owned building will save about $3.8 million a year in rent, Houston said. The city also will collect revenue by leasing out five floors. The city expects to be able to use the building, which has been renamed City Tower, for at least 50 to 100 years, Frisbie said. The city bought the tower from Frost for $51 million and hopes to complete the renovations by April 2021. The original cost estimate for the renovation was based on the square footage involved, Frisbie said. The amenities were added to the plan later to make the city an employer of choice, records show. The cafeteria, which will offer healthy food options, will cost an estimated $2.9 million, and the wellness center has a price tag of $2.5 million. The city hopes to achieve a silver designation for the renovated building from Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, which will require it to purchase new lighting and other equipment. The partnership with Frost and the developer is a major component in the citys strategy to rejuvenate the west side of downtown, which is full of empty lots, rundown buildings and vacant storefronts. As part of the deal, Weston Urban is building a gleaming 23-story headquarters for Frost - the first new office tower built downtown since 1989 - across the street from the companys old digs. The city and Frost also are selling 6.3 acres in the area to Weston Urban, giving the developer a broad canvas to remake the area. The properties include the Municipal Plaza Building, where City Council meetings are held. That part of downtown also is set to be transformed with the University of Texas at San Antonios plan to expand its campus onto more than 5 acres of city and county-owned land, and the city and countys $175 million project to rehabilitate San Pedro Creek into a leisure trail. Frisbie said hes confident that the renovation costs for City Tower will not go above the current $75.7 million estimate, which anticipates a continued rise in construction costs. After the design is complete, Skanskas joint venture is expected to issue a guarantee to the city that the project will not go over budget, unless the city agrees to adjust the cost because of unexpected problems or design changes. Obviously, if we were ever to consider increasing the budget, it would have to go to City Council for approval, Frisbie said. We dont intend to do that with this project. We intend to stay within the budget. Richard Webner is a San Antonio-based staff writer covering real estate and development. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | rwebner@express-news.net | Twitter: @RWebner Were always looking for dining trends and specials, especially healthy ones, but Michael Jordans Steakhouse caught our eye with its new Steakmanship Series. One option gets you either a 12-ounce domestic wagyu strip steak or a 14-ounce bone-in ribeye, for $60 (plus sides). The $160 option, called Flight 23, gets you both of those plus a 6-ounce filet mignon. But wait, theres more. For $223, a Legendary Flight will score you those three steaks plus Jonah crab, scallops Rockefeller and Maine lobster. Yikes. The offering comes from Jordans home restaurant in Chicago, where its a regular item. Here, its a weekend item, or on an occasional weeknight menu when a big show is in the arena, said Kyle Beausoleil, executive chef at Michael Jordans in Mohegan Sun. The offering began Oct. 26. It actually went really, really well, Beausoleil said in a phone chat. We sold about 14 total. ... You have the option to buy two of the steaks a la carte. We sold a bunch of a la carte steaks, so it definitely was worth it for us. Beausoleil, 38, said the flight combos will feed four or five people and some parties did that. Then again, Im sure were gonna get that one guy who comes in and hes like, Oh, that sounds great; Ill have that, and do it by himself, you know? Born in Killingly in eastern Connecticut, Beausoleil worked his way into a tough business with no formal culinary training. He started cooking at 15 for Hanks Restaurant in Brooklyn, then Wrights Mill Farm in Canterbury and Mohegan Sun restaurants such as Pompeii & Caesar (pre-Ballo and since departed). He went to work for David Burke Prime at Foxwoods after that, then left to open his own bistro restaurant in Westerly, Rhode Island, but returned to upscale dining at David Burke Prime. My old chef used to say, Youre only as good as the chef you steal your recipes from, said the affable Beausoleil. Eventually he found his way back to Mohegan and Michael Jordans, moving from sous chef to executive sous chef to chef dcuisine and now executive chef in 2018. You pick up stuff from everybody. I had the privilege of working for a lot of great chefs, he said. More for you Last call for Margaritaville at Mohegan Sun Other fall menu changes at the restaurant include a couple of salads and entrees (including a tuna with smoked szechuan pepper crust that Beausoleil takes a full minute to describe for the details of its preparation). Michael Jordans can be pricey, given its location in a casino resort, Beausoleil notes. For value at the restaurant, theres a basil-brined chicken breast for $26 and a braised short rib over pappardelle with a Medeira cream sauce for $26. I have an Italian background, so I always have a special home in my heart ... for fresh pasta, he said. For quicker/cheaper options beyond that, theres Michael Jordans Sportscafe next door, of course. (The company also runs Sol Toro downstairs at Mohegan Sun.) Michael Jordan officials at Mohegan didnt know what to expect in terms of business in September with MGM Springfield opening just before that, Beausoleil said, but Mohegan Sun did a great job of booking conventions and booking shows through the whole month of September. It was actually our busiest September weve had in some time. On a visit to Jordans on a recent Friday night, with a big Sebastian Maniscalco show in the arena, the restaurant was packed. A sampling of the Mishima Reserve domestic wagyu strip with shishito pepper au poivre (or simply: a tender steak in a great mushroom sauce) was delicious, as was the restaurants smoked gouda mashed potatoes and a Jenga-like tower of garlic bread slices surrounded by a moat of blue cheese fondue. Beausoleil said the restaurant was expecting another 700 diners the following night. Asked about healthy options, Beausoleil pointed to a new vegan-friendly menu section (with edamame dumplings for an appetizer and a tofu scallops dish) and other seafood dishes. For an intriguing meat option, while most of Jordans meats come in pre-cut from Meats by Linz in Chicago, hes also working with Connecticut-based Savage Hill Cattle Co., whose cattle is grass-fed, free-range and non-GMO. Savage Hill provides the Steakmanship Series filet mignon, served in foie gras butter. Sustainability isnt the first concern of a steakhouse, of course, but wagyu provider Mishima Reserve on its website says we believe that sustainability is no longer a choice; its a necessity, and we hold ourselves to the highest standards when it comes to both quality and sustainability. Sustaining business, meanwhile, is a chief concern for any restaurant, and if youre wondering why a couple would drop $200 on a meal, Beausoleil sums it up as the experience overall. We have a very knowledgeable waitstaff, very friendly people. All of our employees in the steakhouse have been there for years. ... And the food is all cooked with pride. These guys love what they do; they love their jobs. The Fairfield County Arts Association will meet Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. in the Roger Ludlowe Middle School Team Room 292, Fairfield. The featured presenter will be Christa Forrest, a Stamford artist specializing in pastel, oil, acrylic and mixed media art. She will discuss and show her recent shift to figurative painting and her Goddess series of empowering women. After spending 20 years in a finance career, she decided to follow her true passion and become a full-time artist. Her work has been exhibited throughout New York and Connecticut. She recently began creating a detailed and expressive Goddess series, where she incorporates the divine feminine and illustrates the strength many women struggle to connect with in their daily lives. The Emerging Goddess presents an edgy, modern presentation of figurative art promoting the female as a powerful figure. Nonmembers are welcome to attend. For information, visit www.fairfieldcountyartists.com or call Alice Katz at 203-259-8026. Chamber to host Business after Hours The Fairfield Chamber of Commerce and Brooklawn Country Club will host its November Business After Hours on Nov. 15 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at 500 Algonquin Road, Fairfield. Attendees will enjoy complimentary wine, beer and/or soft drinks, plus taste delicious light bites and appetizers. The Chambers Business after Hours event is an informal, after-work gathering for Chamber members, guests and prospective members. It is an opportunity to network with other business associates and colleagues, exchange ideas, obtain business leads and make professional referrals and friends. During the evening, guests will enjoy lively discussions, idea sharing and dynamic conversations with colleagues, Chamber members and their guests. Attendees will also have the opportunity to tour the Brooklawn Country Club and meet the general manager, Kevin Lalumiere. Tickets are $10 for Chamber members, $25 for nonmembers, and $5 extra for walk-ins. For ticket reservations or information on this event, call the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce at 203-255-1011 or register at www. FairfieldCTChamber.com. Happy Hands celebrates Fairfield opening The Fairfield Department of Community and Economic Development recently announced the opening of Happy Hands Art & Pottery, which celebrated the official opening of its location in Fairfield with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Oct. 26. The business is located at 85 Mill Plain Road, within the Fairfield Sportsplex. Fairfield First Selectman Mike Tetreau and Economic Development Director Mark Barnhart were among the dignitaries and other guests on hand to help owner Alla Ionescu mark the occasion. The Fairfield studio is the third location for Happy Hands, which has similar facilities in Wilton and Shelton. Happy Hands Art & Pottery is a paint-your-own pottery and clay studio in which people of all ages can create their own masterpieces. The studio offers a wide variety of programs ranging from birthday parties, after school programs to ladies nights and fundraisers. For hours and information about the studio, visit www.hhpottery.com or their Facebook page, www.facebook.com/hhpottery . Town earns Sustainable CT Community honor The town of Fairfield has earned top honors as a Sustainable CT community under a new statewide program that recognizes Connecticuts most thriving and resilient municipalities. The Sustainable CT initiative, which awards certifications to Connecticut communities that voluntarily meet high standards in a broad range of sustainability accomplishments, was launched last year and announced its first group of certified towns in early October. Fairfield is one of just five towns statewide to receive a Silver certification, the programs highest designation. The other Silver-certified municipalities are Glastonbury, Greenwich, Hartford and Stamford. Seventeen other Connecticut communities received the next highest designation, Bronze. Additionally, Fairfield earned another high distinction: With towns achieving their certification on the basis of points awarded for specific sustainability actions, Fairfields record of activities garnered more points than any other community in the state. Many of Fairfields ongoing and planned sustainability projects are reflected in the towns master Sustainability Plan, now under development, which details specific initiatives for safeguarding Fairfields natural and built environments, natural resources, and quality of life. Residents are invited to attend an upcoming public forum on the Sustainability Plan, on Nov. 10 at 10 a.m. at the Pequot Library, 720 Pequot Ave. Among the graduates Fairfield residents Michael Cullinan and William Lopata graduated from Saint Anselm College on May 20. Gabrielle Alessi and Megan Hines, of Fairfield, graduated this year from Marquette University in Wisconsin. If you drive into town from various directions, you will see signs that show the Rotary Club and when it meets, the Kiwanis Club and when it meets, and then the sign that says Fairfield and when it first met. It says Fairfield was incorporated in 1639. Obviously, there were Native Americans here for thousands of years before that and a recent study is wrapping up on what happened before 1639. They are looking in particular at the 1637 Battle of Munnacommuck (Pequot) Swamp in Fairfield (known as Sasquanicut those days). Last Sunday, Nov. 4, at 4 p.m. at the annual meeting of the Sasquanaug Association, David Naumec military historian, archaeologist and senior researcher at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum updated the public on the study, and most notably recent artifacts discovered at Southpark Park, a Sasquanaug Association property and part of the former battlefield of the Pequot Swamp fight. The presentation was much more thorough, but I will try to explain what happened and why it led to the incorporation of Fairfield. Im sure I will miss important points. I am not a historian, but this is what I have put together. In 1637, the English settlers are chasing a band of Pequot Indians from the eastern side of the state. They chased them into this area where the Pequots had taken refuge in a non-Pequot native village in what is now Southport. The English surround them and push them into the adjacent swamp area. Much of Southport was swamp then. The English line is what now is I-95 and the Post Road the Pequots are in the swamp. After some negotiation, many native women and children are allowed to leave. Unfortunately, some of these are sold into slavery. The settlers were worried that the Pequots will escape again, so they press their advantage. The English are correct. After much of the fighting, what is left of the Pequots escape and make it all the way to New York State, where they are captured and killed, and the Pequots never again pose a serious threat to the settlers. The settlers return to the northern and eastern part of the state until someone remembers how nice the non-swamp areas around here were, and they return and have their incorporation meetings in 1639. The settlers multiply and start filling in the swamps. This was back when wetlands were called swamps. Over the next 300 years, the former wetlands are transformed into farms, businesses, and homes. Then in the 1950s, I-95 comes in and buries what is left of the northern edge of the battle area. This area is important, because this is where the English are positioned. Later when archaeologists like David search for historical evidence, the English areas will be the richest for artifacts because they hold the majority of the metal used on the battlefield. Metal lasts longer than organic material, can be picked up by metal detectors, and is more easily identified. At some point, a large stone marker was placed out on the Post Road at the northern edge of the battle grounds. It now sits upon a grass island in front of Peoples Bank and across from the 7-11 Shell Gas station on the Post Road. People often wait for the bus there. Pequot Avenue is named after the band that fled from the eastern part of the state and just stayed here a brief while also we have the Pequot Library and Pequot Liquors. We used to also have the Pequot Motel, which has been transformed into the more upscale condo complex Pequot Landing. A few years ago, the Fairfield Museum and others got serious about learning what happened and preserving as much as we had left of the battle. They got some grants and the study began comparing all available contemporary accounts of the battle. After that, a field study was recently done with metal detectors. They found quite a bit on the western boundaries of the swamp and the northeastern boundaries in what is now the Southport Park. David, who spearheaded the research, explained, We have found upwards of 80 musket balls and this, with other artifacts, speaks volumes about the early part of this battle that up until now we didnt know much about. Thomas Lawlor lives in Southport with his wife and two daughters. His column appears every other Friday. He can be reached by email at Tlawlor@mcommunications.com. FAIRFIELD Members of the Connecticut Audubon Society have elected Southport resident Kathleen Van Der Aue, a retired lawyer, to head the organizations Board of Directors. She becomes the eighth woman in the Connecticut Audubons 120-year history to hold that position. At the Societys annual meeting Oct. 20, members also elected Pamela Fraser-Abder, a leading science educator and Easton resident, as vice chair. Five new board members were also elected. Although womens leadership has been part of Connecticut Audubon since the beginning, it is the first time that women have held the top two governance posts concurrently. Connecticut Audubon itself was founded in 1898 by Mabel Osgood Wright, a prolific nature writer. Her Fairfield friend and neighbor Annie Burr Jennings was her patron and board chair. Van Der Aue replaced Peter Kunkel as chair at the conclusion of his three-year term. The board is made up of volunteers recommended by committee and confirmed by a vote of Connecticut Audubons membership at the annual meeting. acuda@ctpost.com Youth dance clinic Saturday FAIRFIELD The Fairfield Warde High School Dance Team is hosting a youth dance clinic for third- through eighth-graders on Nov. 10 from 9 a.m. to noon in the schools Aux Gym. No experience is necessary. The clinic costs $40 in advance or $45 at the door, and includes a dance team T-shirt. Funds will go toward the dance teams efforts to get to nationals in Florida. To register, email jkealey@fairfieldschools.org. FAIRFIELD Heather Neary is currently working on a masters degree in social work at Fordham University, a task that can keep a person busy. She now has another task as the towns social services outreach worker. Neary is no stranger to the town after spending a year interning at the Social Services Department. For the course of that year, I was able to grow an understanding of the needs for our community members while connecting them to local, state or federal resources, Neary said. Neary said she has always had a passion for working with older adults and increasing their quality of life by serving as a navigator through the social services system. I entered the field of social work about seven years ago with the willpower to be an agent of change, Neary said. Director of Human and Social Services Julie DeMarco said there are many seniors who are alert and oriented living alone in town. These seniors may not be inclined to attend the senior center but are capable of enjoying social interactions, she said. Due to their age and loss of family and friends living nearby, these seniors represent unmet needs in our community for services. It will be Nearys job to connect seniors and existing community services, DeMarco said. My hope during this year grant term is to continue to gauge and address the need our seniors are facing and work with the Social Services Department to come up with a long-term solution for our community, Neary said. Neary recently answered some questions about her new role. Q: What is a social services outreach worker? A: The funding for the social services outreach worker was created through HUD and the Economic Development Department under the community development block grant program. My role is to identify, assess, and connect older adults 65+ in the Fairfield community that are living alone, as well as caregivers for a family relative who may need support. The key purpose for this position is to address the unmet needs of those elderly residents who do not attend programs at the senior center, are eligible and not currently receiving social services through the town, and may be isolated from community resources. One of the goals of my position is to provide support to individuals who are low-income and/or with limited resources, and who might be at risk for cognitive and physical decline due to social isolation. We want to connect our seniors with exiting community resources to enhance their independence and quality of life. Q: How big is the need for this type of service in Fairfield? A: The need is growing for our community to stay connected and to continue to foster cohesiveness. I have noticed that the need for this type of service has been discovered through collaboration on cases that get referred to us from the Fairfield police and fire department. Seniors isolated in our community call the emergency department for lift assists or fall injuries at a growing rate which reoccurring calls are very costly to a towns budget. Also, some seniors are not facing the hardship of not being able to utilize the senior center due to homebound reasons. Q: How does this improve upon what the town already does? A: Through this position, I have the ability to go to their homes, asses the risks, and connect them to a social worker in our department. After the initial assessment a collaborative effort between client and social worker to develop a long-term plan will be established. An example of a long-term plan would be helping client secure in home care through Connecticut Homecare Program for Elders, or having meals on wheels delivered daily because lack of mobility has decreased seniors ability to cook. This grant position improves upon what the town already does by creating another service that the town of Fairfield can offer its community as a resource. Q: What are some of the leading causes of isolation among seniors? A: The leading cause of isolation among our seniors is decreased mobility, lack of family support, close friends moving away or passing away, and our increasing number of homebound older adults. Isolation negatively affects individuals physically, mentally, and increases the risk of premature mortality. The biggest cause of isolation I have noticed is the increased dementia symptoms of declined memory reducing an individuals ability to perform hindering their ability to seek help. The trend I have noticed within our community is the senior not ready to engage in the senior center that has been independently functioning within our community, but then suffers a fast decline struggling to maintain their previous lifestyle and enhancing the community isolation. Q: What are some of the services available to seniors in Fairfield? A: We are lucky that Fairfield has a wealth of community resources to assist our seniors. The Social Services department offers short-term counseling and referrals to resources, as well as assistance with energy assistance, assistance in securing the basic needs. We also collaborate with agencies in town and a variety of agencies and organizations that serve seniors. Social Services provides assistance such as CHOICES Medicare Counseling, gift card Energy Assistance, Operation Fuel. The social workers coordinate assistance with Fairfield police, fire, Operation Hope, Life Bridge, Fairfield churches and synagogues, town departments, including the tax assessor, Economic Development for its handyman program, the housing authority, first selectmans office, Protective Services for the Elderly, Department of Children and Families, the Connecticut Department of Veteran Affairs, the Workplace for employment assistance, along with many others. Existing community partnerships include our work with the Health Department, the tax assessors office for state and local senior and disabled tax relief, veterans services, Fairfield Rotary and Kiwanis. Seniors benefit tremendously from the volunteers from Fairfields public, private and parochial schools, as well as the National Charity League and Scholars and Athletes Serving Others, who shovel in storms, help serve lunch, rake, and create cards for homebound seniors. After a seasonally unusual amount of rainfall, purple desert roses blanket the wide expanse of the city of Rafha, Saudi Arabia. These awesome and unexpected pictures were taken by Saudi photographer Abdul-Aziz Al-Tumiat. Enjoy! Thats amazing! A lovely landscape full of purple flowers and green grass in the middle of the desert in the northern part of Saudi Arabia. Everithing is purple! Such a rare and weird natural phenomenon. Only possible, when enough water inundates large parts of the desert and wintering seeds suddenly germinate. Here a video: I think this purple or green desert is also a weird thing for camels. Yes parts of this giant desert turned into a giant SEA OF WATER a few days ago Follow us on Facebook and Twitter or become a Patron on Patreon / donate through Paypal. Please and thank you. Twitter After a seasonally unusual amount of rainfall, purple desert roses blanket the wide expanse of the city of Rafha There is not enough analysis data for Enel Generacion Chile. 4.1 Community Rank Outperform Votes Enel Generacion Chile has received 205 outperform votes. (Add your outperform vote.) Underperform Votes Enel Generacion Chile has received 122 underperform votes. (Add your underperform vote.) Community Sentiment Enel Generacion Chile has received 62.69% outperform votes from our community. MarketBeat's community ratings are surveys of what our community members think about Enel Generacion Chile and other stocks. Vote Outperform if you believe EOCC will outperform the S&P 500 over the long term. Vote Underperform if you believe EOCC will underperform the S&P 500 over the long term. You may vote once every thirty days. Previous Next Genesee & Wyoming Inc. owns and leases freight railroads. It operates through three segments: North American Operations, Australian Operations, and U.K./European Operations. The company transports various commodities, including agricultural products, autos and auto parts, chemicals and plastics, coal and coke, food and kindred products, lumber and forest products, metallic ores, metals, minerals and stone, petroleum products, pulp and paper, waste, and other commodities. It owns or leases 122 freight railroads, including 105 short line railroads and 2 regional freight railroads located in the United States, 8 short line railroads located in Canada, 3 railroads located in Australia, 1 railroad located in the United Kingdom, 1 railroad in Poland and Germany, and 2 railroads in the Netherlands with a total of approximately 16,200 miles of track. The company also operates 6,200 additional miles of track that is owned or leased by others. In addition, it operates deep sea maritime containers and provides bulk haulage, including coal, aggregates, cement, and infrastructure services. Further, the company provides rail service at approximately 40 ports; rail-ferry service in North America, Australia, and Europe; and contract coal loading and railcar switching for industrial customers. Genesee & Wyoming Inc. was founded in 1899 and is headquartered in Darien, Connecticut. Read More Guyana Goldfields Inc. provides exploration and production of gold. It engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, production, and operation of gold mineral properties. The company also owns and operates gold drilling rights. The company was formerly known as Chiboug Copper Company Limited and changed its name to Guyana Goldfields Inc. in January 1995. Guyana Goldfields Inc. was incorporated in 1994 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. As of August 25, 2020, Guyana Goldfields Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Zijin Mining Group Company Limited. Read More iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF's stock was trading at $35.66 on March 11th, 2020 when COVID-19 reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Since then, EWL stock has increased by 42.0% and is now trading at $50.64. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. Donations trickled in slowly during the pandemic, but the new bookstore run by the Hermosa Beach Friends of the Library looks to change that. iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF's stock was trading at $25.60 on March 11th, 2020 when Coronavirus reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization. Since then, EWU stock has increased by 28.9% and is now trading at $33.00. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. by Alex Murray | Nets Correspondent | Fri, Nov 9th 1:25pm EST Kyrie Irving (personal) will not be with the team on Friday for their matchup with the Jazz. (MassLive.com) Fantasy Impact: Irving will miss Gordon Hayward's return to Utah and instead will be attending his grandfather's memorial on Friday night. Irving has been playing great lately and will most likely be back for Boston's game on Sunday. Terry Rozier will slide into the starting role and be a very popular play in DFS tonight. A lambing initiative which provides help for sheep farmers during their busiest time of year is now open. The 'Lambing List' connects sheep farming members of the organisation who need assistance at lambing time, with agricultural and veterinary students looking for a work experience placement as part of their studies. The National Sheep Association (NSA) is behind the List, which opens for the forthcoming lambing season. Katie James, NSA Communications Officer said: Recent years have seen the numbers of both farmers and students using it increase substantially meaning it is now considered the go to place for those requiring extra help or seeking vital work experience. Its a very simple but effective process we collate a list of NSA members looking for help at lambing time and produce an advert so students can approach them directly to ask for a placement, she said. Farmers, who must be NSA members, wanting to advertise on the list must complete a short application form providing brief details of their lambing system and the experience and position they can offer, including provision of accommodation, meals and other details. Adverts are listed in the order they are submitted, so farmers are encouraged to get adverts in as early as possible. They are also split into regions to highlight positions available in different areas of the UK and overseas. Ms James added: This service is just one of the many membership benefits NSA offers as well as supporting agricultures next generation and the allied veterinary industry. Young people accessing the NSA Lambing List on the NSA Next Generation website will also find a host of online resources, packed with useful information on NSAs work to support young people. A Northumbria farmer has been praised and awarded by the police for catching a paedophile committing a crime near his land. Farmer George Common, from Northumbria, has been praised by a Chief Constable after he was recognised for acts of bravery at a national awards ceremony. On the afternoon of Saturday, October 7, 2017, Mr Common was checking his land and livestock when he noticed a car parked in a remote lay-by. The 60-year-old approached the car, and he saw a man in the company of a young naked school boy. He confronted the man and tried to pull the young boy from the car. However, Mr Common was nearly knocked to the ground when the man attempted to drive off, ramming into the farmer's Landrover three times before speeding off from the scene. He was able to take down the cars registration number and give officers descriptions of the man that proved critical to police identifying the suspect. Louis Murray, 22, was later arrested and jailed for 11 years after admitting a string of child sex offences. Mr Common said: When I saw the car parked up, I was conscious that something wasnt right. Hearing all of the stories in the room last night some of them sad and upsetting made me feel privileged to have been invited. It was out of this world and Ill never forget it. It was great to hear all about members of the community working with the police to be their eyes and ears, he said. British agri-machinery company JCB has paid its final tribute to the World War I generation by presenting a cheque for more than 30,000 to The Royal British Legions Poppy Appeal. The company, which hosted Staffordshires Poppy Appeal launch at JCB's HQ in Rocester, donated a unique poppy-liveried mini excavator which was then auctioned to kickstart the Centenary appeal. The winning 25,500 bid was made by JCB customer Arnold Plant Hire Limited. In addition, JCB commissioned Stoke-on-Trent ceramics company Valentine Clays to craft 255 bone china poppies one for each soldier in Uttoxeter, and the surrounding villages who lost their life in The Great War. The limited edition poppies sold out within days and raised a further 6,375 for the Royal British Legions appeal which provides lifelong support for the Armed Forces community - serving men and women, veterans, and their families. JCB Director George Bamford presented the 31,875 total to Royal British Legion's Simon OLeary, and also handed over the keys for the unique mini-excavator to Arnold Plant Hire Managing Director, Philip Oldham. Mr Bamford said: The British Legions theme for the Centenary is Thank You and there is no better way of saying our own thank you than helping to raise funds for such a worthwhile cause. Arnold Plant Hire has given very generously and we are sure the unique poppy liveried 16C-1 mini-excavator will be a stunning addition to their JCB fleet. Mr O'Leary added: "The Royal British Legion would like to thank JCB and all its employees for the wonderful support in this Centenary Year of the Armistice which is marking the sacrifice and contribution of the World War One generation." The NFU has called for a "less bureaucratic and more dynamic" AHDB following a Defra consultation on the levy board's future. The farming industry have been asked for their views on the role of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB). The AHDB is a UK statutory levy board, funded by farmers and others in the supply chain. The review looks at the AHDBs purpose and priorities, its strengths and where improvements need to be made. It is a joint 10-week exercise covering England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The request for views will close on Friday 9 November. Following the launch of Defra's consultation, the NFU has held discussions with its members and boards to formulate a response. The NFU said it wishes to see the core functions of AHDB continue. However, the union believes that the time is right to move to an AHDB model that is "less bureaucratic and more dynamic". The union said the levy-board must be "responsive and determined to understand and work in partnership" with its levy players so that they are prepared for a post-Brexit world. The NFU wish to see a new approach from AHDB, where they provide the "catalyst" for the industry, "injecting vigour" to producers position in the market, and one which provides profitability and sustainability for farming businesses. The response comes as the Tenant Farmers Association (TFA) urges AHDB to improve accountability by holding more open meetings and act more transparent on its board appointments. The AHDB collects around 60 million a year in statutory levy from farmers and growers and currently uses that money for a range of purposes to support these sectors. The NFU is calling on Police and Crime Commissioners to make tackling rural crime a strategic objective all year round, following a national day of police focus on combatting crime in the countryside. The National Police Chiefs Council on Thursday (November 8) held a national day of action on the issue, encouraging all police forces to carry out activity to combat rural crime, including issuing warrants and making arrests. NFU Deputy President Guy Smith said that while this focus is welcome news for rural communities, tackling rural crime needs to be a strategic focus of police all year round. He said: The issue of rural crime is something that is bought up to me by our members at almost every meeting I attend. We have seen statistics showing that crime in the countryside is increasing and it is leaving farmers, growers and rural communities increasingly fearful. Not only do businesses see their machinery stolen or large-scale waste dumped on their land but they are frequently intimidated and threatened by the perpetrators. All of this can amount to serious disruption in the farm business but it also takes its toll on the farmer and their family," he said. Mr Smith called for a year round focus on fighting rural crime, starting at the top with Police and Crime Commissioners. In fear of crime, being let down and feeling ignored the 2018 National Rural Crime Survey reveals rural Britain is living on the edge. Three years on from the first survey, the 2018 results from over 20,000 people show that the perception of policing in rural communities is poor. New research has identified areas of prime land in UK which could rival the Champagne region of France. Climate and viticulture experts have identified nearly 35,000 hectares of prime viticultural land for new and expanding vineyards - much of it in Kent, Sussex and East Anglia. English and Welsh vineyards are currently booming, and their wine is increasingly winning international acclaim. And this summers heatwave has led to a record grape harvest and a vintage year for English and Welsh wine, prompting great interest in investment and land opportunities. Prof Steve Dorling, from University of East Anglia's School of Environmental Sciences, said: But despite a trend of warming grape-growing seasons, this season has been quite unusual in terms of weather. English and Welsh grape yields are generally quite low and variable by international standards, so we wanted to identify the best places to plant vineyards and improve the sectors resilience to the UKs often fickle weather. The research team, with help from wine producers, used new geographical analysis techniques to assess and grade every 50 x 50 m plot of land in England and Wales for suitability. Lead author Dr Alistair Nesbitt said: Interestingly, some of the best areas that we found are where relatively few vineyards currently exist such as in Essex and Suffolk - parts of the country that are drier, warmer and more stable year-to-year than some more established vineyard locations. The techniques we used enabled us to identify areas ripe for future vineyard investments, but they also showed that many existing vineyards are not that well located, so there is definitely room for improvement and we hope our model can help boost future productivity. Entering into viticulture and wine production in England and Wales isnt for the faint hearted - the investment required is high and risks are significant. As climate change drives warmer growing season temperatures in England and Wales, the new viticulture suitability model allows, for the first time, an objective and informed rapid assessment of land at local, regional and national scales. The research was funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). A Suitability model for viticulture in England and Wales: Opportunities for investment, sector growth and increased climate resilience is published in the Journal of Land Use Science on Friday, November 9, 2018. Pork processors and exporters from the UK have arrived in Taiwan this week as part of a three-day mission to explore this new market. Eight delegates from the UK will spend the week visiting local retailers and meeting with leading importers and supply chain distributors to gain insight into future opportunities for pig meat. Organised by the AHDB, the visit to Taipei follows an announcement in September that Taiwan had granted access to UK pork imports for the first time. It followed a detailed process of inspections and negotiations led by Defra, the UK Export Certification Partnership (UKECP) and others. With a population of more than 23 million people and some of the highest rates of meat consumption per capita in Asia, Taiwan offers a number of opportunities for the UK pork industry. AHDB Head of Asia Pacific, Jonathan Eckley said it is an "incredibly important" mission for some of the UKs leading processors and exporters of pork. "We aim to help them gain first-hand insight into this exciting new market, exploring everything from the local market scene through to high-end retailers and the all-important food service sector," Mr Eckley said. A key part of this trip will be the business-to-business meeting sessions which connects our exporters with key stakeholders in the supply chain in Taiwan. We understand that relationships are key to the international meat business, which is particularly the case in Asian markets. The Fauquier Times is honored to serve as your community companion. To say thank you, we are excited to offer 4 weeks FREE Digital & Print access to all subscribers new and returning alike. We are dedicated to continuing providing reliable, high quality journalism. This is possible with the trust and support of our subscribers in the community we are proud to serve. 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. We understand the importance of working to keep our community strong and connected. As we move forward together into 2021, it will take commitment, communication, creativity, and a strong connection with those who are most affected by the stories we cover. We are dedicated to providing the reliable, local journalism you have come to expect. We are committed to serving you with renewed energy and growing resources. Let the Fauquier Times be your community companion throughout 2021, and for many years to come. Category Select Category Apparel/Garments Textiles Fashion Technical Textiles Information Technology E-commerce Retail Corporate Association Press Release SubCategory Select Sub-Category DeepVeers Last Picture In India Before Their Wedding DeepVeer spotted at the Mumbai airport and paparazzi go crazy. The duo was all smiles, while posing for the media and also thanked the media for their best wishes. Wedding Details Reportedly, it will be four-day affair. It will start with a sangeet ceremony on November 13, followed by a South Indian style wedding on November 14. And on November 15, they will have a Sindhi wedding followed by an intimate party. Invitations Have Been Sent Out! A day before yesterday, Deepika & Ranveer were seen handing over invitation cards to Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Farah Khan at their residences. So we can expect the duo to be present at their wedding in Italy Grand Reception In Mumbai After their wedding, DeepVeer will be hosting two receptions, one in Bangalore and one in Mumbai. Their Mumbai reception date is out and it's on December 1, 2018. Wedding To Happen First In India Reports state that Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas' wedding would be held in India as per the Hindu traditions in Rajasthan's Mehrangarh Fort in December 2018. The whole Jonas family will attend the wedding as well. It is also reported that the couple will bring the wedding licence to India to make it official that she's marrying an American. Wedding In The USA As soon as their big fat Indian wedding is over, Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas will head to the USA and marry as per the Christian traditions. The whole of Chopra family will head to the USA as well. Priyanka Chopra & Nick Jonas Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas are the talk of the town lately and people are eagerly waiting for the couple to announce their wedding date soon. We hope to hear from the couple and make their wedding date public soon. Where Would Their Honeymoon Be? Wedding dates apart, the million dollar question now is, where would Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas go on a honeymoon? We guess, we'll know about it only when the time comes, folks! One of the most anticipated celluloid painting of not just the Sandalwood industry, but of the south cinema, KGF, is all set to storm the theatres in the month of December after a long delayed release. In what can be categorized as a breather and a dose of anticipatory pill to Rocking Star Yash fans and the common audiences, the theatrical trailer of the movie in Kannada, Telugu and Malayalam have been released today 2:30PM. The teaser of the movie had already created ripples few months ago and the background score along with Yashs makeover won immense accolades. A grand trailer launch was arranged with a bike rally and dignitaries bracing the event. Rebel Star Ambarish was the chief guest of the trailer launch while Sandalwood King Shivarajkumar sent his video bite as wishes to the entire team. The 2 Minute 44 Seconds trailer cut showcases technical performance, strong storyline, terrific performances and some impeccable writing. The movie appears to be set in the backdrop of 1978 while the initial proceeding of the birth of the protagonist happening in 1951. Yash elopes to the erstwhile Bombay in 1951 and would form to be a tough young man in 1978. The plot of the movie might focus on slavery and domination of certain cadre of people against the poor and downtrodden. The protagonist will ascertain the scene, understand the proceedings and then would stand against the evil to protect the good. Though the storyline seems very much evident by the look of the trailer, the technical part of the movie is sure to steal the show once KGF releases and would be the talk of the town. Be it the cinematography or the editing, both stand out in the theatrical trailer while Prashant Neels style of dialogues or execution leaves a great mark. Yash, be it his fierce look, body language or the makeover, is already a winner by all yardstick. KGF has bright chances to end up as the first ever 100-Cr grosser of Kannada Film Industry and could also assist in the market expansion of the industry. Trailer Statistics For now, Kannada and Malayalam trailers were unveiled in the social media where Malayalam trailer had garnered over 10K Likes and Kannada trailer scoring over 41K Likes in a span of 31 Minutes. It is quite a huge record for any Kannada trailer. The view count of both language trailers were stuck at 23K views due to huge rush of internet traffic. After the super impressive trailer cut, all eyes will be fixed on December 21st for the movie release. Awareness program to expand distribution of Company's updates to retail and institutional investors Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 8, 2018) -CardioComm Solutions, Inc. (TSXV: EKG) ("CardioComm" or the "Company"), a global medical provider of consumer heart monitoring and medical electrocardiogram ("ECG") software solutions, is pleased to announce that it is implementing an online marketing and awareness program through AGORA Internet Relations Corp. ("AGORACOM"). AGORACOM's program will provide the Company a significant level of exposure through millions of content brand insertions on the AGORACOM network and extensive search engine marketing over the next 12 months. In addition, exclusive sponsorships through digital properties such as AGORACOM TV, web site and social media channels will be used to significantly raise the brand awareness of the Company among small cap investors. AGORACOM's CEO, George Tsiolis, confirms, "We have been tracking CardioComm for the past six years and are very impressed with both the Company's product releases and changes to fiscal performance. As an FDA cleared, ISO certified and Health Canada/CE approved company, their advances in ECG monitoring and reporting between patients, doctors and hospitals are incredible. This is a story that small cap investors need to know and AGORACOM is excited about the opportunity to tell it for the purposes of expanding CardioComm's investor awareness far beyond where it is today. We expect to launch the program around November 15th and invite current shareholders to re-engage with the Company on its fully moderated discussion forum at that time." Under the agreement, which is subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval, the Company will issue common shares shares of the Company ("Shares") for services to AGORACOM in exchange for online advertising, marketing and branding services ("Advertising Services"). Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, the Company will be issuing an aggregate of $50,000 worth of Shares, plus HST, for Advertising Services, in $10,000 allotments as follows: Following approval of the agreement by the TSX Venture Exchange, for initial set up, marketing materials and search engine programs; At the completion of each three month period ending February 7, 2019; May 7, 2019; August 7, 2019; and, November 7, 2019. The number of Shares to be issued at the end of each period will be determined by using the closing price of the Shares on the TSX Venture Exchange on the first trading day following each period for which the Advertising Services were provided by AGORACOM. The term of the agreement is for 12 months effective immediately. The Company also announced that it issued 187,500 stock options to Etienne Grima, the Company's CEO, in accordance with his employment agreement. The options are exercisable at $0.05 per share for five years from the date of grant and vest immediately. The grants are subject to the provisions of the Company's Stock Option Plan, the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange and applicable securities laws. To learn more about CardioComm's products and for further updates regarding HeartCheck ECG device integrations please visit the Company's websites at www.cardiocommsolutions.com and www.theheartcheck.com. About AGORACOM AGORACOM is the pioneer of online investor relations, online conferences and online marketing / branding services to North American small and mid-cap public companies, with more than 250 companies served. More than just lip service, AGORACOM is the home of more than 808K investors that visited 5.6 million times and read 52.4 million pages of information every year (Average 2008 - 2015). AGORACOM traffic ranks within the top 0.5% of all websites around the world. These traffic results are independently tracked and verified by Google analytics. AGORACOM traffic can be attributed to its strategy of maintaining the cleanest, moderated small-cap discussion as a result of implementing the first ever Investor Controlled Stock Discussion Forums. AGORACOM Founder, George Tsiolis, publishes the leading blog on small & mid cap investor relations. His 50 Small-Cap CEO Lessons are a must read for CEO's looking to increase their education and knowledge about online investor relations. About CardioComm Solutions CardioComm Solutions' patented and proprietary technology is used in products for recording, viewing, analyzing and storing electrocardiograms for diagnosis and management of cardiac patients. Products are sold worldwide through a combination of an external distribution network and a North American-based sales team. CardioComm Solutions has earned the ISO 13485 certification, is HIPAA compliant and holds clearances from the European Union (CE Mark), the USA (FDA) and Canada (Health Canada). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Etienne Grima, Chief Executive Officer 1-877-977-9425 x227 egrima@cardiocommsolutions.com investor.relations@cardiocommsolutions.com Forward-looking statements This release may contain certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of CardioComm Solutions and certain of the plans and objectives of CardioComm Solutions with respect to these items. Such statements and information reflect management's current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management. By their nature, forward-looking statements and forward-looking information involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future and there are many factors that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. In evaluating these statements, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The Company does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements and forward-looking information contained in this release other than as required by applicable laws, including without limitation, Section 5.8(2) of National Instrument 51-102 (Continuous Disclosure Obligations). Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, November 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- To operate 38 new Visa Application Centres in 10 countries, by December 2018 On 5thNovember 2018, VF Worldwide Holdings Ltd., operating as VFS Global, signed a contract with the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic for providing visa services in 10 countries worldwide. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/624234/VFS_Global_Logo.jpg ) As per this new contract, VFS Global will now provide visa services for Slovakia in China, India, Kazakhstan, Palestine, Belarus, Russia, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Turkey and Egypt, through 38 Visa Application Centres. The rollout of all these new operations is expected to be completed by December 2018. Under the new contract, VFS Global will accept both short and long-term visa applications on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic. Chris Dix, Head - Business Development, VFS Global, remarked, "We are excited about our new partnership with the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic. The countries where we will be operating are markets where VFS Global has worked for several years, and whose travellers are familiar with our services and expertise. We are also pleased to have the opportunity to serve our new clients in new locations, and bring applicants in these locations the same benefits and high quality service that we have been offering our customers worldwide for the last 17 years." Over the last three months, VFS Global also signed eight new contracts with other European governments, reaffiriming its position as a market leader in the visa facilitation space. In total, VFS Global is the trusted outsourcing services provider of 30 European governments out of 62 client governments served worldwide. About VFS Global VFS Global is the world's largest outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions worldwide. VFS Global, headquartered in Dubai, UAE, has Swiss parentage and is a portfolio company of EQT, a leading global private equity firm headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. With 2763 Application Centres, operations in 141 countries across five continents and over 182 million applications processed as on 30 September 2018, VFS Global is the trusted partner of 62 client governments. Media Contact: Sukanya Chakraborty sukanyac@vfsglobal.com communications@vfsglobal.com COMPANY ANNOUNCEMENT 9 NOVEMBER 2018 RICHEMONT, THE SWISS LUXURY GOODS GROUP, ANNOUNCES ITS UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED RESULTS FOR THE SIX MONTH PERIOD ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2018 Financial highlights YOOX NET-A-PORTER GROUP (YNAP) and Watchfinder.co.uk (Watchfinder) consolidated in the Group's accounts since 1 May and 1 June 2018, respectively Group sales increased by 21% at actual exchange rates to 6 808 million and by 24% at constant exchange rates Online retail* sales, now reported separately, amounted to 14% of Group sales Excluding YNAP and Watchfinder, sales rose by 6% at actual exchange rates and by 8% at constant exchange rates - Growth in most regions and all business areas - Double digit growth in the Group's directly operated boutiques, led by watches and jewellery Operating profit of 1 130 million, down 36 million following acquisition and disposal-related charges of 159 million. Excluding impact of first-time consolidation of YNAP and Watchfinder, operating margin improved to 21.1% Profit for the period rose to 2 253 million primarily due to a post-tax non-cash gain of 1 378 million on the revaluation of YNAP shares held prior to buy-out Net cash position of 1 584 million following acquisitions of YNAP and Watchfinder Key financial data (unaudited) Six months ended 30 September 2018 Six months ended 30 September 2017 **re-presented Change Sales 6 808 m 5 620 m +21% Gross profit 4 256 m 3 680 m +16% Gross margin 62.5% 65.5% -300 bps Operating profit 1 130 m 1 166 m -3% Operating margin 16.6% 20.7% -410 bps Profit for the period 2 253 m 974 m +131% Earnings per A share/10 B shares, diluted basis 3.987 1.721 +132% Cash flow generated from operations 733 m 1 108 m -34% Net cash position 1 584 m 4 610 m -3 026 m * Online retail regroups the sales of YNAP as well as the online sales portion of both Watchfinder and the Group's Maisons. ** Prior period comparatives have been re-presented to include royalty income received within total sales. Chairman's commentary During the past six months, Richemont strengthened its portfolio with two strategic investments aimed at offering our discerning and globally dispersed clientele more options in how, when and where they engage with and purchase from our Maisons. We now fully own YOOX NET-A-PORTER, the leading online luxury retailer, and Watchfinder, a leading omni-channel platform for premium pre-owned timepieces. As part of the continual assessment of our portfolio, we divested Lancel. These strategic changes have had a material impact on our operating profit and net cash position in the period under review. Serving our customers is our priority. At the same time, Richemont will ensure that YNAP remains committed to offering brand partners and their clients the best service and we are determined that YNAP remains the neutral, open and compelling go-to destination for online luxury. More recently, on 26 October 2018, we announced a strategic partnership with Alibaba Group, the preferred online marketplace for Chinese consumers, aiming at becoming a significant and sustainable online destination in luxury shopping for the important Chinese clientele. YNAP and Alibaba will establish a joint venture to bring the in-season offerings of YNAP to Chinese consumers, be it in China or whilst travelling abroad. This new chapter in the history of Richemont reflects the potential we see in China and the confidence we have in Alibaba with whom we share an ambition to set new standards for the future of luxury online, for the benefit of YNAP's brand partners and customers as well as our Maisons and their clients. Over the six month period ended 30 September 2018, sales increased by 21% at actual rates to 6.81 billion. Excluding YNAP and Watchfinder, collectively the Online Distributors, sales for the period grew by 6% at actual exchange rates and by 8% at constant exchange rates. Excluding Online Distributors, sales growth was primarily driven by strong performance of the Jewellery Maisons and double digit increases in the Maisons' directly operated boutiques and online stores. Robust retail sales in jewellery and watches more than offset a 2% decline in wholesale sales, which was mainly due to the Specialist Watchmakers' ongoing prudent inventory management and upgrade of the wholesale distribution network. Excluding Online Distributors, all regions with the exception of Middle East and Africa enjoyed higher sales, with notable double digit increases in Hong Kong, Korea and the USA. In our Jewellery Maisons, watch sales grew strongly in Cartier's stores, benefiting from the successful Panthere and relaunched Santos collections. Jewellery pieces continued to outperform, notably with the iconic Cartier Love and Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra collections. The muted sales growth of the Specialist Watchmakers reflected the previously mentioned initiatives. Here, retail was strong and overall there was good momentum at Vacheron Constantin, Roger Dubuis and Jaeger-LeCoultre. Most of our Maisons grouped under 'Other' saw higher sales, led primarily by Montblanc and Peter Millar. The 3% reduction in operating profit to 1.13 billion reflected an increase in costs which more than offset the improvement in gross profit. These higher costs were primarily attributable to the first-time consolidation of Online Distributors and their related acquisition charges as well as disposal-related charges. The operating margin decreased to 16.6%, but improved to 21.1% excluding Online Distributors. Profit for the period rose to 2.25 billion, primarily due to a post-tax non-cash gain of 1.38 billion on the revaluation of existing YNAP shares. Net cash amounted to 1.58 billion at 30 September 2018 after a 3.75 billion cash outflow related to the YNAP and Watchfinder acquisitions and dividend payment. Richemont's governance structure continued to evolve with the appointments of Mr Jerome Lambert to the role of Group Chief Executive Officer and Mr Eric Vallat to the newly created role of Head of Fashion & Accessories Maisons. Amidst growing volatility in consumer demand, partly attributable to an uncertain economic and geopolitical environment, we maintain confidence in our ability to realise our long term ambitions, supported by the strength of our balance sheet. Our ambition remains to ensure that we continue to create, manufacture and sell exquisite products with a high level of beauty, craftsmanship, patrimony and passion while maintaining continued engagement, relevance and appeal for our clients. Johann Rupert Chairman Compagnie Financiere Richemont SA Geneva, 9 November 2018 Financial review The results of newly acquired YNAP and Watchfinder have been included in the Group's financial statements with effect from 1 May and 1 June 2018, respectively. They are grouped under Online Distributors, a newly formed business area. The acquisition and first-time consolidation of Online Distributors has had a material impact on sales, operating profit, cash flow and net cash. Online retail, the newly reported distribution channel, regroups the sales of YNAP as well as the online sales portion of both Watchfinder and the Group's Maisons. Retail now incorporates only sales from the Group's directly operated boutiques. Sales In the six month period, sales increased by 21% at actual exchange rates and by 24% at constant exchange rates. Excluding YNAP and Watchfinder, sales for the period increased by 8% at constant exchange rates, with most regions posting higher sales. This was led by double digit progression in the Americas and in Asia Pacific, the latter benefiting from strong performances in Hong Kong, Korea and Macau. The Group's directly operated boutiques saw double digit growth, both in jewellery and watches. Wholesale sales were 1% higher compared with the prior year period. The wholesale performance reflected the optimisation of external points of sales and the Group's ongoing focus on aligning inventories with end-client demand. Further details on sales by region, distribution channel and business area are given in the Review of Operations. Gross profit Gross profit increased by 16% to 4 256 million. The consolidation of YNAP and Watchfinder has diluted the Group's gross margin to 62.5% versus 65.5% in the prior year period. Excluding Online Distributors, gross margin progressed to 66.6%. The 110 basis point improvement related in part to manufacturing efficiency gains, a larger share of online and offline retail and, overall, supportive currencies. Operating profit The 36 million reduction in operating profit to 1 130 million reflected higher sales and gross profit, but also higher costs, as detailed below. Operating margin was 16.6% compared to 20.7% a year ago. Excluding the consolidation of YNAP and Watchfinder, operating margin for the period improved to 21.1%. The 24% increase in total operating expenses included 159 million of acquisition and disposal-related charges. These charges can be broken down into 77 million one-time charges, primarily attributable to the disposal of Lancel, and 82 million charges principally related to the amortisation of YNAP and Watchfinder's intangible assets identified on acquisition. Excluding Online Distributors, total operating expenses grew by 8% and, when excluding the above one-time charges, operating expense growth was limited to 4%. The 10% increase in selling and distribution expenses resulted mainly from the consolidation of Online Distributors. Excluding those businesses, the increase in selling and distribution expenses was limited to 4% compared to the prior year period. Communication expenses rose by 17%, largely explained by the integration of Online Distributors and, to a lesser extent, by communication initiatives by the Jewellery Maisons. Fulfilment expenses of 91 million at the Online Distributors were recorded in the period. Administration costs grew by 34%, again mainly driven by the first-time consolidation of the Online Distributors and, at the Group's Maisons, by expenditure in IT and digital initiatives. Other operating expenses include the previously mentioned acquisitions and disposal-related charges. Profit for the period Profit for the period rose by 131% to 2 253 million. The increase reflected the 1 378 million post-tax non-cash accounting gain on the revaluation of existing YNAP shares. Excluding this amount, profit for the period was 875 million, a 10% decline following the previously mentioned acquisition and disposal-related charges. Net finance costs for the period amounted to 47 million, compared to a 72 million net income in the prior year period. Unfavourable foreign exchange movements on monetary items led to a net loss of 38 million, compared to an 84 million net gain in the prior year period. In addition, finance costs in the period included 35 million of interest expense relating to the corporate bond issued in March 2018. Earnings per share (1 A share/10 B shares) increased by 132% to 3.987 on a diluted basis. To comply with the South African practice of providing headline earnings per share ('HEPS') data, the relevant figure for headline earnings for the period ended 30 September 2018 would be 932 million (2017: 1 000 million). Basic HEPS for the period was 1.653 (2017: 1.773). Diluted HEPS for the period was 1.649 (2017: 1.767). Further details regarding earnings per share and HEPS, including an itemised reconciliation, may be found in note 11.3 of the Group's condensed consolidated interim financial statements. Cash flow Cash flow generated from operating activities amounted to 733 million, a reduction of 375 million compared to the prior year period. This year-on-year decrease reflected a higher absorption of cash for working capital needs, primarily related to higher inventories both at our Maisons and newly acquired businesses. Net investment in tangible fixed assets during the period amounted to 201 million, predominantly relating to the renovation and relocation of existing boutiques in the Maisons' store network, upgrades of external points of sale with our multi-brand retail partners and the further investment into the Group's central logistics centre in Switzerland. The Group also continued to invest in IT infrastructure, including in YNAP's enterprise platform. The 2018 dividend of 1.90 per share (1 A share/10 B shares) was paid to shareholders and to South African Depository Receipt holders, net of withholding tax, in September. The 35% withholding tax on all dividends was remitted to the Swiss tax authorities in September. The overall dividend cash outflow in the period amounted to 926 million. The Group acquired 2.3 million 'A' shares during the six month period to hedge executive stock options. The cost of these purchases was partly offset by proceeds from the exercise of stock options by executives and other activities related to the hedging programme, leading to a net outflow of 74 million. Balance sheet At 30 September 2018, and after the inclusion of Online Distributors, inventories of 6 014 million were 1 071 million higher than at 31 March 2018. Excluding Online Distributors, inventories represented 22 months of cost of sales. At 30 September 2018, the Group's net cash position amounted to 1 584 million. This position was 3 685 million lower than at 31 March 2018, primarily due to the completion of the YNAP and Watchfinder acquisitions and the annual dividend payment, which altogether resulted in a total cash outflow of 3 751 million. The Group's net cash position includes highly liquid, highly rated money market funds, short-term bank deposits and short-duration bond funds, primarily denominated in Swiss francs, euros and US dollars. Acquisition of the YOOX NET-A-PORTER GROUP In March 2018, Richemont launched a voluntary tender offer for all issued and to be issued ordinary shares of YNAP that the Group or its affiliates did not already own. On 10 May 2018, Richemont announced that the offer had become unconditional. During May and June, control of all of the remaining shares was obtained through sell-out and squeeze-out procedures. On 20 June 2018, delisting of YNAP from the Milan Stock Exchange became effective. As announced on 18 May 2018, Richemont has booked a post-tax non-cash accounting gain of approximately 1.4 billion on its 49% equity-accounted interest in YNAP within 'Share of post-tax results of equity-accounted investments' in its financial statements for the half year ended 30 September 2018. The gain was generated by the differential between the fair value of Richemont's stake immediately before acquisition and the 1.1 billion carrying value at the same date. The completion of the YNAP acquisition has resulted in recognition of goodwill of 2.9 billion. In addition, intangible assets amounting to 2.4 billion were recognised following provisional completion of the acquisition accounting. The goodwill balance will be subject to annual impairment testing. The intangible assets will be amortised on a straight line basis with useful life from 3 to 20 years, resulting in an annual amortisation charge currently estimated at 180 million. Review of operations Sales by region Change at in million Six months to 30 September 2018 Six months to 30 September 2017 **re-presented Constant exchange rates* Actual exchange rates Europe 2 071 1 637 +28% +27% Asia Pacific 2 548 2 175 +20% +17% Americas 1 213 891 +42% +36% Japan 534 479 +14% +11% Middle East and Africa 442 438 +4% +1% 6 808 5 620 +24% +21% * Movements at constant exchange rates are calculated by translating underlying sales in local currencies into euros in both the current period and the comparative period at the average exchange rates applicable for the financial year ended 31 March 2018. ** Prior period comparatives have been re-presented to include royalty income received within total sales. The following comments on Group sales refer to year-on-year movements at constant exchange rates. Europe With the first-time consolidation of YNAP and Watchfinder, both having a strong presence in Europe, sales in the region grew by 28%. Europe accounted for 30% of Group sales, compared to 29% a year ago. Excluding Online Distributors, sales in the region increased by 1% over the prior year period, reflecting mixed performances in terms of markets, product lines and channels as well as the disposal of Lancel. Increasing retail sales more than offset declining wholesale sales, which were impacted by tight management of inventory at the external points of sale of the Group's multi-brand retail partners and optimisation of the wholesale distribution network. Sales in the United Kingdom contracted following a double digit increase in the prior year period while sales in France and Switzerland increased. Whereas watch sales were broadly in line with the prior year period, jewellery sales enjoyed a double digit increase. Sales development of the other product lines was varied. Asia Pacific Sales in Asia Pacific increased by 20% over the period, with the region accounting for the Group's largest sales share at 37% of Group sales. Excluding YNAP and Watchfinder, the 14% increase in sales was driven by twenty net new store openings, high single digit growth in mainland China and double digit increases in other main markets, notably Hong Kong, Macau and Korea. Both the retail and wholesale channels saw double digit growth, with strong performances in jewellery and watch sales. Americas The Americas posted a 42% increase in sales, benefiting from the inclusion of YNAP which has a strong customer base in the region. Excluding Online Distributors, sales grew by 13%, driven by higher sales in all product categories and distribution channels. The growth was led by jewellery, clothing and the retail channel. The region's contribution to Group sales amounted to 18%, compared to 16% in the prior year period. Japan The 14% growth in sales was driven by higher domestic and tourist spending, which benefited from a comparatively weaker yen. Excluding Online Distributors, sales in the region increased by 8%, led by a double digit growth in watch sales and the net opening of five directly operated boutiques. The country represented 8% of overall sales, in line with prior years. Middle East and Africa Middle East and Africa accounted for 7% of Group sales. The inclusion of Online Distributors led to a 4% increase in sales, with strong growth in writing instruments and clothing. Excluding YNAP and Watchfinder, sales in the region declined by 4%, adversely impacted by lower tourist spending, given unfavourable local currencies and geopolitical uncertainties. Sales by distribution channel Change at in million Six months to 30 September 2018 Six months to 30 September 2017 **re-presented Constant exchange rates* Actual exchange rates Retail 3 557 3 229 +13% +10% Online retail 959 64 - - Wholesale 2 292 2 327 +1% -2% 6 808 5 620 +24% +21% * Movements at constant exchange rates are calculated by translating underlying sales in local currencies into euros in both the current period and the comparative period at the average exchange rates applicable for the financial year ended 31 March 2018. ** Prior period comparatives have been re-presented to include royalty income received within total sales and to consistently show online retail. The following comments on Group sales refer to year-on-year movements at constant exchange rates unless otherwise stated. Retail Retail sales increased by 13%, with growth in all regions, and double digit increases in Asia Pacific, the Americas and Middle East and Africa. Growth was particularly strong at the Jewellery Maisons and the Specialist Watchmakers. Retail sales benefited from the internalisation of external points of sales in the Middle East in late calendar year 2017. The number of Maisons' directly operated boutiques was reduced by 33 to 1 090, mostly in relation to the disposal of Lancel. The Maisons' directly operated boutiques contributed 52% of Group sales, compared to 57% in the prior year period. The reduced contribution reflected the presentation of a new distribution channel, online retail, as detailed below. Online retail This newly reported distribution channel regroups the sales of YNAP (from May 2018 onwards) as well as the online sales portion of both Watchfinder (from June 2018 onwards) and the Group's Maisons. Online retail accounted for 14% of Group sales. Wholesale With the first-time consolidation of the newly acquired businesses, the contribution of the Group's wholesale business, which includes sales to franchise partners and multi-brand retail partners, stood at a third of Group sales, compared to 41% a year ago. Overall, wholesale sales were 1% above the prior year period, as growth in Asia Pacific, Japan and the Americas offset declines in other regions. An ongoing focus on aligning sell-in with sell-out and continued qualitative improvements in the watch wholesale network weighed on the Group's wholesale business. The Jewellery Maisons, Montblanc and the Fashion & Accessories Maisons saw higher wholesale sales in contrast to the Specialist Watchmakers. Sales and operating results by business area Jewellery Maisons in million Six months to 30 September 2018 Six months to 30 September 2017 **re-presented Change Sales 3 454 3 164 +9% Operating results 1 167 981 +19% Operating margin 33.8% 31.0% +280 bps At actual exchange rates, the 9% sales increase at Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels was driven by double digit growth in jewellery and high single digit growth in watches. Momentum at Cartier was sustained by jewellery and the Panthere and relaunched Santos watch collections and, at Van Cleef & Arpels, by the Alhambra collection's 50th anniversary launches. Performances in Asia Pacific, the Americas and at the Jewellery Maisons' directly operated boutiques were particularly strong. Operating results improved by 19% compared to the prior year period, primarily as a result of higher sales and manufacturing efficiency gains. Investments into Jewellery Maisons continued, notably in communication at Cartier for the relaunch of the Santos watch collection and at Van Cleef & Arpels to celebrate Alhambra's anniversary. Operating margin gained 280 basis points to 33.8%. Specialist Watchmakers in million Six months to 30 September 2018 Six months to 30 September 2017 **re-presented Change Sales 1 550 1 527 +2% Operating results 286 294 -3% Operating margin 18.5% 19.3% -80 bps The Specialist Watchmakers' sales were 2% higher than in the prior year period. Double digit growth in directly operated boutiques more than offset lower wholesale sales, which were impacted by ongoing control of sell-in and distribution optimisation initiatives. Performance was varied across Maisons and regions, with good momentum at Vacheron Constantin, Roger Dubuis and Jaeger-LeCoultre and, regionally, in Asia Pacific. Stock provisions, linked to the physical returns of inventory buy-backs, led to a 3% reduction in the operating result to 286 million, notwithstanding a larger share of retail and tight cost control. Consequently, the operating margin for the period was down 80 basis points to 18.5%. Online Distributors in million Six months to 30 September 2018 Six months to 30 September 2017 Change Sales 893 - n/a Operating results (115) - n/a Operating margin (12.9)% - n/a Sales of Richemont Maisons' own products made by YNAP are reported under both the Maisons and YNAP for business area reporting. In Group sales, these are eliminated as Intersegment sales. Sales for YNAP and for Watchfinder related to the period from 1 May and 1 June 2018, respectively. Online Distributors recorded a 115 million loss, mostly related to the amortisation of intangible assets recognised on acquisitions. Other in million Six months to 30 September 2018 Six months to 30 September 2017 **re-presented Change Sales 935 929 +1% Operating results (46) 6 n/a Operating margin (4.9)% 0.6% -550 bps 'Other' includes Montblanc, the Group's Fashion & Accessories businesses, its watch component manufacturing and real estate activities. Richemont's other businesses reported a 1% sales growth, partly impacted by the disposals of Lancel (June 2018) and Shanghai Tang (July 2017). Excluding the impact of such disposals, sales increased by a mid-single digit rate. Almost all Maisons enjoyed growth, regionally driven by Europe and the Americas. The 46 million operating losses included the above mentioned one-time charges related to the disposal of Lancel. Corporate costs in million Six months to 30 September 2018 Six months to 30 September 2017 Change Corporate costs (156) (115) +36% Central support services (113) (102) +11% Other operating income/(expense), net (43) (13) Corporate costs represent the costs of central management, marketing support and other central functions (collectively central support services), as well as other expenses and income that are not allocated to specific segments. They were stable at circa 2% of Group sales on a year-on-year basis. The Group's consolidated financial statements of comprehensive income, cash flows and financial position are presented in Appendix 1. Richemont's unaudited consolidated financial statements for the half year are available on the Group's website at www.richemont.com/investor-relations/reports (http://www.richemont.com/investor-relations/reports) Jerome Lambert Burkhart Grund Chief Executive Officer Chief Finance Officer Compagnie Financiere Richemont SA Geneva, 9 November 2018 Appendix 1 Condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income Six months to 30 September 2018 Six months to 30 September 2017 *re-presented m m Revenue 6 808 5 620 Cost of sales (2 552) (1 940) Gross profit 4 256 3 680 Selling and distribution expenses (1 634) (1 490) Communication expenses (567) (484) Fulfilment expenses (91) - Administrative expenses (671) (502) Other operating expense (163) (38) Operating profit 1 130 1 166 Finance costs (123) (53) Finance income 76 125 Share of post-tax results of equity-accounted investments 1 408 (16) Profit before taxation 2 491 1 222 Taxation (238) (248) Profit for the period 2 253 974 Other comprehensive income: Items that will never be reclassified to profit or loss Defined benefit plan actuarial gains/(losses) - 27 Tax on defined benefit plan actuarial gains/(losses) - (5) Fair value changes on financial assets held at fair value through other comprehensive income (51) - (51) 22 Items that are or may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss Currency translation adjustments - movement in the period 387 (858) - reclassification to profit or loss 3 - Reclassification of cash flow hedges to profit or loss 2 - Share of other comprehensive income of equity-accounted investments 1 (5) 393 (863) Other comprehensive loss, net of taxation 342 (841) Total comprehensive income 2 595 133 Profit attributable to: Owners of the parent company 2 253 974 Non-controlling interests - - 2 253 974 Total comprehensive income attributable to: Owners of the parent company 2 595 133 Non-controlling interests - - 2 595 133 Earnings per A share/10 B shares attributable to owners of the parent company during the period (expressed in per share) Basic 3.996 1.727 Diluted 3.987 1.721 *Prior period comparatives have been re-presented to include royalty income received within total revenue (previously presented within other income/(expenses)) Condensed consolidated statement of cash flow Six months to 30 September 2018 Six months to 30 September 2017 m m Operating profit 1 130 1 166 Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 234 225 Amortisation of other intangible assets 150 40 Depreciation of investment property 2 - Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment 2 - (Profit)/loss on disposal of intangible assets (2) 1 (Decrease)/increase in long-term provisions (2) 3 Increase in retirement benefit obligations - 1 Non-cash items 56 32 (Increase)/decrease in inventories (195) 110 Increase in trade receivables (181) (244) Decrease/(increase) in other receivables 12 (42) Decrease in current liabilities (428) (174) Increase/(decrease) in long-term liabilities 20 (2) Cash outflow on derivative financial instruments (65) (8) Cash flow generated from operations 733 1 108 Interest received 43 36 Interest paid (43) (27) Dividends received from equity-accounted investments 36 2 Dividends received from other investments 13 - Taxation paid (135) (159) Net cash generated from operating activities 647 960 Cash flows from investing activities Acquisition of subsidiary undertakings and other businesses, net of cash acquired (2 643) (45) Disposal of subsidiary undertakings, net of cash disposed of (44) (14) Acquisition of equity-accounted investments - (63) Proceeds from disposal of, and capital distributions from, equity-accounted investments 21 17 Acquisition of property, plant and equipment (212) (139) Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment 11 3 Acquisition of intangible assets (67) (22) Proceeds from disposal of intangible assets 4 1 Acquisition of investment property (62) (31) Investment in money market and externally managed funds (3 484) (2 669) Proceeds from disposal of money market and externally managed funds 4 518 2 682 Acquisition of other non-current assets and investments (25) (601) Proceeds from disposal of other non-current assets and investments 12 3 Net cash used in investing activities (1 971) (878) Cash flows from financing activities Proceeds from borrowings 56 51 Repayment of borrowings (46) (79) Dividends paid (926) (918) Payment for treasury shares (180) (141) Proceeds from sale of treasury shares 106 69 Contribution received from non-controlling interests 57 - Acquisition of non-controlling interests in a subsidiary (195) - Capital element of finance lease payments (3) (1) Net cash used in financing activities (1 131) (1 019) Net change in cash and cash equivalents (2 455) (937) Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period 4 504 2 765 Exchange losses on cash and cash equivalents 52 (190) Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period 2 101 1 638 Condensed consolidated balance sheet 30 September 2018 31 March 2018 *re-presented m m Assets Non-current assets Property, plant and equipment 2 506 2 325 Goodwill 3 344 297 Other intangible assets 2 776 370 Investment property 283 222 Equity-accounted investments 178 1 308 Deferred income tax assets 581 604 Financial assets held at fair value through profit or loss 10 447 Financial assets held at fair value through other comprehensive income 394 - Other non-current assets 431 401 10 503 5 974 Current assets Inventories 6 014 4 943 Trade and other receivables 1 558 1 240 Derivative financial instruments 41 18 Financial assets held at fair value through profit or loss 4 133 5 057 Assets held for sale - 19 Cash at bank and on hand 6 535 8 401 18 281 19 678 Total assets 28 784 25 652 Equity and liabilities Equity attributable to owners of the parent company Share capital 334 334 Treasury shares (560) (520) Hedge and share option reserves 310 302 Cumulative translation adjustment reserve 2 283 1 892 Retained earnings 13 764 12 623 16 131 14 631 Non-controlling interests 86 7 Total equity 16 217 14 638 Liabilities Non-current liabilities Borrowings 4 440 4 288 Deferred income tax liabilities 358 8 Employee benefits obligations 69 68 Provisions 52 73 Other long-term financial liabilities 211 168 5 130 4 605 Current liabilities Trade and other payables 1 989 1 634 Current income tax liabilities 494 359 Borrowings 209 4 Derivative financial instruments 28 90 Provisions 282 406 Liabilities of disposal groups held for sale - 19 Bank overdrafts 4 435 3 897 7 437 6 409 Total liabilities 12 567 11 014 Total equity and liabilities 28 784 25 652 *Prior year comparatives have been re-presented to include prepayments within Trade and other receivables (previously disclosed separately) and for certain reclassifications required following the adoption of IFRS 15 Revenue from contracts with customers. For further details, see note 2 to the interim financial statements. Presentation The results will be presented via a live audio webcast on 9 November 2018, starting at 09:30 (CET). The direct link is available from 07:00 (CET) at: www.richemont.com (http://www.richemont.com). The presentation may be viewed using a mobile device or from a browser. Live telephone connection: call one of these numbers 10 minutes before the start of the presentation: Europe +41 58 310 50 00 USA +1 631 570 5613 UK +44 207 107 0613 South Africa +27 11 589 8373 / 0800 992 635 (toll free) An archive of the audio webcast will be available at 15:00 (CET) the same day from: www.richemont.com/investor-relations/results-presentations A transcript of the audio webcast will be available on 13 November from: www.richemont.com/investor-relations/results-presentations Statutory information The Richemont 2018 Interim Report will be available for download from the Group's website from 17 November 2018 at www.richemont.com/investor-relations/reports Registered office Registrar Auditor 50 chemin de la Chenaie CP 30, 1293 Bellevue Geneva Switzerland Tel: +41 22 721 3500 Internet: www.richemont.com (http://www.richemont.com) Computershare Schweiz AG P.O. Box, 4601 Olten Switzerland Tel: +41 62 205 7700 E-mail: share.register@computershare.com PricewaterhouseCoopers SA 50 avenue Giuseppe-Motta 1202 Geneva Switzerland Secretariat contact Investor and Media contact Swen Grundmann Company Secretary Tel: +41 22 721 3500 E-mail: secretariat@cfrinfo.net Sophie Cagnard Group Corporate Communications Director James Fraser Investor Relations Executive Tel: +41 22 721 3003 (investor relations) E-mail: investor.relations@cfrinfo.net Tel: +41 22 721 3507 (press enquiries) E-mail: pressoffice@cfrinfo.net 'A' shares issued by Compagnie Financiere Richemont SA are listed and traded on SIX Swiss Exchange, the Company's primary listing, (Reuters 'CFR.VX'/Bloomberg 'CFR:VX'/ISIN CH0210483332) and are included in the Swiss Market Index ('SMI') of leading stocks. The Swiss 'Valorennummer' is 21048333. Richemont's 'A' shares are registered. The share register is managed by Computershare Schweiz AG, the registrar. South African depository receipts in respect of Richemont 'A' shares are traded on the Johannesburg stock exchange operated by JSE Limited, the Company's secondary listing, (Reuters 'CFRJ.J'/Bloomberg 'CFR:SJ'/ISIN CH0045159024). The closing price of the Richemont 'A' share on 28 September 2018 was CHF 80.00 and the market capitalisation of the Group's 'A' shares on that date was CHF 40 512 million. Over the preceding six-month period, the highest closing price of the 'A' share was CHF 99.02 (17 May) and the lowest closing price was CHF 78.82 (19 September). About Richemont Richemont owns a portfolio of leading international 'Maisons' which are recognised for their distinctive heritage, craftsmanship and creativity. The Group operates in four business areas: Jewellery Maisons, being Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels; Specialist Watchmakers, being A. Lange & Sohne, Baume & Mercier, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Officine Panerai, Piaget, Roger Dubuis and Vacheron Constantin; Online Distributors, being YOOX NET-A-PORTER GROUP and Watchfinder.co.uk; Other, including Alfred Dunhill, Azzedine Alaia, Chloe, Montblanc and Peter Millar. Disclaimer This document contains forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Richemont's forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and assumptions regarding the Company's business and performance, the economy and other future conditions and forecasts of future events, circumstances and results. As with any projection or forecast, forward-looking statements are inherently susceptible to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Actual results may differ materially from the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside the Group's control. Richemont does not undertake to update, nor does it have any obligation to provide updates of or to revise, any forward-looking statements. Richemont 2018 Lyon, November 9th 2018 - Theranexus, a biopharmaceutical company innovating in the treatment of neurological diseases and pioneer in the development of drug candidates modulating the interaction between neurons and glial cells, today announces its cash position as at September 30th 2018. The company's cash amounted to 15.8 M at September 30th 2018, including funds raised by its IPO in October 2017 and a bank loan of 2.5 M contracted in July 2018, against 1.6 M at September 30th 2017 and 14.9 M at June 30th 2018. This careful use of cash illustrates its effective expenditure management during a period marked by numerous clinical developments. Franck Mouthon, Chairman, CEO and co-founder of Theranexus, said: "For Theranexus, 2018 is proving to be a prolific and pivotal year, with the implementation of three new clinical trials and the completion of the Phase II trial of THN102 on narcolepsy patients. Among our three drug candidates, THN201 has just entered Phase Ib to treat neurocognitive disorders in Alzheimer's disease, THN101 will be entering Phase II in patients with neuropathic pain in the first half of 2019, and THN102, which targets two indications, began its Phase II trial for patients suffering from excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) associated with Parkinson's disease. Finally, we recently announced the inclusion of the last patient in our Phase II trial of THN102 on narcolepsy patients, with a final visit planned for this last patient in the second half of December. We will be publishing our results in the weeks following this final visit." Moreover, Theranexus will be taking part in the Jefferies 2018 London Healthcare Conference to be held from 13 to 15 November 2018 in London (UK). ABOUT THERANEXUS Theranexus is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that emerged from the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) in 2013. It develops drug candidates for the treatment of nervous system diseases. Theranexus identified the key role played by non-neuronal cells (also known as "glial cells") in the body's response to psychotropic drugs (which target the neurons). The company is a pioneer in the design and development of drug candidates affecting the interaction between neurons and glial cells. The unique, patented technology used by Theranexus is designed to improve the efficacy of psychotropic drugs already approved and on the market, by combining them with a glial cell modulator. This strategy of combining its innovations with registered drugs means Theranexus can significantly reduce development time and costs and considerably increase the chance of its drugs reaching the market. The proprietary, adaptable Theranexus platform can generate different proprietary drug candidates offering high added-value for multiple indications. Theranexus is listed on the Euronext Growth market in Paris (FR0013286259- ALTHX). More information at: www.theranexus.com Contacts THERANEXUS Thierry Lambert Financial and Administrative Director investisseurs@theranexus.fr ACTUS finance & communication Caroline Lesage / Theo Martin Investor Relations +33 (0)1 53 67 36 79 / +33 (0)1 53 67 36 75 theranexus@actus.fr FP2COM Florence Portejoie Media Relations + 33 (0)6 07 76 82 83 fportejoie@fp2com.fr ------------------------ Copyright Actusnews Wire Receive by email the next press releases of the company by registering on www.actusnews.com, it's free Full and original release in PDF format:https://www.actusnews.com/documents_communiques/ACTUS-0-55914-theranexus_pr_cash_position_q3_v_def.pdf To: Company Announcements Date: 9 November 2018 Company: Standard Life Investments Property Income Trust Limited LEI: 549300HHFBWZRKC7RW84 Subject: SLIPIT Purchase Standard Life Investments Property Income Trust (SLIPIT) has completed the purchase of a multi let office on the Hagley Road in Birmingham for 23.75m, reflecting an initial yield of 7.6%. The building provides 140,950sqft of good quality office accommodation 1 mile from Birmingham city centre. The offices are let at rents of 8 - 18 psf with scope for increase on a number of the leases, with 30% of the income from the Government. The average lease length to earliest of break or expiry is 4.3 years. The acquisition was undertaken by way of a corporate acquisition hence saving the Company stamp duty. The office has a successful letting history which will be enhanced further by major infrastructure projects in the area. The purchase was funded through cash held and utilisation of part of the revolving credit facility with RBS. The LTV after the purchase is 24.5% Jason Baggaley, fund manager of SLIPIT, commented: "This will be the largest asset in the Company, and meets our aims of buying good quality properties that appeal to occupiers. There is good scope for rental growth with plenty of asset management potential, and with a new tram stop due outside the building as part of major infrastructure projects the connectivity of the building will further improve. All enquiries to: Jason Baggaley Fund Manager Real Estate Standard Life Investments 1 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2LL Tel: +44 (0)131 245 2833 jason_baggaley@standardlife.com The Company Secretary Northern Trust International Fund Administration Services (Guernsey) Limited PO Box 255 Trafalgar Court Les Banques St Peter Port Guernsey GY1 3QL Tel: 01481 745436 Fax: 01481 745085 STOCKHOLM, Nov. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- EQT Mid Market Asia acquires a 40% stake in Artwall, a leading wallpaper designer, manufacturer and retailer in China . Artwall has the first-class flexible digital print-on-demand technology and owns the China business of international premium wallpaper brand Brewster EQT to support Artwall's continued growth strategy, with its leading position in the digital flexible manufacturing wallpaper space, and further expand the retail network as well as develop the product offering to become a fully-integrated manufacturer and a strong national brand EQT is partnering with the Artwall management team, which remains majority shareholders, and the strategic investor Red Star Macalline The EQT Mid Market Asia III fund ("EQT Mid Market Asia") today announces the acquisition of 40% of the shares in Shanghai Artwall Environmental Technology Co. Ltd. ("Artwall" or the "Company") from the Company's founders. The investment is made alongside with Red Star Macalline, the largest national operator of home furnishing malls in China. Artwall's management team will, under the leadership of Ling Li, Founding CEO and Chairman, continue to lead the Company and drive the growth and development strategy. Founded in 2005, Artwall produces a full range of wallcovering products including wallpaper, mural, wall cloth and curtains, and has a well-diversified distribution network consisting of self-branded retail stores and dealers. Artwall has become a leading and well-respected wallpaper manufacturer with creative design capabilities and first-class flexible digital print-on-demand technology. The Company is headquartered in Shanghai and has more than 500 employees. With support from the industrial network and access to EQT's vast experience within the retail and consumer sector, Artwall is well-positioned to capture the growth opportunities in the under-penetrated wallpaper market in China and benefit from the increasing trend of more frequent home and house renovations. The strategy includes continued growth, both organically and through add-on acquisitions of top wallpaper brands with the overall ambition to become a fully-integrated soft decoration solution provider and a strong national brand. In September 2018, Artwall announced the acquisition of Brewster's China business. Brewster, founded in 1935, is the leading US wallpaper brand and has been a well-established premium brand in China for more than 20 years. The parties have agreed not to disclose the transaction value. Contacts Jerry He, Partner, Investment Advisor to EQT Mid Market Asia +86-21-6120-1097 EQT Press office +46-8-506-55-334 About EQT EQT is a leading investment firm with approximately EUR 50 billion in raised capital across 27 funds. EQT funds have portfolio companies in Europe, Asia and the US with total sales of more than EUR 19 billion and approximately 110,000 employees. EQT works with portfolio companies to achieve sustainable growth, operational excellence and market leadership. More info: www.eqtpartners.com About Artwall Artwall is a leading wallpaper designer and manufacturer in China with strong original designing capability and pioneer in flexible digital printing technology. Founded in 2005, Artwall is headquartered in Shanghai and has more than 500 employees. More info: http://en.qiangshangsh.com/ This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com http://news.cision.com/eqt-ab/r/eqt-invests-in-leading-wallpaper-company-artwall-in-china,c2667334 The following files are available for download: STOCKHOLM, Nov. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Tobii Dynavox, the global leader in eye tracking and touch based communication devices, announced today that Speech Case with iPad was selected as a CES 2019 Innovation Award Honoree in the "Tech For A Better World" product category. The award is only designated to the highest-rated product or technology in each category. The CES Innovation Awards is an annual competition honoring outstanding design and engineering in consumer technology products. The Innovation Awards program recognizes top honorees among 29 award categories, including "Tech For A Better World", which honors products that provide positive societal and/or global impact. Speech Case with iPad sets a new standard for delivering speech generation on an Apple iOS platform for non-verbal individuals with disabilities. Together with an iPad and the industry-leading communication app, Snap + Core First, Speech Case forms a true iOS-based speech tablet. Speech Case has powerful, integrated speakers for exceptionally clear output, ergonomic and durable design, access for switch use, and can also be mounted to a wheelchair. "We are very excited and grateful to receive this honor," said Fredrik Ruben, President of Tobii Dynavox. "We strongly believe in everyone's right of having a voice, to gain independence and express what they think and how they feel. Speech Case with iPad is a great example of this and how we combine our technology with other manufacturers to develop the best possible solutions for our users." Tobii Dynavox has previously received the honorable award for PCEye Mini, the smallest and most robust eye tracker on the market for assistive technology, and for Indi, a tablet designed for individuals of all ages with speech and language disabilities. Speech Case with iPad will be displayed January 8-11, 2019 at CES 2019 in the Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall 1, Booth 21618. To learn more about Speech Case with iPad, visit https://www.tobiidynavox.com/en-US/devices/Multi-Access-Devices/speech-case-ipad/ Contact Lina Perdius, Global PR Manager, Tobii Dynavox Phone: +46-70-018-78 75, email: lina.perdius@tobiidynavox.com Nils Lindhe, Vice President Global Marketing, Tobii Dynavox Phone: +46 76 894 84 84, email: nils.lindhe@tobiidynavox.com This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com http://news.cision.com/tobii-ab/r/tobii-dynavox-speech-case-with-ipad-named-ces-2019-innovation-awards-honoree,c2666857 The following files are available for download: MADRID, November 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnnie Walker, the world's No.1 Scotch Whisky, today opens its first flagship experiential retail store in Madrid. (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/780571/Johnnie_Walker.jpg ) (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/780572/Johnnie_Walker.jpg ) (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/780573/Johnnie_Walker.jpg ) The exciting new space, which promises to become a leading destination for Scotch lovers and whisky novices alike, plays host to a wide variety of immersive experiences, including whisky appreciation classes and tastings designed to help people explore the world of Johnnie Walker and Scotch. Visitors will be able to choose from a special collection of Johnnie Walker whiskies, purchase some of the rarest and most exceptional single malts from which Johnnie Walker is crafted and explore limited edition curated collaborations exclusive to the new store. Among the experiences on offer is an interactive hosting area where guests can discover the craft of cocktail making, a tasting table where they can deep dive into the flavours that lie at the heart of Johnnie Walker and a personalisation station where people can find unique gifts and add bespoke engravings and labels to purchases. The cutting-edge store offers virtual experiences such as Discover Scotlandthrough Johnnie Walker allowing visitors to discover Johnnie Walker by taking a tour to the four corners of Scotland, discovering the breathtaking Highlands, the intrigue of the Islands, the lush Lowlands and the secrets of Speyside, culminating in a taste of Johnnie Walker. There will also be seasonal offerings, with a Johnnie Walker cocktail-expert in-store this festive season to demonstrate how you can impress guests with a pairing of frozen Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve and a taste of hand-made, award-winning Scottish chocolate as well as show the cocktails and techniques that will turn your party drinks into showstoppers. John Williams, Johnnie Walker Global Brand Director, said: "We're always looking for new ways to surprise and engage our customers and this kind of experiential Johnnie Walker flagship store does just that. It also adds a sense of fun and discovery to shopping and is a whole new way of experiencing the diversity and rich heritage of Johnnie Walker." The launch of the new retail experience follows the announcement of a 150 million investment in Scotch whisky tourism by Diageo throughout Scotland - including plans for the opening of a new state-of-the-art Johnnie Walker visitor experience in Edinburgh, as part of the biggest concerted programme ever seen in Scotland's whisky tourism sector and is the latest announcement from Johnnie Walker as the brand prepares to celebrate its 200th anniversary year in 2020. Notes to the Editors About Johnnie Walker: Johnnie Walker is the world's number one Scotch Whisky brand (IWSR), enjoyed by people in over 180 countries around the world. Since the time of its founder, John Walker, those who blend its whiskies have pursued flavour and quality above else. Today's range of award-winning whiskies includes Johnnie Walker Red Label, Black Label, Double Black, Green Label, Gold Label Reserve, Aged 18 Years and Blue Label. Together they account for over 18 million cases sold annually (IWSR, 2017), making Johnnie Walker the most popular Scotch Whisky brand in the world. About Diageo Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan's whiskies, Smirnoff, Ciroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness. Diageo is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at http://www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo's global responsible drinking resource, http://www.DRINKiQ.com , for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice. Celebrating life, every day, everywhere Its business conference on digital economy attracts attendees from nearly 20 countries SHANGHAI, Nov. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- On November 7, JUMORE held a business conference themed "YOUR GATEWAY TO CHINA" during the first-ever China International Import Expo (CIIE) held between Nov. 5-10 in Shanghai. The meeting had four sessions and attracted hundreds of attendees from political and business circles from nearly 20 countries, including Russia, Brazil, Mexico, Indonesia, Philippines, Belgium, Columbia and Panama. When addressing the meeting, JUMORE chairman Eric Lu said, China is expected to import around $30 trillion in goods and $10 trillion in services in the next 15 years, in which, e-commerce and digital technology would play foreseeably important roles in trade facilitation. Eric Lu pointed out that, the digital platforms of JUMORE could help foreign enterprises introduce their high quality products to China and build them into leading enterprises involved in the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, thus earning them more opportunities for global cooperation. As of now, JUMORE has cemented cooperation with 157 countries and pooled more than 1 million registered corporate members and a database covering 50 million enterprises, regarding supply and purchase information, projects, global promotion, supply chain finance, certification, and consultation, encompassing the whole process of foreign trade. Based on this, JUMORE could help foreign enterprises spot suitable Chinese partners and effectively align them with purchase orders, thus further enabling foreign products to enter the Chinese market. What's more, JUMORE has specifically launched the "ChinaEasy"service packages for foreign enterprises, with the aim of aiding businesses in the Chinese market by offering them comprehensive digital solutions. During the meeting, ambassadors of foreign countries to China, directors of business associations and representatives from enterprises and institutions spoke highly of JumoreGlobal membership service system, and many of them signed cooperation agreements with JUMORE right after the meeting, including Da Origem, Home Comforts Ltd., and Centrofood Industries Ltd. Please visit www.jumoreglobal.com for more global business opportunities. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/782255/Jumore.jpg GOTEBORG, Nov. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- At the request of Ramsay Generale de Sante S.A. ("Ramsay GdS"), which after completion of its public cash offer to the shareholders of Capio AB (publ) ("Capio") holds approximately 98.5 percent of the total number of shares and votes in Capio, the shareholders of Capio are given notice of the Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) to be held at Mannheimer Swartling Advokatbyra, Ostra Hamngatan 16, 403 14 Gothenburg, Sweden, at 9:00 a.m. CET on Tuesday, 4 December 2018. Registration will commence from 8:30 a.m. CET. A. RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING Shareholders who wish to participate in the EGM must: firstly , be registered in the share register maintained by Euroclear Sweden AB on Wednesday 28 November 2018, and secondly , notify the company of their intention to attend the EGM under the address Capio AB, "EGM 2018", P.O. Box 1064, SE-405 22 Gothenburg, Sweden, by calling +46 31 732 40 83, weekdays between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., or by email to agm@capio.com no later than Wednesday 28 November 2018. In connection with notification, shareholders must state their name, address, telephone number (daytime), personal or corporate identity number and information concerning their shareholding. Shareholders or proxies for shareholders at the EGM may bring a maximum of two assistants with them to the EGM. Assistants may accompany the shareholder to the EGM only if the shareholder gives notice of their attendance in conjunction with its own notification of participation in accordance with the above. For shareholders who will be represented by proxy at the EGM, a signed and dated power of attorney must be enclosed with the notification. A form for the power of attorney is available on the company's website, www.capio.com and will be sent by mail on request to shareholders who state their address. For those representing a legal entity, a verified copy of the registration certificate or corresponding document showing the company's signatories must also be submitted. In order to be entitled to participate in the EGM, shareholders whose shareholding is registered in the name of a nominee must re-register their shares in their own name at Euroclear Sweden AB. Shareholders who require such re-registration should notify their nominee well in advance of Wednesday 28 November 2018, when such re-registration must have been completed. B. AGENDA OF THE MEETING Proposal for agenda Opening of the meeting. Election of Chairman of the meeting. Preparation and approval of the list of shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting. Approval of the agenda. Election of one or two persons to approve the minutes of the meeting. Determination of whether the meeting has been duly convened. Determination of the number of members of the Board. Determination of the fees to be paid to the Board members. Election of members of the Board. Resolution to abolish the principles regarding the appointment of members of the Nomination Committee. Closing of the Meeting. Proposals Proposals for the composition of the Board, Board fees and the abolishment of the principles regarding the appointment of members of the Nomination Committee (items 7-10) Ramsay GdS has declared that it will inform the Board of its proposals in advance of the EGM. Capio will publicly announce Ramsay GdS' proposals when these have been received. C. NUMBER OF SHARES AND VOTES IN THE COMPANY The total number of shares and voting rights in the company is 141,159,661. D. INFORMATION AT THE EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING At the EGM, the Board and the Managing Director shall, if requested by a shareholder and the Board considers that it can be done without material damage to the company, provide information regarding issues that may (i) affect the assessment of an item on the agenda and (ii) concern the company's relation to another group company. A shareholder may send questions in advance by mail to Capio AB, "EGM 2018", P.O. Box 1064, SE-405 22 Gothenburg, Sweden, or by email to agm@capio.com. E. PROCESSING OF PERSONAL DATA For information about the processing of your personal data, see the section for the extraordinary general meeting 2018 on the company website www.capio.com. Gothenburg in November 2018 CAPIO AB (publ) Board of Directors Contact: Kristina Ekeblad, IR manager Telephone: +46-708-31-19-40 This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com http://news.cision.com/capio-ab/r/extraordinary-general-meeting-in-capio-ab--publ-,c2668053 The following files are available for download: Algoma Central Corporation ("Algoma" or "the Company") (TSX: ALC), a leading provider of marine transportation services, today announced the purchase of a 2008 built product tanker which will become the seventh tanker within the Algoma Tankers Limited fleet. The purchase demonstrates Algoma's commitment to continuing to safely and efficiently ship petroleum products on the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway and East Coast. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181109005250/en/ (Photo: Business Wire) "We are extremely pleased to add a vessel to our Algoma Tankers Limited fleet as customer demand continues to strengthen in this segment," said Ken Soerensen, President and CEO of Algoma. The 16,958 dwt. vessel will be re-named the Algonorth, after the Company held a "Name the Tanker Contest," in which all employees were able to take part. The ship is scheduled to depart Gothenburg, Sweden on November 12, 2018 and head for Canada, at which time the vessel is expected to begin operations within the product tanker fleet. "We have been in the product tanker business for over 20 years," said Gregg Ruhl, Chief Operating Officer at Algoma. "While it is important that we add this quality asset to our fleet to continue to meet our customers' needs, the true backbone of Algoma Tankers is our experienced and qualified crews who operate these ships skillfully day and night, 365 days a year," Mr. Ruhl added. About Algoma Central Algoma Central Corporation is a publicly traded company which operates the largest fleet of dry and liquid bulk carriers on the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Waterway, including self-unloading dry-bulk carriers, gearless dry-bulk carriers and product tankers. Algoma also owns ocean self-unloading dry-bulk vessels operating in international markets and a 50% interest in NovaAlgoma, which includes a diversified portfolio of dry-bulk fleets operating internationally. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181109005250/en/ Contacts: Algoma Central Corporation Ken Bloch Soerensen, +1 905-687-7885 President and CEO or Gregg A. Ruhl, +1 905-687-7890 Chief Operating Officer www.algonet.com SEOUL, South Korea, Nov. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Korea's first blockchain project BOScoin (www.boscoin.io, Corporate Name: BlockchainOS) announced they will host a global conference named "BOSCON 2018" at Yongsan Dragon City Hotel on December 7. At this conference, BOScoin will hold technical sessions on the newly launched Mainnet and also release voting results from the first "Public Financing" proposal, which will establish Membership rewards and is a key function of the Mainnet. BOSCON is meaningful in that it discloses the first outcomes derived from BOScoin global community members participating in the Congress Voting process. As the initial step before activating its "Public Financing" program, the first round of voting for "Membership Reward Public Financing" starts at 1pm on November 30 and runs until 1pm December 6 (All times KST). BOScoin Co-founder and CEO Yezune Choi said, "With BOSCON, our proposed blockchain-based financial governance model begins." "A new era where credit creation and investment decisions are made, based on democratic decisions by the community, and will overcome the limitations of existing capitalism." He also adds, "We will experience a changed world of finance with blockchain." Holding membership certification is a precondition in participating as member of the BOScoin community, which adheres to the one vote per person principle. This requires applying for membership, through conducting KYC certification, delegation of authority for node operation, and freezing at least 10,000 BOS or more in 10,000 BOS increments. Freezing transfers BOScoins to a separate account, and locks the coins from being transferred. There are three voting options - agree, disagree, and abstain. Also, it is possible to change one's vote before voting closes. Results are finalized when the number of votes in agreement is ten percent higher than the number in opposition which is provided as a mechanism to minimize conflict within the community. Once the membership rewards proposal is passed, membership rewards will be issued approximately monthly over the next year, and the total budget of 160,833,600 BOS will be created. Membership rewards proposal expires after one year, and a new proposal will take its place once public nodes are available. Yezune Choi, BOScoin Co-founder and CEO said, "I hope many people acquire BOScoin membership to participate in this vote, and play a role in rewriting the history of capitalistic democracy." More information about BOSCON is here, details on BOScoin membership and first proposal are here. SpendEdge, a global procurement market intelligence firm, has announced the release of their Global Helium Category Procurement Market Intelligence Report This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181109005168/en/ Global Helium Category Procurement Market Intelligence Report. (Photo: Business Wire) The changing preferences of the consumers coupled with the impact of various cost drivers are some of the examples of factors affecting the growth of this category. Despite exhibiting scopes for substantial growth, the helium market is witnessing the advent of certain factors that are posing major concerns for both the buyers and the suppliers in this category. Download the Free Sample Report and know more about the factors which are promoting as well as potentially restricting category growth. According to this procurement market research report, while the increasing demand from the packaging industry will promote market growth, external factors like stringent regulations pertaining to the storage, transportation, and distribution of helium, and the high preference for substitutes such as hydrogen and nitrogen in research applications will inhibit category growth. Request a free customization and get advice from our procurement intelligence experts on designing a cohesive and a cost-effective procurement strategy befitting the dynamics of the helium market. "For business which are heavily reliant on helium as a major component for their daily production, the buyers must evaluate the suppliers based on the quality of the product. Purity, moisture content, pH balance, and boiling and melting point are some of the aspects that must be considered while assessing the quality of helium delivered," says SpendEdge procurement expert Tridib Bora. In-depth research of the helium market has revealed factors which will have a prominent effect on the growth of this market and will simultaneously guide the buyers and the suppliers in shaping their procurement strategy: Increase in energy prices will contribute to the category price growth Scarcity of raw materials will increase category risk Purchase the full report to know more about the critical factors that are playing a major role in shaping the business strategy of your competitors. SpendEdge is now offering limited-time discounts on report purchases. Buy two reports and get the third one for free SpendEdge's procurement market intelligence reports for the chemicalscategory offer information on category pricing strategies to help the buyers achieve significant cost-savings. The reports also offer information on supplier performance benchmarking criteria to help buyers reduce spend and establish better SLAs. Additionally, SpendEdge's reports offer insights into the sustainability and procurement best practices for the category. Report scope snapshot: Helium market US market insights Supplier cost structure in the US Margins of suppliers in the US Category cost drivers Interested to know more about the scope of our reports? Download a FREE sample Best practices Procurement excellence best practices Procurement best practices Sustainability practices Want customized information? Get in touch Category ecosystem Competitiveness index for suppliers Buyer power Supplier power score To view this report's table of contents, Download a FREE sample Do you purchase multiple reports in a year? Our subscription platform, SpendEdge Insights provides ready-to-use procurement research reports for multiple categories. Now access latest supplier news, innovation landscape, markets insights, supplier tracking, and much more at the click of a button. Start your 7-day FREE trial now Related Reports: Global Magnesium Hydroxide Category Procurement Market Intelligence Report Global Acesulfame Potassium Category Procurement Market Intelligence Report About SpendEdge: SpendEdge shares your passion for driving sourcing and procurement excellence. We are the preferred procurement market intelligence partner for 120+ Fortune 500 firms and other leading companies across numerous industries. Our strength lies in delivering robust, real-time procurement market intelligence reports and solutions. To know more, https://www.spendedge.com/request-free-proposal View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181109005168/en/ Contacts: SpendEdge Anirban Choudhury Marketing Manager US: +1 630 984 7340 UK: +44 148 459 9299 https://www.spendedge.com/contact-us ATLANTA, GA / ACCESSWIRE / November 9, 2018 / Findit, Inc. (OTC PINK: FDIT) a Nevada Corporation offers insight into how Findit can evolve into the choice starting point in the search for individual people online. A new study of 2,000 U.S. consumers found that Amazon (AMZN) is the number one starting point for consumers' first product search. 49 percent of consumers begin their online shopping search on Amazon, leaving search engines in the dust at 36 percent with retailers even farther back at 15 percent. Search engines like Google (GOOG) are working to catch back up by becoming more and more mobile-friendly to meet the on-the-go demands of the market. However, Amazon still has an enormous advantage in product search over search engines and retailers alike. 28 percent of consumers credited Amazon's ease of navigation 27 percent cited Amazon's product selection and variety 25 pointed to Amazon's prices 17 percent credited Amazon's shipping processes for their edge But what if search engines start losing ground on other types of search? That's exactly what will happen as other platforms specialize at providing specific types of results. Amazon has nailed the online shopping experience down - but it didn't happen overnight. Similarly, Findit is a juggernaut in the making; the content management platform has the potential to dominate the search queries for individual people. Someday, if you want to know about your neighbor, your friend, or someone you admire, logically you'd want to start your search on Findit. The reason why is simple: On Findit, content is crawled and recognized by search engines, but more importantly, members can actively shape their online visibility on Findit, which incentivizes them to post primarily on the content management platform. The success of social media provides evidence that people are just as interested in the polished, self-curated versions of each other as they are stumbling on anything the search engines might reveal or dig up. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uAv8hIP4GU Because Findit members know that their posts can be shared from the site to all of their other social profiles, it can eventually become the most thorough resource for the search on individuals - the same way Amazon has become for products. Create a profile on Findit now and start to shape your online reputation and persona for years to come. About Findit, Inc. Findit, Inc., (OTC Pinksheets FDIT) owns Findit.com which is a Social Media Content Management Platform that provides an interactive search engine for all content posted in Findit to appear in Findit search. The site is an open platform that provides access to Google, Yahoo, Bing and other search engines access to its content posted to Findit so it can be indexed in these search engines as well. Findit provides Members the ability to post, share and manage their content. Once they have posted in Findit, we ensure the content gets indexed in Findit Search results. Findit provides an option for anyone to submit URLs that they want indexed in Findit search result, along with posting status updates through Findit Right Now. Status Updates posted in Findit can be crawled by outside search engines which can result in additional organic indexing. All posts on Findit can be shared to other social and bookmarking sites by members and non-members. Findit provides Real Estate Agents the ability to create their own Findit Site where they can pull in their listing and others through their IDX account. Findit offers News and Press Release Distribution. Findit, Inc., is focused on the development of monetized Internet-based web products that can provide an increased brand awareness of our members. Findit, Inc., trades under the stock symbol FDIT on the OTCPinksheets. Safe Harbor: This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), including statements regarding potential sales, the success of the company's business, as well as statements that include the word believe or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Findit, Inc. to differ materially from those implied or expressed by such forward-looking statements. This press release speaks as of the date first set forth above, and Findit, Inc. assumes no responsibility to update the information included herein for events occurring after the date hereof. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated due to factors such as the lack of capital, timely development of products, inability to deliver products when ordered, inability of potential customers to pay for ordered products, and political and economic risks inherent in international trade. Contact: Peter Tosto Phone 404-443-3224 By Connor Judson Garrett SOURCE: Findit, Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/527585/The-Search-for-Shopping-Now-Starts-on-Amazon--The-Search-for-You-Could-Start-on-Findit Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 9, 2018) - Constantine Metal Resources Ltd. (TSXV: CEM) ("Constantine" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has filed its National Instrument 43-101 report entitled "NI 43-101 Technical Report and Updated Resource Estimate for the Palmer Exploration Project, Porcupine Mining District, Southeast Alaska, USA" dated November 9th, 2018, on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The updated Copper-Zinc-Silver-Gold (Barite) Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resource estimate for the Palmer Joint Venture Project, Alaska ("Palmer" or the "Project") was originally announced in the Company's news release dated September 27th, 2018. The Company anticipates issuing a Preliminary Economic Assessment on the Palmer project in early 2019. "Constantine continues to move forward in terms of determining the extent of mineralization at Palmer and taking the project through to the development stage," commented President and CEO Garfield MacVeigh. "We are confident that we have the momentum to achieve these goals, which will continue to add value for our stakeholders." About the Palmer Project Palmer is a high-grade volcanogenic massive sulphide-sulphate (VMS) project being advanced as a joint venture between Constantine (51%) and Dowa Metals & Mining Co Ltd. (49%), with Constantine as operator. The Project is located in a very accessible part of coastal Southeast Alaska, 60 kilometers by road to the year-round deep-sea port of Haines. In addition to the main Palmer deposit resource, the Project also includes the recently discovered AG Zone located three km to the southwest. A maiden resource estimate for the AG Zone has been initiated following receipt of 2018 drill results that is expected to contribute to the total resource base of the Project. A Preliminary Economic Assessment study has been initiated on the Project that is expected to also include potential AG Zone mineral resources, with completion expected early 2019. Palmer occurs within the same belt of rocks that is host to the Greens Creek mine, one of the world's richest VMS deposits. VMS deposits are known to occur in clusters, and with at least 25 separate base metal and/or barite occurrences and prospects on the Project, there is abundant potential for discovery of multiple deposits at Palmer. About the Company Constantine is a mineral exploration company led by an experienced and proven technical team with a focus on premier North American mining environments. In addition to the Company's flagship copper-zinc-silver-gold Palmer Joint Venture Project, Constantine also controls a portfolio of high-quality, 100% owned, gold projects that the Company intends to spin out into a separate entity. These include the very high-grade Johnson Tract Au-Ag-Zn-Cu-Pb deposit, located in coastal south-central, Alaska and projects in the Timmins, Ontario gold camp that include the large, well-located Golden Mile property and the Munro Croesus Gold property, which is renowned for its exceptionally high-grade past production. Management is committed to providing shareholder value through discovery, meaningful community engagement, environmental stewardship, and responsible mineral exploration and development activities that support local jobs and businesses. Please visit the Company's website (www.constantinemetals.com) for more detailed company and project information. On Behalf of Constantine Metal Resources Ltd. "Garfield MacVeigh" President For further information, please visit the Constantine Metal Resources website at www.constantinemetals.com, or contact: Naomi Nemeth Vice President, Investor Relations Email: info@constantinemetals.com Phone: +1 604 629 2348, Ext 1413 Or Garfield MacVeigh, President Email: info@constantinemetals.com Phone: +1 604 629 2348 Notes: Forward looking statements: This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively "forward looking statements")." Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "forecast", "expect", "potential", "project", "target", "schedule", budget" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the negatives thereof.All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the mineral resource estimate, potential mineralization and geological merits of the Palmer Project and other future plans, objectives or expectations of the Company are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Company's expectations include actual exploration results, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, results of future resource estimates, future barite and metal prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, uninsured risks, regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same, and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause such actions, events or results to differ materially from those anticipated. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and accordingly readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. STOCKHOLM, Nov. 9, 2018/PRNewswire/ -- DigiPlex, the Nordic region's leading data centre specialist has recruited two experienced Operations Managers - Per Lahdet in Sweden and Mark Kjeldstrm in Denmark - to be responsible for the operations of DigiPlex data centre in their respective markets. Continued high expectations from customers on security and innovative sustainability solutions demand a constant development and calibration of the DigiPlex organization. This approach is also an integral and successful part of the company's growth strategy. DigiPlex is experiencing continued strong and increasing market interest in its five data centres in Sweden, Norway and Denmark. To benefit the company's clients and to boost the brand's competitive power even further, the company is continuously developing and calibrating its organisation. This strategy is crucial to continue attracting the market's strongest leadership profiles and competences. "In our recruitment process, we have put great emphasis on a solid and longstanding experience from within the data centre industry, knowledge about the latest in security solutions and technology, and a large and wide network of suppliers and customers. Our demands are high, and we are therefore very pleased to be able to attract such strong profiles as Per Lahdet and Mark Kjeldstrm who, without doubt, will contribute to increased value creation for both our customers and DigiPlex." says Halvor Bjerke, Head of Operations at DigiPlex. Briefly about Per Lahdet Per Lahdet joined DigiPlex on October 1, 2018 as Operations Manager at the company's data centre in Upplands Vasby north of Stockholm. Per has a long and solid experience from his 10 years in the industry, most recently from Amazon Web Services establishing in Sweden and before that four years at Interxion Sverige, and Johnson Controls where Per operated IBMs data halls in Sweden. Further information at LinkedIn Briefly about Mark Kjeldstrm Mark Kjeldstrm joined DigiPlex on August 1, 2018 as Operations Manager at the company's data centre in Copenhagen. Mark comes with more than 10 years' experience from some of Denmark's largest companies, Novo and ISS plus Johnson Control as Property manager and Critical services manager. Further information at LinkedIn CONTACT: Elisabeth Lennhede Head of Communications +46-703322705 elisabeth.lennhede@digiplex.com This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com http://news.cision.com/digiplex/r/digiplex-strengthens-its-operations-management-in-sweden-and-denmark,c2668333 The following files are available for download: beqom, the provider of a cloud-based total compensation solution, is proud to announce that it has been distinguished as the winner of the 2018 SVC Suisse Romande Award, rewarding the best SME in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. More than 1200 people attended the ceremony, held in the Swiss Tech Convention Center in Lausanne, to celebrate the six finalists of the 2018 edition. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181109005296/en/ Since 2005, the SVC award has been rewarding innovative companies for their entrepreneurial spirit and remarkable achievements. From nearly 80 companies, the jury selected six nominees. beqom was joined on the podium by Flyability SA in second place, and Fondarex SA in third place. The most important selection criteria, evaluated by a jury of 13 independent experts, are the examination of the products and services offered, the quality of the management team, the commercial success and the future potential, the capacity for innovation, the corporate culture and the commitments to the economic and social network in their region. "The six finalists in this edition were examples of the diversity and know-how of our region. Some SMEs have recently been start-ups, but they are now well anchored in the regional economic fabric and are developing rapidly in Switzerland and internationally. All have adapted to the new demands of the economy, "said Jean-Marie Salina and Michael Willimann, SVC managers for the French-speaking Switzerland region. We are honored to receive this recognition from the Swiss Venture Club," said Fabio Ronga, beqom CEO. "beqom was born after we identified how most large companies in the world lacked a simpler, flexible approach to define and compute employee compensation. Nine years on, this award acts as an external validation of our success, but it would not be possible without the incredible work of the beqom team. They have all played a part in developing beqom into the company that it is today, and I'd like to dedicate the award to them." "beqom deservedly won the attention of the jury with their capacity to execute on their vision. The team has mastered their strategy of simplifying employee compensation, and we are excited by their global ambitions for the future", explained Michael Willimann. About beqom Happiness is the best driver for success. Our mission is to make the workforce of our customers happy. beqom drives happiness by allowing business managers to lead, align and motivate employees and partners. beqom's cloud based total compensation platform is used globally across all industry sectors by over 100 large companies such as Microsoft and Vodafone. It addresses all performance and compensation aspects such as salary review, bonus, long-term incentives, commissions, benefits, non-cash rewards and all key drivers towards Employee Performance Management and Sales Performance Management. HR, sales and finance organizations leverage our platform to drive performance, retention, cost optimization and happiness among their people. beqom to make your people happy. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181109005296/en/ Contacts: Press: beqom Tanya Jansen, +41 58 255 0800 CMO tanya.jansen@beqom.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 9, 2018) - Batero Gold Corp. (TSXV: BAT) ("the Company") is pleased to report the Company's updated National Instrument 43-101 Measured, Indicated and Inferred mineral resource estimate for the La Cumbre Deposit within the Batero-Quinchia project located in Risaralda, Colombia (the "Project"). LINAMEC S.A.C. of Lima, Peru has prepared and authorized the release of this resource estimate. Mineral Resource Estimate and Exploration Potential Highlights: Measured Mineral Resources comprising 20.014 million tonnes grading 0.759 grams per tonne (g/t) gold, 1.837 g/t silver for a total of 488,336 ounces gold and 1.189 million ounces silver. Indicated Mineral Resources comprising 4.838 million tonnes grading 0.546 grams per tonne (g/t) gold, 1.485 g/t silver for a total of 84,864 ounces gold, 232,970 ounces silver. Inferred Mineral Resources comprising 8.914 million tonnes grading 0.628 g/t gold, 1.328 g/t silver for a total of 179,876 ounces gold and 462,592ounces silver. LIMAMEC recognizes the presence of a potentially significant volume of near surface oxidized gold mineralization within the resource area that may be amenable to heap leaching. Initial metallurgical test work on oxide mineralization returned up to 92% gold recovery. Mineralization in the near surface oxide zone is outlined in Table 1-2 with a significant portion of the oxide mineralization reported in the measured category. Please review Table 1-1, 1-2 and 1-3 "We are very pleased that we were able to establish a significant measured, indicated and inferred mineral resource estimate within the prolific Mid Cauca belt of Colombia as we have focused on the near surface oxide mineralization at the La Cumbre Deposit," stated Gonzalo de Losada President and CEO Batero Gold Corporation. "Batero continues to work on the Environmental Impact Study (EIA) with Servicios Ambientales y Geograficos - SAG and has advanced the abiotic, biotic and socio-economic characterization of the La Cumbre - Oxide Zone project." The mineral resource estimate represents that portion of the deposit with a reasonable prospect for economic extraction at this time and are reported within a conceptual Whittle pit shell using the parameters defined by LINAMEC (see notes below Table 1-3). Table 1-1 Total Mineral Resource Estimate for La Cumbre Deposit Classification Tonnage Au g/t Au oz Ag g/t Ag oz MEASURED 20,014,332 0.759 488,336 1.837 1,189,327 INDICATED 4,838,786 0.546 84,864 1.485 232,970 TOTAL M & I 24,853,118 0.717 573,200 1.768 1,422,297 INFERRED 8,914,657 0.628 179,876 1.328 462,592 Table 1-2 Mineral Resource Estimate for La Cumbre Deposit Oxide Zone Classification Tonnage Au g/t Au oz Ag g/t Ag oz MEASURED 14,434,475 0.780 362,114 1.893 878,612 INDICATED 2,633,937 0.553 46,804 1.522 128,901 TOTAL M & I 17,068,412 0.745 408,919 1.836 1,007,512 INFERRED 247,781 0.392 3,121 1.364 10,863 Table 1-3 Mineral Resource Estimates for La Cumbre Deposit Transitional Zone Classification Tonnage Au g/t Au oz Ag g/t Ag oz MEASURED 5,579,857 0.704 126,222 1.732 310,715 INDICATED 2,204,849 0.537 38,060 1.468 104,070 TOTAL M & I 7,784,706 0.656 164,282 1.657 414,785 INFERRED 8,666,875 0.634 176,755 1.621 451,729 Notes to accompany La Cumbre Mineral Resource tables Mineral Resources have an effective date of 12 September 2018. The Qualified Person for the estimate is Mr. Edgard Vilela, CP and MAusIMM. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral Resources are reported within a conceptual Whittle pit that uses the following input parameters: Au price: US$1,200/troy oz and US$14.5/troy oz Ag, mining cost: US$1.95/t, process cost (including G&A): US$6.80/t processed, gold selling cost: US$38.00/troy oz and Over-all slope angle of 45. Gold recovery in the oxide zone was fixed at 83%. Gold recovery in the transitional zone was fixed at 80%. Mineral Resources (Oxide) are reported using a 0.22 g/t Au cutoff grade. Mineral Resources (Transitional) are reported using a 0.23 Au g/t cutoff grade. Totals may not sum due to rounding as required by reporting guidelines. The Mineral Resource estimate and other scientific and technical information contained in this news release were prepared by or under the supervision of Edgard A. Vilela Acosta, MAusIMM (CP), Independent Consultant with LINAMEC S.A.C. who is an independent "Qualified Person" under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). The NI 43-101 technical report in respect of the resource estimate disclosed herein will be filed on SEDAR within 45 days of the date of this news release. Roger Moss, Ph.D., P.Geo., a consultant at Batero Gold, and a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed the technical information provided in this news release. Batero Gold Corp. will be presenting at the Colombia Gold Symposium, Medellin, Colombia November 13-14. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF BATERO GOLD CORP. Gonzalo de Losada President and CEO Batero Gold Corporation For further information please contact: Michael Mills Tel: 604.568.6378 or Email: info@baterogold.com ABOUT BATERO GOLD Batero Gold Corp. is a precious and base metals exploration and development Company focused on two primary objectives. The first of these objectives is the advancement of the La Cumbre oxide deposit. La Cumbre is located within the Company's 100% owned Batero-Quinchia Gold Project, which sits within Colombia's emerging and prolific Mid Cauca gold and copper belt. Batero is moving the La Cumbre oxide deposit towards the goal of making a production decision, once the appropriate level of study has been completed, and intends to first target the near and at surface higher grade oxidized gold mineralization at the deposit. Batero's second objective is to pursue opportunities to acquire prospective high-grade, production focused mineral properties in Colombia and Latin America. In pursuing both these objectives, Batero plans to leverage its secure treasury position, strong regional relationships, experienced management team, and long- term financial partners. Shares of the Vancouver-based company trade on the TSX-Venture Exchange under the symbol "BAT". FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS Certain of the statements and information in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information". Any statements or information that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "plans", "estimates", "intends", "targets", "goals", "forecasts", "objectives", "potential" or variations thereof or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements or information. Forward-looking statements or information may relate to, among other things: developing the most efficient and cost-effective leach processing circuit for the Cumbre gold deposit; the timing and scope of expected diamond drilling; resource estimates; grades on the Batero-Quinchia project; scope of mineralization within the Batero-Quinchia project; receipt and/or timing of required permits and regulatory approvals; the sufficiency of the Company's capital to finance the Company's operations; and geological interpretations and potential mineral recovery processes. Forward-looking statements and information are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements or information. The Company's forward-looking statements and information are based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations and opinions of management as of the date of this press release, and, other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements or information in the event that circumstances or management's assumptions, beliefs, expectations or opinions should change, or there should occur or develop changes in any other events affecting such statements or information. For the reasons set forth above, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and information. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Figure 1:Auger Sampling Map at the La Cumbre Deposit with Anomalies To view an enhanced version of this map, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/4253/40982_816fd74294fa19a3_002full.jpg Figure 2:La Cumbre Deposit - Location Map of Drillholes To view an enhanced version of this map, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/4253/40982_816fd74294fa19a3_003full.jpg DALLAS, Nov. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- TYAN, an industry-leading server platform design manufacturer and a subsidiary of MiTAC Computing Technology Corporation, will be exhibiting a full line of HPC, storage and cloud computing server platforms that are optimized for HPC, Artificial Intelligence and Datacenter markets at SC18 from November 12th - 15th, Booth # 3020 in Dallas's Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. "Customers in the datacenter to the enterprise are facing the challenge to get more value out of enormous amounts of data. The demand is pushing to move data faster, store data more and analyze data accurately," said Danny Hsu, Vice President of MiTAC Computing Technology Corporation's TYAN Business Unit. "TYAN's leading portfolio of HPC, storage and cloud server platforms are based on the Intel Xeon Scalable processors and are designed to help our customers move, store and process massive amounts of data efficiently." Intel Xeon Scalable Processors Power TYAN HPC and AI Platforms For high performance computing applications, TYAN's Thunder HX TA88- B7107 , Thunder HX FA77-B7119 and Thunder HX GA88-B5631 are optimized for machine learning and artificial intelligence applications. The 2U TA88-B7107 features dual Intel Xeon Scalable processors and is able to accommodate up to eight high performance GPU accelerator cards with NVLink technology. With four PCIe x16 slots available for high-speed networking and 24 DIMM slots supporting up to 3TB of system RAM, the TA88-B7107 is the highest performance HPC server option available. The 4U FA77-B7119 supports dual Intel Xeon Scalable processors, 24 DIMM slots and 11 PCIe x16 (or 21 PCIe x8) slots. The GA88-B5631 is a 1U server with 12 DIMM slots, 5 PCIe x16 slots, and a single Intel Xeon Scalable processor, which is among the industry's highest density HPC servers available on the market. The Thunder HX FT77D-B7109 adds support for Intel Xeon Scalable processors with integrated Intel Omni-Path 100 gigabit networking fabric that can reach a total of 200Gb/s fabric connectivity. The platform is equipped with a 9th PCIe x16 slot for high speed 100 Gigabit EDR Infiniband or NVME deployment and an internal PCIe x8 storage mezzanine slot for SAS IOC or SAS RAID, that specializes in massively parallel workloads including scientific computing, genetic sequencing, oil & gas discovery, large scale facial recognition, and cryptography. Empower High-Performance and Energy-Efficient Infrastructure for Datacenters and Enterprises TYAN's computing and storage platforms span a wide range of hardware specifications ranging from massive amounts of data storage to high performance computing. The Thunder SX FA100-B7118 is TYAN's flagship storage server supporting dual Intel Xeon Scalable processors and 100 3.5" drives in a 4U rackmount form factor. The platform is designed for both cold storage and large-scale object storage applications such as Lustre. TYAN's Thunder SX TN76-B7102 is a 2U dual-socket Intel Xeon Scalable processor-based storage platform. With support for up to 24 DDR4 DIMM slots and maximum expansion up to 8 standard PCIe slots, the TN76-B7102 can fully address the high memory capacity required by data virtualization and in-memory databases. For the high-performance storage segment, the 1U Thunder SX GT62H-B7106 features dual-socket Intel Xeon Scalable processors, 16 DIMM slots, two low profile PCIe x16 slots, and 10 U.2 NVMe drive bays. This platform offers maximum storage performance and large memory capacity and is ideal for edge server applications. New Intel Xeon E-2100 Processor-based Server Platforms are Designed for Entry Server Applications TYAN's new Intel Xeon E-2100 Processor-based server boards include the Tempest CX S5550 with support for up to 4x GbE LOM in a Micro-ATX form factor, and the Tempest CX S5552 with support up to 4x GbE LOM and optional SAS 12G controller in an ATX form factor and are designed for entry server/storage applications. In addition, the Tempest EX S5555-HE with display port, DVI-D, and 7.1 channel high definition audio in a Micro-ATX form factor is ideal for embedded workstation applications. TYAN's Thunder CX GT24E-B5556 is a 1U single-socket Intel Xeon E-2100 processor-based edge cloud server. With support for up to 4 DDR4 DIMM slots, 3 PCIe slots, and dual 10GBase-T Ethernet ports, the platform is optimized for cost-effective cloud gaming applications. VANCOUVER, CA / ACCESSWIRE / November 9, 2018 / Nexus Gold Corp. ('Nexus' or the 'Company') (TSX-V: NXS, OTCQB: NXXGF, FSE: N6E) is pleased to report that its wholly owned subsidiary, Nexus Gold Corp. Burkina SARL, has acquired the Dakouli 2 gold concession, a 198-square kilometer gold exploration permit located in central Burkina Faso, approximately 100 kilometers due north of the capital city Ouagadougou. The Dakouli 2 property is located on the Boromo-Goren Greenstone Belt and is bordered to the north by granitic rocks. It is also bisected by the Sabce shear zone, a major structural fault proximal to multiple gold deposits which trends southwest-northeast and bisects the entire long axis of the property. The Sabce is the dominant feature at the 3M+ ounce Bissa deposit, currently being mined by Nordgold approximately 20-kms to the northeast of the Dakouli 2 permit. The Company has identified a large orpaillage situated on the permit's eastern border which is being actively exploited by artisanal miners. The 198-square kilometer property lies immediately south of the Company's 178-sq km Niangouela concession (see figure 1) which has been explored over the past two years. Sampling at Niangouela returned bonanza-grade gold values, including 2,950 grams-per-tonne ('g/t') gold ('Au'), 403 g/t Au, and 49.8 g/t Au (see Company news releases dated January 11 and 24, 2017). The maiden drill program at Niangouela returned significant high-grade intercepts, including 26.69 g/t Au over 4.85m, including 1m of 132 g/t Au (see Company news release dated March 7, 2017). Figure 1: Dakouli 2 borders the Company's Niangouela gold concession along its northern boundary 'Dakouli is a promising addition to our portfolio,' said Alex Klenman, President & CEO. ' Our crew knows the area well as our Niangouela project is adjacent directly to the north of Dakouli and has provided some high-grade results in the past. We feel Dakouli may also present some higher-grade opportunities. The property contains some highly developed artisanal sites, which we believe is indicative of significant mineralization. We are immediately going to start testing these zones and get a good idea of what we're dealing with,' continued Mr. Klenman. Figure 2: Nexus projects located along the Boromo-Goren Greenstone Belt, bisected by the Sabce shear zone The addition of Dakouli 2 increases the Nexus Gold land holdings in Burkina Faso to over 664-sq kms (66,000+ hectares) or over 256-sq miles of highly prospective ground along proven gold belts. Figure 3: Gold mines/deposits in Burkina Faso, in relation to Nexus Gold project locations. Dakouli 2 is located on the southern boundary of the Niangouela project. In addition to the newly-acquired 100% owned 198-sq km Dakouli 2 project, Nexus has three other gold projects in Burkina Faso in various stages of exploration development. Bouboulou - The 38-square km Bouboulou project comprises no less than five established gold zones contained within three separate 5km gold trends. Over 60 holes have been drilled to date showing widespread mineralization. Rakounga - The 250-square km Rakounga gold concession is adjacent to and extends the Bouboulou gold trends and currently contains three drill-tested zones of gold mineralization. Over 15-kms of gold trend has been established between the eight known Bouboulou and Rakounga gold zones. Drilling at the Koaltenga zone has produced some lengthy gold intercepts, with several higher-grade intervals. Niangouela - The Niangouela gold concession is a 178-square km project featuring high-grade gold occurring in and around a primary quartz vein and associated shear zone approximately one km in length. The Dakouli 2 project is 198-sq km concession adjacent to Niangouela's southern border. Burkina Faso is home to several multi-million-ounce gold deposits and operating mines, under the control of some of the world's largest gold producers. About the Company: Nexus Gold is a Vancouver-based gold exploration and development company operating primarily in Burkina Faso, West Africa. The company is currently concentrating its efforts on establishing a compliant resource at one or more of it's four current projects. Warren Robb P.Geo., Vice-President, Exploration, is the designated Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and is responsible for the technical information contained in this release. On behalf of the Board of Directors of NEXUS GOLD CORP. Alex Klenman President & CEO 604-558-1920 info@nexusgoldcorp.com www.nexusgoldcorp.com Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially because of factors discussed in the management discussion and analysis section of our interim and most recent annual financial statement or other reports and filings with the TSX Venture Exchange and applicable Canadian securities regulations. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws. SOURCE: Nexus Gold Corp. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/527599/Nexus-Gold-Acquires-Dakouli-2-Project-on-the-Boromo-Goren-Greenstone-Belt-Burkina-Faso-West-Africa Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 9, 2018) - Metals Creek Resources Corp. (TSXV: MEK) or "Metals Creek" or "the company" ) is pleased to announce that the company have received the second year option payment for the Jackson's Arm Agreement from Anaconda Mining Inc.(TSX-V:ANX, or Anaconda). Metals Creek have received $60,000 and 37,500 Anaconda shares for the second anniversary payment. Anaconda has the right to acquire a 100% undivided interest in Metals Creek's Jackson's Arm Property. To earn a 100% interest in the Jackson's Arm Property, Anaconda is required to make aggregate payments to Metals Creek of $200,000 in cash ($120,000 paid), and issue 125,000 common shares of Anaconda (75,000 issued) over a three-year period. The Jackson's Arm Agreement provides for a two percent (2%) net smelter returns royalty ("NSR") to MEK on the sale of gold bearing mineral products from the Jackson's Arm Property. The NSR is capped at $1,500,000, after which, the NSR will be reduced to one percent (1%). Metals Creek has also received an additional $60,000 and 37,500 Anaconda Shares for the second anniversary payment on the Tilt Cove Property from Anaconda. Anaconda has the right to acquire a 100% undivided interest in Metals Creek's Tilt Cove Property located 60 kilometers east of Anaconda's Point Rousse Project within the BaieVerte Mining District. To earn a 100% interest in the Tilt Cove Property, Anaconda is required to make aggregate payments to Metals Creek of $200,000 in cash,( $120,000 Paid), and issue 125,000 common shares of Anaconda (75,000 issued) over a three-year period. The Tilt Cove Agreement provides for a one percent (1%) NSR to MEK on the sale of gold bearing mineral products from the Tilt Cove Property. Anaconda is also assuming an existing two percent (2%) NSR (the "Existing NSR") on one of the two licenses that comprises the Tilt Cove Property. One percent (1%) of the Existing NSR is purchasable for $1,250,000. About Metals Creek Resources Corp. Metals Creek Resources Corp. is a junior exploration company incorporated under the laws of the Province of Ontario, is a reporting issuer in Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario, and has its common shares listed for trading on the Exchange under the symbol "MEK". Metals Creek has earned a 50% interest in the Ogden Gold Property, including the former Naybob Gold mine, located 6 km south of Timmins, Ontario and has a 8 km strike length of the prolific Porcupine-Destor Fault (P-DF) that stretches between Timmins, Ontario and Val d'Or, Quebec. Metals Creek also has an option agreement with Quadro Resources on Metals Creeks and Benton Resources Staghorn Gold Project in Newfoundland as well as two option agreements with Anaconda Mining Inc. on Metals Creek's Jacksons Arm and Tilt Cove Properties also in Newfoundland. The company also has an agreement on its Clarks Brook property with Sokoman Iron Corp. and is engaged in the identification, acquisition, exploration and development of other mineral resource properties, and presently has mining interests in Ontario, Yukon and Newfoundland and Labrador. Additional information concerning the Corporation is contained in documents filed by the Corporation with securities regulators, available under its profile at www.sedar.com. "Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release." For further information, please contact: Alexander (Sandy) Stares, President and CEO Metals Creek Resources Corp telephone: (709)-256-6060 fax: (709)-256-6061 email: astares@metalscreek.com WWW.metalscreek.com ADE Chain Takes the Leading Role of the Cross-border Social E-commerce! GUANGZHOU, CHINA / ACCESSWIRE / November 9, 2018 / Since 2018, Pinduoduo has received a huge amount of financing of more than 3 billion US dollars, followed by the completion of B-round and C-round financing respectively of Yunji and Gifts, as well as the successful listing of the Youzan. All kinds of signs once again prove that the "new mode" of social e-commerce in the Post-E era has come to the fore. As the industry leader of cross-border social e-commerce platform, UniPlaza has successfully established its own marketing team and operation team in more than 20 countries and regions around the world since 2012. It has successively launched complete marketing programs and implemented them in many countries. UniPlaza integrates the global logistics system, supports 13 global mainstream languages, links more than 150 mainstream social platforms with one-click forwarding links, and covers 90% of consumers in countries and regions around the world. UniPlaza technical team independently researched the ATS automatic trading system, which obtained more than 30 international patents. The team built a complete cross-border social e-commerce transaction closed loop, and launched the first innovative mode in the industry in the aspects of product service display, transaction payment and logistics delivery. At the same time, UniPlaza has international patents covering cross-border settlement, distribution and settlement, and user relationship chain algorithms. It solves the multiple problems of cross-border social e-commerce such as payment, social networking, logistics, supply chain, and becomes the only cross-border social e-commerce platform capable of doing global business. UniPlaza brings a mature and convenient global cross-border social e-commerce model to the world through tangible high-quality services and institutional guidance. The Highly Praised "Social Network Business Like Alibaba" At the 2018 World Expo Social E-Commerce Session, Ms. Anne Kim, the founder of UniPlaza, was invited to take the stage to analyze UniPlaza's new global cross-border social e-commerce model for Internet economic experts from more than 20 countries and regions around the world. After the speech, Ms. Anne Kim was invited to participate in the Global Social E-Commerce Roundtable Forum to discuss the impact of social e-commerce on the new economic structure of the Internet with international renowned economists such as Larry H.P. Lang. UniPlaza's unique social e-commerce model was highly praised by Larry H.P. Lang for breaking the traditional pattern of social e-commerce. UniPlaza's cross-border social e-commerce model embodies the essence of sharing economy in the Internet age, focusing on the integration and output of services, information and content. Seeking a balance between "extreme product and services" and "ordinary price", the foothold of UniPlaza Platform is to share among friends and to do every detail with the most devoted ingenuity. UniPlaza has always been committed to promoting the mature social e-commerce model to the world, sharing the really valuable good things to the people all over the world, so that people are willing to share and win the life they want. It facilitated buyers and sellers, the platform and the logistics side which will achieve a win-win situation and the happy vision of UniPlaza and the world. Contact Info: Name: Uniplaza Email: morningstar.editors@gmail.com Organization: Guangzhou Youmi Technology Co., Ltd. Website: https://www.uniplaza.com/#/home SOURCE: Guangzhou Youmi Technology Co., Ltd. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/526892/Mr-Larry-HP-Lang-Highly-Appraised-the-New-Economy-of-UniPlazas-Global-Cross-border-Social-E-commerce Infiniti Research, a world-renowned market intelligence solutions provider, has announced the completion of their latest article on the importance of business intelligence services in the healthcare sector This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181109005351/en/ Need for business intelligence services in the healthcare sector. (Graphic: Business Wire) With the growth in data sources and complexities in the healthcare sector, the need for better decision-making capabilities has emerged. This has forced organizations to take the help of business intelligence tools to gain better insights into labor distribution, patient care and satisfaction, clinical operations, administration and management, and daily practices of physician and nurses. Moreover, business intelligence services help in taking precise business decisions with the help of accurate data and analytical insights. "At present, business intelligence services have become a prime necessity for utilizing patients' data and offering the best healthcare services," says a business intelligence expert from Infiniti Research. Request a free proposal to know why we are the market leaders when it comes to business intelligence services. Need for business intelligence in the healthcare sector: For better patient care The healthcare sector generates a large volume of complex data when compared to all other sectors. Inability to manage this data efficiently is a flaw for companies and shows the lack of a business strategy. To leverage the benefits of available data, it is essential for companies to take the aid of technology. Many hospitals and healthcare organizations have started employing tools that can assist in the daily practices of administration, physicians, and all other healthcare personnel. With the use of business intelligence, healthcare companies can manage huge amounts of structured and unstructured data on a daily basis. To know more about the relevance of business intelligence services in boosting profits, get in touch with our experts. Better allocation of expenses Healthcare organizations need to address critical challenges pertaining to financial, operational, patient care, and clinical practices of the industry. Business intelligence platforms are a great way to understand and analyze healthcare information, forecast future events, and utilize insights to address risks and improve operations. Additionally, these platforms help in providing better clinical and patient care, enhancing personnel distribution, minimizing readmissions and managing expenses efficiently. For more information on our business intelligence services and how we help companies in the healthcare sector, consult with our industry experts. Supporting and improving decision-making Like every other sector, the healthcare industry faces some specific challenges related to equipment and facilities, system operations, diagnostics, physician practices, and patient and clinical care. Organizations require an effective system to combat such issues. Business intelligence helps in understanding complex patient, clinical, and operational data and improves the performance based on analytics-based insights. To know the pricing dynamics of business intelligence services, Request a Proposal. About Infiniti Research Established in 2003, Infiniti Research is a leading market intelligence company providing smart solutions to address your business challenges. Infiniti Research studies markets in more than 100 countries to help analyze competitive activity, see beyond market disruptions, and develop intelligent business strategies. To know more, visit: https://www.infinitiresearch.com/about-us View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181109005351/en/ Contacts: Infiniti Research Anirban Choudhury Marketing Manager US: +1 844 778 0600 UK: +44 203 893 3400 https://www.infinitiresearch.com/contact-us Frontline Ltd.'s preliminary third quarter 2018 results will be released on Friday November 16 2018 and a webcast and conference call will be held at 3:00 p.m. CET (9:00 a.m U.S. Eastern Time). The results presentation will be available for download from the Investor Relations section at www.frontline.bm ahead of the conference call. In order to attend the conference call you may do one of the following: a. Webcast Go to the Investor Relations section at www.frontline.bm and follow the "Webcast" link. b. Conference Call Participant dial-in telephone numbers: International Dial-In/UK Local +44 (0)330 336 9411 Norway +47 2350 0296 Norway Toll Free 800 14947 UK Toll Free 0800 279 7204 USA Toll Free 888-882-4478 USA Local +1 646-828-8193 Conference ID2518793 Participants will be asked for their full name & Conference ID. A Q&A session will be held after the teleconference/webcast. Information on how to submit questions will be given at the beginning of the session. The presentation material which will be used in the teleconference/webcast can be downloaded from www.frontline.bm. Replay details (available for 7 days) International Dial-In/UK Local +44 (0) 207 660 134 UK Toll Free 0 808 101 1153 Norway Dial-In +47 23 50 00 77 Norway toll free 800 196 72 USA Toll Free 888-203-1112 USA Local +1 719-457-0820 Replay Access Number2518793 Participant information required: Full name & company This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5 -12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. This announcement is distributed by West Corporation on behalf of West Corporation clients. The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein. Source: Frontline Ltd. via Globenewswire The global body polishes market is expected to post a CAGR of over 4% during the period 2019-2023, according to the latest market research report by Technavio This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181109005313/en/ Technavio has published a new market research report on the global body polishes market from 2019-2023. (Graphic: Business Wire) A key factor driving the growth of the market is increasing consumer awareness about the benefits of body polishing. Owing to the significant increase in awareness about the numerous health and wellbeing benefits associated with body polishes, consumers have been adopting body polishes. Body polishing aids in removing dead cells by exfoliating the skin, which, in turn, promotes the growth of new and healthy cells. It also removes dirt and excess oil from the skin. Vendors are effectively leveraging online and offline platforms to educate consumers about the benefits of body polishes. Thus, the growing awareness about the benefits of body polishing is likely to drive the global body polishes market during the forecast period. This market research report on the global body polishes market 2019-2023 also provides an analysis of the most important trends expected to impact the market outlook during the forecast period. Technavio classifies an emerging trend as a major factor that has the potential to significantly impact the market and contribute to its growth or decline. This report is available at a USD 1,000 discount for a limited time only: View market snapshot before purchasing In this report, Technavio highlights the factor manufacturers to focus on R&D and product innovation as one of the key emerging trends in the global body polishes market: Global body polishes market: Manufacturers to focus on R&D and product innovation Prominent vendors are investing significantly in R&D activities to stay ahead of the competition. These vendors focus on enhancing product quality based on consumer preferences. Furthermore, manufacturers are focusing on addressing environmental concerns by introducing eco-friendly and organic skin care products to meet changing consumers expectations. However, owing to the prevalence of intense competition, vendors are developing innovative compositions to differentiate their products and retain their market share. Feedback and suggestions provided by end-users help in product improvement. Unilever and L'Oreal have significantly increased their R&D investments for the development of innovative skin care products, including body polishes. "Apart from R&D and product innovation, another key factor boosting the growth of the market is superior quality offerings leading to product premiumization. A wide variety of products with different price range, composition, ingredients, and quality are available in the global body polishes market. Consumers prefer standard-quality products that are non-toxic, long-lasting, and without any adverse effect on the skin. Estee Lauder, Unilever, and L'Oreal brands have strong brand recognition and loyalty among customers. Therefore, consumers are prepared to pay an additional price for body polishes offered by these brands," says a senior analyst at Technavio for research on cosmetics and toiletry. Global body polishes market: Segmentation analysis This market research report segments the global body polishes market by distribution (offline and online) and geographical regions (APAC, EMEA, and the Americas). The APAC region led the market in 2018 with a market share of over 39%, followed by Americas and EMEA respectively. The increase in overall population, popularity of western BPC products, including skin care products, increasing disposable income, rapid urbanization, and rise in demand for BPC products from male consumers are factors driving the market growth in the region. Looking for more information on this market? Request a free sample report Technavio's sample reports are free of charge and contain multiple sections of the report such as the market size and forecast, drivers, challenges, trends, and more. Some of the key topics covered in the report include: Market Landscape Market ecosystem Market characteristics Market segmentation analysis Market Sizing Market definition Market size and forecast Five Forces Analysis Market Segmentation Geographical Segmentation Regional comparison Key leading countries Market Drivers Market Challenges Market Trends Vendor Landscape Vendors covered Vendor classification Market positioning of vendors Competitive scenario About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 10,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. If you are interested in more information, please contact our media team at media@technavio.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181109005313/en/ Contacts: Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 www.technavio.com Technavio analysts forecast the global poke foods market to grow at a CAGR of over 23% during the forecast period, according to their latest market research report. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181109005340/en/ Technavio has published a new market research report on the global poke foods market from 2019-2023. (Graphic: Business Wire) Rising demand for organic seafoods and poke foods is one of the major trends being witnessed in the global poke foods market 2019-2023. Organic seafood is manufactured from naturally-sourced ingredients and does not contain preservatives. Further, they have low calorie and gluten content compared to seafood prepared using conventional methods. Among organic seafood, demand for finfish, shellfish, shrimps, and scallops is moving forward at a brisk pace. Many vendors in the poke foods market have also started offering poke bowls prepared from organically-sourced raw tuna and other fish species. The growth of the organic seafoods market is an encouraging sign for poke food market vendors as they mostly use raw products that are sourced organically. Also, an increase in the number of organized retailing outlets offering organically-sourced poke foods and regular launches of such food products are positive factors that will drive the market during the forecast period. This report is available at a USD 1,000 discount for a limited time only: View market snapshot before purchasing According to Technavio analysts, one of the key factors contributing to the growth of the global poke foods market is the health benefits of poke foods: Global poke foods market: Health benefits of poke foods Health benefits are among the major reasons for the growth in demand and consumption of poke foods. As they are significantly high in nutrient content such as omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin A, the demand for poke foods has risen in major regions of the world. Some of the advantages include enhancement of cardiovascular health, improvement in blood circulation, and promotion of weight loss. Therefore, with such advantages, the market is expected to witness a positive outlook during the forecast period. According to a senior analyst at Technavio for research on food, "To match the rising demand for poke foods, the number of vendors offering poke foods products in various regions of the world has increased significantly since 2012. The market in the US has witnessed the entry of a considerable number of vendors. New vendors have also entered the market in countries such as the UK Australia. Canada, Germany, and Singapore. For instance, in September 2018, Pokeworks, a US-based company, signed a new master franchise agreement to expand its presence in the Mexican cities of San Luis Potosi, Monterrey, Ciudad de Mexico, and Guadalajara." Global poke foods market: Segmentation analysis The global poke foods market research report provides market segmentation by product (varieties of tuna, and other species), and by region (the Americas, EMEA, and APAC). It provides an in-depth analysis of the prominent factors influencing the market, including drivers, opportunities, trends, and industry-specific challenges. The Americas held the largest share of the market in 2018, accounting for over 78% share, followed by the EMEA and APAC respectively. However, during the forecast period, the EMEA region is expected to register the highest incremental growth, followed by the APAC region. Looking for more information on this market? Request a free sample report Technavio's sample reports are free of charge and contain multiple sections of the report such as the market size and forecast, drivers, challenges, trends, and more. Some of the key topics covered in the report include: Market Landscape Market ecosystem Market characteristics Market segmentation analysis Market Sizing Market definition Market size and forecast Five Forces Analysis Market Segmentation Geographical Segmentation Regional comparison Key leading countries Market Drivers Market Challenges Market Trends Vendor Landscape Vendors covered Vendor classification Market positioning of vendors Competitive scenario About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 10,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. If you are interested in more information, please contact our media team at media@technavio.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181109005340/en/ Contacts: Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 www.technavio.com Article L. 238-8-II of the French commercial Code and article 223-16 of the AMF (French Financial Markets Authority) general regulation Regulatory News: Corporate name of the issuer: Veolia Environnement (Paris:VIE) 21, rue La Boetie 75008 PARIS FRANCE (ISIN code: FR0000124141-VIE) Information closing date Total number of shares forming the share capital Total number of voting rights October 31, 2018 565,593,341 Total number of theoretical voting rights (1): 598,481,007 Total number of voting rights that may be exercised (2): 585,440,576 Inclusion in the Veolia Environnement Articles of Association of a clause requiring a reporting obligation of the declaration of crossing a shareholding threshold, complementary to the one relating to the thresholds provided by the French law and the regulations in force (article 8). (1) Number of theoretical voting rights after taking into account the number of shares with double voting rights as of October 31, 2018 (32,887,666 shares) and the number of treasury shares held as of October 31, 2018 (13,040,431 shares). (2) Number of voting rights that may be exercised number of theoretical voting rights (or total number of voting rights attached to shares) shares without voting rights (number of treasury shares held as of October 31, 2018). Veolia Environnement Siege social/head office: 21, rue La Boetie 75008 PARIS France Adresse postale/Correspondence address: 30, rue Madeleine Vionnet 93300 AUBERVILLIERS France tel. +33 (0)1 85 57 70 00 Fax: +33 (0)1 71 75 10 45 www.veolia.com A Public Limited Company (Societe Anonyme) with a share capital of 2,827,966,705 euros 403 210 032 RCS PARIS View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181109005428/en/ Contacts: Veolia Environnement SINGAPORE, November 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Over the past five years, PhosAgro has increased its annual sales in South-East Asia by more than 60%, reaching 600,000 tonnes. This was announced by the Managing Director of PhosAgro Asia, Vladimir Kharitonov, at a gala event in Singapore on the occasion of the fifth anniversary of PhosAgro Asia, PhosAgro's first international trading company. PhosAgro Asia is one of PhosAgro's leading regional trading companies and has been operating in Asian markets since 2013. The company covers sales to a region that accounts for about 25% of global consumption of mineral fertilizers (excluding China). More than 80% of PhosAgro Asia's sales are made to some of the largest countries in Asia: India, Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia. PhosAgro Asia has also been expanding its client base and sales volumes in Myanmar, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia and the Philippines. "The fifth anniversary of our Asian office is an important milestone for PhosAgro as a whole and for me personally. Five years ago, we revised the Group's global development and sales strategy and embarked upon a path to direct export sales by studying the needs of local farmers; we started studying the needs and traditions of agricultural producers in key markets. PhosAgro Asia became our first foreign commercial office and our first trading company. Today, thanks to the effective development of nine foreign trading companies and offices, the share of PhosAgro's global direct sales exceeds 90%," said PhosAgro CEO Andrey Guryev in his remarks. "PhosAgro is an active participant in the global food chain-we feed people, and this is a very important mission, especially in Asia, where PhosAgro has made a huge breakthrough," said Sven Ombudstvedt, Chairman of PhosAgro's Board of Directors. "Strategically, PhosAgro is focused on diversification of its product range. The line of products manufactured by PhosAgro has expanded to 39 grades of fertilizer over the past five years; technologies for introducing microelements and biostimulants into granules are being developed, enabling us to improve the efficiency by which plants make use of the active ingredients in fertilizers. The biggest growth can be seen in segments that allow farmers to cut costs: with stable demand for DAP-at one time PhosAgro Asia's main product-the share of NPK and NPS fertilizers in PhosAgro Asia's sales exceeded 60% this year. PhosAgro Asia has been implementing a successful transition from being a single-product trader to a supplier of a wide range of mineral fertilizers and related services. Product diversification, supported by agricultural consulting and direct interaction with end users, allows us to make long-term sales plans for South-East Asia and to increase PhosAgro's resilience to unexpected changes in global demand and to increasing demands from the point of view of the environmental safety of food," said PhosAgro's Deputy CEO for Sales and Marketing, Sergey Pronin. Members of PhosAgro's Board of Directors also noted that PhosAgro Asia is making global agriculture more environmentally friendly. "Asia is now at peak growth, and people here need effective, environmentally friendly and sustainable agriculture, and PhosAgro is one of the best producers in terms of product quality and purity," said Xavier Rolet, a member of PhosAgro's Board of Directors. Another member of the Board of Directors, Irina Bokova, supported him: "PhosAgro is a partner of UNESCO and the FAO in projects related to green chemistry and soil quality. All of this contributes to the goal of eradicating hunger, which is at the top of the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. I think this is the surest way for private business operating in the international arena to assist the state and the UN in achieving the goals of this agenda," concluded Ms Bokova. About PhosAgro PhosAgro is one of the world's leading vertically integrated phosphate-based fertilizer producers in terms of production volumes of phosphate-based fertilizers and high-grade phosphate rock with a P 2 O 5 content of 39% and higher. The Company is the largest phosphate-based fertilizer producer in Europe (by total combined capacity for DAP/MAP/NP/NPK/NPS), the largest producer of high-grade phosphate rock with a P 2 O 5 content of 39%, a top-three producer of MAP/DAP globally, one of the leading producers of feed phosphates (MCP) in Europe, and the only producer in Russia, and Russia's only producer of nepheline concentrate (according to the RAFP). PhosAgro's main products include phosphate rock, 39 grades of fertilizers, feed phosphates, ammonia, and sodium tripolyphosphate, which are used by customers in 100 countries spanning all of the world's inhabited continents. The Company's priority markets outside of Russia and the CIS are Latin America, Europe and Asia. PhosAgro's shares are traded on the Moscow Exchange, and Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs) for shares trade on the London Stock Exchange (under the ticker PHOR). Since 1 June 2016, the Company's GDRs have been included in the MSCI Russia and MSCI Emerging Markets indexes. More information about PhosAgro can be found on the website: www.phosagro.ru. Insel Phu Quoc, Vietnam (ots/PRNewswire) - Salinda Resort wurde am 8. November in der Merchant Taylor's Hall in London im Rahmen der Boutique Hotel Awards mit dem Preis Southeast Asia's Best Relaxation Retreat Award 2018 ausgezeichnet. Fur den Preis gab es 300 Bewerber aus 80 Landern rund um den Globus. Zum ersten Mal uberhaupt hat ein Hotel in Vietnam diesen renommierten Preis gewonnen.Mit dem Preis werden Boutique-Hotels aus aller Welt gewurdigt, die besonders hohe Mastabe setzen. Jeder Bewerber wird von einem Jurymitglied vor Ort nach folgenden Kriterien bewertet: Designkonzept, Bewirtung und Unterhaltung, Servicequalitat und "emotionale Bindung" zum Hotel."Wir akzeptieren diesen Preis in Demut und fuhren eine Reihe vergangener Preistrager fort, die schon lange bewundert und respektiert werden", sagte Sandra Nguyen Si, Director of Business Development. "Wir werden auch in Zukunft selbstbewusst und mutig neue Wege gehen, indem wir unsere tagliche Arbeit nach unserem Herzen ausrichten."Salinda Resort hat sich auf Phu Quoc fest etabliert, obwohl immer neue Hotels aufmachen. Das Resort befindet sich am beruhmten Long Beach mit kristallblauem Wasser, goldenem Sand und spektakularen romantischen Sonnenuntergangen. Die Innenraumgestaltung ist eine elegante Kombination aus modernen Annehmlichkeiten mit authentischer lokaler Note. Dieses Konzept zieht sich durch alle 121 Deluxe-Zimmer, Suites und Villen und verkorpert die Essenz des Luxus im Geist der Insel Phu Quoc.Salinda Resort betreibt drei Spezialitatenrestaurants mit unverwechselbarem Designkonzept und eigenem Chefkoch. Eine authentische Wellnessoase erweckt antike thailandische Wellness-Geheimnisse zum Leben und zollt naturlichen vietnamesischen Heilprodukten Tribut. Zum Schwimmen ladt ein salzgefilterter Infinity-Pool ein. Mit dem sogenannten "Purple by Salinda Sustainability Program" verfolgt das Resort einen nachhaltigen Umweltschutz.Aber das eigentliche Alleinstellungsmerkmal von Salinda Resort sind seine hohen Mastabe bei der Gastebetreuung und das Vorleben von Familienwerten auf Basis von gegenseitigem Respekt und Support unter allen Teammitgliedern. Diese Werte bescheren dem Gast ein seelenvolles und tiefempfundenes Erlebnis."Ich mochte diesen Preis unserer Salinda-Familie widmen. Sie sorgt dafur, dass sich die Gaste bei uns absolut wohl fuhlen, genau wie bei meiner Familie zu Hause. Das ist vietnamesische Gastfreundschaft in ihrer reinsten Form. Vielen Dank, dass ihr mit mir zusammen diesen Traum lebt", sagte Madame Huyen, Mitgrunderin von Salinda Resort.Beginne dein Boutique-Erlebnis: www.salindaresort.comFoto - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/782976/Salinda_Resort_WBHA.jpgFoto - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/782977/Salinda_Pool.jpgOTS: Salinda Resort Phu Quoc Island newsroom: http://www.presseportal.de/nr/131844 newsroom via RSS: http://www.presseportal.de/rss/pm_131844.rss2Pressekontakt: Huy Le +84915997712 Marijuana News TodayThat was a short honeymoon. In the marijuana news today, the post-midterm election weed stock rally fizzled on concerns that President Donald Trump is looking to replace outgoing Attorney General Jeff Session with someone who is also opposed to legalizing recreational marijuana use.Virtually the entire marijuana stock market was in retreat this morning.To recap, cannabis stocks took flight on October 7 after U.S. voters in three states voted to legalize pot. Michigan became the first Midwest state to vote in favor of legalizing recreational marijuana while Missouri and Utah gave the thumbs up for medical marijuana use. North Dakota, however, rejected. Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. By David Ljunggren OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canada is pushing back against U.S. attempts to change the text of their September trade pact and the issue may have to be referred to ministers to settle, a Canadian source with direct knowledge of the matter said on Thursday By David Ljunggren OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canada is pushing back against U.S. attempts to change the text of their September trade pact and the issue may have to be referred to ministers to settle, a Canadian source with direct knowledge of the matter said on Thursday. "Some of the stuff they (the Americans) have been putting forward is not at all what we agreed to," said the source, who requested anonymity given the sensitivity of the situation. Although the source said Ottawa did not feel the problem would wreck the new U.S.-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) deal, the affair shows that tensions remain after a stressful 13-month negotiation. The United States and Canada reached a last-gasp deal on USMCA at the end of September, guaranteeing that free trade between the three nations would continue. Officials are now fine-tuning the wording on the deal intended to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). "We are having discussions around the interpretation of a variety of things," said the Canadian source. No one was immediately available for comment in the office of U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, who led the negotiations for Washington. Adam Austen, a spokesman for Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland, said it "is normal after an agreement-in-principle is concluded for all countries to work together to ensure the text is accurate". As part of the USMCA, Canada agreed that the province of British Columbia would stop its practice of only allowing local wines to be stocked in supermarkets. The source said the United States was trying to broaden that clause to cover wine sales in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec. The two sides are also at odds over elements of Ottawa's promise to offer more access to U.S. dairy producers. The source said it was not abnormal that nations would seek to "push a little bit further in terms of the text" at this stage of a trade negotiation. The USMCA must be ratified by all three nations before it comes into force. U.S. President Donald Trump had threatened to walk away from NAFTA unless major changes were made. Another area of contention are the tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminium that Trump imposed in June. Freeland told reporters at a steel plant in Hamilton, Ontario on Thursday that she would be meeting Lighthizer in the next few weeks to discuss the matter. She reiterated that Ottawa does not think the tariffs and the USMCA are connected. (Reporting by David Ljunggren; Editing by Lisa Shumaker and Grant McCool) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. The CBI had issued LOC against Mallya calling for his detention if he intends to leave the country or arrive here from abroad but in a surprise move it was diluted asking the immigration authorities to merely inform the agency in case of his travel. New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has refused to disclose records pertaining to dilution of a lookout circular (LOC) against fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya, accused of loan default of over Rs 9,000 crore, citing ongoing investigation. In response to a Right to Information (RTI) application filed by Pune-based Vihar Durve, the agency has cited section 8(1)(h) of the act to deny the information. The section exempts from disclosure the information which would impede the process of investigation or apprehension or prosecution of offenders. The Delhi High Court, however, has clarified that when a public authority invokes this clause, it has to provide detailed reasoning how disclosure will impede the process as disclosure is norm and exemption is an exception. The CBI had issued LOC against Mallya calling for his detention if he intends to leave the country or arrive here from abroad but in a surprise move it was diluted asking the immigration authorities to merely inform the agency in case of his travel. Mallya appeared before the agency for questioning after the dilution and even travelled abroad and returned. However, in March 2016 he left the country for England but did not return since and is contesting a case of extradition there. The then CBI director Anil Sinha was not kept in the loop about the change in the nature of LoC which was done by an SP-ranked officer on the verbal instructions of a joint director officer of the agency, according to government sources. Sinha after coming to know about the change and Mallya's escape had made detailed notings on the file admonishing the officer concerned, they had said. While refusing the information, the CBI has also cited on the exemption given to it from the RTI Act which gives it immunity from any provision of the RTI Act. By Arjun Panchadar and Paresh Dave (Reuters) - Alphabet Inc's Google said on Thursday it would change the way it handles sexual harassment claims, a week after 20,000 of its employees around the world walked off their jobs to protest its response to such issues. By Arjun Panchadar and Paresh Dave (Reuters) - Alphabet Inc's Google said on Thursday it would change the way it handles sexual harassment claims, a week after 20,000 of its employees around the world walked off their jobs to protest its response to such issues. Arbitration will become optional for individual sexual harassment and sexual assault claims, Google said, enabling lawsuits on those matters. It also said employees who fail to complete mandatory sexual harassment training will be docked in performance reviews. "We recognise that we have not always gotten everything right in the past and we are sincerely sorry for that," Chief Executive Officer Sundar Pichai said in a note https://www.blog.google/inside-google/company-announcements/note-our-employees addressed to employees. "It's clear we need to make some changes." Pichai's actions respond to a couple of the five major requests made by employees during last week's protests. They had called on Alphabet to add an employee to its board and share gender-related pay data, neither of which Pichai addressed. Organizers did not immediately respond to a request to comment. Project Include, an organisation that recommends diversity initiatives to tech companies, said on Twitter on Wednesday that without committing to "eliminating wage gaps and Googles focus on just harassment and assault, these (important) changes seem to be just focusing on policies/procedures." Google said its chief diversity officer would continue to lead monthly discussions with Pichai on topics of diversity and equity. The company also said it would publicly release its harassment, discrimination and retaliation policies. Employees who organised last week's demonstrations estimated that 20,000 workers participated across Alphabet offices in five continents. A New York Times report spurred the protests after it revealed that Google gave a $90 million exit package to a top executive in 2014 after he was accused of sexual harassment. Pichai said on Thursday that Google would provide more details about the outcome of sexual harassment investigations, as well as improve handling of cases by allowing victims to be accompanied by a support person. Google will investigate complaints made by its contractors against employees and require that suppliers investigate complaints against contractors, the company said. Employees now must do sexual harassment training annually, instead of every two years currently. In addition, the company will expect its leaders to create environments in which excessive alcohol consumption is "strongly" discouraged. "Perpetrators" had been drinking in about 20 percent of the harassment cases at Google, it said. Google described two-drink limits or drink ticket systems as potential solutions. "We will impose more onerous actions if problems persist," Google said. (Reporting by Arjun Panchadar in Bengaluru and Paresh Dave in San Francisco; Editing by Anil D'Silva and Bernadette Baum) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Union Cabinet on Thursday approved a plan to sell stocks in 996 companies held by 20,323 shareholders, deemed as enemy shares the government said in a statement New Delhi: The government on Thursday approved a mechanism for sale of enemy shares which at the current price is estimated at around Rs 3,000 crore. According to Enemy Property Act, 1968, "Enemy property" refers to any property belonging to, held or managed on behalf of an enemy, an enemy subject or an enemy firm. The decision, taken by the Union Cabinet, will lead to monetisation of movable enemy property lying dormant for decades and the proceeds will be used for development and social welfare programmes, an official statement said. "Sale proceeds are to be deposited as disinvestment proceeds in the government account maintained by the Ministry of Finance," it said adding the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management has been authorised to sell the shares. A total number of 6,50,75,877 shares in 996 companies of 20,323 shareholders are under the custody of Custodian of Enemy Property of India (CEPI). Total shares, known as "enemy shares numbering 6,50,75,877 worth Rs 3,000 crore, are lying unutilised because enemy property act includes movable and immovable property, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said after the Cabinet meeting. Of these companies, 588 are functional/ active companies, 139 of these are listed with remaining being unlisted. "The process for selling these shares is to be approved by the alternative mechanism under the chairmanship of the finance minister and comprising minister of road transport and highways and Home Minister," it said. The mechanism will be supported by a high-level committee of officers co-chaired by the secretary in the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management, Home Affairs secretary (with representatives from DEA, DLA, Corporate Affairs and CEPI) that would give its recommendations with regard to quantum, price/price-band, principles/ mechanisms for sale of shares. "In principle approval has been accorded for sale of enemy shares under the Custody of Ministry of Home Affairs/CEPI," it added. It said before initiation of sale of any enemy shares, the CEPI would certify that the sale of the shares is not in contravention of any judgment, decree or order of any court, tribunal or other authority or any law for the time being in force and can be disposed off by the government. "The advisors/ intermediaries like merchant bankers, legal adviser, selling brokers etc. as may be required for the disposal of movable enemy property, will be appointed by DIPAM through an open tender/limited tender process. An Inter-Ministerial Group will guide the process of sale," it said. Economic Affairs Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg said the only proposal 'under discussion is to fix appropriate economic capital framework of RBI.' New Delhi: Amid a face-off with the RBI, the government on Friday said it is discussing an "appropriate" size of capital reserves that the central bank must maintain but denied seeking a massive capital transfer from the Reserve Bank. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has a massive Rs 9.59 lakh crore reserves and the government, if reports are to be believed, wants the central bank to part with a third of that fund -- an issue which along with easing of norms for weak banks and raising liquidity has brought the two at loggerheads in recent weeks. Economic Affairs Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg took to the twitter to clarify that the government wasn't in any dire needs of funds and that there was no proposal to ask the RBI to transfer Rs 3.6 lakh crore. The government, he said, is on track to meet the fiscal deficit target of 3.1 percent for the financial year 2018-19. "There is no proposal to ask RBI to transfer (Rs) 3.6 or (Rs) 1 lakh crore, as speculated," he tweeted. "Government's FD (fiscal deficit) in FY 2013-14 was 5.1 percent. From 2014-15 onwards, Government has succeeded in bringing it down substantially. We will end the FY 2018-19 with FD of 3.3 percent. Government has actually foregone (Rs) 70,000 crore of budgeted market borrowing this year." Garg said the only proposal "under discussion is to fix appropriate economic capital framework of RBI". Economic capital framework refers to the risk capital required by the central bank while taking into account different risks. Former Chief Economic Adviser Arvind Subramanian had in Economic Survey 2016-17 said the RBI was already exceptionally highly capitalised and nearly Rs 4 lakh crore of its capital transfer to the government can be used for recapitalising the banks and/or recapitalising a Public Sector Asset Rehabilitation Agency. Lot of misinformed speculation is going around in media. Governments fiscal math is completely on track. There is no proposal to ask RBI to transfer 3.6 or 1 lakh crore, as speculated. (continued...). Subhash Chandra Garg (@SecretaryDEA) November 9, 2018 Governments FD in FY 2013-14 was 5.1%. From 2014-15 onwards, Government has succeeded in bringing it down substantially. We will end the FY 2018-19 with FD of 3.3%. Government has actually foregone 70000 crore of budgeted market borrowing this year. ( continued .....) Subhash Chandra Garg (@SecretaryDEA) November 9, 2018 Only proposal under discussion is to fix appropriate economic capital framework of RBI. Subhash Chandra Garg (@SecretaryDEA) November 9, 2018 However, this proposal never saw the light of the day. On Thursday, former finance minister P Chidambaram had alleged that the Narendra Modi government was trying to capture the RBI to tide over its fiscal crisis. "The government stares at a fiscal deficit crisis. The government wants to step up the expenditure in an election year. Finding all avenues closed, in desperation, the government has demanded Rs 1 lakh crore from the reserves of RBI," he had stated. If RBI Governor Urjit Patel stands his ground, the Centre is planning to issue a direction under Section 7 of the RBI Act, 1934, directing the apex bank to transfer Rs 1 lakh crore to the government's account, he had claimed. Section 7 of the RBI Act gives special powers to the government to issue directions to the RBI governor on issues of public interest. The government is seeking a transparent formula for arriving at a minimum threshold capital reserve needed to be maintained in line with globally acceptable practice, an official claimed. "Currently, the RBI's capital needs put its provisioning at 27 percent, while most central banks have theirs at 14 per cent. Our calculations state that if RBI provisions at 14 per cent, it can free up to Rs 3.6 lakh crore," the official said adding that the money can be used for public welfare instead of lying idle with RBI. The issue may come up at the next RBI board meeting on 19 November. The RBI and the government have not been on the same page on different issues for some weeks now. The disagreements came out in open when RBI Deputy Governor Viral Acharya, in a hard-hitting speech, on October 26 said that failure to defend the central bank's independence would "incur the wrath of the financial markets". "Having adequate reserves to bear any losses that arise from central bank operations and having appropriate rules to allocate profits including rules that govern the accumulation of capital and reserves is considered an important part of central bank's independence from the government," he had said. It later emerged that the government had invoked a never-before-used provision of the law -- Section 7 of the RBI Act -- to seek from RBI discussions on easing NPA norms so that banks can kick-start lending and support growth, and transfer more dividend to boost liquidity. The RBI, some say, may be open to easing liquidity rules, including by injecting cash through open market purchases of bonds but an agreement on giving away a part of its reserves may not be easy to come by. Earlier this year, the RBI decided to pay Rs 50,000 crore as dividend to the government in line with the Union Budget provisions, helping the Centre to stick to its fiscal roadmap. The Reserve Bank, which follows July-June financial year, has paid about 63 per cent higher dividend than the previous year (2016-17). The RBI made a dividend payout of Rs 30,659 crore for the fiscal ended June 2017. As per the Budget Estimate, the government projected to collect Rs 54,817.25 crore as dividend or surplus of Reserve Bank, nationalised banks and financial institutions. The government realised Rs 51,623.24 crore under this head in the previous fiscal. It is to be noted that the RBI transferred a surplus of Rs 30,659 crore as dividend to the government for the year ended June 30, 2017, which was less than half of what it paid in the previous year (Rs 65,876 crore). The CBI has alleged that Dayanidhi Maran misused his official position and got private telephone exchanges installed at his various residences here which were used for business transactions of the Sun Network. The Madras high court has rejected Maran brothers' pleas to quash charges in the illegal telephone exchange case From @CNNnews18 : Madras HC rejects Maran brothers' plea in Telephone Exchange Case Alert : Maran brothers had sought quashing of charges against them pic.twitter.com/2ihmeYkS2t CNBC-TV18 (@CNBCTV18Live) November 9, 2018 Former communication minister Dayanidhi Maran and his elder brother Kalanidhi Maran told the Madras High Court on 14 September that charges framed against them in a case of alleged setting up of illegal telephone exchanges were "lame and shame" and wanted them to be quashed. On 25 October, the Madras high court had reserved its order on the petitions filed by Maran brothers challenging the framing of charges against them and others by a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court in the alleged illegal telephone exchange case. Justice AD Jagadish Chandira reserved the order following conclusion of arguments. A CBI court had in August framed charges and ordered trial of former Union telecom minister Dayanidhi Maran and others in the case of alleged setting up of illegal telephone exchanges to benefit the Sun TV Network of his elder brother Kalanithi Maran during 2004-06. Special Judge R Vasanthi framed the charges over a month after the Madras High Court quashed the CBI courts earlier order discharging all the accused. The Maran brothers have sought quashing of the charges against them. The charges date back to the time when Dayanidhi Maran, a grandnephew of late DMK chief M Karunanidhi, was the Union minister for telecommunications and information technology in the UPA-1 government. The CBI has alleged that he misused his official position and got private telephone exchanges installed at his various residences here which were used for business transactions of the Sun Network. The high court had on 25 July held there were heaps of material evidence against the accused and had directed the special court to frame charges and conclude the trial within a year. The bench had given its order on a CBI plea challenging the discharge of the accused by Special Judge S Natarajan on 14 March this year. ---With PTI inputs Reliance Communications also settled the issue of non-cooperation with the credit rating agencies and debenture trustee that was in violation of listing norms New Delhi: Debt-laden Reliance Communications has settled a case with markets regulator SEBI over non-compliance with listing norms, including alleged failure to promptly inform about interest payment default on debentures, according to an order. The company, part of the Anil Ambani group, also settled the issue of non-cooperation with the credit rating agencies and debenture trustee that was in violation of listing norms. In an order on Friday, SEBI said the case has been settled after payment of Rs 62.40 lakh towards settlement charges. "The proceedings that could have been initiated for the defaults... are settled qua the applicant," the order said. It also noted that SEBI shall not initiate any enforcement action against the applicant. The order comes after RCom filed a suo-moto application with SEBI to settle the case. Under the settlement mechanism, an entity is allowed to settle charges by paying a penalty without admission or denial of guilt. One of the issues was about not informing the default in the payment of interest/ principal to the debenture trustee promptly. Another issue pertained to non-submission of information with respect to change in credit rating and not sending notices relating to the meetings of Non-Convertible Debentures (NCD) holders to the debenture trustee. As per the order, the authorised representatives of the company had a meeting with the internal committee of SEBI on 9 March, wherein the settlement terms were deliberated. Thereafter, SEBI's High Powered Advisory Committee recommended the case for settlement on the payment of the Rs 62.40 lakh by the applicant and the same was approved by the regulator's panel of whole-time members. Accordingly, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has disposed of the adjudication proceedings initiated against Rcom. That enforcement actions, including commencing or reopening of the proceedings, could be initiated if any representation made by it is found to be untrue, it added. (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia's top government-funded think-tank is studying the possible effects on oil markets of a breakup of OPEC, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter. The research project doesn't reflect an active debate inside the government over whether to leave the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries in the near term, the Journal reported. OPEC was not immediately available for comment (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia's top government-funded think-tank is studying the possible effects on oil markets of a breakup of OPEC, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter. The research project doesn't reflect an active debate inside the government over whether to leave the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries in the near term, the Journal reported. OPEC was not immediately available for comment. (Reporting by John Benny in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju Samuel) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. if data is provided on how many people have actually been caught with unaccounted money, it would be able to measure the success of the demonetisation part of the story. Two years after demonetisation, is the economy better off? This is a fairly legitimate question to pose as there were certain pre-stated objectives of this measure which were improvised along the way. A logical defence was that for the impact to be felt, there would be a period of time involved, and while two years may still be short given that we are speaking of changing the culture of our people, it is sufficient to take stock of the situation. There were three main objectives stated on 8 November 2016 when the country was shaken up. The first was to capture black money. Here it does appear that there is no clear answer. There have been other measures like the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA), Goods and Services Tax (GST), etc. which were implemented that sought to increase efficiency and formalise the economy. Put together, there are signs that it is more difficult to conceal income and wealth of large proportions even though at the micro level, bribe giving, speed money, commissions, etc. still rule. Even today one has to pay cash to buy land given that the seller has paid cash for the same at the time of purchase. The same gets translated in higher formal prices or lower price with a bribe. Similarly, getting permissions from various levels of government windows require speed money to be given, and while progress is being made as witnessed by an improvement in Doing Business rank, it would take some more time to become pervasive. The critic also would not be wrong if it were argued that the cleansing of the system was more due to digitisation in various spheres as against demonetisation per se. In fact, the argument could be extended to say that the same could have been achieved without withdrawing high denomination currency. There is data put forward that the number of tax assesses has increased. However, if data is provided on how many people have actually been caught with unaccounted money, it would be able to measure the success of the demonetisation part of the story. One may hope that this information will be shared in course of time. The second reason put forward was that there was counterfeit money in the system. Here, based on the data released by the RBI it appears that there is little evidence to show that any significant part of the cash deposited was of this nature and was definitely not out of sync with the normal quantum that flows each year. Besides the problem with counterfeiting is that it is a malaise and the counterfeiters soon get into action with the new currency and spread the same in the weaker parts of the country where the public cannot distinguish between the real and fake currency. The third reason was terror finance. Here again, linking the two may be a weak argument as terror activity is seldom continuous and is seasonal. Such incidents have been reported albeit sporadically especially in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and the so-called Maoist insurgency pockets of central India which cannot be linked with cash. Such anti-national activity could always move to the new currency as extortion and theft happens all the time in these regions. While it is true that demonetisation curbed such activity where citizens were paid Rs 500 or Rs 1,000 notes to attack the military, the same has been observed at times with the new currency becoming the mode of payment. Again the more innovative reason espoused along the way was that demonetisation would lead to digitisation, has a mixed response. It is true that the volume of such transactions has increased multi-fold but it has also been observed that all the currency that was deposited has come back into the system meaning thereby that people still prefer cash for various reasons. This is based on the fact that around 99 percent of the old notes came back into the system and the present level of cash is the same as in 2016. Overall non-RTGS (real time gross settlement) transactions were around Rs 15,000 crore a month prior to demonetisation which has increased to around Rs 60,000-70,000 crore a month in recent times. Again here, the critic can argue that digitisation could have been achieved without demonetisation. The right set of incentives in terms of concessions and discounts on e-mode could have achieved the same. Also, the fact that the e-retail boom has been almost simultaneous, the two have moved together in unison. Therefore, in short, one would tilt towards saying that looked at in isolation demonetisation has not delivered results unless the counterfactual is revealed on how much of black money has been trapped by the Income Tax Department and fines imposed on the relevant people. But when juxtaposed with other measures taken by the government, yes, there are signs of a cleaner economy where transacting business is easier. An interesting question that can be asked today is whether the central bank would have agreed to such a move now? This is provocative as some of the ex-governors had stated that they would not have agreed to such a move and would have advised the government not to go ahead. Given that the recent controversy regarding the independence of the central bank being discussed quite forcefully by critics, the response to such a demand may be different. The Reserve Bank of India has of late refused to relent on the 12 February circular relating to IBC (Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code) resolution for power companies. It has not changed the stance on PCA banks and has not been in favour of letting the government dip into its reserves to finance the Budget. While legislative norms could still let the government view prevail as it is the supreme body in the country, it would be an interesting conjecture whether or not there would have been a dissenting note. (The writer is Chief Economist, CARE Ratings; and author of Economics of India: How to fool all people for all times) By valorising the sacrifices of Indian soldiers during World War-I, we insult the memories of those who resisted the empireand exonerate those who sent soldiers to fight. Editor's note: The month of November 2018 marks 100 years since the end of World War-I, fought between 1914 and 1918. The commemoration of Indian soldiers who fought for the British empire during World War-I remains a fiercely contested topic. In this article, the author argues that the memory of Indian soldiers who participated in the war is one that should evoke anger against colonial powers, rather than nostalgia. For a contrary opinion, read this article. God knows whether the land of France is stained with sin or whether the Day of Judgement has begun in France, Amir Khan wrote to his brother on 18 March, 1915, as the 129th Baluchi fought to breach the maze of German trenches facing them at Neuve-Chapelle. There is now a deluge, bodies upon bodies, and blood flowing, he continued. God grant us grace, for grace is needed. Oh God, we repent. This month, as the world marks the 100th anniversary of the end of the Great War of 1914-1918, Indians are being called on to commemorate the sacrifices of the 1.4 million of their countrymen who fought in it. Fallen soldiers from British India, Hindu, Muslim and Sikh, have already been honoured at memorials in the United Kingdom in France. Indias prestigious United Services Institution has even joined the British High Commission in New Delhi to mark the occasion. This ought to be an occasion for rage, not nostalgia-suffused remembrance: rage against the Empire, and also the Princes and politiciansamong them Mahatma-in-making Mohandas Gandhiwho collaborated in sending them to die in a foreign land for a foreign king. Indian troops landed in France at the end of September, 1914. The Great War, it was already clear, would be won by the side that had more soldiers available to feed the trenches. Providing half the attacking force at Neuve-Chapelle and handling key operations at the Battle of Loos, Indians also participated in the counterattack at Ypres after Germanys epoch-defining April, 1915, use of chlorine poison gas. From historian David Omissis monumental work on soldiers letters home, we have some sense of the hell that became their home. At some places corpses are found of men killed in 1914, with uniform and accoutrements still on, soldier Daya Ram wrote to his family in Ambala. Large flies, which have become poisonous through feasting on dead bodies, infest the trenches, and huge fat rats run about there. Rajbir Singh, twice injured in battle, and about to go back to the trenches again, made this pithy observation: The butcher does not let the goat escape. Indians played a key role in making these peasant recruits available to the Empire. Gandhi, the historian Aaravind Ganachari has noted, who received the Kaiser-i-Hind (first class) in 1915, was a recruiting agent for the British from the beginning. In one speech at Ahmedabad, Gandhi invoked memories of its conquest by Muslim warlords: To wipe out the blot on the face of Gujarat, people should take to careers in army. This is the best way of learning to defend Ahmedabad. In another, at Ras, he claimed voluntary recruiting is a key to swaraj and will give us honour and manhood. Popular enthusiasm was limited. L Robertson, a senior bureaucrat, delicately called for a measure of coercion, [though] the name may be avoided. In Bijapur district, that meant village-level quotas, selected by ballot or any other method. Even millions more, economic historian Amiya Bagchi has demonstrated, paid with their lives thousands of kilometres from the battlefield. Imperial Britains government paid a staggering 1 million outright in 1914, and another 20-30 million annually, to fund the war. Large-scale levies of wheat and rice were extracted from India, by a small cartel of Imperial companies. Faced with war-time economic pressures, the imperial government did not declare a famine in many districts desperately needed it. Following the end of the war, a global influenza broke out; in India, it would extract a macabre toll among a population weakened by years of enforced famine. From July 1918-November 18, alone, it claimed 800,000 lives. Bar Bengal, every single major British Indian province showed a decline in population between 1911 and 1921the censuses bracketing the years of the Great War. This was, simply, a genocide. For eleven rupees a month, for the honour of their castes and communities, for the prospect of land, and possible favour with the colonial bureaucracy, 62,000 Indians gave their lives. They did so, too, because politicians promised them India would be rewarded by its grateful rulers. Instead, India got mass killingand the anaemic Montague-Chelmsford reforms of 1919. That we are commemorating the fallen of 1914-1918, not the millions starved during that war, illustrates that something is profoundly rotten at the core of our culture. Indians who fought to save empire in 1914-1918, it is true, ought not be reviled: they were victims of a culture of servility that sustained the empire. It is important to remember that serving the empire was a choice; others joined the ranks of the Ghadar movement, or the Bengal terrorists. By valorising the sacrifices of Indias Great War dead, we insult the memories of those who did resist the empireand exonerate those who sent soldiers to fight, and die, for a foreign king. Indians of a particular type get prickly about native troops who went to either World War-I or World War-II. The most merciless label has been to call them 'mercenaries.' Editor's note: The month of November 2018 marks 100 years since the end of World War-I, fought between 1914 and 1918. The commemoration of Indian soldiers who fought for the British empire during World War-I remains a fiercely contested topic. In this article, the author argues that the participation of Indian soldiers during the war contributed in a significant way to building the army as an institution, and that the sufferings that the soldiers went through were the same as those of soldiers from other countries. For a contrary opinion, read this article. Growing up in a military family in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, we were surrounded by tales of service life, and regimental memorabilia that adorned the walls by the dozen. Conversations always had some army element as an integral part. But none was repeated more often than the brave saga of late Major Dalpat Singh, MC, and his extraordinary feat of 23 September 1918. Commanding a Jodhpur Lancers squadron, he led the last great cavalry charge in Haifa, Palestine. His sacrifice is recorded in posterity, and the day is marked annually across Rajasthan, by civilians, besides his successor regiment, 61 Cavalry. That is in Bharat. Which is in stark contrast to an inane debate amongst the English speaking types in India. In a country that has no concept of national service, which doesnt have a prevailing military ethos in its cultural mainstream, and hasnt yet made a national war museum, a debate about honouring its brave soldiers who fought in World War-I can certainly be expected. Not many in the large crowds that throng Rajpath during Republic Day Parade know that India Gate around which the contingents march, is actually a memorial for Indian soldiers who fell during the First Great War. So it shouldnt come as a surprise that some are questioning the joint Indo-British centenary WW-1 commemoration. As a defence correspondent for The Indian Express in 1995, I spoke to the then PRO Ministry of Defence about military commemorations. The fiftieth anniversary of WW-2 and the thirtieth of 1965 War were falling barely weeks apart. When I asked about MoDs plans to mark the anniversaries, the curt reply was that the MoD is not in the business of promoting militarism. Read dispassionately, the reply was an apt reflection of government attitudes towards its military, their story, and their contribution to nation-building. Indian troops had, in fact, been sent out of the country for expeditionary operations to South Africa and China before the massive mobilisation during WW-1. The Indian Army had many mid-wives during its early days, from the native princely rulers, to the East India Company, and then finally the lasting contribution of the imperial authorities. Each contributed to develop this institution into what it stands for today, and its enduring national integration message that continues to stand firm. By the time WW-1 broke upon the colonised country, a reasonably professional army existed to contribute its due share to the war effort. Indians of a particular type get prickly about native troops who went to either of the two world wars. Over a period of time, various labels have been used, rather indiscriminately, in describing those who participated in the war efforts. The most often used, and merciless, is of course to call all of them mercenaries. This is as unkind as it is ignorant of the uniform. In villages and small towns of Bharat, the attraction of wearing the uniform supersedes all other options. It is as apparent today as it was a hundred years ago. The only change being that the current socio-economic elite has ceased to join the armed forces, thus contributing to this inane debate. More than a million-and-a-half trained to wear the uniform of various regiments during WW-1. The Indian Army and their brethren from the princely states fought alongside other nations from the Euphrates in Mesopotamia to the Atlantic coast of Europe. They suffered the same miseries as any Essex lads, Scots or Irishmen under German shelling. Seeing the same level of combat stress across skin colours was to have far reaching socio-psycho-political ramifications for all those who came from across India. This aspect requires greater study than a mere article can hope to accomplish. But the telling, and instant contribution, was on the issue of Indians and the question of leadership. Indians comprised almost half the commissioned officers of each unit in combat, a breakthrough that was to have a lasting impact on institution building and native responsibilities. Indians handling responsibilities across the spectrum of governance was the greatest asset the country had when it became independent in 1947. The turmoil of partition, integration of princely states, and the first Kashmir War were handled only because there were some Indians trained in leadership, civilian and military. The birthplace of challenging leadership of the Indian Army was in boggy Somme or dusty Kut, WW-1. Postscript During WW 2, the Indian Army was the largest known volunteer service the world had ever seen. And that milestone has yet not been crossed, and unlikely to be so in the future. They fought with great elan across a large part of the globe against the two threats of Nazism and Japanese militarism. Yet India is likely to have the same inane debate come 2045. (The author is Editor, Defence & Security Alert, and was a member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence, 2004-2009) The Undead Archives I have finally salvaged my pre-Blogger TDR archives and added them into Blogger. They are almost totally in the form of one giant post for each month. And the formatting strayed from the originals. Sorry. But historians everywhere can rejoice that this treasure trove of my thoughts is restored to the world. Watching these conflicting narratives from the sidelines are the descendants of Tipu Sultan, headed by Asif Ali. Ali said, 'We are worried about certain segments of the society attributing wrong things to the Sultan and accusing him of violence and subjugation; we watch this with tearful eyes and a heavy heart.' Editor's Note: Despite strong opposition from BJP and other factions, the Congress-JD(S) coalition government in Karnataka is gearing up for Tipu Jayanti on 10 November. But the celebrations are likely to be muted this year; all events are being restricted to indoor facilities and the security apparatus is on high alert to prevent any violence. This is the first in a four-part series of analyses of Tipu's reign and how the gaps in the narrative have driven the vitriol around the colonial-era hero among different communities. *** Mangaluru: The days leading up to the Tipu Jayanti (10 November) have been tumultuous in the past couple of years. In 2015, right-wing organisations, opposed to the celebrations, clashed with Muslim groups who took out a rally resulting in two deaths. Violent clashes have rocked Karnataka in the past two years as well. It is around this time every year that different narratives surrounding the legacy of Tipu Sultan are questioned, critiqued and analysed compulsively. Hindu activists demonise him as a tyrant and intolerant ruler and the Kodavas hold him responsible for genocide while the Christian community points at the captivity of thousands of their people. Muslims try to prop him as a national icon. Naturally, thus, in the realm of politics, Tipu Sultan has become an object of appropriation. Historians and researchers hold a more nuanced opinion of Tipu, refraining from compartmentalising his actions. "He had to do what any ruler has to do to keep himself in power. Why look at him as a demonic figure? One cannot compare him with Aurangzeb as the times when Tipu lived in was the first few years of the British in India. He did what a ruler incensed and intimidated by the presence of foreign forces would do. During this struggle there were many social upheavals and cultural turmoil and military actions as well," says Hanuma Naik, a senior faculty member of the Department of History in Mangalore University. Among the many accusations against Tipu is the inclusion of Arabic as a language. "As students of history, we find many edicts that are in Kannada and many more in Sanskrit that belonged to his time. If he was so intolerant, how do these edicts written in Kannada and Sanskrit exist?" Naik adds. "As an administrator and ruler, Tipu was no different from his counterparts of our times. He did what he had to in order to remain in power which cannot be disputed at this point in time. How many of our modern day politicians do things that are not in line with the public expectations?" asks Naik. The Christian community of Dakshina Kannada has a deep-rooted grouse against Tipu Sultan which stems from the fact that the ruler had taken around 20,000 Christians from Mangaluru and lodged them in an open space without food, water or shelter for many days in Srirangapatna near Mysuru. While many unwilling Christians were killed on the way and many were converted and enslaved, women of the community were converted to Islam and 'distributed' among the army of Tipu Sultan and their children engaged in domestic help. History tells us that the Tiger of Mysore had also demolished many shrines and churches belonging to the Catholic Christians of Kanara and Mangaluru. Though the Christians were released after the fourth Anglo-Mysore war in 1799 when Tipu was defeated in Srirangapatna, only 6,000 returned to Mangaluru. Christian leaders like Oscar Fernandes, Ivan DSouza and JR Lobo seated at different levels of democratic institutions along with bishops and religious leaders are opting for a dignified silence on the issue of Tipu Jayanti. "Are they afraid that if they broke their silence the state government will be hurt and the Christian leaders might be thrown out of their posts? asks Robert Rosario, leader of the Canara Christian Forum. The former head of the Department of History of Mangalore University, Professor Surendra Rao has a different set of beliefs. "Describing Tipu's identity as a king has to be done with a great deal of inquiry. In the Tipu Jayanti issue, there has been no inquiry and without it, it is as good as any other Jayanti where such functions are held to please a community," he says. History tells us that Tipu fought three wars with the British. The first Anglo-Mysore war was fought by his father Hyder Ali, the second war was begun by Ali but completed by Tipu. Third and fourth Anglo Mysore war was entirely fought by him. History also states that Tipu took a large number of Hindus and Christians captive but the veracity of numbers and the brutality levels are subject to verification, Rao adds. "Hundreds of families from Kadanthal had been on the battlefield with Tipu Sultan. Brahmin families, who had scholars serving in Tipu's capital of Srirangapatnam, display prizes and awards given by him to their ancestors even today, says a former Archaeological Survey of India official living in Kanthal. If Tipu was such a hateful person as he is now being depicted, how is the Srirangaraja temple, which is almost an integral part of Tipus palace, still intact? There are many instances of Tipu offering puja there. He even contributed to the development of the temple and, we find this in the several edicts that are available, he says on the condition of anonymity. In his book about Tipu's Karnataka, Professor Chennabasappa writes about Tipu's contribution to Sharada Sringeri Peetham, Nanjundeshwara temple in Nanjangudu, Melkote Cheluvanarayana temple and even Shankaranarayana temple near Kundapur on the coastal line. Even the edicts restored by Sringeri Sharada Peetham in Chikkamagluru district talk about the funding received by Tipu after the Marathas had attacked the temple and defaced it. Meanwhile, watching these conflicting narratives from the sidelines are the descendants of Tipu Sultan, headed by Asif Ali. Ali said, "We are worried about certain segments of the society attributing wrong things to the Sultan and accusing him of violence and subjugation; we watch this with tearful eyes and a heavy heart." Ali, and many other descendants of Tipu, are now living in Kolkata and some of them are in abject poverty, says Mohammad Ilyas Moulvi, a professor in the Jamia Islamia Madrasa of Bhatkal. He said the Muslim community has appealed to several past governments that these descendants should be rehabilitated in Mysore or in Srirangapatnam, where the government has taken over all the palaces, quilas and even homes belonging to Tipu Sultan. "Asif Ali also visited Mysore, Bhatkal and Mangalore in 2015, but the government has not yet moved to rehabilitate them," he says. "We would like to move to Karnataka and be a part of Tipu's heritage, but we do not have anything there no house, no jobs and no base," Ali says. Also Read Tipu Jayanti: Tempers flare in Kodagu as Karnataka govt's intent to celebrate event puts Congress, BJP on collision course The author is a Mangaluru-based freelance writer and a member of 101Reporters.com According to reports, the meeting was postponed after Alok Verma refused to be examined as one of the CVC's vigilance commissioners, TM Bhasin, was not present in the office. New Delhi: The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) enquiry committee will hear Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) director Alok Verma on Friday, after the meeting was postponed from Thursday, due to the non-availability of one of the vigilance commissioners. As per a report from Hindustan Times, the meeting was postponed after Verma refused to be examined as one of the vigilance commissioners, TM Bhasin, was not present in the office. Verma had on Thursday met Central Vigilance Commissioner KV Chowdary, and denied the corruption charges levelled against him by his deputy and CBI special director Rakesh Asthana. He met Chowdary and Vigilance Commissioner Sharad Kumar, officials said. Sources told The Indian Express that Verma appeared without any lawyer for the inquiry. Earlier this week, he had submitted his replies to a questionnaire from the CVC for the enquiry. Officials said Asthana also met the CVC. The Supreme Court had on 26 October asked the CVC to complete within two weeks its inquiry into allegations against Verma levelled by Asthana. Verma and Asthana have been sent on leave by the government. The commission had recently examined some CBI officials probing crucial cases which figured in Asthana's corruption charges against Verma, they said. The officials said CBI personnel from the rank of inspector up to the superintendent of police were called and their versions recorded before a senior CVC official. These officials, who had recorded their statements included those who had handled the Moin Qureshi bribery case, the IRCTC scam, involving former railway minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, the cattle smuggling case in which a senior BSF officer was caught with wands of cash in Kerala. The Supreme Court had directed that the CVC's inquiry into the allegations against Verma, who has challenged the government's decision divesting him of his duties and sending him on leave, would be conducted under the supervision of retired apex court judge Justice AK Patnaik and that this was a "one-time exception". The feud between Verma and Asthana escalated recently leading to the registration of an FIR against the latter and others including Deputy Superintendent of Police Devender Kumar, who is in CBI custody in an alleged bribery case. The CBI had on 15 October registered the FIR against Asthana for allegedly receiving a bribe of Rs two crore from Hyderabad-based businessman Sana Sathish Babu which was given through two middlemen Manoj Prasad and Somesh Prasad to sabotage the probe against meat exporter Moin Qureshi. On 24 August, Asthana, in his complaint to the cabinet secretary, had levelled allegations against Verma that he got a bribe of Rs two crore from Sana to help him get some relief from questioning in the matter. With inputs from PTI Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi will be in Chhattisgarh on Friday to campaign for the first phase of the Assembly elections, Congress to stage protest against demonitisation in front Of RBI Offices - here are the day's top stories Chhattisgarh polls: Narendra Modi, Rahul Gandhi to campaign on Friday Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi will be in Chhattisgarh on Friday to campaign for the first phase of the Assembly elections in the state. Modi will address a rally in Bastar district's headquarters, Jagdalpur, while Gandhi will tour the state for two days during which he will address five rallies and hold a roadshow in Chief Minister Raman Singh's constituency, Rajnandgaon. The prime minister is scheduled to arrive at Raipur airport at 11.20 am Friday and then take a helicopter to Jagdalpur. Following the rally, he will leave for Raipur at 2 pm and then return to Delhi, a state BJP spokesperson said on Thursday. Gandhi will take part in a rally in Pakhanjore town of Kanker district at noon, followed by public meetings in Rajnandgaon district's Khairgarh and Dongargarh towns, and a roadshow in Rajnandgaon, said Shailesh Nitin Trivedi, head of Congress state communication wing. The campaigning for the first phase will end on Saturday. The first phase on 12 November will see 18 seats in eight Naxal-affected districts go to polls. Chandrababu Naidu to meet MK Stalin today TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu is set to meet DMK chief Stalin on Friday as he looks to create a united opposition against the BJP. Naidu, on Thursday, held talks with former prime minister HD Deve Gowda and Karnataka counterpart HD Kumaraswamy and said it was necessary for the Opposition to unite against BJP to save the country and its institutions from destruction. Aiming to forge an anti-BJP front ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Naidu alleged that every institution, including CBI and RBI, had been destroyed by the BJP-led NDA government. "It is our responsibility to join hands together to save and protect this great nation and also save democracy and the Constitution," he told reporters after meeting Deve Gowda and Kumaraswamy. Naidu also said that he has been in touch with other leaders, including SPs Akhilesh Yadav, BSPs Mayawati and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee. Two years of Demonetisation: Congress to stage protest in front Of RBI Offices The Congress has called for a nationwide protest on Friday against the "complete demolition of the Indian economy by this Tughlaqian decree of demonetisation". The party on Thursday launched a multi-pronged attack on the Modi government over demonetisation, with former prime minister Manmohan Singh saying the "scars and wounds" it caused are getting more visible with time and party chief Rahul Gandhi describing the measure as a carefully planned "criminal financial scam". In a scathing assessment of the demonetisation exercise, Singh said that 8 November (Thursday) is a day to remember how "economic misadventures" can roil the nation. Four civilians, one CISF jawan killed in IED blast in Chhattisgarh Four civilians and a CISF jawan were killed when suspected Naxals blew up a bus with an improvised explosive device (IED) in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district on Thursday, four days ahead of the first phase of Assembly polls in the state, police said. Two personnel of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) were also injured in the explosion, the third Naxal attack in 15 days in the poll-bound state. The attack comes before Modi's scheduled visit on Friday to Jagdalpur district, about 100 kilometres from Dantewada, to campaign for the BJP. The IED explosion took place in a hilly area in Bacheli when the CISF personnel, belonging to 502nd battalion, were returning to their camp in Akashnagar area after purchasing groceries from a local market, Dantewada Superintendent of Police Abhishek Pallava told PTI. Congress to field Arun Yadav against Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Madhya Pradesh Congress has decided to field former Union minister Arun Yadav against Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Arun, who became the state Congress chief in January 2014, served as an MP from 2007 to 2009 and from 2009 to 2014. He had also served as the Union minister of state, agriculture and food processing industries in the erstwhile Congress-led UPA government. Being the son of a deputy chief minister hailed as the most important farmer leader at one point of time may give Arun the opportunity to present himself as a suitable alternative to Chouhan. Madhya Pradesh goes to polls on 28 November and votes will be counted on 11 December. US Marine veteran massacres 12 in mass shooting in California bar packed with students A US Marine veteran dressed in black sprayed bullets inside a crowded dance bar popular with college students on Wednesday night, killing at least 12 people, including a police officer, in Thousand Oaks city in California, in one of the "horrific" mass shooting incidents in the US. The gunman, who also injured nearly two dozen others, was found dead inside the Borderline Bar and Grill on the outskirts of Los Angeles. Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean identified the gunman as 28-year-old Ian David Long, a US Marine Corps veteran, who used a .45 caliber Glock handgun during the shooting. Long, who shot himself, was dead when officers made entry into the bar, Dean said, as he described the shooting incident as "horrific." He said the motive of the shooter is still unclear. He was known to authorities for minor crimes. Google announces new policies around sexual harassment Following employee protests and a global walkout last week, Google CEO Sundar Pichai issued a memo outlining changes to the companys sexual harassment and assault policies. As per the memo, arbitration is no longer an essential part of the resolution process in sexual harassment cases. Interestingly, the memo also states that leaders at the company "will be expected to create teams, events, offsites and environments in which excessive alcohol consumption is strongly discouraged". Fuel prices cut Petrol and diesel prices in the capital witnessed a drop and will be sold at Rs 78.21 per litre (decrease by 21 paise) and Rs 72.89 per litre (decrease by 18 paise), respectively, on Thursday. In Mumbai, a litre of petrol was being retailed at Rs 83.72 (decrease by Rs 0.20), while diesel was sold at Rs 76.38 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.19). Fuel prices had earlier witnessed a relentless hike in the country, burning a hole in the commuter's pocket. Women's World T20 commences The 2018 edition will be the sixth Women's T20 World Cup that will be played in the Caribbean from 9 to 24 November. Harmanpreet Kaur-led Indian side, kick off the tournament against World No. 2 New Zealand at the Providence Stadium in Guyana on Friday. Indo-Asian News Service Facebook has removed more than 14 million "pieces of terrorist content" on its platform till September this year that was related to the Islamic State (IS), Al Qaeda and their affiliates. In the second quarter (April-June) 2018, Facebook took action on 9.4 million pieces of terror content, the majority of which was old material surfaced using specialised techniques. In the third quarter (July-September), overall takedowns of terrorist content declined to 3 million, of which 800,000 pieces of content were old. "In both Q2 and Q3, we found more than 99 per cent of the IS and Al Qaeda content ultimately removed ourselves, before it was reported by anyone in our community," Monika Bickert, Global Head of Policy Management, said in a blog post on Thursday. "These figures represent significant increases from Q1 2018, when we took action on 1.9 million pieces of content, 640,000 of which was identified using specialised tools to find older content," she added. The US Department of Justice recently discovered an alleged IS supporter warning others to be careful when posting propaganda on Facebook, pointing to the network's Q1 2018 terrorism removal metrics as evidence that pushing propaganda on the social media giant was getting more difficult. "We now use machine learning to assess Facebook posts that may signal support for IS or Al Qaeda," said Brian Fishman, Head of Counterterrorism Policy at Facebook. "In some cases, we will automatically remove posts when the machine learning tool indicates with very high confidence that the post contains support for terrorism." According to Facebook, the new machine learning tools have reduced the amount of time terrorist content reported by its users stays on the platform from 43 hours in Q1 2018 to 18 hours in Q3 2018. "Our experiments to algorithmically identify violating text posts (what we refer to as language understanding) now work across 19 languages. We now also use audio and text-hashing techniques for detecting terrorist content," Bickert informed. In Q2 2018, the median time on Facebook for newly uploaded content surfaced with its standard tools was about 14 hours a significant increase from Q1 2018 when the median time was less than 1 minute. "The increase was prompted by multiple factors, including fixing a bug that prevented us from removing some content that violated our policies, and rolling out new detection and enforcement systems," said Facebook By Q3 2018, the median time on platform decreased to less than two minutes, "illustrating that the new detection systems had matured". User-reported terror content removals grew around 16,000 in Q3 from 10,000 in Q1. According to Facebook, it removed 99 per cent of it "proactively". Journalist Swati Chaturvedi was awarded the RSF Press Freedom Award for Courage for her book 'I Am a Troll', an expose on the BJPs IT cell. Journalist Swati Chaturvedi was awarded the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Press Freedom Award for Courage. Chaturvedi, who works as a freelance journalist, won the award for her book I Am a Troll, an expose on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)s IT cell. The award was presented on Thursday at the Getty Images Gallery in Londons Fitzrovia. "Chaturvedi has been the target of vicious online harassment campaigns, like many other outspoken journalists in India, the organisations statement said. She responded by using journalistic weapons, investigating the IT cell within the Bharatiya Janata Party, the Hindu nationalist party led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which is notorious for keeping an army of angry trolls. The award for Impact was given to Matthew Caruana Galizia from Malta, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and activist whose mother, Daphne Caruana Galizia, was assassinated in 2017 following her investigations into corruption. The award for Independence was given to Inday Espina-Varona from the Philippines, for her extensive reporting on sensitive issues and her marshalling of the #BabaeAko campaign, the Filipino equivalent of the #MeToo movement which took the US and India by storm. A special Lesprit de RSF prize created for British media to mark Londons hosting of the prestigious Press Freedom Awards. The award was presented to The Observers Carole Cadwalladr for her investigation into the role of Cambridge Analytica in the Trump and Brexit campaigns. Scroll quoted Christophe Deloire, secretary-general of the organisation, as saying, We hope that this recognition will offer them vital support and protection as they carry on their important work in the face of growing pressure against independent media in their home countries. The MeToo movement, although far from perfect, has provided a tool, whereby women can bring the focus to the differences and their vulnerabilities without being dis-empowered by them. The popularity of discourse on the MeToo movement and Sabarimala controversy has given rise to an important question: Can women have it both ways? Phrased differently, are women claiming equality with men and advocating for gender neutral laws; or are they arguing for laws which favour them, which in turn maybe discriminatory against men. In essence, what does equality mean? Does it mean sameness of the genders or does it highlight their differences? This is at the heart of the issue that feminists in India need to address. In USA, there are three views on the ideal relationship between the two genders. First view, as advocated by Wendy Williams and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, is that there should be complete gender equality where no special treatment is given to women. Applied in India, this would mean that laws which have a clear bias in favour of women such as, special maternity leave for women for six months, or provisions for ex-parte order in favour of women under domestic violence act, or laws on sexual harassment at work place in favour of women should be seen as violative of gender equality as they provide special treatment to women. The second view is that laws should be largely gender neutral, although there can be some exceptions when another right trumps or is at least of equal value as that of gender equality. For example, the proponents of this view, such as Nadine Strossen, would defend legalising pornography as banning it not only violates free speech but also gender equality whereby women are assumed to be the dominated character and in need of protection. This has largely been a minority view in the feminist discourse. The third view on gender equality is that when advocating for laws, we cannot be blind to the differences amongst genders or gendered realities which may be due to biological reasons, or historical and cultural discrimination, or the emotional make-up of women. Catharine MacKinnon argued against legalisation of prostitution as women are always at the receiving end by being brutalised and degraded. Its just not a level playing field. Difference feminists claim that women are not same but different than men, and that these differences arise from perspectives that have been forced on women. For example, in her book, In A Different Voice, Carol Gilligan writes that while mens development is oriented towards rights and non-interference, that of women is around relationships and inter-dependence. Whatever maybe the cause of differences, this view advocates for laws which take into consideration the gender differences and design the laws accordingly. Those who are still skeptical of the MeToo movement in India need to realise the difficulty that a woman undergoes before publicly acknowledging the discrimination faced by her and forced by a man who is much more powerful. While there is a possibility of misuse under the MeToo movement, the doors of the courts are open to prevent abuse against it. Of course, one could argue that even resorting to courts does not protect either party fully, when part of the trial has already been conducted by the media, and the other part depends on the available resources of the party. The MeToo movement, although far from perfect, has provided a tool, whereby women can bring the focus to the differences and their vulnerabilities without being dis-empowered by them. Whether the MeToo movement should be run in a gender neutral way, where #MenToo get the same audience as women have, or whether we should take into account the historical differences and discrimination against women, to give them an extra ear, has been the question. Thus far, the reception that the MeToo movement has received, demonstrates the prevalence of the popularity of the third view on feminism where equality for women takes into account their differences with the men. Similarly, in Sabarimala, questions have been raised about the practices which prevent men from entering womens only temples. Those who support keeping women out of Sabarimala, interestingly, emphasise on how women are different from men. Those who support womens entry into temples, argue how women are different on biological grounds (which is not under their control) but same in all other ways (to carry out vrathams, needed to enter the temple). Some argue, that because men and women are different, some men are not allowed in womens temples and vice-versa. Those who advocate for gender equality, suggest that all men and women should be allowed entry in all temples and any practice against this should be held discriminatory. Others may take an argument that women are all same but still different in some ways, and it is on account of that difference that they are kept out of Sabarimala. In my opinion, all laws, including those relevant for Sabarimala, should be based on equality, keeping in mind the differences that have been historically discriminatory against women. This is also the view that the Indian Constitution takes when under Article 14, it first provides for Right To Equality of All and then in Article 15 provides that there should be no discrimination on the basis of religion, caste, class, gender etc., thereby showing sensitivity to the discrimination that has historically taken place for a variety of reasons. The third view presents a balanced view where it doesnt throw out the baby with the bathwater and provides for equality without treating the apples and the oranges alike. However, when applied to India, these three views on feminism may take different colours and call for different views, depending on the extent to which the difference principle can be emphasised and balanced. Whether prostitution should be legalised, whether pornography should be legal, whether there should be equal paternity leave, are some of the questions which will require us to answer whether men and women are same or different and what should equality really mean? This is then an ongoing debate on which the feminists need to weigh in carefully in times to come. In doing so, the lines of the three views may be blurred as it is in their application, that the true relevance of these differences in views on equality may bear out. An Election Commission (EC) team held discussions with government officials and members of a apex body for civil societies in Mizoram in Aizawl on Friday and agreed to remove state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) SB Shashank, a civil society leader said. Aizawl: An Election Commission (EC) team held discussions with government officials and members of a apex body for civil societies in Mizoram in Aizawl on Friday and agreed to remove state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) SB Shashank, a civil society leader said. The four-member EC team, headed by Deputy Election Commissioner Sudeep Jain, did not speak to the press. Chief Secretary Arvind Ray and the joint CEO were not allowed inside the hall where the meeting was held. The EC team held discussions with two additional CEOs, Home Secretary Lalrinliana Fanai, leaders of the NGO coordination committee the apex body of the civil societies. It was a closed door meeting and the team left the venue without making any comments. Committee chairman Vanlalruata said the EC team agreed to the body's demand to remove Shashank as CEO of Mizoram immediately. The team also agreed to stick to the commitment made by the poll panel in April 2014 that Bru voters who are staying in Tripura would exercise their franchise in Mizoram and not in the relief camps of that state, he said. Thousands of Bru community members had fled Mizoram in October 1997 after ethnic clashes and have been living in camps in Tripura since then. The EC team, however, refused to make any commitment on revoking the transfer order of former principal secretary Lalnunmawia Chuaungo and restore him in his position in Mizoram, he said. Shashank, who was being seen by the civil society as a Bru sympathiser, had allegedly complained to the EC that Chuaungo was interfering with the poll process in Mizoram where election to its 40-member Assembly is slated for 28 November. The EC team also met members of the Mizoram Kohhran Hruaitute Committee (MKHC), which is a conglomerate of leaders of major churches in the state, and those of the IAS officers association which included several serving and retired bureaucrats. They would visit Champhai district, on the Mizoram-Myanmar border, Saturday and hold discussions with the Deputy Commissioner Naveen Agrawal, before returning to Delhi. Chhattisgarh Police has been claiming a decline in Naxal incidents and the number of surrenders of Maoists, but the deliberate targetted attacks point towards an aggressive posturing and change in tactics. In spite of high security arrangements involving drones and sophisticated trackers and the deployment of a large number of police and Central paramilitary forces personnel in Bastar just four days ahead of the first phase of Chhattisgarh Assembly polls, the Maoists succeeded in blowing up a vehicle at Dantewada on Thursday that killed one CISF personnel and four civilians. The message is clear. The Maoists are hell bent in executing their warning -- to force people boycott elections in Chhattisgarh. And to achieve their goal, they seem willing to go to any extent. Besides giving poll boycott calls, the Naxals warned locals to stay away from accompanying police and security forces or face dire consequences. In one of their threats, they cautioned that they would detonate public vehicles if shared by cops. This is the most dangerous takeaway from Thursdays attack that should make the government intelligence network sit up and take note. The ultras are matching the police and security forces step for step in strengthening their intelligence system. Every attack whether the recent one in Bijapur or Aranpur or at Bacheli in Dantewada on Thursday are indicative of their intelligence gathering dexterity. Maoists have a strong local intelligence network. Its almost impossible to identify a Maoist, as he/she gets easily mixed up with local tribal villagers. Every movement of security forces is being closely monitored by them and they wait for the opportune moment to strike. A mesh of landmines and IEDs across Bastar comes handy, which they trigger with precision at their will, counter-terrorism analyst Anil Kamboj told Firstpost. Pre-election Maoist violence on the rise This is not the first pre-election incident in Dantewada or entire Bastar, comprising seven Naxal-infested districts. Besides issuing warnings to tribal villagers to boycott polls, the Maoists in the last one month blew up a mine protected vehicle (MPV) in Bijapur that killed four CRPF personnel and had laid an ambush at Aranpur in Dantewada that killed three -- a Doordarshan cameraman and two policemen. Both the incidents took place in October. Thursdays attack on a bus is not the first incident of its kind in Bastar. Way back in May 2010, the Maoists blew up a public bus carrying villagers at Chingawaram, which is now in Sukma district, as there were a few special police officers (SPOs) on board. Chhattisgarh Police employs tribal youth as SPOs to counter Maoists in Bastar. In that IED attack, 44 passengers including SPOs had got killed. After that incident, CPI (Maoist) had expressed regret at killing civilians. But after eight years, Thursdays incident proves that Maoists are determined to kill anyone whosoever comes in their way or fails to follow their diktat. One may recall, a week ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Jangla in Bijapur in April this year, the Maoists had blown up a bus carrying security force personnel in Bijapur amid tight security. Two jawans were killed in that incident. Though the government and police claimed to have pushed Left Wing Extremists (LWEs) in the Maoist-hotbed Bastar on the backfoot, a series of gruesome attacks over the past one year speaks otherwise. Chhattisgarh Police has been claiming a decline in Naxal incidents and more number of surrenders of Maoists, but the deliberate targetted attacks point towards an aggressive posturing and change in tactics. New leadership, new aggression It has become clearer with the elevation of Nambala Keshava Rao alias Basavaraj the second in command in the CPI (Maoist), to the top post replacing general secretary Muppala Laxmana Rao alias Ganapathy that the ultra-Left insurgents would be more aggressive and ruthless now than before. Almost every attack had been carried out with surgical precision, causing maximum damage to lives and property. Basavaraj (63), whos known for strong military skills and expertise in the use of explosives whether landmines or improvised explosive devices (IEDs) has been heading the Central Military Commission of CPI (Maoist) for quite some time. Both the security force personnel and LWE experts believe that in comparison to Ganapathy, who was more inclined towards ideology, Basavarajs leadership would infuse strong military tactics on the ground, as hes at the helm of military planning, operations and execution. Nambala Keshav Raos USP has been his strong military tactics in the form of guerrilla warfare and use of new forms of IEDs. His engineering qualification provides him with an edge and use of weaponry. Over the past one year, weve witnessed more aggressive and well-planned attacks by using IEDs in different forms, an intelligence agency source dealing with LWE told Firstpost, on condition of anonymity. According to sources, with the shrinking of Maoist base across the Red Corridor, Basavarajs immediate objective is to strengthen the military wing of CPI (Maoist) thats Peoples Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) and thereafter expand its base through a large recruitment drive in the Maoist cadre. Due to his technical background and his long-standing experience of heading PLGA, Basavaraj is expected to bring more aggression and change in tactics in the Maoist war against the state of India. Basavarajs aggressive military tactics are not limited to Chhattisgarh alone; even the killing of a Telugu Desam Party legislator K Saraveshwar Rao at Araku in Andhra Pradesh is attributed to Basavaraj. After all, Maoists are determined to establish a state within a state -- Janatana Sarkar (Peoples council) in the Dandakarnya area, which according to the LWEs could be executed as prescribed by Mao Zedong, political power grows out of the barrel of a gun and not through plebiscite. MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said at a press conference that India is just part of the Russia-led meeting on Afghanistan as it supports the reconciliation process. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday clarified on reports of India's participation in "non-official" talks with the Taliban, and said that it had never said that Indian representatives at an Afghan peace summit will be holding talks with the militant group. "We just said that we will be participating in the meeting on Afghanistan which will be hosted with its president Ashraf Ghani," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said at a press conference in New Delhi. Kumar further said that India is just part of the meeting as it supports the reconciliation process. "If any process is consistent with our policy on Afghanistan, then we will be part of it. We have already made it clear that our participation is at a non-official level," he said. MEA's statement came after National Conference leader Omar Abdullah lashed out at the government over the reports on Friday, and asked the Narendra Modi-led government why it cannot hold talks on similar lines with "non-mainstream stakeholders" in Jammu and Kashmir to resolve the state's "eroded autonomy". If non-official participation in a dialogue that includes the taliban is acceptable to the Modi government why not a non-official dialogue with non-mainstream stake holders in J&K? Why not a non-official dialogue centered around J&Ks eroded autonomy & its restoration? https://t.co/722SrqKkvo Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) November 8, 2018 The Russian foreign ministry had said last week that the Moscow-format meeting on Afghanistan will be held 9 November and representatives of the Afghan Taliban radical movement will take part in it. According to Russian news agency TASS, this is for the second time that Russia is attempting to bring regional powers together while discovering ways for establishing peace in war-torn Afghanistan. The first such meeting, proposed for 4 September, was called off at the last moment after the Afghan government pulled out, describing its involvement in the Moscow meeting as "unnecessary" as the Taliban had "disrespected internationally-sanctioned principles and rejected the message of peace and direct negotiations." According to the Russian foreign ministry, invitations to take part in the event had been sent to Afghanistan, India, Iran, China, Pakistan, the US and some other countries. With inputs from PTI Abdullah asked that if non-official participation in a dialogue with the Taliban is acceptable to the Modi government, then why not a non-official centred around J&Ks eroded autonomy and its restoration. Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah on Friday responded to reports of India's participation in "non-official" talks with the Taliban, asking why the Narendra Modi-led government cannot have similar talks to resolve the state's "eroded autonomy". Responding to a tweet by journalist Suhasini Haider, Abdullah wrote: If non-official participation in a dialogue that includes the taliban is acceptable to the Modi government why not a non-official dialogue with non-mainstream stake holders in J&K? Why not a non-official dialogue centered around J&Ks eroded autonomy & its restoration? https://t.co/722SrqKkvo Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) November 8, 2018 Haider agreed with Abdullah's point, and also raised concerns about Afghanistan's role in the meeting. She tweeted: "Hard to see how 12-nation talks in Moscow at the invitation of the Russian government represents an "Afghan-led Afghan-owned" process, unless direct talks follow. Recurring evidence of government's lack of transparency on foreign policy." Abdullah and Haider's comments come after India on Thursday announced that it will participate in the meeting, being hosted by Russia in Moscow, where representatives of the Taliban will be present. The Moscow-format meeting on Afghanistan will be held on Friday. According to the Russian foreign ministry, 12 countries were invited to participate in the talks, including Afghanistan, India, Iran, China, Pakistan, and the US. The meeting comes after Modi and Russian president Vladimir Putin held talks a host of global issues. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday had said about the meeting: "India supports all efforts at peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan that will preserve unity and plurality, and bring security, stability and prosperity to the country. India's consistent policy has been that such efforts should be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, and Afghan-controlled and with the participation of the Government of Afghanistan." According to Russian news agency TASS, this is the second time that Russia has attempted to bring regional powers together to help to establish peace in war-torn Afghanistan. The first such meeting, which was proposed for 4 September, was called off at the last moment after the Afghan government backed out. Afghanistan had described its involvement in the Moscow meeting as "unnecessary" as the Taliban had "disrespected internationally-sanctioned principles and rejected the message of peace and direct negotiations." Looking for the vulture assist with Neolithic burials 1 year ago Congress president Rahul Gandhi said that if Congress is voted to power in Chhattisgarh, the state government will waive farm loans within ten days of taking over. Congress president Rahul Gandhi, holding a rally in Rajnandgaon during his two-day tour of Chhattisgarh, targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Raman Singh over unemployment and farmer woes. "For the past 15 years, the Raman Singh government is in Chhattisgarh, while the Modi government has been at Centre for the last 4.5 years. Both promised jobs to youth and security to farmers, but failed to deliver," Rahul said, addressing a gathering in the chief minister's constituency. Taking a dig at Modi, Rahul said, "We have a prime minister who, before the election, promised Rs 15 lakh to every citizen, and employment to the youth, but after the election told the people to lift the broom and start cleaning." He said that if Congress is voted to power in Chhattisgarh, the state government will write off debt of each farmer within 10 days of taking over. "Raman and Modi snatched the bonuses from the farmers. The Congress government will not only ensure that farmers get the bonus, but also give bonus to farmers which the BJP government had failed to provide in the last two years." Rahul promised that the vacancies for staff and lecturers in state-run educational institutions will be filled. CM Raman Singh and PM Modi promised jobs, but today nearly 60,000 teacher posts, 13,000 lecturer posts are vacant & 3000 Aadivasi schools were shut down. We will ensure that the govt vacancies are filled up: Congress President @RahulGandhi #__ pic.twitter.com/wCwIPrCsS9 Congress (@INCIndia) November 9, 2018 He accused the BJP government of "destroying" the policies meant to benefit tribals and farmers. "The intention of the Tribal Rights Act was to protect the lands owned by Adivasis; Land Acquisition Act was implemented to protect farmers' lands. But BJP govt have destroyed these policies," Rahul said. Rahul further attacked Modi over the state of the economy, and said no one person in India's history who had caused as much damage as Modi did with demonetisation and "Gabbar Singh Tax". He told the gathering that the aim of these moves was to "snatch" money from the people. Rahul and Modi were both in Chhattisgarh on Friday to campaign for the first phase of the Assembly election. While Modi left for Delhi after addressing a rally in Jagdalpur, Rahul will tour the state for two days during which he will address five rallies and hold a road show. With inputs from PTI New Delhis nominees are also retired MEA officials, underlining that Delhi is still far from comfortable with the talks, against which it has long cautioned Russian officials. A rather brief announcement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) indicated what on the surface seems to be a paradigm shift in Indias Afghanistan policy. Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar stated on 8 November that India would participate at a non-official level in talks with the Taliban in Moscow as part of a regional initiative organised by Russia. Translated from diplomatic speak, it means that India will be at the conference table in this round of talks, but will attend further rounds only if it suits its objectives. In simple words, this is as yet, a cautious testing of the waters. New Delhis nominees are also retired MEA officials, underlining that Delhi is still far from comfortable with the talks, against which it has long cautioned Russian officials. There are some interesting angles to this initiative. First, an earlier effort by Moscow in September had been spurned by the Kabul government, leading to a collapse of the tentative initiative by the Russians. This time however, it seems that Kabul has agreed to attend, with four officials from its High Peace Council, the designated body for negotiations, due to travel to Moscow again in an unofficial capacity. That means someone somewhere has persuaded the Afghansno prizes for guessing whothat the initiative is worth pursuing, even if it means diluting its stated position that all talks should be Afghan owned. This also a time when the US seems to have ramped up its own efforts at negotiating an end to the war, with its Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad just getting into his stride after the October meeting with Taliban leaders in Doha. Kabul has probably decided that it is as well to join in a dialoguewhich it stresses it not an official negotiation but an opening towards peaceunless it wishes to miss the boat entirely, and let everyone negotiate a peace over its head. With Kabuls nod, New Delhis position becomes that much easier to justify. Indeed, it seems that Delhis decision has been closely coordinated with Kabul. The Taliban has also agreed to attend. Its terse statementwhich was oddly a mirror image of the Kabul positionmerely stated (twice) that the meeting did not imply negotiations at all but was a talks about talks. It also notified who was to attend. This is by and large the same team which met with US officials earlier. Haji Sher Mohammad Stanekzai probably based in Qatar is the official head of the team. He was educated in the Indian Military Academy in Dehra Dun. Though part of the Taliban administration, (hes on the sanctions list) he is far more urbane and comfortable with the media and interlocutors than most of his colleagues and therefore somewhat suspect. The real clout could be from his deputy Mawlawi Abdul Salam Hanafi, a major Taliban commander who was rather mysteriously arrested in Pakistan in 2010 or thereabouts, and released in a prisoner exchange later. Hes the real thing, as hardline as it gets, and with strong links to narcotics smuggling. Other members of the team also have consistent Pakistan links. Sohail Shaheen, spokesman for the Taliban office was educated in Pakistan, and was later part of the embassy during Taliban rule. So was Shahabuddin Delawar, who was counselor in Peshawar and then ambassador to Pakistan. Theres one name thats missing from previous delegations. Thats Qari Deen Md Hanif from Badakshan. Clearly, whoever decided on the delegation is not risking any possible amity between the Russians and the rather amiable Badakshani. Another long time Pakistan friendly Haji Md Zahid Ahmadzai also seems to have been replaced with a new face, Mawlawi Zia ur Rehman, a known drug trafficker, and one accustomed to raising money from wealthy individuals in countries like Saudi Arabia. On the face of it, there are no friendlies for New Delhi, though all are likely to be known to the embassy. No one can operate in Afghanistan even at the most basic level, without having some association with various Taliban entities in a war that has been going on for decades. Then there is the question of Moscows intentions. Remember, the format for talks originally only included Pakistan and China. In February 2017, this was expanded to include India and Iran. By April, this was further expanded to include Central Asian states. The United States, after resolutely refusing to attend the Moscow forum, has now reversed its decision, and will send a representative. This in itself is a big win for Moscow. Doubtless, this also influenced Delhis own decision making. From a rather less noticed meeting point, the Moscow meeting has suddenly acquired the outlines of something that is tangible, with the potential to being a bridge towards sustainable US-Taliban talks as well. Note that in a surprise visit to Kabul, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, seemed to endorse the upcoming talks, even while backing Kabuls position. With this background, it would be assumed that Delhi would make its presence more tangible as well. The hitches in this are several. One, Moscow has in recent years been chummying up to Islamabad: supplying it with military equipment and participating in military exercises. The Russia-China-Pakistan initial format of the talks only underlines an emergence of triangular interests among the three, which is hardly likely to be a source of comfort for Delhi. Two, the US is not an entirely reliable ally in terms of Afghanistan. While the Trump administration has gone further than any previous administration in condemning Pakistan, this is not a surety in terms of its Afghan policy, where the emphasis seems to be on getting the troops back: at least in part- and giving President Trump a victory half way into his term. American policy makers may hate the Taliban, but theyve had no qualms about negotiating with mujahideen drug dealers and killers in the past. Three, there is no indication at all that the Taliban leaders have at all cut their umbilical ties with Pakistan. Many Taliban hate the Pakistanis, particularly the intelligence services. But their dependency on Rawalpindi is considerable. And where it is not, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has a habit of making life extremely uncomfortable to say the least. Last month, Pakistan said it released Taliban leader Mullah Berader from custody. Once the second in command, and with a strong following of his own, Berader was picked up by the ISI in February 2010 for initiating reconciliation measures of his own. After seven years in the hands of the ISI, hes said to be a physical wreck. This is similar to the fate of others who were picked up and subsequently released. Most just disappeared. So no, the Taliban are far from being free of the Pakistanis. So nothing's changed in that quarter. Fourth, and most crucially, China is slowly extending its influence in Afghanistan, with the Chinese foreign minister agreeingwith Pakistani persuasionto extend the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor into Afghanistan. Though India and China have also decided to initiative some tentative cooperate in Afghanistan, this is far from paving the way to a new relationship. Given such realities, it's not surprising that the MEA is treading a very cautious line. In this, it provides some relief to Kabul, who sees everyone else engaged in talking to their sworn enemies without any worthwhile consultation with what is after all, its elected government. This is a line that even a successive Afghan government will appreciate, and therefore ensures that New Delhi remains a trusted partner. In the final analysis, the Moscow meeting is only the beginning of a process that is likely to last for years before it can claim anything substantive. That gives Delhi time to up its assistance and evaluate its own position. Talking to anyone is not difficult. It's sustaining the conversation that is tricky. District in-charge minister SR Mahesh chaired a meeting in Madikeri on Wednesday to discuss Tipu Jayanti arrangements during which he appealed for people to co-operate with the administration in celebrating the event peacefully. Editor's Note: Despite strong opposition from BJP and other factions, the Congress-JD(S) coalition government in Karnataka is gearing up for Tipu Jayanti on 10 November. But the celebrations are likely to be muted this year; all events are being restricted to indoor facilities and the security apparatus is on high alert to prevent any violence. This is the second in a four-part series of analyses of Tipu's reign and how the gaps in the narrative have driven the vitriol around the colonial-era hero among different communities. *** Madikeri: The tiny hill town of Madikeri, which serves as the Kodagu district headquarters in Karnataka, has been dealing with consistent turmoil every November since 2015 when former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah announced that the state would celebrate the birth anniversary of Tipu Sultan. The then-Congress-led state government declared that Tipu Jayanti would be celebrated in all taluk and district headquarters of the state including Kodagu -- thereby angering native Kodavas who believe that the 18th-century ruler carried out a massacre against their ancestors in 1785. While many parts of state witnessed protests during the 2015 Tipu Jayanti, things took an ugly turn in Madikeri leading to two deaths. Though the subsequent years were not tainted with such casualties, the BJP and other right-wing elements obstruct the celebrations every year, calling for bandhs. Many Kodava elders still claim that the Tiger of Mysore killed and captured hundreds of people from the Kodava clan between 1784 to 1799. The former president of the Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy BP Appanna said that Tipu Sultan was a cruel king who destroyed 300 temples in the district. He also forcibly converted thousands of Kodavas. Hundreds of Muslims in Napoklu who follow Islam with Kodava traditions and culture is a proof of the brutalities inflicted upon them, Appanna said while adding that Tipu and his father Hyder Ali tried to conquer the district over 30 times but failed. Tipu Sultan was waiting for a chance and he got that in 1785 which resulted in the massacre of Kodavas, he claimed. The Codava National Council (CNC) an organisation which is fighting for an autonomous land for Kodavas since last two decades has been vocal about the alleged brutalities inflicted by Tipu on the Kodavas, which the Kodavas will never forget and will never forgive, according to CNC president NU Nachappa. "On 1785, 13 December, Tipu invited the Kodavas for compromise to Devatparamb near Bhagamandala and then massacred thousands of unarmed men, women and children, with help of the French army. Tipu even took the hostages to Srirangpatna jail," he said, claiming that the Kodava clan which had over 1,500 members in the district was reduced to 800 after the massacre. He said that Kodavas were a micro-minority now owing to Tipu's atrocities. The Kodava history book Pattole Palame mentions that the Gowda community from neighbouring Sullia were brought in by Tipu to settle them in the vacant Kodava houses, according to Nachappa. He also said that the state government should use the funds to rehabilitate the recent flood victims instead of celebrating a cruel leaders birth anniversary. Nachappa blamed the Congress government for glorifying Tipu in order to secure their vote bank. Politicians favouring Tipu should at least go through history books on Tipu in which they will find proofs of his excesses. Tipu Sultan was an outsider like the Britishers and French, he said. The Kodavas had also staged a protest in front of the French embassy in New Delhi demanding an apology from the French government for the 1785 Devatparamb massacre on 1 November. The CNC has also asked the United Nations to include Devatparamb massacre into the UNO list of genocides, Nachappa said. KP Manjunath, a social activist who filed writ petitions in the state high court in 2017 seeking a ban on Tipu Jayanti, contended that Tipu was not a freedom fighter and the state government has only been glorifying him for vote bank politics. Manjunath added that he was opposed to the celebrations using the taxpayers money as Tipu was responsible for the alleged genocide of Kodavas, the forcible conversions, and the injustice towards the community. According to a circular issued by the state government through Kannada and culture department, the revelries would come at a cost of Rs 25,000 in all taluk centres of the state and in district headquarters the costs would go up to Rs 50,000, he claimed. Despite the pending writ petition, the state government is ready to celebrate Tipu Jayanti which will cause social unrest and tension in the district, Manjunath said. The state government did not file its arguments for hearing even after the court given deadline expired. The court then imposed a fine of Rs 1,000 last week for neglecting the court hearings, he said. The next hearing is scheduled for 9 November. Some Congress leaders in the district have shied away from the celebrations in the past. In 2015, the-then district Congress committee president late Biddatanda Pradeep avoided Tipu Jayanti celebrations as he said Tipus army had burnt alive 40 of his ancestors in their house in Napoklu. In fact, to this day, the massacre is remembered during those days in the year when the Kodavas remember their ancestors and offer prayers to their souls. This is probably why Tipu Jayanti has been politically costly for the Congress in Kodagu. In the Assembly elections in May this year, BJP MLAs in both the constituencies in the district won by increased margins. Virajpet MLA KG Bopaiah managed to win by over 10,000 votes, twice his margin from 2013, while Madikeri MLA MP Appachu Ranjan won by a margin of 15,000, his highest in the past four elections. The district administration has beefed up security to prevent untoward incidents. The officers were reportedly in a dilemma while distributing Tipu Jayanti invitations to BJP Zilla Parishad and Gram Panchayat members as per protocol because BJP members disrupted celebrations last year and the events had to be brought to a close in Somwarpet and Virajpet. BJP district unit president BB Bharatish said that the party would organise protests across Kodagu from 8 to 10 November, as per the instructions of the state unit. Over 30 Kodava Samajs, various Kodava organisations and Sangh Parivar members are protesting against Tipu Jayanti this year and plan to observe a black day on 10 November. The Tipu Jayanti Virodhi Horata Samithi has also called for Kodagu bandh on 10 November. Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, the Samithi convener MB Abhimanyu Kumar said that Tipu was a cruel king who the Congress government was trying to glorify as a freedom fighter. The committee would organise protests in Somwarpet and Virajpet on Thursday and in Madikeri on Friday, he said, asking people to support bandh voluntarily. District in-charge minister SR Mahesh chaired a meeting in Madikeri on Wednesday to discuss Tipu Jayanti arrangements during which he appealed for people to co-operate with the administration in celebrating the event peacefully. Southern range IGP KV Sharath Chandra has said that the police has tightened security and opened temporary checkpoints. He said 1,500 police personnel and rapid response teams would be pressed into service and warned that stringent action would be taken against anyone who tries to disrupt peace. In order to contain the chances of violence, the police summoned Sangh Parivar workers, who were involved in previous Tipu Jayanti clashes, and has asked them to submit indemnity bonds, a move was decried by several Sangh leaders. A total of 155 people were summoned in Madikeri while 88 and 105 people were called in Virajpet and in Somwarpet respectively. The district administration has also issued orders to close liquor shops from 12 midnight on Thursday until 6 am on 11 November. Also Read Appropriating Tipu Sultan: 'Intolerant' Mysuru ruler no different to current politicians, so why the hype The author is a Madikeri-based freelance writer and a part of 101Reporters' grassroots network of journalists. Click here for live updates on Tipu Jayanti The Centre is examining a proposal allowing Directorate of Prosecution to be headed by a police officer to ensure higher conviction rates in the states New Delhi: The Centre is examining a proposal allowing Directorate of Prosecution to be headed by a police officer to ensure higher conviction rates in the states. The plan is being deliberated among the top level members of government. Among other issues, conviction reports from the past few years are being scrutinised to ascertain lapses in investigation. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report of 2016, the average conviction rate in murder and rape cases was 30 and 23.9 percent respectively. The conviction rate in other crimes like rioting and abduction is 20.2 and 21.2 percent respectively. Documents reviewed by Firstpost reveal Prime Minister Narendra Modi has suggested regular meetings between police officers and prosecutors to probe the shortcomings of investigations that result in acquittals in court. Modi has also suggested that investigating officers of 10 police stations could take up four to five cases as case studies in these meetings. If the proposal is passed, the government proposes to sensitise paramedical staff as well as judicial officers about forensic medicine and evidence to yield better results for the criminal justice administration system. The states may be asked to follow the practice adopted by Gujarat where a wide network of forensic labs and mobile vans has been set up with a system of 'detective cops' at police station-level. Another issue that is being taken up on a priority is the separation of law and order duty and investigation to improve the quality of investigation, with a view to having a dedicated team of officers in all police stations across the country. Uttarakhand has implemented a pilot project of separating law and order from criminal investigation in four districts Dehradun, Haridwar, Udhamsingh Nagar and Haldwani. Although, there were strong differences of opinion on the issue, the government's proposal is aimed at teamwork and a practice adopted in some foreign countries where police investigation is placed under the guidance of prosecutor from the very beginning. "Techniques and knowledge about investigation could be made available to investigators with the help of a mobile app that could include Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). The best investigators could be rewarded and associated with training as they could give practical tips to their peers," documents said. During an earlier meeting with top officials, the prime minister had lamented the fact that convictions in cases were not being properly highlighted and that that has created an impression that criminals are not being punished. A senior officer privy to the meeting quoted Modi as saying, "People should have the fear of the law and should get to know about the sentences being handed out by the courts Each month one good conviction could be taken up and the police officer who investigated the case should be honoured The general public would find out about the conviction and other police officers would be motivated to do better." There are some other issues likely to be taken up during the deliberations on current proposal. According to sources, many police officers are being put behind bars for alleged violation of human rights and under section 435 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and no relief could be given by the state governments to those accused in cases investigated by the CBI or other Central agencies. Sources said this is resulting in an enormous injustice meted out to police officers, while criminals in murder cases are getting remission from the state governments as cases were investigated by the state police, but on the other hand, police officers doing their duty against hardened criminals and terrorists were not able to get remission when facing a court case. "The prime minister agreed with this view and has suggested that some solution must be found to protect the police officers," sources further added. The government is also exploring the possibility with the states to assign investigation of minor crimes to head constables and constables. If, necessary, the CrPC may be amended to implement such measures. According to police, the woman had gone to watch a play at a theatre on Wednesday night. Her former husband and two of his associates forcibly took her to a field in the village under Narayanpur police station area. Jamtara (Jharkhand): A woman died after she was allegedly raped by three men, including her former husband, and a stick was inserted in her private parts in Jamtara district of Jharkhand, police said on Thursday. Sub-divisional police officer BN Singh said the woman's ex-husband has been arrested a search is on to arrest the two others. According to police, the woman had gone to watch a play at a theatre on Kali puja on Wednesday night. Her former husband and two of his associates forcibly took her to a field in the village under Narayanpur police station area. After raping her, they inserted a stick in her private parts, police said. On hearing the woman's cries for help the next morning, villagers took her to a hospital in Narayanpur town from where she was referred to Jamtara Sadar Hospital, where doctors declared her brought dead. Locals told police that she had accused her former husband and the other two men of raping her when they had found her in the field. Ningol Chaakouba gives the women of Manipur's Meitei community a chance to visit their blood relatives. It is a time of merriment, elaborate feasts and exchanging of gifts Ningol Chaakouba, celebrated in the month of November every year, is probably the biggest festival of the Meitei community in Manipur. 'Ningol' means daughter/girl, and 'Chaakouba' means an invitation for a meal. Traditionally, the pibas (sons) go to the houses of their married sisters to invite them for Chaakouba. If no inauspicious events have occurred, such as death of a family member or a relative, the Chaakouba is sure to be celebrated. Preparations begin many days in advance, on both sides of the family. On the day of the festival, the ningols wear their best traditional attire: phige phanek (a sarong) and rani phi (a shawl) which are trendy, popular and often expensive, as well as the latest designer jewellery. They take baskets filled with coconut, cooking oil, delicious-looking apples, oranges, rasgullas and other food items for their brothers, fathers, mothers and grandparents. Their children, dressed in new clothes, often accompany them. An elaborate feast followed by the male members giving gifts to the girls define the essence of the festival; it is a day for the pibas to show their love and affection for the ningols. It is seen as a time when people should look beyond family conflicts, sibling rivalries, and the difficulties that emerge from one's circumstances. Journalist Chitra Ahanthem believes that Ningol Chaakouba is "probably the Meitei equivalent of Diwali, when new clothes are bought and gifts and sweets are exchanged. For Meiteis, chaak chaanaba or having a meal together has, for long, been the most interactive social activity. In this festival, a family meal which involves the married daughters is considered very special. In return for their gifts, the brothers, father and other older male family members get blessings from the ningol. The markets in Meitei-dominant regions in the state are the most crowded at this time of the year, and roads are often blocked by traffic jams. For entrepreneurs, this is also a time to make profits. Well-known jewellery chains, emporiums, automobile dealers, and electronic shops set up attractive sales. Community clubs and associations organise bumper lotteries, musical concerts, thabal chongba (dance events), among other events. However, behind the more glamourous, celebratory aspects of this festival lies the grim reality of many families. Chitra says, "Over the years, this simple-yet-meaningful tradition has taken on a new-age makeover. There are huge expectations when it comes to the kind of gifts that one will receive from the family, and also with regards to the sweets or gifts the ningols will take to their homes. There are families which borrow money just so that they are able to buy presents that are considered acceptable and worthy by societys standards. A culture of consumption has emerged over the years, but the festival still remains special for many ningols. Linthoi Chanu, a poet and PhD scholar at the Delhi University, says, Even though I am unmarried, I feel so attached to the festival. After my marriage, I will have to leave my father's house to go live with my husband, whether I like it or not. And for me, Ningol Chaakouba will be the most awaited festival every year. It is the one day when I will be able to come back to my home and relive my life with my blood relatives. However idealistic it sounds, this festival will continue to epitomise family love and joy. Though the festival centres on the bond between ningols and pibas, it does not change the fact that gender inequality continues to persist in Meitei society. As is the case in other patriarchal societies, family property and lineage is transferred from father to son. Ningols are less favoured as opposed to pibas when it comes to the division of property. With less or no property in their names and lesser education opportunities, most women find it difficult to achieve financial security and self-sufficiency. The head of the house inevitably is the man traditionally and commonly. Loya Leima Oinam, an assistant professor, believes that, The respect and attention given to married women by their brothers and fathers on Ningol Chaakouba may at times be limited to a single day, in keeping with the tradition of bestowing care and blessings on one's daughters and sisters. During the rest of the year, the same women are treated with little or less regard. The Meitei society in Manipur is usually considered to be less patriarchal than many others in India, but the ground reality proves otherwise. Perhaps that is why this particular day holds even more significance for some women who have internalised the idea that women have lesser claims than men. This view, however, should not negate the fact that there is a genuine atmosphere of festivity, sharing and general merriment among family members and relatives who meet once a year over food and exchange of gifts. And the Meiteis love and bond over food! An introduction: Maharashtras tradition of shahiri is several centuries old. In the last few decades of the 18th century, under the influence of Mahatma Phules Satyashodhak Samaj, it was transformed into a musical weapon of the masses, against the caste system. By the 1930s, the Satyashodhaki jalsa was in decline, but a powerful new force had emerged in its place: Ambedkari jalsa. Ambedkari jalsa represented the teachings and philosophy of Dr BR Ambedkar in oral form, accompanied by songs. Over a journey that is close to completing a century, many Ambedkarite shahirs have helped hone shahiri as an anti-caste tool. This series on Maharashtras shahirs explores the lives and work of 15 greats. This is part twelve of the series. Art by Satwick Gade *** It is difficult if not impossible to remain unaffected by the world if one engages in and is exposed to music and literature. Most practitioners of such art have, at some point in their careers, witnessed a transition taking place in their minds, about their perspectives towards the world. Such is also the case of poet Suresh Bhat, who was known as a ghazalkar. Born on 15 April 1932, Suresh Bhat significantly contributed to the tradition of Ambedkarite shahiri through his songs and ghazals about Dr Ambedkar and Buddha, despite taking a few faulty political stands. Born into a Karhade Brahmin family in a district of Amaravati, he later converted to Buddhism and fought against Brahmanical notions both in his personal and social life. Bhat was never good at studies. He contracted polio in his childhood, which had an impact on the rest of his life. His inability to pass the BA exams and the physical deformity in his right leg meant that he was humiliated both at home and outside it. It was in Nagpur, where he read first read Ambedkarite literature and learnt about the movement, that he found the strength to fight against this humiliation. The basis for this humiliation was the same as the basis for caste discrimination the rejection and denial of anyone who is not considered normal or a legitimate member of society. In his words, one can identify the emergence of the conscience of Ambedkarite literature. Unlike other Brahmin poets and writers, he did not consider his work and life as being separate. This meant that he could respond to and speak about the stark realities of life through his poems. The BJP manifesto will put forth the vision for a new Chhattisgarh, which will be among the most developed states of the country by 2025, state Agriculture Minister Brijmohan Agrawal said. Raipur: In a last attempt to woo voters ahead of the first phase of polling in Chhattisgarh, the ruling BJP will release its "game changer" manifesto on Saturday with special focus on farmers and youth, state Agriculture Minister Brijmohan Agrawal said. The Sanklap Patar' will be released by BJP president Amit Shah in Raipur, Agrawal, who heads the BJP's manifesto drafting committee, said on Friday. Saturday is the last day of campaigning for the first phase of polling for 18 assembly seats in Chhattisgarh on Monday. The second phase, for the remaining 72 constituencies, will be held on 20 November. It will be a game changer. The manifesto will put forth the vision for a new Chhattisgarh, which will be among the most developed states of the country by 2025, Agrawal said, Though he declined to share details of the manifesto, he said it would focus on farmers and youth and has been drafted with guidance from the party's central leadership, including Shah. In the last one decade or so, the state has emerged as the rice bowl of the country and farmers' incomes have jumped manifold. Our aim is that this should continue in the future as well, he said. Questioned on the delay in releasing the manifesto, Agrawal said the party had reached out to the people with various teams travelling to different parts of the state to seek suggestions. It is the BJP's document of its commitments to the people, he said. In the last 15 years of the BJP government, the party has set up an ecosystem in the state, where social justice and development are complementary to each other, he said. The party will work with the same agenda in the future as well, he added. The BJP appealed to the government to drop the Tipu Sultan birth anniversary celebrations and staged demonstrations at several places including Bengaluru, Mysuru and Kodagu, in the state. Bengaluru: A day ahead of 'Tipu Jayanti', the BJP on Friday staged protests against Karnataka government-sponsored celebrations for the birth anniversary of the controversial 18th century ruler of erstwhile Mysore kingdom, Tipu Sultan. The party, which has appealed to the government to drop the celebrations, staged demonstrations at several places including Bengaluru, Mysuru and Kodagu, in the state. The JDS-Congress coalition government led by Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, last week, had said Tipu Jayanti would be celebrated on 10 November in continuation of the previous Congress government's policy, prompting the BJP to announce protests. However, Kumaraswamy is not scheduled to attend main function here to be inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara. The Chief Minister's Office in a statement said on Friday that Kumaraswamy would not take part in any official function for the next three days in view of "doctors' advice." On the advice of doctors, the chief minister will take three days rest till 11 November. He will spend time with family on these days and there will be no official engagements on these days, it said. Minister for Minority Welfare, Haj and Wakf BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan said the chief minister had told officials before hand that he would be away for medical check-up and hence, his name should not be mentioned in the invitation. Police said security has been tightened at sensitive places, including Bengaluru, Mangaluru and Kodagu. An official said the function in Bengaluru would be held at the Vidhana Soudha, the seat of the state legislature, as the original venue, in view of representations to the government from Mulsim community leaders. Parameshwara, who also holds the Home portfolio, had on 5 November announced that the venue had been shifted to Ravindra Kalakshetra here on advice of the police department owing to security reasons. He had said strict action would be taken against anyone causing riots or disturbing peace. Tipu Jayanti celebration events should be organised indoors and posters and banners would be allowed there only, he had said, adding that social media posts would also be monitored and action would be taken if they were derogatory. The previous Congress government, led by Siddaramaiah, began celebrating "Tipu Jayanti" on 10 November every year since 2015, amid stiff opposition by the BJP, several Hindu organisations and some individuals. Widespread protests and violence had marred the celebrations during the first two years. BJP leaders, including former deputy chief minister R Ashok, BY Raghavendra and MLC Ravi Kumar, took part in the agitation here and accused the state government of "hurting" the sentiments of Hindus only to appease Muslims. They said Tipu was accused of killing thousands of people in Kodagu and Mandyam Iyengars of Melukote near Mysuru. Tipu was a tyrant and a religious fanatic. Those who tried to exalt him suffered huge losses, BJP MP Pratap Simha claimed. The BJP also took a dig at Kumaraswamy's absence in the event. Party spokesperson S Prakash quipped that the chief minister was avoiding taking part in Tipu Jayanti. Tipu was a ruler of Mysore and considered an implacable enemy of the British East India Company. He was killed in May 1799 while defending his fort at Srirangapatna against the British forces. While BJP and some Hindu outfits see Tipu as a "religious bigot" and a "brutal killer", some Kannada outfits call him anti-Kannada, saying that he had promoted Persian at the cost of the local language. Modi will address a rally in Bastar district's headquarters, Jagdalpur, while Rahul will tour the state for two days during which he will address five rallies and hold a roadshow in Chief Minister Raman Singh's constituency, Rajnandgaon. Raipur: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi will be in Chhattisgarh on Friday to campaign for the first phase of the Assembly elections in the state. Modi will address a rally in Bastar district's headquarters, Jagdalpur, while Rahul will tour the state for two days during which he will address five rallies and hold a roadshow in Chief Minister Raman Singh's constituency, Rajnandgaon. The prime minister is scheduled to arrive at Raipur airport at 11:20 am Friday and then take a helicopter to Jagdalpur. Following the rally, he will leave for Raipur at 2 pm and then return to Delhi, a state BJP spokesperson said Thursday. "This will be the prime minister's first election rally for the state Assembly polls. It will add power to the party's campaign," the spokesperson added. Rahul on Friday will address his first rally in Pakhanjore town of Kanker district at noon, followed by public meetings in Rajnandgaon district's Khairgarh and Dongargarh towns, and a roadshow in Rajnandgaon, said the head of Congress state communication wing, Shailesh Nitin Trivedi. He will put up at Rajnandgaon for the night and on Saturday, will address rallies in Charama (Kanker district) and Kondagaon, Trivedi said, adding that the Congress chief would also chair a meeting of party workers in Jagdalpur. Raman Singh is also scheduled to hold a roadshow in Rajnandgaon on Friday evening. He is pitted against the Congress's Karuna Shukla, niece of late prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The campaigning for the first phase will end Saturday. The first phase on 12 November will see 18 seats of eight Naxal-affected districts go to polls. Of these, 12 are Scheduled Tribe seats while one is a Scheduled Caste-reserved seat. The remaining 72 constituencies will witness polling on 20 November and counting of votes will be held on 11 December. A total of 1,291 candidates are in the fray for the two-phase state polls. In the 2013 Assembly polls, the BJP had won 49 seats, Congress 39, BSP 1 and Independent 1 in the 90-member House. The ruling BJP had lost 12 of the 18 seats in the 2013 polls. Among the issues that were repeatedly brought up during campaigning in Chhattisgarh were Maoist threat, corruption, farmers' distress, road connectivity issues and power shortage. As preparations for the upcoming Assembly elections in Chhattisgarh are being reviewed, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), main Opposition Congress and the surprise alliance between Ajit Jogi's Janata Congress Chhattisgarh (JCC), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) the Communist Party of India (CPI) are sharpening their election pitches. With the Chhattisgarh Assembly polls scheduled to be held in two phases on 12 and 20 November there are a few key concerns that have been brought up repeatedly by parties during campaigning. Among the most prominent among them are the Maoist issue in the state, corruption, farmers' distress, road connectivity issues and power shortage, among others. Naxalism The issue of Naxalism has plagued the region for decades. The conflict between the Indian government and Maoists began as a violent uprising in West Bengal's Naxalbari village in the late 1960s. The Naxals claim to represent the tribal communities of Chhattisgarh, who have alleged negligence by the government for years. According to the BBC, the Naxals claim to represent concerns of land ownership and equitable distribution of resources but ultimately aim to establish a "communist society" through a "people's war". The current form of Naxalism began in 2004, with the formation of the Communist Party of India (Maoist). This was the result of a merger between the People's War Group (PWG) and the Maoist Communist Centre (MCC). Over several years since, Maoists have managed to launch damaging attacks on security forces. In 2006, the then prime minister Manmohan Singh described Naxalism as the "single biggest internal security challenge ever faced by our country". In 2009, the Centre banned the CPI (Maoists) under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). However, Naxal rebels continue to re-group and thrive as they receive support from local residents both through coercion and otherwise due to their superior topographical knowledge of the hilly, forested state of Chhattisgarh. They are also believed to have a steady supply of weapons by looting, smuggling or manufacturing. Poor road connectivity in rural regions, the use of tribal civilians as human shields, extortion and links with international fringe outfits are believed to be other reasons for their dominance. Over the past few years, Naxals have launched deadly attacks on security forces, including the Darbha Valley incident, which killed Congress leaders Mahendra Karma, Uday Mudaliya, Nand Kumar Patel, his son Dinesh and VC Shukla, among other political leaders associated with the party who were campaigning ahead of the 2013 polls. Three-time Chief Minister Raman Singh who will be trying his luck for a fourth term this polls had declared, in August, that "Naxalism is on its last legs" in Chhattisgarh, but the latest attacks by Naxals in the poll-bound state's Dantewada region one in Aranpur and the other in Bacheli claimed nine lives altogether. Every election in Chhattisgarh faces an open threat by Naxals to prevent or severely disrupt polling. Even this year, Maoists are threatening people to "boycott the fake Chhattisgarh elections". Power shortage Chhattisgarh, the 26th state of India, was carved out of Madhya Pradesh on 1 November, 2000, when 16 eastern and southern districts of the parent state were partitioned under the Madhya Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2000. The state came into being after accusations that Bhopal neglected the region even though it had the funds and natural resources to look over it. As this India Today article from 2001 points out, energy sharing topped the list of disputes between the two regions, given that Chhattisgarh was a power-surplus region generating 35.66 percent of the undivided state's power but consuming only 23.86 percent. Madhya Pradesh continued to reel under a power shortage. A Financial Express report says that even in 2018, a rise in the demand for electricity and a dearth of coal supply has pushed power plants towards outages. As per government data, power plants generating more than 10,500 megawatts of electricity have cited coal shortage as the reasons to shut their units down, and of this, plants generating 2,700 megawatts and 4,210 megawatts suffered outages in September and October. Most of these plants are located in Chhattisgarh. Also, being far away from coal mines, this issue also reflects the inadequate transport infrastructure in the state. Despite this, a leader from Maharashtra claims that coal supply meant for Maharashtra is being "diverted" to poll-bound Chhattisgarh. Power supply and electricity generation has been debated during election campaigns this year BJP chief Amit Shah had claimed that 24-hour power supply was one of the achievements of the Raman Singh government in the last 15 years. Infrastructure, poor road connectivity According to the Financial Express, as part of attempts to reduce Maoist dominance in the Sukma district, the Chhattisgarh government has been focusing on constructing roads. The state has been trying to do this by connecting Jagargunda with Dornapal in the east, Bijapur in the west and Kirandul in Dantewada in the north. All three roads are under construction. The stretch along which Maoists ambushed the CRPF patrol team on 24 April, 2017, was one of those crucial under-construction roads in South Sukma that are among the worst affected by Maoist violence. Chhattisgarh is reported to have constructed 81 roads measuring 410.42 kilometres under a new regional connectivity Scheme and upgraded two roads stretching across 8.25 kilometres till December 2017. Chhattisgarh chief minister Raman Singh kicked off the BJP's Bastar mission on 29 October with the agenda of peace and development. He had emphasised that growth of the region at four times the original rate was his main agenda. Given these hurdles, development and infrastructure, especially road connectivity, is a significant poll issue this time. Corruption The young state has only had two chief ministers in its history. Raman Singh is the only one to have completed a full five-year tenure of which he has had three. Ajit Jogi, who was a Congress leader back then, was the state's first chief minister, but he was in power for only three years from 2000 to 2003. Besides power shortage and political neglect, other reasons why Chhattisgarh was carved out of Madhya Pradesh was to provide the native speakers of Chhattisgarhi language their own independent state and to ensure that the region's large Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe population are represented adequately. Nearly one third of the state's population are from Scheduled Tribe communities, while 11.6 percent of it are from Scheduled Castes. However, statehood, it appears, has done little to improve the lives of the poorest in Chhattisgarh. A report by the Rangarajan Panel had found that nearly half of Chhattisgarh's population 47.9 percent was below the poverty line, the highest among all Indian states, and significantly more than in parent state Madhya Pradesh, where the corresponding figure was 44.3 percent. Despite these statistics, the Raman Singh government has remained untarnished by any major scams for the majority of its tenure. It was only in the last three years that a number of scams emerged. The AugustaWestland chopper case and the Public Distribution Scheme scam came to light in recent years, wherein the state government has faced allegations of irregularities. Opposition parties have used these allegations of corruption to their advantage during campaigning for this year's polls. Man-animal conflict The ruling government's failure to control the man-elephant conflict in North Chhattisgarh has become a burning poll issue for the first time. The affected districts Surguja, Surajpur, Balrampur, Jashpur and parts of Raigarh cover at least 16 of the 90 seats in the Chhattisgarh Assembly. Environmental activists, lawyers and NGOs have been raising this issue for a long time, blaming the man-elephant conflict on irresponsible mining that affects habitats, lack of elephant corridors and rudimentary warning mechanisms employed by state and forest officials. When Independent MLA Vimal Chopra questioned the government about the damage done by wild animals, Chhattisgarh forest minister Mahesh Gagda had said that the man-animal conflict had claimed 66 lives, destroyed 17,110 acres of farmland and 1,863 homes in 2016-2017, and that there would be similar numbers in 2018. The thickly forested areas of Northern Chhattisgarh are notorious for incidents of human-elephant conflict. In the past few years, there have been a number of incidents of rogue elephants killing people and damaging homes and crops. Farmers' distress In its campaigns, the Congress has focused on the plight of farmers in Chhattisgarh. Both the ruling BJP and Opposition view farmers as a major vote bank. In Chhattisgarh, around 70 percent of the total population is engaged in agriculture and allied activities. The Congress has been raising the issue of farmers' distress in the state consistently and intensified its attack on the state government as the elections neared. The party has raised the issue of the minimum support price (MSP) the previous Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government paid farmers as against the MSP the BJP-led government pays them. The Congress has accused the current government in Chhattisgarh of going back on its 2013 poll promise of providing Rs 2,100 MSP and Rs 300 as annual bonus. As the first phase of the Chhattisgarh Assembly polls nears, Congress is gearing up to try to oust the BJP from power after 15 years. With the first phase of the Chhattisgarh Assembly elections are just a few days away, all major parties have finalised their candidates' lists and expedited campaign in their respective constituencies. The election to the 90 seats in the state are scheduled to be held on 12 and 20 November, making Chhattisgarh the only state this time where voting will be held in two phases. The alliance between former chief minister Ajit Jogi's Janata Congress Chhattisgarh (JCC) and Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) made headlines when she announced it in September. The Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) fielded their power players from their strongholds. Rahul Gandhi's party is seeking to oust the saffron party in the state, where it has been in power since 2003 under Chief Minister Raman Singh. Although the BJP had formed the government in Chhattisgarh for the third time with 49 of the 90 seats, the Congress (39 seats) had succeeded in narrowing the vote share. It had grabbed 40.3 percent of the votes, marginally lower than the BJP's 41 percent. As the Congress and BJP as well as the JCC-BSP-Communist Party of India (CPI) alliance have all released the final lists of the candidates, here are some of the key players in the fray: Raman Singh The BJP leader has enjoyed three terms as the chief minister of the state 2003-2008, 2008-2013 and 2013-present. Singh is the second chief minister after the formation of Chhattisgarh in 2000. This year, he will contest from the Rajnandgaon constituency his birthplace seeking a fourth term in a row. It was under Singh's tenure, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) had honoured Chhattisgarh for its human development index. He is also a qualified Ayurveda doctor besides a recipient of the Institute of Excellence award, National e-Governance award, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam award and the National Water Digest award. Bhupesh Baghel The Chhattisgarh Congress president will contest from the Patan Assembly constituency. It is assumed that he will be one of the top contenders for the chief minister's post if the party comes to power in the state, besides TS Singhdeo and Charan Das Mahant. Baghel has been embroiled in a controversy over his alleged involvement in a fake sex CD case. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had filed a chargesheet in September, in which it had named Baghel and a few others as accused. The controversial CD allegedly featured a state minister, who had rejected it as fake. The BJP has used this case to target the Congress ahead of the polls, while Baghel has pleaded innocence and described it as a political attack. Jogi's electoral alliance with Mayawati and CPI Ajit Jogi, who was the first chief minister of Chhattisgarh, dealt a blow to the Congress by allying his newly-formed JCC with the BSP and the CPI. He told The Hindu that after a three-hour meeting with Mayawati, she agreed to join hands with him for the Assembly polls in the state. After the BSP-JCC alliance was formally announced on 20 September, Mayawati had nominated Jogi as the chief ministerial candidate from their alliance. The CPI joined the duo in October, with Jogi saying that its entry as an ally will strengthen their prospects in the Bastar, Surguja and Bhilai regions. While there was no clarity earlier on whether Jogi would even contest the elections, the JCC confirmed on Wednesday that he will contest the polls from Marwahi constituency. His son Amit is the sitting MLA from Marwahi, which is a reserved scheduled tribe constituency. While Amit will not contest the Assembly elections this time, his mother and Jogi's wife, Renu Jogi, will contest the polls on a JCC ticket from Kota after Congress did not consider her this time. Moreover, Jogi's daughter-in-law Richa Jogi will contest the polls from the Akaltara constituency in Janjgir-Champa district. Akaltara is currently represented by Congress leader Chunnilal Sahu. It is believed that Richa played a major role in strengthening the two-year-old JCC that Ajit founded after breaking away from the Congress in 2016. Karuna Shukla Shukla, former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's niece, will take on Chief Minister Raman Singh in Rajnandgaon on a Congress ticket. She was among the six candidates named in the party's second list. Shukla has been a vocal critic of the Raman Singh government. A former BJP leader, she had previously represented Chhattisgarh's Janjgir constituency in the Lok Sabha and was also an MLA in the undivided Madhya Pradesh. She quit the BJP in 2013 after accusing the party of torturing her "mentally". Her three-decade association with the saffron party came to an end when she joined Congress in 2014. Shrichand Sundrani The BJP declared Shrichand Sundrani as its candidate from Raipur City North. The party had fielded 89 candidates, but had refrained from declaring a candidate from this constituency because of an internal dispute, according to local media reports. Sundrani is the sitting legislator from Raipur City North. The constituency has 25,000 Sindhi voters, who constitute a major vote bank for the BJP. Devti Karma Devti Karma is the sitting Congress MLA from the Dantewada (scheduled tribe) seat. She is the wife of late Mahendra Karma, a former Leader of Opposition who was the guiding force behind the "Salwa Judum" movement of anti-Maoist vigilante groups. He was also among the group of 29 of mostly Congress leaders who were killed in the Maoist attack in Bastar district's Darbha Valley on 25 May 2013. The then state Congress chief Nandkumar Patel and former Union minister Vidyacharan Shukla were also killed in the attack. On 20 October, PTI reported that Devtis son Chhavindra Karma also filed his nomination papers as an Independent candidate from the Dantewada, but according to a report, he has withdrawn his nomination. Ram Dayal Uike Uike is an influential tribal leader in Chhattisgarh and was the working president of the Congress party. On 13 October, in a blow to the grand old party, he left the Congress to join the BJP in the presence of party chief Amit Shah and Chief Minister Raman Singh. The Dalits and tribal communities form a major vote-base in Chhattisgarh. Uike has filed his nomination from the Pali-Tanakhar seat, reported Dainik Bhaskar. OP Choudhary Choudhary is the former collector of Raipur who resigned from the position in August and joined the BJP. The party has fielded the former IAS officer from the Kharsia constituency, which is a Congress bastion. After the BSP candidate from Kharsia, Vijay Jaiswal, has declared his support to Congress candidate Umesh Patel, it will be a direct contest between the Congress and the BJP in this constituency. The first phase of polling will take place on 12 November in Chhattisgarh's Maoist-dominated areas, while the remaining constituencies will go to polls on 20 November. About 190 candidates, including Raman Singh, are in the fray for the 18 constituencies where polls will be held on next Monday. Of the 18 constituencies, 12 are reserved for the candidates belonging to scheduled tribes and one for the scheduled caste. The security forces forcibly took the protestors to police station in a bus. 'Around 70-80 Congress protesters, including Ashok Gehlot, Anand Sharma and Bhupinder Singh Hooda have been detained,' police said. The protesters wore masks and shouted slogans against the BJP-led government. New Delhi: Youth Congress members accompanied by senior party leaders Friday staged a protest against demonetisation outside the RBI office here and were detained by police. The security forces forcibly took the protestors to police station in a bus. "Around 70-80 Congress protesters, including Ashok Gehlot, Anand Sharma and Bhupinder Singh Hooda have been detained," police said. The protesters wore masks and shouted slogans against the BJP-led government. Amrish Ranjan Pandey, national spokesperson of the Youth Congress, said the protest was aimed at "highlighting the miseries of the nation since the last two years under the Modi regime". "It is a protest against the 'failed' demonetisation of the Modi government wherein common people suffered its grave consequences," he said. On 8 November, 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced that Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 denomination bank notes would cease to exist as legal tenders. The withdrawal of the notes had led to a liquidity crunch and people stood in serpentine queues outside banks and ATMs to exchange old notes. The opposition parties have criticised the exercise as "ill-advised" and "disastrous" for the country, but the government has maintained that the move helped increase the tax base and allowed greater formalisation of the economy. While Chhattisgarh is going to polls in two phases on 12 and 20 November, Madhya Pradesh, and Mizoram have elections on 28 November. Rajasthan and Telangana will go to polls on 7 December. New Delhi: The Election Commission on Friday imposed a near month-long ban on holding exit polls beginning 12 November in the five poll-bound states. A notification issued by the poll panel said between 7 am of 12 November and 5.30 pm of 7 December, "conducting any exit poll and publishing or publicising the result of exit poll by means of the print or electronic media or in any other manner shall be prohibited" . While Chhattisgarh is going to polls in two phases on 12 and 20 November, Madhya Pradesh, and Mizoram have elections on 28 November. Rajasthan and Telangana will go to polls on 7 December. Using powers under the Representation of People Act, 1951, the EC bans exit polls from the time the poll begins till half-an-hour after the polling ends. The poll panel had proposed that there should be a prohibition on publication and broadcast of the results of opinion polls starting from the date of notification of elections till the completion of the last phase of polls to Lok Sabha and state Assemblies. The proposal is pending with the government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi used Congress attempts to defend 'Urban Naxals' to launch a blistering attack on the BJPs electoral rival. Coming down heavily on 'Urban Naxals' in his first election rally in Chhatisgarh ahead of the upcoming Assembly polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave a vent to his anger by saying they have rakshahis manovriti (psyche of a demon) who put guns in the hands of young boys and girls who should otherwise have been holding pens in their hands. "They burn schools, not allow doctors to visit schools. They are 'Urban Naxals'. They live in the comforts of air-conditioners in the cities. They look neat and clean and live in well-built houses. Their children study abroad. They move around in big cars, mingle in upper echelons of society and carry a certain aura about them. They live in urban centres but use a remote system to destroy lives of tribals living here," Modi said. This was thus far the strongest condemnation of 'Urban Naxals' from a public platform and from no less than the prime minister. The issue was widely debated at various public platforms since the Maharashtra government launched an inter-state multi-city crackdown in August against 'Urban Naxals' and arrested Varvara Rao, Sudha Bharadwaj, Arun Ferreira, Vernon Gonsalves, Gautam Navlakha and Stan Swamy. Five other Naxal sympathisers including Rona Wilson, Sudhir Dhawale, Shoma Sen, Mahesh Raut and Surendra Gadling were earlier arrested in Maharashtra and Delhi in connection with the Bhima-Koregaon case. Soon after at the behest of the Congress, various opposition parties challenged their arrest, terming it an assault on freedom of expression and right to dissent. Congress president Rahul Gandhi came out strongly in their support and in a tweet lampooned Modi government. There is only place for one NGO in India and it's called the RSS. Shut down all other NGOs. Jail all activists and shoot those that complain. Welcome to the new India, he said in a tweet. Historian Romila Thapar petitioned the Supreme Court seeking relief for the alleged 'Urban Naxals'. The political colouring around the debate made it a BJP versus the rest kind of debate, almost completely ignoring the national security angle. The Congress party leaders including Rahul conveniently forgot that Manmohan Singh as prime minister had once declared that Maoists are the biggest threat to India's internal security. Modi used Congress attempts to defend 'Urban Naxals' to launch a blistering attack on the BJPs electoral rival. "The Congress must respond when the government takes action against 'Urban Naxals' why do they come out to defend them, make statements in their favour? Congress leaders come to this state and make inconsequential remarks against Naxals. Will you forgive such people? These people will not win Chhattisgarh. I appeal to you to ensure that BJP wins all seats in the Bastar region. If anyone else wins, it will be a blot on Bastar's dreams," the prime minister said. Eighteen seats in the Naxal-affected areas of the state are going to the polls on Monday. Since the winning margin has always been thin in the state, the polling pattern and results of these seats can decide whether or not BJPs serving chief minister will get a chance to serve for a record fourth term. Modi and the BJP would hope with some tangible development initiatives and making it slightly emotive three days before polls, the BJP would retain its edge. It was also interesting to see that Modi recalled Atal Bihari Vajpayee, his role in creating the separate state of Chhattisgarh and his dream for the state to strike yet another emotive chord with the people. Vajpayee originally belonged to Madhya Pradesh, a state which Chhatisgarh was a part of till the Vajpayee-led NDA government created it 18 years ago. The former prime ministers name thus still resonates among the people. Another reason why Modi repeatedly took Vajpayee's name was perhaps because his niece Karuna Shukla has joined Congress and is fighting against Raman Singh in Rajnandgaon. The BJP would hope that people would come out in large numbers on Monday to express their preferences. Gandhwani, an Assembly constituency held by the Congress, is dominated by female voters. Yet, Gandhwani has no female doctors due to which women have to travel several kilometres for basic health care Indore: Gandhwani, an Assembly constituency held by the Congress, is dominated by female voters. However, the irony is that Gandhwani has no female doctors due to which women have to travel several kilometres for basic health care. Gandhwani and Kukshi are the Congress' constituencies in Dhar district, in which the remaining constituencies namely Dhar, Manawar, Badnawar, Sardarpur and Dharampuri belong to the BJP. These constituencies have female doctors. The community health centre (CHC) in Kukshi has a female doctor, but due to lack of facilities, most of the patients are often referred to other hospitals. Four blocks Bagh, Dahi, Kukshi and Nisarpur fall under the Kukshi tehsil and I am the only female doctor here. I am on duty round-the-clock. I am also responsible for the administrative works like going to court for hearings and making MLCs, said Dr Rajkumari Devda, a gynaecologist, posted at the Kukshi CHC. According to Dr Devda, due to lack of basic facilities like sonography machines, or an ICU, local patients suffering serious health problems are referred to Barwani district hospital, 30 kilometres from Kukshi. Dhar is at least 100 km from Kukshi, so we refer the patients to Barwani district, she said. According to the Election Commission, there are over 1.1 lakh female voters in Gandhwani, constituting 49.8% of the total voters in the constituency. Alleging step-motherly treatment towards their Assembly constituency by the state government, the Congress leader from Gandhwani, Umang Singhar, claims that the situation is better in other constituencies where BJP is in power. He claims that the medical facilities for women in Manawar, a constituency reserved for the scheduled tribe and is represented by BJPs Ranjana Baghel, is much better as compared to Gandhwani and Kukshi. Singhar says that he had announced Rs 1 lakh salary per month to any female doctor who was willing to come to Gandhwani CHC. He says that since he is from the Opposition party, he has suffered injustice at the hands of the state government. The state government had said that it was unable to send a female doctor because of dearth of female doctors in the state, he said. Women in this constituency are reluctant to approach a doctor due to the tedious travels they would have to undertake. We have to travel to Barwani, Indore or Dhar even if some minor health problems develop. There is not a single female doctor here. Most of the women dont go to the doctors as they dont want to travel such long distance and this affects their health adversely. They go to the other districts for treatment only when the condition becomes very serious, said Anita Devi, 55, who had to travel to Indore from Gandhwani when she had suffered urinary tract infection (UTI) a few months ago. Bhanwari Bai, another resident of the area, claimed that the pregnant women always ensured travel arrangements in advance of their delivery date. There is a dearth of female doctors in the entire district. Though we have at least one female doctor in Manawar and Kukshi, the one who was posted in Gandhwani resigned a year ago. After that, the post has been lying vacant. We had sent a letter to the government asking for a doctor in Gandhwani and are hoping that it may get filled soon, said R C Panika, chief medical officer, Dhar. He added that female doctors are not interested to serve in remote areas like Gandhwani due to lack of facilities here. They prefer districts and towns as compared to tribal areas. Gynaecologist Dr Monika Chouhan who is posted in Manawar, claimed, Because of the dearth of female doctors, we get burdened with cases from these areas. We get hundreds of referrals from Umarband, Gandhwani and Bakaner every day for which we have to work extra hours. This is primarily because female doctors prefer to work in urban areas. Since Chouhan is from Manawar, it was not difficult for her to adjust there. According to her, the main reason why no female doctor is ready to come to Gandhwani is because of it is located in a very remote place. The situation is similar in the Kukshi Assembly constituency which belongs to the Congress. There is only one female doctor in this constituency. In the absence of advance health care facilities, patients have to be referred to other districts. Congress legislator from Kukshi, Surendra Singh Baghel, claimed that a few months before the 2013 Assembly polls, Shivraj Singh Chouhan had announced the construction of a civil hospital in Kukshi. However, the hospital is yet to become a reality even after five years. As soon as I became the MLA from this constituency in 2013, the construction of the hospital was put on the back burner, he alleged. The civil hospital building is almost ready but it will take time to start. We also don't have any doctor of medicine (MD) here which is a big problem, Dr Devda said. Baghel claimed that only improving the infrastructure in the area would not help the constituency, unless doctors are ready to work in such areas. However, Dr Raj Barfa, BJP president in Dhar, claims that these are false allegations and a female doctor has been working in Kukshi for several years. The CHC in Kukshi has been given the status of a civil hospital, which is in its completion stage. The civil hospital will have 90 beds and advanced machinery needed for treatment. Gandhwani doesnt have a female doctor because she was transferred recently, he said. In Jhabua and Alirajpur districts as well, women constitute over 49 percent of voters and issues concerned with the fairer sex are likely to emerge as one of the rallying points in upcoming polls. While districts have many pressing issues regarding health, hygiene and nutrition, safety of women and liquor ban are being discussed increasingly with polls drawing closer. Electorate ratio in two Congress-ruled constituencies in Dhar Constituency Male Female Total MLA Gandhwani 110354 108686 219086 Umang Singhar Kukshi 111852 110810 222694 Surendra Singh Baghel Source: Election Commission of India The author is a member of 101Reporters.com. The team, led by Deputy Election Commissioner Sudeep Jain, would be visiting the state two days after Chief Electoral Officer SB Shashank was summoned to Delhi by the EC, following a massive agitation for his ouster by NGO Coordination Committee - a conglomerate of civil societies and student organisations. Aizawl: A high-level team of Election Commission (EC) officials would be arriving in Mizoram on Friday to hold talks with top government officials and leaders of civil societies over the crisis that has rocked the poll arrangements in the state, official sources said. The team, led by Deputy Election Commissioner Sudeep Jain, would be visiting the state two days after Chief Electoral Officer SB Shashank was summoned to Delhi by the EC, following a massive agitation for his ouster by NGO Coordination Committee - a conglomerate of civil societies and student organisations. Shashank had allegedly sought deployment of additional central armed police forces (CAPF) in the state and complained to the EC that the state's former principal secretary Lalnunmawia Chuaungo was interfering with the poll process. Chuaungo, a native of Mizoram and a Gujarat-cadre IAS officer was relieved of his duties earlier this month. The committee, along with other political leaders, had been demanding Shashank's exit from the state since then. The NGO also demanded that 11,232 Bru voters lodged in six Tripura relief camps be allowed to exercise their franchise at their respective polling stations in Mizoram and not in Tripura as committed by the poll panel in 2014. Thousands of people from the Bru community had fled Mizoram in 1997 following ethnic clashes. They have since been lodged in six relief camps in Tripura. Election to the 40-member Mizoram Assembly will be held on 28 November. Friday is the last day for filing poll nominations, the list of which is expected to be released by 5pm. A three-member EC team that visited the state on Tuesday night held talks with the government officials and the NGO to resolve the crises in the poll-bound state. The meeting, however, remained inconclusive as the team said the final call would be made by the EC. Addressed a rally in Chattisgarhs Jagadalpur to campaign for the first phase of the Assembly elections in the state, Modi said he was honoured to start BJPs campaign from Jagadalpur. Prime Minister Narendra Modi appeared combative when he took on rival Congress by linking the party with 'Urban Naxals' as part of the BJP's campaign for the upcoming Chhattisgarh Assembly election at a rally in Jagdalpur on Friday. The state votes on 12 November in the first phase of polls for 18 Assembly seats. In 2013, the BJP had lost 12 out the 18 seats, which makes the first phase a critical one for the saffron party. The prime minister tore through the Opposition and touched upon a host of topics, including Naxal violence, development in the Bastar region and its connectivity with the rest of the country. Urban Naxals Addressing his first election rally in the state, Modi said he will not rest till he fulfills late Atal Bihari Vajpayee's dreams for a prosperous Chhattisgarh. Modi said the Congress-led government did not do enough to develop the Naxal-affected Bastar region citing the Maoist menace. "The urban Maoists, who live in air-conditioned homes in the cities, look clean and whose children study abroad, remote control the adivasi children in the Naxal-dominated areas," Modi said. Focussing on the Bastar region, the prime minister alleged that the Opposition was disrupting the governments crackdown on Naxals. "Will you forgive such people? These people will not win Chhattisgarh. I appeal to you to ensure that BJP wins all seats in the Bastar region. If anyone else wins, it will be a blot on Bastar's dreams," he added. Recently, two attacks made headlines when security forces were ambushed in Dantewadas Aranpur village and another in Balrampur. The first attack claimed the live of a cameraperson employed with Doordarshan. In another attack on Thursday, Naxals killed five, including two Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel, near Bacheli in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district. I urge the people of Bastar to teach a fitting lesson to the Congress leaders, who on one hand try to shield the urban Maoists, and in Chhattisgarh, they speak about freeing the state from Maoists Rail and Road Connectivity I kept my promise of rail and road connectivity, Modi said, referring to the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana and other regional connectivity schemes. In the past four years, more than 9,000 villages have been connected by roads. Not just that but by spending approximately Rs 35,000 crores, the work for a 3,000 kilometre National Highway Project was started by the BJP government, the prime minister said. These highways are not only meant for plying cars but they become important to improve the financial conditions of the state. We have spent approximately Rs 12,000 crore for the approval of seven new railway lines. Approvals to widen the 1500 kilometre rail-line were also granted, he added. Talking about the regions development due to the co-operation between the state and the central government, he asked, Did anyone ever think that people would be able to fly to Delhi and back from Jagdalpur? Did anyone think that Bastar would have its own medical college and university? Congress Recounting Atal Bihari Vajpayees contribution, Modi said that it was because of Vajpayee that a separate ministry for tribals and separate budgets for them were introduced. He alleged that the Congress makes fun of tribals' attire and culture, and thinks only of the Gandhis, whereas the BJP thinks of the people. "I don't know why Congress makes fun of adivasis. Once, I had gone for a rally in North East India India and wore a traditional adivasi headgear but Congress leaders made fun of it. This was an insult of adivasi culture," he said. Modi made an apparent reference to comments by Shashi Tharoor, who had said that the prime minister wears 'outlandish' Naga headgear, but refuses to sport a Muslim skull cap. "Dalits, backward classes and the poor are a treasure for the Congress party," Modi said. For ten years, Congress was at the Centre, but they never paid attention to the needs of Chhattisgarh and blocked all development for the state. They never thought of the region's progress. "Congress does not have any future. The party that lives by lies does not have a place on Earth. Our only mantra is development, their work is only lying," Modi said. 18 years of Chhattisgarh The state was carved out of Madhya Pradesh in the year 2000. Speaking about the state completing 18 years Modi recounted, When Chhattisgarh was a part of Madhya Pradesh, Atalji observed that even when Congress ruled Madhya Pradesh for years, people had to go hungry in this region... for this purpose, Atal Bihari Vajpayee created a separate state of Chhattisgarh Chhattisgarh has turned 18. Now the requirements of the state are different. The parents of an 18-year-old also have to alter their budget when he/she turns 18. So, even the government sitting in Delhi is working to fulfill the dreams of this 18-year-old Chhattisgarh, he added. Talking about the state politics he said,Caste dominated Chhattisgarh politics, but that will not be the case anymore. Development Talking about the wave of development in Chhattisgarh Modi said: How did this development in Chhattisgarh happen? There were governments in power earlier, but there was no development. The reason for that is because we did away with the middlemen. He mentioned how resources were there previously too, but there was no political will and alleged that the earlier governments were corrupt and inept. I am committed to sabka sath, sabka vikas. We do not differentiate between castes, gender, poor or rich, we only believe in 'sabka saath, sabka vikas.' We want everyone to be with us and we want development for everyone, Modi said. Every corner of this region is a way for development today. This is because both the state and the central government worked together. Did anyone think that Bastar would have its own medical college and university? Chief minister Raman Singh had welcomed the prime minister in Jagdalpur and was also present at the rally. During his speech, he said, Nobody in Bastar sleeps hungry at night. Electricity will be brought to every nook and corner of Bastar. "Modi's vision and thinking have brought this change in Bastar. I am assuring you that this is just the start. In the coming days, development in Bastar will happen at a greater pace, he added. Modi concluded his speech by urging the people of the state to help the BJP in making way for a new state and a new Bastar." With inputs from PTI Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala also attacked Narendra Modi while quoting his comments made as Gujarat chief minister. New Delhi: The Congress on Friday hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his "urban Naxals" attack on it, saying he is staring at defeat in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh and is resorting to this to hide his "abject failure" and "weak-kneed" approach towards fighting Naxalism. Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala also attacked him while quoting his pro-Naxal comments made as Gujarat chief minister. He also quoted Chhattisgarh chief minister Raman Singh over his remarks made in 2015 that Naxals are "sons of the soil" and would be welcomed back in the mainstream as children. He also said that the Congress had lost its entire leadership in Naxal attacks ahead of the last Assembly elections. "Staring at defeat in Chhattisgarh/MP, a frustrated PM seeks to hide his abject failure and weak-kneed approach to fighting Naxalism, which he claimed to finish post Demonetisation. Post Demo, 1030 Naxal incidents till February 2018 and 114 jawans martyred (sic)," Surjewala said on Twitter. Taking a dig at Modi, he said the prime minister indulged in his trademark "petty politics" and did not even remember the 11 jawans who lost their lives in the past fortnight, including five CISF jawans on Thursday, in Naxal attacks in Chhattisgarh. "Reminding a spineless Modi Government that we lost 11 Jawans to Naxal terror in Chhattisgarh in last 14 days since October 27, including 5 CISF jawans yesterday. Did Modiji find time to even remember them today as he indulged in his trademark petty politics?" he asked. In a series of tweets, the Congress leader quoted Modi, when he as Gujarat chief minister in May 2010 had said that "Naxals are our own people". He also quoted Raman Singh in May 2015 saying "Naxals are the sons of the soil and will be welcomed back as their children". "Modiji, do you still stand by your own statement calling Naxals' our own people' and Dr Raman Singh calling Naxals sons of the soil' who will be welcomed like our own children'? Do you remember Congress lost over 25 of its leaders to Naxal terror under BJP's watch?," he said. He alleged Modi's "shrill claims and dishonesty" come to the fore when Naxalism-affected Chhattisgarh is allocated a paltry Rs 53 crore. It "speaks volumes about your incompetence", he added. Modi on Friday accused the Congress of backing "urban Maoists" who he said have ruined the lives of poor adivasi youths. Addressing his first election rally for the state Assembly polls scheduled later this month, Modi also said the Congress makes "fun" of adivasis (tribals). "I don't know why Congress makes fun of adivasis. Once I had gone for a rally in North East India and wore a traditional adivasi headgear but Congress leaders made fun of it. This was an insult of adivasi culture," he said. Tej Pratap Yadav and Aishwarya Rai daughter of RJD MLA Chandrika Rai and grandchild of former Bihar chief minister Daroga Prasad Rai had tied the knot on 12 May. Patna: RJD chief Lalu Prasad's son and MLA Tej Pratap Yadav, who has been in the news for his failing marriage, Friday said he was currently putting up in Haridwar and would not return home till his family backed his decision to divorce his wife of six months. Talking to a regional news channel in Patna over telephone, he extended his greetings to younger brother Tejashwi Yadav on his birthday, but said he would not be able to join the celebrations in New Delhi, where the RJD heir apparent has gone to meet their sisters. The mercurial RJD leader was last seen in Bodh Gaya on Saturday where he had checked in at a hotel after meeting his ailing father at a hospital in Ranchi. Lalu Prasad is learnt to have been upset over his elder son's decision to seek divorce. He is serving sentences in a number of fodder scam cases. At present, he is lodged at a hospital in Ranchi on medical grounds. Tej Pratap Yadav and Aishwarya Rai daughter of RJD MLA Chandrika Rai and grandchild of former Bihar chief minister Daroga Prasad Rai had tied the knot on 12 May. "Our differences are irreconcilable. I had said this to my parents before the marriage was solemnised. But nobody listened to me then and nobody is listening to me now. Until they agree with me, how can I return home?" Yadav said. The former Bihar minister also expressed displeasure over the role played by some of his close relatives, including in-laws, in his marital dispute. In an apparent rebuttal of reports that he has been feeling slighted over the growing clout of his younger brother, Yadav said, "I offer my blessings to Tejashwi. May he become the next chief minister of Bihar. I would be by his side and help him the way Krishna had assisted Arjuna in the battle of Mahabharata". Meanwhile, party national general secretary and Lalu Prasad's close aide Bhola Yadav requested journalists "not to make news out of differences within the family". "Lalu ji has been not keeping well. The developments have only made the matters worse for him and the way things are being highlighted in the media is causing him further anguish," Bhola Yadav, who has been by the side of the RJD supremo for most part of his incarceration, said. He also said that Prasad's wife Rabri Devi will not be performing 'Chhatth' this year. "She has decided to stay away from the festivities as she is also not keeping well. But please do not jump to any conclusions upon hearing this," Bhola told reporters. Chhath is arguably the most popular festival in Bihar and the Lalu Prasad family arranges for fervent celebrations on the occasion every year. The RJD national general secretary also extended his birthday greetings to Tejashwi and expressed hope that Tej Pratap would return home soon. Congress has decided to leave 25 seats 14 to Telugu Desam Party, eight to Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS) and three to CPI. Hyderabad: The first list of Congress candidates for the 7 December Assembly polls in Telangana would be released on 10 November, a senior party leader said on Thursday. AICC incharge of party affairs in Telangana RC Khuntia told reporters in Delhi that the party has cleared 74 names. There are 119 ssembly segments. He said the party has decided to leave 25 seats 14 to Telugu Desam Party, eight to Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS) and three to CPI. The meeting of the party's election committee would be held on 11 or 12 November to consider the remaining seats, he said. Congress leaders, including its screening committee, have been been working on finalising the names for the assembly polls for the last several days in Delhi. The alliance comprises the Congress, TDP, TJS and CPI. Meanwhile, TDP's Telangana unit president L Ramana and other party leaders met party chief N Chandrababu Naidu in Vijayawada to hold consultations on finalising candidates. Ramana said the candidates would be finalised in the next couple of days. The Gazette notification for the polls would be issued on 12 November and the last date of nominations is 19 November, according to the schedule released by the Election Commission. Avni was shot dead in an operation in a forest in Yavatmal district last Friday. The killing of T1, as the tigress was officially known, led to an outrage among animal lovers and wildlife organisations. Mumbai: The Maharashtra government on Friday constituted a four-member committee, comprising wildlife experts and officials, to conduct an "in-depth" probe into the killing of tigress Avni. The state government has come under fire over the death of the tigress, who was believed to have turned a man-eater and killed 13 people in the last two years in Yavatmal district. The big cat was shot dead in an operation in a forest in Yavatmal district last Friday. The killing of T1, as the tigress was officially known, led to an outrage among animal lovers and wildlife organisations. An official statement issued by the forest department stated that the committee has been formed on directions of Forest Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar to conduct an "in-depth" inquiry into the death of the tigress. The committee is headed by Principal Chief Conservator of Forest SH Patil. It will include Wildlife Institute of India member Habib Bilal, Wildlife Conservation Trust chairman Anish Andheriya and Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forest Nitin Kakodkar, the statement said. Kakodkar will also act as the panel's convenor, it said. Union minister Maneka Gandhi had lashed out at the state government over Avni's killing and dubbed it a "ghastly murder". Avni was the mother of two 10-month-old cubs. The Maharashtra government, however, defended itself calling the incident "sad" but necessary after the tigress attacked forest staff trying to tranquilise it. Opposition NCP dubbed the inquiry as an "eyewash". Party spokesman Nawab Malik said the probe is aimed at giving a clean chit to the state government and demanded constitution of an SIT. Asked about the criticism by the Opposition, Mungantiwar said he has written a letter to Maneka Gandhi, asking for an independent probe by Supreme Court judges into the killing of Avni. "This inquiry (by Supreme Court judges) will happen when it has to happen, but the state government has to probe the issue at the earliest," Mungantiwar said. Indo-Asian News Service Telecom service providers have informed the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) about the sites to exercise the Proof of Concept (POC) of the new non-Aadhaar KYC process. Each operator would carry out the process at two sites, as per a DoT notification. The notification dated 6 November said that Bharti Airtel would carry out the process at Delhi and Meerut while Reliance Jio has listed two sites in Mumbai. Vodafone Idea, the newly merged entity, would perform the exercise at Delhi and Baramati in Maharastra. The other private player Tata Teleservices has listed two sites in Haryana for the Proof of Concept exercise. Among the public sector players, BSNL would carry out the process at two sites in Telangana, while MTNL has listed Mumbai and Delhi for the same. "Based on the POC results, further directions for any change in the process, if any, will be issued on the subject," the notification said. As per the alternate digital KYC process proposed by the telecom industry, the Customer Application Form (CAF) is to be embedded with a live photograph of the subscriber, along with the original proof of identity (POI) and proof of address (POA) document thereby digitizing the end-to-end process, it said. According to the department, the entire process shall only be used through the authenticated applications hosted by the licensees. DoT further said that "only two mobile connections shall be provided per day per POI/POA document to a customer by a licensee". The proposed process would be applicable to each connection, it added. The DoT had asked the telecom operators to be ready with the alternate KYC process by November 5, in line with the Supreme Court's verdict on September 26, in which the apex court disallowed private entities from possessing the Aadhaar details of their customers. Disclaimer: Reliance Industries Ltd. is the sole beneficiary of Independent Media Trust which controls Network18 Media & Investments Ltd. tech2 News Staff The activities of tech companies like Amazon, Google and Microsoft are being increasingly scrutinised and criticised by their own employees. As the worlds reliance on cloud services increases, its inevitable that services like law enforcement and the military will turn to the cloud as a tool for increasing their efficiency and effectiveness. At the same time, employees and rights groups are unhappy at the idea of increasing the power available to law enforcement and other government agencies. This is clearly a lucrative business opportunity, but employees are increasingly uncomfortable with developing software and technology that will increase the lethality of the military and the surveillance powers of the state. Civil rights groups have also criticised such moves by big tech. One such program is Amazons Rekognition, a facial recognition service that Amazon is actively pitching to US law enforcement agencies, including ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), which was the agency responsible for separating immigrant children from their families. While Google and Microsoft have backed out from certain military and law enforcement projects because of employee protests, Amazon does not appear to have any intention of doing so. Buzzfeed reports that in a recent company-wide QnA session, Andy Jassy (CEO of Amazon Web Services) and Jeff Bezos (founder of Amazon), insisted that services like Rekognition are great value. They pointed out that the service helped stop human trafficking and helped reunite kids with their families. As far as theyre concerned, Amazon will continue to push for expanded use of Rekognition. They claim that their terms of service prevent the unconstitutional use of such services. What Jassy and Bezos both failed to address was the issues of surveillance and profiling that the use of such services brings up. tech2 News Staff Artificial intelligence is slowly but surely taking over jobs in a lot of fields. And the latest market it is looking at, is news anchoring, a job which most of us thought could not be outsourced to a machine. In China, Xinhua News Agency and Beijing-based search engine company Sogou have demonstrated a virtual news anchor who can deliver the news in the same manner as though it were being delivered by a live human anchor. The machine learning programme is able to mimic realistic sounding speech (using synthesised voice), lip movements as well as facial expressions. Just see the video for yourself and notice how life-like the expressions and delivery is. It's only the robotic voice that is a dead giveaway that it isn't a real human. Xinhua News Agency has stated that it is going to employ AI anchors as part of its reporting team. These AI programs will be powered by real anchors who will bring you news in both Chinese and English language. These AI anchors will be available across Xinhua's internet and mobile platforms, WeChat public account and its online TV webpage. "The development of the media industry calls for continuous innovation and deep integration with the international advanced technologies. I will work tirelessly to keep you informed as texts will be typed into my system uninterrupted," says the AI anchor in the promo video who is modelled on a real-life Xinhua news anchor names Zhang Zhao. So as long as the text input is fed, the AI anchor can pretty much be on camera for 24 hours if required, something that is not always possible with human anchors. According to a report in the South China Morning Post, the AI news anchors would improve the efficiency of the newsroom as it can quickly generate breaking news so long as it has the text input. There is that perennial fear of AI taking over human jobs, and it is in fact happening. A lot of the routine jobs which were done by people in the past can be scaled well if an AI takes over. It not only cuts costs for the employers but in many industries is letting the employees work on more complex tasks. Looks like AI is coming for the creative jobs as well. tech2 News Staff We have been hearing murmurs about Disney coming out with its own streaming service to rival Netflix. We now have a name for it Disney+. Disney CEO Bob Iger announced during the company's earnings call that Disney+ would be launching in late 2019. Back in August 2017, Disney had announced that all its content would be taken off Netflix in 2019 and it is on track with that announcement. Disney has also launched a placeholder website for its upcoming streaming service which has logos of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic. There's a 'Keep Me Updated' button wherein you can enter your email ID to get the latest news from Disney+. Just to put things into perspective, here are all the assets of the Walt Disney Company, which owns Disney. It purchased 21st Century Fox less than a year ago in a $52.4 bn deal. In terms of content library, Disney already has more than enough original content to compete with Netflix and Amazon and any other streaming service on launch. Of course, Disney+ will have its own original shows as well. According to a report in CNBC, Disney+ is expected to feature new original shows and movies including original Marvel and Star Wars series. Marvel character Loki, which is played by Tom Hiddleston in the Avengers franchise, is expected to get an original series on Disney+ service. A Star Wars prequel to the Rogue One movie is also expected to show up on the service which will be based on the character Cassian Andor portrayed by Diego Luna. Here's the new Disney+ logo pic.twitter.com/GQljUPDdZ3 Sara Fischer (@sarafischer) November 8, 2018 Considering it's Disney, one can also expect a lot of animated content on the new service. The next season of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, a new animated original based on Pixar's Monsters Inc is also expected to be aired on Disney+ service. The company shares went up by 2 percent after the announcement of the Q4 earnings. Rohan D'Souza When there's no future How can there be sin We're the flowers In the dustbin We're the poison In your human machine God Save the Queen (1977), Sex Pistols (British Punk Rock Band) With Industry 4.0, radical social and economic disruption is upon us. This technological triumph, however, is equally haunted by troubling fears about its future. And, once again, we are reminded that the machine is not solely a technological question. When the first coal-fired steam engines were being readied to carry passengers in early Victorian England, many alarms were sounded: the trains would traumatise livestock, belch toxic smoke, devastate ripening crops and people, it was believed, would surely suffocate if carried at speeds that surpassed the then-mind-boggling maximum of 20 mph. The social thinker and philanthropist John Ruskin (1818-1900), whose writings inspired Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948) even warned that the railways would certainly bring about a deterioration of moral character. Earlier, the Luddite uprising between 1811 and 1816 had almost overrun Britain. Multitudes of skilled weavers and artisans whose livelihoods were eliminated by textile factories and industrial machinery were in ferocious rebellion and their desperate machine-smashing run was finally put down only by the military. Allegedly, at one point, more British soldiers were fighting the Luddites than the numbers deployed against Napoleon Bonapartes army in Europe. But the steam age Industry 1.0 remained remorseless. It focussed on ushering in mechanical production and cleared the grounds for the next technological leap. From the 1870s, Industry 2.0 began, when electricity started moving assembly lines in factories and boosted manufacturing. Cybernetics, or the digital revolution, took off in the 1960s and Industry 3.0 was thus born with mainframe computing (1960s), personal computing (1970s and 80s) and the Internet (1990s). It was at the 2011 Hannover fair in Germany the worlds leading trade show for industrial technology that Industry 4.0 was coined. In the opinion of Klaus Schwab, founder-executive chairman of the World Economic Forum, three aspects made this new momentum: technologies are evolving at an exponential rather than linear pace; digitalisation is not merely changing the what and the how of doing things, but also profoundly altering who we are becoming; and lastly, industry and society are undergoing systematic transformations. (Also Read: Industry 4.0: Here are the questions to ask before implementing predictive maintenance in connected manufacturing framework) In 2015, the WEF had identified 21 technological tipping points which ten years from now will radically overhaul our existing sense of what constitutes biology, digital connectivity and physical existence. This brave new world, in fact, is already bursting forward through a raft of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, Blockchain, Internet of Things, Genome Engineering, Neurotechnologies, Big Data, Machine Learning and 3D Printing to name a few. At the heart of this dazzle, however, lies the abstract mathematical powers of computing the cybernetic protocol for turning points of information into digital data and systematically amassing the latter into meta-data. The difference, for Bruce Schneier in Data and Goliath, is that while data is content, meta-data provides context. Put differently, the data-exhaust of an individual can be collected, collated and endlessly interrogated to establish patterns and organise control for influencing behaviour. But such data-surveillance is no longer a capacity uniquely vested only in governments and big corporations. The proliferation of circuit cameras, smartphones, miniature recording devices and social media have inescapably put almost every presumed private act into the fishbowl of public viewing. In Industry 4.0, generalised surveillance, thus creates a data vulnerable society of all-against-all. Meta-data, moreover, can be spun into formulas and equations to produce algorithmsa mathematical procedure or the sequencing of steps for realising a specific output. Algorithms make machine learning and deep learning possible and are thereby able to profoundly transform the fields of robotics and AI. Robots are now rigged for speech, pattern recognition, complex task performance and communication with other robots via the digital cloud. Robots in Industry 4.0 have become versatile, dexterous and, significantly enough, able to constantly learn from data. AI technologies, on the other hand, are increasingly being primed as prediction machines. Prediction, according to Ajay Agrawal, Joshua Gans and Avi Goldfarb, the authors of What to Expect From Artificial Intelligence, is not only an input into decision-making, but can make economic value by reducing uncertainty. As a telling example, we have Amazon, the archetypal AI economy, which aims to colonise the future by feeding and fattening on meta-data in order to pre-empt your every possible anticipation. Will these tireless robots and efficient AIs phase out human jobs in manufacturing and the services? The jury, however, is not yet out given that many types of human-machine jobs are also emerging. Instead, we might be better off asking a different question. Notably, what is the nature of work in 4.0? Increasingly, as cold capital replaces flesh and bone labour, what passes for work has become contractual, part-time, temporary gigs and piece work. Impermanence aggravated in a climate of job redundancies and technological obsolescence. Susanne Klien, an anthropologist at Hokkaido University, has for several years now been studying these fragile alternate lifestyles in post-growth Japan. The loss of secure long-term employment, she points out, has led individuals to mostly live for the moment. Their abandonment of medium and long-term planning, it seems, is the only way to hedge against an unsure, unknowable and rapidly changing future. The word that everyone has on their lips is precarity an emotional condition caused by insecurity, anxiety and the loss of predictability. While 4.0 cannot be reduced to only a gloom and doom story, the previous guarantees that made the middle class (education, health, affordable housing and pensions) are being lost not only to neo-liberal globalisation but increasingly to automation as well. The writings of Martin Ford and even the observations of Erik Brynjolfsson and Andrew McAfee, authors of The Second Machine Age, clearly warn us that 4.0 is rudely polarising and cleaving societiesa few start-up superstars ascending to the top with the rest precariously circling the bottom. At the CeBIT expo in Hannover in March of 2017, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe unveiled his governments ambition for achieving what he termed as Society 5.0. Though still an evolving notion, Society 5.0 intends to reorient Industry 4.0 by restating the urgency for a human-centred society. Japan, in other words, wants social values the full play of culture, norms and history to seize and steer hyper-connectivity rather than the reverse. But in India, if Prime Minister Narendra Modis recent speech at the inauguration of the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in New Delhi is anything to go by, technology is to remain triumphant. In part, his banal understanding of technology seems to be in full step with his governments sustained anti-intellectual mood. In the last couple of years, the teaching of humanities and social sciences in India has been all but gutted and serious questioning choked off at universities. Industry 4.0, hence, moves brusquely into India without moderation and qualification by academic reflection. By disarming humanities and social sciences from its stock of critical abilities, technology becomes only a technological rather than a social challenge. In all likelihood, a machine-colonised future awaits the Indian youth: the magnificent demographic dividend that ends up as flowers in the dustbin. The writer is an associate professor, Graduate School of Asian and African Area Studies, Kyoto University Reuters Xiaomi, the worlds fourth-ranked smartphone maker, entered Britain on Thursday with the international debut of its flagship Mi 8 Pro, which it hopes will win fans in a market dominated by Samsung and Apple. Senior vice president Xiang Wang said Britain had a cool factor that aligned with the companys appeal to its customers. The UK is one of the important global centres for technology, he said in an interview ahead of the companys London launch. It is a young energetic place, so pretty much fits our culture we want to be the coolest company in our fans minds. Xiaomi, which listed in July and has a market value of about $44 billion, initially targeted other Asian markets for overseas expansion, notably India, where it toppled Samsung as the top smartphone seller earlier this year. The company, founded in 2010, made its European debut in Spain a year ago where according to research firm Canalys it already ranks third followed by France and Italy this year. It said in August that overseas revenue for the quarter ending 30 June had more than doubled year-on-year. Xiaomis UK product line-up is led by the Mi 8 Pro, which has a dual camera powered by artificial intelligence, a 6.21-inch high-definition AMOLED display, a pressure-sensitive in-display fingerprint sensor and a transparent glass back cover. It is also bringing its entry-level Redmi 6A device, priced from 99 ($130), Wang said, and some of the other products in the Mi range, including its Xiaomi Band 3 fitness band and an electric scooter. The companys products will be sold both online and in store, including at an authorised Mi outlet due to open in Londons Westfield mall on 18 November. Online we will do mi.com and we will work with every online channel including Amazon and others, Wang said. Offline partners will include Carphone Warehouse and the exclusive launch carrier channel will be 3. tech2 News Staff The State government of Kerala has broken ground on a new nanoscale technology park that will be built with technical assistance from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in Technocity, Thiruvananthapuram. The park will likely be up and running by June 2019 according to a Financial Express report. Kerala's Cabinet has granted permission to allow 3.94 acres of land in Technocity, Thiruvananthapuram, on a 90-year lease, according to the report. The new space tech industry will function primarily as a hub for manufacturing of small satellites and rocket launch equipment. It would allow access to other startups in space technology and common facilities offered by Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), ISRO's rocket science division. ISRO was also in talks about setting up space incubators in Kerala's Knowledge City but changed those plans after concerns over security were raised. Since that deal fell through, ISRO has been actively looking to outsource rocket manufacture to an accessible partner, the Express report said. Having a tech park near VSSC gives ISRO the advantage of having greater access and control over the rockets being built and fewer long-term transportation woes. The startups at the tech park will also have access to resources at the Indian Institute of Science and Technology next-door for any academic support. The integrated space technology ecosystem that this is intended to create may take a few months to set up and a few years to come together. However, data analysis startups have already been taken on to ISRO's satellite data by January 2019. The attacks, carried out by the CIA-operated drones, over the years have targeted the areas of Bajaur, Bannu, Hangu, Khyber, Kurram, Mohmand, North Waziristan, Nushki, Orakzai, and South Waziristan, Dawn reported. Majority of the drone strikes were carried out during the government of the Pakistan Peoples Party between 2008 and 2012. Islamabad: The US has carried out a total of 409 drone attacks in Pakistan targeting suspected militants since January 2004, killing 2,714 people and injuring 728 others, a media report said on Friday. The attacks, carried out by the CIA-operated drones, over the years have targeted the areas of Bajaur, Bannu, Hangu, Khyber, Kurram, Mohmand, North Waziristan, Nushki, Orakzai, and South Waziristan, Dawn reported. Majority of the drone strikes were carried out during the government of the Pakistan Peoples Party between 2008 and 2012. Citing sources within the National Counter Terrorism Authority (Nacta), the paper said the period saw 336 aerial attacks, in which 2,282 people lost their lives and 658 received injuries. The officials said that 2010 alone saw 117 attacks that killed 775 people and injured 193 others. Between 2013 and 2018 during the government of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz 65 drone attacks occurred in which 301 people were killed and 70 others injured. In 2018, two drone attacks killed one person and injured another. The top leadership of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan has been killed in drone attacks. Taliban chief Mullah Akhtar Mansour was killed in one of such strikes in 2016. Days after Mullah Mansour's killing, then Pakistan army chief General Raheel Sharif had said: "US drone strikes in Pakistani territory are regrettable and must stop." Pakistan opposes drone strikes, saying they violate its sovereignty. The officials said that 289 attacks were conducted in North Waziristan alone, in which 1,651 individuals were killed and 421 others injured. South Waziristan saw 91 attacks that killed 707 individuals and injured 215. There were 13 strikes in the Kurram Agency that killed 110 and injured 32, five in the Khyber Agency that killed 57 and injured 29, four in the Bajaur Agency that killed 129, two in Hangu that killed seven and injured two, one in the Mohmand Agency that killed 18 and one in Nushki that killed two. Quoting officials, the paper said that at least 19,177 civilians and officials have been killed so far and 47,869 others injured in the 18,850 terror-related attacks in Pakistan since 2001. The attacks, they said, mostly targeted Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) and were carried out through different methods that included bomb explosions, hand grenade attacks, mine explosions, missiles, rockets, and suicide attacks. Terrorists also targeted minorities to instigate sectarian violence and employed sophisticated methods, including the usage of Improvised Explosive Devices - vehicle explosive devices as well as radio-controlled improvised devices, the paper said. In 2018, at least 405 terrorist attacks took place in the country, killing 133 officials and 233 civilians. In Punjab, 14 incidents of bomb blasts, suicide attacks and engagements with terrorists led to the deaths of six LEA officials and as many civilians this year. Sindh has seen 11 incidents of terror-related attacks, which included strikes on LEAs, through bomb explosions, hand grenade attacks and general aggressive engagement with terrorists. Two LEA officials and as many civilians lost their lives in the attacks. There were 51 incidents of targeting LEAs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa this year, resulting in the death of 21 personnel and 11 civilians. In Balochistan, 172 terror-related incidents were recorded, resulting in the death of 58 personnel and 193 civilians. In Fata, 42 personnel and 21 civilians were killed in 150 terror attacks this year. The paper reported that capital Islamabad has remained safe so far in the year. By Brendan Pierson NEW YORK (Reuters) - New York federal prosecutors on Friday brought new charges against Cesar Sayoc, the Florida man accused of mailing bombs to prominent Democrats and other critics of U.S. President Donald Trump. In an indictment filed in Manhattan federal court, prosecutors charged Sayoc with 30 criminal counts, including multiple counts of using a weapon of mass destruction and interstate transport of explosives. By Brendan Pierson NEW YORK (Reuters) - New York federal prosecutors on Friday brought new charges against Cesar Sayoc, the Florida man accused of mailing bombs to prominent Democrats and other critics of U.S. President Donald Trump. In an indictment filed in Manhattan federal court, prosecutors charged Sayoc with 30 criminal counts, including multiple counts of using a weapon of mass destruction and interstate transport of explosives. If convicted, he faces a sentence of life in prison. He had previously faced five counts carrying a maximum prison sentence of 48 years. Sayoc's attorney, federal defender Sarah Baumgartel, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Sayoc, a 56-year-old former stripper and pizza delivery driver who lived in a white van festooned with right-wing political images supporting Trump and attacking his critics, was arrested in Florida on Oct. 26 following an intense manhunt. He is being held without bail. Friday's indictment accuses Sayoc of sending improvised explosive devices to five people in New York: former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, whom Trump defeated in the 2016 presidential election; billionaire investor and Democratic donor George Soros; former Central Intelligence Agency directors John Brennan and James Clapper; and actor Robert De Niro. Authorities had previously linked Sayoc to more than a dozen mail bombs around the country. Other targets included former U.S. Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, former Vice President Joe Biden, and Democratic U.S. Senators Cory Booker of New Jersey and Kamala Harris of California. None of the devices exploded before being intercepted, and no one has been injured. Public records showed Sayoc, a registered Republican, had been arrested numerous times over the years, including one case in which he was accused of threatening to bomb a power utility. His social media accounts are filled with anti-Democrat sentiments and racist diatribes. In a letter to ABC News, Sayoc's mother, Madeline Sayoc, wrote that she had unsuccessfully tried to get him treatment for what she said was long-standing mental illness. (Reporting by Brendan Pierson; Editing by Bernadette Baum and Rosalba O'Brien) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed responsibility for that attack. Kabul: Afghan officials say Taliban attacks have killed at least 10 soldiers and seven policemen. In northern Takhar province, provincial police chief Abdul Rashid Bashir says the Taliban targeted an army outpost in Khwaja Ghar district early on Friday, triggering an hours-long gunbattle before they were repulsed. Bashir says at least 10 soldiers were killed and 12 were wounded. He says the Taliban suffered "heavy casualties" but didn't elaborate. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed responsibility for that attack. In western Farah province, the Taliban targeted police forces in the provincial capital, Farah city, late on Thursday. Provincial council member, Abdul Samad Salehi, says seven policemen died and three were wounded there. The Taliban have been staging near-daily attacks on Afghan security forces and now hold nearly half of the country. Asia's lawyer, Saif-ul-Mulook, who himself fled from Pakistan to the Netherlands, earlier this week told CNN that the application, filed for Asia, her husband and their two children, has been submitted to the authorities. The lawyer had fled to the European nation following threats to his life. Islamabad: An asylum application has been filed in the Netherlands for Asia Bibi, the Pakistani Christian woman who was acquitted in a blasphemy case by the country's Supreme Court last month. Asia's lawyer, Saif-ul-Mulook, who himself fled from Pakistan to the Netherlands, earlier this week told CNN that the application, filed for Asia, her husband and their two children, has been submitted to the authorities. The lawyer had fled to the European nation following threats to his life. Asia was released from a women's prison in Multan late on Wednesday after the completion of all formalities by the jail administration, Geo News reported. however, speculations had emerged that she had left the country soon after being released from prison. Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal on Thursday dispelled the rumours, clarifying that Asia is still in Pakistan. On 31 October, mass protests had erupted in various parts of Pakistan after the country's top court acquitted Asia of blasphemy charges. The demonstrations were later called off when the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government had reached an agreement on not allowing Asia to leave the country. A three-judge special bench, headed by Chief Justice Saqib Nisar and also comprising of Justice Asif Saeed Khosa and Justice Mazhar Alam Khan Miankhel, had heard Asia's 2014 appeal against her conviction and death sentence and overturned the ruling in favour of her. Asia was convicted and sentenced to death in 2010 for allegedly insulting Islam during an argument with three Muslim women. The gunman, identified by police as 28-year-old Ian David Long, was found dead of an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound following the Wednesday night massacre at the Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks, a suburb 40 miles (64 km) northwest of Los Angeles, law enforcement officials said. Thousand Oaks: A former US Marine combat veteran opened fire in a Los Angeles area bar and dance hall filled with college students, killing 12 people in a mass shooting that stunned a Southern California community with a reputation for safety. The gunman, identified by police as 28-year-old Ian David Long, was found dead of an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound following the Wednesday night massacre at the Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks, a suburb 40 miles (64 km) northwest of Los Angeles, law enforcement officials said. Paul Delacourt, assistant director in charge of the Los Angeles FBI, told a news conference that it was too early to speculate on the gunman's motives but that he appeared to have acted alone. "We will be sure to paint a picture of the state of mind of the subject and do our best to identify a motivation," Delacourt said, adding that the FBI would investigate any possible "radicalisation" or links to militant groups. Long opened fire seemingly at random inside the Western-themed bar at about 11.30 pm PST (0730 GMT Thursday), using a .45 calibre Glock handgun equipped with a high-capacity magazine, Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean said. Long was in the Marine Corps from 2008 to 2013, reaching the rank of corporal and serving as a machine gunner in Afghanistan. The sheriff said it was possible that Long had suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder. "Obviously he had something going on in his head that would cause him to do something like this," Dean said. Dean told reporters that in April officers had gone to Long's home in nearby Newbury Park, about 4 miles (6 km) from the bar to answer a disturbance call and found him agitated. Mental health specialists talked with Long and determined that no further action was necessary. Dean said he had been told that 150 to 200 people were in the Borderline at the time. "It could have been much, much worse." Asked what the scene inside the bar was like, Dean said, "Like ... hell." Earlier he had described it as "a horrific scene in there. There is blood everywhere and the suspect is part of that." Dean estimated 10 to 15 people, including one with a gunshot wound, had gone to hospitals. Security guard, Sherrif's deputy shot The massacre was the latest mass killing in the United States and was sure to revive the debate on gun control. After a man fatally shot 11 worshippers at a Pittsburgh synagogue last month, US President Donald Trump said their deaths could have been prevented if there had been an armed guard inside the temple. Long shot an unarmed security guard outside the bar before going inside, where he shot more security staff, CNN reported. Ventura County Sheriff's Office Sergeant Ron Helus, a 29-year veteran with a wife and son, was shot and killed inside. Trump ordered flags to be flown at half-staff at public buildings and grounds. The Borderline is popular with students and on Wednesday night had hosted College Country Night. California Lutheran University, about 5 miles from the bar, cancelled classes on Thursday. Pepperdine University, about 20 miles away, planned a prayer service. Bar patron Cole Knapp, 19, told Reuters he saw the gunman walk in and stop at the counter as if to pay a cover charge. Then Knapp heard gunfire and saw a young woman at the counter shot repeatedly. "It took a couple of seconds for people to realise what was going on and once that happened it was just utter chaos," he said. Knapp said he helped people hide behind a pool table and then fled outside, alerting people on an outdoor smoking patio. Knapp said he and a friend helped carry a gunshot victim to an ambulance. Thousand Oaks, with a population of about 127,000, is a leafy, sprawling suburb named the third safest city in the United States for 2018 by the Niche research company. "I've learned it doesn't matter what community you're in," Dean told reporters when asked if he was surprised this happened in Thousand Oaks. "It doesnt matter how safe your community is. It can happen anywhere." The names of the victims were not immediately made public and people gathered at a nearby teen centre waiting to learn the fate of loved ones. Jason Coffman, wept as he told reporters that his son, Cody, 22, was among the dead. Only him and I know how I love, how much I miss him," he said. "Oh, son, I love you so much." Actress Tamera Mowry-Housley confirmed in a statement to ABC News that her niece, Alaina, was killed at the bar. Among those outside the hospital was Ellen Rivera, who said she had survived the October 2017 slaughter of 58 people at an outdoor concert in Las Vegas the worst mass shooting in US history. By Gabriella Borter and Jonathan Allen (Reuters) - The man suspected of killing 12 people in a bar in a Los Angeles suburb was a decorated Marine Corp machine gunner deployed in Afghanistan who had several prior brushes with law enforcement, police and Marine officials said on Thursday. Ian David Long, who also died in the attack late Thursday, was 28 years old and lived in Newbury Park, a prosperous suburb of Californian bungalows and tidy front lawns, about 4 miles (6.4 km) from the Borderline Bar & Grill where the shooting took place By Gabriella Borter and Jonathan Allen (Reuters) - The man suspected of killing 12 people in a bar in a Los Angeles suburb was a decorated Marine Corp machine gunner deployed in Afghanistan who had several prior brushes with law enforcement, police and Marine officials said on Thursday. Ian David Long, who also died in the attack late Thursday, was 28 years old and lived in Newbury Park, a prosperous suburb of Californian bungalows and tidy front lawns, about 4 miles (6.4 km) from the Borderline Bar & Grill where the shooting took place. Long joined the Marines in 2008 and rose to the rank of corporal before leaving active service in 2013, Joseph Butterfield, a Marine spokesman, wrote in an email. He served in the war in Afghanistan for seven months beginning in late 2010, the Marine Corp said, and was awarded multiple ribbons, commendations and medals. It was not immediately clear what Long did after leaving active duty. At a news conference on Thursday, Sheriff Geoff Dean said police had responded to a minor disturbance call at Long's house in April. "He was somewhat irate, acting a little irrationally," Dean said. The police called in a team of mental health specialists who decided that Long did not qualify to be involuntarily detained for mental health evaluation under state law. A neighbor, who would only identify himself by his last name, Hanson, said Long lived with his mother. "I mind my own business and they did theirs too," he said in a brief telephone interview. A woman in the background added: "He was kind of a loner." Other neighbors said they did not recognize the suspect's name, adding that his mother would wave as she drove by as they watered their lawn. An American flag hung on the garage at Long's home on Thursday as law enforcement gathered outside. A red pickup truck was parked in the driveway. According to public records, Long appeared to be the grandson of H. Daryl Foley, a former U.S. Navy commander who spent 30 years in the service and died in 2010, according to a published obituary. Long's mother, Colleen Long, has worked for more than eight years as an analyst for Dole Food Co, according to her social media profiles. (Reporting by Gabriella Borter and Jonathan Allen in New York; Additional reporting by Mike Blake in Newbury Park, California Ginas Cherelus in New York and Bernie Woodall in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Idriss Jazairy, the UN special rapporteur on effects of sanctions on human rights, said measures that seek to block a country's trade altogether, amount to economic warfare against civilians. United Nations: Innocent civilians must not face "collective punishment" in disputes between two States, a United Nations human rights expert has said, calling for greater protection for ordinary people affected by punitive sanctions imposed by one country on another. Idriss Jazairy, the UN special rapporteur on effects of sanctions on human rights, said that measures that seek to block a country's trade altogether, amount to economic warfare against civilians, with devastating consequences. "Under economic sanctions, people also die but from lack of food and medicine, rather than from explosive devices," said the UN rights expert in a news release on Thursday. This form of warfare that relies on starvation and disease "deserves the same concern" on the part of the international community as any other conflict, he added, noting protections guaranteed under the Fourth Geneva Convention, which applies during times of war. Referring to Iran, Jazairy said that while US sanctions fully re-imposed earlier this week included humanitarian exemptions, aid is currently frozen as businesses await more clarification from the US government. There are reports that the SWIFT mechanism of bank-to-bank money transfer could make such exemptions inoperative. India, China and Japan are among eight countries temporarily allowed to continue buying Iranian oil as they showed "significant reduction" in oil purchase from the Persian Gulf country after the US reimposed crippling sanctions on Tehran, secretary of state Mike Pompeo said on Monday as the stringent Iran sanctions kicked in. Import of food, medicine and other necessities must be protected and not subjected to lengthy and complex approval processes, Jazairy reiterated. "I am deeply concerned that it is the poor who are bearing the brunt of these actions," he said, adding that Iran's currency, the rial, had lost more than 70 percent of its value in the past year, and food prices had risen by half. "More people are losing their jobs as the economy suffers," he said. Jazairy noted that while states' right to disagree with each other should be respected, civilians must not be harmed or used as means of "political pressure" on a targeted government. "This is illegal under international human rights law," he said. Jazairy said he is ready to "serve as facilitator" to assist the US and Iran "in finding concrete ways to ensure that urgently needed humanitarian exemptions whose observance is unchallenged by the source country, are made effective and workable." UN special rapporteurs and independent experts are appointed by the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council to examine and report back on a specific human rights theme or a country situation. The positions are honorary, and the experts are not UN staff, nor are they paid for their work. By Letitia Stein TAMPA, Fla. (Reuters) - Florida's bitter races for the U.S. Senate and governor appeared headed to recounts on Friday as Republican margins of victory narrowed and President Donald Trump vowed to send in lawyers in a scene reminiscent of the state's dramatic 2000 presidential recount. By Letitia Stein TAMPA, Fla. (Reuters) - Florida's bitter races for the U.S. Senate and governor appeared headed to recounts on Friday as Republican margins of victory narrowed and President Donald Trump vowed to send in lawyers in a scene reminiscent of the state's dramatic 2000 presidential recount. With his lead dwindling in Florida's Senate race, Republican Governor Rick Scott filed lawsuits late on Thursday against Democratic election supervisors in two counties, accusing them of mishandling the ballot counts and failing to follow election law. Incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Bill Nelson's campaign also filed a motion in federal court for a temporary restraining order to block Florida Secretary of State Ken Detzner, a Republican appointed by Scott, from rejecting ballots due to potential mismatches between the signature on record and that on the ballot. Trump accused election officials in the two Florida counties of corruption, without providing any evidence, and cast doubt on the entire process. Trump said he was sending lawyers to heavily Democratic Broward County in Florida. "All of a sudden they are finding votes out of nowhere," Trump told reporters at the White House, adding that he believes Scott won the race "by a comfortable margin." Nelson's lawsuit, filed on Thursday, also seeks to extend the Saturday deadline for county canvassing boards to submit their unofficial results. "As this canvass process plays out, this is going to continue to tighten," Marc Elias, Nelson's lawyer, told reporters on Friday. The two Florida contests, along with the races for governor in Georgia and U.S. Senate in Arizona, are the most high-profile contests still to be decided after Tuesday's midterm congressional elections. The accusations and lawsuits in the political battleground of Florida conjured memories of the state's 2000 presidential recount, when the winner of the White House hung in the balance for weeks before the U.S. Supreme Court stopped the counting and Republican George W. Bush triumphed over Democrat Al Gore. In Tuesday's elections, Democrats won a majority in the U.S. House of Representatives after eight years in the minority, while Republicans expanded their two-seat advantage in the U.S. Senate. Another cluster of House races with votes still being counted could add to the size of the Democrats' new majority, strengthening their hand as they seek to counter Trump's policies. ARIZONA SENATE RACE STILL CLOSE The U.S. Senate race in Arizona between two U.S. congresswomen, Democrat Kyrsten Sinema and Republican Martha McSally, appeared days away from a final call with hundreds of thousands of ballots yet to be tallied. Sinema held a slight lead over McSally. In Georgia, where Republican Brian Kemp declared victory in the governor's contest on Wednesday with a narrow lead, campaign officials for Democratic candidate Stacey Abrams have vowed to pursue litigation to ensure all votes are counted. Abrams is vying to become the first black woman elected to serve as governor of a U.S. state. The Georgia contest drew attention because of Kemp's role as the state's top election official and allegations by voting rights groups and Democrats that he used his position to suppress minority votes. He denied the charge. In the Florida Senate race, Scott's lead has been steadily shrinking since the polls closed on Tuesday. On Friday morning, Nelson trailed by around 15,000 votes, or 0.18 percent, below the state's 0.25 percent threshold for a hand recount. Elias said Democrats historically tend to pick up votes in recounts, especially hand recounts. The lawsuit filed by Nelson and Democrats notes that "thousands of eligible Florida voters" could see their rights violated under the state's signature-matching requirements, citing research suggesting that ballots submitted by black and young voters are disproportionately rejected using that standard. "We will take all the necessary steps in court to ensure that Senator Nelson's interests are protected," Elias told reporters. Scott's lawsuits accuse Broward County Supervisor of Elections Brenda Snipes and Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Susan Bucher of mishandling the ballot count and preventing observers from having full access as votes are counted. Snipes and Bucher did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Scott also said he was asking the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to investigate. "I will not sit idly by while unethical liberals try to steal this election," Scott told reporters. In the Florida governor's race, Republican Ron DeSantis' lead had winnowed to about 36,000 votes on Friday, or 0.44 percent of the vote. The state conducts an electronic recount when the margin falls below 0.5 percent. Democrat Andrew Gillum's campaign said it was prepared for any outcome, including a recount. (Additional reporting by Steve Holland in Washington; Writing by John Whitesides; Editing by Scott Malone and Will Dunham) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Measures including expanded background checks and a ban on assault-style weapons are likely to reach the House floor when Democrats retake control after eight years of Republican rule. 'The American people deserve real action to end the daily epidemic of gun violence that is stealing the lives of our children on campuses, in places of worship and on our streets,' said Rep. Nancy Pelosi of California, the Democratic leader who is running for a second stint as House speaker. Washington: Newly ascendant Democrats are promising congressional action on gun control amid a rash of mass shootings, including the assault at a California bar that killed 12 people. Measures including expanded background checks and a ban on assault-style weapons are likely to reach the House floor when Democrats retake control after eight years of Republican rule. "The American people deserve real action to end the daily epidemic of gun violence that is stealing the lives of our children on campuses, in places of worship and on our streets," said Rep. Nancy Pelosi of California, the Democratic leader who is running for a second stint as House speaker. Pelosi vowed to push for a range of actions to stem gun violence, including restrictions on high-capacity magazines and a measure allowing temporary removal of guns from people deemed an imminent risk to themselves or others. The measures could win approval in the Democratic-controlled House next year but will face opposition from the Republican-controlled Senate and the White House, where President Donald Trump has promised to "protect the Second Amendment." Still, gun control advocates believe they have the political momentum to make guns a central issue next year. The political calculus on guns is changing, said Democratic Rep. Ted Deutch, whose Florida district includes the Parkland high school where 17 people were killed in February. "We saw it start on Tuesday and we're going to see it accelerate in January," he said. Gun control was a major issue even before the most recent shootings. Lawmakers debated action following the Parkland attack and a 2017 shooting in Las Vegas that left 58 dead, and ultimately took modest steps to boost school safety funds and improve compliance with the federal background check system for gun purchases. The Democrats' new majority includes dozens of candidates who support gun control, including Lucy McBath in Georgia, whose 17-year-old son was fatally shot in 2012 and who made gun violence the centerpiece of her campaign. At least 17 newly elected House Democrats back stricter gun laws, including Jennifer Wexton, Abigail Spanberger and Elaine Luria in Virginia, who defeated incumbents backed by the National Rifle Association. In Colorado, Democrat Jason Crow beat GOP Rep. Mike Coffman, who received an A rating from the NRA and more than $37,000 in campaign contributions from the group. "I do think there's new energy" on gun issues, even before the California assault late Wednesday night and an 27 October shooting that killed 11 people at a Pittsburgh synagogue, said Kris Brown, co-president of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. "Our base is worked up, and people are reacting in a positive way at the ballot box," said Brown, who campaigned with the three Virginia Democrats in the final week alongside a stream of volunteers. "A large number of folks showed up and knocked on doors and said they finally have a candidate who will do something about gun violence," she said. Wexton, Spanberger and Luria all made gun violence a central issue in their campaigns disproving the notion that gun control is a "third rail" of politics that Democrats should not talk about, Brown said. "We're finding candidates who aren't afraid to talk about this issue," she said. Spending to support candidates backing tougher gun control surged this year, even as campaign spending by the NRA declined. Everytown for Gun Safety, a group founded by former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, pledged $30 million for this year's elections and continued to put new money into competitive races in the final days. A political action committee formed by Gabby Giffords, the former Arizona congresswoman wounded in a shooting, spent nearly $5 million. Sixty-one percent of voters who responded to VoteCast, a survey of the electorate conducted by The Associated Press, said they support stricter gun laws, compared with 8 percent who said they should be loosened. Eighty-six percent of those supporting Democratic candidates backed stricter gun laws, along with 34 percent of those who supported Republicans. McBath said her victory over Republican Rep. Karen Handel sent a strong message to the country. "Absolutely nothing no politician and no special interest is more powerful than a mother on a mission," she said in a tweet. McBath, an African-American, became a spokeswoman for Everytown for Gun Safety after her son was slain at a Florida gas station by a white man angry over the loud music the black teenager and his friends had been playing in their car. While encouraged by the election results, gun control advocates know that getting any kind of weapons or ammunition ban signed into law will be difficult if not impossible in the next Congress. Republicans expanded their Senate majority Tuesday and Trump remains a favoured ally of the NRA. But if the House votes to approve gun control and a bill is pending in the Senate, "it's harder to ignore," Brown said. "We can keep the pressure on." Deutch said gun control opponents would be wise to heed Tuesday's results. For years, GOP lawmakers thought they could avoid talking about gun control while accepting campaign contributions from the NRA and promoting an A rating from the group, he said. "They learned this week that just won't work anymore," Deutch said. US president Donald Trump ordered Friday that anyone who enters the U.S. illegally from Mexico by going around official border crossings is ineligible for asylum. San Diego: US president Donald Trump ordered Friday that anyone who enters the U.S. illegally from Mexico by going around official border crossings is ineligible for asylum. His edict takes aim at the cherished principle of asylum, which grants haven to people who flee persecution on grounds of race, religion, nationality, political opinion and other factors. Illegal border crossings are low compared to the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s but there's no question the asylum system is under severe strain. Here are questions and answers about the new rules announced Friday: What does the new ban do? The president is denying asylum to people who enter the country from Mexico without going through official border crossings, effective Saturday. That means people can keep claiming asylum if they present themselves to U.S. authorities at any of the 26 border crossings with Mexico. But it's now banned anywhere else along the border. For example, tens of thousands of immigrants in recent years have been showing up in the Arizona desert or crossing the Rio Grande in Texas and then turning themselves in to border agents and seeking asylum. Under the new rules, those immigrants will now face steep barriers to getting in the country and deportation in many cases. The government says about 70,000 people who went around official crossings in the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30 sought asylum. Another 24,000 presented themselves to U.S. inspectors. Is there an asylum crisis? The United States fielded 331,700 asylum claims last year, nearly double from two years earlier and surpassing Germany as highest in the world, according to the UN Refugee Agency. Many are families and young children fleeing gangs and poverty in Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador. The surge has contributed to an enormous backlog in immigration courts, which is where asylum cases must be decided if the applicant passes an initial screening. The backlog has more than doubled to 1.1 million cases in about two years, Syracuse University's Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse reported this week. Asylum seekers are often released, many with ankle monitors, while their cases wind through court for years. The Trump administration calls it "catch and release" and notes that, while about 8 of 10 asylum seekers pass the initial screening, known as a "credible fear" interview, most are ultimately unsuccessful in court. There are many reasons why the courts are broken. Immigrant advocates point to a shortage of judges. New ban will almost certainly be challenged The president will almost certainly be challenged in court. Trump is invoking the same extraordinary powers he used to ban travel to the U.S. from several predominantly Muslim countries, which was upheld by the Supreme Court in June. Under a section of federal immigration law, the president may deny entry to "any class of aliens" whose presence is deemed "detrimental to the interests of the United States." But under the Immigration and Nationality Act, anyone can apply for asylum no matter how or where they enter the country. And the 1951 United Nations Refugee Convention, of which the U.S. is a signatory, says people may apply for asylum even if they enter a country illegally. Administration officials argue that U.S. law already has some bars on asylum being part of a terrorist organization or having committed a serious crime, for example and that "withholding of removal" and protection under the U.N. Convention Against Torture. The administration also emphasizes that people can still seek asylum at official crossings instead of entering the country illegally by going around them, but that poses logistical challenges. Asylum seekers currently wait in Mexican border cities up to five weeks in Tijuana because inspectors at U.S. crossings say they don't have the capacity to process their claims. What happens to those who land up at the border? Under the new rule, immigrants caught crossing the border and seeking asylum will be transported to a nearby port of entry and denied asylum if they seek it. They will be allowed to seek other, more limited forms of protection but the initial screening, known as a "reasonable fear" interview, is much harder to pass. And these variations of asylum "withholding of removal" and protection under the U.N. Convention Against Torture don't offer a path to a green card or allow for family members to come. If they don't clear this step, immigrants will be detained and put into deportation proceedings. But this creates other issues. There is limited jail space to detain immigrants, along with several hurdles to deport immigrants back to Central America. In addition, child immigrants seeking asylum have different sets of protections that will complicate the process even more. BRUSSELS (Reuters) - A lawyer for former Ecuadoran president Rafael Correa denied a report on Thursday that he had requested asylum in Belgium as he faces prosecution at home over a kidnapping case. National news agency Belga cited unidentified sources saying that Correa, who now lives in his wife's native Belgium after governing Ecuador for a decade, had applied for asylum. Le Soir newspaper cited a report that he had lodged the request in June. BRUSSELS (Reuters) - A lawyer for former Ecuadoran president Rafael Correa denied a report on Thursday that he had requested asylum in Belgium as he faces prosecution at home over a kidnapping case. National news agency Belga cited unidentified sources saying that Correa, who now lives in his wife's native Belgium after governing Ecuador for a decade, had applied for asylum. Le Soir newspaper cited a report that he had lodged the request in June. A lawyer for Correa, Caupolican Ochoa, said that was not true. "The news that has been spread does not correspond to the truth," he told Reuters. "There is nothing about asylum. A moment ago President Correa told me there was not a request." Correa is embroiled in a legal battle with prosecutors pursuing a case involving the kidnapping in 2012 of an opposition lawmaker. On Wednesday, a judge ratified an order for him to be imprisoned pending a trial, ordered his bank accounts frozen and an international arrest warrant to be issued. The leftist Correa gained international prominence when Ecuador granted asylum to WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, who has spenr the last six years living in the country's embassy in London after being investigated over sexual assault in Sweden. Belgium has gained a reputation for being reluctant to extradite people claiming political motives behind their prosecution. It was a reason Catalonia's leader fled there last year as Spain sought to arrest him after the regional government organised an independence referendum. (Reporting by Alastair Macdonald and Daphne Psaledakis in Brussels and Alexandra Ulmer; Editing by Foo Yun Chee/Mark Heinrich) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The former president of Ecuador Rafael Correa has requested asylum in Belgium, national news agency Belga said on Thursday, citing sources close to the matter. Correa, who has been living in Belgium after governing Ecuador for a decade, has been embroiled in a legal battle with Ecuadorean prosecutors pursuing a kidnapping case. BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The former president of Ecuador Rafael Correa has requested asylum in Belgium, national news agency Belga said on Thursday, citing sources close to the matter. Correa, who has been living in Belgium after governing Ecuador for a decade, has been embroiled in a legal battle with Ecuadorean prosecutors pursuing a kidnapping case. In July, a judge in Quito ordered Correa's arrest. (Reporting by Alastair Macdonald; Editing by Foo Yun Chee) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. India supports all efforts at peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan that will preserve unity and plurality, and bring security, stability and prosperity to the country, he said. 'India's consistent policy has been that such efforts should be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, and Afghan-controlled and with participation of the government of Afghanistan,' Kumar asserted. New Delhi: India on Thursday said it will participate in the meeting being hosted by Russia on Afghanistan at a "non-official level" in Moscow where representatives of the Taliban will be present. The Moscow-format meeting on Afghanistan will be held on 9 November and representatives of the Afghan Taliban radical movement will take part in it, the Russian Foreign Ministry had said last week. In response to queries regarding India's participation in the meeting, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "We are aware that the Russian Federation is hosting a meeting in Moscow on 9 November on Afghanistan." "Our participation at the meeting will be at the non-official level," he said. India supports all efforts at peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan that will preserve unity and plurality, and bring security, stability and prosperity to the country, he said. "India's consistent policy has been that such efforts should be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, and Afghan-controlled and with participation of the government of Afghanistan," Kumar asserted. According to Russian news agency TASS, this is for the second time, Russia is attempting to bring regional powers together while discovering ways for establishing peace in war-torn Afghanistan. The first such meeting, proposed for 4 September of this year, was called off at the last moment after the Afghan government pulled out, describing its involvement in the Moscow meeting as "unnecessary" as the Taliban had "disrespected internationally-sanctioned principles and rejected the message of peace and direct negotiations." According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, invitations to take part in the event had been sent to 12 countries including Afghanistan, India, Iran, China, Pakistan, and the US. The meeting comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks a host of global issues. After the talks, in a joint statement, the two sides declared their support to the Afghan government's efforts towards the realisation of an Afghan-led, and Afghan-owned national peace reconciliation process. Both sides had called upon the international community to join efforts to thwart any external interference in Afghanistan, to restore its economy, contribute to sustaining peace and security, economic and political development of a stable, secure, united, prosperous and independent Afghanistan. India and Russia had resolved to direct their activities towards launching joint development and capacity building projects in Afghanistan. By Andrew MacAskill and Kylie MacLellan LONDON (Reuters) - Jo Johnson, the younger brother of Boris, resigned from British Prime Minister Theresa May's government on Friday, calling in a withering critique for another referendum to avoid her Brexit plans unleashing Britain's greatest crisis since World War Two. Quitting as a junior transport minister, Johnson called May's Brexit plans delusional and said he could not vote for the deal she is expected to unveil in parliament within weeks. 'Britain stands on the brink of the greatest crisis since the Second World War,' said Johnson, a former Financial Times journalist who voted to stay in the EU in the 2016 referendum By Andrew MacAskill and Kylie MacLellan LONDON (Reuters) - Jo Johnson, the younger brother of Boris, resigned from British Prime Minister Theresa May's government on Friday, calling in a withering critique for another referendum to avoid her Brexit plans unleashing Britain's greatest crisis since World War Two. Quitting as a junior transport minister, Johnson called May's Brexit plans delusional and said he could not vote for the deal she is expected to unveil in parliament within weeks. "Britain stands on the brink of the greatest crisis since the Second World War," said Johnson, a former Financial Times journalist who voted to stay in the EU in the 2016 referendum. Johnson, 46, called it the worst failure of statecraft since the 1956 Suez canal crisis, in which Britain was humiliatingly forced by the United States to withdraw its troops from Egypt. "To present the nation with a choice between two deeply unattractive outcomes, vassalage and chaos, is a failure of British statecraft on a scale unseen since the Suez crisis," he said. "Given that the reality of Brexit has turned out to be so far from what was once promised, the democratic thing to do is to give the public the final say," he added. Johnson's criticism underscored the travails that May faces in getting any Brexit divorce deal, which London and Brussels say is 95 percent done, approved by her own fractious party. The pound sank to a day's low beneath $1.30 on the resignation and also fell against the euro. It was unclear whether others would follow Johnson out of government. In the June 2016 referendum, 17.4 million voters, or 51.9 percent, backed leaving the EU while 16.1 million, or 48.1 percent, backed staying. Johnson wants a three-way referendum giving the people a choice between remaining in the EU, May's deal and no deal. May's office rejected his call, saying Britain would not hold a second referendum on its EU membership "under any circumstances". "UNITED IN DISMAY" Johnson is the 14th minister to have resigned from government since November last year and the most senior to have called for another referendum in his leaving statement. His resignation was published after May spent much of the day in France and Belgium, laying wreaths alongside fellow leaders to mark the centenary of the end of World War One. As negotiations with Brussels enter their final fraught stage, Mays approach is under fire from all sides of the divisive Brexit debate. Many politicians are unhappy with her compromise plans to maintain the free trade of goods with the EU, which they say will leave Britain subject to decisions in Brussels without any input. In his 1,600-word resignation statement, Johnson said May's proposed deal would leave Britain in a "far worse" negotiating position than now, adding he also knew from his work at the Department of Transport how painful a "no deal" Brexit would be. Boris Johnson, a leading supporter of Brexit who quit as foreign secretary in July, praised his brother's decision, saying they were "united in dismay" - despite their opposing views on Brexit - over May's handling of the negotiations. May is expected to hold a cabinet meeting later this month in the hope of securing ministers' support for her negotiating stance and hopes to strike an exit deal with the EU in the next few weeks. Compounding May's problems on Friday, the Northern Irish party that props up her minority government cast her Brexit negotiation as a betrayal and said it could not support any deal that divided the United Kingdom. The Democratic Unionist Party interpreted a promise made by May in a letter that she would never let a division of the UK "come into force" as an admission that such a clause would be included in a final deal. As campaigners step up pressure on the government calling for the public to be given another say on Brexit, the opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn dashed campaigners' hopes he could back another referendum. Asked by German magazine Der Spiegel if he would stop Brexit if he could, Corbyn said: "We can't stop it. The referendum took place....What we can do is recognise the reasons why people voted leave." (Writing by Guy Faulconbridge; editing by Stephen Addison, Richard Balmforth) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Michelle Obama says she felt 'lost and alone' after suffering a miscarriage 20 years ago and she and Barack Obama underwent in vitro fertilization to conceive their two daughters. Washington: In her upcoming memoir, Michelle Obama says she felt "lost and alone" after suffering a miscarriage 20 years ago and she and Barack Obama underwent in vitro fertilization to conceive their two daughters. In the same book, she also lets loose a blast of anger at President Donald Trump. "We were trying to get pregnant and it wasn't going well," Mrs. Obama, 54, writes in her upcoming memoir. "We had one pregnancy test come back positive, which caused us both to forget every worry and swoon with joy, but a couple of weeks later I had a miscarriage, which left me physically uncomfortable and cratered any optimism we felt." The Associated Press purchased an early copy of "Becoming," Mrs. Obama's memoir and one of the most avidly anticipated political books in recent memory. In it, she writes of being alone to administer herself shots to help hasten the process. Her "sweet, attentive husband" was at the state legislature, "leaving me largely on my own to manipulate my reproductive system into peak efficiency." Obama's family revelations are some of many included in the book from a former first lady who has offered few extensive comments on her White House years. And memoirs by former first ladies, including Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush, are usually best-sellers. "Becoming" is set to be released Tuesday. IVF is one form of assisted reproduction and typically involves removing eggs from a woman, fertilizing them with sperm in a lab, and implanting a resulting embryo into the woman's uterus. It costs thousands of dollars for every "cycle," and many couples require more than one attempt. "I felt like I failed because I didn't know how common miscarriages were because we don't talk about them," the former first lady said in an interview broadcast Friday on ABC's "Good Morning America." ''We sit in our own pain, thinking that somehow we're broken." Mrs. Obama, said she and Barack Obama underwent fertilization treatments to conceive daughters Sasha and Malia, now 17 and 20. In the memoir, Mrs. Obama also writes openly about everything from growing up in Chicago to confronting racism in public life and becoming the country's first black first lady. She writes in the memoir that Trump's questioning of whether her husband was an American citizen was "crazy and mean-spirited ... its underlying bigotry and xenophobia hardly concealed. But it was also dangerous, deliberately meant to stir up the wingnuts and kooks." "What if someone with an unstable mind loaded a gun and drove to Washington? What if that person went looking for our girls?" she writes in the memoir. "Donald Trump, with his loud and reckless innuendos, was putting my family's safety at risk. And for this, I'd never forgive him." Trump suggested Obama was not born in the U.S. but on foreign soil his father was Kenyan. The former president was born in Hawaii. Mrs. Obama also expresses disbelief over how so many women would choose a "misogynist" over Clinton in 2016. She remembers how her body "buzzed with fury" after seeing the infamous "Access Hollywood" tape, in which Trump brags about sexually assaulting women. Mrs. Obama also accuses Trump of using body language to "stalk" Clinton during an election debate. She writes of Trump following Clinton around the stage, standing nearby and "trying to diminish her presence." Mrs. Obama launches her promotional tour Tuesday not at a bookstore, but at Chicago's United Center, where tens of thousands of people have purchased tickets from just under $30 to thousands of dollars to attend the event moderated by Oprah Winfrey. Local media in Melbourne showed video footage of a large man in a dark tunic slashing and stabbing wildly at two police officers as the vehicle burned, before being shot with a weapon. The knife-wielding attacker who killed one person and injured two others in a rush hour stabbing rampage in downtown Melbourne died in hospital after he was shot by police and arrested, reports have said. Victoria Police said officers "initially responded to a report of a car on fire" in the city center at around 4.20pm local time, as people began to leave work for the weekend. "A man was arrested at the scene and has been taken to hospital under police guard in a critical condition." Local media showed video footage of a large man in a dark tunic slashing and stabbing wildly at two police officers as the vehicle burned, before being shot with a weapon. Paramedics said they assessed three people at the scene, one with a neck injury: "They are in a suspected critical condition." "A second person has been taken to hospital with a head injury. Condition not yet known. A third person has also been taken to hospital." Police warned people to avoid the area, but said they "are not looking for anyone further at this early stage." "The exact circumstances are yet to be determined at this stage. The area has been cordoned off," police said. Fighting erupted when Syrian regime's troops seized a position in a rural area in the north of neighbouring Hama province that had been held by the Jaish al-Izza group, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. Beirut: Syrian government forces killed 22 rebels overnight near Idlib province, in the deadliest such attack in an area where a recent truce is to be enforced, a monitor said on Friday. Fighting erupted when government troops seized a position in a rural area in the north of neighbouring Hama province that had been held by the Jaish al-Izza group, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. Idlib and some surrounding areas are the last major rebel bastion in Syria, where the Russian-backed government has in recent months retaken much of the territory it had lost since the civil war erupted in 2011. It had threatened an assault on rebel territory, home to around three million people, but a deal for a de-militarised buffer zone around it was reached in September between Moscow and rebel backer Ankara. Several deadly skirmishes have occurred since the deal but 22 is the highest number of known fatalities in a single incident inside the planned buffer zone, the Observatory said. "This is the highest death toll in the de-militarised zone since it was announced," Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Britain-based monitoring group, told AFP. GENEVA (Reuters) - The United States must ensure that anyone fleeing violence or persecution who needs refugee protection is able to receive it promptly and 'without obstruction', in line with its treaty obligations, the U.N. GENEVA (Reuters) - The United States must ensure that anyone fleeing violence or persecution who needs refugee protection is able to receive it promptly and "without obstruction", in line with its treaty obligations, the U.N. refugee agency UNHCR said on Friday. Earlier, President Donald Trump signed a proclamation that will effectively suspend the granting of asylum to migrants who cross the U.S. border with Mexico illegally for up to 90 days. (Reporting by Stephanie Nebehay; Editing by Robin Pomeroy) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By Andrew Chung WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a prominent liberal who at age 85 is the oldest U.S. Supreme Court justice, was hospitalized on Thursday after fracturing three ribs in a fall the night before at her office at the court, a court spokeswoman said. Ginsburg, appointed in 1993 by Democratic former President Bill Clinton as only the second woman to serve on the high court, initially went home after the fall, but experienced discomfort overnight and went to George Washington University Hospital on Thursday morning, court spokeswoman Kathy Arberg said in a statement. By Andrew Chung WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a prominent liberal who at age 85 is the oldest U.S. Supreme Court justice, was hospitalized on Thursday after fracturing three ribs in a fall the night before at her office at the court, a court spokeswoman said. Ginsburg, appointed in 1993 by Democratic former President Bill Clinton as only the second woman to serve on the high court, initially went home after the fall, but experienced discomfort overnight and went to George Washington University Hospital on Thursday morning, court spokeswoman Kathy Arberg said in a statement. Tests showed Ginsburg fractured three ribs on her left side and she was admitted for observation and treatment, Arberg added. The court is not scheduled to hear its next arguments in cases until Nov. 26. Ginsburg, who made her name as an advocate for women's rights, is one of the court's four liberals. The court's 5-4 conservative majority was restored last month when the Senate confirmed Republican President Donald Trump's appointee Brett Kavanaugh after a contentious nomination process in which Kavanaugh denied a sexual assault allegation dating to the 1980s. If Ginsburg were unable to continue serving, Trump likely would move swiftly to replace her with a conservative, further shifting the court to the right. A potentially dominant 6-3 conservative majority would have major consequences for issues including abortion, the death penalty, voting rights, gay rights, religious liberty, business litigation and presidential powers. As the oldest justice, Ginsburg is closely watched for any signs of deteriorating health, even though she has bounced back from previous medical issues. Ginsburg has fallen twice before at her home, in 2012 and 2013, leading to rib injuries. She was treated in 1999 for colon cancer and again in 2009 for pancreatic cancer, both serious forms of cancer, but did not miss any argument sessions either time. In 2014, doctors placed a stent in her right coronary artery to improve blood flow after she reported discomfort following routine exercise. She was released from a hospital the next day. Trump went to the court on Thursday for a formal ceremony welcoming Kavanaugh to the nation's highest court. Kavanaugh was sworn in to the lifetime job last month. The president sat with first lady Melania Trump at the front of the marble-walled courtroom near the justices' mahogany bench, and made no public remarks. Some leading congressional Republicans, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and outspoken Trump ally Senator Lindsey Graham, attended. The event came a day after Trump fired Jeff Sessions as attorney general. Matthew Whitaker, who Trump named as Sessions' interim replacement, participated in the ceremony. CRITICAL COMMENTS Ginsburg called Trump an egotistical "faker" when he was running for president in 2016, in an unusual foray into politics by a Supreme Court justice. Trump responded, saying her "mind is shot" and she should resign. Ginsburg later expressed regret over her remarks, saying "judges should avoid commenting on a candidate for public office." Ginsburg is a hero among many U.S. liberals, sometimes called "The Notorious R.B.G" in a nickname based on the late American rapper The Notorious B.I.G. A documentary film about her, called "RBG," was released earlier this year. A biographical film about her, called "On the Basis of Sex" and starring Felicity Jones, is being released next month. Ginsburg has helped buttress equality rights during her time on the high court, including in sex discrimination cases, and has been a champion of abortion rights and gay rights. In 2010, after the retirement of more senior liberals, she became the court's voice of liberalism on behalf of women, racial minorities and the poor and disenfranchised. Ginsburg voiced support for the #MeToo movement against sexual misconduct after Kavanaugh was accused of sexual assault by a university professor, saying that unlike in her youth, "women nowadays are not silent about bad behaviour." Trump has already named two members of the court, adding conservative federal appeals court judges Kavanaugh and Neil Gorsuch, who was confirmed by the Senate last year. The court's other liberal justices are Stephen Breyer, Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor. Breyer, 80, is the court's second-oldest justice. Trump selected Kavanaugh in July to replace long-serving conservative Justice Anthony Kennedy, who retired. Other candidates he considered for the vacancy included: Thomas Hardiman, who serves on the Philadelphia-based 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals; Raymond Kethledge and Amul Thapar of the Cincinnati, Ohio-based 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals; and Amy Coney Barrett of the Chicago-based 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Kavanaugh's Senate confirmation process convulsed the nation just weeks before Tuesday's congressional elections in which Trump's fellow Republicans lost control of the House of Representatives but expanded their majority in Senate, which has sole authority over judicial and Supreme Court nominations. On Wednesday, Trump credited the fight over confirming Kavanaugh, who was strongly opposed by Democrats, for the gains in the Senate. (Reporting by Andrew Chung; Additional reporting by Doina Chiacu; Editing by Frances Kerry and Will Dunham) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis will spend Friday morning with two high-ranking Chinese policymakers, days after a congressional election in which Trump painted China as a bogeyman. Washington: The United States and China resume top-level talks Friday after months of spiralling tension, looking to see if they can find a way forward on disputes from trade to military friction. Friday's delayed meeting in Washington comes weeks before US leader Donald Trump is expected to meet his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summits in Argentina, with both sides hoping they can announce some progress. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis will spend Friday morning with two high-ranking Chinese policymakers, days after a congressional election in which Trump painted China as a bogeyman. A planned trip by Mattis to Beijing last month was cancelled amid rising military tensions between the Pacific powers. But on Friday, China's defence minister General Wei Fenghe will visit the Pentagon to a ceremonial honour cordon. The defense chiefs will beforehand hold talks at the State Department jointly with Pompeo and senior Communist Party official Yang Jiechi, a longtime architect of Chinese foreign policy who formerly served as ambassador to Washington. The talks will focus on security, but trade is at the heart of tensions. Trump has slapped $250 billion worth of tariffs on Chinese goods, accusing Beijing of nefarious trading practices, prompting retaliatory measures. While some of the Trump administration's comments on China have prompted commentators to draw parallels to the Cold War, Terry Branstad, the US ambassador to Beijing, said that Washington was not seeking confrontation for its own sake. "We want this to be a constructive, results-oriented relationship with China. The US is not trying to contain China, but we want fairness and reciprocity," Branstad told reporters on the eve of the talks. Branstad said that the talks would consist of "frank, open exchanges" on issues from human rights to the myriad maritime disputes in the South China Sea. "We want to achieve progress on our priorities including North Korea, and China has been a very key player in helping to get North Korea to the bargaining table," he said. Trump is seeking a follow-up to his landmark summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who counts on China as his main supporter. But a meeting due this week in New York between Pompeo and a senior North Korean official was abruptly called off, the latest twist in turbulent diplomacy. With the occasional exception of North Korea policy, the United States has increasingly seen China as a meddlesome player on the international scene and has been especially incensed at what it believes is widespread theft of US technology. China has denied stealing US know-how and has sought to appear as a cooler head on the world stage. Xi recently wooed investors by pledging action to encourage imports, while Foreign Minister Yang Yi has insisted that China is not trying to dethrone the United States as the pre-eminent power. The Trump administration, while generally soft-spoken on human rights, has taken China to task over its mass detainment of Uighurs, the mostly Muslim minority in its northwest. A recent UN report said that as many as one million ethnic Uighurs are being kept in extrajudicial detention, some simply for outwardly practising Islam. The Uyghur Human Rights Project, a Washington-based advocacy group that uses an alternative spelling for the ethnicity, urged the United States to raise the detentions in Friday's dialogue, saying it was important to show a "unified" global message. Beijing, after initially denying the detention camps, has described them instead as vocational training centres that discourage religious extremism. The sanctions will freeze any US-based assets and ban any financial transactions with the targets, who include Vladimir Zaritsky, the former commander-in-chief of Russia's missile forces and artillery who is leading a hotel project in Crimea. Washington: The US on Thursday announced sanctions against three people and nine entities over Russia's intervention in Ukraine, including for doing business in annexed Crimea. The sanctions will freeze any US-based assets and ban any financial transactions with the targets, who include Vladimir Zaritsky, the former commander-in-chief of Russia's missile forces and artillery who is leading a hotel project in Crimea. The US Treasury Department "remains committed to targeting Russian-backed entities that seek to profit from Russia's illegal annexation and occupation of Crimea," said Sigal Mandelker, the Treasury undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence. "Our sanctions are a clear reminder that efforts seeking to normalise investment and economic relationships with those operating in Crimea will not be tolerated and are subject to US and EU sanctions authorities," she said in a statement. In 2014, Moscow annexed Crimea, the Black Sea peninsula whose population is largely ethnically Russian but was part of Ukraine, as part of a struggle to keep Kiev from falling into the Western orbit. Western powers were effectively powerless to stop the annexation but have vowed never to recognize the move. The United States also sanctioned Zaritsky's firm for buying three hotels in Crimea that had been owned by the Ukraine state and were taken over after the annexation. Also under the new sanctions is the Mriya Resort and Spa, a luxury hotel that opened in the resort of Yalta shortly after the annexation and which the Treasury Department called "the main Russian platform for showcasing investment opportunities in Crimea." The hotel's website says that it includes a medical centre and is designed based on a concept of British architect Norman Foster, who built Wembley Stadium. The Treasury Department also imposed sanctions on two people over alleged human rights abuses related to Russia's role in Ukraine. Mike Pence will travel to Japan, Singapore, Australia, and Papua New Guinea between 11 and 18 November to attend the US-ASEAN Summit and the East Asia Summit in Singapore as well as the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings in Papua New Guinea. Washington: US Vice President Mike Pence would meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his four-nation trip next week, during which he will also attend the US-ASEAN Summit and the East Asia Summit in Singapore, the White House has said. Generally, the summit is attended by the US president. However, this time Pence would be representing the country at the request of President Donald Trump. Pence will travel to Japan, Singapore, Australia, and Papua New Guinea between 11 and 18 November to attend the US-ASEAN Summit and the East Asia Summit in Singapore as well as the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings in Papua New Guinea. Pence will also participate in meetings with Japan's prime minister Shinzo Abe, Singapore premier Lee Hsien Loong, India's prime minister Narendra Modi, Papua New Guinea's prime minister Peter O'Neill, and Australian prime minister Scott Morrison, in addition to other bilateral meetings, the White House said. National Security Advisor John Bolton will join Vice President Pence for the US-ASEAN Summit and East Asia Summit in Singapore and APEC meetings in Papua New Guinea. "The Vice President is honoured to represent President Donald Trump at the US-ASEAN Summit and APEC next week, where he will highlight American leadership in the region and reaffirm our commitment to freedom, economic prosperity, and security in the Indo-Pacific," Alyssa Farah, press secretary for the vice president, said. This will be Pence's third trip to the region as the vice president and he will reaffirm Trump's commitment to the final, fully verified denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, she said. "He will also deliver the message that authoritarianism, aggression, and the disregard for other nations' sovereignty by any nation in the Indo-Pacific will not be tolerated by the United States," Farah said. Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl, who danced with Russian president Vladimir Putin at her wedding in August, has cancelled a planned trip to Moscow over the case, which involves a colonel whose spying activities are believed to have begun in the 1990s. Vienna: Austrian authorities have questioned a recently retired senior military officer on suspicion of spying for Russia for decades, and demanded an explanation from Moscow, Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said on Friday. Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl, who danced with Russian president Vladimir Putin at her wedding in August, has cancelled a planned trip to Moscow over the case, which involves a colonel whose spying activities are believed to have begun in the 1990s. The case has been referred to prosecutors, Kurz and Defence Minister Mario Kunasek said. Issues of interest to the officer or his alleged handlers included weapons systems and migration, Kunasek said, adding that it was not clear whether the case was an isolated one. Without naming the suspect, Kurz told reporters: If the suspicion is confirmed, such cases... do not improve relations between Russia and the European Union. Austria became aware of the case weeks ago thanks to a tip-off from an allys intelligence service and technical devices including a laptop have been seized, Kunasek said. For the moment we are demanding transparent information from the Russian side, Kurz said. In the ambassadors absence, the Russian charge daffaires had been summoned to the Foreign Ministry and anything further we will discuss with our European partners, the chancellor said. Jolla has announced the availability of Sailfish 3 which is its 3rd gen independent mobile operating system. The company says that Sailfish 3 offers a packetized solution for various corporate environments. It now supports several new Sony Xperia devices. It comes with security features such as Mobile Device Management (MDM), fully integrated VPN solutions, enterprise WiFi, data encryption, and better and faster performance. Sailfish 3 adds a host of new features and improvements to the user experience: the OS has a new fresh look, a new top menu, new keyboard gestures, new camera functions, data encryption improvements, and USB On-the-Go storage, just to name a few. The third generation also brings a clear improvement to the OS performance and the upcoming major Qt upgrade will further improve the responsiveness & performance resulting to 50% better overall performance. The company is introducing support for several new Sony Xperia devices and a free trial option within the popular fan & community program. Sailfish X is now available for the whole range of Sony Xperia XA2 models. Starting today, users can download the free trial version of Sailfish OS and install it to their Xperia XA2, Xperia XA2 Plus, or Xperia XA2 Ultra. Users can easily purchase and install the Android app support and other commercial components to the Sailfish X Free trial version when it is available later this year. Sami Pienimaki, Jollas CEO said: Sailfish has come a long way, and now we are proud to start the rollout of Sailfish 3, the next chapter for the independent European mobile OS. With Sailfish 3 we are better equipped than ever to help our governmental and corporate customers to custom build secure and comprehensive mobile solutions. Sailfish OS is currently being deployed as a platform for independent regional mobile solutions in Russia, Latin America, and China, and we are constantly looking to expand to new regions. In addition were very happy to extend our community program, Sailfish X, to support a range of new Sony Xperia devices. Source One of the more unique companies in the utility industry is Sempra Energy (NYSE:SRE). Unlike many other utilities that stick to their knitting by investing in their regulated businesses and cashing in on approved rate hikes, Sempra has diversified both geographically and into new divisions. Some of those moves haven't turned out so well, and now the company is trying to refocus on its two biggest opportunities: regulated utilities and exporting natural gas. This past quarter, the company made a few moves to get closer to becoming what management envisioned. Here's a brief look at Sempra Energy's most recent earnings and what investors should make of this transformation. By the numbers Metric Q3 2018 Q2 2018 Q3 2017 Revenue $2.94 billion $2.56 billion $2.68 billion Operating earnings $427 million ($1.1 billion) $5 million Net income $274 million ($561 million) $57 million Diluted EPS $1.00 ($2.11) $0.23 For a utility company that typically puts up consistent numbers each quarter, Sempra's results have been uncommonly volatile, and not just because its natural gas distribution business is seasonal. The company has had several charges and writedowns hit the bottom line as it goes through a restructuring. This quarter was the first one where we got to see the benefits of its Oncor acquisition as well as no charges or writedowns. What is perhaps more important than the earnings numbers were management's recent moves to refocus the company on electric transmission and distribution and liquefied natural gas (LNG). Sempra announced that it sold a large portion of its U.S. solar and wind generation assets to Consolidated Edison for $1.54 billion. It then took the proceeds from that sale to acquire electric transmission real estate investment trust InfraREIT (NYSE: HIFR) for $1.275 billion, as well as a 50% interest in transmission and substation specialist Sharyland Utilities. These deals are designed to increase the company's Texas utility footprint after acquiring Oncor earlier this year. The other news this past quarter was that Sempra signed tentative sales deals for the full export capacity of its Energia Costa Azul (ECA) LNG export terminal in Baja California, Mexico. Also, in conjunction with that agreement, the company signed a Memorandum of Understanding with integrated oil and gas company Total (NYSE:TTE) where Total will buy 9 million tons per year from Sempra's multiple LNG terminals, including ECA and phase two of its Cameron LNG terminal. Phase one for the terminal started the commissioning phase and expects to be operational by the middle of 2019. What management had to say On the company's conference call, CEO Jeff Martin's prepared remarks addressed how the company is progressing with its restructuring and how these recent moves fit into the overall plan. I'm pleased to say we continue to make great strides with our vision to become North America's premier energy infrastructure company. An integral component of that vision is our commitment to continue to improve the visibility of our T&D [transmission and distribution] earnings mix, which we were able to do through our recently announced Texas acquisitions. These transactions require no incremental equity and we expect to fund them with a portion of the proceeds from our announced US solar portfolio sale. Furthermore, we're continuing to make progress on the sale of our US wind and certain US midstream assets as originally announced in June. We are currently engaged in an active sales process with very strong initial market interest. Lastly, we are continuing to strengthen our balance sheet. We plan to pay down parent debt with a portion of the proceeds from the announced asset sales and the settlements of our common equity forwards. You can read a full transcript of Sempra Energy's conference call here. Lots of moving parts right now The most encouraging thing in Martin's statement above is that the company intends to use a large portion of its upcoming asset sales to pay down debt. Debt has been slowly building on the company's balance sheet for some time as it builds out its Cameron LNG facility, and it is becoming a significant drag on the bottom line. By shedding the rest of its renewables, the company will become slightly more focused. It will, however, still have a rather scattered footprint of assets varying from electric and gas utilities in North and South America, a portfolio of LNG terminals, and an energy infrastructure developer in Mexico. What matters more than anything else right now is getting Cameron LNG up and running. Once that is operational, it should provide a significant boost to earnings and cash flow that will make the company's current debt load look much more manageable. With so many moving parts, though, it may be worth waiting on the sidelines until Sempra completes all of these deals and we can see what the results of those moves look like on its income statement. Already booked on one of our packages to Laos? See everything you need to know before you go. Overview Capital: Vientiane Population: 6.8 million Currency: Lao kip (LAK) Languages: Lao, Hmong, Khmu, French Drives on the: Right Time zone: GMT +7 Entry requirements Please see our Entry Requirements page. Staying Healthy There are no health requirements for entering Laos, however, it is highly recommended that you ask you doctor about obtaining malaria suppressants and possible vaccinations for hepatitis and typhoid. Bring along plenty of insect repellent and cover any wounds with a bandage. Seek medical aid if bitten by an animal. Center for Disease Control World Health Organization Weather November through March are the best months for travel in Laos although it can still be hot and humid in some areas. The months of July and August are tolerable. April and May bring the hot season to Laos, where the thermostat can reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and September and October is the monsoon season. What to wear Please be sure to have respectable attire for visits to temples and religious siteswear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Since weather can be unpredictable anywhere in the world and to be sure you are comfortable during your trip and prepared for all types of weather possibilities, we suggest that you carry a small folding umbrella. If you have two pairs of comfortable (broken-in, not brand-new) walking shoes, consider taking both pairs. Plan to dress in layers, so you can adjust your wardrobe according to the weather conditions of the moment. Remember that comfort and convenience should dictate your wardrobe for the tour, and casual clothes are in order for most every occasion as you travel. Money & Credit Cards The local currency in Laos is the Lao Kip. Most upscale hotels and some stores and restaurants accept major credit cards. However, for street shopping you will need local currency or U.S. dollars. We highly recommend that you bring crisp, new bills in small denominations. Old, torn, crumpled bills are not always accepted. Travelers checks are not widely accepted in Laos. If you intend to use travelers checks, please verify that they are still accepted in the places visited in this program. Always notify your bank prior to departure to avoid any problems using your credit or debit card while traveling. Shopping You will certainly have time for shopping. The best buys in Laos are handicrafts and textiles. The Lao sarong or pha sin made from silk or cotton is a popular souvenir. Other souvenirs to look out for include silverware, in particular from Luang Prabang, and wood carvings. Your guides will no doubt have some favorite shopping places, where the vendors are known, provide good quality merchandise and probably pay some sort of commission from sales to the guide. This should not surprise or offend you. This is how business is done throughout the world. But do beware when you shop, especially if you are buying jewelry or other valuable items. If you plan to buy jewelry or other expensive items, be sure to inspect the items before you leave the store. Most stores will not allow you to return or exchange purchased items. Electricity & Power Adapters 230 volts. Plugs A & C. Some outlets are a combination of type A and C and can accept either type plug. Plug G may be found in some hotels. You will need a voltage converter and plug adapter in order to use U.S. appliances. We recommend getting a universal adapter and converter kit. Learn more about electrical standards around the world. Cell Phones & Internet Major hotels throughout Laos have Business Centres with PCs connected to the Internet and most now some wireless broadband access. Check with reception for fares (often free of charge) and facilities. Cyber cafes are easily found in major towns and cities and prices are reasonable. In many Internet cafes, you can buy pre-paid international phone cards to dial from a computer to landlines or mobile phones worldwide. Most Internet cafes are equipped with webcams, headsets and microphones. Want to take your cell phone, tablet or laptop, but not sure how to get cell service or wifi? Read up on using your cell phone abroad and the top 5 ways to get Internet abroad. Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2021. Theres been increasing confusing over the legality of delta-8, a cannabis derivative that can be found in vape cartridges, tinctures and candy at smoke shops and CBD stores in Texas. While the Texas health department maintains that delta-8 is a controlled substance and is on the states list of unlawful drugs, the 2018 federal Farm Bill legalized the production of hemp, which naturally contains delta-8 and has less than 0.3% THC. In 2019, Texas also legalized hemp growing. Delta-8 retailers believed the substance was as legal to sell as hemp. Delta-8 is legal in Texas for now after a Travis County judge blocked the state from criminalizing it. Should delta-8 continue to be legal in Texas? You voted: Best Vivo 6GB RAM smartphones to buy in India Features oi-Harish Kumar Vivo smartphones with 6GB RAM you can buy now in India. When the smartphone trend debuted in India, we hardly saw smartphones with 3GB RAM. Most devices in the affordable market segment had average hardware. Now, the market has transformed to a great extent that the budget and mid-range smartphones bring in a lot of features seen in the premium models. In the Indian market, there are a lot of brands that launch affordable smartphones including Vivo. The Chinese brand focuses on launching affordable devices with an impressive set of features. Most of its offerings are camera-centric and come with a lot of camera-related features and capabilities. But that does not mean that these phones do not have a decent hardware. Having said that, we have come up with a slew of Vivo smartphones that have 6GB RAM. With such a large chunk of RAM, these phones can handle the tasks thrown at them efficiently. We have listed the 6GB RAM Vivo smartphones available for purchase in the Indian market right now. Take a look! Vivo V11 Pro Best Price of Vivo V11 Pro Key Specs 6.41-inch (1080 x 2340 pixels) Full HD+ Super AMOLED 19.5:9 aspect ratio display Octa-Core Snapdragon 660 14nm Mobile Platform with Adreno 512 GPU 6GB RAM 64GB storage expandable memory up to 256GB with microSD Dual SIM Funtouch OS 4.5 based on Android 8.1 (Oreo) 12MP Dual PD rear camera and secondary 5MP camera 25MP front-facing camera, f/2.0 aperture Dual 4G VoLTE 3,400mAh battery with fast charging Vivo V11 Best Price of Vivo V11 Key Specs 6.3-inch (2280 x 1080 pixels) Full HD+ 19:9 IPS display Octa Core MediaTek Helio P60 12nm processor with 800MHz ARM Mali-G72 MP3 GPU (V11i) 6GB RAM, 64GB storage expandable memory up to 256GB with microSD Dual SIM (nano + nano + microSD) Funtouch OS 4.5 based on Android 8.1 (Oreo) 16MP rear camera and secondary 5MP camera 25MP front-facing camera Dual 4G VoLTE 3315mAh battery with fast charging Vivo V9 Pro Best Price of Vivo V9 Pro Key Specs 6.3-inch (2280 x 1080 pixels) Full HD+ 19:9 IPS display Octa Core Snapdragon 660 14nm Mobile Platform with Adreno 512 GPU 6GB RAM, 64GB internal memory expandable memory up to 256GB with microSD Dual SIM (nano + nano + microSD) Funtouch OS 4.0 based on Android 8.1 (Oreo) 13MP rear camera and secondary 2MP camera 16MP front-facing camera Fingerprint sensor 4G VoLTE 3260mAh battery Vivo NEX Best Price of Vivo NEX Key Specs 6.59-inch (23161080 pixels) Full HD+ Super AMOLED 19.3:9 aspect ratio display, DCI-P3 color gamut 2.8GHz Octa-Core Snapdragon 845 64-bit 10nm Mobile Platform with Adreno 630 GPU (NEX S) / Octa-Core Snapdragon 710 10nm Mobile Platform (Dual 2.2GHz Kryo 360 + Hexa 1.7GHz Kryo 360 CPUs) with Adreno 616 GPU (NEX A) 8GB with 256GB / 128GB storage (NEX S), 6GB RAM with 128GB internal storage (NEX A) Dual SIM Funtouch OS 4.0 based on Android 8.1 (Oreo) 12MP Dual PD rear camera and secondary 5MP camera with f/2.4 aperture 8MP front-facing camera Dual 4G VoLTE 4000mAh battery Vivo X21 Best Price of Vivo X21 Key Specs 6.28-inch (2280 1080 pixels) Full HD+ 19:9 Super AMOLED display with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection Octa Core Snapdragon 660 AIE 14nm Mobile Platform with Adreno 512 GPU 6GB RAM, 128GB internal memory expandable memory up to 256GB with microSD Hybrid Dual SIM (nano + nano/microSD) Funtouch OS 4.0 based on Android 8.1 (Oreo) 12MP rear camera and secondary 5MP camera 12MP front-facing camera 4G VoLTE 3200mAh (typical) battery with fast charging 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 Google to warn Chrome users of the websites that may charge them without their permission News oi-Sandeep Sarkar Chromium 71 will further remove all the requests such as ads and new window requests from the websites which automatically redirect the users to other pages. Google Chrome is one of the most preferred web browsers available in the market today. The browser by the tech giant is easy to use and packs some useful features which make it the most sought after browser. Google has always rolled out timely updates and features for its browser so that it can give the users an enhanced web surfing experience. Now, the tech giant is all set to introduce another nifty feature for Chrome which will make the browser more secure for the end-users. Google is expected to roll out the Chrome 71 update in December this year and with the update, the browser will wary the users of the websites which might charge them without their consent. With the Chrome 71, the browser will show the users a warning regarding the web pages that provide incomplete mobile subscription information. The warning page will further present the users with the option to either proceed with the action or go back without making any move further. The warning notification presented by Chrome will read "The page ahead may try to charge you money". The information was revealed by a Chromium blog post and as per the post, upon identifying any of such webpage which does not have proper billing information, the users will be presented by the aforementioned warning. The new feature will be available for both the desktop as well as the Android version of Google Chrome. Besides, the Chromium 71 will further remove all the requests such as ads and new window requests from the websites which automatically redirect the users to other pages. Many of the unsafe websites trick the users into clicking malicious links or ads which are run by scammers which further allow the attackers to steal a user's personal data. With the new Chromium 71 on the way, we can expect a safe online surfing experience. The Chromium 71 will further remove the ads on the websites so that a user is not redirected to any other page automatically without their consent. This will in turn help the browser to deliver an enhanced user experience. Image Source 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 Left: Ambassador H.E. Calvin Ho said that he and his colleagues will be looking to get a better understanding of the needs of the students. Two hundred and eighty-six students on Tuesday, Nov. 06, received financial assistance, compliments the government and people of the Republic of China on Taiwan, at a ceremony held at the Methodist Church Hall. This year, some 794 students are expected to benefit from the scholarship programme which got started back in 1998, and was set up to assist needy and at-risk students with their education expenses. Ambassador H.E Calvin Ho, said that since then, some US$2.1 million have been allocated by his government to the scholarship programme, with the annual allocation increasing in 2017 to US$200,000 from US$100,000. He explained that in the coming weeks, he and his colleagues would be visiting schools in the rural areas, to get a better understanding of the environment and the needs of the students. H.E Ho said that "this scholarship ceremony, follows the departure of 20 students who are now in Taiwan pursuing Bachelor degrees. Against that backdrop, he encouraged the students present to apply for a scholarship, once they have successfully completed their primary, secondary and tertiary level education. Ambassador Ho also encouraged this years scholarship recipients to work hard. In thanking Taiwan for its continued good- will, Minister of Education, St Clair Prince said that the programme has benefitted many students over the years. "The contribution has allowed for many students to attend school on a regular basis and aid in their development, Prince said. Prince assured that the government was continuing to invest in education, and Taiwan has been contributing significantly to this effort at all levels of the education system and its needs. Similar handing over ceremonies will be held in Georgetown, Barrouallie, Bequia, and Marriaqua and at the Community College, over the next two weeks. (DD) Richardson Works to Strengthen Pacific Contacts, Alliances Nov. 8, 2018 By Defense.gov Defense.gov WASHINGTON -- Personal interactions at all levels underpin U.S. military-to-military relations with nations around the world, but these require care and Navy Adm. John M. Richardson tended to these relations during a recent trip through the Pacific. The chief of naval operations visited the Philippines, Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand to ensure that military contacts remain "a vibrant channel." "Sailors are defined by the maritime environment, and our culture is very strong," Richardson said during an interview. The navy-to-navy relationships, he said, are like a keel that other relations can build upon. The sea is a dangerous place and mariners of all countries will aid anyone beset on the sea, the admiral said. Richardson believes that helps create a bedrock that military leaders can use as a starting point to relations. The Pacific is Key to American Prosperity The Pacific is key to American prosperity and a center for American interests. All Pacific nations "are in the business of prosperity," the admiral said. "We want our nations to thrive. We want our people to thrive. We want to lift people out of poverty. We want economies to be vibrant," he said. Since the end of World War II, Asia has realized economic benefits from the free and open community. This did not happen by accident. The U.S. Pacific Fleet and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command allowed the area to develop in security. Over time, the nations created a rule set or order to enable the nations to invest in their citizens and infrastructures. Ninety percent of the commerce in the region and outside it move across the seas. "Those transits have to have some rules," he said. "The rules-based order that everyone talks about the international Law of the Sea, access to markets is very important and enabled the rise in global prosperity. To enforce that order, you need security." The countries of the region need navies to secure their access to markets. "In the region, some can secure their territorial waters, some can secure their exclusive economic zone," he said. "It is proportional to their ambitions." "For a global nation, you need a global navy [and] that's what the U.S. Navy is," Richardson said. "We need a global navy to secure the rules-based order in a global economy." But it's too big a job to do it alone. Even the United States Navy needs partners. "A big theme of the trip was to work bilaterally, multilaterally through the Association of Southeast Asian Nations," he said. "Let's work together as a team because the job is too big for any one nation." The region is dynamic, and new partnerships are forming all the time, he said. The United States has excellent one-on-one relations with many of the countries in the region or with interests in the region. The multilateral part of this effort is developing. Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia work together to fight piracy, for example, and U.S., British and Japanese ships are exercising together right now. U.S. forces are working with the Philippines against violent extremism and to allow the country to better patrol its waters. "There is an emerging partnership with Vietnam, a growing partnership with India," Richardson said. "We stopped in Indonesia in recognition of the importance of that country such a huge Muslim democracy. Djakarta has 25 million people by the sea. There are 5 million people who commute into the city daily. Seeing it gives you an appreciation of the vibrant population. It is an important nation for us to be strengthening our partnership with." Partnering With Indo-Pacific Nations The United States wants to continue to work with nations of the region and deepen cooperation among them. "Part of our message in the region is that the United States remains a Pacific power," he said. "We've been present in the Pacific ... and we have many vital interests in the region. We are going to continue to secure those interests, and to help secure the interests of all our partners and allies, as well." China is a major force in the region, the admiral said. "Everybody wants to work with China, but there is a desire to work with a China that is cooperative and a participating member of this rules-based order, and certainly a China that is not threatening," Richardson said. In each country he visited, allies asked about incidents at sea the most recent being the unsafe incident where a Chinese ship passed way too close to the USS Decatur. He discussed the code for unplanned encounters at sea the CUES program and said that provides an operational arrangement for behavior with the Chinese. CUES is a nonbinding agreement that provides safety procedures as well as basic communication and maneuvering instructions for naval ships and aircraft to follow during unplanned encounters at sea. "It was very clear the Chinese navy did not behave consistently with the protocols of CUES in that encounter, and we would hope for a return to good order and discipline as soon as we can," he said. "We're operating in the same seas," the admiral continued. "It looks like the ocean is big and it is, but you encounter each other on the sea. You pass each other and these operational arrangements are helpful to prevent some sort of miscalculation or human error, which could quickly escalate and become a worldwide thing, just because of the availability of information and how fast it travels." Richardson called for the Chinese to return to CUES as it has served well in managing encounters at lowest risk. "The United States has no problem with a peaceful, constructive China becoming a global power," he said. "This sort of competition has been going on for years. That's the sort of competition we look forward to. It is when it get coercive that we have problems. China doesn't seem to have a high regard for the current rule set or high regard for sovereignty the sort of things that have been fundamental to the current success." All of the nations the admiral visited advocated for more information sharing. All were asking what the U.S. Navy can share in maritime domain awareness. "That helps everybody secure what they need to secure their territorial seas or their exclusive economic zones," he said. "Many are looking to exchange people training. PME, crew exchanges, staff exchanges. There are varying degrees of desire to buy technology that would be interoperable with U.S. Navy. Allies like Australia or New Zealand have mature military relations with the United States, but even those relations need attention. "I think there is a lot of optimism in Indonesia about U.S.-Indonesia relations," he said. "The Philippines has long alliance with us and such warm and close people-to-people ties between us that works well." The admiral will return to the region in the near future to continue military-to-military contacts with the nations of the region. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S. Department of Defense Press Operations News Transcript November 26, 2018 Remarks by Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Paul J. Selva at the UNC/CFC/USFK Change of Command Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. It's a distinct pleasure for my wife Ricki and I to be here today on behalf of Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis and our Chairman General Joe Dunford to preside over today's ceremonies and to share this special day with two special families. Minister Jeong, Ambassador Harris, ambassadors from all of the sending nations, General Park, Admiral Davidson, General Brooks, General Abrams, General Kim, General Bell, General Brown, and members of the Republic of Korea and United States Armed Forces Ladies and gentlementhank you all for being here to honor those who serve in United Nations Command, the U.S.-Korea Combined Forces Command, United States Forces Korea, and to celebrate our long-standing alliance. I'm delighted to see so many military and civilian leaders here today from our Korean partners and allies. Your presence is an example to all of us. It says more than any words could say about the enduring strength of this alliance about the leadership of General Vince Brooks and about the commitment of the entire U.S.Korea and sending-state team. Over the past 65 years, our commitment to each other has faced many challenges, yet it has never wavered. The U.S.Republic of Korea alliance, along with the ready-made coalition of the United Nations Command, is the unshakeable bedrock of deterrence that has preserved peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. It is an alliance built on mutual trust, shared values, fortified by more than six decades of our forces serving together shoulder-to-shoulder, training together shoulder-to-shoulder, and remaining ready to fight shoulder-to-shoulder, if necessary. The heart and soul of this alliance is the men and women of the United States, the Republic of Korea, and the sending states who watch every day to keep this country strong, prosperous and free. And for the past two and a half years, General Vince Brooks has been their leader, providing visionary leadership to United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command and United States Forces Korea during one of the most dynamic and demanding periods in the history of our alliance. Vince took command just three months after North Korea conducted its fourth nuclear weapons test. Over the next 19 months, North Korea conducted no fewer than 50 provocative tests and demonstrations in an attempt to showcase its accelerated progress in weapons development, all while elevating its inflammatory rhetoric. It seemed increasingly likely that the Peninsula was headed toward crisis. Throughout that turbulent time, Vince's steady leadership ensured the multinational, combined, and joint force serving in the Republic of Korea were always ready to defend South Korea amid the highest of tensions. Today, the security environment on the Korean Peninsula is at an inflection point, marked by a reduction in tension, an increase in productive dialogue, and a gradual growth of optimism over the potential for a sustained relationship with the North. Vince and his United Nations Command team have played a critical role in this historic transition, helping to enable the diplomatic progress that is necessary to bring a lasting peace to the Peninsula. Vince: we will forever be grateful for all of your contributions to strengthening this alliance. For your service throughout an exemplary military career. I also want to thank Vince's wife, Carol, who has devoted her life to making a difference for others. Carol: your dedication to the men and women of these commands is inspirational and it is a reflection of your lifetime of service. Thank you for sharing Vince with the United States Army and with our nation. We wish you both the best as you open the next chapter in your lives. The good news is we're placing this command in the hands of another very capable couple, Robert and Connie Abrams, who are eager to wrap their arms around this ironclad alliance. We send only the best to the Peninsula, and General Abrams is no exception. You might say excellence runs in Abe's blood. As has been said, he is the son of a former Army Chief of Staff and both of his older brothers were Army general officers. Abe is taking command today, not because of his family's patriotic heritage, but because he is one of the most experienced leaders we have in our military. He has more than 36 years of exceptional leadership at every level. Abe is the senior Armor Officer in the United States Army, a proven leader in combat, and he has participated in more than 100 exercises on the Korean Peninsula. Abe has a deep appreciation for both the environment he's entering and the value of our alliance. He believes in leading by personal example, focusing on what's most important, and empowering his people to get the job done. Abe has spent the last three years leading Army Forces Command, the largest organization in the U.S. military. His number one priority during that time was building and sustaining readiness across all components of America's Armylessons he will no doubt apply here. I know he is prepared to lead the command at this point in its history, and he has a great partner in Connie who will be a source of strength and support. Connie, your commitment to our soldiers is widely known, and I'm sure you'll bring that same passion to your service here in Korea. Like Carol, you're a superb champion for the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines, and our Korea partners who serve here. It is because of leaders like the Brooks and the Abrams, and because of all of you, that we retain our place as the world's most preeminent militaries, and why our alliance will always endure. At this moment I would ask God to bless you all as you venture into the future. Thank you for being here today, and good luck. https://dod.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript-View/Article/1685918/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Taliban attacks central Afghanistan IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Kabul, Nov 8, IRNA -- The terrorist group Taliban attacked Jaghori District, Ghazni Province, central Afghanistan, on Thursday. This is while Ghazni local officials had earlier announced end of conflicts with Taliban on Wednesday. Some unofficial sources announced continuation of Taliban attacks on popular forces in Jaghori District and also arrival of over 50 army commandos to the region. According to local media, during last night attack on popular forces in Jaghori District, three people were killed and a car and a trench warfare were destroyed. An Afghan Member of Parliament Mohammad Aref Rahmani commented on the latest development in Jaghori District, saying terrorists blocked the area and fired a house last night. He also announced that heavy air strikes will be conducted near Jaghori District on Friday. According to some local sources, during the Wednesday bombardments over 40 Taliban forces were killed and all the area was liberated. 9376**1420 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Azerbaijans second Wine House in China opened in Shanghai this week, Azerbaijans Economy Ministry said in a message Nov. 8. Azerbaijans Wine House located in Shanghai Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, which is the International Trading Operation Center (ITOC) of Shanghai, will host exhibitions, wholesale and retail sales, as well as product tasting. In Azerbaijans Wine House, there are more than 120 types of grape and fruit wines, other alcohol beverages, fruit distillates produced by Azerbaijani companies. Speaking at an event timed to the opening of Azerbaijans Wine House, Economy Minister Shahin Mustafayev noted that the successful development of Azerbaijani-Chinese relations based on mutual respect and friendship is gratifying. He stressed the importance of political will, mutual high-level visits and agreements reached by the heads of two states in strengthening relations between the countries. It was noted that Azerbaijan attaches great importance to the expansion of economic ties with China, as well as to the implementation of mutually beneficial joint projects. Cooperation in the trade sector is one of the important areas of economic cooperation between Azerbaijan and China, Mustafayev said, noting that in 2017, the trade turnover between the two countries increased by 20 percent and China ranks fourth in the foreign trade turnover of Azerbaijan. The countries are carrying out comprehensive measures to further expand trade cooperation, the Trade Representation of Azerbaijan operates in China, a trade delegation was organized to Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Urumqi in order to promote Azerbaijani products and the Made in Azerbaijan brand in China. Besides, Azerbaijans Trade House was opened in Luzhou city, and Azerbaijans Wine House was opened in Urumqi city, products made in Azerbaijan are presented at various international exhibitions in China. The minister said that the export of Azerbaijani wines to China, which are distinguished by their special taste and high quality, will be increased. He noted that Azerbaijani wines received the highest award at the International Wine Challenge in June this year in Shanghai. It was reported that the first Azerbaijans Wine House abroad was opened in September this year in China, Urumqi. Azerbaijans trade houses and wine houses are planned to be created in other regions of China as well. Deputy General Manager of the Shanghai company Shanghai Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone Group Co Ltd. Zhang Hao said in his speech that the Azerbaijani-Chinese relations are successfully developing in various fields. Azerbaijans Wine House opened in Shanghai will not only contribute to the development of trade and economic relations, but will also play a significant role in terms of promoting Azerbaijani products among Chinese buyers, he noted. Then the participants of the event familiarized themselves with Azerbaijans Wine House. Representatives of companies represented in the Wine House informed about wines and other alcoholic beverages. The Azerbaijani delegation also visited the Direct Imported Goods (DIG) sales center. The sale of Azerbaijani wines and other alcoholic beverages has already started in the DIG of the Shanghai ITOC. On the same day, Azerbaijans Economy Minister Shahin Mustafayev met with Deputy Head of the administration of the Shanghai ITOC Li Jinsong. At the meeting, the Azerbaijani delegation was informed about the Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, the single window system created there, services provided in line with the legislation, customs, finance and logistics, residents of the zone, and an exchange of views on Chinas experience in this area was held. Mustafayev informed about the visit of the Azerbaijani delegation to China, product demonstrations in the pavilions of Azerbaijan at the first China International Import Expo, as well as about the Baku International Sea Trade Port, and noted that it is planned to create a free economic zone including the port area. US playing pivotal role in attacking Yemenis IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Tehran, Nov 8, IRNA -- The US is playing major role in attacking Yemeni people, the leader of Yemen's Ansarullah Movement said. According to Arab media 'Al Mayadeen', Abdol Malek Badreddine al-Houthi made the remarks while referring to the US role in Yemeni war. Saudi and Emirati forces are doing the US orders, he said. Escalation of Saudi and Emirati attacks happened at the same time with reinforcing ties with Zionists, he added. Emirati forces are under the orders of American, British and Israeli officers, he noted. Badreddine al-Houthi went on to say that aggressors have been defeated and their attacks on Saada, Al Hudaydah and Sana'a have been failed many times. Referring to Saudi coalition attacks on Al Hudaydah, he said most of the area is under the control of Yemeni army and popular committees. He urged Yemeni people to stand against enemy in western coast. Saudi Arabia and its regional allies attacked Yemen in March 2015 to bring back to power the deposed president of Yemen Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi. The aggressors have committed horrible war crimes against Yemeni civilians during the past three years. 9376**1420 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Saudi-coalition jet fighters kill 8 Yemenis in western Yemen IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Tehran, Nov 8, IRNA -- Eight members of a Yemeni family were killed in an air strike conducted by Saudi-American coalition in Hajjah Province, western Yemen, Yemeni media 'Yemen Press' reported. During the attack, six children together with their parents were killed. The operation also injured two others. Earlier, President of the Supreme Revolutionary Committee of Yemen Mohammad Ali Al-Houthi said invaders are doomed to failure in their attempts to rage war in Yemen's west coast region. "As previous escalation of the aggression in the West Coast failed, their current escalation will fail too," he added. Saudi Arabia and its regional allies attacked Yemen in March 2015 to bring back to power the deposed president of Yemen Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi. The aggressors have committed horrible war crimes against Yemeni civilians during the past three years. 9376**1420 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 202 Helps Set Stage at Camp Frigaard Navy News Service Story Number: NNS181108-15 Release Date: 11/8/2018 11:43:00 AM By Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jeffrey J. Pierce, 22nd Naval Construction Regiment Public Affairs HELL, Norway (NNS) -- Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 202 (CBMU 202) expected to gain valuable training during a simple role during Exercise Trident Juncture 2018, and from the very beginning, they would learn much more by becoming an integral role player in establishing and maintaining the bases that would host U.S. troops during the multinational NATO exercise. The 14 U.S. Navy personnel from CBMU 202 arrived in Hell, Norway, in late September to conduct preparations for Exercise Trident Juncture 18. As a subordinate unit under the 22nd Naval Construction Regiment (22 NCR), who themselves fell under the 2d Marine Logistics Group-Forward (2d MLG-Forward), CBMU 202's role for the exercise was identified early on in the planning as routine camp maintenance. According to U.S. Marine Master Sgt. Mark Francis, camp mayor for Camp Frigaard, CBMU 202 personnel were extremely helpful with the initial setup of the camp. "When we got here there weren't any people, and the camp had no security," said Francis. "The personnel from CBMU 202 were instrumental in setting up the security posture here to include placing a double strand of concertina wire around the perimeter of the camp," "CBMU 202 also drew up a comprehensive plan for the vehicle control point, which included an external lane for tractor trailers that helped to facilitate vehicle movements in and out of the camp. Their design they drew up is what we moved forward with and will remain that way for the remainder of the exercise," Francis said. Once the initial security posture was in place, the personnel from CBMU 202 moved on to other projects, such as building shelves, a ramp, and partition walls for the consolidated aid station (CAS) on Camp Frigaard which provided patient privacy. They also set up and maintained the environmental control unit at the armory. CBMU 202's efforts did not end there, they also drafted plans and built embark and traffic signs for the base, weapons racks, along with and a 4' x 4' patrol display for the camp dining facility. When Camp Voll was overrun with mud, a four-man team traveled more than 3 hours south and constructed tent floor decking for the medical tent, the camp dining facility and the shower facility. While there, they also constructed benches and walkways for the shower facility and a camp dining facility. Additionally, CBMU- 202 personnel set up and maintained the power distribution system for 22 NCR's command operation center (COC) and helped the 8th Engineering Support Battalion set up the power distribution system for 2nd MLG's COC. According to Utilitiesman 2nd Class Matthew Kicinski, he has enjoyed being a part of Trident Juncture 18. "It is great being here in Norway and taking part in the largest NATO exercise I've ever been a part of," Kicinski said. "I feel a sense of accomplishment because I helped make the lives of those living and working here on camp better." Similar thoughts were echoed by Utilitiesman 1st Class Kendall Batson, CBMU 202's leading petty officer for Trident Juncture 18. "Overall, it was a great experience working alongside the Marines, and we learned a great deal working in a cold-weather environment," Batson said. "Between the initial camp set up, power distribution and routine camp maintenance, I feel my Seabees knocked it out of the park. According to Lt. Cmdr. Seth Cochran, 22 NCR's Operations Officer for Trident Juncture 18 CBMU 202 was essential for getting the camp up and running and he couldn't be happier with their performance. "With Hurricane Michael affecting the Marine Corps' force flow into Norway, CBMU 202 was critical in establishing the base in Frigaard," Cochran said. "CBMU 202 was able to provide the skill and expertise needed to facilitate the opening of the base. By default, they became the camp support element. I'm extremely proud of their ability to do what needed to be done, their leadership, and their 'Can Do' spirit for which the Seabees are known." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address IDC from 22 NCR Leads Training with Navy Corpsman, Norwegians Navy News Service Story Number: NNS181108-14 Release Date: 11/8/2018 11:43:00 AM By Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jeffrey J. Pierce, 22nd Naval Construction Regiment Public Affairs HELL, Norway (NNS) -- Chief Hospital Corpsman Michael Winkle, 22nd Naval Construction Regiment's (22 NCR) Senior Medical Department Representative has led the way for medical support on Camp Frigaard, Norway during Exercise Trident Juncture 18. As Camp Frigaard's only independent duty corpsman (IDC), Winkle has been instrumental in providing ongoing training for Navy Corpsman and Norwegian medevac platoons. Since his arrival on Camp Frigaard, Winkle has supervised sick call at the consolidated aid station (CAS). He has used this opportunity to train junior corpsman on proper sick call procedures and to increase their knowledge of specific medications and what they do. According to Hospitalman John Song, attached to Combat Logistics Battalion 251, Winkle's knowledge and mentorship really stood out. "He has truly mentored me and the other corpsman working in the CAS. He has taught all of us how to effectively run sick call to maximize patient care," Song said. "Most of my fellow Navy Corpsman want to become IDCs. He took the time not only to explain to us, but actually show us how the role of an IDC in a clinical environment differs greatly from their role in an operational environment." "Overall, it's been a phenomenal experience. It's not often you find someone who is so passionate about sharing their knowledge to make you better at what you do." Song said. This is what Winkle loves to do. "I love training and increasing the baseline level of knowledge of junior corpsman for when they have to operate independently," Winkle said. He also led integrated field training with corpsman and a Norwegian medevac platoon. According to Winkle, the Norwegian medevac platoons do not practice point of injury care. They wait for the scene to be cleared and then they focus on care enroute to a higher echelon medical facility. Lt. Paul See, attached to the Norwegian Combat Services and Support Battalion's Medical Evacuation Platoon, found the training impressive. "Personally, I have learned a lot in the time we've spent together," said See. "I'm really impressed with the way the Navy trains their personnel and the level of knowledge your individual corpsman has. I can positively say that these days we spent with your corpsman will definitely affect the way we train in the future. For me, this is the main purpose of integration." Winkle found the training beneficial for both services. "Seeing how the Norwegian medevac platoons are set up and how they operate was an amazing experience, Winkle said. "Even though we operate differently, we were able to integrate seamlessly to perform our mission of saving lives." According to Lt. Cmdr. Joseph Moore, CAS Surgeon for Camp Frigaard, Winkle's contribution cannot be overstated. "HMC Winkle has shouldered a great deal of the workload here at the CAS. He brought additional resources and consumables which helped tremendously," Moore said. "Most importantly, he brought operational knowledge and experience to pass down to his inexperienced medical officers and corpsman. I have all the book knowledge in the world, however, HMC Winkle has a great deal of experience operating in austere environments that we don't. Fortunately for us, he has shared his vast knowledge which he attained by doing." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NAVFAC EXWC Supports Successful Test of Wave Energy Converter Navy News Service Story Number: NNS181108-08 Release Date: 11/8/2018 11:22:00 AM From NAVFAC EXWC Public Affairs PORT HUENEME, Calif. (NNS) -- Naval Facilities Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center (NAVFAC EXWC) is pleased to announce the most recent round of Wave Energy Converter (WEC) testing at the U.S. Navy's Wave Energy Test Site (WETS) off Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH), Kaneohe, Hawaii, on the Island of Oahu. In October 2018, the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at the University of Hawaii, with funding from NAVFAC, and in partnership with the University of Washington, Fred. Olsen, Ltd., and Sea Engineering, Inc., began the second round of testing of the Fred. Olsen (of Norway) "BOLT Lifesaver" WEC device. The device uses three power take-off (PTO) units that convert the motion of the passing waves to electrical power by way of rotary electrical generators. Control and health-monitoring of these on-board systems are housed in the Control Center. The WEC is not connected to shore, and the power generated is stored in a battery bank. This phase of Lifesaver testing at WETS has two primary aims; first, to improve device reliability and power performance, through alterations to the device mooring strategy, and second, to demonstrate an alternative means of powering oceanographic instrumentation without using utility-supplied electrical grid power or single-use batteries. The instrumentation, known as the Wave-powered Adaptable Monitoring Package (WAMP), is being tested on BOLT Lifesaver and was designed, assembled, and integrated with the WEC by the Pacific Marine Energy Center (PMEC), University of Washington, leveraging the capabilities of the Applied Physics Laboratory (U.S. Navy University Affiliated Research Center) and the Department of Mechanical Engineering. Receiving its power from the Lifesaver, the WAMP provides persistent underwater sensing, and supports unmanned, undersea vehicle (UUV) re-charge using a wireless power transfer system developed by Seattle startup Wibotic, Inc. The WAMP is the latest in a series of demonstrations of the core AMP technology and is being used in this application to better understand the marine environment around an operational WEC buoy. The joint Lifesaver-WAMP test is funded by NAVFAC, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), and the National Science Foundation. The overall effort is part of a larger joint U.S. Navy, DOE, academic (University of Hawaii, Hawaii Natural Energy Institute, and University of Washington PMEC), and industry research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) project. This is the world's first demonstration of the potentially transformative capability for WECs to enable persistent oceanographic observation and UUV re-charge without a cable to shore. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Dialog with Sunni MPs key to formation of Lebanese govt.: Hezbollah Iran Press TV Thu Nov 8, 2018 06:08PM Lebanon's Hezbollah resistance movement has urged Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri to start dialog with Sunni lawmakers in order to remove remaining barriers to the formation of a new government in the Arab country. Six months after a parliamentary election in Lebanon, a row over Sunni representation has obstructed the formation of a national unity government that is expected to group most of Lebanon's political parties. "We believe that the key to the solution is in the hands of the prime minister designate," said Hezbollah Deputy Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem. "He is the one who can accomplish the government tomorrow, and he is the one who can postpone the government to another time," he said in comments broadcast by al-Manar TV. A deal looked close last week when the Christian Lebanese Forces Party ceded ground to President Michel Aoun and his Free Patriotic Movement, sparking a row over Christian representation that had been seen as the main obstacle. However, PM-designate has yet to resolve a row over the Sunni representation. Lebanon is in dire need of a government able to implement the economic reforms that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) says are needed to put its public debt on a sustainable path. Lebanon has the world's third largest public debt as a proportion of the economy, and growth is stagnant. Lebanon's first parliamentary vote in nine years was held on May 6, with over 500 candidates vying for seats. Turnout was 49.2 percent, according to officials. Hezbollah and its political allies secured over half the seats. Hezbollah as well as groups and individuals affiliated to it won at least 67 seats, according to the results cited by politicians and campaigns and reported in Lebanese media. Hezbollah's allies include the Amal Movement led by Nabih Berri and the Christian Free Patriotic Movement founded by Aoun. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Some 2 million in urgent need of food in CAR: UN Iran Press TV Thu Nov 8, 2018 11:01AM The United Nations (UN)'s food agency has warned that nearly two million people are in urgent need of food in the violence-stricken Central African Republic (CAR). The World Food Program (WFP) expressed alarm on Thursday that the African country was in its worst era of food insecurity over the past four years. WFP spokesman Herve Verhoosel said figures on food security compiled by the UN food agency in September found "the worst results since 2014, with 1.9 million people in need of urgent food action." The official warned that urgent action was necessary "to prevent a humanitarian tragedy" in the CAR, blaming the deteriorating situation on the "persistent insecurity." The CAR has been witnessing violence since a coup ousted president Francois Bozize in 2013. Since then, the resource-rich but impoverished African country has been beset by simmering sectarian violence, which has claimed thousands of lives. Reports say there are at least 18 armed groups operating in the country of four million, fighting for control of the natural resources. The conflict has led to the displacement of more than a quarter of the CAR's population. Last week, fresh fighting between armed groups forced more than 10,000 people to take refuge in a hospital in Batangafo, about 380 kilometers north of the capital, Bangui. Of the 620,000 people who have been internally displaced by the violence, six out of 10 are staying with host families, the WFP said. The UN has around 12,500 personnel deployed in the CAR as part of its MINUSCA mission, one of the world body's largest peacekeeping forces. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Half of Yemen population on brink of famine, 35 NGOs warn Iran Press TV Thu Nov 8, 2018 03:05AM Thirty-five Yemeni and international NGOs on Wednesday called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Yemen, where they warned the Saudi-led coalition's war has put 14 million people on the brink of famine. "With 14 million men, women and children on the brink of famine half of the country's population there has never been a more urgent time to act," the NGOs said in a statement. The statement also called on the world to "secure an immediate cessation of hostilities" and "suspend the supply of arms at risk of being used in Yemen". "We call on governments to redouble their efforts to guarantee unimpeded access to essential items including through the lifeline port of Hudaydah, where civilians have been caught in renewed fighting over the past few days." The humanitarian crisis in Yemen is manmade and a direct consequence of the severe restrictions on access to food, fuel, medical imports and humanitarian aid, it added. The appeal was signed by Oxfam, Action Against Hunger, Doctors of the World, the International Federation for Human Rights, CARE International, and Yemeni organizations. Saudi Arabia has been incessantly pounding Yemen since March 2015 in an attempt to crush the popular Houthi movement and reinstate former president Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, a staunch ally of the Riyadh regime. One of the principle targets of the Saudi strikes is Hudaydah port, where the World Food Programme is finding it hard or impossible to access desperately-needed wheat stocks. Yemen is heavily dependent on food imports and the deadly ground and aerial attacks by the Riyadh regime and its allies are directly adding to the risk of starvation on a massive scale. According to a new report by the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED), a nonprofit conflict-research organization, the Saudi-led war has so far claimed the lives of around 56,000 Yemenis. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Brussels Hosts Serbia, Kosovo Leaders For 'Difficult' Normalization Talks By RFE/RL's Balkan Service November 08, 2018 The presidents of Kosovo and Serbia are meeting in Brussels as part of an EU-mediated dialogue on the normalization of relations between the two neighbors. EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini is hosting the November 8 talks between Aleksandar Vucic of Serbia and Kosovo's Hashim Thaci, amid renewed tension over Pristina's recent decision to impose tariffs on Serbian goods. The two countries have had tense relations since Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008. Although more than 110 countries recognize Kosovo, Serbia does not. Both Serbia and Kosovo have been told they must resolve their differences reach a binding agreement on their ties in order to make progress toward European Union membership. However, the EU-sponsored talks between the two countries' leaders have been stop-and-go in recent months. After the Brussels talks, which lasted less than an hour, Mogherini said the parties had "decided to remain in constant contact in the coming days to assess the followup of today's meeting." She urged both sides "to refrain from words, actions, and measures that are contrary to the spirit of normalization," according to a statement released by the EU's foreign policy service. "In today's meeting we will reconfirm Kosovo's full commitment to achieve a legally binding comprehensive agreement with Serbia," Thaci tweeted ahead of the meeting, while Vucic said he had no big expectations of a breakthrough but said it was necessary to talk, Serbia's national broadcaster RTS reported. Amid talk of land swaps between Serbia and Kosovo, Vucic in September refused to hold face-to-face talks with his Kosovar counterpart in Brussels, casting new doubt over prospects for a landmark agreement between the countries. In another sign of renewed tension in the region, Kosovo's government on November 6 announced it had decided to slap a 10 percent tax on Serbian and Bosnian products in retaliation for what it said was the two countries' hostility toward the young republic. Officials in Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina, which also does not recognize Kosovo's independence, blasted Pristina's decision, arguing that it violates the terms of the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA). Bosnian Foreign Trade Minister Mirko Sarovic called the move "intolerable," while Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic said Kosovo's "unilateral decision" showed that Pristina was not willing to continue dialogue with Belgrade. The EU called on the Kosovar government to revoke the new measures, saying they undermine regional cooperation and are in "clear violation" of the country's obligations under CEFTA. The regional grouping, which comprises Albania, Bosnia, Serbia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Moldova, aims at stimulating its members' economic development and EU path. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/brussels- hosts-serbia-kosovo-leaders-for-difficult- normalization-talks/29590392.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 Poland, Baltic States Host Their Biggest-Ever NATO Military Drills November 08, 2018 Around 17,500 soldiers from 10 NATO member states are participating in military drills that started on November 7 in Poland and the Baltic states, the Polish Defense Ministry announced. The ministry said the "Anakonda" exercise is the biggest drill the Polish forces have ever held, with 12,500 Polish troops involved at training grounds in the country. A further 5,000 soldiers from NATO member countries are taking part in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. The schedule also includes naval maneuvers in the Baltic Sea. The exercises will continue until November 16 and are aimed at training the individual units to cooperate with each other, the ministry said. Since the annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula by Russia in 2014, Poland and the three Baltic states as well as other Eastern European states have expressed concern about their security. The United States has deployed and rotated troops in the region since the Ukraine crisis began in an effort to deter Russia. NATO has also increased its presence on the eastern borders of those four countries, all of which border Russia. Poland has been calling for more U.S. military personnel to be deployed on its territory, with Warsaw suggesting to U.S. President Donald Trump recently that he create a permanent base under the name "Fort Trump." Based on reporting by dpa and TASS Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/poland- baltic-states-host-biggest-ever-nato- military-drills/29588868.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 GTA dnata, the Dubai-based air services provider's arm in Canada, has expanded operations at Toronto Pearson International Airport with the start of a new, long-term partnership with Air Transat. Air Transat, Canadas leading holiday airline, operates approximately 140 weekly flights from Toronto during peak season. Starting this month, GTA dnata will provide ground and passenger services to the airline, more than doubling the number of flights handled by its operations. To support the growth, GTA dnata has hired more than 200 additional staff to its team, which now consists of 450 customer-oriented aviation professionals. Mario DUrso, chairman of GTA dnata, said: We are proud to have been selected the ground handling partner of Air Transat at Toronto Pearson International Airport. This long-term contract is a vote of confidence in our quality services and we look forward to supporting the extensive operations of Canadas largest leisure carrier. It is our aim to exceed our customers expectations, and we will continue to work hard to deliver excellent service to all our airline partners in Toronto with our expanded team. GTA dnata now serves 12 airlines in Toronto, assisting 4,800 passengers and moving two tons of cargo every day. Underlining its commitment to the Canadian aviation market, in January 2019, dnata will also establish flight catering operations and open a new, state-of-the-art facility in Vancouver. Representing an investment of more than CAD$7 million ($5.3 million), the facility will have an initial capacity of up to 8,000 inflight meals a day. A global air services provider and the trusted partner of over 300 airline customers, dnata offers ground handling, cargo and catering services at 127 airports in 18 countries. - TradeArabia News Service Yemeni Ex-Chief of General Staff Appointed New Defense Minister - Reports Sputnik News 04:12 08.11.2018(updated 04:18 08.11.2018) DOHA (Sputnik) - Yemeni President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi appointed ex-Chief of General Staff Mohammed Maqdishi as the new defense minister ahead of key fighting with the rebel Houthi movement on the control over Al Hudaydah port city, local media reported. The president had also appointed ex-Navy chief Abdullah Nakhi as the new chief of General Staff, the Saba news agency reported. Maqdishi served as the chief of General Staff between 2015 and 2017 and was subsequently dismissed to become an adviser to the commander-in-chief. The battle for Al Hudaydah, a hub for international humanitarian aid deliveries to the war-torn country, has intensified recently with the Saudi led-coalition, which supports Hadi's forces, boosting its attacks on the rebels' positions. The devastating military conflict between the government and the Houthis erupted in 2015. The war has resulted in a huge civilian death toll and provoked a humanitarian disaster in the country. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address French Minister Suggests Joint EU Army Could Tackle Climate Disasters Sputnik News 01:48 08.11.2018 PARIS (Sputnik) The EU potential rapid deployment force may be used for tackling the consequences of natural disasters, for providing humanitarian assistance and in military operations, French Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly said. "What crises are we talking about? It is all kinds of crises. It may be a climate crisis like the one that happened last year during the Irma storm on Saint Martin [The second type of crises] is like the crisis that happened around 10 years ago in Lebanon when it was necessary to evacuate a large number of Europeans When France went to the Sahel region in 2013, it did this alone. If a similar crisis happens in the future, we would like to have an opportunity to prepare for it together with our allies who would like to participate in this operation," Parly told reporters on Wednesday. Parly made her remarks after the first ministerial meeting of EU states that have endorsed Paris' initiative to create the bloc's rapid deployment force. During the talks, the French defense chief said that a meeting of high-ranked General Staff members of these states will be held on Friday. The idea to create the European Union's joint military intervention force was for the first time voiced by French President Emmanuel Macron. In June, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom signed a letter of intent to establish such a force. Finland joined the group on Tuesday. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN sounds alarm as Venezuelan refugees and migrants passes three million mark 8 November 2018 - The number of refugees and migrants who have left Venezuela worldwide has now reached three million, the two main United Nations agencies advocating for them announced on Thursday, flagging the need to increase support for the countries which are hosting large numbers of displaced Venezuelans. According to the UN office for humanitarian coordination (OCHA), most of the 3 million are currently hosted by countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, accounting for about 2.4 million refugees and migrants from Venezuela. Colombia has the highest number with over one million, followed by Peru with half a million, Ecuador with some 220,000, and Argentina with 130,000. In addition to South American countries, countries in Central America and the Caribbean also recorded increasing arrivals of refugees and migrants from Venezuela. Panama, for example, is now hosting 94,000 Venezuelans. Commending these countries' "open-door policy," Eduardo Stein, who heads the joint effort on behalf of refugee agency UNHCR and migration agency IOM for Venezuelan refugees and migrants, noted however that "their reception capacity is severely strained," and is "requiring a more robust and immediate response from the international community if this generosity and solidarity are to continue." UNHCR Special Envoy Angelina Jolie, noted during a recent visit to Peru, that every Venezuelan she had met described the situation in their country as "desperate," adding that she heard "stories of people dying because of a lack of medical care and medicine and tragic accounts of violence and persecution". With these rising numbers of families fleeing Venezuela, their basic needs have increased, along with the communities hosting them. Governments in the region are leading the humanitarian response and working to coordinate efforts based on the Quito Declaration for example, adopted in September and which has been an important step towards a regional approach to scale up the response and harmonize policies. To support this response, the UN and its partners have appealed for US$220 million to address the needs of 406,000 people across Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Brazil. The UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) allocated $17.2 million earlier this year. In addition, a humanitarian regional response plan is underway to be launched in December, with a focus on four areas: direct emergency assistance, protection, socio-economic and cultural integration and capacity-building for governments of receiving countries. The governments from the region are scheduled to meet again in Quito on 22 and 23 November to continue moving the regional process further. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US War on Terror Kills Nearly 500,000 in Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan By Ayaz Gul November 08, 2018 A study released Thursday says the U.S.-led war on terrorism has killed about 507,000 people in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan during its 17 years and is showing a 22 percent increase in deaths in the past two years. The death toll includes U.S. and allied troops, civilians in the war zones, local military and police forces, as well as militants, who have died from war violence, according to the report by Brown University's Costs of War Project. The report said the number of indirect deaths was several times larger than deaths caused by direct war violence, bringing the total death count to well over 1 million people. Fatalities in Afghanistan, as of October 2018, stood at about 147,000 people, including Afghan security forces, civilians and opposition fighters. The figure also included the deaths of 6,334 American soldiers and contractors, as well as more than 1,100 allied troops. The report said that war-related violence had killed 65,000 people in neighboring Pakistan, including 90 American contractors, nearly 9,000 local security personnel and more than 23,000 civilians. The rest of the casualties were anti-government fighters. The rest of the deaths, between 268,000 and 295,000, occurred in Iraq, where the U.S.-led military intervention began in 2003. "Though the war on terror is often overlooked by the American public, press and lawmakers, the increased body count signals that, far from diminishing, this war remains intense," the report said. It also lamented that the U.S. wars have displaced millions of people in Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan. "This update just scratches the surface of the human consequences of 17 years of war," the report warned in its concluding lines. While the casualties in Pakistan have dropped by more than 80 percent in the past few years, intensified hostilities in Afghanistan continue to inflict record levels of casualties on civilians and pro-government forces. The year 2018, observers say, appears to be the deadliest so far since the conflict began 17 years ago. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Australia to Boost Defense, Diplomatic Presence in South Pacific By Phil Mercer November 08, 2018 Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Canberra will set up a multi-billion-dollar infrastructure bank to fund telecommunications, energy, transport and water projects in the South Pacific. There will be new diplomatic posts in Palau, the Marshall Islands, French Polynesia, Niue and the Cook Islands. Australia is also promising to boost defense cooperation in the region. Morrison says Australia must do more to help its Pacific neighbors. "We have got their back, they have got our back," he said. "They have always had our back, we need to just further strengthen that friendship and relationship. It is our responsibility in this part of the world. I think we have a real duty of care to our Pacific family and friends." The prime minister's announcement in a speech to soldiers in Queensland state is seen by analysts as an attempt to counter Chinese influence in the South Pacific. There are concerns that Beijing is piling up debt on developing nations in the South Pacific that they cannot service, making them politically obligated to Beijing. Australia stresses it will co-operate with other countries trying to boost development in the region, including China. John Lee, a former senior advisor to the Australian government, says China's political and diplomatic activities in the South Pacific have increased sharply. "We have been surprised by the extent to which the Chinese are making a play in the Pacific. We have always had a very strong aid and economic development program with the Pacific, but we did not view it as an area of contestation until quite recently." It comes as Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne arrives in Beijing for talks with her Chinese counterpart. It's the first time in three years the nations' foreign ministers have met. Bilateral relations have suffered after allegations were raised in Australia about Chinese interference in domestic politics. Canberra's pivot towards the South Pacific also come ahead of next week's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Papua New Guinea. Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend and will convene his own separate meeting with Pacific leaders. Papua New Guinea, Australia's nearest neighbor, has been among the biggest recipients of Chinese-funded infrastructure and is a signatory to the controversial "Belt and Road Initiative." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Amnesty International Urges Houthis to Leave Hodeida Hospital in Yemen By Edward Yeranian November 08, 2018 Amnesty International is calling on the pro-Iranian Houthi group to withdraw from the May 22 national hospital in Yemen's Red Sea port city of Hodeida. The Saudi-led coalition, which is gaining ground in the rebel-held city, claims the Houthis are using patients as human shields. The head of Amnesty International's Middle East program, Samah Hadad, said the presence of Houthi forces on the rooftop of the building constitutes a breach of the human rights of the patients inside the hospital. Both the Houthis and the Saudi-led coalition trying to dislodge them from Hodeida are claiming to have inflicted heavy casualties on each other. but the head of the Houthi group, Abdel Malek al-Houthi, admitted his forces had suffered some setbacks. He conceded that Saudi-led forces have mounted a major operation, bringing in large numbers of reinforcements and weaponry to put pressure on the city and advance. But he added that the major part of Hodeida province remains under Houthi control. A Yemeni military commander working alongside Saudi-coalition forces said coalition forces have advanced in Hodeida and that the Houthi forces have been fleeing and taking heavy losses. VOA could not independently confirm these reports. Recent Arab media video showed coalition forces advancing inside the city. Mohammed al Bakhiti, a Houthi spokesman, told Arab media his group was inflicting heavy casualties on the Saudi-led coalition. He said Saudi-led forces attack from the air, then bring forces in to advance inside on the ground. But he claimed his men lure them into narrow areas, then inflict heavy casualties on them. Meanwhile, many international NGOs and humanitarian groups like the U.N.'s FAO warn of the increased risk of famine in Yemen if fighting continues. The group's head, Jose Graziano da Silva, said on Twitter fighting is making the situation worse. Despite various appeals to end the three-and-a-half-year-old conflict, Samir al-Shibani, the deputy-human rights minister of Yemen's internationally recognized government of President Abdrabbu Mansour Hadi, claimed these appeals increase whenever the Saudi-led coalition advances in the country. He contended that the internationally-prompted hysteria to hold dialogue begins every time the balance of forces on the ground begins to tip in favor of the Hadi government. Despite the noise, he said the Hadi government's conditions are for dialogue are well-known, the main condition being that all traces of the Houthi-led coup on the ground be removed. U.N. Yemen envoy Martin Griffiths told Al Hurra TV several days ago he was hoping to bring the parties to the dialogue table "before year's end." He said "a number of European governments have offered to host the talks. Recent efforts to bring representatives of the Houthis and the Hadi government to the bargaining table have failed. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Country's first unmanned missile boat on display at Airshow China People's Daily Online (Chinadaily.com.cn) 09:05, November 08, 2018 China's first unmanned missile boat that recently tested missile launch is on display at the 12th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition (Airshow China) in Zhuhai, South China's Guangdong province. The unmanned boat, Liaowangzhe-2, is the country's first and second globally to fire a missile successfully. A remote-controlled unmanned ship of Israel's "Protector" series successfully fired a missile during an exercise last year. It is for the first time that Liaowangzhe-2 is shown to the public. It is jointly developed by Zhuhai-based shipping developer Oceanalpha, Xi'an Institute of Modern Control Technology and Huazhong Institute of Electro-Optics. The unmanned boat is 7.5 meters long and 2.7 meters wide, having a tonnage of 3.7 tons and a maximum speed of 45 knots. It can sail about 310 nautical miles at a speed of 22 knots. It can be used in sea conditions leveled below rough, or waves below 2.5 meters high. Liaowangzhe-2 is a reconnaissance and strike integrated unmanned vehicle, and it is equipped with a quadruple missile launcher in the front to launch four missiles with a maximum range of 5 kilometers under an image-aided terminal guidance system. It can be used for patrol missions around islands and border waters, attacking medium and small targets on the sea and land. A group of such boats could also carry out disability strike on large targets. The boat has different operation modes, such as fully autonomous, semi-autonomous and remote-controlled. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China Unveils Stealth Drone for First Time at Zhuhai Airshow Sputnik News 22:00 08.11.2018 On display at the 12th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, otherwise known as the Zhuhai Airshow, is a model of the country's new CH-7 unmanned aerial vehicle a stealth drone expected to be the first to hit global markets. Built by the state-owned Chinese Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, the drone is expected begin test flights sometime in 2019, with mass production starting in 2022 if all goes well. In this Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018, file photo, China's new-generation stealth unmanned combat aircraft prototype, the CH-7, is displayed during the 12th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, also known as Airshow China 2018, in Zhuhai city, south China's Guangdong province. Shi Wen, the CH-7's chief designer, told the AP on Wednesday that the aircraft can "fly long hours, scout and strike the target when necessary." "[We] can see the CH-7 flying in the blue skies, gradually being a practical and usable product in the future," the designer told the news outlet, adding that the drone will likely be sold abroad. It's unclear what countries might be on the list of potential buyers. CH-7 China new-generation stealth unmanned combat aircraft prototype is displayed during the 12th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, also known as Airshow China 2018, Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018, in Zhuhai city, south China's Guangdong province. The single-engine model, which is capable of flying at the speeds of a commercial jet plane, has a wingspan of roughly 72 feet and measures at a length of 33 feet, CBS News reported. Although other countries are working on developing their own versions of stealth drones, experts have indicated that China's low prices and willingness to share its technology are attracting more attention from interested buyers. According to China Daily, if the CH-7 stays on track with its flight tests, China's UAVs will be the first on the market and the "sole option for buyers wanting to field stealth combat drones." "It would represent an area of Chinese arms export offerings which no other country offers," aviation expert Justin Bronk told AP. Also showcased at the outdoor portion of the airshow was China's J-20 stealth fighter and J-10B fighter. And that's not all, folks. Inside was a replica of Beijing's future space station, Heavenly Palace, which is set to replace the International Space Station once it retires in 2024. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address CASIC Unveils New Anti-Ship Ballistic Missile Sputnik News 05:06 08.11.2018 China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation Limited (CASIC) showcased a new type of anti-ship ballistic missile at the Airshow China 2018 in Zhuhai, South China's Guangdong Province on Tuesday, which an expert says has the potential to destroy a hostile ship with one hit. Codenamed CM-401, the weapon system is a new type of hypersonic ballistic anti-ship missile that can reach as fast as Mach 6, according to a description the company released at the air show. It can be launched into a near-space trajectory and is capable of hypersonic maneuverable flight throughout the course, the description said. Upon reaching above its target, the CM-401 can conduct a terminal diving attack at extremely high velocity, it said. The missile can deliver rapid and precise strikes on medium to large vessels, vessel formations and port targets, the description said. A military expert who asked not to be named told the Global Times on Tuesday that the weapon has the potential of destroying a hostile vessel with one hit. Once it begins to dive, it is very difficult to intercept because of its hypersonic velocity, the expert said. China also has the DF-21D and DF-26 ballistic missiles capable of targeting moving targets at sea. China has already mastered the difficult technique of anti-ship ballistic missiles, he said, noting that even the US and Russia do not have a similar weapon in service. Such missiles need to change their trajectory to meet the moving ship, which is hard to achieve as the missiles fly very fast and the target could be moving unpredictably, the expert explained. The CM-401 can be launched by various platforms and reach as far as 290 kilometers, the company said. It can be launched using a land-based vehicle, according to a static display at the air show. It can also be launched by a ship, according to an illustration the company released. The missile is for sale to other countries, a company representative told the Global Times on Tuesday at the show. The anonymous expert said that putting the weapon on sale indicates that China's own technology is far more advanced and that China has the means to defend against it. By purchasing the weapon, the country will possess greater deterrence against hostile sea attacks, especially from large vessels like aircraft carriers, he noted. Aside from the CM-401, CASIC is also displaying another anti-ship missile weapon system featuring the YJ-12E (CM-302) supersonic anti-ship missile and the C602, C802A/CM-802B and C705 subsonic anti-ship missile. This article was originally published in Global Times. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Haley: North Korea Canceled High-Level Talks By Nike Ching November 08, 2018 U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley says it was North Korea that postponed this week's high-level talks with Washington. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was due to meet Thursday with Kim Yong Chol, a senior adviser to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, to discuss moving forward on a vague agreement signed back in June by Kim and U.S. President Donald Trump during their historic summit, which calls for Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear weapons program. Haley, who talked to reporters before and after a closed-door meeting of the U.N. Security Council, played down the delay saying, "I don't think there was some major issue'' for the postponement. But she also took the time to blast Russia for wanting to lift banking sanctions imposed on North Korea. Alluding to the "carrot and stick" approach the U.S. has used to try and curb Pyongyang's nuclear program, Haley said, "We have given a lot of carrots up until now. We are not going to get rid of the stick, because they haven't done anything to warrant getting rid of the sanctions yet." During a news conference Wednesday at the White House, Trump said he is in "no rush" to finalize a deal. "I would love to take the sanctions off, but they have to be responsive, too. It's a two-way street," Trump said. Both Russia and China have said they believe the North should be rewarded for stopping missile tests and opening a dialogue with the United States. But Washington and other Western powers say sanctions must be enforced until there is full denuclearization. North Korea warned last week it will consider reviving its nuclear weapons program if the United States fails to lift its crippling economic sanctions against the regime. North Korea is also seeking a peace treaty with the United States and South Korea that will formally end the 1950-53 Korean War that split the communist North from the democratic South. The fighting ended with an armistice, leaving North and South Korea in a technical state of war. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address South Africa has become the first sub-Saharan African country to institutionalise its engagement with the International Energy Agency (IEA), a development that marks an important milestone for energy governance in Africa and globally. Jeff Radebe, Minister of Energy of the Republic of South Africa, and Dr Fatih Birol, executive director of the International Energy Agency, jointly announced today South Africas decision to join the IEA as an Association country. South Africa is a major player in African energy markets representing the largest energy consumer on the continent, accounting for about half of Africas electricity capacity and possessing one of the highest electrification rates. The IEA is prioritizing work in Africa in the years ahead, and South Africa will be a critical partner for launching and delivering an ambitious array of energy access, security and clean energy transitions initiatives across the continent. I approved of South Africa joining the IEA as an Association country because this decision places us at the centre of the global energy forum with positive economic benefits for our country as we learn from IEA family members, said Minister Radebe. While commending Minister Radebe for spearheading South Africas energy sector reform and making outstanding progress in improving the countrys electrification rate, Dr Birol stated that today, Mr Minister, you again demonstrate South Africas leadership both in Africa and beyond. I am fully confident that this new chapter in our relationship will be mutually beneficial. Among the agreements signed by the two leaders was a three-year joint programme of work identifying opportunities for collaboration on energy statistics, energy efficiency, electrification and power system transition, renewables integration, energy innovation, and domestic gas market design. South Africas decision to join the IEA family is a welcome development, and critical to the advancement of the IEAs modernization mandate, which was defined during the 2015 Ministerial meeting and is built on three pillars: opening the agencys doors to emerging countries; broadening energy security beyond oil to natural gas and electricity; and developing a global clean energy hub, including for energy efficiency. The result has been a marked growth in the IEA family to include 30 members and 8 Association countries, and to represent almost 75 per cent of global energy consumption. In speaking of joining the IEA family, Minister Radebe extended his appreciation to the IEA and Dr Birols leadership in achieving such a result in working with South Africa to become an Association country and highlighted that he looks forward to working together on affordable, accessible, and clean energy. Dr Birol praised Minister Radebe for his vision and action and emphasized that the IEA looks forward to working with South Africa to make the energy world more sustainable, more secure and more equitable. TradeArabia News Service 'Not Going to Let it Happen': Haley Vows to Stop Russia Lifting DPRK Sanctions Sputnik News 02:37 09.11.2018(updated 03:06 09.11.2018) US Envoy to the United Nations Nikki Haley said Thursday that Moscow wants to lift banking sanctions on North Korea put in place to try to curb Pyongyang's nuclear program, but the United States would not let that happen, Reuters reported. "What they're looking for is to lift banking restrictions So now we know what their agenda is, we know exactly why they're trying to do it and we're not going to let it happen," Haley said after a closed-door security council meeting on North Korea sanctions, as quoted by Reuters. Russia's envoy was also in attendance at the meeting. The UNSC has adopted a number of resolutions condemning the development of nuclear weapons by Pyongyang. In particular, a resolution unanimously endorsed by the UNSC last year bans imports of textile products from North Korea and restricts the country's access to gas liquids. The sanctions also banned all joint ventures to cut North Korea off from foreign investments. The US Senate banking committee also passed a North Korea sanctions bill last year that has reinforced financial measures currently in place. In particular, the bill allows the US states and local governments divest from, or prohibit investment in, companies that engage in certain investment activity in North Korea. The UNSC and Washington have repeatedly imposed sanctions on North Korea over the country's nuclear and ballistic missile tests. Russia said in October it was time to consider the possibility of relaxing the international restrictions against Pyongyang amid commitment expressed by North Korea's leadership to denuclearize of the Korean Peninsula. The latest UNSC session on restrictions against Pyongyang was held in the open format on September 17. It followed Moscow's move to ban the adoption of a report by UNSC panel on restrictions against North Korea, the so-called 1718 Sanctions Committee, until some changes are introduced to it. Pyotr Ilyichev, director of the Department of International Organizations at the Russian Foreign Ministry, said on Thursday that Moscow would raise the issue of lifting sanctions on Pyongyang at closed UN Security Council consultations on November 9. "The United States is trying to harm all external relations that N. Korea could develop. They are trying to crush all aspects of life under their unilateral sanctions," he stressed. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Tehran writes to IMO over illegal US bans on scores of Iranian ships Iran Press TV Thu Nov 8, 2018 06:05PM Tehran lodges a complaint with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) against the US over the re-imposition of sweeping sanctions, which target scores of Iranian ships as part of Washington's much-criticized push to cut off the country's oil exports. In a tweet on Thursday, Iran's Ambassador the UK Hamid Baeidinejad said the diplomatic mission under his watch submitted a letter to the London-based body to voice Tehran's protest at the return of the unlawful US sanctions. In the letter, Tehran's Embassy condemned "the imposition by the US of unilateral sanctions on Iran's ships as a measure that violates international maritime law and endangers maritime security." It also called on the IMO to conduct a "special review" of the matter at its Assembly -- the organization's highest governing body. As a specialized agency of the United Nations, the IMO -- which has 174 member states -- is tasked with regulating international shipping. The organization works to promote "safe, secure, environmentally sound, efficient and sustainable shipping through cooperation," as its mission statement reads. It also addresses safety issues, environmental concerns, legal matters, technical cooperation among member states, maritime security and the efficiency of shipping. The complaint was filed days after Washington put back in place a new round of unilateral sanctions against Iran's banking and energy sectors with the aim of cutting off its oil sales and crucial exports. The US Treasury Department's sanctions list includes over 200 people and ships among more than 700 Iranian or Iran-linked targets. Washington has not even spared Iran's ill-fated Sanchi oil tanker, which collided with a frigate off China's east coast in January and sank with 32 people on board, in a gaffe that drew mockery from Iranian people and officials. US threats ports worldwide On Wednesday, the US warned all ports and insurance companies to steer clear of Iranian ships, with Brian Hook, the State Department's special representative on Iran policy, saying the bans extended to insurers and underwriters. "Knowingly providing these services to sanctioned Iranian shipping companies will result in the imposition of US sanctions," Hook told reporters, adding, "From the Suez Canal to the Strait of Malacca and all choke points in between, Iranian tankers are now a floating liability." Washington had initially vowed to bring imports of Iranian oil down to zero, but it later granted exemptions to eight of Tehran's major customers -- including China, India, Japan and South Korea -- under their pressure. The new round of sanctions, which were reinstated against Iran on Monday, was the second of its kind since May, when the US defied the world community and unilaterally exited a 2015 multinational deal with Iran -- under which those bans had been lifted. A first round was reinstated in August. The UN and the European Union -- which chaired the nuclear talks in the lead-up to the nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) -- have criticized the US for re-imposing the bans. Iran's other partners to the deal -- France, Britain, Germany, Russia and China -- have firmly defended the deal and vowed serious efforts to protect the international document, which had been endorsed by UN Security Council resolution 2231. The European sides are currently working to put in place financial mechanisms aimed at protecting their business links with Iran and blunting the impact of the American restrictive measures. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address South Korea, Iran to trade in local currencies Iran Press TV Thu Nov 8, 2018 10:21AM South Korea says it has reached a deal with Iran to use local currencies in mutual trade between the two countries instead of the US dollar. According to Yonhap News Agency, the two countries "will restart the won-based settlement of bilateral trade transactions" using the accounts of the Central Bank of Iran at two South Korean banks: Woori Bank and the Industrial Bank of Korea. "It's expected to provide South Korean firms with more opportunities for the trade of non-sanctions items such as medical products, processed food and home appliances, although the exports of some products including steel and automobile parts will be affected by the sanctions," Yonhap quoted an anonymous informed as saying. The move came after the US announced on Monday that it had restored all Iran sanctions that had been lifted in 2015 after a nuclear deal was signed between the country and the five permanent members of the Security Council the US, Britain, France, Russia and China as well as Germany. Nevertheless, experts have already emphasized that contrary to the goals which the US would try to achieve by renewing its sanctions against Iran, the bans would only have a limited effect on the country's economy, while failing to affect its regional involvement. "Iran has been sanctioned for more than 40 years. It is not something new," Seyyed Hossein Moussavian, a former Iranian nuclear negotiator and Middle East policy specialist at Princeton University, told the Middle East Eye news portal on Friday. Later, Washington said it had granted 180-day waivers to eight economics, including China, India, South Korea, Italy, Greece, Taiwan and Turkey, from the oil import ban reimposed on Iran by President Donald Trump. Following the announcement of waivers, SK Innovation, South Korea's biggest oil refiner by sales, said it was planning loadings of condensate from Iran for early January. SK Innovation said the waiver is for six months though it can be extended and that the company was looking to diversify supply sources. According to S&P Global Platts Analytics, South Korea would be able to take around 4 million barrels a month (130,000 bpd) of Iranian crude and condensate. South Korea is the largest buyer of Iranian South Pars condensate, an ultra light oil which is mainly used as a raw material to make petrochemicals like plastics. South Korean refiners and petrochemical producers suspended shipments of Iranian crude and condensate in July for the first time in six years, ahead of the early November deadline set by the US to end trade with Iran. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S. Warns Iranian Oil Tankers May Be Courting 'Environmental Disaster' By RFE/RL November 08, 2018 The United States is warning other countries not to allow Iranian oil tankers into their ports, saying the tankers not only could incur penalties under U.S. sanctions but may be courting "environmental disaster." The State Department warned the global shipping and insurance industries on November 7 that as part of Washington's "maximum pressure campaign" to get Iran to change its behavior, insuring Iranian tankers will now incur penalties under the sanctions reinstated this week. Brian Hook, the special U.S. representative for Iran, said that as major insurers withdraw coverage from Iranian vessels, Iran will likely turn to domestic insurance companies that will not be able to cover losses for maritime accidents that could run into the billions of dollars. "From the Suez Canal to the Strait of Malacca and all choke points in between, Iranian tankers are now a floating liability," Hook told reporters. "Countries, ports and canal operators and private firms should know they will be likely responsible for the costs of an accident involving a self-insured Iranian tanker." The United States "sincerely hopes" accidents do not occur, he said, but he noted that an Iranian tanker was involved in a major accident in the East China Sea in January that resulted in the loss of the ship and all its crew as well as a massive oil spill. He said the department had evidence that Iranian vessels are trying to evade U.S. sanctions by disabling location transponders used to prevent collisions -- with the goal of making Iran's oil exports harder to track. "This tactic is a maritime security threat," Hook said. "These transponders are designed to maximize visibility at sea and turning them off only increases the risk of accidents and injuries. Self-insured Iranian tankers engaging in unsafe behavior, with many tons of crude oil on board, [are] courting environmental and financial disaster." The sanctions that went into force on November 7 target Iran's energy, financial, and shipping sectors and result from President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw the United States from Iran's 2015 nuclear agreement with world powers, which had lifted the sanctions for a time. The sanctions aim to isolate Iran by choking off its main source of revenue -- oil exports -- and they are enforced through the imposition of penalties on companies that continue to do business with Iran. However, the administration granted waivers allowing eight major oil-importing countries -- including China and India, Iran's top two customers -- continue buying Iranian petroleum products without penalty for another six months. Iranian officials have said the waivers provide proof that the United States cannot achieve its goal of cutting off all of Iran's oil exports. With reporting by AP, AFP, and Reuters Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/us-warns-iranian- oil-tankers-may-be-courting-environmental-disaster -financial-penalties/29588955.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 Rohingya Fearful of Forcible Repatriation to Myanmar By Joshua Carroll November 08, 2018 Rohingya Muslims who fled a brutal military campaign in Myanmar last year are living in fear after being told they are on a list of over 2,200 people due to be forcibly returned to the country this month. Some have said they are considering taking their own lives to avoid being sent back to Rakhine state, where Myanmar's military is accused of waging a genocidal campaign of mass murder and rape. "If we go back, they can kill us, they can torture us. We have already lost everything once," said one man from the Jamtoli camp, speaking on the condition of anonymity, who was told by camp officials he is on the list along with his family. Bangladesh and Myanmar last month struck a deal to begin returning Rohingya refugees by "mid-November". The 2,200 names were picked from a list of 8,000 that Bangladesh gave to Myanmar in February. Bangladesh's refugee relief and rehabilitation commissioner, Abul Kalam, has told Human Rights Watch the Rohingya on the list "were not chosen because they particularly wanted to go back." More than 730,000 Rohingya have fled into Bangladesh since August last year from what UN investigators say is genocide. Myanmar has consistently denied the charge and says the campaign was a legitimate response to what it called terrorist attacks. The UN's Special Rapporteur on human rights for Myanmar, Yanghee Lee,has called on both countries to scrap the plan to return people this month, warning Rohingya face a "high risk of persecution" if returned. The plan may also "violate obligations under customary international law to uphold the principle of non-refoulement," she added. "Bangladesh should not be sending anyone at this time," Nay San Lwin, a Rohingya activist, told VOA. "Forcing survivors and refugees back to the killing fields where genocide is still going on is complicity in genocide." A humanitarian who works closely with the Rohingya community in Bangladesh said that, although Rohingya at Jamtoli had been told they are on the list, names had not yet been officially confirmed. Until the UN's refugee agency receives an official list from the Bangladeshi government, "we're not entirely sure," who is due to be returned, they said. They added that they were aware of one man who had attempted suicide after hearing he was on the list: "The issue is that the lack of clarity and communication alone is already causing harm regardless of whether repatriation actually starts." Rohingya who believe they are on the list told VOA that a block leader in their camp said they would be moved to another location inside Bangladesh on November 12 in preparation for their return. Myanmar has this year built "reception centers" and "transit camps" to house and process the expected returnees. The facilities are surrounded by barbed wire and security posts, and advocates fear the camps could become permanent homes for returning Rohingya. "They are like concentration camps," said Nay San Lwin. Myanmar government spokesperson Zaw Htay told VOA he could not comment for this story. The Rohingya man from the Jamtoli camp in Bangladesh, who was told his family was on the list last week, said his mother recently fainted from the stress. As he was fleeing Rakhine state in September last year he saw his nephew and son-in-law shot dead, he said. "Other families who are being sent back are crying loudly, all day and night," he told VOA. "One family on the list have lost their parents. They're crying, they have no one to look after them." Another man who was informed he was on the list told VOA he witnessed troops killing people from his village as he fled Rakhine state at the end of August last year. "They were killing everyone, small children, the elderly, everyone," he said. Earlier this week two block leaders - Rohingya volunteers who help refugees communicate with officials - approached him with a form and asked how many family members he has, and for a picture of the head of the family. He refused, he said, and an argument ensued. "We will never agree to go," he told them. "If they make us go we will take our own lives here, this is our final decision." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pakistan Begins Talks With IMF On Three-Year Bailout Package By RFE/RL November 08, 2018 Pakistan has begun talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on a possible bailout package to help the country overcome a deepening economic crisis. Finance Ministry spokesman Noor Ahmad said on November 7 that Pakistan expected to receive a three-year assistance package from the international lender of last resort. The talks on what would be the 13th IMF bailout package since the 1980s are scheduled to finish on November 20. Islamabad last received an IMF bailout of $6.6 billion in 2013. Hours ahead of the IMF delegation's arrival in Islamabad, Finance Minister Asad Umar announced that an immediate balance of payment crisis has been averted with the help of China and Saudi Arabia. Pakistan was facing a $12 billion financing gap for the current fiscal year. Umar told a press conference late on November 6 that Saudi Arabia had already committed $6 billion and another $6 billion would come from China. Last month, Saudi Arabia announced it would lend $3 billion to Pakistan's central bank for a year to help maintain reserves at a safe level, and provide another $3 billion through deferred payments on oil purchases. Chinese leaders pledged to help Pakistan during Prime Minister Imran Khan's visit to Beijing last week. Details of the Chinese assistance are still under negotiation. Umar said Pakistan's finance secretary and central bank governor will travel to Beijing on November 9 to finalize terms of the assistance. Khan's government has sought to minimize the amount borrowed from the IMF by getting loans from "friendly" countries. The conditions the IMF typically attaches to its loans include such unpopular measures as devaluing the country's currency, balancing the budget with spending cuts and tax increases, and curbing imports to tame the trade deficit. Pakistani officials are concerned tough IMF conditions would hit economic growth in the short term and prevent Khan from fulfilling populist campaign pledges. Khan's government has pledged to create an "Islamic welfare state" and help build 5 million homes for the poor. Pakistan's current account deficit widened by 43 percent to $18 billion in the last fiscal year and its budget deficit has ballooned to 6.6 percent of economic output, creating a financial crunch that economists say will require IMF intervention to overcome. With reporting by dpa, AFP, and Reuters Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/pakistan-begins-talks-imf- three-year-bailout-package-khan-/29588927.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, China Lash Out At U.S. Sanctions While Forging Closer Ties By RFE/RL November 08, 2018 Russian and Chinese leaders are lashing out at U.S. sanctions and tariffs that they say are undermining the global trading system built by Washington, and say the measures have served to cement closer economic and political ties between Beijing and Moscow. Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, in a visit to Beijing on November 7, accused the United States of misusing sanctions to gain an advantage in world trade and to resolve domestic political disputes. "It is obvious that all sorts of sanctions, talks about sanctions against Iran, sanctions against the Russian Federation, restrictions on supplies and duties against the EU, China are made in order to solve domestic political problems," Medvedev said in comments echoed by Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang. The two leaders said the U.S. trade restrictions had revived "protectionist" sentiments around the world and put a "time bomb" under the World Trade Organization (WTO), the global trade arbiter created by the United States and its allies to enforce a system of rules on global trade. "Protectionism and unilateral approaches harm the multilateral trade system, the core of which is the WTO," Li said. Both Russia and China had to struggle to meet the Western trading standards imposed by the WTO, but recently have become among the organization's biggest defenders. Medvedev said Russia will "withstand" the U.S. sanctions imposed over Moscow's aggression in Ukraine and other matters, but he said the sanctions Washington imposed on Iran this week had the potential to seriously damage Iran's economy and cause the break-up of Iran's 2015 nuclear agreement, which Russia, China, and other world powers pledged to honor after the United States abandoned it this year. Washington has reimposed sanctions on Iran despite having "no evidence" Tehran violated the deal, Medvedev claimed, with the result that "what was done with such difficulty may be derailed, because, as far as I understand it, Iran's patience is not endless." Iranian leaders have said they will honor the 2015 deal as long as Iran's economy continues to benefit from the sanctions relief granted by world powers other than the United States, but they have vowed to walk away from the deal if it no longer benefits Iran. Russia and Iran have been among the main targets of U.S. sanctions imposed by Washington since 2014, when the United States first hit Moscow with sanctions over its annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula. Since then, the sanctions have been widened and ratcheted up in response to alleged Russian meddling in U.S. elections as well as its alleged poisoning of Russian ex-spy Sergei Skripal in England this year. A round of U.S. sanctions announced against Russia's defense and intelligence sectors this year was also applied to China recently over its purchase of Russian military aircraft. Meanwhile, Washington has also been in an escalating trade battle with China, with the two economic titans imposing tit-for-tat tariffs on each others' exports. One apparently unintended effect of the sanctions and trade wars has been to drive Beijing and Moscow closer together, while forcing Russia to rely more on its own economic resources, the leaders said. To "withstand" the U.S. sanctions, Medvedev said Russia had had to adapt in ways that have benefited the Russian economy, turning to China to expand trade while developing Russia's own industries instead of relying on imports and technology from the West. As a result, China has become Russia's biggest trade partner, he said, and that trade should continue to grow quickly if only because China is the world's biggest energy consumer while Russia is one of the biggest energy producers. Medvedev told reporters that he expected trade between Russia and China to reach $100 billion this year for the first time, and to eventually double to $200 billion. Trade between the countries grew by 30 percent last year to $87 billion, according to Stratfor, a U.S. analytical firm. Li Zhanshu, a top official in China's National People's Congress, echoed Medvedev's comments. While the United States continues to "swing the club of sanctions" around the world, he said it was important for China and Russia to strengthen their cooperation politically and economically. Li said China's goal was to bring relations with Russia "to a higher level through joint efforts." With reporting by dpa and Interfax Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-china -lash-out-us-sanctions-forging-closer-ties-wto-iran- deal-medvedev-li/29588872.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 S-300 deliveries minimized Israeli attacks' success IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Tehran, Nov 8, IRNA -- Deliveries of Russian S-300 air defense systems to Syria did not nullify the risks of new attacks by Israel, but minimized the possibility of their success, Syrian Army political bureau head Brig. Gen. Hasan Ahmad Hasan told Sputnik in an interview. 'There is no concept of zero probability in military strategy. We cannot say that this probability has been reduced to zero. Because we are talking about open skies, extended borders, various technologies Therefore, I cannot say that in the end there will not be such a probability, however, the probability of this aggression achieving its goals has been minimized,' Hasan said, when asked about the possibility of new Israeli attacks against Syria following the S-300 deliveries. On October 2, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said that Russia had completed its delivery of new S-300 systems to Syria, including 49 units of systems-related equipment such as radars, basic target acquisition systems, command posts and four launchers. Earlier, a Russian Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft was downed by a missile launched by Syria's S-200 air defense system. The Syrian system was targeting Israeli F-16 jets that were attacking the facilities in the Syrian province of Latakia. The Syrian crisis has been raging on for over seven years, with the government fighting various opposition movements and terrorist groups. 1396**1396 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address S-300 Deliveries Minimized Possibility of Israeli Attacks' Success Syrian Army Sputnik News 10:03 08.11.2018(updated 10:23 08.11.2018) DAMASCUS (Sputnik) - Deliveries of Russian S-300 air defense systems to Syria did not nullify the risks of new attacks by Israel, but minimized the possibility of their success, Syrian Army political bureau head Brig. Gen. Hasan Ahmad Hasan told Sputnik in an interview. "There is no concept of zero probability in military strategy. We cannot say that this probability has been reduced to zero. Because we are talking about open skies, extended borders, various technologies Therefore, I cannot say that in the end there will not be such a probability, however, the probability of this aggression achieving its goals has been minimized," Hasan said, when asked about the possibility of new Israeli attacks against Syria following the S-300 deliveries. On October 2, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said that Russia had completed its delivery of new S-300 systems to Syria, including 49 units of systems-related equipment such as radars, basic target acquisition systems, command posts and four launchers. Earlier, a Russian Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft was downed by a missile launched by Syria's S-200 air defense system. The Syrian system was targeting Israeli F-16 jets that were attacking the facilities in the Syrian province of Latakia. The Syrian crisis has been raging on for over seven years, with the government fighting various opposition movements and terrorist groups. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Syrian Forces Free Hostages, Launch Offensive Against Daesh in Safa Region Sputnik News 02:03 09.11.2018 Some 1,500 Daesh terrorists are believed to remain in this area of southern Syria. As the Syrian armed forces steadily regain control over their country's territory, an offensive has been launched against the remnants of Daesh in the Safa Volcanic Field in southern Syria. The offensive became possible after Syrian forces freed 19 civilians that Daesh terrorists at Safa had used as their "last bargaining chip," Al-Masdar News reports. "For months, Daesh has used these hostages to leverage the Syrian military to halt their operations in the Al-Safa region of southern Syria," the report stated. The hostages had been held in captivity since July 25, when terrorists raided the Druze-majority city of Suwayda and neighbouring villages, killing more than 250 civilians, according to PressTV. Now, without those hostages in their grasp, Daesh has nothing to hide behind. As Daesh kept bargaining back and forth (a threat to execute hostages actually prompted a liberation operation), Syrian forces were conducting a military build-up in the region. According to Al-Masdar News, the Syrian Arab Army's 4th Armoured Division is now fully deployed at Safa, which likely indicates the government is no longer interested in negotiations. According to the website Syria.liveuamap.com, the assault on Daesh started Thursday, after a pre-emptive bombardment. Some 1,500 fighters are estimated to be holed up in the volcanic field. Safa is one of three remaining Daesh-controlled strongholds in Syria. Another is a rather small strip north of the Euphrates, between the town of Hajin and the Iraqi border, where the terrorists are being constantly engaged by Kurdish SDF militants. There is also a large, sparsely populated area between Hajin and Palmyra, which is also said to be under Daesh control at the moment. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority has introduced a new award aimed at celebrating the contribution of states, business organisations and individuals around the world to the success of the aviation industry. This triennial award reflects UAEs commitment to promoting aviation and the support to ICAOs No Country Left Behind initiative. The Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Aviation Award (SMBRAMGAA) recognises overall excellence in the quality of air transport infrastructure, compliance to safety and security standards, cooperation and support among ICAO contracting states, personal contributions of individuals and innovation. The award Scheme consists of six distinct categories, each one designed to support these strategic objectives and represent the unique mix that is the aviation business. The categories include: State with most improved Quality of Aviation Infrastructure, Outstanding Global Connectivity Award, Outstanding Resource Contribution to ICAO Programs, Outstanding International Cooperation Programs, Aviation personality of the Triennium and Innovation Award (encompassing aviation safety, security, sustainability, passenger experience). The award is managed under the chairmanship of Engineer Sultan Saeed Al Mansoori UAE Minister of Economy and the chairman of GCAA and a group of international strategic partners will contribute to the evaluation process. The diversity of the awards categories reflects our commitment to the overall development of the industry. We recognize that excellence in the aviation industry does not happen by accident," Al Mansoori said He added: There are regulatory authorities, business organisations, academic institutions and of course individuals who are striving day and night for the development of aviation. This is our humble effort to say thank you to them who made a meaningful contribution in the development of our industry and by doing so, helped uplift the socio-economic wellbeing of millions of people around the world. We invite you to join us in our continuous efforts to promote compliance with aviation safety and security standards, cooperation and support for each other, recognise and reward outstanding leaders and promote liberalisation and innovation. We encourage you to participate by nominating an exceptional leader for his or her exemplary contribution to the industry, an organisation or individual for their creativity and innovation. The UAEs global aviation success story is thanks in large part to the visionary leadership of the UAEs Vice President and Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and his passion for aviation and the significance placed on aviation towards wider global economic development. Traditionally, however, the aviation world has been dominated by a few nations with a long-standing history of aviation. Thus, emerging nations such as UAE have had to develop creative ways to assert themselves. H.E Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, director general of the GCAA, said: We believe that ICAOs No Country Left behind initiative presents an opportunity for an award scheme that rewards the development of the aviation industry across the board. With this in view, we launched the triennial Mohammed Bin Rashid (MBR) Global Aviation Award that coincides with the ICAO General Assembly, once every three years in Montreal Canada. The objective of the award scheme is to provide a platform to connect and improve relations with Least Developed States (LDS), support the ICAO Objective of increased global connectivity, support the Global Aviation Plan for Development and promote innovation and liberalization across the industry globally. From the first commercial flight arriving in the UAE in October 1932 from what is now Pakistan, the UAE aviation sector has flourished and the UAE is now home to one of the worlds busiest international airports and the largest international airlines. - TradeArabia News Service Military must be ready for new threats from China: president ROC Central News Agency 2018/11/08 15:08:25 Kaohsiung, Nov. 8 (CNA) President Tsai Ing-wen () urged the armed forces Thursday to be ready to counter new forms of security threats from China, including misinformation, as she commissioned two Perry-class guided missile frigates purchased from the United States. In the commissioning ceremony for the Ming Chuan () and Feng Chia () frigates at Kaohsiung's Zuoying Military Harbor, Tsai warned the military that the country is facing serious security threats, both traditional and non-traditional, from the People's Liberation Army. "Via new technology, the Internet and new media, tens of thousands of pieces of misinformation originating from Beijing have been spreading in Taiwan society, attacking our government and industry," Tsai said. Countering such misinformation poses a major challenge for national security and is a top task for government and the military, the president said. Facing new threats, Tsai said the armed forces have been tasked with keeping the nation safe. Commissioning the two vessels is another important step in the beefing up of the country's combat preparedness, she added. The two ships, built in the 1980s and originally named USS Taylor and USS Gary in the U.S. Navy, were delivered in May 2016. They are joining the Taiwan Navy's 146th fleet based in the outlying Penghu islands and will be deployed to patrol the Taiwan Strait. The Perry-class frigates have high mobility and are equipped with the SQQ-89 undersea warfare combat system and the SQR-19 sonar system, both of which the Navy said will beef up its anti-submarine capabilities. In December 2014, then-U.S. President Barack Obama signed a bill into law authorizing the sale of four Perry-class frigates to Taiwan, which allocated about NT$5.5 billion (US$174.8 million) for the purchase of two of the ships. According to the Navy, it sent personnel to the U.S. in May 2016 for training prior to taking delivery of the two vessels, which arrived in Taiwan in March 2017. (By Joseph Yeh) Enditem/J NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S. sale of warships to Taiwan helps regional stability: AIT ROC Central News Agency 2018/11/08 15:48:25 Taipei, Nov. 8 (CNA) The sale of two U.S. warships to Taiwan, which were commissioned on Thursday, contributes to stability and military balance in Indo-Pacific region, the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) said Thursday. President Tsai Ing-wen () commissioned the two U.S.-made Perry-class guided missile frigates at Zuoying Naval Base in Kaohsiung. Built in the 1980s and named USS Taylor and USS Gary in the U.S. Navy, the two vessels have been renamed in Taiwan as the Ming Chuan () and Feng Chia (). They will be part of the Taiwan Navy's 146th fleet based in the outlying island of Penghu and will be deployed to patrol the Taiwan Strait, according to the Navy. In a press release Thursday, the AIT said the sale of the two Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates was approved in December 2015 during the administration of then U.S. President Barack Obama. "This sale is consistent with United States commitments under the Taiwan Relations Act to provide military articles that support Taiwan's self-defense," said the AIT, which represents U.S. interests in Taiwan. The two frigates "will improve Taiwan's capability in current and future defensive efforts, and furthers Taiwan's continuing work to modernize its armed forces," the AIT said. "Additionally, the transfer will contribute to political stability, military balance, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific region, key elements of our Indo-Pacific Strategy," it added. The AIT also said it had sent representatives to Thursday's commissioning ceremony. "AIT Kaohsiung Chief Matt O'Conner and members of the AIT team participated in today's event to signify our enduring support to Taiwan's defense under the provisions of the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979," AIT spokesperson Amanda Mansour told CNA. (By Joseph Yeh) Enditem/pc NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S. official: Taiwan policy unchanged despite 'country' description ROC Central News Agency 2018/11/08 12:39:24 Washington, Nov. 7 (CNA) Brian Hook, the U.S. Special Representative for Iran, reiterated Wednesday that the United States' policy toward Taiwan remains unchanged, despite Secretary of State Mike Pompeo calling it a nation earlier in the week. "Our policy has not changed. The United States remains committed to the U.S. one China policy, the three joint communiques and our responsibilities under the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA)," Hook told a regular news briefing in Washington when asked whether it was a slip of the tongue by Pompeo or if it marked a policy change toward Taiwan. On Nov. 2, Pompeo first announced that the U.S. will re-impose sanctions against Iran but added that eight "jurisdictions" will get exemptions to continue importing crude oil from that country. Pompeo, however, referred to Taiwan as a country when announcing Nov. 5 that China, India, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Greece, Italy and Turkey will be granted waivers, as long as they work to reduce oil imports from Iran to zero. "And then the secretary, when he made his announcement on Monday, included Taiwan as among the eight countries..." one reporter said. "He (Pompeo) specifically said (it). Does this mean that -- that at least the two of you, Brian Hook and Secretary Pompeo... regard Taiwan as a country? Or is this just kind of a slip of the tongue?" the reporter asked. While Hook reiterated that the U.S. remains committed to its one China policy, the three joint communiques, and its responsibilities under the TRA, the reporter continued to ask: "So why call it a country and court the ire of the Chinese?" The waiver the U.S. has granted to Taiwan "is relevant to Taiwan's economy. And anything else you may have heard, whatever you've interpreted, nothing has changed in our policy," Hook replied. Pompeo said the sanctions are "aimed at fundamentally altering the behavior of the Islamic Republic of Iran." (By Chiang Chin-yeh and Flor Wang) Enditem/J NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Taiwan adds new US-made warships to navy Iran Press TV Thu Nov 8, 2018 09:45AM Taiwan has launched two US-manufactured frigates as part of plans to boost its naval capabilities. The two Perry-class guided missile frigates were officially commissioned in a ceremony attended by Taiwanese president Tsai Ing-wen at Zuoying base in southern Kaohsiung City on Thursday. Taiwan's navy said the warships named Ming Chuan and Feng Chia enjoy "high mobility, high sea resistance and low noise," adding that the two are equipped with the SQR-19 sonar system currently used by the US Navy. The frigates, acquired from the US during the administration of former president Barack Obama, will be deployed to patrol the Taiwan Strait, a narrow waterway that separates the island and China, according to the navy. "Taiwanese people are once again sending a clear and determined message to the world and international community. That is, we will defend the Republic of China Taiwan and safeguard our lifestyle based on freedom and democracy. We will make no concession," Tsai said after inspecting the ships. She pledged to continue enhancing self-ruled Taiwan's naval capabilities to maintain what she called "solid defense and multi-layered deterrence" to guard the island. The 62-year-old president also criticized China's growing military activities across the region, claiming that the moves not only sought to "weaken Taiwan's sovereignty but will also damage regional peace and stability." China has bolstered its military presence near Taiwan, sailing its only operating aircraft carrier through the Taiwan Strait in January and March and holding extensive "encirclement" exercises nearby in recent months. China claims full sovereignty over Taiwan; and almost all world countries, including the US since 1979, recognize that sovereignty under a policy known as "One China." Beijing has pursued reunification ever since Taiwan broke away from mainland China during a civil war in 1949. But Washington has extensive military ties with Taiwan, forwarding advanced military hardware to the island state over the objections of China. Under President Donald Trump, the US has been enhancing relation with Taiwan. Beijing's relations with Taipei have particularly been strained since Tsai, of the independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party, came to power in 2016. She has strong anti-China inclinations and refuses to acknowledge that both sides are part of "One China." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NATO Membership Won't Prevent Turkey From Having Good Ties With Russia - Ankara Sputnik News 15:48 08.11.2018 MOSCOW (Sputnik) Turkey's NATO membership will not stand in the way of it developing a good relationship with Russia, Volkan Bozkir, the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, said Thursday. "Turkey can be a member of NATO We have never been interested in our relations being in the same basket Turkey can have excellent relations with Russia and Iran," Bozkir said at a joint meeting of the Russian Federation Council's Committee on International Affairs and the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Turkish Grand National Assembly in Moscow. The official pointed out that Ankara "may wish" to become an observer in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) as well as join potential economic blocs in Central Asia together with Russia. "We will never allow any of our relations to be the cause or the result of any hostile action," Bozkir added. Russian-Turkish relations have been actively developing since 2016 when the ties were revived after the 2015 crisis caused by the downing of a Russian Su-24 jet by a Turkish F-16 fighter in Syria. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address MOD sets out vision to diversify supply base The Ministry of Defence has today announced plans for modernising its estate and establishing a broader and more diverse supply base. 8 November 2018 The Defence Infrastructure Organisation's (DIO) new procurement plan outlines a programme of major projects and contacts for the next five financial years. This includes work to construct new buildings, such as housing and accommodation, the refurbishment of current facilities; as well as services such as catering, waste management and cleaning. The plan also sets out ambitions to establish a broader and more diverse supply base, including doing more business with small and medium size enterprises (SMEs). Currently, around 75% of spending on maintenance at defence sites goes directly or indirectly to SMEs, and further diversifying the supply base will help build resilience into projects and provide more opportunities for smaller companies to work on key defence projects. By listing all the major projects and contracts, the procurement plan will make it easier for existing and potential suppliers to plan ahead, by offering advice on bidding for this work and greater transparency on working with the MOD. These measures will help in particular small businesses, who don't always have the skills and prior experience of working with the MOD in such areas. Minister for Defence People and Veterans Tobias Ellwood said: "The defence estate is where our brave armed forces live, work and train and so it's crucial we give them the best supplies and facilities possible." "Working with industry is critical to delivering this, and our new Procurement Plan ensures the private sector has a head start in bidding for this crucial work." Opportunities outlined in the Procurement Plan include the 4billion Defence Estate Optimisation Programme, the Future Defence Infrastructure Services contracts - which will provide facilities management across the UK's military bases- and the 1.3bn Clyde Infrastructure Programme. The plan also details several prominent works that demonstrate DIO's key role in supporting defence throughout the UK. These include essential maintenance work worth 568 million to support nuclear infrastructure capability at HMNB Clyde, as well as a 58m investment in a modern submarine training facility at the base. Alongside this, there are plans for an 8m investment in Bovington Camp to support the AJAX armoured vehicles which will enter service in 2020. Jacqui Rock, DIO Commercial Director, said: "As DIO we recognise that our current and future suppliers are key to our success. We have worked with industry to produce the Procurement Plan and we are committed to building a broader, more diverse supplier base." "We believe in being as transparent as possible in our procurements and through this new approach we are encouraging new entrants, including small and medium sized enterprises, to consider the benefits and opportunities that working with DIO can deliver." "The Procurement Plan will help achieve the goals set out in our first ever Commercial Strategy. This set out our vision for how we do business and how we will work effectively with our suppliers." The Procurement Plan also sets out how DIO can deliver social and economic benefits throughout its supply chain by working to contribute to the government's aim of recruiting 20,000 apprentices through construction procurement and promoting sustainability through its supply chain. By 2020, DIO has committed to a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 30%, a 30% reduction in domestic business flights, a 50% reduction in paper usage and reducing waste going to the landfill to less than 10%. The full DIO Procurement Plan can be found here The DIO Commercial Strategy sets the direction for future DIO Procurement Plans. The full DIO Commercial Strategy can be found here NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US imposes additional sanctions on Russia over Crimea Iran Press TV Thu Nov 8, 2018 11:23PM The United States has slapped additional sanctions on Russian individuals and a company over Crimea's re-integration with Russia in 2014. "The US Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) today imposed additional sanctions in response to Russia's continuing malign activity and destabilizing behavior by designating three individuals and nine entities under Ukraine-related authorities," it announced on Wednesday. "Our sanctions are a clear reminder that efforts seeking to normalize investment and economic relationships with those operating in Crimea will not be tolerated," said US Treasury Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Sigal Mandelker. The sanctions will freeze any US-based assets and ban financial transactions with the targets, who include Vladimir Zaritsky, the former commander-in-chief of Russia's missile forces and artillery who is leading a hotel project in Crimea. Zaritsky's firm bought three hotels in Crimea that had been owned by the Ukraine state and were taken over after the integration. Under the new sanctions is the Mriya Resort and Spa, a luxury hotel that opened in the resort of Yalta shortly after the annexation and which the Treasury Department called "the main Russian platform for showcasing investment opportunities in Crimea." One of the entities sanctioned - the Limited Liability Company Southern Project - was linked to Bank Rossiya and Russian businessman Yuri Kovulchuk, the Treasury said in a statement. The US Congress had mandated the latest round of sanctions slapped on Russia. The sanctions come as the US State Department says it is preparing more sanctions against Russia, as required by Congress, over an alleged nerve attack carried out in Salisbury, UK against a former double agent and his daughter. Russia has hit back over US sanctions and vowed reciprocal measures, further damaging the US-Russia relationship despite President Donald Trump's stated goal of forming a closer relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump has described an affinity for Putin and has at times appeared to be following a different agenda than his administration when it comes to punishing Russia over Crimea. Both leaders are expected to attend events in Paris this weekend commemorating the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. During a press conference at the White House on Wednesday, Trump did not rule out the possibility when asked about a meeting with Putin in Paris. Instead, Trump referred to his "good" July summit in Helsinki with Putin. "I had a very, very good meeting -- a very, very good meeting with President Putin, and a lot was discussed about security, about Syria, about Ukraine, about the fact that President Obama allowed a very large part of Ukraine to be taken," Trump said. When a reporter pointed out it was Putin who decided to integrate Crimea, President Trump insisted, "No, no. It was President Obama that allowed it to happen." In 2014, after a referendum Russia integrated Crimea, the Black Sea peninsula whose population is largely ethnically Russian but was part of Ukraine. Western powers have vowed never to recognize the integration. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S. Sanctions Persons, Entities Over Activities In Russian-Occupied Crimea By RFE/RL November 08, 2018 WASHINGTON -- The United States is imposing a new round of financial sanctions related to Moscow's aggression in Ukraine, focusing on individuals and companies doing business in Russian-annexed Crimea. Sigal Mandelker, a U.S. Treasury undersecretary, said on November 8 that the United States "remains committed to targeting Russian-backed entities that seek to profit from Russia's illegal annexation and occupation" of Ukraine's Crimea region. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov was quoted by the Interfax news agency as saying the sanctions were "doomed to fail" and that Moscow "won't take them into account." U.S. and other Western countries have imposed sanctions on Russia over its annexation of the Crimean Peninsula in March 2014 and its backing of separatists in eastern Ukraine, where fighting with Ukrainian government forces has killed more than 10,300 people since April 2014. The Treasury said it was now targeting three individuals and nine entities that are supporting Moscow's attempt to "reintegrate" Crimea into Russia through private investment and privatization projects or are engaging in "serious human rights abuses in furtherance of Russia's occupation or control over parts of Ukraine." It identified the sanctioned individuals are Andriy Volodymyrovych Sushko, Aleksandr Basov, and Vladimir Nikolaevich Zaritsky. Sushko, an officer in Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB), is suspected of having participated in the 2017 abduction and torture of a Crimean Tatar activist who opposed Russia's occupation of the region, according to the Treasury. Zaritsky is the former commander-in-chief of Russia's missile and artillery forces who is leading a hotel project in Simferopol, it also said. The entities are the "Ministry of State Security of so-called Luhansk People's Republic;" and companies Mriya Resort and Spa; Garant-SV; Infrastructure Projects Management; Sanatorium AY-Petri; Dyulber; Sanatorium Miskhor; KRIMTETS; and Southern Project. It described Mriya Resort and Spa as a luxury hotel that opened in the resort of Yalta shortly after the annexation and "the main Russian platform for showcasing investment opportunities in Crimea." The Treasury said all of the individuals' and entities' property and interests in property subject to the U.S. jurisdiction will be frozen, and U.S. persons and entities will generally be prohibited from engaging in transactions with them. The moves reinforce the "Crimea Declaration of July 25, 2018, stating that the United Sates does not and will not recognize Russia's purported annexation of Crimea," it added. Earlier on November 8, Kurt Volker, the U.S. special envoy for Ukraine, said Washington was "leveraging new authorities to target Russian actors for serious human rights abuses" in parts of Ukraine's Luhansk and Donetsk regions that are "forcibly occupied or otherwise controlled by Russia." Speaking in a telephone briefing with journalists, Volker also reiterated the United States' opposition to local elections planned for November 11 in areas of eastern Ukraine held by the separatists. "It is something we would call on Russia to halt and not go forward with," he said, adding that the separatists "do not have legitimacy in the local area nor are they consistent" with the accords signed in Minsk in September 2014 and February 2015 aimed at resolving the conflict. Ukraine has said the results of the "fake" elections will be "null and void." European countries have also condemned the "illegitimate" vote. Russia has argued that the municipal elections are needed "to fill the vacuum in power" following the August killing of Donetsk separatist leader Aleksandr Zakharchenko. Volker said he planned to meet with his Russian counterpart, Vladislav Surkov -- an adviser to Russian President Vladimir Putin -- "in the next several weeks." With reporting by Interfax Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/u-s-imposes-fresh-sanctions -over-ukraine-crisis/29590316.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 US Sanctions 9 Russian Entities, 3 Individuals Over Crimea - Volker Sputnik News 20:30 08.11.2018(updated 21:06 08.11.2018) WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The United States is imposing new sanctions against three Russian individuals and nine entities operating in Crimea, US Special Representative for Ukraine Negotiations Kurt Volker said in a telephone conference on Thursday. "These are sanctions on three individuals and nine entities that are supporting Russia's attempts to integrate the Crimea region of Ukraine through private investments and private projects, or those who are engaged in serious abuses," Volker told reporters. Later in the day, Konstantin Kosachev, the head of the Russian upper house's International Affairs Committee, told Sputnik that Russia, in its turn, will take reciprocal political steps and selective economic measures in response to new US sanctions over Crimea without harming its own interests. "There will be a response. Politically in a reciprocal manner. In the sphere of economy selectively, in order to prevent damage to our own interests," Kosachev said. Earlier this week, US State Department spokesperson Robert Palladino noted that the US intended to proceed with new sanctions against Russia. Relations between the United States and Russia worsened following their disagreement over the crisis in Ukraine. The United States imposed several round of sanctions against Russia after Crimea held a referendum in 2014 in which a vast majority of residents decided to reunify with Russia. Crimea rejoined Russia in 2014 after 97 percent of the peninsula's residents voted in favor of the move in a referendum. The reunification was not recognized by Ukraine or Western states, which subsequently imposed economic and political sanctions on Moscow. Russia has repeatedly stated that the referendum was conducted in compliance with international law. Despite the sanctions, a number of delegations from dozens of countries, including Germany, France and Italy, have repeatedly visited Crimea. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Treasury Sanctions Officials and Targets Entities Supporting Russia's Occupation of Crimea and Forcible Control of Eastern Ukraine U.S. Department of the Treasury November 8, 2018 WASHINGTON The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) today imposed additional sanctions in response to Russia's continuing malign activity and destabilizing behavior by designating three individuals and nine entities under Ukraine-related authorities. These designations include two individuals and one entity engaged in serious human rights abuses under the Support for the Sovereignty, Integrity, Democracy, and Economic Stability of Ukraine Act of 2014 (SSIDES), as amended by Section 228 of the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). OFAC also imposed sanctions on eight entities and one individual that were responsible for advancing Russian interests by operating in the Crimea region of Ukraine pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13685 as codified pursuant to CAATSA, and which authorizes sanctions on, among others, any person determined to operate in the Crimea region of Ukraine. One of these eight entities is also being designated pursuant to Executive Order 13661 for being owned or controlled by, directly or indirectly, Bank Rossiya and Yuri Valentinovich Kovalchuk, persons whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to the E.O. 13661. The Crimea-related actions reinforce the July 25 Crimea Declaration stating that the United States does not and will not recognize Russia's purported annexation of Crimea. "The United States is leveraging new authorities to target Russian actors for serious human rights abuses in parts of Ukraine that the United States government has determined are forcibly occupied or otherwise controlled by the Russian government, and other reprehensible acts in furtherance of the Kremlin's malign agenda," said Sigal Mandelker, Treasury Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence. "Treasury remains committed to targeting Russian-backed entities that seek to profit from Russia's illegal annexation and occupation of Crimea. Our sanctions are a clear reminder that efforts seeking to normalize investment and economic relationships with those operating in Crimea will not be tolerated and are subject to U.S. and EU sanctions authorities." Today's designations underscore the United States' steadfast partnership with Ukraine and the European Union (EU) and our unified opposition to Russia's purported annexation and occupation of Crimea and use of force to control parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of eastern Ukraine. OFAC's action targets those engaging in serious human rights abuses in furtherance of Russia's occupation or control over parts of Ukraine, as well as entities and individuals supporting Russia's attempts to integrate Crimea through private investment and major privatization projects. This activity includes, among others, the Russian-backed sale of Ukrainian assets unlawfully seized and nationalized to actors supporting the Kremlin's agenda. As a result of today's action, all property and interests in property of the designated persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction are blocked, and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with them. Designations Related to Territories Forcibly Occupied or Controlled by Russia The following designated individuals or entities have committed serious human rights abuses in the furtherance of the Russian Federation's forcible occupation or control of territories of Ukraine, including Crimea and certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions in eastern Ukraine. Andriy Volodymyrovych Sushko (Sushko) is being designated pursuant to SSIDES, as amended by Section 228 of CAATSA. Sushko is responsible for, complicit in, or responsible for ordering, controlling, or otherwise directing, the commission of serious human rights abuses in a territory forcibly occupied or otherwise controlled by the Government of the Russian Federation on or after the date of enactment of CAATSA. Sushko, an officer in the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation (FSB), is suspected in 2017 of having unlawfully abducted a Crimean Tatar activist who objected to Russia's occupation of Crimea, and having subsequently participated in the abuse of this individual, which included the use of electric shocks, choking, and beatings while in FSB captivity. The Ministry of State Security of the so-called Luhansk People's Republic (LPR) and Aleksandr Basov, the Deputy Minister of State Security of LPR, are being designated pursuant to SSIDES, as amended by Section 228 of CAATSA. The Ministry of State Security of LPR is responsible for, complicit in, or responsible for ordering, controlling, or otherwise directing, the commission of serious human rights abuses in a territory forcibly occupied or otherwise controlled by the Government of the Russian Federation on or after the date of enactment of CAATSA. The Ministry of State Security of LPR has played a critical role in exercising Russia's forcible control of certain portions of Luhansk and has engaged in serious human rights abuses. The Ministry of State Security employs detention practices that include threatening severe physical violence or rape against detainees who refused to cooperate. Other practices used against detainees include mock executions, electrocution, and beatings. In his role as LPR Deputy Minister of State Security, Aleksandr Basov has used his position to punish or harass members of the Jehovah's Witnesses congregations. Basov acts or purports to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, the Ministry of State Security. Designations Related to Russia's Purported Annexation of Crimea OFAC also designated eight entities and one individual pursuant to E.O. 13685. E.O. 13685 authorizes sanctions on any person determined to be operating in the Crimea region of Ukraine, to be a leader of an entity operating in the Crimea region of Ukraine, or to be owned or controlled by or act or purport to act for or on behalf of, or to have provided material support for, any person designated under E.O. 13685. The Mriya Resort and Spa is being designated for operating in the Crimea region of Ukraine and because it is owned or controlled by, directly or indirectly, Limited Liability Company Garant-SV, an entity that operates in the Crimea region of Ukraine. The Mriya Resort and Spa is a major private investment project and five-star luxury hotel complex located on the South Shore of Crimea in the city of Yalta. The Mriya Resort and Spa is the venue for the Yalta International Economic Forum (YIEF), which is an annual business event held in the so-called "Republic of Crimea" that is the main Russian platform for showcasing investment opportunities in Crimea. Russia's largest bank, Sberbank, invested about $300 million into the construction and development of the project. Mriya Resort and Spa is owned by Liability Company Garant-SV, an entity that is ultimately owned by Sberbank. OFAC added Sberbank to the Sectoral Sanctions Identification List on September 12, 2014, identifying it as subject to the debt and equity financing restrictions in Directive 1. Limited Liability Company Garant-SV is the direct owner of the Mriya Resort and Spa in Yalta, Crimea, and is being designated because it operates in the Crimea region of Ukraine. Limited Liability Company Infrastructure Projects Management Company (LLC UKIP) is being designated for operating in the Crimea region of Ukraine, and is a registered company in Simferopol, Crimea that is engaged in the construction of residential and non-residential buildings. In 2014, Russian-backed government authorities in Crimea claimed control and illegally nationalized three Ukrainian-state owned hotel complexes located in Yalta: the AY-Petri, Dyulber, and Miskhor sanatoriums. In 2018, the government of Crimea, without the consent of the Ukrainian government, privatized and sold the three hotels to LLC UKIP for about $24 million. Joint Stock Company Sanatorium AY-Petri is being designated for operating in the Crimea region of Ukraine. Joint Stock Company Sanatorium AY-Petri is a hotel in Yalta, Crimea. The so-called government of Crimea, without the consent of Ukraine, unlawfully nationalized, privatized, and sold Joint Stock Company AY-Petri to LLC UKIP. Joint Stock Company Sanatorium Dyulber is being designated for operating in the Crimea region of Ukraine. Joint Stock Company Sanatorium Dyulber is a hotel in Yalta, Crimea. The so-called government of Crimea, without the consent of Ukraine, unlawfully nationalized, privatized, and sold Joint Stock Company Sanatorium Dyulber to LLC UKIP. Joint Stock Company Sanatorium Miskhor is being designated for operating in the Crimea region of Ukraine. Joint Stock Company Sanatorium Miskhor is a hotel in Yalta, Crimea. The so-called government of Crimea, without the consent of Ukraine, unlawfully nationalized, privatized, and sold Joint Stock Company Sanatorium Miskhor to LLC UKIP. Vladimir Nikolaevich Zaritsky is being designated for operating in the Crimea region of Ukraine. Zaritsky is the former Commander in Chief of the Missile Forces and Artillery of Russia and is the registered founder and owner of LLC UKIP located in Simferopol, Crimea. KRYMTETS, AO is being designated for operating in the Crimea region of Ukraine. KRYMTETS, AO is a private joint stock company engaged in the operation of electric power generation facilities and transmission systems in Crimea. The de facto "Republic of Crimea Council of Ministers" and the so-called "government of Sevastopol" approved a plan for the long-term development of electric energy for Crimea that envisages a sharp increase in the demand for electric energy and the need for the construction of basic generation, as well as the reconstruction of existing electric stations belonging to KRYMTETS, AO. In 2017, KRYMTETS, AO won a Russian tender to provide power on the Crimean peninsula until the launch of additional power plants. Limited Liability Company Southern Project is being designated because it operates in the Crimea region of Ukraine and because it is owned or controlled by, directly or indirectly, Bank Rossiya and Yuri Valentinovich Kovalchuk, persons whose property and interests in property were blocked pursuant to E.O. 13661 on March 20, 2014. In 2017, the so-called Ministry of Property and Land Relations of the "Republic of Crimea" sold 100 percent of the authorized capital of State Enterprise of Sparkling Wine Novy Svet (Novy Svet) to Limited Liability Company Southern Project, a company owned by Bank Rossiya. The government of Crimea's sale of Novy Svet to Limited Liability Company Southern Project was the first major privatization of a former Ukrainian state property since Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014. Novy Svet is one of Crimea's largest and oldest wineries and it was designated by OFAC on December 22, 2015 pursuant to E.O. 13685. OFAC is also designating Limited Liability Company Southern Project pursuant to E.O. 13661 for being owned or controlled by, directly or indirectly, by Bank Rossiya, and Yuri Valentinovich Kovalchuk, persons whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to the E.O. 13661. Identifying information on the entities designated today. #### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address New US Sanctions Hit Russian, Ukrainian Individuals, Entities By VOA News November 08, 2018 The United States has announced additional sanctions against a number of Russian and Ukrainian entities tied to Russia's actions in neighboring Ukraine. The Trump administration announced the sanctions Thursday ahead of a trip by U.S. President Donald Trump to Paris, where he and Russian President Vladimir Putin will both be visiting on Sunday to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. Thursday's news about new sanctions affect two Ukrainians, one Russian and nine organizations in Ukraine and Russia. The U.S. Treasury Department said the sanctions affect two people and one group engaged in "serious human rights abuses in parts of Ukraine." In a statement, the Treasury Department's undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, Sigal Mandelker, said the department "remains committed to targeting Russian-backed entities that seek to profit from Russia's illegal annexation and occupation of Crimea." She added, "Treasury remains committed to targeting Russian-backed entities that seek to profit from Russia's illegal annexation and occupation of Crimea. Our sanctions are a clear reminder that efforts seeking to normalize investment and economic relationships with those operating in Crimea will not be tolerated and are subject to U.S. and EU sanctions authorities." The effect of the sanctions is to freeze any U.S. assets held by the individuals or entities, and to prohibit U.S. citizens from doing business with them. The individuals targeted for sanctions include Andriy Volodymyrovych Sushko, an officer in the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation, who is suspected of having "unlawfully abducted a Crimean Tatar activist who objected to Russia's occupation of Crimea, and having subsequently participated in the abuse of this individual," according to the Treasury statement. The sanctions also target Aleksander Basov, who is an official of the so-called Luhansk People's Republic, a political entity in eastern Ukraine that is not internationally recognized as an autonomous state. Basov is accused of ordering or being complicit in human rights abuses in Russia-controlled Ukraine. A third individual, Vladimir Nikolaevich Zaritsky, is under sanctions for actions by his company, Limited Liability Company Infrastructure Projects Management Company, for buying and developing property illegally seized from the government of Ukraine. The organizations targeted for sanctions largely fall into the category of private investors who are operating in Russian-controlled Crimea without consent of the Ukrainian government. The new sanctions announced Thursday followed a contentious press conference by Trump, in which he insisted former U.S. President Barack Obama was responsible for allowing Russia to annex the territory it now controls in eastern Ukraine. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address MITSUBISHI Motors Australia Limited is set to return to the light-commercial van segment before 2020 with a new model based on its Alliance partner Renaults Trafic mid-size van. Speaking to journalists at the launch of the facelifted Triton in Bangkok, Thailand, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation chief operating officer Trevor Mann confirmed that the new van would be exclusively offered to the Australian and New Zealand markets at this stage. Just after Mitsubishi joined the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, there was a strong request, actually from the local team in Australia, to have more of an LCV offering, he said . Renault, obviously now one of our Alliance partners, is extremely strong in LCVs, particular vans which are also on sale in Australia. At the moment, its an Australian request, and New Zealand. Mr Mann said the expected on-sale date would be before 2020, and that the new van will be produced from the same facility that builds the Renault Trafic. We made the request to Renault, and at the moment weve signed a letter of intent so we fully intend to do this, we know the van it will be based on the Trafic, he said. It will be manufactured in Sandouville in France, and it will come to Australia as soon as we can dot the is and cross the ts. If I get my way, it will be sooner (than 2020), but Ill let you know as soon as weve done it. The name of the van is currently unknown, but Mitsubishi had a contender in the van segment in the form of the Express that was discontinued in 2013 due to its sub-standard one-star Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) crash safety rating. Although Renaults current-generation Trafic has not received an ANCAP rating, in Euro NCAP testing, the French van scored three stars due to average results in the front occupant and pedestrian safety examination. Powertrains and specifications are also not yet confirmed, but Renaults Trafic is currently available in Australia with either a 103kW/340Nm 1.6-litre twin-turbo diesel or 85kW/300Nm 1.6-litre single-turbo oil burner, both paired exclusively to a six-speed manual driving the front wheels. While each Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance marque has maintained its own distinct identity so far in its products, the new Mitsubishi van will be the first model in the Japanese brands stable to share a platform with another partner. However, Mr Mann said the cross-brand tie-up will be less of a problem in the van space than with a passenger vehicle. Im not a huge fan of cross-badging, if you like, but on LCVs, it doesnt matter so much, he said. The LCV industry is full of cross badges because you dont necessarily buy the van because of the badge, you buy it because of the service you get, the relationship with the dealer, or in a pool with other fleet. Renault chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn, in France to announce the expansion of the brands van production, also confirmed that Nissans new NV250 will share the same underpinnings as the French marques Kangoo. Groupe Renaults global van expertise is driving synergies across the Alliance to benefit all our customers, he said. The Maubeuge (where Kangoo is built) and Sandouville plants provided the most attractive solution thanks to the competitiveness and ability to leverage Alliance common platforms. This year, Groupe Renault has announced a total investment in France of 1.4 billion euro to support two pillars of growth: pure electric and light-commercial vehicles. The Road to Recovery podcast series 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. TSX: ASO AIM: ASO TORONTO, Nov. 9, 2018 - Avesoro Resources Inc. ("Avesoro" or the "Company"), the TSX and AIM listed West African gold producer, is pleased to provide an update on related party transactions in accordance with rules 13 and 16 of the AIM Rules for Companies (the "AIM Rules"). Since the Company's announcement on 21 February 2018, Faso Drilling Company SARL ("Faso"), a related party of the Company, has provided drilling services to Burkina Mining Company SA ("BMC"), Netiana Mining Company SA ("NMC"), Eutruscan Resources Burkina Faso SA ("ERBF") and MNG Gold Burkina SARL ("MNGGB") pursuant to agreements entered into during the course of 2018 (the "Agreements"). Drilling Services Agreement Terms The Agreements were entered into as part of the previously announced drilling programme in Burkina Faso. The services are provided on an arms-length basis and Faso's drilling rates of US$41-69 per metre are, in the Company's belief, significantly more favourable than BMC, NMC, ERBF or MNGGB could have obtained from other third-party providers. The total value of services provided under the Agreements in the nine months to 30 September 2018 is approximately US$5.6 million in aggregate, payable in cash. Faso is a subsidiary of Avesoro Jersey Limited, the Company's parent company, and therefore, entering into the Agreements constitutes a related party transaction for the Company under the AIM Rules. Opinion of the Independent Directors The independent directors of the Company, consisting of Mr. David Netherway, Mr. Jean-Guy Martin and Mr. Loudon Owen consider, having consulted with the Company's Nominated Adviser, that the terms of these transactions are fair and reasonable insofar as its shareholders are concerned. Disclosure of other related party transactions Further to the Company's announcement dated 21 February 2018, the Company discloses at this time the following other related party transactions that it has entered into during the nine months ended 30 September 2018. These transactions do not constitute related party transactions under rule 13 of the AIM Rules for Companies. Drilling services provided to Bea Mountain Mining Corporation ("BMMC", a subsidiary of the Company) by Zwedru Mining Inc. ("Zwedru") Over the last nine months, Zwedru, a wholly owned subsidiary of Avesoro Jersey Limited, has provided diamond and reverse circulation drilling services to BMMC. These services are provided on an arms-length basis at a rate of US$40-85 per metre, a rate significantly more favourable than BMMC has previously been able to obtain from other third-party providers. The total value of these services provided over the last nine months is approximately US$2.2 million, payable in cash. Equipment purchased by BMC from Mapa ?n?aatve Ticaret A.?. ("Mapa") Over the last nine months, BMC purchased five haul trucks totaling approximately US$382,000 from Mapa, a member of the MNG Group of companies, payable in cash. Charter plane services provided to BMMC by MNG Gold Liberia Inc. ("MNGGL") Over the last nine months, BMMC has chartered flights from MNGGL, a subsidiary of Avesoro Jersey Limited. BMMC undertook a benchmarking exercise and agreed an hourly rate to be paid to MNGGL in respect of these services and is charged US$3,000 per flying hour. The total value of these services provided over the last nine months is approximately US$270,000, payable in cash. Travel services provided to BMMC and BMC by MNG Turizm ve Ticaret A.?. ("MNG Turizm") Over the last nine months, MNG Turizm, a member of the MNG Group of companies, has provided travel agency services to BMMC and BMC. MNG Turizm is a commercial travel agency and the prices paid by BMMC and BMC are the same as those paid by their arms-length customers. The total value of these services provided over the last nine months is approximately US$20,000, payable in cash. Technical and support services provided to MNGGL by Avesoro Madencilik Hizmetleri A.?. ("AMH", a subsidiary of the Company) Over the last nine months, AMH has provided technical and support services to MNGGL to support the Kokoya Gold Mine. These services are recharged to MNGGL at a mark-up of 5.5-13.5% over the cost incurred by AMH in providing these services. The total value of these services provided over the last nine months is approximately US$316,000, payable in cash. Sale of consumables by AMH to MNGGL and Faso and provision of catering services by BMC to Faso Over the last nine months AMH has procured on behalf of and sold to MNGGL and Faso consumables totaling $1.7 million, payable in cash. The consumables are charged at a rate of cost plus 4.5%. Over the last nine months BMC has provided catering services to Faso totaling $286,000, payable in cash. About Avesoro Resources Inc. Avesoro Resources is a West Africa focused gold producer and development company that operates two gold mines across West Africa and is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX") and the AIM market operated by the London Stock Exchange ("AIM"). The Company's assets include the New Liberty Gold Mine in Liberia ("New Liberty") and the Youga Gold Mine in Burkina Faso ("Youga"). New Liberty has an estimated Proven and Probable Mineral Reserve of 7.4Mt with 717,000 ounces of gold grading 3.03g/t and an estimated Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource of 9.6Mt with 985,000 ounces of gold grading 3.2g/t and an estimated Inferred Mineral Resource of 6.4Mt with 620,000 ounces of gold grading 3.0g/t. The foregoing Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates and additional information in connection therewith, prepared in accordance with CIM guidelines, is set out in an NI 43-101 compliant Technical Report dated November 1, 2017 and entitled "New Liberty Gold Mine, Bea Mountain Mining Licence Southern Block, Liberia, West Africa" and is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Youga has an estimated Proven and Probable Mineral Reserve of 11.2Mt with 660,100 ounces of gold grading 1.84g/t and a combined estimated Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource of 16.64Mt with 924,200 ounces of gold grading 1.73g/t and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 13Mt with 685,000 ounces of gold grading 1.70g/t. The foregoing Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates and additional information in connection therewith, prepared in accordance with CIM guidelines, is set out in an NI 43-101 compliant Technical Report dated July 31, 2018 and entitled "Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve Update for the Youga Gold Mine, Burkina Faso" and is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. For more information, please visit www.avesoro.com SOURCE Avesoro Resources Inc. Wheeling gold-colored Samsonite suitcases stuffed with $100 bills, two undercover agents for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration walked into a Mexico City hotel room. Minutes later, a low-level drug trafficker knocked. The agents watched as he removed $10,000 bundles from the cases, placing them one by one on the bed. The mound of money, $2 million in all, eventually spread across the mattress. When he was done, the man signed a receipt, gathered up his cash, and was gone. The year was 1994. The handoff, recounted by former DEA agent Mike Vigil, may sound like it was lifted from an episode of Narcos. But in the world of ultrahigh-value drug informants, it's an illustration of the grim calculus governing America's long, failed effort to stem the flow of narcotics into a country filled with drug-hungry citizens. More recently, however, the rate at which traffickers have been double-crossing their bosses in exchange for riches has risen. One reason may be the renewed emphasis on a little-known State Department program that's been doling out millions of dollars to snitches for more than three decades. Exploiting the temptation to become an overnight multimillionaire is what the Narcotics Rewards Program (NRP) is all about. In just the past five years, it's distributed almost $32 million to 33 people, with some receiving as much as $5 million, according to the State Department's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs. The program, the U.S. government says, has resulted in the arrest of almost 70 "foreign major violators" since it was created. The total price tag: $108 million. Last month, the Trump administration put the NRP back in the spotlight when (now former) U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the bounty on Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes had been doubled, to $10 million. Cervantes, 52, is the reputed leader of the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion. The group is allegedly "responsible for trafficking many tons of cocaine, methamphetamine and fentanyl-laced heroin into the U.S.," the State Department says. That last item is crucial to understanding the drug tide washing over America, and how law enforcement hopes the NRP can help stem it. Cheap heroin and synthetic opioids have been flowing north to replace once easily obtained pain pills churned out by pharmaceutical companies. The result has been a national epidemic, one in which overdoses have skyrocketed and U.S. life expectancy has declined. Critics of the government's rewards programs warn that huge cash bounties increase cartel violence and encourage corruption among U.S. law enforcement personnel. But the program's success is hard to dismiss, its proponents contend. Targets of the NRP are advertised on a U.S. government website that looks like a cheap version of Tinder-with profile photos, short biographies, height, weight and even eye color. Also listed are their alleged crimes and how much money you get if you turn them in. One of these men is Fausto Isidro Meza-Flores. Known by the nickname "El Chapo Isidro," he's described by the FBI as the alleged head of a major drug trafficking organization based in Sinaloa, Mexico. There are several drug gangs located there, according to the government, some of which make up what's referred to as the Sinaloa Cartel. (Meza-Flores shouldn't be confused with another, more famous El Chapo, the NRP alumnus currently on trial in federal court in Brooklyn, N.Y. That El Chapo's alleged partner back in Mexico is also on the NRP list.) The U.S. claims Meza-Flores, 36, is responsible for the "possession, distribution, and importation of large quantities of heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana into the U.S." Click on his State Department web link, and a photograph of a clean-shaven, chubby-cheeked man in a salmon-colored shirt looks out at you. Turn him in, and you can have $5 million, the U.S. promises. (Some NRP informants, however, have claimed that the U.S. government stiffed them when it came time to pay up.) At the top of the NRP pyramid is Rafael Caro Quintero, whose bounty was raised to $20 million in April, the highest in the program's history. Quintero, who was also placed on the FBI's "Ten Most Wanted Fugitives" list, is the alleged leader of one of the most powerful drug trafficking rings in Mexico, according to the DEA, which says he ordered the kidnapping, torture, and murder of U.S. undercover agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena Salazar in 1985. A conviction in that case was set aside by a Mexican court in 2013 on a technicality. Quintero, who has since vanished, had repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. The NRP was established a year after Camarena was killed, at the height of the crack-cocaine epidemic in America. Over the years, the bounties offered under the program's auspices have helped nab drug bosses and Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) commanders, Venezuelan traffickers, and even an Afghan heroin warlord, according to the U.S. government and the International Justice Resource Center. But as those bounties climbed, the program renewed unease among criminal justice experts-specifically about whether the NRP's lack of transparency makes it too susceptible to corruption. "If you're giving out cash to people ratting out drug dealers, it is quite possible that all you are doing is funding the next drug dealer," says William Cowden, a former federal prosecutor. The NRP is the most obscure of several State Department rewards programs. The others, targeting alleged terrorists, war criminals and international organized crime, have paid out a combined $173 million, the government says. A key difference, however, is that NRP informants are managed solely by agents on the ground, according to a review of the government's use of informant rewards. Officials at the State Department and the DEA don't have any direct contact with the informants, the review's author, a DEA lawyer, wrote in 2002. Instead, they rely on the agents to act as middlemen. While declining to provide specifics, the DEA told Bloomberg that it manages informants the same regardless of which program they're associated with. "DEA's policy regarding confidential sources as a whole is constantly evolving based on leadership, inspections, [Office of Inspector General] recommendations, technology, and many other factors," a spokesman said. Vigil, who went on to become the DEA's chief of international operations before retiring in 2004, defends the NRP's secrecy, the amount of money it pays out-and its beneficiaries. The informants are usually criminals and know full well that betraying a cartel could cost them their lives, he says. The government "can't use choir boys," says Vigil, who's written several books about his undercover life. "Unfortunately, you have to deal with unsavory characters." Every NRP informant is identified by a code number and has a file locked in a safe inside the U.S. embassy of their home country, Vigil says. Only those closest to them know their true identity. "Drug trafficking organizations carry out unspeakable acts of violence as a result of paranoia from leaks within their organization," says Wade Sparks, a spokesman for the DEA, part of the Department of Justice. "Unfortunately, this is not something that is fiction or just in movies." By design, making it onto the NRP's target list isn't easy-it's for drug lords only. The DEA, FBI, and State Department must first agree on a candidate. Then the U.S. ambassador in the country where the target is believed to be located is asked to assess how big the reward should be (make it too small, and no one will bite). Once a figure is chosen, the bounty is advertised on the NRP's website, posters are taped to lampposts, plastered across billboards, printed on flyers, and published in newspapers. DEA agents make sure to inform their existing confidential sources of the reward as well. Word spreads. Former DEA agent Tom Pasquarello, who ran the agency's Southeast Asia bureau from 2007 to 2011, says he advertised NRP bounties on T-shirts, matchboxes, playing cards, and hats bearing names, faces, and rewards. Local police would visit strip clubs and late-night bars to hand out the paraphernalia, he says. "I am not going to sit here and say we should just trust the DEA to do the right thing." The modern-day wanted posters had the desired effect. "These people we were hunting-they were getting nervous and changing their lifestyle," Pasquarello says. "That's when they are the most vulnerable." Vigil describes multiple NRP payouts to informants during his 15 years as an undercover agent. In Mexico, one of his sources was a cartel executioner who also transported drugs and bribed local officials. The informant helped capture a drug kingpin in exchange for the $2 million bounty, Vigil says. Some informants choose to take the money and run. Others demand a one-way ticket to the U.S., a new identity, and a fresh start. But in 2016, the Justice Department's Office of the Inspector General slammed the U.S. government's use of confidential sources. Following an audit, the office issued a blistering report assailing the informant programs as riddled with deficiencies and vulnerable to fraud. "The DEA didn't adequately oversee payments to its sources, which exposes the DEA to an unacceptably increased potential for fraud, waste and abuse, particularly given the frequency with which DEA offices utilize and pay confidential sources," the report states. As an example, the inspector general says that from fiscal years 2011 to 2015, the DEA paid about $9.4 million to more than 800 former sources who were no longer providing information. The agency failed to appropriately track source activity and "did not document proper justifications for all source payments," the audit states. (DEA spokesman Sparks says NRP payouts are closely monitored.) An "extremely concerning" discovery, according to the inspector general, was that the DEA condoned the payment of "sub-sources," individuals recruited and paid by the agency's confidential informants. Their use, the office says, "increases the chance that individuals may be conducting unauthorized illegal activity on the DEA's behalf." The DEA says it responded swiftly to the audit by enforcing "notable changes" to its policies and launching formal confidential source coordination training programs. The inspector general's report caught the attention of U.S. Representative Stephen Lynch, a Democrat from Massachusetts. Last year he proposed the Confidential Informant Accountability Act to lift the veil on secret sources. "Law enforcement agencies are spending millions of dollars on confidential informant programs, and Congress does not have any information on who these informants are, if they committed any crimes, and whether they have been properly vetted," he says. Lynch is calling on federal agencies to disclose the types of crimes their confidential informants have been committing and how much money they've been given. "There is no accountability, because it's a cash business," he says. In some cases, the NRP has corrupted law enforcement, the congressman says, though he declined to provide examples. Lynch says only that "you've got some DEA and FBI agents making $120,000 a year and dealing with drug cartels that bring that much in in a day." A DEA spokesman says the agency has a specific office to investigate allegations of employee misconduct, but declined to comment directly on Lynch's allegations. The Republican-controlled House of Representatives referred Lynch's bill to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security and Investigations in April 2017, where it's been ever since. With the Democratic Party's takeover of the chamber come January, the bill may see new life. Alexandra Natapoff, a law professor at the University of California at Irvine and author of a 2011 book on confidential informants, says Lynch's bill would shine a much-needed light on this shadowy corner of law enforcement. "The issuance of bounties, rewards, and leniency is so secretive [that] the truth is we have no idea what the maximum rewards are," Natapoff says. "That intersection is a troubling aspect of our criminal system which makes it seem like justice is for sale." Cowden, the former federal prosecutor, says informants and plea bargains have always been used as part of U.S. criminal justice. "We cut deals all the time-the system works that way," he says. However, unlike the NRP, those arrangements usually have extensive oversight, he adds. Without it, the temptation for police and agents to cut corners, or worse, may be too great. "Citizens in a democracy should always have concern when people in the government are saying 'it's too dangerous for us to tell you about it,'" Cowden says. "I am not going to sit here and say we should just trust the DEA to do the right thing." GREENWICH Girl Scouts in Greenwich will gather on Saturday to honor the memories of three girls and an adult who were killed while participating in a community service cleanup project in Wisconsin. On Nov. 3, the three fourth-grade Girl Scouts and one adult volunteer from Troop 3055 in Chippewa Falls, Wis. were hit by a car and killed by a car while they were taking part in a highway cleanup project. Another Girl Scout remains hospitalized. As a Girl Scout troop leader of an elementary school-aged troop, including several fourth grade girls, my heart broke when I heard about the tragedy in Wisconsin, said Frances Wu Nobay, new Greenwich Service Unit Co-Manager and Greenwich Girl Scouts Troop #50303 Co-Leader. This past June, my troop worked on a school community service project near a busy main road and we took similar precautions to ensure the safety of all participants, and, yet, terrible, awful accidents could have happened, she said. With the Girl Scout Law in my mind to be a sister to every Girl Scout, I felt it was so important to honor the memory of our sister Girl Scouts and stand together in memory and service. With the support of our Greenwich first responders, area Girl Scouts are invited to gather from 4 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 10, at the Cos Cob Fire Station, 200 E. Putnam Ave., for a moment of silence. Also, the Greenwich Girl Scouts Service Unit will collect arts and crafts supplies to donate to Greenwich-based Kids in Crisis. A wish list of items do nate can be found at https://www.kidsincrisis.org/ways-to-give/wish-list/. Kids In Crisis provides free, round-the-clock crisis intervention, counseling, and emergency shelter, prevention programs and advocacy for children in Connecticut. The event is free. Girls can attend with a troop or a parent. Girl Scout alumnae, friends, family and concerned citizens are all welcome. Girl Scouts are asked to be in uniform. The event will be held outside. For more information, contact gsofgreenwich@gmail.com Cards can be sent to Eau Claire Service Center, 4222 Oakwood Hills Pkwy, Eau Claire, WI 54701. For more ways to help, visit http://www.gsnwgl.org/en/about-girl-scouts/our-council/news/2018/in_remembrance_of_ou.html. GREENWICH Last week, in the wake of the fatal shooting at the Tree of Life temple in Pittsburgh, Greenwich Country Day School Headmaster Adam Rohdie decided it was time to address how his school had previously handled an incident of vandalism. In the spring of 2017, Rohdie found two swastikas the size of quarters in a school hallway and in the ninth grade lounge, drawn in pencil. He and staff talked to students, and brought the Anti-Defamation League in to conduct an all-school assembly. Were in the business of educating kids, Rohdie said. The kids dont understand the power of words or symbols. At the assembly, students learned the history behind the swastika and were told to come forward if they knew any information about the drawings. Administrators erased the hate symbols and turned their efforts toward tracking down the vandal. Rohdie and the head of the upper school checked surveillance videotapes and talked to kids in groups and individually. That the school is frequently used by eight to 10 outside groups complicated the search, Rohdie said. At the time, the school did not communicate with parents directly about the discovery. ADL Associate Director Andy Friedland said every school that faces a potential anti-Semitic hate crime has a different story and the ADL responds accordingly, More News Stamford PD outraged by swastikas found downtown We dont have a checklist, theres no cookie cutter response, Friedland said. We work with the different administrators, teachers and students and try to do the best thing for everyone involved. At the time, Rohdie saw the incident as a teachable moment that did not merit notifying parents, he said. Im Jewish, my board chair is Jewish, Rohdie said. You try to put everything into perspective. Nor did the school contact the police. Its hard to draw a line in the sand, Rohdie said. Its not a hate crime to find a swastika. There are clear definitions of what constitutes a hate crime. When you talk about crime, you talk to the police. If you saw this, not sure what the police wouldve done with that. Each school has its own policy and procedures on how to address racist and anti-Semitic graffiti, Greenwich Police Lt. John Slusarz said in an email. When the police are brought in, a full comprehensive investigation takes place, he said. Whatever the outcome, age-appropriate education on the topic is generally a good response by the school, he said. It provides them an opportunity to minimize any rumors and reinforce positive behaviors. But after the Pittsburgh shooting the largest attack against Jewish people in the United States in the countrys history Rohdie said he used the incident to show how the school is not insulated from anti-Semitism. The school is trying to do the right thing and communicate, we want to encourage that, Friedland said. We hope to keep doing programs with them, theyve been a great partner. People are on high alert after the shooting in Pittsburgh, he said. The work we do hasnt fundamentally changed, but people are scared now, Friedland said. Thats what the effect of a hate crime is: The entire community feels less safe, as do other communities that could be targeted. There can be a difference between the intent behind a swastika and its impact, he said. People can draw swastikas because they are angry and want to use the most hateful symbol they know, or because they subscribe to Nazi philosophy and intend to harm others. People who find the symbols could assume they were drawn by kids who did not know what they were doing, or see the signs as appeals to the Nazi government, which killed millions of Jews, and fear for their lives. Rabbi Mitch Hurvitz of Temple Sholom said he admires the continuing discussion that has occurred after the shooting. My experience with Greenwich Country Day is that theyve been proactive in making sure that theres no place for prejudice, bias or anti-Semitism, he said. The school works with the temple, and many Greenwich Country Day families attend Temple Sholom. The fact that the ADL has historically partnered with them has been something that has been very helpful, he said. As someone who has been in the community for 24 years, GCD has always been extremely good at wanting to be effective. jo.kroeker@hearstmediact.com The one thing entrepreneurs do better and at a higher frequency than anyone on Earth is disrupt. Whether their mission might be software and algorithmic creation, the streamlining of processes or the search for an easier and more convenient way to get from point A to point B in a crowded city, entrepreneurs lead the way. Related: Skin and Bones: Oh, the Body Parts You Can Make With 3-D Bio-printers And they have plenty to work with, because, today, there are many industries begging for disruption. These industries need a shakeup and entrepreneurs are the people to do it. In this regard, it's easy to go a dozen deep in naming industries, but here are the three industries which I find particularly well primed for entrepreneurs to radically change for the better Digital health The digital health sphere is exploding. From virtual diagnosis, to AI creating more effective drugs, the possibilities are exponential. Investors are taking notice. According to Digital Commerce 360, investment in digital and mobile healthcare set a record in the third quarter at $3.8 billion. That is only one quarter: For the year to date, it's been $6.8 billion compared to $5.7 for all of 2017. Startups around the globe are already throwing their knowledge and disruptive hats into the ring. Startups like Kaia App in Munich (which has created an app which studies have shown can reduce lower back pain by 40 percent). uAris Health in Redwood City, Calif., created a surgical robot that performs endoscopic procedures. BenevolentAI in London can claim a data and technology-driven approach to drug development." And these are just a few of the companies making waves in this industry. Regenerative medicine Regenerative medicine has the highest ceiling, as far as entrepreneurs having the ability to create and grow their revenue. People are living longer and want their quality of life to remain as high as possible and to extend their lives. The Mayo Clinic recently received a $10 million grant, in part to study regeneration of the spine. But, where do entrepreneurs step in? Some already have, such as Prellis Biologics in San Francisco. It's created a holographic laser-printing technology that makes production of lab-grown human organs possible. Think about that: no more organ donations needed, ever! The benefit to the human race, and the money generated from production, could be astronomical. The same could be said for the startup BlueRock, in Cambridge, Mass. That company's end goal is to replace dead cells with new ones that restore a human body's biological function back to what it was before the loss. And it isn't just those seemingly huge ideas that entrepreneurs are coming up with. Look at Neuros in Willoughby Hills, Ohio. Its goal is electrical nerve block. Through this path, the company says it will be able to treat such categories of chronic pain as post-amputation pain, post-surgical pain and even migraines. Push a button (in the future), and pain will be diminished -- or gone. Synthetic agriculture Drought, famine, flooding, severe weather, earthquakes and any other kind of natural or political disaster can disrupt food production anywhere in the world. As typically happens when disaster strikes, destitute and economically challenged populations suffer the most. How do entrepreneurs solve this worldwide problem? The answer is, they solve it the way they always have, by thinking ahead of -- and around -- conventional processes and norms. That's where "synthetic agriculture" comes, in, meaning the use of science to shape natural systems and even ceate new ones. Lack of food and nutrition, of course, is the largest challenge confronting an affected population after a disaster. But, leave it to our most innovative entrepreneurs to create new systems to combat and conquer this issue. Some startups are thinking proactive innovation, instead of reactive attempts at course correction. Related: 10 Technologies That Are Changing the World Take Indigo, in Boston, to name one example. That company is focusing on creating seed treatments that optimize the health of a plant to increase its yield. The end goal is to bring naturally derived products to market that allow for crops to better withstand environmental stress. This is similar to what Benson Hill Crop in St. Louis is doing. Its goal is to create a cognitive engine that provides decision support to accelerate crop improvement and enhance the sustainability of food, feed, fiber and fuel production. This in turn will empower the agricultural community through the use of tech to enhance viability, sustainability and potential advances for crops worldwide. On the other side of the planet, in Gujarat, India, MyCrop Technologies is giving access to a collaborative platform that is using machine learning to provide real-time support for farmers. The company aims to use data, drones and other technology to help farmers make the decisions that will increase crop productivity. So how do you, as an entrepreneur, capitalize? First, you should start local. What are the areas of need in your community? Can you brainstorm solutions? Are there food deserts? If so, can you create a mobile grocery store supplying food and goods to those who lack easy access? Some 2.3 million Americans (2.2 percent of us) live more than a mile from a supermarket and don't have access to a vehicle. Add to that the fact that 12.3 percent of us live with food insecurity: Most entrepreneurs could see an opportunity here for innovation that creates positive social change while driving revenue. Second, where do your expertise and passion intersect? Take the company Zipline in Silicon valley. This company puts the intersection of drones and health care on full display. Back in 2016 it launched an on-demand service with the government of Rwanda to deliver more than 50 different types of blood products (blood, plasma, and platelets) for immediate medical treatment. Finally, follow the playbook. Ive mentioned here more than half a dozen startups that are innovating, creating positive social change and driving revenue for themselves. So, why not reach out to these and other startups and forge connections? Learn from them by studying their moves, speaking with them and possibly even asking to observe and shadow the for a period of time. Related: The Organic Farming Industry in 2016 and its Future: What Lies Ahead for This Sector? What are disruptive companies like these doing to create and innovate that you can draw from for your own startup? See if you can travel to see them. Be present in the wholly new environments they make, and your innovative mind will be expanded exponentially. Related: How Entrepreneurs Can Capitalize on 3 Industries Primed for Disruption Artificial Intelligence Will Be the Greatest Jobs Engine the World Has Ever Seen Why Entrepreneurs Today Should Think About Transformation, Not Disruption Copyright 2018 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved Welcome to Green Entrepreneur's video recap of the cannabis news you might have missed this week, hosted by our cannabis correspondent Conrad Martin. Were you one of the 36 million people successfully shamed and guilted into voting in Tuesday's midterm elections? If so, you may have contributed to legalization depending on where you live. Voters in Michigan, Missouri, and Utah chose to legalize in all three states. Related: Marijuana Wins Big in the Midterm Elections Jeff Sessions: OUT. Weed Stocks: UP! Longtime cannabis prohibitionist and former attorney general, Jeff Sessions resigned on Wednesday. The "hemp hater's" resignation had positive ripple effects -- after the news broke, cannabis stocks including Tilray jumped 30%. Related: AG Jeff Sessions Was (Basically) Fired Legalization Applies Pressure to Mexican Cartels Cannabis legalization in the states is having an impact on Mexican cartels. As states allow citizens to consume cannabis it digs into cartel market share. While cannabis trafficking has gone down, other drugs and opiod trafficking has increased. Related: Study Suggests Legal Pot Would Make Border Safer Than a Massive Wall Be sure to keep up with all things cannabiz by checking out the newly launched GreenEntrepreneur.com If you missed last week's episode, check it out here: You Can Get High At This Airport! Related: This Week in Weed: Americans Vote on Cannabis! This Week in Weed: You Can Get High At This Airport! This Week in Weed: Mr. Wonderful Passes on Grass! Copyright 2018 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved At its developer conference earlier this week, Samsung announced that the Android Pie software update for its flagships will come with One UI, a redesigned skin that focuses on simplification and ease of use. The company announced that the first public beta build of its Android Pie update with One UI was going to be available for the Galaxy S9, S9+, and Note9 by the end of this month. If that timeline was too vague for your taste, Samsung's German arm has come to the rescue today. Through a support chat, a German publication was able to find out exactly when the beta builds will be out - on November 15. This is the date for Germany, but since the beta program will also be available in the US and South Korea, the release time frame might be slightly different for those countries. This does come straight from Samsung support staff, but those people aren't always the best informed, so don't take the date for granted just yet. Either way, it looks like you'll be able to play with the redesigned One UI very soon indeed - that is, if you're rocking one of the company's flagships from this year. If you have one from 2017, worry not for Samsung is apparently going to bring One UI to the S8, S8+, and Note8 too - though that release might come significantly later than January 2019 when the newest models are due to receive the finalized update. Source (in German) Hold on tight to your Google Pixel 3 because Google can't repair it right now [Updated] [Update]: A uBreakiFix representative got in touch with us regarding the issue described below, and here's what she had to say: In full transparency, there is temporarily a limited quantity of OEM Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL screens, and we expect to have these parts available at every uBreakiFix location for same-day repairs in the coming weeks. To clarify, uBreakiFix stores are currently able to overnight these parts from our distribution center, and that's what you and your readers can expect until there's adequate supply at every store, which will then enable us to provide same-day repair service for these devices. We've outlined this process to all of our stores, and we want to make sure your readers are aware that they can get their Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL devices taken care of. Original article follows. It's been almost a month now, Google's latest Pixel 3 and 3 XL phones are on the streets and some users just like the feel of the frosted glass back and don't want to ruin their experience with a screen protector. But a case and screen protector might be prudent as numerous reports over the internet say that Google can't fix their broken Pixels. If you happen to be one of those users, you better think twice because breaking the back or the front of panel of your Pixel 3 or 3 XL would result in weeks or even months in a limbo before Google can take care of the broken handset. Even Google's uBreakiFix partners that service its phones doesn't seem to be of anyone's help either as the firm says it doesn't know when the spare parts will arrive. As of now, it can only get a hold of the battery. Some owners on Reddit say they have to wait a month before uBreakiFix can accept their phone for repairs, which is downright disappointing because, after all, you buy a premium flagship phone with virtually non-existent out-of-warranty customer support. However, if you are having issues that are covered by the warranty, Google will gladly help you with that. Source 1 | Source 2 Haiti - FLASH : Government denial and appeal to civil servants to serenity The Ministry of Communication denounces the circulation on social networks of a false note attributed to his ministry that the Government plans to cut certain benefits granted to employees of the public service including police officers. False information "aimed at discrediting the President of the Republic and the entire Government in a fragile political context," says the Ministry. For its part, the Ministry of Economy and Finance also makes a formal denial of this malicious information. Recalling that on the contrary "the Minister of Economy and Finance, Mr. Ronald Gray Decembre, during his various interventions, has indicated that, in response to the adjustments of the private sector, an increase in salaries of civil servants is planned in the 2018 - 2019 Finance Bill https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-26037-haiti-economy-the-budget-deficit-2017-2018-a-sinkhole-close-to-26-billion.html " adding "card benefits remain unchanged for all categories of public service staff." The Ministry appeals the employees of the Public Service, "especially the agents responsible for protecting and serving the population, to maintain their serenity because the purpose of this budget bill is rather the search for social peace and improvement of the life of the citizens." See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-26037-haiti-economy-the-budget-deficit-2017-2018-a-sinkhole-close-to-26-billion.html HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Politic : The opposition threatens to bring to justice Michel-Ange Gedeon ! The lawyers of the democratic and popular movement, which gathers about twenty political parties of the opposition, resulting from the agreement signed to the Arcahaie on August 19, 2017, envisage to bring a lawsuit against Michel Ange Gedeon, the Director General of the National Police of Haiti (PNH), if he does not take steps to facilitate the identification of police officers involved in acts of violence against citizens on 17 and 31 October 2018, during the demonstrations that made several dead and wounded. "A request will be sent on the morning of this Friday, November 9, 2018 to the Director General of the PNH to ask him to take all the necessary administrative measures to facilitate the identification of the offending police and translate them in front of competent judicial bodies to be tried and punished in accordance with the law. Otherwise, the Director General of the PNH, Michel Ange Gedeon, will personally be prosecuted both in terms of criminal law and disciplinary action before national and international bodies. Later, the lawyers of the Democratic and Popular sector will seize the International Criminal Court to request an investigation on the serious crimes against humanity, committed in Haiti," informs Me Andre Michel in a note. Learn more about the democratic and popular movement : The initiators of this opposition movement are : Me Andre Michel, Nenel Cassy, Walson Sanon, Marjory Michel, Evaliere Beauplean, Kelly C. Bastien, Manes Louis, Dupiton Joseph, Antonio Cheramy, Wilner Joseph, Axene Joseph, Roger Millien, Ricard Pierre, Lamercie Charles Pierre, Evelt Fanfan, Camille Edouard Jr, Roody Pierre Paul, Primptemps Belizaire, Ulrick Saint-Cyr, Jean Baptiste Bien-Aime, Ronique Paul Jean, Thomas Jean Rene and Mendez Soraya. HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Social : Campaign on sexual education violence and early marriage As part of the International Day of the Girl, Plan International Haiti launched a new campaign on education, early pregnancy, sexual violence and early marriage. Imose Jean Gedeon, the Head of the Women's Rights Department at the Ministry of Women's Affairs, announced the upcoming launch of a new awareness-raising campaign aimed at girls linked to gender-based violence, resulting in early pregnancy. and loss of school. For Mrs Gedeon, it is important to insist on equality between boys and girls in education and against early pregnancy. Recalling that, during the 2017-2018 biennium, the State, through the Ministry of Women's Affairs and Women's Rights, has launched two support projects for women and girls in situation of vulnerability in two departments, Grand-Anse and the South-East, in several communes among others: La Vallee, Jacmel, Beaumont, Dame-Marie and Pestel. For his part Allasan Drabo, Director of Plan International Haiti, calls for the consultation of all sectors to tackle the problem in the family, at school, in places of worship and workspace while deploring that women and girls must fight against sexist stereotypes. William Thelusmond, the coordinator general of the organization Regroupement Education Pour Tous (REPT), says that the right of girls is flouted, citing as an example that "out of 175,000 girls who enter to the first year fundamental, there remain only 18,000 in 9th fundamental year" urging the Haitian Government to guarantee the right of girls through legislation, as well as in the money it has in the budget for their cause. TB/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Justice : The Protector of the citizen, deeply concerned Renan Hedouville, the Protector of the Citizen of the Office of the Protection of the Citizen (OPC), expresses his deepest concern following the work stoppage of lawyers of the Bar Association of Port-au-Prince, for several weeks https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-25953-haiti-news-zapping.html , due to physical attacks on the 9th of October at the Palace of Justice, the Divisional Commissioner Berson Soljour, West Departmental Director of the National Police of Haiti (PNH), against Me Elie Diespt Augustin, Lawyer at the Bar of Port-au-Prince https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-26048-haiti-justice-the-west-director-of-the-pnh-temporarily-suspended.html Hedouville stresses that "This work stoppage has consequences for the functioning of the judicial system and further aggravates the situation of persons deprived of their liberty who are unable to benefit from the services of the members of the basoche, who constitute in many respects a fundamental judicial guarantee. It recommends to the General Directorate of the PNH (IGPNH) pending the outcome of their administrative inquiries, to immediately take precautionary measures against all officers of the PNH involved in any act of human rights violations, regardless of their rank" adding that such decisions "will prove that the IGPNH does not tolerate or endorse the misbehavior of these police officers. " He also draws the attention of the DGPNH on the "good practices and standards of policing that require that any uniformed police officer be clearly identified by both his rank and his registration number which must be visible and clearly legible, which would considerably reduce police drifts." Finally, the Ombudsman draws to the attention of Government Commissioner Me Clame Ocnam Dameus that "the paralysis, short as it is of the judicial system, has serious repercussions on society in general and on prolonged pre-trial detention in particular. It recommends that actors in the judiciary take all necessary measures to facilitate the resumption of judicial activities in the interest of a genuine rule of law. See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-26048-haiti-justice-the-west-director-of-the-pnh-temporarily-suspended.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-25953-haiti-news-zapping.html HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Petit-Goave : Mayor Limongy a danger for the city "I strongly denounce the Mayor of Petit-Goave, Limongy Samson Jean, who violated my home and traumatized my wife," said Pastor Luc Lefort Fontus, Normalien Superieur at the microphone of Radio Preference. "Accompanied by 3 agents, Mayor Limongy armed with two revolvers, entered my house. He returned to claim the right of construction (5,000 gourdes), an amount that I had promised to pay to the City as soon as possible. Since I was away, he told my wife who was in the kitchen, the order to go out... Hypertext, we had to drive her a few minutes later to the hospital. I condemn the arbitrary action of the Mayor who first violated the walls of my house in full reparation and then exerted strong pressure on my wife [...] I will prosecute Mr. Limongy who represents a danger for the city of Petit-Goave" declared Pastor Luc Lefort Fontus very furious. Remember that this is not the first time that Mayor Limondy makes talking about him for his "muscular" management, his unorthodox authoritarian behavior and threats to the revolver... Learn more about the actions of the Mayor of Petit-Goave : https://www.haitilibre.com/article-24607-haiti-petit-goave-le-maire-s-en-prend-aux-journalistes.html https://www.icihaiti.com/article-24042-icihaiti-petit-goave-le-maire-limongy-au-dessus-de-la-loi.html https://www.icihaiti.com/article-23891-icihaiti-petit-goave-agresse-menace-et-insulte-pour-sauver-un-arbre.html https://www.haitilibre.com/article-23605-haiti-flash-le-maire-limongy-de-petit-goave-sort-encore-son-revolver.html https://www.icihaiti.com/article-23474-icihaiti-petit-goave-le-maire-menace-d-une-arme-un-petit-commercant.html https://www.icihaiti.com/article-23341-icihaiti-petit-goave-colere-des-petites-marchandes-contre-la-mairie.html https://www.haitilibre.com/article-23318-haiti-petit-goave-le-maire-limongy-agresse-un-gardien-de-l-efacap.html https://www.icihaiti.com/article-23069-icihaiti-petit-goave-le-maire-interdit-a-ses-adjoints-de-prendre-la-parole.html HL/ HaitiLibre / Guyto Mathieu (Correspondant Petit-Goave) Haiti - News : Zapping... PetroCaribe: Ceant is following up In accordance with the commitments of the Prime Minister to supervise the judicial institutions in their investigation of the PetroCaribe issue, Prime Minister Ceant had a working session Tuesday with Pierre Volmar Desmesyeux the President of the Superior Court of Accounts and Administrative Litigation (CSC/CA) to inquire about the evolution of the Court's audit on the management of PetroCaribe funds. On Thursday he held a working session with the Superior Council of the Judiciary (CSPJ), and took the opportunity to announce the publication of the list of contracts concluded under the PetroCaribe Fund, contracting companies and the state of progress of projects. J-C Moise announces 3 days of demonstrations Former Senator Jean-Charles, leader of the platform of the radical opposition "Pitit Dessalines", announces several days of demonstrations on the national territory, on 10, 17 and 18 November 2018, to demand the departure of the President Jovenel Moise and continue to demand accountability for the use of PetroCaribe funds. The Minister of Finance goes back on his statements Thursday, November 8, at a press conference the Minister of Economy and Finance, Ronald Gray Decembre, retracted his statements made Monday about a possible adjustment of gas prices at the pump. He denounced a misinterpretation of his statements that he had only pleaded for a targeted adjustment that would favor the poorest strata and that, however, it remains difficult to understand why the Minister speaks of price adjustment of fuels for the underprivileged (public transit subsidy) if it is not in view of a rise in prices at the pump https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-26037-haiti-economy-the-budget-deficit-2017-2018-a-sinkhole-close-to-26-billion.html Joseph Lambert concerned about insecurity On Wednesday, Senator Joseph Lambert, President of the Senate, concerned about the insecurity in the country, met with Michel-Ange Gedeon the Director General of the National Police of Haiti (PNH) on the security situation of the country in general and that of the metropolitan area and provisions concerning Parliament in particular. See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-26063-haiti-news-zapping.html 12th edition of Artisanat en fete The 12th edition of the great fair "Artisanat en fete", will be held Saturday, 10 and Sunday, November 11 at the Historical Park of Sugarcane. Some 187 exhibitors from different parts of the country will exhibit their works. End of Martinique's mission A delegation from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Martinique (CCIM) is on a prospecting mission to Haiti since November 6 to explore business opportunities in Haiti. "We want to see what products can be imported from Haiti in Martinique and also the opportunities that can be offered to Haiti, as well as the financial contributions," said Philippe Jock, the President of the CCIM. The group of entrepreneurs from Martinique should leave Haiti this Friday, November 9th. HL/ HaitiLibre Certificates worth more than $2,600 during tree-lighting activities Press release The Havre Area Chamber of Commerces Super Certificate Giveaway holiday event is underway, with entry forms at local locations and printed in the Havre Daily News through Wednesday, Nov. 21. Drawings will take place at the Community Tree Lighting, Saturday, Nov. 24, in Town Square. Havre merchants are participating in the holiday drawings for gift certificates and prizes worth more than $2,600. One winner will receive two round-trip tickets with Cape Air and gift certificates valued at approximately $600. The second winner will receive a $100 gift certificate from Triangle Mobile with other gift certificates valued at approximately $500. The third winner will receive a one-month membership to Down Under Fitness Center and gift certificates valued at approximately $500, and the fourth winner will receive an oil change from Bergren Transmission with gift certificates valued at approximately $400. The Community Tree Lighting activities will start at the Town Square at 5 p.m. Events held earlier in the day will include the Polar Plunge at 3:30 p.m., Cookies and Milk with Santa at 4:30 p.m. at the Eagles Club, Santa Run at 4:30 p.m. beginning at Normans Ranch and Sportswear and luminaries about town as a Close Up fundraiser. The drawing will take place at the Community Tree Lighting, Saturday, Nov. 24. The Tree Lighting activities will start at the Town Square at 5 p.m. Holiday shoppers will be able to leave their completed registration forms during regular business hours at Holiday Village Mall, Atrium Mall, the Havre Daily News and the Chamber office. Registration forms will be printed in the Havre Daily News each day of publication through Wednesday, Nov. 21 Just fill out a registration form from the Havre Daily News and drop it at one of the four locations noted. No purchase is necessary. No photocopies of registration forms will be accepted. Registration slips will be collected at 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 23. in order to get all slips collected and into the BIG Christmas Bag for the drawing. No gift certificates can be redeemed for cash. Winners must be present to win. If the name drawn is not present, another name will be drawn until a winner is present. Havre Police Department Joseph Don Wetsit of Havre, 24, was arrested on a disorderly conduct charge after a caller at a First Street business reported Wednesday at 7:05 a.m. a man was passed out in the men's bathroom. -- A scam was reported at 9:14 a.m. Wednesday by a South Dell Drive caller. -- Havre Animal Control provided assistance after a caller reported Wednesday at 10:11 a.m. a cat stuck in a tree along U.S. Highway 2 West. -- Havre Animal Control made a written or verbal warning after a caller on Second Street reported Wednesday at 10:19 a.m. a tan pitbull acting aggressively. -- Jesse Lee Schoening of Havre, 29, was arrested on a probation violation after a caller at a Third Avenue establishment made a complaint at 6:18 p.m. Wednesday. -- Autumn Rose Eagleman of Havre, 18, was arrested on charges of minor in possession and disorderly conduct, after an officer first issued a summons on the charges while assisted an intoxicated woman on Third Street at 2:55 a.m. today and then receiving a call from a Fourth Street caller at 3:47 a.m. to provide assistance for an intoxicated woman. Hill County Sheriff's Office Ronald Dale Stump Sr. of Rocky Boy, 57, was arrested at Hill County Detention Center on a state District Court warrant Wednesday at 12:49 p.m. -- A 5:02 p.m. Wednesday report from a County Road 801 Northwest caller was referred to another agency. Havre Fire Department Emergency medical personnel responded to one call Wednesday and one early this morning. -- Firefighters responded to a fire alarm at 6:11 p.m. Wednesday on the 800 Block of Fourth Street. The alarm had been activated by over-cooked food, and no assistance was required. Havre Animal Shelter The Havre shelter this morning held one medium-hair cat and two short-hair cats of unknown gender, and six 7-week-old kittens being fostered until ready for adoption. Another 15 cats and two kittens, all of unknown gender, were listed separately as being held in the shelter or at a volunteer shelter. -- The Havre shelter this morning also held a female Australian cattle dog-blue heeler-border collie dog, a male German shepherd dog, a female mixed-breed dog, a male Australian shepherd dog, a male shepherd 24-week-old puppy, a male Labrador retriever dog, a female mixed-breed 9-month-old puppy and a female mixed-breed 11-month-old puppy. With the final precincts counted in the race for the seat in Public Service Commission District 1, Sun River Republican Randy Pinocci held onto his substantial lead and won the race. Pinocci took 44,772 votes to Havre Democrat Doug Kaerchers 30,183 in the uncanvased unofficial count. The count was delayed when lines of voters in Cascade County set the process back hours, with votes still being counted Wednesday. Pinocci said this morning he is looking forward to taking the seat vacated by Great Falls Republican Travis Kavulla, who could not run for re-election due to term limits. Its an honor for me to represent the people in District 1, Pinocci said. Kaercher could not be reached for comment this morning. Pinocci thanked Kaercher for running a really clean campaign. I would like to say that Doug was an honest opponent. he said. There were no negative attacks, Its always great to see that. He said he and Kaercher seemed to approach the campaign with the same attitude. I just wanted people to look at the voting records and make a decision on that, Pinooci said. He said he wants to work to make improvements in the district over the next four years, especially in the area of mobile phone coverage. If we dont have coverage and a cell phone doesnt work, I want to fix that, Pinocci said. In four years there are going to be some improvements. He said he also hopes to work to get teams of people put together in areas to look at and bring to his attention issues of concern, and that he will be available to speak to groups or organizations about PSC issues, ranging from taxi service to telecommunications and energy, if they are interested. He also said he will be working to remove his campaign signs in the 19-county district, which ranges from Teton County through Cascade and Fergus counties and along the Hi-Line to the North Dakota border. If people see a sign that was missed, they should contact him at 406-264-5391 to let him know so he can have it removed, he said. People can reach him at that number after he takes office to ask him questions or talk about concerns, he added. With all precincts now reported in the race for Senate District 14, incumbent Sen. Russ Tempel, R-Chester, appears to be the winner but the final tally when provisional ballots are counted next Tuesday could change that. Tempel took 4,493 votes in the unofficial count, 139 more than Havre Democrat Paul Tuss 4,354. As many as 140 more ballots will be counted next Tuesday, depending on verfication of their validity. A provisional ballot is cast when a voter says they are legal to vote but their voting registration cannot be verified, such as if an absentee ballot was sent out but lost or never received and the voter votes at the polls. The ballots are verified and then counted after 3 p.m. on the Tuesday following the election. Tempel this morning thanked Tuss for a clean campaign and said, if he ends up the victor after the final count, he is looking forward to getting back to Helena and working with the people there. He added that the staff he worked with in Helena was incredibly good. Im looking forward to getting back there with a little more experience, Tempel said. He was appointed to the seat in the district, which stretches from the Canadian border through Liberty, western Hill and Chouteau counties to the northeastern corner of Cascade County, to take the place of Republican Kris Hansen, who resigned her seat to take a position in the state auditors office. He had to run for re-election this year. Tuss, who made his first bid for office this year since he lost in the Democratic Primary for Montana secretary of state in 2000, said he had a very rewarding experience in the race. For nine months, we worked our hearts out on this campaign, he said. It was one of most challenging things Ive done, but also one of the most rewarding. When you knock on 10,000 doors, you get a much better understanding of what peoples hopes and aspsirations are for themselves and their families, he added. He said he hadnt even thought about what he would do if the provisional ballots bring him to a position where he could request a recount. Under Montana law, if the difference in votes is less than one-quarter of 1 percent of the ballots cast, a recount must be held. If the difference is from one-quarter of one percent to less than one-half of one percent, the candidate can, within five days, request a recount and put up a bond to cover the cost. If all 140 provisional ballots count and Tuss picks up 95 votes, he can request a recount. If he picks up 113 votes, a recount should automatically be held. Tuss said he doubts he can pick up enough to request a recount, adding that the ballots will probably split fairly close to what the ballots already counted went. If it does allow a recount, he will decide then, he said. He said he will support Tempel if he does end up the victor. I wish him nothing but success and will do everything I can to help him in his job in the state Senate, Tuss said. A group of diverse but like-minded individuals, the members of ARC have come together in their common desire to fight hatred, bigotry, intolerance and violence because of the harm these antisocial behaviors cause to our society. In that effort, we will not use or sanction the use of illegal actions (such as violence or intimidation) in pursuit of our desired aims and if we learn of anyone who does use these unethical methods we will report those individuals to the authorities. Instead, we will use the guarantees found in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms that ensure freedom of legal speech and expression. Havre Police Senior Officer Justin Gomke watches over students at Havre High School this morning. The Havre Police Department increased its presence in the Havre School District after a cryptic message was found in a boy's bathroom Wednesday at Havre High School. Along with the Havre police, the Hill County Sheriff's Office is adding extra patrols at Havre schools. Despite an increased law enforcement presence in the district, Havre Public Schools Superintendent Andy Carlson said this morning that the district is no longer using the word "threat" to refer to an incident that took place Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. at Havre High School. "We're treating it more like vandalism at this point," Carlson said. A cryptic message was discovered Wednesday written on the second floor boy's bathroom of the high school. Carlson declined to say exactly what the message said. After law enforcement and school officials determined the message was "unsubstantiated," the district decided to hold classes today, a release from the district said. Carlson said nothing new to report was available this morning and the district is still working with police to investigate the cryptic message. "We want to keep working with the local police just in case if there is any possible threat, we can stop it," he said. Havre police have increased their presence at the high school today and the department and Hill County Sheriff's Office have increased patrols through the school district. Carlson added that they addressed the message with students because it could cause an education disruption. Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson A release from the district said it is working with the Havre Police Department in investigating the incident. Investigation, including viewing video surveillance, interviews and staff member assistance, "has been vital in determining the credibility of this specific message," the release said. It added that any threats of harm or questionable messages are taken seriously and people should report them promptly to authorities. The message this week follows school shootings across the nation, including the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland Florida in February that killed 17, and threats found last school year in Havre High School and Havre Middle School. People celebrate the end of Wolrd War I Nov. 11, 1918, in front of the Board of Trade Saloon at First Street and Third Avenue in Havre. By Emily Mayer Lots of history was made at this time 100 years ago. A contentious election was finalized, but since I think we've all had enough of elections for now, this column will focus on another important event taking place at the same time, that being the end of The Great War. News of an armistice had been announced earlier in the week, but it turned out to be a false one. So, when news reached stateside that the armistice had been reached with the unconditional surrender of Germany, the allied countries celebrated with great gusto. News reached Havre at about 1 a.m. through the Great Northern communications line, but the news was withheld until 6 a.m. - and everyone in town heard it! There are two accounts of the celebrations in the Havre papers, one in the Havre Plaindealer's Nov. 16, 1918, edition and the other in the Hill County Democrat's edition of the same date. Information from The Havre Daily Promoter is not available-for some strange reason, there is no microfilm of the Promoter from late October 1918 until after the new year. (Please remember this for next week's column!) Here is the Democrat's account, found on its front page: SIGNING OF ARMISTICE CAUSES CELEBRATION Begins at Six in the Morning and Continues Throughout the Day. Great joy was expressed by the people of this city Monday morning, when the news of the signing of the armistice reached here. Gee whiz! Maybe you think Havre didn't go over the top in celebrating the glorious occasion. The news was received by the night force of the Great Northern railway about 1 a.m. Monday, but was withheld until a reasonable hour to awaken the denizens from the peaceful slumbers. At just 6 o'clock all the bells and whistles in the city were thrown loose. People began flocking to the downtown district as fast as they could possibly attire themselves in quest of the meaning of the great disturbance and when told of the good tidings, went wild with joy. At 8 o'clock a parade was formed in front of the Hotel Havre, with the band in the lead and proceeded to make the rounds of the city. Everybody was shouting with joy-each one apparently trying to outdo the other. Parading, shouting, shooting of guns, etc., kept up a merry din all day. At 1:30 in the afternoon a comic parade was formed in which the whole city participated. Havre surely did herself proud on this occasion. Flags of the allied countries were in evidence along with the stars and stripes and the Japanese and Italians were out in large numbers, helping to celebrate the grand occasion. Every business house in town was closed, the only places allowed to be open being the hotels and restaurants. At 3 o'clock an open air meeting was held on the corner of First street and Third avenue. The principal address was given by Rev. Christler, and as usual, proved more than equal to the occasion. A collection was taken for the purpose of sending a congratulatory telegram to Gen. Pershing. The combined choirs of the city sang several selections, among them being "America" and other patriotic numbers. The event will long be remembered by the citizens of Havre. And the Plaindealer printed on its editorial page: ENTHUSIASTIC PEACE CELEBRATION AT HAVRE Havre celebrated the advent of peace with enthusiasm on Monday, the premature celebration on Saturday afternoon having had no greater effect than to put the people in training for the real thing when it really arrived. The news was received about six o'clock in the morning and all the bells and whistles available were put to the welcome use of proclaiming liberty to the world so far as their tones could reach. The day was given over to the most unrestricted rejoicing, all places of business were closed. An impromptu parade in the early morning hours was followed by one hastily organized, but somewhat more formal, at two o'clock. This was followed by an open air gathering at the corner of First street and Third avenue, where so many times in the last months, the citizens have gathered to bid farewell to the contingents of soldiers sent to help make possible the great event celebrated on Monday. This gathering was addressed by Rev. L. J. Christler and briefly by others, the band was in evidence and the audience joined in hearty and joyful singing. In the evening, by special permission of the board of health, thanksgiving services were held in the churches. Large congregations were present at the Methodist and at St. Marks Episcopal services. The Presbyterian church did not receive notice in time to heat the church so a meeting was held at the manse. Large gatherings had been prohibited for a few weeks due to the Spanish flu epidemic and Havre was under quarantine as were many other communities. More on this in next week's column. I wanted to focus on the armistice of The Great War for this week's column as we will be celebrating Veterans Day this coming Sunday. On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, we pause to thank those who serve our country. Originally known as Armistice Day, the first celebration took place on November 11, 1919, the one-year anniversary of the end of World War I. In 1926, Congress passed a law making the day an annual observance, and in 1938 it became a national holiday. The name was changed from Armistice Day to Veterans Day in 1954 by President Dwight Eisenhower. An act of Congress in 1968 changed the date to the fourth Monday in October and it was enacted in 1971. President Gerald Ford, however, put the date back to November 11 in 1975 because of the historical significance of the day, and I wholeheartedly agree with President Ford. Historic and culturally significant days don't change due to someone else's "convenience." We will also join our allied friends by wearing poppies in honor of our veterans. The origin of wearing poppies in remembrance of the fallen lies in the 1915 poem "We Shall Not Sleep," later renamed "In Flanders Fields," by Col. John McCrae, though they were originally worn on Memorial Day. The poem mentions red poppies growing on land in Flanders, a part of Belgium, where many men had died during the war. In 1919, Monia Michael read the poem and was struck by the idea of wearing poppies in honor of the fallen soldiers. In 1921, the American Legion Auxiliary started its Poppy Program, distributing red crepe paper poppies made by veterans through their therapeutic rehabilitation. The poppies are still distributed today in exchange for donations that directly assist disabled and hospitalized veterans. And the poppies still bloom in the fields of Flanders. Please take the time this Sunday to participate in the Veterans Day program. Havre Police Department A Second Street caller reported Thursday at 6:22 a.m. her vehicle was stolen. -- A non-injury vehicle crash between a Chevrolet and a Ford was reported Thursday at 7:57 a.m. on First Street West. -- Thursday at 10:34 a.m. a vehicle crash between a Ford and a garbage truck was reported on First Street. -- Francisco Javier Cooke of Choteau, 20, was arrested on a Justice or City court warrant during a vehicle stop on 11th Street West Thursday at 7:06 p.m. -- A tire was found in the middle of Fourth Street outside the police station Thursday at 7:20 p.m. -- Jazmine Kiana Pewitt of Havre, 21, was arrested on a Justice or City court warrant after an officer investigated suspicious activity on First Street at 8:47 p.m. Thursday. Hill County Sheriff's Office A caller on Bullhook Road reported Thursday at 8:09 a.m. she was stuck in the middle of the road, and deputies made an arrest, but no charges were listed on the dispatch log. The jail roster lists the caller, Alaynna Dyanne Gray, as being held on $50,000 bond for charges of criminal endangerment, driving under the influence and driving without a driver's license. -- Thursday at 10:35 a.m. a Havre caller reported an identity theft. -- A caller at a U.S. Highway 2 West business reported shoplifters at 4:26 p.m. Thursday and two arrests were made, but no details on charges were listed. -- Patrick Leroy Foster of Rudyard, 70, was issued a summons on a charge of driving with a suspended or revoked driver's license, during a vehicle stop on Main Street South in Rudyard Thursday at 7:34 p.m. Havre Fire Department Emergency medical personnel responded to three calls Thursday. Havre Animal Shelter The Havre shelter this morning held one medium-hair cat and two short-hair cats of unknown gender, and six 7-week-old kittens being fostered until ready for adoption. Another 15 cats and two kittens, all of unknown gender, were listed separately as being held in the shelter or at a volunteer shelter. -- The Havre shelter this morning also held a female Australian cattle dog-blue heeler-border collie dog, a male German shepherd dog, a female mixed-breed dog, a male Labrador retriever dog, a female mixed-breed 9-month-old puppy and a female mixed-breed 11-month-old puppy. This Sunday is the 100-year anniversary of the signing of the armistice that ended World War I, celebrated as Veterans Day, and the Havre Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 497 will have an outdoor ceremony at the Veterans Memorial in Town Square followed by a free-will chili feed at the Elks Lodge. VFW Post Commander William Bill Tucker said that starting at 9 a.m. Korean War Veteran Ron Miller and World War II Veteran Cal Burr will be putting up flags around the square with other VFW members and American Legion members. This will be followed at 11 a.m. by Tucker giving a brief statement at the Veterans Memorial addressing the public about Veterans Day. He added that after his statement the VFW Chaplain will give a short prayer, followed by the Veterans Honor Guard, with members of both the VFW and the American Legion, who will give a three volleys solute. Tucker said the the ceremony will be closed with the playing of taps. Directly following the outdoor ceremony there will be a free-will chili feed at the Havre Elks Lodge. The chili feed will have guest speakers and is open to the public to attend, Tucker said. He added that the speakers will be Elks Lodge member Bob Newbauer and Dale Herd. We would just appreciate everyone coming out and supporting our veterans, Tucker said. Veterans Day originated as Armistice Day and was celebrated for the first time Nov. 11, 1919, which was the first anniversary of the end of World War I. World War I was often thought of as the Last Great War before military tactics and modern weapons revolutionized warfare in World War II. Great Britain, France, Australia and Canada also celebrate WWI and WWII veterans on or near the Nov. 11 date in remembrance of their respected veterans. In 1926, the U.S. Congress passed a resolution for an annual observance and in 1938 Veterans Day became a national holiday. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, in 1954, officially changed the name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day. Sunday, the nation will recognize all veterans who have given their lives and fought to protect their countrys freedom. According to online resources more than 16 million veterans are alive who served in at least one war, more than 5 million who served during peacetime and more than 2 million veterans who are women. More than 16 million Americans served during WWII, with only about 500,000 still alive. An engagement program, called HP STAR, built for graduates and managed by graduates was launched. Helmed by four grads in the region, the intention is for these people to be involved in briefing leaders about the next generation coming into the workplace. What type of L&D do they need and expect? How can we do our on-campus recruiting more effectively? How can we get our story out there? These are the sorts of questions were asking the HP STAR team to build a strategy around, says Marzicola. She adds that a key measure of success will be changing the perception of HP from one of being a great company name to have on your CV to a place where you can build your career. Instead, career rotations will allow employees to build lengthy and successful careers at the company. We have to be more intentional about the opportunities were putting in front of them, giving them the visibility and also making it an intentional move, so every nine months they get to do something different at least for the first three years of their career. Part of that is allowing for some kind of opportunity to move to another country or region, she says. HP Inc. has purposely built career rotations into the talent management mix for all employees, from grads up to executives. We get a lot of people coming from Palo Alto into the region but that flow doesnt necessarily happen the other way back, says Marzicola. I want us to be influencing decisions rather than waiting for decisions to cascade from headquarters. Working in our headquarters helps our local employees to understand the way decisions are made and what needs to be considered on a global scale when programs are, initiatives and decisions are implemented.. Another key area is around D&I, which Marzicola says is foundational to everything that we do. Business Impact Networks (BINs) which might be known as employee resource groups in other organisations provide insight and suggestions on how the company operates with a D&I lens. The company today has the most diverse board of directors of any tech company in the US. Forty percent on the board are women and 50% are underrepresented minorities. A COMEDIAN from Maidenhead who moved to Canada five years ago and became a huge success is playing a hometown gig at Norden Farm Centre for the Arts tomorrow night (Saturday). James Mullinger has been hailed as a great stand-up by Jimmy Carr and fantastic, very talented and very funny the next big thing by Michael McIntyre. Since moving to Canada, he has become one of the biggest names in North American comedy and has twice beaten Jerry Seinfelds sales record with his colossal arena shows. His show in Norden Farms Courtyard Theatre tomorrow night will feature support from Ethan Ash and Andrew Doyle. A spokesman for the Altwood Road venue said: James has sold out Norden Farm four times and loves it here so much that he has picked this venue for his only UK tour date of 2018. The show starts at 8pm. Tickets are 15 with concessions 13. To book, call 01628 788997 or visit www.nordenfarm.org A DETECTIVE from Henley on a career break returned to police work for a television game show which will be broadcast for the first time tonight (Friday). Dc George Bradley is one of 14 current or former officers who had to hunt down a gang of criminals on The Heist. The programme follows 10 contestants who must plan and execute a mock theft of 250,000 from a security van, then decide where to hide the money while evading capture. Dc Bradleys squad, which consisted of detectives and data analysts from forces across Britain, had 16 days to crack the case while working from a temporary incident room in Thirsk, North Yorkshire. Those who remained uncaught at the end were allowed to keep their 25,000 share of the loot. The Yorkshire Police were filmed for up to 12 hours a day as they pored over evidence, identified suspects and tried to hunt them down. Dc Bradley, 43, who is married with young children, applied for the role after seeing an advertisement on the professional networking site LinkedIn for experienced detectives. She attended a screen test at the London offices of Shine TV, which produced The Heist, before being offered the part. Dc Bradley, who joined the Henley neighbourhood policing team in 2004, said: I just thought it would be a new challenge, something completely different and outside of my comfort zone. It sounded exciting and I was both free and qualified so I decided to put myself forward. They wanted to know whether I was a good detective and I had to give examples of how and why I was. They wanted examples of cunning tactics that Id used in my career and needed to see that I was switched-on, wily and, most importantly, confident. The screen test was effectively the same thing but with the added layer of seeing how you look on camera. Again, it was me talking about myself and answering questions while they filmed it. I assume they wanted to see that I was at ease in that kind of situation. She wasnt told much about the concept until filming began in May. Dc Bradley said: I knew it would be a live investigation but until they started filming we didnt even know what kind of crime it would be. It was just like in real life if theres a robbery like the one at the jewellery shop in Henley this summer, the victim puts in a 999 call saying there has been a smash-and-grab and the police go straight to the scene. Forensic resources are deployed and all manner of investigative enquiries follow from that. As the shoot progressed, we started focusing on individual suspects and, as in a real investigation, we began feeling more confident that we were following the right people as we gathered evidence. I think that realism is why the programme is going to be a huge success. It was pretty complicated and Ive never seen a programme like it before. As far as I was concerned, we were a real team investigating a real crime. We bonded from the outset. They were a fantastic bunch of gorgeous, talented and intelligent people, all of whom were real alpha types with no wallflowers, which I suppose was the point as its a television show. It was a chance to do all the fun stuff without any of the usual paperwork and you cant beat police officers for having a laugh and being fantastic company so it was a no-brainer. Im still in touch with them every day, especially now that its building to a crescendo before being broadcast. It was very tiring and full-on and I still have no idea what was happening from the contestants perspective, so it will be interesting to see the finished programme. It was a relief to finish as we were all incredibly tired and my family were missing me very much. It was nice to get home and return to some kind of normality but I would do it again if the opportunity presented itself. Im looking forward to watching the programme because so far I havent seen anything apart from the trailer. Some of the other team members have seen snippets and say its absolutely fantastic. Dc Bradley, who grew up in Nottinghamshire, joined Thames Valley Police in 1998 shortly after moving to the area and spent her first six years as a police constable in Didcot. She became a detective in 2005, two years after moving to Henley. She was initially a member of Henley CID before moving to the forces priority crime team at Didcot, which covered the whole of South Oxfordshire. More recently she was based at Abingdon. She decided to take a 24-month break at the start of this year as she was approaching her 20th workanniversary and wanted to spend more time with her family. She is currently working part-time as a swimming instructor at Henley leisure centre and in an office role at Townlands Memorial Hospital. Dc Bradley said her policing role had changed over the past two decades. She said: When I first started, I was investigating more serious crimes like arson with intent to endanger life and one of my first jobs in Henley was a very serious assault for which two men were sent to prison. The people we were looking for were mostly local whereas latterly weve seen more robberies, burglaries and organised crime where people have travelled in from outside the area, which makes it harder to find them. It used to be that whenever a crime was committed, youd have some idea of who was responsible and while that still happens to a degree, there are a lot fewer local criminals so theres more cross-border work with other forces. Dc Bradley enjoys attending community events including the Henley Literary Festival, for which she is a volunteer. She said: I absolutely love Henley. The people are just wonderful and were lucky to have so many things going on. The Heist will be shown on Sky One and NowTV at 9pm. An Evening with Rick Wakeman | Mill at Sonning | Monday, November 5 ANYONE who purchased tickets for An Evening with Rick Wakeman at The Mill at Sonning would have got a lot more than they bargained for. In a similar vein to last years popular event, a host of stars descended onto the venues small crescent-shaped stage to raise money to support the worthy charity Animals Asia. Actor Peter Egan led proceedings, quickly joined by fellow Downton Abbey star Lesley Nicol (aka Mrs Patmore), and even the amazing Virginia McKenna, the charitys UK patron, looking ever-sprightly at 87. Both the former have adopted beautiful moon bears so named for the distinctive yellow markings on their chest rescued from horrifying bile farms in Asia, while the Born Free star herself has been involved in the organisation since its inception. After a delightful vegan dinner laid on by the Mill in its stunningly refurbished dining hall, the assembled guests in the auditorium could easily have sat in rapture for an entire evening, taking in the anecdotes from the actors about the bear sanctuaries they had visited in Vietnam and China. But this was, after all, Rick Wakemans night, and as a die-hard Yes fan myself, I could not wait to hear him tinker on his keys in these intimate surroundings. A staunch supporter of Animals Asia, Wakeman spoke of his sadness at the demise of his own adopted Moon Bear, Cyril, named poignantly after his late father. As an homage to both, the pink-suited genius as aptly described by Peter Egan delivered a gorgeous rendition of Gone But Not Forgotten on his grand piano. Having teased the audience with just two pieces, Wakeman then welcomed zany juggling comedian Steve Rawlings to the stage, enthralling the audience with gravity-defying balancing acts, dexterity and extraordinary sleight of hand. Amidst the very physical mayhem of near spills, broken plates and terrifyingly close cleaver blades, Rawlings kept the laughs coming for nearly an hour. An interval auction included items up for grabs such as donated moon bear sculptures and prints, visits to the Asian bear sanctuaries with sanctuary founder Jill Robinson, and 14-day luxury trips to the Caribbean. Peter Egan quickly totted up the evenings takings, including the ticket purchases, which he proudly attested amounted to 40,000 a figure greeted with deafening applause. Wakeman rounded out the evening with just time for another five colourfully and intricately arranged piano outings, with his customary belly-aching stories in between numbers. He rolled out Bowies Life on Mars? on which he had originally played mellotron in the studio and ruminated on his friendship with the erstwhile rock legend. Wakemans exquisite versions of the Beatles Strawberry Fields, While My Guitar Gently Weeps, and Cat Stevenss Morning Has Broken almost begged the audience to reinterpret these iconic compositions and see them in new light. And only our wonderfully eccentric and quintessentially English keyboard maestro himself could come up with Eleanor Rigby in the style of Prokofiev to close out the night. Credit must go to the Sally Hughes and the staff of the Mill for generously hosting what is surely becoming one of the do-not-miss events of this stunning local venues calendar. This past Monday evening was a real treat. Martin Dew Annalise Murphy (right) with Cooking for Freedoms Mavis Ramazani (back row, third from left) and other Dublin Bus community spirit award winners Asylum seekers who set up a group to cook together have won a Dublin Bus community spirit award. Mavis Ramazani, who is originally from South Africa, said that in the Direct Provision centre where she is based in Dublin, food is prepared by the canteen and, like many asylum seekers, she really missed cooking. That is how the idea for the Cooking for Freedom group came about. "Where we are staying, we don't have cooking facilities. We were missing preparing our own food," said Mavis, who has a daughter, Asha (7). "For me as a mum, it give me such pleasure preparing food," she said. "I was also worried about losing my skills I learnt from my mother." "We started speaking to some of our friends." They were offered kitchen space by a community-based centre and last December were able to get cooking. "I wanted to connect with other residents. In my mind, I knew that even if we don't speak the same language, food connects people," said Mavis. "We have become like a small village." Delight Mavis revealed that 25 residents are cooking, with kitchen facilities in two other premises now also available. She told of her delight that the group picked up a coveted 5,000 award in the Dublin Bus awards yesterday. "It will make such a difference," she said. Voluntary and community groups which work to raise community spirit and improve lives are honoured by the awards. Olympic sailing hero Annalise Murphy was on hand for the announcement of the winners. "I'm in awe of those people behind these groups who dedicate so much time to making other people's lives and their communities better," she said. Each year five groups win the top award of 5,000. Apart from Cooking for Freedom, the four other top winners were CARI, which provides child centre specialised therapy and support services to children, families and groups affected by child sexual abuse; Acquired Brain Injury Ireland; Genesis Psychotherapy and Family Therapy Service; and Children in Hospital Ireland. A total of 85 voluntary groups from across Dublin were given an award to allow them to develop new projects. One dog was so thin his ribs were sticking out These are the shocking images of two boxer dogs who were starved and near death when they were found living in deplorable conditions in Co Kildare. Their owner, Thomas Cross, of Grove Heights, Robertstown, Co Kildare, pleaded guilty in Naas District Court earlier this week to two counts of animal cruelty relating to the dogs at the premises in Robertstown. He was sentenced to eight months' imprisonment and handed a 5,000 fine after his conviction over the treatment of the two dogs. The animals were found in January 2017 in an extremely emaciated state. A vet confirmed that they were suffering from severe malnutrition, with their ribs and visibly protruding. One dog had nasty lesions along its back and hind legs, severely overgrown nails, and the tip of his tail had been damaged and was bleeding. The other dog was oozing dark discharge and had scabs on its ears, while its teeth were worn down with evidence of chronic gingivitis present. The dogs were immediately seized and taken to the National Animal Centre in Co Longford to receive the urgent veterinary treatment and rehabilitation they badly needed. Veterinary Surgeon Ann Neville outlined the condition of the dogs to the court. IMPRISONMENT Photographs taken at the time which showed the harm that came to the dogs at the house in Co Kildare were handed into the court for consideration by Judge Desmond Zaidan. He imposed two consecutive four-month terms of imprisonment. Mr Cross also has 12 months to pay the fine of 5,000. Judge Zaidan also awarded the costs of the investigation in the sum of 2,400, including veterinary costs, to the Government. ISPCA chief inspector Conor Dowling said the dogs had been found in a condition that was "simply shocking". He said that there was no reason pet owners should treat their animals in this way and that it would not be tolerated. "There is no excuse and failure to provide the basic level of care for these dogs was just not acceptable and will not be tolerated," he said. "We will do all that we can to improve the welfare for all animals in Ireland and members of the public should continue to report animal welfare concerns to the ISPCA by contacting the National Animal Cruelty Helpline on 1890 515 515 or report cruelty online in confidence." The dogs, re-named Ace and Artie, made a full recovery and have been re-homed together in Dundrum. Under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, pet owners have a legal requirement to look after their pets. A 50,000 powerboat belonging to a Dublin Bus mechanic, who was found to have brought a fraudulent accident claim, has been sold for 15,000 to help defray the Motor Insurance Bureau (MIBI) and Zurich Insurance's legal costs. Stunned-looking father-of-five Ian Doyle (34) told Judge Jacqueline Linnane in the Circuit Civil Court that when he had tried to sell the boat on Done Deal he was offered 28,000. Judge Linnane told him that when the MIBI and Zurich sought to recover the costs of his fraudulent crash claim they had to trawl websites to find his boat, which he had falsely denied was his. SEIZED Barrister Moira Flahive said that despite the sheriff having seized and sold the boat, there were still outstanding costs to be levelled against Doyle. The court had heard earlier that the legal costs of the fraudulent claim had been assessed at 29,000 against Mr Doyle, of The Academy Building, Park West, Nangor Road, Dublin. Ms Flahive told the court that in 2007 the Circuit Court found Mr Doyle had fraudulently claimed 60,000 damages against motorist Belinda McLoughlin and the MIBI in a "set up" crash. An order for costs against Mr Doyle had been made and had since been officially determined at 28,881, which the MIBI and Zurich had sought to recover partly through the sale of the boat. Zurich had refused to indemnify Ms McLoughlin and had fought four cases, including Doyle's, on the grounds all of them were fraudulent. Ms Flahive said Mr Doyle was found to be one of four claimants seeking a total of 240,000 damages against Ms McLoughlin. Zurich had conducted a search of any assets Mr Doyle might have and found he was trying to sell his powerboat. Judge Linnane struck out the MIBI and Zurich's proceedings to recover and sell the boat. She said there were still outstanding costs to be met by Mr Doyle. An artists impression of what the new campus in Ballsbridge will look like Facebook has confirmed it is expanding its investment in Ireland by acquiring a long-term lease of 14 acres for a campus development in Ballsbridge in Dublin. The premises, known as the Bank Centre, is currently occupied by AIB. The move will see Facebook quadruple its current floorspace to 870,000 square foot across a number of buildings, with capacity for an additional 5,000 employees. The new campus will play host to the 60 teams it has in Ireland across engineering, safety, legal, policy, marketing and sales. While Facebook's move to Ballsbridge has been the subject of complex negotiations for over a year, in September the Herald learned that terms had been agreed between the various parties. Developer Johnny Ronan is expected to kick-start the development of the site shortly. By the end of 2018, there will be more than 4,000 people working for Facebook in Ireland, across its four locations in Grand Canal Square, Samuel Beckett Building in Dublin 3, Clonee Data Centre in Co Meath and Facebook Reality Labs in Co Cork. Gareth Lambe, head of Facebook Ireland, said: "Ireland is one of the best places in the world to be a technology company and we're investing here for the long term. "This significant investment demonstrates our commitment to Ireland, our desire to grow our business here and continue to contribute to the economy. "We're very excited about the campus project which will provide our employees and partners a state-of-the-art, modern work environment with lots of collaborative spaces, training spaces and an outdoor plaza with seating areas. "As the site will be renovated in phases, the move will happen over three years and will see all 2,000 employees currently based in Grand Canal in the new campus by 2022." AIB has been preparing for the redevelopment of its Bank Centre headquarters for some time. Commitment The State-owned bank has already secured new office accommodation for its corporate headquarters at No 10 Molesworth Street, and for its employees at locations around the capital including Heuston South Quarter (HSQ) in Kilmainham and Central Park in Leopardstown. Chief executive of IDA Ireland Martin Shanahan said today's announcement further deepens Facebook's commitment to Ireland. A highly combative Donald Trump didn't even wait for the dust to settle after the American midterm election before firing the first shot on his Twitter account. On Wednesday afternoon, the president took immediate aim at the Department of Justice by firing Attorney General Jeff Sessions. China.org in the article Post-midterm: Trump's risks, Washington's bigger drama writes, that this seems to herald a new game in the Washington jungle, as Trump fights tooth and nail to hold onto political power. Facing a resurgent Democratic Party regaining control of the House of Representatives, he had already placed the White House on a virtual war footing, threatening instant retaliation if there were any further moves to investigate him. In fact, the word was out that Trump had long wanted to fire Sessions, disappointed that the latter had recused himself from Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into potential collusion between the Trump's presidential campaign team and Russia. He had called Sessions "weak" and "disgraceful," and their relations had become cold and awkward after the president had directly asked his Attorney General to resign. Before this shocking news broke, Trump held a disputatious and hostile press conference regarding the midterm election results, where he couldn't hold back his anger in repeated clashes with reporters. In an earlier tweet, Trump couldn't wait to claim his Republican Party had enjoyed a "tremendous success." When the midterm results picture became a bit clearer Tuesday night, it turned out the Republicans had maintained their Senate majority, but suffered big losses in the House. What Trump is good at is hitting out, with proven ability to survive and even prosper in past "battles." However, it's questionable whether this tactic will continue to work in a totally changed situation with heightened risks. Loss of the House means the rules in Washington are not those to which Trump has become accustomed over the past two years. The Democratic Party has been re-energized and is now a core player on the Washington political stage. The first and biggest risk is that of "subpoena" empowerment through its House majority. That is, the Democrats may issue a subpoena to compel any White House staff member to testify before Robert Mueller's special investigation into the 2016 presidential election campaign. However, right now it's not clear if that card will be played in the coming months. Certainly, it will have some sort of chilling effect. The special investigating team led by Mueller has already charged four Trump campaign or administration team members. If Mueller continues to press others to testify it could change the course of the investigation, and nobody is able to predict the future influence and direction it will take Secondly, in terms of domestic issues, what Trump has been doing in the past two years, if he continues along the same road, will incur many risks depending on what cards Democrats choose to play. For example, the chances of Congress overturning Barrack Obama's "Obama Care" health program seems highly unlikely. Trump's pride and joy, his economic policy and the various measures he has trumpeted as great success, will encounter totally different resistance and technical hurdles as well. The Federal budget will become another battlefield, over such issues as economic stimulus plans and emerging border expenses. For instance, under the current situation, Trump's administration has more spending needs involving the subsidies needed for farmers hurt by the ongoing trade war. This offers Democrats more chances for trade-offs with the administration. More interestingly, the prospects are gloomier over Trump's continued infatuation with an anti-immigrant wall between the U.S. and Mexico. Even when Capitol Hill was totally controlled by the Republican Party the wall couldn't be built. And now, the Democratic Party definitely will not agree, adding to the negative feelings in the White House. Thirdly, Trump's foreign policy is at risk. More strictly, those days when Trump could do what he liked seem to be gone. One of the Democrats' main weapons will be that they can decide which bills they will allow to go forward. Moreover, the Democratic Party has some different ideas with Trump on America's relationship with its allies in Europe and Asia. As one Democratic Congress member said, "There will definitely be a reevaluation of American's engagement in the world." Those fields in which Trump has no interest will return with a vengeance, such as governance of climate change and global poverty alleviation. Here, sensitive issues involving bilateral relations are not mentioned, such as those between America and Russia, North Korea and Iran. How Trump dealt with them had caused a lot of oppositions in the past, and that is likely to reverberate through his foreign policy strategies from now on. As for the trade war with China, though the Democrats and Republicans have some interests in common, they also have some radical differences. For example, farmers in red states are regarded as Trump's power base, but the Democratic Party's supporters mainly gather in the big cities. This raises the issue of how to control the prices of daily economic necessities city dwellers wanting them lowered, farmers wanting them raised. This could well become an important battleground between Congress and the White House. Therefore, after the midterm election, America enters into a new phase, full of uncertainty. Trump's future presidency will meet new challenges in terms of his domestic and foreign policies. If Trump continues to act as a bareknuckle fighter, Washington may be on the way to a much bigger drama than the past two years. An Airbus A300 aircraft, which was used as a restaurant, has burned down in one of the parks in the Turkish province of Konya. The incident occurred early in the morning, no one was hurt as a result of the fire, the Turkish media reported. The firemen managed to put out the fire, the cause of which has not yet been reported. Istanbul Public Prosecutors Office issued arrest warrants for 103 on-duty soldiers including colonels, lieutenant colonels and commanders as part of a probe into Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO). After it at least 74 on-duty soldiers have been arrested across Turkey, according to sources who asked not to be named, due to restrictions on speaking to the media. Police squads conducted simultaneous operations in 32 provinces including Istanbul to nab the suspects, who were accused of communicating with other suspected FETO members over pay-phones and land-line telephones. The search for others is underway, Anadolu Agency reported. According to the Turkish government, FETO orchestrated the defeated coup of July 15, 2016, which left more than 250 people killed and nearly 2,200 injured. Austrian Ambassador to Moscow Johannes Eigner has arrived at the Russian foreign ministry. The diplomat was summoned following Viennas charges against a retired Austrian officer accusing him of spying for Russia. The ambassador entered the ministrys building giving no comment to journalists questions, TASS reported. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov promised earlier in the day to draw the Austrian diplomats attention to "which methods are to be used should they [Austria] have any questions to Russia." Austrias law enforcement agencies have launched an investigation into a case of a 70-yeal-old retired Austrian colonel who is suspected of working for Russian intelligence since the 1990s and providing Moscow with information about Austrias air force, artillery and the migration crisis. If the man is found guilty, he may face a prison term of up to ten years. Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said earlier on Friday that Foreign Minister Kneissl had cancelled her visit to Russia and summoned Russian diplomats to clarify the situation over the spying allegations. Seven days of horror end with two ex-cops and two little girls dead news U.S. delegation headed by Commander of the Transportation Command, General Stephen Lyons, arrived in Baku for a working visit, the press service of the Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) said. During the visit, the guests got acquainted with the Baku Cargo Terminal located at Heydar Aliyev International Airport. Terminal building's total area is 25,000 square meters, making it the biggest and most technically advanced cargo terminal in the CIS. At the meeting with President of AZAL Jahangir Askerov, the parties expressed satisfaction with the strong partnership relations between the two countries in the field of aviation. Jahangir Askerov noted the successful development of bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and the U.S. in the field of civil aviation. In particular, Boeing, being the largest U.S. Aerospace Corporation, is a strategic partner of AZAL. In addition, since June 2016, Open Skies Agreement has been in force between Azerbaijan and the U.S. through which operators have been provided with more affordable and efficient passenger and cargo air transportation services. Lyons stressed that Azerbaijan is a reliable partner in all directions, including in the transport sector. According to him, Washington highly appreciates the contribution of Azerbaijan to cooperation in the field of security, including peace-support operations in Afghanistan. Today, on November 9, Azerbaijani citizens are celebrating the centenary of the Azerbaijan National Flag. The Azerbaijani Democratic Republic (ADR), which existed until 1920, adopted Azerbaijani tricolor as the national flag of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic on November 9, 1918. After the Bolshevik occupation on April 27, 1920, the flag of the Azerbaijani Democratic Republic was replaced with the USSRs red flag with hammer and sickle. On November 17, 1990, the flag of the Azerbaijani Democratic Republic was restored under the decision of the Supreme Majlis of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic and adopted as the national flag of the autonomous republic. After gaining independence in 1991, the Supreme Council of the Azerbaijan Republic announced a tricolor flag with a star and a crescent as the national flag of Azerbaijan on February 5, 1991. The national flag with a 162 meter-high flagpole measures 70 meters high and 35 meters wide and weighs 350 kilograms. The total weight of the construction is 220 tons. The flag's total area is 2,450 square meters with a weight of about 350 kilograms. On November 17, 2009, President Ilham Aliyev signed an order to declare November 9 as the National Flag Day. A 12-year-old Armenian boy with autism who has been missing since Tuesday was found dead this morning, Armenian police said. The body of Arthur Martirosyan was found in a lake near the city of Vanadzor, News.am reported. More than a dozen of Americas leading Jewish media organizations took the unusual step today of publishing a joint editorial expressing solidarity in the wake of the deadly attack on worshippers in a Pittsburgh synagogue, and calling upon political and communal leaders to show respect and civility to combat the scourge of anti-Semitism and intolerance. As journalists, we hold a variety of opinions about politics in this country and in Israel; the American Jewish community is diverse, and those differences are reflected on the pages of its media, the statement read. In coming together now, we are not erasing those differences, but rising above them, to issue a call for solidarity and respect, and asking our political and communal leaders to do the same. The joint editorial was the idea of Dovid Efune, editor-in-chief and CEO of The Algemeiner, who reached out to Jane Eisner, editor-in-chief of The Forward, on the Saturday evening after the attack, in which a gunman with virulently anti-Semitic views killed eleven congregants and injured many more, including four police officers. The two editors are often ideological opposites, but decided within a day to draft a joint statement. They reached out to colleagues in Jewish media across the nation, who eagerly agreed to add their names. The editorial is appearing in print and online in regional and national news outlets, and will be shared using the hashtag #WeAreAllJews. We are all Jews. Let this horrific massacre be a moment of redemption as well as grieving. Let us argue with each other as Hillel argued with Shammaiwith civility. Let us acknowledge our common humanity with other Americans who have been subject to unconscionable violence, too, the statement said. Jewish media has a long and proud history in America, and we pledge to continue our mission to inform, reflect and bind our communities, even more necessary in this painful time. The full list of signatories on the editorial is included below: Jane Eisner, editor-in-chief, The Forward Dovid Efune, editor-in-chief and CEO, The Algemeiner Ami Eden, CEO and executive editor, 70 Faces Media Nadine Epstein, editor-in-chief and CEO, Moment Magazine Sue Fishkoff, editor, J. The Jewish News of Northern California Jerry Greenwald, managing editor, and Naomi Klass Mauer, co-publisher, The Jewish Press Lisa Hostein, executive editor, Hadassah Magazine Gabe Kahn, editor, New Jersey Jewish News Janet Perez, managing editor, Jewish News of Greater Phoenix Brett R. Rhyne, editor, The Jewish Advocate, Boston Gary Rosenblatt, editor and publisher, Jewish Week of New York Joshua Runyan, senior editorial director, Washington Jewish Week Liz Spikol, editorial director, Baltimore Jewish Times David Suissa, president, Tribe Media/Jewish Journal Jonathan S. Tobin, editor-in-chief, Jewish News Syndicate Jeffrey Gaeser, editor and publisher, The Heritage Florida Jewish News By Rabbi Benjamin Blech (Aish Hatorah Resources)Your days are numbered, but its not the end. On some level of awareness we all know that our days are numbered. How to cope with that recognition is perhaps the greatest challenge of life. For some, acknowledging mortality is liberating. Chris Allens hit song lyric suggests that I wish you can live life like you know youre dying. For others, fear of the unknown is debilitating and cause for depression. Knowing that death awaits us negates hope for the future and destroys the capacity for happiness. I believe that understanding more about death can help us live better. Judaism, by way of profound insights from the Torah as well as its mystical Kabbalistic tradition, grants us some amazing answers to what awaits us at the end of our earthly journey. Here are five surprising ideas about death which have been part of Jewish wisdom for millennia: 1. Death is not the end of our existence Going back to creation, the Torah describes that Adam was formed from the dust of the earth as well as from the breath of Gods spirit. We are a combination of body and soul. It is the soul that defines us as being created in the image of God. There is a part of us that is eternal and outlives our mortal bodies. Its the part that makes us unique and represents our essence. The Book of Ecclesiastes sums it up best: And the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it (12:7). People have asked me, Does Judaism believe in life after death? The answer is a resounding yes. In fact it is one of the fundamental principles of our faith. 2. At the moment of death we get a glimpse of God When Moses asked God, Show me please your glory (Exodus 33:18), God responded, You cannot see my face, for man shall not see me and live (Ibid: 20). The living cannot see God. The implication is powerful: with death however comes a vision of the Divine. That is the reason behind the custom of immediately closing the eyes of the dead. Eyes which have perceived the glory of heaven dare no longer be exposed to the harsh reality of this world. Gods opening words of creation were Let there be light. Yet the sun was not created until the fourth day. The sages explain that this was the light created for the world to come. I have been present many times at the very moment when people expired. In almost every case it appeared clear that the dying suddenly saw a beautiful and comforting vision surrounded by light. Remarkably, Mona Simpson, sister of Steve Jobs, in her eulogy for her famous brother, reported seeing that very scene. Steves final words were monosyllables, repeated three times. Before embarking, he looked at his sister Patty, then for a long time at his children, then at his lifes partner, Laurine, and then over their shoulders past them. Steves final words were: Oh wow. Oh wow. Oh wow. What he saw apparently overwhelmed him with its beauty. He could only respond to it with a three times repeated exclamation of amazement. Jewish tradition assures us we too, at the moment of death, will have this kind of revelation. 3. The dead know what is happening around them Jewish sources tell us what happens to us immediately after death. Although much is hidden from us and remains only in the mystical teachings of Kabbalah ideally reserved for those spiritually ready for its profound messagesnot to be revealed publicly but only transmitted orally from teacher to student of sufficient knowledge and wisdom, some truths are so important that they found their way into the Talmud. One of them appears in a Mishnah of the section known as Ethics of the Fathers: Rabbi Yaakov says: This world is like a hallway before the world to come. Fix yourself in the hallway so that you may enter the drawing room (Ethics of the Fathers, 4:16). The analogy of a hallway is very striking. A hallway is but the entrance to the main domicile. Our lives on earth are the first stage of a more glorious existence. As the Mishna says, And one hour of pleasure in the world to come is better than all the time in this world (Ibid.: 17). Here on earth we seek happiness. Our pleasures are transitory; our joy is limited by our physical being. Once we pass through the hallway of our lives in a manner that makes us worthy of the rewards of heaven we are aware of our own selves, of our surroundings which make our earthly hallway pale in comparison, and of the true meaning of happiness transcending all that we experienced during our lifetimes. Jewish law goes a step further. Because our soul, our real self, moves from one domain to another, we leave this world slowly, forsaking our bodies in stages. Those tending the deceased are not permitted to eat in their presence. It would be a form of mocking the dead by doing something they can no longer do, and they would know it. And we must be careful of what we say in their presence because they can still hear it. That is also why the dead should never be left alonebecause the soul hovers near the body shortly after its initial separation and it is aware of the love and respect shown to its vessel, the body. Judaism also emphasizes that eulogies require special care with their remarks, not just because inappropriate statements and untrue observations might offend friends or family, but because one of the listeners is none other than the deceased as well. 4. Dying means remembering, reflectingand facing final judgment The Talmud says: Akavia ben Mahalalel says: Pay careful attention to three things and you will not come to sin: know from where you came, to where you are going, and before whom you are destined to give a final account and a reckoning (Ethics of the Fathers 3:1). More fascinating is that the Talmud actually reveals the questions we will all be asked in our final exam. Did you conduct your business affairs honestly? Did you set aside regular time for Torah study? Did you ensure continuity of the world by having children? Did you look forward to the worlds redemption? (Babylonian Talmud, Shabbat, 31 a) So not only do we know that one hour of pleasure in the world to come is better than all the time in this world, but we are also told whats required of us in order to attain its blessings. What a remarkable and kind divine gift to give us the questions to our final exam in advance. And what great advice for living a life of fulfillment which finds favor in the eyes of God and of our fellow human beings. 5. The real reason to cry about death Why then, in Jewish thought, should people weep when they take leave of this earth? Why cry if we believe we are moving to a better location? One of the sages of the Talmud, Rabbi Yehuda, explained it to his students on his deathbed. If you want to know why I am crying, it is only because of the Torah and the meritorious deeds that I will no longer be able to perform. Death deprives us of the ability to continue to serve God and to accomplish acts of kindness. Life presents us with opportunities for personal growth; death brings to a close our ability to achieve our fullest potential. A Hasidic story with a supposedly inside look at what happens upstairs after death metaphorically makes the point clearly: A very rich but miserly man passed away and was standing in line waiting to hear his final judgment. As he watched the procedure with those in line before him, he became far less fearful. He noticed that reported acts of charity had tremendous influence on the divine decree; gifts given during ones lifetime would outweigh many sins. And so when it was his turn to stand before the heavenly judge, he said: Its true I may not have done all I should while I was on earth, but permit me to take out my checkbook and write out very large sums for any worthy institutions you recommend. To which the judge replied, Here we do not accept checks. We only accept receipts. These are some of the profound insights that can replace fear with hope as we contemplate the reality we know is the eventual fate of all mankind. Rabbi Benjamin Blech, a frequent contributor to Aish, is a Professor of Talmud at Yeshiva University and an internationally recognized educator, religious leader, and lecturer. He is the author of 19 highly acclaimed books with combined sales of over a half million copies, A much sought after speaker, he is available as scholar in residence in your community. See his website at rabbibenjaminblech.com. Nightmares and memories... I'm referring to my childhood filled with anti-Semitic incidents. Until my family got off welfare and moved from the Red Hook Projects in Brooklyn, N.Y., I was spit at, beaten and threatened every day for being Jewish. Those memories stayed with me all these years, especially watching television this morning and seeing all that is transpiring in a Pittsburgh, Pa., synagogue massacre. I can handle anti-Semitism and I'm sure that my three sons can handle it, especially having faced it during their military careers. But what about my grandchildren? Will it ever end? And on this horrible subject... Anti-Semitic graffiti, including a Nazi flag, was spray painted at a suburban Indianapolis synagogue in late July. Tweeting on the incident at Congregation Shaarey Tefilla, Vice President MIKE PENCE said he was "sickened and appalled" by what he called a "cowardly act," adding that "those responsible must be held accountable. These vile acts of anti-Semitism must end." More on this horrible subject... As reported by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, graffiti reading "no to Zionists, no to Israel" was recently painted on a synagogue in western France. The vandalism, discovered at the main Jewish house of worship in the coastal city of Le Havre, 100 miles northwest of Paris, also included stickers displaying the Palestinian, Lebanese and French flags on the building's entrance. In 2016, bullet holes were found in the mailbox of the same synagogue. In 2014, at least nine Jewish houses of worship were targeted, some with firebombs, amid riots throughout France over Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza. And more... A Syrian Jewish man wearing a Star of David was assaulted in a Berlin park by a group of young adults and teens. The victim told a German news service that he had asked the group for a light for his cigarette. When one saw that he was wearing a Star of David he shouted anti-Semitic insults, grabbed the cigarette from his mouth and punched him. The group then chased him, knocked him to the ground and beat him. The attackers fled when passers-by intervened to help. In memoriam... The World Jewish Congress paid tribute to Senator John McCain upon his passing, calling him "a towering figure of American and international politics who dedicated his life to serving his country, both as a heroic soldier and as a senator." He was a reliable friend to the State of Israel and a great supporter of the Jewish people. (As I predicted in an earlier column, he will go down in history along with other great world figures.) JCC39ers Cinema Sundays... On Nov. 11th, a documentary titled "Kedi" will be shown in the Senior Lounge. Refreshments will be available. JCC39ers Meet & Mingle Mondays... On Nov. 12th at 1 p.m. in the JCC Senior Lounge, a video on movie star Humphrey Bogart will be presented by SHELDON BROOK. Refreshments and socializing will follow. Orlando Senior Help Desk... "Who can you turn to when you need advice or have questions on issues affecting seniors? The Orlando Senior Help Desk offers guidance, free of charge, on living options, care options, insurance, legal assistance, and more." You can reach them via phone at 407-678-9363 or via email at . One for the road... Abe, an elderly man, was in the witness box. "How old are you?" asked the attorney. Humphrey Bogart "I am, kayn ahoreh, eighty-two." "What did you say?" "I said I am, kayn ahoreh, eighty-two years old." "Please just give a simple answer to my question," said the attorney, "How old are you?" "Kayn ahoreh, eighty-two." replied Abe. The judge then intervened, "If you don't want to be held in contempt of court, the witness will answer the question and only the question." The defense counsel then got up and said to the judge, "Your Honor, may I ask the witness?" and turned toward Abe. "Kayn ahoreh, how old are you?" Abe replied, "Eighty-two." (Smart defense counsel!) Iran lodges a complaint with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) against the U.S. over the re-imposition of sweeping sanctions, which target scores of Iranian ships as part of Washington's much-criticized push to cut off the country's oil exports. Iran's Ambassador the UK Hamid Baeidinejad wrote on Twitter that the diplomatic mission under his watch submitted a letter to the London-based body to voice Tehran's protest at the return of the unlawful U.S. sanctions. In the letter, Tehran's Embassy condemned "the imposition by the US of unilateral sanctions on Iran's ships as a measure that violates international maritime law and endangers maritime security." It also called on the IMO to conduct a "special review" of the matter at its Assembly - the organization's highest governing body, PressTV reported. The complaint was filed days after Washington put back in place a new round of unilateral sanctions against Iran's banking and energy sectors with the aim of cutting off its oil sales and crucial exports. U.S. President Donald Trump huddles in prayer outside the Tree of Life Synagogue with Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Ron Dermer, Rabbi Jeffrey Myers and first lady Melania Trump, as the president's daughter, Ivanka, and her husband and senior adviser to the president Jared Kushner look on. (JNS)-Despite mixed reactions, U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Pittsburgh's Squirrel Hill neighborhood on Tuesday afternoon in the aftermath of a gunman killing 11 people and injuring six others at the Tree of Life*Or L'Simcha Synagogue. The visit comes as the community buried the first of the victims on Tuesday. The president was accompanied by his wife, Melania; chief of staff John Kelly; press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders; and White House deputy chief of staff for communications Bill Shine. Also accompanying the president were his daughter, Ivanka Trump, and son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner, as well as senior-policy adviser Stephen Miller and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, all of whom are Jewish. Additionally, Israeli Ambassador to the United States Ron Dermer was on the ground, and greeted the president and his wife. Democratic and Republican congressional leaders declined to join the visit. Accompanied by Tree of Life Synagogue's Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, who reportedly received hate mail for saying that he would welcome Trump, the president and first lady spent time at the memorials outside the synagogue and lit a candle inside the building for each of the victims. The president also visited the hospital where four wounded officers were recovering while trying to stop the suspect, 46-year-old Robert Bowers, during the attack. Shortly before the visit came conflicting views over whether the president should pay his respects. The left-wing activist group Bend the Arc: Jewish Action, released a scathing open letter in opposition to a Trump visit. "For the past three years, your words and your policies have emboldened a growing white nationalist movement. You yourself called the murderer evil, but yesterday's violence is the direct culmination of your influence," it stated. "President Trump, you are not welcome in Pittsburgh until you fully denounce white nationalism." Bend the Arc has been accused by conservative media of fomenting anti-Trump sentiment ahead of the visit. Pittsburgh native Max Ungar agreed with those who say Trump should not be visiting Squirrel Hill. "Our president has difficulty meeting even these baseline standards in his reaction," he told JNS. "His first response is to blame the synagogue for not having armed guards? He can't immediately acknowledge the impetus behind the shooting? "Trump makes his values clear by where he places his emphasis: on vilifying refugees and the downtrodden of our society, and praising alt-right conspiracy theorists like Alex Jones, who intentionally cause more wanton suffering for communities affected by these tragedies," continued Ungar. "The president has made it clear that his values severely contradict those of the Pittsburgh community, and he is not welcome here." Other Pittsburgh residents responded differently. "I think whether or not the president comes is a decision that should be made by those closest to the victims and the three congregations attacked," Joel Mackler, who grew up in Squirrel Hill, told JNS. Lauren, a Jewish Squirrel Hill native who requested to withhold their last name for privacy reasons, told JNS that whether the president visits is not as big an issue compared to the need to appoint the State Department's point person on anti-Semitism. "Squirrel Hill is exemplary of a diverse and true community. Anti-Semitism predated this administration and will continue afterwards," said Lauren. "President Trump should fill the special envoy role to combat anti-Semitism while he visits in Pittsburgh." In September, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a bipartisan bill by a vote of 393-2 that would elevate the State Department official who deals with the issue of anti-Semitism from envoy to ambassador. A Senate version of the bill is pending. Were the bill to become law, the president would be required to fill the position within 90 days. "This would show the victims' families and the community as a whole that the administration is taking action towards ensuring national policy implementation that will hopefully prevent future attacks and promote diversity in our country once again," added Lauren. Yosef, another Jewish resident who also requested to withhold his last name, told JNS: "As long as he is coming to support the community and families, and not for a personal agenda, I have no problem with it." French soldiers patrol in front of a synagogue outside Paris as part of France's national BRUSSELS (JTA)-Will security at American Jewish institutions now mirror that of Europe, with its police protection, armed guards, panic rooms and sterile zones at synagogues? It's a possibility that is being debated more seriously than ever before following the Tree of Life Congregation shooting Saturday in Pittsburgh in which a gunman killed 11 people. Rabbi Jack Moline, president of the Interfaith Alliance, told The Washington Post that posting armed guards outside synagogues in some places would be "prohibitive" to Jewish communal life itself. But Gary Sikorski, director of security for the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit, told the Detroit Jewish News that the idea, suggested by President Donald Trump after the attack, is "not a bad one." European security professionals say that even if Sikorski's approach prevails, it will take at least a decade and hundreds of millions of dollars before U.S. Jewry's security infrastructure matches the European counterpart. "The security doctrine you see in Europe is the result of decades of evolution," said Ophir Revach, director of the European Jewish Congress' Security and Crisis Center. "It was built on lessons from terrorist attacks in the 1960s and adjusted constantly. It's pretty comprehensive." Even if a critical mass of U.S. Jewish communities decide tomorrow that they want to replicate the European model, Revach said, "Optimistically speaking, it will take at least a decade to achieve." When it comes to security, he said, "American Jewry is at the beginning of a long journey." In several European countries, synagogues are under constant protection of police or army troops. Most of them have volunteer guards, including armed ones. Many also have a security command room, where trained professionals or volunteers use elaborate video surveillance systems to monitor their premises, often while exchanging information with other Jewish institutions in real time. These arrangements regularly prevent violence against congregants. In 2015, a volunteer guard outside Copenhagen's main synagogue was shot dead after engaging an armed Islamist who had intended to carry out a shooting attack inside the building, where dozens of people were celebrating a bat mitzvah. Dan Uzan's intervention allowed police to shoot the assailant, who never made it inside the shul. A year earlier, a dozen or so volunteer guards staved off dozens of rioters who had intended to storm the Synagogue de la Roquette in Paris as payback for Israel's actions in Gaza. As 200 worshippers waited inside, the defenders held their ground for 20 minutes amid a vicious street brawl with the attackers until police finally arrived at the scene. "Dan Uzan's death was tragic, but from a security point of view it was a system that did what it needed to do," Revach said. Had the Tree of Life synagogue been guarded, "this attack may have been prevented," he said. "Even armed perpetrators are deterred in a major way by guards." Some American synagogues, like Har Shalom, the largest Conservative synagogue in Potomac, Maryland, have an armed police presence during services and other events, The Washington Post reported. Community Security Service, a nonprofit, has trained volunteers at dozens of synagogues, mostly in the New York area. In Teaneck, New Jersey, a suburb with dozens of synagogues, many have a police presence out front and CSS-trained congregants on patrol. Others have a closed-doors policy in which visitors must request entry through an intercom system. In recent years, more and more Jewish federations, the communitywide fundraising groups, have hired full-time security directors for their facilities and to advise their donor agencies. The Secure Community Network, the security arm of the Jewish Federations of North America and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, was formed in 2004. Since then, the number of federations with full-time security directors grew from two to 30, according to the Post. Federal money is available for beefing up security at Jewish institutions. In fiscal year 2018, Congress appropriated $50 million for nonprofit security through something called the Urban Area Security Initiative; much of the money goes to Jewish institutions. But many American synagogues, including Tree of Life, had been leaving their doors open on Shabbat-a scenario that became unthinkable years ago in Western Europe, where jihadists have carried out several deadly attacks in recent years on Jewish targets. Joel Rubinfeld, the president of the Belgian League Against Anti-Semitism, remembered feeling "simultaneously envious and worried" when he was greeted recently to a major New York synagogue by a concierge in his 70s-and no one else. Before 2015, even at-risk synagogues like the Grand Synagogue of Marseille, France, had lax security and at times open doors. But the attacks in Paris that year prompted all but the most distant synagogues of Western Europe to abandon the open-door policy they used to have. European synagogues by and large now employ a multilayered defensive doctrine of several threat circles in cooperation with law enforcement. "It accounts for all kinds of scenarios, not just a shooting but also a car bomb, firebombs and snipers," Revach said. Each scenario requires building adjustments, sometimes just adding a security barrier and at other times replacing windows with bulletproof glass. Then there's the need to set up international, national and regional situation rooms to help communities coordinate their activities. "Just setting up the physical elements... takes years," Revach said. If American Jewry quickly ups the security arrangements around its institutions, "there's still the issue of awareness," said Sammy Ghozlan, a retired police commissioner and the president of the National Bureau for Vigilance Against Anti-Semitism in France. "It's not enough to build a security," he said. "You need a community that's drilled at maintaining it even when nothing happens year after year, so that when the threat does appear, it is met. It needs to be hardwired into you." American Jewry is facing a "monumental challenge" if it seeks to adopt the European security model, Ghozlan said. "It will take them at least 15 years," he said, noting that American Jewry is "far larger and more far-flung" than its European counterpart, making the task more complicated than in France. Ghozlan nonetheless believes that American Jews will rise to the challenge. "We are witnessing a Europeanization of the situation in the United States for Jews," he said. "It takes time for a worldview to change, but I believe American Jews have the resources and resourcefulness to fix the security problems exposed in Pittsburgh." (JNS)In the aftermath of Saturdays shooting at the Tree of Life*Or LSimcha Synagogue in Pittsburgh, where 11 Jewish worshippers were shot dead and six others injured by a lone gunman, have come calls for increased security at Jewish institutions across the United States. Although this funding cannot be used for armed security, synagogues and other Jewish places have relied on a Department of Homeland Security grant to protect themselves. The primary purpose of the Nonprofit Security Grant Program is to provide funding support for target hardening and other physical security enhancements to nonprofit organizations, a spokeswoman for the Federal Emergency Management Agency told JNS. As such, personnel costs are generally not allowable. According to the FEMA spokeswoman, examples of such enhancements include alarm systems, impact-resistant doors and gate, lighting, access control systems, video systems, jersey walls, fencing, fixed or handheld screening systems, etc. The maximum awards were $150,000 for the NSGP-Urban Area program and $100,000 for the NSGP-State program. Nonprofits can apply for the grant every year. Since its founding in 2002, the Department of Homeland Security has operated the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) to provide funding to support target hardening and other physical security enhancements for nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of a terrorist attack, according to the agency. For the 2018 fiscal year, $60 million was allocated towards the initiative, which includes supporting synagogues and other houses of worship. As of 2014, out of all religious affiliations, Jewish institutions have received the largest share of allocated funding under the NSGP, according to figures provided to JNS by FEMA. In 2014, Jewish institutions received $12,239,283 out of the $13 million allocated to faith-based institutions (or 94.84 percent); in 2015, they received $12,256,250 out of $13 million (or 94.28 percent); in 2016, they got $18,052,439 out of $20 million (or 90.26 percent); in 2017, they were awarded $23,203,758 out of $25 million (or 92.82 percent); and in 2018, they obtained $53,317,664 out of $60 million (or 88.86 percent). Over the four-year period, Jewish institutions have received $119,069,404 of the $131 million, or almost 91 percent of total funding, allocated to faith-based places through the NSGP. Matters of communal safety and security One synagogue that has received the grant is Kesher Israel in Washington, D.C.s Georgetown neighborhood, which will be used for upgrades to our current level of security, according to synagogue president Drew Cooper in a letter to congregants in the aftermath of the shooting, which included prayers to those affected by the tragedy. Nearby, Sixth & I Synagogue has also been a recipient of the NSGP, though thats not the only measure the house of worship takes to protect its attendees. For many years, Sixth & I has taken extra security precautions at all of our programs and events, Michelle Eider, communications senior associate for Sixth & I, told JNS. We will continue to do so, and we are working with the Metropolitan Police Department and other local law enforcement to ensure that our security measures are appropriate. The Jewish Federations of North America, which does not send Jewish institutions security funding, encourages those places to work with the federations Secure Community Network, formed in 2004 by United Jewish Communities and the American Jewish Committee, serving the American Jewish community concerning matters of communal safety, security, and all-hazards preparedness and response, according to SCNs website. Along with Israeli Minister of Diaspora Affairs Naftali Bennett, representatives of the member organizations of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, in addition to other local and national Jewish heads, assembled at the UJA-Federation building in New York to discuss the synagogue attack, the status of anti-Semitism in the United States and how to better protect American Jewish institutions, according to a statement from the umbrella organization. Volunteers get training Founded in 2007 by David Dabscheck, CEO of the consulting agency GIANT Innovation, and Adam Sager, a veteran of the Israel Defense Forces and head of the security company Canary, the Community Security Service consists of thousands of volunteers who are trained to guard synagogues and other Jewish institutions. We have been inundated with requests [for CSS services] since Saturday, Jason Friedman, executive director of Community Security Service, told JNS. We will be holding a series of webinars to provide more information on the concept of communal security and ensure that we can support as many people as possible with our limited resources. Synagogues may request CSS assistance as long as the rabbi and board approve, according to Friedman. We harness members inherent knowledge of the Jewish community, and layer on tried-and-true security techniques so that our volunteers are able to detect signs of trouble and prevent or mitigate a possible attack, he explained. Volunteers undergo a basic course over the span of a few evenings, followed by the option to take more courses related to advanced topics. CSS also gives basic self-defense training. CSS focuses on the human element of securitytraining the person who can spot the suspicious bag on a High Holiday. Ensuring that a volunteer is correctly positioned to lock the door in an emergency, said Friedman. Making sure the person who is going to call the police can give an accurate description of events. Having an expensive alarm system is great, but we ensure that someone is designated to utilize it. We firmly believe that every Jew has the right and responsibility to be an educated part of their communitys security process, he continued. As such, we believe the human element of security drives all others. Synagogues such as Kesher Israel utilize CSS. Sometimes, their services can be taken for granted. Next time you come to shul and pass by your fellow congregant standing guard as part of CSS, make sure to give them a heartfelt thank you, former Kesher Israel president Elanit Jakabovics posted on Facebook shortly after the shooting. They are on the front lines, for the safety of the entire community. JERUSALEM (JTA)-The deadly shooting at a Conservative synagogue in Pittsburgh has underlined tensions in Israel over the haredi Orthodox rabbinic establishment's disenfranchisement of the Diaspora's non-Orthodox Jewish streams. Following Saturday's rampage by a gunman that left 11 worshippers dead, an Israeli government minister and the country's opposition leader both called on Israel to recognize the liberal streams of Judaism. Others criticized the haredi Orthodox media in Israel for not calling the Tree of Life Congregation, the site of the attack, a synagogue in their news reports, instead using the term "Jewish center." Sephardic Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, in a heartfelt statement about the attack, also referred only to "the murder of innocent Jews in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania," without saying where it took place. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a tweet Monday appeared to join in the criticism of such omissions. "Jews were killed in a synagogue. They were killed because they are Jews. The location was chosen because it is a synagogue. We must never forget that. We are one," he tweeted. In a tweet Sunday morning, Deputy Minister Michael Oren, a former Israeli ambassador to the United States, said: "The Conservative Jews of Pittsburgh were sufficiently Jewish to be killed because they were Jews but their movement is not recognized by the Jewish State. Israel must bolster these communities, already challenged by assimilation, by strengthening our ties with them." The American-born Oren, in a Hebrew tweet, added: "I call on Minister Bennett not to suffice with condolences, but to recognize liberal Jewish streams and unite the people." He was referring to the fact that Education Minister Naftali Bennett, who also serves as Diaspora minister, flew to Pittsburgh in order to visit the synagogue, meet with the local Jewish community and participate in the funerals of the victims. Speaking Sunday night at a vigil in Pittsburgh, Bennett said, "We stand together, as Jews from all communities united, as well as members of all faiths. Together we stand. Americans, Israelis. People who are together saying 'no' to hatred. The murderer's bullet does not stop to ask: Are you Conservative or Reform, are you Orthodox? Are you right wing or left wing? It has one goal, and that is to kill innocent people. Innocent Jews." Israel's haredi Orthodox Chief Rabbinate is largely in control of religious affairs in Israel, and does not recognize the Conservative and Reform movements as legitimate Jewish streams. They do regard their followers as Jews if they otherwise are Jewish under halachah, or Jewish law. The non-Orthodox movements have long objected to their disenfranchisement in Israel, and have called on the Israeli government to recognize their movement and its rabbis for issues like marriage, burial and conversion to Judaism. Israel's Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi David Lau was pulled into the debate Sunday by an interviewer for the Modern Orthodox Makor Rishon newspaper. The interviewer asked Lau about the haredi media's refusal to name non-Orthodox synagogues, and Lau seemed at pains to distance himself from their policy. Lau replied that he doesn't speak for the media, and that he often disagrees with what they do and write. "I repeat and say: We are speaking about Jews and we need not take advantage to raise our painful differences," the rabbi said. "I have an ideological dispute with them about Judaism, about the past and the future of the Jewish people throughout the generations. "But," he added, speaking rhetorically, "because of this they are not Jewish?" Haaretz, The Washington Post and JTA later reported that Lau himself declined to refer to Tree of Life as a "synagogue," although in the Makor Rishon interview he does say "They were killed because they were Jews. Does it matter in which synagogue ['beit knesset' in Hebrew] they pray in or what text they use ?" Yosef, Lau's Sephardi counterpart, did not refer to the synagogue in his statement. "I was shocked to hear about the murder of innocent Jews in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, simply because they were Jews, by an abhorrent murderer who was driven by anti-Semitic hatred," he said. "My heart is with the bereaved families and with all of our Jewish brothers and sisters who live in the U.S." Yosef also called for prayers for their well-being. In an interview in The Washington Post, Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union of Reform Judaism, was critical of Jews who would not refer to Tree of Life as a synagogue. "This tragedy should bring all Jews together, not rip us further apart." He added, "It's unconscionable that any rabbi worth their name would question the Jewishness of those worshipping on Shabbat in a synagogue shattered by murder and the blood of Jews." The issue of Jewish religious pluralism in Israel has driven a wedge between Israel and the Diaspora. Earlier this month, those strains were a theme of the General Assembly, a meeting in Tel Aviv of leaders of North American Jewish federations Among the recent flash points: Last year, in addition to scrapping a compromise that would have expanded non-Orthodox prayer at the Western Wall, the government moved to give the Chief Rabbinate more power over Jewish conversion. This year, Israeli police detained a Conservative rabbi for the crime of performing a non-Orthodox wedding. Opposition leader Avi Gabbay, in an interview with Ynet, this week also called on the government "to embrace the Reform and Conservative movements and to pass the Western Wall plan" for an egalitarian prayer space. Yair Lapid, leader of the opposition party Yesh Atid, echoed Gabbay and Oren in calling for recognition of the liberal streams of Judaism. "If you are murdered because you are a Jew, then you are a Jew," he said in a statement also posted on Facebook. "The Conservative and Reform are our brothers. They are our family." Lapid also referred to Bennett's condolence visit to Pittsburgh. "[T]he relationship with the majority of U.S. Jews cannot be based on condolences and grief," Lapid said. "We cannot bring back the dead, but we have a duty to fix our relationship with the living." Gabbay, however, also touched a third rail of Israel-Diaspora relations when, reacting to the synagogue shooting, he called "upon the Jews of the United States to immigrate more and more to Israel because this is their home." Many Jews in the Diaspora bristle when Israeli leaders suggest that they would be safer or happier in Israel. Oren responded to the call for immigration, tweeting in Hebrew: "Avi Gabbay said things that should not be said because he simply does not understand. Through his words he adds insult to injury. The call to U.S. Jewry, especially after last night, deeply hurts their feelings and reduces their desire for aliyah. Gabbay does not understand anything about Israel's relationship with the Diaspora." The community came out in enthusiastic support of the Jewish Pavilion at its 2018 Gems and Jeans Gala at the Hilton Orlando North on Sunday, Oct. 28. More than 215 people turned out in casually glam attire to celebrate the Pavilion's successes and honor two very special volunteers: Paul Stenzler and Jason Mendelsohn. The gala marked a milestone in the Pavilion's history: for the past 18 years, the Jewish Pavilion has worked with volunteers to bring the spark of Jewish life and culture to thousands of seniors living in eldercare and independent living facilities in Central Florida. To honor the Pavilion's chai anniversary, the theme of the gala was "To Life!" Guests mingled and schmoozed during the cocktail hour as they viewed and made bids on a fabulous array of silent auction items, including trips, dining gift cards and fun experiences. A stellar jazz combo played as guests made their way into the ballroom for the short program and dinner, keeping the mood swinging with several additional sets throughout the evening. Gala co-chairs Susan Livingstone and Shirley Schoenberger hosted the evening and praised the giving hearts and dedication of the Pavilion's staff and volunteers. Welcoming guests, Schoenberger spoke of the warm connections and fabulous camaraderie she and Livingstone have experienced through their involvement with the Jewish Pavilion and of their great appreciation for all that gala attendees have done to support its mission. Walter Goldstein, a Pavilion program director who is battling cancer, was fortunately able to attend, and he addressed the crowd to express his gratitude for the remarkable outpouring of care and support he has received since his diagnosis. Reflecting on what he has learned over the weeks since he began treatment, Goldstein noted that he and the many other people who visit seniors through the Pavilion truly make a difference in their lives and become like family to them. In turn, the seniors and the staffs of communities they live in-and the Orlando Jewish community as a whole-have been treating him like family, bringing him strength and great comfort. Stenzler, the Pavilion board's immediate past president and one of the night's two honorees, spoke of how much the Pavilion's visits and programs had meant to his mother when she lived in several area eldercare facilities. He and his wife, Terri Fine, have been very active volunteers. "We have established so many happy and close relationships with seniors and their families in our volunteer efforts," said Stenzler. "The Jewish Pavilion provides them with a primary source of comfort, love and Jewish experiences." Also honored was Mendelsohn, a board member who, along with his wife, Ronni, has a large extended family with deep ties to Orlando's Jewish community. Like Stenzler, he also became involved in the Pavilion after seeing what its services meant to a beloved family member. "Even with the strength of a family like ours," Mendelsohn said, "the involvement and work of the Jewish Pavilion was significant, as they visited my father-in-law in the nursing home on a weekly basis. As family life gets hectic and busy, the Jewish Pavilion always shows up, making certain that the seniors we love never feel alone." Honoree Jason Mendelsohn (r) with Ryan, Lauren and Adam and his wife, Ronni. The entertaining evening raised more than $55,000 to help seniors in our community. Pavilion CEO Nancy Ludin said, "It is so warming to see the enthusiastic support for the Jewish Pavilion's mission of enhancing the lives of seniors in eldercare by connecting them with a caring Jewish community. We are very proud that 94 percent of the money raised goes directly to our numerous programs for Central Florida seniors, bringing them engaging programs and a feeling of connection." Ludin thanked the Harper Foundation, the evening's presenting sponsor, for its continuing support, as well as all of the table sponsors, event donors and event volunteers for ensuring the evening's success. The Jewish Pavilion's staff and hundreds of volunteers visit individual seniors, celebrate holidays and conduct engaging programs that draw active participation of residents from all religious traditions. Volunteers and donations are always needed and welcome. Call 407-678-9363; also, visit JewishPavilion.org and OrlandoSeniorHelpDesk.org for information and connect at Facebook.com/jewishpavilion and Facebook.com/seniorhelpdesk. Students and faculty of Jewish Academy of Orlando and Roth Family Jewish Community Center's Early Childhood Learning Center danced, sang, and welcomed Shabbat with Mac the Bee at a campus-wide Shabbat. "It was a treat for our students to interact with Mac the Bee during Shabbat," stated Melissa Youngblood, Early Childhood director of the Richard S. Adler Early Childhood Learning Center. "Mac the Bee's appearance brought much ruach (spirit) into the crowd of students and families," mentioned Robby Etzkin, executive director of the Roth Family Jewish Community Center of Greater Orlando. "We always enjoy our campus-wide Shabbats, and this time, we loved building community with the entire JFGO/JCC/JAO campus by celebrating Shabbat with our beloved mascot," added Alan Rusonik, Jewish Academy head of school. Mac the Bee's name was inspired by the Chanukah story of the brave Maccabees. Like the courageous family, Mac is brave, strong, innovative, and a powerful leader. He serves as a wonderful role model for our community. Mac is also busy as a bee. Come meet him at JAO's upcoming events on Tuesday, Nov. 13, at Jewish Academy of Orlando for our S.T.E.A.M. Family Learning Night from 6:30-8 p.m. "I love to BUZZ around Jewish Academy of Orlando events. I would love to BEE with you soon!" stated Mac the Bee. "We are delighted to re-introduce our mascot Mac the Bee, and we are proud that he emulates many of the great values of the brave Maccabees," added Rusonik. Fans can also connect digitally with Mac the Bee: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/macthebeejao/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/macthebee/ Mac's web page: https://www.jewishacademyorlando.org/macthebee/ To learn more about Jewish Academy of Orlando, please visit: https://www.jewishacademyorlando.org or follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JewishAcademyOrlando. On Wednesday, the National Council of Young Israel addressed criticism of President Donald Trump following a synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh that represents the worst attack on Jews in the U.S. in the nation's history. NCYI counts 25,000 families among its members at 135 branch synagogues across the globe, in the United States, Israel, and Canada. "We were horrified to hear the news about the anti-Semitic murderous rampage against Jews praying at Congregation Etz Chaim in Pittsburgh," said NCYI in a statement published by Arutz Sheva. "Like our fellow Jewish organizations, we released a statement expressing unity with the victims, and we reached out to our Young Israel Synagogue several blocks away to offer assistance in the aftermath of this tragedy. Our hearts ache and our souls cry out for the shattered families in Pittsburgh. "The strong condemnation by elected officials from both political parties, and especially President Trump and his administration, were clearly heartfelt and we very much appreciate it. President Trump's decision to visit Congregation Etz Chaim, as well as the hospital in order to spend time with those wounded in the attack, together with his wife Melania, daughter Ivanka, son-in-law Jared Kushner and members of his administration, is a very important act of solidarity with our community. "We are saddened that some, even within our Jewish community, have attacked the president and his policies instead of using this period as one of healing. This is not a time for political attacks. The mass murderer who targeted Jews in the Pittsburgh attack opposed President Trump and penned vicious things about him. President Trump is clearly not responsible for the deadly shooting, and his response to the attack and his strong words against anti-Semitism are greatly needed and appreciated. Those who have taken to criticizing the president were doing so prior to this horrific mass murder occurred, and it is unseemly that they would use this massacre to denounce the president at this time." The statement continued by lauding Trump as "the best friend Israel has ever had in the White House," noting that he "has stood up and defended Israel more strongly than any president before him" and "visited Israel on his first foreign trip," becoming "the first president to visit and pray at the Western Wall while in office." Pro-Israel Officials, Pro-Israel Policy The organization also expressed gratitude to Trump for "appoint[ing] the most pro-Israel ambassador to Israel ever appointed, Ambassador David Friedman, a Young Israel member who assisted with President Trump's decision to move the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem and recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital" and for "treat[ing] its consulate in Jerusalem like any other consulate . . . rather than having it act like an embassy to the Palestinian Authority that reports directly to Washington, D.C." The statement continued, "The leading anti-Semitic nation in the world is Iran, which regularly calls for Israel's destruction and welcomes Holocaust deniers. President Trump has taken strong action by sanctioning Iran and ending the nuclear deal that enabled Iran to increase its defense budget by 40 percent. Iran is the leading supporter of Hamas and Hezbollah, two major terrorist organizations committed to Israel's destruction. President Trump also crushed ISIS, which has been an anti-Semitic terrorist organization. No U.S. president has taken stronger action against these entities than President Trump. "President Trump has spoken openly and proudly about his deep love for his daughter and adviser Ivanka Trump, who converted to Judaism; his son-in-law Jared Kushner, who is Jewish; and his three Jewish grandchildren. The president also has an Orthodox Jewish adviser in Jason Greenblatt, his special representative for International Negotiations and Middle East Envoy. U.N. Ambassador Nicki Haley has done an amazing job standing up for Israel at the U.N. and National Security Adviser John Bolton has a long history of being a great friend to Israel, and he has continued that friendship in his current position. Vice President Mike Pence has given extraordinary speeches of support to Israel in the Knesset and in commemoration of Israel's 69th Anniversary, and he helped repair Jewish graves in St. Louis when they were vandalized. "One does not have to be a supporter of the president to hear the heartbreak in his voice when he made multiple statements concerning the tragedy, each statement getting stronger and stronger in tone. Israel's Education and Diaspora Affairs Minister Naftali Bennett called President Trump's comments the toughest comments ever made by a president against anti-Semitism. President Trump called anti-Semitism an 'historic evil,' later saying 'there must be no tolerance for anti-Semitism in America.' In an extremely powerful and poignant statement, President Trump said, 'This evil, anti-Semitic attack is an assault on all of us. It is an assault on humanity. It must be confronted and condemned everywhere it rears its ugly head. We must stand with our Jewish brothers and sisters to defeat anti-Semitism and vanquish the forces of hate. Those seeking their destruction, we will seek their destruction.'" Neo-Nazis and the Radical Left The statement concluded, "We agree with Israel's Ambassador to the U.S. Ron Dermer, who stated that anti-Semitism comes from all sides, both conservative and liberal. He said 'to simply say that this is because of one person, only comes on one side, is to not understand the history of anti-Semitism or the reality of anti-Semitism.' Ambassador Dermer added that 'one of the big forces in college campuses today is anti-Semitism. And those anti-Semites are usually not neo-Nazis on college campuses. They're coming from the radical-left. We have to stand against anti-Semitism whether it comes from the right or whether it comes from the left.' "The white supremacists and radical-left share their same BDS support and anti-Israel agenda, whether it is white supremacist David Duke, or proud BDS supporter from the left Linda Sarsour, who tweeted in 2012 that 'Nothing is creepier than Zionism.' The BDS activities of Linda Sarsour and her fellow anti-Israel activists fall squarely within the international working definition of anti-Semitism, which was adopted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance in 2016 and is utilized by the U.S. State Department. This is why the pro-Israel policies of President Trump serve as a strong condemnation of the views of white supremacists and BDS supporters who oppose Israel. "Over a year ago, there was a meeting and briefing for members of the Jewish community about the threat of terrorism. At the meeting, we said that our community's main concern is attacks by white supremacists and radical Islamic terrorists. We would have made the same statement five years ago as well. The fact that American people of all types have come together and supported our community at this time is very much appreciated. This is not the time to play politics; rather, it is a time to come together. "May God comfort Pittsburgh alongside the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem," said the organization at the statement's conclusion, quoting a verse from the Torah traditionally recited during the time of mourning. Hadas Parush/Flash90 Natan Sharansky speaks during a Limud event ahead of the Jewish mourning day of Tu B'Av, at the Israeli president's residence in Jerusalem on July 31, 2017. (JNS)-Chess warrior. Former political prisoner. Longtime Israeli minister and head of the Jewish Agency for Israel. Always a Jewish inspiration. Natan Sharansky has checked many boxes throughout his life, eight years of which were spent in a gulag in the former Soviet Union. One of the most well-known refuseniks and a leader of the fight to release Soviet Jewry, he pushed relentlessly for freedom, supported by his wife, Avital, and Jews and non-Jews around the world. He was eventually released in 1986. The Iron Curtain fell in 1989 and the Soviet Union two years later. Sharansky, who was born in Donetsk, Ukraine, left to make a new life in Israel, where he held numerous ministerial positions and headed the Jewish Agency for Israel from the summer of 2009 through this past summer. On Sunday, the 70-year-old was honored in New York with the inaugural Tikvah Prize by the Jewish Leadership Conference for his heroism as a Jewish statesman and more. JNS sat down with Sharansky following his acceptance of the prize and a conversation with Elliot Abrams, who served as a foreign-policy adviser under U.S. Presidents Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush. Q: First and foremost, what is your reaction to Saturday's mass shooting at the Tree of Life*Or L'Simcha Synagogue in Pittsburgh? A: Tragedy is tragedy. The answer is whether people want to organize around those acts globally in Eastern Europe and Western Europe, and also America. [And to do so] because of this crisis, which happened between post-nationalism and nationalism. Post-nationalism encourages left-wing anti-Israel campaigns. Nationalism encourages classical anti-Jewish words. But both of them are [causing] some fanatics to attack Jews. I believe Jewish communities have to be on alert. After the tragedy in Toulouse, France, in 2012, I saw how easily it could be prevented: If there's some minimum equipment, and we created a special fund in which I raised money and there are hundreds of communities all over the world that we were helping. Jewish communities have to take care of the security of their institutions. Q: In the aftermath of the shooting, there are some, such as former Israeli Ambassador to the United States Michael Oren, who are calling for the State of Israel to recognize Conservative and Reform Jews. What's your reaction? A: I've been calling for this for a long time. That is very principled and very important-that every Jew in the world will feel at home in Israel. And I will speak about it many times, saying that in Israel, if you really want it to be the home for every Jew in the world, you have to know that Israel welcomes them, with their rabbi, with their community, with their prayers. And I think it's almost tragic that the State of Israel has to make such important Zionist decisions when there's some terrorist attack. Q: Are shootings like this able to unite the Jewish community over our political, religious and communal differences? A: It's like a reminder of our mutual faith, which is stronger than all of our disagreements, and it does give something. To hope it will help overcome some ideological debates, definitely not. Q: What are your thoughts about the current state of relations between Israeli Jews and Diaspora Jews? A: Between Jews, it's OK. Between the American organized Jewish community and the State of Israel, there are definitely some serious dangers. I would say that Israelis correctly expect that American Jewry will show much more understanding of our security needs, and that we cannot behave as if we are Switzerland. On the other hand, American Jews are right when they expect much more understanding of the Israeli government to show acceptance of the pluralism within American Jewry. Because of internal political reasons, the Israeli government is not interested in showing this. Q: What is your overall reaction to the state of European Jewry? How serious are problems related to immigrant and anti-Semitism? A: I believe that the problems which happened in Europe are so deep. They went so far, this policy of post-nationalism-a reworking of national borders and permitting tens of thousands of new citizens who don't accept the rules of liberal democracy. It's really come to such a point where European Jews are increasingly feeling uncomfortable. This meeting of post-intellectual, post-identity that denies the value of the Jewish state-old, radical right-wing anti-Semitism ... and the new anti-Semitism mainly connected with Muslim citizens and the liberal left. It creates a situation where the Jews of France don't feel themselves comfortable in any part of French society. I think it's almost irreversible. I don't believe there is a future for the Jews of France. For the first time in modern history, we see that there are more and more British Jews who feel that it is not their home. That, we didn't see before. Q: Speaking of British Jews, what's your reaction to the rise of Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn and his highly controversial views? A: That's a very logical continuation of [what] to some extent is happening in America-that the left becomes less liberal, and more and more connected to the extremists of the Muslim movement and the anti-Zionist world. It's not liberal. It has nothing to do with human rights. This is a betrayal of liberal values. That's what been happening in Europe over the last 15 years, and now it has contributed to Corbyn's rise to power. That's extremely dangerous, but it also shows how deep this tendency on the left is. Q: We see in America a lot of left-wing Jews starting to support ideas of Marxism, communism, socialism. As someone who overcame that, what's your reaction? A: I say it's almost a tragedy, the lack of elementary knowledge of what Marxism really means. What Marxism practices... "They say, 'OK, it was started and made mistakes.' " Everybody who looks deeply into the essence of Marxism [should understand] how Stalinism was built theoretically by Marx... and then by Lenin-their idea was, 'We have to take as much as possible, power from the individual, to take their property, to take their opportunities to influence on the social and religious and national life.' " And to let the state to distribute it, then it brings to slavery. [It's akin] to the same forms of totalitarian regimes. When you say socialism, sometimes socialism is understood as social democracy, and that's OK. There are some social democratic parties in Europe who try to have some welfare agenda, so it's one thing. But the fact that the people will go to classical Marxism... mankind already paid the lives of tens of millions of people and enslavement of hundreds of millions. I think this presents very dangerous solutions, and I would recommend people will start learning from the atrocities. Q: You were a champion chess player. Would you characterize your time in prison as a game of mental chess? A: I write a lot about it in my book "Fear No Evil." I think chess helped me a lot-to discipline myself and to see all of my battles with the KGB as a chess game when you're trying to think two steps before your offensive. (The Tower via JNS)-Oman publicly called for regional recognition of Israel a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a historic visit to the Sultanate on Friday, The Jerusalem Post reported. Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah, Oman's Minister for Foreign Affairs, told a security forum in Bahrain that "Israel is a state present in the region, and we all understand this. The world is also aware of this, and maybe it is time for Israel to be treated the same [as other states] and to also bear the same obligations." Netanyahu traveled to Oman at the invitation of the country's leader, Sultan Sayyid Qaboos bin Said Al Said, in a development that Washington said could help regional peace efforts. On his trip, the prime minister was accompanied by his wife, Sara, as well as senior officials, including the head of the Mossad intelligence agency and members of his national security team. "We are not saying that the road is now easy and paved with flowers, but our priority is to put an end to the conflict and move to a new world," bin Alawi told the forum. The minister clarified that while Oman was offering ideas to further peace between Israel and the Palestinians, the Sultanate was not acting as an official mediator. Rather, Alawi said, Oman was relying on the United States and efforts by U.S. President Donald Trump in working towards the "deal of the century." Although still not officially unveiled, the Palestinian leadership has derided the deal as "the slap of the century" and have boycotted efforts by the U.S. to formulate a new peace initiative. Attending the summit, Bahrain's foreign minister Khalid bin Ahmed al-Khalifa voiced support for Oman's efforts to bring together Israelis and Palestinians, while Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir also stressed that they key to normalization was the peace process. The U.S. Middle East envoy Jason Greenblatt welcomed the "warming ties and growing cooperation between our regional friends" in a tweet on Friday. "This is a helpful step for our peace efforts & essential to create an atmosphere of stability, security & prosperity between Israelis, Palestinians & their neighbors. Looking forward to seeing more meetings like this!" he said. The last high-profile visit by an Israeli official to Oman occurred in 1996, when former Prime Minister Shimon Peres traveled to the country to meet with the sultan and open an Israel Trade Representation office. On Thursday, at the launch of the Israeli Innovation Center at the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation in Tel Aviv, Netanyahu hinted at a new opening with the Arab world. "We always thought that if we solved the Palestinian problem, it would open up the doors to peace with the broader Arab world. And that's certainly true if you could do it. But it may mean that equally true and perhaps even truer is that if you open up to the Arab world and you normalize relations with them, it will open the door for an eventual reconciliation and peace with the Palestinians," he said. "We should do both, but I think you should not underestimate the openness and the thirst in the Arab world today for Israel," noted Netanyahu. "And the reason, the first reason before anything else, is that we're there in innovation." LOUISVILLE, Ky. (JTA)On Saturday, the front line in the struggle to save and perpetuate Judaism ran through Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I know a little something about that front line. Born in Pittsburgh, raised in her suburbs, an adult living on the North Side and East End of the city, I amwith apologies to my new hometown in this citya Pittsburgher until I die. As the editor of The Jewish Chronicle of Pittsburgh for 13 years, ground zero for my coverage was Squirrel Hill, the Pittsburgh neighborhood where Tree of Life*Or LSimcha synagogue, the scene of Saturdays deadly shootings by an anti-Semitic gunman, is located. Squirrel Hill is an upscale, multi-ethnic neighborhood. Bistros, cafes and trendy stores line Murray and Forbes avenues. Schenley Park, with its wide, shady lanes tying the universities to prewar homes, attracts cyclists and runners and picnickers. It is simply a beautiful place to live and be. But everywhere are reminders that Squirrel Hill was, and is, the heart of Pittsburgh Jewish life Bearded men in kippot and fedoras walk briskly to their next appointments. Women push strollers heavy with kids. Fliers for this Jewish event or that are taped to street lamps and shop windows. And there are the synagogues. Like everywhere, synagogue life is in jeopardy as Jews increasingly reject organized religion. Still, it is impossible to walk a couple blocks in Squirrel Hill without seeing a shul. Theyre in old houses, stately temples with stained glass windows or buildings, like Tree of Life, constructed along modern architectural lines. One congregation, according to urban legend, started life in a mansion whose previous owners wish was that a Jew never own it. That was the benign anti-Semitism we were used to until Saturdays brand left us all scarred. I know Tree of Life*Or LSimcha very well. My great-uncle Herman Halpern, a giant in the Conservative movement of his day, was the rabbi there years ago, when it was just Tree of Life. I reported on a succession of rabbis. I covered its merger with Or LSimcha, a new congregation that had no building. My wife, then just a student rabbi, was asked more than once to read Torah on Shabbat at Tree of Life. And today it is on the Jewish front line. So is every synagogue in Pittsburgh, Louisville, North America, the whole world. The 11 people who died Saturday lost their lives because they chose to express their Judaism in the house of worship. Had they rejected synagogue life, as so many others have, they would probably be alive today. But they wouldnt really be living. Part of what made them Jews, what gave their lives meaning, was what went on within those walls. During his recent visit to Louisville, Jewish scholar Avraham Infeld, in his talks about the preservation of Jewish culture, made the case for strong Jewish community centers, but not at the expense of the synagogues. He said Jews are a people with a God-centered culture, and he took his fellow Israelis to task for rejecting the synagogue in droves. If you go to a synagogue, if you support a synagogueif you are on the front linepart of you is crying not only for the loss of life but for the assault on the idea of synagogue itselfliterally, as a sanctuary. You may not have given voice to it, but I bet you feel it. Synagogues are not profit makers. Far from high-tech startups, brewpubs or espresso bars, theyre a tough sell to millennials and Gen Zers. But they are where Judaism happens every day. And they are threatened, mostly by the choices of Jews. For those who have decided to express their Judaism in a way that does not include synagogue affiliation, OK, thats your choice. Now is the time, though, to ask yourselves how you will express your Jewishnessnow, after the worst, and perhaps the first, murder of American Jews in their own house of worship. I dont mean to demean Jews who have chosen to walk away from their faith or simply not to affiliate. I dont know their experiences; I cant walk in their shoes. But as a Jew who is on the front line, like thousands of others, struggling to preserve a critical component of Jewish existence, I can say this: We need you. More than ever, we need you. Lee Chottiner, editor of the Jewish Louisville Community, served as editor of The Jewish Chronicle of Pittsburgh from 2001 to 2014. Are you lost in the wild? Sorry, but the page you're looking for has not been found Try checking the URL for errors, goto home or try to search below. Armenia's Court of Cassation is considering the opportunity to return the case to the Court of Appeals to change the measure of restraint applied in relation to second Armenian President Robert Kocharyan, Zhoghovurd newspaper reported. According to the newspaper, the Court of Appeals' Aleksander Azaryan disregarded all the factors during the verdict procedure. The investigator when submitting the application said that Kocharyan is a perpetrator of a criminal act and may obstruct the investigation. But he wasn't heard by the Appellate Court judge, whose decision was based by only the ex-president's immunity. Second Armenian President Robert Kocharyan was arrested in July for two months by a local court, but was released from pre-trial custody on August 13, after Armenias Court of Appeals ruled that he could not be prosecuted for the post-election violence.. He is accused of violating Armenia constitutional order in March 2008, when in a post-election standoff eight civilians and two police officers were killed. Former head of the Central Bank of Armenia Bagrat Asatryan, speaking with the correspondent of Vestnik Kavkaza, noted that bringing Robert Kocharian to justice for the March 2008 crimes in the new conditions is only a matter of time. The criminal case is not closed, the investigation continues, and it is not so important whether it will be sent to jail now or later. It is important that 10 years after the March 2008 tragic events, our authorities finally took up the matter, he said . The expert noted that today there are no political forces left in Armenia ready to support Robert Kocharyan, including his former comrades. We should understand that Robert Kocharyan has never been a public politician, he was a manager, thats why he set the goal to destroy Armenia's internal policy at one time - so that no one would interfere with his rule, Bagrat Asatryan recalled. ARF Dashnaktsutyun was considered Kocharyan's political supporter, but he simply sold this party some oligarch. 15 years ago, he actually privatized the Armenian parties and distributed them to the oligarchs. As a result of his efforts, the old internal political field of Armenia was destroyed, but now it turned out that Kocharyan does not have any comrades and supporters in politics. Having lost power, he became simply not interesting for the domestic political situation," the ex-head of the Central Bank of Armenia concluded. Sharon Weil spoke with Ilana Ivan at the Chabad vigil last Monday evening. This is what she shared. I have many homes. I'm used to living far from my home, Israel, when a pigua (terror attack) occurs and I walk around in a stupor with my heart aching to be near my loved ones. Many of you here know that ache. Today, one of my homes and my heart, are broken. Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh. We moved to Squirrel Hill from Israel with three young children, leaving our family behind. We knew one person when we arrived in this gritty, run-down looking city. When we left five years ago... well, we knew almost everyone. I know it sounds impossible, but that is what it's like to live in Squirrel Hill. It's a neighborhood where at its center are Forbes and Murray where there are shops, restaurants, grocery stores and dry cleaners. Everything in our life-from school, work, shul, movie theaters, grocery stores, and the library-is within a 15-minute walk from our house. Everything. This is why everyone truly knows everyone else. It's an Urban Jewish Community where the JCC on the corner has a clock on its tower with the letters alef, bet, gimel, etc., on its face. That is Squirrel Hill to me. It's where my son at 12 years old would play outside with his friends and their favorite pastime was playing kick the can in the street... for hours. That is Squirrel Hill to me. It's where my daughter was so busy reading her book while she walked that she didn't pay attention while crossing the street. An acquaintance of ours saw her. Stopped, and reprimanded her. Then called me to tell let me know. That is Squirrel Hill to me. It's where you run out of sugar and you have 10 neighbors you can ask. That is Squirrel Hill to me. On our street, there were 20 homes-six of them had sukkot. The kids would run from one to the other checking them out because they could. That is Squirrel Hill to me. This is a community where our Chinese neighbors spoke Yiddish and celebrated holidays with us. That is Squirrel Hill to me. And on Shabbat... We usually went to Beth Shalom, but because the Jewish Community in Squirrel Hill is so fluid, we often chose to go to Temple Sinai or Sha'are Torah or Tree of Life (which was just 4 blocks from our home). So on Shabbat morning when my phone pinged that there was an active shooter in a Pittsburgh synagogue I knew that we would be impacted because that is Squirrel Hill to me. Squirrel Hill is like Cheers where "everybody knows your name." It's a community that is so tight knit that this is not "just another shooting." This is a community where we are at most, one degree of separation from every one of the victims. Today, I am in mourning with K'lal Yisrael. The deaths of the pillars of the Pittsburgh Jewish community-the elders who showed up early, each week, cannot be in vain. It is up to us, in this corner of the world, to ensure that there are good deeds and mitzvot that we can do, in order to drive hatred from our midst. Sharon F. Weil is director of Programming and Development for Kinneret Council on Aging. She was grateful for the opportunity to speak about a community that she loves so much. (JTA)Robert Bowers, the man held in the shooting deaths of 11 people at a synagogue in Pittsburgh on Saturday, belonged to an online community where he frequently railed against Jews and immigrants. That social media site, Gab, has come under closer scrutiny this week. Created two years ago as a haven for far-rightists who felt they were being targeted on mainstream platforms, Gab quickly rose in popularity. But the site wasnt just home to ideological discussions. Critics say threats of violence and virulent hatred are a common theme of those posting to it. JTA spoke to two experts on extremism to learn more about Gab and other sites like it. Michael Edison Hayden is an open source intelligence analyst at Storyful, a company that analyzes conversations on social media. Oren Segal is the director of the Anti-Defamation Leagues Center on Extremism. What is Gab? Gab was founded by Andrew Torba in August 2016 as a response against what he saw as censorship of right-wing users by some social media platforms. Often these users were kicked off platforms for using racist or anti-Semitic language or harassing individuals. Among those who found a home on Gab was Milo Yiannopoulos, the former Breitbart News provocateur who was booted from Twitter after urging his followers to harass the African-American comedian Leslie Jones, and Andrew Anglin, the founder of the neo-Nazi site The Daily Stormer. What makes the entirely left-leaning Big Social monopoly qualified to tell us what is news and what is trending and to define what harassment means? Torba told Buzzfeed in 2016. It didnt feel right to me, and I wanted to change it, and give people something that would be fair and just. Straight away, Hayden said, Gab became a popular platform for white nationalists as a place where they felt they could give voice to their anti-Semitic, racist, bigoted, misogynistic views out in the open. He has spent over a year studying the site. Segal called the site the primary destination for a lot of white supremacists and anti-Semites. Apple and Google have refused to offer Gab in their app stores due to concerns about hate speech. Gab has claimed to have some 800,000 users, but Hayden estimates the actual count is far less. The number of active users seems like it is more likely to be in the tens of thousands of users than in the hundreds of thousands of users, he said. What is unique about Gab? Gab merges features of different sites, offering the chronological timeline of posts from Twitter but the ability for users to upvote or downvote posts they like or dislike a la Reddit. Though threats of terrorism and violence are supposed to be banned, the policy is not always enforced. On numerous occasions, posts that threatened violence to specific people were ignored, even after being reported, Hayden said. As a social media site, Gab is considered an appealing alternative to other sites frequented by white nationalists, including Stormfront, 4chan and 8chan, that are forums but do not as easily facilitate connections among users. Hayden said that in the way that you can organize a party on Facebook or discuss the news with your friends in a group DM on Twitter, a racist could organize harassment campaigns and other unpleasant things at Gab very easily. How did Bowers use the site? The vast majority of messages posted by Bowers were anti-Semitic in nature, according to the Anti-Defamation League. Among other things, he wrote Jews are the children of satan, and referred to kike infestation and filthy EVIL jews. His photo shows the number 1488, a neo-Nazi hate symbol that references a white supremacist slogan called 14 words and 88, which is code for Heil Hitler. Those type of messages are not unusual on Gab, according to Hayden. It was common for Gab posters to treat Jews as if they were inhuman and blame them for all kinds of problems, he said. How is Gab responding? On Monday, Gab said on Twitter that the site was taken down but was looking to return with a new host. Visitors to the site see a message from Torba in which he says that he has been providing information to the Justice Department and FBI about an alleged terrorist. In the midst of this Gab has been no-platformed by essential internet infrastructure providers at every level, the message reads. We are the most censored, smeared, and no-platformed startup in history, which means we are a threat to the media and to the Silicon Valley Oligarchy. What are other similar sites? Segal said that he had seen discussions on Gab before it was taken down of other possible venues for users. Those cited include the emerging social media platforms Wrongthink, Minds and Mewe. Wrongthink, whose site yielded an error message as of Thursday afternoon, is already somewhat popular with right-wing posters because it promotes itself as an alternative network by people who actually respect your freedom of speech, Segal said. The other sites dont necessarily have an extremist or right-wing bent. Voat, a news aggregator and social networking site, and the forums 4chan and 8chan are also popular among those on the far-right, Hayden said. And while Twitter and Facebook continue to crack down on hateful accounts, users there continue to target others with anti-Semitic, racist and homophobic messages daily. The number of forums or platforms are really endless, Segal said, and none of them are completely absent of extremism and hateful speech. Last week, the 10 rabbis of the seven metro Orlando Chabad centers joined 5,600 rabbis and communal leaders from all 50 U.S. states and more than 100 countries, hailing from as far away as Laos and Angola, Ghana and Uzbekistan, at the International Conference of Chabad-Lubavitch Emissaries (Kinus Hashluchim) in Brooklyn, N.Y. The annual event, the largest Jewish gathering in North America, came just days after the horrific anti-Semitic shooting in Pittsburgh that left 11 dead and as the Chabad-Lubavitch movement marks nearly 10 years since the murder of Rabbi Gabi and Rivky Holtzberg, directors of Chabad-Lubavitch of Mumbai, in the 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai. "All year we are building and strengthening our local Jewish communities, it is extremely inspiring to come together and see the big picture of how we are part something global and the fastest growing Jewish movement," said Rabbi Yanky Majesky of the Chabad of North Orlando. "On a personal level, my siblings and classmates are Chabad rabbis all over the world, this is a great chance to catch up and of course learn best practices from each other." The rabbis-each embracing multiple roles and responsibilities-explored relevant issues, and learned from professionals and colleagues with years of experience. The topics covered run the gamut of their concerns: combating anti-Semitism; counseling and guiding congregations in the aftermath of the Pittsburgh attacks; synagogue security; the opioid epidemic; mental health; stemming the tide of assimilation; counseling troubled relationships; inclusion; and a conference within the conference for rabbis who serve students on college campuses, ensuring a lasting impact on the next generation. They continue the legacy of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory, who spearheaded a global Jewish revival after the Holocaust. Universally known simply as the Rebbe, Rabbi Schneerson is considered the most influential rabbi in modern history. Although he passed away 24 years ago, the Rebbe's legacy remains as vibrant as ever. His teachings continue to be a guiding force as a new generation of both Jews and non-Jews seeks to positively change the world for the better. The conference will include a memorial for the victims of the Pittsburgh Massacre. In Orlando, the Pittsburgh Massacre was commemorated with a Memorial Service and Mitzvah Campaign in honor of the victims, on Monday night, Oct. 29, at the Chabad Center in Maitland. By Jonathan Feldstein Anti-Semitism thrives and is unleashed, among other things, when hate is fostered and allowed to go unchecked. But anti-Semites rarely need an excuse to do so. Following the attack on the Pittsburgh synagogue last week, many blame the current president and his rhetoric for that. Perhaps. However no less significant is when former president Clinton shared the stage with and gives credibility to Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, one of the most rabid anti-Semites in the U.S., as if thats normal and OK. Just by being in his presence, Clinton gives credence to Farrakhan and his vile hatred. Hate and anti-Semitism are fostered when former president Obama refers to victims of a different anti-Semitic attack in Paris as random...folks as if they were not targeted because they were Jewish. Such dumbing down of overt anti-Semitic murder emboldens haters. Anti-Semitism flourishes when the head of a major British political party honors terrorists who have murdered Jews, and fights over nuances in adopting a universal definition of anti-Semitism. That the Queen much less the majority of the party doesnt speak out and condemn his positions, or throw him out altogether, gives his views and those of other haters legitimacy, as if its just one of many political ideologies. Its not. Its hatred plain and simple and must not be tolerated. These are just a few examples from modern western (civilized) countries. Many others abound, all over the world. But lets be clear, anti-Semitism is not new, and is not the fault of any one political leader. Political and religious leaders can allow anti-Semitism to grow like a disease in a petri dish, by doing nothing to stop it or by fanning flames from the left or the right. Indeed, anyone who doesnt confront it head on is partly to blame. Allowing the fostering of hate unchecked enables those with a particularly twisted anti-Semitic agenda to let their views become public. In that case, all are responsible for not uprooting it altogether much less fostering it. As much as anti-Semitism is not new, it is unique. Attempts to universalize it are naive and specious at best. And yet I see that far too often, and its very troubling. Anti-Semitism is probably the oldest form of hate. It is not universal. Please, do not compare it to, or allow others to explain it by or in contrast to, other forms of hate. It goes back thousands of years since the Jewish people became the first monotheists, to believe in, worship and revere one God, the One True God. Unique in our liturgy, Jews pray for God to strike down our enemies. What other religion does that, much less has to do that, or can even think that way. Is there another people of faith who live under this dark cloud of fear of hate and violence other than the Jewish people? Conversely, some faiths revere their god by preaching violence against others. Fortunately, because of my many Christian friends, and meaningful interaction with them, I get to witness, experience, and be strengthened by love and support expressed to me, but really through me and meant for the Jewish people as a whole. I do everything I can to be sure that Jewish friends and others understand that Christian support for Israel is sincere, and different from not too distant past when the church fomented anti-Semitism. But Jews carry lots of baggage of thousands of years of persecution. As a result, not without good reason, we often feel very alone. In recent years, its become a slippery slope between someone being anti-Israel, and anti-Semitic. Too often, and more so in recent years, lines are blurred and anti-Israel positions are used as a thin whitewash for anti-Semitism. In many cases, this is a catalyst for anti-Semites to blur the line. As much as Pittsburgh was a wakeup call, too many people have hit the snooze button for too long. I am guilty of that if only by allowing the internalization of the fact that there will always be anti-Semitism, accepting that in a boys will be boys fashion, and living with it. Recently I have been exposed to anti-Semitism personally, not for the first time but in a new way: online. This has taken place in the context of Run for Zion, bringing Christians to participate in a race throughout Jerusalem, and offering a free trip to Israel contest as a promotion and to create awareness. Initially, I was surprised that such a contest would attract anti-Semitic trolls online who felt the need, and right, to post their hateful messages. Then I became shocked by the hubris and regularity of such posts. Not a day goes by that I dont have to take down someones post and block the writer, though I debate between leaving the posts for others to see but which I fear might attract more hate, and deleting them altogether. In the wake of Pittsburgh where the terrorist murderer was found to post his anti-Semitic views on social media freely, I wonder how many of the dozens of the people whose posts I have deleted are in fact latent murderers. Its safe to say one would not experience this form of online hatred by offering a free trip to anywhere else. Israel is a lightning rod for such hate, which, strangely, the haters have no shame in posting their screed for others to see. Some of posts are overt anti-Semitism (using phrases and libels that would make Hitler and Farrakhan blush) such as calling Jews the synagogue of Satan. Some are just vulgar and, in another era when profanity mattered, could even warrant police investigation. Some are more veiled by advocating boycotting Israel through an abhorrent BDS movement that uses anti-Israel rhetoric to feed and foster overt anti-Semitism. And some focus on the delegitimization of Israel with the fake history and theology of Israel being Palestine, Palestinian Arabs being the indigenous people in the Land that God gave to Abraham and his descendants, and/or that God in fact ended his covenant with the Jewish people. Fortunately, many Christian friends repel this underlying hate thats often rooted in a replacement theology strain of Christianity. Refreshingly, some friends are shocked because theyve never heard of replacement theology or BDS, and horrified that people actually could think this way. Many Christian friends are shocked by the prevalence of anti-Semitism because they cannot imagine thinking that way much less acting on it. So, whats a good person to do? Try to understand anti-Semitism. Call it out in every forum possible. (Please feel free to be in touch and I can send you a copy of my article 50 Shades of Anti-Semitism.) Adding temporary Facebook profile pictures may feel good but doesnt change much. Rather, when you come across anti-Semitism in any form or forum, flag it. Call it out. Unfortunately, reporting peoples anti-Semitic posts, the best Facebook offers is for me to report it as inappropriate and block the user. If social media platforms wont let a reader prevent posting something thats overt hatred much less anti-Semitic, at least they must govern it themselves and close the accounts of those who make these posts. Otherwise they are complicit. Free speech does have its limits. Prosecution is important but more than that, hold your elected leaders, law enforcement, and social media accountable to prevent it. Lets not wait until the next incident, lets work to prevent it altogether. And yes, embrace the Jewish people unconditionally. Stand with us. Try to understand us and why we might resist and not trust your overtures given the history of the church thats persecuted us, for centuries. And, as Christians, embrace what we have in common starting with the Creator of the Universe, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. I was invited to speak about anti-Semitism at a Christian prayer event in Orlando on Nov. 15. While I am no expert I know enough, and have experienced anti-Semitism more than enough, but didnt know what to stay. Now, I cant think of what not to say. If youll be in or near Orlando then, please join to pray, and show your support. If not, please feel free to send me your prayers and I will be sure my Jewish friends know and understand that there are indeed hundreds of millions who do love us. Perhaps that is a start at routing out this evil once and for all. Jonathan Feldstein was born and educated in the U.S. and immigrated to Israel in 2004. He is married and the father of six. Throughout his life and career, he has been blessed by the calling to fellowship with Christian supporters of Israel and shares experiences of living as an Orthodox Jew in Israel. He writes a regular column for Standing With Israel at charismanews.com and other prominent web sites. He can be reached at firstpersonisrael@gmail.com. (Mida via JNS)We may be witnessing the beginning of the end of the Jewish Diaspora. While the anti-Semitic terrorist attack against a synagogue in Pittsburgh is a grave warning for American Jewry, the danger for Jews in Scandinavian countries, France and Britain has been evident for some time. The Jewish Diaspora is the most enduring exile in human history. For 2,000 years, the Jewish people has been scattered across the globe and contributed disproportionately to humanity. Against all odds, Jews have survived persecution from the times of Babylon and Rome to the Spanish Inquisition, Soviet Russia, Nazi Germany and Islamist terrorism. Before the establishment of modern Israel, the destiny of millions of Jews was decided by the whims of different non-Jewish rulers in Christian Europe and the Muslim world. Being forced to flee with short notice with little more than a suitcase was the harsh reality for generations of Diaspora Jews. Islamist Jew-hatred has virtually wiped out once thriving ancient Middle Eastern Jewish communities from Morocco to Iran. As late as 1939, most of the worlds Jews lived in Europe and Russia. As a result of Nazism, communism and emigration to Israel and America, only a fraction remains. Seven decades after the Holocaust, European Jewry is aging and assimilating, while facing increasing levels of anti-Semitism from Islamism and extremists on the right and left. Generations of Jews have referred to America as The Golden Medinathe golden country of endless freedom and opportunity. The American Jewish community is the largest and most successful Jewish population in the history of Jewish Diaspora. In fact, many assimilated U.S. Jews with little affiliation with Israel and Jewish peoplehood no longer consider themselves living in exile at all. Historically, anti-Semitism in America was relatively mild compared to traditional European Jew-hatred. Anti-Jewish discrimination and bigotry in the United States rarely translated into European-style pogroms. However, an increasing number of American Jews are gradually recognizing that there is a growing trouble in their cherished home. A recent report by the Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations shows that 72 perhaps of all religious hate crimes in Los Angeles in 2017 targeted Jews. While many liberals talk about Islamophobia, only 12 percent of all religious hate crimes targeted Muslims. Furthermore, the reports shows that the proportion of religious hate crimes against Jews in Los Angeles have increased from 68 percent in 2016 to 72 percent in 2017. For sure, Jew-hatred in America is by no means limited to Los Angeles. Jewish leaders in Sweden recently admitted that there is likely no Jewish future in Sweden. According to a 2015 poll, 58 percent of British Jews doubt whether there is a Jewish future in Europe. Private talks with family members and friends about whether to stay or emigrate is no longer limited to European Jewry. An increasing number of American Jews privately ask themselves whether there is a Jewish future in America. The recent anti-Semitic lethal attack on a Pittsburgh synagogue is certainly not reassuring. More and more U.S. Jews who for generations viewed America as a blessed final stop are starting to look at alternative places like Canada or Israel. Even most pessimists dont believe that a Holocaust could take place in 21st-century America. However, the American Jewish community is not as confident and certain as it was a few years ago. Many Jewish and non-Jewish liberals blame U.S. President Donald Trump for the growing anti-Semitism. However, President Trump has strongly condemned Jew-hatred, including the latest anti-Semitic attack in Pittsburgh. He has also been far more supportive towards Israel than his predecessors have. Jew-hatred in America existed long before Trump. While threats from fringe neo-Nazis are real, Islamists and leftist extremists are responsible for the majority of Jew-hatred in Europe and America. Some post-Zionist critics have argued that the most dangerous place for Jews is Israel. The Jewish state does face serious challenges from hostile neighbors. However, unlike Diaspora Jewry, Israeli Jews have a Jewish state and a Jewish army to protect them. The number of lethal terrorist attacks in Israel have dropped significantly since PLO head Yasser Arafat launched the Second Intifada terrorist war on Israel in the early 2000s. By contrast, Islamist terrorist attacks have increased dramatically in America and especially in Europe. Affected by 19th-century romanticism, Theodor Herzl wrongly believed that the return of the Jewish people to its ancestral homeland Israel would end anti-Semitism. Pragmatists like David Ben-Gurion, Golda Meir and Menachem Begin did not harbor these illusions. Anti-Semitism will not disappear any time soon. What has changed dramatically is that today there is a powerful Jewish state. Only in Israel is the Jewish people capable of defending itself by itself. Daniel Kryger is a writer and a political analyst and a fellow at the Haym Salomon Center. The 78 percent figure frequently referred to by Democrat apologists as if it were The Holy Grail, is based on entry or exit polls whereas many Jews are reluctant to identify themselves as conservatives and risk peer pressure. In many synagogues, there are both rabbis and congregants who have a knee-jerk reaction to political issues denigrating conservatives and Republicans as reactionaries or anti-Semites, yet even if the real figure is only 70 percent, it is tragic and signifies the Jewish vote is of little strategic importance in the pocket of one party. The fact that Senator Joseph Lieberman, whose nomination on the Democratic ticket in 2000 caused waves of ecstatic jubilation among many Jews, also refused to support Barack Obama in 2008 and spoke at the Republican National Convention in support Senator John McCain is ignored. Most American Jews continue to be oblivious to the fact that the most outstanding, talented Jewish individuals in public life uniformly saw the obvious dangers of an Obama presidency and warned against it, including, to name a few, Charles Krauthammer; Joshua Muravchik, scholar at the American Enterprise Institute; Bill Kristol, columnist and editor of the Weekly Standard; Dick Morris, political analyst and former campaign adviser to President Bill Clinton; David Horowitz, editor of Frontpage Magazine; Jonah Goldberg, National Review columnist; film producer David Zucker and comedian Jackie Mason. In 2018 they have been joined by the most successful conservative Jewish spokesmen, Ben Shapiro, radio show host Dennis Prager, and many new black supporters of President Trump. Jews, from the time of the first post-Civil War election until 1932, traditionally voted Republican or even Socialist rather than for the party identified in large parts of the country until the 1960s with Sunday blue laws, discrimination against blacks, and segregation. Even as late as 1948, American Jews were proud to give a slap in the face to the Democrats in the run up to the presidential election, in spite of their idealization of FDR. Many Jewish liberals whose identity had been stamped three generations ago by their grandparents under FDR, continue to picture themselves as enlightened and the true inheritors of the mantle of Jewish concerns for social justice, followed Obama wherever he led, rather than view the candidates with an open mind. This election will see the pot boil over for those Jews who need no more evidence. They will have to face up to taking the cure or remain partners in their own demise as an influential and respected community. Liberal Jews who cannot be dissuaded from their support of the Democrats take refuge in spurning Israel to feel comfortable with the Progressive camp or recall that their major interest is really in furthering what they think is social justice, linking it to the traditional Jewish concern for Tikun Olam (Repair of the World). In this regard they are mistaken and have accepted the contemporary Hollywood ultra-liberal Reform interpretation that Jewish tradition and the biblical injunctions of the prophets promoted what they think are progressive social and economic policies. As argued cogently by biblical scholars not in the thrall of apologizing for the Democratic Party, the expression Tikun Olam is not the automatic Liberal agenda on social and economic policy so fondly embraced by a majority of the Jewish electorateincluding abortion, feminism, pacifism, opposition to gun rights, affirmative action, environmental conservation, etc. On almost all these issues, observant Jews are fundamentally at odds with the secular/liberal Jewish majority. Basically, the thrust of Tikun Olam is in the opposite direction... For the Sake of the Public Interest rather than Repairing the World. Likewise, appeals to Jews by Democrats committed to higher and higher taxes for the common good ignore the many rabbinic rulings and Old Testaments definition of charity as a purely voluntary act and that its highest form is from an anonymous donor to an anonymous recipient. Taxation to support the priestly class was the tithea flat tax of 10 percent, NOT a progressive one! Their scant knowledge of both the Bible and Talmud is, as could be expected, derived from supporters of a wholly secular Democratic platform. Some prominent American Jews, particularly among those who cannot escape the trance they have inherited as progressives and are essentially secular and ultra-critical of capitalism and American society with its underlying Christian values, have developed a new kind of psychological self-hatred to exhibit a disassociation from the State of Israel and their religious heritage. Now, that Jewish solidarity is politically incorrect and Israel is so resented as a successful and prosperous society by so many among the worlds poor and oppressed, they must seek compensation and expiation from their fellow progressives by identifying with the prevailing winds of anti-Semitism disguised as anti-Zionism. The Diaspora Jewish critics of Israel easily see its many flaws (both real and imagined) among which, the worst is that Israel, like America is a privileged society, enjoying wealth amidst a world of misery. A majority of Jewish voters are either unconcerned with the increasingly low moral image of the Partys politicians and candidates and party hacks (David Axelrod, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Elliot Spitzer, Richard Blumenthal, and Anthony Wiener). Collectively these five represent some of the worst in American politics. Both Joe Lieberman and former Democratic governor/senator of Georgia Zell Miller told the Democrat party faithful at conventions the same message when they supported George Bush and John McCain: The Democratic Party is a national party no longer! For many Jews, still in a time warp of the 1930s, the message is only slowly beginning to penetrate. If Jews need to know their own interests as well as the interests of others, they also need to know the art of politics as well as the books of the Torah. They need, in short, to live in this world, not in the world of the politically utopian or the religiously messianic. (the final paragraph in What is the Use of Jewish History by Lucy Davidowicz). Departmental leaders are among the most qualified public servants in the Federal Government. They are dedicated to ensuring the guidance and management necessary to support the health and well-being of the nation. Learn more about the Department's leadership: Secretary and Deputy Secretary The International Afghanistan Peace Conference aims to solve Afghan problem within framework of the national reconciliation process, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said, addressing the opening session of the conference. According to the diplomat, regional actors and the friendly countries of Afghanistan participating in the conference are hoped to thoroughly help initiate political talks among Afghan groups. Lavrov noted there are obstacles and inconveniences on the way and the participating politicians are hoped to act on the basis of the interests of the Afghan nation, not their own interests. The minister added that Afghanistan is one of the goals of the terrorists, in the sense that the terrorist groups are attempting to condone with ISIS (outlawed in Russia) formation with foreign support to turn Afghanistan into a base for an attack on Central Asia, IRNA reported. Lavrov stressed that Russia will support an integrated Afghanistan in which everyone lives in peace and reconciliation. Why such Gandhigiri by our Indian Army ? Pakistani forces and jihadi terrorists are killing our soldiers, hence instead of exchanging sweets, our Govt should ask Army to eliminate jihadi terrorists and give befitting reply to Pakistani army ! Editor, Hindujagruti Amritsar : Border Security Force (BSF) exchanged sweets with Pakistani Rangers on the occasion of Diwali from Attari(India)-Wagah (Pakistan) land border on Wednesday. BSF Commandant Sudeep Kumar greeted his Pakistan counterpart by giving a box of sweets, the gesture was reciprocated by Rangers officials. Exchange of sweets is a traditional practice carried out by BSF and Pak Rangers on various religious and national events including Independent Day and Republic Day to maintain harmony on the border and for coordination between two forces for better border management. The friendlier gesture, however, comes to a halt when tension mounts between two countries. In 2016 there was no exchange of sweets on the occasion of Diwali but the gesture was resumed in 2017. Exchange of sweets takes place on all the three major international border posts of Attari, Hussaniwala, and Sadqi in Punjab. The sweets diplomacy is also an indication of the current state of relations between the two nations. Source : TOI For a government which has mastered the art of event marketing and management, there has been a markedly muted response to the second anniversary of its dramatic demonetisation announcement, almost as if the crackdown on crackers has also silenced the governments propaganda machine. Note-bandi, after all, was hailed at the time by the governments cheerleaders as the biggest and bravest step taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi: a modern day, revolutionary war against corruption and black money is how the November 8, 2016, decision was pitched. Yet today, a decision that was central to the governments anti-corruption political rhetoric is slowly being consigned to the edges of collective memory, almost as if there is little left to celebrate any longer. Contrast this with the exuberance with which the Modi government celebrated the second anniversary of the surgical strikes across the Line of Control in end September this year. The Parakram Parv or Surgical Strike day was marked with a series of public events in a conscious attempt to hype the moment as the Modi governments very own Vijay Diwas. This was muscular military nationalism being paraded by a government keen to contrast its macho image with that of its allegedly enfeebled predecessor. That gung-ho machismo has now gone missing in the context of the governments war on black money with a strident opposition, including the otherwise cautious former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, describing demonetisation as a classic case of economic mis-adventurism that had caused havoc in the economy. Finance minister Arun Jaitley has been almost the lone warrior for the Modi government while now claiming that the aim of demonetisation was never confiscating cash but helping to formalise the economy. Clearly, the narrative has shifted from black money to a cashless economy to claims of widening the tax base. And yet, whatever spin the government may now give, there is no escaping the original self-proclaimed agenda behind the sudden withdrawal of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 rupee notes from the system. At the time, Mr Modi pitched his decision as a moral cleansing of society, a puritanical zeal that saw the prime minister make an emotional appeal to the nation to give him just 50 days to set the black economy right or publicly hang him. It was just the kind of passion that the prime minister has made his successful calling card. Even as millions queued up for days to exchange their old notes, there was a sense of hope that co-existed with anxiety. A we shall overcome spirit seemed to suffuse the citizenry, a belief that Prime Minister Modi was a Robin Hood-like hero who would serve the poor by teaching the corrupted billionaire elites a lesson. Most national opinion polls at the time showed the prime ministers popularity at an all-time high: just months later, the BJP swept to power in the crucial UP elections of March 2017 with an unprecedented three-fourth majority. Note-bandi was hailed as a magic bullet that annihilated the opposition. And yet, two years later, there is growing evidence to indicate that note-bandi is no longer seen as an electoral asset on the campaign trail. Where once the government claimed that demonetisation had broken the back of Naxalism, it can hardly suggest that in poll-bound Chattisgarh against the backdrop of another bout of bloody Naxal violence. In Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, two states with large small farmer and trader populations, the BJP again has to tread warily: it is, after all, the small individual who seems to have suffered the most as a result of the abrupt severing of traditional cash transactions in the informal economy. The wounds of the police firing that resulted in the death of five farmers in MPs Mandsaur are still raw: demonetisation was seen as a trigger for the farmer protests, disrupting every aspect of the rural economy, from land markets to credit networks to procurement prices. The prime ministers Diwali bumper offer to the countrys micro and small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) of super-fast loans up to Rs one crore is perhaps a belated recognition of a reality that has been staring at this government for two years now: demonetisation and then the Goods and Services Tax (GST) were a double whammy that almost knocked out those who could least afford to suffer the disruption. Which is why the prime minister may wish to seriously consider taking a step that he has assiduously avoided right through his public career for fear that it will somehow undermine his larger than life image: publicly accept he got his mission demonetisation wrong! Post-script: Off record conversations with netas on the campaign trail are often a useful barometer to know ground realities. When I asked one of them in Madhya Pradesh what was going to be a key factor in a potentially tight election, he showed me a crisp 2000 rupee note, Candidate aur leader toh matter karte hai lekin cash ke bagair engine nahi chalegi! Cash, it seems, is well and truly back. Rajdeep Sardesai is senior journalist and author The views expressed are personal All of us have gifts. Maneka Gandhis gift, amounting to a passion has been animals. She knows all that can be known about animal needs, animal behaviour. And, more to the point, she knows all too well how we humans mistreat animals, in the wild and in domestic or un-civilian care. And this makes her rage. This also makes Maneka Gandhi who and what she is. William Blakes great poem Tyger, tiger burning bright, she must know by heart. As the one with A robin redbreast in a cage puts all heaven in a rage has to be her Bible. For the last five years, however, in keeping with the decorum of cabinet protocol and the dharma of politics, her rage over our mistreatment of animals has had to be caged. Her department being Women and Child Welfare, her natural, spontaneous, instinctive care for animals in distress has had to be a slow, internal burn. The number of elephants being electrocuted or train-mowed, migratory pelicans being bludgeoned on their tranquil lake-perches for meat, spotted deer dying in great number of food poisoning must be galling to her. But her response to the orchestrated killing of a tiger in Maharashtra, shows that her forbearance has its limits. And, exploding, she has said she will fight this among other ways, politically. I am not sure what that means but I assume, going by the normal sense of the phrase, that she intends to speak about this not just as an animal rights protector to animal rights violators but as a political leader to other political leaders and, more specifically, as a political leader from one formation, NDA, to others within the same formation who have jurisdiction over the site of what she has called the ghastly murder of the tiger. It is important that before proceeding any further she gives the Maharashtra side of things close and serious attention. The tiger is perilously endangered, of course, but one has to be a local villager to know what it means to be terrorised by a wild animal be it feline, bovine or any other. Was the action in Maharashtra driven by tiger-hate or sheer fear? This is no idle thought but an existential question on human-animal conflict and the role of the State in that bitter dilemma. Maneka Gandhis gift being what it is, her rage being what it is, when something goes beyond her endurance level, she must protest according to her beliefs and, praise be to her, protest she has. How has that been taken by her political comrades? Ashoka, who gave, in his Pillar Edict V what may be called the worlds first prototype for a Wildlife Protection Act or at any rate its inaugural list of protected species, is not the NDAs favourite figure from history. Why? Because he forswore imperial and supremacist ambitions, especially the method of war and conquest, and made Hinduisms greatest reformer, the Buddha, his preceptor. The Mauryan emperor has gone into in the annals of the world for three things: his post-Kalinga war atonement, his renunciation of the method of war, and his startlingly new vision of what may be called animal subjects or animal citizens. But without his aura of a partial renunciate, Ashokas example would have been far less impactful. Two hundred years ago, a tiger hunter, John Smith of the 28th Cavalry, while hunting the great cat, rode into a tangle of forest growth around a set of caves and discovered what we now know as the Ajanta caves, in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra. He was blown away when he beheld, hidden by virgin foliage, those spectacular murals on the Buddhas life. Tigers, Maharashtra and Buddhist compassion go together. If Maneka Gandhi were to let the murdered tiger of Maharashtra join the list of Indias slain tigers, she will lose nothing and life will go on. If on the other hand she decides not to, she will gain hugely. Will she resign over this? Resign? Over a mere tiger?, they will say. But do they, in something as vital to her as this, matter? If she does, it should not be a step against a particular shooter, a particular set of forest officers and certainly not against the Maharashtra government. This tiger murdered, symbolises animal rights violations by a callous India. If, on that larger issue, Maneka Gandhi resigns, she will stun the world of nature especially wildlife conservation, startle the ecological movement globally and focus an altogether new attention to animal rights. And make from the land of the Buddha and Ashoka a civilisational contribution that will burn bright in the forest of our political night. Gopalkrishna Gandhi is distinguished professor of history and politics, Ashoka University The views expressed are personal NASA chief Jim Bridenstine said he had met with Russias ambassador to the U.S. Anatoly Antonov at the agencys headquarters yesterday to discuss bilateral space cooperation. "I was pleased to host Russian Federation Ambassador Anatoly Antonov today for a courtesy meeting here at NASA Headquarters to discuss the important space cooperation between our two countries," Bridenstine said in a Twitter post. The Russian embassy also confirmed the meeting in a media statement. "During the conversation, prospects for Russian-American space interaction were discussed. Both sides emphasized the mutually beneficial nature of the cooperation between NASA and Roscosmos," the statement reads. Netflix on Friday announced the cast of the upcoming spin-off series based on SS Rajamoulis epic film series, titled Baahubali: Before the Beginning. The show will star Mrunal Thakur (who plays the lead, Sivagami), Rahul Bose as Skandadasa, Atul Kulkarni, Vaquar Shaikh, Jameel Khan, Siddharth Arora and Anup Soni. The announcement was made at Netflixs See What Next event in Asia, in the presence of Deva Katta (director), Prasad Devineni (producer) and Praveen Sattaru (director). I knew I wanted to play Sivagami because shes a strong girl, said Mrunal, who recently appeared in Tabrez Nooranis Love, Sonia. I dont know if Ill ever be a hero in real life, but this gave me the opportunity to play one on screen, she said. I have played a victim in the past, but this character is something else. She is so confident, fierce and Im so fortunate. Its a prequel to both films, said producer Prasad Devineni about the show. It will take fans into the backstories of the characters from the films, and well also be introducing new characters. He said that the show will be set 50 years before the events of the first film. Netflix content executive Simran Sethi, Deva Katta, Praveen Sattaru, Mrunal Thakur and Prasad Devineni speak during a panel on day two of the Netflix See What's Next: Asia event at the Marina Bay Sands on November 9, 2018 in Singapore. (Netflix) The series will explore life on the streets of the fictional city of Mahishmati. The aim is to please the Baahubali fanbase and the huge audience Netflix has across the world, said Prasad. Prasad revealed that the epic finale action sequence in the series has been shot by Rajamouli. To work with him was a delight, said Thakur. The sets are massive, its a costume drama and Im very excited about the journey of Sivagami and her flaws, she said. We grew up watching a lot of Hollywood films by a lot of auteurs and that gave us our start, said Katta. Its about making it more experiential, thats the vision of the story. Sattaru teased that this wont be a south Indian series or a north Indian series, but one that caters to a global audience. Well, this is the beginning so those who havent seen the movies arent missing anything, said Prasad, expressing hope that the series will win new fans, who will want to discover the movies after watching the show. Its an epic human drama, said Katta, we have to make it engaging from frame one, and thats how well be able to win a new audience. The Baahubali series is expected to be released in 2019. Follow @htshowbiz for more Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas love story and their upcoming marriage have kept us engaged for a long time. Their inter-continental romance, engagement and now marriage has an entire nation in its grip. The glamour bit is compelling no doubt, however, it is the love story that is bound to stay in memory for long. In the past, Nick has spoken about how it all started; now he has revealed why Priyanka is the right person for him. Speaking to USA Today, Nick revealed that Priyanka is the one person in front of whom he can be his real self. You have to be honest with your other half. Thats where the beauty of a real relationship is, being able to be your authentic self. I have that in my life now, the report quoted him as saying. The fact that the two are made for each other was seconded by Priyankas cousin sister actor Parineeti Chopra too. Opening up about their relationship, Parineeti had said that after she met Nick, she realised he was perfect for Priyanka as he was funny, calm, normal, simple and that he loves her. Midway through the promotion of Namaste England in October, Parineeti had said: I am promoting my film at the wrong time as I am being constantly asked about them (laughs). But, I am very excited. Just day before yesterday I was sitting with Nick when he was here. We were sitting at home and chilling and I was just telling him how eight months ago, his life was totally different. No one wouldve thought that they were going to be engaged to be married. And he was also like this was totally bizarre and unreal. But, I always wondered who Mimi didi (Priyanka) was going to marry. It always thought who that guy would be. And when you meet Nick, it is kind of reassuring that she has found her one, the man who is right for her. He is funny, calm, normal, simple and he loves her. She adores him and theyre very much in love. They look wonderful together. I dont think there could have been a better person for her. As they prepare for the wedding in December, both their respective families have integrated well with each other and so have the Jonas future sisters-in-law. In the last couple of days, Priyanka has been posting pictures of her various pre-wedding functions, starting with her bridal shower in New York, following up with a bachelorette party in Amsterdam and a pyjama party. Taking part in them was Game of Thrones star Sophie Turner, who is engaged to Joe Jonas. Priyanka has dubbed the two of them as the J Sisters. Sharing a picture, Priyanka had written: The morning after...#TheJSisters #Bachelorette @sophiet. Whats more is that the rest of their family too gets along well. While Nicks family came down to India for their roka ceremony in Mumbai in August this year, Priyankas mom Dr Madhu Chopra flew to New York to be with her daughter for her bridal shower. Parineeti has been a part of the other pre-wedding functions too. Priyanka and Nick will reportedly tie the knot on December 2 in Jodhpurs Mehrangarh Fort. Follow @htshowbiz for more Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor have resumed work on their upcoming film Brahmastra in Mumbai. Ranbir was lodged in New York to give company to his parents Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh where the former is undergoing medical treatment for an undisclosed illness. Alia had also visited the family in the Big Apple to be with them. The duo was spotted outside a dance class on Thursday as they begin prepping for a dance number. While Alia was dressed in a comfortable white maxi dress and looked all prepared for the session, Ranbir was in casuals and seemed a tad tired. Ranbir and Alia spotted at Khar. (Viral Bhayani) Ranbir and Alia resume work on their film Brahmastra (Viral Bhayani) The actor had left for New York along with his family in the last week of September. Soon after, his grandmother and wife of the late Raj Kapoor, Krishna, passed away. While the family could not flew back immediately, Alia had reportedly shown the last rites live to boyfriend Ranbir via video call. The two have been going strong since quite some time and even have the approval of their parents. While Alia is very much a part of Ranbirs family selfies, Alias mother Soni Razdan has also met the Kapoors a couple of times. The couple will be seen together on screen for the first time in Brahmastra, being directed by Ayan Mukerji. The team was earlier in Bulgaria for a long shooting schedule. The fantasy film also stars Amitabh Bachchan in a prominent role besides Dimple Kapadia, Mouni Roy and Akkineni Nagarjuna. The project is expected to be a big Independence Day release scheduled to hit the screens on August 15 next year. Ranbir plays a man with superpowers in the film whereas Alia is in the role of a college student in the film. Follow @htshowbiz for more Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi squared off in Chhatttisgarh on Friday, three days ahead of the first round of polling in the states Bastar region, a Maoist hotbed, as they exchanged bitter political rhetoric over so-called urban Naxals and what each had done for the benefit of the states dominant tribespeople. At his campaign rally in Jagdalpur, Modi hit out at the Congress for being soft on urban Naxals, a term coined for left-wing intellectuals who sympathise with Maoists. He accused the Congress of describing Maoists as revolutionary and of ruining the lives of the tribespeople of Chhattisgarh. You people must have seen the urban Naxals, seated in air-conditioned rooms in cities, who look good, are in good company and enjoy status. Their children study abroad, he said at the rally in the town located in Bastar. If the government acts against them, then you (Congress) try to save them. In a crackdown on August 28, the Maharashtra police arrested poet Varavara Rao, activists Vernon Gonsalves and Arun Ferreira, trade unionist and lawyer Sudha Bhardwaj and civil liberties activist Gautam Navlakha for their suspected links with Maoists. Following the arrests, Congress chief Gandhi accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government of jailing activists. The Congress is trying to end 15 years of BJP rule in Chhattishgarh, where elections to the 90-member assembly will be held in two phases on November 12 and November 20. The first phase will see polling in 18 seats in eight Maoist-affected districts. The ruling BJP lost 12 of the 18 seats in the 2013 polls. The remaining 72 constituencies will go to polls in the second phase on November 20. Counting of votes will take place on December 11 along with counting in elections taking place in Madhya Pradesh, MIzoram, Telangana and Rajasthan. The 2013 assembly polls were closely fought with the vote share difference between the BJP and the Congress being less than one percentage point (0.75%). The BJP got 49 seats, the Congress 39 and one each went to Bahujan Samaj Party and an independent. Modis attack on Congress came a day after Maoist rebels killed four civilians and a security person in Chhattisgarh, blowing up a bus with an improvised explosive device. Days earlier, Doordarshan News cameraman Achyutanand Sahu and two policemen were killed in a Maoist attack. Modi said the Maoists the Congress described as revolutionary were responsible for killing Sahu. He had come with a camera and not a gun. He came to share your dreams to the world through his camera but he was killed by Maoists. But shamefully the Congress calls them revolutionary, he alleged. Modi accused the Congress of having done nothing for tribals when the party was in power in unified Madhya Pradesh and added that no other Prime Minister visited Bastar as often as he did. I have not come empty handed but given you some schemes and development programmes. Previously there were resources but nothing happened, he said. Gandhi hit back, accusing the Modi led Central government of ignoring tribals for sake of 10-15 top industrialists. In Delhi, Modiji has 10-15 industrialists friends and similarly Chhattisgarh CM (Raman Singh) has 10-15 big businessmen friends. Modiji and Singh never do any work until they take permission from these 10-15 friends, Gandhi said, repeating a charge of crony capitalism he has often voiced in the past. Gandhi spoke at four separate rallies in the state and promised to write off farmers debts within 10 days of coming to power in Chhattisgarh. Bastar is rich in natural resources, but local people dont have access to their benefits. The benefits are reaching a few industrialist friends of Modiji and Chhattisgarh CM, he said at one of the rallies. The BJP made light of Gandhis campaign speeches. No one takes Rahul Gandhi seriously in Chhattisgarh. Everyone know that he misleads people and hence people have stopped listening to him. The allegations against CM Raman Singh and PM Modi are baseless. Congress is losing Chhattisgarh and hence the frustration of Rahul Gandhi is visible, said Sacchinand Upasana , BJP spokesperson. One political analyst said Gandhi appeared to have the edge at least in Bastar. Both Modi and Rahul attacked each other in Bastar and were trying to woo the tribals and farmers. Rahuls campaign will definitely have an impact on voters in Bastar because it is a Congress bastion, said Ashok Tomar, a political commentator based in Raipur. As fireworks were going off in India on Diwali (within the two-hour Supreme Court-mandated window in some parts, or not), America was witnessing pyrotechnics it has been accustomed to in recent times verbal bombs lobbed by its 45th President Donald Trump, at a press conference that was less amiable than a bar brawl. This was hours after Trumps Republican Party ceded control of the House of Representatives to the opposition Democrats, thereby having the US Congress reflect the deep division within the country. While an expected Blue Wave never quite washed over America, the tide appears to have turned. In the months ahead, Trump will have far more challenges to face than in the previous two years. And that could actually be a positive development for New Delhi. As recent history suggests, embattled American Presidents, unable to make progress domestically, often play for foreign policy wins. As non-controversial as India is for the American public, thats an easy option. In 2010, days after being walloped in the Congressional race, losing the House and Senate, then President Barack Obama sought succour in India, where he announced US support for a permanent seat for India in the United Nations Security Council. Over succeeding years, in a wasteland of global disasters, (remember the spread and savagery of the Islamic State?), India offered him a rare diplomatic oasis. Four years earlier, after Obamas predecessor suffered similar losses in the Congress, with Democrats securing majorities in the House and Senate, George W Bush pushed for quick passage of the India-US civilian nuclear agreement in the latter, lame duck, chamber. He even used executive privilege on foreign affairs to deliver a signing statement that dulled the edge of some provisions in the Bill passed by the Senate. And, of course, in the aftermath of the Monica Lewinsky affair and an impeachment in the US House of Representatives, Bill Clinton travelled to India in March 2000, bringing warmth to the chill between the two nations following the Pokhran II nuclear tests. That he made the briefest of stops in Islamabad marked by a hectoring radio address, may only have further endeared him at that time to the Indian establishment. This track record exists: That of the worst of times for American Presidents being among the best for India-US bilateral engagement. Trumps Administration may already be focused on an Indo-Pacific agenda that attempts to corner China and the post-election phase may well see the efforts at targeting Beijing expand. Not least because being a man of such fragile ego, Trump is irate at China taking out advertorials in heartland publications ahead of the midterms to criticise his trade policies. Trump wont be flying into India any time soon, having missed an opportunity to being the Guest of Honour at next years Republic Day, but a weaker occupant of the White House will likely provide a stronger impetus to ties between the two countries. Anirudh Bhattacharyya is a Toronto-based commentator on American affairs The views expressed are personal A former employee of Tata Steel Processing and Distribution, who was sacked from the company in August, allegedly shot dead a senior manager of the company on Friday afternoon, police said. Vishwas Pandey (32), who hails from Allahabad, entered the Tata Steel Processing and Distribution yard on HardwareBata road and shot four-five bullets into Arindam Pal (40), senior manager of supply chain at the company. Other employees rushed Pal to the hospital where doctors declared him dead on arrival, police said, adding that a search was on for Pandeys arrest. We received a message from the hospital. By the time we reached there, Pal was dead, Ashok Kumar, station house officer, Mujesar police station, said. We have registered an FIR pertaining to the case and launched a hunt for the accused who fled after committing the crime, Kumar said. Pals body was kept in Badshah Khan Hospital mortuary and a postmortem will be conducted on Sunday, police said. In a statement, Tata Steel Processing and Distribution expressed its condolences to the family of Pal, who is survived by his wife, parents and a daughter. The company is extending all possible support and help to the family at this time of crisis, it said. The accused, Pandey had worked with the company from 2015 till 2018. He was discharged from services in August 2018. Upping the ante, Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP) chief and Union minister Upendra Kushwaha on Friday said anyone could become the chief minister of Bihar after the 2020 Bihar assembly elections. In a democracy, even a commoner can don the chair of chief minister. That is the beauty of democracy, he told reporters at the RLSP office in Patna while announcing the partys programmes from November 28, the death anniversary of Jyotirao Phule, a social activist, thinker and social reformer. Kushwaha also made it clear that his partys alliance was with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and not with Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar-led Janata Dal (United). The RLSP, JD(U) and the BJP are partners in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Kushwaha had on October 31 created a furore when he said that Kumar had confided in him that he (Kumar) did not want to continue as chief minister beyond 2020. However, the JD(U) immediately trashed the remark, saying the CMs chair is no rasgulla and it is decided by peoples choice. Kumar had also responded curtly to a question from reporters in Patna on Kushwahas claim, saying Baatchit ka star itna neeche mat giraeeye (dont allow the level of debate to stoop so low). Kushwaha had taken it as a personal insult and hit back at Kumar, saying he had been hurt by Nitishs remark, which, he said, referred to him as neech (of low ranking). We will observe Jyotirao Phules death anniversary as Unch-Neech Mansikta Virodh Diwas (against high-and-low mindset day) as the great revolutionary had struggled to eradicate the mindset of high and low in the society and fought against societal injustice and inequality, Kushwaha said, clearly stating that he was deeply hurt by the statement of Kumar. Though a video clip of Kumars statement has been released to clear the air that he did not use the word neech against anyone, Kushwaha said it would not suffice. The CM must clarify in public what exactly he meant by what he said. It is a political issue and he must take it back in his own interest. It will only enhance his image. I treat him like elder brother and it was shocking for me for the way he treated me, he added. The RLSP chief said the seat-sharing formula in the NDA in Bihar would be announced officially only after consultations with all the partners. I am not like the JD(U) which comes and goes as per convenience. I had stitched an alliance with the BJP even before Narendra Modi was officially announced the prime ministerial candidate. The BJP will make the announcement after looking into all aspects. If the announcements were to be made in 2-3 days, it would have happened by now, he said. Making light of the 50-50 deal between the BJP and the JD(U), Kushwaha said it did not matter much, as it could also mean 15-15, leaving five each for the RLSP and Ram Vilas Paswan-led Lok Janshakti Party (LJJP). If RLSP had contested on three seats in 2014 and its strength has grown by whatever margin, it has claim on more than three seats. I am hopeful of healthy talks on seat-sharing with the BJP, he said, ruling out possibility of RLSPs shift towards UPA. On speculations if RLSPs claim had stalled cabinet expansion in Bihar, Kushwaha said the time was up for it. I had said in the larger context as RLSP was expected to make sacrifice to accommodate JD(U). Why it was not taken care of earlier? RLSP is not used to eating stale rice, he remarked. Maintaining that RLSP did not have any alliance with the JD(U) so far, Kushwaha said the alliance was stitched in 2014 among the BJP, LJP and his party. For broadening any alliance in the state, BJP will take the lead for talks by involving all stakeholders, he said, adding right now the main focus of the party was on the next stage of campaign on the issue of education, as that remained a major challenge in Bihar. We had earlier campaigned for representation of all sections of the society in higher judiciary and issues of education. Now, our campaign is on the need for improvement in the education sector. It is not a political issue. Education is the only way to eradicate all the evils and unfortunately is in a shambles in the state be it school education or higher education. Today, schools and colleges lack teachers and there is a question mark over their quality, he said. Reeling under a bitter feud at the top, which has resulted in two top officers of the agency, director Alok Kumar Verma and his immediate deputy Rakesh Asthana, being divested of their responsibilities, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is trying to improve positivity, enhance synergy and generate a healthy atmosphere through a three-day workshop organised by Sri Sri Ravi Shankars Art of Living Foundation. On Friday, the agency said in a statement that the workshop would be organised at CBI headquarters and around 150 officers from the rank of inspector to acting director M Nageshwar Rao will participate in it. The purpose of the workshop is to improve positivity, enhance synergy and generate a healthy atmosphere in the agency and motivate staff to achieve their full potential, said CBI spokesperson Abhishek Dayal. The decision to organise the workshop was taken only few days ago to fight the negativity that the bitter feud at the top has generated, said an agency official who spoke on the condition of anonymity. It will help to generate camaraderie in the agency. We offered to organise the workshop a few months back along with other organisations. But the agency got back to us only now (after the director and special director were divested of their responsibilities). May be they realised the importance..., says Gaurav Verma, trainer at the Art of Living Foundation, who will be conducting the workshop. The workshop starts Saturday. Verma said the workshop works at two levels, personal and institutional. At the personal level, we will help the officers to deal with health issues, especially stress. Other things that we look to do is to build sharpness of intellect and presence of mind... At the institutional level we work on building trust inside the organisation. Verma and Asthana did not respond to queries on their participation. Acting director Nageshwar Rao, who will participate, didnt respond to a call and a message Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani on Thursday said that the state government was considering changing the name of Ahmedabad to Karnavati and the Shiv Sena in neighbouring Maharashtra reiterated its old demand that Aurangabad and Osmanabad be renamed Sambhaji Nagar and Dharashiv, respectively. The announcement by Rupani, on the occasion of the Gujarati New Years day, comes on the heels of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Uttar Pradesh saying it was changing the names of Allahabad to Prayagraj and Faizabad district to Ayodhya. The BJP government in Himachal Pradesh was last month considering a proposal to change the name of Shimla to Shyamala but scrapped the idea following protests by the citys residents. We are contemplating changing the name of Ahmedabad to Karnavati, the talk of which has been going on for a long time, Rupani said on sidelines of a public function. Concrete steps will be taken after considering the proposal from legal and other angles. Asked if it would happen before the 2019 Lok Sabha elections or after, he said, Before the elections. Gujarats deputy chief minister Nitin Patel on Tuesday said that the name Ahmedabad was a symbol of slavery. The name Karnavati represents our pride, our self-respect, our culture, our autonomy, he said. Some historians say that the area around Ahmedabad has been inhabited since the 11th century, when it was known as Ashaval. Chalukya ruler Karna of Anhilwara (Patan) defeated the Bhil king of Ashaval and established a city called Karnavati on the banks of the Sabarmati. Sultan Ahmed Shah in 1411 laid the foundation of a new walled city near Karnavati and named it Ahmedabad. In Maharashtra, Shiv Senas member of Parliament Sanjay Raut asked chief minister Devendra Fadnavis when the state government will rename Aurangabad and Osmanabad. In a tweet, he pointed out that Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh has renamed Allahabad and Faizabad. Shiv Sena spokesperson Manisha Kayande said their demand to rename Aurangabad and Osmanabad is not new but the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) opposed it [when the parties were in power] to appease Muslim voters. The demand to rename Aurangabad was first made by Shiv Sena founder, the late Bal Thackeray, in 1988 during a visit to the city after communal riots in the area. The proposal was cleared by the Shiva Sena-controlled Aurangabad Municipal Corporation in 1995 and 2001 but was not accepted by the state government. The BJP, which rules the state in alliance with the Sena, favoured the renaming of the two cities in the past. In 2015, state BJP chief Raosaheb Danve and senior leader and former minister Eknath Khadse urged chief minister Fadnavis to bring the proposal to the state cabinet for approval. Aurangabad, once called Khidki, was renamed after Mughal ruler Aurangzeb in the 17th century. Osmanabad was named after Mir Usman Ali, the Nizam of Hyderabad, as it was part of his empire before the district became part of Marathwada after the reorganisation of states in the 1950s. Diwakar Raote, a Shiv Sena leader from Marathwada and transport minister in the Maharashtra cabinet, said, We want Osmanabad to be named after its original name. BJP spokesperson Madhav Bhadari said, The BJP is in favour of renaming of these cities and the party will once again push for it. Historians and experts feel this is a sheer politics by the BJP. The BJP just aims to consolidate Hindu votes by playing name changing game. If the BJP really wants to go by the history, then it should be renamed Ashwapali ruled by trial leader Ashvalbhil, who was defeated by Karnadev who then established Karnavati, said historian Hari Desai. He added, only a year back the government sent over 500 page report to UNESCO saying the city was established by Ahmed shah in 1411 and attained title of Indias first heritage city. Now, within a year they want to change it. (With agency inputs) A day ahead of Tipu Jayanti, the BJP Friday staged protests against Karnataka government-sponsored celebrations for the birth anniversary of the controversial 18th century ruler of erstwhile Mysore kingdom, Tipu Sultan. The party, which has appealed to the government to drop the celebrations, staged demonstrations at several places including Bengaluru, Mysuru and Kodagu, in the state. The JDS-Congress coalition government led by chief minister HD Kumaraswamy, last week, had said Tipu Jayanti would be celebrated on November 10 in continuation of the previous Congress governments policy, prompting the BJP to announce protests. However, Kumaraswamy is not scheduled to attend main function here to be inaugurated by deputy chief minister G Parameshwara. The Chief Ministers Office in a statement said Friday that Kumaraswamy would not take part in any official function for the next three days in view of doctors advice. On the advice of doctors, the chief minister will take three days rest till November 11. He will spend time with family on these days and there will be no official engagements on these days, it said. Minister for Minority Welfare, Haj and Wakf B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan said the chief minister had told officials before hand that he would be away for medical check-up and hence, his name should not be mentioned in the invitation. Police said security has been tightened at sensitive places, including Bengaluru, Mangaluru and Kodagu. According news agency ANI, Section 144 (which prohibits assembly of more than four people in an area) has been imposed in Kodagu district ahead of the celebrations. The prohibitory orders will also be in force in Hubli and Dharwad cities from 6 am on November 10 to 7 am on November 11. An official said the function in Bengaluru would be held at the Vidhana Soudha, the seat of the state legislature, as the original venue, in view of representations to the government from Mulsim community leaders. Parameshwara, who also holds the Home portfolio, had on November 5 announced that the venue had been shifted to Ravindra Kalakshetra here on advice of the police department owing to security reasons. He had said strict action would be taken against anyone causing riots or disturbing peace. Tipu Jayanti celebration events should be organised indoors and posters and banners would be allowed there only, he had said, adding that social media posts would also be monitored and action would be taken if they were derogatory. The previous Congress government, led by Siddaramaiah, began celebrating Tipu Jayanti on November 10 every year since 2015, amid stiff opposition by the BJP, several Hindu organisations and some individuals. Widespread protests and violence had marred the celebrations during the first two years. BJP leaders, including former deputy chief minister R Ashok, B Y Raghavendra and MLC Ravi Kumar, took part in the agitation here and accused the state government of hurting the sentiments of Hindus only to appease Muslims. They said Tipu was accused of killing thousands of people in Kodagu and Mandyam Iyengars of Melukote near Mysuru. Tipu was a tyrant and a religious fanatic. Those who tried to exalt him suffered huge losses, BJP MP Pratap Simha claimed. The BJP also took a dig at Kumaraswamys absence in the event. Party spokesperson S Prakash quipped that the chief minister was avoiding taking part in Tipu Jayanti. Tipu was a ruler of Mysore and considered an implacable enemy of the British East India Company. He was killed in May 1799 while defending his fort at Srirangapatna against the British forces. While BJP and some Hindu outfits see Tipu as a religious bigot and a brutal killer, some Kannada outfits call him anti-Kannada, saying that he had promoted Persian at the cost of the local language. (with ANI inputs) The price of Brent crude oil fell below the $70-a-barrel mark today for the first time in seven months, moving to the brink of bear-market territory. As of 15:57 (MSK), Brent crude reached $69.87 a barrel on ICE Futures Europe. Brent oil was down more than 19% from its recent October peak and 3% since the start of the week. The Energy Information Administration said on Wednesday that U.S. production climbed by 400,000 barrels a day to 11.6 million barrels a day for the week ended Nov. 2. The EIA report also revealed a seventh straight weekly rise in U.S. crude supplies, up 5.8 million barrels last week. The updated forecast from the EIA raised the 2018 and 2019 outlooks on domestic crude production. For 2019, the government expects a production average of 12.06 million barrels a day, MarketWatch reported. Overall, crude output in Saudi Arabia, Russia and the U.S. had climbed ahead of U.S. sanctions on the Iranian energy sector, which were expected to contribute to tighter global oil supplies. The sanctions began earlier this week, but the U.S. granted 8 countries temporary waivers - allowing them to continue buying Iranian oil. OPEC members will meet in Abu Dhabi over the weekend ahead of a key meeting on December 6 in Vienna. Iran sanctions had previously served to boost oil prices, with an October swoon serving as a reflection that increased output by Saudi Arabia and Russia would largely offset the lost barrels. The U.S. announcement of waivers only added to worries about oversupply Head of the State Dumas Committee for Financial Markets Anatoly Aksakov, speaking with Vestnik Kavkaza, noted that oil prices are falling due to an increase in oil production by Saudi Arabia. "The United States exerted unprecedented pressure on Riyadh, forcing it to increase oil production. As the Saudis began to extract oil much more than it was determined in the OPEC+ framework, supply began to exceed demand, as a result, oil is getting cheaper," he said. The politician expects that in the near future, oil prices will continue to decline. "I think that the limiter of such a price is a threshold of $55 per barrel of Brent oil. Everything now rests on supply and demand, and it will depend on them how much oil production will increase in the future. Now shale oil is actively produced again because of prices above $70 per barrel, but it is worth expecting that if the quotes fall below $60 per barrel, its production will no longer be profitable, and then prices will stop their decline, Anatoly Aksakov explained. The executive vice-president of NewTech Services, professor of the Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas, Valery Bessel, saw a speculative component in the decline of Brent oil below $70 per barrel. Oil prices will rise. We cannot predict how Iran will behave if it is severely cornered if it blocks the Strait of Hormuz, the entire transportation of oil from the Persian Gulf will stop, which means war and a surge in oil prices. The pressure on Iran from the United States will not disappear, because they are trying to squeeze it out of the hydrocarbon market as a competitor," he said. "Now, unfortunately, oil prices raise only due to different informational reasons, not due to objective factors of economic growth. The world economy is growing, growth is observed in all major countries, but not as fast as expected - while informational reasons are only multiplying. In the long term, the loss of Iranian oil will affect the balance of supply and demand, as demand will remain at the same level, but Iranian supply will leave the market. As a result, oil prices will gradually rise to recent levels," Valery Bessel concluded. With less than six months to go for the 2019 assembly elections, Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu is expanding his council of ministers on Sunday to facilitate representation of Muslims and tribals. An official communique issued by the chief ministers office on Friday said the proposed cabinet expansion will take place at the CMs official residence at Vundavalli in Amaravati at 11am on November 11. NMD Farooq, chairman of Andhra Pradesh legislative council, hailing from Nandyal in Rayalaseema region, and Kidari Sravana Kumar, 28-year-old IIT graduate and son of TDP lawmaker Kidari Sarveswara Rao, who was shot dead by Maoists at Dumbriguda in Visakhapatnam on September 3, will be sworn in as cabinet ministers by governor ESL Narasimhan, the release said. Naidu was sworn in as chief minister along with 18 others on June 8, 2014, after his party rode to power in the elections. He expanded the cabinet to 24 ministers by inducting his son Nara Lokesh Babu and four MLAs who defected from the YSR Congress on April 2, 2017. Kamineni Srinivas, health minister, and P Manikyala Rao, endowments minister, from the BJP resigned after Naidus TDP withdrew from the BJP-led National Democratic alliance in Marh 2018. The chief minister has been holding the health department while endowments department was allotted to revenue minister K E Krishnamurthy. Muslims constitute more than 10% of the state population while scheduled tribes form 7.2% of the people. Naidu is apparently trying to send a message across subaltern sections by elevating a family member of a tribal MLA who fell victim of Maoist violence. Besides, he may also be trying to address perceived unrest among adivasis over inclusion of Boya Valmikis and fishermen from backward classes to the scheduled tribes by anointing their tribesman as a minister. Former tribal welfare minister and Congress leader Pasupuleti Balaraju said long-pending demands relating to the appointment of a state level commission for scheduled tribes, formation of autonomous hill development councils on the lines of north-eastern states were not done during the TDP regime since the tribal welfare department was being handled by someone from the plains who never emotionally can connect to people in hills. TDP organised Nara hamara, TDP hamara programme in Guntur by involving Muslims from all over the state in August, 2018 in a bid to woo them into its fold. After Naidu parted ways with the BJP, it became a political compulsion to woo the Muslims who are spread over more than 30 assembly segments in Rayalaseema region and parts of central coastal region in which the TDP is set to face a tough contest from YSR Congress and Jana Sena Party. Merely giving a berth in the cabinet for Muslims will not help the TDP in any manner in 2019, said Farooq Shubli, general secretary of Muslim Hakkula Porata Samithi, and sought due representation in ticket distribution. TDP gave only one seat to Muslims in 2014 whereas the YSRC had allotted four Assembly segments in 2014, he pointed out. India will be closely following the developments following an agreement between China and Myanmar on Thursday to develop a multi-billion dollar deep sea port in Kyaukpyu on the coast of Bay of Bengal, third in Indias neighbourhood. China has already helped build port in Gwadar in Pakistan and Hambantota in Sri Lanka. It is also funding the development of the Chittagong port in Bangladesh. Located on the western coast of Myanmar in Rakhine state, the scaled-down port, part of a special economic zone (SEZ), when developed will not be far away from a submarine base India is developing on its east coast, close to Vishakhapatnam. Though the total China-Myanmar investment into the Kyaukpyu project has been scaled down to $1.3 billion (initial phase) from the earlier $7 billion figure, the port will be of great strategic significance to China as it navigates its way into the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean -- considered within New Delhis range of influence. Chinas investment in the project was reduced following Myanmars concerns of falling into a debt-trap. Nonetheless, the port will boost the China-Myanmar economic corridor and will be another road-sea link under President Xi Jinpings Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Oil and natural gas pipelines are already functioning between the fishing town of Kyaukpyu and Kunming in Chinas Yunnan province, bordering Myanmar. For Myanmar, the project promises employment to thousands and billions in tax revenue in the future, according to Chinese media. The deal took years to finalise because of differences on financing and other issues, the tabloid Global Times said in report. At a ceremony in the Myanmar capital of Nay Pyi Taw, the Chinese consortium led by State-owned conglomerate Citic Group signed the framework agreement with the Kyaukpyu Special Economic Zone Management Committee on the development of the deep-sea port, the report said. China will invest 70 per cent of the $1.3 billion while Myanmar will finance the rest in the initial phase, which will include two berths. The signing of the framework agreement marks a significant step for the port project, which has been stalled since 2015, and for the continued implementation of BRI, under increased scrutiny because of cases such as the Kyaukpyu port project. Prolonged negotiations fueled criticism of the BRI, which some foreign critics said could add to local debts and even threaten other countries sovereignty, the GT report said. China has maintained that the BRI is an open platform to facilitate regional and global economic integration and help countries along the routes with economic growth and job creation. The Kyaukpyu project is estimated to bring 100,000 jobs to the local community and will contribute as much as $15 billion in tax revenue to Myanmar. Once completed, the port will have an annual gross output of $3.2 billion, the report added. The CITIC Consortium comprises China Harbor Engineering Company Ltd. (CHEC), China Merchants Holdings (International) Co. LTD (CMHI), TEDA Investment Holding (TEDA) and Yunnan Construction Engineering Group(YNJG) as well as Thailands Charoen Pokphand Group Company Limited (CP Group). Chennai Police denied on Friday they were out to arrest AR Murugadoss after the director of Tamil film Sarkar, facing protests by the ruling AIADMKs workers over the alleged poor portrayal of their late leader J Jayalalithaa, tweeted the force came to his house on Thursday. Police had come to my house late tonight and banged the door several times. Since I was not there they left the premises. Right now I was told there is no police outside my house, Murugadoss tweeted late on Thursday night. Chennais police commissioner AK Viswanathan denied any move to arrest the filmmaker and said the police personnel were on a routine patrol. However, a large number of police personnel were deployed near the directors house on Thursday night. Murugadoss moved the Madras High Court on Friday seeking an anticipatory bail following a series of protests by workers of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam against the Vijay starrer. The filmmaker said in the petition, filed through his counsel Vivekanantha, that there was no intention to cast any leaders in poor light. He added they have removed the objectionable scenes and mute an apparent reference to the late Jayalalithaa. The censor board has permitted to screen the edited version of the movie, he added. The distributors of different regions got together with the producers to make this decision and the re-censor is being done only because certain scenes have been changed, Sarkars publicist Riaz K Ahmed said. Unlawful protests Actor Vishal expressed his shock on Twitter. Police in Dir Murugadoss s home????? For Wat?? Hoping and really hoping that nothing unforeseen happens. Censor has cleared the film and the content is watched by public.den why all this hue and cry, he tweeted. Tamil star Rajinikanth also came out in support of the director, slamming the AIADMK for objecting to and seeking changes to a film cleared by the censor board. It is against the law to hold protests seeking removal of some scenes from a Censor board certified film and trying to stall the screening and damaging the banners, he tweeted. Objectionable scenes The AIADMK has been protesting since the Diwali release of the movie with senior AIADMK ministers demanding deletion of the objectionable scenes, besides threatening to initiate legal action if the film crew failed to comply. Vijay plays a non-resident Indian in the film, who returns to India to vote only to realise his vote has been cast illegally. He then digs deep into the matter, stirring up a political turmoil. Certain scenes show grinder, mixers and fans being burnt, seen as an obvious reference to the late Jayalalithaas flagship schemes of providing these items free of cost, in line with an electoral promise in 2011. A woman characters name in an alleged reference to Jayalalithaas birth name also added to the controversy. Komalavalli, a manipulative politician, has been essayed by Varalakshmi Sarathkumar, which was another key reason for the protests by the AIADMK. Sarkar, seen as a launch pad for Vijays career in politics, has the actor mouthing lengthy dialogues criticising the government for doling out freebies. He also touches upon other issues like the fishermens travails and the firing on anti-Sterlite protesters in Thoothukudi. That the film has been produced by Sun Pictures of Kalanithi Maran, the grand nephew of former DMK leader M Karunanidhi, also angered the AIADMK. They claimed that the free television sets, launched by the then Karunanidhi government, had been left out of those being burnt. Nearly 100 irate party supporters tore up the films banners and posters amid the presence of police. Theatres and multiplexes across the state have stopped screening the movie since Thursday apprehending further violence. State revenue minister RB Udhayakumar welcomed Murugadoss move removing the controversial portions. We are happy for Murugadoss and his team as they respected our sentiments and removed the particular portions critical to Jayalalithaa, the minister said while speaking to the media. State fisheries minister D Jayakumar said as an emerging actor, Vijay should have avoided criticising the AIADMKs schemes. We will take proper action against the makers of the movie if they fail to remove the controversial scenes, he said while speaking to the Hindustan Times. Theatre owners body said on Friday the edited version would be screened from the afternoon. M Subramaniam, the president of West Zone Theatre Owners Association, said they had spoken to Sun Pictures and the films Tamil Nadu distributor, telling them they could not screen the movie with objectionable scenes. They said they would edit the scenes. Following a letter of approval from the censor board, we will start screening the edited version Friday afternoon, he told PTI. A 19-year-old man was stabbed to death on Thursday morning, allegedly by his friend, following an altercation that began when the man refused to take his friend for shopping on his scooter and verbally abused him, police said. The accused, identified as Yogesh, was arrested and the knife he used to kill Dipak alias Balli was recovered. Police said the altercation took place on Wednesday evening when Dipak turned down Yogeshs request to take him to Tibetan market near Kashmere Gate on his scooter for purchasing clothes. During the argument, both abused each other and a fight broke out between them. When Yogeshs parents learnt about the altercation, they intervened and beat up their son in full public view. Yogesh felt humiliated and he decided to teach Dipak a lesson, Aslam Khan, deputy commissioner of police (northwest), said. DCP Khan said the dispute between the two friends were settled by their family members and neighbours and both Yogesh and Dipak returned home. But Yogesh was feeling humiliated and was looking for an opportunity to settle his score with his neighbour. On Thursday, around noon, Yogesh spotted Dipak alone. When Yogesh confronted Dipak and asked him why he abused him, Dipak made again made a derogatory remark. This annoyed Yogesh more. He pulled out a knife, stabbed Dipak in his chest and fled, said the DCP. The injured man was rushed to Babu Jag Jivan Ram hospital where he was declared brought dead. A murder case was registered and Yogesh was arrested later in the day, police said. In an initiative aimed at providing a safe travel facility to girl students, the education department has started a carpool policy under which it will reimburse the monthly travel costs incurred by parents or custodians of girls studying in state government schools. Chhatraa Parivahan Suraksha Yojna (safe transport scheme for girls), which came into effect last Friday, applies to girls in Class 9 and above. Dinesh Shastri, district education officer, said that the initiative was aimed at ensuring that girls did not drop out of school due to safety concerns. The purpose of this policy is to ensure that girls get an avenue to reach school safely. We have seen that girls face several obstacles in reaching the school from far-flung villages and other areas. They are also hesitant about going to co-education schools. This scheme seeks to address that issue so that girls can continue going to school without any restrictions, said Shastri. The education department has already apprised different district officers about the initiative through an official circular. Hindustan Times has a copy of the circular. As per the circular, the policy applies only to those girls who live in areas where there is no senior secondary school at the proximity of three kilometres. Girls who have opted for science stream in Class 11 and do not have a school teaching the same at a distance of 3 kilometre will also be able to avail the scheme. Further, the policy will only be available for girls who have a monthly attendance above 60%. The policy will include vehicles such as SUVs, auto rickshaws, minibus among others under its ambit. The policy will encourage parents and guardians to make use of carpool facility for girls in their neighbourhood. We will compensate the costs incurred per student through a monthly deposit in the girl students account. Girls interested in the scheme can approach their school principals to avail the benefit, said Shastri. As per the provisions of the scheme, the vehicle and the vehicle driver need to meet necessary travel norms. A valid drivers license, vehicle insurance policy, and certificate from the transport department are some of the requisites. Vehicle carriers will not be allowed to ferry students beyond the prescribed capacity of the vehicle. Education experts, however, said that reimbursing the travel cost would only bring a minuscule change. Incentives such as these depend on how people use or misuse these schemes. Financial reimbursements alone cannot guarantee safe transport. Safety depends on the larger attitude of the society towards girls. Societal attitude coupled with poor sanitation in schools makes girls withdraw. Change in mindset is more important, said Latika Sharma, chairperson, department of education, Panjab University Small airports will soon get an additional layer of security, with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) procuring real-time viewing systems for 39 airports, including Bhopal, Dehradun, Trichy and Jodhpur, two officials familiar with the matter said. The equipment is essential for the functioning of bomb detection and disposal systems and used for the detection of weapons and explosives through a hand-held device. In April, Hindustan Times reported that only six of the 61 airports guarded by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) are equipped to defuse and dispose of explosives. Bomb detection and disposal squads were operational at the airports in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Cochin and Hyderabad, and following three rounds of meetings with civil aviation ministry, Amritsar airport also joined the list. Airports require 28 pieces of equipment including explosive vapour detectors, bomb disposal suits, and remote-operated vehicles for making explosive detection and disposal squads operational, according to rules specified by the Bureau for Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). The real-time viewing systems (RVTS) will make it easier for security personnel to identify a potential threat in an abandoned bag. This will help to evaluate threat objects from a safe distance and identify the best method for disposal. RTVS is used for detection of threat items such as explosives and weapons. It can be a valuable aid in assessing and defusing improvised explosive devices (IEDs) by helping security personnel evaluate threat object from a safe distance and identify the best method for disposal, said AAI in written response to a query from HT. Privately run airports and 18 AAI airports had the systems in place by 2012. AAI is procuring the systems for 39 more airports at the behest of the BCAS. The RTVS consists of a lightweight, compact X-ray source and an imaging unit that are positioned on opposite sides of the target object, plus a standard notebook computer for controlling the system and analysing images. This is like a handheld X-ray machine which can be used to scan abandoned bags. Where it is not available, we have to rely on explosive detector and wait for state police to come with the equipment. Now, the threat, if any, can be identified in no time, said a CISF official, requesting anonymity. A committee of secretaries in 2011 had advised installing bomb detection and disposal gadgets at 18 airports in the first phase. Amritsar, Chennai, Guwahati, Jaipur, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Calicut, Trivandrum, Srinagar, Goa, Bagdogra, Jammu, Leh, Pune, Agartala, Imphal, Raipur and Varanasi were covered in the first phase. The equipment will be very useful in the area before the security check-in as the device can identify suspicious item in the bag. The integration of technology with human resource is very important, said Arvind Ranjan, former director general of CISF. A high-level meeting between Army officials and Chinese PLA troops was organised on Friday at Bumla, near Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh, where the two sides reaffirmed their resolve to strengthen friendship and maintain peace along the Line of Actual Control. The 4057-km-long Line of Actual Control separates India from China. The delegations, led by Major General PGK Menon from India and Major General Li Xi Zhong from China, hoisted flags of both the countries and discussed ways to boost relationship between the neighbours, a defence ministry release said. This was the first time major generals of the two countries took part in a border personnel meeting (BPM), since its initiation in 1990, the release said. On Wednesday, too, the army personnel of the two sides exchanged greeting and gifts on the occasion of Diwali. The BPM at Bumla was yet another milestone in the ongoing efforts by both the nations to increase interactions at all levels - diplomatic as well as military channels, the defence release said. Located at an altitude of 15,000 ft and situated 42 km North of Tawang town, Bumla is one of the five designated venues for BPMs between two of the worlds largest armies. Both the delegation expressed satisfaction over the growing mutual trust and harmony between the two countries and expressed hope that the Sino-Indian relationship would only get stronger with time, the release added. A Pakistani Jaish-e-Mohammad militant was killed in an encounter with security forces in south Kashmirs Pulwama district on Friday. The gunfight started in the morning after a joint party of security forces cordoned Dar-Ganiegund area in Tral in Pulwama following tips about presence of militants. As the search operation was going on, hiding terrorists fired on the search party. The fire was retaliated to, leading to an encounter, said a police spokesman. A police official said that the exchange of fire between the groups continued till evening. In the ensuing encounter, one terrorist was killed and his body was retrieved from the site of encounter. Incriminating materials including arms and ammunition were recovered from the site of encounter, the spokesman said. The official said that from the incriminating materials recovered, it was learnt that the slain man is a Pakistani code-named Anwar who was affiliated with proscribed terror outfit JeM. The spokesman said he was involved in attacks on security establishments and other civilian atrocities in the area. A policeman also sustained minor injuries and was evacuated to hospital for medical attention. He is said to be stable, the spokesman said. The police said citizens have been requested again to not venture into the encounter zone since such an area can prove dangerous due to stray explosive materials. The authorities had suspended high speed mobile internet in the district as the gunfight raged in Tral. On Thursday, security forces busted a hideout recovering explosive materials for making Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) in south Kashmirs Shopian district. On Tuesday, two militants, including a deserter from the Indian Army, was killed in a gun battle with security forces in south Kashmirs Shopian district. Both the militants were locals and residents of Shopian district. One of the militants, Idrees Ahmad, had deserted the army and joined militant ranks. On Sunday, police officials said they recovered two dead bodies from Khudpora area of Shopian after a gunfight between militants and security forces on Saturday evening. Karnataka coalition governments move to celebrate the Jayanti of Tipu Sultan a contentious ruler of the erstwhile Mysuru kingdom has run into another controversy. The event, which is being supported by the ruling Congress JD(S) coalition, was said to be marked with a function at Vidhana Soudha, the seat of power in the state. However, it has now emerged that the chief minister H D Kumaraswamy will miss the event due to ill health and the deputy CM G Parameshwara who belongs to the Congress party is likely to inaugurate it. The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party and other Sangh Parivar affiliates have opposed the celebrations claiming that Tipu was a religious bigot and carried out pogroms against Hindus. Seven days after tigress T-1, also known as Avni, was killed by the forest department in Yavatmal, two independent probes, one at the national level and the other in Maharashtra, will be conducted, as the report of the autopsy conducted on her and accessed by HT threw up inconsistencies in the accounts of her death. The first investigation will be done by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) under Union environment ministry, which has formed a three-member panel that will submit its report by November 26. The Fadnavis government has formed a body to study the process in which permissions were granted to kill the animal. Following several media reports about this incident, we have decided that this committee will study the last part of this operation, especially the process in which T-1 was allegedly tranquillised and eliminated, said Anup Kumar Nayak, additional director general, NTCA. Petitioner Jerryl A Banait, who approached Supreme Court and Bombay high court to stop T-1s killing, said: Both reports will be biased. There was a need to have an independent special investigating team on this. Inconsistencies T-1s autopsy report, which was not publicly released by the forest department but accessed by HT, read, In our opinion, the tigress died of excessive internal haemorrhages and cardio-respiratory failure. She had not eaten in a while as her stomach was fluid filled with no major solid contents, the report read. The dart only pierced the surface of the tigresss carcass, which meant that it was merely placed by the forest team to show that the tigress had been tranquillised or else the quantity would have been more, he said. The bullet had pierced the lateral end of the carcass. As mentioned by the hunter that T-1 was charging at them, the bullet would have pierced the upper shoulder, head, face or back if that was the case. The animal was not attacking the forest team but standing 10 metres away. There is a good chance that Russia will challenge US duties on steel and aluminum imports with the World Trade Organization (WTO), Russian Economic Development Minister Maxim Oreshkin said. "We have good prospects," he said in an interview with the Russian Izvestiya newspaper. "The measures introduced by the United States are obviously at odds with the WTO rules. We are absolutely confident about our position. The decisions taken by the United States are way out of step with what was happening before, so the WTO court decision will be univocal," Sputnik cited Oreshkin as saying. However, he noted that the WTO would make its ruling only if the organizations activities were not blocked, which the United States was seeking to achieve. "This concerns the operation of its appeals structure. The appointments of new judges are being blocked. The whole procedure of dispute settlement can be blocked due to this," the minister suggested. Oreshkin added that using national currencies for bilateral financial transactions between Moscow and Beijing will not significantly affect the ruble rate. One of the governments plans to kick-start defence manufacturing in the country as part of its ambitious Make in India programme has run into a stumbling block on account of constraints on sharing original design details and drawings of Russian equipment and curbs on exporting these, documents reviewed by Hindustan Times show. The specific case involves parts that go into the T-72, T-90 tanks and amphibious armoured troop carriers. Ordnance Factories Avadi, a defence public sector unit, manufactures the tanks under a licence arrangement. It isnt financially viable for the factory to make all parts for these and the plans to outsource more to Indian private sector firms. Hence, it wants to share the original Russian designs with the private sector. The government was also of the view that this would boost the manufacturing of defence equipment in India, especially by the private sector, one of Prime Ministers articulated objectives. India imported about $ 41 billion worth defence equipment last year despite the government push to make some of that in India. It also sees export opportunities in doing this. The Russian origin T-90 and T-72 tanks are the mainstay battle tanks for India. India bought about 124 T-90 tanks directly from Russia and contracted to make another 1,375 tanks in India by December 2018. As regards items of Russian designs, namely for tanks T-72, T-90 and ICV BMP-II, (armoured troop carriers), it has been mentioned that all three contracts have clauses governing maintenance of secrecy with regard to Russian ToT (Transfer of Technology) documentationWhile procuring items of Russian ToT from indigenous sources (OFB), factories have to prepare their own drawings/specifications based upon absorption of ToT and share the same for purpose of indigenous sourcing, the joint secretary (land systems) in the department of defence production wrote in August in response to a query whether designs can be shared with Indian manufacturers. Put otherwise, this means the original details and drawings cant be shared; only those made by the ordnance factory can. And even these cannot be used to make equipment for export. Nor can the manufacturers make derivative products from these drawings. The ministry of defence spokesperson did not respond to queries seeking comment. Dr Ajay Kumar, secretary, defence production, said in response to an e-mail that his department is examining the issue. No final conclusions have been arrived at. Any solution will have to be within the framework of our existing agreements. MoD has been pushing very hard. They are reaching out to vendors on both sides at various platforms. And, at the military industrial conferences between India and Russia, several agreements to share technology were signed to address this issue. Also, Russia has now agreed to certify components and spare-parts made in India which is a great help. Importantly, Russia is also open to working with the private sector, including the small and medium sectors. A good beginning has been made, things will change soon, said Lieutenant General Subrata Saha (retd), the former deputy chief of Indian Army and founding DG of Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers. Russia has now agreed to certify components and spare-parts made in India which is a great help. Importantly, Russia is also open to working with the private sector, including the small and medium sectors The Madras High Court on Friday granted protection from arrest till November 27 to Murugadoss, director of movie Sarkar. He had filed for anticipatory bail amid growing protests over alleged depiction of former chief minister Jayalalithaa and also agreed to remove objectionable scenes and mute an apparent reference to her. The film directors request for a shield against arrest had come hours after he tweeted late on Thursday night that policemen had turned up at his house yesterday. Police had come to my house late tonight and banged the door several times. Since I was not there they left the premises. Right now I was told there is no police outside my house, he tweeted. Actor Vishal expressed his shock on Twitter and in turn tweeted, Police in Dir Murugadoss s home????? For Wat?? Hoping and really hoping that nothing unforeseen happens. Censor has cleared the film and the content is watched by public.den why all this hue and cry. The publicist of the film Riaz K Ahmed had earlier confirmed that the makers did decide to delete the scenes and are awaiting a nod from the Censor Board before releasing the new version. The distributors of different regions got together with the producers to make this decision and the re-censor is being done only because certain scenes have been changed. Tamil star Rajinikanth also came out in support of the director, slamming AIADMK for objecting to and seeking changes to a film cleared by Censor Board. It is against the law to hold protests seeking removal of some scenes from a Censor board certified film and trying to stall the screening and damaging the banners, he tweeted. The AIADMK has been protesting since the Diwali release of the movie with senior AIADMK ministers demanding deletion of the objectionable scenes, besides threatening to initiate legal action if the film crew failed to comply. In the film, Vijay plays an NRI who returns to India to vote, only to realise his vote has been cast illegally. He then digs deep into the matter, stirring up a political turmoil. Certain scenes show grinder, mixers and fans being burnt, seen as an obvious reference to the late Jayalalithaas flagship schemes of providing these items free of cost, in line with an electoral promise in 2011. Also, a woman characters name is an alleged reference to Jayalalithaa. . . A 16-year-old inmate of a state-run home for girls in Tirupati town of Andhra Pradesh was allegedly raped by its superintendent for four years, police have said. The homes superintendent Batyala Nandagopal has been booked under the section 376 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and section 3 r/w 4 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, on charges of rape and subjecting a minor girl to sexual abuse. Tirupati (urban) superintendent of police KKN Amburajan said while speaking to the Hindustan Times on Thursday that they have initiated an investigation into the case. The victim was taken for a medical examination to the Rayalaseema Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Kadapa. Nandagopal, who has been the superintendent of the home that shelters 150 girls in between the age of six and 18 for over a decade, denied all charges and said he suspected a conspiracy behind the allegations. The sexual abuse of the victim came to the fore when she was transferred from the Tirupati home to another in Kadapa district on October 27. The mandatory recording of statement by the Kadapa district child welfare committee (CWC) chairperson Sivakamini after the intervention of district judge G Srinivasa Rao has reportedly unfolded the girls rape. The victim reportedly complained to the CWC chairperson that she was subjected to rape several times over a period of three to four years by the superintendent. He called me to his office at home late at night quite often and forced himself upon me. When I would resist, he would beat me and threaten to kill me, she told the CWC chairperson. The girl was left in the care of the state-run home in Kadapa when she was 12 after her mother died as her father is serving a jail term. She was sent to the Tirupati home for higher studies after completing her upper primary schooling in Kadapa. Sivakamini, quoting the victim, said Nandagopal was also accused of molesting several other girls in the home in a similar manner and offering them unripe papaya fruit as a precautionary measure against conception. The girl reportedly made several attempts to run away from the home. She reportedly told Sivakamini that the superintendent and his deputies in the home had even conspired to kill her in an apparent bid to hush up the crime. She said she appealed to senior officials to send her to the home in Kadapa district. This is not the first time the girl has been raped. Anantapur district child protection officer (DCPO) Subramanayam said the girl ran away from the home at Kadapa in 2014 shortly after her admission and ended up in a railway station at Guntakal. A middle-aged man took her to his house and raped her repeatedly for several days. Subramanayam said the district administration had provided her with temporary shelter at Balasadan, a state-run rescue home, in Ananthapur after she was raped. The Anantapur CWC referred the girl back to the home in Kadapa later. Child rights activist Achtuta Rao said posting of a male superintendent in the home for girls is in violation of Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. Rao demanded action against the top brass in the women and child welfare department for posting male officers in a home for girls. Tamil superstar Rajinikanth on Friday lashed out at the ruling AIADMK for its protests against certain scenes in actor Vijays Diwali release Sarkar, questioning the logic behind protesting against a film certified by the Censor Board. It is against the law to hold protests seeking removal of some scenes from a Censor board certified film and trying to stall the screening and damaging the banners, he tweeted. I strongly condemn these, he added. The makers of Sarkar had agreed to remove objectionable scenes and mute an apparent reference to the late J Jayalalithaa, an industry body said Thursday, as the movie faced a backlash from the ruling AIADMK over depiction of its welfare schemes and its leader. The AIADMK was up in arms against Sarkar demanding deletion of the contentious scenes, besides threatening to initiate legal action if the film crew failed to comply. Law Minister C Ve Shanmugham said certain scenes amounted to inciting violence and warned of action. Sarkar, produced by Sun Pictures, stars Vijay and Keerthi Suresh in key roles, and was released on November 6. It is directed by AR Murugadoss and has music by Oscar winner AR Rahman. Reports suggested that Sarkar team has agreed to mute scenes that have been termed controversial. However, the makers of the film Sun Picture are yet to officially announce if they are muting scenes. Despite opening to mixed reviews and getting embroiled in controversies, Sarkar managed to gross over Rs 100 crore in just two days at the box-office. In the film, Vijay plays an NRI who returns to India to vote, only to realise his vote has been cast illegally. He then digs deep into the matter, stirring up a political turmoil. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be first head of government to address the Singapore Financial Technology (Fintech) festival, the largest of its kind in the world, on November 14, and will focus on Indias financial inclusion story, and the demonetisation exercise which broad-based tax collection and ensured better compliance even as it helped the cause of digitisation. PM Modi will be in Singapore on November 14-15 for the East Asia Summit and will meet US vice president Mike Pence and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang. According to South Block officials, PM Modi is also expected to launch a platform, anchored in Singapore, which will initially connect Indian start-ups to ASEAN banks and financial institutions. This is after PM in May-June this year launched the RuPay platform by using it himself to purchase an Indian handicraft product. He also launched the first cross-border remittance app based on Indias Unified Payment Interface, which can become a convenient, quick, inexpensive and secure means for the Indian diaspora and migrant workers to remit money to India. With India having one of the largest fintech sectors and start up sectors in world, PM Modi will address over 30,000 participants from 100 countries, 230 leading experts from public policy, finance and technology sectors, and the at least 400 exhibitors at the festival. There will be over 17 visiting leaders for the East Asia summit but PM Modi has been chosen to deliver the fintech address, said a senior diplomat. Besides the East Asia summit, PM Modi will be holding meetings with US VP Pence in the run-up to his expected meeting with President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G-20 summit at Buenos Aires later this year. He will also meet Chinese Premier Li Keqiang before he meets President Xi Jinping at the G-20. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accepted Maldives President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solihs invitation to attend his swearing-in ceremony in Male on November 17, the MEA said on Friday. Solih, the opposition Maldivian Democratic Partys candidate who emerged victorious over incumbent president Abdulla Yameen in the election held on September 23, had extended the invitation during a phone call by Modi. Maldives is the only SAARC country that Modi has not visited. His visit to the archipelago was cancelled in March 2015 due to the volatile political situation. The makers of Tamil movie Sarkar have agreed to three changes, editing out parts that have angered the ruling AIADMK supporters over the alleged depiction of former chief minister Jayalalithaa and the schemes she had started. Among the changes is the deletion of a scene showing an actor throwing a mixer-grinder into fire, according to the certificate issued by the Central Board of Film Certification. This scene did not go down well with the AIADMK workers as it was seen as an obvious reference to the late Jayalalithaas flagship schemes of providing these items free of cost, in line with an electoral promise in 2011. Two words were muted, including the name Komala from the full name Komalavalli, which party workers thought was a reference to Jayalalithaas original name. The publicist of the film Riaz K Ahmed had earlier confirmed that the makers did decide to delete the scenes and are awaiting a nod from the Censor Board before releasing the new version. The distributors of different regions got together with the producers to make this decision and the re-censor is being done only because certain scenes have been changed. The AIADMK has been protesting since the Diwali release of the movie with senior ministers demanding deletion of the objectionable scenes, besides threatening to initiate legal action if the film crew failed to comply. Tamil Nadu Law minister C.V. Shanmugam condemned the Vijay-starrer for allegedly attempting to instigate violence in society and also said that it is not less than a terrorist instigating people for violence. This came on the day Madras High Court ordered protection from arrest till November 27 to Murugadoss, who had applied for bail hours after he tweeted late on Thursday night that policemen had turned up at his house yesterday. Police had come to my house late tonight and banged the door several times. Since I was not there they left the premises. Right now I was told there is no police outside my house, he tweeted. Indias participation in the talks called by Russia on Afghanistan is not to be construed as a dialogue with the Taliban, the spokesperson of the external affairs ministry (MEA), Raveesh Kumar said on Friday. India had announced that it would participate at a non-official level in the talks on the Afghan peace process being held at Moscow. The talks would include Taliban representatives from its political office in Qatar, reportedly led by Sher Abbas Stanekzai. However, on a question on whether the Indian representatives, TCA Raghavan and Amar Sinha, would be talking to the Taliban agents, Kumar expressed surprise that some media reports had suggested this. Where did we say that there will be talks with the Taliban? Im surprised that some of the news channels carried this. We said that we will be participating in a meeting on Afghanistan which is hosted by Russia. We have decided that non-officials will be participating. But we didnt say that there will be any talks with the Taliban, he said. The MEA spokesperson said India will support any effort to continue the peace process consistent with the policy on Afghanistan which is Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled and with participation of the Afghanistan government. It was the considered decision on the government of India that we will participate on a non-official level, he said refusing to divulge more information. The meeting is taking place today (Friday). We will see what happens in the meeting, he said. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani earlier decided to send a non-official delegation from the High Peace Council, including its deputy heads Haji Deen Mohammad and Habiba Surabi. Russia, which is hosting the peace talks, said that no one should play geopolitical games in Afghanistan, The US Embassy in Moscow has sent a diplomat to observe Fridays discussions at the meeting which is being attended by representatives from Iran, China, Pakistan and other countries. TCA Raghavan and Amar Sinha is a former envoy to Pakistan and Amar Sinha is a former ambassador to Afghanistan. A 42-year-old man associated with the ruling Trinamool Congress has died after being shot by two men allegedly backed by the BJP, in the fifth killing of political workers in West Bengal in nearly three weeks. Pintu Sinha died on Thursday night in Kolkatas SSKM Hospital, where he was admitted after he was shot at allegedly by the men who barged into his house on November 6, the day of Kali Puja. Sinha was a resident of Parui village in Purulia district, about 275 km to the west of state capital Kolkata. We have arrested Babu Bauri and Indrajit Roy in connection with the incident. An investigation is continuing to find out the motive of the crime, district superintendent of police Akash Magharia said. A district court on Friday sent the two men to police custody for seven days. A political blame game started after Sinhas death with leaders of the Trinamool Congress alleging that the Bharatiya Janata Party-backed goons were behind the murder. They (BJP) want to stop the development drive in the state and, therefore, they hired goons from neighbouring Jharkhand, Trinamool Lok Sabha MP and Mamata Banerjees nephew Abhishek Banerjee, who is scheduled to visit Sinhas family on Saturday, alleged. The BJP wants to create unrest in the area. But we will not allow anyone to create any turmoil. We are going to organise a protest rally on Saturday, state minister Shantiram Mahato, who is also a Trinamool leader of the district, said. The BJPs state unit general secretary Sayantan Basu said his party does not engage in the politics of murder and bloodshed. It could be an outcome of the factional feud that characterises Trinamool Congress, Basu said. Sinha was shot at only a couple of days after Sheikh Afzal, a 34-year-old Trinamool supporter, was attacked in Khairashole area of Birbhum district. Afzal was shot on November 5 but he survived as the bullet hit him in the waist. A Congress worker Mohammad Samiruddin, 42, was killed and two others critically injured on November 4 when Trinamool Congress supporters allegedly fired on them in Chopra area of North Dinajpur district, claimed Congress block president Asok Roy. Hamidul Rahaman, Trinamool MLA from Chopra, trashed the allegation against his party workers. Rampada Bera, a BJP worker, was hacked to death with sharp weapons in Dhamal village in Jhargram district on November 2. The BJPs Bengal unit president Dilip Ghosh alleged that the ruling partys supporters committed the crime. Then the body of Tapas Bagdi, a 35-year-old BJP worker, was found hanging in Labhpur area of Birbhum on October 22. Murder of BJP worker Tapas Bagdi in Birbhums Dwarka Village will only spread the angst towards tyrannical Mamata Govt like a forest fire in WB. BJP will continue to seek justice and democracy in WB, Union minister and BJP lawmaker from Asansol Babul Supriyo had tweeted. Dipak Ghosh, Khairashole block president of Trinamool Congress, was shot at on October 21 and died in a hospital two days later. The ruling partys Birbhum district president Anubrata Mondal had alleged that BJP-backed toughs were behind the crime. The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which aims to create the worlds largest free trade area, will be in focus when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Singapore during November 14-15 for the East Asia Summit and associated meetings. Member-states of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), whose leaders are attending the summit, are looking to India to make a formal announcement regarding the substantial conclusion of negotiations for RCEP, said an official from an ASEAN state who didnt want to be named. However, people familiar with the latest developments said a major breakthrough on RCEP was unlikely during the November 14 meeting due to Indian sensitivities that remain to be addressed. The sensitivities include the possibility of more Chinese goods making their way into India if it significantly opens up its markets to other members of RCEP, which comprises 10 ASEAN members and China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand. India also wants the other members to liberalise their services markets to allow free movement of its skilled professionals. It isnt as if India is playing spoil sport for RCEP but we would like our concerns to be substantially addressed in the negotiations, said one of the persons cited above. Chinese manufacturers with a significant presence in several ASEAN member states could also contribute to the inflow of Chinese goods into India, another person said. Against Indias offer of tariff liberalisation on 74% of goods from China, Australia and New Zealand, and up to 86% for other RCEP members, the other countries want New Delhi to open up its market for 92% of goods. Negotiations on RCEP began during the ASEAN Summit in Cambodia in November 2012, and once concluded, will lead to the largest regional trade bloc, accounting for 30% of global trade. During an RCEP ministerial meeting in Singapore in August, the 16 members agreed on a package of deliverables to be achieved by the year-end, but things havent moved further since then, the people said. The official from an ASEAN state said the members of the grouping appreciated Indias concerns, but were looking to New Delhi to play a larger role in view of its rising economic profile. Former commerce secretary GK Pillai indicated an early breakthrough on RCEP was unlikely. It is not to Indias advantage to be part of RCEP unless we have access to the services market in the other participating countries, he said. India will only enter if this access is given, but the feeling so far is that the other countries are not keen on services but only concessions for manufactured goods. Besides the meeting on RCEP and the East Asia Summit Russia's President Vladimir Putin and Kazakhstan's President Nursultan Nazarbayev held a meeting before the plenary session of the 15th Russia-Kazakhstan Interregional Cooperation Forum, according to the Kremlin website. At the meeting, the sides discussed key issues of cooperation and further prospects for the development of relations in the field of tourism, Kazinform with reference to the press service of Akorda reported. Underlining the topicality of the theme of today's Interregional Cooperation Forum, the President of Kazakhstan emphasized the importance of tourism industry cooperation in the context of the cultural and economic interaction. In turn, Putin emphasized that Kazakhstan is one of the main trade and economic partners of Russia, and also mentioned the high pace the bilateral relations are advancing. In addition, the President of the Russian Federation pointed to the vast potential for the further intensification of tourism cooperation between the two countries. After the talks, a presentation of the Baikonur space complex development was demonstrated to the heads of state. The presidents were also informed on the progress of the construction of social facilities, the repair of the infrastructure networks, and the gasification of residential areas in the city of Baikonur. The leaders of Russia and Kazakhstan visited the exhibition dedicated to new plans and prospects for the development of the tourism industry in the two countries. The exhibition showcases Kazakh and Russian companies offering a wide range of tourism products. Incarcerated RJD supremo Lalu Prasads health has worsened due to high blood pressure levels, which sources said could be due to recent family problems, including elder son Tej Prataps divorce. Doctors treating the former Bihar chief minister at Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Ranchi said stress could be one of the reasons for the high pressure. Dr Umesh Prasad, who is attending to Prasad, said his blood pressure shot up to 150/70 on Friday. We are constantly monitoring Prasads blood pressure, which was in the normal range of 130/70 for the last few days. Worry or stress could be a reason for the increase in the blood pressure levels, he said. Dr Prasad added that the RJD leader did not complain of insomnia and he was getting around six hours of sleep and his other health parameters, including the blood sugar levels, were normal. Sources at RIMS said that Prasad has been under stress due to recent family problems. A day after filing for divorce, Tej Pratap had visited Prasad at the 100-bed private ward of RIMS on October 3. Following the meeting, Tej Pratap had not returned home to Patna and was reported missing. However, some reports said he was in Haridwar while others said he was in Delhi to celebrate younger brother Tejashwi Yadavs 29th birthday. Tej Pratap had married Aishwarya Rai, daughter of former Bihar minister Chandrika Rai on May 12, but was reportedly unhappy with the relationship. The sources quoted above also said that Lalu Prasad could not speak to Tejashwi on his birthday. The RJD leader, who has been convicted in three fodder scam cases since December 23 last year, surrendered before a court in Ranchi on September 1. Later, Birsa Munda Central Jail authorities shifted him to RIMS. As one enters Barkheda Jaising, a village in Mandasur, a protest banner proclaims in bold letters: This is a village of general castes. Political parties - dont shame us by asking for votes. We will vote for NOTA [none of the above]. At the top of the banner are the reasons for the protest: the SC/ST Act and reservations. A group of young men is walking by. All of them are Thakurs, the dominant caste in the village. Rajendra Singh, the most vocal of them, says, We have been with the Bharatiya Janata Party [BJP] for decades. But look at what they did with the Prevention of Atrocities Act [SC/ST law]. The Supreme Court weakened it. They brought an ordinance to strengthen it. We will not forgive them. Since the government merely restored the original provisions of the act that were diluted by the Supreme Court, when asked why that would invite such fury, Singh replies: The original act was the problem. Three of us here have cases because there was a scuffle with a Scheduled Caste who was trying to steal our motor. Our people are stuck even now. Yashwant Singh, another young Thakur in the group, nods along and says, And they have continued with reservations. We want reservations on economic basis. Singh refers to the BJPs stand in favour of reservations in promotions as yet another instance of the betrayal. When asked how not voting for BJP will address either of the concerns -- for the Congress would not dilute the atrocities act or reframe reservations either -- the group falls silent for a moment. Rajendra Singh then says, We just want to teach the BJP a lesson. They only work for tribals and Dalits. The tribal village next door has been with the Congress all along. But the BJP is giving them gas, houses, roads. They will still not vote for the BJP. People like us who have voted for them all along need to show them their place once. It is in the testimonies of Singh and his friends in Barkheda Jaising that the BJPs challenge in Madhya Pradesh comes through starkly. How does the party retain its substantial core vote? Why is it upset? And is this core vote of upper castes, who constitute over 20% of the states population, angry enough to sit out the election and vote for NOTA, or rebel to the Congress, or will they be persuaded to stay on with their old party as polling day nears? The answer to that question could well determine whether Shivraj Singh Chouhan returns to power for the fourth time in the state. Voices of discontent In Hoshangabads Sarafa bazaar, Hari Govind Saini and Rajesh Jain are sitting in Sainis jewellery shop. Both have been long-time BJP supporters, but cannot hide their displeasure this time around. The GST [goods and services tax] destroyed us. It was good for bigger businesses, but for those like us, operating on a smaller scale with lower margins, it is a huge burden. We have still not been able to recover. He echoes Singhs complaint about the SC/ST act and claims to have reduced his business transactions with members of the SC/ST communities. They come to exchange their jewellery or mortgage it for money here. But I am slowly cutting down on business with them. What if they complain tomorrow? I can be arrested even without an enquiry, he says. Jain adds that the BJP has forgotten its original constituents. But does this mean they will shift to the Congress? Both Saini and Jain reject the possibility. A mother and child also fight. It does not mean you leave each other. They have to be less arrogant. They have to listen to us. That is what they want. Bhimsen Munyar is not in a forgiving mood though. A former district president of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Munyar is a community leader and runs a big grocery wholesale shop in Hoshangabad bazaar. The BJP has invited foreign companies despite talking about swadeshi. They are concerned about Ambani-Adani, the big corporates, not about us small traders anymore, he says. When asked if this means he will go against them despite belonging to the same Sangh and ideological family, he adds: In the Sangh too, sycophancy is now rampant. I will not vote for them this time for sure. The BJP will have to manage about not just the traders but the demographic that has been remarkably supportive of the party in election after election -- the first-time voter. Sanchi, home to the famous stupa, is within the Vidisha Lok Sabha constituency, represented by Union external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, but is in Raisen district. This has been an old BJP stronghold. Farmer Jai Rajput is unhappy with the government for its stand on the atrocities act. But when pressed that the government only restored the original provisions, he responds: If the BJP can defy the Supreme Court for Dalits, why cant they defy the Supreme Court on the question of Ram Mandir and bring a law? Rajput is attracted to the SAPAK (Samanya Alpasankhyak Pichda Kalyan Samaj), a grouping that claims to represent non-Dalit and non-tribal identity groups, but is not sure whether he will vote for them. Others around him, however, say they will remain with the BJP. Shivam Chaurasia, who belongs to an OBC group, says that Narendra Modis hand must be strengthened; Rajesh Chauhan, a farmer, says that despite all their weaknesses, the BJP has provided roads and electricity and development to MP; Anshu Rajput who runs a hardware shop, claims that in no other state has the government offered as many tangible subsidies and concessions to such a wide range of social groups - farmers, youth, Dalits, tribals. Listening to these perspectives, Rajput eventually says, I am not saying the BJP will lose. They should form the government. But they need to win lesser seats. Dhakka chahiye [they need a jolt]. They will then learn their lessons. The voting variable It is in these voices that a pattern can be discerned. Core voters are unhappy with the BJP for a range of reasons. They are, for the first time in 15 years, actively voicing these concerns. But it has not yet translated into an electoral wave against the party -- many of those who are angry are still considering it an option -- or attraction for the Congress. A BJP leader involved with the MP campaign said, We are doing a balancing act. The CM has made it clear that on the atrocities act, there wont be immediate arrests. We are also telling communities that there is no point in voting for the Congress, for they will not even listen to their concerns. But with us, they have access all the time. He added that that the party believes that like Gujarat, these segments will eventually return home. Remember all of you reported on the anger from Surat among traders. And we won all the seats. The act of voting is different from pre-election rhetoric. Yatindra Singh Sisodia, director of the Ujjain-based MP Institute of Social Sciences, says that this election is different from the past because of its closely contested nature and believes the upper-caste challenge could damage the BJP. The party had embarked on a high-stakes political gamble. It thought that since upper castes and OBCs [other backward classes] are with them anyway, if they can win over the SCs and STs, they will become invincible. But in politics, when you appease someone, another group gets angry. So in their quest to expand, BJP upset its core vote. This election will tell us whether the gamble succeeded or failed. Seven days after tigress T-1, popularly known as Avni, was shot dead by the forest department in Yavatmal, two separate probes will look into her killing. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) will investigate the circumstances of her death and at the state level, the Maharashtra government has ordered a probe into the incident. The petitioner who had approached the Supreme Court and Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court to stop T-1s killing alleged that both committees included independent members from non-governmental organisations that were in some way associated with the killing incident. Both reports will be nothing but biased. There was a need to have an independent special investigating team (SIT) on this. No veterinarian has been included in the committee , said Dr. Jerryl Banait. Under the Union environment ministry, the NTCA has formed a three-member committee, which will submit its report by November 26. The committee comprises retired forest officer OP Kaler; Hemant Kamdi, assistant inspector general for forest; and independent member Jose Louies, deputy director of the Wildlife Trust of India. NTCA will be the coordinator. Following several media reports about this incident, we have decided that this committee will study the last part of this operation, especially the process in which the tigress T-1 was allegedly tranquilised and eliminated, said Anup Kumar Nayak, additional director general of NTCA. The entire team will be coming to Delhi on Monday for a briefing and subsequently proceeding to Yavatmal for the on-ground investigation. The Maharashtra government also formed a committee to study the permissions granted to kill the tigress. Headed by principal chief conservation of forest (production & management) SH Patil, the other members are scientist Dr. Bilal Habib of the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun and Anish Andheria, president of the Wildlife Conservation Trust and the independent member. Additional principal chief coordinator of forest Nitin Kakodkar will coordinate the committee. Earlier it was a three-member committee, but on Friday we decided to include a scientist from WII, said Virendra Tiwari, additional principal chief conservator of forest (Mantralaya), forest department. On November 2, six-year-old T-1, who was also the mother of two cubs, was shot dead by a team of three a private hunter and two forest staff members near the Borati-Warud road in Ralegaon taluka in Yavatmal. T1 is held responsible for the deaths of 13 people since June 2016, which forced the forest department to initiate a hunt for the problem tigress. The forest department is currently trying to track the cubs. Andheria said the state committee would analyse the spot punchnama, post mortems, standard operating procedure, and series of events that took place on November 2. This committee will see whether all processes were followed as per guidelines for an issue such as this. It will question relevant authorities irrespective of fair and foul play. Additionally, recommendations will be made so that an unfortunate event such as this is not repeated, he said. After days of suspense over his whereabouts, RJD chief Lalu Prasads elder son Tej Pratap Yadav on Friday said he would be in Haridwar and asserted he would not come back home unless his parents accept his demand for divorce. A day after applying for divorce, Tej Pratap had gone to Ranchi to meet father Lalu Prasad, who is incarcerated in the fodder scam and undergoing treatment at the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS). However, having not got his fathers approval for divorce from his less-than-six-month-old wife, Aishwarya Rai, daughter of former Bihar minister Chandrika Rai, Tej Pratap left Ranchi and did not return home to Patna and was reportedly visiting temple towns of Varanasi, Vrindavan and later Haridwar. Apparently upset over this, his mother, Rabri Devi is not performing the Chhath puja, which she has been doing for decades, even when she was the chief minister of Bihar in the late 90s and early 2000s. Tej Prataps divorce has also apparently cast a shadow over the birthday of his younger brother and leader of the opposition Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, with the RJDs rank and file not going in for gala celebrations. Tejashwi was not in Patna, and preferred to leave for Delhi but was greeted by Tej Pratap on phone. Sources said Tejashwi went to New Delhi as he had hearing in court related to the IRCTC scam. A close aide of Lalu Prasad and sitting Bahadurpur MLA, Bhola Yadav, however, said it was because she was not in good health. Rabri Devi is not well. Her health is not permitting her to observe the festival this time, Bhola said, appealing to the media not to attach much importance to the Tej Prataps decision to divorce. It is a family matter and it would be sorted out by the family. Such things happen in all households and are resolved naturally, he said. Parents not supporting divorce decision: Tej Pratap However, talking to a news channel, Tej Pratap said he was not coming home because his parents were not supporting him on his decision to divorce his wife, Aishwariya Rai. The couple had got married on May 12 in Patna in a grand wedding attended by top leaders of several political parties. He said he was on his way to Haridwar after having visited Vrindavan. For a couple of days, he was in Varanasi. I have not got support from my parents ever since I have filed a divorce petition seeking separation from my wife. I am feeling quite let down, harassed and have no reason to come home unless my parents accept my decision. I will come home when they accept my decision and also fulfill some of my other demands, he said. Tej Pratap maintained he had shared his agony over not his strained relationship with wife Aishwariya to his parents, including Lalu Prasad when he had met him in Ranch last Saturday, but lamented his parents were not supportive. Tell me, what should I do? he asked. The RJD chiefs elder son also aired his ire over one Bipin who was spreading canards against him and even harassing his friends. Sources said Bipin is considered close to Tej Prataps family and his in-laws. Tej Pratap also said there were some duryodhans in his family, who were responsible for marital discord with his wife and also inducting people having criminal background in the party. Insiders said Tej Prataps reference to Duryodhans was in context to his three cousins, who have become quite powerful in the family and are calling the shots after Tejaswhi had become the No 2 in the party after the sentencing of the RJD chief in fodder scam cases. Lalu is at present undergoing treatment in RIMS, Ranchi. Tej Pratap is miffed with his cousins and feels they have sidelined him in the party. He wants them to be removed from family matters, said a senior RJD leader, wishing not to be quoted. Nonetheless, the former health minister appears to have no complains against his younger brother Tejashwi equating the opposition leader as Arjun and asserting that he would guide his younger sibling like Krishna. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has introduced social engineering in booth-level committees and increased its focus on women and retired army personnel in a bid to counter anti-incumbency in Rajasthan. The December 7 election is seen as a test of the BJPs ability to win two consecutive terms in Rajasthan a feat no political party has achieved in 25 years. Rajasthan is high on the political agenda of BJP president Amit Shah, who has visited the state at least 15 times between June and October to rejuvenate a cadre demoralised by bypoll losses. BJP leaders said Shah held meetings with retired personnel of army and paramilitary forces, farmers, members of disadvantaged communities, and womens groups, apart from addressing the concerns of party workers. As a counter, the Congress has promised One Rank One Pension, or OROP and loan waiver for farmers. The NDA government had also implemented OROP but personnel claim it has not been fully implemented. We have successfully dealt with the anger of workers, said Satish Poonia, who, along with Union minister Arjun Meghwal and junior agriculture minister Gajendra Shekawat, has been entrusted by Shah to get feedback on possible candidates. We prepared a plan to get in touch with 10 million workers ... listen to them and address their concerns. We got them engaged in different activities to make them feel that they are important for the party. The BJP has ensured every booth-level committee has representatives of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes, who constitute about 60% of Rajasthans population, a BJP leader familiar with party strategy said. The party has identified 20 million beneficiaries of 12 central and state government schemes. If we are able to get (votes of) half of them, we will be able to beat anti-incumbency, said BJP state president Madan Lal Saini. The partys central leadership has also engaged independent agencies to gauge the mood of voters. I got three calls in the past week from different people with similar questions, said Amit Saini, a resident of Jaipur. BJP spokesperson Mukesh Pareek said he was not aware of any such calls but did not rule out the possibility of voters being contacted for feedback. The BJP also believes declaring Vasundhara Raje as the CM candidate will help show there is confusion in the Congress over leadership and attract women voters. We want to tell people that there is clarity in BJP over the leadership while in the Congress there is confusion between Sachin Pilot (state Congress chief ) and Ashok Gehlot (former CM), said BJP Rajya Sabha member Kirori Lal Meena. The BJP is targeting Pilot more than Gehlot to benefit from intense caste rivalries, another leader said. Pilot is from the Gujjar community, considered politically and socially a rival of another dominant community, the Meenas. Their areas of influence overlap in about 50 assembly constituencies of southern and eastern Rajasthan. ...political dynamics are such that if Pilot is seen as a future CM, the Meena will automatically vote against the Congress, Poonia said. Congress spokesperson Satyendra Singh Raghav said the party was fighting under Rahul Gandhi and there was no confusion over leadership. Our party believes in democracy and it is the MLAs who decide their leader. BJPs statements are out of frustration..., he said. Political analyst Narayan Bareth said the BJPs efforts had worked to its advantage. In elections, management plays a key role and there the BJP has the upper hand. Anti-incumbency is there, and it remains to be seen how the BJP deals with it. Its difficult to explain and rationalise when it comes to the realm of paranormal. We have heard all kinds of stories, real, unreal as we go to new places. The believers swear that such energies exist and the skeptics laugh it off as a made-up story. Recently, Amethyst Realm, a 30-year-old English woman and spiritual guide who claimed to have slept with at least 20 ghosts, announced her engagement to a ghost she met in Australia on a work trip. As the two plan a wedding post his marriage proposal on a road trip in England, we look at some of the most haunted cities in the world and continue to wonder about all the stories we have heard. Lots of people like to brag that theyve seen a ghost before, but how many of them can say theyve gotten one to commit? Amethyst Realm, a 30-year-old English woman and spiritual guide, has announced her engagement to a ghost. In an interview with ITV This Morning back in August, Realm described her then-boyfriend as very ancient, very wise, very kind, with an emotional, physical presence. At the time she said that shed very much like to marry him, though, she added, she cant actually see him. After meeting in Australia in February and dating for nine months, Realm says her ghostly groom popped the question on a visit to Wookey Hole, a cave formation and attraction in the UK, in October. Realm, who says she has had past relationships and flings with as many as 20 ghosts, said yes. As Realm and her fiance plan their upcoming wedding -- they will reportedly tie the knot in summer 2019 -- we look at the most haunted places in the world. If youre a fan of the paranormal, then youll want to add one these spooky places to your travel bucket list. Here are several spots around the globe known for being haunted: Canberra, Australia The Old Parliament House in Canberra is a hotspot for ghost tours: Visitors may see several former prime ministers wandering the halls. Prime Minister Ben Chifley is also rumored to haunt Hotel Kurrajong, where he suffered a heart attack in 1951. Changi Beach, Singapore One of Singapores scariest places is adjacent to a picturesque beach. Old Changi Hospital was used to hold (and, reportedly, torture) 50,000 Allied prisoners during World War IIpeople claim to have heard screams echo through the area ever since. London, UK Two of Londons most popular tourist destinations, the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey, are notoriously haunted by royal spirits and ghosts of monks, respectively. Horror enthusiasts should also visit the eerie Highgate Cemeteryjust watch out for the vampire lurking on Swains Lane. Venice, Italy Besides masks and gondolas, Venice is also known for Poveglia Island, often called the most haunted place in the world. Formerly home to an exiled colony of plague victims, as well as a sinister asylum, the abandoned island is a popular destination for ghost hunters. New Orleans, USA The citys violent, often tragic pastmarked by yellow fever epidemics and devastating firesfuels the ghost lore here. Sounds of the dead are said to reverberate through Jackson Square in the French Quarter. If youre looking for a truly horrific experience, dont miss LaLaurie Mansion, home of Madame LaLaurie, one of the worlds most infamous serial killers. Follow more stories on Facebook and Twitter Suicide attackers set off two car bombs at a hotel near the headquarters of Somalias Criminal Investigations Department in Mogadishu on Friday, killing at least 17 people, police said. Guards at Hotel Sahafi and CID officers opened fire after the blasts, police added. Then, about 20 minutes later, a third explosion hit the busy street, witnesses said. So far we have confirmed 17 civilians dead. They were travelling in public vehicles at the scene when the blasts and gunfire occurred. The death toll is sure to rise, Ali Nur, a police officer in the city, told Reuters. A Reuters photographer at the scene saw 20 bodies of civilians and several burnt-out shells of mini-buses, motor-bikes and private saloon cars. Mohammed Hussein, another police officer, had earlier told Reuters that the target of the attack was Hotel Sahafi, which is just opposite the CID office. No group immediately claimed responsibility, but Islamists from the al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab group have mounted regular attacks in the capital. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Families of those killed when a Buk missile blew Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 out of the sky above Ukraine in 2014 are calling on US President Donald Trump to press his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to provide answers about the downing. In a letter to Trump published Friday on Twitter, relatives of about 30 of the 298 passengers and crew killed on July 17, 2014, say we have a right to know what happened to our loved ones. Trump and Putin will both be in Paris this weekend for commemorations of the centenary of the end of World War I, but are not expected to hold a bilateral summit. They plan to hold talks at a Group of 20 summit in Argentina at the end of the month. A man set a car on fire and stabbed three people, killing one of them, before being fatally shot in central Melbourne, in an attack described by the Australian police as an act of terror. Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton said the man who stabbed three members of the public and attacked police officers has died in a hospital. We are now treating this as a terrorism event, said Ashton, adding that the suspect is someone that is known to us. Im not at liberty at this point to disclose the identity of that person. But we are, as I say, having counter-terrorism investigations under way. The person is known to police. Hes known to police mainly in respect to relatives that he has that are certainly persons of interest to us. He is someone that, accordingly, is known to both Victoria Police and federal intelligence, Ashton said. The man was shot after confronting police officers on a busy city street, authorities said. He was taken into custody in a critical condition. He succumbed to the gunshot wounds in the Royal Melbourne Hospital. Officers were initially called to reports of a car fire near Bourke Street, a busy thoroughfare, at about 4.20pm local time. As they got out of the car, they were confronted by a male brandishing a knife and threatening them, Supt David Clayton told reporters. Ashton said a four-wheel drive Ute drove into Bourke street between Russell and Swanston Street and parked there. A male person was in that vehicle. Fire then started in the vehicle and hes got out of the vehicle. He then engaged with members of the public at that location, he said. The fire brigade turned up to put the fire out discovered there were gas bottle - I understand at this stage they are those barbecue-style gas bottles - within the vehicle, Ashton said. Footage captured the shocking scenes as a car went up in flames and police shot the knife-wielding man in the chest after he confronted officers as they arrived at the scene. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said Australians will never be intimidated by these appalling attacks. Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews has called the attack an evil and terrible thing. Local media reports quoted 22-year-old Markel Villasin, who was finishing his shift at KFC on the Bourke St as the incident happened. Me and the managers ran out and thats when we saw the car on fire and then we saw the guy on the floor and we wanted to help, there were two blokes helping him out already, he was face down pools of blood around his face, Villasin said. Im pretty sure he got stabbed in the face. I really wanted to help but I was in shock, I didnt know what to do. Because he was on his stomach, they turned him over to see if hes alright, he was still alive, he said. According to a bystander, Drew Hair, he was walking on Swanston Street when he heard an explosion. The next thing he saw was a big dude punching into the police car. Hair said the assailant was dressed in Islamic clothing and of African appearance and about six foot four inches tall. An eyewitness said it appeared the car was on fire before it crashed and exploded. I was walking up Bourke St and we heard this loud explosion. I thought it was a car backfiring but there was flames coming out of the car. It then veered to the left and exploded in flames, the eyewitness said. People were running everywhere. I thought it was like what happened last year so I started running. Everyone started running. It was so scary. Islamic State claims responsibility Islamic State said one of its fighters carried out the knife attack. The groups Amaq news website provided no evidence for the claim. The one who executed the ramming and stabbing operation in Melbourne (..) is one of the fighters of the Islamic State and he executed the operation in response to (a call) to target the citizens of the coalition, Amaq said. The text was referring to a call in August by Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi to use bombs, knives or cars to carry out attacks in countries taking part in the U.S.-led coalition that put an end to the caliphate he declared in 2014 over parts of Iraq and Syria. The attacker in Melbourne was shot by police after he set fire to a pickup truck laden with gas cylinders in the centre of Melbourne and stabbed three people, killing one. The attacker died later in hospital. Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Petropavlovsk to attend the 15th session of the Russia-Kazakhstan Interregional Cooperation Forum, which has opened yesterday. The forum agenda focuses on new approaches and trends in the development of the two countries tourism. It has rallied some 500 delegates, including over 250 representatives of Russian ministries and agencies and delegations from 22 Russian regions, which include regional heads and CEOs of large companies. Kremlin foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov said earlier that Putin will have a separate meeting with Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev, followed by a plenary session of the Russia-Kazakhstan Interregional Cooperation Forum. Sri Lanka will hold snap election on January 5, President Maithripala Sirisena said on Friday. Sirisena has dissolved the parliament in a gamble that a new election will get backing for his preferred candidate as prime minister over an ousted premier who has refused to give up, a minister told AFP. Sirisena signed a decree dismissing the islands 225-member assembly just hours after his party admitted it did not have enough votes to get support for former president Mahinda Rajapakse against rival claimant Ranil Wickremesinghe. The two have been battling for the prime ministers post for two weeks as international concern grows over the mounting turmoil. The minister, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the official notification would take effect from midnight Friday. Before signing the order, Sirisena inducted more ministers into the cabinet headed by Rajapakse. The election is likely to be held in early January, the minister said. Normally an election should not be held until 2020. Sirisena sparked the crisis on October 26 by naming Rajapakse, the countrys authoritarian president from 2005 until 2015, as prime minister after sacking Wickremesinghe. Wickremesinghe has since refused to leave the premiers official residence while the president also suspended parliament to head off any revolt against his action. In the latest twist in the crisis, Sirisenas United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA) said ahead of the presidents stunning announcement they were at least eight legislators short of getting a majority for Rajapakse in the assembly. At the moment we have 104 or 105 MPs, UPFA spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella told reporters, adding that the Sirisena-Rajapakse group hoped to secure support from crossover legislators. Sirisena had said on Monday that he had the support of 113 legislators when he sacked Wickremesinghe. But the admission of a lack of a majority had fuelled speculation that Sirisena may sack the legislature and go for a snap election. The leftist Peoples Liberation Front (JVP), which regards the sacking of Wickremesinghe as unconstitutional, accused Sirisena of trying to consolidate his power grab. Dissolving parliament at this time is illegal and goes against the constitution, JVP general secretary Tilvin Silva told reporters. Sirisena suspended parliament to give himself more time to engineer defections, according to the opposition. Several legislators have said they were offered millions of dollars to switch allegiance and at least eight have already jumped to the presidents side. Wickremesinghe, who has not left the Temple Trees residence since his sacking, maintains that the action against him was unconstitutional and illegal, and insists his group can muster a majority. According to an AFP count, he and his allies have 120 MPs while Rajapakse and Sirisena have 104. The speaker, the 225th member, is neutral. Image damaged Under pressure from the United Nations, United States and the European Union to allow a parliament vote, Sirisena agreed three times to lift the suspension but changed his mind each time. The EU said Friday, before the dissolution, that the crisis had scarred the Indian Ocean islands international reputation. The EU, in a joint statement with Norway and Switzerland, called for parliament to reconvene and hold an immediate vote. Any further delay could damage Sri Lankas international reputation and deter investors, the statement said. Wickremesinghe late Thursday thanked his supporters and urged them not to give up in the showdown. In extraordinary numbers and with extraordinary courage you came out on to the streets, you spoke out, Wickremesinghe said in a video message posted on Facebook. You have not let this country be plunged into the darkness of dictatorship. For this inspiring effort, I want to thank everyone who has risen to fight for democracy and justice. The power struggle on the island of 21 million people has paralysed much of the administration, according to legislators on both sides of the dispute. A ccidental landlords have been delivered yet another knee to the groin by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who announced in the Budget that he plans to increase capital gains tax on homes that have been rented out. While there had been some pre-Budget speculation about Philip Hammond offering landlords a reduction in the tax if we sold to long-term tenants, instead he decided to remove lettings tax relief for most of us when we sell what was once our home, unless we only let rooms while still living in the property. The loss of the relief, worth up to 40,000 per person, will mean higher capital gains tax bills for almost every accidental landlord who has seen the value of their property increase. To make matters worse, the Chancellor is also planning to reduce the capital gains tax-free letting period from 18 months to just nine months, other than for the elderly moving to care homes. I can only imagine hes making these changes to discourage landlords from flipping properties to avoid paying the tax. This is where landlords and property developers move into their rental homes for a brief period before selling so they qualify for lettings relief, which is a practice some of his fellow Tory MPs are allegedly quite familiar with, I believe. That seems fair, I suppose, but it will also discourage genuine homeowners from letting their properties, even briefly, putting more pressure on the rental market and potentially increasing rents. Lots of accidental landlords, especially those whove seen their properties increase in value, will now be planning to kick out their tenants to move back into the properties themselves, or to sell them before April 2020. As property tax specialist Michael Wright of Rita 4 Rent told me: For those who were thinking of selling due to Section 24 [the loss of mortgage interest tax relief] this may be the final straw, and encourage them to sell now, rather than seeing a potentially larger capital gains tax bill should they sell instead after the changes take hold. These ongoing assaults on landlords are creating a rather worrying situation in supply vs demand. A friend of mine had been planning to hang on to the bachelor flat she has been letting. However, shes now planning to put it on the market, fast, to avoid a higher tax bill after 2020. She has already served her tenants with notice to leave, which is a shame, but you cant blame her. After April 2020, the higher capital gains tax will almost certainly act as a serious deterrent to anyone thinking of letting their home for a time prior to selling, while those of us who have already rented out our homes will be put off selling, so there will be even fewer homes on the market. My husband and I let our family home for a brief period when we went travelling several years ago but due to the increase in the value of the property, which we have owned for more than 15 years, the capital gains tax well have to pay if we sell after 2020 will be almost as much as the rent we earned. If we had known at the time that we wouldnt benefit from lettings relief, we might have changed our plans. Syrian troops supported by Russian military officers have freed 19 ISIS hostages, the Russian Defense Ministry said. "On November 8, 2018, Syrian forces carried out a carefully planned special operation under the guidance of Russian military officers from the Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Sides in Syria, rescuing 19 civilian hostages seized by the ISIS more than three months ago," the statement reads. The Russian and Syrian troops freed 15 Druze children and four women, who had been seized by ISIS units in Syrias Suwayda province in this July. "The freed women and children are receiving the necessary assistance so that they can return to normal life as soon as possible," TASS cited the Russian Center for Reconciliation as saying. The United States have expanded the sanctions list against Russia related to Ukraine and Crimea, adding three individuals and nine organizations to it. The list includes Alexander Basov, who is linked with the Ministry of State Security of the Lugansk People's Republic, according to the US Treasurys statement. The alleged link may concern the Deputy Minister of State Security of the republic, but this is not specified in the document. Two other individuals on the list are Andrey Sushko and Vladimir Zaritsky. The US Treasury added three sanatoriums located in Crimea Ay-Petri, Duilber and Miskhor. The sanctioned companies on the lists are Krymteploelektrotsentral, Garant-SV, Management Company for Infrastructure Projects, Yuzhny Project, the Mriya resort and the Ministry of State Security of the Lugansk Peoples Republic, TASS reported. Austrian intelligence services detained an Austrian colonel, who had allegedly been spying for Russia for 20 years, newspaper Kronen Zeitung reported today, citing the country's Ministry of Defense. Information emerged that an investigation is being carried out against a 70-year-old retired colonel who has allegedly passed information about the migration crisis, Austrian military aircraft and artillery systems to Russian military intelligence services since the late 1990s. According to the newspaper, the colonel from Salzburg received about 300,000 euros for his services. "We are very glad that we managed to identify the suspect," the Austrian Ministry of Defense said. Austrian Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl has canceled her visit to Russia and summoned diplomats from the Russian embassy to clarify the situation concerning a retired Austrian colonels suspected involvement in espionage for Russia, Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said at an emergency press conference in Vienna. "As for our relations with Russia, it certainly means that if this suspicion proves true, then such cases - no matter if they take place in the Netherlands or in Austria - will not improve relations between Russia and the European Union. Espionage is unacceptable and Russias espionage activities in Europe are unacceptable and condemnable," TASS cited Kurz as saying. The Austrian top diplomat planned to make a visit to Russia on December 2-3. Kneissl, in turn, said that relations between Austria and Russia may significantly suffer. "If these allegations are proven to be correct, then Austrian-Russian bilateral ties may become seriously strained," she was quoted as saying by the Austria Press Agency as saying. Russias Foreign Ministry has summoned Austrian Ambassador to Moscow Johannes Eigner over Viennas statements about a retired Austrian Army officers suspected involvement in espionage for Moscow, a ministry source said. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said it was an unpleasant surprise for him to get no request at all from Vienna for any explanations over the affair of a retired Austrian army colonel who had allegedly spied for Russia. "This was an unpleasant surprise to me. It has been a custom from time immemorial for any country that feels some concerns or suspicions over actions by another country to ask for explanations directly in accordance with the rules of international communication. Lately, our Western counterparts have made it a rule not to use traditional methods but rather megaphone diplomacy.They accuse us in public and then demand public explanations over an issue we know nothing about," the top Russian diplomat said. The senior research fellow at the European Research Centre of the International Relations Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladimir Olenchenko, speaking with a correspondent of Vestnik Kavkaza, noted that today's scandal fits into the discourse of the anti-Russian campaign in the West. "Now it has become a practice to put forward various kinds of claims to Russia. It is impossible not to draw attention to the fact that yesterday the United States they expanded the sanctions list of Russian citizens and companies, and also confirmed the introduction of so-called chemical sanctions. At the same time, the Times published an article about the intention of the UK to encourage Western European partners to increase pressure on Russia. So the Austrian scandal can be qualified as a link in the same chain in the interests of those who oppose themselves to a good-neighborly policy," he said. Director of the Institute of Strategic Planning and Forecasting, Professor Alexander Gusev expressed confidence that the detention of an alleged spy in Austria is a frame-up. There are certain political forces that are looking for opportunities to worsen relations between Russia and Austria. In fact, I think the whole thing doesn't hold water, and the choice of Austria, of course, was absolutely not accidental - positive steps to bring our positions closer are like a bone in the throat of Western anti-Russian politicians, and their special services work to destroy Russian-Austrian trust. In other words, they just found a reason to raise the hype and build their policies against this background. If the foreign minister refuses an official visit to Russia, this is serious," he pointed out. "The forces that benefit from the deterioration of relations between Russia and Austria are in Brussels, the European Union, as well as in UK, Germany and France, receiving instructions from Washington. A kind of three-way union of Theresa May, Emmanuel Macron and Angela Merkel determine the agenda in Europe, constantly coordinating his actions with Donald Trump. In the framework of the anti-Russian course, it's, of course, inconvenient for them that Austria behaves inadequately to their policies, therefore it is necessary to find any kind of reason to spoil Vienna's relations with Moscow. Now they give present Russia not just as an aggressor country, but as a country that is waging a hybrid war against the West and the U.S. It is expected that such scandals will occur in the future as well," Alexander Gusev concluded. Appointment 9 November 2018 Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's largest lodging franchisors, has elected Maureen Sullivan to its board of directors. Sullivan, chief operating officer of Rent the Runway, and a former AOL and Google executive, brings a wealth of highly relevant experience to the Choice board, including business, innovation, branding, digital, engineering and e-commerce expertise. As COO at Rent the Runway, Sullivan is responsible for accelerating growth across all areas of the business, and manages the customer experience, marketing, communications, user experience, creative, business development, and retail functions. Prior to her current role at Rent the Runway, Sullivan served as president of AOL.com and Lifestyle Brands, and oversaw all elements of the AOL.com experience, including programming, product, engineering, partnerships and operations. She also launched and ran MAKERS.com, a first-of-its kind video-platform, documentary film series, and conference dedicated to telling ground-breaking women's stories. Earlier in her career, she held several other positions at AOL, including senior vice president of marketing and communications, where she led the company's global rebranding, and served as chief of staff to AOL CEO Tim Armstrong. Sullivan began her career at Google, serving in several positions, including Chief of Staff to the Americas Advertising organization managing business planning and partnership development. In addition to her new role on the Choice Hotels Board of Directors, Sullivan serves on the board of the non-profit, Network for Good. She is a graduate of Stanford University. Appointment 9 November 2018 Kokua Hospitality and Prodigy Network are proud to announce Beth Tufekcic's promotion from General Manager of The Assemblage John Street to Vice President of House Operations for The Assemblage. In her new role, Beth will oversee, stabilize, and ensure consistency across all house operations at the brand's existing locations The Assemblage NoMad and The Assemblage John Street along with the brand's third outpost slated to open on Park Avenue South in 2019, applying her signature entrepreneurial spirit and sense of community to the role. Beth's promotion comes in anticipation of The Assemblage's third coworking location on Park Avenue South, which will open its doors in 2019 near the concept's foundational House in Manhattan's NoMad neighborhood. With Beth's leadership, Assemblage members and hotel guests can expect the brand's signature wellness-oriented values, amenities, and programming to grow and stabilize, fostering a productive space for New York City's mindful community and travelers to "do well by doing good." Beth joined The Assemblage in 2017, serving as General Manager of The Assemblage John Street throughout a year-long pre-opening phase, effectively assembling a team of driven hospitality professionals, and spearheading initiatives that led to a successful first six months of operation. Prior to joining The Assemblage, Beth held various key leadership roles, including Vice President of Operations for Dream Hotel Group, and General Manager of top properties with branded hotel companies such as Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, Hilton Hotels and Resorts, Marriott International, and InterContinental Hotel Group, as well as independent luxury hotels, such as The Alex Hotel in Midtown Manhattan. During this time, Beth was recognized as General Manager of the Year, awarded Hotel of the Year by the Cendent Corporation, and presented with numerous distinctions including highest internal audit scores, top performing financial success, and top sales performance. About The Assemblage The Assemblage is a mindful community providing coworking, co-living, and social spaces for individuals seeking transformation and interconnection through cultural programming and holistic amenities. The first of the three New York City locations opened in November 2017 in NoMad; the second outpost, a coworking/co-living and social space opened in the Financial District at 17 John Street in May 2018, including 79 hotel rooms; and an additional coworking location on Park Avenue South is slated for 2019. The Assemblage was founded by Rodrigo Nino, CEO of Prodigy Network, with the goal to transition from a society defined by individualism and separation into one of interconnectedness. The Assemblage was crowdfunded by individual backers around the world. So far, Prodigy Network has raised $165M for the three spaces. Appointment 9 November 2018 Opening this November 2018 as the first California hotel under Marriott International's experiential, millennial-minded Moxy Hotels brand, the 126-room Moxy San Diego announces its executive team to lead the bold, yet playful, boutique hotel. Designed for the next generation of travelers, Moxy San Diego will embrace the destination's coastal roots while showcasing the eclectic and vibrancy of downtown San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter. As Director of Sales and Marketing for Moxy San Diego, Geneva Maxwell brings nearly 15 years of hospitality experience to the team where she will be responsible for driving the sales and marketing strategies and initiatives for the soon-to-open hotel. Prior to joining Moxy San Diego, Maxwell was the Director of Sales and Marketing for Interstate Hotels & Resorts San Diego where she formed instrumental partnerships and relationships with the local community and businesses. Sales Manager Yvonne Gill will support Maxwell's efforts by bringing her customer service and sales background to maximize the hotel's revenue goals. Press Release 9 November 2018 The U.S. hotel industry reported mostly flat year-over-year results in the three key performance metrics during the week of 28 October through 3 November 2018, according to data from STR . Advertisements In comparison with the week of 29 October through 4 November 2017, the industry recorded the following: Occupancy: -0.7% to 62.9% Average daily rate (ADR): +0.7% to US$124.81 Revenue per available room (RevPAR): -0.1% to US$78.54 Among the Top 25 Markets, Boston, Massachusetts, registered the largest increases in each of the three key performance metrics: occupancy (+8.6% to 80.9%), ADR (+9.2% to US$212.70) and RevPAR (+18.6% to US$171.98). Norfolk/Virginia Beach, Virginia, saw the second-largest rise in occupancy (+7.7% to 56.6%) and the only other double-digit jump in RevPAR (+11.2% to US$48.23). Nashville, Tennessee, posted the second-largest lift in ADR (+4.9% to US$150.89). Houston, Texas, registered the steepest declines in occupancy (-23.5% to 60.6%) and RevPAR (-30.8% to US$61.90). Houston's hotel performance was lifted in the weeks and months that followed Hurricane Harvey in 2017 as properties filled with displaced residents, relief workers, insurance adjustors, media members, etc. New Orleans, Louisiana, reported the only double-digit decrease in ADR (-11.7% to US$161.20) and the second-largest drop in RevPAR (-16.8% to US$119.35). Orlando, Florida, experienced the second-largest decline in occupancy (-13.8% to 63.4%). Press Release 12 November 2018 Kinseth Hospitality Companies (KHC), Dillon Gateway Development (DGD), and Frew Development Group are pleased to announce they have broke ground of the Homewood Suites in Dillon, Colorado. The ceremony took place Thursday, November 8, 2018, located at the hotel construction site at 122 Lake Dillon Drive. To kick off the event, Carolyn Skowyra, Town of Dillon Mayor; Tom Acre, Dillon Town Manager; Tony Pestello, Board President Summit County Chamber; Danny Eilts, Owner & Developer; John Frew, President and CEO of Frew Development Group, and Aaron Mailey, Kinseth Hospitality; each shared their excitement for the project. Following, a group of investors, Chamber Ambassadors, and Community Partners broke ground and held a reception for guests to view the hotel renderings and offerings. Advertisements "We are pleased to bring this exciting Homewood Suites hotel development to the Town of Dillon," stated Aaron Mailey of KHC. "Dillon is Summit County's Best Kept Secret," said Danny Eilts, Owner & Developer. Conveniently located in Dillon, Colorado, the Homewood Suites hotel will be located close to Highway 6 and Interstate 70 and many popular Colorado attractions from Skyline Cinema to eateries and micro-breweries. The hotel will feature free hot breakfast daily, evening socials Monday through Thursday, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour Suite Shop, 24-hour business center, fitness center, on-site laundry facility, indoor heated pool, outdoor patio and barbeque grills. KHC, DGD, and Frew Development Group will partner with Adolfson & Peterson Construction and O'Bryan Partnership, Inc. on the construction of the hotel. About Homewood Suites by Hilton Homewood Suites by Hilton offers a unique approach to longer stays, allowing Guests to stay in their routine while traveling for business or leisure. Our spacious one and two bedroom suites are equipped with a full kitchen and refrigerator where Guests can cook home-like meals without leaving their suite. When it comes to our mascot, Lewis the Duck, some people ask, 'Why the duck?' The duck is a universal symbol of versatility and adaptability. Comfortable in air, in water, and on land, ducks migrate long distances over extended periods. They always find the perfect place to stay - a second home - no matter where they travel. We admire the duck's ability to adapt and prosper in a variety of places. Our goal is to serve you with that same spirit of resourcefulness and flexibility. About Kinseth Hospitality Kinseth Hospitality is a leading hotel management, development and ownership company. KHC has a proven track record of developing and operating award-winning hotels, restaurant and meeting facilities. Kinseth Hospitality is based in North Liberty, Iowa, and currently operates over 70 hotels and 5 branded restaurants in 11 states. For more information regarding KHC please contact our Corporate Sales and Marketing Team at 319-626-5600 or visit www.kinseth.com. Opinion Article 9 November 2018 If you have ever considered what differentiates your hotel from the competition and all you can find is that your turndown chocolate comes in a logo-embossed wrapper, then you need to change to a Blue Ocean strategy. Michael Levie, chief operations officer at citizenM, gave hoteliers plenty of food for thought with his opening keynote presentation at this year's Revenue Strategy Forum London, held Monday at the Amba Hotel Charing Cross. During his presentation on "Making your competition irrelevant," Levie called on the industry to take a different look at its business model. "We think we are incredibly talented with innovation but end up producing roughly the same thing," Levie said as he presented a slide of hotel bedroom photos and asked the 120-strong audience to find the differentiator. In his presentation on Blue Ocean strategy, Levie explained how many businesses swim in a red ocean, competing against each other, while those in a blue ocean set themselves free from competition by doing something ground breaking. By being different there is no competition. Changing Perspective Levie explained how the hotel industry can use context to change the similar way of thinking. "We are very good at creating content and processes, but context makes it easier for people to grasp what we are doing," he said, going on to explain the thinking behind the citizenM brand and how its hotels aim to sit between the luxury and mid-market segments. "We decided to take a look at those people who travel frequently. They are habitual in what they do and are strong minded in what is important to them. For example, having WiFi in their room is as important as having streaming water. "We decided to do things differently and create something relevant to them. We call it affordable luxury." Built from a pre-fabricated modular design, each citizenM room is just 14 square meters with a focus on high-tech, a great bed and good shower. "We learnt to say 'No'. We are not the answer in many cases," Levie admitted, pointing out that the modular rooms are possibly not conducive to family stays. "We have created just one room, with a focus to bring the cost down and making it efficient. It's a different way of thinking," he said, citing Stephen Herfst's quote: "By being everything to everyone you're nothing to anyone". The modular nature of the properties means than new hotels can be built in a matter of months. While the rooms may be small, the communal space at citizenM is built to create a living room environment where travellers can work, socialise or relax. "We offer a co-working, co-living lifestyle; for frequent travellers this is what they need," he said. "We wanted to shift context away from 'we're only a hotel'. We are a hotel, office, home, network," he added. Levie closed his keynote by encouraging the audience to look at things differently, find new processes, and change their mindset on when to say 'Yes' and when to say 'No.' The Company plans the development of a 110-125 room hotel with a full service restaurant and bar, as well as meeting space. This new hotel will be located adjacent to the airport which is located within St. Joes 110,500 acres known as the Bay-Walton Sector Plan. The St. Joe Company (NYSE: JOE) yesterday announces plans to construct, own and operate a new branded hotel, immediately adjacent and convenient to the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP). Following St. Joes business strategy of expanding its portfolio of income producing properties, as well as growing its resorts and leisure segment, the Company plans the development of a 110-125 room hotel with a full service restaurant and bar, as well as meeting space. This new hotel will be located adjacent to the airport which is located within St. Joes 110,500 acres known as the Bay-Walton Sector Plan. The Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport has experienced a significant increase in passenger traffic since its relocation. In 2009, the airport had one airline carrier with one direct destination. Today, after re-opening in its current location, it has four carriers with ten non-stop direct destinations. In that same period of time, annual passenger traffic increased from approximately 300,000 passengers at the end of 2009 to over 900,000 passengers at the end of 2017. We are pleased that St. Joe has chosen their property adjacent to the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport for this much needed hotel, said Parker W. McClellan Jr., AAE, Airport Executive Director. Mr. McClellan added, Additional lodging options with a trusted company like St. Joe will be a great enhancement for our region servicing travelers visiting our area whether on business or leisure. Located adjacent to the proposed hotel site and the airport, St. Joe continues to develop VentureCrossings Commerce Park, with anchor tenants Harris Corporation and GKN Aerospace. In addition to its commercial activities, St. Joe recently announced plans for the Latitude Margaritaville Watersound active adult community, to be located in close proximity to the airport and within the Bay-Walton Sector Plan property, which is entitled for up to 170,000 homes. The new community will be developed by a joint venture between St. Joe and Minto Communities USA and is planned for 3,000 homes in its first phase. Model homes are scheduled to open in 2020. We are pleased to announce the addition of a new hotel property adjacent to the growing airport and our neighboring commercial and residential projects, said Jorge Gonzalez, President and Chief Executive Officer of The St. Joe Company. Mr. Gonzalez added, With the growth of the region as a whole and St. Joes upcoming projects, along with the increase in airport passenger traffic, we believe now is the right time to add this new hotel for the increasing number of travelers. This location is an ideal fit for a new hotel offering travelers another great lodging option. This hotel announcement constitutes the third new hotel for the Company, including the 250-room Embassy Suites at Pier Park, which is expected to break ground in 2019 and the 124-room TownePlace Suites in Panama City Beach, which broke ground in October 2018. Daily News Delivery Join your colleagues and stay up to date on the latest Hotel industry news and trends. Subscribe 2021 Hotel News Resource Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Gasgoo compiled the revenue and profit performances announced by several Chinese automakers as below. For the first three quarters, SAIC Motor sustained the leadership with its net profits rising 12.31% to RMB27.672 billion. Aside from Changan Automobile and FAW Car, the other automakers tabulated here all accomplished positive year-on-year (YoY) increase in Jan-Sept net profits. Although FAW Xiali failed to earn profits, its profit loss was clearly narrowed down over a year ago. SAIC Motor From January to September, SAIC Motor's revenues totaled RMB674.741 billion, climbing 10.97% over the previous year and the net profits attributable to shareholders grew 12.31% YoY to RMB27.672 billion, the automaker announced on October 30. The basic earnings per share were RMB2.37, 11.64 percentage point higher than that of a year ago. The financial report showed that SAIC Motors' expenses on R&D aggregated RMB9.402 billion for the first nine months, which was RMB2.308 billion more than that of the previous year. The automaker said the R&D expense increase partly resulted from the incremental investment in technology R&D over self-developed models, new energy vehicles (NEV) and intelligent connectivity. Besides, Huayu Vision Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. was included in the scope of consolidated financial statements of Huayu Automotive Electric Drive System Co.,Ltd, a subsidiary of SAIC Motor, so that the group's R&D expenses were accordingly increased. GAC Group GAC Group posted a YoY growth of 2.79% with its revenues for the first three quarters totaling RMB52.822 billion. Meanwhile, its cumulative net profits attributable to shareholders rose 10.02% over a year ago to RMB9.86 billion, according to the official financial report released on October 30. In the third quarter, the automaker saw its quarterly operation revenues fell 3.67% from a year earlier to RMB16.116 billion and the net profits attributable to shareholders reached RMB2.947 billion with a YoY increase of 6.03%. GAC Group attributed its profit growth to the continuous increase in the sales of self-owned models, the improvement in R&D capability and the faster launching of new products. Besides, the joint ventures also generated blooming economic benefits thanks to the overall sales growth driven by such lucrative models as the eighth-generation Camry and the Outlander. Great Wall Motor Great Wall Motor reported revenue of RMB66.65 billion for the first three quarters with an increase of 5% year on year while the net profit attributable to the shareholders of the listed company jumps 36.36% to RMB3.927 billion during the period. However, the automaker's revenue in the third quarter fell 19% from a year ago to RMB 17.966 billion. Its net profit attributable to the shareholders of the listed company was nearly halved to RMB231 million compared with the same period last year. Official price reduction on some models and sales promotion may contribute to the profit drop in the third quarter. What's more, WEY, the automaker's premium brand, needs much more money for greater publicity. Vehicle sales decline exerted great influence on its profits. In September, Great Wall sold 86,700 new vehicles, down 15% year on year. For the first nine months, the company's vehicle sales totaled 676,700, only, 58.33% of its 1.16-million annual sales target. In consequence, Great Wall saw its profit decline. BAIC Motor BAIC Motor reported that it earned RMB120.258 billion in revenues for the first three quarters of the year, achieving a YoY growth of 15.56%. For the first nine months, the company's operating profits jumped 32.69% over a year ago to RMB17.019 billion and its net profits attributable to shareholders amounted to RMB3.806 billion, strikingly surging 93.32% from a year earlier. According to sales data released by the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA), Beijing Benz witnessed its sales evidently grew 16.02% year on year to around 41,000 units last month. Beijing Hyundai delivered around 80,000 vehicles in September, suffering a YoY drop of 5.86%. By the end of September, the joint venture saw its cumulative sales jump 15.57% from a year ago to 561,200 units. BYD From January to September, BYD's revenues totaled RMB88.981 billion, a YoY increase of 20.35%. However, its cumulative net profits attributable to shareholders slumped 45.3% from the previous year to RMB1.527 billion, the automaker announced on October 30. In the third quarter, the company gained RMB34.83 billion in revenues with a YoY growth of 20.54%, while saw its net profits attributable to shareholders fell 1.92% over a year ago to RMB1.048 billion. BYD said its net profit decline should be attributed to the phase-out of the NEV (new energy vehicle) subsidy, which led to the evident YoY decrease in the overall profits of NEV businesses, including electric buses and new energy passenger vehicles. Changan Automobile Changan Automobile's sales revenue totaled RMB 49.85 billion in the first nine months, down 3% compared with the same period of last year. During the period, the automaker's net profit plunged nearly 80% to RMB 1.16 billion. For the third quarter, the company posted sales revenue of RMB 14.21 billion, falling 20.51% year on year while the net profit nosedived to RMB 450 million by 137.51 percent from a year ago. Sales decline is the main contributor to the result. In the first nine months, Changan sold 1,647,616 new vehicles, down 20% compared with 2,058,204 of the same period last year. The company's self-owned brand and joint ventures both saw stagnant sales. Dongfeng Automobile Dongfeng Automobile Co., Ltd (Dongfeng Automobile) claimed that its Jan-Sept. revenues shrank 28.88% compared with the year-ago period to RMB9.243 billion, while the net profits attributable to shareholders zoomed up 259% YoY to RMB 414 million. The automaker said that the revenues from Zhengzhou Nissan were excluded in this financial report, thus led to a sharp decline in cumulative revenues. From November, 2017, Zhengzhou Nissan would no longer be included in the scope of consolidation of Dongfeng Automobile's consolidated financial statements. FAW Car FAW Car's revenues for the first three quarters amounted to RMB19.032 billion, a YoY drop of 4.01%. The net profits available to equity shareholders shot up 53.6% over the previous year to RMB135 million with the earnings per share standing at RMB0.083. In the third quarter, the automaker gained RMB5.553 billion in revenues with a YoY decline of 13.57%. The quarterly net profits attributable to shareholders soared 160.96% YoY to RMB54.207 million. The company stated that the downturn in revenues and gross margin was partly caused by the sales decline, the fluctuation in raw material price and the adjustment of self-owned product lineup. BAIC BluePark BAIC BluePark New Energy Technology Co.,Ltd released the first financial report since it went on public, which said that the company attained a remarkable YoY growth of 63.21% with its revenues for the first three quarters reaching RMB9.787 billion. Meanwhile, the net profits available to shareholders leapt 56.13% from a year ago to RMB133 million. Its subsidiary Beijing Electric Vehicle Co.,Ltd. (BAIC BJEV) delivered 11,560 vehicles in September, achieving a YoY jump of 35.22%. For the first nine months, the subsidiary saw its year-to-date sales surged 61.40% from a year ago to 81,678 units. On October 18, BAIC BJEV announced its 2025 mid-long term technology development planning and elaborated on the brand-new artificial intelligence auto system, the Darwin System. JAC Motors JAC Motors witnessed its Jan-Sept revenues edged up 2.22% from the previous year to RMB36.331 billion. However, it came across a steep YoY reduction of 78.13% with the cumulative net profits attributable to shareholders amounting to only RMB48 million. The profit plunge should be partly ascribed to the sales decline. From January to September, the automaker sold 361,559 vehicles in total, suffering a YoY decrease of 5.53%. Additionally, the change of NEV policy and product lineup resulted in a YoY drop of 3.3% in main businesses incomes. The fluctuating exchange rate and rising financing cost led to a larger financial expenditure, which was RMB71.83 million more than that of a year ago. FAW Xiali For the first nine months, Tianjin FAW Xiali Automobile Co., Ltd. earned RMB942 million of revenues with a YoY drop of 5.49%. Meanwhile, the company saw its net profit loss shrink to RMB1.003 billion, 10.73% lower than that of a year earlier. FAW Xiali announced on September 28 that it transfers 100% stake in its wholly-owned subsidiary FAW Huali (Tianjin) Automobile Co. Ltd to Future Mobility Corporation (FMC), the Nanjing-based company behind the all-electric car brand BYTON with a value of RMB 1. The transaction will make BYTON qualified to produce passenger vehicles (PV). FAW Xiali plans to transfer its 15% stake in Tianjin FAW Toyota to FAW Group Corporation, another stakeholder of Tianjin FAW Toyota, the automaker said on October 29. Next in the series of Interviews with Leaders is an interview with Mr. Ludwig Bouldoukian, Regional VP of Development, Middle East and North Africa - Hyatt Hotels Corporation. 1. What is Hyatt Hotels Corporations brand portfolio, market presence, and pipeline across the Middle East? Hyatt currently operates 17 full service and three select service properties across the Middle East and North Africa. The portfolio consists of 14 premier brands worldwide; in this region specifically, the luxury segment consists of Park Hyatt, while Grand Hyatt & Hyatt Regency fall in the premium category. Andaz, the luxury lifestyle brand is set to make its brand entry in November in the UAEs capital city Abu Dhabi. Hyatts select-service brands include Hyatt Place and Hyatt House. Hyatt House is set to launch in the KSA in the coming years and we consider this more as an extended stay property. Hyatt has steadfast growth plans and we plan to double our portfolio in the region by 2022. 2. What are Hyatts development strategies in the Middle East and Africa region? What are the key segments and geographical areas that are driving Hyatts growth in the Middle East? Our goal is to continue the development in the region and whilst maintaining the relationships with existing owners. We also want to gradually expand to new owners while making sure we are offering the right product for the right location and market. A tremendous amount of thought and planning goes into our development process; as a brand, we do not wish to be the biggest, but to be the most preferred for our guests and our owners. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is an important market for us with our primary locations of interest being the Eastern Provinces, Riyadh, Jeddah as well as the holy cities of Makkah and Medina. For the short term, demand in Saudi Arabia will be mainly domestically driven and will be serviced by our select-service hotels including Hyatt Place and Hyatt House. Another important source of demand will be from the Middle East and wider GCC travelers, as well as regional Islamic markets which should all drive a great source of demand in the long-term. International and regional business travelers will of course remain a focal source of demand for all our hotels in the Kingdom. With significant human and financial resources, we expect Vision 2030, to reduce the Kingdoms dependence on oil, diversify its economy, and develop tourism. We consider the Red Sea development and the other proposed projects as excellent initiatives in order to drive long-term demand in the country while keeping the cultural heritage and ecological integrity. In addition to our existing portfolio of brands in the Middle East, we are going to continue to develop our lifestyle and select-service brands in markets such as the UAE, KSA, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman. 3. How does Hyatt differentiate itself from the competitors? What is your value proposition to the hotel owners? Our market presence is smaller compared to other operators due to the fact that we are careful with the choice of our projects. We do so because our focus is not only to grow, but to grow with intent, through choosing the right partner, project, and location to maintain our unparalleled reputation towards our guests and owners. Furthermore, our accessibility to the right people set us apart. Hyatt has built a resourceful team on-ground in Dubai. We are always available and responsive anytime an owner has any questions or concerns about their existing property or their future project. It is crucial for us to maintain an approachable attitude towards our owners, while still being affiliated with a prominent international brand. 4. In your experience, what are the areas of concern that hotel owners are becoming increasingly aware about during hotel management agreement negotiation? The mentality has shifted in the Middle East and owners have now a growing awareness of the importance of healthy returns on their investment in the shadow of the recent increase in supply and RevPAR challenges that are seen across the region. As a result, hotel owners are becoming more cautious about what they are developing. They are doing so slowly shifting towards select-service and lifestyle hotels, much like boutique hotels affiliated with reputable brands. Overall, the owners and developers are becoming more sophisticated as the market matures. Another focus point for hotel owners is to carefully control their development costs. Experienced owners understand the need to deliver an exceptional product to maintain a strong competitive position in the market. They do so by following the brands design standards and the recommendations of operator- approved consultants during the design stage. We proactively assist the owners to determine the right brand for their development as this is the first step in a successful partnership. 5. What is your experience with HVS and how would you describe its value proposition and the contribution of its consultancy services to your development initiatives? HVS has extensive experience in dealing with hospitality project, the team is very approachable and responsive. The feasibility studies conducted by HVS are clear, detailed, objective, and offer a great amount of tangibility. The reports are realistic because HVSs consultants adhere to factual market data, and this is why we think HVS has the reputation of being one of the worlds finest hospitality consulting firms. www.hvs.com Daily News Delivery Join your colleagues and stay up to date on the latest Hotel industry news and trends. Subscribe 2021 Hotel News Resource The main trade group for French hotels has sued the home-sharing giant Airbnb, accusing it of unfair competition by 'knowingly violating' rules imposed as part of a crackdown in one of the US giant's biggest markets. Excerpt from France24 The main trade group for French hotels has sued the home-sharing giant Airbnb, accusing it of unfair competition by 'knowingly violating' rules imposed as part of a crackdown in one of the US giant's biggest markets. In the lawsuit seen by AFP on Tuesday, the UMIH hotel industry body accuses Airbnb of keeping listings online even when they lack the required registration numbers, a rule recently introduced in Paris and other French cities to crack down on people who rent out their property as a full-time business. Airbnb knows that some owners rent their rooms or apartments for more than the 120-day yearly limit, or that renters are illegally using the site, the lawsuit also claims. An initial court hearing has been set for February 14, 2019. Click here to read complete article at France24. Daily News Delivery Join your colleagues and stay up to date on the latest Hotel industry news and trends. Subscribe 2021 Hotel News Resource With Groundbreaking Slated for Early 2019, Executive Enlisted to Lead Construction of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel and Residences, Honolulu Mana'olana Partners, the ownership entity of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel and Residences, Honolulu established by real estate development firm Salem Partners, has named industry veteran Robert Centra senior vice president, design and construction management for the Mandarin Oriental Hotel and Residences, Honolulu. The iconic 36-story tower is on track to break ground and launch sales in early 2019, ushering in a new era for ultra-luxury in Hawaii and helping to further shape Honolulu's evolving skyline. "Rob is widely respected in the design and construction industry having executed the vision for many of the prolific developments that exist in Honolulu today," said James Ratkovich, managing director of Salem Partners. "We are fortunate to tap into Rob's exceptional talent and expertise to propel our dynamic vision for the Ala Moana district forward." Centra brings more than 30 years of experience in multi-family residential, corporate, office and commercial developments. Prior to Mana'olana Partners, he served as senior vice president of design and construction management for The Howard Hughes Corporation, where he led the design and construction for four high-rise residential towers within Ward Village, the company's 60-acre master plan community in Honolulu. A long-time resident of Hawaii, he has held past senior positions with SL Busch & Associates, DMB and Marriott Vacation Club International. Centra holds a Bachelor of Science degree in construction management from Syracuse University. "It is truly an honor to be involved with a project of this magnitude that will positively shape the future of Honolulu and serve as the new nexus of Honolulu," said Mr. Centra. "Salem Partners has enlisted an all-star team of architects and interior designers whom I am thrilled to work alongside as we bring this magnificent project to life." Mandarin Oriental, Honolulu is being conceived by a roster of international designers including Meyer Davis, Dianna Wong and Hart Howerton that is unprecedented for Hawaii. Rising 418 feet above Honolulu, the 743,000-square-foot tower will house 125 chic and contemporary guestrooms and suites, designed to reflect the local culture while paying homage to Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group's heritage. Located on the tower's upper floors starting at level 19, a collection of 99 exclusive residences will represent the most distinguished residential offerings available in the world. The development marks the first project to be approved under Honolulu's Ala Moana Transit Oriented Development Plan and will serve as a new face for the city's dynamic and vibrant Ala Moana District, further solidifying Honolulu's position as a world-class cosmopolitan city. Located on one of the most iconic street corners in the state of Hawaii adjacent to the Hawaii Convention Center, Mandarin Oriental, Honolulu will serve as a new gateway to Waikiki and Ala Moana, bringing one of the world's most renowned hotel brands back to the city. Daily News Delivery Join your colleagues and stay up to date on the latest Hotel industry news and trends. Subscribe 2021 Hotel News Resource iTunes has decided to do something a little erroneous in order to appease the onslaught of American-based Ariana Grande fans crying foul. As we reported, the surge of traffic (interest) for Kris Wu's album in his native China bumped Ariana Grande's new single to an unexpected runner-up position on the Global charts. The Chinese-Canadian pop's stars new album Antares was wreaking havoc on several Top 10 lists until the possibility of fraudulence was brought to Apple's attention courtesy Ariana's fans. They conducted their own thorough investigation into the matter, deciding to nullify his numbers on account of a non-egregious error. Unfortunately, the ruling came at the expense of Kri Wu's total sales haul, Variety has reported. The first sign of a foul play came to light on social media when users pointed out Kris Wu's typically spotty sales numbers outside of China. According to Insiders, the anomaly is best explained as a unique case of "supply in the U.S. meeting demand in China." Kris Wu had intended for Antares to coincide with his birthday on November 6th, but the project was somehow leaked into space ahead of its release date. In other news, Ariana Grande will not debut her full project as rumored. She will instead spend a little more time tightening the nuts and bolts. Just when you think Drake can't get any bigger of a superstar, he proves everyone wrong. Drake dominated 2018 with the release of Scorpion which produced three chart-topping singles, "God's Plan," "Nice For What," and "In My Feelings." Each song maintained its position on the chart for over two months and Scorpion held down the top of the Billboard 200 for a month straight. While it's only been a few months since the project's release, Drake is already gearing up for its follow-up. During the Edmonton stop on the Aubrey & The Three Migos tour, Drake revealed his plans to work on the follow-up to Scorpion after he wraps up his tour with Migos. "Six shows left. So, I guess most people would go on a vacation, or I don't know what they do... But I'mma tell you what I'm gonna do," he told the crowd in Edmonton. "Because I keep having nights like this that remind me why I love my job so much, I promise you that as soon as this tour is overand maybe I'll take, like, a little breakI'mma get right to work on a new album, so we can be right here in Edmonton and have a new party." Hopefully, we get the album at some point in 2019. Watch Drake announce the Scorpion follow-up below. I was quietly worried LaMelo Ball would be stuck in the purgatory of his dad's knee-jerk decisions. Don't get me wrong, LaVar Ball is phenomenal Dad, but I didn't understand the ramifications of his decision to pull LaMelo out of his high school curriculum, or how it would affect him long term. Thankfully, LaMelo was thrown a rope (of his choosing) last week, when decided to reenlist in an Ohio prep school, just in time for his Senior year. By the looks of it, folks in Ohio are pretty enthused with the idea of hosting the Baller Brand. They even erected a LaMelo to celebrate his arrival (I kid you not). https://twitter.com/_/status/1060911495037493248 LaMelo was ranked in the top 15 nationally for his age before he and his brother left for Lithuania. So naturally, LaMelo and his team are looking at top ranking NCAA programs, in the event he chooses to go the collegiate route. https://twitter.com/_/status/1060936363065917440 According to WKYC's Ben Axelrod, LaMelo has listed North Carolina, Duke, Kentucky, Kansas and Michigan State as the programs he'd consider suiting up for. In the case of his brother LiAngelo, the option to re-enlist at the collegiate has come and passed, after going undrafted and unsigned in a tragic series of missteps. Early this morning, another mass shooting occurred when twelve people were murdered at a bar in Thousand Oaks, California. The news is devastating and anybody with connections in the area was terrified for their friends and family. Tamera Mowry was among the people frantically looking for any news about the victims. The host of The Real and star of Sister, Sister with her twin Tia was posting on social media as she searched for any updates. She knew that her niece was at the bar but hadn't heard from her in hours. Unfortunately, it has been confirmed that Tamera's niece, Alaina Housley, was among the twelve people that lost their lives. According to USA Today, Mowry and her husband have released a statement about the shocking news. "Our hearts are broken," they said. "We just learned that our niece Alaina was one of the victims of last nights shooting at Borderline bar in Thousand Oaks. Alaina was an incredible young woman with so much life ahead of her and we are devastated that her life was cut short in this manner. We thank everyone for your prayers and ask for privacy at this time." Housley's Apple Watch and iPhone showed her location at the bar until today but her family was hopeful she had left them there before fleeing. Her friends are currently being treated at the hospital for glass wounds after escaping through a window. Unfortunately, Alaina lost her life during the shooting. RIP Alaina Housley. https://www.instagram.com/p/Bp7R0NBlg83 WASHINGTON - House Democrats plan to hold a vote early next year on protecting health coverage for people with pre-existing conditions - testing GOP commitments to such protections that many Republicans adopted during difficult reelection campaigns. Rep. Richard Neal, D-Mass., who will be chairman of the Ways and Means Committee next year, said such a vote should happen immediately upon Democrats assuming control of the House in January. The vote would be the natural sequel to Democrats' successful midterm strategy of focusing on health care and attacking Republicans relentlessly over their attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act, which included landmark pre-existing condition protections. During the campaign many Republicans insisted they actually wanted pre-existing conditions protected, a shift Democrats called disingenuous. A vote on the issue would give Republicans a chance to follow through. "We need a vote on pre-existing conditions right away," Neal said in a post-election interview in his hometown of Springfield, Massachusetts, on Wednesday. "We said that was one of the cornerstones of the ACA. After they saw how badly their position was polling on it, they said they were for it." Neal said he envisioned legislation that would affirm guaranteed coverage for pre-existing conditions as settled law - and that would strike back at the lawsuit 20 Republican-led states are pursuing in federal court in Texas, with the support of the Trump administration, to declare the Affordable Care Act unconstitutional. "We can't go back and forth on these things every election cycle. Let's establish the principle, embrace it, and move on," Neal said of requiring insurers to cover patients with pre-existing conditions. "I think we'd have to come up with something that promoted the idea that it wasn't going away. And the attorneys general of the United States, the 20 attorneys general, should not be seeking relief in a Texas federal court." House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., who is the leading candidate to become House speaker next year, supports the strategy, a spokesman said. "Voters across the country have delivered a resounding verdict against Republicans' war on health care," said Pelosi spokesman Henry Connelly. "The new Democratic House majority will move swiftly to defend the vital protections for people with people with pre-existing conditions still under legal assault by the GOP." Legislation on pre-existing conditions might not make it through the Senate, which will remain under Republican control next year. But it would be a key element of Democrats' messaging as they assume control of the House and work to take action on their campaign promises. If Republicans and President Donald Trump did go along with Democratic legislation on pre-existing conditions, that would move Democrats toward their long-held goal of protecting as much of Obamacare as they can. Trump, too, has long insisted he wants to safeguard protections for people with pre-existing conditions. Neal also said that Democrats would advance legislation to undo regulations released by the Trump administration that undermine the Affordable Care Act. Following the GOP-controlled Congress' failure last year to repeal "Obamacare," the administration has taken various steps to loosen the law's provisions. The administration has expanded availability of health plans that circumvent some ACA coverage requirements, including inexpensive plans originally intended for short-term use that don't have to cover pre-existing conditions. "We devised much of the health care bill, and I think that where we did legislation they're using administrative rulings to pick it apart," said Neal. "So I think addressing some of those issues, again, with legislation - at least getting it out of the House for the purpose of getting everybody's attention - would make a good deal of sense." Neal added: "Say what you want about the legislation called ACA. You had a chance to vote for it or against it. As opposed to farming it out to the fourth branch of government, the administrative branch." As Ways and Means chairman, Neal, 69, who was first elected to the House in 1988, will have jurisdiction over tax policy, including the new $1.5 trillion tax cut law that Democrats unanimously opposed. But in contrast to Republicans' long-running campaign against the Affordable Care Act, which included scores of repeal votes beginning when Republicans took control of the House in 2010, Neal said he doesn't plan to move to roll back the tax law. He said he would hold hearings on the legislation, but said that any tax policy he advanced would be bipartisan, and that Democrats weren't elected to the majority to pursue payback. "I don't want to say that all of a sudden we won so we can be punitive or small-minded," Neal said. "I want to get past that idea." WASHINGTON - A federal judge in Montana has blocked the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline after finding the Trump administration had failed to conduct necessary environmental reviews. U.S. District Judge Brian Morris's ruling puts into further question a project that had galvanized the environmental movement and President Donald Trump had made a cornerstone of his bid for U.S. "energy dominance." NEBRASKA ROUTE: Victory for Keystone XL, but will TransCanda build pipeline? In 2015 the Obama administration rejected Canadian developer TransCanada's application to build an 1,100 mile pipeline from the Alberta tar sands fields into the United States on the grounds it would increase greenhouse gas emissions and hurt U.S. leadership in climate change. In his ruling late Thursday, Morris said the Trump administration had failed to provide evidence showing the pipeline would not do so, violating numerous federal regulations limiting policy changes from one administration to the next. "The Trump administration tried to force this dirty pipeline project on the American people," said Sierra Club attorney Doug Hayes. "Today's ruling makes it clear once and for all that it's time for TransCanada to give up on their Keystone XL pipe dream." HOT SECTOR: Once sleepy pipeline sector now at center of the action Asked about the ruling outside the White House Friday, Trump suggested the government would appeal Morris's ruling in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco. "Everything ends up in the 9th Circuit," he said, with Marine One idling in the background. "It was a political decision made by the judge. I think it's a disgrace." TransCanada did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Were Morris's ruling to hold up under appeal, it could take years for the Trump administration to conduct the necessary environmental reviews. In the meantime, it's unclear whether the pipeline still makes economic sense today. TransCanada first filed the application for the $5.2 billion Keystone XL in 2008, when oil prices were over $100 a barrel. TransCanada has yet to say whether it will move ahead on the pipeline, which could deliver more than 800,000 barrels of crude a day to Texas refineries. But for now, expectations are the pipeline will ultimately go ahead, said Zachary Rogers, an energy analyst at Wood Mackenzie. "While definitely a major setback in terms of timing, this is unlikely to be the nail in the coffin for Keystone XL," he said. TransCanada Corp.s long-delayed Keystone XL pipeline project was blocked by a Montana federal judge pending further environmental review. Thursday nights ruling is the latest set-back for the Calgary-based pipeline company in its decade-long push to construct a 1,179-mile long conduit to deliver crude from Albertas oil sands to a Nebraska junction, en route to refineries near the Gulf of Mexico. The Indigenous Environmental Network, River Alliance and Northern Plains Resource Council filed a pair of lawsuits against the U.S. in March 2017 shortly after President Donald Trump gave his approval for the project to cross the U.S.-Canada border. TransCanada joined the litigation to defend the permit approval. RELATED: Anadarko sells pipelines for $4B to merged Western Gas spinoff U.S. District Judge Brian Morris in Great Falls agreed with the groups argument that a 2014 environmental impact assessment fell short of the National Environmental Policy Act and other regulatory standards. The judge barred both TransCanada and the U.S. from "from engaging in any activity in furtherance of the construction or operation of Keystone and associated facilities" until the U.S. State Department completes a supplemental review. Morris was appointed in 2013 by then-President Barack Obama, who had refused to grant a cross-border permit for the international project. Morris has ordered it vacated. IN CHINA: Welcome to pipelines on wheels as LNG giant turns to trucks Nebraskas Supreme Court last week heard arguments from attorneys for landowners seeking to overturn that states public service commission approval of its route there. The case is Indigenous Environmental Network v. U.S., 17-cv-00029, U.S. District Court, District of Montana (Great Falls). 2018 Bloomberg L.P. In the space of about a month, oil has gone from riding a rocket toward $100 to slumping into a bear market. Futures tumbled 1.6 percent Thursday in New York, extending a decline from its October high to more than 20 percent and adding pressure on OPEC and its allies to cut supply just months after adding barrels. A faster-than-expected inventory buildup dashed speculators hopes that prices could reach $100. U.S. crude production has accelerated to new records, OPEC output is at the highest in years and waivers will allow some Iranian crude to flow to the market despite U.S. sanctions. Sentiment has shifted, said Bart Melek, head of global commodity strategy at TD Securities in Toronto. OPEC has put on more crude than we thought and second of all, these waivers are becoming an impediment to price support. Oils slide from a four-year high has been fueled by concerns that faltering emerging market economies and a U.S.-China trade war will dampen fuel demand as supply grows from multiple directions. Over the past few months, OPEC has ratcheted up production amid calls from U.S. President Donald Trump to offset declines in Iranian shipments. In October, OPECs crude production hit the highest since 2016 and Russia hiked its output to a record of almost 11.41 million barrels a day. West Texas Intermediate crude futures for December delivery sank $1 to settle at $60.67 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, the lowest level since March. Total volume traded was about 37 percent above the 100-day average. It was the ninth straight drop, the longest streak of losses since 2014. WTI is down 21 percent since settling at $76.41 a barrel on Oct. 3, meeting the common definition of a bear market. Oversold Market Technical indicators signal a rebound may come soon, with the 14-day relative strength index below 30, a level suggesting the market is oversold. Brent futures for January settlement slid $1.42 to end the session at $70.65 on the London-based ICE Futures Europe exchange. The global benchmark crude traded at a $9.79 premium to WTI for the same month. With oversupply looming, production cuts might be on the horizon once again. Delegates say OPEC ministers and allies will meet Sunday in Abu Dhabi to discuss scenarios including the option to trim production again next year. To contact the reporter on this story: Jessica Summers in New York at jsummers24@bloomberg.net To contact the editor responsible for this story: David Marino at dmarino4@bloomberg.net 2018 Bloomberg L.P. Pipelines have traditionally operated as the dull middle man of the energy sector, a business so boring that the hard-charging Enron dumped its pipeline holdings to chase sexier businesses during its rapid, but short-lived rise. Today, however, the once sleepy industry is where the action is, attracting billions of dollars in investment, launching new companies and spurring a wave of mergers, acquisitions and sales. Nowhere is the action more intense than in Texas, where companies of all sizes, public and private, are planning to spend more than $40 billion to build or expand almost 10,000 miles of pipelines long enough to stretch from West Texas to China to connect booming oil production in the Permian Basin primarily to refining and export markets along the Gulf Coast. The players buying and building pipelines include the worlds largest energy companies, such as Exxon Mobil of Irving, major Houston pipeline companies like Kinder Morgan and Plains All American, refiners such as Phillips 66 of Houston, and a growing list of startups backed by private equity investors. Over the past few years, analysts count dozens of new pipeline companies entering the market and more than 20 multibillion-dollar projects potentially getting underway. They seem to be announcing new pipelines every day, said Sandy Fielden, director of oil and products research at Morningstar, the Chicago investment research firm. On HoustonChronicle.com: Two more deals in busy pipeline sector Texas is at the center of the action, aided by its friendly regulatory climate as well as its vast energy resources. Texas accounts for about 40 percent of the nations record oil production which the Energy Department estimates at 11.6 million barrels a day with most of it coming from the Permian. Along with oil, energy companies also are producing record volumes of natural gas and natural gas liquids, such as ethane, propane and butane, which feed the petrochemical industry thats also expanding rapidly along the Gulf Coast. But the rapidly rising production has outpaced pipeline capacity, leading many companies to leave oil in the ground and burn off natural gas in a practice know as flaring until new pipelines can carry their energy products to market. Were feverishly trying to address the needs of the Permian Basin, said Jeff Welch, president of NAmerico Energy, a pipeline startup based in The Woodlands. These pipeline projects cant come soon enough. Private equity wave NAmerico is trying to to build the 460-mile Pecos Trail natural gas pipeline that would stretch from the Waha oil field in the Permian to just west of Corpus Christi in Agua Dulce, where it would connect to existing pipelines across the Gulf Coast or into Mexico to feed power plants and liquefied natural gas export facilitiess. The pipeline carries a price tag of more than $2 billion. NAmerico, backed by the Dallas private equity firm Cresta Energy Capital, is an example of the flood of private equity money coming into the pipeline. Private equity firms pool money from wealthy institutional and individual investors and seek undervalued and emerging assets that have the potential to yield bigger returns than traditional investments, such as stocks and bonds. Private equity firms snapped up Permian acreage at discounts during the oil bust and, after cashing in, moved into the Eagle Ford shale in South Texas, where drilling activity is picking up, and the Gulf of Mexico, where offshore blocks can be acquired at bargain prices. Now, private equity is moving more into pipelines, which hold the promise of big payouts through quick and steady cash flow pipelines make money even before oil and gas is sold with the potential to flip them for outsized profits. On HoustonChronicle.com: Protests pick up as environmentalists target pipelines NAmerico launched in 2014 with big goals. Rather than focus on smaller regional pipeline networks, NAmerico opted for larger, long-haul pipelines, coming up with the first proposal for a major new gas pipeline. Welch joked that he sometimes asks himself late at night why he went that route. Securing the necessary long-term contracts to finance the project is tough, especially when its a private startup versus well-known industry players such as Kinder Morgan, Targa Resources of Houston and Williams Cos. of Tulsa, which have all since progressed competing projects. Its proven somewhat challenging on our part to overcome that stigma, Welch acknowledged. We are in a pretty strong footrace. Another new private equity-backed player is EPIC Midstream, which was launched in early 2017 with the private equity firm Ares Management of Los Angeles. EPIC is building both crude oil and natural gas liquids pipelines that will traverse the state from southeastern New Mexico to Corpus Christi. Its 700-mile NGL pipeline is scheduled to go into operation in the third quarter of 2019, but will initially transport crude oil until EPICs crude system starts up in early 2020. Private equity has also driven a series of multibillion-dollar deals. Houston oil producer Occidental Petroleum recently sold its Permian pipeline network and its oil-exporting terminal near Corpus Christi for $2.6 billion to two private equity Houston startups, Lotus Midstream and Moda Midstream. Much of Medallion Pipeline of Dallas was recently sold from one private equity firm, The Energy & Minerals Group, to another, Global Infrastructure Partners, for about $2 billion. Another Houston producer, Apache Corp., is forming a partnership with the Los Angeles private equity firm Kayne Anderson to spin off its Permian pipeline into a new $3.5 billion company called Altus Midstream. Private equity is playing an outsized role here, said Ethan Bellamy, an energy analyst at Robert W. Baird & Co. Raised profile Private equity firms, however, are not the only deal makers. Last year, in the biggest pipeline deal of late, Canadas Enbridge bought Houston-based Spectra Energy for $28 billion. The Woodlands exploration and production company Anadarko Petroleum on Thursday said it would sell its pipelines primarily in West Texas and Colorado to its spinoff Western Gas Partners in a $4 billion stock-and-cash deal. In the most unusual deal, the Canadian pension fund OMERS the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System recently paid $1.5 billion for a 50 percent stake in the expanded BridgeTex oil pipeline that runs from the Permian to Houston. But the quickening pace of deals is not only raising the profile of pipelines among energy companies and investors, but also environmentalists. Concerned about climate change, pipeline accidents and the impact on environmenally sensitive areas, activists have launched aggressive campaigns and protests to block pipelines in recent years, notably the Canada-to-Nebraska Keystone XL, whose construction was blocked again Thursday by a federal judge in Montana, and the Dakota Access that begins in North Dakota. In Louisiana, ongoing protests are trying to stop construction of the Bayou Bridge pipeline from Port Arthur to St. James, La. The lack of pipeline capacity in Texas is adding another complication to the environmental debate particularly in the Permian. Unable to transport the natural gas that is a byproduct of pumping oil, producers are simply burning it off. On HoustonChronicle.com: Is Big Oil serious about methane emissions? Natural gas is mostly methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. The Permian is approaching 400 million cubic feet of gas flared daily, which is more than $1 million of natural gas a day, analysts said. With the climate crisis, whats happening out there is unimaginable, said Sharon Wilson, a Texas organizer for the environmental advocacy group Earthworks. Wilson said the answer isnt building more pipelines, but rather finding cleaner energy sources and reducing the use of fossil fuels. Energy companies and analysts have a different solution more pipelines but agree that flaring is a problem. Some companies are reducing oil production in Texas because theyre on the verge of surpassing the amounts of natural gas theyre legally permitted to flare in the state, said Sunil Sibal, an energy analyst with Seaport Global Securities in New York. Its really bad optics, Sibal said. Without having an outlet for the gas, it becomes more of a critical issue. Theyre flaring pretty aggressively and the situation is going to get worse. jordan.blum@chron.com twitter.com/jdblum23 Fewer U.S. households are choosing their own retail electric provider as the practice has become less popular in some states, the Energy Department reported. The number of consumers participating in retail choice programs in which consumers pick their own electricity seller and the power is delivered by the local monopoly utility, peaked four years ago at 17.2 million, representing 13 percent of total residential customers. Last year 16.7 million customers chose their own plans. Thirteen states offer residential retail choice programs. Texas, which requires 87 percent of the state population to choose their own retail electric provider, has the biggest program. Other large ones include Ohio, Illinois and Massachusetts. RELATED: It pays to switch power plans, but few Houstonians do But over the past few years, the practice has lost favor among consumers. In Illinois, choosing a retail provider was initially popular, with the state experiencing some of the highest growth rates between 2009 and 2013. Communities could negotiate competitive rates and lower natural gas prices helped to reduce costs. Retail choice was also popular in Ohio, which begun deregulating its electricity market in 1999. But one of the major electricity sellers that serves both Illinois and Ohio imposed a one-time surcharge of $5 to $15 on customers in both states after a cold snap in 2014, a move that caused hard feelings because customers of the regulated utility did not have to pay the same surcharge. RELATED: Cottage industry rises from complexity of choosing electricity plans In response, 16 percent of the residential customers in Illinois who had chosen their own retail sellers switched back to their regulated utility providers in 2015 and 18 percent the following year. Last year, 35 percent of residential customers in Illinois had chosen their own electric provider, down from 57 percent in 2014. Consumers in Ohio also reverted back to their traditional utility companies but at a slower pace. In 2015, 3 percent switched back and 2 percent the following year. Thanksgiving Day dinner is a celebration. For the home cook, it can also be a logistical challenge. If you dont feel like cooking or baking, these Houston restaurants will be open and most will be serving traditional holiday fare. We recommend reserving a table soon, as many of them are booking up quickly. La Table: The upstairs dining room will offer a prix fixe menu, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Its $95 for adults, $45 for children ages 5-12. Main course is your choice of oven-roasted organic turkey; pan-seared halibut and beef tenderloin and foie gras. An a la carte menu is available at the more casual cafe downstairs. 1800 Post Oak; 713-439-1000. Rainbow Lodge: Open 11:15 a.m.-7:30 p.m. with a three-course menu ($60 for adults, $45 for kids). Appetizer choices include trio of wild game, smoked duck gumbo or autumn lettuces and gorgonzola salad. Entree options: wild game duo; rainbow trout with lump crab and pecan brown butter; grilled tenderloin filet; or Southern-style roast turkey with traditional sides. For dessert? Warm croissant bread pudding, chocolate bourbon pecan pie and gluten-free lemon ice box pie. 2011 Ella; reservations required, 713-861-8666. B&B Butchers & Restaurant: The steakhouse will be open 11 a.m.-8 p.m. with a prix fixe dinner menu of classic Thanksgiving dishes ($59 per person; $25 for kids 12 and under) as well as regular dinner-menu items. 1814 Washington; reservations required, 713-862-1814. Four Seasons Downtown Houston: Quattro restaurant will be open 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; $110 for adults, $49 for kids. 1300 Lamar; 713-276-4700. Brasserie du Parc: The French restaurant facing Discovery Green will be open noon-7:30 p.m. with a three-course meal for $42 for adults, $20 for kids. First course choices are butternut squash soup, pan-roasted shrimp salad, and brie crostini with shaved pear and pepper honey. Second courses: roasted turkey with traditional sides; seared salmon with ratatouille; braised beef short ribs with pommes mousseline; and fall vegetable risotto. 1440 Lamar; 832-879-2802. Hotel Granduca: Brunch at Ristorante Cavour will feature a buffet, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., with turkey and all the trimmings plus prime beef, seafood, salads, pasta and desserts; $85 for adults, $40 for kids ages 5-12. 1080 Uptown Park Blvd.; for reservations call 713-418-1000. Bosscat Kitchen & Libations: The River Oaks restaurant at will serve dinner noon-7 p.m. with no dress code and a unique pricing structure: $45 for two proteins or $55 for three proteins for adults ($15 for kids 12 and under). The proteins include maple-bourbon brined turkey, brown sugar baked ham and dry-aged roast beef. Served with salad and family-style side dishes. Half-off all wine; $5 Texas draft beer. 4310 Westheimer; 281-501-1187. The Classic: Three-course prix fixe menu, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., for $40 per person. Highlights include squash soup with gluten-free croutons and vegan herb crema; maple-glazed turkey breast (with smoked turkey gravy, whipped potatoes, fall vegetables, challah dressing and cranberry sauce); and dessert (sweet potato layer cake or chocolate cake with fudge pecan icing and vanilla ice cream). 5922 Washington; 713-868-1131. Carmelos Cucina Italiana: Open 11 a.m.-8 p.m. serving a three-course dinner think pumpkin ravioli, roasted turkey with stuffing, bourbon glazed ha with sides and dessert for $45 for adults, $20 for kids 11 and under. Also serving regular dinner menu. 14795 Memorial; 281-531-0696. Main Kitchen: The restaurant in the JW Marriott downtown will serve dinner 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. The a la carte menu includes roasted quail with chestnut puree or green bean salad with crispy pancetta as appetizers; roasted turkey with cornbread stuffing or prime rib with potato puree and Brussels sprouts; a variety of side dishes; and pumpkin pie. 806 Main; jwmarriotthotelhouston.com/houston-thanksgiving-dinner. Perrys Steakhouse & Grille: All local Perrys locations (Houston, Baybrook, Champions, Katy, Sugar Land and The Woodlands) will be open 11 a.m.-9 p.m., offering a three-course traditional dinner for $49.95 (kids plates available for $15). Reservations are limited; perryssteakhouse.com. Bloom & Bee: The plush dining room at the Post Oak Hotel will be open 11 a.m.-8 p.m. serving a menu that includes butternut squash soup, fall salad, Turkey dinner (apple cider-brined turkey roulade, stuffing, sweet potato gratin, green bean casserole) and miniature desserts for $65 per person. Regular dinner menu also available. 1600 W. Loop South; 346-227-5139. Etoile Cuisine et Bar: The French restaurant will be open noon-7:30 p.m. serving a prix fixe menu, $56 for adults, $25 for kids. First course options include mushroom and leek soup, goat cheese salad with beets, and Gulf shrimp with French cocktail sauce. Second courses: roasted turkey with traditional sides; braised beef short ribs; seared salmon with black-eyed pea ragout; and fall vegetable risotto. 1101-11 Uptown Park; 832-668-5808. Brennans of Houston: The iconic Creole restaurant will serve dinner, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. for $62 per person, that includes starter, entree and dessert. First course choices include turtle soup, seafood gumbo, Creole oyster stew, salads, shrimp remoulade, oxtails and dumplings, barbecue shrimp shortcake or roasted duck crepe. Entrees: roasted turkey, crab-stuffed flounder, shrimp and grits, roast duck, wood-grilled steak with oysters and Bearnaise sauce, pork osso buco, quinoa-stuffed mirliton and turducken quail. For dessert? Bananas Foster, pumpkin pie and Creole bread pudding, of course. 3300 Smith; 713-522-9711. Hotel ZaZa: Both Museum District and Memorial City locations will offer Thanksgiving options for lunch and dinner. A la carte choices include butternut squash bisque, baby spinach salad, crab-stuffed mushrooms, and two entrees (a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, $28, and prime rib with scallop potatoes and Brussels sprouts, $38), and pumpkin pie. 5701 Main (713-527-1800) and 9787 Interstate 10 W. (713-986-9800). Westin Houston Memorial City: The hotels 024 Grille will offer brunch, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. with traditional Thanksgiving dinner dishes, carving and fresh seafood stations, breakfast and lunch options and a pastry bar; $55 for adults, $25 for kids under 10. 945 Gessner; reserve via opentable.com/024-grille or call 281-501-4350. Oceanaire Seafood Room: Traditional Thanksgiving menu ($39) will be offered as well as regular menu. 5061 Westheimer; reserve at theoceanaire.com or call 832-487-8862. Mortons The Steakhouse: Houstons two Mortons steakhouses will be open 1-9 p.m. with the standard menu, including Cote de Boeuf. 1001 McKinney (713-659-3700) and 5000 Westheimer (713-629-1946). McCormick & Schmicks: A roasted turkey dinner with classic sides will be available at all three Houston locations, 11 a.m.-10 p.m., for $29.50. 1151-01 Uptown Park (713-840-7900), 1201 Fannin (713-658-8100), 791 Town and Country Blvd. (713-465-3685); mccormickandschmicks.com. Jonathans The Rub: Jonathans new west Memorial location will offer dinner 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Choose a protein deep fried turkey for $45 or beef tenderloin for $65 which comes with green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, sweet potato casserole, cornbread stuffing and a choice of dessert. 12505 Memorial; 713-808-9291. Kirans: The posh Upper Kirby standby will serve Indian-inspired holiday fare in a lavish buffet, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 2925 Richmond; 713-960-8472 or email info@kiranshouston.com. Del Friscos Double Eagle Steak House: The Galleria steakhouse will serve a three-course turkey dinner for $49 per person in addition to an a la carte dinner menu, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. 5061 Westheimer; 713-355-2600. A mother found her teen son and his best friend shot to death in an apparent murder-suicide Thursday evening at her luxury Houston apartment complex, according to police. Both 15-year-old boys, who attended Lamar High School, were dead inside her apartment at The Park at River Oaks along Buffalo Speedway, near West Alabama Street, when she came home around 5 p.m., police said. When John began booking our adventure to Machu Picchu in March, he pointed out that theres the option of hiking an add-on mountain on the fourth day, after weve toured the Machu Picchu grounds. More hiking sounded great to me, since Id originally envisioned a weeks worth of walking, and was wondering if four days was a bit of a cop-out. So when he offered me a choice between hiking the easier Machu Picchu Mountain and the more challenging Huayna Picchu, I chose the latter. How hard is it, really? I asked our tour guide, Wilber, on the morning of our fourth day, as we walked toward the historic site. He wouldnt tell me. Instead he offered a non-answer along the lines of some people think its harder than the second day of the Inca Trail. Some people dont. As someone who briefly questioned whether she could soldier through day two of the trek, I was humbled. And for a moment, I considered not doing it. Its up to you, I said, when John posed the option of skipping out on the add-on mountain, due to heavy cloud cover and slippery surfaces. Whatever you decide, Ill do. We didnt skip it. And Wilber was right. For some people, Huayna Picchu is likely harder than day two. Its so steep that at times youll find yourself crawling up the thin stairs that scale its side like a toddler just learning how to ascend a staircase. Hand over hand. Wings and prayers. And its so narrow that if people need to descend as you climb, it forces a carefully choreographed parting of people, pausing on scarce spots of level ground. There is a handrail in some parts of the roughly 45-minute climb, which adds a little bit of assurance. But relying on it makes its absence more keenly felt in the places it cant physically exist. The best equation I can draw for this hike is that it resembles the very end of the ascent to Angels Landing in Utahs Zion National Park. And yes, for some people, this will be harder than day two. But me? Ive always been as sure-footed as a mountain goat. Give me a creek bed, and I can hop stone to stone forever. Just spot three steps ahead and walk on with confidence. And since the elevation was markedly lower than the altitude we reached at Dead Womans Pass, I could breathe with ease. That said, this hike was no cakewalk. There were moments where I looked over my shoulder and said a nondenominational prayer to keep me from falling over the edge. But at the very top, theres a rock from which you can view the ruins of Machu Picchu from a vantage point only earned by those brave enough to struggle to the sky for it. And Ill never regret making the decision to go for it. Maggie Gordon In September, I informed our readers of the troubling allegation that a veteran political reporter, Mike Ward, had fabricated individuals for a story published earlier this summer. I promised a thorough investigation of Ward's work and that I would share the results with our readers. Today's story by David Wood, whom we hired as a freelance investigative reporter, details our findings. As a result of this investigation, the Houston Chronicle is retracting eight stories written by Ward. In each case, the story's premise was based on sourcing we cannot confirm. We are correcting an additional 64 stories, each of which had at least one unconfirmed source but whose premise did not rest on an unconfirmed source. On July 31, the Houston Chronicle published a front-page story with a provocative headline. "'We've moved on': Political anger after Harvey has eased," it declared, adding: "Experts believe disaster response is unlikely to be a factor in November." It was a significant story by veteran reporter and Austin bureau chief Mike Ward. It asserted that Houston residents initially fed up with the uneven government response to Hurricane Harvey actually weren't going to blame politicians after all. The story began with West Houston resident Betsy Scheer, whose anger had faded. She was going to vote Republican. "My friends are mostly the same way now," she was quoted as telling Ward. But in the weeks after the story ran, questions were raised about the sourcing in Ward's story. No one could find Betsy Scheer. And no one could find three others quoted in the story Tran Ng, Martina Racelli and Jack Nito. EDITOR'S NOTE: An update from the editor of the Houston Chronicle The Chronicle spot-checked several other stories written by Ward. A pattern began to emerge: Alongside quotes from easy-to-find political figures, his stories were spiced with sparkling quotes from ordinary Texans, including a software engineer from Dallas, a businesswoman from Williamson County, a tea party activist. Many of them could not be found, despite extensive searches in multiple databases by a newsroom researcher and more work by a private investigator. Ward was confronted by Chronicle Executive Editor Nancy Barnes. Ward insisted that every person in his stories did exist and that they eventually would be found; he spent a week looking for them, but turned up nothing. Asked for notes used for his stories, Ward said he had destroyed them. Barnes accepted Ward's offer to resign. Shortly after, Barnes asked me to examine all of Ward's stories and to make every effort to find and verify the people named in them. What follows is what I found: The review included 744 stories, from early August 2018 back to January 2014, when he was hired after a long career at the Austin American-Statesman. A team of three pulled out the names of 275 individuals who were presented as ordinary Texans and made every effort to find them. Of the 275 people quoted, 122, or 44 percent, could not be found. Those 122 people appeared in 72 stories. It's impossible to prove that these people do not exist, only that with extensive research and digging, the team could not find them. And in this age of online records, including property ownership and court filings, almost everyone can be found quickly. For comparison, the team checked the work of another reporter at a major out-of-state newspaper. Of eight people named in her stories, all eight were found easily. The Chronicle also spot-checked nine recent stories from three of its reporters. Of 48 people named in those stories, 39 (81 percent) were found easily using one database, LexisNexis; eight names were so common further search would be required; one was not found due to a possible misspelling of the name. Ward could not be reached to discuss the findings. He did not respond to numerous phone messages, emails or attempts to reach him through former colleagues. Barnes, the Chronicle's executive editor, had informed readers in September of concerns about sourcing in some of Ward's stories and had promised further investigation. Unfortunately, she said, the further work was done without Ward's cooperation and could not confirm the existence of more than 100 sources, despite extensive efforts to do so. "The relationship between a newspaper and its readers is one of trust," she said. "This investigation points to an egregious breach of that trust that is an offense to readers and journalists alike. We apologize to our readers, and to the Houston community. "We will be correcting or retracting all of the affected stories in order to set the record straight to the best of our ability, as I promised when this was first brought to my attention." John Bridges, managing editor for the Austin American-Statesman, said the paper had taken a limited look at Ward's work there, but would now go deeper. "After the initial allegations, we conducted a preliminary review of Ward's final years of work for the Statesman and did not find conclusive evidence of the kind of pattern uncovered by the Chronicle's investigation," he said. "But given the Chronicle's new findings and the seriousness of these allegations, we are enlisting outside journalists to conduct further investigation into work that appeared in the Statesman." A thorough review The Chronicle team ran each name in Ward's stories through a variety of search engines that comb through records of property ownership, voter registration, hunting and fishing licenses, phone numbers and criminal records. They queried Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram accounts, along with Google and several other commercial search engines. The research included calls to local police departments, chambers of commerce and local Democratic and Republican officials. At a karate studio in the town of a woman quoted as a karate enthusiast, no one knew her. The search included a woman said to be an Austin resident and mother of three; she didn't turn up on lists of registered voters and her name did not appear in any other database. At the bakery where she was quoted as being a customer, no one knew her. Sometimes, hard-to-find sources did turn up. In one case, an individual was not listed on various databases, had no known phone number and did not own property. Eventually, the team found someone who knew him. In all, the review found and verified 103 of the 275 names, just more than a third. For another 50 people named, Ward's stories provided insufficient information to conduct searches. And 122 could not be found. Some of the stories the Chronicle published under Ward's byline rested in large part on the quotes from people whose existence could not be verified, throwing the veracity of entire stories into question. For instance, the story the Chronicle published on July 31 depended heavily on the views of four people who weren't found. Did Houston Republicans who suffered in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey forgive GOP political leaders for lapses in government assistance? Others in the piece, particularly university political scientists, could easily be found. They were cited for their professional opinions, not personal experiences. It was not the only such story. A story published June 15 by Ward ("Outside Texas GOP convention, political parties are becoming less important") detailed changing GOP attitudes toward President Donald Trump, from negative to positive. The story featured quotes from two people that set the tone for the story. Neither person could be located. The previous day, June 14, the Chronicle ran a Ward story based on alleged interviews with three GOP and tea party activists; the team could find only one of them. On the 13th, the Chronicle featured a story by Ward that began and ended with meaningful quotes from two voters on the fate of the two parties in this fall's elections. Neither of the voters could be located. On May 4, the Chronicle ran a story by Ward about the upcoming convention of the National Rifle Association. The story was based on quotes from six people, none of whom could be found. In March, Ward turned in a story he had been working on for some time, seeking to demonstrate that changing demographics in West Houston meant the 7th Congressional District, long a Republican stronghold, was now "up for grabs." The story, published March 11, quoted 10 people; of those, six could not be verified. The Chronicle will retract eight stories that depended heavily on characters who can't be found and quotes that cannot be verified. It will correct other stories that included sources that can't be verified but whose premise was not reliant on those sources. Surprise in the newsroom Chronicle editors who had worked most directly with Ward expressed shock and disbelief that he or any reporter would fabricate people and quotes. "That's not the Mike Ward I knew," said John Gravois, a former editor in Austin for the Chronicle. "That Mike Ward was very meticulous, very careful, very old-school." Matt Schwartz, an assistant Metro editor, said that nothing in Ward's stories "ever gave me pause, and I'm still stunned. I have a hard time believing that this happened." Vernon Loeb, who was managing editor of the Chronicle from 2014 until early this summer and who worked closely with Ward, also expressed shock. "I don't believe Mike Ward was the kind of journalist who would make people up," he said. "I want to believe his assurances that he never made anybody up and that he, given time, can find these people." More safeguards? It's a lesson stressed to new journalism students at the University of Texas at Austin. In one of their first classes, they are told to verify and retain the name, phone number and email address of every person they interview for a story. "That's what we expect of a beginning reporter," said Kathleen McElroy, director of the UT School of Journalism. At the Chronicle and other newspapers, editors do not generally ask to see the phone numbers and email addresses of people quoted in a story. Trust between reporter and editor goes bone-deep, but it is earned, not assumed. Editors keep a skeptical eye on younger reporters, and over time reporters either prove themselves trustworthy or they lose their job. "I have to trust the reporter," Schwartz said. Bill Adair, Duke University journalism professor and director of the DeWitt Wallace Center for Media and Democracy, said editors should not be expected to verify that a reporter's named sources are real. "Every editor has done what I have done, which is to Google someone quoted to make sure the name is spelled correctly," said Adair, who worked for 24 years as a reporter and editor and created the Pulitzer Prize-winning fact-check website PolitiFact. "But I don't think the responsibility for that basic thing rests with the editor; it is a basic responsibility of a reporter." Kelly McBride is senior vice president and ethicist at the Poynter Institute, a national media instructional and resource center. She said mid-level newspaper editors ought to know how reporters are getting their work done. It's less a matter of trust and more a matter of involvement in the process. "Where did you find this guy? Do you have any other quotes from him? Where do you go to get man-on-the-street quotes? Are you using social media? This is the editor's responsibility," McBride said. "Because when something's going great you can reinforce that good work that's how you can help reporters grow. And when something's going badly you can step in." *** About the reporter: David Wood, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist with four decades of experience, was hired by the Chronicle to conduct this investigation. He has spent most of his career covering war and the U.S. military, reporting from abroad and from the Pentagon, State Department and the White House. He does not know Mike Ward and has not worked as a journalist in Texas. He now lives in San Antonio. Back before I went to prison, I had a dog. Her name was Charlotte. She was a black lab/greyhound mix, with white around her nose. Getting her was one of the few things I do not regret from my years of drug use. I brought her home in 2007, just a few days after I'd jumped off a bridge in Ithaca, New York, in a very earnest suicide attempt. It was a 98-foot fall, police later told me. But I hit a mossy flat rock and slid, fracturing a number of vertebrae and ending up in the ICU. Afterward, the person I was dating made probably the only good suggestion they ever made the entire time we knew each other and pushed me to get a dog, hoping that with an animal to care for I wouldn't try to kill myself again. I resisted. I understood the logic, but it still seemed like a bad idea. I was a broke drug addict and a dog was both an expense and a responsibility. But I was lonely, and clearly in a bad place. I needed something. A cat seemed more doable, I thought. And so, just four or five days out of the hospital and still wearing back and neck braces, I found myself standing in line at a Walmart checkout, when I noticed the woman next to me had a box of kitty litter. I asked if she happened to have an extra cat. She did not. But, she said, her friend had a dog that was about to go to the pound if they couldn't find a new home by the end of the weekend. When I picked Charlotte up two days later, she was in rough shape just like me. She wasn't quite 2, and her previous owners had found her a little over a year earlier, abandoned in a farmer's field, making herself a bed in corn. They'd taken her in, but they already had four other dogs who bullied her and stole her food. By the time I got Charlotte after the couple who owned her split up her ribs stuck out and she jumped at everything. As soon as I brought her in the house, she saw my housemate's cat and immediately peed all over the floor in abject terror. She got healthier, but it took me quite a few years to follow suit. She spent a lot of time trying to steal people's weed and walking to crackhouses with me. She was there through the worst of my addiction and saw it all raids, robberies, tears, drunken fights. At times, just knowing that she depended on me kept me from making even more destructive decisions than I already did. But then I got arrested in late 2010, picked up while walking down the street with a large stash of drugs. In a rare occurrence, Charlotte wasn't with me; she was in my apartment. And I had no idea what would happen to her. I'd heard that the cops searched my place which made sense, since I'd just been arrested with six ounces of heroin. But no one could tell me what happened to my dog. Eventually, a friend on the outside checked for me. After the police search, he said, it appeared that someone had broken in and ransacked the apartment. This kind of thing happens: When people read in the news that someone got arrested and is in jail, they break in and steal stuff because they know no one's home. Most of my belongings were taken. They even took my dirty underwear. And worst of all, my dog was missing just vanished. She wasn't at my place or at any of the animal shelters. Charlotte had been a huge support for me through some rough times, and I had no idea what happened to her. And whatever it was, I knew it was my fault. A week or two after my arrest, I found out where she was. Just before the thieves broke in, the apartment property manager had given her to a family. They were complete strangers, with two daughters and a nice home in an upscale neighborhood called Cayuga Heights. And they were a little apprehensive about taking in a drug dealer's dog. But they were animal-lovers, and they had a dog of their own Bailey. Another black lab mix, she looked like she could have been Charlotte's twin. Bailey and Charlotte became besties, and my dog started a happy dog life without me. Doing my time day by day, I only heard about it second-hand. Initially, the family had intended to keep her for a few days until long-term arrangements could be made. But then they fell in love with her and decided they'd keep her until I got out. At that point, we didn't know how long that would be. In the meantime, I missed having a life filled with fur. I felt like I'd abandoned her, and it seemed like one of the most tangible immediate harms I'd done in my addiction though of course it was really only one of many. I did just under two years and the day I got out 6 years ago this fall the first place I went was to see Charlotte. She had no idea who I was. Over the next few weeks, I came to the family's house to visit her, watching her play all the new games she'd learned to play with Bailey. The family and I took her on walks, showing me all her new favorite spots. And I hoped eventually she'd remember me and stop treating me like a stranger. It felt like it took forever, but I could see in her eyes the moment she figured it out. I took her on a walk past the place we lived when I got arrested, and it clicked. She stopped trying to pull away from me. She responded when I called her. Finally. Fresh out of prison, I felt like I had so little to offer in life. But I had my dog, and it seemed like the first thing I'd done right in a long time. Then, amazingly, this family kept their word. After two years of giving my dog a great home, they gave her back for good. Over time, they became like second parents to me. They made a place in their lives for me, and it all started because of my dog. They came to my graduation, showed up with groceries at random, dropped off homemade meals. They introduced me to people, invited me to movie nights, helped me plan community dinners. They were complete strangers, putting faith in a felon. So last month when I went to visit Ithaca, I stayed with them. I walked in, and their dog Bailey greeted me then waited at the door for the dog she thought would be coming in behind me. Charlotte died just over 2 years ago. She'd been there when I got back into college, borked at my parole officer and seen me successfully finish parole. She'd moved with me when I got hired as a reporter at the New York Daily News, and again when I went to work at the Chronicle. She'd seen the worst moments of my life and she had been there as I picked up the pieces. She died two months after we moved to Texas, at age 11. The things that help with successful reentry can be so random. There's privilege and opportunity and there's also dumb luck. It was such chance that, through my dog, I was able to meet people who would believe in me and help me get my life together at a time when most people would not. And, yeah, my dog helped me get my life together, too. Miss her every day. Heckin' good dog. 13/10 would hire as reentry counselor. Editor's note: This story was produced in partnership with The Marshall Project, a nonprofit news organization that focuses on criminal justice issues, and was first published there. Get the Gray Matters newsletter. 13/10 would. Editor's note: This book excerpt comes from "The Man in the Glass House: Philip Johnson, Architect of the Modern Century," which was published on Nov. 6, 2018, by Little, Brown. The success of the IDS in Minneapolis begat Philip Johnson's next skyscraper commission, which inaugurated a relationship that would benefit him for decades and reshape skylines across America. It came from Gerald Hines, an Indiana native with a mechanical engineering degree (from Purdue) and an adopted drawl (from Texas) who had cut his teeth developing anonymous commercial buildings but moved on to larger things. The first was Houston's immense Galleria mall, followed by One Shell Plaza a 50-story, tapering shaft wrapped in white travertine that projected a lavish glare in the hot Texas sun. The design was by Bruce Graham, a principal in the Chicago office of SOM, and it suggested to Hines that there was immense profit to be made if blue-chip architecture could be coupled to rigorous budgetary forecasting and cost controls. That philosophy appealed directly to Hugh Liedtke, the chief executive of Pennzoil, who approached Hines to build a "distinctive" tower for his company in Houston. Hines's first impulse was to return to Graham, who responded with a structure similar in character, though only half as tall, as his Sears (now Willis) Tower in Chicago. "It was a building that was very austere," Hines said. "I was not convinced." Neither was Liedtke. He didn't want another upright glass "cigar box," and he wasn't interested in building the tallest tower in town, because it would inevitably be eclipsed. "Distinctive" was the operative goal. And Hines was already at work with another architect who could provide that elusive quality: Philip Johnson. Their connection came through a most unlikely source, Ike Brochstein, a Jewish immigrant from Palestine who had begun his career as a teenage cabinetmaker and built a millwork firm revered in Texas and beyond. Brochstein had supplied the teak paneling for Johnson's Amon Carter Museum in Fort Worth, and the two men, equally persnickety about craftsmanship, impressed each other. It happened that Brochstein had acquired a large parcel of land in close proximity to Hines's Galleria mall, and when he wished to develop it, he sought out Hines to go in on the project. Hines, concerned that Brochstein might build a competing retail center, advocated an office park. He made a short list of potential architects, among them Graham, Pei and Kevin Roche (successor to the deceased Eero Saarinen). But Brochstein remembered his work with Johnson in Fort Worth and asked that he be added to the list. When the other candidates either dropped out or were crossed off, Johnson was the last man standing. KATHY WILLENS/ASSOCIATED PRESS Johnson's first proposal for the project was a translation of the Chelsea Walk project: concrete towers set on top of a deck with parking and retail. Hines didn't like it, not least because he'd have to build the whole thing all at once, not one building at a time a financing issue. Johnson came back with something more acceptable: three stepped glass towers with horizontal window bands and rounded corners that could be built in phases. For their inspiration he had reached back to New York's 1931 Starrett-Lehigh Building, a masterpiece of industrial architecture that he and Henry-Russell Hitchcock had included in their landmark Modern Architecture show at MoMA in 1932. The so-called Post Oak project was still in its infancy when Hines turned to Johnson for the Pennzoil job, which now had an added complexity: a second major tenant. The Pennzoil business had actually grown out of another company, Zapata Oil, which Liedtke had founded with his younger brother and George H. W. Bush, the future president. Together Liedtke and Bush represented a new era in Texas oil; the older, wildcatting generation that lived large and lost big was being supplanted by a Brooks Brothers breed that kept their eyes on spreadsheets and their loafer-clad feet off oil derricks. Mark Lamster with Stephen Fox What: Mark Lamster presents "The Man in the Glass House" with architectural historian Stephen Fox When: Tuesday, November 13, 2018, 7 p.m. Where: Lobby of Pennzoil Place, 711 Louisiana Street Click here for more information; guests must RSVP individually See More Collapse Liedtke and Bush eventually split their business in two, with Liedtke re-forming under the Pennzoil banner and Bush keeping the Zapata name. It was Zapata that was to be the second tenant in Liedtke's proposed tower. How to put two signature tenants in a single building? Johnson's first attempt, a cool Miesian tower modeled on the Seagram Building in Manhattan, was rejected too boring. The solution, prompted by Manley, was deceptively logical: build not one but two towers, and connect them at the base. Sitting with Hines in his Seagram office, Johnson sketched out a diagram that looked like NBC's pre-peacock logo, a pair of kissing trapezoids. That was how the buildings would look from above, except they would not actually kiss there would be a slim gap between them, with a soaring glass-house atrium bringing them together at street level. Hines approved, but when a model was shown to Liedtke he was still dissatisfied. The buildings had flat roofs boring. A quick-thinking Johnson plucked one of the wedge-shaped atrium blocks from the model and stuck it atop one of the towers. "Yeah, that's it," said Liedtke. Hines was also happy. Though it seemed to defy conventional wisdom, Johnson's paired 37-story towers cost 20 percent less than the 55-floor building Graham had proposed: the shorter buildings required fewer steel columns and allowed for more parking. Hines Using an architectural version of the "trust but verify" system, Hines had all the drawings prepared in the Johnson office completely redone in Houston, auditing them for cost efficiency. (Johnson clients who neglected to follow similar procedures tended to deeply regret it.) Fears that the top floors, with their angled walls and diminishing floor spaces, would be hard to rent proved to be exactly wrong. Hines could actually charge a premium for those unique "prestige" spaces. Liedtke himself occupied the top floor of the Pennzoil building. The sharp Miesian appeal of Pennzoil was not entirely the product of Johnson, or even Johnson and Manley, but a new figure who had emerged in the office. Like John Burgee, Eli Attia had come from the Chicago offices of C. F. Murphy, recommended by Johnson's old classmate Carter Manny. A native Israeli trained at the prestigious Technion in Haifa, he had all the stereotypical characteristics of the Sabra: he was brash, aggressive, tough and deeply intelligent. Those traits had put a brake on his upward mobility at Murphy, and they were plain on the day in 1970 that he interviewed with Johnson. Mies may have been a great designer, Attia told Johnson, but his buildings were boring shoeboxes. Attia claimed he knew how to break that mold, which was exactly what Johnson wanted to do himself. Attia began working on Pennzoil and was soon leading its design development. Burgee, Manley, Attia: Johnson didn't care where the ideas were coming from or who did the work. He was the one with the final decision and he was the one who would get the lion's share of the credit, the one who would be hailed as a genius. And there was no shortage of encomiums. Pennzoil Place was received with nearly universal praise in the press, depicted as a marriage of high design and good business, a generous addition to Houston's downtown, and a sculpturally daring twist on a Miesian aesthetic perceived as frigid and inhumane a friendly new kind of modernism for America's corporate aristocracy. Ada Louise Huxtable, the architecture critic at the New York Times, proclaimed it a "towering achievement" and a "synthesis of structure and style." Mark Lamster (@marklamster) is the architecture critic at the Dallas Morning News and a professor at the University of Texas at Arlington. Get the Gray Matters newsletter. It requires fewer steel columns and allows for more parking. Hundreds gathered in Vidor Thursday to mourn a young bride and groom who died in a helicopter crash shortly after their wedding. Will Byler and Bailee Ackerman Byler, both 24, were en route to the airport to start their honeymoon when the helicopter crashed in Uvalde County, killing them and the pilot, 76-year-old Gerald Douglas Lawrence. So many people attended the first of two joint visitation and funeral services that attendees were forced to park in the open field behind Turning Point Church. RELATED: Family members, wedding guests share tributes to just-married couple killed in helicopter crash Bailee Byler was a graduate of Orangefield High School; she and Will Byler met at Sam Houston State University. Mourners exchanged hugs as they walked past the two hearses that brought the bodies to the church and will deliver them on Friday to Bellville United Methodist for a second round of services. The couple will be buried side by side in the Byler family cemetery in Uvalde after a graveside service. Many took to Facebook to memorialize the couple. One of the most-shared tributes was penned by a photographer with Madi Wagner Photography who took their engagement shots earlier this year. These two spent their last day on this earth celebrating their most cherished loved ones , the photographer wrote. I believe it was truly the best day of their lives. An obituary for Will Byler described the couples love for each other as too perfect for this broken world and concluded they will spend an eternal honeymoon together. haley.bruyn@beaumontenterprise.com twitter.com/HaleyWrites_BE Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said Thursday that he doesn't believe President Donald Trump will stop special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation, one day after Trump's ouster of Jeff Sessions as attorney general threw the future of the probe into uncertainty. Trump appointed Matthew G. Whitaker, Sessions's chief of staff, on Wednesday to serve as acting attorney general. Whitaker has faced questions about whether he should recuse himself from the investigation, given that he has written opinion pieces about the probe and is a friend of a witness, but people close to him say he has no intention of doing so. "The president has said on multiple occasions the Mueller investigation should be completed," McConnell said in an interview with Lexington, Ky.-based radio station WVLK, according to CBS News. "He [wishes] it would happen sooner. But I don't think there's any chance that the Mueller investigation will not be allowed to finish." Trump has repeatedly denounced the Mueller investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election as a "witch hunt" and has complained that it should have wrapped up by now. The president has also had a combative relationship with Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who had overseen the probe since Sessions's recusal last year. Whitaker is now expected to assume that role. Democrats and some Republicans have voiced concern about the future of the investigation, warning on Wednesday that the Trump administration must allow Mueller to complete his work. But questions continued to swirl Thursday around Whitaker's role in the probe. Two people close to Whitaker told The Washington Post they strongly believe he would not approve any request from Mueller to subpoena the president. Some critics have also argued that Trump's installation of Whitaker is unconstitutional. "It's illegal. And it means that anything Mr. Whitaker does, or tries to do, in that position is invalid," former acting solicitor general Neal K. Katyal and George Conway III, husband of White House counselor Kellyanne Conway, wrote Thursday in a New York Times op-ed. - - - The Washington Post's Devlin Barrett, Matt Zapotosky, Josh Dawsey and John Wagner contributed to this report. Hafeez Qureshi was the man who took care of everyone around him his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings and coworkers. He was beloved at the convenience store where worked at, always bringing his coworkers home-cooked meals and even helping them out financially. Loyal customers followed him to the different stores where he worked as a clerk throughout the years, most recently Sonny's some would even keep him company while he was closing up the Alief-area store at night, On Saturday, his final day of work before retiring, 66-year-old Qureshi was killed at 8:30 p.m. by four armed burglars at the store in the 9000 block of Dairy Ashford. He left behind his wife, two grandchildren, two daughters and three sons one of whom is special needs. "It's heartbreaking because he called his wife and said, 'Today's going to be my last day,'" his son-in-law, Ikram Ullah, said. "He hung up the phone and 15 minutes later, the incident took place." Witnesses told police that the men demanded money before firing three to five shots at Qureshi. Four men Daivion Gully, 18, Melvin Jones, 20, Artavius Johnson, 28, and DeAnjelo Wells, 19 were charged with capital murder Friday in his death. "Houston police caught the guys so no other family has to go through what we're going through," Ullah said. "It's a big sense of closure." Qureshi had been working at various convenience stores under the same owner for the past 18 years. Ullah said that he was incredibly hard-working and never took vacations even during the Muslim holidays he and his family celebrated. "He was... I run out of words," Ullah said. "He always took care of everybody. He was the head of the family. Even his brother considered him as a father, not a brother." Qureshi's brother had recently traveled to the U.S. from Dubai to visit him so they could travel and have barbecues together, per Qureshi's request. Ullah said that his father-in-law was generous and would go out of his way to help everyone. Originally from Pakistan, Qureshi never failed to provide his nine brothers and two sisters back home with financial and moral support. He would ask his wife to cook homemade meals for him to bring for his employees, making sure they ate before him even if it meant he wouldn't eat at all. He would even help his employees, who Ullah said came to their family home crying in grief, financially. Several of Qureshi's customers attended his funeral on Tuesday. "He never showed me if he was disheartened or broken down," Ullah said. "He only ever showed me his strong side. He would rather help you than you help him." Amim Dayani, who also worked at Sonny's, described Qureshi as a friendly face in the community and a family man at his core. "He was a wonderful person, a family man, a loving father," he said. "I get goosebumps when I think about him, to think that he is not here." Amim Dayani, who was manning the store on Friday, described Qureshi as a friendly face in the community. When Qureshi began working at Sonnys, some of the regular customers at his previous store followed him and made Sonnys their new preferred spot for shopping. He was too good with the customers, Dayani said. The customers loved him. Ronald Williams, a loyal customers, said he would go to Sonnys after he got off work every day and buy a drink from Qureshi. He was a good, loving and caring dude, Williams said. Julian Gill is a digital reporter in Houston. Read him on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and on our subscriber site, houstonchronicle.com. | julian.gill@chron.com | Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message A proposed $31 billion project of levees and sea gates known as the Ike Dike is the official preferred plan to protect the Houston-Galveston region from devastating storm surge, but Rice University researchers are raising significant concerns about that plan and now offer an alternative. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Texas General Land Office released the first phase of a coastal protection study last month. Plans for the ambitious project, a complex 70-mile system running from High Island to the San Luis Pass, are still at least a decade away from completion. The corps and the land office expect to release a final study in 2021 before sending it to Congress to consider funding the project. A group of Rice professors are, however, among a handful of political, engineering and environmental experts who plan to raise significant questions about the proposed barrier during the projects public comment period. GREEN LIGHT: Army Corps of Engineers gives nod to $31 billion "Ike Dike" plan Jim Blackburn, a Rice professor and co-director of the universitys Severe Storm Prediction, Education & Evacuation from Disasters (SSPEED) Center, says the Corps initial Ike Dike study was incomplete because it did not account for the more powerful storms that have swept through the Gulf Coast and the Caribbean in recent years. The Corps coastal plan, called the Ike Dike, is named for the 2008 hurricane that caused more than $30 billion in damages to the Houston-Galveston region. Hurricanes more powerful than Ike, including Harvey, Irma and Maria all in 2017, had unique characteristics rarely seen in major storms, Blackburn said. Ike Dike timeline 2008: Hurricane Ike makes landfall in Galveston as a Category 2 storm, bringing 17-foot storm surges and causing more than $30 billion worth of damage. 2009: Bill Merrell, a professor at Texas A&M University at Galveston, develops the "Ike Dike" concept - a coastal barrier designed to protect the Houston-Galveston region from future storm surges. 2015: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Texas General Land Office begin work on a Coastal Texas Protection and Restoration Study Draft Integrated Feasibility Report and Environmental Impact Statement, expected to take 5.5 years. 2018: The Corps and the land office release the initial phase of a coastal protection study and draft environmental impact statement, selecting a modified version of the "Ike Dike" concept as the preferred coastal barrier alignment. Estimated cost: $23 billion to $31 billion. 2021: The final study of the coastal barrier is expected to be issued by the Army Corps of Engineers and General Land Office and the recommendation sent to Congress to consider funding. See More Collapse The storms that are being analyzed by the Corps are, in my opinion, too small, Blackburn said. Theyre just not making landfall at the worst locations, with the type of wind fields and characteristics were seeing. I cant remember if it was (Hurricanes) Irma or Maria, it was an Ike-like storm with Category 5 winds. Thats not supposed to happen. Larry Dunbar, a project manager at the SSPEED Center, added that the modeling system the Corps used to predict the effects of storms on its proposed barrier was outdated and that the study did not account for the worst possible storm tracts that could hit the Houston area. We said were using the updated information because thats what we do, and (the Army Corps of Engineers) said, Thats fine, were gonna use the old model because thats what the flood insurance study work was based on and we want to be consistent with that, Dunbar said. I cant argue with that, but we at least now know whats the difference between the two models, what effect it has, its effect on larger storms, you know it, I know it. Blackburn also believes the Corps proposed barrier leave parts of Harris County most notably the Port of Houston and the sprawling industrial and petrochemical facilities along Galveston Bay vulnerable. We think that there is too much remaining surge exposure, and its a valid concern, both with regard to the ship channel, to the Bayport Industrial Complex and with regard to the Clear Lake area, Blackburn said. The two protection proposals The Corps alternative proposal includes a navigation gate placed along the Houston Ship Channel and smaller gates built near Clear Creek and Dickinson Bayou, but does not go as far as the SSPEED Centers proposal for a mid-bay gate to protect Galveston Bay. The Galveston Bay Park plan, first proposed by the SSPEED Center in 2015, includes similar protection features as the Corps proposal for protecting Bolivar Peninsula and Galveston, but adds a vital component: a 25-foot, mid-bay barrier system that would protect the industrial complexes and densely populated areas in the west and northwest sections of Galveston Bay. Blackburn views the mid-bay gate as part of a bifurcated system an internal barrier and a coastal barrier that would not preclude the Ike Dike concept favored by the Corps and political leadership on the local, state and federal levels. He called the gate a highly complementary feature to the extensive barrier the Corps put forth, but one that could be built in half the time at a fraction of the cost estimated from $3 billion to $5 billion. We think this alternative needs to be permitted, Blackburn said. Were going to be urging Harris County to investigate filing a permit application. We are going to argue that to any governmental entity that is interested. I think we need options. If all of our eggs are in a $30 billion federal appropriation, that just sounds too risky to me. Harris County Judge Ed Emmett and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner have thrown their political weight behind the coastal barrier Turner called on all of our government partners to back the Corps proposal, while Emmett has repeatedly said the time for debate on the Ike Dike has long since passed. It remains to be seen whether Blackburn would be able to secure the political support to move the mid-bay gate forward. After serving 11 years, Republican Emmett was defeated in his re-election bid this week by Lina Hidalgo during a Democratic sweep of most countywide races. The project has also been hailed by the Gulf Coast Community Protection and Recovery District, an entity formed in the wake of Hurricane Ike to help Brazoria, Chambers, Galveston, Harris, Jefferson and Orange counties develop plans and conduct studies to alleviate damage from future storms. The districts Board of Directors is made up of the county judge of each participating county and three additional appointed members serving three-year terms. Youre talking about a region hundreds of miles from the Sabine River all the way down to the Rio Grande, said Robert Eckels, the former Harris County judge who serves as president of the recovery district. The numbers do not seem, on their surface, to be outside of what you might expect on a project of this scale. Environmental pitfalls Ironically, given the price tag assigned to the Ike Dike, the Corps of Engineers cited the SSPEED Centers mid-bay gates cost as one of the reasons it declined to back the proposal as its tentatively selected plan, as well as the impact the project would have on oyster beds in Galveston Bay. It is cutting through probably the most densely inhabited oysters in the bay and thats one of the reasons that we had to screen it out, said Kelly Burks-Copes, the project manager for the Army Corps study. But the Corps proposal is not without its own environmental pitfalls. Environmentalists are concerned that the Corps barrier would restrict the flow of water in and out of Galveston Bay, potentially reducing salinity and affecting marine life. Organizations like the Galveston Bay Foundation have also noted that not all of the bay-facing industrial facilities are adequately protected from storm surges. Its one of the reasons that the SSPEED Centers mid-bay gate has gained some traction as a viable alternative. (The Galveston Bay Park plan) is potentially more attractive because its cheaper and could potentially get done in a shorter period of time, but it also doesnt have the big gate in front of the pass in Galveston Bay, said Bob Stokes, the president of the Galveston Bay Foundation. That one would not be without impacts so Im not necessarily saying thats a preferred alternative for us, but to me its got some possibilities for sure. Helen Drummond, the executive director of the Houston Audubon Society, is also concerned that the placement of the barriers along Bolivar Peninsula the exact location of which has yet to be determined might infringe on the world-renowned migratory and shorebird sanctuaries on the peninsula that the Audubon Society owns. We had concerns from the beginning about the environmental analysis being done so that we could make an effective and informed evaluation about which (barrier alignment) we thought would be most productive, Drummond said. Drummond echoes the view of many environmentalists that armoring natural coastal areas like beaches, wetlands, coastal prairie, and the bay itself to protect them from storms is contradictory, given that reinforcing those natural barriers can assist in mitigation, and also supports looking at more affordable options that target high-risk areas of concern along the ship channel and the western edge of Galveston Bay. Even the original architect of the Ike Dike concept Dr. Bill Merrell, a Texas A&M University Galveston professor, agrees that wetlands and natural coastal barriers should be protected, but added that the farther off the coast the barriers are placed, the more likely it will impede on residential areas. The Corps study cites an estimate that more than 1,000 homes or businesses may need to be bought and replaced along the coast to make room for the barrier. Theres a couple of areas where well enter into a debate with (the Army Corps of Engineers) on that and suggest approaches where we certainly dont want to destroy any wetlands if we dont have to, Merrell said. I dont think we have to. I think theyve done that because its cheaper to put the barriers as far back as possible, but you do sacrifice all the houses in the front. Thats pretty tough. Whether Congress will have the stomach to fund a barrier that costly, proponents of the Corps barrier acknowledge will be an uphill battle, and time is a factor. The final Corps study is expected to be completed by 2021. By that time, the Houston-Galveston region could very well see another major storm of Ike or Harvey proportions or worse. Its a process. Its a process I dont like, but theres only two things thats going to trigger funding for that, said Bob Mitchell, president of the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership, and a supporter of the Corps proposal. One, is we have a disaster weve been afraid of for quite some time, and number two, wait until the studys completed. Staff writer Zach Despart contributed to this report. nick.powell@chron.com WASHINGTON -Democrats taking the reins in the U.S. House next year are girding for a fight to block the outgoing Republican majority from granting President Donald Trump the money he wants for a wall on the Mexican border. After midterm elections that put Democrats in control of the House in January, the stakes have increased sharply in a year-end spending battle over wall funding for the 2019 fiscal year, which began October 1. Unable to strike a deal in September, lawmakers put off until December 7 after the midterm elections a deadline for the next years appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security and a half-dozen other government agencies. That has now put money for Trumps border wall plan squarely in the center of the action in the upcoming lame duck session of Congress, which starts when lawmakers return to Washington next week. While Republicans see the next month as perhaps their last chance to make good on Trumps biggest 2016 campaign promise, Democrats say Tuesdays midterm election was a repudiation of the presidents tough rhetoric on the border and immigration. Ive served in Congress long enough to know that the Republicans have spoken most loudly about using the lame duck for agendas that have not been confirmed by the American people, said Houston Democrat Sheila Jackson Lee, a member of the House Homeland Security Committee. The turnout in the vote that caused Democrats to win the House is evidence that the message of demonizing immigrants, using the Central American caravan to scare the American people, did not work. Once the Democrats take control in January, the GOPs clout will be significantly reduced in the House, where all spending bills begin. At the same time, some newly-empowered Democrats in Texas which shares more than 1,000 miles of unwalled border with Mexico will gain sway. We dont want a wall, said U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, a Texas Democrat who sits on the House Appropriations Committee. Cuellar, whose district covers the border area south of Laredo, said he has met with Democratic leaders since Tuesdays election to deliver that message. We want security, cameras, sensors, personnel, the Border Patrol, Cuellar said. We need to secure the border. Nobody wants an open border. Its just how we do it. For subscribers: Texas loses congressional clout as Democrats retake the House Cuellars approach to border security - minus a wall - was espoused by some Texas Republicans before Trumps election in 2016. Among them was current House Homeland Security Chairman Michael McCaul, a Republican whose district runs from Austin to the Houston suburbs. McCaul, who narrowly won re-election last week, eventually came around to supporting Trumps wall. He was briefly considered for a cabinet level position heading Homeland Security. But under Democratic control of the House, McCaul will no longer head that or any other committee. A spokesman for McCaul said he was not available for comment on this story. Texas has two Democrats on the House Homeland Security Committee, which oversees border security: Jackson Lee of Houston and Filemon Vela of Brownsville. Both have been outspoken critics of the wall and Trumps hardline immigration policies. But before Democrats take over, they must first fend off a last gasp effort by the White House to use the current Republican majorities in the House and Senate to secure as much border wall funding as possible. Both sides recognize that Trumps push for wall funding will only get steeper after that. Certainly, next year its going to be very difficult for anybody to pass wall funding, Cuellar said. Jackson Lee signaled that Democrats might be expected to hold Trump to his original promises on the wall. He made it very clear that he would have the funding from Mexico, she said. That was his campaign promise, and he really needs to make good on that promise. If he believes Mexico can fund the wall, then thats where he should seek his funding. Trump hints at possible shutdown Trump is seeking $5 billion as a partial down payment on a project that is estimated to cost $25 billion to complete. House Republicans have gone along with that request. But in the Senate, where Democrats have enough votes to block major spending legislation, a pending appropriations bill would provide just $1.6 billion, roughly the same amount that Congress ponied up last year. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell has floated the idea of upping the ante to $5 billion, but given the GOPs slim 51-49 current advantage, he would need at least nine Democrats to go along. Meanwhile, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, a California Republican, pushed during the election season for the full $25 billion, a figure that would be unlikely to get through the Senate this year or next. Given the political obstacles to wall funding that have frustrated Trump in the first two-years of his term, it remains unclear how far he is willing to go in what could be his best remaining chance to get Congress to fund the wall. In a briefing on the midterm elections results - which also strengthened the GOPs hold on the Senate - Trump declined to rule out a government shutdown. I cant commit to that, but its possible, he said. While McConnell has cautioned against even a partial government shutdown under Republican leadership, Trump made clear that he wants money to build the whole wall, not pieces of it. For the White House, the optics could be problematic. In the runup to the elections, Trump held rallies around the country, including in Houston, telling supporters that the wall is already being built - a claim that belies the difficult politics of immigration in Congress. We are building a wall in its own way, Trump said in a pre-election interview with the Christian Broadcasting Network. We're putting up walls and barbed wire and when you look at what we're doing, they're just not coming into our country. But Trump has also called the porous southern border a continuing threat to national security, highlighted by the caravan of Central American refugees believed to be headed for the southwest border. Slim chances for deal including DACA Senate Democrats have previously flirted with the idea of giving Trump the full $25 billion he wants in exchange for protections for so-called Dreamers, immigrants brought to the country illegally as children. More than 120,000 are believed to reside in Texas as beneficiaries of the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. But a proposed DACA-for-a-wall deal fell apart in the Senate last February, leaving both the question of wall funding and the Dreamers in limbo. With pressure mounting to finish the current years spending bills, it is unlikely to be revived now. I cant imagine well do anything other than trying to deal with this funding issue on the wall here at the end of the session, McConnell said Wednesday. Democrats, divided over the prospect of trading Dreamers for the wall, also seem little inclined to strike a broader deal, particularly after Trump turned his back on their last offer earlier this year. The presidents a very poor negotiator on those issues, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer told reporters Wednesday. He sort of backs off so were sort of dubious of the president." Any compromise by Schumer would likely get strong pushback from Cuellar and other border region Democrats in the House. They cannot negotiate Dreamers for the wall, Cuellar said, referring to Schumer, of New York, and Democratic Whip Dick Durbin of Illinois. If they want a wall in the northern part of their area, Ill be happy to support it in Illinois or New York, but we dont want a wall down here in Texas. At the same time, Republicans have signaled that any Democratic initiatives in the House - including immigration reform, a bipartisan goal for the past two decades - will require compromise with the Republican-led Senate. This will be the Democrats call, said U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady, a Republican from The Woodlands, when asked about the potential for gridlock in a divided Congress. If they want to get something done, theyll need to work with Republicans. With the endgame approaching on how to pay for Trumps wall, activists on both sides are preparing for fireworks. Some note that the negotiations will be complicated by Trumps decision to sends troops to the border to meet the immigrant caravan. Ginning up partisan passions, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich warned Trump allies in a fundraising email before the election that making California Democrat Nancy Pelosi the next House Speaker would threaten all work that has been done to secure funding for the wall [and] provide resources for border security. Immigrant advocates are putting the pressure on Democrats not to give in. Said Vicki Gaubeca, director of the Southern Border Communities Coalition: To be honest, were expecting an ugly fight. Perhaps it was naive to expect the midterm elections to produce more than a moment of comity where the president and Congress would replace their partisan swords with plowshares. Not even 24 hours after the polls closed Tuesday, Democrats and Republicans, egged on by the ever combative Donald Trump, had returned to battle stations. The president ratcheted up the animosity by forcing the long-expected resignation of Attorney General Jeff Sessions and naming as his interim replacement Matthew G. Whitaker, an outspoken critic of special counsel Robert S. Muellers investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Whitaker wrote an article for the CNN website last year headlined Muellers Investigation of Trump Is Going Too Far. In an earlier interview televised on the CNN network, Whitaker suggested that cutting Muellers budget would be an easy way to end the investigation. The new AGs expressed bias means he should follow the example of Sessions and recuse himself from any involvement in the Mueller investigation. Sessions recusal decision infuriated Trump, who saw it as the ultimate act of disloyalty from a man Trump had expected to shield him from scrutiny. Anyone with basic appreciation for legal ethics knows Sessions did the right thing. His conflict was clear: he admitted meeting with the Russian ambassador while on the Trump election campaign staff. Its obvious that Trump has installed Whitaker in the Justice Department to at least manage what the investigation reveals if it is allowed to continue at all. Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, the only Democrat who voted to confirm Sessions as attorney general, said he believes Trumps devious ploy has put the nation on the verge of a constitutional crisis. We agree. Trump is plainly attempting to obstruct justice and Americans wont put up with it. Thousands made that clear Thursday evening as they staged protests across the country from Houston City Hall to Times Square in New York City. While the President may have the authority to replace the attorney general, this must not be the first step in an attempt to impede, obstruct or end the Mueller investigation, said Sen. Mark R. Warner of Virginia, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee. Trump has been on a tear ever since learning Tuesday night that the Republicans had lost control of the House. He tried to appear unfazed at the start of an unusually long 90-minute press conference Wednesday, but with each probing question by reporters the president became more perturbed. Asked by CNNs Jim Acosta if he was afraid of what the Russian investigation might uncover, Trump called the reporter a rude, terrible person. Asked by PBS NewsHours Yamiche Alcindor if Trumps calling himself a nationalist at a Houston rally for Sen. Ted Cruz might comfort members of white nationalist groups, the president dismissed her very question as racist and wouldnt answer it. Trump did say some nice things about House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, coyly expressing his hope that even Republicans would vote for her to succeed Paul Ryan as speaker of the House because she deserves it. What Trump really wants is for Pelosi to continue to be a dependable lightning rod to stoke his base with criticism of Democrats. So, its game on. Trumps reaction to the midterm elections has set the stage for even more intense battles with the Democrats now that they are back in charge of the House. Meanwhile, the Democrats have made clear they intend to investigate not only Trumps possible connection with Russian election meddling but also his business dealings and possible violations of the emoluments clause, which prohibits a president from profiting from the office. Trumps past tax returns may not stay secret for long. That disturbing thought has prompted him to threaten to retaliate with Senate investigations of alleged leaks of classified information by House Democrats. The casualties of this partisan war, as always, will be the American public. Pelosi in a news conference Wednesday said she and Trump had discussed issues where Democrats and Republicans could work together, including creating jobs by repairing infrastructure and lowering the cost of prescription drugs. It would be nice to also see Congress fix the Affordable Care Acts flaws, instead of trying to kill it, and removing the Dreamers from the limbo they have been in ever since the law creating the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program expired. None of that can happen unless Democrats and Republicans put political interests aside and make the people they represent their first priority. In the aftermath of an historic midterm election that saw record numbers of voters go to the polls, this country needs leadership from Washington that would build on that energy to take the nation to an even higher level of cooperation and productivity. Instead, were seeing more political games with no apparent purpose other than to keep the truth from being revealed. When the EPA issued a proposal last month to ease Obama-era restrictions on methane emissions from oil and gas facilities, green activists turned bright red with anger. Unfortunately, their biggest worry seems to be the effect the proposed methane change will have on Obamas legacy, not the environment. If they were actually interested in keeping the earth green, environmentalists would be championing the Environmental Protection Agencysproposal, not protesting it. Why? Because the amended rule would at last give oil and gas firms adequate time to prevent methane leaks via thorough inspections and repairs. Methane is a greenhouse gas released from oil and gas equipment like tanks, wells and pipelines during fossil fuel production and transportation. Current methane rules require oil and gas firms to test wells for methane leaks every six months and fix detected leaks within 30 days. The EPAs proposal would require annual inspections and allow 60 days for repairs. Green activists were quick to accuse the EPA of gutting environmental regulations. But the revised rule simply accommodates the physical realities of energy production. The proposal would give firms the time they need to adequately repair their infrastructure and avoid future leaks, rather than rushing a repair through to meet an arbitrary deadline. The extra time is especially important for facilities in remote locations. Even without government intervention, energy companies would work to reduce methane leakage. When properly captured, methane is a marketable commodity. Leaks are not only a potential liability but also a waste of a valuable product. Telling the energy industry to reduce methane leaks is like telling a farmer not to throw out his harvest its unnecessary. In fact, late last year 26 oil and gas producers formed the Environmental Partnership, a voluntary program to reduce emissions by monitoring and repairing leaks with the latest technology. The consortium is replacing or retrofitting outdated infrastructure with state-of-the art components and removing liquids that inhibit the flow of natural gas in aging wells. Since its founding, the group has grown to 43 members. Just last month, Exxon, Shell, Aramco and 10 other energy companies pledged to reduce their methane emissions to less than .25 percent of their total natural gas production by 2025. These industry efforts are working. Between 1990 and last year, a period during which natural gas production rose 50 percent, methane emissions fell 19 percent. And despite its status as the top oil and natural gas producer in the world, Americas energy-related methane emissions represent only about 10 percent of the global total. Most of that progress can be attributed to new energy industry technology. The decrease in production emissions is due to increased voluntary reductions, from activities such as replacing high bleed pneumatic devices, regulatory reductions, and the increased use of plunger lifts for liquids unloading, according to an EPA analysis conducted during the Obama administration. Easing regulations surrounding natural gas production will help lower emissions of other harmful gases as well. Advanced hydraulic fracturing techniques have yielded an abundant domestic supply of natural gas, which burns twice as clean as coal. We have Americas adoption of natural gas to thank for a 25-year low in carbon dioxide emissions. Flexible, incentive-based and voluntary initiatives like the Environmental Partnership lead to real solutions in the real world. Burdensome regulations, by contrast, only compound problems. Despite the green movements reactionary rhetoric, the EPAs methane proposal will be a boon for the environment. Drew Johnson is a senior fellow at the National Center for Public Policy Research. The Trump administration recently proposed drastically weakening our nations existing standards for controlling methane emissions from oil and gas operations. Critics says its essentially a giveaway to the worst polluters in the industry those who would have people believe that environmental protections jeopardize economic progress. But thats not true. Pro-environment and pro-fracking isnt a zero-sum game. A number of energy producing states with emissions standards for oil and gas companies have actually seen their economies benefit. Colorado, for example, has had methane standards on the books for years and recently produced record-breaking volumes of oil. President Donald Trumps strategy to eliminate regulation of oil and gas methane emissions ignores years of science that show oil and gas methane emissions are a major threat to our climate and public health. Theres also a growing body of evidence that shows environmental protections help safeguard our economic growth. The natural gas industry should be worried. As the most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report made clear, curbing emissions of potent, short-lived greenhouse gases like methane is critical to averting more intense droughts, severe weather, sea level rise and more. As natural gas bases its reputation on being cleaner than coal, the industrys methane problem undermines this climate promise. A recent study in Science found the U.S. oil and gas industry emits 13 million metric tons of methane each year. The Environmental Protection Agencys greenhouse gas reporting program suggests Texas is responsible for nearly a third of industrys methane pollution. That matters. Approximately 25 percent of the warming we are experiencing today is caused by methane emissions, and we simply cant make meaningful reductions without addressing emissions in Texas. This is a big problem, and it hasnt gone unnoticed by consumers, investors and policymakers who demand energy that is both clean and cheap. Methane poses material economic and reputational risks to the oil and gas industry. Global methane emissions cost the oil and gas industry an estimated $30 billion in lost product each year. The emissions also make it harder for natural gas to compete in a global marketplace of ever-cleaner and cheaper energy options. California is still reeling from the 2015 Aliso Canyon methane leak, after which members of the community near Porter Ranch agitated to close the site permanently. The consequences dont end there. The state recently rejected a large gas power plant in favor of a competing plan involving transmission upgrades, energy storage and renewable energy. The repercussions of mismanaging methane is also a growing area of focus for investment firms, whose shareholders are increasingly demanding companies to disclose more information about methane leakage. This means trouble for the Lone Star State. Texas Permian and Eagle Ford basins are the top two shale plays in the United States. While Texas leads the nation in oil and natural gas production, it also leads in methane emissions. According to EPAs own recently released data, emission declines remain relatively flat not enough to prevent the impacts of a changing climate and not enough to keep natural gas competitive in a low-carbon future. The Paris-based International Energy Agency said its possible to reduce 75 percent of global oil and gas emissions with existing tools and technology. The fact that reductions have remained relatively flat should reinforce that we need more, not less, oversight of industrys pollutants. State leadership on methane has been completely absent, and the federal protections are all Texans have. The Trump administrations decisions will not only exacerbate the impacts of climate change and local air-quality issues Texans are already dealing with, it will also jeopardize an industry with a monumental economic and environmental footprint. There are forward-thinking oil and gas companies many with headquarters and operations in Texas that have acknowledged the need to reduce emissions and have made strong commitments to do so. Companies like BP, Chevron, Equinor (formerly Statoil), ExxonMobil and Shell publicly committed just last year to advocate sound policy and regulations on methane emissions. But these companies are the exception, not the rule. Thats made clear by the fact that the U.S. oil and gas companies reduced less than 1 percent of their methane emissions last year, according to the EPA. Right now, the only national methane regulation in the worlds largest gas-producing country is on the precipice of being dismantled. This is not only about the details of a specific rule. Its about the health of our air and planet. And for industry, its about the future of natural gas in a clean energy economy. Colin Leyden is the senior manager of state regulatory and legislative affairs for the oil and gas program at Environmental Defense Fund. The midterm elections saw a cascade of historical firsts for women, as the first Muslim women (Democrat Rashida Tlaib of Michigan and Democrat Ilhan Omar, a Somali-American former refugee in Minnesota) and Texas first Latinas (Democrats Veronica Escobar and Sylvia Garcia) will be joining the House, and Republican Marsha Blackburn became the first woman elected to the Senate from Tennessee. A record number of women at least 118, possibly more, after all the tallies are in will serve in the 116th Congress when it is seated in January. Yet as exceptional as these results were, the election was historic for women because so much about their involvement was unexceptional. Many of the female candidates did not wait to run until they felt more prepared, had greater confidence or experience, but instead claimed the right to authority in a way more traditionally associated with male candidates. They refuted double standards that have held women to higher measures of behavior, experience and appearance. The candidates acknowledged their imperfections but also explained why their identities matter. They openly talked about the impacts of maternity, racism, homophobia and sexism on their lives. They explicitly connected issues often relegated to social and private realms to public, economic and political ones. They described sexual harassment, childbirth and maternal mortality, and focused on health care as a priority. Women ran for office in such unprecedented numbers that a woman running against another woman was unremarkable. As the Rutgers Center for American Women and Politics noted, in a record 33 congressional and gubernatorial races, voters chose between two female candidates an unprecedented normalization of women seeking power. With women filling the field becoming commonplace, they are preparing the way for women to campaign on the same ticket as running mates. The growing economic power of women is also becoming a given in electoral politics. Broadly speaking, female candidates remained disadvantaged in major fundraising, relying more on small and individual donations. Male candidates can and do tap into fraternal networks that give them access to more people and money. This election cycle, congressional candidates on average received 36 percent of their donations from women, an increase from 28 in the previous cycle, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. Much of the giving went to Democrats $308 million, compared with $90 million for Republican candidates. Another notably unexceptional aspect of this election was that, just as more women were running, more women were losing. That was critically important: For women to reach anywhere near parity in representation, they need role models of women willing to take risks and be resilient despite losses. Many female candidates, in the political corollary to the corporate glass cliff, ran in races that were particularly high risk and in districts that were heavily gerrymandered. Just as Stacey Abrams did in her campaign to become the first African-American female governor of Georgia (she is contesting the results), women set out to fight in some of the most difficult races, sending a message that, win or lose, they were ready to battle on any terrain. While many women emphasized their roles as mothers when running for office a conventional approach for women seeking political power because it reaffirms gender roles rather than challenging them plenty of candidates ran as nonconventional women: single, unmarried, trans, gay and bisexual. Democrats consistently nominated women who represented a new normal for many communities, women whose experiences challenge traditional norms along many axes. But the overthrowing of the idea that womens political leadership is unusual is happening largely on one side of the aisle, and it is still limited to legislative positions, not executive ones. The Center for American Women and Politics reports that 476 women filed as candidates for the House contests this year (up from 298 in 2012), but Democrats outnumbered Republicans 356 to 120. The story with House nominees was similar, 183 Democrats to 52 Republicans. Only 10 percent of the current Republican members of the House are women. Republicans suffer from a near total lack of female leaders, while the new Democratic House majority is one in which female leaders will substantively shape institutional power. They can be excused for taking a special pleasure when they are seated in January as the opposition to a president notorious for his misogyny. But he had better get used to it, because this is the new, unexceptional normal. Chemaly is the director of the Womens Media Center Speech Project and the author of Rage Becomes Her: The Power of Womens Anger. Super Saver discounts apply on registrations completed before Friday 7 December; for bigger savings take advantage of the Team Pass offer and bring four of your team for the price of three register online now. Dont miss any of our masterclass events: iciHaiti - Diaspora : Inauguration of the MHAVE Information Center Thursday, November 8 Marnatha Irene Ternier, the Minister of Haitians Living Abroad (MHAVE), has inaugurated the Center for Information for the Diaspora and the launch of the project "MHAVE at the listening" For Minister Ternier, this project is a necessity that responds to a need expressed by our brothers and sisters in the Diaspora https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-25853-haiti-diaspora-launch-of-the-training-of-the-operators-of-the-mhave-call-center.html . "This is a project that gives special importance to this category of Haitians who, like all other Haitians, must be able to benefit from all the services available in the State of Haiti and able to take part in actively in all areas that concern Haiti," adding "In addition, the Center is an information and guidance space designed to better serve the Diaspora in their administrative procedures. Phone numbers will be made available to the diaspora soon, according to Elizabeth Chery, Service Manager of the Information Center Learn more about the project "MHAVE at the listining" : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-25853-haiti-diaspora-launch-of-the-training-of-the-operators-of-the-mhave-call-center.html See also : https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-25868-icihaiti-diaspora-visit-of-the-minister-ternier-to-the-kiosque-of-mhave.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-25853-haiti-diaspora-launch-of-the-training-of-the-operators-of-the-mhave-call-center.html HL/ HaitiLibre Seychelles to host FITI in 2019 November 05,2018 | Source: World Fishing The Government of Seychelles has committed to host the International Secretariat of the Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI), starting April 2019. Designed to increase transparency and participation for a more sustainable management of marine fisheries, the Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI) is a global multi-stakeholder initiative which sets clear requirements of what is expected from countries regarding transparency on the management of the marine fisheries sector and the activities of fishers and fishing companies. Transparency is a prerequisite for informed public debates on fisheries policies and for achieving meaningful participation in fisheries decision-making, said Vincent Meriton, vice president of the Republic of Seychelles. While several countries globally have started to implement the FiTI, permanent headquarters are needed to achieve a global level playing field of transparency, Meriton stressed as he spoke at the 5th Our Ocean Conference in Bali. The vice president encouraged other countries to join the FiTI and called upon the international donor community to support the initiative. Meriton also highlighted the successful issue of the worlds first sovereign blue bond to support sustainable marine and fisheries projects. He further emphasised that public and private financial resources are crucial in supporting the blue economy, but weak governance, and in particular the lack of transparency, is a key barrier in unlocking financial resources. The FiTI is currently hosted by the HUMBOLDT-VIADRINA Governance Platform, a not-for-profit organization in Berlin. The Government of the Seychelles is working with the FiTI International Secretariat to support the transition from Berlin to Victoria, the capital of the Seychelles. Mercator Media Ltd 2018 Theme(s): Others. US, others make commitments for sustainability at Our Ocean by Steve Bittenbender November 08,2018 | Source: SeafoodSource At the Our Ocean 2018 conference held last week in Indonesia, the United States pledged its support for 15 initiatives that would affect fishing communities across the globe. In addition, former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry met with Indonesian Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti during the two-day conference in Bali to reaffirm their nations commitment to encourage sustainable fisheries management worldwide. Kerry, who also served as a conference presenter, commended Indonesia for its role in combating illegal fishing. "I believe there is big crime committed in relation to [illegal, unreported and unregulated] fishing and this should be addressed by countries around the world," he said. "To ensure sustainability, one of the ways is to maintain the volume of catch, making sure there is no overfishing." Another way the U.S. will work to combat illegal fishing is by working with The Waitt Foundation to hold a February 2019 summit in San Diego, California, U.S.A. with leaders from other countries to identify pilot projects that can be implemented online. Peter Horn, who heads the Ending Illegal Fishing Project for The Pew Charitable Trusts, said hes looking forward to the summit. We welcome the broadening of the debate of the governance issues behind current levels of Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, and its second and third order consequences, he told SeafoodSource in an email. IUU fishing is often seen as purely an environmental crime with any absence of compliance with the rules countering it a management issue rather than what it really is: The tip of an iceberg of criminality which is directly linked to maritime safety and security. The U.S. also pledged USD 1 million (EUR 875,085) in funding through 2020 to create sustainable waste management systems that will reduce the amount of fishing gear left in ocean waters. In addition, the U.S. announced sustainable fishery programs designed to help the Philippines, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. The conference brought together government leaders and representatives from various non-governmental organizations to forge agreements pertinent to keeping oceans sustainable. The conferences have led countries and NGOs to make more than 300 commitments and pledge more than USD 10.7 billion (EUR 9.4 billion) toward them. Those commitments cover an area of roughly 14 million square kilometers. By comparison, the Indian Ocean, the third-largest ocean in the world, covers approximately 70.6 million square kilometers. Elsewhere, Thai Union Group PCL, Chicken of the Sea, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium announced the creation of SeaChange IGNITE, a USD 73 million (EUR 63.9 million) initiative over an eight-year span that will look to promote sustainability initiatives for fisheries and aquaculture in Southeast Asia. SeaChange IGNITE will partner with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace to work with government and industry leaders to develop comprehensive solutions for sustainable fishery practices. Thai Union positions sustainability at the heart of our business, and SeaChange IGNITE represents the next step toward further ensuring the food on consumers plates meets the highest quality and sustainability standards, Thai Unions Global Director for Sustainable Development Darian McBain said. The sixth Our Ocean conference will be held 24 through 25 October, 2019 in Oslo, Norway. Mercator Media Ltd 2018 Theme(s): Others. New hope for Indigenous fishing communities in Chile by Erica Cunningham November 08,2018 | Source: EDF On a cold morning, we descend a bumpy dirt road through a forest of ancient alerce trees. As the forest clears, we arrive at a rugged coastline, dotted with fishing villages. The smell of smoke rises through the fog and combines with a salty sea breeze as villagers warm bread over their wood stoves, and fishers ready their boats for a day on the water. For centuries, these Indigenous Mapuche villages have lived off the thriving marine life of the Humboldt Current, a cold upwelling on Chiles west coast that delivers abundance and a source of food and livelihood from the sea to the whole nation. Today, fisheries in Chile are in trouble. 70% are overexploited or collapsed. These Mapuche communities represent a way of life and values that have long been lost in mainstream Chilean culture. Their pristine environment and traditional way of life are threatened by the pressures of modern society, such as coastal development for roads and mining, and resource overexploitation to satiate hungry export markets. Despite the Mapuches efforts to conserve their resources, they have remained marginalized and without any legal means to protect their rights to their land and water. Now there is increased hope for these communities, their traditions, and the health of their fisheries. With the help of our Diversity and Environmental Justice Program, EDF Oceans Chile team collaborated with local NGO Costa Humboldt to support these communities as they take control of their own futures. The opportunity came when the Chilean government passed a new regulation allowing the establishment of Marine and Coastal Areas for Indigenous People (MCAIP). The law gives these communities a chance to hold legally recognized rights to their terrestrial and marine territories for the first time. These rights give community members the opportunity to create their own administration and management plans, thus contributing to the overall sustainability of these natural resources. The MCAIP requires communities to create administration plans that detail activities in the area needed for their livelihoods. They are also required to create fishery management plans that incorporate their traditional fishing practices and detail how to achieve sustainable harvest levels of their various marine resources. To achieve this goal, EDF and Costa Humboldt worked with the main Indigenous communities in the region: Mahuidantu, Manquemapu and Lafken Mapu. Over the past year, we held three workshops to build the communities capacities around fisheries governance and science to support the creation of fisheries management plans. The first plan was approved by the Chilean government in July 2018. In addition, Costa Humboldt is now applying some of EDFs tools, such as FISHE (Framework for Integrated Stock and Habitat Evaluation), to put the plan into action. Costa Humboldt also brought all the communities together as a network of MCAIPs, improving their ability to exchange ideas around conservation and management. Together, these communities can prove that a rights based approach for secure, traditional tenure can ensure marine conservation, sustainable fisheries, and improved livelihoods. We have already seen lasting impacts of this work through the expansion of MCAIPs along the coast of Chile, now 10 in total, and the communities vibrant participation in our Small Scale Fisheries Learning Network. This network connects them to other artisanal fishers around Chile and helps them build their capacity to reach their common goals for fisheries management and improved livelihoods. While the road ahead will no doubt have bumps, we now know that their corner of the ocean is under safekeeping and the fish are in good hands. We look forward to continued collaboration with Costa Humboldt and helping these communities who are passionately committed to their cause. 2017 Environmental Defense Fund Theme(s): Communities and Organisations. Imperial Valley News Center Meeting With DPRK Officials Postponed Washington, DC - Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeos meeting with officials from the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea, scheduled for this week in New York, will now take place at a later date. We will reconvene when our respective schedules permit. Ongoing conversations continue to take place. The United States remains focused on fulfilling the commitments agreed to by President Trump and Chairman Kim at the Singapore Summit in June. Imperial Valley News Center Sudan Commits To Strengthening Cooperation and Meaningful Reforms Washington, DC - Yesterday, during bilateral meetings in Washington, D.C., Deputy Secretary of State John J. Sullivan and the Sudanese Foreign Minister Dirdeiry Mohamed Ahmed discussed the launch of the Phase II framework for our bilateral engagement. Phase II is designed to expand our bilateral cooperation, facilitate meaningful reforms to enhance stability in Sudan, and achieve further progress in a number of areas of longstanding concern. The United States welcomes Sudans commitment to making progress in key areas. Those key areas include expanding counterterrorism cooperation, enhancing human rights protections and practices, including freedoms of religion and press, improving humanitarian access, ceasing internal hostilities and creating a more conducive environment for progress in Sudans peace process, taking steps to address certain outstanding terrorism-related claims, and adhering to UN Security Council resolutions related to North Korea. As part of this process, the United States is prepared to initiate the process of rescinding Sudans designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism if the determination is made that all of the relevant statutory criteria have been met, and if Sudan makes progress in addressing each of the six key areas of mutual concern prioritized by the Phase II framework. The United States is ready to cooperate with Sudan and to monitor progress as we seek meaningful developments for the benefit of the Sudanese people and the region. Imperial Valley News Center Acting Governor Newsom Declares State of Emergency in Butte County Due to Camp Fire Sacramento, California - Acting Governor Gavin Newsom today issued an emergency proclamation for Butte County due to the effects of the Camp Fire, which has destroyed homes, threatened critical infrastructure and caused the evacuation of residents. PROCLAMATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY WHEREAS on November 8, 2018, the Camp Fire began burning in Butte County and continues to burn; and WHEREAS this fire has destroyed homes and continues to threaten additional homes and other structures, necessitating the evacuation of thousands of residents; and WHEREAS the fire has forced the closure of roadways and continues to threaten critical infrastructure; and WHEREAS high temperatures, low humidity, and erratic winds have further increased the spread of this fire; and WHEREAS the Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved a Fire Management Assistant Grant to assist with the mitigation, management, and control of the Camp Fire; and WHEREAS the circumstances of this fire, by reason of its magnitude, are or are likely to be beyond the control of the services, personnel, equipment, and facilities of any single local government and require the combined forces of a mutual aid region or regions to combat; and WHEREAS under the provisions of Government Code section 8558(b), I find that conditions of extreme peril to the safety of persons and property exists in Butte County due to this fire; and WHEREAS under the provisions of Government Code section 8571, I find that strict compliance with the various statutes and regulations specified in this order would prevent, hinder, or delay the mitigation of the effects of the Camp Fire. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GAVIN NEWSOM, Acting Governor of the State of California, in accordance with the authority vested in me by the State Constitution and statutes, including the California Emergency Services Act, and in particular, Government Code section 8625, HEREBY PROCLAIM A STATE OF EMERGENCY to exist in Butte County due to the Camp Fire. IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT: All agencies of the state government utilize and employ state personnel, equipment, and facilities for the performance of any and all activities consistent with the direction of the Office of Emergency Services and the State Emergency Plan. Also, all citizens are to heed the advice of emergency officials with regard to this emergency in order to protect their safety. The Office of Emergency Services shall provide local government assistance to Butte County, if appropriate, under the authority of the California Disaster Assistance Act, Government Code section 8680 et seq., and California Code of Regulations, Title 19, section 2900 et seq. As necessary to assist local governments and for the protection of public health and the environment, state agencies shall enter into contracts to arrange for the procurement of materials, goods, and services necessary to quickly assist with the response to and recovery from the impacts of the Camp Fire. Applicable provisions of the Government Code and the Public Contract Code, including but not limited to travel, advertising, and competitive bidding requirements, are suspended to the extent necessary to address the effects of the Camp Fire. The provisions of Unemployment Insurance Code section 1253 imposing a one-week waiting period for unemployment insurance applicants are suspended as to all applicants who are unemployed as a direct result of the Camp Fire, who applied for unemployment insurance benefits during the time period beginning November 8, 2018, and ending on the close of business on May 8, 2019, and who are otherwise eligible for unemployment insurance benefits. Vehicle Code sections 9265(a), 9867, 14901, 14902, and 15255.2, requiring the imposition of fees, are suspended with regard to any request for replacement of a drivers identification card, vehicle registration certificate, or certificate of title, by any individual who lost such records as a result of the Camp Fire. Such records shall be replaced without charge. The provisions of Vehicle Code sections 4602 and 5902, requiring the timely registration or transfer of title are suspended with regard to any registration or transfer of title by any resident of Butte County who is unable to comply with those requirements as a result of the Camp Fire. The time covered by this suspension shall not be included in calculating any late penalty pursuant to Vehicle Code section 9554. Health and Safety Code sections 103525.5 and 103625, and Penal Code section 14251, requiring the imposition of fees are hereby suspended with regard to any request for copies of certificates of birth, death, marriage, and dissolution of marriage records, by any individual who lost such records as a result of the Camp Fire. Such copies shall be provided without charge. I FURTHER DIRECT that as soon as hereafter possible, this proclamation be filed in the Office of the Secretary of State and that widespread publicity and notice be given of this proclamation. IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 8th day of November 2018. __________________________ GAVIN NEWSOM Acting Governor of California ATTEST: __________________________ ALEX PADILLA Secretary of State Imperial Valley News Center Presidential Proclamation on World Freedom Day, 2018 Washington, DC - The Berlin Wall stood as a harrowing barrier for nearly three decades, dividing East and West Germans from their families and friends, and symbolizing the suffocating oppression of Soviet-backed totalitarian regimes. On World Freedom Day, we remember the struggle and sacrifice of those who braved severe hardships under communisms brutal reign, and we celebrate November 9, 1989, as the day when freedom-loving people on both sides of the wall came together to begin tearing down this hated obstruction to liberty. We also honor the unwavering resolve of those who confronted the evils of corrupt despots and reaffirm our support for people around the world seeking to live in freedom and to enjoy the blessings of liberty. As of this year, Germany has been reunified for longer than it was divided by the Berlin Wall, which imprisoned the people of East Germany for more than 28 years. While it stood, the Berlin Wall was both a physical barrier and a symbol of oppression. Few dared to dream of reunification. The courageous and unwavering determination of those who dared to confront it and those who guarded it day and night, however, inspired millions to prove that freedom prevails over tyranny. The fall of the Berlin Wall marked a major step in the disintegration of the Iron Curtain, paving the way to the liberation of Eastern and Central Europe from the grip of communism and marking a decisive victory for freedom-loving people across Europe. Many countries that lived under the shadow of communism emerged as new democracies and reclaimed their right to determine their own futures. Today, they continue to defend their cherished independence. Unfortunately, we know freedom is repressed in too many places around the world, particularly where terrorism and extremism continue to pose grave threats. Americans have always held boldly and unapologetically to the truth that liberty is an inherent human right, and we reaffirm our commitment to keeping the light of freedom burning bright and shining out to the entire world. Today, we pay tribute to the brave individuals who, despite all risks, have challenged injustice and fought for freedom, especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. We stand in solidarity with those who still live under tyrannical governments and emphasize that the world will be better off when all governments respect the right of all people to live in freedom. NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 9, 2018, as World Freedom Day. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities, reaffirming our dedication to freedom and democracy. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand eighteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-third. DONALD J. TRUMP On the Occasion of Diwali Washington, DC - Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo: "On behalf of the Department of State, I would like to wish all those celebrating Diwali a joyous and prosperous holiday. "Also known as the Festival of Lights, this special occasion celebrates the triumph of light over darkness. Nearly a billion celebrants from around the world will light the diya, or lamp, as a reminder that good ultimately overcomes evil, understanding over ignorance, and kindness over animosity. Diwali is also a time of reflection and prayer when observers perform seva, or selfless service, without any expectation of reward or payment. "As those celebrating decorate their homes with vibrant lights, I would also like to recognize the achievements of our friends in the United States observing Diwali who make important contributions to our country on a daily basis. "Again, to those celebrating this joyous time I wish you a happy Diwali." President Donald J. Trump Announces Intent to Nominate Individuals to Key Administration Posts Washington, DC - President Donald J. Trump Announces Intent to Nominate Individuals to Key Administration Posts: Brett Giroir of Texas, to be the Representative of the United States to the Executive Board of the World Health Organization. Matthew H. Tueller of Utah, to be to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Iraq. Ambassador Tueller, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, rank of Minister-Counselor, is currently United States Ambassador to Yemen. Previously, he served as United States Ambassador to Kuwait, Deputy Chief of Mission at United States Embassy Cairo, Political Minister Counselor at United States Embassy Baghdad, Deputy Chief of Mission at United States Embassy Kuwait, Counselor for Political Affairs at United States Embassy Riyadh, and Deputy Director for the Office of Northern Gulf Affairs in the Department of State. Ambassador Tueller received his B.A. from Brigham Young University and his M.P.P. from Harvard University. He is the recipient of the CIA Directors Seal Award, two Presidential Meritorious Honor Awards, and the Department of States Baker-Wilkins Award for Outstanding Deputy Chief of Mission. Ambassador Tueller is fluent in Arabic. James S. Gilmore of Virginia, to be the Representative of the United States to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe with the Rank of Ambassador. Mr. Gilmore currently serves as President and CEO of American Opportunity Foundation. Previously, he served as Governor of Virginia, Attorney General of Virginia, and as Chairman of the Congressional Advisory Panel to Assess Domestic Response Capabilities for Terrorism Involving Weapons of Mass Destruction, a national panel established by Congress to assess Federal, State, and local government capabilities to respond to the consequences of a terrorist attack. Mr. Gilmore served in the United States Army for three years, where he was assigned to United States Army Intelligence in West Germany. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia and the University of Virginia School of Law. Mr. Gilmore is the recipient of the Air Force Exceptional Service Award and the Joint Service Commendation Medal for Service to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. John Barsa of Florida, to be an Assistant Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean). Mr. Barsa currently serves as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Department of Homeland Securitys Office of Partnership and Engagement (DHS OPE). Previously, he served as the Acting Assistant Secretary for OPE. Mr. Barsa served with the United States Army Reserves for nearly a decade and was a member of the 11th Special Forces Group and the 450th Civil Affairs Battalion. In the U.S. Congress, he worked for Representative Lincoln Diaz-Balart, focusing on foreign policy and national security issues. During the Bush Administration, Mr. Barsa served in external engagement roles within the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Department of Homeland Security. He is a graduate of Florida International University and is a native Spanish speaker. Kate Marie Byrnes of Florida, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Macedonia. Ms. Byrnes, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, class of Minister-Counselor, currently serves as the Deputy Chief of Mission of the United States Embassy Athens, Greece. Previously, she was the Deputy Chief of Mission and Deputy United States Permanent Representative at the United States Mission to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Vienna, Austria. During her career, she has served as Public Affairs Counselor at the United States Embassy Madrid Spain, Department of State Senior Civilian Representative to Task Force Bastogne/Bronco, Jalalabad Airfield, Afghanistan, and the Public Affairs Advisor to the United States Mission to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Brussels, Belgium. Ms. Byrnes earned B.S. and M.A. degrees from Georgetown University. She is also the recipient of the Secretarys Expeditionary Service Award and the United States Army Meritorious Civilian Service Award. Ms. Byrnes speaks Spanish, Hungarian and Turkish. Content Sponsored by Aflac Gender diversity in the workplace isn't just the right thing to do. It's also the smart thing to do. More women in leadership roles can lead to higher profits--it's that simple. In fact, there have been a number of recent studies pointing to the business and cultural benefits of gender diversity. Studies have found that companies with more women on their executive teams have better financial performance. This confirms what the team at Aflac has known for decades: There are business advantages to having more women in leadership positions. Aflac understands the value of diversity in the workplace. After all, Aflac doesn't just talk the talk; it walks it: Two-thirds of Aflac's workforce are female. Nearly one-third of Aflac's executive leadership are women.1 Aflac knows that the most successful businesses are looking for ways to compete for top-tier female talent. How do you find them? Pay is important, but the right benefits package can be just as compelling. Flex time, parental leave, child care, health care, and work-from-home options are popular, especially among women. Aflac helps companies of all sizes build flexible benefit packages--offering voluntary insurance and value-added services. These benefits can be particularly attractive to women and any employee who is caring for a family. "Give the gift of time to accommodate all caregivers, whether they're women or men," suggests Brenda Mullins, VP of HR and chief people officer for Aflac. One way to give employees the gift of time is to have onsite child care for employees who are raising a family. Aflac has two onsite centers at its headquarters. It also has a gym for time-starved caregivers. "As a young mother, it was amazing to work at Aflac," says Jamie Lee, SVP and chief service officer. "They had child care onsite. They had a gym onsite. I could drop my child off on my way to work, run to the gym, get in a workout and not feel like I'd let anyone down." Right-Size Benefits for Every Size Enterprise Of course, not every business can afford this kind of approach--smaller businesses might instead coordinate an employee discount at a local gym. "All caretakers must look at all of the health and financial protection benefits available to us," Mullins adds. "We have to make sure we don't put our family in a financial bind if something happens." After offering major medical insurance for employees, another attractive option for small businesses is employee-paid voluntary insurance benefits. "Cost is always a consideration, especially when a company is small and growing," Mullins says. "Once a company provides employees with primary health insurance, adding voluntary benefits like accident, cancer, and disability insurance is a cost-effective way to extend offerings without adding to the employer's costs, because participation is employee-paid." Aflac has the technology and carrier partnerships to support small businesses in providing flexible plans like these to attract and retain top talent. Every small business can benefit from good benefits, as Susan Droege, a small-business owner discovered when she was diagnosed with cancer. "When the recession hit, I considered dropping my cancer insurance policy, but my husband recommended not to because we'd just lost a dear friend to cancer. I am so thankful we had that policy." Leadership Smarts in 5 Easy Steps In an Aflac career that has spanned 28 years, Jamie Lee has benefited from numerous mentors as she steadily progressed up the corporate ladder. Today, as Aflac's SVP and chief service officer, she holds a major role in the company, leading a team of 2,600 people across Aflac's core operations. "It's such an incredible honor to work at Aflac because of our focus on women in leadership and on diversity across the board. There's a reason that we show up on best places to work lists--and women in C-level positions across the organization are a big part of that. It's very encouraging to women." For women just starting out in business, she offers her leadership smarts in five easy steps: Keep your focus. The most important job is the one you have. Grow in your role. There's value to being in the slow cooker. You can't microwave yourself as a leader. Soak and marinate in the role that you're in. Earn your way. Let your performance speak for itself. Don't force your way up the corporate ladder. Relationships first, results second. Results come easier and quicker to a person who values relationships. Keep perspective. You're a human, then a mother, sister, and wife. Career may be a big part of who you are, but it shouldn't define you completely. 1 Aflac Workforce Census, Diversity Statistics (2018) This article is for informational purposes only. Aflac herein means American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus and American Family Life Assurance Company of New York. Z180938 Ford is buying Spin, a 24-person scooter startup based in San Francisco. Terms of the deal weren't disclosed, but Axios reported the price tag was $40 million. Ford sees the agreements Spin makes with cities as a possible precursor to rolling out self-driving vehicles. Ford is buying scooter startup Spin as it doubles down on its investments in the future of transportation. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Axios' Dan Primack reported Wednesday a price tag of $40 million. Spin CEO and founder Euwyn Poon said Ford's acquisition gives the startup a "more than healthy" budget to keep growing. Unlike scooter operators like Lime or Jump, which have garnered a less-than-stellar reputation for their rogue operations, Spin prides itself on working with municipalities to establish policies before it launches. "Spin shares our values," Marcy Klevorn, Ford's executive vice president and head of its Mobility unit, told Business Insider. "They only work in cities that they have a partnership with, where they have a permit and are licensed to work." Spin originated about two years ago as a dockless bike-share company, inspired by Poon's travels in Beijing, where the services were flourishing. The company raised $8 million in funding from five investors. But after realizing their bikes were only doing about one ride per day, the company shifted to scooters -- and now sees each vehicle make upwards of eight trips per day. This has allowed it to break even on a per-unit basis, Poon said, calling the revenue of $20-30 per day per scooter "a far cry" from what the company saw with bikes. "Cities are really starting to recognize the benefit of micro-mobility solutions," Poon said in an interview. "Ultimately, our product solves a real problem for users and provides an equitable mode of transport, provided the proper policy framework is in place." Spin currently operates in nine cities and on five college campuses, and has eager ambitions to reach 100 markets in the next 18 months. Ford sees the initial contact with cities on scooters as a way to form relationships with cities that could eventually turn into self-driving car agreements. "You can't just show up in a city and say 'Hi, I have an autonomous vehicle and we'd like to participate now,'" said Ford's Klevorn. "We think its important to have the relationships with a city, build trust, and learn about their challenges and issues." Hundreds of thousands of DACA recipients--many of who are entrepreneurs or employed by small businesses--just breathed a collective sigh of relief this week. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, a federal appeals court in California, on Thursday upheld a previous ruling that blocked the Trump administration from terminating the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The Obama-era program, which staves off the deportation of about 700,000 undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children, was rescinded in September of 2017. "We conclude that plaintiffs are likely to succeed on their claim that the rescission of DACA --at least as justified on this record--is arbitrary, capricious, or otherwise not in accordance with law," reads the opinion from Judge Kim McLane Wardlaw. In the U.S., 90 percent of DACA recipients, also known as Dreamers, who are aged 16 and older are employed, according to research from the New American Economy, self-described as a bipartisan research and immigration advocacy organization. About 4.5 percent of them are entrepreneurs and made $658.7 million in total business income in 2015, the latest year for which NAE has data. Still, the legal battle is far from over. On Monday, the Trump administration preemptively asked the Supreme Court to take up the case, even before the 9th Circuit Court issued its ruling. As it stands now, DACA supporters, or challengers to the government's petition, need to file their response with the court before December 5. That means the justices could announce whether they'll take up the case as soon as mid-January, says Ashima Duggal, an immigration lawyer based in Silicon Valley. "In this 9th circuit decision, the court reviewed 100 years of presidential administration decisions that are immigration-related," says Duggal, who adds that based on that analysis, the three-judge panel found former President Obama had the authority to create DACA with an executive order. For years now pediatricians have been hammering home the "breast is best" message, advising new moms to breastfeed their babies until they're around a year old at least. And American moms are listening -- over 80 percent breastfeed at birth. But only 50 percent reach the one-year mark. Just about any working mom can tell you why. Combining breastfeeding with work is a challenge. Combining breastfeeding with work that requires extended travel is a downright nightmare. The internet is full of stories of nursing moms huddled in hotel bathrooms and conference hall closets with bulky pumps, and miserable tales of lugging coolers of expressed milk through airport security. In 2014, Milk Stork co-founder Kate Torgersen was among them. The straw that broke the camel's back. At that time Torgersen was a new mom committed to breastfeeding her twins, Finn and Zoe, when she was offered a great career opportunity that involved a four-day business trip. "To take the trip, I pumped the two 'extra' gallons of milk to create a stash to cover my absence. I went from pumping every four hours to pumping every couple hours. Then, while I was gone, I had to pump relentlessly around the clock to maintain my milk supply. All of the pumping generated another two gallons of breast milk, which I crammed into my tiny hotel mini-fridge," she related in an email. "On the last day of my trip, I packed a soft cooler with all of the milk, along with four gallon-sized Ziplocs filled with ice. I lugged my sloshing, dripping, 25-plus-pound carry-on of milk (along with my purse, breast-pump bag, and suitcase) through airport security only to endure the embarrassing inspection process. Needless to say, I barely made my flight." Torgersen calls that business trip "the straw that broke the camel's back," but her horrible experience didn't cause her to give up on work travel or breastfeeding. Instead, it pushed her to found Milk Stork. A great benefit for working moms. The Palo Alto-based startup is on a mission to make combining work travel and breastfeeding less horrible by offering new moms a simple way to ship milk home. Breastfeeding road warriors simply book with the company, which sends a pre-labeled box, coolers, and cooling packs to wherever they'll be staying. Moms just pump, pack, and send the package off to any location in the U.S. via FedEx. No dripping coolers or conversations with skeptical TSA agents required. Priced at $99 a day, the service is pricey, but it's also super simple, according to multiple online reviews. For mothers with mobile careers and small babies, the idea is a godsend, and major companies like Snapchat, PayPal, Pinterest, and Vox Media have taken notice, signing on to offer the service as a benefit to employees. Smaller firms can use the service to support working parents too simply by reimbursing mothers as they would any other expense. Burgeon Legal Group, a boutique firm with 33 employees, told me a couple of moms at the firm had utilized Milk Stork on the company's dime. Over email both women said they were thrilled to be offered the service and would recommend it highly. But it's not just working moms who benefit. A spokesman for the firm noted that the new offering helps convey the firm's inclusive culture to job candidates, as well as motivating existing employees. Call it anything you want, just don't call it the taco phone. Samsung recently revealed a clamshell phone at its developer conference, called a prototype folding phone, that uses the company's Infinity Flex Display. With one front screen and an inside screen that open to form a tablet, the design is either the most innovative concept in years that will change how we use mobile devices or a neat gimmick. Here it is: Back in 2003, when I was just starting out as a tech journalist, Nokia introduced the N-Gage smartphone, a device that worked as a smartphone for making calls and also as a pocket gaming device. It was a precursor to the phones we all use today, because it served multiple purposes. At the time, other than people calling it the "taco phone" because of its unique shape and wondering why anyone would ever use a phone for anything but phone calls, there was definitely a hint of things to come, a world where a phone is more than a phone. The N-Gage does remind me of the Samsung prototype, which looks like an impressive device at first glance. One screen on the front is a 5-inch LCD (the older tech now used on the more affordable iPhone XR) and inside is a 7.3-inch flexible OLED display (now used on the high-end iPhone XS and the Google Pixel 3). The inside display looks square and a bit like a tablet, so it's perfect for productivity and less than ideal for widescreen movies. From what I've read so far, people are thoroughly confused. One report seemed to praise the device but also wondered how Samsung will turn it into an actual product, which the tech giant said would come out in 2019. However, in the comments of the article, readers openly questioned the logic of having a gadget that folds open, wondered whether the device would last that long and what would happen if you dropped it, and made many other valid points. It's a head-scratcher to me as well, but before I throw any stones, I'll be the first to admit this is a step in the right direction if only because at least Samsung is trying something different. It's not an incremental upgrade, a phone that's a little faster and has a slightly better display. It's totally different, and so was the Nokia N-Gage. It might flop (and flip), but that's part of what makes innovation so interesting. Innovation means risk. I'm not sure I'd use a phone that is so bulky, doesn't last that long, and tries to be a phone and a tablet at the same time. However, the real innovation here is that the screen folds at all. According to reports, the screen uses a new "composite polymer transparent material" that proves an OLED screen can bend (Samsung claims it will open and close 300,000 times without problems). I'd rather the tech giants try something new and fail than continue making slightly better devices. The reason? Incremental upgrades mean incremental increases in productivity. Here's how that works. Shinier, faster, smarter, smaller. It doesn't really matter what a gadget does these days, because most of them are already meeting our needs. The Samsung Galaxy hasn't changed significantly in years, and each new laptop is only a hair faster than the last model. If that all sounds a bit depressing, I hear your pain. I'm hoping for devices that project a holographic image, or can read our minds or predict our behavior, but what's happening instead is that companies are making gadgets that do less, cost more ... and are less impressive. It's a failure to innovate, and it's not a positive trend in any way. The Samsung foldable phone might be another N-Gage. David Mackenzie; Starring: Chris Pine, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Florence Pugh, Billy Howle, Stephen Dillane, Callan Mulvey, Tony Curran. Cert 18, 121 mins. In the early days of HBOs Game of Thrones, the novelist behind the series, George RR Martin, used to complain the producers skipped many of the battles in his novels because they were too expensive to film. David Mackenzies rousing, Scotland-set medieval epic Outlaw King faces no such problems. With Netflix behind him, and a reported budget of more than $90m, Mackenzie is able to deploy vast armies in chainmail, gleefully slaughtering each other. He doesnt skimp on the violence. If you want to know what being hanged, drawn and quartered really entailed, this is the film for you Its 18 certificate comes as no surprise. As a piece of Scottish history and as a story about independence and self-determination, Outlaw King is more problematic. The Scots here arent just baring their backsides to the English, as they did in Mel Gibsons Braveheart. Recommended Every new Netflix original movie coming out before the end of 2018 Robert the Bruce (played by Hollywood star Chris Pine) is shown at the start of the movie consorting with the auld enemy. A key incident which the film struggles to explain or make much sense of comes early on, when Robert deals with his closest rival to the Scottish crown in an expedient fashion, by murdering him in a church. The killing shows a dark and ruthless side of Robert director Mackenzie clearly doesnt want to explore too closely. Later, the English break truces and scorn traditional rules of chivalry, but even they dont resort to killing their enemies at the altar. Pine is the star of the film and its cynosure the camera is obsessively drawn to him. He gets many more close-ups than the impressive Florence Pugh, who plays Elizabeth Burgh, Roberts English second wife; its an arranged marriage but they quickly and conveniently fall in love, thereby providing the film with its romantic subplot. In one voyeuristic shot, Pine is shown full frontal naked for seconds as he emerges from a loch. He gives a thoughtful performance, portraying Robert as a reluctant warrior who turns to violence only when he must making his murder of a rival all the stranger. The Hollywood draws Scottish accent doesnt grate either. As the story starts, its 1304. Edward I of England has seized power in Scotland, where the lords surrendered to him although there are references to William Wallace still holding out. Access unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows with Amazon Prime Video Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up 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 Outlaw King begins in bravura fashion, with a single shot that lasts minutes. It shows Robert kneeling at Edwards feet, pledging fealty to the English king. The camera then weaves through the ranks of Scottish nobles and follows Robert as he walks out of Edwards tent into a muddy field beyond. Here, he is accosted by the kings delinquent son Edward, Prince of Wales (Billy Howle), who challenges him to a mock duel with 10 pounds for the winner. The shot ends with a huge catapult launching fire-filled boulders at a castle where a Scottish noble is still holding out. This overture not only reveals the extent of English power and Scottish humiliation, it introduces us to the films main characters and very deftly sketches the conflicts in miniature that will dominate the movie. Edward (Stephen Dillane) is a Machiavellian figure with close ties to several Scots. It is implied his rule could have been tolerated if only it werent for the poll tax. The English try to squeeze so much money out of the Scots rebellion becomes inevitable. Edwards son (played with neurotic malevolence by Howle) is delighted to have the chance to suppress the rebellion in as sadistic a way as he can. I have all the traits my father had save one: mercy, he blithely announces as he slits the throat of yet another Scotsman. Much of the storyline here is familiar from other Robin Hood-like tales, and films about Jacobites and warrior kings. Robert goes on the run, ending up at one stage with only 40 followers. He is betrayed. Many of those closest to him are killed. However, the film doesnt always make the obvious choices. Its final set-piece isnt the battle of Bannockburn but of Loudoun Hill seven years earlier potentially leaving the way open for a sequel. Mackenzie includes unexpected references to other movies one main character is suspended from a castle wall just like Micheal MacLiammoirs Iago in Orson Welless Othello while leaving out elements one would have expected. Folklore has it Robert the Bruces try, try and try again philosophy was inspired when, on the run, he saw a spider trying to throw thread from one ledge of a cave to another half a dozen times the spider failed before finally achieving success. The spider doesnt weave its way in here though. Braveheart was credited with boosting Scottish tourism and Outlaw King may well do the same. Between battles, it includes spectacular aerial shots of lochs and mountainsides. Its a thunderous piece of storytelling but not an especially subtle one. With so many testosterone-driven action scenes, Mackenzie leaves little room for characterisation. Figures like Roberts fearless colleague James Douglas (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), are very thinly drawn. None the less, Outlaw King is one of the most expensive films made in Scotland. Even when it stumbles, you cant help but admire its epic scale and the sheer scope of its ambition. Outlaw King launches on Netflix and in selected cinemas on 9 November Black Friday and Cyber Monday might be almost over, but you can still get a great deal on flights and holidays. You just need to know where to look. To save you time, we've gathered together some of the best discounts by airline, wherever you'd like to go. Last year, the travel industry offered up a host of strong discounts, including a deal from Thomas Cook which gave customers 200 off every holiday. Air New Zealand offered 375 discounts on return flights to LA, while Expedia gave 50 per cent off selected hotels and British Airways had an array of low-priced trips across Europe, Singapore, Hong Kong and the Seychelles. We'll be constantly updating this year's deals throughout the weekend. Air New Zealand (Getty) (Getty Images) Head to Air New Zealand's Black Friday 2018 page from Friday, 22 November for its deals. Last year, some flights sold out in minutes. As a tempting taster, 100 return flights to Los Angeles will be available on the site at 10am on Black Friday, at just 175. Best deals: London to New Zealand, economy flights: from 839pp, buy now London to New Zealand via Los Angeles, premium economy flights: from 2,390pp, buy now London to New Zealand via Los Angeles, business premier flights: from 4,144pp, buy now Auckland to Fiji flights, seat only: from $213pp, buy now British Airways BA discovered major data breach on Wednesday (Getty) Head to British Airways' Black Friday page for this year's offers on flights and holidays. Best deals: Grenada, Tobago and St Kitts in the Caribbean, flights and hotel: save up to 300, buy now New York business-class flights and three nights in a hotel: from 1,119, buy now Seychelles business-class flights and seven nights' hotel from 1,949: buy now Rome business-class flights and three nights' hotel: from 359pp, buy now Barcelona flights and two nights' hotel: from 99pp, buy now Orlando flights and seven nights hotel: from 1,229pp, buy now easyJet easyJet charges up to 26.99 for seat selection ( (AFP) Black Friday deals are hot right now on the easyJet website with money off holidays from Amsterdam and Barcelona to Rome and Berlin. Best deals: Barcelona flights and three nights hotel: 118.20pp, buy now Paris flights and three nights' hotel: 131.13pp, buy now Paris flights with three nights' hotel at Disneyland: 168.92pp, buy now Reykjavik, Iceland flights and three nights hotel: 241.40, buy now Rome flights and three nights' hotel: from 143.13, buy now Etihad London to Abu Dhabi: from 399, buy now Expedia Expedia (Expedia) We're looking forward to the Expedia deals on its Black Friday page. Expedia offered travellers 50 per cent off certain hotels last year, as well as 330 off when spending 800 or more on select flights. Best deals: Paris flights and three nights hotel: from 222pp, buy now New York flights and five nights hotel: from 1,075pp, buy now Recommended Best Black Friday UK Amazon deals 2018 Orlando flights and five nights' hotel: from 756pp, buy now Phuket flights and six nights' hotel: from 607pp, buy now Ryanair Many planes were parked last year due to industrial action (Reuters) Every day this week, the budget airline is releasing deals on its Black Friday page. Best deals: London Stansted to Barcelona, one-way flight: 4.88pp, buy now London Stansted to Edinburgh, one-way flight: 9.78pp, buy now London Stansted to Venice, one-way flight: 9.78pp, buy now London Stansted to Bologna, one-way flight: 12.73pp, buy now London Stansted to Lanzarote, one-way flight: 9.78pp, buy now Thomas Cook (Alamy (Alamy) Black Friday deals from Thomas Cook will be announced through its dedicated page. The Canary Islands, Greece and Turkey are likely to be popular. Best deals: Tenerife flights and seven nights hotel: from 389pp, buy now Greece flights and seven nights hotel: from 216pp, buy now Italy flights and seven nights hotel: from 370pp, buy now Turkey flights and seven nights' hotel: from 234pp, buy now Croatia one way flights from 32.99, buy now Gran Canaria one way flights from 42.99, buy now TUI (AFP/Getty) For a bargain holiday, head to the TUI Black Friday page. You can save 100 on short-haul and mid-haul holidays with the code 'BF100' or 150 on long-haul holidays with the code 'BF150'. Book before Monday and you could even win back the cost of your holiday. Best deals: Spain flights and seven nights hotel: from 288pp, buy now Greece flights and seven nights hotel: from 175pp, buy now Recommended Best Black Friday UK Apple deals 2018 Cape Verde flights and seven nights hotel: 749.88pp, buy now Iceland flights and four nights hotel: 610pp, buy now Thailand flights and seven nights hotel: 973, buy now Virgin Trains Change here? Virgin Trains arrival at Crewe station in Cheshire (Simon Calder) Waiting to buy your train ticket home for Christmas? Last year, Virgin Trains cut prices on 250,000 first- and standard-class tickets by up to 52 per cent, and we predict it will offer a similar deal this time round. Best deals: Fixed-price family tickets from 65, buy now Upgrade to first class for 10, buy now IndyBest product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing. With cannabis becoming legalised in Canada and US state Oklahoma voting to legalise medicinal marijuana recently, there has been much discussion about the health benefits of the plant. Further to its use as an ingredient used to treat various health conditions, cannabis has also recently been having quite a moment within the beauty industry. CBD, the non-psychoactive chemical compound found in the marijuana plant, has been used by several brands in products including mascaras and moisturisers. Recommended Medicinal cannabis could well open door to recreational use As long as products only contain trace amounts of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the key compound in cannabis which causes users to experience being high, then they can legally be sold to consumers. According to Brightfield Group, a company that specialises in cannabis and CBD market research, CBD is the "next hot, functional beauty ingredient", that may have a similar impact on the beauty industry as shea butter and aloe. Furthermore, due to the increased interest in cannabis for medicinal, recreational and cosmetic use, the CBD industry is expected to reach an estimated value of $22bn (16bn) by 2022. In September this year, French beauty label Sephora launched its first cannabis-infused cosmetics brand called High Beauty. The line launched with two products: High Expectations, a cannabis facial oil, and High Five, a cannabis facial moisturiser. Melissa Jochim, founder of High Beauty, explained that theres been a shift in attitude in the way in which people perceive marijuana, as its now viewed by many as a wellness product as opposed to simply a recreational drug. It just hasnt been mainstream until people started seeing it as a lifestyle ingredient, or one for wellbeing, she said, according to Civilized. Estee Lauder's Origins brand also became one of the first mainstream beauty companies to release cannabis-infused products earlier this year. Cannabis around the world Show all 13 1 /13 Cannabis around the world Cannabis around the world Morocco Farmers destroy cannabis plantations under Moroccan police supervision in the northern Moroccan Larache region, pictured here in 2006 AFP/Getty images Cannabis around the world Colorado Growing business: Cannabis on sale at River Rock Wellness Sam Adams Cannabis around the world Oakland Oaksterdam in Oakland, California, is the world's only university dedicated to the study and cultivation of cannabis Alain Jocard/AFP/Getty Images Cannabis around the world Seattle A cannabis smoker marks the start of the new law by the Space Needle in Seattle Getty Images Cannabis around the world China Cannabis growing wild in China, where it has been used to treat conditions such as gout and malaria Cannabis around the world Uruguay Uruguay has voted to make the country the first to legalize marijuana AFP/Getty Cannabis around the world Colorado A groundswell of support from the public led to full legalisation in Colorado Getty Images Cannabis around the world Berlin A man smokes licenced medicinal marijuana prior to participating in the annual Hemp Parade, or 'Hanfparade', in support of the legalization of marijuana in Germany on August 7, 2010 in Berlin, Germany. The consumption of cannabis in Germany is legal, though all other aspects, including growing, importing or selling it, are not. However, since the introduction of a new law in 2009, the sale and possession of marijuana for licenced medicinal use is legal. Sean Gallup/Getty Images Cannabis around the world UK The UK latest figures show 2.3 million people used cannabis in the last year AP Cannabis around the world Amsterdam Tourists visiting Amsterdam will not be banned from using the citys famous cannabis cafes Getty Images Cannabis around the world Merseyside These 25 cannabis plants, seized in Merseyside police, could have generated a turnover of 40,000 a year Cannabis around the world San Francisco April 20, 2012: People smoke marijuana joints at 4:20 p.m. as thousands of marijuana advocates gathered at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, California. The event was held on April 20, a date corresponding with a numerical 4/20 code widely known within the cannabis subculture as a symbol for all things marijuana. Reuters Cannabis around the world Spain A cannabis users' association will pay the town of Rasquera more than 600,000 a year for the lease of the land On the company's website, it states that all ingredients used to manufacture the certified products in the range are 100 per cent natural, and that it only uses "the highest grade, locally grown cannabis and marijuana." WHIO-TV, a news station in Ohio, undertook an investigation into beauty products being sold in America that contain CBD. The team discovered that many of the products come with assurances that CBD has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, with the ability to help people improve the condition of their skin, smooth their wrinkles and thicken their eyelashes. "These topical products, they're not going to make you high or anything like that. They don't have the psychoactive components in them," Dr Gregory Samano, a family doctor based in Florida told the news station. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events "I'm excited about it. I think it's going to show a lot of progress as time goes on." Click here to check out 10 of the best cannabis beauty products on the market, including an 80 day cream by MGC Derma, a 20 hand and body wash by Malin+Goetz, a 7.69 soap by Dr Bronner's and a 70 facial oil by Votary. A campaign comparing people with Down's syndrome to endangered animals such as rhinos, pandas and polar bears has stirred a huge debate online, with some describing the concept as "tone deaf". The campaign has been launched by the Canadian Down's Syndrome Society in order to raise awareness of the issues that people with Down's syndrome face, with many struggling to enter the workforce and others living in poverty. On the website for the initiative, the society states that animal welfare organisations are provided with 90 per cent more resources and funding than Down's syndrome organisations in North America. As part of the campaign, they're striving to have humans officially recognised as an endangered species by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. While some have praised the campaign for raising awareness of the disadvantages that people with development disabilities often experience, others have expressed their opposition to the notion of comparing people with Down's syndrome to animals. "It is so important to oppose any eugenic efforts against people with Down's syndrome, but this language of speciation/preservation is weird and upsetting," one person tweeted. "Comparing people to animals isn't a good look," another person wrote. "The developmentally disabled are still part of the human species and should be treated that way. "I think your heart was in the right place, but you screwed this one up." Francie Munoz, a woman with Down's syndrome, spoke to CBC Toronto about her disapproval of the campaign. "It doesn't matter who you are... I don't like people comparing me as an animal, it's not fair," she said. Model with Down's syndrome makes strides worldwide Show all 18 1 /18 Model with Down's syndrome makes strides worldwide Model with Down's syndrome makes strides worldwide Model Madeline Stuart, who has Down's syndrome, standing on a runway during rehearsal at the Angel Orensanz Foundation during New York Fashion Week Reuters Model with Down's syndrome makes strides worldwide Madeline having her final touches made before before walking in the Colleen Morris presentation of the Spring/Summer 2019 collection during London Fashion Week Reuters Model with Down's syndrome makes strides worldwide Madeline has her makeup applied backstage before the Colleen Morris Presentation Reuters Model with Down's syndrome makes strides worldwide Madeline enjoying her time backstage of the Soiree show at London Fashion Week Reuters Model with Down's syndrome makes strides worldwide Madeline walking onto the catwalk for the Colleen Morris presentation Reuters Model with Down's syndrome makes strides worldwide Madeline and her mother, Rosanne, pose for photos while sightseeing in Trafalgar Square Reuters Model with Down's syndrome makes strides worldwide Madeline walking in the Swedish School of Textiles show at London Fashion Week Reuters Model with Down's syndrome makes strides worldwide Madeline celebrates after stepping out of a taxi cab as she arrives for New York Fashion Week Reuters Model with Down's syndrome makes strides worldwide Madeline looks through a window as her mother is interviewed about Madeline's modelling career Reuters Model with Down's syndrome makes strides worldwide Rosanne Stuart attempts to cover her daughter, Madeline, from rain as they walk to a show during New York Fashion Week Reuters Model with Down's syndrome makes strides worldwide Madeline waits backstage as a dress is steamed before a runway show during New York Fashion Week Reuters Model with Down's syndrome makes strides worldwide Madeline having her make up applied backstage before walking in the Lulu Et Gigi presentation at New York Fashion Week Reuters Model with Down's syndrome makes strides worldwide Madeline being assisted backstage before walking in the Rutu Bhonsle runway show at New York Fashion Week Reuters Model with Down's syndrome makes strides worldwide Madeline standing backstage before walking in the Burning Guitars runway show during New York Fashion Week Reuters Model with Down's syndrome makes strides worldwide Madeline standing backstage between two male models at New York Fashion Week Reuters Model with Down's syndrome makes strides worldwide Madeline stands among models backstage after walking in the Burning Guitars presentation during New York Fashion Week Reuters Model with Down's syndrome makes strides worldwide Madeline sits at the Remedy Diner with her mother and manager Rosanne after walking in a runway show during New York Fashion Week Reuters Model with Down's syndrome makes strides worldwide Madeline sits in the back of a taxi cab after walking in a runway show during New York Fashion Week Reuters "Love us for who we are, not a character, not an animal." The Canadian Down's Syndrome Society has been defending the campaign online, explaining that it didn't mean to cause offence by having people with Down's syndrome dress as endangered animals. "We are not, for even one moment, suggesting that people with Down's syndrome are anything other than human," the organisation wrote on Twitter in response to criticism. "We're communicating that just as many support endangered animals, this community needs attention and support too." Ben Tarr, a Canadian Down's Syndrome Society board member, explained the motivation behind the campaign. "So we've actually submitted an application to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and we're looking to be the first human species on their list," he said. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events "The reason for that is, really, we're looking to garner support. "You know, when you look at the population size of those living with Down's syndrome, what's endangered is actually the support that we get." Approximately one in every 1,000 babies is born with Down's syndrome, according to the Down's Syndrome Association. There are currently around 40,000 people with Down's syndrome living in the UK. The annual Victorias Secret Fashion Show was in full swing on Thursday evening, taking place at Pier 94 in New York. Models including Gigi and Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner, Leomie Anderson and Behati Prinsloo took to the runway wearing ornate lingerie ensembles created in collaboration with British designer Mary Katrantzou, with a focus on vibrant floral prints. The extravaganza marked 23 years since the brands first catwalk show in 1995, and 41 years since the company was founded by Roy Raymond in San Francisco, California. Last night's show was Adriana Lima's last appearance as a Victoria's Secret 'Angel' (Getty Images) (Getty) It also marked Brazilian model Adriana Lima's last appearance for Victoria's Secret, having modelled for the lingerie company since 1999. As the brand's longest serving 'Angel', Lima looked visibly emotional on the runway as she walked to a standing ovation. Kendall Jenner (Getty Images) "Dear Victoria, thank you for showing me the world, sharing your secrets, and most importantly not just giving me wings but teaching me to fly," Lima wrote on Instagram. Many have been expressing their admiration for Lima on social media, with one person describing her departure from Victoria's Secret as the "end of an era". Gigi Hadid (Getty Images) There were a number of significant firsts for Victoria's Secret during last night's spectacle. Former Americas Next Top Model contestant Winnie Harlow became the first model with vitiligo to take part in the show. Winnie Harlow became the first model with vitiligo to walk in a Victoria's Secret Fashion Show (Getty Images) She discussed the significance of this with People magazine prior to the show, saying: This is the first major show Ive done that will be broadcasted across the world on TV, which raises the stakes big time. But Im more excited than anything else. Kelsey Merritt became the first Filipino-American model to become a Victorias Secret Angel, expressing her excitement on Instagram with the caption: Its showtime! Kelsey Merritt became the first Filipino-American model to take part in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show (Getty Images) FIRST EVER Filipina to walk for the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. Kelsey Merritt. History, beauty, grace, pride and sexiness, one person wrote on Twitter. Swedish model Elsa Hosk was chosen to wear the Victorias Secret Fantasy Bra, following in the footsteps of models such as Tyra Banks and Alessandra Ambrosio in previous years. Elsa Hosk wearing the Victoria's Secret 'Fantasy Bra' (Getty Images) Featuring more than 2,100 Swarovski lab-made diamonds, the bra is alleged to be worth approximately $1 million (767,000). Despite the bra's ornate design, some people have expressed their disappointment over its simplistic design, with one person describing it as a "mess". Bella Hadid and Halsey (Getty Images) According to a diamond expert, the bra isn't actually worth the amount announced by Victoria's Secret. The overvaluation of the bra is very clear because of what we know about the price of synthetic diamonds, Grant Mobley, a diamond expert and gemologist, told Page Six Style. Currently selling for $800 USD per carat, the reported 71 carats included in the bra would only be worth $56,800 USD. When you add the price of the stones to the cost of workmanship and the price of the metal the total value would still be far below six figures. The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show has received heavy criticism as of late, with model Robyn Lawley calling for the show to be boycotted until it becomes more diverse and inclusive of different body shapes. "Victoria's Secret has dominated the space for almost 30 years by telling women there is only one kind of body beautiful," she wrote in an online petition. Jasmine Tookes and Shawn Mendes (Getty Images) "I have a daughter and I refuse to let her grow up with those limited ideals." Of those watching the show, some were critical of the way in which the brand seems to favour Kendall Jenner over other models due to her celebrity appeal by having her wear more elaborate designs. "Victoria's Secret dressed Kendall Jenner with one of their best outfits and gave Barbara Palvin A PAIR OF BLACK LEGGINGS ugh," one person wrote on Twitter. Some argue that the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show shouldn't exist in 2018 in its current state, due to the way in which it seemingly fails to promote body positivity and diversity. Chef Heston Blumenthal has revealed a handy trick he uses to improve the taste of any glass of wine. The Michelin-starred chef discussed his recent epiphany during an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald - and it will change the way you experience wine. The trick, as explained during an experiment by the British chef, is to take a sip of wine while picturing someone I love dearly. Then, a second sip should be taken while imagining someone you really dislike. The difference is marked according to the chefs dining partner, who found in the second theres a bitter taste not apparent in the first. According to Blumenthal, the explanation for the taste variations is the connection between a persons stomach and memory - which he discovered in his exploration of the significance of the relationship between the brain and the gut alongside the University of Marseilles. It might be the single greatest discovery that Ive ever made, the imaginative chef said. How to spot a good wine - six tips The study of neurogastronomy - how the brain perceives flavour - is relatively new, according to Harvard University, however, scientists and chefs are working together to learn more about the link. New research from scientists at Columbia University has found the tongue may not be necessary for our internal perception of taste - and it is possible to manipulate flavour by activating certain regions of the brain. At Blumenthals restaurant The Fat Duck, he has already implemented some of the findings. The 12 wines of Christmas Show all 12 1 /12 The 12 wines of Christmas The 12 wines of Christmas A party prosecco Pignoletto Brut Taste the Difference Technically vino spumante, but prosecco by any other name and partygoers are hardly likely to quibble once they taste the delightfully fresh bubbles and vibrant apple and stone-fruit flavours. It also makes a great Bellini just add peach juice. 9, Sainsbury's The 12 wines of Christmas An English sparkling Henners Brut 2010 This sparkler from East Sussex-based Henners is as light and ethereal as a spring day, with effervescent citrus flavours. Drink while opening presents on Christmas morning, with oysters or smoked salmon. 18 (normally 28), winetrust100.co.uk; 29.99, virgin wines.co.uk The 12 wines of Christmas A pink champagne Taittinger Prestige Rose Brut NV This classic pink is a wonderful aperitif at any time, but makes a special festive meal even more so with its uplifting strawberry and raspberry flavours, toasty overlay and tight, bright bubbles. Savour on its own or with canapes. 37.50, thechampagne company.com; 48.99, Waitrose The 12 wines of Christmas Typically tropical Peter Yealands Sauvignon Blanc 2014/15 Its crisp, palate-cleansing acidity makes New Zealand Sauv Blanc almost the perfect party or aperitif glass. This bottle from one of the best Kiwi producers is packed with grass and tropical-fruit flavours great on its own, and very good with all shellfish. 8, Sainsbury's The 12 wines of Christmas Zippy and zesty Falanghina Beneventano IGT 2013 This Italian white from near Naples has all the easy drinking qualities needed for a versatile seasonal white. It's zippy and zesty for easy drinking, but some underlying vegetal, smoky notes make it a very good partner for canapes and seafood starters. 7, Marks & Spencer The 12 wines of Christmas Cherry red Santa Rita 120 Cabernet Franc 2014 Fresh and aromatic, this bottle delivers crunchy cherry-fruit flavours, with enough body to make it brilliant for party spreads and a fine accompaniment for those plates of turkey sandwiches. 5.99 (each, when bought as six bottles, normally 8.99), majestic.co.uk The 12 wines of Christmas For fish and white meats Chateau Ollieux Romanis, Corbieres Cuvee Prestige 2014 A baked fish needs an equally meaty white. Here, hand-picked Roussanne and Marsanne grapes are aged in oak to give big, creamy, luscious flavours, with hints of tropical fruits, some spice and smoke. 14.50, thewine society.com The 12 wines of Christmas For turkey, poultry and lighter game Domain Road Central Otago Pinot Noir 2011 Oak ageing gives a mellow complexity to this sumptuous Pinot, balancing the bright, lingering cherry and plum flavours. Underlying acidity will also counter the fatty richness of goose or duck. 17.95, slurp.co.uk; 18.40, tanners-wines.co.uk The 12 wines of Christmas For beef or venison Cuvee du Vatican Chateauneuf- du-Pape 2012 This southern Rhone red balances rich, dark-fruit flavours, laced with earthy black pepper, in a wine of finesse which retains a hint of freshness from the Grenache grapes. A gorgeous counterpoint to equally full-flavoured meats. 19.99, laithwaites.co.uk The 12 wines of Christmas A tawny port Taylor's 20 Year Old Tawny Port The perfect partner to mince pies, hard and blue cheeses, preferably consumed post-prandial in front of an open fire. Intense but mellow, oaky flavours of nuts and figs with a satisfying and long aftertaste. 32.96 (21 for 37.5cl), amazon. co.uk; 34, the winesociety.com The 12 wines of Christmas A sweet wine Noble Harvest Denbies Although made from grapes infected with the "Noble Rot" Botrytis, this is not oversweet. A hint of citrus and a little tropical, underlying honeyed notes and some toasty, yeasty flavours make it just right for lighter desserts, fruit puddings and, say, an almond and apricot tart. 19.99, Waitrose The 12 wines of Christmas An aged sherry Matusalem 30 Year Old Sherry A sweet Oloroso, aged in oak for 30 years. Unbelievably complex with layer upon layer of flavours of nuts, raisins, dates and other dried fruit. Chill just a little and savour with Blue Stilton and, of course, Christmas pudding and cake. 19, Waitrose, ocado.com; 20.81, thedrinkshop.com For example, when one orders the Sounds of the Sea, they are served a seafood meal alongside a pair of headphones playing beach sounds - which apparently makes the fish taste fresher. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events While the research has the potential to change the way people eat, Chef Blumenthals initial finding means youll never have to splurge on an expensive bottle of wine again - as you can just think positive thoughts while you drink it. By Nov. 06, 2018 Murray State University animal health technology and pre-veterinary students will bathe a dog for $10, clean ears & trim nails for $8 or provide the works, bath, ear cleaning and nail trim, for $15. The Humane Society will microchip dogs for $10 each. A microchip the size of a grain of rice is inserted between the shoulder blades of a dog in a relatively painless and quick procedure. Each microchip transponder has a unique number which enables a shelter or veterinary clinic to scan the animal for this number which will be registered with a national database allowing the owner to be contacted when the pet is found. Local veterinary offices, the animal shelter and Humane Society have scanners to read these microchips, as do most across the country. Little Shop of Collars will be engraving custom pet ID tags on site beginning at $4 each. A wide selection of collars, leashes and harnesses will also be for sale. If you've always wondered what breed mix your dog might be, the Humane Society will have canine DNA test kits for sale for $90. The cheek swab can be done for you that day or the kit can be completed and mailed from home. A canine DNA test makes a unique gift for friends and family who have mixed breed dogs as part of their family. All pricing includes applicable Kentucky sales tax. For questions regarding Doggie Day Spa, Pet Identification or animal issues in our community, contact the Humane Society of Calloway County at 270-759-1884 or humanesociety@murray-ky.net or like us on Facebook. Microchip IDs reunite pets and their families The Humane Society of Calloway County offers microchip ID clinics for dogs and cats regularly throughout the year, primarily in Calloway County and in adjacent counties upon request. Microchipping is a permanent way to identify an animal and can often lead to the return of the animal to its owner in the unfortunate event that the animal gets separated from its owner. The cost of the chip, implanting the chip and registration in the national database is only $10. The microchip is approximately the size of a grain of rice and is injected under the animals skin between its shoulder blades. The life expectancy of the microchip is 25 years. Approximately two dozen Humane Society volunteers are trained on how to inject the microchip and fill out the associated paperwork that accompanies each chip. The Humane Society has microchipped more than 3000 dogs and cats since the program began in March 2006. Statistics indicate that 30% of companion animals will become separated from their owners at some point in their life. According to Stephanie Hagen, Humane Society coordinator of the microchip program and animal health technologist, Having a permanent way of identifying the animal is critical because sometimes collars and identification tags will fall off. The identification number which appears when the pet is scanned is directly linked to the owner of the animal and will give the person scanning the animal enough information to reach the owner. The contact information is kept on file in a national database and can be updated at any time by a phone call or on the Internet. The microchip used by the Humane Society can be read by any scanner used in the United States. Humane Society Immediate Past President Tom Rottinghaus said, The overwhelming majority of animals that enter animal shelters have no identification on them. It is estimated in Kentucky that 85% of animals that enter animal shelters are euthanized because of overpopulation and not being able to identify the animals owner. Were trying our best to do something about that and make happy reunions possible for lost pets and their families. For more information on microchip IDs, click here or contact the Humane Society at 270-759-1884 or humanesociety@murray-ky.net. MURRAY - Murray State University's Animal Health Technology/Pre-veterinary Club is hosting a Doggie Day Spa and Pet ID Clinic on Saturday, Nov. 10 from 9 am to 2 pm at A. Carman Animal Health Center on College Farm Road directly across from Calloway County High School. Proof of current rabies for dogs old enough to receive the vaccination is required to participate. Chinas state press agency has unveiled a virtual newsreader designed to deliver headlines 24 hours a day. Xinhuas artificial intelligence news anchor is a lifelike digitised reporter which can read out text by mimicking the image and voice of a real human presenter. The agency claims the virtual presenter a realistic-looking man, sharply dressed in a suit can read texts as naturally as a professional news anchor. However, the AI newsreaders debut report on Thursday revealed a robotic voice and awkward delivery. Hello, you are watching English news programme. Im AI anchor in Beijing, the presenter said at the beginning of its first English-language broadcast. The AI anchor has been modelled on Zhang Zhao, a human Xinhua presenter, and will read out scripts fed to it by writers. In an introductory video, it said: I will work tirelessly to keep you informed as texts will be typed into my system uninterrupted. The technology synthesises the human presenter's speech, lip movements and facial expressions. It was developed jointly by Xinhua and Chinese search engine Sogou. The companies have developed a second anchor, modelled on a different human presenter, to read headlines in Chinese. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Xinhua said the robotic anchors can work 24 hours a day on its official website and various social media platforms, reducing news production costs and improving efficiency. The agency said the technology could be particularly useful for breaking news. But Michael Wooldridge, professor of computer science at the University of Oxford, said the AI anchor was quite difficult to watch for more than a few minutes. Its very flat, very single-paced, its not got rhythm, pace or emphasis, he told the BBC. Saturday's Google Doodle will pay tribute to Elisa Leonida Zamfirescu, a pioneering Romanian engineer who would have turned 131 on that day. Zamfirescu, born on 10 November, 1887, made history as one of the world's first female engineers. In her 86 years of life, Zamfirescu carved herself a spot in a male-dominated field, led geology labs, and studied Romanian mineral resources. Here are five things you should know about Zamfirescu as her legacy is being honoured: 1. She was rejected from her first school of choice due to discrimination against women Zamfirescu, who grew up with 10 siblings, wanted to study at the School of Bridges and Roads in Bucharest after graduating high school but was rejected due to her gender. Instead, she went to the Royal Technical University of Charlottenburg, now known as the Technical University of Berlin, where she studied mechanical engineering. Zamfirescu enrolled in 1909 and graduated in 1912, becoming one of the first female engineers to do so in Europe. 2. She once worked for the Red Cross Following her graduation, Zamfirescu went to work at Bucharest's Geological Institute, where she was the head of her laboratory. During World War I, she worked for the Red Cross as a hospital manager around the small town of Marasesti, which was the site of the final major battle between Romania and Germany on the Romanian front in 1917. 3. She was a passionate and innovative worker As part of her work as the head of her lab, Zamfirescu brought in new methods and new analysis techniques to study minerals and substances such as water, coal, and oil, according to Assistant Lecturer PhDc. Eng Iulia-Victoria Neagoe. She is remembered as a dedicated engineer who worked long hours from morning to evening. Zamfirescu kept working past retirement age and didn't fully retire until the age of 75 years old after a four-decade career, according to Neagoe. Forgotten Women: The sisters fighting for human rights in Pakistan Show all 5 1 /5 Forgotten Women: The sisters fighting for human rights in Pakistan Forgotten Women: The sisters fighting for human rights in Pakistan Forgotten Women: The sisters fighting for human rights in Pakistan Human rights activist Gulalai Ismail was apprehended by Pakistan officials upon landing in Islamabad after a flight from London Forgotten Women: The sisters fighting for human rights in Pakistan Forgotten Women: The sisters fighting for human rights in Pakistan Forgotten Women: The sisters fighting for human rights in Pakistan 4. There is a street named after her The street where Zamfirescu lived in Bucharest was renamed after her in 1993, 20 years after her death. This isn't the only way the engineer's name still resonates today: an award named after was created in 1997. The "Premiul Elisa Leonida-Zamfirescu" honours female contributors to the fields of technology and science. 5. She was an advocate for international disarmament In addition to her work as a chemical engineer, Zamfirescu took a stance in favour of disarmament, according to Neagoe. She filed a complaint with the disarmament committee at London's Lancaster House, with a focus on nuclear threat. The Harvard scientists who suggested a piece of space rock might actually be an alien spacecraft flying past Earth says the strange visitor "doesn't look like anything we've seen before". Astronomer Avi Loeb kicked off international intrigue when he co-authored a paper that suggested Oumuamua, which flew past Earth last year, could have been a probe sent by aliens from deep in space to survey Earth. The research explored the unexpected movement of the rock and suggested that it could be a "lightsail", which was sent intentionally by aliens to investigate Earth. But even if the rock has a natural origin then it is incredibly strange, Professor Loeb told the Today programme. It has a strange shape, doesn't show the characteristics usually observed in comets and asteroids, and is flying through space in a way that scientists wouldn't expect it to, he said. Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Show all 30 1 /30 Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Solar Flare An image from Nasa's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) shows a 200,000 mile long solar filament ripping through the Sun's corona in September 2013 Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Nasa Celebrates 50 Years of Spacewalking For 50 years, NASA has been "suiting up" for spacewalking. In this 1984 photograph of the first untethered spacewalk, NASA astronaut Bruce McCandless is in the midst of the first "field" tryout of a nitrogen-propelled backpack device called the Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU) Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space A Hubble Cosmic Couple The spectacular cosmic pairing of the star Hen 2-427 more commonly known as WR 124 and the nebula M1-67 which surrounds it ESA/Hubble & NASA Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Veil Nebula Supernova Remnant Nasa's Hubble Space Telescope has unveiled in stunning detail a small section of the Veil Nebula - expanding remains of a massive star that exploded about 8,000 years ago Nasa's most stunning pictures of space The Soyuz TMA-15M rocket launch The Soyuz TMA-15M rocket launches from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Monday, Nov. 24, 2014, carrying three new astronauts to the International Space Station. It also took caviar, ready for the satellite's inhabitants to celebrate the holidays Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Earth from the ISS From the International Space Station, Expedition 42 Flight Engineer Terry W. Virts took this photograph of the Gulf of Mexico and U.S. Gulf Coast at sunset Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Black Hole Friday Nasa celebrated Black Friday by looking into space instead sharing pictures of black holes Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space NuSTAR X-rays stream off the sun in this image showing observations from by NASA's Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array, or NuSTAR, overlaid on a picture taken by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Cassiopeia A c A false colour image of Cassiopeia A comprised with data from the Spitzer and Hubble Space Telescopes and the Chandra X-Ray observatory Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Orion Capsule splashes down The Orion capsule jetted off into space before heading back a few hours later having proved that it can be used, one day, to carry humans to Mars Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Earth Observations From Gemini IV in 1965 This photograph of the Florida Straits and Grand Bahama Bank was taken during the Gemini IV mission during orbit no. 19 in 1965. The Gemini IV crew conducted scientific experiments, including photography of Earth's weather and terrain, for the remainder of their four-day mission following Ed White's historic spacewalk on June 3 Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Frosty slopes of Mars This image of an area on the surface of Mars, approximately 1.5 by 3 kilometers in size, shows frosted gullies on a south-facing slope within a crater. The image was taken by Nasa's HiRISE camera, which is mounted on its Mars Reconaissance Orbiter Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Yellowstone from space NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman shared this image of Yellowstone via his twitter account Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Saturn This near-infrared color image shows a specular reflection, or sunglint, off of a hydrocarbon lake named Kivu Lacus on Saturn's moon Titan Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Worlds Apart Although Mimas and Pandora, shown here, both orbit Saturn, they are very different moons. Pandora, "small" by moon standards (50 miles or 81 kilometers across) is elongated and irregular in shape. Mimas (246 miles or 396 kilometers across), a "medium-sized" moon, formed into a sphere due to self-gravity imposed by its higher mass Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Solar Flare An X1.6 class solar flare flashes in the middle of the sun in this image taken 10 September, captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Large Magellanic Cloud galaxy An image of the Large Magellanic Cloud galaxy seen in infrared light by the Herschel Space Observatory. Regions of space such as this are where new stars are born from a mixture of elements and cosmic dust Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Mars Rover Spirit Nasa's Mars Rover Spirit took the first picture from Spirit since problems with communications began a week earlier. The image shows the robotic arm extended to the rock called Adirondack Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Morning Aurora From the Space Station Nasa astronaut Scott Kelly captured this photograph of the green lights of the aurora from the International Space Station Nasa/Scott Kelly Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Launch of History - Making STS-41G Mission in 1984 The Space Shuttle Challenger launches from Florida at dawn. On this mission, Kathryn Sullivan became the first U.S. woman to perform a spacewalk and Marc Garneau became the first Canadian in space. The crew of seven was the largest to fly on a spacecraft at that time, and STS-41G was the first flight to include two female astronauts Nasa's most stunning pictures of space A Fresh Perspective on an Extraordinary Cluster of Galaxies Galaxy clusters are often described by superlatives. After all, they are huge conglomerations of galaxies, hot gas, and dark matter and represent the largest structures in the Universe held together by gravity Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Hubble Sees a Galactic Sunflower The arrangement of the spiral arms in the galaxy Messier 63, seen here in an image from the Nasa Hubble Space Telescope, recall the pattern at the center of a sunflower ESA/Hubble & NASA Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Pluto image Four images from New Horizons Long Range Reconnaissance Imager (LORRI) were combined with colour data from the Ralph instrument to create this enhanced colour global view of Pluto Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Fresh Crater Near Sirenum Fossae Region of Mars The HiRISE camera aboard Nasa's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter acquired this closeup image of a "fresh" (on a geological scale, though quite old on a human scale) impact crater in the Sirenum Fossae region of Mars. This impact crater appears relatively recent as it has a sharp rim and well-preserved ejecta Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Hubble Peers into the Most Crowded Place in the Milky Way This Nasa Hubble Space Telescope image presents the Arches Cluster, the densest known star cluster in the Milky Way NASA & ESA Nasa's most stunning pictures of space An Astronaut's View from Space Nasa astronaut Reid Wiseman tweeted this photo from the International Space Station on 2 September 2014 Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Giant Landform on Mars On Mars, we can observe four classes of sandy landforms formed by the wind, or aeolian bedforms: ripples, transverse aeolian ridges, dunes, and what are called draa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Expedition 39 Landing A sokol suit helmet can be seen against the window of the Soyuz TMA-11M capsule shortly after the spacecraft landed with Expedition 39 Commander Koichi Wakata of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Soyuz Commander Mikhail Tyurin of Roscosmos, and Flight Engineer Rick Mastracchio of NASA near the town of Zhezkazgan, Kazakhstan (NASA/Bill Ingalls) Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Jupiter's Great Red Spot Viewed by Voyager I Jupiter is the largest planet in the solar system and perhaps the most majestic. Vibrant bands of clouds carried by winds that can exceed 400 mph continuously circle the planet's atmosphere Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Chandra Observatory Sees a Heart in the Darkness This Chandra X-Ray Observatory image of the young star cluster NGC 346 highlights a heart-shaped cloud of 8 million-degree Celsius gas in the central region "Most intriguingly it's moving on a trajectory that implies an extra push in addition to the gravitational force from the sun," he said. "There seems to be another force acting on it." It is that strange behaviour that led Professor Loeb and a colleague to speculate that the rock could have been thrown out by some explosion, deep in space, from an extraterrestrial civilisation. They even suggested that the object could be a probe intentionally sent through space. It makes the object fascinating to scientists wherever it came from, he said. "It's the very first interstellar object that we discovered in the solar system, passing near the earth," he said. "And it's sort of like having a guest for dinner and realising that out of the other guests you have this one is from a foreign country and you can learn about the culture in that country without paying the airline ticket to go there." Ultimately it will be very difficult to find out more about Oumuamua, because it has flown quickly out of the solar system and away from view. He said he hoped that we would have been able to chase it down we currently lack the technology to fly fast enough to do so, but that within a decade or two we should be have those kind of rockets. UK scientists have demonstrated the world's first standalone quantum "compass," which allows highly accurate navigation without the need for satellites. Researchers from Imperial College London and Glasgow-based laser firm M Squared who built the device say it overcomes many of the issues of traditional GPS systems, such as blockages from tall buildings or signal jamming. "It's self-contained and transportable, so can be used to navigate anything that moves, from a ship to an aircraft," Graeme Malcolm, CEO of M Squared, told The Independent. "Eventually we could even use the technology to navigate ourselves, as we're on a path towards miniaturising it to the point it could fit in a smartphone." The first standalone quantum accelerometer is currently a size that would only be suitable for large ships or aircraft, though a path towards minitiarisation has already begun that could eventually see one fit in a smartphone (Imperial College London) The device represents the UK's first commercially viable quantum accelerometer, which is a far more advanced version of the sorts of accelerometers that currently exist in today's mobile phones and laptops. The idea of using accelerometers for navigating is not a new one as they measure how quickly the speed of an object is changing in time though until now accelerometers have not been accurate enough to match other technologies like GPS. The quantum accelerometer relies on the precision and accuracy made possible by measuring properties of super-cool atoms, which means any loss in accuracy is "immeasurably small". Dr Joseph Cotter, from the Centre for Cold Matter at Imperial, said: When the atoms are ultra-cold we have to use quantum mechanics to describe how they move, and this allows us to make what we call an atom interferometer. Satellite navigation systems are vulnerable to spoofing attacks or signal blockages (NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center/Handout via REUTERS) (NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center/Handout via REUTERS) Real-world applications for the device could first be seen in the shipping industry, as it offers a solution to some of the issues presented by GPS navigation. "We need new types of navigation because at the moment the world relies very heavily on the global network of satellites to tell everybody where they are," said Professor Ed Hinds, director of the Centre for Cold Matter at Imperial College London. Recommended Scientists teleport particle into space in major breakthrough "It's actually rather easy for that system to be emulated and in fact it's been estimated that the UK alone stands to lose about a billion pounds a day if the satellite navigation system were denied." GPS emulation or signal spoofing can also put cargo ships at risk to piracy, Dr Malcolm said, with pirates known to spoof signals in order to lure high-value cargos to dangerous areas. "This is just the start of the journey for quantum navigation," he said. "Scientists like Heisenberg and Einstein described these quantum ideas in their theories, but it's taken until now to actually physically make them a reality. "The step forward this kind of technology offers is unbelievable. First there was analogue, then digital the next great leap is quantum." A blogger claims she was denied entry to the Louvre museum in Paris by a security guard because of the low-cut dress she was wearing. Newsha Syeh, from Australia, was visiting the French capital when she attempted to visit the museum and found herself barred from entering. Following the incident, the influencer expressed her disappointment on Instagram, where she told her 230,000 followers that she was heartbroken. On a photo of the black dress she was wearing at the time, the 25-year-old wrote: Yesterday at the Louvre, I was stopped at the entrance by a guard for my outfit. There is no set dress code listed on the museums website, but its visitor regulations state that it is forbidden to wear swimsuits or be naked, barefoot or bare-chested. According to Syeh, the guard made the most disgusted and horrible gestures and facial expressions and swore at her to cover up with hate-filled eyes. I was heartbroken, the blogger wrote, referring to the rule as archaic. Syeh also shared a screenshot of the results of a Google search for the Louvres dress code on Instagram, which states: There is no Louvre dress code, you can wear for visiting the Louvre what you want. After sharing her ordeal, the bloggers Instagram was inundated with comments from people upset on her behalf - and offering advice on other places to visit in Paris. Im sorry that happened, I think your outfit is the most beautiful thing, one person commented. Another said: Your outfit rocks and Im bummed I dont get to see the sick Louvre pictures you would have taken. And someone else recalled a similar incident in which they were denied entry at the Louvre for being underdressed. Fashion blogger Milkyways Blueyes - In pictures Show all 4 1 /4 Fashion blogger Milkyways Blueyes - In pictures Fashion blogger Milkyways Blueyes - In pictures Fashion blogger Milkyways Blueyes - In pictures Fashion blogger Milkyways Blueyes - In pictures Fashion blogger Milkyways Blueyes - In pictures They were so rude about it too and cussed us out until we had no choice but to walk away feeling embarrassed. Your outfit is beautiful she wrote. Others advised Syeh to send a letter of complaint to the museum - as the museum's visitor regulations listed on its website state the dress code only applies to swimsuits, bare-chests, and nudity. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events The Independent has contacted Newsha and the Louvre for comment. Tens of thousands of people are being ordered to evacuate as a wildfire, called Camp Fire, rages near a Northern California town. The city of Paradise, which is about 100 miles from Californias capital city of Sacramento, has around 27,000 people. Roads are closed and areas have been evacuated as firefighters contain the blaze, raging on the western edge of Plumas National Forest. There is a large dark cloud over the city, and ash is falling on neighbouring cities as well. Recommended California wildfire spreads with flames shooting 300 feet Gizmodo reports that the fire is consuming 80 acres a minute, and the smoke is clearly visible from space. A dry season, strange weather patterns, housing built on the edge of forests, and strong winds carrying flames quickly have all converged to make a fire that Shelters have opened in the college town of Chico, California, and nearby Oroville. Gridlock has forced some people to flee their cars on foot, the New York Times reported. Videos show cars with headlights on to cut through the dense smoke, as well as people driving on the wrong side of the highway to escape. A hospital, a care home, a mobile home park, and some other areas have been evacuated by an order from the Butte County Sheriffs office. On Thursday, the wildfire had grown to nearly eight square miles, according to the local outlet, the Elko Daily Free Press reported. The National Weather Service has issued red flag warnings over large areas of the northern half of the state, including Sacramento and Paradise. The website has this warning, active until 10amEST on Friday: Critical Fire Weather Conditions through Friday Morning for Portions of Interior Northern California. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events There are also other red flag warnings in Southern California. Among the twelve who were killed in Wednesday nights mass shooting was a sergeant who died a hero, according to the local sheriff. Sergeant Ron Helus was one of the first police officers to respond to the scene of a mass shooting at a Southern California bar, CBS reports. He ran into the building and was shot. A California Highway Patrol officer entered afterwards, pulled Mr Helus out of the line of fire, and secured the perimeter. Mr Helus was taken to a hospital, where he died on Thursday morning. "When he heard the gunfire he ran in, he ran in and no doubt saved others from being victimized, Captain Garo Kuredjian of the Ventura County Sheriff's Office said. A young man who was inside the club came up to me and said, You know what? He saved additional people from being victims. Thats what cops do. Thats what he did. The shooting started around 11:20 on Wednesday night at the Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks, California. Witnesses say there were 100-130 people in the bar, and around 30 shots were fired. The shooting left about 10-12 people injured and 13 people dead, including the shooter. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Mr Helus, 54, had served for 29 years, and was about a year from retirement. He is survived by his wife and son, and he ran a firearms training business in Ventura County, in which he taught people how to legally and safely use and maintain firearms, NBC reports. He was also on the SWAT team. "He was totally committed, he gave his all, and tonight, as I told his wife, he died a hero," Sheriff Geoff Dean said during a press conference. A pair of conjoined twins has been separated by 18 medical specialists operating for six hours at a Melbourne hospital. The twins, Nima and Dawa Pelden, were born in Bhutan 15 months ago. They came to Australia last month for the surgery, but doctors waited until their nutritional needs were improved, the BBC reported. An Australian-based charity, called the Children First Foundation, brought the family to Melbourne, and the state of Victoria offered to pay the A$350,000 (195,000) cost of the operation. Recommended Conjoined twin discharged from hospital after 428 days Nima and Dawa shared a liver, just like the famous Chang and Eng Bunker, who were the original Siamese twins. The Bunker twins lived their lives conjoined, but the Pelden twins will not have to. The doctors divided their liver into two, and they will each live with a half liver. The doctors were not certain what other anatomical features would be shared until they opened up the children, but they said that the surgery was not as complicated as they feared it would be, according to the BBC. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Conjoined twins are exceedingly rare, and it is even rarer for both to be born alive and healthy. Separating twins can be particularly challenging because each set is different. Even if theyre joined at the same area, theyre all different, Lewis Spitz, an expert in conjoined twins at University College London, told Newsweek. One has to be very aware of the difference, because it can affect how separation takes place. Mr Spitz has written about the ethics of managing births of conjoined twins; making a decision is sometimes difficult if separating them could harm one or both twins. Nima and Dawa are currently breathing on their own and are expected to make a full recovery. The world is reaching a watershed where nearly half of its countries, including the UK, are in the midst of a baby bust with birth rates below levels needed to maintain population size, a major international report has found. The annual Global Burden of Disease Study, published in The Lancet, shows that 91 of 195 countries now have fertility rates below replacement level currently 2.05 births on average for every woman. The report, published on Thursday, also shows that in 2017 global life expectancy increases stalled, meaning migration will become ever more important to maintain population and economic growth. In the UK, where life expectancy flat-lined last year for the first time on record, experts suggest this could further stoke the anti-immigration tensions that led to the 2016 vote to leave the EU. It is also likely to exacerbate the brain drain from developing nations, with migrants already making up a disproportionate slice of the health and care workforce in the UK as it tries to look after its aging population. These statistics represent both a baby boom for some nations and a baby bust for others, said Dr Christopher Murray, director of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington, which led the international study. The study shows that in 2017 the UKs fertility rate stood at 1.7 births per woman. Of 104 nations still in baby boom there are 59 where birth rates are above three children per woman on average. Richmond tops the list for life expectancy in England Show all 8 1 /8 Richmond tops the list for life expectancy in England Richmond tops the list for life expectancy in England Richmond.jpg Mark Barker/Wiki Commons Richmond tops the list for life expectancy in England wokingham-Anthony-Eden.jpg Anthony Eden/Wiki Commons Richmond tops the list for life expectancy in England imperial-avis-south-glouces.jpg Imperial Avis/Wiki Commons Richmond tops the list for life expectancy in England green-baron-buckinghamshire.jpg Green Baron/Wiki Commons Richmond tops the list for life expectancy in England surrey-Ron-Strutt-geograph.jpg Ron Strutt/Geograph Richmond tops the list for life expectancy in England rutland-NotFromUtrecht.jpg NotfromUtrecht/Wiki Commons Richmond tops the list for life expectancy in England Jim-Linwood-bedford.jpg Jim Linwood/Wiki Commons Richmond tops the list for life expectancy in England Andrew-smith-geograph-winds.jpg Andrew Smith/Geograph Countries in Africa and the Middle East, where womens education and employment opportunities are more limited a key driver of fertility reductions, along with infant mortality account for 47 of the 59. Were now getting to that watershed moment where half the countries in the world are below replacement level for births, Dr Murray told The Independent. Its very likely that will just continue for the foreseeable future, and the way high-income countries have been dealing with lower fertility is through migration. That has its consequences, and societies in some cases have not been happy with large scale inward migration. UK Prime Minister Theresa May has maintained a government ambition to cut net migration below 100,000 and a clamp down on low-skilled roles, which include those of care workers. The Independent has been running its Drop the Target campaign, calling for the government to abandon the arbitrary pledge which will harm the countrys economic prospects and leave the vulnerable worse off. A report by the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford in 2018 estimated that migration has accounted for 55 per cent of population growth since 1991 and added 282,000 people in 2017. This has kept Britain out of the group of 33 countries including Greece, Spain, Romania and other EU states that The Lancet report shows have been in overall population decline since 2010. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events In the same period the UKs population has risen by three million, to 66.6 million people in 2017, according to the study. But the report warns: Many other countries are also likely to have decreasing populations as the size of their birth cohorts reduces. The governments pledge to clamp down on immigration could hasten this issue unless flatlining life expectancy driven by a plateau in reducing heart disease linked to obesity is addressed. Meanwhile it is already causing problems for businesses and for the provision of health and care services to the increasing numbers of retirees in the UK with complex health conditions. Migrants use less from the health system, they tend to be younger and healthier, and they also help provide essential replacement for retiring care workers in these roles, Dr Nando Sigona, an expert on international migration from the University of Birmingham, told The Independent. But he warned that these arguments are being undermined by increasingly outlandish anti-migrant rhetoric and conspiracy theories. Dr Sigona said that, in France and Italy, a far right conspiracy that is becoming almost mainstream claims there is a UN-backed conspiracy to undermine workers rights through migration. Its quite interesting that there are emerging stories which neutralise the arguments in favour of increasing numbers of workers to provide for the welfare state and to pay for pensions, Dr Sigona said. Thats the Western view, but there is also a brain drainage from countries which now have no doctors and nurses. That contributes to instability, because these countries are often losing their middle classes. Britons have said they need an additional four hours a day to get everything done, according to research. Researchers who polled 2,000 UK adults found around half were struggling to cram everything in amid a feeling there were simply not enough hours in the day. Hectic workloads, looking after children and keeping on top of housework were the most common reasons for believing we need a 28-hour day. The study also found that if the day was a little longer, the number one thing those polled would do was get some much-needed sleep. Getting stuck into a good book was their second choice, followed by having some me-time and going for a walk in third and fourth spot respectively. The survey was commissioned to celebrate the second season of MARS, which premieres on National Geographic on Sunday 11 November. The National Geographic series examines our future on the Red Planet, where the days are 37 minutes longer. A spokesperson for National Geographic said: "Most of us will have uttered the words 'there are not enough hours in the day' at some point. "And that's unlikely to change anytime soon, but on Mars it's a different story - a day is 37 minutes longer than on Earth. "Readers might be wondering what good that is to them, but as our new show MARS reveals, Earthlings could be living on the Red Planet in the not-too-distant future." Science news in pictures Show all 20 1 /20 Science news in pictures Science news in pictures Pluto has 'beating heart' of frozen nitrogen Pluto has a 'beating heart' of frozen nitrogen that is doing strange things to its surface, Nasa has found. The mysterious core seems to be the cause of features on its surface that have fascinated scientists since they were spotted by Nasa's New Horizons mission. "Before New Horizons, everyone thought Pluto was going to be a netball - completely flat, almost no diversity," said Tanguy Bertrand, an astrophysicist and planetary scientist at NASA's Ames Research Center and the lead author on the new study. "But it's completely different. It has a lot of different landscapes and we are trying to understand what's going on there." Getty Science news in pictures Over 400 species discovered this year by Natural History Museum The ancient invertabrate worm-like species rhenopyrgus viviani (pictured) is one of over 400 species previously unknown to science that were discovered by experts at the Natural History Museum this year PA Science news in pictures Jackdaws can identify 'dangerous' humans Jackdaws can identify dangerous humans from listening to each others warning calls, scientists say. The highly social birds will also remember that person if they come near their nests again, according to researchers from the University of Exeter. In the study, a person unknown to the wild jackdaws approached their nest. At the same time scientists played a recording of a warning call (threatening) or contact calls (non-threatening). The next time jackdaws saw this same person, the birds that had previously heard the warning call were defensive and returned to their nests more than twice as quickly on average. Getty Science news in pictures Turtle embryos influence sex by shaking The sex of the turtle is determined by the temperatures at which they are incubated. Warm temperatures favour females. But by wiggling around the egg, embryos can find the Goldilocks Zone which means they are able to shield themselves against extreme thermal conditions and produce a balanced sex ratio, according to the new study published in Current Biology journal Ye et al/Current Biology Science news in pictures Elephant poaching rates drop in Africa African elephant poaching rates have dropped by 60 per cent in six years, an international study has found. It is thought the decline could be associated with the ivory trade ban introduced in China in 2017. Reuters Science news in pictures Ancient four-legged whale discovered in Peru Scientists have identified a four-legged creature with webbed feet to be an ancestor of the whale. Fossils unearthed in Peru have led scientists to conclude that the enormous creatures that traverse the planets oceans today are descended from small hoofed ancestors that lived in south Asia 50 million years ago A. Gennari Science news in pictures Animal with transient anus discovered A scientist has stumbled upon a creature with a transient anus that appears only when it is needed, before vanishing completely. Dr Sidney Tamm of the Marine Biological Laboratory could not initially find any trace of an anus on the species. However, as the animal gets full, a pore opens up to dispose of waste Steven G Johnson Science news in pictures Giant bee spotted Feared extinct, the Wallace's Giant bee has been spotted for the first time in nearly 40 years. An international team of conservationists spotted the bee, that is four times the size of a typical honeybee, on an expedition to a group of Indonesian Islands Clay Bolt Science news in pictures New mammal species found inside crocodile Fossilised bones digested by crocodiles have revealed the existence of three new mammal species that roamed the Cayman Islands 300 years ago. The bones belonged to two large rodent species and a small shrew-like animal New Mexico Museum of Natural History Science news in pictures Fabric that changes according to temperature created Scientists at the University of Maryland have created a fabric that adapts to heat, expanding to allow more heat to escape the body when warm and compacting to retain more heat when cold Faye Levine, University of Maryland Science news in pictures Baby mice tears could be used in pest control A study from the University of Tokyo has found that the tears of baby mice cause female mice to be less interested in the sexual advances of males Getty Science news in pictures Final warning to limit "climate catastrophe" The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has issued a report which projects the impact of a rise in global temperatures of 1.5 degrees Celsius and warns against a higher increase Getty Science news in pictures Nobel prize for evolution chemists The nobel prize for chemistry has been awarded to three chemists working with evolution. Frances Smith is being awarded the prize for her work on directing the evolution of enzymes, while Gregory Winter and George Smith take the prize for their work on phage display of peptides and antibodies Getty/AFP Science news in pictures Nobel prize for laser physicists The nobel prize for physics has been awarded to three physicists working with lasers. Arthur Ashkin (L) was awarded for his "optical tweezers" which use lasers to grab particles, atoms, viruses and other living cells. Donna Strickland and Gerard Mourou were jointly awarded the prize for developing chirped-pulse amplification of lasers Reuters/AP Science news in pictures Discovery of a new species of dinosaur The Ledumahadi Mafube roamed around 200 million years ago in what is now South Africa. Recently discovered by a team of international scientists, it was the largest land animal of its time, weighing 12 tons and standing at 13 feet. In Sesotho, the South African language of the region in which the dinosaur was discovered, its name means "a giant thunderclap at dawn" Viktor Radermacher / SWNS Science news in pictures Birth of a planet Scientists have witnessed the birth of a planet for the first time ever. This spectacular image from the SPHERE instrument on ESO's Very Large Telescope is the first clear image of a planet caught in the very act of formation around the dwarf star PDS 70. The planet stands clearly out, visible as a bright point to the right of the center of the image, which is blacked out by the coronagraph mask used to block the blinding light of the central star. ESO/A. Muller et al Science news in pictures New human organ discovered that was previously missed by scientists Layers long thought to be dense, connective tissue are actually a series of fluid-filled compartments researchers have termed the interstitium. These compartments are found beneath the skin, as well as lining the gut, lungs, blood vessels and muscles, and join together to form a network supported by a mesh of strong, flexible proteins Getty Science news in pictures Previously unknown society lived in Amazon rainforest before Europeans arrived, say archaeologists Working in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso, a team led by archaeologists at the University of Exeter unearthed hundreds of villages hidden in the depths of the rainforest. These excavations included evidence of fortifications and mysterious earthworks called geoglyphs Jose Iriarte Science news in pictures One in 10 people have traces of cocaine or heroin on fingerprints, study finds More than one in 10 people were found to have traces of class A drugs on their fingers by scientists developing a new fingerprint-based drug test. Using sensitive analysis of the chemical composition of sweat, researchers were able to tell the difference between those who had been directly exposed to heroin and cocaine, and those who had encountered it indirectly. Getty Science news in pictures Nasa releases stunning images of Jupiter's great red spot The storm bigger than the Earth, has been swhirling for 350 years. The image's colours have been enhanced after it was sent back to Earth. Pictures by: Tom Momary Other things those polled would do if they had more time included learning a musical instrument, watching videos on YouTube and having a hot bath. Listening to more music than normal, exercising more and cooking a meal from scratch also featured. In addition, half longed for more me-time than they currently had, while 56 per cent wished they were able to find more time to have fun. Around six in 10 also revealed they could not remember the last time they had 37 minutes spare to do something they really want to do. Despite this, 52 per cent admitted they rarely seize the day, while half admitted they tend to get easily distracted when trying to make the most of their time. This was possibly because much of the population is exhausted from work a fifth of those polled said they were hindered by an uneven work/life balance. The research, carried out through OnePoll.com, found 59 per cent worked beyond their standard working hours typically three hours extra on a weekday. One in 10 even did extra work at the weekend, totalling an average of four hours over Saturday and Sunday. SWNS Shanghai (Gasgoo)- The Ascend 310 chip from Huawei is the most powerful AI SoC chip for edge computing scenarios, including autonomous driving, Yan Lida, Director of the Board at Huawei and President of Huawei Enterprise Business Group, said at the Fifth World Internet Conference, held in Wuzhen, Zhejiang Province. At the conference, the Ascend 310 was granted the conferences World Leading Internet Scientific and Technological Achievement award. In October, Huawei unveiled its AI strategy and full-stack portfolio, including a series of chips, cloud services and products. The Ascend 310 is the first product of the Ascend family. Nowadays, the most typical edge computing scenarios includes security and protection, autonomous driving and smart manufacturing, all of which require stringent conditions in space, consumption and computing capability. The Ascend 310 boasts a maximum of 16TOPS on-site calculations and supports the identification of over 200 different objects at the same time, including human beings, cars, barriers and traffic signs. Whats more, the chip can process thousands of pictures within one second. The Ascend 310 can offer cost-efficient and powerful computing capability under various real-life scenarios, such as running vehicles and complex scientific research. In October, Huawei teamed up with Audi to road test L4 autonomous driving vehicles equipped with Huaweis Mobile Data Center (MDC) computing unit. Huawei said that estimate showed that the 310 chipset can only consume 200 watts of power to support L4 autonomous driving. Advertisement By West Kentucky Star Staff Nov. 08, 2018 | PADUCAH By West Kentucky Star Staff Nov. 08, 2018 | 10:20 AM | PADUCAH Paducah Police Chief Brandon Barnhill, who will be retiring at the end of the year, spoke to West Kentucky Star Monday about his career in law enforcement and his reasons for deciding to move on. "It's been a great career. It's a great opportunity. It is truly a calling to go into public service. I fet like it was the right thing for me at that time, and certainly here 23 years later I have no doubt that it was the right thing." Barnhill said. Barnhill said he's seen a lot since he began his career, but he has always tried to focus on the good things along the way. "I've seen many things that I cared not to see, or didn't think I would have to see when I first got into the job," Barnhill said. "I try to focus more on the opportunities that have been given to me over the 23 years, and to build relationships and help people. It's not uncommon to still be able to go out in the community and get hugs from those that I've been able to make a positive influence on their lives." When asked why he is deciding to end his time with the Paducah Police Department now, Barnhill said it feels like now is the time to make a change, and explore some other opportunities. "I've always been told whenever the timing is right it will feel right, and will essentially smack you in the face. Everything that I've been praying about and talking to the family about is becoming very clear for me. It feels like it is the right time, and there's some opportunities that are out there that I want to explore." He said. Barnhill added that the uncertainty surrounding the state's ailing pension system did play a factor in his decision to retire. "I don't know what the future is for the pension issue, but it is an opportunity where I can move out into the system now and lock in or have some security in what I'm retiring at, and those numbers and the things that are afforded to me now that I don't know that would be there in the future." He said. Barnhill submitted a letter to City Manager Jim Arndt on Oct. 30 saying he will retire on Dec. 31. He has been with the department since 1998. Irelands prime minister has said he expects a Brexit deal on the Northern Irish border in the next couple of weeks. Speaking at a meeting of British and Irish officials on the Isle of Man, Leo Varadkar warned, however, that a deal was still not guaranteed. It comes after a leaked letter from Theresa May to Northern Irish unionists in the DUP warned that plans for a border down the Irish sea could be included in the withdrawal agreement. Addressing reporters at the British-Irish Council, Mr Varadkar said: In terms of the backstop whats envisaged is that it would be there as a protocol to the withdrawal agreement. But I think when we talk about the backstop we should always recall what the objective is and the most important thing for me is the objective to give everyone in Northern Ireland and Ireland the assurance that a hard border will not develop between Northern and South no matter what else might happen in the year ahead. That is why were seeking one that is legally operative and one that gives us that guarantee that is necessary. I think we are at a sensitive point in the negotiations. A successful outcome is not guaranteed, but I think it is possible in the next couple of weeks and probably with that in mind the less said the better about the detail of that. Despite the contents of Fridays leaked letter, David Lidington, the cabinet minister attending the summit in Douglas for the UK, said Britain would not accept carving out Northern Ireland from the rest of the nation. Cabinet minister David Lidington says the UK would not agree to dividing Northern Ireland from Great Britain (PA) (PA Wire/PA Images) On the commitments that were made in the joint report of December 2017 and all the various commitments that were made in that report the prime ministers always been very clear, that we wont accept something that involves sort of carving out Northern Ireland from the rest of the United Kingdom, he said. The dispute centres around the Irish backstop, a legal mechanism to prevent a hard border from arising on the island of Ireland in order to preserve the Good Friday Agreement. Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Show all 15 1 /15 Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures An abandoned shop is seen in Mullan, Co Monaghan. The building was home to four families who left during the Troubles. The town was largely abandoned after the hard border was put in place during the conflict. Mullan has seen some regeneration in recent years, but faces an uncertain future with Brexit on the horizon Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures A defaced Welcome to Northern Ireland sign stands on the border in Middletown, Co Armagh Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Mervyn Johnson owns a garage in the border town of Pettigo, which straddles the counties of Donegal and Fermanagh. Ive been here since 1956, it was a bit of a problem for a few years. My premises has been blown up about six or seven times, we just kept building and starting again, Johnson said laughing. We just got used to it [the hard border] really but now that its gone, we wouldn't like it back again Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Farmer Gordon Crocketts Coshquin farm straddles both Derry/Londonderry in the North and Donegal in the Republic. At the minute there is no real problem, you can cross the border as free as you want. We could cross it six or eight times a day, said Crockett. If there was any sort of obstruction it would slow down our work every day Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures John Murphy flies the European flag outside his home near the border village of Forkhill, Co Armagh Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Potter Brenda McGinn stands outside her Mullan, Co Monaghan, studio the former Jas Boylan shoe factory which was the main employer in the area until it shut down due to the Troubles. When I came back, this would have been somewhere you would have driven through and have been quite sad. It was a decrepit looking village, said McGinn, whose Busy Bee Ceramics is one of a handful of enterprises restoring life to the community. Now this is a revitalised, old hidden village Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Union Flag colours painted on kerbstones and bus-stops along the border village of Newbuildings, Co Derry/Londonderry Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Grass reflected in Lattone Lough, which is split by the border between Cavan and Fermanagh, seen from near Ballinacor, Northern Ireland Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Donegalman David McClintock sits in the Border Cafe in the village of Muff, which straddles Donegal and Derry/Londonderry Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures An old Irish phone box stands alongside a bus stop in the border town of Glaslough, Co Monaghan Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Billboards are viewed from inside a disused customs hut in Carrickcarnon, Co Down, on the border with Co Louth in the Republic Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Seamus McQuaid takes packages that locals on the Irish side of the border have delivered to his business, McQuaid Auto-Parts, to save money on postal fees, near the Co Fermanagh village of Newtownbutler. I live in the south but the business is in the North, said McQaid. "I wholesale into the Republic of Ireland so if theres duty, Ill have to set up a company 200 yards up the road to sell to my customers. Ill have to bring the same product in through Dublin instead of Belfast Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures A disused Great Northern Railway line and station that was for customs and excise on the border town of Glenfarne, Co Leitrim Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Alice Mullen, from Monaghan in the Republic of Ireland, does her shopping at a former customs post on the border in Middletown, Co Armagh. Id be very worried if it was a hard border, I remember when people were divided. I would be very afraid of the threat to the peace process, it was a dreadful time to live through. Even to go to mass on a Sunday, youd have to go through checkpoints. It is terribly stressful, said Mullen. All those barricades and boundaries were pulled down. I see it as a huge big exercise of trust and I do believe everyone breathed a sigh of relief Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures A bus stop and red post box stand in the border town of Jonesborough, Co Armagh Reuters The EU is insisting that the UK sign up to a policy that would keep Northern Ireland aligned to the EUs single market and customs regulations, which could mean checks between Britain and Northern Ireland. Ms May has long resisted the demand, but the leaked letter suggests she may now acquiesce though she maintains it will never be used. The prime minister has also devised another backstop that would effectively keep the whole UK in a customs union with the EU if no future trade deal removes the need for it. Speculation is rife about the status of negotiations following officials decision to descend into a communications tunnel, cutting themselves off from the outside world. Hard information about the talks has been replaced by conflicting reports about how a situation is progressing. Theresa May has warned her DUP allies that a customs border in the Irish sea may be written into the UKs Brexit divorce deal, according to reports. In a leaked letter, the prime minister tells unionist leader Arlene Foster that Brussels is pushing for the measure as a so-called backstop to the backstop on Northern Irelands customs status in case negotiations break down. Ms May wants a deal containing a backstop measure creating a temporary joint customs territory with the EU for the whole of the UK. But the bloc appears to be insisting on a fallback proposal aimed at avoiding a hard border between Ireland and the UK. This would effectively keep Northern Ireland aligned with Brussels customs union and single market, the letter is said to suggest. In the letter, seen by The Times, Ms May reportedly says: I am clear that I could not accept there being any circumstances or conditions in which that backstop to the backstop, which would break up the UK customs territory, could come in to force. Recommended EU heaps pressure on Theresa May ahead of crunch talks Yet the DUP has interpreted the wording to mean that the sea border clause would still be written into the divorce agreement, the paper reported. Ms Foster said in a statement: The prime ministers letter raises alarm bells for those who value the integrity of our precious union and for those who want a proper Brexit for the whole of the UK. It appears the prime minister is wedded to the idea of a border down the Irish sea with Northern Ireland in the EU single market regulatory regime. Ms May has been battling to agree a divorce deal with the EU that can satisfy Brussels, her own party and the DUP, whose 10 votes she will likely need to get the agreement through the House of Commons. Asked by The Independent whether the letter explicitly said the backstop to the backstop would be included in any Brexit agreement, a Downing Street spokesperson declined to comment. Number 10 said in a statement: The prime ministers letter sets out her commitment, which she has been absolutely clear about on any number of occasions, to never accepting any circumstances in which the UK is divided into two customs territories. The government will not agree anything that brings about a hard border on the island of Ireland. 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 The Irish backstop, a plan to keep the UK in regulatory alignment with the EU, was devised as a method to maintain the soft border if Britain leaves the bloc without a wider deal. However, the backstop to the backstop has been proposed as something of an insurance policy for Brussels, creating a customs border in the Irish Sea and maintaining regulatory alignment between Northern Ireland and the EU if the rest of the UK leaves the single market. Sam Lowe, from think tank the Centre for European Reform, said supporters of a hard Brexit may find some form of regulatory barrier between Northern Ireland and the British mainland an acceptable trade-off. My feeling is that, at some point, the hard Brexiters (who we already know prioritise Brexit over NI, because they voted for Brexit), will decide that NI having a distinct relationship with the EU is a price worth paying, he tweeted. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Mrs Mays effective deputy prime minister David Lidington and Northern Ireland secretary Karen Bradley will attend a summit on the Isle of Man on Friday. Brexit is expected to dominate the agenda of the British Irish Council, which also involves the first ministers of Scotland and Wales, Nicola Sturgeon and Carwyn Jones. Downing Street has played down suggestions that a Brexit deal is imminent, after European Council president Donald Tusk appeared to indicate a breakthrough could come within the next week. A senior UK government source said that reports in the European media that a deal could come in the next few days should be taken with a very large pinch of salt. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events A potential sticking point could be demands for EU fishing fleets to be given continued access to British coastal waters as the price for agreeing to Mrs Mays UK-wide backstop, The Telegraph reported. A UK-wide customs deal would maintain quota-free and tariff-free access to European markets for the British fishing industry and in return the EU wants to keep access to UK waters for its trawlers, the newspaper said. Additional reporting by PA Labour, under Jeremy Corbyn, has been making encouraging noises about the idea of a four-day working week for some months now. And this week things seemed to move on a bit further for the opposition party as it was reported that the shadow chancellor, John McDonnell, has spoken to the cross-bench peer Lord Skidelsky about the possibility of an inquiry into the topic. But whats the argument for such a reform? How could it be implemented? And what would the impact be on the economy? Why would we want to move to a four-day week? Many advocates cite greater work-life balance. Working one fewer day a week would free workers up to look after children, elderly parents or simply to have more leisure time. Theresa May became Britains second female prime minister during the turbulent days after the 2016 Brexit vote, which put paid to David Camerons premiership and torpedoed the careers of a number of senior politicians. Nicknamed the Maybot for her robotic interview style, Ms May is an inscrutable figure, who is known for her reserve and for keeping her friends close. After six years at the Home Office - a graveyard for ministerial careers - Ms May is clearly a political survivor, although whether she sees out the Brexit talks from Downing Street is another matter. How did Theresa May get into politics? Theresa Brasier was born in 1956 to Hubert, a Church of England vicar, and Zaidee, an avowed Conservative who likely encouraged her daughter's early interest in politics. She is said to have harboured ambitions to be an MP from the age of 12 and recalled going campaigning near her Oxfordshire home during the 1970 general election. While at school in Oxfordshire, 17-year-old Theresa put herself forward as the Conservative candidate for the school's mock election. Her interest in politics continued when she went to read geography at St Hugh's College, Oxford, where the story goes that she was also introduced to her future husband Philip May - at a Conservative Association disco, no less - by the future Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto. After graduating in 1977, Ms May worked for the Bank of England and she was elected as a councillor in Merton by the time she was 30-years-old. She suffered the loss of both of her parents in close succession, after her father was killed in a road accident in 1981 and her mother died of multiple sclerosis the following year. A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Show all 65 1 /65 A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit An estimated 700,000 people marched through London to demand a final say on the withdrawal agreement Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Red smoke from a canister hangs in the air as around 100,000 demonstrators march through London during a People's Vote anti-brexit demonstration savings banners and placards Anti-Brexit People's Vote March for the Future in London Rex A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Mayor of London Sadiq Khan takes part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum. PA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say campaigners take part in the peoples vote march for the future in London 20/10/2018 Protesters wearing final Say shirts and holding placards Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit MP Chuka Umunna (left) and MP Vince Cable (right) as MP Anna Soubry (centre) addresses Anti-Brexit campaigners at a rally after the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum. PA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit A Peoples Vote march attendee calls for a Final Say Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators with banners 'We're with EU' during the People's Vote March for the Future in London, Britain, 20 October 2018. Reports state that the 'March for the Future' is to be led by a column of young people and call for a Peopleas Vote on the Brexit deal. After marching through central London, there will be a rally on stage in Parliament Square, including speeches from Mayor of London Sadiq Khan. EPA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Protesters at Londons march for the future in October The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Editor of The Independent Christian Broughton speaks to demonstrators in Parliament Sqaure after they take part in a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU. AFP/Getty A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit A poster at the March for the Future in October The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Anti-Brexit campaigners take part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum. PA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say campaigners take part in the peoples vote march for the future in London 20/10/2018 Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Anti-Brexit campaigners take part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum. PA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators hold placards as they take part in a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU. AFP/Getty A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say campaigners take part in the peoples vote march for the future in London 20/10/2018 campaigner wrapped in EU flag Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say campaigners take part in the peoples vote march for the future in London 20/10/2018 Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators pass Trafalgar Square as they take part in a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU. AFP/Getty A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators wave Union and European flags and hold up placards as they pass Trafalgar Square, taking part in a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU. AFP/Getty A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators hold placards as they take part in a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU. AFP/Getty A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit A demonstrator holds a message during a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU. AFP/Getty A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Anti-Brexit campaigners take part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum. PA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators take part in the 'People's Vote March for the Future,' in central London, Britain, 20 October 2018. Reports state that the 'March for the Future' is to be led by a column of young people and call for a Peopleas Vote on the Brexit deal. After marching through central London, there will be a rally on stage in Parliament Square, including speeches from Mayor of London Sadiq Khan EPA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit A protester brandishes an Independent t-shirt during the Brexit March Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Anti-Brexit campaigners take part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum PA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Tens of thousands of people take part in People's Vote March for the Future in central London. The march organised by the People's Vote campaign is led by young people calling for a People's Vote on the Brexit deal Rex A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Anti-Brexit campaigners take part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum PA When was she first elected to parliament? Ms May first stood as a Conservative candidate for North West Durham, a Labour safe seat, in 1992, where she came second to Labour incumbent Hilary Armstrong but ahead of future Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron, who was in third place. She tried again two years later in a by-election in Barking, east London, where she was roundly defeated by Labour's Dame Margaret Hodge, who won more than 72 per cent of the vote. But it was third time lucky for Ms May when she finally won Maidenhead, in Berkshire, in 1997 with nearly 50 per cent of the vote - despite Labour's landslide victory nationally. When did she enter the government? Ms May was the first female chairman of the Conservative Party and held a number of shadow cabinet positions under the leadership of Michael Howard and Iain Duncan Smith. As chairman, she made her "nasty party" infamous speech at the Conservative party conference in 2002, where she stunned delegates with an outspoken attack on her own party. When the coalition government was formed in 2010, Ms May was made home secretary by then-prime minister David Cameron. She became only the fourth woman ever to hold one of the great offices of state - foreign secretary, home secretary, chancellor or prime minister. Her time at the Home Office was not without controversy. She took a hardline stance on immigration, including the introduction of the controversial hostile environment policy, and famously took on the Police Federation over perceived vested interests within the force. She also took on the equalities brief from 2010-2012, which attracted controversy from LGBTQ campaigners as she had previously voted against greater adoption rights for gay couples and lowering the age of consent. However Ms May later said she had changed her mind and she was supportive of anti-discriminations laws. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events How did she become prime minister? Following the EU referendum result, Ms May announced her plans to stand as leader of the Conservative Party, to replace Mr Cameron. She won the first round of voting against Andrea Leadsom and Michael Gove, who had stabbed Boris Johnson in the back to get on the ballot paper. Liam Fox and Stephen Crabb were both eliminated after winning the least votes, and both threw their weight behind Ms May. Mr Gove was then eliminated and members were preparing to vote when Ms Leadsom withdrew from the race amid controversy over an interview she gave suggesting that having children made her a superior candidate to be prime minister. Ms May does not have children. Ms May became the prime minister on July 13, 2016. At least 20 people have been killed after four car bombs exploded outside a hotel in the Somalian capital of Mogadishu. Police captain Mohamed Hussein said the blasts appeared to be have been caused by suicide bombs detonated near the perimeter wall of the Sahafi Hotel, which is across the street from the Somali national police forces criminal investigations department. Security forces shot dead four gunmen who tried to storm the hotel, he said. Police officer Ali Nur said: They were travelling in public vehicles at the scene when the blasts and gunfire occurred. Witnesses reported seeing dozens of bodies in the street. Pictures showed badly damaged buildings in the road where the bombs went off, as well as the burnt-out shells of mini-buses and cars. Video footage showed the third blast, reportedly about 20 minutes after the first two, sending a huge plume of smoke into the sky. Islamic extremist rebel group al-Shabab has claimed responsibility for the attack, according to its Adalus radio station. Mr Hussein said the gunmen tried to storm through a hole in the hotel wall, but were shot by police and guards before entering the building. World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty The street was crowded with people and cars, bodies were everywhere, said Hussein Nur, a shopkeeper who suffered light shrapnel injuries on his right hand. Gunfire killed several people too. Additional reporting by agencies An entire Californian city has been all but destroyed as at least 14 wildfires spread across the state Paradise population 27,000 is said to have been left in ruins with homes, hospitals, schools and businesses all engulfed by a wall of flames. Authorities said there are unconfirmed reports of casualties and that emergency services are working desperately to rescue those left behind. Recommended Wildfire visible from space forces evacuation in California Pretty much the community of Paradise is destroyed, Cal Fire Captain Scott McLean told the Associated Press news agency. It's that kind of devastation. The wind that was predicted came and just wiped it out. A police officer who lives in the city, in Butte County, added: It was just a wall of fire on each side of us. We could hardly see the road in front of us. The devastation is only the worst so far during two days of horror as fires, fanned by 50 mph winds, raged, split up, and spread across vast swathes of the state. The smoke is so thick it is visible from space. Several more towns and communities including Magalia, Concow, and Butte Creek Canyon have been entirely evacuated after acting California governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency. The largest of the blazes, Camp Fire, in the states north, has scorched over 20,000 acres, officials say. Homes, hospitals, nursing homes, restaurants and schools are among buildings said to have been destroyed. Thousands more have been left without power. Wildfires spread across California in pictures Show all 32 1 /32 Wildfires spread across California in pictures Wildfires spread across California in pictures Firefighters battle a blaze at the Salvation Army Camp in Malibu Getty Wildfires spread across California in pictures Flames from the Camp fire burn near a home atop a ridge near Big Bend AFP/Getty Wildfires spread across California in pictures Cathy Fallon (centre) who stayed behind to tend to her horses during the Camp Fire, embraces Shawna De Long (left) and April Smith who brought supplies for the horses Reuters Wildfires spread across California in pictures A helicopter drops flame retardant on a wildfire in Malibu Getty Wildfires spread across California in pictures An air tanker drops water on the fire along the Ronald Reagan Freeway in Simi Valley AP Wildfires spread across California in pictures An abandoned car from fleeing residents of Paradise in the Pentz road area EPA Wildfires spread across California in pictures A firefighter tackles the fire along the Ronald Reagan Freeway in Simi Valley AP Wildfires spread across California in pictures A Jack In The Box fast food restaurant burns as the Camp fire moves through Paradise, California AFP/Getty Wildfires spread across California in pictures Yuba and Butte County Sheriff officers label a body bag AFP/Getty Wildfires spread across California in pictures Firefighters hose down trees on Bell Canyon Road, near Malibu AFP/Getty Wildfires spread across California in pictures A fire burns at the Salvation Army Camp Getty Wildfires spread across California in pictures A firefighting DC-10 makes a fire retardant drop over a wildfire in the mountains near Malibu Canyon Road AP Wildfires spread across California in pictures A house burns in Paradise, California AFP/Getty Wildfires spread across California in pictures Bins have melted and ballooned in the heat in Magalia, Butte County EPA Wildfires spread across California in pictures Satellite image taken on 8 November shows plumes of smoke from the Camp Fire stretching across portions of Northern California AFP/Getty Wildfires spread across California in pictures Firefighters battle the Camp Fire AP Wildfires spread across California in pictures Firefighters battle the Woolsey Fire Reuters Wildfires spread across California in pictures Deputy Coroner Justin Sponhaltz, of the Mariposa County Sheriff's Office, recovers human remains found at a home destroyed by the Camp Fire AP Wildfires spread across California in pictures Buildings burn in Paradise, California EPA Wildfires spread across California in pictures Local residents bring their horses to Zuma Beach and away from the Woolsey Fire in Malibu Reuters Wildfires spread across California in pictures A used car dealership burns in Paradise, California Reuters Wildfires spread across California in pictures Yuba and Butte County Sheriff officers inspect a burned vehicle after discovering remains nearby in Concow AFP/Getty Wildfires spread across California in pictures Firefighters battle the flames in Thousand Oaks Reuters Wildfires spread across California in pictures A house burns in Paradise, California AFP/Getty Wildfires spread across California in pictures A house burns in Paradise, California AP Wildfires spread across California in pictures Search and rescue teams work to evacuate patients from the burning Feather River Hospital in Paradise, California AFP/Getty Wildfires spread across California in pictures Embers blow in the wind in Paradise, California AFP/Getty Wildfires spread across California in pictures In Butte County, the sky is filled with the smoke of the Camp Fire EPA Wildfires spread across California in pictures Firefighters at work in Thousand Oaks Reuters Wildfires spread across California in pictures A house burns in Paradise, California AP Wildfires spread across California in pictures The burned remains of a house and car are left after the Camp Fire in Paradise, California AFP/Getty Wildfires spread across California in pictures A shop burns in Paradise, California AFP/Getty In Southern California, meanwhile, the Hill Fire has grown to 10,000 acres and late on Thursday jumped a major highway which authorities had hoped would act as a firebreak. Among nearby residents who have been evacuated are Kim Kardashian, the Evening Standard reports. Smoke could also be seen hundreds of miles away in Thousand Oaks, the scene of the mass bar shooting that left 12 people dead on Thursday. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Strong winds, low humidity and dry forests have all exacerbated the problem. By Friday morning, the largest three fires were all still at zero per cent containment", officials said. The region has grappled with serious and persistent wildfires - including the worst in the state's history, the Mendocino and Thomas fires - on and off since 2017. Five people have been killed in a wildfire raging across the town of Paradise in northern California, officials have confirmed. The wildfire is one of three in the state that has gained in size and scope as firefighters sought to rescue victims and gain control of the disaster on Friday afternoon. All five victims were discovered in vehicles near the same area of Paradise, according to the Butte County Sheriffs office. The fire has grown to nearly 110 square miles after quadrupling in size over night in Paradise, located 180 miles northeast of San Francisco. Recommended Malibu evacuated as California Woolsey wildfire rages There was really no firefight involved, said Capt. Scott McLean of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, explaining that crews gave up attacking the flames and instead helped people evacuate. These firefighters were in the rescue mode all day yesterday. The entire town was ordered evacuated, setting off a desperate exodus in which many motorists got struck in gridlocked traffic and abandoned their vehicles to flee foot. People reported seeing much of the community go up in flames, including homes, supermarkets, businesses, restaurants, schools and a retirement centre. Rural areas fared little better. Many homes have propane tanks that were exploding amid the flames. They were going off like bombs, said Karen Auday, who escaped to a nearby town. Wildfires spread across California in pictures Show all 32 1 /32 Wildfires spread across California in pictures Wildfires spread across California in pictures Firefighters battle a blaze at the Salvation Army Camp in Malibu Getty Wildfires spread across California in pictures Flames from the Camp fire burn near a home atop a ridge near Big Bend AFP/Getty Wildfires spread across California in pictures Cathy Fallon (centre) who stayed behind to tend to her horses during the Camp Fire, embraces Shawna De Long (left) and April Smith who brought supplies for the horses Reuters Wildfires spread across California in pictures A helicopter drops flame retardant on a wildfire in Malibu Getty Wildfires spread across California in pictures An air tanker drops water on the fire along the Ronald Reagan Freeway in Simi Valley AP Wildfires spread across California in pictures An abandoned car from fleeing residents of Paradise in the Pentz road area EPA Wildfires spread across California in pictures A firefighter tackles the fire along the Ronald Reagan Freeway in Simi Valley AP Wildfires spread across California in pictures A Jack In The Box fast food restaurant burns as the Camp fire moves through Paradise, California AFP/Getty Wildfires spread across California in pictures Yuba and Butte County Sheriff officers label a body bag AFP/Getty Wildfires spread across California in pictures Firefighters hose down trees on Bell Canyon Road, near Malibu AFP/Getty Wildfires spread across California in pictures A fire burns at the Salvation Army Camp Getty Wildfires spread across California in pictures A firefighting DC-10 makes a fire retardant drop over a wildfire in the mountains near Malibu Canyon Road AP Wildfires spread across California in pictures A house burns in Paradise, California AFP/Getty Wildfires spread across California in pictures Bins have melted and ballooned in the heat in Magalia, Butte County EPA Wildfires spread across California in pictures Satellite image taken on 8 November shows plumes of smoke from the Camp Fire stretching across portions of Northern California AFP/Getty Wildfires spread across California in pictures Firefighters battle the Camp Fire AP Wildfires spread across California in pictures Firefighters battle the Woolsey Fire Reuters Wildfires spread across California in pictures Deputy Coroner Justin Sponhaltz, of the Mariposa County Sheriff's Office, recovers human remains found at a home destroyed by the Camp Fire AP Wildfires spread across California in pictures Buildings burn in Paradise, California EPA Wildfires spread across California in pictures Local residents bring their horses to Zuma Beach and away from the Woolsey Fire in Malibu Reuters Wildfires spread across California in pictures A used car dealership burns in Paradise, California Reuters Wildfires spread across California in pictures Yuba and Butte County Sheriff officers inspect a burned vehicle after discovering remains nearby in Concow AFP/Getty Wildfires spread across California in pictures Firefighters battle the flames in Thousand Oaks Reuters Wildfires spread across California in pictures A house burns in Paradise, California AFP/Getty Wildfires spread across California in pictures A house burns in Paradise, California AP Wildfires spread across California in pictures Search and rescue teams work to evacuate patients from the burning Feather River Hospital in Paradise, California AFP/Getty Wildfires spread across California in pictures Embers blow in the wind in Paradise, California AFP/Getty Wildfires spread across California in pictures In Butte County, the sky is filled with the smoke of the Camp Fire EPA Wildfires spread across California in pictures Firefighters at work in Thousand Oaks Reuters Wildfires spread across California in pictures A house burns in Paradise, California AP Wildfires spread across California in pictures The burned remains of a house and car are left after the Camp Fire in Paradise, California AFP/Getty Wildfires spread across California in pictures A shop burns in Paradise, California AFP/Getty Mr McLean estimated that the lost buildings numbered in the thousands in Paradise, about 180 miles (290 kilometers) northeast of San Francisco. Pretty much the community of Paradise is destroyed. Its that kind of devastation, he said. With fires burning in both Northern and Southern California, the director of the Governors Office of Emergency Services put the number of people forced from their homes at 157,000. The massive blaze that hit Paradise spread north Friday, prompting officials to order the evacuation of Stirling City and Inskip, two communities north of Paradise along the Sierra Nevada foothills. The wind-driven flames also spread to the west and reached the edge of Chico, a city of 90,000 people. Firefighters were able to stop the fire at the edge of the city, where evacuation orders remained in place Friday, California Fire Captain Bill Murphy said. The winds calmed down in the valley, but they were still shifting and erratic, with speeds of up to 45 mph (72 kph) along ridge tops, he said. With ash falling and the sky darkening to a menacing shade of black, evacuees from Paradise sat in stunned silence Friday outside a Chico church where they took refuge the night before. They all had harrowing tales of a slow-motion escape from a fire so close they could feel the heat inside their vehicles as they sat stuck in a terrifying traffic jam. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events When the order came to evacuate, it was like the entire town of 27,000 residents decided to leave at once, they said. Fire surrounded the evacuation route, and drivers panicked. Some crashed and others left their vehicles by the roadside. It was just a wall of fire on each side of us, and we could hardly see the road in front of us, police officer Mark Bass said. The AP contributed to this report. The beachside community of Malibu and at least 75,000 homes in Los Angeles and Ventura counties have been evacuated as multiple wildfires raged across California. Two fires burning in the region increased in size and scope just before the weekend, as the fire in Woolsey was not contained on Friday morning. Meanwhile, flames have claimed more than 8,000 acres of land and jumped over the south-side of the 101 freeway, effectively shutting down miles of roadway into the Calabasas area. Its a mandatory evacuation. What that means is, you dont have to leave, we want you to leave, Ventura County Fire spokesman Rich Macklan told reporters on Friday. But people know they cant get back in once they do leave. We want people to leave early, when firefighters ask you to, because firefighting equipment needs to come in and do [its] work. He added: If you leave early, it helps us tremendously. Scott McLean, captain of Californias Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, told reporters on Friday, one of the fires had expanded to cover nearly 110 square miles, adding it had almost quadrupled in extent overnight. Wildfires spread across California in pictures Show all 32 1 /32 Wildfires spread across California in pictures Wildfires spread across California in pictures Firefighters battle a blaze at the Salvation Army Camp in Malibu Getty Wildfires spread across California in pictures Flames from the Camp fire burn near a home atop a ridge near Big Bend AFP/Getty Wildfires spread across California in pictures Cathy Fallon (centre) who stayed behind to tend to her horses during the Camp Fire, embraces Shawna De Long (left) and April Smith who brought supplies for the horses Reuters Wildfires spread across California in pictures A helicopter drops flame retardant on a wildfire in Malibu Getty Wildfires spread across California in pictures An air tanker drops water on the fire along the Ronald Reagan Freeway in Simi Valley AP Wildfires spread across California in pictures An abandoned car from fleeing residents of Paradise in the Pentz road area EPA Wildfires spread across California in pictures A firefighter tackles the fire along the Ronald Reagan Freeway in Simi Valley AP Wildfires spread across California in pictures A Jack In The Box fast food restaurant burns as the Camp fire moves through Paradise, California AFP/Getty Wildfires spread across California in pictures Yuba and Butte County Sheriff officers label a body bag AFP/Getty Wildfires spread across California in pictures Firefighters hose down trees on Bell Canyon Road, near Malibu AFP/Getty Wildfires spread across California in pictures A fire burns at the Salvation Army Camp Getty Wildfires spread across California in pictures A firefighting DC-10 makes a fire retardant drop over a wildfire in the mountains near Malibu Canyon Road AP Wildfires spread across California in pictures A house burns in Paradise, California AFP/Getty Wildfires spread across California in pictures Bins have melted and ballooned in the heat in Magalia, Butte County EPA Wildfires spread across California in pictures Satellite image taken on 8 November shows plumes of smoke from the Camp Fire stretching across portions of Northern California AFP/Getty Wildfires spread across California in pictures Firefighters battle the Camp Fire AP Wildfires spread across California in pictures Firefighters battle the Woolsey Fire Reuters Wildfires spread across California in pictures Deputy Coroner Justin Sponhaltz, of the Mariposa County Sheriff's Office, recovers human remains found at a home destroyed by the Camp Fire AP Wildfires spread across California in pictures Buildings burn in Paradise, California EPA Wildfires spread across California in pictures Local residents bring their horses to Zuma Beach and away from the Woolsey Fire in Malibu Reuters Wildfires spread across California in pictures A used car dealership burns in Paradise, California Reuters Wildfires spread across California in pictures Yuba and Butte County Sheriff officers inspect a burned vehicle after discovering remains nearby in Concow AFP/Getty Wildfires spread across California in pictures Firefighters battle the flames in Thousand Oaks Reuters Wildfires spread across California in pictures A house burns in Paradise, California AFP/Getty Wildfires spread across California in pictures A house burns in Paradise, California AP Wildfires spread across California in pictures Search and rescue teams work to evacuate patients from the burning Feather River Hospital in Paradise, California AFP/Getty Wildfires spread across California in pictures Embers blow in the wind in Paradise, California AFP/Getty Wildfires spread across California in pictures In Butte County, the sky is filled with the smoke of the Camp Fire EPA Wildfires spread across California in pictures Firefighters at work in Thousand Oaks Reuters Wildfires spread across California in pictures A house burns in Paradise, California AP Wildfires spread across California in pictures The burned remains of a house and car are left after the Camp Fire in Paradise, California AFP/Getty Wildfires spread across California in pictures A shop burns in Paradise, California AFP/Getty Filmmaker Scott Derrickson was among those who lost their homes to the fire, tweeting out a message to his followers that he was safe, adding, thats the important thing. Schools were closed in the Las Virgines Unified School District in Calabasas throughout Friday, as Malibu Search and Rescue ordered residents of Las Virgenes Road, and those near the Ventura Freeway and Mulholland Highway, to leave the area. Malibu has about 13,000 residents and lies along 21 miles of the coast, at the southern foot of the Santa Monica mountain range. The Los Angeles County Fire Department tweeted the fire was heading to the ocean, punctuating the message with the declaration: Imminent threat! Pepperdine University cancelled classes on Friday at its Malibu and Calabasas campuses, with the latter evacuated. To the west, in Ventura County, Moorpark College closed due to the fire and Wednesday nights mass shooting in nearby Thousand Oaks. California Lutheran University had already cancelled Friday classes due to the shooting. Cal Lutheran said its Thousand Oaks campus is not under evacuation orders but residential students have been put on standby. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events The Thousand Oaks-based Conejo Valley Unified School District also closed all schools. The Los Angeles and Ventura County fire departments said multiple buildings have been destroyed or damaged, but exact numbers were not available early on Friday. The flames are being driven by Southern Californias Santa Ana winds, which blow from the northeast towards the coast. AP contributed to this report. Another American community has been left reeling after a mass shooting, with 12 dead after a gunman opened fire at a western themed bar in Thousand Oaks, California. The shooting began late Wednesday night in the Borderline Bar & Grill, sending people diving under pool tables and other furniture for cover. Witnesses and victims said that stools were thrown through windows to enable bar patrons to get away from the hail of bullets. A college country music night was underway when the gunman - dressed in black - shot a security guard who was standing outside the bar before entering. Witnesses suggested a smoke grenade may have been thrown. The shooting comes less than two weeks after 11 were gunned down at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. A number of members of congress swiftly called for new gun control legislation in the wake of the latest tragedy. Such calls have had little effect in recent years. Officials identified Ian David Long, of nearby Newbury Park, California, as the suspected shooter. Long was killed at the bar, and police said he carried out the massacre with a legal .45-calibre handgun that he had fitted with an extended magazine illegal in California. He had apparently shot himself. Its a horrific scene in there, Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean said. Theres blood everywhere. Long, a 28-year-old Marine veteran who may have been suffering from PTSD according to reports, had purchased the rifle legally, and burst into the bar at around 11.20pm. He had driven his mothers car there, and did not say anything before turning his weapon into the crowd, according to witnesses. Cole Knapp, 19, said he saw the gunman walk in and stop at the counter as if to pay. Then Mr Knapp said heard gunfire and saw a young woman at the counter shot repeatedly. It took a couple of seconds for people to realise what was going on and once that happened it was just utter chaos, he told Reuters. Knapp said he first helped people hide behind a pool table and then fled to the bars outdoor smoking patio, where people were unaware of the shooting, and urged them to run. Thousand Oaks shooting: in pictures Show all 10 1 /10 Thousand Oaks shooting: in pictures Thousand Oaks shooting: in pictures Emergency services attend the scene AP Thousand Oaks shooting: in pictures People walk away from the scene EPA Thousand Oaks shooting: in pictures Emergency service vehicles flood the scene Reuters Thousand Oaks shooting: in pictures Police officers secure the road EPA Thousand Oaks shooting: in pictures Police block an intersection by the scene of the shooting AP Thousand Oaks shooting: in pictures A woman hugs with her father at the scene EPA Thousand Oaks shooting: in pictures Survivors are interviewed at the scene EPA Thousand Oaks shooting: in pictures Police officers interview people at the scene AFP/Getty Thousand Oaks shooting: in pictures People wait near the scene of the shooting AP Thousand Oaks shooting: in pictures People walk away from the scene of the shooting AP Police first began identifying victims of the Thousand Oaks attack less than 12 hours after the gunmans last shot rang out, including Sergeant Ron Helus, a 29-year veteran of the Ventura County Sheriffs Office. In a press conference on Thursday, Mr Dean praised the work of his office including the sacrifice from Mr Helus for working fast in response to the shooting at the packed college night bar. At least five off-duty law enforcement officers helped to protect people. It could have been much, much worse, Mr Dean said on Thursday, just a day before he was set to retire. He added that he had been told there were 150 to 200 people in the bar, which is popular with students. Mr Dean said that his Sheriffs Office was mourning the loss of Mr Helus, who was married and had a son. The 54-year-old had been with the force for nearly three decades, and was close to retirement. He went in there to save people and made the ultimate sacrifice, Mr Dean said. He noted that Mr Helus frequently talked to his wife during his shifts, and had spoken with her shortly before he entered the bar. Hey, I have to go handle a call, he was said to have told his wife. I love you. Ill talk to you later. Cody Coffman, 22, was also killed, according to his father Jason. Mr Coffman broke down as he told reporters how his last words to his son as he went out that night were not to drink and drive and that he loved him. He added: Oh Cody, I love you son. The family of 23-year-old Justin Meek, who was also killed according to California Lutheran University president Chris Kimball, said in a statement that Mr Meek heroically saved lives. Another victim, Alaina Housley was just 18, and was a promising student at Pepperdine University with plans to study law, her family said. Adam Housley, a former Fox News correspondent, and Tamera Mowry-Housley, an actress known for the 1990s TV series Sister Sister, said their niece was killed at the bar where she had gone line dancing with friends. Other victims include Noel Sparks who was a youth camp leader and Moorpark College student. The death was announced by United Methodist Church Westlake Village. "It is with heavy hearts that we notify you that Noel Sparks was among the victims of last night's shooting. We grieve with Tony Sparks and Wendy Anderson," the church said in a statement. Daniel Manrique, 33, was a Marine veteran and focused on helping other veterans adjust to civilian life, according to friends. I have no doubt that he died a hero, shielding others from gunshots. He will forever be our hero, son, brother, and the best uncle anybody could ever ask for, Gladys Manrique Kosack, a family member said. Telemachus Orfanos was identified by his mother who said the he had survived the mass shooting in Las Vegas last year. Jake Dunham and Blake Dingman, both 21, were identified by local Los Angeles outlet ABC7. Sean Adler, a bouncer at the bar and former wrestling coach at Simi Valley High School, perished in the California shooting and was remembered by the local wrestling community. He was positive, motivational, and truly wanted the best for the people around him, read a post on the Royal Wrestling Facebook page. He was one of the victims last night at the shooting at Borderline Bar and Grill where he worked as a bouncer. In response to the shooting, president Donald Trump tweeted that he had been fully briefed on the incident, and ordered federal flags at half staff to mourn the dead. The shooter had served in the marines from 2008 until 2013, and was a machine gunner. He had earned the rank of corporal in 2011, and had received other accolades including a Combat Action Ribbon and a Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal. At an afternoon press conference, police said it would be premature to speculate on any possible motive and are working to paint a picture of the mind of Long. Officials did not have any comment on reports indicating the suspect may have suffered from PTSD. Obviously he had something going on in his head that would cause him to do something like this, Sheriff Dean had said earlier in the day. Obviously he had some sort of issues. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Mr Dean told reporters that officers had gone to Longs home in nearby Newbury Park, about four miles from the bar, in April to answer a disturbance call and found him to be agitated. Mental health specialists talked with Long and determined that no further action was necessary. But, in his southern California neighbourhood where he lived with his mother, neighbours and police records shed some light on the life of the decorated combat veteran of the Afghanistan war. Long had several interactions with police over the years, and a neighbour said that the entire neighbourhood was aware of the issues, and that his mother had been frustrated that her son was not seeking help. Richard Berge, one of those neighbours, told USA Today that he had become friendly with the mother after offering to care for the familys German shepherds. He had not been inside the Long house but told that newspaper another neighbour had seen walls full of holes, which appeared to have been caused by kicking. Long had been the victim of a battery at a local bar in Thousand Oaks, and had been involved in two traffic incidents. Deputies were once called to his house last year as a result of a domestic dispute, and found that Long was acting somewhat irate and acting irrationally. Police said they are still processing the Longs vehicle and home and are not yet disclosing any possible evidence they uncovered. California governor-elect Gavin Newsom, who won the governors race on Tuesday, made clear that change needs to happen. This is America this doesnt happen anywhere else on the planet, he said. We cant let folks forget that. We cant allow this to be normalised. In Washington DC, a number of Democrats newly empowered after taking control of the House during this weeks midterm elections vowed action on gun control, an issue that politicians on Capitol Hill have notoriously failed or refused to address. Congressman Jim Himes, whose home state of Connecticut endured the deadly Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012, also attacked the lack of action on gun control. He told CNN: Im embarrassed to saymy first thought was, Here we go again, its this weeks mass shooting, and thats a really hard way to think about this. I contrast where we are today with how we all felt about Sandy Hook. He added: This is a weekly thing [and] even though its become a weekly thing, nobody does anything, especially the congress where I work. 35,000 Americans dead a year as a result of gun violence and congress cant even find its way to studying the problem. Senator Kamala Harris who represents California mourned the loss and called for action on gun control measures. My heart aches to learn about the horrific shooting in Thousand Oaks on college night, she tweeted. Praying for the injured and the families of those killed who, like so many others, have lost their loved ones to gun violence. Leaders in congress must act not some day, but now. Former attorney general Jeff Sessions has drastically limited the ability of federal law enforcement officials to overhaul local police departments accused of abuses and civil rights violations, the Justice Department announced on Thursday. In a major last-minute act, Mr Sessions signed a memorandum on Wednesday before Donald Trump fired him, sharply curtailing the use of use consent decrees - court-approved deals between the Justice Department and local governments that create a road map of changes for law enforcement and other institutions. The move means the decrees, used aggressively by Obama-era Justice Department officials to fight police abuses, will be more difficult to enact. Mr Sessions had signalled he would pull back on their use soon after he took office when he ordered a review of the existing agreements, including ones enacted with police departments in Baltimore, Chicago and Ferguson, Missouri, amid a national outcry over the deaths of black men at the hands of officers. Mr Sessions imposed three stringent requirements for the agreements. Top political appointees must sign off the deals, rather than the career lawyers who have done so in the past; department lawyers must lay out evidence of additional violations beyond unconstitutional behaviour; and the deals must have a sunset date, rather than being in place until police or other law enforcement agencies have shown improvement. The document reflected Mr Sessions staunch support for law enforcement and his belief that overzealous civil rights lawyers under the Obama administration vilified local police. The federal government has long conducted oversight of local law enforcement agencies, and consent decrees have fallen in and out of favour since the first one was adopted in Pittsburgh more than two decades ago. The new guidelines push more of that responsibility onto state attorneys general and other local agencies. Mr Sessions conceded in his memo that consent decrees are sometimes the only way to ensure government agencies follow the law. But he argued changes were necessary because agreements that impose long-term, wide-ranging obligations on local governments could violate their sovereignty. By setting a higher bar for the deals, Mr Sessions limited a tool that the Justice Department has used to help change policing practices nationwide. US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Show all 20 1 /20 US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Democratic candidate Ilhan Omar is celebrates with her husband's mother after she won a congress place, becoming the first Muslim woman to be elected into congress alongside Rashida Tlaib Reuters US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Democratic House candidate, from Kansas, Sharice Davids (left) and her mom Crystal celebrate after she won. Davids is the first lesbian Native American Congresswoman by beating Republican incumbent Kevin Yoder. Davids is one of several first-time female candidates that helped the Democratic Party takeover in the House of Representatives EPA US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Republican Marsha Blackburn celebrates after winning the race for senate in Tennessee. In doing so she became that states first female senator AP US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Supporters of Democratic House candidate Sharice Davids cheer and cry after learning she won EPA US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Ayanna Pressley beaome Massachusetts first black congresswoman by defeating 10-term Republican Michael Capuano AFP/Getty US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Republican candidate Young Kim has become the first Korean-American woman elected to Congress AP US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Democrat Jared Polis won his seat and became the USs first ever openly gay governor AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post via AP US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Jean Kasselman (left) and Teresa Booker, supporters of Democratic candidate for Kansas' 3rd Congressional District Sharice Davids, react to election results Getty US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Republican Kristi Noem hugs a supporter after being announced as the new governor of South Dakota. Noem made history by being the first female governor of the state AP US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Gabierla Martinez and Cesar Delgado cheer on Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jared Polis REUTERS US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez became the youngest women ever elected to Congress, representing New Yorks 14th congressional district AFP/Getty US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Democratic congressional candidate Rashida Tlaib celebrates with family and friends at her midterm election night party in Detroit after won and also became the nations first Muslim woman to congress alongside Ilhan Omar who was also elected Reuters US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Supporters of Democratic candidate for Kansas' 3rd Congressional District Sharice Davids react to election results Getty US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Already having become the first Native American woman to chair a state political party, Deb Haaland has now become the joint-first Native American woman to be elected to congress, alongside Sharice Davids Reuters US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Supporters of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez cheer during her election night party in the Queens Borough AFP/Getty US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Young Kim hugs her son Alvin after she won a seat in congress AP US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Supporters of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez cheer AFP/Getty Images US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Asma Mohammed and Ashley Fairbanks celebrate as results come in at Democratic congressional candidate Ilhan Omar's election night headquarters AP US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Democrat Deb Haaland hugs a voter REUTERS US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Supporters of Democratic House candidate from Kansas Sharice Davids cheer and cry after learning she won her race EPA Mr Sessions new guidelines make it nearly impossible for rank-and-file Justice Department lawyers to use the agreements, warned Jonathan Smith, a former official in the departments civil rights division and the executive director of the Washington Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs. This memo will make the Justice Department much less effective in enforcing civil rights laws, Mr Smith said. A Justice Department spokesperson declined to comment beyond the memo. A consent decree is a type of injunction that allows federal courts to enforce an agreement negotiated between two parties say, the Justice Department and a local police department to address a violation of the law. The department started enforcing them during the Clinton administration, after a statute was enacted in 1994 allowing the attorney general to use court agreements to remedy systemic, unconstitutional behaviour. The agreements gained a higher profile as the Obama administration entered into 14 of them as part of its efforts to improve relationships between the police and their communities. They became even more prominent after the killings of black men at the hands of police captured headlines and set off the Black Lives Matter movement. In March 2017, a month after he took office, Mr Sessions ordered a review of the use of consent decrees to ensure they advance the safety and protection of the public. He said the pacts should also ensure police are safe and respected and that they should not interfere with recruiting efforts by local police. Mr Sessions, who has long championed local sheriffs and police officers, maintained the agreements reduce morale among police officers and lead to more violent crime. Academics and researchers have contested his assertions about the links between consent decrees and crime rates. Under Mr Sessions, the department also dropped Obama-era investigations into the police in Chicago and Louisiana. Last month, Mr Sessions opposed a consent decree between the Chicago police department and the Illinois attorney general enacted after a Justice Department report unveiled in the final days of the Obama administration found rampant use of excessive force aimed at black and Latino people. Under Mr Sessions, the Justice Department said the deal placed too many restrictions on Chicagos police superintendent. When Jeff Sessions intervened in the locally negotiated consent decree in Chicago, it belied the love of federalism that he professes and uses to justify this effort to effectively end the use of consent decrees, said Vanita Gupta, chief executive of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and the former head of the Justice Departments civil rights division. The agreements enacted after high-profile police killings in recent years would likely not exist if Mr Sessions restrictions had been in place. The need for consent decrees and the oversight they guarantee, she said, has not disappeared". The New York Times Michelle Obama said she felt broken after suffering a miscarriage 20 years ago, before turning to IVF to conceive her and Baracks two daughters. The former first lady discussed her experience on Good Morning America with Robin Roberts, ahead of the release of her new memoir Becoming. During the interview, Ms Obama, 54, revealed that she felt like shed failed when she experienced the loss - but wanted to share her story to help other women. Recommended Michelle Obama frustrated with the lack of change since Me Too I felt lost and alone and I felt like I failed because I didnt know how common miscarriages were - because we dont talk about them, she explained. We sit in our own pain thinking that somehow were broken. Thats one of the reasons why I think its important to talk to young mothers about the fact that miscarriages happen, she said. Michelle and Barack eventually turned to IVF to conceive daughters Malia, 20, and Sasha, 17 - because the biological clock is real and egg production is limited. And, according to Ms Obama, not openly discussing the common issues surrounding conception is the worst thing that we do to each other as women. I think it is the worst thing that we do to each other as women - not share the truth about our bodies and how they work and how they dont work, she told Roberts. The former first lady revealed her struggles to conceive (ABC News) Ms Obama, known for her advocacy work on behalf of women and girls around the world, also discussed her loving marriage with the former president, and the couples decision to attend marriage counselling during a tumultuous period. Michelle Obama as the First Lady Show all 11 1 /11 Michelle Obama as the First Lady Michelle Obama as the First Lady Getty Michelle Obama as the First Lady Getty Michelle Obama as the First Lady Getty Michelle Obama as the First Lady Getty Michelle Obama as the First Lady Getty Michelle Obama as the First Lady Getty Michelle Obama as the First Lady Getty Michelle Obama as the First Lady Getty Michelle Obama as the First Lady Getty Michelle Obama as the First Lady Getty Michelle Obama as the First Lady Getty Offering further advice for people who look up to the her and her husband, the mother-of-two told Roberts: Marriage counselling for us was one of those ways where we learned how to talk out our differences and that she wants young couples to know "Michelle and Barack Obama, who have a phenomenal marriage and who love each other, work on their marriage and get help when they need it. The couple used IVF to conceive their daughters (Getty) The former first lady touched on her husband's successor as well, who she referred to as a "misogynist," and the "ugliness" of politics. "I continue to be put off by the nastiness," she said. Becoming will be released November 13. Armed police stormed a high school in North Carolina after noises made by a malfunctioning heater were mistaken for an active shooter.. Pender County Sheriffs Office told The Independent they had sent officers to investigate reports of an active shooter at Topsail High School in the town of Hampstead early on Friday morning. A SWAT team searched the building and every school in the east of the county was placed on lockdown, but no gunman was found and no injuries were reported. Authorities later confirmed the report was a false alarm. Theres no active shooter, Tom Collins, the Pender County emergency management director, told local newspaper Star-News. Its a malfunctioning water heater. In a statement to news channel WECT, George Brown, chair of Pender County board of commissioners, said: There is a piece of equipment at the school that has been malfunctioning in recent days that makes noise. It does sound like gunfire. This has been going on for several days." He said police had been "taking this seriously and making sure". The active shooter report came two days after 12 people were shot dead at a bar in California and nine months after 17 people were killed in Florida in one of the worst school massacres in US history. Police were called to Topsail High School at 6.30am local time (11.30am GMT.) Classes had not yet started but there are thought to have been some pupils in the school at the time. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Local TV coverage showed police vehicles blocking the road leading to Topsail High School and a helicopter circling overhead. At least nine officers were also pictured on the schools roof. Buses carrying pupils to classes have been diverted to a safe area. Hampstead is about 20 miles north of the city of Wilmington. Donald Trump arrived in Paris on Friday on his first trip after the midterm elections, with the international stage offering him a brief respite from the bitter domestic battles to come following the congressional shake-up. The US president and his wife will attend ceremonies for the centenary of the end of the First World War, but will leave before a summit on global cooperation which is the main event in the gathering of world leaders. Mr Trump will hold bilateral talks with Emmanuel Macron, but there will be no meetings with Vladimir Putin, whose shadow has hung over the US president. Investigations into claims that the Kremlin helped to put him in the White House are ongoing. The topic of Russiagate was at the forefront immediately after the elections in America this week, with Mr Trump sacking his attorney general in what is widely seen as an attempt to curb the inquiry by special counsel Robert Muller. As the US president prepared for his journey on Air Force One there were persistent reports that the speed of Jeff Sessions dismissal was an attempt by the president to save his son, Donald Junior, from being indicted by Mr Mueller. While Democrat control of the House means that the remainder of Mr Trumps term as president will almost certainly be mired in recriminations, investigations, subpoenas and legislative deadlock, he has a freer hand when it comes to foreign relations. Mr Macron is the only international leader the US president will officially meet during the Paris visit. There had been rumours of a meeting with Mr Putin but the White House announced earlier this week that the tight schedule did not allow time. The French had let it be known they believed a de-facto Putin-Trump summit would be a distraction from the centennial. Some of the US presidents advisors also felt it may not be a good idea with the Russia investigations coming back into public eye. Although himself a Vietnam draft dodger, Mr Trump appears to be fascinated by all things military, as can be judged by the number of senior officers he surrounded himself with, at least initially, in politics. However, one of them, his former national security adviser, Lieutenant General Michael Flynn, is now co-operating with the Mueller inquiry after being charged. His successor, Lieutenant General HR McMaster, has resigned and, according to reports, defence secretary General James Mattis is likely to go in the near future. Mr Trump was hugely impressed when he attended the Bastille Day parade in Paris at the invitation of President Macron last year and wanted one staged for him in Washington last November. The plans were abandoned in a dispute over costs with Washington city authorities and the US president tweeted in August: I will, instead, go to the Paris Parade, celebrating the end of the war. French officials say the US president may have misunderstood the nature of the commemorations, which will not be celebratory but low key. The Peace Forum, which Mr Trump will be missing, will stress the need to avoid conflict through cooperation and dialogue. Mr Trump, during his trip, will visit two cemeteries in Paris where 117,000 Americans who died in the First World War are buried. He will also give an address on Sunday at Suresnes, another burial ground, on the slopes of Mount Valerian. According to administration officials, Mr Trump will stress the primary role the US has played in stabilising Europe, helping its economic recovery and providing security over decades. He will discuss, with Mr Macron, the conflicts in Syria and Yemen and the reinstating of sanctions by the US on Iran. Although not having quite the toxicity of current American domestic politics, Mr Trumps previous visits to Europe have often been acrimonious, with the US president attacking the European Union, hectoring fellow Nato members for not spending enough on defence often using false figures in the process and declaring that Russia, expelled from the G8 group of countries after the annexation of Crimea, should be re-admitted into the group. Despite a degree of unity among the west European states and the US on policy towards Syria, there are diametric differences over Iran. Other signatories to the nuclear deal, including Britain, France, Germany, China and Russia, have stressed the agreement was working and should continue despite American punishments. Anti-Trump protesters in France oppose the Macron-Trump alliance Mr Macron and Mr Trump are said to have a good personal relationship, but there are major differences on public policy. The French president presents himself as a champion of liberal values, while Mr Trump has a populist approach, which has been echoed in eastern and central Europe. Mr Macron has stated that the real frontier in the European Union is the one between progressives and right-wing populists. Charles Grant, of the influential think tank Centre for European Reform in London, described the French president as someone who has got a rather Manichean view of good fighting evil and he wants to be the liberal global order fighting nationalism. Robert Emerson, a security and political analyst, said: Macron sees himself as someone standing up for western democratic values against the forces of xenophobia, narrow nativism the things Trumps critics would say he espouses. The disconnect felt by many western European states towards the Trump presidency was illustrated when Mr Macron, before a conference of defence ministers on a projected European Union military force, stated: We have to protect ourselves with respect to China, Russia and even the United States of America. Nevertheless, with German chancellor Angela Merkel, who had been seen for years as the continents senior leader, withdrawing from public life and the future of Theresa May uncertain with Brexit Mr Macron is likely to be the main European interlocutor Mr Trump deals with for the remainder of his presidency. Donald Trump has hit out at a call from French President Emmanuel Macron for the creation of a European Army to protect the continent from China, Russia and the US labelling the idea insulting. Earlier this week Mr Macron called for the creation of a true European army to allow the EU to defend itself from threats including Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Trump. We have to protect ourselves with respect to China, Russia and even the United States of America, Mr Macron told Frances Europe 1 radio in an interview. In a tweet before arriving in Paris for a weekend ceremony commemorating 100 years since the end of the First World War, Mr Trump said: President Macron of France has just suggested that Europe build its own military in order to protect itself from the US, China and Russia. Very insulting, but perhaps Europe should first pay its fair share of Nato, which the US subsidizes greatly! The issue of Nato has been a constant source of frustration for Mr Trump, who presidency has been built on the foundation of America First policies. He has called on all nations in Nato, the majority of are European, to contribute a minimum of two per cent of their GDP towards the cost of the alliance. Mr Trump has repeatedly called for the alliance to follow through on upping their financial contributions, with only a small number of Nato nations hitting the target. White House officials have said that Mr Trump would make clear the importance of America to European safety and security while on his trip. Although leaders like Mr Macron will not likely take kindly to the tone in the US president's tweet. World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty The French president has pushed for closer defence cooperation between European allies since coming to power last year, but has been so far met with limited success amid foot-dragging by other member states. In his interview with Europe 1, Mr Macron made clear that he believed the current international situation, including the US pulling out of several international treaties including the Paris climate change agreement and most recently the 1987 Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces treaty (INF) arms treaty with Russia, meant Europe needed to look after itself., When I see President Trump announcing that hes quitting a major disarmament treaty which was formed after the 1980s Euro-missile crisis that hit Europe, who is the main victim? Europe and its security, he said. We will not protect the Europeans unless we decide to have a true European army. Emmanuel Macron calls for creation of a true European army to defend against Russia and the US We need a Europe which defends itself better alone, without just depending on the United States, in a more sovereign manner. Mr Macron was speaking in Verdun, northeast France on Tuesday, as part of a week-long tour of battlefields leading up to First World War Armistice centenary commemorations in Paris on Sunday. Both Mr Trump and Mr Putin will be among the leaders attending that ceremony. France is the strongest and most vocal proponent of an EU army but Germany has also tentatively endorsed Mr Macrons proposals for a joint command structure for military interventions. A number of proposals have been put on the table for how EU nations could cooperate more closely on defence. The European Commission says closer defence cooperation is not about creating an EU army. High-profile elections in Florida remain unresolved more than two days after the midterms vote, with the prospect of legal challenges, recounts and ballot reviews setting the stage for possible weeks of uncertainty. The still-undecided races will not tip the balance in either chamber of Congress but include contests in parts of the country important to the futures of both parties and potentially to President Donald Trumps re-election chances in two years. In Floridas US Senate race, Republican Governor Rick Scott, with his lead over Democratic incumbent Bill Nelson narrowing, filed lawsuits against election supervisors in two counties accusing them of failing to follow election law. A spokesman for Mr Nelson, Dan McLaughlin, said the lawsuits were politically motivated and borne out of desperation. The Florida governors race between Republican Ron DeSantis and Democrat Andrew Gillum also appears headed for an automatic recount, after Mr DeSantis lead narrowed, despite Nr Gillum having already conceded. Democrats on Tuesday won their first majority in the US House of Representatives since 2010, while Republicans appeared likely to expand their two-seat advantage in the US Senate. Another cluster of races in the lower house where votes are still being finalised could add to the Democrats new majority, strengthening their hand as they seek to counter Mr Trumps policies. US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Show all 20 1 /20 US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Democratic candidate Ilhan Omar is celebrates with her husband's mother after she won a congress place, becoming the first Muslim woman to be elected into congress alongside Rashida Tlaib Reuters US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Democratic House candidate, from Kansas, Sharice Davids (left) and her mom Crystal celebrate after she won. Davids is the first lesbian Native American Congresswoman by beating Republican incumbent Kevin Yoder. Davids is one of several first-time female candidates that helped the Democratic Party takeover in the House of Representatives EPA US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Republican Marsha Blackburn celebrates after winning the race for senate in Tennessee. In doing so she became that states first female senator AP US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Supporters of Democratic House candidate Sharice Davids cheer and cry after learning she won EPA US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Ayanna Pressley beaome Massachusetts first black congresswoman by defeating 10-term Republican Michael Capuano AFP/Getty US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Republican candidate Young Kim has become the first Korean-American woman elected to Congress AP US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Democrat Jared Polis won his seat and became the USs first ever openly gay governor AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post via AP US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Jean Kasselman (left) and Teresa Booker, supporters of Democratic candidate for Kansas' 3rd Congressional District Sharice Davids, react to election results Getty US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Republican Kristi Noem hugs a supporter after being announced as the new governor of South Dakota. Noem made history by being the first female governor of the state AP US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Gabierla Martinez and Cesar Delgado cheer on Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jared Polis REUTERS US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez became the youngest women ever elected to Congress, representing New Yorks 14th congressional district AFP/Getty US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Democratic congressional candidate Rashida Tlaib celebrates with family and friends at her midterm election night party in Detroit after won and also became the nations first Muslim woman to congress alongside Ilhan Omar who was also elected Reuters US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Supporters of Democratic candidate for Kansas' 3rd Congressional District Sharice Davids react to election results Getty US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Already having become the first Native American woman to chair a state political party, Deb Haaland has now become the joint-first Native American woman to be elected to congress, alongside Sharice Davids Reuters US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Supporters of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez cheer during her election night party in the Queens Borough AFP/Getty US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Young Kim hugs her son Alvin after she won a seat in congress AP US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Supporters of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez cheer AFP/Getty Images US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Asma Mohammed and Ashley Fairbanks celebrate as results come in at Democratic congressional candidate Ilhan Omar's election night headquarters AP US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Democrat Deb Haaland hugs a voter REUTERS US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Supporters of Democratic House candidate from Kansas Sharice Davids cheer and cry after learning she won her race EPA According to media outlet calls and the data company DDHQ, Democrats now have flipped 32 seats nine more than they needed to take over the House with seven Republican-held districts still too close to call, including four in California, where many ballots are yet to be counted. In Florida, Mr Scotts lead was narrowing on Thursday. Mr Nelson trailed by around 15,000 votes, or 0.18 per cent, within the states 0.25 threshold for a hand recount. The results are unknown, said Marc Elias, an attorney for Mr Nelsons campaign. Historically, Democrats tend to pick up votes in recounts, especially hand recounts, he said. Mr Elias also pledged legal action if the campaign found that rejected ballots due to signature mismatches were disproportionately hurting minority voters. Mr Scotts lawsuits accuse Broward County Supervisor of Elections Brenda Snipes and Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Susan Bucher of mishandling the ballot count and preventing observers from having full access as votes are counted. Ms Snipes and Ms Bucher did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Mr Scott also said he was asking the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to investigate. I will not sit idly by while unethical liberals try to steal this election, Mr Scott told reporters. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events In the Florida governors race, Mr DeSantis lead had winnowed to about 38,500 votes on Thursday afternoon, or 0.47 per cent of the vote. The state conducts an electronic recount when the margin falls below 0.5 per cent. Mr Gillums campaign said it was prepared for any outcome, including a recount. We want every vote counted, Mr Gillum said in a video posted to Facebook on Thursday. In spite of the fact that were a little bit down in the numbers, were hopeful that every single vote will be counted in this race. Reuters Stacey Abrams gubernatorial campaign has announced its intention to sue over alleged voting issues that allegedly hampered turnout in Doughtery County. The county was reportedly slow to mail out absentee ballots in part due to the impact of Hurricane Michael across the region, the campaign said Thursday. Allegra Lawrence-Hardy, who serves as the campaigns chairwoman, told reporters Thursday the lawsuit will demand all absentee ballots are counted as part of the total results of the general election including those that arrived after the ballot deadline. We are obviously eager to hear from supporters, but this is much bigger than any one campaign, she said. This is a country built on democracy. We all get to vote. Thats just part of the promise. Recommended Emergency lawsuit filed to stop Brian Kemp presiding over his race Reports of voter suppression and other ballot issues have plagued the 2018 midterms in Georgia, where Ms Abrams has accused her opponent Brian Kemp of attempting to rig the election outcome in his favour. Meanwhile, Mr Kemp has resigned as Georgia secretary of state in order to effectively begin his transition to the states top office. US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Show all 20 1 /20 US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Democratic candidate Ilhan Omar is celebrates with her husband's mother after she won a congress place, becoming the first Muslim woman to be elected into congress alongside Rashida Tlaib Reuters US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Democratic House candidate, from Kansas, Sharice Davids (left) and her mom Crystal celebrate after she won. Davids is the first lesbian Native American Congresswoman by beating Republican incumbent Kevin Yoder. Davids is one of several first-time female candidates that helped the Democratic Party takeover in the House of Representatives EPA US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Republican Marsha Blackburn celebrates after winning the race for senate in Tennessee. In doing so she became that states first female senator AP US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Supporters of Democratic House candidate Sharice Davids cheer and cry after learning she won EPA US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Ayanna Pressley beaome Massachusetts first black congresswoman by defeating 10-term Republican Michael Capuano AFP/Getty US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Republican candidate Young Kim has become the first Korean-American woman elected to Congress AP US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Democrat Jared Polis won his seat and became the USs first ever openly gay governor AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post via AP US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Jean Kasselman (left) and Teresa Booker, supporters of Democratic candidate for Kansas' 3rd Congressional District Sharice Davids, react to election results Getty US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Republican Kristi Noem hugs a supporter after being announced as the new governor of South Dakota. Noem made history by being the first female governor of the state AP US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Gabierla Martinez and Cesar Delgado cheer on Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jared Polis REUTERS US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez became the youngest women ever elected to Congress, representing New Yorks 14th congressional district AFP/Getty US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Democratic congressional candidate Rashida Tlaib celebrates with family and friends at her midterm election night party in Detroit after won and also became the nations first Muslim woman to congress alongside Ilhan Omar who was also elected Reuters US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Supporters of Democratic candidate for Kansas' 3rd Congressional District Sharice Davids react to election results Getty US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Already having become the first Native American woman to chair a state political party, Deb Haaland has now become the joint-first Native American woman to be elected to congress, alongside Sharice Davids Reuters US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Supporters of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez cheer during her election night party in the Queens Borough AFP/Getty US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Young Kim hugs her son Alvin after she won a seat in congress AP US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Supporters of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez cheer AFP/Getty Images US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Asma Mohammed and Ashley Fairbanks celebrate as results come in at Democratic congressional candidate Ilhan Omar's election night headquarters AP US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Democrat Deb Haaland hugs a voter REUTERS US midterm results: more diverse, more female and more progressive Supporters of Democratic House candidate from Kansas Sharice Davids cheer and cry after learning she won her race EPA In a Thursday press conference, Mr Kemp said he earned a clean and convincing victory at the ballot box, adding his departure from the role will give public confidence to the certification process. As secretary of state, Mr Kemp was in a position to essentially oversee his own election. Shortly before the final vote, his office accused the states Democratic Party of attempting to hack the states voter registration system. It appears likely the two could face each other in a runoff election, with Mr Kemp leading Ms Abrams by nearly 63,000 votes. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events However, a spokesperson for Mr Kemps office told the Associated Press there were nearly 22,000 provisional ballots of which details had only been shared with one candidate Mr Kemp. With the vast majority of media outlets refusing to call the election in either candidates favour, Ms Abrams has refused to concede to Mr Kemp despite his claiming victory. In a call with reporters Wednesday morning, the Abrams campaign said in a statement, Our opponent has had his office declare himself the victor and we do not accept that. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is recovering in hospital after fracturing three ribs from a fall early Thursday morning, prompting panic from supporters worried about what it would mean or her seat on the court. Known as one of the most liberal judges on the court, which has had its conservative majority restored by two nominations from Donal trump, Ms Ginsburg has become a feminist icon. That led to people to offering to help with her treatment. She can have all my ribs, Rabia Chaudry, an attorney, tweeted. Ms Ginsburg fell down in her office on Wednesday evening and decided to visit the hospital after experiencing discomfort the next morning. Recommended Ruth Bader Ginsburg admitted to hospital after fall at Supreme Court She went home, but after experiencing discomfort overnight, went to George Washington University Hospital early this morning, the Supreme Court said in statement. Tests showed that she fractured three ribs on her left side and she was admitted for observation and treatment. Ms Ginsburg, or more commonly known as The Notorious RBG, is serving her 25th year on the Supreme Court. She is the second, out of four women, to have been appointed into the highest court of law. The 85-year-old, one of four liberal judges on the bench, is hailed as a feminist hero by women across the country for her efforts in championing womens rights in the US judicial system. Earlier this year, the Supreme Court Justice was also the subject of a critically-acclaimed documentary highlighting her judicial career, marriage and her vigorous workout routine. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events In 1993, President Bill Clinton appointed Ms Ginsburg to the high court. Prior to that, she served as the director for the American Civil Liberties Unions Womens Rights Project. Throughout her career, Ms Ginsburg has been persuasive in shaping laws in cases regarding gender discrimination, reproductive rights for women and LGBT rights. Some of her landmark cases include ruling: in favour of United States v Virginia in 1991, which cited the Equal Protection Clause in the 14th Amendment of the Constitution to end male-only admissions into the Virginia Military Institute; in favour of Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015, which granted the right for same-sex couples to marry in all 50 states; and against Whole Womans Health v. Hellerstedt in 2016, which would have placed strict requirements and regulations on abortion providers. Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions Show all 23 1 /23 Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions Abortion rights activists hold placards outside of the US Supreme Court ahead of an expected ruling on abortion clinic restrictions on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions An abortion rights activist holds placards outside of the US Supreme Court before the Court struck down a Texas law placing restrictions on abortion clinics on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. The US Supreme Court on Monday struck down a Texas law placing a raft of restrictions on abortion clinics, handing a major victory to the "pro-choice" camp in the country's most important ruling on the divisive issue in a generation. Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 27: Pro-life activists pray on the steps of the United States Supreme Court on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. In a 5-3 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down one of the nation's toughest restrictions on abortion, a Texas law that women's groups said would have forced more than three-quarters of the state's clinics to close. Pete Marovich/Getty Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 27: Texas abortion provider Amy Hagstrom-Miller looks on as Nancy Northup, President of The Center for Reproductive Rights speaks to the media outside of the U.S. Supreme Court on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. In a 5-3 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down one of the nation's toughest restrictions on abortion, a Texas law that women's groups said would have forced more than three-quarters of the state's clinics to close. Pete Marovich/Getty Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions An abortion rights activist holds placards outside of the US Supreme Court before the Court struck down a Texas law placing restrictions on abortion clinics on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. The US Supreme Court on Monday struck down a Texas law placing a raft of restrictions on abortion clinics, handing a major victory to the "pro-choice" camp in the country's most important ruling on the divisive issue in a generation. Getty Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions Texas abortion provider Amy Hagstrom-Miller wipes a tear as she walks down the steps of the United States Supreme Court with Nancy Northup, President of The Center for Reproductive Rights on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. In a 5-3 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down one of the nation's toughest restrictions on abortion, a Texas law that women's groups said would have forced more than three-quarters of the state's clinics to close. Pete Marovich/Getty Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions Abortion rights activists cheer after the US Supreme Court struck down a Texas law placing restrictions on abortion clinics, outside of the Supreme Court on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. In a case with far-reaching implications for millions of women across the United States, the court ruled 5-3 to strike down measures which activists say have forced more than half of Texas's abortion clinics to close. Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions Abortion rights activists cheer after the US Supreme Court struck down a Texas law placing restrictions on abortion clinics, outside of the Supreme Court on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. In a case with far-reaching implications for millions of women across the United States, the court ruled 5-3 to strike down measures which activists say have forced more than half of Texas's abortion clinics to close. Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 27: Abortion rights activists Morgan Hopkins of Boston, left, and Alison Turkos of New York City, celebrate on the steps of the United States Supreme Court on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. In a 5-3 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down one of the nation's toughest restrictions on abortion, a Texas law that women's groups said would have forced more than three-quarters of the state's clinics to close. Pete Marovich/Getty Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions Abortion rights activists cheer after the US Supreme Court struck down a Texas law placing restrictions on abortion clinics, outside of the Supreme Court on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. In a case with far-reaching implications for millions of women across the United States, the court ruled 5-3 to strike down measures which activists say have forced more than half of Texas's abortion clinics to close. Getty Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 27: Abortion rights activists Morgan Hopkins of Boston, left, and Alison Turkos of New York City, celebrate on the steps of the United States Supreme Court on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. In a 5-3 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down one of the nation's toughest restrictions on abortion, a Texas law that women's groups said would have forced more than three-quarters of the state's clinics to close. (Photo by Pete Marovich/Getty Images) Getty Images Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions Abortion rights activist Morgan Hopkins of Boston, celebrates on the steps of the United States Supreme Court on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. In a 5-3 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down one of the nation's toughest restrictions on abortion, a Texas law that women's groups said would have forced more than three-quarters of the state's clinics to close. Pete Marovich/Getty Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions Abortion rights activists embrace after the US Supreme Court struck down a Texas law placing restrictions on abortion clinics, outside of the Supreme Court on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. In a case with far-reaching implications for millions of women across the United States, the court ruled 5-3 to strike down measures which activists say have forced more than half of Texas's abortion clinics to close. AFP/Getty Images Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions Abortion rights activists hold placards outside of the US Supreme Court ahead of a ruling on abortion clinic restrictions on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. In a case with far-reaching implications for millions of women across the United States, the court ruled 5-3 to strike down measures which activists say have forced more than half of Texas's abortion clinics to close. Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions In a case with far-reaching implications for millions of women across the United States, the court ruled 5-3 to strike down measures which activists say have forced more than half of Texas's abortion clinics to close. Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions Abortion rights activists cheer after the US Supreme Court struck down a Texas law placing restrictions on abortion clinics, outside of the Supreme Court on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. In a case with far-reaching implications for millions of women across the United States, the court ruled 5-3 to strike down measures which activists say have forced more than half of Texas's abortion clinics to close. AFP/Getty Images Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions Abortion rights activists cheer after the US Supreme Court struck down a Texas law placing restrictions on abortion clinics, outside of the Supreme Court on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. In a case with far-reaching implications for millions of women across the United States, the court ruled 5-3 to strike down measures which activists say have forced more than half of Texas's abortion clinics to close. / AFP / MANDEL NGAN (Photo credit should read MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images) AFP/Getty Images Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions Abortion rights activists cheer after the US Supreme Court struck down a Texas law placing restrictions on abortion clinics, outside of the Supreme Court on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. In a case with far-reaching implications for millions of women across the United States, the court ruled 5-3 to strike down measures which activists say have forced more than half of Texas's abortion clinics to close. / AFP / MANDEL NGAN (Photo credit should read MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images) AFP/Getty Images Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions Abortion rights activists embrace after the US Supreme Court struck down a Texas law placing restrictions on abortion clinics, outside of the Supreme Court on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. In a case with far-reaching implications for millions of women across the United States, the court ruled 5-3 to strike down measures which activists say have forced more than half of Texas's abortion clinics to close. AFP/Getty Images Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions Pro-choice activist, Alissa Manzoeillo, of Washington, D.C. waits for rulings in front of the U.S. Supreme Court on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. A ruling is expected in Whole Woman's Health v. Hellerstedt, a Texas case the places restrictions on abortion clinics, as well as rulings in the former Virginia Governor's corruption case and a gun rights case. Pete Marovich/Getty Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions Abortion rights activists cheer after the US Supreme Court struck down a Texas law placing restrictions on abortion clinics, outside of the Supreme Court on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. In a case with far-reaching implications for millions of women across the United States, the court ruled 5-3 to strike down measures which activists say have forced more than half of Texas's abortion clinics to close. Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions Abortion rights activists hold placards outside of the US Supreme Court ahead of an expected ruling on abortion clinic restrictions on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. AFP/Getty Images Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions Abortion rights activists hold placards outside of the US Supreme Court ahead of an expected ruling on abortion clinic restrictions on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. AFP/Getty Images Considering Ms Ginsburgs history in defending gender-equality and civil rights, the news of her hospitalisation has prompted strong reactions from people on Twitter. In addition to their thoughts and prayers, some have outright offered their own ribs to her. Although she said she plans to serve as Supreme Court Justice until she is 90, and has even hired law clerks through 2020, there has been a lot of speculation regarding Ms Ginsburgs health. She is currently the courts oldest justice and has survived several health-related obstacles over the years: pancreatic and colon cancer, surgical heart procedure for her right coronary artery, and another case of fractured ribs. The other concern involving RBGs health is fears that her vacancy from the bench would provide the Trump administration another opportunity to appoint a conservative judge on the Supreme Court. The court currently leans more conservative with the recent appointment of controversial Justice Brett Kavanaugh October. But as on Twitter user pointed out, the reactions to Ms Ginsburgs treatment should serve as a cautionary tale of how some Americans depend on one womans health for the protection of their civil rights. Maybe, user Elle Dawson tweeted. just maybe... our system of democracy is a little fucked up when our rights depend on one womans survival?? Donald Trump's proposal to ban asylum for certain undocumented immigrants has been attacked as "illegal" by human rights groups who say that asylum is a "lifeline" for those fleeing danger. Under the new measures from the White House, undocumented immigrants arriving at the nations borders between ports of entry would no longer be able to legally apply for asylum. The move relies on emergency powers the president had previously invoked through the implementation of his travel ban involving people from several Muslim-majority nations last year. Mr Trump's proclamation will effectively suspend the granting of asylum to migrants who cross the US border with Mexico illegally for up to 90 days, beginning on Saturday. In a statement shortly after news broke of the policy shift, one of America's biggest civil rights groups, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) said: US law specifically allows individuals to apply for asylum whether or not they are at a port of entry. Recommended Trump administration to limit migrant asylum claims at US border The group added, It is illegal to circumvent that by agency or presidential decree. By Friday afternoon, the ACLU had filed a lawsuit against the directive, likely paving the way for an exhaustive legal battle. Mr Trump has railed against undocumented immigration along the US-Mexico border since the start of his presidential campaign - but it has intensified in recent weeks with a number of caravans containing thousands of refugees and migrants slowly heading to the border. many of those travelling in the caravans are fleeing violence in Central American nations including Honduras and El Salvador. The president recently proposed a slate of hardline policies to deal with the issue, including revoking the nations amendment-protected practice of providing birthright citizenship. The president has also called for housing immigrants in tent cities On Friday, the president told reporters he had signed the directive to revamp the asylum process, effectively barring undocumented immigrants who cross the border illegally from applying for asylum. The Independent goes on a ride-along with US Border Patrol Show all 15 1 /15 The Independent goes on a ride-along with US Border Patrol The Independent goes on a ride-along with US Border Patrol Texas and Mexico are connected by entry points like these. US Border Patrol in Laredo, Texas conducts daily patrols throughout the Rio Grande, snaking between the US and Mexico, where it searches for migrants and drug traffickers. The legal entry point to Mexico can be seen above the riverines frequently used by cartels to funnel narcotics into the US. Chris Riotta The Independent goes on a ride-along with US Border Patrol US Customs and Border Protection oversees its side of the entry point. US Customs and Border Protection officers oversee the processing of nearly two million trucks and three million pedestrians annually at the Laredo sector, which also processes the majority of trade between the US and Mexico. Chris Riotta The Independent goes on a ride-along with US Border Patrol The Rio Grande snakes between Mexico and the United States. The US and Mexico have bordering coastlines in Laredo Texas, where the Rio Grande's occasionally rough currents splash onto both nations' shores. For migrants attempting to enter into either country, the swim is much more dangerous than it appears. Chris Riotta The Independent goes on a ride-along with US Border Patrol Drug traffickers and migrants use "highways" to cross the border. US Border Patrol agents call worn pathways like these "highways," as they are frequently used by drug traffickers and migrants entering into the US. Chris Riotta The Independent goes on a ride-along with US Border Patrol The journey is still far from over. If they're able to make it onto land, many obstacles still remain for migrants and drug traffickers. US Border Patrol agents are equipped with high-tech security, K-9 units and aerial camera footage surveilling 40 miles of borderlands. Chris Riotta The Independent goes on a ride-along with US Border Patrol Border Patrol uses classic methods and high-tech to surveil the border. A control room at the Laredo sector headquarters is fully-manned 24/7 with a team of local employees who alert agents on the ground of border crossings in real-time. Their cameras live-stream 40 miles of the 170 mile territory the sector covers. Chris Riotta The Independent goes on a ride-along with US Border Patrol The US provides trusted traveler programs on both its southern and northern borders. Officers lead the way to Sentri offices, which runs a trusted traveller program from US and Mexican local residents who regularly cross the border for work or leisure purposes. Chris Riotta The Independent goes on a ride-along with US Border Patrol The pathway to freedom. Once travellers are processed, they walk up this ramp towards the US. Many Mexicans cross the border each day with collapsable shopping carts to buy goods while visiting the country. Chris Riotta The Independent goes on a ride-along with US Border Patrol But first, the wait. A dog waits for their owner to go through processing with US Customs and Border Patrol. On a good day, processing can take under an hour. On a bad day, well, there's just no telling how long one might be stuck inside the Laredo sector field offices. Chris Riotta The Independent goes on a ride-along with US Border Patrol The first lady of CBP. Inside the Laredo field offices, US Border Patrol agents keep a framed photo of Christine Davis, the first female agent to join the federal agency in 1975. Chris Riotta The Independent goes on a ride-along with US Border Patrol "The hall of fame." US Border Patrol also honors those who have served in the agency for over thirty years. Chris Riotta The Independent goes on a ride-along with US Border Patrol Officers inspect a vehicle in secondary processing. Outside, officers are conducting secondary inspection on a vehicle that's been pulled aside for further investigating. Chris Riotta The Independent goes on a ride-along with US Border Patrol The waiting room for detained migrants. A US Customs and Border Protection officer shows the inside of a holding room where people requiring further questioning go through secondary processing. Chris Riotta The Independent goes on a ride-along with US Border Patrol A man and his daughter go through processing. US Customs and Border Protection also regularly provides humanitarian visas and other temporary permissions for people with valid reasons seeking entry to the US. Here, a father and his daughter await to see whether they will be provided one of those visas. Chris Riotta The Independent goes on a ride-along with US Border Patrol Laredo processes over three million pedestrians annually. Thousands of legal asylum seekers, migrants and refugees seek entry to the US through the southern border annually, where they go through processing at offices like this after arriving at a legal port of entry. For many, the trip can take days, if not weeks or even months. Chris Riotta Current law provides a year for migrants who have illegally crossed the border to apply for asylum, however, under the new orders migrants are required to go directly to a port of entry along the border in order to apply. The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, said on Friday that everyone fleeing violence or persecution should get protection "without obstruction". Many of the people on the move in Central America and Mexico today are fleeing life-threatening violence or persecution and require international protection, the UNHCR said in a statement issued in Geneva. UNHCR expects all countries, including the United States, to make sure any person in need of refugee protection and humanitarian assistance is able to receive both promptly and without obstruction in accordance with the 1967 refugee Protocol to which the United States is a party, the agency said, referring to a protocol to the 1951 Refugee Convention. It added that long-standing insufficient reception capacity at official U.S. southern border ports of entry was causing significant delays in northern Mexico, forcing many desperate asylum-seekers to turn to smugglers and cross the border irregularly. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events National security and dignified reception of refugees and asylum-seekers are not mutually exclusive, but rather mutually reinforcing, it said. Human rights group Amnesty International also rejected the new measures and claimed it needlessly places the lives of thousands of people in danger. Asylum is not a loophole, it is a lifeline, Secretary General Kumi Naidoo said. The White House has defended the new measures, claiming the policy will make it safer for migrants who attempt to cross the geographically arduous border. Today, we are using the authority granted to us by Congress to bar aliens who violate a Presidential suspension of entry or other restriction from asylum eligibility, Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker and Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen said in a joint statement Thursday. A federal appeals court has upheld a nationwide injunction halting the Trump administrations effort to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals programme, which has allowed early 700,000 people who were brought to the US illegally as children to stay in the country. The decision by the Ninth Circuit Court of the United States to uphold the injunction brings the fate of the programme, referred to as DACA, one step closer to its day before the Supreme Court and that review may be coming sooner than usual after the Trump administration petitioned this week for the court to consider the issue as soon as possible. President Donald Trump has frequently criticised DACA, saying that it is an amnesty-first approach to immigration reforms, and that the US Congress should strike a deal to handle the nations myriad immigration issues. The Ninth Circuits ruling is the first from a federal circuit court, and comes just one day after Attorney General Jeff Session announced his resignation from that post. Mr Sessions had announced that the DACA program would end gradually over six months. In the courts opinion on Thursday, the judges rejected arguments from the government that President Barack Obama had illegally introduced the programme in an act of executive overreach. People strike across America for A Day Without Immigrants Show all 16 1 /16 People strike across America for A Day Without Immigrants People strike across America for A Day Without Immigrants Demonstrators march during the "Day Without Immigrants" protest in Chicago, Illinois, February 16, 2017. Theopolis Waters/Reuters People strike across America for A Day Without Immigrants Demonstrators march during the "Day Without Immigrants" protest in Washington, DC, U.S., February 16, 2017. Aaron P. Bernstein/Reuters People strike across America for A Day Without Immigrants Protesters march in the streets outside the Texas State Capital on 'A Day Without Immigrants' February 16, 2017 in Austin, Texas. The crowd, which grew to well over a thousand participants, marched from the Austin City Hall to the Texas State Capital. Across the country hundreds of restaurants and eateries are closing for the day to protest President Trump's immigration policies and to highlight the contributions of immigrants to U.S. business and life. Drew Anthony Smith/Getty People strike across America for A Day Without Immigrants Protesters march in the streets outside the Texas State Capital on 'A Day Without Immigrants' February 16, 2017 in Austin, Texas. Drew Anthony Smith/Getty People strike across America for A Day Without Immigrants AUSTIN, TX - FEBRUARY 16: Protesters march in the streets outside the Texas State Capital on 'A Day Without Immigrants' February 16, 2017 in Austin, Texas. Drew Anthony Smith/Getty People strike across America for A Day Without Immigrants Demonstrators march during the "Day Without Immigrants" protest in Chicago, Illinois, February 16, 2017. Theopolis Waters/Reuters People strike across America for A Day Without Immigrants Demonstrators march during the "Day Without Immigrants" protest in Chicago, Illinois, February 16, 2017. Aaron P. Bernstein/Reuters People strike across America for A Day Without Immigrants Protesters march in the streets outside the Texas State Capital on 'A Day Without Immigrants' February 16, 2017 in Austin, Texas. The crowd, which grew to well over a thousand participants, marched from the Austin City Hall to the Texas State Capital. Across the country hundreds of restaurants and eateries are closing for the day to protest President Trump's immigration policies and to highlight the contributions of immigrants to U.S. business and life. Drew Anthony Smith/Getty People strike across America for A Day Without Immigrants Protesters march in the streets outside the Texas State Capital on 'A Day Without Immigrants' February 16, 2017 in Austin, Texas. Drew Anthony Smith/Getty People strike across America for A Day Without Immigrants Protesters march in the streets outside the Texas State Capital on 'A Day Without Immigrants' February 16, 2017 in Austin, Texas. Drew Anthony Smith/Getty People strike across America for A Day Without Immigrants Protesters march in the streets outside the Texas State Capital on 'A Day Without Immigrants' February 16, 2017 in Austin, Texas. Drew Anthony Smith/Getty People strike across America for A Day Without Immigrants Protesters march in the streets outside the Texas State Capital on 'A Day Without Immigrants' February 16, 2017 in Austin, Texas. Drew Anthony Smith/Getty People strike across America for A Day Without Immigrants Protesters march in the streets outside the Texas State Capital on 'A Day Without Immigrants' February 16, 2017 in Austin, Texas. Drew Anthony Smith/Getty People strike across America for A Day Without Immigrants Protesters march in the streets outside the Texas State Capital on 'A Day Without Immigrants' February 16, 2017 in Austin, Texas. The crowd, which grew to well over a thousand participants marched from the Austin City Hall to the Texas State Capital. Across the country hundreds of restaurants and eateries are closing for the day to protest President Trump's immigration policies and to highlight the contributions of immigrants to U.S. business and life. Drew Anthony Smith/Getty People strike across America for A Day Without Immigrants High school student Kathia Suarez holds up a sign as she protests with others outside the Grayson County courthouse in downtown Sherman, Texas, Thursday, Feb. 16, 2017. LM Otero/AP People strike across America for A Day Without Immigrants High school senior Vicky Sosa holds a sign outside the Grayson County courthouse in downtown Sherman, Texas, Thursday, Feb. 16, 2017. In an action called "A Day Without Immigrants," immigrants across the country are expected to stay home from school, work and close businesses to show how critical they are to the U.S. economy and way of life. LM Otero/AP DACA was a permissible exercise of executive discretion, the judges wrote. Mr Obama announced the creation of DACA in 2012, noting that the measure was meant to be a temporary fix for a problem that congress had repeatedly failed to fix. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events The programme allows people who were brought to the United States without American authorization to remain in the US temporarily, and to hold legal jobs. But, the programme does have limitations, and everyone applying for the program was required to have a clean criminal record, and to have finished high school or received an equivalent degree. Plans to begin the repatriation of Rohingya Muslims from Bangladesh back to Myanmar next week are premature and have left the community in the worlds largest refugee camp terrified, according to aid groups. Despite previous commitments that the return of Rohingya refugees would be on a safe, dignified and voluntary basis, the governments of Myanmar and Bangladesh announced a deal to begin with more than 2,000 repatriations from the Coxs Bazar camps on 15 November. The UN has said conditions in Rakhine state, from which some 700,000 Rohingya fled in a mass exodus starting last year, are not yet conducive for returns. And there are now serious concerns over how the list of initial returnees has been drawn up, with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees confirming that it has not been included in the process by the Bangladesh government. Official forms for counting Rohingya families have been given to refugees over the past few weeks. Refugees told The Independent that they feared the forms related to repatriation, but were ordered to fill them out anyway. No one The Independent spoke to was willing to volunteer to return to Myanmar under current conditions. Camp authorities have been forcing Rohingya to fill out family counting forms in recent weeks. Many see it as preparations for repatriation (Adam Withnall/The Independent) Now 42 international aid agencies have signed a joint letter urging Bangladesh and Myanmar to reconsider the repatriation plan. It says the involuntary return of refugees would be a violation of the fundamental principle of non-refoulement the internationally agreed principle that refugees cannot be returned to countries where they justifiably fear persecution. They are terrified about what will happen to them if they are returned to Myanmar now, and distressed by the lack of information they have received, the letter reads. Bangladesh has not released the list of names of the first 2,300 returnees, making it impossible to verify whether they are indeed being sent back on a voluntary basis. The lack of official information has led to the widespread fear among many in the sprawling Coxs Bazar camps that they could be on the list. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events One 60-year-old man named Dil Mohammad tried to kill himself this week after the false rumour spread that he was being sent back, his wife told The Telegraph. And multiple refugees told The Independent last month that if they were included on any list for repatriation to Myanmar, they would do all they could do avoid going. Nurul Amin, a 37-year-old father of seven, said: I saw the violence myself in Myanmar, I have seen people with their throats slit, and my house was partially destroyed by a grenade launcher [fired by the Myanmar army]. We are thankful to this countrys people, the Bangladeshi people, to give us the shelter, we are grateful to them. But I am worried that they [the camp authorities] have taken all this information, that it might be a preparation for deportation. We are fearful of that if we are forced to go back there, then the violence and oppression will happen against us again. We wont go there, said Muhammad Ali, 30. We wont go back. We will refuse to go. If they forcefully deport us, we will be in the same situation that was there before. The violence, the killing, and the persecution [will start] again. Sayeeda Kathoum, a 32-year-old mother, said it makes [her] so happy to see her daughters learning in the camps schools, and that back in Myanmar, Burmese teachers had refused to provide lessons to her children. We are worried, because many people are talking about deportations now, whether it is rumour or not. We are worried because we have seen the violence that the men are killed, the women are abused and raped. We dont want this to happen all over again, she said. The announcement of the start of repatriations appears to have coincided late this week with dozens of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar and Bangladesh boarding boats to try to reach Malaysia. One boat was prevented from setting sail from the southern coast of Bangladesh on Wednesday, the coast guard said, while 33 Rohingya and six Bangladeshis were detained aboard a fishing boat bound for Malaysia, an official told Reuters. Rohingya crisis one year on Myanmar camps in pictures Show all 30 1 /30 Rohingya crisis one year on Myanmar camps in pictures Rohingya crisis one year on Myanmar camps in pictures Rohingya women and children wait in line for a food distribution of super cereal at Action Against Hunger Getty Images Rohingya crisis one year on Myanmar camps in pictures Rohingya refugees gather near the fence in the "no man's land" zone between Myanmar and Bangladesh border AFP/Getty Rohingya crisis one year on Myanmar camps in pictures Rohingya women cry as they shout slogans during a protest rally to commemorate the first anniversary of Myanmar army's crackdown AP Rohingya crisis one year on Myanmar camps in pictures A Rohingya Muslim child holding an umbrella while under the rain AFP/Getty Rohingya crisis one year on Myanmar camps in pictures Rohingya refugees cry as they pray during a gathering to commemorate the first anniversary of Myanmar army's crackdown which lead to a mass exodus of Rohingya Muslims to Bangladesh AP Rohingya crisis one year on Myanmar camps in pictures Police stand near the checkpoint at the Shwe Zar village in Maungdaw township, Rakhine State, western Myanmar EPA Rohingya crisis one year on Myanmar camps in pictures A group of Rohingya refugee children stand at a makeshift camp EPA Rohingya crisis one year on Myanmar camps in pictures Rohingya refugee Juhara, whose name has been changed to protect her identity, poses for a portrait at the Kutapalong refugee camp near Cox's Bazar in southern Bangladesh. Juhara passes her days carting water with difficulty to thirsty bricklayers working in a bustling corner of Cox's Bazar. She has just one hand - the other was cleaved off in a raid on her village after the August 25 clampdown started last year. Her husband and parents were killed. The 40-year-old said she ran for her life but was hunted down and savagely attacked AFP/Getty Rohingya crisis one year on Myanmar camps in pictures Rohingya refugees walk on a road along a makeshift camp in Kutubpalang EPA Rohingya crisis one year on Myanmar camps in pictures Rohingya refugees are seen outside of their makeshift tent in the Kutupalong camp in Cox's Bazar Reuters Rohingya crisis one year on Myanmar camps in pictures Thousands of Rohingya refugees staged protests for "justice" on August 25 on the first anniversary of a Myanmar military crackdown that forced them to flee to camps in Bangladesh AFP/Getty Rohingya crisis one year on Myanmar camps in pictures A Rohingya refugee child looks through a window at a makeshift camp in Teknuf EPA Rohingya crisis one year on Myanmar camps in pictures Rohingya refugee women hold placards as they take part in a protest at the Kutupalong refugee camp Reuters Rohingya crisis one year on Myanmar camps in pictures A young Rohingya boy waits in line for a food Getty Images Rohingya crisis one year on Myanmar camps in pictures Rohingya refugees shout slogans during a protest march AFP/Getty Images Rohingya crisis one year on Myanmar camps in pictures Rohingya refugee girl with other children at a makeshift camp in Teknuf in Cox's Bazar EPA Rohingya crisis one year on Myanmar camps in pictures Rohingya women protest on the first anniversary of the Rohingya crisis Getty Images Rohingya crisis one year on Myanmar camps in pictures Rohingya women and children receive super cereal at Action Against Hunger Getty Images Rohingya crisis one year on Myanmar camps in pictures Rohingya girls share a laugh in Kutupalong, the largest refugee camp housing the Rohingya Rohingya crisis one year on Myanmar camps in pictures Rohingya refugees gather near the fence in the "no man's land" zone between Myanmar and Bangladesh border AFP/Getty Rohingya crisis one year on Myanmar camps in pictures Rohingya refugees attend a ceremony organised to remember the first anniversary of a military crackdown that prompted a massive exodus of people from Myanmar to Bangladesh AFP/Getty Rohingya crisis one year on Myanmar camps in pictures Rashida Begum, a Rohingya refugee woman walks on the Kutupalong camp in Cox's Bazar Reuters Rohingya crisis one year on Myanmar camps in pictures A Rohingya refugee bursts into tears as she shouts slogans during a protest march AFP/Getty Rohingya crisis one year on Myanmar camps in pictures Rohingya refugee baby Nur Sadek two years old undergoing treatment at a Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) hospital in Teknuf in Cox's Bazar EPA Rohingya crisis one year on Myanmar camps in pictures Rohingya refugees protest Getty Rohingya crisis one year on Myanmar camps in pictures Rohingya refugees perform prayers AFP/Getty Rohingya crisis one year on Myanmar camps in pictures Rashida Begum, a Rohingya refugee woman bathes her son in the Kutupalong camp Reuters Rohingya crisis one year on Myanmar camps in pictures Rohingya refugees protest Getty Rohingya crisis one year on Myanmar camps in pictures Rohingya refugees walk on a muddy road EPA Rohingya crisis one year on Myanmar camps in pictures Rohingya women and children wait in line for a food distribution of super cereal at Action Against Hunger Getty A spokesperson for the UN refugee agency in Myanmar said the organisation had heard similar reports of boats leaving the country but could not confirm their location. The spike in activity has raised fears of a repeat of the deadly situation in 2015, when a sudden government crackdown on Rohingya using boats to flee to Malaysia and Thailand left thousands abandoned at sea. For years, people smugglers on both sides of the Bangladesh-Myanmar border have profited from the persecution of the Rohingya minority, most commonly in the dry months between November and March when the sea is calm. But Chris Lewa, director of the Arakan Project, a monitoring group which has a network of sources across Rohingya communities, suggested the repatriation deal may have forced refugees into the hands of smugglers in greater numbers. The Rohingya are trapped, she said. They have nowhere to go. No one wants them, and now they face on top of that the threat of repatriation. Connecting Classrooms: Bangladesh schools Myanmars government denies allegations of crimes against humanity towards the Rohingya during its crackdown on militant activity in Rakhine in August 2017. It says it wants the Rohingya to return, but only to internment camps like the one in central Rakhine that has housed some 120,000 Rohingya in cramped conditions, and with no freedom of movement or path to citizenship, for many years. Yanghee Lee, the UNs special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar, warned in a statement this week against rushed attempts to return the Rohingya, saying they still face a high risk of persecution. Ms Lee said she had not seen any evidence of the government of Myanmar creating an environment where the Rohingya can return to their place of origin and live in safety with their rights guaranteed. Myanmar has failed to provide guarantees they would not suffer the same persecution and horrific violence all over again, Ms Lee said. A man who stabbed one person to death in a suspected terrorist attack in Melbourne was known to police and was the brother of a man arrested on terror charges last year, Australian authorities say. The Somali-born man, 31, set fire to a pickup truck laden with gas cylinders in a busy shopping area of the city on Friday, stabbing three people, one fatally, before he was shot dead by police. Australian media had named the man on Saturday, but police have yet to confirm his identity. Victoria Police commissioner Graham Ashton said the man's brother was arrested last year on charges of planning an attack in Melbourne and currently being held in prison awaiting trial. Recommended Plane crashes into residential street in Melbourne leaving one dead He is certainly someone who is known to both us and the federal authorities in relation to counter-terrorism and terrorism-related matters, he told Channel 7's Sunrise program. He is the brother of an offender or a suspect that we arrested late last year in relation to the preparation of a terrorist event. Video posted to social media of the incident showed the attacker repeatedly swinging the knife at officers, while a member of the public pushes a trolley into the attacker, knocking him over. Towards the end of the video, one of the police takes out a gun and shoots the knifeman. Victoria Police later confirmed the man had been shot in the chest and was in hospital in critical condition, while several others are being treated for stabbing injuries. Victoria's ambulance service said that three injured people were being treated at the scene. Superintendent David Clayton said at an impromptu press conference as the police were attempting to disarm the man, passers-by were shouting at them that people had been stabbed. One of the victims died at the scene while two others had been taken to hospital for treatment, he said. The police were not looking for anyone else over the incident and there was no known connection to terrorism yet, although "we will keep an open mind as to whether there is any link", he told reporters. A police officer directs people away from the crime scene as a body is seen covered with a white sheet following a stabbing incident in Melbourne (AFP/Getty Images) Bomb disposal experts had now arrived and were working to make the area safe, while the fire brigade had put out the car on fire. Unconfirmed reports from the Australian broadcaster ABC suggest that the man crashed the car, jumped out and then threw an object inside the vehicle, setting it on fire. A section of Bourke Street, a major tram thoroughfare and one of the busiest streets in Melbourne's city centre, has been closed off to traffic and shoppers. Melbourne knife attack Show all 9 1 /9 Melbourne knife attack Melbourne knife attack The body of the person stabbed to death during the attack lies underneath a white cover EPA Melbourne knife attack There was a huge police presence in Melbourne's city centre Reuters Melbourne knife attack Officers cordon off the scene AFP Melbourne knife attack Victoria Police Superintendent David Clayton speaks to members of the media REUTERS Melbourne knife attack A screenshot of a video of the man attacking police officers with a knife EPA Melbourne knife attack Police in Melbourne shoot a man who was attacking them with a knife Twitter/@fayfayang Melbourne knife attack There was a huge police presence in Melbourne's city centre Reuters Melbourne knife attack The burned out shell of the knife attacker's car AFP Melbourne knife attack Reuters One witness, who only gave the name Markel, said he ran out of a nearby shop and stumbled across one of the victims. "Turned out there was an old man in front of me, literally by my feet. He was face down, face down, and there was a lot of blood," he told the ABC. "I was already stepping on his blood. "There was a lot of bystanders trying to help him out. They didn't know what to do because obviously in that situation it is pretty crazy." Markel said other shoppers in the area were yelling out "just shoot him, just shoot him," while the two officers were trying to disarm the knifeman. Aerial footage of area of Bourke Street incident in Melbourne Another witness, Aaksh Verma, said that he saw the man try and stab one of the police officers as soon as they arrived, while they were still inside their car. Once the officers got out of the car they used pepper spray and then a taser on the knifeman, but neither forced him to abandon his attack, he told The Guardian. The incident caused authorities to activate an automated alert system, sending messages to Melbourne citizens' phones warning them of "an incident at the corner of Bourke and Swanston streets" and urging them to "avoid the area". Police are extending a cordon of the area and Supt Clayton asked for anyone who had seen the incident and taken any photos or videos to come forward and share them with detectives. Australia has been on heightened alert from 2015 for attacks by home-grown militants returning from fighting in the Middle East. Police statement on Bourke Street incident in Melbourne The street where the car caught fire was the scene in December 2017 of a fatal but not terror-related incident in which a man drove his car at pedestrians at high speed, killing six people and wounding about 30. Elsewhere in the city, a murder and armed siege by a man out of prison on parole was declared an "act of terrorism". Yacqub Khayre was shot dead by police after he had killed man inside an apartment block and then held a woman hostage inside. In 2014 an 18-year-old terror suspect was shot dead after stabbing two police officers during a counter-terrorism operation in the city. The Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Sally Capp, has praised residents of the city in a statement for how they dealt with the incident. "Im proud of the way our community responded respectfully to police instructions at the scene. I know many of us will feel the impact of these terrible events and its important at these times that we pull together as a community and support one another. "Melburnians should be reassured by the rapid response from Victoria Police and emergency services who worked quickly, bravely and effectively to minimise harm to the public and contain the situation." More follows European Union states have built over 1,000km of border walls since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, a new study into Fortress Europe has found. Migration researchers have quantified the continents anti-immigrant infrastructure and found that the EU has gone from just two walls in the 1990s to 15 by 2017. Ten out of 28 member states stretching from Spain to Latvia have now built such border walls, with a sharp increase during the 2015 migration panic, when seven new barriers were erected. Recommended UK to send warship to Mediterranean to stop refugee boats Despite celebrations this year that the Berlin Wall had now been down for longer than it was ever up, Europe has now completed the equivalent length of six Berlin walls during the same period. The barriers are mostly focused on keeping out undocumented migrants and would-be refugees. The erection of the barriers has also coincided with the rise of xenophobic parties across the continent, with 10 out of 28 seeing such parties win more than half a million votes in elections since 2010. Europes own history shows that building walls to resolve political or social issues comes at an unacceptable cost for liberty and human rights, Nick Buxton, researcher at the Transnational Institute and editor of the report said. Ultimately it will also harm those who build them as it creates a fortress that no one wants to live in. Rather than building walls, Europe should be investing in stopping the wars and poverty that fuels migration. Tens of thousands of people have died trying to migrate into Europe, with one estimate from June this year putting the figure at over 34,000 since the EUs foundation in 1993. A total of 3,915 fatalities were recorded in 2017. The report also looked at eight EU maritime rescue operations launched by the bloc, seven of which were carried out specifically by the EUs border agency Frontex. Refugee crisis - in pictures Show all 27 1 /27 Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugee crisis - in pictures A child looks through the fence at the Moria detention camp for migrants and refugees at the island of Lesbos on May 24, 2016. AFP/Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Ahmad Zarour, 32, from Syria, reacts after his rescue by MOAS (Migrant Offshore Aid Station) while attempting to reach the Greek island of Agathonisi, Dodecanese, southeastern Agean Sea Refugee crisis - in pictures Syrian migrants holding life vests gather onto a pebble beach in the Yesil liman district of Canakkale, northwestern Turkey, after being stopped by Turkish police in their attempt to reach the Greek island of Lesbos on 29 January 2016. Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees flash the 'V for victory' sign during a demonstration as they block the Greek-Macedonian border Refugee crisis - in pictures Migrants have been braving sub zero temperatures as they cross the border from Macedonia into Serbia. Refugee crisis - in pictures A sinking boat is seen behind a Turkish gendarme off the coast of Canakkale's Bademli district on January 30, 2016. At least 33 migrants drowned on January 30 when their boat sank in the Aegean Sea while trying to cross from Turkey to Greece. Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A general view of a shelter for migrants inside a hangar of the former Tempelhof airport in Berlin, Germany Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees protest behind a fence against restrictions limiting passage at the Greek-Macedonian border, near Gevgelija. Since last week, Macedonia has restricted passage to northern Europe to only Syrians, Iraqis and Afghans who are considered war refugees. All other nationalities are deemed economic migrants and told to turn back. Macedonia has finished building a fence on its frontier with Greece becoming the latest country in Europe to build a border barrier aimed at checking the flow of refugees Refugee crisis - in pictures A father and his child wait after being caught by Turkish gendarme on 27 January 2016 at Canakkale's Kucukkuyu district Refugee crisis - in pictures Migrants make hand signals as they arrive into the southern Spanish port of Malaga on 27 January, 2016 after an inflatable boat carrying 55 Africans, seven of them women and six chidren, was rescued by the Spanish coast guard off the Spanish coast. Refugee crisis - in pictures A refugee holds two children as dozens arrive on an overcrowded boat on the Greek island of Lesbos Refugee crisis - in pictures A child, covered by emergency blankets, reacts as she arrives, with other refugees and migrants, on the Greek island of Lesbos, At least five migrants including three children, died after four boats sank between Turkey and Greece, as rescue workers searched the sea for dozens more, the Greek coastguard said Refugee crisis - in pictures Migrants wait under outside the Moria registration camp on the Lesbos. Over 400,000 people have landed on Greek islands from neighbouring Turkey since the beginning of the year Refugee crisis - in pictures The bodies of Christian refugees are buried separately from Muslim refugees at the Agios Panteleimonas cemetery in Mytilene, Lesbos Refugee crisis - in pictures Macedonian police officers control a crowd of refugees as they prepare to enter a camp after crossing the Greek border into Macedonia near Gevgelija Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A refugee tries to force the entry to a camp as Macedonian police officers control a crowd after crossing the Greek border into Macedonia near Gevgelija Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees are seen aboard a Turkish fishing boat as they arrive on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing a part of the Aegean Sea from the Turkish coast to Lesbos Reuters Refugee crisis - in pictures An elderly woman sings a lullaby to baby on a beach after arriving with other refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing the Aegean sea from Turkey Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A man collapses as refugees make land from an overloaded rubber dinghy after crossing the Aegean see from Turkey, at the island of Lesbos EPA Refugee crisis - in pictures A girl reacts as refugees arrive by boat on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing the Aegean sea from Turkey Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees make a show of hands as they queue after crossing the Greek border into Macedonia near Gevgelija Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures People help a wheelchair user board a train with others, heading towards Serbia, at the transit camp for refugees near the southern Macedonian town of Gevgelija AP Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees board a train, after crossing the Greek-Macedonian border, near Gevgelija. Macedonia is a key transit country in the Balkans migration route into the EU, with thousands of asylum seekers - many of them from Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq and Somalia - entering the country every day Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures An aerial picture shows the "New Jungle" refugee camp where some 3,500 people live while they attempt to enter Britain, near the port of Calais, northern France Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A Syrian girl reacts as she helped by a volunteer upon her arrival from Turkey on the Greek island of Lesbos, after having crossed the Aegean Sea EPA Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees arrive by boat on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing the Aegean sea from Turkey Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Beds ready for use for migrants and refugees are prepared at a processing center on January 27, 2016 in Passau, Germany. The flow of migrants arriving in Passau has dropped to between 500 and 1,000 per day, down significantly from last November, when in the same region up to 6,000 migrants were arriving daily. The researchers found that none of the operations, all conducted in the Mediterranean, had the rescue of people as their principal goal with all of them focused on eliminating criminality in border areas and slowing down the arrival of displaced peoples. Just one, Operation Mare Nostrum, which was carried out by the Italian government, included humanitarian organisations in its fleets. It has since been scrapped and replaced by Frontexs Operation Triton, which has a smaller budget. These measures lead to refugees and displaced peoples being treated like criminals, Ainhoa Ruiz Benedicto, researcher for Delas Center and co-author of the report said. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events At the June European Council, EU leaders were accused by NGOs of deliberately condemning vulnerable people to be trapped in Libya, or die at sea, after they backed the stance of Italys populist government and condemned rescue boats operating in the sea. A nondescript square in south-west Moscow has been renamed Kim Philby Square in honour of the British spy who defected to the Soviet Union. The intersection given the new name by Moscows mayor Sergei Sobyanin has no connection with the double agent but is close to Russias foreign intelligence services headquarters. The move comes amid worsening relations between Britain and Russia following the Salisbury nerve agent attacks. Philby was a high-ranking MI6 officer who spent years passing secrets and intelligence to the USSR before defecting across the Iron Curtain in 1963 at the height of the Cold War. He was the most famous member of the Cambridge Five spy ring, a group of upper-class establishment KGB spies who were all recruited while studying at Cambridge during the 1930s. Philby, despite helping two fellow KGB spies flee Britain for Moscow in 1951, protested his innocence and stayed in Britain until 1963 (AP) Two of the other spies escaped to the Soviet Union in 1951 after Philby tipped them off that British intelligence had found out about their activities but the MI6 agent, despite repeatedly coming under suspicion, did not defect himself until 1963. After he resurfaced in 1965 he was granted Soviet citizenship and lived in Moscow for the rest of his life. Despite being told while spying in Britain that he had been promoted to colonel in the KGB, he actually lived as a virtual prisoner in his own home when he arrived in the Soviet Union. Secrets and spies: book takes a peek inside classified files of MI6 Show all 3 1 /3 Secrets and spies: book takes a peek inside classified files of MI6 Secrets and spies: book takes a peek inside classified files of MI6 457923.bin Secrets and spies: book takes a peek inside classified files of MI6 457921.bin Secrets and spies: book takes a peek inside classified files of MI6 457922.bin Given only 500 rubles a month to live on, all his visitors and activities were controlled by the Soviets and he had little real work to do, apart from writing his memoirs. He also had a short affair with the wife of one of the earlier Cambridge Five defectors. Two years ago the BBC unearthed footage of Philby giving a lecture in 1981 to the notorious East German Stasi spy agency, where he boasted how he had been able to hoodwink MI6 thanks to his upper-class credentials. Philby died in 1988 and was given a heros funeral in the USSR and posthumously awarded a series of medals. But locals are baffled by the city councils decision now to honour the long-dead double agent by naming a square after him. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events The new Kim Philby Square is not close to where the Briton actually lived in Moscow and several people on a neighbourhood Facebook page questioned the decision. But one of the successors to the KGB, the foreign intelligence agency SVR, does have a sprawling campus nearby, prompting the suggestion spies there were motivated by fond memories of their former British colleague. The director of the SVR, Sergei Naryshkin, spoke at an event last year which marked the unveiling of a portrait of Philby in a Moscow art gallery. Plans for celebrations to mark 100 years of Polish independence on Sunday have been thrown into turmoil amid concerns the event could be marred by violence between far-right nationalists and counter protesters. The annual March of Independence, organised by far-right groups and held on 11 November in the capital, Warsaw, has grown in scale in recent years, with last years event making international headlines due to the huge turnout estimated at 60,000 and numerous xenophobic and racist banners. This year the Polish government has said it estimates as many as 200,000 people will attend. The concerns led Warsaws mayor on Wednesday to announce a ban on the march this year, citing concerns over security and expressions of hatred. This was quickly followed by an announcement by Polands president and prime minister that an alternative inclusive commemorative march would instead be held on the same route, led by military veterans. But yesterday a Polish court overturned the Warsaw mayors ban on the original far-right march, justifying the decision on the constitutional grounds of freedom of assembly. After the court ruling, it wasnt immediately clear if both marches will go ahead separately, or as one. Fears over security have also been heightened by a mass walk-out of police officers in recent days over pay. The strike prompted the government to ask the defence ministry to help with security on Sunday. But late on Thursday a police union announced it was ending the protest after agreeing upon a deal with the interior ministry. Warsaw city spokesman Bartosz Milczarczyk said: We respect the courts verdict. He added town hall officials were studying it before deciding whether to appeal. Earlier in the day, before the ruling, Polish prime minister Mateusz Morawiecki said authorities would do everything in their power to crack down on any expressions of extremism at the march. We want the march to be peaceful and not provoke tensions, Mr Morawiecki told reporters. His comments come amid other signs Polands conservative ruling Law and Justice party is now seeking to take a firmer stance against ultra-nationalists after a period in which they seemed to be trying to appease them. Far-right march in Warsaw on Polish Independence Day: in pictures Show all 10 1 /10 Far-right march in Warsaw on Polish Independence Day: in pictures Far-right march in Warsaw on Polish Independence Day: in pictures Protesters carry Polish flags and a banner reading 'Islam = Terror' REUTERS Far-right march in Warsaw on Polish Independence Day: in pictures Polish nationalists light flares as they take part in the March of Independence 2017 in Warsaw EPA Far-right march in Warsaw on Polish Independence Day: in pictures Demonstrators burn flares and wave Polish flags AFP Far-right march in Warsaw on Polish Independence Day: in pictures Polish nationalists walk through the Poniatowski Bridge with a giant Polish national flag EPA Far-right march in Warsaw on Polish Independence Day: in pictures Polish nationalists carry banners saying 'We want God' and "Independence March" EPA Far-right march in Warsaw on Polish Independence Day: in pictures Some protesters covered their faces AFP/Getty Images Far-right march in Warsaw on Polish Independence Day: in pictures Polish nationalists light flares EPA Far-right march in Warsaw on Polish Independence Day: in pictures Polish nationalists carry Polish national flags EPA Far-right march in Warsaw on Polish Independence Day: in pictures Protesters hold flares and carry Polish flags REUTERS Far-right march in Warsaw on Polish Independence Day: in pictures Protesters carry Polish flags and National Radical Camp flags REUTERS Extremists from Hungary and elsewhere have in past years joined Polands 11 November march, which is meant to mark Polands regaining of its independence at the end of the First World War, after being partitioned and ruled since the late 18th century by Russia, Prussia and the Austro-hungarian Empire. Saying he thought up to 200,000 participants could attend the Warsaw march, Mr Morawiecki acknowledged it could be hard to control them all, but said we will try to eliminate all banners which are extremist. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events He also said there will be no tolerance for foreign neo-fascists or other agitators. Close President Trump and first lady arrive in France Donald Trump has wasted no time taking a poke at his French host as he arrived in Paris for events marking the 100th anniversary of the armistice that ended the First World War, tweeting as he landed that President Emmanuel Macron had made an insulting proposal to build up Europe's military to counter the US, China and Russia. It was a clear sign that the America First president was ready to chart his own course yet again as world leaders gathered to remember the coalition that brought an end to the first global war. Trump's visit comes on the heels of midterm elections in which Americans delivered a split referendum on his presidency, keeping the Senate in his party's control but ceding the House to opposition Democrats. He planned to meet with Macron on Saturday for talks on topics expected to include European security, Syria and Iran. As he arrived, Mr Trump tweeted that Mr Macron has just suggested that Europe build its own military in order to protect itself from the U.S., China and Russia. Very insulting, but perhaps Europe should first pay its fair share of NATO, which the U.S. subsidizes greatly! Mr Trump's brief visit to Europe comes amid uncertainty about the US relationship with the continent. Mr Trump has railed against trade deals with the European Union and has criticised some EU nations, including France, for not spending enough to defense to sustain Nato, the decades-old Western alliance formed as a bulwark to Moscow's aggression. Mr Trump's national security adviser, John Bolton, said in Paris that the US was concerned about stability in Europe and that Mr Trump was not shirking from global engagement. I think the enduring lesson (of World War I) for the United States is that when you become a global power ... you have global interests to protect, Mr Bolton said. Great world leaders, he said, are driven by national interests. World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty For Sunday's armistice anniversary, Mr Trump was to join world leaders at a ceremony in the shadow of the Arc de Triomphe. It should be a very beautiful period of time, the 100th anniversary of the ending of World War I. We have many countries the leadership from many countries will be there, especially since they heard the United States will be there. And we look forward to that, Mr Trump said Mr Trump originally wanted to celebrate Veterans Day on Sunday with a grand military parade in Washington, as he was inspired by the tanks and flyovers he saw during France's Bastille Day celebration when he visited Paris in July of last year. Mr Trump ordered the Pentagon to come up with plans for his own version, but they were eventually scrapped over concerns about costs and the damage tanks weighing many tons would do to the streets in Washington. To follow how the day unfolded see our live coverage below Please allow a moment for our liveblog to load Associated Press Every day on the way to her office, Leila Mustafa passes through the ruins of the city where grew up. Her journey takes her through streets that are little more than twisted metal and flattened concrete. Every day, she is reminded of the enormity of her task. The battle for Raqqa, the former capital of the Isis caliphate, unleashed one of the most devastating air campaigns in recent history, reducing much of it to rubble. Mustafa, a 30-year-old civil engineer, has been charged with putting it back together again Plans to hold Yemen peace talks have been pushed back to the end of the year, the United Nations has admitted, as fierce fighting over the strategic port city of Hodeidah has intensified. The United States had set a deadline of 30 days for a ceasefire between Iran-backed Houthi rebels and a Saudi Arabia-led coalition, that have been warring over the country since 2015. With the UN and UK, the US hoped talks would put an end to the ruinous war that has sparked the worlds worst humanitarian crisis, in terms of numbers, and which has pushed the impoverished country to the brink of famine. However, Farhan Haq, a spokesman for the UN, said late on Thursday the UNs Yemen envoy will no longer aim to convene the countrys warring parties by the end the month, and will instead push for the end of the year. Theres always different challenges to bringing the parties together, Mr Haq said. What were trying to do is clear up any issues so that we can get a successful round of talks as soon as possible. Saudi Arabia and its Gulf allies have been bombing Yemen since the spring of 2015 and want to reinstate President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi, who was ousted by the Houthis when they swept to control of the country in late 2014. The fighting has left 23 million people two-thirds of the population relying on aid to survive, and could see as many as 13 million people die from famine, according to UN figures. The last attempt to hold peace talks collapsed in September after just three days, when the Houthi delegation failed to attend. Martin Griffiths, the UN envoy to Yemen due to brief the security council next week, said in a statement last week, he hoped to bring the parties to the negotiating table within a month. But fighting around the strategic Red Sea city of Hodeidah has put an end to any hopes of negotiations. More than 150 people have been killed and half a million have fled the area since the latest offensive on the port began. The UN warned this week the citys main hospital al-Thawra was just metres from the front line, and starving children being treated there were at risk of being killed. The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) said on Friday the city was at risk of being obliterated and labelled the lack of action from the UK and US utterly unconscionable. The NRC reported at least 18 civilians have been killed and another 17 injured by airstrikes, artillery shelling and landmines this week alone, following days of massive strikes and the shelling of farms, factories, trucks, houses and markets across the governorate. Children suffering from acute malnutrition in Yemen Show all 17 1 /17 Children suffering from acute malnutrition in Yemen Children suffering from acute malnutrition in Yemen Doctors take some blood of Yemeni Yousef Abdullah Bakhit Ali, 13, suffering from severe acute malnutrition. With ongoing and unending conflict in Yemen, humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate across the country Unicef/Huwais Children suffering from acute malnutrition in Yemen A doctor weighs Yemeni baby Yahya Hamoud Ali Al Huzef, 9 months suffering from malnutrition Unicef/Huwais Children suffering from acute malnutrition in Yemen Ali Mohammed Ahmed Jamal,12 years old and suffering from severe acute malnutrition. He arrives with his family at a Unicef supported treatment centre in a hospital in Sanaa Unicef/Huwais Children suffering from acute malnutrition in Yemen A doctor measures the arm of Yemeni Ali Mohammed Ahmed Jamal, 12, who is suffering from malnutrition at a treatment centre in a hospital in Sanaa Unicef/Huwais Children suffering from acute malnutrition in Yemen There are over 400,000 severely malnourished children in need urgent lifesaving assistance in Yemen Unicef/Abdulhaleem Children suffering from acute malnutrition in Yemen Ali Mohammed Ahmed Jamal is weighed Unicef/Huwais Children suffering from acute malnutrition in Yemen A doctor measures the arm of baby Yahya Hamoud Ali Al Huzef Unicef/Huwais Children suffering from acute malnutrition in Yemen Unicef are currently working to reach 275,000 malnourished children with critical life-saving supplies and care for over 5 million people with safe and clean water to stop the spread of life-threatening diseases Unicef/Huwais Children suffering from acute malnutrition in Yemen Yahya Hamoud Ali Al Huzef with his family in his house in the outskirts of the capital Sanaa Unicef/Huwais Children suffering from acute malnutrition in Yemen The country is on the brink of famine and children's chances of survival are becoming slimmer by the day Unicef/Abdulhaleem Children suffering from acute malnutrition in Yemen Ali Mohammed Ahmed Jamal has his arm measured Unicef/Huwais Children suffering from acute malnutrition in Yemen Unicef are currently working to provide nearly 1 million children with vaccines and healthcare Unicef/Huwais Children suffering from acute malnutrition in Yemen Unicef/Huwais Children suffering from acute malnutrition in Yemen Unicef are working with partners around-the clock to save children suffering from malnutrition and disease Unicef/Abdulhaleem Children suffering from acute malnutrition in Yemen Unicef are currently working to provide 9 million people with emergency cash assistance to help families buy basic commodities so they can survive Unicef/Huwais Children suffering from acute malnutrition in Yemen Ali Mohammed Ahmed Jamal is suffering from malnutrition Unicef Children suffering from acute malnutrition in Yemen Unicef/Abdulhaleem The humanitarian cost of this war is almost $3 billion this year alone, but the cost to humanity completely inestimable, the group said. Senseless attacks on civilians, evidence of a starving population, and desperate pleas from humanitarian witnesses, have done little more than elicit condolences from an international community that could have stepped on the brakes long ago. The lack of action from the United States and the United Kingdom, in particular, is utterly unconscionable, it added. Ryanair has inked an agreement with the German cabin crew union, paving the way for the end of strikes that have disrupted passengers this year. Ryanair has signed a collective labour agreement (CLA) with Verdi, which will cover all of the airlines cabin crew in Germany, meaning staff will be subject to German labour law. The agreement will be put to workers next week. The German unions that represent Ryanair staff have long been calling for better working conditions for its staff. The airline has been beleaguered by strikes this summer. On 12 September, a one-day walkout called by German pilots and cabin crew affected around 150 out of 400 flights. On 28 September, a co-ordinated walkout by a number of unions in Europe caused 250 flights to be cancelled, affecting around 40,000 passengers. Over the past week, Ryanair has signed new recognition agreements with cabin crew unions in Greece and Sweden. Separately, Italian cabin crew voted in favour of the agreement signed between Ryanair and three main crew unions in Italy. We are pleased to sign this CLA agreement with Verdi, which will lead to pay improvements and other benefits for our German based cabin crew, subject to them voting in favour of this agreement over the coming week. This follows a very successful CLA ballot in Italy and recent cabin crew recognition agreements in Greece and Sweden, says Ryanairs chief people officer, Eddie Wilson. These are further concrete signs of the substantial progress Ryanair is making in concluding agreements with our people and their unions in many different EU countries. After almost one year of negotiations, Verdi sees in the preliminary agreement a step for the improvement of the working conditions of the employees and their salaries, the union said in a statement, although it added that it would comment further after discussions on 13 November. Just when we thought we were out, they pull us back in. Which is to say the British public, who thought they might have been liberated from Brexit as deus ex machina for the resolution of internal Johnson family squabbles but no such luck. Jo Johnson, minister for Transport, has resigned from the government via a blog post and video which reveal him, in prose, personage, self-regard and every other imaginable way to be a less bloated version of his elder brother. But that, alas, is where the Godfather metaphors must end, because the hierarchy is simply not in place. Though the father, Stanley, is never knowingly not doing his best Brando impression, in the sense that his cheeks are unlikely ever to go more than ten consecutive seconds without being re-stuffed with a complimentary canape at Londons lowest rent celebrity party on any given night, his invitation having been secured through a carefree cannibalisation of the national-hate fame of his eldest son, he is, alas every bit the Fredo to his own children. Recommended Jo Johnson resigns from government in protest at Brexit plan Within ten minutes of other son Jos resignation from the government, dad Stanley had gleefully accepted the invitation to appear on Sky News, shattering a Mitch Winehouse world record for shame-free dad-based fame theft once thought unbeatable, only to then describe questions about his sons and their rivalry as rather trivial, in a display of self-deluded narcissism of which it now emerges not one but two people on planet earth are capable (Ill give you a clue theyre both called Johnson, and neither has, in the conventionally understood sense, ever delivered the Peoples Elbow). I support him, father Stanley said, with a dimly concealed grin. Its not because hes a Johnson. There are other Johnsons who have taken different views, he continued, chuckling through the hilarity of global geopolitics as a jovial shadow play of his own family drama, this being yet another climactic scene in which the private dining room of a pub on the outskirts of Oxford has been trashed beyond repair. Who knows, there might even be a dead body in there, but the really funny bit is that this time no one's calling daddy to pick up the bill. The British public's got this one covered. Sister Rachel has also weighed in, naturally. Am hugely proud of my honourable and principled brother Jo who has put the interests of the country ahead of his political career, she said, in what has already been interpreted as transparently veiled dig at her other brother, who has never done anything principled in his life. Imagine what it will like at Christmas round that house, the public seems to ask, aghast, yet simultaneously uninterested in the boring answer, which is that it will be the same as every year. Jolly japes, brandy butter, and the hilarious, never-to-be-extinguished truth that none of this actually affects any of them in any real way in the slightest. The British people, Johnson Junior says, did not vote for vassalage or chaos, except for the fact that they absolutely did do that, and the suspicion now is that he is just the first of many a junior minister planning to resign, in the hope of securing a third remain in the EU option to add to vassalage or chaos, except that it will require voting for chaos and not vassalage to get there, and the overwhelming likelihood that chaos will not prove to be the bridge to remain but the ultimate destination. Oh well, at least the whole family will be coming along for the ride. In 1898 the state of Louisiana held a constitutional convention with the declared aim of disenfranchising black people and perpetuating white rule. Our mission was, in the first place, to establish the supremacy of the white race in this state to the extent to which it could be legally and constitutionally done, reads the official journal of the convention. Legal means were found to scrub 130,000 registered black voters from the rolls and allow juries to come to non-unanimous verdicts in felony trials, including those involving the death penalty. This measure might sound technical, or even be presented as a bid to make the court system more efficient, but its real purpose was thoroughly racist. It effectively side-stepped the constitutional requirement that black people should serve on juries, which gave them some leverage in resisting legal discrimination against the black population. Since there were usually only one or two black jurors on a jury, they only had influence so long as verdicts were unanimous. Once a split verdict was allowed, then all-white juries could effectively decide the fate of defendants by a 10 to 2 verdict. This entrenched the legal bias against black people for over a century. Trump attacks CNN's Jim Acosta in angry White House press conference Show all 10 1 /10 Trump attacks CNN's Jim Acosta in angry White House press conference Trump attacks CNN's Jim Acosta in angry White House press conference Donald Trump launched an extraordinary tirade against CNN reporter Jim Acosta during a press conference following the midterm elections Reuters Trump attacks CNN's Jim Acosta in angry White House press conference The US president ordered the journalist to put down his microphone and just sit down AFP Trump attacks CNN's Jim Acosta in angry White House press conference The row began following a question about the migrant caravan approaching the US, when Mr Trump was asked by CNNs Jim Acosta if he thought he had demonised migrants by calling the group an invasion EPA Trump attacks CNN's Jim Acosta in angry White House press conference I think you should let me run the country, you run CNN, and if you did it well, your ratings would be much better, said the President AFP/Getty Trump attacks CNN's Jim Acosta in angry White House press conference After Mr Acosta attempted to follow up his question with a second on Robert Muellers Russia probe, Mr Trump added, pointing angrily: Thats enough. Thats enough. Thats enough. Excuse me, thats enough. Mr Trump said he was not concerned about anything because the investigation was a hoax. Continuing to berate Mr Acosta, he added: Thats enough. Put down the mic. As the reporter continued to quiz him, Mr Trump became more agitated and stepped away from the podium. EPA Trump attacks CNN's Jim Acosta in angry White House press conference Returning to the podium, Mr Trump said: Ill tell you what, CNN should be ashamed of itself having you working for them. You are a rude, terrible person. You shouldnt be working for CNN REUTERS Trump attacks CNN's Jim Acosta in angry White House press conference Trump continued: 'The way you treat Sarah Huckabee is horrible and the way you treat other people are horrible. You shouldnt treat people that way. She was sitting in the room listening on REUTERS Trump attacks CNN's Jim Acosta in angry White House press conference A second reporter, Peter Alexander, was called on by the president and said: In Jims defence Ive travelled with him a lot, hes a diligent reporter. EPA Trump attacks CNN's Jim Acosta in angry White House press conference Mr Trump cut him off, telling the NBC News journalist that Im not a big fan of yours either, prompting laughter in the room AP Trump attacks CNN's Jim Acosta in angry White House press conference Mr Acosta continued to try to ask questions without his microphone, causing Mr Trump to tell him: Just sit down, please. When you report fake news no when you report fake news, which CNN does, a lot, you are the enemy of the people. REUTERS It was only last Tuesday that voters in Louisiana approved an amendment that abolished this toxic Jim Crow law that had survived the civil rights movement because it was not demonstrably racist written down, despite its obvious racist intent. Oregon is now the only state that does not require juries to reach unanimous verdicts. Votes like the one in Louisiana though little reported by the media are often more important in their effect on peoples lives than the choice of elected representative in Congress. Some of these votes have vast political consequences: great attention is given to the races for the governorship and senate in Florida and too little to the decision by voters to restore the voting rights of ex-felons though this will re-enfranchise nearly 1.5 million people in Florida or 9.2 per cent of the voting-age population. These are people who have completed felony sentences, but until now had lost the right to vote in a state that is often described as evenly divided between Republican and Democrat. The purpose of denying ex-felons the right to vote was much the same as that expressed openly by those attending the Louisiana constitutional convention 120 years ago. Depriving felons of the vote was purportedly non-racist since it applied to every ex-convict, but in practice it targeted the black population. Some 418,000 out of a black working age population of 2.3 million in Florida have felony convictions. This is just under 18 per cent of the potential black voting population who, if they could have cast a ballot, would have ensured that the Democratic candidates for governor and the Senate were elected. Only two other states Iowa and Kentucky bar former felons from voting, so the situation in Florida was always out of the ordinary. This should be very obvious but pundits mulling over the political divisions in Florida last Tuesday night seldom mentioned this crucial act of voter suppression. The midterm elections confirmed the extent to which the US is racially divided, though this was scarcely a mystery to anybody who has spent any time in the country. It was easy enough for President Trump to whip up racial fears and animosities by demonising the so-called caravan of Central American migrants in Mexico. Trump is always skilful in dominating the news agenda and he did so again in the final weeks of the campaign. His success was hugely aided by the lack of any Democratic leader able to rebut him in equally attention-grabbing terms. The media dances too easily to Trumps tunes, but, since the Democrat leaders dont play any memorable tunes of their own, it is difficult to know what else the journalists can do. The absence of an effective Democrat leadership also opened the door to Trumps partial success in claiming a great victory in the elections, though, in losing the House of Representatives, he has overall suffered a defeat. Many of these ploys are scarcely new: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan invariably claims an electoral triumph before all the votes are counted and a winner declared. Populist nationalist leaders with cult-like attributes the world over all show the same need to project an aura of inevitable success. This unrelenting focus on Trump and the struggles at the apex of American politics is often irrelevant to what is happening, both good and bad, on the ground. It does not bring anybody very close to understanding what makes America tick and how far and in what direction this is changing. A better guide to this is often local or state-wide initiatives or the election of new district attorneys or sheriffs who actually implement the law. In Alabama, for instance, two counties have voted to ban their sheriffs from being allowed to take for themselves any money left over from that allocated to pay for food for prisoners after they have been fed. This is a significant amount of money, with one sheriff keeping $750,000 which he invested in the purchase of a beach house. Since it is in the financial interest of sheriffs to spend as little as possible on feeding their prisoners, it is not surprising that they go hungry. In one case, where the sheriff had legally pocketed $200,000, a judge found undisputed evidence that most of the inmates had lost significant weight. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events I found when I was a correspondent in the US that visiting foreigners, who came from centralised states, usually exaggerated the role and power of the federal government and underestimated that of local officials in the states. An example of this on Tuesday was the election of progressive DAs in Houston, Dallas and San Antonio in Texas, a state that holds 218,500 people in jail or prison. Many are there because the state authorities have criminalised poverty. The choice of DA will decide to what extent people who cannot pay minor fines end up spending years in incarceration. Resistance to such injustices is strong and growing with the return of over one million people to the electoral roll in Florida being the most important sign of this. The shock effect of the rise of Trump is great but is exacerbated in the minds of many Americans and most foreigners because they underestimate the extent to which the US is a racially and socially divided country. Slavery left a mark on black and white people that has never been eradicated. Trump is a symptom of this rather than an aberration. That is why his type of politics will persist, but so too will the opposition. Is it possible to donate your ribs? Not something I envisioned ever googling, but needs must. The news that US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is in hospital, after a fall which fractured three of her ribs, hoards of liberals have not only pledged to offer her their bones, but also, the rest of their organs just in case. Personally, I like the idea of wrapping her up up in bubble wrap and building her a bouncy castle to live in for the next two years to ensure she remains unharmed until a reasonable president can appoint her successor. If Ginsburg retires before then, the US could turn into one of the most reactionary nations on the planet. Ginsburg or The Notorious RBG, as her legions of unlikely young fans call her is one of, if not the most, progressive justices currently on the bench. She has been beloved by the left since well before we entered the bizarre twilight zone of Donald Trumps presidency, but its a testament to how divided the country has become that one 85-year-old woman wields such power. The irony is that Ginsburg herself was a close friend of the late justice Antonin Scalia, one of the most right-leaning justices, until his death in 2016. On the bench, they disagreed; after work, they went to the opera together. This is hardly a woman desperate to stoke division along political party lines. In pictures: Chaos and fury at Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing Show all 21 1 /21 In pictures: Chaos and fury at Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing In pictures: Chaos and fury at Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing Getty Images In pictures: Chaos and fury at Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Chaos and fury at Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing EPA In pictures: Chaos and fury at Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing Getty Images In pictures: Chaos and fury at Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Chaos and fury at Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing AP In pictures: Chaos and fury at Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing Getty Images In pictures: Chaos and fury at Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing Getty Images In pictures: Chaos and fury at Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Chaos and fury at Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing AP In pictures: Chaos and fury at Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Chaos and fury at Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing REUTERS In pictures: Chaos and fury at Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Chaos and fury at Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing REUTERS In pictures: Chaos and fury at Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Chaos and fury at Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing REUTERS In pictures: Chaos and fury at Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Chaos and fury at Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing EPA In pictures: Chaos and fury at Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing EPA In pictures: Chaos and fury at Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Chaos and fury at Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing AFP/Getty Images But fears of her retirement are far from unfounded. Ginsburg is one of three remaining left-leaning justices on the bench the oldest and most senior and theres no question that under the current administration she would be replaced by a conservative justice, most likely a white and privately educated man, if Trumps appointment record is anything to go by. It feels implausible today, but history tells us there was a time when the appointment of judges to the Supreme Court was relatively non-political. Justice Earl Warren was appointed in 1953 by Republican president Dwight Eisenhower. Yet until his retirement in 1969 he made some of the most progressive rulings in the history of the court, most famously in Brown v Board of Education, which declared racial segregation in schools to be unconstitutional. As chief justice he delivered the opinion in Miranda v Arizona which gave name to the Miranda rights youll be familiar with if youve ever watched an American police procedural. As a former prosecutor, his rulings that all accused should be informed of their rights to remain silent and be afforded legal representation if they cannot afford it, was particularly powerful. Supreme Court appointments in the US have become more political since the 1980s, with the judges typically holding views that align to those of the president who chose them, but there has always been a sense of pragmatism as well justices must be approved by the Senate, the makeup of which can be heavily weighted in favour of the opposition party (and often is). Its this complex political power play that led Barack Obama to appoint moderate centrist Merrick Garland in March 2016 after the death of Scalia. Of course, the Republicans blocked his nomination and Scalia ended up being replaced by Neil Gorsuch in a vote of 54-45, with every single Republican senator plus four democrats backing him. By the time Brett Kavanaugh faced the senate, only one Democrat voted for him and two Republicans rejected his nomination. The process was so divisive it has been credited for the record turnout in the midterms. It seems that with each nomination the process gets more political, and thats why the timing of Ginsburg's ailments is particularly terrifying to liberals this week the Republicans increased their majority in the Senate, and although there are still a few results undecided it looks like their seats will go from 51 to 54 in January, meaning that at least five Republican senators would have to vote against the party to stop a justice from being confirmed. If Trump were able to appoint Ginsburg's replacement, the Supreme Court would have seven conservative judges and two lone liberal voices, which means the vast majority of its rulings, which have the power to impact millions of people across the country, will fall on the Republican end of the social, economic and political spectrum. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events The Supreme Court is set to rule on some crucial issues, including Trumps attempts to end Daca, President Obamas executive order act which allows people brought to the US illegally as children to apply to remain and work. Issues such as the death penalty, transgender rights and of course, abortion, are also likely to reach the highest court soon, and even with six conservative justices on the bench, those of us on the left are quaking in our ethically manufactured, locally sourced, vegan Doctor Martens. Its not hard to see why. Supreme Court justices have one job to interpret the constitution. But a document written 231 years ago, by 39 white men, whose idea of justice was so vastly different to ours is almost impossible to apply to the challenges of 2018. Conservative judges tend to lean towards a more literal interpretation, which is of course by its very nature an attitude becoming more and more outdated by the day. This absurdity doesn't matter, though. Supreme Court judges are appointed for life and their decisions are final. They are, in many ways, the only nine people with the power to shape America for years to come. Those of us who dont want it to be shaped in the image of Trump, Gorsuch and Kavanaugh have to cling on to the hope that Ginsburg will be a martyr to the cause, holding out for as long as it takes for all of our sakes. The leaflet Aramark distributed to students at the University of LImerick (Declan Mills/PA) A company which supplies services to Direct Provision asylum centres has defended its stance by handing out leaflets on a university campus. Aramark Corporation, which supplies catering services to three Direct Provision centres, had staff distribute flyers around the University of Limerick (UL) this week after some students questioned the ethics of companies directly involved with facilities that house refugees. Aramark also provides a number of catering services around the campus of UL. Aramark has no say, influence or involvement in the establishment of this system or in the residency or asylum application processAramark spokesman The leaflet, titled The Facts, defends the companys role in Direct Provision, saying: Aramark has no say, influence or involvement in the establishment of this system or in the residency or asylum application process. The move came after some at UL had become increasingly vocal about their objection to Direct Provision and advised students of Aramarks services to the centres. Some of the students who attend UL currently live in Direct Provision, and some have criticised the university for calling itself a sanctuary university while contracting those who profit from the centres. UL student Clodagh Guerin said the leaflet drop by Aramark may have unintentionally drawn further attention to the companys role in Direct Provision to students who were previously unaware. The ties UL have with Aramark are obviously of huge concern, and we're urging students and staff to be careful and thoughtful about where they spend their moneyUL student Clodagh Guerin ULs student life centre started taking a formal stance against Direct Provision, she said. The ties UL have with Aramark are obviously of huge concern, and were urging students and staff to be careful and thoughtful about where they spend their money. Aramarks position is one we do not support, and we are encouraging people to terminate their support of them as a company. Responding to the article in the student paper, and to ULs stance in general, by having baristas and caterers hand out these flyers, they have shown that they feel the pressure of our voices. We are against Direct Provision, and no flyer will change our minds, or distract us from the truth. A spokesman for Aramark admitted that the leaflets were sent out in response to student criticism of the company. A small number of students at UL began questioning the services we provide to the Department of Justice & Equality. We have been providing information at our locations to ensure that our customers are fully informed of the facts, he said. University of Limerick is aware of the concerns of the students and have raised these with Aramark The university has defended its stance to contract Aramark, but said it does not agree with Direct Provision. A spokesman said: University of Limerick is a sanctuary university that offers those living in Direct Provision a chance to go to university, with 17 scholarships being funded this year. The university has serious concerns about the Governments plan for asylum seekers, especially with how they are housed, and believes that they should be afforded the opportunity to work and receive state social services like the rest of the population. University of Limerick is aware of the concerns of the students and have raised these with Aramark. Direct Provision is the current system of accommodating asylum seekers in Ireland. Asylum seekers are housed in residential institutions known as Direct Provision centres across the country, with 32 facilities in total. Seven of the centres are state-owned but the majority are run on a for-profit basis by private contractors. In recent years there have been media reports about concerns regarding the level of care and cleanliness as well as availability of food in the centres, which are usually closed off to the wider public. Theresa May faced a fresh Brexit headache as her plans risked a rift with her Democratic Unionist Party allies. DUP leader Arlene Foster said the British prime minister appeared "wedded to the idea of a border down the Irish Sea" despite Downing Street's assurances to the contrary. The European Union's fallback proposal aimed at avoiding a hard Border between Ireland and the UK would effectively keep Northern Ireland aligned with the customs union and single market. A leaked letter from the prime minister to Mrs Foster and her deputy Nigel Dodds sets out Mrs May's approach. She wants a "backstop" measure which would create a temporary "joint customs territory" with the EU for the whole of the UK. But Brussels appears set to insist on a Northern Ireland-only "backstop to the backstop" in case negotiations on a wider UK approach break down. In the letter, obtained by 'The Times' of London, Mrs May said: "I am clear that I could not accept there being any circumstances or conditions in which that 'backstop to the backstop', which would break up the UK customs territory, could come in to force." But the DUP has interpreted the wording of her letter to mean that the measure will be contained in the Brexit divorce deal - despite Mrs May's insistence it will never come into effect. Mrs Foster said: "The Prime Minister's letter raises alarm bells for those who value the integrity of our precious union and for those who want a proper Brexit for the whole of the UK. "It appears the Prime Minister is wedded to the idea of a border down the Irish Sea with Northern Ireland in the EU single market regulatory regime." Mrs May relies on the support of the DUP's 10 MPs for her Commons majority, votes which may become crucial as she attempts to get a deal through Parliament in the next few weeks. A Downing Street spokesman said: "The Prime Minister's letter sets out her commitment, which she has been absolutely clear about on any number of occasions, to never accepting any circumstances in which the UK is divided into two customs territories. "The Government will not agree anything that brings about a hard border on the island of Ireland." Any version of the backstop would apply unless and until a wider UK-EU deal on the future relationship solved the issue of how to avoid a hard border in Ireland. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Mrs May's effective deputy prime minister David Lidington and Northern Ireland Secretary Karen Bradley will attend a summit on the Isle of Man on Friday. Brexit is expected to dominate the agenda of the British Irish Council, which also involves the first ministers of Scotland and Wales, Nicola Sturgeon and Carwyn Jones. Downing Street has played down suggestions that a Brexit deal is imminent, after European Council president Donald Tusk appeared to indicate a breakthrough could come within the next week. A potential sticking point could be demands for EU fishing fleets to be given continued access to British coastal waters as the price for agreeing to Mrs May's UK-wide backstop, the 'Daily Telegraph' reported. The DUP leader Arlene Foster has said that she will not be supporting UK Prime Minister Theresa Mays decision to have a Northern Ireland specific backstop on an 'Irish Sea border'. Speaking to RTE News Six At One, Ms Foster said she would not support a Northern Ireland specific backstop that would see a border down the Irish Sea. She said the problem with Mrs May's letter is that she has confirmed there will be a Northern Ireland specific backstop and the Chequers plan for the rest of the UK. Ms Foster said the DUP will not support a different regulatory regime for Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK. Expand Close Theresa May, pictured in Northern Ireland with DUP leader Arlene Foster (Clodagh Kilcoyne/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Theresa May, pictured in Northern Ireland with DUP leader Arlene Foster (Clodagh Kilcoyne/PA) She told the programme that no unionist will be able to support it in the British parliament. She added that Mrs May "will have a job of work to do to get this through cabinet." Earlier, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said he still believes a Brexit deal can be done in the coming weeks but warned that lots of things can go wrong. Mr Varadkar also said he has no specific concerns about the letters between British Prime Minister Theresa May and the DUP, but again stressed the importance of avoiding a hard border in Ireland. His remarks come after DUP leader Arlene Foster expressed alarm at the contents of a letter from Mrs May which her party is interpreting as creating the potential for a post Brexit border in the Irish Sea. Mr Varadkar made his remarks at a press conference after todays British-Irish Council meeting on the Isle of Man. He said the most important objective is to give everyone in Ireland, North and South the assurance that a hard border will not develop no matter what else may happen in the years ahead. That is why were seeking on that is legally operative and one that gives us that guarantee that is necessary. Mr Varadkar said talks are at a sensitive point and a successful outcome is not guaranteed but I think it is possible in the next couple of weeks. He added: I think its more likely than not that we will be able to conclude an agreement... before the end of the year but lots of things can go wrong. Mr Varadkar said any deal would still have to be ratified by Westminster and the European Parliament and he said: even when all of that is done then we begin the talks on the future relationship so theres no clean break here. Brexit is going to go on for a very long period of time. And well do our best to work through it and make sure we get the best outcome for our citizens. Asked about Mrs Mays letter, he said both the prime minister and the DUP are very much able to speak for themselves. Mr Varadkar also said: Ive no specific concerns about the communications that are happening between Prime Minister May and the DUP. Its entirely appropriate that they should be communicating on an issue of real importance to all of us. Mr Varadkar pointed out that the DUP don't represent the majority of people in Northern Ireland. The only thing I would say is that it is very important that we listen to the voice of Northern Ireland in all of this. "When we listen to the voice of Northern Ireland we should listen to all political parties, we should listen to farmers, to fishermen, to the business community, to trade unions and to civil society. And I think if we do that, if we listen to the voice of Northern Ireland as a whole that will help us to come to an agreement. Earlier Mr Varadkar said: certainly the position of the Irish Government has always been that we dont want to see any new borders between us and that applies as much between Larne and Stranraer or between Belfast and London as it does between Newry and Dundalk. Were not the ones here who are seeking any borders or any new checks of any sort. But Brexit has given rise to a difficult situation and we need to resolve that. Backstop The EUs proposed fall-back position to avoid a hard border the so-called backstop - would effectively keep Northern Ireland aligned with Brussels's customs union and single market. A leaked letter from Ms May to the DUP says the British prime minister wants a "backstop" measure which would create a temporary "joint customs territory" with the EU for the whole of the UK. According to The Times of London the letter says the EU wants a Northern Ireland-specific backstop to the backstop and Mrs May tells the DUP she could not accept any circumstances where this could come in to force. But the DUP has interpreted the wording of her letter to mean that the measure will be contained in the Brexit divorce deal despite Mrs May's insistence it will never come into effect. Mrs Foster said: "The Prime Minister's letter raises alarm bells for those who value the integrity of our precious union and for those who want a proper Brexit for the whole of the UK." BRITISH Prime Minister Theresa May faces a fresh Brexit headache as her plans risked a rift with her Democratic Unionist Party allies. DUP leader Arlene Foster said Mrs May appeared "wedded to the idea of a border down the Irish Sea" despite Downing Street's assurances to the contrary. The European Union's fallback proposal aimed at avoiding a hard border between Ireland and the UK would effectively keep Northern Ireland aligned with Brussels's customs union and single market. A leaked letter from the British Prime Minister to Mrs Foster and her deputy Nigel Dodds set out Mrs May's approach. She wants a "backstop" measure which would create a temporary "joint customs territory" with the EU for the whole of the UK. But Brussels appears set to insist on a Northern Ireland-only "backstop to the backstop" in case negotiations on a wider UK approach break down. In the letter, obtained by The Times, Mrs May said: "I am clear that I could not accept there being any circumstances or conditions in which that 'backstop to the backstop', which would break up the UK customs territory, could come in to force." But the DUP has interpreted the wording of her letter to mean that the measure will be contained in the Brexit divorce deal despite Mrs May's insistence it will never come into effect. Mrs Foster said: "The Prime Minister's letter raises alarm bells for those who value the integrity of our precious union and for those who want a proper Brexit for the whole of the UK. "It appears the Prime Minister is wedded to the idea of a border down the Irish Sea with Northern Ireland in the EU single market regulatory regime." The UK Prime Minister relies on the support of the DUP's 10 MPs for her Commons majority, votes which may become crucial as she attempts to get a deal through Parliament. A Downing Street spokesman said: "The Prime Minister's letter sets out her commitment, which she has been absolutely clear about on any number of occasions, to never accepting any circumstances in which the UK is divided into two customs territories. "The Government will not agree anything that brings about a hard border on the island of Ireland." Any version of the backstop would apply unless and until a wider UK-EU deal on the future relationship solved the issue of how to avoid a hard border with Ireland. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Mrs May's effective deputy prime minister David Lidington and Northern Ireland Secretary Karen Bradley will attend a summit on the Isle of Man on Friday. Brexit is expected to dominate the agenda of the British Irish Council, which also involves the first ministers of Scotland and Wales, Nicola Sturgeon and Carwyn Jones. Downing Street has played down suggestions that a Brexit deal is imminent, after European Council president Donald Tusk appeared to indicate a breakthrough could come within the next week. A senior UK Government source said that reports in the European media that a deal could come in the next few days should be taken "with a very large pinch of salt". A potential sticking point could be demands for EU fishing fleets to be given continued access to British coastal waters as the price for agreeing to Mrs May's UK-wide backstop, the Daily Telegraph reported. A UK-wide customs deal would maintain quota-free and tariff-free access to European markets for the British fishing industry and in return the EU wants to keep continued access to UK waters for its trawlers, the newspaper said. Move: An artists impression of the atrium at Facebooks new Ballsbridge offices Facebook has denied its decision to expand its Irish operations through the addition of 5,000 staff at a new European headquarters in Ballsbridge is in any way linked to the ongoing uncertainty being caused by Brexit. Asked by the Irish Independent if the company's plan to lease the 14-acre campus on the site of the AIB Bank Centre was designed to be a safeguard against the damage Brexit might have on its ability to operate in the UK, a spokeswoman insisted that was not the case. She said the social media giant was continuing to expand its operations in London, citing the company's agreement of a deal in July of this year to acquire 611,000 square feet of office space across three buildings at King's Cross. But while the US-based social media giant insisted that its move to quadruple its current floor space in Dublin and grow its Irish-based workforce by 5,000 in the coming years is unrelated to the UK's decision to leave the EU, a recent report by real estate advisors Knight Frank suggests the wider tech sector views Dublin as a safe haven in the face of Brexit. The report, entitled 'Under Pressure, Brexit', said: "For an industry that is reliant on drawing its workforce from a wide pool of international talent, we feel that the uncertainty regarding UK work visas post-Brexit is inducing tech companies to choose Dublin. The continued certainty of access to workers from across Europe is undoubtedly a factor that is playing in Dublin's favour at the moment." Commenting on Facebook's intention to enter into a long-term lease on the AIB Bank Centre, Gareth Lambe, head of office for Facebook Ireland, said: "Ireland is one of the best places in the world to be a technology company and we're investing here for the long term." Expand Close First with the news: The Irish Independent announced Facebooks expansion at Ballsbridge last September / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp First with the news: The Irish Independent announced Facebooks expansion at Ballsbridge last September Mr Lambe said Facebook would employ more than 4,000 people in Ireland by the end of this year, adding the company's investment in the AIB campus with capacity for thousands more employees demonstrated its desire to grow its business here. While Facebook officially confirmed its decision to locate its new European headquarters in Ballsbridge yesterday, the Irish Independent reported last September the social media giant had agreed the terms of its move to the AIB Bank Centre site. Facebook's new campus will comprise AIB's former Bank Centre buildings and 350,000 square feet of new offices being delivered by developer Johnny Ronan's Ronan Group Real Estate (RGRE) and Colony Capital at the front of the Merrion Road site. The company's decision to take out a 25-year lease on Ronan's Fibonacci Square office development represents the largest single office letting in the history of the State. Expand Close AIB Bank Centre, Ballsbridge, Dublin. Photo: Feargal Ward / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp AIB Bank Centre, Ballsbridge, Dublin. Photo: Feargal Ward The new buildings will frame the entrance to the wider Facebook campus. The other properties on the site - which are owned by Davy Target Investments and a syndicate of investors known as the Serpentine Consortium - will undergo an extensive refurbishment before being occupied by Facebook. AIB has been preparing for the redevelopment of its Bank Centre headquarters for some time. The State-owned bank has already secured new office accommodation for its corporate headquarters at No 10 Molesworth Street, and for its employees at locations around the capital including Heuston South Quarter in Kilmainham and Central Park in Leopardstown. Ornua's Chief Executive John Jordan has said that the prospect of Glanbia's 'Truly Grass Fed' cheese on supermarket shelves will erode the value of the Kerrygold brand. Jordan was speaking at the ICOS National Conference where in he said Were passionate about the Kerrygold brand. Its a farmer owned brand." Ornua, he said has invested hundreds of millions in the past 25 years in the marketing the brand abroad. "The fact is it (Glanbia's Truly Grass Fed cheese) is being retailed at a discounted price, beside the Kerrygold butter, and our concern is that it will erode value on the Kerrygold brand and the Irish brand. Glanbia recently launched a 'Truly Grass Fed' range of dairy products in the US, but it has come in for server criticism from some quarters on the move. IFA said it was "extremely concerned" at the move, while ICMSA said that Irish companies competing with each other in a very valuable export market was not in the interest of the farmer-producer. Ornua reacted to the move with temporary price promotions in a small number of retailers it said earlier this week. Kerrygold is the number two butter brand in the US. New technology could help farmers tackle the costly problem of sheep rustling. A theft deterrent system was launched on Thursday which sees the animals fleece ingrained with thousands of coded microdots which allow it to be traced easily and are virtually impossible to remove. The team behind TecTracer, which was adapted from technology used to discourage the theft of lead from church roofs, says it is more effective than ear tags or spray paint. The system identifies the animal and the farm it comes from, incriminating rustlers at random checks carried out at auction markets, abattoirs or on other farms. Drummond estate near Comrie, Perth and Kinross, in Scotland, which grazes almost 3,000 sheep across the Glenartney Hills, hosted the launch. David Wallace, from the estate, said: Weve experienced first-hand how sneaky and resourceful these criminals can be. Sheep rustling is an increasing worry and this system is a valuable tool in our fight against would-be criminals intent on stealing our property and damaging our livelihoods. The system has the backing of NFU Scotland, who said a recent case in northern Scotland saw one farmer lose 60,000 worth of livestock overnight. Jamie Smart, chair of the organisations legal and technical committee, said the theft of pedigree animals could have a devastating effect on a farmers livelihood. They not only lose valuable animals, but possibly the entire bloodline in a stock that has taken years to establish, he said. We have to make thieves realise that sheep are no longer a soft option. John Minary, managing director of York-based TecTracer, said: The simple inclusion of thousands of coded microdots, backed up by our powerful database, provides a multi-layered response that protects sheep on hills and in glens. Where traditional ear tags can be removed, the microdots stay within the fleece and this simple preventative step turns the tables on would be thieves, making flocks identifiable and keeping them safe. Irish banks must shed a further 9bn of bad loans to meet ECB targets, Moody's has warned. Unlike the early period after the crash, when sales of commercial real estate and developer loans dominated the great bank sell-offs, further disposals will be dominated by home loans, the rating agency said. "This is because legacy mortgage arrears, which take a long time to resolve internally in Ireland due to legal constraints on home repossessions, now account for most of their remaining non-performing loans (NPLs)." The report by Moody's Investors Service said Irish banks' high stock of problem loans is still a burden, despite action since 2013 to reduce the scale of the issue. And it confirms that the target to cut bad loans to the European average is becoming harder to hit, as the average elsewhere declines. "The largest Irish lenders will need to shed about 9bn of problematic exposures to bring their ratios of NPLs to gross loans into line with the European average, which has now fallen below 4pc," said Roland Auquier, a Moody's assistant vice president At the start of this year the main banks here came under pressure from Europe's Single Supervisory Mechanism (SSM), a regulator, to cut their bad loans to around 5pc of all lending, the then average. That prompted major loan sales this year including by AIB, Ulster Bank and Permanent TSB, and has triggered Bank of Ireland and KBC to rethink their previous and long-held policies of working through customer loans rather than selling. Bad loans remain a major issue on bank balance sheets here, Moody's noted, despite, Ireland's strong economy although it will drive further problem-loan reduction. Moody's expects real gross domestic product (GDP) to grow by 5pc in 2018 and 3.5pc in 2019, fuelled by rising employment and investment rather than credit growth Irish banks' NPLs will drop to 8pc by the end of 2018, once portfolio sales planned by Permanent TSB, KBC Ireland and Ulster Bank are completed, Moody's said. One reason mortgage sales now dominate is that bad loans across other lending areas - such as property, SME, development and buy-to-let property loans happened faster and earlier. Residential mortgages account for over half of the stock of remaining bad loans, Moody's said. If they are not sold, the rating agency says they'll take years to resolve. "In the absence of loan sales, we expect that the legacy portfolio of non-performing residential and buy-to-let mortgages would require a long time to wind down, as it consists largely of long-term arrears," Mr Auquier added. When EY's Catherine Vaughan agreed to speak publicly about her experience being "out", she didn't initially consider the possible detrimental impact the speech could have on her career. As a founding member of the firms LGBT+ network, Unity, Catherine had been vocal in-house about diversity and inclusion (D&I) issues for some years but had never spoken externally. Newly admitted to the firm's Irish partnership, Catherine shared with Independent.ie how she was faced with a dilemma on that evening before her first podium speech: her workplace equality commitment or (potentially) her professional career. "When the opportunity arose to launch GLENs Diversity Champions programme six years ago, I was excited to share my passion and experience on a public stage. But some well-intentioned advice from a relation caused me to pause and reflect on the potential negative impact on my career," she said. "While I'd been campaigning in-house for a long time, I was reminded that I would be addressing people I didn't know, people with viewpoints I wasn't aware of, people who could be influential clients of the firm. What if it went badly?" After much discussion and thought, Catherine decided that she was willing to sacrifice the impact on the the professional life she had dreamed of since she was a child, despite the 'health warning'. Expand Close Catherine Vaughan EY pictured at their offices in Harcourt St Dublin. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Catherine Vaughan EY pictured at their offices in Harcourt St Dublin. Instead, she spoke about how important it was to be one's self in the workplace, to create an environment that was truly inclusive, that all channels of diversity were considered equally important. Shortly afterwards, she made a similar speech at the Fine Gael LGBT Spring Conference in April 2013. "I wouldn't have been able to forgive myself if someone else went through a bad experience because I wasn't willing to stand up and talk about mine," she said. "When I got off the podium, I thought that it had gone really badly as everyone had been on their phones. But they were actually all tweeting about me and what I had been saying." Based in Dublin, Catherine is EYs Global Compliance Leader, a role which sits as part of EYs Executive Management group. With her goal of making partner achieved, her bravery in speaking about being "out" publicly has done little harm. In fact, while working her way to the top and "doing her actual job", she has helped to develop and implement the firms D&I strategy and has continued to speak publicly on the importance of a culture of workplace equality. Three years ago, she was named Inclusion Champion of the year in GLENs inaugural Workplace Equality Index and Senior Leader for LGBT Equality the following year. Just last week, she was recognised as an Executive Role Model by OUTstanding, an accolade that she believes "really shows that what I'm doing really does make a difference". Read More However, Catherine's experience hasn't all been plain sailing, and that rough course has inspired her continued efforts into raising awareness and making a difference in the D&I arena. "I went straight from college to training in London for five years. I essentially went back in the closet after college and focused on getting through exams. When I did come out in work, it really didn't go as well as I thought it would," she said. Her openness were met with overheard whispers like "she's a threat now as she's not going to run off and have babies", and responses such as "are you sure?" and "I can knock that out of you". It was 1999 and Catherine had met her girlfriend Marian Buckley - who would later become her wife - in The George in Dublin while on a work trip in Ireland and decided to go for a job here. She decided to be open from the outset, and when asked about the motivation behind her move during the interview, stated that she had met a special someone - a "she" - and wanted to make a go of it. "The interviewer never flinched and that's when I knew that I was doing the right thing. A large part of my motivation was because I had found this person and I didn't want to be gender neutral when talking about our weekend together etc. I wanted to be open about her." Catherine mentions that one of her best days at work was when a colleague came to her looking for advice when a young relative of theirs came out. "It's great to have that work environment that allows a colleague to speak to me about that. There can be times when you experience tired dips where you wonder if the fight is worth it, if other people are really feeling the way you felt. "But then someone will come to you, tell you how they feel empowered from what you did and it gives you another bit of an energy boost." EY's holds an annual flagship event, Diversity & Inclusion InMotion Summit, held in the Mansion House each April, where Irelands leading experts in D&I get together. The summit coincides with the launch of EY's annual report on D&I, two to date, in the Irish market. The firm's commitment to positively changing the culture in the workplace to suit the needs of their employees is not simply a 'tick box exercise', according to Catherine. Thousands of Google workers recently walked out of offices around the world to protest how the tech giant has handled sexual misconduct by some of its top executives. It was sparked by a New York Times report that said Google gave huge sums of money to some executives in secret exit packages after they were accused of sexual misconduct. Catherine referred to the walkout and noted that a number of other companies "shout about D&I policies but the culture isn't really any different". "My advice? Get rid of your lanyards and your notebooks and do it properly". A quarter of women who move abroad to live do so because their partner accepted a job overseas - but the same is true for only 3pc of men. This is according to the 2018 HSBC 'Expat Explorer' report. With males accounting for six in every 10 expatriate workers, they make up the majority in almost all 31 countries examined in the report. Only Ireland and Turkey host more female expats than male, and that was by just one or two percentage points. Just 27pc of women moved to progress their own career, compared with almost half of men, and only half of female expats are working full-time. In contrast three-quarters of their male counterparts are in full-time employment. "This year we have uncovered some unexpected trends in expat living, including what it means for women, the importance of a social life, how expats define themselves, and even the long-term psychological impact of living overseas," said head of HSBC Expat John Goddard. On a country-by-country basis Ireland jumped 10 places for expat living. The country now ranks 18th overall. The annual report from the bank takes into account a number of factors when producing its rankings, including disposable income, economic confidence, quality of life and career progression. It also looks at domestic factors such as healthcare and quality of childcare. Seven years ago then-Taoiseach Enda Kenny promised to make Ireland the best small country in the world in which to do business by 2016. However it is another small country that is leading the way for expats, with Singapore topping the ranking for the second year running. Singapore outperformed Ireland in most areas. There were some places where Ireland performed better than the Asian economic giant, including in the area of work-life balance, culture, quality of life, and ability of expats to make friends. Factors behind Singapore's strong showing included the fact that almost half of all expats in Singapore moved to progress their careers. And though more than a quarter simply wanted a challenge, many more (38pc) wanted to improve their earnings. This can be achieved there, with earnings an average of $162,000, (141,800). Expats in Singapore can expect to bring in $56,000 (49,000) more than the global average. While just over one in four of the expats in Singapore have originally been sent by their employer, almost half (47pc) have stayed in the city for the quality of life on offer for them and their family. Overall Ireland performed better than the UK - which ranked 22nd, and the US, which ranked 23rd. More than 22,000 expats were interviewed as part of the report. Kevin Lagan and his family are planning to extend their housebuilding arm into the Republic. Stock Image: Bloomberg Northern Ireland businessman Kevin Lagan and his sons have set up a vehicle for investments after selling most of their other interests for 455m (522m). Mr Lagan and his family have already invested in a new interactive tourist attraction in Dublin - Vaults Live - and are also planning to extend their housebuilding arm into the Republic. Earlier this year, Lagan Group sold its cement, quarrying and aggregates business to Breedon Group. However, the family company retained ownership of housebuilding firm Lagan Homes. Kevin Lagan said: "Lagan Investments is our family investment vehicle, led by my sons, Peter and John. "Our objective is to take a flexible approach to seeking opportunities across a variety of sectors, both locally and internationally. Lagan Investments has already injected capital into several diverse sectors including real estate, distribution and tourism." He said that Lagan Homes was building a strong reputation in housebuilding in Northern Ireland and the UK. "We look forward with confidence to the next phase of its growth, including expansion into the Republic of Ireland market. We operate the largest housebuilding business in Northern Ireland, which has a significant high-quality land bank. We are actively seeking development opportunities across all three regions." He added that the company is also looking ahead to growth of FastHouse, which makes modular timber frame systems. It's already won a landmark deal for holiday lodges. Mr Lagan said: "We are nearing completion of 466 holiday lodges in Ireland's first ever Center Parcs in Co Longford and our local workforce has risen substantially in response to increasing demand for our products, notably in the residential housing market." He added: "There are exciting times ahead. I will remain involved in all of the businesses, supported by an in-house team of multi-disciplinary professionals, with decades of experience in acquisitions and investment." Threat: Ornua CEO John Jordan may have to square up to biggest shareholder Ornua has hired a consultancy firm whose co-founder was an executive at Kerry Group and Coca-Cola in an effort to standardise its business model following a number of acquisitions, the Irish Independent has learned. Ornua, headed by new CEO John Jordan, which has annual revenue of 2.2bn and owns the Kerrygold brand, has hired small Dublin firm Pebble Business Transformation to assist with integrating previous acquisitions. Pebble's co-managing partner is Joe Hughes. He was the director of global supply chain processes at Kerry, and also the senior director of global supply chain transformation at drug company Mylan. The other co-founder is Conor Duggan. He was previously a global process integration architect at Kerry Group. "In late 2016, we launched Ornua 2021, our group five-year plan, and as part of this plan, it was evident that we needed to focus on integration of these businesses to help standardise our operating model," said an Ornua spokeswoman. "We have engaged with Pebble to support us in this process and this project relates solely to standardisation." Ornua, formerly the Irish Dairy Board, said that its engagement with Pebble is not a result of the challenge it's facing from its own biggest shareholder - Glanbia Ireland. The other major shareholder in Ornua is the Dairygold co-op. Glanbia Ireland, the unit spun out last year from Glanbia PLC, which owns brands such as Avonmore and Kilmeaden, has just recently launched a new consumer brand in the United States, Truly Grass Fed, focusing initially on the sale of cheese. Glanbia PLC owns about 40pc of Glanbia Ireland, with Glanbia Co-op owning the remainder. That brand could put pressure on Ornua, especially if Glanbia Ireland launches a competing butter in the US, or decides to take on the German market, where Kerrygold is the biggest-selling butter. Kerrygold is the biggest selling imported butter in the US and the second-biggest butter brand overall, despite its premium pricing. The Irish Independent has also learned that a key executive who worked for Ornua in the United States has left to join Glanbia Ireland's operation there. Ornua confirmed the departure. Ornua said that any product that competes on price in the US would undercut Kerrygold's premium position and "will inevitably erode value for Irish dairy farmers". Dublin-listed oil and gas explorer PetroNeft said it had strong results from well testing at a prospect in Siberia. Chief executive Dennis Francis said he expects the results to spark interest in the project from potential buyers or investors. The company has two projects in the region - Licence 61 and 67. The positive well test relates to the latter. It has engaged advisers relating to a potential sale of Licence 61 however, with Mr Francis's comments yesterday raising the possibility that both could be sold. He said that the good well test result "clearly expands the company's options for returning value to shareholders". Regarding the sale of Licence 61, he said PetroNeft had seen "a high level of interest from a range of well-financed industry players." The company was previously the subject of a boardroom battle as largest shareholder Natlata clashed with management over the direction of the business. Eventually an agreement was reached which saw Natlata's ultimate beneficial owner Maxim Korobov join the PetroNeft board. Mr Korobov is a former member of the Russian parliament. Dublin-based Stobart Air, which operates the Aer Lingus Regional service on a franchise basis, said it has carried 10 million passengers on the service since it launched in 2010. Stobart Air, part of the UK stock market-listed Stobart Group, has a franchise agreement with Aer Lingus that expires in 2022. It has been seeking to have that contract extended to about 2025. Stobart Air operates a number of routes on behalf of Aer Lingus using a fleet of 19 turboprop aircraft. The routes it operates for Aer Lingus are between Ireland and the UK, as well as services from Donegal and Kerry to Dublin. The services from Donegal and Kerry to Dublin are operated under heavily-subsidised public service obligation contracts. Stobart Air also operates services on a franchise basis for UK regional carrier Flybe. But that agreement will end in 2020. Stobart recently pulled two of three jets from its Flybe services out of London Southend Airport, which is also owned by the group. Recently-published first-half results from the Stobart Group showed that the company notched up millions of pounds of losses related to its Flybe franchised services. But Stobart Air managing director Graeme Buchanan said yesterday that the number of passengers carried by the Aer Lingus Regional service "highlights the success" of the franchise partnership and the strength of Stobart Air's business model. "We look forward to further developing our route network and we remain focused on future growth plans and developments," he said. "We are committed to growing the airline by expanding our fleet and our team, improving our service, and continuing to connect Irish passengers to regional destinations and beyond." Stobart Air said that since 2010, its Aer Lingus Regional routes have connected more than 500,000 passengers to Aer Lingus transatlantic services at Dublin and Shannon. Thousands of pensioners are in line for a boost of up to 30 a week after the completion of a review of how their payment is calculated. It comes after a controversial 2012 change to the State pension that left thousands out of pocket, which was labelled "bonkers" by Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe. Now, the Department of Social Protection has begun writing to almost 80,000 pensioners to explain how a new way of working out their entitlement to the State pension will affect them. The review is expected to lead to increases of up to 30 a week for a large number of pensioners. Those set to benefit from the new method of assessing pensions, known as a total contributions approach, are mainly women who took time out to mind children. Social Protection Minister Regina Doherty said she has included enabling legislation for the new total contributions approach for assessing pension entitlements in the Social Welfare Bill, which was approved by Cabinet this week. The minister said she had included the legislation in the bill to "hasten the changes for anyone who reached pension age on or after September 1, 2012 and were awarded less than maximum rate, on post-Budget 2012 rate bands". The new assessment method gives credit for time spent in parenting or caring duties. Ms Doherty said her department has begun to issue letters to more than 70,000 Irish resident contributory pensioners, with a further 8,000 letters to non-resident pensioners to be issued in December. The letter will explain the review process and inform pensioners the department will contact them directly with the outcome of their individual personal review. Additional staff are being recruited to implement the individual pension reviews and the first review outcomes will be notified to pensioners in early 2019. Personal pension entitlement rates will not be reduced as a result of this review, Ms Doherty said. Anyone moved to a higher pension rate will have their payment backdated to March this year. The department said if the new calculation method disadvantages a pensioner, they can continue to receive their current payment. Eligibility for the State pension is based on an averaging system, with total PRSI contributions divided by the number of years since the person began work. However, the 2012 rule changes negatively affected people who left the workplace before 1994 for a period of time, particularly women. Facebook is in the sights of the European Commission as it continues its crackdown on multinationals. The tech giant's tax arrangements in Ireland are now under the spotlight. EU Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, who led the probe into Apple's tax relationship with Ireland, is considering a formal investigation of Facebook's affairs, according to a media report. The 'Politico' report cited a former Irish official as saying data relating to Facebook had been seized as part of a trawl of tax records here. It also related to the Apple probe and a number of other companies. Yesterday, both the commission and Facebook declined to comment. A Government spokesperson said: "The European Commission has been gathering information from all EU member states on tax rulings since 2014. So far, it has examined over 1,000 rulings across Europe. This exercise has been ongoing since this time and has not been limited to Ireland. "Ireland has always co-operated in respect of these requests and will continue to do so. It is not appropriate to comment on the nature of such requests, as such enquiries are a confidential correspondence between Ireland and the commission." The Apple probe resulted in the iPhone maker being asked to pay 13bn in back taxes to Ireland, because of what the commission said was a 'sweetheart' tax deal in violation of EU rules on state supports to companies. The Government and Apple denied there was a special deal and are appealing through the European courts. The 'Politico' report cited three unidentified people as being aware of the potential probe. It said one of them did not believe Ms Vestager would have enough evidence to open a formal probe. The Danish politician has become famous for her tough approach towards big multinationals. Apple and Ireland are not the only company and country to have been on the wrong end of one of her decisions. Starbucks and Fiat were previously ordered to pay tens of millions in back taxes to the Netherlands and Luxembourg respectively. Google has run foul of Ms Vestager on multiple occasions. Earlier this year she levied a record fine of 4.34bn on the company after finding that it had used its Android operating system for mobile phones to block rivals. That followed a 2.4bn fine last year after she found Google had disadvantaged rival price comparison services. A third probe of the company is under way, relating to the company's advertising service Adsense. Interference by Europe in Irish tax affairs has proved a sensitive matter, given the importance ascribed to Ireland's 12.5pc corporate tax rate in attracting foreign direct investment. Our tax regime has received serious criticism from some elements in Europe over the years. However a planned EU tax on the revenues of big tech companies, which Revenue estimated could cost Ireland up to 160m a year, appears to have been fended off for now amid opposition from Ireland, Sweden and Denmark. Unanimity is needed for the tax to come into law. Speaking at the Oireachtas Finance Committee yesterday, Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe said the best place for reforming multinational taxation was at international level. He insisted he wasn't "shying away" from the issue. He said if the EU implemented such a tax without agreement from trading partners, there could be negative consequences. "These trading partners could make decisions regarding trade that could have very serious consequences for EU and Ireland, and Ireland needs to be very clear on the best route." (Additional reporting by Reuters) What happens when the tech company you build becomes wildly successful? Do you change? At the Web Summit, Adrian sat down with the Des Traynor, co-founder of Intercom, the 1bn software firm. They talked about dealing with success, company culture, artificial intelligence and where Intercom goes from here. The Big Tech Show is brought to you this week by PwC. Victoria Beckham said she was "never actually asked" to join the Spice Girls comeback, her ex-bandmate Mel C has revealed. Melanie Chisholm, Melanie Brown (Mel B), Geri Horner and Emma Bunton are preparing for a UK stadium tour next June without Beckham. Chisholm told The Jonathan Ross Show: "I saw Victoria recently and obviously we've all been in contact. But she did raise the point that she was never actually asked. We just presumed." Horner added: "I spoke to her before the announcement and she has said it for years that she just doesn't want to do it anymore, so we knew that." Bunton said they did ask Beckham, and Ginger Spice Horner said the "door is open". "She was busy with her fashion and she has moved on. She has been a huge part of our lives and we care about her, so it's all good," Horner said. When Ross asked if it was true that Beckham did not enjoy the performing side of being in the band, Horner admitted: "No [she didn't] and you don't want to make somebody do something they don't want to do." Chisholm denied she demanded the rest of the group have vocal training before their comeback and said her codeword for the comeback, before it was publicly announced, was cucumber. Horner did not rule out releasing new music, saying: "I think it's got to be an organic process. First things first, get out there and sing the hits. If something else happened, that's great." She denied the band were getting back together for the money, saying: "We are doing it wholeheartedly, we can honestly say for each other, because it's a bit of fun but also for the fans." Video of the Day Asked if her comments about getting back together before it was confirmed caused problems, recently divorced Brown joked: "They felt sorry for me, they were like, 'let's not have a go at her'." Asked if Horner might cover up more now she is older, Brown revealed: "She still walks around naked in the dressing room." "In pants," Horner confirmed. The Jonathan Ross Show airs tomorrow at 10.05pm on ITV. A former Fine Gael town councillor who received the longest prison sentence for corruption ever handed down by the courts here has won a Supreme Court order quashing his conviction. By a four-to-one majority, the court overturned the conviction of Fred Forsey Jr who was jailed in 2012 for an effective four years over receiving payments totalling 80,000 from a developer when he was a member of Dungarvan Town Council in 2006. He has served his sentence. The matter was adjourned for two weeks to allow the DPP to decide whether to seek a retrial. The conviction was overturned over a legal error in the approach at Mr Forsey's trial to the onus of proof on a corruption charge as set out in Section 4 of the Prevention of Corruption Acts (POCA). The error arose from the jury being told if it accepted a gift was given corruptly to Mr Forsey, the onus was on him to show, on the balance of probabilities, the money was not given corruptly. Mr Forsey had denied corruption and said the money was a loan. Giving the majority judgment, Ms Justice Iseult O'Malley said if an accused had to prove innocent receipt of payment on the balance of probabilities, they would have to persuade the jury it was more likely than not they did not receive the money corruptly. Because corrupt receipt is an "essential element" of the offence, that meant the accused would have to disprove that element and affirmatively prove innocence. That was "a clear inroad on the presumption of innocence". Mr Forsey was subjected to a trial process that breached his right to be presumed innocent, she ruled. Expand Close Jenny Forsey, the former wife of Fred Forsey. Photo: Patrick Browne / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Jenny Forsey, the former wife of Fred Forsey. Photo: Patrick Browne In his judgment, Mr Justice John MacMenamin agreed with the majority's statement of the applicable law but disagreed the conviction should be quashed because he did not consider any "fundamental injustice" occurred at trial. The existence of a planning regime allowing for "potentially huge windfall" profits by land rezoning creates a risk that financially vulnerable persons with a role in the decision-making process will engage in corrupt activities. The constitutional right to private property is "not absolute" and is subject to the requirements of the common good. Whether that right requires the law to permit such huge profits was not an issue in this appeal but formed part of the backdrop of what occurred. The "one simple unavoidable fact" was Mr Forsey did receive 80,000 from Michael Ryan to use his influence as a town councillor to advance a "rezoning" project concerning Mr Ryan's land close to Dungarvan, he said. Mr Forsey had said the payments were a loan but there was no evidence Mr Ryan made any demands for its return or received any repayment and the evidence was the monies were spent on a holiday in Rome, two cars, new furniture, carpets and windows for a house. Mr Forsey, of Coolagh Road, Abbeyside, Dungarvan, was convicted under the POCA in connection with receiving a total 80,000 in 2006 in three payments from Michael Ryan, a developer with an interest in a planning permission for development of land at Ballygagin, Co Waterford. He denied the charges and claimed the monies were loans. He was convicted at Waterford Circuit Criminal Court and sentenced to six years imprisonment, with the final two suspended. Having obtained newly instructed lawyers, an appeal was lodged in 2014 but was dismissed in 2016 by the Court of Appeal. The Supreme Court agreed to hear a further appeal. Fred Forsey Jr was largely unknown outside of his native county Waterford before his high-profile corruption trial. A former Fine Gael town councillor, he was co-opted onto Dungarvan Town Council in 2003 and later became the town's deputy mayor. He was no longer in politics in 2012 when he was convicted of taking 80,000 in bribes in exchange for lobbying colleagues to rezone agricultural land for residential and industrial use. Mr Forsey (49) has always maintained that he was innocent of the charges. Even as he was being jailed for six years, with the final two suspended, he protested at Waterford Circuit Criminal Court that payments he received were not bribes. Read More He insisted that sums of cash he got from a developer were loans. Mr Forsey also maintained he had lobbied to have the land rezoned in 2008 to create employment for the area. Expand Close Quashed: Fred Forsey and Karen Morrissey at Waterford Circuit Court in 2012. Photo: Mark Condren / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Quashed: Fred Forsey and Karen Morrissey at Waterford Circuit Court in 2012. Photo: Mark Condren A year after his conviction, millionaire property developer Michael Ryan was found not guilty of making corrupt payments to Mr Forsey. Gardai began investigating the former councillor when his estranged wife went to them about suspicious payments her husband had received. Mr Forsey had been in a relationship with a younger woman, Karen Morrissey, and the marriage broke down after he mistakenly sent a text intended for Ms Morrissey to his 15-year-old daughter. He moved to Australia with Ms Morrissey, but was arrested in 2009 when he returned to Ireland for a wedding. The court would subsequently hear he lobbied fellow councillors extensively to have the lands rezoned. A vote was later passed to rezone the lands but this was overturned by then-environment minister John Gormley. An internal Fine Gael inquiry later cleared six councillors who backed the rezoning of any wrongdoing. In 2016, the Court of Appeal dismissed an appeal by Mr Forsey against his conviction, but he later secured permission to bring a further appeal to the Supreme Court. Following the decision yesterday to quash his conviction, he must now wait to see if the DPP will seek a retrial. David Boland (34) from Nurney, Co Kildare was fatally injured on Duke Street in the Kildare town of Athy. TWO men in their 20s have been arrested as part of a murder investigation into the fatal stabbing of a man in Kildare earlier this month. David Boland died after suffering multiple stab wounds during a row in Athy in the early hours of November 1. Last week, Calvin Cullen (20), of Greenhills, Athy, Co Kildare was arrested and subsequently charged with Mr Bolands murder. Mr Cullen appeared in Naas District Court on Thursday and has been remanded in custody. The two men arrested tonight make it four people arrested in total by gardai in relation to the murder investigation. Two men have been arrested by Gardai investigating the death of 34-year-old David Boland during an incident on Duke Street, Athy, Co. Kildare, on the morning of Thursday 1/11/2018, a spokesman said. Expand Close David Boland was killed / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp David Boland was killed The two men, both aged in their 20s, were arrested this afternoon in Athy by Gardai investigating the case. They are currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 in Kildare and Newbridge Garda Stations. Another man arrested in relation to the investigation was released without charge last week and a file was prepared for the DPP. Mr Boland was laid to rest in his hometown of Nurney, Co. Kildare yesterday. A DOCTOR has said she is prepared to go to jail rather than pay a 150 fine for parking in a disabled space in the course of her job, claiming she was forced to by the HSE. Dr Maeve White, a south Dublin-based community medical officer said she was left with no choice but to park in the space outside a health centre. She said an ongoing parking problem in the area meant the disabled space was her only option and she had a duty of care to her patients. "I will never, ever pay this fine," she told Dun Laoghaire District Court. Judge Anne Watkin imposed the fine and warned she would go to prison if she did not pay it. Dr White, of Brookvale Road, Rathfarnham, pleaded guilty after being summonsed for parking illegally in a disabled space. The court heard the offence happened at St Brigids, Church Road, Stillorgan at 2.10pm on February 26 last. Dr White parked her car outside Stillorgan Health Centre, where she was due to carry out a clinic that afternoon, and maintains she could find no legal parking spaces. I did knowingly park in the disabled space, so I am guilty, yes, Dr White told Judge Watkin. The situation is I was forced by my employer, the HSE, to park there. The only other option is to drive away. Nobody forced you, the judge replied. Did they have a gun to your head? The judge appreciated that the doctor was between a rock and a hard place. She said she was in luck as the fine had not increased and was 150. If it happened again, she said, it would be 250. I will never, ever pay this fine, Dr White said, to which the judge replied: I dont need to hear that you are going to be in contempt of court. Dr White told the court the HSE had abused her. This is not a place to start dealing with your gripes against somebody else,the judge said. This is a court of law. Dr White was there because she had committed an offence, the judge said. Judge Watkin said Dr White could go to jail for not paying the fine and that she should take advice if you think you are making a statement against the HSE by not paying a fine owned to another organisation because you have inconvenienced disabled people. Dr White said she believes the HSE is responsible for paying the fine, but they have refused. She said there are no designated parking spaces for staff or patients at Stillorgan Health Centre and the disabled spaces in front of the clinic are rarely used. Parking at Stillorgan Shopping Centre is nearly 1km away and she had bags with heavy equipment, as well as having undergone knee surgery in recent months. I was faced with a dilemma; should I break the law and park in the disabled parking space and do the clinic, or should I drive off and abandon children with appointments, whose parents take time off work to be there, she said. I chose to put patients first and I parked in the space. The HSE cannot comment on an individual case, a spokesperson said. A gunman who plotted to murder a Dublin man and described his intended target as a "f****** idiot" has been jailed by the Special Criminal Court for 11 years. Luke Wilson (23), who himself had been the victim of an attempted murder bid when his best friend shot him in the face five years ago, was recorded by gardai in "extensive discussions" about the murder plot. He said in an audio recording that he had "no problem" camping in the back of a van in order "to get" Gary Hanley and that he wanted "money not jail". The father-of-one also said: He (Hanley) doesnt even understand why our people want him gone, he is such a f****** idiot". Wilson from Cremona Road in Ballyfermot, Dublin 10 admitted in July to conspiring to murder Mr Hanley at a location within the State between September 15th and November 6th last year. The offence is under Section 71 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006. He also pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a Beretta handgun with intent to endanger life at Philipsburgh Avenue, Fairview, Dublin 3 on November 6th last year. Passing sentence today, Mr Justice Tony Hunt presiding at the non-jury court, said it was previously heard that a vertical chain of command existed and Wilson had no act or part in the "organisational part" of the endeavour. The judge said Wilson was heard on only two of the 23 audio transcripts which were available. Mr Justice Hunt said Wilson had been described by gardai as an essential cog in the wheel but nonetheless he had performed an important role. The judge referred to the fact that Wilson, who is now drug-free, could be heard taking cocaine on a number of occasions in the audio recordings. Mr Justice Hunt said it was without doubt that Wilson had a difficult start in life. The defence had previously handed into the court a psychiatric and probation report which revealed that Wilsons mother had died from a drug overdose and he lived with his grandmother. Cocaine and alcohol led to a fairly dysfunctional family. His personal circumstances are tragic and one would hope he can break that cycle going forward, submitted Wilson's barrister last month. The judge said Wilson was motivated by financial and gambling issues. There was reference to Wilson, who had agreed to carry out the killing, expecting a payment in the transcripts. Referring to the firearm charge, the judge said this carried a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a minimum sentence of ten years. Mr Justice Hunt said the headline sentence for the firearm offence was 16 years but he accepted there were mitigating factors in his favour, the most weighty one being his early guilty plea as well as personal mitigating factors which reduced this by 25 per cent. The possession of a gun took place in "very proximate" circumstances and the event would have occurred without the intervention of gardai, said Mr Justice Hunt. Very serious harm was intended and it was only prevented by good police work, he added. He is now facing a long custodial sentence at a relatively young age and his constant medical condition will make life difficult for him in prison and upon his release, the judge remarked. Michael Bowman SC, defending Wilson, previously told the court that there was very significant trauma in his clients life when he lost his eye at the age of 18 years after been shot in the face by his lifelong best friend as part of an attempted murder. As a result, he developed post-traumatic stress disorder and fell into a deep depression. Wilson is fully blind in one eye and is losing the sight in his other eye but he is scheduled to have an operation on this eye in order to recover his sight which his barrister said was disappearing rapidly. Sentencing the defendant today for the firearm charge, Mr Justice Hunt sitting with Judge Patricia Ryan and Judge Michael Walsh, sentenced Wilson to 12 years imprisonment with the final year suspended for a period of three years. The judge emphasised that Wilson could "rest assured" that if he had contested the trial he would have received a sentence of 16 years. The plea of mitigation saved him a significant period of time in custody, he said. Wilson also received a six-year concurrent sentence on the conspiracy charge, which carries a maximum sentence of ten years in prison. We assessed the headline sentence as eight years but as both offences arise out of the same transaction, it results in a concurrent sentence of six years on that count, he concluded. Wilsons eleven-year jail sentence was backdated to when he was first arrested, on November 6, 2017. Before the court rose, Mr Justice Hunt addressed Wilson saying: Its a long sentence but we have no choice in that matter. You have saved yourself four or five years. Wilson replied: I appreciate that your honour. The defendant has 36 previous convictions at district court level which include theft and road traffic offences. Speaking outside the Criminal Courts of Justice today, Detective Sergeant Seamus Boland from the Garda National Drug's and Organised Crime Bureau, said today's conviction is part of An Garda Siochana's relentless focus on individuals who are willing to target other people for assassination. "I'd like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the investigating officers for their dedication and professionalism particularly the officers from the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau and the security and intelligence section," he said. Det Sgt Boland also thanked the local community as he said without them today's success would not have been achieved. "An Garda Siochana will continue to ensure adequate resources are allocated to our communities where people are willing to target other people for murder with firearms for financial gain," he said. Alan Wilson (39) of New Street Gardens, Dublin 8, Liam Brannigan (37) from Bride Street, Dublin 8 and Joseph Kelly (35) of Kilworth Road, Drimnagh, Dublin 12 are also charged with conspiring to murder Mr Hanley at a location within the State between the same dates. Mr Kelly is also facing charges of the possession of a Beretta handgun and fifteen rounds of ammunition with intent to endanger life at Philipsburgh Avenue, Fairview, Dublin 3 on the same date. A trial date for Alan Wilson, Mr Brannigan and Mr Kelly has been set for October 7, 2019. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has been granted more time to decide if extra charges should be brought against a man who was stopped running after a plane at Dublin Airport. Ryanair staff and airport police stopped the man at the apron as he allegedly chased and tried to flag down a plane to Amsterdam after missing his flight at about 7am on September 27 last. The passenger got through the boarding gate and a door leading to the tarmac, close to the Ryanair plane. He was restrained and held until gardai arrived. Patrick Kehoe (23), from Oulart, Co Wexford, was charged with criminal damage to a magnetic door lock at Gate 106 at Dublin Airport. Earlier, Garda David Cahill had said the accused made no reply to the charge; it was possible that there would be "further charges"; and directions from the DPP needed to be obtained. Judge Dermot Simms ordered him to appear again in four weeks. Mr Kehoe did not address the court and has not yet indicated how he will plead. A MANHUNT is continuing this morning for a Dublin criminal serving a jail term who escaped from a Dublin courthouse on Friday morning. The man, who is aged in his late 20s and has close to 100 previous convictions, managed to escape from prison officers at the Cloverhill court complex. He is currently serving a five year jail term for a serious road traffic incident and was being brought before the court on separate charges when he escaped. Gardai were immediately informed and searches are ongoing for the dangerous thug. He cannot be identified for legal reasons. A spokesman for the Irish Prison Service said: "We can confirm that a prisoner has absconded today from the confines of Cloverhill courthouse while being transported back to Wheatfield prison." On Saturday, gardai confirmed that the manhunt is still underway. A 70-year-old man told gardai he was the victim of domestic violence and abuse for years from his partner who he is accused of murdering. Desmond 'Des' Duffy has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Desmond 'Dessie' Sullivan (59) at the home they shared in Somerville Park, Rathmines, Dublin 6, on May 23, 2016. He is on trial at the Central Criminal Court. Detective Inspector Martin O'Neill told prosecuting counsel Conor Devally SC that he interviewed Mr Duffy at a Garda station on May 24, 2016. During those interviews, Det Insp O'Neill agreed Mr Duffy told him he had been in a violent and abusive relationship with the deceased for many years. He said Mr Sullivan was a heavy drinker and cannabis user and had become more psychotic and paranoid over the years. The accused further told gardai that he had previously ended up in A&E after Mr Sullivan threw bleach over him. On other occasions he said Mr Sullivan poured milk over him, hit him with a mug leaving him with a scar on his head, poured a pint over him and, at his brother's funeral, emptied a basket of sausages and chips over his head. On the night of May 23, he said, they had been drinking in a local pub and shortly after they arrived home Mr Sullivan started attacking him in the kitchen. Mr Duffy went to bed to avoid a violent episode but, he told gardai, Mr Sullivan pulled the bed clothes off him and started punching him. Mr Duffy said he went to the kitchen to get his jacket as he wanted to stay in a hotel, as he had done previously. But Mr Sullivan told him he had hidden it and began taunting Mr Duffy, saying: "F*** off and go stay in your hotel." The argument continued for about 40 to 50 minutes with occasional breaks. In the kitchen, Mr Duffy said the deceased attacked him again and he tried to restrain Mr Sullivan, to prevent him punching, by reaching out his right hand, putting his arm around Mr Sullivan's neck and pushing Mr Sullivan against a wall. Mr Sullivan fell to the ground and stopped moving. Mr Duffy was worried so he called Garda Maurice Ward, a relative of the deceased. Gda Ward has previously told the trial that Mr Sullivan was dead when he arrived at about 10.45pm, about 30 minutes after receiving the call. Gardai asked Mr Duffy if he checked on Mr Sullivan during this time and he said he didn't, that he was in a state of shock. When they asked why he didn't call an ambulance he said he was very drunk, and didn't think Mr Sullivan was injured. He added: "I certainly didn't think he was dead." Garda Michael Cunningham told Mr Devally that in October 2013 he responded to a report of a domestic dispute at their home. Mr Sullivan told him they had been in an argument and Mr Sullivan told him that he threw bleach at Mr Duffy. Katie Daffy, a neighbour, told defence counsel Caroline Biggs she overheard heated arguments between the pair every two to three months. She said it seemed to her Mr Sullivan was usually the aggressor but on the night he died she noted both men were equally abusive and it sounded like Mr Duffy had "snapped" and argued back. The trial will continue on Monday. Abusive: Pat Buckley at Midelton Court during an earlier appearance. Photo: Michael Mac Sweeney/Provision A Sinn Fein TD will not face any party sanction after avoiding a conviction for engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour while drunk to a garda after a noise complaint about a party at his house. Cork East TD Pat Buckley (49) had the Probation Act applied as he publicly apologised for his behaviour to gardai when they called to his home last year after receiving a public complaint about a party at his Midleton home. Mr Buckley did not attend Midleton District Court yesterday as he was attending an event in Dublin. He was represented by his solicitor, Henry McCourt. Sinn Fein said the issue was a personal matter which was fully resolved by the court and dealt with by Mr Buckley. Sinn Fein confirmed Mr Buckley will not face any party sanction. Judge Brian Sheridan applied Section 1.1 of the Probation Act after being informed by Mr Buckley's solicitor that his client had not come to Garda attention since the matter first came before the court in May. This was confirmed by Inspector Tony O'Sullivan. Mr McCourt said it was indicated that Mr Buckley would be given the benefit of the Probation Act if he did not come to Garda notice again. Judge Sheridan confirmed the ruling and applied the Probation Act. "I apologise profusely for any offence caused," Mr Buckley said. "I apologise to the officers involved and deeply regret my actions on the day." He also said he was very grateful to the court for the benefit of the Probation Act. Mr Buckley of Broomfield West, Midleton, Co Cork had pleaded guilty to the two charges brought under the Public Order Act. Inspector Sullivan told the court the incident arose out of a noise complaint received by gardai over a party at Mr Buckley's home in August 2017. When officers called to make him aware of the noise issue, they were abruptly told to "f*** off". He also called one garda an abusive name. Regret Mr Buckley had been celebrating a family event, had consumed a few drinks and now deeply regretted his actions. "This was a family event, a celebratory affair involving a few drinks in my own home," Mr Buckley said. "Unfortunately, with alcohol on board, my attitude towards the gardai, when they arrived at my home, was not what it should have been. I regret what happened." Four years ago, Mr Buckley was disqualified from driving after being convicted of being over the permitted alcohol limit while driving. Three sisters were left china, delph and cutlery along with 5,000 each in their mother's will - while the remaining 3.8m of assets in her estate was shared by her three sons. But now the eldest son has successfully challenged the will in the High Court after getting only a fraction of the 3.8m estate. The decision means the man will now inherit farmland valued at 1.27m rather than a small parcel of land valued at just 100,000. The judgment arises out of a bitter and costly court battle which heard the man was no longer on speaking terms with all bar one of his five siblings. The fractious dispute involved claims of assault and verbal abuse, with the judge observing the animus between the parties was "palpable" during a six-day hearing. The eldest son, who now works independently after being forced out of the family farm business in 2007, received only a 3.5-acre strip of land valued at 42,000 in 2013. But the man's brother received gifts from the estate to the value of 3m in 2013 - with the 199 acres of land valued at 3.55m today. At the end of a 30,000-word judgment, Mr Justice McDonald found the mother "did fail in her moral duty to make proper provision for the plaintiff in her last will". The judge said that the eldest son has satisfied the high onus that rests on him to demonstrate that there was a failure of moral duty on his mother's part. Mr Justice McDonald said that the mother had an extensive estate and that her son "had obvious needs". The plaintiff and three sisters were largely ignored in their mother's will, with the vast bulk of her 3.8m estate being left to two other sons. The High Court heard the 53-year-old father of two was working independently, earning around 46,000 a year, having been forced out of the family farm and sand and gravel business over a decade ago. All the sisters were left with was the mother's china, delph and cutlery and 5,000 each. The judge said that the mother "does not appear to have considered she should make any significant provision for her daughters in her will". But the man was the only one of the children to challenge the will, suing one of his younger brothers, who was the executor and largest beneficiary of the estate. The judge said that it is notable that none of the daughters has made a claim under Section 117 of the Succession Act and "furthermore, neither of the daughters who gave evidence before me suggested that they were living in straitened circumstances". However, the plaintiff successfully argued he had been promised the 90 acres by his mother in 1997 and this was reflected by a will she made that year. Unbeknownst to him this promise was rescinded in a subsequent will in 2011. In a 60-page judgment, Mr Justice Denis McDonald ruled the 1997 promise was a "testamentary contract" that the man was entitled to have enforced. He also found the mother failed in her moral duty to make proper provision for him in her final will. Neither the man nor members of his family can be identified for legal reasons. The court heard he left school at the age 15 and at one point worked 70 hours a week in the family businesses. He testified that it was the intention of both his father and uncle that the farmland, comprising almost 200 acres, be left in equal shares to him and his two brother. However, the property was left to his mother when his father died in 1996. The court heard that the following year she promised him he would receive a 90-acre section of the farm when she died. But a number of rows occurred within the family in subsequent years. These included a land dispute between the mother and another relative in 2001 which ended up in court. The mother was said to have been "furious" when her eldest son's father-in-law gave evidence on behalf of the relative. There were also disputed allegations the eldest son verbally abused her after she sold some property without consulting him. Then, in July 2007, there was a major altercation, the details of which are also disputed, between the eldest son and a brother, which resulted in a complaint to local gardai. The eldest son alleged he was assaulted and thrown to the ground with a knee thrust in his face. The following month his mother informed him she wanted him to leave the family businesses. Mr Justice McDonald said there was an "extreme" disparity between what she had left her eldest son and what had been left to his brothers. The judge said she failed in her moral duty to make proper provision for him. "She had an extensive estate. The plaintiff had obvious needs. He had been left in a difficult position following his expulsion from the family business in 2007," he said. He said after leaving school at such an early stage and his lack of experience for anything other than work on the family farm and business, "a just and prudent parent would, in my opinion, have made more significant provision for him". Two men have been been jailed for sexually assaulting a teenage woman while she was slumped over on a couch in a private room in a Dublin nightclub. Joshua Sykes (22) and Adam McCabe (21) both claimed they had no memory of the offence, but pointed themselves out on CCTV footage that showed them sexually assaulting the woman. A hostess at the nightclub said the victim was completely asleep and barely woke up when she tried calling her and pushing her shoulders. This witness told gardai that the man who was with her wasn't making much sense either. Garda Shane McGuinn said though McCabe admitted he could be seen performing oral sex on the woman, he told gardai: I don't know where the sexual assault was though. He said the woman had been well able to move around and had been kissing him previously, but accepted that she was drunk probably in the footage. On viewing the CCTV Sykes described the footage of him assaulting the woman as disgusting. He had denied taking the woman's phone and money, as shown in the CCTV, but later admitted having the items and not being able to account for them. McCabe, a father-of-one of Clusker Park, Navan, Co Meath, and Sykes, of Ardlo Manor, Mullagh, Co Cavan, both pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting the 19-year-old woman at The Wright Venue, Swords, Dublin on a date in July 2017. Both men each have one previous conviction for minor offences. The court heard they were attending a friend's 21st birthday party at the nightclub. Judge Cormac Quinn said it was a shocking case and imposed a three year sentence, with the final 18 months suspended, on each man. Gda McGuinn told Gerardine Small BL, prosecuting, that the woman had become separated from her friends while on a night out and recalled feeling giddy and lightheaded after a few drinks. She told gardai her memory was hazy, but she recalled kissing a stranger and being in a room with two males. Her next memory is crying in a room with gardai and feeling uncomfortable in her vaginal area. In her victim impact statement read out by Ms Small, the woman said that the incident led her to self harm as she couldn't stop thinking about what happened. She said she didn't get help for this, because she was ashamed. She added that she suffered panic attacks and anxiety and didn't drink or socialise anymore, because it would make her cry. Gda McGuinn agreed with barristers for McCabe and Sykes that their clients had both entered early guilty pleas. He accepted that the men had been intoxicated on alcohol and drugs on the night. Patrick McGrath SC, defending McCabe, submitted to Judge Quinn that his client's shame is accompanied by deep remorse. He said the offence was totally out of character and a once off spontaneous act for McCabe. He asked the judge to consider his client's exceptional intake of alcohol on the night as an explanation and not an excuse for the offending. He added that his client had no doubt now as to the consequences of his actions, having read the victim impact statement. Michael Bowman SC, defending Sykes, submitted that his client has been described as caring, hardworking and loyal by his former partner. Mr Bowman said Sykes had owned up and taken responsibility for the offence. He submitted that Sykes had communicated his disgust, shame and remorse for what he had done. Judge Quinn noted that the woman was a vulnerable person at the time who was preyed upon by both accused. He took into account the men's young ages, their early guilty pleas and their co-operation with The Probation Service. He further noted that McCabe had since been vilified and ostracised on social media and that Sykes had lost his job. A woman charged with the murder of a man at a house in south Dublin has been further remanded in custody after being deemed medically unfit to attend court. Grace Miano (50), who is accused of murdering Limbani Mzoma (27) in Foxrock had the case against her adjourned in her absence, for the directions of the DPP to be made available. Ms Miano, from Kenya but with an address at Tudor Lawns in Foxrock, is charged with murdering Malawian national Limbani Mzoma (27), also known as Robert. The killing is alleged to have happened at the accused's address on November 1 last. Mr Mzoma was found with several knife wounds. Today was to have been Ms Miano's second court appearance since she was arrested and brought before Dublin District Court on Sunday. At Dun Laoghaire District Court this morning, defence solicitor Jonathan Dunphy said he had received an email from the governor of Mountjoys Dochas Centre, where the accused is in custody. The medical team deemed my client unfit to attend court for this mornings purposes, Mr Dunphy said. Today was a date for mention in the case for the DPPs directions, Mr Dunphy said, and he had instructions to consent to a four-week adjournment. Judge Anne Watkin said she was remanding the defendant in custody for the preparation of a book of evidence. At last Sundays hearing, Detective Sgt Colm O Giollain of Cabinteely garda station gave evidence that Ms Miano made no reply when she was charged at 9.35pm the night before at Dun Laoghaire station. The defendant confirmed her name to the court and nodded when asked if she wanted solicitor Mr Dunphy to represent her. Mr Dunphy said during that previous court appearance that his client had been living in Ireland for a number of years and in receipt of social welfare. He also stated it was her wish that a psychiatric assessment be carried out. However, the presiding judge at the time, Grainne Malone, said she did not have the authority to grant this request and it was a matter for the Dochas Centre to consider. The court had heard Ms Miano had complained of pains in her head and legs since being taken into custody. She had been seen by a doctor at the station "on several occasions". The accused was granted free legal aid and no bail application was made as bail on a murder charge can only be granted in the High Court. It is understood the deceased suffered a number of stab wounds to his neck, chest and back in an upstairs room in the rented Foxrock house. He had been living in Ireland for a number of years and was planning to return home to his native Malawi at some stage next year. A DUBLIN man allegedly threatened to kill two detectives, warning them they would "get the same" as what happened to "your mate at the credit union". Jason O'Connor (40) is also alleged to have called the two officers "f**king scum" and repeatedly cautioned them to "watch yourselves". The detectives told Blanchardstown District Court they believed the phrase "your mate at the credit union" was a reference to Det Gda Adrian Donohoe, who was shot dead at Lordship Credit Union in Co Louth in 2013. It is alleged that Mr O'Connor made the threats while gardai were executing a search warrant at his Mulhuddart home. Mr O'Connor is also alleged to have shouted to detectives; "Don't worry, there'll be grenades and all going off in Blanchardstown by the time I get out" and "I don't give a f**k". Judge David McHugh refused bail and remanded him in custody until Friday. The accused, of Whitestown Grove, Mulhuddart, appeared before the court charged with seriously assaulting a man and producing a knife during the course of a dispute. The knife assault allegedly took place at the Paddocks pub in Clonee last Saturday evening. Mr O'Connor is further charged with making threats to kill or cause serious harm to two gardai, Det Sgt Shane McCartan and Det Sgt Joseph McLoughlin. Those threats were allegedly made as gardai searched his home on Monday morning as part of their investigations into the alleged assault. Det Insp Thelma Watters objected to bail, citing the seriousness of the charge and the strength of the evidence. Chief Supt Finbarr Murphy also objected to bail. Det Sgt McCartan and Det Sgt McLoughlin also gave evidence at the bail hearing. CCTV footage was shown to the court and an audio recording was also played. Det Sgt McCartan and Det Sgt McLoughlin both gave evidence of the alleged threats, with Det Sgt McCartan alleging that Mr O'Connor said: "Next time you come down my cul-de-sac, see what you're going to get, you p***k you, you'll get the same as what happened to your mate in Drogheda, at the credit union." Det Sgt McCartan said he took this as a reference to his colleague Det Gda Donohoe. Mr O'Connor is then alleged to have said to Det Sgt McCartan: "You f**king watch yourself, and you watch yourself too, McLoughlin." Defence solicitor Brian Coveney told the court that Mr O'Connor enjoyed the presumption of innocence and was willing to abide by any bail conditions. He also argued that the State had not made out its case for a refusal of bail. However, Judge McHugh said the State had made its case and he refused bail. The court heard the DPP's directions were outstanding on the charges. Mr Coveney asked that Mr O'Connor receive medical attention while in custody. He also asked for the warrant to be made out to Mountjoy Prison "for security reasons". However, the court heard that the warrant must be made out to Cloverhill Prison as Mr O'Connor was going into custody, and where he ended up was "at the discretion of the prison authorities". Mr O'Connor has not yet indicated how he intends to plead to the charges. A Prison Officer at the Multipurpose Rooms at the new National Violence Reduction Unit in the Midlands Prison. Pic Steve Humphreys A prison officer wearing one of the new body cameras at the new National Violence Reduction Unit in the Midlands Prison. Pic Steve Humphreys A Prison Officer opens a Visiting Box at the Multipurpose Rooms at the new National Violence Reduction Unit in the Midlands Prison. Pic Steve Humphreys A Multipurpose Room at the new National Violence Reduction Unit in the Midlands Prison which includes an XBoxOne. Pic Steve Humphreys A Multipurpose Room at the new National Violence Reduction Unit in the Midlands Prison which includes an XBoxOne. Pic Steve Humphreys A Multipurpose Room at the new National Violence Reduction Unit in the Midlands Prison which includes an XBoxOne. Pic Steve Humphreys A Prison Officer opens a Visiting Box at the new National Violence Reduction Unit in the Midlands Prison. Pic Steve Humphreys One of the new Prison Officer Body Cameras at the new National Violence Reduction Unit in the Midlands Prison. Pic Steve Humphreys A Visiting Box at the new National Violence Reduction Unit in the Midlands Prison. Pic Steve Humphreys A Multipurpose Room at the new National Violence Reduction Unit in the Midlands Prison which includes an XBoxOne. Pic Steve Humphreys A high security jail unit will be open from next week with the ultimate aim of dramatically reducing the number of seriously violent attacks in the nation's prisons. Five criminals have been selected to become the first inmates of the new unit, which represents a revolutionary change in the way the authorities tackle violent prisoners. The five are regarded as posing the "biggest challenge" to the safety of the prisons as a result of their involvement in assaults on staff and other inmates, which has led to them being branded the most dangerous behind bars. Four of them will be transferred from isolation units in other prisons while the fifth is currently being treated in the central mental hospital in Dundrum in south Dublin. Expand Close Alan Ellis / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Alan Ellis The new national violence reduction unit is based in the Midlands prison in Portlaoise. It has been built at a cost of 2.7m and it also has the capacity to hold a further four prisoners for assessment while a tenth cell will be kept in reserve for a crisis. Expand Close Leon Wright / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Leon Wright The main focus of the specially trained staff will be to create an environment that allows them to build up one-on-one relationships with individual prisoners and prepare them to cope with their release back into the community. A committee was set up to select the five out of the overall prison population of 3,900. None of the five is a member of a gang but all have a propensity for violence and disruptive behaviour. The group does not include anybody serving a life sentence. Expand Close A Multipurpose Room at the new National Violence Reduction Unit in the Midlands Prison which includes an XBoxOne. Pic Steve Humphreys / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A Multipurpose Room at the new National Violence Reduction Unit in the Midlands Prison which includes an XBoxOne. Pic Steve Humphreys It is understood they include Alan Ellis (25), who is serving six years for torturing a 14-year-old boy, whom he tied to a radiator with a piece of flex, poured boiling water down his trousers and attacked him with a cheese grater. Also destined for the unit is Dubliner Leon Wright (29), who has more than 100 criminal convictions, been disciplined over 200 times while in prison and involved in attacks on 25 jail staff. Expand Close A Multipurpose Room at the new National Violence Reduction Unit in the Midlands Prison which includes an XBoxOne. Pic Steve Humphreys / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A Multipurpose Room at the new National Violence Reduction Unit in the Midlands Prison which includes an XBoxOne. Pic Steve Humphreys Also expected to be in the special unit is Brendan Cummins, who has carried out at least a dozen assaults in prison including an attack on an assistant governor, who was repeatedly punched in an exercise yard at Cloverhill and on two other staff members in Mountjoy and the Midlands jails. Those to be housed in the unit have previously been detained in isolation units and because of their violent behaviour they are dealt with by staff, who wear full riot gear and form a block with shields when escorting them from their cell to other parts of the prison for visits or appointments. Expand Close A Prison Officer at the Multipurpose Rooms at the new National Violence Reduction Unit in the Midlands Prison. Pic Steve Humphreys / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A Prison Officer at the Multipurpose Rooms at the new National Violence Reduction Unit in the Midlands Prison. Pic Steve Humphreys In their new Midlands home they will be handled by staff, who show their faces and are not armed with any protective equipment, apart from batons, which are hidden from view. Instead of policies being determined solely by operational needs, with subsequent consultations with medical experts, the unit will be co-managed by psychologists and prison authorities. Dr Emma Black, who is head of psychology in the Irish Prison Service, said they hoped to help the prisoners with understanding the reasons why they resorted to violence while also preparing them for a return to the community when they had completed their sentence. The plan is to expose them to some sort of normality by interacting with others while also teaching them how to cope. One expert said: "Many of these prisoners don't know how to boil an egg, bake a potato or even put a pizza in the oven and we want to help them with simple skills that most people take for granted." If the inmates show improved behaviour, they will eventually be allowed access to a recreation room, which has a kitchen, table and chairs, bolted to the floor, as well as a beanbag and a playstation. They also have their own exercise yard, which is monitored by CCTV cameras. Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan, who visited the unit yesterday, said the aim was to reduce the risk of violence to staff and to other prisoners while also cutting risks to the community while director general of the Irish Prison Service, Michael Donnellan said previous policies on tackling violent prisoners had not worked. He said the creation of the new unit had been three years in planning and it represented best international practice. Opening the new unit, Mr Flanagan welcomed the use of body worn cameras for staff in the unit on a trial basis and said he hoped to see the measure rolled out throughout the prison service. He repeated his support for body cameras for gardai and said talks were currently under way with garda representative groups and they now had to seek the resources to fund the move. He said the unit represented a new approach, which would be achieved by meeting each prisoner's complex needs, through improving their psychological health, their wellbeing and their behaviour in a centre of excellence, operated by highly motivated, highly trained and highly competent staff. An elderly woman with dementia was able to leave an emergency department without supervision and make her way home by taxi, while wearing no shoes and with an IV tube attached to her. University Hospital Limerick has launched an investigation into how Margaret Kirkby (80) left the premises. She had been taken to UHL by ambulance from a nursing home in Co Clare last Friday as she had "very low" oxygen levels and required intravenous antibiotic treatment. Her son Paul said that his mother knocked on the door of the family home in Shannon at around 6pm that evening. The pensioner was able to leave the emergency department, despite her trolley being placed in front of a nurses' station, Mr Kirkby said. He said that his brother received a phone call from a nurse at UHL, apologising. "One saying, 'We have lost your mum' and then he was saying, 'It's OK, she's back in the house.'" He said the whole family was in shock over the incident. "I don't think it's really sunk in with what could have happened. We were all shocked, of course. It's just nuts. "Anything could have happened. It appeared she got off the trolley, she had no shoes on and somehow got a taxi back to the house," he said. However, the family and the hospital are uncertain as to how she left, entered a taxi and made her way home to Shannon. A spokesperson for the UL Hospitals Group said that it "can confirm that it is examining the circumstances involved in this incident and is dealing directly with the family concerned. We would like to reiterate the apology that has already been expressed directly to the family. "The level of supervision required by all patients is determined on a case-by-case basis by the medical and nursing teams." Mr Kirkby said his mother had an IV line in her arm and was not wearing shoes when she left the emergency department. "She was probably just in her own head, 'I am going home', and then just walked out the door, she had some money on her. You feel sorry for them (hospital staff) because it's just crazy, but in the public interest, people need to know what's going on." The nursing home said Ms Kirkby returned to the centre at around 6.30pm, accompanied by her son who "expressed his disappointment in relation to how his mother was discharged from A&E. All residents who leave our establishment by ambulance to go to A&E immediately come under the care of the HSE until they are transferred back to our home. "Margaret is back with us now and is receiving relevant treatment for her conditions with her family fully informed of care being given." A medic who was employed as a junior doctor in a busy maternity hospital received generous marks of 55 out of 100 for clinical medical and diagnostic skills at his job interview - despite having no experience of treating patients. The case of the EU-trained doctor, employed as a senior house officer in the hospital, has again raised serious concerns about gaps in recruitment procedures which allow medics with sub-standard skills to slip through, putting patients at risk. Health Minister Simon Harris yesterday said he had written to the HSE, seeking an urgent response to the comments by High Court Judge Peter Kelly of "an obvious danger to patients" as he granted an order suspending the doctor. Mr Justice Kelly wondered how the interview panel concluded the doctor was "short on experience" when actually he had "none at all". Mr Harris said he has now asked the HSE to expedite a review of recruitment procedures. The doctor whose case came up this week was turned down for other posts in hospitals because of lack of experience, and had only ever been an "observer". But he ended up getting 195 out of 325 possible marks in the interview. Within days, senior doctors became alarmed that he "lacked basic competencies". The Medical Council, which regulates doctors and sought the suspension order, said yesterday it could not comment on this specific case. However, a spokesman said: "The Medical Council shares the concerns raised by Justice Kelly in relation to recruitment of junior doctors with the appropriate levels of experience and qualifications, and we have expressed our concerns to the HSE and medical recruitment companies in the past." He said if a doctor is registered, it does not mean they are suitable for every role. "It rests with employers to determine the suitability of a doctor to fulfil the requirements of a post, and to ensure that they are supported and appropriately supervised in their role." Due to free movement rules, the same test of knowledge and clinical skills is not required of EU-trained doctors as medics from outside the EU who want to be registered. Questioned on what kind of safeguards it has in place, the HSE said that recruitment of junior doctors is conducted through the hospitals. If a candidate reaches the shortlisted stage, they should be "reviewed to ensure that they meet the eligibility criteria for the post" and interviewed by a three-person board. "Each candidate is examined on the core competencies and skills as outlined in the job specification." The HSE is currently reviewing its recruitment model "to ensure that it meets the needs of the global competition for talent, together with the future requirements for Slaintecare and ensure compliance with its statutory obligations but also ensuring best practice in its appointment process". Asked to comment on the pressures faced by hospitals desperate for medical cover, Dr John Duddy, of the Irish Medical Organisation, said that some hospitals can be desperate to fill senior house office posts. There are particular problems finding these doctors in the area of obstetrics, surgery, anaesthesia and orthopaedics, said Dr Duddy, a trainee neurosurgeon in Cork. The doctors may have the "bare minimum qualifications" on paper, he said. "So many hospitals are depending on doctors in non-training posts to meet staff rotas and keep the hospital running." A proper induction programme would attract better doctors, he said. A quarter also said they would prefer not to refer a woman. Stock Image Up to two-thirds of GPs may decide not to offer women a medical abortion service when it becomes law. Around 43pc of family doctors said they would not become involved for various reasons, including workload and conscientious objection, but would refer a woman to a service providing abortion. However, a quarter said they would not provide abortion and would prefer not to refer a woman to another doctor. One-third of GPs will definitely participate in the scheme, the online consultation by the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP) said. The doctors' body consulted with its 3,500 members over August and September. Dr Tony Cox, medical director of the ICGP, said it indicates that the majority of GPs are either willing to provide the service or refer a patient to another doctor who will. "The 24-hour helpline will help women seeking a termination of pregnancy to be referred to a GP or other provider in the community who is able to provide the service to them," he said. It comes as the Oireachtas Health Committee finished hearing 180 amendments to the proposed bill widening abortion grounds. None of the amendments from pro-life or pro-choice TDs were accepted but there may be some clarifications, particularly in areas like the mandatory three-day pause a women seeking abortion must observe. Health Minister Simon Harris will meet with the TDs next week to discuss these. The Chief Executive of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre has urged that there must be legal reforms in how rape trials are conducted, after a court heard details of a 17-year-olds thong. Rape trials regularly hear details of what the alleged victim was wearing, said Noeline Blackwell. She was commenting after a jury was asked to consider the fact that a 17-year-old girl was wearing a lacy thong earlier this week. On Tuesday, a 27-year-old man who had denied raping the 17-year-old in county Cork was found not guilty by a jury at the Central Criminal Court in Cork. In her closing address to the jury, Ms Elizabeth OConnell SC told jurors they should have regard for the underwear the complainant wore on the night. Does the evidence out-rule the possibility that she was attracted to the defendant and was open to meeting someone and being with someone? You have to look at the way she was dressed. She was wearing a thong with a lace front. Ms Blackwell is urging that there must be reforms and clearer directions at trial level around issues such as clothing, as she said that rape stereotypes continue to come up in trials here. It comes up very, very regularly how someone was dressed, the amount of drink they had taken, why they hadnt screamed if they were in trouble. "These kind of mythologies and stereotypes around rape come up again and again in court cases, because the defence to rape is that the sex was consensual. So anything the defendant can do to suggest there was consent will be used, she said. The fact that the teenage girls underwear was raised in this trial did not come as a surprise to the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, as this happens regularly, she said. A previous EU barometer study released in November 2016 had asked over 1,000 Irish people whether you needed consent to have sex if somebody was dressed provocatively and 9pc of Irish people said you did not. These myths obviously come into the court room as well, said Ms Blackwell. And these are the things that can put a doubt in the mind of a jury and if you can put a doubt in the mind of a jury the defendant will be acquitted. I am not saying for one moment that this jury was convinced or that the acquittal wasnt perfectly proper, but that these rape myths are introduced into court is not a surprise at all. Ms Blackwell said in contrast, in England and Wales, there is a formal model which can be used for Judges to give direction if this kind of stereotype is introduced. So they will be asked to say something like you have heard evidence of how the complainant was dressed. That is not the question. The question is was she consenting to sex at the time. So we dont have those formal directions. I dont know what directions were given in this case because it wasnt reported. She said that there is room to clarify the kind of directions that Judges can give, similar to the English and Welsh system. Meanwhile, the chair of the National Womens Council of Ireland said using the underwear worn by a rape complainant in trials as a defence is "not acceptable", Grace OMalley Dunlop said that: "rape is rape, and no victim of rape or sexual assault brings it upon themselves. It is an act of violence and it is nothing to do with sex." Ms OMalley Dunlop said that training in the courts for people who are dealing with these kinds of cases is really important. "I would like to see training for everybody in the court process. I would like to see special courts for victims of rape and sexual violence where you have judges and barristers who are specifically trained in this whole area, and who are dealing just with the law around it," said the Fine Gael election candidate for Dublin South West. An attempt has been made to reach Ms OConnell for comment. Meanwhile, legal sources said that in such cases it is entirely legitimate for a barrister to refer to clothing, as an individual accused of rape is entitled to the presumption of innocence and a robust defence, and there are no rules around this issue. Last August, Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan appointed lecturer in law at NUI Galway Tom OMalley to examine all aspects of sexual assault trials. The Law Reform Commission is also conducting an examination of Irelands legislation in the area of rape. Over 100 gardai have carried out raids across three counties as part of an ongoing operation targeting drug dealing in the Munster area. Members of the Limerick Divisional Drug Unit, supported by the Garda dog unit and local officers, carried out searches on 29 premises in Limerick, Tipperary and Cork this morning. Three people, all aged in their 30s, have been arrested on suspicion of drug dealing while nine detections for drugs were made. During the operation close to 15,000 worth of cocaine and cannabis was seized along with 8,000 crash suspected of being the proceeds of crime. A garda spokesman said: "The three men who were arrested are currently detained at Henry Street and Bruff Garda Stations under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984. "The focus of todays operation was intelligence gathering and involved up to 100 members of An Garda Siochana. Assistance was also given by officers from Revenue Customs." Babies with bite: Scientists have discovered a rare shark nursery off the west coast of Ireland. Photo: Marine Institute Scientists have discovered a "very rare" shark nursery more than 300km off the west coast. So-called 'mermaid's purses', or eggs, were discovered littered across the seabed during an exploration of Ireland's deep ocean territory, with large numbers filmed at depths of up to 750 metres. Marine scientists say such large concentrations of eggs are rarely recorded, and suggest that females may gather in the area. A nearby coral reef might also act as a refuge for juvenile shark pups when they hatch. The nursery was discovered during the SeaRover survey undertaken last July, which was exploring Ireland's deep-water coral reef systems. A large school of Blackmouth catshark (Galeus melastomus) was present at the site, and scientists said the eggs were likely to be from this species. But a second more unusual and solitary species, the Sailfin roughshark (Oxynotus paradoxus), was also observed. Expand Close The nursery was on a scale not previously documented in Irish waters. Photo: Marine Institute / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The nursery was on a scale not previously documented in Irish waters. Photo: Marine Institute This is listed as 'near threatened' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, meaning it may become extinct in the near future. It grows up to 1.2 metres in length, and while not observed by the science team, it may have been feeding on the eggs. The findings were announced at the INFOMAR seabed mapping seminar in Kinsale, where footage captured by the Marine Institute's remotely operated vehicle (ROV) Holland 1, deployed on board the ILV Granuaile, was revealed. The chief scientist on the SeaRover survey, David O'Sullivan, said the nursery was on a scale not previously documented in Irish waters. "No pups were obvious at the site and it is believed that the adult sharks might be utilising degraded coral reef and exposed carbonate rock on which to lay their eggs," he said. "A healthy coral reef in the vicinity may act as a refuge for the juvenile shark pups once they hatch. This discovery shows the significance of documenting sensitive marine habitats, and will give us a better understanding of the biology of these beautiful animals and their ecosystem function in Ireland's biologically sensitive area. "It is anticipated that further study of the site will answer some important scientific questions on the biology and ecology of deep water sharks in Irish waters." The discovery highlights the importance of mapping seabed habitats, and the nursery was observed within one of six offshore Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) in Irish waters. These host a diverse range of marine animals including sea fans, sponges, worms, starfish, crustaceans and a variety of fish species. The survey is the second of three commissioned and jointly funded by the Irish Government and the EU. A 'dram' expensive bottle of whiskey is expected to fetch up to 15,000 at auction. One of only 117 bottles available worldwide, the Midleton 30th Anniversary Pearl Edition is the lot to watch at the forthcoming Irish Whiskey Auctions. The exclusive premium Irish whiskey is just one of over 200 lots that will be listed on the online auction, which goes live on November 16 at www.IrishWhiskeyAuctions.ie. The first auction last month saw buyers logging on and bidding from Ireland, UK, Germany, USA and Singapore. Among the lots sold was the complete collection of Irish Midleton Very Rare (34 bottles) selling for 36,100 to a publican from Waterford. In 2012, you might recall, 150,000 letters were issued by Revenue Commissioners in a trawl to inform pensioners that they may owe tax which they under, or not at all, declared. The tone of the brusque missive, which created a Joe Duffy moment, put the fear of God into older people, resulting in a belated apology from then tax boss Josephine Feehily after more than 55,000 complained of their fear in receiving the missive. The tax remained due, however. The letter came about after a sampling of hundreds of cases revealed that many pensioners genuinely believed that the State pension was not subject to tax, and therefore, they didn't declare it as income. In fact, all income is declarable, but over 65s don't pay tax on the first 18,000 of their money, irrespective of source. If you're only subsisting on the state pension, you didn't have a problem, but around 115,000 were earning above this threshold with the addition of company pensions, investments, dividends or even employment, and the 18,000 tax free threshold doesn't begin after the State pension is paid; it is part of it. This genuine misunderstanding didn't stop the tax from being collected; ignorance of the law is no defence, after all. In 2017 we witnessed a similar, "Ah sure it's only a few bob" approach taken by many Airbnb landlords, although for some, probably not as innocently as the pensioners. There were those who were under the impression that "a bit of cash on the side" doesn't really count, or, if it does, then it shouldn't. It's their house after all. Unsurprisingly, Revenue doesn't agree. Nor does it have a, 'Only a few bob' category for tax avoidance. It issued a stern guidance note to 'remind' hosts of this, reiterating the rules of its bona fide tax avoidance scheme - Rent-a-Room Relief - which doesn't apply to short-term lettings. This hoovered up some tax for the state and involuntarily exited some hosts from the website. Airbnb is considered a double-edged sword in many countries. On one hand, it provides much needed choice for tourists; on the other it depletes hotels of income and a populace of potential rental accommodation. Enter, stage right, Eoghan Murphy. Never one to find a straight-forward solution when a complicated, knee-jerk one will do, Airbnb is to be severely curtailed. After being thrown out to a Commission (this allows a Bart Simpson response when it doesn't work - "it wasn't me, nobody saw me do it"), we are to follow other cities like Berlin and Barcelona and place restrictions on the use, or night numbers of properties used for short lets. It's the solution to the housing crisis, apparently. Thousands of apartments and houses, currently lucratively squeezing easy profits for landlords, will be returned to a struggling market, to be let just as enthusiastically to HAP tenants, students or struggling families. You'd imagine it simply hadn't occurred to property owners that such a thing was possible up to now. The problem is several-fold. Firstly, there's a reason these owners are using Airbnb. It circumnavigates the onerous responsibilities and lock-ins of permanent letting. Short-term tenants have no rights, and the turnaround means that they're far less likely to get stuck with a bad tenant. Secondly, they're paid in advance, so no chasing rents or dealing with the laborious process of eviction or debt-chasing. Of the hosts, 51pc are 'multi listed' hosts according to analytics site AirDNA. This means they are already professional landlords who do not want their houses let to long-term tenants. Forced with having to do so and thus curtail their profit while adding layers of bureaucracy, many may simply sell up instead. This of course, may have a vicarious result in that they'll be shunted into a needy property market and some existing renters may take the plunge and buy, thus freeing up their current accommodation. But this is an enormously long winded way of going about it. No. Banning Airbnb and its ilk is not the solution, but it darn well looks good on paper and gives a populist kick in the behind to a global behemoth. Its existence is an issue - no question. Of the almost 7,000 properties listed in Dublin alone on short-term letting sites (Airbnb is just one, so I'm using the term ubiquitously), half are in the 'entire home' category. The rest are spare rooms and sofas and even they are being targeted. Average monthly income is around 2,991 per host if they flog it, with the top 10 earners (professionals undoubtedly), earning 139,000 each. Most earn a fraction of this, and only as a nixer. So, what will happen before all these alleged houses return to market? Firstly, the ancillary businesses will collapse - the cleaners, administrators, laundries who benefit. Local authorities will need to employ more planners and policemen. Hosts may revert to State support as their income disappears. Hotel prices will rise as they become the only game in the tourism industry again. Curtailing tourism options doesn't create new housing; it doesn't confer a right to housing and continues to place the burden for providing housing on private property owners instead of where it belongs - with government. Airbnb has called the measure a 'false promise'. One of many. Paul Kelly, CEO of Failte Ireland, at the Let's Talk Tourism forum in Killarney. Photo: Don MacMonagle Attendees pictured at the 'Let's Talk Tourism' conference in Killarney on Friday. Photo: Don MacMonagle Mark Henry, Tourism Irleand, Eoghan O'Mara-Walsh, Irish Tourism Industry, Paul Kelly, Failte Ireland and moderator Olivia O'Leary at the 'Let's Talk Tourism' conference in Killarney on Friday. Photo: Don MacMonagle Ireland's tourism industry is booming, but the combined effect of a bad Brexit and a VAT rise to take effect on January 1 could throw a serious spanner in the works. Those were among the takeaways at Lets Talk Tourism, the national tourism forum taking place in Killarney, Co Kerry, today. We are coming to the end of best year ever for Irish tourism," said the opening speaker, Paul Kelly, CEO of Failte Ireland. "Those are phenomenal figures but I dont think we can continue to grow at that kind of rate. Ireland is on course to clock around 9.69 million visitors this year, he said, but the priority now for Failte Ireland is about building sustainable growth. Falling off a cliff edge is what we all want to avoid, added Eoghan OMeara Walsh, CEO of the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation (ITIC). Diversifying beyond the British market and enticing visitors to shoulder seasons and rural areas were key themes for both speakers, with OMeara Walsh suggesting a need for capital spending on projects like a coast-to-coast greenway, a Dark Sky Observatory or a visitor centre at Donegal's Slieve League cliffs. Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Attendees pictured at the 'Let's Talk Tourism' conference in Killarney on Friday. Photo: Don MacMonagle Paul Kelly, CEO of Failte Ireland, at the Let's Talk Tourism forum in Killarney. Photo: Don MacMonagle Mark Henry, Tourism Irleand, Eoghan O'Mara-Walsh, Irish Tourism Industry, Paul Kelly, Failte Ireland and moderator Olivia O'Leary at the 'Let's Talk Tourism' conference in Killarney on Friday. Photo: Don MacMonagle / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Attendees pictured at the 'Let's Talk Tourism' conference in Killarney on Friday. Photo: Don MacMonagle There was broad support for the idea of a National Tourism Week or day similar to those held in the US, UK or Canada, with Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Brendan Griffin, later adding that "I think only positive things could come out of it". However, the recent VAT hike for the tourism and hospitality industry, from 9pc to 13.5pc, effective from January 1, was mooted as a real threat to demand. With Brexit coming down the track, the timing is really awful," O'Meara Walsh said. Minister Griffin conceded that the rate hike was a "challenge". Keeping the tourism VAT rate at 9pc was "something I fought very hard for," he said during a panel discussion. "But I didnt get a result on it, unfortunately, not this time..." However, he added that there was a 26pc increase in the tourism budget for 2019, which would help investment, and that 13.5pc was still lower than the comparable, 20pc standard rate in the UK and Northern Ireland. Great line-up of speakers and ideas at #TalkTourism today. Ireland is on a roll, but I think the key word from todays forum was sustainability. How to grow smart, and think carefully about what were selling. pic.twitter.com/9pnYm9fhzn @poloconghaile (@poloconghaile) November 9, 2018 "I dont think it is something that will completely kill the industry," he said. The Killarney forum saw a largely optimistic series of talks and panel discussions on the state of Irish tourism. Moderated by broadcaster Olivia OLeary, the sold-out event was held at the Great Southern Hotel. The question of how to sustain Irelands tourism growth while riding out Brexit, the VAT hike and increased international competitiveness emerged as key. Global tourism agencies are moving from demand creation to demand management, said Mark Henry of Tourism Ireland, who noted the exponential potential for growth in emerging markets like China. Over 100,000 Chinese visitors will come to Ireland in 2018, added James Kenny, Tourism Ireland's China Country Manager, but businesses needed to be 'China-ready'. Panel discussions noted potential future issues with labour supplies and the need for immigration and EU workers to staff Ireland's growing tourism sector (already responsible for 240,000 jobs). The discussions brought to a close a busy week for industry leaders. It saw 70 businesses from all over the island join Tourism Ireland on the Ireland stand at World Travel Market in London, while on Wednesday, both Mr Kelly and Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, warned the Oireachtas Transport, Tourism and Sport committee of the threat Brexit poses. A no-deal Brexit (described as a doomsday scenario at the Forum) could cost Ireland up to 390 million, Kelly said. NB: The Irish Independent is media partner for Lets Talk Tourism. Read more: Ireland risks losing inward investment from the tech sector unless it ramps-up ambition in tackling climate change. The European Commission vice-president for energy union, Maros Sefcovic, told the Irish Independent that the State risked being fined for missing 2020 emission reduction targets, and it could also have an impact on its ability to attract investment. While the State can buy carbon credits from countries which overachieve their targets, which would likely cost millions of euro, inaction would lead to higher overall costs, he added. "There is the prospect that Ireland will not meet 2020 targets [to reduce emissions by 20pc]," he said. "I think Ireland can buy emissions allocations from other countries which are overachieving in their effort, but the real problem is it will be more and more difficult, and cost more money, because the target for Ireland for 2030 is 30pc and more difficult and then it will become more costly. "I think it will also become kind of a societal issue. Ireland is always promoting herself, and rightly so, as very innovative, modern and a progressive country and you have ambitions to be leaders in this new economy. I think there is a higher demand from all the tech sector you have here because they want a very clean environmental story. "They want to use renewable energy, live in a clean environment and promote technology - this is something which is very important. "The Government should be extremely focused on how to organise the whole transformation in a way you don't face the same challenge in the future." Speaking at the Climate Innovation Summit in Dublin Castle, he also said workers in traditionally polluting industries such as turf production could not be "abandoned" as we move to a low-carbon future. A "new economic future" was needed for the midlands and other parts of the EU reliant on mining and industries incompatible with tackling climate change. Last month, Bord na Mona announced plans to move away from turf production by 2025 - five years earlier than previously stated - which will result in the loss of 430 jobs across the midlands. "How do you make this very challenging transition fair?" he said. "We cannot just abandon the people who have worked in the mines or peat-fields in Ireland or traditional heavy energy use industries. "We cannot say we are moving to a new stage and we don't care. That's the wrong approach and it will slow us down." The commission is working with regions to develop new opportunities in consultation with local communities. If the EU opens a tax probe into Facebook, will Ireland go to bat for the company in the same way it has for Apple? Coincidentally, the social media giant unveiled ambitious new plans yesterday to employ thousands more people in Dublin at its new campus, the former AIB headquarters site. Traditionally, the Government has robustly defended the country's largest strategic employers. It is currently appealing the European Commission's 13bn back tax bill handed to Apple, even though the money would go to the taxpayer. It does this for what it believes is a larger, more long-term industrial goal. In essence, this is no different to what the UK does for big banks or Germany for the car industry. But will Ireland step up for Facebook? While the Government will want to defend its own tax practices, there are some signs it may take a less enthusiastic approach to Facebook than it did to Apple - because many in Government don't like the company. Earlier this week, the Government's Communications Committee chairperson, Hildegarde Naughton, co-signed a letter slamming Facebook boss Mark Zuckerberg for its "disinformation and fake news" and demanding he appear before the British Houses of Parliament to answer questions. The letter, co-signed by Ms Naughton's counterparts in the UK, Canada, Australia and Argentina, said Mr Zuckerberg should "do the right thing" by turning up to Westminster. Ms Naughton's hostility to Facebook is not unrepresentative. It is shared fairly widely across politics and large chunks of the media. Will that creeping dislike leak through to industrial policy in a tax case? We may soon see. Angela Merkel is leaving the stage but another pragmatic German is on course to take up a key position at the centre of European politics. Manfred Weber, a guitar-playing Bavarian, yesterday won the backing of the European People's Party (EPP) to run for president of the EU Commission next year. He had locked in the support of Fine Gael long ago in his battle with former Finnish prime minister Alex Stubb. Mr Weber (46), a practising Catholic who has never held a ministerial position, won 79pc of the support of delegates at an EPP conference in Finland. But if that result was a walk in the park, his campaign to replace Jean-Claude Juncker will be anything but. Much of the conversation in Helsinki this week has focused on the threats facing the EU rather than the opportunities. Ms Merkel even warned that the Union risks not being taken seriously by the United States and China unless it gets its act together. The EPP is losing influence in many countries as more right-wing parties rise. "The campaign starts here in Helsinki," said Mr Weber after his resounding victory. "We are bridge-builders, let's use this momentum. Then we will win in May 2019." That calm tone of compromise is one he applies to most things - but not necessarily to Brexit. Fine Gael enthusiastically backed Mr Weber, and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar was among the first to congratulate him in person. Last night Mr Varadkar said he hopes Mr Weber will become the commission's president. "He's very much a friend and ally of Ireland. We'd like to see him have the top job for the next five years." But the Fine Gael leader will expect that trust to be repaid as he tours European capitals in the coming months. Mr Weber takes a very dim view of the Brexit decision to leave the EU. At a pre-election debate on Wednesday night, he warned the UK must be made to feel the consequences of Brexit. "I must tell you one clear message: I cannot vote in the European Parliament for a leave treaty when next March nothing would happen," he said. "People in Europe must see a difference whether you are a member of the European Union or whether you will be out of the European Union." Analysts suggest the EPP will win 219 parliament seats out of a total 705 in next May's election. That will place Mr Weber in pole position to become commission president. Ultimately though, it will be the leaders of the EU27 who decide if he gets the job. Already French President Emmanuel Macron has challenged the idea that the party with the most MEPs should have an automatic entitlement to hold the presidency. Winning the EPP vote was the easy bit. Actress Nicole Kidman and her children Connor (L) and Isabella (R) attend a game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Miami Heat at the Staples Center December 25, 2004 Actors Nicole Kidman and husband Tom Cruise arrive at Sydney Kingsford Smith airport and introduce their children Connor and Isabella to the media January 24, 1996 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Patrick Riviere/Getty images) Nicole Kidman attends the 22nd Annual Hollywood Film Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on November 4, 2018 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for HFA) Nicole Kidman attends the premiere of Focus Features' "Boy Erased" at Directors Guild Of America on October 29, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images) Nicole Kidman attends the premiere of Focus Features; "Boy Erased" at Directors Guild Of America on October 29, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images) Nicole Kidman attends the premiere of Focus Features' "The Beguiled" at Directors Guild Of America on June 12, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images) Nicole Kidman shows her adopted children unconditional love, even though they dont share the same beliefs. The 51-year-old actress adopted daughter Isabella, 25, and son Connor, 23, whilst she was married to her first husband Tom Cruise in the 90s, and has said that whilst they both now practice Scientology like their father, she still shows them tolerance and love. Nicole - who is a Catholic, and stated after her divorce from Tom in 2001 that she didnt want her children to be raised as Scientologists - said: They are adults. They are able to make their own decisions. They have made choices to be Scientologists and as a mother, its my job to love them. And I am an example of that tolerance and thats what I believe that no matter what your child does, the child has love and the child has to know there is available love and Im open here. I think thats so important because if that is taken away from a child, to sever that in any child, in any relationship, in any family I believe its wrong. So thats our job as a parent, to always offer unconditional love. Expand Close Actress Nicole Kidman and her children Connor (L) and Isabella (R) attend a game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Miami Heat at the Staples Center December 25, 2004 / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Actress Nicole Kidman and her children Connor (L) and Isabella (R) attend a game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Miami Heat at the Staples Center December 25, 2004 The Big Little Lies star is now married to Keith Urban, with whom she has two biological daughters - Sunday, 10, and Faith, seven - likes to remain very private about her family life, but knows she would give up her life for any of her children in a heartbeat. Speaking to Australias WHO magazine, she added: Im very private about all that. I have to protect all those relationships. I know 150 per cent that I would give up my life for my children because its what my purpose is. Meanwhile, Nicole recently revealed that being married to Hollywood icon Tom - whom she wed in 1990 and divorced in 2001 - gave her a level of protection against sexual harassment during the early stages of her career. She said: "Being married to Tom Cruise at 22 is something I'm always reluctant to talk about, because I'm married now to the man who is my great love [Keith Urban], and it almost feels disrespectful. That said, I got married very young, but it definitely wasn't power for me - it was protection. "I married for love, but being married to an extremely powerful man kept me from being sexually harassed. I would work, but I was still very much cocooned. So when I came out of it at 32, 33, it's almost like I had to grow up." Bella Hadid walks the runway during the 2018 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show at Pier 94 on November 8, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images) Barbara Palvin poses backstage during the 2018 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show at Pier 94 on November 8, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images for Victoria's Secret) Bella Hadid walks the runway during the 2018 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show at Pier 94 on November 8, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images) Adriana Lima walks the runway during the 2018 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show at Pier 94 on November 8, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Victoria's Secret) from L to R : Canadian model Winnie Harlow, US model Gigi Hadid, US model Kendall Jenner and British model Alexina Graham walks the runway at the 2018 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show on November 8, 2018 at Pier 94 in New York City Victorias Secret is synonymous with sexy and for years, it dictated exactly what sexy was - and more specifically how it looked. For older generations, the brand became a mainstay because of its now defunct catalogue and for Gen Z-ers, its displayed as an aspiration through Instagram. Since the first show in 1995, the production has grown exponentially and so has its roster of models. While Naomi Campbell, Tyra Banks, Heidi Klum and Gisele stalked the runways in the 90s, setting the tone for a superhuman level of beauty that only so-called Angels seemed to possess, nowadays, it girls like Bella and Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner are the big draws, often overshadowing veterans like Candice Swanepoel, Adriana Lima and Behati Prinsloo. On social media ,Victorias Secret is a cult and followers worship at the altar of unattainable beauty, the result of an exceptionally effective marketing directive. Both current and retired Angels repeatedly say that their lives were changed after being associated with the brand. It almost turns you into a 'brand' people know who you are and will associate your name with your face, which gives you a chance to have a voice," Sara Sampaio told Fashionista in 2015. Expand Close Barbara Palvin poses backstage during the 2018 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show at Pier 94 on November 8, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images for Victoria's Secret) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Barbara Palvin poses backstage during the 2018 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show at Pier 94 on November 8, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images for Victoria's Secret) On E!s most recent foray into reality television, Model Squad, a show documenting a group of international models based in New York, a number of episodes are based around their tunnel vision at landing the VS show, describing it - accurately - as career changing, and the ultimate goal for most. However, not everyone looks back fondly on their time with the brand and its pressure to fit into the physical ideal decided by the head honchos. Gisele recently said she became less comfortable modelling in just lingerie and while she was grateful for the opportunity, decided to leave as she was in a different place in my life. Erin Heatherton said she stopped working with the brand in 2013 after four years because of the pressure to lose weight. "My last two Victoria's Secret shows, I was told I had to lose weight," she told TIME magazine's Motto. "I look back like, 'Really?' I was really depressed because I was working so hard and I felt like my body was resisting me. And I got to a point where one night I got home from a workout and I remember staring at my food and thinking maybe I should just not eat. Its this dedication to physical perfection that has become increasingly out-of-touch with how consumers think today, particularly in the youth market. Read More Sales in the US have been slowly, but notably, declining comparably since 2016, after record performances in 2015. Promotions including free underwear (I refuse to use the VS-appointed word panties') with purchase and cutting the swim and apparel lines are some of the reasons behind its decline, according to Forbes. Its still number one in the States, but competitors, critics and fans have all noticed theres a shift in its perception. Video of the Day The show returned to New York last night after moving around to London, Shanghai and Paris in recent years, utilising its popularity in European, but especially, in the valuable Chinese markets. And 12 months ago, they opened a three-storey premises on Dublins Grafton Street - a decision which prompted aunts living in Boston the shrug a sigh of relief at not having to bring over a few bits for their teenage nieces on every return to Ireland - but also proof that perhaps the focus is shifting towards a more-interested, less over-saturated Europe. Back to the fashion show itself: it is unquestionably its biggest event, and one of the best examples of effective marketing in the retail industry overall, but even that hasnt been exempt from criticism in recent years. Expand Close Adriana Lima walks the runway during the 2018 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show at Pier 94 on November 8, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Victoria's Secret) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Adriana Lima walks the runway during the 2018 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show at Pier 94 on November 8, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Victoria's Secret) There were outcries lambasting the casting of the Hadids and Jenner, and it seemed like people would be taking to the streets when Hailey Baldwin auditioned last year. The argument was that, for years, Victorias Secret always worked above the fray - they didnt need models, models needed them - but now that isnt such an accepted fact. Now, they need a Hadid to guarantee column inches and continue the cult of Instagram devotion, while a Hadid needs to feel like its an honour to walk with a brand to encourage their continued partnership. Both sides are getting played. Every year, the same stories are bandied about and the brand capitalised on this fascination with Angelss gym regimens and it should come as no surprise that it requires about two to three hour daily workouts, a personal chef or meal delivery service and an awareness of every morsel of food that enters your body. Adriana Lima, who surprised everyone last night when she announced that she would be leaving the brand after 19 years, famously said in 2011 that she drank only protein shakes for nine days before show and nothing the day of. Australian model Kelly Gale said she adds an additional 30km walk on top of her two-hour-per-day fitness routine and Barbara Palvin said she has been watching food videos on YouTube to satisfy her cravings. Bella Hadid, on the other hand, admitted to working out three hours per day, the results of which she seemed thrilled with when she shared a behind the scenes picture from her fitting earlier this week, sharing a set of three pictures in which her ribcage was protruding, as were her hip bones. Expand Close Barbara Fialho poses backstage during the 2018 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show at Pier 94 on November 8, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images for Victoria's Secret) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Barbara Fialho poses backstage during the 2018 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show at Pier 94 on November 8, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images for Victoria's Secret) Read More The reaction to such a display of skinniness went largely unnoticed, despite the fact that critics argued in September they would apply the same pressure to brands and publications for promoting extreme thinness just as much as they did Cosmopolitan for putting size-22 Tess Holliday on its cover. Isnt it all just a bit dated? The show itself is a spectacle, its fun to watch and daydream and imagine how different your life would be as a supermodel. But, in 2018, after everything that we have rid ourselves of and empowered ourselves with, why do we still keep Victorias Secret, one the most exclusionary brands out there, as a mantle of success? Winnie Harlow made history as the first model with vitiligo to appear in the show, which is certainly a step in the right direction and models of colour featured prominently in the show, but the fact that they all possessed impossibly shiny hair, sparkling white teeth and came under a size six is still just glossed over. Victorias Secret does in fact cater to women of all sizes, so the idea of representing only one body type is a bizarre contradiction in promoting their own stock. Sizes are carried up to XL and DDD, so featuring XS and C cups doesnt seem like an accurate promotion of their goods and suspicious as to their decision to only promote one body type as the body type to have. I have certainly aged out of their core demographic: I have no need for glitter anywhere in my life and my choice of underwear resembles more Bridget Jones than that of Romee Strijd, but I still have a desire for change - so that teenage girls dont have to look at one event and think the only way to be beautiful is by watching food videos on YouTube. Forecasters have issued a number of weather warnings for the next 24 hours. Met Eireann have published details on three separate Status Yellow warnings, which came into effect in the early hours of Friday morning. Dublin Fire Brigade have also issued a warning alongside the weather forecast, appealing for people to secure any outdoor furniture or trampolines. "There is a Status Yellow wind and rain warning in place from 0600 tomorrow morning," they wrote. "Please take the opportunity to secure any outdoor furniture, trampolines etc." Met Eireann forecaster Harm Luijkx said Friday is expected to be "wet and very windy", with winds increasing to gusts on the east and south coast. "Rain will spread to all areas on Friday," he said, "while Saturday and Sunday will have mixed sunny spells and showers." The wind warning for Munster and Connacht came into effect at 4am on Friday morning and will remain in place until 3pm. It reads; "Southeasterly winds will reach mean speeds of 50 to 65km/h with gusts of 90 to 110km/hr. Gusts will exceed these values in exposed coastal areas and on higher ground, especially in the southwest." A Status Yellow rainfall warning has been issued for 13 counties in the east and south, including; Dublin, Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Louth, Wexford, Wicklow, Galway, Mayo, Cork, Kerry, Tipperary and Waterford. The warning also came into effect at 6am Friday morning and will remain in place until 6pm Friday. Heavy rain are expected to lead to accumulations of around 25 to 40mm - but forecasters warned it may exceed these limits in mountainous areas. Finally, a Status Yellow wind warning is in place for Leinster and counties Cavan, Monaghan and Donegal. The winds are expected to reach speeds of 50 to 65km/h with gusts of 90 to 110km/hr. This warning is valid from 8am on Friday morning and remains in place until 7pm on Friday evening. An estimated 50mm of rain fell in less than 24 hours across parts of Cork - leaving commuters facing travel misery due to floods and debris on roads. Cork City and Co Councils confirmed spot flooding on dozens of roads with the problem exacerbated by large quantities of leaves and twigs shed by trees which, in cases, caused blockages as the debris was washed into drain screens. In Cork city, spot flooding was reported along numerous city roads and some quays as pedestrians struggled to reach shelter in the heavy downpours. At Cork Airport, gusting winds resulted in challenging conditions for pilots though flights operated as normal. "There has been no disruption to flight operations today due to the weather," Cork Airport indicated. In Waterford, spot flooding was reported along the River Blackwater near Lismore and Ballyduff. Motorists were also urged to drive with extreme care in Kerry and Tipperary due to the heavy rainfall and risk of spot flooding on rural roads. Gardai urged drivers to slow down, allow extra time for journeys and to exercise care along areas prone to flooding - while pedestrians were urged to ensure maximum visibility. The Irish Coastguard urged people to take caution if near exposed coastal areas where winds were expected to reach their peak potentially reaching between 110km/h and 130km/h. Irish Water Safety also said people should exercise extreme caution near streams, rivers and lakes given the surge in levels expected because of the torrential rainfall. John Curran had held a senior position for the Mellon Educate charity in Cape Town A charity worker was stabbed to death in a robbery at his South African apartment where only his phone was taken. Retired school principal John Curran was discovered with multiple stab wounds at around 10.30am on Wednesday in the Cape Town property where he had been staying for the past two months. Expand Close John Curran / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp John Curran Mr Curran (60) previously lived in Churchtown, south Dublin, where he worked as a principal, before moving to South Africa to work with the Mellon Educate charity. President of the Irish Primary Principals Network David Ruddy described him as a highly esteemed colleague and friend. He said he was a "visionary" and an "exceptional leader" with an "infectious smile". Investigators confirmed that they are treating his death as a murder and no arrests have yet been made. A phone belonging to Mr Curran is missing and detectives are now probing if the dedicated charity worker was murdered during a robbery at the property where he was staying. Expand Close John Curran had just finished his two years with the charity / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp John Curran had just finished his two years with the charity CCTV footage of the apartment complex, on Buitengracht Street, Cape Town, has been reviewed by police officers. A source said the footage recorded a person concealing their face leaving the apartment in the early hours of Wednesday morning. A post-mortem will be carried out on Mr Curran either today, or at the latest on Monday, to determine the cause of death. At this stage, police officers believe that he suffered multiple stab wounds to his body. His remains were discovered when a friend visited his apartment yesterday, and police were notified at around 10.30am. A spokesperson for the Cape Town police said that a senior investigator had been assigned to lead the murder inquiry. Captain Ezra October told the Irish Independent: "We can confirm that police arrived at the apartment block and found a body with stab wounds. "We have assigned a senior detective to the case and carried out a forensic investigation of the apartment and sampling. This is definitely being investigated as a case of murder." A detailed forensic examination of the scene was carried out by police officers, and at this stage detectives believe that only Mr Curran's mobile phone is missing. However, further inquiries will be carried out to determine if any other items were taken or are missing from the victim's home. His body was formally identified by a colleague yesterday, and his family were notified. It is believed that he was staying in the Cape Town apartment while on a vacation, having completed his contract with the charity. The Mellon Educate non-profit, with whom Mr Curran worked for two years, paid tribute to the "much-loved" Dublin man. "With great sadness we learned that our dear colleague and friend John Curran was killed during a robbery in his apartment. "John only recently completed a two-year contract as director of education for Mellon Educate in South Africa and was staying on vacation in Cape Town for a number of weeks," a statement read. It's understood he was due to fly home to Ireland this week. The charity's chief executive Niall Mellon said Mr Curran had helped thousands of children in South Africa. "I know our many volunteers and supporters will be very sad to hear this tragic news. John was much loved by everyone who met him and especially by the thousands of children he helped during his time with Mellon Educate. "We are assisting his family in every way we can and your warm wishes of empathy are sincerely appreciated," he said. Before moving to South Africa, he previously worked as a principal at Good Shepherd National School in Churchtown, Dublin. Last night, the school posted a statement to pay tribute to "an innovative educator". "John's vision and enthusiasm still influence our ethos and can be seen at work throughout our school today," it said. A book of condolences has been opened at the school. He was heavily involved with the Irish Primary Principals Network (IPPN), which described him as a highly esteemed colleague and friend. Speaking on 'RTE News', IPPN president David Ruddy said Mr Curran was an "exceptional leader" who was "very much loved". Mr Ruddy said Mr Curran found his work in South Africa "very rewarding and equally very challenging". He then recited a famous quote by former South African leader Nelson Mandela - "education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world" - and said that Mr Curran "lived and embodied every piece of that statement". The Department of Foreign Affairs said it is aware of the situation and "is providing consular assistance". Mr Curran was predeceased by his son Eoin, who died in a tragic sailing accident in New York in 2010. He is survived by his wife Liz, their children Darragh, Triona and Donal, six grand-children and his two sisters. A man wearing an I heart Jesus cap is wanted by police for a surprising crime vandalising a church. Police in Chesterfield County, Virginia, are searching for a man who was captured in surveillance photos inside Ironbridge Church on Tuesday. UPDATE: SUSPECT ARRESTED! The suspect in this incident has been identified and was arrested on Monday, Nov. 12. Thank... Posted by Chesterfield County Police on Wednesday, November 7, 2018 According to police: Once inside, the suspect, who is seen in these surveillance photos, tore up bibles, broke an interior window and spray painted walls. This incident does not appear to be random. They added: He was wearing a black jacket, light-coloured jeans, dark-coloured shoes and a black hat that appeared to say I Jesus. Local residents were shocked by the crime. One commented on Facebook: This is crazy! What the hell is wrong with people now-a-days! No place is safe anymore not even Gods house. Another wrote: I dont believe even an atheist would do something like this. Policemen stop members of the public from walking towards the Bourke Street mall in central Melbourne, Australia, November 9, 2018. REUTERS/Sonali Paul Policemen block members of the public from walking towards the Bourke Street mall in central Melbourne, Australia, November 9, 2018. REUTERS/Sonali Paul A knife-wielding man has stabbed two people, one fatally, in Melbourne in an attack believed to be linked to terrorism, police said. The attack during the afternoon rush hour brought the centre of Australia's second largest city to a standstill. Expand Close Policemen stop members of the public from walking towards the Bourke Street mall in central Melbourne, Australia, November 9, 2018. REUTERS/Sonali Paul / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Policemen stop members of the public from walking towards the Bourke Street mall in central Melbourne, Australia, November 9, 2018. REUTERS/Sonali Paul Police said the man got out of a vehicle, which then caught fire, and attacked three bystanders with a knife before being shot by police. The suspect died later in hospital. One of the victims also died and the two others were admitted to hospital. Victoria Police Commissioner Graham Ashton said the suspect, originally from Somalia, was known to police and the incident is being treated as terrorism. Superintendent David Clayton said police responded to reports of a burning vehicle. Officers were confronted near the burning car by a man "brandishing a knife and threatening them" while passers-by called out that people had been stabbed, he said. Mr Clayton said investigators did not believe there were any other assailants. The man was shot in the chest by police. He said a bomb squad was making the scene safe. Victoria Police tweeted a request for witnesses to speak to police and share any images that might help the investigation. Officers said the car contained several barbecue gas cylinders. Victoria state premier Daniel Andrews said the attack was "an evil and terrifying thing that has happened in our city and state today". Mourners have gathered to hold hands, sing and to wonder how one of the safest cities in America could become a killing zone. Hundreds of people gathered on Thursday evening to remember the dozen people shot and killed by a marine veteran at the packed Borderline Bar & Grill the night before. It was a scene of horror enacted in many places around the country in recent months, but never before in Thousand Oaks. Terrified patrons who had gathered for the weekly line dancing and college night hurled bar stools through windows to escape or threw their bodies protectively on top of friends as shots erupted. Twelve people were killed including Ventura County sheriffs Sergeant Ron Helus, a 29-year veteran nearing retirement who responded to reports of shots fired and was gunned down as he entered the bar. The brotherhood and sisterhood of law enforcement come together in strong support of the community and our fallen deputy. THANK YOU @lapdVanNuysDiv pic.twitter.com/VK9AovGNSf Thousand Oaks Sta. (@toaksvcso) November 8, 2018 He and other first responders ran toward danger, Sheriff Geoff Dean said at the vigil. When I told her (his wife) that we had lost her hero, I said to her, Because of Ron, many lives were saved, Mr Dean said. And she looked at me through her tears and she said, He would have wanted it that way. The dead also included a man who had survived last years massacre in Las Vegas, Telemachus Orfanos, 27. I dont want prayers. I dont want thoughts, his mother Susan Schmidt-Orfanos said earlier. I want those bastards in Congress they need to pass gun control so no one else has a child that doesnt come home. The city of about 130,000 people, about 40 miles from Los Angeles, is annually listed as one of the safest cities in America. Expand Close Pictures of one of the victims (Ringo HW Chiu/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Pictures of one of the victims (Ringo HW Chiu/AP) Hope has sustained communities, very much like Thousand Oaks, through the exact same triages of mass shootings, said Andy Fox, the citys outgoing mayor. Tonight Thousand Oaks takes its place with those cities, who in order to move forward will rely on hope. we are Thousand Oaks strong. The motive for the attack is under investigation. The killer, Ian David Long, 28, was a former machine gunner and Afghanistan war veteran who was interviewed by police at his home last spring after an episode of agitated behaviour that authorities were told might be post-traumatic stress disorder. Dressed all in black with his hood pulled up, Long opened fire with a handgun with an illegal, extra-capacity magazine. He shot a security guard outside the bar and then went in and took aim at employees and customers, authorities said. Expand Close Ian David Long (California Department of Motor Vehicles/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Ian David Long (California Department of Motor Vehicles/AP) He apparently killed himself as scores of police converged on the nightspot. Many of the estimated 150 patrons at the Borderline dived under tables, ran for exits, broke through windows or hid in the attic and toilets, authorities and witnesses said. All morning, people looking for missing friends and relatives arrived at a community centre where authorities and counsellors were informing the next-of-kin of those who died. It was the nations deadliest such attack since 17 students and teachers were killed at a Florida high school nine months ago. It also came less than two weeks after a gunman massacred 11 people at a synagogue in Pittsburgh. The gun violence that continues to plague our nation is beyond heartbreaking -- it's a societal failure. Simply saying, "enough is enough," is NOT enough. We must address the root causes of these devastating acts at every level of government. Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) November 8, 2018 Democratic governor-elect Gavin Newsom, in his first public appearance since winning office on Tuesday, lamented the violence that has returned to California. Its a gun culture, he said. You cant go to a bar or nightclub? You cant go to church or synagogue? Its insane is the only way to describe it. The normalisation, thats the only way I can describe it. Its become normalised. President Donald Trump praised police for their great bravery in the attack and ordered flags flown at half-mast in honour of the victims. Authorities searched Longs home in Newbury Park, about five miles from the bar, for clues to what set him off. Maybe there was a motive for this particular night, but we have no information leading to that at all, the sheriff said. Long was in the Marines from 2008 to 2013, rose to the rank of corporal and served in Afghanistan in 2010-11 before he was honourably discharged, the military said. Court records show he married in 2009 and was divorced in 2013. Authorities said he had no criminal record, but in April officers were called to his home, where they found him angry and acting irrationally. The sheriff said officers were told he might have PTSD because of his military service. A mental health specialist met him and did not feel he needed to be admitted to hospital. Police want to speak to this man about an alleged sexual assault on a 12-year-old girl in Primark Photo:Greater Manchester Police A manhunt has been launched after a 12-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted in a branch of Primark. The victim was shopping with a family member in Bury in the UK when she was allegedly groped in the town-centre clothing store, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said. The man continued to follow the girl around the shop and later tried to lift up her skirt, police said. Constable Stephen Rain, of GMPs Bury division, said: This was a blatant and repeated sexual assault of a young girl when she was simply out shopping with family. We are determined to find who has committed this offence. We would ask anyone who recognises the man in this picture, or has any information, to get in touch immediately. The girl was on the first floor of the shop when a man approached her from behind and groped her at about 4.30pm on 11 September, police said. A short time later she felt her skirt being lifted and turned around the see the same man, who she believes had a mobile phone in his hand. A GMP statement added: "The girl ran to a member of her family and told them what had happened. While the family member and the victim were still inside the store, the offender reappeared and not realising the girls family member was close by attempted to approach the girl again. The family member challenged the man, who became very agitated and quickly made off through the main entrance. Anyone with information can call police on 0161 856 8181 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Moscow has named a square after Kim Philby, the British double agent who defected to the Soviet Union in 1963, near the headquarters of Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service. The move comes as relations between London and Moscow have plunged to Cold War-era lows over the poisoning of the former double agent Sergei Skripal in England, allegedly by Russian spies. Mayor Sergei Sobyanin ordered that an intersection in a south-western district be renamed "Kim Philby Square", according to a decree carried on the local government website. Philby, a senior MI6 officer who passed information to Moscow over three decades, was perhaps the best-known member of the spy ring Cambridge Five, a group of British establishment figures who were recruited to work for the Soviets. A Philippine court has found the countrys former first lady Imelda Marcos guilty of corruption charges and ordered her arrest. Marcos is to appeal against the conviction in a bid to avoid jail and losing her seat in congress. A special Sandiganbayan court sentenced Marcos, 89, to serve six to 11 years in prison for each of the seven counts of violating an anti-corruption law when she illegally funnelled about 152 million to Swiss foundations in the 1970s as metropolitan Manila governor. Neither Marcos nor anyone representing her attended Fridays court hearing. Marcos said in a statement that the decision was being studied by one of her lawyers who notified the Marcos family that he intends to appeal against the decision. Anti-Marcos activists and human rights victims welcomed the conviction as long overdue. The court disqualified Marcos from holding public office, but she can remain a member of the powerful house of representatives while appealing against the decision. Expand Close The 89-year-old is expected to appeal against her conviction (AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The 89-year-old is expected to appeal against her conviction (AP) Her congressional term will end next year but she has registered to run to replace her daughter as governor of the northern Ilocos Norte province. Imelda Marcos husband, ex-president Ferdinand Marcos, was ousted by an army-backed people power revolt in 1986. He died in self-exile in Hawaii in 1989 but his widow and children returned to the Philippines. Most have been elected to public office in an impressive political comeback. Government prosecutor Ryan Quilala told reporters that Marcos and her husband opened and managed Swiss foundations in violation of the Philippine Constitution, using aliases in a bid to hide stolen funds. The Marcoses have been accused of plundering the governments coffers amid crushing poverty throughout the country. They have denied any wrongdoing and have successfully fought many other corruption cases. Imelda Marcos was acquitted on Friday in three other cases, which were filed in 1991 and took nearly three decades of trial by several judges and prosecutors. She was once convicted of a corruption case in 1993, but the supreme court later cleared her of any wrongdoing. President Rodrigo Duterte, an ally of the Marcoses, said last year that the family had indicated a willingness to return an unspecified amount of money and a few gold bars to help ease Philippine budget deficits. He indicated the family still denies that the assets had been stolen, as alleged by their political opponents. Ferdinand Marcos placed the Philippines under martial rule a year before his term in office was to expire. He padlocked congress, ordered the arrest of political rivals and left-wing activists and ruled by decree. His family is said to have amassed an estimated 4-8 billion dollars while he was in power. A Hawaiian court found Marcos liable for human rights violations and awarded 1.5 billion from his estate to compensate more than 9,000 Filipinos who had filed a lawsuit against him for torture, incarceration, extra-judicial killings and disappearances. Mr Duterte has acknowledged that Imee Marcos, the couples daughter and a provincial governor, had backed his presidential candidacy. Terrified patrons hurled barstools through windows to escape or threw their bodies protectively on top of friends as a Marine combat veteran killed 12 people at a country music bar in southern California. Dressed all in black with his hood pulled up, the gunman apparently took his own life as scores of police converged on the Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks, about 40 miles north-west of Los Angeles. The motive for the rampage late on Wednesday night was under investigation. Expand Close People comfort each other as they sit near the scene in Thousand Oaks (Mark J Terrill/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp People comfort each other as they sit near the scene in Thousand Oaks (Mark J Terrill/AP) The killer, Ian David Long, 28, was a former machine gunner and Afghanistan war veteran who was interviewed by police at his home last spring after an episode of agitated behaviour that authorities were told might be post-traumatic stress disorder. Expand Close Authorities said Marine combat veteran Ian David Long opened fire at a country music bar in southern California (California Department of Motor Vehicles via AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Authorities said Marine combat veteran Ian David Long opened fire at a country music bar in southern California (California Department of Motor Vehicles via AP) Opening fire with a handgun with an illegal, extra-capacity magazine, Long shot a security guard outside the bar and then went in and took aim at employees and customers, authorities said. He also used a smoke bomb, according to a law enforcement official. The dead included a man who had survived last years massacre in Las Vegas, a veteran sheriffs deputy who rushed in to confront the gunman, a 22-year-old man who planned to join the Army, a freshman at nearby Pepperdine University and a recent Cal Lutheran graduate. Its a horrific scene in there, Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean said in the parking lot. Theres blood everywhere. Survivors of the rampage mostly young people who had gone out for college night at the Borderline, a hangout popular with students from nearby California Lutheran University and other schools seemed to know what to do, having come of age in an era of active-shooter drills and deadly rampages happening with terrifying frequency. For some it was not a new experience. Survivors and their relatives said several people who were at the bar had been at the outdoor country music festival in Las Vegas last year where a gunman in a high-rise hotel killed 58 people. I dont want prayers. I dont want thoughts, said Susan Schmidt-Orfanos, whose son Telemachus Orfanos survived the Vegas shooting only to die less than 10 minutes from his home. I want those in Congress they need to pass gun control so no-one else has a child that doesnt come home. Many of the estimated 150 patrons at the Borderline dived under tables, ran for exits, broke through windows or hid in the attic and bathrooms, authorities and witnesses said. Unfortunately our young people, people at nightclubs, have learned that this may happen, and they think about that, the sheriff said. Fortunately it helped save a lot of lives that they fled the scene so rapidly. Expand Close Flower near the scene of the mass shooting in Thousand Oaks (Ringo HW Chiu/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Flower near the scene of the mass shooting in Thousand Oaks (Ringo HW Chiu/AP) Matt Wennerstrom said he instinctively pulled people behind a pool table, and he and friends shielded women with their bodies after hearing the shots. When the gunman paused to reload, Mr Wennerstrom said, he and others shattered windows with barstools and helped about 30 people escape. He heard another volley of shots once he was safely outside. All I wanted to do was get as many people out of there as possible, he told KABC-TV. I know where Im going if I die, so I was not worried. Jason Coffman received the news that his son Cody, 22, who was about to join the Army, was dead. Mr Coffman broke down as he told reporters how his last words to his son as he went out that night were not to drink and drive and that he loved him. It was the nations deadliest such attack since 17 students and teachers were killed at a Parkland, Florida, high school nine months ago. It also came less than two weeks after a gunman massacred 11 people at a synagogue in Pittsburgh. President Donald Trump praised police for their great bravery in the attack and ordered flags flown at half-staff in honour of the victims. Authorities searched Longs home in Newbury Park, about five miles from the Borderline bar. Theres no indication that he targeted the employees. We havent found any correlation, the sheriff said. Maybe there was a motive for this particular night, but we have no information leading to that at all. Long was in the Marines from 2008 to 2013, rose to the rank of corporal and served in Afghanistan in 2010-11 before he was honourably discharged, the military said. Court records show he married in 2009 and was divorced in 2013. Sheriffs Sargeant Ron Helus and a passing highway patrolman arrived at the club around 11.pm local time. in response to several 911 calls, heard gunfire and went inside, the sheriff said. Sgt Helus was shot immediately, Mr Dean said. Today we mourn the loss of Sergeant Ron Helus who gave his life serving the community. Please keep his family and the families of the victims in your thoughts and prayers. pic.twitter.com/EwDsnPRDCs Ventura County Sheriff (@VENTURASHERIFF) November 8, 2018 The highway patrolman pulled Sgt Helus out, then waited as a Swat team and other officers arrived. Sgt Helus died at a hospital. By the time officers entered the bar again about 15 to 20 minutes later, according to the sheriffs office the gunfire had stopped. They found 12 people dead inside, including the gunman, who was discovered in an office, the sheriff said. Theres no doubt that they saved lives by going in there and engaging with the suspect, said Mr Dean, who was set to retire Friday. He praised the killed officer a close friend as a hero: He went in there to save people and paid the ultimate price. A Christian woman spared the death sentence after her blasphemy conviction was quashed has been freed from jail as Pakistani authorities insisted she remains in the country. Asia Bibi was flown from prison in Punjab province to the capital, prompting speculation she may already be en route to asylum in Europe. But the government said she remained in Pakistan as Imran Khan's administration tried to avoid a repeat of protests by religious hard-liners that paralysed the country after her acquittal last week. "Asia Bibi is completely secure at a safe place in Pakistan," said Mohammad Faisal, a foreign ministry spokesman. "Asia Bibi can go anywhere she wants to. If she wants to go abroad, no harm in it." However, a UK Christian charity said the Catholic mother-of-five and her family remained in danger. Her husband has appealed to countries including Britain to grant his family asylum. Last night, 24 British cross-party Catholic MPs and lords called on Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt to allow Mrs Bibi to make her home in the UK. Antonio Tajani, president of the European parliament, has already offered the family refuge in Europe. News that the 53-year-old farm worker had been freed and flown from Multan to Islamabad triggered anger from hardline religious parties. Thousands marched in the port city of Karachi to call for her execution and other cities were braced for a repeat of last week's protests, which blocked roads and closed schools and offices. A spokesman for the Tehreek-e-Labaik party said her release violated a deal with the government under which assurances had been given she would stay in the country until the supreme court had heard a petition protesting against her acquittal in return for calling off action. But the information minister said speculation she had left the country was "extremely irresponsible". Ms Bibi spent eight years on death row after she was wrongly convicted of defaming the prophet Mohammed. She denied blasphemy and said she was falsely accused. The Netherlands yesterday offered temporary exile to Saiful Mulook, her lawyer, who fled Pakistan last weekend. ( Daily Telegraph London) Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021] The port city of Hodeidah is the main lifeline for food and humanitarian aid for civilians in Houthi-controlled territory in the north of Yemen. Stock image Houthi rebel fighters have taken up positions on the roof of one of Hodeidah's main civilian hospitals, Amnesty has warned, as fighting in the crucial Yemeni port city intensified despite calls for a ceasefire. The human rights group warned civilians inside the May 22 hospital were at risk of being hit by a Saudi-led coalition airstrike after Houthi militiamen set up a position on the roof. "This is a stomach-churning development that could have devastating consequences for the hospital's medical workers and dozens of civilian patients, including many children," Amnesty said in statement. The group warned that while the Houthis use of the hospital for military purposes was a violation of international law, it was not a justification for coalition forces to strike the hospital. "Anyone attacking a hospital under these conditions risks responsibility for war crimes," it added. Fighting in Hodeidah has intensified in the last week as Yemeni government forces and their Saudi and UAE allies try to wrest control of the city from the Houthi rebels, who are backed by Iran. Dozens of civilians and combatants have been killed as coalition forces pound the city with airstrikes and push through its streets as part of a renewed offensive that began over the weekend. The intensified attack came despite a US call for a ceasefire in Yemen within 30 days, followed swiftly by UN-brokered peace talks in Sweden. Both sides have expressed willingness to engage in talks but so far there has been no let-up in the fighting. The port city of Hodeidah is the main lifeline for food and humanitarian aid for civilians in Houthi-controlled territory in the north of Yemen. House Democrats are prepared to open multiple investigations of President Donald Trump when they take control in January - but are wary of immediately pursuing impeachment. Mr Trump's threat to adopt a "warlike posture" in response to any probes of his presidency or personal finances angered rank-and-file Democrats, some of whom argued they should get "very aggressive". "The American people like and respect fighters, and they have elected us to put a check on the executive branch," said California Democrat Ro Khanna. He said he had been talking to his colleagues about pushing ahead with investigations, starting with Mr Trump's tax returns. But he stopped short of calling for impeachment proceedings against the president, an explosive move that party leaders worry could create peril in 2020 for politicians who represent districts the president carried in his run for president. Although they have not determined precisely which investigations to launch next year, Democrats are expected to scrutinise Trump administration policies on immigration, education and health care, and to examine his personal finances and potential connections to Russia. "For those who want impeachment, that's not what our caucus is about," House veteran and Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi said before her party clinched the majority. She said she would not move to impeach Mr Trump unless at least some Republicans were on board. Ms Pelosi added she will wait for the outcome of the special counsel investigation but noted that a call for impeachment "would have to be bipartisan, and the evidence would have to be so conclusive". Mr Trump has threatened to turn the Republican-led Senate on Democrats who cross him. "They can play that game but we can play it better, because we have a thing called the United States Senate," the president said. "I could see it being extremely good for me politically because I think I'm better at that game than they are, actually, but we'll find out." Meanwhile, Democratic leaders' resistance to embracing an impeachment effort could cause a significant backlash among the party's restive liberal flank. According to a poll of voters on election day in battleground districts, nearly two-thirds of those who voted for Democratic House candidates want Congress to begin impeachment proceedings, which could lead to Mr Trump's removal from office. But party leaders said they need to be judicious about striking at Mr Trump - knowing their actions could energise an angry Republican base if they attack him indiscriminately. "We have to be as strategic and methodical as we possibly can," said one senior Democratic aide who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal strategy. "If subpoenas go flying, and lawsuits go flying, you're in the mud with [Trump] - and that's what he wants." Key Democrats said it would be premature to begin impeachment proceedings, adding that such a conversation should take place after special counsel Robert Mueller has completed his inquiry. New York Democrat Jerrold Nadler, the incoming chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, said it was "way too early" to discuss that step. Some moderate Democrats urged restraint more broadly, saying the focus should be on governing. Pennsylvania's Conor Lamb, whose district voted for Mr Trump by two points in 2016, said he did not wish to go after the president's tax returns. And Jimmy Gomez, of California, said that those seeking to inflict revenge on Mr Trump were "wrong", tweeting that it was not "payback time" but "time to govern". Even Richard Neal, from Massachusetts, a senior Democrat on the Ways and Means Committee, who intends to push for Mr Trump's tax returns, said that launching investigations "cannot be the sole purpose of this election". "Proportionality is everything," Mr Neal said. ( Washington Post) Mourners are seen at a vigil for families of victims of a mass shooting in Thousand Oaks, California, U.S. November 8, 2018. REUTERS/Eric Thayer Police and FBI officer await a search warrant outside the home of the suspect in a shooting incident at a Thousand Oaks bar, in Newbury Park, California, U.S. November 8, 2018. REUTERS/Mike Blake Police and FBI officers wait outside the home of the suspect in a shooting incident at a Thousand Oaks bar, in Newbury Park, California, U.S. November 8, 2018. REUTERS/Mike Blake Authorities say Ian David Long opened fire at a country music bar in Southern California (California Department of Motor Vehicles via AP) Terrified patrons hurled barstools through windows to escape or threw their bodies protectively on top of friends as a Marine combat veteran killed 12 people at a country music bar in southern California. Dressed all in black with his hood pulled up, the gunman apparently took his own life as scores of police converged on the Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks, about 40 miles north-west of Los Angeles. Expand Close Police and FBI officer await a search warrant outside the home of the suspect in a shooting incident at a Thousand Oaks bar, in Newbury Park, California, U.S. November 8, 2018. REUTERS/Mike Blake / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Police and FBI officer await a search warrant outside the home of the suspect in a shooting incident at a Thousand Oaks bar, in Newbury Park, California, U.S. November 8, 2018. REUTERS/Mike Blake The motive for the rampage late on Wednesday night was under investigation. The killer, Ian David Long (28) was a former machine gunner and Afghanistan war veteran who was interviewed by police at his home last spring after an episode of agitated behaviour that authorities were told might be post-traumatic stress disorder. Opening fire with a handgun with an illegal, extra-capacity magazine, Long shot a security guard outside the bar and then went in and took aim at employees and customers, authorities said. He also used a smoke bomb, according to a law enforcement official. Expand Close Police and FBI officers wait outside the home of the suspect in a shooting incident at a Thousand Oaks bar, in Newbury Park, California, U.S. November 8, 2018. REUTERS/Mike Blake / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Police and FBI officers wait outside the home of the suspect in a shooting incident at a Thousand Oaks bar, in Newbury Park, California, U.S. November 8, 2018. REUTERS/Mike Blake The dead included a man who had survived last year's massacre in Las Vegas, a veteran sheriff's deputy who rushed in to confront the gunman, a 22-year-old man who planned to join the Army, a freshman at nearby Pepperdine University and a recent Cal Lutheran graduate. "It's a horrific scene in there," Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean said in the parking lot. "There's blood everywhere." Survivors of the rampage - mostly young people who had gone out for college night at the Borderline, a hangout popular with students from nearby California Lutheran University and other schools - seemed to know what to do, having come of age in an era of active-shooter drills and deadly rampages happening with terrifying frequency. For some it was not a new experience. Survivors and their relatives said several people who were at the bar had been at the outdoor country music festival in Las Vegas last year where a gunman in a high-rise hotel killed 58 people. Expand Close Mourners are seen at a vigil for families of victims of a mass shooting in Thousand Oaks, California, U.S. November 8, 2018. REUTERS/Eric Thayer / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Mourners are seen at a vigil for families of victims of a mass shooting in Thousand Oaks, California, U.S. November 8, 2018. REUTERS/Eric Thayer "I don't want prayers. I don't want thoughts," said Susan Schmidt-Orfanos, whose son Telemachus Orfanos survived the Vegas shooting only to die less than 10 minutes from his home. "I want those... in Congress - they need to pass gun control so no-one else has a child that doesn't come home." Many of the estimated 150 patrons at the Borderline dived under tables, ran for exits, broke through windows or hid in the attic and bathrooms, authorities and witnesses said. "Unfortunately our young people, people at nightclubs, have learned that this may happen, and they think about that," the sheriff said. "Fortunately it helped save a lot of lives that they fled the scene so rapidly." Matt Wennerstrom said he instinctively pulled people behind a pool table, and he and friends shielded women with their bodies after hearing the shots. When the gunman paused to reload, Mr Wennerstrom said, he and others shattered windows with barstools and helped about 30 people escape. He heard another volley of shots once he was safely outside. "All I wanted to do was get as many people out of there as possible," he told KABC-TV. "I know where I'm going if I die, so I was not worried." Jason Coffman received the news that his son Cody, 22, who was about to join the Army, was dead. Mr Coffman broke down as he told reporters how his last words to his son as he went out that night were not to drink and drive and that he loved him. It was the nation's deadliest such attack since 17 students and teachers were killed at a Parkland, Florida, high school nine months ago. It also came less than two weeks after a gunman massacred 11 people at a synagogue in Pittsburgh. President Donald Trump praised police for their "great bravery" in the attack and ordered flags flown at half-staff in honour of the victims. Authorities searched Long's home which he is believed to have shared with his mother in Newbury Park, about five miles from the Borderline bar. "There's no indication that he targeted the employees. We haven't found any correlation," the sheriff said. "Maybe there was a motive for this particular night, but we have no information leading to that at all." Long was in the Marines from 2008 to 2013, rose to the rank of corporal and served in Afghanistan in 2010-11 before he was honourably discharged, the military said. Court records show he married in 2009 and was divorced in 2013. Sheriff's Sargeant Ron Helus and a passing highway patrolman arrived at the club around 11.pm local time in response to several 911 calls, heard gunfire and went inside, the sheriff said. Sgt Helus was shot immediately, Mr Dean said. The highway patrolman pulled Sgt Helus out, then waited as a Swat team and other officers arrived. Sgt Helus died at a hospital. By the time officers entered the bar again - about 15 to 20 minutes later, according to the sheriff's office - the gunfire had stopped. They found 12 people dead inside, including the gunman, who was discovered in an office, the sheriff said. "There's no doubt that they saved lives by going in there and engaging with the suspect," said Mr Dean, who was set to retire Friday. He praised the killed officer - a close friend - as a hero: "He went in there to save people and paid the ultimate price." Youre fired: Donald Trump (left) announced he had sacked his Attorney General Jeff Sessions (right) on Twitter. Photo: AP Republicans and Democrats have warned US President Donald Trump against impeding the Russia investigation after attorney general Jeff Sessions was ousted in the immediate aftermath of the midterm elections. Republican senators were among those to raise concerns after Mr Sessions was replaced by a Trump ally who has been critical of Special Council Robert Mueller and his investigation into Russian collusion in the 2016 elections. The Russia probe, led by Mr Mueller under the supervision of the Justice Department, has clouded the Trump presidency. The president had long complained about Mr Sessions recusing himself from supervising Mr Mueller. Mr Sessions's removal raised questions among politicians on both sides of the divide who are concerned about the future of the investigation under Mr Sessions' acting replacement, Matthew Whitaker. In August 2017, Mr Whitaker wrote an opinion piece for CNN, titled 'Mueller's investigation of Trump is going too far', in which he argued the scope of the inquiry should be reduced. His previous comments on the Mueller inquiry have caused concern. Earlier that year he suggested in an interview with CNN that Mr Trump could fire Mr Sessions and then appoint an acting attorney general who could reduce the budget of Mueller's probe, "to so low that his investigation grinds to almost a halt". Democrats were swift to pick up on Mr Whitaker's controversial remarks. "Given his previous comments advocating defunding and imposing limitations on the Mueller investigation, Mr Whitaker should recuse himself from its oversight for the duration of his time as acting attorney general," Chuck Schumer, the Senate Democratic leader, said in a statement. "Congress must take bipartisan action to protect the integrity of Special Counsel Mueller's investigation," said Steny Hoyer, the Democrats' No 2 in the House of Representatives, hours after his party won a majority. If Mr Sessions's departure was "an opening move" by Mr Trump to meddle in the Mueller investigation, Mr Hoyer said in a statement: "The president must be held accountable." Most Republicans remained silent about Mr Whitaker, with several saying they were looking forward to working with Mr Trump to find a long-term successor. But Mitt Romney, the party's 2012 presidential nominee who was elected to the Senate for Utah, warned Mr Mueller's probe should not be affected by Mr Sessions's departure. "Under Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker, it is imperative that the important work of the Justice Department continues, and that the Mueller investigation proceeds to its conclusion unimpeded," he tweeted. Lamar Alexander, Republican senator for Tennessee, issued a warning, saying the Senate will not confirm a successor to Mr Sessions who would stop the Russia investigation. Susan Collins, Republican senator for Maine, also warned Mr Trump against interfering with Mr Mueller's Russia investigation, saying he "must be allowed" to finish it. A Justice Department spokeswoman, asked if Mr Whitaker would now oversee Mr Mueller, replied: "The acting attorney general is in charge of all matters under the purview of the Department of Justice." A spokesman for Mr Mueller's office declined to comment on Mr Sessions's departure and what it means for Mr Mueller's probe. Mr Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani said on Tuesday he assumed it was "not going to affect" the investigation. The president sacked Mr Sessions in a Twitter message, saying he had replaced the attorney general with Mr Whitaker, who had previously been Mr Sessions's chief of staff. Never in modern history has a president attacked a cabinet member as frequently and harshly in public as Mr Trump did Mr Sessions (71), one of the first members of Congress to back his presidential campaign in 2015. Mr Trump was only a few weeks into his presidency in March 2017 when Mr Sessions upset him. Rejecting White House pleas not to do so, he stepped aside from overseeing an FBI probe of potential collusion between the Trump campaign and Moscow, citing news reports of previously undisclosed meetings he had with Russia's ambassador to Washington for his recusal. A permanent replacement for Mr Sessions must be confirmed by the Senate, which the Republicans will continue to control as a result of Tuesday's midterm elections. ( Daily Telegraph, London) Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021] A White House intern reaches for and tries to take away the microphone held by CNN correspondent Jim Acosta as he questions U.S. President Donald Trump during a news conference at the White House in Washington, U.S., November 7, 2018. Picture taken November 7, 2018. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst A White House intern reaches for and tries to take away the microphone held by CNN correspondent Jim Acosta as he questions U.S. President Donald Trump during a news conference at the White House in Washington, U.S., November 7, 2018. Picture taken November 7, 2018. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst A White House intern reaches for and tries to take away the microphone held by CNN correspondent Jim Acosta as he questions U.S. President Donald Trump during a news conference at the White House in Washington, U.S., November 7, 2018. Picture taken November 7, 2018. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst A White House intern reaches for and tries to take away the microphone held by CNN correspondent Jim Acosta as he questions U.S. President Donald Trump during a news conference at the White House in Washington, U.S., November 7, 2018. Picture taken November 7, 2018. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst A White House intern reaches for and tries to take away the microphone held by CNN correspondent Jim Acosta as he questions U.S. President Donald Trump during a news conference at the White House in Washington, U.S., November 7, 2018. Picture taken November 7, 2018. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst CNN correspondent Jim Acosta questions U.S. President Donald Trump with NBC correspondent Peter Alexander at his side as a White House intern kneels back down in front of them after she tried to take away the microphone held by Acosta during a news conference at the White House in Washington, U.S., November 7, 2018. Picture taken November 7, 2018. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst WHEN Donald Trump invited Jim Acosta, a CNN reporter, to ask a question during a White House press conference on Wednesday, he was no doubt spoiling for a fight. Mr Trump has a notoriously testy relationship with the journalist and once refused to call on him, simply saying "your [news] organisation is terrible". We stand by our decision to revoke this individuals hard pass. We will not tolerate the inappropriate behavior clearly documented in this video. pic.twitter.com/T8X1Ng912y Sarah Sanders (@PressSec) November 8, 2018 But even the president could not have anticipated the row that erupted after their most recent exchange, with accusations the White House shared manipulated footage of the incident. The row began after Mr Acosta pressed Mr Trump to answer a question, while a White House intern tried to take the microphone out of his hand. Expand Close A White House intern reaches for and tries to take away the microphone held by CNN correspondent Jim Acosta as he questions U.S. President Donald Trump during a news conference at the White House in Washington, U.S., November 7, 2018. Picture taken November 7, 2018. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A White House intern reaches for and tries to take away the microphone held by CNN correspondent Jim Acosta as he questions U.S. President Donald Trump during a news conference at the White House in Washington, U.S., November 7, 2018. Picture taken November 7, 2018. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst The interaction was brief, and Mr Acosta appeared to brush the intern's arm as she reached for the microphone and he tried to hold on to it. "Pardon me, ma'am," he told her. Hours later Sarah Sanders, the White House press secretary, accused Mr Acosta of "placing his hands on a young woman just trying to do her job as a White House intern". She added that it was "absolutely unacceptable". Expand Close A White House intern reaches for and tries to take away the microphone held by CNN correspondent Jim Acosta as he questions U.S. President Donald Trump during a news conference at the White House in Washington, U.S., November 7, 2018. Picture taken November 7, 2018. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A White House intern reaches for and tries to take away the microphone held by CNN correspondent Jim Acosta as he questions U.S. President Donald Trump during a news conference at the White House in Washington, U.S., November 7, 2018. Picture taken November 7, 2018. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst She later posted footage of the incident, which video verification experts claimed had been digitally altered, as a justification for revoking Mr Acosta's White House press pass. Analysts claimed that in Mrs Sanders' version, the footage was frozen for three frames to make Mr Acosta's contact with the woman appear longer and therefore more aggressive. This can be achieved by repeating the frames so fast the human eye cannot detect it. Expand Close A White House intern reaches for and tries to take away the microphone held by CNN correspondent Jim Acosta as he questions U.S. President Donald Trump during a news conference at the White House in Washington, U.S., November 7, 2018. Picture taken November 7, 2018. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A White House intern reaches for and tries to take away the microphone held by CNN correspondent Jim Acosta as he questions U.S. President Donald Trump during a news conference at the White House in Washington, U.S., November 7, 2018. Picture taken November 7, 2018. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst By contrast, in the original footage his arm appears to move only as a response to the tussle. The moment where he says: "Pardon me, ma'am" is also not included in Mrs Sanders' video. Alan O'Riordan, a video verification expert, said there were clear "discrepancies" between the original footage from US network C-Span and the version Mrs Sanders posted on Twitter. Expand Close A White House intern reaches for and tries to take away the microphone held by CNN correspondent Jim Acosta as he questions U.S. President Donald Trump during a news conference at the White House in Washington, U.S., November 7, 2018. Picture taken November 7, 2018. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A White House intern reaches for and tries to take away the microphone held by CNN correspondent Jim Acosta as he questions U.S. President Donald Trump during a news conference at the White House in Washington, U.S., November 7, 2018. Picture taken November 7, 2018. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst "In [Mrs Sanders'] version, what we see is something that has been added to the original, it repeats several frames at a crucial moment... basically," he said. "We found three repeated frames where you can see Jim Acosta's arm make contact with the intern's arm." The White House has also been accused of obtaining the footage from InfoWars, the alt-Right conspiracy theorist website. Paul Joseph Watson, the InfoWars editor-a-large, released what appeared to be the same edited footage some time before Mrs Sanders' post. He denied claims the footage had been doctored or speeded up, saying he "merely zoomed in". Mrs Sanders has not commented on how she obtained the footage, but said: "The question is, did the reporter make contact or not? The video is clear, he did. We stand by our statement." Mr Acosta called Mrs Sanders' characterisation of the incident "a lie". CNN said Mrs Sanders "provided fraudulent accusations and cited an incident that never happened. This unprecedented decision is a threat to our democracy and the country deserves better." The cable news network claimed the White House had revoked Mr Acosta's press pass out of "retaliation for his challenging questions". Matt Dornic, an executive at CNN, posted on Twitter: "Absolutely shameful, @PressSec. You released a doctored video - actual fake news." Meanwhile, US news organisations rallied to defend Mr Acosta, accusing the Trump administration of clamping down on press freedom. The White House Correspondents' Association said it "strongly objects" to using press credentials as a "tool to punish a reporter with whom it has a difficult relationship". Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021] Protesters gather and hold banners in front of the White House (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP) Protesters across the US have called for the protection of special counsel Robert Muellers investigation into potential coordination between Russia and President Donald Trumps campaign. Several hundred demonstrators gathered Thursday in New Yorks Times Square and chanted slogans including Hands off Mueller and Nobodys above the law before marching downtown. In Chicago, Democratic Senator Dick Durbin joined several hundred protesters at Federal Plaza. Crowds also turned out at the White House and in Greensboro, North Carolina; Chattanooga, Tennessee; Las Vegas and many other places. Expand Close Protesters cheer during a demonstration in support of special counsel Robert Mueller in Las Vegas (John Locher/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Protesters cheer during a demonstration in support of special counsel Robert Mueller in Las Vegas (John Locher/AP) Organisers say the naming of acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker is a deliberate attempt to obstruct the special counsels investigation. Mr Trump asked for Jeff Sessionss resignation and then replaced him with Mr Whitaker, his chief of staff. Mr Whitaker has criticised Mr Muellers probe. The new venture run by former WPP boss Sir Martin Sorrell has confirmed it is lining up its second acquisition amid reports the group is eyeing a US advertising company (Anthony Devlin/PA) The new venture run by former WPP boss Sir Martin Sorrell has confirmed it is lining up its second acquisition amid reports that the group has a US advertising company in its sights. S4 Capital said it is in talks with the owners of several digital marketing services businesses over a potential acquisition. The group said that, if a deal goes ahead, it would be in line with its aims to create a new era, new media solution embracing data, content and technology in an always-on environment for global, multinational, regional and local clients and for millennial-driven digital brands. It comes in response to media reports that Sir Martins new outfit is close to finalising a deal with MightyHive, a San Francisco-based firm which specialises in programmatic marketing. It is thought MightyHive could be valued at up to 200 million US dollars (154 million). A deal would mark the second by Sir Martin since he left WPP in April following allegations of misconduct and that he misused company funds. His new venture has already triumphed against WPP in a high-profile battle to buy Dutch firm MediaMonks. He then floated S4 capital in September, raising 51 million including a 40 million investment by Sir Martin, and pledged more deals as part of his aim to rebuild a digital-only marketing empire. But he has previously said S4 Capital will not compete head-to-head with WPP and claimed his new company is a peanut in comparison. WPP carried out an inquiry into allegations that Sir Martin misused company funds, but details of the investigation were never disclosed. It has been claimed that the probe looked into whether he used company cash to pay for a sex worker, allegations that Sir Martin has strenuously denied. President Donald Trump has spoken out about the gunman (Evan Vucci/AP) President Donald Trump has described the gunman responsible for killing 12 people in a California bar as a very sick puppy. Investigators have not commented on a motive for the rampage or whether mental illness played a role. But a law enforcement official said Ian David Long went on social media during the attack and posted about his mental state and whether people would believe he was sane. The official would not give additional details on what the 28-year-old former Marine posted on his Facebook and Instagram accounts. Neighbours reported hearing frequent loud rows between Long and his mother, one of them so extreme they called police in April. Authorities at the time worried that the 28-year-old Afghanistan war veteran might have post-traumatic stress disorder but a mental health specialist concluded there were no grounds to have him involuntarily committed. I was concerned because I knew he had been in the military.Tom Hanson On Wednesday night, the former machine gunner, dressed all in black with his hood pulled up, opened fire with a handgun at the Borderline Bar & Grill during college night, then apparently killed himself as scores of police officers closed in. At the White House, Mr Trump touted his efforts to fund work on PTSD among veterans. He declined to engage on questions on whether the nation needs stricter gun control laws. Julie Hanson, who lives next door to the ranch-style home that Long shared with his mother, described him as odd and disrespectful well before he left home a decade ago, got married and enlisted in the Marines. She could often hear him yelling and cursing, but several months ago unusually loud banging and shouting prompted her husband to call authorities. I was concerned because I knew he had been in the military, Tom Hanson said. About 18 months ago, Don and Effie MacLeod heard an awful argument and what he believes was a gunshot from the Longs property. Don MacLeod said he did not call police but avoided speaking with Ian Long. I told my wife, Just be polite to him. If he talks, just acknowledge him, dont go into conversation with him,' Don MacLeod said. Thousand Oaks is a city of about 130,000 people about 40 miles from Los Angeles. It is annually listed as one of the safest cities in America. Donald Trump has criticised French President Emmanuel Macron for an insulting proposal to build up Europes military to counter the US, China and Russia. The US president tweeted after arriving in Paris ahead of an international commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the armistice that ended the First World War. He planned to meet Mr Macron on Saturday for talks on topics expected to include European security, Syria and Iran. As he arrived, he tweeted that Mr Macron has just suggested that Europe build its own military in order to protect itself from the US, China and Russia. Very insulting, but perhaps Europe should first pay its fair share of Nato, which the US subsidises greatly! For Sundays anniversary, Mr Trump is to join world leaders at a ceremony in the shadow of the Arc de Triomphe. It should be a very beautiful period of time, the 100th anniversary of the ending of World War I. We have many countries the leadership from many countries will be there, especially since they heard the United States will be there. And we look forward to that, Mr Trump told reporters before leaving the White House. Ive seen what they have planned, and I think its going to be something very, very special. Mr Trump originally wanted to celebrate Veterans Day on Sunday with a grand military parade in Washington, as he was inspired by the tanks and flyovers he saw during Frances Bastille Day celebrations when he visited Paris in July of last year. Mr Trump ordered the Pentagon to come up with plans for his own version, but they were eventually scrapped over concerns about costs and the damage tanks weighing many tons would do to the streets in Washington. The president and first lady Melania Trump were expected to visit several memorial sites in France that are dedicated to American service members. Not on Mr Trumps schedule, despite earlier discussions about the possibility, was an extended meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. I dont know that were seeing each other in Paris, but we may, Mr Trump said. There may be a lunch for the leaders. The White House and the Kremlin had previously considered a formal meeting in Paris. That now seems more likely for later this month, when they attend the G20 summit of international leaders in Argentina. Mr Trump and Putin have met previously on the sidelines of two summits and had their own bilateral meeting in July in Helsinki. At that meeting, Mr Trump would not say whether he believed Mr Putin or US intelligence agencies about their conclusions about Russias interference with the 2016 presidential election. Mr Trumps brief visit to Europe comes amid uncertainty about the US relationship with the continent. He has railed against trade deals with the European Union and has criticised some EU nations, including France, for not spending enough on defence to sustain Nato, the decades-old Western alliance formed as a bulwark to Moscows aggression. In order to maintain this blog I have to pay for its upkeep including a hosting company, support services, virus and other malicious hackers. If you appreciate what I write please make a donation. AGM Presentation Perth, Nov 9, 2018 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Goldfields Money Ltd ( ASX:GMY ) provides the 2018 AGM Presentation.Key Goldfields Money Points:Goldfields is Australia's new revolutionary digital bank, distributing first class products through a largely branchless distribution networkCore business operating metrics continue to be well ahead of system growth, ASX listed peers and remain strongChanging consumer attitudes and habits create a significant opportunity for nimble, customer centric bankingGovernment support for "Open Banking" in Australia commencing 1 July 2019 will provide enhanced growth opportunitiesTo view the presentation, please visit:About Goldfields Money Ltd Goldfields Money (ASX:GMY) is Australia's new revolutionary digital bank, distributing first class products through a largely branchless distribution network. A bank without the bank. This digital banking platform is built on the recently implemented mobile first, world class core banking system provided by Temenos and our proprietary mortgage distribution software "Loankit". Goldfields is ASX listed (ASX:GMY) with two key divisions: Banking (operates under "Goldfields Money" and "Better Choice" brands) - an APRA regulated bank that offers deposit and loan products that are funded either on-balance sheet or off-balance sheet through a range of third party lenders. Our deposits are all guaranteed by the Australian Government Deposit Guarantee for up to $250,000 per customer. We are the new approach to banking in Australia, we're honest, with transparent bank practices and a straightforward approach to you and your money. It's all yours, honestly. Mortgage Aggregation (operates under "Finsure" and "Loankit" brands) - an ASIC regulated mortgage aggregation and software technology platform with over 1,475 loan writers as of 31 August 2018. Finsure puts brokers first and is a leader in the market in offering a diverse lending panel, flexible commission models, training, lead generation, proprietary SaaS and mortgage broker support services. Finsure was also recently named Aggregator of the Year for 2017 at the Australian Mortgage Awards. You can read more about us at www.goldfieldsmoney.com.au and www.finsure.com.au. Thousands of Central American migrants are winding their way towards the United States (Marco Ugarte/AP) Central American migrants settle in a shelter at the Jesus Martinez stadium in Mexico City (Marco Ugarte/AP) The Trump administration has said it will deny asylum to migrants who enter the country illegally, invoking extraordinary presidential national security powers to tighten the border as caravans of Central Americans slowly approach the United States. The measures are meant to funnel asylum seekers through official border crossings for speedy rulings, officials said, instead of having them try to circumvent such crossings on the nearly 2,000-mile border. But the busy ports of entry already have long lines and waits, forcing immigration officials to tell some migrants to come back to make their claims. The move was spurred in part by caravans of Central American migrants slowly moving north on foot, but will apply to anyone caught crossing illegally, officials said. Expand Close Central American migrants settle in a shelter at the Jesus Martinez stadium in Mexico City (Marco Ugarte/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Central American migrants settle in a shelter at the Jesus Martinez stadium in Mexico City (Marco Ugarte/AP) It is unknown whether those in the caravan, many fleeing violence in their homeland, plan to cross illegally. The regulations will be incorporated in a proclamation expected to be issued on Friday by President Donald Trump. He will invoke the same powers he used to push through a version of the travel ban that was upheld by the Supreme Court, according to senior administration officials. The regulations would circumvent laws stating that anyone is eligible for asylum no matter how he or she enters the country. Expand Close US Army Military Police supporting the Border Patrol (John Gibbins/The San Diego Union-Tribune via AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp US Army Military Police supporting the Border Patrol (John Gibbins/The San Diego Union-Tribune via AP) Administration officials said those denied asylum under the proclamation may be eligible for similar forms of protection if they fear returning to their countries, though they would be subject to a tougher threshold. Those forms of protection include withholding of removal which is similar to asylum, but does not allow for green cards or bringing families or asylum under the United Nations Convention Against Torture. The announcement was the latest push to enforce Mr Trumps hard-line stance on immigration through regulatory changes and presidential orders, bypassing Congress. But those efforts have been largely thwarted by legal challenges and, in the case of family separations this year, stymied by a global outcry that prompted Mr Trump to scrap them. The new changes were likely to be met with legal challenges, too. FACT: US law specifically allows individuals to apply for asylum whether or not they are at a port of entry. It is illegal to circumvent that by agency or presidential decree. https://t.co/vVRdFEQ1qX ACLU (@ACLU) November 8, 2018 Omar Jadwat, director of the American Civil Liberties Unions Immigrants Rights Project, said: US law specifically allows individuals to apply for asylum whether or not they are at a port of entry. It is illegal to circumvent that by agency or presidential decree. Curbing immigration has been a signature issue for Mr Trump, who pushed it hard in the days leading up to Tuesdays midterm elections, railing against the caravans that are still hundreds of miles from the border. He has made little mention of the issue since the election but has sent troops to the border in response. As of Thursday, there are more than 5,600 US troops deployed to the border mission, with about 550 actually working on the border in Texas. The military is expected to have the vast majority of the more than 7,000 troops planned for the mission deployed by Monday, and that number could grow. A raging wildfire in southern California has triggered a mandatory evacuation order for much of the beachside city of Malibu. The fire broke out on Thursday north west of Los Angeles and roared south, jumping the US 101 freeway early on Friday and sweeping into the Santa Monica Mountains. #WhoolseyFire *URGENT SAFETY MESSAGE* Fire has jumped the 101 fwy near Chesebro and is headed to Ocean Mandatory Evacuations, 101 Fwy to the coast between Las Virgenes Cyn /Malibu Cyn Rd. to the LA County line. Imminent threat! Malibu lakes residents must leave area immediately. L.A. County Fire Department (@LACoFDPIO) November 9, 2018 Malibu, known as the home of many Hollywood stars, has about 13,000 residents and lies along 21 miles of coast at the southern foot of the mountain range. Los Angeles County Fire Department tweeted that the fire is heading towards the ocean, punctuating the message with the declaration: Imminent threat! Malibu officials initially said the order applied to the entire city but have now defined an area that is approximately the western two-thirds of the community. The director of the California Governors Office of Emergency Services says another fire in northern California has claimed lives. Mark Ghilarducci said the number of deaths was not known. He said there are also injuries. A fire official said the blaze in northern California nearly quadrupled in size overnight. Captain Scott McLean of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said the fire near the town of Paradise has grown to nearly 110 square miles. The blaze has devastated the town of 27,000 people and is moving north into Sierra Nevada foothill communities. Butte County Sheriffs Office said an evacuation ordered had been issued for the small communities of Stirling City and Inskip. UPDATE: An Evacuation Order has been issued for the area of Stirling City and Inskip. Residents are advised to exit up through Butte Meadows and down Hwy 32. #ButteSheriff #CampFire Butte County Sheriff (@ButteSheriff) November 9, 2018 Cal Fire Captain Bill Murphy said winds have calmed down in the valley but there are shifting, erratic winds with speeds of up to 45mph along ridge tops. The blaze also reached the edge of Chico, a city of 90,000 people. Mr Murphy said firefighters were able to stop the fire at the edge of the city, where evacuation orders remain in place. Expand Close Smoke from wildfires obscures the San Francisco skyline (Eric Risberg/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Smoke from wildfires obscures the San Francisco skyline (Eric Risberg/AP) Authorities issued an unhealthy air quality alert for parts of the San Francisco Bay Area as smoke from the wildfire drifted south. The air in San Francisco was hazy and the smell of smoke overwhelming, prompting officials to declare air quality unhealthy. They advised older people and children to move physical activities indoors. All people were encouraged to limit their outdoor activities. The non-Native hold on power in San Juan County, Utah, has finally come to an end. Willie Grayeyes, a Democrat, won a seat on the county commission on Tuesday. According to preliminary results , he defeated Republican Kelly Laws by 169 votes. That mean Grayeyes will be joining Democrat Kenneth Maryboy, who ran unopposed for his seat, as the other Native member of the commission. Both are citizens of the Navajo Nation and their wins mark the first time the county will more adequately reflect the Native majority population in the county. It wasn't always that way. For decades, non-Native officials kept putting Native residents -- almost all of them Navajo -- in one district in the county, thus diluting their power. The situation finally changed after the Navajo Nation filed a lawsuit. A federal judge concluded that the existing district map violated the voting rights of Native voters. Though the county has appealed, it was forced to redraw the map before the November 6 election. As a result, two of the three districts hold a Native majority. Grayeyes and Maryboy now represent those districts. Video footage courtesy Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition: President Trump Dismantles Bears Ears National Monument The shift in power carries significant impacts. Grayeyes and Maryboy are strong supporters of the Bears Ears National Monument , which lies in their backyard and contains ancestral and sacred Navajo sites. Grayeyes serves chairman of the Utah Dine Bikeyah , a grassroots Navajo organization that pushed for the designation of the monument. Despite the significance to the Navajo people, President Donald Trump dramatically reduced the boundaries of the monument last December in a decision being contested in court. His administration and other Republican politicians had long cited opposition from the existing county commission as proof that Bears Ears did not have local backing. Though Maryboy ran unopposed in the general election, he ousted Rebecca Benally, also Navajo, in the Democratic primary in June. She had appeared with Trump at the controversial event last year and testified to Congress earlier this year in support of the president's controversial decision. Still, the election of Grayeyes and Maryboy does not come in time to change course in the voting rights case. The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals will hear arguments in Denver, Colorado, next Wednesday. According to the argument calendar , Navajo Nation . v. San Juan County will be heard by Judges Mary Beck Briscoe, Nancy L. Moritz and Allison H. Eid. The latter jurist is a recent Trump nominee who is the spouse of Troy Eid , a former federal prosecutor who is well known for his advocacy on Indian issues The population in San Juan County has long been 50 percent or more Native. The Utah portion of the Navajo Nation lies within county boundaries. Read More on the Story Join the Conversation Related Stories Akshara Haasan, Kamal Haasans daughter was in headlines due to her private pictures being leaked online. Her bikini pictures were released on social media and it went viral in a very short span of time. Twitter Akshara who has been the victim of cyber crime immediately went to the Mumbai police station and filed a complaint against the culprit. Akshara is upset and disturbed by her private pictures getting leaked on social media. Twitter She shared her mental state on social media with her fans, Its particularly disturbing and deeply upsetting to see that at a time when the nation has woken up to the #metoo movement, there are still people out there who would harass and attempt to share private pictures of a young girl in the public eye only to derive some perverse pleasure that appeals only to them. The Shamitabh actress further writes, Recently, some of my private pictures were leaked on the Internet. Who did this or why is not known to me yet. But what I do know that it is deeply unfortunate to make a young girl the victim of such an act only for a pervert minds enjoyment. And each time someone shares it with eye-catching headlines to draw more traction, it scars me deeper and adds to everyones participation in my harassment and helplessness. She even mentioned of reaching out to Mumbai police for help, I have reached out to the Mumbai police and the cyber cell to seek their help in tracking the person/s responsible for this leak and hope to get to the bottom of this soon. Till then, I can only request that we all learn to live and let live with dignity and privacy and hope that the internet wont continue actively participating in my harassment. #Metoo. Twittter The actress hopes to get justice soon. Viral Bhayani After celebrating and enjoying Diwali festivities, B-town is now back to the normal grind. Most of them have resumed their work. Lovebirds and Bollywood's hottest couple Ranbir and Alia have resumed preps for their upcoming film Brahmastra. Twitter After their wedding, DeepVeer will be hosting two receptions, one in Bangalore and one in Mumbai. Their Mumbai reception date is out and its on December 1, 2018. This reception will be nothing but GRAND. Bollywood biggies will be invited for Bajirao Mastanis reception. This reception will definitely be one grand and memorable affair. Twitter Just like many others who outraged over Virat Kohli's 'Leave India' comment to a fan, Indian actor Siddharth too has reacted. Just to jog your memory a little, Kohli asked a fan to 'leave India' after he said he likes watching English and Australian batsmen more than the Indians. The entire Bollywood too celebrated Diwali with their loved ones and shared the pictures on social media. Amitabh Bachchan too shared happy family pictures celebrating Diwali. But the celebration pictures didnt go down well with his fans due to firecrackers in Bachchans hand. Well, if you see the picture closely, AB is lighting a fuljadi which also creates pollution and it could have been avoided. If that name rings any bells, its because this is the story of Sivagami, the mother of Bhalladeva, the antagonist in the blockbuster Baahubali movies. Now Netflix is bringing Baahubali: Before the Beginning set several years before the events in Baahubali to a screen near you. Die-hard fans may be disappointed that the series will not have Rana Daggubati, Prabhas or most of the other heavy-weights. But here are 11 facts that will make you want to watch this show. Best known for his roles in Ek Phool Do Mali and Abdullah, veteran actor Sanjay Khans stint in Bollywood has been a mix of ups and downs. Once referred as the poster boy of B-Town, Khans recently published autobiography - The Best Mistakes Of My Life candidly portrays his formative years, relationships with co-stars and family, drama and controversies that surrounded him and how he had overcome all of that with utmost courage and grace. A survivor in his own right, Khan also pens down the major fire accident on the sets of Tipu Sultan and the helicopter crash of 2003 that changed his outlook towards life. The Best Mistakes Of My Life mirrors a story of a great star, a loving husband, a doting father and a loyal friend who never backed out from any battle that life threw at him. But before you give this heartwarming book a read, take a look at these rare photos of Sanjay Khan that define his life and the man he is. The One With Raj Kapoor It's not an unknown fact that Sanjay Khan thinks very highly of Raj Kapoor. In fact, in his book - The Best Mistakes Of My Life, Khan dedicates a chapter to the veteran actor and shows how films like Awara has shaped the very meaning of Bollywood. This photo marks Khan's first meeting with Raj Kapoor. He was 17 and this meeting brought him closer to his dream of becoming a part of the tinsel town. The One With Sunil Dutt In 1984, Sunil Dutt was nominated for the north-west parliamentary constituency in Bandra for Indian National Congress. Sanjay Khan decided to show his support to the party and Dutt. The Fire Accident On February 8 1989, a major fire broke on the sets of The Sword Of Tipu Sultan in the Premier Studios of Mysore. In his autobiography, he remembers the painful time (during the fire) when he gave his Rolex watch to an assistant director and requested him to call Zarine (Khan's wife) to tell her that he was okay. He blacked out immediately after that. Later it was found out that Khan suffered third degree burns and had to undergo 73 surgeries. The One From The Wedding Day Sanjay and Zarine Khan's love story has seen its fair share of struggles and good times. But on their special day, when Khan welcomed several guests from the film fraternity, he knew in his heart that they were accepted. Khan was quite ecstatic to see superstars like Raj Kapoor, Shammi Kapoor, Nargis, Saira Banu, Meena Kumari, Kamal Amrohi and Sara Singh join the celebrations as the new couple embark on an adventurous journey. The Helicopter Incident In 2003, Sanjay Khan and Vijay Mallya were travelling by helicopter to Balkhot, Karnataka to address a political rally. As they were approaching their destination, Khan heard a horrific sound and the helicopter nosedived towards the ground. The tail broke off and it was impossible for the pilot to control the chopper. At that point, all Khan remembers Mallya shouting at him, Sanjay bhai, we are going down! Call it fate but he and the crew miraculously survived the crash with minor injuries. The Khan Family Portrait Sanjay Khan has always been a big family man. He is married to Zarine Khan and have three daughters and a son - Farah Ali Khan, Simone Arora, Sussanne Khan and Zayed Khan. Australian actor Chris Hemsworth, who is famous for playing the God of Thunder in Avengers: Infinity War, Thor is currently in India for the shoot of his upcoming Netflix film Dhaka. Looks like Chris is enjoying every moment of his visit to India. After calling India's traffic a 'sweet chaos', he enjoyed Diwali festivities and celebrations. Along with his co-actor Randeep Hooda and director Sam Hargrave, Chris shared a video where he is seen wishing all his fans. Happy Deepavali everybody. We are here in India shooting and having a wonderful day. Namaste!". The video wasn't the highlight but he donned a kurta and that is what is really melting our hearts! Directed by Anthony Russo Dhaka will be shot in two locations - India and Indonesia. While Chris' duration of the stay in India is still a mystery, we hope he continues to enjoy his time here! The United States alleged war on terror has so far killed more than half a million people in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iraq. The war that was launched following the September 11 attacks in 2001 has claimed numerous civilian life. The report by Brown University's Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs put the death toll at between 480,000 and 507,000 people -- but said the actual number is likely higher. The new toll "is a more than 110,000 increase over the last count, issued just two years ago in August 2016," Brown said in a statement. "Though the war on terror is often overlooked by the American public, press and lawmakers, the increased body count signals that, far from diminishing, this war remains intense." AP The death toll includes civilians, insurgents, local police and security forces and US and allied troops. The report's author, Neta Crawford, said many of those reported by US and local forces as militants may actually have been civilians. "We may never know the total direct death toll in these wars," Crawford wrote. "For example, tens of thousands of civilians may have died in retaking Mosul and other cities from ISIS but their bodies have likely not been recovered." AP The report states that between 182,272 and 204,575 civilians have been killed in Iraq, 38,480 in Afghanistan, and 23,372 in Pakistan. Nearly 7,000 US troops have been killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. The tally does not include all people who have died indirectly as a result of war, including through a loss of infrastructure or disease. The government on Thursday decided to begin sale of shares that are part of "enemy property" belonging to individuals and entities who left India at the time of Partition. The proceeds from the sale of the shares held by the custodian of enemy property will form part of the disinvestment receipts, law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told reporters after a cabinet meeting. Apart from the sale - with the value of these scrips estimated at around Rs 3,000 crore at current prices - the move signals the government's decision to dispose of enemy property, for which the government recently enacted a law. BCCL Though the current proposal deals with shares, one of the biggest such properties was owned by Raja Mahmudabad in Lucknow whose heirs had contested the move. In all 6.5 crore shares in 996 companies of over 20,000 shareholders are under the custody of the custodian, of which 588 are functional or active companies. Of the entire lot, there are 139 companies which are listed, an official statement said. The current law had been held up in Parliament due to opposition's objections and was issued as an ordinance before its final passage. BCCL "The decision will lead to monetisation of movable enemy property lying dormant for decades. Sale proceeds will be used for welfare programmes," Prasad said. The move will also help bolster the Centre's disinvestment receipts, which have been sluggish so far this year given the steep target of Rs 80,000 crore. With seven months of the financial year already over, the government has so far managed to raise a little over Rs 10,000 crore and is banking on buybacks to meet the target, which is crucial to maintaining the overall fiscal deficit target set for the year. ap Separately, the government also decided on "strategic sale" of Dredging Corporation of India, where it holds a 73.4% stake. The shares will be sold to JNPT and Kandla, Vishakapatnman and Paradip port trusts, Prasad said. In a statement, the government said before initiation of sale of any enemy shares, the custodian will certify that the sale of the shares is not in contravention of any court order. The sale process will be monitored by a group of ministers headed by the finance minister and the department of public asset management or DIPAM will use merchant bankers for the share sale. For the first time India will share a platform with the Afghan Taliban, in a meeting on Afghanistan hosted by Russia. But New Delhi which maintains that all peace efforts in Afghanistan must be led, owned and also controlled by the Afghans is not taking part in the meeting in an official level. AFP India will attend on Friday, the government has said that its participation will be restricted to "non-official level" where the country will be represented by retired diplomats TCA Raghavan and Amar Sinha. According to reports, India's decision was well thought out and in line with the "comfort level" of the Afghanistan government. "We are aware that the Russian Federation is hosting a meeting in Moscow on November 9 on Afghanistan," said MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar. "India supports all efforts at peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan that will preserve unity and plurality, and bring security, stability and prosperity to the country. India's consistent policy has been that such efforts should be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, and Afghan-controlled and with participation of the Government of Afghanistan. Our participation will be at a non-official level," he added. Amar Sinha is a former secretary in MEA who also served as India's Ambassador to Afghanistan, and TCA Raghavan, former Indian high commissioner to Pakistan. According to Sputnik news agency, Russia sent invitations for what is called the "Moscow Format" talks to Afghanistan, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, the US and the Afghan Taliban. AFP/ FILE The first Moscow Format meeting saw India represented at the joint secretary level but there was no Taliban in the meeting. "For the first time, a delegation of the Political Office of the Taliban Movement in Doha will participate in an international meeting of this level," said a press release issued by Moscow. While the Afghan government is not directly participating in the meeting, a delegation of the country's High Peace Council is expected to attend. AFP For the first time India will share a platform with the Afghan Taliban, in a meeting on Afghanistan hosted by Russia. But New Delhi which maintains that all peace efforts in Afghanistan must be led, owned and also controlled by the Afghans is not taking part in the meeting in an official level. Read more Here are more top news of the day: 1) This Diwali, Sales Of Pollution Masks, Air Purifiers Were At An All Time High bccl 2018 is when anti-pollution masks became an essential Diwali item, as they replaced Diwali decor in markets and sweets in gift hampers. Sale of masks & purifiers were through the roof. Read more 2) A Clean Pair Of 'Lungs' Installed In Delhi Before Diwali Have Turned Black In 6 Days! India Today Breathing in Delhi is equivalent to smoking 20 cigarettes a day, thanks to the deadly air pollution that turned worse after people defied Supreme Courts order and burnt firecrackers shamelessly. Read more 3) PM Modi Defects To Congress? At Least His Look Alike Has Because Achhe Din Never Came! BCCL During the 2014 general election campaign, he became famous for being a novelty, a man who looks exactly like the BJP's then Prime Ministerial candidate and star campaigner Narendra Modi. Read more 4) RBI Data Hints Note Ban Was Utter Failure, More Cash In Market Than Before Demonetisation afp/representational image The Reserve Bank of India, in its recently released data, said that demonetisation did not help little in curbing black money circulating in the market. PM Modis masterstroke to curb black money didnt seem to have an expected impact. Read more 5) Jharkhand Woman Gangraped, Mutilated With Stick By Three Men Including Ex-Husband In a disturbing news, a woman was brutally killed in Jamtara district of Jharkhand after she was gangraped by three men. What is even more shocking is that one of the rapists was the victim's ex-husband. Read more Remember how we earlier explained about the Rs 1 Crore hoverbike in the making and how it could be put to multiple uses. It seems like Dubai police has finally become the first official body to put the the flying bike to use. Though still under the testing phase, the electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) vehicle might be seen in the skies of Dubai soon. Even more importantly, for the kind of surveillance that the world has never seen before. Hoversurf had already signed a deal with the Dubai Police back in 2017. And now the company has started delivering on it, providing the police force with the first serial production unit of the series 3 of the hoverbike poised to release in 2019. Whats more, the company has already started training the Dubai police officers for riding the hoverbike. Post the training, the police force plans to bring the hoverbike in action by as soon as 2020. For the same, the force has assigned the training to two crews as of now. In an interview, Brigadier Khalid Nasser Alrazooqi, general director of Dubai Polices artificial intelligence department mentioned that the eVTOL unit, once set up, will act as the first responder unit for hard to access areas. Hoversurf Hoversurf chief operating officer Joseph Segura-Conn mentioned that the Dubai police force has the exclusive rights to order as many units as needed. Theyre going to let us know in the next month or two if theyd like any more If they would like 30 or 40, well make it happen for them, he said. The hoverbike is, of course, available for sale for civilians as well. i.e. if you have an extra Rs 1 Crore to spare. That is the cost of the hoverbike in US though. If and when it manages to reach India, make sure to add extra customs duty and like to skyrocket the price even further. Youll even have to keep a check on the guidelines, provided there arent any in India for eVTOLs at the moment. In the US, one can fly the hoverbike without a pilots license. Hoversurf For now, the eVTOL looks good for specific purposes, as can be seen in the case of Dubai Police. A similar use case scenario might include hospitals and their ambulances, provided Hoversurf custom makes them for the use. As for the police force, there can hardly be any escaping from an officer who can fly at will to reach the crime spot. Once in operation, it is sure to look straight out of a sci-fi movie. Imagine being able to change a channel or flip through an online show catalogue with your brainwaves. It's the stuff Sci-Fi movies are made of. But the good people at Samsung may be bringing that technology to your living room soon. Images courtesy: Samsung The electronics company is researching something it calls Project Pontis, which uses a person's brainwaves to control a television. Samsung's Swiss arm began researching the project about three months ago, in partnership with the Center of Neuroprosthetics at the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland. And just earlier this week, it revealed its second prototype, at its developer conference. And the reason is far from sinister. It's aimed at making a simple task more accessible to people with physical disabilities like quadriplegia, and will allow them to "change and adjust sound volume with their brains." Also Read: This Miraculous Spinal Cord Vibration Technology Can Actually Help Paralyzed People Walk Again It's a task many of us take for granted, but for someone who's paralysed or immobile, this everyday task is impossible without assistance. "How can we provide accessibility to people who cannot move or who have extreme limitations on their movements?," Ricardo Chavarriaga, a senior scientist at EPFL, asked at the event. "We're making tech that is more complex, that is more intelligent, but we should not forget this tech is being made to interface with humans." First, the researchers had to study how our brain behaves when we want to do something like select a movie on Netflix. They gathered data from brain scans using a custom-built headset with 64 sensors on it. These measured a person's brain activity while they were also being monitored by an eye tracker. They then used it to build a machine learning model that takes into account both a user's eye movements as well as their brain activity when making a selection. The current prototype tracks a user's eye to as they glance through the movie catalogue, to know what they're looking at. Then, based on their brainwaves, it knows when they've made a decision of movie to watch, and can automatically select and start it. Additionally, the software over time also monitors which movies the person tends to focus on, making selecting content easier in future. In fact, Samsung and EPFL are also working on technology that can let a person pick a movie with just brainwaves, for people who can't control their eyes or other muscles reliably. Looking at it, we can reliably say that this sort of technology might one day even become the norm, replacing touch screens and voice assistants entirely. In fact, we could even see it applied to other kinds of devices as well. All we need for that is for Samsung to figure out a way that doesn't require wearing a cap from out of a sci fi movie. Indian police merry-making while on duty seems to have become a country-wide phenomenon. Police are stationed at places like pandals and other crowded venues to keep an eye out for any mishaps but what happens when they join in for the festivities? Reuters That's exactly what happened at Shibpur police headquarters where women constables from Howrah Police Commissionerate in West Bengal were shaking a leg before the Kali idol immersion. The lady constables dressed in uniforms while dancing will now be questioned by authorities who are miffed by their actions. Constables from Howrah city police Commissionerate shaking a leg before Kali idol immersion. pic.twitter.com/NS3SbH4l05 Manu Kaushik (@ManuKaushik01) 8 November 2018 In a similar case, a few months ago, visuals of policemen dancing on raunchy Bhojpuri songs in Uttar Pradesh's Auraiya district went viral all over social media. #WATCH Uttar Pradesh Police orders inquiry after a video of policemen dancing on duty in Auraiya goes viral pic.twitter.com/bQ6LVB5blZ ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) 18 September 2018 While some argued that they have an equal right to enjoy from time to time, many others said that discipline should be a priority. What do you think? Is it okay for the cops to show off some moves while on duty? Share your thoughts below. Water levels along the River Rhine are approaching the record low set in 2003, which has put pressure on the logistics sector and left companies assessing alternative ways to transport raw materials because they need more barges than are available. Low water levels on the river and its associated canal system are an annual problem for the many companies that rely on the Rhine as a trade route, but this year the warmer-than-usual European summer and lack of rainfall have caused water levels to fall more than is normal. This means that barges cannot be fully loaded so more barges are needed for the same volume of cargo. At 1,200km long, the Rhine is one of the longest rivers in Europe. It opens into the North Sea at The Netherlands, having flowed through Germany, France and Switzerland. The Rhine and its canals are a major trade network for German companies and also link to the River Main, which connects to Eastern Europe via the River Danube. According to website Interrijn.com, the water levels at the time of publication were as low as 46cm at Kaub, which lies between Koblenz and Mainz in central Germany. This is often a bottleneck when water levels drop because barges are not able to pass this point in the river. The Rhine is typically navigable to 1.9-2 meters depth for the largest ships. The current record lows on the Rhine have not been seen since 2003, and they mean that barges are being loaded with as little as 30% of total capacity so they can still navigate the shallow waterways, according to a Germany-based fluorspar consumer. The all-time low was 35cm in 2003. More barges needed Due to the low capacity utilization of the barges, there is a multiplier on the number of barges needed to transport the same volume of goods. This makes barge availability a problem and places a premium on the logistics service. "Last week there was almost no traffic on the Rhine. We now have increased freight costs because we cannot take [only] a few thousand tonnes of fluorspar at a time. The last shipment was less than 1,000 tonnes," the fluorspar consumer said. The company has been forced to stockpile fluorspar at Rotterdam in The Netherlands, and this will be shipped down the Rhine once water levels return to normal. This year the water has been "particularly low for more than two months, and a lot of companies cannot get their goods shipped in at all," a spokeswoman for Dutch shippers organization Evofenedex told Fastmarkets. "The costs are so high that it is not financially viable. Companies are trying to get some of their goods on rail [transport] and there is a strain on that capacity, as well as on road transport," she added. Evofenedex, which represents the trade interests of an estimated 70% of all goods trade by Netherlands-based companies, has assessed the total cost of arranging other forms of transport at an additional 380-400 million ($433-456 million) over the past two months. For low-cost, high-volume commodities such as coal, building materials and animal feed, this means that the additional transport costs are greater than the value of the goods, the spokeswoman said. Contract problems Companies have declared force majeure on some product lines as a result of this issue. German speciality chemicals producer Evonik, for example, has issued a warning on performance intermediates products based on crude oil such as anti-knocking agents. The company has several sites on the Rhine one each at Marl, Worms and Rheinfelden and two near Cologne. Media reports have said that chemicals major Solvay has not received a delivery of raw materials by barge since October 16, and the worlds largest chemical producer, BASF, has declared force majeure on its nylon products. BASF said in an email to Fastmarkets that there was currently no force majeure regarding nylon products as a result of low water levels in the Rhine. Solvay was contacted for further comment but did respond. Barge operators were also affected financially because their clients must pay for a fully crewed ship even when it is not fully laden, raising the cost-per-tonne of every cargo. "We are losing more than half of our capacity, and this is reflected in the price of a ship. The crew is still earning the same amount of money and therefore the euro-per-tonne rate is going up," Ralf Jina, a sales representative for inland navigation company DDSG Holding, said. There were surcharges of 60% in addition to the freight rate, which might be typically be 10 ($11) per tonne, he added. DDSG Holding is headquartered in Vienna, Austria, and is one of the largest inland waterway logistics companies in Europe, operating a fleet of 433 units, according to its website. The companys largest barges can carry as much as 20,500 tonnes when fully loaded although others take as little as 3,100 tonnes. Effects on costs Several companies that buy raw materials told Fastmarkets that the total effect on costs arising from the restricted waterway movements would not become apparent until their financial results were published. The Germany-based fluorspar consumer has looked into the possibility of moving raw materials by road although it admitted that this was a precautionary measure and was not immediately necessary. But because this situation is affecting businesses across Germany and into Eastern Europe, it has also placed a premium on the supply of road and rail transport. "For one vessel carrying 300 containers [on the water], you need 300 trucks. This leaves no alternative for the steel industry in Duisburg, which will not change from inland vessels to trucks for the simple reason that the cargo is not meant to be transported by truck," a spokesman for the Port of Amsterdam told Fastmarkets. Some ships were being loaded with as little as 20% of capacity, he added. In the Netherlands, there is also a shortage of qualified truck drivers, according to the spokeswoman from Evofenedex. "A lot of companies are searching for skilled people to fill job openings," she said. Another factor to be considered is that transporting material by alternative methods may mean that deliveries do not arrive when they are needed. Weather to stay dry According to the BBC Weather service, there is only one day in the next 14 when rain can be expected to fall in Koblenz one of the principal cities along the Rhine, just north of the Kaub chokepoint. Website Elwis.de, operated by the German Ministry of Transport & Digital Infrastructure, has predicted that the all-time low water depth of 35cm will be matched by the evening of Friday November 9. If there is no rainfall in the coming months, the Rhine and its canals will be more susceptible to freezing when the weather turns cold, which could prolong the logistics problems well into the winter. This article was amended on November 8 to include BASF's comments on its nylon products. Fishermen Petition State to Control Pollution on Californias Wildest Salmon River by Institute for Fisheries Resources Friday Nov 2nd, 2018 11:47 AM For more information contact: Regina Chichizola, Institute for Fisheries Resources/PCFFA : (541) 951-0126 Nathaniel Kane, Environmental Law Foundation : (510) 208 4555 Noah Oppenheim, Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermens Associations ( 415) 561 3474 Smith River, CA - Today the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermens Associations, Institute for Fisheries Resources, and Environmental Law Foundation petitioned Californias State Water Resources Control Board to regulate large scale pesticide pollution from lily bulb farms in the Smith Rivers estuary. The Smith River in far Northern Californias redwood region is the states only undammed and undiverted river. Fishermen say large-scale pesticide pollution is killing salmon and impacting the fishing industry in this rural and economically depressed area. In October, the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board announced that it was abandoning a seven-year long process to establish a permit for lily bulb cultivation in favor of a purely voluntary program. The Smith River salmon restoration potential is unparalleled, stated the federations director Noah Oppenheim. Despite its outstanding upstream habitat quality, the Smith has the states heaviest pesticide use per acre directly adjacent to its estuary, with virtually no regulatory oversight. California salmon fisheries are heavily regulated, and North Coast fisheries have been severely curtailed or closed in recent years. Its time for other industries that impact ours to clean up their act; our coexistence depends on it. At issue is roughly 2,000 acres of the Smith Rivers estuary farm land that is used for lily bulb farming. Growers use nearly 300,000 lbs. of fumigants, herbicides and fungicides yearly in the estuary. The estuary is critical habitat for coho salmon, a threatened species. Residents and federal agencies have complained of health impacts, drinking water contamination, and impacts to salmon from unregulated pesticide use from farms for over 30 years. Recent studies have confirmed water contamination in the estuary. The petition claims that the Regional Board has failed to follow its own laws and policies by proposing a voluntary program. The Water Code and State Board policies require an enforceable permit for agricultural pollution that contains certain concrete features. The water in Smith River belongs to all Californians, said Nathaniel Kane, attorney for Environmental Law Foundation. The Regional Boards failure to regulate lily bulb farming violates laws intended to protect people and ecosystems from exactly this kind of contamination. We are petitioning today to demand the accountability and results that the law requires. The groups point to the fact that recent tests detected 17 pesticides in the tributaries and ditches that feed the estuary, 10 instances of contamination of the aquatic life, and copper contamination up to 8 times the levels that are toxic to salmon. These are major violations of state and federal law. It would take very little regulation and action to stop the pesticides from entering the Smith River, said Regina Chichizola, a local policy coordinator for Institute for Fisheries Resources. Simple actions like stopping direct chemical runoff to creeks, not spraying in the rainy season, creating streamside buffers and restoring salmon habitat could protect public health and the economy on the states wildest river. 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. Hannover Re defends coal investing Channels: SAA/ALM, Risk, Governance Companies: Hannover Re, Generali, Vienna Insurance Group, Allianz, Swiss Re, Munich Re, Unfriend Coal People: Oliver Suess, Ulrich Wallin, Regine Richter Hannover Re has become the second insurer in the last few days forced to defend itself against criticism for facilitating the supply of damaging fossil fuels. The German company came under fire, on its third-quarter results day, from campaigner Regine Richter. Yesterday (9 November), she said the reinsurer was "shirking its responsibilities" in still supporting coal extraction, and falling behind the approaches of rivals Allianz, Swiss Re and Munich Re. "Only Hannover Re holds tight to the coal industry [and is] the last anchor of the coal industry," she said. Vienna Insurance Group (VIG) had to defend its facilitating role of fossil fuel, as well, after climate protection lobbyists Unfriend Coal revealed VIG and Generali were to insure a Czech coal power plant. VIG said it "strives to integrate environmental protection" in all areas of the business chain. A spokesperson from Hannover Re, Oliver Suess, said the company's policy on coal had not changed since chief executive Ulrich Wallin told Insurance Asset Risk in September that the fight against coal was a political one, and should not be fought by pressuring legitimate private commerce. Suess said Hannover Re bars from investment any company making more than 25% of its revenues from mining or coal burning, and that Hannover Re applies the criteria of the UN Global Compact in its investment decisions. He acknowledged the company had not imposed such restrictions in underwriting, "but instead take our lead from the broader legal framework. Hannover Re indirectly covers, through reinsurance, the generation of energy from fossil fuel resources," he said. "We take the view that it is better if risks that can be insured and originate from approved or even government-backed projects actually are insured. Insurance serves to spread risk and hence, in the final analysis, offers protection for operators, local residents and consumers". Hannover Re would "of course" welcome a shift in the energy mix towards alternative energy sources, Suess said. He noted that the company helps cover the generation of renewable energy by helping building of wind turbines, and constructing of solar modules "and other energy sources". David Walker Generali's move shows that coal is increasingly becoming uninsurable. The majority of global insurance companies with the expertise to lead in assessing and underwriting new power plants have now committed to end or limit insurance for new coal projects, said Lucie Pinson, European coordinator of the Unfriend Coal campaign. Recent climate disasters should remind industry laggards of the urgent need for action. The latest IPCC report makes clear that we have to act on an unprecedented scale to phase out coal if we are to meet the 1.5C global warming target and avoid dangerous climate change." Generalis stance is stronger than some others in that it will turn away from new coal projects and new client companies. However, it for now doesnt exclude the coverage of existing coal projects like the policies of Allianz, AXA and Zurich have done. The Italian insurers policy also contains another loophole, which allows them to insure the modernisation and retrofitting of coal power plants owned by existing clients. Greenpeace and the Unfriend Coal campaign have welcomed the new Generali policy as a sign that coal is increasingly becoming uninsurable. Greenpeace Italy climate campaigner, Luca Iacoboni, said: With its new coal exclusion policy Generali sent an important signal today: Coal is becoming uninsurable and should make room for the urgent energy transition towards 100% renewable energy. Its not just a matter of securing the survival of our planet, but of the insurance industry as well. Even Moodys Investor Service warned that climate change has a net negative credit impact on the (re)insurance industry. (Re)insurers like AIG, Chubb, Mapfre, Hannover Re-Talanx, Vienna Insurance Group and Uniqa, who are all still actively insuring coal, must get with the times, move away from the dirty fuel or face public scrutiny and economic losses. Take, for example, the reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which is due on November 30 and provides an opportunity for Congress to reform a program that has seen its share of losses this year following Hurricane Florence. I do not believe that [the election] changes whats going to occur relative to the NFIP reauthorization. If the Senate had changed hands, it would have the potential to change things, explained Craig Poulton, CEO of private flood insurer Poulton Associates. After all, the House passed the 21st Century Flood Reform Act, which included important reforms to address the NFIPs financial struggles and clarified that property owners in flood zones can turn to the private market to meet the federal lending requirement. The Senate, on the other hand, did not advance this issue. The House has been willing to take action. The House had discussed and had come up with a set of reauthorization criteria that they were ready to act on and again, the Senate said, dont pass the bill yet, let us look at it, and they just continue to keep it stalled, explained Poulton. Even though Democrats are in charge of the House, most of them had already looked at this issue and said, here are the kind of reforms we need to do, so if they see any light at the end of the Senate tunnel, I would expect the House to be willing to do something along the lines of what theyve previously proposed. Its really the Senate where the bottleneck is, and its more geographic than it is political. Read more: FEMA drops non-compete clause and mid-term cancelation rule for NFIP policies With Representative Maxine Waters from California expected to head the Financial Services Committee, Wienecke predicts shell pass a flood insurance bill next year, though thats not the main concern. The question is, can the Senate find 60 votes and what does that compromise look like, and that challenge doesnt change as a result of the election, said Wienecke. The National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) meanwhile sees benefits from the election results when it comes to the reauthorization of the NFIP and the future of the flood insurance market. PIA supports a long-term reauthorization of the flood insurance program, with needed reforms. Since we also support efforts to encourage the development of the private flood insurance market, the expanded Republican majority in the Senate could present a good opportunity for the entry of additional private flood resources into the marketplace, said Jon Gentile, vice president of government relations of the PIA. We hope these changes to the composition of Congress will encourage a renewed spirit of bipartisanship in terms of creating opportunities for insurance agents to expand their businesses and increase the take-up rate for flood and other essential lines of insurance. Where Wienecke sees an arguably better environment for the insurance industry as a result of the elections is in the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program, which via the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act formed a temporary federal program that created for a transparent system of shared public and private compensation for some insured losses resulting from a certified act of terrorism, according to the US Department of the Treasury. Waters has proposed a permanent straight reauthorization of the program, which will likely not be the end result, but still reflects a good starting point for a conversation on its extension, said Wienecke. On the other hand, challenges to the insurance industry could emerge when Congress debates topics whose impacts could seep into the insurance realm. I have a reasonably high degree of confidence that one of the major issues that will come up in this Congress is the issue of consumer data privacy, and I would expect to see Congress discussing and debating with legislative solutions to consumer data privacy similar to the California legislation that passed or GDPR in Europe, commented Wienecke. With all the hearings that weve had with the social media companies this year, there was no bill or effort in this Congress to do that. That is almost impossible for me to see in the next Congress I would be shocked if there werent legislation in the next Congress on consumer privacy. The role of the federal government in regulating or declassifying marijuana as a Schedule 1 drug could also be up for discussion and is an area where insurers have a concrete interest, particularly in areas of highway and workplace safety, added Wienecke. While the work of the new Congress is only just beginning, there is some optimism that the future for the insurance industry will be bright under incoming leadership. While a lot has been accomplished under two years of singular control including passage of tax reform, which led to many agents and brokers being able to qualify for a very helpful pass-through tax deduction we now may see other positive actions as the result of this split Congress, Gentile told Insurance Business. Prior to joining Rogers & Gray, Brown served as senior territory manager in the Boston and New York City markets for Safeco, a Liberty Mutual company. He also spent six years with Arthur J. Gallagher. Ive been working alongside Rogers & Gray for a long time, and have always been impressed by the way they treat their clients and their employees, Brown said. This position is the perfect opportunity for me to bring my expertise to the agency and the clients. A measure approved by Virginia voters this week to cut taxes on homes in flood-prone areas of the flood-prone commonwealth has climate experts warning that it might encourage people to remain in vulnerable areas and could spread to other states. The constitutional amendment passed Tuesday with more than 70 percent of the vote allows cities and other local governments to cut taxes on homes that repeatedly flood, providing the property owners take protective steps. Supporters say the change will keep residents from abandoning coastal communities that are increasingly deluged. Thats what worries some climate policy advocates. It will be an incentive to stay in a risky area, said Chad Berginnis, executive director of the Association of State Floodplain Managers, adding that other states could follow. This is potentially a big deal. Virginia, with its low-lying coastal areas along the Chesapeake Bay, has some of the worst flooding in the country. As of 2015, almost 700 homes in the state qualified as what the Federal Emergency Management Agency describes as severe repetitive loss properties. Those homes cost the federal flood insurance program more than $111 million in flood claims between 1978 and 2015, according to data obtained by the Natural Resources Defense Council. Climate change is making the problem more acute. By 2030, as many as four communities in coastal Virginia, including Chesapeake and Poquoson, will experience what the Union of Concerned Scientists characterizes as chronic inundation, meaning that at least 10 percent of their land area will be underwater an average of twice a month. That number is expected to grow to as many as seven communities by 2045, and as many as 38 by 2100. Still, Berginnis said that until Washington does more to help people in coastal areas over the long run for example, buying and demolishing more homes that keep flooding the benefits of Virginias approach outweigh the risks, by making it cheaper to protect homes while theyre still standing. You need short-term solutions, and you need long-term solutions, Berginnis said. Congress so far hasnt agreed on a long-term approach. The House last year passed a flood insurance bill that would prevent homes that keep flooding from getting federally subsidized coverage. The Senate didnt take up the bill. The Virginia measure passed Tuesday would let cities, towns and counties exempt their most vulnerable homeowners from part of their property tax burden. In return, those homeowners would have to take steps such as elevating their houses, which may slow the rate at which those properties decline in value. The Virginia legislature must now pass enabling legislation setting the rules for tax breaks. State Senator Lynwood Lewis, Jr., who represents Norfolk and sponsored the amendment, said he hopes to give local governments as much leeway as possible. But he said he doesnt want the exemption to apply to new buildings. That is not at all the intent, Lewis said in a phone interview Thursday. Lewis said the change was unlikely to make a difference in whether people choose to stay in flood-prone areas, arguing that many of those homeowners are middle-to-low income and dont have the money to move. The idea that theyre even going to be in a position to abandon is just not realistic, Lewis said. Flooding could eventually force residents to leave some areas, but thats a decision for local governments to make, he said. Buying Time The measure won the backing of some Virginia environmentalists. Skip Stiles, executive director of Wetlands Watch, said his group supported the policy, on the grounds that it would delay the collapse of local tax bases in flood-prone areas long enough to find a more durable solution. Its true that we want to move people out of flood plains, especially those that are getting hammered the worst. But whos going to pay for that? Stiles said in a phone interview. If those houses go belly up and have to be bulldozed, therell be no money. By contrast, Stiles said that providing financial incentives to keep people living in flood-prone homes would provide some space for governments to come up with better ideas. Youre keeping the property tax base intact, he said. Youre buying time for a transition. National groups were less enthusiastic. R.J. Lehmann, director of insurance policy at the R Street Institute, a Washington-based think tank that advocates free-market solutions to climate change, said the change would dim the financial signals warning people not to live in flood-prone areas. Its a convoluted way to accomplish the goal of encouraging mitigation, Lehmann said. I just would be more comfortable with a direct means-tested subsidy for those who need help affording improvements, rather than mucking around with the tax code. Other states could follow, he said. It wouldnt surprise me if it caught on, given rising concern about flood risk. Shannon Cunniff, director of coastal resilience for the Environmental Defense Fund, which didnt take an official position on the amendment, said its hard to say whether the tax breaks would in fact succeed at encouraging people to protect their homes against flooding. Folks that do risk-reduction improvements already have financial incentives, Cunniff said, including preventing their property value from falling and reducing their flood-insurance premiums. What Id like to see is another complementary program focused on encouraging folks to move out of repetitively flooded properties to less risky areas. Aaron Clark-Ginsberg, who lives in Alexandria, Virginia, said he was torn over the measure when he voted Tuesday. Its totally a great idea to help people protect themselves from flooding, Clark-Ginsberg, a social scientist at RAND Corp. who focuses on disaster policy, said in a phone interview. On the other hand, he said, My worry is that youre basically incentivizing living in flood plains. In the end, Clark-Ginsberg said, he voted against the measure. Still, he acknowledged that, politically at least, offering tax cuts had broader appeal than some of the alternatives. Its a lot easier to give an individual a little bit of money than it is to address some of the broader systemic issues, Clark-Ginsberg said. Copyright 2021 Bloomberg. Topics Flood Homeowners Virginia In April 2013, a Lion Air Boeing 737 missed the runway on the Indonesian resort island of Bali in bad weather and plowed into the sea, cracking its fuselage open on the rocks. All 108 on board survived. But a September 2014 report by Indonesias air crash investigators highlighted errors and poor training, saying the 24-year-old co-pilot had failed to adhere to the basic principles of jet aircraft flying. Lion Air, struggling to get off a European Union blacklist because of unaddressed safety concerns, asked Airbus, which supplies part of its fleet, to help improve training. The EU removed the privately owned budget airline from the list in 2016 after it determined Lion Air met international safety standards. None of Indonesias roughly 100 airlines most of them tiny remain on the EU blacklist, with the last few coming off in June. All were banned in 2007; the national carrier, Garuda Indonesia, was the first to be removed in 2009. The crash of a Lion Air jet on Oct. 29 into the sea off Jakarta has put a spotlight back on the airlines safety record, although the cause remains undetermined. None of the aircrafts 189 passengers and crew survived. Lion Airs latest crisis illustrates the challenge relatively new carriers face as they try to keep pace with unstoppable demand for air travel in developing nations while striving for standards that mature markets took decades to reach. Retired air force chief of staff Chappy Hakim, an adviser to the transport ministry, told Reuters he avoided flying with Lion Air or other Indonesian airlines, with the exception of Garuda, which has not had a fatal crash since 2007. I know Garuda, he said of the national carrier. The other airlines, I dont believe they do the maintenance and training properly. He declined to elaborate further. Lion Air Managing Director Daniel Putut disputed any laxity in the airlines safety culture, stressing that it conducted maintenance in accordance with manufacturer guidelines. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation, the Indonesian aviation authority, did not respond to multiple requests for comment about Lion Airs safety record. Putut, a former pilot, also told Reuters during a visit to the airlines training center near the Jakarta airport that it complied with all regulatory requirements. He said Lion Air had worked hard to install an attitude of zero tolerance for accidents after the Bali crash, making last weeks disaster a painful eye-opener. Thousands of Lion Air flights have taken off and landed without serious incident since then. We are also looking into what went wrong new aircraft, experienced crews, and we have applied the zero-tolerance culture, yet another accident happened, Putut said. But we still dont know the cause, so we will wait for the investigation from NTSC (National Transportation Safety Committee). Safety Culture Frank Caron, head of a risk consulting firm who served as Lion Airs safety manager from 2009 to 2011 after insurance companies requested a foreign expert, said that at the time he was troubled by what he regarded as the airlines attitude that accidents were inevitable. Safety is much more than running concepts and procedures, he said. Safety is a spirit, a state of mind, a way of thinking, an attitude in the daily aspects of an operational life. And that is precisely what Lion never got. They would say, The airline has 250 flights a day, it is not abnormal that you have accidents.' For example, after the 2013 Bali crash, Lion Air co-founder Rusdi Kirana told local media who asked about the airlines safety record: If we are seen to have many accidents, its because of our frequency of flights. Caron claimed he left Lion Air after some of his safety recommendations were not implemented. Lion Airs chief executive declined to comment on Carons account of his departure or his other assertions. Indonesian accident investigators made four recommendations after the Bali crash, including that Lion Air should ensure that all pilots must be competent in hand flying and teach proper cockpit coordination. They also urged the aviation authority to ensure all airlines under its control did the same. Putut said Lion Air embraced those recommendations. Between the Bali crash and the one last week, Lion Air had three non-fatal accidents, including one in April in which a 737 skidded off a runway, according to Flight Safety Foundations Aviation Safety Network database. Since it began operating 18 years ago, Lion Air has seen a total of eight planes damaged beyond repair in accidents, two of which killed a combined 214 people, according to the Aviation Safety Network database. During the same period, five jets from its chief rival, the national carrier Garuda Indonesia, were damaged beyond repair, and two accidents killed a combined 22 people, according to the database. Garuda declined to comment about its safety record. Since the 2013 Bali crash, Lion Air has sought to improve safety by gaining European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification for its pilot training and maintenance facilities. EASA certifies its training center to instruct other airlines pilots on A320 simulators and is seeking the same approvals for 737 jets and ATR72 turboprops, said Audy L Punuh, Lion Airs Angkasa Pilot Training Organisation Director. Rapid Growth Lion Air has expanded quickly since it started flying in 2000, overtaking national carrier Garuda by capturing more than half of the domestic market and establishing offshoots in Thailand and Malaysia. It has ridden a wave of aviation growth in Indonesia, where air travel has become critical for the economy. Domestic air traffic more than tripled in Indonesia over the past decade as prosperity and low fares made flying affordable for more people. With 129 million passengers in 2017, the Southeast Asian country was already the worlds 10th-largest aviation market and is projected to continue growing. That growth has been accompanied by an air-accident rate that was twice the global average in 2017 and consistently higher than Indonesias neighbors in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, according to the United Nations aviation agency. Indonesian pilots are allowed to fly a maximum of 110 hours a month, which is more than the 100 hours in most other countries. Last year seven commercial planes were damaged beyond repair around the world, according to Boeing data; two were in Indonesia, wrecked in non-fatal accidents involving Sriwijaya Air and Tri M.G. Airlines. Latest Crash Flight JT610 took off from Jakarta at 6:20 a.m. on Oct. 29, bound for Bangka island, off Sumatra, and plunged into the sea 13 minutes later. Just before the crash, the pilot asked to return to the airport. The aircraft flew erratically on its previous flight and its airspeed readings were unreliable, according to an accident investigator and a flight tracking website. Investigators on Monday said the flight data recorder from the downed jet showed an airspeed indicator had been damaged during its final four flights, raising questions about maintenance and mechanical problems. Boeing said on Wednesday it had issued a bulletin to airlines reminding pilots about what it described as existing procedures for handling erroneous data from sensors. The Federal Aviation Administration later issued a directive calling for revisions to operating procedures of the airplane flight manual. It is too early for regulators to decide whether to reconsider the decision to remove Lion Air from the EU blacklist, EU Ambassador to Indonesia Vincent Guerend told Reuters. The European Commission continues to monitor the situation on a regular basis, he said. It is still too early to have any conclusive views on the causes of the accident. (Reporting by Jamie Freed, Fanny Potkin, Jessica Damiana, Cindy Silviana, Fathin Ungku, Ed Davies, Gayatri Suroyo and Tabita Diela in Jakarta and Tim Hepher in Hong Kong; editing by John Chalmers and Gerry Doyle) Related: Topics Europe Leadership Aviation Training Development Hub International Limited, the Chicago-based insurance broker, announced that it has acquired the assets of Kuokoa Enterprises Inc. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Kuokoa Enterprises specializes in commercial lines insurance solutions. Owner of Kuokoa Enterprises, Dave Douglas, will join Hub Barton. Source: Hub International Ltd. Related: Topics Mergers Agencies Canada CoreLogic, the Irvine, Calif.-based property data and analytics firm, announced it is expanding its Flood Risk Score and Weather Verification Services for hail into Canada. The availability of the CoreLogic Flood Risk Score and Weather Verification Service for hail in Canada means insurers and adjusters can more quickly and accurately assess risk in large areas, said CoreLogic, noting that insurers can react quickly when flood events strike, and maintain detailed risk profiles as changes to the environment naturally occur. CoreLogic provided details of its two products: Flood Risk Score for Canada. Available through RiskMeter Online, the flood risk score was developed by scientists who specialize in hydrology and algorithmic-based risk assessments. It provides the analytic capability to help customers identify flood risk for all flood hazard perils (riverine flood, flash flood, and coastal flood) across the Canadas 10 provinces and the entire risk spectrum, from small frequent floods to severe and catastrophic events. These capabilities help with flood insurance pricing, flood risk mitigation and flood risk communications. Scores are based on comprehensive hydrological technology, scientific datasets, and decades of experience in providing flood risk assessments, noted CoreLogic. Hail Weather Verification Service for Canada. This product verifies the presence of hail at insured locations, allowing insurers to see the geographic extent during and after a hail event at the national or property level, and to receive proactive hail event notifications on impacted policies. With granular views and timely communications around hail events and locations, insurers and carriers can better understand the hardest-hit areas, anticipate claim volumes and locations, and experience process improvements that accelerate workflow efficiency after hail events, explained CoreLogic. Expanding our Flood Risk Score and Weather Verification for hail data into Canada allows our underwriter and carrier neighbors to the north to have the best of both worlds, providing full coverage for their clients while also underwriting policies that are smart for their book of business, said Mark Drollinger, senior product manager at CoreLogic. These easy-to-integrate, affordable solutions allow carriers to consume flood and hail event information for a specific location and ensure better policy and risk decisions can be made. More information on the CoreLogic Flood Risk Score or Weather Verification Service for hail in Canada can be found on the CoreLogic website. Source: CoreLogic Topics Carriers Flood Canada The Illinois Supreme Court has agreed with an insurance agents argument that under state law insureds have two years from the date an insurance policy is issued to file suit against an insurance producer alleging that the policy sold to them is deficient. The high courts ruling came in a case in which it overturned the finding of a state appellate court that favored a plaintiffs argument that cause of action in an insurance policy does not accrue until the insurer refuses coverage under the policy. The appellate courts decision had reversed a district courts ruling in American Family Mutual Insurance Company v. Walter Krop et al., Appellees (Andy Varga, Appellant) that dismissed the claim by Walter and Lisa Krop that their American Family policy sold to them by agent Andrew Varga was deficient as it did not cover a tort action pending against their son. In its finding, the circuit court agreed with Vargas argument that the cause of action for negligently selling a deficient policy accrues as soon as customers purchase their policy, the high court explained in its written opinion. The circuit court found that the two-year period in which to file a complaint had passed by the time the Krops took action against American Family and Varga. The Krops in early 2012 had asked Varga to provide a new policy with American Family that would provide coverage equal to that found in the policy they held from Travelers Insurance Co. The Krops maintained they gave a copy of their old policy to Varga and that he promised to provide them with an American Family policy that was equal to or better than the Travelers policy for a similar price. American Family and the Krops agreed to a policy, which American Family issued on March 21, 2012. The Krops renewed this policy each of the next three years, according to the courts opinion. The Krops were sued in mid-2014 for defamation, invasion of privacy, and intentional infliction of emotional distress in an action that the high court said was not relevant to the decision in the Krops case against American Family and Varga, except for the fact that American Family in August 2014 denied coverage for the lawsuit against the Krops. American Family sought declaratory judgement in circuit court to justify its denial of coverage. The insurer sought a finding that portions of the Krops American Family policy excluded from coverage the reason for the action against the Krops. The Krops counterclaim against American Family and third-party complaint against Varga, filed on Sept. 3, 2015, alleged that Varga was negligent in failing to provide them with an insurance policy equal to their Travelers policy, as they had requested. The Krops also alleged that American Family was vicariously liable for its agents negligence. American Family maintained its policy covered bodily or property damage resulting from an occurrence, or accident. According to the insurer, however, the policys definition of occurrence did not include offenses causing personal injury, the courts opinion states. The Krops maintained that unlike the American Family policy, the Travelers policy provided liability coverage for bodily and property injuries as well as personal injury. Varga and American Family argued that the Krops brought their suit too late, citing that portion of the insurance code that creates a two-year statute of limitations for claims against insurance producers. The circuit court agreed that the two-year limitation begins at the time that the insured receives the policy, but the appeals court found otherwise. The appellate court found that insurance agents owe their customers a fiduciary duty and that this duty is more significant than the customers obligation to read their policy, according to the Supreme Courts opinion. Therefore, the appellate court determined that the onset of the limitations period began when the Krops knew or should have known of the injury, that is, when they were denied coverage by American Family. A Supreme Court majority disagreed, stating that the Krops were obligated to read and understand the terms of their policy when they received it. Therefore, the high court said, the Krops cause of action against Varga for negligent failure to procure insurance accrued on March 21, 2012, and the two-year limitations period ended on March 21, 2014. Because the Krops brought their claim on September 3, 2015, that claim was untimely, the opinion states. Justices Theis and Kilbride dissented, stating that they agreed with the appellate courts finding that the limitation period for the cause of action against the agent began when the insurer denied the Krops claim. Topics Agencies Illinois Fraser Shipyards has settled lawsuits involving dozens of workers who were exposed to lead while working on an old freighter in Superior, the company said. Fraser has agreed to pay $7.5 million to more than 60 workers who were exposed to lead paint. The workers were involved in a 2016 engine repowering project for the freighter Herbert C. Jackson at Frasers Superior yards. They were converting the freighters old boiler and steam power system to diesel when they were exposed to the lead, according to Fraser spokesman Rob Karwath. The first of the three federal lawsuits had been scheduled for trial in December. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited Fraser for numerous 2016 work violations and fined it $1.4 million. OSHA later reduced that penalty to $700,000 as part of a settlement in which Fraser adopted a new safety plan. We believe that this settlement, which resolves all outstanding claims, is in the best interests of all parties, said James Farkas, president and chief operating officer of Fraser Industries, the parent company of Fraser Shipyards. This agreement, and earlier settlement agreements with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration reached with input from unions representing our workers, ensures that we can move forward with a strong commitment to employee protection and business viability, in partnership with OSHA and everyone who earns a living at our 126-year-old family-owned company in Superior, Farkas said in a statement. Fraser Shipyards is the last major independent shipyard on the U.S. side of the Great Lakes. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Claims Wisconsin A jury has ordered Aetna to pay more than $25 million to the family of an Oklahoma City woman who died a year after the insurance company refused to cover a type of radiation therapy. Jurors found that Aetna doctors didnt spend enough time reviewing Orrana Cunninghams case before denying her coverage for proton beam therapy in 2014, The Oklahoman reported. The jury ruled that Aetna recklessly disregarded its duty to deal fairly and in good faith with Cunningham, who had nasopharyngeal cancer. Aetna is considering whether to appeal the ruling. Company attorney John Shely said the insurer tries to do the right thing. If its in our control to change, thats what were going to do, Shely said. Aetna has learned something here. An Aetna doctor denied Cunningham coverage for the therapy in 2014, deeming it experimental. Two other in-house doctors reviewed and upheld the decision. The Food and Drug Administration had approved proton beam therapy, which is also a treatment covered by Medicare, according to Doug Terry, the familys attorney. He alleged that Aetna denied coverage for financial reasons and that its doctors were unqualified, overworked and biased when making decisions. Court records show that one doctor complained to the insurer about having to review more than 80 cases a day. After she was denied coverage, Cunningham and her husband decided to mortgage their home in Meeker, about 35 miles east of Oklahoma City, to pay for the therapy in Texas. She died in May 2015 at age 54. My wife, her goal, was to make this fight, Ron Cunningham said. Her comment was, If we can save one person and stop Aetna from doing what they traditionally do on every claim, it was worth the battle. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Carriers Oklahoma A man who fought for more than a decade to maintain his rights to a mining claim in northwestern Montana died two days after a jury awarded him nearly $2.6 million. A Lincoln County jury awarded the money to Arnold Bakie for a mining companys use of Bakies claims to access an estimated $8 billion worth of silver and copper claims beneath the Cabinet Mountain Wilderness. Bakie, 70, was killed in a logging accident on Oct. 19, the Flathead Beacon reported . In 2007, Mines Management Inc. subsidiary Montanore Minerals Corp. sought to have Bakies claims declared invalid. A state judge ruled they were valid, so the companies sought rights of way to tunnel through the claims. A federal judge allowed the easements, but he said Bakie and other investors, including former Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer, were entitled to fair compensation. Jurors awarded the others $750,000. Officials with Hecla Mining, which owns the Montanore Mine, did not immediately return a phone message seeking comment. Stephen Brown, an attorney representing the investor group, said he expects Montanore will appeal the jurys decision. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Lawsuits Mining Montana California officials ordered an evacuation of the city of Malibu, an enclave for the areas rich and famous, and told drivers to avoid a major freeway as a wildfire spread north of Los Angeles. The so-called Woolsey Fire has already destroyed several homes and threatens more in some of the wealthiest neighborhoods in the U.S. The 101 freeway, a major artery for commuters, was ordered closed in both directions at Liberty Canyon. Authorities have created evacuation centers in Camarillo and Thousand Oaks, the site of a mass shooting earlier this week. Residents with large animals were being asked to take them to Zuma Beach. About 75,000 homes in Ventura and Los Angeles counties were under mandatory or voluntary evacuation orders, the Los Angeles Times reported. The fire has consumed 8,000 acres and isnt yet even partly contained, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Related: Copyright 2021 Bloomberg. Topics California Pinnacol Assurances Board of Directors has approved a plan to decrease workers compensation rates in 2019 by an average of 10 percent. The decrease will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2019, and will be the fourth straight year Pinnacol has decreased rates. Pinnacols board also declared its intent to issue a general divided of roughly $70 million in 2019. The Colorado Division of Insurance has approved a 16.7 percent average statewide loss cost decrease for the 2019 policy year based on recommendations from the National Council on Compensation Insurance. Pinnacol said its rate change reflects longer-term underlying loss and expense trends to minimize short-term volatility and create marketplace stability for Colorado employers. The general dividend is a portion of Pinnacols surplus returned to its customers that earn it through successful workplace safety records controlling claims costs. Pinnacol provides workers comp 57,000 Colorado employers. Topics Workers' Compensation Colorado Whats one of the biggest gaps in cyber? Good communication between the insurance industry and customers, who are in need of more than just products to help protect them from risks in the rapidly changing digital world. That was the consensus from a panel of experts speaking on Thursday at the annual PLUS conference in downtown San Diego, Calif. The conference this year, which began on Wednesday and ends today, drew thousands of insurance professionals to meet and to hear about the latest industry trends from experts. Former Secretary of State John Kerry, Vernice Armour, the first African American female combat pilot, and attorney Gloria Allred, were among the keynote speakers. Opioids, blockchain, employment practices liability, autonomous vehicles, drones and professional liability were among the topics of numerous sessions throughout the conference. The ever-popular subject cyber was another topic. Panelists in a session titled Latest Trends in Cyber covered a variety of emerging themes in the growing line, but establishing better lines of communication with customers was a point the experts made repeatedly. For the buyers, its a crowded and noisy and confusing marketplace, said Robert Rosenzweig, senior vice president and national cyber risk practice leader for Risk Strategies. His sentiment was echoed by fellow panelists Tim Marlin, head of cyber and professional liability for The Hartford, Matthew Prevost, cyber product manager for Chubb, and Shawn Ram, head of insurance for Coalition. The panel was moderated by Tracey Vispoli, president of Berkley Cyber Risk Solutions. Panelists cited findings from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners that show there are more than 500 carriers that say they are writing cyber, up from less than 200 a year ago. Vispoli said the number of carriers and variety of products in the rapidly changing cyber market make it confusing for businesses that need coverage. Theres a lot of noise about whos selling and what theyre selling, she said. The speed at which cyber risks are changing adds to the confusion, but therein lies an opportunity for brokers and carriers to add value for their customers, according to Ram. The opportunity to understand the risk and how its changing during a policy period adds value, Ram said. Cannabis was another topic at the conference. The line of coverage most associate with the cannabis industry is usually product liability, but errors and omissions, directors and officers and cyber are all lines where there are opportunities for insurance agents and brokers, according to Ian Stewart, an attorney with Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker LLP. Stewart, who co-chairs the firms cannabis law practice, gave a talk on Navigating Cannabis Professional Liability Risks and Insurance. He touched on topics like insurance carriers obligation to follow federal cannabis-related guidelines, underwriting best practices and mitigating professional liability risks. He also talked about opportunities carriers and brokers in the growing cannabis industry. There is not a lot of medical E&O for physicians who recommend medical cannabis and there is going to be a need, Stewart said. Cyber is another area where Stewart sees as opportunity. Cannabis businesses use point of sale, keep customer information, and have cyber needs that are similar to businesses in other industries. Theres also a massive amount of data being collected through programs like Californias track and trace system, a statewide record-keeping mandate that tracks the inventory and movement of cannabis and cannabis products through the commercial cannabis supply chain from seedling to sale. A massive amount of data is being collected through this system, and business have an obligation to protect it, according to Stewart. The potential for data loss is high, he said. Topics Cyber Cannabis Professional Liability Fanned by hot, dry winds, wildfires north of San Francisco and near Los Angeles have forced the evacuation of more than 150,000 people in the state, including Malibu, the coastal enclave of the rich and famous. The fires cover about 84,000 acres overall and threaten to destroy tens of thousands of structures, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. More than 50,000 homes and business have lost power, and the shares of the states two biggest utilities, PG&E Corp. and Edison International, have plummeted. Five people were killed, according to the Associated Press. State officials are investigating electrical equipment as one of several possible causes of the fire in the north, said Scott McLean, a spokesman for Cal Fire, in an interview. State investigators last year linked equipment owned by PG&E to 17 fires in the state. Shares of utility owners fell the most since December. PG&E., which provides electricity in Northern California, lost as much as 15 percent. Edison International, which serves much of the southern part of the state, dropped as much as 12 percent. PG&E didnt immediately respond to requests for comment. Southern California Edison said it has no indication for the cause of the fire in Ventura, spokesman Robert Laffoon-Villegas said in an emailed statement. In Southern California, two separate fires have consumed about 18,000 acres in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. In Malibu which has been home to Hollywood stars including Tom Hanks and Dustin Hoffman flames leaped over the U.S. 101 freeway to threaten some of the citys wealthiest neighborhoods. Portions of the community have been evacuated, according to Los Angeles County Fire officials. The Ventura blaze comes the same week a gunman opened fire in a crowded country music bar in the county, killing 12. Many of our first responders havent slept, Ventura County Supervisor Linda Parks said during a news conference in Thousand Oaks, where the shooting took place. We are still reeling, but we are also very resilient. Meanwhile, decreasing winds in Northern California are lowering risk that a fire burning near Chico, which has already torched about 70,000 acres, will continue to spread. Still, the blaze forced residents to evacuate from several towns in an area about 150 miles (240 kilometers) northeast of San Francisco. Smoke from that fire stretched into San Francisco, prompting warnings from officials about outdoor activities and closing schools in parts of the Bay Area region. The air quality index in the area was forecast to be an unhealthy 124 Friday, worse than notoriously smoggy Beijing. PG&E is still struggling to cope with losses from last years deadly fires that could cost it as much as $17.3 billion in liabilities, according to a JPMorgan Chase & Co. estimate. Investors are waiting on the states investigation into the Tubbs fire, the deadliest of the 2017 wine country fires. Related: Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics California Catastrophe Natural Disasters Wildfire Here are all the latest headlines this lunchtime... Get informed IRELAND: Theresa Mays Brexit plans have been dealt a blow as her Democratic Unionist Party allies hit out at fears that a deal could impose barriers between Northern Ireland and Great Britain. IRELAND: A man who admitted possession of a firearm and being part of a conspiracy to murder a Dublin man has been jailed by the Special Criminal Court for 11 years. IRELAND:A book of condolence has opened in Churchtown, Co. Dublin following the murder of a local man in South Africa yesterday. WORLD: One person has died and two are in hospital after a man went on a knife rampage before being shot on a busy shopping street in Australia. BUSINESS: Tourism Ireland has taken over a corner of one of the busiest passenger transport hubs in the western hemisphere. SPORT: Declan Rice admits he is struggling to make a decision about his international future. ...Some distraction FEATURES: Due to breakthroughs in reproductive medicine, more and more Irish women are having babies in their 50s SHOWBIZ: Victoria Beckham has pointed out she was never actually asked to join the Spice Girls comeback, her ex-bandmate Mel C has said. VIRAL: The DSPCA is searching for the owners of a kitten who managed to hitch a ride from Dublin to Offaly. By Geoff Percival Cork Airport will facilitate 2.6m passengers during 2019, representing a 7% increase on this years numbers, its chief executive has said. The airports boss Niall MacCarthy said the 2019 numbers will largely be boosted by recent service expansions Ryanair recently announcing five new routes from Cork for its summer 2019 schedule and Aer Lingus adding two. Air France has also added capacity at its existing routes from the airport. Norwegian Air is also set to resume summer flights from Cork to the US east coast next summer. At Cork Airport, we are focused on growing and expanding our route network and the destinations served, and we are working with all our airline partners to drive this forward, said Mr MacCarthy. He said there remains the potential for more growth capacity to be agreed in time for next year, but further routes are not yet confirmed. Mr MacCarthy said routes from Cork to southern Europe should see an additional 60,000 passengers next year, with 55,000 more due to fly between Cork and London despite Brexit uncertainties 44,000 more to eastern and central Europe and 22,000 more to western European. Stobart Air, which operates Aer Lingus Regional, also remains in talks with Cork Airport on expanding its operations. Operating eight routes from Cork, the airport is an integral part of our overall route network with 2.5m passengers flying with us from Cork since we began operating regional services in 2010. We continue to work with the airport to develop opportunities, said a spokesperson for the airline. By Eamon Quinn and Frederic Tomesco New plans of Canadian jet maker Bombardier to cut about 5,000 jobs around the world has again put into doubt jobs at its facilities in Belfast. Bombardiers agreement just over a year ago to sell to European planemaker Airbus a stake of just over 50% in its troubled C-Series jet programme, now renamed the A220, had appeared to lift a huge cloud over 4,200 jobs at Bombardier facilities in the North. And in May, Bombardier and Airbus said they had secured orders from Air Baltic and American Airlines for the A220 jet. However, in a new round of asset sales and job cuts, Bombardier said it will lose 5,000 jobs, or 7% of its workforce, and plans net proceeds from the sales of about $900m (785m). It is unclear whether the cuts would affect its operations in the North. Its shares shed as much as 14% at one stage, reflecting concerns about the companys new plan. Bombardier is working off $9.5bn in adjusted debt, which was largely incurred as the manufacturer poured money into two aircraft-development programmes that were plagued with delays and cost overruns. The Global 7500 private jet is set to debut next month, marking the end of the companys heavy investment cycle. Bombardier ceded control of the C Series, or the A220, passenger plane to Airbus. Bombardier also stepped back from its 2018 cash-flow goal, citing an intense delivery phase in its rail business. Its target to break even on a cash-flow basis, plus or minus $150m, now includes the $635m Bombardier got from a land sale in Toronto. The previous target excluded those proceeds. Investors wont like the big chop to cash flow guide, which raises questions regarding management credibility and ability to complete a successful turnaround, said Cai von Rumohr, an analyst at Cowen & Co Bombardier will sell its Q Series turboprop programme and de Havilland trademark to a subsidiary of Canadas Longview Aviation Capital, parent company of Viking Air, which makes the Twin Otter propeller plane. CAE will buy Bombardiers business-jet flight and technical training activities. The company said it will explore strategic options for its CRJ regional-jet programme. The focus, for now, is on reducing cost and increasing volumes while optimising aftermarket revenue for about 1,500 CRJs in service. The moves hasten a future in which growth will revolve around private jets and trains. Together, those two businesses accounted for about 88% of third-quarter sales. - Irish Examiner and Bloomberg By Joe Dermody IRISH companies are striving to keep pace with data analytics skills shortages while third-level colleges race to make up ground on a five-year lag on industry-wide demand for skills in this area. Companies across every sector from professional services to retail are seeking out specialised data analysis retraining for in-house accountants and other key staff. Notably, theyre turning to the Analytics Institute of Ireland (AII), which is based in Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin. The institute has plans to launch a branch in Cork, where demand is also soaring. It is offering a series of targeted certified courses such as its Management Diploma in Data Analytics, Certified Data Scientist, and Certified Data Engineer. Some 550 industry leaders from a wide range of sectors attended this weeks National Analytics Conference, which the Analytics Institute hosted in Dublins Mansion House. The institute had to turn down people seeking to attend. A small event a few years back, next year theyll be needing a bigger boat. We had to shut the event a few weeks before we went live, said Lorcan Malone, CEO of AII. Salaries are surging, people are telling us they cant find the talent they need. There is far more demand than supply. I believe we are looking at a five-year window before the colleges can catch up. And, of course, it takes time for students to become fully effective in the workplace. Thats why weve launched an online professional certification, working with different companies who are helping us to define our courses in line with their needs. Support level data analysts are earning over 35,000 on average, quickly rising to 48,000 for a data analytics practitioner, 53,000 for a consultant practitioner, 80,000 for a data analytics manager, and up to 100k to 200k for team leader and director roles. Why are they in such demand? Why has data mining suddenly become so essential to the successful running of a business? The key benefits from analytics being sought by companies are deeper insights, the ability to react quicker to changing market dynamics, and to increase customer satisfaction and retention. Those were among the key findings of the first National Analytics Maturity Report, conducted by the Analytics Institute and UCD Smurfit Graduate Business School and backed by EY Ireland. Companies are using data to gain a better understanding of their customers and their opportunities. Data analytics also covers areas such as GDPR and data privacy, the veracity of data, real time analytics, machine learning and AI, and the emergence of new data sources. Right now, new technologies such as robotic process automation, blockchain and quantum computing are less impactful for most organisations. The study primarily focused on Irelands top 100 organisations. Key findings 27% of companies spent 1m+ on analytics in 2017 . 69% will increase spending on analytics in 2019. 66% of firms will recruit more analytics staff in 2019. 78% see analytics having a real impact on strategy . 62% say analytics impacts on the bottom line. The No. 1 challenge is moving from insight to action. The heart of data analytics is understanding the customer better to get a measurable performance improvement, said Mr Malone. For instance, Dublin Airport Authority use it to predict customer flows and spending patterns. They used predictive analytics to know the right products and the times when people will spend money. Of course, analytics doesnt do away with gut instinct in business, but it supports your instincts with data that will ensure you are more effective. Of course, gut instinct isnt always effective. Rather than just always looking in the rear view mirror, organisations are now using predictive analysis to ensure better performance. Why now? The current explosion of interest in data has largely come about due to lower costs in AI and computing power. Organisations are running algorithms to get real-time solutions in a way that was neither doable nor affordable 10 years ago. Eoin OReilly, partner and head of data analytics at EY, told the Mansion House audience that he is seeing huge use being made of data analytics and automation in sectors like recruitment and real estate. Where business analysts previously had to spend days sifting through thousands of documents, theyre now using computing models to come up with real-time solutions to inform their business decisions. Mr OReilly said: The human element is a challenge being faced by many. We need a solid pipeline of talent across the STEM spectrum to address the current deficit, and businesses leaders must focus now on future-proofing their existing workforce through training and development. Ensuring an organisation has data-savvy managers as well as technical experts is the magical formula to move from insight to action. Mr Malone added: Data analytics is delivering extraordinary improvements in productivity. I think we are currently at a tipping point; were seeing this move from seeming futuristic to more and more just being a matter of fact in business. At the conference, AIB outlined how their apps will help customers predict their spending, warn them when theyre overspending. If theyve a big tax bill coming up, the app might advise they save some money to cover it. Kilkenny Tourism is using data to analyse peoples spending patterns at events, assessing the opportunities and gains in various festivals. SMEs are increasingly using Google analytics to assess web traffic and adapt the site accordingly; retailers are using stock inventory data when ordering; or even a call centre analysing inward and outbound calls. The use of secure, anonymised data is becoming more commonplace. Most consumers have moved from raising Big Brother flags about data mining to seeing the benefits in their daily lives. It is this cross-sectoral explosion of interest which is putting the immediate skills shortages in the spotlight. And this is where the AIIs suite of courses comes into play. We see our certification of skills as being key to help organisations train new people and to retrain their existing staff, said Mr Malone. Were a relatively new organisation, weve only been around a few years. Were hoping to open a Cork chapter soon. https://analyticsinstitute.org Business Movers Liam FitzGerald, former CEO of United Drug Group plc, will assume the role of chair of the Irish advisory board of UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School in January 2019. An active board member since 2006, he brings vast experience and his networks across Europe and the USA to connect students with the worlds most successful companies. He holds a BComm and MBS from UCD, and has been recognised as UCD Smurfit Schools Alumnus of the Year. He succeeds Niall FitzGerald who, after his four-year term as chair, joins the emeritus board after leading the School through a transformative period since 2014. James Byrne of Glanbia Agri Business has been named as vice-chair of Retail Excellences e-commerce committee, a group which is focused on training, standards and strategic planning for retailers with an omni-channel operation in Ireland. Retail Excellence maintains a number of partnerships with eCommerce Europe as well as some of the largest tech companies in the world. Retail Excellence collates a wealth of monthly data from online sales, promotes the European Trustmark and assists businesses in understanding and complying with regulatory issues like GDPR. Mary-Jane Halpin has been promoted to director of HR and business change with insurance broker Cornmarket Group Financial Services, which serves the financial needs of public sector employees. She will drive the digital and people strategy for the business while leading and influencing change management programmes. She was previously the companys head of HR for seven years, and led the customer service app MyCornmarket. She previously worked in HR roles for law firm Matheson, Caledonian Life and Royal Liver Assurance. She is a member of CIPD. She holds a Business Studies degree from Dundalk IT and a Masters in Strategic HR from NCI. Sean Finan has been appointed as the new CEO of the Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA). A former president of Macra na Feirme, he is a chartered engineer and part-time farmer from Ballinlough, Castlerea, Co Roscommon. He holds a Civil Engineering degree from NUI Galway and a Certificate in Agriculture. He has previously worked in engineering and management roles with John Sisk & Son over a 12-year period. He also currently holds the voluntary post of vice-president of the European Council of Young Farmers, CEJA. IrBEA was founded in May 1999. Its role is to promote the bioenergy industry and to develop the sector. Colm Kearns has been promoted to account executive with Heneghan PR, having joined in November 2017 as an intern. He provides support across corporate, technology and healthcare clients, including ABP Food Group, Home and Community Care Ireland, Wisetek, and Rentokil Initial. He holds a Masters in PR from Dublin Institute of Technology. He also holds a BA in English and Anthropology from Maynooth University. Mr Kearns has worked as a sales and marketing intern at Dublin-based technology company MentorPitch. Heneghan PR integrates public relations, public affairs, crisis communications and digital. Eilis OConnell has been appointed to the Teagasc Authority. She is the assistant secretary in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, responsible for HR and corporate affairs. She has served as a civil servant for over 27 years. She brings a range of experience to her current role, including previous senior management roles in HR, corporate services, public procurement and change management in both the Department of Defence and the Office of Public Works. She replaces Brendan Gleeson as the Department of Agricultures representative on the Teagasc Authority, following his recent appointment as secretary general of the Department By Gordon Deegan Pre-tax profits at the Irish arm of fast food giant, McDonald's last year increased by 7% to 16.95m in spite of a 3.57m restructuring charge. New accounts show that McDonald's Restaurants of Ireland Ltd recorded the jump in profits as revenues increased 2% to 88.12m in the 12 months to the end of December. The accounts also reveal that the company paid out a dividend of 13.5m last year and this followed a dividend payout of 118m in 2016. Last year, the firm scaled back its head office functions here and confirmed that the post of CEO would not be filled after former CEO, Adrian Crean stepped down in June. The directors state that the restructuring costs totalled 3.57m in respect of the integration of the companys support functions with those of the UK. The accounts disclose that two directors resigned in 2017, Mr Crean and David Morgan. The accounts confirm that 166,000 was paid out to directors in compensation for loss of office. The accounts also confirm that from January 1st 2018 the corporate tax residency of the firm migrated from the Republic of Ireland to the UK. The mix of stores owned and operated by McDonald's changed last year with the number of McDonald owned stores last year reducing from nine to five while the number of franchised stores last year increasing from 82 to 86. The directors state that the Irish companys performance for the financial year is broadly in line with expectations, representing an improvement over the prior year. The directors added that revenues increased by 2% during the year due to new stores opening in 2017 and last year and like for like growth from existing company-operated and franchised stores net of the turnover impact of disposing of four company-operated stores to franchisees. The directors state that they anticipate continued expansion of its operations in Ireland. Staff costs at the company last year decreased from 19.22m to 16.39m as the number of employees reduced from 866 to 675. Directors pay last year increased from 402,000 to 672,000. The operating profit last year takes account of non-cash depreciation costs of 4.5m and 992,000 amortisation costs. The companys lease costs last year cost increased from 12.8m to 13.67m. The dividend payout last year contributed to accumulated profits reducing from 13.7m to 12.5m. The companys cash pile increased from 5.9m to 8.2m. The company last year recorded post-tax profits of 12.2m after paying corporate tax of 4.67m. Each year, McDonald's purchases 40,000 tonnes of Irish beef - if McDonald's was an export destination for Irish beef exports, it would be the fourth largest. McDonald's established its first Irish outlet in 1977. By Samuel Robinson Crude oil notched its longest losing streak in four years as expanding US stockpiles overshadowed supply concerns from the Persian Gulf to Latin America. Brent futures for January settlement slipped 44 cents to $71.63 a barrel on the London-based ICE Futures Europe exchange, while the US benchmark, West Texas Intermediate crude, declined 47 cents to $61.20 a barrel in New York. The last time crude registered such a downtrend was mid-2014. American oil inventories grew at more than twice the anticipated pace last week, a US government report showed this week. That supply overhang trumped indications Opec may discuss production cuts as soon as this weekend. Crude has tumbled 20% since touching a four-year high last month as apprehensions over sanctions targeting Iranian oil exports evaporated, in part because of exemptions handed to some of the Islamic Republics biggest customers. US president Donald Trump said the waivers were intended to soften the blow to global crude markets. Most of this selling pressure is related to the removal of fears concerning tight supplies from the drop in Iranian exports and the granting of those temporary waivers, said Gene McGillian, a senior analyst and broker at Tradition Energy. Consultant FGE estimated the waivers granted to China, India, and six other nations will allow Iran to continue shipping 1.2m to 1.7m barrels a day, more than previously expected. Opec and Russia may use cuts to support prices at $70 a barrel, said Ole Sloth Hansen, head of commodity strategy at Saxo Bank in Copenhagen. But the US sanctions waivers could prevent prices from breaking above $80, he said. At a gathering this weekend in Abu Dhabi, Opec and allied producers will discuss scenarios including a second production U-turn that would curb output next year, according to delegates. Pressure from the US to lower prices probably will decrease now that the nations midterm elections are over, Saxo Banks Mr Hansen said. Producers including Saudi Arabia and Russia had opened the taps earlier this year following unprecedented political pressure from President Trump. After meeting with Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak in Moscow, Lukoil first vice president Ravil Maganov said a resumption of cuts couldnt be ruled out. - Bloomberg A quarter of GPs will not provide an abortion service and would be reluctant to refer a pregnant woman to a colleague, a survey by the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP) found. The ICGPs online consultation process noted only a third (32%) of the 3,500 GPs surveyed are currently willing and able to provide termination of pregnancy services. The other 43% said they are not in a position to offer such services due to concerns regarding capacity, resources, or conscientious objection but are willing to refer to another colleague. ICGP said it carried out the survey to guide the development of clinical guidelines for the provision of termination of pregnancy services in the community. It said the consultation showed GPs strongly believe the provision of a suitably-staffed 24-hour helpline is a vital element of the service, as it will be a mechanism to ensure that those who do not wish to provide the service will not be required to do so. The data indicates that the majority of GPs are either willing to provide the service or refer a patient to another doctor who will, said Tony Cox, medical director of the ICGP. He said a 24-hour helpline would help women seeking an abortion to be referred to a GP or other provider in the community who was able to provide the service to them. Of those who do not wish to provide a service, resourcing and workload is a major concern. Our feedback shows that there is genuine worry that the promised rapid access to ultrasound scans and hospital care will not be delivered. The findings also demonstrate that there is a cohort of GPs who will not opt to provide services due to concerns related to conscientious objection. The college is in the midst of a series of nationwide regional meetings for members to discuss their concerns about abortion services. It will also hold an extraordinary general meeting of its members on December 2 to discuss the provision of abortion services by GPs. Recent media reports that over 600 college members had called for this EGM are incorrect, said the college. The original request was accompanied by a list of names of which 373 were members of the college. A man facing court today on a driving while disqualified charge met a garda earlier this week, and said: "Do you know what a petrol bomb is? You will know what a petrol bomb is." Ivars Mizans from West Green in Dunmanway in West Cork was arrested on Tuesday last near Clonakilty Courthouse on a charge of being intoxicated to the extent that he was a danger to himself or others. Garda Kevin Kennedy told Judge James McNulty Mr Mizans made the "petrol bomb" remark to the officer. Mizans, it emerged, had been due to appear in court in relation to separate charges relating to February 20 last. Bantry District Court was told that gardai on patrol in Dunmanway, had been aware Mizans was disqualified from driving when spotted driving a Volkswagen Passat. When stopped, he had no insurance and no driving licence and the car was subsequently seized. Today, he was jailed for five months and banned from driving for eight years. His solicitor Colette McCarthy said, that last Tuesday her client "knew what he was facing" in relation to the charges from February and, with a friend, went for a drink. Mizans, 38, had in February been driving a friend to hospital when detected while disqualified. Ms McCarthy said he was a valued employee at a garage in Dunmanway, where he worked part-time. He had 28 previous convictions, mainly between 2003 and 2008. However, the court heard he had five previous convictions for driving with no insurance, the first dating back to 2006. A year ago, the circuit court suspended a five-month jail sentence for a previous instance of driving with no insurance. Judge McNulty today said the court had no sympathy Mizans who had made "a very big mistake". He was given concurrent sentences of five months in prison for driving with no insurance and driving while disqualified. He also received two eight-year driving disqualifications. Ms McCarthy said the defendant's employers would go surety for him in the event of an appeal. The judge said Mizans had "poor prospects on appeal" and suggested any appeal was buying him time, and for his employers buying his services. He referred to a previous conviction in which Mr Mizans was driving while uninsured and struck a pedestrian. "This man is clearly lawless and totally contemptuous of Irish law and other people that he encounters," the judge said. Any appeal, he said, would require an independent surety of 10,000, all cash and up front. He was fined 300 on the drunkenness charge. Recruitment processes must be strong enough to ensure under-qualified or unsuitable doctors are not practising in the health system and putting patients at risk, a patients advocacy group has urged. Stephen McMahon from the Irish Patients Association said deficiencies in the HSEs recruitment process highlighted by the President of the High Court, Mr Justice Peter Kelly, must be heeded. Mr Justice Kelly granted a suspension order sought by the Medical Council to stop a junior doctor from practising in Ireland. Just days after starting work in a hospital maternity unit, other doctors raised serious concerns that he lacked basic medical competency and was a danger to patients. The doctor, who graduated from medical school in an East European country in 2015, was never taught how to examine a pregnant woman. Mr Justice Kelly said such employment was not isolated. He had encountered other cases where registered medical practitioners with little knowledge of the basics of medicines were recruited to work in Irish hospitals. The judge wondered how the interview panel could have awarded the doctor 55 out of 100 marks for clinical, medical, and diagnostic skills when it was obvious that they were lacking when he started work. Mr Justice Kelly said the doctor was recruited despite never being registered to practice in the country he received his medical degree nor in his native country. The application for the order was heard and granted in private last month, but on Wednesday the judge directed his judgment be made public on condition that the doctor was not identified. Mr McMahon said the case showed that the HSEs recruitment process had failed to protect patients. We want to ensure that the system is robust; that you wont have under-qualified or inappropriate doctors in our healthcare system who will put patients at risk, he said. Health Minister Simon Harris wrote to the HSEs director general, John Connaghan, yesterday evening seeking an urgent response to Mr Justice Kellys judgment. The HSE is undertaking a review of the recruitment process and intends introducing a revised model next year. Mr Harris has now asked for the review to be progressed expeditiously and implemented as soon as possible. The Medical Council said it would not be commenting on the case, as the doctor involved was part of an ongoing regulatory process. The suspension order was sought by the council to protect the public and applies pending a fitness to practice inquiry into complaints by two obstetricians about the doctors practice. However, the council shared the concerns raised by Mr Justice Kelly in relation to the recruitment of junior doctors with the appropriate levels of experience and qualifications. We have expressed our concerns to the HSE and medical recruitment companies in the past, the council said. The council has no role in the employment of doctors. If a doctor is on the register, it does not mean they are suitable for every role. It rests with employers to determine the suitability of a doctor to fulfil the requirements of a post and to ensure that they are supported and appropriately supervised in their role, the council pointed out. A scientist from County Cavan has come up with a new way to help tackle cancer. Shane Cronin's research shows that by activating the immune system with the happiness hormone Serotonin the body can fight the disease more effectively. The HSE is not expected to ban doctors and nurses from taking time off over Christmas when it finalises its winter plan today. The suggestion by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar faced widespread criticism with calls for him to apologise from the opposition. Retailers in Cork are calling for the Patrick Street car ban to be lifted in time for Christmas. Some business owners have experienced a decrease in trade of up to 20%. Private cars are banned on the street between 3pm and 6.30pm in a bid to reduce congestion. The traffic management plan was brought in for the second time in August, after a failed attempt to introduce it in April. Tom Murphy, who owns Murphy's Menswear shop on Patrick Street, says it still is not right. Mr Murphy said: "Pedestrianisation could be a good thing in the long run. "But I think that it will have to be put off again because it has had a massive impact on trade in the lead-up to Christmas, and it looks like it's getting worse, not getting better." Traders are reporting a decline in sales of up to 20%. Mr Murphy said the ban could work a third-time round. He said: "If they're going to try and do it again, there is going to have to be much more communication this time. They are going to have to do their homework, they are going to have to get the message out. "There are loads of people who have come up to Cork from the country, and they seem to be under the impression that the city os closed for business." Five of the countrys most violent prisoners are being housed in a therapeutic secure facility in a bid to reduce the risk they pose to prison officers and lower the danger to the community once they are released. In what is a first in the Irish prison system, prison officers and psychologists will jointly run the unit, which combines specific physical security systems and therapeutic interventions. Also breaking new ground, prison officers will wear body cameras and they will also be armed with batons, which are currently only available to officers on escort duty. Body cameras pictured this morning in the new National Violence Reduction Unit in the Midlands Prison, Portlaoise. Pictures: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin. Summing up the objective of the nine-bed Violence Reduction Unit (VRU), located within the Midlands Prison, the director general of the Prison Service Michael Donnellan said: The win in the future will be less violence and less damage and a safer community. The Prison Officers' Association welcomed the unit but warned prison bosses that a consistent approach had to be taken to behaviour with good behaviour rewarded and bad behaviour, such as assaults on staff, appropriately punished. The Irish Penal Reform Trust also welcomed the new unit, but said it would be important in the coming months to ensure that practice reflects policy in its daily operation. The Irish Examiner revealed in April 2017 that the Prison Service was introducing the new unit, based on similar facilities in Britain. A staff member watches CCTV The media was taken on a tour of the facility today. Five prisoners in the system have already been identified for the unit and are due in next week. They are housed in the intervention section, which also has a spare sixth cell for emergencies, such as a murder or hostage taking. In addition, there is a self-contained special observation cell for those with a severe mental illness who are a severe risk to others or themselves. There are also four assessment cells in the unit, whereby prisoners are placed over a four-month period and assessed for suitability. There are a total of 22 staff, working over two shifts, including four female officers. The facility is jointly run by Assistant Governor Constantine Cazac and senior psychologist Dr Lucy Rowell. The main corridor Dr Rowell said every decision is made together. She said there was lots of conflict along the way and that they did not necessarily agree on everything, but that they had created an integrated approach. She said she worked with the prison officers to make sure what they are doing is psychologically informed and that they had seven weeks of training, involving an understanding of why people are violent. She said there had been a shift in officers in terms of their attitudes about prisoners. Mark Wilson, deputy director in operations and chair of the implementation group, explained that these dangerous inmates were currently dealt by barrier handling every time to exit their cells. This comprises four to five officers in full riot gear, moving the prisoner to wherever they are going, with no human interaction. A view from a cell. He said there were higher levels of physical security in the unit so that barrier handling doesnt have to be used. Cells have double doors, with a grilled door behind the main door, which means that when an officer opens the main door they are not at risk of attack and can assess the prisoners behaviour and interact with them. Three of VRU cells have double doors and three just have the normal single doors, for those inmates have been assessed as making progress. The inmates, separately, have access to a multi-purpose room, which is decked out in bright purple, blue and green colours, including two large purple bean bags as well as a table and four chairs. They can play X-Box and watch the television and can have access to a kitchenette behind shutters. Ass Gov Cazac said many inmates cant cook a pizza and that they wanted to build them up, step by step. He added: Were not here to punish anybody, we want to enable them to become a better person. There are also separate, and specially designed, consultation rooms, visitors rooms and a dedicated yard. Asked were they rewarding violent prisoners, Dr Emma Black, head of the Prison Psychology Service, said: "I can understand when people see the multi-purpose room and wonder whether or not they deserve that. What we are trying to do is that people have some form of normality when they are in prison, because they are going to leave prison. If they dont experience some normality in prison how are they going to behave normally outside? She added: One of our main things is to make sure there are not more victims in the community. Yes, people have come to prison and they have engaged in extreme harm to people and are engaging in harm in prison. What we are trying to make do is ensure there are no more victims. Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan, who also toured the unit, said: This is all about the reduction of risk: risk to staff; risk for prisoners and; given the fact everyone serving a prison term will ultimately be released, about ensuring that risk is minimised for the community. By Fiachra O Cionnaith and Evelyn Ring Health Minister Simon Harris is coming under mounting pressure to audit the number of rogue doctors in the health system amid fears that patients are being needlessly put at risk by unqualified medics. Fianna Fail health spokesman Stephen Donnelly wrote to Mr Harris yesterday demanding a review after a judge warned people with little knowledge of the basics of medicine are being allowed to work in hospitals. In the High Court earlier this week, Mr Justice Peter Kelly suspended a junior doctor from Eastern Europe who had been working in a hospital maternity unit here until other doctors raised concerns that he lacked basic medical competency. The judge expressed serious concerns that defective recruitment and interview procedures has led to the employment of persons wholly unsuitable for appointment and an obvious danger to patients. Mr Donnelly sought an audit of all doctors who have come into the country to establish where they qualified; how long they have been qualified, and whether they are suitably qualified to work in the areas of medicine where they are currently posted. When that audit is completed, he wants an investigation into how many rogue doctors there are around the system. While Mr Harris has written to HSE director general John Connaghan to seek an emergency response to Mr Justice Kellys findings, he said there was already a review process under way in relation to recruitment processes that he wanted the HSE to expedite. He also called for a degree of proportionality on the issue, saying more than 22,000 doctors are registered with the Medical Council yet, in 2017, 350 complaints were received by the council and three doctors were struck off. When asked on RTE News whether he could give an assurance that there were no rogue doctors working in the system now, he replied: I am satisfied that the Medical Council is the regulator, its a very robust regulator and it takes very swift action. If you are asking me should we improve our recruitment process for doctors in this country, the answer is absolutely yes. The call for an investigation came as the State Claims Agency (SCA) revealed Ireland is facing more than 3,000 medical negligence cases due to serious errors in public hospitals including 113 claims predicted to cost more than 10m each. At the Public Accounts Committee, SCA director Ciaran Breen said it is facing more than 3,300 health-related cases. He said 113 were predicted to eventually cost 10m each; 91 will cost 4m-10m; 207 will cost 1m-4m and 2,954 will cost less than 1m a total cost of 1.4bn. He said the cases are spread around all hospital groups, including: The South/South West group in Munster: 614 cases, including 22 expected to cost more than 10m; The Saolta West/north West group: 557 cases, 29 expected to cost over 10m; The University of Limerick mid-west group: 238 cases, 14 expected to cost over 10m; The Dublin Midlands group: 508 cases, 17 expected to cost over 10m; The RCSI Dublin North East group: 571 cases, 10 expected to cost over 10m; The Ireland East group: 581 cases, 10 expected to cost more than 10m; The childrens hospital group: 56 cases, five expected to cost over 10m. Mr Breen refused to identify the hospitals or doctors involved in cases but flagged clusters of cases and admitted there have been occasions where weve had to take an issue up with a particular practitioner due to concerns over their abilities.At the same PAC meeting, He He also conceded that the cervical cancer tests compensation cost will exceed the 32m price of delivering the service but refused to reveal an exact figure for commercially sensitive reasons and amid claims victims will use it to increase their demands. Health officials also confirmed some women are being forced to wait at least 20 weeks to receive follow-up smear tests to clarify their health despiterepeated Government promises that no delay would occur. Two new reports have linked children's screen time to an increased risk of developing cancer and short-sightedness. A report from the World Cancer Research Fund finds that greater screen time is a convincing cause of weight gain, overweight and obesity in children. The WCRF said the finding is particularly important as obese and overweight children are likely to become obese and overweight adults and overweight and obesity in adulthood increases cancer risk. Screen time is a cause of weight gain, overweight & obesity in both adults & children, which increases cancer risk, according to findings published by @wcrfint. For more info, visit: https://t.co/fpwfbIzp95 #Cancer #CancerPrevention #HealthandCancer pic.twitter.com/vUJ24xPlRl CancerCouncilOz (@CancerCouncilOz) November 9, 2018 Any time spent watching television or using electronic devices such as computers, tablets and mobile phones is classified as 'screen time'. Another study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology has found that time spent playing computer games is linked to an increased risk of developing myopia in childhood. Researchers from King's College, London, studied 1,991 twins born between 1994 and 1996 in Britain. Opticians provided records to show whether the participants were myopic or not. Overall one in four (26%) of the twins was short-sighted and the average age at which children with myopia started wearing glasses to correct the condition was 11. The factors found to be most strongly associated with the development of myopia were maternal educational attainment, hours spent playing computer games and being born during the summer. Children born in the summer start school earlier and so begin close working at a younger age. This could speed up eye growth that is believed to be responsible for short-sightedness. Fine Gael Senator Catherine Noone said the research emphasises the need for guidelines on face-to-screen distances, a 9pm watershed on junk food advertising on television and similar restrictions online. Senator Noone said that the number of children suffering from myopia globally has doubled over the last 50 years from 7.2% to 16.4% and experts believe it is because children are staying indoors and staring at screens. Latest Growing Up in Ireland research found that most children watch television or videos throughout the week and 15% spent two hours or more watching TV or DVDs on a weekday. Almost one in ten (9%) spent more than two hours on other types of screen-based activities on a weekday. Senator Noone said the age at which children start using smart devices is getting younger, with many two-year-olds spending up to two hours a day on devices. By Sean McCarthaigh A large number of appeals have been lodged from residents and groups in the Carrigtwohill area against a decision to allow a quarry to reopen outside the town. They are asking An Bord Pleanala to overturn the recent decision of Cork County Council to grant planning permission to Roadstone to recommence operations at a quarry at Lakcenbehy outside the East Cork town, just off the Carrigtwohill-Watergrasshill road. Roadstone, the countrys largest construction and buildings material supplier, wants to extract 300,000 tonnes of sandstone rock from the 26.8-hectare site each year for the next 20 years. The quarrying is proposed to be carried out by blasting which is scheduled to take place on two occasions per month. Local residents have voiced concern at estimates that 60 fully laden lorries will be departing the site every day and also at the road safety threat posed to people living in the area. One objector, Rebecca Brady, said the road leading to the quarry is totally inadequate to facilitate such increased volumes of HGVs as it is both narrow and contains several extremely dangerous bends. The decision is also being appealed by the board of management of Bishop Ahern National School in Leamlara which criticised the lack of consultation by Roadstone on its plans. The school claimed a traffic assessment of the development is inadequate, unrealistic, and lacking in detail and called for traffic calming measures and road widening to be made conditions if the project is allowed to proceed. The Lisgoold-Leamlara Community Council said it had serious concerns about the traffic implications, particularly due to the presence of a school and a nursing home so close to the development. It is not immediately obvious what benefits this development will bring to the community, said the groups spokesman, Stephen Doyle. Roadstone said it wants to extract sandstone rock in phases from two sections of the quarry, each lasting nine years, with the final two years devoted to site restoration. The company said its intention is to return the site to agriculture or amenity use at the end of 20 years. Roadstone has also lodged an appeal with An Bord Pleanala against conditions imposed on the decision to grant planning permission for the quarry. Adoption rights campaigner Paul Redmond has resigned from the Mother and Baby Homes Collaborative Forum, calling it a cynical, time-wasting farce. The forum was established in July to facilitate dialogue and action on issues of concern to former residents of mother and baby homes. The forum has 20 members and is divided into three sub-committees examining specific issues. Mr Redmond, who was born in 1964 in Castlepollard Mother and Baby Home in Co Westmeath, is chairman of the Coalition of Mother and Baby Homes Survivors (CMABS). In resigning, he said the forum was of no benefit to survivors. He also said he had engaged an eminent lawyer to bring a formal complaint to the United Nations Committee Against Torture about the complete lack of action on survivor issues as well as this disgusting forum designed to sidetrack and divide the survivor community. The campaigner, who earlier this year published a book on Irelands mother-and-baby-home system, The Adoption Machine, said that since Childrens Minister Katherine Zappone came to office in 2016, there had been no real progress whatsoever on the primary demands of the adoption and survivor communities. He listed those as the full inclusion of all survivors of forced adoption and illegal adoption into the current Mother and Baby Homes Commission. Mr Redmond also hit out at delays in implementing the Adoption [Information and Tracing] Bill. A spokesperson for the Department of Children and Youth Affairs described Mr Redmonds resignation as a disappointing development. The spokesperson said Ms Zappone wished to thank him for his contribution to the process. Health Minister Simon Harris is expected to reach compromise on a number of changes put forward to the Abortion Bill. The Termination of Pregnancy Bill passed Committee stage this week, however, Mr Harris will meet members of the Health Committee on Tuesday to thrash out a significant number of amendments which he promised to review before the Bill goes to Report stage. In tandem with this Mr Harris will next week meet those involved in the roll-out of termination services including officials from the HSE, the Medical Council, Royal College of Physicians of Ireland as well as Dr Peter Boylan for an update on the implementation of the service due to begin in January. A significant number of the 180 amendments tabled to the Bill had been withdrawn by Committee members this week on the basis of further consultation with the Minister. It is expected that Mr Harris will change a requirement that a woman must attend the same doctor to access abortion services after a three day waiting period as she did for the initial consultation. Concerns had been raised that especially in a hospital setting it could be impossible for the same medic to attend to a woman due to rostering or annual leave. It is understood Mr Harris and his officials in the Department of Health are working on wording which would mean the same doctor would as far as is practical see the women on both occasions, but would allow for some wriggle room on this. Mr Harris is also expected to agree to replace the word 'examination' with 'consultation' in the legislation. Members of the Health Committee raised concerns that the word examination suggested that a physical checkup would be required when a woman goes to her doctor to seek an abortion. However, the Government will not be backing down or making changes to other areas which TDs cited as problematic. This included changing the word 'woman' to 'pregnant person' in the Bill to make it more inclusive of transgender people. Mr Harris said he had received advice from the Attorney General that making this change could impact other laws. Writing to Mr Harris, Solidarity-PBP TD Brid Smith Section called for changes to the "onerous" three day wait period which would be counted from certification by a medical practitioner. "At the very least the three day period should commence from the time of initial contact i.e when the woman seeks an appointment with a GP /medical practitioner," she wrote. Fianna Fail TD Stephen Donnelly and Sinn Fein's Louise O'Reilly said they would be writing to the Minister over the weekend. Ms O'Reilly said: "The Minister has committed that he would try insofar as is possible to address reasonable points. We will be pleased to work informally to resolve issues." The Committee also passed an amendment to allow for a review of the legislation not later than five years after the commencement of services. A number of TDs including Fine Gael's Kate O'Connell said five years was too long to wait for a review and Mr Harris has indicated that this could be reduced to three years at report stage. Britains difficulties over Brexit cannot result in Ireland softening its position over an agreement and a backstop to prevent a hard border, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said. Amid continued rows in the British cabinet over a way to resolve the impasse over Brexit, a senior Irish figure in Europe also said December is now the likely time for a deal. With the clock ticking, this means the likelihood of a special late November summit is fading, which would have given EU leaders an chance to informally agree on a withdrawal deal. Mr Varadkar said internal political difficulties in the British government can not allow Ireland to soften its stance. There had been much speculation that British prime minister Theresa May wanted to move her cabinet towards agreement for a UK-wide customs union, instead of just for the North. It was reported yesterday, though, that a British cabinet meeting has been postponed amid ongoing disagreement. These difficulties can not pressurise Ireland, Mr Varadkar said. I just hope prime minister May is in a position to get any potential agreement through her cabinet and through her parliament, he said. But we really have to stand by our objectives. The difficulties that happen in the United Kingdom cant allow us in any way to soften our position in my view. Furthermore, Mr Varadkar said that a new element arising was the concern that, if Britain remained in a customs union after Brexit, it would somehow not be subject to the same trade rules or standards for goods. I have to say I share that concern, Mr Varadkar told RTE. Meanwhile, EU Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan warned that if Britain does not come forward with new proposals on the backstop within days then it is unlikely that any special summit will be called to conclude the withdrawal agreement in November. The former Fine Gael minister added that if he was a betting person, he would not expect a breakthrough in the Brexit negotiations until the December European Council meeting of EU leaders. Mr Hogan, also at the same European Peoples Party meeting in Helsinki, explained: I think if we dont get proposals in the next few days its unlikely well have a deal in November, so the pressure is on the UK to make those proposals. But I would say if I was a betting person we would have a December council to discuss the final outcome. Elsewhere, Tanaiste Simon Coveney also insisted that a deal is not necessarily imminent. Speaking to the Irish-Canada Business Association in Dublin, Mr Coveney urged caution around suggestions that a deal can be done soon. The foreign affairs minister said: An imminent breakthrough is not necessarily to be taken for granted, not by a long shot. People seem to make the same mistake over and over again, assuming that if the British cabinet agrees something, well then thats it then, everything is agreed. By Niall Murray, Education Correspondent A Government plan to help alleviate shortages of teachers facing primary and second-level schools has been described by a teachers union as a sticking plaster. Dedicated teacher recruitment websites, attracting emigrant teachers home, and a campaign to increase the profile of the teaching profession are among the measures announced by Education Minister Joe McHugh. They feature in a 21-point action plan that follows the announcement in March of extra places over two years on third-level courses leading to second-level teaching qualifications, focused on subjects in which schools are struggling to find staff. The plan was formulated by a Department of Education-led working group to combat severe teacher shortages. Mr McHugh said innovative ways must be found to resolve the teacher supply issue. There are many Irish teachers all over the world who would happily return home and we need to explore better engagement with the diaspora and find convenient ways for them, through the use of digital technology, to avail of online recruitment processes, he said. According to the action plan, however, options to recruit teachers employed in other countries will not be explored until early next year. It is one of a number of actions that is to be undertaken by the department and the Teaching Council, which is also expected to help set up an online portal for teacher recruitment from next summer. However, the Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI) said the plan does not address the root causes of the current crisis in Irish schools, which it says are pay inequality, the continuing casualisation of the profession and absence of promotional opportunities. TUI president Seamus Lahart said: Any merit that the proposals may have is greatly diluted by the failure to supplement them with substantive measures that tackle the real issues. This means that the action plan is little more than a list of sticking plaster measures. He said teacher recruitment problems are likely to worsen in the coming years over pay inequality, because the discrimination is most significant in the initial years of employment as a teacher. The union recently voted to accept a deal that goes some way to closing the pay gap between teachers who started working before or since 2011, but has sought a meeting with Mr McHugh to discuss outstanding issues. Irish National Teachers Organisation members have voted against the deal and will hold a ballot on industrial action in support of their campaign on the equal pay issue shortly. Its executive decided on Wednesday to hold a series of meetings with members, which will gauge the nature of action that might be taken and what would be required to resolve the matter satisfactorily. The Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland opened school-based ballots on the pay proposals yesterday, with a result likely by next weekend. Meanwhile, the Teaching Council this week published a report highlighting the need for closer partnership between colleges providing teaching degrees and schools where students undertake their teaching placements. The researchers at University College Cork and Dublin City University, who compiled the study for the council, also recommend better supports for teachers in placement schools who work with student teachers. The head of the British armed forces has said he feels "uncomfortable" at the prospect of being investigated as part of the Troubles probe. General Nick Carter, Chief of the Defence Staff, acknowledged his multiple tours in Northern Ireland but added that it was for politicians to decide what to do with the process examining the region's past. Conservative MPs have led the opposition against British veterans facing potential legal action for events linked to the Troubles. In July, more than 30 of them supported a backbench proposal for a 20-year time limit on reopening cases involving former members of the armed forces who served in Northern Ireland. UK Prime Minister Theresa May has labelled the existing investigation system as "flawed" due to its "disproportionate focus" on former members of the armed forces and police, with a consultation on dealing with legacy issues recently closing. More than 3,500 people were killed as a result of the Troubles. General Carter, in an interview with The House magazine, said: "As a military officer who's done multiple tours in Northern Ireland, I am uncomfortable with the prospect of being investigated. "But this is a political issue and is, therefore, something that the politicians have to deal with. "And of course, it's associated with the peace process. Again, it's a political issue." General Carter also addressed the difficulties experienced by veterans after returning from service, noting: "I feel it myself. "Not a day goes by when I don't think of the 375 people who died under my command in southern Afghanistan in 2010. Not a day goes by. "But I'm fortunate that I've got people I can talk to about it still." PA Due to breakthroughs in reproductive medicine, more and more Irish women are having babies in their 50s, writes Sharon Ni Chonchuir SUSAN never imagined shed be a first-time mum aged 50. I thought Id be preparing for retirement, not changing nappies and dealing with night feeds, laughs the now 53-year-old from Co Meath. She is one of an increasing number of women having babies in their sixth decade. In 2007, only four women in Ireland had babies in their 50s but by 2015 the year Susans daughter Niamh was born that figure had risen to 16. A further 17 babies were born to women in their 50s in Ireland last year. These figures are small but they are growing, thanks to breakthroughs in reproductive medicine. In Ireland, women are increasingly spending their 20s focussing on education and their 30s building careers and searching for suitable partners. Inevitably, some face fertility issues when the time is finally right for babies. Using donor eggs is one of the revolutionary new treatments that can solve this problem. It now looks as if there may be even more advanced treatments on the horizon following the recent success of British scientists in growing human eggs in a laboratory for the first time. Donor eggs are what allowed Susan to finally become a mother. I always thought Id have babies in my 20s, she says. But several relationships didnt work out which meant I was 35 and running my own business by the time I met Paul. They were married within two years and immediately tried for children. However, 18 months and one miscarriage later, they found themselves undergoing fertility tests. We discovered a problem with Pauls sperm that made it difficult for us to conceive and more likely to miscarry, says Susan. The clinic suggested using donor sperm. But Paul couldnt handle the idea, says Susan. The disappointment and heartache of it all eventually drove us apart. In her 40s by then, she gave up hope of having children. I thought I was past it but then I met Martin, she says. I was 46 and he already had two children of his own but when I told him how much I had wanted a child, he thought there might still be a chance. Whenever there was a story in the news about older celebrities having babies, hed tell me to go for it. Those celebrities include Janet Jackson who had her first baby aged 50 last year and 54-year-old Brigitte Nielsen gave birth to her fifth child, a girl, in May. Such stories dont necessarily give the full picture, says Dr John Waterstone of the Waterstone Fertility Clinic. Its unlikely that celebrities aged over 50 have used their own eggs, he says. A donor egg was probably used but that will never be made public. Egg donation dramatically increases an older womans chances of conceiving. Aged 35, one round of IVF is likely to result in a baby, says Dr Waterstone. Aged 40, the chances are 25%. At 42, its 5% and after 45, its vanishingly small. With donor eggs, you can conceive at any age. Thats why you sometimes hear of women having babies aged 65 or 70. Dr John Kennedy, medical director of fertility specialists SIMS Clinic, says that about 1,000 babies are born as a result of donor egg treatment in Ireland annually. In our clinic alone, we carry out about 300 new egg donation cycles and up to 40 women aged 47 seek our help with conceiving every year, he says. Currently, there is no legal limit to the age at which women can avail of fertility treatment in Ireland. At the Waterstone Clinic, they treat women up to the age of 51. The SIMS Clinic has a similar age limit. Our self-imposed limit is 50 for a first treatment, says Dr Kennedy. We chose the age of 50 because its the average age of menopause but nothing is written in stone. Susan was nervous when she and Martin made an appointment at a fertility clinic. I was 49 and thought theyd laugh when they heard my age, she says. But theyd actually helped women like me before and it wasnt long before we were discussing using Martins sperm and a donor egg to conceive a baby. The couple received counselling to ensure they were comfortable with the idea of becoming parents in this way. It really helped, says Susan. We talked about the pros and cons and our counsellor even made us consider what we would say to our child in the future about how they were conceived. Marian O Tuama is a psychotherapist at the Waterstone Clinic, where the policy is that people using donor eggs, sperm or embryos must have counselling as part of their treatment. The other clinics featured in this piece have the same policy. We explore the implications of their decision, she says. I ask them how and what they will tell their child and other people. We discuss what it will be like if the child doesnt resemble them. We also talk about the challenges of the treatment and how they will cope in the event of it not working and what sort of parents they would like to be if it does. Then there are the common worries shared by older parents. Will they be the oldest parents at the school gate? Will they find it difficult to keep up with the physical demands of a small child? I find it best to acknowledge the reality of all that, says O Tuama. But I also ask them to imagine scenarios where age is a benefit. They might have less energy to run after a child but more time and attention to give if they are more established in their careers or more financially secure. This is true for Susan. I have three women working for me in my business and Ive only gone into to work for a couple of hours a day two days a week since Niamh was born, she says. Martin has eased back a bit too and doesnt go in until later in the mornings. We have playtime after breakfast every day. I dont know many parents who have time for that. Another worry for older mothers is the medical implications of carrying a child in their 50s. Dr Ahmed Omar, clinical director of Beacon Care Fertility, admits there are increased risks. Older mothers are more likely to miscarry and to suffer with high blood pressure, pre-eclampsia and diabetes during pregnancy, he says. Their babies are also at higher risk of pre-term birth. However, as long as they are closely monitored, these risks can be minimised. If women are healthy and using donor eggs, then their pregnancies are mostly uncomplicated, says Dr Waterstone. Ive treated hundreds of women in their late 40s and older with no problems. Susan had no particular issues. I had lots of scans and check-ups and was seen more regularly than a younger woman but everything went well, she says. Thats not to say that there werent awkward moments. I was by far the oldest woman at the antenatal classes and Im often mistaken for Niamhs granny at the playground, she says. I just laugh as I dont want Niamh feeling embarrassed about it as she grows up. She thinks a lot about Niamhs future. I worry I wont be there when she needs me so I pay close attention to my health, she says. I exercise and eat well and go to the doctor regularly. I make sure Martin does too. She is also preparing to tell Niamh about how she was conceived. Weve already read books where children are adopted or have unusual family set-ups such as two mums or two dads. Weve decided that as soon as she starts asking where babies come from, thats when well tell her. Waiting until shes older could be a mistake. Susan occasionally finds herself thinking about her egg donor. I dont know much about her except that shes from the Ukraine, has blonde hair and blue eyes and has three children of her own but there are times when I see a look across Niamhs face, a look thats nothing like Martin, who she resembles a lot, and I wonder if thats her biological mother. Despite the fact that she and Niamh are not genetically related, Susan has never felt like she wasnt her real mother. We had to try hard to conceive her and I had to take hormones and other medicines, she says. Then she grew inside me and I brought her into the world. I have looked after her every day since. I dont think it could be possible for us to be closer. Medical experts believe there will be more mothers like Susan. The number of older women having babies has been steadily rising for three decades, says Dr Omar. As we live in a healthier society with more and more women choosing to delay trying for a baby, this trend is only going to rise. Science now allows us to push our reproductive years forward by decades but what will be the effect on society if women have babies into their 50s, 60s and even 70s? The 2017 Assisted Human Reproduction Bill, which is still in draft stages, has tried to legislate for this. The draft legislation does not satisfy Dr Waterstone. The cut-off age for women seeking fertility treatment has been set at 47 and makes no distinction between women using their own eggs and donor eggs, he says. What we would like to see is a younger cut-off for IVF with a womans own eggs but a higher one for those using donors. Dr Kennedy agrees. In the UK, the cut-off is 50, which is what it is in most Irish clinics at the moment, he says. If we bring it down to 47, well be removing choice and opportunity from too many women. As doctors, well be fighting tooth and nail to oppose this change in the law. He thinks a broader conversation is required. Men can father children no matter what their age and science is now making this possible for women, he says. Its easy to have a knee-jerk reaction and say it shouldnt be allowed. But people who already have children or dont want them dont know what its like to be sub-fertile or infertile. Who are they to decide for others? As for Susan, shes still amazed she finally became a mother. I never imagined Id wait 50 years before I got to hold my baby in my arms, she says. Niamh came to us so late in life but Im so grateful that we got to have her at all. Des ODriscoll offers a round up of what's going on around the country GIG WISE: Whatever about making plans for summer, one of the big announcements over the past few days was for a gig that is over a year away. Sigrid will play the 3Arena on November 22, 2019, near the end of what will be a huge year for the ascendant Norwegian. Tickets went on sale this morning, but it really is probably too early to include them is this years batch of Christmas pressies. Meanwhile, The Specials have added a second night to the their Dublin visit, now appearing at the Olympia on April 11 and 12. Bon Jovi also had a second gig up their sleeves, which they unveiled yesterday. The New Jersey band will now play the RDS on June 15 and 16. There are still some tickets left for Microdisneys last ever gig, at Cyprus Avenue in Cork, on Feb 19, while Gavin James is also heading to Leeside for a concert at Cork Opera House on April 12. DANCE FLOOR: He usually comes just once a year in late December, and those annual visits always bring much joy to the boys and girls of Cork. Yes, Kerri Chandler is back in town. The American house supremo makes an appearance at Cyprus Avenue on December 28, and will also play the previous night at Resident 8 in Dublin. Of course, his first visit to Ireland was way back in the 20th century to play at Sir Henrys, and the countdown is very much on for the sold-out Sweat/Go Deep 30th anniversary events being held on Nov 23-24. Among the related fare is an exhibition at the BDSM bar of pictures Luke OBrien took in the South Main Street venue. FILM TIPS: All eyes in Cork are on the citys film festival which kicks off tonight, and runs until Sunday 18th. The event really does seem to have upped its game further this year, particularly with some films that have already created a stir on the international festival circuit. Meanwhile, UK director Steve McQueen is one of those film-makers whos kept up the quality quotient in his transition from arthouse to mainstream cinemas, and his latest offering, Widows, arrives today with a heap of lavish praise. Co-written by Gillian Gone Girl Flynn, it features four women who plan a heist. And if youve any Harry Potter fans in your house, assure them its just seven more sleeps to the arrival of Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. ON THE TELLY: Peter Jacksons, below, war documentary, They Shall Not Grow Old, is getting a limited cinema release as well as being shown on BBC on Sunday, and the Lord of the Rings director is also the subject of a doc himself on BBC Four on Monday. What Do Artists Do All Day follows the Kiwi film-maker through some of the cutting-edge techniques he used to enhance the archive footage of the Great War. Art fans should check out Egon Schiele: Dangerous Desire on BBC Two tomorrow, all about the Austrian artist who stirred controversy with his nude paintings before he died in 1918 of Spanish flu. And those who like something a bit lighter may be interested in Graham Nortons guestlist tonight, led by Michael Buble and Ian McKellen. ALL AND SUNDRY: For artsy and craftsy gifties, the Glucksman in Cork is one of the venues hosting sales fairs over the next few weeks, with textiles, jewellery, ceramics, etc. Admission 5. Also in Cork, Jorg Widmann conducts the Irish Chamber Orchestra at the CIT School of Music on Friday, Nov 16. Upcoming theatre offerings include Peter Coonan of Love/Hate starring in Recovery, described as a fusion of music and movement at Cork Arts Theatre on Wednesday, November 14. Theres also plenty movement in Soldier Still at the Everyman on Tuesday and Wednesday, and a speaking part for army whistleblower Tom Clonan. As Carmel Winters creation opens the Cork Film Festival tonight, she tells Esther McCarthy why shes so glad she shot it in locations around her home county THIS years Toronto International Film Festival will go down as one to treasure for Carmel Winters. Not only did her West Cork-shot film Float Like a Butterfly have its world premiere and win the FIPRESCI Prize for the Discovery Programme, she also married her long-term love, artist and production designer Toma McCullim, in the Canadian city. The womens decision to tie the knot following 18 years together was a spontaneous one, made in their Ballydehob home just two days before they arrived in Toronto. I thought it was hilarious when she said: Its non refundable, you cant change your mind, said Winters of the initial contact with Toronto City Hall. I got off the phone and it was arranged it was that quick, that impromptu. When I got to Heathrow the next day, there was a nine-hour delay on my flight. We were travelling on different routes to Canada but it looked like I wasnt going to make the wedding. I was literally on the phone to Air Canada begging them to get me into the city in time for the wedding. Its one thing to miss your world premiere, but there was no way you could miss your own wedding. Fair play to them, they got me on to her flight. The whole of the Toronto Film Festival office that programmed the film all showed up at the City Hall to witness our wedding. Its intensely special to get married in front of a room full of strangers and for them to really see you and honour you and witness you. It makes you feel like you can have family all over the world. Family and community are an integral part of Winters life and her work, and she is proud to show off her adopted home of West Cork (she grew up in the north of the county) in all its big-screen glory. Set in 1972, in the build-up to Muhammad Alis fight against Al Lewis in Croke Park, it tells the story of a young Traveller, Frances (Hazel Doupe) who dreams of becoming a boxer and making her idol Ali proud. But Frances has other things to contend with, in particular her relationship with her father, recently released from prison, raised to believe a womans place is in the home. Ive never created a play or a film about a hero before, said Winters of the film. Someone who youd think they deserve to be supported as they are. I think she goes back to the best and truest in all of us in life, before life derails us, before life knocks us off our path. I see a lot of light in young people particularly. That light is there in you throughout your lifetime, but often if you are derailed from your path, or you dont get to share your best qualities in this world, I think thats a tragedy and its a great waste of human potential. The film-maker, who first started developing her story in the early days of Katie Taylors rise to fame, says that the Irish boxer was very much an inspiration. I think theres so many things in the world that make what you imagine possible, and Katie Taylor is definitely one of them. I think theres something in the intrinsic sovereignty of Francis. When I saw the Katie Taylor documentary, Katie, I thought: Wow, she reminds me immensely of the character. UNDERDOG STORY For Winters, the film is about the underdog in all of us. Because what that girl is fighting for is not only her own emancipation, shes fighting for her father to come back to himself. I see nothing natural about a breakdown in relations or the oppression of women. In a healthy society youll see men honouring and celebrating women. Francess plans to overcome her fathers restrictions ultimately bring him back to himself. The only way hes led into the error of restricting her is being restricted himself, he cant imagine any better for her. She is proud and excited to bring her beloved West Cork to the big screen, with well-known locations like the Ilen estuary, the white sands of Ballyrisode and Levis Corner House Bar in Ballydehob all featuring. I had the benefit of knowing all the treasures in my area, treasures in terms of landscape, in terms of local talent. The place is just brimming with talent and it was so dear to my heart to put those treasures on the screen. I thought the way well carry off this is in an abundance of creativity and goodwill and generosity. I felt I had to put these pleasures on the screen. You should love seeing what youre seeing. I felt that West Cork could deliver in a big way and the kind of relationships I had locally with people, like the people who run Fastnet Film Festival, theyd move mountains for you. Im a great believer that if you want a certain feeling on the screen, it helps if you can engender that feeling in the shoot itself. I wanted generosity and a feeling of extended clan. Community. We harnessed what was in our local community to make the feeling of this. The intense, bonded community of an extended family. Winters also got her family involved in the film. I come from a horse racing family and they brought me rakes of horses. I just harnessed whatever treasure was available. When those worlds came together there was a real fire. I loved the amount of children locally, travellers and settled, and how they worked together on the set is probably dearest to my heart. Carmel Winters with her wife Toma McCullim after their recent wedding in Toronto. Winters has just returned from Los Angeles, where she was one of three Irish writers placed by Screen Training Ireland on the LA Writers Room placement. Access included Netflixs Jupiters Legacy and Warners The Big Bang Theory. For the film-maker, who wants to develop a TV series set in West Cork a mockumentary where billionaires tend to go missing it was a huge opportunity. Its extraordinary I am basically going around the best writers rooms in LA. The large TV series here are written by teams of writers and typically the series will be created by one writer who then manages a room and facilitates a team of writers writing individual episodes, while they take care of the overall shape and intentions of the series. Those people are known as showrunners. What Screen Training Ireland has done is create an opportunity for us to go into the top showrunners writers rooms and see how they elaborate their series for a team. Its an unbelievable opportunity. I want to make a TV series set in West Cork and if it runs long enough to be able to showrun it in the way they do over here. As well as their ability to make screen gems, Winters was also impressed with the showrunners as people, describing them as incredibly decent human beings. Im all fired up now to make it work having seen these people in action, she says. But first, theres just the matter of her Irish premiere in Cork tonight. Float Like A Butterfly screens tonight and tomorrow at the Everyman as part of Cork Film Festival By William JV Neill As city bells chime 11 o'clock on November 11, 2018, Belfast will join much of the world in observing the 100th anniversary of the Armistice that ended World War I. This will be a solemn, dignified if not altogether inclusive affair, affirming at the hallowed ground of the City Hall cenotaph the will to remember the ultimate sacrifice made by so many. In 2013, Sinn Feins Mairtin O Muilleoir broke symbolic ground as the first republican lord mayor of Belfast to participate in an Armistice Day event. Previously, Novembers remembrance events in Northern Ireland were boycotted due to the association with the British armed forces. The ground had been prepared as far back as July 2002 when Alex Maskey, the first Sinn Fein lord mayor of the city, laid a wreath in commemoration of the dead of the Somme, a battle that burns deep in the consciousness of Ulster unionists. That the 36th (Ulster) and 16th (Irish) divisions had in fact fought side by side on the Western Front has only been commemorated since 1998 by a common Irish memorial at Messines in Belgium. Still, it would be wrong to claim that remembrance of the two great wars is now without friction in Northern Ireland. The last-minute Sinn Fein withdrawal from the centenary Armistice event citing an unwillingness to be associated with British imperialism can only be seen as a retrograde step where even remembrance itself can be weaponised. Poppies and peace walls But the wearing of a poppy can still cause offence when interpreted as a crude affirmation of unionist identity. I have just returned to Belfast after living in Scotland for 10 years, where the poppy is worn unselfconsciously. The decision in Northern Ireland to display this symbol of others sacrifice is a cause for regret by some, as it can represent a potent and alien badge of Britishness in Ireland. This situation may be thawing. Sinn Feins recent Irish presidential candidate Liadh Ni Riada indicated she would consider wearing a poppy if elected admittedly to the chagrin of many hard-line northern republicans. A sour note was also struck with the vandalism of the Ghost Tommies sculptures in County Antrim in the run up to the Armistice centenary. This had followed Sinn Fein claims of insensitivity to the nationalist tradition. The Ghost Tommies are a strong materialisation of memory into the spaces of the modern day, but are not immune from protest in a landscape where the Tommy does not inspire universal affection. When it comes to remembrance events, it is the leftover issues of The Troubles that remain as stumbling blocks to accepting difference in Northern Ireland. The physical ways in which identity is expressed and acted out has long been a focus of mine as an urban planner too often space is not appreciated for the symbolic meaning which it conveys. Any planning which tries to impose technical solutions where there is deeply ingrained ethnic division is likely to come up short. Sensitivity to the meaning of places for people is key. Belfasts peace wall which separates the republican Falls Road from the loyalist Shankill Road. Photo by Philip Ray/Flickr, CC BY-SA But not all space in Northern Ireland is actively disputed. While residential areas are often brutally one side or the other carved out by peace walls, murals, flags and other forms of sectarian territory marking in contrast, neutral spaces such as shopping centres can permit easy coexistence and common understanding. Shared space can involve using the same space to do different things (Belfast hosts marches and demonstrations from both Catholic and Protestant traditions) or involve cross-cultural engagement through the arts, leisure, mixed residential areas and even casual encounters. Here space can be like a marble cake shot through with different layers of meaning depending on the group identity involved. In this sense, commemorative events and practices can be flashpoints between different groups struggling for dominance. The weight of history Fifty years ago the world was shocked at the sight of what is now another memory. TV footage showed the largely Protestant Royal Ulster Constabulary violently breaking up a peaceful civil rights march in Derry. The brutality of the police that day in 1968 is an image from which unionism has never recovered, and is regarded as the start of the bloody civil conflict known as the Troubles. Recent claims by Sinn Fein that its armed struggle had its origins in that Derry march have proven controversial. The assertion by republicans that their movement was in the vanguard of the campaign for civil rights in the 1960s has been hotly contested by civil rights activists of the time. Lifelong activists such as Derry native (and Catholic) Eamonn McCann emphasise that the movement was about non-violent protest for fairness in public, economic and civic life. He claims that Sinn Fein is constructing a false narrative around its involvement on those terms as grounds to legitimise its 30-year armed struggle: It seems to me that theres been a systematic attempt by Sinn Fein to hijack what others have done [they] rewrite history because they cant face the truth of history. It was to the vision of Derry man and Nobel Peace Prize winner John Hume that President Michael D Higgins, paid tribute at the citys Guildhall on October 5 2018. That vision, yet to be realised, called for an equal recognition of unionist and nationalist traditions on the island of Ireland. While many heads will be bowed at Belfasts cenotaph on Remembrance Day, joint remembering of the Troubles remains a long way off. Irish republicanisms attempt to revise the interpretation of the Derry march reveals precisely why Sinn Feins recent appeal to unionism to join in a new inclusive, united Ireland is a double-faced contradiction which makes the endeavour a very hard sell. It is a near-fatal flaw existing independently of any present Brexit diversion over the future of the border. Empathy from both sides in dealing with commemorating the events of the past requires a dialogue which has yet to take place in Northern Ireland. Against more optimistic expectations recently, the late withdrawal by Sinn Feins current Belfast lord mayor from the Armistice centenary has not helped. This article was written by William JV Neill, Visiting Professor, Institute of Irish Studies, QUB and Emeritus Professor of Spatial Planning, University of Aberdeen and was originally published on The Conversation Read the original article here. The American people and the rest of the world may yet pay a very heavy price for the actions of its president on the international stage, writes David A Andelman. Donald Trump heads to Paris today to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the truce that ended the First World War, surrounded by more than 100 heads of state, all of whom have followed with intense interest the outcome of Tuesdays congressional midterm elections in the US. And not everyone might have liked what they saw. Only a handful of true autocrats were ever likely to be among those eager to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the American president or celebrate what he called a tremendous success in the midterm elections vote. Many world leaders had likely hoped to be assessing how wounded he might have been. Now they are probably trying to assess what their next steps should be. There are efforts everywhere to draw some positive outcome from what Trump was celebrating: His Republican Party increasing its Senate majority while Democrats won back control of the House of Representatives. It was the outcome predicted by pollsters, but disappointing to those who hoped the result would reflect a decisive rejection of Trump. No tidal wave, but a tide has turned, editorialised the Japan Times. The electoral victory of the Democrats may not be very big, the German daily Suddeutsche Zeitung observed, but it shows how vulnerable the Trump Republicans are. Still, vulnerability did not seem to be the order of the day in Trumpland. Spin it as they might, each world leader arriving in Paris will be waiting to see just how the split outcome of the crucial midterms will affect Trumps attitude toward them individually and the world collectively. What they find may not be exactly the attitude most had been seeking. The president is going to fight for just what hes laid out regardless of whos in control in the House, the presidents press secretary, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, told NBC News when the outlines of the evening became clear. Hes laid out a bold agenda and we expect him to continue to follow through and have another successful two years just like hes had the previous two years. Still, for all his bluster over an overwhelming victory, which did of course elude him there being no red Republican wave just as there was no blue Democratic one Trump might want to absorb some cautionary tales, not only from the election results, but equally from the 1918 truce event that he is going to France to celebrate. On Sunday, 100 years ago, the Allies brought a formal end to the bloody world war that had engulfed Europe for more than four years. As a student of the end of the First World War, the Versailles Peace Treaty, and the fraught years that followed, I can attest that the one overwhelming lesson Trump might learn is a simple one: Never humiliate nor utterly defeat your enemy. It comes around to bite you when you least expect it. In the Forest of Compiegne, where the French humiliated the Germans in November 1918, see how well that worked out. In the same railway car in the same forest where Marshal Ferdinand Foch dictated the terms of surrender to the utterly defeated Germans in 1918, Adolf Hitler summoned the leaders of an equally humiliated France to accept their abject surrender 21 years later. And of course, half a decade after that, the French and their allies turned around and bit the Germans back, hard. Today, European nations have learned to live peacefully and prosperously with each other and most of the rest of the world. The concern there is that Trump, in what he sees as his moment of triumph, might upset an apple cart that has remained largely upright for three-quarters of a century. And there are several very good reasons to fear such an outcome. For Trump, as omnipotent as he may now feel, also finds himself in a difficult world. There is an Iran that may eventually conclude, in the absence of any gesture toward negotiations, that it must live with perpetual sanctions and find another path forward perhaps even throwing in the towel and going full-tilt toward acquiring a nuclear arsenal. At the same time, North Korea could well come to the same conclusion if, as expected, Trump refuses to lift sanctions as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has requested. Indeed, what was set to be the first major international negotiating session after the midterms, between US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and his Pyongyang counterpart, was suddenly postponed on Wednesday morning. Meanwhile, talks between Pompeo, US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, and a high-level Chinese delegation including politburo member Yang Jiechi and Defense Minister Wei Fenghe strategically booked for just enough after the midterms, perhaps to allow China to assess the results are still set for today. This is not to suggest any immediate progress in trade talks, as the discussions are expected to centre on security issues, especially related to the South China Sea. The immediate reaction to the midterms, at least on stock exchanges worldwide, was relief, and hope that a divided Congress might somehow leave government in the US frozen. But these investors might have overlooked one crucial law of physics. Into every vacuum, something must flow. And when Trump sees a vacuum, he has shown both the will and desire to pounce. We want to see solutions take place, Sanders concluded late on Tuesday. What remains to be seen now is that, unchained, what those solutions might look like. Hopefully, the president can anticipate any potential outcomes of his actions before they come back and bite him and the American people. David A Andelman, a former foreign correspondent for the New York Times and CBS News, is visiting scholar at the Center on National Security at Fordham Law School and author of A Shattered Peace: Versailles 1919 and the Price We Pay Today. @DavidAndelman Ireland and the rest of the EU are in the position of spectators to a colossal act of national self-harm in the UK, says Michael Burleigh. LONDON On Brexit day March 29, 2019 the HMS Buccaneer Britannia will set sail in search of the riches of the Anglosphere. But there is a hitch: Someone has forgotten to raise the anchor, which remains planted firmly in Ireland. This isnt surprising. Of all the Euroskeptic Conservative politicians I know, not one has ever mentioned Northern Ireland, let alone the sovereign country to the south of it. The only thing on the Brexiteers minds is the quest for parliamentary sovereignty and liberation from the supranational superstate in Brussels. This blinkered view may simply reflect ignorance. Even an erstwhile Remainer like Karen Bradley, the current Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, recently confessed that, [] when I started this job, I didnt understand some of the deep-seated and deep-rooted issues that there are in Northern Ireland. In other words, until very recently, she has been incurious about one of the central issues of nineteenth- and twentieth-century British history. Karen Bradley Conservative politicians who find themselves in such a position would do well to know that conflicts over the Irish question have resulted in more than 3,600 violent deaths. They might also benefit from knowing that successive Conservative prime ministers, from Edward Heath to Margaret Thatcher to John Major, struggled and failed to resolve the issue before it was put to rest by the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. In addition to military decommissioning, the Good Friday Agreement brought together antagonistic communities by mandating smooth trade between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, under the aegis of the EU customs union. The fact that 55.8% of Northern Irish voters backed Remain in the 2016 referendum partly reflects this astonishing achievement. Anyone with an ounce of foresight should have known that the status of Northern Ireland would become a stubborn conundrum at the center of the Brexit negotiations. In fact, the problem is so intractable that conspiracy-minded Brexiteers now suspect EU negotiators of using it to delay or stymie Buccaneer Britannias glorious departure. Ironically, many in the EU also think that a plot is afoot. The EU has long insisted that a legally binding divorce settlement must be concluded before there can be any discussion of future UK-EU relations. But now Britain is suspected of exploiting the Irish question to insinuate a detailed political declaration about future relations into the formal exit agreement. The key problem is the so-called Irish backstop, which would prevent the establishment of a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in the absence of a wider deal on the future of UK-EU relations. In December 2017, all parties concurred that such a backstop was necessary to preserve the peace under the Good Friday Agreement. But there has been disagreement over the translation of this into legally binding language. Failing an agreement, the territory of Northern Ireland would be part of the customs territory of the European Union. For its part, the UK government insisted that it can address the border issue by remaining in close alignment with EU customs rules and deploying customs-monitoring technologies that have yet to be invented which is to say, by magic. Yet the Irish government has insisted that every detail of the backstop be nailed down and included in the legally binding withdrawal treaty. But this preliminary agreement immediately posed a problem for May, whose majority in the House of Commons depends on ten Democratic Unionist MPs from Northern Ireland. And, because her own party and the cabinet are divided on the kind of Brexit they want, Ireland and the rest of the EU are in the position of spectators to a colossal act of national self-harm. If the province were to remain in the EUs customs and regulatory orbit, there would have to be a border in the Irish Sea. That would jeopardize not just the workings of the UKs internal customs union, but also the constitutional integrity of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Worse, the fudging language invited a we, too riposte from Scottish nationalists, who rightly argued that if special arrangements were going to be made for Northern Irelands Remain majority, then the Scots, who also voted to remain, should be offered a similar deal. Failing that, they would demand a rerun of the 2014 Scottish independence referendum. This time, however, Scottish nationalists would not have to worry about the Unionist argument that independence implies a de facto withdrawal from the EU. The EU rejected British offers to remain temporarily in the customs union after Brexit, because that would allow the UK to enjoy the benefits of tariff-free trade without having to permit the free movement of EU citizens. On this occasion, the EU once again suspected the UK of using Northern Ireland as a Trojan horse to gain an unfair advantage, and the Brexiteers accused May of capitulating to the extortionist gangsters in Brussels. Mays Brexit secretary, David Davis, immediately resigned, and he was soon followed out the door by then-Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson (who needed a moment to consider his own prospects of replacing May). Negotiators have since been exploring the surreal idea of a backstop to the backstop in the event that the first backstop ends up being time-limited instead of all-weather, to use their deadly jargon. Emphasis has now shifted to how the entire UK can remain in the customs union, with the proviso that one day it might be able to escape. But the basic point remains: Predominantly English Brexiteers have given no serious thought to the Irish question, nor even to the likelihood that crashing out of the EU might take the UK back to the dark ages. Many of them would rather lose Northern Ireland and Scotland than forgo Brexit. Instead, they have been busy constructing a fanciful world of limitless possibility, based on a national mythology featuring Sir Francis Drake, Sir Walter Raleigh, the British Raj, and standing alone in 1940. Psychologically, some of them seem to be reliving an imaginary war with our closest neighbors and trading partners. Most sensible people live in the present. And wherever one looks, from Trumps trade wars to Russia and Moldova vowing to block Britains post-Brexit accession to the World Trade Organization, reality is ineluctably crushing Brexiteers fantasies of English importance. Michael Burleigh, CEO of the global political risk consultancy Sea Change Partners, is a historian and author. His books include Small Wars, Faraway Places: The Genesis of the Modern World, Blood and Rage: A Cultural History of Terrorism, The Third Reich: A New History, and The Best of Times, the Worst of Times: A History of Now. Copyright: Project Syndicate, 2018. www.project-syndicate.org Global warming has helped fuel migrant flows into Europe, and has driven desperate people into the arms of terrorist groups, says Caroline ODoherty. The connection between runaway Irish carbon emissions, the rise of a terror group in central and west Africa, and migrant flows across the Mediterranean is not immediately apparent but Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim has a way of presenting disparate variables in a kind of transnational mathematical equation where the result is both clear and startling. Hindou is a member of the Mbororo community, one of the indigenous groups in Chad where her people are nomadic pastoralists. For generations, they have travelled back and forth across the country with their livestock, grazing the animals for a few days at each stop before moving on to fresh pastures, leaving the land to recover with dung to fertilise the new growth. It is a way of life that has been in harmony with nature and has created minimal contest with other land users. But the Sahel, the band of semi-arid land that stretches across the middle of Chad and makes up the Mbororos traditional route, has been getting drier, and Lake Chad, vital to millions in the four countries that share its shores, has been getting smaller, both attributed largely, if not completely, to climate change. The rainy season, once ranging from three months long in the north of Chad to nine months in the south, has shrunk to between two and six months. When my mother was young, 50 years ago, the lake was 25,000 square kilometres, Hindou says. Now its 2,500. The changes are forcing the Mbororo to walk further and longer in search of pasture and water, in ever more inhospitable conditions. Its hard for people and animals to walk when its 50 degrees, Hindou says. When its 50 degrees, its like fire on your body. There is growing demand for the diminishing fertile lands so the Mbororo are coming into conflict with struggling farmers too. And so they walk further again. Both groups are in competition for water with the fisherman, so the conflict widens and deepens as the lakes and rivers narrow and shallow. Conflict between communities is growing every day and conflict spreads beyond communities to regions and then to countries, Hindou says. And in the middle of it all are increasingly desperate people who make easy pickings for terror groups such as Boko Haram. Boko Harams attacks target security forces and civilians alike police stations, markets, and refugee camps are all considered fair game. It is violently opposed to the education of girls and the mass kidnapping, rape, and impregnation of schoolgirls is the punishment it metes out in retaliation. And yet it manages to pull its membership from farmers, fishermen, and herders who never raised an implement except as a tool of their labour. Hindou doesnt excuse but she does explain. In Chad, a man has the responsibility to feed his family, she says. If he can not do that, he finds himself without any dignity. He can not even consider himself a man. Its easy for terrorist groups like Boko Haram to recruit people because they have what this man needs, they have food and money. So this man, he can join this group like Boko Haram or he can become a migrant. Maybe he can be a migrant at regional level, or he will try to go to Europe. So the environmental issue becomes a security issue. It is deeply ironic and frustrating to Hindou that the West, most notably the US, have poured billions into counter-terrorism and peacekeeping missions in the region. Irish peacekeepers were stationed in Chad up to recent years. She says those billions would be better spent fighting carbon emissions in the countries of origin and investing in climate adaptation in the countries most damaged by their inaction. Of course we need the armies to fight the terrorist group, but we also need also to invest in the people in order to assist development and keep the people from the terrorist group. Hindou tells her story to a sympathetic audience at a conference jointly organised by the French Embassy in Ireland, the Institute of International and European Affairs, and Trinity College Dublin, to mark the second anniversary of the ratification of the Paris Agreement on climate change. But this audience isnt big enough and sympathy isnt powerful enough. What she wants to do is impress on everyone in Ireland that our efforts on carbon reduction must improve. Weve agreed to reduce our carbon emissions by 20% by 2020 but were on target to achieve just a 1% drop. Hindou wants us to do better, firstly out of a sense of justice. Developing countries didnt create the climate impact. Ireland can impact positively or negatively a thousand miles away where my people are living, she says. If not justice, then pragmatism. Those migrant flows have caused upheaval in Europe, while terrorism in her home country costs us all. And if not pragmatism, then self-interest. She references the floods and fires that have ravaged Europe and Ireland in recent years. Irish recidivism rates remain stubbornly high, usually between 40% and 50%. This institutionalised failure suggests the arguments made by those who would reform the penal system are stronger than many would admit. That, however, is unlikely to provoke fundamental change. From one perspective, our over-crowded, drug-riddled prisons look Victorian, relics of another time when an offender was denied liberty as a punishment and to protect society from their predations. This is an extremely expensive way to administer justice, especially as it seems more a transitory stage than a solution for nearly one-in-two offenders. It is also expensive in human terms so maybe its time to consider how our prison system works and, especially, the way we define the kind of sanctions we impose on offenders. When international diplomacy fails, when a rogue nation misbehaves Russia in Salisbury, Saudi Arabia in Istanbul the world community talks about economic sanctions. Maybe we should consider applying severe economic sanctions to criminals especially white-collar criminals rather than traditional custodial sentences. If a repeat offender faced the prospect of the majority of their assets being seized by the State, effectively economic ruination, rather than a custodial sentence it might just move the goalposts. After all, if you deny, say, a gang boss their assets you strip them of power. If, after having lost their assets through a court-administer sentence, they offend again the offender could then be sent to jail for a term that reflects both crimes. The Criminal Assets Bureau engages in that kind of work but questions about its effectiveness are raised by two figures. Last year it seized 4.3m in assets but the agency cost nearly twice that 8.25m to run. It is hard not to think that 4.3m is anything but the tip of an iceberg. The latest CAB seizure involved cars when a car transporter was held at Dublin Port on Wednesday. Though the cars are estimated to be worth around 200,000 they may realise far less when sold suggesting the States effort-and-reward ratio is out of kilter. The impact such a seizure might have on, as was the case here, a drug-trafficking gang, is minimal. That may be about to change. The EU has agreed on legislation to speed up the freezing and confiscation of criminal assets across the EU. The new rules were adopted by the EU parliaments civil liberties committee on Tuesday and are designed to change a situation where a paltry 1% of the estimated criminal profits in the EU are confiscated. If that multiple is applied to CABs 2017 take then the figure should be over 430m. Even if that figure is purely theoretical it suggests that there is huge potential to dissuade criminals by denying them their assets rather than their liberty. Crippling property seizures would of course only work when there is property to seize and would not apply to a great number of ordinary criminals. Nevertheless, it seems an idea worth considering especially as the seized assets could be used to alleviate the social circumstances so often at the root of crime. The fiancee of murdered Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi has expressed "shock and sadness" over reports suggesting that his body may have been dissolved with chemicals. Hatice Cengiz said on Twitter that Mr Khashoggi's killers had deprived his loved ones of conducting funeral prayers and burying him in Medina, Saudi Arabia, in accordance with his wishes. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has been released from hospital after suffering a fall yesterday. A court spokeswoman Kathleen Arberg said Ginsburg, 85, is "doing well and plans to work from home today." Earlier: Ruth Bader Ginsburg taken to hospital after fall at US Supreme Court The Supreme Court has said 85-year-old Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg fractured three ribs in a fall in her office at the court and is in hospital. The court has said the justice went to George Washington University Hospital in Washington early today after experiencing discomfort overnight. The court says the fall occurred yesterday evening. Ms Ginsburg was admitted to the hospital for treatment and observation after tests showed she fractured three ribs. Ms Ginsburg broke two ribs in a fall in 2012. She has had two prior bouts with cancer and had a stent implanted to open a blocked artery in 2014. The Supreme Court is a powerful body which has the final word on issues like abortion and same-sex marriage. Asia Rohingya Crisis, Suu Kyi Under the Microscope at Southeast Asia Summit Myanmar's State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in Tokyo, Japan, October 9, 2018. / Reuters SINGAPORE/YANGON The customary cordiality of Southeast Asian summits may be missing when the regions leaders meet next week due to sharp differences over Myanmar, whose military has been accused of genocide against the countrys Rohingya Muslim minority. Myanmar leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is due to attend the Nov. 11-15 Singapore meeting, and Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, a doyen of the group, has served notice he has lost faith in the Nobel peace laureate because of the Rohingya issue. We have made it quite clear we dont really support her any more, Mahathir said in an interview with Turkish news channel TRT World just over a month ago. Our policy in ASEAN is non-interference in the internal affairs of the countries, but this is grossly unjust, he said, referring to the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The Rohingya crisis is one of the biggest man-made disasters involving a member since ASEAN was founded in 1967, and it is one of the thorniest issues yet faced by a group that traditionally works by consensus. Many diplomats and rights activists say ASEANs credibility is at risk if it fails to tackle the matter head-on. A UN report in August detailed mass killings and gang rapes with genocidal intent in a military crackdown that began in 2017 and drove hundreds of thousands of Rohingya from Myanmars Rakhine State into neighboring Bangladesh. Outrage over what the United Nations branded ethnic cleansing has brought demands from Western nations for criminal charges and sanctions. ASEAN credibility and its international standing would be severely tarnished if ASEAN remains indifferent to the Rakhine crisis, said Kavi Chongkittavorn, a former special assistant to the ASEAN secretary-general and a veteran Thai journalist who has worked in Myanmar. The Rohingya issue comes at an important juncture for a region pushing for more economic integration in response to rising protectionism and a trade dispute between the United States and China. ASEANs Muslim-majority members Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei tend to take the toughest line on the Rohingya question, while Myanmar has close regional allies in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. Under military control in recent years, Thailand has also provided cover for Myanmar. In remarks delivered alongside Daw Aung San Suu Suu Kyi at a forum in Hanoi in September, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said countries outside Indochina were too critical of politics in the region and questioned whether they understood Myanmar. Uncomfortable Scrutiny Richard Horsey, a former UN diplomat in Myanmar and a political analyst based in Yangon, said leaders from outside the region who will attend the meetings in Singapore will be asking difficult questions about Myanmar. US Vice President Mike Pence, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe are among those expected to join ASEAN leaders in meetings later in the week. Beyond this uncomfortable scrutiny, and possible distraction from other ASEAN priorities, some ASEAN elders also worry about the risk of the group polarizing along religious lines, Horsey said. Singapore will deliver the chairmans remarks next week so its role in the tone that ASEAN strikes will be pivotal. A source close to pre-summit discussions, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Singapore is leaning towards a stronger stance because it is the most internationally engaged member of ASEAN and feels responsibility as host to protect its credibility. Asked for comment, Singapores Foreign Ministry said ASEAN leaders are expected to discuss the situation in Rakhine State when they meet next week and, as chair, Singapore supported discussions on the matter. However, ultimately, it is the responsibility of the Myanmar government and the relevant stakeholders to reach a comprehensive, viable and durable political solution to this situation, a spokeswoman said in an email response to Reuters. Earlier this year, Singapore Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan said the group had urged Myanmar to give a full mandate to a commission of inquiry to hold accountable those responsible for the crisis in Rakhine State. That was a toughening of rhetoric that had previously focused on repatriation of displaced persons to Myanmar and reconciliation among communities. The shift in language, especially the recent calls for more accountability, reflect to a certain extent that ASEAN views the Myanmar issue as an indicator of its own accountability in dealing with a recalcitrant member, said Moe Thuzar, a lead researcher at Singapores Institute of Southeast Asian Studies who specializes in ASEAN and Myanmar issues. A government source in Thailand, which takes over as chair of ASEAN next year, also said the groups credibility was at stake, especially after the UN report on the Rohingya crisis. A third source close to the discussions said the issue is a problem and we know it is a problem. Myo Nyunt, spokesman for Daw Aung San Suu Kyis National League for Democracy, said Myanmar would explain the situation at the summit. We accept there are different views, but we have to make decisions for further plans based on the real situation of our country. I want them to understand that there are some parts we cannot handle, he said. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has previously said her civilian government should not bear all responsibility for the crisis because the military retains a powerful political role under the constitution. He said the driver was tired because he had been driving since they left Naypyitaw at 7 p.m. the previous day and that the chief minister was now back at work at his office in Sittwe. The SUV veered off the road and down the bank because the driver was feeling sleepy, said U Kyaw Khin, the chief ministers support officer, who was among the three men on board. U Nyi Pu was returning to Sittwe from Naypyitaw when the accident occurred at about 5 a.m. in Rakhine States Mrauk-U Township. SITTWE, Rakhine State The Rakhine State chief ministers SUV fell into a stream next to a bridge along the main road between Yangon and the state capital of Sittwe early Friday morning, but no one was injured. People gather around the SUV of Rakhine State Chief Minister U Nyi Pu after it fell into a stream in Mrauk-U Township, Rakhine State, on Friday morning. / Sar Oo People gather around the SUV of Rakhine State Chief Minister U Nyi Pu after it fell into a stream in Mrauk-U Township, Rakhine State, on Friday morning. / Sar Oo For New Album, Punk Band No U Turn Grows Up NLD Used RCSS Leaders Face on Campaign Material Without Permission, Group Says Military Frees Last of Baptist Group Members in Kachin, NGO Says Facebook Says Human Rights Report Shows It Should Do More in Myanmar China Says Ready for US Talks, Sees No Winners in Trade War Indonesia Jet Had Damaged Airspeed Indicator on Last Four Flights: Official Ten Things to do in Yangon This Week Officials Still Using Telecom Law to Silence Critics Despite Amendments Too Soon to Send Rohingya Back to Myanmar: UN Rights Envoy Cambodia to Boost Clean Energy Use But Coal Plants Planned Too Thai Junta Says No Need for Foreign Observers at Next Year's Election US Pretzel Chain Auntie Annes to Open in Yangon Next Year We do not encourage viewing this site in this width. Please increase the size of your window. Burma Mandalay Textile Factory Rehires Fired Workers, But Protest Leaders Sued Fired factory workers stage a sit-in to demand the release of three detained colleagues at the Paleik Police Station in Mandalay Region on Thursday. / Zaw Zaw / The Irrawaddy PALEIK, Mandalay Region A textile factory in Mandalay Region agreed on Thursday to rehire the 207 workers it fired three months ago, though police sued four of them the same day for their protest. About half of the fired workers were on their way to the regional capital to ask the Mandalay chief minister to help them get their jobs back at the Panda Textile factor when three of their leaders were detained by police in Paleik on Thursday morning. The three were released that evening after the protesters sat down in front of the local police station to demand their freedom. They also agreed to call off the protest after the factory promised to rehire all the workers it had fired. However, the Paleik police filed a lawsuit against fourth of the protest leader including the three they had detained under articles 18 and 19 of the Peaceful Assembly and Procession Law, according to the workers. We are not surprised by the lawsuit because thats how the authorities always work, without taking care of the welfare of the people. They only know how to take legal action, said Ma Zarchi Win, one of the four who claim they were sued. The workers also said that some of their demands had yet to be met, including that their water and electricity bills over the three months they were jobless be waived. We are going to meet with the factory authorities in the presence of lawmakers and local authorities to negotiate about the bills, and if there is a deal the workers and the factory will sign the agreement and the workers will go back to work, Ma Zarchi Win said. Police and factory representatives at the police station on Thursday declined to comment for this story. The factory has seen its share of protests over the past five years. After Panda took over the factory in 2013 from the Ministry of Industry, workers staged a series of protests claiming their labor rights were abused during the transition period. In 2015, hundreds of workers set up a protest camp outside the factory to demand that 200 recently fired colleagues be rehired. The factory agreed to take a few dozen of them back, but two protesters died of pre-existing conditions during the sit-in and four of the leaders were fired. Then in 2017, once negotiations to rehire the remaining workers fired in 2015 stalled, employees staged a protest in Mandalay City. News Church Accuses Karenni Chief Minister of Stealing its Land Karenni State Chief Minister L Phaung Sho speaks at a press conference in Loikaw, Karenni State, on July 23. / Karenni State Government Office / Facebook CHIANG MAI, Thailand A Catholic church is accusing Karenni State Chief Minister L Phaung Sho of stealing a piece of its land in Mese Township and of preparing to fence it off. At a press conference in Yangon on Thursday, Father Richard Thura Tun said the chief minister had stolen the land less than half an acre in 2014, when he was a Mese Township assistant education officer, and secured a lease for it last year. He said he decided to finally come forward with the claim after the chief minister started clearing the land for his home and, as of last month, was preparing to build a fence in front of the churchs entrance to mark it off. The chief minister could not be reached for comment. Father Richard Thura Tun said the 14-acres church compound was recognized as a religious site by township authorities in 1994 and obtained a license for the property from the Department of Land Registration in 2006. He said the church has asked the Presidents Office and the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) for help settle the dispute but so far to no avail. We also met with him [L Phaung Sho] twice before we sent our first letter in July 2017, but he refused to give the land back, he told The Irrawaddy. The chief minister seized the land to use to build his home, he added. It is a misuse of his power. Father Richard Thura Tun said the secretary of Karenni States General Administration Department, U Tin Maung Soe, had tried to broker a compromise that would see the church regain two-thirds of the disputed land and let the chief minister keep the rest. But he refused because he thought the offer was not fair. He said church authorities met with NLD spokesman U Myo Nyunt in September but were told to wait until after the by-elections, which took place on Saturday. On Friday, U Myo Nyunt told The Irrawaddy that NLD leaders have since met with Father Richard Thura Tun in Yangon and that an investigation was ongoing. We cannot say when we will be able to go there, but it is a priority case for us to follow up on, he said. Before being appointed chief minister, L Phaung Sho was elected to the state legislature in 2015 to represent Meses Constituency No. 2. News Fire Kills Two Novices at Monastery in Southern Shan State Fire engulfs the monastery in Pan Pi village in southern Shan States Mong Pan Township on Nov. 7, 2018. Two novices aged 12 and 13 were killed in the blaze. / Ko Khun / Supplied YANGONTwo novices died and two others were injured in a fire at a monastery in southern Shan State on Wednesday night. Residents of Mong Pan Townships Pan Pi village, where the blaze broke out after 11 p.m., accused Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS) members of deliberately setting the fire, a claim the group immediately rejected. The novices who died were aged 12 and 13. The two injured boys are 10 and 12. A resident of Pan Pi told The Irrawaddy that the fire Was not caused buy a candle. The monastery fire happened after a group of people arrived in the village. We thought they were ordinary villagers. RCSS spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Sai Oo denied the accusation, and speculated that the fire was caused by young novices mishandling candles on the night of the new moon, when there is no moonlight. It is not true and it was just [an accidental] fire. We heard they were playing with fire near a bottle of petrol, and thus the fire started, he said. The monastery in Pan Pi village is home to over 30 novices aged 10-14, and two monks, including the abbot. Pan Pi has a population of more than 2,000, with over 400 households. The majority of residents are PaO, but the village is also home to ethnic Shan and Lahu. Locals told The Irrawaddy that they needed emergency assistance, but no administrative officials or lawmakers had arrived to provide relief. Troops from the RCSS/Shan State Army South and PaO Nationalities Liberation Organization/PaO Nationalities Liberation Army operate near the village and clashed as recently as Oct. 16. The RCSS also said the Myanmar military (or Tatmadaw) had deployed troops and built outposts near the village recently. The RCSS spokesman said the accusation that the RCSS was involved in the monastery fire was intended to create misunderstanding about the organization among the public, to create disunity and aggravate the conflict in the area. He said the organization had already explained that it had nothing to do with the fire via its Tai Freedom online media outlet. Sai Oo added that, Actually, fires can happen out of ignorance. It is true that we were engaged in fighting before. But we are Buddhists too, and we do not target monks, monasteries or the public. We never think of engaging in such bad actions and we are not allowed to do so. We even provide support for building new monasteries in villages, regardless of the residents different ethnic backgrounds, whether they are Shan or PaO. This allegation against us is an attempt to inflame the problem. It will cause disunity among our community. The locals know that we are not [that sort of people]. Both the RCSS and the PNLO are signatories to the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA). Article 9 of the NCA calls for the protection of civilians and prohibits destruction and causing damage to any public propertiesincluding schools, hospitals, clinics and religious buildingsfor any reason by any armed group. It also prohibits the deployment of troops and calls for signatories to promote public safety and development in ceasefire areas. News No Apology From Journalists as Yangon Govt Drops Incitement Suit Eleven Media Managing Editor U Kyaw Zaw Lin speaks to the media outside Tawmwe Township Court in Yangon on Friday. / Aung Kyaw Htet / The Irrawaddy YANGON The Yangon Region Government on Friday dropped its incitement suit against three Eleven Media Group journalists but was denied the apology it wanted from the reporter and two editors, who maintain that their coverage was accurate. President U Win Myint last month ordered the regional government to drop its lawsuit against the trio managing editors U Kyaw Zaw Lin and Nari Min and chief reporter U Phyo Wai Win and adhere to the Media Law, which says the Myanmar Press Council should try to resolve complaints against the media before they reach the courts. The councils own rules preclude it from mediating a dispute that is being litigated in order to avoid accusations of contempt of court. The governments move to withdraw the suit comes three weeks after the council urged it to follow the presidents order. Yangon Chief Minister U Phyo Min Thein has demanded that Eleven Media apologize for an article about the regional governments alleged financial mismanagement because it contained false information. He warned that legal action would resume if the Myanmar Press Council could not settle the dispute. U Kyaw Zaw Lin said on Friday that the trio had nothing to apologize for because the story was accurate and based on credible sources. The story in question was based primarily on what lawmakers had said during a session of the regional legislature about an official audit of the Yangon governments 2016-17 fiscal year budget. Lawmakers themselves insisted the story was accurate. How can we apology for something that we didnt do wrong? said U Kyaw Zaw Lin. He said the company took full responsibility for the story and would defend how and why it was written before the Myanmar Press Council. The Yangon government sued the three journalists in early October under Article 505 (b) of the Penal Code. They were arrested on Oct. 10 and detained at Yangons Insein Prison before being released on bail Oct. 26. Additional reporting by The Irrawaddy Zue Zue. Women Comic Artist Draws on History for Tales of Politically Powerful Women A browser looks at a manga book. / Reuters KUALA LUMPUR A feminist manga-style artist says she will use characters based on an Egyptian pharaoh and a Chinese empress to bring more female empowerment to the male-dominated world of comic books. Queenie Chan is working on a series of non-fiction biographies aimed at children called Women Who Were Kings, which will be rendered in manga, a comic book genre that originated in Japan. Im doing a series of biographies on a bunch of queens from all over the world, and from many different cultures, who achieved political power on parity with what we expect from kings hence the title, said Chan. The first completed story focused on Hatshepsut, a female Egyptian pharaoh, and the next will be on Wu Zetian, the first and only female Chinese empress, she said by phone from her home in Sydney, Australia. Manga developed its modern meaning to describe a whole genre of Japanese animated art at the beginning of the 1900s when artists in Japan were influenced by imports of political comic strips from the United States and Britain. Modern manga grew in popularity in Japan after World War Two and then spread overseas, with millions of copies of magazines sold each year, pulling in about $3.8 billion in 2017, according to the Research Institute for Publications. The genre is afforded unrivalled freedom in Japan and covers a variety of themes from horror, romance and same-sex relationships to comedy and pornography, but female empowerment is rarely tackled. It isnt unusual for women to be making manga, but it is unusual to have the theme, said Paul Gravett, an expert and who has written books and curated international manga exhibitions. The womens position in Japanese society hasnt had the big push of feminism that weve seen in many other countries. Manga-style artists outside of Japan are also rare, as the industry is dominated globally by male-dominated comics produced by US publishers like Marvel and DC. As a child, Chan used to read pirated manga comics from newsstands in Hong Kong, where she was born, and returned to the medium as a teenager in Australia. Chan purposefully puts powerful female leads in her comics, and her first published work, The Dreaming, contained nearly all female characters. In terms of projecting women as powerful there are many different kinds of power, she said. One kind of power that women are frequently depicted of lacking because there just arent any representations of that in popular media is political, economic and military power. Chan has also published a three-book series called Fable Kingdom, which is a fairytale-inspired story with a powerful female lead. In our society when we talk about the lack of female representation in boardrooms or politics, it is important for people to have representations of women who can fill that role, Chan told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. You cant be what you cant see. Im just letting people know that these things exist and have for a long time. TORONTO, Nov. 09, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sandy Lake Gold Inc. (Sandy Lake or the Company) (TSXV:SLAU) announces the appointment of Patrick Sheridan as Executive Chairman and CEO of the Company. Ms. Michele McCarthy, the former chair of Sandy Lake Gold and its predecessor company Lago Dourado Minerals will be continuing as an independent Director. Dan Noone will be stepping down as the Interim CEO but continue in his role as a Director. Mr. Sheridan has over 25 years experience working in Guyana and has raised over 400 million dollars for exploration and development projects in Guyana. Mr. Sheridan is credited with the discovery, financing, and development of the Aurora Gold project. The Company also announces the appointment of Mr. Peter Mullens to the Board of Directors. Mr. Mullens is a Geologist with 30 years of experience in the mining industry; and is currently the CEO of GPM Metals Inc. (TSXV:GPM). Mr. Mullens has been active with junior exploration companies over the past 15 years. He was instrumental in acquiring the Aquiline Resources Navidad project in Argentina, later sold to Pan American Silver for $630 million in 2009. Mr. Mullens was also a co-founder of Lydian Resources which discovered the 4 million-ounce Amulsar Gold Deposit in Armenia and worked with the company from pre-listing to completion of feasibility study in 2013. SANDY LAKE GOLD PROJECT UPDATE Sandy Lake Gold Inc. currently controls approximately 104,000 acres of contiguous mineral claim holdings in the Sandy Lake Greenstone Belt. In 2014, a limited drill program in the western part of the claim package returned high grade gold intercepts of 12.86 Au g/t over 6.85 meters and 12.17 Au g/t over 6.2 meters. (Goldeye press release April 9, 2014 available at SEDAR.com.) The Company has completed a VTEM airborne and ground geophysics surveys over the Phase 1 target areas. In February 2018 the Company signed a 5,000 meter drill contract and has mobilized all necessary equipment for the project. The Company is currently negotiating an Exploration Agreement with the First Nation communities, whose Traditional Territories encompass the project. Sandy Lake Gold Inc. looks forward to advancing the exploration and development of this emerging gold district in partnership with the First Nations. ABOUT SANDY LAKE GOLD INC. The Companys board of directors, management and exploration personnel have demonstrable skills in all aspects of mineral development; from grass roots exploration to capital markets and mine builds globally. Management and insiders hold approximately 40% of outstanding shares. All scientific and technical information in this press release has been prepared under the supervision of Dan Noone (a Director of Sandy Lake Gold), a qualified person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Noone (B.Sc Geology, MBA) is a member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists. For further information please contact: Patrick Sheridan Executive Chairman & CEO (416) 628-5904 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. "Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release." TORONTO, Nov. 9, 2018 /CNW/ - Avesoro Resources Inc. ("Avesoro" or the "Company"), the TSX and AIM listed West African gold producer, is pleased to provide an update on related party transactions in accordance with rules 13 and 16 of the AIM Rules for Companies (the "AIM Rules"). Since the Company's announcement on 21 February 2018, Faso Drilling Company SARL ("Faso"), a related party of the Company, has provided drilling services to Burkina Mining Company SA ("BMC"), Netiana Mining Company SA ("NMC"), Eutruscan Resources Burkina Faso SA ("ERBF") and MNG Gold Burkina SARL ("MNGGB") pursuant to agreements entered into during the course of 2018 (the "Agreements"). Drilling Services Agreement Terms The Agreements were entered into as part of the previously announced drilling programme in Burkina Faso. The services are provided on an arms-length basis and Faso's drilling rates of US$41-69 per metre are, in the Company's belief, significantly more favourable than BMC, NMC, ERBF or MNGGB could have obtained from other third-party providers. The total value of services provided under the Agreements in the nine months to 30 September 2018 is approximately US$5.6 million in aggregate, payable in cash. Faso is a subsidiary of Avesoro Jersey Limited, the Company's parent company, and therefore, entering into the Agreements constitutes a related party transaction for the Company under the AIM Rules. Opinion of the Independent Directors The independent directors of the Company, consisting of Mr. David Netherway, Mr. Jean-Guy Martin and Mr. Loudon Owen consider, having consulted with the Company's Nominated Adviser, that the terms of these transactions are fair and reasonable insofar as its shareholders are concerned. Disclosure of other related party transactions Further to the Company's announcement dated 21 February 2018, the Company discloses at this time the following other related party transactions that it has entered into during the nine months ended 30 September 2018. These transactions do not constitute related party transactions under rule 13 of the AIM Rules for Companies. Drilling services provided to Bea Mountain Mining Corporation ("BMMC", a subsidiary of the Company) by Zwedru Mining Inc. ("Zwedru") Over the last nine months, Zwedru, a wholly owned subsidiary of Avesoro Jersey Limited, has provided diamond and reverse circulation drilling services to BMMC. These services are provided on an arms-length basis at a rate of US$40-85 per metre, a rate significantly more favourable than BMMC has previously been able to obtain from other third-party providers. The total value of these services provided over the last nine months is approximately US$2.2 million, payable in cash. Equipment purchased by BMC from Mapa Insaatve Ticaret A.S. ("Mapa") Over the last nine months, BMC purchased five haul trucks totaling approximately US$382,000 from Mapa, a member of the MNG Group of companies, payable in cash. Charter plane services provided to BMMC by MNG Gold Liberia Inc. ("MNGGL") Over the last nine months, BMMC has chartered flights from MNGGL, a subsidiary of Avesoro Jersey Limited. BMMC undertook a benchmarking exercise and agreed an hourly rate to be paid to MNGGL in respect of these services and is charged US$3,000 per flying hour. The total value of these services provided over the last nine months is approximately US$270,000, payable in cash. Travel services provided to BMMC and BMC by MNG Turizm ve Ticaret A.S. ("MNG Turizm") Over the last nine months, MNG Turizm, a member of the MNG Group of companies, has provided travel agency services to BMMC and BMC. MNG Turizm is a commercial travel agency and the prices paid by BMMC and BMC are the same as those paid by their arms-length customers. The total value of these services provided over the last nine months is approximately US$20,000, payable in cash. Technical and support services provided to MNGGL by Avesoro Madencilik Hizmetleri A.S. ("AMH", a subsidiary of the Company) Over the last nine months, AMH has provided technical and support services to MNGGL to support the Kokoya Gold Mine. These services are recharged to MNGGL at a mark-up of 5.5-13.5% over the cost incurred by AMH in providing these services. The total value of these services provided over the last nine months is approximately US$316,000, payable in cash. Sale of consumables by AMH to MNGGL and Faso and provision of catering services by BMC to Faso Over the last nine months AMH has procured on behalf of and sold to MNGGL and Faso consumables totaling $1.7 million, payable in cash. The consumables are charged at a rate of cost plus 4.5%. Over the last nine months BMC has provided catering services to Faso totaling $286,000, payable in cash. About Avesoro Resources Inc. Avesoro Resources is a West Africa focused gold producer and development company that operates two gold mines across West Africa and is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX") and the AIM market operated by the London Stock Exchange ("AIM"). The Company's assets include the New Liberty Gold Mine in Liberia ("New Liberty") and the Youga Gold Mine in Burkina Faso ("Youga"). New Liberty has an estimated Proven and Probable Mineral Reserve of 7.4Mt with 717,000 ounces of gold grading 3.03g/t and an estimated Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource of 9.6Mt with 985,000 ounces of gold grading 3.2g/t and an estimated Inferred Mineral Resource of 6.4Mt with 620,000 ounces of gold grading 3.0g/t. The foregoing Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates and additional information in connection therewith, prepared in accordance with CIM guidelines, is set out in an NI 43-101 compliant Technical Report dated November 1, 2017 and entitled "New Liberty Gold Mine, Bea Mountain Mining Licence Southern Block, Liberia, West Africa" and is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Youga has an estimated Proven and Probable Mineral Reserve of 11.2Mt with 660,100 ounces of gold grading 1.84g/t and a combined estimated Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource of 16.64Mt with 924,200 ounces of gold grading 1.73g/t and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 13Mt with 685,000 ounces of gold grading 1.70g/t. The foregoing Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates and additional information in connection therewith, prepared in accordance with CIM guidelines, is set out in an NI 43-101 compliant Technical Report dated July 31, 2018 and entitled "Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve Update for the Youga Gold Mine, Burkina Faso" and is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. For more information, please visit www.avesoro.com VANCOUVER, Nov. 8, 2018 /CNW/ - Entree Resources Ltd. (TSX:ETG; NYSE American:EGI the "Company" or "Entree") has today filed its interim financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2018. All numbers are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted. Q3 2018 HIGHLIGHTS Entree/Oyu Tolgoi JV Property Mongolia On November 1, 2018, Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd. ("Turquoise Hill") provided the following update on underground development on the Oyu Tolgoi mining licence. The Oyu Tolgoi project includes two separate land holdings: the Oyu Tolgoi mining licence, which is held by Entree's joint venture partner Oyu Tolgoi LLC ("OTLLC") and the Entree/Oyu Tolgoi JV Property, which is a partnership between Entree and OTLLC: During Q3 2018, underground lateral development progressed 3.0 equivalent kilometres for a cumulative total of 15.7 equivalent kilometres since project restart. Until the completion of Shaft 2, Oyu Tolgoi is expected to experience similar, but not increased, development rates as seen in Q3 2018. By the end of 2018, underground development is expected to have completed approximately 11 kilometres of equivalent development through a mixture of mass excavation and lateral development. During Q3 2018, Shaft 2 collar doors and controls were commissioned and mechanical installation of the rock breaker on the shaft's jaw crusher was completed. Also, development of the convey-to-surface decline continued to progress with the permanent ventilation facility being commissioned and becoming operational. Rio Tinto International Holdings Ltd. ("Rio Tinto"), in its role as manager of Oyu Tolgoi, has undertaken its second annual schedule and cost re-forecast for the project and, based on preliminary results, has notified Turquoise Hill of a delay to achievement of sustainable first production from the Oyu Tolgoi mining licence which is now expected to occur by the end of Q3 2021 instead of Q1 2021. This is a result of certain delays including, but not limited to, the completion of Shaft 2, which includes over four months of schedule contingency, and challenging ground conditions. At this time, Entree has no information to suggest that this will impact timing of future development or production schedules on the Entree/Oyu Tolgoi JV Property. First draw bell remains on track for mid-2020, partly due to a change in the draw bell sequencing strategy. Per the Oyu Tolgoi Investment Agreement, OTLLC has been exploring two domestic power options a power plant built and operated by OTLLC at the mine site or an independent power producer located at the Tavan Tolgoi coal field. A final decision on the outcome, cost and financing of a domestic power supply has not been concluded. Corporate Q3 2018 net loss was $0.4 million which was an increase compared to Q3 2017 ( $0.1 million ) due mainly to foreign exchange variances on the cash balance. For the 2018 year to date, net loss was $1.2 million which is a reduction of 43% compared to the same period of 2017 ( $2.1 million ). The reduction in the year to date net loss was due to the sale of the Company's 0.5% net smelter returns royalty on the Canariaco project in Peru in Q2 2018 and lower administration costs in the current periods. which was an increase compared to Q3 2017 ( ) due mainly to foreign exchange variances on the cash balance. For the 2018 year to date, net loss was which is a reduction of 43% compared to the same period of 2017 ( ). The reduction in the year to date net loss was due to the sale of the Company's 0.5% net smelter returns royalty on the Canariaco project in in Q2 2018 and lower administration costs in the current periods. Q3 2018 operating cash outflow after working capital was $0.2 million as compared to $0.6 million in Q3 2017 and for the 2018 year to date, operating cash outflow after working capital was $1.0 million compared to $2.4 million in the same period of 2017. The reduction in operating cash outflow after working capital was due to lower net losses in the current periods. as compared to in Q3 2017 and for the 2018 year to date, operating cash outflow after working capital was compared to in the same period of 2017. The reduction in operating cash outflow after working capital was due to lower net losses in the current periods. The cash balance as at September 30, 2018 was $6.0 million . OUTLOOK AND STRATEGY Entree/Oyu Tolgoi JV Property With the completion and filing of its updated technical report titled "Entree/Oyu Tolgoi Joint Venture Project, Mongolia, NI 43-101 Technical Report" with an effective date of January 15, 2018 prepared by Amec Foster Wheeler (the "2018 Technical Report") in Q1 2018, the Company is now focused on: Assessing opportunities to crystallize value ahead of production from the Entree/Oyu Tolgoi JV Property. Streamlining Entree's joint venture interest. Educating the market about the opportunities associated with Entree's interest in the Entree/Oyu Tolgoi JV Property. Working with Entree's joint venture partner to advance any exploration opportunities on the Entree/Oyu Tolgoi JV Property that may exist, including several near surface targets that have been identified. Corporate The Company remains focused on maximizing investor awareness of the results of the 2018 Technical Report and what this report means to the Company and all stakeholders, both current and potential. Corporate costs, which include Mongolian site management and compliance costs, remain estimated to be between $1.2 million and $1.5 million for the full 2018 year. The Company's interim financial statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") are available on the Company's website at www.EntreeResourcesLtd.com, on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. QUALIFIED PERSON Robert Cinits, P.Geo., Entree's Vice President, Corporate Development, a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has approved the technical information in this release. For further information on the Entree/Oyu Tolgoi JV Property, see the Company's Technical Report, titled "Entree/Oyu Tolgoi Joint Venture Project, Mongolia, NI 43-101 Technical Report", with an effective date of January 15, 2018, available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. ABOUT ENTREE RESOURCES LTD. Entree Resources Ltd. is a well-funded Canadian mining company with a unique carried joint venture interest on a significant portion of one of the world's largest copper-gold projects the Oyu Tolgoi project in Mongolia. Entree has a 20% or 30% carried participating interest in the Entree/Oyu Tolgoi joint venture, depending on the depth of mineralization. Sandstorm Gold Ltd., Rio Tinto and Turquoise Hill are major shareholders of Entree, holding approximately 16%, 9% and 8% of the shares of the Company, respectively. More information about Entree can be found at www.EntreeResourcesLtd.com. This News Release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws with respect to corporate strategies and plans; uses of funds; the value and potential value of assets and the ability of Entree to maximize returns to shareholders; timing and status of development of the Oyu Tolgoi underground mine; plans for future exploration and/or development programs and budgets; anticipated business activities; proposed acquisitions and dispositions of assets; and future financial performance. In certain cases, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budgeted", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "does not anticipate" or "believes" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". While the Company has based these forward-looking statements on its expectations about future events as at the date that such statements were prepared, the statements are not a guarantee of Entree's future performance and are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies, local and global economic conditions, and the environment in which Entree will operate in the future, including the price of copper, gold and silver, anticipated capital and operating costs, anticipated future production and cash flows and the status of Entree's relationship and interaction with the Government of Mongolia, OTLLC, Rio Tinto and Turquoise Hill on the Entree/Oyu Tolgoi joint venture and the continued development of the Entree/Oyu Tolgoi JV Property. With respect to the development of the Oyu Tolgoi underground mine, important risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and information include, amongst others, the timing and cost of the construction and expansion of mining and processing facilities; the timing and availability of a long term domestic power source for the Oyu Tolgoi underground mine (or the availability of financing for OTLLC to construct such a source); the ability of OTLLC to secure and draw down on the supplemental debt under the Oyu Tolgoi project finance facility and the availability of additional financing on terms reasonably acceptable to OTLLC, Turquoise Hill and Rio Tinto to further develop Oyu Tolgoi; delays, and the costs which would result from delays, in the development of the underground mine; projected copper, gold and silver prices and demand; and production estimates and the anticipated yearly production of copper, gold and silver at the Oyu Tolgoi underground mine. Other uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by forward-looking statements and information include, amongst others, unanticipated costs, expenses or liabilities; discrepancies between actual and estimated production, mineral reserves and resources and metallurgical recoveries; development plans for processing resources; matters relating to proposed exploration or expansion; mining operational and development risks; the size, grade and continuity of deposits not being interpreted correctly from exploration results; the results of preliminary test work not being indicative of the results of future test work; fluctuations in commodity prices and demand; changing foreign exchange rates; actions by Rio Tinto, Turquoise Hill and OTLLC and by government authorities including the Government of Mongolia; the availability of funding on reasonable terms; the impact of changes in interpretation to or changes in enforcement of laws, regulations and government practices, including laws, regulations and government practices with respect to mining, foreign investment, royalties and taxation; the terms and timing of obtaining necessary environmental and other government approvals, consents and permits; the availability and cost of necessary items such as water, skilled labour, transportation and appropriate smelting and refining arrangements; unanticipated reclamation expenses; geotechnical or hydrogeological considerations during mining being different from what was assumed; changes to assumptions as to the availability of electrical power, and the power rates used in operating cost estimates and financial analyses; changes to assumptions as to salvage values; ability to maintain the social licence to operate; and misjudgements in the course of preparing forward-looking statements. In addition, there are also known and unknown risk factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Entree to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements and information. Such factors include, among others, risks related to international operations, including legal and political risk in Mongolia; risks associated with changes in the attitudes of governments to foreign investment; risks associated with the conduct of joint ventures; global financial conditions; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; inability to upgrade Inferred mineral resources to Indicated or Measured mineral resources; inability to convert mineral resources to mineral reserves; conclusions of economic evaluations; future prices of copper, gold, silver and molybdenum; failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; delays in obtaining government approvals, permits or licences or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities; environmental risks; title disputes; limitations on insurance coverage; as well as those factors discussed in the Company's most recently filed MD&A and in the Company's Annual Information Form for the financial year ended December 31, 2017, dated March 8, 2018 filed with the Canadian Securities Administrators and available at www.sedar.com. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company is under no obligation to update or alter any forward-looking statements except as required under applicable securities laws. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 09, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Avrupa Minerals Ltd. (AVU:TSXV) is pleased to announce that it has closed the first tranche of its private placement of $500,000 comprised of 10,000,000 units as announced on October 22, 2018. With the closing of this first tranche, Avrupa will begin its 2,500- to 3,000-meter drilling program at the Alvalade copper-zinc VMS Project in Portugal. The purpose of the program is firstly to expand currently known mineralized areas, and secondly to outline higher grade copper-zinc mineralization within the massive sulfide lenses. Each Unit is comprised of one common share and one common share purchase warrant that allows the holder to buy an additional share until November 9, 2021 at a price of $0.10 each. The securities have a four-month hold period expiring on March 10, 2019. Avrupa has a provision to accelerate the exercise of the warrants if the common shares close at a price of $0.20 or greater for a period of 20 consecutive trading days. An insider participated in this first tranche for $56,000. Avrupa Minerals Ltd. is a growth-oriented junior exploration and development company directed to discovery of mineral deposits, using a prospect generator model. The Company holds one 100%-owned, self-funded flagship project, the Alvalade VMS Project. Avrupa focuses its project generation work in politically stable and prospective regions of Europe, including Portugal, Kosovo, and Germany. For additional information, contact Avrupa Minerals Ltd. at 1-604-687-3520 or visit our website at www.avrupaminerals.com. On behalf of the Board, Paul W. Kuhn ____________________________ Paul W. Kuhn, President & Director This news release was prepared by Company management, who take full responsibility for its content. Paul W. Kuhn, President and CEO of Avrupa Minerals, a Licensed Professional Geologist and a Registered Member of the Society of Mining Engineers, is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 of the Canadian Securities Administrators. He has reviewed the technical disclosure in this release. Mr. Kuhn, the QP, has not only reviewed, but prepared and supervised the preparation or approval of the scientific and technical content in the news release. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Sitting in Coxs Bazar, the worlds largest refugee settlement, on 15 October 2018 with two colleagues listening to a group of animated Rohingya women relate their experiences and their hopes for the International Criminal Court (ICC), turned out to be an abject lesson in humility. The women were survivors from a group of 400 known as the Shanti Mohila (Peace Women) that my organisation, Global Rights Compliance, in partnership with Legal Action Worldwide, represent, including for the purposes of the preliminary examination now winding its tortuous way through the corridors of the ICC. The women and girls have suffered terrible sexual and gender-based violence and a wide range of other persecutory type crimes that forced approximately 700,000 of their number into Bangladesh in August 2017, to join another 300,000 that were forced out during previous waves of decade-long, state-sponsored violence. It was also a stark reminder that pain and anguish are much closer when representing victims, than when defending accused or otherwise working at a distance from the human detail of international crimes. Despite being involved in many international and national judicial processes in a variety of conflicts over the last 20 years, these crimes seem particularly grim to me, especially considering the pitiful chances for any meaningful relief for the Rohingya. There is no room to believe that Myanmars military will release its grip of the Rohingya or any realistic hope that their hate, channelled with such destructive intent, might dissipate or diminish anytime soon. Preconditions to Repatriation It perhaps says something about the Rohingyas continuing tragedy that the safest solution on offer for this mass of humanity huddled in Coxs Bazar is their transportation onto Bhasan Char, a three hundred square kilometre island, four hours off the coast of Bangladesh, that is regularly flooded during the cyclone season and at risk of hostage-taking at the hands of local pirates. As derisory as these plans are, they appear to be the best of a dwindling number of bad options. The principal competitors are a textbook case of the devil and the deep blue sea: repatriation into the apartheid arms of a genocidal regime in Myanmar on the one side or the continued indignity of refugee life on the other a campsite where fraught humanitarians try but fail to stretch scant resources to meet an avalanche of need. Despite the impoverishment of circumstance, many of the women who gathered under their bamboo-framed UNICEF tent were clearheaded and determined about their future Despite the impoverishment of circumstance, many of the women who gathered under their bamboo-framed UNICEF tent to meet their lawyers were clearheaded and determined about their future, including how the ICC might play its part. They had bounded together under the name Shanti Mohila with fifteen clear demands that must be met before repatriation. Each is understatedly simple and connotes its own chilling tale of segregation, discrimination and criminal intent: the official recognition of the Rohingya identity; the right to citizenship; freedom of movement in and out of their own villages and towns; the release of their loved ones from detention; the right to practice their religion and so on. Something is better than nothing It is instructive that the first of the fourteen demands is a demand for justice for the torture and atrocities Myanmar committed. Despite oft repeated claims that the Rohingya community do not know what justice they want, one by one these crouched survivors lifted their heads to express their modest hopes. As I explained the frailties of the ICC and the need to accept that it was no panacea, they summed up why they left their homes and came to Coxs Bazaar: my husband was killed and they (the military) burnt my house; my son was taken away and I dont know where he is; I was attacked and they cut my son with a knife. How, they asked, could they not be involved with the ICC? These survivors are not looking for miracles. They know the ICC will not bring back their dead, rebuild their homes or resettle them in a place of safety. These plaintive hopes vested in the ICC were not a misguided cry for the improbable or the impractical. These survivors are not looking for miracles. They know the ICC will not bring back their dead, rebuild their homes or resettle them in a place of safety. But it offers something, and at the moment something is better than nothing: a semblance of international attention, a glimmer of humanitarian protection, and a far flung expectation that there is a court where lawyers do not extort bribes and a place where their executors might finally be disarmed. We are used to lamenting the shortcomings of the ICC and the unfulfilled promises of international justice and accountability writ large. Undoubtedly, I have been one of the biggest culprits. Of course, much of the critique is justified and proportionate to the ICCs well-publicised failures over the last two decades and the impunity that continues to be relished by the strong. The unconscionable delays, the failure to articulate and to pursue achievable aims, the unwillingness of states to provide adequate funds, the vast expenditure without corresponding results and the hubris of the first Prosecutor have hardly covered the Court in glory. However, these survivors provide a reminder that some do not enjoy the luxury of these intellectual critiques. Theirs is the grinding reality of basic need: security, a modicum of support and some kind of acknowledgment that might deter on-going crimes and identify those that had chased them out of their homes. Law can be bold and innovative We should applaud the ICC Prosecutor for responding to this reality with a bold and innovative request And so we should applaud the ICC Prosecutor for responding to this reality with a bold and innovative request for a ruling on jurisdiction concerning the mass deportation of the Rohingya from Myanmar to Bangladesh. On the 6 September 2018, the Pre-Trial Chamber of the ICC, by a majority, found that the Court may exercise jurisdiction over the crime of deportation because a legal element of the crime the crossing of an international border took place on the territory of Bangladesh, a State Party to the Rome Statute. The ICC judges may also take their fair share of credit. They followed the law where it took them, brushing aside claims of overweening sovereignty (of non-party states) and (unconvincing) floodgates arguments. In ruling that the ICC may exercise territorial jurisdiction over the crimes against the Rohingya when at least one legal element or part of any crime occurs within the jurisdiction of the Court, the ICC opened the door, not only to the crime of deportation (as requested by the ICC Prosecutor) but also (expressly) to persecution (if it is associated with the deportation) and inhumane acts (if it has a basis in conditions existing in Bangladesh) and (impliedly) to genocide (again, if it has a basis in Bangladesh). The ICC Prosecutors move was a valuable reminder that bold advocacy and the ICC matter and both offer the potential for enhanced access to justice and better outcomes overall. Before this decision, there were no obvious routes to domestic or international accountability. There is no real prospect that the Myanmar military regime will investigate its own in any meaningful way or that Aung San Suu Kyi can be shamed into even a mild critique of their genocidal conduct or the apartheid regime that continues to brutalise the Rohingya and other ethnic minorities within Myanmar. The understandable call for a referral of the situation to the ICC was always doomed to failure. Myanmar is not a State Party to the Rome Statute and, at the UN Security Council, China views its future as resting upon the continued rise of the Yuan and not the extension of the international justice system, especially not so close to its own backyard. More than a few scalps at the ICC Of course, despite representing a major advance in the Rohingyas search for justice and accountability, only the wildly optimistic would place any faith in the prospect of any accused being in front of the ICC in the foreseeable future. The cumbersome nature of the ICCs processes, the absence of any cooperation from Myanmar or access to its territory and the linkage evidence in its possession, and the unlikelihood of obtaining the suspects, do not bode well for meaningful accountability in the next decade. But the ICC prosecutors request and the decision were a welcome reminder of the power of jurisdictional imagination and the inexcusable impotence of liberal handwringing and despair. We cannot continue to criticise the ICC or lament the collapse of international justice whilst failing to make smart use of the international legal infrastructure that exists to protect and enforce fundamental rights. Of course, a Court that even in the most favourable of circumstances will try a mere 5-10 accused sometime in the next 10 years, is incapable of being a solution for the Rohingyas overall justice needs. As such, the ICCs preliminary examination into the Rohingya situation provides a significant opportunity for focused advocacy and legal confrontation. Of course, as recognised by the women of Shanti Mohila, as a Court that even in the most favourable of circumstances will try a mere 5-10 accused sometime in the next 10 years, it is incapable of being a solution for the Rohingyas overall justice needs. There is much more to be done to confront this barbarous regime and pursue the truth, genuine access to justice, redress, guarantees of non-recurrence, and respect for the rule of law. These objectives rest on something more than the diminutive prospects of a few military scalps at the ICC. The tools of a semi-workable international system We cannot complain of inadequacies unless we have engaged, as legal entrepreneurs, with the law that exists and the entirety of the tools at our disposal. We must also be bold and productive. Whilst insisting on a more efficient and effective ICC, we must accept that without fundamental reform and significantly more resources it will never be able to conduct more than a handful of symbolic trials, usually many years after the events. We can, nonetheless, draw on its normative reach, such that it is, to optimise and energise the struggle for accountability across the international human rights system. Unlike the immediate post World War II period, we do have a semi-workable system of judicial and quasi-judicial mechanisms that may be harnessed to build our resistance to the Yangon based criminals and others that globally threaten to dismantle the rule of law. We cannot complain of inadequacies unless we have engaged, as legal entrepreneurs, with the law that exists and the entirety of the tools at our disposal. In this respect, although there is plenty to deride in the dysfunction of the UN Security Council and its response to the on-going brutalisation of the Rohingya, there is some cause for quiet satisfaction at the responses elsewhere. The Human Rights Councils tireless Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Ms Yanghee Lee, is an eloquent illustration of the importance of speaking truth to a soporific international community. The September 2018, UN Independent, Fact Finding Missions Report on Myanmar (calling for the investigation and prosecution of senior generals of the Myanmar military for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes) was unusually forthright and clear in the UNs willingness to identify the features of the apartheid regime and use genocide to describe the ongoing events within Myanmar. The Human Rights Councils creation of the Ongoing Independent Mechanism with its mandate to prepare for criminal proceedings in future courts is a sad indictment of the failure of the Security Council but also an eloquent demonstration of how other parts of the human rights system can strain to resist the global drift into authoritarianism and indifference. No justification for a long preliminary examination The ICC Prosecutor must finish what she started. She must move swiftly to open a full investigation that is ambitious and transparent. And the ICC Prosecutor must finish what she started. She must move swiftly to open a full investigation that is ambitious and transparent. There is no justification for an interminable preliminary examination cloaked in mystery. As pointed out by the ICC Judges, the victims have the right to an expeditious process to know the truth, to have access to justice and to request reparations. These rights are even more critical to the dignity of those who have been systematically targeted by a regime so divorced from the rule of law. The opening of the investigation, the arrival of the investigators and associated ICC outreach stretched over time, will provide valuable opportunities for the survivor community, including the women of the Shanti Mohila, to be heard and for their voices to be amplified. Of course, these prospects hardly excite, especially when compared with the heady days of the mid 1990s when courts were springing up around the globe and global accountability seemed really possible. But, as the ICC Prosecutor has recently shown, all is not lost. It is surprising what can be done when judicial actors link arms with survivor groups and help them push for access to justice and inclusive legal participation by testing the limits of the law. As those resilient survivors of the Shanti Mohila made clear to me, as the rains began and cast a long shadow over the place they now call home, these efforts may not be much, but they are something and something is better than nothing: if not peace or security, then at least some recognition and a little truth. Kansas State University awarded prestigious Troops to Teachers grant Friday, Nov. 9, 2018 MANHATTAN Kansas State University's College of Education, in partnership with the Kansas State Department of Education, was recently awarded a $400,000, four-year Troops to Teachers grant to support transitioning service members and veterans interested in becoming teachers. Troops to Teachers-Kansas is open to veterans and transitioning service members worldwide who wish to return to Kansas to begin their teaching careers. The program offers two distinct online pathways with unique features. The Master of Arts in teaching is a one-year program for degree holders, and the bachelor's degree takes 24 months after completing prerequisite courses. Unique to Kansas State University's Troops to Teachers-Kansas are veteran teaching assistants who will support participants from enrollment to graduation. The veteran teaching assistants are both experienced teachers and veterans who have completed the Troops to Teachers program and understand the special opportunities and challenges of transitioning to the classroom. "K-State is at the forefront of developing innovative programming for educators, and by tailoring the highly successful Master of Arts in teaching for service members, we can directly address teacher supply throughout Kansas, the Midwest and the country," said Richard B. Myers, Kansas State University president. "Our programs provide a trusted and credentialed path to the classroom, and I believe K-State, with its many military connections and online options, is in the enviable position of being the university of choice for transitioning service members and veterans who want to become teachers." Thomas Vontz, professor and co-author of the Troops to Teachers-Kansas grant, said the program includes a job placement mentorship, various resources and an online virtual job fair that will connect graduates with underserved school districts in Kansas. "More than 250 students have enrolled in the Master of Arts in teaching program since its inception in 2016," Vontz said. "Given K-State's longstanding commitment to military-connected education, providing transitioning service members and veterans affordable, convenient, practical pathways to teaching just made good sense. We believe this grant will not only assist veterans but also provide high-quality teachers to Kansas schools." Learn more about Troops to Teachers-Kansas at global.k-state.edu/troops-to-teachers/. Kansas State University has been recognized nationally by the White House's Joining Forces initiative, the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Association of Defense Communities as one of the nation's premier military-inclusive public research universities. Additionally, it has been recognized as both a Carnegie Engaged University and the Association of Public and Land-Grant University Innovation and Economic Prosperity Designated Awardee for its education and outreach programs for military veterans. Troops to Teachers was established in the early 1990s to support transitioning service members and veterans to pursue careers as K-12 school teachers in public, charter, and Bureau of Indian Affairs schools. The program provides counseling and referral services for participants to help them meet education and licensing requirements to teach and subsequently helps them secure a teaching position. Since 1993, more than 20,000 veterans have successfully transitioned to careers in education. (ANSA) - Rome, November 9 - A "positive result" in budget talks between Italy and Europe is "in everyone's interest", Eurogroup chief Mario Centeno said after talks with Economy Minister Giovanni Tria Friday. Centeno also said there were "no doubts" about Italy's place in the euro and the 2019 budget should demonstrate that. Tria reiterated that EU doubts on the budget were not founded on "the real content of the budget". (ANSA) - Rome, November 8 - Asia Bibi's lawyer, Saif ul-Malook, told CNN on Thursday that a request for asylum has been presented in the Netherlands for the woman, her husband and her children. Bibi is a Pakistani Christian woman who was condemned to death by hanging for blasphemy eight years ago but was recently acquitted by the Supreme Court. She has been unable to leave the country because of fundamentalist Islamic protests. Bibi's husband on Tuesday appealed to Italy for help in getting out of Pakistan. MEDFORD, Ore. UPDATE: Firefighters from the Rogue Valley Strike Team helping with Camp Fire efforts in Butte County, California expect to return home on Monday, according to a Facebook post published by Jackson County Fire District 3 (FD3). "This morning our #FD3 Strike Team Leader informed us that the ST7-Rogue Valley will be returning home today. After 11 days in California, the team is expected back in #Oregon before evening," the fire department posted. Illinois Valley Fire echoed the news in their own post on Monday morning. "The team returns with high spirits and a reinforced sense of camaraderie. As a District we are forever grateful to live in an area where partnership, safety, and community are of the highest importance. Thank you to all firefighters for your selflessness and courage through this years wildfire season," FD3 said. (Updated 11/19/18 at 10:50 a.m.) UPDATE: The Rogue Valley Strike Team remains in Butte County, California as they help with firefighting efforts on the Camp Fire. According to posts from the individual fire departments, the work is hard but is going as well as can be expected. "Our local firefighters have been down at the Camp Fire in Butte County for just under a week now. While information is limited, we are happy to share that the crew is doing well," Medford Fire-Rescue (MFR) posted on Wednesday. "We are proud and honored to serve the impacted communities alongside firefighters from different states," MFR continued. "It is a true testament of how we can quickly join together as one to make a difference no matter which state, county, or city we call home." Fire District 3 (FD3) reports that they walked more than 240 miles combined during their shift on Monday searching homes around the burned town of Paradise and conducting "overhaul operations." "Please continue to keep all firefighters in your thoughts, especially as they are away from home during the holiday season," FD3 said. Crew from the Illinois Valley Fire District (IVFD) wrote home on Tuesday as well: We walked about 16 miles last night clearing homes so they can let the public back in. I cant begin to describe what we are seeing. We are shocked. IVFD said that their firefighters are very tired and sore. (Updated 11/14/18 at 1:23 p.m.) UPDATE: Firefighters from the Rogue Valley Strike Team are hard at work helping California crews fight the Camp Fire near Chico, California. "Today the team is working in the town of Paradise conducting search and overhaul operations," Jackson County Fire District 3 said in a Facebook Post. The Strike Team has been based in Chico for four days now, and they expect to remain there for 14 days. According to social media missives from Illinois Valley Fire District, their teams are working 24-hour shifts calling the fire "really active." "All divisions and zones are very active with lots of close calls. Everyone is remaining heads up due to the dangers there. Our team is doing good and the apparatus is working great," said Chief Hoke. (Updated 11/12/18 at 3:15 p.m.) INITIAL REPORT: Firefighters from across Southern Oregon are moving out on Friday heading south to help combat the rampaging Camp Fire that has all but destroyed the Northern California town of Paradise. At the vanguard is the Rogue Valley Strike Team combining firefighters and engines from Jackson County Fire districts 3 and 5, Ashland Fire & Rescue, Medford Fire-Rescue, Rogue River Fire District, and the Illinois Valley Fire District. "The team will be reporting to the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds this afternoon," FD3 said in a Facebook post. According to Medford Fire-Rescue, their assignment upon arrival in Chico could involve structural protection, triage, or any number of other duties. "We are proud to assist our fire family and communities in need, as they often assist us each summer during our challenging Fire Seasons," MFR said. The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Southwest our local wildland firefighters have made a major contribution as well. Two engines and four firefighters from ODF will be headed to Siskiyou County in order to cover for CAL FIRE crews that have headed south to fight the Camp Fire. One engine is from Medford and the other is from Grants Pass. This is a developing story, and NewsWatch 12 will have more on this tonight in our 4, 5, and 6 p.m. broadcasts. Confident on Libya stabilisation road map prospects, Di Maio France says FM will attend Palermo conference (ANSAmed) - ROME, NOVEMBER 9 - Deputy prime minister Luigi Di Maio said Friday at a press conference that he was confident a shared road map for the stabilization of Libya could be drawn up at the November 12-13 conference in Palermo. ''We will not create false hopes, but it is very important for us to find a shared road with all those involved to move on to the next step,'' Di Maio added. He stressed that ''it is very important for us to receive the willingness of the US for us to be the leading country in the management and stabilization of Libya and we are doing this with the highest level of commitment, hoping to get the highest level of results'' and that ''we are not excluding anyone from supporting this road''. France will be represented at the conference by Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, the country confirmed on Friday after German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday said she would not be attending but would be represented by Foreign Minister Niels Annen. Representing Russia at the Palermo conference will be Mikhail Bogdanov, deputy foreign minister and special envoy for the Middle East of President Vladimir Putin, the Russian foreign ministry confirmed to ANSA. (ANSAmed). The carefully crafted way of how health misinformation spreads 442 Shares Share Effective clickbait doesnt just happen. Its carefully crafted. Take this wildly misleading article from CNN: Not exercising worse for your health than smoking, diabetes, and heart disease, study reveals. Its one example among many generated daily by various news outlets of how a mundane observational study can be transformed into viral internet gold. In the days after it was published, this story was liked and shared hundreds times and sparked dozens of copycat articles. Weve dissected the methodology behind this story to create a step-by-step guide to making health care clickbait. Please note that this is intended for educational purposes only. Its not recommended that you try this at home. 1. Find an observational study on a topic that will grab readers Observational studies often deal with actionable things people love to obsess over nutrition, exercise, sleep, sex, etc. They use observational data, such as a survey or a database of medical records, to find statistical associations between two variables. Research based on observational data is also in abundant supply. Many institutions are eager to promote such studies even though as weve pointed out over the life of this 12-year old project they cant prove cause and effect. In this case, CNN reported on a study from the Cleveland Clinic that explored the connection between aerobic fitness and long-term mortality. Researchers examined data from 122,009 people who took a treadmill stress test at the clinic over a 24-year period. They also looked at Social Security data and medical records to determine how many subsequently died. The study didnt actually look at any data on exercise, even though exercise ended up in the headline. 2. Distort the heck out of the findings Such was the case here, where the clinic issued a news release that disregarded that pesky fact that observational studies cant prove cause and effect. The study found the greater a persons aerobic fitness, as measured in a single exercise treadmill stress test, the lower their mortality risk. The study did not show that poor fitness causes death only that the two factors appear to be related based on this treadmill data. Yet the news released stated researchers found better fitness leads to longer life. If you click on this link, youll see that the clinic also provided video, audio, and a script that reporters could follow huge elements for broadcast clickbait. Its like instant news; just add water, or in this case, your own reporters voice. Press materials further distorted the findings with quotes like this from lead researcher Wael Jaber, MD: This research shows that going from being sedentary to starting an exercise program and increasing aerobic fitness translates into a benefit that is similar to that seen from taking medications for high blood pressure, for high cholesterol, or not smoking. Thats quite a leap. By suggesting a benefit Jaber, a cardiologist, seemed to ignore his own studys caution that a statistical link between fitness and mortality in his study does not prove causation. As his journal article explained, there may be many measured and unmeasured factors that contribute to this association. That statement is also a leap because nowhere did the study examine how much people exercised. So how could researchers conclude that starting an exercise program is as beneficial as taking high-impact steps like quitting smoking? Clearly, they cant not based solely on measuring whats called peak metabolic equivalents, or METs, from a single treadmill stress test. The spin here is that theyre assuming that if you increase exercise, youll get your METs up and then have a lower mortality rate, said Steven Atlas, MD, MPH, a primary care physician at Massachusetts General Hospital, in an email. This may be true, but it is also possible that people with lower METs arent able to exercise more because they are less well. Going from a single treadmill stress test to claims about an exercise program is, to put it mildly, a stretch. 3. Add sensational quotes from a researcher CNN boosted the drama with a quote from Jaber calling his studys findings extremely surprising. Jaber also provided a bevy of other misleading and dire-sounding comments, like this one: Being unfit on a treadmill or in an exercise stress test has a worse prognosis, as far as death, than being hypertensive, being diabetic or being a current smoker, Jaber told CNN. Weve never seen something as pronounced as this and as objective as this. And this one: Comparing those with a sedentary lifestyle to the top exercise performers, he said, the risk associated with death is 500% higher. (See our warnings about using relative as in this case versus absolute risk reduction statistics.) And this one: You should demand a prescription from your doctor for exercise. Reached via email, Jaber said he did not think his statements were misleading. He wrote: We always talk about association and not causality in our reports. You are asking me to fix the media, and that is an impossible task. 4. Concoct a provocative headline Clickbait requires an alluring headline. To achieve maximum shock value, this one reached beyond even the misleading message of the news release. In a master stroke, CNN distorted another of the studys findings that a reduced fitness level appeared to be at least as good a predictor of mortality as traditional risk factors like heart disease, diabetes, and smoking. The study did not show that skipping exercise is more harmful than having heart disease, being diabetic, or smoking. Yet the lead and headline mangled that to say that lack of exercise is actually worse for your health than all of those things. Of course, thats not at all what the study said. But it certainly grabs your attention. 5. Watch other news outlets scramble to copy Clickbait is a competitive business, with little incentive for actual reporting. As a result, copycat stories are rampant. Two days after CNNs piece, TIME regurgitated CNNs reporting.The website Newsmax ran its own hyperbole-filled rewrite: Just Sitting Around Deadlier Than Smoking, Definitive Study Finds. Womens mag Bustle teased readers with what appeared to be a fresh angle: How Bad Is Not Exercising? A New Study Says Its Worse Than Smoking, But Heres Why You Shouldnt Worry. But rather than clarifying the limitations of observational studies, Bustle made vague statements like this: Exercise habits are unique to each person, and there are many factors that determine whether or not someone is healthy. CBS later came out with its own coverage, as did USA Today and Mens Journal. None of these articles if we can call them that advanced the reporting in a meaningful way. They all repeated the same mistakes. Yet a Google search showed the story soon made its way to dozens of news sites around the world, translated into multiple languages. We can only wonder what people in places as far flung as Helsinki and Bangkok made of it. Mary Chris Jaklevic is a reporter-editor, HealthNewsReview.org, and can be reached on Twitter @mcjaklevic. Image credit: Shutterstock.com 79 Shares Share I think you can tell a lot about how things are going in a hospital based on the amount of consumption of coffee by its employees. Visit the Starbucks, Au Bon Pain, Roasterie, Einstein Brothers, or whatever coffee shop inhabits square footage in your hospital, and Id venture to say that you can take the pulse of the hospital. Lots of large coffees to go? Its either just about shift change and people are rushing into their jobs for the day (or night), or the hospital is bursting at its seams and everyone is go-go-go. Is someone ordering an Americano? He or she must know that the dregs of the days coffee are all thats left and is instead gambling that a freshly pulled espresso shot is a safer bet. A latte? That lucky person might have a little time to spare and might even sit down to enjoy his or her drink right there instead of hurrying back to the floor/clinic/unit/OR. How about the counter with the milks and sugars are all the sugar or sweetener packets gone? Must be insanely busy. Milk or gasp half-and-half all gone? The shops been busy, so much so that theyve run out of the dairy product within the allowed 2-hour serving time. You see if you happen to have time to take note of these things theres a lot to be observed. How much coffee does a residency program go through during a conference? Are the residents burning the candle at both ends while on service? If so, well go through a pot of coffee in 5 minutes as they sit down for afternoon conference. [My co-chiefs and I have carried on the tradition of providing coffee with conference there is no excuse for sleeping if you have access to caffeine.] Things have been a little bit calmer on the floors and they have a few minutes to decompress? We might need to fire up another pot of coffee after conference, just to give everyone a few more minutes to sit together and chat. How fast are we going through the half-and-half or almond creamer? Are all of the caffeine lovers on service at the same time, or has it been an unusually busy time and everyones reaching for a cup during conference? Or perhaps there are days when our proprietary blend wasnt that popular, and most of the coffee went down the drain. (I will never again buy French vanilla coffee. Sorry, everyone.) Even for those who dont drink coffee, I think just having it there and knowing that someone got there early to set it up and set out the accoutrement for serving shows that we, the nebulous chiefs behind the email account, care. We want our residents to know that yes, the days are long, and the pages are nonstop, but theres a hug in a cup waiting for them. Lets go back to the coffee shop in the hospital maybe its midafternoon, and a senior resident or fellow or attending has taken an intern there for a quick feedback session. (Please, everyone, do sit down with your learners to give and receive feedback!) Maybe its 6:30 a.m. and the senior resident is buying five specialty drinks to celebrate the end of a block with her interns and students. Maybe its 9 p.m. and theres a couple there, both on call, stealing a few minutes of time with each other before heading back to their respective domains. There is so much to observe in just that little area. That shop is a measure of the pulse of the hospital, if we just look up from our smartphone long enough to see what is going on. Ellen Poulose Redger is an internal medicine chief resident who blogs at Insights on Residency Training, a part of NEJM Journal Watch. Image credit: Shutterstock.com To view an interactive map of the Camp Fire, CLICK HERE. UPDATE 11:07 a.m. Monday, Dec. 17, 2018 - The Paradise Post Office has officially reopened since the Camp Fire. The office is located at 6469 Clark Road in Paradise. The hours will be 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. --- UPDATE 10:20 a.m. Friday, Dec. 14, 2018 - A community meeting will be held in Redding on Saturday morning from 10-11:30 a.m. for those displaced and residing in Shasta County. There will also be a debris-removal clean up moving Monday, Dec. 17, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Calvary Chapel in Chico. Evacuees can turn in their Right-of-Entry Forms at the meeting. --- UPDATE 9:45 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 13, 2018 - The Butte County Sheriff's Office released the identity of another victim in the Camp Fire. The number of unaccounted for individuals remains at three. The number of accounted for individuals is at 3,266. Of the total 86 fatalities, 30 have been tentatively identified and 53 have been positively identified. --- UPDATE 4:06 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2018 - A public community meeting will be held by Cal OES and FEMA on Saturday, Dec. 15, from 10 - 11:30 a.m. Those interested can attend the meeting at Enterprise High School located at 3411 Church Creek Road in Redding. The meeting will take place from 10-11:30 a.m. and then there will be a time slot for survivor registration and individual questions from 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. --- UPDATE 12:27 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2018 - Chico City Council is holding a meeting at 6 p.m. on Wednesday in the council chambers to discuss the possibility of FEMA moving 250 temporary housing units to an area in Chico, as well as creating a debris-sorting site in the town. All those who want to express their thoughts on the matter are encouraged to attend. There is also a press conference being held at 12 p.m. on Wednesday to discuss families of Paradise suing PG&E for wrongful death. We have a reporter at the conference and will provide an update shortly. --- UPDATE 4:51 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2018 - The Butte County Sheriff's Office has announced that the death toll for the Camp Fire has increased to 86. No additional remains were found in areas affected by the fire today, but the Sheriff's Office announced that Larry Smith, 80, of Paradise received burns while attempting to put out a fire that engulfed his car on Nov. 8. He was flown to the U.C. Davis Burn Center when he died of his injuries on Nov. 25. Of the 86 fatalities, 31 have been tentatively identified and 52 have been positively identified, with two additional names released today. The number of unaccounted for individuals remains at 3. The number of accounted for individuals currently stands at 3,266. --- UPDATE 8:14 p.m. Monday, Dec. 10, 2018- The number of unaccounted individuals stands at 3. Three aditional individuals were positively identified today and Next of Kin has been notified. Rafaela Andrade, age 84, from Paradise Don Shores, age 70, from Magalia Jean Forsman, age 83, from Magalia --- UPDATE 10:51 a.m. Monday, Dec. 10, 2018 - A community meeting will be held in Oroville on Thursday, Dec. 13, to discuss and answer questions related to the Debris Removal Program. The meeting will be held from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the State Theatre Arts Guild on located at 1489 Myers St, Oroville. Attendees can turn in Right-of-Entry forms at the meetings and also ask questions about the process. The meeting will be streamed live on the Butte County Facebook Page. --- UPDATE 4:28 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018 - The Butte County Sheriff's Office announced today that the number of unaccounted individuals stands at 6. The number for accounted for individuals stands at 3,277. No new human remains were found today, leaving the death toll at 85. Of the 85 fatalities, 35 have been tentatively identified and 47 have been positively identified. --- UPDATE 6:18 p.m. Monday, Dec. 3, 2018 - The Butte County Sheriff's Office says the death toll number changed from 88 to 85. Sheriff Honea says the number for unaccounted for is 11. -- UPDATE 12:49 p.m. Monday, Dec. 3, 2018 - The Butte County Sheriff's Office is holding a news briefing on Monday, Dec. 3. The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. at the Butte County Human Resources Training Room located at 3A County Center Drive, Oroville. The conference will be broadcasted live on the Butte County Sheriff's Office's Facebook page. --- UPDATE 10:09 a.m. Monday, Dec. 3, 2018 - There will be a Camp Fire Community Meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 4 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Southside Community Center located at 2959 Lower Wyandotte Road, Oroville. It will be streamed live on the Cal OES Facebook Page. --- UPDATE 10:15 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018 - There are currently 25 individuals who remain unaccounted for due to the Camp Fire. Of the 88 fatalities, 42 have been tentatively identified, and 41 have been positively identified. --- UPDATE 4:33 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018 - The Community Meeting planned for Thursday, Nov. 29, at Pleasant Valley High School's Performing Arts Center is canceled due to flash flooding and heavy rain conditions. The meeting will be rescheduled for a later date. --- UPDATE 12 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 29. 2018 - At Wednesday's news briefing, Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea said that the death toll remains at 88, and search and rescue efforts for human remains due to the Camp Fire are complete. Additionally, he announced that the Sheriff's Office has tentative plans to lift evacuation orders in areas of Paradise and Concow next week. --- UPDATE 11:55 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018 - Cal Fire and the Butte County Sheriff's Office is having a news briefing on Wednesday, Nov. 28 at 6 p.m. to address the latest developments of the Camp Fire. The briefing will be held at Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico. A Butte County Recovery Community Meeting will be held on Thursday, Nov. 29, from 7-9 p.m. The meeting will be held at Pleasant Valley High School's Performing Arts Center to provide an update on search and recovery efforts as well as discuss available resources. --- UPDATE: 6:58 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018 - The Butte County Sheriff's Office says no human remains were located today bringing the total to date at 88. Of the 88, 54 have been tentatively identified. 28 people have been positively identified. The Sheriff's Office says the number of unaccounted for people stands at 158. -- UPDATE: 5 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018 - The Butte County Sheriff's Office has released the identities of several more people who were killed in the Camp Fire. The Sheriff's Office says, of the 88 fatalities, 54 have been tentatively identified. Joyce Acheson, 78, Paradise Carol Arrington, 88, Paradise David Bradburd, 70, Paradise Larry Brown, 72, Paradise Joanne Caddy, 75, Magalia Elizabeth Gaal, 80, Paradise Richard Jay Garrett, 58, Concow Evva Holt, 85, Paradise Sara Magnuson, 75, Paradise Joanne Malarkey, 90, Paradise John Malarkey, 89, Paradise Deborah Morningstar, 66, Paradise Vernice Regan, 95, Paradise Russel Stewart, 63, Paradise Victoria Taft, 67, Paradise David Young, 69, Concow --- UPDATE 6:40 p.m. Monday, Nov. 26, 2018 - Butte County Sherrif's Department says no additional remains were found today, but the wildfire's death toll rose to 88 after investigators determined human remains that had been assigned to two people actually belong to three. --- UPDATE 7:56 a.m. Monday, Nov.26, 2018 - The Camp Fire is fully extinguished. CAL FIRE is now focusing on cataloging structures in the area affected by the fire, they say that by the end of the week that process should be complete. Crews are now working on clearing trees, debris, and hazards. They are trying to make burned areas safe for residents to return to as soon as possible. CAL FIRE stated that unless they experience a serious delay, it is possible that areas affected by the Camp Fire will be repopulated in two to three weeks. Officials continue to search for missing people, using techniques to be as thorough as possible. --- UPDATE 9:35 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018 - The Camp Fire is 100 percent contained. The total land within the containment lines is 153,336 acres. Three sets of human remains were discovered Saturday. Two were found in structures in Paradise, and one set of remains was located in a structure in Magalia. There have been 85 confirmed fatalities. Even though the last county was 84, the Butte County Sheriff's Office has revised those figures. Officials said two cases were previously pulled in error, and the number of 85 is the accurate number. 249 people still remain unaccounted for due to the Camp Fire. More than 1000 still remain on the firefighting crew. --- UPDATE 6:50 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018 - The Camp Fire is now 98 percent contained. Approximately 1,200 firefighting personnel are still assigned to the CAL FIRE team. The fireline that remains uncontained is located in steep and rugged terrain where it is unsafe for firefighters to access due to the heavy rains. There is indirect control line in that area and firefighters are monitoring the situation. Once safe to do so, crews will assess this area and determine if a direct line is necessary. Fire suppression repair personnel continue to conduct rehabilitation where possible. Search and Rescue Crews, US&R Teams, and engine companies continue with search efforts this weekend. --- UPDATE 8:50 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 23, 2018 - The Camp Fire remained the same overnight at 153,336 acres and 95 percent containment. There are now no structures currently threatened. --- UPDATE 7:01 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 - The Camp Fire remains at 153,336 acres and is 95 percent contained. The death toll is at 84. --- UPDATE 9:27 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 - The Butte County Sheriff's Office has released the identity of six victims of the Camp Fire. Teresa Ammans, 82, of Paradise Richard Brown, 74, of Concow Marie Wehe, 78, of Concow Kimber Wehr, 53, of Paradise Joseph Rabetoy, 39, of Paradise Joan Tracy, 80, of Paradise --- UPDATE 7:02 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 - The Camp Fire has remained at 153,336 acres, and containment has increased to 90 percent. Cal Fire says that they expect full containment by the end of the month. --- UPDATE 6:52 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2018 - The Camp Fire grew overnight to 153,336 acres and is 80 percent contained. --- UPDATE 6:48 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2018 - Cal Fire says the Camp Fire is now 152,250 acres and is 75 percent contained. The death toll increased by two, bringing the total number of deaths to 81. Cal Fire says containment lines continue to hold. Search and Rescue teams continue to help the Butte County Sheriff's Office for missing victims. -- UPDATE 7:15 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2018 - The Camp Fire grew overnight and now stands at 151,373 acres with 70 percent containment. Firefighters say that they are continuing to strengthen and improve containment lines while also holding direct fire lines. They are also working to help the areas already burned by the fire prepare for the forecasted rain, which is causing concerns of mudslides. New evacuation orders have also been lifted. --- UPDATE 7:14 p.m. Monday, Nov. 19, 2018 - The Camp Fire is now 151,272 acres in size and 70 percent contained. According to Butte County Sheriff, two human remains were located today, bringing the total number of fatalities to date to 79. One human remain was located in a structure in Paradise. Another was located outside in Magalia. --- UPDATE 7:07 a.m. Monday, Nov. 19, 2018 - The Camp Fire is now 151,000 acres in size and 66 percent contained. CAL FIRE says they were able to hold their established containment lines overnight. The fire has destroyed 11,713 and 14,500 structures remain threatened. --- UPDATE Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018 - The Camp Fire is 150,000 acres in size and is 65 percent contained. There have been 77 civilian fatalities. CAL FIRE is now reporting that 418 businesses were destroyed and 81 damaged. 10,364 homes were destroyed and 338 damaged. There are still 14,500 homes threatened by the Camp Fire. --- UPDATE 6:20 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018 - The Camp Fire is 149,000 acres in size and is 50 percent contained. 50 fire trucks will be assembling at Berry Creek Saturday night to protect structures in case the winds push the fire toward homes. Preparation for structure protection has taken place in Berry Creek, but currently lines are holding. The fire is active up at Grizzly Creek and in the drainage. Lines are holding around Big Bend and preparation is taking place in case structure protection is needed. The Grizzly Creek area is very steep in inaccessible, according to CAL FIRE. Other work has been done around Helltown and Nimshew, and CAL FIRE says those lines are holding currently. --- UPDATE 9:08 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018 - The Camp Fire is 148,000 acres in size and is 55 percent contained. Full containment is expected on Nov. 30, 2018. CAL FIRE officials said Friday was a great day and night for the firefighters. "It looks good," said CAL FIRE Public Information Officer Erica Bain, "until 6:00 p.m. tonight, when the winds should pick up." Bain said a lot of work has been done reinforing fire lines where the Camp Fire is currently uncontained. The community/area of Big Bend is the most critical area right now, but firefighters are working intensely on containing the fire in the Highway 70/Feather River Canyon corridor. Once the wind picks up a bit, Bain said, the visibility will improve, and then it may be possibily to resume air drops on the fire. There are no air drops scheduled until visibility clears. There are currently 5,632 personnel working on the firefighting efforts. --- To view the Cal Fire Incident Page, CLICK HERE. UPDATE 6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16, 2018 - The Camp Fire is 146,000 acres in size and is now 50 percent contained. Officials announced that the Camp Fire has the largest deployment of Search & Rescue personnel ever amassed in the state of California. Though 329 people have been accounted for (an increase of 101 since Thursday), there are now 1011 people on the missing person list. Butte County Sheriff/Coroner Kory Honea says Thursday night there have been 71 fatalities so far due to the Camp Fire. Seven more sets of remains were discovered Friday in Paradise, and one more in Magalia. The remains of all eight were discovered inside structures. The names of two more of the deceased were announced by the Sheriff/Coroner. They are: Paula Dodge (age 70) and Randall Dodge (age 67). They were both Paradise residents. 12,263 structures have been destroyed due to the Camp Fire. 368 structures were damaged. This includes 9,700 homes and 336 businesses that were destroyed. UPDATE 7:06 a.m. Friday, Nov. 16, 2018 - The Camp Fire has now reached 142,000 acres, and containment has increased to 45%. UPDATE 6:05 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018 - Cal Fire says the Camp Fire is 141,000 acres and is 40% contained. A total of 9,818 homes have been destroyed. A total of 11,862 structures have been destroyed. Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea says seven additional bodies were found. 3 in Magalia, 3 from Paradise and 1 from Concow. This brings the death toll to 63. --- UPDATE 3:48 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018 - Cal Fire is holding a news briefing at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 15, at Silver Dollar Fairgrounds located at 2357 Fair Street, Chico. There will also be a Paradise Town Hall Meeting on Thursday, Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. in Laxson Auditorium on Chico State's Campus located at 400 Salem Street, Chico. --- UPDATE 7:05 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018 - The Camp Fire has reached 140,000 acres and is now at 40 percent containment. --- UPDATE 6:33 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2018 - The Camp Fire is now at 138,000 acres and is 35 percent contained. There have been 8,650 homes destroyed by the fire. Six additional bodies were found in Paradise on Wednesday, bringing the death toll to 56. There are still 130 people who remain unaccounted for. --- UPDATE 7:04 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2018 - The Camp Fire is now at 135,000 acres and is 35 percent contained. Cal Fire has a better understanding of the extent of the damage from the fire. There are now 8,814 structures that are considered destroyed from the fire. --- UPDATE 6:20 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018 - The Camp Fire has burned 130,000 acres and is 35 percent contained. There have been 8,817 structures destroyed in the fire. The Butte County Sheriff said that six additional bodies were found in homes in Paradise due to the Camp Fire. The death toll is now at 48. There have also been six people arrested and facing charges of looting. --- UPDATE 3 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018 - Cal Fire is holding a Camp Fire Community Meeting on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at Laxson Auditorium on Chico State's Campus (West 1st Street & Salem Street, Chico) --- UPDATE 12:18 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018 - Cal Fire will hold a news briefing at 6 p.m. at Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico. We will stream this live on CBS KHSL Channel 12 and our Facebook Page. --- UPDATE 7:12 a.m. Tuesday, Nov.13, 2018 - The Camp Fire has grown to 125,000 acres and is still at 30 percent containment. Cal Fire says that yesterday efforts to secure the area around Helltown were successful, diminishing the threat to Chico and Forest Ranch. There were no new evacuation orders, evacuation warnings, or road closures overnight. They say that the communities of Berry Creek, Forest Ranch, and Sterling City are still areas of concern. However, they want residents to know that the fire is not close to those areas and is moving slowly. Firefighters plan to work throughout the day to protect those communities. --- UPDATE 6:42 p.m. Monday, Nov. 12, 2018 - The Camp Fire is 117,000 acres and 30 percent contained. The Butte County Sheriff confirmed that 13 additional bodies were found today bringing the death toll to 42. It is officially the deadliest wildfire in California's history. The three victims have been identified as Ernest Foss, 65, or Paradise, Jesus Fernandez, 48, of Concow, and Carl Wiley, 77, of Magalia. President Trump has approved an expedited major disaster declaration for California over the deadly wildfires burning in the state. --- UPDATE 3:39 p.m. Monday, Nov. 12, 2018 - California Highway Patrol Chico released a list of vehicles that were towed from the Paradise area. The list includes the area they were towed from as well. You can find the list, which they will continue to update, on their Facebook Page. --- UPDATE 11:02 a.m. Monday, Nov. 12, 2018 - There will be a Camp Fire community meeting held on Monday at the State Theater in Oroville at 7:30 p.m. --- UPDATE 7:20 a.m. Monday, Nov. 12, 2018 - Cal Fire says the Camp Fire is now 113,000 acres and remains 25 percent contained. Cal Fire says 29 people were killed in the Camp Fire. Action News Now is working to confirm their identities. In total, 15,500 structures are threatened, 6,453 homes are destroyed, 36 homes are damaged, 260 businesses are destroyed, 22 businesses damaged and 389 other minor structures destroyed. Cal Fire expects full containment by November 30, 2018. In terms of crew, Cal Fire says there are 4,555 total personnel assigned to the Camp Fire. There are 571 engines, 59 water tenders, 21 helicopters, 91 hand crews, 88 dozers and a number of air tankers. --- UPDATE 6 a.m. Monday, Nov. 12, 2018 - Cal Fire says it is battling a new spot fire in the area of Cherokee Road off Highway 70 in the area of Vinton Gulch. Action News Now reporter Elizabeth Zelidon has been out in the area throughout the morning Monday to bring us live reports on CBS 12 and NBC 24. --- UPDATE 6:01 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018 - The Camp Fire has grown to 111,000 acres and is 25 percent contained. Cal Fire has confirmed 6,435 homes destroyed and 260 businesses have been destroyed. The total number of structures destroyed is 6,713. Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea has confirmed that six more bodies have been found in Paradise as a result of the Camp Fire. The death toll is now at 29. Five bodies were found at homes and one was found in a vehicle. --- UPDATE 1:24 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018 - A press conference on the Camp Fire will held by Cal Fire on Sunday, Nov. 11 at 6 p.m. at Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico. --- UPDATE 1:11 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018 - There will be a community meeting for the town of Paradise on Sunday, Nov. 11 at 7:30 p.m. to discuss the Camp Fire. It will take place at the Laxson Auditorium on Chico State's Campus. --- UPDATE 8:52 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018 - Starting at 9 a.m., Action News Now will be switching its wall-to-wall coverage from CBS KHSL Channel 12 to NBC KNVN Channel 24 for the remainder of the day. --- UPDATE 7 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018 - Cal Fire held a news conference to inform the public about developments with the Camp Fire. The Camp Fire has grown to 109,000 acres and is 25 percent contained. UPDATE 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018 - Cal Fire held a news conference to inform the public about developments with the Camp Fire. The Camp Fire has grown to 105,000 acres and is 20 percent contained. The estimated cost of the fire so far is at $8,089,294. Cal Fire announced that there is no imminent threat to the residents in the city of Oroville. However, weather forecasts are predicting another one to two days of strong north-eastern winds which has the potential to create explosive fire behavior. Currently, 6,453 residences have been destroyed and 260 businesses have been destroyed. There are still 15,000 structures that have been threatened. Butte County Sheriff has confirmed that 14 additional bodies have been confirmed as a result of the Camp Fire. The death toll is now at 23. Action News Now will resume wall-to-wall coverage of the Camp Fire on CBS KHSL Channel 12 to provide the latest updates. --- UPDATE 2:44 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018 - A Community meeting will be held to discuss the Camp Fire at 7:30 p.m. at Laxson Auditorium on Chico State's campus. --- UPDATE 1:43 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018 - Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea has confirmed that Paradise High School, Paradise Police Department and Paradise Town Hall are all still standing. --- UPDATE 12:32 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018 - Cal Fire will hold a press conference about the Camp Fire at 6 p.m. on Nov. 10 at Silver Dollar Fairgrounds Harvest Hall located at 2357 Fair Street, Chico. --- UPDATE 11:41 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018 - Our 24/7 coverage of the Camp Fire will continue online at actionnewsnow.com. CBS Channel 12 will resume regular programming with news at 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. with updates every 30 minutes. NBC Channel 24 will resume regular programming with news at 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. --- UPDATE 9:35 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018 - Cal Fire released a statement regarding the conditions and directions of the fire. Strong northeast winds are expected to return this evening. The fire will continue to burn to the northwest impacting the communities of Magalia and Paradise Pines. The communities of Stirling City and Paradise Pines are still threatened. The fire is holding to the southwest near Chico and south at Highway 99 and Highway 149. The fire will continue to burn to the southwest toward Big Bend, Berry Creek and threatening the city of Oroville. The expected strong northeast wind event has the potential to drive fire across Lake Oroville, threatening the city of Oroville. --- UPDATE 7 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018 - The Camp Fire is 100,000 acres and is 20 percent contained. 6,453 residential structures are destroyed. 260 commercial structures are destroyed. There is a total of 6,713 structures destroyed. There have been nine confirmed fatalities in the Camp Fire. Cal Fire is currently having a press conference to address the fire. Watch live on our Facebook Page. --- UPDATE 7:25 p.m. Friday, Nov. 9, 2018 - Cal Fire released an incident update report regarding the Camp Fire. They said that strong northeast winds diminished around midafternoon and ushered in the return to a typical diurnal pattern. The fire area is still under the influence of low relative humidity and dry fuel moisture. They observed moderate to extreme fire behavior over the fire areas. It will continue to burn to the northwest impacting the communities of Magalia and Paradise Lake. The community of Stirling City is still threatened. The fire continued to burn to the northeast on both sides of Highway 70. The fire continued to burn to the southwest into the east Chico city limits and Highway 32. The fire is holding to the south at Highway 99 and Highway 149. It will continue to burn to the southwest toward Big Bend and Berry Creek. It will continue to threaten buildings in communities in Paradise, Chico, Magalia, Concow, Stirling City, Yankee Hill, Butte Creek Canyon, Butte Valley, Honey Run, Helltown, Forest Ranch and Oroville. --- UPDATE 6:02 p.m. Friday, Nov. 9, 2018 - The Camp Fire is 90,000 acres and is 5 percent contained. 6,453 residential structures are destroyed. 260 commercial structures are destroyed. There is a total of 6,713 structures destroyed. There have been nine confirmed fatalities in the Camp Fire. Cal Fire is currently having a press conference to address the fire. Watch live on our Facebook Page. --- UPDATE 4:19 p.m. Friday, Nov. 9, 2018 - Butte County Sheriff has confirmed a sixth fatality as a result of the Camp Fire. The body was found in Paradise, but they are not disclosing an exact location. --- UPDATE 3:33 p.m. Friday, Nov. 9, 2018 - Cal Fire says that the fire is currently burning on both sides of the Feather River, south of the Jarbo Gap. A TEXT to donate has been set up by United Way to help with recovery efforts. Text "buttefire" to 91999 --- UPDATE 2:20 p.m. Friday, Nov. 9, 2018 - The Butte County Sheriff's Office has confirmed that the Honey Run Bridge in Chico has been destroyed by the Camp Fire. --- UPDATE 12:53 p.m. Friday, Nov. 9, 2018 - Town councilwoman Melissa Schuster has confirmed that the Feather River Hospital in Paradise has not been destroyed, it is just damaged. There are some buildings on the campus that have burned but the structure is still standing. Paradise High School and the Town Hall are also still standing. We will update you on this when we have more information. --- UPDATE 11:08 a.m. Friday, Nov. 9, 2018 - The Butte County Sheriff's Office has confirmed five fatalities due to the Camp Fire. The bodies were found in vehicles on Edgewood Lane in Paradise. The preliminary investigation reveals that they suffered burn injuries as a result of the Camp Fire. The victims have not been identified. --- UPDATE 10:29 a.m. Friday, Nov. 9, 2018 - Cal Fire released an incident report regarding the Camp Fire stating that it is still at 70,000 acres and 5 percent contained. 15,000 structures are threatened and there are an estimated structured destroyed are 2,000. Expected full containment is Nov. 30. Strong northeast winds pushed the fire to the south and southwest overnight. The northeast winds will continue through the morning and decrease in strength into the afternoon. The fire will continue to burn in drainages to the north and northeast. The fire continues to burn into the northwest into Magalia and toward Stirling City. The fire burned through the town of Paradise and Concow Thursday and these areas will continue to experience active burning throughout the day. Overnight, the fire burned to the southwest toward the city of Chico and Butte Creek Canyon and south toward Highway 99 and 149. The fire has crossed Highway 70 near Pulga and will continue to burn to the east and southeast toward Yankee Hill. --- UPDATE 10:03 a.m. Friday, Nov. 9, 2018 - Cal OES held a press conference on Nov. 9 to discuss the Camp Fire and other fire ravaging California. They said that over 52,000 people have been evacuated due to the Camp Fire. They also confirmed that there are fatalities but there is not an exact number at this time. --- UPDATE 9:02 a.m. Friday, Nov. 9, 2018 - Willows Unified School District is shutting down on Nov. 9 at 11:30 a.m. --- UPDATE 7:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 9, 2018 - Butte County Cal Fire said Friday morning that the devastating Camp Fire has grown to 70,000 acres and is now 5 percent contained. California Office of Emergency Services said they will be having another press conference at 9 a.m. to update on what state agencies are doing now to combat the fire. Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea also said that there is a possibility of civilian casualties, however he could not comment on the specifics. Cal Fire officials said the 5 percent containment is due to a containment wall built along Highway 32, blocking the fire from spreading to Chico. Now firefighters are working to build containment walls along the north to the Magalia area and south along the Concow area. UPDATE 5:54 a.m. Friday, Nov. 9, 2018 - Butte County courthouses will be closed Friday. Both Chico and Oroville court cases that are scheduled to be heard today are going to rescheduled, according to Presiding Butte County Superior Judge Tamara Mosbarger. --- UPDATE 5:48 a.m. Friday, Nov. 9, 2018 - Firefighters worked throughout the night battling the Camp Fire on multiple fronts, they are working to create a containment line near Humboldt Road and Highway 32. --- UPDATE 11:19 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018 - Firefighters are now working to save homes along Stilson Canyon Road. The fire has not yet burned into the Chico city limits. --- UPDATE 8:54 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018 - Los Molinos Unified School District Schools will be closed on Nov. 9 due to many teachers and staff living in parts of evacuation orders. --- UPDATE 8:50 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018 - The Chico Police Department has started evacuations in the east side of Chico. --- UPDATE 7:13 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018 - The Camp Fire is now 20,000 acres with no containment. --- UPDATE 5:43 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018 - Cal Fire has confirmed that three firefighters have been injured in the Camp Fire. The status of their injuries is unknown at this time. We will update you with the information as it becomes available. --- UPDATE 5:18 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018 - The Butte County Sheriff's Office released updated information on the Camp Fire following the news briefing at 4 p.m. today. The fire has forced around 27,000 people to evacuate and remains at 18,000 acres with no containment. There have been no confirmed fatalities, but there are investigations underway into reports of fatalities. There have also been reports that the Feather River Hospital has been destroyed according to John Lord, Associate Director of the Sierra-Sacramento Vally EMS Agency via Mike Mangas of Mercy Medical Center. Be advised we have received confirmation from units on the ground in Butte County that Feather River Hospital has been destroyed by fire, he said. --- UPDATE 4:19 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018 - According to PG&E there are 34,000 customers are without power in Butte and Plumas counties due to the Camp Fire. For safety, PG&E has also shut off natural gas service to all 12,000 gas customers in Paradise. Additionally, Butte College's main campus in Oroville is closed Nov. 8 and 9. Classes schedule tonight at the Chico Center, Skyway Center and Cosmetology Center are canceled Nov. 8 and 9. The Glenn Center will remain open. The College's main campus is being used as a staging area for Cal Fire. --- UPDATE 4:01 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018 - All schools in the Chico Unified School district will be closed today and tomorrow due to the Camp Fire. --- UPDATE 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018 - There will be a news briefing held at the Butte County Sheriff's Office to discuss the Camp Fire. Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea described the fire as "very serious," and told Action News Now's Debbie Cob that when he drove through Paradise it was so dark as if it was Midnight. --- UPDATE 2:25 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018 - The Camp Fire is now 18,000 acres with no containment. --- UPDATE 1:19 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018 - Oroville CHP said that the fire is working its way toward Chico. They are working to close all northbound traffic on SR-99 to prevent access into Chico. --- UPDATE 12:13 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018 - The Camp Fire has grown to 8,000 acres with no containment. --- UPDATE 11:28 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018 - The Camp Fire is now over 7,000 acres with no containment, according to the Butte County District 1 Supervisor. Butte College's main campus is closed as a precautionary measure and will remain closed for the rest of the day. The Chico, Glenn and Skyway centers are still open. --- UPDATE 10:00 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018 - The Camp Fire has grown to 5,000 acres with no containment. --- UPDATE 9:26 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018 - An evacuation center is opening at the Oroville Nazarene Church located at 2238 Monte Vista Ave., Oroville. Small animal shelter set up at 2279 Del Oro Avenue, Oroville. --- UPDATE 9:05 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018 - All of Paradise is under mandatory evacuations except Lower Clark Road, Lower Neil Road, and Lower Skyway Road. Oroville CHP advises everyone to please leave the area immediately and do not try and re-enter. --- UPDATE 8:40 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018 - According to CHP Oroville the fire is moving towards the Feather River Hospital on Pentz Road. Oroville CHP said they are being told that all of Paradise needs to evacuate. Fire zones 2,7,13 and Morgan Hill are now under mandatory evacuation. --- UPDATE 7:09 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018 - The Camp Fire is now at 1,000 acres. Dozens of resources being called in from throughout the State. ---- UPDATE 7:03 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018 - There are now mandatory evacuations issued for areas of Paradise. Pentz road is under mandatory evacuation orders and anyone west of Pentz Road is requested to leave the area. The road closure is being expanded. SR-70 will be closed from Pentz Road to SR-70 (Greenville Wye). This is a very active fire; therefore, nobody will be allowed into the closure except for emergency personnel. ---- BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. - Oroville California Highway Patrol is closing Highway 70 at Pentz Road to the town of Belden due to the fire. CAL FIRE Butte County says that they are working to access a fire in the area of Camp Creek Road near Highway 70 in the Feather River Canyon. They are calling it the Camp Fire. It is currently 10 acres. There is concern that the fire may spread due to windy conditions in the area. Evacuation orders have been issued for the town of Pulga by the Butte County Sheriff's Office. If assistance is needed in evacuating, call 911. ALBANY, Ore. -- The murder of an Albany woman has an added twist. Deputies said her husband, a lawyer, killed her then killed himself, which has left one of his major court cases in limbo. Tricia Carver, 47, was found dead in a field near the town of St. Paul in Marion County on Monday. Tricia Carver Tricia Carver RELATED: Homicide investigation launched after Albany woman found dead On Wednesday night, deputies found the body of her husband Lemarr Carver inside his Hillsboro home. Carver was a defense attorney representing a man named Michael Kelley who was arrested in 1995 for running an escort service in Eugene. Kelley's daughter Michaela Kelley reached out to KEZI 9 News. She said her father has been in the Oregon State Penitentiary for more than 20 years for promoting prostitution. Kelley said 9 of the 30 counts were thrown out. She believes the 50-year sentence was excessive, and he didn't get a fair trial. Kelley said her father and Carver were getting ready for his post-conviction hearing for his release. Now that Carver is dead, she said shes worried about what will happen next. "Mr. Carver was really giving us an opportunity for hope, Kelley said. He was a really, really great highly-rated, post-conviction attorney. So, what happened is really tragic with me and my family because we really had high hopes with him and getting him out." She is now worried her father will have to represent himself so they can continue on with the proceeding. Gaza: sources, millions from Qatar for public employees 'March of Return' planned late on Friday along the border (ANSAmed) - TEL AVIV, NOVEMBER 9 - Qatar has paid Gaza a reported 15 million dollars for the salaries of Hamas' public employees in August, according to multiple sources. Israeli public broadcaster Kan has shown the picture of a vehicle with three suitcases on board which allegedly contained money that was taken to the Gaza Strip through the Erez border crossing with Israel. However, neither Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman nor Cogat - the Israeli Coordination of Government Activities in the Palestinian Territories - have confirmed the report for the moment. Qatar's money - one of the points of a possible agreement for a long-lasting ceasefire under discussion between Hamas and Israel - is allegedly being used not just to pay for salaries in August but also for the months of September and October and will only go to civil employees and not security services. The 'March of Return' has been planned late on Friday morning, as every week, along the border. The demonstration backed by Hamas should be more toned down, as occurred last week, given ongoing talks. (ANSAmed). MARCOLA, Ore. -- The community and school officials in Marcola are asking for help tracking down the people responsible for vandalizing Mohawk High School. The individuals responsible for the vandalism at the campus were caught on surveillance cameras. If you have any information on the individuals in the pictures -- or their vehicles -- contact Lane County authorities or Mowhawk High School. The school reported the vandalism early Saturday morning. Tourism: Morocco, historic hotel La Mamounia on sale Churchill, Mandela and Reagan among guests (ANSAmed) - RABAT, NOVEMBER 9 - La Mamounia, the most famous hotel in Africa, is on sale. The legendary retreat that has been hosting world-renowned stars in Marrakech since 1922 has become part of public companies that can be privatized starting in 2019. The government in Morocco has approved a program to sell state-owned assets that now needs to be approved by Parliament. La Mamounia, owned by the ONCF, the Moroccan state-owned railway agency, is a historic place. Winston Churchill loved to holiday there and paint in its luxurious orange grove. Other world leaders who stayed at the hotel include Ronald Reagan, Jacques Chirac, Nelson Mandela and Hillary Clinton. Marrakech has also attracted, among others, Orson Welles, Elton John and Sharon Stone. Mustapha El Khafi, a government spokesman, explained that State-owned assets that will go on sale are expected to bring revenues of at least 10 billion dirham, or about 920 million euros. Other properties expected to go on sale, as well as La Mamounia, are the thermal power station of Tahaddart near Tangiers. Since the privatization program was launched in 1993, 77 companies have been entirely or in part sold to privates for total revenues of 103 billion dirham (some 9.5 billion euros). (ANSAmed). 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. Bagatelle, the band that inspired U2, and shared the stage with Bob Marley; now 40 years after their humble beginning in a small bar in the Co Wicklow town of Bray will play in the Watergate Theatre on Sunday, December 16 for a trip down memory lane as they engage on their 40th year in showbusiness. Bagatelle brought their music to audiences in Europe, America, the Middle East and China, as well as Ireland. Their hit Second Violin was such a success in Uruguay that its still played there today. Over the years the band has had various changes of members but currently it has four main performers Ken, pianist and lead vocalist Liam Reilly, drummer Seanie Devitt and lead guitarist Kurt Schefter. The group dominated by the superb piano playing and songwriting ability of front man Reilly, broke up for a while but reformed in 1992. Since then they have been performing non-stop. The lads have come a long way since the early days Bagatelle have shared the stage with the likes of Bob Marley, Van Morrison, U2, Thin Lizzy, Don McLean and The Pogues. Flight of Earls has become one of the most popular Irish emigration songs, while their 1978 hit Summer in Dublin has become one of Irish rock's iconic songs. Bagatelle was just a band, playing a few songs with no plan and no real expectation. They just got together to play a few songs and drink a few beers because they liked music. Over the years they have witnessed monumental changes to the music industry over the past few decades they feel it's not for the better. Bagatelle were playing in a small stone cellar venue in Dublin when they were approached afterwards by John Woods, the managing director of Polygram Records who treated them to a burger, chip and Coke after their gig and offered them a record deal. Ken Doyle remembers John Woods saying to him "there was four lovely young lads came in to my office from Dublin and they said to me if you give us a chance, we could be as big as Bagatelle". That was U2," laughs Ken. Dont miss your chance to see Bagatelle at Watergate Theatre on December 16th at 8pm. Book Now at watergatetheatre.com or call 056-7761674 After a full house and ovation in The National Library, Dublin on Sunday November 4, the composer Michael Holohan brings his very personal composition Gallipoli, The GPO and Flanders back to his native Kilkenny. This music theatre piece features the war letters of his two granduncles Thomas and Frank Holohan, born in Johnswell on Thursday, November 15 at 8pm in the Medieval Mile Museum. Michaels great grandparents were the local school teachers in the area. Also featured in the piece are the diaries of Michaels other granduncle Seosamh de Brun, who fought with Thomas MacDonagh in 1916 and a British soldier who organised the firing squad for MacDonaghs execution. The renowned actors Barry McGovern and Donal O Kelly will read the letters and diaries and they will be accompanied by the fabulous RTE Contempo String Quartet. This is the story of four brave men who played a direct part in a number of very significant events in world history between the years 1914-1918. Thomas Holohan was a heavy artillery gunner on the bloody battlefields of France. Frank Holohan sailed the high seas in the First and Second World War; Seosamh de Brun and Samuel Lomas fought on opposite sides in the streets of Dublin during the Easter Rising in 1916. Thomas Holohan was born in 1883 in Johnswell, the son of the local schoolteachers Michael and Annie Holohan. As a young man and apprentice, he worked in a spirit grocery in Kilkenny. During the First World War he enlisted in the British Army and served as a Gunner in France with the 122nd Heavy Battery, the Royal Garrison Artillery. He took part in some of the bloodiest battles of the War most notably Ypres, Messines, the Somme and the Passchendaele. His letters from the Front in 1917-1918 were written to the composers paternal grandfather Michael Holohan and addressed to the family home at Glenarm Ave, Drumcondra, Dublin. Michael his brother and a civil servant, worked in the Telegraphy Department of the GPO in 1916 and was on his Easter holidays during the week of the Easter Rising. Thomas, having survived such a brutal war, was killed in May 1920 in a military accident in Hong Kong. He was buried in St Michaels Catholic Cemetery, Happy Valley, Hong Kong. Kilkenny County Council is among a number of local authorities to have not yet used its powers of Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) to acquire properties for social housing. A Fianna Fail Freedom of Information request last week revealed more than half of county councils have not used CPO to add to their housing stock. Figures published in the Irish Independent show that just 277 homes across the whole country have been acquired by councils through CPO. The issue was previously raised at the October meeting of Kilkenny County Council, when Cllr David Fitzgerald asked Director of Services for Housing, Mary Mulholland, about the matter. A number of local authorities have been very proactive in terms of using CPO powers have we CPOd any properties in Kilkenny? If we havent, why havent we? he asked. Ms Mulholland replied that while she was aware of some other counties using CPO powers, they had not been used in Kilkenny to date (then October 15) for the purposes of social housing. Vacant officer Ms Mulholland said the council had this year appointed a Vacant Housing Officer. CSO data suggests that the total amount of vacant households (excluding holiday homes) numbered 2,995 at last count. However, the council says there are discrepancies or inaccuracies in the available data. The initial phase of the Vacant Housing Officers work is carrying out an assessment of vacancy rates by visiting properties. In initial visual inspections, 150 properties were inspected in the city and county. Only half of those inspected have been determined to be vacant. Ms Mulholland said this suggested that a lot of properties reported vacant actually werent, or at least their owners were saying they werent. In addition, establishing a clear title is often an issue. Often, the challenge is in identifying the owners or establishing ownership, she said. Ms Mulholland added that some of these properties have poor potential, and may be changed from vacant homes to derelict sites. A lot of the properties are older, and we are finding them to be in very poor condition, she said. Even though they might look stable, theres a lot of work required. The next phase of the plan involves engagement with property owners, and around 40 have been contacted so far. A number of schemes are in place in order to progress matters, including the Repair and Lease scheme, Buy and Renew scheme, and other urban/rural regeneration schemes. Ms Mulholland said CPOs would be considered for problem properties or where ownership could not be established. Cllr Fitzgerald thanked the housing staff for the hugely efficient way they were carrying out their work. He said he wanted to wish the housing vacancy officer well in addressing the anomaly between the differing accounts of vacancy rates. CHARLES CITY, Iowa A Floyd County woman is accused of attempted murder for injecting someone with insulin. Jennifer Katherine Bean, 44 of Charles City was arrested Wednesday. According to court documents, Bean injected her female victim with insulin on Tuesday. Authorities say the injection was done without the victims consent and, if untreated, could have resulted in a coma and eventual death. Bean is also accused of trying to stop her victim from contacting anyone to ask for help and when the victim did make a 911 call, authorities say Bean hung up and then took the phone. Attempted murder if a class B felony in Iowa, punishable by up to 25 years in prison. ROCHESTER, Minn. When youre walking along a path or taking your kids to a playground, its not uncommon to see geese. Unfortunately, along with geese comes their droppings. Many in Rochester arent happy with it. The Rochester Parks and Recreation Board is receiving complaints, and are now trying to figure out a solution. In the parking lot of Silver Lake Park, theres more geese than there are cars. Lots of geese means lots of droppings. When it comes to the birds, it seems as if people either love them or hate them. I dont like them. Theyre nasty, Barbara Cutcher, of Rochester, said. I dont mind them. Im OK to coexist with them, but I wish they werent in some of the places where especially kids like to play, Anne Clarkson, of Rochester said, so like the playgrounds, their poop there grosses me out. Its not necessarily because the geese are around, but what theyre leaving behind. Thats because their waste has a certain kind of bacteria. When found in rivers and lakes they live by, it may show a presence of disease-causing organisms. Theyre nasty, Cutcher said. [You] cant go swimming at Silver Lake, you miss out on a lot of things out there. The city has already gotten lots of complaints about the issue. Now theyre trying to figure out what to do about it. Limiting the places where geese can be fed might be a piece of it, or putting up fences around spaces that we want to protect, Clarkson said, because I don't feel like I see geese fly over very frequently. I'd like to see them go away, Cutcher said, but that's not reality. The Rochester Parks and Recreation Board will be talking about the geese problem at their meeting on Nov. 13, which will take place at 4:30 p.m. in the Prairie House at Quarry Hill Park. At the meeting, the board will talk about humane geese management strategies. No action is expected to be taken at the time. However if increased management activities are recommended by the board, the public will get the chance to make comments at a future meeting. ROCHESTER, Minn. A man accused of a drunken law enforcement pursuit is pleading not guilty. Davante Atkins, 24 of Rochester, was arrested September 25 after a car chase that authorities say went through southern Rochester before Atkins ran over some stop sticks at Salem Road and West Circle Drive. The Olmsted County Sheriffs Office says Atkins then tried to run away and was bitten on the behind by a law enforcement K9 unit. Atkins is charged with two counts of DWI, fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle, driving after cancellation, and fleeing a peace officer by means other than a motor vehicle. No trial date has been set. AUSTIN, Minn. Police are investigating a report of three masked attackers. Officers were called to Mayo Clinic Health Systems in Austin around 4 am Wednesday. Police Chief Brian Krueger says a man told them he was walking south after finishing his shift at Quality Pork Processor when he was attacked around 3 am between the skate park and the walking bridge behind the Austin Public Library. The man says he was struck from behind, fell to the ground, and his wallet was taken by a masked individual. The victim says his wallet was empty and after it was thrown back at him, two masked people began assaulting him. The victim says he fought off his attackers and escaped to a friends house. He described the three masked individuals as short and dressed in dark clothing. The man says he could not determine their age or race. Police Chief Krueger says there are currently no suspects. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call 507-437-9400. MASON CITY, Iowa A Mason City man is being held in the Cerro Gordo Co. Jail after allegedly holding a knife to a womans throat and leaving a laceration. Carl Brown, 26, is facing a domestic abuse assault charge after an incident at 2423 S. Taft Ave. on Wednesday. Brown is accused of putting the knife to the victims throat before strangling her after she tried to leave the residence, according to court documents. Police said the incident stemmed from an argument the two people had. He is being held on $5,000 bond. ROCHESTER, Minn. A woman takes a plea deal over taking what authorities called a vulnerable 17-year-old out of the state. Jill Susan Charnesky, 62 of Rochester, was arrested in Waterloo, Iowa and charged with a custody violation. Authorities say her custody rights to the 17-year-old were terminated in April 2017 but she took the teen on April 13 and left the area. She was tracked to Waterloo and arrested on April 18. Court documents say the 17-year-old told authorities Charnesky was planning to go to either Illinois or Texas. Charnesky pleaded guilty to contributing to a need for child protection or services and has been sentenced to two years of probation to the court and must pay a $600 fine and do 60 hours of community work service. NAPLES - The consequences of climate change are again under the spotlight after extreme weather conditions in Italy over the past few weeks and will be at the center of the Forum 'New Arctic, old Mediterranean: together in an unusual destiny' scheduled to take place in Genoa on November 13-14. The forum is organized by the Milan Center for Food and Law Policy which chose Genoa, a symbol after the recent tragedy at its port, which has been historically struck by floods. The event will be held at the city's Palazzo della Borsa. ''From Genoa - explained in a statement Livia Pomodoro, the president of the Milan Center for Food Law and Policy - we will launch a strong message, focusing on two realities of primary importance for the planet. The situation is serious but we will have time to change course''. In Genoa, for the first time, two distant seas will connected. They are opposites in geography, ecosystems and culture but interconnected because both have been affected by the consequences of climate change. The two regions have related interests: the New Arctic knows the power of economic colonization while the old Mediterranean marginalization, injustice and the impoverishment of entire communities. Italy, the organizers explained, with universities and companies, works on both fronts and can be a platform for the new future of the economy of the Mediterranean and the development of the Arctic world, which is key for a new world order. Over the course of two days, speakers will look for answers to tackle the main emergencies and for new development opportunities. Participants will include Liguria Governor Giovanni Toti; Genoa Mayor Marco Bucci; Grammenos Mastrojeni, coordinator of the environmental area of the foreign affairs ministry; Carmine Robustelli, the foreign ministry's special envoy for the Arctic. Guests will also include a member of the Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, Tebaldo Vinciguerra, Marianne Krey-Jacobsen, first secretary of the embassy of Norway and Tomas Orri Ragnarsson, senior advisor of the council of ministry of Nordic countries. ROCHESTER, Minn. - The Rochester Fire Department welcomed their new ladder truck to the city with a "push in" ceremony, a tradition of fire service dating back to when fire engines were pulled by horses. The new truck 12 has some updated features from the old truck 12. For example, "With the understanding of cancer in the fire service, we've got extra compartments on the truck so that we can actually stow our fire equipment on it rather than wear it in the apparatus after we get out of a house fire," explains firefighter Chad Kuhlman. A memorial for a former RFD firefighter, Captain Peter Mackey, who died in the line of duty, is printed on the side of the truck. "If we don't know where we came from, we don't know where we're going and as far as we're concerned, honoring the remembrance of peter mackey is important to us in the sense that every time we get into this truck, we can see his name and remember what the job means," says Kuhlman. The old truck 12 will be put in reserve. ROME/HELSINKI (Reuters) - Italy stood by the main pillars of its 2019 budget on Friday, as a deadline neared for it to change what Brussels called overly optimistic economic assumptions or face penalties for breaking EU fiscal rules. Deputy Prime Minister Luigi Di Maio and Economy Minister Giovanni Tria said they were committed to respecting a maximum budget deficit of 2.4 percent of economic output next year. But the European Commission, which has given Rome until Tuesday to present a new budget, has forecast a deficit of 2.9 percent and a structural fiscal gap - excluding one-offs and business cycle swings - rising to 3.0 percent. Under EU requirements, Italy should cut its structural deficit next year to 1.2 percent and continue reducing it every year until it reaches a balanced budget. Tria said the government was busy drafting an answer to the European Commission with regards to the most contentious points of the budget. But Rome would confirm its main pillars, as an economic slowdown had made fiscal expansion even more necessary, he told a parliamentary hearing. The government says it will introduce an income support program next year to tackle growing poverty, and reduce the retirement age in an effort to free up the labor market and generate more job opportunities for the young. It is also promising tax cuts and offering a partial amnesty for citizens who settle tax disputes with the authorities. The Commission rejected Italys 2019 fiscal plan last month, saying it flouted a previous commitment to lower the deficit and that it did not guarantee a reduction in the countrys debt, the second highest in the euro zone as a proportion of GDP. ITALIAN BONDS In Helsinki, Valdis Dombrovskis, the Commission Vice President responsible for the euro, on Friday reaffirmed the EU executive was considering starting an excessive deficit procedure if Italy did not change the budget. He said Brussels believed Romes fiscal calculations were overly optimistic. Basically the assumption is that if they ... increase public spending, it will stimulate the economy and thus will help to reduce the budget deficit. We see that this is actually not materializing, he said. The standoff between Rome and Brussels has spooked financial markets and, after Tria spoke, 10-year Italian bond yields climbed to 3.46 percent IT10YT=RJR, their highest in over a week. That pushed the closely-watched gap over safer German Bund yields back above 300 basis points DE10IT10=RR. Italys central bank warned that the rise in borrowing costs over recent months risked impacting the economy and cancelling out the expansionary effects of the budget. I hope for a solution that combines both Italys respect for the rules it must abide with as a member of the monetary union... and the government and parliament pursuing their political goals, Luigi Federico Signorini, the Bank of Italys deputy director general, told a parliamentary committee. Di Maio, whose anti-establishment 5-Star Movement governs in a coalition with the far-right League, said he believed market pressure would ease when investors realized the government was committed to holding the deficit inside its 2.4 percent target. But he gave no indication that the government was willing to change the 2019 budget draft. Asked if Italy would pay any fines the EU might levy, Di Maio told reporters in Rome pacts must be honored, but that he did not expect any charges to be levied and was confident an agreement with Brussels would be reached. PARIS, Nov 9 (Reuters) - Industralist Sanjeev Gupta's Liberty steel company has secured the financing for its acquisition of a Dunkirk aluminum smelter from Rio Tinto. The Liberty company said on Friday that it had entered into a committed financing agreement with a syndicate of major international banks. It said the term loan, secured on standard financial terms, provided for five years of committed funds. Liberty added that the financing allowed it complete the takeover of the site, which employs 560 staff, by end-November. "Today's announcement follows extensive talks over recent months aimed at securing French Government approvals, long-term power price contracts and robust measures to protect the business in the face of aluminium market turbulence arising in part from U.S. sanctions against Rusal and the closure of a major alumina refinery in Brazil," Liberty said in a statement. Rio Tinto and Liberty had announced in January a binding agreement on the sale of the Dunkirk site, Europe's largest aluminium smelter, in a deal expected to be worth $500 million, subject to final adjustments. (Reporting by Sudip Kar-Gupta; Editing by Gus Trompiz) The Herald reports: A 69-year-old Dutchman is battling to legally reduce his age by 20 years so he can get more work and attract more women on Tinder. Emile Ratelband argues that if transgender people are allowed to change sex, he should be allowed to change his date of birth because doctors said he has the body of a 45-year-old. Technically people change gender not sex. But he may have an argument. There are many people who legitimately feel their biological sex is not the same as their gender identity. And I support them being able to legally change their gender. But age is arbitrary and if people genuinely feel they are a different age to their biological age, why shouldnt they be able to change it? If a biological male can compete in a womens sporting event, then could a 35 year old man compete as a 45 year old in a Masters games? I could have some vested interest in this. My doctor said my blood pressure is that of a teenage girl. I dont feel 51. I certainly dont act it. Why should I have to remain legally 51? Mr Ratelbands case has now gone to a court in the city of Arnhmen in the eastern Dutch province of Gelderland. He was born on 11 March, 1949, but says he feels at least 20 years younger and wants to change his birth date to 11 March, 1969. Mr Ratelband, who has converted to Buddhism, said: I have done a check-up and what does it show? My biological age is 45 years. When Im 69, I am limited. If Im 49, then I can buy a new house, drive a different car. I can take up more work. He may have a job that requires him to retire at 70. This could be a way to avoid mandatory retirement. He complains that companies are reluctant to hire someone the age of a pensioner as a consultant. And he says his move would also be good news for the government as he would be renouncing his pension until he reaches retirement age again. Very fiscally responsible. The judge said that he had some sympathy with Mr Ratelband as people could now change their gender which would once have been unthinkable. But the court said there would be practical problems in allowing people to change their birth date and it would mean legally deleting part of their lives. The judge asked Mr Ratelband about the status of his early years, from 1949 to 1969, if his official birth date was put back. For whom did your parents care in those years? Who was that little boy back then?, the judge asked. The Judge needs to watch Star Trek more often. He obviously time traveled. Share this: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Reddit WhatsApp More Pinterest Print Tumblr The Irish examiner reports: The Government has affirmed its support for offshore oil and gas exploration. In doing so, it has formally criticised a bill aimed at banning drilling, by saying it will do nothing to reduce Irelands greenhouse gas emissions. Addressing delegates at the Atlantic Ireland exploration conference in Dublin, yesterday, Sean Canney Rural Affairs and Natural Resources junior minister said while fossil fuel consumption will reduce over time, Ireland will continue to need oil and gas supplies for the foreseeable future. So the Irish Government understands this, but not the NZ one. He said People Before Profits Petroleum and Other Minerals Development (Amendment) Climate Emergency Measures Bill 2018, which is currently at Oireachtas Committee stage, might be well-intentioned, but wont help Ireland lower its emissions or levels of imported energy. Instead, it proposes simply to bind us to only importing our future oil or gas needs, he said. This is the future Labour, Greens and NZ First have signed up to importing. Share this: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Reddit WhatsApp More Pinterest Print Tumblr The Herald reports: Immigration Minister Iain Lees-Galloway has admitted he took only hours to make the decision to cancel deportation liability and grant residency to Czech criminal Karel Sroubek. In Parliament today, under questioning from National, Lees-Galloway confirmed he met his officials at 4.30pm on October 19 and made his decision that day. A letter confirming that decision, dated October 19, was then sent to Sroubeks lawyer on October 21, he said. I made the decision, on that day, using the information that I had available to me, Lees-Galloway said. The PM said it was a very carefully considered decision. Yeah right. The decision to grant Sroubek, also known as Jan Antolik, residency under his real name has been described by Lees-Galloway as one of the most difficult decisions he has ever made and, that difficulty has been reiterated by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. Thats nonsense. It wasnt difficult. It wasnt finely balanced. He was a convicted drug smuggler and fraudster. He had an unverified implausible claim about the Czech Republic that the Minister swallowed in a fit of gullibility. Lees-Galloway has also admitted he didnt read the full file. Now in simple cases you might not. But in a case involving a convicted drug dealer which you now claim was the most difficult decision youve ever made, it looks negligent to have only skimmed the file. Share this: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Reddit WhatsApp More Pinterest Print Tumblr Tim Lynch writes at Stuff: The good news if you dont like US President Donald Trump: he has less than 24 months remaining in his first term in office. The bad news: he now looks to have a better chance at staying in office until 2025. This years midterm elections broke for Trump much more than expected. The Republicans maintained their control of the Senate, picking up key victories in Indiana, Missouri and North Dakota. And though the Democrats regained control of the House of Representatives, as expected, this is not the counter-revolution they were hoping for. It is not a Trump wave, but it has confirmed the presidents staying power. Love him or hate him, he remains a remarkable political phenomenon. It was a good result for the Democrats but not a wave or a wall. And 2020 will not just be an up or down on Trump, but a choice between Trump and the Democratic candidate. And they may not choose wisely. Trump for president in 2020: Trump looks to be in a better position for re-election than many commentators had believed. The Democrats did take back the House, but that is par for the course in midterm elections. Whats more telling is that they did not invade Trump territory the deep-red parts of the South, Midwest and Rust Belt in any substantial way. Winning control of the House could make life difficult for Trump, but the Democrats cannot remove him from office without a sizeable majority in the Senate which seems a world away. Also, the midterms should make it a near-certainty that no serious Republican will challenge Trump for the presidential nomination in 2020. He has proven once again that he is an impressive electoral campaigner with a crude but effective grasp of strategy. A Northern California wildfire that moved so fast firefighters didnt even try to stop it killed five people, authorities said Friday as the blaze quadrupled in size after leveling much of a town of nearly 30,000 people. Only a day after it began, the blaze near the town of Paradise had grown to nearly 110 square miles (285 square kilometers), and investigators found the dead in vehicles that were torched by the flames. There was really no firefight involved, said Capt. Scott McLean of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, explaining that crews gave up attacking the flames and instead helped people get out alive. These firefighters were in the rescue mode all day yesterday. With fires also burning in Southern California, state officials put the total number of people forced from their homes at 157,000. Evacuation orders included the entire city of Malibu, which is home to 13,000, among them some of Hollywoods biggest stars. When Paradise was evacuated, the order set off a desperate exodus in which many motorists got struck in gridlocked traffic and abandoned their vehicles to flee on foot. People reported seeing much of the community go up in flames, including homes, supermarkets, businesses, restaurants, schools and a retirement center. Northern California firefighters say a fast-moving wildfire destroyed a couple of thousand structures. The 27,000 residents of Paradise, California were told to evacuate as the blaze burned through more than 28 square miles. (Nov. 9) Rural areas fared little better. Many homes have propane tanks that were exploding amid the flames. They were going off like bombs, said Karen Auday, who escaped to a nearby town. McLean estimated that the lost buildings numbered in the thousands in Paradise, about 180 miles (290 kilometers) northeast of San Francisco. Pretty much the community of Paradise is destroyed. Its that kind of devastation, he said. The massive blaze that hit Paradise spread north Friday, prompting officials to order the evacuation of Stirling City and Inskip, two communities north of Paradise along the Sierra Nevada foothills. The wind-driven flames also spread to the west and reached the edge of Chico, a city of 90,000 people. Firefighters were able to stop the fire at the edge of the city, where evacuation orders remained in place Friday, Cal Fire Cpt. Bill Murphy said. Wind in the valley calmed down, but they were still shifting and erratic along the ridgetops, with speeds of up to 45 mph (72 kph), he said. With ash falling and the sky darkening to a menacing shade of black, evacuees from Paradise sat in stunned silence Friday outside a Chico church where they took refuge the night before. They all had harrowing tales of a slow-motion escape from a fire so close they could feel the heat inside their vehicles as they sat stuck in a terrifying traffic jam. When the order came to evacuate, it was like the entire town of 27,000 residents decided to leave at once, they said. Fire surrounded the evacuation route, and drivers panicked. Some crashed and others left their vehicles by the roadside. It was just a wall of fire on each side of us, and we could hardly see the road in front of us, police officer Mark Bass said. A nurse called Rita Miller on Thursday morning, telling her she had to get her disabled mother, who lives a few blocks away, and flee Paradise immediately. Miller jumped in her boyfriends rickety pickup truck, which was low on gas and equipped with a bad transmission. She instantly found herself stuck in gridlock. I was frantic, she said. After an hour of no movement, she abandoned the truck and decided to try her luck on foot. While walking, a stranger in the traffic jam rolled down her window asked Miller if she needed help. Miller at first she scoffed at the notion of getting back in a stopped car. The she reconsidered, thinking: Im really scared, this is terrifying, I cant breathe, I cant see and maybe I should humble myself and get in this womans car. The stranger ended up helping Miller pack up her mother and taking them to safety in Chico. It took three hours to travel the 14 miles from Paradise to Chico. Concerned friends and family posted frantic messages on Twitter and other sites saying they were looking for loved ones, particularly seniors who lived at retirement homes or alone. About 20 of the same deputies who were helping to find and rescue people lost their own homes. The department was trying to find them temporary housing, Sheriff Kory Honea said. There are times when you have such rapid-moving fires ... no amount of planning is going to result in a perfect scenario, and thats what we had to deal with here, Honea told the Action News Network. He said ash in the air was so thick that it looked like midnight in the middle of the day. Kelly Lee called shelters looking for her husbands 93-year-old grandmother, Dorothy Herrera, who was last heard from Thursday morning. Herrera, who lives in Paradise with her 88-year-old husband, Lou, left a frantic voicemail around 9:30 a.m. saying they needed to get out. We never heard from them again, Lee said. Were worried sick. ... They do have a car, but they both are older and can be confused at times. In Southern California, the Los Angeles County Fire Department tweeted that the fire raging through the Santa Monica Mountains was headed to the ocean. Another fire was burning farther west in Ventura County, also moving toward the ocean. The National Weather Service issued extreme fire-danger warnings in many areas of the state, saying low humidity and strong winds were expected to continue through the evening. SARAJEVO - A reported 146 migrants are stranded on a train at the station of Bihac, in north-western Bosnia, not far from the border with Croatia. The migrants, who reached Sarajevo overnight, have not been allowed to get off the train. Last month, Bosnian authorities banned access to the district of Bihac due to the large number of migrants already hosted, a local police spokesman said. A similar situation was already reported on October 24, when 90 migrants were stranded aboard a train and were then forced to travel by bus to the hosting center of Hadzici near Sarajevo. Initially, the migrants aboard the train in Bihac were 153 but seven of them, women and children, were allowed to get off and taken to the hosting center of Bihac while all the others will likely be taken back to Sarajevo. The objective of migrants who regularly pay for a ticket to travel to Bihac was to try to cross into neighboring Croatia to then to western Europe. ROME - Deputy prime minister Luigi Di Maio said Friday at a press conference that he was confident a shared road map for the stabilization of Libya could be drawn up at the November 12-13 conference in Palermo. ''We will not create false hopes, but it is very important for us to find a shared road with all those involved to move on to the next step,'' Di Maio added. He stressed that ''it is very important for us to receive the willingness of the US for us to be the leading country in the management and stabilization of Libya and we are doing this with the highest level of commitment, hoping to get the highest level of results'' and that ''we are not excluding anyone from supporting this road''. France will be represented at the conference by Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, the country confirmed on Friday after German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday said she would not be attending but would be represented by Foreign Minister Niels Annen. Representing Russia at the Palermo conference will be Mikhail Bogdanov, deputy foreign minister and special envoy for the Middle East of President Vladimir Putin, the Russian foreign ministry confirmed to ANSA. If you're interested in submitting a Letter to the Editor, click here. Submit Tunisia: vote of confidence in Chahed government on Nov. 12 After cabinet reshuffle with replacement of 13 ministers (ANSAmed) - TUNIS, NOVEMBER 9 - The office of the presidency of the Tunisian parliament has scheduled on November 12 a vote of confidence in the new government proposed by Premier Youssef Chahed on November 5. The reshuffle provides for the replacement of 13 ministers and five secretaries of State and adjustments at various levels of the government. President Beji Caid Essebsi did not approve the premier's move and stressed at a press conference yesterday his bipartisan role as a guarantor of the Constitution while noting he will not oppose the appointment and swearing in of the new ministers. Chahed's new team is expected to get a vote of confidence from parliament without too many difficulties, with the support of Islamic party Ennhahda, Machrou Tounes and the parliamentary group of the National Coalition, which includes many MPs who have left Nidaa Tounes. (ANSAmed). New Delhi, November 9: India on Friday hit back at Pakistan for expressing concern over the recent deployment of nuclear submarine INS Arihant, saying the comments come from a country for whom the "tenet of responsibility" does not exist. Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal, at a media briefing Thursday, said: "This development marks the first actual deployment of ready-to-fire nuclear warheads in South Asia which is a matter of concern not only for the Indian Ocean littoral states but also for the international community at large." Responding to a question on Faisal's remarks, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar, during a media briefing here, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made India's stand clear on the issue. Modi has made it clear that India's nuclear arsenal was not a part of an aggressive policy, but it was an important means for peace and stability. Kumar said,"We are a responsible nation and I think these comments are coming from a country for whom the tenet of responsibility does not exist." Marking the country's nuclear triad, Indian nuclear submarine INS Arihant, or the "destroyer of enemies" has successfully completed its first deterrence patrol. On the issue of opening of the Kartarpur Sahib corridor, Kumar said Pakistan had not officially communicated anything to India on the issue. INS Arihant: A Warship Which Can Dive to 300 Metres, Remain Under Water for Months. Asked about Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh writing to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on the issue, she said she would have to look at the contents of the letter and then could comment on it. He, however, said India has taken up the matter with Pakistan in the past on the opening of the border for Sikh pilgrims to go and visit the Gurdwara on the other side. "We have heard from Pakistan that this is something that they want to do, but I am not aware of any official communication which we have received from Pakistan that they are keen to work with us on this matter," Kumar said. On whether there was any development on the issue of waiver for India in the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act after its S-400 missile systems deal with Russia, Kumar said India was engaged with different stakeholders on this matter. "We have explained our objectives and position to the US side at different levels. We feel that it has contributed to a better understanding by the US about our concerns, about our objectivities and expectations. "We do intend to continue to remain engage with the US side, but it is important to note that our defence purchases and acquisitions are dictated by our national interest," he said. Asked about the political turmoil in Sri Lanka, Kumar said India continues to closely monitor the situation. "At this situation, I think the situation remains unclear. We do hope the democratic values and the constitutional process in Sri Lanka will be respected," he said. New Delhi, November 9: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the swearing-in ceremony of Maldives President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, confirmed the Ministry of External Affairs on Friday. The oath-taking event is scheduled in Male on November 17. Solih, the leader of Maldivian Democratic Party, emerged an unexpected winner in the electoral contest against strongman Abdulla Yameen, under whose tenure the ties between Male and New Delhi had deteriorated. Maldives Votes Out Pro-China President Abdulla Yameen: List of Strongmen Defeated Across the World in Recent Past. Shortly after his victory in September, Solih had a telephonic conversation with PM Modi, assuring him of deepening the bilateral ties with India. During the call, the President-elect had appealed the Indian Prime Minister to attend his oath-taking ceremony. Analysts had, however, predicted that Modi would be turning down the invite, as his Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan would also be in attendance. Even a brief interaction with Khan on sidelines of the event could draw the Prime Minister flak in a crucial election year. PM Narendra Modi has accepted Maldives President Elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's invitation to attend the swearing-in ceremony on November 17: Raveesh Kumar, MEA pic.twitter.com/Z2kauGbJdW ANI (@ANI) November 9, 2018 Under Abdulla Yameen, the ties between India and Maldives had plunged to a historic low, as New Delhi had condemned the action taken by his regime against the Supreme Court judges who had quashed the convictions of nine Opposition leaders, including former president Mohamed Nasheed. On the other hand, Chine's involvement in Maldives and Indian Ocean had grown by multitudes during Yameen's rule. This was perceived as a major strategic setback for India. The shock election results delivered by the Maldives electorate on September 23 turned things upside down, with New Delhi eyeing a major opportunity to smoothen relations with the southern neighbour. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 09, 2018 03:55 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Arindam Pal was shot dead inside as his cabin at the Tata Steel warehouse located at Batla Chowk | (Photo Credits: ANI) New Delhi, November 9: A senior manager of Tata Steel unit in Faridabad was shot dead by the company's former employee on Friday. The deceased, identified as Arindam Pal, was fired upon from a close range at least five times, the police said. The murder was reported during the day, when the accused, Vishwas Pandey, came to the warehouse and told the security guards that he needed to settle his financial dues. He straightaway walked inside the cabin and shot at the senior manager, the company's staff claimed. Delhi: Man Gets Life Term for Killing Live-In Partners Three-Year-Old Daughter. As panic gripped the workplace following Pal's murder, Pandey escaped from the warehouse from its rear gate. #Haryana: Senior Manager of Tata Steel shot dead by former employee in Faridabad. Mujesar SHO says,Bullets were shot at senior manager by a former employee.He died on the way to the hospital. In initial reports,doctors say he was shot with 5 bullets. Post-mortem reports awaited pic.twitter.com/CNWhngKhAJ ANI (@ANI) November 9, 2018 The employees subsequently rushed Pal to a nearby hospital, where he was declared dead. Mujesar Station House Officer, under whose jurisdiction the site of crime falls, said the doctors recovered five bullets from the body of Pal. "He had died on the way to the hospital. We are awaiting the post-mortem report," the SHO said. The police further said that a search operation has been launched to nab Pandey. A preliminary investigation has revealed that he was miffed with Pal as he laid off by the company nearly five months ago. "He committed the murder as an act of retribution," said a police official privy to the probe so far. The Tata Steel warehouse where the crime occurred is located at Bata Chowk, nearly 10 kilometres away from the city's border with the national capital. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 09, 2018 10:10 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Two 15-month-old girls, Nima and Dawa Pelden are conjoined twins and will be going under a complex surgery on Friday in Melbourne, Australia. The Bhutanese girls are joined at the torso and share a liver and possibly a bowel, doctors say, as reported by BBC. The girls were brought to Melbourne in October to have the surgery, but it was postponed so they could improve their nutrition. The doctors are now confident that they were ready for the operation and the girls were strong enough for the six-hour procedure. The operation will take place at Melbournes Royal Childrens hospital. Two-Month-Old Baby Born with Two Faces in Indonesia! Conjoined Twin Failed to Develop a Body (View Pic). The operation is being led by Dr Joe Crameri, head of paediatric surgery and he will be assisted by 18 medical staff. Each girl will be designated a separate team to care for her plus nursing and anaesthetic support teams. The surgery was expected to start at 8 am and will be completed by 4 pm this afternoon. Dr Crameri said, The reality is until the operation starts and ultimately, we get to see what is connecting the girls, we wont really know how long. He also said that the challenges of the surgery would depend on where the girls were connected. He was confident the team they had built could manage the shared liver safely, as reported by The Guardian. The unknown was whether the girls also shared a bowel. If so, it would be divided, he said, and our challenge will be to reconstruct their abdominal walls to close it over. The girls and their mother, Bhumchu Zangmo, 38 were brought to Australia from Bhutan by Children First Foundation, an Australian-based charity. Although the mother was scared about the procedure, she had shown calmness so far, BBC quoted Elizabeth Lodge from the charity. The state of Victoria has offered to cover the cost of operation i.e. 350,000 Australian dollars. The family will return to Bhutan after the procedure. In 2009, the same hospital performed a successful operation to separate Bangladeshi conjoined twins. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 09, 2018 10:43 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). China's Xinhua news agency says it has developed an artificial intelligence news presenter, ready to take over 24/7, every single day of the year. The new AI anchors, launched by Xinhua and Beijing-based search engine operator Sogou during the World Internet Conference in China, can deliver the news with the same effect as human anchors because the machine learning programme is able to synthesise realistic-looking speech, lip movements and facial expressions, according to a Xinhua news report on Wednesday. Sogous AI Synthetic Anchor, showcased the firms advanced voice and video synthesis technology at the 5th World Internet Conference kicked off in Wuzhen, Zhejiang, China. After this launch, AI anchors have officially become members of the Xinhua News Agency reporting team. They will work with other anchors to bring you authoritative, timely and accurate news information in both Chinese and English, Xinhua said. There are actually a couple of AI Synthetic Anchors: One is a clone of the Xinhua News Agencys Hao Qiu and delivers the news in Mandarin; the other is modeled on Xinhua newscaster Zhang Zhao and performs in English. In their 30-second demonstration clips the AI anchors assured listeners: I will work tirelessly to keep you informed as texts will be typed into my system uninterrupted. Xinhua AI anchor, launched on Wednesday, starts presenting news reports from Thursday. In this program, he takes you to have a look at what a Panama official and the Chinese businessman Jack Ma say about the ongoing #CIIE. pic.twitter.com/OZkRQtv1sQ China Xinhua News (@XHNews) November 8, 2018 The AI anchors are now available throughout Xinhuas internet and mobile platforms such as its official Chinese and English apps, WeChat public account, and online TV webpage. News editors need to only input a text into the AI Synthetic Anchor system and the AI composite anchor will do the rest. Moreover only a small amount of audio and video input data is required to customize the agent. But, this isn't the first time countries have shown off robot news anchors. Several months ago, Japanese news channel Kodormoroid debuted Erica, who is also powered by artificial intelligence. She has gotten little attention after her initial debut as her makers have criticised her for making her stiff and too robot like. China has become one of the leading global hubs for AI development in recent years. Several fields such as finance, healthcare, and manufacturing have adopted machine learning systems for commercial uses. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 09, 2018 06:51 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Three years after the war in Yemen began, to dislodge the Houthi rebels who had taken control of the capital city of Sanaa and retake territories captured by them, the country has been pushed into an abyss of starvation, famine, and death. Despite, a child is dying every 10 minutes and an impending famine threatening to starve 14 million people, the Saudi-led coalition has launched a fresh offensive in the hopes to impart a lasting blow to the Iran-backed group fighting to maintain their hold in Yemen. The Saudi-led coalition forces which now include soldiers from Sudan, are now battling for the complete control of the Yemeni port city of Hodeidah. The fighting has intensified, as government forces backed by Saudi-led coalition air strikes advance on rebel positions near the port area. More than 150 people are reported to have been killed since troops and militiamen stepped up a ground assault on the city's outskirts last Thursday. The UNs chief humanitarian co-ordinator, Mark Lowcock, said this week that the country was now facing an apocalyptic scenario as 14 million people, or half the population, are on the brink of starvation as Hodeidah is the last lifeline of those living in rebel-controlled areas. Up to 80% of the humanitarian supplies, fuel and commercial goods on which they depend are delivered through the facility. UN officials have warned that the toll in lives could be catastrophic if it is damaged, destroyed or blocked. But, the fighting looks to enter the last refuge of war-ravaged Yemenis as Amnesty International has warned that Houthi rebels have turned a medical centre in Yemens contested city of Hodeidah into a sniper position. This is a sign the Iran-backed group is militarising hospitals, and using civilians as human shields, Amnesty International has warned. The report came as more than a dozen aid groups sounded the alarm about the catastrophic impact of renewed fighting between the rebels and a Saudi Arabia-led coalition over the Red Sea city. "Hospitals most of which are now non-functioning are packed with people who are desperate wounded people from the war, especially large numbers of women with babies who are both suffering from acute malnutrition." Meanwhile, a Save the Children-supported clinic in another part of town was hit by gunfire on the same day, destroying a pharmacy that held lifesaving medicines. Doctors Without Borders (Medecins sans Frontiers) reported an influx of wounded civilians in recent days, with 24 wounded, including women and children from Hodeidah, with mostly blast and gunshot injuries. Placing gunmen on a hospital roof blurs lines which should never be blurred. Hospitals are not a target: the sick and injured have an absolute right to safe medical treatment at all times, and medical workers must be allowed to carry out their lifesaving work, said Samah Hadid, Amnesty Internationals Middle East director of campaigns. Over 30 local and international charities released a joint statement on Thursday calling for an immediate ceasefire. A separate statement signed by 14 charities, including Save The Children and Care International, warned that civilians were being used as human shields in Hodeidah as the fighting has intensified over the last few days. The UN's World Food Programme (WFP) is providing food assistance to about seven to eight million people every day, "but the situation has now got so dire that WFP is preparing to scale up", spokesperson Herve Verhoosel told journalists in Geneva on Thursday. The WFP said the violence must stop immediately to give Yemen "a chance to pull back from the brink". "Unless it does, this will become a country of living ghosts, its people reduced to sacks of bones. Humanitarians can only do so much in the face of relentless bombing and unconscionable war tactics that spare no one." Despite the growing international pressure, including from the U.S. and UK to enter into a ceasefire, the Saudi-led coalition seems to be fighting a battle to eliminate the hold of Houthi rebels, once and for all. And ordinary Yemenis continue to bear the brunt of this war. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 09, 2018 05:34 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Seoul, November 9: South Korean President Moon Jae-in has sacked Finance Minister Kim Dong-yeon and Policy Chief Jang Ha-sung. According to a Reuters report, these top policymakers have been fired, and they have been replaced with people already in the government. Moon Jae-in, The South Korean President, Thanks Narendra Modi for Sending Him 'Modi Jackets' Presidential social policy aide Kim Soo-Hyun will succeed Jang and veteran bureaucrat Hong Nam-ki, currently, head of the government policy coordination office, will be the new finance minister, the presidential office said. The South Korean President recently expressed his thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for sending him some "Modi jackets", a vest-like sleeveless jacket the leader usually dons. Moon uploaded photos of him wearing the jackets in a Twitter posting, saying they "fit great". (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 09, 2018 11:11 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Well, the history of the Niger Delta states and this region in general, is quite eventful. Every Nigerian should be aware of it. Some mistakes that were made, should not be repeated. History of Niger Delta in Nigeria This region of the country is located in the Niger Delta and goes to the coast of the Gulf of Guinea. Here is the territory of dense tropical forests. In the past, they were an insurmountable obstacle for white slavers because of malaria, and the warriors of local kings themselves caught their fellow tribesmen in exchange for firewater. These times are in the past, and today the leaders of some of the tribes receive a share in the profits of the oil companies: almost all of the country's hydrocarbons are mined here. The occupation is all the more risky because various rebel groups are fighting for control of the prey. The tomb of the white man The most numerous of the peoples of Southern Nigeria is Ijaw. They were the first Nigerians to come into contact with Europeans. Ijaw played the role of intermediaries in the slave trade between the coast where the Europeans lived and the inner regions of the mainland. There, among the marshes of the Niger Delta, malaria reigned, and until the appearance of quinine, this area was called the Tomb of the White Man. The history of the Ijaw is little studied, however, most researchers argue that Ijaw is the most ancient population of Nigeria. In the XIV-XVI centuries, they created more than ten early political entities (trade organizations and city-states), the strongest were Bonnie (Ibani), Brass (Nembe), Okrika and New Calabar (Elem Calabari, or Ovome). READ ALSO: Benue State culture and traditions In the XVII-XIX centuries these states became the largest centers of the transatlantic slave trade on the West African coast. That is why the ethnic territory of the Ijaw (including Warri and Old Calabar) was called the Slave Coast, controlled mainly by England and the Netherlands, as well as individual services of the Portuguese and the French. Nowadays, Ijaw are mainly engaged in fishing and trade, with both men and women. Farming is poorly developed, the reason is in a small amount of arable land. History of Niger Delta crisis In the Niger Delta, more than 90% of Nigerias national oil fields, which are among the ten largest oil-producing countries in the world, are concentrated. In the 2000s the Christian (98% Ijaw-Christians) and anti-Islamic rebel group Movement for the Liberation of the Niger Delta was created, mostly from Ijaw people. They demand the nationalization of the oil resources of Nigeria and reinforce their demands with the abduction of oil workers, pipeline explosions and opposition from the Nigerian army. The conflict arose when significant oil fields were discovered on the shelf of Nigeria. Their development by multinational corporations (Royal Dutch Shell, Chevron) infringed upon the interests of the local people. Various ethnic groups, the strongest of which are the Movement for the Liberation of the Niger Delta and the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People, engage in attacks on drilling platforms and passing vessels, kidnapping foreigners, and attacking police stations. The armed conflict in the Niger Delta arose in the early 1990s and, unfortunately, continues to this day. The potential oil production in the Niger Delta is 3 million barrels per day. However, in practice, in recent years, less than 2 million (1.9 million barrels per day in 2007) were produced. The activity of Movement contributed to the reduction of oil production thus affecting the economy of the country. Modern Niger Delta The Niger Delta and the coast of the Gulf of Guinea are located in the equatorial climate zone, during the year there is almost the same temperature. A lot of precipitation falls. Here is a zone of humid equatorial forests, and on the coast there are preserved areas of mangroves. Elevated sites are only in the Cross River on the border with Cameroon. The south of Nigeria has been mastered by man since ancient times, all suitable places for farming are occupied by crops. Forests are threatened with destruction due to burning in order to increase the area under crops and cutting for firewood. The animal world is under threat of destruction due to poaching: most often people hunt animals for food. And the people of the Fulani tribe are increasingly invading these lands in order to graze cattle, which leads to severe inter-ethnic conflicts. The only large conservation area is Cross River National Park with an area of about 4,000 km2. The park covers wet tropical forests (one of the oldest in Africa) and mangrove swamps and thickets. The park is home to 16 species of rare primates that are on the verge of extinction, including the common chimpanzee, dril, the western river gorilla, the maned mangabey, and the Pryce monkey. All of them are objects of poacher hunting for their meat. The park is known as a habitat for over a thousand species of butterflies and 400 species of birds. The contribution of Southern Nigeria to the country's economy is very significant. At the same time, a large number of the population and more than 40 ethnic groups live here, the largest of which are Igbo and Ijaw. The total number of Ijaw people is about 15 million. Southern Nigeria is a predominantly flat territory formed by river sedimentary material silt and sand brought from the inland areas of the Niger River. A Big Heart of Nigeria Each state of Nigeria has its own nickname, quite accurately reflecting its historical, economic or cultural significance in the country. Ijaw adhere to the clan system, preserved from pre-colonial times. There are several powerful clans (Akassa, Nembe, Calabari, shouts), which are subject to dozens of clans, not so numerous. The calendar has many dates that they celebrate, but the main event is the funeral of loved ones, which turn into drama lasting days and days, accompanied by long dances and Ijaw songs, putting on the masks of water spirits. Delta is a Big Heart due to the external similarity of the outlines of the delta with the human heart. More than 140 tribes live here, mainly Ijaw, Igbo and others. READ ALSO: Name of God in Tiv language and other Nigerian languages Source: Legit.ng - The Supreme Court has ruled that the chairman of the APC in Rivers, Ojukaye Amachree, cannot travel to Dubai - Amachree is being tried for an alleged murder of a man during the 2015 election in Asari-Toru local government area of the state - The APC chairman was to travel to keep an appointment with a hospital in Dubai for medical attention The Supreme Court, on Thursday, November 8, dismissed a motion by the chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers state, Ojukaye Amachree, seeking to travel to Dubai for a medical checkup. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Amachree is standing trial on allegation of murder of a man during the 2015 election in Asari-Toru local government area of the state. Giving ruling, Justice Inyang Okoro, held that the application lacked merit, adding that the applicant was being prosecuted on a murder case. READ ALSO: Minimum wage: Labour threatens fresh strike as FG denies approving N30,000 According to Okoro, the medical update letter, dated December 15, 2016, had no connection with the type 2 mellitus diabetes, which Amachree claimed he had. The report also said Justice Walter Onnoghen, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, who presided over the panel, expressed worry as to why Amachrees trial had not commenced fully after 25 adjournments. The CJN said from the record of the court, Amachree had refused to appear in court all the while. Legit.ng understands that Amachrees five-count charge bordering on the alleged murder of Iminabo Dokubo, attempted murder of Ipalibo Jackson is pending at the high court in Port Harcourt. The applicant had approached the court with a motion on notice pursuant to sections 33, 36(5) and (6), and section 41 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda It was learnt that Amachree had sought an order granting him leave to travel to Dubai, United Arab Emirate, to enable him meet up with the medical appointment scheduled with George Davis. The APC chairman had also prayed for the release of his international passport with passport No: A04003142, deposited with the registrar of the Court of Appeal as part of the conditions of the bail granted to him. The applicant was, however, refused bail on May 26, 2016, by a high court in Port Harcourt, but had the decision set aside on November 24, 2016, by the Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt. Amachree stated that following his detention and subsequent release by the appellate court, his health deteriorated leading to his collapse and resuscitation on various occasion both in and out of prison. The applicant averred that the Saudi German Hospital had agreed to treat him and therefore scheduled an appointment with him for February 16, 2016 at Dubai, UAE. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app Amachree said he could not meet the appointment as his international passport had been with the Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt. He stated that a similar application had earlier been filed at the Court of Appeal on Jan. 24, 2017 but was struck out on February 28, 2017. Meanwhile, bid to remove national chairman of the APC, Adams Oshimohole, has suffered a setback as reports indicated that the six southwest governors are divided over his removal. Legit.ng understands that Some of the governors who wanted the national chairman out of the party's leadership are said to be dissatisfied with the conduct of the party's primary elections in their states. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng. We have updated to serve you better. Nigeria Latest News: Father Mbaka On Buhari, Atiku In Nigeria Election 2019 | Legit TV Source: Legit - Four APC governors are reportedly making moves to oust the partys national chairman, Adams Oshiomhole - The governors have allegedly resolved to pay Oshiomhole back in his own coin, as they felt they had been politically humiliated by him - Oshiomhole, however, has launched a charm offensive; tendering apologies to some aspirants who were disqualified during the recent party primaries Four All Progressives Congress (APC) governors have reportedly taken steps to recruit ministers to join in their campaign to oust out the partys national chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. There are fears, however, that their crusade to project their proteges as candidates of the party in various positions for the 2019 elections could come to naught, as Oshiomhole is currently out of the country, Vanguard reports. Legit.ng notes that as national chairman, Oshiomhole is required to sign off on any substitution of candidates. The anti-Oshiomhole governors are said to be coming up with new points and evidence against the national chairman, which they would present to President Muhammadu Buhari. READ ALSO: Minimum wage: Labour threatens fresh strike as FG denies approving N30,000 According to a top party official, the governors have resolved to pay Oshiomhole back in his own coin, as they feel they have been politically humiliated by him; and they have now started recruiting ministers against him. The official reportedly stated: The anger among the governors is that Oshiomhole did virtually all the things he is now stopping the governors from doing. He imposed his successor in Edo on his people. Till date, one cannot vie for any position in Edo state without the endorsement of Oshiomhole. So, why is he stopping the governors? The governors are also angry at leader of the party in the south-west, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is reportedly positioning himself for the presidency in 2023. We were told that while the chairman was being grilled by security operatives, the man flew in from Lagos to practically bail him out. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda On his part, however, the national chairman has launched a charm offensive; tendering apologies to some aspirants who were disqualified during the recent party primaries. In a letter dated October 30, 2018, which was addressed to some individual aspirants, Oshiomhole reportedly apologized for their disqualification, stating that it was the handiwork of fifth columnists. He reportedly stated: Although you were cleared by the National Working Committee (NWC) appointed screening panel as a governorship aspirant to contest the direct primary election, your disqualification was erroneously announced by unknown source when voting was midway. The incident at the governorship primary election and the subsequent embarrassing mischief directed at your esteemed person by the faceless individual in the name of the party is deeply regretted. The APC national chairman is currently in the United States where he is allegedly strategising on how to take down his foes and retain his office ahead of the 2019 general elections. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun state, on Thursday, November 8, said he had no hand in the reported interrogation of the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, by the State Security Service (SSS). Amosun, who is currently involved in a political battle with Oshiomhole, following the APC primaries in Ogun state, said contrary to perceptions, he was not involved in the party chairmans alleged predicament. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng: Same great journalism, upgraded for better service! APC is the worst party in Nigeria, i regret being a member - on Legit TV: Source: Legit - A lawmaker has decried the level of insecurity and slow development in Nigeria's border areas - Senator Gumel said poor development and lack of social amenities were major reasons for the growing conflict - According to the senator, poor funding of the agencies, which were critical to conflict resolution and provision of projects in border towns, was worrisome Senator Abdullahi Gumel has said that poor development and lack of social amenities at the border towns across the country were major reasons for continued conflicts and insecurity. Gumel, chairman Senate committee on states and local governments, made this assertion in an interview with newsmen at the end of the committees oversight visit to National Boundary Commission and Border Community Development Agency in Abuja. News Agency of Nigeria reports that the lawmaker attributed the challenge to poor funding of border agencies, leading to insecurity and growing conflict in over 90 communities across the country. He said the poor funding of the agencies, which were critical to conflict resolution and provision of projects in border towns, was worrisome. The lawmaker said that the committee discovered during its oversight that capital release for each of these agencies was only 10 per cent in seven months, adding that it was grossly inadequate. He stressed that the agencies had not been able to carry out their mandates effectively, leading to sabotage and lack of allegiance from Nigerians, particularly for those in border towns. I know we have conflict in about 96 communities across the local governments as well as interstate conflicts. Ideally, the zonal offices of the National Boundary Commission ought to be up and doing in notifying the headquarters of looming conflict to ensure proactive measures that would prevent crisis. Unfortunately, that is not happening for lack of funds. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda We appreciate what the commission is doing with meagre resources, and we promise to get to the Executive arm to increase ensure increased funding," he said. Gumel said a lot needed to be done in securing the allegiance of border towns to prevent sabotage or security concerns. He further noted that the Border Community Development Agency, in particular, was very important in providing basic amenities and should be adequately funded. We have 22 states out of the 36 states and Abuja, which have border either with other countries or with the Atlantic Ocean. We are very conscious of the security implication of not taking care of our border towns. When they are not taken care of, they will be attracted to other countries, which are willing to provide medical care, schools, water and other amenities. In one of our oversights we went to Banke, a border town, that is separated by road between Nigeria and Cameroon. In the night you will see light in the Cameroon part but no light in the Nigerian part. Even the network they are using is from Cameroon. In a situation where our border communities are not enjoying such amenities including education and medical care among others, it will be difficult to stop any act of sabotage from such country. However, if same amenities are made available to them by the Nigerian government, if there is any sinister move, they would quickly alert the necessary authority, he said. Gumel said that all hands must be on deck to tackle the menace, noting that a lot of prominent Nigerians were from border states and could not afford to allow such to continue. He said: The President is from Katsina, which is a border state, the Vice President is from Ogun State, which is also a border state. Also, the President of the Senate is from Kwara, which is a border state. I am from Jigawa, which is also a border state. So, we are all aware of the challenges these people are facing and much more needed to be done to tackle the negative effect this is having on the economy. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the executive secretary, Border Community Development Agency, Captain Junaid Abdullahi, in the course of the oversight, said the agency was underfunded. READ ALSO: Court orders FG, labour to submit report over new minimum wage on January 30, 2019 He noted that it was a strategic agency of the government charged with provision of infrastructure to border communities but could not achieve optimal performance for paucity of funds. He said: It is important to this country because the border areas are the gateway into the country and we need to provide people in those areas with amenities. That is to ensure they have no need to look across the borders seeking any social infrastructure or services from neighbouring countries. Because of the vulnerability of the border areas, it is susceptible to infiltration by undesirable elements that threaten the security of our country." On 2018 budget performance, Abdullahi said the agency received its first capital allocation of 10 per cent in September. Similarly, the director general of the National Boundary Commission, Dr Muhammad Ahmad called for increased funding to enable the commission carry out its mandate effectively. The National Boundary Commission was established to among others, settle boundary disputes between states and local government areas in the country. The Border Communities Development Agency was established to ensure sustainable social, economic and infrastructural development of border communities in Nigeria. Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that Senator Ali Ndume, had expressed concern over escalation of Boko Haram attacks on Nigerian troops and locals in the northeast. Ndume, who represents Borno South senatorial district, expressed his feelings while talking to journalists on the situation on Friday, September 7. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app He said that Boko Haram had launched several attacks which led to mass casualties of troops in the last two months in Borno and Yobe. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have updated to serve you better. Nigerian Air Force operations against Boko Haram - on Legit.ng TV Source: Legit Newspaper - The campaign organization of Senator Adeleke said Senator Ademola Adeleke's is alive - Some reports allegedly claimed that Adeleke slumped and died at Lagos airport - The organization, however, urged the senator's supporters to ignore any fake report against his health The campaign organization of Senator Adeleke has disclosed that the senator who was the Peoples Democratic Party's governorship candidate in the last election in Osun state is hale and hearty. Vanguard reports that the organization made this known on Thursday, November 8, while reacting to some rumours which claimed that Adeleke slumped and died at Lagos airport Adelekes campaign organization said: Our attention has been drawn to an evil rumour circulating about the state of health of Senator Ademola Adeleke. We affirm that the peoples governor is hale and hearty. READ ALSO: Oshiomhole to continue with DSS questioning when he returns home -Security sources As a distinguished senator and holder of the peoples mandate, Ademola Adeleke has been attending to statutory duties within and outside his constituency in good health and high spirit. There was no time the Senator suffered health failure either at airport or anywhere else. We, therefore, urge our teeming supporters and the good people of Osun state to ignore any fake news purporting health failure on the part of the senator. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app ''It is a product of warped minds and infantile imagination of usurper of peoples mandate. All hands are on deck to regain the mandate of the people freely given on September 22. We owe Osun people that sacred duty. Also reacting, the deputy national publicity secretary of the PPDP, Diran Odeyemi said: We want to urge Nigerians and rumour peddlers not to wish our candidate dead. We are optimistic that Senator Adeleke will reclaim his mandate in Osun state and liberate Osun people. Meanwhile, Legit.ng had reported that the PDPs governorship candidate in Osun state, Senator Ademola Adeleke, vowed to retrieve his stolen mandate from the APCs Gboyega Oyetola, at the Election Petition Tribunal. He made the comment in a chat with newsmen shortly before the returning officer, Prof Joseph Fuwape, announced the final figure for the Osun gubernatorial re-run election on Thursday, September 27, His brother, Dele Adeleke, the candidate said the PDPs next step would be to proceed to the tribunal. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have updated to serve you better. Osun Election 2018: I will surely win this election - Senator Adeleke - on Legit.ng TV: Source: Legit.ng - Cameroonian government has allowed the kidnapped Bamenda student reunite with their parents - The development came after parents stormed the school in protest against the school arrest - The students were kidnapped by a group of separatists believed to be Amba Boys It was a day of joy and victory for the parents of the kidnapped students of Nkwen Presbyterian secondary school in Bamenda, Cameroon as the government of the state allowed the kids reunite with their parents again. In a report available in The Guardian UK, the government of Cameroon had earlier put a school arrest on dozens of students who were freed from their kidnappers because of security concern, leading to angry demonstrations against the government by the parents of the students. Legit.ng gathers that the parents had stormed the Bamenda school calling on the government to lift what they tagged as "school arrest" on their wards. It also gathers that after the lobbying by the protest and the gun battle that broke out outside the school's classrooms, the students were allowed home with their parents. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda According to Gemuh, one of the upset parents, fear gripped the school premises following a gun duel between the military officers and Amba Boys, a rebellious separatist group which agitated for English-speaking officials to be appointed to the regions schools and courts. The schoolchildren at the governors office in Bamenda after being released from their kidnappers. photo source: UK Guardian Source: UGC He said: "As I was discussing with my children, that is when they started shooting. For about six to 10 minutes, we were afraid of the gunshots." The Amba Boys group were believed to have masterminded the kidnapped of the school students. Recounting their experience in the hands of the kidnappers, one of the students said: "I was very afraid. We kept walking and walking, our legs were paining. We didnt know if they would kill us or not. The boys said their only problem is that we were in school. They said that they dont want school. Another student who claimed they were blindfolded and tied up added: They forced us to record a video, saying police kidnapped us. We did. They asked those whose parents work with the government to [stand] up. Then they took two female students and the teachers and drove away with them. Two female students driven away by the kidnappers have not been seen, and the school's security officer and the vice-principal are still in the police custody since the incident. PAY ATTENTION: Download our mobile app to enjoy the latest news update Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that a female kidnap suspect, Fatima Muhammed, while being paraded by the police on Monday, September 24, said she had no regret kidnapping the four-year-old son of Bukar Dalori, the Borno chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Fatima spoke on Monday when she was paraded shortly after her arrest in Maiduguri. Nigerians speak angrily about alleged kidnappers caught in Lagos - on Legit.ng TV Source: Legit.ng - Doyin Okupe, a former aide to Goodluck Jonathan, laments that his son, Ditan, has joined the campaign organisation of Muhammadu Buhari - He said as his lawyer, Festus Keyamo has not breached any ethics of his profession by using his son against him - Okupe said Ditan had been working to get the contacts of those he considers as his father's political foes - According to him, he will never discuss what is between and his son publicly, even if it costs him his whole political career Doyin Okupe, a former aide to Goodluck Jonathan, is not a happy man. His son has deserted him and pitched tents with the campaign organisation of President Muhammadu Buhari ahead of 2019. Okupe confirmed this in a series of tweets where he lamented the issues in his family. Okupe revealed that Ditan, his son, had been working to get the contacts of politicians like Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Buruji Kashamu and others he considers his fathers foes. READ ALSO: APC crisis: 4 governors allegedly recruit ministers in anti-Oshiomhole campaign Ditan recently met with Festus Keyamo, the spokesperson of the Muhammadu Buhari campaign organisation. Okupe, however said: Keyamo is my friend and lawyer. He is still handling a case for me at the Supreme Court. He called me tonight on his acquaintance with Ditan who also has been trying for months to get the contacts of people he considers my political foes, including Tinubu, Kashamu, OGD etc. For him, this is his finest hour. It is impossible to explain intricate and confounding family issues in a single tweet. Please, refrain from making judgement on what you know nothing about. What is between Ditan and I will never be discussed publicly even if it costs me my whole political career. I love him with my whole heart. This is politics, pure and simple. In this game I am a master. Yoruba says: "It is not the day a child abuses an irolu tree that d tree falls in him. Tomorrow will surely come." See his tweets below: Okupe said as his lawyer, Keyamo has not breached any ethics of his profession by using his son against him. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app Meanwhile, the Accord Party recently terminated the membership of Doyin Okupe for what it described as anti-party activities. Okupe's membership termination came few days after presidential aspirant, Senate President Bukola Saraki, appointed him as the chairman of his media campaign. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng. We have updated to serve you better. Nigeria Latest News: Father Mbaka On Buhari, Atiku In Nigeria Election 2019 | Legit TV Source: Legit Newspaper Over the years, secondary and university students were reported dead during armed robbery attacks. Some were hit by stray bullets while others were intentionally killed by these robbers. A beautiful female student of Niger Delta University (NDU) has been reported dead. Late Seiyefa Fred reportedly was killed by armed robbers as she stepped out to buy Suya for her mother on Thursday night, November 8. It was further revealed that the deceased was shot in her compound by one of the robbers while trying to make away with her phone. This unfortunate incident took place at Amaranta, Yenogoa, Bayelsa state. Robbers accidentally kills NDU student who stepped out to buy suya Source: Facebook READ ALSO: Pretty lady escapes being hit by a stray bullet in her room (photos) However, some of her friends have taken to her Facebook profile to pen down their heartfelt tribute. One Smith Williams said: This world is becoming something else. Just because of phone they killed her. So sad!! May ur soul Seiyefa Fred R I P my dear. See more posts below: PAY ATTENTION: Join Africa Love Aid today for your daily relationship tips and advice Legit.ng earlier reported a young CEO, Oluwafeyidara Adekoya was crushed by a vehicle, while trying to escape from two suspected robbers at Anthony bus stop, Lagos. According to her uncle, they attempted to dispose her of her bag and phones but she raised the alarm and took to her heels. RIP! NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have updated to serve you better 'My daughter's husband used her for money rituals' - Nigeria Street Gist | Legit TV. Source: Legit.ng - Following an alleged theft at the Benin airport, the state governor, Godwin Obaseki has ordered a thorough investigation - Some equipment meant for the instrument landing system were reportedly stolen a few days after installation - According to the governor, the unfortunate incident will not deter plans to upgrade services at the airport Edo state governor, Godwin Obaseki, has ordered a thorough investigation into an alleged theft at the Benin airport. It was reported that some equipment meant for the instrument landing system was stolen a few days after installation, Channels TV reports. Governor Obaseki gave the instruction after a meeting with officials of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, the Nigerian Air Force and the airport authorities after an assessment tour of the facility. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda He, however, said that the unfortunate incident will not deter plans to upgrade services at the airport. He noted that his government is making out plans to ensure that the airport operates 24-hours before the harmattan season begins. Meanwhile, south-east governors have disagreed with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)s statement that the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, was safe for use. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app The governors insisted that, the airport is not safe as there are no runway lights, the tarmac is bumpy with potholes, while one of the buildings destroyed by storm for over two years has become an eyesore. They added: The cargo section of Akanu Ibiam International Airport is not functional. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng. We have updated to serve you better. Nigeria Latest News: The Abuja Metro is West Africa's First Light Rail Network | Legit TV Source: Legit Nigeria - National president of the ASUU, Abiodun Ogunyemi, has spoken about the union's ongoing industrial action - The ASSU on Sunday, November 4, announced the commencement of its indefinite strike - The union accused the federal government of inability to respond to their demands National president of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Abiodun Ogunyemi, declared that the union will not call off the ongoing industrial action until the federal government yields to its demands. The union accused the federal government of not implementing of the 2013 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with it. Ogunyemi who this disclosed this in an interview with Nigerian Tribune said the government only released N200 billion to the union between 2013 and 2017. He added that the ASUU is expecting the of balance of N1.1 trillion from the authority. READ ALSO: Adeleke is alive - Campaign Organisation According to him, ''The N200 billion is not an issue at all. The government ought to have released that money latest by October last year and the amount served as a mark of commitment towards the implementation of the 2013 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with ASUU in that year. ''In that MoU, government agreed to massively inject funds into the public university system in the country. This is as a way of re-vitalising the system. That is why we called that fund, which is a total sum of N1.3 trillion, a re-vitalisation fund. Between 2013 and 2017, government released only N200 billion, leaving out N1.1 trillion. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda ''So, when ASUU engaged them last year and we told them that they had abandoned the agreement, they said no. And that to show that they had not abanadoned it, they would release N20 billion immediately while looking into a way of mobilising fund for the balance. ''That was the N20 billion they were making noise about that they released many months after. So towards raising the N1.1 trillion, government raised a seven-man team and they worked for about two months or submitted their report. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app ''But up till now, government has kept the report in the cooler. In October last year, if government had released N20 billion, we expect them to release a stretch of N220 billion on yearly basis and will do that for five years.'' Meanwhile, Legit.ng had reported that the ASUU on Sunday, November 4, announced that it had begun an indefinite strike action following the inability of the federal government to respond to their demands. ASUU said its strike would be total as all federal and state varsities would join the strike. Punch reports that the union accused the federal government of not implementing the Memorandum of Action signed with it. Speaking after its National Executive Council meeting held at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo state on Sunday night, the national president of ASUU, Biodun Ogunyemi, said they have waited patiently for the federal government to act, all to no avail. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We keep evolving to serve our readers better. Parents advice government over ASUU strike | Legit.ng TV: Source: Legit Newspaper - Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state has expressed his grievance over the fact that Niger Delta region was not among states to be visited by Prince Charles - Wike said that Charles' visit to the region would have helped to bring the issue of devastation and disaster to the fore - He described the region as the bedrock of the nations economy and that it should not be ignored Nyesom Wike, the Rivers state governor, has accused the federal government of ignoring the Niger Delta Region in the schedule of visits by the Prince of Wales, Charles, and his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla. Wike said that the visit of the royal couple to Nigeria could have been another opportunity to further discuss issues bordering on the flood disaster in the state, Channels TV reports. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda Wike said this on Friday, November 9, during a meeting with a group at the Government House in Port Harcourt, the state capital. He described the Niger Delta as the bedrock of the nations economy and should not be ignored, adding that revenue generated from the region is what has been used to develop other parts of the country. Wike said: They dont want them to come here to see those who produce the wealth of the nation and see how they are suffering. They kept them in Abuja and Lagos. That is the country we are in. And then you say I should be happy. I produce the wealth, you use it to develop the other areas and the Prince of Wales will come and he wont see how we are suffering here? He wont see the people who are producing the wealth of the nation. PAY ATTENTION: Get the Latest Nigerian News Anywhere 24/7. Spend less on the Internet! It is our money that is used to develop Lagos. It is our money that is used to develop Abuja. But see where we are Look at the traditional rulers that they brought, those who produce the wealth were kept at the back and you say we are one country." Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that the Prince of Wales, Charles, on Wednesday, November 7, arrived Lagos for an official visit to the state amid tight security. Legit.ng gathered that Charles and his entourage arrived aboard a B737 aircraft with registration number CS-TFY, which landed at the presidential wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, at 12.08pm on Wednesday, November 7. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have upgraded to serve you better. EXCLUSIVE: Be patient with President Buhari, Femi Adesina tells Nigerians | Legit TV Source: Legit.ng - The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) releases the list of 67 candidates for the governorship election in Nigeria - The list contain the candidates and the political parties through which they seek the mandates of the citizens - The names of the candidate of APC for Imo state is missing from the list The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Friday, November 9, released the names of 67 governorship candidates of the various political parties battling for victory at the 2019 general election. However, the names of Hope Uzodinma and Uche Nwosu were reportedly missing from the released list of the governorship candidates for the 2019 general election. READ ALSO: APC crisis: 4 governors allegedly recruit ministers in anti-Oshiomhole campaign Vanguard reports that INEC released 67 names including that of the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Emeka Ihedioha, in Imo state. Nwosu, son-in-law to the Imo state governor, Rochas Okorocha, and Senator Uzodinma have been laying claims to the candidacy. Okorocha has, however insisted that Nwosu is the authentic winner of the controversial APC primary election in the state. Legit.ng earlier reported how Governor Rochas Okorocha accused the Imo All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the 2019 elections, Senator Hope Uzodinma, of being a fraudster. In a statement circulated to journalists on Thursday, November 8, by his chief press secretary, Sam Onwuemeodo, the governor alleged that Senator Uzodinma was burdened by at least two criminal cases, besides standing on a wealth of unknown means, including issuance of dud cheques. "Chief Uzodinma should face his two most recent criminal charges over the issuance of dud cheque and non-declaration of assets. We wont talk about other similar cases. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app He has never attended any APC meeting either in his ward or in his local government, Oru-East, or at the state level. That is why no APC member in the state was excited when the partys national chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, announced him as his preferred governorship candidate of the party in the state, he said. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng. We have updated to serve you better. Nigeria Latest News: Buhari vs Atiku - 2019 Elections | Legit.ng TV Source: Legit - APC national chairman, Adams Oshiomhole has reportedly left UK for Nigeria - Recall that he was out of the country after DSS interrogation - Fresh fact claimed that he was out of the country due to the health of his wife The national chairman of the ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole has been reported to be on his way back to Nigeria from the United Kingdom, The Cable reports. The APC chairman was out of the country immediately after being interrogated by the operatives of Department of State Service (DSS). Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the former Edo state governor was squeezed by DSS on petitions that he received bribes from some aspirants during the party's primary election. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda However, fresh facts have emerged that Oshiomhole's travel might be less connected to politics as it was reported that his wife, Iara, is in the United States receiving treatment. He reportedly departed London for Lagos through British Airways on Friday morning, November 9. The former Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) chairman would be available again to face the post-primaries crisis he left behind. PAY ATTENTION: Download our mobile app to enjoy the latest news update Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that Imo state governor, Rochas Okorocha, on Monday, November 5, condemned the APC national chairman Adams Oshiomholes apology to the Roman Catholic Church in the state. At a meeting with Archbishop of Owerri Catholic diocese, Bishop Anthony Obinna and representatives of the Christian community in Imo state, Oshiomhole had condemned what he described as the governor's lack of respect for the church. Reacting to Oshiomhole's apology, Governor Okorocha berated the APC chairman for behaving like an opposition. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We keep evolving to serve our readers better. APC is the worst party in Nigeria, i regret being a member - on Legit.ng TV Source: Legit.ng News - A photo of a boy staring at his late father's photo has gone viral - The little boy was spotted while his father was being buried From the age of 4 to 9 a child is unable to comprehend what happens when someone they love, especially a parent dies. There is the pain of the loss and pain of the people grieving around them, but do they really understand what happened? This viral photo of a little boy staring at his father's photo during his burial makes one wonder what goes through the mind of little children after the loss of a loved one. In the viral photo, the little boy who looked like he could not be more than age 5 was seen staring for long at his late father's photo. Looking more closely at the photo it seemed like the little boy was curious about what is father's photo was doing on a wooden box. Heartbreaking moment little boy is spotted staring at his late father's photo during his burial Photo: Facebook Source: Rariya Facebook page Source: Facebook READ ALSO: Man narrates his experience with a 12-year-old orphan hawking pure water (photo) It was gathered that the deceased identified as Mustafa Ingawa was buried on Thursday, November 8. Reports allege that Ingawa was killed during a clash between security operatives and members of a religious sect in Abuja. It was also alleged that the deceased was a member of the religious sect. PAY ATTENTION: Read best news on Nigeria's #1 news app Legit.ng came across the heartbreaking photos of the little boy after it was shared on a Facebook page known as Rariya. PAY ATTENTION: Get your daily relationship tips and advice on Africa Love Aid group Meanwhile, Legit.ng had earlier reported that a 16-year-old Nigerian boy, John Ogunjobi, was killed in London. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have upgraded to serve you better Temilayo Abodunrin Story: 8-Year-Old Girl Shows the World Her Skills Playing Saxophone - on Legit TV Source: Legit - Nigeria Customs Service says it confiscated 12 illegally imported cars and contraband with Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N240 million - Confiscated items include an Iveco Truck with a DPV of N4.05 million, carrying 633 bags of 50 kg foreign rice valued at N16.20 million - Also impounded is another Iveco Truck with DPV of N4.05 million, with 1,680 crates of 33 beer worth N4.44 million The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone C of Nigeria Customs Service in Owerri says it confiscated 12 illegally imported cars and contraband with Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N240 million in the last one week. The Unit Controller, Compt. Kayode Olusemire, made this known on Friday, November 9, in Benin while taking journalists round the goods confiscated along Benin axis. He said that three suspects were arrested in connection with the seized items who are helping customs with information. READ ALSO: INEC releases governorship list ahead of 2019 Olusemire gave a breakdown of the confiscated items to include an Iveco Truck with a DPV of N4.05 million, carrying 633 bags of 50 kg foreign rice valued at N16.20 million, and concealed with cartons of Lucozade Boost and Ribena worth N1.82 million, all totalling N22.08 million. Also impounded is another Iveco Truck with DPV of N4.05 million, with 1,680 crates of 33 beer worth N4.44 million, and 175 bags of 50kg foreign rice with DPV of N4.48 million, totalling N12.96 million. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NCS also impounded a Peugeot Boxer with DPV of N1.44 million, containing 131 sacks of Indian Hemp, valued at N4.13 million, Toyota Camry 2010 model with DPV of N5.14 million and a Volvo XC 90 worth N3.58 million. Equally seized by the Customs is a Toyota Venza 2013 model valued at N12.91 million, Mercedes Benz GLK 350, and Mercedez Benz ML 350 with DPV of N12.95 million and N5.82 million, respectively and a Toyota Tundra valued at N13.37 million. Others are Mercedes Benz ML 350 valued N20.90 million, Toyota Hilux with DPV of N13.37 million, Toyota Tacoma worth N13.39 million, Toyota Highlander valued N17,91 million and a Range Rover HSE, worth N30.73 million aside others. Olusemire warned people against taking illicit drug, saying that most of the social vices such as kidnapping, Boko Haram activities and armed robbery were results of taking such drugs. He enjoined companies and individuals to desist from planting such drugs. On the impounded cars, the Custom Zone C boss said that the owners of the cars evaded paying legal duties on them and appealed to importers to always go to the ports or custom offices nearest to them to pay their duties. He said Nigeria had arable lands that people could plant rice, adding that the current government was doing all within its powers to encourage local rice production. Custom is ready anytime and anywhere to tackle smugglers. South South, South East is no more heaven for smugglers. No matter the system they use, we will fish them out. Nigerians find it difficult to comply with the law. The custom service is now in a new horison; officers are being motivated and trained, it is no more business as usual. The paragim has shifted and the officers are complying with it. Some people are not supporting Customs officers but what we are doing is for the benefit of all, he said. The comptroller solicited the help of the media in information dissemination on the negative impact of smuggling and the public in divulging useful and intelligent information that would assist the service do its work well. PAY ATTENTION: Download our mobile app to enjoy the latest news update Meanwhile, Legit.ng had reported that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Wednesday, November 7, said a man lost his life when Customs officials tried to intercept a military truck smuggled into the country through Ebute Community along Ilaro-Oja border town situated in Yewa-south local government area of Ogun state. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng: Same great journalism, upgraded for better service! INEC official at Abuja court - on Legit.ng TV Source: Legit.ng If you want the history of rebellion in Pennsylvania, grab a barstool. At least that's the strategy M. Diane McCormick takes in her new book "Well-Behaved Taverns Seldom Make History" (Sunbury Press), which explores Pennsylvania's defiant past, from the Revolutionary War up to Prohibition, through 12 taverns across the state. The "pub crawl through time" highlights two Lehigh Valley watering holes: The Tavern at the Sun Inn in Bethlehem and Two Rivers Brewing Co. in Easton. The 312-page book is available now, and McCormick will be signing it at the Tavern at the Sun Inn on Thursday, Nov. 29, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. It's no coincidence that insurrection often flowed through Pennsylvania's drinking establishments. Taverns served as community gathering places where lively chatter could turn to rebellious ideas, McCormick said. "People would get together, start griping and drinking, and the next thing you know they were grabbing pitchforks," she said. First built in 1758, the Sun Inn played a role in the country's original rebellion, The Revolutionary War. The establishment hosted key figures including George Washington, John Adams and Marquis de Lafayette, who recuperated at the inn after the Battle of Brandywine. Two Rivers Brewing Co.'s history, meanwhile, is a little less esteemed: Its "rebellion" was its rumored past life as a Prohibition-era speakeasy and brothel during Easton's "Sin City" days. But McCormick's visits to these places weren't just history lessons. She also got to appreciate how these historic spots have been rejuvenated. At the Tavern at the Sun Inn, which debuted in the historic building in 2016, she tried the "Lafayette," a beef sandwich with gruyere and horseradish cream, and sipped a gin cocktail. When she stopped into Two Rivers Brewing Co., she ordered the brewpub's signature peanut butter bacon cheddar burger, along with a house-brewed stout. There, she said she also saw firsthand how brewpubs were keeping alive the community-oriented tradition of Pennsylvania taverns. "They certainly embody an idea that a bar can be a place where families and communities come together," she said. Her travels across the state took her to bars with ties other chapters in the country's history, including the Underground Railroad at the Dobin House Inn in Gettysburg, Jean Bonnet Tavern in Bedford and Fries's Rebellion at McCoole's at the Red Lion Inn in Quakertown (whose story, coincidentally, also loops in the Sun Inn). "Pretty much every tavern owner I talked to stressed that they wanted to continue a tradition of hospitality," she said. "These proprietors are the stewards of history." Andrew Doerfler may be reached at adoerfler@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @adoerfler or on Facebook. A school district policy that allows teachers and other employees to carry firearms has met overwhelming criticism from parents. Parents questioned Tamaqua Area School District officials during a meeting Wednesday in Schuylkill County, the Morning Call reported. School board members passed the policy in a unanimous vote last month. The policy allows staffers to carry handguns in holsters after completing firearms and lethal weapons training. Parents opposing the policy believe there are safer, more affordable alternatives. They suggest the school hire part-time police officers or install a shooter detection system that alerts police. Critics think the district should also invest in preventative measures like mental health support and threat evaluations. They see the practices as long-term initiatives. "The goal of a prevention plan is not to stop an active shooter in the moment but to prevent a student from ever becoming one," said parent Jennifer Paisley. Fifteen-year-old Tamaqua Area High School sophomore Madelyn Jones was one of several students who shared their concerns about the new policy during the packed meeting. "I do not feel safe with teachers being the ones who protect us," Jones said. Joe Eaton leads an Ohio-based program called FASTER Saves Lives that trains school staff to respond to active shooters. Eaton acknowledged that school shootings are rare but highlighted the need to protect students. The Pennsylvania State Education Association opposes arming teachers and plans to conduct a legal review of Tamaqua's policy. School Board President Larry Wittig promised that the board will "look into everything people presented." A new unit to manage and rehabilitate high-risk and violent prisoners has opened at the prison complex in Portlaoise. The National Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) is being described as one of the most significant developments in recent years. Apart from taking a new approach to the management of violent prisoners, there will be additional safety features including the use of body cameras. More below picture Opening the unit the Laois TD and Minister for Justice & Equality Charlie Flanagan said it was a flagship unit. "The establishment of the unit marks a significant change in how the Irish Prison Service engages with those prisoners who represent the highest risk of violence to you our staff, to other prisoners and to our communities," he said. He said a key feature of the management structure of this Unit is the significantly enhanced role of the Psychology Service. As a result, this new Unit will be co-led by Assistant Governor Constantine Cazac and Senior Psychologist Dr Lucy Rowell. The Irish Prison Service says the unit will house the most challenging prisoners including those with a history of extreme violence towards other prisoners and staff. More below picture. The unit will be capable of housing six violently disruptive prisoners and up to a further four prisoners who will be admitted for the purpose of intensive assessment. The IPS says this is the first co-led unit of its kind in the Irish Prison Service and represents significant culture change. The IPS says unit contains a number of physical innovations which will allow prison staff to interact with prisoners without the need to use a technique called barrier handling in which the offender is surrounded by staff in personal protective equipment and carry shields for safety. The design has maximised the Prison Service's ability to have a drug free environment. This s particularly important with this prisoner cohort, given the possibility of drug-induced psychosis and resultant violent behaviour. The Unit has multiple areas where the prisoner may be out-of-cell, yet contained within distinct areas for therapeutic or educational activity, exercise or having visits (personal or legal). More below picture Additional safety features being trialled on the Unit include the use of concealed batons as standard issue for officers working on the unit. This decision is specific to this location and purpose and is in response to a comprehensive risk assessment conducted. In addition, the Irish Prison Service is trialling on a pilot basis, the use of individual body-worn cameras on the Unit. Such cameras are mandatory for officers deployed to the Unit. More below picture Speech by Charles Flanagan TD, Minister for Justice and Equality, Irish Prison Service Violence Reduction Unit, Midlands Prison, Friday, November 9 I am delighted to join you today and I want to thank the Director-General, Michael Donnellan, for inviting me to visit the new National Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) and to meet with those of you who will manage and operate it. Like many of you I have monitored the progress of this flagship project and I am delighted that after much work in planning, construction and the training of staff, we are now in a position to open. This is one of the most significant developments to occur within the Prison Service in many years. I recognise that you have volunteered to transfer to work on this Unit. I wish also to recognise your dedication and commitment to the Irish Prison Service, to your colleagues and to the public who as a result of your work will live in safer communities. You have undergone extensive training to prepare you for your role on this Unit and your work is greatly valued and appreciated by me and my colleagues in Government. The establishment of the Unit marks a significant change in how the Irish Prison Service engages with those prisoners who represent the highest risk of violence to you our staff, to other prisoners and to our communities. Its operation of the unit is grounded in best international practice and has due regard for our obligations under European Human Rights Law. The new approach aims to meet each prisoners complex needs, through improving their psychological health, their wellbeing, and their behaviour in a centre of excellence operated by you our highly motivated, highly trained and highly competent staff. This is first and foremost a rehabilitative unit, where prisoners will benefit from a purposeful regime and are supported to address their challenging behaviour with a clear focus and emphasis on progression and re-integration. While operational and security factors will always be very important in a prison environment, a key feature of the management structure of this Unit is the significantly enhanced role of the Psychology Service. As a result, this new Unit will be co-led by Assistant Governor Constantine Cazac and Senior Psychologist Dr Lucy Rowell with equal importance placed on both operational and psychological factors. This new approach is intrinsic to the ethos of the Unit and the basis for the decision making process. All prisoners located here will be managed in accordance with an individual Case Management Plan. This plan will be continuously updated through intensive structured engagement and developed in a multi-disciplinary environment. Prisoners will be provided with the opportunity to develop non-violent coping strategies through careful selection, security, and intervention strategies. They will be provided with direction, clarity, transparency and support so that they take full responsibility for their actions. The key component in how a prisoner progresses from initial containment to rehabilitation is the engagement and interaction they will have with you the staff, with the services in general and with their assigned Personal Officer in particular. Staff at all levels are encouraged and expected to develop a personal approach with the prisoners on the unit. Working on the unit will be a challenging experience for you all, notwithstanding the training, support and supervision that also marks this Unit out as unique. However, I expect that this experience will also be highly rewarding and I would like to thank you again for stepping forward, for volunteering to work in this new Unit. Breaking the cycle of offending is critical to reducing crime and protecting the public I have acknowledged on many occasions the ongoing reforms introduced by the Irish Prison Service especially rehabilitative initiatives designed to protect the public and make Irish society safer. I am confident that as a national centre of excellence, with expert and highly motivated, trained staff, this new Unit will prove to be a key resource for the organisation from the outset. I would like to wish you every success as you work on our behalf to make our society and communities safer. More than 450 men and women are expected to have completed some or all of their training as prison officers in the three years to the end of 2019, according to the Irish Prison Service. Apart from catching up with the recruitment freeze during the crash, the new recruits are needed to keep pace with expected retirements. Twenty of the new recruits passed out at the Brian Stack Training College in Portlaoise this week according to the service which also confirmed that 192 officers completed phase 1 of their training in 2018. The Service said 85 officers qualified in 2017 and up to 200 are expected to complete their training next year. The ramping up of recruitment follows a freeze on the hiring and training of prison offers imposed during the economic crash. Laois TD and Minister for Justice was present at the passing out of the 6th class to complete training in 2018 when he also opened a multi-million euro overhaul of the training college. "This is important as we seek to return staffing levels in our prisons to their authorised numbers and it will allow scope for the Service to keep pace with expected retirements," he said. MORE BELOW Speech by Mr. Charles Flanagan, TD, Minister for Justice and Equality, at Irish Prison Service Recruit Prison Officer Passing Out Ceremony Director General, invited guests and of course, the new staff of the Irish Prison Service and their families. I am delighted to be here in Portlaoise for this special and important occasion. Its a day of celebration for you and your family, marking as it does, the successful completion of the first phase of your training, which included, I know, a 12-week comprehensive training programme based between this College and the West Dublin College. And I believe you also had practical experience in the Midlands Prison, Arbour Hill, Dochas Centre and Shelton Abbey. This is a major milestone in your lives, the beginning of what I hope will be a long and rewarding career in the Irish Prison Service. You are the 6th class of 2018 to pass out from the IPS College and you are part of the recruitment drive which will see, by the end of this year, a total of 192 new Recruit Prison Officers, joining the Service. This is important as we seek to return staffing levels in our prisons to their authorised numbers and it will allow scope for the Service to keep pace with expected retirements. The Irish Prison Service is making a significant investment in its staff with the enhancement and development of training facilities to support recruitment. A new satellite training college, which has doubled the capacity to train new officers, has opened in the West Dublin Campus. That, in addition to this fine facility, which I had the pleasure of officially opening earlier today, is evidence of the commitment the Irish Prison Service has made to support the training and development of all prison staff. You, of course, will continue your training by completing the remodelled Higher Certificate in Custodial Care. It has been co-designed and is being co-delivered by Waterford Institute of Technology and Im sure the learning from it will provide you with the knowledge and information you need to do what is a very diverse and challenging job. And of course, your learning will be enhanced by actual experience gained while working alongside experienced officers in our prisons. The programme will teach you what it means to be a prison officer. It will give you the skills, knowledge and competencies to work with the people in your care. It will show you how to relate to those around you including not only the offenders in your care but your colleagues who stand with you and support you. It will teach you about professionalism and the valued contribution you will make to society. And it will instil in you the values of the Irish Prison Service namely - Teamwork, Integrity, Potential, Support and Safety. Your work is challenging and important. In many respects, it goes unseen by the wider community, but that does not mean it is unrecognised. You enhance public safety by both holding prisoners securely and by providing care and rehabilitation. You have the potential to make a real difference in the lives of prisoners and their families. And you will have the greatest impact on prisoner behaviour by developing the ability to interact positively. Prison officers influence every day through their engagement, behaviour, language, listening skills, attitudes and behaviours. Prison Officers work in a potentially stressful environment. They encounter conflict and distress. There are many key competencies required for the role - you will need to develop the ability to direct others, to support others, to show conscientiousness, adaptability, and communication skills. However, you will also need resilience and to be able to manage your own stress and emotions. I want to reassure you that the Irish Prison Service will provide you with the support and skills to help you maintain good emotional and more importantly good mental health. So, good luck on a path which will sometimes be challenging, but will always be worthwhile and I hope rewarding. And as I wish you well, can I also, finally, take the opportunity to thank your families and indeed all families of prison officers for their continued support. That support is absolutely vital. Our officers are sometimes faced with stressful situations as they deal with extremely vulnerable people on a daily basis. These situations and experiences are not something that can be easily left behind when they leave the prison, but it is where you, their families, can help most, by providing the ongoing support, acceptance and understanding of the complex role of a Prison Officer. I wish you all well and every success for the future. The families of prison officers are an 'absolutely vital support' according to Laois TD and Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan. Speaking at the Irish Prison Service Brian Stack Training College in Portlaoise Minister Flanagan praised new and serving officers. "Your work is challenging and important. In many respects it goes unseen by the wider community, but that does not mean it is unrecognised. You enhance public safety by both holding prisoners securely and by providing care and rehabilitation. You have the potential to make a real difference in the lives of prisoners and their families. He said new recruits have the greatest impact on prisoner behaviour by developing the ability to interact positively. "Prison officers influence every day through their engagement, behaviour, language, listening skills, attitudes and behaviours," he said. Minister Flanagan had a special word of praise for families. "Can I also, finally, take the opportunity to thank your families and indeed all families of prison officers for their continued support. That support is absolutely vital. Our officers are sometimes faced with stressful situations as they deal with extremely vulnerable people on a daily basis. "These situations and experiences are not something that can be easily left behind when they leave the prison, but it is where you, their families, can help most, by providing the ongoing support, acceptance and understanding of the complex role of a prison officer," he said. He said prison officers work in a potentially stressful environment where they encounter conflict and distress but he encouraged new recruits. "There are many key competencies required for the role - you will need to develop the ability to direct others, to support others, to show conscientiousness, adaptability, and communication skills. "However, you will also need resilience and to be able to manage your own stress and emotions. I want to reassure you that the Irish Prison Service will provide you with the support and skills to help you maintain good emotional and more importantly good mental health," he said. Minister Flanagan officially opened the refurbished and expanded training college and new unit for violent prisoners. Birthday wishes Call 281-422-8302 or email david.bloom@baytownsun.com to wish someone a happy birthday. We will print your birthday wish on Page 2 of The Sun. Happy Birthday Wishes A new 7million refurbishment at the Irish Prison Service college in Portlaoise was officially opened on Friday by Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan who also visited the new National Violence Reduction Unit inside Midlands Prison. Minister Flanagan was on the prison grounds in Portlaoise on Friday to officially open the new 7million refurbishment to the prison officer training college. Every prison officer in the country, including new recruits and existing staff, will train at the college in Portlaoise. The extensive refurbishment has modernised the former building and added new facilities where prison officers will train. It includes a new 850 square metre extension, new reception area, library, five meeting rooms, offices and study booths. In addition, the project included the complete renovation and modernisation of the existing building including the refurbishment of the 53 self-contained bedrooms, the staff restaurant and the provision of new locker rooms and a staff gym. Minister @CharlieFlanagan meeting members of Irish Prison Service pipe band at Midlands Prison. There today to open the newly refurbished training college, preside over the passing out ceremony of new recruits and visit the new violence reduction unit which is due to open soon. pic.twitter.com/XbCfc0dbwT Department of Justice & Equality (@DeptJusticeIRL) November 9, 2018 Minister for Justice and Equality, Charlie Flanagan, spoke at the official opening of the new facility. "Support for staff was one of the key strategic objectives included in the current Irish Prison Service Strategic Plan. "Ensuring that staff are supported at all levels is indeed vitally important and that support includes the provision of world-class training facilities. "And so, the importance of the IPS College in Portlaoise cannot be overestimated. Each new recruit who reports for duty with the Irish Prison Service, beginning, we hope, a long career as a prison officer, will walk through the doors of Brian Stack House on their very first day. "It is vital that they see, through the provision of these modern facilities here in Portlaoise, that this is an organisation that values its staff, which supports its staff, and is willing to invest in its staff. "The project represents an almost 7 million investment by the Irish Prison Service in our prison staff and in their future but it has provided us with a facility that will serve the Irish Prison Service well for many years to come," Minister Flanagan said. Read Minister Charlie Flanagan's full speech below: "Director General Michael Donnellan, Governor David Clarke, invited guests, colleagues, "I am delighted to join with you here today to perform the official opening of the refurbished and extended Irish Prison Service College in Portlaoise. "It is of course going to be known as Brian Stack House, in honour of the late Chief Officer Brian Stack and in that regard I am really pleased to see that members of the Stack family, including Brians wife Sheila, are with us today thank you for coming; you are all very welcome. "I want to talk about this fine facility, but first, I wish to pay tribute to Michael Donnellan, our outgoing Director General of the Irish Prison Service. I want to acknowledge his contribution to the Service and to citizens of this State, both over the past 7 years as Head of the IPS, and throughout a distinguished career in the public service. "Michael, since my appointment as Minister, I have witnessed your progressive and compassionate approach first hand as you have led a significant culture change in the penal system. "In addition you have delivered vast infrastructural and rehabilitative improvements to the prison environment and have championed a joined up approach to the management of offenders. "Your achievements have been recognised internationally and we were all proud when you were awarded the International Corrections and Prisons Associations Head of Service Award last year. You will be missed by all your colleagues in the criminal justice system and I wish you all the best with what I am sure will be an exciting next chapter for you. "Support forstaff was one of the key strategic objectives included in the current Irish Prison Service Strategic Plan. "Ensuring that staff are supported at all levels is indeed vitally important and that support includes provision of world class training facilities "And so, the importance of the IPS College in Portlaoise cannot be overestimated. Each new recruit who reports for duty with the Irish Prison Service, beginning, we hope, a long career as a prison officer, will walk through the doors of Brian Stack House on their very first day. "It is vital that they see, through the provision of these modern facilities here in Portlaoise, that this is an organisation that values its staff, which supports its staff, and is willing to invest in its staff. "The IPS College is a flagship building for the organisation and is the location most visited by policy makers and other stakeholders. "Many agencies within the criminal justice system use this facility for their training. Staff from the Probation Service, the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service and an Garda Siochana are here routinely. "In addition, Brian Stack House is where the Service has staged national conferences and events and has hosted delegations from Europe and beyond. "So it is well used. Indeed over the past 2 years 250 new prison staff have commenced their training in this facility and I will have the pleasure of meeting the most recent class who have their passing out ceremony later today. "Being a prison officer is a challenging job and the training received in this college in areas such as human rights; criminology, ethics, health and safety and law prepares our officers for the many challenges that they will face as they serve in our countrys prisons. "I have just had the opportunity to view the works, which commenced in June 2017. "These include the additional facilities provided by the very impressive 850 square metre extension. I have seen the new reception area, and also the new library, 5 new meeting rooms, offices and study booths. In addition, the project included the complete renovation and modernisation of the existing building including the refurbishment of the 53 self-contained bedrooms, the staff restaurant and the provision of new locker rooms and a staff gym. "It was a major undertaking, but its successful conclusion ensures that the IPS College reflects the organisations ethos as modern, innovative and dynamic. "I would like to acknowledge the work of the project team in delivering this impressive facility. I would also like to thank the main contractors, PJ Hegarty & Sons and the lead sub-contractor Doyle Construction. "The project represents an almost 7 million investment by the Irish Prison Service in our prison staff and in their future but it has provided us with a facility that will serve the Irish Prison Service well for many years to come. "And we are not just investing here this year, in addition to the refurbishment in Portlaoise, we also saw the opening of a second training centre in West Dublin. "This again, is evidence of the Irish Prison Services commitment to providing top class training facilities for its staff. "I think its important to note too, the recent and considerable investment made by the Service to modernise living conditions for prisoners. "That also means the modernisation of working conditions for staff, and of course these important improvements to the working environment have been further enhanced by recent investment in supports for prison staff including the introduction of initiatives such as the 24/7 counselling service. "The Prison Service is committed to ensuring that all staff feel safe and supported in their working environment. Earlier today I visited the new National Violence Reduction Unit in the Midlands Prison and met with the staff who will be based there. "The establishment of the Unit marks a significant change in how the Irish Prison Service engages with those prisoners who represent the highest risk of violence to staff, to other prisoners and to our communities. "This new approach will make the prison environment safer for all those who work and live in it. Its aim is to meet each prisoners complex needs, through improving their psychological health, their wellbeing, and their behaviour in a centre of excellence operated by you our highly motivated, highly trained and highly competent staff. "To conclude I wish to again thank all those who have been involved in delivering this ambitious project. I would like to acknowledge Governor Clarke and all the team based in the IPS College for your contribution to the Irish Prison Service and for your patience and flexibility during this project. I wish you - and all those who report for training - well in this new accommodation. The possibility of a second bridge for Celbridge has moved a step closer according to Kildare TD, Frank O'Rourke. Read also: Maynooth Housing Action gets set for launch next week He confirmed Kildare County Council has been requested to seek funding for a preliminary project appraisal for a second bridge crossing in the town. This application was completed and lodged yesterday with the Department of Transport. He said this is positive progress on a very important project for Celbridge which is long overdue. Since I got elected, I have made repeated representations, and met with Minister Ross, to secure funding for the construction of a ring road including the construction of a Second Bridge for Celbridge. I have also worked to have the funding secured for the Maynooth ring road and the completion of the Clane ring road," he said. He said the application was "a concrete step in the right direction. We also have a preferred option to assist the traffic management and increase capacity at the exiting Liffey Bridge. The main and substantial proposal in this option is the construction of a boardwalk on the Bank of Ireland and McNames's side of the bridge to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists to cross the current Liffey bridge. It is also proposed that Traffic be prevented from turning up the Hazelhatch road in an effort to alleviate traffic delays and congestion. He said the existing footpath will also be removed, which would give greater width, and capacity, for traffic to negotiate crossing the bridge. More street demonstrations are to take place by residents in Sallins and Kill angry over the dangers posed by traffic travelling through both towns. At a public meeting in Sallins last night residents of the town were urged to march on Kildare County Councils offices in a bid to get traffic calming measures provided by the council. There was also a call to stage demonstrations with the aim of slowing down heavy lorries travelling to and from the Sallins bypass construction site. Residents also called for a more visible presence by the gardai, especially in Sallins. The meeting, called and chaired by resident and Fianna Fail TD James Lawless, was attended by three gardai, who said more attention would be given to the problems in Sallins. The meeting was attended by the mother of Dane Loakman, whose death almost a year ago sparked called for traffic calming measures. On November 2, a 51 year old local woman was hospitalised with serious injuries having been struck by a car at the Naas end of the town. A family representative said that while the family wanted traffic calming measures they bore no ill will whatsoever towards the driver of the car, acknowledging that everybody makes mistakes. He said the family wished to thank the community their support. Dep. Lawless said that there are high traffic volumes coming through Sallins and sometimes at high speeds. He added that while the by-pass will be a positive development there is no guarantee this will solve the speeding problems because drivers will then have a clear run. The meeting heard that apart from two fatalities and the most recent accident, there have been many documented and undocumented near misses and the attendance signed a petition demanding road safety and traffic calming measures. Sgt. Michael Keevans said that a pedestrian crossing with ramps is needed and he urged the community to shout loud" for these. He also said that authorities had decided to take away the garda speed van a year ago. This means that speeding is monitored by GoSafe vans and while the gardai can make recommendations about where these should operate, this a matter for the company. (There was criticism that the GoSafe van is deployed at St. Brigid's Terrace rather than Castlefen). Sgt. Keevans said the gardai have to police 3,500 kms of road in Co. Kildare. He said a pedestrian crossing should have been provided many years ago in Sallins. Diana Maynard, who was involved in the initiating the Kill protests said these would continue to take place to slow down traffic every Friday. These have held up traffic and upset a lot of people but we did nothing wrong and well continue, she said. Cllr. Carmel Kelly said Sallins is not on Kildare County Council's priority list for traffic calming. She said KCC had costed flashing lights at the entrance to the village at 6,000. She said speed limit signs at the entrance should be replaced with signs reading Slow Entering Village. Bill Clear of Naas Access Group, which campaigns for better awareness for disabled people and the elderly, said KCCs focus is to keep the traffic moving and this means traffic goes faster. He said that the roads are too wide and the footpaths too narrow, adding that residents should march on the council offices. Sallins Community Council chair Fergus Carpenter said its road safety group has met six times since February as well as with KCC, which acknowledges the dangers but has insufficient money or staff. He said KCC estimated the total cost of a comprehensive safety plan for Sallins at 4-5m. He also said he did not expect the council to provide a pedestrian crossing at Castlefen. Money needs to be found for road safety in Sallins and its about the councillors, he said. . A priest has told the Court that he was convinced that a woman convicted of a trespass crime could not have done it. After evidence had been heard in the case of the 57 year Wexford woman, Fr Pearse McLoughlin arrived in Court. He went over to greet the defendant and was taken to task by Judge Desmond Zaidan. Following over an hour of evidence the woman was jailed for eleven months after she was found guilty of trespassing at a house in Blessington on April 11 2017. Josephine Connors, 1 Ryland Wood, Bunclody, Wexford, denied to the Court that she was the woman involved in trespass at the home of Thomas Bird at Suncroft House, Blessington. She has appealed the sentence. Thomas Bird told the Court that around 6.30pm on the day, he saw a woman and a child whom he believed was around 12 years old, near the house and he went to see if they were lost. The woman, who was wearing a scarf, asked if the girl could see his dog. He obliged and he followed them into the house. He said he was a bit nervous with the dog as the child bent down. He saw the woman going in behind him and put her hand in a handbag belonging to his girlfriend's daughter. He asked what the f...k she was doing? She made a run for the door. There was a struggle, he said. Mr Bird said he could not identify the woman. His girlfriend, Laura Kavanagh told how she heard Mr Bird shouting and came into the kitchen. She said the scarf fell off the women and she saw her face. She identified her in the courtroom as the defendant. Ms Kavnagh also enabled a picture of a likeness of the defendant's face to be produced via computer by Garda experts. She later identified Ms Connors in an identity parade. Ms Kavanagh was certain it was Ms Connors, adding that the woman hadn't got good teeth. I got a good look, she said. Garda Dan Whelan, from Bunclody, said that the computer generated ID was circulated and Ms Connors, whom he knew 12/13 years, was identified. He told Conal Boyce, solicitor, he never dealt with her as a suspect in that time. Ms Connors emphatically denied it was her. I never robbed in my life, she said. I am not going to admit to something I did not do. She said she had come up from Bunclody, making trips to pick up two of her sisters. At first they dropped her son to Dublin Airport, travelling via the M50, and they then went to Crumlin and Temple Street Hospital where a niece of hers had to go with a sick baby. Two of Ms Connor's sisters and the niece also gave evidence of the defendant's movement that day saying she was with them at the hospitals and airport. No CCTV evidence of that journey was produced in Court. Garda Inspector Oliver Henry said Ms Connors had no convictions of this sort before. Fr McLoughlin (68) arrived in Court after evidence was given. She wouldn't rob anybody. It has to be a mistake, he said. Judge Zaidan said Ms Kavanagh's evidence was compelling. Two more men were arrested by Gardai this afternoon, Friday, November 9, investigating the death of 34-year-old Nurney dad David Boland during an incident on Duke Street, Athy, a week ago. The two men, both aged in their 20s, were arrested in Athy by Gardai investigating the case. They are currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 in Kildare and Newbridge Garda Stations. This brings to four the number of people arrested to date as part of this ongoing investigation. Calvin Cullen, aged 20, from Greenhills, in Athy, was last Sunday charged before a special sitting of Naas District Court with murder in connection with Mr Boland's death. He was further remanded on Thursday to appear back before the court on November 22, for the service of a Book of Evidence. Another man, in his late twenties, was arrested and released without charge. A file will be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions in his case. The deceased man was laid to rest in Nurney on Thursday. Sligo University Hospital is holding a Bereavement Information and Awareness Event in the main foyer of the hospital on Tuesday 13 November from 10.30am to 3pm. The event is open to members of the public and staff of the hospital. Ann Hayes is the End of Life Care Co-ordinator at the hospital and the Bereavement Information and Awareness Event organiser. She said, We will all face the loss of a loved one or friend at some point in our lives. Grief is a natural response to loss and it is all right to be sad. Sometimes people get stuck with their grief and may need a helping hand. At our Bereavement Information and Awareness Event we are bringing together representatives from some of the many organisations who provide support. There will be representatives from the hospitals Social Work Department; the Irish Hospice Foundation, Feileacain (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Association of Ireland), the Samaritans, Pieta House, the Alzheimer Society of Ireland, St Michaels Family Life Centre and the HSEs Bereavement Counsellor among others. Other organisations which wont be able to send a representative, have sent support material to distribute on the day and these include Barnardos, Anam Cara (supporting parents after bereavement), First Light and Embrace Farm (Farm accident support network). This is the third year that we are holding a Bereavement Information and Awareness Event in the hospital. Feedback from the organisations taking part and from the visitors has been very positive. The event takes place on Tuesday 13 November and all are welcome! Donal O Kelly: Bat the Father, Rabbit the Son comes to The Dock on Wednesday, November 21. To celebrate 30 years since its premiere, Donal O'Kelly is touring his award-winning play Bat the Father Rabbit the Son. First presented by Rough Magic for the Dublin Theatre Festival in 1988. Irish artist Robert Ballagh designed the original set and costumes. Bat has toured to New York, Chicago, London, Edinburgh, Australia and New Zealand. Donal O Kelly: Bat the Father, Rabbit the Son will be at the Dock Arts Centre in Carrick on Shannon on Wed 21st November. I dont know where Rabbit sprang from. I wrote him as a character based on hundreds I saw in loud pinstripe suits running Dublin in the 80s. The self-made men who, instead of recognizing the obstacles they overcame and working out ways of reducing them for others, pretended their success proved no such class obstacles existed. Donal OKelly is a writer and actor. His much-travelled solo plays include the award-winning Catalpa (Edinburgh Fringe First, London Time Out Critics Choice, Best Event Melbourne International Festival), Bat The Father Rabbit The Son (Best Writer and Best Actor nominations Irish Theatre Awards), and Jimmy Joyced! (Best Actor nomination Irish Theatre Awards). He has twice been awarded an Irish Arts Council literature bursary, and in 1999 was awarded the Irish American Cultural Institute Butler Literary Award. He is co-director of Benbo Productions (formerly Donal O'Kelly Productions), which he set up in 2000. He was a founder and for ten years until 2003 a director of Calypso Productions, and he is an associate director of the peace and justice organisation Afri. In 2007 he was elected to Aosdana. Thirty years later, Im doing it all again. And it doesnt feel like a nostalgia trip. The bank bailout and our deliberate impoverishment as a citizenry is rooted in the mindset of that 80s generation the sons of the founding fathers of the state. It's Dublin in the 1980s. Rabbit is a self-made haulage magnate. But something's wrong. He cuts a deal with his underling Keogh to help him find his lost moorings. The quest is hampered by his dead father Bat, Citizen Army volunteer and pawn shop assistant, bubbling up. The struggle spans Dublin and is an explosive exposition of the generation of Irish men that led us to Boom and Bust. 'Bat the Father, Rabbit the Son' is more pertinent than ever. Their voyage out of Howth and up the River Liffey builds to a climax described by The Guardian as one of the strongest dramatic conclusions Ive ever seen. Donal OKellys relentlessly engaging script and impressive performance is awash with subtle hints at exposition and backstory amongst Rabbits bluster and declaration, while making room for irreverent and mischievous storytelling throughout. OKelly is a virtuoso at one-hander plays, having scooped another Fringe First Award, in 2013, for Fionnuala, which is about the Corrib Gas controversy. Bat the Father, Rabbit the Son is a must see, an irrepressible feat of storytelling that explores the relationship between father and son, and past and present with insight, humour and verve. Tickets for this performance of Donal O Kelly: Bat the Father, Rabbit the Son are 16 /14 and available now on 0719650828 or at www.theock.ie A CLOSE family member of the late Aengus Gussie Shanahan, who will be delivering the homily at his Funeral Mass this weekend, has said his message will be that the impossible is possible for those with a missing loved one. After an 18-year search, the Shanahans are now able to say their final farewell to Gussie, who will be buried with his late mother Nancy this Saturday afternoon. Gussie, aged 20, was reported missing in February 2000, and his partial remains were discovered on a small island in Bunratty in October 2001. However, it was not until this year that gardai were able to match Gussies DNA to the remains. His Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Rosary Church on the Ennis Road, the same church where his mothers farewell ceremony took place in 2016. Gussies cousin, Fr Aquinas Duffy, will deliver the homily this Saturday. He told the Limerick Leader this week that his message will be that the impossible is possible and never to give up hope. At the moment, there are just so many families who have been watching this case now, and wondering are they next? We were like that, too. Every time there is a remains found, people are all on edge. You might see a little piece in the paper that there is a partial remains found and it means nothing to people. But for every family in Ireland who have a missing person, every single one of them are on edge, waiting to see is it their loved one. Fr Duffy explained this week: The Shanahans have had so many false dawns down through the years, in terms of where remains were found, including, indeed in 2001, when that partial remains was found. And then when you read about a family actually having the remains identified, there is a whole load of emotions that go through because you just hope that thats going to happen for you as well. He said even though it will be very difficult during the Mass, he is delighted to be able to have this opportunity now and, finally, he can be buried with his mother. Meanwhile, gardai are investigating the circumstances su Gussie, of Ashbrook, Ennis Road, was last seen at Old School House Lane, near Barrington Street, after 10.30pm on February 11, 2,000. Anyone with information is asked to contact Roxboro Road garda station at 061 214340, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111. Gussie is the beloved son of Bob and the late Nancy, adored brother of Roibeard and sisters Grainne and Reiltin, brothers-in-law Gordon and David, sister-in-law Edwina, nephews Conor, Jack and Dylan and nieces Emily and Annie, extended family and friends. THREE Limerick companies have appeared in a prestigious technology ranking put together by Deloitte. Raheen firm Asystec is joined by Plasseys Action Point and Rathkeale company Design Pro Automation in the annual Deloitte Fast 50 countdown, which recognises some of Irelands top tech set-ups. Of the three, DesignPro Automation ranks the highest, in 19th spot, with Asystec 23rd and Action Point Innovation in 34th place. Now in their 19th year, the chart ranks Irelands fastest growing technology companies and recognise indigenous technology companies that have demonstrated exceptional growth in turnover in the last four years. David Shanahan, a partner with Deloitte congratulated all 50 companies. He said: We know that these companies are operating in an uncertain international marketplace. And yet they are prospering against this backdropin fact, it was particularly evident this year that the vast majority of revenues for the ranking companies are coming from export markets. This demonstrates the impact Irish indigenous tech companies are having in global markets. Founded by Les Byrne and Brendan McPhillips, Asystec design solutions to help its clients identify, secure and manage their key data assets within their organisation. Action Point, meanwhile, also provide technology services in IT infrastructure, systems and support. And Design Pro provides precision automation and machine build services. Elsewhere, Annacotty medical devices firm Class Medical has been crowned Best Early Stage company at the InterTradeIreland Seedcorn Investor Readiness competition. The firm won 20,000 as a consequence. It will now progress to the all-island final of the competition which will take place on Thursday, November 22 in Belfast. One of Irelands most bizarre murders, which occurred in County Limerick in 1924, is to be featured in an anthology of Irish murders. On August 5, 1925 Annie Walshe was the first and only woman to be executed by the Irish state, after she and her nephew-in-law Michael Tablot were found guilty of brutally murdering her husband Edward Walshe in Carnane, Fedamore. The killing of the 60-year-old is considered to be one of the most unusual mariticides ever in Ireland. That is according to author Allen Foster, who has published a book entitled Fosters Book of Irish Murder, which details some of the most intriguingly unusual and gruesome murders dating back to 1741. It is plain to see that Ireland has had more than its fair share of strange murders in the past three centuries. It is no exaggeration to say that one of the most unusual tragedies occurred in County Limerick, he said. Despite both wife and nephew blaming each other for the murder of Edward Walshe, and one claiming that he was shot in a field, gardai concluded their investigations that the two accomplices bludgeoned the innocent man with a hatchet. After Judge Hanna ordered execution at the Central Criminal Court in July, 1925, Annie left the courthouse shouting: I swear to Almighty God I did not do it. THE WINNERS of Strictly Legal Eagles had a key exhibit they failed to disclose to other competitors a Leonard Cohen hat. Solicitors, Ger ONeill and Elizabeth Walsh took home the top prize in the charity dancing competition featuring 20 from Limerick Solicitors Bar Association, barristers of the South Western Circuit, Courts Service staff and the Law faculty in UL. The adjudicators were current Limerick judges, Mary Larkin and Marian OLeary, and former judge, Aeneas McCarthy. The jovial judges were as fair in the South Court as they are in Limerick District Court. Judge OLeary jokingly chided Derek Walsh, who thought up Strictly Legal Eagles, over his red flouncy, ruffled latin shirt. Dont wear that in court! Judge OLeary told Mr Walsh, who with Ita Barrett worked their hips in a sassy Samba. In the OJ Simpson trial, his lawyer Johnnie Cochran famously said, If the glove dont fit you must acquit. Mr ONeills secret weapon was the hat. Ms Walsh said they borrowed the Leonard Cohen hat from a college friend, Colman Bermingham. I told Ger once he put on the Leonard Cohen hat that it unlocked his musicality and he never looked back after that. He channeled his inner Leonard Cohen, said Ms Walsh. It worked a treat as they were deemed the winners. We all unleashed our inner divas so I dont know how we are going to put them back in the box. I dont know how we are going to go back to wearing ordinary clothes after all the bling and diamante, said Ms Walsh, who described it as fantastic experience. It didnt matter who won. It was the experience of the journey it was brilliant. There was tremendous collegiality and tremendous fun and memories for a life time, said Ms Walsh. As money is still coming in the final amount isnt set in stone but over 20,000 will be divided between Childrens Grief Centre and Mid-Western Cancer Foundation. Mr ONeill said three of the 10 couples had been touched by cancer in their families. We were doing it for them as part of the team because you do build a bond. We would have been delighted if any of the three won because it would have been ideal, said Mr ONeill, who danced the Argentine tango with Ms Walsh. She was absolutely brilliant. I was so lucky to have such a brilliant partner. As far as I was concerned it was about survival, it wasnt about trying to win. When you volunteer you say it will be a bit of a craic. As you go along it is just fear and then excitement kicks in. You do work hard, you know you are putting on a show for people who are paying a lot of money. You are under a fair bit of pressure but thanks be to God everyone performed, said Mr ONeill. The solicitor said, It is one of the most rewarding and exciting things you could ever do in your life. It is an absolutely fantastic thrill. I cant dance really at all but I learned to dance and I will never be on stage dancing ever again laughed Mr ONeill. Strictly Legal Eagles was the brainchild of Derek Walsh, Limerick Solicitors Bar Association secretary. He said Mr ONeill and Ms Walsh were deservedly crowned the winners. It was an unprecedented event for the Limerick legal community and became the talk of the town in the weeks coming up to the show. The event garnered great support with 800 tickets sold in all. The ten couples were put through their paces by the supremely talented Bridget Harte, of Shall We Dance, and kept further on their toes by the organising committee of Niamh White, Rachel Meehan, Maria Riordan, who dedicated an incredible amount of work into putting the final touches together for the show, said Mr Walsh. He said the nervous energy backstage on Thursday night was palpable as the function room quickly began to fill and the atmosphere was electric. The dancers impeccably channelled this into putting on a wonderful show for all present, including Aeneas McCarthy, Marian OLeary and Judge Mary Larkin, who we were delighted to welcome as special guest judges, said Mr Walsh. Conveyancing and litigation must seem very dull this week after the glamour of last week but the money raised will help the two charities for years. LIMERICK Youre a Lady was sung loudly as the coffin carrying the remains of hurling legend Leonard Enright was carried from the Church of the Blessed Virgin, Patrickswell following his funeral Mass on Monday. Hundreds of mourners from the worlds of GAA and politics attended the funeral to pay their final respects to the 65-year-old, who was inducted into the GAA Hall of Fame earlier this year. Leonard, who previously served on the old Limerick County Council died at Milford Hospice on Friday following a lengthy illness. The village of Patrickswell came to a standstill as the local community paid a final tribute to the All-Star hurler who won eight county titles with his club as well as National League and Munster titles with Limerick. Members of Patrickswell GAA club past and present attended the funeral and formed a guard of honour as the coffin carrying Leonards remains was carried from the Church of the Blessed Virgin. Members of the All-Ireland winning team, including team captain Declan Hannon, attended and Patrickswell clubmen Cian Lynch, Diarmaid Byrnes and Aaron Gillane helped shoulder the coffin to the local cemetery. Prominent GAA figures from across the country including Cyril Farrell (Galway), Brian Cody (Kilkenny) and legendary RTE broadcaster Micheal O Muircheartaigh were also in attendance along with several politicians some of whom served with Leonard Enright during his time on Limerick County Council. The Mayor of Limerick City and County Council, Cllr James Collins, represented the local authority at the funeral Mass having chaired a special meeting earlier in the day at which a formal vote of sympathy was passed. A moments silence was held in the Gaelic Grounds prior to Na Piarsaighs Munster club semi-final against Clonoulty-Rossmore on Sunday. The county champions also wore black armbands. The president of the GAA, John Horan was among those who paid tribute to Leonard Enright. Over a long and distinguished career, Leonard Enright was an outstanding hurler for Limerick and for Patrickswell, a fantastic performer who led by example, he said, Gifts presented during Mondays funeral Mass included a hurley and sliothar; a crossword puzzle, a family photograph and a freshly pulled pint of Guinness, which generated applause from the congregation as it was brought to the altar by Leonards good friend Phil Sullivan. In his homily, Fr Michael Cussen said Leonard Enright was a never a man for too many words and was unassuming in his ways. There is huge sadness at his loss, he told mourners adding there is also a sense of relief that his suffering has come to an end. While not perfect, he said Leonard was a special person who touched the hearts of many people. Saint Leonard would not ring a bell in our hearts but Leonard who was, and who forever will be, special touched all our hearts. Addressing mourners, Leonards brother-in-law PJ OGrady, said he was a sportsman and a gentleman supreme who can now rightly be called a legend. Outside of sport, he was a great father, a great husband, a great grandfather and he loved all his kids, he added. PJ said Leonard had passed away shortly after Fridays All-Stars were announced on TV and tributes paid to him in a video montage marking his induction to the Hall of Fame. We were all watching them very few people knew that Leonard was fighting for his life at that stage. There was a television inside in the room with all the family watching the programme and no sooner was it over Leonard passed away nice and peacefully, he said. Following the funeral Mass, Leonard Enright was laid to rest at St Mary's new cemetery in Patrickswell. His coffin was shouldered from the main road by friends, family, fellow clubmen and three of Limericks All Ireland heroes. He is survived by his wife Birdie and children Alan, Thomas, David and Mary. CHAIRMAN of Limerick ICMSA, Tom Blackburn, described the fraud in which a farmer was scammed out of over 1,000 as despicable and low. A Garryspillane farmer was scammed out of over 1,000 after he saw an online advert for round bales of hay. He contacted the person and paid the money into the sellers bank account before the hay was delivered. The bales of hay never arrived. Gardai checked out the sellers address and it, or the seller, does not exist. The mobile phone is turned off and the cash has been removed from the account. Mr Blackburn said that in the atmosphere where fodder was widely expected to be scarce later this year and into 2019, that it was particularly dispiriting to see decent farmers just trying to get fodder for their animals deliberately targeted and swindled in this fashion. Unfortunately, this kind of despicable and low fraud perpetrated on a farmer trying to source fodder for his animals is just symptomatic of the times we live in, where some people have abandoned the concept of honesty. Theres a segment of society that seems to deliberately target farmers, whether its this kind of cheap swindle or just repeatedly robbing farmers equipment and trespassing on farmland. ICMSA has previously warned farmers never to advance or pay money for goods or services ahead of actually receiving and verifying those goods or services, said Mr Blackburn. Unfortunately, the proliferation of means and ways of selling and paying means that these criminals now have more ways of hiding than ever, said the Effin dairy farmer. That means that we all have to set aside our trusting natures and become much more discriminating and suspicious about who we deal with and on what terms. Id also tell farmers that if they ever have any misgivings about an offer or arrangement then they should just ring ICMSA and well happily tell them what we think is the safest course, said Mr Blackburn. Sergeant Ber Leetch, crime prevention officer for the Limerick garda division, echoed those sentiments. Buyer beware, stressed Sgt Leetch. There is a fear that more farmers could be scammed as ones who normally have enough fodder will be looking for extra this winter. Criminals will take advantage. The seller of the hay sounded very legitimate. Under no circumstances should money be handed over until the goods are in the yard. Offer to pay cash and then they will physically have to deliver the fodder, or if you are collecting the fodder only pay then. Keep it simple and go back to the old ways, said Sgt Leetch. Other crime prevention advice she gives to farmers is restrict access to your yard, install and lock gates; ensure your yard is well lit; take pictures of machinery with unique ID features; sign up for Community text alerts and always report farm thefts to gardai. A NEW chapter has opened in the life of Colaiste Mhuire, Askeaton as newly appointed principal Morgan Heaphy has taken his place at the helm of this large school community. I am absolutely delighted to have joined the staff of a school with such a proud history and tradition of providing for the needs of the children of this area, Mr Heaphy said. He was also, he added, deeply gratified by the welcome he had received from staff, students, parents and the people of Askeaton. I look forward very much to working with them and building on our rich heritage in the years ahead. Previously, Mr. Heaphy served for nine years as principal of St. Patricks Comprehensive School in Shannon where he oversaw their recent 5.5 million extension. Before that he was Deputy Principal at St. Michaels College, Listowel. He is a native of Ballylongford, Co. Kerry and a graduate of UL. THE MINISTER for Health Simon Harris has said there is an onus on hospital management to manage and prepare for chronic overcrowding. The Minister made the comments at the unveiling of Milford Care Centres new 12m expansion this Monday morning, when he also announced government funding for the new 60-bed modular block. Minister Harris was questioned about severe overcrowding at University Hospital Limerick, where there were 1,045 patients being treated on trolleys in October, an unprecedented level for the autumn period. And based on this week's figures, it is likely that overcrowding could exceed 1,000 this November, as there were 265 patients on trolleys between Monday and Friday. According to figures received by Deputy Niall Collins, 30% of patients waiting on a trolley are those aged over 75. When asked why this was happening in Limerick and not in any other region, he told the Limerick Leader it was a result of the Brian Cowen-led Fianna Fail government removing the emergency departments in St Johns, Nenagh and Ennis. This has been a belief firmly held by Fine Gael politicians since Enda Kenny was Taoiseach. [It is] because of the failures of the past because of policy decisions that others made to shut down other EDs without putting the bed capacity in. The people of the Mid-West have a shortage of beds. Theres a shortage of beds nationally. Of that, there is no doubt. But when you come to the Mid-West, there is a particular acuity in the shortage of those beds. We are reversing those failed policies of the past, putting 2,600 more hospital beds in over the next number of years, he said. The Limerick Leader pointed out that these emergency department closures were around seven years ago, and asked the Minister is there an onus on management to be able to foresee that 1,000 patients will be on trolleys. He replied: Certainly, I dont recuse anybody of the responsibilities as managers to continue to manage. The government is funding the health service to tune of 17bn next year. The Irish health service is receiving a large budget every year. And I think youre entirely right. Yes, whilst we need more capacity, of that there is no doubt, there is still an onus on a daily basis on everybody to manage the situation. To make sure that ward rounds are done early, to make sure that there is good senior clinical decision making and senior management on site. That there is preparation we know that numbers can build up over the weekend, so what can be done so there is more discharges over the weekends. What relationships can be put in place between the nursing home sector, the home help sector, so there is lots of things that can be done and should be done, he explained. Minister Harris commended the UL Hospitals Group for their progress in relation to the 60-bed block, which is due to be built in 2019 under a 14m 300-day contract, whose procurement process is still underway. When a Dooradoyle resident objected to the plans in an An Bord Pleanala appeal, Fine Gael deputy Tom Neville called on the resident, An Bord Pleanala and the Minister to iron out their differences and come up with a solution. When asked if he did intervene, Minister Harris told this newspaper: Not at all. Certainly not to the best of my knowledge. I mean, people have a right under our laws to make objections, and certainly it would be inappropriate as Minister to comment on anybodys right in that regard. FIVE men will be sentenced next month for their role in shooting incident in a housing estate in Limerick during which another man sustained multiple pellet wounds to his arms and body. The defendants Emmett Kiely aged 27, of Maple Court, Kennedy Park; Ray Dore, aged 22, of Dromroe, Rhebogue; Keith Lillis, aged 25, of Galvone Road, Kennedy Park; Stephen Grace, aged 26, of no fixed abode and William Woodland, aged 25, of Shanabooly Road, Ballynanty have pleaded guilty to a variety of charges relating to an incident on July 11, 2017. Kiely, Woodland and Dore have admitted having suspicious possession of a 410 gauge Spanish made double-barrelled breech loading sawn-off shotgun at Maple Court Kennedy Park. Keith Lillis is charged, under the provisions of the Criminal Law Act, with the unlawful possession of the same firearm and with impeding the garda investigation by disposing of the firearm. The fifth defendant Stephen Grace has admitted setting fire to a gold Suzuki Vitara belonging to the victim shortly after the shooting as well as three charges of acting with the intention of impeding the apprehension or prosecution of a suspected offender by moving a vehicle, disposing of keys and a petrol can. During separate sentencing hearings, Detective Garda Barry Moylan said gardai were alerted to the shooting a short time after the 23-year-old victim presented at University Hospital Limerick having been driven there by a friend. He said gardai later established that Mr Casey had arrived at the home of Emmett Kiely at around 2pm in the company of two younger relatives. Judge Tom ODonnell was told there was a dispute between Mr Casey and Mr Kiely at the time and that shortly after words were exchanged between the pair, three men (Kiely, Woodland and Dore) emerged from a rear gate. Kiely shouted give it to him at which point Dore discharged a shot directly at Terry Casey who later told gardai that he didnt realise he had been shot. Having arrived in the area, gardai encountered Keith Lillis who was carrying the shotgun while they were also alerted to Mr Caseys Suzuki Vitara which had been moved and set alight. Detective Garda Moylan told John OSullivan BL, prosecuting, it is the State case that Kiely had orchestrated the shooting and that the other defendants were out of their depth. Having heard submissions from lawyers representing each of the defendants, Judge ODonnell indicated he will finalise the matter next month. NIGHTLY water restrictions remain in place in County Limerick due to ongoing issues with low water levels. Restrictions that remain in place in Ardpatrick and Kilfinane, between 11.30pm until 6:30am, are being monitored and reviewed continuously by Irish Water. Water supply will be restored to customers as the network refills, the utility has stated. It can take a number of hours for the water to return fully to customers on higher ground or at the end of the network once the water supply is turned back on. Levels in the Croom Water Supply are currently being monitored and night time restrictions may be required, which could affect supply to Croom, Banogue and the surrounding areas. If restrictions are necessary, details will be posted in advance to the Service and Supply Section of the Irish Water website. In the meantime, Irish Water will continue to top up reservoir levels with tankers of water as required in order to maintain water supplies. Irish Water has committed significant resources to addressing issues with the groundwater sources in these areas which have not recovered following the extended drought, Irish Waters operation lead for Limerick Ian OMahony said. Working with our team of hydrogeologists, we are drilling new boreholes for Ardpatrick, Kilfinane and Croom and are working to bring these into production as a matter of priority. When fully operational, these new boreholes will supplement the existing sources and help provide a more secure and reliable water supply for these areas, Mr OMahoney added. Irish Water would like to thank customers for their patience and understanding as we deal with the impact of drought on our water sources. We would ask customers to continue to make every effort to conserve water, he added. For more conservation tips please see www.water.ie/conservation. Customers can also contact the 24/7 customer care line at 1850 278 278 for additional information. COLLEGE Players are back and they have summoned the dead from beyond the grave. The theatre company turns to Blithe Spirit, a comedy that glistens with the wit and charm of Noel Coward, for their annual production this November. Brought to life under the careful direction of long time College star Jean McGlynn - taking a seat in the directors chair for the first time - Blithe Spirit is set in the home of novelist Charles Condomine, who invites a clairvoyant to perform a seance. After all goes inevitably awry, Condomine finds himself caught in an unexpected love triangle between his wife Ruth and his highly spirited former wife Elvira who has returned to life, with disastrous and hilarious effect. McGlynn says it is a very, very funny play. There is lots of craic and mayhem and this is just oozing with wit and charm, laughed Jean, well known for her starring roles with College Players over the years, and work on the West End before that. Coward wrote the play at the height of the war with the intention of giving people a break from the horrors they were going through at the time - and audiences loved the fact that this was abominable escapism, because they were laughing at death, especially when it was going on around them. It was a great escape and was very popular at the time and still is today, she adds. A wonderful cast has been assembled with Nigel Dugdale returning to the stage as Charles Condomine. With Gerry Lombard on set design and Mike Finneran on lighting, this Lime Tree production is set to ooze with that class long associated with College Players. For McGlynn, the Lime Tree is allowing College to go big for her first directing stint. The set is very grand and very tall and the Lime Tree is allowing us to put it on at the scale in which it should be enjoyed, she says. I have never directed for College before, this is my first time, so I am delighted. I have played the leading lady, singing high in a crane and I have also rolled carpets in the blackout - so there was nothing else for me to do or nowhere to go. I have really enjoyed the experience - I cant wait to keep going and do another one. - Blithe Spirit is in the Lime Tree from November 13-17. See www.limetreetheatre.ie Nov 9, 2018, 3 AM The Feldman auction series will also include an 1859 folded letter franked with three first-issue stamps of Colombia and mailed from Bogata to Hamburg. An elusive issue from the reign of King George V, this unused 1912 500-rupee stamp of East Africa and Uganda Protectorates will be offered during the Dec. 3-7 David Feldman auction series in Switzerland. By Michael Baadke The David Feldman international auction firm will hold its next auction series Dec. 3-7 at its galleries in Geneva, Switzerland. Feldman has published eight catalogs for the upcoming series. The catalogs range from specialized collections to more general worldwide, featuring Egypt, Persia, Great Britain and British Empire, Indian States, France and colonies, Europe and collections, overseas, and Switzerland. The catalogs can be downloaded in PDF format, and online viewing and bidding options are available at www.davidfeldman.com. Estimates for the various lots are listed in euros, British pounds or Swiss francs depending upon the material. The wide range of material offered includes single-item lots, multiples, large lots and collections. Among the early British items is a complete plate reconstruction of the 1840 1-penny black Queen Victoria stamp consisting of 240 of the famous Penny Black stamps. According to the Feldman lot description, the stamps all show four margins, many with clear strikes of the Maltese Cross cancel, and the assemblage includes a strip of six, a block of four, two horizontal pairs and one vertical pair, the rest being fine to very fine singles (incl. two with inverted watermarks). The lot carries an estimate of 90,000 to 100,000, which converts to approximately $118,300 to $131,440 in early November. The same catalog of British Empire material includes a lightly hinged unused example of the East Africa and Uganda Protectorates 1912 500-rupee red and green King George V stamp on greenish chalk-surfaced paper watermarked multiple crown and CA (Scott 59). The stamp is described as extremely fresh and very fine, and is accompanied by a 1999 British Philatelic Association certificate. The 2019 Scott Classic Specialized Catalogue of Stamps and Covers 1840-1940 notes that this high-denomination issue was available for postage but nearly always was used fiscally. Scott values the unused stamp at $40,000, with the value in italics to denote that it can be difficult to assign an accurate value. Feldmans presale estimate is 30,000 to 35,000 ($39,430 to $46,000). Connect with Linns Stamp News: Sign up for our newsletter Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter The Feldman sale offers a number of intriguing postal history items, including an 1859 folded letter mailed from an English merchant in Bogata, Colombia, to his brother in Hamburg (then part of Prussia). The first-issue Colombian stamps paying postage on this three-color franking are the 5-centavo and 20c on the front, tied together by a bold 9. handstamp, plus a pair of the 20c and one 10c similarly tied on the reverse. Additional markings on the well-documented cover include a British post office Cartagena dated backstamp, a London dated transit marking and a Hamburg Prussian mail dated backstamp. All stamps franking the cover sport ample to huge margins, according to Feldman, which calls it one of the most important first issue covers from anywhere in South America. With a 1980 Royal Philatelic Society certificate, the cover is estimated at 30,000 ($34,420). Among the many other appealing lots in this auction series are a set of three imperforate sheets of Israels 1948 Doar Ivri 250-mil, 500m and 1,000m stamps, one of three such sheet sets known, according to Feldman. United States collectors will find what is described as an extensive and specialized collection of the 1865-90 Waterbury, Conn., cancellations, comprising 123 stamps and 220 covers or cards in a single lot, with the provenance identifying Bill Gross as an owner. For additional information about the upcoming Feldman auction series, contact David Feldman SA, Box Petit-Lancy 1, Route de Chancy 59, 1213 Geneva, Switzerland. Apr 28, 2021, 9 AM Two young Americans are pictured on these Japanese and Russian commemorative stamps issued in 1949 and 1985, respectively. U.S. Stamp Notes By John M. Hotchner An interest some would say an obsession of mine is living Americans depicted on United States stamps. I have developed a list of almost 70 U.S. stamps with images of living Americans who are either directly portrayed on a stamp or who have served as a model for a stamps design. For this column, I am expanding the topic to include living Americans who are depicted on foreign stamps with the example of the Boy Scout on the Japanese stamp shown on the left in the first image above, and on the 1955 cover illustrated in the second image above. The cover includes a strip of four of the 1949 8-yen National Boy Scout Jamboree stamp (Scott 467), plus pairs of the 1952 24y Mount Gatsun (572) and 1951 24y Ninai Waterfall (530) stamps. There are many other living Americans on foreign stamps, including U.S. presidents, often shown visiting foreign leaders; astronauts; and famous authors and film stars. But those people are instantly recognizable; not so with the young man depicted on the 1949 8y Japanese stamp. The scout shown is George Paxton Russell of St. Petersburg, Fla., according to the book Stamp Curiosities by R.J. Sutton (New York Philosophical Library, 1958). Other sources, including the American Topical Associations handbook Scout Stamps of the World, indicate that Russell was from New Jersey. The picture of Russell was taken more than a decade earlier and was used as an illustration in the Boy Scouts of Americas Scout Field Book. How the illustration came to be used on the Japanese stamp I dont know. Another American youngster on a foreign stamp was unfortunately not alive at the time her stamp was issued on Dec. 25, 1985 (Scott 5414). In fact the Soviet Union called it a memorial stamp. Connect with Linns Stamp News: Sign up for our newsletter Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter The stamp is pictured on the right in the first image above. The honoree was Samantha Smith. In 1982, when she was a 10-year old schoolgirl in Maine, Smith sent a letter to Yuri Andropov, general secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. In the letter, she asked that the superpowers work toward a more peaceful world. Recognizing a public relations opportunity, someone on Andropovs staff crafted a response in which Andropov agreed that peace was a worthy goal, and invited Smith to visit the Soviet Union. Her trip took place in 1983. The Soviet press had a field day, portraying Smith as a symbol of peace-loving American people at odds with the policies of their government. This fairy-tale story came to an unhappy end when on Aug. 25, 1985, Smith and her father were two of six on board a Bar Harbor Airlines flight that crashed short of the runway while attempting to land at night in rainy conditions at the Lewiston-Auburn Regional Airport in Auburn, Maine. The crash was determined to be caused by a combination of the conditions, pilot error, and a ground radar failure. Among the many tributes to her memory, the Soviets issued the aforementioned 5-kopeck stamp. This commemorative was featured on a souvenir card distributed at the Soviet Unions philatelic agency booth at Ameripex 86, the United States international stamp show that took place in Chicago that year. If Linns readers know of other not-so-famous Americans who have been pictured on foreign stamps, I would like to hear from you. Please contact me at Box 1125, Falls Church, VA 22041-0125, or by email at jmhstamp@verizon.net. NEW YORK The gravity-defying stunts of Cirque du Soleil performers have been described as "awe-inspiring," but what actually happens in the human brain when a person experiences that sense of awe and does that brain activity really take place for audiences during Cirque du Soleil performances? A team of neuroscientists recently collaborated with the troupe to find out. The researchers tracked brain waves of audience members during Cirque du Soleil shows in Las Vegas, looking for any indication of awe in people's brain waves, study leader Beau Lotto, a neuroscientist specializing in human perception, said yesterday (Nov. 7) at a press event here in New York City. The findings, which were not peer-reviewed, suggested that there were distinct "awe signatures" in the subjects' brain waves, and these readings corresponded with 23 awe-inspiring moments in Cirque du Soleil's performance, Lotto said. [10 Surprising Facts About the Brain] Awe-inspiring study At the New York event, I found out firsthand what it feels like to watch Cirque du Soleil while a device tracked my brain activity. I joined a small group of reporters who donned electroencephalogram (EEG) headgear and watched footage of Cirque du Soleil's Las Vegas performance. At the same time, we could also see a real-time readout of our brain activity on laptops. However, the headset signals were less accurate than those produced by the more-sensitive caps that the team had used in Las Vegas, and no data was collected from the screening session, Lotto told the participants. A headset with 16 sensors tracked my brain waves during a screening of the Cirque du Soleil show "O." (Image credit: M. Weisberger) At the shows in Las Vegas, the researchers used head-covering caps and gel-coated sensors to monitor EEG signals which show electrical activity across the entire brain in 60 audience members. Scientists monitored the subjects as the audience members watched acrobats flip, tumble and soar through the air. EEGs present a general overview of brain activity, unlike technology such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), which images the firing neurons in specific brain regions. Because fMRI can target brain areas that are associated with emotional responses, scientists have used these scans to pinpoint what certain emotions look like in the brain, in real time. Some emotions fear, joy and sadness, for example are fairly easy to describe. But awe can be difficult for people to put into words, Lotto said. Typically, awe is defined by a sense of wonder and curiosity, feelings of connection to others, and a transformed view of the world and one's place in it, a feeling that persists even after the awe-inspiring event ends, he explained. Identifying awe in Cirque du Soleil audiences required fleshing out their EEG readings with additional data, Lotto's neuroscience group, Lab of Misfits, said in a statement. In addition to taking the brain readings, the scientists also collected information about feelings of awe from 280 audience members including those wearing the caps through psychological and perception experiments performed before, during and after the show. Caps with gel-tipped sensors monitored brain activity in audience members watching Cirque du Soleil. (Image credit: Matthew Soltesz) Then, the researchers turned to artificial intelligence (AI) to review the data and analyze subjects' brain waves. The researchers found that AI could interpret the EEG readings to spot patterns that coincided with subjects' self-reporting of the experience of awe; after repeatedly identifying that signature pattern, the AI learned to find the awe signal amid the brain-wave noise, according to the statement. Key to evolution? Studying awe and understanding how it works are important for neuroscientists, because more than any other emotion, awe may have been a guiding force in human evolution, Lotto said. "What's the fundamental challenge that the brain evolved to solve? It's the challenge of uncertainty. We hate uncertainty almost every behavior is an attempt to decrease it," Lotto said. However, learning from and adapting to new experiences is also an important component of evolution and that involves exposure to uncertainty, he added. "The hypothesis we're testing is that maybe awe is evolution's solution to stepping forward into uncertainty, to help us step into that place in order to see things differently," Lotto said. "Because if we don't, we don't evolve." The Lab of Misfits plans to submit its findings to a peer-reviewed journal, Lotto added. Originally published on Live Science. According to a new ancient DNA analysis, prehistoric people from different populations made their way across the Americas thousands of years ago. People genetically linked to the Clovis culture, one of the earliest continentwide cultures in North America, made it down to South America as far back as 11,000 years ago. Then they mysteriously vanished around 9,000 years ago, new research reveals. Where did they go? It appears that another ancient group of people replaced them, but it's unclear how or why this happened, the researchers said. These findings, published online today (Nov. 8) in the journal Cell, suggest that this population turnover happened across the entire continent of South America. [In Photos: Human Skeleton Sheds Light on First Americans] Heading South Previous research suggests that the first Americans diverged genetically from their Siberian and East Asian ancestors almost 25,000 years ago. These people traveled across the Bering Strait Land Bridge and eventually split into distinct North and South American populations. By about 13,000 years ago, people of the Clovis culture, known for its use of distinctive, pointy stone tools, swept across North America. Meanwhile, people were living as far south as Monte Verde, Chile by least 14,500 years ago, according to archaeological findings there. But little was known about how members of the Clovis culture were linked to other populations farther south. A 2014 excavation at the rock shelter site of Lapa do Santo, Brazil, where an individual dating to about 9,600 years ago was found. (Image credit: Andre Strauss) To unravel the genetic mysteries of the these ancient Americans, the researchers reached out to indigenous peoples and government agencies all over Central and South America, asking for permission to study the remains of ancient peoples that have been discovered over the years. In all, the international team of scientists was given permission to do genomewide analyses on 49 ancient people whose remains were unearthed in the following Central and South American countries: Belize, Brazil, Peru, Chile and Argentina. The oldest of these people lived about 11,000 years ago, marking this as a study that takes a big step forward from previous research, which only included genetic data from people less than 1,000 years old, the researchers said. Their findings showed that DNA associated with the North American Clovis culture was found in people from Chile, Brazil and Belize, but only between about 11,000 to 9,000 years ago. "A key discovery was that a Clovis culture-associated individual from North America dating to around 12,800 years ago shares distinctive ancestry with the oldest Chilean, Brazilian and Belizean individuals," study co-lead author Cosimo Posth, postdoctoral researcher of archaeogenetics at the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History in Germany, said in a statement. "This supports the hypothesis that the expansion of people who spread the Clovis culture in North America also reached Central and South America." [In Photos: New Clovis Site in Sonora] An outside view of Lapa do Santo, in Brazil (Image credit: Andre Strauss) Curiously, around 9,000 years ago, the Clovis lineage disappears, the researchers found. Even today, there is no Clovis-associated DNA found in modern South Americans, the researchers said. This suggests that a continentwide population replacement happened at that time, said study co-senior researcher David Reich, a professor of genetics at Harvard Medical School and a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator. Following this mysterious disappearance, there is a surprising amount of genetic continuity between people who lived 9,000 years ago and those living today in multiple South American regions, the researchers said. California-Peruvian connection The Cell study also revealed a surprising connection between ancient people living in California's Channel Islands and the southern Peruvian Andes at least 4,200 years ago. It appears that these two geographically distant groups have a shared ancestry, the researchers found. It's unlikely that people living in the Channel Islands actually traveled south to Peru, the researchers said. Rather, it's possible that these groups' ancestors sallied forth thousands of years earlier, with some ending up in the Channel Islands and others in South America. But those genes didn't become common in Peru until much later, around 4,200 years ago, when the population may have exploded, the researchers said. [In Photos: 130,000-Year-Old Evidence of Humans in California] "It could be that this ancestry arrived in South America thousands of years before and we simply don't have earlier individuals showing it," study co-lead researcher Nathan Nakatsuka, a research assistant in the Reich lab at Harvard Medical School, said in the statement. "There is archaeological evidence that the population in the Central Andes area greatly expanded after around 5,000 years ago. Spreads of particular subgroups during these events may be why we detect this ancestry afterward." The approximately 11,000-year-old individual from the Chile site of Los Rieles was the oldest in the study. (Image credit: Bernardita Ladron de Guevara, 2008) Although these findings shed light on early Americans, it's far from complete. The researchers acknowledge that they don't have human remains that are older than about 11,000 years old, "and thus we could not directly probe the initial movements of people into Central and South America," they wrote in the study. Moreover, although the study looked at 49 people who lived between about 11,000 and 3,000 years ago, the research would be more comprehensive if more ancient individuals from different regions were included, the researchers said. "We lacked ancient data from Amazonia, northern South America and the Caribbean, and thus cannot determine how individuals in these regions relate to the ones we analyzed," Reich said in the statement. "Filling in these gaps should be a priority for future work." Originally published on Live Science. Ruth Bader Ginsburg: A Life By Jane Sherron De Hart Knopf. 723 pp. $35 --- Why has Ruth Bader Ginsburg, at the age of 85, become an American icon whom young women stop for selfies in the street? The simple answer: She's such a boss. Young women see in her a model of energy, steely determination in the face of injustice, self-mastery and humor that inspired a New York University law student to create the meme "the Notorious RBG." Less-young men and women celebrate her as the Thurgood Marshall of the women's movement, the lawyer who did more than any other to advance the cause of gender equality as a pathbreaking advocate for the ACLU in the 1970s. And over the course of her career, conservatives as well as liberals have hailed her as a judge's judge whose personal and judicial restraint, tireless preparation, and mastery of the facts and precedents have led her to advance the cause of equal justice under law through what she calls "measured motions" rather than sweeping exercises of judicial power. For all these reasons, the 25th anniversary of Ginsburg's appointment to the Supreme Court has inspired several books and movies, from a recent documentary to a forthcoming biopic with Felicity Jones. (I've known RBG for nearly 30 years, ever since we bonded over opera when I was a law clerk on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, and, with her permission, I am collecting my conversations with her into a book that will be published next fall.) Despite this cascade of tributes, Jane Sherron De Hart's "Ruth Bader Ginsburg: A Life" marks the first full-length biography of the justice. De Hart began the book as an exploration of Ginsburg's late-1960s litigation strategy, which sought to secure gender equality through ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment and Supreme Court litigation. On this basis, RBG granted De Hart access to her litigation archives, as well six interviews between 2000 and 2005. De Hart then decided to expand the book into a full-scale biography, despite the fact that Ginsburg's official biographers, Mary Hartnett and Wendy W. Williams, are still at work. For this reason, RBG resisted sharing extensive reflections on her life with De Hart, and the book does not contain her candid thoughts on the future of the Supreme Court and the Constitution. Nevertheless, De Hart has written an excellent biography based on archives and interviews with colleagues and friends: In its comprehensiveness, range and attention to detail, this is a vivid account of a remarkable life. De Hart's biography makes clear that RBG's academic excellence, unwavering focus and unparalleled self-discipline were cultivated at an early age. Her most important influence was her mother, Celia, a passionate reader who came to the Lower East Side of New York from Poland and once, while walking down the street with her head buried in a book, actually fell and broke her nose. Celia, whom RBG called "strict and loving," resolved that her daughter should "love learning, care about people, and work hard" to achieve her goals. Throughout her life, RBG has surpassed these high expectations. Celia also taught her daughter to control unproductive emotions, such as anger, through relentless self-mastery: "Be a lady," she frequently exhorted. Her mother died days before young Ruth's high school graduation; RBG later recalled her as "the strongest and bravest person I have ever known." Ruth Bader excelled at Cornell, where she studied with Vladimir Nabokov, who taught her the importance of choosing words with precision, and the great civil libertarians Robert Cushman and Milton Konvitz, who kindled her passion for constitutional law. Classmates recalled her as "scary smart" with "a natural ability to be logical and reasoned, and not let emotions get in her way." She graduated second in her Cornell class, with highest honors. At Cornell, she met Marty Ginsburg and concluded, "He was the only guy I ever dated who cared whether I had a brain." Their storied marriage of equals began with a two-year stint at Fort Sill, Okla., where they shared responsibility for child care and read to each other from Tolstoy and Spinoza. They then set off together for Harvard Law School, where the dean asked each of the nine women in the class at a welcoming party why she was taking a place that could have gone to a man. RBG made the law review and ended her first year near the top of the class. She found the emphasis on legal process at Harvard "spellbinding" in its emphasis on practical facts and fair procedures rather than sweeping ideology. When Marty got a job in New York, RBG transferred to Columbia Law School, where her reputation as "the smartest person on the East Coast" preceded her, and she tied for first place in the graduating class. Despite her dazzling success, she was received no offers from law firms because, as she later put it, "to be a woman, a Jew and a mother to boot" was "a bit much" in 1959. Instead, she clerked for a federal judge (but not Learned Hand or Justice Felix Frankfurter, who refused to hire women) and then went on to become, as head of the ACLU's women's rights project, the most influential litigator of gender equality of our time. De Hart's chapters on the landmark cases Ginsburg argued, which were the original core of her book project, are detailed and accessible. It's especially helpful to read about the feminist passion that gripped RBG after she read Simone de Beauvoir's "The Second Sex" while preparing to teach a class on women and the law in the early 1970s: "She sort of caught fire," recalled a colleague. It's well known that RBG appealed to sexist male judges by representing male plaintiffs who had been disadvantaged by laws ostensibly favoring women while in fact enshrining gender stereotypes. De Hart reminds us of the sweep of Ginsburg's feminist vision, which sought to change not only the law but also institutions and practices that constrained women's abilities to define their own paths. To change the law, RBG realized, she would have to change public opinion, since the courts would take into account the actions of Congress and the executive branch. And even at the end of her string of Supreme Court victories, according to De Hart, RBG lamented that the failure of the Equal Rights Amendment meant that the court would remain unwilling to root out unconscious gender bias, focusing only on intentional discrimination. In telling the story of Ginsburg's appointment to the Supreme Court, De Hart reminds us that leading feminist groups were ambivalent about her candidacy, or even opposed to it, because of her criticisms of Roe v. Wade. RBG had (presciently) criticized Roe for being decided too broadly, in ways that provoked an unnecessary backlash, and for focusing on the amorphous right to privacy rather than equal protection - the ways that restrictions on abortion discriminate on the basis of sex by limiting the opportunities of women rather than men. But once nominated, Ginsburg was hailed as a unifying and collegial centrist by conservatives as well as liberals and was confirmed by a nearly unanimous margin that now seems unimaginable. How did the unifying centrist apotheosize into the Notorious RBG, a revered icon of fiery dissent? De Hart traces the transformation to 2006, when Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Samuel Alito succeeded Chief Justice William Rehnquist and Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, creating a solid conservative majority. RBG's dissent from Alito's decision in the Lilly Ledbetter case on workplace discrimination galvanized Congress to overturn it. Wearing her " 'black and grim' dissenting collar," Ginsburg read her dissents from the bench only six times during her first decade on the bench and 13 times between 2006 and 2015. RBG's position as the leader of the court's liberal wing was formalized in 2010 with the retirement of Justice John Paul Stevens. She convinced the other liberal justices - Stephen Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan - that their dissents would have more force if they spoke together rather than separately. That's why the leading dissenting opinions of the post-2010 Roberts court have been written by Ginsburg - including her 2013 dissent in the Shelby County voting rights case, which sparked the Notorious RBG meme. Today, at 85, RBG retains her astonishing work ethic, self-discipline and passionate commitment to equality, with a serene sense of the limits of judicial power and the need to inspire youth to achieve social change. Still a night owl, she continues to leave messages for her clerks at 3 in the morning and to produce opinion drafts faster than her colleagues. Her astonishing recall of facts and attention to detail have been combined with the wisdom of a life spent confronting inequality and overcoming it in measured motions, step by step. The ovations she receives at the opera and pop-culture tributes on the internet have not affected her clear-eyed focus on her ultimate goal, which is a Constitution that includes ever more individuals in what she calls "equal citizenship stature." "The standing ovations, the lovely hand-tatted lace collar gifted to her by a student, the Notorious R.B.G. Tumblr, the T-shirts and coffee mugs bearing her likeness, the children's books, the R.B.G. documentary, the forthcoming film starring Felicity Jones and Arnie Hammer as a young Ruth and Marty with the justice providing a cameo appearance, even the spoof on 'Saturday Night Live' - all are evidence that Ginsburg has indeed made her mark not only on the jurisprudence of the United States but also on American society and popular culture more broadly," De Hart concludes. Having transformed herself from a judicial priest to a judicial prophet, RBG's place in American history will endure. --- Rosen is the president and chief executive of the National Constitution Center and a law professor at George Washington University. His new book, "Conversations With RBG," will be published next year. "Flyover Country" (Princeton), by Austin Smith is a marvelous collection that conveys deep insights and exquisite details about life in the Midwest. Smith, who grew up on a dairy farm in Illinois, recalls the fortitude of people he knew as well as the many forms of violence toward animals or the land. Fences, for example, divide pastures or "surround the farm,/ Keeping the world/ Out and the herd in." He also turns his gaze toward wars the United States is waging abroad and toward foreign nations and cultures. What links his subjects, as the title suggests, is the fact that seemingly invisible actions taken by Americans have lasting consequences in places we typically choose to view only from a distance. --- J. Michael Martinez interweaves short, analytical prose pieces and poetic inquiry in his third book, "Museum of the Americas" (Penguin), which was selected for the National Poetry Series and longlisted for the National Book Award. This fascinating hybrid collection explores how current events reflect long-held prejudices about Mexicans and people of color, as evidenced by Mexican casta paintings and the lynching postcards of Walter H. Horne. Throughout the work the speaker relays his concern and frustration about how he and other Mexican Americans continue to be classified and objectified. --- In these new and selected poems, Marilyn Chin grapples with identity, cultural assimilation and feminism. Bold and unapologetic, the work shows why she has been a prominent voice in American poetry over the last three decades - and how she has evolved as a literary activist. Ranging from clear, radiant lyrics to experimental, subversive pieces, "A Portrait of the Self as a Nation" (Norton) illustrates "that this wild-girl poet is engaged in perpetual renewal and that there is more raucous work to come." --- "Hold" (Copper Canyon), the ninth book by Bob Hicok, urges readers to consider our faults as a nation - environmental destruction, gross financial inequities, police brutality. By turns wry and witty, Hicok's plain-spoken writing highlights some of the pleasures and pains in this world, and humanity's need for reflection. In the poem "Getting there," he muses: "How far would we get with war/ if every man first asked his mother,/ Can I kill? Most of whom would say, / 'It's may I kill, and no, you may not.'" --- "Dangerous Household Items" (Copper Canyon) is the quirky, engaging poetry debut by the critic David Orr. As he considers commonplace objects around him - a kitchen knife, tea leaves, plastic bags - he reveals a fascinating view of suburbia and people's hidden emotional lives. In the poem "Inflatable Pool" he writes: "Consider the end of the world. Consider that there is no/Grief or fear, but only forward movement/Until movement is no longer possible./Consider the lack/Of reflection and the lack of mourning for this absence." The writing is so fresh and delightful that Orr may forever change how readers view banal tasks and happenstances. --- Lund writes about poetry each month for The Washington Post. From 1914 to 1918, Europe sacrificed a generation of men, and demanded that overseas dominions and colonies send their young men to feed the Minotaur. Tens of millions of people - civilians and military personnel - were killed or wounded during World War I. Even the United States, which did not enter the war until April 6, 1917, sent more than 116,000 men to their deaths. For four years, much of Europe has marked the centenary of various battles, and this year it will observe the anniversary of the Great War's end - the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month - with rituals of remembrance that acknowledge all that was lost. (In the United States, Nov. 11 is celebrated as Veterans Day. Because the date this year falls on a Sunday, the national holiday will be observed on Monday.) Although few Americans made literature out of the First World War, European writers - men who served, women who waited and people who opposed the war - produced novels, memoirs and poetry that are still almost unbearable to read for their painful evocation of the battlefield and the emotional costs of war. American readers may be familiar with "All Quiet on the Western Front," by German army veteran Erich Maria Remarque, and Ernest Hemingway's "A Farewell to Arms," two World War I novels published in the late 1920s. They may also have read Sebastian Faulks' relatively recent novel "Birdsong" (1993), which tells of a World War I veteran's traumatic battlefield experiences, and Pat Barker's "Regeneration Trilogy" novels (1991, 1993 and 1995), which have been applauded for their exploration of shell shock. For those who seek to know more about the war's devastation, a good place to start might be with these six books. --- "The Burning of the World" by Bela Zombory-Moldovan (NYRB Classics) Bela Zombory-Moldovan was 29 when he was called up to serve in the Austro-Hungarian army after war was declared. His memoir of the eight months he served - until serious injury sent him home - offers a record of the early war on the Eastern Front, where Russians, Cossacks, Serbs, Croats, Slovaks, Czechs, Romanians, Poles, Hungarians, Austrians and Germans battled in horrendous conditions. His harrowing account of being shelled provides insight into why so many survivors went home with what we now call PTSD. --- "No Man's Land" by Simon Tolkien (Anchor Books) Tolkien's grandfather, famed author and scholar J.R.R. Tolkien, served in France for several months in 1916 until contracting trench fever. In this 2016 novel, Simon Tolkien tackles issues of class and rigid social structure as well as war. Adam Raine, a laborer's son who has been taken in by a wealthy man, sets aside his studies at Oxford to serve in the Army. But on the front, he discovers that people at home are being lied to about the war and about how their sons are dying. --- "Schlump" by Hans Herbert Grimm (NYRB Classics) Grimm published this 1928 novel anonymously, worried that his absurdist approach to the war would offend other Germans. It did, and when the Nazis came to power, "Schlump" was burned and banned. In this black comedy, 17-year-old Schlump goes off to war in hopes of "meeting girls." His initial assignment is cushy - and the source of many slapstick moments - but his experiences at the front, where men are sacrificed in response to nonsensical orders, are conveyed with dark humor that masks rage and despair. --- "The Absolutist" by John Boyne (Other Press) This searing novel about wartime friendship was published in 2011. English teens Tristan and Will meet during basic training and are deployed together to the Western Front. The intensity of their friendship leads to character-defining moments. In harrowing scenes and tender moments, Boyne explores the ways that friends protect each other on the battlefield and how the stress and brutality of war can produce acts of courage and betrayal. --- "The Winter Soldier" by Daniel Mason (Little, Brown) In Mason's 2018 novel, Lucius is a medical student in Vienna when the war starts. He volunteers to serve in the Austro-Hungarian army and is sent to the Carpathian Mountains, where he is a field hospital's only doctor and the soldiers he treats suffer from horrific injuries. A nurse with secrets, Sister Margarete, adds mystery to the story and complicates life at the hospital. --- "Fear" by Gabriel Chevallier (NYRB Classics) Chevallier's heart-rending 1930 novel of the young Jean Dartemont's time in the French army is a powerful mix of horrific battlefield scenes and poetic language. In one chapter, relief troops find that the soldiers they've been dispatched to help are all dead, and in page after page, the details create a feeling like being inside a Hieronymus Bosch painting of the damned. While on leave, Dartemont discovers that French civilians are eager to continue a war they believe is covering the army in glory, and they condemn him for his doubts. Dartemont tells his priest, "The God of infinite mercy cannot be the God of the plains of Artois." And he concludes, "This war has killed God, too." --- Berry has written about books for the Guardian and Salon, among other outlets. A 28-year-old woman died and another was injured in a single-vehicle rollover Thursday in north Laredo, police said. The Laredo Police Department identified her as Karen Daniela Zamora, 28. A second woman, identified as 24-year-old Emma Angelica Garcia, was airlifted to a San Antonio hospital in stable condition. Officers responded to the rollover at about 2:35 a.m. in the 3400 block of East Del Mar, near the intersection with Winfield Parkway. Police said they encountered a Buick Verano, which was turned on its side. Two female occupants were trapped inside the vehicle. READ ALSO: LPD: Men critically injured after two-vehicle crash involving Lambo on I-35 Laredo Fire Department crews responded to the scene. Also, first responders deployed a rescue team to extricate the occupants from the vehicle. Police said they identified the driver as Zamora. She was pronounced dead at the scene, according to LPD. Garcia, a passenger, sustained non-life threatening injuries. Paramedics took her to Doctors Hospital. She was later airlifted to San Antonio for further care. LPD's crash team took over the case. Crimes against persons investigators also responded to conduct a death investigation, authorities said. Many economists find the new series puzzling as it is based on nominal indicators. Economists have also found it difficult to predict the growth accurately. (Representational image) Hyderabad: In 2015, India switched to a new method for calculating economic growth which transformed the countrys economy to the fastest growing in the world. Apart from a moderation in the Chinese economic growth, some economists believe that the new series is also responsible for catapulting the economy to the top. Indias new GDP series, introduced in 2015 with back-data available since 2012, relies more heavily on nominal indicators in two key areas relative to the old series, Abhishek Gupta, India economist with Bloomberg Economics in Mumbai, told Bloomberg. Many economists find the new series puzzling as it is based on nominal indicators. Economists have also found it difficult to predict the growth accurately. In order to solve the puzzle, a Bloomberg report said Mr Gupta has devised a new monthly growth tracker for India that compares more closely with the old GDP series. Indicators such as rainfall, auto sales and foreign tourist arrivals, co-relate more with the old series. According to the report, the tracker signals the Indian economys growth momentum is fading. The eight per cent plus growth is puzzling at a time when export growth is weak, farmers say they are in distress and there isnt data to show enough jobs were created, the report claimed. In September, a member of the RBIs monetary policy committee, Ravindra Dholakia, questioned the accuracy of new GDP growth data. Writing in a paper published in Economic and Political Weekly (EPW), Mr Dholakia argued that the statistics office is overestimating manufacturing output by replacing the Annual Survey of Industries with corporate financial data in the new series. A revision of growth numbers in the previous years using the new data series found that economic growth topped 10 per cent under the previous UPA government in 2007. A man was arrested Wednesday after he allegedly tried to smuggle anabolic steroids through the U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint on Interstate 35. Isaias Alejandro Gaytan-Jasso, 34, was charged with possession of controlled substance. Border Patrol said he was also found in possession of more than $24,000. The Laredo Police Department is asking the public's help in locating a number of wanted individuals. Authorities released information and photos of five individuals who are wanted on charges of sexual assault, burglary or theft. On July 27, surveillance video recorded two suspects jumping a fence and entering a shed in an east Laredo property, according to police. This week, authorities said that the two men are wanted for suspected burglary. READ ALSO: LPD: Woman allegedly left man with facial injuries following verbal dispute More recently, a man was caught on camera in the 1500 block of Lafayette Street on Oct. 24. Police said this man is wanted for allegedly stealing a German Shepard. Sandra Rocio Garza, 41, is also wanted for theft charges and has an active warrant for her arrest. Police said she has targeted several citizens in the community. Another individual, Juan Manuel Ramos, 50, is wanted for sexually assaulting a child, LPD said Thursday. Ramos is is facing charges of aggravated sexual assault of a child and indecency with a child. Scroll through the gallery above for more information on each suspect. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the individuals is asked to call Laredo Crime Stoppers at 727-TIPS (8477). Information leading to an arrest may eligible for a cash reward. JeriLynn Thorpe is a digital reporter for the Laredo Morning Times. Read more of her stories on LMTonline.com | jerilynn.thorpe@lmtonline.com HONG KONG - Years ago, the question of whether a writer critical of the Beijing government could speak publicly at a literary festival would be considered moot in this city, one of Asia's premier political havens. This week, however, a days-long drama surrounding British Chinese writer Ma Jian only added to a growing sense that the old Hong Kong - and the freedoms once enjoyed here - are fading fast. The controversy began Thursday, when the Tai Kwun Center for Heritage and Arts, a prominent cultural institution, abruptly announced it would cancel two Hong Kong International Literary Festival events planned for Ma - whose works have long been banned in mainland China - because it did not want to provide a platform for "political interests." Tai Kwun, a government-backed center, ultimately reversed its decision less than 24 hours before Ma was due to speak, but not before its earlier cancellation had prompted an outcry and an unsuccessful effort by festival organizers to find another venue willing to host him. Ma is the latest dissident to recently encounter hurdles in Hong Kong. Last week, a cartoonist canceled a solo exhibition following what he said were threats from mainland authorities. And on Thursday, Hong Kong immigration officials denied entry to Financial Times journalist Victor Mallet, whom it had expelled in an unprecedented move one month prior. Taken together, the incidents have reinforced concerns by pro-democracy activists, human rights observers and Western diplomats that Hong Kong's status as a free-speech haven is swiftly eroding, either under direct pressure from Beijing or from the subtler effects of self-censorship. Ma, 65, has been a thorn in Beijing's side for decades and recently published a new novel in Britain, "China Dream," excoriating Chinese totalitarianism and President Xi Jinping's vision for national greatness. Speaking by telephone before departing London, Ma, 65, said he was puzzled by the last-minute uncertainty over his engagements, given that the festival's agenda - and the rooms he was scheduled to speak in - had long been decided. Ma said he was determined to fly to Hong Kong to find out if he could enter the territory at all and, if so, demand an explanation. "I want to know if this was an instance of self-censorship, or if there were greater political forces at play," he said. "I need to know the truth." Tai Kwun said late Friday that it would host Ma after all because festival organizers could not find an alternate venue. The center's director, Timothy Calnin, had said earlier that Tai Kwun did not want to "promote the political interests of any individual." Hong Kong was guaranteed a degree of political autonomy and freedom as part of a 1997 handover agreement between China and Britain that ended British colonial rule in the territory. But Chinese authorities, deeply alarmed by the eruption of pro-democracy protests in 2014 known as the Umbrella Movement, have tried to instill a sense of patriotism and tightened political controls in ways large and small. Hong Kong leaders, who answer ultimately to Beijing, have taken steps to block opposition candidates from assuming office in recent years, banned a pro-independence political party outright this summer and taken a markedly tougher line against separatist advocacy. This month, prosecutors are set to try nine leaders of the 2014 protests on "public nuisance" charges. Media organizations, business groups and Western governments were taken aback in October when Hong Kong expelled Mallet of the Financial Times, who had hosted a talk at the Foreign Correspondents Club with pro-independence activist Andy Chan despite demands by Hong Kong and Beijing officials to call off the event. Mallet left Hong Kong last month but was questioned by immigration officials for hours on Thursday when he sought to reenter as a tourist. He was eventually denied entry, the FT said Friday. In an emailed statement, a British consulate-general spokesman said the Foreign Office was "very concerned by the authorities' unprecedented rejection of a visa for a senior British journalist, which undermines Hong Kong's freedom of speech and freedom of the press." Mark Field, Britain's minister of state for Asia, was in Hong Kong this week and would raise Mallet's case with local authorities "as a matter of urgency," the statement added. Political observers in Hong Kong say that although the government never acknowledged that Mallet's ejection was retribution for hosting the talk with Chan - whom a former Hong Kong leader equated with a criminal - it sent a clear message to all businesses and institutions to step back from controversial activities. "This is exactly how censorship and self-censorship foster each other," said Maya Wang, China researcher for Human Rights Watch. "Everyone collectively moves back, far behind the red line, out of a sense of self-preservation." After several Hong Kong booksellers were widely believed to have been abducted by Chinese security agents in 2016, the city's freewheeling political publishing industry similarly withered, as stores voluntarily folded and writers shied away from digging into Chinese politics. Ma, the British novelist, said on Twitter last week that he has not been able to find a Hong Kong publisher for "China Dream" because they were "too afraid." Publishers in Hong Kong, he told local media, insisted that he rename a character he had called "Xi Jinping." Penguin, his British publisher, has been bolder, describing Ma's new novel on its website as "an arrow at President Xi Jinping's 'China Dream' propaganda" and "a biting satire of totalitarianism." Ma, who published a book early in his career about Tibet - another third rail of Chinese politics - remains persona non grata in the country of his birth and has not been back in decades. He was denied entry when he last attempted to cross the southern border from Hong Kong in 2011. He lived for years in Hong Kong, where he holds permanent residency. He moved to Britain in 1997 when the territory was handed back to China. "After 1997, I thought Hong Kong would have at least another 50 years of freedom," he said. "I did not expect intellectual censorship to grow step-by-step this bad, this fast." Washington Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was hospitalized Thursday with three broken ribs after falling in her office Wednesday evening, a spokeswoman said. Ginsburg, 85, went home after her fall, but experienced discomfort during the night. She was admitted to George Washington University Hospital, where doctors found three broken ribs on her left side, Kathy Arberg, a Supreme Court spokeswoman, said. The next sitting of the Supreme Court begins Nov. 26, and Ginsburg's history suggests the injuries are not likely to keep her away. She broke two ribs in 2012, without missing work. And she returned to work quickly after undergoing a heart procedure in 2012. She is also a cancer survivor and returned to work less than three weeks after having surgery. Still, liberals have become jittery about how much more time she will be able to serve, particularly with the balance of the Supreme Court shifting to the right because of President Donald Trump's appointment of two conservative justices. Ginsburg is the senior member of the court's liberal wing. A third Trump appointment to the court would give it a dominant 6-3 conservative majority. Arberg did not provide additional details about how Ginsburg fell or whether she fell because of another medical condition. Ginsburg was appointed to the court by President Bill Clinton in 1993 and is its oldest justice. She has said she will stay as long as she is healthy and mentally sharp. The ministry said that India plans to export 2 MT of raw sugar to China beginning from next year. India is the largest producer of sugar in the world with 32 MT production in 2018. New Delhi: The commerce ministry said on Thursday that export of raw sugar from India to China will begin early next year. A contract for exporting 15,000 tonnes of raw sugar has been entered to by the Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA) and COFCO, a Government of China run public sector company, said the ministry. This is due to the initiative taken by the commerce ministry and several rounds of meetings held by officials of both countries the import of raw sugar has materialised now, it said. The ministry said that India plans to export 2 MT of raw sugar to China beginning from next year. Raw sugar is the second product after non-basmati rice that China will import from India. It is a move to reduce the $60 billion trade deficit that China has with India. Indias export to China in 2017-18 amounted to $33 billion while imports from China stood at $76.2 billion. India is the largest producer of sugar in the world with 32 MT production in 2018. India produces sugar of all three grades raw, refined and white. Indian sugar is also of a high quality and is Dextran free because of the minimum time taken from cut to crush. India is in a position to become a regular and dependable exporter of high quality sugar in significant volumes to China, said the ministry. WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump on Friday sought to play down speculation that he had appointed Matthew Whitaker acting attorney general to curtail the special counsel investigation, telling reporters that he doesn't know Whitaker and hasn't spoken to him about the probe. "I didn't speak to Matt Whitaker about it," Trump told reporters as he left the White House en route to Paris. "I don't know Matt Whitaker." His comments came two days after Trump ousted Jeff Sessions as attorney general and installed Whitaker, Sessions' chief of staff and a former U.S. attorney in Iowa, as the top official at the Justice Department. The Washington Post reported this week that one of the reasons Trump liked Whitaker was because Whitaker had briefed him on many occasions because the president preferred not to talk to Sessions, whom he had often disparaged publicly. Since stepping into his new role, Whitaker has faced questions - principally from Democrats - about whether he should recuse himself from overseeing the special counsel investigation into Russian interference into the 2016 election, given that he had previously criticized the probe in opinion pieces and as a television commentator. Whitaker's appointment has also prompted questions from Democrats about whether Trump brought him aboard to curtail or shut down the Mueller investigation, which is examining possible coordination between Trump's campaign and Russia and potential obstruction of the probe by Trump. Asked by a reporter whether he hired Whitaker to rein in the probe, Trump said: "What a stupid question." While claiming not to know Whitaker, Trump praised him as a "very strong person with a very strong personality," saying that's what the Justice Department needs at this point. "Matthew Whitaker is a very smart man," Trump said. "He is a very respected man in the law enforcement community. . . . The choice was greeted with raves initially." In recent days, Whitaker has faced a great deal of scrutiny in the media, including for his service on the advisory board of an invention-promotion company accused of fraud by customers. Trump also sought Friday to dismiss the notion that Whitaker should recuse himself of oversight of the Russia probe. Trump suggested he would have few choices for attorney general and other top government posts if he eliminated everyone who had been on television. "Do we have to hire somebody in a shell? I don't think so," Trump said. As a television commentator before taking the job with Sessions, Whitaker floated the idea of defunding the Mueller probe. He said it would cross a "red line" for Mueller to investigate the finances of the Trump Organization. And he said that it was "ridiculous" for Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein to have appointed Robert Mueller, as opposed to running the Russia investigation through regular Justice Department channels. The Washington Post reported Thursday that Whitaker has no intention of recusing himself from overseeing the special-counsel probe, according to people close to him. Trump also sought to brush off suggestions by some lawyers - including George Conway, husband of White House counselor Kellyanne Conway - that the Constitution requires Whitaker to be confirmed by the Senate before he starts serving. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., also voiced concerns about the issue in a letter to Trump on Friday, writing: "I am not aware of any precedent for appointment of an official who has not been confirmed by the Senate to serve as Acting Attorney General." Schumer also asked Trump questions, including whether he had asked Whitaker for a pledge of loyalty. Speaking to reporters, Trump claimed that Whitaker was "confirmed at the highest level" because his nomination to serve as a U.S. attorney in Iowa had been approved by the Senate. Trump also complained that Mueller was not subject to Senate confirmation before he began serving a special counsel. Asked about potential permanent replacements for Sessions, Trump said he likes former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a Republican, but has not spoken with him about the job. Trump also repeated his frequent claim that the Mueller investigation is a "hoax." "There's no collusion," Trump said. "It's a whole hoax." He said the reason he prevailed in the 2106 presidential election is that he was the better candidate and that Democrat Hillary Clinton "didn't know what the hell she was doing." Banks may be forced to increase lending to NBFCs to prevent defaults. The crisis of confidence comes even as asset quality of NBFCs is largely steady. Mumbai: As top 50 non-banking finance companies need Rs 95,000 crore to repay debts, of which Rs 70,000 crore are commercial papers maturing this month, and banks will have to lend more to the sector to avoid defaults, says a report. Since the IL&FS defaults, it can be noted that NBFCs and housing finance companies (HFCs) were facing a crisis of confidence, sending call money rates higher and overall liquidity tight. This forced RBI to open a special window for banks but denied the same to NBFCs. The crisis of confidence comes even as asset quality of NBFCs is largely steady. As many as 50 large NBFCs have debt repayments worth Rs 95,000 crore due in November, of which, Rs 70,000 crore are commercial papers (CPs) maturing, said Krishnan Sitaraman, a senior director at CRISIL, adding some of them are well-placed to meet the debt repayments without drawing down on bank lines, others may have to do so, at least partially. The report, however, did not say how much of short-tenor debt is due this month at the industry level. In October, the rollover rate of CPs issued by these 50 largest NBFCs was only around 40 per cent of the average monthly issuances betw-een June and August 2018. Consequently, NBFCs were forced to tap banks for funds. For as long as there have been wars which in human history is forever there have been stories about war. They stretch back to Homers riveting epic songs of the battlefield the Iliad and of returning home from it the Odyssey. They come forward in truly sensitive films like Richard Linklaters Last Flag Flying and Ricardo Ainslies The Mark of War, and wide-ranging books like Larry Tritles and Jason Warrens The Many Faces of War, officially being released this Veterans Day. We should approach Veterans Day with reverence, a sense of irony and even bewilderment. After all, on the original Armistice Day, Nov. 11, 1918, civilized Europeans, Americans and Turks decided that 21 million casualties was enough. This Veterans Day, we should pay attention to the stories old and young warriors tell us about their time in service and try to figure out what points their stories are making, what the service we always thank them for was, and what purpose it served. We will find as one common takeaway that many service members and veterans tell stories to try to figure out themselves what it all meant and means. Why did so many men and women suffer and die? Why did some make it home and so many others did not? Why do they still think about, in some cases persistently, the things they did and the things that were done to them and their friends, and even their once-upon-a-time enemies? There are so many stories of war that there is a whole scholarly and popular industry of studies of these stories. I have taught honors and graduate courses about war stories for more than 25 years. They are an inexhaustible well. One great study is by Samuel Hynes, The Soldiers Tale (1997). Hynes flew in combat as a Marine pilot at Okinawa, the last of the truly hellish fighting by American troops in amphibious landings during World War II. For 20 months, island by island across the Pacific, dug-in Japanese soldiers swore to die fighting and did. The fighting at Okinawa went on for 80 days, April through June 1945. It exceeded predictions by military planners that it would be horrendous worse than Iwo Jima. If you want good war stories, a place to start is with Eugene Sledges With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa. Sledge was there in the fighting, and he attests that it was an environment so degrading I believed we had been flung into hells own cesspool. More than 150,000 casualties, American and Japanese, on a small island will produce the effect described by a U.S. Marine sergeant using Sledges metaphor, You could smell the front long before you saw it; it was one vast cesspool. Hynes says that his book really began at Okinawa, when I saw that war was not what I had expected. The stories veterans of war tell have no magic. Shakespeare scholar Alvin Kernan, who served as a bombardier in the Pacific in World War II and wrote his memoir, told it like it is when critiquing Hynes book in 1997: They always say there wont be another war, but there always is. We seem now to have reached the point with what war correspondent Dexter Filkins calls our forever war on terror, where we dont even pretend there wont be another war. So, we had better read and listen to and watch and hear what those who fight in our name are telling us, unromantically, removing any stars still left in our eyes, or never placing them there to begin with. Here is one story from war to ponder on Veterans Day: During World War I, 23,000 Australian soldiers died horribly during the Battle of the Somme. One history states that some intelligent men developed a bitter conviction that they were being uselessly sacrificed. One of them even believed in magic: For Christs sake, he wrote, write a book on the life of an infantryman and by doing so you will quickly prevent these shocking tragedies. Many, many such books were published in the past century. Today? Tom Palaima is the Armstrong Centennial Professor of Classics at the University of Texas at Austin and academic adviser to the veterans-run NEH-Aquila Theatre Project The Warrior Chorus, warriorchorus.org/blog/. Upon embarking on this mercenary mission, they first take leave of their senses. Rating: Cast: Aamir Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Katrina Kaif, Fatima Sana Sheikh, Llyod Owen, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Ronit Roy Director: Vijay Krishna Acharya There is a prerequisite, an existential one, for all commercial films, especially the big-budget, star-spangled ones: Thou shall not bore. And yet, the opposite happens way too often, especially when the biggies of Bollywood set out to conquer the box-office as a glorious end in itself. Upon embarking on this mercenary mission, they first take leave of their senses. And, after sending their pesky writers on long leave as well, they proceed to throw cash in true tipsy-customer-at-a-dance-bar style, at the art director, the carpenters, the cinematographer, the CGI team, the costume wallas, the extras, the stars hair stylists, colourists Anything and everything except the story, the dialogue, the writing. Everything must look slick-and-span, expensive, at a massive, impressive scale even if the films innards are rotting and hollow. Thugs of Hindostan, written (LOL!) and directed by Vijay Krishna Acharya, is one such enterprise where everything from the release date to the single-minded focus of all entities involved is devoted to making pots and pots of money. And so, naturally, it is BIG & bloody boring. It has Big B, for one, swathed, from head to toe, in layers of clothing made up of ethnic strips to yield what looked like the 80% discount basket at a posh store had been emptied on to him in earnest. Thugs of Hindostan also has the reigning king of box-office, Aamir Khan, in a role thats a mish-mash of many things. It has bits and baubles drawn from Jack Sparrow, but without his hang loose, drunken swag and guile that was itself borrowed from Keith Richards, the last word in cool even today for many who swear by both, drugs and rock n roll. Thugs also has a taut-tummied, botox-lipped Katrina Kaif who keeps making sultry appearances for no apparent reason except to say something about her powers of arousal and to shake her booty on the instructions of a choreographer (Manush Nandan) who clearly has no concept of eithet rhythm or movement or the human body. Joining this mess together are standard Bollywood cliches involving evil firangis and good-hearted desis. And together they throw a mean challenge at the audience. Thugs of Hindostan, from Yash Raj Films, challenges you to stay awake even as it goes from dreary to dismal to downright dud. In my first viewing I failed this challenge repeatedly. I dozed off at least five times as the unending sorry saga set in a land of aazadi-wanting Indians, and the mendacious goras of the East India Company kept going round and round in circles, heading nowhere. For the second viewing I bought a very large cup of black coffee and yet, post interval, I woke up twice to my own loud snoring. The films story, which begins in 1795, is idiotic in its entirety. A kingdom called Raunakpur is being by a decent, turbaned king whose benevolence is conveyed to us through his sweet talk with his precocious little beti and his talk of azaadi and gulami when he spots men of the East India Company breaking pots of sookhi sabut mirchi. King Baig (Ronit Roy) is doing his damnedest to keep Raunakpur safe from East India Companys kleptomaniacs, specifically John Clive (Llyod Owen). When Clive arrives for the first time, theres spooky incantation from the space above where the Devil dwells. In Bollywoods storytelling now, for most directors from Ketan Mehta to Gowarikar to Bhansali to, well, V.K. Acharya Indian kings are defined by their valour, honour, mehman nawazi, and gora firangis by their plundering designs and deceitful ways. The joyous days of Junoon and Shatranj Ke Khilari are long gone. So, naturally, the tea-sipping, barood-smelling Clive does dhoka on the honourable and nicely accessorised Baig royal family. But, just as Clive casts his evil blue eyes on little Zafira, in rides Khudabaksh Azaad (Amitabh Bachchan) on a stallion and with a hawk gliding about. The drama of this scene as the little one runs to ride pillion with Azaad made me break into a smile. But then, Im quick to judge and quicker to repent. Fast forward to 11 years, when one donkey-riding middle-aged man, Firangi Mallah (Aamir Khan), arrives to con his way into the services of the East India Company who are after thugs. The film gives the character of Firangi Mallah a lot tassels and danglers, a nose pin and kajal, a side-kick called Shanichar (Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub), some funny lines and lots of screen love. And Mr Khan returns the favour often. He turns up the masti quotient by talking fast and silly, making his eyes dance along with his curls, but theres little else besides that. Its a character who lights up the screen for a bit, making no connect because it has no depth. There was the possibility of some sparks flying between Suraiya (Katrina Kaif) and F. Mallah, especially after the slap she lands on his cheeks, but it was time for her first item number that involved one of Ms Kaifs slender legs, her concave stomach and burgeoning lips. All of them danced separately, to their own tune, like drunk uncles long after the baratis have left. Soon F. Mallah is professing allegiance to Azaad and his beti-like protegee, Zafira (Fatima Sana Sheikh), and here on the story is about, well, bombast and honour versus wit and guile. Lots of big-big, boring-boring stuff happens. Ships get stolen, ships go up in flames. There is teer-andazi, jumping about from land and sea, ships at war, gora bosses looking displeased and throwing barood-ke-gole at enemy forces, till its time for another woman to deliver another slap. Someone double-crosses, someone dies, someone comes back from the dead, and the same guy gets slapped again and the same item girl arrives to do what seemed like an extension of the earlier item number, again with her legs, lips and torso dancing like mad baratis. While Thugs of Hindostan is mounted on a massive scale, and has lots of great stunts, is shot on sandy beackes, rocky gufas, and its characters swing from ropes and leap and slash, its characters are essentially cut-paste creations with some bits from Game of Thrones, and many from Pirates of the Carribean. Worse, they have nothing to them except functionality in the meagre plot. They arrive to do their action, say their lines. All except Lloyd Owen. His Clive was pure evil, quite fabulous. Which is sad because Amitabh Bachchan is still a powerhouse, and when hes on the screen, theres space for little else. Theres majesty in his frame. And now that its aging, it holds a coiled force not seen before. Theres power in his silence thats often conveyed by the slow-blink of his droopy, creased eyes. Bachchan, now 76, looked and moved like a mountain. There were moments in Thugs of Hindostan when I though he resembled an Ent (the walking-talking trees) from Lord of the Rings. The camera, kind and decent, delivers him never as a whole, but in piecemeal the baritone, the eyes, the sluggish movement of drawing his swords cut into a million shots to insinuate energy when there was none. But throughout the film, when its time to speak or act, Bachchan hams and overacts. Its a tragedy that directors now seem to not want to direct him. They treat him like a fragile, venerable thing rather than an actor whos still got it. And he too likes to get by on his old, vapid moves. Aamir Khan is good in a very unmemorable way. He brings to his character nothing more than comic timing and a wicked glint. That is, of course, the fault of the writers and the director who seem content with his oh-so-not-funny one, two, three quick march Hinglish gibberish. Everything about him is fleeting except, perhaps, the kajal and the nose pin. Fatima leaps and lunges but is very thakeli when she opens her mouth. As is Ms Kaif. Enough cant be said about how terrible her item numbers were. The gent called Manush Nandan, who allegedly choregraphed them, should be made to sit in murga position for at least 42 hours and be made to watch them as they play on a loop. He must be made to suffer the annoying hodgepodge of flailing arms and random jerks of the upper and then the lower body as we suffered them. Ive seen better dancing at my colonys Holi Milan. Members of the Peter Keenan Branch of Organisation of National Ex Service Personnel will take part in the remembrance ceremony to mark the centenary of the ending of the 1914-1918 war next Sunday, November 1. At 5am on November 11, 1918, in a railway carriage at the forest of Compiegne outside Paris, an armistice was signed between the Allied forces and Germany. The Great War was over. To mark the armistice, bells were rung in many parts of the UK and throughout many parts of the world. In Ireland, as elsewhere, the news was greeted with profound relief. The feelings that had been pent up for some years were suddenly let loose and the whole city of Dublin and other parts of this country celebrated. After four years of fighting, the war on the Western Front was brought to a halt. Away from the Western Front however fighting continued while peace negotiations got under way and it took two more years to finally end the Great War. For the soldiers it was business as usual, those who had signed up for the duration of the war would have expected to be returned to their homes and families. This did not happen, any soldiers fit enough were transferred to Class Z. Class Z Reserve was authorised by an Army Order of December 3, 1918. There were fears that Germany would not accept the terms of any peace treaty and therefore the British Government decided it would be wise to be able to quickly recall trained men in the eventuality of the resumption of hostilities. Soldiers who were being demobilised, particularly those who had agreed to serve for the duration, were at first posted to Class Z. Some returned to civilian life but with an obligation to return if called upon. Many of the Irish soldiers were called on to serve as peacekeepers in India, Germany and a host of other countries in the Middle East during this waiting period. Although technically the war was over soldiers were still dying up to and after armistice day, and beyond. Lieutenant George Rufane Talbot Mayne, from Ballymacormack died of wounds on November 10, he had been awarded the Military Cross for gallantry. Cornelius McVenea a sergeant from Little Water Street, Longford died of wounds on November 11, 1918 and he is buried in Ballymacormack Cemetery. Pte John Joseph Murray, of Granard, 2nd Bn., Royal Irish Regiment, also died of wounds on November 11, 1918, and he is interred in Nouvelles Communal Cemetery, Belgium. Many others from this area died in the period 1918 to 1920, Alexander Moorhead from the Demesne in Longford town died on June 14, 1920. Soldiers who made a career out of army life would have carried on as normal. The Z Reserve was abolished on March 31, 1920, releasing all soldiers on the short-term contract. This November as we celebrate the centenary of armistice day, we also remember all of those who died in the war, all that were maimed or changed mentally and physically fighting for a cause they believed in. The Irishmen and women that took part and returned to tell the tale were at best ignored, at worse, vilified and abused for their stand. Today, thankfully in Longford we can honour all those whose sacrifice a century ago on the battlefields of Europe and beyond shaped the world we live in today. We will remember them. Read Also: Longford ONE members to take part in special Mass Icelands Christmas campaign has been banned from television for breaching political advertising rules. Clearcast failed to sign off on the advertising campaign claiming it was in breach of rules around political advertising as part of the 2003 Communications Act. The food retailer, which specialises in frozen food innovation as well as stocking over 650 products from 40 Irish suppliers, has 24 stores nationwide in Ireland. Two more stores are due to open ahead of Christmas in Wexford and Nenagh. The advertising campaign focuses on the destruction of the rainforest to make way for palm-oil plantations, which is a threat to the orangutans living there. Iceland worked with Greenpeace for the short animation film, following its announcement earlier this year to be the first retailer to remove palm oil from all own-brand products with 130 products to be reformulated by the end of 2018. This was a film that Greenpeace made with a voice over by Emma Thompson, said Icelands founder, Malcolm Walker. We got permission to use it and take off the Greenpeace logo and use it as the Iceland Christmas ad. It would have blown the John Lewis ad out of the window. It was so emotional. Iceland wanted to share this important story as part of its commitment to environmental campaigning. Richard Walker, Malcoms son said, "we knew there was a risk but we gave it our best shot. Local News, Community, Charity & Cause, Press Releases By Legislator Anker's Office Published: November 09 2018 Legislator Anker Promotes Volunteer Opportunities at Mount Sinai High School. Mount Sinai, NY - November 9, 2018 - On Thursday, November 8th, Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker attended the On Thursday, November 8th, Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker attended the Mount Sinai High School Honor Society Volunteer Fair. In order to imbue a sense of community and caring for others, the Honor Society hosted the event to get encourage students to get involved in volunteering. The two-day volunteer fair allowed students to explore different opportunities that meet their interests and abilities. Many local nonprofit organizations attended, including Coastal Steward, Angelas House, Long Island Museum, Guide Dog Foundation, Long Island Exploratorium, Americas VetDogs, and Mount Sinai Heritage Trust. Im impressed to see so many young students interested in volunteering with local organizations, said Legislator Anker. Community service is a great way for students to grow their compassion and learn about important issues that are affecting our community. Local News, Community, Charity & Cause, Press Releases By Long Island News & PR Published: November 09 2018 Delgado received the award from Suffolk County Legislator Monica Martinez for her commitment to the community. Central Islip, NY - November 9, 2018 - Adelante of Suffolk County, Inc. (Adelante) is proud to announce that their Director, Pilar Delgado, received the Hispanic Heritage Award from Suffolk County Legislator Monica Martinez, at the Legislators Hispanic Heritage Month celebration. The celebration was held at the Adelante of Suffolk County, Inc. (Adelante) is proud to announce that their Director, Pilar Delgado, received the Hispanic Heritage Award from Suffolk County Legislator Monica Martinez, at the Legislators Hispanic Heritage Month celebration. The celebration was held at the Central Islip Public Library in October. Pilar was honored for her commitment and dedication to the progress and growth of the Hispanic community. All of us in the FREE Family are thrilled for Pilar, said Robert S. Budd, CEO, FREE. Pilar Delgado is a tireless advocate for the Hispanic Community and a true partner in service, he continued. Pilar Delgado was born in Brooklyn, NY to immigrant parents from Puerto Rico. She was one of six children and learned the value of sharing early on in life. Her parents taught her and her siblings to forge forward, persevere, and try to be the best one can be, as well as to always give back. Upon leaving Brooklyn, NY, she was married and set out to achieve the American Dream of owning her own home. She and her husband, settled in Selden , in Suffolk County. She yearned to stay connected with her roots and ended up becoming Director of La Union Hispanica where she found her true purpose in life to serve the Hispanic community. Pilar went on to become a part of the board of Adelante of Suffolk County, where she served for over fifteen years before becoming Director. I love connecting with the Hispanic population, said Pilar Delgado, Director, Adelante. To put it simply, I love my job and love what I can accomplish with a simple smile on my face. I do not stand alone; my husband and family encourage me every day, she continued. Adelante is an affiliate of Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE), a not-for-profit agency that proudly supports more than 4,000 individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, mental illness and traumatic brain injury. About Adelante of Suffolk County, Inc. Local News, Crime, Business & Finance, Press Releases By Long Island News & PR Published: November 09 2018 Abbott Labs Mailed Marketing Surveys to New Parents from National Institute of Infant Nutrition, Creating False Impression that Info Would Be Used for Scientific Research. New York, NY - November 9, 2018 - Attorney General Barbara D. Underwood today announced a settlement resolving an investigation into Illinois-based Abbott Laboratories, maker of Similac infant formula, over misleading marketing surveys the company sent to new parents about their infant-feeding habits. The surveys, sent under the logo of the National Institute of Infant Nutrition, sought information about the recipients demographics and habits for feeding their babies, including whether their baby had been breast-fed and, if formula-fed, the brand of formula used by the parents. However, there is no entity with the name National Institute of Infant Nutrition and Abbott used the survey information for its own marketing purposes. The settlement requires Abbott to accurately disclose the purpose for which survey information is sought and prohibits Abbott from falsely representing that their surveys are being conducted for scientific study. The settlement also requires Abbott to pay $50,000 in costs. This survey was a formula for deception, said Attorney General Underwood. My office will not allow any business to mislead New Yorkers into sharing private information under false pretenses. The Attorney Generals investigation revealed that between March 2015 and April 2017, Abbott sent more than 200,000 surveys to new parents in New York under the logo of the National Institute of Infant Nutrition, accompanied by a letter from an individual identified as the Research Director, advising that the National Institute of Infant Nutrition conducts the monthly surveys to understand infant nutrition. The letter urged consumers to complete the survey to help with this important research. After the Attorney Generals Office commenced its investigation, Abbott agreed to stop using the National Institute of Infant Nutrition logo on its surveys. Under the settlement, Abbott is required to disclose at the top of any survey either its name or the name of any third party conducting the market research on its behalf. Arun Jaitley lists demonetisation benefits; ex-PM, others call it brutal assault. New Delhi: The second anniversary of demonetisation on Thursday saw a bitter exchange of verbal blows between the ruling BJP and the Opposition parties, with the former hailing the move for pushing formalisation of the economy and the Congress calling the exercise a carefully planned criminal- financial scam that unleashed havoc. Finance minister Arun Jaitley strongly defended the exercise saying demonetisation resulted in increased tax base, with the government earmarking more resources for the poor and infrastructure development. Taking a dig at the Opposition in a Facebook post, Mr Jaitley said that prophets of doom have been proven wrong as hard data of two years shows greater formalisation of the economy and India retaining the fastest growing economy tag for the fifth year in a row. However, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress president Rahul Gandhi alleged that demonetisation was a planned brutal conspiracy and a shrewd scheme to convert the black money of Prime Minister Narendra Modis suit-booted friends to white. Dr Manmohan Singh, in a statement, said, Today marks the 2nd anniversary of the ill-fated and ill-thought demonetisation exercise The havoc that it unleashed on Indian economy and society is now evident to everyone. In a scathing assessment of the demonetisation exercise, Dr Singh said the scars and wounds it caused are getting more visible with time and the decisions second anniversary is a day to remember how economic misadventures can roil the nation. It is often said that time is a great healer. But unfortunately, in the case of demonetisation, the scars and wounds of demonetisation are only getting more visible with time, the former Prime Minister said. Alleging that the exercise was a carefully planned criminal-financial scam, Congress president Rahul Gandhi tweeted, Note ban was a premeditated brutal conspiracy. This scam was a shrewd scheme to convert the black money of Prime Ministers suit-booted friends to white. Nothing was innocent in this scam. Drawing any other meaning of it would be an insult of the intelligence of the nation. Mr Gandhi called the exercise a monumental blunder and said that the governments spin-doctors, including our incompetent finance minister, have the unenviable task of defending an indefensible, criminal policy Demonetisation was a tragedy. India has faced many tragedies in its past. Many a time have envious, external enemies tried to hurt us. But demonetisation is unique in the history of our tragedies because it was a self-inflicted, suicidal attack that destroyed millions of lives and ruined thousands of Indias small businesses, he alleged. Mr Gandhi claimed that the worst hit by demonetisation were the poorest of the poor who were forced to queue up for days to exchange their meagre savings. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee alleged that the note ban was initiated for the benefit of a handful of people, saying the common people were the worst sufferers. Former finance minister P. Chidambaram described the note ban scheme as the most ingeniously designed official money laundering scheme. Questioning the rationale behind the exercise, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal termed it as a self-inflicted deep wound on the Indian economy. Firing 10 questions at the Congress, the BJP asked why the Opposition party finds merit in protesting every anti-corruption measure of the Narendra Modi government and accused it of living in denial despite a surge in GDP numbers. Is the Congress living in a state of denial that it cannot see the surge in GDP numbers, the ease of doing business rankings and Global Competitiveness Index? Why are they unhappy that Indias economic prowess is being recognised the world over? asked a BJP leader. The saffron party also took a dig at Mr Chidambaram over his criticism of the governments economic policy, saying he is himself under radar of investigating agencies for massive corruption involving land, cash and foreign bank accounts. Highlighting the benefits of demonetisations, Mr Jaitley listed an 80 per cent jump in income tax return filers to 6.86 crore, increase in digital transactions and more resources being available for poor and for building better infrastructure as the main achievements. With depositing junked currency in banks only mode left to liquidate holding of old 500 and 1,000 rupee notes, the government was able to track down people holding cash beyond their known sources of income, he claimed. The enormity of cash deposited and identified with the owner resulted in suspected 17.42 lakh account holders from whom the response has been received online through non-invasive method, he wrote. Responding to criticism from the Opposition parties, Mr Jaitley said India clocking the fastest growth rate has proved prophets of doom, who had predicted that demonetisation will shave off 2 per cent of growth rate, conclusively wrong. The government had on November 8, 2016, announced ban on old 500 and 1000 rupee notes, to curb black money in the system. Of the Rs 15.41 lakh crore worth Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes in circulation on November 8, 2016, 99.3 per cent or notes worth Rs 15.31 lakh crore have returned to the banking system. This means, just Rs 10,720 crore of the junked currency did not return to the banking system. Local News, Crime, Press Releases By Long Island News & PR Published: November 09 2018 DA Madeline Singas the arrests of five individuals during 'Operation Beech Sweep.' Mineola, NY - November 9, 2018 - Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas announced the arrests of five individuals for operating a drug trafficking ring in Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas announced the arrests of five individuals for operating a drug trafficking ring in Long Beach DA Singas said in June 2017, following a tip, NCPD DA Squad Detectives began a 14-month long investigation dubbed Operation Beech Sweep into a drug trafficking ring operating primarily in Long Beach. The investigation revealed the alleged ringleader of the group to be Robert Gause. During the investigation, Gause is alleged to have received crack/cocaine, and cocaine, from Carlos Andujar, an alleged Latin King gang member. Gause is accused of then supplying the drugs to Rodney Coward, Ronnie Sutton, and Harold Chestnut who then allegedly sold to dozens of local users in Long Beach, Inwood , and Atlantic Beach . Gause also allegedly had connections to buy and then resell heroin, oxycodone pills, and Xanax. To date, more than half a kilogram of drugs and more than 100 pills have been recovered. Additionally, during the execution of a search warrant, a loaded .357 Magnum Revolver and a shotgun were allegedly found inside Defendant Suttons home. It is alleged that this unnamed ring operated along Beech Street in Long Beach for several years, and members bought and sold only to insiders with the hope of shielding themselves from arrests and prosecutions. These defendants allegedly poisoned our communities by buying and selling staggering amounts of drugs for many years, DA Singas said. With the help of the Nassau County Police Department, the Long Beach Police Department, and the Freeport Police Department, the DA Squad was able to make a significant dent in the flow of drugs into Long Beach and surrounding communities. My office remains laser-focused on dismantling the drug trafficking networks that are fueling Long Islands opioid epidemic. Nassau County Police Commissioner Ryder said, During Operation Beech Sweep, the collective law enforcement agencies were able to arrest and remove from our communities five individuals that were trafficking dangerous and illegal drugs to various communities. These drugs lead to both fatal and non-fatal overdoses, placing our residents and their children at great risk which we cannot tolerate. I commend and congratulate the investigators in this case as they continue to work diligently to stop the flow of these dangerous drugs into our communities. The Long Beach Police Department is very proud our working relationships with the Nassau County District Attorneys Office, the Nassau County Police Department, and area police agencies. Working together is essential to these investigations and the resulting arrests needed to eliminate the scourge those drug dealers are causing in Long Island communities, said Police Commissioner Michael Tangney. Robert Gause a/k/a Bean, 49, of Atlantic Beach, was arraigned on November 1 before Judge Maxine Broderick and charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree (an A-II felony). Bail was set at $50,000 bond or $25,000 cash, and the defendant is due back in court November 5. If convicted of the top charge the defendant faces a maximum of 10 years in prison. Carlos Andujar, 34, of Inwood, was arraigned November 3 before Judge Paul Meli and charged with Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree. (an A-I felony). Bail was set at $200,000 bond or $200,000 cash, and the defendant is due back in court November 13. If convicted of the top charge the defendant faces a maximum of 24 years in prison. Rodney Coward, 43, of Long Beach, was arraigned November 7 before Judge Eileen Goggin and charged with Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree (an A-II felony). Bail was set at $2,000,000 bond or $1,000,000 cash, and the defendant is due back in court November 9. If convicted of the top charge the defendant faces a maximum of 14 years in prison. Ronnie Sutton, 45, of Long Beach, was arraigned November 3 before Judge Paul Meli and charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree (an A-II felony). Bail was set at $250,000 bond or $250,000 cash, and the defendant is due back in court November 28. If convicted of the top charge the defendant faces a maximum of 10 years in prison. Harold Chestnut, 59, of Long Beach, was arraigned November 2 before Judge Maxine Broderick and charged with Conspiracy in the Second Degree (a B felony). Bail was set at $40,000 bond or $20,000 cash, and the defendant is due back in court November 20. If convicted of the top charge the defendant faces a maximum of nine years in prison. Deputy Bureau Chief Anne Donnelly and Senior Assistant District Attorney George Smit of DA Singas Organized Crime and Rackets Bureau are prosecuting this case. Defendant Gause is represented by William Shanahan, Esq., defendant Sutton is represented Mindy Plotkin, Esq. defendant Chestnut is represented by Sheryl Channer, Esq., defendant Andujar is represented by Steven Gaitman, Esq., and defendant Coward is represented by James McGlynn, Esq. When my mom and I started planning our trip to Boston, we planned to spend most of our time in the city. Then we thought about a trip up to Portland, Maine (less than 2 hours away) and looking at the Fall leaves. So excited did we get about our excursion that we switched up our itinerary to spend half of our trip there! Though our visit was far too short, we packed as much as we could into two full days. And it was jam packed full of the top Portland, Maine things to do as well as the restaurants and coffee shops! Portland, Maine Things to Do In the first week of October, the leaves were starting to change, but it wasnt full fledged yet. We got a lovely taste of fall with cool weather , but it was still perfectly wonderful for walking the city, taking ferry rides, and snapping a crazy number of photos! A beautiful seaside city, Portland is full of things to do for everyones interests! If you end up just doing a day trip to Portland, you can easily enjoy a walk along the waterfront, a delicious lunch (more on food below), and shopping along Exchange Street just two blocks up from the water. If you love stationery, stop in Gus & Ruby Letterpress (we also stopped there in Portsmouth, New Hampshire). For great local crafts and food (I bought a great hors doeuvres platter) hit up Lisa Maries Made in Maine Gift Shop. And for great shopping, wander into Zane and Bliss Boutiques. If microbrew is your thing, beer tasting is of interest, or you just like interesting tours with good stories, take the 15-20 minute drive out to Allagash Brewery. Make sure to sign up for one of their free tours before heading out though. They also have a fun tasting room and shop. Tours and tastings are 1.5-2.5 hours, so plan on an afternoon there. Since its a drive out of the downtown area, you could certainly take lyft or uber so you dont have to worry about getting back! Portland Maine Ferries As I mentioned in my Peaks Island Travel Guide last week, my mom and I are suckers for a ferry ride and the Casco Bay has no shortage of them. After our brewery tour and an amazing lunch, we took the Harbor Lights and Sights Cruise from Portland Discovery Land & Sea Tours. The tour is about an hour and 45 minutes, sailing you through Casco Bay. Youll see and learn about Civil War fortifications, all the lighthouses in the area, and islands full of stories (there are 136 of them)! The tour company also offers a trolley tour if the weather isnt ideal when you visit or if youre not too excited about ferry tours. And, of course, if youre there for more than one day, take a trip out to one of the islands. We visited Peaks Island and enjoyed a great half day! Slightly out of town about 20 minutes is Freeport, Maine home to L.L. Bean . L.L. Bean stores are open 24 hours per day in Maine and this central store is nothing short of amazing with levels of clothing and shoes, an outdoor store, and a separate building for their home goods. After an early dinner one night, we drove up and soaked up all the outdoorsy, flannel goodness! Portland, Maine Restaurants And finally, if youre based in Portland for your trip, you can take the 1 hour trip to Portsmouth, New Hampshire a fun waterside stop for food, shopping, and views! There are actually quite a few similar shops in the two towns. You can also add another state to your trip! I have a theory in life (one of many to be honest) that cities that get really cold will always have great food, delicious coffee, and good beer. Portland, Oregon is one of my favorite examples of this, but I now think Portland, Maine is winning just as much on this front. Where to begin with the food? Upon arrival, my mom mentioned a place called the Lobster Shack where we could get lobster with a view of the sea. Wanting to see the view in the light, we arrived for an early dinner at the Lobster Shack at Two Lights an authentic Maine experience! We ordered two lobsters and it came with fries (not enough for my obsessive tastes), melted butter, a wee biscuit , and coleslaw The lobster was delectable, though a bit of a workout for this newbie! We also ordered homemade rhubarb pie to take back to our rented flat for dessert. It was all so much fun and worth the trek. The Lobster Shack closes for winter open March to October! I dont often like to play favorites when it comes to food, but I will kind of break my rule here. I also dont like restaurants that include wait time in a line with no option for reservations, but Ill again break that rule since the food is so good. The top recommended restaurant from everyone we talked to (before our arrival even) was Eventide Oyster Co. Oysters are certainly on the menu, but theres so, so much more! Its possible Ive now had the best oysters (here) and the best mussels of my life! My mom picked out the lobster bisque pictured here. I knew Id like it, but I ended up loving it. The cup is small but just the right size for the decadently rich soup. I couldnt let a tasty bite of lobster go! Up above was a selection of their raw tunas offerings change daily. Each had its own flavor and presentation and each one was more delicious than the last. I seriously debated living on tuna carpaccio after this one! And finally the fish sandwich. Fish sandwiches belong in that category of foods Ill never order of my own volition, but it came highly recommended so we gave it a go The fish was perfectly crispy, the bun delicious, and the pickle and lettuce situation just right. Ive actually been drooling every time Ive looked at this photo since our visit. So maybe I should remove fish sandwich from that dreaded list of mine? So about the waiting in line thing. We showed up for a late lunch, midweek (and slightly off season). The wait didnt seem to be more than about 15-20 minutes. Once you get closer to the front, youre moved into a side room with a menu and you can order a drink! I imagine that at lunch or dinner time during the summer, the wait is much, much longer. Id recommend going slightly off hours and just know that the food is quite worth it! It should probably be at the top of your Portland, Maine things to do list really! Another tasty spot in town (and sadly another one that doesnt take reservations) is Central Provisions . With a long wait, we went down to the bar and stalked people to take their seats. We ordered dinner from the bartender and enjoyed a nice dinner. Obviously if you have more than 3 or 4 people, this option wont work. All the food was delicious, but I really loved the sticky toffee pudding. After mixed results with sticky toffee pudding in Scotland this year (chocolate tiffin was far more dependable), I worried how good it would be. I neednt have fretted, however. The pastry chef at Central Provisions could teach a few of his/her counterparts in Scotland about good Sticky Toffee Pudding! Blasphemy, I know! The Coffee Situation Ok. Time for the all important coffee conversation. Portlands coffee scene is on the up and up with all the latest trends. In addition to great coffee beans, theyve got oat milk, hemp milk (I still havent tried that), and everything Id expect in an LA coffee shop. And theyve all got delicious morsels to go with your coffee or tea! Above is Standard Baking Company. We had a little trouble finding it using Google Maps funny enough. You just have to enter the parking lot off of Commercial Street. We made the mistake of looking for it on Fore Street They offer tons of baked goods and drip coffee and hot tea. We grabbed our morning sustenance here before our trip out to Peaks Island! At the top of my list heading to the city was Tandem Coffee Roasters . Tandem roasts, tastes, and sells their coffee all in one building, which resembles a former gas station (dont quote me on that though). They also offer an extensive selection of baked goods that will kind of blow you and your taste buds away. Youll find yourself hoping for a bit of a wait in line so you can make the hard decision of what to get! Bard Coffee was our very last stop before we hit the road back to Boston and it was a positively perfect way to remember Portland. Its in the central shopping area, so its a great place to run into while youre wandering around town! The cortado with oat milk was divine! The midterm elections, followed promptly by Attorney General Jeff Sessions forced resignation, have rendered special counsel Robert Muellers investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election politically irrelevant. By waiting until after the midterms to issue his final report about President Donald Trumps possible culpability, Mueller has effectively missed his market and may have doomed the investigation. In virtually every significant contested race where Trump campaigned for the GOP candidate especially in the Senate the presidents endorsement carried the Republican across the threshold, assuring Trump of another reliable vote in Congress. Mueller has gained a handful of convictions so far, but the potential for significant revelations by the special counsels final report appears to have played no role in the voting by Republicans or Democrats. Two evident consequences flow from the Trump effect on the midterms. First, the president has been able to fire Sessions, whose recusal from investigating Russias election interference resulted in Muellers appointment, and immediately replace him, at least temporarily, with a loyalist, Matthew Whitaker, who already is on the record criticizing Muellers investigation. This action ends Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosensteins role as a protective buffer between Mueller and the president. The new attorney general, whether it is Whitaker or someone else, will be free to constrain Muellers investigation and suppress the special counsels findings: Any report by Mueller must go to the attorney general, who decides what, if anything, to do with it. Sessions replacement will be far more comfortable suppressing the report now that firmer Republican control of the Senate protects not only Trump, but also the new attorney general from any risk of being ousted in a post-impeachment trial. Second, though the Democrats new House majority will give them the opportunity to annoy Trump and to hector the new attorney general, Mueller no longer has any chance of securing the legislative protection for his investigation that had been proposed in recent months. Republicans expanded their Senate majority in the midterms, picking up at least three seats and shedding the few Republicans such as the retiring Bob Corker (Tenn.) and Jeff Flake (Ariz.) who might have been interested in protecting the integrity of the investigation. This senatorial shift in Trumps favor makes the prospect of impeachment by the House an even less plausible brake on the presidents desire to short-circuit Mueller. There is little chance that any evidence of Trumps misconduct the House could produce, even with the fruits of Muellers investigation, would persuade 20 or so Republican senators to join Democrats in reaching the constitutionally required two-thirds majority (67 votes) necessary to convict and remove the president after impeachment. It is almost inconceivable that Mueller would be able to uncover the kind of smoking-gun evidence that, in 1974, led key Republican senators to warn President Richard Nixon that he would lose an impeachment trial in the Senate, thus forcing his resignation. Even an incriminating recording such as the one that helped bring down Nixon would not suffice. Recall how Trump, during the presidential campaign, finessed the infamous Access Hollywood tape revealing his bragging about groping women his imaginative suggestion that the voice on the tape might not be his seems to have been accepted by many of his credulous supporters. Given Senate Republicans ardent support for Trump, and their fortified majority, House Democrats likely would face an impossible task in pursuing an effective impeachment, no matter what Mueller uncovers. The net effect: Trump may be emboldened to strangle the Mueller investigation. The president has many ways to end the inquiry which he has regularly tried to discredit as a witch hunt and a hoax with no fear of paying a serious political price. The most drastic step would be simply to pardon everyone involved in the case, even trying to include himself. But instructing a new attorney general to revoke Muellers appointment, cut off the special counsels resources or quash his final report could also get the job done. If Muellers report were indeed buried by a new attorney general, a Democratic-controlled House Judiciary Committee would demand access to it. But Trump would surely come up with reasons for ordering the Justice Department to defy such a demand, such as claiming executive privilege. Justice Brett Kavanaughs confirmation to the Supreme Court last month gave Trump another vote likely to defer to assertions of presidential prerogative in any constitutional confrontation with a special counsel or a House committee. Democrats have much to celebrate about the midterms, but their elation should be tempered by the realization that the election also may have spelled the end for Muellers Russia investigation, which was too long in getting to the punchline. Lacovara is the former president of the District of Columbia Bar and counsel to the Watergate special prosecutors. Apart from the mangled remains of the mini-bus at the explosion site, body parts of the victims and groceries could also be seen littered. The mangled remains of a CISF minibus after an IED blast, allegedly triggered by the Maoists, in Bacheli area of Dantewada, Chhattisgarh. (Photo: PTI) Bhopal: A Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) jawan and four civilians were killed on Thursday as Maoists blew up a passenger bus by triggering a powerful improvised explosive device (IED) blast in Bacheli in Chhattisgarhs south Bastar district of Dantewada, four days ahead of the first phase of Assembly polls in the state. Two other CISF jawans travelling in the ill-fated private mini-bus were also injured. This was the fourth Naxal attack in Bastar in the last 10 days. Incidentally, the attack came a day before Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Jagdalpur, headquarters of Bastar, on Friday, to campaign for the BJP before the first phase of voting on November 12. Four civilians and a CISF jawan were killed while two other security personnel were injured in the Maoist blast, said Bastar range inspector general of police Vivek Sinha. Apart from the mangled remains of the mini-bus at the explosion site, body parts of the victims and groceries could also be seen littered. No less than 60 kg of explosives must have been used to make the IED, sources in the state intelligence bureau said. Those killed in the blast were identified as CISF head constable D. Mukhopadhyay, bus driver Ramesh Patkar, helpers Roshan Kumar Sahu and Johan Nayak and a truck driver, Sushil Banjare, said Dantewada superintendent of police Abhishek Pallava. The truck driver had taken a lift in the bus, a police official said. CISF constables Pathare Satish and Pishal Suresh were injured in the attack, Mr Pallava said. The blast took place in a hilly area in Bacheli area when the jawans, belonging to CISFs 502 battalion, were returning to their camp at Akash Nagar after purchasing ration for their unit from a market, a police officer said. The private bus, requisitioned for election duty, was allotted to the CISF team deployed in the Bailadila mining area of the National Mining Development Corporation in Dantewada for election duty, he said. The CISF battalion had recently moved from Kolkata to Bastar for deployment in polling duty. While four jawans were killed in neighbouring Bijapur district by Maoists on October 30, a local BJP leader was brutally murdered by the rebels in Palnar in Dantewada district two days later. A Doordarshan cameraman and three cops were killed in an ambush by the rebels in Dantewada district last week. Naxalites have asked voters to boycott the upcoming state Assembly polls, being held in two phases on November 12 and November 20. The first phase is to be held in 18 Naxal-affected constituencies of the Bastar region, that falls in the southern part of the central Indian state. The remaining 72 constituencies will go to the polls on November 20 and the votes will be counted on December 11. News came today of the arrest of a far-right, 63-year-old man who wanted to assassinate the Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez. Despite the fact that the police found 16 guns in his possession, the Spanish National Audience refused to deal with the case as it did not consider it an instance of terrorism. This is the same tribunal that has sentenced rap artists to jail time for glorifying terrorism in their lyrics. A case of double standards? Read the article in Spanish on Lucha de Clases. The arrest of Manuel Sanchez Murillo, an expert marksman, has raised many questions in Spain. The man was arrested three weeks ago but the details were only made public today in an exclusive article in Publico, which, quoting sources close to the investigation, reveals a great deal about the case. Franco-supporting terrorist Manuel Sanchez Murillo is a member of a local, Olympic shooting club in Terrassa, where he is one of the best shooters. He works as a private security guard and therefore has a legal gun permit. He raised alarm by asking for logistical support to carry out the assassination of Sanchez in a private WhatsApp group he was a member of. This was a very specific request in which he wanted others to help him establish the prime ministers schedule, so he could organise the shooting. He wanted to finish off that shitty red. According to the report in Publico, he didnt mind being arrested afterwards, I am ready to sacrifice myself for Spain, he said. The motivation? Sanchez Murillo is a supporter of Spains former dictator, Franco and was enraged by the decision of the PSOE government to remove the dictators remains from the Valley of the Fallen: a fascist monument near Madrid. Manuel Sanchez Murillo was planning to kill the Prime Minister, but he is not regarded as a "terrorist" by the courts / Image: fair use Tipped off by one of the members of the WhatsApp group, the police obtained search and arrest warrants. When they entered his house they were surprised to find an arsenal of 22 weapons, including the CETME assault rifle used by the Spanish army, a Skorpion submachine gun and four high-precision rifles, able to shoot a target at 1000 to 1500 metres, as well as 16 handguns. Many of these weapons were illegal and some of them had been modified. Sanchez Murillo moved in far-right circles, nostalgic for the Franco era, and his father had been the last local mayor in Rubi from this period. Scandalous double standards Perhaps the most scandalous part of this story is that the National Audience, the tribunal that deals with cases of terrorism or crimes against the state, refused to handle the case as it did not consider it as a terrorist threat, but rather a case of homicide of an authority and illegal possession of weapons! Typically for its treatment of the far right, the media has described Murillo as a lone wolf rather than a terrorist. The National Audience replaced the Public Order Tribunal of the Franco regime, which dealt with political crimes. In recent times, the National Audience has tried a whole series of scandalous cases as part of an offensive against freedom of expression. For instance, the National Audience initially accepted a case against a group of puppeteers who were accused of glorifying terrorism, though the charges were later dropped. It has also sentenced communist rap artist, Pablo Hasel, for the same crime of glorifying terrorism due to lyrics from his songs. The National Audience also tried seven youths from Alsasua (Navarre) for terrorism, after they were involved in a bar brawl with some off-duty Civil Guards. They were sentenced to a total of 67 years in jail, though the court finally did not find grounds for the crime of terrorism. Additionally, the National Audience sentenced Mallorca rap artist, Valtonyc, to three-and-half years in jail for his lyrics, which they accused of glorifying terrorism. He absconded justice and is now in exile in Belgium, with the Spanish judiciary seeking his extradition. These are just some examples of the use of accusations of terrorism and glorifying terrorism by the State Prosecutor as a weapon against freedom of expression, to criminalise the Basque youth and generally to cow and threaten left-wing, anti-regime activists. Tamara Vila's arrest in April and terrorism charge for participating in the CDRs reflects the rotten double standards of the Spanish judiciary / Image: fair use Another example of the double standards of the Spanish justice system and particularly of the National Audience is that of Tamara Vila and Adria Carrasco: two activists of the Catalan Committees for the Defence of the Republic. On 10 April this year they were both charged with terrorism, rebellion and sedition. Tamara Vila was arrested by armed, balaclava-clad Civil Guard agents at her home in Viladecans; while Adria, from nearby Esplugues, managed to avoid arrest and is currently in exile in Belgium. The media was present during the arrest of Tamara and highlighted the terrorism charge in a clear attempt to criminalise the CDRs. Their only crime had been to participate in CDR actions to protest the arrest of Catalan president Puigdemont in Germany. These actions consisted of opening up toll booths for drivers to pass without paying. The case against Tamara was so scandalous and devoid of evidence that she was released the day after her arrest, but the National Audience ordered her confinement to her hometown, which she cannot leave without permission from the court: not even to visit her sick mother in hospital. Seven months later, the National Audience ruled that there were no grounds for the charges of terrorism, rebellion nor sedition against Murillo and that the case should be pursued by a lower local court, only for the charge of public disturbance. This is a welcome development, of course, which shows that the case against the CDR activists was a complete fabrication and merely used to intimidate others. But we should remember that under the Spanish legal code, the crime of public disturbance, which is regularly used by the police against demonstrators in cases where theres not been any violence, can carry prison sentences of up to three years. Against repression of democratic rights! What we can see clearly is how the National Audience and the State Prosecutor are ready to use charges of terrorism willy-nilly against left-wing activists, rap artists, Basque youth, Catalan activists, or anyone they deem a danger to the regime, but when it comes to far-right terrorists they are prepared to turn a blind eye and minimise charges. The National Audience is ready to use charges of terrorism against anyone they deem a danger to the regime, but when it comes to far-right terrorists they minimise charges / Image: fair use The whole of the Spanish legal system is rancid to its foundations and furthermore was inherited from the Franco dictatorship without any significant cleansing. Unfortunately, neither Podemos nor Izquierda Unida have taken the issue of repression as seriously as it deserves. In Spain, there is a whole series of political prisoners. Fran Molero from the Andalucian Workers Union (SAT) and Alfon, the youth from Vallecas (both victims of police frame-ups), the Catalan political prisoners, the Alsasu youth and many others are being tried or have been sentenced to jail time. This is a basic issue of democratic rights, which should be taken up in a united campaign against repression, with mass demonstrations, mass meetings in workplaces and working-class neighbourhoods; legal defence and so on. The struggle to defend legal rights and against repression is an integral part of the struggle against the 1978 regime and against capitalism. SPRINGFIELD -- CTrail will have one additional Hartford Line train -- on weekends and on weekdays -- serving Springfield Union Station starting Monday, according to timetables released by the Connecticut Department of Transportation. The new train arrives in Springfield at 9:47 a.m., having left New Haven at 8:15 a.m. It departs Springfield at 10:40 a.m. and arrives in New Haven at 12:12 p.m. On weekends, it arrives in Springfield at 10:58 a.m., having left New Haven at 9:25 a.m. It leaves Springfield at 11:30 a.m. and arrives in New Haven at 1:10 p.m. A set of timetables is available here (PDF). "We will now offer 24 daily weekday trips between Hartford and Springfield," said Connecticut Transportation Commissioner James Redeker. "Less than six months after the launch of the Hartford Line, we have increased service on the line and are closer to reaching the 2030 vision of rail passenger service in New England." Last month, ConnDOT asked Amtrak for more cars after passengers had to be kicked off crowded trains. Connecticut's plans for the rail line in 2030 call for 50 trains per day between New Haven and Springfield, as well as new stations in North Haven, Newington, West Hartford, Windsor, Windsor Locks and Enfield. The Hartford Line, operated in conjunction with Amtrak, began to and from Springfield in June. It was Connecticut's first new passenger train service in 20 years. The new schedule also covers operations during the upcoming holidays. Hartford Line trains will use a Saturday or Sunday schedule when the holiday (including Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve this year) falls on a weekday. Recently completed track work in Connecticut made the new train possible, ConnDOT said. Two sets of track now run the length of the Hartford Line corridor from New Haven to Windsor, except for a small portion of single track near Hartford's Union Station, which will be completed as part of the Interstate 84 Hartford Project. Massachusetts officials previously announced a deal to, starting in 2019, run two northbound and two southbound Amtrak trains from the Hartford Line further north to Holyoke, Northampton and Greenfield. CTRAIL schedule by Jim Kinney on Scribd Sears Holdings, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last month, is closing another 40 stores across the country. The locations include 29 Sears and 11 Kmart stores that are set to close in February, according to USA Today. The company announced last month that it will close 142 stores by the end of the year in addition to the 46 closings announced in August. USA Today reported that the retailer believes its 400 remaining locations will be profitable on their own if the company survives bankruptcy. The latest round of closures does not include any stores in Massachusetts. For 2nd time, Russia is attempting to bring regional powers together while discovering ways to establish peace in Afghanistan. The Moscow-format meeting on Afghanistan will be held on November 9 and representatives of the Afghan Taliban radical movement will take part in it. (Representational Image) New Delhi: India on Thursday said it will participate in the meeting being hosted by Russia on Afghanistan at a "non-official level" in Moscow where representatives of the Taliban will be present. The Moscow-format meeting on Afghanistan will be held on November 9 and representatives of the Afghan Taliban radical movement will take part in it, the Russian Foreign Ministry had said last week. In response to queries regarding India's participation in the meeting, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "We are aware that the Russian Federation is hosting a meeting in Moscow on 9 November on Afghanistan." "Our participation at the meeting will be at the non-official level," he said. India supports all efforts at peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan that will preserve unity and plurality, and bring security, stability and prosperity to the country, he said. "India's consistent policy has been that such efforts should be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, and Afghan-controlled and with participation of the government of Afghanistan," Kumar asserted. According to Russian news agency TASS, this is for the second time, Russia is attempting to bring regional powers together while discovering ways for establishing peace in war-torn Afghanistan. The first such meeting, proposed for September 4 of this year, was called off at the last moment after the Afghan government pulled out, describing its involvement in the Moscow meeting as "unnecessary" as the Taliban had "disrespected internationally-sanctioned principles and rejected the message of peace and direct negotiations." According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, invitations to take part in the event had been sent to Afghanistan, India, Iran, China, Pakistan, the US and some other countries. The meeting comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks a host of global issues. After the talks, in a joint statement, the two sides declared their support to the Afghan government's efforts towards the realisation of an Afghan-led, and Afghan-owned national peace reconciliation process. Both sides had called upon the international community to join efforts to thwart any external interference in Afghanistan, to restore its economy, contribute to sustaining peace and security, economic and political development of a stable, secure, united, prosperous and independent Afghanistan. India and Russia had resolved to direct their activities towards launching joint development and capacity building projects in Afghanistan. Plans by a Texas energy company to upgrade natural gas pipeline and compressor facilities in Agawam could see some opposition. The Berkshire Environmental Action Team and Pipe Line Awareness Network for the Northeast, Inc., recently filed "motions to intervene" in federal licensing deliberations related to Tennessee Gas Pipeline Co. and its so-called "261 Upgrade Project." The two groups, which fight pipelines in Massachusetts and New England, filed their requests with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The FERC will decide whether to grant legal standing to BEAT, PLAN-NE, and other applicants -- including Columbia Gas of Massachusetts and Attorney General Maura Healey, who is the state's ratepayer advocate. Intervenors must demonstrate that they hold "an interest which may be directly affected by the outcome of a proceeding." While anyone has the right to submit comments on the project, formal intervenors have more power. Only intervenors have standing to appeal a FERC decision in court. They may participate in administrative hearings, file briefs, and seek rehearings of FERC decisions. Intervenors also receive documents related to a project. The Agawam project would increase horsepower at an existing compressor station, and create a new, two-mile pipeline loop. The upgrades would support expansion plans by Columbia Gas of Massachusetts, and boost natural gas capacity by another 72,400 dekatherms per day. In its motion, PLAN-NE argued that the Agawam project should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a "broader expansion plan" by Columbia. The Tennessee Gas and Columbia Gas projects are interdependent, according to PLAN-NE president Kathryn R. Eiseman, who cited documents filed with the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities. Columbia wishes to build a new pipeline through West Springfield to reach the Holyoke Gas & Electric system. Holyoke would then relinquish its existing contractual capacity with Tennessee to Columbia Gas, which would use it to expand service in Northampton and Easthampton. Columbia plans other Tennessee-dependent upgrades, including a pipeline from Longmeadow to Springfield, and a larger pipe connecting West Springfield and Springfield. The entire suite of upgrades is known as the "Greater Springfield Reliability Project." In her petition, Eiseman wrote that climate and safety concerns "have caused many people to question any expansion of gas infrastructure." She noted that the Sept. 13 fires and explosions which devastated the Merrimack Valley were linked to "upgrade" work by Columbia Gas. The Berkshire County environmental group, along with its "No Fracked Gas in Mass" project, wrote that Tennessee's Agawam project, combined with expansion plans by Columbia, would increase the greenhouse gas emissions that fuel climate change. Massachusetts law calls for cutting emissions by 80 percent of 1990 levels by 2050, the group noted in its Nov. 8 motion. "The construction of this pipeline and expansion of the compressor station would disturb land, cut through wetlands, put more toxic chemicals in the air, and emit more greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change," wrote BEAT leaders Jane Winn and by Rosemary Wessell. The Republican has reached out to mayors in Agawam, West Springfield, Holyoke, Northampton, and Easthampton asking if the municipalities plan to apply for intervenor status in the federal pipeline proceeding. Columbia's expansion plans have been publicly described, but no formal applications have been filed. Columbia's plans would be regulated by the state, and not the federal government. Northampton and Easthampton are currently subject to moratoriums on new natural gas service, a problem that would presumably be alleviated by Columbia's upgrade plans. However, the Northampton City Council in October voted to oppose the expansion of any fossil fuel infrastructure in the city. Tennessee Gas Pipeline Co., a subsidiary of the Houston-based Kinder Morgan, filed its FERC application on Oct. 19 for the 261 Upgrade Project in Agawam. The project must also undergo federal environmental review. Formal project comments and motions to intervene will be accepted by FERC until Nov. 23. Project documents may be found on the FERC website under docket number CP19-7. A man employed driving a van for special needs students has been arrested on child pornography charges. Troopers assigned to the Massachusetts State Police Cyber Crimes Unit and North Andover Police executed a court-issued search warrant at the home of Joseph LaHood. Evidence of child pornography were found following a search of his laptop and smartphone, police say. The 56-year-old was placed under arrest and booked on charges of possession of child pornography and dissemination of visual material of a child in a state of nudity. He was held on $50,000 cash bail pending a court appearance. Police say he was employed by Van Pool, a company that partners with schools in Massachusetts and Connecticut to transport children with special needs. The company said Friday that he has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the criminal investigation. Van Pool said the company complies with "all state and federal regulations by completing extensive screening processes including Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) checks, Sexual Offender Record Information (SORI) checks, FBI National Background Fingerprinting Checks as well as alcohol and drug testing." Two Springfield police officers have prevailed in a federal civil rights lawsuit that accused them of violating the rights of a Springfield man during a late night pedestrian stop three years ago. A jury found that plaintiff George Gunter had failed to prove that officers John Lopez and Anthony Cicero violated his constitutional rights by detaining and searching him after he tried to walk away from the officers around 2:20 a.m. on Sept. 15, 2015. "We are very happy that the jury took their time to hear this case and make an assessment based on the credibility of the witness testimony and the preponderance of the evidence presented to them in court on this case and not just the allegations," Springfield City Solicitor Ed Pikula wrote in an email. But Gunter and his attorney Peter Alexander Slepchuk are not giving up. Slepchuk has filed a motion asking federal judge Mark G. Mastroianni to overturn the jury's verdict -- an uncommon and rarely successful legal maneuver designed for cases when a jury has completely ignored the evidence or wrongly interpreted the law. "The police did not have what the law says is reasonable suspicion for the police to detain, physically stop somebody," Slepchuk said in an interview. During that early September morning, Cicero and Lopez were on patrol in downtown Springfield. According to their report, they saw Gunter exit a building on Market Street -- an action they deemed suspicious due to the late hour and absent of residential buildings in the area. The officers say they approached Gunter as he crossed Falcons Way to ask him what he had been doing in the building. "Plaintiff continued to walk away from Defendants, and refused to remove his hands from his pockets," attorneys for Cicero and Lopez wrote in a motion. "Due to Plaintiff's refusal to remove his hands from his pockets, Defendants attempted to escort Plaintiff to the cruiser to pat him down for their safety." After Cicero and Lopez put their hands on Gunter he allegedly became combative, punching Lopez in the face and Cicero in the stomach, the officers reported. Gunter then ran away before being arrested near City Hall. Gunter disputed parts of the officers' account. He said he had not been in any Market Street building and was simply walking with his headphones in when he was approached by the officers. He said he attempted to show the officers ID but became fearful and tried to break free when Lopez grabbed his arm while brandishing his police baton. He also alleged that when he was eventually found by Cicero after fleeing the area, Cicero struck him in the back of the head with a blunt object and that both officers kicked him while he lay on the ground. Gunter was charged with assault and battery on a police officer and resisting arrest, but was acquitted following a jury trial in December of 2015. He sued Cicero and Lopez in November of 2016, alleging an array of civil rights violations, including unreasonable seizure, excessive use of force, false arrest and assault and battery. But on Nov. 1, following a three-day trial, the jury found that Gunter had not proved any of his legal claims, clearing Lopez and Cicero of any civil penalties. "Our men and women in blue in the police department have a very difficult job. I hope all the residents and businesses of the City can join me in thanking them for their service in their efforts to keep us all safe. They put their life and careers on the line every day," Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno said in a statement. In an interview, Slepchuk said that he believes Gunter still has a case, describing the initial detention of his client as illegal. While Lopez and Cicero said they were suspicious of break-ins, Slepchuk argued that they had no valid cause to stop Gunter from leaving. Evidence produced during the suit showed that there had been no recent break-ins on Market Street, and Gunter was not carrying any breaking-and-entering tools, he said. The officers said they were conducting a "threshold stop," in which officers are allowed to detain a person if they have a reasonable suspicion they were involved in a crime. They also said that because Gunter's hands were in his pockets, they were justified in holding him and patting him down for their safety. The officers were well within their rights to get out of their cruiser and ask Gunter voluntary questions, Slepchuk said. But he argued that given there was no report of any breaking and entering, there was no evidence any crime had been committed, making the detention unconstitutional. "If [police] don't have reasonable suspicion and someone decides, hey, I don't want to talk to you and continues to walk away, the police can't grab the person and detain them," Slepchuk said. Slepchuck said Gunter may appeal if the case's judge rejects his motion to overturn the jury's verdict, though no final decisions have been made. For Cicero, the favorable verdict is not the end of his legal troubles. Cicero is one of off-duty Springfield officers facing scrutiny in the April, 2015 beating of four men outside Nathan Bill's Bar and Restaurant -- a criminal case that is currently being reviewed by a statewide grand jury. SPRINGFIELD -- Marine Gunnery Sgt. Thomas J. Sullivan's father Jerry said his son would be delighted that a military family was getting a new home. The family of the Springfield native, who was fatally shot during an attack on a Tennessee military facility in 2015, joined forces with Habitat for Humanity to build a home for a military family in need. The family of Brandan and Sara Klein, along with Sullivan's family and dozens of volunteers and politicians helped raise a wall in a ceremony Friday at what's been dubbed Tommy's House. Jerry Sullivan said his son worked with fellow service members to "prepare them for life after the Marines." That meant ensuring they had work and a place to live. Sullivan's aunt Dianne Mullin said, "Tommy was all about giving back. This would mean everything to Tommy." Brandan Klein, who has been in the National Guard for six years, said the house is a "fresh start for our family and our kids." They have three -- ages 6, 3 and 5 months. And they appreciate the chance to "keep Tommy's legacy alive" with the house. They live in an apartment now. Robert Perry, the incoming president of Habitat for Humanity in Springfield, said this was the first house the agency built specifically for veterans. "It was time to do it," he said. Mullin, who was a volunteer with Habitat, helped connect the organization and her family. Perry said Habitat in Springfield has built 65 or 66 houses. "It's on an accelerated build," Perry said of Tommy's House. They wanted the ceremony to mark Veterans Day on Sunday. This year the holiday is also the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. The house is expected to be ready for the Kleins to move in on Memorial Day. Perry said the house is not free. The Kleins will put in 500 hours of work -- which covers the down payment -- and Habitat will sell the house to the family for market value. Sullivan was killed on July 16, 2015, while stationed at a Naval Reserve Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Four other military personnel were also killed in the Islamic State group-inspired attack by 24-year-old Mohammad Youssef Abdulazeez, who fired more than 100 rounds in assaults on two military facilities. NORTHAMPTON - Friends and family will mark Fred Contrada's death the same way he lived his life - in style. Contrada was a husband, a father of two, a reporter and columnist for The Republican and so much more. He hiked mountains across the western hemisphere, traveled extensively, played blues guitar and held a black belt in karate. Contrada, 66, died Tuesday after a battle with a degenerative neurological condition. To read a sampling of Fred Contrada's work, click here --> In a nod to his love of New Orleans, where he waited tables after graduating college, his family will hold a New Orleans-style parade, led by the Expandable Bass Band, from the Forbes Library to Hotel Northampton at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday. That will be followed by a celebration from 1 to 4 p.m. Over the years, Contrada developed a reputation as being a talented writer and a fair reporter. During his 29-year career at The Republican, he covered issues that made national news including the bullying and related suicide of South Hadley High student Phoebe Prince, the trial of nurse-turned-serial killer Kristen Gilbert and the first homicide case in Massachusetts involving a same-sex married couple. "Fred was one of the most talented reporters I ever had the honor of working with," said Dwight Shepard, a retired editor at The Republican who was Contrada's city editor. "He could capture the nuances in detailed court proceedings as well as anyone I knew. But where he really shone was in his weekly columns in which he often wrote about personal experiences. Whether he was writing about time spent living in South Boston, vacationing in New Orleans or climbing some of the world's tallest peaks, he really brought the reader along in living color -- even though his words appeared in black and white. "I often felt he should have been my editor, rather than the other way around, as he had so much to share with whomever was lucky enough to read his words," Shepard said. Others agreed. The Republican Executive Editor Wayne Phaneuf worked with Contrada throughout his 29 years at the paper and called him a "a terrific and gifted writer." He will probably be best remembered locally for his columns, which were published in a book, "The Columns of Fred Contrada," in 2017. They covered an eclectic mix of first-hand observations and conversations with people who live in the shadows such as the homeless and transgender people. "Fred was a great writer and storyteller, outdoorsman and family man," David Reid, a former Republican reporter who worked with Contrada in Northampton and later helped him when he became ill, wrote on Facebook. "He had Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, which was hard to diagnose and which sapped his strength, balance, and brain functions over the past couple years, striking him shortly after his retirement from a long career as a daily news reporter. Such a waste." Northampton City Councilor Bill Dwight got to know Contrada when Dwight was first running for office and Contrada was reporting on city politics. At the time, Dwight said, he had a long ponytail and was not the traditional politician. "When I first ran for office, Fred was the first reporter to take me seriously," Dwight said. "Fred approached me as a bona fide candidate, not as a freak or an aberration." Contrada asked the hard questions when he needed to, said Dwight, who called him a "humanist" who wrote about issues sometimes from a different and unexpected angle. "He was really scrupulous about being fair," he said. Contrada grew up in East Boston with two brothers and earned a degree in English from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester. Instead of settling down in a professional job, Contrada took to the road in his Volkswagen van, picking up odd jobs and writing autobiographical novels and freelancing for newspapers as he stopped in New Orleans, Atlanta, Oregon, San Francisco and Alaska. Retired Republican editor Michael Brault first met Contrada when they were in college. When a famous writer or musician would visit the campus, Contrada would talk about what he would do after he became a famous writer and was standing on the same stage that overlooked the city. Even then, he was writing fiction in between classes. His vision was he and his college friends would all walk on stage with guitars, strum them and wordlessly leave the stage, Brault said. "It was so funny. I still think that is the perfect thing to do," Brault said. "It was something John Lennon, who he loved, would do." After traveling the country in his van, Contrada returned home for Christmas and met Joan, his wife of 32 years. The couple married in 1986 and moved a year later to Northampton. Their children, Amanda and Rio, completed their family. Former city editor James Gillen worked with Contrada for at least 20 years at The Republican. "I'll remember Fred as a gentleman, an adventurer, a great reporter and writer, but most of all as a great guy. I'll miss him," Gillen said. When Contrada retired in 2016, he did it in style. The IT department told him they no longer wanted the company-issued laptop that had given him so much grief, so Contrada took his revenge, dropping it off a ladder, kicking it down the stairs, punting it across the parking lot and finally driving over it. "Fred was as good as any columnist in New England, but writing in Springfield, he never got the attention he would have if he'd been in Boston or Hartford or Providence," said Stan Freeman, a retired science reporter for The Republican. "Whatever he wrote about, it was always a unique take on the subject, a distinctive point of view. He was an original and will be missed." Nancy Gonter Weld also worked with Contrada for years and she became close to his family as well. She remembered Contrada always used a tattered place mat one of his kids made for him every day while eating his lunch. It was his stories about hiking that inspired her. "When Fred told stories about hiking in the mountains, whether it was the 4,000-foot-tall ones in New Hampshire or those taller than 14,000 feet in South American countries, he made it all seem like an adventure,'' she said. "His persistence getting up some of these really difficult peaks and has appreciation of the experience of being in the outdoors has inspired me on my own journey in hiking." Contrada completed his quest to hike all 48 New Hampshire mountains that are higher than 4,000 feet, inspiring Weld to do the same. In 2016, she completed that goal with a final hike up Owl's Head. "I can remember him talking about the numerous attempts he made to summit Owl's Head, one of the most remote of the 48 mountains taller than 4,000 feet of elevation in the White Mountains," she said. "He was turned back by high waters one time. But he kept going back until he made it to Owl's Head, which was his final peak of the 48 4,000-footers. So when I finished my 48 4,000-footers in 2016, I made it on the first try and I couldn't help but think about Fred when I was struggling to complete the hike. He made it and so would I." Contrada and The Republican reporter George Graham were hired in the same week in 1987 and first worked together writing for the Connecticut edition of what was then the Union-News. Later they were transferred to the Northampton bureau and remained close friends until his death. "Fred had an adventurous spirit, a keen sense of humor and an open heart," Graham said. "Those qualities drove his writing -- and his life. He was a one-of-a-kind reporter in our newsroom, a mentor to me and a good friend. "He fought his illness bravely. Rest in peace, Fred," Graham said. SPRINGFIELD - Bishop Mitchell Rozanski, who will attend next week's bishops meeting in Baltimore, said his Springfield diocese has not had any "specific local requests" to reopen investigations here into clergy sex abuse cases. Rozanski said his diocese, which covers the four counties of Western Massachusetts, has been asked by the U.S. Department of Justice, as all dioceses have in the wake of a Pennsylvania report, to "preserve" its related documents. "To date while we have not had any specific local requests, like all U.S. dioceses, we have been asked to preserve documents as part of the U.S. Attorney's investigation focusing on the Pennsylvania dioceses," Rozanski said. "I have expanded this request to include all our parishes and schools." The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops will gather Monday through Wednesday for its 2018 Fall General Assembly in Baltimore. Rozanski will be among the attendees who will vote on proposals approved by the USCCB's administrative committee to address clergy sex abuse issues that continue to impact dioceses around country. The bishops' proposals come in the aftermath of the Pennsylvania 18-month grand jury report released in August that revealed 300 priests in six dioceses there had sexually abused 1,000 children over seven decades and that the cases were covered up by church hierarchy. Some 13 attorney generals have now opened investigations in their states. Rozanski, who was appointed an auxiliary bishop in Baltimore in 2014 and installed as bishop here in 2014, added that "we pledge to continue, as we consistently have done, to cooperate fully with law enforcement." The Springfield diocese is estimated to have paid more than $12 million to sex abuse victims since 2004, and a 2016 list of "credibly accused clergy" in the diocese shows 18 names. A Nov. 4 report by the Boston Globe/Philadelphia Inquirer, "Failure at the top," examines how U.S. bishops failed to police themselves despite the protocols they established 16 years ago. "As a bishop I have been deeply saddened by all of the recent reports, which taken together serve as a clear indication that the Catholic Church still has much work to do to address our past failures," said Rozanski when asked about recent national investigations and the upcoming bishops meeting. "While much of what has been reported dates back decades, the pain caused by past clergy sexual abuse and the failure to respond is still very real and present in our faith community today. For this I remain deeply sorry to all who have suffered." In reference to updating existing protocols, he added the bishops next week "will discuss improvements to the Charter to Protect Children and Young People." "I believe there is commitment from the majority of bishops to respond in a meaningful way to recent concerns and identified shortcomings," Rozanski said. He said he has "asked the people of our diocese to pray for the Holy Spirit to guide us in our deliberations" whose "results of which," he said, "most certainly will be carefully scrutinized." "What has not changed is our commitment to all victims of abuse," said Rozanski when asked about victim assistance in the Springfield diocese. "Our diocese continues to actively reach out and provide counseling and other assistance to victims of abuse, no matter how long ago it may have occurred, and regardless of when they came forward." Rozanski said he hoped to have more specific answers following the meeting to what further will be done. He added that he was "saddened by the Church's past failures" but that he remained hopeful in advance of the bishops meeting "that we can and must do better- the people of God deserve no less from us." The bulk of the cases in the Pennsylvania report happened during the days when clergy was plentiful in the church - from the 1950s into the 1980s. The U.S. bishops instituted protocols in 2002 to protect minors and establish procedures for the reporting of allegations of sexual misconduct by priests and deacons with a statement added about allegations against bishops. In June, Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick, former archbishop of Washington, was removed from ministry after a review board of the New York Archdiocese found credible allegations that he had abused a teenager 47 years ago. Pope Francis accepted the resignation of McCarrick, who has denied the allegations, from the College of Cardinals in July and assigned him to a life of prayer and penance" while the investigation continues. The USCCB established procedures for addressing allegations of sexual abuse of minors by priests and deacons in part to fast track their removal and create a safe environment for minors but its weakness was in how it did not include bishops, who are overseen by Rome and who have in general resigned in the wake of allegations, in the main body of its language. The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, sometimes referred to as the Dallas charter as it was released at the bishops' spring assembly in Dallas, was revised in 2005, 2011, and 2018. The charter established a national review board, called for the creation of confidential review boards in each diocese composed of mostly lay people not employed by the diocese to advise the bishop in his assessment of allegations and the suitability of the priest or deacon for ministry. The charter stresses that any allegation of sexual abuse of a minor is to be reported to civil authorities and that if the alleged abuser is found he is to be removed from ministry. Some dioceses began publishing lists of accused priests. Some 19 Catholic dioceses and religious orders in the United States would reportedly go on to filed for bankruptcy protection, and the total value of sexual abuse settlements in the United States has been estimated to be more than $3 billion by BishopAccountability, the non-profit that has long tracked the abuse crisis. A judge's order to the Boston archdiocese to release documents related to those accused of clergy sex abuse and the 2002 investigation by the Boston Globe showed how that many moved pedophile priests were moved from parish to parish by bishops. The Boston Globe/Philadelphia report indicates that 130 bishops - or one-third of those living have been accused during their careers of failing to adequately respond to sexual misconduct in their dioceses. The first U.S. bishop said to be indicted on the specific charge of child sex abuse was Springfield Bishop Thomas Dupre. Indicted on charges that he raped two boys in the 1970s, Dupre, who resigned suddenly in 2004 shortly before his indictment, was never prosecuted because of the statute of limitations and died bishop emeritus in 2016 at the age of 83. The Springfield diocese did settle with two men who named Dupre as their abuser. In 2003, Dupre defrocked Richard Lavigne, a diocesan priest who pleaded guilty in 1992 to two counts of molestation of a minor and was given a 10-year probation sentence. Lavigne was also the only publicly identified suspect in the 1972 murder of Springfield altar boy Daniel Croteau. That slaying remains unsolved. A study done by John Jay College of Criminal Justice in 2005 at the request of the USCCB revealed that some 10,667 individuals made allegations of child sexual abuse by priests between 1995 and 2002 and that few incidents were reported to the police. One possible reason was because of the statute of limitations. Many survivors ask now why dioceses fight legislative attempts to roll back time limits for child sex-abuse lawsuits or criminal prosecution and why archives that can be investigated for cardinals - Pope Francis has ordered such an investigation for McCarrick - cannot be opened to survivors to see how their cases were handled. Recent developments around the Church's handling of clergy sex abuse cases has exposed divisions among bishops in terms of the papacy of Francis who has been inconsistent in addressing the crisis and in many ways has inherited the results of decisions made his predecessors. In 2016, Pope Francis issued an apostolic letter that said church law provides for the removal from "ecclesiastical office for grave reasons" and said grave reason includes the "negligence of a Bishop in the exercise of his office, and in particular in relation to cases of sexual abuse inflicted on minors and vulnerable adults." Writers in the Catholic media have written on ways Francis could advance sex abuse reform in the Church and the National Catholic Reporter recently published an article on panel discussions at Catholic university whose suggestions include a need for greater laity involvement in the issue, more involvement of civil authorities and reform of canon law. In a Boston Globe/Philadelphia Inquirer Nov. 5 interview, Cardinal Sean O'Malley said that bishops during the upcoming meeting must ensure that any bishop guilty of covering up sexual misconduct or engaging in it "will not be allowed to present himself as a cleric, not participate in church activities or boards or liturgical celebrations." He said this is something that he thinks Rome will "respond to us." This proposal, which according to the USCCB that will vote on it during the upcoming meeting, would apply to "bishops who were removed or resigned because of allegations of sexual abuse of minors or sexual harassment of or misconduct with adults, including seminarians and priests Other proposals to be voted on is one that would establish a hot line - operated by a third-party - for complaints of the sexual abuse of minors by a bishop and sexual harassment of or sexual misconduct with adults by a bishop. Another proposal is for a Code of Conduct for bishops regarding the sexual abuse of a minor; sexual harassment of or sexual misconduct with an adult; or negligence in the exercise of his office related to such cases. SPRINGFIELD -- Several dozen people gathered in front of the federal court on State Street in Springfield Thursday night, one political rally among many across Massachusetts and the country designed to protest recent actions by the Trump administration. President Donald Trump's decision to fire Attorney General Jeff Sessions and replace him with Matthew Whitaker has led critics to believe Trump plans to subvert the special counsel investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 election. It is likely that Trump will place Whitaker, a critic of the probe, at its head. If Whitaker does not recuse himself from the investigation, as Sessions did, then critics fear the neutrality of the probe will be lost. As a result, activists with organizations like Indivisible, the Women's March and MoveOn.org organized the "Nobody is Above the Law" rallies across the country, including over 40 towns and cities in Massachusetts. In Springfield, demonstrators held American flags and handwritten signs that said things like "Trump: How Fascism Starts" and "In Law We Trust" and made clear they felt the president was not acting in good faith. Some passing drivers apparently agreed with these sentiments, with several honking their horns and one man even rolling down his window to shout "[Expletive] Donald Trump" as he drove by. "We have a president who appears to think he is above the law," said one of the protesters, Edward Brown, of Westfield. "It appears that he's preparing to end the investigation into the Russian interference in the election." A resident of the Pioneer Valley for decades, Brown said he feels Trump is a "far worse" president than Richard Nixon, both for his policy decisions and his personality. He also said he believes Trump colluded with Russia during the 2016 election. "There's a lot of fire and it's making enough smoke," he said. Steve Harvester, also of Westfield, was one of the primary local organizers for the rally, and is a volunteer with MoveOn.org. Harvester said he has been concerned about the direction of the country ever since Trump took office. He said a "Mueller Protection Rapid Response" team was assembled by organizers months ago in anticipation of the president trying to obstruct or derail the Russia investigation, led by special counsel Robert Mueller. That network of activists was "activated" after news of Sessions' firing, Harvester said. "We've been ready to go since last spring," he said of the network. "We're the minutemen." Another protester, sporting a sign that said "Lock Him Up" with an image of Trump's hair beneath it, said she also thought the president had colluded with Russia. "I'm out here because I don't think our president should put himself above our law," said Abby Satcher, of Springfield. Satcher said she had been inspired to come out to protest because she felt Trump was "trying to interfere with the investigations on his administration by Robert Mueller." "As an American that's offensive to me," she said. "I think it should be offensive to all Americans -- that he's trying to put himself above the laws that he expects us all to live under." "I'm offended he was ever put into the office," Satcher said. Jay Deacon, called Trump a "psychopath" and said he doesn't believe the president has a sense of "right and wrong." Harvester, who said he has been politically active since he campaigned for George McGovern in 1972, said activism against Trump will continue in the future. "The network will not dissolve as of tonight," he said. "I expect we'll be here in the future to express our outrage." A 56-year-year old Worcester man allegedly got into an argument with his girlfriend early Friday morning before stabbing her and leaving her bleeding in the street while driving off in a van, according to court documents. Alberto Bello went to the Worcester police station shortly after the alleged stabbing to turn himself in, according to documents filed in Worcester District Court. Police were sent to 270 Sunderland Road for a report of a stabbing shortly before 4 a.m. Friday. There, officers found a woman lying in the street in front of Apt. 3, police wrote in the court documents. The woman was bleeding from what appeared to be a puncture wound to her chest, police wrote. She was awake and breathing. Another woman was helping the victim and told police she was a nurse, court documents read. The victim was taken to the hospital. The nurse told police that she heard people yelling in Spanish. She looked outside her window and saw the victim lying in the street and bleeding, but did not see anyone else, court documents read. Police interviewed other people at the scene and learned that another person also heard a man and woman yelling. When that woman looked out her window, she saw a maroon-colored van driving away from Apt. 3 at a high rate of speed, police wrote. A third witness told police that the stabbing victim was visiting him and his grandmother, who live in Apt. 23, according to court documents. The victim got to the apartment around midnight and brought over a new boyfriend. The man told police the victim and her boyfriend left the apartment around 3 a.m. after arguing about another man, court documents read. "A short time later, he heard more yelling and came outside and found the victim laying in the street bleeding," police wrote. The man told police the boyfriend was driving a maroon van. Around 4 a.m., Bello went to the Worcester police station lobby and told officials that he had just stabbed his girlfriend at 270 Sunderland Road, according to court documents. Bello is charged with armed assault to murder. During his arraignment Friday morning in Worcester District Court, a not-guilty plea was entered on his behalf. Bello is being held pending a dangerousness hearing scheduled for Nov. 14 and was ordered to have no contact with the victim. No details of the case were discussed in court. "It is no hyperbole to say that Dulce Garcia embodies the American dream." So begins an opinion authored by Judge Kim McLane Wardlaw of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit that blocks President Donald Trump from immediately ending an Obama-era program that shields from deportation hundreds of thousands who were brought to our nation illegally as children. Garcia, who is now 35, was brought here by her parents from Mexico when she was just four years old. She now has a successful law practice in San Diego. Does anyone rationally believe it makes sense to throw her out of our nation, to send her to a land she never knew as home? The question answers itself, really. The program, called Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, was put into place in 2012 by President Barack Obama. It has protected some 700,000 who were brought here illegally as children. What the appeals court did on Thursday was to uphold a nationwide injunction that was imposed in January. With the latest ruling, and with several other cases still unresolved in other courts across the land, the bottom line is this: The status of DACA is going to be decided by the Supreme Court. It didn't have to come to this, of course. If the U.S. Congress had had a backbone, it could have worked out a legislative solution years ago. But with so many members afraid of being branded soft on illegal immigration, of favoring amnesty for lawbreakers, Congress ultimately lacked the will to do the right thing. This is why Obama decided to offer protection to the so-called dreamers. But then along came Trump, with his anti-immigrant rhetoric, his talk of the need for a wall on our nation's border with Mexico. In September 2017, eight months after taking office, Trump announced an end to DACA, following a six-month delay that was intended to give Congress another opportunity to craft a solution. Everyone knows how that worked out. And so it has been left to the courts. Our nation's chief executive has broad latitude in determining who can, or cannot, enter our nation. That's the basis of Obama's move to protect the dreamers. But the Trump administration has argued that his predecessor exceeded his constitutional authority by establishing such broad-based protections. The law, obviously, is complicated. The various cases in courts across the land have created a legal thicket that cannot be easily untangled. But it cannot go on like this forever. Sadly, there's no indication that the incoming Congress will be any more likely to act than were previous Congresses. And Dulce Garcia and hundreds of thousands of others like her remain in limbo, here, hoping against hope to be able to remain, but fearing always that they are on the verge of being thrown out. Since Congress has failed the dreamers, one is left to hope that the Supreme Court can come through for them. It's not the best solution, but it's the one we've got. With Florida's controversial U.S. Senate race expected to head toward a recount, U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, urged supporters Friday to "help make sure every vote is counted fairly." Warren sent a fundraising email to backers her own 2018 re-election bid, seeking contributions to help Democratic incumbent U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson keep his seat against Republican challenger Rick Scott. Arguing that "the election's not over yet," the Massachusetts Democrat noted that if the margin between Nelson and Scott stays under 0.25 percent, the recount will be done by hand. "Recounts cost money. Bill Nelson will need an army of volunteers and lawyers to make sure every vote is counted fairly. And Bill Nelson's campaign has already spent every penny it could to get people to the polls on Tuesday," she wrote. "Will you dig deep one more time to support Bill Nelson's campaign?" Warren stressed that "it could make all the difference in the world" if Nelson wins the recount and Democrats keep another Senate seat in the GOP-controlled chamber. "Don't forget: One vote in the Senate last year saved health care for tens of millions of Americans. And if we rack up one more win this year, we'll be that much closer to taking back the Senate in 2020 and beyond," she contended. "Controlling the Senate could come down to one race - and helping Bill Nelson win this year could clinch it." The senator further argued that supporting Nelson's campaign is important given Republicans' effort "to throw out as many Democrats' votes as they can." She offered that "there won't be a fair recount -- and all the ballots won't get the attention they need -- unless Bill Nelson has the resources to keep fighting." Warren's fundraising email came as President Donald Trump criticized the situation in Florida and offered that the federal government could play a role in the recount. "Rick Scott was up by 50,000+ votes on Election Day, now they 'found' many votes and he is only up 15,000 votes. 'The Broward Effect.' How come they never find Republican votes?" he tweeted Friday afternoon. "Mayor Gillum conceded on Election Day and now Broward County has put him 'back into play.' Bill Nelson conceded Election - now he's back in play!? This is an embarrassment to our Country and to Democracy!" Rick Scott was up by 50,000+ votes on Election Day, now they found many votes and he is only up 15,000 votes. The Broward Effect. How come they never find Republican votes? Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 9, 2018 Mayor Gillum conceded on Election Day and now Broward County has put him back into play. Bill Nelson conceded Election - now hes back in play!? This is an embarrassment to our Country and to Democracy! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 9, 2018 Nelson was reportedly about 15,000 votes behind Scott as of Friday morning -- within the state's 0.5 percent of total votes cast threshold needed for an automatic recount and 0.25 percent margin for a manual recount, according to NPR. Nelson is seeking donations on his own campaign's website for an "emergency response recount fund." Scott, who claimed victory on Tuesday, has criticized the recount and accused Democrats of attempting to "steal" the election. The Republican filed suit Thursday seeking an investigation into ongoing ballot counts, NBC News reported. The Afghan conflict has also been caught up in the current tensions between Russia and the US. However, New Delhi is worried since Russia is seen to have suddenly gone soft on the Afghan Taliban and its main backer Pakistan. (Representational Image | AFP) New Delhi: India is doing a delicate balancing act by participating at a non-official level through retired diplomats at a conference on Afghanistan organised by time-tested friend Russia in Moscow on November 9, where the Taliban is due to participate. Speculation is rife that this could be one of the reasons why New Delhi is not taking part at an official level, since it would mean sharing the stage with the Taliban. Nevertheless, even if at the non-official level, it could possibly be the first time that India will be sitting at the same table with the Afghan Taliban. It is also learnt that two distinguished retired Indian diplomats former ambassador to Afghanistan Amar Sinha and former high commissioner to Pakistan T.C.A. Raghavan could be participating in the conference. Government sources, however, said New Delhis non-official participation was because Afghanistan too was participating at a non-official level. Kabul is said to be miffed over some of the aspects of the conference and given Indias close ties with the Afghan government, New Delhi is taking the cue from Kabul. At the same time, India has also not been able to ignore the conference since it has had a decades-long time-tested friendship with host Russia. In a statement, the external affairs ministry said: We are aware that the Russian Federation is hosting a meeting in Moscow on 9 November on Afghanistan. India supports all efforts at peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan that will preserve unity and plurality, and bring security, stability and prosperity to the country. Indias consistent policy has been that such efforts should be Afghan-led, Afghan owned, and Afghan-controlled and with participation of the Government of Afghanistan. Our participation at the meeting will be at the non-official level. However, New Delhi is worried since Russia is seen to have suddenly gone soft on the Afghan Taliban and its main backer Pakistan. The Taliban has carried out several terrorist attacks in Afghanistan in recent times and had even captured power in Afghanistan with Pakistani support from 1996 to 2001, when it was driven out of Kabul by the United States following the 9/11 attacks on America. The Afghan conflict has also been caught up in the current tensions between Russia and the US. The US is a powerful backer of the Afghan government while the Russians are reportedly feeling left out. The US is probably participating at a junior level diplomatically at the conference through the US embassy in Moscow. Russia has had an historical ill-fated involvement as the Soviet Union in Afghanistan from 1979 to 1989, when thousands of Soviet soldiers were killed by the then US-backed and Pakistan-backed Afghan Mujahideen. It is therefore ironical that Russia is now seen as having gone soft on both the Taliban and Pakistan. BOSTON -- Gov. Charlie Baker on Thursday signed a law to improve civics education in Massachusetts. Schools will now be required to offer older students the chance to participate in a student-led civics project. The Legislature passed the bill in July, but Baker sent it back with amendments to ensure that the civics being taught in schools remains nonpartisan. The Legislature passed a revised version of the bill in late October. "Our administration is pleased to introduce new ways to strengthen civics education in the Commonwealth's public schools by signing this bill into law," Baker said in a statement. "We are grateful to our partners in the Legislature for their willingness to work with us on ensuring a non-partisan process for students to pursue civics related opportunities." The law requires every school district that serves students in eighth grade or high school to offer all students the chance to participate in a non-partisan civics project, either individually or in a group. A student will be given the option of opting out of a group project to do a project individually. State officials will develop a voter registration challenge, where students get their classmates to register or pre-register to vote. Although the voting age is 18, students can pre-register at 16 or 17. The bill also lays out new requirements for civics education. Schools must teach about the state and U.S. constitutions, the Bill of Rights, local history and government, the branches of government, the responsibilities of a citizen in a democracy, digital media literacy, issues related to diversity and power, and etiquette regarding the flag. A trust fund will be created to help school districts develop curricula that adhere to state history and civics education requirements. Former Senate President Harriette Chandler, D-Worcester, who was a strong advocate for the bill, said in a statement, "Comprehensive civics education leads to more informed voters, better public policies, and a superior Commonwealth." Massachusetts voters considered a ballot question that would have established mandatory nurse-patient ratios in hospitals across the state. The measure was defeated Tuesday in an overwhelming majority. About 70 percent of voters - 1,832,179 - cast their ballots against the measure. Votes varied by town, from more than 80 percent in one voting against to about 65 percent of voters in another town voting yes. View voter information across Massachusetts in the database below. Use "Community" to begin your search. The database will return results for partial information. For example, searching for "Boston" in the field will return all districts with "Boston" in the name. The search fields are To see the entire database, leave all fields blank and click the "Search." After the database performs the search, the page will reload. You may need to scroll back down the page to view the results. Sort your results by clicking on or tapping a column header. to load this Caspio by Caspio Tuesday's election saw the highest turnout in a midterm election in Massachusetts history, despite a lack of close races. Secretary of the Commonwealth William Galvin reported Friday that unofficial results show that nearly 2.7 million voters cast ballots, which is far more than the 2.4 million that Galvin had predicted. In 2010, 2.3 million Massachusetts residents showed up at the polls, while 2014 saw 2.2 million voters. Galvin said this is the highest number of voters ever to vote in a Massachusetts midterm election. Based on a percentage of eligible voters who turned out, it would mark the largest turnout in 24 years. Election officials are still counting provisional and overseas ballots. Provisional ballots are those cast by voters whose eligibility had to be checked after Election Day. Overseas ballots are counted until Nov. 16 as long as they were postmarked by Election Day. In the contests for statewide office in Massachusetts, all the incumbents won re-election by large margins. The ballot questions also were decided by large majorities. Although there were active local races in some areas, the turnout appeared to be driven largely by interest in the national ramifications of the election. Control of the U.S. House and U.S. Senate were up for grabs, and there are strong feelings on both sides regarding President Donald Trump. Although the books have barely closed on the 2018 election, many are already looking ahead to the 2020 White House contest and who could emerge as challengers to Republican President Donald Trump. Political observers predict that U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who has publicly said she'd consider mounting a White House bid, could unveil her 2020 plans shortly after the new year. Tim Vercellotti, director of the Western New England University Polling Institute and a political science professor, said he expects the newly re-elected Massachusetts Democrat to make her 2020 announcement sooner rather than later. "Only she knows for sure, but historically we start to see -- after the first of the year -- formations of exploratory committees. She's already been putting in some of the infrastructure, in terms of her travels around the county and some of the staff hires that she's made. ... She's definitely in the quiet phase right now," he said. "I think that will change in the first quarter of 2019, because it's likely to be a crowded field and you can't wait too long." Christopher Galdieri, an associate professor of politics at Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire, also said he would expect Warren to make her presidential plans known in the coming weeks or months. "I'd probably say (she'll announce) early next year at the latest just because there's likely to be a really big field of candidates," he said in an interview. "She is a prominent enough figure in the party that if she does run, I think that might lead a lot of people who have been sort of poking around the idea of running in 2020 to decide this isn't the year for me, or I can wait until 2024 or 2028." Springfield political strategist Tony Cignoli agreed, offering that while candidates traditionally make their White House intentions known in early spring, Warren has some things to consider. "The earlier she announces, the clearer she makes it to other contenders, who can take from her base, or who can take from her financial base, not just in Massachusetts, but nationally ... that she's serious, that she's running," he said in an interview. "So when she announces is a very strategic move. My gut is that she does it sooner rather than later and probably sometime after January." Such an early announcement, he added, will send a message to other Democrats who are rumored to be eyeing 2020 White House bids, including Massachusetts figures like former Gov. Deval Patrick, former Secretary of State John Kerry and U.S. Reps. Joe Kennedy III and Seth Moulton. "I'd have to think that with Kennedy and with Moulton -- and Sen. Kerry as well -- they really will look to see what it is that Sen. Warren does. She is a sitting United States senator, she has the largest war chest, she has the ability to raise money from progressives and liberals nationally. For Kennedy, despite the pedigree name, for Moulton, despite the amazing history and story that he's got as a war veteran -- even for Sen. Kerry, the storied career in the Senate and in the State Department -- they've got to reintroduce and reinvent themselves as they get ready for this race," he said. "Elizabeth Warren does not have to. She's leaps and bounds in front of where they are." He added that while Patrick has taken steps toward a presidential run, some polls suggest that the same base that supported him as governor, "when it comes to the presidency, they think that it's Sen. Warren who's got the bigger, better opportunity right now." Vercellotti said polling WNEU has conducted suggests Massachusetts voters are not too keen on the idea of Warren seeking a presidential bid. "That's not a very popular idea. In our survey, 56 percent said they thought it was a bad idea for Warren to run," he said. "I don't expect that number to change because it's very similar to the number we got when we asked the same question in April of 2015 when some party activists were saying Warren should take on Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination." Vercellotti said both supporters and critics of the senator have suggested Warren is too far to the political left to wage a successful presidential run. But, he noted, "Massachusetts doesn't get to make the call." "This is something that I imagine she'll test the waters -- not just in polling, but through sounding out leading figures in the party, perhaps former nominees -- and try to get a sense of whether this is a realistic idea, whether this becomes a symbolic candidacy to push the party a bit to the left. ... There are a number of ways Warren could view this run for the presidency. It's not just with the aim of becoming president, but shaping the conversation -- and perhaps even finding a spot on the ticket," Vercellotti said. "Time will tell. I don't think the sentiments of her constituents are going to be the overriding factor as to whether she gives it a try or not." An October Rasmussen Reports poll suggested Warren would narrowly edge out Trump by 46 percent to 44 percent in a head-to-head contest -- an advantage within the poll's margin of error. Nine percent of respondents were undecided. Galdieri said he expects the first presidential candidates will begin to announce their runs by Jan. 1, 2019, arguing that such campaigns have historically been launched during that period. He noted that U.S. Rep. John Delaney, a Maryland Democrat, has already declared his plans to seek the White House in 2020. Galdieri, however, offered that more "marquee" presidential contenders likely will wait a little bit longer to announce their bids. "Usually that very first candidate is often somebody who is a bit of an underdog or someone who's sort of like the top of the middle of the pack, rather than the front-runner. Front-runners can take their time in a way that lesser-known candidates can't," he said. Galdieri added that Republican challengers looking to unseat Trump -- who filed paperwork for his re-election bid on Inauguration Day -- likely will not emerge until much later than their Democratic counterparts. "Trump is still very popular with a lot of Republicans and even though his approval numbers are not good, Republicans still like him. ... I think they're probably going to hold off a bit and hope that Trump's popularity takes a nosedive or that something happens with the Russia investigation that really grievously wounds Trump," Galdieri said. Ahead of the 2016 presidential election, Clinton, the former secretary of state and eventual Democratic nominee, waited until early April 2015 to announce her presidential bid with a video. Trump announced his campaign at a mid-June 2015 Trump Tower event. Trump's predecessor, Barack Obama, jump-started his 2008 presidential bid in early February 2007 -- two months before his Republican opponent, John McCain, formally entered the race with a late-April rally. Obama waited until April 2011 before announcing his plans to seek re-election in 2012. Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, who challenged Obama in the 2012 election, announced his entrance into the White House race in early June 2011. President Donald Trump on Friday defended his decision to appoint Matt Whitaker as the acting attorney general following Jeff Sessions' high-profile departure, adding that he's in "no rush" to nominate a new AG. Trump told reporters that he believes Whitaker is "top of the line" and a "very respected man in the law enforcement community." The president took issue with criticism raised about his pick. He stressed that he does not know Whitaker, other than the fact that he worked as Sessions' chief of staff and "was always extremely highly thought of and is still." "No matter who I put in, they go after him. It's very sad," the president said before leaving for Paris, according to White House pool reports. Trump added that he didn't speak with Whitaker about Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election before deciding to appoint him acting AG. "I don't know Matt Whitaker. Matt Whitaker has a great reputation, and that's what I wanted," he said. "I also wanted to do something which, frankly, I could have brought somebody very easily from the outside. I didn't want to do that. When Sessions left, what I did, very simply, is take a man who worked for Sessions." The president further took issue with questions on whether he wants the new acting AG, who now oversees Mueller's investigation, to "reign in" the special counsel. "What a stupid question," he said, offering that whether Whitaker is involved with the probe is "up to him." Trump, meanwhile, said "there's no rush" to nominate a new attorney general. "It has to go through a Senate process, which takes a long time," he said. "But we'll pick somebody that's great." Whitaker has publicly criticized Mueller's probe, suggesting in July 2017 that any replacement for Sessions could defund the special counsel's work. Trump announced on Twitter Wednesday that Whitaker would take over as the new acting attorney general before a permanent replacement is "nominated at a later date." The president's announcement came shortly after news broke that Sessions had resigned at Trump's request. Trump had repeatedly criticized Sessions' performance as attorney general, particularly his decision to recuse himself from the Department of Justice's investigation into Russian meddling. The president reportedly spoke with advisers about firing Sessions in July 2017. U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren on Thursday declined to weigh in on U.S. Rep. Richard Neal's comments that he will request President Donald Trump's tax returns. Neal, a Springfield Democrat poised to lead the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, has said he is likely to use his position to request the Republican president's tax returns. Trump is the first president since Gerald Ford in the 1970s not to voluntarily release his taxes to the public. Neal said he anticipates a request from the Ways and Means Committee would result in a legal challenge. Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat considering a presidential run, said Thursday that she believes anyone running for federal office should release their tax returns. She has released 10 years of tax returns. "I believe the American people are entitled to that much transparency from the people who ask to represent them," Warren said. Asked about Neal's comments on requesting Trump's returns, Warren declined to comment directly but said she has "enormous confidence" in Neal. "I don't know what issues he will line up first, I don't know what evidence is in front of him and where he will want to focus his attention," Warren said. She called Neal "a man of principle and of deep experience in the House," and said she is "delighted" he will take over the chairmanship of the Ways and Means Committee. "I think this is good for Massachusetts and even better for our country," Warren said. Weve got another edition of The Nightcap ready time for your brain to hungrily digest these delicious morsels of drinks news! Its Friday, fair folks that read the MoM Blog! While this of course means that its time for your regularly scheduled instalment of The Nightcap, its also the day of the week that new CDs get released. So why not enjoy The Nightcap while listening to some fresh new jams like a jazz album by Jeff Goldblum? Yes, that Jeff Goldblum. Jeff Life finds a way Goldblum. What does that have to do with booze? Nothing, we just think Jeff Goldblum is cool. This week on the MoM Blog, Henry donned his cocktail helmet to check out Crucible, then chatted to Angus Lugsdin of Salcombe Distillery fame (sans cocktail helmet). Annie took a closer look at the first whiskey produced in Dublin in almost 50 years at Teeling. Kristy hopped over to Madrid to see the new Johnnie Walker flagship store in all its glory. We also showed off some of our favourite tipples with equally tasty discounts and announced the winner of our Lakes Distillery VIP trip! On to the news from the wider booze world Dave Pickerell American whiskey mourns Dave Pickerell American distilling is in mourning as it lost one of its greats last week, Dave Pickerell, at the age of 62. Previously head distiller at Makers Mark, Pickerell set up WhistlePig in 2009 and was instrumental in the revival of the original American style of whiskey, rye. We feel very fortunate to have met and tasted with him earlier in the year. Tributes poured in from around the whiskey world. Jeff Kovacs, the CEO of Whistlepig, said: To us, Dave was family. He was larger than life and truly part of the WhistlePig fabric. Working with him never felt like work. It was his passion, humor and storytelling that helped this brand come alive. John Bilello from Sweet Amber Distilling said: Dave was not only one of the most forward thinking and groundbreaking distillers to ever walk the earth, he was also a great friend. When he died, Bilello was working with Pickering on an American blended whiskey called Blackened in conjunction with Metallica. The band too, paid tribute: He was not only a mentor and friend, we considered him a member of Metallica. We at Master of Malt just want to say: Dave, you rocked our world. Aperol leads the way for Campari Campari Group reports very positive nine-month results Yes, its results season again, and Italys Campari Group is celebrating some stellar stats. Sales for the maker of Campari (obvs), Aperol, Wild Turkey and Espolon Tequila hit 1.2 billion for the first nine months of the year, up 6.6% on an organic basis (this was pegged back significantly to -2.5% decline when currency effects and other such technicalities are taken into account). The company doesnt seem particularly perturbed though, with Bob Kunze-Concewitz, Campari CEO, hailing the very positive net sales organic growth and the outperformance of the key high margin global and regional priorities. By that he means Camparis headline brands, which did indeed shine. There seems no end to Aperols appeal with sales soaring by 31%, while Campari climbed by 9.7%. Wild Turkey flew the whiskey flag with 11.4% gains, while the Jamaican rums, including Appleton Estate and Wray & Nephew Overproof, grew by 5.1%. Espolon soared by 31.5%, while Bulldog Gin, still a relatively recent acquisition, saw sales increase by 5.5%. Skyy vodka, however, suffered 8.1% losses. With all this in mind, is it time to consider a name change to Aperol Group..? More news from Marie Brizard Marie Brizard Wine & Spirits sees sales slide again In a direct contrast to the fortunes of Campari Group, Marie Brizard Wine & Spirits (MBWS) once again struggled. For the first nine months of its 2018 financial year, the Sobieski vodka-, Marie Brizard liqueurs- and Gautier Cognac-makers sales fell by 6.4% to 289.6m, with its native French market performing particularly poorly. There were some glimmers of promise though: the Polish market returned to emphatic growth, with third quarter sales climbing almost 25%, and the crucial Americas sector made 5.5% gains. Can MBWS capitalise on this growth? Lets hope so. As it stands, loan repayments are at a temporary standstill and plans to revamp the companys cost structure and sell some of its brands are in progress. Worship Street Whistling Shop has poured its final drink Worship Street Whistling Shop shuts up for good Just when we were starting to process the Dandelyan news, we were hit with another shocker. This week Shoreditchs Worship Street Whistling Shop, one of Londons most beloved bars, closed its doors for the final time. Founded in 2011 by Fluid Movements Thomas Aske and Tristan Stephenson, the cocktail haunt went on to win numerous awards, including nabbing spots in Worlds 50 Best Bars for three years in a row. The closure was announced on social media: After almost 8 years, today marks the end of an era for us as we have closed our doors. Thank you all our loyal customers, friends and supporters for the love over the years. The team added that they would continue pushing boundaries through its other sites, including the legendary Black Rock which is set to expand to other sites in 2019. And what of the space itself? London Cocktail Club is set to open another site in the footprint shortly. Benromach Chateau Cissac Bordeaux Wood Finish 2010 Introducing: Benromach Chateau Cissac Bordeaux Wood Finish 2010 Speyside distillery Benromach continues to celebrate its 20th Anniversary in style with the launch of another limited edition single malt Scotch whisky. Benromach Chateau Cissac Bordeaux Wood Finish 2010 was first matured in first-fill ex-Bourbon barrels before it was finished for an additional two years in Chateau Cissac Bordeaux casks from Haut-Medoc. It was bottled at 45% ABV and is said to balance Benromachs signature Speyside smokiness with rich red wine undertones and contain notes of brazil nuts, vanilla and cocoa. Only 7,789 bottles in total have been released of the latest addition to Benromachs Contrasts range. The series is designed to highlight limited edition single malts that deviate from Benromachs core expressions and contain the brands first triple-distilled bottling alongside its first organic single malt whisky. Keith Cruickshank, Benromach distillery manager, said: Im confident that Benromach Chateau Cissac Bordeaux Wood Finish 2010, with its unique and appealing characteristics, will be appreciated by new and existing Benromach enthusiasts. At our distillery in Forres, weve always been unafraid to innovate, and we hope those who enjoy our flagship Benromach 10 Years Old will enjoy exploring our different finishes. The new Private Collection from Gordon & MacPhail Gordon & MacPhail unveils new Private Collection Gordon & MacPhail has a new look for its Private Collection. The range, which is filled with some seriously pricey single malts, comes in striking ridged heavyweight bottles, which themselves are packaged in veneered wooden boxes. Swanky! Appropriately refined receptacles for some ultra-rare whiskies like the first two releases. One is sourced from the closed Inverleven Distillery, matured for 33 years before being bottled at cask strength 57.4% ABV. The other bottling is a beautiful 44 year old single malt distilled at Glenrothes. It was aged in a refill sherry puncheon and bottled at 49.5% ABV. Further exclusive releases will be revealed in the coming months. Stephen Rankin, Gordon & MacPhails Director of Prestige, said: For over a century my family has been maturing whisky and using our skills, experience, and passion for single malts to recognise exactly the right moment to bottle a spirit that will be loved by discerning whisky drinkers around the globe. These two exquisite malts are complemented perfectly by the beautiful new packaging. As you might expect, whiskies such as these dont come cheap, 1000 for the Inverleven and 1250 for the Glenrothes. A chilling locale for the Johnnie Walker Frozen Forest Winter arrives in Shoreditch with White Walker whisky pop-up On Friday and Saturday this week Winter is Coming to London in the form of a Johnnie Walker Frozen Forest pop-up at Kachette in Shoreditch. We had a sneak preview and can tell you that while there were no White Walkers, there were furs so you could wrap up a la Jon Snow and an actual Iron Throne (though it may have been made of plastic.) We were there for the cocktails made with White Walker Whisky created by Daniel Warren, Diageo Reserve World Class GB Bartender of the Year 2018, which included The Long Winter, containing Fever Tree ginger ale, a twist of lemon and mint, and The Night King, essentially an Old Fashioned with a sprig of frozen rosemary. The pop-up is only on for two nights: go to Design my Night for more information. Admission costs 10 and for that you get two cocktails, which is amazing value. So whether youre a Game of Thrones fanatic, or couldnt tell Ned Stark from Cersei Lannister, Kachette is the place to be this weekend. MacNairs Lum Reek range GlenAllachie Distillers Company launches first peated whisky range The GlenAllachie Distillers Company has decided to toast its first anniversary in the best way possible: by releasing new whisky! The range of peated blended malt Scotch whisky is called MacNairs Lum Reek and comprises a non-age statement (matured in first-fill bourbon, oloroso, virgin oak and red wine casks), 12-year-old (matured in first-fill bourbon, red wine and Pedro Ximenez casks) and 21-year-old (oloroso, virgin oak and red wine casks). Each was crafted using a combination of peated Islay and peated Speyside malt blended together with older GlenAllachie, and matured at The GlenAllachie Distillery in Speyside. All were bottled without any additional colouring or chill-filtration at 46% ABV. The new peated whiskies were named after the famous Scottish toast lang may yer lum reek (long may your chimney smoke) which is used to wish someone a long life and prosperity.The series follows the brands first release, a batch of six single cask bottlings, in February, a special bottling for the Speyside Whisky Festival in May, and the launch of the flagship GlenAllachie single malt range in July. Phew! It caps off a busy first 12 months at GlenAllachie for master distiller Billy Walker, his business partners Graham Stevenson and Trisha Savage. The trio bought the distillery in October 2017 in a deal which also included the MacNairs and White Heather blends. Walker said: Its been an amazing year and journey so far and we wanted to mark the anniversary with something truly special. With the MacNairs range, weve re-created the peated whiskies of 100 years ago for the modern-day palate 30 year old rum from Appleton Estate?! Yum! Appleton Estates new 30 Year Old rum contains no bats or goats This week we took a stomach-churningly fast lift up the Shard in London to try a very special rum: Appleton Estate 30 Year Old. We asked Brand Ambassador Joe St Clair Ford about Appletons extraordinary longevity and whether one years ageing in Jamaica is said to be worth three in Scotland he would only reveal that no bats or goats were added to the molasses before fermentation, which is reassuring. He did tell MoM that all the sugar cane is grown on the estate in the Nassau Valley in Jamaica, fermented with a native yeast, distilled in a mixture of pot and column stills, and then blended. Joy Spence, Master Blender at Appleton for 20 years, said: We are very proud of this limited blend, which includes a rare mix of rum dating back decades and demonstrates the high-quality rum Jamaica is known for. It may be a 30 year old expression but contains some 50 year old rums. Only 4,000 bottles have been filled, and the price is a very reasonable 399 when you consider that Appletons 50 Year Old Jamaican Independence Reserve costs nearly ten times that. And the taste? Absolutely gorgeous: theres orange and pineapple with layers of coconut, vanilla and tobacco, and just a little bit of that all important Jamaican funk. Well worth braving the lift in the Shard to try. Oink Candles that smell of booze brilliant! And finally for the drinks lover who has everything comes alcohol-inspired candles. These little beauties have just been launched by Mr Trotters, producers of some of the finest snacks known to humanity, and sound like something dreamed up while suitably inspired by alcohol. Rupert Ponsonby, a co-founder of Mr Trotters, however, thinks he has spotted an opportunity: They are aimed at boars every bit as much as sows. For too long, candles have been the preserve entirely of women. Mr Trotters aims to bring a more masculine offering to the market. The candles come in three flavours: IPA, which smells of sweet malted barley and hop notes of lemon, mandarin and lime; gin (smells of gin, obviously); and whisky which is modelled on an Islay malt with sensuously earthy notes of drying peat. Theyve done things properly by enlisting the help of fragrance specialist Bahoma of East London. James Bruce, CEO at Bahoma, added: We are creating a really fun set of products with some wonderfully Great British smells. Who can resist a Great British smell? Someones lucky #WhiskySanta gives away 1k Advent Calendar But thats not all We have a winner in 2018s first Whisky Santa Super Wish. Its Richard Beatty from the Netherlands who wins an Old & Rare Whisky Advent Calendar worth 999.95. Congratulations! More #WhiskySanta news next week. Have a great weekend! Swati Chaturvedi won the award for her book: 'I am a Troll: Inside the Secret World of the BJP's Digital Army'. Chaturvedi beat shortlisted journalists from Italy, Turkey and Morocco for her work in exposing the 'IT cell' within the ruling BJP for keeping an army of angry trolls. (Photo: Facebook) London: An Indian freelance journalist, who has been the target of online trolling and harassment for her investigative reports, has bagged the 2018 London Press Freedom Award for Courage. Swati Chaturvedi, author of the book 'I am a Troll: Inside the Secret World of the BJP's Digital Army', beat shortlisted journalists from Italy, Turkey and Morocco for her work in exposing the "IT cell" within the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for keeping an army of angry trolls. "This means a lot. But I think it is very sad that you have to win an award for courage just for doing your job," Chaturvedi said at the first award ceremony organised by the UK chapter of Paris-based Reporters Sans Frontieres (RSF) or Reporters Without Borders in London on Thursday evening. "The US President (Donald Trump) saying we are the enemy of state; in India last year journalist Gauri Lankesh being gunned down outside her house; it is very frightening. There is something clearly very wrong," she said. "I don't think journalists have stopped what they are doing, but the governments across the world have become very intolerant of any criticism or scrutiny." The columnist for print and broadcast media in India commended the work of organisations like the RSF, a non-profit organisation that works to document and combat attacks on journalists around the world. Charturvedi added: "I get a lot of online threats but if I let that affect me, I won't be able to do my job. It is heartening to see RSF speaking up for journalists because we have become an attacked, endangered species. At least there is someone advocating the rights of journalists." "I think it is scary to be a journalist in today's world, especially if you are doing investigative journalism. But at the same time, it is very necessary," she said. Chaturvedi was among four worldwide winners at the awards held at Getty Images Gallery in London. "Recognising great journalism is important, not least because it sends a message of solidarity, proving that there is an international community will stand up for the free media no matter where it is threatened, or by whom," said RSF UK Bureau Director Rebecca Vincent. The ceremony highlighted the importance of press freedom and safety of journalists, especially in the wake of the killing of Saudi Arabian journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi embassy in Istanbul last month. Makers of 'Sarkar' have also agreed to 'mute' apparent reference to the late J Jayalalithaa, industry body said. AIADMK party cadres, led by MLA V V Rajan Chellappa, stage a protest against the screening of film 'Sarkar', in front of a theatre at Anna Nagar in Madurai. (Photo: PTI) Chennai: The makers of Vijay-starrer 'Sarkar' have agreed to remove "objectionable" scenes and "mute" an apparent reference to the late J Jayalalithaa, an industry body said on Thursday, as the movie faced a backlash from the ruling AIADMK over the depiction of its welfare schemes and its leader. The AIADMK was up in arms against 'Sarkar' with senior AIADMK ministers demanding deletion of the contentious scenes, besides threatening to initiate legal action if the film crew failed to comply. While a theatre owners' body announced that the edited version would be screened from Friday afternoon, sources in the 'Sarkar' crew said a "compromise" has been reached. M Subramaniam, president, West Zone Theatre Owners' Association, said they had spoken to Sun Pictures and the film's Tamil Nadu distributor, telling them "we cannot screen the movie with objectionable scenes." "They said they will sit at the editing table on Thursday night and edit the scenes. Following a letter (of approval) from the Censor Board, we will start screening the edited version from Friday from the matinee show (2:30 pm)," he told news agency PTI. Further, the name of a woman character apparently referring to former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa would be "muted," he added. The Tamil Nadu Multiplex Theatre Owners' Association described the move as a "welcome" one. "The film is having a good run. Some persons are objecting and they have started targeting theatres. Against this backdrop, Sun Pictures has come out with a compromise formula which is a welcome move," Abirami Ramanathan, president, TN Multiplex Theatres' Association, said. There was no immediate official word from makers of the film, but sources in the 'Sarkar' unit said a 'compromise' has been arrived upon, referring to Subramaniam's statement. 'Sarkar,' produced by Sun Pictures, stars Vijay and Keerthi Suresh in key roles and was released on November 6. It is directed by A R Murugadoss and has music by Oscar winner A R Rahman. Earlier, Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar wanted to know why certain references deemed to be that to the late Jayalalithaa had found their way into the script. Law Minister C Ve Shanmugham said certain scenes amounted to inciting violence and warned of action. "The scenes relating to the burning of items disbursed under government welfare schemes amount to inciting violence. Whether it is the producer (Sun Pictures) or actor (Vijay), or theatres-- they will have to face action," he told reporters. DMK leader Pazha Karuppiah, who has played the antagonist's role in the film, wanted to know how scenes of a movie could be deleted after the Censor Board had cleared it. Reports suggested that certain scenes show grinder, mixers and fans being burnt, seen as an obvious reference to the late Jayalalithaa's flagship schemes of providing these items free of cost, in line with an electoral promise in 2011. AIADMK workers staged a protest outside a theatre in Madurai demanding that certain scenes be removed. A show was cancelled. Workers said they would not allow the film to be screened till "derogatory" scenes and dialogues were removed, the police said. At some movie halls in Coimbatore and Chennai, banners of the film and that of Vijay were damaged and burnt allegedly by AIADMK supporters. Some AIADMK workers staged a sit-in at a theatre in Coimbatore seeking a ban on the film. On a character whose name has purported reference to Jayalalithaa, Jayakumar said it was an attempt at "maligning" the late party chief and sought legal action against the crew. Referring to the films of matinee idol and AIADMK founder, former chief minister M G Ramachandran, Jayakumar said the late leader's films never carried such content. In an apparent reference to MGR's elevation from a film star to chief minister, he said that "not all can become MGR." Lashing out at Vijay, Information Minister Kadambur C Raju said, "This is not good for a growing actor like Vijay." He had said the government would advise the makers of the film to remove the scenes and that the future course of action would be decided according to the latter's move. Meanwhile, sidelined AIADMK leader TTV Dhinakaran lashed out at the 'Sarkar' team, saying there was commercial intent behind the controversies. He, however, denied that a particular woman character's name had reference to Jayalalithaa. "Komalavalli (the character's name) is not Amma's name at all. In 2002-03 when a Congressman referred to her by this name, Amma herself said this was not her name and that she had not even done any such film role," he said. However, the film was produced with "commercial intent and they have to do something" to make it a success, he added. "You know who the producers are," he said, in an apparent reference to Sun Pictures, owned by the Maran brothers of the DMK's extended first family. Actor-politician Karuppiah, a former AIADMK MLA who switched over to DMK, seemed to see no reason behind the demand for removal of the contentious scenes, saying it was released only after being cleared by the Censor Board. Recalling BJP's opposition to Vijay's 2017 movie 'Mersal', he said the party had made the film a grand success and that the AIADMK was now going to do the same for 'Sarkar.' Earlier, an aspiring filmmaker had claimed that the film's story was his, following which director A R Murugadoss went in for a compromise with the claimant. Market Research Future (MRFR)s Released Global Connected Medical Devices Market Research Report. It contains Company information, geographical Segmentation, in-depth Table of Content, and List of figures, data tables, Various Company Leaders & market synopsis up to 2023. Connected Medical Devices Market Synopsis The global connected medical devices market is presumed to expand at a significant CAGR during the forecast period (2018-2023) owing to the adoption of IT in the healthcare sector, asserts Market Research Future (MRFR). Connected medical devices use wireless or wired connectivity resources in order to collect and monitor patient data. Connected medical devices reduce human error by accurate and uninterrupted data. The market is considered as one of the most lucrative markets and is estimated to generate considerable revenue in the coming years. Drivers and Constraints Impacting the Market: With the growing prevalence of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and others along with the risk factors associated with it such as asthma, sleep apnea, obesity and others, the global market for connected medical devices is estimated to drive the global market. The increasing patient monitoring systems across the globe, growing adoption of IT in the healthcare sector, and rising awareness regarding connected medical devices are likely to people the market growth during the forecast period. Moreover, technological advancements, quick approval from regulatory authorities for connected medical devices, and research and development activities are anticipated to foster the market. Request Sample copy at https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/676 Additionally, key vendors in the consumer wearables market like Fitbit are focusing on maintaining an online presence as it reduces the distribution, setup, and the operational costs. Owing to such advantages, vendors are rapidly penetrating the online platform which is further fostering the market growth. On the flip side, security concerns, high price of such medical devices, low possibility of adoption in underdeveloped countries, and risk factors associated with data piracy are likely to inhibit the market growth in the coming years. For instance, the US FDA has identified around 300 IoT medical devices that are prone to cyber-attack. Competitive Analysis The major players operating the global market are Philips Healthcare, Johnson & Johnson, Aerotel Medical Systems Ltd., F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Boston Scientific Corporation, iHealth Labs (subsidiary of Andon Health), Medtronic Plc, AgaMatrix Inc., St. Jude Medical Inc. (Abbott), GE Healthcare Inc., Fitbit Inc., McKesson Corporation, Dexcom, OMRON Corporation, and Polar Electro. Industry News Sep 26, 2018: Zingbox, the provider of the most widely deployed healthcare Internet of Things analytics platform has recently announced new research demonstrating that hackers are leveraging error messages from connected medical devices. This incorporates X-ray, radiology, and other imaging systems in order to gain valuable insights. These insights are later used to refine the attacks, thus increasing the chance of successful hack. Regional Analysis Geographically, the connected medical devices market span across regions namely, Europe, America, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa. Among all the regions, the American region is anticipated to dominate the global market due to the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, favorable policies from the regulatory authorities and the government, growing awareness regarding connected medical devices, and adoption of advanced technologies by key market players. Europe is estimated to be the second-largest region due to government funding and support from the healthcare sector. Also, extensive research and development activities and increasing awareness regarding connected medical devices have propelled the market growth in this region. Asia Pacific is considered to register a moderate growth rate during the assessment period due to increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, adoption of innovative medical technologies, and increasing investment in the healthcare sector in this region. On the other hand, the Middle East and Africa are presumed to account for the least market share due to underdeveloped healthcare sector, poor medical facilities, and lack of technical knowledge. Segmentation: The global connected medical devices market has been segmented on the basis of device, product, application, end-user, and region. By mode of product, the global connected medical devices market has been segmented into smart pill dispenser, heart rate monitor, portable GPS pers, pulse oximeter, BP monitor, insulin pump, ECG monitoring devices, glucose monitor, and others. Among these, the device segment is further sub-segmented into wearables and non-wearables. By mode of application, the global connected medical devices market has been segmented into consultation and diagnosis services, remote monitoring, fitness, treatment services, and wellness services. By mode of end-users, the global connected medical devices market has been segmented into ambulatory surgical centers, specialty clinics, hospitals, home care settings/monitoring, and others. Browse Complete 110 Pages Premium Research Report Enabled with 30+ Respective Tables and Figures at https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/connected-medical-devices-market-676 About Market Research Future: At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services. Contact Market Research Future Office No. 528, Amanora Chambers Magarpatta Road, Hadapsar, Pune 411028 Maharashtra, India +1 646 845 9312 Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com The Global Knee Replacement Market is presumed to experience 6.1 % CAGR during the forecast period (2017-2023) owing to the increasing geriatric population, asserts Market Research Future (MRFR). Knee replacement is also referred to joint replacement surgery which is meant for patients suffering from knee damage. Diseases such as post-traumatic arthritis, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis generally cause knee damage. Knee arthroplasty or knee replacement is performed to replace damaged knee with artificial knee implants. GET FREE REPORT SAMPLE COPY @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/1578 Global Knee Replacement Market- Competitive Dashboard The major players operating the global market are DePuy Synthes, Allegra Orthopaedics Limited, Exactech Inc., Smith and Nephew, Zimmer Inc., Stryker, and Kinamed Inc. Global Knee Replacement Market- Drivers and Constraints Impacting Knee replacement is highly driven by the geriatric population due to old age ailments such as osteoporosis, arthritis, and diabetes. Advent of advanced technologies such as minimally invasive surgery, presence of better implant materials, and extensive research and development activities in the industry are considered to propel the market during the assessment period. According to the American Joint Replacement Registry, 87 % of the diagnosed osteoarthritis cases undergo knee replacement. With growing prevalence of osteoarthritis, the number of knee replacement has risen. Also, the adaptation of sedentary lifestyle has led to obese population which is considered to foster the market growth in the future. On the flip side, non-surgical treatment methods like shoe aids and exercises coupled with high cost of knee replacement surgeries are likely to retard the market growth in the coming years. Global Knee Replacement Market- Segmental Analysis The global knee replacement market has been segmented on the basis of material, product type, end-user, and region. By mode of product type, the global knee replacement market has been segmented into total knee reconstructive implants, partial knee reconstructive implants, and revision knee reconstructive implants. Among these, the total knee reconstructive implants are further sub-segmented into fixed bearing implants, mobile bearing implants, medial pivot implants, and others. By mode of material, the global knee replacement market has been segmented into ceramic material, metal alloy, strong plastic parts, and others. By mode of end-users, the global knee replacement market has been segmented into specialty centers, hospitals and clinics, and rehabilitation centers. Global Knee Replacement Market- Regional Insights Geographically, the knee replacement market spans across regions namely, North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East and Africa. Among all the regions, the North American market is considered to be a growing market owing to the growing geriatric population affected by knee disorders. Also, growing awareness regarding joint treatments are further considered to drive the market during the assessment period. For instance, according to the American Joint Replacement Registry, more than 161,040 joint replacement procedures were performed in 2015. Browse Complete 105 Pages Premium Research Report Enabled with 40+ Respective Tables and Figures @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/knee-replacement-market-1578 Europe is presumed to be the second largest market after North America and is estimated to hold a noticeable share. The growth is attributed to the availability of advanced and innovative treatment facilities coupled with growing skilled medical professionals in this region. Also, with the growing geriatric population giving rise to patient population, the market is considered to expand at a rapid pace. Asia Pacific is presumed to be the fastest growing market owing to the increasing prevalence of joint disorders such as osteoarthritis and arthritis. Increasing awareness about health along with availability of advanced treatment methods are likely to foster the market in this region. Major Points form Table of Content Chapter 1. Report Prologue Chapter 2. Market Introduction Chapter 3. Research Methodology Chapter 4. Market Dynamics Chapter 5. Market Factor Analysis Chapter 6. Global Knee Replacement Market, By Type Chapter 7. Global Knee Replacement market, by treatment Chapter 8 Global Knee replacement Market, By End User Chapter 9. Global Knee Replacement Market, By Region Chapter 10 Company Landscape Chapter 11 Company Profiles Chapter 12 MRFR Conclusion Chapter 13 Appendix About US: Market Research Future (MRFR), enable customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services. Contact Us: Market Research Future Office No. 528, Amanora Chambers Magarpatta Road, Hadapsar, Pune 411028 Maharashtra, India Phone: +1 646 845 9312 Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com 510(k) clearance for artificial intelligence software developed to enhance an acute care physicians ability to identify and prioritize brain bleed stroke or head trauma Tel Aviv, Israel and Andover, MA November 7, 2018 MaxQ AI, a clinical diagnostics intelligence platform company, today announced that its revolutionary Accipio Ix intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) detection software has received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The clearance paves the way for healthcare providers and physicians in acute care settings to have access to this artificial intelligence (AI) software designed to aid in prioritizing the clinical assessment of adult non-contrast head computed tomography (CT) cases that exhibit indications of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), commonly known as a brain bleed. We are very pleased to receive FDA 510(k) clearance for Accipio Ix, which we believe will be a transformative solution for medicine, said Gene Saragnese, Chairman and CEO of MaxQ AI. MaxQs Accipio application, of which Accipio Ix is the first part of the ecosystem, provides physicians with actionable intelligence, improving their future ability to make a timely, accurate and more confident diagnosis of a brain bleed. Earlier this year, MaxQ announced CE Mark approval and commercial availability in the European Union. Now, Accipio Ix, is cleared for commercial sale within the United States. Accipio Ix leverages artificial intelligence technology to automatically analyze non-contrast head CT images without workflow impact to the reader, altering the original series or storing Protected Health Information (PHI). The AI-powered Accipio Ix, part of MaxQs unique Accipio INSIGHT platform, is designed to be highly sensitive to the presence of ICH, identifying and prioritizing patients with ICH for the treating physician. It provides a capability for rapid escalation and prioritization of the patient and can be natively integrated into CT and PACS systems using the imaging industry-standard DICOM, installed both on-premise and cloud-capable. Accipio Ixs ability to greatly increase suspected bleed detection, improve escalation and time to review is a game-changer. Further, our partnerships with top CT and PACS companies including GE Healthcare, Samsung Neurologica and other organizations prior announced, make deployment and adoption of Accipio straightforward, added Saragnese. The potential impact is massive only one patient diverted from acute stroke to wellness in the 13,000 U.S./E.U. hospitals represent $2 billion savings in a single year, and a lifetime of difference to the patient and their families. MaxQ will be demonstrating Accipio Ix along with the full suite of Accipio platform solutions during the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) 2018 Annual Meeting in Chicago (Booth #6161 in the North Hall). About MaxQ AI, Ltd. When asked who would lead the coalition, Naidu said this would be decided in due course. Bengaluru: Setting the pace for the formation of an Opposition front ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls to take on the ruling BJP, Andhra Pradesh chief minister N. Chandrababu Naidu met JD(S) supremo and former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda and his son H.D. Kumaraswamy, the Karnataka chief minister, in Bengaluru on Thursday and gave enough hints that the Opposition experiment would be similar to the exercise carried out in 1996 when a United Front (UF) government led by Mr Deve Gowda came to power in New Delhi with the support of the Congress. Mr Naidu, who broke away from the BJP-led NDA a few months ago on the issue of a special package for his state, has been spearheading the campaign for a grand alliance of the Opposition. He, however, ducked a question on who the prime ministerial candidate of the united Opposition would be, quipping: We want to save the nation while you want some masala news. When asked who would lead the coalition, Mr Naidu said this would be decided in due course. We had a similar government in 1996 led by Mr Deve Gowda, with the Congress supporting it from outside. The Congress is the main anchor (of the alliance) and the BJP is our main rival. I spoke to Mayawati, Akhilesh Yadav and tomorrow I am meeting M.K. Stalin (DMK chief). All of us will come together to save the country and save democracy, he said, adding that West Bengal chief minister, Mamata Banerjee would be hosting a rally in January to firm up Opposition unity, followed by a farmers rally in Karnataka. All institutions have been destroyed. The CBI has been finished. Now the RBI, an autonomous institution, is under pressure. Media reports suggest the RBI governor wants to quit, he said. He also attacked the NDA government over the income-tax and Enforcement Directorate raids on Opposition leaders offices and houses. When his attention was drawn to the BJPs criticism of the Opposition mahagathbandhan, saying it would come a cropper, Mr Naidu referred to the Congress-JD(S) experiment in Karnataka that had swept the recent Lok Sabha and Assembly bypolls, winning four of five seats. What happened in Karnataka reflects the mood of the nation, he said, and recalled the bonhomie of 1996 when he was the convenor of the United Front and Mr Deve Gowda was chairman of the front. We enjoy a good rapport. I came to seek his blessings and cooperation which he agreed to extend, the TDP chief said. Asked whether the TDP would be dubbed opportunistic as it was a part of the NDA for four years before splitting away, Mr Naidu said: We gave the BJP enough time but they did not implement a special package for Andhra or the provisions of the special act under which the new state was created. Later, Mr Deve Gowda said: Mr Naidu is making an honest effort to bring all regional parties together. His effort is to defeat the NDA in the 2019 parliamentary elections. He has met all leaders, including Sharad Pawar and Farooq Abdullah. I would like to request the Congress Party to cooperate with this effort. The Congress has a greater responsibility in this regard. Karnataka CM H.D. Kumaraswamy said the political experiment of 1996 would be repeated in 2019 with the entry of Mr Naidu, who was coordinating with all the regional parties. by Melynda Fuller , November 8, 2018 Building on an existing partnership with Tribune Publishing, Taboola announced a three-year exclusive partnership with the newspaper publisher that would extend to its digital properties. With the goal of increasing user engagement and generating revenue, Tribune Publishing will feature the Taboola Feed, a content discovery tool that allows for infinite scrolling and content discovery, to the pages of its digital papers, including Chicago Tribune, the Baltimore Sun and the Orlando Sentinel. Previously introduced to the New York Daily News site in May 2017, the feed saw an uplift in rpm of 63% on desktop and an average rpm uplift of 37% across mobile and tablet. The Daily News was the first publisher to test and implement the feed. advertisement advertisement The feed, which scrolls vertically, allows users to access content that includes articles, in-feed video, app downloads and premium content on mobile web and in-app. Engagement, and thus revenue, is increased by encouraging readers or viewers to remain on a publishers site through a personalized stream. The feed utilizes Taboolas Audience Exchange architecture, which allows publishers like Tribune to strategically manage and optimize the flow of traffic across its network, Adam Singolda, CEO-founder of Taboola, told Publishers Daily. For example, Taboola Feed might surface a card that recommends relevant content from Tribunes The Daily Meal and Active Times to the readers of the New York Daily News, he explained, thereby allowing Tribunes readers to discover content across its portfolio of news sites. The Taboola Feed allows publishers to customize their feed to drive revenue, as well. For example, if a publisher wants to encourage readers to sign up for a specific newsletter or drive traffic to a specific area of its site, it can swap in a new card to the feed that will drive attention there. According to Singolda, publishers can also leverage Taboola Feed to achieve their subscription goals or promote traffic to sister websites and third-party partners, creating targeted cookie pools to make relevant offerings for consumers based on their interest. Grant Whitmore, executive vice president-general manager, Northeast region, Tribune Publishing Company, stated: Balancing sustainable revenue streams with high-quality user experiences is the cornerstone of todays digital media industry. The Taboola Feed achieved significant results for New York Daily News, and we are looking forward to bringing similar success across all of our properties. by Howard Polskin , November 8, 2018 Steve Bannon, television news personality? Yep. At least he was for four hours Tuesday night as he hosted a livestream of election-night coverage from Capitol Hill, together with a rotating cast of right-wing pundits. It was co-produced by the America First nonprofit Citizens of the American Republic (COAR), which Bannon founded. If any established news anchors thought they were getting some serious competition from the far right, they can relax. Imagine watching a radio show without commercial interruptions for 240 minutes. With bad lighting. And embarrassing technical glitches. Get the picture? The livestream was heavily promoted on The Gateway Pundit, a popular far-right website, with 2.6 million unique visitors a month, according to comScore. (It ranked as the 11thmost-visited conservative website in September, according to my website TheRighting, which aggregates headlines from the right every day.) advertisement advertisement The Gateway Pundit not only hosted the livestream, along with other sites, like Trump@War and Citizens of the American Republic, but it was a co-sponsor, as well. Like most election night coverage, it featured a small parade of talking heads. Give COAR and Bannon some credit for featuring an ethnically diverse group of pundits. They all tilted far to the right. The COAR talking heads sat around a makeshift desk with a COAR banner draped over it. Were not talking high production values. There were few graphics, so it was hard to tell who was talking or their affiliation. The livestream opened with Bannon and three other guests seated around the table. Bannon was not in the middle, where you might expect the most prominent person on the show to be positioned. Instead, for viewers watching from home, he was positioned, on the right. The far right. He was joined by former Trump campaign aide Sam Nunberg, far-right conspiracy theorist Noel Fritsch, and former editor-in-chief of Breitbart London Raheem Kassam. The livestream essentially consisted of the guests closely examining their computer screens and commenting on what they were reviewing, presumably election results, coming in from mainstream sources. At least twice, they cited numbers they attributed to The New York Times and AP. Thats right. Mainstream media. There were no commercial breaks that I saw. Bannon and guests drank from clearly visible paper coffee cups from Dean & DeLuca, the upscale supermarket with outposts in these hotbeds of elitism: SoHo, Madison Avenue, Georgetown and even The New York Times headquarters. Was this product placement? Methinks not! Bannon would occasionally ask questions. He came across as knowledgeable, articulate and level-headed. Theres no denying his chops as a television guest. But as a television news anchor on Tuesday night, he lacked the charm to seamlessly engage his guests, provide compelling commentary, and offer an interesting narrative framework for the unfolding drama of the important election results. Frequently, after Bannon asked guests questions, he would look down at his smartphone. Even worse, he would often type in his smartphone during the response. Doesnt the TV anchor handbook have rules against this behavior? Nunberg expressed himself frequently and with authority, although the gum chewing did him no favors. Fritsch seemed to spend a lot of his time just looking into his computer screen and frowning. Hassam added a perplexing dash of old-world sophistication by sporting an ascot, surely a first in the history of U.S. televised election night coverage. He peered often into Nunbergs computer. Bannon is never going to be GQ cover candy, but his choice of clothes did little to advance his case for TV news stardom. He wore what appeared to be a weatherproof Barbour waxed jacket with corduroy collar. He looked like he was going quail hunting after the show. Or maybe chasing down Central American migrants on the Texas border. Other guests included alt-right personality Mike Cernovich, GOP political consultant Raynard Jackson, right-wing social media star Jack Posobiec, writer Alicia Powe and The Gateway Pundits editor-in-chief Jim Hoft calling in from somewhere other than the set. I wasnt sure. But it might well have been the international space station, because there was an embarrassing multi-second lag between him moving his lips and his words. It looked like a Saturday Night Live parody of a badly produced right-wing livestream. By 10:30 p.m., after more than three hours of streaming, Bannon appeared exhausted by the ordeal and looked like he wanted nothing more than to kick back on his couch with a cup of hot tea and a six-pack of Crispy Cremes. Nunberg unleashed a monster yawn so wide I feared he might swallow Fritsch to his right. And they had another hour to go. It was that kind of night. Wireless carriers efforts to pick up new customers are built on deals that sometimes sound good but dont always add up for consumers. Still, those offers keep coming. Right now Verizon, the largest carrier, with reportedly 153 million customers, and T-Mobile, the third largest, with half that number, are again inviting consumers to compare, contrast and (possibly) make a change. On Wednesday, Verizon slashed the price of its prepaid plans to $65 (from $75) for unlimited use, and offered some other new prices for a variety of plans. But right after the Verizon deal became known, T-Mobile unveiled its unlimited prepaid plan, for just $50 a month, down from an unlimited plan that previously cost $70. That deal is, yes, cheaper than Verizons. The prepaid crowd is the most price-sensitive part of the business, so that discount could look pretty attractive. advertisement advertisement Its also available for only a limited time, though, and T-Mobile is not saying when it ends. And it comes with some restrictions. For example, T-Mobile notes in small print that the unlimited plan only applies to domestic use, and warns that a small fraction of consumers who use more than 500 GB a month may notice reduced speeds during periods of congestion. Video typically streams at 480p. Verizons plan comes with fewer restrictions, and is not a limited-time deal. Because it tries to be so different, T-Mobile calls itself the "Un-Carrier" and prides itself on a loose corporate style. A Fortune magazine piece on the Top 100 Places To Work earlier this year noted the company's disrupter attitude: "T-Mobile was far ahead of AT&T and Verizon in 2016 in scrapping monthly data limits and the annoying overage charges they generatedforcing its bigger rivals to follow suit." Its recently announced T-Mobile One plan, for example, offers unlimited talk, text and data, unlimited streaming, a deal for texting on flights, mobile hotspot data, and free Netflix, among other features, at a price the Strategy Analytics research firm said last week provides $1,550.71 a year in savings per line over competitors. Deals like that keep T-Mobile attractive, especially for heavy users. It usually works well in urban areas, but it is dogged by a reputation for spotty service in New York City and out in the hinterlands, though the carrier has been working to improve on this perception. by Tanya Gazdik , November 8, 2018 Hyundai Motor America will reveal its new flagship premium SUV at the Los Angles auto show later this month. The automaker revealed the name Thursday. The 8-passenger SUV will be called Hyundai Palisade. The 2020 model will offer a reassuring level of high-tech, intelligent safety features, according to Hyundai. The new SUV name references a series of coastal cliffs and might naturally be associated by many with the Pacific Palisades, an affluent and beautiful neighborhood in Southern California. The new moniker has been in the works for some time, says Ian Beavis, chief strategy officer at AMCI Global. "It is their version of the Kia Telluride," Beavis tells Marketing Daily. "Both companies wanted aspirational American names that conveyed sophistication and the outdoors in different ways. I think they succeeded." advertisement advertisement The future Palisade SUV will convey a bold exterior that commands attention and has strong inherent imagery of safety and security, especially important with parents with growing families and active lifestyles, according to the automaker. Palisade styling will offer dignity with style in an understated theme that demonstrates clear differentiation worthy of a flagship SUV. Global media will see the Palisade for the first time at the Los Angeles Auto Show on Nov. 28. The Palisade will be available in the summer of 2019. The automaker continues an aggressive portfolio makeover spanning the past 12 months, featuring 10 all-new or enhanced models. Heading into 2019, the Hyundai fleet has been entirely refreshed. The portfolio makeover include the all-new Kona compact crossover; three new eco-friendly options with Kona EV and NEXO Fuel Cell Vehicle joining the refreshed Sonata Hybrid/PHEV; and a new look for all of Hyundais volume leaders: Sonata, Elantra, Tucson and Santa Fe. Additional models will be added early in the calendar year. The last time Hyundai offered a three-row crossover SUV was the Veracruz, which was on sale from 2007 to 2012. Hyundai didn't feel that reviving the Veracruz was right for this new model, Michael O'Brien, Hyundai Motor America's president of product, corporate and digital planning, told CNETs Roadshow. Instead, the name "Palisade" also hearkens back to the "strength of a fortress. The new moniker has been in the works for some time, says Ian Beavis, chief strategy officer at AMCI Global. "It is their version of the Kia Telluride," Beavis tells Marketing Daily. "Both companies wanted aspirational American names that conveyed sophistication and the outdoors in different ways. I think they succeeded." by Ray Schultz , November 9, 2018 Privacy International has filed complaints against seven data providers and ad-tech companies, asking European data-protection authorities to investigate their activities and determine whether they are in compliance with GDPR. The firms being investigated are Acxiom, Oracle, Criteo, Quantcast, Tapad, Equifax and Experian. Together these companies profit from the exploitation of the personal data of millions of people in the UK, in the rest of the European Union and further afield, the group contends in one of three complaints filed with the UKs Information Commissioners Office. Complaints were also submitted to data authorities in Ireland and France. In its complaints, the group relies heavily on descriptions on the companies own web sites and in other materials. It also has submitted data access requests to the companies, as allowed under GDPR. advertisement advertisement The complaint against Acxiom and Oracle argues that the data infringements documented in this complaint merely constitute the tip of the iceberg of the companies data practices. In the case of Acxiom, the complaint specifies three products: InfoBase , a product that provides 3,500 behavioral insights on 90% of UK households. , a product that provides 3,500 behavioral insights on 90% of UK households. Personicx, a consumer lifestage segmentation system that uses demographic, geographical, lifestyle and behavioral information to segment consumers into clusters, such as age, lifestage, affluence. a consumer lifestage segmentation system that uses demographic, geographical, lifestyle and behavioral information to segment consumers into clusters, such as age, lifestage, affluence. LiveRamp IdentityLink, an identity graph that matches directly identifiable data like emails, postal addresses, and phone numbers with pseudonymous identifiers like cookies and devices IDs. These statements apparently quote the companies materials. Also coming under fire is the practice of profiling. Disparate and seemingly innocuous data can be combined to create a meaningful comprehensive profile of a person, the complaint states. It adds: Advances in data analytics, as well as machine learning have made it possible to derive, infer and predict sensitive data from ever more sources of data that isnt sensitive at all. For instance, emotional states, such as confidence, nervousness, sadness, and tiredness can be predicted from typing patterns on a computer keyboard. Profiling also figures in the complaint against Equifax and Experian. The group states that their profiling for marketing purposes has no lawful basis under Articles 5 and 6 of GDPR, adding that the requirements for consent or legitimate interest are not fulfilled. In addition, the bureaus do not comply with the principles of transparency, fairness, lawfulness, purpose limitation, data minimisation, accuracy and integrity and confidentiality, it continues. The complaint against Ad Tech firms Criteo, Quantcast and Tapad allege that the firms all fuel each other through interminable data sharing, and like the data brokers, are mostly non-consumer facing. It adds that these companies can make intrusive inferences about individuals which can be used to direct advertising to individuals and specific target audiences meaning that the output of the analysis is greater than the sum of its parts. In particular, the group challenges such products as the Tapad Graph, which enables marketers to capture a wealth of consumer touchpoints across devices and channels, resolving them back to an individual, according to copy quoted in the complaint. It also questions Criteos Shopper Graph, saying: This tool provides granular data on shoppers including offline and online information as well as cross-device data for better targeting. It also gives access to fresh, granular, shopping data, based on more than 35 billion daily historic browsing and transaction events from nearly three quarters of the world's online shoppers. Privacy Internationals site urges consumers to Tell companies to stop exploiting your data! According to Engadget, Experian responds: "We have worked hard to ensure that we are compliant with GDPR and we continue to believe that our services meet its requirements." In addition, Criteo states: "We have complete confidence in our privacy practices," EnGadget continues. Acxiom has also taken such positions in the past. According to a recent pilot study, singing therapy might reduce some of the difficult-to-treat motor and mood symptoms associated with Parkinsons disease. Share on Pinterest Theres more to singing than meets the ear. Parkinsons disease is a progressive neurodegenerative condition that affects more than 10 million people worldwide. Because Parkinsons predominantly affects older adults, as the population of the United States ages, its prevalence is increasing. Symptoms include tremor and difficulty coordinating movements. Also, mood changes can occur, with anxiety and depression being relatively common. Drugs can help reduce symptoms, but they tend to become less effective as the disease progresses, and the side effects can also become worse. Finding nonpharmaceutical ways of managing Parkinsons disease is a priority, and one intervention that is gaining traction is singing. Singing as therapy Recently, researchers from Iowa State University in Ames ran a pilot study to investigate the impact of singing on a small group of individuals with Parkinsons disease. The study was headed up by Elizabeth Stegemoller, an assistant professor of kinesiology at the university. The researchers presented their findings earlier this week at the Society for Neuroscience 2018 conference, held in San Diego, CA. Stegemoller has been investigating the benefits of singing therapy for people with Parkinsons disease for some time. Her previous work has already shown that singing might improve respiratory control. She also demonstrated that singing might work well as part of speech therapy, as well as improve patients ability to swallow. Because singing demands tighter control over muscles in the mouth and throat, these previous findings make sense. However, the latest results identify a much wider range of potential benefits. The research focused on a therapeutic singing group; the group consisted of 17 people who had been attending for an average of 2.4 years. The researchers measured their heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels before and after a session. The participants also completed a questionnaire that rated levels of anxiety, sadness, anger, and happiness. Although heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels dropped across the board, in this small sample, the changes were not significant. There was also a noted drop in levels of anxiety and sadness following the sessions. We see the improvement every week when they leave singing group. Its almost like they have a little pep in their step. We know theyre feeling better and their mood is elevated. Elizabeth Stegemoller As for specific symptoms, the researchers measured statistically significant improvements in some motor symptoms that are often unaffected by drugs. In particular, upper extremity bradykinesia (slowness of movement), tremor, and walking were most improved. In medieval times, Islamic thinkers elaborated the theories of the ancient Greeks and made extensive medical discoveries. There was a wide-ranging interest in health and disease, and Islamic doctors and scholars wrote extensively, developing complex literature on medication, clinical practice, diseases, cures, treatments, and diagnoses. Often, in these medical texts, they incorporated theories relating to natural science, astrology, alchemy, religion, philosophy, and mathematics. In the General Prologue to the Canterbury Tales, contemporary English poet Geoffrey Chaucer referred to the authorities of Abu Bakr Muhammad ibn Zakariya al-Razi, a Persian clinician (al-Razi), and Abu Ali al-Husayn ibn Sina, ( Avicenna ) a renowned physician, among other Islamic polymaths. In fact, Western doctors first learned of Greek medicine, including the works of Hippocrates and Galen, by reading Arabic translations. Influences on Islamic medicine Share on Pinterest The Mansuri Hospital in Cairo, Egypt, was an important teaching hospital in medieval times. Islamic medicine built upon the legacies of Greek and Roman physicians and scholars, including Galen, Hippocrates, and the Greek scholars of Alexandria and Egypt. Scholars translated medical literature from Greek and Roman into Arabic and then elaborated upon it, adding their findings, developing new conclusions, and contributing new perspectives. Islamic scholars expertly gathered data and ordered it so that people could easily understand and reference information through various texts. They also summarized many Greek and Roman writings, compiling encyclopedias. Rather than being a subject in its own right, medicine was part of medieval Islamic culture. Centers of learning grew out of famous mosques, and hospitals were often added at the same site. There, medical students could observe and learn from more experienced doctors. From 661 to 750 C.E., during the Umayyad dynasty, people generally believed that God would provide treatment for every illness. By 900 C.E., many medieval Islamic communities had begun to develop and practice medical systems with scientific elements. As interest in a scientific view of health grew, doctors searched for causes of illness and possible treatments and cures. The medieval Islamic world produced some of the greatest medical thinkers in history. They made advances in surgery, built hospitals, and welcomed women into the medical profession. Al-Razi The Persian physician, chemist, alchemist, philosopher, and scholar al-Razi lived from 865 to 925 C.E. He was the first to distinguish measles from smallpox, and he discovered the chemical kerosene and several other compounds. He became the chief physician of the Baghdad and Rayy hospitals. As an author, al-Razi was prolific, penning more than 200 scientific books and articles. He also believed in experimental medicine. Known as the father of pediatrics, al-Razi wrote The Diseases of Children, likely the first text to distinguish pediatrics as a separate field of medicine. He also pioneered ophthalmology and was the first doctor to write about immunology and allergy. Records suggest that al-Razi discovered allergic asthma, and he was the first to identify a fever as a defense mechanism against disease and infection. Also a pharmacist, al-Razi wrote extensively on the subject, introducing the use of mercurial ointments. Records attribute many devices to him, including spatulas, flasks, mortars, and phials. Records indicate that al-Razi traveled throughout Persia, teaching medicine and treating rich and poor alike. Regarding medical ethics, al-Razi wrote: The doctors aim is to do good, even to our enemies, so much more to our friends, and my profession forbids us to do harm to our kindred, as it is instituted for the benefit and welfare of the human race, and God imposed on physicians the oath not to compose mortiferous remedies. al-Razi As was common in Europe and the Middle East at the time, al-Razi believed that demons could possess the body and cause mental illness. Ibn Sina (Avicenna) Ibn Sina, who many Europeans referred to as Avicenna, was also Persian. He had many skills and professions, and he wrote approximately 450 books and articles, 240 of which still exist today. Forty of these focus on medicine. Among ibn Sinas significant contributions to medieval medicine were The Book of Healing, an expansive scientific encyclopedia, and The Canon of Medicine, which became essential reading at several medical schools around the world. The universities of Leuven, in Belgium, and Montpellier, in France, used these texts into the middle of the sixteenth century. The Canon of Medicine Also called The Law of Medicine, ibn Sina wrote this five-volume textbook in Arabic. Later, people translated it into several languages, including English, French, and German. Share on Pinterest A page from Ibn Sinas Canon, in which he laid out many recommendations for medical practice. Image credit: Ali Esfandiari, 2007 It is one of the most famous and influential books in the history of medicine. The Canon of Medicine set standards in the Middle East and Europe, and it provided the basis of a form of traditional medicine, Unani, in India. In the United States, the University of California, Los Angeles, and Yale University teach some principles of The Canon of Medicine in their history of medicine courses. In part of the text, ibn Sina explains considerations for testing new medicines: The drug must be pure and not contain anything that would reduce its quality. The investigator must test the drug on one simple disease, not a condition that could have various complications. They should test the medication on at least two distinct diseases, because sometimes a drug might treat one disease effectively and another one by accident. A drugs quality must match the severity of the disease. For example, if the heat of a drug is less than the coldness of a disease, it will not work. The researcher must time the process carefully, so that the action of the drug is not confused with other confounding factors, such as the natural healing process. The drugs effect must be consistent, with several trials showing the same results. In this way, the investigator can rule out any accidental effects. Investigators must test the drug on humans, not animals, as it may not work in the same way for both. Ibn Sina also described practical and scientific theories about psychology and mental illness. Human anatomy and physiology Today, the medical community attributes the first description of pulmonary blood circulation to Ala-al-din Abu al-Hassan Ali ibn Abi-Hazm al-Qarshi al-Dimashqi, now widely known as ibn al-Nafis. The physician was born in Damascus in 1213. He said that he did not like dissecting human corpses because it contradicted the teachings of the Quran, and because of his compassion for the human body. Medical historians believe that he most likely did his research in animals. The cardiovascular system The Greek physician Galen, who lived from 129 to 216 C.E., proposed that the body created blood in the liver, that it circulated around the body, and that the muscles used it as fuel. He also thought that holes in the septum of the heart allowed blood to flow from one side to the other of the heart. Ibn al-Nafis believed that this was wrong. He said that blood must flow from the right to the left side of the heart, but that there were no holes or pores in the septum, as Galen had thought. From his experience of dissection, he noted that there must be a system of arteries that carried the blood. He also believed that the arteries carried the blood from the right chamber of the heart to the lungs, where it would mingle with air, before moving back to the left chamber. The eyes According to Ancient Greek medicine, a visual spirit in the eye provided sight. Hasan ibn al-Haytham, or al-Hazen, was an Iraqi Muslim scientist who lived from 965 C.E. to around 1040 C.E. He explained that the eye is an optical instrument and provided a detailed description of the eyes anatomy. Later, he developed theories about the formation of images. Scholars in Europe referred to his Book of Optics until the 17th century. Digestive system Ahmad ibn Abi al-Ashath, an Iraqi physician, described how a full stomach dilates and contracts after experimenting on live lions. Musculoskeletal system: The jaw Abd al-Latif al-Baghdadi, an Iraqi physician, historian, Egyptologist, and traveler, lived from 1162 to 1231 C.E. Galen believed the lower jaw to consist of two parts, but al-Baghdadi, after observing the remains of over 2,000 people who had starved to death in Egypt, concluded that the lower jaw, or mandible, consists of just one bone. Drugs and remedies Medieval Islamic medications were usually plant-based, as had been those of Ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt. Pain and anesthesia According to a study published in 2016 in the Iranian Journal of Medical Sciences, Islamic physicians used various drugs for anesthesia. al-Razi was the first doctor to use inhaled medication for this purpose. Plants and drugs to relieve pain and anesthesia included hemlock, mandrake, henbane, mandragora, opium poppy, and black nightshade. The patient would eat, drink, or inhale them, or they would apply them topically. Some doctors also used ice to relieve pain. Doctors used poppies, the seeds of which contain codeine and morphine, to relieve: eye pain pain from gallbladder stones fevers toothaches pleurisy headaches Other medicinal herbs Share on Pinterest Juniper was one of many medicinal plants. Medieval Islamic physicians used a wide range of herbs, including the following: A mixture of dill seed, chamomile flower, yellow sweetclover, mallow leaves, flaxseed, cabbage, and beetroot, boiled together and added to a bath as an analgesic for people with cancer Garlic in many treatments, including urinary problems Juniper or pine needles in a bath, to relieve allergic skin problems Oregano, for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties Cinnamon for wounds, tumors, and ulcers Cannabis and opium: Doctors prescribed these, but only for therapeutic purposes, as they realized that they were powerful drugs. There is evidence that some people died of overdoses when using certain medications to cure forgetfulness, possibly due to medical malpractice. Surgery Medieval Islamic physicians performed more surgeries than their Greek and Roman predecessors, and they developed new tools and techniques. In the 10th century, Ammar ibn Ali al-Mawsili invented a hollow syringe that he used to remove cataracts by suction. Abu al-Qasim al-Zahrawi was an eminent surgeon who lived and worked in Andalusia, Spain. He invented a number of instruments, including forceps, pincers, lancets, and specula. He also used catgut to sew up wounds. Types of procedure Share on Pinterest Bloodletting was a common practice. Apart from cataracts, medieval Islamic doctors also performed eye surgeries to treat trachoma. Cauterization was a common procedure, involving burning the skin to prevent infection and stem bleeding. A surgeon heated a metal rod and placed it on the wound to clot the blood and improve healing. Also, surgeons practiced bloodletting to restore the balance of humors, the four elements or characteristics that formed the basis of much medical practice from Greek times until the 17th Century. They would draw blood from a vein, sometimes using a practice called wet-cupping. This involved placing a heated glass cup over an incision in the skin. Hospitals There were also hospitals, including teaching hospitals, where students could learn how to treat patients. Cairo (in Egypt), Harran (in Turkey) and Baghdad (in Iraq) had famous hospitals. The name given to hospitals was bimaristan, from a Persian word meaning house of the sick. According to Oxford Islamic Studies Online, the term referred mainly to mental health facilities, although hospitals offered a wide range of services, and people did not always have to pay. Female doctors Female doctors were not uncommon in medieval Islamic medical practice, according to an article published in The Lancet in 2009. Some women from the families of famous physicians appear to have received elite medical training, and they probably treated both males and females. Others would have provided medical care without formal training, as a family member or a neighbor. One advantage of women being able to provide health care was that they would be more likely to understand womens health issues. Another was that fathers and male guardians would prefer women to see a female attendant, although treatment from males was deemed appropriate in some cases. Atrial fibrillation is a type of arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat. It often causes the heart to beat unusually fast. Doctors need to determine the type of atrial fibrillation before they can identify the best treatment. The three main types of atrial fibrillation (A-fib) are: paroxysmal, persistent, and long-term persistent. Doctors also categorize A-fib as either valvular or nonvalvular. In some people, A-fib causes no symptoms, and a doctor might only discover it when testing for something else. Whether symptoms are present does not help a doctor classify A-fib. We explore the different types in detail below. Share on Pinterest Photo editing by Stephen Kelly; Hydrogenn/Getty Images Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation A paroxysm is a sudden episode of a disease or symptom. Paroxysmal A-fib involves an irregularity in the heartbeat starting suddenly and resolving on its own within 7 days . The episode may only last a few seconds or several hours. A person with this type of A-fib has no noticeable symptoms and may not need treatment. However, a doctor may prescribe anticoagulation medications to make it harder for the blood to clot. This may help prevent a stroke. Episodes of this type of A-fib may occur intermittently, at irregular intervals. About half of all A-fib cases are paroxysmal. Persistent atrial fibrillation Episodes of persistent A-fib are continual and last for more than 7 days . A person may not need treatment, but they are more likely to need medication or a procedure to restore the hearts normal rhythm. Medications such as beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers can help control a persons heart rate. A doctor also typically prescribes anticoagulants to prevent blood clots. In addition to antiarrhythmic medications, a doctor may recommend a procedure such as cardioversion, which involves using synchronized electric shocks to control the rhythm of the heart. Another option is catheter ablation, in which a surgeon destroys any tissue that may be causing the irregular rhythm. Long-term persistent atrial fibrillation This refers to A-fib that has lasted for more than 1 year. If, by this time, medications, cardioversion, catheter ablation, and other techniques are unable to restore a normal rhythm, and it seems unlikely that this will happen, the doctor may recommend ending efforts to control the arrhythmia. If the person agrees to this, the diagnosis becomes permanent A-fib. The doctor might still prescribe medication that aims to control the heart rate and prevent blood clots. Nonvalvular vs. valvular A-fib If A-fib is nonvalvular, this means that it does not stem from a problem with a valve of the heart or a replacement valve. Valvular A-fib results from a problem with a heart valve, such as mitral valve stenosis, in which not enough blood can pass from the left atrium into the left ventricle. Any type of A-fib can be either valvular or nonvalvular. It is vital that doctors determine whether a valvular problem is responsible for A-fib before they recommend a treatment plan. Newer medications that aim to prevent blood clots are available, but the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved them as a safe and effective treatments for nonvalvular A-fib. We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Heres our process. In this article, we list the potential health benefits of rooibos tea. We also cover how to brew and flavor each cup. Rooibos tea has a sweet, delicate, and earthy flavor. It contains several antioxidants , which may help explain some of the teas health benefits. Many people enjoy it as an alternative to green or black tea. Unfermented green rooibos tea is also available. Rooibos (pronounced ROY-boss) tea is a red herbal tea that comes from the fermented leaves of the Aspalathus linearis shrub, a plant native to South Africa. Research into the effects of rooibos tea is limited. However, based on existing studies, the health benefits may include: 1. Caffeine-free Share on Pinterest Rooibos tea is caffeine-free and low in tannins. Rooibos tea is free from caffeine, which may make it a good option for pregnant people, children, and those who are sensitive to caffeine. While caffeine may have some health benefits, not everyone can consume caffeine safely. It may interfere with sleep, worsen anxiety, and cause physical effects such as jitteriness and heart palpitations. Caffeine is present in black tea, green tea, and coffee. Rooibos tea is a good alternative for people who would like to reduce their intake of caffeine or avoid it completely. 2. Low in tannins Red rooibos tea contains very low levels of tannins. Tannins are naturally occurring compounds present in many plant foods, including black tea, green tea, and red wine. Tannins interfere with the bodys absorption of iron, particularly nonheme iron, which is the form that comes from plant-based foods. According to the results of a 2013 study, drinking six cups of rooibos tea daily for 6 weeks did not negatively affect the participants iron status. 3. Rich in antioxidants Rooibos tea contains several antioxidants , with the green variety containing higher levels than the red. Some of the most notable antioxidants in the tea are quercetin and aspalathin. Antioxidants are important for human health because they stop free radicals from damaging cells in the body. The results of an animal study on rooibos tea suggest that it can improve the antioxidant status of the liver. Studies in humans have found that rooibos tea consumption increases the levels of antioxidants in the body, but that the effects are small and wear off quickly. However, other research suggests that the tea has no effect on antioxidant levels in the blood. 4. Heart health Antioxidants are important for a healthy heart, which is why rooibos tea may provide cardiovascular benefits. It may also keep cholesterol levels in check. In a 2011 study , 40 people at risk of cardiovascular disease drank six cups of rooibos tea daily for 6 weeks. At the end of this period, the participants had significantly reduced low-density lipoprotein, or bad, cholesterol levels and significantly increased high-density lipoprotein, or good, cholesterol levels, in comparison with the control group. Rooibos tea may also improve heart health by inhibiting angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which increases blood pressure. A small study reported that rooibos tea inhibited ACE activity 3060 minutes after consumption. 5. Diabetes management Share on Pinterest Research suggests that the antioxidants in rooibos tea may have antidiabetic potential. Rooibos tea may help people with diabetes keep their blood sugar levels under control and therefore reduce the risk of complications. Animal research has found that the antioxidant aspalathin, which is present in rooibos tea, has antidiabetic potential. Aspalathin may also help people with diabetes reduce their risk of vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis. These are both factors that play a role in the development of heart problems. People who have diabetes are two to four times more likely to die from heart disease than people who do not have diabetes, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). Research suggests that aspalathin helps suppress the vascular inflammation that results from high blood sugar levels. There are low levels of aspalathin in red rooibos tea, but it is more abundant in the unfermented green tea. 6. Weight management Rooibos tea is calorie-free, so it may be a good beverage option for those who are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. According to the results of a 2014 study , rooibos tea may also benefit weight management by increasing levels of leptin. Leptin is a hormone that helps regulate food intake and sends signals to the body that it has had enough food. The tea also stopped the formation of new fat cells and encouraged quicker fat metabolism. 7. Fewer wrinkles If a person applies rooibos tea topically, it may improve the appearance of the skin by reducing wrinkles, according to some research. A 2010 study compared cosmetic blends made of herbal extracts in a gel base. The extracts were ginkgo, soybean, and a mixture of tea and rooibos. The researchers found that the tea and rooibos mixture was most effective at reducing wrinkles, while ginkgo was best for moisturizing the skin. However, it is unlikely that drinking rooibos tea will provide any notable skin benefits. Other reported benefits Some people advocate drinking rooibos tea to help treat: allergies colic digestive problems insomnia mental health issues poor appetite There is no scientific evidence on the effects of rooibos tea for these complaints, however. Samsung showed off a brand new concept phone that has a foldable screen and closes just like a book. Samsung plans to shake up the smartphone business with a new smartphone in an already saturated market. Samsung hosted a conference for software developers in San Francisco and the company showed off the Infinity Flex Display. The company also showed off a new software that would run on the smartphone/tablet. YouTube Samsung did not detail whether the smartphone will go on sale anytime soon or how much it will cost. Samsung only showed off the display of the smartphone and didn't give a clear look at the body of the smartphone. Having said that, the smartphone looks like a normal smartphone when folded and opens up like a book to transform into a 7.3-inch display. It will be the largest smartphone screen ever released and is big enough to run three apps side by side. According to Samsung, the screen can be folded thousands of time and the company is also looking into a screen that rolls and stretches. When folded, the display will be 4.85-inches in size and have an aspect ratio of 21:9 and resolution of 840x1,960 pixels. As a tablet, the 7.3-inch Main Display will have a 4.2:3 aspect ratio with 1,536x2,152 pixel resolution. When unfolded the Cover Display automatically turns off. YouTube Samsung will be releasing a simulator for developers to develop and test apps for the upcoming smartphone. The South-Korean giant is working with Google and Android to deliver a software experience that will power the smartphone. If participation in talks with Taliban was acceptable, 'why not non-official dialogue with non-mainstream stake holders in J&K?', he asked. Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, on Friday hit out at the Centre over India's participation at a 'non-official' level in Afghan talks with the Taliban in Russia. (Photo: File | PTI) New Delhi: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, on Friday hit out at the Centre over India's participation at a 'non-official' level in Afghan talks with the Taliban in Russia. Taking to Twitter, Abdullah questioned the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government as to why India cannot hold a dialogue with 'non-mainstream stake holders' with regard with the issue of Jammu and Kashmir. "If 'non-official' participation in a dialogue that includes the Taliban is acceptable to the Modi government why not a 'non-official' dialogue with non-mainstream stake holders in J&K? Why not a 'non-official' dialogue centered around J&K's eroded autonomy & its restoration?", he wrote. On Thursday, the Ministry of External Affairs headed by Sushma Swaraj confirmed the participation and clarified that involvement at the meeting "will be at the non-official level." Also read: India to join Afghan talks with Taliban in Russia at non-official level "India supports all efforts at peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan that will preserve unity and plurality, and bring security, stability, and prosperity to the country. India's consistent policy has been that such efforts should be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, and Afghan-controlled and with the participation of the Government of Afghanistan," the MEA said. Defence Expert Rahul Jalali, also commented on Abdullah's tweet and was of the view that the Hurriyat first have to accept to sit on the table for discussion with the government. The expert also asserted that "Hurriyats are not prepared to do so especially after giving a boycott call for Panchayat elections in the state". "Of course, Omar Abdullah has a point, but the question is not of non-official dialogue initiated from the side of New Delhi but first Hurriyat have to accept to sit on the table. They first have to show unity within themselves to talk to New Delhi and second they must sit until the issue gets resolved," he added. Union home minister Rajnath Singh described Mr Advani as a stalwart of Indian politics. Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets senior BJP leader L.K. Advani on his 91st birthday at his Prithiviraj Road residence in New Delhi. (Photo: PTI) New Delhi: BJP veteran L. K. Advani turned 91 on Thursday and top party leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party president Amit Shah, greeted him recalling his contribution to national politics, and also in building the party and propagating its ideology. Mr Modi said the party veterans impact on Indian politics is immense. Advani jis contribution towards Indias development is monumental. His ministerial tenures are applauded for futuristic decision making and people-friendly policies. His wisdom is admired across the political spectrum, the Prime Minister tweeted. Mr Modi gave credit to the party veteran for selflessly and diligently building the BJP and wonderfully mentoring its workers. Mr Modi also visited the residence of the party veteran. In his tweets, Mr Shah said Mr Advani strengthened the BJPs organisation and inspired its workers while also infusing discipline into them with his lifelong hard work. In taking our ideology to the masses from the Jana Sangh to the BJP and in setting India on the path to progress as a skilled politician in Parliament, Advani jis contribution to Indian politics is unparalleled, he said. Jana Sangh, founded in 1951, was the precursor to the BJP. Union home minister Rajnath Singh described Mr Advani as a stalwart of Indian politics. He has nurtured the BJP from its inception. Advani ji is an inspiration to millions of party karyakartas (workers). May he be blessed with a good health and long life, Mr Singh said. The Prime Minister will also visit Singapore to take part in the 13th East Asia Summit and other meetings on November 14 and 15. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accepted the invitation extended by Maldives' president-elect Solih to attend his swearing-in ceremony on November 17. (Photo: File) New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the swearing-in ceremony of Maldivian president-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih next week, the Ministry of External Affairs announced Friday. The Prime Minister will also visit Singapore to take part in the 13th East Asia Summit and other meetings on November 14 and 15, MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said at a media briefing. The Prime Minister has accepted the invitation extended by Maldives' president-elect Solih to attend his swearing-in ceremony on November 17, he said. On the US waiver to India from Iran sanctions, Kumar said the US has shown understanding of India's position on the issue. India, China and Japan were among eight countries temporarily allowed to continue buying Iranian oil as they showed significant reduction in oil purchase from the Persian Gulf country after the US reimposed crippling sanctions on Tehran, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had said earlier this week. Gujarat Deputy chief minister Nitin Patel said the name Ahmedabad is a symbol of slavery and needs to be changed. Ahmedabad: The Gujarat government said on Thursday that it was considering renaming Ahmedabad as Karnavati. Speaking to reporters in state capital Gandhinagar, chief minister Vijay Rupani said the name change could be effected before the Lok Sabha elections. Mr Rupanis statement comes days after the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh announced renaming of Allahabad and Faizabad as Prayagraj and Ayodhya, respectively. People have been demanding for long that Ahmedabad be renamed as Karnavati. The government is considering this demand. Consultation process has been started (to find out) if legally we can do it. After consultations we will take a concrete step, the chief minister said. Asked if it could happen before Lok Sabha elections or after, he said, Before the elections. Deputy chief minister Nitin Patel said the name Ahmedabad is a symbol of slavery and needs to be changed. We have started the process of getting legal and other approvals like the nod of the Centre, Mr Patel said. The name (Ahmedabad) is a symbol of our slavery, while the name Karnavati represents our pride, our self-respect, our culture, our autonomy, he said. On Tuesday, the day Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath announced renaming of Faizabad as Ayodhya, Patel had said the BJP-ruled Gujarat too can change the name of Ahmedabad to Karnavati if everything falls in place. Mayor Bijal Patel said she will seek guidance from the government before bringing a resolution for renaming the city. Certainly, the demand to change the name of the city is there, Patel said. The chief minister made this statement after offering prayers at the makeshift Ram Lalla temple in Ayodhya on Diwali. Lucknow: A day after he lit up Ayodhya with the Deepotsav event where 3.5 lakh earthen lamps were lit, UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath declared that, In Ayodhya there was a temple, there is a temple and a temple will always remain there. The chief minister made this statement after offering prayers at the makeshift Ram Lalla temple in Ayodhya on Diwali. Yogi Adityanath celebrated Diwali at the holy city and said that all options were open but he would prefer a solution to the Ram temple-Babri Masjid dispute within the legal and constitutional framework. The chief minister also assured that a grand statue of Lord Ram would be built in Ayodhya which will give the holy city its unique identity and also put it firmly on the international tourist map. Sharing details of the proposed statue, he said that the project was very much on and the search for appropriate land was in progress. Talks with architects had also started. Clarifying the confusion of the saints, Yogi Adityanath said that this proposed statue was to be a tourist attraction while the one for worship would be inside the Ram temple whenever it comes up. Later , the chief minister visited Maniram Chavni the seat of Mahant Nrityagopal Das ( the acting president of Ram Janambhoomi Nyas) , where he held a meeting with a cross section of saints of Ayodhya including Dr Ram Vilas Vedanti. Sources claim that during the meeting with saints, the chief minister managed to pacify them and also convinced them of the governments commitment to build the Ram temple. HURON COUNTY Michigan is now the 10th state in the country to legalize marijuana for recreational use. However, a majority of Huron County residents said no to Proposal 1. Those opposing 8,259 voters outweighed those in support 5,477 voters, according to unofficial election results. The initiative will now allow those 21 years and older be permitted to grow up to 12 marijuana plants in their residences. It also imposes a 10-ounce limit for marijuana kept at residences and requires amounts over 2.5 ounces to be locked in containers. But, dont think you can light up just yet it is still considered illegal. Proposal 1 will become a law 10 days after Tuesdays election results are certified. The Legislature could amend Proposal 1, but it would take a three-fourths vote to make any changes. Supporters of Proposal 1 were pleased to hear the results. Voters in Michigan sent a resounding rebuke to their states failed policy of prohibition and elected to follow a new, more sensible path of regulation and legalization, Erik Altieri, executive director of NORML, told the Tribune. Instead of arresting thousands of citizens a year for possession of a plant, Michigan will now be able to prioritize law enforcement resources towards combating violent crime Marijuana law reforms is not a red or blue issue, Paul Aermentano, deputy director of NORML, added. It is a non-partisan position favored by most Americans, including those residing in the heartland of America. At the local level, the results left some with negative thoughts. Im against it. Im sorry it passed, said Bad Axe resident Connie Hereim. It wasnt a good decision at all and its going to make our officers jobs even harder now. And then there were some who didnt seem to be bothered with legalization. To each their own, said Amber Haag, of Caseville, who was shocked to hear a majority of Huron County voted against the proposal. Im not against it, added Faith Pedrotte, of Bad Axe. I think its safer than alcohol. I dont feel it messes with your judgment as much as alcohol does. Huron County Prosecutor Timothy J. Rutkowski told the Tribune his office intends to follow along with the guidelines as set out by the proposal. HURON COUNTY The American Red Cross urges people to share their good health this holiday season by donating blood or platelets for patients in need. A decline in donations occurs from Thanksgiving to New Years Day when donors are busy with holiday activities and travel. However, medical treatments and emergencies that require blood dont stop for the holidays. PM Modi had not visited the Maldives so far due to the strained ties between India and Maldives outgoing President Abdulla Yameen. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will finally travel to Maldives, the only Saarc-member he has not visited during his current tenure as PM, to participate in the oath-taking ceremony of Maldivian President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on November 17. The ministry of external affairs (MEA) said PM Modi had accepted the invitation with pleasure, adding that in keeping with our neighbourhood first policy, India looks forward to closely work with Maldives in further deepening our partnership. But the visit is not being categorised as a bilateral visit. On Friday, the MEA said, Regarding the invitation from President-elect Solih of Maldives to PM (Modi) to attend the swearing-in ceremony on 17 November, the PM has accepted the invitation with pleasure. In keeping with our neighbourhood first policy, India looks forward to closely work with Maldives in further deepening our partnership. PM will return to New Delhi on the same night. PM Modi had not visited the Maldives so far due to the strained ties between India and Maldives outgoing President Abdulla Yameen. Mr Solih had defeated Mr Yameen in the presidential polls a few weeks ago. On PM Modis two-day scheduled visit to Singapore on November 14 and 15, the MEA said, The PM will make an official visit to Singapore to attend the 13th East Asia Summit and associated meetings on 14th and 15th of November. PM is also expected to participate in a number of other events including a keyn-ote address at the Singa-pore Fintech Summit. Meanwhile, in response to a question on the situation in Sri Lanka, where President Maithripala Sirisena recently sacked Ranil Wickremesinghe as PM and appointed former President Mahinda Rajap-aksa as PM, New Delhi made it clear that it was not looking to engage with any political party in the current fluid situation but maintained that it would continue with its development assistance programmes in the island nation. MIDDLETOWN Middlesex Community College unveiled a solar energy system during a ribbon-cutting event Thursday attended by Mark Ojakian, president of the Connecticut State College and Universities system, and representatives from the college, CSCU central office, Sunlight Solar Energy, and Middletown officials. The new energy system will reduce MxCCs reliance on utility-generated power and is expected to offset about 8.5 percent of the annual electricity consumption on campus, saving an average of $11,000 per year over the next 20 years, according to a press release. This project is a great example of how a public and private partnership can work. Bigger and better things can happen when you work together for a common goal, and every dollar saved at a college can go to students in other areas, as students are my priority, Ojakian said in a prepared statement. Construction for the ground-mounted solar energy system began earlier this year and totals 355 solar panels located behind Founders Hall on the Middletown campus. Installed by Sunlight Solar Energy of New Haven, the 120.4kW DC power system was energized during the past week, the release said. The systems total annual production is 164,100 kilowatt hours and is estimated to offset 42 tons of CO2 emissions thats the equivalent of driving over 100,000 fewer miles in your car, or carbon sequestered by 49.5 acres of US forests in one year, Brendan Smith, design manager at Sunlight Solar Energy, explained in the release. In 2015, former MxCC President Anna Wasescha spearheaded a sustainability effort with the colleges first climate action plan that was the inspiration for the statewide solar energy project. CSCU then entered into 12 power purchase agreements to purchase 100-percent green solar electricity at a fixed discounted rate at nine of the CSCU institutions, according to the college. CSCU and MxCC also partnered with Connecticut Green Bank and Onyx Renewables for the project. MxCC paid noting up front for the system and purchases only the power generated. The cost of solar power is less than the cost of power from a utility company and is at a fixed rate for 20 years, ensuring an increase in savings as the cost of Connecticut grid power increases over time. This is a long time coming, and its amazing, Christine Witkowski, an environmental science professor at MxCC, said in the release. It is also a great opportunity for students to learn from the solar panels. We already had classes out here measuring and studying them. Several students from her classes also attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony, including Nicholas Nettis of Middletown. We learn about everything in class from pollution in water to renewable energy, which I think is a good thing, he said. For information, visit mxcc.edu/sustainability and sunlightsolar.com. Contributed photo POTSDAM, NEW YORK 2017 Clarkson University alumna Ali Schwenzfeier, a biology major and a former Clarkson Army Reserve Officer Training Corps cadet, recently graduated as the Distinguished Honor Graduate of her flight school class in Fort Rucker, Alabama. Schwenzfeier is a newly minted AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopter pilot assigned as a platoon leader in C Troop, 1-6 Cavalry Regiment, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade at Fort Riley, Kansas, according to a press release. PORTLAND In an assembly that bridged two generations, five military veterans sat down Friday to share their experiences with Portland High School sophomores. The program, organized by the husband-and-wife team of social studies teachers Michelle and James Stotler, has become a Veterans Day tradition at the school. The couple has a personal connection to the military. James Stotler is in his 15th year as a member of the Naval Reserve, where he serves as an intelligence specialist. He has twice deployed overseas, including one year he spent in Basra, Iraq, in the aftermath of the U.S. invasion. On Friday, Stotler was one of the panel members answering the students questions. Joining him were two Army Vietnam veterans, both infantrymen; Reg Farrington, a retired lt. col; Rodney Spooner, and two sailors: Tim Casey, security officer at the school, and William Willinsky, chairman of the towns Veterans Affairs Committee. Casey was a carpenter on board the submarine tender USS Fulton (AS-11), which ended its 51-year-career as a fixture on the New London waterfront before it was decommissioned in 1991. Willinsky was a torpedo man who served aboard the nuclear-powered USS Skipjack (SSN-585) from 1962-64, which made him a Vietnam-era sailor, meaning he was someone who served during the Vietnam War but not in Vietnam. Michelle Stotler welcomed the veterans, calling them our honored guests who represent all those who served in the U.S. military in peace and in war, in different ways and in different campaigns. More than just honoring the five men on the panel for their service, she hoped the students would learn from them about the spirit of Veterans Day. An introductory video from the History Channel said there are currently 21 million veterans (including 2 million women) who represent 6.5 percent of the U.S. population. Questions after the screening began with perhaps the most logical one: Why did you join? For Stotler, the answer was the attacks of 9/11. He was already a teacher at the high school when three commercial jetliners were hijacked and used to attack the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. A fourth hijacked plane was believed to be en route to the White House when the passengers fought to regain control of the plane, causing it to crash outside of Pittsburgh. I felt there was something more that I could do, Stotler said. He enlisted in 2003, and hopes to serve 20 years before he retires. Farrington was a student at the University of Connecticut when he joined the Reserve Officer Training Corps, which meant he would become an officer rather than be drafted as an enlisted man. Spooner was drafted. He served with the 25th Infantry Division in northern South Vietnam in 1966. It turned out pretty good, he said. Casey enlisted in the Navy to learn a skill and did, as a carpenter. Willinsky had fallen in love with submarines after seeing the 1954 Walt Disney film 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, and so, as soon as he graduated from high school in his native Pennsylvania, he enlisted in the Navy. The hardest part of Farringtons training, he said, came 14 years after he had joined. Among dozens of 18-year-olds, he was sent to parachute training at 35. It was kind of difficult, but I managed, he said. Willinsky described boot camp as a whole different world. Stotler said his most significant training came when he was about to deploy to Iraq. He would be serving as a liaison to a British Army unit, and so, technically, he came under the control of the U.S. Army. He was sent to an Army base for weapons training. As he qualified with an M-16 rifle, Stotler said the realization abruptly struck him that the next time he wielded the weapon it could be for real. Farrington served two tours in Vietnam, one with a U.S Army, the other as an advisor to an Army of the Republic of Vietnam unit. I lived with them and fought with them and trusted them wholeheartedly, he said of the Vietnamese. They were magnificent soldiers, he added. Their service gave panelists the opportunity to meet people from every corner of America as well as from any number of other countries. All the men said they learned the value and reward of teamwork, and the discipline they learned in the military affected their lives and work after they left. On a sub, it was always teamwork, and I think it affects me right to this day, Willinsky said. I used the skills I learned in the Navy after I got out, said Casey, who ran a home-building business for 10 years. Before I went into the Army, I just laid around the house like any regular teenager, Spooner said. The training and the teamwork he encountered in the Army transformed him, he said. Many of the panelists said they had remained in touch with friends they made in the military. For Farrington, though, his greatest friend, and the man who served alongside him in officer training affected him most profoundly. Chicago native Capt. Thomas Michael Flatley went to Germany when Farrington was sent to Vietnam on his first tour. When Farrington came home, it was Flatleys turn to go to Vietnam. He, however, did not return home: Flatley was killed Dec. 8, 1967. Stotler said he can still remember seeing the body of first a British soldier and later a U.S Marine being transferred out of the base in Basra. Thats when you know its real, when you know this is serious, and that someones not coming home, he said. Finally, the panel was asked what Veterans Day means to them. Were free, and we can do what we want, Spooner said. For Willinsky, Its about patriotism and about thinking about those who never came home. I think of all the veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice, Casey said. I always think of the guys who came before me, Stotler said. This year in particular, Farrington said he remembers the men who died in World War I. What I think about is where it all started, Farrington said. Veterans Day in American began as Armistice Day Nov. 11, 1918, the day World War I ended. The centennial of that day is Sunday. When the assembly ended, many of the students made a point of coming up to the veterans to thank them both for their service and participating in the program. Approach could help doctors choose treatments for individual patients and predict which tumours are likely to respond to particular therapy. It could also help to target the use of immunotherapy - a new form of treatment that uses the body's own defences to tackle cancer. (Photo: Pixabay) Washington DC: Analysts for a recent study, designed a pioneering technique to spot differences between immune cells in tumours that could speed the development of cancer treatments. Researchers at the University of Edinburgh analysed genes from anonymised medical databases of thousands of tumours to identify genes associated with immune cells. The findings of the study are published in the Journal of Cancer Immunology Research. Scientists said that the approach could be used to help doctors choose the best treatments for individual patients and predict which tumours are likely to respond to a particular therapy. It could also help to target the use of immunotherapy - a new form of treatment that uses the body's own defences to tackle cancer. This therapy has shown great promise in recent years, but identifying which patients will respond best is a challenge for doctors. The new approach - based on gene analysis - makes it easier to spot the range of immune cells present in a tumour. These cells could help the body detect and kill cancer when activated by certain drugs, scientists say. Traditional treatments, such as radiology, do not discriminate between cell types and attack both cancerous and healthy cells, often leading to side-effects. A source called ImSig - paints the best picture of tumours to date and will allow scientists to study how certain immune cell types affect cancer growth. A total of 562 cases were registered under Section 188 of the IPC across Delhi and 323 people were arrested by the Delhi police. Commuters drive through heavy smog in New Delhi on Thursday, a day after Diwali celebrations. (Photo:PTI) New Delhi: Over 550 cases were registered and more than 300 people arrested on Diwali night for violating the Supreme Courts order on burning of firecrackers. Police also seized 2,776 kg firecrackers from various parts of the city on Diwali. A total of 87 people were arrested and 72 cases registered in connection with illegal sale of crackers. A total of 562 cases were registered under Section 188 of the IPC across Delhi and 323 people were arrested by the Delhi police. According to police, 72 cases were registered under the provisions of the Explosive Act and 87 persons were arrested for illegal sale of firecrackers. Twenty four juveniles also received legal action for violating the SCs directions under the provision of the Juvenile Justice Act. Over 250 cases of burn injuries were reported by various hospitals in the national capital this Diwali. The five government hospitals Safdarjung, Ram Manohar Lohia (RML), Guru Teg Bahadur (GTB), Deen Dayal Upadhyay (DDU) and Lok Nayak (LN), reported majority of the burn injuries and firecracker-related accidents. The Centre-run Safdarjung Hospital, which has largest burns unit in the country, received around 104 cases, including 22 admissions related to major burn injuries, from 9 am on Wednesday to 9 am on Thursday. While 22 patients were admitted, rest were treated as out patients, said Dr Shalabh Kumar, professor and consultant, plastic surgery department, Safdarjung Hospital. Of the total 104 patients, 26 were children. At the RML Hospital, 25 people came to the casualty wards with burn injuries. Police have identified two Florida women accused of nabbing a service dog from a Vietnam veteran last month. The Osceola County Sheriff's Office responded to a call on Oct. 28 that a Pomeranian service dog had disappeared without a trace. Its owner: a 67-year-old Vietnam veteran with post-traumatic stress disorder. Surveillance video shows one woman starting an altercation with the victim, while the other comes from behind, unleashes the dog, named Kira, and walks off with her, according to a press release from the sheriff's office. Jennifer Gotschall, 53, and Monique Cosser, 51, were identified Wednesday after a tip to police from a "concerned citizen" led them to the pair. Kira was also recovered "in good health," police say. The victim, who has not been identified, was in Old Town with his two Pomeranian service dogs at the time of the incident. Gotschall and Cosser have been charged with grand theft, a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years' incarceration. Officials said they are thought to have been released on bond. The Associated Press contributed to this report. An in-flight emergency caused a Ukrainian Su-27 fighter jet to crash last month during Exercise Clear Sky, killing both an American and Ukrainian pilot, the head of the Ukrainian air force said Thursday. The Su-27UB Flanker-C, which was on a routine flight as part of the U.S. Air Force-led drills, experienced "an emergency situation that brought it to a catastrophe," said Colonel-General Sergii Drozdov, commander of the Ukraine air force. Lt. Col. Seth "Jethro" Nehring, a fighter pilot with the California Air National Guard's 194th Fighter Squadron, out of the 144th Fighter Wing, and Col. Ivan Petrenko, deputy commander of the East Air and chief of aviation from Ozern Air Base in Zhytomer, Ukraine, were killed in the Oct. 16 crash. "The Minister of Defence of Ukraine assigned the investigation board, and now the investigation board is ongoing," Drozdov said through a translator Thursday at the Pentagon. Related content: He noted the U.S. Air Force is also investigating and observing the Ukrainian investigation "openly." The incident occurred in the Khmelnytskyi region of western Ukraine. Drozdov visited the Defense Department to meet with his counterpart, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Goldfein. The two highlighted the progress made during the exercise last month at Ukraine's Starokostiantyiv Air Base, despite the fatal crash. "The exercise showcased the strong bond between the U.S. and Ukraine, and how far the Ukrainian air force has come in their paths toward NATO interoperability," Goldfein said during a press event. On Thursday, they took it a step further, outlining a five-year plan to expand future cooperation between their air forces, they said. "Russia's aggression is not simply a matter for Ukraine," Goldfein said. "It's a threat to the region, to Europe, to the United States, to the stability of international order." He added, "If there's one message I want to get through loud and clear, it's that America remains steadfast in our support for Ukraine's sovereignty and for its territorial integrity." Last month's exercise -- which marked the 25th anniversary of the longstanding State Partnership Program between the California Guard and Ukraine -- was designed as a stepping-stone to understanding higher-complexity flight operations, officials told Military.com. It was intended, they said, to enable Ukraine to integrate with other partners to keep up its slow but steady military flight achievements. Drozdov said the goal is to deter forces that have been flowing into the eastern part of the country since Crimea's seizure in 2014. Additional integration with U.S. forces would help stifle Russia's gains, he said. When asked if future planning includes training the Ukrainian air force how to counteract Russian forces aerially in the eastern region, Goldfein said, "It does." -- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Oriana0214. On his first trip to the site where the battle took place, retired Army Col. Gerald York thought that his legendary grandfather must have felt as much at home on the morning of Oct. 8, 1918, as anyone could be in a war. "I was amazed at how much the terrain around the area looked like Pall Mall [Tennessee]," where Alvin York grew up in a two-room log cabin and became a crack shot in the Appalachian hill country near the Kentucky line, said Gerald York, a 31-year Army and Vietnam veteran. "He always felt at home in the woods." York, 71, passed his earliest years without an understanding of who his grandfather was. Sgt. Alvin York, who originally tried to excuse himself from service as a conscientious objector, would distinguish himself in World War I, earning the Medal of Honor. As a 29-year-old corporal in the biggest series of battles ever fought by Americans -- the Meuse-Argonne offensive of World War I -- York was credited with killing as many as 25 Germans with a rifle and a handgun, and capturing at least 128 others. His story would later be told in the 1941 film "Sergeant York," starring Gary Cooper, which went on to win multiple Academy Awards. As a boy, Gerald York recalled, he saw the movie but never really made the connection to his grandfather. Then in the 5th or 6th grade, he said, his teacher called him to the front of the class for a reading lesson. She told him to read the encyclopedia entry about his grandfather. At first, he thought, "What's my grandfather doing in the encyclopedia?" It was then, he said, that he understood why Alvin York was given such respect in the county. The similarities between the areas around the French town of Chatel-Chehery and the Tennessee hills were things he had to learn on his own, Gerald York said Thursday in a phone interview with Military.com. His taciturn grandfather "did not really talk to the family about what happened" in the war while serving with Company G, 328th Infantry Regiment, 82nd Division, he said. When the subject came up, his grandfather would steer the conversation away, Gerald York recalled. "The real heroes are still over there, the ones who didn't come home," Alvin York, who earned the Medal of Honor, would say. Gerald York, the grandson, said he sensed a feeling of unease his grandfather always had about discussing his war experiences, with the exception of Alvin York's visits with a younger distant relative who lived about 20 miles away across the Kentucky line and had fought in World War II. "I think he was amazed at the attention he received," Gerald York said of his grandfather. "I'm not sure he was comfortable with it. He would say, 'I really didn't do all that much. I just did my job.' " In a Paris ceremony after the armistice of Nov. 11, 1918, French Marshal Ferdinand Foch, commander of all allied forces, decorated Alvin York with the Croix de Guerre and told him, "What you did was the greatest thing accomplished by any soldier of all the armies of Europe." His own unit promoted Alvin York to sergeant and awarded him the Distinguished Service Cross. Army Gen. John J. Pershing, commander of the American Expeditionary Force, later upgraded the DSC to the Medal of Honor. His grandfather relished his visits with Garlin Murl Conner, an Army veteran like himself, Gerald York said. Conner had a battlefield promotion to 1st lieutenant and received the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions in France during World War II. Alvin York attended the homecoming parade for Conner in Albany, Kentucky, and spoke at the courthouse later, but his words were not recorded. In their visits, York and Conner would exchange pleasantries with other members of their families and then go off together into a field on Conners farm and talk by themselves, a hero of one world war talking to a hero of the one that followed, Gerald York said. "My grandfather never talked" about what was said between them, Gerald York said, "and Lt. Conner never talked about it either." Conner died at age 79 in 1998. After a long bureaucratic battle, his DSC was upgraded to the Medal of Honor this year. In June at the White House, President Donald Trump presented the Medal of Honor to his widow, 89-year-old Pauline Conner. In the few times he spoke in public, Conner echoed Alvin York in his reticence to discuss war. "I'd done what I had to do, and that's all there is to it," he said, according to an Army release at the awards ceremony Medal of Honor citations were terse at the time. Sgt. York's amounted to one paragraph. "After his platoon had suffered heavy casualties and 3 other noncommissioned officers had become casualties, Cpl. York assumed command," the citation read. "Fearlessly leading 7 men, he charged with great daring a machine-gun nest which was pouring deadly and incessant fire upon his platoon. In this heroic feat, the machine-gun nest was taken, together with 4 officers and 128 men and several guns." In the diary he kept, Alvin York described a horrific fight that began with a surprise attack: "The Germans got us, and they got us right smart. They just stopped us dead in our tracks. "And I'm telling you they were shooting straight. Our boys just went down like the long grass before the mowing machine at home. "Our attack just faded out and there we were, lying down, about halfway across [the valley] and those German machine guns and big shells getting us hard," he wrote. "And those machine guns were spitting fire and cutting down the undergrowth all around me something awful. And the Germans were yelling orders. You never heard such a racket in all of your life. "As soon as the machine guns opened fire on me, I began to exchange shots with them. There were over thirty of them in continuous action, and all I could do was touch the Germans off just as fast as I could," Alvin York continued. "I was sharp shooting. All the time, I kept yelling at them to come down. I didn't want to kill any more than I had to. But it was they or I. And I was giving them the best I had." His exploits were celebrated in France, but he was relatively unknown in the U.S. until the Saturday Evening Post published an article about the unschooled, hard-drinking and brawling backcountry boy who turned to religion before he was drafted and went on to fame in the Army. He initially claimed conscientious objector status, but his commanders, also deeply religious men, read him Bible passages to convince him that it was his duty to serve. As World War II loomed, Alvin York, at age 54, sought to re-enlist in the Army as a combat soldier, but was denied. He later was commissioned as a major and served in the Army Signal Corps stateside. He toured training camps, participated in war bond drives and served on the county draft board. His grandfather never steered him to a military career, said Gerald York, who still calls Pall Mall home. "My grandfather always wanted me to be a doctor," he said. In the 1920s, York formed the Alvin C. York Foundation to promote education for unschooled hill country boys such as he had been. If he were still alive, "I think he would be a great proponent for education. He had a passion for the education of mountain children," Gerald York said. In his own time in the military, there was pressure in being the grandson of a legend, he said. On the rifle range, "they all expected me to make a perfect score," he said. -- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com. One of the 12 people murdered in a mass shooting inside a bar in Thousand Oaks, California Wednesday night was a Marine veteran who worked full-time helping other vets find community. Leaders of the veterans support organization Team Red White and Blue confirmed that Dan Manrique, a full-time staff member was among those who perished in the horrific shooting. Task and Purpose first reported that Manrique was among those killed. "We are heartbroken to confirm that Dan Manrique, Pacific Regional Program Manager for Team RWB and Marine Corps veteran, was one of the victims of the Borderline shooting in Thousand Oaks last night," the organization announced in a statement. "Dan's life was dedicated to serving others, during his military career and beyond. We at Team RWB are keeping all those impacted by this tragedy in our thoughts and prayers." According to Manrique's official biography, he served in the Marines as a radio operator with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. In 2007, he deployed to regions in the Middle East with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Team RWB is focused on helping veterans regain community following their military service through physical and social activity. Bana Miller, the public relations director for the organization, told Military.com that Manrique had become connected with the ground in 2012 and had become a chapter captain for Ventura County, California in 2014. "He found the same sense of connection there that many of our Eagles do," Miller said, using the organization's name for its members. "His life was really dedicated to serving others." Miller said amid the shock and grief, plans were already taking shape for the group to memorialize Manrique. "We are going to be sharing that information on our website and focusing on making sure that Eagle nation comes together in a compassionate way that leads to individual and community healing," she said. "And we're going to be honoring Dan's memory." Currently, the Team RWB website features an "In Memoriam" section about Manrique, with an address where those who wish to do so can send condolences to the family. According to media reports, at least one other Marine in the Borderline Bar and Grill that night survived the shooting. Brendan Kelly, who had previously survived the deadly 2017 mass shooting in Las Vegas, escaped Wednesday night uninjured, helping other people find cover in the chaos, local channel ABC7 Chicago reported. It came to light Thursday that the shooter himself, Ian David Long, who took his own life after the rampage, was also a Marine veteran. According to military records provided by the Marine Corps, Long was a machine gunner who reached the rank of corporal and deployed once to Afghanistan. In a message shared on Twitter Thursday, Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Robert Neller sent a clear message that Long had no claim to the honorable title of Marine any longer. "Heartfelt condolences to those suffering from the tragic & senseless act of violence #ThousandOaks," he said. "That ex-Marine's despicable actions run counter to what the vast majority of veterans are rightfully known for: serving w/ honor then making positive contributions to society." -- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @HopeSeck. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis' bid to bring the warring sides in Yemen to the peace table this month has been scrapped amid an escalation of the fighting, according to the United Nations. At a news conference in New York on Thursday, U.N. spokesman Farhan Haq said the effort to bring the Saudi-led coalition, backed by the U.S., and Houthi rebels together this month under the auspices of Special Envoy Martin Griffiths had been postponed. Haq said Griffiths would press for a roundtable by the end of the year and would brief the U.N. Security Council on his efforts later this month. However, several previous attempts by Griffiths to arrange peace talks this year have failed as one side or the other refused to attend. "There's always different challenges to bringing the parties together," Haq said. In an address to the U.S. Institute of Peace on Oct. 30, Mattis said he and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo were working with Griffiths to arrange peace talks in Sweden "within 30 days." "The longer-term solution, and by longer term I mean 30 days from now, we want to see everybody sitting around the table, based on a cease-fire, based on a pullback from the border, and then based on ceasing dropping of bombs," Mattis said, adding that Griffiths "knows what he's doing" and was attempting "to get them together in Sweden and end this war." "We've got to move toward a peace effort here, and we can't say we're going to be doing this sometime in the future," Mattis said. "We need to be doing this in the next 30 days." Saudi Arabia began a military campaign in 2015 to oust the Iran-backed Houthi rebels who had swept into the Yemeni capital of Sanaa to drive out the government of Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi. The U.S. is providing the Saudis with intelligence and aerial refueling for Saudi warplanes, and has sought to give more training to Saudi pilots to avoid killing civilians. The latest postponement of the peace talks comes as the Saudi-led coalition pressed attacks on the Red Sea port of Hodeida. In a statement Friday, the office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees said that much of Hodeida's civilian population is fleeing the city. The Saudi-led military operations are "increasingly confining populations and cutting off exit routes," the statement said. -- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com. China's Sub Force Is Growing More Powerful. This Is What the US Navy Needs to Do to Stay Ahead The BJP spokespersons are no longer sticking to their traditional line that the BJP would abide by the Supreme Court ruling. Americas mid-term elections arouse global interest as the US Presidents capacity to mould domestic policy and conduct diplomacy and war abroad can be constrained if the Opposition obtains control of even one House of Congress. Being in the United States, as I am currently, allows the viewing of intensive television coverage. The results arrive in phases as the polls in the western states lag due to Americas multiple time zones. The significance this time was even greater as President Donald Trump, having rewritten the rules of domestic politics, was on test. The Economist wrote before the November 6 election that Mr Trump was wilfully divisive and, what is more, wallowed in it. As a result, politics as compromise, on which rests democratic functioning, gets vitiated and becomes impossible. The same ailment afflicts Indian politics under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as his BJP prepares for the electoral contest in crucial Hindi-belt states. Mr Trumps campaigning exploited the fears of his core white constituency by hyping-up a caravan of unarmed Hispanics moving from Central America to the US border, almost as if the US was under invasion. Troops were promptly deployed. Mr Trump also refused to accept that his divisive rhetoric may have caused attempted bombings of perceived anti-Trump media and Democratic leaders as indeed the carnage at a synagogue. The BJP analogously first exacerbated gender and communal divisions by opposing the Supreme Courts lifting of the ban on women of menstruation age praying at Keralas Sabarimala temple. After that, it confronted the Supreme Court over the Chief Justice postponing the hearing of the Ram Janmabhoomi case to January. His predecessor had ordered day-to-day hearings. The Opposition had then felt the court was bowing to the political necessity of the ruling party. The BJP spokespersons are no longer sticking to their traditional line that the BJP would abide by the Supreme Court ruling. The new, more provocative, line is that the Ram Mandir would be built there only, implying that it would be irrespective of the court judgment. The issue, therefore, is whether in the United States, the oldest and most powerful democracy globally, or in India, the most populous democracy, elections can be won by divisive rabble-rousing, unlinked to governance and economic performance. The US election shows suburban voter fatigue with divisive baiting of the other by President Trump. They would rather instead hear about economic issues affecting their daily lives. Mr Trump is, however, seeing the glass half full as Republicans have in fact increased their control over the Senate, besides winning key gubernatorial fights in crucial states like Florida and Texas. But the House of Representatives, now firmly in Democratic hands, controls fresh legislation, besides having the power to launch impeachment proceedings against public officials. The Economist has argued that President Trump requires serious congressional oversight, which his own party has been remiss to undertake. This could include scrutiny of the Trump familys conflicts of interest, Mr Trumps taxation sleights of hand, his relations with Russia and the Saudi and Gulf ruling families, etc. In India too, the Narendra Modi governments opaque decision-making is finally being questioned by the Central Information Commission and the Supreme Court. Regrettably, the Indian parliamentary committees lack the teeth and the will to be effective watchdogs. Iran, China and the GCC members would be analysing how the electoral outcome impacts their strategic options. In the case of Iran, comprehensive US sanctions were unleashed on November 4. A weakened Mr Trump may embolden Europe to defy US pressure and continue to trade with Iran to retain both marketshare and influence in Tehran, which otherwise would pass on to China and Russia. It would also buy weakened Iranian President Hassan Rouhani some leeway. China has been at the receiving end of Mr Trumps trade tariffs that are starting to slow down the Chinese economy and disrupt some supply chains involving hi-tech components. President Xi Jinping will meet Mr Trump later this month on the sidelines of the G-20 meeting. Mr Trump, behaving as if he has faced no setback, may cut China slack and accept a less than optimally advantageous deal. Mr Trump is, in fact, already framing even his setback as mere propaganda by his opponents. Mr Trumps electoral magic relies not just on trawling traditional hostility of conservative voters towards African-Americans, Muslims, Jews and immigrants but his ability to tap into the more nebulous feeling of marginalisation and threat to American lifestyles. Similarly, in India, the BJP under Narendra Modi attempts to harness the majority communitys feeling that earlier governments had appeased the minorities, illegal immigrants, etc, at their cost. Right-wing politicians worldwide rally support by targeting the other. The same toxic anti-immigrant Islamophobia has undermined even leaders like German Chancellor Angela Merkel, after 13 years in power. The checks and balances in the US system have finally kicked in to restrain a President who has debased the media, bludgeoned his own party into submission, loaded the Supreme Court with a conservative majority and treated all political opponents as enemies to be vanquished, not engaged. Indias Westminster form of government unfortunately has weaker balancing institutions than those of the US. Separation of powers between the executive, legislature and judiciary is not as ironclad as under the US presidential system. A strong Prime Minister with a sweeping majority in the Lok Sabha can reduce Parliament to insignificance, as has happened in the past four years. The media has largely prostrated itself before the executive. Lord Actons dictum about absolute power corrupting absolutely should be a warning for the small coterie around the Prime Minister which controls most decision-making. Like in the US, the recent Karnataka byelections indicated public unease with the current state of affairs. The coming Assembly polls in several states will clarify further whether Sabka saath, sabka vikas has been more slogan than reality. The Ram Mandir and the Sardar Patel statue are no substitute for Ramrajya, or perfect governance. Narendra Modi campaigned in 2014 promising a Gujarat-model Ramrajya for 21st century India. He now offers Ram temple and a statue of Iron Man Sardar Patel. In the US, an unrepentant Donald Trump rants at a CNN correspondent and warns that he will retaliate if investigated by the Democratic-controlled House. Not a great Diwali for India and the world! When VA Secretary Robert Wilkie took the oath of office from Vice President Mike Pence on July 30, he placed his left hand on the 1916 Army-issue combat Bible his wife's grandfather carried in France during World War I. Wilkie has related the oath-taking story before, but he told Military.com on Thursday of the inscription 18-year-old Pvt. Onslow Bullard, his wife's grandfather, had written on the back of the Bible in case he fell in battle: "If found, please return to my mother." Wilkie spoke in a brief interview ahead of a ceremony at the new National World War I Memorial near the White House to underline his family's deeply felt connections to the events surrounding the centennial of what was called the "Great War." His own great-grandfather, Capt. A.D.Somerville, left a small-town law practice in Mississippi to join the 320th Field Artillery Regiment of the 82nd Infantry Division in World War I, Wilkie said. In his estimation, the remembrances of World War I may have focused too much on the "generals and the colonels" who led the fighting and not enough on the soldiers who bore the brunt of the vicious battles in the trenches -- "the horrors of that kind of fighting, the effects of the new weapons," he said. In his formal remarks at the ceremony, Wilkie expanded on that theme. He recalled a recent visit to the "Rowan Oak" home of author William Faulkner in Oxford, Mississippi, and cited Faulkner's tribute to the ordinary soldier in his 1950 Nobel Prize acceptance speech. "He was speaking to the soul of the soldier," Wilkie said of Faulkner. In his speech, Faulkner said the soldier must abide "the agony and the sweat of the human spirit, not for glory but to make out of the material of the human spirit something that was not there before." The soldier's values were "love, honor, pride and compassion," and "no matter what the soldier sees, no matter how terrible it is, it is he who declines to accept the end of man. It is the soldier who always endures," Faulkner said. The ceremony itself featured the presentation of 50 wreaths, representing all 50 states, at Pershing Park, named for World War I commander Gen. John J. Pershing, on Pennsylvania Ave. off 14th Street. The U.S. World War I Centennial Commission billed the event Thursday as a "first look" at the site for the memorial in a corner of the park that had been an old skating rink. The memorial itself was curtained off and will be unveiled at a later event. In representations shown last year, the memorial was depicted as a 65-foot long, 11-foot-tall bas relief showing scenes from the war and the homecoming. At the event Thursday, Joe Weishaar, the 28-year-old architect who designed the memorial in collaboration with sculptor Sabin Howard, said the work is meant to tell the stories of the ordinary soldiers and their families. "People ask, 'Where's the tanks, where's the airplanes,' " Weishaar told Military.com, but "this is a work of stories" and of "how this nation changed." The official statistics on World War I show that a total of 4.7 million Americans served. Of that total, about two million deployed, 204,000 were wounded and 116,516 were killed. In his remarks, Terry Hamby, a Vietnam veteran and chairman of the Centennial Commission, said the memorial is intended to "correct a long overdue debt to our 'doughboys' " of World War I. It will be the first national memorial in the nation's capital for World War I since it ended with an armistice on Nov. 11, 1918. -- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com. "Welcome home." Its what nearly 40 veterans heard from passersby Thursday at the World War II memorial in Washington, D.C., followed by unprompted applause from a school group and handshakes all around. The Kansas-based vets had made the trek from Wichita through the Honor Flight Network, an organization that brings veterans to D.C. to visit war memorials, Arlington Cemetery and, on occasion, the 9/11 memorial or armed forces museums in the area. For some of the veterans, reflecting on their service wasn't necessarily what they wanted. But they knew it was time. "I think this is going to be quite an emotional experience," said Bud Vansickle of Wichita. The memorials were the first stop of the day for the vets, whose service spanned World War II, Korea and Vietnam, with some having served in more than one conflict. Some had never been to the East Coast. The Kansas group is a mere glimpse into the thousands of trips Honor Flights conducts annually. Related content: Vansickle, 88, admitted he was reluctant to take the trip, knowing he'd be flooded with memories of the friends he'd made during his service. He enlisted in the Army shortly after the Korean War began. He was on orders to deploy to Korea when he was rerouted to Germany. The private first class served as maintainer on artillery batteries and small arms for three years before leaving the service. "This is a tribute to all the men who served in all the wars," Vansickle said as his daughter rolled his wheelchair near the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. He was on his way to visit the Korean War Memorial for the first time. Leland Thomas of Little Rock, Arkansas, is also a Korean War vet. "Dad is soon to be 87, and I didn't want him to miss this," said Debbie Rice, his eldest daughter. Thomas served in both Korea and Vietnam as a combat cameraman. He originally enlisted in the Army for five years but finished out his career in the Air Force as a senior master sergeant, for a combined 27 years of service. He took still photographs on the ground in Korea for two years, and graduated to motion picture in Vietnam in 1961. His films were taken on the ground, as well as out of aircraft during reconnaissance missions. "His films went to the Pentagon for decisions to be made, then the news reels, and now it's seen on the History Channel," Rice said. Thomas clearly remembers conducting several trips to the Philippines to interview prisoners of war, such as Navy Lt. Cmdr. Everett Alvarez Jr., who was the first American pilot shot down and captured during the Vietnam War and held captive for more than eight years. He traveled with the POWs back to Travis Air Force Base, California, for their first welcome home ceremonies. Then, during the fall of Saigon, he was on the second-to-last C-130 Hercules aircraft that left and filmed the very last aircraft ferrying South Vietnamese women and children during the evacuation. "Everything was worn out. Everybody was worn out," Thomas said. He had been on the move for days, flying to the Philippines and back to film the monumental mission, dubbed Operation Frequent Wind, which signaled the end of the war. On Thursday, Thomas was eagerly greeted by men and women of all ages as he saw the memorials from his wheelchair. Their Moment But other vets wanted to spend their Honor Flight memorial tour away from the spotlight, a moment of personal reflection. Mervin Olguin wheeled Michael Owen, both Vietnam veterans, near the wall of names in search of one: Baker. "I only remember one guy. He was my bunkie, and he got killed," Olguin said. "But I can't remember his first name." "There's so many Bakers," Owen added. Olguin, 76, served two tours as a machine gunner in CH-53A helicopters first in 1966 and again in 1971. He put in 20 years with the Marine Corps. Owen, 68, was a Green Beret with 5th Special Forces Group, deploying multiple times to the central part of Vietnam in the late 1960s into the early 1970s. He retired as a staff sergeant after six years in the service. "This Marine here" is what made him sign up for the Honor Flight, Owen said, referring to Olguin. They met in a bar years ago and now reside in the Wichita area. Staring at the wall, Owen was mostly quiet but chirped out, "I feel good." Many of the veterans appreciated the opportunity to see the memorials. "You don't always get to the opportunity to see the memorials, but this came up," said Scott Griffith of Bentley, Kansas. "Lot of history back here." He served as an Army medical record specialist with the 1st Cavalry Division in Vietnam in 1969. "To put it bluntly, I tagged bodies, both dead and alive," he said, before going to Fort Gordon, Georgia, to oversee aeromedical evacuations. He ended his service as an E-5 after three years. Serving in the military "was inevitable," Griffith said. "At that time in your life when you become 18 I was still in the draft [timeframe] and I went ahead and enlisted. Ended up in Vietnam anyway. I wish the United States hadn't done away with the draft. I think everybody ought to spend two years in the service." The trip to the memorials also made the vets think about what current and future generations serving in conflicts like Afghanistan may endure. For Owen, "This is a little bit of closure." But "pretty soon," he added, "this is going to be Afghanistan, Iraq." -- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Oriana0214. Marine Corps veteran and Hollywood actor Rob Riggle hosts the 2018 edition of "American Valor: A Salute to Our Heroes" television special, airing all over the country this weekend. Check out the list of stations and times here. It's also airing on the American Forces Network's AFN|prime, Sunday, November 11th at 4:00 p.m (local time). Rob is joined by Maria Menounos, Omar Epps, Sara Drew and Kellie Pickler as they pay tribute to our service men and women spanning from World War II to the present day. In addition, Harrison Ford, Robert De Niro, Tom Cruise, Aaron Eckhart, Gary Sinise, Scarlett Johansson, John Krasinski, Matthew McConaughey and Robin Roberts lend their voices to tell these amazing stories. American Valor: 2018 Promo from American Veterans Center on Vimeo. Both Sarah Drew and Kellie Pickler sing at the event and program highlights include the following tributes: The Legendary Tuskegee Airmen (Narrated by Robin Roberts) Featuring several surviving combat pilots of the first African American flyers in U.S. military history, marking the 75th anniversary of the famed units first missions in World War II, including: o Lt. Col. Harold Brown Combat pilot of 30 missions, shot down over enemy territory on March 14, 1945. o Lt. Col. Robert Friend Veteran of 142 combat missions with the Tuskegee Airmen, and wingman to the units leader & the first African American general in the Air Force, Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. o Lt. Col. James H. Harvey III Pilot with the 332nd Fighter Group, flew on the team that won the militarys first Top Gun contest in 1949. The first African American jet fighter pilot to fly in the Korean War. o Lt. Col. George Hardy - Combat pilot of 21 missions over Germany with the Red Tails; later flew 45 combat missions in Korea. o Lt. Col. Harry Stewart Amassed one of the most distinguished records of any pilot with the Red Tails, shooting down three German fighters in one day, and awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. o Lt. Col. Alexander Jefferson One of the few living Tuskegee Airmen to have survived being taken prisoner of war after being shot down over Europe. Col. Charles McGee (Narration by Robert De Niro) Recipient of three Distinguished Flying Crosses, would go on to set an Air Force record of 409 combat missions flown during WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. Lt. Colonel Richard E. Cole & The Doolittle Raid (Narration by Tom Cruise) Co-pilot to Jimmy Doolittle on the famed Doolittle Raid of April 18, 1942, and at 103 years old, the last survivor of the 80 Doolittle Raiders. CDR Dean Diz Laird (Narration by Matthew McConaughey) The only U.S. Navy Ace pilot to shoot down both German and Japanese planes during World War II. SFC Ronald Rosser (Narration by Robert De Niro) Recipient of the Medal of Honor for valor in the Korean War. Clinton J. Hill (Narration by Scarlett Johansson) Army counterintelligence officer, and later Secret Service agent to five presidents, most noted for climbing aboard John F. Kennedys car to shield the president & Mrs. Kennedy after the president was shot. Felix Rodriguez (Narration by Aaron Eckhart) Cuban exile & participant in the Bay of Pigs invasion, would go on to become one of the most decorated CIA officers in history, receiving the CIAs Intelligence Star and nine awards of the Cross of Gallantry from the South Vietnamese government. SSG Shilo Harris (Narration by Gary Sinise) Cavalry Scout with the 10th Mountain Div. in Iraq, grievously wounded by an IED, after more than 75 surgeries now a motivational speaker. Maj. Katie Higgins Cook (Narration by Harrison Ford) Marine Corps combat pilot and first woman to fly with the famed Blue Angels. Master Chief Special Warfare Operator Edward C. Byers (Narration by John Krasinski) U.S. Navy SEAL recipient of the Medal of Honor for valor in Afghanistan, one of two recipients currently on duty. For those who don't live in a city where the show will be aired or don't know how to work their DVR, check out these highlights below. American Valor: Cold Open & Show Open (2018) from American Veterans Center on Vimeo. American Valor: The Tuskegee Airmen (2018) from American Veterans Center on Vimeo. American Valor: Kellie Pickler & US Army Chorus (2018) from American Veterans Center on Vimeo. What is Veterans Day? Veterans Day gives Americans the opportunity to celebrate the bravery and sacrifice of all U.S. veterans. However, most Americans confuse this holiday with Memorial Day, reports the Department of Veterans Affairs. What's more, some Americans don't know why we commemorate our Veterans on Nov.11. It's imperative that all Americans know the history of Veterans Day so that we can honor our former service members properly. Related: History of Veterans Day Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice Day, was originally set as a U.S. legal holiday to honor the end of World War I, which officially took place on November 11, 1918. In legislation that was passed in 1938, November 11 was "dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be hereafter celebrated and known as 'Armistice Day.'" As such, this new legal holiday honored World War I veterans. In 1954, after having been through both World War II and the Korean War, the 83rd U.S. Congress -- at the urging of the veterans service organizations -- amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, Nov. 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars. In 1968, the Uniforms Holiday Bill ensured three-day weekends for federal employees by celebrating four national holidays on Mondays: Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day. Under this bill, Veterans Day was moved to the fourth Monday of October. Many states did not agree with this decision and continued to celebrate the holiday on its original date. The first Veterans Day under the new law was observed with much confusion on Oct. 25, 1971. Finally on September 20, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed a law which returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of Nov. 11, beginning in 1978. Since then, the Veterans Day holiday has been observed on Nov. 11. Celebrating the Veterans Day Holiday If the Nov. 11 holiday falls on a non-workday -- Saturday or Sunday -- the holiday is observed by the federal government on Monday (if the holiday falls on Sunday) or Friday (if the holiday falls on Saturday). Federal government closings are established by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. State and local government closings are determined locally, and non- government businesses can close or remain open as they see fit, regardless of federal, state or local government operation determinations. United States Senate Resolution 143, which was passed on Aug. 4, 2001, designated the week of Nov. 11 through Nov. 17, 2001, as "National Veterans Awareness Week." The resolution calls for educational efforts directed at elementary and secondary school students concerning the contributions and sacrifices of veterans. The difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day? Memorial Day honors service members who died in service to their country or as a result of injuries incurred during battle. Deceased veterans are also remembered on Veterans Day but the day is set aside to thank and honor living veterans who served honorably in the military - in wartime or peacetime. President Eisenhower's letter to Harvey V. Higley, Administrator of Veterans' Affairs, designating him Chairman, Veterans Day National Committee The White House Office October 8, 1954 Dear Mr. Higley: I have today signed a proclamation calling upon all of our citizens to observe Thursday, November 11, 1954 as Veterans Day. It is my earnest hope that all veterans, their organizations, and the entire citizenry will join hands to insure proper and widespread observance of this day. With the thought that it will be most helpful to coordinate the planning, I am suggesting the formation of a Veterans Day National Committee. In view of your great personal interest as well as your official responsibilities, I have designated you to serve as Chairman. You may include in the Committee membership such other persons as you desire to select and I am requesting the heads of all departments and agencies of the Executive branch to assist the Committee in its work in every way possible. I have every confidence that our Nation will respond wholeheartedly in the appropriate observance of Veterans Day, 1954. Sincerely, DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER For more information and frequently asked questions, visit the VA website. 5 Things You Don't Know About Veterans Day 1. It's "Veterans Day" not "Veteran's Day" for a good reason. The lack of the apostrophe might seem like a semantic choice, but it has a definite and deliberate meaning. According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Veterans Day is not a day that belongs to veterans, it is a day for honoring veterans directly in front of us right now. 2. Veterans Day used to be celebrated on the fourth Monday of October. In 1968, Congress passed the uniform Monday holiday bill, which stated that Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Columbus Day, and Veterans Day would all be celebrated on Mondays. The reason for doing so was to create three-day weekends, which hopefully encouraged travel and other recreational activities that would help stimulate the economy. However, many states did not agree with the change, particularly for Veterans Day, which holds significant historic and patriotic significance. And so on September 20 1975, President Gerald Ford signed Public Law 9497, which returned the enemy observance of Veterans Day to November 11, beginning in 1978. 3. Armistice Day became Veterans Day in 1954. Although today we all know it as Veterans Day. November 11 was originally called "Armistice Day" in recognition of the armistice agreement that ended WWI on November 11, 1918. While WWI was called "the war to end all wars," it failed to do just that. By the early 1950s, millions of Americans had served in WWII in the Korean War. So, in an attempt to be more inclusive and honor this younger generation of veterans service, Armistice Day was changed to Veterans Day June 1, 1954. 4. Marines celebrate their service birthday and Veterans Day with a 96-hour liberty. November 10 marks Marine Corps birthday, an event that is generally celebrated with a traditional ball and a cake cutting ceremony. Since this special day falls the day before for Veterans Day, many Marines celebrate both holidays together with a 96 hour liberty period. 5. A group once pushed to rename then-Armistice Day as "Mayflower Day." Following the outbreak of WWII and the revelation that WWI did not end all wars, the idea of commemorating Armistice Day began to fall out of favor with a small group of Americans led by Dr. Francis Carr Stifler of the American Bible Society. The group proposed that Armistice Day be officially replaced with Mayflower Day since the signing of the Mayflower Compact took place on November 11, 1620. They argued that this whole name would be far more appropriate, since the Mayflower Compact was the cornerstone upon which the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights stood. Of course, the group's ideas did not catch on, and Armistice Day eventually became the Veterans Day that we know today. Stay On Top of Your Veteran Benefits Military benefits are always changing -- keep up with everything from pay to health care by signing up for a free Military.com membership, which will send all the latest benefits straight to your inbox, as well as give you access to up-to-date pay charts and more. How to use the mindat.org media viewer Click/touch this help panel to close it. Welcome to the mindat.org media viewer. Here is a quick guide to some of the options available to you. 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Summary of all keyboard shortcuts ANN ARBOR, MI - Ann Arbor is making plans to kill up to 150 more deer in January during the city's fourth-annual deer cull. Before that, the city plans to conduct another round of nonlethal sterilizations of female deer to surgically remove their ovaries, continuing a two-pronged approach to population control. The sterilizations are expected to take place at the end of this month to avoid being done in the middle of winter again. The City Council voted 8-2 Thursday night, Nov. 8, to approve more than $182,000 in continued spending on deer management, while extending a contract with White Buffalo Inc. through June 2020. The city has contracted with White Buffalo for the past two years to carry out the annual wintertime shooting of deer mainly in city parks and nature areas, as well as ovariectomy procedures permitted by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The city's deer management program has been controversial over the years, leading to protests, legal debates and lawsuits shortly after being originally launched in January 2016. Mayor Christopher Taylor and Council Member Chip Smith, D-5th Ward, were the only two members of council opposed to the continued spending on deer management Thursday night. The city's deer management costs have totaled $622,675 over the last few years, including $555,887 in net costs to the city and $66,788 in donations and contributions from other sources. The results of that spending are 274 deer killed and 72 surgically sterilized, as well as data collected, according to the city. Smith argued the city should be putting its money toward taking action to combat climate change by reducing carbon emissions. The City Council recently debated funding a climate action work plan proposed by the city's new sustainability director, postponing the matter until new council members are seated on Nov. 19. The $313,000 overall proposal includes $200,000 for solar panels and other upgrades to create net-zero affordable housing through the Ann Arbor Housing Commission. Smith tried unsuccessfully Thursday night to postpone consideration of the $182,000 for deer management until Nov. 19. He said he wanted to give the new council a chance to consider spending priorities and weigh deer management against climate action, but a majority of council members weren't in favor of postponing. Council Members Sumi Kailasapathy, D-1st Ward, and Jane Lumm, an independent from the 2nd Ward, argued continuing the deer management program is important. Lumm said the adverse impacts of deer overabundance have been well documented. Kailasapathy argued deer-browse damage to trees in the city's natural areas is an environmental issue affecting forest regeneration, and she believes protecting parks and natural areas is one of the most important things the city can do for the environment. Smith characterized deer management as a "nice to have" program, while saying a climate-action program is a "must have." ANN ARBOR, MI - Ann Arbor is taking a stand against the federally ordered deportation of a local man, saying it would be a death sentence if he's sent back to West Africa. The City Council voted 10-0 Thursday night, Nov. 8, to approve a resolution asking the Detroit office of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or any other capable official, to issue a stay of deportation to allow Mohamed Soumah to stay here and continue receiving medical treatment for a genetic kidney disease. The 44-year-old Guinean immigrant recently took sanctuary at Ann Arbor Friends Meeting House to avoid deportation after a social worker called the Quaker church to share Soumah's situation. City Council Member Chuck Warpehoski, director of the Interfaith Council for Peace and Justice, said his office shares a property with the facility where Soumah is staying. "He's been an absolutely gracious guest. He's a very kind man. We're delighted to have him as our guest," Warpehoski said, expressing hopes that Soumah will be able to stay to continue to receive "the life-preserving care that he absolutely needs." Warpehoski introduced the resolution, which was co-sponsored by Mayor Christopher Taylor and four other council members. It notes that Soumah's physician has said he carries a diagnosis of end-stage renal disease and is dependent on receiving dialysis treatments three times a week or else he would die. "So this resolution is a show of support for him ... because his doctors and other medical professionals who've reviewed his case do believe for him to be deported would be a death sentence," Warpehoski said. Soumah has been in the country for 15 years and for the last 10 years has been dealing with hereditary kidney failure. "He requires dialysis treatments three times a week and these are treatments that are not adequately available in his home country," Warpehoski said. "The lack of adequate treatment facilities in his home country is why his mother died and it's a real threat to his life. He has a deportation order from ICE." Soumah was married to a U.S. citizen, from whom he is now separated. He has two children who are both citizens and living with their mother. "I've been working. Never committed any crime," he said tearfully in a recent interview after going into sanctuary. "(I'm) paying my taxes. And now I'm going to be deported." Soumah was admitted to the U.S. in 2002, according to an ICE spokesperson, and "violated the terms of his admission by remaining in the U.S. beyond his authorized term." In 2011, an immigration judge ordered him removed, but he was placed on supervision because the agency was "unable to obtain a travel document from his home country," the spokesperson said. He is now considered a "fugitive." "In an exercise of discretion, ICE had previously allowed Mr. Soumah to remain free while arrangements were being made for his departure from the U.S.," ICE said in a statement. "Mr. Soumah failed to report as instructed for his removal and is now considered a fugitive alien." ICE has a policy against conducting enforcement activity at sensitive locations unless "exigent circumstances" exist. Sensitive locations under ICE policy include schools, places of worship, hospitals, public rallies and demonstrations, and more. ICE declined to comment on the City Council's passage of the resolution in support of Soumah. Warpehoski said the Ann Arbor Friends Meeting House is providing sanctuary with the support of 11 other local congregations and faith-based organizations. "His residence at the Ann Arbor Friends Meeting provides a certain amount of security for him," Warpehoski said. "This is obviously not being done in a clandestine way," he added. "When he took up residence there, he informed ICE of his location and it's not being done to hide his whereabouts from ICE." Mary Anne Perrone of the Washtenaw Congregational Sanctuary, an interfaith coalition behind the local sanctuary movement, said there are very few dialysis machines in Guinea and when they malfunction, without replacements on hand, it can be deadly. Soumah has worked in a cafeteria at the University of Michigan and later moved into a custodial role, which paid more, Perrone said. "He has been working in the United States with permission for at least seven years ... each year, he applied to have it renewed and it was ... until this year. They just said no," Perrone said. MLive reporter Dana Afana contributed to this story. DEXTER, MI - An injured deer struck by a vehicle Friday morning was later killed by a school bus driver trying to end the animal's suffering, Dexter Community Schools officials said. The initial hit was from a private vehicle on Dan Hoey Road near a student drop-off and pick-up zone, according to a letter emailed by Dexter Community Schools. The "seriously wounded" deer then entered the area where students were being dropped off, according to the letter. "In an attempt to quickly put the suffering animal out of its pain, a member of our transportation team instinctively drove over the deer to end its suffering," the letter states. Officials called police before members of the district's buildings and grounds team disposed of the animal, said Barb Santo, the school district's executive director of human resources. Police could not be immediately reached for comment. "Regrettably, some students witnessed one or more of these unfortunate events this morning," the letter states. No injuries or damage to the bus were reported. Santo declined to comment on whether the driver is facing disciplinary actions. "The decision to drive over the animal in the presence of children is absolutely not a course of action we condone and we greatly regret that it happened. We understand that this situation is likely to be quite upsetting for students, parents, and staff who witnessed or heard about it. "However, we hope that everyone concerned can understand that the driver made a very human mistake out of compassion for the animal. We have addressed the situation with our staff," the letter states. It's a dog's world: Nepal celebrates their love for mutts through Tihar festival ANN ARBOR, MI - In one of several simultaneous demonstrations across Michigan, hundreds of activists gathered outside the the Ann Arbor Federal Building on Thursday to protest the forced resignation of former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions. The protests were part of a nationwide response to Sessions' ouster by organizers who believe President Donald Trump is attempting to diminish the independence of special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation of Russian meddling in the 2016 election. "Nobody is Above the Law" rallies took place in major cities across the U.S. on Nov. 8. Live: Ann Arbor Jeff Sessions Protest Protestors gather in downtown Ann Arbor to speak out in response to Jeff Sessionss resignation. Posted by MLive.com on Thursday, November 8, 2018 "These are really strange times, but we are out here to protest the firing of Jeff Sessions," Ann Arbor protester Jessica Prozinski said. "(Sessions) is a racist and he is anti-immigrants, and yet, here we are. We see the big picture that his temporary replacement, Matthew Whitaker, is a Trump crony." The new acting attorney general, Matthew Whitaker, has questioned the scope of the Russia investigation in the past. "(Whitaker) has the power to not just shut down the Mueller investigation outright, but also to do shady, behind the scenes things to impede the investigation," Prozinski said. The president, according to the Associated Press, deflected questions about Sessions' departure Wednesday. Justice Department spokeswoman Sarah Isgur Flores said Whitaker would be "in charge of all matters under the purview of the Department of Justice," not directly answering whether he would take control of Mueller's investigation. In Ann Arbor, drivers honked their car horns and pedestrians joined the crowd of hundreds as the group marched downtown and through the University of Michigan campus. Some carried signs reading, "Trump is not above the law," and "It's Mueller time." Other Michigan "Defend Mueller" protests were held in Detroit, Jackson, Ferndale, Brighton and the Grand Rapids area. FLINT, MI - Flint Bishop Airport Lt. Jeff Neville was emotional describing the attack he says came from Amor Ftouhi inside the airport terminal on June 21, 2017. "When I went down to the ground I saw a large - I described it as a Rambo knife - a large knife in his hand," Neville said in Flint U.S. District Court on Friday, Nov. 9. "I put both hands on his wrist to try and keep him from raising the knife back up. I wouldn't let go," Neville said. Following the attack that left Neville with two stab wound to his face and neck, the 34-year police veteran said he was on his hands and knees because he thought he was about to pass out. "I was watching this puddle of blood underneath me that was spreading and I just remember how weird that was," Neville testified before U.S. District Judge Matthew F. Leitman. "I was staring at my arm - it was a (Concern Over Police Safety) bracelet. I was fixating on it to try and take my mind off it. I felt like if I laid down on my back, I might not get back up." Neville testified during the fourth day of trial for Ftouhi - the man accused of stabbing Neville. While Neville was testifying, Ftouhi flipped through exhibits and viewed photographs. Ftouhi is charged with committing an act of terrorism transcending national boundaries, violence at an international airport and interference with airport security. The Canadian and Tunisian citizen could face up to life in prison if convicted. Neville no longer works for the Bishop Airport police department. He said there is still fallout from the attack, including post-traumatic stress disorder. "It's something that you never forget because you can't feel half of your face," Neville said. "Even sleeping is different." Federal prosecutors finished presenting their case on Friday, Nov. 9. The trial is expected to continue Tuesday, Nov. 13. The attack on Neville nearly severed his carotid artery, according to Dr. Donald J. Scholten who was the attending surgeon on the day of the attack. The stabbing had exposed Neville's jaw and severed muscles and tissues in his neck. Neville has had difficulty speaking, swallowing liquids and numbness following the attack, Scholten said. Bishop Airport Authority Police Chief Chris Miller heard yelling and looked out to see Neville fighting with Ftouhi and a maintenance worker at the airport. Miller said he ran out of the room and jumped on Ftouhi to try and get him handcuffed. After Ftouhi was handcuffed, Miller testified that he helped walk Ftouhi down the stairs and to a holding cell in the airport's police station. "He said 'Allahu akbar. You have killed people in Afghanistan and you have killed people in Iraq,'" Miller said Ftouhi shouted after he was handcuffed. "That's not something that you normally hear every day. It's distinctive in my mind. We were fighting. There was a lot of blood. A lot of commotion. Not a good day." FBI investigator Todd Reineck testified that Ftouhi entered the U.S. in New York and proceeded to research and visit various sites to purchase a gun. Defense Attorney Bryan Sherer quizzed Reineck on why Ftouhi chose Flint. "If I was a terrorist - wouldn't it make more sense to go to a more populated area like New York?" Sherer asked Reineck. "I don't understand what a terrorist would think," Reineck said. "Michigan was going to be an easy place to buy a gun. He wanted to kill an armed officer or keep trying until he was killed." Ftouhi was unable to buy a weapon at a Walmart and a gun and knife show at the Gibraltar Trade Center because he is Canadian. Dave Lozon worked for Randy's Hunting Center in Bad Axe and was working a gun show at the Gibraltar Trade Center in Mount Clemens when he said Ftouhi tried to buy a gun. Lozon testified that Ftouhi approached him and asked about buying a Rugar AR556 with a 30-round magazine. "I asked if he had a driver's license, ID or concealed carry permit. He said, 'No, but I'm Canadian,'" Lozon told the court. "I believe he got a little bit aggravated about why couldn't he buy it if he had the money. I tried to de-escalate and walked away." GRAND RAPIDS, MI - A Grand Rapids man is facing a federal charge of sexually exploiting a minor after he allegedly used social media to contact a 14-year-old girl in South Carolina. David William Barrett, 44, was awaiting trial in Kent County Circuit Court before a federal indictment was unsealed Thursday, Nov. 8, in U.S. District Court in Grand Rapids. If convicted of sexual exploitation of a minor, Barrett would face at least 15 years, and up to 30, in prison. The government said that between March and August Barrett persuaded, enticed or coerced the girl "to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of that conduct ...," Assistant U.S. Attorney David Reust wrote in the indictment. "Specifically, Defendant engaged in online video chats with (the girl), who was 14 years old in March 2018, and used her to engage in sexually explicit conduct." Barrett has been held in the Kent County Jail on $100,000 bond since his arrest in September on state charges. He was arrested after a multi-state investigation that resulted from a tip from an internet search engine to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. That agency then contacted the Internet Crimes Against Child Task Force, or ICAC, in Michigan. A task force of state police, Grand Rapids police and Wyoming police detectives contacted Barrett on Sept. 12. Investigators shared information with Kershaw County Sheriff's Department in South Carolina where investigators identified four alleged victims. Barrett contacted the girls through Facebook, state police detective Sgt. Chris Prevette, ICAC coordinator, said. Police have not found local victims. GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Grand Rapids police are being scrutinized for handcuffing unarmed black youth at gunpoint, leading to much community discussion and calls for change. The department has received national attention and community outcry for four separate handcuffing incidents -- involving nine black youth, ages 11 to 14 -- in the last two years. It begs the question: Is Grand Rapids the only police department that handcuffs youth who match a suspect's description or find themselves at the scene of a police investigation? Or is it just the only department attracting attention for it? MLive/The Grand Rapids Press contacted Michigan law enforcement agencies to determine how often they handcuff youth at gunpoint and if they have a youth-specific handcuffing policy. The findings from MLive's surveying of various police departments show police records lack a distinction for handcuffing incidents involving youth. Police records are kept in a way that make it nearly impossible to track the number of times officers in each department handcuff youth, regardless of whether the teen was armed or not. No definitive answers could be supported with youth-specific data from the agencies without extensive records searches. Due to record constraints, police representing their respective agencies said it would be difficult to determine if, and when, similar detainment of youth occurred in their jurisdictions. One department said it hadn't had any similar incidents, based on anecdotal evidence, while three agencies declined to respond to inquires. A national police training group was unable to confirm a recent trend among U.S. departments either. "It's sort of been the Grand Rapids issue," said James Copple, a spokesperson for the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST), which oversees 650 training academies nationwide. Grand Rapids is one of a very few agencies featuring a youth-specific policy. Based on MLive's surveying, others have similar aspects of the policy within their broader policies. Ron Davis, a former police chief and former U.S. Department of Justice official, said he's never seen a policy that outright prohibits the handcuffing of youth at gunpoint. At the same time, he said there should be a "very high bar" for such detainment practices. "It's impossible to say never pull a gun on a child because, unfortunately, there are cases where children as young as 10 or 11 are armed," said Davis, principal of 21st Century Policing Solutions, which Grand Rapids contracted to help review its police policies and procedures. "I would never say just because someone says a person is armed that it gives you permission to point a gun at anyone who looks like them. There should be a little more nuance than that. But when you evaluate a situation, you can't ignore the information that they're armed." While no one could say for certain why Grand Rapids has had these four highly publicized incidents, one local community activist, who has been critical of the department in the past, hypothesized that it's due to the community's willingness to speak up about these handcuffing incidents. "Maybe it's partly people realizing you won't be ignored if you highlight it," said Jeremy DeRoo, director of LINC Up. "If the same thing happens in another community without body cameras, one person says it happened and one person says it didn't and there's no further conversation. "An important part of involvement is a belief by community members that something can be changed." How are others doing it? Grand Rapids is one of the less than 4 percent of law enforcement agencies nationwide with a specific youth-interaction policy. The policy, adopted spring 2018, gives officers discretion to determine whether handcuffs are necessary while investigating youth. Additionally, it focuses on limiting the time a youth is handcuffed and what to do after the detainment, including notifying a parent or guardian. Copple said IADLEST is looking at Grand Rapids' youth policy and task force recommendations as "a way to influence training in this country." "You're having an impact already in setting a template and as a model for real transformation," Copple said. "You should be proud of what your city has done ... as an outsider who works in numerous communities, you're doing a great job." In Kent County, the sheriff's department doesn't have a specific age range on when it's OK to restrain someone with handcuffs. The decision is left to a deputy's discretion, though if a minor is handcuffed, it "isn't any longer than needed to ascertain they aren't a threat," said Sgt. Joel Roon. Three members of the sheriff's department training division, who are tasked with reviewing every use of force report, said they weren't aware of a specific incident in which deputies reported handcuffing a youth during an investigation recently. In Lansing, police can handcuff a juvenile younger than 17 years old in non-arrest situations "if there is reasonable grounds to believe the person detained may present a threat to the officer, a weapon is involved, or other reasons exist that the officer can articulate." The Holland Department of Public Safety has a similar policy, according to Captain Keith Mulder. "We do not have a policy that disallows officers from handcuffing juveniles," Mulder said. "There are times that our officers have to handcuff juveniles for the safety of the public, for the safety of the officers, and/or for the safety of the juvenile being handcuffed. And there are times that our officers may choose not to handcuff juveniles due to age when safety concerns are not present." Wyoming Department of Public Safety Chief Kim Koster said her department does not comment on its policies and procedures "to protect the safety of our officers and firefighters." She declined to be interviewed. When it comes to youth-interaction policies, Davis said more departments are looking into adding their own. "It's about making sure you're handcuffing for their safety and yours, and not a procedural handcuffing, because it has an impact on that child," Davis said. "There will always be an 'except for when the person is a significant danger.'" Davis acknowledged that Grand Rapids' incidents have been highly publicized though he didn't have an explanation for what's caused the Grand Rapids episodes to generate more publicity than elsewhere. "The fact that you had three incidents in a short period of time demands questions -- I think anyone who says it doesn't, I'd disagree," Davis said. "It demands a continual look at policies and practices and a comparison to best practices. "The policy should reduce them, it should provide better alternatives, training should provide more education but there are going to be those situations. We just want it to be few and far between." Four incidents in 19 months In two of the four Grand Rapids incidents, a 911 caller reported seeing a young black male with a gun. In both instances -- March 24, 2017 and Aug. 26 -- Police stopped juveniles in the area who matched a partial description but did not locate a gun. During the other two incidents, police were investigating a report of violence -- a stabbing on Dec. 6, and what wound up being a false shooting report on Oct. 9. In both instances, police came into contact with a young girl and her family at their home, and ordered the girl to walk backward toward police at gunpoint before handcuffing and searching her for weapons. A 10-year-old boy was searched but not handcuffed at the latter scene. No weapons were found in either case. Police Chief David Rahinsky has defended his officers for following protocol and training procedures. He's also said it's not uncommon for some youths to carry weapons, or for adults to ask children to hold a weapon for them when police arrive on scene. Still, he has acknowledged the optics aren't ideal and neither is having a child traumatized after an interaction with police. "If everything was done right, it still doesn't minimize the fact that you have a child who is traumatized," Davis said. "That trauma, if untreated, can have devastating impact on this child for the rest of his or her life." Copple, the training association spokesman, couldn't peg why Grand Rapids has had four highly-publicized handcuffing incidents in such a short time period, but he commended police leadership and the community for its willingness to "take on the issue." He pointed to other agencies around the country that haven't been as willing to address their own issues. GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Tony Streets Jr. showed up at Joey Vitale's Burton Heights Pizza angry, with a half-bottle of whiskey, and started hassling customers. Vitale wanted him out. The two argued in the back of the pizzeria. Streets was angry and loud. Vitale told a worker he might have to fight Streets. He tried pushing him out the door as the arguing continued. Then Scott Bader heard his boss yell. "He said, 'He stabbed me,' and he was holding his left side," Bader testified Friday, Nov. 9, in Grand Rapids District Court. "I froze, basically. I did not know what happened," he said. He testified at a preliminary examination in which Judge Jeanine LaVille ordered Streets to stand trial in Kent County Circuit Court on charges of open murder, armed robbery and carjacking. Vitale, 31, was a married father of two young girls. His family and friends filled one side of the courtroom. They declined to comment after the hearing. The stabbing happened Oct. 3 at Vitale's restaurant on Burton Street SW. Streets told customers they should go elsewhere but Bader didn't know what triggered Streets' apparent anger. Vitale kept saying, "'Dude, you gotta go. You gotta go. I gotta deal with my customers,'" Bader said, during questioning by Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker. Street allegedly used a large pizza-cutter knife to stab Vitale in the abdomen. The knife went through his ribs, and struck a lung and his liver, Dr. David Start, a forensic pathologist, testified. Defense attorney Damian Nunzio suggested the stabbing could have happened accidentally. Vitale tried to drive himself to the hospital but crashed into a parking ramp at Wealthy Street SW and LaGrave Avenue. Grand Rapids police officer Jonathan Hart was on the second level of the ramp, working on reports, when he heard and felt the crash just below him. He raced down and found Vitale, who appeared to be passed out. At first, Hart thought the driver might be drunk until he saw the wound. Hart had to get Vitale out through the passenger side because the driver's door was pinned against a pillar. "He started regaining consciousness, clutching his stomach. He started yelling at me that he had been stabbed." The officer got Vitale onto the sidewalk and put dressing on a large wound. Vitale was in and out of consciousness and in shock, the officer testified. "Outside of saying he had been stabbed and his name was Joseph Vitale, the rest of it was indiscernible." Vitale was taken to a hospital where he later died. Kevin Lemos-Moore, a Burton Heights Pizza worker, said Streets was outside when he showed up for work. Streets kept grabbing Lemos-Moore's shoulder when he tried to go into the shop. Vitale came outside and talked to Streets, he said. Later, he said, he saw Streets either wiping the bloody knife on his pants or putting the knife in his pocket. Jeffrey Moore, another worker, said Vitale asked him to call police. Moore was talking to dispatchers when Streets told him to put down the phone. Streets was holding the knife with the point up. "I didn't want to get hurt so I did what the defendant told me to do," he said. After Streets fled the restaurant, he allegedly tried to steal Celestino Carrillo's car at Darwin Avenue SW and Quigley Boulevard. Through a translator, Carrillo said that Streets "hit me in the face." Streets told Carrillo that police were looking for him. Streets stopped him from calling police, who soon arrested him. "I was very afraid. Now, it's not the same life like I had before," Carrillo said. GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- The last person in a multi-year prosecution of people involved in a scheme to stage auto crashes and injuries, then collect insurance money, has been sentenced to prison. Marvin David Ramriez, 45, of Grand Rapids, was sentenced to 37 months in prison in U.S. District Court in Grand Rapids. Ramirez was involved in a Wyoming business called Primary Rehab Center. Federal prosecutors said those participating in the scheme recruited and paid people to stage crashes that allowed them to get police reports, then make insurance claims. Those recruited also were asked to fake injuries, with the goal of obtaining a prescription for physical therapy. Workers at therapy clinics would then send false insurance claims to auto insurance companies. The scheme brought in more than $600,000 in fraudulent insurance payments. This story has been updated with comments from additional board members and Enbridge Energy ST. IGNACE, MI -- If the Mackinac Bridge Authority takes ownership of a proposed tunnel beneath the straits of Mackinac - housing an oil pipeline for Enbridge Energy - it would divert the authority's attention from its main purpose: managing the Mackinac Bridge. That's according to William Gnodtke, the former chairperson of the bridge authority. He spoke during the authority's meeting Thursday in St. Ignace, which featured presentations from state officials and comments from residents who are fearful that the plan leaves the straits susceptible to an oil spill. "We strongly urge all those in Lansing and elsewhere to protect the Mackinac Bridge and to end attempts to significantly expand the authority's role by assigning it responsibilities that have absolutely no relationship to the fundamental mission it has successfully carried out for 68 years," said Gnodtke, whose term on the authority ended last month. Gov. Rick Snyder's administration announced an agreement last month with Enbridge, under which the Canadian energy company would pay for and build a tunnel 100-feet beneath the straits that would house a new Line 5 oil and gas pipeline and other utility connections. It would cost between $350 million and $500 million. Line 5 currently sits on the bottom of the Mackinac straits. Snyder's plan - which he says is "common-sense solution" that would eliminate "nearly every risk of an oil leak" - calls on the Mackinac Bridge Authority to take ownership of the tunnel. One member of the bridge authority says more details are needed before he can weigh in on the proposal. Matt McLogan, vice chair of the authority, says he and his colleagues need additional details on a yet to be finalized agreement between Enbridge and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, as well as state legislation introduced Thursday that would codify the authority's ability to take ownership of the tunnel. "Until there is a third agreement and we have read the legislation and then learned whether it becomes law - only then would the MBA (Mackinac Bridge Authority) be able to talk about next steps," he said after the meeting. Meanwhile, two other board members -- former Michigan Department of Transportation Director Kirk Steudle and Barbara Brown -- have made public their stance on the project. Steudle, in an editorial on Bridge Magazine, said he supports the proposal. Brown opposes it. "I took an oath of office 13 years ago to look out for the Mackinac Bridge, and this is not good for the Mackinac Bridge," she said. The board's next meeting is scheduled for February. Gnodtke said if the state wants the tunnel to move forward, it should "create an independent tunnel authority." "I can't speak, and I won't speak, as to whether or not there should be a tunnel," he said. "I'm only saying it does not belong under the auspices of the Mackinac Bridge Authority." Many in attendance Thursday spoke out against the tunnel, saying that keeping the pipeline in operation for another decade - while the tunnel is under construction - puts one of Michigan's most treasured natural resources at-risk. "The Enbridge tunnel would only benefit a private Canadian corporation, and it fails the test of environmental and taxpayer protection and good government," said Liz Kirkwood, the executive director of For Love of Water, an advocacy group. Bryan Newland, chairman of the Bay Mills Indian Community, said his people have been shut-out of conversations over the pipeline and tunnel, and he warned that there would be consequences for the state and bridge authority if that continues. "Don't ram this down our throats," he said. "Don't rush this. Bring us to the table and respect us as sovereign partners like we've been for the past three decades." The discussion came just days after voters elected Democrat Gretchen Whitmer as the state's next governor. Whitmer said during the campaign that she opposes the tunnel plan and wants to shut down Line 5. Her spokesperson, Zack Pohl, could not be reached for comment Thursday. State Sen. Tom Casperson, R-Escanaba, introduced legislation Thursday that would put in statute the bridge authority's ability to operate and oversee a utility tunnel. He said he supports the tunnel and keeping Line 5 open because it supplies upwards of 80 percent of the propane used in the Upper Peninsula. Shutting it down would raise prices and hurt the bottom-line of residents who rely on the fuel. "The burden you're putting on our people would be extreme if you just shut that thing down," said Casperson, who is hoping to see movement on the bill in the lame duck session before his Senate-term ends at the end of the year. During Thursday's meeting, Michael Mooney, a professor at the Colorado School of Mines, in Golden, Colorado, gave a presentation on the construction of the tunnel. He said rubber gaskets would seal the structure, preventing "any water from coming into the tunnel" and keeping "anything from leaking out." Valerie Brader, an attorney with the Snyder administration, told bridge authority members that bridge revenue would be protected from any costs associated with the project, and that Enbridge would pay for construction, operation and maintenance of the tunnel. "There is an absolute barrier to being able to in any way affect the bridge, which is obviously a tremendous value to the state," Brader said. Enbridge would own the tunnel while it's being constructed, with the bridge authority taking possession once it's completed, Brader said. The bridge authority would then provide Enbridge with a 99-year lease on the tunnel. Enbridge would pay the lease by providing maintenance and operational services on the tunnel, Brader said. Michigan Department of Natural Resources spokesperson Ed Golder said some details are still being worked out with Enbridge as part of a yet to be finalized agreement between the two entities. That includes a Dec. 31, 2028 shut-down date for Line 5 - once the tunnel construction is completed - and additional parameters surrounding the pipeline's operation while the tunnel is being built, Golder said. Those include plans to "remedy" protective coating issues on the existing pipeline and provide an "increased inspection regime far beyond that required by federal law and with a lot more visibility than the state has now," said Brader, the Snyder administration attorney. The goal is to complete that agreement before Snyder's term ends at the end of the year, Golder said. Enbridge, in a statement from spokesperson Ryan Duffy, said the tunnel partnership reflects the company's "steadfast commitment to protecting the Great Lakes while safely meeting Michigan's energy needs." Audience members questioned the state's continued push for the tunnel following the election of Whitmer and Democratic Attorney General-elect Dana Nessel. Both have said they want to shut down the pipeline. "The governor of Michigan is suddenly trying to fast-track a deal that could bind the people of Michigan to a failing Line 5 and risky replacement oil tunnel for 99 years," said Kirkwood, the executive director of For Love of Water. "What's the rush? Please think." LAKE SUPERIOR, MI - It was 45 years ago today that the Edmund Fitzgerald was being loaded with 26,000 tons of iron ore, prepped for what would become her doomed final voyage. Once the largest ship on the Great Lakes, the 728-foot Fitzgerald left Superior, Wis. at 2:15 p.m. on Nov. 9, 1975. Her crew planned to cross Lake Superior to deliver the load at Detroit's Zug Island. But a day later, she was gone, broken in two and lying on the lake's bottom in 530 feet of water, all 29 souls aboard lost. Gordon Lightfoot's poignant song "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" helps keep alive the memory of what's become the Great Lakes' most famous shipwreck. But her captain and crew were also sons, brothers, husbands and fathers. They hailed from Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, Minnesota and beyond. As we remember them, here are the highlights of the Fitzgeralds final trip and the fierce, hurricane-like storm that sank her. Investigators would later say that in the big freighters last hour, she battled sustained winds of 60 mph, and waves higher than 25 feet. She may have even encountered The Three Sisters - a trio of rapidly-hitting waves that are higher than the others around them. One thing the marine experts agree on: The Fitzgerald was in the worst possible place as she tried to make for the shelter of Michigans Whitefish Bay. NOV. 9, 1975 2:15 p.m. The Edmund Fitzgerald, captained by Ernest McSorley, finishes loading 26,116 tons of taconite in Superior, Wis., and departs for Detroit's Zug Island. The storm that would sink the ship is gathering force over Kansas and is on a path toward Lake Superior. 5 p.m. The Fitzgerald encounters the Arthur M. Anderson, captained by Jesse Cooper, and the two ships proceed east on similar courses, separated by about 10 to 20 miles. Three hours later, the National Weather Service issues a Gale Warning for all of Lake Superior. NOV. 10, 1975 1 a.m. The Fitzgerald passes approximately 20 miles due south of Isle Royale. 2 a.m. The Fitzgerald and Anderson agree to take a northern route across the lake for protection from the gale. NWS upgrades the forecast to a Storm Warning, predicting northeast winds of 35 to 50 knots and waves of 8 to 15 feet. 7 a.m. The Fitzgerald calls its company office to report a delayed arrival due to worsening weather conditions. The ship is approximately 35 miles north of Copper Harbor. 1 p.m. The Fitzgerald is 11 miles NW of Michipicoten Island. The Anderson is approximately 20 miles northwest of the island, reporting 20-knot winds and 12-foot waves. 1:40 p.m. The Fitzgerald radios the Anderson to talk weather and course changes. Capt. McSorley reports his ship is rolling some. The Fitzgerald cuts closer to Michipicoten Island while the Anderson cuts west a bit to take rising seas from astern. 2:45 p.m. The Anderson changes course to avoid Six Fathom Shoal area north of Caribou Island. The Fitzgerald is about 16 miles ahead. Heavy snow begins to fall and the Fitzgerald is lost from sight. Its the last time the ship would be seen by human eyes. 3:20 p.m. The Anderson records 43-knot winds and 12 to 16-foot waves. 3:30 p.m. The Fitzgerald calls the Anderson to report damage and say the ship would slow to let Anderson catch up. Minutes later, the Coast Guard issues directions for all ships to find safe anchorage because the Soo Locks have been closed. McSorley: Anderson, this is the Fitzgerald. I have sustained some topside damage. I have a fence rail laid down, two vents lost or damaged, and a list. Im checking down. Will you stay by me til I get to Whitefish? Cooper: Charlie on that Fitzgerald. Do you have your pumps going? McSorley: "Yes, both of them." 4:10 p.m. The Fitzgerald radios the Anderson to request navigational help. 4:30 p.m. The Fitzgerald passes 3 to 5 miles east of Caribou Island. Many theorize the ship unknowingly struck the poorly marked 6 Fathom Shoal on the islands north side, but that has never been conclusively proven. The debate rages to this day. 4:39 p.m. NWS revises the forecast again, predicting northwest winds 38 to 52 knots with gusts to 60 knots and waves 8 to 16 feet. 5:30 p.m. The Fitzgerald is advised by the Swedish ship Avafors that the Whitefish Point beacon and light are disabled by power failure. Avafors: Fitzgerald, this is the Avafors. I have the Whitefish light now but still am receiving no beacon. Over. Fitzgerald: Im very glad to hear it. Avafors: The wind is really howling down here. What are the conditions where you are? Fitzgerald: (Undiscernable shouts overheard) "DON'T LET NOBODY ON DECK!" Avafors: Whats that, Fitzgerald? Unclear. Over. Fitzgerald: I have a bad list, lost both radars. And am taking heavy seas over the deck. One of the worst seas Ive ever been in. Avafors: If Im correct, you have two radars. Fitzgerald: Theyre both gone. 6 p.m. The Anderson is struck by a 25-foot wave. 7:10 p.m. The Anderson calls the Fitzgerald with navigation instructions. The ship is about 10 miles behind the doomed freighter. Anderson: Fitzgerald, this is the Anderson. Have you checked down? Fitzgerald: Yes we have. Anderson: Fitzgerald, we are about 10 miles behind you, and gaining about 1 1/2 miles per hour. Fitzgerald, there is a target 19 miles ahead of us. So the target would be 9 miles on ahead of you. Fitzgerald: Well, am I going to clear? Anderson: Yes. He is going to pass to the west of you. Fitzgerald: Well, fine. Anderson: By the way, Fitzgerald, how are you making out with your problem? Fitzgerald: We are holding our own. Anderson: "Okay, fine. I'll be talking to you later." 7:15 p.m. The Fitzgerald disappears from the Andersons radar. More than an hour later, the Coast Guard begins an active search. The 29 crew members aboard the Fitzgerald all perish. Image of the Edmund Fitzgerald shipwreck taken during a dive in 1995 to recover the ship's bell. The ship sank in a storm off Whitefish Point in Lake Superior on Nov. 10, 1975. MORE STORIES ON THE EDMUND FITZGERALD 8 facts behind the Edmund Fitzgeralds final hours Diver recalls record scuba descent to Edmund Fitzgerald shipwreck PONTIAC, MI -- A mistake at the Oakland County Medical Examiner's Office led to a bone from a Michigan man being buried with the remains of a teenager found dead in 1975, according to the Associated Press. Donald Smith was found dead in 2016. However, a bone of his was released to family of Darlene McKenzie when the family claimed her remains to be buried. McKenzie, who was 15 at the time of her disappearance, was missing for over 40 years before her remains were discovered in a Farmington Hills ditch. Smith's mummified remains were found in a Hazel Park home in 2016. "We are working to determine how the error occurred," said Dr. Ljubisa J. Dragovic, the county's chief medical examiner. "When we identify that reason, we will implement corrective actions." Samples from both bodies were sent to the University of North Texas for testing and were returned to the medical examiner's office in February 2017. Two days later, Smith's bone and McKenzie's remains were each given to Husband Funeral Home in Westland. A bone sample from McKenzie was returned to the office in April 2017 before being given to the funeral home. McKenzie's family didn't pick up the remains until this week, which prompted a review of the case. That review unveiled that Smith's bone was given to the family mistakenly. The county will now cover the expenses related to recovering Smith's bone and helping McKenzie's family place additional remains in her casket. "I'm reading everything I can, doing everything we can to investigate where the error occurred. We never want this to happen to anybody else," said Casimir Miarka, the office's administrator. "We want to make sure we hold ourselves to a high standard. We sincerely apologize." LANSING, MI - The Michigan legislature is considering changes to two new laws on sick time and minimum wage. In September, the Republican-led legislature adopted the measures instead of letting them go to the ballot. Doing so meant they could come back and amend them with a simple majority, instead of the two-thirds vote it would have taken to make changes passed at the ballot box. Senate Majority Leader Arlan Meekhof, R-West Olive, said changes to the proposals would focus on "making it more acceptable to the business community so we continue to keep our economy on track." Bringing back the wage for tipped workers As written, the new law slowly brings minimum wage for tipped workers like waiters and bartenders up to the same level as regular minimum wage and raises minimum wage to $12 per hour by 2022. It doesn't go into effect until March of next year. Sen. Dave Hildenbrand, R-Lowell, introduced a bill to bring back the different minimum wage for tipped employees. Hildenbrand said he proposed the change because he heard from tipped workers and restaurant owners that as written, the law would be detrimental. "The feedback to me is a lot of them would actually make less than what they're currently making," Hildenbrand said. The Restaurant Workers of America oppose the inclusion of tipped workers in standard minimum wage, arguing the increase in minimum wage would decrease the tipping culture and actually result in lower wages for people in tipped positions. Senate Bill 1171 would remove tipped employees from that minimum wage structure, establishing their minimum wage at 38 percent of minimum wage. When the law is fully implemented, and minimum wage is $12 per hour in 2022, that means the minimum wage for tipped employees would be $4.56. Right now, it's $3.52. Under the bill, employers would still have to make up wages if an employee's tips plus wage didn't add up to minimum wage. The Restaurant Workers of America praised the legislation. "We appreciate Sen. Hildenbrand introducing this legislation to keep servers and bartenders safe from outside influences trying to disrupt our livelihoods, industry, and culture that we know and love," said Daniel Tucker, a manager and server at Lansing Brewing Co. and a captain for Restaurant Workers of America. But One Fair Wage, the group that gathered signatures for the ballot proposal initially, opposes changes. "We urge lawmakers to uphold the constitution, protect the democratic process and allow the voices of nearly half a million Michigan citizens to be heard," said Dr. Alicia Renee Farris, One Fair Wage Steering Committee Chair. "Amending the One Fair Wage proposal after it was adopted sets a horrible precedent and effectively closes off a legal avenue for citizens to enact laws through popular initiatives." While Hildenbrand is focused on the tip piece right now, he said other lawmakers are considering changing other parts of the law as well. "I do think it's worthwhile to take a holistic look at it and see if there are other changes that need to take place," Hildenbrand said. Changes to sick time law Under the new paid sick time law, Michigan workers would be able to accrue one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, capping out at 72 hours per year for larger businesses and 40 hours per year for small businesses, which must also allow unpaid leave. Both sizes of business could elect to offer more paid sick leave. It doesn't take effect until March. But Senate Bill 1175, introduced by Senate Majority Leader-elect Mike Shirkey, R-Clarklake, would require employers to retain records related to employee sick time for a shorter period of time, six months instead of three years. The bill also takes out a "rebuttable presumption" that would have put the onus on the employer in court if the employer took adverse action against an employee within 90 days of the employee doing something like filing a complaint about the employer breaking the law, cooperating in a related investigation or informing somebody else of their rights under the law. The changes are opposed by MI Time to Care, the group that worked to get the proposal on the ballot. "Right now Michigan law guarantees every worker the right to earn paid sick time," said Kyle DuBuc, director of policy, advocacy and government relations at United Way for Southeastern Michigan, a steering committee member of MI Time to Care. "The policy's overwhelming popularity made it certain to pass had it gone to the ballot. Why would the Senate enact something the people of Michigan clearly want, only to change it?" The proposed changes could also draw opposition from Democrats. Rep. and Senate Minority Floor Leader-elect Stephanie Chang, D-Detroit, has introduced legislation in the House for paid sick leave and thinks it's good public policy. She hadn't seen specific language during an interview on Thursday but spoke generally about attempts to change the law. "I think many of us are open to conversation, but I think it's really clear that we need to work hard to protect the policy that voters wanted," Chang said. Note: This story has been changed to reflect a difference between paid sick time requirements for large and small businesses. The move is part of a push at Cisco to derive more revenue from software and stay current with long-time business customers. Networking gear maker Cisco Systems Inc said on Thursday it is teaming with Amazon.com Incs Amazon Web Services to offer software tools that would make it easier for Ciscos customers to use Amazons data centres to run their business applications. The move is part of a push at Cisco, one of the biggest suppliers of the routers and switches that send data across computer networks, to derive more revenue from software and stay current with long-time business customers that are seeking to do more work with cloud computing companies like Amazon, Alphabet Incs Google Cloud unit or Microsoft Corps Azure. Cisco began making that push under Chief Executive Chuck Robbins after sales declines in its core network hardware business - declines that were largely driven by big businesses deciding not to build out their own data centres in favour of moving to public computing clouds like AWS. But now those clouds are part of Ciscos growth plans, Kip Compton, Ciscos senior vice president of the cloud platform, told Reuters. Cisco is offering new software tools, based on a technology called containers, that let developers slice up applications to run them either in their own data centres, where they might use a lot of Cisco gear, or a cloud data centre like the ones offered by AWS. Developers can also use a mix of both. Ciscos new tools use technology to let businesses move their software applications back and forth between Amazon and their own data centre without interruptions. Compton said the tools will work for companies that do not currently use any Cisco hardware in their data centres, though extra security features will be available to those that do. The way we like to think about it at Cisco is, were growing and adding a software business to a very important hardware business, Compton said in an interview. Cisco last year inked a similar deal with Googles cloud offering. The strategy of using a mix of a businesss own data centres and the cloud, sometimes called hybrid cloud, has become a prominent piece of the growth plans at companies such as Microsoft and International Business Machines. IBMs USD 34 billion acquisition of software maker Red Hat Inc also centres on making it easier to move software applications around among clouds more easily. (Source) FORSYTH TOWNSHIP, MI - A Michigan man is facing a murder charge for the death of his four-month-old infant. 32-year-old Randy James Tuominen was arrested at his parents' home in Ely Township by the Forsyth Township Police Department on Nov. 7. He is facing one charge of homicide and two charges of first-degree child abuse. All are punishable by up to life in prison. The investigation into Tuominen began when emergency personnel was called to the 100 block of Constellation Street on Sept. 28 after a report of an unresponsive four-month-old infant. Tuominen was arrested and taken to the Marquette County Jail without incident. Tuominen was arraigned Thursday via video conference in Marquette District Court. His bond was set at $350,000. A preliminary hearing for the case is scheduled for Dec. 3. The Department of Human Services Child Protection Division and the Marquette County Sheriff's Office assisted in the investigation. ST. CLAIR SHORES, MI -- A memorial service will be held for Axe, the four-year-old police dog shot and killed last week, according for police. The service will be held Wednesday, Nov. 14 at the Greek Assumption Church in St. Clair Shores starting at 1 p.m. Axe was killed by Theoddeus Gray, a 29-year-old Detroit man who allegedly was spotted outside of a banquet hall with a gun. When police arrived on the scene, Gray fled the scene. Officers deployed Axe to track Gray, who shot the dog as it approached him. Officers returned fire on Gray who was struck. He was then transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. With all the ballots counted in Tuesday's election, Gretchen Whitmer took 53 percent of the ballots compared to 44 percent for Bill Schuette in the race for Michigan governor. Below is a map that shows the vote outcome by county. You can put your cursor over a county to see the underlying data. In addition, here is an online database that show the percentage of voters by county who backed the winning candidate in the races for governor, U.S. senator, secretary of state and attorney general, and voted "yes" for each of the three statewide proposals. See how your county voted The map shows the vote specifically in the governor's race. You can put your cursor over a county to see the underlying data. A few notes: Whitmer won 17 of 83 counties. She won Kent County Counties with the highest percentage support for Whitmer were Washtenaw (72 percent), Wayne (70 percent) and Ingham (67 percent). Counties with the highest support for Schuette were Missaukee (71 percent), Hillsdale (66 percent) and Osceola (65 percent). County with the narrowest margin was Grand Traverse, where Whitmer lost by 1.7 percent of the vote, 23,220 to 24,031. Republican Gov. Rick Snyder won 58 percent of the vote in 2010 and 51 percent in 2014. Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm won with 51 percent in 2002 and 56 percent in 2006. You can compare the gubernatorial map with the map of counties that voted for President Trump in 2016. One of the bigger surprises in Michigan's election this week was Republican John James' relatively strong showing against U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow. Stabenow won her fourth term with 52 percent of the vote, her poorest showing since she was first elected to the Senate in 2000 with a slender victory over incumbent Spence Abraham. A relative unknown earlier this year, James was helped by a compelling biography: He is an African-American Republican who also is a West Point graduate, Iraq War veteran and helps run his family's business in Detroit. Compared to her 6-point win over James, Stabenow won by 21 percentage points in 2012 against former U.S. Rep. Peter Hoekstra and by 14 points against Mike Bouchard in 2006. In 2000, Stabenow had 49.5 percent of the vote and Abraham had 47.9 percent. Below is a look at how Michigan counties voted in Tuesday's contest. But first, here is an online database that show the percentage of voters by county who backed the winning candidate in the races for governor, U.S. senator, secretary of state and attorney general, and voted "yes" for each of the three statewide proposals. See how your county voted The map shows the vote specifically in the U.S. Senate race. You can put your cursor over a county to see the underlying data. A few notes: Stabenow won only 15 of 83 counties, but took Wayne, Oakland and Macomb, which account for 39 percent of Michigan population. Counties that gave her the highest percentage of support were Washtenaw (69 percent), Wayne (67 percent) and Ingham (65 percent). Counties that gave the highest percentage of support to James were Missaukee (71 percent), Hillsdale (67 percent) and Osceola (66 percent). The county most equally divided between the two candidates was Kent, which Stabenow won by 645 votes -- a winning margin of 0.3 percent. You can compare the above map with the map of counties that voted for President Trump in 2016. This story and map has been corrected to reflect the correct number of counties that went to U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow in 2018 and the name of her 2006 opponent. Congresswoman-elect Elissa Slotkin says she won't be supporting Nancy Pelosi for the top U.S. House leadership position next term, telling reporters Thursday that it's time for a different generation of leadership. Slotkin completed her first post-election tour of the district Thursday, stopping in Rochester, Brighton and Lansing to meet with supporters following her win against incumbent Rep. Mike Bishop, R-Rochester. Throughout the election cycle, attack ads against Slotkin alleged she was a Washington insider who was "hand-picked" by Pelosi to replace Bishop in the House. But Slotkin said although she respects Pelosi's work, she would be supporting a change in House leadership. "I never want to be disrespectful to someone who has served, especially a woman who has broken glass ceilings," Slotkin said. "I just think we need to hear what people are telling us, which is they want a different generation of leadership on both sides of the aisle. So no, I would not support Nancy Pelosi." Slotkin said she considers herself part of a different generation of leadership who are coming to politics after successful careers in other fields. She said she plans to challenge the notion that freshmen lawmakers come to Washington, D.C. with no idea what's going on and should do what they're told by party leaders. "I know certainly for myself, just because party leadership tells me to do something does not mean I'm doing it," she said. "I think that's new, I think that's different and I think they're going to feel it immediately." Unofficial election night tallies show Slotkin, of Holly, taking 50.61 percent of the vote to Bishop's 46.78 percent. She'll be the first Democrat to represent the 8th District since 2000. Slotkin said her top priorities include reforming the country's campaign finance system and bringing more transparency to corporate PAC spending, as well as making significant progress on improving the country's health care and infrastructure systems. She said she doesn't want to get into an "intractable political battle" with President Donald Trump's administration and is willing to compromise with Republicans to make meaningful progress, but believes Democrats having power in the House to set the agenda will be a good way to investigate certain actions by the administration that have been "swept under the rug." "Before we even talk about laws, just sunlight on some of the things going on beneath the surface I think will be a healthy, good thing," she said. Slotkin also used her Lansing appearance to tell supporters that one of her first priorities would be to open a constituent services office in the city, which was greeted with loud cheers. Slotkin, of Holly, served three tours in Iraq with the CIA before holding several positions with the U.S. State Department and the Department of Defense. Slotkin most recently served as a top adviser to two Secretaries of Defense on the Middle East, Europe and NATO, Russia, Africa, and the Western Hemisphere. She recently moved back to her family's farm after 15 years holding several intelligence and national defense posts during the administrations of Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. JACKSON, MI - Financial challenges and a labor shortage are to blame as a forging company in Jackson prepares to close operations. Lefere Forge is closing its plant at 665 Hupp Ave. in Jackson in the coming weeks, according to an email sent to customers last week. Alidor Lefere founded the business, which has been passed down through the family since it opened in June 1929. Representatives from Lefere Forge didn't return phone calls and emails regarding the closure. The company's website has been taken down since the announcement. "Regrettably Lefere Forge is announcing today the plant is closing. The last several years have been challenging financially, and a continuing labor shortage has not allowed us to operate the plant efficiently," the Nov. 1 email said. "We anticipate shutting the plant down within approximately the next four weeks. We cannot thank you enough for your past business and support." Approximately 60 employees will be displaced, said Nicole Bell, communications manager for Michigan Works Southeast. MWSE can connect laid-off workers with similar job openings in other companies, Bell said, by calling 517-841-5627. When it first opened, Lefere Forge made wheel hubs and gear blanks for the auto industry. It's diversified in recent years, with the addition of CNC machines and other emerging technology, according to the company's timeline - formerly on its website. Alidor was 19 years old when he came to the United States from Belgium with his brother Henry in 1905. Henry became the vice president of Lefere Forge when the company began. Peter Lefere is the current president of the company, taking over in 2014. JACKSON, MI - City voters overwhelming shot down two amendments to Jackson's city charter, but the proposed changes are being enacted anyway, city officials said. The first amendment on the Nov. 6 election ballot proposed eliminating the requirement for the city's top four appointed officials to live in the city - which 65.5 percent of voters disagreed with. The second amendment would have eliminated the requirement for ward numbers on petitions and the requirement for petition circulators to be city residents - which 55.3 percent of people voted down. The charter requirements in question go against state law, Public Information Officer Aaron Dimick said. "(The results) show that voters in the city did not support these changes, however this is not going to change anything for city government going forward," Dimick said. "The city is already complying with state rules regarding these charter sections." City officials have already been disregarding the two charter requirements due to state law, and wanted to clean up the charter to reflect that, officials said. Instead, they will likely make a footnote in these sections of the charter, noting the situation, Dimick said. "The city cannot legally enforce these charter rules," Dimick said. Public Act 212 of 1999 does bar cities from requiring the appointed officials - which are the city manager, attorney, assessor and clerk in Jackson - from living in the city. But it also gives cities the option of setting a range for how close officials have to live in relation to the city limits, as long as it's at least 20 miles. This potential compromise has not been officially suggested, officials have said. For now, appointed officials won't have any residency requirements - following state law and ignoring the city charter. A third proposal from the Charter Review Committee never made it to the ballot. A plan to make the treasurer position appointed instead of elected was nixed by City Council in June. Other ballot proposals had more luck in Jackson County - as Blackman Township's road millage and Cement City's extra operating millage renewal passed. KALAMAZOO, MI -- An agreement to remove contamination from land surrounded by a federal Superfund site was approved by the city of Kalamazoo. Monday, the City Commission adopted a resolution to comply with a settlement with the EPA and U.S. Department of Justice to clean up land contaminated by historic paper mills. The agreement absolves the city's Brownfield Redevelopment Authority of liability for contamination that happened before it purchases the land from the Michigan Land Bank. The EPA agreed not to sue or take any administrative action against the city for the existing contamination. This includes hazardous substances that migrate on the property from the Superfund site in the future. The city's brownfield authority plans to purchase the 22-acre former Panelyte Paper property at 2403 S. Burdick St. from the Michigan Land Bank. For years, Kalamazoo has considered ways to redevelop land surrounding the Allied Paper/Portage Creek/Kalamazoo River Superfund site. A 2009 reuse plan described it as a blighted, largely abandoned area. Deputy City Manager Jeff Chamberlain said the Panelyte property would be redeveloped alongside the much larger 95-acre Allied Paper property. The 2009 plan proposes a business park with green space and nature trails on the former Pantelyte site. Even under the best case scenario, it would take several years for any development to occur, according to brownfield authority minutes. Commissioners were hopeful that the area will see a positive use in the future. "We've been working with this a long time," said Commissioner Jack Urban. "We never thought it would be possible when we first started." City staff regularly met with representatives from the state, EPA and bankruptcy trustees for four years. The brownfield authority has stressed the importance of acquiring Panelyte since 2011. The Agreement represents a unique arrangement for EPA in its efforts to clean up and redevelop Superfund sites. Chamberlain said usually the EPA forces a responsible party to clean up pollution, but in this case the corporate owner is long gone. Kalamazoo hired Grant Gilezan, an expert in environmental law, to negotiate with EPA. "He's been very helpful in working with the city as we get into negotiations with state of Michigan and federal government to make sure city of Kalamazoo tax payers are protected," Chamberlain said. Federal and state agencies have spent nearly 30 years mitigating contamination of polychrloinated biphenyls from paper manufacturers at the Superfund site. Waste was dumped into landfills which contaminated the Kalamazoo River and Portage Creek. In 1990, EPA declared the Allied Paper/Portage Creek/Kalamazoo River as a Superfund site. A portion of the Superfund Site covered under the agreement is known as the Allied Paper Landfill. In 1998, the EPA excavated waste and contaminated sediment from an impoundment on Portage Creek. The material was relocated within the Superfund site. Cleanup efforts hit a snag when Lyondell Chemical Company attempted to dodge paying for the cleanup of the Allied Paper Mill property. The company's corporate predecessor operated a paper mill known to dispose hazardous waste there. However, a 2010 bankruptcy settlement forced Lyondell to pay millions of dollars toward environmental cleanup. A trust required by the settlement has grown to $41 million dollars, according to a city memo. Since the bankruptcy, EPA and the city received community input on the various ways to clean-up the site. Total removal of all contaminated material would have exceeded the funds held by the trust, but only capping the contaminated areas was not supported either. A record of decision signed by the EPA in 2016 outlines the final plan to remove contamination from a portion of the Superfund site. The city agreed Monday to implement the plan and submit periodic reviews to EPA regarding whether the remedial actions continue to protect human health and the environment. The city is required to immediately take action if waste material is released during the cleanup. EPA will provide additional funding through its own sources or by requiring any of the principal responsible parties for the contamination to contribute. EPA requires the excavation, transportation and capping of materials contaminated with hazardous substances. Portions of the property which have PCBs in concentrations greater than 1 ppm after the clean up can't be used for residential purposes. The EPA can require to the city to assist in any future community involvement activities in order to keep public apprised of cleanup activities. The city agreed not to use the land for something that causes contamination to migrate. Construction of groundwater wells, either for drinking water, irrigation or some other use, is prohibited. The Panelyte site was turned over to the Michigan Land Bank through tax foreclosure. "We offered to take the Panelyte property to facilitate bigger picture," Chamberlain said. GALESBURG, MI -- Emotions ran high at a Galesburg city meeting Thursday, with many residents speaking out against a proposed lease that would grant a private company oil and gas rights in a public park. Over 80 residents of Galesburg and surrounding areas filled Galesburg City Hall Thursday, Nov. 8. Most asked Galesburg City Council to reject the proposed lease. Thursday's meeting was intended to be informational, and the city council took no action on the proposal. But the proposal is listed on the agenda for the upcoming Monday, Nov. 12, meeting. City Hall sits adjacent to the Galesburg Community Park at 200 E. Michigan Ave., where Savoy Energy LP, based in Traverse City, is looking to lease oil and gas rights. The proposed lease states the only surface operation allowed through the lease would be seismic surveys, conducted by the company. The company is requesting the oil and gas rights to 22.53 acres of park land, rights currently held by the city of Galesburg. The proposed lease would also grant the company the right to any oil and gas beneath roads, lakes, creeks or rivers adjacent to the property and owned by the city. The city park extends south from City Hall to the banks of the Kalamazoo River. Citizens voiced concerns over water and air quality, and potential geographic disturbances if oil operations were conducted in the city. Many residents asked that council simply say no. During the more than two-hour-long meeting, all but one person offering public comment spoke out against the lease. The proximity of the park to the Kalamazoo River was a key concern. Residents spoke about the fallout from the 2010 Enbridge Energy's 6B pipeline rupture in the Talmadge Creek that sent 843,000 gallons of diluted bitumen, also known as crude tar sands oil, into the Kalamazoo River tributary. John Bolenbaugh, who identified himself as a former Enbridge Energy employee, said he would do everything in his power to keep a new oil operation away from the river. "I'm going to spend every dollar I've got to get you voted out if you vote to let (the oil lease) happen," Bolenbaugh said. Residents filled Galesburg City Hall Thursday, Nov. 8. Most in attendance asked Galesburg City Council to reject a proposed lease that would give a private oil company rights to oil and gas beneath Galesburg Community Park. Representatives from Savoy Energy, though sometimes interrupted by members of the public, attempted to answer questions about the lease. The lease would allow the company to conduct a second stage of seismographic testing, Savoy Energy LP representative Steve Dupuie said. The first stage of testing was conducted along the road with trucks surveying the area for potential oil reserves through two-dimensional seismographic testing, Dupuie said. After detecting potential mineral reserves in the area, the company must obtain leases from property owners that allow the company to conduct three-dimensional testing on their land. "The results of the 3-D seismic -- that will give them the idea that, yes this formation has the potential to produce oil and gas," he said. Contractors have acquired several leases from other land owners in the area, Dupuie said. Some of the leases obtained would allow surface operation, including drilling. The lease proposed to the city would not allow surface operation on the land, he said. "It's a non-developmental lease, where we will not come on the property for roadways, storing tanks, drilling rigs, pipelines," Dupuie said. "It just would allow (Savoy) to include the city land into another producing unit where the city would get payed a royalty on any production." Under the Savoy Energy proposal, the city would be given $200 per acre, or $4,506 total, and one-eighth of any resulting royalties. In answer to questions fielded by those in attendance, Dupuie said Savoy Energy would not be legally allowed to drill into any land without a lease. "The oil is not a lake, it's in solid rock," he said. "If you can imagine a rock that looks something like a sponge that would be full of oil, you can put a straw in part of that sponge and start sucking out some of that oil, but you're not going to dry up the entire sponge. You're going to have to start drilling another well and another well or go horizontal." Everyone receiving royalties would know how much oil is in their acreage, how much is being produced and what it is being sold for, Dupuie said. Of the city council members in attendance Thursday, only two will still be on the council in January. Three new members were elected in November, as was a new mayor. City Council members said the board would likely table any decision on the lease proposal until those new members take office. But the official decision on whether to table that decision would need to wait for the council's next meeting on Monday, Nov. 12, members said. Mayor-elect Lori West, who defeated incumbent Mayor Keith Diller in the Nov. 6 election, attended the meeting Thursday. West said there is history that needed to be recognized by oil companies coming into Galesburg. "This is a city that is still in trauma," she said, addressing the Savoy Energy representatives. "They still have oil coming up in their yards from Enbridge. It's not your fault. "You guys have taken a beating, I get that. But understand where you're coming into. There's trauma here." West's main question to Savoy Energy and members of city council was, "Do the risks outweigh the financial benefits?" The lease was proposed to the Galesburg City Council, reviewed by the council's attorney, amended and then resubmitted for the council's consideration. Savoy has been speaking at various council meetings throughout the year, Councilwoman Judy Lemon said. The council has not taken action on any lease and will listen to the public, she added. At the October council meeting, a Galesburg resident requested the council hold a public comment meeting to discuss the proposed lease. The council granted the resident's request, but the resident said he did not think they would have held a meeting if he had not asked for one. Many residents asked why they were just hearing about the lease now. Lemon encouraged residents to attend more council meetings and said the council would listen to residents and act based on their wishes because city land belongs to the public. "You are the people who are going to make these decisions," she said. " We're not a separate entity that's going to just go ahead and Juggerknot through this whole situation." KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI -- The man shot and killed in a Kalamazoo County mobile home park earlier this year was known as a "squatter and a drug user around the park." David Gino Teneyuque, 48, was shot and killed by six police officers from several Kalamazoo County jurisdictions April 18. The shooting was investigated by Michigan State Police, and Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeff Getting ruled earlier this year the officers were justified in shooting Teneyuque. More than 840 pages of police reports obtained by MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette through the Freedom of Information Act shed light on the events leading up to the fatal shots. Officers were dispatched at 11:12 a.m. on a call of a man in a van who refused to leave a driveway. The manager of the mobile home park told police he knew Teneyuque well, and said Teneyuque and his then-wife lived at the park about 10 years prior to the shooting and he had no problem with him. He said they got divorced and Teneyuque started using meth. Treated with 'kid gloves' The manager said Teneyuque and his girlfriend were homeless and often tried to find a place to sleep in the park. He said they would break into vacant units or park in other residents' driveways. A week before the shooting, the manager said his maintenance employees notified him the van was parked at a residence. He said he told the homeowner there to kick them off the property or he would tow the van and start evicting the homeowner. The homeowner told the office manager he was scared of confronting Teneyuque about leaving. On the day of the shooting, the manager contacted the sheriff's department to file a trespassing complaint. The deputies tried to get Teneyuque out of the vehicle. The manager said he could hear Teneyuque yelling at deputies to shoot him. He said he could tell the situation was escalating so he told residents who had gathered nearby to leave and he went back to the leasing office. "(The manager) stated that he has always treated Gino with 'kid gloves' because he believed that Gino had been in possession of firearms in the past," a Michigan State Police trooper wrote in a report. "He stated that there was a period of time in which Gino was hanging out with two individuals in the park that were later arrested for robbing a bank in Galesburg." Teneyuque was combative, verbally abusive and taunting toward officers, and threatened violence toward several officers on the scene, according to the reports. The first deputy on the scene, Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Deputy Mark Caley, arrived at 11:35 a.m. Caley said just before noon that day Teneyuque told police "they are going to have to kill him and put him in a 'pine box.'" About 25 minutes later, Teneyuque yelled "I'm not going back to jail." Officers observed Teneyuque waving a "Glock magazine" around, then minutes later briefly pointed a weapon toward officers. He then got out of the van and passed a gun from his left and right hand, yelled at officers to shoot him and then brandished a gun in each hand, according to reports. "Suspect out in open with gun in right hand yelling, 'Shoot me, b----,'" dash cam from a deputy's cruiser recorded at 12:42 p.m., according to a Michigan State Police report. 'He knew it was gonna go bad' Chrystal Courtney, Teneyuque's girlfriend, said in an April 18 interview with detectives Teneyuque had spent most of his life in prison and didn't want to go back. She told detectives in an interview April 18 "he's got warrants too and he doesn't want to give the jail any more of his time." State prison records show Teneyuque spent about 18 years in jail or prison for multiple offenses, including possession of meth, domestic violence, larceny, home invasion and retail fraud, according to Michigan Department of Corrections spokesman Chris Gautz. She said Teneyuque got out of jail in December 2017 and said he would do "suicide by cop" because he didn't want to go back to jail. She said initially two officers and the park manager came to the van and told them they had to move. She said they told them the van was going to be towed but she thought they were there to arrest her and Teneyuque. She said she knew Gino was going to do suicide by cop "because Gino knows that them cops don't know for sure if them guns are real or not, so they are gonna act like they're gonna handle, their procedure, you know, and who knows how that's gonna go. He knew it was gonna go bad, and that's what he was hoping for." Courtney said they used the bathroom and shower in a friend's mobile home, but they lived in the 1996 maroon Plymouth Voyager van. They had been staying in the vehicle for about a month and used an extension cord from the mobile home to power a small heater in the van. She said she was next to Teneyuque when he flashed the gun at officers. She said she told him to stop and she wanted to get out. Police were trying to get Gino to let her out and she told Gino to tell them she was packing up her stuff to get it out of the van. Packing her stuff took a while because she was nervous about the confrontation, she told police. She said Gino had two magazines with two 9-millimeter rounds and said Gino said he was going to use the ammunition to scare the officers into believing the gun he had was real. She said when she got out of the van she told police he had an airsoft pistol and a BB gun, but also told police he had the 9-millimeter magazines that didn't go to those guns. She said Gino talked about suicide by cop multiple times. "She said he was paranoid and just didn't want to go back to jail," an officer wrote in a report. Trooper Joshua Arnold said on the scene that during negotiations with police Teneyuque said he would only leave the scene in a casket, and said "One man lives, one man dies." "At one point, the suspect looked at me and raised his middle finger at me and said that he sees me," Arnold wrote. Neighbors told police Teneyuque and his girlfriend were squatters who sold stolen property and sold marijuana in the park. Another neighbor said Teneyuque was known to use drugs and was known as a thief in the trailer park. The person whose property the van was parked on said Teneyuque moved around the park sleeping in cars and sheds. He said Teneyuque asked to park the van in his driveway to avoid being kicked out of the park. He said he told Teneyuque he could park there for a week, but Teneyuque had been squatting in his driveway for more than a month. He said Teneyuque had been using his extension cord even though he had told him not to. The man said a deputy asked him to leave his home and he took his dog on a walk, missing the shooting. "He stated the suspect had told him several times that he had been to prison and would never go back," an MSP officer wrote in a report. "The suspect told (the man) at one point that he would rather die and would kill himself before he ever went back to jail." At one point, Teneyuque shot toward officers, KCSO Deputy Mark Caley said. He said he saw the muzzle flash and said officers had great restraint in not returning fire. Officers had reason to believe the guns Teneyuque had, which looked like real guns, were real, Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeff Getting later said, though officers didn't find any real guns at the scene. Other officers responding to the scene were told there was a situation with a barricaded gunman who had fired off a round. Teneyuque had a firearm in each hand Witnesses interviewed by police say they saw Teneyuque waving a gun around and telling police "just kill me." One officer who had arrested Teneyuque in the past, KCSO Deputy Steven Compo, said Teneyuque looked at him and said, "I should cap your a--." Teneyuque waved a firearm magazine in the air, at one point had a firearm in each hand, then would hold one at a time, according to police reports from officers on the scene. He made suicidal statements, said he was going to raise the gun and said he would take one of them out with him, he said if anyone was behind him that he would start shooting. He brandished the firearms continuously throughout the incident without raising or pointing them. One gun appeared to be a semi-automatic and the other appeared to be a revolver. He also was carrying two loaded 9 mm magazines. In radio traffic captured in a deputy's dash cam, an officer said "girlfriend says he has a 9 mm mag and wants to get a real gun but all he can get is airsoft and BB gun, that's just what she's saying." Over the course of the hour-long negotiation, he was either seated in the van behind the driver seat or would stand outside the driver-side door, using the door as a shield. Occasionally he would step around the driver door and expose himself. The Kalamazoo Metro SWAT Team was dispatched to the scene and troopers from the Michigan State Police also responded. They communicated with Teneyuque from across the road and were able to convince him to allow his girlfriend to leave the van. Police negotiated with the man for about an hour to try to get him to surrender but were unsuccessful. Officers developed a plan Officers attempted to take Teneyuque into custody using bean bag rounds and a police dog. They rolled a water bottle to him to get him away from the van in order to hit him with the bean bag rounds to disable him and send a police dog in. Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Deputy Steven Compo requested the Kalamazoo SWAT team respond to the scene and requested the "less than lethal" bean bag rounds, Deputy Mark Caley said in a report. After about an hour of negotiation between Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Sgt. Ward Lawrence and Teneyuque, Compo developed a plan. Teneyuque requested a bottle of water, and Compo slid the water to him. The first bottle broke, but a second bottle landed north of the van. The plan was to have Teneyuque leave the cover of the van to get the water. When he was in the open an officer would deploy the bean bag rounds and send in the K9 to apprehend him. When the bean bag rounds were fired at Teneyuque, he raised his arm and pointed a gun at officers. Members of the SWAT team and the state trooper fired 15 rounds at Teneyuque, striking him nine times. The officers who shot Teneyuque are Lawrence, Michigan State Police Trooper Joshua Arnold, Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Sgt. Michael Ferguson, Western Michigan University Sgt. Troy Moratti, WMU Public Safety Officer Dylan Vandenberg and Kalamazoo Township Police Officer Zachery Zuk. "(The manager said (he could specifically recall officer Lawrence telling Geno that 'it's not worth it' and that 'there was no reason to go this route,'" Anderson said in a report. "(The manager) added that the deputies stayed calm and collected through the whole interaction and that he further recalled Deputy Lawrence telling (Teneyuque) something to the effect that he was a young guy and that it was only two warrants and that it was not a big deal." At the time of the standoff and shooting, Teneyuque had multiple warrants for his arrest, including a child support failure to appear out of Saginaw County, a bench warrant for failure to appear on a felony drug charge in Allegan County, a misdemeanor warrant for retail fraud, a felony drug warrant in Kalamazoo County and warrants for malicious destruction of property and a probation violation in Kent County. A maintenance worker who watched the shooting told Anderson he saw the police dog running in Teneyuque's direction once he began walking toward the water. He said he saw Teneyuque point a gun at officers and officers opening fire. "(The worker) stressed that he could see the gun clearly when Gino was standing near the van and when he pointed toward officers, a state trooper wrote in a report. "(He) stated he wouldn't have expected the situation to end that way and stated he never knew Gino to be aggressive or act in that manner." "He verbalized that he wanted to kill the police and at no point did he come down to a rational level talk or thought," Lawrence wrote in a different report. During the negotiation, Lawrence persuaded Teneyuque to allow his girlfriend to leave his vehicle. She was subsequently arrested on outstanding warrants for third-degree retail fraud and possession of meth out of Allegan County. Lawrence also was able to convince him to put one of the two pistols down on the seat of the vehicle. After shooting him, police attempted life-saving efforts on Teneyuque. He was taken to Bronson Methodist Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Michigan State Police investigated the shooting, and all weapons involved were seized as evidence. Evidence seized at the scene included 15 0.223-caliber cartridge casings, three 12-gauge shotgun shells and two beanbag rounds fired by police. Police also found a 9 mm magazine with 15 rounds, a Crossman 357 revolver 0.177-caliber pellet gun and a baggie containing suspected marijuana in Teneyuque's van. Police found a Crossman PSM45 Metal Slide Air Pistol BB gun and a 9 mm magazine with 15 rounds on the ground next to Teneyuque. Teneyuque's cause of death was ruled as multiple gunshot wounds, and his manner of death was ruled a homicide. Toxicology tests showed Teneyuque had meth, amphetamine and THC in his system. Getting later ruled police were justified in shooting Teneyuque. "Police had every reason to believe that the gun pointed at them was a semi-automatic handgun immediately capable of killing them, other officers and the other people present," Getting said at a May 31 press conference announcing his ruling. "They each had an honest and reasonable belief that they and others were in immediate danger of serious injury or death." Getting said the officers' actions were necessary to protect them and others from danger. "The seriousness of the threat posed, the need for immediate action and the reasonableness of the police action is further shown by the fact that multiple officers all saw the same thing and responded in the same way at the same time," Getting said. The ministry has been drafting a code of conduct for the internet to build a healthy and safe network environment. Both Facebook and Google, both of which are widely used in Vietnam and serve as the main platforms for dissidents. (Photo: AP) Vietnam wants 50 per cent of its social media customers to use domestic social networks by 2020 and plans to prevent toxic information on Facebook and Google, the information ministry said in a statement on Thursday. The ministry has been drafting a code of conduct for the internet to build a healthy and safe network environment. We are also conducting research into measures which would prevent negative and toxic information on two foreign platforms, Facebook and Google, the ministry said in its statement. Despite sweeping economic reforms and growing openness to social change, Vietnams ruling Communist Party tolerates little dissent and exercises strict controls over media. Last week, the government released a long-awaited draft decree on guidelines to implement a cybersecurity law that global technology companies and rights groups have said could undermine development and stifle innovation. Both Facebook and Google, both of which are widely used in Vietnam and serve as the main platforms for dissidents, do not have local offices or local data storage facilities and have objected to the localisation requirements of the law. In September, Minister of Information Nguyen Manh Hung said Vietnam should promote home-grown social media networks to compete with the likes of Facebook and capture more of the market. Thursdays statement said three Vietnamese firms would be assigned the task of increasing the market share to 50 per cent: a messaging app called Zalo, owned by VNG Corp, a video-sharing platform called Mocha, and an online publisher, VCCorp, which runs several news and e-commerce websites. Zalo is Vietnams premier chatting platform, with more than 100 million users, but Mocha and VCCorp struggle to match the massive popularity of Googles YouTube and Facebook. (Source) CLAYBANKS TOWNSHIP, MI - Construction recently began on a nearly 4,000-head pig farm in western Michigan, but an opposition group is trying to stop it while its petition with the state is alive. Reviving our American Democracy (ROAD) is seeking a Muskegon County Circuit Court injunction to stop construction of a confined animal feed operation (CAFO) owned by Flower Creek Swine in Claybanks Township, north of Montague, according to a news release. In July, ROAD filed a petition with the state seeking the revocation of the CAFO's operating permit. Members of the group believe construction should be delayed until the petition process is complete. The permit, which is valid through Oct. 1, 2022, was granted by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) in May. The family-owned CAFO, which would house up to 4,000 pigs, would be located within 300 acres of property near the Flower Creek watershed that flows into nearby Lake Michigan. Flower Creek Swine expects to have an average of 3,675 pigs on site, each ranging from 15 to 255 pounds. A single covered and enclosed barn would house the animals and sit overtop a 1.5 million-gallon concrete pit that would collect waste through slatted floors. The manure would be pumped into tankers for land application, which the farmers who own the CAFO say is needed in the area. Concrete was poured for the manure pit in October, owner Jacob Marsh said. Potential manure pit leaks and ground application potentially compromising water quality are at the crux of ROAD's protests. In the petition to the DEQ, ROAD claims that the permit terms don't protect water quality in the nearby Flower Creek watershed, which feeds into Lake Michigan. "The science is clear that manure runoff from this type of large-scale confined livestock facility is fatal to cold water fisheries," Margot Haynes, a ROAD member, said in a prepared statement. "We can and should protect our natural resources better than this." The DEQ responded earlier to public concerns, voiced during a hearing in January and in written comments, by approving a more restrictive permit that requires Flower Creek Swine to track and document where manure goes and how it is applied to the land. But new information has been gathered that the DEQ should consider, according to ROAD. After ROAD filed its petition, baseline water quality testing of Flower Creek showed that the creek has already suffered due to high E. coli levels, excess sediment and nutrient loading, and is at an "ecological tipping point," according to a press release issued by ROAD. The organization says that "runoff from the CAFO" would degrade water quality to the point of destroying the creek's cold-water fishery. "This water quality study ... provides substantial new information for the department to consider as part of the contested case," the press release states. Since the petition was filed, there has been one deliberation meeting between the parties, Haynes said. A second meeting is expected. The purpose of the meetings is to address concerns and reach a compromise between ROAD, Flower Creek Swine and the DEQ, Megan McMahon, environmental quality analyst for the DEQ, said previously. If that fails, the petition would go to an administrative rules judge. It is very rare for a permit to be rescinded in this situation, McMahon said earlier. McMahon did not immediately return a call seeking comment on ROAD's attempt to seek an injunction halting construction. The feeling among ROAD members is that Flower Creek Swine is attempting to circumvent the petition process by building its facility prior to its conclusion, Haynes said. But, according to Marsh, that's not the case. "We were granted the permit by the DEQ," Marsh said. "We're not trying to go around the DEQ." Marsh is working to diversify his family's farm. He started the CAFO application process during April 2017. The Marsh family also grows corn and soy and has a 160-head dairy cow operation. The family has been farming for 23 years and moved to the property in Claybanks about 13 years ago. Storing, transporting and spreading manure is not new to the family, David Marsh, Jacob Marsh's father, said previously. Manure from the dairy operation is used to fertilize the corn and soy fields, and the pig manure would be sold to local farmers as fertilizer, which he said is better for the environment than artificial fertilizer currently being used. ARCore coding teardown reveals Googles plans to unveil affordable Pixel devices with midrange internals. Bonito will be based on a Snapdragon 710 SoC while Sargo will be using one of the newer Snapdragon 600 series chips as its brains. (Representational Photo: Pixel 3 XL) Googles most hyped Pixel 3 has been on the shelves for a while and with a premium price tag, its mostly out of reach for those who care for their wallet as well. Google brought down the price of the older Pixel 2 XL drastically, but the slightly older underlying technology makes it a tough sell over the likes of the OnePlus 6T and ASUS Zenfone 5z. It seems that Google wants to keep its game strong in the affordable segment with two new mid-range smartphones. Rumours of an affordable Google-branded smartphone were doing rounds of the Internet a few months ago and some fresh information has come out related to that. An APK teardown of ARCore 1.5 by Android Police has found evidence of two mysterious devices that follow Googles nomenclature for unreleased phones Google codenames for unreleased phones are based on fish names. There will be a bigger model akin to the Pixel 3 XL, called the Bonito while a smaller one is under development by the name of Sargo. Previously, another leak from Roland Quandt mentioned that Bonito will be based on a Snapdragon 710 SoC while Sargo will be using one of the newer Snapdragon 600 series chips as its brains. The midrange chips will help Google price it much lower than what the mainstream Pixel devices sell for. While theres no other information regarding these new phones, its expected that Google will ship these with a Pixel-like UI experience and will be guaranteed for the latest as well as timely Android updates. The smaller Sargo could sport a Pixel 3-like design while the Bonito could go ahead with a notched display. There could be a possibility that Google will opt for LCD panels on these instead of AMOLED panels to keep the costs under control. They could also do with single camera setups for both the front and rear, and considering Googles prowess in computational photography, these phones could be some of the best midrange phones for shooting photos. Theres also a chance that Google could revive the Nexus lineup with these two handsets and go head-to-head with OnePlus, ASUS, Honor, Huawei and Samsung. Do note that these are still rumours and until an official confirmation comes out, you should take this with a pinch of salt. (source) Senior vice president Xiang Wang said Britain had a cool factor that aligned with the companys appeal to its customers. Xiaomis UK product line-up is led by the Mi 8 Pro, which has a dual camera powered by artificial intelligence. Xiaomi, the worlds fourth-ranked smartphone maker, entered Britain on Thursday with the international debut of its flagship Mi 8 Pro, which it hopes will win fans in a market dominated by Samsung and Apple. Senior vice president of Xiaomi, Xiang Wang, speaks at a UK launch event in London, Britain, Senior vice president Xiang Wang said Britain had a cool factor that aligned with the companys appeal to its customers. The UK is one of the important global centres for technology, he said in an interview ahead of the companys London launch. It is a young energetic place, so pretty much fits our culture - we want to be the coolest company in our fans minds. Xiaomi, which listed in July and has a market value of about USD 44 billion, initially targeted other Asian markets for overseas expansion, notably India, where it toppled Samsung as the top smartphone seller earlier this year. The company, founded in 2010, made its European debut in Spain a year ago - where according to research firm Canalys it already ranks third - followed by France and Italy this year. It said in August that overseas revenue for the quarter ending June 30 had more than doubled year-on-year. Xiaomis UK product line-up is led by the Mi 8 Pro, which has a dual camera powered by artificial intelligence, a 6.21-inch high-definition AMOLED display, a pressure-sensitive in-display fingerprint sensor and a transparent glass back cover. It is also bringing its entry-level Redmi 6A device, priced from 99 pounds (USD 130), Wang said, and some of the other products in the Mi range, including its Xiaomi Band 3 fitness band and an electric scooter. The companys products will be sold both online and in store, including at an authorised Mi outlet due to open in Londons Westfield mall on November 18. Online we will do mi.com and we will work with every online channel including Amazon and others, Wang said. Offline partners will include Carphone Warehouse and the exclusive launch carrier channel will be 3. (Source) by Pierre Balanian Bashir Faisal Al Huweidi was an important dignitary of the Arabian tribes of the Northeast Syrian, allied with the Kurds. But he was against the supremacy of the Kurds. Daesh's claim for his murder was a "fake news": the Islamist website had been hacked. Now the Arab tribes consider the Syrian Kurds an "occupation force". Al Raqqah (AsiaNews) - The dream of an autonomous Syrian Kurdistan is vanishing between the objections posed by the local Arab population and the Turkish threats on the other. The almost definitive rupture between Kurds and Arabs in Raqqa occurred last week. While the Turkish army struck positions at Tal Jihan (Hassake), held by Al Sanadid an Arab Shemmar tribe militia, joined by the Forces of Democratic Syria (Kassad), on 2 November the body of one of the most important Arab dignitaries, was found in Ar Raqqah shot dead at close range. The victim is Sheikh Bashir Faisal Al Huweidi, one of the most prominent dignitaries of the Syrian Arab tribe of Al Afadila, who support the anti-government revolt and favor the administrative and political autonomy of the Syrian Northeast in view of a future federal system. At the beginning, all suspicions were directed towards Damascus, or towards Ankara, which had already stated its intent to continue the fight against the "terrorists" (read: Kurds) separatists and their supporters even beyond the east bank of the Euphrates. Yet no one has accused the Syrian or Turkish government, indeed on the contrary, Kassad immediately turned the accusatory finger against Daesh (IS). Not even an hour later, a claim of the Islamic State on the official Daesh website appeared that they had "liquidated the unfaithful ally of the Kurds". However, a mundane error exonerates Daesh and unveils that the statement was forged. The claim, in fact, shows the date of the year 2018 DC, but Daesh has always used the date of the Islamic year of the Hegira. The error was immediately corrected, but raised questions: how was it possible to publish a falsified statement on the official Daesh website? Are there organizations outside of Daesh that have access codes for the sites of the Islamic Caliphate? An exponent of the Al Afadila tribe - who demands anonymity - denies that Daesh is behind the assassination. He told AsiaNews: "Sheikh Al Huweida, may Allah have mercy on him, has never fled from Ar Raqqah not even in the most difficult moments when Ar Raqqah was under occupation of Daesh. If Daesh wanted to kill him why did it not do it then? " In fact, the murdered Sheikh had bad relations with the Kurds and was considered the number one enemy of the alliance between the Arab tribes and the Syrian Kurds. This alliance is important for the Kurds in the Northeast, who are not a majority, but who seek the support of the majority Arabs to create Syrian or Rojava Kurdistan. But the Sheikh was opposed to the growing Kurdish supremacy in those Arab lands for centuries and where the Kurds arrived fleeing Turkish persecution immediately after the First World War. The murdered sheikh had opposed the enlargement of Kurdish influence in this Arab region, where for a year now, the laws of the local administration tend to make the Kurdish language dominant, even closing schools that refuse to adopt the education system imposed by them, maintaining the school books chosen by Damascus Ministry of Education. At this point, the Arab tribes accused the Kurds of Kassad of being behind the assassination and announced the breaking of the military, political, economic and social alliance with the Kurds of Northern Syria, at a particular moment when Daesh has managed to impose itself once again in large areas on the border with Iraq. The Arab tribes, among them the tribes of Al Walda, Al Sabkha, Al Ajil, Al Omeyrat, Al Huleisat and Abu Assaf announced in a statement to Ar Raqqah that they want to start a revolt against Kassad and fight against the presence of the Democratic Syria in the Region, stating "that anyone who comes into contact with the Kurds or Kassad will be considered a traitor". The Abu Assaf tribe has even declared the Forces of Democratic Syria as an "Occupation Force". The Arabs of Ar Raqqah refused to welcome Kurdish delegations who came to express condolences and attend the funeral and three-day mourning of the dead Sheikh. Two days ago, 200 dignitaries of Ar Raqqah appealed to the American troops in the region asking them to "conduct an independent and transparent investigation into the assassination and stop any form of support for Kurdish Kassad militias". They accuse the Kurds of having caused, "demographic distortions, forced displacement of the inhabitants, destruction, house fire, arbitrary arrests, torture, armed robbery, disorder, terror, recruitment of adolescents in militias, drug dealing, up to the imposition of prices to agricultural producers and the use of segregation and discrimination in the supply of water, electricity and municipal assignments ". The balance is broken and perhaps the dream of a Syrian Kurdistan, an area rich in water, oil and agrarian land on which all Syria depends. The haste of the Syrian Kurds to imitate their compatriots in Iraq, with laws in favor of separatism and relying only on armed force, have made the illusion of the so-called Rojava fail. And all this while there is a greater advancement of the Syrian regular army from the south and the Turkish army from the west. When she was governor of Manila, the former first lady deposited about 200 million US dollars in Swiss foundations. During the appeal Imelda Marcos can remain a member of the House of Representatives. Her congressional term ends next year, but she applied to replace her daughter as governor of Ilocos Norte. Manila (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The Sandiganbayan, an anti-corruption tribunal judging state officials, has ordered the arrest of Imelda Marcos, the 89-year-old widow of the dictator Ferdinando Marcos. The judges sentenced the former first lady between six and 11 years in prison for each of the seven counts against her. They correspond to as many illegal bank transfers: in the seventies, when she was governor of Manila, Imelda Marcos deposited a total of about 200 million US dollars in the accounts of Swiss foundations. The arrest warrant cannot be executed yet, because the woman can appeal the sentence. The court has banned the defendant from taking public office, but during the appeal Imelda Marcos can remain a member of the House of Representatives. Her third congressional term will end next year, but the former first lady has applied to replace her daughter Imee Marcos, 62, as governor of Ilocos Norte. The northern province is still the stronghold of the powerful Marcos family. Ferdinando Marcos governed the Philippines between 1965 and 1986, placing the country under martial law in 1972. During the regime, thousands of opponents were imprisoned, killed or disappeared. The dictator accumulated over 10 billion dollars while he was in office and died in exile in 1989. The current Filipino president, Rodrigo Duterte, enjoys good ties with the Marcos family and has often praised the deceased despot. In 2016, Duterte allowed the embalmed body of Marcos to be buried in a cemetery of special heroes and in official events is often accompanied by Imee Marcos. by Sumon Corraya More than 104 million voters will go to the polls on 23 December. The election period is usually marked by protests and unrest. During the Christmas period, Christians are very busy: they return to their villages of origin, visit relatives and friends. Bangladesh (AsiaNews) - Christians in Bangladesh are expressing their disappointment at the decision to hold general elections on December 23, two days before Christmas. The final date was announced last night by KM Nurul Huda, head of the Electoral Commission, with a speech on televisions and radio channels. Last week a Christian delegation met with the commissioner precisely to ask that the votes not be fixed in the Advent period, to allow all the families to meet and celebrate the birth of Christ. David Rozario, a Catholic, wrote on Facebook that he was "shocked. Christians are very busy at that time. They return to their villages of origin, visit relatives and friends ". Fr. Sushanto D'Costa urges: "The Electoral Commission has no respect for other religions [other than Islam, majority religion - ed.]". Probir Mondol, video operator for a national TV, complains: "Those who work in the media will never have holidays for Christmas. I am very sad ". With a total population of around 170 million, over 104 million have the right to vote. They are called to choose the 300 members of the Parliament. To oversee the security of the elections, 600 thousand agents will be deployed throughout the country. The problem of tensions during the election period is another aspect highlighted by Christians, who fear they cannot celebrate Christmas in an atmosphere of joy. Despite this, Hemanto Corraya, Secretary General of Bangladesh Christian Association, says: "I am sure we will celebrate both events". by Paul Wang British journalist Victor Mallet was entitled to stay 180 days without a visa. In August he had been refused a work visa. He had hosted a conference by Andy Chan, from the National Independence Party, displeasing Beijing. Two events with the dissident writer Ma Jian also canceled. Hong Kong (AsiaNews) - A Financial Times journalist, Victor Mallet, has been blocked from entering Hong Kong, where he was trying to enter as a tourist. A month earlier Mallet he had been refused the renewal of his work visa, without any explanation. Many people attribute this "punishment" to the fact that Mallet (photo 1), at the time president of the Foreign Correspondent Club (FCC) in Hong Kong, moderated a conference by Andy Chan, the separatist activist, in the halls of the FCC. The invitation to Andy Chan, a member of the since outlawed Hong Kong National Party, had aroused the ire of Beijing who had asked them to cancel the event. The refusal to give Mallet the visa as a tourist is even more serious because the journalist, being British, would have the right to enter the territory for 180 days without any visa. The FCC has demanded explanations from the government, but has received no reply. Under China, Hong Kong should enjoy a high degree of autonomy, guaranteed by the formula "one nation, two systems", but there are now many who denounce the shrinking of many freedoms in the territory, with the consent or silent obedience of the local government. Pan-Democratic Group figures in the Hong Kong parliament have asked the Chief Executive, Carrie Lam, for explanations on the case. They say that such situations undermine the freedom of press and expression and inhibit international companies investing in the territory, once known for its freedom. Almost in the same hours in which Mallet was refused a visa, the Tai Kwun Arts Center canceled two events in which Ma Jian, the Chinese dissident and writer, now in exile in London (photo 2), was to take part. But he was invited to the international literary festival and would present his latest novel, "The Dream of China", which incorporates a slogan by Xi Jinping, and submits it to a strong criticism. But Jian did not find any publisher in the city who wanted to publish his work in Chinese. Perhaps for fear of retaliation or kidnapping by Chinese agents, as was the case for some publishers two years ago. In a joint statement, Francis and the Catholic Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East note the progress on the path of unity and reiterate that "it is not possible to imagine the Middle East without Christians. This conviction is founded not simply on religious grounds, but also on social and cultural realities, since Christians, with other believers, greatly contribute to the specific identity of the region. Vatican City (AsiaNews) Pope Francis and Mar Gewargis III, the Catholicos Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East, signed a joint statement underlining the progress the two Churches have made on the path of unity. The declaration also stressed the primacy of the law, including respect for freedom of religion and equality before the law, based on the principle of citizenship, independent of ethnic origin or religion, as the bases on which to build peace in the Middle East, especially in Syria and Iraq. We share a particular reason for thanksgiving to God, said Francis, namely the Joint Committee for Theological Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Assyrian Church of the East. Just one year ago, I had the joy of receiving its members on the occasion of the signing of the Common Statement on Sacramental Life. The Committee, itself the fruit of dialogue, shows that practical and disciplinary differences are not always an obstacle to unity, and that certain differences in theological expression can be considered complementary rather than conflicting. I pray that the work of the Committee, which in these days enters a third phase of study on ecclesiology, will help us to take one more step on our journey towards the much-desired goal of being able to celebrate the Sacrifice of the Lord at the same altar. The pontiff also noted that the two Churches share the great suffering resulting from the tragic situation endured by so many of our brothers and sisters in the Middle East, who are victims of violence and frequently forced to leave the lands in which they have always lived. They tread the Via Crucis in the footsteps of Christ and, though belonging to different communities, they are forging fraternal relationships among one another and thus becoming, for us, witnesses of unity. Shortly we shall join in prayer for an end to all this suffering and implore from the Lord the gift of peace for the Middle East, above all for Iraq and Syria. Shortly we shall join in prayer for an end to all this suffering and implore from the Lord the gift of peace for the Middle East, above all for Iraq and Syria. The joint statement goes on to reiterate the shared commitment to alleviating the suffering Christians endure in the region. We wish to affirm yet again that it is not possible to imagine the Middle East without Christians. This conviction is founded not simply on religious grounds, but also on social and cultural realities, since Christians, with other believers, greatly contribute to the specific identity of the region: a place of tolerance, mutual respect and acceptance. The Middle East without Christians would no longer be the Middle East. Convinced that Christians will remain in the region only if peace is restored, we lift up our earnest prayers to Christ, the Prince of Peace, asking for the return of that essential fruit of justice (cf. Is 32:17). A truce maintained by walls and displays of power will not lead to peace, since genuine peace can only be attained and preserved through mutual listening and dialogue. We therefore call once again upon the International Community to implement a political solution that recognizes the rights and duties of all parties involved. Christians do not want to be considered a protected minority or a tolerated group, but full citizens whose rights are guaranteed and defended, together with those of all other citizens. Finally, we reaffirm that the more difficult the situation, the more necessary is interreligious dialogue grounded in an attitude of openness, truth and love. Such dialogue is also the best antidote to extremism, which is a threat to the followers of every religion. The United States on Monday re-imposed sanctions against Iran's oil exports to punish Tehran for its involvement in several Middle Eastern conflicts. Washington had been pushing governments to cut imports of Iranian oil to zero. But, fearing a price spike, it granted Iran's biggest buyers - China, India, South Korea, Japan, Italy, Greece, Taiwan and Turkey - sanctions waivers. That will allow the eight, which account for about 75 percent of all Iran's oil exports, according to trade data, to import at least some oil for another 180 days. Washington and the recipients of the waivers have not disclosed how much oil they are allowed to import, or under what conditions deals can still be made. Bernstein Energy expects "Iranian exports will average 1.4-1.5 million barrels per day (bpd)" during the exemption period," down from a peak of almost 3 million bpd in mid-2018. JP Morgan said "the lack or difficulty in acquiring shipping insurance will help in reducing exports quickly as they did during last international sanctions." The U.S. bank also said "payments for the oil by the exempt countries must go into escrow accounts in their local currency" and that this "means the money won't directly go to Iran and it can only be used to buy certain non-sanctioned goods from its crude export customers." Once the waivers expire after 180 days, new waivers are expected to be issued, with a source in China saying his country would likely receive another six months of exemptions, though at a lower rate of around 220,000 bpd. For further details, see below. CHINA China, the world's biggest importer of crude oil, is also the top buyer of Iranian oil, and its mostly state-owned refiners have lobbied hard for waivers. Several Chinese sources with knowledge of the matter said China would be allowed to buy 360,000 bpd of Iranian crude during the exemption period of 180 days. That would be about half the daily average China has been importing from Iran since January 2016, trade data showed. However, one source said the United States had attached strings to the waivers, including counterparty disclosures and laying open settlement methods, which were being evaluated before placing new orders with Iran. INDIA India is the world's third-biggest oil importer. India is also Iran's second-biggest oil customer and will be one of the most exposed to a forced drop in supply because of its relative proximity to Iran. One Indian source close to the country's refining sector said India would likely be allowed to import around 300,000 bpd of Iranian crude during the exemption period compared with normal volumes of around 450,000 to 550,000 bpd. SOUTH KOREA South Korea is a large buyer of Iranian condensate, a super light form of crude oil, used by its large petrochemical industry. A close U.S. ally, South Korea had stopped buying crude from Iran ahead of the sanctions while still lobbying for exemptions. This week, reports emerged that South Korea received a waiver allowing it to import around 4 million barrels a month, equal to about 130,000 bpd, of Iranian crude and condensate. South Korea has averaged over 200,000 bpd of oil imports from Iran so far this year, down from around 350,000 bpd in 2017. Banking sources said any Korean payments for Iranian oil would need to be made in its won currency. The won-denominated payments will go into escrow accounts handled by the Industrial Bank of Korea (IBK) and Woori Bank. Officials from both banks said, however, that won-denominated payments for Iranian oil were still being reviewed, and that no schedule a for resumption was set yet. JAPAN Japan, another key Asian U.S. ally, also ceased Iranian oil imports prior to the sanctions, but has received a waiver to import an undisclosed amount of oil from Iran in the next 180 days. Japan's trade minister, Hiroshige Seko, said on Tuesday that Japanese buyers were expected to resume imports from the Islamic Republic again soon. Refining sources in Japan, however, said they first needed to evaluated the conditions attached to the waivers, with no new orders likely before December. TAIWAN Taiwan is only an occasional importer of Iranian oil, and no details regarding its waivers have been disclosed. TURKEY, ITALY, GREECE Italy and Turkey have been importing around 200,000 bpd of oil from Iran over the past two years, with Greece importing less than 100,000 bpd. Italy and Greece have completely suspended purchases in recent weeks. The waivers for those countries took the market by surprise and trading sources have said they are now evaluating prospects for resuming some imports. Turkey has said it is also evaluating possible imports after receiving a waiver, but President Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday the country would not abide by the sanctions as they were aimed at "unbalancing the world". live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More New enrollments in the government's flagship insurance schemes under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Suraksha Yojana have slowed down by up to 20 percent when compared to the last couple of years. The slowdown has resulted in the Department of Financial Services stopping its weekly disclosure of enrollment data since April. "There is no significant increase in the enrollments and hence regular disclosures have been discontinued," said an official close to the development. This will mean that no monthly or weekly data pertaining to the government-sponsored insurance scheme will be disclosed to the public any more. However, participating insurance companies still maintain regular data on the number of policies sold. The personal accident scheme (Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana) and term insurance scheme (Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana) were launched in May 2015. Both policies have a sum assured of Rs 2 lakh each and need to be renewed after one year. But their premiums are low at Rs 12 and Rs 330, respectively. In the period immediately after the launch of these schemes, banks were focusing on enrolling more policyholders aggressively. In the first five months of the schemes' launch, around 120 million policyholders were enrolled. The total enrollments for the two insurance schemes still remain high due to their auto-renewal feature, which allows the premium to be debited straight from the policyholder's bank account on annual basis. As on April 23, there were 135 million subscribers under PMSBY and 53.3 million subscribers under PMJJBY. Due to the fact that this is an auto-renewal scheme, once an individual has subscribed to the policy, the premium is deducted on an annual basis. Public data on enrollment is not available after that period. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Jan Suraksha Yojana in May 2015 to provide all citizens access to basic insurance and pension at a low cost. Apart from the two insurance schemes, the initiative also consists of a pension product, Atal Pension Yojana. Banks, however, maintain that renewal rates are high. They added that tweaks in the scheme to allow late entry have also been beneficial. "Of course, it will be lesser than the time when it kicked off. But the number of beneficiaries have been increasing steadily. The renewal rate has been above 90 percent. The schemes, in fact, are modified from one year to quarterly premium even if you enroll in the last month," said VS Khichi, Executive Director, Bank of Baroda. For the banks, auto-renewal ensures they do not have to make repeated calls to the customers to get them to renew their policies. Regular insurance products do not have auto-debit facilities and hence, the intermediaries (like banks and agents) send reminders to customers for policy renewal. Insurance companies, on the other hand, have been pressing for an increase in premiums, but the government has not budged to make sure that they stay affordable. A senior banker said that not every customer may opt for it because of its low coverage. "We have not stopped offering it but the customers are also opting for the other policies. We also have to do business for our own insurance products," the banker said. Several banks are also promoters of insurance companies and policy sales help them earn a significant amount of fee income. They earn high double-digit commissions for doing so, unlike for pushing government schemes. However, public sector banks had been given a mandate by the government to make PMSBY and PMJJBY available to all account holders. Dinabandhu Mohapatra, MD & CEO, Bank of India said: "We have to take care of the requirement and are following due process. So we are continuing to offer the government policies and we are also offering our products." Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos Amazon is getting aggressive about building offline partnerships in India. After buying stakes in Aditya Birla Retails More supermarkets and fashion retailer Shoppers Stop, the Jeff Bezos-led company is reportedly eyeing a 9.5 percent equity in Kishore Biyani-led Future Retail. The reasons why Amazon is picking up stakes in supermarket chains, or companies that operate physical retail stores, are multiple. First, globally Amazon which has got phenomenal success in online retailing has been slowly establishing its presence across offline retail as it believes that the next phase of growth will come from offline retail, and not just online. As Indian government does not allow foreign entities to operate in retail sector with 100 percent ownership, Amazon can only do that by partnering local players, with stakes up to 49 percent, to replicate its global strategy in India. According to regulations, an Indian entity can dilute only up to 49 percent to multiple foreign portfolio investors. On the other hand, online retail in India is still negligible at around 2 percent of Indias total retail sales while the global average is around 15-20 percent. While online retailing is estimated to grow faster than physical retail in India over the next few years, it will still be a small portion of the total retail pie. So, physical retail stores will always dominate and Amazon wants to grab a slice of it. Now, why Future Retail? Future Retail currently operates 1,123 stores under different brand names, including Big Bazaar and Nilgiris, across 339 cities. Besides, Biyani has an ambitious plan to have 10,000 mall-format stores over a period, most of which will be in smaller cities. Once the deal is done, Amazon will have the strength of Indias largest physical retailer, with strong presence in smaller cities where e-commerce has very limited penetration. Amazon will be able to utilise Future Retails stores as its pick-up points, experience zones where consumers can have a look-and-feel of products on Amazons e-commerce marketplace and order if they want. This will help Amazon increase its penetration in smaller cities, which will eventually result in increased sales, with negligible investment. On the other hand, Future Group has a very well spread warehousing at different parts of the country, which Amazon can tap. Currently, the US firm is at a disadvantage since foreign companies arent allowed to hold e-commerce inventory in India. Utilising Futures vast warehousing network will help Amazon deliver products much faster in smaller cities, and across rural India (over a period) where e-commerce is yet to reach. A seamless integration of offline and online is the model all global retail giants are trying to develop across the world. Besides, Amazon has been trying to crack grocery and daily household stuff segment which is primarily dominated by kirana stores and modern retail. Globally, it has been testing the sector with Amazon Go stores, and Prime Now (online). But, yet to see the kind of success it has witnessed with its core e-commerce model. Thats probably the reason why Amazon bought grocery chain Whole Foods for about $14 billion in June 2017. While Whole Foods was a full acquisition, Amazons partnerships and or stake-holdings in Indian retailers will mostly be strategic so that it can integrate online with offline, utilise infrastructure of its partners to reduce delivery time and eventually increase Amazons penetration in smaller cities and rural areas. Together, these steps will also help Amazon reduce losses simply because its investments will not be very high and the offline model is not discount- driven unlike online retailing. During the past few years, Amazon has incurred huge losses though revenue jumped each year because of heavy discounting to keep pace with competition. Amazon isn't the only one to look at an integrated model. Walmart has acquired a majority stake in rival online platform Flipkart for $16 billion in May. Walmart had also acquired Chinese e-commerce business Yihaodian in two phases. It has also bought Jet.com and got into a strategic alliance with JD.com, besides adding Moosejaw, ModCloth, Bonobos and Parcel to consolidate online and offline globally. Unlike Amazon, Walmart initially entered India through cash-and-carry wholesale retail, and so far stayed restricted to that. This is the first time, the two US retailers will have a direct fight in India. With a stake in Future Retail, along with a strategic partnership, Amazon will have the advantage of being well-spread across India which Walmart does not have right now. The success, however, will depend on how much access Kishore Biyani is ready to give Jeff Bezos into his turf. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Drug makers who have already reported their results for the September quarter have said they are witnessing some stability in the pricing environment in US, as leading companies have either stopped or have decided to stop producing generic drugs that no longer make money. Large Indian generic drug makers like Sun Pharma, Dr Reddys and Lupin have said they have rationalized product portfolios and dropped products having thin margins. In September, Dr Reddys sold its penicillin plant at Bristol, Tennessee, to get out of the commoditized antibiotic portfolio. "We still continue to see price pressure, but at more moderate level, it is now single digit down compared to the double digit we have seen in last couple of years," said Vinita Gupta, Chief Executive Officer at Lupin. "We have seen number of companies exit portfolios suggesting that they are down to their pain threshold, which is very healthy sign for the industry. We have seen some level of stabilization in our own portfolio as the pricing goes," Gupta said. Around 37 percent of Lupin's sales of Rs 15,804 crore in FY18 came from US alone. Kedar Upadhya, Global Chief Financial Officer at Cipla, concurred with Gupta. "The price erosion sort of stabilised. It ranges from product to product. But we factor in between 6 and 10 percent," Upadhye told Moneycontrol. The US market accounted for around 17 percent of Cipla's sales of Rs 15,219 crore in FY18. The US generics market, which is characterized by buying in bulk volumes at lower prices, has historically witnessed a price erosion of 5-6 percent a year. However, in the last two years, this number has worsened to between the high single-digits and the low teens, primarily because of increased competition and a consolidation of the big drug-purchasing groups. The US generics market had shrunk 10.5 percent to $68 billion in 2017 from $76 billion in 2015. Portfolio rationalization To beat the pricing pressure and maintain profit margins, large generic drug makers have responded by slashing their generic pipelines and cut ANDA filings. Israeli drug maker Teva, which is the largest drug maker in the US by prescriptions, is pruning around 80 percent of its products that have been identified as unviable. "It's unsustainable to supply products that do not make a profit. And we have left a small portion of the market to other competitors who are willing to supply. We wish them good luck, but it's not a business that we intend to be in," said Kare Schultz, Teva's Chief Executive Officer, in a recent earnings call. Teva is not alone. Mylan, the second largest generic drug maker in US, indicated that it had discontinued certain commodity products, and that it had moved some of its other products to sites that brought down the manufacturing costs. Endo, another large generic drug maker, said earlier this year that it had stopped making 85 products, including its top-selling Lisinopril, as it was no longer making enough money from the blood pressure medication. Sandoz, the generic unit of Swiss pharmaceutical giant Novartis, sold a significant part of its US generics business, consisting of around 300 products including projects in development as well as commercial and manufacturing capabilities, to Indian drug marker Aurobindo Pharma for $900 million. The generic portfolio of Sandoz had sales of $1.2 billion. Price stabilization All these efforts have started showing an impact on price erosion. As at the end of September, as per the US' National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC) list, the average pricing pressure for generics in the US market has been stable at 9 percent. But analysts says that while pricing pressure is stable, it has still hasnt shown signs of abating as yet. "Though the erosion in prices has not worsened, it has remained sticky below 10 percent," brokerage IIFL said in its report. "This is likely to pressurize the earnings of companies in the remainder of FY19. For generic companies to see favourable prices, we may have to wait more as USFDA continues to see a higher number of ANDA (abbreviated new drug applications) submissions as well as approvals," IIFL said. In 2017, the USFDA approved more than 1,000 ANDAs or generic drug applications, which was a record, and the regulator said it is well on track for similar success in 2018. The regulator also brought down the approval timeline from 3-5 years to 10 months to bring about some competition and reduce prices of drugs. We are in the last phase of the September quarter earnings season, and the results announced by the BSE 500 companies so far have shown signs of a sharp recovery, as compared to the June quarter, when the economic activity in the country was compromised due to lockdown in various regions. From the BSE 500 list, 216 companies have announced their September quarter results so far. We excluded banking and financial companies. Along with the index stocks we also analyse each sector quarterly earnings. (Data Source: ACE Equity) live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More This is the verbatim transcript of CSDL management call with analysts. Moderator: Ladies and gentlemen, good day and welcome to the Q2 FY2019 Conference Call of Central Depository Services, hosted by Axis Capital. As a reminder all participant lines will be in the listen-only mode and there will be an opportunity for you to ask questions after the presentation concludes. Should you need assistance during the conference call, please signal an operator by entering * then 0 on your touchtone telephone. Please note that this conference is being recorded. I now hand the conference over to Mr. Aditya Bagul from Axis Capital. Thank you and over to you Sir! Aditya Bagul: Thank you. Good evening ladies and gentlemen. On behalf of Axis Capital a warm welcome to the CDSL Q2 FY2019 conference call. We have from the management Mr. P.S. Reddy, Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Bharat Sheth, Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Gaurang Shah, Vice President and Mr. Nilesh Kittur, Assistant Vice President. I shall hand over the call to Mr. Reddy for his opening comments post which we will open the floor for Q&A. Over to you Sir! P.S. Reddy: Thank you. Good evening everybody. Welcome to the Q2 analyst call. Pardon me for being hoarse in my voice because of the sore throat and much of the talking will be done by Bharat Sheth. As regards to business, we have been continuously doing well in the areas that we have taken up for business and our incremental market share continues to be about 64% even in the current quarter as well. The aggregate market share of Demat accounts is almost 47.57%. That being what it is and on the unlisted front, unlisted companies are getting admitted with us is an additional business. The timeline is not prescribed, but a lot of enquiries are coming and almost about 200 applications are in the pipeline and it is mandatory for companies only if they are issuing a fresh capital or if there are any transfers or so. The government has not fixed any timeline for it, but we expect it is only a matter of time. By the time our systems and systems of both the depositories and interface with MCA website are ready for automatic download of filings that the companies have done from the MCA side, this one will pick up that is what our view. The other subsidiaries while CVL is doing as usual exceedingly well and we have the numbers, which Bharat will speak and the other new business is national academic depository where we have almost signed up with 460 plus universities and that is also we are ahead of others. When it comes to the commodity repository that is work in progress and the MCX settlement for Mentha Oil was done in the month of October, 2018 if I am not mistaken for the Mentha Oil settlement using the CCRL platform. We will be doing next month also for the other products and it is a work in progress as I said. We are expecting the non-agri commodities also to be notified to be handled in the commodity repositories, so once that is done we will be able to handle still much more business in this year and we have also launched what you call VDR i.e. Virtual data room whenever a company goes for public there is an activity of consultation among the solicitors, the RTAs, legal advisors and merchant bankers, etc., so we have provided a virtual data room and that is being used by both insolvency professionals as well as by the merchant bankers. Of course the number of issues are less that is why it has not picked as yet, we expect it provide a good competition in the domestic market. The current players who are mostly foreigners, foreign service providers. We are also doing well in the space of Evoting and of course a new entrant has come in the form of Link intime, but we have continued to retain our market share and grow without any hit on our revenues or number of companies that we are servicing at this point in time. It is too early probably, but that is the way it is and I will now hand over to Bharat to speak something more on these issues. Bharat Sheth: Good evening ladies and gentlemen. First I will give you consolidated results for quarter ended September 2018 versus quarter ended June 2018 that is quarter-on-quarter. The consolidated total income is up by 25% that is Rs.63 Crores in September 2018 as compared to Rs.51 Crores in June 2018 mainly on account of overall improvement in Operational Income and around 89% increase in other income from Rs.5 Crores to Rs.9.74 Crores in the current quarter. Further the profit after tax is up by 37% that is from Rs.22 Crores to Rs.30 Crores, which was due to controlling of the expenditure. The expenditure was marginally up by 2% on quarter-on-quarter basis that is Rs.22 Crores to Rs.22.51. Now quarter ended September 2018 to quarter ended September 2017 that is year-on-year and consolidated basis. Although the consolidated total income increased by 11% that is Rs.63 Crores in September 2018 as compared to Rs.56.4 Crores in September 2017, the operational income increased by 12% from Rs.47 Crores to Rs.53 Crores mainly due to increase in annual issuer charges and online data charges that is KYC income. Other income has increased by 7% from Rs.9 Crores to Rs.9.74 Crores in the current quarter. Further the PAT profit after tax is up by 12% that is from Rs.26.8 Crores to Rs.30.15 Crores. The expenditure was higher by 20% on year-on-year basis that is Rs.18.7 Crores to Rs.22.5 Crores. The effective tax rate has reduced from 29% to 25%. Now on the standalone results, quarter ended September 2018 to quarter ended June 2018 quarter-on-quarter basis standalone total income is up by 19% that is Rs.48.2 Crores in September 2018 as compared to Rs.40.4 Crores in June 2018 mainly on account of overall improvement in operational income and around 81% increase in other income from Rs.4 Crores to Rs.7 Crores in the current quarter. The increase in profit after tax by 35% that is from Rs.16.3 Crores to Rs.22.10 Crores mainly on account of controlling expenditure and increase in operational income. The expenditure is slightly up by 1% on quarter-on-quarter basis that is Rs.18.5 Crores for June 2018 increased to Rs.18.6 Crores for September 2018. Whereas for quarter ended September 2018 to quarter ended September 2017 that is year-on-year basis, the total income up by 7% that is Rs.48.2 Crores in September 2018 as compared to Rs.45.10 Crores in September 2017. The operational income increased by 6% from Rs.38.8 Crores to Rs.41.03 Crores. Other income increased by 14% to Rs.7 Crores from Rs.6.3 Crores. The increase in PAT is 8% that is from Rs.20.5 Crores to Rs.22.09 Crores. The expenditure was higher by 18% on a year-on-year basis that is Rs.15.8 Crores to Rs.18.6 Crores. The effective tax rate has reduced from 30% to 25%, so overall on quarter-on-quarter basis situation has improved very much as such and I now open the forum for question and answers. Moderator: Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, we will now begin the question and answer session. Ladies and gentlemen, we will wait for a moment while the question queue assembles. We have the first question from the line of Prakash Kapadia from Anived Portfolio Management Services. Please go ahead. Prakash Kapadia: Thanks for taking my questions. I have two questions. If I look at the employee cost or the consolidated results they are up 20% at Rs.16.5 Crores how much of this would you attribute to newer businesses and how much would be due to existing business and what would be the number of employees as on date? Bharat Sheth: The number of employees increased from 226 to 238 and mainly in the new business that is commodity business that has increased and apart from the increase in salary and number of employee increase, second thing that performance linked bonus what we have declared in March 2018 that has got impact and otherwise general increments are there overall. Prakash Kapadia: Performance bonus was paid in last quarter as well as this quarter or was it this quarter Sir? Bharat Sheth: No, that is every quarter means on a monthly basis we are paying performance linked bonus prorated for 12 months, but declared in March 2018 whereas in last year corresponding year March 2017 whatever we have declared we have paid, so that is the difference. Prakash Kapadia: Understood and Sir if I look at the CVL business we have seen a strong growth after some of the challenges, which were mentioned in Q1 for the CVL businesses the revenues have grown from Rs.9.6 Crores to Rs.13.8 Crores, so now is that business back on track, what has changed during the quarter if you could give us some sense on the CVL business that will be helpful? P.S. Reddy: Prakash growth essentially is driven by one is the online account opening and using the Aadhaar and the increase in mutual fund investors. Now the problem now is Aadhaar is banned using this e-facility KYC. They are asking us to use the QR code, so we are already in the advanced stage of development. Maybe very shortly we are going to deploy and replace it with QR code based Aadhaar verification. Once that is done the client will be seamlessly onboarding as if there is a Aadhaar based verification, so that will happen shortly as I said, so we do not see any challenges on this front, but there is an additional cost associated with this because of the developments, but yes it is a dampener thing to that extent. Prakash Kapadia: Last quarter Sir what I was trying to understand is last quarter there was some mutual fund and some specific challenges, so are some of those challenges obviously revenue growth as you mentioned is a function of online KYC or mutual funds are drivers to the business, but some of the challenges, which you are facing those seem to be sorted out right is what I want to know? P.S. Reddy: They are already sorted out. Prakash Kapadia: Lastly you mentioned in your opening remarks about unlisted companies, but if we look at the government circular it says December is the actual deadline, so if you could give us some sense there are around I think 70000 public unlisted companies, so what could be the overall revenue pool is prizing clear in terms of annual fee onetime fee because circular also mentions about they are maintaining a two-year security deposit with us, so if you could give us? P.S. Reddy: There is no deadline of December. What they were essentially saying is transfers cannot happen maybe that is the way that you are looking at it, but if new capital that is to come in, it has to come in Demat, so look at a company, which is not raising any new resources. Then it is not required to immediately come into the Demat. Similarly, they also said you need to give two years issuer fee as a deposit. The second thing is we have come out with a new tariff structure, new tariff structure in the sense it is up to Rs.5 Crores. The current tariff is Rs.9000. Now up to Rs.2.5 Crores Rs.5000 is the tariff that is prescribed by the agencies concerned. Now you have one more slab introduced so that the smaller companies are benefited and they would not resist it. Beyond that there is no change in the tariff, so we are expecting more and more companies to do that and there is one more change in the tariff. The processing fee will be Rs.15000 instead of Rs.25000. That is another one. Moderator: Thank you. We have the next question from the line of Dharlek Patel from Active Alfa. Please go ahead. Dharlek Patel: I have a couple of questions. First one is what is the status on R Gandhi report and secondly why the current liabilities have increased from approximately Rs.18 Crores in March to Rs.50 Crores in September quarter? P.S. Reddy: In regards to R Gandhi recommendations, precisely you are talking about the term of the MD, etc. and as per the new regulations even R Gandhi committee also has not recommended, but SEBI thought it is appropriate to have proper governance structure in place so the MD of a depository or market infrastructure institution not just depository be it at exchange, clearing corporation or a depository cannot serve more than two terms of maximum five years each. I have completed my two terms and Board has given an extension of five years then we sent to SEBI and SEBI gave me only one year extension pending these recommendations to be converted into regulations. Now on October 3, 2018 or October 2, 2018, the regulations have come. Now the regulations say that only two terms, two terms of five years each, but they are taking two terms for five years, whichever get hit, so probably I am not sure at this point in time, we need to revise the policy and then send it to SEBI, but I understand as it stands today I may not continue beyond March 31, 2019 that is the way it is. Dharlek Patel: How about SEBI was planning to open depository services to corporates, so what is going on in this direction? P.S. Reddy: Come again I did not understand this question. Dharlek Patel: A couple of months ago, SEBI was planning to open depository services to corporates or private entities so they will be able to enter in depository services? P.S. Reddy: Those are already amended with this October 3, 2018. The sponsor concept has gone. The holding of sponsors, now they can easily divest in whichever way they want it and banks are free to sell off their stake whatever they have it, so substantial amount of floating stock will be available. Now with this regulations, corporates can only maximum take 15% not more than that. Dharlek Patel: Can any other corporates enter in this depository services business? P.S. Reddy: They can enter subject to a maximum of 15% that too if SEBI approves them as an eligible and fit and proper person for holding. Dharlek Patel: Who can enter in this business, are there specific banks or any other financial institutions or apart from them any other? P.S. Reddy: There is no restriction. Anybody who is willing to put that money and then promote a company and then bring Rs.100 Crores, but only maximum 15% they can hold they can start a depository. Dharlek Patel: The final question about the current liabilities? About the current liabilities whatever issuer income what we have annually charged, are being prorated, so it is shown as a current liability. Whatever annual income that we are getting, we have pro-rated it, so for six months it shows as advance received from customer. P.S. Reddy: We issued the issuer bill in the month of April, but that is we collect it, so that is apportioned over the four quarters. Dharlek Patel: Thank you. Moderator: Thank you. We have the next question from the line of Pawan Kumar from Ratnatraya Capital. Please go ahead. Pawan Kumar: Can I have the breakup between the transaction charges, IPO, corporate action charges and annual issuer charges? Bharat Sheth: For the quarter you want? Pawan Kumar: Yes. Bharat Sheth: For the quarter only right? Pawan Kumar: Yes for all the segments? Bharat Sheth: For Q2, annually issuer charges are Rs.16 Crores, transaction charges Rs.10.26 Crores and IPO corporate action charges Rs.6.16 Crores and online data charges Rs.10.17 Crores. Pawan Kumar: Sir last year we had a significant amount of income from this IPO corporate action charges, but this year seems to be much more drier, so what are your thoughts on, is there any possibility of any growth in this or we have to cover up revenues from the other streams? Bharat Sheth: No. It depends on a market as such. When the market is good more number of IPOs come then definitely it will increase, so it depends on a market. Pawan Kumar: We are almost flat on the transaction charges basis right? P.S. Reddy: Correct. Pawan Kumar: Fine Sir. I will get back in the queue. Thanks. Moderator: Thank you. We have the next question from the line of Agam Shah from Raj Trading. Please go ahead. Agam Shah: What do we include in data storage and all? Bharat Sheth: Online data charge is there and data storage is there. Previously if physical copy is submitted at the initial stage for mutual fund investment, all KYC physical documents we are maintaining at present, so we are maintaining for those 45 lakh investor accounts, so all these physical documents on behalf of mutual funds we are maintaining, so per annum we are charging on that, so that is the document storage charge. Agam Shah: In the data entry and storage, this is the one component you are saying right, this is the only component or any other component is there? Bharat Sheth: That is the document storage charge. Online data charges are KYC charges. Agam Shah: These are the two components in data entry and storage? Bharat Sheth: Correct. Agam Shah: The growth, which we have seen on the quarter was due to may be the KYC and the mutual fund incremental? Bharat Sheth: Yes. Agam Shah: Dematerialization about the private companys part, so any tender or anything what is happening out there? Bharat Sheth: Tender means? Agam Shah: Dematerialization of the private company? P. S. Reddy: As of now MCA has not mandated it, so it is voluntary for them to do it. The regulation that came is only for public limited companies. Once we locate the progress of this they may instruct other private limited companies also to go for it. Agam Shah: Do you expect in the near term to be mandated? P. S. Reddy: These are all regulatory issues. We should not hazard a guess. Agam Shah: I think you are holding sufficient cash and bank balance of Rs.42 Crores, so any plans to acquire something as such or to make any investments as such? Bharat Sheth: Surplus cash we are investing in mutual funds, FMPs, bonds etc. Capex requirement is on an average Rs.5 Crores to Rs.6 Crores that is on an average we require, so otherwise everything we are investing. Agam Shah: That is it. Thanks. Moderator: Thank you. We have the next question from the line of Harit Shah from Reliance Securities. Please go ahead. Harit Shah: Thank you for the call. Sir you gave the breakup of issuer charges, transaction charges, do you have the year ago figure please? Bharat Sheth: You want on quarter basis. Harit Shah: That is right for FY2018? Bharat Sheth: Q2 2018 what you mean to say. Again Rs.13.65 Crores for Q2 FY2017 we are having Rs.16 Crores for annual issuer charges whereas transaction charges are flat Rs.10 Crores as such. E-voting charges from Rs.2.69 Crores to Rs.3.21 Crores whereas IPO corporate action charges Rs.8.43 Crores for Q2 2017, it went down to Rs.6.16 Crores for Q2 2018. Online data charges from Rs.6.82 Crores to Rs.10.17 Crores. Harit Shah: Rs.6.82 Crores? Bharat Sheth: Rs.6.82 Crores online data charges it went up to Rs.10.17 Crores. Harit Shah: Thank you Sir. Secondly do we have the figure of total number of Demat accounts end of this quarter, but I think Rs.1.53 Crores last quarter? Bharat Sheth: It is Rs.1.60 Crores for September. Harit Shah: Got it and one last question, the breakup of the other income if you have that? Bharat Sheth: That is mostly investment income. Harit Shah: Because there was a pretty substantial increase from the Q1 to this quarter so that would be related to MTM? Bharat Sheth: Yes MTM. Harit Shah: Fine. I just wanted to get that data point. Thank you Sir. Moderator: Thank you. We have the next question from the line of Abhishek Jain from Vallum Capital. Please go ahead. Abhishek Jain: Congratulations for the good set of numbers Sir. Sir I just wanted to understand that you told in the initial statement of yours that you have launched virtual data room for insolvency professionals and investment bankers, so what will be the market size for the same and can you just throw some more light upon the same? P. S. Reddy: When IPOs come, CDSL IPO we have almost paid about Rs.10 lakhs to Rs.15 lakhs for that virtual data room. Abhishek Jain: Come again. Your voice is breaking. P. S. Reddy: We have paid almost Rs.10 lakh to Rs.15 lakh for one IPO i.e. CDSL IPO and that happened to be some Australian company, so for each of the IPOs people are taking various vendors are there, most of them are foreign companies, hardly Indian company is there, so we use network of merchant bankers, so if merchant bankers work with us also there is a synergy out there, so using the merchant bankers we are propagating the uses of our media. Our cost of investment is hardly anything. It is internally developed and it is in house and there is hardly any cost for it. That is the way it is. Abhishek Jain: Actually voice was breaking. Bharat Sheth: This is a platform we are providing to the issuers, those who are coming with IPO thing, so there are various what we call solicitors, then merchant bankers, auditors everything has to come together and whatever data they have received, they have to store in that software only, so for that matter only we are charging to the company. At present, nobody in India is doing such type of business. Abhishek Jain: What are the charges for the same and how you see the market face off the same? Bharat Sheth: That depends on number of months, how many months, it has just started, but it depends on the number of months license you require to operate this account and specific wise. Abhishek Jain: Can you just give me a sense of idea that is how our revenue will shape up there? Bharat Sheth: This is a nascent stage as such, so once all the companies which are going public and merchant bankers are going to utilize it then we will come to know. There is hardly any income is there around Rs.3 lakh to Rs.4 lakh there. Once this is popular then definitely we will get it and more of number of IPOs should come. Moderator: Mr. Jain I am sorry to interrupt, but the audio is breaking from your line. Could you give us a call back from another instrument? Sir we move to the next question. We have lost the audio for this participant. The next question is from the line of Amit Chandra from HDFC Securities. Please go ahead. Amit Chandra: Thanks for the opportunity. Sir as you have mentioned that around like 200 private companies are in pipeline and in this quarter you have seen private companies coming from? Bharat Sheth: These are public unlisted companies. Amit Chandra: The growth we are seeing in the annual issuer charges is just like on quarter-on-quarter basis is 2.1%? Bharat Sheth: No, it was applicable from October onwards, so next quarter you will get something. Amit Chandra: In this quarter? Bharat Sheth: Nothing. Amit Chandra: Sir you mentioned the revenue for annual issuer charges, transaction charges, IPO and online data charges, so except that the others here are seeing a very steep growth, so others basically consist of free cash, the e-voting and on all the other small sources of revenues, so what is the reason for huge jump in the others, which is Rs.10.5 Crores? Bharat Sheth: All five I have told you annual issuer charges, transaction charges, e-voting charges, and online data charges these are the major out of Rs.53 Crores these are the major component of it which comes to Rs.45 Crores. These are the main components as such. Amit Chandra: That is what I am saying apart from that, the total revenue is Rs.53 Crores, so apart from that also we are seeing huge jump in the other components, so as compared to the last quarter? Bharat Sheth: That is Rs.1 Crores is there instead of Rs.31 lakhs to 1 Crores because of this it includes that is foreign investment portfolio monitoring that charges are there. P. S. Reddy: FPI monitoring charges. We have started doing foreign portfolio investor monitoring, so it has been given to both depositories and almost 1800 to 2000 companies have chosen CDSL, there we are charging Rs.25000 per annum for the BSE 500 and NSE 500 companies and for all the rest of the companies it is Rs.10000 per annum, so that is the major contributor for it. Amit Chandra: Sir we have seen a huge jump in the online data charges, so your comments on the stability of this huge jump so we expect this run rate to continue or just a onetime thing that we are seeing or there is a change in the way the mutual funds do their KYC or how the competition is acting to it? P. S. Reddy: The competition is not a worry first because we have almost 1.7 plus Crores KYC records with us. If all the KYC is there then that particular intermediary has to necessarily come to us not to go anywhere else that is the kind of business, regulatory rule that is set up, so the only thing is e-KYC, which we were doing well earlier and now that has been stopped for some time. Hopefully with this QR code, will be able to relaunch that. We are hoping online OLA. We have a product called OLA, Online Account Opening where seamlessly investors come to the broker site. He opens Demat account. He opens trading account. He does KYC also. In that KYC after doing it, it resides in CVL. That is how this product was made. Now that we are restructuring that, so probably except for the gap that we have experienced may be for the last 15 days to one month this will again pick up. Of course it all depends on the market unless the investors come to the markets to buy and sell or do some investment in the market. Amit Chandra: Can we attribute platforms like Paytm and Zerodha who have started selling mutual funds online that is also a major contributor to this? P. S. Reddy: Zerodha is doing exclusively with us so their KYC is only with us, so that does not matter. Amit Chandra: Sir any in terms of like technology expenses also there has been a steep increase 44% quarter-onquarter around Rs.2.4 Crores to Rs.3.4 Crores, so any kind of investment we are doing in terms of upgrading our technologies? P.S. Reddy: We have bought a new oracle licenses because of the increase in the work because based on the number of CPU their licensing works. When we are hitting about 70% to 80% of capacity utilization we have added some more CPUs so we had to take additional license. That is the reason why it is such. Amit Chandra: Regarding the other income so we have seen some volatility in the last two to three quarters from here on we can expect stability in the other income or still we have portfolio, which is very much prone to the volatility in the markets? Bharat Sheth: I thought it was like stable growth. You want quarter-on-quarter how much percentage we grow. Amit Chandra: You got stability there. Bharat Sheth: Yes that is right. The revenue streams are safe, but yes there will be a fluctuation in the amount of income that each one of them contributes depending on the market. Amit Chandra: Thanks for the opportunity. Moderator: Thank you. We have the next question from the line of Nitin Agarwal from JM Financial. Please go ahead. Nitin Agarwal: Thank you Sir for giving opportunity. Sir just wanted to ask that in this quarter the annual issuer charges has increased 17% year-on-year, so traditionally what we thought was that the annual issuer charges are more of a low growth 6% to 10% kind of a business stream, so can you tell what has been driving this 17% growth year-on-year in the annual issuer charges, is it that the number of companies, which have been dematerialized has increased in this period because the fee has not been revised upwards? Bharat Sheth: The annual issuer charges we are charging on two basis, one either on a slab basis or on a folio basis, whichever is higher, so last year because of more number of IPOs and because of good market conditions more number of IPOs there, so number of folios increases, so that has got effect in this. As on March 31, 2018 whatever number of folios are there on that basis we are billing the company, so because of that only. Nitin Agarwal: Previous March 31, 2018 number of folios you are billing in this year? Bharat Sheth: Yes correct. on average basis. Nitin Agarwal: Sir my second question is so for the unlisted public companies so we have 200 applications till now that is what in pipeline, which you have said so from the MCA website what we come to understand is that there are 64000 odd companies, so when it is a listed company they have to mandatorily dematerialize with both NSDL and CDSL, but in case of these companies they can choose between one of the depositories, so what advantage do we have that we can attract maximum companies to our side vis-a-vis the competitors and also like such a small amount of companies have been registered till now only 200 out of 64000, so what is your thought about it? What is the timeline, which you think that more and more companies will come by this year and next year? Do you have any sense on that, so if you can answer that question? P.S. Reddy: The tariff being the same with both depositaries what guides the company is the service. Some of them are coming directly especially as groups they are coming. If it is a big industrial group they are bringing all their issues to us. I think they are seeking some discount in the processing fee. We are not giving it in the annual issuer charges, so that is the way they are looking at it, but the RTAs are the ones, which are maximum supporting us, so we hope once the online application processing is released where and gets created online so admission will happen online. That is the way we are working where the companies are not required to enter the data themselves it will download from MCA site. It will take by the end of November we are expecting that portal to be up and running at both the ends both the depositors have to do that, so once that is done probably actually it will pick up the growth will pick up. Nitin Agarwal: Do we have any specific advantage over our competitor that we will be able to other than the discounts on onetime fee that even the competitor might be able to offer? P.S. Reddy: Our marketing teams are on the street all the time. As I said relationship works in this business and our business development teams are constantly pursuing the companies especially those who are using e-voting services, those who are using FPI, monitoring services as well as the IEP accounts they opened. A good number of companies have chosen CDSL over the competition, so I think that will help us. Nitin Agarwal: Thank you. That answers all my questions. Moderator: Thank you. We have the next question from the line of Giriraj Daga from KM Visaria Family Trust. Please go ahead. Giriraj Daga: Just a followup on the online data charges when you mentioned that we are moving to QR codes how the competitors are taking up this matter, so everyone is moving from Aadhaar base to QR code or there is a different mechanism there? P.S. Reddy: Even QR code is also online available. Essentially what it will happen is investor will go to Aadhaar site, he will download the QR code digitally signed one seamlessly and then that QR code is read by the depository or the service provider and then enter the data into the application. Everybody else has no choice but to do that. There is no other way. Giriraj Daga: It is more or less everybody in the same page in terms of competition also? P.S. Reddy: That is right. Giriraj Daga: Why the debtors have moved up 50% debt receivables compared to September quarter? Trade receivables because of this annual issuer charges. That is around 70% to 80% in Q1 and Q2 and the balance always, so as on March 31, 2018 if you compare debtors are more during this period. Giriraj Daga: From Rs.18 Crores to Rs.27 Crores? Bharat Sheth: Because of that. Giriraj Daga: Thank you. Moderator: Thank you. We have the next question from the line of Pawan Kumar from Ratnatraya Capital. Please go ahead. Pawan Kumar: Sir about the tax rate, what is the sustainable tax rate that we can assume, this quarter it has been 25 whereas last year it was 29 around. Bharat Sheth: It depends on the mark to market investment where other income is more, my tax rate would be accordingly adjusted as such and capital gain benefits and capital losses are there that I can adjust it indexation benefit. Pawan Kumar: Can you give any breakup on how much was the capital gain and how much is the normal proposition in the other income? Bharat Sheth: Capital gain would be around exact figure I do not have right away, but I can give you later on. Pawan Kumar: For the full year would it be fair to assume a 30% tax rate? Bharat Sheth: Effective tax rate comes to 25%, otherwise 29.12% is the normal tax applicable to us. Pawan Kumar: Since we are under Rs.250 Crores revenue our tax rate is not 25%? Bharat Sheth: No, it is 25% only. 25% plus 12% surcharge and 4% educational surcharge comes to 29.12%. Pawan Kumar: Fine got it. Thanks. Moderator: Thank you. We have the next question from the line of Mansi Shah from CapGrow Capital. Please go ahead. Mansi Shah: Sir could you please repeat the market share data? Bharat Sheth: We are having 1.60 Crores account and other competitor has 1.77 Crores accounts, so we are having a 47.57% market there. Mansi Shah: Sir incremental market share? Bharat Sheth: Incremental market share comes to 64% for this quarter. Mansi Shah: In terms of the KYC business what is the market share? P. S. Reddy: We have all numbers informally we know what the competition. Four of them are there what they are holding. Our market share works out to be about 60%. Mansi Shah: That is all. Thank you. Moderator: Thank you. We have the next question from the line of Aditya Bagul from Axis Capital. Please go ahead. Aditya Bagul: Thank you for taking my question. I just have one question. We have about Rs.620 Crores to Rs.650 odd Crores of cash and investments in our book, is there a plan to increase our dividend payouts, I think our dividend payout was about 37% last year? Bharat Sheth: Dividend payout ratio on consolidated basis is 42% was there last year and on standalone basis 57% and dividend yield of 1.5% is there, which is quite good. Aditya Bagul: Right Sir, but is there a plan to increase because I do not think we have immediate use for such high levels of free cash on our balance sheet? Bharat Sheth: Definitely I will consider your suggestion. Aditya Bagul: Sure Sir. Thank you. Moderator: Thank you. The next question is from the line of Dharlek Patel from Active Alfa. Please go ahead. Dharlek Patel: I just wanted to confirm the incremental market share you mentioned is 64% right? Bharat Sheth: Yes for second quarter. Dharlek Patel: The same I think was 71% in Q1 FY2019? Bharat Sheth: Yes correct. You are right. Dharlek Patel: That is coming down right? Bharat Sheth: Yes quarter-to-quarter. Dharlek Patel: Thank you. Moderator: Thank you. As we have no further questions, I would like to hand the floor back to the management for closing comments. Please go ahead Sir. P. S. Reddy: Thank you everyone for participating and I wish all of you Happy Diwali and a prosperous New Year and may be you look forward to increasing the floating capital company, may be some of the sponsors may be to divest may be, so with that I thank one and all. Bharat Sheth: Thank you very much all of you. Thank you gentlemen. Ladies and gentlemen on behalf of Axis Capital Limited that concludes this conference call. Thank you for joining us. You may now disconnect your lines. business Reporter's Take | Five years since last product cleanup, life insurers gear up for another change A majority of the existing products may need to be re-filed with IRDAI to adhere to the proposed changes live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Global research firm Morgan Stanley has an overweight call on Reliance Industries and has set the target at Rs 1,230 per share. It said that the return of positive momentum in the chemical margin attracted significant investor interest. Further, it observed that the demand outlook is soft, but cost pressures are dissipating. Morgan Stanley values petchem and refining business at an EV/EBITDA multiple of 8 and 6.5 times, respectively. The telecom-oil-to-retail conglomerate reported a 0.6 percent sequential growth in consolidated profit to Rs 9,516 crore for the quarter ended September 2018. Good petrochemical and telecom businesses offset lower other income and weak refining business. Consolidated revenue during the quarter grew by 11.3 percent to Rs 1.43 lakh crore driven by growth across segments QoQ. Profit on year increased 17.35 percent and revenue jumped 56.66 percent in second quarter. "Company delivered robust operating and financial results for the quarter despite macro headwinds, with strong growth in earnings on YoY basis," Mukesh Dhirubhai Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director had said. World-class petrochemicals assets contributed record earnings; endorsing benefits of diversified feedstock, integration and superior product portfolio, he added. The stock has gained over 2 percent in the last three days. At the close of market hours on Wednesday, it was quoting at Rs 1,110.55, up Rs 7.10, or 0.64 percent, on the BSE. Reliance Industries Ltd. is the sole beneficiary of Independent Media Trust which controls Network18 Media & Investments Ltd. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Here are stocks that are in the news today: Results on Friday and Saturday: Results on Sunday: Axiscades Engineering Technologies, Bharat Dynamics MRF Q2: Profit declines 12.3 percent to Rs 263 crore versus Rs 300 crore; revenue rises 9.4 percent to Rs 3,928.2 crore from Rs 3,591 crore; EBITDA falls 4.1 percent to Rs 581 crore versus Rs 605.7 crore; margin contracts to 14.8 percent versus 16.9 percent (YoY). Kilitch Drugs Q2: Profit jumps to Rs 4.5 crore versus Rs 2.23 crore; revenue increases to Rs 26.72 crore versus Rs 15 crore YoY. GAIL India: Company has received contract for the purchase of 616 km of line pipe worth Rs 1,100 crore for the Barauni - Guwahati pipeline, putting on fast track project execution of the crucial 729 km feeder line linking North East India with the Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga pipeline network. Allahabad Bank: Bank has received a communication from the Government of India regarding fresh capital infusion of around Rs 3,054 crore towards contribution of the Central Government in the preferential allotment of equity shares (special securities/bonds) of the bank during the financial year 2018-19. Glenmark Pharma: Company to launch Phase 1 trial in solid tumors for its CD38xCD3 Bispecific Antibody GBR 1342 based on human translational data. JSW Steel: Crude steel production increases 8 percent to 14.47 lakh tonnes in October 2018 against 13.43 lakh tonnes in same month last year. Mphasis acquires Stelligent for USD 25 mn Moody's places Bharti Airtel's rating on review for downgrade Strides enters into a strategic partnership with SUDA Pharmaceuticals for the US market Cabinet clears strategic sale of govt equity in Dredging Corp Majesco: PT PFI Mega Life Insurance, the joint venture life insurance company of Prudential Financial Inc and CT Corpora, has selected Majesco Policy for Life & Annuities and Group along with a point of sale and activity management solution specifically used within the Asia Pacific region. HMT: Hitesh Goyal, Deputy Manager (Finance) who was designated as Chief Financial Officer of the company has resigned due to personal reasons and career plans. Bulk Deals Karda Constructions: Marfatia Nishil Surendra purchased 1,00,000 shares of the company at Rs 179.99 per share on the NSE. CL Educate: Ocean Dial Gateway to India Mauritius Limited sold 77,134 shares of the company at Rs 114 per share on the NSE. Gopala Polyplast: Aspire Emerging Fund bought 1,43,626 shares of the company at Rs 60.16 per share on the BSE. (For more bulk deals, click here) Analyst or Board Meet/Briefings Dr Lal PathLabs: Company's officials will be meeting analysts/investors on November 9, 14, 15 and 16. Assam Company: Board meeting is scheduled on November 14 to consider the unaudited financial results for the quarter ended September 2018. Empee Sugars & Chemicals: Board meeting is scheduled on November 14 to consider the unaudited financial results for the quarter ended September 2018. Bartronics India: Board meeting is scheduled on November 14 to consider the unaudited financial results for the quarter ended September 2018. Marg: Board meeting is scheduled on November 14 to consider the unaudited financial results for the quarter ended September 2018. BPL: Board meeting is scheduled on November 14 to consider the unaudited financial results for the quarter ended September 2018. Visaka Industries: Company's officials will be participating in investor conference on November 20, 27 and December 4. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Shares of sugar companies surged in trade on Friday as investors bet the news that India plans to export 2 million tonnes of raw sugar to China next year. Shares of Shree Renuka Sugar, Ugar Sugar, Dhampur Sugar Mills, Balrampur Chini and Triveni Engineering, among others, soared 3-5 percent during trade. After a decade, India will next year resume exporting raw sugar to China as it eyes overseas markets to shed surplus stocks that have muted prices and created financial distress in mills. India plans to export 2 million tonnes of sugar to China to cut trade deficit with the neighbouring country, a government statement said. "Export of raw sugar from India to China will begin early next year. A contract for exporting 15,000 tonnes of raw sugar has been entered to by the Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA) and COFCO, a Government of China run public sector company," the commerce ministry said in the statement. India plans to export 2 million tonnes of raw sugar to China beginning from next year, it added. "Raw sugar is the second product after non-basmati rice that China will import from India. It is a move to reduce the $60 billion trade deficit that China has with India," the statement said. India's export to China in 2017-18 amounted to $33 billion, while imports from China stood at $76.2 billion. At 13:07 hrs Shree Renuka Sugars was quoting at Rs 13.17, up Rs 0.19, or 1.46 percent, on the BSE. Dhampur Sugar Mills, meanwhile, was quoting at Rs 161.65, up Rs 6.60, or 4.26 percent. Balrampur Chini Mills was quoting at Rs 108.50, up Rs 3.15, or 2.99 percent, on the BSE. by Melani Manel Perera The National Social Justice Movement supported the current president in his 2015 election bid. Now its members feel betrayed after Sirisena allied himself with former dictator Rajapaksa. Colombo (AsiaNews) Sri Lankas political crisis "is the fault" of president Maithripala Sirisena, this according to Prof Sarath Wijesuriya, founder of the National Movement for Social Justice, which played a crucial role in getting the current president elected. He also apologised for supporting Sirisena in the 2015 elections, which led him to victory over Mahinda Rajapaksa, the former president accused of committing abuses during the countrys civil war. I ask for forgiveness, he said. I can only say that our intentions were pure and we believed in the path that we embarked at the time. Before the 2015 election, Sirisena had presented himself as the man of change. His programme was very precise: strengthening democracy, national reconciliation between Sinhalese and Tamils, creating a climate of peace, providing justice to the victims of the civil war, returning the land seized by the military during the conflict to its legitimate owners. However, groups that helped him rise to power now feel betrayed by his decision to dismiss Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and replace him with Rajapaksa. For Wijesuriya, the problem of corruption in this country cannot be blamed on Wickremesinghe. Instead, not only has Sirisena blocked the arrests of the war criminals, but he has protected captains of corruption, including Susil Premajayantha, who has been under investigation for large-scale fraud. Lastly, the professor issued an appeal to lawmakers concerning the vote on 14 November, when Parliament reconvenes, asking them to put aside their political differences and unite to end the constitutional deadlock. Vertika Kedia Diwali Time brings the feeling of joy and happiness. On the auspicious occasion of Diwali, every Indian expresses his gratitude and affection towards his relatives, friends or employees. Well, what may be the best option to express such gratitude other than offering gifts? The gifts may vary from a small box of sweets to an expensive item but the smile it brings is priceless. After all, who doesnt like gifts? Taxmen, too, understand this and therefore, they have exempted the gifts up to a certain limit received from various persons. Now, lets have a detailed look on the provisions of taxability of gifts received from various persons into the income tax returns (ITR). 1. When the gift is received from Employer : In India almost every employer offers gifts to its employees on various occasions during the year like Diwali, New year, etc. Nowadays, you must have heard news of various employers gifting magnificent silver coin to even a big sedan car. But have you ever wondered about the taxability of these gifts and its impact on your ITR? Lets understand it. As per Income Tax Act, if your employer offers any gift voucher in kind amounting less than Rs. 5000 during the financial year then it is wholly exempt. However, if the amount of gift exceeds Rs 5,000, then the whole amount will be treated as part of your salary and taxed as Perquisite according to your tax slab. Therefore, even if you receive two or more vouchers amounting to more than Rs 5,000 during a year then also your receipts will be taxed as per your slab rate. It is to be noted that gifts in cash or convertible into cash (like a cheque) given by an employer are fully taxable. So, even if you receive Rs 1,000 as cash from your employer then it would be fully taxable as income from salary. a. The tax provision for Company : If the company does any expenditure on its employees, then it can claim the same as employee welfare expenses eligible for the deduction against its income. However, if the company offers gifts to customers/business associates, then the expense on it is claimed as business promotion expenses. However, the expenditure by the company should be justifiable and reasonable considering its size and operations. b. Advisory for a Salaried Person : The employee can ask his employer to consider gift or voucher as part of his CTC. Consequently, if he is in the 30.9% tax bracket then he could easily reap a tax saving of around Rs.1,545. In this way, the ceremonial occasion for an employee becomes more enjoyable and even the Taxman would not mind! 2. When the gift is received from Friends & Relatives : Any gift received from relatives, whether in kind or cash, is exempt. The word Relatives has been defined in the Income Tax Act. However, if the gift is received from any individual or HUF other than the relatives then it shall be exempt up to Rs. 50,000 during any financial year. If the value exceeds Rs 50,000 then the whole amount will be treated as income from other sources and taxed as per slab. Conclusion : It is customary practice in India to offer gifts on various social and religious occasions like Diwali, Christmas, New Year, the anniversary etc. The taxman also understands this and accordingly has formed various provisions related to gifts. For an employee, the value of gift over and above Rs. 5000 would be taxed as a perquisite in the hands of the employees. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Dilip Shanghvi's Sun Petrochemicals may enter power generation business as the company is looking to diversify its portfolio, Mint reported. "While exploration and production are doing fine for us, development or generation of power is another segment we think we can have a significant presence in," a Sun Petrochemicals executive told the paper. The company's diversification plan may be smooth owing to Sun Petrochemicals', as well as Shanghvi's, network in the field of exploration and production. Sun Petrochemicals, founded in 1999, is into oil and gas exploration and production activities in India through its affiliate Sun Oil and Natural Gas. The company is also in a partnership with Indian Petrochemicals Corporation, now part of Reliance Industries (RIL), to manufacture acetylene carbon black used in batteries, semiconductive rubber, and other conductive applications. The company may also have some edge as Shanghvi holds a 19 percent stake in Suzlon Energy, a leading wind turbine maker. The billionaire businessman entered the oil and gas segment in March 2015 after acquiring two oil and gas fields in Gujarat, Baola, and Modhera, from Interlink Petroleum. In addition, Sun Oil and Natural Gas has bought stakes in five hydrocarbon blocks over the past four years. In July, the company acquired 70 percent and 30 percent stake from RIL and BP India, respectively, in Gujarats Cambay Basin block for an undisclosed amount. In December 2016, it bought a 33.3 percent stake in Hazira oil and gas field from Canadas Niko Resources and was in talks to buy the rest from Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation. "Sun Oil and Natural Gas wants to be the operator in whichever block it is. That is the reason the firm has been acquiring a 100 percent stake in all the blocks. It is aware of the multiple approvals a company has to take in case of partnerships and it wants to avoid that situation which leads to delay in work in most cases," another Sun Petrochemicals executive told the paper. Sun Oil and Natural Gas has also invited prospective buyers to purchase crude oil from the Cambay basin block, that it acquired three months ago. "Field is under transfer to Sun Petro and production is likely to commence from April. Crude oil production to start with maybe around 1,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd) and peak production maybe 3,000bpd. Sun Petro is operator of field with 100 percent participating interest," Sun Oil and Natural Gas said on its website. Reliance Industries Ltd. is the sole beneficiary of Independent Media Trust which controls Network18 Media & Investments Ltd. Chennai: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu addresses the media with DMK chief MK Stalin at latter's residence in Chennai Friday,Nov.9.2018,. (PTI Photo) (PTI11_9_2018_000154B) Asserting that he was not the face of the anti-BJP front which he is trying to forge, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Nadu said the question of who would lead the alliance would be taken up later. Naidu, after visiting DMK president M K Stalin as part of his efforts to cobble up a front against the saffron party, lauded the Dravidian party leader as being better than Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Asked by reporters if he was the face of the alliance, Naidu said "No, I am not the face of this alliance. You have to understand that. I am very clear I am not an aspirant, I am only a facilitator... I will bring everybody together. we will decide and take things forward." On who would lead the alliance,he said there were so many leaders. "Even Stalinji is better than Narendra Modiji...there are strong leaders...we will work that out and decide." While Rahul Gandhi led Congress has a pan Indian presence, Naidu described regional leaders, including himself, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Stalin and Deve Gowda as strong leaders in their respective states, who are coming together against the BJP. After a 50-minute meeting with the DMK chief, Naidu said he had come to request Stalin to join him to "save this nation since democracy and the nation are in danger and all of us have to work together against the BJP". Stalin said he pledged DMK'S full support to Naidu's effort to rally all parties to dislodge the BJP government at the Centre, which has been "initimidating" even autonomous institutions like the RBI. Stalin said he assured Naidu that he would participate in a proposed consultative meeting of leaders at Delhi or any other suitable place to take forward the initiative. "Things like the Common Minimum Programme will be devised for sure," the DMK top leader said to a question. Stalin said he has all along been batting for the unity of state leaders and Opposition parties to halt the 'snatching away' of the rights of states by the Centre. Downplaying the possibility of differences among parties repeatedly, Naidu said "national interest is of utmost importance when compared to individual or political interest." "We have to join together... I am in touch with Mamata Banjerjee. I am going to meet her again. We have to work togther to save this nation." Despite past differences with the Congress, he had joined forces with that party, considering the national interest, Naidu said. Only if there is democracy could there be parties, he said, adding that was the situation today. "We will provide Krishna water to Chennai and in future will work to bring Godavari water to Chennai," a smiling Naidu said. Asking journalists if people had got any benefit from the NDA government, the TDP top leader said it was a pity that people were not even able to withdraw money from ATMs post demonetisation. To a question on his view on the AIADMK government in Tamil Nadu, he shot back asking "where is the government?" Recalling his association with DMK since the National Front government days of the late 1980s, he said his idea was to facilitate an anti BJP platform. Naidu charged the centre with interefering in the affairs of a regulatory body like RBI, which was never done in the past. He alleged that the economy was in the doldrums and pointed to aspects like Non-performing assets and hit out at the government over demonetisation. Levelling a slew of accusations against the BJP, he said there was intolerance, farmers distress and unemployment. Naidu alleged that the Enforcement Directorate and Income Tax departments were being used only to malign and harass all opposition leaders. Stalin lauded Naidu for his good effort to defeat the "anti-people," BJP at the hustings. "Be it court, CBI or RBI, all autonomous institutions are being initimidated by the Centre... to stop it the BJP government should be dislodged," Stalin said. Naidu's meeting with Stalin came a day after he called on his Karnataka counterpart H D Kumaraswamy and JDS supremo H D Deve Gowda. Earlier, Naidu was accorded a warm welcome by Stalin at his Alawarpet residence. DMK Rajya Sabha MP Kanimozhi, party top leader and treasurer Duraimurugan, former Union Ministers A Raja and T R Baalu were present during the discussions. Days ago, when Naidu visited Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Stalin had welcomed it saying it was the need of the hour for all non-BJP parties to come together on a common platform. He also had pledged DMK's support to the initiative of Rahul Gandhi and Naidu to defeat the saffron party in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The DMK chief also had months ago endorsed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's efforts to bring various parties together to oppose and defeat the BJP. Pinarayi Vijayan Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan Friday appealed to the Centre to reconsider its decision to lease out six airports, including Thiruvananthapuram aerodrome, for operation, management and development under the Public Private Partnership (PPP). The Union cabinet took this decision stating that it would increase efficiency and revenue and bring in more investments. But by keeping them in public sector, the airports can be developed and also attract investments, Vijayan said in a Facebook Post. The decision has come at a time when the state government was going ahead with steps to acquire 18 acres for the development of the Thiruvananthapuram airport, the first to come up in the state, he said, adding the move was "totally disappointing." Alleging that the Centre was trying to fully privatise the civil aviation sector in phases, Vijayan said this was against national interest and the government should withdraw from such a move, Vijayan said. The Union Cabinet on November 8 approved a proposal to manage Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Guwahati, Mangaluru besides Thiruvananthapuram airports under public private partnership (PPP). Delhi's degrading air quality has been making headlines for quite some time now. The National Capital Region's (NCR) pollution level after Diwali has nearly doubled in comparison to last year as people burst firecrackers outside of the Supreme Court's stipulated time frame of 8 pm to 10 pm. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 426 on November 9, which puts it in the 'severe' category, according to data by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Read A day after Diwali, Delhi's air quality nosedives to 'severe' category Read Air Quality remains very poor despite slew of measures implemented to combat pollution The State Transport Department has banned the entry of heavy and medium goods vehicles into the national capital for three days starting from 11 pm on November 8. Vehicles that need to reach other destinations are being asked to take the Eastern Peripheral Expressway instead of entering Delhi. Vehicles carrying perishable goods like vegetables, fruits, milk, other food items, and tankers carrying petroleum products have been exempted. Authorities have banned construction activities and have halted operations of industries using coal and biomass as fuel between November 1 and November 10. Civil construction has also been suspended and all stone crushers and hot mix plants generating dust pollution have been shut down. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee has also directed the Transport Department and the traffic police to intensify checking of polluting vehicles and control travel congestion in the region between November 1 and November 10. The authorities are also considering regulating the use of private vehicles. The CPCB is also thinking of inducing artificial rain in Delhi to wash away hazardous pollutants that are plaguing the national capital. Workers of Public Works Department (PWD) sprinkled water in Anand Vihar area to settle the dust as a pollution control measure. Delhi: Workers of Public Works Department (PWD) sprinkle water in Anand Vihar area to settle the dust as a pollution control measure. pic.twitter.com/DsD88wp9oJ ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2018 Union Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan had called a meeting of the environment ministers of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Delhi to discuss the deteriorating air quality. However, all ministers, except Delhi Environment Minister Imran Hussain, skipped the meeting and instead sent their senior officials to participate in it, according to a report by NDTV. The air quality of the national capital continues to degrade despite its government taking a slew of measures to control pollution. Here are the steps taken by the Delhi government to control air pollution: A high-level meeting between Army officials and Chinese PLA troops was organised on November 9 at Bumla, near Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh, where the two sides reaffirmed their resolve to strengthen friendship and maintain peace along the Line of Actual Control. The 4057-km-long Line of Actual Control separates India from China. The delegations, led by Major General PGK Menon from India and Major General Li Xi Zhong from China, hoisted flags of both the countries and discussed ways to boost relationship between the neighbours, a defence ministry release said. This was the first time major generals of the two countries took part in a border personnel meeting (BPM), since its initiation in 1990, the release said. On November 7, too, the army personnel of the two sides exchanged greeting and gifts on the occasion of Diwali. The BPM at Bumla was yet another milestone in the ongoing efforts by both the nations to increase interactions at all levels - diplomatic as well as military channels, the defence release said. Located at an altitude of 15,000 ft and situated 42 km North of Tawang town, Bumla is one of the five designated venues for BPMs between two of the world's largest armies. Both the delegation expressed satisfaction over the "growing mutual trust and harmony" between the two countries and expressed hope that the Sino-Indian relationship would only get stronger with time, the release added. Kedarnath : Prime Minister Narendra Modi offering prayers at Kedarnath Temple, in Uttarakhand on Wednesday, Nov. 07, 2018. (PIB Photo via PTI)(PTI11_7_2018_000054B) The Congress hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his "urban Naxals" attack on it, saying he is staring at defeat in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh and is resorting to this to hide his "abject failure" and "weak-kneed" approach towards fighting Naxalism. Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala also attacked him while quoting his pro-Naxal comments made as Gujarat Chief Minister. He also quoted Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh over his remarks made in 2015 that Naxals are "sons of the soil" and would be welcomed back in the mainstream as children. He also said that the Congress had lost its entire leadership in Naxal attacks ahead of last assembly elections. "Staring at defeat in Chhattisgarh/MP, a frustrated PM seeks to hide his abject failure and weak-kneed approach to fighting Naxalism, which he claimed to finish post Demonetisation. Post Demo, 1030 Naxal incidents till February 2018 and 114 jawans martyred (sic)," Surjewala said on Twitter. Taking a dig at Modi, he said the prime minister indulged in his trademark "petty politics" and did not even remember the 11 jawans who lost their lives in the past fortnight, including five CISF jawans on November 8, in Naxal attacks in Chhattisgarh. "Reminding a spineless Modi Government that we lost 11 Jawans to Naxal terror in Chhattisgarh in last 14 days since October 27, including 5 CISF jawans yesterday. Did Modiji find time to even remember them today as he indulged in his trademark petty politics?" he asked. In a series of tweets, the Congress leader quoted Modi, when he as Gujarat chief minister in May 2010 had said that "Naxals are our own people". He also quoted Raman Singh in May 2015 saying "Naxals are the sons of the soil and will be welcomed back as their children". "Modiji, do you still stand by: Your own statement calling Naxals' our own people' and Dr Raman Singh calling Naxals sons of the soil' who will be welcomed like our own children'. Do you remember Congress lost over 25 of its leaders to Naxal terror under BJP's watch," he said. He alleged Modi's "shrill claims and dishonesty" come to the fore when Naxalism-affected Chhattisgarh is allocated a paltry Rs 53 crore. It "speaks volumes about your incompetence", he added. Modi on November 9 accused the Congress of backing "urban Maoists" who he said have ruined the lives of poor Adivasi youths. Addressing his first election rally for the state Assembly polls scheduled later this month, Modi also said the Congress makes "fun" of Adivasis (tribals). Prime Minister Narendra Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the swearing-in ceremony of Maldivian president-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih next week, the Ministry of External Affairs announced on November 9. The prime minister will also visit Singapore to take part in the 13th East Asia Summit and other meetings on November 14 and 15, MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said at a media briefing. The prime minister has accepted the invitation extended by Maldives' president-elect Solih to attend his swearing-in ceremony on November 17, he said. On the US waiver to India from Iran sanctions, Kumar said the US has shown understanding of India's position on the issue. India, China and Japan were among eight countries temporarily allowed to continue buying Iranian oil as they showed significant reduction in oil purchase from the Persian Gulf country after the US reimposed crippling sanctions on Tehran, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had said earlier this week. Shekhar Iyer Chhattisgarh polls are again about its Chief Minister Raman Singh who for 15 years has dominated the state's scene. It is also about Singh's frenemy leader Ajit Jogi and his never-ending battles with the Congress. This time Jogi has formed a 'third front' by joining hands with Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party, which could be a big stumbling block for the Congress' bid to unseat Singhs government. Jogi asserts he is fighting to end the BJP's rule but his detractors think that he is again bailing out Singh. Nevertheless, a rejuvenated Congress under Rahul Gandhi hopes to cash in on what it sees as a strong anti-incumbency mood among the electorate. It thinks Jogi and his Janta Congress Chhattisgarh (JCC) are on the decline because their role is seen as spoilers preventing change. A third factor that remains in the background, particularly in certain hill areas, is the role of Maoists whose waning influence is punctuated by intermittent deadly attacks. The Maoists are not just against the elections. They have put up posters, directly threatening people against voting for the BJP. Chhattisgarh has an assembly of 91 seats. It goes to poll on November 12 when the first phase of voting will take place for 18 seats, 12 of which are located in the Naxalite-hit Bastar region and Rajnandgaon. The second phase, which will cover the remaining seats, will take place on November 20. Singh admits that it is not easy for him and the BJP. However, he feels that the people will still vote for his leadership and party because they have seen changes under his tenure. He sees disarray in the Congress camp though he won't treat Jogi's threat to play the kingmaker lightly. Jogi is not contesting the elections himself, preferring to campaign for his third front. Earlier, he had announced that he would contest against Singh in the latter's home constituency of Rajnandgaon. Later he backed out. In the 2013 polls, the vote share between the BJP and the Congress was less than 1 percent. While the BJP got 41.04 percent of the total votes, the Congress polled 40.29 percent, but could only secure 39 assembly seats. The BJP got 49 seats and one each was won by the BSP and an independent. The narrow margin of victory five years ago has made the Congress more hopeful of breaking the BJP's winning streak this time. Jogi thinks that his alliance partner, the BSP, can eat into the votes of the BJP as well as the Congress in some pockets to give his front a decent number of seats for a key role in the post-poll scenario if the December 11 results present a hung house. Interestingly, Singh, unlike the Congress, is not treating the Jogi-Mayawati alliance as a non-starter. "The BSP has a 4-5 percent votes and Jogi has 2-3 percent votes. If they add up to 5 or 6 percent votes, there will be impact on around 30 constituencies," he said in a recent interview to a media house. The Congress is focusing sharply on the distress of farmers, claiming that days of Singh's magic as 'Chawal Baba' (the miracle maker who ensured rice to poor under a successful Public Distribution System) are over. The Congress also harps on what it calls the lack of development under the BJP, denouncing the latter's claim of vikas as all hype and no substance. However, dismissing the talk of tremendous voter fatigue working against him, Singh has held that "the anti-incumbency that is talked about now was said in 2013 as well. But people think that change has taken place in 15 years a new Chhattisgarh is being built" All the parties concede that Singh's achievements cannot be dismissed as mere claims because the state has made considerable progress though some social indicators are still on the lower side. Many leaders believe the key to retaining or capturing power in Raipur depends largely on who wins in the Bastar division, which also goes by the Maoists description as the Red Zone. In the 2013 polls, the BJP won the elections but lost its hold in the region even as the Congress gained an upper hand. Of the 12 seats in the region, the Congress grabbed eight seats while the BJP mustered the remaining four seats. The saving grace for the BJP was that it won in other regions. Since then, Singh's government has undertaken a lot of development work in Bastar. In his pre-election interviews, the CM has asserted that "there are some patches where they (Maoists) have influence, but the people of Bastar are with the government on the path of peace and development. The development work in Bastar is because of people's faith (in administration). We have laid roads in Dantewada, Sukma, Bijapur, (where earlier) people could not dream of it. Big interstate bridges have been built on Andhra Pradesh and Odisha border. This has changed the economy of the area. (There have been) medical colleges and irrigation I believe the people are with us". That brings us to the next question: will Raman Singh remain merely a leader of Chhattisgarh? When Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power in 2014, Singhs name was among those who were thought to have been sounded out for eventually shifting to the Centre. Perhaps, once the Chhattisgarh polls are over, Singh may move away from the state politics as the BJP needs to harness new faces and younger lot of leaders for its future in the state. This shift might happen after the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. (Shekhar Iyer is former senior associate editor of Hindustan Times and political editor of Deccan Herald. Views are personal) New Delhi: Congress President Rahul Gandhi (R) with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu during a meeting, in New Delhi, Thursday, Nov 01, 2018. (PTI Photo)(PTI11_1_2018_000114B) The CPI, a partner in the "grand alliance" of opposition parties for the December seven Assembly elections in Telangana, expressed dissatisfaction on being given three seats by the Congress, describing it as "injustice." The alliance comprises the Congress, Telugu Desam Party, CPI and Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS). Congress on November 8 said the party has decided to leave 25 seats -- 14 to Telugu Desam Party, eight to Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS) and three to CPI. "We (alliance partners) had discussed that an approach of give and take should be there (in the alliance). There should be respectable arrangements. What happpened now is against that. But, our political motive is to dislodge the KCR government in Telangana," CPI state secretary Chada Venkat Reddy told reporters. Noting that his party had asked for at least five seats, he said it is "injustice" (towards his party) to give only three seats. Venkat Reddy said his party has informed senior Congress leader K Jana Reddy about its complaint who promised to take it up with party high command. TJS president M Kodandaram has expressed solidarity with the CPI. TDP's Telangana unit president L Ramana said the alliance partners would soon sit and review the developments since the last two months and try to strengthen the coalition. The meeting would take place after Congress leaders return to Hyderabad from gulf countries. Congress leaders have gone to Gulf countries to enquire about migrant workers' problems, he said. The first list of Congress candidates for the Assembly polls would be released on November 10, RC Khuntia, AICC incharge of party affairs in Telangana said. He had said the party has cleared 74 names. There are 119 ssembly segments. The Gazette notification for the polls would be issued on November 12 and the last date of nominations is November 19, according to the schedule released by the Election Commission. After coming to Saudi Arabia on fake passports during Hajj, many Rohingya have been held in detention centres for years. The Saudi government is planning to forcibly repatriate them. The kingdom has no refugee plan nor signed the 1951 Refugee Convention. Riyadh (AsiaNews) Saudi Arabia has been forcibly holding hundreds of ethnic Muslim Rohingya in various detention centres after they had fled western Myanmar because of persecution. Now Saudi authorities want to forcibly send them to Bangladesh. According to Middle East Eye, the planned deportations come after Saudi Arabia ordered Bangladesh to take back more than a hundred Rohingya who came to the kingdom on Bangladeshi passports. Human rights groups fear that once back in Bangladesh, they will be repatriated to Myanmar where they risk more persecution or end up in inhumane refugee camps. Many of the Rohingya came to Saudi Arabia in 2011 on the Hajj (pilgrimage) to Makkah using fake passports. More recently, many fled violence in Myanmar at the hands of Buddhist majority at least 700,000 from Rakhine State since 2016 hoping to find a job and rebuild a life in the leading Sunni nation. In the past few months, Saudi authorities have begun cracking down on illegal workers and immigrants without permits, including Rohingya. Rohingya detainees say they can prove their identities with their old Myanmar ID cards, not those of Bangladesh, as evidence of their status as political refugees. However, few Rohingya have faith in the repatriation process and many fear more violence. What will we do when we got to Bangladesh? We have no other choice but to kill ourselves, said one man. In view of the situation, various groups have appealed to the Saudi government to stop the forced repatriations to Bangladesh. The latter began a few days after Saudi leaders, including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, met with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during a visit to Riyadh in mid-October. On this occasion, the crown prince praised Bangladeshs development plan and its response to the Rohingya crisis. He also called for closer military cooperation between the two countries. Many Rohingyas came to Saudi Arabia years ago with fake passports of various Asian nations, like Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal and Pakistan, hoping to rebuild their lives and leave persecution and violence behind them. That dream ended when they were locked up in Jeddahs Shumaisi detention centre following raids by Saudi Immigration Department. In prison, they endure abuses and violence, their mobile phones seized. Eyewitnesses cited by Middle East Eye said some were punched in the chest and experienced other forms of torture to exhort confessions. Rohingya immigrants also have to sign a statement saying that they had full mental health to consent to repatriation to Bangladesh. So far, neither the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry nor the Bangladesh ambassador to Saudi Arabia (nor the Saudi authorities) have addressed the matter. Saudi Arabia has not plan for refugees and asylum seekers and has not signed the 1951 Refugee Convention, which grants them the right to work, travel documents and freedom of movement. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said global payment gateways like Mastercard and Visa are losing market share to indigenous RuPay card and UPI payment system. In a Facebook post marking the second anniversary of demonetisation, the minister said note ban has increased digital transactions. "Today, Visa and Mastercard are losing market share in India to indigenously developed payment system of UPI and RuPay card whose share has reached 65 percent of the payments done through debit and credit cards," Jaitley said. Unified Payment Interface (UPI) was launched in 2016 involving real time payments between two sets of mobile holders. Its transactions have grown from Rs 50 crore in October 2016 to Rs 59,800 crore in September 2018. Besides, the Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM) app developed by National Payments Corporation of India for quick payment transactions using UPI, is currently being used by 1.25 crore people. The value of BHIM transactions has gone up from Rs 2 crore in September 2016 to Rs 7,060 crore in September 2018. The share of BHIM transactions in overall UPI transactions is at about 48 percent in June 2017. RuPay card transactions have increased from Rs 800 crore before demonetisation to Rs 5,730 crore in September 2018 for transaction through Point of Sale (PoS) . For e-commerce purchases, it has gone up from Rs 300 crore to Rs 2,700 crore. A Congress leader on Friday termed the Shiv Sena's comments a day earlier on demonetisation as "fairly accurate" but also asked the latter if it would continue to be a part of the BJP-led governments at the Centre and Maharashtra. Shiv Sena spokesperson Manisha Kayande had on Thursday slammed the note ban decision of the Centre and had claimed that "the situation after two years has become so bad that people are waiting to punish the PM". On November 8, 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a ban on Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 denomination bank notes with immediate effect. "Interesting...Statement & observation by long term ally of #BJP over #DemonetisationDisaster is fairly accurate...Now, whether .#ShivSena will sail the same boat to be downed in #Maharashtra or chart a different course is yet to be seen... Time will tell!" All India Congress Committee (AICC) secretary in charge of Maharashtra Ashish Dua tweeted Friday. The Sena spokesperson Thursday had also claimed the note ban exercise was a "complete failure" as none of its objectives were achieved. "While the (Union) Finance Minister says more number of people have been brought under the tax net, he has failed to explain the rationale behind it (demonetisation) as several lakh people lost jobs," Kayande had said Thursday. National Conference leader Omar Abdullah has questioned the Centre's participation in a dialogue on Afghanistan in the presence of Taliban representatives while holding no talks with stakeholders in Jammu and Kashmir. "If 'non-official' participation in a dialogue that includes the taliban is acceptable to the Modi government why not a non-official dialogue with non-mainstream stake holders in J&K? Why not a non-official dialogue centered around J&K's eroded autonomy & its restoration?" he tweeted Thursday night. India had on Thursday said it would participate in the dialogue hosted by Russia at a "non-official level" in Moscow. The Moscow-format meeting on Afghanistan will be held on November 9 and representatives of the Afghan Taliban radical movement will take part in it, the Russian Foreign Ministry had said last week. "We are aware that the Russian Federation is hosting a meeting in Moscow on 9 November on Afghanistan. Our participation at the meeting will be at the non-official level, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said. He said India supports all efforts at peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan that will preserve unity and plurality, and bring security, stability and prosperity to the country. Sujata Anandan The killing of tigress Avni in the reserved forests of Yavatmal in Maharashtra on November 2 puts the Devendra Fadnavis-led state government in a tight spot. The killing not only smacks of corruption and utter cruelty but also exposes the cavalier attitude and moral transgression of ministers and officials who cold-bloodedly murdered the tigress in violation of all norms and guidelines, including that of the National Tiger Conservation Authority. It has also precipitated a minor crisis within the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) whose ministers have been at each other's throats ever since. Union minister Maneka Gandhi, known for her animal conservation efforts, has minced no words in alleging a nexus between Maharashtra minister for forests Sudhir Mungantiwar and the hunter, Nawab Ali, who was hired by the government to neutralise the animal. The unauthorised presence of the hunter's son who is believed to have shot the tigress has also raised doubts about the operation. One of the allegations is that Ali, who has hunted down many animals in the jungles, including leopards and wild elephants, might have treated the entire episode as a sport rather than with the compassion required to capture alive the tigress, a mother of two 10-month old cubs. Even worse is that Gandhi has accused him of gun running and smuggling weapons to anti-socials; and she has accused the government of patronising such unsavoury elements. That the tigress was killed in violation of the norms was clear from the post-mortem report the bullet entered one shoulder and exited from the other. This punctures holes in the version given by the authorities that the animal was killed in an act of self-defence after efforts to tranquillise her failed. In such a case the shots would have been fired to the tigress head or chest, and not her shoulder. Moreover, it is said that a low calibre gun, against the specifications, was used in the act. There are allegations that efforts are on by officials to replace the fatal bullet with a high-calibre one. Far from being apologetic, Mungantiwar has been blustering about increasing the count of tigers in Maharashtra to 25 this is no cause for self-praise because tigers are known to move between the forests adjoining Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. What Mungantiwar will not admit is that at least 10 tigers have vanished from various forest ranges in Maharashtra under his watch this includes from the Nagpur and Amravati ranges and his home turf of Chandrapur. They have been either crushed by heavy vehicles, including road rollers used by contractors laying new roads through these forests, or, in some cases, could have even been poached. It is Mungantiwar's justification for the killing of Avni that exposes the real underbelly of the government and conceals its failures. He said, While it is our moral responsibility to protect the tiger, it is a greater responsibility to protect people and Avni had already killed 13 human beings. While this figure has been contested (as some put it at five), Mungantiwar will not admit that most of the people falling prey to tigers go into the jungles to defecate. Such an admission would blow the lid off the governments claim of an open-defecation-free Maharashtra. It will question the success of the Modi government's flagship programme Swachch Bharat mission. Following Avni's autopsy, Gandhis allegations seem to be proving true as no darts were found on the tigress carcass. Fadnavis has been compelled to promise a probe to ascertain whether the darts fired at her were shot before the bullets were fired or were done after the tigress was killed. Now, there are also allegations that the patch of reserved forest where Avni was gunned down needs to be cleared in a hurry because the government has plans for a cement factory there. If true, Avni's killing was not just a clash between man and animal, but was driven by cold-blooded material interests and thats unpardonable. (Sujata Anandan is a senior journalist and author. Views are personal) KT Rama Rao (Image: Facebook/@KTRTRS) CNN-News 18 Ahead of the state assembly elections in Telangana, CNN-News 18's Marya Shakil spoke to Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) leader and IT Minister KT Rama Rao on the prospects of his party in the upcoming polls. Telangana will witness its first assembly election after being carved out of Andhra Pradesh in 2014. Incumbent Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao had prematurely dissolved the state's assembly which warranted elections in the state. KT Rama Rao is KCR's son. Here are edited excerpts from the interview: Most surveys are showing it is advantage KCR in this election. Has the move of advancing elections worked on the ground? KTR: If we look at every single election that has taken place in Telangana in the last four years, TRS has won extremely convincingly. This includes the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation elections, which are considered a mini general election of sorts. These Assembly polls don't appear any different, with TRS clearly ahead. Seven surveys that have come out in the last two months have shown that TRS will win with at least two-thirds majority. We are very confident. A grand alliance, called mahakutami, has been forged to take on your party in these elections. The alliance includes the Congress, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), the CPI and the Telangana Jana Samiti. Are you confident of your strategy of going alone against this alliance? KTR: In 2014, when we had won the election, we won it with a majority. This time around, it is going to be no different. During the last election, the Congress had allied with CPI and other parties. But, this time even the Telugu Desam has joined its alliance. We call it Maha Ghatiya Bandhan. There is no fundamental basis on which this alliance can base itself. It is an opportunistic alliance with the objective of power mongering. The people of Telangana dont see any logic or rationale behind this alliance. We are very confident that the Congress has shot itself in the foot, and this alliance, which is bundled with contradictions, will cost them dearly. The model of a 'grand alliance' in Telangana is also playing out at the national level. In fact, Chandrababu Naidu is also meeting MK Stalin in order to mobilise a united opposition or an anti-Modi bloc. In March this year, your father [KCR] had reached out to all non-Congress, non-BJP parties to work together. At that time, Naidu had shown an inclination towards that, as did West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee. What exactly is the status of that third front or federal front as was talked about in March? KTR: Our stand is very clear. The so-called national parties both the BJP and the Congress have failed our nation in the last 71 years of independence. There are still many issues plaguing this nation which havent been resolved by either of these parties. What we want is more power to the state, more federal approach not just lip sympathy by calling it cooperative federalism or competitive federalism. If India has to progress and emerge as a strong nation, the state has to be empowered and that is exactly why the idea of a federal front was rooted by our leader KCR. What Chandrababu Naidu and other parties are up to now is none of our concern. We hope to win this election in December convincingly and then we will start focusing on national politics. We will start making our moves after 11 December. So are you saying that there will be another attempt at a federal front post-December? KTR: Absolutely! In fact, our CM and our leader is extremely clear that both the national parties have failed this nation, and that this country needs stronger regional forces which can come together and can assure the true federal spirit. Who will stand with you as far as an anti-Modi bloc is concerned, that is formalising and taking shape? We are seeing Sharad Pawar, Chandrababu Naidu, Mamata Banerjee, and Akhilesh Yadav. Who really would be a part of the federal front? KTR: The world is not as simple as it seems and there isn't only a bipolar kind of situation that it is only UPA or NDA. There will be a third front. There will be a coalition of like-minded parties which will emerge because we still have a long way to go for national elections. Right now, we are focusing on just state elections. After those, you can expect a lot of things to happen in January and February. It doesnt look like that Chandrababu Naidu is concentrating on state elections that are due in December. Why do you think he has gone for a coalition with the Congress party in the state to take on you? KTR: Desperate times call for desperate measures and Chandrababu Naidu's party faces an extinction threat in Telangana. Therefore, he is merely trying to assert himself and retain a seat or two in Telangana by way of this alliance. Its a desperate gamble to try and cook up a coalition which has no fundamental basis whatsoever. His party will be decimated in Telangana. There have been speculations that your father had kept the central leadership of BJP in the loop when he dissolved the assembly prematurely in September this year. So, is KCR going to be a part of the BJP-led NDA before or after 2019? KTR: Let me put it this way speculate as you may, the fact is clear that we are an independent party. We are neither a part of the UPA nor a part of the NDA. We have no friendship or liking for any of the national parties. We have consistently maintained that they have failed the nation. So, to accuse us or speculate that we are going to sail with the BJP is nothing but humbug. You will see our efforts to actually bring a viable alternative to the NDA or the UPA after December 11. Can you assure the people of Telangana that you are not going to support the BJP before 2019 and all that is just rumor and speculation? KTR: Absolutely, without a question! There is no way our ideology can compel us to come together. We have a very different view from the BJP on this country and on our state. There is no way we can work together and I assure you that Telangana Rashtra Samiti, which is going to sweep the upcoming assembly elections, will also win at least 15 parliament seats in Telangana. We will have a very important role to play in Delhi. We believe very strongly that a few regional parties coming together can certainly dictate who will be in driver's seat in Delhi after April 2019, and you will see TRS playing a very important role there. I can assure you that it is neither going to be the BJP, nor the Congress which will be in the driver's seat in Delhi. Youth Congress members accompanied by senior party leaders on Friday staged a protest against demonetisation outside the RBI office here and were detained by police. The security forces forcibly took the protestors to police station in a bus. "Around 70-80 Congress protesters, including Ashok Gehlot, Anand Sharma and Bhupinder Singh Hooda have been detained," police said. The protesters wore masks and shouted slogans against the BJP-led government. Amrish Ranjan Pandey, national spokesperson of the Youth Congress, said the protest was aimed at "highlighting the miseries of the nation since the last two years under the Modi regime". "It is a protest against the 'failed' demonetisation of the Modi government wherein common people suffered its grave consequences," he said. On November 8, 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced that Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 denomination bank notes would cease to exist as legal tenders. The withdrawal of the notes had led to a liquidity crunch and people stood in serpentine queues outside banks and ATMs to exchange old notes. The opposition parties have criticised the exercise as "ill-advised" and "disastrous" for the country, but the government has maintained that the move helped increase the tax base and allowed greater formalisation of the economy. CRUDE-OIL India welcomed the US announcement allowing it to keep buying crude oil from Iran and said it was examining the details of the exemptions. The US on November 5 re-imposed sanctions on import of crude oil from Iran but temporarily allowed India, China, South Korea, Japan, Italy, Greece, Taiwan and Turkey to continue the purchase from the Gulf nation without any penalty. "We appreciate that the US government has taken into account our need for energy security and understood our sensitivities on this matter. We welcome this. We are now examining the details of the exemption," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said. Asked whether India was going to reduce crude oil imports from Iran, he did not give a direct reply but said Iranian oil was very important for India's energy security. "India is a major importer of crude oil from Iran. This is very important for our own energy security needs. We appreciate the fact that US has shown understanding of our position and have said that their intention is not to hurt India," he said. "I am not at the liberty to give you details about the quantum of crude oil that we will continue to import," Kumar added. The MEA spokesperson said India also appreciated the US for exempting it from sanctions for the development of the strategically-located Chabahar port in Iran. "We have taken note of the US statement that exception has been provided under the Iran Freedom and Counter Proliferation Act of 2012 with respect to development of Chabahar Port and the construction of an associated railway line," he said. "We appreciate that the US recognised the role which this port will play to bring strategic and long term benefits to Afghanistan as well as enhance Afghanistan's connectivity with the outside world," Kumar added. Ports in Iran have also come under the US sanctions. New Delhi has been a key partner in development of the Chabahar port which is being considered a gateway to golden opportunities for trade by India, Iran and Afghanistan with central Asian countries. The port is being considered crucial for trade among the three countries in the wake of Pakistan denying transit access to India. In May 2016, India, Iran and Afghanistan had signed a pact which entailed establishment of a transit and transport corridor among the three countries using Chabahar Port as one of the regional hubs. The incumbent chief minister will look to grab for himself a fourth term. Singh has been tagged as a silent performer for the BJP, and experts believe that although the state might witness anti-incumbency, Singh remains popular, especially in urban Chhattisgarh where the saffron satrap has expanded opportunities for local entrepreneurs. Receding tribal and farmer support, and scams tainting at least one of his cabinet ministers will, however, bother the 66-year-old. (Image: Raman Singh, Twitter) The districts in Chhattisgarh with the lowest mobile penetration have got only 10 lakh of the 28.8 lakh phones under the first phase of Chief Minister Raman Singh's Sanchar Kranti Yojana (SKY), according to a report by The Indian Express. The report states that till September 28, over 86 lakh phones with added sops such as free six-month data plan and 100 free call minutes per month for the first six months have been distributed. Singh, who has helmed the state since 2003 and is looking to secure a fourth term, launched the scheme in July 2018. The scheme aims at reaching out to 45 lakh women belonging to poor families and five lakh college students. The scheme also aims to benefit 40.8 lakh rural households and 5.67 lakh urban ones. "The scheme will ensure that the ongoing developmental activities attain new heights in the region and the state," President Ram Nath Kovind had said while launching SKY in Jagdalpur. According to the report, however, people owning a mobile phone in the 16 districts identified as having the least amount of mobile penetration, are fewer than the state average of 29 percent. These 16 districts account for 38 of the 90 assembly seats and 40 percent of the electorate in the upcoming assembly polls in the state. According to the report, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had managed to win 19 of these 38 seats during the 2013 polls. In the Naxal-affected Bastar region, 12 seats together have received 2 lakh phones so far. An official from the Chhattisgarh Infotech Promotion Society (CHIPS) the agency administering the smartphone scheme told the paper that in seats such as Sukma and Bijapur in the state's southern belt, phone distribution is incomplete because the mobile network is yet to be fully laid out in the area. According to CHIPS CEO Alex Menon, the freebie project is an "extensive" scheme for a "small state like Chhattisgarh." "The reality is Chhattisgarh is struggling with connectivity and mobile penetration. We were discussing how to do something drastic. The scheme has been a data-driven governance scheme from day one," Menon told the paper. According to the data accessed by the paper from CHIPS, almost 10,000 villages have been completely covered by phones and over 2,500 villages are semi-covered while over 7,000 villages are yet to receive mobile phones or connectivity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the Regional Economic Cooperation Partnership meeting and the ASEAN summit next week and hold talks with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and other leaders. Modi will attend the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) summit and the East Asia Summit (EAS) gala dinner as well as hold talks with Prime Minister Lee and leaders from the US, Japan and Australia. On November 15, he will have a breakfast with the ASEAN leaders, according to a report by Friday weekly Tabla, a Singapore-based weekly English newspaper. On November 14, Modi will address 30,000 people at the Fintech Festival, the biggest event of its kind in the world. India with 400 exhibitors is represented by the largest contingent at the event. The Prime Minister will launch a platform to connect Indian Fintech companies with ASEAN banks and financial institutions. He will present awards to the winners of the first hacklathon between India and Singapore, which has students from both countries providing questions and solutions. The final of sixty students each form India and Singapore will be held on November 12 and 13 at the Nanyang Technological University. Modi will leaves on the evening of November 15. RCEP is a proposed free trade agreement (FTA) between the ten member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam) and the six Asia-Pacific states with which ASEAN has existing free trade agreements (Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand). Six Chinese nationals, who inadvertently entered India, have been handed over to Nepal Police, police said on November 9. SSB jawans had stopped them when they were entering India from Nepal at Rupaideeha border on November 7. The Chinese nationals, including two women, entered the Indian side inadvertently on November 7, while they had gone to see the Bageshwari Temple in Nepalganj in Nepal. All of them had a Nepal visa, Superintendent of Police Gaurav Grover said. "Nothing suspicious was found with them due to which they were handed over to Nepal Police on Thursday evening. Due to language problem, the probe took time. They were kept at a forest guest house" Grover said. by Agung Many Rohingya did not leave Myanmar for Bangladesh. Several aid programmes are being implemented in Rakhine after Myanmar and the UN struck a deal promoting integration and reconciliation between the various communities. For one humanitarian worker, seeing these initial improvements is encouraging. Sittwe (AsiaNews) Displays of renewed friendship between Rohingya Muslims and Rakhine Buddhists are a sign of hope for the western State, which has been affected by a serious humanitarian crisis. Although it is widely believed that the difficult relations between these two ethnic groups are the cause of the sectarian violence of August 2017, many Rohingya chose to stay in Myanmar rather than flee to Bangladesh, and are currently living in camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs) set up before the latest conflict. "Many humanitarian organisations are recruiting local people, Rakhine and Rohingya, to start their projects, said a member of the Capacity Development Foundation, who chose to remain anonymous for security reasons, speaking to AsiaNews. They hire teachers and introduce education programmes, from elementary schools to university education for both communities, the person added. "Mistrust and political tensions are still widespread in Rakhine, but it is good to see so many initiatives in the state, from (the state capital) Sittwe to the border with Bangladesh. Although we receive international pressures, such as the threat of economic sanctions from the European Union (EU), we are convinced that we can build a future of peace and development in Rakhine ". After Myanmar and two United Nations (UN) agencies, UNDP and UNHRC, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), many assistance programmes got underway in Rakhine. The World Food Programme (WFP) distributes food on a large scale in the states refugee camps (pictured). Other initiatives are underway to build and renovate housing. In addition, maintenance and infrastructure development projects have started. Assistance is not only for Rohingya and Rakhine, but also for other ethnic minorities, like the Myo and the Kamar. These programmes are designed to facilitate integration and reconciliation between the different communities. "In the coming months, the UN agencies and many civil society organisations (CSOs) will start the Cash for Work programme, thanks to which some basic infrastructures will be built," said the member of the Capacity Development Foundation. "Before implementing these pilot projects, we conducted some public consultation meetings with Rohingya and Rakhine sitting together. Friendship and reconciliation have been built and renewed during and after such meetings. However, much work has yet to be done, but seeing these initial improvements is encouraging." Policemen stop members of the public from walking towards the Bourke Street mall in central Melbourne, Australia, November 9, 2018. REUTERS/Sonali Paul - RC1C51A5A2E0 A man stabbed three people in the Australian city of Melbourne on November 9, killing one, before being shot and wounded by police, who said the attack was not believed to be terror-related. Video posted to Twitter and broadcast on television showed the man swinging a knife at two police officers in the city's crowded downtown area, while a car burned in the background. One of the officers then shot the man and he collapsed to the ground clutching his chest, the video showed. Other footage showed two stab victims lying on the ground nearby and bleeding. "Three people have been stabbed, unfortunately one of them is deceased at the scene," David Clayton, police superintendent of Victoria state, told reporters. "There is no known links to terrorism at this stage. We will keep an open mind as to whether there is any link." Clayton said police had arrived at Bourke Street, a busy shopping thoroughfare, in response to a car fire. As flames engulfed the vehicle, the man attacked them and they shot him in the struggle, he said. Video showed chaotic scenes as bystanders scattered. One man charged at the tall attacker with a shopping trolley just before police drew their weapons. A witness who gave his name as Markel told Australian Broadcasting Corporation radio: "Bystanders were yelling out 'just shoot him, just shoot him'." Warning sirens sounded after the attack and police sealed off the downtown area, usually busy with shoppers and diners on a Friday evening. The bomb squad was deployed to assess the area and television footage showed police combing the street for evidence. The body of a victim lay under a sheet on the street. The street where the car caught fire was the scene in January 2017 of a fatal but not terror-related incident in which a man drove his car at pedestrians at high speed, killing six people and wounding about 30. November 09, 2018 ISIS Again Claims Cyber Attacks Which Were Falsely Blamed On Russia Since late 2014 the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) had its own hacking group. It waged cyber attacks against media and military targets. The group became known as United Cyber Caliphate (UCC). Later on some "experts" attributed the UCC attacks to Russia. They claimed that the Cyber Caliphate did not exist but was a Russian false flag operation. There is now new evidence such claims are nonsense. The attacks claimed by the Cyber Caliphate included: Jan 2015 - Twitter and Youtube account of the U.S. CentCom taken over and filled with pro-ISIS messages. Mar 2015 - United States Air Force's pilots list with detailed personal information posted online. Apr 2015 - French TV5Monde live feed and social media hacked and defaced with the message "Je Suis ISIS". Apr 2015 - Australian airport website defaced with ISIS message. Aug 2015 - United States' military database hacked and data of some 1400 personnel posted online. Sep 2015 - British government emails hacked. Email addresses of top cabinet ministers published. Apr 2016 - UCC successfully hacks 20 Australian business websites, redirects them to ISIS content. Apr 2017 - UCC released a kill list of 8,786 people. ISIS delivered flawless propaganda material with well edited videos and created its own glossy magazines. Producing these required computer expertise. It was thus not astonishing to learn that some hackers had joined ISIS and worked with its media team. From an ISIS perspective the above listed targets all made sense. There was no reason to doubt the ISIS claims. But then the 'Russia scare' nonsense took over. Suddenly each and every assumed computer attack, including those by the Cyber Caliphate, were attributed to Russia: Russian hackers linked to the Kremlin could be behind one of the biggest attacks to date on televised communications, which knocked French station TV5Monde off air in April, sources familiar with Frances inquiry said. ... Hackers claiming to be supporters of Islamic State caused the public stations 11 channels to temporarily go off air and posted material on its social media feeds to protest against French military action in Iraq. ... U.S. cybersecurity company FireEye, which has been assisting French authorities in some cases, said on Wednesday that it believed the attack came from a Russian group it suspects works with the Russian executive branch. ... Information about the TV5 attack was published on a website branded as part of the Cyber Caliphate, a reference to the Islamic State. But the site was hosted on the same block of Internet Protocol addresses and used the same domain name server as the group called APT28 by FireEye and Pawn Storm by Trend Micro, another large security company. Similar claims were made over other attacks that ISIS claimed for itself. "The Russians did it!" screamed various snake-oil selling cyber security companies. Soon it was said that the Cyber Caliphate did not exist at all: [T]he Cyber Caliphate is a Russian intelligence operation working through what spies term a cut-out. U.S. secret agencies, including the National Security Agency, which controls American cyber-espionage and works closely with CYBERCOM, came to similar conclusions "APT 28 is Russian intelligence, its that simple, explained an NSA expert to me recently. ... In other words, the Cyber Caliphate is a Russian false-flag operation. The snake-oil sellers and the writer above (intentionally) mistake methods for actors. The Advance Persistent Threat (ATP) number 28 describes a certain course of action taken during a hack. It is well know method that can be identified to some degree. But recognizing a method does not identify the persons that use it. If a burgler once used a crowbar to open a window, further nearby break-ins that use a similar method might have been done by the same person. Or they might not. A different burgler could have used the same method. A home owner could have used it to scam his insurance. The method does not describe the actor. Likewise the use of certain tools and methods to break into a computer does not define an actor. ATP 28 is not Russia. These tools and methods are publicly known. A spearphishing email is send to the target. When the receiver clicks a link in that email a malicious software is launched that creates a backdoor into the targeted computer. Anyone can find such tools online and initiate an attack. The often claimed attribution of ATPxyz to Russia always was and is sheer nonsense. There is also new proof that the Cyber Caliphate indeed exists. A few days ago a news outlet affiliated with ISIS published an obituary of a Canadian hacker who worked for ISIS. The Montreal Gazette reports: An Islamic State-linked media outlet says a Canadian man was behind the terror groups highest-profile cyber attacks, including the embarrassing takeover of the Twitter account of the U.S. militarys Central Command. ... The Canadian fighter, who is said to have been killed by a drone strike in Syria, also allegedly penetrated bank computers and used the spoils to fund their fighting and hacked the U.S. Department of Defense, airports, international media organizations and the accounts of hundreds of U.S. soldiers. ... The Toronto-born man managed to bring blessed victories for the Caliphate state by carrying out electronic attacks that have made the enemies taste defeat and failure, according the [Arabic-language] notice, .. The martyrdom notice published by Al-Muhajireen Foundation, an outlet with known links to ISIL, identifies the Canadian jihadi hacker only by a nickname: Abu Osama Al-Kanadi. ... The announcement says Al-Kanadi became a top computer specialist with ISIL, also known by the acronym ISIS, and praises his online exploits with the Caliphate Cyber Army. Abu Osama Al-Kanadi does not sound Russian to me. Nor were any of the hacks the Cyber Caliphate claimed in anyway useful to Russia. But the damage is done. None of those "experts" who claimed that Russia was behind the Cyber Caliphate attacks will retract their claims and papers. Nor will there be any correction in those main stream media that repeated their nonsense. The message is clear: Russia is bad. Every hack ever done is by Russia. Russia is the enemy. Don't you ever forget that. --- h/t Stephen McIntyre Posted by b on November 9, 2018 at 20:33 UTC | Permalink Comments November 19, 2021 Kyle Rittenhouse Is Not Guilty The jury in the contentious Rittenhouse trial has made its judgment. On the five counts Kyle Rittenhouse was accused of it found: Not guilty, not guilty, not guilty, not guilty, not guilty. The decision was unanimous. Some here have repeated the 'woke' media claims which falsely accused Rittenhouse of being a racist murder. For starters the three people he shot were all white just as he is. In each case he defended himself from people who directly attacked him. They were obviously seeking to severely harm him. All the available video evidence, aptly combined in this 13 minute clip, proves that the verdict is fully justified. It also confirms the judgment I had made on August 27 2020 after reviewing the evidence: Yesterday a white teen with a semi-automatic weapon had the stupid idea to join others in 'protecting the businesses' in Kenosha from further looting. He ended up killing two people and wounding more after he was attacked by some of the rioters. The teen was arrested and he is facing charges but I doubt that he is guilty of more than sheer stupidity and manslaughter in self defense. The case the prosecutors had was very thin. I doubt that they will try to appeal the case. I am for one satisfied and happy with this outcome. New York Times Invents 'Sexual Assault' #MeToo Case To Blame China The 'news' over last years have again and again demonstrated the notorious unreliability of woke 'western' media. 2016 election. Rittenhouse. Covington. Russian collusion. Vaccines. Bounties on US soldiers. Lab-leak theory. Jussie Smollett. The Pulse shooting. The Atlanta shootings. Hunter Biden laptop. Inflation. Steele Dossier. The MSM got every single one wrong. When All The Media Narratives Collapse In case after case, the US MSM just keeps getting it wrong. To those U.S. centric stories one must add all the false claims made about foreign countries - see Syria and Belarus for recent example. One then finds that the media do not report but, as Sullivan writes, "make the news fit the broader political fight". There is currently a push for a boycott of the winter Olympics in Beijing. Western media are busy to push for an anti-China angle of the games. Their aim is a political boycott so no one 'in good standing' dares to visit them. On November 2, by timely chance, some well known Chinese sportswoman posted a sad story about the end of her love affair with a once powerful older man on the Chinese social media site Weibo. That post was soon taken down, likely by the woman herself, but that was too late to prevent that the 'woke' western media and Olympic boycott campaigners made a hash out of it. A day after the post was published and unpublished the New York Times mangled the facts to make it into a 'woke' anti-China story: A Chinese Tennis Star Accuses a Former Top Leader of Sexual Assault Peng Shuais accusation against Zhang Gaoli takes the countrys budding #MeToo movement to the top echelons of the Communist Party for the first time. Peng Shuai, the professional tennis star, publicly accused a former vice premier of China of sexual assault, igniting an online firestorm of attention to a #MeToo allegation that for the first time touched the pinnacles of Communist Party power. Ms. Peng made the accusation in a post on Tuesday night on her verified account on Weibo, Chinas version of Twitter. In it, she described an assault by Zhang Gaoli, who from 2012 to 2017 served on the partys Politburo Standing Committee, the top ruling body in China. She also described having had an on-and-off consensual relationship with Mr. Zhang. The post was removed within minutes, but the allegations swirled through the countrys heavily controlled internet, fueled by the fame of the accuser and the accused. That kept the censors inside Chinas Great Firewall scrambling. ... Ms. Pengs accusations could not be corroborated. Where is the headlined 'sexual assault' one might ask. The NYT piece wont say: Cont. reading: New York Times Invents 'Sexual Assault' #MeToo Case To Blame China November 18, 2021 Turkey - A Crazy Economic Theory Is Ruining The Country The wannabe Sultan is in trouble. The Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan believes in an economic theory that few others support. He has argued over and over again that high central bank interest rates are causing inflation. The more accepted theory is that inflation is caused by too much money chasing too few goods (among other reasons). An increase of interest rates above the level of inflation lessens the amount of available money to buy goods and will thereby, over time, lower inflation. Erdogan has been told that over and over again but he sticks to his personal theory. Over the last 18 months he has fired three central bank governors because they would not lower the interest rates as much as he had wanted them to do. Sahap Kavcoglu, a banker and columnist from Erdogan's own party, had defended his policies. In March Erdogan elevated him to be governor of Turkey's central bank. Interest rates were promptly lowered from 19 to 16% while inflation in Turkey was running up to 20%. Yesterday Erdogan demanded another interest rate drop: Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday he will continue his battle against interest rates to the end, sending the lira currency to new depths a day before the central bank is expected to slash rates further. ... A day before a central bank policy meeting at which it is expected to ease again, the president repeated his unorthodox view that higher rates were the cause of inflation and questioned why some of our friends defended tight policy. We will lift this scourge of interest rates from peoples backs. We certainly cannot allow our people to be crushed by interest rates, he told lawmakers from his ruling conservative AK Party in parliament. I cannot and will not stand on this path with those who defend interest rates, Erdogan said. ... The central bank has bucked expectations and cut its policy rate by 300 basis points since September, even as inflation climbed to near 20%, delivering the stimulus long sought by Erdogan. Unfortunately for Erdogan the policy of keeping interest rates below the inflation rate has the side effect of lowering the value of Turkey's currency. Yesterday the Turkish lira had already dropped 1.5%. Today, after the central bank lowered the interest rate to 15%, the lira dropped further. Nine months ago it took seven Turkish lira to buy one U.S. dollar. A month ago it took nine Turkish lira to buy one U.S. dollar. Today it takes more than eleven lira for one dollar. Cont. reading: Turkey - A Crazy Economic Theory Is Ruining The Country November 17, 2021 Open Thread 2021-89 News & views ... November 16, 2021 U.S. Follow Up On Positive Summit Talks Is A Boycott Of China's Olympics Yesterday China's President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Joe Biden held a virtual summit. It was the U.S. side which had initiated the event. The expectations were low, the outcome was meager: The virtual meeting between President Biden and Chinas leader, Xi Jinping, produced no breakthroughs in a relationship that has spiraled dangerously downward. That was not the intent. Instead, the two leaders sought to keep the many disputes between the two countries from escalating into a broader conflict. If they can translate their words into a kind of detente, it would count as a diplomatic success. ... At the end of three and a half hours of talks, the two did not even cobble together the sort of joint statement that has typically punctuated summits between the United States and China over the decades. Mr. Xis last meeting with an American president, Donald J. Trump in 2019, also ended with no joint statement, marking the deterioration in ties. ... We were not expecting a breakthrough, a senior administration official told reporters shortly after the talks with Mr. Xi ended. There were none. ... Administration officials declined to discuss what was said about the nuclear buildup, beyond a vague statement that Mr. Biden underscored the importance of managing strategic risks. Other topics that analysts thought would come up did not, according to the senior administration official. They included disputes over granting visas for diplomats, journalists and others, as well as a possible invitation to attend the Winter Olympics in Beijing in February. The Chinese analysis of the event in form of a Global Times editorial was a tad more optimistic: The virtual meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden was held on Tuesday morning Beijing time. The readouts released by the two sides are both relatively positive. The world has seen how Chinese and US leaders frankly discuss strategic, overall and fundamental issues between China and the US, as well as issues of mutual concern. The wordings in their readouts have catered to the feelings of the other side. The readout of the US side did not use tough words as it had used before the meeting. The meeting will play an active role in leading international opinion for their positive expectations toward China-US relations. However, the editorial also warned that while the U.S. is often positive at such events its tends to not follow through: Cont. reading: U.S. Follow Up On Positive Summit Talks Is A Boycott Of China's Olympics Russian Anti-Satellite Test Highlights Arms Race In Space Yesterday Russia successfully tested a ground launched 'direct ascent' anti-satellite missile: Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu has said that Russias cutting-edge future weapon system being tested has hit its target with great precision. "It is true that we have successfully tested a cutting-edge system of the future. It hit an old satellite with precision worthy of a goldsmith. The remaining debris pose no threats to space activity," Shoigu told the media during a working tour of military units in the Western Military Region near Voronezh. The U.S., China and India have previously made similar tests of kinetic weapons designed to kill satellites. Such tests are problematic because they create debris fields which will endanger other objects in the earth's orbit: Seven astronauts on the International Space Station were forced to take shelter in their transport spacecraft early Monday (Nov. 15) when the station passed uncomfortably closed to orbital debris, according to reports. The space junk passes began in the pre-dawn hours of Monday and the International Space Station has continued to make close passes to the debris every 90 minutes or so, according to experts monitoring the situation. Russia's space agency Roscosmos confirmed the space junk encounter with Space.com, though NASA has not yet commented on the situation either publicly or to Space.com. Anti-satellite missiles can be used against more than satellites. An intercontinental missile will deliver its warhead on an out-in-space trajectory. An anti-satellite missile could destroy it before it reenters the atmosphere. Why would Russia want to kill satellites one might ask. U.S. weapon producer Northrop Grumman recently gave an idea: Cont. reading: Russian Anti-Satellite Test Highlights Arms Race In Space November 14, 2021 The MoA Week In Review - OT 2021-088 Last week's posts at Moon of Alabama: --- Other issues: Cont. reading: The MoA Week In Review - OT 2021-088 November 12, 2021 In Ukraine The U.S. Is Risking War There is fear in Russia that the U.S. is egging the Ukraine into a renewed active conflict with its renegade eastern Donbass region and thereby into a war with Russia. In his latest RUSSIAN FEDERATION SITREP Patrick Armstrong recollects the most recent developments: Earlier this year the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky closed TV and media that favored the opposition. Last week the 26 years old English language KyivPost outlet was shut down after its owner was threatened. Zelensky has recently lost the majority in the Verkhovna Rada, the Ukrainian parliament. The leader of Zelensky's party 'Servant of the People' Dmytro Razumkov, was removed from his position as speaker of the Rada after some conflict with Zelensky. Razumkov has now founded a new party and 21 parliament members from the 'Servant of the People' joined him in a new faction. 226 seats are needed for a majority in the Rada. 'Servant of the People' had 244 seats but is now down to 224. Ukraine is in an energy crisis. It did not use the summer months to fill its gas storage. It lacks thermal coal to generate electricity and to heat its cities. It will now import coal from Poland, the United States and South Africa. That is not only expensive but also likely too late to avoid blackouts: Cont. reading: In Ukraine The U.S. Is Risking War November 11, 2021 Rittenhouse Trial Exposes The Democrats' Reliance On False Narratives In August 2020 I wrote about the riots in several U.S. cities. 'Mostly Peaceful' Rioting And Looting Is Helping Trump's Campaign The piece attracted 610 comments which made it the longest Moon of Alabama thread ever. The immediate starting point of my thoughts had been the riots and shooting in Kenosha: Last Sunday police in Kenosha, Wisconsin proved to be too incompetent to arrest a man they had already had under control. They shot him 7 times into the back when he was trying to get into his car. Nights of rioting followed. Buildings were burned down and businesses were looted. Yesterday a white teen with a semi-automatic weapon had the stupid idea to join others in 'protecting the businesses' in Kenosha from further looting. He ended up killing two people and wounding more after he was attacked by some of the rioters. The teen was arrested and he is facing charges but I doubt that he is guilty of more than sheer stupidity and manslaughter in self defense. Many of the regular commentators disagreed with my conclusion. The white teen, Kyle Rittenhouse, is now standing trial. Of note is that the casualties in this case were all white and had criminal records, something that the media at the time of the incident intentionally neglected to say. Yesterday Rittenhouse testified and was cross examined by the prosecutor Thomas Binger. I watched a stream of the trial and was not impressed: The judge seemed to have the same impression: Cont. reading: Rittenhouse Trial Exposes The Democrats' Reliance On False Narratives November 08, 2018 Two 'Russian Influence' Campaigns Claim Victory - One Is Real, The Other One Fake Two new 'Russian' campaigns claim victory in their disinformation acts against the 'west'. One is real and the other one is fake. But - as usual by now - 'western' media mistake one for the other. For them the real one is fake and the fake one real*. Proud Bear, a collective of GRU spies, celebrates its success in arranging Britain's exit from the European Union. It rented billboards in London to claim victory. Last night the GRU agents launched their @Pr0ud_Bear Twitter account and their webpage proudbear.ru to proudly confess their deed and to celebrate success. Putin riding Brexit bulldog Arron Banks - video The GRU officers ask for donations. They want to rent the animated billboard at Waterloo Station to show the real man behind Brexit. A bare breasted Putin "taking back control" while riding Big Ben with the Russian flag flying on top of it. The billboard rent for two weeks is 55,000 of which, as of now, 1,206 have been raised. In a press notice the 'GRU Informatsiya Directorate' notes: "The group hopes to counter recent unwarranted negative publicity about the GRU by putting up advertisements highlighting their part in Britains imminent liberation from the EU. The British disinformation agency Reuters calls the GRU billboards "spoof" and the GRU campaign a "stunt". That is disingenuous. Proud Bear is certainly more real then the Novichok poisoning of the now vanished Skripals and more real than the 'hacking' of the DNC servers blamed on Fancy and Cozy Bear. Hidden in the source code of the Proud Bear website (in Firefox: "view-source:https://proudbear.ru/") is a meta text written in Russian. It begins (machine translated): Financing Proud Bear is fully secured by the proceeds from the sale of giant eggplants grown on offshore land in Panama and watered solely with tears of Georges Soros. But seriously, all of us are volunteers and are engaged in this project only because we are really concerned about the state of health of our democracy and the fact that not one of our leaders and a very small number of active politicians show any readiness to move their goals and protect her. We know about the existence of Putins political machine aimed at destabilizing our society. We see its methods aimed at provoking discord and inciting nationalist enmity. And yet, those in power are in no hurry to respond. The 2016 referendum on UK membership in the European Union is an excellent example of such sabotage. The sea of evidence that Russia had a hand in one of the most significant political decisions of our generation is simply ignored by our government. Theresa May prefers to promote Brexits ridiculous plan instead of stopping for a moment and truly investigating the question of whether Russia's influence was really decisive in the vote. The UK immediately needs a Muller-style investigation into Russian intervention in the Brexit campaign. The British government denies that Russia had any influence in the Brexit campaign. That is not astonishing. Real GRU operations are executed flawlessly and stay secret until they are intentionally revealed. It did simply did not see the Russian hands behind it. The hidden message goes on to lament about Russian and western campaigns to "destabilize democratic regimes" and lauds Russian journalists for revealing "the corrupt and antidemocratic nature of power in Russia." That sounds like a typical GRU faint. Mirrors behind mirrors. In their hidden statement the Proud Bear agents play British victims while being the Russian source of the influence campaign that led to Brexit. The Daily Beast is more inclined then Reuters to believe in the truth of the Russian menace. It claims that the Russian Internet Research Agency in St.Petersburg is celebrating its great success of manipulating the U.S. midterm elections: The Mueller-indicted Russian troll farm known as the Internet Research Agency is apparently declaring victory in the U.S. election and warning the citizens of the United States of America that your intelligence agencies are powerless. Despite all their efforts, we have thousands of accounts registered on Facebook, Twitter and Reddit spreading political propaganda, read a statement attributed to the St. Petersburg-based organization. These accounts work 24 hours a day, seven days a week to discredit anti-Russian candidates and support politicians more useful for us than for you. The statement appeared on a website titled the Internet Research Agency American Division that popped up over the weekend. Featuring a clip art logo of a green goblin typing on a laptop, and packed with absurd boasts about the IRAs prowess, the site at first appeared to be a lampoon. But on Tuesday night it posted a previously unseen list of 100 IRA Instagram accounts that Facebook confirmed as authentic. The unnamed website found 100 Instagram accounts that were "authentic"? Who knew that any such exist? The website, which the Daily Beast does not dare to name, is usaira.ru. BBC Russia took a look at it and also seems to believe (machine translation) that the IRA is behind it. The Instagram accounts listed on the site, for example instagram.com/immi.great, are - as of now - all dead. Facebook claims that it already deleted many of the named accounts before the usaira.ru website went up. (Immi.great though is also a Youtube account of Dmajan Denoble, a legitimate lawyer who gives immigration advice.) But how can Dana Rohrabacher, the most pro-Russian representative, lose in the midterm election if the Russians influenced it? To me the usaira.ru site seems fake. A spoof or stunt created to further defame the Russian web company which the Muller investigation accused of selling advertisement space on the inspiring web- and Facebook pages it built for that purpose. It is possible that the Atlantic Council's DFRLab created the usaira.ru site to promote its censorship campaign? Quite so. Proud Bear though is real. Russia is always proud to parade its troops (vid) when it celebrates victory. Britain is in political chaos over Brexit. The GRU won. It comes out into the open, offers vodka and celebrates it. That's how its done. Nastrovje! --- *Note: The above may contain traces of snark. Posted by b on November 8, 2018 at 22:17 UTC | Permalink Comments Michael Buble has announced his first tour since his young son, Noah's cancer diagnosis. The news comes just weeks after rumors swirled that Buble was to quit music. The tour is scheduled for 2019, and so far he is scheduled for dates around the US and Canada. Michael Buble will also receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Nov. 16, the same day his 10th studio album, Love, is set to be released. The Nov. 6 midterm election results saw the Democrats taking over the U.S. House of Representatives, while the Republicans retained the Senate. House Armed Services Committee ranking member Rep. Adam Smith will now assume the chairmanship, while Rep. Pete Visclosky will take over as defense appropriations subcommittee chairman. We anticipate both will try to ramp up scrutiny of Department of Defense nuclear modernization, specifically the B-21 bomber (Northrop Grumman) and the Columbia submarine (General Dynamics). We also think the duo will increase oversight of overseas contingency operations spending. That said, Smiths district is in the Puget Sound region, and we believe he will be an advocate for Boeings (BA) programs relative to other priorities. Our bull case envisions bipartisanship and an avoidance of gridlock, which creates funding certainty for defense names, but our bear case anticipates budget chaos and sequestration for fiscal 2020. Our base case entails a muddle-through in which a 2020 continuing resolution, which freezes funding at the previous years levels, occurs but an agreement to avoid budget caps is eventually struck. Flying under investors radar is the likely resignation of Defense Secretary James Mattis. Depending on who replaces Mattis and when, we think the Pentagon might be at a disadvantage as it battles for its piece of the fiscal 2020 appropriations. Maintaining independence and editorial freedom is essential to our mission of empowering investor success. We provide a platform for our authors to report on investments fairly, accurately, and from the investors point of view. We also respect individual opinionsthey represent the unvarnished thinking of our people and exacting analysis of our research processes. Our authors can publish views that we may or may not agree with, but they show their work, distinguish facts from opinions, and make sure their analysis is clear and in no way misleading or deceptive. To further protect the integrity of our editorial content, we keep a strict separation between our sales teams and authors to remove any pressure or influence on our analyses and research. Read our editorial policy to learn more about our process. Montreal might soon follow Toronto and Vancouvers footsteps in slapping an extra levy on foreign home buyers, amid growing signs that the influence of overseas capital holders in the citys housing market is only getting stronger. We must avoid at all costs what is happening in Vancouver and Toronto, where 90% of projects are sold to investors. Montrealers must be able to own their own city, Laurence Vincent, co-president of development company Prevel, said in an interview with Montreal-based markets observer Yury Shupilov. Initially proposed by Projet Montreal back in spring 2017, mayor Valerie Plante maintained that such a measure is a sorely needed addition to the regulatory regime, considering the influx of foreign buyers pushed out by the Toronto and Vancouver taxes. The National Association of Mortgage Brokers (NAMB) has announced that it has joined the International Mortgage Brokers Federation (IMBF). NAMB, representing the United States, will join mortgage industry groups from the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and New Zealand as initial partners in the federation. Formed in October, the IMBF is a global forum for bringing the international mortgage brokering community and its suppliers together to advocate for the industry and collaborate on shaping market practices. The organization also hopes to develop and adapt new and existing standards to enhance the industry and promote ethical practices. On behalf of NAMB and our thousands of members across the United States of America, I am thrilled to announce todays news, as this initiative marks a great moment in time for the global mortgage industry, Richard Bettencourt, NAMB board president, said Thursday. NAMB is the leading authority in America when it comes to legislative, technological, and industry advancements within the mortgage marketplace, and we are excited to share our insights within the IMBF while gaining new practices from our partners across the world. I am personally excited to watch this group grow and guide the next generation of mortgage professionals across the world. Not only did Karen Bashford, general manager of South Coast Business & Financial Solutions, make her debut on the Top 100 this year and rank first among the women, but she also wrote a record-worthy number of loans. At 829 home loans this past year, shes the second-highest writer by total number on the overall list. Watch out, Mark Davis! 35 Hannah Nguyen Loan Market (HAH Finance Solutions) VIC Total value of residential loans FY2017/18: $86,159,105.33 Total number of residential loans FY2017/18: 195 Hannah Nguyen, director of HAH Finance Solutions, a Loan Market franchise in the suburbs of Melbourne, celebrates another Top 100 appearance this year. She made significant gains on her ranking, shooting up from 73rd in 2017 to 35th place, adding about $10m to her total settlement figures. Suncorps head of bank intermediaries, Mark Vilo, interviews MPA Top 100 broker Justin Doobov about how he settled more than $320m in loans this year, and what his tips are for building a more productive, efficient and customer-centric business. Shales have significantly rejuvenated not just Permian Basin oil production but U.S. production. Shell Oil is hard at work developing its unconventional shale assets in the Permian and is utilizing technology as it moves forward. "iShale is our vision of future unconventionals," Amir Gerges, the company's general manager, Permian, told those at the Executive Oil Conference last week. OIL REPORT: Anadarko executive: Delaware Basin has transformed company He described iShale as a combination of automation, digitization and advanced analytics. It includes integrated subsurface modeling, the "rig of the future," alternative fracturing techniques and integrated completion design, among other components. Gerges said drones could be used to remotely inspect wells instead of requiring employees to drive many miles a day. He also detailed a modularized central processing facility that is automated with remote surveillance. He said the company is drilling its first well using artificial intelligence. Rather than being at the drill site, Shell's geologists and geophysicists are receiving real-time data from the drilling rig, allowing them to provide guidance to the drilling crew. "It's like air traffic controllers," he said. "You don't have a controller on each plane." RELATED: Geopolitical tensions could unsettle Permian producers The challenge is to stop thinking of digital modeling as proprietary, he said. Gerges said the iShale model should be shared, but he drew a distinction between operations on the surface and subsurface operations. "Knowing how to control the well, the intensity of completions, the staging -- that's where companies should compete," he said. "(But) we use the same roads, we live in the same communities, we're developing the same resource base. If you start doing things on the surface artificial intelligence, drones, remote monitoring, that should be open and shared. Subsurface, that should be private." The more wells that are drilled, the more data that is generated, and that additional data will make the industry competitive, he said. A century ago, independents began carving the path that has made the Permian Basin one of the most important oil-producing basins in the country and the world. Gretchen Watkins, executive vice president, upstream unconventionals and incoming president and country chair of Shell Oil, told the audience at the Executive Oil Conference last week that independents led the way in developing the Permian's resources and competing for land, and as a result, understanding the region's complex terrain. Now, as multinational majors such as Shell, ExxonMobil through its XTO Energy unit, and Chevron expand their presence in the Permian, "in the next 100 years, collaboration will make us prosper," she said. OIL REPORT: Permian loses some momentum Watkins said companies will gain more through collaboration than if they did it alone. She cited collaborative efforts that could improve the area's roads; clean, treat and recycle water to ensure there is access to water; and develop best practices to reduce or eliminate methane emissions. "If we work together, independents and majors can maximize operations and create healthy market conditions," she said. The majors can offer scale, integration and technology, are able to harness the supply chain, conduct research and development and offer global scale, she said. Since Shell began operating in the Permian in 2013, after acquiring assets from Chesapeake energy, it has grown production from 25,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day to 120,000 boe per day with a goal of increasing that to 200,000 boe per day by 2020 with 25 percent year-over-year growth, according to Watkins. Shell has 1,300 operated and non-operated wells across 500,000 acres. Shell will spend $2 billion to $3 billion per year in shales across North America and Argentina, and its focus on tight oil will include the Permian Basin. Watkins said her company sees shales as a complement to its other businesses, such as deepwater operations, offering a revenue stream to support those other operations. Coming back to her theme of collaboration, Watkins said Shell intends to be more than a financial partner; it intends to be a community partner, helping address significant issues impacting their communities. "Safety is an urgent issue," she said, telling her audience there is a traffic fatality in the Permian Basin every 29 hours. "That is unacceptable, and it has to change. It must change," she said. Three years ago, Shell helped launch the Permian Road Safety Coalition, which now has more than 1,400 participants. OIL REPORT: Shell manager: iShale is vision of future shale fields "We've engaged with Texas Department of Transportation and Department of Public Safety, other non-government organizations and other leaders. Our efforts are already bearing fruit as TxDOT is making improvements in the most dangerous roads," she said. Other efforts include reducing road traffic through technology such as drones to perform wellsite inspections remotely and keep Shell personnel from driving 5,000 miles per year per well, she said. Also, the company has proposed regulations that ensure only qualified people receive commercial drivers' licenses. "We have 600 employees and contractors here. This is not just a place where we work; it's the place where we life. Safety is personal," Watkins said. The environment is also a focus. Shell has pledged to maintain methane emissions below 0.2 percent by 2025. She also said the company is partnering with gas gathering companies to upgrade their systems in an effort to reduce flaring and is looking at alternative energy sources to power its well sites. "Our success in bringing down costs is due to our scale, also innovation and integration of technology," Watkins said. "In the future, I see more joint partnerships and collaboration that can bring higher standards of safety, environmental protection, technology and innovation. "Let's move toward more collaboration. In the next 100 years, let's build a basin that's safer, more stable and more prosperous than ever before." Diwali celebration to include performances, dinner Diwali 2018 was Wednesday, but the Hindu Association of West Texas celebrates the festival of lights Saturday with performances, Indian folk dances and dinner. The event is 5 p.m. at the Horseshoe Pavilion. Diwali is celebrated by Hindus to commemorate the triumph of good in all things. Some traditional practices for the holiday include lamp lighting, the wearing of colorful garb and henna designs, prayers for a prosperous year, a feast and giving of gifts. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children. For more information, visit hawttemple.org. Supply drive to benefit Safe Place Two Midland Allstate agency owners are participating in a supply drive for Safe Place of the Permian Basin. The Pam Nichols Agency, 1024 Andrews Highway, and Daniela Ybarra Agency, 4410 N. Midkiff Road, will be accepting donations through Nov. 16. Items that are needed include shampoo, body wash, bar soap, baby wipes and diapers. A full list is available at conta.cc/2NQQo7H. Veterans to be treated to lunch Texas Roadhouse will be serving free lunch to veterans and active duty military personnel on Veterans Day, which is Sunday. The free lunch is served 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Diners Proof of service military ID, VA card or discharge papers is required. For more information, visit texasroadhouse.com. When Matt and Dara Jackson adopt two children today, it will be a cause for celebration. To mark the occasion, they are hosting a party for their new daughters. This is almost like a birth in a way, Dara said. We got them shirts that say Officially a Jackson that they can wear afterwards. Were very excited. The festivities are planned after the Jacksons and other soon-to-be parents participate in National Adoption Day programming. Each year, people gather at the Midland County Courthouse to see the final step in the adoption process and celebrate newly formed families. This is a community event, said Ellen Griffith, associate judge of the Child Protection Court of the Permian Basin. People should come out and support these families. The Jackson family is set to double in size with the addition of two siblings, 15-month-old Zayda and 3-year-old Katelyn. Dara notices the older girl and her sister are close. Were her third foster home, Dara said. She loves her sister. So, I could only imagine if you separated them, that would be really devastating to her. When they became foster parents, the Jacksons expressed interest in caring for sibling groups. Dara said they wanted to keep together brothers and sisters who had been removed from their homes. National Adoption Day celebration 10 a.m. today Midland County Courthouse See More Collapse It may not even be the best environment, she said. But its all they know, and theyre getting taken away from it. Then now, youre separating them from their siblings. Thats pretty tough. As of September, 190 children in state care were awaiting adoption in the Midland-Odessa and San Angelo area, according to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. About half of those kids are with families intending to adopt them. From the start, the Jacksons had plans for adoption. Matt said going through training required dedication. There is a huge need out there, Matt said. It is a very hard process which it needs to be but its a process thats very worthwhile. We would do it again in a heartbeat. Dara and her husband encourage Midlanders who have considered adopting or fostering children to take the first step. She said there also are opportunities to help foster families as respite care providers or baby sitters. In their experience, the Jacksons met and interacted with others who had been touched by adoption. One person who provided support was Tammy Vaught, a friend who went through the process of adopting children. Theyre just going to be the best parents, Vaught said. Those girls are really, really lucky, as are Matt and Dara. For the Jacksons, this weeks National Adoption Day culminates a long journey toward adoption. After trying a private agency, the couple turned to Buckner International to become foster parents. Early on, the Jacksons received word about Zayda and Katelyn. They thought it theyd be a good fit for us, Dara said. It was our very first day of class when they told us about them. We were really excited, so we hustled to get our house licensed. The girls ended up being Matt and Daras first foster care placement, effectively growing their household overnight. As six months passed, caring for the girls became a part of daily life. There was an adjustment period, Matt said. But I consider them our own now. It was hard for the first two weeks, just basically trying to find that new norm. The waiting period to adopt the girls ended this week, just in time for the Jacksons to participate in National Adoption Day. They look forward to officially growing their family. Were just really, really blessed by them, Dara said. Funeral services will be held Thursday in Vidor for an Orange native and her new husband who died Sunday in a helicopter crash just hours after their wedding. Will Byler and Bailee Ackerman Byler, both 24, left their reception in the Bell 260B helicopter, which crashed in northwest Uvalde County at about 1:47 a.m. The pilot, identified as 76 year-old Gerald Douglas Lawrence, also died. The newlyweds were en route to a nearby airport where they were supposed to leave for their honeymoon, said Judge Steve Kennedy, Justice of the Peace for Precinct 1 in Uvalde County. The first of two services for the couple will begin today at 2 p.m. at Turning Point Church of Vidor, according to their obituary. A second service will take place Friday in Bellville, followed by a burial in the Byler Family Cemetery at Byler Ranch. A Houston teen who raped and murdered his girlfriend - and then shared images of her lifeless body with his friends - was sentenced to life in prison this week, according to Harris County District Attorney Kim Oggs office. Jesus Campos Jr. was 15 when he killed 15-year-old Karen Perez on May 27, 2016. He was convicted of capital murder Monday after a six-day trial. Ive tried several capital murder cases, said Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Meriwether in a statement. But the recording of Karen being raped, and pleading for her life before she was so viciously murdered, will stay with me for the rest of my life. Perez, a freshman at South Houston High School, went missing days after her 15th birthday. Volunteers, including Texas EquuSearch, had been searching for her for three days when Campos told his father she is not alive. Campos father took the teen to the Houston Police Department to confess, but during questioning, he denied knowing where his girlfriend was. He told police that he last saw her at a taqueria the day she went missing. SENTENCED: Texas man linked to Baytown double murder gets 45 years in girlfriend's stabbing Three days after Perez went missing, another teenager called Texas EquuSearch and said he was part of a group of teens including Perez and Campos who left school and went to the taco restaurant and then to an abandoned apartment complex. He told authorities that he and two other teens left and went back to school, but Perez and Campos stayed at the apartment. That was the last time he saw her alive. Based on the tip, police found the young girls body. Campos continued to insist he did not know where Perez was, but when investigators searched Camposs cell phone they found images and a recording of the sexual assault and strangulation. During the recording, Perez is heard crying and begging Campos not to kill her: I dont want to die, Jesus. At trial, jurors heard that Campos shared graphic images of Perez after he killed her. The jury found Campos guilty of capital murder in less than an hour. The 18-year-old was automatically sentenced to life in prison, with a possibility of parole after 40 years. A San Antonio woman was arrested about three months after the 2-year-old she was caring for was found dead with "non-accidental trauma" across his body and methamphetamine in his system, police said. Roxanne Tovar, 30, was taken into custody Tuesday on suspicion of injury to a child by reckless omission, according to jail records. On July 29, Tovar called 911 about Desmond Jimenez, the baby she was taking care of, according to her arrest affidavit. READ ALSO: SAPD: Family argument preceded murder-suicide that left 3 dead on far West Side Officers arrived and found the child unresponsive on the floor of a bedroom. First responders quickly noticed a bruise around his eye and on his body and sores around his mouth. Medics pronounced Desmond dead, according to the affidavit. Tovar told police that Desmond's mother left him in her care April 1 and never returned, according to the affidavit. She also told police that the baby's injuries were caused by his 4-year-old sister, authorities said. Desmond's autopsy revealed multiple bruises and lumps all over his body, injured genitals, sores on his mouth and nose, a tear on the inside of his lips, and broken and bleeding fingernails. READ ALSO: San Antonio man on trial in horrific child sex attack blamed on dogs The Medical Examiner's Office described the injuries as "non-accidental trauma," according to the affidavit. The toxicology report also showed that methamphetamine was in Desmond's system. Detectives interviewed Tovar a second time on Aug. 7. Though she still blamed the injuries on the 4-year-old girl, she "changed the date some injuries occurred and how they occurred," the affidavit stated. She also allegedly admitted Desmond was unresponsive for 20 minutes before she called 911. She said she tried performing CPR on Desmond during that time. Tovar was arrested on a $75,000 bond, jail records showed. Fares Sabawi covers crime in San Antonio and Bexar County. Read him on our breaking news site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com | fsabawi@mysa.com|@FaresInSA CARROLLTON A man charged with stealing up to $60,000 from a small Carrollton charity has pleaded guilty and will serve time in the Illinois Department of Corrections. Bradley Cooper, 42, of rural Carrollton was charged with theft and forgery after it was discovered he had taken around $60,000 from the Chloe Foundation, a charity that works to help families undergoing long-term medical care with needs such as gas and food. Cooper pleaded guilty in August and was sentenced Oct. 31 in Greene County court to serve 180 days in the IDOC, with two years of mandatory supervised release. The Greene County Sheriffs Office began an investigation into Cooper in November 2017 after Chloe Foundation co-founder Yvonne Harp alerted authorities to missing funds. Cooper, treasurer for the charitys board, was presenting fiscal information that proved inaccurate and some information normally presented to the board was being omitted. Thinking it suspicious, Harp checked the charitys bank balance and found it was much lower than board members were being told. Cooper had held his position since 2010 and most of the recent money that went missing disappeared via almost weekly transactions. Greene County authorities arrested Cooper in December 2017. The Chloe Foundation was founded by Richard and Yvonne Harp in 2010 after the death of their grandchild, Chloe Murphy, who was diagnosed as a 3-month-old with Diamond-Blackfan anemia, a bone marrow disorder that prevents the body from making enough red blood cells. Richard said that he hopes Cooper has learned his lesson but added that he hopes this incident doesnt shake the publics confidence in the charity, which has provided assistance to families for nearly a decade. I hope people still believe in us, well keep a better eye on things, Richard Harp said. He took advantage of a lot of good people. He didnt wipe us out totally, well continue to do it and carry on. Well build it back to where it was. Nick Draper can be reached at 217-245-6121, ext. 1223, or on Twitter @nick_draper. If you had told me how Id look back with fondness on the time I served as brigade commander during the worst of Diyala Province in 2006-2007, I would have smirked. Of course Id love being a veteran, I can imagine my younger self thinking. It meant I would be anywhere but Iraq. Ten years six of them since retiring from the Army have given me perspective. Now I love being a veteran not because it means optional workouts, less bureaucracy or not having to uproot my family, but because its given me an even greater sense of pride in who I am and with whom I served. Im a limited edition, part of a unique club. Its not that veterans, who make up less than 10 percent of the U.S. population, are all that different than everyone else. We simply have different life experiences. Ironically, until Id been out of the service for two years, I didnt realize how much I loved and missed those experiences. The longevity of these life experiences carries through now that Im in the private sector. Though they translate to all generations, these three experiences are particularly relevant to millennials, who will make up 75 percent of the workforce by 2025. Someone once asked me what Id do differently when I served as an infantry battalion commander. It was an easy response. Id be more patient with my lieutenants, who were often fresh out of school with little experience, yet a core desire to step up and do the right thing. Millennials want bosses who serve as mentors and leaders who treat them with respect. Another life experience that I carry with me is a willingness to stand up for your people. Good leaders protect their teams so that they are able to accomplish what theyve been asked to do. I love the fact that I can look back and say, You know what? I advocated for my people, and I take great pride in what they accomplished. Finally, engagement matters. I challenge mainstream business to create the trust, pride and esprit de corps I felt as part of any unit. In 2nd Battalion 7th Infantry, we accepted challenges with willing and able. In the 82nd Airborne, wed reply, All the way, sir and in the 1st Cavalry Division, the proper response was Live the legend, sir. Employees in a high trust environment such as the Army are six times more likely to achieve higher levels of performance than others in their industry. When I came home from Iraq, friends asked me, What did you do over there? Family asked me, How do you feel about what you did? I asked myself, What did I accomplish? Veterans Day is an opportunity for all of us civilian and veteran to reflect on the achievements and accomplishments of this unique population. Rather than wish someone a Happy Veterans Day, Ill ask them to share their reflections on their time in uniform with me. We veterans share the knowledge that nothing is daunting. Sure, we may stumble. We may have challenges. But there is always a solution. Its simply how hard you want to work to get there. I dont regret leaving the military. I remain part of its legacy. While I travel around the country speaking about leadership I take great pride in showcasing the achievements of my fellow veterans. I love being a limited edition. I love being a veteran. Retired Army Col. David Sutherland is president of a consulting firm and chairman of Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services. For many years we have been focused on tourism as a means to building relations, connecting people to a place and even a form of diplomacy. This past week, I had the privilege to travel abroad with the Illinois Office of Tourism to London for the World Travel Market and the Regent Street Motor Show. The week started out with us celebrating Route 66 on Regent Street at the major shopping district for the Regent Street Motor Show with a huge tent, some classic cars and photos of Route 66 in Illinois. We partnered with the Illinois Office of Tourism, Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Heritage Corridor Convention & Visitors Bureau out of Joliet. Our highlights in the streets included the 1950s Diner at the Pink Elephant Antique Mall in Livingston, the Chain of Rocks Bridge and of course Collinsvilles Worlds Largest Catsup Bottle! We also proudly distributed a new brochure for the entire Illinois Route 66 that hit all of our highlights along the route, from Virden and Girard to Glen Carbon, Edwardsville and Collinsville. Reports from the day were incredible. Not only did half a million people attend the show, but as they made their way down Regent Street and came along Route 66, their excitement drove us into some pretty exciting conversations as to why they should come see us. Illinois was the presenting sponsor of this event and the only destination in the world as a part of it. And let me tell you that Illinois shined! This excitement carried on through the week at the World Travel Market as we met with industry travel trade and media. One after another continued to echo that Route 66 self-drives, and group tours were the number one requested itinerary for almost all of their markets. And guess what followed. Thats right, we took the folks on a descriptive itinerary from Springfield through Macoupin and Madison County to St. Louis. New relationships were formed and they will be getting many photos, video clips and more that they can add to their efforts to sell Route 66. And, the best part of our presentation was when we could tout that we are the one place in America where the River Road meets the Mother Road. So understand and repeat, we have the ability to take the traveler from the nostalgia of Route 66 to the nature of the Great River Road and the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway. There are not many places where you can offer so much, but right here in the Rivers and Routes region of Madison, Macoupin, Jersey and Calhoun counties. Putting this in context, all of this excitement abroad occurred during the tension in our countrys election. Yes, people are very interested in our politics, but even more interested in our destinations. You see, tourism really is the new diplomacy. It is a welcome mat not only for visitors, but for economic development and our communities quality of life. The time is now for us to embrace tourism. Get out there with a fresh perspective and plan your own adventures of your hometown area at www.RiversandRoutes.com. We have a lot for which to be proud. Brett Stawar is president and CEO of the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau, which works for the vested interests of hospitality partners in Madison, Jersey, Calhoun and Macoupin counties. E-levy is not the best of ... Overhead view of location for proposed Type I Brewing in downtown Sonora View Photos Sonora, CA Proposed plans for a microbrewery in downtown Sonora and potential approval of a Dairy Queen will be aired at public hearings coming up next week. Both will occur at next Tuesdays Sonora Planning Commission meeting, according to Community Development Director Rachelle Kellogg. Within the citys zoning ordinance there is not a provision that allows a microbrewery to exist within the city, so the text amendment to the zoning ordinance is being done to allow microbreweries with a use permit in certain zones, Kellogg explains. The Planning Commissions approval of a use permit for a the microbrewery component would be contingent on Sonora City Councils approval of the text amendment after which the proposed project would be consistent with the citys municipal code. From Lighthouse Deli To Type One Brewing Applicant Thomas Silvas plans are to convert the currently existing Lighthouse Deli located at 28 S. Washington St. into a restaurant/microbrewery multiuse operation under the name Type One. He has already negotiated to purchase the restaurant, secured a long-term lease and named Kenny Cherry as the head of restaurant operations. Silvas stated aim is to fill a void and create a memorable destination unique to Sonora, integrating the buildings original and modern components, including a display highlighting the boiling tank used in his beer-making. According to the project proposal, Silvas plans are to brew beer onsite made under his Type One brand that would be readily available to customers for consumption. As described in his application, most of the necessary kitchen equipment in place; the only other element his small-batch brewing operation will require is a restaurant-style fan hood to exhaust the steam generated from boiling water. Other details in Silvas submission state that he has ten years of crafting beers, experimenting with various methods to create specialized beers in different brew styles, and will be closely involved in daily operations. He adds that he will be assisted by immediate family members, who have 30 years of brewing experience, and that as defined by the proposed text amendment, the facility will be limited to 15,000 barrels and onsite sales. Dairy Queen Project Seeking Site Plan Approval Also on Tuesday night, Andy and Naveet Singh, owners of the Sonora ARCO/ampm, are requesting approval of their plans to construct a 3,212 square-foot one-story building and associated parking lot above their present business to house a Dairy Queen restaurant at 17 Pesce Way. As reported here, the couple announced their plans to bring the franchise to the long-empty former Sonora Motors location back in June. Included with their site plan submission is an overhead view map (viewable in the image box slideshow). It shows a drive-thru that wraps around the building, described to provide stacking for ten vehicles. Other notes indicate that the order menu would be located on the buildings east side, away from nearby residential properties; an outdoor eating/picnic area in the center of the parcel situated next to the thru-exit. Access to the restaurant would be possible through the adjacent ARCO and off Pesce Way. Customer parking, including ADA-compliant spaces and employee parking are separately located. The proposal lists numerous air quality, biological, cultural, geological, hydrological, hazmat, and noise mitigations. It also specifies one traffic mitigation plan involving widening the Pesce Way approach in order to provide separate left turn and right turn lanes. Next Tuesdays Planning Commission meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. in Sonora City Hall Council Chambers (94 N. Washington St.). Update at 1:30 p.m.: Five people were found dead in their burned-out vehicles after the blaze incinerated most of the town of Paradise with a population of around 30,000. Fire officials say that the flames moved so fast there was nothing firefighters could do. There was really no firefight involved, CAL Fire Capt. Scott McLean, who went on to explain, Crews gave up attacking the flames and instead helped people get out alive. He noted that firefighters were in rescue mode all day Thursday. Currently, the mega fire is 70,000 acres and just 5 percent contained. CAL Fire estimates that 2,000 structures have been destroyed, including business and homes while another 15,000 are threatened. Resources on scene include 303 engines, 11 water tenders, 59 hand crews, 18 helicopters and 24 dozers. CAL Fire reports that out the of over 2,300 fire personnel, three firefighters have been injured battling the blaze, but did not release any further details on their injuries or conditions. As reported below, resources from the Mother Lode have been deployed to assist in fighting the flames. The blaze began as a vegetation fire Thursday around 6:30 a.m., but what ignited this deadly and devastating fire remains under investigation. Further details on this fire and two in southern California are below. Original post at 7:35 a.m.: Resources from across the state, including the Mother Lode, are being dispatched to help fight a growing mega fire in Butte County. Officials say the fast-moving Camp Fire decimated the town of Paradise (population 27,000) yesterday afternoon. The Associated Press reports that it sent residents racing to escape on roads that turned into tunnels of fire as thick smoke blanketed the daytime sky with darkness. The fire has exploded to over 20,000 acres and there is no containment. In addition, two large fires ignited in Ventura County in the Los Angeles region. The Hill Fire is over 10,000 acres and the Woolsey Fire is 2,000 acres. There is no containment. Acting Governor Gavin Newsom is requesting a Presidential Disaster Declaration for the Camp, Hill and Woolsey incidents. To read an earlier article detailing fire concerns in the Mother Lode, click here. To read about local fire weather conditions, click here. Sacramento, CA Marie Waldron, an Assemblywoman from Escondido, has been selected to the lead the Republicans in the California Assembly. She was picked to replace Brian Dahle of Redding. Both Waldron and Dahle won re-election this week. Waldron says, I look forward to continuing the fight to articulate conservative principles in a way that resonates with everyday Californians. Dahle embraced the pick, by stating, Marie Waldron will be an effective leader for the caucus and will continue our work to move the Republican Party toward greater relevance and viability in California. I am proud to support her. Waldron is a business owner that represents parts of San Diego and Riverside counties. She was first elected to the Assembly in 2012. Cal Fire - Tuolumne County Fire Department Logo View Photos Update at 11:05am: The American Red Cross is assisting to help one resident who was displaced by the travel trailer fire. Mop-up continues at the site. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Original story posted at 9:15am: Columbia, CA Firefighters are at the 49er RV Park on Italian Bar Road in the Columbia area. CAL Fire spokesperson Lindy Shoff reports a travel trailer was fully engulfed in flames when the first responders arrived on scene, but the flames were quickly knocked down. Aircraft was initially requested from Columbia but they were soon called off and released back to base. There are no reports of any injuries at this time. Mop-up will continue over the coming hours. It is not immediately clear what ignited the fire. All Veterans, those presently serving in our armed forces, and community members are cordially invited to attend Coronado Middle School's Annual Community-wide Veteran's Day Assembly Monday, November 12th, at 9:30 am. The Honor Band of CMS and the Coronado and Estacado Girl's second period choir will perform. PHS ROTC Color Guard will present the colors as we honor all veterans and those currently serving. Coronado will be serving refreshments to Veterans that attend. Experience one of natures most awe-inspiring shows! The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, is the colorful dancing display created in the night sky when electrically charged particles from the sun collide with the earths atmosphere. Popular destinations for viewing this dazzling phenomenon include Alaska, Canada, Iceland and Norway. For many, traveling to see the Northern Lights is the vacation of a lifetime. Here are a variety of ways to see the Northern Lights from late August to early April. An Experience for Every Traveler: Relaxation and Adventure Observing the Northern Lights is a quiet activity, with an opportunity for introspection, photography, and even relaxation. Can you think of a better way to unwind than submerged in warm thermal waters? Departing from Fairbanks (Alaska), this tour gives you the unique opportunity to observe the Aurora Borealis while you bathe in the famous Thermal Springs of Chena. Just imagine the contrast: below, the revitalizing heat of the hot springs; above, the unforgettable colors of the Northern Lights. During your visit to the Thermal Waters you can also experience the unique Ice Museum of Chena with its ice sculptures, beautiful candelabras and a bar where you can enjoy an Appletini served in a glass made of you guessed it: ice. If you prefer adventure to relaxation, there are a variety of vacation packages to the Arctic Circle. Also departing from Fairbanks, this tour offers you the opportunity to visit and learn more about Alaska, entering the northernmost latitudes while traveling through the famous Dalton Highway. This route provides an excellent opportunity to take pictures, not only of the landscapes and the Aurora, but of the beautiful fauna of the region, which includes moose, lynx and foxes. Or, head to Norway for a tour that includes snowmobiling, crab hunting and camping at the famous Aurora Camp. Multi-day Northern Lights Vacation Packages If you want a more personalized experience, you can choose a tour that allows you to select which activities you want to add to your experience. This way, you can complement your vacation under the beautiful Northern Lights with a fishing tour, dogsledding, visiting an ice castle or a cultural show of the aboriginal peoples of the area, among other options. But the most important thing is the opportunity to experience this unforgettable encounter with one of the greatest and unique shows the Earth offers. Any Northern Lights tour will surely leave you with unforgettable memories and images that you can share with friends and family. Just be sure not to forget your camera! For more ways to see the Northern Lights, click here. Smoke from the Camp Fire in Butte County blanketed the Bay Area on Friday, making the air more hazardous than notoriously smoggy Beijings and prompting officials to warn people to avoid going outside. Schools in several districts canceled classes because of the smoke. Pedestrians wearing masks and scarves on their faces were common sights on city streets, as people did what they could to avoid breathing the small, hazardous particles contained in wood smoke. Were going to have smoke throughout the day and probably into early next week due to the weather pattern, said Kristine Roselius, a spokeswoman for the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. Forecasters see no fundamental shift in the weather over the next several days, and in fact warned of a possible return of fire-watch weather in the Bay Area this weekend. The agency rated Bay Area air quality as unhealthy. It advised people to limit their time outdoors, keep windows closed and set air conditioners to recirculate. Winds from the north-northeast will continue to push smoke from the Camp Fire to the Bay Area for several days, officials said. The air will be smokiest in the North and East Bay and in San Francisco, Roselius said. Dr. John Balmes, who studies air pollutants and their effects on respiratory health at UCSF, said the bad air puts everyones health at risk, but especially those with heart and lung diseases. Children also have increased risks because they breathe more rapidly than adults, leading to higher exposure to the polluted air, he said. The tiny particles in wood smoke are what make it especially dangerous, Balmes said. Those fine particles can make it down into the deep lung and they can cause harm to people with pre-existing heart and lung disease, people with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, he said. Those conditions are exacerbated by air pollution like this. If going outside cant be avoided, N95 respiratory masks offer some protection, Balmes said. The name comes from the fact that the masks can filter out 95 percent of the fine particles in wood smoke. Balmes said he recommends them for those with heart and lung problems and people who must be outside for an extended time. Children, and men with facial hair, might have trouble sealing the masks around the nose and mouth. But Balmes said that even so, wearing them is better than nothing. Schools in the most heavily affected areas were taking no chances Friday. All schools in Butte and Sonoma counties closed to keep children and staff from being exposed to the dangerous air. Santa Rosa Junior College, California State University Chico and Butte College also closed and canceled all weekend events. The local air quality district banned Bay Area residents from using fireplaces, wood stoves or other wood-burning devices through at least Monday. We dont want residents to add to the already polluted air that we have out there, Roselius said. Air quality fluctuates depending on the wind, but on Friday it was bad by any standard. The air quality index, a number that measures air pollutants, hovered between 105 and 152 around the Bay Area on Friday. A healthy level is 50 or lower. The Bay Areas numbers were similar to those during the 2017 North Bay fires, which were far closer than the Camp Fire. By contrast, in Beijing, one of the worlds worst places for air pollution, the rating was 21 early Saturday. Ashley McBride is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: ashley.mcbride@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ashleynmcb Magellan Midstream Partners Houston-based Phillips 66 said it is planning two oil pipeline systems that would stretch from North Dakota and Oklahoma to the Texas Gulf Coast. Phillips 66 said the proposed Liberty Pipeline would stretch from the Bakken Shale and the Rockies to Corpus Christi, presumably to take oil from North Dakota, Wyoming and Montana to refining and export hubs along the Texas Gulf Coast. Denbury Resources buys Penn Virginia for $1.7 billion. Chespaeake Energy follows suit, gobbling up another Eagle Ford shale player, WildHorse Resource Development for $3 billion. Canadas Encana Corp. tops them both, acquiring the Newfield Exploration Co. for $5.5 billion in the beginning of November. Those are three big deals that happened over four days recently, all targeting Houston shale exploration and production companies. And the Houston energy investment banking firm Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co. said thats just the tip of the M&A iceberg. Expect more to come in 2019. Buckle up as the upstream merger train has left the station, and next year will likely be a wild ride, the firm said while unleashing a torrent of cliches. The last few years saw a land rush in West Texas Permian Basin in whats become the worlds hottest oil play. This spring saw Permian holdings begin to consolidate under bigger players after nearly all of the top acreage was scooped up. Now, it appears the merger spree is spreading to onshore shale nationwide. Sharing the fun Penn Virginia is an Eagle Ford company. WildHorse is focused on the emerging northeastern portion of the Eagle Ford west of College Station. Newfield, of The Woodlands, has a mix of assets, but its primary focus is in Oklahoma. Early this year it was predominantly a Permian play, said Neal Dingmann, an energy analyst with SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, and now it seems to be expanded to all of North America. Dingmann said he expects more corporate combinations in other regions such as North Dakotas Bakken shale, but dealmakers will still focus on the Permian. Its just that the Permian wont hog all of the fun. Its consumed a lot of 2018. In a pair of $8 billion Permian-focused deals earlier this year, two Midland companies, Concho Resources and Diamondback Energy acquired, respectively, RSP Permian and Energen. The largest deal of the year still belongs to British energy giant BP buying up the Texas shale assets including both the Permian and Eagle Ford of BHP Billiton for $10.5 billion. The sale closed at the end of October. The next big Permian deal could come from the privately owned Midland company Endeavor Energy, which is looking to sell itself for close to $10 billion, as first reported by The Wall Street Journal. The U.S. shale industry is now more than a decade old since pioneers combined horizontal drilling techniques with hydraulic fracturing, called fracking, to access and crack the shale rock and its large volumes of oil and gas. There are still more prospective areas such as Wyomings Powder River Basin, the extension of the Austin Chalk shale into Louisiana and others, but much of the shale sector is maturing. Big dogs Even though shareholders are pushing companies to keep their spending levels conservative after the recent oil bust, analysts still see the industry moving toward an acquire-or-be-acquired mentality. Concho, for instance, is simultaneously running almost 35 drilling rigs just in the Permian. A lot of other companies can barely afford to operate one or two at a time. And Concho cant even come close to the buying power of behemoths like Exxon Mobil and Chevron as they continue to expand in the Permian. How do you compete with that? Dingmann said. jordan.blum@chron.com twitter.com/jdblum23 This week's roundup of city health inspections of San Antonio restaurants has a little bit of everything. Conditions found include cockroaches, dirty equipment and bare hands, according to reports conducted by the San Antonio Food and Environment Services division. While many restaurants received low grades for having moldy ice bins and dirty containers, some establishments were issued demerits for their choice in utensils. A health inspector at one North Side Mexican restaurant observed staff using bowls to scoop up their refried beans, while another East Side eatery was spotted using cups to scoop their salsa. LAST WEEK'S INSPECTIONS: Nov. 2, 2018 Using your bare hands to flip a tortilla might be a good way to impress your abuelita, but it didn't fly for employees at Angel's Mexican Haven who were also observed without proper hair restraints. To make the Express-News' list of dirtiest restaurants, an establishment must score 89 or below or anything less than an "A" during a random city health inspection over the past week. The San Antonio Express-News examines hundreds of restaurant inspections each week conducted by the San Antonio Food and Environment Services division to bring you the eateries with scores of 89 or below. Check out the San Antonio restaurants that were cited by health inspectors this week in the slideshow above. Restaurants are graded on a 100-point system where "100" is a perfects score, and demerits are based upon the number of violations found during a regular food establishment inspection. There are three categories of demerits and each are assigned a demerit score of 3, 2, 1 points, according to the health division. Scores and demerits listed are only representatives of the state of the restaurant at the time of the inspection and establishments are surveyed at random. If you have questions about inspections or complaints about a food establishment, contact the Metropolitan Health District office by calling 3-1-1 or 210-207-6000. Be prepared to provide the name, location, date of incident and details of the incident. Dear Mr. Premack: My parents had four children, they paid for a house, and they both died with wills leaving their house to the four children. We all agreed among ourselves to keep their house and split the net rental income it produces. We have all gotten along well until recently, when property values have started to go up. My sister transferred her share of the house to her son, and he has been agitating to sell the house, so he can get a larger sum of money. He says he talked to a lawyer about suing us to force the sale of the house, so we might as well save the legal fees and go along with the sale. Isnt there any way, short of defending ourselves in court, that we can stop our nephew? H.W. Historically, your nephew and his attorney would have been on solid legal ground. When people jointly inherit a house or other real estate, they each own an undivided share. Each owner could file suit to force partition of the property, which sometimes can only be achieved by selling the property. A week into November, San Antonio has wasted no time in transitioning from Halloween to Thanksgiving and Christmas. River Walk Christmas decorations are going up, KQXT-FM (101.9 on the dial) has begun playing holiday tunes, and now the mayors "Light Up Downtown" Holiday Contest is underway. The competition is in its eighth year. Its part of a city-organized effort to expand the reach of the River Walk decorations by inspiring dazzling store front displays and exterior holiday lighting, according to the competition website. The contest runs from Nov. 24 through Dec. 20. Businesses planning to participate have until Nov. 30 to enter. RELATED: Christmas Miracle headed to Houston Street with cocktails Entrants are encouraged and motivated with additional points to use LED lights, but they are not required for participation. There are nine opportunities to win: Best use of space (people's choice) Building (people's choice) Non-profit (people's choice) Storefront - small business (people's choice) Storefront - corporate (people's choice) Best lighting display of a building (mayor's award) Best lighting display of a storefront (mayor's award) Mayor Nirenberg's choice award for best overall display CPS Energy award for the greenest lighting display Winners will be announced on New Year's Eve. In 2017, Whataburger, Travis Park, the San Antonio Zoo and Diaper Bank were among the winners. This is a fun opportunity to showcase the downtown area to locals and visitors and to create a new holiday experience throughout downtown, the city said on its website. S. M. Chavey is a breaking news and general assignment writer. Read her on our breaking news site, mySA.com and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com | sarah.chavey@express-news.net | @smchavey GREENWICH Calling the rule of law at stake, nearly 300 people gathered at Greenwich Town Hall Thursday evening to demand that Congress protect special counsel Robert Muellers investigation into President Donald Trump. When the president controls or takes steps to end a lawful investigation, particularly when that investigation is into his own behavior, that is a direct threat to our democracy, said Joanna Swomley, co-founder of Indivisible Greenwich. We need our Congress, which is the only body with the constitutional power and obligation to reign the president in, to do so. Our presence here tonight and the presence of our fellow Americans across the country sends a message to our representatives that we want them to act now, she said. The protest in Greenwich one of hundreds held across the country was put into action after Trump asked for and received the resignation of Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Wednesday, the day after the midterm elections. Trump had repeatedly criticized Sessions for recusing himself from overseeing Muellers investigation into Trump and Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Nine hundred groups took part in protests nationally, including 14 in Connecticut, led by Indivisible, Move On and other activist groups, said Swomley. We should take heart that so many of us are here standing today, Indivisible Greenwich co-founder Nerlyn Pierson said. Not just in Greenwich but in the entire state and in the entire country, fighting to protect our country and our democracy. Let this show of solidarity strengthen our resolve and energize us for what is to come in the days and weeks ahead. This was not the first protest in town for Indivisible, which was formed in 2016 after Trumps victory. The group has demonstrated at Town Hall against the Trump administrations immigration policy, and held a teach-in on Greenwich Avenue last year to protest efforts to overturn the Affordable Care Act. The group became a major player in municipal elections last year, driving unprecedented performances by Democrats in local offices. That trend continued Tuesday when Greenwich elected its first representative to the state House in a century, and its first Democrat to the state Senate since 1930. Both houses picked up Democratic seats as Ned Lamont, a Democrat from Greenwich, was elected governor. kborsuk@greenwichtime.com WASHINGTON E-cigarettes will face strict new limits imposed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, according to a senior FDA official, restricting sales of many popular fruit flavors amid what the health agency has called an epidemic of youth use. Sales of popular e-cigarette fruit flavors will be limited to adult-only establishments, such as vaping stores. The restrictions will apply only to cartridge-style devices, such as a popular product from startup Juul Labs Inc., according to the official. Online sales will be allowed but only by retailers who take steps to verify the buyers age, similar to the way alcohol can be sold on the web as long as theres someone 21 or older to sign for the package, said the official. The regulations, set to be announced next week, will take effect in the coming months. Spokesmen for the FDA and Juul declined to comment. Plans for the new regulations were reported earlier Thursday by the Washington Post. The FDA has talked for months about ways to reduce youth use, citing rising concern that e-cigarettes were creating a new class of nicotine users, rather than primarily being used to help people transition off regular cigarettes. The FDA has called youth use of the devices an epidemic and said it would consider significant action to stop it. Vaping surged 77 percent among high school-age children and about 50 percent among middle schoolers, according to preliminary government data. Juuls device has become wildly popular, accounting for almost 1 in 3 e-cigarette sales as of the end of 2017, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The San Francisco-based company is backed by high-profile investors, including Tiger Global Management and Tao Capital Partners. Fundraising negotiations this year pegged a $15 billion valuation on the business, making its founders worth more than $800 million each. Advocates said the FDA needs to impose even greater restrictions, including banning online sales. Its not enough, said Meredith Berkman, co-founder of Parents Against Vaping E-Cigarettes. There has to be a complete ban on flavors everywhere and that should include mint. Its just not enough. Drew Armstrong, Anna Edney and Olivia Zaleski are Bloomberg News writers. Switzerland has fewer residents than New York City. Yet its Americas seventh largest foreign investor. Swiss companies have poured a cumulative $224 billion into the U.S. economy, eclipsing France and Italy, global behemoths China and India, and even NAFTA-partner Mexico. Some of Americas largest employers including pharmaceutical powerhouse Novartis and food and beverage conglomerate Nestle are Swiss. And many are ramping up U.S. operations. This spring, Swiss packaging manufacturer Neopac announced plans to build a new facility in North Carolina. The $30 million investment will create over 40 jobs. Why are companies from this tiny European nation seeking out American consumers and workers? Because the United States remains the most lucrative market in the world and a great place to do business. In the current climate with the ongoing threat of tariffs, U.S. leaders need to keep a global business focus and foreign firms will continue to flock to the United States, creating millions of jobs. Foreign firms, regardless of size, cant afford to ignore the American market. U.S. consumers dished out $13 trillion on goods and services in 2016 nearly a third of the entire worlds household consumption, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. As the general manager of Dr. Dunner, a natural health products company in Switzerland, I can personally attest to the importance of the U.S. market for growing brands. Today, the United States isnt the driving force behind our sales. U.S. consumers only accounted for about 2 percent of our total product turnover last year. But were anticipating that figure to grow to 10 percent in just three years. Our first real quarter in the U.S. showed the potential of this market. After re-launching our brand in the United States in a way that communicated more effectively to the American consumer, we garnered twice as much revenue as we had during our previously most successful quarter. Swiss companies are also building plants and offices in America. Why? According to the World Bank, the United States ranks sixth on a global scale for ease of doing business. Take Nestle.. In 2016, Nestle reported $27 billion in U.S. sales and 97 percent of U.S. households consumed at least one Nestle product. The company directly employs 51,000 Americans. Nestle also improves American communities. During its day of service in August 2016, over 6,000 employees worked on over 150 community service projects from cleaning up rivers to hosting fitness competitions for kids. Or consider UBS, the Swiss global banking titan that boasts nearly 300 locations across the United States. Thanks to recent tax overhaul, which lowered the corporate tax rate from 35 to 21 percent, UBS is looking to ramp up its investment in America. UBS and Nestle are in good company. Swiss firms are responsible for more than 460,000 U.S. jobs, including almost 190,000 manufacturing positions. My compatriots are especially interested in supporting research and development. Swiss companies spent more than $10 billion on R&D within U.S. borders in 2013 more than any other country. The investment created 24,000 American jobs. Swiss companies see great potential in the United States, but in truth, the optimism is mutual. American firms have invested over $170 billion in Switzerland. As a small country, we have to punch above our weight to stay competitive. One way we do that is by knowing where to find good business partners weve found one in the United States. Robert Bastong is the GM of Dr. Dunner. This piece originally ran in The Detroit News. Sixteen months ago, the appointment of Al Espinoza as Pasadenas first Latino police chief was seen as a sign of welcome change in the new administration of Mayor Jeff Wagner. Hopes were high that the appointment of the 37-year veteran would help bridge the gap between city leaders and Pasadenas Latino residents, whom a federal judge found had seen their clout diluted by revisions to the City Council election system. This week, the City Council voted 7-2 to accept Espinozas resignation effective Nov. 30 amid questions about the circumstances of his departure. Two of the councils three Latino members, Sammy Casados and Cody Ray Wheeler, voted against accepting Espinozas letter of resignation at a meeting Tuesday. Casados claimed that Espinoza was being forced out. Im not gonna support this, I want you to stay, Casados told Espinoza, who sat in the front row at the meeting but did not respond to any of the comments. Youve done a great job doing what youve done, Casados said. Matter of fact, crime is down. I dont understand why youre leaving. Its a political thing, he continued. Chief has done nothing wrong and theres no basis for this retirement mans been forced out. Wagner, a retired Houston police officer, banged the gavel and said Casados was out of order. Lets keep personnel information out of this, Wagner said. If you read the mans letter of retirement, youll see why the mans retiring. Casados later told the Houston Chronicle that he received an email from the city's human resources director, Daniel Pennington, hours after the council meeting announcing that Assistant Chief of Police Josh Bruegger would take over as acting chief effective Nov. 7. The mayors office did not respond to repeated requests for comment. When initially contacted, Espinoza did not address Casados assertion that the chief was pressured to leave but shared the letter of retirement he had sent to city staff and council members on Oct. 24. Late Thursday, he responded to a followup email, "Every Police Chief serves at the pleasure of the Mayor," he wrote. His letter provides no reason for the retirement but recounts Espinozas career of almost 39 years with the police department. As I worked myself through the ranks of the Pasadena Police Department, I have always supported unconditionally my fellow officers in the Pasadena Police Department' s mission in keeping our community safe and secure, he wrote. Espinozas letter highlighted programs that he started as chief, including establishing an email notification system to inform council members of incidents occurring in their districts and providing the drug Narcan to all patrol officers for calls on opioid overdoses, a move that he said has saved three lives. He wrote that he also started the Unidos Program of casual meetings among Espinoza, other officers and Spanish-speaking residents to foster positive relationships. According to the citys website, Espinoza was promoted to sergeant in 1983 and assigned to the detective division where he investigated homicides, robberies and property crimes for eight years. He was promoted to lieutenant and supervised various parts of the police department including the police academy and the patrol, criminal investigations and special investigations divisions before becoming chief. Shortly after his election in spring 2017, Wagner announced that Espinoza was his choice to replace retiring Chief Michael Thaler. Earlier that year, a federal judge ruled in a voting rights lawsuit that the city had intentionally violated the rights of Hispanic voters and must revert to a 2013 election map for council seats based on eight single-member districts. Witnesses also testified that the city had systematically neglected the needs of its mostly Latino northside neighborhoods. Chief U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthals ruling forced the city to abandon a system of six single-member and two at-large districts. However, the results were the same in elections that year. Three Latinos were again elected to the seven-member council, and none of three Latino candidates advanced to a runoff election to succeed the term-limited Johnny Isbell as mayor, whom critics had blamed for the inequity and intolerance. Pasadena has a Hispanic population of over 60 percent, according to U.S. Census data from 2017. During Tuesdays meeting, Council members Don Harrison, Felipe Villarreal, Thomas Schoenbein and Bruce Leamon thanked Espinoza for his decades of service and offered congratulations. It was great for the diversity of this city, Harrison said. Wheeler thanked Espinoza, too, but with regrets. Chief, I dont think its right, Wheeler said. Im not gonna support this. Youve been a police officer for six years in Pasadena before I was born. Im not gonna be the one to have you leave. jjones@chron.com Courtesy photo The Central Fort Bend Chamber showed its support for Carmengios Cucina Italiana with a ribbon-cutting on Friday, Nov. 2, at their new location in Richmond at 1833 Williams Way Blvd., Suite 2100. Owners Gio and Carmen treated guests to a glass of Prosecco and plates of their famous spaghetti. Almost half of all countries have fertility rates below the replacement level, according to an unprecedented study published by The Lancet journal. While there was not a single nation with a fertility rate below the 2.05 threshold back in 1950, the global average is now only 2.4 - down from 4.7 about 70 years ago. Differences between nations have become more pronounced, with some European countries having record-low rates down to one child per woman on average, compared to more than six children in some African nations. If you live in a poorer nation with high fertility rates, a decrease would likely be a reason for celebration. Lower fertility rates are often the result of fewer child deaths, easily accessible contraception and prosperous economies, which explains why Europe, North America and richer Asian nations like Japan are disproportionately affected. In countries with below-replacement level fertility rates, however, the costs outweigh the benefits. Europe has struggled with this challenge for years. Even more so than the United States, European welfare largely depends on a sufficient number of working-age residents who can finance health care, pensions and social security for everyone. The fewer there are, the more complicated it becomes to sustain a system that was set up in a century when falling fertility rates were among the problems people had to worry least about. Alarmed by continuously dropping figures, some EU governments have taken drastic measures. Italy's Health Ministry launched an ad campaign two years ago to remind people that Sept. 22 was "fertility day." Other countries have sought to address the issue by focusing on education. In Denmark, for instance, schoolchildren are now taught in class that having babies doesn't only come with risks, but also with benefits. But this week's study raises serious doubts over the impact of such policies or proposals. "Pro-natalist policies have been pursued in more than a dozen countries but the effects on fertility rates have not been large," they wrote. Instead, they argue, an increasingly large share of the world's population may have to come to terms with higher retirement ages, slashed benefits and - ironically above all - probably the most divisive issue of this century, so far: migration. Falling fertility rates do not immediately have to result in receding population numbers, as migration and better health care also impact overall figures, according to the study that was funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. While almost half of all nations now have fertility rates below the replacement level, population growth only declined in 33 countries from 2010 to 2017. The countries where population figures remained steady despite lower fertility rates also experienced a higher influx of migrants. The fertility rate in the United States is actually also below replacement levels at 1.8, yet the population is still growing, thanks in large part due to immigration. Migration has so far saved the United States from following the fate of Europe's aging societies. But a fall in net migration has already slowed U.S. population growth and could eventually lead to a negative trend. As other global measures to boost fertility rates have so far failed, migration had proven to be "effective in sustaining population numbers," the authors of the study write. Based on that analysis, slashing migration numbers - as the Trump administration is attempting to - and operating a budget that relies on a young workforce appears contradictory. It's a conclusion that will not sit well among an increasing number of voters in the United States and Europe. TOKYO - Japan is considering the introduction of the U.S. Avenger unmanned combat aircraft to the Maritime Self-Defense Force with an eye on strengthening its surveillance of Chinese naval vessels in waters around Japan and North Korean smuggling activities, The Yomiuri Shimbun has learned. Tokyo plans to stipulate the use of unmanned aerial vehicles in the new National Defense Program Guidelines to be compiled at the year-end. It aims to deploy the Avenger in the late 2020s. Equipped with a jet engine, the Avenger can fly at a maximum speed of 740 kph and operate 18 hours or longer per flight. It is said the aircraft can be equipped with antiship missiles and bombs, enabling it to counter enemy naval vessels and other units without endangering personnel should a contingency arise. If the plan materializes, it will mark the Self-Defense Forces' first use of an unmanned aircraft intended for use in combat. The MSDF plans to use the Avenger to monitor Chinese naval vessels sailing in waters around Japan, as well as North Korean smuggling of refined petroleum products and other goods through ship-to-ship transfers on international waters. The SDF currently rely mainly on manned patrol planes such as the P-3C and P-1 to conduct surveillance and ensure security around Japan. From fiscal 2021, the SDF plan to begin using three unmanned Global Hawk patrol aircraft at high altitudes of at least 15,000 meters to monitor missile launch preparations, among other activities. The SDF plan to operate the Avenger at altitudes higher than those of manned aircraft, but lower than those of the Global Hawk, to reinforce the nation's surveillance capabilities. With the introduction of unmanned aircraft, which can be operated by small numbers of personnel, the SDF aim to streamline its surveillance activities, such as by dispatching more patrol planes to monitor submarines, which is the planes' primary mission. Atlanta Brian Kemp, the Republican who has claimed victory in Georgia's governor's race, said Thursday that he was resigning as secretary of state, removing himself from the process of determining whether he had in fact been elected. With some ballots still to be counted, his Democratic opponent, Stacey Abrams, is just shy of enough votes to force a runoff. Abrams has not conceded, and The Associated Press and other news organizations say the race is too close to call. Kemp attracted mounting criticism during the campaign for his management of an election in which he was also a candidate, but he had dismissed repeated calls from Democrats for him to resign in the weeks before Election Day. Kemp made no mention of the elections process Thursday in his resignation letter to outgoing Republican Gov. Nathan Deal, saying he was resigning because he wished "to focus on the transition to my gubernatorial administration." Appearing with Deal at a morning news conference at the state Capitol in Atlanta, Kemp said, "I think in light of where we are now, this will give public confidence to the certification process, even though, quite honestly, it's being done at the county level." Robyn Crittenden, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Human Services, was named acting secretary of state and will oversee the certification of Georgia's election results. Crittenden also will supervise runoffs in at least two other statewide races, one for secretary of state, as well as one for governor if Abrams' campaign succeeds in forcing one. While prominent Republicans sent congratulations to Kemp Thursday, Democrats did little to hide their disgust with his action. "Press releases do not declare victory," said Lauren Groh-Wargo, Abrams' campaign manager. As Kemp's resignation took effect at 11:59 a.m. Thursday, his office said he had won 50.3 percent of the vote and held a lead of about 63,000 votes over Abrams. To win the governorship, Kemp must have an outright majority. But Abrams' campaign believes there is still a potential path to a runoff in the remaining untabulated absentee and provisional ballots. "All the votes haven't been counted," John Chandler, a lawyer for the Abrams campaign, said at a midday news conference in Atlanta. "How can anyone claim a victory when there are enough votes that have not been counted that could cause a runoff here? We believe that everybody is entitled to have their vote counted." The Abrams campaign said it intended to file a lawsuit concerning a southwest Georgia county where mailing of absentee ballots was delayed by an injunction and, later, by Hurricane Michael. Kemp's office said Wednesday that there were fewer than 25,000 remaining untabulated ballots statewide, most of them provisional. That would almost certainly be too few to force a runoff, even if they were all validated and were cast overwhelmingly for Abrams. Groh-Wargo brushed those figures aside Thursday. "We do not believe any of those numbers are credible," she said. NEW HAVEN Two years after a woman was fatally mauled by a dog in the city, a law has been put on the books to address attacks by violent dogs. The ordinance amendment, approved by the Board of Alders Monday, defines what are dangerous and vicious dogs, and includes requirements for vaccinations and breeders permits . Alder Brian Wingate, D-29, was spurred to create legislation on vicious dogs after witnessing the fatal mauling of Jocelyn Winfrey a little more than two years ago. The city has been working since then on legislation to address issues surrounding dangerous dogs. The Public Safety Committee in June drafted language specific to vicious or dangerous dogs to amend the citys animal ordinance, pulling language from New Britains and Windsors existing laws. The citys corporation counsel later worked on the ordinance to ensure its legality. This law is not for the responsible dog owner, Wingate said. Its for the irresponsible owner. Wingate said this is not for the people who are leashing, cleaning up after and taking care of their dogs. Dangerous dog means any dog that has caused a bite injury and is not a vicious dog, the ordinance says. Vicious dog means a dog that without provocation or justification bites or attacks a person and causes serious physical injury or death or is declared vicious under this title. A potentially dangerous dog is one that has behaved in some way that a reasonable person would see as a serious, unjustified threat to a person or animal, according to the ordinance, or if it had injured a domestic animal before. Potentially dangerous and dangerous dogs must be registered with Animal Control and kept contained at all times or under a muzzle and leash no longer than four feet if the dog is being taken out in public. Dangerous dogs also need to be microchipped and spayed/neutered within 10 days of being deemed dangerous. If a dog is determined to be vicious, its against the law to keep it, unless an animal control officer allows the owner to do so, and the owner registers it as a vicious dog with Animal Control, according to the ordinance. An animal control officer may order a vicious dog be euthanized, under the ordinance. Dogs could be labeled dangerous or vicious only if they attack a person unprovoked. But the dangerous or vicious identification wouldnt be applied if somebody is injured by a dog while trespassing, committing a crime, teasing, tormenting, abusing or assaulting the dog or if the dog was protecting or defending a human within the immediate vicinity of the dog from an unjustified attack, according to the ordinance. The amendment does not apply to certified service dogs. Alder Salvatore DeCola, D-19, said the legislation was long overdue and was confident it benefit everybody. The night of the mauling, two dogs viciously bit Winfrey when she walked onto her friends the dog owner property, the Register previously reported. The owner and neighbors, including Wingate, tried to pull the dogs off Winfrey but couldnt. Winfrey died a week later from the injuries. With this legislation passed, Wingate said it helps give closure to what happened. In a way it brings a little peace in the way that something had to be done, he said. No more in New Haven. We dont want dogs mauling people in the city. For me, its an ending but a beginning of the new way we want to treat our dogs and our dog owners. The language of the amendment doesnt specify that an animal must be on a leash to be under control, just that it cant roam in public without being under some form of control being carried in a persons arms, in a carrier, being under voice commands. This excludes designated dog parks. The ordinance also covers breeding dogs, for which the city and state had no regulations . Effective July 1, 2019, anyone who wants to breed a dog in the city, even just one litter, needs a breeding permit. This helps ensure safe practices among dog breeding and potentially reduces over-breeding a single dog or interbreeding. In addition to the breeding permit, one would need a litter permit for each litter a dog fosters. All the puppies from the litter also would need to be microchipped. The ordinance also requires vaccinating dogs for canine parvovirus, which is highly contagious for dogs. At the time of licensing, an owner would need to have proof that their dog was vaccinated for parvovirus in addition to rabies. Alder Adam Marchand, D-25, said the new regulations on vicious dogs, vaccinations and breeding permits, taken together, will help protect the community from threatening dogs. Us having new legislation around vicious dogs is going to put awareness around protection, Wingate said. Were not going to stop here. Were going to put a flyer about whats coming next and we want to put it in the management team hands about the ordinance. We want to get the information out and we hope that by us getting the information out, it heightens the number of people trying to be better dog owners. Its all about awareness and getting the information out. Thats how its going to protect us even more. mdignan@hearstmediact.com In the run-up to election day in 2016, Donald Trump repeatedly and flatly declared that the outcome of the election would only be legitimate if he won. The claim, stripped down to its essence, was that our processes only render legitimate outcomes if he and his people are on the winning side. Any other outcome is illegitimate. In retrospect, this previewed much of what we are seeing right now, in the biggest stories of the moment: The battles underway over the vote counting in the Florida and Georgia contests; the appointment of a Trump loyalist as the new acting attorney general; the White House's promotion of an apparently doctored video to justify punishing a reporter; and the tactics Trump employed to try to retain the GOP Congressional majority. On Thursday night, Trump tweeted: "Law Enforcement is looking into another big corruption scandal having to do with Election Fraud in #Browardand Palm Beach. Florida voted for Rick Scott!" This "big corruption scandal having to do with Election Fraud" is that Democrats want the votes to be fully counted in Democratic areas. Basically, what's happening now is that as the vote counting continues, the leads of the Republican candidates in the Florida Senate and gubernatorial contests - Rick Scott and Ron DeSantis - have shrunk to within margins that would trigger recounts if they hold. Lawyers have descended. There are still votes to be counted, and it's perfectly possible Scott and DeSantis will win. But the president of the United States is declaring the Senate contest over before the vote counting is done, and declaring that demands for a full count constitute fraud. While it's true that Broward County has serious administrative problems, no evidence of fraud has been presented. And so, this is simply a repackaged version of what Trump said during the campaign: Election "fraud" is when the opposition wins. The Trump Ethic, more or less, is that no processes that render verdicts against Trump and whoever constitutes his side at the moment can be legitimate or neutral - by definition. During the campaign he instructed his supporters to believe this. Now he is continuing this on many fronts, only he's using official power to broadcast this idea forth and put it into effect. In some cases, Republicans are doing the same. Let's review: - In Florida, Republicans aren't merely declaring themselves the victors. Worse, Scott has ordered state law enforcement to investigate elections officials who are completing vote counting in Democratic territory. The rationale is highly dubious: As Florida-based reporter Marc Caputo puts it, Scott is alleging fraud "without providing evidence of fraud," and he's "blurring" his official roles as governor and Senate candidate to do so. The president has now endorsed this act. - In Georgia, the Republican candidate - Brian Kemp, who doubled as the Secretary of State - oversaw his own election. Kemp initiated a massive voter purge and engaged in other disenfranchising activities. He even used his office to baselessly accuse Democrats of hacking the registration system, which elections expert Rick Hasen described as "perhaps the most outrageous example of election administration partisanship in the modern era." Once again, the Republican used his official role to manipulate an electoral outcome in which he was a candidate. - On top of all that, Georgia Republicans are already declaring Kemp the winner of the gubernatorial election, even though the vote counting continues, and it's at least possible that Kemp could slip below 50 percent, triggering a runoff. - Trump just appointed Matthew Whitaker the acting attorney general, to install a loyalist to oversee special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation. Trump did this in the full knowledge that Whitaker has already publicly said he does not believe key aspects of the probe are legitimate, and has already publicly suggested ways that someone in this position could procedurally debilitate it. - The Whitaker appointment may be illegal without Senate confirmation, but the key point here is that Trump does not want the neutral process of confirmation to unfold, because it would subject Whitaker to scrutiny of his intentions towards Mueller. It remains to be seen whether Whitaker will solicit a Department of Justice ethics opinion on the matter - which also would constitute submitting to a neutral process. - Most Senate Republicans are perfectly fine with much of this. How many have insisted that they should confirm the new Attorney General or pass legislation right now to protect Mueller? - To be clear on what all this really means, Trump's efforts to get his former attorney general to obstruct the investigation on his behalf, and his reliance on the former House GOP majority to abuse its oversight role to harass and undermine the probe, both failed. Now that Democrats control the House and will protect the investigation, he's personally installed a loyalist to undermine the probe, which, it should be noted, is meant to get to the bottom of the circumstances of his own victory and whether it was partly enabled by foreign sabotage (with or without his campaign's participation) of our democratic processes. - Trump engaged in improper official conduct of the highest order to influence the election: He ordered the military to the border, using it as a prop to dramatize the Republican closing propaganda message about the migrant menace, in hopes of reelecting the GOP House to protect himself from accountability. That failed, but the tactic might have helped boost the GOP Senate majority. - The White House appears to have circulated doctored video that falsely portrayed CNN reporter Jim Acosta manhandling a White House aide, to justify revoking his credentials after he asked the president tough questions. Whatever you think of Acosta's conduct, this is plainly a grotesque abuse of official power, and it's reasonable to ask whether it's meant to chill other aggressive press scrutiny. - Trump has claimed that if House Democrats investigate his administration, the White House will investigate them back. Whatever he means by this, it's a threat of official retaliation against Congress for merely exercising its oversight role. It isn't just that no processes are legitimate if they don't render a victorious outcome for Trump and those on his side. It's also that no processes or institutions that are supposed to hold Trump accountable or subject him to oversight can be operating in a legitimate fashion - again, by definition. As election law expert Michael McDonald points out, the Florida shenanigans are alarming, because they preview what we might expect from Trump - who has now endorsed the GOP response to them - if his 2020 reelection is procedurally in doubt. All this also previews how Trump - and some Republicans - will respond if either Florida race goes to a recount or the Georgia race goes to a runoff. It generally signals what to expect from Whitaker's intentions towards the Mueller investigation; from Trump's reaction if Mueller finds grave misconduct or criminality; and from Trump's response once House Democratic oversight begins in earnest. In short: All of this is likely to get much, much worse. Those who woke up this morning to a bit of snow might have been scratching their heads and checking the calendar. While it may seem unusual, the white stuff actually has fallen much earlier in central Illinois. Weather forecasters expected most of west-central Illinois to see from 1 to 3 inches of snow by this afternoon because of a storm moving in from the Plains. Southern parts of the region were likely to get a mix of snow and rain. The earliest snowfall on record in central Illinois came on Sept. 24-26, 1942, when a mild winter storm moved out of the northern Plains into the Midwest. Jacksonville and Springfield both reported trace amounts of snow, while Peoria picked up an inch and Galesburg received 2 inches. Snows in October, while rare, also occur every few years. Springfield recorded 1.8 inches of snow on Oct. 29, 1925, and anywhere from 1 to 2 inches fell Oct. 30, 1993, across parts of central Illinois. Measurable snows in November are more common, though they usually occur later in the month. Jacksonville receives an average of 1.2 inches of snow each November. Early winter storms occasionally pack a wallop. During the first week of November 1991, a wintry blast dumped more than 6 inches of snow over much of the area. The temperatures also bottomed out, as Jacksonville hit daily record lows seven times in eight days between Nov. 3 and Nov. 10, 1991. The frigid stretch included lows of zero on both Nov. 8 and Nov. 9, as well as 8 degrees on Nov. 10. The area also was digging out after a major snowfall on Nov. 6, 1951, when 7.8 inches fell on Springfield, the most ever in November in that city. Most November snowfalls, though, are less severe. From 1 to 2 inches of snow were recorded across central Illinois on Veterans Day 1995, part of a winter system that produced gusty winds and blowing precipitation across the upper Midwest. Flurries also fell across the region on Veterans Day in both 2013 and 2014. Even this season, todays snow is not the first statewide. On Oct. 20, a cold front produced gusts of 65 mph and flurries across central Illinois, but conditions were far worse to the north. A snow and sleet squall that afternoon reduced visibility along Interstate 57 near Kankakee, while some areas of Chicago reported near white-out conditions. To help victims harmed by domestic violence, Allstate agency owners in San Antonio are collecting personal hygiene supplies through Nov. 16 at their offices across the city. The drive, which benefits the Bexar County Family Justice Center Foundation and the domestic violence survivors they serve, is collecting such items as shampoo, body wash, bar soap, baby wipes and diapers. Fort Sam Houston lifted its second lockdown Friday morning after a security breach was reported on the base. At noon, the base released an update stating that the lockdown was lifted around 10:11 a.m. after "an extensive search of the installation." At 4 a.m., a car with two occupants crossed the Schofield gate, according to a statement from the base. Security forces pursued, but the occupants eventually ditched the car and fled on foot. Security forces detained one occupant, but another remained at large. After 5:30 p.m., officials said Security Forces had determined that the suspect had fled the installation. RELATED: SAPD: Doctor's office employee wrote prescriptions for nonexistent patients Earlier, authorities said they had identified the at-large suspect. San Antonio police had planned to release that suspect's identity but had not as of 7 p.m. The first lockdown was issued at the base around 4 a.m. Friday and was called off after several hours. Around 9 a.m., the Fort Sam Houston Independent School District said the post was "placed on lockdown again." Fort Sam Houston public affairs officers did not immediately return calls seeking comment about the incident. The school district advises parents to keep children at home until further notice. Students who already boarded a bus will be taken back to bus stops and directed home. Fares Sabawi covers crime in San Antonio and Bexar County. Read him on our breaking news site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com | fsabawi@mysa.com|@FaresInSA Once authorities obtained a search warrant for a San Antonio man's devices, "he knew he was in trouble," according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Michael Ernst, 34, was initially arrested in July during a traffic stop after police discovered he had an outstanding warrant for attempted online solicitation of a minor. On Thursday, he was arrested again on six counts of possession of child pornography, according to jail records. READ MORE: SAPD traffic stop led to arrest of man wanted for attempted online solicitation of a minor DPS troopers obtained a search warrant in July after discovering he had devices that violated the probation he received in the solicitation case. Ernst allegedly tried hiding the devices and told authorities that "a lot of people" have used his computer so he was unsure what was on it. "Mike is presumed innocent," his lawyer, Shannon Locke, told mySA.com. "We are asking authorities do a complete and thorough investigation specifically to determine if there were other people who had access to the devices in question." On the devices, investigators found at least six explicit images of an underage girl, according to the affidavit. They also discovered that recent internet searches on Ernst's devices included a variety of searches for pornography including teenagers and incest, the affidavit said. During a probation visit on Halloween, officers told authorities that Ernst was packed up and appeared to be preparing to move, according to his affidavit. Ernst allegedly told the probation officer "he was currently looking to move to a country where there was no extradition back to the United States." Ernst's lawyer said he never made those comments. "(Ernst) denied he ever made any comments about fleeing the United States," Locke said. "Mike has deep ties to the San Antonio community and to his parents. fleeing for something like this would mean he'd never see them again." Ernst was held without bond, jail records showed. Fares Sabawi covers crime in San Antonio and Bexar County. Read him on our breaking news site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com | fsabawi@mysa.com|@FaresInSA A group of Apollo-era NASA legends mobile phones set to record rushed to see the pea green Mission Control room consoles being unwrapped Thursday at Ellington Field, eager for a closer look at the restored versions of what had once been their desks. A collective gasp rose up from the group of gray-haired men. Some had tears in their eyes. Others happily pressed buttons and dialed random numbers on the rotary phone pads. Still others simply stood back and marveled at the work of Kansas-based SpaceWorks in restoring the consoles to look just as they did when humans first walked on the moon. At HoustonChronicle.com: Mission Control's first female chief flight director stands as NASA role model and team builder "They look great. They're perfect," said Bob Grilli, who worked in Mission Control during the Apollo years and fondly recalls installing the consoles at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. "That was my whole life." SpaceWorks is known for refurbishing space items including the Apollo 13 command module. It is a division of the Cosmosphere space and science education center and began restoring the consoles earlier this year. The effort is part of a project led by Johnson and Space Center Houston, the museum side of Johnson, to restore and renovate historic Mission Control in time for the 50th anniversary of the moon landing on July 20, 1969. The historic room was famously used for the Gemini, Apollo and a handful of space shuttle missions before being decommissioned in the 1990s after the Space Shuttle Discovery spent seven days in space in 1992. Mission Control had fallen into a state of disrepair, and in 2015 the National Park Service designated the National Historic Landmark as "threatened." Ten of the 24 consoles scheduled to be refurbished returned Thursday to Houston aboard NASA's Super Guppy, a massive airplane 111 feet long and 25 feet in diameter used to haul the space agency's flight hardware. Five of the consoles are still in Kansas being worked on and the last nine will be trucked there this weekend. MORE: Mission viewing room to be part of NASA mission control restoration "These consoles will represent the crown jewel and centerpiece of our restoration efforts," said Jim Thornton, Johnson's Apollo Mission Control restoration project manager. SpaceWorks achieved this by interviewing individuals who worked in Mission Control during the Apollo years, as well as examining historical photos and video footage taken in the room, said Jack Graber, Cosmosphere's vice president of exhibits and technology. "It was a lot of research," Graber said. "It took about six to eight months." Judging the Apollo legends' reactions, the work paid off. "They look authentic. It's great to see all these consoles," said Merlin Merritt, who worked in Mission Control during the Apollo-era. "Any important event in history and that certainly was one you gotta remember that for the generations to come." But the consoles aren't the only things being restored: officials are returning the entire room on the Johnson grounds to its 1969 glory. When completed in early July, the public will be able to see the room just as it was on July 24, 1969, down to some of the smallest details. Carpeting, tile, paperwork, coffee cups, ashtrays, and even the wallpaper are in the process of being recreated to make Mission Control look just as if the entire team all went on a restroom break at one time and left the room unattended. Even the Apollo 11 mission clocks will be reactivated. So far, the museum and its partners Johnson is not involved in the fundraising have raised $4.5 million of the $5 million needed to restore the room. Officials are confident they'll reach that goal. "Apollo changed the world. It changed how we saw ourselves in the context of our solar system," said Johnson Director Mark Geyer. "The Apollo program and, more importantly, the men and women who made it happen should be remembered for the historic accomplishments they made." Alex Stuckey writes about NASA and the environment for the Houston Chronicle. You can reach her at alex.stuckey@chron.com or Twitter.com/alexdstuckey. The Trump administration wants insurers that offer plans through Access Health CT, Connecticuts Affordable Care Act exchange, and other exchanges nationwide, to send people separate monthly bills for the cost of their abortion coverage in addition to the bill they get for their regular premium costs. This means people would receive two separate bills in the mail or electronically one to cover the premium costs for services such as primary care, mental health, maternity, etc. and another one solely for the cost of their abortion coverage premium. People on the exchange would also have to make two separate payments for these bills, according to a proposed rule recently released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Since the ACA was passed, insurers offering Qualified Health Plans have been required to break out the cost of the abortion coverage in monthly premium bills, but insurers dont typically send out a separate bill for that cost, said Alina Salganicoff, vice president of womens health policy at the Kaiser Family Foundation. Starting in 1977, the Hyde Amendment banned the use of any federal funds for abortion, allowing exceptions only for pregnancies that endanger the womans life or that result from rape or incest. This rule is not a permanent law; rather it has been attached annually to Congressional appropriations bills, and has been approved every year by Congress, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. Currently, about 100,000 Connecticut residents are enrolled in health insurance through Access Health CT. This year, 19 out of the 20 plans available in the individual market include elective abortion coverage. Next year, 16 out of the 17 plans include elective abortion coverage, according to Access Health CT on Thursday. The exchanges policy team was still evaluating how the proposed rule would impact its customers on Thursday. The two insurers that offer individual plans through the states ACA exchange are Anthem and ConnectiCare. Anthem declined to comment on the proposed rule Thursday, and ConnectiCare said all of its plans on the individual market plans cover abortion. Planned Parenthood said in a statement that the proposed rule is designed to make it impossible for health insurance plans to cover abortion under the ACA. If finalized, women across the country could lose access to coverage that includes abortion. By the administrations own account, nearly 1.3 million consumers would be subject to these onerous restrictions, the Planned Parenthood statement said. Not only would some plans drop coverage of abortion altogether so as to avoid the administrative burdens and the related consumer confusion, consumers could lose coverage altogether if they failed to follow the new requirements. Peter Wolfgang, the executive director of the Family Institute of Connecticut, a nonprofit organization that opposes abortion, applauded the CMS proposed rule. It will lead to greater transparency, he said. People will at least know what their money is and isnt paying for, and its a step in the right direction of having no abortion funding in Obamacare. CMS believes that requiring issuers to separately bill the portion of the consumers premium attributable to abortion services and instruct consumers to make a separate payment for this amount as proposed in the proposed rule is a better interpretation of the statutory requirement for issuers to collect a separate payment for these services, according to a fact sheet released by the agency about several proposals. Twenty-six states ban abortion coverage through their exchanges, so this proposed rule wouldnt affect them, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. If finalized, this rule would apply to the insurance year beginning on Jan. 1. For coverage in 2019, open enrollment for Access Health CT began on Nov. 1 and ends on Dec. 15. In a shocking move, a High Court Judge has ruled that Vice President Constantino Chiwenga ordered the deployment of soldiers who were involved in the August 1 post election killings that saw them shoot live ammunition on opposition protestors leaving six of them dead. Justice David Mangota has absolved President Emmerson Mnangagwa of any involvement in the matter and instead saying General Chiwenga is the one who is fingered. Chiwenga was the Vice President in charge of the Ministry of Defense. Handing down a judgement of the case Allison Charles and Counseling Services Unit versus President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and ten others Justice Mangota said, The circumstances of the events of 1 August 2018 unfold themselves in a manner which is as clear as night follows day. They run in the following order: 1. A commotion started in the central business district of Harare 2. The officer who commands the district assessed the magnitude of the commotion as measured against the strength of the personnel which was then at his disposal, 3. He then approached the Minister under whose supervision he operates 4. The Minister, in turn, approached his counterpart in the Minister of defence 5. He in turn dispatched members of the defence forces who work under the command of the regulating of the district in Harare. Because the President did not deploy, he is not conflicted as the applicants would have the court believe. He also did not violate Section 214 of the constitution. He, in other words, did not owe a duty to report to parliament matters which did not arise out of the power which the constitution confers upon him. A finding has been made to the effect that the First respondent (Mnangagwa) did not deploy members of the defence forces on to the streets of Harare, The commission of Inquiry which he established is meant to achieve nothing else but that. Allison Charles and Counselling Services Unit were seeking an order to nullify the Commission of Inquiry led by Former South Africa President Kgalema Kgalema Motlanthe on the grounds that the appointing authority is conflicted in the matter. Bulawayo24 Breaking News via Email Loading... Related Zimbabwe Latest News Cracks have emerged in the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) over the fate of ex-Cabinet ministers assigned to the Shake-Shake Building to run the partys affairs on a full-time basis. ZNLWVA Mazowe district chairperson Efanos Mudzimunyi told the Daily News yesterday that some of the 10 provincial chairpersons including Cornelius Muoni (Mashonaland West) and his Harare counterpart Hoyini Bhila who had been demanding the removal of Zanu PF secretary for administration Obert Mpofu, finance secretary Patrick Chinamasa, secretary for health David Parirenyatwa, former Defence minister Sydney Sekeramayi and party administrator Dixon Dzora from their offices are now singing a different tune. Mudzimunyi alleged the two had been bought out by Mpofu after they secretly held meetings with the former Home Affairs minister in Harare and Bulawayo last week and were now persuading other chairpersons to withdraw their demands. The two chairpersons have sold out our struggle and they are now saying we must forgive them. This was after they held secret meetings in Bulawayo and Harare without telling other chairpersons but we are saying to them you can go your way but we are not turning back, the corrupt ones must just go, Mudzimunyi vowed. Muoni confirmed the meetings with Mpofu saying there was nothing wrong in the Zanu PF bigwigs attending a war veterans meeting. We had a meeting in Harare and yes they were there but what is wrong with that? They are our old men and we cannot be stopped by one or two chairpersons who have their own agenda. We are in the majority, Muoni said. He also insisted that all the 10 ZNLWVA chairpersons attended the meeting. Mpofu also confirmed the meeting telling the Daily News that the former freedom fighters had apologised to him. But sources in the ZNLWVA said the association has split to two opposing camps; one led by Muoni and the other led by Mashonaland Central provincial chairperson Sam Parirenyatwa. We did not attend the meeting because we had not been informed about it. We only got to know there was a meeting when it was already underway and some of us who were in Harare such as comrade Parirenyatwa then went and forced their way in only to find out that the discussion was centred around forgiving Mpofu, one of the chairpersons said on condition of anonymity. The lower structures of the boisterous war veterans, the source said, was determined to continue with their push for the sacking of the bigwigs who also include Munyaradzi Machacha, the leader of the Chitepo Ideological College, who is accused of staffing the college with elements aligned to the Generation 40 (G40) faction, annihilated by the military when it ousted Robert Mugabe in November last year. Parirenyatwa refused to comment on the matter referring questions to ZNLWVA spokesperson Douglas Mahiya. On his part Mahiya was not taking calls. The ex-combatants sensationally-claimed that the beleaguered party honchos were undermining President Emmerson Mnangagwa and engaging in corrupt activities. The former fighters of the countrys guerrilla war of liberation fought in the 1970s have previously petitioned Mnangagwa pleading with him to give the party officials their marching orders. In the petition, which was addressed to Zanu PF chairperson Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri and signed by war veterans representatives from 10 provinces, the former fighters accused Mpofu and others of sabotaging Mnangagwas efforts to turn around the countrys economic fortunes. DailyNews Breaking News via Email Loading... Related Zimbabwe Latest News By Jon Danielsson, Director of the ESRC funded Systemic Risk Centre, London School of Economics. Originally published at VoxEU Cryptocurrencies are controversial. Advocates see them as a better form of money that imparts freedom, useful economic functions, fabulous riches and hedges against bad government policies. The sceptics worry about investor protection and environmental impact. Cryptocurrencies today do not pose much threat to financial stability, as noted by den Haan et al. (2017) and a recent Financial Stability Board report (Financial Stability Board 2018). That will change if cryptocurrencies find widespread economic use, either coexisting with or fully displacing fiat money. They will then have a strong and negative impact on financial stability, equality and social cohesion, as I discuss in Danielsson (2018c). Financial Stability Some cryptocurrencies promise to replace fiat money with private money whose integrity is underpinned by algorithms, not government guarantees. This includes the most prominent, Bitcoin, and many of the cryptocurrencies aiming to improve on Bitcoin. Do such cryptocurrencies pose financial stability threats? Most observers do not think so. After all, an asset class that amounts to less than $200 billion is quite small compared to the overall asset markets, especially since cryptocurrencies are primarily held for speculative reasons and see trivial economic use outside of that. Cryptocurrencies do not threaten financial stability today. However, supposing that cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin were to succeed in the marketplace for money and see widespread use in day-to-day economic activities. Would there be financial stability consequences? Yes. A cryptocurrency-based monetary system (cryptosystem) is subject to the same forces of financial instability as the current fiat system, while further adding new forms of instability. The same fundamental forces are behind almost every financial crisis, regardless of the underlying monetary system (gold, fiat, or cryptos) excessive amounts of endogenous risk (Danielsson et al. 2012) that is hidden until it is too late, only to manifest itself once a crisis is underway when it is too late to do anything except react. All serious financial risk is endogenous, caused by the interaction of the human beings that make up the financial system. They are prone to act as a procyclical herd and are subject to a variety of constraints and biases affecting decisions, and hence outcomes. In boom times, behaviour is more idiosyncratic than during crisis when the self-preservation instincts kick in. This is why booms build up slowly and deflate rapidly prices go up the escalator and down the elevator. Fundamental to financial instability is the creation of money. In the current fiat system, the central bank creates base money and the financial system creates higher forms of money such as M1 and M2. The primary damage from financial crises is when the process goes in reverse due to rapid deleveraging. The same applies to cryptosystems. The mining process only controls the creation of base money (the number of coins), while the supply of money is crypto M1 and M2, and just like with fiat, the creation of such money is under nobodys control. While some cryptoadvocates argue this would not happen because a cryptosystem would be a full reserve system, that is unlikely. Some people will want to lend out coins and others to borrow, and if such claims get traded, crypto M1 and M2 is created. Similarly, some crypto banks will find it more profitable to operate as the fractional reserve institutions of today. At the same time, a cryptosystem has additional forms of systemic risk not present in fiat systems. Most of the money in a cryptosystem, crypto M1 and M2, is only claims on coins. In times of crisis when confidence evaporates, that can by itself lead to a panic since if economic agents start to worry their money is not equivalent to coins, they will run their financial institutions. We cant resolve such cryptosystem crises because we cant create new base money (coins), at least if money is like Bitcoin with a fixed mining schedule. While we can certainly conceive of a cryptocurrency with an algorithm that creates new coins during a crisis, such a currency would be an anathema to the cryptoadvocates of today who explicitly do not want the supply of money to be adjusted based on economic conditions. While fiat systems are affected by the same endogenous risk, they have a safety valve. Because the fiat system can create infinite amounts of liquidity when needed, the central bank can guarantee shock and awe. It can tell the financial markets that no matter what the demand for liquidity, it can meet it, minimising deleveraging, keeping the economy going, and preventing the disastrous failures of the financial institutions without whom the economy cannot function. Such credible demonstration is stabilising by itself. Once the markets know the central bank will do what it takes, a crisis can be mitigated; we saw that in action with the ECBs we will do whatever it takes announcement in 2012. The failure of the Federal Reserve to do the same during the Great Depression was the reason a financial crisis and economic recession became a depression. The globally coordinated liquidity creation in the autumn of 2008 is the reason why that crisis did not become a depression. Ultimately, this means that a monetary system based on the private cryptocurrencies of today would suffer from higher systemic risk than a well-managed fiat system. Fairness If privately issued cryptocurrencies become real competitors to fiat money, someone is going to make a profit. The current market value of all cryptocurrencies is around $200 billion; the total value of M1 in the G20 economies is $31 trillion. If we fully replace fiat money with cryptocurrencies, a $31 trillion profit will be transferred to a handful of crypto-speculators, equivalent almost to the annual GDP of the US and China combined (at $34.5 trillion). That is the upper bound; private cryptocurrencies may end up coexisting with fiat money, so the market value of cryptocurrencies may end up being somewhere between $200 billion and $31 trillion. The success of privately cryptocurrencies implies a substantial transfer of a public good to private speculators. It would dwarf the largest historical expropriations of public goods, including the Inclosure Acts in England and Wales when 2,800,000 hectares of common land were transferred to private ownership, the Highland Clearances in Scotland, the confiscation of Native American land in the US and Aboriginal land in Australia, and the more recent Russian and Chinese privatisations. Would the $31 trillion (or any amount significantly higher than the current $200 billion) switchover from M1 to cryptocurrencies be of the same nature? The wealth transfers in the examples above happen at the instigation of the sovereign, which deliberately enriched some citizens and impoverished others. By contrast, current transfers to crypto-speculators are entirely voluntary. I buy Bitcoin at my own volition. However, for cryptocurrencies to displace fiat money, the sovereign has to acquiesce, to make the deliberate decision that Bitcoin is to be used along side, or instead of, dollars. The reason is that fiat money is legal tender, and the sovereign needs to permit the displacement of fiat. Consequently, the transfer of up to $31 trillion to a handful of private speculators would dwarf any historical antecedents to become the largest expropriation of a public good in human history. This is strongly disputed by crypto-advocates, who find such notions Marxist and that it does not recognise the just return to an entrepreneur taking risk. Such counterarguments miss the point. There is widespread support for the idea that the entrepreneur should benefit from the fruits of their labour, accomplished in a competitive marketplace, not by expropriation. Unlike entrepreneurial wealth, the crypto-fortunes would be created by inclosing a public good and it would be fundamentally unfair to transfer the public money supply to crypto-speculators. Conclusion While I think that cryptocurrencies do not make much sense and are destined to end up worthless, (Danielsson 2018a, 2018b), suppose I am wrong. The success of privately issued cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin would come at a considerable cost. It would increase financial instability and wealth inequality, while bringing no discernible benefits. If we are to transit from a fiat monetary system to a crypto-based one, the only right way is for all created coins to be under public ownership from the outset. See original post for references Neonicotinoid exposure impairs social behavior of bees, affecting colony health Amerian Association for the Advancement of Science. Only bees, Im sure. Drone caused bears distress in viral video, researchers say CBC Lloyd Blankfein Was the Unidentified Goldman Executive Present at 2009 1MDB Meeting Bloomberg UBS accused of causing billions in investor losses FT Crypto Finance for the Masses: Not Without My Bank Finews Manchester City Exposed: Chapter 4: A Global Empire Der Spiegel In news that will shock absolutely no one, Americas cellphone networks throttle vids, strangle rival Skype The Register Syraqistan Brexit Macron stirs anger with WW1 tribute to Nazi collaborator Petain Reuters War Is Done! Lapharms Quarterly. World War I. India China? If Your Data Is Bad, Your Machine Learning Tools Are Useless HBR. From April, still germane. If everything is like CalPERS, all data is bad. At Doomed Flights Helm, Pilots May Have Been Overwhelmed in Seconds NYT. Boeings operations manual describes a fix with a horrid UI/UX, on top of all the other problems. New Cold War Trump Transition 2018 Post Mortem Democrats in Disarray The People, No Thomas Frank, The Baffler Health Care Class Warfare Federal judge blocks construction of Keystone XL pipeline USA Today California: tens of thousands evacuated as wildfire explodes in size Guardian New wind and solar generation costs fall below existing coal plants FT A new way to make steel could cut 5% of CO2 emissions at a stroke MIT Technology Review. If the demo scales. Rainforest destruction from gold mining hits all-time high in Peru Phys.org Altitude Likely Helped Andean People Survive Contact With Europeans Courthouse News (original). Editing nature: Local roots of global governance Science The Concrete Jungle NYRB. Why should evolution move more quickly in cities than elsewhere?. If the selection pressure is high enough, dramatic changes can take hold in only a hundred generations or so. For many insect and bird lineages, thats just a century. Harvard researchers suggestion of an alien space probe is probably wrong CNN. Awww! Antidote du jour (via): See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here. By Barkley Rosser, Professor of Economics at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Originally published at EconoSpeak A curious coincidence is that the US midterm elections happened one day after the US reimposed its second round of illegal economic sanctions on Iran, with the focus on oil, shipping, and banking, along with some other sectors. Despite all but a handful of governments around the world supporting Iran in this matter (despite apparently two attempted assassinations of opponents of Irans government in European nations recently) against the US out of a hope to keep Iran following the JCPOA nuclear agreement as it has by all reports been doing, the impact of the midterm elections is probably to reinforce support for Trumps policy, even as mostly he lost support in the election. The reason is that the most important location for serious critics of a presidents foreign policy usually come out of the Senate, not the House of Representatives or governors. So, even though the Dems have taken the House and gained governorships, the GOP gaiined in the Senate, and some of the GOPs leaving included the few Trump critics, notably departing Foreign Relations committee Chair, Robert Corker of TN. This is the case, even as those GOP gains may only amount to a net two (Dem Sinema now ahead in AZ) or even only one (Nelson in FL may yet pull it out too). Yet another reason the gains by Dems will probably not lead to much more pressure on Trump on this is that many Dems at least somewhat support his policy, especially those strongly influenced by the Israeli government. Thus in todays Washington Post, a lead editorial (presumably by neoconnish Fred Hiatt) said there may be reasons for imposing some sanctions because of malignant policies by Iran, notably supposedly supplying missiles to the Houthis in Yemen, plus the Syrian government, and Hezbollah in Lebanon (there are doubts on the extent of all this), even as WaPo opposes the US withdrawing from the JCPOA and is highly critical of Saudi Arabia due to the murder of their journalist, Jamal Khashoggi, probably on orders of KSA Crown Prince MbS, a main enemy of Iran. Indeed, members of both parties in the Senate have become unhappy with the Saudi war in Yemen and may move to cut US military support of the Saudi war effort there. But this will probably have little to no effect on the reimposed economic sanctions on Iran. As it is, the ultimate impact of the new sanctions is quite complicated with various cross-cutting effects that are already damaging the Iranian economy, but may end up having less impact than Trump would like. The most important part of the sanctions involves Irans oil exports, which US officials claim they would like to see go to zero. Early forecasts had those falling to about a third of the about 2.8 million bpd of a few months ago, which anticipation helped push oil prices up substantially, with Brent crude topping $80 per barrel while West Texas intermediate crude topped $70 per barrel. But the Trump administration has granted temporary waivers to 8 countries allowing them to continue importing Iranian oil for awhile, supposedly to avoid excessive disruption of global markers (while not officially announced, the Japan Times claims the 8 waivered nations are China, India, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Turkey, Italy [only EU nation on list]. and UAE [yes, that big anti-Iran oil exporter imports oil from Iran]). As it is, with surging oil inventories in the US, prices have fallen sharply in the last two weeks, with Brent down to nearly $70 and WTI to nearly $60 , with some commenters today claiming that oil is turning into a bear market. While this clearly allows Iran to export more oil than previously thought for now, the price decline will hurt Iran. A fundamental clash in this is between governments and the businesses based in their nations. Only a handful of national governments officially support Trump in this policy, basically the odd group of Saudi Arabia, Israel, UAE, Bahrain, and apparently Egypt, with a few others sort of semi-supportive, such as Jordan, if with little enthusiasm. Russia, China, Turkey, and the major EU nations all oppose Trumps policy. While businesses in Russia in particular go along with their governments view, nearly all of those that are reasonably large in the EU nations are obeying the demands of the US government to cut back business relations with Iran, with poster boys for this being Total and Peugeot from France out of fear of losing markets in the US or facing sanctions from the US government. All of this has led to efforts in both China and the EU to set up alternative payment systems to avoid using US dollars and going through US-controlled financial intermediaries, a big conflict over this involving the SWIFT payment system, which the US would like to prevent Iran from using while the major European nations oppose this move by the US. As it is, given the ongoing efforts by they EU nations to help Iran out, it seems especially unwise of Iranian intel agencies to be attempting to assassinate people in France and Denmark as they have reportedly done, albeit unsuccessfully so far. A final point is that it is extremely unlikely that this policy by Trump will lead to Iranian leaders kowtowing to him and entering into any negotiations. If anything, they might get pushed into pulling out of the JCPOA or create trouble for their enemies in various ways. OTOH, it may be that the sanctions will not lead to as harsh impacts on the Iranian economy as forecast, whether this is due to the Europeans and Chinese setting up alternative payments systems, or due to Iran wriggling out of the sanctions whether due to waivers or through such maneuvers as barter transactions involving oil or the use of ghost ships that do not use any radio communications, something reportedly already going on. We shall see how this all turns out, but for now Trump probably has gotten a modest boost of support for his policies within the US as a result of the midterm elections, much as I am not pleased to see this. Nature has manufactured the perfect machines. Only the fastest, toughest, and most cunning creatures have endured. We examine how animals have evolved and how we can benefit from their evolution. Sundays from 8:30pm AEDT. NATO Secretary General, Mr. Jens Stoltenberg, will travel to Berlin on Monday, 12 November and Tuesday, 13 November 2018. On Monday, 12 November, the Secretary General will deliver a keynote speech at the NATO Talk around the Brandenburg Tor Conference organized by the German Atlantic Society. The speech will be followed by a Q&A session. On Tuesday, Mr. Stoltenberg will address the NATO Industry Forum. During the trip, the Secretary General will also meet with members of the Parliament. Media Advisory 12 November 2018 14:15 Keynote speech by the NATO Secretary General at the NATO Talk around the Brandenburg Tor Conference Details about the event and media accreditation are available here. 13 November 2018 08:45 Keynote address by the NATO Secretary General at the NATO Industry Forum. Details about the event and media accreditation are available here. Both interventions will be streamed live on the NATO website. Still and video images will be available on the NATO website after the events. Follow us on Twitter (@NATOPress and @jensstoltenberg) The NATO Military Committee visited Skopje, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia from 6-7 November 2018. The meeting was hosted by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Radmila Shekerinska Jankovska and the Chief of the General Staff, Major General Vasko Gjurchinovski. The NATO Military Committee Deputy Chairman, Lieutenant General Steven Shepro first met with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Jankovska and Chief of Defence Gjurchinovski, and then chaired a Military Committee Permanent Session where high level representatives from the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia participated. The Military Committee visit concluded with a visit to Ilinden Barracks where the NATO Military Representatives watched a capability demonstration. A variety of capabilities, ranging from the defence of a high level representative in field to Special Forces storming and clearing an insurgent base, were demonstrated. During their meeting, Deputy Chairman Lieutenant General Shepro commended the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Sekerinska and the Chief of Defence Gjurchinovski on the progress of their military reforms and recognised the significant progress of NATO accession. The Deputy Chairman highlighted that the decision brings the nation closer to NATO membership but there is still more work ahead. Lt Gen Shepro stated that: Skopje has made significant progress on the path towards NATO membership. Joining the alliance is now increasingly within grasp but it is entirely up to your people and government to decide. During the Military Committee Permanent Session, the military representatives held discussions on important topics for the Alliance such as the ongoing Strategic Defence Review, the Security Reforms and Capability Development. Throughout the meeting, the Military Committee highlighted the important and valuable partnership that exists between Skopje and NATO. NATO continues to fully support Skopjes reforms and the increased interoperability between the countrys forces and NATO forces acquired during peacekeeping and crisis-management operations. Speaking to media following the Military Committee meeting, Lieutenant General Shepro stressed the Alliances continued support: We are pleased to see the progress and momentum, and I want to reiterate the Alliances support for your commitment to a values based and reformed organization..Let me close by saying that the security and prosperity of this region matters to NATO, as it does to your population. The NATO Secretary General has already visited here twice this year and of course the Military Committee visit here today is an important statement. NATO is invested in security and stability in the Western Balkans region. NATO continues to work closely with the Western Balkans to maintain and promote regional and international peace and security. Democratic values, rule of law, domestic reforms, and good neighbourly relations are vital for regional cooperation and for the Euro-Atlantic integration process, and NATO welcomes progress in this regard. (Natural News) Long, flexible tubes called central venous catheters, or central lines, are used to give cancer patients the blood, fluids, medicines, and nutrients that they need. However, in the U.S. these central lines are linked with at least 400,000 blood infections annually. A lot of these blood infections are deadly and they cost the healthcare system about $18 billion dollars each year. Researchers from University of Colorado Cancer Center (CU) have looked into the possibility that several of these infections may not be due to central lines. The study, which was published in the journal PLOS ONE, examined other possible causes of blood infections linked to cancer such as changes in the microbiome. The microbiome refers to the community of microorganisms that live within the human body. The researchers posit that an imbalanced microbiome and a leaky gut are the cause of some bloodstream infections instead of an unhygienic central line. Bryan Nycz, a third-year medical student at the CU School of Medicine, explained that he and the other researchers wanted to determine if the composition of a cancer patients microbiome could be used to anticipate who is at risk of developing bloodstream and Clostridium difficile (C. diff) infections. Nycz is also the papers first author. The study examined samples gathered during an outbreak of C. difficile in 2012. To check for C. difficile colonization, stool samples were taken from all pediatric oncology patients at Childrens Hospital Colorado from October to December of the same year. Several of the patients developed C. difficile infections and other developed blood infections. Using the preserved samples, specifically the microorganisms identified in the stool, the current study was able to investigate the connection between the composition of patients microbiomes and the two types of infection. The researchers had access to the samples and records of 42 patients. The study determined that the composition of the microbiome varied based on the patients type of cancer and its location and type of treatment, such as antibiotics and chemotherapy. These factors influenced the diversity and makeup of patients microbiomes. Data revealed that patients who received bone marrow transplants and subsequent therapies had microbiomes that were greatly affected. The composition of a patients microbiome doesnt always determine which patients would develop C. difficile infections. But Nycz highlighted that the relatively small sample size could be one reason why its not as easy to discover a notable link between microbiome composition and C. difficile. An ongoing study might shed light on the findings of the research. Nycz believes that further study is required before pediatric oncologists can predict or manipulate patients microbiomes. What is leaky gut? The gut is naturally porous, which is how the body absorbs nutrients via the intestinal lining. However, when the lining is damaged, larger molecules (a.k.a macromolecules) may escape the digestive tract and enter the bloodstream, or the condition called leaky gut. Leaky gut causes inflammation, bloating, stool changes, and fatigue. It is hard to diagnose the condition, but some symptoms include food sensitivity, gluten intolerance, joint pain, issues with the digestive system, acne, and high blood sugar. You can learn more about cancer and how to prevent it at Cancer.news. Sources include: Science.news Newswise.com RD.com (Natural News) German researchers are developing robotic replacements for human medical therapists. The socially assistive robots (SARs) will be placed in charge of physical rehabilitation of human patients who are recovering from serious illnesses, an article in Science Daily stated. The generally improving state of medical know-how will enable more patients to survive strokes and other serious diseases. However, these survivors will often be unable to resume their previous level of physical functioning, at least not immediately. In order to recover at least some of that lost physical ability and independence, the patients will need medical rehabilitation. Hospitals must therefore come up with strategies to efficiently handle the increasing numbers of patients who will need assistance and physical therapy. The researchers believe that a specialized form of social robot can help fill the need for more medical therapists. Early models of SARs are already being used as assistants for patients who have recovered from strokes. However, many humans find it difficult to put their trust in a machine, even when their lives rely on it. Researchers from the University of Freiburg (UF) and the Freiburg University Medical Center (FUMC) are looking for ways to improve the relationship between human patients and their social robot minders. (Related: Robot strawberry pickers better than humans?) Social robots may one day take over medical rehabilitation for human patients FUMC researcher Philipp Kellmeyer and his UF counterpart Oliver Muller examined ways of getting humans to trust and rely on social robots for medical therapy. They came up with modifications to the SARs so that the medical robots could be considered important and reliable assistants for rehabilitation. The two German researchers stated that SARs did not just call for technological advances. The robots also need to socialize with humans so that the latter can learn to accept assistance from the former. Patients who are undergoing rehabilitation are heavily reliant on good working relationships with their therapists. If they are not cooperative, they cannot get the most out of their workout therapy. They can even get injured or ill again. In order to earn the trust of humans, a socially assistive robot has to behave in a very predictable manner. Robots and patients must also have the same goals during the entire therapy period. Kellmeyer and Muller noted that the growing intelligence and autonomy of robots may either help or hinder the development of a healthy working relationship between them and human partners. On one hand, robots might eventually become smart enough to recognize the behavioral cues of humans. On the other hand, their increasing independence could lead them to make mistakes that their human equivalent would have caught in time. Future socially assistive robots will be able to recognize the needs of their patients When designing and developing socially assistive robots, engineers and programmers must remember to incorporate philosophy and developmental psychology into the machines. Their creations must be able to recognize the objective of the patient, which is to complete the physical therapy. Future social robots must also be able to grasp the patients reason for going through medical rehabilitation. If a SAR unit cannot identify the goal or the desire of the patient, the rehabilitation effort will come to naught. And each patient has his or her own unique needs and feelings. To this end, Kellmeyer and Muller believed that any socially assistive robot should be able to adjust itself to the requirements and weaknesses of a patient. They believe patients will be encouraged to put more effort into their rehabilitation therapy if they feel they can rely on their therapist, be it human or robot. Learn more about the human jobs that robots will eventually take over at Robots.news. Sources include: ScienceDaily.com Robotics.ScienceMag.org (Natural News) The traditional Unani system of medicine uses the common myrtle (Myrtus communis) to treat different conditions such as diarrhea or inflammation. However, a systematic review of myrtle reveals that it can also be used to cure gastric ulcer and skin diseases. In Unani medicine, practitioners used myrtle to heal different health complaints. Different parts of the plant and even its essential oil were used as ingredients in traditional cures. In modern cosmetics, myrtle is used to prevent hair fall control. The plant is also used to flavor food and drinks. Myrtle is also used for therapeutic purposes. Examining research data on myrtles medicinal uses In the study, the researchers analyzed data from reliable sources such as Medline, PubMed, Scopus, and other database sources like Google Scholar. The references were gathered using search terms like ethnobotanical uses, ethnopharmacological studies, Myrtus communis L, and phytochemical studies. The scientific review focused on 73 references that were published between 2010 to 2017. The articles concerning the ethnobotanical uses of myrtle showed that the versatile plant is used in traditional medicine to treat different health problems like: Anxiety Cancer Deep sinuses Diabetes Diarrhea Dysentery Dyspepsia Gastric ulcer Hemorrhage Hemorrhoids Hypertension Inflammation Insomnia Leukorrhea Pulmonary disorders Rheumatism Skin diseases. Meanwhile, the ethnopharmacological studies about myrtle posited that the medicinal plant possessed various pharmacological activities such as anti-cancer, anti-diabetes, anti-diarrhea, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, antioxidant, anti-ulcer, anxiolytic, sedative-hypnotic, and vasodilative properties. (Related: A traditional Malaysian medicine can help diabetics manage their blood sugar levels.) In a study on myrtles anti-ulcer effects on Wistar rat models, the findings revealed that both methanol and aqueous crude extracts of the dried berries of the plant had anti-ulcer activities against ethanol, indomethacin, and pyloric ligation-induced rat models. According to the authors, the review findings showed that myrtle contained beneficial compounds such as flavonoids, glycosides, phenolic acids, tannins, and terpenes. Studies also confirmed that myrtle oil also contained an assortment of bioactive monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, along with derivatives. The review article provided sufficient data that could attest to myrtles medicinal uses, which were proven in a number of ethnobotanical, ethnopharmacological, and phytochemical studies. Most of myrtles health benefits, as suggested in the traditional uses of the plant, were corroborated by experimental studies. The experimental studies also proved myrtles antimicrobial, anti-diarrhea, anti-cancer, antioxidant, anti-ulcer anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetes properties. Based on the data from the review, the researchers are hopeful that myrtle can be used in upcoming research to develop natural cures for health problems such as cancer, diabetes, gastric ulcer, and skin diseases. The review was published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine. Fast facts on Unani medicine Myrtle was a crucial herbal plant used in the Unani system of medicine. Unani medicine was developed in Greece, but it was expanded by Arabs into a sophisticated medical science. The system was based on the framework of the teachings of Hippocrates and Galen. Unani medicine is also known as Unani-Tibb, Arabian medicine, or Islamic medicine due to the contributions of medical wisdom from practitioners in other parts of the Middle East and South Asia. The history of Unani medicine is characterized by the work of its practitioners, who are called hakims. Hakims rely on natural healing based on principles of harmony and balance that aim to unite the physical, mental, and spiritual realms. In Unani medicine, patients are treated via the establishment of a regimen that aims to normalize and balance external factors linked to particular complaints. If this doesnt resolve the patients health concerns, hakims may recommend other treatments like natural medicines. You can read more articles about myrtles various medicinal properties at NaturalCures.news. Sources include: Science.news Journals.SagePub.com Britannica.com (Natural News) In the age of POTUS Donald Trump, the Democratic Party is fast becoming the American Communist Party as it is taken over by the extreme Left. One by one notable conservatives, Republicans, and supporters of the president are being targeted by anarchist mobs who dont so much align with the Democrats per se but who are instead working to remake the party in their image. One of the latest conservative figures forced to deal with a Leftist mob is Fox News host Tucker Carlson. As The Daily Caller a news site he co-founded reported, the mob showed up at his Washington, D.C.-area home Wednesday evening, going so far onto his property that some of them approached his front door and rang the doorbell. His wife, Susie, was home alone at the time. Later, the group Smash Racism DC posted footage of video on Twitter depicting one of the leaders of the mob leading the rest in a chant, Racist scumbag, leave town!, and Tucker Carlson, we will fight. We know where you sleep at night! In another video, they chanted, No borders! No walls! No USA at all! a familiar one. The group then posted a picture of a sign with the Carlsons address on it to Twitter as well, with this warning: Tucker Carlson, you cannot hide from the people you hurt with your rhetoric, your lies, your hate, adding the hashtag, #KnockKnockTucker. The Daily Caller noted further that that kind of threatening treatment was finally enough for the social media platform: Twitter removed the videos and tweet with Carlsons address Wednesday night after an inquiry from The Daily Caller News Foundation. The left-wing groups Twitter account was suspended shortly after midnight on Thursday. Fox News CEO Suzanne Scott and president Jay Wallace released a statement Thursday denouncing the mobs actions. This has to stop The incident that took place at Tuckers home last night was reprehensible. The violent threats and intimidation tactics toward him and his family are completely unacceptable, Scott and Wallace said. We as a nation have become far too intolerant of different points of view. Recent events across our country clearly highlight the need for a more civil, respectful, and inclusive national conversation. Those of us in the media and in politics bear a special obligation to all Americans, to find common ground, she added. Former Fox News host and Carlson colleague Megyn Kelly also tweeted her support for him and his family as well as her resentment of the Left-wing mob mentality. This has to stop. Who are we? What are we becoming? @TuckerCarlson is tough & can handle a lot, but he does not deserve this. His family does not deserve this. Its stomach-turning. This has to stop. Who are we? What are we becoming? @TuckerCarlson is tough & can handle a lot, but he does not deserve this. His family does not deserve this. Its stomach-turning. https://t.co/5vOmriGKkV Megyn Kelly (@megynkelly) November 8, 2018 The mob that confronted Carlsons home also previously shouted down Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, at a D.C. restaurant during the confirmation hearings for Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. (Related: Report: Far-Left groups tied to George Soros bussing in mobs to disrupt Kavanaugh vote.) Wittingly or unwittingly, if you voted for a Democrat during the midterms, you voted to support this kind of behavior. Whether the mainstream Democratic Party wants these hard-core anarchists among their ranks isnt a mystery, however, because no Democrat has denounced their behavior in any serious way. In fact, the real crazies like Rep. Maxine Waters of California have actually called for their hard Left supporters to confront conservatives and POTUS Trump supporters. This has to stop, says Megan Kelly. Yes, it does. But it wont. The people attracted to these hard-Left groups are the foot soldiers of a spreading anti-American movement that seeks to sow chaos, violence, and lawlessness. Many of them are the same ones who pledged to become ungovernable after POTUS Trumps victory. And thats what they are becoming. Read more about the coming Alt-Left anarchy at AltLeft.news. Sources include: DailyCaller.com VoteDemocrat.news (Natural News) In case you havent seen the real news today, the left-wing mobs are now activated and working to terrorize conservative journalists: Antifa Cracked Tucker Carlsons Front Door, Spoke Of Using Pipe Bombs; Wife Feared Home Invasion InformationLiberation.com Tucker Carlsons wife was at their DC home Wednesday night when an unhinged leftist mob suddenly tried to smash their door down before screaming we know where you sleep at night! Carlsons front door was reportedly cracked and the mob spoke of wanting to bring a pipe bomb to Tucker Carlsons house. From The Washington Post: Fox News host Tucker Carlson was at his desk Wednesday evening, less than two hours before his 8 p.m. live show, when he suddenly started receiving multiple text messages. There was some sort of commotion happening outside his home in Northwest D.C. I called my wife, Carlson told The Washington Post in a phone interview. She had been in the kitchen alone getting ready to go to dinner and she heard pounding on the front door and screaming. Someone started throwing himself against the front door and actually cracked the front door. His wife, thinking it was a home invasion, locked herself in the pantry and called 911, Carlson said. The couple have four children, but none were home at the time. But it wasnt a home invasion. It was a protest. It wasnt a protest it was a terroristic threat. They doxed the home addresses of Tucker and his brother Buckley, as well as Ann Coulter, Sean Hannity and The Daily Callers Neil Patel and demanded he change his political views. Thats the definition of terrorism. President Trump: You must declare violent left-wing mobs to be domestic terrorists (and deal with them accordingly) These lunatic left-wing mobs are now functioning as terror gangs who openly terrorize conservative journalists. What has become abundantly clear now is that the radical Left is incompatible with civil society. Even when they win the House in a mid-term election, they escalate the violence to a whole new level, asserting that any person who espouses views different from their own has no right to exist. Its time to push back against these lunatics, and while I do not espouse violence as the default posture, I have to wonder why Tucker Carlson didnt open fire on this violent mob as its members were bashing in his door while his wife was shivering with fear, hiding in the cupboard, thinking their home was about to be overrun by violent lunatics intent on causing severe physical harm or even death. You probably dont have to be told this, but if such a left-wing mob assaulted the home of any patriot in Texas, they would all be shot without hesitation. This isnt posturing; it is a simple matter of asserting the right to self-defense. We all have the right to be safe in our homes. Those who assault our homes are fair game to be stopped by all available legal means, including the use of firearms. Leftists want to end the Second Amendment so that their targets cannot defend themselves against the violent left-wing mobs Note carefully that the very same left-wing lunatics who are now assaulting the homes of conservatives journalists also demand the complete dismantling of the Second Amendment. This would, of course, render it impossible for victims of their violence to defend themselves. And thats the whole point: These left-wing fanatics are essentially communists, and they know very well that their attempted communist takeover of America cannot succeed as long as the American people are armed. Soon, they may come to find out precisely what the Second Amendment was written for. If these left-wing lunatics dont back down from their acts of terrorism and threatened violence, its only a matter of time before someone opens fire on them in self-defense, demonstrating the appropriate application of firearms in halting violence and protecting the innocent. (And demonstrating mastery of the perforating arts.) For all Americans who dont want to be overrun by left-wing lunatics who intend to cause harm, watch The Joy of Shooting how-to series at Brighteon.com. Heres episode one, taught by two of my buddies, a U.S. Navy SEAL assault team weapons expert and a U.S. Marine close combat expert. I pity the libtard who threatens either one of these guys Brighteon.com/5805915243001 See more Joy of Shooting videos on the official Brighteon channel: Brighteon.com/channel/realvideo Authorities say nine people have been confirmed dead in the raging Camp Fire in Northern California, which has become the state's most destructive wildfire. Butte County Sheriff Korey Honea said Friday that some people were found inside their cars and others were found outside vehicles. He says he doesnt have all the details on the circumstances of the deaths. Sheriffs officials earlier had reported six deaths. The wildfire burning in the town of Paradise late Friday had charred at least 100,000 acres and is 20 percent contained, Cal Fire officials said. At least 52,000 people have been evacuated. In addition, Cal Fire reported more than 6,400 residential structures have been destroyed and 260 commercial structures are lost. Paradise is 180 miles northeast of San Francisco. All of the city's 27,000 residents were ordered to evacuate on Thursday as the wildfire quickly turned into an inferno, setting off a desperate exodus in which many motorists got stuck in gridlocked traffic and abandoned their vehicles to flee on foot. People reported seeing much of the community go up in flames, including homes, supermarkets, businesses, restaurants, schools and a retirement center. "Pretty much the community of Paradise is destroyed. It's that kind of devastation," said Capt. Scott McLean of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. The massive blaze spread north Friday, prompting officials to order the evacuation of Stirling City and Inskip, two communities north of Paradise along the Sierra Nevada foothills. The wind-driven flames also spread to the west and reached the edge of Chico, a city of 90,000 people. Firefighters were able to stop the fire at the edge of the city, where evacuation orders remained in place Friday, Cal Fire Cpt. Bill Murphy said. Heavy smoke from the fire prompted the Bay Area Air Quality Management District to issue an air quality advisory and a Spare the Air alert for Friday. The agencys advice: "If the smell of smoke is present, it is important that Bay Area residents protect their health by avoiding exposure. If possible, stay inside with windows and doors closed until smoke levels subside." The winds calmed down in the valley, but they were still shifting and erratic, with speeds of up to 45 mph along ridge tops, he said. Meanwhile, Pacific Gas & Electric Co. said it experienced a problem on an electrical transmission line near the site of the massive fire before it exploded in size. The company said in a one-paragraph summary filed Thursday with state utility regulators that it had experienced an outage on the line about 15 minutes before the fire started. The company said it later observed damage to a transmission tower on the line near Paradise. In Southern California, about two-thirds of the city of Malibu was ordered evacuated early Friday as a ferocious wildfire roared toward the beachside community that is home to about 13,000 residents, some of them Hollywood celebrities. The Los Angeles County Fire Department tweeted that the fire raging through the Santa Monica Mountains was headed to the ocean. Another fire was burning farther west in Ventura County, also moving toward the ocean. The National Weather Service issued extreme fire danger warnings in many areas of the state, saying low humidity and strong winds were expected to continue through the evening. Those looking for loved ones can check with safeandwell.org or contact the Sheriff's Office at 530-538-7322 to request a welfare check or file a missing person report. What to Know Philadelphia Archbishop Charles Chaput announced a reparations fund for those sexually assaulted by Catholic clergy in Philadelphia. The archdiocese is planning to sell off properties to fund the compensation. The total amount dedicated to payments wasn't made public. "Money cant buy back a wounded persons wholeness. But what compensation can do is acknowledge the evil done," Chaput said. The Archdiocese of Philadelphia said Thursday that it would pay financial reparations to victims of clergy sex abuse, even from years ago. The Independent Reconciliation and Reparations effort will be funded by the archdiocese, which said it was not sure how much money would be required but that the financial commitment was "significant." The archdiocese also announced the creation of an independent commission to review church policies, led by former U.S. Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell. Archbishop Charles Chaput made the announcement in his weekly column Thursday. The dioceses of Harrisburg, Scranton and Allentown also announced similar programs Thursday; the Erie Diocese said it would set up a fund, but it didn't disclose any details. "The damage done to innocent young people and their families by sexual abuse in the past is profound," Chaput wrote. "It cant be erased by apologies, no matter how sincere. And money cant buy back a wounded persons wholeness. But what compensation can do is acknowledge the evil done and meaningfully assist survivors as they work to find greater peace in their lives." Chaput stressed that money for the reparations would not come from donations to Catholic Charities, seminaries or donations made to parishes, ministries, and schools. The money may come from selling off church properties, Chaput said. The abuse survivor's group SNAP said that other dioceses, including New York City, "feeling the heat" have started similar compensation programs. But a spokesman questioned whether the program would be transparent. Instead, the goal of some reparation programs is "to keep the secrets, secrets and to "help stall legislative reform," said David G. Clohessy, director of the St. Louis chapter of Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priest. Victims deserve the opportunity for relatively faster settlements, if they want it, but victims also deserve the right to go to court, Clohessy said. The Independent Reconciliation and Reparations program is also independent from survivor assistance efforts of the archdioceses Office of Child and Youth Protection, which has already paid out $18 million to victims. And it's separate from any legal settlements that the church may be ordered to make. The confidential compensation will be determined by independent claim administrators, Chaput said. Lynn Shiner, who has served as director of the Pennsylvania Office of Victims Services, will represent victims as the program's victim support facilitator. "The program is designed to help survivors come forward in an atmosphere where they are secure and respected, without the uncertainty, conflict and stress of litigation, Chaput said. The archdiocese consulted with violent crime survivors and advocates to form the program, Chaput said. The announcement comes months after a scathing Pennsylvania grand jury report exposed hundreds of instances of clergy abuse across the rest of Pennsylvania. Philadelphias church had already been the focus of a 2005 grand jury report on clergy sexual abuse, which found former cardinals John Krol and Anthony Bevilacqua were involved in the cover-up of a sex scandal against accused priests throughout the archdiocese. Another grand jury report in 2011 made new charges against priests still serving in the archdiocese. In 2012, Philadelphia Monsignor William Lynn became the first Catholic church official to be convicted in the country of covering up sex abuse among priests in his charge. Back in September, Chaput pledged to compensate sexual abuse survivors, he noted in his latest column. I deeply regret the pain that so many victims carry from the experience of sex abuse, he said. I hope this program will bring them a measure of peace. The Associated Press contributed to this report. What to Know The Woolsey fire began Thursday east of Chatsworth and spread quickly due to strong winds The fire jumped Highway 101 near Chesebro Road Friday morning in the Agoura Hills area Tens of thousands of homes remained threatened by the flames The Los Angeles County Coroner's office said it is investigating two deaths possibly related to the Woolsey Fire that's been burning a destructive path across two counties since Thursday. The 70,000-acre fire has consumed untold numbers of homes and forced evacuations as it cut a path from Simi Valley to the sea. At a Saturday news conference, Los Angeles County Fire Chief Daryl Osby said the bodies were found in the 33000 block of Mulholland Highway. "Sadly and tragically, I'm reporting today that we have two fatalities that occured in the fire area," Osby said. "That is currently under investigation. We have our homicide investigators on scene, and we'll treat that as a fatality at this point, and we'll have more to talk about that later on as the investigation unfolds." A cause of death was not immediately available. Osby did not say whether the deaths were fire-related. The Woolsey Fire erupted Thursday afternoon in Ventura County. It raced into Los Angeles County, chewed its way through brush and into neighborhoods of Westlake Village and Malibu. As of Saturday morning, containment of the 70,000-acre fire was at 0 percent. No injuries were officially reported, but reports began circulating late Friday afternoon about a possible civilian burn victim in the Woolsey Canyon area. There was no immediate confirmation of the report. An estimated 75,000 homes -- although likely many more -- were under evacuation orders in Ventura and Los Angeles counties. The entire city of Malibu was placed under an evacuation order late Friday morning, with residents directed to southbound Pacific Coast Highway, creating miles of stand-still traffic along the scenic route. Evacuations had been expanded in Simi Valley. Acting Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency Friday due to the destructive Woolsey Fire and nearby Hill Fire. A state of emergency was declared Thursday for the monster Camp Fire in Northern California. "The wind-whipped conditions ... this is ripe conditions for explosive fire behavior," said LAFD Capt. Erik Scott. "This is the new normal. When we have conditions like this, when it's such incredible wind, that brings us in to a different caliber, so it's become a much more challenging condition." A Los Angeles County Fire Department battalion chief told NBC4 the flames could burn "for days." Dominic Oliveri fled from his home in the Decker Canyon area with his wife. They were stopped along Mulholland Highway near Little Sycamore Canyon Road. "We waited as long as we could and the flames were coming down the hill opposite of us, and we just aid we had to go," he said. "I've been here 40 years, and I've seen it all. This is the first time I had to leave my house ever." Power outages were reported in parts of Calabasas. The fires burned in a community that was already reeling from a mass shooting that left 12 victims dead Wednesday night at a Thousand Oaks bar. The Thousand Oaks Teen Center was a family unification center Thursday, a place where families anxiously waited for updates on loved ones who were at the Borderline Bar. On Friday, the center was an evacuation center for people fleeing the fire. "I think a lot of people should realize this is what your valuable life leads to," said a man from Ventura County as he pointed at his truck. "Plastic bags on the back of your pick-up truck." Along with assisting the growth of the fire, the high winds also deterred air support in battling the flames. The Woolsey Fire was first reported around 3:30 p.m. and by 4:45 p.m. It started east of Chatsworth near a former Rocketdyne facility. The Hill Fire burned just five miles away in Newbury Park, forcing more than 1,200 homes to evacuate and prompting the closure of the 101 Freeway. For coverage of that fire, click here. Fall is historically one of the most dangerous times of the year for wildfires in California. Seven of the state's 10-most destructive wildfires occurred in October -- many fueled by monster winds, including Santa Ana gusts. Through Nov. 4, Cal Fire has reported about 5,600 fires that burned more than 621,700 acres. During that same period last year, the agency reported 5,800 fire that burned 316,600 acres. Over the last five years, California has averaged 5,293 fires that burned 231,400 acres during that interval. NBC4's Jonathan Lloyd and Heather Navarro contributed to this report. Protests in cities across the U.S. have drawn crowds calling for the protection of special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into potential coordination between Russia and President Donald Trump's campaign. More than 1,000 New Yorkers started marching from Times Square at 5 p.m., holding signs reading "Nobody is above the law" and chanting "Hands off Mueller!" By 6:30 p.m. the crowd had swelled to more than 6,000 as marchers headed for Union Square, law enforcement officials told NBC New York. Organizers oppose Trump's appointment of Matthew Whitaker to replace Jeff Sessions as attorney general after the president forced Sessions to resign Wednesday. Whitaker could now be the official to oversee the Russia probe, which he has criticized in the past. Protesters call the move a deliberate attempt to obstruct the special counsel's investigation. Demonstrators in New York held signs reading "Truth Must Triumph" and "Repeal, Replace Trump." Similar rallies were held across the country. Crowds marched in Washington, Boston, Las Vegas, Chicago, Chattanooga and Philadelphia, where protesters convened in Center City and marched down Market Street chanting "Protect Mueller." In Boston, ralliers came together on Boston Common, holding signs in support of the integrity of the Mueller investigation. In Chicago, Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin joined several hundred protesters at Federal Plaza. Meanwhile, five protests were held in San Diego and southwestern Riverside counties in California, organized by local activist groups in conjunction with MoveOn.org. Demonstrators are demanding that Whitaker recuse himself from overseeing the Mueller investigation given his previous public comments that appeared to exhibit hostility toward the inquiry, NBC Philadelphia reported. Congressional Democrats have also called on Whitaker to recuse himself from overseeing the investigation. The nationwide protests are being organized by a coalition of hundreds of public interest organizations. What to Know A funeral mass for James "Whitey" Bulger was held Thursday morning at a church in South Boston. Seen leaving the funeral were Bulger's brother William, and Margaret McCusker, the twin sister of his longtime girlfriend. Bulger was killed last week soon after being transferred to a federal prison in West Virginia. A funeral mass for James "Whitey" Bulger was held Thursday morning at St. Monica-St. Augustine Catholic Church in South Boston, the Archdiocese of Boston confirms. Among those spotted at the notorious Boston gangster's funeral were Bulger's brother William Bulger, a former senate president, and Margaret McCusker, the twin sister of Whitey Bulger's longtime girlfriend Catherine Greig, with whom he was on the run for 16 years. The Church is certainly aware of the deep pain that innocent victims of crime and violence live with every day," Father James Flavin, who performed the Mass, said in a statement. "As Catholic priests, we are called to bury the dead and pray for Gods justice and mercy. We entrust our final judgement to God. The funeral was held with minimal fanfare, with about a dozen in attendance dressed in black. Sources tell NBC10 Boston that Bulger's body was present for the half hour-long service, and that the burial was private. It's unclear where he was buried. "Everyone knows what the man has done," said another man, who did not want to be identified. "Now, he's going to 'I'm in the church, hey, God, take me to Heaven.' You dont bury 100 bodies and think you're going to Heaven." Bulger was killed last week soon after being transferred to a federal prison in West Virginia. His body was found wrapped in a blanket and put in a bed to make it appear he was sleeping after he was choked and brutally beaten with a "lock-in-the-sock," multiple law enforcement sources have told NBC News. He was transferred to USP Hazelton in West Virginia for disciplinary reasons after his medical classification was suddenly changed. Thursday's funeral marked the end of a dark chapter in South Boston's history, right in the heart of where Bulger ran the mob for decades. "This is the means to the end right here," said Travis Tuplin, a family friend of a Bulger victim. "He did a lot of rotten stuff, a lot of rotten stuff to people around here. It's ironic that the liquor store he took over, he's getting funeralized right here." The 89-year-old crime boss was captured in Santa Monica, California, in June of 2011 alongside Greig after his FBI handler tipped him off that he was about to be indicted. Bulger was sentenced to life after he was convicted of multiple charges, including killing 11 people, during his trial in the summer of 2013. Greig pleaded guilty to numerous charges, including harboring a fugitive, and is expected to be released from federal prison in 2020. Federal officials have said they are investigating Bulger's death as a homicide, but have declined to comment further. Its been widely assumed that the Chicago Cubs would be a top contender to ink free agent superstar Bryce Harper, but the Chicago White Sox may have something to say about that. Harper, who could potentially become the highest paid free agent in the history of professional sports, is commanding a lot of interest, and on Thursday, this image was posted on Twitter suggesting that the White Sox could be in that mix: Bryce Harper #34 white Sox stage set up at United Center pic.twitter.com/mDF0ohgrNp Andy Rapp (@AndyRapp) November 8, 2018 While its unlikely that the marquee would already be set up to announce a signing, its entirely possible that the team is using it as part of a promotional video to land the superstar, much like the Cubs did with players like Jon Lester and Jason Heyward. It isn't clear whether the sign was a real part of a push of course, but there is one other thing for White Sox fans to consider. In late October, White Sox pitcher Michael Kopech, who currently wears the number 34 for the team, posted this Instagram photo, and the caption may be of interest to Sox fans: Given the opportunity, I will always wear my number with pride, whether that number is 34 or not, he said. Kopech will miss the 2019 season for the White Sox after having Tommy John Surgery, but it's entirely possible the team asked his permission to offer Harper his uniform number in a free agency push. Its not clear how much money Harper will command in free agency, but he has reportedly already turned down a 10-year, $300 million deal from the Washington Nationals, so that will likely be a starting point for the star outfielder. A death investigation was underway in West Chicago Friday, authorities said. The investigation was taking place around noon in the 600 block of East Forest Avenue. Little information was released, but police said the DuPage County State's Attorney's office and investigators from the DuPage County Major Times Task Force were "assisting with the investigation." In a later update, authorities said they "continue to follow up on numerous leads" in the ongoing investigation. An autopsy was schedueld for Saturday morning at the DuPage County Coroner's office. Check back for more on this developing story. Someone air-dropped a photo of a swastika to Oak Park and River Forest High School students' cell phones at an assembly Friday morning, a spokeswoman for the school said. "Administration and security are aware and are in full investigation mode," OPRF's Director of Communications Karin Sullivan said in an email alerting students' families of the incident. "Thanks to so many of you for your vigilance in reporting this immediately." It marked the third racist and anti-Semitic incident at the suburban school in less than two weeks. Earlier in the week, graffiti was discovered in a girls' bathroom that called for the deaths of blacks (and) Muslims, alongside a swastika and the phrase "gas the Jews." "I went through the entirety of Monday absolutely fearful for my life," student Jordan Murray said. The week before, another graffiti message was scrawled on a shed at the school, with the phrase "white power" and two swastikas - this one directed at special education teacher Anthony Clark. Whoever wrote that, they want you to be afraid, he said of the message. In the wake of the first two graffiti incidents, school officials held a packed town hall meeting Wednesday evening in hopes of bringing the community together to "eradicate intolerance and hate," district Superintendent Joylynn Pruitt-Adams said in an email. Clark, along with other faith and community leaders, were front and center at Wednesday's meeting as the school, students and parents looked to put a stop to the hateful incidents. Pruitt-Adams said in her email after the second message was found that the school immediately reported both incidents to the police, as well as launched its own investigation, reviewing hours of security footage in an attempt to identify the perpetrators. School officials said they would provide more information about Friday's incident as soon as they were able. Governor-elect J.B. Pritzker said Wednesday he wants to move forward with his campaign proposal to legalize recreational marijuana in Illinois. When asked about generating revenue for the state, Pritzker first said he wants to grow jobs by bringing companies in and attracting more small businesses. "And then add to that there are things like legalizing marijuana, something I think will be important to bring $700 million of revenue to the state, maybe as much as $1 billion," Pritzker said, adding, "We've got to do that with a regulatory system that keeps our people safe." Before cruising to victory over incumbent Gov. Bruce Rauner, Pritzker had said several times that he wanted to legalize marijuana, which 10 states in the U.S. have already done, including most recently Michigan on Tuesday night. He said in an NBC 5 questionnaire last month that he planned to "put in place a framework to license businesses to sell marijuana to consumers for recreational use, placing an emphasis on intentionally including black and brown entrepreneurs in the planning and licensing of new marijuana businesses." When asked about a timeline on Wednesday, Pritzker did not detail specifics, saying that he wanted to work from bills previously introduced by state Sen. Heather Steans and state Rep. Kelly Cassidy. "We can work from that, but I want to make sure that we're looking at the regulatory systems of the other states that have legalized it," he continued. "One of the advantages that we have of not being the first state to do this is we can look at what's worked in other states. The state of Washington, for example, has one regulatory system that I think looks pretty good to me." "I want to protect our citizens while we're also looking at creating jobs and expanding opportunity for people with the legalization of marijuana," Pritzker said. Steans and Cassidy said in a Chicago Tribune op-ed last year that based on an analysis of the legislation they introduced, the fiscal impact of marijuana sales in Illinois would range from $350 million to $700 million. A pilot program for the use of medical marijuana was legalized in Illinois in 2013, while possession of small amounts of marijuana was decriminalized statewide in 2016. In a referendum question on ballots across Chicago in Tuesday's election, more than 88 percent of voters said they supported appropriating revenue from the sale of marijuana - if it were to be legalized - to increase funding for Chicago Public Schools and mental health services. That question was posed months afer the March primary, in which 68 percent of Cook County voters cast ballots in favor of legalizing the drug, though that referendum and the city's on Tuesday were solely advisory and non-binding. Unlike Pritzker's signature agenda item, switching Illinois to a progressive income tax system, legalizing marijuana would not require an amendment to the Illinois Constitution, but could be done through the legislature - where Democrats will have supermajorities in both chambers come January. A knife-wielding man stabbed three people, one fatally, in Australia's second-largest city on Friday in an attack police linked to terrorism. The attack during the afternoon rush hour brought central Melbourne to a standstill. Hundreds of people watched from behind barricades as police tried to apprehend the attacker. Police said the man got out of a pickup truck, which then caught fire, and attacked three bystanders with a knife. He also attempted to attack police who arrived on the scene before being shot in the chest by an officer. The suspect died later at a hospital. One of the victims also died, while the two others were hospitalized. Police said the attacker's vehicle contained several barbecue gas cylinders in the back. A bomb squad rendered them safe without any exploding. Victoria state police Commissioner Graham Ashton said the suspect, who was originally from Somalia, was known to police and the incident was being treated as terrorism. "From what we know of that individual we are treating this as a terrorism incident," Ashton told reporters, adding that the police counterterrorism command was working on the case, as well as homicide detectives. "He's known to police mainly in respect to relatives that he has which certainly are persons of interest to us, and he's someone that accordingly is know to both Victorian police and the Federal intelligence authorities," he said. The attack occurred on the eve of a busy weekend in Melbourne, with a major horse race scheduled for Saturday and a national league soccer match the following day. Sunday is also Remembrance Day, when memorial ceremonies for World War I are held. Ashton said police were "doing security reassessments of these events in light of what's occurred," but there was "no ongoing threat we're currently aware of in relation to people surrounding this individual." Victoria state Premier Daniel Andrews said the attack was "an evil and terrifying thing that has happened in our city and state today." One witness said one of the stabbing victims, believed to be a man in his 60s who later died, was stabbed in the face, and that desperate efforts were made to save him. "Because he was on his stomach, they turned him over to see if he's all right, he was still alive," the witness, Markel Villasin, told Australian Associated Press. "He was breathing and he was bleeding out." Video from the scene showed a man swinging a knife at two police officers near a burning car before he was shot. Beto O'Rourke didn't turn Texas blue. But for the first time in decades, it's looking much less red. The midterm elections in Texas ousted a Republican who carried a "bathroom bill" targeting transgender people, drove out a GOP lawmaker who called federal immigration agents on Hispanic protesters and gave Democrats in Houston run of the nation's third most populous county. For a generation, Texas has been a laboratory of conservatism that tested legal boundaries and churned out Republican presidential candidates. But cracks in the GOP's supremacy emerged this week in unexpected ways and races. As with many things Texas, the results could reverberate nationally. Predictions that Texas will come into play in 2020 may still be a stretch, but the signs of a subtle shift are more than mere talk. "This is the most optimistic I've felt since high school," said Dallas state Rep. Eric Johnson, a 43-year-old Democrat who is running to become the first black speaker of the Texas House. "I know for a fact that Texas is a purple state. It hasn't been voting that way because Democrats have forgotten how to win, to a certain degree. But Beto has reminded us." He was unequivocal about why Democrats broke through this year. "Beto was the reason," he said. It remains to be seen what's next for O'Rourke, who came within 3 percentage points of Republican Sen. Ted Cruz in the closest Senate race in Texas in 40 years. The El Paso congressman, who shattered fundraising records in a Senate campaign, raising more than $70 million, has insisted he's not interested in another office for now. But that has done little to dampen speculation that he could run again in 2020. Texas' other Senate seat, held by Republican John Cornyn, is up for re-election that year. He called the midterms a "wake-up call" for his party in Texas. "I don't know whether this is a once-in-a- lifetime confluence of events or whether this represents something of the new normal," said Cornyn, the second-ranking Republican in the Senate. On the surface, Texas didn't change much after Tuesday. Republicans continued a 24-year streak of sweeping statewide races and lost only two seats in Congress, both of which had already been trending toward Democrats. The GOP also still comfortably controls the Texas Legislature, even after losing a dozen seats in what was the biggest single-year pickup by Democrats in decades. But Republicans' big margins shrank in a number of places. Typically easy wins in five congressional districts around Austin, Dallas and Houston were sliced to within 5 percentage points this time. The driving social conservative force in the Legislature, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, won just over 51 percent of the vote in his first election since pushing a failed North Carolina-style "bathroom bill" that would have required transgender people to use public bathrooms that correspond with the sex on their birth certificate. Not surviving, however, was a Republican who carried the bill in the House. Texas' last big Republican county, around Fort Worth, also crumbled at the top of the ticket. Fort Worth is "Cowtown," with stockyards and a cowboy image that stands in contrast to Texas' other big and increasingly liberal cities. Of Texas' five largest counties -- the others around Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Austin -- Tarrant County was the only one President Donald Trump carried in 2016, doing so by 57,000 votes. Two years later, O'Rourke won the county over Cruz by 3,900 votes. "We flipped this state from blue to red. We may be shifting back a little toward the blue," Tarrant County Republican Party Chairman Darl Easton said. "But political shifts happen. I'm not overly concerned about the current trend." Fast-growing suburbs that for years have served as a GOP firewall to Texas' liberal big cities also either flipped to Democrats or were winnowed down to single-digit races. It was an abrupt turnaround from just four years ago, when Republicans coasted into every statewide office with 20-point victories. The gap drastically shrunk on the coattails of a Democrat whose support for universal health care, marijuana legalization and immigration reform was mocked by Republicans as anathema to voters who've kept the GOP in control of Texas since 1994. After his loss, O'Rourke urged others to pick up where he left off. "This team, of which we are all members, in some way is going to stay together, is going to continue to aspire to do great things," O'Rourke said. "There are so many great candidates who are going to come out of this campaign." They may be cute but Connecticut bears are also raising safety concerns. In 2018, the state says the number of bears entering homes doubled to more than two dozen, and the year isnt over yet. As the animals move closer to our communities, could it be time for a bear hunt in the state? NBC Connecticut regularly receives photos and videos from viewers showing close encounters with bears including a young cub checking out a birdfeeder, a group of bears pushing around pumpkins, a group of them messing around with a swing set. Bob Bouchard sent us a video clip in September of a bear surprising him at his home and then quickly leaving his Southington neighborhood. I it startled me for a moment, then I jumped back, Bouchard said. Marie Stuckmans dog had a scary encounter with bears in her Bristol neighborhood. After a bear bit his tail, Charley was left with a stub. Stuckman said she avoids having things like garbage and birdfeeders that attract bears out near her home, and believes it may be time for a bear hunt. With bears breaking into cars, and homes, and the fact that theyre being destructive, terrorizing my dog, I dont have another solution, she said. Annie Hornish, Connecticut director of the Humane Society of the United States, said that while the Stuckmans may be doing their part to keep bears away, many people dont and that needs to happen before a bear hunt. Bear Sightings in Connecticut (Nov. 2017-Sept. 2018) Science shows that hunting does not remedy these situations. What does work is public education, Hornish said. Hornish said that in more serious bear nuisance cases, animal control officers can haze bears with rubber bullets. Marcia Cerrone of East Haven prefers that approach. Unfortunately, bears, fox, deer, other animals they have nowhere to really go, cause were going into their territory, Cerrone said. Tom Bradley of Canton said despite preventive measures, he has gone from no bear sightings to several dozen per year. I am living here in ground zero in terms of bear country, he said. Bradley said bears put holes in his garage to get to the garbage, and when he accidentally left the garage open, one tried to get in his mud room. When I turned the doorknob I could feel someone or something on the other side trying to turn the doorknob at the same time. A three-year bear study by UConn professor Tracy Rittenhouse determined bears have become urban adaptors, preferring neighborhoods with houses every two to three acres to the wilderness. She speculates this is probably because of the extra food available. We thought that maybe we just got more phone calls in those areas, because theres more people in those areas, but our research demonstrated that its not that people see the bears more often, its that there really are more bears in those types of places, explained Rittenhouse. University of Connecticut researcher Dr. Tracy Rittenhouse explains what her study revealed about where bears live in Connecticut. That research, coupled with state projections showing the bear population of 800 will double within a decade, is why Susan Whalen, deputy commissioner of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), said her agency supports a bear hunt. Hunts are permitted to varying degrees in four out of six New England states, plus New York, and New Jersey. The Humane Society disputes the states bear population projections, and contends a bear hunt wont work. Hunters when they hunt theyre not killing bears that are involved in nuisance behaviors, which are in suburbia, theyre hunting bears that are deep in the woods, so theyre not even targeting, its a very non-specific way to address the issue, Hornish said. But DEEP points to several studies that refute that claim, and said bears that have become comfortable around humans are among the animals killed during these hunts. Jesse St. Andre, with the Nutmeg State Sportsmens Council, who is also a biologist for a wildlife agency in a neighboring state, said there are ways to safely hunt nuisance bears that frequent neighborhoods. If we have a bear, say hitting a neighborhood that just keeps tipping over the trash cans, well if that neighborhood is adjacent to a big wood lot, and thats where that bears living, its easy enough to go there and just intercept that bear, said St. Andre. DEEP stresses a bear hunt would be just one tool in its toolbox. In rare cases, DEEP will relocate or euthanize bears. But the agency prefers to keep encouraging people to stop attracting bears with garbage, birdfeeders, and unprotected livestock. Those preventative measures are a tough sell in the land of steady habits and those who like birds in their backyard. It does not appear that a bear hunt will happen in Connecticut any time soon, however. The last two years when it was proposed in the legislature, it failed both times, early in the process. The case against a man accused of setting a fire that killed a Branford woman in 2006 has been dismissed, according to the Connecticut U.S. Attorneys Office. John Vailette, 48, was convicted of murder and arson charges in 2015, accused of setting the fire that killed Kathy Hardy. However, on August 23, 2018, a judge granted him a new trial due to new information that law enforcement failed to disclose a prosecution witness in the original trial to the defense. U.S. Attorney John Durham agreed to dismiss the case, stating in a motion that a necessary witness for a new trial has passed away and citing the failure to disclose the information during the original trial as reasons why prosecution should not go forward. Protests across the country Thursday called on President Donald Trump not to interfere with the Mueller investigation. This rally is about the fact that no one is above the law, including the president of the United States, said Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin (D). From the steps of the Connecticut Capitol to the White House, protesters had that message: president Trump, you are not above the law. Just let this investigation happen. Let the truth come to bare. If youve done nothing wrong, everything should turn out just the way you thought, said Plainville resident Kara Curtis. In Hartford and around the country, people rallied against the presidents firing of Attorney General Jeff Sessions, and Mike Whittakers appointment as attorney general, saying that this is a clear attempt by the president to curtail or even end Robert Muellers Russia investigation. Marchers at the New Haven Green had the same message. Our democracy is under attack. It is a break the glass moment, said U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D). Congressional Democrats have called on Whitaker to recuse himself from overseeing the investigation. Demonstrators said they wanted to make their voices heard in Washington, and make it clear to the president that theyre paying attention to what hes doing and not doing, and they hope hell let justice take its course. Several Wesleyan University students in Middletown, Connecticut, were hospitalized on Sunday after possibly overdosing on a drug commonly known as Molly, or MDMA, on Saturday night, according to letters from administrators. The president feels like he is being threatened. So, therefore, hes knocking one by one the people out of the way that are threatening him, said West Haven resident Margaret Firla. Similar rallies were held across the country: crowds marched in New York City, Washington, D.C., Boston and Philadelphia, where protesters convened in Center City and marched down Market Street chanting "Protect Mueller." In Boston, ralliers came together on Boston Common, holding signs in support of the integrity of the Mueller investigation. More people have signed up to protest again should Robert Mueller be fired or if the White House makes any other significant moves impacting the investigation. Connecticut State Police, like law enforcement across the country, are on high alert after the deadly shooting in Thousand Oaks, Calif. With every mass shooting that occurs, law enforcement across the country learns and adapts. "Early reports are that he used some form of smoke grenade or something like that so that's one of the first times we've seen something like that used so now we'll have to adapt to that and incorporate that in our training, explained Connecticut State Police Trooper First Class Dan Jewiss. Jewiss said State Police practice how to approach, enter and move through a building with an active aggressor, their focus to quickly stop the threat to save lives. When we have civilian lives in danger, we're going to put ourselves in danger and go through that door to try and stop the threat, Jewiss said. That is exactly what Sgt. Ron Helus of the Ventura County Sheriffs Office did, sacrificing his own life to save others. And while law enforcement will continue to train and adapt, police said civilians can also help by always remaining aware of your surroundings. When you go into a location, you should be aware of where the exits are, not just where you're in the habit of exiting and entering, but what other possible exits and that doesn't just mean doors, Jewiss said. State Police said theyve recently started outfitting troopers with ballistic vests and helmets as well. They also have an active aggressor training for civilians, done mainly at schools, businesses and churches. A California congresswoman whose husband has been indicted on criminal charges in Connecticut is citing an "unexpected family matter" in withdrawing as a candidate for chair of the Democratic Caucus. U.S. Rep. Linda Sanchez is married to James Sullivan, one of five people indicted on theft and conspiracy charges in connection with $800,000 worth of trips to the Kentucky Derby and other locations. The defendants are all linked to the Connecticut Municipal Electric Energy Corp. (CMEEC), a public company that has received more than $9 million from the U.S. Department of Energy. CMEEC's members include the City of Norwich, the City of Groton, the Borough of Jewett City, the town of Bozrah and parts of Norwalk. Sullivan, 52, worked as a City of Norwich representative and was the chairperson of the CMEEC Board of directors until October 2015. Others named in the indictment include Drew Rankin, 57, of Columbia, who is CEO of CMEEC, John Bilda, 54, of Norwich, who is the City of Norwich representative on the CMEEC Board of Directors and an employee of the City of Norwich, Edward DeMuzzio, 77, of Groton, a City of Groton representative and the secretary of the CMEEC Board of Directors, and Edward Pryor, 62, of Groton, the chief financial officer of CMEEC. Connecticut U.S. Attorney John Durham says the defendants used a company account as a "secret slush fund." The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges Thursday in federal court in New Haven and were released on bail. New Britain police have arrested a man who is accused of committing one armed robbery and two attempted robberies in less than an hour last Friday. In a span of less than an hour, 42-year-old Larry Lopez, of New Britain, tried to rob TD Bank; then went through a ceiling in an attempt to rob a Kentucky Fried Chicken and attacked employees with a sledgehammer; then he robbed a liquor store, according to police. Officers responded to the TD Bank at 178 Main St. at 4:21 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 2 when employees called to report a masked man went into the bank them left immediately after bank employees confronted him. At 4:36 p.m., officers were called to Kentucky Fried Chicken at 412 West Main St. when an assault was reported. Investigators determined that a man went into the restaurant bathroom, then through the ceiling and into the employee area of the restaurant. The man, who was wearing a mask, attacked two employees with a small sledgehammer, demanded money but ran off before getting anything, police said. Both employees were injured in the attack. At 5:15 p.m., officers were called to the Step up Package store at 200 Oak St. after a robbery. The store owner told them a man wearing a mask went into the store carrying a chisel and headed straight to the cash register, so the store owner and customers left the store to get to safety. The man left with money and a customer chased him to try and catch him, police said. Police identified Lopez as the suspect and arrested them. They said he was charged with criminal attempt to commit robbery in the second degree in connection with the TD Bank incident; two counts of criminal attempt to commit robbery in the first degree and two counts of assault in the first degree in connection with the KFC incident and robbery in the first degree, larceny in the sixth degree and criminal mischief in the second degree in connection with the robbery at the Step up Package store. Lopez is being held on a $1.1 million bond. The Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System held a ceremony on Friday for its veterans, two days before the nation commemorates Veterans Day. United States Army veteran Amado Jimenez attended the simple but meaningful tribute held at the West Haven campus, where Jimenez has worked since 1992. The most beautiful thing that I could do is walk these hallways and help my fellow veterans regardless of the branch they served. It doesnt matter. Were brothers and sisters. Director Gerry Culliton, who comes from a long line of veterans, said it is the least they can do. I think our country owes it to them to respect them for even those few minutes on one day a year but really throughout the year, Culliton said. People sacrifice a lot to protect our country and a lot of times when were at home we dont realize whats going on overseas or what every day is like, U.S. Army veteran Sheila Mattei said. Jimenez said the VA has defined much of his life and has been a lifeline for him over of the years. He said his hope is that more veterans will reach out. You have facilities here. You have a healthcare system. That is here for you. Please dont be shy. Walk through those doors. We here to welcome you. We here to take care of you. Waterbury Public Schools are helping to vaccinate the youngest students against the flu for free. In Connecticut, the law requires all pre-K aged kids to get the shot before they can go back to class. All kids need to get their shots, said 4-year-old, Mason. Like me. I got a shot. It wasnt bad at all. The setup is convenient for parents because many pharmacies and Urgent Care centers dont vaccinate very young children. You have children dying, elderly dying, and regular aged people dying from it too, said Masons father, Pedro Conveniencia. So its something that we should all do to take care of stuff make sure everyone in the country safe. Flu cases are on the rise. According to the state Department of Public Health, there have been at least 80 confirmed cases of flu so far this season and more than 30 people have been hospitalized. It recommends the flu shot for anyone over the age of 6 months. Its the best thing you can do for your child, said Lois Mulhern, Waterbury School Nurse Manager. You get the flu, especially at these young ages, they can get very sick. Mulhern said if a parent objects to the shot, they can get a medical certification from a doctor or religious exemption. Otherwise, all kids must be vaccinated against the flu by the first of the New Year in order to return to school. Hamden police have arrested a 40-year-old woman who is accused of attacking and biting a 16-year-old girl on a Connecticut Transit bus. Police said they received a report on Sept. 23 about an incident that happened the day before. The 16-year-old girl had gotten on the CT Transit bus in the area of Dixwell and Putnam avenues and said a passenger, immediately began provoking her, according to police. Authorities identified 40-year-old Marquita Mcelya, of New Haven, as the suspect. The teen said Mcelya threw a cup of soda at her, punched her and bit her forearm. The teen sustained neck, face and arm injuries and a family member took her for medical treatment, police said. On Thursday, police obtained an arrest warrant charging Mcelya with assault in the third degree, risk of injury to a minor and disorderly conduct and arrested her. She is due back in court on Dec. 13, according to online court records. This Veterans Day weekend, a group of North Texas high school students will take part in a Texas-size salute to those who have served our country. The Mansfield High School JROTC will host a "Salute-A-Thon" Saturday afternoon, where for five straight hours they'll stand around the flagpole in front of the school and salute the American flag. They'll head to the school immediately after they finish participating in the City of Mansfield's Veterans Day Parade, which starts at 10 a.m. "Every branch out there, they served, they fought they were there," said Makayla Salas, a student cadet in the MHS JROTC program. "They helped us get this nation." The students say it will be a challenge but really a drop in the bucket compared to the jobs our military veterans have done. "You go out and ask a bunch of people that are veterans they'll tell you they'd do it all over again," said Jordan Wierzbicki, who is also a cadet in the program. "That's not something normal. That's something admirable people do. And so it's always worth extra time a moment of silence, saying the Pledge of Allegiance, saluting the flag." The students say they'd love for members of the public to stop by the school and join them for any amount of time. "Everyone has a part to play," said Asher Wells, another cadet in the program. "Everyone has something to do." The event will also serve as a fundraiser to help the students get to a national drill team competition. If you'd like to help, you can make donations online. Donations will be accepted through Nov. 11. ONLINE: Donations for MHS JROTC Salute-A-Thon A state district judge who was earlier cleared in a South Texas road-rage incident has been arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated and unlawfully carrying a weapon. Corpus Christi police say Judge Guy Williams was taken into custody by officers who responded to a disturbance call Thursday. Williams bonded out Friday from the Nueces County jail. The 68-year-old Williams was acquitted on an assault charge last year following an encounter with another motorist. He faces unrelated charges filed in May of public intoxication and resisting arrest. He was suspended from the bench last year by the State Commission on Judicial Conduct but was later reinstated. Williams did not seek re-election and will be replaced in January when a newly elected jurist takes office. Hundreds lined up Thursday, forgoing obligations to go to work or school, to help in some way after a gunman opened fire in a Thousand Oaks bar, leaving a dozen dead. Lines for a blood donation at La Reina High School wrapped around the block through the afternoon. The blood drives were held at La Reina High School, and a secondary location at the Thousand Oaks Inn Best Western. United Blood Services organizers however, ended the blood drives Thursday before the 3 p.m. cutoff due to the overwhelming amount of people that showed up -- some had been there as early as 8 a.m. Officials said it was important to register online first before going to any location to donate. You can help the victims of #ThousandOaks today by donating blood at La Reina HS, 106 W Janss Rd Thousand Oaks. It will help #SaveLives @VENTURASHERIFF #Borderline #DonateBlood @RedCrossVentura pic.twitter.com/lww7JeOTpb LA County Sheriff (@LASDHQ) November 8, 2018 "This is amazing over 500 people in this line," said Tony Guevara, Head of La Reina High School. "When tragedy strikes that really calls forth the best in communities." The blood drive was already scheduled at La Reina High School, but organizers said they realized the need was even greater after word broke of the mass shooting, Guevara said. "We're a tight-knit community and when things happen in the community it's not time to think about other things, and think about ourselves. It's time to think about others," Nikki Jones said. "So I wanted to give blood and do what I can do to help victims." For those who did not get an opportunity to donate Thursday, La Reina was set to hold another blood drive in the school's gym Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Twelve victims and the gunman died in the Wednesday shooting when accused shooter, Ian David Long, allegedly opened fire inside Thousand Oaks Borderline Bar & Grill. The victims included a 54-year-old Ventura County Sheriff's sergeant who responded to the scene. Blood Drives Friday, Nov. 9, from 10: a.m. to 4 p.m. Gym at La Reina High School, 106 W. Janss Road As of Friday morning, reservations were full and it was unclear if walk-ups would make it in. "If you can find another blood drive or donation center, please do," the school posted to Facebook. GoFundMe and Donations If you wish to donate to a GoFundMe account set up to help the families of the victims and survivors of the Borderline shooting, you may do so here. Cal Lutheran also advised the community that those interested can make a cash donation to support those affected at the Ventura County Community Foundation. Community A vigil was scheduled for 6 p.m. at Thousand Oaks City Hall in the Fred Kavli Theater. At 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Cal Lutheran's Samuelson Chapel, a Catholic Rosary and campus gathering were open to the public to help those affected mourn. The Los Angeles Archdiocese was to take part in a community prayer vigil at 7:30 p.m. Thursday evening at Saint Paschal Baylon Church, 155 East Janss Road. The wind-driven Hill Fire has quickly burned 4,531 acres in Ventura County, forcing a complete freeway closure of the 101 Freeway, evacuations and keeping residents on edge. As of Sunday at 9 a.m., the fire was 70 percent contained. Mandatory evacuations have been issued for Camarillo Springs, Vallecito Trailer Park, Cal State Channel Islands' campus and Dos Vientos. Voluntary evacuations are being urged for Point Magu Naval Base. Officials estimated that 1,200 homes were evacuated between the Camarillo Springs and Dos Vientos areas. CHP advised that all northbound 101 Freeway traffic is being diverted onto State Route 23 in Moorpark. The agency urged drivers to avoid the northbound 101. Click here for Hill fire evacuation information. A second fire has scorched more than 800 acres and is burning toward Calabasas and Agoura Hills. The Woosley Fire has also prompted evacuation warnings. More here. A brush fire burned on a hillside Friday morning behind the Los Angeles Zoo in Griffith Park, prompting a closure of the zoo and nearby roads. Shortly before 8 a.m., fire engines were not able to reach the location and crews were hiking to figure out how to get water to the fire. As of noon, the fire was estimated at 30 acres in heavy brush with steep and "very difficult" terrain to navigate, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. By 2 p.m., the fire was 60 percent contained. The zoo staff evacuated their bird show animals as well as some of the smaller primate species. They turned on the sprinkler systems and began hosing the hillside by hand. On-site staff was monitoring the smoke conditions for the remaining animals. Smoke could be seen in the Burbank area. Freeway off ramps at Riverside, Crystal Springs and Zoo Drive are closed as firefighters battle the brush fire. Those road closures and off ramps were reopened when the fire reached containment. No structures had burned, but one firefighter suffered a minor lower leg injury, fire officials said. Crews were expected to work throughout the night to address all hot spots. The fire was the latest to break out in Southern California, where fires have burned homes in Ventura County, forced evacuations and closed major roads. Pope Francis on Saturday defrocked two more Chilean bishops accused of sexually abusing minors, and to show greater transparency about how he's responding to the church's global sex abuse crisis, he publicly explained why they were removed. The Vatican's unusually detailed statement announcing the laicization of retired Archbishop Francisco Jose Cox Huneeus and retired Bishop Marco Antonio Ordenes Fernandez signaled a new degree of transparency following past missteps by Francis that showed he had grossly underestimated the gravity of the abuse scandal. The statement said the two were defrocked for abusing minors with evidence so overwhelming that a canonical trial was unnecessary. The Vatican said the decision cannot be appealed. Cox, 87 and suffering from dementia, is a member of the Schoenstatt religious order and had served as a bishop in Chillan, Chile before becoming the No. 2 official at the Vatican's Pontifical Council for the Family, a high-profile position during St. John Paul II's papacy. He returned to Chile and became bishop in La Serena until he left in 1997 under unclear circumstances, but took on administrative jobs in Rome and at the Latin American bishops' conference in Colombia. In 2002, the Vatican office for bishops asked the Schoenstatt Fathers to take him in one of its houses, apparently because of abuse allegations. He has been living in Germany since then but last year a new, formal accusation was received by the Vatican about an alleged case of abuse that happened in Germany in 2004. The Schoenstatt Fathers said Saturday the Vatican had asked that Cox remain in their custody. The order said it would cooperate with the justice system, given that victims in Chile have made criminal complaints against him. "We receive this news with much shame for the damage caused to the victims," the community said. "We show solidarity with them and their profound suffering. Today more than ever, we deplore every act of abuse that offends the dignity of people." Given the favor that Cox enjoyed by John Paul's inner circle, his fall is yet another stain on John Paul's legacy. It also calls into question the senior Schoenstatt cardinal in Chile, Cardinal Javier Errazuriz, an adviser to Francis who has long been accused of covering up for abusers. Ordenes Fernandez, 53, for his part, was made bishop of Iquique, in northern Chile, in 2006 at the young age of 42. He retired six years later allegedly for health reasons. But subsequently allegations of abuse were leveled against him. Previously, the Vatican has rarely, if ever, announced laicizations of individual priests and only issued a single-line statement if a bishop had resigned, without further explanation. Before Francis' papacy began in 2013, it was Vatican practice to reveal if resignations were retirements due to age, or for some other 'grave' reason that made them unfit for office. But Francis early on removed even that minimum amount of information. Advocates for abuse survivors have long complained about the Vatican's secrecy in handling such abuse cases, and the lack of transparency when it arrived at judgments. Vatican spokesman Greg Burke said Saturday's more detailed statement suggested a new trend in the way the Vatican will announce the results of investigations of bishops accused of abuse. A similarly detailed statement was issued when Francis defrocked Chile's most notorious abuser, the Rev. Fernando Karadima, several weeks ago. Francis has been under fire for his handling of abuse cases for years, but the issue now is threatening his credibility and his legacy. The church's abuse scandal has exploded anew in the U.S., Chile, Germany and elsewhere, and decisions made early in Francis' papacy made it appear that he did not grasp the gravity of the trauma done to abuse victims. In May, all active bishops in Chile offered to resign over their collective mishandling of the abuse scandal. So far, Francis has accepted the resignations of seven. Francis discussed the issue during his Vatican audience Saturday with Chilean President Sebastian Pinera Echenique, who also met with the Vatican secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin. The Vatican said both meetings discussed "the painful scourge of abuse of minors, reiterating the effort of all in collaboration to combat and prevent the perpetration of such crimes and their concealment." Chilean survivors of abuse applauded the defrockings, saying the two bishops had used their power to abuse children and gotten away with it. A group of lay Catholics from Cox's old diocese in La Serena said they hoped he would be extradited to face justice in Chile, saying he had abused children as young as five. "We want to let it be known that the Schoenstatt order has in its hands a criminal, a predator," who should be "judged and punished like any other delinquent," said Juan Rojas, a spokesman for the John XXIII lay group of La Serena. Chilean abuse victim Juan Carlos Cruz, who has long denounced the abuse cover-up orchestrated by the highest echelons of the Chilean church, said the "circle was getting tighter" around Errazuriz, the retired archbishop of Santiago who is a member of Cox's order. Francis is under pressure to distance himself from Errazuriz, who remains a member of his kitchen cabinet of nine cardinal advisers. AP journalist Patricia Luna contributed to this report. As three statewide Florida races appear heading to recounts, the focus on ballots shifted to Broward County Thursday where the supervisor of elections downplayed criticism of the delays in the tallying of ballots. Some two days after polls closed in the county, the Broward Elections website still had early voting and vote by mail results listed as "partially reported, and it was unknown how many ballots remained to be counted. Broward Supervisor of Elections Dr. Brenda Snipes appeared to blame the delays on the length of the ballot in a brief interview with NBC 6 Thursday evening. "I thought I answered, you know we have five or six pages," Snipes said. As votes were still being tallied, Gov. Rick Scott's Senate campaign announced they were suing Snipes to turn over records regarding how ballots are being counted. "Every day since the election, the left-wing activists in Broward County have been coming up with more and more ballots out of nowhere," Scott said at a news conference from the governor's mansion in Tallahassee Thursday night. "We all know what is going on. Every person in Florida knows exactly what is happening. Their goal is to keep mysteriously finding more votes until the elections turn out the way they want." Snipes said Thursday night she did not know about the lawsuit and therefore had no comment. Florida Sen. Marco Rubio also criticized Snipes in a series of tweets Thursday, saying she has "a history of incompetence & of blatant violations of state & federal laws." "Broward election supervisors ongoing violation of Florida law requiring timely reporting isnt just annoying incompetence. It has opened the door for lawyers to come here & try to steal a seat in the U.S. Senate & Florida Cabinet," Rubio tweeted. Rubio also questioned how Bay County, which was hit by Hurricane Michael last month, was able to submit timely results when Broward hasn't. "You know every politician's got to name a person something, Snipes said in response. As votes continued to come in Thursday, the Florida governor's race inched toward a possible state-mandated recount, as Democrat Andrew Gillum moved within 0.5 percentage point of Republican Ron DeSantis, according to figures from the Florida Supervisor of Elections Office. At the same time, the U.S. Senate race between Democratic incumbent Bill Nelson and Republican Gov. Rick Scott remained too close to call, with Scott ahead about 0.18 percent. A third race, for the state's agriculture commissioner, is also likely heading to a recount. Republican Matt Caldwell had held a slim lead over Democrat Nikki Fried since Tuesday, but her vote total surpassed his on Thursday afternoon, when she led by more than 3,000 votes as of Friday morning, according to the Florida Supervisor of Elections. Florida law requires a recount in races in which the winning margin is 0.5 percentage points or fewer, unless the trailing candidate says in writing that he or she doesn't want a recount. Canvassing boards conduct the recount by running ballots through vote tabulation machines. In elections with a winning margin of 0.25 percentage points or fewer, the state requires a hand recount of ballots where machines didn't detect a vote. Broward County, where Democrats have a large advantage, has a history of being last to have final election results. On Tuesday's election night, seven Broward precincts had problems with modems and couldnt submit polling results electronically. Instead, the precincts had to drive the electronic results to the voting equipment center in Lauderhill for tabulation. In May, a judge ruled that Snipes improperly destroyed ballots too early after the 2016 congressional primaries. Following his loss to Debbie Wasserman Schultz, candidate Tim Canova requested that he see the paper ballots used. He filed a lawsuit, saying Snipes prevented him from seeing the papers. Also in 2016, Snipes was criticized after a statewide amendment on medical marijuana was left off of some absentee ballots in the county leading to a lawsuit eventually won by Snipes. What to Know 50-year-old Edward John Abernathy was arrested Thursday and charged with grand theft. A Florida elementary school principal is accused of stealing $900 from a mentally disabled 9-year-old. The Tampa Bay Times reports 50-year-old Edward John Abernathy was arrested Thursday and charged with grand theft. A Pasco County Sheriff's Office release says deputies were told the child brought $2,100 of his parents' money to Connerton Elementary School in Land O'Lakes in October. It says teachers told deputies they found the cash, counted it and locked it in the principal's office. It says an investigation showed Abernathy only gave the student's mother $1,200 when she went to pick up the cash, pocketing the rest. Pasco County schools Superintendent Kurt Browning says Abernathy will be placed on paid administrative leave. It's unclear if Abernathy has a lawyer. Gov. Rick Scott's Senate campaign is suing the Broward County elections supervisor to turn over records regarding how ballots are being counted. Scott's campaign and the National Republican Senatorial Committee filed a lawsuit late Thursday demanding that Broward Elections Supervisor Brenda Snipes be ordered to turn over several records detailing the counting and collection of ballots cast in Tuesday's election. They are seeking an emergency hearing as the votes must be certified by noon Saturday. In a fiery presser Thursday, Gov. Rick Scott announced he filed a lawsuit against elections supervisors in Broward County over delays in ballot counting. "Every day since the election, the left-wing activists in Broward County have been coming up with more and more ballots out of nowhere," Scott said from the governor's mansion in Tallahassee. "We all know what is going on. Every person in Florida knows exactly what is happening. Their goal is to keep mysteriously finding more votes until the elections turn out the way they want." A hearing was set for 3 p.m. Friday in state court. For the first time since he claimed victory in the Senate race, Scott addressed the media in a fiery news conference where he attacked Broward and Palm Beach counties' elections supervisors of "rampant fraud" in their new vote tallies. DV.load("https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/5031428-Scottvsnipes.js", { responsive: true, container: "#DV-viewer-5031428-Scottvsnipes" }); Scottvsnipes (PDF) "I will not sit idly by while unethical liberals try to steal this election from the people of Florida," Scott said. Scott's campaign also filed a lawsuit Thursday night against Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Susan Bucher. "There are 67 counties in Florida, only these two counties are involved in these shenanigans," Scott said. "There are no other counties - Republican or Democrat - that are trying to steal this election, or who are still finding ballots." Republican candidate and current Gov. Rick Scott leads by about 15,000 votes 0.18 percent over three-term Sen. Bill Nelson, a Democrat. If that number remains under one-quarter of a percentage point, a manual recount will be ordered in each county. The lawsuit was filed about the same time Scott ordered state law enforcement officials to investigate the Broward and Palm Beach voting operation. Scott has a narrow lead over incumbent Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson and the race may be headed to a recount. His lead narrowed as final ballots in heavily Democratic Broward and Palm Beach counties were counted Wednesday and Thursday. Snipes said Thursday night she did not know about the lawsuit and therefore had no comment. Nelson campaign spokesman Dan McLaughlin issued a statement saying that all votes should be counted accurately and that Scott's action "appears to be politically motivated and borne out of desperation." Police say they've arrested two 13-year-old boys in the case of a metal pipe being thrown through the front window of a synagogue in Brooklyn last weekend. One of the boys is being charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief as a hate crime; the other is being charged with second-degree aggravated hate crime for race/religion. They're believed to be the same boys seen on surveillance video trying to know a yarmulke off a Jewish boy walking on the sidewalk. Their names are not being released due to their ages. The NYPD says anti-Semitic crimes have increased in the last month. The increased reports of swastikas and other criminal mischief here in the 5 boroughs absolutely concerns us. And none of it, none of it will ever be tolerated in New York City, NYPD Commissioner James O'Neill said Wednesday. According to NYPD data, "while New York City was on pace to have a lower number of hate crimes in 2018 than 2017, October saw a notable uptick, particularly in anti-Semitic hate crimes." Anti-Semitic based biased crimes have seen an increase of 29 rising to 159 incidents during the time period ending Nov. 4 in comparison to the same time last year, according to NYPD statistics. Friday, Nov. 9, 2018 Happy Friday! Friday morning's clouds are going to give way to heavy storms by the evening commute. Check the latest forecast here. 1. Rockefeller Center Tree Is Cut Down in Walkill The 72-foot tall, 12-ton Norway Spruce that will be the 2018 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree was cut down from its home in upstate New York Thursday and will head to the city for its new home in the Plaza. The tree, which is 45-feet in diameter, comes from the Wallkill home of Shirley Figueroa and Lissette Gutierrez, who gave the spruce a last hug before it was chopped down. Crews then hoisted the tree on a flatbed to make its roughly 75-mile journey to midtown Manhattan, where it is expected to arrive on Saturday. Read more here. 2. Google Eyes Expansion in New York City Google is planning a major expansion in New York City, people familiar with the discussions tell the Wall Street Journal. The company is nearing a deal to buy or lease a planned 1.3 million-square-foot office building at St. John's Terminal in the West Village, the sources said. The building, planned to be completed by 2022, would give Google space for more than 8,500 staff, based on the industry standard of 150 square feet per employee. Read more here. 3. 7-Foot, 200-Pound Gator Named 'Katfish' Found in Man's Tub A Kansas City, Missouri, man was forced to part ways with this seven-foot-long pet alligator Wednesday. KSHBs Andres Gutierrez reports. See more here. 4. Michelin Releases 2019 Guide for New York City The Michelin Guide has released its 2019 ratings for New York City and there's plenty of good news. The number of New York City Michelin-starred restaurants has jumped from 72 to 76 in a year, with nearly a half-dozen newcomers. Five local restaurants kept their three-star ratings. Read more here. For the latest entertainment news and things to do, tune in to New York Live, Monday through Friday at 11:30 a.m. on NBC 4 New York. What to Know The Cuomo administration says NY state is taking steps that could make it the first state to ban the sale of flavored electronic cigarettes A spokesman for Gov. Andrew Cuomo says Friday that the Democrat is concerned about the rise in e-cigarette among young people In September, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration deemed teenage use of e-cigarettes an "epidemic" The Cuomo administration says New York state is taking steps that could make it the first state to ban the sale of flavored electronic cigarettes. A spokesman for Gov. Andrew Cuomo says Friday that the Democrat is concerned about the rise in e-cigarette among young people, calling it an "emerging public health issue." The New York Post first reported Thursday that the state Department of Health announced plans for regulations banning the sale or possession of flavored e-cigarettes. The regulations could then be adopted after a 60-day period of public comment. The administration's plans come as the federal government readies policies requiring strict limits on sales of vaping products increasingly popular among teenagers. In September, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration deemed teenage use of e-cigarettes an "epidemic." What to Know Thousands in New York City protested President Trump's firing of attorney general Jeff Sessions, marching from Times Square Thursday The group says Trump "just crossed a red line" that violates the independence of special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation It was one of hundreds of demonstrations across the nation Thursday More than 6,000 people in New York City protested President Trump's ouster of attorney general Jeff Sessions, marching from Times Square to Union Square Thursday evening as they demanded that special counsel Robert Mueller be allowed to continue his Russia investigation. The demonstration was one of hundreds across the U.S. and overseas, quickly organized by the Move On advocacy group into a network called "Nobody Is Above the Law." The event page called for protests in each city at 5 p.m. local time Thursday. The group said Trump "just crossed a red line" that violates the independence of special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation. More than 1,000 people started marching from Times Square at 5 p.m., holding sign reading "Nobody is above the law" and chanting "Hands off Mueller!" The crowd soon swelled to more than 6,000 as they marched toward Union Square, according to law enforcement officials. This years Rockefeller Center Christmas tree hails from Wallkill, New York, which is in Orange County. John Chandler reports. "Jeff Sessions was fired as attorney general, and we strongly believe it's part of a larger plan to start discrediting the Mueller investigation," said one organizer, Shannon Stagman. Firing Sessions has potentially ominous implications for special counsel Robert Mueller's probe given that the new acting attorney general, Matthew Whitaker, until now Sessions' chief of staff, has questioned the inquiry's scope and spoke publicly before joining the Justice Department about ways an attorney general could theoretically stymie the investigation. Similar protests were seen in Patchogue on Long Island and Morristown, New Jersey, along with other towns and cities across the tri-state. "I'm not a fan of Jeff Sessions but I think it puts the Mueller probe in jeopardy, and I think if he has nothing to hide, let it go to its conclusion," said Ray Alma of Queens Village. Congressional Democrats, concerned about protecting Mueller, called on Whitaker to recuse himself from overseeing the investigation in its final but potentially explosive stages. That duty has belonged to Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who appointed Mueller and closely monitors his work. The resignation, in a one-page letter to Trump, came one day after Republicans lost control of the House of Representatives and was the first of several expected post-midterms Cabinet and White House departures. Though Sessions was an early and prominent campaign backer of Trump, his departure letter lacked effusive praise for the president and made clear the resignation came "at your request." What to Know Rev. Jerome Coyle revealed to the diocese bishop in 1986 that he has a "history of sexual attraction to and contact with boys" He was stripped of his ability to lead Mass and other responsibilities and never got another parish assignment Coyle never faced further punishment, and a review board later found the bishop had a history of abusing students as well A Roman Catholic diocese acknowledged Wednesday that it concealed for decades a priest's admission that he sexually abused dozens of Iowa boys a silence that may have put other children in danger. The Rev. Jerome Coyle, now 85, was stripped of his parish assignments in the 1980s but never defrocked. And it was not until this week, after The Associated Press inquired about him, that he was publicly identified by the church as an admitted pedophile, even though the Diocese of Sioux City had been aware of his conduct for 32 years. The diocese recently helped Coyle move into a retirement home in Fort Dodge, Iowa, without informing administrators at the Catholic school across the street. In 1986, Coyle reported his "history of sexual attraction to and contact with boys" to Sioux City's bishop, revealing that he had victimized approximately 50 youngsters over a 20-year period while serving in several Iowa parishes , according to a private letter written in February by the diocese vicar general and obtained by the AP. The diocese told the AP on Wednesday that it never contacted police or informed the public after Coyle's admission. "The diocese admits it could have been handled better," diocese spokeswoman Susan O'Brien said. But she said the policies in place at the time did not call for notifying police or the public. Instead, the diocese at the time announced without explanation that Coyle was taking a six-month medical leave of absence. Church officials transferred him to a treatment center in New Mexico, the Servants of the Paraclete, where other accused priests nationwide were once commonly sent. Coyle was stripped of his ability to lead Mass and otherwise function as a priest. But he never faced further punishment and lived in Albuquerque, New Mexico, until recently, retaining the title "father" and collecting financial assistance from the diocese. In 1986, the diocese was aware of one complaint against Coyle from a college student but did not have that man's name, O'Brien said. That individual and another now-adult victim have come forward in recent weeks, and their allegations against Coyle will be reported to police, she said. His total number of victims could be higher than 50 because the diocese remains "uncertain of an accurate number," O'Brien said. Coyle is unlikely to be prosecuted for any of his long-ago offenses because the statute of limitation has run out. He has not been named in any civil suits, and O'Brien said the diocese has never paid a settlement related to him. He has not been publicly accused of molesting any minors in the past three decades, but lawyers and detectives are looking into what he has been up to since 1986. Fort Dodge police interviewed Coyle and searched his apartment last month after being tipped off that he was living near a school. Coyle declined to comment Friday after answering the door at his apartment. The bishop to whom Coyle reported his abuse, Lawrence Soens, retired in 1998. A review board later found that Soens himself had abused students when he was a priest and parochial school principal. As a member of the clergy, Soens was not a mandatory reporter someone obligated to tell police about child abuse allegations under Iowa law. But critics said he still should have called authorities, sought to have Coyle defrocked, alerted the public and asked victims to come forward. Soen's whereabouts are unknown. Unlike other dioceses, Sioux City has never released a list of priests who have been credibly accused, despite calls from victims to do so. "The Sioux City diocese covers everything up," said attorney Scott Rhinehart, who has represented dozens of victims and calls the diocese a "haven for pedophile priests." The case has come to light amid a push by prosecutors around the country to hold the church accountable, not just for the sexual abuse of youngsters but for efforts to shield accused priests. In recent months, authorities in at least a dozen states have opened investigations, and federal prosecutors have launched an unprecedented statewide probe in Pennsylvania. The diocese privately revealed Coyle's past in a letter to a Catholic couple who had been allowing Coyle to live at their Albuquerque home after he was injured in a 2017 car accident. The letter warned the couple, Reuben and Tania Ortiz, that the diocese "cannot condone the risk you take" in allowing Coyle to live with their three teenage children. "The letter was very scary for us as parents," said Reuben Ortiz, who had been friends with Coyle for years and was unaware of the extent of his abuse. He said that he confronted Coyle and that the priest could not guarantee that he would be able to refrain from fondling his son. But Coyle had nowhere to go and continued living there until June, when deacons from Sioux City moved him back to Iowa. "I was up day and night for days sometimes, patrolling my own house," Reuben Ortiz said. In the letter to Ortiz, and a similar one to Coyle, Vicar General Bradley Pelzel tried to discourage the priest from moving back to Iowa. He said the boys Coyle molested would now be men between the ages of 45 and 70, and they "could potentially encounter him and be retraumatized by the memories that would surface." The diocese offered to increase Coyle's monthly retirement assistance by $575 so that he could afford an assisted living home in New Mexico. But that idea didn't work out, and the church instead helped him move to Fort Dodge, into a care facility adjacent to Saint Edmonds Catholic School, whose students routinely visit. Lawyers for the Ortiz family said the case illustrates how the church's secrecy poses a continuing risk to children. They urged Coyle's victims to share their stories, saying they have been "suffering in silence." "This is the time for Father Coyle's victims to seek justice, and the time for the church to account for its cover-up," said attorney Levi Monagle. Experts called the Sioux City letter extraordinary for its written acknowledgment of abuse and continuing concealment. "The letter shows in black and white that the system of covering up continues to this day, even after everything that's occurred," said attorney Craig Levien, who has represented dozens of abuse victims. By Linda Friedrich, Director, Research and Evaluation, National Writing Project After piloting the National Writing Project's (NWP) Student Using Sources Tool with 8th graders in 2017-18, Susan King and Aimee Douglas, teachers at Lebanon Middle School in Lebanon, Mo., became huge advocates of using this assessment tool for supporting learning. In their view, the tool gave "students the power to improve their writing themselves." Because they have witnessed its positive impact, King and Douglas will continue its use this year. They plan to scaffold their students' use of the toolstarting with developing students' understanding of the tool's academic language, encouraging self-reflection, and ultimately building toward peer response. NWP engaged teachers from around the country in developing, piloting, and refining the Using Sources Tool (UST) and related teaching processes as part of its College, Career, and Community Writers Program , designed to help students improve their ability to write evidence-based arguments. Middle and high school teachers and students who participated in piloting the student UST responded to two surveys focused on the impact of using the tool and recommendations for improvement. Students and teachers alike found that using the tool cultivates a collaborative, learning-focused environment; fosters independence; and builds complex argument-writing skills. Cultivating a Collaborative, Learning-Focused Environment Writing classrooms commonly feature peer-response opportunities. Yet teachers and students often find that the feedback given is often not specific enough to help writers improve. Both teachers and students emphasized that the UST changed this dynamic. As King reflected, Peer feedback is more meaningful. Instead of having students hopefully give constructive criticism, peers use the tool on their peers' papers. Since everyone uses the same tool and used the same vocabulary, peer feedback and discussion becomes much more valuable. It allows Aimee and me, as teachers, to build relationships. We trust the students to use this tool to provide effective feedback for each other, and they, in turn, build that same trust. Having deep, rich conversations about writing builds a classroom community that lasts not only through the year but extends into the future. Like King and Douglas, 72 percent of student survey respondents agreed that the UST helped them offer feedback to their peers. One student explained that the USTs language was critical in helping students respond to each others writing: ...It put words to what I was trying to explain so it would make it easier to communicate what I was concerned with. Fostering Independence Both teachers and students found that the UST helped students improve their arguments without teachers taking sole responsibility for improvement. And the UST seems to foster student agency in writing and developing their arguments, as described by one student, It helped me make independent decisions about what to do next in my argument writing. Most teachers (79 percent) found that after using the Using Sources Tool, their students improved their written arguments. Importantly, 69 percent of students surveyed similarly believed that they knew how to improve argument writing without the teacher telling them what to do. Teaching argument writing, especially responding to students papers, is labor-intensive and time-consuming. Teachers and students perceptions of the UST suggest that it supports students in becoming more independent, while reducing the amount of time that teachers need to spend responding to papers. Listen to the NWP Radio episode where teachers and students discuss how the UST fostered independence. Building Complex Skills In spring 2018, 79 percent of the teachers who piloted the student UST agreed that their students demonstrated a better understanding of key argument skills after analyzing their own and peers writing with the UST. While many students explained how the UST helped them do a much better job of acknowledging and explaining the credibility of the sources that they used in their argument, several emphasized that the UST helped them develop complex skills. One student wrote, It helped me use specific sources and information so it wasn't a rant. Also I made it so it wasn't one-sided and gave more than one perspective. Using source material to develop arguments is complex for learners of all ages. Once students get the hang of selecting evidence, teachers sometimes notice that students summarize their evidence or drop information in without connecting it to the claim. One student reflected that the UST helps surface this challenge: We went and talked about what we needed to do more of and what we were pretty good at. I was pretty good at finding credible sources. ... But I actually had problems with my personal thoughts, like putting in, like, your experience. Working with teachers and students in Mississippi, Missouri, and South Carolina, the National Writing Project has developed a set of instructional resources for introducing the UST to students and supporting its ongoing use as part of the teaching of argument writing. The UST teaches students to analyze their own and their peers writing for features such as use of information from source material, inclusion of multiple perspectives, and commentary that helps tie evidence to a claim. The ability to identify and evaluate these features fosters students independence as writers and thinkers and cultivates a collaborative classroom community with shared responsibility for improving student writing. What to Know Philadelphia police officer Paul Sulock was shot in Kensington Wednesday morning. Sulock is a 10-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department and a father of four. He was hit by gunfire while attempting to break up a potential shooting, police said. Helicopters whirled overhead as the Philadelphia police officer who, chased down and helped apprehend two suspects despite being shot in the thigh, was released from the hospital Thursday afternoon. Paul Sulock, 31, emerged with barely a limp just one day after a dramatic encounter in Philadelphias Kensington neighborhood. He even took a moment to pose with fellow officers from the 24th district. The 24th District Family would like to say thank you to all of our friends and family from the department and the community. We are pleased to announce that Police Officer Paul Sulock has been released from Temple Hospital and has returned home to his family to recover. pic.twitter.com/UDfoQdOcsx PPD 24th District (@PPD24Dist) November 8, 2018 "We were very fortunate that he was able to walk out," Philadelphia Police Commissioner Richard Ross said. "He went through a very traumatic situation and something that, undoubtedly, he will replay over and over again." Sulock was struck by gunfire Wednesday while attempting to thwart a shooting near G and Madison streets. He and his partner had been patrolling the area when they saw two men crouched behind cars. As the officers approached, one of the men opened fire. Sulock was hit just above the knee, yet chased down the man who shot him. The father of four was hailed a hero by the police department, Mayor Jim Kenney and Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner during a joint news conference Wednesday. On Thursday, the accolades continued as fellow police officers shook Sulocks hand, one by one, outside Temple University Hospital in North Philadelphia. He was accompanied by his wife and parents, including his policeman father. The gunman who shot Sulock was arrested Wednesday afternoon, according to police. Ross said the suspect was previously "known" to law enforcement officers but the commissioner did not release the mans name. Ross did, however, describe the suspect as "a pretty dangerous individual," adding that officers from other jurisdictions were also looking into the same suspect. Photos: Kensington Police Officer Shot Police have not determined if the second suspect was armed and what led to the confrontation between the two men. "The manner in which [Sulock] and his part conducted themselves in the line of fire speaks volumes for their bravery, as well as their commitment to public safety," Ross said. Surveillance video obtained by NBC10 showed one of the gunmen running away from the scene while Sulock's partner chased after him. [[499960111, C]] Sulock's partner and the two suspects were not injured, Ross said. The Philadelphia District Attorneys Office promised swift justice. "We are here to support this truly heroic officer," Krasner said. "We want you know that the District Attorney's Office is taking this case extremely seriously." The matter will be assigned to the legal unit that handles homicide and shooting matters, Krasner added. At least three dozen police cars from the city and SEPTA police departments flooded nearby Allegheny Avenue as the investigation continued. Armed officers could be seen running through back alleys behind homes in the area. "I'm shot. I'm shot in the leg," Sulock could be heard saying over the police department's radio system after he was shot. SkyForce10 was overhead as several other people were also arrested and taken into custody. Police will not try to piece together what led to the confrontation between the two suspects. A Philadelphia police officer was shot in the leg while responding to a gun battle in the Kensington neighborhood Wednesday morning, police sources say. What to Know Protesters are marching in Center City as part of nationwide demonstrations in support of Robert Muellers Russia investigation. The protests are in response to the announcement that Matthew Whitaker will become the nations AG after Jeff Sessions' firing. The protesters are demanding that Whitaker recuse himself from overseeing the Mueller investigation in light of his past comments. Protesters marched in Center City as part of nationwide demonstrations in support of Special Counsel Robert Muellers investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. The protesters first gathered at Thomas Paine Plaza on 1401 JFK Boulevard Thursday around 5 p.m. SkyForce10 was over the scene as they marched down Market Street. The protests are in response to the forced resignation of Jeff Sessions and the announcement that Matthew Whitaker will become the nations acting attorney general. President Donald Trump announced the appointment Wednesday, saying on Twitter that Whitaker "will serve our Country well" and that a permanent attorney general will be nominated later. The protesters are demanding that Whitaker recuse himself from overseeing the Mueller investigation given his previous public comments that appeared to exhibit hostility toward the inquiry. "It is a ploy to undercut the Mueller investigation and say we don't care about the rule of law," Nancy Cunningham, one of the demonstrators, said. "I'm very concerned about that." Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner spoke during Thursday's demonstration and defended the role of a prosecutor. "I thank you for being out here to protect Bob Mueller," Krasner told the crowd. Fresh off his victory in the race for the city's 181st District, newly-elected Democratic Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (D-181) also attended the rally. "What people are asking for here is not radical," he said. "We're asking that a full, free and fair investigation be allowed to continue." During the march, supporters of President Trump also gathered on the sidewalk, some calling the effort from the protesters pointless. "They think the democrats are going to do something and they're not," Christine Nahill, one of the Trump supporters, told NBC10. "They're going to hold President Trump from forwarding this country." The nationwide protests are being organized by a coalition of hundreds of public interest organizations. What to Know The shooting began about 11:15 p.m. at the Borderline Bar & Grill. At some point, the shooter posted to social media, law enforcement officials told NBC. Twelve victims were slain, ranging from a sergeant to college students. The California bar shooter, around the time the gunfire began, started posting to social media, multiple law enforcement officials told NBC4's I-Team. Ian David Long, 28, made two separate posts amid his shooting rampage at the Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks Wednesday night, the officials said. Several law enforcement sources characterized Long's first message as one that considered his mental state. "People will debate for years whether Im sane or insane," sources paraphrased Long's posts. Long continued, "but I'm sane, life is bulls**t, who cares, and Im bored." The law enforcement sources did not say what exactly Long posted online or which social media platforms he used, but he posted text that referenced how people perceived him as being troubled. Long's use of social media was first reported by TMZ. A spokesperson for Facebook, which owns Instagram, declined to comment on whether anything had been posted to Facebook. The spokesperson also said no story was posted on Instagram but wouldn't elaborate further, deferring to law enforcement. Twitter did not return a request for comment. On Thursday, Facebook spokeswoman Sarah Pollack said: "Our hearts are with the victims and families affected by this horrendous act. We've removed the shooter's accounts from Facebook and Instagram and will remove any praise or support for the crime or the shooter as soon as we're aware." Investigators are still piecing together a precise timeline on the shooting that left 12 bar employees and patrons dead. But it's believed that Long, a Marine veteran who was dressed in black and armed with a high-powered Glock handgun with an extended magazine, entered the Borderline Bar & Grill about 11:15 p.m. The officials said he took a position of cover before fatally shooting Sgt. Ron Helus of the Ventura County Sheriff's Office. Investigators believe Long then shot additional victims inside the bathroom stalls, as well as at least one person who was trying to escape through the bathroom window, the law enforcement officials said. Long then shot himself, the officials said. Authorities said Long, a former Marine gunner who served one tour in Afghanistan, had been experiencing emotional issues. Investigators are still trying to figure out the motive for the attack. When authorities entered his home in nearby Newbury Park, they found evidence that he punched multiple holes in the walls, law enforcement officials said. Local cops were called to his home for a domestic disturbance earlier this year, authorities said. Long was found to be "somewhat irate" and "acting a little irrationally" but he wasn't taken into custody. The family of a 12-year-old boy has filed a lawsuit against the Army and Navy Academy in Carlsbad alleging a group of cadets sexually assaulted the boy in July. The lawsuit, filed in San Diego Superior Court, comes months after the academy settled the third lawsuit by victims of sexual abuse by two Army and Navy Academy administrators. One of the administrators was former headmaster, Jeffrey Barton, who is now serving a life term in prison for six felony counts of having sex with a minor. The settlements have so far cost the academy more than $3.6 million. The new lawsuit from the unnamed minor and his mother claims other cadets grabbed the boys genitals and harassed him at a leadership camp held by the academy in July. In addition, the lawsuit alleges there were inappropriate sexual acts occurring between the cadets during the camp as well as unsanitary conditions. The lawsuit also claims that administrators were aware of the alleged assault and did not report it as required by state law. A spokesperson for the Army and Navy Academy told NBC 7 that the academy would not comment about the specific allegations in the lawsuit but denied any wrongdoing. We fully deny all the allegations in the lawsuit. However, we believe it should be settled in a court of law, not in the news media and therefore have no further comment, a spokesperson said. Earlier this year after the settlements were reached in the previous assault cases, academy adminstrators stated they had placed new measures to address sexual assaults on campus. Attorneys for the cadet question whether that has happened. Los Angeles-based attorney Eric Rudin is one of the attorneys for the cadet and his family. He said the academys past needs to be factored in when looking at the case. "Sexual abuse, and more specifically, sexual hazing is a systemic problem and far more prevalent than anyone realizes, Rudin said. Added Rudin, One of the places where children are supposed to be safe from such horrors is in a military boarding academy such as the Army and Navy Academy. Unfortunately, this isn't the Army and Navy Academy's first go around when it comes to protecting its cadets from abuse. The status quo is unacceptable and must change." A San Diego law firm is requesting the California Attorney General investigate a list of priests accused of child abuse and misconduct recently released by the Catholic Diocese of San Diego. The Diocese recently released a list of more than 50 abusive priests in San Diego and San Bernardino of whom the diocese said it had received a credible allegation involving sexual abuse of a minor. The reverends on the list served within the diocese for decades. Some served as far back as the 1940s. Attorney Irwin Zalkin and victims of sexual abuse said Thursday that the list is far from complete. We know of at least 10 if not a dozen additional priests that are not on this list, Zalkin said. One woman who identified herself as DeDe spoke about a priest who worked in Vista. This priest, Alexander Pinter, did not just molest boys, he crushed their childhood to the point that their trauma is still hindering them, unable to come forward and speak publicly, she said. Dede was not a victim but said a loved one was victimized by Pinter. A man who identified himself as Joe said he felt the need to be at the news conference because the issue is much larger than his story. He attended St. Patricks where Father Robert Koerner was the parish priest. He was an altar boy after first communion. The abuse started when he was 10 years old then abruptly stopped. Im here today because Im looking for closure. Part of that closure is getting acknowledgment by the diocese that they accept responsibility for what happened to me and for what Robert Kerner did to me and others, he said. Koerner was included in the dioceses list. He served for almost 30 years at St Patricks in Calipatria before his death in January 1990. Zalkin said his firm has been representing people accusing the San Diego Catholic Diocese of wrongdoing for two decades. Ive been seeing whats been going on and what has been happening over decades of covering up for pedophile priests, Zalkin said. In September, The Catholic Diocese of San Diego released the names of eight priests who at one time worked in San Diego County. The eight names: The Reverends Jose Chavarin, Raymond Etienne, J. Patrick Foley, Michael French, Richard Houck, George Lally and Paolino Montagna, and Monsignor Mark Medaer. Zaklin called the list a public relations ploy to suggest that diocese officials are being transparent. The Catholic Diocese of San Diego provided the following statement: "The Diocese publishes a list of all priests credibly accused of abusing minors prominently on its website. All accusations of priest misconduct are taken seriously. The allegations are reviewed by an Independent Review Board, a lay committee that includes persons with judicial, law enforcement and legal experience, as well as a marriage and family therapist and a victim of sex abuse. If the Review Board concludes that an allegation is credible, than the priest is permanently forbidden from functioning as a priest at the diocese or anywhere in the world. The diocese is a mandatory reporter. All accusations are reported to civil authorities and victims are encouraged to report any incident to law enforcement. To the best of our knowledge, there have been no new incidents involving priests and minors since the diocese implemented major reforms in 2003. These reforms include fingerprinting and background checks for all priests and church personnel who interact with children, training for students and staff in Catholic schools and religious education, and zero tolerance for any priest credibly accused of abusing a child. If anyone believes the published list is incomplete, they may contact the Diocese at(858)490-8353." Five of the eight priests are now dead and the diocese was only able to provide photographs of three. The addition of the names brings the total number of abusive priests connected to the diocese to 56. The previous 48 were identified after a 2007 settlement in which the diocese paid out almost $200 million to victims. A diocese spokesperson said there have not been any reports of abuse at the Diocese of San Diego since the early 2000s. The release of the names comes weeks after a grand jury report implicated hundreds of Catholic clergy members in six Pennsylvania diocese in the sexual abuse of thousands of children over several decades. You can read the entire grand jury report here. Republican Brian Kemp resigned Thursday as Georgia's secretary of state, a day after his campaign said he had captured enough votes to become governor. His Democratic rival, Stacey Abrams, refused to concede and her campaign demanded that state officials "count every single vote." As the state's top election official, Kemp oversaw the race, a marquee contest in the nation's midterms. His resignation Thursday morning came as a hearing began for a lawsuit in which five voters asked that he be barred from exercising his duties in any future management of his own election tally. Abrams' campaign had repeatedly accused Kemp of improperly using his post as secretary of state and had been calling for him to step down for months, saying his continuation in the job was a conflict of interest. Kemp made clear that he wasn't stepping down in response to that criticism, but to start on his transition to the governor's office. His resignation took effect just before noon Thursday. He said an interim secretary of state had been appointed to oversee the rest of the vote count. The Associated Press has not called the election. Shortly after Kemp's announcement, Abrams' campaign and its legal team held a news conference to announce that they would not give up the fight to have all ballots counted. They insisted enough votes remained uncounted to affect the outcome of the election. "This is all public information, ladies and gentlemen, public information," said campaign manager Lauren Groh-Wargo. "We demand that Secretary of State Kemp, his campaign ... they need to release all the data, all the numbers, and they need to count every single vote." The lawyers said they planned to file a lawsuit Thursday against officials in Dougherty County, where they said absentee ballots were delayed because of Hurricane Michael, which devastated parts of south Georgia. They also said they ask the court to ensure those votes are counted, and to require that elections officials preserve all potential evidence about the vote count. "How can anybody claim a victory when there are enough votes that have not been counted that could cause a runoff here?" Attorney John Chandler asked. "We will litigate until we have determined that every person's vote has been counted." Previously, Abrams had pointed to ballots that had yet to be counted in metro Atlanta counties where she won a large share of the vote. Her campaign has said she must pick up about 15,000 votes to secure a runoff in December. Kemp said Abrams is using "old math." Without providing specifics, he said in a WSB Radio interview that the number "is actually more like 30,000 votes." At a news conference with Republican Gov. Nathan Deal late Thursday morning, Kemp declared that there are only about 20,000 provisional ballots that have not yet been counted in the race. He did not offer any details, but in response to a question said he would ask about releasing county-by-county results. Of Abrams, he said, "Even if she got 100 percent of those votes, we still win." In fact, Kemp's office did release to the AP a county-level breakdown about the same time he started speaking in Deal's office Thursday. The office had not immediately shared that requested information the day before, however, even as Kemp's campaign cited the statewide estimate as his justification for declaring victory. The standoff continued to attract attention around the country, with the head of the Democratic National Committee applauding Abrams for pressing on and blasting Kemp as untrustworthy. "It is grossly unfair to any fox in America to compare Brian Kemp with a fox guarding the hen house. It is much worse in Georgia," DNC Chairman Tom Perez said in Washington. "I don't think that race is over. Every vote must be counted, and the integrity of that election is at stake." Late Wednesday afternoon after a day of the campaigns, news outlets and partisan observers scrambling for information about outstanding votes across Georgia's 159 counties Kemp aide Ryan Mahoney told reporters on a conference call, "We are declaring victory." Campaign official Austin Chambers added: "The message here is pretty simple: This election is over, and the results are clear." If a runoff is necessary, it will take place Dec. 4, extending Abrams' bid to become the first black woman elected governor in American history, while Kemp looks to maintain the GOP's domination in a state where Democrats haven't won a governor's race since 1998. Partisan observers nationally have watched intently for clues about just how much of a battleground Georgia can be in the 2020 presidential campaign. With reported votes exceeding 3.9 million almost 95 percent of Georgia's 2016 presidential turnout Kemp has just more than 50 percent. In 2016, with a slightly larger electorate, there were 16,739 provisional ballots. Of those, 7,592 were counted. State and campaign officials said they expected a much higher proportion to be counted this year. The lawsuit at issue Thursday morning in an Atlanta federal court came from voters who sued Kemp on Election Day alleging that his presiding over an election in which he is a candidate "violates a basic notion of fairness." The plaintiffs asked the court to block Kemp from having anything more to do with managing his election. The hearing ended shortly after it began with the announcement of Kemp's resignation. It's not immediately clear what Kemp's practical role was in the election tally. Local officials are responsible for counting the votes, including provisional ballots. County officials have until next Tuesday to certify their results and send them to Kemp's office. Statewide certification must come by Nov. 20. Would you be able to rent a D.C. apartment if you didn't get paid for three months? Congresswoman-elect Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said she can't. The New York millennial told The New York Times in a story published Wednesday that she needs to wait until her congressional salary kicks in to get an apartment in D.C., which ranks among the most expensive cities in the country for renters. Ocasio-Cortez told the Times she was preparing to move to D.C. but the time before she leaves New York will be "very unusual, because I cant really take a salary. I have three months without a salary before Im a member of Congress. So, how do I get an apartment? Those little things are very real." [NATL] The 2018 Midterm Elections in Photos She said she and her partner were "squirreling away and then hoping that gets me to January." After a Times reporter's tweet about her comments went viral, Ocasio-Cortez tweeted about the situation. "There are many little ways in which our electoral system isnt even designed (nor prepared) for working-class people to lead. This is one of them (dont worry btw - were working it out!)," she wrote. Ocasio-Cortez, who will represent parts of New York City, started the year as a bartender. She will make $174,000 per year as a member of Congress. The median rent for a one-bedroom in D.C. is $2,170, according to a report released this month by the real estate startup Zumper. That gives D.C. the seventh-highest rental costs in the country. On Twitter, some people sympathized with the congresswoman-elect. Others thought she would be just fine. There are many little ways in which our electoral system isnt even designed (nor prepared) for working-class people to lead. This is one of them (dont worry btw - were working it out!) https://t.co/PEQ5ccSDSO Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) November 8, 2018 Ocasio-Cortez, 29, is the youngest woman ever elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. The democratic socialist defeated Rep. Joseph Crowley, the No. 4 Democrat in the House. Her victory shocked her as much as it shocked the political establishment. She clapped her hands to her mouth on live TV as she watched the results at her campaign watch party. The Loudoun County Commonwealth's attorney dropped charges against a man arrested after he pointed a gun at a group of Airbnb renters who he said trashed his Virginia home. John A. Jack Andrews, 77, faced seven charges, including felony abduction, after holding several people at gunpoint. After an employee notified Andrews of significant damage at his $4 million Aldie home, he went there and found broken windows and doors, damaged furniture, glass everywhere and large blood stains throughout the rental property. He was met by about 12 people, according to a court filing. With gun drawn, Andrews told them to stay put while the sheriff was on the way. Some stayed at the scene, but others fled. But when deputies arrived, Andrews was the one handcuffed and charged. The guests were questioned and released. Those guests did not show up in court Thursday. Video of the brawl that caused the damage showed young men cutting each other with broken beer bottles. Andrews' attorney argued his client was within his right to self-defense, the right to bear arms and the right to conduct a citizen's arrest. Airbnb says incidents like these are few and far between, and the renters have been barred from using the site again. After flash flooding swept through Frederick, Maryland, in May, homeowners hired a company to clean up the damage, but they said they werent kept up to date about the cost of the cleanup and they were shocked when the bill came to more than $40,000. Water poured into their garage and utility and laundry rooms. We lost our carpet, one of the homeowners said. We had carpet in there and, they ripped it up because they said it smelled. The homeowners hired ServiceMaster to clean up the mess, and crews showed up and got right to work. The next day they asked about an estimated cost for the job. I was told on Thursday night as of Friday night it was going to be $20,000, a homeowner told NBC4 Responds. Two others said they were told the same, but the job continued three days beyond that. The homeowners said they never got another estimate despite asking for updates. The only thing I can say is I kept pushing him and pushing him to make sure to keep me abreast to what this is costing us, one homeowner said. When the cleanup was complete, the bill was about $47,000, the homeowner said. Stunned that the cost more than doubled, he asked ServiceMaster if there was anything they could do, and the company took off $3,000, bringing the bill to $44,000. And then I told myself and everybody else, Thats going to break us, he said. We dont have that kind of money. By paying the bill in full immediately, they got another $3,000 discount, but they still felt they were taken advantage of during a time of need. ServiceMaster's corporate office agreed to do an audit of the bill and found a $7,300 error on something called "overhead and profit." ServiceMaster said an employee of the franchise that performed the cleanup made a mistake calculating costs. ServiceMaster said the franchise has since "reinforced proper billing protocols and standards throughout the organization." And the homeowners got $7,300 back. Reported by Susan Hogan, produced by Meredith Royster and edited by Perkins Broussard. A D.C. police detective's testimony revealed new details Thursday in the case of a young woman who was stabbed and killed while jogging in Logan Circle. Wendy Martinez was jogging in the 1400 block of 11th Street NW when a suspect attacked her just before 8 p.m. on Sept. 18, police said. Surveillance video shows the suspect, Anthony Crawford, was inside a nearby Giant Food store just 20 minutes before the stabbing, the detective said in court. Crawford was in the aisle where the exact same knife as the one found at the murder scene is sold, the detective said. More video from the street outside the carryout restaurant where Martinez ran for help shows the suspect stabbing Martinez in the back as she tried to run away, the detective said. Police said they found the knife and the suspect's orange sweater just a few feet from where Martinez was stabbed. The knife had both Martinez's and Crawford's DNA on it, prosecutors said. Martinez's family and fiance listened to the testimony in court Thursday. Crawford's family was also in court. Martinez, 35, was an avid runner and Georgetown University graduate who lived in an upscale apartment just three blocks away from where she was killed. She got engaged just a week before her death and recently bought a wedding dress with her mother. A group of protesters equipped with a bullhorn and spray paint descended on the Washington, D.C., home of Fox News host Tucker Carlson Wednesday night, leaving an anarchy symbol in the host's driveway and signs referencing his political affiliation, police say. Carlson wasn't at home at the time, but his wife reported the incident to police, according to The Washington Post. "She had been in the kitchen alone getting ready to go to dinner and she heard pounding on the front door and screaming. ... Someone started throwing himself against the front door and actually cracked the front door," Carlson told The Post. Thikning it was a home invasion, Carlson's wife ran to a room in the rear of the home and called 911 at about 6:30 p.m., according to police and the Post. In a video posted on Twitter, a protester with a bull horn can be heard saying, "Tucker Carlson, we are outside your home." Moments later, the group begins to chant, "Racist scumbag, leave town." When the officers arrived, the found a group of 20 people outside and an anarchy symbol spray painted in the driveway. Police say the group also left signs referencing Carlson's political affiliation on the front door and on the vehicles parked in the driveway. Carlson has been a staunch defender of President Donald Trump and often comes under fire for his rhetoric. But he is not the first public figure to be confronted by protesters in what would otherwise be a private setting. Last year, protesters marched to the Chevy Chase home of Vice President Mike Pence and held a "Queer Dance Party." A month later, a group gathered outside the home of Mitch McConnell to protest the confirmation of Jeff Sessions as Attorney General. A police officer was injured when he crashed his vehicle while responding to a disturbance on Friday afternoon in Lawrence, Massachusetts. Police said officers responded to a report of a disturbance at the intersection of Marston and Canal streets at 2:10 p.m. Authorities said there was some sort of an altercation between an adult male and two teenagers -- ages 16 and 17. The teens fled the scene and were then involved in a crash nearby. No injuries were reported. Police said a Lawrence police detective who was responding to the scene was also involved in a crash. He and the driver of the other vehicle involved were taken to Lawrence General Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The man who was involved in the altercation with the teens was taken into custody. The investigation is ongoing and police said no other information was available. A 52-year-old man from Malden, Massachusetts, is being charged after he allegedly fired multiple rounds of gunshots in a wooded area of Stoneham Wednesday, causing two nearby schools to enter into a shelter-in-place. Stoneham Police are charging the man, whose name was not released, with discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling, improper storage of a firearm, violation of a town bylaw relating to the discharge of a firearm, disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace. Massachusetts State Police assisted local police Wednesday after authorities received several 911 calls for a report of gunshots. Stoneham Police Chief James McIntyre said when officers arrived to the area of Karen Drive, three men were running in a backyard. "A person carrying a bag, another person had a target stand, another person was running in the yard and it looked like they were trying to hide items in a garage and shed," McIntyre said. When asked what they were doing, the men initially did not tell police the truth. McIntyre said they later admitted to firing rounds into a tree. "After a period of time, the presence of state police, Stoneham Police, the Airwing, some K9s, may have helped the involved parties admit their involvement in a little target practice behind the house. And they shot some rounds into a tree," McIntyre said. School Superintendent John Macero said the shelter-in-place that had been in effect at Colonial Park Elementary School and Stoneham High School was later lifted. He said the schools were asked by police to enter a shelter-in-place as a precaution due to the police activity near the school. Satanists at the Satanic Temple's international headquarters in Salem, Massachusetts, are suing Netflix and Warner Brothers after a Baphomet statue appeared in a new Netflix series called "The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina." The statue, a goat-headed deity, is behind the $50 million copyright infringement and trademark violation lawsuit. They use the exact same children and the exact same position as we put ours, said Satanic Temple co-founder Lucien Greaves. To see some mega-giant like Netflix just sweep in because their production department just did a Google search and decided to take whatever they wanted, and entirely eclipsed all of that work thats just something we cant stand by. Greaves said he's concerned that the statue will lead people who watch the show to associate the temple with evil concepts that do not accurately represent the temple's values. We open ourselves up to slanderous allegations being made with this monument being displayed implicitly stating that we are somehow involved in acts of cannibalism, murder or whatever else, he said. We advocate for empathy and compassion, freedom and autonomy, Greaves said. The temple said it reached out to Netflix and Warner Brothers to have the Baphomet statue removed from the show, but never heard back. When asked about the lawsuit, Netflix said to contact Warner Brothers, the producer of the show. Warner Brothers had no comment. Police in Rhode Island say a stolen Dunkin' Donuts card led them to a suspect now charged with eight counts of larceny and two counts of vandalism. Scituate police say they began receiving reports of vehicles being broken into on Oct. 7. WJAR reports some of the vehicles were left unlocked while others had windows smashed. Police say a victim told officials her Dunkin' Donuts car was stolen and being used to make purchases. Police used the information to track down the 29-year-old Warwick man, identified as Devin Bryden. Police searched the suspect's home with warrants and found items of interest alongside an item reported stolen. The suspect was due for arraignment Wednesday. Between the midterm elections and the threats to Special Counsel Robert Muellers investigation into possible Russian collusion, theres a lot on Sen. Susan Collins mind. But one thing the Republican from Maine is not worried about is winning re-election in 2020. Ill worry about 2020 in 2020, Collins said Friday. I think its a little early for me to make a decision on re-election. The morning after nationwide protests to protect Muellers investigation, Collins said she supports a bill to protect the special counsel. She plans to join a group of senators, asking Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to have a debate on the Senate floor. I know the president is never going to sign that bill into law and there are some legitimate constitutional issues, but debating it and passing it would send a strong message to the president that the special counsels work must be allowed to continue unimpeded, Collins said. For activist groups critical of Collins, the concern for Mueller comes late. After about a year of asking for that bill to be brought to a floor vote, I am grateful Sen. Collins is willing to take action, said Marie Follayttar, director of the group Mainers For Accountable Leadership. The group has organized many protests targeting Collins in the last two years, and helped raise millions of dollars to fund her future opponent due to Collins vote to confirm Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. We are heartbroken about the loss of the moderate Sen. Collins, said Follayttar. She needs to be concerned about her chances for re-election. But Collins remains confident she would win re-election if she chooses to run again. I'm very proud of the fact that the people of Maine have supported me very strongly, she said. I can assure you that I have already started preparing and I certainly will be ready should I decide to run. A new challenge she would have to face is ranked choice voting (RCV), a system Mainers approved in 2016, which allows voters to rank their preferences instead of choosing one candidate. While RCV was not implemented for statewide races like the governors race, it does apply to federal elections. If no candidate achieves 50 percent of the vote, instant run-offs calculating voters second-place choices will be taken into account to determine the winner. The issue with ranked choice voting is that it can result in the person who receives the most votes not being selected to represent the people of Maine, so that is an odd outcome to me, said Collins. She added that she believes she could achieve the 50 percent threshold to win in the first round under RCV. Archbishop Justin lays lifeboat wreath off Norfolk coast Archbishop Justin lays lifeboat wreath off Norfolk coast 2018: The second day of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welbys, visit to Norfolk saw him visit a school, hospital, church cafe and lifeboat as well as help serve fish and chips to over 750 people. On Thursday November 8 the Archbishop met with members of the local community at St Marys Church, Happisburgh. Speaking with residents, parish council representatives, lifeboat personnel and many others he heard how coastal erosion has affected the local community. Chris Lomax climbed the church tower with Archbishop Justin and pointed out his caravan park on the cliff edge. The Revd Catherine Dobson, vicar of St Marys church said: Although Happisburgh is under threat, this community is not defined by the erosion. There is a real sense of pride in the village and its church and a determination to enjoy it for as long as possible. Most church buildings will stand for generations, but if the Shoreline Management Plan remains the same, this building may not exist in 40 years. While the church is the people and not the building, the building has been used for worship for centuries and is a place where locals and holiday makers alike have experienced God and come to worship. It therefore holds a special place in the faith journeys of many and this is to be celebrated. Its wonderful that Archbishop Justin has been able to appreciate that in his visit today. Maybe a village under threat is not taken for granted in the same way as a place is there permanently, and, as such is appreciated. Archbishop Justin said: We protest against those that do not care for the environment, just make money and look after their own interests. And we seek a change in government opinion and a determination to protect communities and look after people. This is a place not simply defined by coastal erosion, but by the people who live here, and those who will live here. The Archbishop and the Bishop of Norwich then went to Caister Lifeboat station for a short act of worship with contributions from the local junior school. Representatives from different denominations of Caister churches, parents and children from the local school as well as members of the Hub all took part in the service. Archbishop Justin and Bishop Graham then then went out to sea with the Caister Lifeboat men to lay a wreath for all those who have died at sea over the last 100 years. Afterwards, Archbishop Justin travelled to the Pathway Cafe in Great Yarmouth where he met some of the cafes volunteers and visitors and helped serve the lunchtime meal. The cafe was first established in April 2014 in recognition of a gap in provision of food to the most vulnerable within our local community. It is managed wholly by volunteers and the aim is to provide a safe and comfortable space where those who are displaced, lonely and homeless can find friendship, compassion, respect, support and practical advice. Archbishop Justin then went to Peterhouse Primary Academy in Gorleston to take part in a collective act of worship which was led by the newly-formed Academy Values Committee made up of pupils from Key Stage 2. Ryan Freeman, Headteacher of Peterhouse Primary Academy said: We were incredibly honoured to receive a visit from the Archbishop of Canterbury, and it was the perfect way to launch our new vision and values. The children had worked hard to prepare for the day and were thrilled that their hard work paid off the choir sang beautifully, the children presented their collective worship with clarity and composure and everyone was incredibly excited to have such an important visitor in school. We would like to thank everyone who has worked behind the scenes to make this day possible. Following his visit to the Academy, the Archbishop went to the James Paget University Hospital where he visited staff and patients. In the evening Archbishop Justin helped to serve fish and chips to over 750 people at Great Yarmouth Minster and was interviewed by BBC Look Easts Andrew Sinclair. Pictured top is Archbishop Justin at the wheel of Caister lifeboat and, above, with children outside Happisburgh church. The Fountain of Life Church in Ashill is bringing Christmas alive with an all-senses journey through the Christmas story. The Fountain of Life Church in Ashill is bringing Christmas alive with an all-senses journey through the Christmas story. Care home careers at MHA Cromwell House, Norwich MHA Cromwell House in Norwich has career opportunities for a Care Assistant and Senior Care Assistant. Read more Norwich synagogue giving away free clothes this Sunday The Adat Yeshua Messianic Jewish congregation in Norwich are giving away clothes for free this Sunday, November 21, as part of the national Jewish Mitzva Day. Read more TimeNorfolk seeks volunteer practitioners TimeNorfolk are running a training course in 2022 for people interested in volunteering as a practitioner supporting the charity's clients. Read more Advent Angels set to land in Norfolk churches Churches in the Aylsham area will be visited by Advent Angels during December, created by churches and schools in the district. Read more Norwich Community Gospel Choir brings comfort and joy The Norwich Community Gospel Choir is fully up and running again, and welcoming new singers. Read more Crowdfunding appeal to fix Wiveton Church St Mary's, Wiveton has launched a CrowdFunding appeal for urgent roof repairs following storm damage two years ago, and Emma Bridgewater is supporting the campaign. Read more Help us to stage the Norwich Passion Play Would you like to be part of a professional Passion Play being staged on the streets of Norwich city centre next Easter and see the Gospel story performed in public? Read more Chance to meet new YMCA Norfolk CEO New YMCA Norfolk CEO, John Lee, will be the speaker at the next Transforming Norwich lunch to which local Christian leaders are invited to share lunch and to encourage and pray for one another. Read more Worshipping God in a draughty church Robert Ashton is concerned about the environmental impact of trying to heat the large number of historic, but often draughty, churches in Britain. Read more Finance and Administration Assistant needed The Catholic Diocese of East Anglia is looking to appoint a part-time Finance and Administration Assistant, based at Poringland near Norwich, to support the Diocesan Accountant in accounting for the finances of the Diocese. Read more Norwich Christian writer publishes poetry on dogs Gail Halley has captured her admiration of God in a poetry book about dogs. She explains what motivated her to do it. Read more Norwich Mothers' Union needs part-time Administrator Mothers Union Norwich Diocese requires a Part-time Administrator required to provide secretarial and administrative support for the activities of the charity, based at Diocesan House, near Norwich. Read more Christmas rhymes for Norfolk writer Matthew Pickhaver, who lives in North Norfolk, has just published two books of poetic plays on the theme of Christmas, and they are now available to buy. Read more Diocese of Norwich grows chaplaincy team for older people The Diocese of Norwich has appointed four Anna Chaplains to provide pastoral support to older people in Norfolk. Read more Mulbarton mum offers a guided approach to Advent Sarah Miller, a vicars wife from Mulbarton in south Norfolk, will be hosting a gentle evening to help you settle into Advent. Read more Church and Tenant Empowerment Worker Hope Into Action are looking for someone to join the Norwich team for 18 hours a week as an Empowerment Worker. The primary work location is Great Yarmouth but you will also need to work in Norwich. Read more Discover the benefits of giving Andrew Frere Smith describes how a generous spirit can benefit the giver as well as those who receive the gifts. Read more District prepares to honour the fallen, 100 years after WW1 ended HUNGERFORD will remember the fallen on Sunday with a service at St Lawrence Church at 9.30pm and with a parade to the 11am ceremony at the war memorial. In the evening a beacon will be lit to commemorate the centenary of the end of the First World War. This will take place in Triangle Field from 6.30pm. At 6.40pm town mayor Helen Simpson will welcome the crowd and read Tribute to the Millions. At 6.50pm the Royal British Legion will read the Exhortation and at 6.55pm the Last Post will be played. The beacon itself will be lit at 7pm and immediately afterwards town crier Robin Tubb will read The Cry for Peace Around the World. Children and adults are invited to plant their wooden crosses in the Poppy Field following the service. The rugby club bar will be open and there will be food available. LAMBOURN residents will join in an Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial in the village square. The choir and clergy will gather around the War Memorial and at 11am there will be a two-minute silence. A short church service will take place afterwards. At 12pm all are welcome to a complimentary buffet at the Royal British Legion. GREAT SHEFFORD has been decorated with thousands of bright red hardboard poppies made by members of the Shefford Craft Club (pictured) which have been fixed to signs and railings. Villagers have also been invited to take a poppy home to put on their own front door or gate. Donations for these poppies will be split equally between the Royal British Legion and the Great Shefford Flood Alleviation Appeal. In addition, the trees overlooking the war memorial in the churchyard at St Marys Church have been adorned with thousands of poppies, all created by the club and other residents of the village and surrounding communities. They have been busy knitting, crocheting and sewing for the last two years to produce a varied arrangement wrapped round many of the lime trees leading up to the church. Craft club member Ann Muir has also created two panels decorated with red, white and purple poppies and historic photos which will be displayed in St Stephens Church in Shefford Woodlands and St Marys Church in Great Shefford. White poppies commemorate non-combatant victims of war and purple poppies commemorate animal victims of war. In EAST GARSTON the Local History Society is hosting an exhibition of First World War memorabilia in All Saints Church. Opening times are 11.30am to 4.30pm on Saturday and 10am to 4.30pm on Sunday. Memorabilia includes photographs, medals, letters from commanding officers, atefacts from soldiers, diary excerpts, a nurses scrapbook with photos, words from wounded soldiers and more. HAM will commemorate its First World War dead with a special exhibition. A Village Remembers is open to the public in the village hall on Saturday from 10am to 4.30pm, and on Sunday from 12pm to 4.30pm. Six men from the villages farming community were killed in the war and the exhibition is first and foremost to remember them. However, it has been widened to include others from Ham who took part in the war or who were ancestors of those who now live in Ham. One of the organisers, Robin Buchanan-Dunlop, said: This has produced an eclectic mix of people who were involved in the war, some of them with prominent roles in it. In total, 36 men and women are profiled. They include: * Cpt Albert Ball, Royal Flying Corps, a national hero with a VC, DSO and two bars, and an MC n Maj The Hon Maurice Baring, Royal Flying Corps, a distinguished man of letters who became personal staff officer to General Sir David Henderson, first commander of the RFC in the field, and then Major General (later Lord) Trenchard * Lt Col Frederick Brereton, Royal Army Medical Corps, who was a prolific writer of boys adventure stories in the manner of GA Henty, and also participated in writing the definitive history of the RAMC in the war * Maj Archibald Buchanan-Dunlop who became a leading light in the Christmas Truce of 1914; Lt Col Mark Davenport, Royal Army Medical Corps, who drew lots to be repatriated having been taken prisoner by the Germans * Cmdr John Porte, Royal Naval Air Service, who was involved in naval air tactics and what would become the first aircraft carriers * Maj Ralph Partridge, MC and bar, later a member of the Bloomsbury Group, who lived at Ham Spray House. He married the artist Dora Carrington * Sir Eustace Tennyson dEyncourt, director of Naval Construction Royal Navy, who also designed the first battle tanks and Lt Henry Tonks, the famous war artist, particularly known for painting before-and-after illustrations of the work of one of the pioneers of plastic surgery treating facial wounds in the war. The exhibition is open to the public on Saturday, November 10, from 10am to 4.30pm, and on Sunday, November 11, from noon to 4.30pm. Community group decorate town with impressive displays commemorating the Armistice ONE of Berkshires most famous landmarks has been lit up to commemorate the Armistice centenary this weekend. The illumination of Tilehurst Water Tower is one of several commemorative events taking place across the town and can be seen for miles around - including thousands of motorists passing on the nearby M4. Colourful displays, murals, red fairy lights and poppy designs have sprung up across the town over the past two weeks, many of which have been organised by community group Turn Tilehurst Red. The campaign which has also involved many of the areas schools and churches has been gathering momentum ahead of Remembrance Sunday. Today, (Friday) members of the community have created a giant poppy out of 1p and 2p coins near the towns war memorial in the village triangle. Calcot Infant and Junior Schools were thrilled to be invited to Tilehurst Triangle as part of the initiative. Meg Croker, a year six teacher at the West Berkshire school, said: It has been a privilege to be part of such a fantastic community project. We have been working hard in school learning about Armistice Day and are creating our own poppy wreaths. Tilehurst resident Rose Lewis, who runs Daydream Equine Art which specialises in equestrian photography, is one of thousands involved in the community project. The 22-year-old photographed Zavidovici also known as Big Dave as a tribute to the millions of horses killed in the Great War. Born in 1994, Dave served over 20 years in the Household Cavalry and now enjoys a happy retirement in Ufton Nervert with several other ponies. He stood for over an hour while poppies were placed around his neck. The former Theale Green School pupil told the NWN: The whole project has been amazing, not only is it a great way to honour the fallen, it's also been great to see the community spirit. I've walked around parts of Tilehurst I've probably never been down, just to see the amazing displays. It's wonderful to see everyone coming together and when I was up at the Triangle yesterday, people had big smiles across their faces and stopped to chat to one another Ive loved seeing how everyone has come together to mark the centenary and the creativity poppies made from bottles, paper plates, knitted, and there's been some amazing works of art in the local windows and walls. The image is are my tribute to the fallen heroes, this centenary year to both man and animal who gave their lives, for our freedom. Miss Rose is selling prints of two images from the shoot, with proceeds being donated to Help For Heroes. Each print comes unmounted and worldwide shipping is available. An A3 print costs 25, with 15 going to Help for Heroes, while an 8"x 6" print is 10, with 5 donated to the charity. DANBURY Voters across the Danbury area delivered sharp rebukes to incumbent Republican legislators this week by sending a a half-dozen Democrats to upset victories in some districts the party has not won in decades. First-time candidates Julie Kushner and Will Haskell both defeated incumbent Republicans for state Senate districts that Democrats have not won in Danbury since the early 1990s and in Wilton since the early 1970s. Fellow Democrats Ken Gucker and Raghib Allie-Brennan, who have run before, finally broke through to win seats Republicans have held for most, if not all, of the past 20 years. Those flipped seats have helped propel Democrats to control of both chambers of the state legislature breaking the 18-18 tie in the Senate and have turned the traditionally red legislative delegation markedly blue. Although local Republicans dismiss the wins as the spoils from a record turnout in opposition to President Donald Trump, Democrats hope the results add even more momentum to what has been a spate of victories in local Republican strongholds over the past two years. In the end, we were inspired, we were tireless and we were unstoppable, said Danbury Democratic Town Committee Chairwoman Andrea Gartner. Defying history Democrats defied decades of voting history on Tuesday night when they upset a half-dozen incumbents across the legislative delegation. Haskell, a 22-year-old recent Georgetown University graduate, stunned Republicans with his defeat of state Sen. Toni Boucher, who has served in the state legislature as long as Haskell has been alive. Kushner, a retired union organizer in Hartford, defeated Sen. Mike McLachlan, a longtime Danbury GOP leader and former chief of staff to Mayor Mark Boughton. Both Boucher and McLachlan had held their 24th and 26th District seats for a decade and Republicans had preceded them decades before that. The voters have spoken but Im still scratching my head, McLachlan said. Allie-Brennan defeated Republican state Rep. Will Duff in a rematch of their 2016 race for the 2nd District seat in Bethel that has been held by a GOP member for 11 of the past 15 years. Gucker, a Danbury community activist, defeated Republican state Rep. Michael Ferguson for the 138th District. Thats the Republican stronghold seat Boughton won 20 years ago, before he became mayor in 2001, followed by now-Danbury Town Clerk Janice Giegler, who held it for 14 years before being elected to City Hall. Democrat Anne Hughes topped Republican state Rep. Adam Dunsby for the 135th District in Redding, Easton and Weston another seat held almost exclusively by Republicans going back to at least the 1970s. Maria Horn also narrowly defeated incumbent Republican state Rep. Brian Ohler for the 64th District seat in Kent, returning a Democrat to the traditionally blue seat. They join re-elected Democratic state Reps. David Arconti and Bob Godfrey, the deputy speaker pro tempore who is himself an institution after 30 years in the legislature. People want a different vision and I feel like that, here in our part of Connecticut, made a huge difference, Kushner said. Even some of the area Republicans who retained their posts, like Reps. Steve Harding and John Frey, faced stiff competition. Frey held off Democrat Aimee Berger-Girvalo by fewer than 500 votes. Although Harding won easily, Democrat Daniel Pearson received more than 40 percent of the vote just two years after Harding won re-election unopposed. Skeptical Republicans Republicans across the state have bristled at the idea that the Democratic wave that swept state government on Tuesday was a turning point for Connecticut Republicans. Instead, they have argued that the record turnout nationwide and in parts of the state was driven mostly by opposition to the president instead of opposition to local Republicans policies. I think this was really an anti-Trump vote for a lot of people, Boughton said Wednesday morning. It was also a confluence of very well-funded and well-managed campaigns Legislators on both sides of the aisle often praised the legislative delegation for its bipartisanship, and new members said this week they hope to continue the streak. I havent had a chance to really discuss the issues in depth with a lot of my new Democratic colleagues, but it seems like were on the same page regarding what we want for the people of this district and thats whats best, Harding said. It will be up to that entire delegation, especially the new Democrats, to accomplish more for western Connecticut or else that momentum really will stall, Kushner added. We have to do things, we have to get things done that are going to make a difference in peoples lives. she said. We have to take on the tough issues and move forward. News-Times staff members Katrina Koerting, Julia Perkins and Anna Quinn contributed to this report. The man who murdered a dozen people in a California bar on Wednesday night would have had a hard time possessing a legal firearm in Connecticut. Ian David Longs previous run-ins with law enforcement would have likely resulted in an order to seize his firearms, following a local police investigation. In Connecticut, similar cases have resulted in the surrender of thousands of guns under the states 1999 risk warrant law, which allows concerned neighbors and family to provide information to police, who can refer to their database of gun owners and take away weapons. Although California has strict gun laws similar to Connecticut, face-to-face interviews here might have resulted in a rejection of his initial bid for a firearms permit. And in 2013, the extended ammunition clip that Long reportedly used, was made illegal by Connecticut lawmakers. Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean says Long, a decorated former U.S. Marine who served in Afghanistan, first shot a security guard and other staff near the door of the Borderline Bar & Grill, where hundreds of mostly college students were attending country-and-western dance night. He then moved into venue and killed patrons with his Glock handgun, including a sheriffs deputy who rushed to the scene late Wednesday in the city of Thousand Oaks, according to the Associated Press. He then killed himself. News reports indicate that Long has several earlier encounters with police and that his former psychiatrist and parents notified police. In Connecticut, that would have been enough information to force a risk warrant requiring that he surrender his weapons pending testing, according to state officials. There have been 1,750 people whose weapons were taken away since 1999 under the Connecticut risk warrant law, including 213 through October of this year, according to State Police. State Rep. William Tong, D-Stamford, who is the attorney general-elect, said he would like the General Assembly to reconsider legislation that failed in recent years that would allow law enforcement officials to ask to see the permits of people who choose to carry their pistols openly. Its reasonable, said Tong, who takes the oath of office on Jan. 9. He hopes the General Assembly adopts a measure to make sure those with out-of-state gun permits are not recognized in Connecticut. State Rep. Steve Stafstrom, D-Bridgeport, vice chairman of the legislative Judiciary Committee, said Thursday he would like to strengthen the states gun safety laws. While loaded guns are required to be either made safe with a trigger lock or put in a locker, there is no requirement that unloaded handguns be locked. It doesnt take a whole lot of effort to steal, then load an unloaded weapon, Stafstrom said. President Donald Trump has issued a proclamation ordering flags throughout the nation be flown at half-staff in honor of the dozen people murdered Wednesday night in Thousand Oaks, Calif. Governor Dannel P. Malloy announced that in concurrence, state flags will be lowered until Saturday, in memory of the victims. Municipal and corporate flags should also be lowered, Malloy noted. Once again, Americans woke up this morning to news of a tragic senseless shooting, Malloy said. Once again, young people have been taken from their loved ones. And once again, a good guy with a gun tried valiantly to stop the shooter, only to lose his own life. Malloy, who helped put through some of the nations most ambitious gun-safety laws after the 2012 school shootings in Newtown, called for national action to curtail firearms violence. Congressional Republicans inaction and subservience to the NRA have exacerbated the problem of gun violence, Malloy said in an early afternoon statement. I urge the Trump administration and Senate Republicans to work with the new Democratic House majority and enact commonsense gun safety reforms next year. As we have proved in Connecticut, gun laws literally save lives. Connecticuts 2013 gun laws banned the sale or importation of military-style rifles and magazines that hold more than 10 bullets. It requires mandatory background checks and mandates gun permits even for those buying ammunition. My heart mourns for all of the victims of the Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks, California, said Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman. This will be the fifth time I have expressed my heartfelt condolences to victims and their families of mass shootings this year. The list of victims of gun violence has grown exponentially during my time in public service, and the inaction of elected officials at the national level is deafening. Artificial intelligence (AI) may soon be used to detect Alzheimers disease early in the course of disease say researchers. The results of the study were published in the latest issue of the journal Radiology. The researchers from University of California at San Francisco, conducted a small but significant study where they used a self-learning computer programme to look at the brain scans of participants. The computer programme was designed to detect the early signs of neurodegenerative disease - Alzheimers. These features were usually too minute and subtle for human eyes to spot them. Results revealed that the programme could detect signs of Alzheimers disease in 40 patients six years (average 75.8 months) before symptoms of the disease manifested themselves and the disease could be formally diagnosed. The team wrote, There is wide recognition that deep learning may assist in addressing the increasing complexity and volume of imaging data, as well as the varying expertise of trained imaging physicians. The application of machine learning technology to complex patterns of findings, such as those found at functional PET imaging of the brain, is only beginning to be explored. We hypothesized that the deep learning algorithm could detect features or patterns that are not evident on standard clinical review of images and thereby improve the final diagnostic classification of individuals. The deep learning algorithm developed by the team was trained by showing it 2109 F-FDG PET (or fluorine 18 (18F) fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography) scans from 1,002 patients. These PET scans can detect metabolic activities from all parts of the brain by showing uptake of a radioactive glucose compound that is administered by injection into the blood stream. The programme could detect changes in metabolic patterns of usage in the brain that could signal future development of Alzheimers. The algorithm trained itself by looking at these changes in all the scans that it was shown. Once it knew what it was looking for, it could detect all the early cases in the pilot study, the researchers explained. The pilot study was using 40 PET scans from 40 patients whose scans the algorithm had not encountered before. It predicted the early signs of the disease with 100 percent accuracy the team wrote. Dr Jae Ho Sohn, one of the co-authors of the study said, We were very pleased with the algorithm's performance. It was able to predict every single case that advanced to Alzheimer's disease. The team explained that with such early detection, interventions and treatment could also begin early. This could not only slow down the progress of the disease but also halt the progression of degeneration. Dr Carol Routledge, from the charity Alzheimer's Research UK explained that these neurodegenerative disorders usually begin up to two decades before the symptoms appear. This algorithm can help detect the disease early so treatment can start earlier before much damage is done she added. This study highlights the potential of machine learning to assist with the early detection of diseases like Alzheimer's, but the findings will need to be confirmed in much larger groups of people before we can properly assess the power of this approach, she said. According to the latest report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institute of Health's National Cancer Institute (NCI), released yesterday (8th November 2018), cigarette smoking is at its lowest in the United States since 1965. Image Credit: OtmarW / Shutterstock Brian King, senior author of the report and deputy director for research translation at the CDC's Office on Smoking and Health in a statement said, The good news is that cigarette smoking has reached unprecedented lows, which is a tremendous public health win, down to 14 percent from over 40 percent in the mid-1960s. The report shows that in 2017, 19.3 percent Americans (47.4 million individuals) used tobacco in some form or the other. King and other experts agree that this dramatic decline in the numbers is due to the government policies about keeping areas smoke-free and also due to the government policies of raising taxes and prices of tobacco products. The data for this report comes from the National Health Interview Survey that looked at noninstitutionalized U.S. civilian population of 26,742 adults in 2017. Response rates were 53 percent. The team asked the population about use of five types of tobacco products including cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes, snuffs and dips and pipes such as hookahs and water pipes. The report states, During 2016-2017 declines occurred in current use of any tobacco product; any combustible tobacco product, [two or more] tobacco products; cigarettes; and smokeless tobacco. King said there are still 47 million Americans are using some form of tobacco products. He said 14 percent are smoking cigarettes 3.8 percent are smoking cigars, cigarillos or filtered little cigars 2.8 percent are using e-cigarettes 1 percent are using pipes and 2.1 percent are using smokeless tobacco products. Around 4 percent are using two or more tobacco products with the commonest combination being cigarettes and e-cigarettes 24.8 percent men are smoking compared to 14.2 percent women. Smoking was highest (22.5 percent of the whole smoking populations) among individuals aged between 25 and 44 years Smoking rates were least (11 percent) among people aged 65 years and above Smoking rates were highest among Southerners and Midwesterners (20.8% and 23.5%, respectively) Smoking rates were lowest among those in the Northeast and the West (15.6 percent and 15.9 percent, respectively) Use of e-cigarettes has also declined slightly between 2016 and 2017. Highest use is seen among non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Natives closely followed by multiracial, white, and black adults. Tobacco use was higher (2 in 5 individuals) among people with psychological distress compared to those without (1 in 5) CDC Director Robert Redfield, said in a statement, This new all-time low in cigarette smoking among U.S. adults is a tremendous public health accomplishment and it demonstrates the importance of continued proven strategies to reduce smoking. Despite this progress, work remains to reduce the harmful health effects of tobacco use. NCI Director Norman E. Sharpless said in a statement, For more than half a century, cigarette smoking has been the leading cause of cancer mortality in the United States. Eliminating smoking in America would, over time, eliminate about one-third of all cancer deaths. The persistent disparities in adult smoking prevalence described in this report emphasize the need for further research to accelerate reductions in tobacco use among all Americans. FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb also said that these trends of decline in smoking rates were encouraging. He said, We've taken new steps to ultimately render combustible cigarettes minimally or non-addictive and to advance a framework to encourage innovation of potentially less harmful products such as e-cigarettes for adults who still seek access to nicotine, as well as support the development of novel nicotine replacement drug therapies. At the same time we're also working to protect kids from the dangers of tobacco product use, including e-cigarettes. King warned that the declining rates are encouraging but there is also a rise in use of e-cigarettes that needs to be considered. It's critical that we not only modernize our strategies in terms of population but also modernize our interventions to be sure that we are capturing the full diversity of tobacco products that the American public are using, he said. Against this background, the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) is organizing two symposia dealing with microbial risks in food in November 2018: "Food-associated viruses" on 7 November and "Antimicrobial resistance in the food chain" on 8/9 November. "Microbial risks have arrived in public awareness," says BfR President, Professor Dr. Dr. Andreas Hensel. "Our current representative population survey, the BfR Consumer Monitor, showed that 97% of respondents have heard of salmonella in foods and 89% about antimicrobial resistance, with the majority of them stating that they are concerned about these topics. However, everyone is in a position to minimize personal health risks by assuring an adequate level of kitchen hygiene". There has been a clear reduction in the use of antibiotics in animal husbandry in recent years. Resistance rates are decreasing at the same time in many areas of livestock farming, albeit to different degrees and not in all areas. The number of foodborne diseases caused by viruses is increasing continuously. Hepatitis E, for instance, is transmitted via foods produced from infected domestic and wild pigs. Cases of foodborne infections with noroviruses and hepatitis A viruses are also on the rise. To do justice to the growing significance of these viruses, a European Reference Laboratory was set up for foodborne viruses. Even though the detection methods for viruses in foods have improved considerably in recent years, there is still a need for comprehensive research on how these viruses are transmitted and which measures can prevent their spread. There has been a sharp decrease in the use of antibiotics in livestock farming in Germany in recent years. Since 2011, records have been kept of the quantities of antimicrobial veterinary drugs sold to veterinarians. Ever since, these quantities have decreased by 57% from 1706 tonnes (t) in 2011 to around 733 t in 2017 despite a concurrent increase in meat production. There has also been a decrease in the frequency of the treatment of livestock with antibiotics in Germany, as the BfR's VetCAb (Veterinary Consumption of Antibiotics) research programme shows. During the same period, there was a reduction in antimicrobial resistance in several bacteria in the food chain. A study for the period from 2009 to 2016 shows that, with regard to naturally occurring E. coli in chicken and turkey production, the proportion of bacteria resistant to the majority of the antibiotics tested in the study dropped significantly. In particular, active substance classes administered to livestock frequently and/or in large quantities show a diminishing trend both in the quantities used as well as the resistance rates of E. coli. The study also shows, however, that resistance rates are still high in both poultry production chains, meaning that they can still be of considerable significance as a source of resistant bacteria and their resistance genes in humans. No all-clear can be given for the antibiotic group of fluoroquinolones. Resistance to them has risen in some bacterial species. As there has been no clear reverse tendency in the frequency of treatment either, scientists are recommending that a close eye be kept on this trend in future. Resistance to so-called antimicrobials of last resort poses a special challenge to the health system. They are used in human medicine when the efficacy of other antibiotics has already been discounted. An important representative of the antimicrobials of last resort is the polypeptidic antibiotic colistin. Due to an increase in resistance to other substances, the significance of this active substance has been upgraded by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Up to now, however, it has been one of the most commonly used substances in livestock farming. Due to its significance, coordinated measures are required worldwide to restrict the spread of colistin resistance. To this end, the restrictive use of this kind of antimicrobials will be absolutely essential in future. The control of antimicrobial resistance is a key issue for the BfR. In addition to the tasks of the National Reference Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance, as well as numerous research projects, conferences and symposia on antimicrobial resistance, the BfR is also involved in the recording of the use of antibiotics in animal stocks by species. It is endeavoring to estimate the effects in human medicine and to develop and validate concepts to reduce the frequency of resistant bacteria. All of this is being done within the framework of the "One Health" concept in collaboration with experts from the fields of livestock farming, veterinary medicine, biology and human medicine, both in Germany and abroad. In recent years, state authorities all over the world have taken measures to control the spread of antimicrobial resistance. The WHO has initiated the "Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance" and with the German Antimicrobial Resistance Strategy (DART 2020), the national government has developed concepts to reduce antimicrobial resistance. These include the 16th amendment to the German Drug Law of April 2014 which attempts to cover the use of antimicrobial veterinary drugs in livestock fattening businesses in a valid manner. Businesses which use more drugs than comparable businesses must draw up plans and take measures to reduce use. New research from the University of Washington and the University of Massachusetts - Amherst looks at how the most common cause of sneezing and sniffling in North America is likely to shift under climate change. A recent study published in the open-access journal PLOS ONE finds that common ragweed will expand its range northward as the climate warms, reaching places including New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine, while retreating from some current hot spots. "It was surprising that nobody had looked at ragweed distributions in the U.S.: As climate conditions are changing, where will it spread to in the future?" said corresponding author Michael Case, who did the work as a postdoctoral researcher in the UW School of Environmental and Forest Sciences. Ragweed is a native North American plant that thrives in open areas, moving quickly into disturbed areas. It produces copious fine-powder pollen from August to November, causing sneezing, runny noses, irritated eyes, itchy throats and headaches for people with hay fever. Several studies of ragweed's future geographic distribution have been done in Europe, where people are concerned because this invasive species is expanding its range. This is the first study to consider future ragweed distribution in the United States. Case's previous research looks at how climate change may influence the distribution of various species, mainly native trees in the Pacific Northwest. Co-lead author Kristina Stinson, an assistant professor of plant ecology at UMass Amherst, is an expert on ragweed, including mapping allergy hot spots in New England. "One reason we chose to study ragweed is because of its human health implications. Ragweed pollen is the primary allergen culprit for hay fever symptoms in summer and fall in North America, so it affects a lot of people," Stinson said. For the new study, the two authors built a machine learning model using Maxent software that takes some 726 observations of common ragweed in the eastern U.S., drawn from an international biodiversity database, then combines those with climate information to identify conditions that allow the plant to thrive. Researchers next ran the model into the future using temperature and precipitation output from 13 global climate models under two different pathways for future greenhouse gas emissions. The results show that roughly 35 years from now, ragweed is projected to expand northward into places where it has not been documented, including upstate New York, including the Albany area, New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont. While that news may be ominous, knowing the plant is coming may help those communities prepare. "Weed control boards, for example, might include ragweed on their list to keep an eye out and monitor for," Case said. "Historically they might not have been looking for ragweed, but our study suggests maybe they should start looking for it." The study only covers the region east of the Mississippi River because that's where there were enough ragweed observations to run the model. The plant is commonly found in Illinois, Florida and the eastern seaboard from Washington, D.C. to Rhode Island. It is possible that ragweed would also expand its range westward or north into Canada, Case said, but those areas were outside the scope of the study. The study also finds regions where ragweed is prevalent today but will decline substantially in the future, including the southern Appalachian Mountains, central Florida and northeastern Virginia. And knowing that, too, might be useful. "As the climate becomes less suitable, there may be opportunities to try and displace ragweed. Maybe that is the silver lining -- that there are some opportunities for those communities to actually get some headway on mitigating or even eradicating this species," Case said. Models show an overall surge in ragweed in the eastern U.S. by the 2050s followed by a slight overall contraction from the 2050s to the 2070s, as temperature and precipitation become more variable. "It is kind of an interesting case study of climate change effects: It's not all bad, it's not all good," Case said. "We don't have a lot of models like this that tell us where individual species may go under different scenarios," Stinson said. "Ecologists are working on doing this type of study for more species, but there are not always enough data points from around the world; individual species data are rare. But ragweed happens to be quite abundant, which made this study feasible." KE Eye Centers of Texas is the first in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex to provide a new solution for patients with moderate to high levels of myopia and astigmatism in one simple procedure, following FDA approval of STAAR Surgical's Visian Toric ICL. The Visian Toric ICL is an additive technology, in which a lens is placed behind the iris and in front of the eye's crystalline lens to correct vision. This method works with the eye to not only restore clear and sharp vision, but also provide UV protection and excellent night vision. The Visian Toric ICL eliminates multiple surgical procedures by correcting astigmatism and myopia simultaneously. In a procedure that takes less than 30 minutes, Visian Toric ICL lets doctors treat more patients with astigmatism and myopia while preserving the corneal structure of the eye. "FDA's approval of STAAR's Visian Toric ICL provides an exciting treatment option for myopic patients with astigmatism in search of visual freedom. We are pleased to partner with KE Eye Centers, who will be among the first practices in Texas to offer this technology to their patients," said Jim Francese, Sr. Vice President Commercial Operations of STAAR Surgical. FDA approval was based on results from the Visian Toric ICL clinical study which reported 98.4% of patients would have the Visian Toric ICL surgery again. "As one of the more experienced Visian ICL surgeons in the Metroplex, I am excited to see the addition of Visian Toric ICL to my options for patients. At KE Eye Centers of Texas, we provide a personalized option for each patient to achieve the freedom from glasses and contact lenses, said Dr. Loan Ramsey, of KE Eye Centers. The BRAIN Initiative has awarded $16.75 million to a team of neuroscientists charged with deciphering the primary visual cortex, a few hundred million brain cells that play a key role in making sense of what the eye sees. This region is part of the brain's cerebral cortex, the wrinkly outer layer of the mammalian brain responsible for our most sophisticated activities -- our faculty of thought. Understanding the brain's visual system thus represents a crucial step toward understanding how the brain itself gives rise to its most complex capabilities. This five-year award, administered by the National Institutes of Health, will support a cross-disciplinary effort that brings together theoretical neuroscientists, who develop mathematical models of the brain, and experimental neuroscientists, who study the brain directly. This world-class consortium of scientists from labs across Columbia and the United States hopes their work can serve as a paradigm for mapping other brain structures, thus bringing us closer to a true, detailed understanding of the brain. "One of the key questions in neuroscience is: How does the brain take in information from the eyes and use it to interpret and navigate the outside world?" said Kenneth Miller, PhD, a theoretical neuroscientist at Columbia's Zuckerman Institute and the co-lead investigator on the project. "With the BRAIN Initiative's enthusiastic support, we can now begin to answer this powerful question, while also setting the stage for future investigations into the brain." This new funding is one of just 11 awards to universities nationwide given by the BRAIN Initiative's Team-Research BRAIN Circuit U19 program, created to fund exceptional teams addressing major questions in neuroscience. Dr. Miller will codirect, along with Massimo Scanziani, PhD, from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), a stellar group of scientists with expertise in fields ranging from physics and statistics to molecular biology and cellular imaging. Zuckerman Institute Principal Investigators Larry Abbott, PhD, and Liam Paninski, PhD, as well as Brent Doiron, PhD, from the University of Pittsburgh, and Misha Tsodyks, PhD, from the Weizmann Institute of Science and a regular visitor to Columbia, will join Dr. Miller as the team's theoretical neuroscientists. They will work closely with Dr. Scanziani; Hillel Adesnik, PhD, and Na Ji, PhD, from the University of California, Berkeley; and Long Cai, PhD, from Caltech. As experimental neuroscientists, this second set of researchers will bring expertise in electrophysiology, imaging and molecular biology. Together, the team will focus on a region of the cerebral cortex in mice called the primary visual cortex, or V1. The primary visual cortex is the first stage of cerebral cortical processing of visual information. It kickstarts the process of interpreting information sent from the eyes. Often considered to be a model system for understanding the rest of the cerebral cortex, V1 is one of the most-studied cortical regions. But while previous work has revealed much about how V1 processes simple images, such as lines or dashes, far less is known about how it interprets the complex scenes we see every day in the world around us. Overcoming this gap in knowledge requires a true partnership between theoretical and experimental neuroscience, says Dr. Miller. The last five years have seen an explosion in abilities of experimentalists and data analysts alike. For example, it is now possible to classify V1 cells based on differing molecular signatures. Researchers can also observe how these cells connect to each other, as well as how large numbers of cells respond to visual stimuli. And while theorists have made significant progress in understanding how brain circuits produce the responses observed in the brain, they have yet to tackle these mechanisms in rich detail. This team grant will allow them to do so. "Our progress will be iterative; we will develop models to make sense of the newest data, and our experimentalists will then test those models," said Dr. Miller, who is also professor of neuroscience at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. "Over time, we should be able to rapidly improve V1 models so that they more closely resemble the biological brain. "Today we can use cutting-edge technologies, unthinkable even a few years ago, to probe and perturb the brain with unsurpassed precision," said project codirector Dr. Scanziani, who is a professor of physiology and Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator at UCSF. "With the data obtained from our experiments, theoretical neuroscientists can constrain their models and make predictions that will motivate and guide future experiments. Ultimately, we hope to develop models so realistic that they will not only reproduce what we see in the lab, but will also provide explanatory power beyond what we can currently test experimentally." This combined research approach also has implications beyond V1, due to similarities between V1 and other parts of the cerebral cortex. "The cerebral cortex, the central hub of mammalian intelligence, developed from a basic circuit that appears to have been replicated, with some modifications, again and again to create different cortical regions devoted to different things, from vision and hearing to language and working memory," said Dr. Miller. "After deciphering V1, or even segments of V1, scientists should be able to use that knowledge as a model for mapping the rest of the cerebral cortex -- gaining insight into the underlying mechanisms behind the brain's most impressive abilities." The Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies, or BRAIN Initiative, was announced in 2013 by President Barack Obama to accelerate and revolutionize the understanding of the human brain. The BRAIN Initiative has supported scientists from across the United States to develop innovative tools and technologies that explore the brain's inner-workings. Women who take part in breast screening have a significantly greater benefit from treatments than those who are not screened, according to a study of more than 50,000 women, led in the UK by Queen Mary University of London. The research, using data from Sweden, finds that women who chose to participate in an organized breast cancer screening program had a 60 per cent lower risk of dying from breast cancer within 10 years after diagnosis, and a 47 per cent lower risk of dying from breast cancer within 20 years after diagnosis. The authors say that this benefit occurs because screening detects cancers at an earlier stage, meaning that they respond much better to treatment. The study was co-authored and funded by the American Cancer Society and appears in the American Cancer Society's peer-review journal Cancer. In the UK, mammography screening is offered to all women aged 50-70 through the NHS Breast Screening Program, with participation rates averaging more than 70 per cent but varying dramatically across the country, with lower rates in poorer, inner-city areas. Senior author Professor Stephen Duffy from Queen Mary University of London said: "Recent improvements in treatments have led to reduced deaths from breast cancer. However, these new results demonstrate the vital role that screening also has to play, giving women a much greater benefit from modern treatments. We need to ensure that participation in breast screening programs improves, especially in socio-economically deprived areas." The study involved 52,438 women aged 40 to 69 years in the county of Dalarna, Sweden, during 39 years of the screening era (1977-2015). All patients received stage-specific treatment according to the latest national guidelines, irrespective of the mode of detection. The investigators, led by Laszlo Tabar, M.D., of Falun Central Hospital in Sweden, used a new method to improve the evaluation of the impact of organized mammography screening on death from breast cancer, by calculating the annual incidence of breast cancers causing death within 10 years and within 20 years after breast cancer diagnosis. Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute scientists have shown that mutations in specific genes that destroy motor neurons and thereby cause the devastating effects of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-- also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease -- also attack sensory neurons. The discovery in today's (Thursday, Nov. 8) Scientific Reports indicates that studying sensory neurons could provide new mechanistic insights to prevent, slow, or even reverse ALS. VTCRI scientists examined sensory neurons in cell cultures and in mice with ALS-causing mutant genes. They found that sensory neurons' axons exhibit similar pathological changes found in motor neurons afflicted with ALS. "Similar to motor neurons, ALS-inducing factors first affect the ending of sensory neurons axons, the site where they form synapses with other cells, and then the rest of the axon falls apart," said Gregorio Valdez, an associate professor with the VTCRI and a faculty member in the Department of Biological Sciences in the College of Science at Virginia Tech. "Because sensory neurons are relatively easy to work with in a dish, in stark contrast to motor neurons, they are an attractive neuronal population for discovering and testing molecules to treat ALS." ALS has no cure and most individuals with the disease die within three to five years from when symptoms first appear, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). "We're closer to understanding where the problem starts within a given cell, and especially neurons, in ALS," Valdez said. "However, we need to understand the reason such cells succumb to ALS-inducing factors. It is also important to develop and optimize assays to test molecules with the potential of preventing neurons from giving in to ALS-inducing factors. Our findings show that sensory neurons could serve both purposes." In practice, motor neurons and sensory neurons work together. Sensory neurons constantly relay information, directly and indirectly, to motor neurons. This information could be about temperature, touch and the contractile status of skeletal muscles. "In essence, we now have a high-content and high-throughput assay using sensory neurons in a dish to look for molecules that could prevent ALS-related pathology," Valdez said. Valdez is the senior and corresponding author of the study. First author is Sydney Vaughn, a student in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health graduate program at Virginia Tech and a research associate in the Valdez lab. Source: https://vtnews.vt.edu/articles/2018/11/las-vtcri-1108.html Scientists at the University of Sussex have developed a piece of hardware to demonstrate how our brains function, as part of a growing range of equipment which uses DIY and 3D printable models to open up access to science education. Professor of Neuroscience, Tom Baden, has been working with colleagues to build Spikeling; a piece of electronic kit which behaves similarly to neurons in the brain. Understanding how neurons encode and compute information is a central part of neuroscience but until now, opportunities for hands-on experience has been scarce. But for just 25, Professor Baden may have found a way to make the process of learning neuroscience much more interactive. Spikeling simulates how nerve cells in the brain compute information, with receptors that react to external stimuli like light. Students can then follow the activity of the brain cells and their underlying mechanisms live on a computer screen. Multiple Spikelings can be linked together to form a network, showing how brain neurons interconnect; allowing scientists to demonstrate the behaviour behind every day actions like walking. Professor Baden said: "Spikeling is a useful piece of kit for anyone teaching neuroscience because it allows us to demonstrate how neurons work in a more interactive way." Professor Baden and his team hope that Spikeling will become a useful teaching tool in neuroscience and the kit is already being put into practice, with the teaching of third year Neuroscience students at the University of Sussex, and at a summer school in Nigeria in 2017 where scientists were also taught how to build the hardware from scratch. Spikeling is the latest in a line of equipment developed by Professor Baden, who also recently developed designs for a 3D printable microscope called FlyPi, which can be set up with a basic unit for 100 Euros (compared to commercial microscopes costing thousands of dollars) and a pipette. All have been made available openly with the design for Spikeling published on open access journal PLOS Biology. Professor Baden explained: "With all parts being cheap, and design files being free and open, we hope that like any open Hardware design, Spikeling can be a starting point for others to change or extend it to their requirements, and reshare their improved design with the community." This is sharing of design files is a growing trend with hundreds of designs from the global community constantly collected on the PLOS Open Hardware toolkit, co-moderated by Professor Baden. The overall aim for Baden's lab, is to level the playing field in global science where equipment is otherwise expensive. Andre Maia Chagas, a Research Technician in the lab, recently wrote an article advocating the need for open scientific hardware. Also published in PLOS Biology, the article was a response to a piece by American neuroscientist Eve Marder which questioned whether researchers in less wealth institutions may be left behind as the equipment needed to perform scientific research becomes ever more expensive. Professor Baden said: "By making access to scientific and teaching equipment free and open, researchers and educators can take the future into their own hands. In time, we hope that this type of work will contribute to level the playing field across the globe, such that ideas, not funding can be the primary driver for success and new insights". Sexually active teenagers who were offered rapid, confidential chlamydia testing and same-day treatment at college mostly did not take up the offer, largely due to ignorance about the risks. Only 10-13% of students in three London-based further education colleges responded to messages inviting them for on-site testing. But in those who were tested, high rates of chlamydia were discovered, with one in twenty testing positive. Interviews conducted by the researchers suggested the very low uptake was associated with a lack of knowledge about sexually transmitted infections, as well as students not feeling they were at risk, or being embarrassed about testing. Students commented: "I don't know anything, to be honest" or "I haven't been taught anything." Researchers at St George's, University of London and at King's College, London conducted a feasibility sexual health trial over one academic year in 500 students attending six London-based further education colleges. They were using 'test and treat' technology, offering 90-minute chlamydia tests and same day on-site treatment. Professor Pippa Oakeshott, who led the trial, said: "We were surprised and disappointed by the levels of uptake in teenagers. Sexually active teenagers are at much higher risk of infections than older adults but often know very little about STIs. They urgently need better sex education. In addition the closure of sexual health clinics, coupled with the new policy of relying on postal testing, is creating a perfect storm for vulnerable young teenagers. It's now even harder for young people to access testing, treatment and contraception. Teenagers must be helped to realize that they are at risk." Source: https://www.sgul.ac.uk/news/news-archive/better-sex-education-urgently-needed-for-at-risk-teenagers-researchers-say Mr Cheung (centre) meets Director of Member Services & Promotion Branch of the International Social Security Association (ISSA) Graham Minton (right), and Head of the ISSAs Office of the Secretary General Jens Schremmer. Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung has met senior representatives of several international organisations in Geneva to keep them updated on Hong Kong's latest developments. Mr Cheung met Director-General of the International Labour Organization Guy Ryder to brief him on Hong Kong's efforts to boost benefits and support for employees. The initiatives include proposals to abolish the offsetting arrangement under the Mandatory Provident Fund Scheme, extending maternity leave and strengthening protection for grassroot employees and those injured at work. Mr Cheung said the current-term Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is committed to enhancing staff benefits, adding it will strike a balance between the interests of employers and employees. He also met Director of Member Services & Promotion Branch of the International Social Security Association (ISSA) Graham Minton, and Head of the ISSA's Office of the Secretary General Jens Schremmer to discuss setting up and managing an effective social security system. During the meeting, Mr Cheung outlined Hong Kong's support for the under-privileged. He said the HKSAR Government has all along been committed to improving people's livelihood, with social welfare expenditure rising 86% over the past six years. A range of initiatives were announced in the Policy Address this year to support families and alleviate poverty, he added. In a meeting with World Health Organization Assistant Director-General and Chef de Cabinet Bernhard Schwartlander, Mr Cheung stressed the HKSAR Government would continue to maintain close ties with the WHO in enhancing co-operation and exchanges on public health issues. In order to meet the increasing demand for healthcare services arising from an ageing population, he said the HKSAR Government has already planned for the necessary healthcare infrastructure and has set aside a total of $500 billion for these purposes. 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 The Bible has been under attack in the western world for over 200 years but never more intensely than today. These attacks have taken different forms and have come from many different corners of the academic world, from philosophers, to scientists, to textual critics. In the specialized world of archaeology the attacks have increased dramatically in the past 50 years. Once a specialization filled with Bible believing individuals, the field of archaeology is now overrun with atheists and skeptics, agnostics and those committed to the destruction of the Bible as a source of true historical information. These attacks on the Bible are a part of a sweeping movement in western culture. Spearheaded by academic elitists in the university and the public educational system, the news and popular media, and the entertainment industry, these revisionists cloak themselves with supposed objectivity, purity of motives, and the superiority of science over the "uninformed", "unscientific", religious community. They regularly mock those who question their world-view and their conclusions by name-calling and the worst forms of anti-Bible and anti-Christian propaganda. They have powerfully infected the church by turning Bible believing Christians against the very Scripture which is the foundation of truth and life in this world. Instead of contending for the Bible, Christian academics, pastors, and lay-persons are making egregious accommodations to these destroyers of faith and truth. In these days of intense spiritual battle, God has called ABR to step into the gap to contend for the truth and to assist the church in this critical hour. ABR is a non-profit ministry dedicated to demonstrating the historical reliability of the Bible and to give answers to questions being asked by believers and non-believers alike. We do this by using original archaeological fieldwork and research along with studies in other apologetic disciplines. We take on the bold claims of skeptics and critics. We challenge the bizarre anti-biblical propaganda that is purveyed upon the public as gospel through television and print media. We uphold the gospel of Jesus Christ, which is God's message for the salvation of all mankind! New Delhi: The Assembly elections in Chhattisgarh turned into a battle of eloquence between Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi as both leaders hurled vocal bombs at each other during their rallies in Kanker and Baster, respectively. While rejuvenated Rahul Gandhi scratched the demonetisation wounds to attack Modi, the latter used his oratory skills to launch a counter-offensive against the Congress chief. Addressing a public rally in Kanker, the Gandhi scion reminded people of tough demonetisation days when they had to stand in long queues outside ATMs for hours to withdraw cash. All of you were standing in long queues during demonetisation but not one black money holder was seen. Also, Nirav Modi, Vijay Mallya, Lalit Modi and Mehul Choksi ran away from the country with your money," Gandhi said. Also Read | Narendra Modi in Bastar LIVE: Why is Congress backing urban Maoists who live in AC? He raked up another major issue of alleged irregularities in the Rafale fighter jets deal and accused the Modi government of working at the behest of industrialist Anil Ambani. "PM Modi had gifted a Rs 30,000 crore deal to industrialist Anil Ambani. The Modi government decided to change the prices of the Rafale fighter jets from Rs 526 crore per jet (decided by UPA govt) to Rs 1,600 crore per jet. The govt also snatched away the deal from HAL to hand it over to the Ambanis." Hours after Rahul Gandhis Kanker rally, Modi also addressed a gathering in Jagdalpur, the headquarters of Naxal-hit Bastar district in poll-bound Chhattisgarh. The prime minister started his address with what he is best known for, selling dreams of development and a better future. He took on the Congress party and its silver-spooned chief, accusing them of supporting urban-Naxals and insulting Adivasis. "Every corner of this region is a way for development today. This is because both the state and the central government have always worked together. Did anyone ever think that people would be able to fly to Delhi and back from Jagdalpur? Did anyone think that Bastar would have its own medical college and university?" Modi said. Also Read | Rahul Gandhi in Chhattisgarh LIVE: Congress chief attacks PM Modi over demonetisation Modi said that while the BJP has given special attention to the lower strata of the society, the Congress party has done nothing for them except making fun of the tribal population. "Dalits, backward classes and poor are a treasure for the Congress party. It is because of BJP's thinking that the lower strata of the society is given special attention and brought to the level of others. However, the Congress would make fun of the tribal population," The prime minister alleged that the Congress party lived by lies and has no future. Congress does not have any future. The party that lives by lies does not have a place on Earth. Our only mantra is development, their work is only lying," he added. Mumbai: Domestic benchmark indices ended on a negative note after a choppy session Friday amid weak global cues as the US Fed hinted at a rate hike next month. The 30-share Sensex fell 79.13 points, or 0.22 per cent, to close at 35,158.55. The broader NSE Nifty lost 13.20 points, or 0.12 per cent, to end at 10,585.20. According to analysts, market was range-bound due to weak global cues. Investors are also awaiting Consumer Price Index (CPI) data Monday, which is expected to come down slightly due to recent cut in fuel taxes and fall in oil prices. Also Read | PM Modi accepts Maldives President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's invitation to attend swearing-in ceremony Additionally, upcoming state elections will be a key trigger to monitor while fall in crude oil prices and bond yields along with appreciation in rupee will provide support to the market, they added. In the Sensex pack, Bharti Airtel was the biggest loser, falling 2.45 per cent, after Moodys Investors Service placed the companys rating on review for downgrade following low levels of profitability and expectation of weak cash flow. Among top losers that dragged down key indices were Infosys, TCS, Reliance, SBI, Tata Steel and ITC, falling up to 2.15 per cent. On the other hand, Yes Bank was the top gainer on Sensex, rallying 5.49 per cent, followed by Asian Paints, Adani Ports, Sun Pharma, Hero MotoCorp, HUL and Maruti, rising up to 3.79 per cent. Read More | Did you know the real life star connect that lawless 'Mirzapur' has with Purvanchal? Mid and small-cap shares outperformed larger peers as the BSE MidCap and SmallCap indices rose nearly 1 per cent each. Shares of aviation companies gained due to softening of crude oil prices. InterGlobe Aviation and SpiceJet stocks rose up to 3 per cent. Scrips of oil marketing companies like HPCL, BPCL and Oil India also rallied up to 4.70 per cent. Brent crude oil futures breached the USD 70 per barrel mark and were trading 1.08 per cent lower at USD 69.90. Elsewhere in Asia, Shanghai Composite ended 1.39 per cent lower, while Hang Seng Index fell 2.39 per cent and Japans Nikkei closed 1.05 per cent down. In Europe, DAX was down 0.49 per cent and STOXX50E rose 0.69 per cent. For all the Latest Business News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Superstar Rajinikanth Friday lashed out at the AIADMK in Tamil Nadu for protesting against Vijay starrer 'Sarkar', questioning the rationale behind protesting against a film certified by the Censor Board. "It is against the law to hold protests seeking removal of some scenes from a Censor board certified film and trying to stall the screening and damaging the banners," he tweeted. ALSO READ | Delhi Pollution: NDMC sprinkles water on roads as air quality falls to severe "I strongly condemn these," he added. Earlier, members of different wings of the AIADMK staged protests against 'Sarkar' for its reported reference to former chief minister J Jayalalithaa, besides the alleged depiction of certain government schemes in bad light. The demonstrations were held in front of cinema halls under the leadership of party legislator A Anbalagan. The protesters demanded immediate stopping of the movie's screening. The protesters tore posters and banners of the movie at cinema halls during their protest. The makers of 'Sarkar' had agreed to remove "objectionable" scenes and "mute" an apparent reference to the late J Jayalalithaa, an industry body said Thursday, as the movie faced a backlash from the ruling AIADMK over depiction of its welfare schemes and its leader. The AIADMK was up in arms against 'Sarkar' with senior AIADMK ministers demanding deletion of the contentious scenes, besides threatening to initiate legal action if the film crew failed to comply. ALSO READ | IIT-Roorkee scientists develop nano-material that destroys cancer cells Law Minister C Ve Shanmugham said certain scenes amounted to inciting violence and warned of action. 'Sarkar,' produced by Sun Pictures, stars Vijay and Keerthi Suresh in key roles, and was released on November 6. It is directed by AR Murugadoss and has music by Oscar winner AR Rahman. (With PTI inputs) New Delhi: Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Director Alok Verma appeared before the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) on Friday in connection with an inquiry into corruption charges levelled against him. Verma appeared before the panel headed by Central Vigilance Commissioner KV Chowdary and comprising Vigilance Commissioners Sharad Kumar and TM Bhasin among others, officials said, without citing any other details. The Supreme Court had given a two-week deadline to the CVC on October 26 to complete its inquiry into allegations levelled by CBI special director Rakesh Asthana against his boss and CBI chief Alok Verma. Read More | India to take part in non-official meeting with Taliban today Verma had also on Thursday met Chowdary and Kumar in connection with the inquiry. However, he refused to be examined as one of the commissioners, TM Bhasin, was not present in the office, which meant the inquiry was postponed till Friday. The CVC recorded the statement of Hyderabad-based businessman Sana Satish Babu on Wednesday, said officials familiar with the matter. Sana Satish Babus examination is crucial. He was first called on Tuesday by the CVC and his examination continued on Deepavali day as well, and well into Thursday, said an official as quoted by Hindustan Times. According to special director Asthana, Sana Satish Babu paid a bribe of Rs 2 crore to save himself from CBI action in the Moin Qureshi case. CBI was probing meat exporter Qureshi on charges of extortion. The case against Qureshi was being investigated by a special investigation team under the supervision of Rakesh Asthana. Also Read | KGF trailer to be launched at a massive event in Bengaluru today The government had sent Verma on leave on October 24 following the controversy and had appointed Nageshwar Rao as the interim chief with immediate effect. Special director Rakesh Asthana was also sent on leave. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: India on Friday will be part of the non-official level meeting held by Russia on Afghanistan. In the Moscow-format meeting, representatives of the Afghan Taliban radical movement will also be present. We are aware that the Russian Federation is hosting a meeting in Moscow on 9 November on Afghanistan. Our participation at the meeting will be at the non-official level, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar told reporters on Thursday. Last week, the Russian Foreign Ministry had confirmed the participation of Taliban in the meeting. This is the first time India will be part of a meeting with the Afghan Taliban. Also Read | Blinded by Trumps whim, US sanctions on Iran may send developing economies in a tailspin India has been a strong supporter of the peace and reconciliation efforts in Afghanistan to restore peace, stability, and prosperity in the war-torn country. Kumar, however, asserted that such efforts should be made with the complete control of the Afghanistan government. Indias consistent policy has been that such efforts should be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, and Afghan-controlled and with participation of the government of Afghanistan, he said. Besides India, Russian had also sent invitations to Iran, China, Pakistan, the US, and some other countries to take part in the meeting. Earlier this year, Russia had proposed a similar meeting on September 4. However, the meeting was called off at the last moment by Afghanistan government citing Talibans rejection to the message of peace and direct negotiations. Also Read | India at the UN supports lifting of US sanctions against Cuba The participation of India came after the intensive talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Both India and Russia had extended their support to the Afghanistan governments efforts to preserve peace and stability in the country. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Ahead of the 269th birth anniversary of 18th Century Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan, Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy sparked off row with his decision to stay away from the official celebrations in Bengaluru Saturday, November 10, 2018. While the state government's declaration to celebrate Tipu Jayanti was a tight slap on the face of communal forces, the absence of CM Kumaraswamy's name on the invitation card led to heated debates across Karnataka. According to a statement, issued by the Chief Minister's Office, in the view of doctors advice, Kumaraswamy will take three days rest and is not going to attend any official ceremony till November 11. In situations like this, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday accused the Congress-JDS government of "duplicity" and "pseudo secularism" and said, "The absence of Mr Kumaraswamy from the Tipu birth anniversary celebrations exposes the duplicity and the pseudo secularism of the ruling alliance". Read | What is 'Sarkar' film controversy? Why four scenes deleted from Tamil action flick? The name of HD Kumaraswamy "was not even printed" on the invitation card for the birth centenary function in state capital Bengaluru. "He has no ideals, he just wants to be in power," State BJP spokesperson S Prakash said. For long, the BJP has opposed the Karnataka government celebrating the birth anniversary of Tipu Sultan, saying "the annual event is a gimmick to appease the Muslim community". While people in Karnataka consider Tipu Sultan a valiant freedom fighter and a divisive figure in the history of the state, for BJP and other right-wing groups, he was nothing but a tyrant leader, who allegedly demolished temples and churches during his tenure. The BJP, which has urged the Congress-JDS coalition government to drop the plan to celebrate Tipu Jayanti, is gearing up to stage agitations across Karnataka, including Bengaluru, Mysore and Kodagu among others. Read | This is how former Indian opener reacted to Virat Kohli's 'leave India' comment In the wake of this raging controversies, security has been tightened across Karnataka and Section 144 has been imposed at several places including Kodagu, Hubli and Dharwad cities from 6 am on November 10 to 7 am on November 11. Kumaraswamy has also given direction to police officers to take care of the common men. However, the BJP leaders said the protests will be peaceful and it has nothing to do with communal violence as they honour the Muslim people for their sacrifice for the nation. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accepted Maldives President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's invitation to attend the swearing-in ceremony on November 17, Raveesh Kumar, the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), said on Friday. Solih, 56, had earlier extended the invitation during a phone call by Modi, after Solihs victory in the September 23 presidential elections. Solih, the opposition Maldivian Democratic Partys candidate, had emerged victorious over President Abdulla Yameen in the election held in September 23. Modi had also invited Solih to visit India which the president-elect had accepted the invitation. Indias relations with the Maldives came under strain after President Yameen declared Emergency in the country on February 5, following an order by the countrys Supreme Court to release a group of Opposition leaders, who had been convicted in widely criticised trials. New Delhi had criticised the Yameen government for the imposition of the Emergency and urged it to restore the credibility of the electoral and political process by releasing political prisoners. The Emergency was lifted 45 days later. (With PTI inputs) For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: China on Friday unveiled worlds first artificial intelligence (AI) news anchor at the ongoing fifth World Internet Conference in east Chinas Zhejiang province. The first English speaking AI news anchor was jointly developed by Xinhua, a Chinese state-run news agency and the search engine company, Sogou.com. World's first #AI news anchor debuts, jointly developed by Xinhua and Chinese search engine company https://t.co/34tyZ4nwrg. https://t.co/2omcc5K9rB pic.twitter.com/qXn5Z3ZkxL China Xinhua News (@XHNews) November 8, 2018 The AI news anchors appearance and voice are said to be modelled on Zhang Zhao, a news anchor of Xinhua. He learns from live broadcasting videos by himself and can read texts as naturally as a professional news anchor, state-run Xinhua news agency reported on Thursday. Also Read | Facing credibility crisis, CBI to organise Art of Living workshop for staff to enhance competency, positivity' According to Xinhua, introducing an AI news anchor aims to reduce the news production costs and improve efficiency. The development of the media industry calls for continuous innovations and deep integration with the international advanced technologies. I will work tirelessly to keep you informed as texts will typed into my system uninterrupted, AI news anchor said in a video. According to curators, he (AI news anchor) has become a member of its reporting team and can work 24 hours a day on its official website and various social media platforms, reducing news production costs and improving efficiency. In 2015, Chinas Shanghai Dragon TV had employed a robot as a weather reporter on its live breakfast show, which evoked concerns among Chinese television anchors that in near future machines may threaten their jobs. (With PTI inputs) For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. In my last blog post, I described our teachers colleges as the weakest link in our education system, explained why and said that nothing would change unless the states take a very strong role in strengthening them. In this post, Ill have a little more to say about that last part. One could argue that our schools of education are as weak as they are because, rather than exercising the kind of leadership they should have exercised, they have chosen instead to retreat within their shell. Or one could argue that they are the prisoners of the environment they find themselves in and cannot change that without help from the state. I am in the latter camp. Let me count the ways. Years ago, when I was the staff director for the Carnegie Task Force on Teaching as a Profession, it was obvious to me that the schools of education could and should be raising their standards for admission to get better teachers for our schools. I set up a series of appointments with the deans of some of the most highly regarded schools of education that prepare teachers in the country. One by one, they told me that they had tried to raise their standards of admission. The problem, it turned out, was not their own faculty. Their faculties had agreed to raise their admissions standards, even though they knew that might lead to lower enrollments. Their faculties knew that they were at the bottom of the universitys status hierarchy, and they knew the only way to gain status was for their school to gain a reputation as hard to get into. But, in every case, they were foiled by the arts and sciences faculties who were afraid that, if the education school raised its standards, many of the arts and sciences departments would have fewer students, because many of their students were enrolled in the education school. Just as the school of education has a low status within the university, universities that have schools of education, especially those that train teachers, often come to feel that they would be regarded as more prestigious institutions if they got rid of their school of education. Over my professional lifetime, I have known several universities that have done just that and none that have added a school of education. So it turns out that schools of education are often not allowed to do what is necessary to raise their status within the university by raising their standards but can be jettisoned for having low standards. Talk about you cant win for losing! Of course, raising the standards for our teachers colleges would require better faculty and more time in the same sort of heavily supported practicum experience for aspiring teachers that the doctors have during their medical education. Both of these things are very expensive. But teachers are the largest single profession in the United States. The education and training of teachers is a big business in the United States. Most of it takes place in state universities (many of them former normal schools) and in small private institutions. Many of these universities not only count on the revenue from teacher training to support a large proportion of their faculty, physical plant and overhead staff, but they actually expect the teacher education program to generate a surplus that the university can use to support other operations. Hence, the use of the phrase cash cow to describe their financial function in the university. This of course, means that the dean is expected to run the school of education on a bare bones budget. So, once again, even if the faculty of the school of education is willing to raise standards at the risk of reduced enrollments, the university is not willing to give them that option if it will cost more money and evaporate the current surplus, which of course it will. If the school of education has a customer, it is probably the superintendents of schools of the districts who employ its graduates. One often hears complaints about those graduates from those superintendents, but my observation is that those superintendents go back to the same sources of new teachers year after year after year and they seem to be quite comfortable hiring those graduates. The big districts long ago learned what to expect from the schools of education from whom they hire most of their new teachers and have adjusted their expectations and operations accordingly. If I were the dean and faculty of the school of education, I would conclude that there would be substantial risk in changing my formula very much. This should not surprise us. Once again, if the schools of education were to do what needs to be done to raise the quality of their graduates, their enrollments might well decline unless they could point to districts willing to pay substantially more to more highly qualified graduates. My guess is that there are few if any such districts. So, if I were the dean of an education school, I could be forgiven for thinking that, were I to raise admission standards, improve the experience, hire a more qualified professoriate and extend the time required to complete the program, I would be committing institutional suicide. And now we get to the accreditation process. Most states generally grant to schools of education the right to award to their graduates what amounts to a provisional license to teach, so long as they have completed a program of education approved by the state. Programs are generally approved if they have been accredited by an association of schools of education approved for that purpose by the U.S. Department of Education. Thus, the keyhole through which a person must pass to become a teacher is a process controlled by the schools of education themselves. Thus, the standards used to determine virtually all the important characteristics of teacher education are the characteristics already possessed by the majority of institutions offering teacher education. When courageous accreditation heads have tried to use their position to raise standards substantially, they have typically had their heads handed to them by those of their members who know they could not meet higher standards. In many such industries, the institutions see it as in their interest to limit the number of institutions offering an approved program because limiting the supply allows them to drive up the price of both attending the institution and of the labor of the graduates. If you are interested in driving up quality, this is a virtuous circle. If the number of highly trained professionals is limited in relation to demand, the price of their labor goes up. If the price of their labor is high, many top high school graduates will apply. If the number of schools offering a program of preparation for that profession is kept small by stiff accreditation requirements, then they will be able to charge high tuition rates. The additional resources will enable them to hire a first-rate faculty, build very attractive physical facilities and turn out highly qualified professionals who go on to make a lot of money and endow their alma maters with generous gifts. None of thisnot one whit of itdescribes the modern teachers college. While accreditation in the virtuous circle I just described serves to keep standards high, accreditation in the education arena does just the opposite. Instead, it serves to keep standards down. The institutions currently offering teacher education can hardly be expected to embrace, never mind develop, standards for accreditation that would put many of them out of business. In many other countries, the content of teacher education is heavily and directly regulated by the state to align policy on teacher education with policy on elementary and secondary education. But there is very strong tradition of academic freedom in the United States that flows from a desire to let the professoriate, not the state, determine what is taught and how it is taught. The state interest in the quality and content of instruction is dealt with by requiring that the universities organize associations for the purpose of accrediting programs and institutions that meet industry standards. This works very well for professions that have a strong economic interest in using high standards to limit supply, but, as just explained, far less well for professions that are not able to limit supply. In most states, the government has the power to approve or disapprove the programs of the schools of education, but, in practice, the state simply approves all programs that have been accredited by an approved accrediting association. There is one big problem left that is so far undiscussed: the way the whole system of teacher preparation is governed. The problem is the separation almost everywhere in this country between the governance of the schools and the governance of higher education. In countries with very strong education systems, for example, teachers colleges are expected to teach prospective teachers how to teach the state-required curriculum in the schools. But there is no such requirement in most or perhaps all of our states. There is very weak regulation of teacher college programs overall and hardly any links between state policy on elementary and secondary education and policy that would affect the quality of preparation or the people who will teach in the states schools. Neither can change the quality of teachers without the other, but there is no mechanism for concerted joint action. One might have supposed that, although the forces acting on the deans and faculties of our schools of education operate to keep standards low and deprive the schools of education of the incentives and resources needed to up their game, that the state, having a strong interest in raising the quality of its teachers, would offset the forces keeping the schools of education on their time-honored course. But that is not true. It turns out that the state is mainly sitting on the sidelines, watching the show. So what, you ask, could the state do? Recall that the statemost states, anywayhave the legal authority to approve or disapprove the programs of their teacher education programs. Well, let me give you an example of what one country with comparable authority did with it. In the 1970s, Finland, with a population about the size of that of North Carolina, had close to 40 teacher education institutions. It shut them all down and opened eight new ones in its research universities. The Ministry of Education told the research universities what characteristics these new programs needed to have. Like many European universities, the basic degree in Finland, comparable to our bachelors degree program, was a three-year program. The Ministry required the new teacher preparation programs to combine a three-program with a two-year masters degree program. The new programs would have to be research-based and would have to give Finnish teachers the skills they would need to do their own research. The programs in these schools of education would have to be structured to give the teachers a deep background in the subjects they would teach and the curriculum described in the Finnish curriculum frameworks. Many Finnish school teachers now have doctorates. They are superbly educated. Teachers top the list of professionals young Finns would like to marry. The key to this story is simple. When the Finns decided to restrict the right to offer teacher preparation to their research universities, they instituted a very high threshold in their teacher quality system. Only those students who had the high school academic standing to get into their research universities could get into teaching. What is surprising about this is that not only did the applications from poorly prepared students plummet, which was to be expected, but the applications from very well-prepared students soared. Raising the admission standards made teaching much more attractive to highly qualified high school graduates. The Finnish story is not unique. A growing number of other countries have raised their standards for getting into teacher preparation programs by limiting the right to offer such programs to highly selective institutions. In most of these countries, teacher education is controlled by the ministry of education, which ensures close alignment between the policies and practices affecting teacher education and those affecting the schools. In Singapore, with a population about the size of the typical American state, there is just one teacher education institution, located in one of Singapores premier research institutions. It prepares all of Singapores teachers and school administrators in a program that is informed by and synchronized with that countrys policies for primary and secondary education. I have good friends among the deans of schools of education in universities well known in their statebut not so much outside itwho have spent much of their lives trying to greatly raise the quality of their graduates. They are typically very lonely people. The weak link in our countrys education system does not have to be weak. But the system cannot and will not fix itself. All the forces now at work will keep it from doing that. Only an outside intervention, in the form of deliberate, far-sighted and comprehensive policies promulgated by governors, the heads of state higher education commissions and chief state school officers working together can do what needs to be done. IT consulting and research firm Information Services Group posted flat returns in the third quarter, but demand is growing for its digital services, the company reported this week. Revenues for the Stamford-based company totaled $68 million, about the same as a year ago. Profits came to $4 million, compared with $1.4 million a year ago. The bottom line reflected a reversal of $3.6 million in tax accruals. Our go-digital strategy is working. Were responding to client demand with continued investments in this area, Chairman and CEO Michael Connors said on an earnings call Friday. Moving workloads to the cloud and automating business processes are two of the most important business transformations for our clients. Digital solutions accounted for more than 40 percent of revenues. Among recent milestones, the company launched a blockchain service intended to help improve the efficiency and security of business processes. We expect our blockchain business to evolve over time, Connors said. As with automation, ISG is entering the arena now to create use cases with clients, in preparation for when this technology becomes even more mainstream over the next few years. Digital services underpinned revenue growth of 20 percent in Europe, with particularly strong increases in Germany, France and the Nordic countries, according to the company. Revenues fell in the Americas due to delays in network services and declines in business from municipal and state-government clients. I think the issue with the public sector is weve seen the uncertainty and slowness in decisions across the market for this year and including the quarter, especially during the election cycle, Connors said. Our hope is that in 2019 we will see a rebound in the public sector. ISG served 430 clients in the past quarter. Its partners included Exelon, Caterpillar, Humana, Entergy, Bell Canada and AIG. In May, ISG opened an 18,000-square-foot headquarters at 2187 Atlantic St., in the Harbor Point neighborhood of the citys South End. Worldwide, ISG employs approximately 1,300, including about 500 at its Global Operations Center in Bangalore, India. It also maintains offices in Guildford, England; Paris; and Frankfurt. ISG shares closed Friday at $4.10, about flat compared with their Thursday finish. pschott@scni.com; 203-964-2236; twitter: @paulschott Imelda Marcos, the widow of Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos, has been found guilty of graft and is facing arrest and a jail term of at least six-years. The incumbent lawmaker -- known for her collection of more than 1,000 pairs of shoes -- was found guilty of seven counts of graft for allegedly maintaining Swiss accounts as a Cabinet member during her husband's rule, the country's anti-corruption court decided on Friday. Marcos plans to appeal the ruling. The court's decision came 27 years after the case was first filed. Marcos, 89, faces imprisonment of between six and 11 years for each count of graft -- the second time she's been convicted out of dozens of cases filed against the family. She was first convicted by the anti-graft court in 1993, seven years after the popular revolution that ousted her husband and sent the family to exile in Hawaii. In 1998, the Supreme Court acquitted Imelda from allegations that she entered anomalous contracts during her husband's term, reversing the anti-court's ruling. She can also elevate this latest case before the top court and post bail. Her lawyer is studying the decision "and has advised us that he intends to file a motion for reconsideration," Marcos said in a statement. The Marcos family is a known supporter of President Rodrigo Duterte. The Philippine leader had said that he wants to be succeeded by the late dictator's son, Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, who has a pending electoral protest after losing the vice-presidential vote in 2016. Duterte also has the power to pardon Marcos after a final court ruling. "While we note that there are still legal remedies available to Congresswoman Marcos, this latest development underscores that our country currently has a working and impartial justice system," Duterte's spokesman Salvador Panelo said in a statement. Duterte had been accused of targeting his enemies, including Senator Leila de Lima who's been in jail since last year. The Supreme Court in June junked a case that alleged the Marcos widow accumulated ill-gotten wealth. Friday's decision bars the former first lady from any public office unless she pursues an appeal with the top court. Imelda Marcos returned to the Philippines in 1991, during the administration of Corazon Aquino, to face more than 100 criminal and civil cases on charges that she and her husband siphoned off $5 billion-to-$10 billion and committed human rights violations during the 20-year dictatorship. Instead, she and two children -- Bongbong and Imee -- were later elected to office. Bongbong became a senator in 2010. Imelda and her children have always denied any wrongdoing. Those who know Joseph LaNoce can attest to his deepest passion: food. Its a labor of love, said LaNoce of why he pursued a career as an executive chef. LaNoces more than 40 years in the food industry first with Saks Fifth Avenue and later in the film industry have contributed to his recipe for success in the field. When you make food for someone, it makes them happy, LaNoce said. What Im doing is something (others) love and appreciate. Its all about making people happy. The chef recently left the film industry to open LaNoces Gourmet Market & Catering at 28 Merryall Road in New Milford. With his culinary expertise, (Joe) and his staff have created a wonderful market of homemade foods and desserts that remind you of a New York City deli and pizzeria, said New Milford Mayor Pete Bass. LaNoce said having driven past the building every day for nearly 20 years and seeing other businesses go in and out, now seemed like the right time to bring his expertise to the community. Lets do this, LaNoce said his wife, Jean Marie, said of launching the business. She designed the interior of the market, complete with a wall-to-wall blackboard that showcases the markets offerings. A wood kitchen table, said to have belonged to a customers grandmother and used in each of the prior deli/markets housed there, is the focal point in the reception area, a nod to the buildings past. The table is where many of the regulars, like resident Bill Cipolla, sit as they sip their morning coffee while waiting for an egg sandwich or pastry. Everything they do there is top shelf, said Cipolla of the markets fare. Free coffee is available for all first responders and active or retired military personnel. The market offers a variety of prepared foods. Everything is made on site, from the smoking of meats right down to the grinding of meat for meatballs. The staff bakes bread, and makes salads, soups and sauces from scratch. Cake and pastries are also made fresh daily. Blue plate specials are available Mondays through Fridays. They include meatloaf, pasta, fish, and the slow roasting of turkey, brisket, pork or chicken. The food is wonderfulits all so delicious, said resident Sue DeLucia, who added that she eats there almost every day, not only for the food, but because of the warm environment and friendly staff. His egg sandwich and home fries are out of this world, DeLucia said. And the pork tenderloin. Food is made with the best ingredients LaNoce can find, he said. I only make would I would eat. I taste food for a living, LaNoce said. I have to make sure its absolutely perfect. He planned the kitchen designed and built for chefs to work in, according to LaNoce. I have the best equipment to do any job and make any kind of food. Five retired chefs who are award winning, have worked in New York City establishments, and studied pastries in Austria work alongside LaNoce. Combined, they have more than 160 years in the industry. In addition, John Macchaverna of New Milford, is an apprentice, having served alongside LaNoce for the past two years. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, Macchaverna said. Its been life changing. I came here without a path and (LaNoce) took him under his wing. The market also has a mobile kitchen, suitable for off-site needs. Award-winning director and restauranteur Bob Giraldi, of Giraldi Productions, said he looks forward to (Joes) fabulous truck filled with the most delicious seasonal cuisine heavily influenced by his Neapolitan roots. Hes comfortable serving stars, star chefs and crew all are the same; especially at the end of the meal when everyone shares the same respect and admiration, he said. It doesnt get much better than Joe. Jack Noone, a television commercial executive producer from New York who has worked with LaNoce several times, said two things come to mind when he thinks of LaNoce: commitment to the product and commitment to service. He said LaNoce is clearly passionate about cooking and that comes through in the quality, taste and presentation of his food. For more information, call the 28 Merryall Road market at 860-350-0407 or visit https://lanocesgourmetmarket.com/home. WASHINGTON - Protesters gathered outside the home of Fox News host Tucker Carlson in Washington on Wednesday evening, calling him racist and chanting "we know where you sleep at night," the latest in a string of similar episodes in which prominent conservatives have been aggressively confronted in their private lives. Carlson, who is often denounced by liberal critics for his rhetoric about immigrants and minorities, was not home at the time, at about 6:30 p.m., and nor were his children. But his wife was there, and according to Carlson, she locked herself in the pantry and called 911 out of fear of a home invasion. "Tucker Carlson, we are outside your home," one person can be heard saying in a video of the incident that was posted to social media and has since been deleted. The person accuses Carlson of "promoting hate" and "an ideology that has led to thousands of people dying." The protesters were scattering by the time police arrived. No one was arrested and the confrontation, which is thought to have involved about 20 people, is being investigated as a suspected hate crime, according to a police report. Smash Racism DC, the anti-fascist group that helped organize the protest, was unapologetic Thursday, writing on Facebook: "Fascists are vulnerable. Confront them at their homes!" In the post, which has since been deleted, the group said Carlson and other conservative pundits, along with President Donald Trump, have fanned hatred and created an atmosphere that encourages political violence such as the recent mass shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue, an argument Trump and his allies have rejected. "Fascist pundits who promote violence deserve no peace," it said on Facebook. In June, amid national debate over the separation of migrant children from their parents at the southern U.S. border, Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen was heckled as she ate at a Mexican restaurant in the District of Columbia. In September, in an episode Smash Racism DC also helped organize, protesters shouted Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and his wife out of an upscale restaurant, castigating the lawmaker for supporting the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. The confrontations have drawn criticism from figures across much of the political spectrum and provided grist for Republicans who have characterized the left as an angry mob. Carlson was at his desk at Fox News when he received multiple text messages from neighbors about a commotion outside his home. "I called my wife," Carlson told The Washington Post. "She had been in the kitchen alone getting ready to go to dinner and she heard pounding on the front door and screaming. . . . Someone started throwing himself against the front door and actually cracked the front door." The police report does not mention damage to the front door. It says Carlson's wife "retreated to a room in the rear of her home" after hearing loud banging and pounding on the door. Officers found an anarchy symbol spray-painted on the driveway, according to the police report. The report describes the incident as a suspected hate crime with "anti-political" bias. Police have stepped up their presence in the neighborhood as they continue investigating the incident, spokesman Dustin Sternbeck said. Carlson said the protesters had blocked off both ends of his street and carried signs that listed his home address. A woman was also overheard in one of the deleted videos saying she wanted to "bring a pipe bomb" to his house, he said. "It wasn't a protest. It was a threat," Carlson said. "They weren't protesting anything specific that I had said. They weren't asking me to change anything. They weren't protesting a policy or advocating for legislation. . . . They were threatening me and my family and telling me to leave my own neighborhood in the city that I grew up in." One of the protesters told The Post the group did not intend to be violent and did not attempt to break into Carlson's home. The protester, who spoke on the condition of anonymity out of fear of retaliation, said that the group wanted to make Carlson uncomfortable. "The reason for this tactic is to bring the pain that is felt every day among marginalized people who have been victim of right-wing politics to Tucker and make it personal," the protester said. "He has explicitly made far-right politics go mainstream. That is what he has done with his television show and platform." The person said the group did not plan to protest in front of Carlson's home in the dark, but failed to account for last weekend's daylight saving time change. He said Trump and others on the right consistently describe protests by anyone on the left as violent and out of control, whatever the facts - so the group is unconcerned if their more extreme tactics make Democrats look bad. Carlson's home address, as well as the addresses of his brother and good friend Neil Patel, with whom he co-founded the conservative media site the Daily Caller, were shared in tweets from Smash Racism DC's account after the protest. On Twitter, Smash Racism DC also accused Carlson of spreading "fear into our homes" every night, taking particular issue with his comments about the caravan of migrants who are traveling through Mexico on their way to the United States. "Tonight you're reminded that we have a voice," a now-deleted tweet from the group read. "Tonight, we remind you that you are not safe either." Following backlash and news reports, Twitter deleted the tweets and suspended the group's account early Thursday morning. The Facebook video was also taken down, but the group's page is still up. The "doxing" of Carlson - the revealing of his personal information on the Internet - and the subsequent protest at his home prompted widespread condemnation from a range of news and media figures. Fox News senior political analyst Brit Hume decried it as "revolting, and frightening." S.E. Cupp, a CNN host, wrote on Twitter that the activists' actions were "not OK," adding, "Don't do this." Washington Post columnist Max Boot, who has been critical of Carlson, also spoke out. "I think Tucker is a terrible influence on modern America but that doesn't justify harassing him at home," Boot tweeted. "Go high, not low." #StartupStory sponsored by #StartupStory: Meet robotic nurse Abby The Embassy of Israel in South Africa recently announced Johannesburg-based entrepreneur Josh Lasker, founding partner of robotic nurse 'Abby' (formerly known as Healthinator ) as the winner of the local Start Jerusalem Competition 2018. Josh Lasker His prize is an intense, all-expense-paid, five-day experience in the startup nation of Israel, during the annual Start Jerusalem conference taking place 11-17 November 2018. Winning founders from across the globe will be joined by local Israeli entrepreneurs to participate in lectures, workshops and meetings with Israeli investors and professionals, and will have the opportunity to meet the coolest and smartest companies, techies, investors, designers, artists, scientists, and cultural drivers from Israel and abroad. Abby is an automated health-screening kiosk that can do 12 health checks in less than two minutes, printing a ticket with your results in comparison to normal values and/or sending these to a secure web portal on your phone. She can be used to monitor wellness, track improvements or setbacks and provide personalised feedback on your health-related queries, and can measure the following: Height Weight Blood pressure Body fat percentage Body mass index (BMI) Metabolic age Total body water Daily caloric intake (DCI) Basal metabolic rate (BMR) Pulse Standard body weight Fat-free mass I asked Lasker more about the thinking behind this innovative medical technology and what this opportunity means to him... and Abby. How did you come up with the idea to create a self-service health kiosk or robotic nurse; and its name Abby? How did you come up with the idea to create a self-service health kiosk or robotic nurse; and its name Abby? His prize is an intense, all-expense-paid, five-day experience in the startup nation of Israel, during the annual Start Jerusalem conference taking place 11-17 November 2018.Winning founders from across the globe will be joined by local Israeli entrepreneurs to participate in lectures, workshops and meetings with Israeli investors and professionals, and will have the opportunity to meet the coolest and smartest companies, techies, investors, designers, artists, scientists, and cultural drivers from Israel and abroad.Abby is an automated health-screening kiosk that can do 12 health checks in less than two minutes, printing a ticket with your results in comparison to normal values and/or sending these to a secure web portal on your phone. She can be used to monitor wellness, track improvements or setbacks and provide personalised feedback on your health-related queries, and can measure the following:I asked Lasker more about the thinking behind this innovative medical technology and what this opportunity means to him... and Abby. When and why did you get started? When and why did you get started? Describe the model; how the product/service works. Describe the model; how the product/service works. Next steps; plans to scale? Next steps; plans to scale? When and where its being rolled out? When and where its being rolled out? How do you define your social impact and how do you measure it? How do you define your social impact and how do you measure it? Being Entrepreneurship Month, comment on the current state of entrepreneurship in South Africa, and your experience of starting up in the local context (opportunities / barriers). Being Entrepreneurship Month, comment on the current state of entrepreneurship in South Africa, and your experience of starting up in the local context (opportunities / barriers). What does this recognition mean to you and for the business? What does this recognition mean to you and for the business? Other proudest achievements to date? Other proudest achievements to date? What are you most looking forward to with regard to your Israel trip to Start Jerusalem 2018? What are you most looking forward to with regard to your Israel trip to Start Jerusalem 2018? Jessica Tennant's articles About Jessica Tennant Jess is Senior Editor: Marketing & Media at Bizcommunity.com. She is also a contributing writer. Jess is Senior Editor: Marketing & Media at Bizcommunity.com. She is also a contributing writer. moc.ytinummoczib@swengnitekram Abby has been developed over the last couple of years to get to where it is now as an FDA and CE approved health device. The idea stemmed from realising the need to educate the public about their health on a regular basis, and in an easy-to-understand manner. The name represents going from A to B,taking the next small step in wellness.We got started with Abby in 2018, which is a combination of previous models and prototypes that we toyed with over the last few years.Why we are on this journey is to combat the rising obesity epidemic and create value and economic opportunities for all our stakeholders.Abby is a free-to-use health station that requires no human intervention in the measurement process.The next step is to make Abby available and accessible to all South Africans as a start, following a roll out into suitable African countries.It is being rolled out in government and private organisations, as well as major retail locations that will be announced in 2019.Obesity and non-communicable diseases are rising at uncontrollable rates. The costs of these lifestyle diseases are threatening to tear down global healthcare systems. Our mission is to prevent these lifestyle diseases and the associated costs that go with them.We are able to measure the impact with data we collect and analyse. By allowing people to monitor and track multiple health measurements in a simple two-minute process, we are providing the knowledge and data needed in order to change unhealthy behaviours.Entrepreneurship in South Africa is tough at the moment. There are macroeconomic forces that are not in our favour. That being said, hardship always breeds the best entrepreneurs because people are in an environment where they are forced to think about viable solutions to real problems.Winning the competition has been great publicity for Abby. It also gives us reassurance that we are on the right track as a health tech startup. The amount of positive feedback has been overwhelming and the future looks bright for Abby.We were selected to go and showcase Abby and pitch to an international jury of investors at ITU Telecom World 2018 in Durban, in September this year. I was invited to talk about the internet of medical things (IoMT) at the recent Health Innovation Summit Africa hosted at Gallagher Convention Centre. We were also represented at the Fourth Industrial Revolution Summit last month as a guest speaker.Falafel. ADCAN is a UK/USA-based competition run annually for unsigned filmmakers around the world. Filmmakers Ben Kaufman (Producer) and Peter Jones (Director), recently walked off with a category win and the Grand Prix award at this year's ADCAN competition held in Los Angeles for their film for the Royal Society of Public Health (RSPH) and their Young Health Movement charity.Ben is originally from Zimbabwe, and Peter from Cape Town. They met in 2007 while both studying film at AFDA in Cape Town. Before this ADCAN project, they last worked together in 2010. Peter has been living and working as an editor in London for eight years, whilst continuing to work on writing and directing projects on the side. Peter was also a category winner last year at ADCAN. Ben is a creative and client facing producer possessing seven years' experience in over 100 television commercials, several of which have received awards. He was ranked as the top producer in South Africa for 2016 and 2017 by The Loerie Awards.ADCAN is a UK/USA-based competition run annually for unsigned filmmakers around the world to create a 30-60 second film for partnered charities of the competition. Short-listed filmmakers get the chance to go to LA for mentoring and a series of workshops with some of the best talent the industry have to offer including Mark Romanek and KK Barrett, as well as the awards ceremony with various categories. The films from the competition are then used worldwide for the charities. For example, one of the winning films at ADCAN for the charity 'Springster' will be used at taxi ranks in South Africa."Just being involved is such a great and worthwhile experience working on a project for a good cause. For us to have won the Grand Prix this year is very special, the prize is a commissioned piece of work for AirBnb and their Open Homes project, which offers homes to those affected by disasters, conflict, illness. This will happen 2019, so another project for good," says Peter.The Young Health Movement charity is all about disseminating information to young people about maintaining health and well-being, and this film tackles the need for youth to develop a positive relationship with social media. On top of the ADCAN exposure, the film has also been reviewed on David Reviews, a well-respected Advertising Industry page in the UK. Read the 5-Star review HERE."It is very humbling to have won the Grand Prix. I hope that the film makes a difference in helping and educating youth about how they use social media. The experience from the competition has been invaluable, and along with pursuing commercial opportunities in London, I am looking forward to ending 2018 strong," says Ben.Watch the film here: https://adcan.com/gallery/films/health-jones Find out more about Peter and Ben here: Ultra-high voltage energy grids are needed for efficient power transmission across large distances. A 100 mile (160 km) power line at 765 kilovolt carrying 1000 MW of power can have losses of 1.1% to 0.5%. A 345-kilovolt line carrying the same load across the same distance has losses of 4.2%. Chinas 1.1 megavolt line can have power losses that 10 to 20 times less than 345 kilovolt lines. 1.1 megavolt transformer ABB helped create the 1.1 megavolt transformers and key equipment for worlds first 1,100 kilovolt (kV) project in China. When fully operational the UHVDC link will be capable of transporting 12,000 megawatts of electricity over a distance of 3,000 km from the Xinjiang region in the Northwest, to Anhui province in eastern China. This vast amount of electricity is equivalent to twice the average annual power consumption of Switzerland. Asia Super-grid Chinas State Grid company switched on its first million-volt alternating current line in 2009 and the worlds inaugural 800,000-volt direct current line in 2010. State Grid is now by far the worlds biggest builder of these lines. By the end of 2017, 21 ultra-high-voltage lines had been completed in the country, with four more under construction. If the world wants to move energy around on a continental scale then ultra-high voltage grids are needed. Chinas high voltage grid will be nearly 23,000 miles long. It will be able to deliver about 150 gigawatts of electricity. This is roughly the output of 150 nuclear reactors. At the end of 2017, China had invested least 400 billion yuan ($57 billion) into the projects. In September, China said it will sign off on 12 new ultra-high-voltage projects by the end of 2019. In a study published in Nature in 2016, Clack found that using high-voltage direct-current lines to integrate the US grid could cut electricity emissions to 80% below 1990 levels within 15 years. Chairman Zhenya served as Chairman and CEO of China State Grid (the worlds largest electric utility) from 2004 to 2016 and currently serves as Chairman of Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organization (GEIDCO) and Chairman of the China Electricity Council (CEC). Zhenya has described how China plans to connect China and Asia with a massive ultra-high voltage energy grid. State Grid has signed a deal with Korea Electric Power, Japans Softbank, and Russian power company Rosseti to collaborate on the development of a Northeast Asian supergrid connecting those nations and Mongolia. Feasibility studies show that grid connections between Mongolia, China, Korea, and Japan, as well as a route between Russia and Japan, are both technically and economically feasible. China could place coal or nuclear power generation in the Gobi desert and then transmit the power to Korea, Japan and the coastal areas of China. Natural gas power could be generated by Russia in Siberia and transmitted to other countries in Asia. Massive solar and wind farms could also be built in Mongolia and Siberia. Less than half of the ultra-high-voltage lines built or planned to date in China are intended to transmit electricity from renewable sources, according to a late-2017. State Grids main target markets are in poor countries where fossil-fuel plants dominate and Chinese companies are busy building hundreds of new coal plants. So theres little reason to expect that any ultra-high-voltage lines built there would primarily carry energy from renewable sources anytime soon. Marlin, the startup behind a blockchain-oriented protocol for scaling distributed ledgers while preserving user privacy, is pleased to pre-announce the launch of its product at the Genesis C.A.T. Meetup, held in Moscow, Russia, on November 6, 2018. After a series of successful simulations and benchmarking in the testnet stage, Marlin is about to announce the protocol and roadmap in Moscow, with the whitepaper being made public on November 5. Marlins solution can be easily integrated with existing blockchain networks, dApps, and protocols to provide faster peer-to-peer (P2P) communication, reduce latency to 100ms, and boost the throughput of public blockchains by 500 times over and above existing scaling solutions. The Marlin Protocol includes several features, such as scalable low-latency multicast, network-layer anonymity, and high resiliency with reduced bandwidth consumption to support an efficient network layer aimed at the decentralized ecosystem. The product can transform distributed ledgers and dApps by making them faster and more reliable while ensuring a higher degree of privacy, especially thanks to several key protocol components, like probabilistic forwarding or dandelion routing. While the protocol has no limits in the use cases, streaming and gaming dApps will be among the top gainers, as the Marlin solution offers dynamic traffic steering, forward error correction (FEC), and path conditioning functionalities. These features, along with Proof-of-Availability and Proof-of-Bandwidth check make sure that the network is reliable and secure for data operations. Developers might achieve the mentioned benefits with any blockchain or dApp by integrating the Marlin Protocol, which doesnt constitute a complex procedure. The Marlin ecosystem will be fueled by its blockchain-based, token, with the ticker LIN. The token will be used to pay for Marlins network services, participate in governance, and make security deposits to deter malice. Marlin hasnt announced any public token sale yet but has pledged to keep the community informed about any relevant updates. Despite having a 10-member team, Marlin can be already referred to as an international project, given that its members spread across Singapore, San Francisco, and Shanghai. The startup has several strategic partners and investors. The project evolved from a CDN product developed at a competition organized at the Stanford University, which Pratyaksh Sharma, currently Marlins Chief Technology Officer (CTO), and his team won by developing a blockchain solution from scratch. Soon, the developers realized that the protocol could be further deployed for more general and widescale usage. Now the Marlin team, led by former Zilliqa Core Developer Siddhartha Dutta, is guided by a team of advisors comprised of world-class experts in P2P networks, including Ethan Fast co-founder of NEX and City of Zion, MIT Professor Hari Balakrishnan, and venture capitalist Prabhakar Reddy. Marlin CMO Dean Pappas commented: Decentralized applications need a different network layer. A lot of these different blockchains when they talk about how theyre going to get faster transactions, almost all of them are talking about having a better consensus algorithm or some off-chain mechanism. But most of them are not addressing the [main] problem, which is the fragmented network layer that underlies all P2P systems. So, this is the rockstar team in the space of networking, and they have identified that there is a whole suite of technologies that are not being applied uniformly as a protocol. The idea now with Marlin, which started with the CDN, is to go one layer deeper and use the underlying techniques to speed up all kinds of P2P systems including blockchains themselves to have multiplicative effects over other existing scaling solutions, he added. About Marlin Marlin is the startup behind a blockchain-based networking protocol that addresses several problems in the decentralized web, including scalability and privacy. The team comprises of world-class experts who have previously worked with large-scale distributed systems at Zilliqa, Microsoft, Adobe, Facebook, Pinterest, MIT, and ETH Zurich. For more information about the Marlin protocol, visit the official website https://www.marlin.pro/, and the whitepaper https://www.docdroid.net/JQ6N8iu/marlin-whitepaper.pdf Jacob G. Padron, newly named artistic director of Long Wharf Theatre, doesnt start until Feb. 1. But hes already gushing enthusiasm and thinking a lot about his plans for the theater. In a Nov. 8 phone interview after he was named, Padron expressed joy, gratitude and a little fear about doing right by the theater, audiences and community. Padron replaces Gordon Edelstein, who was fired in January after multiple allegations of sexual harassment were reported in The New York Times. New York resident Padron, 38, will return to live in the Elm City, where he attended Yale School of Drama and ran the Yale Cabaret for a season. I lived in New Haven from 2005-2008 and Im looking forward to getting back. As for that year at the Cabaret, It was actually the 40th anniversary of the theater, of creating bold experiments in the basement (at Park Street), he said. We actually wanted to commit the 40th anniversary season to all new work. So Ive always had a passion for how do we make space for new stories and new storytellers. In a release when Padron was named to the position, Laura Pappano, chair of LWTs Board of Trustees said, He comes to Long Wharf Theatre at an ideal moment as we refresh and reset the theater for a new era, one that respects the past but also seizes on the role theater can have in public life. Jacob accentuates all the best things Long Wharf has always stood for, including a passion for new work, and a dedication to nurturing talent. In the same release, Padron said, The American theater has a powerful promise to deliver on: It can be a space to hold all our stories. Padron has made a reputation for new work and diversity at The Public Theater, Steppenwolf Theatre and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. But not all of Long Wharfs future work will be brand new. Im actually excited about how new work can be in conversation with classic plays..., he said. We can breathe new life into existing texts in imaginative and surprising ways. So I think that new work sort of sitting side by side with existing texts ... is really exciting. And I think thats also part of the legacy and DNA of the company, so how do we fortify that legacy but also how do we expand it? Padron has already begun to discuss with LWT staff how we can go on a new journey that launches Long Wharf into a boundary-breaking future together. Because thats the conversation the American theater is having right now. We are really wrestling with what it means to make theater today and how the stage is in conversation with the world. Padron, who hails from Gilroy, California (the garlic capital of the world and hes allergic to garlic, he laughs), comes from a family that puts a premium on service. He spent time volunteering with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, providing care for those living with HIV/AIDS in North Carolina, and he considered social work as a career. Now, he says, I think on its best days, theater absolutely is a catalyst for social movement and social justice. So that certainly animates my thinking as we think about the work of the theater. And that doesnt mean that its separate from artistic excellence; that doesnt mean its separate from actually creating really amazing plays and new work and musicals. Long Wharf officials noted that Padron is an artistic producer by training, which differs from previous artistic directors, who were directors. But hes also a theatrical generalist, they said, comfortable with looking at budgets and marketing and fundraising as much as scripts. I feel like, as a producer, you have to have comfort with all of those areas, he said. And I actually really love that. Padron created the Sol Project a few years ago to amplify Latin voices in theater and began working with Charise Castro-Smith to produce El Huracan, which recently completed its run at Yale Rep to solid reviews. But ... when I started to talk with people about this idea (the Sol Project), a lot of people said no. A lot of people didnt think it could happen, said Padron. But I think it just goes to show that we are in a moment as a country but also as a field (where) the American theater wants to be more responsive, wants to be more inclusive. So I think being able to articulate a compelling vision for the future ... is what got people excited. Asked about plays hes proudest of for their acceptance by actors and audience, Padron said, Ive worked on over 100 new plays ... over 10 years of being a producer ... but the one that comes to mind is the play that I worked on with Tarell Alvin McCraney, who is the Academy Award-winning playwright and my classmate from Yale. ... I was the dramaturg on his play Head of Passes, which premiered at Steppenwolf and then we brought it to The Public Theater. The extended time with that play allowed Padron to see how all of us came together and really wrapped our arms around this production because we knew we were in the presence of greatness. We knew we were in the presence of something that felt really special. ... It was a play about family and forgiveness and what it means to be deeply human and deeply flawed. And I think because of my relationship with Tarell, because he is an artist that I continue to believe in and continue to champion, I think that that was one of those seminal, memorable sort of productions. jamarante@nhregister.com; @Joeammo on Twitter NORTH HAVEN Joseph Erardi, the consultant leading North Havens search for a new superintendent, said the town has proved attractive to potential candidates; he shared an update on the process with the Board of Education Thursday evening. The district has received 27 completed applications for the position, Erardi said a mix of superintendents and administrators from four states. I sit here certain that the hiring committee has their next superintendent , said Erardi. Erardi also recounted the results of hundreds of conversations and surveys compiled from faculty, staff and community members. This has really been a pleasure getting to know North Haven, meeting the faculty, meeting the staff, meeting the parents, said Erardi. The listening tour, on my end, (was) from very caring folks and I think that serves this community well. He said the North Haven community prioritized communication, strategic thinking, caring, genuineness, capability, clarity around budget and finance, a belief in empowerment within the district and evidence-based decision-making as skills they seek in a new superintendent. When it comes to character traits, the community is seeking a person of impeccable integrity and honesty and someone who is forward-thinking and trusting. Reported strengths of the district include: the preparedness of those graduating from the town schools, the community understanding of what makes for good schools, staff and the regular revision of curriculum. If it was said once, it was said 200 times how proud this town is of those who call themselves a North Haven public school graduate, said Erardi. This community believes that if a student starts and ends in this town, they are not only prepared they are ready to launch. Challenges include maintaining the strength of the district in the face of potential financial stress and balancing instruction and testing. (Theres) real concern about how to stretch dollars real concern about that, said Erardi. In conversations, residents also sought a visible, patient, articulate, and confident leader who would focus on children and stick around for a number of years, Erardi said. Board of Education Chairman Anita Anderson said the group wanted Erardi to present publicly and meet with stakeholders as part of its emphasis on transparency and openness. As a Board of Ed., the hiring of a superintendent is one of the most important things if not the most important that we do, said Anderson. We just wanted to make it public, and (let) the teachers and the administrators, the parents, business owners (know) what were doing and what the process is. The board hiring committee will begin interviewing candidates in the next few days, Erardi said. The pool will then be winnowed down, with the aim of settling on a final candidate by the second week of December. Superintendent Robert Cronin, who announced his intention to retire earlier this year, will step away Jan. 1. william.lambert@hearstmediact.com ALBANY New York's Department of Health has rescinded regulations that sought to ban flavored e-cigarettes and liquids after industry insiders raised concerns over their legality. The regulations, published Wednesday in the State Register, proposed a ban on the possession, manufacture, distribution or sale of flavored e-cigarette liquid or products across the state, in an effort to curb youth consumption of the products, which have risen to epidemic levels in recent years, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Once published, they would have gone through a 60-day public comment period, at which point the state health department would be free to enact the regulations. But less than 24 hours after the regulations were published, the department rescinded them. Richard Azzopardi, a spokesman for Gov. Andrew Cuomo, said that was because the health department wanted to do one more round of legal review on the regulations and plans to refile them shortly. "As the governor previously said, he's very concerned about the rise in youth e-cigarette use and this administration is looking to do everything it can to curb this emerging public health issue," he said. Vaping advocates said the regulations were rescinded because they wouldn't withstand legal scrutiny, and expressed doubt that amended regulations would either. "If it's a proper legal review, they will never see the light of day again," said Gregory Conley, president of the American Vaping Association, a nonprofit advocacy group. He said the regulations were an attempted end-run around similar, failed legislation that's come before the state Legislature for several years now. The most recent bill, sponsored by Democrat Linda Rosenthal in the Assembly and Republican Kemp Hannon in the Senate, proposed a ban on the sale and distribution of flavored e-liquid for use in e-cigarettes. But it's languished in the committee process of both chambers. Conley said the proposed health department regulations likely constitute executive overreach because they usurp the lawmaking power of the Legislature. He pointed to the 1987 case of Boreali vs. Axelrod, in which the state Supreme Court decided New York's Public Health Council could not ban smoking indoors not because tobacco smoke wasn't bad, but because the authority to ban it lay with the Legislature. "There's been a flavor ban before the Legislature in New York," Conley said. "They haven't acted on it. There was no directive from the Legislature to the department saying, enact a ban or shut down vape shops. They clearly didn't engage experts on this." Michael Frennier, president of the New York State Vaping Association, said the lobbyist for his trade association reached out to the governor's office after the regulations were published to express concerns over their legality. A ban on flavored products, he said, would be devastating to the nearly 700 vape shops around the state and their 2,700 employees. "Ninety-eight percent of vape is flavors," he said. "It just is." Vaping liquids can be nicotine-free or contain varying amounts of the addictive chemical found in traditional tobacco cigarettes. Still, vaping critics are concerned about the health impacts from chemicals present even in nicotine-free vaping products. The debate over flavors is a troubling one for vaping advocates. They recognize their appeal to young people, they admit. But they also say a ban on flavors would harm the millions of Americans each year who try to quit smoking. Flavors have come to play an important role in the psychology of quitting smoking, Frennier said. "I'm a reformed smoker," he said. "I haven't had a cigarette in eight years. And I don't want anything that tastes like a cigarette anymore, which is why I enjoy my vapor with a nice fruity flavor." They also dispute broad claims that suggest e-cigarettes are a gateway to traditional smoking. In the regulations posted Wednesday, the state Department of Health noted an "astounding" rise in e-cigarette use among high schoolers since it began tracking such data from 10.5 percent in 2014 to 27.4 percent in 2018. It also noted concern about the association between e-cigarette and traditional cigarette use, citing a recently published National Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine report. That report concluded there is substantial evidence that use of e-cigarettes among young people increases the risk of ever using traditional cigarettes, and moderate evidence that it increases the frequency and intensity of that subsequent cigarette use. State health officials also noted in the regulations that for the first time in recent history, they have recorded an uptick in traditional cigarette smoking among youth in the state, from a record low 4.3 percent in 2016 to 4.8 percent in 2018. "Evidence exists that use of e-cigarettes could reverse the long-standing decline in combustible cigarette use and reverse the public health benefits that New York state has achieved," the regulations said. One impetus for imposing a ban via regulations, the proposal stated, was the lack of action on the FDA's part. Meanwhile, the Washington Post reported on Thursday that the FDA is planning to announce a ban next week on flavored e-cigarettes in retail stores and gas stations around the country. That news comes after increasing pressure and scrutiny of Juul, an overnight startup success whose e-cigarettes resemble USB flash drives, which are now nearly ubiquitous among teens. The American Lung Association applauded New York's attempt to ban flavored products, but thinks it should go even further, banning all flavored cigarette and tobacco products, including menthol flavors. "From our perspective it's important that New York move forward because, unfortunately, we've seen many delays from the FDA over the years," said Michael Seilback, national assistant vice president of state public policy for the association. "If New York has the opportunity to act, it should act." Narratiive is your go-to partner for actionable insights and intelligence that simplify and guide better partnerships between brands, marketers, publishers and providers. November 11 marks the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I, when Germany signed an armistice agreement with the Allied powers that ended the fighting. The quiz below, from the Ashbrook Center at Ashland University in Ohio, provides an opportunity for you to test your knowledge of the history and background of the United States role in the Great War. The day after challenger Andy Kim declared victory against GOP incumbent Rep. Tom MacArthur, the outcome of the 3rd district congressional race remained uncertain as mail-in and provisional ballots are still being counted. Unofficial Burlington County returns posted late Wednesday showed Kim had come from behind to claim a lead of more than 2,000 votes when about 6,000 absentee mail ballots were tallied. The count continued Thursday as ballots continued to be delivered by mail but only those post marked with Tuesday's date will be tallied. MacArthur said Wednesday night via Twitter that he was not ready to concede the race. Burlington County Board of Elections Chairman Joe Dugan did not return calls for comment Thursday. On Wednesday he said there were said there were about 26,000 mailed-in ballots. Challenger Andy Kim, right, has overtaken incumbent Rep. Tom MacArthur, R-3, as absentee and provisional ballots continued to be counted Thursday. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) The district, which stretches between Burlington County in the Philadelphia suburbs and Ocean County along the shore, has largely been held by the GOP for the past three decades. Ocean County Board of Election official Jason Varano said 200 additional ballots arrived by mail as of late Thursday afternoon but only 63 were eligible to be counted. Ocean County includes parts of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th congressional districts. Varano said they expected at least one more delivery in the evening. He said the count of the remaining ballots will begin Friday afternoon. Varano said 2,404 provisional ballots from across the county will begin to be counted on Nov. 14. Those items must be checked to insure they are from registered voters and are not duplicated in mail-in ballots. He said roughly 31,000 mail-in ballots are already reflected in results. Calls for comments to MacArthur and Kim were not immediately returned Thursday. MacArthur backed Trump more often than any other member of the New Jersey congressional delegation, according to Nate Silver's FiveThirtyEight. He helped save the president's attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, by crafting a compromise for states to opt out of ending preexisting-condition requirements for insurance companies. The provision enabled patients with chronic, ongoing illnesses to not be denied insurance coverage. But MacArthur, 58, a former health insurance executive, stressed he's someone who has worked for bipartisan solutions in Congress and labeled Kim's campaign as a protest vote for Trump. Kim, 36, who had never run for elected office before, was a civilian advisor to military leaders in Afghanistan and Iraq and national security aide in Democratic President Barack Obama's administration. Democrats have captured at least 10 of 12 House seats in New Jersey, flipping three of them. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Bill Duhart may be reached at bduhart@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @bduhart. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips A federal grand jury has indicted a Camden County police officer who was caught on video punching a man 12 times in the head after stopping him on a Camden street in February. The U.S. Attorney's Office announced Friday that a grand jury found evidence that Officer Nicholas Romantino, 25, of Egg Harbor Township, violated Edward Minguela's civil rights by repeatedly punching him in the head and then falsified a police report to cover up the assault. The indictment against Romantino comes more than six months after the Camden County Prosecutor's Office announced he would not be charged with a crime because body camera videos showed Minguela was resisting arrest by pulling away from officers. The office has also ignored calls from a civil rights lawyer to drop the obstruction and resisting arrest charges against Minguela, 32, of Camden. The police department called the surveillance video of the incident "extremely disturbing" and suspended Romantino without pay pending an internal affairs investigation. On Friday, police spokesman Dan Keashen said only, "We're standing by our previous comments regarding this incident." The Feb. 22 incident was sparked by a 911 call reporting a man matching Minguela's description had a gun. What happened next was captured on surveillance video, which Minguela obtained and distributed to the media when he called for an investigation into what happened to him. Numerous police officers stopped Minguela at gunpoint and he put his hands up, at which point Romantino tried to pull his hands behind his back. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office release, the move "startled" Minguela and he pulled away, causing Romantino to throw him on the ground. Then Romantino, "without provocation," punched Minguela 12 times in the head while other officers moved to hold his arms and legs, the U.S. Attorney's Office said. Romantino, in a police report, wrote that Minguela was resisting by putting his left hand under his chest and trying to lift himself off the ground, and added that he could not see Minguela's right hand. But that report, which tried to justify the use of force, was false, the indictment alleges. Romantino actually held Minguela's left hand while punching the back of his head. Another officer held the man's right arm, the office said. Romantino can be seen on body camera footage obtained by NJ Advance Media using his right hand to punch Minguela. The officer was later treated at Virtua Hospital for injuries to his right hand. That same body camera footage showed that Romantino joked about the incident with officers. While showing his swollen knuckles, a fellow officer says of Minguela, "That guy. He's always giving us a hard time, that guy." "Not anymore," Romantino quipped, eliciting a few chuckles from his colleagues. Romantino has been on the force for two years and is paid an annual salary of $38,864, according to records. Minguela's attorney said he suffered a concussion and a fractured wrist as a result of the encounter. Minguela also claims that when police took him to the hospital, they bargained with him that if he declined medical treatment, they would not tack on a charge of assault and battery of a police officer, too. He agreed, he's said. The charges against Minguela are still active in municipal court, but his attorney, Devon Jacob of Pennsylvania, said the videos show there is no reasonable cause to support them. The violation of civil rights count carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. The false records count carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. The maximum fine for each of the charges is $250,000, the U.S. Attorney's Office said. The office said that special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael T. Harpster of the Philadelphia Division, led the investigation with help from the Internal Affairs Unit of the Camden County Police Department and investigators assigned to the Special Prosecution Unit of the Camden County Prosecutor's Office. Court records show Minguela has been charged with crimes in Superior Court 11 times over the last 13 years, but most charges were transferred to municipal or family court, records show. He was convicted of resisting arrest in 2017 and of charges related to drug distribution in 2013 and 2005. Rebecca Everett may be reached at reverett@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @rebeccajeverett. 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 A man was arrested on Halloween after federal authorities intercepted a shipment of a powerful opioid that's best used to anesthetize elephants. Theodore Pierce, 46, was arrested at his home in Gloucester Township on Tuesday, the Camden County Prosecutor's Office said. According to the affidavit of probable cause in his case, authorities began investigating Pierce after members of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security intercepted a package addressed to him that had been shipped from overseas. The package, seized at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, contained a white powder that tested positive for carfentanil, the court document said. Carfentanil is an opioid 100 times stronger than fentanyl, which itself is at least 50 times stronger than heroin, according to the federal Open Chemistry Database. It's not clear how much carfentanil constitutes a lethal dose, but as little as two milligrams of fentanyl could kill someone, depending on how it's administered, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration. The DEA warned law enforcement and the public about carfentanil in September 2016. "We see it on the streets, often disguised as heroin," former DEA administrator Chuck Rosenberg wrote at the time. "It is crazy dangerous." After the package was seized from JFK on Oct. 25, members of the prosecutor's office, Homeland Security, Gloucester Township police and the county sheriff's department got a warrant and staged a delivery at Pierce's home. Once Pierce accepted the package, the authorities acted on the warrant and arrested him. He faces a third-degree possession charge for less than a half ounce of the drug. 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 Cuba's release of a Montclair homicide suspect to FBI and Homeland Security Investigations agents Tuesday was the result of an Interpol notice and recent agreements with the United States, the Cuban government said. While the country has defended the political asylum granted to New Jersey fugitive Joanne Chesimard more than 20 years ago, Cuban officials in a statement Wednesday said the transfer of James Ray III -- whom they did not identify by name -- was surrendered in keeping with "Cuba's full compliance with its international legal obligations" and law enforcement agreements with the U.S. Ray, a 55-year-old lawyer charged with murder in the fatal shooting of his girlfriend Angela Bledsoe last month, was detained after he arrived in the country on Oct. 28. Investigators on Wednesday said Ray was arrested before he could go through Cuban customs. Joanne Chesimard, now known as Assata Shakur. (New Jersey State Police) Cuba's cooperation in Ray's case stands in marked contrast to U.S. authorities' decades-long struggle to extradite Chesimard, now known as Assata Shakur, who was granted asylum in Cuba in 1984 after escaping from state prison in New Jersey. Shakur was convicted in connection with the killing of State Trooper Werner Foerster, who was shot to death on the Turnpike in 1973. Foerster was killed by Sundiata Acoli, who remains in New Jersey State Prison. Shakur, who was at the shooting scene, was also convicted of Foerster's killing and sentenced to life in prison. She is now 71 and believed to still live in Cuba. She remains on the FBI's list of "most wanted terrorists," and there's a $2 million reward for her capture and return. Cuban officials have rebuffed repeated requests to extradite Shakur, a former member of the Black Liberation Army, maintaining she is a victim of political persecution and has a legitimate basis for an asylum claim. In the 1960s and 70s, Fidel Castro granted asylum to other African Americans as well, all considered to be freedom fighters who committed "political crimes." Since the countries re-established diplomatic ties recently, Cuban authorities have handed over a number of fugitives to the U.S. under similar circumstances as the return of James Ray lll. "This is not the first time we've dealt with (the Cuban government) on this front," FBI Special Agent in Charge Gregory Ehrie told reporters of Ray's arrest. "But this seems to be an easing, if you will, of the relationship." The U.S. and Cuba, in one of the Obama administration's last acts, signed a law enforcement agreement to cooperate in the prosecution of "serious crimes," the phrase Cuban officials used to describe the charges against Ray. Cuba has maintained since the signing that they would not reverse the asylum given to Shakur and others, and law enforcement leaders have criticized the agreement for not requiring Shakur's extradition. Officials Wednesday said the process of returning Ray to the U.S. began with federal prosecutors obtaining a warrant for his arrest on a charge of "unlawful flight to avoid prosecution." The federal statute, known as UFAP, allows federal law enforcement agencies to directly help local authorities track down fugitives. Ehrie, the FBI's top agent in Newark, said Interpol issued a "red notice" for Ray based on the warrant. The notices, transmitted to all 192 of Interpol's member countries, are sent to border officials as well as law enforcement agencies to alert them of a fugitive's wanted status. Federal agents brought Ray back to New Jersey Tuesday on a flight to Teterboro Airport, officials said. He was turned over to Essex County authorities and lodged in the county jail in Newark. Ray is scheduled to appear before Superior Court Judge Martin G. Cronin in Newark for a detention hearing, authorities said. It was unclear as of Thursday whether he had an attorney who could comment on the charges. Note: This story has been updated to reflect that both the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations participated in Ray's arrest. Thomas Moriarty may be reached at tmoriarty@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ThomasDMoriarty. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips As the city of Newark faces heightened national attention over elevated lead levels in its drinking water, Mayor Ras Baraka on Thursday defended the city's actions and messaging before a crush of media. He said it was "BS" that he deliberately misled residents. Responding to allegations that the city spent months downplaying the issue, Baraka said he didn't know it was a "widespread problem" until last month when outside experts found the city's water treatment wasn't working. City officials had initially blamed old pipes for the high lead levels but in October announced the water treatment at one of its reservoirs was ineffective, and began distributing 40,000 water filters to vulnerable residents. Last month's city-commissioned study found Newark's corrosion control treatment was no longer creating a protective coating inside old pipes to prevent lead from leaching into the water. Baraka said that's when he knew that "this was not an anomaly, that this was not 12, 14, 20 homes that are affected." "We began to go right into what we thought we should do the minute we found out it was a widespread problem," he said. Newark has reported elevated levels of lead in its drinking water since 2017 but was catapulted into the national spotlight last week after The New York Times drew comparisons to the water crisis in Flint, Michigan, and said the city was negligent in telling residents the extent of the problem. Baraka said Newarkers were informed -- as required by state law -- starting last summer when lead levels spiked. Referring to a robocall that went out to residents in April that called the water safe, Baraka said, "we weren't saying that the water coming out of your tap was safe ... it said the source water is fine. After that, we explained what the problem is. It's misleading to tell people that the water is contaminated." While city officials have never denied there were elevated levels of lead in its drinking water, a message posted to the city's website in April insisted "Newark's water is absolutely safe to drink." That message has been deleted. Our source water is important to the city, mayor @rasjbaraka says. He says the citys source water is safe, its misleading to say the water is contaminated. Karen Yi (@karen_yi) November 8, 2018 Lead testing Lead is measured in parts per billion. Although no amount of lead in water is safe, lead concentration should not exceed the federal action level of 15 parts per billion. Since 2017, Newark has been required to test about 100 sample sites every six months; if more than 10 percent of the samples exceed the federal threshold, officials must inform residents of the violation. The last six-month period from January to June of this year shows 12 percent of samples contained lead over the accepted federal level. One July sample recorded lead levels at 250 parts per billion -- more than 16 times the federal action level, data show. The Natural Resources Defense Council sued Newark in June, alleging the city wasn't doing enough to protect residents. Baraka on Thursday alleged that the NRDC took Newark to court only because the city refused to sign a memorandum of agreement that would have allowed the nonprofit to monitor its compliance. An NRDC representative denied those claims calling them "mind-boggling" and said the nonprofit is not in the business of running municipal water systems. Planned fixes More than 270,000 Newark residents drink the city's water that comes from two sources, the Wanaque Water System and the Pequannock Water System. The city is only changing its corrosion control at the Pequannock system that services every ward except the East Ward. The Wanaque water treatment plant, which serves the East Ward and parts of the North, Central and South wards, remains with an effective corrosion control. A map of the areas served by the Wanaque water treatment system in Newark. (Courtesy: City of Newark) City officials said East Ward residents are not affected. Kareem Adeem, the city's deputy director of water and sewer, accused a former, disgruntled employee of tampering with one of the water samples in the East Ward and causing a spike there. Those with lead service lines, elevated levels of lead, pregnant women or families with children under the age of six can receive a free water filter. So far, 13,000 filters have been distributed. A $75 million bond program will help replace between 15,000 and 18,000 lead service lines for residents, who will have to pay a maximum of $1,000 each to replace service lines on their property. Dr. Mark Wade, director of the health department, said the city is continuing to offer lead contamination testing for children, who are among the most at-risk of being affected by elevated levels of lead. Wade said the largest source of increased lead contamination in children is lead-based paint chips, not water. Baraka also held a moment of silence Thursday for Andrea Hall Adebowale, director of water and sewer utilities, who died Wednesday. Read more of NJ.coms coverage of New Jersey water issues here. Karen Yi may be reached at kyi@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter at @karen_yi or on Facebook. A Jersey City woman was arrested on Election Day after a Muslim family said she yelled religious slurs and spit on them outside a polling place. Shaquana Jones, 31, was arrested Tuesday outside School 24 on Virginia Avenue and charged with bias intimidation, simple assault and terroristic threats. Police were called to the area just before 4:50 p.m. on a call of simple assault against Asmaa Abdalla, a candidate in Tuesday's Jersey City Board of Education election, and two of her family members, authorities said. Asmaa Abdalla and her family say they were spat on and assaulted on Election Day outside a Jersey City polling place. "I was disappointed because I felt like I was being targeted for no reason," Abdalla told The Jersey Journal. Abdalla said that Jones threatened to physically harm her, her sister Reem Abdalla and their mother Mervat Atallah, all of whom are Muslim and wear headscarves. Asmaa Abdalla, 25, said that Jones initiated the altercation and tried to get Abdalla and her sister to fight her, calling them "f-----g Muslims." "She was trying to provoke me to hit her first," Asmaa Abdalla said. "She was all on my face." Asmaa Abdalla said she called 911 after Jones spit in both her and her sister's faces, adding that Jones didn't appear to be campaigning for anyone she was running against. "'I'm going to take your scarf off,'" Atallah said Jones told her. "She called me 'a stupid Muslim lady.'" Atallah added that Jones continued with the slurs and told her she doesn't speak English and to "go back to [her] country." Atallah said her family moved from Egypt to the U.S. in 1994 when Asmaa was just 1 year old. "I've faced incidents like these before, but not to this extent," Asmaa Abdalla said. It was a black tie affair Thursday at the North Hudson Campus of Hudson County Community College. Well, not a quite, but one attendee did show up in a tuxedo. The school hosted Dassen, a 20-year-old African penguin from Jenkinson's Aquarium in Point Pleasant Beach, along with aquarium staff for a "Penguin Lecture" that was free and open to the public. Nicole Ginsburg, the penguin supervisor at Jenkinson's, and animal interpreter Jake Avelenda discussed the animal's habitat, care, feeding, as well as conservation efforts, while those in attendance got an up-close look at the aquatic bird. Click on the gallery above for a look back on the fun event. BAYONNE -- It's 2 p.m. and Natajia Goodwin is heading to her job in the Bayonne Crossing shopping plaza. It's not a particularly dangerous task, until she gets to Route 440. Goodwin, 24, waits at the intersection of East 22nd Street and Route 440 as cars whiz by, going 40 to 50 miles per hour. The light turns red and she walks across the thoroughfare. "Every time I cross the street everybody always tells me 'be safe,'" she says. "Guess it's not very safe." On Wednesday afternoon, Goodwin was one of dozens who crossed Route 440 to get to Bayonne Crossing. Several blocks north, even more pedestrians who crossed the busy -- and sometimes deadly -- state highway from 32nd Street to get to the South Cove Commons plaza. Calls for enhanced safety measures along Route 440 are being renewed in the wake of Wednesday night's fatal crash, which claimed the life of a pedestrian who was struck between 21st and 22nd streets. The fatality is the 19th on Hudson County roadways this year, and the seventh since Aug. 31, according to New Jersey State Police statistics. At this point last year, there had been 22 fatalities in Hudson County. The victim, whose identity has not yet been released by authorities investigating Wednesday's crash, is the fifth person to die in a traffic incident on Route 440 in Bayonne since November 2014. Tyler Sellers, 20, and Sabore Worrell, 24, were struck and killed while crossing the busy highway at Lefante Way on the night of Nov. 2, 2015. Authorities determined the driver, Waqas Ibrar, was traveling over 100 mph at the time of the crash. He was later found guilty of two counts of death by auto and was sentenced to 12 years in prison in February. Wednesday's crash came just days after the third anniversary of the two friends' deaths. On Thursday, Sellers' father Jay said more should have already been done to ensure the safety of pedestrians -- and motorists -- on Route 440. Adding more sidewalks and crosswalks along the highway would be a good start, he said. "It's very, very sad. It's something that just shouldn't have happened. It happens too many times," he said. "How many families are going to have lose a loved one to this highway? How many people are going to have to lose their life for them to fix it?" "I'm devastated that another life was lost," added Mary Sellers, Tyler's step-mother. "It brought back a lot of horrific memories. "I think something needs to be done." There are only two crosswalks on the .9-mile stretch of Route 440 between 21st and 32nd streets (at 22nd and 32nd streets). Pedestrian bridges have been on the minds of city officials for some time now, but on Wednesday night the City Council approved two resolutions to go out to bid for a "local concept development study" for a pedestrian bridge over Route 440 between the 34th Street Light Rail Station and the former Military Ocean Terminal. Council President Sharon Ashe-Nadrowski said the bridge is still in the beginning stages and offered no timeline for completion. "We know we want a bridge," she said. "...once we get the RFP then we'll get design proposals." But she said there are currently no concrete plans to add any sort of safety measures to the two crosswalks near Bayonne Crossing and South Cove Commons. Spokespeople for both Mayor Jimmy Davis and the state Department of Transportation did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the pedestrian bridge plan. In January 2017, Davis said the city had approximately $4 million for construction from federal funds allocated through the state DOT and the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority. Frank Alessi, head of the company that has developed much of the two shopping plazas, said they have written letters to the city in support of additional pedestrian crossings and bridges. "It makes sense, and as property owners we're all for the state Department of Transportation and the city to support whatever decision they make in providing the appropriate crossing for pedestrians," he said. It's something that cannot be put off any longer, Jay Sellers said. "Why wouldn't you do it? I don't care what it costs," he said. "You can't put a price on someone's life." Journal city editor Patrick Villanova contributed to this report. Corey W. McDonald may be reached at cmcdonald@jjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter @coreymacc. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook. The driver who struck and killed a pedestrian Wednesday night in Bayonne has been charged with leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident, authorities said. Abanoub A. Malek, 21, of Bayonne, faces the second-degree offense after authorities said he hit a man on Route 440 between 21st and 22nd streets in his 2004 Acura TL and left the scene. The Hudson County Prosecutor's Office is awaiting formal identification of the victim by a family member, and said the cause and manner of death are pending an investigation by the state Regional Medical Examiner's Office. Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez said police responded to the scene of the crash at 9:50 p.m., found the lifeless body of a victim on the ground and determined the driver had left the scene. The man was pronounced dead at the scene at 10:05 p.m. Authorities eventually identified Malek as the driver and arrested him at 1:15 a.m. Thursday, Suarez said. Authorities did no say how Malek was tracked down. A crash investigation report indicates the collision took place in the southbound lanes of the busy state highway, but does not provide any narrative or details of the crash. The speed limit on that stretch of highway is 45 mph. Malek made his first court appearance Thursday and was released from custody with certain conditions. The fatality is the 19th on roadways in Hudson County this year, and the seventh since Aug. 31, according to New Jersey State Police statistics. It is also the fourth fatal crash on the stretch of Route 440 that runs through Bayonne since 2014. Five people were killed in those crashes, including friends Tyler Sellers, 20, and Sabore Worrell, 24, who were struck by a speeding car at the intersection of Route 440 and Lefante Way on Nov. 2, 2015. Wednesday's fatality has renewed calls for added safety measures on the state road. Jay Sellers, the father of Tyler Sellers, said it should start with the addition of sidewalks along Route 440, as well as more crosswalks to help pedestrians traverse the busy roadway. "It's very, very sad. It's something that just shouldn't have happened. It happens too many times," Sellers said Thursday. "How many families are going to have lose a loved one to this highway? How many people are going to have to lose their life for them to fix it?" The Hudson County Regional Collision Investigation Unit is continues to investigate Wednesday's crash with assistance from the Bayonne Police Department. Anyone with information is asked to contact the HCPO at 201-915-1345 or to leave an anonymous tip the office's website. A Mexican citizen charged in a Missouri triple murder was previously jailed and released in New Jersey on domestic violence charges. Luis Rodrigo Perez, 23, was being held at the Middlesex County Jail in December of last year on domestic violence charges. But the county did not honor a detainer from U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE), John Tsoukaris, head of the agency's Newark field office, said in a news statement Friday. He said Perez was released from the jail in February 2018, without ICE being notified. Authorities in Missouri said Perez and a 19-year-old accomplice killed two of their ex-roommates in a home in Springfield Mo., on Nov. 2. He is also accused of killing another 21-year-old woman the next day. Police who charged him alleged Perez shot and killed Steven Marler, 38, and Aaron Hampton, 23, after they were kicked out of a house. The next day, a relative found Starr's body at her home. She'd been shot six times, authorities said. "This tragedy might have been avoided had it not been for the reckless policy required of the Middlesex County Jail by their county officials," Tsoukaris said. ICE's Newark office has clashed with the jail before. In July, when announcing an arrest sweep of 37 people, a spokesman called out Middlesex as a "sanctuary county." But county officials said they will honor detainers if an inmate has a prior first- or second-degree conviction or was named in a Final Order of Deportation signed by a federal judge. "ICE has the legal authority and the resources to secure such orders from a federal judge with regard to any inmate in the county's custody it seeks to detain or deport," county officials wrote in a statement at the time. But ICE, they wrote, "has chosen not to seek such orders." Middlesex County officials followed up with a statement Friday night addressing Perez's case. ICE was told on Dec. 14 of last year that the county would not honor a detainer requested that day, because Perez had no first- or second-degree convictions. Perez was in custody for 51 days after that, and ICE did not request a deportation order from a federal judge, which would have compelled the county to turn him over to the agency. "Instead, ICE officials chose to do nothing, which places all responsibility of Mr. Perez's actions squarely upon ICE." Also charged in the Missouri case was Perez' girlfriend Dalia Garcia, who took a bus from New Jersey to help burn evidence, authorities allege. She is charged with tampering with evidence. -This article contains information from The Associated Press. It has been updated with additional information from Middlesex County. 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 A 73-year-old woman and her 5-year-old grandchild were killed Thursday in Chester Township when their SUV collided with a tractor trailer at an intersection officials have long considered dangerous. Police identified the victims as Mariamma Thomas of Linden and her granddaughter. The driver of the SUV, Cheriyal Thomas, 75, was flown to Morristown Medical Center and remained there on Friday. The crash occurred about 3:30 p.m. as the SUV tried to make a left turn onto Furnace Road from Route 206 South and was hit by a northbound truck, according to police Chief Thomas Williver. The truck driver was not seriously hurt. "It's a tough intersection," Williver said, adding that a hill obscures oncoming traffic. Williver said the township recently submitted plans to the New Jersey Department of Transportation seeking to add north and south left-hand turn lanes on Route 206. The intersection can be especially hazardous for out-of-town drivers coming off Route 206 trying to enter the William J. Leber Funeral Home, the chief said. The funeral home is visible from the highway but has an entrance on Furnace Road. "It can be tough to navigate. We'd like to get traffic off that highway safely," Williver said. The crash is under investigation by the local police, Morris County Sheriff's Office and Morris County Vehicular Homicide Unit, Williver said. Route 206 was closed for about five hours Thursday for the crash investigation. Chester Township officials say they have asked the state to install north and south left turn lanes on Route 206. Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook. For hours, Scott L. Mielentz repeatedly begged police officers to shoot him. And for hours they did not. Scott Mielentz He was holed up inside the Panera in Princeton this past March, and he had a handgun that he showed to police, waving it around while discussing his woes. Instead of firing, officers talked to him, negotiated, appealed to anything they could learn about him, and resisted his suicidal wishes. "Just kill me. Do it for me, guys," Mielentz said once. "Put the gun down!" state troopers responded. "Just do this, guys. I'm going to shoot you, guys. Don't make me do this," Mielentz said another time. And, "It's either going to be you or me." "Soldier, put that gun down!" the troopers and negotiators tried. Mielentz, 56, of Lawrence, had said he was a Vietnam veteran, a claim later proved false. During his final, fatal encounter with officers on March 20, the SWAT team troopers could not hold their fire, the state Attorney General's Office said Friday in justifying their actions. At about 2:56 p.m., Mielentz walked out of the dining area where he'd been and held his gun at a downward angle. He smoked a cigarette, crushed it out on the floor, spread his stance and - and as he'd done before - counted down from five. The he started raising the gun, hesitantly, as troopers pleaded with him not to do it. When it was aimed at them, two troopers fired five times, Trooper William Kerstetter fired four and Trooper Joseph Trogani one. Mielentz was dead at the scene. His gun? A Crosman PFM BB pistol. All of the law enforcement witnesses, the state said, reported to investigators that they believed throughout the standoff that it was an actual firearm. The investigation into the shooting, conducted by the state Division of Criminal Justice, found "undisputed facts" that the use of force was justified under the law, and therefore did not need to be presented to a grand jury. "I have a gun. Everyone out." The incident began earlier that morning, when the state says Mielentz started telling friends he wanted to die, the state says. At about 9 a.m., he texted a friend saying he was ready to "depart this life." Mielentz called that woman during the standoff, investigators later learned, and told her he wanted the police to shoot and kill him. And about 10 a.m., Princeton police received a 911 call from a friend of Mielentz's, who said he got a suicidal text from him. That call led Princeton police to start looking for him. At about 10:30 a.m., Mielentz met another fried at the Panera on Nassau Street, across from Princeton University. Mielentz began talking about suicide and told the friend he had a gun. Then he drew it, a black pistol and shouted, "I have a gun. Everyone out." Princeton police got a 911 call at 10:28 a.m. from a man who said, "There's a guy with a gun at Panera." Employees and customers escaped without injury. A Princeton officer was the first to arrive at Panera and went inside and saw Mielentz, who pointed his gun at her. She retreated without firing, went outside and evacuated the area. Other Princeton police officers went into the rear of Panera and tried to get a conversation going with Mielentz, who responded with: "Shoot me, just shoot me." He told the officers he was in pain, the government had cut off his Oxycontin and that he was a Vietnam veteran who'd killed 1,000 people during the war. The state police's SWAT team, called TEAMS, later took over the incident. For the next four hours, troopers and negotiators - one a state police officer and one a Princeton officer - tried a variety of ways to end it peacefully, the state said. A TEAMS member in the rear of the restaurant evaluated whether he could use a stun gun on Mielentz, but determined he was too far away. Once, they asked Mielentz if they could help him in any way, and he responded "Yes, shoot me." During the standoff, Mielentz repeatedly said he wanted to die and threatened to shoot an officer if the officers did not shoot him. He repeated a routine at times, the state said. "He would stand up, begin to raise the gun toward the officers, sit down, put the gun down, pick it up again, smoke a cigarette, and then repeat the cycle. He repeatedly put the barrel of the gun to his chin or head. Officers said he seemed to be building up his courage," a press statement said. At one point, Mielentz held up a check and told negotiators it was for $5,000 and he wanted it to go to his son when he died. Another time, he again said he was a soldier and a marksman, falsely asserting again that he had killed hundreds in the military, and said he could be an advocate for those suffering from PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Toxicology tests on his body found one drug in his blood, the anti-anxiety medication diazepam, commonly known by the brand name Valium. Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@kevintshea. Find NJ.com on Facebook. A 19-year-old former employee of an Ocean County business stole $35,000 in printers, electronics, and household products before police recovered most of the merchandise at a nearby warehouse, authorities said. Boruch Berger, of Brooklyn, New York, was charged with burglary and theft, Manchester police said in a statement Friday. A neighboring business had surveillance cameras that captured footage of the burglary, which took place at Returns Worldwide on Lacey Road in the Whiting section of town. Police showed the Returns Worldwide owner the recording and identified Berger as the thief, officials said. Police, who were informed of the burglary on Wednesday, later found the stolen goods at a warehouse on Industrial Way in Toms River. Berger was released on a summons. Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Ocean County residents turned out in big numbers for a free vaccine clinic in response to a growing measles outbreak, after another suspected case was reported to health officials. More than 2,500 measles vaccines were administered this week in Ocean County, as an eighth suspected case that was reported Thursday is monitored, officials confirmed. Free vaccines were given out by CHEMED Health Center and Ocean Health Initiative Monday through Thursday, said Daniel Regenye, health officer for Ocean County Health Department. "We're encouraging people to get the vaccines," he said. "It will go a long way to protect from a very highly contagious disease." While most people born after 1957 receive two doses of the measles vaccine by the age of 4, there are others who aren't vaccinated, due to religious or medical reasons, or because they have immigrated from a nation where the vaccine is not common. Health officials are also encouraging children to go on an accelerated MMR vaccine schedule. Measles is extremely contagious. As NJ monitors an outbreak in Ocean County, please make sure your family is protected! #vaccineswork pic.twitter.com/yoWpNTABCQ EssexMetro Immunizes (@EssexMetroIC) November 9, 2018 Rather than receiving the first dose of the vaccine at 1 year old and the second dose between 4 and 6 years old, Regenye urged parents to take their child to be vaccinated at six months, and receive the second dose 28 days later. "They're really the most vulnerable, young children. That will go a long way to help protect the child, and if the child does get exposed to measles, they may just get a mild form of it," he said. The Ocean County Health Department is still awaiting test results from eight suspected cases from the Center for Disease Control. The eighth suspected case was reported Thursday, Regenye noted. "We're hoping to get those results soon, so we can put proper health measures in place to contain the outbreak at this time," he added. The first Lakewood case involved a person who had traveled to Israel and contracted the disease. It was reported to the Ocean County Health Department Oct. 26. CHEMED Health Center has set up an outdoor triage tent to treat those who suspect they have measles. Those who exhibit symptoms for measles, which include fever, coughing, pink eye and a rash which typically starts on the face and neck and spreads elsewhere, are urged to call medical providers before arriving for care. Sophie Nieto-Munoz may be reached at snietomunoz@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her at @snietomunoz. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips By Jennifer Rubin The White House revoked the press pass of and defamed CNN's Jim Acosta, falsely accusing him of putting his hands on an intern. Press Secretary Sarah Sanders accused Acosta of "placing his hands" on the intern. In fact, video shows conclusively that the woman tried to grab the microphone from his hands, and he held onto it. President Donald Trump's conduct (Sanders surely didn't do this on her own) violates every democratic norm one can think of -- and what's more, is illegal. The First Amendment protect the press' right to report the news and the public's right to receive that news. The government cannot punish or threaten the press or individuals based on the content of what is reported. In fact, in a public forum, which Twitter was deemed to be, a federal court already ordered Trump to unblock Twitter users who were critical of him. We stand by our decision to revoke this individuals hard pass. We will not tolerate the inappropriate behavior clearly documented in this video. pic.twitter.com/T8X1Ng912y Sarah Sanders (@PressSec) November 8, 2018 There is actually a lawsuit pending alleging that Trump is violating the First Amendment of members of the press by using the powers of his office to curtail criticism. Rubin: President Donald Trump's conduct (Sarah Sanders surely didn't do this on her own) violates every democratic norm one can think of -- and what's more, is illegal. (Jeff Roberson | Associated Press) As I reported last month, "PEN's lawsuit is not brought on behalf of those whom Trump threatened (e.g., The Post, Time Warner). Instead, it alleges: 'Defendant's use of the power and machinery of government to punish his media critics creates an atmosphere in which journalists must work under the threat of government retaliation. This environment, underscored by Defendant Trump's campaign of intimidation against critical reporting, casts a chill on speech that - even if braved and overcome by diligent and courageous reporters - constitutes an ongoing First Amendment violation.'" Acosta has an even stronger case because he is the one whose rights have been directly violated. (The current lawsuit could also be amended specifically to reference the Acosta incident as precisely the sort of action that would chill the First Amendment rights of others.) The utility of filing a lawsuit (other than in annoying and embarrassing Trump and Sanders) would be a declaratory judgment ordering the White House to return Acosta's credentials and barring the White House from taking such action in the future. This is a far better option than writing pointed statements as both CNN and the White House Correspondents' Association did on Wednesday. The statements, without further action, make the press appear feckless. They simply underscore the president's dominance over the media. While I believe the press must continue to cover and attend news conferences when Trump is present, there is absolutely no reason to attend Sanders' briefings, which do not import information but instead use the press as a forum to abuse and threaten reporters and spread misinformation. Sanders is not the news; the White House is the news. Reporters can cover their beats and obtain comment as necessary from Sanders without attending, let alone covering live, her (albeit rare) news briefings. Sanders whines that the press is too critical or too mean or something. She can think whatever she pleases, but she is an employee of the American people and has taken an oath to uphold the Constitution like every other White House employee. She has no right to use her office to lie to the American people, let alone to violate the First Amendment. She has disgraced herself and should be denied the normal presumption of good faith accorded to past White House press secretaries. I condemn harassment and threatening conduct of any sort (shame on the protesters who showed up at Tucker Carlson's home and made threats); however, after leaving office, she deserves none of the niceties normally accorded to others in her position. (In the past, we would have said that she has not earned the right to be included in polite society.) No responsible news outlet should hire her; employers making hiring decisions have every reason to shun her. Jennifer Rubin writes the Right Turn blog for The Washington Post, offering reported opinion from a center-right perspective. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook. President Trump was on the ballot, and the American people chose oversight. They gave Democrats control of the House because they want a check on his power. That was Tuesday. Less than 24 hours later, Trump fired his Attorney General, Jeff Sessions, who had recused himself from the Russia inquiry, and installed a preening loyalist to oversee Robert Mueller. It's not hard to see why. Under his previous boss, the capable deputy AG Rod Rosenstein, Mueller handed up 35 indictments, charging more than a dozen Russians for interfering in the 2016 election to help Trump. Booker says Trump sacked Sessions because he's afraid of Mueller's Russia probe He followed this trail to those closest to the president as he ran for election: Paul Manafort, Michael Cohen and Michael Flynn, all of whom pleaded guilty to federal crimes. This is no "hoax." Trump's son is now under scrutiny, based on damning evidence that he tried to collude with the Russians, as is his consultant Roger Stone, who may have known in advance about the release of hacked Democratic emails. Mueller hasn't announced any conclusions yet on collusion, or whether the president obstructed justice. He's kept silent so as not to wrongfully meddle in this election. Imagine that. Trump swooping in one day later is telling. Mueller is a registered Republican who knows his duty is to uphold the law, not win a popularity contest. But can we say the same of his new boss, handpicked by the president? Christie on Trump's list for attorney general? Here's what he's had to say about the Mueller probe. This is Matthew Whitaker, author of an op-ed titled, "Mueller's investigation of Trump is going too far." Isn't it nice when hard work gets noticed? We know what Whitaker thinks of this probe. He's even falsely claimed that Russia did not interfere in our election. That alone should be disqualifying. But there's more. He actually went on CNN to argue that the smart move would be to cut off the investigation's funding, so it "grinds to almost a halt." The best way to reach this president is through his TV screen, and he aced his interview. Whitaker, formerly Sessions' chief of staff, is even friends with Trump's national campaign chairman, Sam Clovis, a witness in the Mueller investigation. Yet despite all this, he has not recused himself. Through his acting AG or a permanent replacement, the president could strangle this probe financially or bury its final report. He could forbid Mueller from following the facts where they lead. He could fire him on a pretense. Republicans have blocked legislative attempts to protect Mueller, which must be the urgent priority of Democrats now. It's not just tens of thousands of protestors who demanded this, under the banner of "Nobody is Above the Law." It's millions of voters. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook. State Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin said Friday he expects his house will vote in the coming months on a much-anticipated bill raising the minimum wage in New Jersey gradually to $15 an hour. Despite broad support among Democrats who control the state Legislature for this big boost in the minimum wage, legislation has snagged on disagreements over whether certain categories of workers should be excluded. Coughlin, D-Middlesex, said on radio station WCTC 1450-AM that he hopes to have a completed bill "in very short order" that the Assembly can vote on in December, at the earliest. "If it doesn't get done at the Dec. 17th voting session, then it will be done right after the new year, probably at the first voting session in January," he said. "At least that's my goal as of right now." State Senate President Stephen Sweeney, D-Gloucester, told NJ Advance Media on Friday that Coughlin has been drafting a bill that will become the basis for negotiations between the two houses. Sweeney is hopeful the Legislature can meet the speaker's timeline, he said. "I'm going to work with the speaker and I expect to get it done," Sweeney said. "I think we'll get there pretty quick." New Jersey's minimum wage is $8.60 an hour. It will rise 25 cents an hour to $8.85 on Jan. 1, based on a constitutional amendment tying annual increases to changes in the consumer price index. Proponents of a $15 minimum wage argue those small annual bumps have not kept up with the state's high cost of living. Someone working 40 hours per week at $8.60 an hour will earn $344 a week, or $17,888 a year. At $8.85, that worker will earn $354 a week, or $18,408 a year. Gov. Phil Murphy, also a Democrat, has said hiking the minimum wage is a top priority. In his January inaugural address he asked the Democrat-controlled state Legislature to send him a minimum wage bill, and he's repeated the request since. A minimum wage bill passed by the Legislature in 2016 and vetoed by former Gov. Chris Christie, a Republican, would have moved to $15 an hour over 5 years. Coughlin said on his call-in radio show "Speak to the Speaker" that aspect of the new bill "is still in the works." "We're going to work toward a $15 minimum wage," he said. "I think there is agreement among the governor, the Senate president and myself that we need to get there, because so many people in the state struggle to make ends meet and so many people have to work two or three jobs to do that." Samantha Marcus may be reached at smarcus@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @samanthamarcus. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook. WASHINGTON -- President Donald Trump said Friday that he had not talked to former Gov. Chris Christie about succeeding Jeff Sessions as attorney general and that they were "looking at other people." "I like Chris Christie, but I have not talked to him about it," Trump told reporters at the White House before departing for Paris, according to pool reports. "We're looking at other people," Trump said. He said there was no rush to choose a permanent replacement for Sessions. "It has to go through a Senate process, which takes a long time, but we'll pick somebody that's great," Trump said. Trump said he did not see Christie when the former governor came to the White House Thursday. Christie was there on a previously scheduled meeting to discuss criminal justice issues with Jared Kushner, the president's son-in-law. The position opened up after Trump pushed Sessions out a day after midterm elections that saw Republicans lose control of the U.S. House, as well as several governorships in 2020 battleground states. Christie was an early supporter of Trump after his own presidential campaign crashed and burned after the New Hampshire primary. He chaired Trump's transition team but was pushed out after Trump won the election in November 2016. "He's a friend of mine," Trump said Friday. "He's a good man. When he got out of the presidential race, as you know, he supported me." Christie later chaired the president's commission on the opioid crisis. He was in the audience when Trump last month signed sweeping legislation to address the issue. He long has expressed interest in the attorney general's position, even saying in February 2017 that he likely would have resigned the governorship if Trump had named him the nation's chief law enforcement officer. Christie has said that Trump had been "ill-served" by some top advisers. He also has criticized special prosecutors, calling them "generally a bad idea" because they go off on tangents. Trump long had been critical of Sessions, who recused himself from an investigation into possible Russian collusion with the president's campaign. During his confirmation hearings, Sessions did not tell senators about his own contacts with Russian officials during the campaign. A special counsel, Robert Mueller, was named to handle the investigation. What the president has described as a "witch hunt" already has obtained indictments of more than 30 people, including Trump's former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, and three other Trump campaign veterans, according to Vox. Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MatthewArco or Facebook. Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JDSalant or on Facebook. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook. If you were looking to make a name for yourself as a Democratic politician in the past, odds are you didn't plant yourself in Somerset County. For more than 30 years, the county's Board of Chosen Freeholders had only Republican members. That changed Tuesday night when Shanel Robinson and Sara Sooy were elected to the board. They are the first Democrats to hold freeholder positions in Somerset since the 1980s. The two beat out incumbents Mark Caliguire and Patrick Scaglione, who have been members of the board since 2011 and 2010, respectively, by a 9,000-vote margin. "We're thrilled," said Peg Shaffer, chair of the Somerset County Democratic Committee. "We had a great team of candidates they were perfectly suited to each other, they balance each other well." Throughout New Jersey, Democrats flipped several seats long held by Republicans, including several U.S. House seats. But, Robinson said that while it's exciting to be a part of that, it's not her main focus. "As a servant leader, I believe that you have to be there for all and not just a few," Robinson said. "I'm excited there's work that need to be done and we need to work together to get those things done." Sooy, a lifelong resident of Bernardsville, said she wants to focus on downtown revitalization projects, making sustainable investments and improving infrastructure. Robinson said she wants to focus on getting board meetings videod and streamed for the public, and finding long-term infrastructure solutions. Caliguire said he was disappointed to not be re-elected but is proud of the work he's done on the board, and wouldn't rule out running for office down the line. Scaglione did not respond to NJ Advance Media's request for comment. Olivia Rizzo may be reached at orizzo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @LivRizz. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips A man was charged Wednesday with killing his 82-year-old mother after police found her body in the Somerset County home they shared, officials said. Dalton Chiscolm Jr., 60, of Somerset section of Franklin Township, was charged with first-degree homicide in the death of Roberta Ann Taylor, the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office announced Thursday. Franklin Township police were called to the their home, which is located in a housing complex on Haverhill Place, after neighbors reported that Chiscolm was throwing household items out of a second floor window, authorities said. When police arrived, he began yelling threats at them, prosecutors said. They decided to enter the home to check on Taylor, whom officers were told lived with Chiscolm. Once inside, they found Taylor dead and her son was taken into custody "without any further incident." Chiscolm was taken to a hospital for evaluation, authorities said. An autopsy performed by the Regional Medical Examiner's Office on Thursday showed Taylor died of blunt-force trauma to the head. Prosecutors said her death is still under investigation and they have not determined the motive in her killing. Chiscolm remained under police guard at the hospital Thursday night and will be taken to Somerset County jail once he is released, pending a bail detention hearing. Anyone with information about the incident was asked to call the Somerset County Prosecutors Office Major Crimes Unit at (908) 231-7100, or the Franklin Township Police Department at (732) 873-5533. Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @chrisrsheldon Find NJ.com on Facebook. A woman who bred and sold sick puppies from her Plainfield home to people across New Jersey will never own a pet in the state again, under a sentence handed down Thursday. Suzie Bourdouvales, 38, pled guilty to two counts of third-degree animal cruelty in June and was sentenced Thursday to probation. She was barred for life from owning, breeding, or selling pets in New Jersey, according to a release from the Union County Prosecutor's Office. The New Jersey SPCA and the prosecutor's office searched her home on March 8 after a yearlong investigation and seized 19 puppies of "varying ages and medical states" that were living in "unsafe and unsanitary conditions," Union County Assistant Prosecutor Patricia Cronin said in the release. Authorities said Bourdouvales had hoarded dozens of sick puppies, many of which died under her care. Some of the dogs seized from Suzie Bourdouvales' Plainfield home in June. (Union County Prosecutor's Office) Many of the dogs she sold died despite their new owners' desperate attempts to save them, officials said. This was not her first time selling sick animals. She previously pled guilty to selling them out of her car in Plainfield in 2015, and she was ordered to pay nearly $20,000 in restitution, the prosecutor's office said. The dogs seized from her home were placed into the care of the Cranford-based Best Friend Dog and Animal Adoption and Traveling Paws Animal Rescue, as well as Brendan's Meadows Rescue in Mountainside. Bourdouvales must also pay over $30,000 in restitution to her customers, undergo a psychological evaluation, comply with all ordered treatment, and submit to periodic monitoring, the release said. Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @chrisrsheldon Find NJ.com on Facebook. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman may regret the 10-year, $275M deal the Steinbrenner family negotiated with Alex Rodriguez in the fall of 2007. But the person receiving that deal could play a role in Cashman giving out his own mega contract to a power-hitting infielder with the ability to play shortstop or third base. Yes, as the GM Meetings wrapped up in California, the idea of the Yankees prioritizing starting pitching over big bats like Manny Machado or Bryce Harper is still out there--and becoming more and more believable. But not everyone is ready to throw the towel in on a Yankees pursuit of Machado. If New York pivots, part of the reason could be due to ownership's relationship with Rodriguez and his advisor role in the organization, per Joel Sherman of the New York Post. One factor that cannot be discounted in a pursuit is that Alex Rodriguez is an adviser to the owner and could be an advocate for a player who also grew up in Miami -- and idolized A-Rod. Machado also would pick the Yankees above any team to join, if the money is there. If the Yankees decide Machado's bat and potential excellence at third base is too good to pass up on the open market, it's likely that a ringing endorsement will come from Rodriguez--a player that can relate to the plight of coming to New York with huge expectations and positional versatility. Machado, 26, hit 37 home runs and posted a .905 OPS in 2018 during stops with the Baltimore Orioles and Los Angeles Dodgers. Joe Giglio may be reached at jgiglio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook. An evidence room at Orleans Criminal District Court that contains more than 200 firearms and other old evidence was broken into this week, said Orleans Criminal Court Clerk Arthur Morrell. He said no active cases are jeopardized and it does not appear that any guns or other valuable items were taken or otherwise disturbed. At about 7 p.m. Thursday (Nov. 8), an engineer who works for the court at Tulane Avenue at Broad Street discovered that a door to the room containing old evidence was ajar and had been compromised after the hinges were pried from the door, Morrell said. A tool, like a crowbar, was likely used, he said. That evidence room, one of two housed in the court building, contains evidence from older, inactive cases, Morrell told reporters from his office on Friday. Some of the evidence in that room, he said, the court is obligated to preserve forever, such as evidence from death penalty cases. Much of the evidence in the room, however, can be disposed of, he said, but the clerks office does not have enough personnel to complete a total inventory of the items, which would need to happen before getting rid of the old evidence. No cash, seized drugs or rape case evidence were stored in the evidence room that was broken into, he said, adding the valuable items there include guns, copper and tires. He described the room as a large, open hall, located in the attic of the top floor. He estimated a few hundred firearms were in the room, noting they would have been in boxes and it didnt appear any boxes were disturbed. Some of the old evidence is not marked, Morrell said, but the boxes containing weapons or other valuable items are numbered and descriptions of their contents logged in a computer system. While the clerks office employees didnt see anything out of the ordinary, after the break-in, he said, the office plans to check inventory on those valuable items to ensure nothing was stolen. The room that was broken into is only accessible by elevator. The limited number of keys that allow the elevator to access the attic part of the top story, where the evidence room is located, have been accounted for, the clerk said. NOPD has information about who has access to those keys, he said. The Orleans Parish Sheriffs Office and New Orleans Police Department responded to the break-in, Morrell said, and NOPD is investigating. The sheriffs office provides courthouse security in the building. 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 Clerks office to make security changes There are no security cameras in the area near the top-floor evidence room that might have captured the break-in, Morrell said, but his office now plans to install some. Another change the clerks office plans to make is to ensure the office is notified when an engineer or other court employee needs to go to the area near the evidence room. That person will now be escorted by a clerks office employee. He added the area where the evidence is located provides the only access to the roof, where some courtrooms air conditioning unit are installed. Engineers would be in that area to address any issues with those A/C units, Morrell said. The clerks office also plans to review the locks on all the doors in evidence rooms and plans to replace the lock system on the door that was pried open, Morrell said. Construction workers, who have been working to renovate parts of the courthouses first floor, were not believed to have access to the area where the break-in occurred, Morrell said. Construction workers would only need to get in that area if they needed access to an A/C unit that serviced one of the courtrooms that is under construction, he said. The clerks office also stores evidence in a room that was retrofitted for the purpose inside the old Orleans Parish Prison facility, and well as at a fourth off-site, secure location Morrell declined to disclose for security reasons. The second room inside the court building where evidence stored is not in the basement, he said, because the Federal Emergency Management Agency required evidence be moved from a ground floor in the event of flooding. Morrell said he wasnt sure of the perpetrators motive, but said it could be as simple as someone interested in whats behind a locked door. An New Orleans jury has convicted a Houston man of molesting a pre-teen girl who was sometimes in his care between 2012 and 2015, according to Orleans Parish District Attorney Leon Cannizzaros office. Gabriel Hunter, 52, was accused of sexually abusing the girl beginning when she was 8 in New Orleans, LaPlace and Texas between 2012 and 2015, according to Cannizzaros office. The girl reported the abuse in 2015, before she turned 12. Hunter went to trial Wednesday (Nov. 7) on a first-degree rape charge, which carried a mandatory life sentence upon conviction. A jury deliberated 2 hours Thursday night and returned a lesser verdict of sexual molestation of a juvenile under the age of 13, according to Cannizzaros office. Online court records show Hunter was convicted in a 10-2 vote of the jury. Louisiana voters Tuesday approved a constitutional amendment to require unanimous jury convictions for felonies, but that wont go into effect until next year. Criminal District Judge Camille Buras will sentence Hunter on Dec. 17. He faces between 25 and 99 years in prison. Assistant District Attorneys Michael Trummel and Mark Lopez prosecuted the case. Juan Fiol and Jared Miller of the Orleans Public Defenders represented Hunter. When curious witnesses forced their way into a vacant Terrytown store to look for a missing friend, they discovered Mohamed Mezlini lying on the floor with gray duct tape wrapped around his entire head. He had duct tape completely around his head from the top of the bridge of his nose to his chin. He was duct taped completely around his body from his shoulder to his waistline, Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office Detective Jean Lincoln testified Friday morning (Nov. 9) during a preliminary hearing for Saleh Omar, the man accused of killing Mezlini. 5 pit bulls euthanized in Kenner dogfighting case An autopsy later determined that Mezlini, 29, died of asphyxia by strangulation and smothering, according to the Jefferson Parish coroners office. Following the hearing Friday, Magistrate Commissioner Patricia Joyce found probable cause to hold Omar, 40, on a charge of second-degree murder. Omars 17-year-old brother, Yazan Omar, is also booked with second-degree murder, accused taking part in the slaying. Lincolns testimony provided new details about the method of Mezlinis murder and the motive for the crime. It was an unusual death, Jefferson Parish Coroner Dr. Gerry Cvitanovich said regarding the use of duct tape. I dont think theres any question that the intent was to kill him. Saleh Omar leased the vacant storefront at 93 Terry Parkway, Terrytown, were Mezlini was discovered on Sept. 8, according to Lincoln. Omar also leased the next-door unit in the strip mall, and operated a cell phone business, Wireless Hub. Mezlini used to work for Omar, according to his relatives, who sat in the courtroom Friday and listened quietly as Lincoln testified. Mezlini left that job to open his own business more than a year ago. But Omar was furious with Mezlini, according to authorities. The defendant believed that the victim wronged him in some financial way, Lincoln said. Witnesses told investigators Omar mentioned wanting to harm Mezlini. On Sept. 8, Omar has his younger brother call Mezlini and arrange a meeting in the vacant store, Lincoln said. Mezlini drove to the business and entered suite No. 8, which had paper covering the windows. As soon as the victim arrived, the defendant attacked the victim with a choke hold, Lincoln said. Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up There was a brief struggle, and Omar pulled out a gun and a knife. The brother (Yazan Omar) held the victim by the arms while the defendant wrapped his head and body in duct tape, Lincoln said. At some point, someone hit Mezlini on the forehead, causing a cut, she testified. Omar had his brother retrieve his vehicle, which was parked across the street at Oakwood Mall. Omar then the unit and drove off with Mezlinis cell phone and watch, Lincoln said. Witnesses who saw Mezlini arrive realized that he never walked out of suite No. 8. When they called Omar to ask about him, Omar told the men that Mezlini had already left the store, Lincoln said. But the men remained suspicious because Mezlinis car was still parked in front of the strip mall, according to the Sheriffs Office. The men forced opened the locked door to the vacant storefront and found Mezlini unconscious and bound in duct tape. The man cut the duct tape and tried to perform CPR, Lincoln said. Paramedics transported Mezlini to University Medical Center in New Orleans, but he was clinically brain dead, according to the detectives. Mezlini was pronounced dead by physicians on Sept. 9. Yazan Omar was still on scene at his brothers cell phone business when deputies arrived. He was taken into custody and questioned for several hours before being booked with Mezlinis death, Lincoln said. But Saleh Omar went on the run. His wife told investigators that hed returned to their Gretna home on the afternoon of the attack around 3 p.m. and was sweating, with a hurried look, according to Lincoln. Omar walked into the couples bedroom and retrieved a briefcase. He left the house, telling his wife he had a problem and would talk with her about it later, according to the detective. She claimed she never heard back for him, Lincoln said. Federal authorities tracked Omar to Panama City, Panama, and extradited him back to Jefferson Parish on Oct. 3. Omar and his brother were being held Friday at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center in Gretna. Bond for both men was set at $750,000. A St. Bernard Parish Sheriffs Office captain who is on trial in federal court on charges connected to the 2014 death of 19-year-old jail inmate is in the hospital after suffering an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Capt. Andre Dominick was taken to University Medical Center on Thursday night (Nov. 8), Sheriff James Pohlmann said in a news release. The sheriff did not release any other details, including Dominicks condition. A trial started Monday for Dominick, a former medical supervisor at the St. Bernard Parish Prison, and two former deputies who are accused of failing to provide Nimali Henry with proper medication and treatment while she was in jail. Henry suffered from a rare blood disorder called thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, or TTP. She was found dead inside an isolation cell on April 1, 2014, 10 days after she was booked. A coroners report said she likely died of a blood clot. Days before she died in jail, Nimali Henry told sister, Im getting really, really, really sick Dominick, Debra Becnel and Lisa Vaccarella are charged with deprivation of rights under color of law, accused of failing to provide Henry with proper medication and treatment while she was in jail. They could face a life sentence if convicted. The former correctional officers also are accused of lying to FBI agents in interviews during their investigation into Henrys death. Shannon Everhart, who held the position of medical supervisor at the jail before Dominick took over, testified Thursday about policies and practices she said were in place when she left. Jail staff could ask a judge to lower an inmates bond or to release the inmate on his or her own recognizance if the inmate was suffering from a condition that couldnt be treated at the jail, she said. A medical questionnaire Henry filled out when she was booked said she suffered from kidney failure. Everhart said there was no reason Henry should have died in custody. 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 Former St. Bernard jail supervisor says there was no reason Nimali Henry should have died in custody Several inmates testified throughout the trial this week, saying Henry was visibly ill and got weaker as the days progressed. They spoke about interactions with Becnel and Vaccarella, but did not talk much about Dominick. Everharts testimony Thursday was the first time jurors heard a clear description of Dominicks job and responsibilities. Defense attorney Paul Fleming said in opening statements Monday that Dominick, who grew up in St. Bernard Parish, is not the uncaring monster prosecutors paint him to be. Dominick started his career in law enforcement in New Orleans in 1983, Fleming said. He worked for the Orleans Parish Sheriffs Office for a time, then moved back home to St. Bernard. At the St. Bernard Parish Sheriffs Office, Fleming said Dominick worked at the jail and also worked as an EMT. He later became a detective in the juvenile division and eventually became the medical director at the juvenile jail, Fleming said. Dominick, Becnel and Vaccarella all remain on paid leave with the St. Bernard Parish Sheriffs Office as their case plays out in court. Testimony in their federal trial was expected to resume Friday morning, but U.S. District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle sent the jury home before any witnesses took the stand. The courthouse is closed Monday for Veterans Day, and the trial was continued to Tuesday. Jurors were told to call the courthouse Tuesday morning for instructions on when to return. The government had not yet rested its case, and defense attorneys were expected to call several witnesses throughout what could be a weeks-long trial. Internet Society Botswana, a Non-Governmental Organisation which focuses on the ICT sector has called on local stakeholders not to be left behind as the Internet of Things (IoT) phenomenal starts to take centre stage globally, especially in developed countries. The multi-billion sub-sector, which has now gained traction in mature markets such as the United States and Asian countries, can be best explained as a network which helps to connect multiple smart devices enabled with software, network connectivity and exchange information between each other and with the server. This Tuesday, Chairman of Internet Society Botswana, Phuthego Chere told Botswana Guardian that, the Internet of things technology has arrived and it will provide local companies/service providers an array of opportunities to conceptualize and broaden their offerings. Currently key players in the IoT space include Amazon Web Services, Google, Oracle, Dell, Hitachi and Huawei. As a country we cannot afford to be left out from the IoT because it offers an opportunity for companies to achieve maximum efficiency and broaden products offerings. Local consumers will be able to enjoy benefits such as those which come with smart homes connected to IoT technology, said Chere who has been in the telecoms industry for over 15 years. In other developed countries especially in North America, individuals are able to control smart appliances from anywhere with their smartphones. It is only a matter of time before most appliances are connected to the internet for easy use and management, stressed Chere who owns an internet service provider, Metrotech in Gaborone. Available studies predict that by 2020, there will be 30 billion devices connected to IoT technologies worldwide. Once IoT is in full motion in Botswana, companies will also be in a position to implement cost saving business processes systems, which will be of benefit to consumers. There is currently no piece of legislation which regulates IoT technologies. To this end, government is unable to curb challenges related to IoT such as data protection and privacy invention. This explains why, Internet Society Botswana has embarked on a multi-pronged awareness campaign to sensitive stakeholders such as government, companies and consumers on the benefits and risks which come with usage of IoT technology. Chere stated that, as more awareness is created on the concept, consumers will increase and government will find it befitting to craft tailored legislation to regulate the sub-sector. As one way of creating awareness on IoT, the Society is expected to host a networking dinner at the end of this month (November 2018). The objective of the networking dinner is to bring all stakeholders such as government, private companies including consumers to deliberate on all pertinent issues regarding IoT and how as a country we can take advantage of this global phenomenon, said Chere. The dinner is expected to have presentations from various stakeholders such as government, telecoms companies, Non Governmental Organisations including a representative from Internet Society Global Corporates who will be invited to buy packages (a table of ten) for attendance purposes. Funds raised will be used to part-fund the societys secretariat as well as other ongoing projects country-wide, added Chere. Internet of Things (IoT) explained The internet of things (IoT) is a computing concept that describes the idea of everyday physical objects being connected to the internet and being able to identify themselves to other devices. The term is closely identified with RFID as the method of communication, although it also may include other sensor technologies, wireless technologies or QR codes. The IoT is significant because an object that can represent itself digitally becomes something greater than the object by itself. No longer does the object relate just to its user, but it is now connected to surrounding objects and database data. When many objects act in unison, they are known as having "ambient intelligence."[Techopedia] Louisiana State Police arrested a 33-year-old man Thursday morning (Nov. 8) who is suspected of stealing $7,000 in gaming chips from another gambler at a New Orleans area casino. Eldridge Brown was booked with felony theft. He was also charged with reckless operation and flight from an officer after he refused to stop for police, resulting in a brief chase down Interstate 10, according to a news release from Louisiana State Police. On Sunday (Nov. 4), a man, later identified as Brown, grabbed the gaming chips from a gambling table, ran out of the casino and fled in a car, police said. Police did not name the casino where the theft occurred, only saying it was in the New Orleans area. Police found a 2015 Chrysler 200 the same car Brown fled the casino in Thursday morning and saw a man who fit the description of the theft suspect, according to the release. A woman was also inside the car, police said. Police tried to stop the Chryslers driver, later identified as Brown, on I-10 near Bonnabel Boulevard in Metairie, police said, but Brown refused to stop. After Brown exited I-10 near Louisa Street, his car got stuck in a muddy area and Brown and the woman passenger were arrested. Police identified the woman as the owner of the car. Marquise Alexander, 31, was charged with an outstanding warrant from Jefferson Parish according to the press release. Another Greek life organization at LSU is under investigation for alleged hazing as the university continues its crack down on misconduct among fraternities and sororities. Christian Wargo, spokesman for the Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for Women, said in a statement Friday (Nov. 9) the sororitys national parent has received reports of recent events at the LSU chapter that may have constituted hazing. The national group halted activities for Pi Beta Phi at LSU to put their full attention into the matter, Wargo said. Wargo did not detail the nature of the activities that raised a red flag, but said the organization believes no one was physically harmed and no alcohol was involved. He said the organization is releasing limited details at this time because it doesnt want to compromise the ongoing investigation. Wargo said Pi Beta Phi reported the allegations to local law enforcement and LSU officials. The LSU chapter is cooperating with local authorities and the national organization to address the matter, he said. John Bel Edwards signs bill to make hazing a felony act LSU officials Friday afternoon confirmed the university has launched its investigative process in relation to the sororitys actions. 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 The Pi Beta Phi investigation marks the third time this semester a Greek organization at LSU has been suspected of misconduct. LSU issued interim suspensions to the Pi Kappa Phi and Delta Chi fraternities this year after finding potential violations of LSUs Code of Student Conduct. LSU didnt provide specific details about the alleged violations, but the university said the allegations against the Pi Kappa Phi chapter are very serious. LSU toughed its Greek life rules in an effort to root out student misconduct after the Sept. 14, 2017 hazing death of freshman Phi Delta Theta pledge Maxwell Gruver, 18, of Roswell, Georgia. Gruvers death led the Louisiana Legislature this year to toughen anti-hazing laws, and LSU banned Phi Delta Theta from campus until 2033. Gruver's family is currently suing the university and the fraternity, as well as the four former students and others, for $25 million in damages. LSU suspends another fraternity over very serious allegations Wilborn P. Nobles III is an education reporter based in New Orleans. He can be reached at wnobles@nola.com or on Twitter at @WilNobles. Public schools in New Orleans experienced what one official described as a modest shift in school letter grades in the states performance system this year, as Louisiana transitions to a new rating formula that uses more rigorous standards, according to data released Thursday (Nov. 8) by the state. Overall, Orleans Parish public schools held onto a C letter grade in performance under the new system for the 2017-18 school year. Thursdays information from the Louisiana Department of Education accounts for 84 public schools in New Orleans, including five schools that either closed or were taken over by a new charter board this year. New Orleans as a whole dropped from a B to a C letter grade during the 2016-17 school year, as more schools that had been under the state-run Recovery School District returned to the parish. The results were released under Louisianas new accountability system, which now evaluates schools on how much progress their students have made over the course of a school year. The Progress Index scores account for 25 percent of an elementary schools letter grade and 12.5 percent for high schools. The new system still takes into account student performance metrics such as state test results, graduation rates and college credit attainment among roughly 700,000 students attending public schools statewide. The higher standards for Louisianas school system are designed to elevate a state thats historically behind the nation in education. The scores also matter because they determine whether traditional schools are subject to state intervention. Additionally, charter schools since December 2015 have been required to obtain a C grade or higher in the states assessment system in order to have their charter renewed. More than 90 percent of public school students in New Orleans attend schools managed by charter boards. Louisiana schools maintain B grade in new, tougher accountability system Louisiana schools as a whole maintained a B letter grade under the new system for the 2017-18 school year. Under the old formula, the state overall would have had a score of 93 points on a 150-point scale, up from 86.8 the year before. Under the new formula, the states numerical score is 76.1. On Thursday, state Education Superintendent John White stressed that scores under the new formula going froward will identify schools that have made great strides as well as schools that have specific struggles. Schools that earned an A grade are schools where students are on track to mastering school content over the course of the school year, White said. This is a more nuanced, more comprehensive view of evaluating schools than ever before, and it is one stage of a process of improvement, White said. Under the new system, seven Orleans Parish schools received an A grade versus 11 schools overall last year. Ben Franklin High School still leads in performance citywide and statewide at 135.2 points. In a released statement, Franklin Head of School Patrick Widhalm said hes pleased at how well theyre serving their students. They come to us as bright students with ambition and great potential, and were enormously gratified that were able to help them maximize that potential both academically and socially, Widhalm stated. St. Tammany gets a B in new, tougher school scores Scores under the new system also placed three other A-rated Orleans schools within the top 20 best-performing public schools statewide. Lusher Charter School ranked at 11th place at 122.2 points, followed by Lake Forest Elementary Charter School at 18 and the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts at 20. The New Orleans Military & Maritime Academy experienced a decline in its score under the new system, placing it first among the 11 Orleans schools labeled as B schools this year. Thirty-two schools earned C grades. ReNEW Cultural Arts Academy and Dwight D. Eisenhower Academy of Global Studies, two schools that were set for closure until new charter operators took over them in July, are among the 18 schools given a D grade. 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 Fifteen schools in New Orleans received an F grade under the new system, including three schools that closed in early 2018. The Orleans Parish School Board last November voted to close Mahalia Jackson Elementary School in Central City in May. Louisianas Board of Elementary and Secondary Education last December voted against renewing the charters for Sylvanie Williams College Prep and ReNew Cultural Arts Academy. McDonogh 42 Charter School in the Seventh Ward received a T because its undergoing a turnaround process. The InspireNOLA Charter Schools network was selected by the state-operated Recovery School District to manage the struggling 42 school for the purpose of improving their academic outcomes. Scroll through the table below to see the number of Orleans schools graded this year under the new system and former system compared to school grades in 2017. The top schools chief for New Orleans public schools Thursday stressed this years scores reflect the hard work of the citys teachers and students. In a released statement, OPSB superintendent Henderson Lewis, Jr. said the scores show that progress is being made as the district works to build up its school performance overall. The OPSB currently oversees 78 public schools, including 75 charters, two direct-operated schools and the Travis Hill School, which serves high school-age students in the juvenile justice system. Of the schools in the district, not including those that were recently closed or are alternative schools, 61 percent received a score of C or better. OPSBs rank amongst other Louisiana parishes has risen four positions this year from 59th last year to 55th this year. The district also pointed out that under the old formula, the OPSB would have shown a 10-point improvement. Likewise, most of the districts in the Greater New Orleans region would have seen point improvements under the old system. This is a new day and a new district, and these scores will serve as the new baseline for our unified district, Lewis stated. OPSB President John A. Brown, Sr. in a released statement acknowledged schools still have a long way to go, but added that his board is committed to doing whats necessary for the citys students and families. 2 Algiers charter schools will close in 2019 amid failing grades, low enrollment Part of the citys efforts to improve schools will involve aid from the state, which is now identifying schools with significantly high out-of-school discipline rates. Schools struggling to support students with disabilities, economically disadvantaged students and other specific student groups are also being identified. At least 50 schools in New Orleans, for instance, have been deemed as needing urgent intervention. Schools under the label will be required to create improvement plans, and state schools chief White Thursday said this now includes some high-performing schools. The OPSB stated it is very focused on these schools in order for them to develop the appropriate plans for improvement. These gains are modest, but important because they tell us that we are headed in the right direction, Brown stated. The OPSB this year reunified as a district after state lawmakers approved Act 91 of 2016 to return all RSD-schools to local oversight in the city. Since then, the district has created a new division solely dedicated to the support, development and oversight of schools. OPSB officials say they are also working to expand access to high quality schools by supporting the replication and expansion of strong operators, while also closing failing schools. Gov. John Bel Edwards signed legislation in April that requires BESE to give schools two letter grades to show how they performed under the current and former formula. The display of the old scores is intended to show the progress of the transition to higher standards. The letter grades and scores for all schools can be viewed below in the searchable database. The complete report card for each school can be found here on the state's school finder website. Wilborn P. Nobles III is an education reporter based in New Orleans. He can be reached at wnobles@nola.com or on Twitter at @WilNobles. The 2019 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival presented by Shell, celebrating its 50th anniversary next year, has announced in a press release it is adding an extra day to the festival. Thursday, April 25 will now be the opening day of Jazz Fest. The complete fest dates are April 25-28 and May 2-5. The festival announced that the new day will be Locals Thursday, which will allow anyone with a valid Louisiana ID to buy up to two discount tickets at the gate on that day. Locals Thursday discount tickets will again be $50. A Jazz Fest spokesman said Thursday, April 25 will be the only locals day this year. Jazz Fest takes place at the Fair Grounds Race Course and Slots, a horse racing rack in the Gentilly neighborhood at 1751 Gentilly Blvd. Jazz Fest 2018: See the best photos, food and music reviews The lineup and ticketing information will be released in December. Anticipation is high for who will perform at the 50th anniversary Jazz Fest. Here are NOLA.com reporter Doug MacCashs speculations on that subject. Who should headline the 50th Jazz Fest? The festival organizers stated in a press release that in celebration of the 50 years of Jazz Fest, today the Festival begins a weekly look back at the people, places and things that have helped make the event part of the culture it presents. Fans can look forward to seeing footage from the first Jazz Fest, images of Festival favorites through the years and much more. Look for Jazz Fest Memories and #JazzFest50 social media posts on most social media platforms. Jazz Fest 2018 was surely one of the sunniest in the past few years, and was attended by approximately 450,000 fans -- about 25,000 more than last year. In 2017, attendance was 425,000, the fest previously announced. Severe weather, with high winds and lightning, caused the festival to open after 3 p.m. on the first Sunday in 2017. The festival usually opens at 11 a.m. See every Jazz Fest poster from 1970 to 2018 Estimated attendance was 425,000 in 2016, also. The 2016 fest, with heavy rains and the early closing of the second Saturday, likely led to a drop in attendance from 2015. In 2015, attendance reached 460,000, according to the festival management. Starting defensive lineman Breiden Fehoko will not play Saturday against Arkansas, Ed Orgeron said during his Thursday (Nov. 8) post-practice availability. Fehoko didnt practice all week. He played in the Alabama game, but missed the Mississippi State game due to an arm injury. Starting safety John Battle didnt practice all week either, and is also not likely to play. Battle will travel with the team to Fayetteville, though, and Orgeron said Battle could play in an emergency, if he had to," but he doesnt foresee that happening. Battle missed most of the Alabama game with a knee injury. Todd Harris, who filled in for Battle during the Alabama game, is expected to do so again. Playmaker. Hes an excellent example of a guy whos taking mental reps, Orgeron said of Harris. "He knows hes one play away, he steps in, does his job and he does fantastic. " Orgeron also said he expects Austin Deculus to start at right tackle, but said Adrian Magee get time there too. Neil Farrell had a great practice on Wednesday, Orgeron said, and will see some time at nose tackle on Saturday behind Ed Alexander. Tyler Shelvin, Orgeron said, should get more reps at nose tackle this week too. Hes coming along, Orgeron said of Shelvin. He played well against Mississippi State. I thought that hes lost his weight and hes learned how to practice. He had a bumpy road and learned how to do everything right every time. Hes a good kid. He wants to learn. I think hes going to be a heck of a player for us. I look forward to him playing in this game and having a good game. The LSU School of Social Work has partnered with the Baton Rouge Crisis Intervention Center to create the National Suicidology Training Center, which will provide resources and training for suicide prevention, intervention, and continuing social work education. The LSU School of Social Work is developing the curriculum for the program which will run out of the Crisis Intervention Center in Baton Rouge. The program will offer professional training and suicide intervention and post-intervention approaches. The suicide rates in this country are not going down, said Dr. Wesley T. Church, the director of the LSU School of Social Work. We see this is as an important research opportunity that will help attract top academics from all over the country. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in June that suicide rates have risen in nearly every state over the last two decades. In Louisiana suicide rates grew by 29.3 percent between 1999 2016. Twenty-five states had their suicide rate increase by more than 30 percent in that time period. Mental health experts with the CDC say that suicide is rarely caused by a single factor and that much of the suicide prevention efforts largely focus on identifying and providing treatment for people with mental health conditions but that there are other options for prevention. CDC researchers found that more than half of the people who died by suicide did not have a known diagnosed mental health condition. Risk factors varied from relationship problems, to substance misuse, to physical health problems, to money, job and legal stress. The Baton Rouge Crisis Center was founded in 1970 as a 24-hour confidential telephone crisis counseling service at LSU. It has since become a nationally certified Crisis Intervention Center, expanding to offer prevention, intervention and post-intervention training. Note: If you or you're concerned a loved one is having suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK. You can also text "START" to 741741, the Crisis Text Line. If you suspect someone of needing immediate help, call 911. Gay, lesbian and transgender youth can also call the Trevor Project at 866-488-7386 anytime. They can also text 202-304-1200 or chat online with the Trevor Project between 2 p.m. and 9 p.m. CT. A mans body had to be removed from a tree in an Algiers neighborhood Friday morning (Nov. 9) after he died while doing trimming work, authorities said. It is not yet known what caused the mans death. The man was found unconscious and suspended in the air from a safety harness around 9:45 a.m. in the 5800 block of Sutton Place, NOFD spokeswoman Capt. Nathel Morgan said. He was cutting a tree when his body went limp, she said. Around 10:30 a.m., authorities had Woodland Drive blocked to traffic between Dover Place and Durham Drive in the Old Aurora neighborhood. Vehicles with the New Orleans Police Department, New Orleans Fire Department and Entergy, which provides electricity to the area, were on the scene. Power lines in the area were cut off so that firefighters could retrieve the body, Morgan said. EMS spokesman Lt. Jonathan Fourcade confirmed EMS was notified Friday morning that a tree worker was trimming a tree in the neighborhood when he died. New Orleans firefighters removed the mans body from the tree and he was pronounced dead on the scene, Fourcade said. The mans age was not immediately available. The initial call indicated the man may have been electrocuted, but Fourcade said responders believe it may have been a medical emergency. Just before 11 a.m. Friday, electricity on Woodlawn Drive between Dover Place and Durham Drive remained out. Responding authorities were looking up at a tree in the backyard of a house on Sutton Place and cutting branches. What appeared to be an orange string was hanging down from one of the trees. Repair work has started on the Sunshine Bridge nearly a month after a barge-mounted crane crashed into the bridge and damaged it. The bridge is expected to reopen in January. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development and its contractors will use multiple jacks to hoist the bridge and relieve tension on a steel cord damaged in the crash, according to a news release. Once the jacking work is complete, crews will begin to replace the damaged cord. Fabrication of the replacement cord has started and three jacks have been moved to the site. Additional jacking components needed will arrive over the weekend, the release said. Crews continue to work around the clock to ensure that the structure will be repaired as quickly and safely as possible, DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson said in the release. Everyone involved knows the importance of having this bridge repaired safely and in a timely fashion. The Sunshine Bridge, which spans the Mississippi River in St. James Parish, was damaged Oct. 12 when a barge-mounted crane owned by Marquette Transportation Co. of Paducah, Kentucky, crashed into it. The Associated Press reports the Coast Guard has started a formal investigation into the crash, including any unsafe conditions that may have caused it. Damon Judd, Marquettes president, told AP the company will cooperate with the Coast Guard investigation. He pointed out the company has safely delivered billions of tons of product and cargo through Louisiana waterways for more than 40 years. Judd apologized for the inconvenience the closure has created in a separate statement included in the DOTD news release. Officials with DOTD met with Marquettes leadership last week to discuss the crash, the extent of the damage and plans for repairs, according to the release. It is not yet clear if and how much Marquette will have to pay for the repair work, though the state and Marquette have reached an agreement to avoid undue legal posturing that would disrupt progress, the release said. Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up DOTD expects jacking work on the bridge to take place from now until late November. Construction on a primary platform to access the damaged bridge cord is complete and crews have started replacing some of the rivets damaged in the crash, according to the release. On Friday, the subcontractor responsible for straightening the damaged steel will start evaluating the extent of the work needed. The bridge will undergo a thorough DOTD inspection to ensure that its safe before it reopens, the release said. The state pointed commuters to various alternate routes in the meantime. The Plaquemine ferry is operating on an adjusted schedule. Drivers are also encouraged to use the Veterans Memorial Bridge as an alternate river crossing. The Plaquemines ferry is operating on the following schedule: Monday through Friday, the first boat will run from 4:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Ferries depart every 15 minutes when two boats are available and every 30 minutes when only one is available. The previously announced expansion of the Margaritaville resort on the Mississippi Gulf Coast has grown into a $200 million proposal that includes more than 500 hotel rooms, water and amusement parks and a giant ferris wheel, The Sun Herald reports. Plans call for hotel towers on the south and north sides of U.S. 90, as well as restaurants and meeting space, the story by reporter Mary Perez said. Initial plans called for $140 million in investment but have grown. The Biloxi City Council is expected next week to take up a development agreement with Biloxi Lodging LLC for the project. That agreement could include a special taxing district to help offset infrastructure costs, according to the report. The St. Tammany Parish public school district received a B for the 2017-2018 academic year under a new, tougher state scoring formula that puts the district in unfamiliar territory. St. Tammany had earned As in recent years, including 2016-2017, but the state judged schools and districts last year using a more stringent set of metrics. Scores across the state dipped, data from the Louisiana Department of Education showed Thursday (Nov. 8). Local school system officials were quick to point out St. Tammany would actually have earned another A and even had a higher numerical score under the old formula. Perhaps knowing the new scores might throw some parents and raise the ire of local school districts, the education departments data also includes what the newest scores and grades would have been under the old formula. Nonetheless, Assistant St. Tammany Parish schools Superintendent Regina Sanford said the district is pleased with its performance. Were very happy to report we have no D or F schools, she said, adding that was awesome, considering the changes in the accountability formula. A St. Tammany Top 10 St. Tammanys numerical score, on a scale of 150 points, was 85.2. Thats down from 104.1 in 2016-2017. Had the old formula been used, the district would have scored 105.7. But, Sanford countered, You cannot compare. Theyre totally different entities. Overall, Louisianas public schools have a B average, the education department said. That grade was unchanged from the prior year, but the numerical score dropped from 86.8 in 2016-17, to 76.1 last year. If the old formula had been used, the state average would have risen to 93. K-12 schools are beginning to step up to significantly higher expectations, Louisiana Education Superintendent John White stated. This year, 13 percent of schools statewide received an A, compared with 20 percent last year. Thirty-one percent of schools statewide received a B, 30 percent got a C, 14 percent got Ds and 12 percent earned failing grades. Louisiana schools keep 'B' grade in latest scores St. Tammany top stories in your inbox A weekly guide to the biggest news in St. Tammany. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Eleven St. Tammany schools received As, 29 Bs and 15 Cs. Mandeville High School had the highest score of any St. Tammany school. Pontchartrain Elementary, Mandeville Junior High, Fontainebleau High, Northshore High, Pearl River High, Mandeville Elementary, Lakeshore High, Magnolia Trace and Marigny Elementary rounded out the top 10. The changing formula and its impact on school and district scores played a role in Tuesdays parish school board elections. Several candidates, particularly those challenging incumbents, charged that St. Tammanys rank amongst Louisiana school districts has slipped in recent years. The scores released Thursday rank St. Tammany public schools 13th in the state and second in the metro New Orleans area behind Plaquemines Parish. District officials responded that many of the districts ranking ahead of St. Tammany are much smaller, thus making comparisons with a large district like St. Tammany, which has some 39,000 students, is difficult. District officials also said the districts average on the ACT college-prep test is historically at or near the top of the state. Late last year, the St. Tammany Parish School Board adopted a resolution calling on the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to scrap the changes to the scoring formula. St. Tammany board asks BESE to reconsider scoring changes Sanford argues that the district is much more than its rank or score. The district will continue to stress not just college prep, but also push to expand its offering of career-training programs. We truly are more than just a letter grade, she said. In a news release, schools Superintendent Trey Folse and School Board President Robin Mullett echoed much of what Sanford said, praising the districts teachers their dedication and hard work. - Wilborn P. Nobles III contributed to this story. Note: This story was corrected to show the St. Tammany district ranks 13th in the state, not 17th. This blog is looking for wisdom, to have and to share. It is also looking for other rare character traits like good humor, courage, and honor. It is not an easy road, because all of us fall short. But God is love, forgiveness and grace. Those who believe in Him and repent of their sins have the promise of His Holy Spirit to guide us and show us the Way. The Bank of Botswana Governor, Moses Pelaelo has bemoaned small, fragmented financial systems and the snail paced development of the local banking sector despite the countrys macroeconomic and financial stability. Speaking at the Botswana Stock Exchange Limited (BSEL) opening bell ceremony recently, Pelaelo said though the local financial sector is comparable in size to other countries in the region, it remains relatively smaller and less developed compared to that of its middle-income peers. Financial systems remain mostly small, fragmented and un-diversified, providing only limited services to an exclusive section of the population at a relatively high cost, said central bank governor.Though trailing behind peers, over the past ten years the local financial sector has expanded rapidly, both in size and the range of services covered. In this period, cumulative growth of the financial sector, in real terms, has been almost exactly 100 percent, compared to 52 percent for the economy as a whole, said Pelaelo.However, Pelaelo highlighted that legitimate and desirable developments in financial services may be held back, discouraged, or even halted by either over regulated or outdated regulation. He said clear leadership, guidance and consultation on the desirable direction for the development of the financial sector includes reforms to the regulatory environment. The Bank of Botswana strongly advocates for the updating of the Financial Sector Development Strategy, which is now two years past its end date of 2016, said Pelaelo, adding that the central bank is aware that the key legislation is out of date or missing. The governor highlighted that consultations are on-going between the Banking Committee, Botswana Financial Markets Committee and the recently established Financial Stability Council to help spur innovation and development of the sector.Meanwhile, Pelaelo said central bankers must also do their part to avoid the risk of what might be termed reckless conservatism, and embrace opportunities that not only meet customer needs but also, in many instances, reduce systemic risks. He said where practicable, there should be some scope for easing the burden of regulations to allow innovations to be tested. Citing sandboxes and other proof of concept frameworks, adopted by countries such as Singapore, Indonesia, Canada and South Africa, Pelaelo believes small scale experiments under live conditions while being exempt from some legal requirements to keep down start-up costs and remove constraints on innovation can be initiated. Pelaelo highlighted that the South African Reserve Bank, working alongside commercial banks, recently successfully led the Khokha project to test the viability of distributed ledger technologies (DLT) for processing wholesale interbank payments. After more than a century, the constitutional provision allowing non-unanimous juries to decide serious felony cases in Louisiana was rejected overwhelmingly by voters Tuesday. Amendment 2 to require all 12 jurors to agree on guilt in all felonies passed in 61 of 64 parishes. More than 64 percent of voters approved the change. Louisianians can be proud that they embraced justice and fairness and overturned a law that was written into the state Constitution in 1898 as a way to oppress black residents. Louisiana parishes were almost unanimous in support of unanimous jury verdicts You have fundamentally changed criminal justice in Louisiana, New Orleans Sen. J.P. Morrell, who sponsored the legislation, said at a victory party Tuesday night. No longer will a jury here be able to send a defendant to prison for life without parole on a 10-2 vote. Oregon is now alone in allowing non-unanimous juries. The results of the vote Tuesday speak to the hard work of a broad coalition of individuals and groups that came together across party lines and ideologies to end split juries in Louisiana. Sen. Morrell, a Democrat, first got his colleagues in the Legislature to approve putting the constitutional amendment requiring unanimous juries on the ballot. That in itself was an impressive accomplishment. But it would have been meaningless without approval from voters. And that took months of work from dozens, if not hundreds, of people. The Unanimous Jury Coalition, led by former inmate Norris Henderson, pulled together 16 groups to work for passage of Amendment 2. They included Southern Poverty Law Center, Innocence Project New Orleans, Orleans Public Defenders, the Anti-Defamation League, the Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the American Civil Liberties Union and Courtwatch NOLA. Mr. Henderson, who was convicted by a non-unanimous jury, director of operations Sister Alison McCrary and statewide field director Lynda Woolard mobilized their campaign for Amendment 2. This is probably the most important ballot measure ever in my lifetime, Mr. Henderson said in an interview before Election Day. He spent three decades at Louisiana State Penitentiary for a crime he says he didnt commit. Since being granted parole in 2004, he has advocated for rights for inmates through the Voice of the Experienced. The groups that were part of the Unanimous Jury Coalition might be expected to be leaders in advocating for the change. But they were joined by district attorneys, conservative lawmakers, the state Republican Party, Americans for Prosperity and the Louisiana Family Forum, among others. State Rep. Miguez, a Republican from Erath, did an ad aimed at gun rights advocates and other conservative voters. He described Amendment 2 as a way to prevent government intrusion into Louisianians rights. No jury of our peers should be able to take those rights away from any of us if theres reasonable doubt. That means their decision should be 100 percent unanimous, he said in the ad. Alexandria attorney Ed Tarpley, a former Grant Parish district attorney, worked hard to get Amendment 2 passed. He began advocating for the change to unanimous juries three years ago after reading historian Thomas Aiellos "Jim Crows Last Stand: Non-unanimous Criminal Jury Verdicts in Louisiana, he told the Town Talk. He found agreement across the political spectrum, he told the newspaper Tuesday. "Folks who would never agree on anything agreed on this," he said. The new law, which goes into effect in January, isnt retroactive. But going forward, Louisiana jurors will all have to agree on guilt before sending someone to prison for a serious felony. This impressive, collaborative effort on Amendment 2 raises a question, though: What else can our state achieve if we set aside partisan politics and work together? Entergy Louisiana owes up to $4.4 billion for getting the lights back on after a string of storms and needs a $1 billion loan to meet those costs in the short-term, says the head of the utility that provides electricity to about half the states c The New Orleans Saints welcomed two key players back to practice on Thursday. Cornerback P.J. Williams (hamstring) and right guard Larry Warford (not injury related) both participated on a limited basis Thursday after sitting out on Wednesday. The Saints had four other players limited for the second consecutive day left tackle Terron Armstead (knee), left guard Andrus Peat (hip), right tackle Ryan Ramczyk (knee) and center Max Unger (knee). The only Saints player absent on Thursday was defensive end Marcus Davenport (toe), who is likely still a week or more away from returning. The Bengals had a couple changes to their practice report Thursday, including right guard Alex Redmond (hamstring) improving to limited after not practicing Wednesday. The team added wide receiver Josh Malone (hamstring) to the injury report as limited after he was unlisted Wednesday. Otherwise, the report was the same for Cincinnati. Wide receiver A.J. Green (toe), defensive back Darqueze Dennard (sternoclavicular), linebacker Vontaze Burfict (hip), linebacker Nick Vigil (knee) and tight end Tyler Kroft (foot) did not practice. Running back Giovani Bernard (knee) and tight end C.J. Uzomah (clavicle) were limited. Center Billy Price (foot), wide receiver John Ross (groin) and left guard Clint Boling (back) practiced fully. Statistical analysis: Explaining the Saints' addition of Dez Bryant Are you a local jewellery designer? Have you been dreaming about seeing one of your precious exquisite pieces showcased and scrambled for by celebrities and the elites at the international stage?If you have answered yes to the above, then sharpen your pencils, and dust off your design kit as the 2018/2019 Shining Light Awards are back. The competition that is open to all jewellery designers is celebrating ten years in Botswana. It is open to jewellery designers in the four countries where De Beers Group mines diamonds, and these consist of Namibia, South Africa, Canada and Botswana. The theme for the latest edition of the competition is Heroines and Heritage, and the organisers are looking for pieces that have feminine elements that speak to women, that evoke national pride as well as have symbols of strength, heritage, wisdom and beauty. Closing date for submission of entries is January 31st 2019. Winners of the Shining Light Awards will participate in a 12-month apprenticeship programme in Milan, Italy and runners-up will win a 3-month internship program at Forevermark or a design programme at a local design school. The Shining Light Awards have proven to be a valuable design platform to showcase talent and open opportunities for young people within the diamond sector and international markets. This is in-line with De Beers Group objectives on beneficiation through skills development of the youth, says Stephen Lussier, Executive Vice President at De Beers Group and CEO of Forevermark in a press release. According to Pat Dambe, Vice-President of Corporate Affairs and Government Relations, De Beers Global Sightholder Sales, they have just concluded roadshows to all the four De Beers Group producer countries, where they visited various universities to present to design students. Reception has been great, she says. She explains that over the years, they have seen high quality submissions and they anticipate the response will be even greater this year. She further says that the De Beers Designers Initiative has created the opportunity for the Shining Light Awards winners to attend the Faculty of Design at Milan Polytechnic as part of the companys youth beneficiation strategy.We are very happy to have taken this forward into a scholarship programme to include Batswana, Namibians, South Africans and Canadian participants with aspirations to participate in the downstream of the diamond industry, says Dambe. Constantino Papadimitriou, Head of Brand Strategy and Innovation at De Beers Forevermark, highlights that over the years, they have seen how the Shining Light Awards have presented students with a great opportunity to develop their skills in jewellery manufacturing. We are looking forward to seeing the journey they take in interpreting the theme and bringing it to life. It is most gratifying that as a result of this competition, we will now see winners enrolled through the Forevermark Design School in Milan, signifying the growth of the programme since inception, says Papadimitriou. Layoff notices have been issued at the Mixed Oxide Fuel Fabrication Facility project, according to a person familiar with the matter as well as communication obtained by the Aiken Standard. Project management delivered the first round of Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification act notices on Thursday, Nov. 8, according to internal bulletins issued by David Del Vecchio, the MOX Services president. The process, contacting the batch of employees affected, took hours. Energy Secretary Rick Perry, NNSA chief attended White House MOX meeting Both U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry and National Nuclear Security Administration chief Lisa Gordon-Hagerty attended and participated in a "I understand completely that this is a very stressful time for everyone," one of Del Vecchio's messages reads, "and ask that you please remain focused on your safety and your assigned work." It is not immediately clear how many workers the imperiled project employs roughly 1,700 people were set to receive WARN notices on Thursday. One MOX worker, who the Aiken Standard has been in contact with, described the Thursday morning scene at MOX as "depressing." "People are just sitting around waiting to see if they get a notice today or not," the person said. "It's like a messed up lottery." According to Del Vecchio's initial message, a second communication would be sent out when everyone in the first layoff round had been notified. That communication, also obtained by the Aiken Standard, was pushed out around 4 p.m. The WARN act is a labor law that requires major employers to notify staff of mass layoffs or plant closures ahead of time. The WARN act affords workers 60 day's notice. Del Vecchio, in a prior employee-bound message, has said MOX layoffs would come in waves. The subsequent schedule, though, is unclear. Del Vecchio has also said those laid off in the first round will not leave the project until after Jan. 1, 2019. The project president on Thursday said the employee exit process will happen "during days 61 through 74." That process includes securing one's last paycheck and turning in one's badge. MOX Services is the prime contractor for the MOX project, an effectively dead and incomplete nuclear venture at the Savannah River Site. MOX, once complete, was designed to turn weapons-grade plutonium into fuel for commercial reactors. Federal appeals court upholds plutonium removal order from 2017 A federal appeals court has affirmed a lower court's injunction requiring the U.S. Department of Energy to remove weapons-grade plutonium from After months of trying, and an intricate legal back-and-forth, the National Nuclear Security Administration executed MOX contract termination on Oct. 10. U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry has repeatedly expressed his contempt for the project it's over budget, behind schedule, and there's a better, cheaper alternative, he's said. Meanwhile, the NNSA and the U.S. Department of Defense want to turn MOX into a plutonium pit production hub. The NNSA-DOD joint wish was made in May. Plutonium pits are nuclear weapon cores. The NNSA and the DOD want to produce them at SRS and at Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico. It will take about one year of work to fully mothball MOX, according to a NNSA statement of work, an official document that lays out expected closure timelines. The Aiken Standard obtained that document, which was attached to the NNSA's MOX termination notice, last month. Questions posed to the NNSA about the layoffs were redirected to project contractors. Viewed of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. 1. Investigators were searching for clues to why a former Marine armed with a .45-caliber handgun opened fire at a crowded California dance hall on Wednesday night, killing 12 people. He was identified as Ian David Long, 28. He died after being confronted by police officers, including one who became his victim, a 29-year veteran of the local sheriffs office, Sgt. Ron Helus. Above, an investigator interviewing a witness. Witnesses described a chaotic scene at the club, which was filled with hundreds of people, many of them college students. Patrons rushed toward the exits and broke windows to escape. In order to close the on-ramp to e-cigarettes for kids, we have to put in place some speed bumps for adults, Dr. Gottlieb said. Tobacco companies have fought cutting flavors from e-cigarettes, saying they are not aimed at youths but at adults who need them as a way to transition from tobacco cigarettes. But health advocates point to the packaging and youth appeal of a variety of flavors, including chicken and waffles, rocket Popsicle and unicorn milk as well as fruity tastes like mango. Dr. Gottlieb has called the attacks on flavored products an unfortunate trade-off because they could restrict access to alternatives for adults trying to quit smoking. But, he also said parents should consider their childrens use of e-cigarettes a serious health threat. I think that theres a perception that e-cigarettes are a safer alternative for kids, he said, but it can lead to a lifelong addiction, and some percentage will migrate to combustible products. The agencys plans were reported earlier by the Washington Post. The F.D.A.s crackdown on flavored e-cigarettes began earlier this year, as the numbers of teenagers vaping reached epidemic proportions and the popularity of such devices soared. [Read our interview with Jude Law.] Not much has happened since the last movie; mostly, people and parts have been shifted in preparation for the next great narrative heave forward. Once again, Newt is scurrying about while nefarious doings unfold in separate story lines. One is dominated by Gellert Grindelwald (a perfectly unmemorable Johnny Depp), an evil wizard who looks like hes been dipped in flour (and who last appeared in the more flattering form of Colin Farrell). Grindelwald is consolidating his power and has big plans. These have become more transparent as fascism has seeped into the story, totalitarianisms threat increasingly giving dark meaning to all the violence and ugly phrases like pure blood. Rowling is a literary magpie and first-rate synthesizer, and her stated inspirations for the Harry Potter books range from classical mythology to Jane Austen. Traces of the Bible, Shakespeare, Tolkien and other Western-lit staples are sprinkled throughout that series and therefore this one, too. However intentional, they form part of a cultural database, which is as smart as it is appealing. (The influences flatter but dont overwhelm readers, and offer different interpretive portals into the tale.) Given some of these influences, its no surprise that the series is touched by death; given the arc of history, its also no surprise that it has morphed into an apocalyptic war story. A bleak, violent end and the intimation of a worldwide cataclysm looms from the very first scene of The Crimes of Grindelwald. Directed by David Yates and written by Rowling, the movie opens with a fierce, visually chaotic prison break that springs Grindelwald and sets the angry mood. The bad times rush in along with the assorted villains bringing escalating violence. By the time Newt materializes with his magical suitcase, where he often keeps his roaring, scuttling menagerie (mostly, sometimes) contained, the movie already seems like a series finale. Its so freighted with foreboding that even the would-be whimsy feels leaden. This is what its come to there are now Americans who have lived through two gun massacres. Many of the people who were able to flee a California bar where a man shot dozens of people late Wednesday night had also survived an attack last year in which a gunman in a Las Vegas hotel fired down on a music festival, killing 58 people. But at least one of the Las Vegas survivors was among the dead at the bar. The gunman on Wednesday opened fire in a crowded country-music bar, a popular hangout for local college students. He shot a security guard first and killed at least 12 people, including a sheriffs deputy who responded to the attack. More than 20 were believed to have been wounded. The carnage came just 11 days after the fatal shooting of 11 worshipers at synagogue in Pittsburgh, nine months after 17 people were gunned down at a high school in Parkland, Fla., one year after 26 were killed in a shooting spree at a church in Sutherland, Tex., and 13 months after the massacre in Las Vegas. Americans are watching and now some are even experiencing versions of this same horror over and over, hoping that someone will eventually figure out how to break the cycle. Could that hero be President Trump and the House Democrats? In the midterms, Michigan became the first state in the Midwest to legalize marijuana, Florida restored the vote to over 1.4 million people with felony convictions, and Louisiana passed a constitutional amendment requiring unanimous jury verdicts in felony trials. These are the latest examples of the astonishing progress that has been made in the last several years on a wide range of criminal justice issues. Since 2010, when I published The New Jim Crow which argued that a system of legal discrimination and segregation had been born again in this country because of the war on drugs and mass incarceration there have been significant changes to drug policy, sentencing and re-entry, including ban the box initiatives aimed at eliminating barriers to employment for formerly incarcerated people. This progress is unquestionably good news, but there are warning signs blinking brightly. Many of the current reform efforts contain the seeds of the next generation of racial and social control, a system of e-carceration that may prove more dangerous and more difficult to challenge than the one we hope to leave behind. Bail reform is a case in point. Thanks in part to new laws and policies as well as actions like the mass bailout of people locked in New York City jails thats underway the unconscionable practice of cash bail is finally coming to an end. In August, California became the first state to decide to get rid of its cash bail system; last year, New Jersey virtually eliminated the use of money bonds. But whats taking the place of cash bail may prove even worse in the long run. In California, a presumption of detention will effectively replace eligibility for immediate release when the new law takes effect in October 2019. And increasingly, computer algorithms are helping to determine who should be caged and who should be set free. Freedom even when its granted, it turns out isnt really free. Yet interest in news careers remains high . Our newsroom internship last year attracted some 6,500 applications for just 30 spots. The question for us is: How do we reconcile these competing forces? Our answer is to invest more in training and feedback through a robust program . We found inspiration in early-career programs at The Atlantic and The Boston Globe. Like our internships, these positions are paid. Any newsroom apprenticeship should nurture various news skills and judgment through guidance and practice. But that could be tough to accomplish in a summer. Most participants in our internship hit their stride only in the final week or two. And the success of an interns summer was dictated by random factors, such as the timing of vacations or breaking news (or a lack of it). The longer duration of the fellowship is intended to allow journalists to grow in a way that only experience and constant repetition provides. That practice is the hardest thing to recreate in a short internship. And yet it is the surest way to build newsroom relationships and trust, gain exposure to a variety of story forms and master the stresses that journalists face every day. It also allows us to offer more openings for mentorship and regular feedback. Early-career journalists have told us they want to know where they stand and what they can improve on. They crave transparency . They desire chances to flash their full potential. And they want to feel as if they are progressing toward something. At the same time, regular feedback also teaches resilience. The ability to take constructive criticism is a skill required by any successful journalist. Certainly, we hope the new fellowship will infuse our newsroom with new energy and diverse perspectives. But the chances that we hire someone straight out of the program will be slim. So we expect that many of the fellows will graduate and go on to work at other newsrooms. Budget cuts have hit local newsrooms particularly hard, but demand still remains for well-trained, early-career journalists to cover school boards, zoning commissions, state legislatures and other important institutions across the nation. Lina Hidalgo never thought she would work in politics or run for office. She and her family fled their home country of Colombia as a drug war raged, arriving in the United States in 2005. She studied law, public policy and political science at elite universities as she pursued a career influencing government from the outside. But on Tuesday, Ms. Hidalgo, a 27-year-old Democrat, narrowly won an upset election to lead Harris County, which includes Houston and is the third-most populous county in the country and the largest in Texas. She beat the 11-year Republican incumbent to become the first woman and the first Latina elected to the county judge office. Ms. Hidalgo said she decided to run for office after the 2016 election because of the divisiveness it displayed. She ran as an outsider candidate. Im not tied to the powers that be, she said in an interview on Thursday. People were inspired. Their hearts led them to speak up in a year in which our democracy seemed to be under threat. WASHINGTON On Thursday, a top Justice Department official traveled across downtown Washington as he does every other week to the office of Robert S. Mueller III to check on the progress of the special counsels investigation. The visit was the first since President Trump installed a loyalist atop the department to take control of an inquiry that has been his obsession. The new acting attorney general, Matthew G. Whitaker, will oversee the investigation as Mr. Mueller and his team make numerous critical decisions in the coming weeks: whether to indict more of Mr. Trumps associates, whether to subpoena the president to force him to sit for an interview and whether to request leniency before a judge when Michael T. Flynn, Paul Manafort and other former Trump aides are sentenced. Much is still unknown about how active a role Mr. Whitaker will play in overseeing the special counsels work. Rod J. Rosenstein, the deputy attorney general, has overseen it and sent a top aide, Ed OCallaghan, to Mr. Muellers office every two weeks, according to a department official. But Mr. Trumps firing of Attorney General Jeff Sessions and choice of Mr. Whitaker, who has a history of loyalty to the White House and a record of critical statements about Mr. Muellers work, created an uncertain future for an investigation that was thought to be somewhat protected from political influence. New evidence emerged on Thursday that Mr. Whitaker has already decided the answer to the central question of Mr. Muellers investigation. In an interview last year, first reported by The Daily Beast, Mr. Whitaker flatly pronounced, The truth is, there was no collusion with the Russians and the Trump campaign. LOGAN, W.Va. Richard Ojeda presented himself as a new face of the Democratic Party: a tough guy in combat boots whose economic populism was the key to flipping coal country and maybe just maybe a model for winning in rural America in the age of Donald J. Trump. For a moment, Mr. Ojeda seemed poised to pull it off. He channeled West Virginias union roots when he championed a statewide teachers strike earlier this year. He had a plain-speaking, almost Trump-like style that attracted attention and money, drawing more than $2 million in donations from around the country. But on Tuesday he lost badly, taking just two out of the 18 counties that make up the Third Congressional District, a swath in the southern coal fields that is home to Mr. Ojeda and many of the teachers he supported. He even lost his home county, Logan, by 24 points. I was absolutely slapped in the face when I saw the totals, said Heather Ritter, a school librarian and supporter of Mr. Ojeda, the day after the election. WASHINGTON A Democratic senator has urged President Trump to allow American humanitarian aid workers into North Korea, despite a recent ban on travel to what officials consider a hostile nuclear state but also one of the worlds poorest nations. The senator, Edward J. Markey, Democrat of Massachusetts and a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, said in a letter dated Nov. 7 that he was deeply troubled by reports that the Trump administration was barring aid workers from shipping supplies or traveling to North Korea as they seek to provide the most basic humanitarian assistance. Mr. Markey praised Mr. Trumps decision to engage in diplomacy with Kim Jong-un, the North Korean leader, but said the aid workers needed to be allowed to do their jobs. Aid groups provide a range of services, including agricultural training and surgery, but are finding it impossible to enter North Korea because of new State Department restrictions. The humanitarian situation in North Korea is far too dire for these draconian policies, Mr. Markey wrote in the letter to Mr. Trump that was also sent to Mike Pompeo, the secretary of state, and Steven Mnuchin, the Treasury secretary. JAKARTA The final moments of Lion Air Flight 610 as it hurtled soon after dawn from a calm Indonesian sky into the waters of the Java Sea would have been terrifying but swift. The single-aisle Boeing aircraft, assembled in Washington State and delivered to Lion Air less than three months ago, appears to have plummeted nose-first into the water, its advanced jet engines racing the plane toward the waves at as much as 400 m.p.h. in less than a minute. The aircraft slammed into the sea with such force that some metal fittings aboard were reduced to powder, and the aircrafts flight data recorder tore loose from its armored box, propelled into the muddy seabed. As American and Indonesian investigators puzzle through clues of what went wrong, they are focusing not on a single lapse but on a cascade of troubling issues that ended with the deaths of all 189 people on board. That is nearly always the case in plane crashes, in which disaster can rarely be pinned on one factor. While investigators have not yet concluded what caused Flight 610 to plunge into the sea, they know that in the days before the crash the plane had experienced repeated problems in some of the same systems that could have led the aircraft to go into a nose dive. But before the battle gets going, lets take a breath and ask: What do the results tell us about the country on a deeper level? A few things to look at: 1. District Maps: This New York Times map shows which parts of the country shifted to the left and to the right compared to 2016. The leftward tilt was pretty widely dispersed. 2. Exit Polls: Surveys of voters from the 1980s onward highlight divisions that are both racial and generational, with the age divide becoming especially striking. 3. Diversity: More women and more young, nonwhite lawmakers are heading to Washington, including the first Muslim and Native American women elected to Congress. That means the power structure will more closely resemble the country at large. All three of those developments point to an electorate with more people who have become more frustrated with President Trump, including many of those who voted for him two years ago. If the age trends hold, and with a bunch of the winners coming from the more moderate side of the Democratic Party, it may also mean a future with more consensus than we have now. Imagine that, an America united. I admit, I have a hard time picturing it. But if we look beyond the what-ifs and issues and ideology if we really step back maybe we can see something more illuminating. PARIS All week President Emmanuel Macron toured Frances World War I memory trail. He visited the killing fields of Verdun, the vast ossuary at Douaumont and the monument to heroic African soldiers at Reims. Each stop made the same solemn point: Nationalism kills. It is a message Mr. Macron hopes will not be lost on the dozens of world leaders who will descend on France this weekend to commemorate the 1918 Armistice. But it is not clear anyone is listening. If anything, the carefully orchestrated centennial that Mr. Macron wanted to use for boosting his image at home and his ambitions for Europe only seems certain to underscore his isolation, both at home and abroad. The partner he had hoped to have in realizing his ambition for more Europe the German chancellor, Angela Merkel is on her way out. The avidly nativist eastern Europeans see him as the symbol of everything that is wrong with the European Union. He extended a hand time and again to President Trump only to see it slapped away; in the last few months, Mr. Macron has increasingly been marking his distance from the American president. Art: The Whitney Gives Us a New Look at Andy Warhol Nov. 12; whitney.org. Andy Warhol is a natural feature of the contemporary art world. His influence as a personality and a pioneer of mass-market-oriented fine art is so total that its difficult to set aside for long enough to make a fresh judgment of the art work he actually made. But Andy Warhol From A to B and Back Again, opening at the Whitney Museum of American Art and traveling in the next two years to San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the Art Institute of Chicago, gets you as close to a fresh view as possible. Gathering more than 350 separate pieces, the show covers everything from the commercial art Warhol made for hire in 1950s New York to his 1980s Reversals and Retrospectives, in which he re-editioned some of his most famous screen prints with new colors. WILL HEINRICH What would you like to see here? Email us at popculture@nytimes.com. Hello! Welcome to your weekly roundup of whats going on in pop culture. Just when I think I understand celebrity culture, I find out about Cameo, an app that lets you pay lower-level celebrities to send you personalized videos. Fans get to exert some control and perform a kind of celebrity ventriloquism, explains Amanda Hess in this great installment in her Internetting video series. 1. Andy the artist LONDON Perceptions of the art market can often be shaped by the huge prices paid for work by the Wests most famous painters and sculptors. But there is another culture that can also inspire spectacular sales. Last month, at Sothebys in Hong Kong, a Chinese 18th-century Imperial porcelain poppy bowl sold for $21.6 million. At the same auction, an elaborately decorated fish vase, also thought to be of Imperial provenance from the Qianlong era, raised $19 million. Buoyed by a surging economy, Chinese dealers and collectors have since the mid 2000s been bidding formidable sums for the finest artworks from their countrys past. But in recent years, as Chinas economic growth has slowed, the market for its antiques has become less frothy. Just under half the 299 lots offered in Sothebys fall series of Chinese works of art sales in Hong Kong managed to find buyers. The Qianlong fish vase was marketed by the auction house as the rediscovered pair of another that was bid to an extraordinary 51.6 million pounds, then about $83 million, at a small auction house in London in 2010. The Beijing-based bidder never paid for that vase, and it was sold privately in 2013 to another buyer for $32 million to $40 million. The $19 million bid in Hong Kong for its supposed partner fell well short of that. The Paris auction house Tajan will offer a rediscovered drawing by Leonardo da Vinci at public sale on June 19, for the first time, testing the market for a work by the Renaissance master after the extraordinary sale of Salvator Mundi last year. The sale will come almost 500 years after da Vinci died, in May 1519, at Amboise, France. Tajan is hoping to achieve a price between 30 million euros and 60 million for the 1492 drawing, or about $34 million to $68 million, said Rodica Seward, chairman of the auction house. The double-sided artwork was rediscovered in March 2016 in a private French collection by Thaddee Prate, an old master specialist at Tajan. One side features a vigorous pen and ink drawing of Saint Sebastian tied to a tree, the other inscribed scientific studies of candle light, also in pen and ink. The attribution of the St. Sebastian drawing to Leonardo is absolutely solid, said Carmen Bambach, curator of prints and drawings at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, in an email. The inscription fits perfectly well with his manuscripts and style of handwriting, and the drawing of the saint is complementary to other drawings of the subject that are already known, added Ms. Bambach, who is writing a scholarly article on the studies. PARIS Is it possible to create meaningful photographs in a world awash with images? Or should photographers instead work with the flood of images already out there? Could photographs from the past help us understand who we are today? Does photography necessarily require a camera? Those were some of the questions posed by the displays of 166 galleries exhibiting at Paris Photo, held again this year at the Grand Palais, the 19th-century iron-and-glass masterpiece by the Seine River, running through Nov. 11. The international fair showcases works spanning the history of photography. While many of the artists on show seemed happy with photographys traditional flat prints, others departed to find new forms of expression, incorporating techniques such as weaving, cutting, painting and sculpture. Here are edited extracts in which some of the artists explained their work. The Museum of Modern Arts Department of Architecture and Design has given the lasting impression that the Bauhaus, with its skeletal steel chairs and practical teakettles, owned Modernism for much of the last century. But 56 well-stocked booths at the Salon Art + Design fair at the Park Avenue Armory, which opened Thursday and runs through Monday, offer an alternative story. Consider the evidence: a fluffy armchair upholstered with white tails of mohair from Romes Giustini/Stagetti gallery; a bronze bench sculpted as a grinning lynx from Philadelphias Wexler Gallery; two concave dish mirrors shaped like a pair of gigantic contact lenses, hanging at the Maison Rapin. And then at Adrian Sassoon, theres a thick, erect, 7-foot-high, ceramic vase shaped like a column and painted with fig leaves. Its enough to make any man jealous. You smile your way through the fair. Theres wit, spirit and cheek. The sass of a slipper chair by the Indian designer Satyendra Pakhale in Ammann gallery in Cologne leads with a pair of breasts, like an ancient Greek sphinx, and its just as insolent today as it was when designed over a decade ago. Geldof approached Mercury through Spike Edney, a former member of Geldofs own band, the Boomtown Rats, who had recently joined Queen to play keyboards during the groups live shows. Queen was noncommittal, but not because, as the movie Bohemian Rhapsody suggests, they had split from Mercury for several years. The group was exhausted after a spring 1985 tour of New Zealand, Australia and Japan. And Mercury had recently cast doubt on the bands future by releasing a solo album, Mr. Bad Guy, to a lukewarm reception. Once Queen was convinced of the show's epic scale, they agreed not to close the concert, but to play at 6:41 p.m. And they took the show more seriously than many of their peers, rehearsing for three solid days. By the time Queen hit the stage in London, the 70,000 fans at Wembley had already seen performances by Elvis Costello, Dire Straits and Phil Collins, who left immediately after his set with Sting to catch the Concorde to the United States, so he could drum with Eric Clapton and Led Zeppelin in Philadelphia. But they had been seeing Queens piano all day long; Mercury let the other acts use his Steinway. GAVIN EDWARDS Neil Andrew Megson discovered Max Ernst when he was 15 years old, and it set a course for his life. The book was called The Hundred Headless Woman, surrealistic collages of human and animal forms. It presented the body as fluid and mutable, and the self as open to negotiation. It was the mid-1960s, and to a British schoolboy who felt he didnt fit in into his school, his gender, his body this was freedom. In the half-century since, Megson better known as the musician and visual artist Genesis Breyer P-Orridge has steadily probed at the boundaries of the body, both literally and figuratively, evolving from art provocateur to founder of the influential British bands Throbbing Gristle and Psychic TV to semi-established fine artist with archives at the Tate Britain. As P-Orridge now considers retiring from live music, Throbbing Gristles albums from the 1970s and early 1980s are newly available in deluxe reissues on Mute. At 68, P-Orridge lives on the Lower East Side neighborhood of Manhattan in a body racked by chronic myelomonocytic leukemia. [Genesis Breyer P-Orridge has died at 70. Read the NYT obituary here.] Im stable right now, my blood counts are close to normal, P-Orridge said on a recent afternoon at home, flanked by a snoring Pekingese named Musty Dagger. But at some point it will finally flare up and become terminal, and theres no way to know when that might be. Optimistically, two years. Less optimistically, a year, maybe six months. And then Im on the downward slope to death. Her widest-reaching project, the 2004 symphonic poem Made in America, has been performed by more than 65 orchestras in all 50 states. And Ms. Tower has recently been commissioned by the New York Philharmonic for a new work to debut in a future season. She is, in short, of comparable stature to the major octogenarians of her generation, such as Steve Reich, Charles Wuorinen and John Corigliano. Unlike some of those major octogenarians, however, Ms. Tower is remarkably self-deprecating. In a recent phone conversation from her home in Red Hook, N.Y., she talked about why. Here are edited excerpts. How does it feel to reach the milestone of 80? Composing is not an easy activity. For others, its easier, but for me its a very challenging activity. But as life goes on, the rewards come in. The credentials, like winning certain prizes, are very nice, but the important rewards are that your music gets picked up and played a lot. Thats what makes your life in music, not necessarily where you went to school, who you studied with, or what awards you got. Could you talk about some of your influences? [Growing up in South America,] I developed a love for percussion. My babysitter used to take me to these festivals. She would drop me off at the bandstand, so she could go and have fun. The band people would throw me a maraca or some kind of castanet or drum. That was where I started to develop a love of percussion and also dance. My music is basically about rhythm. Its all about timing for me. Belgian activists, including some who once worked with the acclaimed multidisciplinary artist Jan Fabre, have demanded New York University do more to address allegations of sexual harassment against Mr. Fabre as his company prepares to perform at N.Y.U. on Saturday. Former members of Mr. Fabres company have accused him of demanding sex for solos, asking a dancer to masturbate in front of him, and generally running a performing arts company where humiliation is a daily bread, as they stated in an open letter published on a Belgian magazines website. Mr. Fabre has denied all the allegations, which are being investigated by the Belgian authorities. On Saturday, Mr. Fabres company, Troubleyn, is performing a 24-hour show, Mount Olympus, at the N.Y.U. Skirball Center. It features 27 performers portraying characters from Greek tragedy who fight, engage in simulated orgies, as well as dance, sing and take naps. Tickets cost from $100 to $275. The Skirball Center discusses the allegations on its website on a page providing notes for the show. They are not mentioned on the main ticketing page for Mount Olympus. Ann Curry has rarely shied away from taking a leap, as witnessed in her 2007 bungee jump for charity. So when she left NBC News in 2015 after a 25-year run during which she reported on wars and natural disasters, hosted Dateline and anchored Today alongside Matt Lauer shed already pinpointed her landing. She wanted to do projects that do some good. Ive spent many years covering transformative moments and documenting what people experience in real time, Curry said. To be able to interview people after theyve had time to think about whats happened and who to thank for their survival, its a different way of doing those kinds of stories. In Well Meet Again, whose second season begins Nov. 13 on PBS (check local listings), Curry holds up the proverbial mirror to see our capacity for greatness in the worst of moments, she said, recounting tales of heroism and reuniting the saved with the savior. Episodes in the first season traced intersecting lives during the gay and civil rights movements, 9/11, the Vietnam War and World War II. Season 2s six new episodes feature reunions between Vietnam and Korean War veterans and those who saved them; Holocaust survivors and the friends who gave them hope; children who survived the Great Alaskan Earthquake and those who escaped Cuba; and women who fought for gender equality in the workplace and at home in the 1970s and 80s. Were living in such an acrimonious time, and Im going the other direction, Curry said. I want to find and do those stories that remind us that in fact our true nature is not where we are that we actually are bigger and deeper and more generous than that. The second season of the Duplass brothers dark anthology series, Room 104, debuts on HBO. And Chris Pine plays a 14th-century Scottish king in Netflixs Outlaw King. Whats on TV ROOM 104 11:30 p.m. on HBO. A lot can happen within one set of walls. Created by Mark Duplass and Jay Duplass, this anthology series takes place in a hotel room with new transient characters and stories appearing with every episode. Fights (verbal and physical), ghosts and dancing all factored into the first season. Many stories took interest in the macabre, but there was a lot of variation between episodes; last years set took its hyper-specific, intimate setting and filled it with wild shifts in tone. Those gave the impression that the static nature of the environment had challenged the cast and crew to constantly come up with new ways to vary things. With so much turnover between episodes, jumping right into Friday nights second-season debut doesnt require that the viewer have any previous familiarity with the series. This season features episodes with Mahershala Ali, Charlyne Yi, Michael Shannon and other familiar faces. Msimangs parents believed in an exceptional South Africa, one whose future would be free of injustice. Their daughter learns not to see the world this way. In Canada, a boy in her grade-school class calls her an African monkey, and a group of white girls with whom she became close abruptly exclude her. These moments reveal racisms sharp little teeth; before long, she realizes she has been spoiled as a child, bred to believe that she and her sisters werent just children we were representatives of ideals. Living abroad, far away for the sake of freedom, her family was no more special than anyone else. If Canada taught Msimang the insidiousness of racism, Kenya exposed her to class politics. In a moving scene, she confronts a boy who steals her bike. After a mob which she compares to the chorus of a Greek tragedy brings the perpetrator to her feet, the boy issues a careless apology. He doesnt mean it, she writes. He stares at me with naked rage. He is sorry that I am rich and he is poor and he is not moved by my tears or my vulnerability. The incident becomes a funny story her family likes to tell. But its also discomforting evidence of economic inequality, a subject her parents seem hardly to discuss. Reflecting on the boys behavior, Msimang concedes that she could never say that he made no apologies for himself or that he blamed me for being a certain kind of girl and occupying the world with a certain kind of obliviousness that was not acceptable. There is no room for the complicated truth in the narrative their world imposes on them: The boy is a thief and she his victim. At Macalester College, in St. Paul, Msimang undergoes a political awakening. She joins a black womens poetry troupe that performs work by women. But the groups political inspirations the words that animate our conversations, and that push us to act in the real world are men. She begins to see her parents not as revolutionary heroes, but as slightly naive. Msimangs biting humor gives this section a glorious punch. There is a sense that the more she distances herself from her parents, the more her own voice can emerge. In coming-of-age stories, the journey to self-discovery almost always involves leaving home. But for children for whom home means the family unit rather than a particular location, leaving is not necessarily marked by physical movement. Like most daughters of African parents (this reviewer included), Msimang was taught to be brave but never defiant, particularly when it comes to family. She eventually moves to South Africa the object of her parents dreams and lifes work. She marries, becomes a mother and, eventually, a journalist. She, too, is invested in her countrys future, but on her own terms. South Africa doesnt need heroes, she writes. She needs the best type of friends those who bear witness. CONSENT ON CAMPUS A Manifesto By Donna Freitas 231 pp. Oxford University. $19.95. Image Freitas offers an in-depth accounting of the problem of sexual assault on college campuses, analyzing both the likely exacerbating factors and various successful or ill-advised response strategies from universities. Based on a decade of research, her book is measured and rigorously reasonable, taking pains not to stray too far in any ideological direction. Freitas, a lecturer on womens issues and a well-regarded Y.A. author, elucidates the role alcohol and partying play in assaults, but insists that young women must not be held responsible for the violence committed against them. She stresses that the cultural factors that enable sexual assault are pervasive beyond the campus walls, but is optimistic that institutions can implement policies to help their students navigate sex responsibly and safely. She is most emphatic and prescriptive in her examination of hook-up culture, the ritualized patterns of casual sex that are common among young people. Hook-up culture has long been a source of moral panic for adult observers of college life, and those who are weary of such condemnations might find Freitas a bit grating when she says that one cause of sexual assault on campuses may be the absence of emotional intimacy between college sexual partners. Its a claim that ignores both the statistics showing that a great deal of sexual violence occurs within romantic relationships, and the reality that a lot of thoroughly consensual sex happens between people who are not in love. The book gets into the weeds with a detailed study of failed university responses to sexual assaults, and readers outside the academy might lose interest toward the end, which specifies the ways large universities can be slow-moving, traditional and behind the times. But Freitas is worth reading for her interviews with college students, whom she treats with an uncommon degree of dignity and respect. They are, she reminds us, the experts in their own lives. Tim Federle, who co-wrote the musical Tuck Everlasting and the movie Ferdinand, knows the territory of being a misunderstood theater kid. As a teenager, he escaped his hometown to come to New York City to pursue a Broadway career. His novel Better Nate Than Ever told the story of Nate Foster, an eighth grader who steals his moms A.T.M. card and his brothers fake ID and boards a bus to try out for a Broadway musical version of E.T. Next came Five, Six, Seven, Nate!, in which Nate lands an ensemble role, moves to New York and prepares for opening night. Now the series comes to an end with NATE EXPECTATIONS (Simon & Schuster, 256 pp., $17.99; ages 10 to 14), which tackles what happens after your dream comes true: The show closes after bad reviews. As with his earlier books, Federle skillfully pivots between the comedic commentary and the moving introspection of a boy trying to find his place in a homophobic world. Image After experiencing the freedom to be himself as well as a secret romance with a castmate Nate Foster has to go back to Jankburg, Pa., a town that somehow both never knew my name but also hated everything about me. To make things worse, the high school auditorium is being torn down to build a lacrosse field. Undeterred in his love of the theater, Nate sets out to stage a musical production of Great Expectations in the gym, and instead of getting ostracized, he gains fans among students and administrators alike. Some days youre a freshman in high school, and though the world is a bubble of suck, inside the bubble youve made something rare and beautiful, Nate observes. Readers will feel reassured that Nate will survive high school and go on to pursue his passion with confidence. Zora was bold and honest like a bumblebee asking to nectar on springtime flowers, and loud and fearless like a bobcat, says 12-year-old Carrie Brown, the narrator of the beautifully written ZORA AND ME: THE CURSED GROUND (Candlewick, 250 pp., $16.99; ages 10 and up), by T. R. Simon. In this second book in a promised series that imagines the life of the young Zora Neale Hurston, Zora and her friend Carrie solve a murder in their town of Eatonville, Fla., in the early 1900s. Although Eatonville is the first black incorporated town in America, Zora and Carrie are hardly shielded from the racial violence of the post-Reconstruction era. In Zora and Me: The Cursed Ground, the two girls learn about the enslaved history of some of their towns inhabitants and the ongoing legacy of that bloody bondage. Image When Zora and Carrie stumble upon an old slave plantation house in 1903, they can hardly imagine a world where people are treated like property. But then two white men ride into town claiming that the land should never have been incorporated into Eatonville. Zoras father, who is Eatonvilles mayor, is forced to take a stance. The past is coming for us, isnt it? her mother asks. White men with lynching ropes will hang us from trees here as easily as they did in Alabama. We were foolish to think that there could ever be a safe place, that we could ever get away. The land in question holds a dark secret, one told in flashbacks from a healer named Old Lady Bronson that slowly connect the past with the present. The flashbacks vividly depict Old Lady Bronsons life as a young girl when she was taken from Hispaniola to Florida to work on the plantation. The connection between slave times and Zora and Carries world unravels slowly and with well-crafted suspense and a horrifying surprise twist. History wasnt just something you read in a book, Carrie observes. It was everything your life stood on. We who thought we were free from the past were still living it out. That Inkling represents the fathers spirit instead of the sons is a stirring choice. Ethan conceals Inkling from his father at first literally, protecting a piece of his fathers soul from him, until Ethan crumbles under the pressure. A secret was a heavy thing to carry around for so long, he laments, and day by day it only got heavier. Ethan is a stand-in for every child who must take on the role of parent to sustain a family. But part of what Ethan has to learn is that his fathers failings arent his own; the more Ethan tries to parent Inkling, the more it metastasizes. When the monstrous blotch is finally devoured, we feel Ethans relief, his fathers soul no longer his ward. Image Ethans father is known only as Dad, but in Christopher Healys A PERILOUS JOURNEY OF DANGER & MAYHEM: A DASTARDLY PLOT (Walden Pond Press, 384 pp., $16.99; ages 8 to 12), Mom has a name: Cassandra Pepper, a manic, stargazing inventor in 1883 New York, who seems to be less mother to her 12-year-old daughter, Molly, and more ball-and-chain. Mollys father is dead, but his ghost looms large: He had promised his beloved Cassandra she would never have to give up on her dream of rivaling Thomas Edison or Nikola Tesla. After her fathers death, then, Molly quits school and becomes her mothers assistant, refusing to let her father become a liar. Determined to showcase Cassandras flying contraption at the World Fair, only to be thwarted by the all-male Inventors Guild, Molly soon uncovers the dastardly plot of the title, a death machine targeting the entire city, which Molly and her mother must team up to defuse. With the help of allies, including a Chinese boy named Emmett (We dont have the best reputation around here, he sighs, fully aware of anti-immigrant sentiment), Molly tracks down the suspected assassins. One by one, the clues point toward famous inventors Alexander Graham Bell, Edison himself which gives young readers a chance to meet and exonerate each one before the chase begins again. But amid Healys whip-smart banter and well-hewed cameos (including appearances by several unsung female inventors), a thorny question takes hold. Unlike Ethan, who struggles valiantly to not be his parents, Molly is her mothers proxy. Indeed, Molly exists so purely to serve Cassandras hopes, Cassandras dreams, Cassandras future, that even mother and daughter are left wondering at books end: What does Molly want? Image Molly has much in common with Mel in Matt Phelans illustrated KNIGHTS VS. DINOSAURS (Greenwillow, 160 pp., $16.99; ages 8 to 12), a squire for the knight Bors, a brute in shining armor who initially has no clue his liege is a girl. At King Arthurs Round Table, where the pair are in service, knights act as their squires exclusive guardians, which means Mels parents are out of the picture and Bors is, essentially, her dad. Testing knight and squire along with the rest of Arthurs knights is a forest full of Jurassic beasts. Whether jousting with a triceratops or facing down a T-rex, Mel should come with a halo: Shes thoughtful, sensitive and wise, always thinking, planning, preparing. Parenting her seems to require little more than staying out of her way. Not that Bors seems equipped for the role, insisting a female squire is an affront to his dignity and the natural order, where Might Makes Right. The United States has been engaged in land wars in the Middle East for so long that its easy to forget some of our nations most significant battles have been fought at sea. Two good new books remind us of the importance of maritime warfare in our national history. Nathaniel Philbrick demonstrates once again with IN THE HURRICANES EYE: The Genius of George Washington and the Victory at Yorktown (Viking, $30) that he is a masterly storyteller. Here he seeks to elevate the naval battles between the French and British to a central place in the history of the American Revolution. He succeeds, marvelously. He can relate in a word or two what others might take a chapter to expound. For example, his phrase Washingtons tightly coiled response captures the tense tone of much of Washingtons wartime correspondence. Nor is Philbrick afraid to make sweeping assertions. He writes that the bitter truth was that by the summer of 1781 the American Revolution had failed, in that it was a stalemate that many Americans no longer supported physically or financially. Victory would be secured, he continues, not by Americans but by French funds, guns, ships and soldiers. (Philbrick also does hurricanes well.) On top of that, at a time when many books of military history have poor maps or none, this book has many, all of them instructive and graceful. As a writer, Im envious of Philbricks talents, but as a reader, Im grateful. Trent Hones LEARNING WAR: The Evolution of Fighting Doctrine in the U.S. Navy, 1898-1945 (Naval Institute, $34.95) is quite the opposite, a dry volume written for military professionals. But there is a place for such works, especially when they show how organizational change can be the key to victory. The bond that develops between boy and donkey is genuinely heartwarming. And in seeing Louies relentless efforts to keep Winslow alive he sleeps with him in the cellar, wakes for 4 a.m. feedings and even learns how to administer injections young readers may absorb a subtle lesson in passion and persistence. The plot itself is rather uneventful: At one point, Winslow goes missing, and thats about it, drama-wise. But the story is buoyed by the whisper-weight chapters and Creechs spare, poetic language. Creech isnt writing in verse (which she used to great effect in Love That Dog!) but her words evoke imagery that will linger in a readers mind long after the final page. When Louie first sees Winslow, for instance, he felt a sudden rush, as if the roof had peeled off the house and the sun had dived into every corner of the kitchen. Image Sometimes the wild and fierce are more fascinating than the domesticated and cuddly. Carl Hiaasens best-selling middle-grade capers (Hoot, Flush, Scat, Chomp) all have intrepid tweens, lawbreaking baddies and endangered Florida wildlife at their center. His latest, SQUIRM (Knopf, 276 pp., $18.99; ages 8 to 12), is narrated by Billy Dickens, who lives with his mom and sister in Florida. Billy doesnt have a halfway normal life for a few reasons: He hasnt heard from his father since he was 3 or 4, his eagle-obsessed mom makes him and his sister move every few years so they can live near an active nest, and he spends most of his free time with snakes. When Billy figures out that his dad who may or may not be working for the C.I.A. is living in Montana, he flies out West to confront him. There, he meets his fathers new wife and stepdaughter and becomes embroiled in a high-stakes battle involving snakes, grizzlies, drones and villainous gun-toting trophy hunters. Its a fun romp that will keep readers hooked, even as the plot becomes increasingly convoluted in the manner of a wacky PG-13 movie. Perhaps best of all is the way Hiaasen conveys the wonders of wild creatures, from the skittish and solitary behavior of panthers to the unusual nesting habits of swallows. Dont be surprised if after reading Squirm, your young reader tells you the safest way to handle a yellow rat snake or scare off a grizzly. And now that were on the subject of bears, lets consider the most famous bear of all. Most children think of Winnie-the-Pooh as the mustard-yellow bear in the bafflingly small red shirt. But before Disney got hold of him, dear sweet Pooh was, of course, the creation of the British author A. A. Milne, whose inspiration was an actual black bear named Winnie at the London Zoo during World War I. Image Adopted as an orphaned cub by a Canadian Army veterinarian named Henry Colebourn, Winnie eventually sailed to England with the troops. The author Lindsay Mattick and the illustrator Sophie Blackall shared the story in their 2015 Caldecott Medal-winning Finding Winnie. Now, Mattick (a great-granddaughter of Colebourn) has teamed with the author Josh Greenhut on WINNIES GREAT WAR (Little, Brown, 227 pp., $16.99; ages 8 to 12), a middle-grade novel, also illustrated by Blackall, that expands upon these events for a slightly older audience. This fleshed-out Winnie is very much a reflection of Milnes Pooh a naive, openhearted creature with a great weakness for food and capacity for love. We get a range of dramatic scenes conjured by the authors, including Winnies last moments with her mother (who utters Be brave, my Bear! before shes shot by a trapper) and the friendships she makes with squirrels, horses and a rat named Tatters. While the juxtaposition of cute talking animals and excerpts from Colebourns actual diary entries is disorienting, the overall result is a work of undeniable charm. This is distinctively old-fashioned, gentle storytelling that children will enjoy hearing read aloud. And the photographs of the real Winnie at the end of the book are the clincher a reminder that real animals can be more enchanting than any weve imagined. In 1921 T. S. Eliot teetered on the brink of a mental collapse. For two years he had been struggling at night to finish a long poem, while working by day in the foreign transactions department of Lloyds Bank. His neurologist as they were then called in Britain told Tom to get three months sick leave and then travel to Lausanne to see a leading psychiatrist. He did. His escape from London freed him from negotiating exchange rates and his unhappy marriage. While in Switzerland, he was able to complete his poem The Waste Land. Eliot handed the text to Ezra Pound, whom he had met in 1914 when the two lived in London. Both were Americans Tom from St. Louis, Ezra from Idaho and both were modernists who sought to shatter all existing forms of poetry. It was Pound who had edited Eliots The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock and arranged for its 1915 publication in Poetry magazine. When the poem appeared in chapbook form two years later, it placed Eliot at the forefront of poetrys avant-garde. (Want to get this briefing by email? Heres the sign-up.) Good morning. Another mass shooting in the U.S., a century since the Armistice, and how the Mandarin duck got its name. Heres the latest: In the statement announcing the deal, Mr. Jiaravanon promised to invest in technology and journalism at Fortune. Like all magazines, Fortunes print business has declined ad pages for 2018 are down more than 25 percent which prompted the title to focus on other potential areas of growth, specifically digital advertising and conferences. Those businesses now make up about 62 percent of Fortunes nearly $100 million in annual revenue, and the magazine makes about $10 million in profit when not taking into account interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. The purchase price and Mr. Jiaravanons willingness to invest in the magazine were key factors in his winning bid, Mr. Murray said, although the specific amount of additional investment was not discussed. The magazine is likely to add to its staff and will consider putting a paywall on its website. Meredith moved quickly after acquiring Time Inc. last year to sell the magazines that did not fit into its existing stable: glossies centered around home and lifestyle and geared toward female readers. The company announced in March that it was seeking a buyer for Fortune, as well as for Time, Money and Sports Illustrated. Although Merediths decision to sell those titles was widely expected, it nonetheless signaled a further decline of the magazine industry. Auctioning off the magazines was more complicated than Meredith executives had expected. As a case in point: Mr. Benioff was close to buying Fortune before switching his preference to Time when he saw that it was a bigger business. At that point, Meredith had to seek new bidders for Fortune. Get the DealBook newsletter to make sense of major business and policy headlines and the power-brokers who shape them. __________ SoftBanks many investments have become hard to keep track of. The nearly $100 billion Vision Fund, led by the SoftBank chief executive Masayoshi Son and backed by Saudi Arabias Public Investment Fund, held 38 stakes at the end of September, according to SoftBanks quarterly financial results. But some of the biggest and best-known names that you might associate with the fund werent among them. The Vision Fund is capable of hugely influential transactions, such as the $15 billion-plus injection of additional capital into the office-sharing start-up WeWork that is currently under discussion, according to news reports. Despite the funds financial firepower, though, holdings sometimes end up elsewhere in the SoftBank sprawl. A $5 billion investment in Chinas Didi, originally made by SoftBank, is now housed in another vehicle altogether, known as the Delta Fund. It has been separate from, but generally mentioned alongside, the Vision Fund since it was revealed in 2017. UBSs spurning of the settlement is partly based on a wager that the courts will decide that the bank was foolish rather than dishonest. As well as losing money that belonged to investors, the bank also itself invested in 39 of the 40 mortgage-backed securities cited by the Justice Department, and suffered $900 million of its own losses, according to the bank. All told, UBS eventually suffered $45 billion of losses in the market. And it never originated the mortgages but merely packaged and sold them on. So UBS joins a small club of European lenders that have pushed back against U.S. prosecutors. Barclays gives it some hope: it also spurned a settlement before negotiating a lower fine. An ongoing trial in France over whether UBS helped French clients evade taxes adds piquancy to Mr. Ermottis U.S. rebuttal. French prosecutors have called for a 3.7 billion euro fine. Given UBSs Tier 1 capital ratio, a common measure of a banks financial health, stands at a robust 13.5 percent and its shares trade above the tangible book value of the company, Mr. Ermotti can arguably afford to be confrontational. Still, if authorities in France and the United States get half of what they called for, amounting to around 3.1 billion Swiss francs, then UBSs capital ratio would drop to 12.3 percent healthy enough, but below its 13 percent target. More worrying, its leverage ratio would drop to the regulatory minimum of 3.5 percent, imperiling a 2 billion Swiss franc share buyback. Mr. Ermotti is confident enough that wont happen, not least because HSBC settled its own French tax evasion probe last year for just 300 million euros. Besides, UBS is on track to generate around 2 billion Swiss francs of organic capital this year, potentially providing some additional loss-absorbing protection. SHANGHAI The Philippine government said on Friday that it would charge a veteran journalist and her online news start-up with tax evasion, a move the publication described as an attack against media in the country by the government of President Rodrigo Duterte. The countrys Department of Justice said it had grounds to indict the start-up, Rappler, and its founder, Maria Ressa, for tax evasion and failure to file tax returns. Rappler denied the charges, calling the case a clear form of continuing intimidation and harassment, and accused the government of trying to silence critical coverage. The penalties for tax evasion include a fine as well as up to 10 years of imprisonment. Speaking from Washington, D.C., where she received an award from the International Center for Journalists on Thursday evening, Ms. Ressa said an indictment which the government has said could come as soon as next week would have a chilling effect on reporters in some of the most dangerous places around the world. Unemployment is abnormally low. Growth has sped up. A $1.5 trillion tax cut, signed by President Trump last year, is fueling consumer spending. Faced with strong Democratic enthusiasm and fund-raising, and hindered by an unpopular president, Republicans were counting on that economic strength to lift them at the polls, or at least limit the damage. It didnt. Republicans lost in House districts with low unemployment rates. They lost in districts that have gained manufacturing jobs. They lost in districts that got big tax cuts. And they lost overwhelmingly in the kind of affluent, educated suburbs that have experienced the strongest overall recovery and that were once among the most reliable Republican districts. Republicans had lost 30 net seats in the House as of Friday afternoon, and will probably lose a few more once all the votes are counted. It is possible, of course, that Republican losses might have been even larger were it not for the strong economy. But there was little sign of that in district-level results: Many of the Democrats pickups came in places where the economy, at least by standard measures, is strong. All told, there was no apparent relationship between Republican candidates performance in Tuesdays House races and the strength of the economy in those districts, an analysis of economic and electoral data shows. A former Goldman Sachs banker who helped orchestrate the looting of a multibillion-dollar Malaysian government investment fund told a federal judge that several other employees of the prestigious Wall Street firm had also been involved, according to a court filing unsealed Friday. The banker, Tim Leissner, told the judge that he had conspired with other employees and agents of Goldman Sachs to keep compliance and legal department employees from discovering that bribes and kickbacks were being paid to help the bank secure more than $6 billion in bond work for the investment fund, 1Malaysia Development Berhad. During his guilty plea in August, Mr. Leissner also said that his decision to hide his actions from Goldmans compliance department was very much in line with a wider culture at the firm. The newly released statements by Mr. Leissner were the latest indication of the scope of Goldmans role in a scandal centered on the looting of more than $2.7 billion from an investment fund meant to benefit the people of Malaysia. Instead, the money financed the lavish lifestyles of people connected to the former prime minister Najib Razak, whom Malaysian authorities charged with corruption in July. President Trump said on Friday that he might revoke the credentials of additional White House reporters if they did not treat the White House with respect, lobbing another threat at the news media two days after his administration effectively blacklisted the CNN correspondent Jim Acosta. Asked how long Mr. Acostas pass would be suspended, Mr. Trump replied: As far as Im concerned, I havent made that decision. But it could be others also. The president made his comments while speaking with reporters on the South Lawn before boarding Marine One. When youre in the White House, this is a very sacred place for me, a very special place, Mr. Trump said as he left Washington for a brief jaunt to Paris. You have to treat the White House with respect. You have to treat the presidency with respect. Tuesday 10 a.m. Conference call for potential movie role. This was a FaceTime call with a female director just getting a feel for each other and our personalities and our working styles. These sorts of calls are cool because theres no pressure. You either get along with someone or you dont, so its nice to truly just be yourself, talk about Oprah and if the other person isnt into it, then ya know, thats O.K. 1 p.m. Workout. Theres a small gym in my building. It makes it so easy. 3 p.m. Launch sweepstakes announcements for Everythings Trash book launch. Im feeling good about the book. I think its better than the first one and I hope that people like it. At this point, you just sort of have to accept that you wont have any control over how people receive it. Just hope for the best, promote it like crazy and then move on. Its easy to get caught up in trying to make the best-seller list, but its like ... writing a book is the achievement. Its super hard to do and the fact that in the span of three years, Ive written two books, Im like, Yaaaaas Gaga. The book tour will be exhausting, but I could be a doctor having to deliver bad news, but Im not. So I try to have perspective and take vitamins like biotin so my Afro will be poppin. 8 p.m. Comedy set. Ive been doing comedy for 10 years. I think any time you go on stage, youre going to have a small part of you that is dreading sucking, but its work. Thats all it is. Its a job and you have to show and do the damn thing. No one in the audience cares about whatever is going on in my head because they paid to be entertained. And ultimately, Im going to do thousands and thousands of shows in my life. The preciousness of it has to go away. I dont run my stuff in a mirror. I just have an idea, a few lines Ive written down and sort of talk myself through it on stage and then keep refining it and figuring it out. The sausage is getting made very publicly, but it makes you fearless in a way. Wednesday 7 a.m. Hair and makeup before photo shoots for T: The New York Times Style Magazine and Apartment Therapy. Over all, these shoots are chill. Im friends with my hair and makeup people (Delina Medhin and Sabrina Rowe), so they make it a lot more enjoyable. 9 a.m. I think I want all shoots to happen at my home now. Its nice to roll out of bed, walk around barefoot and drink a LaCroix and then shoot and then be like, O.K., everyone leave. 2 p.m. Post updates on socials about Black Girls Code. I got involved with this organization after I literally just Googled black owned charities. What Trump said If you know, China has come down tremendously. Tremendously. China would have superseded us in two years as an economic power; now, theyre not even close. This is exaggerated. Its true that Chinas growth is slowing. The economy expanded 6.5 percent in the three months that ended in September, the slowest pace in almost a decade. (Those are the official numbers, at least. Many economists believe Beijings statistics are implausibly smooth and do not square with outside estimates.) But even if Chinas growth rate hadnt slowed, the country was hardly about to eclipse the United States in two years. Last year, Chinese economic output totaled $12.2 trillion, according to the World Bank. The American economys output totaled $19.4 trillion. Assuming the two economies kept growing at last years rates, it would still take around a decade for China to surpass the United States. What Trump said China got rid of their China 25 because I found it very insulting. I said that to them. I said, China 25 is very insulting, because China 25 means, in 2025, theyre going to take over, economically, the world. I said, Thats not happening. False. President Trump is presumably referring to Made in China 2025, a 2015 government plan for modernizing Chinese manufacturers through state support and intervention. The Trump administration has repeatedly held up the plan as evidence that China unfairly privileges its own companies over foreign competitors in the Chinese market. The administration says its tariffs against China are intended in part to compel Beijing to change these practices. Perhaps in response to all the attention the plan has received, Chinese officials have lately stopped mentioning Made in China 2025 by name. News outlets have been ordered to keep it out of their stories. Want climate news in your inbox? Sign up here for Climate Fwd:, our email newsletter. WASHINGTON As the Trump administration has moved aggressively to roll back environmental protections and speed up oil and coal projects, it has repeatedly been blocked by courts finding that the administration did not follow longstanding rules in making its sweeping changes. Now, a federal judge has issued a repudiation of one of President Trumps first acts as president, his decision to allow the disputed Keystone XL oil pipeline to proceed, saying that the administration failed to present a reasoned explanation for the move and simply discarded the effect the project would have on climate change. The decision could thrust the White House into a contentious new legal battle over climate change. The judges finding quickly drew fire from Mr. Trump, who has elevated the pipeline as a prominent symbol of his administrations effort to encourage fossil fuel use. It was a political decision made by a judge, said Mr. Trump on Friday, speaking to reporters at the White House. I think its a disgrace. The ruling, by Judge Brian Morris of United States District Court for Montana, blocked construction on the 1,179-mile pipeline, which would carry 800,000 barrels a day of petroleum from the Canadian oil sands to the Gulf Coast and has, over the past decade, become a lighting rod in broader political battles over energy, the environment and climate change. While experts have long said that the substantive impact of the pipeline on jobs, climate change and the nations energy economy is small, it has nonetheless taken on an outsize prominence in the national discussion. Nov. 05 Herat Province: seven soldiers killed The Taliban attacked an army outpost in the Chel Dokhtaran area of Shindand District with the help of an insurgent who had posed as a soldier. Seven soldiers were killed and four others were wounded in the clashes. Nov. 05 Kandahar Province: 17 police killed Five police officers were killed and seven others were wounded in Taliban attacks on security outposts in the districts of Maruf and Arghistan. Thirty Taliban fighters were also killed in the clashes. Police forces were aware of the Talibans plan and ambushed them. The Taliban attacked a police outpost in the Mandigak area of Khakrez District. Twelve police officers were killed and two others were wounded in the fighting. The Taliban captured the post and seized the weapons and equipment inside, then left the area. Nov. 05 Zabul Province: one police killed A roadside bomb hit a police vehicle in the Spinghar area of Qalat, the provincial capital. One police officer was killed and two others were wounded. Nov. 05 Badghis Province: one border force soldier killed The Taliban attacked an outpost of border forces in the Morichaq area of Bala Morghab District, killing one soldier and wounding three others. At least 10 Taliban insurgents were killed or wounded in the clashes. Nov. 05 Ghazni Province: 13 security forces killed A joint military and police outpost fell to the Taliban only two days after it had been set up, with six police officers and seven soldiers killed and three others wounded. Six Taliban fighters were also killed and 10 others were wounded. The Taliban attacked security outposts in other parts of the province, but there were no casualties among Afghan security forces. Nov. 04 Takhar Province: one soldier killed Two Humvees of Afghan border forces were ambushed by the Taliban in the Shahr-i-Kohna area of Dasht-i-Qala District. One Humvee was hit by a rocket and another hit a roadside bomb. One soldier was killed and another was wounded. This summer, my family visited France to commemorate the centennial of the death of First Lt. George Baldwin McCoy, my great-grand-uncle. He was killed on July 20, 1918, leading a charge against German machine guns during the Second Battle of the Marne. He was 25. I stood next to my father in the wheat field before dawn while he peered at a laminated map using a flashlight, on the 100th anniversary of when Lieutenant McCoys unit launched their attack, down to the minute. After a long moment of silence and reflection, we loaded back into the car and drove forward a few hundred yards to the farmhouse where Lieutenant McCoy was mortally wounded. We then retraced his steps to the field hospital, and then found the graveyard where my ancestor was temporarily buried. Through my fathers research, we had learned that my great-great-grandfather Judge Walter Irving McCoy campaigned to bring home the bodies of his son and other fallen Americans. When he finally succeeded, the Army accidentally chopped the feet off Lieutenant McCoys corpse with a shovel, making the family fear that the corpse was not actually their son. A furious Judge McCoy proceeded to raise hell, prompting congressional hearings and an investigation by the Army. After they determined that they had indeed sent the correct body, my great-grand-uncle was interred in Arlington National Cemetery. Alexander McCoy, New York, N.Y. Tracking the History of an Ancestors Death When I was growing up, my grandfather told me that Pfc. John A. Olien, my great-uncle, was killed by German machine gunners, but the family never learned of the circumstances. In 1918, they celebrated the armistice on Nov. 11 not knowing John had been killed. Notification of his death arrived in early December. I eventually found the history of Johns unit in the University of Michigan library. He charged the German lines with his captain and a handful of other men. They captured three outposts before they realized they were surrounded on three sides. His captain was killed, and John was critically wounded, lying on the battlefield, tended by a fellow soldier until both were captured by the Germans. John died while German medics were taking him to an aid station. In 1921, my family chose to bring Johns remains home to be interred on the highest hill of a rural cemetery near New Richmond, Wis. When I was young, I visited the grave site with my grandfather on Memorial Day, on Johns birthday, on the anniversary of his death and every Nov. 11. In August 2017, a French guide led me to the spot where John was killed during the Meuse-Argonne offensive in 1918. David Olien, Madison, Wis. [Sign up for a weekly roundup of Times coverage of war delivered to your inbox.] Returning to Alsace In 2015, I discovered that my grandmothers brother was one of the very few Chinese-Americans killed in combat in World War I. Alexander Amador Eca da Silva Kin was the son of my great-grandfather, Hippolytus Eca Da Silva and his first wife, Dr. Yamei Kin, both immigrants from China. They divorced in 1904, and my paternal family believed that Alexander had been taken back to China by his mother. In the 1970s, my grandmother traveled to China looking for Alexander; she found no trace. The truth: Alexander died during the assault on the Hindenburg Line in 1918. He was 22. My grandmother died in 1981, never knowing that her brother was killed in the war when she was 12. Caitlin McGaw, Davis, Calif. A German Shell Killed His Whole Squad My great-grandfather, Peter Court, like many young men, was an absolute bottomless pit at meals. When dinner came in the trenches, the men would argue over who should fetch rations. But Peter never argued because he knew he could usually charm the kitchen into a bit more for himself. One evening when dinner was called, Peter volunteered. After successfully talking his way to a little extra food at the kitchen, he headed back with soup for the others, only to find that a German shell had killed his whole squad. He made the best of the situation and sat down and ate every last bit of soup. Alex Court , New York Propellers Proved to be My Grandfathers Weakness Image Frederick Jeffreys at Camp Borden, Ontario, in 1917. My grandfather, Frederick Jeffreys, signed up in 1917 for service with the Royal Flying Corps, training at Camp Borden in Canada. What he referred to as his first crash occurred in Dundalk, Ontario. A local paper chronicled the birdman and his biplane, which made a graceful flight low down over the village before roosting on a wire fence on the Doyle farm. As my grandfather tried to alight again, the propeller hit another length of fence, and the machine was disabled and stood on its head. Propellers proved to be his weakness. On Sept. 17, 1918, as a lieutenant with the 88th Squadron, flying reconnaissance on the Western Front, his plane was shot down the second crash that he survived. J. Anderson, Minneapolis I Have to Wonder What He Might Have Become Had He Not Been Gassed President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters on Friday morning, said that the Thousand Oaks gunman who shot and killed 12 people and injured at least 20 others at a bar Wednesday night was a sick puppy. He was a war veteran, he was a Marine, he was in the war, Trump said. He saw some pretty bad things. And a lot of people say he had the PTSD, thats a tough deal. Trumps comments risked reinforcing a stereotype that military veterans, advocacy groups and mental-health professionals have struggled for decades to overcome: that veterans with PTSD are ticking time bombs, susceptible to committing violent crimes. Were asking readers to share the types of connections they see people make between violence and service-connected PTSD and what ways they challenge that narrative. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand on Thursday gave her strongest public indication yet that she was contemplating a run for president in 2020, telling the late-night show host Stephen Colbert that she would give it a long, hard thought of consideration. Ive seen the hatred and the division that President Trump has put out into our country, and it has called me to fight as hard as I possibly can to restore the moral compass of this country, Ms. Gillibrand, Democrat of New York, said in what sounded like the makings of a campaign theme. Ms. Gillibrand, who won re-election to her second full term on Tuesday, had for months brushed aside questions about her 2020 ambitions by saying she was focused fully on 2018. But with the midterms behind her, Mr. Colbert asked Ms. Gillibrand whether there was another election that you might be concentrating on. She closed her eyes, smiled and nodded almost knowingly before answering. Update, 10:35 a.m.: The chairman of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Joseph Lhota, has resigned. Living and working in New York have ingrained in most of us a certain laissez-faire attitude to things big and grand. The transit system with more stations than anywhere else in the world ... yet not enough. The most populated school system ... yet we dont always have enough seats for every student. The most celebrated pizza in the country ... and yet we continue to try new styles. This week, New York appeared on the verge of landing a few more big things. Two of the tech industrys giants signaled an interest in expanding here, potentially bringing a combined 45,000 employees to Manhattan, where Google already has an office, and Queens, where Amazon is considering locating a headquarters. First, a caveat: No deals have been completed, so we dont know how many people these companies will employ in New York. Google has 7,000 employees in Chelsea, and that number could double if it moves into 1.3 million square feet of office space in the West Village. Amazon could bring up to 25,000 employees to Long Island City. Heres a translation of these various betes noires and why any one of them can ruin a commuters day. Do train tracks really get slippery in Autumn? Monday through Thursday, New Jersey Transit said its train service could be delayed by as much as 30 minutes because of rails made slippery by fallen leaves. The agency said this is an age-old problem that affects all railroads in the Northeast in the fall. Indeed, commuter railroads from Boston to Philadelphia were citing slippery rails as a cause of delays this week. Slippery tracks were blamed for railroad delays even in England this week. Where insurgent national Democrats support charter schools, they do so carefully: Representative Jared Polis, the Colorado Democrat whom voters sent to the governors mansion on Tuesday, founded two charter schools. But he has made sure to criticize Ms. DeVoss vocal brand of school choice advocacy. Tuesdays results were compounded by other recent blows for charters in liberal states. In 2016, Massachusetts voters rejected a referendum that would have expanded the states high-performing charter schools. Though backers poured $20 million into the race, it was no match for Senator Elizabeth Warren and Senator Bernie Sanders, progressive stars who opposed the initiative. Philanthropists tried again in California over the summer, when they spent $23 million to bolster the former Los Angeles mayor, Antonio Villaraigosa, in the primary for governor. Mr. Villaraigosa, a Democrat, was easily beat by Gavin Newsom, the Democratic lieutenant governor, who has been vague about the role of charters as he seeks to make California an epicenter of opposition to the Trump administration. Some advocates find a sliver of hope in the fact that even the most liberal Democrats acknowledge that charter schools are here to stay. Many opponents want to slow growth, not destroy charters. No matter how hostile some of the cities get to charters, the charters have endured, said Jeanne Allen, the chief executive of the Center for Education Reform, a national school choice advocacy group. In New York, the insurgent Democratic candidates criticism of charters was somewhat less central to their campaigns than their support for traditional public schools. And though most of those Democrats said they would reject any plan to expand charter schools, they are aware that charters are popular among some families in their own districts. You dont want to alienate anybody, said Alessandra Biaggi, who in the Democratic primary unseated one of the charter lobbys most reliable allies, State Senator Jeffrey D. Klein, in a Bronx district. I understand why charter schools exist, I understand why they have come to the Bronx, I really get it. But weve got to focus on improving our public schools. A federal indictment made public Wednesday charged the man, Mohamed Tahlil Mohamed, 38, with kidnapping, hostage taking, conspiracy and other counts. The authorities have not said where he was arrested or how he came to the United States. The indictment identified his hostage only as John Doe, but Mr. Moore confirmed on Thursday that he was the unnamed victim. When asked about the arrest of Mr. Tahlil, Mr. Moore replied, Im not as happy as you might imagine that hes in jail. He declined to comment further and would not say whether the Facebook exchanges had in some way led to Mr. Tahlils capture or surrender. Heavily armed men abducted Mr. Moore when he was doing research on piracy in January 2012 near the inland town of Galkayo, about 400 miles northeast of the capital Mogadishu. Mr. Moores book The Desert and The Sea: 977 Days Captive on the Somali Pirate Coast, published in July, recounted his ordeal. It appears from the Facebook exchanges some of which are detailed in a criminal complaint and others in Mr. Moores book that the journalist developed a kind of affinity for Mr. Tahlil, who, in turn, provided Mr. Moore with information about his kidnappers. A teacher, author and social activist, Ms. Kaye-Kantrowitz helped shape new ways of thinking about Jewish identity, including challenging the Zionist notion that Israel must be honored as the Jewish homeland. She became the first director of Jews for Racial and Economic Justice, an organization that defines its mission as to fight for systemic change and a just world. Read her obituary here. 19502018 Katie Cannon Juris Jurjevics, a founder of Soho Press, an independent publisher that gambled on unsolicited manuscripts by emerging writers and produced serious novels and exotic crime stories, died on Wednesday in the Bronx. He was 75. The cause was heart disease, his child (who prefers that term), RF Jurjevics, said. A Latvian-born refugee, Mr. Jurjevics (pronounced YUR-yeh-vitz) joined the publishing industry in 1968. He, Laura Chapman Hruska and her husband, Alan, founded Soho Press in 1986. We want to publish the books that deserve to be published but that the bigger houses cant afford to do, Mr. Jurjevics told The New York Times at the time. Larger publishers needed to sell as many as 12,000 copies of a book just to break even, he said, but Soho, with lower overhead, could make a profit on sales of as few as 4,000. This week, word leaked that Amazon may be close to finalizing a deal to set up a major operation in Long Island City, Queens. The news, which was embraced with peak sycophancy by Gov. Andrew Cuomo he literally offered to change his name to Amazon Cuomo to make it happen came with a slap in the face to New York and every other state that bid for this deal. For the past year, Amazon has been promoting a cruel tournament, asking cities to compete for the privilege of hosting a second headquarters outside Seattle what the company called HQ2. The winner was promised tens of thousands of jobs and the tempting vision of becoming a tech hub to rival San Francisco. Hundreds of cities prostrated themselves before Amazon, offering the company tax breaks and subsidies along with valuable data , such as infrastructure plans, to which no other company had access. But as details of the reported deal trickle out, it seems clear that this whole tournament has been a sham. There is no HQ2. Instead, Amazon is expected to announce a fairly routine expansion, adding new satellites in Queens and in Northern Virginia. The countless hours spent courting Amazon were undoubtedly valuable for Amazon: the company gained free media coverage and untold amounts of economic data from each bidding city. But it has been a terrible waste for those cities and states whose public servants labored to win a prize that would never materialize. Even for the biggest Amazon boosters, such casual dishonesty should be cause for consternation. Its like getting a marriage offer along with a confession of infidelity. To the Editor: Re 12 Slain by California Gunman (front page, Nov. 9): We dont know the motives of the killer, but we do know that he went immediately for the security guard (the good guy with a gun). There are just too many guns out there and too many mentally unstable or bad or congenitally violent or drunken or depressed or evil-ideology-driven people willing to use them. Its a numbers game, and our Australian friends, who have adopted very strict gun laws, have shown us the way. I grieve for all the victims of this shooting and for their loved ones. We cant keep waking up to these type of stories. Matthew Carnicelli Brooklyn To the Editor: Just out of curiosity, I have a question for all American citizens. If you were someone living outside the United States who is following the news about a new gun massacre seemingly every other day, would you feel safe visiting as a tourist, or for business or study? What about allowing your child to travel there for study or holiday? Do you think it would be fair game for other countries to start issuing travel warnings about the United States because of the gun violence? I cant really say that anything he says is true, a Wyoming Trump supporter told us a few days ago, but I trust him. That mind-set explains why President Trump revved up the mendacity machine to 30 lies a day in the seven weeks leading up to the midterm elections. More to the point, as his former press-manager-for-a-moment, Anthony Scaramucci, put it: Hes an intentional liar. Its very different from just being a liar liar. Got it? No matter. For here is where history will give us some comfort. The American Know Nothing movement peaked in the 1850s on a wave of anti-immigrant and anti-Catholic sentiment. The targets then were Irish and German. Those dark forces morphed into the Ku Klux Klan, Americas original and most durable domestic terrorists, who waged a post-Civil War campaign of murder and intimidation. They rose again in an oddball coalition again targeting Irish, Germans and a new element, swarthy immigrants from the south of Italy that gave us Prohibition. Intermittently dormant thereafter for nearly a century, the devil we know came roaring back when Trump launched his presidency of fear and hate. And of course, he had the full backing of the Klan elements. Go, Trump, go, tweeted David Duke, the former Klan leader, on this years election eve. Duke loved the Trump anti-Mexican ad that was so racist even Fox News pulled it. Sadly, fear of others was probably the deciding factor in governors races in Florida and Georgia. And our petulant president on Wednesday sneered at the Republicans who refused to embrace his dark vision and lost. He didnt mention the many who did wrap their arms around him in the Senate races in Montana and Nevada and were shown the door. Kansas, always a bellwether for how race shapes this country, said, enough! Kris Kobach, one of the most anti-immigrant politicians in the country, was soundly defeated for governor there. He ran caravan ads, the full Trumpian dystopia, but it couldnt save him. Except during Senate recesses, the Appointments Clause of Article II requires that the president nominate and the Senate confirm all principal federal officers. Clearly, the attorney general of the United States is a principal officer, and so the president could not permanently fill that post without the Senates advice and consent. The argument against Mr. Whitakers appointment rises and falls on the assumption that someone who temporarily exercises the duties of a principal officer must be a principal officer or at the very least, an inferior officer like the deputy attorney general or solicitor general, who have already been confirmed by the Senate to those posts. But in an 1898 decision, United States v. Eaton, the Supreme Court rejected the argument that only a principal officer confirmed by the Senate can temporarily fill the shoes of another principal officer. So long as an inferior officer is exercising the duties of the principal officer for a limited time, and under special and temporary conditions, the court said, he is not thereby transformed into the superior and permanent official. The Supreme Court in Eaton did not go on to define what a limited time or special and temporary conditions entails, but it made clear that those are the key constitutional considerations. In the Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998, Congress elaborated on those missing pieces. When a senior executive branch officer dies, resigns, or is otherwise unable to perform the functions and duties of the office, the statute authorizes the president to choose either that officials first assistant (in this case, Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein); any other currently serving government officer who was confirmed by the Senate; or any senior official, like Mr. Whitaker, who served in the same department as the vacant office for at least 90 of the previous 365 days to perform the functions and duties of the vacant office temporarily in an acting capacity. A separate provision of the statute limits that designation to 210 days, unless the president nominates a permanent successor in the interim. Other laws distinguish between those duties Mr. Whitaker may carry out as acting attorney general and those limited to an attorney general confirmed by the Senate. For instance, the acting attorney general is expressly allowed to sign an application for a warrant under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act but is expressly excluded from the line of succession to the presidency. As thousands of Honduran migrants seeking asylum in the United States trek northward through Mexico, President Trump has pledged to stop them at the border by militarizing it with armed federal troops, under the guise of protecting Americans from criminals and an invasion. What he fails to recognize is that cruelty wont solve the current refugee crisis. Neither will buddying up with authoritarian leaders in Central America. Instead, those two strategies only deepen the crisis, because criminality and misrule are exactly what the caravan is fleeing. What Mr. Trump calls an invasion is actually the visible face of a deadly crisis of governance and violence in almost all of Central America a retreat from the rule of law in favor of rule by corruption and criminality abetted by officials with impunity. For example, Mr. Trump supports President Jimmy Morales, his authoritarian counterpart in Guatemala. Mr. Morales is under investigation for possible corruption by the United Nations Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala. He has fought back by revoking the visas of many of the commissions investigators. In a stunning move on the heels of the midterm election, President Trump has forced the resignation of Attorney General Jeff Sessions and appointed an outspoken critic of the Mueller investigation Matthew Whitaker as acting attorney general, shunting Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein to the sidelines. This raises the specter of a fearful president attempting to muzzle Special Counsel Robert Mueller or hinder him from revealing whether his 18-month-long grand jury investigation has turned up evidence of criminality implicating Donald Trump or his immediate family. But a 44-year-old road map from the Watergate prosecution shows a potential route for Mr. Mueller to send incriminating evidence directly to Congress. The road map was devised in 1974 by the Watergate special prosecutor, Leon Jaworski, with our assistance. We wrote the road map actually a report to be conveyed to Congress; it was called Report and Recommendation and served as a guide to a collection of grand jury evidence contained in a single document. That evidence included still-secret presidential tape recordings that had been acquired through grand jury subpoena but which had been withheld from Congress by President Nixon. The recent decision by Washingtons Federal District Court chief judge, Beryl Howell, to release the document from the National Archives provides a historic legal precedent that could be a vehicle for Mr. Mueller and the grand jury assisting him to share the fruits of their investigation into possible criminal conduct within the Trump presidential campaign and subsequent administration. In all the discussion about Mr. Muellers options when he concludes his investigation, little attention has been paid to the potential role of the grand jury. Chief Judge Howells decision unsealing the Watergate road map brings new focus on the role the grand jury might play in the dynamics of the endgame. Although the grand jury is a powerful tool for federal prosecutors, it has historic and independent power and operates under the supervision of the federal judiciary. Following the Oct. 20, 1973, Saturday Night Massacre in which President Nixon forced the Justice Department to fire the original special prosecutor, Archibald Cox the Watergate grand jury played a critical role in forcing the president to back down, hand over the subpoenaed tapes and appoint a new special prosecutor. For some, only new will do. With fashionable finishes, trendy technology and a cruise ships worth of amenities as well as auras untainted by previous occupants freshly constructed apartments make the best homes for these buyers. But with an average sale price that exceeds $4 million in Manhattan, or more than twice the $1.6 million average for previously lived-in units, brand-new condominiums can feel out of reach to all but a few. Todays sluggish market, however, is challenging that assumption. Under pressure, some developers are scrapping their original plans and switching out ultraexpensive units for smaller, less pricey versions. At the same time, neighborhoods where condos were once scarce, like Bushwick in Brooklyn and Rockaway Park in Queens, are now seeing projects with below-average prices. What that means is that many snazzy new market-rate condos can now be had for less than $1 million, although that seven-figure cutoff might seem like an only-in-New-York definition of a deal. Certain people in my household and Im not naming names have been waging a stealth and coordinated campaign to get a dog. One of them might drop subtle hints when we pass a particularly cute poodle in the park, stopping to pet it to demonstrate just how mature and capable she would be if such a creature were to join our family. Another one of the architects of this effort might curl up on the sofa and casually say something like, But wouldnt it be so nice to have a little Jack Russell at your feet? He could keep you company while you work from home. When that line of argument falls flat, he might add, Theyre not very big, they dont take up much space. I may have never lived with a dog, but I know the truth. A dog, as small as he or she might be, would rule our home. With the leather sofa and the globe, the room feels very clubby. I love gentlemens clubs. The British version. Not what you consider a gentlemens club in America. Theres the fire and a place for your drink. Its a cocoon. Also, Im a big believer that you should furnish a room in the architecture style of the building youre in. I kind of created a mini club in my apartment. Are those proper sitting room pants youre wearing? You could wear them in a club. These are from Topolina, in Marrakesh. Its like a Marrakesh Pucci. Its a stunning shop. You look at them and youre like, Thats from Topolina. Jennifer Lopez (the queen of romantic comedies; fight me!) talked to The Times ahead of her upcoming film, Second Act, which is out Dec. 21. I stan for Lopez as an actress: The Wedding Planner, the 2001 rom-com which features Lopez as, you know, a wedding planner, was my favorite movie until Maid in Manhattan (Lopez, a hotel maid, becomes Lopez, a politicians love interest) came out in 2002. Suffice to say, I will be seeing Second Act on opening day. In the profile, Lopez talks about pushing herself in her career, going to therapy and trying to teach her daughter self-love and that she dont need no fairy tale. There are also several paragraphs of Alex Rodriguez hyping her up, which gave me heart-eye emoji vibes. But one of her comments gave me pause. In Second Act, Lopez plays Maya de la Vargas, a 40-something assistant manager at a big box store in Queens who has bigger dreams. Our reporter wrote that the movie glosses over the institutional and social hurdles that a character like Maya might face, adding: To Lopez, that is another instance where mind-over-matter determination should prevail. She was a Puerto Rican from the middle-class Bronx with aspirations far beyond that, and a tenacity that made it happen. There is racism. There is sexism. There is ageism. There is all of this and you know what, thats still not going to stop me, she said. I believe that 100 percent, to the bottom of my soul. So essentially, Lopez doesnt see any flaw in the movies premise, because she subscribes to the central message: Anything can be accomplished with sheer force. I get it: Im the first of my American raised primos and siblings to go to college and, to their great annoyance, this means Im the standard to which theyre frequently held. My relative success is used as a counterexample for anyone elses perceived failures, the idea being: If Concepcion did it, why cant they? Its a symptom of a mind-set called survivorship bias, whereby the survivors (i.e., the people who have made it) are viewed as the rule rather than the exception, a worldview that ignores the substantially greater numbers of people who aren't able to overcome limiting circumstances. It places the burden of success on the individual without recognizing, let alone tackling, the systemic barriers that hold marginalized people back, according to many, many studies and reports. Its fine to gloss over inequality in romantic comedies, (O.K., maybe not fine but personally, I dont mind two hours of optimistic escapism). But in real life, nuance matters. Name: Jameel Mohammed Age: 23 Hometown: Chicago Now Lives: In a three-bedroom apartment in Manhattans Chinatown with two roommates. Claim to Fame: Mr. Mohammed is a designer and the creative director of Khiry, a luxury jewelry line inspired by the African diaspora. He founded the company in 2016 as a student at the University of Pennsylvania, with a Kickstarter campaign that raised $25,000 in less than a month. A bevy of magazine features followed, including in Teen Vogue, Essence, Vanity Fair and, most recently, the September issue of Vogue. Big Break: During a Penn Fashion Week event his freshman year, Mr. Mohammed asked Daniella Vitale, the then-chief operating officer of Barneys New York, what it would take to get ones brand picked up. (Ms. Vitale is now the chief executive.) I knew from a young age that I wanted to work in fashion, he said. His question landed him an interview with Ms. Vitale a few weeks later. For their meeting, Mr. Mohammed wore one of his necklaces, which caught Ms. Vitales eye and secured him a summer internship at Barneys. When World War I ended, the civil rights movement was just getting started Photo/public domain The 369th Infantry Regiment, known as "the Harlem Hellfighters," marches up Fifth Avenue on Feb. 17, 1919. The hundreds of thousands of African Americans who served in the U.S. Army during World War I and returned home as heroes soon faced many more battles over their equality in American society. While they were celebrated in the streets of New York, they also soon encountered a wave of hatred and violence. Chad Williams, the Samuel J. and Augusta Spector Chair in History and the author of Torchbearers of Democracy: African American Soldiers in the World War I Era, sat down with BrandeisNow to discuss the aftermath of World War I for black people in America. How were black soldiers received in the U.S. after serving in the war? In what ways were they celebrated, and in what ways did they face hostility? African-American soldiers were celebrated as returning heroes after the war. Welcome Home parades took place in small towns and big cities. On February 17, 1919, tens of thousands of New Yorkers welcomed home the all-black 369th Infantry Regiment with a massive parade on Fifth Avenue and into Harlem. Black soldiers symbolized the hopes and aspirations African Americans had for true democracy in the United States after the war. Conversely, many white Americans viewed returning black soldiers as a threat because of their military service and exposure to new ideas about race and equality, especially in France. Many black veterans were victims of a wave of racial violence in 1919 that came to be known as the "Red Summer." How did the African-American experience in the war, and in the postwar period, influence the civil rights movement? World War I was in many ways the beginning of the 20th-century civil rights movement. The war created opportunities for African Americans to demand their civil rights, in and outside of the Army. Moreover, the war transformed the racial and political consciousness of a generation of black people, especially those who served in the military. This would shape the activism and everyday resistance of black people throughout the postwar period. W.E.B. DuBois organized the Pan-African Conference in 1919. Why was this organized, and what was its impact? W.E.B. Du Bois saw the war as a defining moment in the future of Africa. He hoped that the war would provide an opportunity to challenge European imperialism in Africa and lay the foundation for the gradual independence of African peoples. He organized a Pan-African Congress in February 1919 in Paris with the goal of pressuring the assembling representatives of the Versailles Peace Conference to take the future of Africa seriously, especially in relation to Woodrow Wilson's proposed League of Nations. The conference marked a milestone moment in the political organization of black people throughout the diaspora and in the larger history of African independence. Is there an event from the immediate aftermath of World War I that strikes you as particularly prescient today? On Dec. 15, barely one month after the Nov. 11 armistice, a black veteran, Charles Lewis, was lynched in Kentucky. Even after fighting for democracy abroad, African Americans still had to fight for democracy and their very lives at home. Today, 100 years later, we still see the contradictions of American democracy and the endurance of white supremacy. Read more: World War I and the African-American experience Chad Williams in Time Magazine: African-American veterans hoped their service in World War I would secure their rights at home. It didn't. How is art shaped by friendship? The exhibition Calder / Kelly, which is now open at the Levy Gorvy gallery in New York, entertains this question across three floors of work and ephemera by the artists Alexander Calder and Ellsworth Kelly. Spanning five decades, the pieces highlight the aesthetic and personal affinities between these two heavyweights of 20th-century abstract art. American modernists who both spent formative periods in Paris (in the late 1920s and late 1940s, respectively), Calder and Kelly eventually met in that city and maintained a lasting fondness for one another, despite an age difference of 25 years. The idea for this exhibition originated three years ago, when the gallerist Dominique Levy encountered a Calder mobile and a monochrome Kelly painting within the same line of sight at the Pulitzer Arts Foundation in St. Louis. I just lost my breath for a moment, Levy recalls of the momentary convergence. All my career Ive done pas de deux dialogue exhibitions because I love them, she explains, They allow you to enter an artists world and sometimes what you feel instinctively becomes actually justified. Among the many artworks on display, including Calders Red Maze III (1954) and Kellys Red White (1962), are notes that the two artists sent to one another and their families. Rather than trading remarks on their creative processes or contemporaries, the letters focus on time enjoyed in each others company, a sense of mutual admiration and a cheerful readiness on the part of the elder artist to extend support to the younger. Below, three examples reveal the interweaving threads of their friendship. For those who havent visited in a minute, some of the recent changes Miami has undergone may come as a surprise. The Design District, which for years was a maze of traffic cones and construction dust, is now brimming with fashion boutiques and places to stop and grab a cup of coffee, a taco or a scoop of local soft-serve ice cream. A $500-million investment to get ahead of rising sea levels has left the roadways of Miami Beach repaved and less prone to flooding an especially welcome change in South Beachs buzzy Sunset Harbour neighborhood, where the tables of locally beloved restaurants like Pubbelly Sushi and Stiltsville Fish Bar spill out onto the sidewalks. Meanwhile, cultural capital has poured into the region, bringing with it new museums like Frost Science downtown and the Institute of Contemporary Art in the Design District, complementing the annual Art Basel Miami Beach fair that arrives each December. Then there is Brightline, a new high-speed rail service, which zips passengers from Miami to Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach in less time and with less aggravation than it takes to drive those routes on Interstate 95. The projects next phase will extend the line all the way to Orlando. Read more: A Fairy Tale Set in Florida, in 10 Parts, written exclusively for T. Of course, Miamis postcard-perfect beaches, Art Deco hotels and world-class restaurants now run by a new generation of talented and diverse chefs are all still here to enjoy. You might just find that theres more to fill the hours between meals and spa treatments than ever before. Facebook, home to more than two billion regular users, was the obvious target. Since Russian-backed trolls succeeded in a widespread influence campaign that reached millions of Americans in 2016, Facebook has been under pressure to safeguard its network against the threat of further foreign meddling. The company, to much ado from the press, set up a War Room to catch any last-minute information operations. There were other blind spots even before the election in the United States. WhatsApp, the encrypted messaging app owned by Facebook used by more than a billion people globally, was a key target for political disinformation in Brazil ahead of its presidential election. Jair Bolsonaro, often called the Donald Trump of Brazil, surged to an Election Day victory, aided at least in part by voter suppression and disinformation tactics that flooded private groups in WhatsApp. That problem is more difficult to deal with on WhatsApp because it is encrypted. And users generally trust private messaging services more than they do more public venues like Facebook. Facebook has also spent the past month dealing with fallout from a breach involving tens of millions of its users, a gargantuan lapse that came at the worst possible time. Regulators are taking a closer look at the company in response, while Facebook-connected apps have scrambled to increase their security. Now the social media giant is on the hunt to buy a security company to help out, though it hasnt publicly announced a decision. Election Day in the United States was indeed a spectacle for Facebook, but for different reasons than we thought. Save for one episode, the day went off without much of a hitch. Were still holding our breath, but according to Facebook, there were no enormous reveals, no last-minute election night disasters, nothing that seemed to throw the electoral process completely off the rails. [Read our review of Waiting for Godot.] His physicality is obviously at the essence of his talent, the shows Tony Award-winning director, Garry Hynes, said of Mr. Monaghan by phone. Its part of who he is almost a kind of dancers mobility. Paired with Marty Reas long, tall Vladimir (a.k.a. Didi), Mr. Monaghan is costumed to look short and stocky. Offstage hes trim and bespectacled, a gentle, good-humored presence with a rigorous approach to acting. If youre not working, youre preparing for the next job, he said. Get into the gym, keep fit, go to galleries, read plays, write: Its all work. By writing, he explained as he reached into his satchel for a bound notebook, he meant the journals he keeps for each play: pages filled with neat rows of his minuscule script and occasional sketches, recording the progress of the show, discoveries hes made, how he feels. One thing hes feeling lately is ready for a break. When the Lincoln Center run wraps up, he will have worked 52 weeks back to back an absolutely joyous time, he said, but also relentless. Hes eager, once hes home in Dublin, where he lives with his wife of nearly two years, to get a proper haircut and neaten up maybe even shave off the scruffy beard hes had to leave untouched to portray a Beckett tramp. Not that he doesnt love Didi and Gogo. I think theyre just adorable creatures, he said. An Obie Award winner for playing Cripple Billy in Ms. Hyness production of Martin McDonaghs The Cripple of Inishmaan at Atlantic Theater Company in 2008, Mr. Monaghan has worked with her since 2005, when she spotted him onstage and envisioned him playing the title role in The Playboy of the Western World. After a casual audition that he spent feeling embarrassed, certain he was doing badly, she cast him. People dont use that word anymore, Penelope tells him, but her mild rebuke merely provokes him. I dont have a molecule of prejudice, he rails. Ive been in battle with every kind of man there is. Ive been in bed with every kind of woman there is from a Laplander to a Tierra del Fuegian. If Id ever been to the South Pole, thered be a hell of a lot of penguins who looked like me. Cook! Its the penguins that do the trick, really, sending Harolds macho bluster so far over the top that as ugly as hes being, as despicable as he is the audience laughs. Jeff Wise, who directed the play, says he is astounded every time. But Vonnegut, of course, meant to get that response. A cultural critic at a combustible moment, he used dark and zany comedy to skewer and ridicule. When he ventured from novels into playwriting with Wanda June, which opened on Broadway in the wake of his 1969 antiwar masterpiece, Slaughterhouse-Five, he was sending up a particular breed of man: a swaggering, bellicose bully who subscribes to a cult of manliness that valorizes combat, loves nothing more than slaughter, and views the purpose of women as sex, reproduction and servitude. The Wheelhouse revival, running through Nov. 29 at the Duke on 42nd Street, initially opened last spring at the Gene Frankel Theater downtown. There it proved a stealth hit, partly for its spirited lampooning of toxic masculinity and fetishization of gun violence. This is a simple-minded play about men who enjoy killing and those who dont, Penelope, played by Kate MacCluggage, tells the audience right at the top. If Mr. Scott ultimately prevails by a margin of 10,000 votes or less, the undervotes in Broward County could be what cost Mr. Nelson the race. Broward County has reported about 25,000 fewer votes cast for Senate than for governor, a difference of about 3.7 percent. That means voters left their Senate choice blank, or the choice was not counted because of a tabulation error like an equipment problem. This is highly unusual, and theres nothing like this discrepancy elsewhere in the state. Immediately across the county line in Miami-Dade County, about the same number of people voted in the Senate race and the governors race. There are two distinct patterns of undervoting in Broward County. Undervotes in the 24th Congressional District A particularly large number of undervotes came in the part of Broward County that belongs to the 24th Congressional District, a discrepancy first identified by Matthew Isbell, a Democratic consultant. There, the undervote is about 9 percent. In other parts of that congressional district in Miami-Dade County theres no significant undervote. One possibility is that theres some kind of tabulation error, because the scale of the undervote is so significant. If thats true, the votes could be recovered in a recount. If the undervoted ballots were similar to those of other voters in each precinct and were recovered, they would add a net 1,500 votes to Mr. Nelsons total. THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. Even in a state hardened to the ravages of wildfires, the infernos that raged at both ends of California on Friday were overpowering. At least nine people were killed, including several who died in their cars in a retirement community called Paradise. Malibu mansions burned. And in the neighborhood in Thousand Oaks where a gunman had killed 12 people in a crowded bar earlier in the week, survivors now fled the flames. The fire-prone state was battling three major fires, one in the northern Sierra and two west of Los Angeles. In the northern town of Paradise, the ruins of houses and businesses smoldered throughout the day, while in Southern California, tens of thousands of residents fled their homes and jammed onto highways. Exotic lemurs and parrots were packed up and carried away to safety as fires ringed the Los Angeles Zoo in Griffith Park. Officials estimated that the blaze in the north, called the Camp Fire, had destroyed a staggering 6,700 structures most of them residential. Such vast devastation would make it the most destructive fire in modern state history. THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. Only hours after a gunman attacked a country music bar in Thousand Oaks, the city was once again struck with panic. This time, fire forced the evacuation of the town still reeling from the devastating shooting. Residents in Thousand Oaks had just begun to mourn the 12 people killed late Wednesday at the Borderline Bar & Grill when the second crisis this week set the city on edge. For hours after the shooting, people crowded into the Thousand Oaks Teen Center, anxious to find out if their loved ones had survived. It was well past lunchtime before it began to empty out. But by midnight, it was crowded again this time as a fire evacuation center. As wildfires spread through Ventura County, thousands of residents were forced to evacuate, including some who had survived the shooting just 24 hours earlier. For Dylan McNey, a 22-year-old carpenter, the evacuation orders were the least of his worries. Mr. McNey has survived two mass shootings just a year apart: first, at the county music festival in Las Vegas, then once again in Thousand Oaks this week. Mr. McNey used to work as a security guard at the Borderline, and said he is there at least a couple of times a week. Good morning. (Want to get California Today by email? Heres the sign-up.) It was Nellie Wongs 21st birthday, so drinks and country music were in order. She and her friends from California State University, Channel Islands packed into the Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks. They went there to unwind several times a week, especially on Wednesdays for the bars popular college night. The evening at the wood-paneled bar began with a live D.J., lots of plaid, line-dancing and clinking drinks. It ended with Ms. Wong hiding as a gunman dressed in all black unleashed a wave of bullets, killing at least 12 people and sending her friends scattering in the mayhem. Ms. Wong spent her birthday hiding instead of dancing, fearing for her life instead of celebrating it. I was in there the whole time, she said, stunned for words. Several survivors described the beginning of the shooting as a blur of chaos, panic and bullets. Sarah DeSon, 19, who was with Ms. Wong, said the club suddenly filled with smoke. They saw the gunman draw his gun at the front, and they ducked for cover as a rapid clip of bullets spread through the bar. As Ms. DeSon ran outside, she said, several bodies were sprawled out on the floor. Hours after the shooting, Ms. Wong and four girlfriends were reunited at a nearby gas station where they filled one another in on what each had experienced that night: where they hid during the shooting, how they got out, the dry heaving one experienced afterward and the friends they hadnt heard from yet. The mere mention of Florida these days still evokes nightmares for Democrats who worked closely with Vice President Al Gore 18 years ago. Floridas 25 electoral votes at the time and the presidency itself were up in the air for 36 grueling days while ballots were recounted and the country watched and waited. The drama ended with an indecipherable but wholly consequential Supreme Court decision that put Mr. Bush in office. Its inconceivable that 18 years after 2000, Florida still hasnt developed competencies in terms of counting ballots in an orderly and timely manner, said one former top Gore aide who did not want to be named for fear of stirring up old ghosts. But Florida wasnt the only state still furiously counting ballots. In the Georgia governors race, the state was still trying to determine if the candidates were headed for a runoff. Brian Kemp, the Republican currently ahead of his Democratic opponent, Stacey Abrams, by about 63,000 votes, declared victory this week. But allies of Ms. Abrams spent Friday in a vigorous push to get people who cast provisional ballots because of identification problems to take a final step to ensure their votes would count. In Arizona, Kyrsten Sinema, the Democratic candidate in the states uncalled Senate race, expanded her lead on Friday to 20,203 votes over Martha McSally, the Republican contender. As the complicated political maneuverings unfolded in Florida, there were constant reminders that, 18 years after the Bush-Gore controversies, Florida remains in Republican control a crucial factor in an election where partisan interests are at stake. Florida Republicans in 2018 hold the same levers of power over the election that they did in 2000, with the governor appointing the secretary of state in charge of elections. By Friday, when the Senate race appeared to be squarely within the margins of an automatic recount Mr. Scott was ahead of the Democratic incumbent, Senator Bill Nelson, by only 0.18 percentage points the governors own lawsuits were heard in state court. He had filed them the night before against Dr. Snipes and her counterpart in Palm Beach County, Susan Bucher, over how the last ballots were being counted and reported. Mr. Trump traveled to Indiana three times in the two months before Election Day, helping Mike Braun oust the incumbent Democrat, Joe Donnelly. During raucous rallies, Mr. Trump falsely claimed that the Democrats wanted to invite caravan after caravan of asylum seekers into the United States. He added, A blue wave will equal a crime wave, and a red wave will equal law and safety. It was in Indiana where the president used his finger to draw in the air the middle initial of his predecessor, Barack Hussein Obama, in an apparent nod to birtherism, a conspiracy theory over Mr. Obamas citizenship that Mr. Trump has fueled. Its no surprise Joe Donnelly is holding a rally this weekend with Barack H. Obama, Mr. Trump declared with the added emphasis. Mr. Donnelly had been seen as especially vulnerable: The president won the state of Indiana by 19 points in 2016. Mr. Donnelly tried to protect himself by veering to the right on immigration, touting his support for a border wall and for increasing cooperation between the police and immigration authorities. Toward the end of his campaign, he began to call out the radical left, hoping to distance himself from the most liberal members of his party. His attempts were not enough to satisfy voters. He lost to Mr. Braun on Tuesday by a sizable margin. But there was a clear danger on Tuesday for Republicans running in moderate battlegrounds who relied too heavily on Mr. Trumps immigration agenda. In Virginia, Representative Dave Brat aligned himself with Mr. Trump on the border wall and travel ban, and on Tuesday he was narrowly defeated largely because of a backlash from suburban voters. In Pennsylvania, Scott Wagner ended his Republican bid for governor with a campaign ad warning voters that a dangerous caravan of illegals careens to the border and that the Democratic incumbent, Tom Wolf, was doing nothing to stop it. Mr. Wagner lost by nearly 17 points. Thousands of people protested across the country on Thursday in support of the inquiry led by Robert S. Mueller III, the special counsel investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election, just one day after President Trump shook up the agency overseeing it. The demonstrations, seen in the video above, took place in New York, Washington, Boston, Philadelphia, Omaha, Salt Lake City and elsewhere. They came after the presidents firing of former Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who had recused himself from the investigation, much to Mr. Trumps frustration. The acting attorney general, Matthew G. Whitaker, is a Trump loyalist and an outspoken critic of the investigation. This is a man who should have recused himself, said Gerald Harris, a retired judge who participated in the protest in New York. Its simply a sham that hes going to become the attorney general in charge of this probe. They were the states that broke Democratic hearts the last time and the ones where any political comeback would have to begin. So how did the Democrats do on Tuesday in 2016 Trump country? They won. They also lost. And both experiences are instructive for the partys future. This year, The New York Times focused on seven states where Democrats hoped to dig out after losses two years ago. Some were traditionally blue areas, like Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Some were clear reaches, like Texas and Tennessee. Read the start of the series here. Heres a look at how the party fared: Pennsylvania Rebuilding the blue wall that President Trump breached was always going to start here. Read the story: Trump Won Pennsylvania. Democrats Want the State (and His Voters) Back. Voters turned out on Tuesday at rates not seen in a midterm election in half a century, driven by strong opinions of President Trump and a string of competitive races in states where robust contests have been rare. It could be months before we know the demographic breakdown of who voted in this election, but there are early indications that turnout boomed especially among women, Latinos and young people. (Read more here about what the exit polls said about 2018s voters.) We crunched the numbers and spoke with experts. Heres what the data can tell us (and what it cant yet). How high was the turnout? Based on preliminary but incomplete data made available by the states and analyzed by Michael McDonald, a professor of political science at the University of Florida, it looks as if more than 113 million people voted, which would be at least 48 percent of eligible Americans. Thats up from the 83 million votes cast in 2014, when Republicans made sweeping gains in the House and the Senate. In fact, its closer to the turnout in the last presidential election about 138.8 million than to the last midterms. If the president or the Senate chooses not to support it, frankly, its on them, she added, but we have to try and we have to continue to try until we get it done. Gun safety marches and a new breed of advocates most prominently, March for Our Lives, the movement led by the teenage survivors of the shooting at a high school in Parkland, Fla., bolstered young voter turnout. Around two dozen candidates supported by the gun lobby were defeated on Tuesday, according to Giffords PAC, the gun safety group run by former Representative Gabrielle Giffords, who was shot in the head in a mass shooting. We cannot let these tragedies become our new normal, said Colin Allred, an incoming freshman Democrat who ousted a veteran Republican, Pete Sessions, in the suburbs north of Dallas. I think we need to find a way to work together to find some real solutions to reduce gun violence, consistent with the Second Amendment. But a handful of other Democrats, including Representative Conor Lamb of Pennsylvania, a former Marine who favors gun rights, have cautioned the party against any legislative package that would curtail gun owners ability to obtain firearms. And winning Democrats in districts like suburban Charleston, S.C., and Oklahoma City will have to be mindful of their fragile mandates especially if any House legislation is destined to die in the Republican-controlled Senate or at President Trumps desk. Some incoming freshmen are warning against overpromising or politicizing a tragedy. As Democrats, we should not try to make this a political issue that is about gun legislation because any of the gun legislation were advocating for would not have prevented this, said Katie Hill, who defeated Representative Steve Knight in a California district near Wednesdays shooting. We lose credibility if we try to make it as if it wouldve, she added. The gunman, a former Marine, bought his handgun legally in a state with some of the toughest gun control laws in the country. WASHINGTON President Trump went out of his way on Friday to distance himself from Matthew G. Whitaker, his choice to replace Jeff Sessions as attorney general, saying repeatedly that he did not know Mr. Whitaker and had not spoken to him and emphasizing that the new attorney general was merely there in an acting position. I dont know Matt Whitaker, Mr. Trump told reporters as he left Washington for a weekend trip to Paris. But the president stressed that he did know Mr. Whitakers reputation well, calling him a very respected man. The faint presidential praise came just two days after Mr. Trump unceremoniously dumped Mr. Sessions, putting Mr. Whitaker in charge of the Justice Department and the special counsels investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. Since then, criticism has mounted about Mr. Whitakers lack of credentials to be the nations top law enforcement official, along with allegations that he has conflicts of interest that should keep him from overseeing the Russia inquiry. Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, the chambers top Democrat, sent a letter to Mr. Trump on Friday saying that the appointment of Mr. Whitaker, who was chief of staff to Mr. Sessions, was unconstitutional. WASHINGTON Peter Navarro, the White House trade adviser, lashed out at Beijing just ahead of a meeting between President Trump and the Chinese president, Xi Jinping, predicting that Mr. Trump would have the courage to reject a bad trade deal with China. Mr. Navarro, a blunt populist who has long held unsparing views about Chinas rise, suggested that reaching a trade deal would be more difficult than Mr. Trumps recent comments would indicate, despite the intervention of Wall Street executives who have urged the president to repair relations quickly. The United States and China have been locked in a tit-for-tat trade war that many economists believe will eventually be a drag on economic growth. The White House has placed tariffs on about $250 billion worth of Chinese imports and has threatened to tax nearly all Chinese goods if Beijing does not agree to end trade practices that harm American companies, including pressuring firms to hand over valuable technology. China has retaliated with its own tariffs and recently accused the United States of adopting a winner takes all approach to trade. Mr. Xi and Mr. Trump are scheduled to meet in Buenos Aires this month during the Group of 20 conference, and the trade dispute is expected to be a central topic. Mr. Trump has repeatedly said that China wants to make a deal, and on Wednesday he said he was also hoping to reach an agreement with Beijing. At oral arguments, her questioning is pointed and betrays detailed familiarity with the parties legal arguments and the record in the case. She often talks about her workouts with a trainer, whom she has called my physical fitness guardian since 1999. Justice Ginsburg was named to the court in 1993 by President Bill Clinton. She was the first Democratic appointment since 1967, when President Lyndon B. Johnson nominated Thurgood Marshall. Justice Ginsburg was born in Brooklyn in 1933, graduated from Cornell in 1954 and began law school at Harvard. After moving to New York with her husband, she transferred to Columbia, where she earned her law degree. She taught at Columbia and Rutgers and was a leading courtroom advocate of womens rights before joining the court. As director of the Womens Rights Project of the American Civil Liberties Union in the 1970s, she brought a series of cases before the court that helped establish constitutional protections against sex discrimination. Her litigation strategy invited comparison to that of Justice Marshall, who was the architect of the civil rights movements incremental legal attack on racial discrimination before he joined the court. In a 2016 interview, she was critical of President Trump in the midst of the presidential campaign. I cant imagine what this place would be I cant imagine what the country would be with Donald Trump as our president, she said. For the country, it could be four years. For the court, it could be I dont even want to contemplate that. Mr. Trumps proclamation is a radical departure from that tradition. With the exception of children arriving without parents, officials said that all migrants who cross illegally would automatically be denied asylum. Advocates for migrants condemned the policy shift as meanspirited and unconstitutional. Issuing a presidential proclamation effectively denying vulnerable families protection from violence is contrary to our laws and values, said Kevin Appleby, a senior director at the Center for Migration Studies. In the long run, it will not deter asylum seekers who are fleeing for their lives. On this one, the emperor has no clothes. Across the world, nations have for years agreed to consider asylum protections for those fleeing violence and persecution, even if they cross borders illegally. Human rights advocates said on Friday that the United States should be a leader in supporting that idea. One thing that unites a majority of Americans is a belief in the principle of asylum, Ali Noorani, the executive director of the National Immigration Forum, said in a statement. Eroding that principle means eroding a defining value of our nation. Administration officials insisted that the new rules would remain consistent with United States obligations to the rest of the world because seeking asylum is not the only way for someone fleeing persecution to receive protection. Officials said migrants would be allowed to seek other protections if they could prove a risk of being tortured in their home countries. However, they conceded that those claims were purposely much harder to prove and that fewer people were likely to qualify to stay in the United States than would have by receiving asylum. The only way to seek asylum will be to arrive at an official border crossing. But officials conceded that many of the crossings from Mexico into the United States known as ports of entry were over capacity and already had trouble processing the number of asylum claims being made by migrants there. Under the new policy, many more are expected to arrive at the crossings. Just last week, Mr. Macron called for the creation of a true European army because the continent can no longer depend on the United States. We have to protect ourselves with respect to China, Russia and even the United States of America, he said. When I see President Trump announcing that hes quitting a major disarmament treaty, which was formed after the 1980s Euro-missile crisis that hit Europe, who is the main victim? Europe and its security. Mr. Trump did not respond right away but instead waited until landing on French soil to fire back at his host. Three minutes after Air Force One touched down at Orly Airport outside Paris, Mr. Trump posted a message on Twitter objecting to Mr. Macrons comment. Very insulting, he wrote, but perhaps Europe should pay its fair share of NATO, which the U.S. subsidizes greatly! The back-and-forth set the stage for a tense weekend when Mr. Trump meets with Mr. Macron on Saturday, attends an official dinner and lunch for visiting leaders and joins the ceremony on Sunday commemorating the anniversary of the armistice that ended the Great War at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. His arrival could not contrast more starkly with Wilsons a century ago. When Wilson came to Paris, he was greeted as a savior by throngs of cheering admirers that would be the envy of the crowd-size-obsessed Mr. Trump. When Woodrow Wilson went to Paris, he was the most beloved, revered man on the planet, said A. Scott Berg, the author of Wilson, a biography of the president. The entire world was rooting for him. The reception he got was overwhelming. It did not last, though. High-minded and highhanded, Wilson used his unrivaled influence as leader of the emerging American power to force the creation of the League of Nations, while deferring to France in drafting the punitive Versailles Treaty in what his own secretary of state called a victors peace that would breed resentment in Germany leading to another world war. Wilson, who did not always practice the ideals at home that he preached abroad, also let his stubbornness doom his cherished league, which Republicans prevented the United States from ever joining. The forces of isolationism remained strong until the start of World War II but eventually Wilsonian internationalism took hold in the form of the United Nations and institutions like the World Trade Organization and International Monetary Fund that transformed the world. Failing to take immediate action to stem the mass migration the United States is currently experiencing and anticipating would only encourage additional mass unlawful migration and further overwhelming of the system. Other presidents have taken strong action to prevent mass migration. In Proclamation 4865 of September 29, 1981 (High Seas Interdiction of Illegal Aliens), in response to an influx of Haitian nationals traveling to the United States by sea, President Reagan suspended the entry of undocumented aliens from the high seas and ordered the Coast Guard to intercept such aliens before they reached United States shores and to return them to their point of origin. In Executive Order 12807 of May 24, 1992 (Interdiction of Illegal Aliens), in response to a dramatic increase in the unlawful mass migration of Haitian nationals to the United States, President Bush ordered additional measures to interdict such Haitian nationals and return them to their home country. The Supreme Court upheld the legality of those measures in Sale v. Haitian Centers Council, Inc., 509 U.S. 155 (1993). I am similarly acting to suspend, for a limited period, the entry of certain aliens in order to address the problem of large numbers of aliens traveling through Mexico to enter our country unlawfully or without proper documentation. I am tailoring the suspension to channel these aliens to ports of entry, so that, if they enter the United States, they do so in an orderly and controlled manner instead of unlawfully. Under this suspension, aliens entering through the southern border, even those without proper documentation, may, consistent with this proclamation, avail themselves of our asylum system, provided that they properly present themselves for inspection at a port of entry. In anticipation of a large group of aliens arriving in the coming weeks, I am directing the Secretary of Homeland Security to commit additional resources to support our ports of entry at the southern border to assist in processing those aliens and all others arriving at our ports of entry as efficiently as possible. But aliens who enter the United States unlawfully through the southern border in contravention of this proclamation will be ineligible to be granted asylum under the regulation promulgated by the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security that became effective earlier today. Those aliens may, however, still seek other forms of protection from persecution or torture. In addition, this limited suspension will facilitate ongoing negotiations with Mexico and other countries regarding appropriate cooperative arrangements to prevent unlawful mass migration to the United States through the southern border. Thus, this proclamation is also necessary to manage and conduct the foreign affairs of the United States effectively. NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including sections 212(f) and 215(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) (8 U.S.C. 1182(f) and 1185(a), respectively) hereby find that, absent the measures set forth in this proclamation, the entry into the United States of persons described in section 1 of this proclamation would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, and that their entry should be subject to certain restrictions, limitations, and exceptions. I therefore hereby proclaim the following: Section 1. Suspension and Limitation on Entry. The entry of any alien into the United States across the international boundary between the United States and Mexico is hereby suspended and limited, subject to section 2 of this proclamation. That suspension and limitation shall expire 90 days after the date of this proclamation or the date on which an agreement permits the United States to remove aliens to Mexico in compliance with the terms of section 208(a)(2)(A) of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1158(a)(2)(A)), whichever is earlier. Sec. 2. Scope and Implementation of Suspension and Limitation on Entry. (a) The suspension and limitation on entry pursuant to section 1 of this proclamation shall apply only to aliens who enter the United States after the date of this proclamation. (b) The suspension and limitation on entry pursuant to section 1 of this proclamation shall not apply to any alien who enters the United States at a port of entry and properly presents for inspection, or to any lawful permanent resident of the United States. The Satanic Temple filed a lawsuit on Thursday against Warner Bros. and Netflix, alleging copyright violation of its goat-headed statue, which it says appears in the new Sabrina series. The temple objected to the use of the statues likeness in the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, which features a much darker portrayal of the teenage half-human, half-witch immortalized decades ago in Archie comics. In the lawsuit, filed in United States District Court in Manhattan, the plaintiffs ask for at least $50 million for each alleged infraction: copyright infringement, trademark violation and injury to the business reputation. They also request an injunction barring the companies from redistributing the series with the image of the statue. The temple argues that the television show not only copied its conception of the deity a muscled figure with two young children staring up at it but also that it gives the statue and the Satanic Temple itself a bad rap. The Satanic Temple, based in Salem, Mass., defines its mission, in part, to reject tyrannical authority and to encourage benevolence and empathy among all people. Last year, the temple drew headlines for sponsoring a billboard in Texas that condemned corporal punishment. In an era when a commercial flight is largely automated usually a seamless process in an aircraft, informed by sensors and signals acting in tandem with experienced pilots the prospect that those systems could contribute to a crash is almost unthinkable. But in the case of Lion Air Flight 610, a Boeing 737 Max 8 that plummeted into the Java Sea shortly after takeoff from the Indonesian capital in late October, investigators believe those systems may have been involved. The plane, which was practically new, crashed minutes after takeoff, killing all 189 people on board. The crash has raised questions about Indonesias troubled airline safety record, Lion Airs questionable safety practices and the automated systems aboard Boeings commercial aircraft. Here is what we know. What happened? On the morning of Monday, Oct. 29, Lion Air Flight 610 took off from Jakartas Soekarno Hatta International Airport at 6:21 a.m. The plane was set to travel to the small city of Pangkal Pinang, the provincial capital of a small island in the Java Sea. The flight should have taken just over an hour. MANILA A Philippine court on Friday sentenced Imelda R. Marcos, the countrys flamboyant former first lady, to a minimum of 42 years in prison for creating private foundations to hide her unexplained wealth. But it is unlikely that Ms. Marcos, a 89-year-old widow, will see any jail time. The court, which handles graft and public corruption cases, said the ruling could be appealed, and legal experts have said Ms. Marcos could fight a prison sentence because of her advanced age. The sentence comes as Mrs. Marcos and her family have seen a political resurgence in the Philippines, having gained favor under the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte. The court found her guilty of seven counts of graft, with each count punishable by a minimum of six years in prison. The ruling also automatically disqualifies Mrs. Marcos, who is a congresswoman, from holding any public office. COLOMBO, Sri Lanka The president of Sri Lanka dissolved the countrys Parliament on Friday night and called for elections in January to choose new lawmakers, a move that critics said was illegal, and that deepened a two-week-old constitutional crisis over who is the legitimate prime minister of the island nation. The move followed President Maithripala Sirisenas dismissal in late October of Sri Lankas prime minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, and his naming as a replacement a popular former president who had been accused of human rights abuses, nepotism and excessively close ties to China during his tenure. Mr. Wickremesinghe and many members of Parliament challenged the appointment of his successor, Mahinda Rajapaksa. No major foreign country, including the United States, has recognized the new government. They have urged Sri Lankan leaders to allow Parliament to choose between the two men. Sri Lanka, strategically located off the coast of India, is deeply in debt to China and was forced to turn over control of an important port to that country. Its close ties to China have alarmed both the United States and India, which fear Chinas growing influence in the region. What experience from the midterms will you remember five years from now? I went to a Trump rally, and that was a pretty vivid experience. There were maybe eight or nine thousand people in this big arena in Erie, Pennsylvania. And the press was penned into this thing in the middle, which is normal at these rallies. But what was so odd to me was that we werent allowed to leave the pen on our own. So we werent allowed to interview any of the people in the auditorium, and it was sort of unclear why. The whole thing was weird. People werent in any way mean, except when they were jeering and shouting as if we were people in a cage. But afterward, everybody was super nice. Some of the nice ladies I talked to felt sorry for me because I work for a place that was so full of lies and fake news. And every time I tried to say, well, we actually work really hard, and we try really hard, they just looked sad. Britain is scheduled to leave the European Union on March 29. If it is to avoid a chaotic withdrawal one that could leave ports blocked and food and drugs running short it needs an agreement spelling out divorce terms from the European Union. Once that critical document has been finalized, it must be approved by the European Parliament and by British lawmakers in a climactic vote. So time is running out. For months, negotiations were deadlocked in Brussels while Prime Minister Theresa Mays divided Conservative Party was in turmoil, a reality underscored on Friday by the surprise resignation of Jo Johnson, a transport minister, over withdrawal from the bloc, known as Brexit. So far Mrs. May has survived, inching her way toward an agreement, and she hopes for a breakthrough in the coming days. But the parties are not there yet, and Britains domestic politics are combustible. Here is the state of play. What Is Happening Now The prime minister has put her jittery cabinet on standby to endorse a deal she believes she can strike with the European Union. On Friday, she met with the French president, Emmanuel Macron, and talks with European officials will continue through the weekend. BERLIN Amid a resurgence of xenophobia that has reshaped Germanys political landscape, the nations leaders warned on Friday that Germans must defend democracy to ensure that hate crimes like Kristallnacht, the Nazi-led burning of synagogues and plundering of Jewish shops 80 years ago, never again take place. On a day that commemorated both the centennial of the declaration of Germanys first democratic republic and, just 20 years later, Kristallnacht, or the Night of Broken Glass, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier called on Germans to embrace an enlightened patriotism that celebrates their democratic achievements while guarding them against the forces of hate that led to the countrys descent into the breach of civilization, the Holocaust. The president addressed Parliament in the first in a series of memorials commemorating a number of historic events that converge on Nov. 9, considered by Germans to be their fateful day. At a ceremony honoring the victims of Kristallnacht, Chancellor Angela Merkel warned against a resurgence of anti-Semitism. Later Friday, officials laid wreaths before a remnant of the Berlin Wall, which was breached under the pressure of peaceful East German protesters on this date in 1989, a year before the country was reunited. LONDON Seconds before an armistice formally ended World War I on Nov. 11, 1918, Pvt. Henry Nicholas Gunther, an American soldier from Baltimore, mounted a final, one-man charge against a German machine-gun nest in northeastern France. The German gunners, The Baltimore Sun reported many years later, had tried to wave him away, but he ran on, only to perish in a burst of heavy automatic fire the last soldier of any nationality to die in the conflict at 10.59 a.m. local time. One minute later, under the terms of an armistice signed about six hours earlier, the so-called Great War, the war to end all wars, was over, and the world was an altered place. The casualties since the conflicts first engagements in 1914 ran into many millions, both military and civilian. The very nature of warfare had changed irrevocably. Empires crumbled, new nations arose and the worlds maps were redrawn in ways that reverberate mightily a century later. With men away at the front lines, women assumed roles in the work force back home that hastened their emancipation and changed social ways forever. JERUSALEM For months, Israel has tried to quell Gazas border protests through force. Now Israel is taking a different approach, easing a blockade and allowing millions of dollars in aid to flow into Gaza, the impoverished enclave controlled by Hamas, its bitter foe. The aim of the change, in a plan mediated by Egypt and with money supplied by Qatar, is to provide much-needed relief for Gaza, restore calm on the Israeli side of the border and avert another war. The clashes along Gazas border have caused misery on both sides: At least 170 Palestinians have been killed, and thousands of acres of Israeli farmland have been torched. But the change in Israels approach presents risks for leaders on both sides, pressures that could doom even this limited warming of relations. If you can afford to, increasing your contributions by 1 percentage point each year say, from 5 percent of your salary to 6 percent can make a big difference in the long run, said Brendan Mullooly, a financial planner in Wall Township, N.J. Steven Brett, president of Marcum Financial Services in New York, offered this additional advice: Start as early as possible and take advantage of compounding and time. The earlier you do it, the less you have to put away. If your employer doesnt offer a retirement plan, you can open an individual retirement account. Contribution limits to I.R.A.s are also increasing next year, for the first time in five years. For 2019, you can contribute up to $6,000, an increase of $500. People 50 and older can save an extra $1,000, for a total of $7,000. Here are some questions and answers about retirement savings: Is it too late to contribute more to my 401(k) for 2018? Marina Edwards, a senior director of retirement with Willis Towers Watson, suggested that workers ask their human resources department to provide an estimate of what their contributions will be for this year. If they havent met this years maximum contribution of $18,500, and can afford to put away more money, they may want to consider increasing their payroll contributions. Is it better to contribute to my 401(k), or to a health savings account? Contribute to both if you are eligible, Ms. Edwards said. H.S.A.s are special savings accounts available to people with certain high-deductible health insurance plans. Their triple tax benefit makes them an excellent way to save, she said. Money goes in tax free, grows tax free and is withdrawn tax free, when the money is spent on eligible health and medical expenses. Many people confuse H.S.A.s with flexible health spending accounts, which are geared toward short-term health needs, Ms. Edwards said. You can use the money in an H.S.A. for current health needs if you must, but letting it grow long term is smart, she said, since most people will have health needs in retirement. Ms. Edwards suggests a three-step approach: Contribute to your 401(k) up to the company match. Then fund your H.S.A., to the maximum if possible. (For 2018, individuals can contribute up to $3,450; the total rises to $3,500 in 2019. The limit for catch-up contributions by those 55 and older remains $1,000.) Though the idea has received some bipartisan support, critics arent optimistic that dangling a tax credit in front of employers will go far enough. Anna Chu, vice president for strategy and policy at the National Womens Law Center, said tax credits rarely prodded businesses particularly those that employ lower-income workers to create a new benefit. What happens is you are simply rewarding businesses who are already doing this, she said. Expansion of Medical Expense Tax Deductions The problem it could help solve: Ever-rising out-of-pocket health care costs. What it would mean for you: When they began to rewrite the tax code last year, Republicans opening gambit was to do away with tax deductions for medical expenses. But that prompted howls of outrage from people with disabilities, parents of special-needs children and older Americans (whose nursing home costs are generally deductible). Republicans reversed themselves, and then some: The final bill allows people to deduct any such costs that exceed 7.5 percent of their adjusted gross income; the previous threshold was 10 percent. There is a catch, though: That 7.5 percent was only for 2017 and 2018. Next year, absent legislative action, the hurdle will revert to 10 percent. If that happens, it will feel uncomfortably like a tax increase on the old and the sick. So look for a compromise here, too. Elimination of Surprise Medical Bills The problem it could help solve: While the Affordable Care Act generally caps what consumers must spend out of pocket when using providers in their plans network, it doesnt protect consumers from large bills from outside providers. Those providers may be free to charge the consumer for the balance of the bill that the insurer did not pay, known as balance billing. In some cases, those charges can run into six figures. What it would mean for you: A proposed bill with bipartisan support would help patients in a few different situations. For example, youd be responsible only for what you would pay under your insurance plan when treated for an emergency by an out-of-network provider at an out-of-network facility. The same logic would apply if you were treated at a hospital in your plans network but saw a doctor who was out of network. The structure of the investment is novel. The zones aim to entice people who, after years of increases in the value of their investments, have a lot of embedded gains, or taxes that would be owed if those holdings were sold. Investors can put those profits into opportunity zone funds, which will invest in businesses and real estate in these designated areas. In return, the investors will get various tax breaks on both the investment they sold and the one they made in the opportunity zone. If they maintain their investment for five years, theyll get a 10 percent break on the capital gains tax they would owe today; if the investment lasts seven years, the reduction is 15 percent. When the investment in the opportunity zone hits 10 years, the gains on that investment are tax free. Investing in these zones would seem like a win-win. But not all opportunity zones are the same, and the tax incentive could also keep investors from being sufficiently rigorous with their due diligence. For starters, some of the zones are a stretch to qualify as neighborhoods in need of help. In Connecticut, South Norwalk, a bustling restaurants and arts area, is on the list. So are East Austin, Tex., where property taxes are rising quickly as property values soar, and Oakland, Calif., which is becoming San Franciscos younger, hipper sibling. There are investors who plan to focus on the edges of opportunity zones. Among them are Avy Stein, a co-founder of Cresset Capital Management, and Larry Levy, a real estate investor and a founder of Levy Family Partners, who have teamed up to raise a $500 million fund. Mr. Stein said one of the criteria is that the investments would need to have been worthy without the tax break. It makes sense to identify those areas where, with a substantial amount of capital, those communities can change, Mr. Stein said. It doesnt make sense to put money into areas where the capital wont come out. | BY Ricki Green | Rabbits annual Spring party kicked off the silly season last week, with 400 of the finest faces in the industry gracing the alleyways of Redfern for one very fun Thursday night. The sun was shining, the tinnies were flowing and oysters were had by all; early evening music by HANDSOME and late-night tunes by Sydney DJ duo Keep It Disco. New York University has awarded the Joe A. Callaway Prize for the Best Book on Drama or Theater for 2016-17 to Stanford Universitys Branislav Jakovljevic for his Alienation Effects: Performance and Self-Management in Yugoslavia 1945-91 (University of Michigan Press). The Callaway Prize is awarded biennially by NYUs Department of English. The three-member panel of judges, chaired by Una Chaudhuri, professor of English and Drama at NYU, characterized it as an extraordinarily original work that intervenes decisively in established accounts of political theatre by rigorously attending to the fate of a specific ideologyYugoslavias self-managementas it shaped a remarkably varied performance landscape. Written in clear and reflective prose, the work wears its considerable learning lightly, and offers many deeply engrossing analyses, including one of a 1954 secret performance of Waiting for Godot, that will undoubtedly shape theatrical criticism in the years ahead, says William Worthen, professor of English at Columbia and one of this years judges. A second judge, Douglas A. Jones, an associate professor of English at Rutgers University, adds: Archivally bountiful, methodologically innovative, and theoretically ingenious, Branislav Jakovljevics Alienation Effects models new and productive ways to conceptualize the relationship between art and politics that avoid the easy and often trite ways in which scholars often do soall the while positioning itself to become the foundational text in the historiography of Eastern European performance cultures of the second half of the twentieth century. The panel awarded Honorable Mentions to two books: Anti-Theatricality and the Body Public (University of Pennsylvania Press) by Professor Lisa A. Freeman of the University of Illinois at Chicago, which the judges characterized as an ambitiously wide-ranging and meticulously researched inquiry into one of theatre history's enduring topics, yielding fresh insights into the ways public culture conducts its most complex ideological negotiations on the terrain of theatrical activity. (University of Pennsylvania Press) by Professor Lisa A. Freeman of the University of Illinois at Chicago, which the judges characterized as an ambitiously wide-ranging and meticulously researched inquiry into one of theatre history's enduring topics, yielding fresh insights into the ways public culture conducts its most complex ideological negotiations on the terrain of theatrical activity. Black Movements: Performance and Cultural Politics (Rutgers University Press) by Professor Soyica Diggs Colbert of Georgetown University, which the judges found to be an innovative work of performance history, skillfully revealing the trans-historical life of Black performance across many genres and offering dazzling readings of specific moments, gestures, and events in which African-American artists have engaged the historical past to map coherent Black narratives for the present and the future. The Callaway Prize is awarded by NYUs Department of English for the best book on drama or theater published during the previous two years by an American author. It carries a cash award of $9,000. This years entries included distinguished works on dramatic literature, performance theory, and theatre history. The Callaway Prize for the Best Book on Drama was established in 1990 by Joe A. Callaway, an actor, drama lecturer, and supporter of theatrical causes. | BY Ricki Green | In a category often diluted with stories of mateship, Asahi Super Dry needed to create a new wave of energy to break through to premium beer drinkers in its latest campaign, Enter Asahi. In collaboration with both Asahi Beverages in Australia and Asahi Breweries in Japan, The Monkeys, part of Accenture Interactive, created the campaign. Leveraging the brands Japanese provenance in ways that feel authentic but more importantly, interesting, surprising and mysterious, Enter Asahi aims to tap in to consumers appreciation for discovery and exploration. Directed by Marco Prestini from In The Thicket, the film takes audiences on a journey where imagination is not bound by reality. A world of giant squids, robot geisha, fierce warriors and loyal salary men. The campaign will roll out internationally across broadcast, cinema, OOH advertising, digital, press, path to purchase and on Asahis social channels. Says Ant Keogh, chief creative officer, The Monkeys Melbourne: Japan is an exciting and enigmatic place where the traditional and technological collide. This was our inspiration for the world of Asahi. We avoided a traditional narrative, and took a more surreal, music-video inspired approach. The loose story leads to a mysterious Japanese character who collects giant squid and owns a secret research facility dedicated to pruning the perfect Bonsai tree. The idea being that kind of perfectionist would favour precision-brewed Asahi. Having said all that, if people think the ad is cool, Japanese and remember its for Asahi, then weve probably done our job. Says Michael Vousden, marketing manager beer, Asahi Premium Beverages: We are very excited to build our foundations for the future and evolve the Asahi Super Dry brand platform and creative proposition into a compelling Enter Asahi campaign. The creative impact will cut through to our target and will help recruit the next generation of Asahi Super Dry drinkers in Australia. Client: Asahi Premium Beverages General Manager, Marketing AUS / NZ: Michael Edmonds Group Category Manager: Kym Bonollo Beer Marketing Manager: Michael Vousden Agency: The Monkeys Melbourne CEO: Paul McMillan CCO: Ant Keogh Creative Director: Wayne Ching Art Director: Joe Sibley Writers: Ant Keogh, Wayne Ching & Hugh Gurney Designer: Jess Ramsey Head of Strategy: Mike Derepas Head of Production: Romanca Jasinski Production Coordinator: Anne-Maree Shelton Group Content Director: Lee Lowndes Content Director: Navin Arunasalam Content Executive: Allan Carlow Production Company: In The Thicket Director: Marco Prestini @DivisionSydney Executive Producer: Genevieve Triquet Producer: Nick Simkins D.O.P: Stefan Duscio Production Design: Michael Iacono Costume Designer: Joanna Mae Park Editor: Dan Lee @ The Butchery VFX & Post Production: Alt. VFX VFX Supervisor: David Edwards Executive Producer: Tyrone Estephan VFX Producer: Adrianna Spanos Colourist: Edel Rafferty Sound Design: Paul Le Couteur @ Nylon Studios | BY Ricki Green | Epica, which is represented by Campaign Brief in Australia and New Zealand, has announced the shortlisted entries for the 2018 competition. Australia has secured 13 finalists led by CHE Proximity with six. CHE Proximity has been shortlisted twice for Carsales.com.au AutoAds, twice for Swann Insurance Inconvenience Stores and once each for Cochlear Hearprint and Lego Making the List. Leo Burnett Melbourne has scored three finalists, two for Hanes Brands Australasia Bonds Mash Up and once for SPC Ardmona Goulburn Valley Food Tours. Host/Havas has scored two finalists for Palau Legacy Project Palau Pledge. Aussie agencies that scored one finalist each include Emotive for Audible.com.au Said I Read You But I Lied and Fenton Stephens for Master Builders Association of Victoria with the 3 parts campaign Somebody should have asked. These finalists will go through to the grand jury, which meets in Amsterdam from 12-14 November. Gold and Grand Prix winners will be awarded during a ceremony at the KIT Royal Tropical Institute on the evening of November 15. Silver and Bronze winners will be published on the Epica Awards website the next day, November 16. The Epica jury is composed of editors and senior reporters from the worlds leading magazines covering creativity and communications. They are supported by an online jury of 300 journalists from specialist titles in fields such as post-production, VR, design, luxury and fashion. See www.epica-awards.com for a full list of jury members. This year Epica received 4020 entries from 69 countries, a 20% increase on the previous year despite difficult market conditions. This was driven by the return of the Publicis Groupe networks, plus an enthusiastic response from Germany and Latin America. Indeed, the highest number of entries came from Germany, followed by the United States and France. New countries this year included Iran and Morocco. In terms of networks, BBDO and McCann Worldgroup were particularly well represented. Congratulations to all the shortlisted entrants. Agencies who entered work that did not make it onto the shortlist should bear in mind that selected noteworthy entries are also featured in our annual Epica Book, giving each piece of work an additional chance to shine. The book will be released in September 2019. A Japanese artist recently posted a picture of a hyper-realistic painting of a raw egg next to a photo of a real egg and challenged his social media followers to figure out which was which. Most of them couldnt tell the difference. Can you? Yas is a master of hyperrealistic painting, who spends hours on end trying to get every detail of his artworks just right to the point where most people cannot tell them apart from photos of actual things. He can draw various things, from cross-sections of fruits and vegetables, to ice-creams and cocktails, but his most impressive work yet has to be this raw egg done in acrylic that perfectly resembles a photo of a raw egg. According to his Instagram, he spent four hours a day painting it and it took him several days to complete, but the result is pretty impressive. I for one couldnt tell which one was the painting and which was the photo, and apparently neither could most of his fans. Photo: yasuta_kaii 32 I/Twitter If you guessed that the image on the left is the painting, they you are correct, but you still have to admit that the two pictures are incredibly close in terms of realism. His challenge has been doing the rounds on Japanese social media, and his original Twitter post has gotten over 63,000 likes. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Yas (@oekaki_1221) on Jul 7, 2018 at 5:04am PDT But this raw egg isnt Yas only impressive painting. A cross-section of a ripe tomato also caught my eye, and as you can see in one of the short videos that the artist posted on Instagram, the only way you can tell that it is a painting and not a photo is by leaning in really close to see the tiny specs of acrylic paint. For more of Yas hyperrealistic art, check out his Twitter and Instagram. Three managers of a home improvement firm in Zunyi, China, were recently arrested for subjecting employees to extreme punishment, including forcing them to eat cockroaches, for not meeting their sales goals. The arrests came after an employee of the unnamed company took to social media to complain about the humiliating punishments he and his colleagues were being subjected to by management for failing to meat their goals. His post included a video of a topless man standing in a center of a room and being whipped with a belt by his boss, while his workmates watched. Footage also shows people drinking cups of yellow liquid which some have alleged is urine. The video was later deleted, but screenshots started circulating online, and the police were notified about the troubling punishments. If the sales goal has not been met by the end of this month, the team leader will have to eat three cockroaches for each failed sale, one of the threatening text messages sent by managers and published by local newspaper Zunyi Yaowen read. Other text messages revealed several cruel punishments devised by the firms managers, including drinking vinegar or toilet water, selling condoms and sanitary pads on the street and having their head shaved. While most social media users declared themselves shocked and horrified by these revelations, others simply asked why employees didnt simply quit and looked for jobs elsewhere. However, a member of the companys staff told Pear Video that many employees were owed two months pay, and management had already threatened to reduce their severance pay if they dared quit. According to a statement posted by Zunyi police on Weibo, two of the managers have been jailed for 10 days, while a third manager will spend five days behind bars. This isnt the first time that such cruel punishments made headlines in China. A few years ago, photos of staff at a Zhengzhou company forced to crawl on their knees in public for failing to reach their sales goals went viral online. A 69-year-old Dutch man who claims to feel much younger than his actual age has gone to court to make himself legally 20 years younger. Emile Ratelband, a media personality and self-described positivity guru, recently told a court in Arnhem, Holland, that he did not feel comfortable with his true age and compared his desire to have it legally changed with that of people who identify as transgender. Ratelband said that he would gladly renounce his pension to ensure that there were no unforeseen consequences, and tried to convince the judges that slashing two decades from his real age would have a hugely positive impact on all aspects of his life. Photo: Bru-nO/Pixabay We live in a time when you can change your name and change your gender. Why cant I decide my own age? the Dutch man asked. When Im 69, I am limited. If Im 49, then I can buy a new house, drive a different car, I can take up more work. When Im on Tinder and it says Im 69, I dont get an answer. When Im 49, with the face I have, I will be in a luxurious position. Mr Ratelbands case against his local authority after they refused to legally change his birth date from 11 March 1949 to 11 March 1969 has caused controversy in his home country. Even the judges conceded that a few years ago legal gender changes were considered impossible, while these days they are common in many developed countries, but at the same time pointed out that his request does raise some questions, like what happens to the 20 years that would be erased. Who were your parents looking after then? Who was that little boy? one of the judges asked Ratelband, hinting that the change would essentially erase part of his life. However, the positivity guru seemed unfazed by the questions, answering only that both his parents were dead. It is really a question of free will, Ratelband told the court, adding that he feels discriminated against because of his age. He claims that companies are reluctant to hire a 69-year-old pensioner as a consultant, while 49-year-olds have better chances of getting hired. To convince the judges, Emile Ratelband described himself as a young god and said that a medical check-up showed that his biological age was actually 45. I have done a check-up and what does it show? My biological age is 45 years, the man said. The court is expected to deliver their ruling in this case in the next four weeks. Social media has proven an effective resource for companies looking to raise brand awareness and engage with consumers, and more people are now turning to social media as an avenue for voicing their praise as well as their criticisms of companies and their products. But a recent survey conducted by D.C.-based research and consulting firm Clutch, which focused on consumers online expectations for companies, found that most expect brands to respond to their queries and concerns on social media and have unusually high expectations for how quickly those responses arrive. How quickly should businesses respond to social media comments? More than three-quarters of the Clutchs survey respondents (76 percent) said they expect brands to respond to comments they make about them on social media. Of those respondents, 83 percent said they expect brands to respond to those comments within a day or less. More than half of the survey respondents (58 percent) said the advent of social media has made customer service an easier process, and nearly three-quarters (72 percent) said theyre more likely to recommend a company to others if they have a positive social media experience with a company. Nearly half (45 percent) said they see companies in a more positive light when they respond to negative comments made on their social media page. The survey found that men are more likely than women to expect brands to respond to their social media comments (82 percent versus 72 percent, respectively), and are also more likely to demand a fast response. Not surprising, Millennials, who grew up with social media, widely expect brands to engage with them via social media (80 percent). And almost all of the Millennials polled (90 percent) said they expect brands to do so within a day or less, with 44 percent expecting brands to respond within an hour. Clutchs survey polled more than 530 U.S. consumers who reported using social media at least once a week. It was conducted in late August. Philadelphia's Braithwaite Communications is handling crisis PR chores for the Wanaque Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, where an outbreak of adenovirus beginning in September killed 10 and sickened at least 19 more severely disabled children. A lawsuit filed Nov. 7 blames the facility for maintaining unsanitary conditions that allowed the virus to spread and alleged staffers were "reckless and careless." It cites inspection reports from 2015 through October that allegedly show deficiencies at the center that spread adenovirus. New Jersey health officials, however, dismissed the shortcomings as "low level," according to the North Jersey Record. The suit was filed on behalf of a 15-year-old resident at Wanaque Center who was taken to Hackensack Medical Center Oct. 18 in a "critical and life-threatening condition." The virus does not pose a threat to healthy people but is dangerous to those with severe disabilities and weakened immune systems. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy held press conference Oct. 24 at the Wanaque Center, which is not admitting any new patients until Dec. 3- if no new cases are confirmed. FF Paris, creative shop, is commemorating the 100thanniversary of Armistice Day (Nov. 11) with the creation of "The Unknown Face," which is a digital synthesis of the thousands of faces of men, women and children from around the globe that died in the horror of WWI. Inspired by the 1920 burials of the "Unknown Solider" in Paris and London on the first Armistice Day to mark the memory and heroism of fallen soldiers, The Unknown Face honors all the victims of The Great War regardless of their nationality, origin or gender. The faces are superimposed on top of each other to create a single image. The portrait will be unveiled Nov. 11 at the Historial de la Grand Guerre in Peronne. Visitors will be able to review the faces that make up the single image. A dedicated interactive platform (www.theunknownface.com) went live Nov. 8, featuring the pictures and stories of people who died in WWI and information about the conflict. The site, which was produced by Merci Michel studio, will be updated. Nancy Pelosi Look for the Democratic-controlled House to restore the climate change committee that was disbanded by the Republican majority in 2011. Yippee! Though a fortified Republican majority in the Senate will certainly block most House "green" measures from becoming law, the reborn climate panel will be a potent PR vehicle to keep global warming issues front and center in the public debate. Panel members will be in the position to use the power of PR to increase public awareness and support for green initiatives to pressure recalcitrant Senators into action. Presumptive Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi is the person who originally launched the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming. A reiteration of the select committee is sweet music for the San Francisco Congresswoman, whom president Trump (for the time being) views as somebody that he can deal with. The reconstituted global warming panel doesn't come a moment too soon. It arrives in the aftermath of the Oct. 8 release of a landmark United Nations report that painted a dire future for the planet due to damage on a scale that has "no documented historic precedent" unless actions are taken to reduce greenhouse gases. From the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the report is based on more than 6,000 scientific studies and written by 91 scientists from 40 countries And of course, the Tweeter-in-chief, the most unscientific president in US history, didn't read a word of the report though he acknowledged its receipt. After all climate change, according to the president, is a "hoax" perpetrated by China to tangle the US manufacturing base in burdensome regulations. In typical Trumpian fashion to cast seeds of doubt, Trump implied that he has a bunch of people on hand to dispute the findings of the UN report. Let's go to the transcript of Oct. 9: It was given to me, and I want to look at who drew it. You know, which group drew it. Because I can give you reports that are fabulous, and I can give you reports that arent so good. But I will be looking at it. Absolutely. A month later, there's still no word on the president's view of the report. There's more good election news for the environment. The new Congress also will be able to thwart future moves by Team Trump to roll back environmental safeguards. Tieran Sittenfeld, senior VP-government affairs at the League of Conservation Voters, told the Pulitzer Prize-winning website, InsideClimateNews, that the election results are a rejection of "the most anti-environmental US House of Representatives in our nation's history." Anti-green Republicans who put "corporate polluters ahead of people and their communities" went down in defeat, according to Sittenfield. That's indeed a breath of fresh air and a drink of cold clean water for all of us. Digital camera juggernaut GoPro Inc. has hired Whitaker Strategies to lobby on Capitol Hill in light of President Trumps ongoing trade war with China. San Mateo, CA-based GoPro, which makes action cameras as well as a line of drones, manufactures its products in China. Company founder and CEO Nick Woodman has said in recent months that GoPro might now move its U.S.-bound production out of China in light of the escalating trade war. Trump, whos hit China with a series of tariffs since the beginning of the year, signed a memorandum in March imposing a 25 percent tariff on $50 billion of Chinese goods under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, blaming China for unfair licensing practices as well as theft of intellectual property. Three rounds of tariffs have since been imposed on a total of $250 billion worth of Chinese goods, the latest coming in September, when the Trump admin announced it had added a 10 percent tariff increase on $200 billion worth of Chinese products, which would increase to 25 percent at the beginning of next year. Additional tariffs were threatened if China retaliates. Dozens of U.S. trade associations, as well as members of Congress, have raised concerns over the economic impact these measures would have on the U.S. economy and consumers. Woodman has said that GoPro hasnt yet been impacted by the tariffs. GoPro saw above-estimate revenue returns during 2018's second quarter after a rocky 2017. The GoPro account will be handled by Whitaker Strategies principal Stephen Whitaker, who was previously a staffer to the House Ways and Means Committee. Gabor Jelinek Public Relations Global Network announced that it has named Gabor Jelinek executive director, a new role for the global PR and marketing communications network. Jelineks position was announced at the networks fall meeting in Bucharest, Romania. Jelinek was previously a partner at Budapest-based agency Goodwill Communications, a position he held for more than a decade. Prior to that he was a client service director at Weber Shandwick in Hungary. He was formerly the editor in chief of Budapests English-language weekly business newspaper, the Budapest Business Journal. As executive director, Jelinek will oversee all aspects of the global PR network, and has been charged with developing new sales initiatives, enhancing partnerships and creating marketing opportunities for PRGNs firms, staff and clients while ensuring its strategic objectives are met. Founded in 1992, PRGN currently counts 50 PR agencies across Africa, Australia, Europe, North America and South America. Rose Dunne from Tullamore has been named as the 2018 Offaly CarePlus Carer of the Year. Each year Family Carers Ireland recognise Carers for the extraordinary hard work and dedication involved in caring for their loved ones every day, through these national awards. Rose (66) has been caring for her sister Maureen (64) for over 20 years. Maureen has a learning disability. After the death of their parents, Rose gave up her full-time job to care of Maureen. When Rose began caring for her sister there were no daycare centre or respite supports available. She fought to get some help for Maureen who now attends a Day Care centre and has Respite for two weeks a year. She helps Maureen with walking, getting in and out of bed and all the other daily functions. PICTURED: Rose Dunne - Offaly CarePlus Carer of the Year The national CarePlus Carer of the Year awards will take place on November 23rd in the Westin Hotel in Dublin. They will be hosted by broadcasters, and patrons of the charity, Mary Kennedy and Marty Whelan. According to CSO Irish Health Survey there are approximately 6,057 family carers in Offaly providing on average 45 hours of care per week in their homes. Family Carers across Ireland save the state a staggering 10 billion each year. Today 1 in 10 people provide care for a loved one in the home - by 2030, demographic changes predict that one in five people will take on a caring role. We are delighted to recognise and celebrate Carers in every county of Ireland for their trojan work as Family Carers. A huge congratulations to Rose who is now the Offaly Careplus Carer of the Year 2018. Family Carers across Ireland make extraordinary sacrifices and work very hard, sometimes 24 hours a day, to provide care for their loved ones, safely, in their own homes. With limited access to services and particularly respite, Carers in Offaly are overstretched and receive little acknowledgement for their unpaid work with three quarters receiving no payment from the State, Said Catherine Cox, Head of Communications and Carer Engagement with Family Carers Ireland. Niamh Lynch, Commercial Director of CarePlus Pharmacy commented CarePlus Pharmacy is honoured to sponsor the Family Carer of the Year awards and recognise the tireless efforts of thousands of people across the country. Carers are the heart of every community and our pharmacy owners and staff meet them every day. We are enjoying working closely with Family Carers Ireland and supporting the awards throughout our sixty community pharmacies nationwide. This is the second year CarePlus Pharmacy have sponsored this event. See more at www.familycarers.ie / www.careplus.ie Two women with addresses in Offaly and Laois appeared befored in Portlaoise District Court last week with a total of 13 charges between them from an incident last June at a Portarlington pub. The incident on June 23 at French Church Street in Portarlington involved damage to a pub and a car, assaults, producing a knife, and theft. Lauren Brennan (27) with an address of 14 Clonmullen Drive, Edenderry, and her co-accused Niamh O'Neill, (29) with an address of 48 Kilnacourt Woods, Portarlington were in court. Detective Garda Derek Barnett read out the charge numbers in court to Judge Marie Keane. He said that Ms Brennan was arrested, brought to Tullamore Garda Station and charged on Monday, October 22 over the incidents. She made no reply after caution. Ms O'Neill was arrested on October 21 in Portarlington and charged. Ms Brennan faces two charges, both involving damage to a 2009 Toyota Corolla owned by Noel Foy. Ms O'Neill faces 11 charges from the same day and place, including assault causing harm and theft. Her charges are: damage to the same car, damage to the front door window of Barrow Lodge in French Church St belonging to Noel Foy, damaging glasses, assaulting Noel Foy, two charges of assaulting Stephen Pierce, assaulting Shona Mulherne causing harm, theft in the course of a dispute with Sean McAlorum, and producing a knife, theft in the course of a dispute with Matthew McAlorum, producing a knife, and theft in the course of a dispute with Stephen Pierce, producing a knife. The final charge Ms O'Neill faces is that she stole 250 and six bottles of Wicked worth 31.80, the property of Noel Foy. They were both remanded on bail to a court hearing on November 15, for appeal date and disclosure. The family behind one of Offaly's longest-standing and most popular restaurants have gone public with their efforts to purchase the building they currently lease in Tullamore. The Tahraoui family have been in their current home on Patrick Street since 1999 and their current lease on the building runs until 2030. Owner Paula Tahraoui tried to purchase the building when it went up for sale in recent months but has been informed that the current holders of the building are putting it up for auction with the BidX1 online auction house later this month. Any sale of the building will not affect Sirocco's current lease but the property does come with vacant upper-floor office space. It has a guide price of 240,000. Paula's son Adam Tahraoui has taken to social media in recent days to appeal to people to be aware of the fact that they would be bidding against his mother and her wishes to own the building in the auction. Taking to Facebook, Adam says owning the building that has housed their family restaurant for almost two decades is a dream for his mother. He described how she kept the family and restaurant afloat even after the tragic death of her husband Rico in a car accident in the year 2000, less than a year after the Italian restaurant opened its doors. "My mothers world was turned upside down. Seven months pregnant, with three kids and a business that was just beginning to grow, she was left in a situation that most people wouldnt have been able to deal with," Adam said. "Not only that but she went above and beyond her duties, actively contributing to charities and helping other local business and families over the years," he added. Despite this hardship, Paula made a success of Sirocco's and it remains one of the county's most popular restaurants. "Last Summer, Mam finally saw the light at the end of the tunnel when our building went up for sale; it was the goal she had been working towards the last 18 years, yet the vulture funds, sellers and liquidators in charge of the sale of our premises wouldnt even engage in conversations when Paula expressed her interest to buy the property," Adam explained. Adam says his mother was the obvious choice and was "ready to close the deal there and then." He adds that after a year and a sale agreed sign going up in front of the building, she was informed that the premises instead was being put up for auction. "There are now two signs outside our premises, one Sale Agreed and one stating the building is up for auction," Adam said. "Can anyone explain this? The sellers wont? How can a building be sold yet up for auction simultaneously?" he added. "Its an abhorrent crime and we wont take it lying down. If you can do one thing today, please share this post, potential buyers need to know who they are bidding against so they do the right thing by not standing in her way," Adam appealed on social media. "Shes worked too hard and sacrificed too much to let somebody walk in off the street and buy her dreams out from underneath her," he concluded. The building is set to go under the virtual hammer with BidX1 on November 15. Big boost: Financial powers of Army vice chiefs enhanced 5 times India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Nov 9: The Defence Ministry has increased the financial powers of the Vice Chiefs of the three services for buying essential items that range from ammunition to fuel. "With the new delegation, the Vice Chiefs will be able to exercise financial powers up to five times more than the existing powers with an enhanced ceiling of Rs 500 crores. This is likely to give another fillip to the capacity of the three Armed Forces," the defence ministry said in a statement. The revenue procurement of the armed forces are meant to buy day-to-day items required to run the Army, Air Force and Navy. The delegation of greater financial power to the Vice Chief would expedite the procurement of such items and enhance the operational preparedness of the three services, the ministry also said. Aimed at augmenting availability of arms & ammunition with Armed Forces & to enhance their OP preparedness, MoD enhances Financial Powers of Vice Chiefs of Tri-Services by upto 5 times to Rs. 500 crore," the ministry also said. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, November 9, 2018, 6:59 [IST] Indias decision to participate in Moscow-format pragmatic and likely to open future role for it India oi-Vinod Kumar Shukla New Delhi, Nov 9: India will participate in the Moscow-format meeting on Afghanistan at a non-official level. Talibans too will be participating in the meeting questioning the stand of India on terrorism by many. But in the changing world order, the decision taken by India is being termed as a pragmatic decision. Moreover, India made it clear that it would participate at a 'non-official level' in the meeting. Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar confirmed, "We are aware that Russian Federation is hosting a meeting in Moscow on November 9 on Afghanistan. Our participation at the meeting will be at the non-official level." Theoretically the decision might be seen as a setback to the Indian position that there is no 'Good Taliban' or 'Bad Taliban' but the point is that on many other ways India is more being involved in the peace process in Afghanistan therefore if the Indian government is involved as non-official observer at least they would keep themselves involved in the process so as and when there is a possibility of more direct role for Indian, it can execute them. Former foreign secretary Shashank told Oneindia, "So our relationship with Iran at a time when sanctions are being imposed on it are based only on Afghanistan, India and Iran trilateral partnership to stabilize Afghanistan and to bring about closer relationship with Afghanistan as Pakistan is not ready to help India. Of course energy security and economic security and connectivity with SAARC and Central Asia from Iran and Iranian oil and gas are also important. India imports 80 to 83 per cent oil and gas from abroad. Oil prices going up and value of Indian Re going down therefore these issues are of Geo-strategic and Geo-economic importance." India to be in talks with Taliban at non-official level for the first time Shashank said that India can't take a stand like a non-align country that it is neither here nor there which was the old position that India used to hold when America and Pakistan both wanted to keep India out of Afghanistan while many Indians were getting killed in Afghanistan by Pakistan-based terrorists. So for India the entire scenario is changing therefore it is a more pragmatic approach and will open door for India's greater partnership and future role in the south Asian region. "India participating in the dialogue process may be a setback on the face of it but global issues are changing. America for the first time agreed that regional countries may be involved including India and it should be Afghan-led process. This has actually been the Indian attitude all along and now America has come along this line of policy which is more in line with the India's policy towards Afghanistan," he said. So when India is supposed to be more involved while it may not be Afghan-led process but at least it is a process which is involving regional forces and India has been involved with Iran and Russia from a very long time in stabilising Afghanistan before even the NATO came in. So this is an initiative by Russians to have a peaceful south Asian neighborhood that suits India. "India supports all efforts at peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan that will preserve unity and plurality, and bring security, stability and prosperity to the country," said the MEA spokesperson. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, November 9, 2018, 15:24 [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 J&K: JeM terrorist killed in Tral, gunbattle underway India oi-Vikas SV Srinagar, Nov 8: The security forces on Friday gunned down a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist in Jammu and Kashmir's Tral area. The gunbattle is still said to be underway. Reports say that arms and ammunition have also been recovered from the encounter site. On October 30, two Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorists, including Usman Haider, the nephew of the terror outfit's chief Maulana Masood Azhar, were killed after a fierce encounter at Tral. A M-4 Carbine, used for carrying out sniper attacks on security forces, was also seized from the encounter site, said a PTI report. The terrorist has been eliminated. Arms & ammunition recovered. On the basis of material found, it can be established that he was associated with Jaish-e-Mohammad: SP Pani, IGP Kashmir on Tral encounter. #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/AB07G6REl1 ANI (@ANI) November 9, 2018 [J&K: 2 JeM terrorists killed in encounter in Tral] In September, three JeM terrorists were killed while 12 security personnel were injured in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district. 'Should not be misled': Mayawati reaches out to Brahmins before UP polls Mayawati set to shut door on Congress in UP India oi-Vicky Nanjappa Lucknow, Nov 9: The BSP led by Mayawati may shut the door on an alliance with the Congress in 2019. Mayawati is reportedly upset with the Congress hobnobbing with Bhim Army Chief, Chandrashekhar Ravan. Rajasthan elections 2018: BSP to go all out in all 200 seats Mayawati has reportedly sounded a stern message to the Congress for propping up Ravan, who is being seen as her rival as he can claim a large chunk of the Dalit votes, which is the main vote bank for the BSP. This development comes in the backdrop of the BSP walking out of an alliance with the Congress ahead of the Madhya Pradesh elections. Mayawati had sought for 40 out of the 231 seats in MP. She even came down in her demand and sought 30 seats later. The Congress however rejected her offer. Will play 'key role' in forming new Madhya Pradesh government: BSP In Rajasthan the Congress offered the BSP just 9 out of the 200 seats as it did not see the party as a player in the state. She even walked out of the alliance in Chhattisgarh after the Congress offered just 5 out of the 90 seats. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, November 9, 2018, 9:55 [IST] Candidates who have taken 2 vaccine shots to be allowed inside counting centres: EC Assembly Election Results 2021: How to check Live results and realtime trends on ECI website and App No restriction on media reporting: EC clarifies amid SC hearing on its Madras HC remark plea On Madras HCs observations against EC, SC says judges shouldnt make off the cuff remarks Mizoram polls: BJPs request to extend nomination filing date extended India oi-Madhuri Adnal Aizwal, Nov 9: The Election Commission on Thursday rejected a plea of the BJP to extend the last date of filing nominations for the November 28 assembly polls in Mizoram. The party had moved the plea citing the law and order situation in the northeastern state. Mizoram CM fails to submit nomination from home seat Serchhip In a letter to state BJP chief J V Hluna, the poll panel said his plea has "not been acceded to on account of peace and normalcy in the state today." Friday is the last date of filing nominations. There have been protests demanding the ouster of Mizoram Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) S B Shashank by the NGO Coordination Committee. But the protests were called off Wednesday after the officer left for Delhi. The NGO Coordination Committee, the apex body of civil societies and students' organisations in the north-eastern state, has been demanding that Shashank be replaced and transferred outside the state. Mizoram polls: What are the hurdles for BJP and Congress in the northeastern state? It also demanded that 11,232 Bru voters lodged in six Tripura relief camps be allowed to exercise their franchise at their respective polling stations in Mizoram and not in Tripura as committed by the poll panel in 2014. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, November 9, 2018, 7:34 [IST] Maldives President-Elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih Solih, the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party's candidate who emerged victorious over incumbent president Abdulla Yameen in the election held on September 23, had extended the invitation during a phone call by Modi. East Asia Summit PM Modi will also visit Singapore to take part in the 13th East Asia Summit and other meetings on November 14 and 15, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said at a media briefing. Exemption from US sanctions on Iran On the issue of exemption from US sanctions on Iran, Raveesh Kumar said, " We are looking at the details of the exemption(from US sanctions on Iran) given to India, we appreciate that USA has shown understanding towards our position. Meeeting on Afghanistan The MEA said if any process is consistent with our policy on Afghanistan then we will be part of it. "We have made it clear already that our participation is at a non-official level. Don't know how people concluding there will be talks with the Taliban, its a meeting on Afghanistan in Moscow," stated MEA spokesperson. Protest in Congress over ticket distribution continues; Satyavrats son to contest from SP India oi-Vinod Kumar Shukla New Delhi, Nov 9: Rebellion after ticket distribution is a very common phenomenon for every political party. Both the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are grappling with it but what is little unusual for the Congress in Madhya Pradesh that a senior Congress leader's son has filed nomination from a party that does not have any chance of winning the election and he has support from his father. BJP set to win MP elections for the 4th time says this poll Senior Congress leaders like Satyavrat Chaturvedi and former state Congress president Arun Yadav are not happy with the Congress' ticket distribution in Madhya Pradesh. Nitin, Son of Chaturvedi, has filed nomination from Rajnagar Assembly constituency as the Samajwadi Party candidate. Yadav is not happy with Ravi Joshi being made Congress candidate from Khargone. Satyavrat Chaturvedi said, "My son is adult and he is able to take decision for himself therefore whatever he has decided is correct. I am with him as a father. The Congress has made some mistake and the party and people of the region are bearing the brunt of it. But I am with the Congress." Candidature of Hiralal Alawa from Manawar is also being opposed who has been associated with Jay Yuva Adivashi Shakti (JYAS). Sources said that this is the reason that former chief minister of Madhya Pradesh Digvijay Singh himself will be present at the time of the nomination of Alawa. Similarly, candidates from Indore, Narsinghpur and Balaghat are also being opposed. Madhya Pradesh elections 2018: BJP releases fourth list of seven candidates Former MLA Xavier Medha is unhappy with the decision of giving a ticket to MP Kantilal Bhuria's son Vikrant Bhuria from Jhabua. Former MLA of Waraseoni Pradeep Jaiswal was the main contender from there but he was ignored for chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's brother-in-law Sanjay Singh Masani, who recently joined the Congress. The protest started against it. Hitesh Thakur is opposing candidature of Prabha Singh Gautham wife of Bal Mukund Gautam from Dhar. Hitesh is saying that he has served the party from the past 32 years. Ashok Tyagi was made a candidate from Sironj but it was changed due to heavy protest. Sanjay Sharma who has recently joined the Congress recently and will be contesting election from Narsinghpur is also being opposed and Mulayam Singh Kaurav joined the BJP opposing the move. Candidature of Praveen Pathak from Gwalior South is also being opposed and supporters of Rashmi Pawar and Bhagwan Singh Yadav protested outside district Congress office. Former MLA Ramdas Uikey resigned from the Congress opposing ticket to Sunil Uikey from Junnardeo seat. Rajveer Singh Baghek, son of former MLA Rajendra Singh Baghel, is contesting as an independent candidate from Hatpipliyaseat from where he was seeking ticket. The list of resentment is getting large by the day. Chennai Rains: Depression over north coastal region weakens, light rain very likely across TN 'Sarkar' row: Madras HC restrains Tamil Nadu police from arresting AR Murugadoss India oi-Chennabasaveshwar P Chennai, Nov 9: Madras High Court on Friday restrained Tamil Nadu police from arresting 'Sarkar' movie director AR Murugadoss till 27th of November. AIADMK has alleged that scenes in the movie criticise previous Tamil Nadu Government of J Jayalalithaa. Following the controversy over Sarkar film, AR Murugadoss had applied for anticipatory bail at Madras High Court. There have been protests by AIADMK workers in the state against the film. They are alleging that certain scenes in the movie criticize the previous Tamil Nadu Govt led by J Jayalalithaa. 'Sarkar' producers agree for two cuts, Rajinikanth slams Tamil Nadu govt The ruling AIADMK was up in arms against Tamil film star Vijay's Diwali release 'Sarkar' for its reported reference to former chief minister J Jayalalithaa, besides the alleged depiction of certain government schemes in a bad light. The AIADMK ministers demanded deletion of the contentious scenes, besides threatening to initiate legal action if the film crew failed to comply. Madras HC quashes plea by Maran brothers in illegal telephone exchange case The Tamil Nadu Exhibitors Association President, M Subramaniam, told reporters at Tiruppur that he got the assurance from the film's producers and that they would carry out two cuts demanded by the AIADMK leaders. Tipu Jayanti: CM to take rest, Karnataka on high alert India oi-Vikas SV Bengaluru, Nov 9: Section 144 has been imposed in Karnataka's Kodagu (Coorg) district ahead of Tipu Jayanti which is slated to be held today. Prohibitory orders under Section 144 (unlawful assembly) has been imposed in Srirangapatna, Kodagu and Chitradurga from 6 pm on Friday till 6 am on Sunday. Anticipating violence, the state government is on high alert for Tipu Jayanti. The birth anniversary celebrations of Tipu Sultan, the 18th century ruler of the princely state of Mysore, have been held on November 10 by the state government since 2016. Those opposing the celebrations say that Tipu was a despot, an anti-Hindu who forced conversions and persecutor of Kodavas and Catholics, while Congress says that Tipu was a secular ruler who fought four wars against the British. Why Tipu Sultan is a religious bigot best forgotten The saffron party has time and again also stated that Tipu Sultan, the ruler of then Mysore from 1782 till his death in 1799, slaughtered several Hindus in Srirangapatna - his seat of power - and in Kodagu, which he invaded during his reign. Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy will not be attending the official event. In a statement, the CM's office said that Kumaraswamy would not take part in any official function for the next three days in view of doctor's advise. "On the advice of doctors, the chief minister will take three days rest till November 11. He will spend time with family on these days and there will be no official engagements on these days," the communique said. Minister for Minority Welfare, Haj and Wakf B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan said the chief minister had told officials before hand that he would be away for medical check-up and hence, his name should not be mentioned in the invitation. weather for Nov 10: Tamil Nadu rains to continue India oi-Madhuri Adnal New Delhi, Nov 9: Here is the weather for Bengaluru, Delhi, Thiruvananthapuram and Chennai on November 10. Bengaluru: The Google weather update obtained shows that Bengalureans will be witnessing mostly sunny weather. According to Skymet weather, during the next 24 hours, moderate rain will be witnessed at many places with heavy rain at few places over Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. However, the maximum temperature will be recorded around 31 degree Celsius and humidity will be around 45 per cent. Delhi: Dry weather conditions have been prevailing over the northwestern plains of the country i.e. Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, North Rajasthan and West Uttar Pradesh since the last many days. The national territory is under a tight grip of thick haze of dust and smog. As per Skymet Weather, Delhi pollution is also expected to remain severe to very severe for the next two days. However, the maximum temperature will be recorded around 29 degree Celsius and humidity will be around 44 per cent Chennai: As per Skymet weather, Weathermen predict, moderate rains and thundershowers with strong winds at many places over southern parts of Tamil Nadu for the next two days. Being a rain shadow region, Tamil Nadu does not record much rains during the four-month long Southwest Monsoon. The maximum temperature will be recorded around 31 degree Celsius and humidity will be around 70 per cent. Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala has been battling dry weather for last many days. As per Skymet weather, light to moderate rains and thundershowers are expected at many places over Kerala during the next 48 hours. The maximum temperature will be recorded around 31 degree Celsius and humidity will be around 70 per cent. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, November 9, 2018, 19:18 [IST] Why India may not test Agni 6 even if DRDO is ready with technology? India oi-Vikas SV New Delhi, Nov 8: Agni 5 is India's most advanced missile and it has been inducted into the service after successive trials. After Agni 5 project ended, there were speculations that the DRDO may have begun working on an ICBM with longer range and payload carrying capabilities. Many reports have claimed that the DRDO a three-stage Agni VI missile. India has not made any clear statement on the development of Agni 6 which, many opine, may have range between 8,000 km to 10,000 km. DRDO usually has a development gap between each Agni-series of around 4-5 years. It has been over 5 years since Agni-V was developed and this has led to speculation that its successor could be ready. Agni 6 could be a three-stage solid fuel ICBM missile which will be heavier and thicker than the Agni-V. Agni-VI could possibly be able to carry 3 tonne warheads thrice that of Agni-V which can carry only 1.1 Tonne warheads. Agni-VI will be the first missile to have the capability to carry 4 or 6 multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles (MIRV) payloads. [Why MIRV technology is key in India-Pak missile race?] The question of MIRV technology is tricky, as some reports suggest that India may already have tested Agni 5 with MIRV technology. DRDO or the government has made no official statement on any Indian missile capable of MIRV. The range of Agni 5 itself is a mystery of sorts as China claims that it can travel as far as 8,000 kms. The DRDO claims that Agni 5 has a range of 5,000 kms. Range of ballistic missiles is a contentious issue. Many European nations and experts in the US argue that why should India develop a 10,000 kms plus range ICBM when its furthest rival is China. If India unveils Agni 6, then it may irk the US and some European countries. India would be risking sanctions if it blatantly goes ahead and tests Agni 6. [How INS Arihant will significantly change India's strategic position?] India is a rising economic power and at this juncture, it would not like to sour economic ties with Europe. A missile of 10,000 km range is bound to make European nations uncomfortable and this may have an impact on trade ties. So, even if the DRSDo is ready with the technology, Indian government is very unlikely to unveil, or even acknowledge the existence of Agni 6 ICBM. Yes, we have seen you stand in line': BJP's jibe at Rahul India oi-Vikas SV New Delhi, Nov 9: Whenever attacking the BJP-led government over demonetisation, Congress president Rahul Gandhi asks people if they ever saw a rich person stand in line outside a bank or the ATM after the note ban. Even today during a rally in Chhattisgarh, Rahul asked if the people have seen a rich black money hoarder stand in line? Reacting to this, the BJP said "Yes, we have seen you stand in line?" On November 8, 2016, the Modi government banned the Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes with immediate effect which resulted in acute shortage of cash. Weeks following the government's move, people across the country the country had to queue up outside banks and ATMs to get new valid currency notes. Even Rahul Gandhi had then stood in a queue and hit out at the government for causing great inconvenience to people. Ever since, whenever Rahul speaks about demonetisation, he says that the inconvenience was caused only to the poor. "Today Rahul ji in Chhattisgarh asked 'did anyone saw any rich black money holder get out of a big car and stand in the line during Demonetisation'? Would like to tell him yes we saw you get out of your 4 crore car and stand in line," BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said. [Demonetisation was to help PM Modi's friends: Rahul Gandhi] Yesterday (November 8) was the second anniversary of the demonetisation. Gandhi on Thursday said the demonetisation failed to achieve the desired results. "From a war against counterfeit currency and terrorism, to permanently removing the scourge of black money; from increasing savings to forcing a shift to digital transactions; not a single stated objective of the government has been met," he had said. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, November 9, 2018, 18:01 [IST] Customers bought all sweets from this shop to help owner spend time with sick wife International oi-Shubham Ghosh Los Angeles, Nov 9: John and Stella Chhan have been running their doughnut shop for a long time in Seal Beach, south of Los Angeles, and they have made quite a few loyal customers as well. And these loyal customers and patrons came to the elderly couple's rescue after learning that Stella has not been keeping well. They bought all the doughnuts so that John can spend more time with his wife, NBC News reported. According to the report, 58-year-old Dawn Caviola has been visiting the Chhans' shop - Donut City - for the last 13 years, twice every month, with her daughter. It was during her recent visit that she found only John was taking care of the shop since his wife suffered from aneurysm in September and was undergoing recovery. California shooting: Heartbroken dad says 'I love you son' remembering his 22-yr-old boy Caviola was concerned and after returning home, she raised the issue on a private community network called Nextdoor to urge the local residents to come to the industrious couple's help, the NBC News report added. "I have never done anything like that before but I just thought if everyone can just buy a dozen doughnuts, it might help him out. I didn't think it would become this big," Caviola was quoted as saying. The blog post said that if their doughnuts were bought off early, John would be able to spend time with his sick wife and it did not take long for the message to spread since the Chhans are seen with respect. It's over the last 28 years that the couple have made it to the shop at 2 am daily to bake the doughnuts. The shop then opens around 4:30 am on all seven days a week. The Chhans, who came to the US as refugees from Cambodia around early 1980s, have been doing their duty without a fail since 1990 when they started. 1 dead in Melbourne stabbing attack, attacker injured in police firing Some of their patrons even asked John to start a GoFundMe page but the latter politely refused and said that he would rather like to spend some extra time with his sick wife. He did not forget to thank people for their cooperation and also said that Stella was recovering and hoped that she would be back to the ship soon. Reputations are built over a long time and they come to one's aid when needed, isn't it? For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, November 9, 2018, 16:23 [IST] India to be in talks with Taliban at non-official level for the first time International oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Nov 9: India will take part at a non-official level in the meeting being hosted by Russia on Afghanistan, where representatives of the Taliban will be present. The Moscow-format meeting on Afghanistan will be held on November 9 and representatives of the Afghan Taliban radical movement will take part in it, the Russian Foreign Ministry had said last week. General elections to be held in Bangladesh on Dec 23 In response to queries regarding India's participation in the meeting, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "We are aware that the Russian Federation is hosting a meeting in Moscow on 9 November on Afghanistan." "Our participation at the meeting will be at the non-official level," he said. India supports all efforts at peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan that will preserve unity and plurality, and bring security, stability and prosperity to the country, he said. "India's consistent policy has been that such efforts should be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, and Afghan-controlled and with participation of the government of Afghanistan," Kumar asserted. The meeting comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks a host of global issues. Pakistan Govt says report of Aasia Bibi leaving is 'fake news' After the talks, in a joint statement, the two sides declared their support to the Afghan government's efforts towards the realisation of an Afghan-led, and Afghan-owned national peace reconciliation process. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, November 9, 2018, 7:25 [IST] Sri Lanka won't be allowed to be used for 'any activity' against India: President Rajapaksa Maithripala Sirisena dissolves Sri Lankan Parliament International oi-Vikas SV Colombo, Nov 9: Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena has dissolved Parliament, days after the island nation plunged into a political crisis after Ranil Wickramasinghe was sacked as the Prime Minister. This means that the fresh elections could be held in the country in January-February, reported Reuters while quoting sources. On Wednesday, Sri Lankan Speaker Karu Jayasuriya said he wanted a floor test in Parliament to resolve the issue of two prime ministers in the country which arose following the sacking of Ranil Wickremesinghe and replacing him with Mahinda Rajapaksa. President Sirisena suspended parliament immediately after his October 26 decision to sack Wickremesinghe, a move that was being seen as to allow Mahinda Rajapaksa to muster the 113 seats required for majority. Rajapaksa has so far won 9 defections, still short of 113 to prove his majority in the 225-member House. [Prove Mahinda Rajapaksa's majority in floor test: Sri Lanka Speaker] Wickremesinghe continues to claim he is the lawful prime minister citing the 19th amendment to the Constitution under which the president's powers to sack the Prime Minister had been stripped. The unity government was formed in 2015 when Sirisena was elected President with Wickremesinghe's support, ending a nearly decade-long rule by Rajapaksa. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, November 9, 2018, 23:24 [IST] Now, US wants to cut off Iran from global banking system International oi-Shubham Ghosh Washington, Nov 9: In a bid to isolate Iran more, the US is planning to cut off its central bank from the global financial system. US Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said on Thursday, November 8, that the financial messaging service that moves money around the world will snap ties with Iran's Central Bank. India exempted from 'certain' US sanctions over Chabahar port in Iran In a tweet, Mnuchin said: "I understand that SWIFT will be discontinuing service to the Central Bank of Iran and designated Iranian financial institutions," adding that SWIFT made the right decision to protect the international financial system. SWIFT stands for Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication that provides a network that enables financial bodies across the globe to send and receive information about financial transactions safely. I understand that SWIFT will be discontinuing service to the Central Bank of Iran and designated Iranian financial institutions. SWIFT is making the right decision to protect the integrity of the international financial system. Steven Mnuchin (@stevenmnuchin1) November 8, 2018 According to experts, the decision to cut off Iran's Central Bank from the international banking procedure will see the country suffering economically, the CNN reported. The US has adopted a harsh stand on Iran, penalising its economy through sanctions and boycott as it suspects the country of backing activities that could destabilise the region. The US has also put pressure on other countries to not buy oil from Iran, a significant producer, though of late it has exempted a few countries which according to Washington, is more a calculated step to stop oil prices shoot up north than a softening of stand on Tehran. In May, President Donald Trump pulled the US out of a multilateral nuclear deal with Iran which was reached during the time of his predecessor Barack Obama. Facebook blocks 30 accounts ahead of US midterm elections A day before Mnuchin's observation, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told BBC Persian that the Iranian leadership would have to take a decision on whether it wants its own people to eat. He said Tehran would have to decide whether it wants to use its wealth to import medicine or to help "destabilising activities". For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, November 9, 2018, 11:56 [IST] Australia: Shooting outside nightclub near little Chapel Street in Melbourne leaves several injured 1 dead in Melbourne stabbing attack, attacker injured in police firing International oi-Chennabasaveshwar P Melbourne, Nov 9: Four people have been injured, including the attacker, after a man crashed a car into Melbourne's Bourke Street Mall and attempted to stab people. The man was arrested by police and taken to hospital in a critical condition. According to Australian media, the attacker is in a critical condition after being shot in the chest by police, who say they are keeping an open mind on whether the incident is terrorism-related. Police have said that officers were confronted by a man when they went to a car fire just after 4pm in Bourke Street. The man assaulted police and then fled on foot. Police chased the man who then lunged at them with a knife. Police then shot the man who remains in hospital with serious injuries and under police guard. Muslim terrorist trying to kill an Australian Police Officer a few minutes ago in Melbourne after blowing up his own car. pic.twitter.com/HMKN2vHuvc Imam of Peace (@Imamofpeace) November 9, 2018 Talks with China will not help says USA NSA on situation on Ladakh 20 members of a family removed from US flight after mask of 1 slipped under nose AUKUS will be game-changer in Indo-Pacific, won't compete with Quad: US Deputy Secretary US Vice President Mike Pence to meet PM Modi next week: White House International oi-Shubham Ghosh Washington, Nov 9: US Vice President is set to tour a number of countries in Asia and Oceania region later this month and he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the White House has informed. Pence will be on a four-nation trip during which he will also attend the US-Asean Summit and the East Asia Summit in Singapore. It's generally the president who attends the event but this time President Donald Trump has requested his deputy to do the needful. US remains disturbed by continued militarisation of South China Sea: Mattis The US recently went to the mid-term elections in which Trump's Republican Party lost control of the House of Representatives though it succeeded in retaining the Senate. During his upcoming visit, Pence will visit Japan, Singapore, Australia and Papua New Guinea. Besides the summit in Singapore, the November 11-18 visit will also see Pence attending in meetings of the APEC (Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation) in Papua New Guinea. Pence will meet Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Papua New Guinea's PM Peter O'Neill and Australia's premier Scott Morrison besides Modi besides participating in other bilateral meetings, the White House added. "If you can't come legally, don't come at all", Mike Pence warns migrants National Security Advisor John Bolton will join Pence for the US-Asean Summit and East Asia Summit for the summit in Singapore and meetings in Papua New Guinea. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, November 9, 2018, 11:06 [IST] Laxman Pai, Opalesque Asia: A former Goldman Sachs global head of rates trading Konstantinos Pantazopoulos has joined the hedge fund Moore Capital Management. A press release from the global investment management firm said that Pantazopoulos will join the firm in London as a managing director in January 2019. He will work closely with Louis Bacon on the firm's global macro program. Pantazopoulos comes to Moore Capital after spending over 20 years at the Wall Street bank, where he was a partner and, for many years, global head of rates trading. Most recently, he served as head of risk management strategies for Goldman Sachs' securities division. Louis Bacon, Moore Capital's founder, chief executive officer and chairman said: "Over the past two decades, Pantazopoulos' sound risk strategy, insightful approach to evaluating the macro environment, and exceptional ability to generate profits -- even under adverse market conditions -- earned the trust and respect of his clients, including myself, and his colleagues." "At Moore Capital, his deep experience and trading expertise across macro markets will bring a new perspective that will enhance the firm's investment processes and idea generation for the benefit of our investors," he added. Pantazopoulos said: "I look forward to collaborating with Louis and the Moore Capital team to advance the firm's investment objectives." Pantazopoulos joined Goldman Sachs in 1998 and during his career also served on...................... To view our full article Click here Top 3 key players of the Electric Wheelchair Market are Drive Medical Ltd., GF Health Products, Inc., Invacare Corporation. Electric Wheelchair Market https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/electric-wheelchair-market?utm_source=openpr https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/2111?utm_source=openpr https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, titled, Electric Wheelchair Market by Product Type: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2014-2022, the electric wheelchairs market size was valued at $1,597 million in 2015, and is estimated to reach $4,846 million by 2022, growing at a CAGR of 17.1% from 2016 to 2022. North America accounted for around 47% share of the overall market revenue in 2015, owing to high purchasing power, increase in elderly population, and rise in consumer awareness. Asia-Pacific is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR of 18.7% from 2016 to 2022.Access Full Summary at:Electric wheelchairs are power wheelchairs used for mobility of disable persons. These wheelchairs do not require any human assistance for mobility as they are operated on batteries. The market is driven by increase in government funds for medical equipment for the population aged at 60 years and above, rise in incidence of spinal disorders, necessity for automated wheelchairs for disabled people, and inclination towards more sophisticated technology. However, high cost of electric wheelchair, lack of awareness and infrastructure in the developing & the underdeveloped countries are the constraints for the market growth.The global electric wheelchairs market is categorized based on the type of product into front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, center wheel drive, standing electric wheelchairs, and others. Centre wheel drive segment generated a higher revenue in 2015, and is expected to dominate the market throughout the forecast period, owing to its stability on slopes & uneven terrain, and maneuvering is more intuitive for people with perceptual and cognitive impairment.Download Exclusive Summary @:The demand for power wheelchairs is growing at a steady pace owing to the introduction of technologically advanced products that are equipped with accessibility and control gadgets. The factors that drives the market growth globally are rise in geriatric population and growth in technological developments in design of power wheelchairs. In addition, rise in disposable income, development of medical facilities, and improvement of economic conditions fuels the market growth. North America dominated the market in 2015, in terms of highest demand. The U.S. government provides medical insurance to elderly people over 65 years, which helps them to get medical facilities and equipment at subsidized rates while, the adoption is highest in Asia-Pacific and LAMEA. The electric wheelchair manufacturers are now targeting developing nations, such as India and China, as the potential markets, owing to increase in penetration of electric wheelchairs in the global market. However, high cost of electric wheelchairs and lack of infrastructure hinders the market growth.According to the National Institute of Health and Ageing (NIH), the global population of elderly people (aged 65 and above) will rise to 1.6 billion by 2050. The global electric wheelchairs market is fragmented with both small and large players and other small brands and local non-branded products. Invacare Corp., Pride Mobility Products Corp., Sunrise Medical Limited, and Permobil AB are the prominent players in the global electric wheelchairs market.North America accounted for the highest share in the global electric wheelchairs industry in 2015, and is expected to maintain its dominance throughout the forecast period, owing to growth in demand for power wheelchairs and increase in imports in the U.S. Asia-Pacific is anticipated to grow at the highest rate in the near future, owing to increase in urbanization & disposable income, rise in awareness about automated wheelchairs, and presence of high obese & elderly patient population.Key Findings of the Electric Wheelchair MarketThe front-wheel drive segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR of 18.6% from 2016 to 2022.U.S. accounted for the largest customer base in the North American electric wheelchairs market in 2015, and is anticipated to dominate the market throughout the forecast period.Japan is the major shareholder, accounting for almost one-fourth of the Asia-Pacific electric wheelchairs market in 2015.The key players profiled in the report are Drive Medical Ltd., GF Health Products, Inc., Invacare Corporation., Karman Healthcare, LEVO AG, MEYRA GmbH, OttoBock Healthcare GmbH, Pride Mobility Products Corp, Permobil AB, and Sunrise Medical Limited. These market players have adopted various strategies, such as product launch, acquisition, collaboration, and partnership, to expand their foothold in the market.Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions. AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain.We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry.Shriram Dighe5933 NE Win Sivers Drive#205, Portland, OR 97220United StatesToll Free: +1-800-792-5285UK: +44-845-528-1300Hong Kong: +852-301-84916India (Pune): +91-20-66346060Fax: +1855550-5975help@alliedmarketresearch.comWeb: Military Logistics Market Outlook to 2025 - Klinge & Co Pty Ltd., ANHAM, DynCorp International LLC, GENCO, Lockheed Martin Corporation, AECOM, Honeywell International Inc. and KBR Inc. Military Logistics Market http://bit.ly/2QvGB96 http://bit.ly/2Qwy99U The military logistics market Research Report is a valuable source of insightful data for business strategies. It provides the global military logistics industry overview with growth analysis and historical & futuristic cost, revenue, demand and supply data (as applicable). The research analysts provide an elaborate description of the value chain and its distributor analysis. The global military logistics market study provides comprehensive data which enhances the understanding, scope and application of this report.Military logistics market is driving the market for the reason that it manages military units, ammunition weapons and many more with the increase in number of military bases.The report provides a detailed overview of the industry including both qualitative and quantitative information. It provides overview and forecast of the global military logistics market based on types, modes of transportation and end user. It also provides market size and forecast till 2025 for overall military logistics market with respect to five major regions, namely; North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific (APAC), Middle East and Africa (MEA) and South America (SAM).Get PDF sample copy:Some of the key players influencing the market are Fluor Corporation, ASELSAN A., Klinge & Co Pty Ltd., ANHAM, DynCorp International LLC, GENCO, Lockheed Martin Corporation, AECOM, Honeywell International Inc. and KBR Inc. among others.The "Global Military Logistics Market Analysis to 2025" is a specialized and in-depth study of the military logistics industry with a focus on the global market trend. The report aims to provide an overview of global military logistics market with detailed market segmentation by types, modes of transportation, end user and geography. The global military logistics market is expected to witness high growth during the forecast period. The report provides key statistics on the market status of the leading market players and offers key trends and opportunities in the market.The report analyzes factors affecting market from both demand and supply side and further evaluates market dynamics effecting the market during the forecast period i.e., drivers, restraints, opportunities, and future trend. The report also provides comprehensive Porter's Five Forces analysis, exploring factors such as bargaining power of buyers, bargaining power of suppliers, threats to new entrants, threats to substitutes and rivalry among the competitors.Buy this report at:Market Segmentation:By Types- Armament & Military Equipping Processes- Technical Supplies & Maintenance- Fire-Fighting Protection and- OthersBy Modes of Transportation- Roadways- Airways- Waterways and- RailwaysBy End User- Homeland Security and- MilitaryAbout Us:The Insight Partners is a one stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services. We are a specialist in Technology, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Automotive and Defense.Contact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@theinsightpartners.com Krabbe Disease Treatment Market Worldwide Segmentation with Topmost Players Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, UCB Pharmaceuticals and More Asserts MRFR Krabbe Disease Treatment Market https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/1833 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/krabbe-disease-treatment-market-1833 Market Research Future Published a Research Report on Global Krabbe Disease Treatment Market Research Report - Forecast to 2022Krabbe Disease Treatment Market - Competitive LandscapeThe global Krabbe disease treatment market is highly competitive with the presence of various large and small vendors. The notable players of the market include Abbott Laboratories, GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis AG, Sanofi-Aventis SA, UCB Pharmaceuticals, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, and Shire. The key players are investing heavily in clinical trials and development of new drugs and therapies to gain a competitive edge over the market.Krabbe Disease Treatment Market - OverviewKrabbe disease is an incurable medical condition where the protective coating of nerve cells around the brain are destroyed which causing nerve damage. The global Krabbe disease treatment market can reach a significant valuation, exhibiting a steady CAGR over the forecast period of 2016 to 2022, as per a research report published by Market Research Future (MRFR).Request Sample Copy atThe market has been growing continuously on account of increasing incidence of Krabbe disease across the globe. Classification of Krabbe disease under orphan disease has propelled the growth of the market. Pharmaceutical companies receive incentives to develop medicine for rare disease along with reduced fees in protocol assistance and protection from competition after the medicine is marketed. Increased government funding for drug development and easy approvals, tax credits on clinical research, reduction in the amount of registration fees also aid the growth of the market.These factors also promote research and development activities which further boosts the market growth. Increasing awareness about the disease coupled with the development of tests for screening patients is a crucial market driver. Regulations aimed at free screening of patients irrespective of health insurance cover and government aid for treatment has been a significant driver of the market. Increasing insurance penetration and better reimbursement policies favor the growth of the market and provide future growth opportunities. Approval of various drugs aimed at the treatment of Krabbe disease by FDA too is a vital growth factor.Advancements in the therapeutics such as the introduction of gene technology in the treatment of Krabbe disease are expected to drive the market significantly in the coming years. A significant trend which has been pushing the market growth is the emergence of pharmacological chaperone therapy. Pharmacological chaperone is a promising therapeutic approach which uses drugs to stabilize and guide Chaperone, an ineffective enzyme to help it perform normally. However, the growth of the market might be hindered by the limited patient pool for clinical trials. High costs of treatment for Krabbe diseases such as bone marrow transplantation, cord blood transplantation, and others are major restraints. Lack of effective treatment and high costs of development of new drugs and therapies are other restricting factors.Krabbe Disease Treatment Market - SegmentationThe global Krabbe disease treatment market has been segmented based on type of treatments and end users. By type of treatments, the market has been segmented into anticonvulsant medication, physical therapy, muscle relaxer drugs, bone marrow transplantation and others. By end users, the market has been segmented into hospitals and clinics, research centers, laboratories and others.Krabbe Disease Treatment Market - Regional AnalysisThe key markets of the global Krabbe disease treatment market include North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and the Middle East & Africa. North America leads the market for global Krabbe treatment owing to rise in the screening of the disease and government support for the diagnosis and treatment. Europe follows North America closely and is led by the Scandinavian nations such as Finland and Norway. Asia Pacific is poised to grow at the fastest rate due to large unmet needs and growing awareness about the disease in the developing economies of the region. Asia Pacific market is expected to be led by Japan, China, and India. The Middle East and Africa market are expected to exhibit steady growth and led by Israel. However, the African continent is foreseen to yield weak growth due to poor socio-economic conditions and lack of healthcare penetration in the less developed regions of Africa. South Africa and Egypt are likely to be the key contributors.Browse Complete 80 Pages Premium Research Report Enabled with Respective Tables and Figures at1 Report Prologue2 Market Introduction3 Research Methodology4 Market Dynamics5 Market Factor Analysis6 Global Krabbe Disease Treatment Market, By Treatment Types (USD Million)7 Global Krabbe Disease Treatment Market, By End Users (USD Million)8 Global Krabbe Disease Treatment Market, By Region9 Company Landscape10 Company Profiles11 Conclusion12 AppendixAbout US:Market Research Future (MRFR), enable customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Contact Us:Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, IndiaPhone: +1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Latest Study On 1 4 Butanediol Market Growing Fast during 2018-2025- Estimated By Top Key Players like BASF, Lyondellbasell, Dairen Chemical Corp. 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The report contains basic, secondary and advanced information pertaining to the 1 4 Butanediol Industry global status and trend, market size, share, growth, trends analysis, segment and forecasts from 2018 - 2025.In this study, the years considered to estimate the market size of 1 4 Butanediol :History Year: 2013-2017Base Year: 2017Estimated Year: 2018Forecast Year 2018 to 2025The scope of the report extends from market scenarios to comparative pricing between major players, cost and profit of the specified market regions. The numerical data is backed up by statistical tools such as SWOT analysis, BCG matrix, SCOT analysis, PESTLE analysis and so on. 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In order to help companies, spot potential threats and to give them a clear picture of the opportunities that exist in the market, the report offers a SWOT analysis of the global market.Table of Content:Text Smart Robot Market Research Report 2018-2025Chapter 1: Industry Overview of Text Smart Robot MarketChapter 2: Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis MarketChapter 3: Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of MarketChapter 4: Overall Market Overview of Text Smart Robot MarketChapter 5: Text Smart Robot Market AnalysisChapter 6: Major Manufacturers Analysis of Text Smart Robot MarketChapter 7: Development Trend of Analysis MarketChapter 8: Text Smart Robot Market Type AnalysisChapter 9: Conclusion of Text Smart Robot Market 2018Early buyers will receive up to 30% Discount on this report:About Research N Reports:Research N Reports is a new age market research firm where we focus on providing information that can be effectively applied. 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This 3D Mobile Devices market report offers detailed perceptions on the market dynamic forces to enable informed business decision making and development strategy formulation supported on the opportunities present in the market. The report provides the most up-to-date industry data on the actual and potential market situation, and future outlook.Get Sample Copy atMarket OverviewFirstly, the report provides a basic overview of the industry including its definition, applications and manufacturing technology. Then, the report explores the international major industry players in detail. In this part, the report presents the company profile, product specifications, capacity, production value, and market shares for each company. Through the statistical analysis, the report depicts the global market of Router industry including capacity, production, production value, cost/profit, supply/demand and import/export. Revenue and gross margin by regions (North America, EU, China, Japan, Southeast Asia, India) and other regions can be added.Inquire more or share questions if any before the purchase on this report @No. of Pages: 121The report focuses on Global 3D Mobile Devices Market major leading industry players with information such as company profiles, product picture and specification, capacity, production, price, cost, revenue and contact information. Upstream raw materials, equipment and downstream consumers analysis is also carried out. What's more, the 3D Mobile Devices industry development trends and marketing channels are analyzed. Finally, the feasibility of new investment projects is assessed, and overall research conclusions are offered. In a word, the report provides major statistics on the state of the industry and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the market.Key Companies Analyzed in this Report are: LG HTC Sharp ZOPO MAXON Samsung Amazon Estar NOAIN Tyloo Asus GADMEI WOWFLY Aigo Lenovo Benq Toshiba Market segment by Type, the product can be split into Glasses 3D Mobile Devices Glasses-Free 3D Mobile DevicesOn the basis of the end users/applications can be split into Smartphones Notebooks LED advertising MachineOrder a copy of Global 3D Mobile Devices Market Report 2018 @Major Points Covered in Table of Contents:1 3D Mobile Devices Market Overview2 Global 3D Mobile Devices Market Competition by Manufacturers3 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Complementary DNA Microarrays (cDNA4 Global 3D Mobile Devices Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2013-2018)5 Global 3D Mobile Devices Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type6 Global 3D Mobile Devices Market Analysis by Application7 Global 3D Mobile Devices Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis8 3D Mobile Devices Manufacturing Cost Analysis9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders11 Market Effect Factors Analysis12 Global 3D Mobile Devices Market Forecast (2018-2025)13 Research Findings and Conclusion14 AppendixAbout UsOrian Research is one of the most comprehensive collections of market intelligence reports on the World Wide Web. 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Mozzarella Cheese Market https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/3254963-global-mozzarella-cheese-market-research-report-2018 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/3254963-global-mozzarella-cheese-market-research-report-2018 Mozzarella Cheese Market:WiseGuyReports.com adds Mozzarella Cheese Market 2018 Global Analysis, Growth, Trends and Opportunities Research Report Forecasting 2025 reports tits database.Executive SummaryThis report studies the global Mozzarella Cheese market status and forecast, categorizes the global Mozzarella Cheese market size (value & volume) by manufacturers, type, application, and region. This report focuses on the top manufacturers in North America, Europe, Japan, China, and other regions (India, Southeast Asia).The major manufacturers covered in this reportKraft Foods,Groupe Lactalis,Fonterra,Grande Cheese Company,Perfect Italiano,Ornua,Devondale Murray GoulburnBelGioioso CheesesBoars HeadRumianoTofutti BrandsOrganic ValleyMozzarella CompanyLeprino FoodsSaputo CheeseCalabroCappiello FoodsFranklin FoodsGalbani CheeseSargentoGeographically, this report studies the top producers and consumers, focuses on product capacity, production, value, consumption, market share and growth opportunity in these key regions, coveringNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoLMPS Mozzarella CheeseLMWM Mozzarella CheeseOn the basis of the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, consumption (sales), market share and growth rate for each application, includingPizzaPastaSaladOtherRequest Sample Report @The study objectives of this report are:To analyze and study the global Mozzarella Cheese capacity, production, value, consumption, status (2013-2017) and forecast (2018-2025);Focuses on the key Mozzarella Cheese 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 marketTo analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the marketTo strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies.In this study, the years considered to estimate the market size of Mozzarella Cheese are as follows:History Year: 2013-2017Base Year: 2017Estimated Year: 2018Forecast Year 2018 to 2025For the data information by region, company, type and application, 2017 is considered as the base year. Whenever data information was unavailable for the base year, the prior year has been considered.Key StakeholdersMozzarella Cheese ManufacturersMozzarella Cheese Distributors/Traders/WholesalersMozzarella Cheese Subcomponent ManufacturersIndustry AssociationDownstream VendorsAvailable CustomizationsWith the given market data, We offers customizations according to the company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:Regional and country-level analysis of the Mozzarella Cheese market, by end-use.Detailed analysis and profiles of additional market players.Table of ContentsGlobal Mozzarella Cheese Market Research Report 20181 Mozzarella Cheese Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Mozzarella Cheese1.2 Mozzarella Cheese Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Mozzarella Cheese Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category)(2013-2025)1.2.2 Global Mozzarella Cheese Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20171.2.3 LMPS Mozzarella Cheese1.2.3 LMWM Mozzarella Cheese1.3 Global Mozzarella Cheese Segment by Application1.3.1 Mozzarella Cheese Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2013-2025)1.3.2 Pizza1.3.3 Pasta1.3.4 Salad1.3.5 Other1.4 Global Mozzarella Cheese Market by Region (2013-2025)1.4.1 Global Mozzarella Cheese Market Size (Value) and CAGR (%) Comparison by Region (2013-2025)1.4.2 North America Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.3 Europe Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.4 China Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.5 Japan Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.6 Southeast Asia Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.7 India Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Mozzarella Cheese (2013-2025)1.5.1 Global Mozzarella Cheese Revenue Status and Outlook (2013-2025)1.5.2 Global Mozzarella Cheese Capacity, Production Status and Outlook (2013-2025)2 Global Mozzarella Cheese Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Mozzarella Cheese Capacity, Production and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.1.1 Global Mozzarella Cheese Capacity and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.1.2 Global Mozzarella Cheese Production and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.2 Global Mozzarella Cheese Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.3 Global Mozzarella Cheese Average Price by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.4 Manufacturers Mozzarella Cheese Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area and Product Type2.5 Mozzarella Cheese Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.5.1 Mozzarella Cheese Market Concentration Rate2.5.2 Mozzarella Cheese Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers2.5.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion3 Global Mozzarella Cheese Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2013-2018)3.1 Global Mozzarella Cheese Capacity and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)3.2 Global Mozzarella Cheese Production and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)3.3 Global Mozzarella Cheese Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)3.4 Global Mozzarella Cheese Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.5 North America Mozzarella Cheese Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.6 Europe Mozzarella Cheese Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.7 China Mozzarella Cheese Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.8 Japan Mozzarella Cheese Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.9 Southeast Asia Mozzarella Cheese Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.10 India Mozzarella Cheese Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)4 Global Mozzarella Cheese Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2013-2018)4.1 Global Mozzarella Cheese Consumption by Region (2013-2018)4.2 North America Mozzarella Cheese Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2013-2018)4.3 Europe Mozzarella Cheese Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2013-2018)4.4 China Mozzarella Cheese Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2013-2018)4.5 Japan Mozzarella Cheese Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2013-2018)4.6 Southeast Asia Mozzarella Cheese Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2013-2018)4.7 India Mozzarella Cheese Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2013-2018)5 Global Mozzarella Cheese Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type5.1 Global Mozzarella Cheese Production and Market Share by Type (2013-2018)5.2 Global Mozzarella Cheese Revenue and Market Share by Type (2013-2018)5.3 Global Mozzarella Cheese Price by Type (2013-2018)5.4 Global Mozzarella Cheese Production Growth by Type (2013-2018)6 Global Mozzarella Cheese Market Analysis by Application6.1 Global Mozzarella Cheese Consumption and Market Share by Application (2013-2018)6.2 Global Mozzarella Cheese Consumption Growth Rate by Application (2013-2018)6.3 Market Drivers and Opportunities6.3.1 Potential Applications6.3.2 Emerging Markets/CountriesContinuousFor further information on this report, visit About Us:Wise Guy Reports Is Part Of The Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. And Offers Premium Progressive Statistical Surveying, Market Research Reports, Analysis & Forecast Data For Industries And Governments Around The Globe. Wise Guy Reports Features An Exhaustive List Of Market Research Reports From Hundreds Of Publishers Worldwide. We Boast A Database Spanning Virtually Every Market Category And An Even More Comprehensive Collection Of Market Research Reports Under These Categories And Sub-Categories.Addres:WISEGUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra, IndiaPhone :+91 841 198 5042 Carrier Aggregation Solutions Market to 2023 - Latest Trends and Future Scope By Top Key Players: Cisco, Nokia, Huawei Technologies, ZTE, Qorvo, Artiza Networks, Anritsu, ROHDE&SCHWARZKG https://bit.ly/2qAOPld https://bit.ly/2AU5vKs Carrier aggregation is a key aspect of LTE-A for its combination of two or more blocks of spectrum (also known as component carriers). The addition of multiple component carriers for wider channel bandwidths achieves a greater mobile Internet spectrum for mobile Internet. Carrier aggregation was introduced in 3rd Generation Partnership Program (3GPP), Release 10 (in 2011). South Korea deployed the first LTE-A network with carrier aggregation in 2013.Carrier Aggregation Solutions market status and outlook of Global and major regions, from angles of players, countries, product types and end industries; this report analyzes the top players in global market, and splits the Carrier Aggregation Solutions market by product type and applications/end industries.You can get the sample copy of this report now @Scope of the Report:One driver in the market is high proliferation of mobile computing devices. The demand for mobile computing devices is surging among mobile users and business travelers who need connectivity and portability. 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The report is also equipped with SWOT analysis and value chain for the companies which are profiled in this report.Key Players:- Cisco, Nokia, Huawei Technologies, ZTE, Qorvo, Artiza Networks, Anritsu, ROHDE&SCHWARZKG.Type :- Picocell, Metrocell, Microcell, Femtocell.Application :- Handheld Mobile Devices, Smart Grid, Others.Geographical Regions of Carrier Aggregation Solutions Market: United States of AmericaCanadaMexicoRest of North AmericaBrazilArgentinaRest of South AmericaChinaJapanIndiaRest of Asia-PacificUnited KingdomGermanyFranceRest of EuropeUAESouth AfricaSaudi ArabiaGet 10% Discount @Overview of the chapters analysing the global Carrier Aggregation Solutions market in detail :-Chapter 1 details the information relating to Carrier Aggregation Solutions introduction, Scope of the product, market overview, Market risks, driving forces of the market, etcChapter 2 analyses the top manufacturers of the Carrier Aggregation Solutions market by sales, revenue etc for the period 2013 to 2018.Chapter 3 throws light on the competition landscape amongst the top manufacturers based on sales, revenue, market share etc for the period 2013 to 2018.Chapter 4 analyses the global market by regions and their market share, sales, revenue etc for the period 2013 to 2018.Chapters 5 to 9 analyse the key regions with key countries based on market share, revenue, sales etc.Chapter 10 and 11 contain the information about market basis type and application, sales market share, growth rate etc for the period 2013 to 2018.Chapter 12 focuses on the market forecast for 2018 to 2023 for the Carrier Aggregation Solutions market by regions, type and application, sales and revenue.Chapter 13 to 15 contain the details related to sales channels, distributors, traders, dealers, research findings, research findings, and conclusion etc for the Carrier Aggregation Solutions market.Reasons why you should buy this report- Current and future of Carrier Aggregation Solutions Market outlook in the developed and emerging markets- Highlights key business priorities in order to assist companies to realign their business strategies- The segment that is expected to dominate the Carrier Aggregation Solutions Market- Regions that are expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period- Identify the latest developments, Carrier Aggregation Solutions Market shares, and strategies employed by the major market players- Save and reduce time carrying out entry-level research by identifying the growth, size, leading players and segments in the global Carrier Aggregation Solutions Market- Develop/modify business expansion plans by using substantial growth offering developed and emerging marketsAbout Us:Reports Intellect is your one-stop solution for everything related to market research and market intelligence. 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The report also calls for market-driven results deriving feasibility studies for client needs. UpMarketResearch ensures qualified and verifiable aspects of market data operating in the real-time scenario. The analytical studies are conducted ensuring client needs with a thorough understanding of market capacities in the real-time scenario.Key Reasons to Purchase: To gain insightful analyses of the market and have a comprehensive understanding of the Global Microsurgery Industry 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 Microsurgery market analysis and forecast 2018-2023.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:The UpMarketResearch () is a leading distributor of market research report with more than 800+ global clients. As a market research company, we take pride in equipping our clients with insights and data that holds the power to truly make a difference to their business. Our mission is singular and well-defined we want to help our clients envisage their business environment so that they are able to make informed, strategic and therefore successful decisions for themselves.Contact Info:Name: Alex MathewsEmail: Alex@upmarketresearch.comOrganization: UpMarketResearchAddress: 500, East E Street, Ontario, CA 91764, United States. Military Drone Market Estimation with Key Players like Airbus, Boeing during the Forecast Period 2018-2025. Military Drone https://www.upmarketresearch.com/home/enquiry_before_buying/13641 https://www.upmarketresearch.com/buy/military-drone-market https://www.upmarketresearch.com/home/request_for_discount/13641 www.upmarketresearch.com Military Drone Industry research report delivers a close watch on leading competitors with strategic analysis, micro and macro market trend and scenarios, pricing analysis and a holistic overview of the market situations in the forecast period.Get FREE Sample Report Before Buying @ https://www.upmarketresearch.com/home/requested_sample/13641UpMarketResearch offers a latest published report on Global Military Drone Market Analysis and Forecast 2018-2023 delivering key insights and providing a competitive advantage to clients through a detailed report. 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The report contains basic, secondary and advanced information pertaining to the Military Drone Industry global status and trend, market size, share, growth, trends analysis, segment and forecasts from 2018 2023.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.For More Information, Please VisitThe generated report is firmly based on primary research, interviews with top executives, news sources and information insiders. Secondary research techniques are implemented for better understanding and clarity for data analysis.The report for Military Drone market analysis & forecast 2018-2023 is segmented into Product Segment, Application Segment & Major players.Region-wise Analysis Global Military Drone Market covers: North America Europe China Japan India Southeast Asia Other regions (Central & South America, Middle East & Africa)The Major players reported in the market include: Airbus Ball Corporation Boeing Space Exploration Technologies Thales Group China Aerospace Science And Technology Lockheed Martin Mitsubishi Electric Orbital ATK Planet LabsGlobal Military Drone Market: Product Segment Analysis: Sensors Camera Navigation Systems OthersBuy Military Drone Market analysis & forecast 2018-2023 Report along with complete TOC @Global Military Drone Market: Application Segment Analysis: Spying Search And Rescue Border Security CombatThe Report covers in-depth analysis as follows: Chapter 1 Study Coverage Chapter 2 Executive Summary Chapter 3 Market Size by Manufacturers Chapter 4 Military Drone Production by Regions Chapter 5 Military Drone Consumption by Regions Chapter 6 Market Size by Type Chapter 7 Market Size by Application Chapter 8 Key Industry Players Chapter 9 Entry Strategy for Key Countries Chapter 10 Production Forecasts Chapter 11 Consumption Forecast Chapter 12 Opportunities & Challenges, Threat and Affecting Factors Chapter 13 Key Findings in the Global Military Drone Study Chapter 14 AppendixGuaranteed Discount On This Report@Military Drone Market Analysis and Forecast 2018-2023 report helps the clients to take business decisions and to understand strategies of major players in the industry. 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Get in touch with our sales team, who will guarantee you to get a report that suits your necessities.About UpMarketResearch:The UpMarketResearch () is a leading distributor of market research report with more than 800+ global clients. As a market research company, we take pride in equipping our clients with insights and data that holds the power to truly make a difference to their business. Our mission is singular and well-defined we want to help our clients envisage their business environment so that they are able to make informed, strategic and therefore successful decisions for themselves.Contact Info:Name: Alex MathewsEmail: Alex@upmarketresearch.comOrganization: UpMarketResearchAddress: 500, East E Street, Ontario, CA 91764, United States. Breastfeeding Supplies Market: Emerging industries, Challenges and Threats Faced by Key Vendors (Medela, Lansinoh, Pigeon, Ameda, Ardo, Kiinde, Philips Avent and Nestle Gerber Breastfeeding Supplies Market https://www.orianresearch.com/request-sample/676358 https://www.orianresearch.com/enquiry-before-buying/676358 https://www.orianresearch.com/checkout/676358 www.orianresearch.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company-beta/13281002/ Breastfeeding Supplies Market research report is a professional and in-depth study on the current state also focuses on the major drivers and restraints for the key players. 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Finally the feasibility of new investment projects are assessed and overall research conclusions offered.With tables and figures helping analyze worldwide Global Breastfeeding Supplies market, this research provides key statistics on the state of the industry and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the market.Market segment by Type, the product can be split into Breastpump Breastmilk Storage & Feeding Breast CareMarket segment by Application, split into For 1-3 Months Baby For 4-6 Months Baby For 7-12 Months BabyOrder a copy of Global Breastfeeding Supplies Market Report 2018 @Table of ContentsGlobal Breastfeeding Supplies Market Research Report 20181 Breastfeeding Supplies Market Overview2 Global Breastfeeding Supplies Market Competition by Manufacturers3 Global Breastfeeding Supplies Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2013-2018)4 Global Breastfeeding Supplies Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2013-2018)5 Global Breastfeeding Supplies Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type6 Global Breastfeeding Supplies Market Analysis by Application7 Global Breastfeeding Supplies Manufacturers Profiles/AnalysisIf you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.About Us:Orian Research is one of the most comprehensive collections of market intelligence reports on the World Wide Web. Our reports repository boasts of over 500000+ industry and country research reports from over 100 top publishers. We continuously update our repository so as to provide our clients easy access to the world's most complete and current database of expert insights on global industries, companies, and products. We also specialize in custom research in situations where our syndicate research offerings do not meet the specific requirements of our esteemed clients.Contact Us:Ruwin MendezVice President Global Sales & Partner RelationsOrian Research ConsultantsUS: +1 (832) 380-8827 | UK: +44 0161-818-8027Email: info@orianresearch.comWebsite:Follow Us on LinkedIn: Smart Cities Market 2018 Global Analysis By Key Players Huawei(CN), Atkins(UK), Cisco Systems(US), AT&T(US), Verizon Wireless(US) Smart Cities Market https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/3429552-global-smart-cities-connected-city-solutions-market-size https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/3429552-global-smart-cities-connected-city-solutions-market-size Smart Cities Market 2018Wiseguyreports.Com adds Smart Cities Market Market Demand, Growth, Opportunities, Analysis of Top Key Players and Forecast to 2025 To Its Research Database.Report Details:This report provides in depth study of Smart Cities Market using SWOT analysis i.e. Strength, Weakness, Opportunities and Threat to the organization. The Smart Cities Market report also provides an in-depth survey of key players in the market which is based on the various objectives of an organization such as profiling, the product outline, the quantity of production, required raw material, and the financial health of the organization.This report focuses on the global Smart Cities / Connected City Solutions status, future forecast, growth opportunity, key market and key players. The study objectives are to present the Smart Cities / Connected City Solutions development in United States, Europe and China.In 2017, the global Smart Cities / Connected City Solutions market size was million US$ and it is expected to reach million US$ by the end of 2025, with a CAGR of during 2018-2025.The key players covered in this studyHuawei(CN)Atkins(UK)Cisco Systems(US)AT&T(US)Verizon Wireless(US)Vodafone(UK)Telefonica(ES)Sekisui House(JP)Kawasaki Heavy Industries(JP)Tokyo Gas(JP)NEC Corporation(JP)Schneider Electric(FR)Siemens(DE)Microsoft(US)Hitachi(JP)IBM(US)Ericsson(SE)Toshiba(JP)Oracle(US)ABB Group(CH)Panasonic(JP)SAP SE(DE)Silver Spring Networks(US)General Electric(US)Itron(US)Request a Sample Report @Market segment by Type, the product can be split intoEnergyMobility & TransportICTBPOSecurityOthersMarket segment by Application, split intoSmall CitiesMedium CitiesLarge CitiesMarket segment by Regions/Countries, this report coversUnited StatesEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaCentral & South AmericaKey StakeholdersSmart Cities ManufacturersSmart Cities Distributors/Traders/WholesalersSmart Cities Subcomponent ManufacturersIndustry AssociationDownstream VendorsIf you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.Complete Report Details@Major Key Points in Table of Content:1 Report Overview1.1 Study Scope1.2 Key Market Segments1.3 Players Covered1.4 Market Analysis by Type1.4.1 Global Smart Cities / Connected City Solutions Market Size Growth Rate by Type (2013-2025)1.4.2 Energy1.4.3 Mobility & Transport1.4.4 ICT1.4.5 BPO1.4.6 Security1.4.7 Others1.5 Market by Application1.5.1 Global Smart Cities / Connected City Solutions Market Share by Application (2013-2025)1.5.2 Small Cities1.5.3 Medium Cities1.5.4 Large Cities1.6 Study Objectives1.7 Years Considered2 Global Growth Trends2.1 Smart Cities / Connected City Solutions Market Size2.2 Smart Cities / Connected City Solutions Growth Trends by Regions2.2.1 Smart Cities / Connected City Solutions Market Size by Regions (2013-2025)2.2.2 Smart Cities / Connected City Solutions Market Share by Regions (2013-2018)2.3 Industry Trends2.3.1 Market Top Trends2.3.2 Market Drivers2.3.3 Market Opportunities3 Market Share by Key Players3.1 Smart Cities / Connected City Solutions Market Size by Manufacturers3.1.1 Global Smart Cities / Connected City Solutions Revenue by Manufacturers (2013-2018)3.1.2 Global Smart Cities / Connected City Solutions Revenue Market Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)3.1.3 Global Smart Cities / Connected City Solutions Market Concentration Ratio (CR5 and HHI)3.2 Smart Cities / Connected City Solutions Key Players Head office and Area Served3.3 Key Players Smart Cities / Connected City Solutions Product/Solution/Service3.4 Date of Enter into Smart Cities / Connected City Solutions Market3.5 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion Plans..12 International Players Profiles12.1 Huawei(CN)12.1.1 Huawei(CN) Company Details12.1.2 Company Description and Business Overview12.1.3 Smart Cities / Connected City Solutions Introduction12.1.4 Huawei(CN) Revenue in Smart Cities / Connected City Solutions Business (2013-2018)12.1.5 Huawei(CN) Recent Development12.2 Atkins(UK)12.2.1 Atkins(UK) Company Details12.2.2 Company Description and Business Overview12.2.3 Smart Cities / Connected City Solutions Introduction12.2.4 Atkins(UK) Revenue in Smart Cities / Connected City Solutions Business (2013-2018)12.2.5 Atkins(UK) Recent Development12.3 Cisco Systems(US)12.3.1 Cisco Systems(US) Company Details12.3.2 Company Description and Business Overview12.3.3 Smart Cities / Connected City Solutions Introduction12.3.4 Cisco Systems(US) Revenue in Smart Cities / Connected City Solutions Business (2013-2018)12.3.5 Cisco Systems(US) Recent Development12.4 AT&T(US)12.4.1 AT&T(US) Company Details12.4.2 Company Description and Business Overview12.4.3 Smart Cities / Connected City Solutions Introduction12.4.4 AT&T(US) Revenue in Smart Cities / Connected City Solutions Business (2013-2018)12.4.5 AT&T(US) Recent Development12.5 Verizon Wireless(US)12.5.1 Verizon Wireless(US) Company Details12.5.2 Company Description and Business Overview12.5.3 Smart Cities / Connected City Solutions Introduction12.5.4 Verizon Wireless(US) Revenue in Smart Cities / Connected City Solutions Business (2013-2018)12.5.5 Verizon Wireless(US) Recent Development12.6 Vodafone(UK)12.6.1 Vodafone(UK) Company Details12.6.2 Company Description and Business Overview12.6.3 Smart Cities / Connected City Solutions Introduction12.6.4 Vodafone(UK) Revenue in Smart Cities / Connected City Solutions Business (2013-2018)12.6.5 Vodafone(UK) Recent Development12.7 Telefonica(ES)12.7.1 Telefonica(ES) Company Details12.7.2 Company Description and Business Overview12.7.3 Smart Cities / Connected City Solutions Introduction12.7.4 Telefonica(ES) Revenue in Smart Cities / Connected City Solutions Business (2013-2018)12.7.5 Telefonica(ES) Recent Development12.8 Sekisui House(JP)12.8.1 Sekisui House(JP) Company Details12.8.2 Company Description and Business Overview12.8.3 Smart Cities / Connected City Solutions Introduction12.8.4 Sekisui House(JP) Revenue in Smart Cities / Connected City Solutions Business (2013-2018)12.8.5 Sekisui House(JP) Recent Development12.9 Kawasaki Heavy Industries(JP)12.9.1 Kawasaki Heavy Industries(JP) Company Details12.9.2 Company Description and Business Overview12.9.3 Smart Cities / Connected City Solutions Introduction12.9.4 Kawasaki Heavy Industries(JP) Revenue in Smart Cities / Connected City Solutions Business (2013-2018)12.9.5 Kawasaki Heavy Industries(JP) Recent Development12.10 Tokyo Gas(JP)12.10.1 Tokyo Gas(JP) Company Details12.10.2 Company Description and Business Overview12.10.3 Smart Cities / Connected City Solutions Introduction12.10.4 Tokyo Gas(JP) Revenue in Smart Cities / Connected City Solutions Business (2013-2018)12.10.5 Tokyo Gas(JP) Recent DevelopmentContinued.Contact Us:NORAH TRENTPh: +1-646-845-9349 (US)Sales@Wiseguyreports.ComPh: +44 208 133 9349 (UK)ABOUT US:Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe. Wise Guy Reports features an exhaustive list of market research reports from hundreds of publishers worldwide. We boast a database spanning virtually every market category and an even more comprehensive collection of market research reports under these categories and sub-categories.ADDRESS:WISE GUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, India Global Candy Melting Pot Market Scenario Highlighting Major Drivers & Trends, 2018-2028| Top Growing industries- Wilton, PME, Farberware, Koolatron, Royston, Chocolatiere https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=B&rep_id=1061 https://www.factmr.com/report/1061/candy-melting-pot-market https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=AE&rep_id=1061 https://www.factmr.com/ https://factmrblog.com/ https://www.industrynewsanalysis.com/ A candy melting pot is used for melting candies and chocolates at high temperature in minimum time. A candy melting pot consists of removable silicon or stainless steel pot and a heat-resistant handle to carry the container. Candy melting pot offers multiplicity of uses, and candy melting pot also has temperature setting regulator to adjust heat setting from warm to melt. Candy melting pot are generally power operated, but the battery operated candy melting pot is trending nowadays. The rising demand from the mix flavor candies and fresh sweets and chocolates is expected to boost the growth of the Candy Melting Pot Market over the forecast period.Request for Brochure of this report:The candy melting pot market in the bakery industry is majorly driven by the space crunch factor and easy utility. The candy melting pot market consists of small players with a high number of Chinese players dominating its sales; very few brands are focused on candy melting pot. Majority of the candy melting pot market operates through e-commerce websites like Walmart, Target, E-Bay and other online sales channel.Global Candy Melting Pot Market DynamicsGrowth DriversLow cost of cable free candy melting pot with the small built-in features is expected to create growth opportunities for the candy melting pot market. Besides, the candy melting pot can be utilized for a variety of tasks such as chocolate melting, fondue preparation, and others. Alternate factors driving the global candy melting pot market is the growing preference for chocolate fondue and candy melts by the consumers. Thus, manufacturers of candy melting pot are concerned about the aesthetics and design of candy melting pot so that it can be served directly on tables from which candy and the chocolate melt can be consumed. Manufacturers focus on resilience and durability of product (candy melting pot) drives the stronger consumer base for the candy melting pot market.RestraintsMarket players for candy melting pot market are also facing some limitations, such as shipping and transportation costs remaining a prime concern for candy melting pot manufacturers. Also, the price of the product varies highly in international candy melting pot market, the difference is mainly due to the growing penetration of Chinese players. Thus, candy melting pot manufacturers face problems of forward as well as reverse logistics. Further, increasing preference for online sales has invited buy-back approach without taking transportation cost from consumers.Request Full Report With TOC:Global Candy Melting Pot Market SegmentationGlobal candy melting pot market includes the segments such as material type, sales channel, and region.Global candy melting pot market can be segmented on the basis of pot material type as:Silicon PotsStainless Steel PotsOther Material Types (Ceramic, etc.)Global candy melting pot market can be segmented on the basis of sales channel as:Modern TradeDepartmental StoresSpecialty StoresOnline StoresOther Sales ChannelThe global candy melting pot market can be segmented on the basis of the geographical region as:North AmericaLatin AmericaEuropeCIS and RussiaJapanAsia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ)Middle East & Africa (MEA)Global Candy Melting Pot Market Key PlayersA large number of manufacturers of candy melting pot are present in China due to growing consumer goods market and high penetration of small SKUs in the region. Wilton is one of the leading manufacturers of the candy melting pot. The company has high penetration in the market due to high quality and low cost of the product. The company also has a wide distribution networks, and its candy melting pot is readily available on online consumer retailers website for international customers.Some of the key players in the Candy Melting Pot market are,WiltonPMEFarberwareKoolatronRoystonChocolatiereThis analytical research study imparts an all-inclusive assessment on the market, while propounding historical intelligence, actionable insights, and industry-validated & statistically-upheld market forecast. Verified and suitable set of assumptions and methodology has been leveraged for developing this comprehensive study. Information and analysis on key market segments incorporated in the report has been delivered in weighted chapters. A thorough analysis has been offered by the report onMarket DynamicsMarket SizeMarket SegmentsDemand & Supply TrendsCurrent Issues and ChallengesCompanies and Competitor LandscapeValue ChainTechnologyRegional Segments Analyzed IncludeNorth AmericaLatin AmericaWestern EuropeEastern EuropeAsia PacificJapanMiddle East and AfricaCompilation of authentic and first-hand intelligence, insights offered in the report are based on quantitative and qualitative assessment by leading industry experts, and inputs from opinion leaders & industry participants around the value chain. Growth determinants, macroeconomic indicators, and parent market trends have been scrutinized and delivered, coupled with the market attractiveness for each market segment encompassed. Qualitative impact of growth influencers on the market segments across regions has also been mapped by the report.Highlights from the ReportElaborated scenario of the parent marketTransformations in the market dynamicsDetailed segmentation of the target marketHistorical, current and forecast market size based on value and volumeLatest industry developments and trendsCompetition landscapeStrategies adopted by the market players and product developments madePotential and niche segments, along with their regional analysisUnbiased analysis on performance of the marketUp-to-date and must-have intelligence for the market players to enhance and sustain their competitivenessFor Further Insights and Segment-Specific Information, Contact a Market Analyst at:About FactMRFactMR is a fast-growing market research firm that offers the most comprehensive suite of syndicated and customized market insights reports. We believe transformative intelligence can educate and inspire businesses to make smarter decisions. We know the limitations of the one-size-fits-all approach; that's why we publish multi-industry global, regional, and country-specific research reports.Contact UsFact.MR11140 Rockville PikeSuite 400Rockville, MD 20852United StatesEmail: sales@factmr.comWeb:Blog:Read Industry News at - Wind Turbine Service(GWS) Market 2018 Global Analysis By Key Players Enercon, GAMESA CORPORACION TECNOLOGICA, Nordex, Repower System Wind Turbine Service(GWS) Market https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/3351224-global-wind-turbine-service-gws-market-size-status-and-forecast-2018-2025 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/3351224-global-wind-turbine-service-gws-market-size-status-and-forecast-2018-2025 Wind Turbine Service(GWS) Market 2018Wiseguyreports.Com adds Wind Turbine Service(GWS) Market Market Demand, Growth, Opportunities, Analysis of Top Key Players and Forecast to 2025 To Its Research Database.Report Details:This report provides in depth study of Wind Turbine Service(GWS) Market using SWOT analysis i.e. Strength, Weakness, Opportunities and Threat to the organization. The Wind Turbine Service(GWS) Market report also provides an in-depth survey of key players in the market which is based on the various objectives of an organization such as profiling, the product outline, the quantity of production, required raw material, and the financial health of the organization.This report focuses on the global Wind Turbine Service(GWS) status, future forecast, growth opportunity, key market and key players. The study objectives are to present the Wind Turbine Service(GWS) development in United States, Europe and China.Wind Turbine Service(GWS) vary from wind turbine installation and service agreements, through to high voltage work, rope access and blade repair.One of the key factors contributing to this market growth is the increase in aging wind farms. The wind turbine service market in Europe has also been witnessing the increase in investments by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). However, the lack of skilled workforce could pose a challenge to the growth of this market.In 2017, the global Wind Turbine Service(GWS) market size was xx million US$ and it is expected to reach xx million US$ by the end of 2025, with a CAGR of xx% during 2018-2025.The key players covered in this studyEnerconGAMESA CORPORACION TECNOLOGICANordexRepower SystemSiemensGE EnergySuzlon EnergyThe WeirVestas Wind SystemsWindtechnicsRequest a Sample Report @Market segment by Type, the product can be split intoOperations & MaintenanceInspection & RepairOthersMarket segment by Application, split intoOnshoreOffshoreMarket segment by Regions/Countries, this report coversUnited StatesEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaCentral & South AmericaKey StakeholdersWind Turbine Service(GWS) ManufacturersWind Turbine Service(GWS) Distributors/Traders/WholesalersWind Turbine Service(GWS) Subcomponent ManufacturersIndustry AssociationDownstream VendorsIf you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.Complete Report Details@Major Key Points in Table of Content:1 Report Overview1.1 Study Scope1.2 Key Market Segments1.3 Players Covered1.4 Market Analysis by Type1.4.1 Global Wind Turbine Service(GWS) Market Size Growth Rate by Type (2013-2025)1.4.2 Operations & Maintenance1.4.3 Inspection & Repair1.4.4 Others1.5 Market by Application1.5.1 Global Wind Turbine Service(GWS) Market Share by Application (2013-2025)1.5.2 Onshore1.5.3 Offshore1.6 Study Objectives1.7 Years Considered2 Global Growth Trends2.1 Wind Turbine Service(GWS) / Connected City Solutions Market Size2.2 Wind Turbine Service(GWS) / Connected City Solutions Growth Trends by Regions2.2.1 Wind Turbine Service(GWS) / Connected City Solutions Market Size by Regions (2013-2025)2.2.2 Wind Turbine Service(GWS) / Connected City Solutions Market Share by Regions (2013-2018)2.3 Industry Trends2.3.1 Market Top Trends2.3.2 Market Drivers2.3.3 Market Opportunities3 Market Share by Key Players3.1 Wind Turbine Service(GWS) / Connected City Solutions Market Size by Manufacturers3.1.1 Global Wind Turbine Service(GWS) / Connected City Solutions Revenue by Manufacturers (2013-2018)3.1.2 Global Wind Turbine Service(GWS) / Connected City Solutions Revenue Market Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)3.1.3 Global Wind Turbine Service(GWS) / Connected City Solutions Market Concentration Ratio (CR5 and HHI)3.2 Wind Turbine Service(GWS) / Connected City Solutions Key Players Head office and Area Served3.3 Key Players Wind Turbine Service(GWS) / Connected City Solutions Product/Solution/Service3.4 Date of Enter into Wind Turbine Service(GWS) / Connected City Solutions Market3.5 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion Plans..12 International Players Profiles12.1 Enercon12.1.1 Enercon Company Details12.1.2 Company Description and Business Overview12.1.3 Wind Turbine Service(GWS) Introduction12.1.4 Enercon Revenue in Wind Turbine Service(GWS) Business (2013-2018)12.1.5 Enercon Recent Development12.2 GAMESA CORPORACION TECNOLOGICA12.2.1 GAMESA CORPORACION TECNOLOGICA Company Details12.2.2 Company Description and Business Overview12.2.3 Wind Turbine Service(GWS) Introduction12.2.4 GAMESA CORPORACION TECNOLOGICA Revenue in Wind Turbine Service(GWS) Business (2013-2018)12.2.5 GAMESA CORPORACION TECNOLOGICA Recent Development12.3 Nordex12.3.1 Nordex Company Details12.3.2 Company Description and Business Overview12.3.3 Wind Turbine Service(GWS) Introduction12.3.4 Nordex Revenue in Wind Turbine Service(GWS) Business (2013-2018)12.3.5 Nordex Recent Development12.4 Repower System12.4.1 Repower System Company Details12.4.2 Company Description and Business Overview12.4.3 Wind Turbine Service(GWS) Introduction12.4.4 Repower System Revenue in Wind Turbine Service(GWS) Business (2013-2018)12.4.5 Repower System Recent Development12.5 Siemens12.5.1 Siemens Company Details12.5.2 Company Description and Business Overview12.5.3 Wind Turbine Service(GWS) Introduction12.5.4 Siemens Revenue in Wind Turbine Service(GWS) Business (2013-2018)12.5.5 Siemens Recent Development12.6 GE Energy12.6.1 GE Energy Company Details12.6.2 Company Description and Business Overview12.6.3 Wind Turbine Service(GWS) Introduction12.6.4 GE Energy Revenue in Wind Turbine Service(GWS) Business (2013-2018)12.6.5 GE Energy Recent Development12.7 Suzlon Energy12.7.1 Suzlon Energy Company Details12.7.2 Company Description and Business Overview12.7.3 Wind Turbine Service(GWS) Introduction12.7.4 Suzlon Energy Revenue in Wind Turbine Service(GWS) Business (2013-2018)12.7.5 Suzlon Energy Recent Development12.8 The Weir12.8.1 The Weir Company Details12.8.2 Company Description and Business Overview12.8.3 Wind Turbine Service(GWS) Introduction12.8.4 The Weir Revenue in Wind Turbine Service(GWS) Business (2013-2018)12.8.5 The Weir Recent Development12.9 Vestas Wind Systems12.9.1 Vestas Wind Systems Company Details12.9.2 Company Description and Business Overview12.9.3 Wind Turbine Service(GWS) Introduction12.9.4 Vestas Wind Systems Revenue in Wind Turbine Service(GWS) Business (2013-2018)12.9.5 Vestas Wind Systems Recent Development12.10 Windtechnics12.10.1 Windtechnics Company Details12.10.2 Company Description and Business Overview12.10.3 Wind Turbine Service(GWS) Introduction12.10.4 Windtechnics Revenue in Wind Turbine Service(GWS) Business (2013-2018)12.10.5 Windtechnics Recent DevelopmentContinued.Contact Us:NORAH TRENTPh: +1-646-845-9349 (US)Sales@Wiseguyreports.ComPh: +44 208 133 9349 (UK)ABOUT US:Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe. Wise Guy Reports features an exhaustive list of market research reports from hundreds of publishers worldwide. We boast a database spanning virtually every market category and an even more comprehensive collection of market research reports under these categories and sub-categories.ADDRESS:WISE GUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, India Driving Innovation: Artificial Lift System Market By Key Vendors: Ebara Corpo, Ariel Corpo, Hitachi 2018-2025 QyResearchReports https://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=1862642&type=S https://www.qyresearchreports.com/report/global-artificial-lift-system-market-professional-survey-report-2018.htm http://www.qyresearchreports.com Qyresearchreports include new market research report Artificial Lift System to its huge collection of research reports.This report studies the global Artificial Lift System market status and forecast, categorizes the global Artificial Lift System market size (value & volume) by manufacturers, type, application, and region. This report focuses on the top manufacturers in North America, Europe, Japan, China, India, Southeast Asia and other regions (Central & South America, and Middle East & Africa).The artificial lifts have applications in the oil and gas industry to increase the oil production from reservoirs.This report covers the study of artificial lift types, classified into ESP, PCP, rod lift, plunger lift, gas lift and others. Other lifts types include hydraulic and foam lift.The global Artificial Lift System market is valued at xx million US$ in 2017 and will reach xx million US$ by the end of 2025, growing at a CAGR of xx% during 2018-2025.Get Free Sample Report of the Research Study:The major manufacturers covered in this reportGeneral Electric CompanyMan Diesel & Turbo SEEbara CorporationMitsubishi Heavy Industries Compressor CorporationAtlas Copco Energas GmbHSolar Turbine Inc.Burckhardt Compression Holding AGAriel CorporationNeuman & Esser GroupHitachi, LtdThe study objectives of this report are:To analyze and study the global Artificial Lift System capacity, production, value, consumption, status (2013-2017) and forecast (2018-2025);Focuses on the key Artificial Lift 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.For the data information by region, company, type and application, 2017 is considered as the base year. Whenever data information was unavailable for the base year, the prior year has been considered.Key StakeholdersArtificial Lift System ManufacturersArtificial Lift System Distributors/Traders/WholesalersArtificial Lift System Subcomponent ManufacturersIndustry AssociationDownstream VendorsRead Complete Research Report:Table of Contents1 Industry Overview of Artificial Lift System1.1 Definition and Specifications of Artificial Lift System1.1.1 Definition of Artificial Lift System1.1.2 Specifications of Artificial Lift System1.2 Classification of Artificial Lift System1.2.1 Rod lift1.2.2 ESP1.2.3 PCP1.2.4 Plunger1.2.5 Gas lift1.2.6 Others1.3 Applications of Artificial Lift System1.3.1 Pump1.3.2 Motor1.3.3 Cable System1.3.4 Drive Head1.3.5 Separator1.3.6 Pump Jack1.3.7 Sucker Rod1.3.8 Gas-lift Valves1.3.9 Gas-lift Mandrels1.3.10 Controller2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Artificial Lift System2.1 Raw Material and Suppliers2.2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Artificial Lift System2.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Artificial Lift System2.4 Industry Chain Structure of Artificial Lift System3 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Artificial Lift System3.1 Capacity and Commercial Production Date of Global Artificial Lift System Major Manufacturers in 20173.2 Manufacturing Plants Distribution of Global Artificial Lift System Major Manufacturers in 20173.3 R&D Status and Technology Source of Global Artificial Lift System Major Manufacturers in 20173.4 Raw Materials Sources Analysis of Global Artificial Lift System Major Manufacturers in 2017...List of Tables and FiguresFigure Picture of Artificial Lift SystemTable Product Specifications of Artificial Lift SystemTable Classification of Artificial Lift SystemFigure Global Production Market Share of Artificial Lift System by Type in 2017Figure Rod lift PictureTable Major Manufacturers of Rod liftFigure ESP PictureTable Major Manufacturers of ESPFigure PCP PictureTable Major Manufacturers of PCPFigure Plunger PictureTable Major Manufacturers of PlungerFigure Gas lift PictureTable Major Manufacturers of Gas liftFigure Others PictureTable Major Manufacturers of OthersTable Applications of Artificial Lift System...About Us: QYResearchReports delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYResearchReports feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact Us:Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-618-1030Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com Healthcare Claims Management 2018 Global Market Key Players Athenahealth, Cerner, Allscripts Healthcare Solutions, Eclinicalworks, Unitedhealth Group, Mckesson -Analysis And Forecast To 2025 Healthcare Claims Management Market 2018 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/3356152-global-healthcare-claims-management-market-size-status-and-forecast-2018-2025 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/enquiry/3356152-global-healthcare-claims-management-market-size-status-and-forecast-2018-2025 Healthcare Claims Management Market 2018Wiseguyreports.Com Adds Healthcare Claims Management Global Market Demand, Growth, Opportunities, Manufacturers, Analysis of Top Key Players and Forecast to 2025 To Its Research Database.Description:This report focuses on the global Healthcare Claims Management status, future forecast, growth opportunity, key market and key players. The study objectives are to present the Healthcare Claims Management development in United States, Europe and China.Medical claims management is the organization, billing, filing, updating and processing of medical claims related to patient diagnoses, treatments and medications. Because maintaining patient records, interacting with health insurance agencies and issuing invoices for medical services are time consuming responsibilities, some hospitals and medical facilities outsource those tasks to medical claims management firms.Asia is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period of 20182023. Factors such investments to modernize the healthcare infrastructure and growing adoption of healthcare IT solutions in China, measures to boost the quality of healthcare delivery in Japan, and rapid growth of the healthcare industry in India are contributing to the high growth in Asia during the forecast period.In 2017, the global Healthcare Claims Management market size was xx million US$ and it is expected to reach xx million US$ by the end of 2025, with a CAGR of xx% during 2018-2025.The key players covered in this studyAthenahealthCernerAllscripts Healthcare SolutionsEclinicalworksUnitedhealth GroupMckessonConifer Health SolutionsGebbs Healthcare SolutionsThe SSI GroupGE HealthcareNthriveDST SystemsCognizant Technology SolutionsQuest DiagnosticsContext 4 HealthcareRam TechnologiesHealth Solutions Plus (HSP)Plexis Healthcare SystemsRequest for Sample Report @Market segment by Type, the product can be split intoOn-premiseCloud-basedMarket segment by Application, split intoHealthcare PayersHealthcare ProvidersOthersMarket segment by Regions/Countries, this report coversUnited StatesEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaCentral & South AmericaEnquiry before Buying @If you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.Table of Content:1 Report Overview1.1 Study Scope1.2 Key Market Segments1.3 Players Covered1.4 Market Analysis by Type1.4.1 Global Healthcare Claims Management Market Size Growth Rate by Type (2013-2025)1.4.2 On-premise1.4.3 Cloud-based1.5 Market by Application1.5.1 Global Healthcare Claims Management Market Share by Application (2013-2025)1.5.2 Healthcare Payers1.5.3 Healthcare Providers1.5.4 Others1.6 Study Objectives1.7 Years Considered2 Global Growth Trends2.1 Healthcare Claims Management Market Size2.2 Healthcare Claims Management Growth Trends by Regions2.2.1 Healthcare Claims Management Market Size by Regions (2013-2025)2.2.2 Healthcare Claims Management Market Share by Regions (2013-2018)2.3 Industry Trends2.3.1 Market Top Trends2.3.2 Market Drivers2.3.3 Market Opportunities12 International Players Profiles12.1 Athenahealth12.1.1 Athenahealth Company Details12.1.2 Company Description and Business Overview12.1.3 Healthcare Claims Management Introduction12.1.4 Athenahealth Revenue in Healthcare Claims Management Business (2013-2018)12.1.5 Athenahealth Recent Development12.2 Cerner12.2.1 Cerner Company Details12.2.2 Company Description and Business Overview12.2.3 Healthcare Claims Management Introduction12.2.4 Cerner Revenue in Healthcare Claims Management Business (2013-2018)12.2.5 Cerner Recent Development12.3 Allscripts Healthcare Solutions12.3.1 Allscripts Healthcare Solutions Company Details12.3.2 Company Description and Business Overview12.3.3 Healthcare Claims Management Introduction12.3.4 Allscripts Healthcare Solutions Revenue in Healthcare Claims Management Business (2013-2018)12.3.5 Allscripts Healthcare Solutions Recent Development12.4 Eclinicalworks12.4.1 Eclinicalworks Company Details12.4.2 Company Description and Business Overview12.4.3 Healthcare Claims Management Introduction12.4.4 Eclinicalworks Revenue in Healthcare Claims Management Business (2013-2018)12.4.5 Eclinicalworks Recent Development12.5 Unitedhealth Group12.5.1 Unitedhealth Group Company Details12.5.2 Company Description and Business Overview12.5.3 Healthcare Claims Management Introduction12.5.4 Unitedhealth Group Revenue in Healthcare Claims Management Business (2013-2018)12.5.5 Unitedhealth Group Recent Development12.6 Mckesson12.6.1 Mckesson Company Details12.6.2 Company Description and Business Overview12.6.3 Healthcare Claims Management Introduction12.6.4 Mckesson Revenue in Healthcare Claims Management Business (2013-2018)12.6.5 Mckesson Recent Development12.7 Conifer Health Solutions12.7.1 Conifer Health Solutions Company Details12.7.2 Company Description and Business Overview12.7.3 Healthcare Claims Management Introduction12.7.4 Conifer Health Solutions Revenue in Healthcare Claims Management Business (2013-2018)12.7.5 Conifer Health Solutions Recent Development12.8 Gebbs Healthcare Solutions12.8.1 Gebbs Healthcare Solutions Company Details12.8.2 Company Description and Business Overview12.8.3 Healthcare Claims Management Introduction12.8.4 Gebbs Healthcare Solutions Revenue in Healthcare Claims Management Business (2013-2018)12.8.5 Gebbs Healthcare Solutions Recent Development12.9 The SSI Group12.9.1 The SSI Group Company Details12.9.2 Company Description and Business Overview12.9.3 Healthcare Claims Management Introduction12.9.4 The SSI Group Revenue in Healthcare Claims Management Business (2013-2018)12.9.5 The SSI Group Recent Development12.10 GE Healthcare12.10.1 GE Healthcare Company Details12.10.2 Company Description and Business Overview12.10.3 Healthcare Claims Management Introduction12.10.4 GE Healthcare Revenue in Healthcare Claims Management Business (2013-2018)12.10.5 GE Healthcare Recent Development12.11 Nthrive12.12 DST Systems12.13 Cognizant Technology Solutions12.14 Quest Diagnostics12.15 Context 4 Healthcare12.16 Ram Technologies12.17 Health Solutions Plus (HSP)12.18 Plexis Healthcare SystemsContinued..Contact US:NORAH TRENTPartner Relations & Marketing Managersales@wiseguyreports.comPh: +1-646-845-9349 (US)Ph: +44 208 133 9349 (UK)About Us:Wise Guy Reports Is Part Of The Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. And Offers Premium Progressive Statistical Surveying, Market Research Reports, Analysis & Forecast Data For Industries And Governments Around The Globe. Wise Guy Reports Features An Exhaustive List Of Market Research Reports From Hundreds Of Publishers Worldwide. We Boast A Database Lavender Oilnning Virtually Every Market Category And An Even More Comprehensive Collection Of Market Research Reports Under These Categories And Sub-Categories.Addres:: Wise Guy Research Consultants Pvt Ltd: Pune 411028: Maharashtra,: Ph: +91 841 198 5042 Industrial Robotics Market Brief Analysis By Top Key Players | Fanuc Corporation, Denso Corporation, Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd., Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd., KUKA AG, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, ABB Group, Epson America Inc. Industrial Robotics https://www.marketstudyreport.com/request-a-sample/859969/ https://www.marketstudyreport.com/check-for-discount/859969/ https://www.marketstudyreport.com/reports/industrial-robotics-market https://www.marketstudyreport.com https://www.marketstudyreport.com/blog/ MarketStudyReport.com Adds New Industrial Robotics Market 2017 2024 research report providing information and data By End-Use, By Product, Industry Analysis, Regional Outlook, Growth Potential, Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast spreading across 262 Pages with table and figures in it.The German industrial robotics market strength is driven by a combination of the region's proven engineering tradition, position as a leader in technological development, and its highly diversified industrial base. Germany is witnessing immense innovations which are helping bridge the gap between robotics and several industrial sectors. Stakeholders are organized in multiple regional organizations such as the Automation Valley Northern Bavaria. The country's specific strength in the development and manufacturing of industrial robots is further strengthened by the existence of specialized organizations such as the Robotics and Mechatronics Center at the German Aerospace Center (DLR).Request a sample of this premium report at:Industry vendors in the industrial robotics market include Fanuc Corporation, Denso Corporation, Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd., Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd., KUKA AG, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, ABB Group, Epson America, Inc., Panasonic Welding Systems Co. Ltd., Rethink Robotics Inc., Staubli Group, Universal Robots A/S, Yaskawa Electric Corporation, etc. Outsourcing or subcontracting of the manufacturing process to third-party entities is a common trend among technology manufacturers. This trend is highly magnified in countries such as the U.S. and Western Europe where these resources are available at very high costs.Industrial robotics market is projected to witness surge in demand from the automotive industry, owing to the increasing adoption by the car manufacturers to improve precision and efficiency of the production lines. According to the Robotics Industry Association, more than 50% purchases of robots in North America in recent years are made by the automotive industries. Technological advancements such as robotic vision, collaborative robots, and robotic hand are encouraging more automakers to implement the technology in their production plants, thus positively impacting the industrial robotics industry growth.Industrial robotics market is expected to grow at a significant pace, owing to the continuing trend of automation across several end-use industries. Robots are being increasingly adopted by the companies to perform repetitive or risky tasks such as deburring, grinding, part inspections, and bin-picking. Automation through this equipment enhance efficiency of several processes ranging from raw material handling to the packaging of the finished product. The adoption of this technology across industries has enabled the companies to increase competitiveness based on price, offerings, and business reach, thus propelling the market.Growing need for automation in manufacturing pharmaceutical units has led to the growth of the Japan industrial robotics market. The units are used for easy and quick accomplishment of medical tasks. Companies in Japan are increasingly using collaborative robots such as UR3 ROBOT by Universal Robots A/S, which are assisting the workers in injection molding, conducting lab analysis, and picking & placing drugs.Request a discount on standard prices of this premium report at:The articulated segment of the industrial robotics market has significant penetration, owing to the high degree of versatility offered by these systems. These robots have higher degree of freedom than other systems, that makes these systems usable in several tasks including welding, dispensing, material handling, and material removal. The prices of these systems are expected to witness fall over the next seven years, owing to the longevity and popularity.Table of Content:Chapter 1 Methodology & ScopeChapter 2 Executive SummaryChapter 3 Industrial Robotics Industry InsightsChapter 4 Industrial Robotics Market, By ProductChapter 5 Industrial Robotics Market, By End-useChapter 6 Industrial Robotics Market, By RegionChapter 7 Company ProfilesFor More Info:About Us:Marketstudyreport.com allows you to manage and control all corporate research purchases to consolidate billing and vendor management. You can eliminate duplicate purchases and customize your content and license management.Contact Us:Market Study Report4 North Main Street,Selbyville, Delaware 19975USAPhone: 1-302-273-0910US Toll Free: 1-866-764-2150Email: sales@marketstudyreport.comWeb site:Blog: Radiotherapy Market Outlook: World Approaching Demand & Growth Prospect 2018-2023 Radiotherapy Market https://www.htfmarketreport.com/sample-report/1427815-2018-2023-global-and-regional-radiotherapy-industry-production-sales-and-consumption-status-and-prospects-professional-market https://www.htfmarketreport.com/enquiry-before-buy/1427815-2018-2023-global-and-regional-radiotherapy-industry-production-sales-and-consumption-status-and-prospects-professional-market https://www.htfmarketreport.com/reports/1427815-2018-2023-global-and-regional-radiotherapy-industry-production-sales-and-consumption-status-and-prospects-professional-market https://www.htfmarketreport.com/buy-now?format=1&report=1427815 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 2018-2023 Global and Regional Radiotherapy Industry Production, Sales and Consumption Status and Prospects Professional Market Research Report is latest research study released by HTF MI evaluating the market, highlighting opportunities, risk side analysis, and leveraged with strategic and tactical decision-making support. The study provides information on market trends and development, drivers, capacities, technologies, and on the changing capital structure of the Global and Regional Radiotherapy Market.The Major Key Players are Varian Medical Systems, Inc., Elekta AB & Accuray IncorporatedHTF MI Research projects that the Radiotherapy market size will grow from USD 6.97 Billion in 2017 to USD 10.42 Billion by 2023, at an estimated CAGR of 6.93%. The base year considered for the study is 2017, and the market size is projected from 2018 to 2023. The growth of radiotherapy market market is majorly driven by rapidly increasing geriatric population, growing incidence of cancer cases across the globe, increasing symposiums driving investments in radiotherapy, and rising demand for radiotherapy devices.Radiotherapy Market Overview:If you are involved in the Radiotherapy industry or intend to be, then this study will provide you comprehensive outlook. Its vital you keep your market knowledge up to date segmented by Prostate, Breast & Cervical, , External Beam Radiotherapy, Internal Beam Radiotherapy & Systemic Radiotherapy and major players. If you have a different set of players/manufacturers according to geography or needs regional or country segmented reports we can provide customization according to your requirement.You can get free access to samples from the report here:Radiotherapy Market: Demand Analysis & Opportunity Outlook 2023Research study is to define market sizes of various segments & countries in previous years and to forecast the values to the next 5-8 years. The report is designed to comprise each qualitative and quantitative elements of the industry facts including: market share, market size (value and volume 2012-17, and forecast to 2023) with admire to each of the areas and countries concerned inside the examination. Furthermore, the report additionally caters the detailed statistics about the vital elements which includes drivers & restraining factors which will define the future growth of the market.Furthermore, the years considered for the study are as follows:Historical year 2013-2017Base year 2018Forecast period** 2018 to 2023 [** unless otherwise stated]Enquire for customization in Report @Moreover, it will also include the opportunities available in micro markets for stakeholders to invest, detailed analysis of competitive landscape and product services of key players.The designated segments and sub-section of the market are explained below:The Study is segmented by following Product Type: , External Beam Radiotherapy, Internal Beam Radiotherapy & Systemic RadiotherapyMajor applications/end-users industry are as follows: Prostate, Breast & CervicalSome of the key Manufacturers Involved in the Market are Varian Medical Systems, Inc., Elekta AB & Accuray IncorporatedFor each region, market size and end users are analyzed as well as segment markets by types, applications and companies. If opting for the Global version of Radiotherapy Market analysis is provided for major regions as follows: North America (USA, Canada and Mexico) Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy) Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia) South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia etc.) Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)Read Detailed Index of full Research Study at @Key Answers Captured in Study areWhich geography would have better demand for product/services?What are the strategies adopted by big players in the regional market?Which country would see the steep rise in CAGR & year-on-year (Y-O-Y) growth?What is the current & expected market size in next five years?What is the market feasibility for long term investment?What opportunity the country would offer for existing and new players in the Radiotherapy market?What is risk involved for suppliers in the geography?What factors would drive the demand for the product/service in near future?What is the impact analysis of various factors in the Global and Regional Radiotherapy market growth?What are the recent trends in the regional market and how successful they are?There are 15 Chapters to display the Global and Regional Radiotherapy market.Chapter 1, About Executive Summary to describe Definition, Specifications and Classification of Global and Regional Radiotherapy market, Applications [Prostate, Breast & Cervical], Market Segment by Regions North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific etc;Chapter 2, objective of the study.Chapter 3, to display Research methodology and techniques.Chapter 4 and 5, to show the Overall Market Analysis, segmentation analysis, characteristics;Chapter 6 and 7, to show the Market size, share and forecast; Five forces analysis (bargaining Power of buyers/suppliers), Threats to new entrants and market condition;Chapter 8 and 9, to show analysis by regional segmentation[North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific etc ], comparison, leading countries and opportunities; Regional Marketing Type Analysis, Supply Chain AnalysisChapter 10, focus on identifying the key industry influencers, overview of decision framework accumulated through Industry experts and strategic decision makers;Chapter 11 and 12, Market Trend Analysis, Drivers, Challenges by consumer behaviour, Marketing Channels and demand & supply.Chapter 13 and 14, describe about the vendor landscape (classification and Market Positioning)Chapter 15, deals with Global and Regional Radiotherapy Market sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data source.Buy this research report @Thanks for reading this article; you can also get individual chapter wise section or region wise report version like North America, Europe or Asia or Oceania [Australia and New Zealand].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 Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection Market 2018 Global Market to Reach USD 11184 million By 2022 Including Key Players : Olympus Corporation, Mistras Group, Intertek Group, Sgs S.A., Ge Measurement & Control, Sonatest Ltd. Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection Market https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/3203391-global-non-destructive-testing-and-inspection-market-report-2018 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/enquiry/3203391-global-non-destructive-testing-and-inspection-market-report-2018 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/checkout?currency=one_user-USD&report_id=3203391 WiseGuyReports.Com Publish a New Market Research Report On Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection Market 2018 Global Market to Reach USD 11184 million By 2022 Including Key Players : Olympus Corporation, Mistras Group, Intertek Group, Sgs S.A., Ge Measurement & Control, Sonatest Ltd..Description:-The Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection industry has also suffered a certain impact, but still maintained a relatively optimistic growth, the past four years, Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection market size to maintain the average annual growth rate of 7.78% from 6150 million $ in 2014 to 7700 million $ in 2017, The analysts believe that in the next few years, Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection market size will be further expanded, we expect that by 2022, The market size of the Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection will reach 11184 million $.Get a Sample Report @For more information or any query mail at sales@wiseguyreports.comThis Report covers the manufacturers data, including: shipment, price, revenue, gross profit, interview record, business distribution etc., these data help the consumer know about the competitors better. This report also covers all the regions and countries of the world, which shows a regional development status, including market size, volume and value, as well as price data.Besides, the report also covers segment data, including: type segment, industry segment, channel segment etc. cover different segment market size, both volume and value. Also cover different industries clients information, which is very important for the manufacturers.Sections:-Section 1: FreeDefinitionSection (2 3): 1200 USDManufacturer DetailOlympus CorporationMistras Group, Inc.Intertek Group PlcSgs S.A.Ge Measurement & ControlNikon Metrology, Inc.Ashtead Technology, Inc.Sonatest Ltd.Bosello High Technology S.R.L.Fujifilm Holdings CorporationSection 4: 900 USDRegion SegmentationNorth America Country (United States, Canada)South AmericaAsia Country (China, Japan, India, Korea)Europe Country (Germany, UK, France, Italy)Other Country (Middle East, Africa, GCC)ContinuedEnquiry About Report @Table Of Contents Major Key PointsSection 1 Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection Product DefinitionSection 2 Global Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection Market Manufacturer Share and Market Overview2.1 Global Manufacturer Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection Shipments2.2 Global Manufacturer Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection Business Revenue2.3 Global Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection Market OverviewSection 3 Manufacturer Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection Business Introduction3.1 Olympus Corporation Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection Business Introduction3.1.1 Olympus Corporation Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection Shipments, Price, Revenue and Gross profit 2014-20173.1.2 Olympus Corporation Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection Business Distribution by Region3.1.3 Olympus Corporation Interview Record3.1.4 Olympus Corporation Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection Business Profile3.1.5 Olympus Corporation Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection Product Specification3.2 Mistras Group, Inc. Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection Business Introduction3.2.1 Mistras Group, Inc. Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection Shipments, Price, Revenue and Gross profit 2014-20173.2.2 Mistras Group, Inc. Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection Business Distribution by Region3.2.3 Interview Record3.2.4 Mistras Group, Inc. Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection Business Overview3.2.5 Mistras Group, Inc. Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection Product Specification3.3 Intertek Group Plc Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection Business Introduction3.3.1 Intertek Group Plc Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection Shipments, Price, Revenue and Gross profit 2014-20173.3.2 Intertek Group Plc Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection Business Distribution by Region3.3.3 Interview Record3.3.4 Intertek Group Plc Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection Business Overview3.3.5 Intertek Group Plc Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection Product Specification3.4 Sgs S.A. Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection Business Introduction3.5 Ge Measurement & Control Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection Business Introduction3.6 Nikon Metrology, Inc. Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection Business IntroductionSection 4 Global Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection Market Segmentation (Region Level)4.1 North America Country4.1.1 United States Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection Market Size and Price Analysis 2014-20174.1.2 Canada Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection Market Size and Price Analysis 2014-20174.2 South America Country4.2.1 South America Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection Market Size and Price Analysis 2014-20174.3 Asia Country4.3.1 China Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection Market Size and Price Analysis 2014-20174.3.2 Japan Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection Market Size and Price Analysis 2014-20174.3.3 India Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection Market Size and Price Analysis 2014-20174.3.4 Korea Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection Market Size and Price Analysis 2014-20174.4 Europe Country4.4.1 Germany Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection Market Size and Price Analysis 2014-20174.4.2 UK Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection Market Size and Price Analysis 2014-20174.4.3 France Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection Market Size and Price Analysis 2014-20174.4.4 Italy Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection Market Size and Price Analysis 2014-20174.4.5 Europe Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection Market Size and Price Analysis 2014-20174.5 Other Country and Region4.5.1 Middle East Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection Market Size and Price Analysis 2014-20174.5.2 Africa Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection Market Size and Price Analysis 2014-20174.5.3 GCC Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection Market Size and Price Analysis 2014-20174.6 Global Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection Market Segmentation (Region Level) Analysis 2014-20174.7 Global Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection Market Segmentation (Region Level) AnalysisSection 5 Global Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection Market Segmentation (Product Type Level)5.1 Global Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection Market Segmentation (Product Type Level) Market Size 2014-20175.2 Different Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection Product Type Price 2014-20175.3 Global Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection Market Segmentation (Product Type Level) AnalysisSection 6 Global Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection Market Segmentation (Industry Level)6.1 Global Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection Market Segmentation (Industry Level) Market Size 2014-20176.2 Different Industry Price 2014-20176.3 Global Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection Market Segmentation (Industry Level) AnalysisSection 7 Global Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection Market Segmentation (Channel Level)7.1 Global Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection Market Segmentation (Channel Level) Sales Volume and Share 2014-20177.2 Global Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection Market Segmentation (Channel Level) AnalysisContinuedBuy 1-user PDF @For more information or any query mail at sales@wiseguyreports.comABOUT US:Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe. Wise Guy Reports features an exhaustive list of market research reports from hundreds of publishers worldwide. We boast a database spanning virtually every market category and an even more comprehensive collection of market research reports under these categories and sub-categories.Office No.528,Amanora Chambers,Magarpatta Road,Hadapsar,Pune-411028. Global Tongkat Ali Extract Market Soaring Demand Assures Motivated Revenue Share during 2018-2028 / LJack (M) Sdn Bhd, Nutragreenlife Biotechnology Co.,Ltd, Nutra Green Biotechnology Co.,Ltd https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=S&rep_id=852 https://www.factmr.com/report/852/tongkat-ali-extract-market https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=AE&rep_id=852 https://www.factmr.com/ https://factmrblog.com/ https://www.industrynewsanalysis.com/ Consumers across the globe are becoming more health conscious owing to the need to complement their ever-increasing sedentary lifestyles and lack of physical activities, with healthy alternatives in foods. The growing concerns related to obesity and other health problems due to neglected diets is resulting in a shift of consumer preference towards diet supplements to keep their body active and healthier. With food supplements that include Tongkat Ali Extract, consumers are witnessing increased activeness and strength after consumption which is expected to boost the growth of the Tongkat Ali Extract market.Claim Sample Report For FREE:The Tongkat Ali Extract, owing to its several health benefits is gaining widespread application in the health and dietary supplements end use segment and is being recommended by medical professionals. With its effective usage in natural form as a raw ingredient in medicines and health supplements, along with its growing commercialization has resulted in extensive plantation of Tongkat Ali Extract in regions such as Malaysia. This intensified plantation and rising demand is anticipated to foster the growth of the Tongkat Ali Extract Market.Tongkat ali is a flowering plant also known by the name of longjack or eurycoma longifolia and pasak bumi. Geographically, it has a fairly wide distribution in South-east Asia which covers South Myanmar, Philippines, India, China, Sumatra, Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo. Tongkat Ali extract is obtained from the roots of the tongkat ali plant which is ten meters in height and has very few branches. The tongkat ali extract has been traditionally used as an aphrodisiac and as an ailment for disorders and in modern times has found its way into health supplements and also as a food additive in functional food and beverages. Tongkat ali extract has been used to treat diseases such as intestinal worms, dysentery, jaundice, diarrhea, etc. but majorly used as an aphrodisiac. Apart from these diseases, tongkat ali extract is also used to boost blood circulation and reduce obesity. Increasing number of research articles are being published to support the health claims of the tongkat ali extract and with consumers turning their focus on traditional and natural products, herbal supplements manufacturers are digging out and commercializing newer varieties of traditional herbs such as tongkat ali extract to cater to this consumer demand.According to the Forest Research Institute Malaysia, the demand for tongkat ali extract has outpaced the supply of the raw material and the situation becoming tragic, needs immediate attention. Tongkat ali extract which has been very popularly consumed by the Malaysian men since the days of old has met with extensive unplanned harvesting. To sustain the demand, there is an exceeding need for bigger players to take up the tongkat ali extract business which may help to stabilize the tongkat ali extract market. Owing to the shortage, the price of the tongkat ali extract is also expected to shoot up. In Malaysia, measures are being taken up to cultivate tongkat ali plant from hairy root culture which may enable harvesters to supplement the demand for the tongkat ali extract in the market. On the other hand, due to a diversification of the food processing industry, the export base of the South East Asian countries has expanded and has boosted a concomitant growth of the tongkat ali extract market along with the growth of the traditional herbs market. At present, about 70% of the global population is dependent on traditional medicines. Also, the government has been taking up various steps to expand the production facilities of tongkat ali extract. The trade of agricultural, herbaceous and non-forestry commodities form the backbone of the economies for these developing nations and hence, rigorous focus to promote the development of the tongkat ali extract can be expected over the forecast period, which also remains a major driver for the growth of the tongkat ali extract market.Request Full Report with TOC:Global Tongkat Ali Extract Market: Key PlayersThe major players of the tongkat ali extract manufacturers are found in the APAC region, especially in China and Malaysia. The Malaysian companies usually export the tongkat ali extract to the U.S., Europe and Japan, product is packaged and sent for further processing. Some of the manufacturers of the tongkat ali extract include LJack (M) Sdn Bhd, Nutragreenlife Biotechnology Co.,Ltd, Nutra Green Biotechnology Co.,Ltd., FZBIOTECH,Beton Nutrition Corporation,Tianjin Liesi International Trading Co.,Ltd and RD Health Ingredients amongst others.Global Tongkat Ali Extract Market: Key TakeawaysIn 2016, the company Bio Desaru Sdn Bhd, which is a producer of many agrofood products, recorded a significant produce of 40 MT of the plant tongkat ali and also recorded a rise in foreign and local investments of about US$ 300 Mn which involved 29 of its projects. The core focus of the organization is to extensively market the herbal plants application in the modern bio-based technology.Opportunities for Tongkat Ali Extract Market ParticipantsEven though the tongkat ali extract market has witnessed great demand from the end use consumers, giant manufacturers in the health supplement industry have not really been stressing this demand, and hence, a need to promote the health benefits of the tongkat ali extract which are supported by the scientific consensus on a global platform is evident. Active participation of key manufacturers in social events organized for the key players of the herbal extracts industry will also enable other market players to expand their knowledge base regarding tongkat ali extract, allowing them to turn focus on the market development of tongkat ali extract. Apart from being a highly fragmented market, tongkat ali extract is known by various other commercial names in other countries, such as longjack in U.S., which creates confusion amongst the consumers and the market players to adopt right product development strategies due to lack of adequate information about the ingredients used in the products, which has hindered the growth of the tongkat ali market. Hence, a unification of all market players is essential to take further strategic decisions and expand the market presence of the tongkat ali extract market.Brief Approach to ResearchFMI will follow a modelling-based approach and triangulation methodology to estimate data covered in this report. A detailed market understanding and assessment of the applications, types, forms and end uses of the product segments covered in the study is followed by carrying out a demand-side approach to estimate the sales of target product segments, which is then cross-referenced with a supply-side assessment of value generated over a pre-defined period. The statistics and data is collected at a regional level, consolidated and synthesized at a global level to estimate the overall market sizes.Ask Industry Expert about this Report About FactMRFactMR is a fast-growing market research firm that offers the most comprehensive suite of syndicated and customized market insights reports. We believe transformative intelligence can educate and inspire businesses to make smarter decisions. We know the limitations of the one-size-fits-all approach; that's why we publish multi-industry global, regional, and country-specific research reports.Contact UsFactMR11140 Rockville PikeSuite 400Rockville, MD 20852United StatesEmail: sales@factmr.comWeb:Blog:Read Industry News at - Mobility on Demand Market Revenue Analysis | CAGR of 18% to be Achieved by Worldwide Major Vendors, Recent Trends and Forecast till 2023 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/3271 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/mobility-demand-market-3271 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/press-release/mobility-on-demand-market Mobility on Demand Market, By Service (E-hailing), By Vehicle Type (Micro Mobility Vehicles), By Data Service (Information, Payment, Others), By Vehicle Connectivity (Vehicle to Infrastructure, Vehicle to Vehicle) - Global Forecast 2023Key Players:The leading players that are profiled by MRFR in the report on the global mobility demand market are Uber Technologies Inc. (U.S.), Delphi Automotive Plc (U.K.), Denso Corporation (Japan), Intel Corporation (U.S.), Tomtom NV (Netherlands), Robert Bosch Gmbh (Germany), International Business Machines Corp. (U.S.), Didi Chuxing (China), Gett, Inc. (U.S.), Lyft (U.S.), and others.Get Sample Report @Market Overview:Rapid urbanization and expansion of metropolitans have increased the intracity travel distance. The high cost of vehicles and increasing traffic issues have created emergence for shared transport. Mobility on demand services offer easy access to shared or personal transport vehicles at affordable prices. As per Market Research Future's (MRFR) published report, the global mobility on demand market is registered to expand remarkably at a robust CAGR of 18% during the forecast period of 2017-2023 and is estimated to reach the valuation of USD 186 Bn by the end of 2023.Market Drivers and Restraints:Technological advancements and emerging IoT trend along with the increasing penetration of smartphones are majorly driving the growth of the global mobility on demand market. Growing popularity of car sharing services, increasing fuel prices and government initiatives for improving transportation with intelligent mobility solutions are some other factors that are propelling the growth of the global mobility on demand market.Growing adoption of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in shared transportation services, reduction in travel cost and real-time availability of services are accelerating the growth of the global mobility on demand market. However, inadequate transportation infrastructure, lack of awareness regarding shared transport services and low penetration of advanced technology in the underdeveloped regions are likely to impact negatively on the growth of the global mobility on demand market during the forecast period of 2017-2023.Study Objectives of Mobility on Demand Market: To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast of the various segments and sub-segments of the mobility on demand market. To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth. To analyze the mobility on demand market based porters five force analysis etc. To provide historical and forecast revenue of the market segments and sub-segments with respect to four main geographies and their countries- North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of the World (ROW). To provide country level analysis of the market with respect to the current market size and future prospective. To provide country level analysis of the market for segment on the basis of service, vehicle type, data service, internet connectivity and vehicle connectivity. To provide strategic profiling of key players in the market, comprehensively analyzing their core competencies, and drawing a competitive landscape for the market. To track and analyze competitive developments such as joint ventures, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, new product developments, and research and developments in the mobility on demand market.Get Report Details @Regional Analysis:Geographically, the global mobility on demand market is segmented into Asia Pacific, North America, Europe and the rest of the world. The North America region is anticipated to project fastest growth in the global mobility on demand market owing to the proliferation in use of smartphones, growing urban population and easy adoption of advanced technology in this region. The Asia Pacific region holds the largest share in the global mobility on demand market owing to the increasing demand for better transportation services, rise in disposable income and increasing adoption of e-hailing services in the developing economies of this region.Market Segmentation:The global Mobility on Demand Market has been segmented on the basis of service, vehicle type, data service, internet connectivity and vehicle connectivity. Based on service, the mobility on demand market has been segmented into e-hailing, car sharing, car rental and station-based mobility. Based on vehicle type, the mobility on demand market has been segmented into four-wheelers and micro mobility vehicles.Based on data service, the mobility on demand market has been segmented into navigation, information, payment and others. Based on internet connectivity, the mobility on demand market has been segmented into 3G, 4G, 5G and Wi-Fi. Based on vehicle connectivity, the mobility on demand market has been segmented into vehicle to vehicle (V2V), vehicle to infrastructure (V2I), vehicle to pedestrian (V2P) and vehicle to network (V2N).Industry Updates:In September 2018, Hyundai CRADLE, Hyundai motor company's corporate venturing and open innovation business, has invested in Migo, a Seattle-based leading mobility-as-a-service company that has developed an on-demand ride discovery application. This investment is a part of the expansion plan of Hyundai's existing portfolio of mobility and technology partners.In August 2018, Audi has announced the expansion of its flexible mobility service in Europe following on from Asia. Audi on demand has arrived in the U.K., with its locations in Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh. By the end of the year, it has planned to extend the concept to other locations in the U.K.Intended Audience Investors and consultants System Integrators Research/Consultancy firms Technology solution providers IT Solution Providers Original Equipment ManufacturersTABLE OF CONTENTS1 MARKET INTRODUCTION1.1 INTRODUCTION1.2 SCOPE OF STUDY1.2.1 RESEARCH OBJECTIVE1.2.2 ASSUMPTIONS1.2.3 LIMITATIONS1.3 MARKET STRUCTURE2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY2.1 RESEARCH TYPE2.2 PRIMARY RESEARCH2.3 SECONDARY RESEARCH2.4 FORECAST MODEL2.4.1 MARKET DATA COLLECTION, ANALYSIS & FORECAST2.4.2 MARKET SIZE ESTIMATION3 MARKET DYNAMICSContinued.Get More Information @LIST OF TABLESTABLE 1 MOBILITY ON DEMAND MARKET, BY SERVICE,TABLE 2 MOBILITY ON DEMAND MARKET, BY VEHICLE TYPETABLE 3 MOBILITY ON DEMAND MARKET, BY DATA SERVICETABLE 4 MOBILITY ON DEMAND MARKET, BY INTERNET CONNECTIVITYTABLE 5 MOBILITY ON DEMAND MARKET, BY VEHICLE CONNECTIVITYContinued..LIST OF FIGURESFIGURE 1 RESEARCH TYPEFIGURE 2 MOBILITY ON DEMAND MARKET: BY SERVICE (%)FIGURE 3 MOBILITY ON DEMAND MARKET: BY VEHICLE TYPE (%)FIGURE 4 MOBILITY ON DEMAND MARKET: BY DATA SERVICE (%)FIGURE 5 MOBILITY ON DEMAND MARKET: BY INTERNET CONNECTIVITY (%)Continued..About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by Components, Application, Logistics and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.In order to stay updated with technology and work process of the industry, MRFR often plans & conducts meet with the industry experts and industrial visits for its research analyst membersContact:Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Hybrid Devices Market 2018-2023 Size, Share, Trends & Top Key Players: ASUSTeK Computer Inc., Lenovo, HP Development Company, LG Corporation, Microsoft,Dell Inc.,Toshiba Corporation, Samsung Corporation, Acer Inc., Fujitsu Ltd Hybrid Devices Industry, Global Hybrid Devices Market, Hybrid Devices Market Size, Hybrid Devices Industry Growth https://www.marketstudyreport.com/request-a-sample/1302134 https://www.marketstudyreport.com/check-for-discount/1302134 https://www.marketstudyreport.com https://www.marketstudyreport.com/blog/ Market Study Report: The Report entitled 2018-2023 Global Hybrid Devices Market Report explores the essential factors of the Hybrid Devices market considering such as industry situations, market demands, market players adopted business strategies and their growth scenario. The Global Hybrid Devices market has been separated by this report based on the key players profiles, Type, Application and Regions.Request a sample of this premium report atHybrid Devices describe a mobile computing device that combines typical features of both a tablet and laptop in a single device.Hybrid devices are preferred over other devices majorly due to their functionalities such as lightweight nature and ease of use. Laptop tablet, hybrid models are creating greater opportunities for the industry globally.The worldwide market for Hybrid Devices is expected to grow at a CAGR of roughly xx% over the next five years, will reach xx million US$ in 2023, from xx million US$ in 2017, according to a new Market Research study Report.This report focuses on the Hybrid Devices in global market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application.Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Hybrid Devices Market, especially in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, types and applications.Hybrid Devices Market Segment by Top Manufacturers Including: ASUSTeK Computer Inc. Lenovo HP Development Company LG Corporation Microsoft Dell Inc. Toshiba Corporation Samsung Corporation Acer Inc. Fujitsu LtdHybrid Devices Market Segment by Regions, regional analysis covers:North America (United States, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)Market Segment by Type, covers Less Than 12 Inches 12 Inches To 15 Inches Greater Than 15 InchesMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided into: Personal Use Commercial OthersRequest a discount on standard prices of this premium report atThere are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Hybrid Devices market.Chapter 1, to describe Hybrid Devices Market Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Hybrid Devices, with sales, revenue, and price of Hybrid Devices, in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 3, to display the competitive situation among the top manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 4, to show the global market by regions, with sales, revenue and market share of Hybrid Devices, for each region, from 2013 to 2018;Chapter 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, to analyze the key regions, with sales, revenue and market share by key countries in these regions;Chapter 10 and 11, to show the market by type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2013 to 2018;Chapter 12, Hybrid Devices market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2018 to 2023;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Hybrid Devices sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data sourceAbout Us:Marketstudyreport.com allows you to manage and control all corporate research purchases to consolidate billing and vendor management. You can eliminate duplicate purchases and customize your content and license management.Contact Us:Market Study Report4 North Main Street,Selbyville, Delaware 19975USAPhone: 1-302-273-0910US Toll Free: 1-866-764-2150Email:sales@marketstudyreport.comWebsite:Blog: Don Ryan/The Associated Press Oregon Gov. Kate Brown (left) poses for photos with supporters after a rally last month in Portland. Oregon voters soundly rejected a measure that would have banned the use of public money to pay for abortion coverage. By Hillary Borrud and Ted Sickinger | The Oregonian/OregonLive Gov. Kate Brown didnt have to wait long to learn her fate on Tuesday night. Less than 20 minutes after the ballot deadline, the Democrat was the unequivocal winner of the hard-fought race against Republican Knute Buehler. The issues on which Brown took a clear position during the campaign such as climate change legislation and taxes to fund Medicaid might translate to a mandate going into the 2019 session. A new Democratic supermajority in both houses of the Legislature, meanwhile, positions her to achieve those goals. But Oregons blue wave is just as likely to have been a rejection of the politics of Washington D.C. and President Donald Trump specifically as it was an endorsement of Brown. And when it comes to the big fiscal questions facing the Legislature, namely tax policy and any accompanying efforts to rein in costs of the states severely underfunded pension system, Brown was so careful, and her positions so muddled, that its not clear whether voters were empowering her to seek big changes. Don't Edit Evan Vucci/The Associated Press President Donald Trump speaks Wednesday, Nov. 7, during a White House news conference. Brown refused to say during the campaign how she would pay for public education improvements likely to cost more than $500 million. And she declined to take a position on specific business tax policies when asked directly about them. In fact, in August that it wasnt clear the state would need to raise taxes to pay for her education proposals. The governor amended that position in an interview printed Wednesday, , We have to have more revenue on the table. While Buehler made reducing the cost of the Public Employees Retirement System a cornerstone of his campaign, Brown declined to take a firm position beyond saying she wasnt interested in cutting employees compensation. on Wednesday that lawmakers would move forward with a multibillion-dollar tax plan to fund schools next year. He said it would be a value-added tax or a gross receipts tax, the second of which voters rejected in 2016 when they shot down Measure 97, which would have raised more than $3 billion a year. But have voters changed their minds on that front? They did reject two ballot initiatives Tuesday that would have restricted the Legislatures ability to raise revenue: Measure 103, which would have banned future taxes on groceries and soda, and Measure 104 which would have required a three-fifths supermajority for the Legislature to trim tax breaks or raise fees. Many interpret that as a rebuke to the business community, which may have overreached after it succeeded in defeating Measure 97. Don't Edit Beth Nakamura/The Oregonian/OregonLive A student uses a checklist during college-readiness class at Rex Putnam High School in Milwaukie. That may not translate to broad support for a big tax increase. Though a Democratic supermajority might make it easier to muster the votes, lawmakers are mindful that such a plan could find its way back to the ballot box. Sandra McDonough, chief executive of the states largest business group, Oregon Business & Industry, said that if Brown and lawmakers are looking to solve the states fiscal problems, its still crucial to seek a bipartisan solution and have all parties at the table. Electoral politics are cyclical, she said, swinging one way then swinging back. But when it comes to tax policy, she said, you dont want these things to swing back. Jody Wiser, a registered lobbyist with the watchdog group Tax Fairness Oregon, said Brown voters understand that her education proposals which include shrinking class sizes and lengthening the school year will require higher taxes to cover their costs Don't Edit Mohd Rasfan/AFP/Getty Images I think there is a mandate for her on revenue, Wiser said. This is a normal shift that happens. You talk about what you want to do, and then you talk about how youre going to do it. Tim Nesbitt, a former union official who is now a policy consultant, says Brown and Democratic lawmakers may be able to slide through the 2019 session with another patch and pray budget, relying on increased revenues generated by the booming economy. He says the legislative agenda is already crowded with Medicaid funding, climate legislation and campaign finance reform. What really shapes the situation is that the economy continues to be strong and revenues continue to grow, he said. The path of least resistance is to cover the increased costs and hope things get better. The fact that Democrats got more seats makes that more likely. Health care access and affordability were priorities for Democratic voters nationwide. One tax plan Brown likes to say shes worked on is the combination of hospital and insurance taxes Oregon uses to fund Medicaid. The state needs to extend or replace those taxes to balance the next two-year budget. Don't Edit Melanie Conner/Getty Images Photovoltaic solar panels are mounted on the west wing roof of the Oregon Capitol in Salem. Though the environment doesnt typically rank that high among voters priorities, Oregon may be an outlier. In utility surveys, customers consistently say they want more renewable energy and less coal-fired power. On the campaign trail, it was a big differentiator between Brown and Buehler. Brown has consistently supported measures to rein in greenhouse gas emissions, including the states clean fuels program; the transportation package passed last year; and legislation to increase renewable energy mandates and ban coal-fired power. During the campaign, Brown said she fully expected the Legislature to pass some version of carbon cap and invest legislation in 2019, after debating the policy the past several sessions and creating an interim workgroup to nail down the details of the plan. Backers of the policy are ready to hold Brown to her word. "Gov. Brown has promised to pass the Clean Energy Jobs bill to cap pollution and invest in solutions next year," Tera Hurst, executive director of Renew Oregon, said in a news release after the election. The tax-exempt coalition comprises organizations and businesses that have been pushing related policies for years. Brown also pledged to head off any attempt to reduce public employee compensation, which could include attempts to reduce their pension benefits. One of the governors leitmotifs throughout the campaign, and a mantra she repeated in some form in every debate, was that she is not interested in cutting firefighters or teachers pay. Don't Edit Don't Edit Teachers are hard-working people, they give the best years of their lives to our kids, Brown told The Oregonian/OregonLive earlier this year. Of firefighters, whom she credited with saving 7,000 buildings this fire season, Brown said shes not interested in cutting firefighter retirements or salaries right now. The state plans to release a study in December comparing the total pay and benefits of public employees in Oregon to counterparts in other states and the private sector. That study, Brown says, will inform her position on pension reform bills or changes to medical benefits next session. Unions, which were some of Browns biggest campaign backers, believe voters clearly signaled their policy preferences on Tuesday. The Service Employees International Union Local 503 and Local 49 issued a news release congratulating Brown on her reelection and reminding her that members had knocked on more than 85,000 doors, made 11,000 phone calls, and sent 70,000 texts to help get out the vote. Governor Brown stood up for teachers, firefighters and public employees by refusing to accept cuts to their pay and retirement, the organization said. This, plus the election of strong pro-worker majorities in the House and Senate, paves the way for finally funding services at a level Oregonians expect...in 2019. Don't Edit Jamie Squire/Getty Images Phil Knight, co-founder and chairman emeritus of Nike, attends an Oregon Ducks basketball game in 2017. On guns, Brown has said she plans to ask legislators to ban bump stocks and prohibit the sale of assault weapons to anyone younger than 21. She also plans to ask them to close the "Charleston loophole," which allows a gun sale to go through if a background check is not completed within three days. Finally, Brown pledged during the final weeks of the campaign to pursue limits on political contributions, pointing to the that Nike co-founder Phil Knight dumped into Buehlers campaign. Past proposals have run into opposition from both political parties and although Brown raised the idea as recently as June 2015, it went nowhere. Don't Edit -- Hillary Borrud hborrud@oregonian.com 503-294-4034; @hborrud -Ted Sickinger 503-221-8505; @tedsickinger Portland's main psychiatric center is in the clear from federal and state scrutiny as of this week. The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services notified Unity Center for Behavioral Health on Wednesday night that it had made all the necessary improvements after nearly a year of oversight for severe and persistent safety problems. The Oregon Health Authority, on behalf of the federal government, had issued two damning reports with findings that included at least two preventable patient deaths and patient-on-patient sexual assaults. Other issues included patients harming themselves and escaping the center. One patient died from suicide and the other died after medical orders were delayed, the reports said. Both were preventable with better monitoring and documentation, according to investigators. Unity had been on track to lose its federal certification that allows its operator, Legacy Health, to receive reimbursements from Medicare and Medicaid. Oregon Health Authority officials gave Legacy an extra seven weeks to make improvements when it appeared Unity wouldn't meet a Sept. 11 deadline. On Nov. 1, the day after the second deadline, Oregon Health Authority issued a recommendation that Unity be cleared of its investigation. Both state investigators and the Joint Commission, which accredits hospitals nationally, visited Unity in October and signed off on all of Unity's changes, including better security surveillance, enhanced safety protocols, better tracking of medication and hiring more staff. Still, Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industry complaints and lawsuits remain from staff members who said they were mistreated for reporting problems. Unity opened in early 2017 in Northeast Portland as the city's response to consolidate psychiatric care for people experiencing mental health crises. The center, funded by Legacy Health, Oregon Health & Science University, Adventist Health and Kaiser Permanente, features a unique model with a psychiatric crisis emergency room that was supposed to be more humane and compassionate than hospital ERs. The facility also has inpatient services -- the most mental health beds in the area. Trent Green, Unity president, said he and his staff are now focused on rebuilding staff at Unity. One inpatient unit was closed to redistribute staff while the center tried to fix its issues. Green said he wants to reopen that unit by early 2019. The center struggled to retain nurses and occasionally had to close certain parts of its operation temporarily when the staffing numbers dipped low. State investigators also pointed to outnumbered and overworked staff as one reason there were so many safety problems at the center. Green said Legacy has hired 14 nurses, four behavioral health specialists, a new pharmacy manager who will start soon at Unity. It plans to hire another 53 positions. Those include 20 full-time nurses, 20 part-time nurses and seven on-call positions. Unity officials reformed the center's medication practices during the investigation. State agents had noted a patient was given the wrong medication and overdosed. Now, Unity nurses dispense medication with a system that requires both the medication and the patient to be scanned for a barcode first. Green said since then, of all six Legacy facilities in the state that use this system, Unity uses it most often. "We've learned a lot through this process and are absolutely better for it," Green said. Legacy Health started the website unityfacts.org to give information about the investigation and the center during the investigation. Green said it will continue to be updated for the time being in an effort to try to rebuild trust in the Portland community. -- Molly Harbarger mharbarger@oregonian.com 503-294-5923 @MollyHarbarger In a lonely Election Night tweet, hours before the polls closed in the West, President Donald Trump spit into the wind: "Tremendous success tonight. Thank you to all!" Given how the evening unfolded, the Resistance taking control of the U.S. House and the sum of Oregon politics, it was fair to ask how the president defines success. Better yet, how will Oregon Democrats? For the state's progressives, the midterms were the stuff of dreams. A robust majority of voters championed Oregon's sanctuary law - over the pitiful objections of Knute Buehler and 16 county sheriffs - and ash-canned another attempt to limit the access of the poor to reproductive health services. They elected Jo Ann Hardesty to Portland's City Council in a dazzling rebuke of both Loretta Smith and Mayor Ted Wheeler's oversight of the Portland Police. They recognized the disingenuous soda jerks behind the grocery-tax initiative. They seized the bold opportunity of the clean-energy fund. They entrusted Democrats with a super majority in both wings of the state Capitol. And they rallied, quite dramatically, behind Gov. Kate Brown. Buehler is the smartest moderate to earn the GOP gubernatorial nomination in decades, but he is still a Republican in a state that can't abide Donald Trump. Even moderates are taking to the street, says Sarah Iannarone, the associate director, and sustainable urban planning champion, at First Stop Portland: "We want someone to push back against the hatred, malice and dog whistles coming out of the White House and the GOP." Brown didn't present much in the way of record or vision in her campaign, and didn't need to. She still beat Buehler by 83,000 votes, more than enough in any state where Georgia's Brian Kemp isn't available for voter suppression. Credit labor, strategist Kevin Looper and "the Democratic machine," City Commissioner Nick Fish says. "Polling doesn't matter much any more. Conventional wisdom doesn't matter much anyone. It's getting your votes out. We saw that to painful result in Georgia and Florida." And devastating impact in Oregon. Turnout was formidable and fierce. Metro's $652 million housing bond passed in Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas Counties. The Clean Energy Fund vote was both a rout and a rousing victory for a grassroots coalition of environmentalists, the building trades, and the city's disadvantaged communities. So, what follows? In her victory speech, Brown proclaimed, "This election shows that when Oregonians are given an opportunity to invest in our classrooms, to build affordable housing, and to protect health care, it's not even a close call. It's a slam dunk." Point taken. What, then, is to be done with this midterm mandate? What is now possible in Oregon while Trump and the GOP remain preoccupied with caravans, doctored videos and the Mueller investigation? Well ... Just to the north, Washington State's carbon fee initiative went down in flames, thanks to a $31-million campaign by the Western States Petroleum Association. Can Oregon finally take the lead on that environmental score and boldly move to monetize and cap greenhouse-gas emissions? Preemption has long limited what the city of Portland can attempt when it comes to cigarette and alcohol taxes, gun control, and real-estate transfer taxes. Do Democrats finally have the votes in the Legislature to roll back those preemptions, allowing Mayor What's-His-Name and the City Council to govern in ways beyond the imagination of conservative legislators in Medford and La Grande? Back east, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., has crafted the American Housing and Economic Mobility Act. It's an audacious piece of legislation that, The Atlantic says, would use the estate tax, homeowner grants, and zoning changes to revamp the urban housing landscape. If Warren's bill has no hope of passing the Republican-controlled Senate, might the idea take root in Oregon? And, finally, the state of California is funding massive upgrades in transportation and infrastructure, and operating with a budget surplus, because it voted to raise the income tax and impose surcharges on its wealthiest citizens. Et tu, Kate? Consider it payback to Phil Knight, guv'nah. He may have donated those millions to Knute because he saw this coming. Is such innovation possible in Oregon, with the climate, the homeless, and the next high-school graduating class still at risk? Are any Republicans willing to bind their wounds and join the battle? I only know this: Caution? Restraint? Stalemate? Same old same old? That's not what the electorate, 1.87 million strong, voted for. In 2018, that's not how Oregonians define sanctuary or success. -- Steve Duin stephen.b.duin@gmail.com By Billy J. Williams Although there are many faces of the opioid crisis, one that stands out for me is a cattle auctioneer who worked in Oregon, Washington and Idaho from the 1960s through the 1980s. He suffered a back injury that led to several surgeries. The pain from that injury persisted, and he was repeatedly prescribed powerful painkillers. His family knew he had a problem. They tried to convince him to seek help. He refused. He was an adult, so what can you do? His family felt powerless. In many ways, he was unreachable because the painkillers isolated him. Pain meds played an outsized role in who he was. He never could accept that something his doctor would give him could also be hurting him. He passed away in 2012 after nearly five decades of addiction. That cattle auctioneer was my father. It's taken me years to be comfortable talking publicly about his life and struggle with opioids. His actions had a profound effect on my family. I am one of the millions of Americans whose life has been directly impacted by the opioid addiction crisis. It's heartbreaking to recite the latest statistics: 115 Americans die every day from opioid overdoses. Sixty-six percent of the more than 63,000 overdose deaths in 2016 were opioid related. And, since 2011, annual overdose deaths have exceeded deaths from firearms, car crashes, suicides and homicides. In Oregon, the use of prescription medications continues to grow dramatically. Nearly half of prescriptions filled at retail pharmacies in 2017 were for opioids. Unsurprisingly, the state has one of the highest rates of prescription opioid misuse in the country and averages three deaths every week from prescription opioid overdose. All of these statistics and many others continue on a shocking upward trajectory. The numbers are overwhelming. They are also a call to action. The Justice Department has answered that call. All 94 U.S. Attorney's Offices have an opioid action plan with strategies specific to their districts. Recently, the department assigned more than 300 prosecutors to focus solely on opioids, and it hired more than 400 new Drug Enforcement Administration officers. Nearly $320 million in grants have been issued to support prevention, treatment and enforcement efforts at all levels of government. In Oregon, our opioid working group coordinates and balances our law enforcement and outreach efforts. We have two equally important goals: First, to reduce the supply of opioids in Oregon and second, to prevent overdose deaths and reduce the stigma surrounding addiction. We've had some success, but recognize a lot of work remains. Since May 2018, our enforcement efforts have netted 19 arrests, 17 guilty pleas and nine criminal sentencings related to opioid trafficking. As a result of the investigations, we've seized 158 pounds of heroin, 600 grams of oxycodone, and half a pound of fentanyl. Combined, that's roughly 3 million individual doses. Just this week, in a joint operation involving law enforcement and treatment providers, we went door-to-door to talk with people in our community who have purchased opioids on the dark web. We provided those buyers with information about addiction support services, recognizing that many dark web buyers are not drug traffickers, but rather addicts themselves. This operation was one of the country's first to marry law enforcement and public health goals. But the opioid crisis cannot be solved through government action alone. Every person and organization in our community plays an important role. Talk with your friends and loved ones, reducing the stigma around addiction by breaking the silence. Recognize that individuals are not defined by their addiction and must be treated with dignity. Seeking treatment for an addiction must be viewed like any other vital medical issue. On the eve of Veteran's Day, it is also imperative that we recognize the epidemic's dire impact on men and women who have served and continue to serve our country. Severe pain is 40 percent more common in veterans compared to non-veterans, and veterans are twice as likely to die from an opioid overdose. Our veterans need our help and support. The opioid epidemic is a shared crisis and we all are responsible for finding solutions. Working together toward a safer, healthier future is our moral imperative and patriotic duty. -- Billy J. Williams is the United States Attorney for the District of Oregon. Share your opinion Submit your essay of 800 words or less on a highly topical issue or a theme of particular relevance to the Pacific Northwest, Oregon and the Portland area to commentary@oregonian.com. Please include your email and phone number for verification. Police now say a woman found dead this week in Marion County was strangled to death. Her estranged husband, who was found dead two days later of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, remains the "primary person of interest" in her murder. Tricia Carver In a release sent out Thursday, police said that the body of a woman was discovered Monday morning in a field near St. Paul. Later that day, Tricia Lynn Carver, 47, of Albany was reported missing. On Monday evening, Carver's vehicle was found in the parking lot of a restaurant in Woodburn, roughly seven miles from where the body was discovered. On Tuesday, police identified the woman found in St. Paul as Carver. On Wednesday evening, the Marion County Sheriff's Office and the Inter-Agency Washington County Tactical Negotiations Team and Crisis Negotiation Unit executed a search warrant on the home of Carver's estranged husband, Lemarr Carver, 42. Carver was found dead inside the home, killed by what police believe is a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He is the primary person of interest in Tricia Carver's death. Lemarr Carver was a criminal defense attorney in Beaverton. Court records show he worked frequently as a court-appointed lawyer in Tillamook, Marion and other Oregon counties. -- Lizzy Acker 503-221-8052 lacker@oregonian.com, @lizzzyacker Gov. Kate Brown and Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum have filed suit against President Trump in an attempt to void two federal laws requiring states to aid immigration authorities. The suit, filed Friday in federal court in Eugene, claims those laws violate the 10th Amendment, which separates state and federal powers, by demanding states enforce federal immigration regulations. "State and local law enforcement agencies are not required to expend their limited resources on enforcing immigration policies that are a federal responsibility," the suit says. Because it is a sanctuary state, Oregon police officers, sheriff's deputies and state troopers are banned by law from helping U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents if a suspect's only offense is residing in the country illegally. In practice, that means local police don't help ICE agents with deportation raids. And suspects pegged by ICE for deportation may be released from jail without prior warning or ICE requests to keep defendants in custody may not be honored. Sanctuary jurisdictions have long been a focus of Trump's ire. And several members of his Cabinet and administration have said those municipalities should be ineligible for federal grants or their elected leaders should face arrest. In their suit, Brown and Rosenblum claim Trump's Justice Department has "targeted" Oregon for denial of federal grants that assist state and local law enforcement agencies because it is a sanctuary state. Oregon has received millions of dollars of the grants every year the program has existed, except in 2017 and 2018 -- when the Trump Administration added new conditions for the funding, namely states' cooperation with federal immigration agents. Oregon's suit claims those conditions are illegal because they were put in place without approval from Congress. The state claims it has lost $4 million in grants it is entitled to because of them. "The Trump Administration's attempts to withhold public safety dollars from our state is unjust, dangerous and unconstitutional," Brown said in a statement. In its suit the state is asking a federal judge to declare the laws in question unconstitutional and order the Justice Department to give Oregon the grant money it says it is owed. Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler is expected to seek permission from the City Council to join the lawsuit, spokeswoman Eileen Park said Friday. Wheeler leads a sanctuary city and has drawn personal rebukes from Trump because of his politics on immigration. Brown and Rosenblum's suit comes just three days after Oregon voters overwhelmingly rejected Measure 105, which would have repealed the state sanctuary law. In that same election Brown decisively beat Republican Knute Buehler, who supported repeal of the sanctuary status. -- Gordon R. Friedman Close to a thousand people gathered at Tom McCall Waterfront Park in downtown Portland on Thursday to protest President Donald Trump's appointment of an acting attorney general who is feared to threaten a special counsel investigation into alleged ties between the Trump campaign and Russia. The protest in Portland and others organized in Lake Oswego, Salem and Ashland were among dozens held around the country and organized by political group MoveOn. The demonstrations came a day after the appointment of acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker in the wake of Jeff Sessions' firing. Protesters believe Whitaker should recuse himself from overseeing the investigation of special counsel Robert Mueller, as Sessions did. In Portland, demonstrators of all ages displayed signs in favor of Mueller and the investigation continuing, as well as anti-Trump messages. Many lined both sides of Southwest Naito Parkway near the Burnside Bridge while holding their signs, spurring honks of approval by passing motorists. Portlanders gather for #NobodyIsAboveTheLaw protest 31 Gallery: Portlanders gather for #NobodyIsAboveTheLaw protest The words "Democracy not Dictatorship" and later "Impeach" were projected in orange on the Portland Fire & Rescue station across the street from the park. A projection on another nearby building read "Nobody is Above The Law." The crowd chanted, "This is what democracy looks like," listened to a rendition of Rachel Platten's "Fight Song" and said a prayer for Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who was hospitalized Thursday after fracturing three ribs in a fall. Members of Indivisible Oregon, a volunteer grassroots group that helped organize the Portland event, urged the crowd to contact members of Congress every day until Whitaker recuses himself and legislation is passed that protects Mueller's investigation. Oregon's Sen. Ron Wyden, along with representatives of fellow Democrats Sen. Jeff Merkley and Rep. Earl Blumenauer, was among several people who spoke to the crowd. Wyden said he wouldn't allow the investigation to be "swept under the rug." "With your passion and your energy, I know the Constitution and the rule of law will still prevail in America," he said to the crowd. The protest lasted about an hour. Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum announced earlier Thursday she was one of 18 state attorneys general asking Whitaker in a letter to recuse himself from overseeing the Mueller investigation. "You must be aware that your public comments criticizing Mr. Mueller's investigation have been widely circulated," the letter said. "At various opportunities in print, on television, and through social media you have suggested cutting the Special Counsel's budget or limiting his authority to follow lines of inquiry." The recusal is important to "maintain public trust in the integrity of the investigation," the letter said, and that Mueller should have full authority to investigate and prosecute any crimes, if necessary. Whitaker hasn't announced publicly if he will or won't recuse himself. -- Everton Bailey Jr. ebailey@oregonian.com 503-221-8343; @EvertonBailey Portland police on Thursday identified a 59-year-old man as the person found dead near Interstate 84 on Friday. The Oregon State Medical Examiner's Office still hasn't determined how Christopher A. Tompkins died, police said. Investigators don't believe there is any immediate danger to the public related to Tompkins' death. Someone called 911 around 3:50 p.m. Friday from the 6800 block of Northeast Broadway Street after discovering Tompkins, police said. The circumstances made investigators initially suspect the death may be suspicious. Police ask that anyone with knowledge about this person's death is asked to contact Detective Erik Kammerer at 503-823-0762, Erik.Kammerer@portlandoregon.gov, or Detective Brad Clifton at 503-823-0696, Brad.Clifton@portlandoregon.gov. Everton Bailey Jr. The Portland City Council heard testimony Thursday on an ordinance that would give Mayor Ted Wheeler vast new powers to regulate protests, an idea that dozens of residents told city officials is wrongheaded. Wheeler said frequent protests that predictably erupt into brawling fistfights between demonstrators have driven him and Police Chief Danielle Outlaw to seek the new restrictions. Those protests are bad for Portland's brand and affect business and tourism, the mayor said. Moreover, he said they are dangerous for attendees and police officers who attempt to keep the peace. "I have watched with increasing dismay what's unfolding on our streets," Wheeler said, calling his proposal a way to "provide one more tool along with enforcing existing laws." If enacted, it would allow him to dictate, for example, where and when certain groups could rally. Outlaw said her Police Bureau has had no choice but to react to violence at demonstrations after the fact, rather than to prevent it. "The community is fed up," she added. It's unclear if Wheeler and Outlaw have enough support from council members to enact the proposal, and the mayor and city commissioners did not vote on it Thursday. Commissioners Amanda Fritz and Chloe Eudaly have said they will vote no, while Commissioner Dan Saltzman has said he will vote yes. Commissioner Nick Fish, the swing vote, has said he is undecided and did not indicate his stance Thursday. If adopted, the new limits would allow Wheeler, who is the police commissioner, to set the conditions for public gatherings. He could do so only if three conditions are met: If a group that wants to protest has a history of violence, the safety of participants or bystanders is at risk and there is a substantial probability of violence at the event. That kind of regulation may not pass constitutional muster, two law professors who are free expression scholars told The Oregonian/OregonLive after reviewing the text of Wheeler's proposal. Kimberly McCullough, policy director of the American Civil Liberties Union office in Oregon, told the council her organization believes the ordinance is vague, does too much to limit free speech and vests unnecessary power in the mayor. "With these kinds of regulations, the devil is in the details, and the details are incredibly problematic here," McCullough said. Wheeler has said he believes the proposal is legal, but acknowledged it would all but certainly be challenged in court. Almost no one spoke in favor of the mayor's proposal except Andrew Hoan, the Portland chamber of commerce president, and state Rep. Janelle Bynum, a Democrat who represents parts of east Portland. Instead, dozens of residents, each afforded two-minute slots to testify, delivered critiques of city police officers' behavior at protests as the chief and her deputies sat feet away. They accused police leaders of bias in favor of right-wing groups and using unnecessary force against peaceful demonstrators. Instead of creating new regulations, the police should enforce existing laws intended to stop bad actors, they said. Eudaly sided with those speakers, and peppered Outlaw and her top advisors, Deputy Chief Bob Day and Assistant Chief Ryan Lee, with question after question about their officers' conduct during protests. The officers mostly did not answer Eudaly, citing pending lawsuits, audits and internal reviews against their Police Bureau. -- Gordon R. Friedman Updated Friday Nov. 9 A Portland man was indicted this week on suspicion of sexually assaulting and injuring a woman last year at his woodworking business. Alexander T. Anderson, 37, is accused of taking the woman from one place to another after she arrived in late March 2017 to the Northeast Portland business, confining her to a space there, choking her and breaking her nose in the midst of forcing her to perform sex acts, Multnomah County prosecutors allege. The woman and Anderson didn't know each other. Anderson was indicted Wednesday on charges of first-degree sexual abuse, first-degree sodomy, first-degree kidnapping, fourth-degree assault, coercion and strangulation. He was arrested the same day and pleaded not guilty in county circuit court Thursday. The woman reported the attack to Portland police the same month it occurred, according to the county district attorney's office. A Portland Police Bureau detective supervisor partly attributed the delay to when the incident was reported and when charges were filed to Oregon State Police forensic testing taking one year to complete. "Sexual assault investigations differ from most felony cases because of the imperative and often required need of the sexual assault kit testing before an indictment or direct presenting to the District Attorney's office," the supervisor said in a statement Friday. In this case, according to the supervisor, investigators identified a suspect after receiving the results of the woman's sexual assault kit, then a second round of testing was required through a search warrant affidavit to confirm the DNA results. -- Everton Bailey Jr. ebailey@oregonian.com 503-221-8343; @EvertonBailey This article, Samsung's foldable phone is real and extends into a tablet, originally appeared on CNET.com. Samsung on Wednesday gave the first glimpse of its upcoming foldable phone, saying it'll be mass produced "in the coming months." Justin Denison, Samsung senior vice president of mobile marketing, showed off the phone, which is a tablet when it's fully opened and then a phone when it's closed. It uses a new display technology called Infinity Flex Display that lets you open and close the device over and over without any degradation. "The Infinity Flex Display represents an entirely new mobile platform," Denison said. "We've been living in a world where the size of your screen can only be as large as the device itself. We've added a new dimension to help you browse, watch and multitask like never before." More News Cuddlr joins ranks of Tinder, Grindr as platonic cuddling app for strangers The foldable phone can run up to three apps at the same time, something Samsung calls Multi Active Window. Google's Glen Murphy, head of Android UX, took the stage after Denison and said Android will support the new foldable display technology. Denison added that Samsung's also working on technology for rollable and stretchable displays. Samsung made the announcements at its fifth annual developers conference, taking place Wednesday and Thursday in San Francisco. The event, which started off small at a San Francisco hotel, in 2016 expanded to Moscone Center West, where Apple previously held its developer conference. Last year, 5,000 people attended SDC. Juan Garzon/CNET SDC reflects Samsung's big push to get developers to make software specifically for its devices. In the past, that's meant making apps that work on the edge of Samsung's curved smartphone displays or take advantage of its S Pen stylus. This year, that focus has turned to Bixby and artificial intelligence. Samsung has been chasing the holy grail of a foldable phone since it teased one at CES 2013 by showing off a flexible OLED display. The device comes at a tough time for the mobile market. Apple and Samsung handset sales are slowing down, and the global smartphone market is said to be in recession. Foldable phones could mark the next big innovation in mobile devices -- as long as they're not too gimmicky. Angela Lang/CNET D.J. Koh, CEO of Samsung's mobile business, told CNET in an October interview that you'll be able to use the device as a tablet with multitasking capability before being able to fold it up into a more portable phone. He once again stressed that the foldable phone wouldn't be a "gimmick product" that would "disappear after six to nine months after it's delivered." "When we deliver a foldable phone, it has to be really meaningful to our customers," Koh said last month. 5G is your next big upgrade: Everything you need to know about the 5G revolution. Taking It to Extremes: Mix insane situations -- erupting volcanoes, nuclear meltdowns, 30-foot waves -- with everyday tech. Here's what happens. The following list includes recent reports from the Midland County Sheriff's Office and the Midland Police Department. Compiled by reporter John Kennett. Wednesday, Nov. 7 9:21 a.m. -- A Lee Township couple reported that their mailbox was intentionally damaged. They have no suspect(s) but have encountered upset trespassers wandering on to their property that borders a county park. 10:40 a.m. -- A K9 school sweep was conducted in the 800 block of West Chapel Lane. 12:32 p.m. -- A deputy was dispatched to a Mills Township property in reference to a verbal dispute between a 75-year-old male property owner and a 66-year-old man. The 75-year-old man thought that the 66-year-old man was trespassing on his property. The 66-year-old man worked for Dow Chemical and was checking on the Dow Chemical property that is adjacent to the 75-year-old man's property. 2:16 p.m. -- A case of family abuse/neglect was reported in the 3900 block of Salem Street. 4:19 p.m. -- A 50-year-old man advised that his 33-year-old neighbor yelled at his dog to "attack him." Contact was made with the 33-year-old and his 44-year-old girlfriend. They both denied having their dog attack the neighbor. They advised that the 50-year-old man keeps trying to get them in trouble so they can be evicted. They advised that the neighbor slams his door and gets their dog to bark. He then files a complaint with the landlord. All parties were advised to get along and be more neighborly. Authorities determined the 50-year-old was not attacked by the dog. 9:58 p.m. -- Deputies were dispatched to an Edenville Township residence in reference to a 55-year-old man reporting unwanted people at his residence. It is believed the man may have heard voices of people and seen shadows that may not have actually been there. The man was sober and believed someone was messing with him. Deputies found no evidence of anyone else around or inside the residence and discussed if it was possibly a mental health issue. The man did not believe so, but did agree to contact Community Mental Health in the morning. 11:32 p.m. -- A 28-year-old woman reported her 32-year-old ex-boyfriend was harassing her. A deputy's investigation revealed the woman was also texting the man. Both parties were advised to stop messaging each other. Last month Patently Apple reported on a lobby group representing Apple & other tech companies establish a Privacy Framework that protects their interests. Today Intel has published a draft model of legislation to spur on a data privacy discussion. It's in-depth, it's interesting, and yet it appears that Intel is more interested in getting government to allow industry to gather consumer data that they feel is in their best interest without any recourse for consumers. While their opening statement sounds positive for consumers, it quickly refocuses on the needs of industry. David Hoffman, Intel associate general counsel and global privacy officer: "The collection of personal information is a growing concern. The US needs a privacy law that both protects consumer privacy and creates a framework in which important new industries can prosper. Our model bill is designed to spur discussion that helps inspire meaningful privacy legislation." Why Privacy is Important: Data are the lifeblood for many critical new industries, including precision medicine, automated driving, workplace safety, smart cities and others. But the growing amount of personal data collected, sometimes without consumers awareness, raises serious privacy concerns. People need assurances that information that is shared both knowingly and unknowingly will be used in beneficial, responsible ways, and that they will be appropriately protected. The U.S. needs a comprehensive federal law to create the framework in which companies can demonstrate responsible behavior. How It Works: Intels model data privacy bill aims to bring together policymakers and others in a transparent and open process that helps drive the development of actual data privacy legislation. Intel has launched a website where interested parties can review and comment on the model bill. Company leaders believe input will help to promote the development of constructive data privacy legislation in Congress. More Context: Privacy is an important and ongoing issue in our data-centric world. In a white paper published last month, Intels Global Privacy team laid out six policy principles for safety and privacy in the age of AI, one of the technical domains that has significant privacy implications. These principles summarized here were among the factors that influenced Intels draft legislation: New legislative and regulatory initiatives should be comprehensive, technology neutral and support the free flow of data. Organizations should embrace risk-based accountability approaches, putting in place technical or organizational measures to minimize privacy risks in AI . Automated decision-making should be fostered while augmenting it with safeguards to protect individuals. Governments should promote access to data, supporting the creation of reliable datasets available to all, fostering incentives for data sharing, and promoting cultural diversity in data sets. Funding research in security is essential to protect privacy. It takes data to protect data: Algorithms can help detect unintended discrimination and bias, identity theft and cyber threats. Intel Corporation released model legislation designed to inform policymakers and spur discussion on personal data privacy. Prompted by the rapid rise of new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), Intels model bill is open for review and comment from privacy experts and the public on an interactive website. The bills language and comments received should provide useful insight for those interested in meaningful data privacy legislation. Below is a copy of Intel's paper: An Ethical and Innovative Privacy Law Intel an Ethical and Innovative Privacy Law Summary by Jack Purcher on Scribd In many ways what Intel has stated sounds like the tech sector wants legislation to extract data from the public by law so as to protect their right to collect data required to advance their products and services. So while Intel's opening statement may sound like they care about consumers, as you read further into their press release above and other documents they have on file, it seems as though the public's privacy is secondary to the needs of industry. Unless there is a clear statement that each abuse of personal data from any company will require a hefty fine to be paid to individuals within 3 months without a lengthy trial, this is simply a nice PR paper to make the public feel that Intel and other tech companies are really the good guys here. I'm certainly not alone on this. In fact, in one report found on Intel's site titled "Preventing New and Emerging Consumer Harms" Tim Sparapani writes: "While I praise Intel for this forward thinking I urge Intel to go further and propose additional legislative language to protect consumers while facilitating innovation. Intel should spell out what a real corporate redress program must look like for those instances when corporations just plainly "get it wrong" and misjudge their customers (or worse). No consumer should be forced to sue on some novel legal theory to not get charged an unfair price or when they are prevented from getting credit (for example) on fair terms. Intel should help Congress by doing the hard work of building out what "corporate due process" should look like that allows customers to rapidly be made whole for corporate mistakes based on advanced uses of or processing of customers data. A non-litigation redress mechanism would instill great confidence in the public and speed adoption of new data processing technologies, particularly those done purely or mostly by computers. Surely the balancing act that facilitates innovators having legal clarity and consumers having new legal protections can be struck." Recently Facebook, Google and others have simply notified their clients in public statements basically saying "Oops we were hacked and your data has been compromised." In any future legislation there has to be an immediate fine slapped on the admitting company with a meaningful payout to their clients within 3 months of the findings or public statement. In the end, if there isn't real pain for companies baked into future legislation, then all of these companies claiming to stand up for privacy are preaching dreams that you want to hear in the hopes of scoring PR points and little else. One last thing: What's a little humorous about the noted article link and quote above from Tim Sparapani is that he served as the first Director of Public Policy at Facebook, the very company that has harmed consumers most with data breaches. He left Facebook to start SPQR Strategies. So is Sparapani really rooting for "the consumer" or is he just selling us more spin on this issue knowing that financial relief for a data breach will never come to fruition? I guess only time will tell. If you decide to participate in Intel's interactive webpage and join their discussion, tell us what you think about Intel's efforts on consumer data privacy below in our comment section. homeless_awareness.jpg The Homeless Veterans Awareness Campaign in Lebanon is set to begin at 6 a.m. Friday and continue through noon Saturday. (Facebook) Bill Meiser has done four combat tours of duty during his almost 29 years of military service, so he has seen the sacrifice that so many veterans have made to protect this country's freedoms. A Lebanon native, Meiser said he was inside that town's Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 23 a decade ago when an Iraqi war veteran walked in the door. He befriended him, and they agreed to talk the following day. That day turned into a month when the Iraqi veteran finally got ahold of him, explaining that he had been homeless and also lost his phone during a robbery. Participants will have only the clothing on their back, a rucksack, a sleeping bag, a bottle of water and a small ration of food. They will rely on the kindness of strangers for meals, donations and support. Participants will be located at two encampments in Lebanon - Fisher's Veterans Park, 9th and Cumberland Sts. That conversation got Meiser's mind, and passions, working. "I couldn't fathom that in today's day and age, being a serviceman, that we would have guy who would come home and could not find stable housing and employment," he said. "I was laying in bed and looked over at my wife and said, I have to do something. I don't care what it is but we'll figure it out." That mission turned into the Homeless Veterans Awareness Campaign, which will take place for the sixth time this weekend, beginning 6 a.m. Friday and concluding noon Saturday in Lebanon. Participants, including veterans from all branches of the armed forces, family members, friends, supporters of veteran's rights and local VFW members, will temporarily become homeless for 30 hours to raise awareness and financial support for homeless veterans and former service members in distress. Combat veterans who served in Vietnam, Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom will be represented at the event. Participants will have only the clothing on their back, a rucksack, a sleeping bag, a bottle of water and a small ration of food. They will rely on the kindness of strangers for meals, donations and support. Participants will be located at two encampments in Lebanon - Fisher's Veterans Park, 9th and Cumberland Sts. Statistics from the 2017 U.S. Interagency Council indicates a dramatic reduction in the U.S. homeless veteran's population. In 2010, homeless veterans were 74,087 and presently the amount has substantially fallen to 37,878. Additionally, according to a press release by VFW Post 23, the report indicates that Pa. veterans make up 7 percent of the state's homeless population. Post-traumatic stress disorder, mental health, substance abuse and lack of support from family and community are the primary causes of homelessness among veterans. In addition, veterans struggle to translate skills obtained during their military career to civilian life and have difficulty obtaining employment. Initiatives to raise awareness about the plight of veterans have helped to reduce homelessness among veterans according to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans currently. A picture from the most recent Homeless Veterans Stand Down in Harrisburg. Stand Down is open to all homeless and at-risk veterans and provides services such as employment assistance, transportation, advocacy, legal services, hygiene items, showers, haircuts, medical exams, VA benefits and enrollment, and plenty of food to eat. Campaign organizers hope this event will further raise awareness and monetary donations for veterans in need. Donations will support the VFW District 18 Homeless Veterans Program servicing veterans in Lebanon, Dauphin and Cumberland counties and other local charities. This campaign was held for the first time in 2011 and raised a couple thousand dollars, exciting Meiser and those who worked with him. But each subsequent year (they have missed two, one because Meiser was deployed and another because he had knee surgery) has seen that amount increase, to a point where it almost reached $22,000 in 2017. Approximately a third of that amount helps support an annual event called the Homeless Veterans Stand Down, one largely organized by the YWCA held in January or February in Harrisburg. Another slice of its is used to aid veterans who hare referred by the Lebanon VA Medical Center, who now use the VFW post as its go-to for veterans in need. Indeed, Meiser said they just went shopping the other day to purchase blankets and cleaning supplies to be able to donate to veterans who need it. An urge to want to do something has turned into a successful campaign that offers money and help where it didn't exist before. The population of veterans is 1 percent of the U.S. community, Meiser said, so it's gratifying that this campaign has allowed the VFW post to not just "talk the talk, but walk the walk," Meiser said. "Miking a difference and doing what needs to be done to give direct support to our comrades, that to me is the most satisfying thing" about this campaign. Getting a mix of participants involved, beyond the veterans community, is also rewarding, Meiser said. The Fisher's Veterans Park donation point will be located on the west side of 9th Street (Route 72 North) and the east side of 10th Street (Route 72 South) closest to the rail trail crossing. The downtown Lebanon donation point will be located on the south side of Cumberland Street (Route 422 North) in front of the Farmer's Market sign. Donations for this campaign will be accepted at each location during daylight hours. Monetary donations can also be sent to VFW Post 23 at 718 Chestnut Street, Lebanon, PA 17042 to the attention of Homeless Awareness Veterans Campaign (HVAC). New this year, donations can be made electronically through PayPal.Me and GoFundMe. PayPal.Me donations use http://paypal.me/VFWPost23Homeless, GoFundMe donations use https://www.gofundme.com/HomelessVetsAC . You can follow this effort on Facebook at the Homeless Veterans' Awareness Campaign for campaign details and our donation records. Each event encampment will also provide information to assist veterans in finding support services from the VFW, as well as the Veterans Administration. Social workers from the Lebanon Veterans Administration Medical Center will be present to provide assistance and information for veterans and their families at the 9th and Cumberland Street location. Bottom line, Meiser said, 96 percent of the funds raised will go directly to veterans who need it. That urge to help, prompted by the homeless iraqi vet, has grown into something that even Meiser couldn't imagine. And the chance to built on what's been raised already will start all over again on Friday morning. \ Peace! The world has been upside down. Mankind has been killing off its best lives instead of conserving them. It has been shooting its wealth away in the roar of guns and bombs. Its hands have been devoted to destruction. Its wheels of progress have been stopped. Its attitude toward almost everything in this life has undergone tremendous changes. Even its thoughts have been twisted and warped. Peace finds the world in chaos. Before us is a new beginning, with revolution, in large or small degree, probable in every one of our economic, industrial and social relations, and Solomon himself would fail successfully to predict where and how far we will go. But through the confusion and uncertainty our duty appears clear. We must rebuild the house in which we live more wisely and permanently. We must have a house to fit all of a common family, not one so cramped by caste architecture that a large part of the family must sleep and eat out in the woodshed. We must scrub the blood off our doorstep and sweep the garbage of hate from the corners of our rooms. Where the battlesmoke has blackened the windows, doors, and furnishings, we must repaint in colors of beauty. And we must dedicate the house to the bloodily demonstrated principle that right is might and shall prevail in peace or war. America pays her share of the awful price in thousands of precious lives and enormous treasure. Yet although peace finds her undevestated, there are very few other nations among the late belligerents that are confronted today by greater problems. Nations like Germany, Belgium, Austria and Serbia, for instance, begin the new order with little or nothing. Common misery produces a commonality in the human animal as well as in others. We begin with our political, economic and industrial factions practically intact, awake and vigorous. But the great war efforts in common have brought us closer together and we will settle every one of our problems right if we hold fast to the fundamental principle that all men are equal, equally entitled to consideration and opportunity. To Him Who Rules In these momentous days, presaging such good news for humanity, America will be a recreant nation if fails to raise its head and bend its knees in submission to the Great God from Whom all blessings flow. If there are any who mock the suggestion, let him bide his time until the homecoming of our brave lads and ask how often in the danger of battle and in the deliverance from Death these warriors assumed a like posture of humility and thanksgiving to the Almighty. Unless this nation and all nations have learned that Right is more powerful than Might and that Right itself is based on something mor more than a man-made code, the war has failed of its full purpose. The soldiers and sailors, rubbing elbows with danger and death, have learned it. Mothers and wives who have sent loved ones across have a new knowledge of it. Only he who blinks at truth has escaped the new and renewed faith in a Supreme Being. And, so, America, underneath all the surface joy and hysteria, should take time and opportunity to acknowledge that valorous as are its fighting men, efficient as ar its civil administrators, industrious as are its workmen, generous as are its people, they could never have reached these hallowed days without guidance and superior help of an almighty God. For Them Who Dared All As the Yanks and their Allies brought victory overseas, we at home must crown with success the United War Work Campaign now officially underway. Unless this work is a success, Americas brilliant military effort will be shamed by the verdict that the folks at home did not appreciate it. Peace of war, this money must be raised. Peace only emphasizes the greater need. The money which the Ys, the Knights of Columbus, the Jewish Welfare Board, the Salvation Army, the Camp Welfare Community Service and the American Library Association will receive will be Americas partial appreciation for what the Yanks have endured of suffering, torture, deprivation and indescribable war existence. Not to provide these funds is to serve notice on the fighting men that the American, safe at home, adequately fed and clothed, undisturbed in business and unrestricted in personal freedom, cares nothing for what the Yanks have done. That is NOT the American idea, of course, but there is only one way to prove it. Give, give, give, and then give again The men for whom you give it are the men who have have given, or stood ready, to give their own lives that your own might be spared. To tath appeal, there can be no refusal. THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (AP) Barely a year after surviving a massacre at a country music festival in Las Vegas, Brendan Kelly found himself in a terrifyingly familiar scene. Kelly, 22, said he was dancing with friends at a bar in suburban Los Angeles on Wednesday night when the bullets began flying. When the gunfire was over, 12 people were dead, including a Navy veteran who had lived through the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history a year ago. "I already didn't wish it on anybody to begin with for the first time," Kelly said outside his home in Thousand Oaks. "The second time around doesn't get any easier." Kelly, a Marine, said he heard "pop, pop" at Borderline Bar and Grill and instantly knew it was gunfire. "The chills go up your spine. You don't think it's real again," he said. The mother of the 27-year-old man killed in the latest attack, Telemachus "Tel" Orfanos, said her son survived Vegas only to die inside Borderline, less than 10 minutes from his home. "Here are my words: I want gun control," said Susan Schmidt-Orfanos, her voice shaking with grief and rage. "I don't want prayers. I don't want thoughts." When a gunman opened fire at a Last Vegas country music concert, Telemachus Orfanos made it through alive. Today I spoke with his mom. He was killed last night at Borderline, she said. "The two words I want you to write are: Gun control. Right now."https://t.co/cqokUAgfbH julieturkewitz (@julieturkewitz) November 9, 2018 She said she wanted Congress "to pass gun control so no one else has a child that doesn't come home." At a vigil Thursday night, survivors of both shootings gathered to honor those who didn't make it. "It's hard to sleep after these kinds of things," said Dani Merrill, who lived through the Vegas shooting and escaped the Borderline bloodshed at the bar by running out the loading dock. "You just don't know how to feel. During Wednesdays shooting, Kelly said he threw two of his friends to the floor and covered them with his body. Then he got a look at the shooter and the terror unfolding and decided they needed to escape. Kelly said he dragged one woman out a back emergency exit and then, using his belt, T-shirt and Marine training, applied a tourniquet to his friend's bleeding arm. After the shooting was over, Kelly said he and another Marine friend helped victims alongside first responders. Two of his friends were among those killed. Chandler Gunn, 23, told The Los Angeles Times that a friend who survived the Vegas shooting works at the bar. When Gunn learned about the shooting, he rushed to Borderline. Gunn said his friend, whose name he didn't provide, escaped safely out the back. "There's people that live a whole lifetime without seeing this, and then there's people that have seen it twice," he said. In social media posts, Molly Mauer said she was at Borderline and also survived Vegas. "I can't believe I'm saying this again. I'm alive and home safe," she said on Facebook. In Las Vegas and Thousand Oaks, country music fans were the victims. Borderline features country music, and Wednesday was "college night" that drew many young people to the bar. The Last Vegas shooter targeted a crowd of country music fans gathered for the Route 91 Harvest Festival. Kelly has a large tattoo on his left arm memorializing the Las Vegas shooting, which killed 58 people. On his other arm Thursday, he still had his wristband from the California bar. Brendan Kelly speaks with reporters outside his home, as he shows his Route 91 tattoo, Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, in Thousand Oaks, Calif. Kelly, a Marine who was at Borderline Bar and Grill on Wednesday night, helped people get out after a gunman opened fire at the establishment. Kelly also survived the Las Vegas Route 91 Harvest Festival shooting in 2017. (AP Photo/Ryan Pearson)AP When the Las Vegas gunman opened fire from a 32nd-floor hotel room, Kelly said he threw a friend to the ground before helping get her out of the area and into a room. Armed with a knife in case an attacker came in, he hunkered down and waited with 40 other people for four hours. He said living through Vegas changed his life. He doesn't know how a second mass shooting will affect him down the road. "Everywhere I go, everything I do is affected," he said. "I don't sit in a room with my back to the door. You're always picking up on social cues. You're always overanalyzing people, trying to figure out if something were to go down, 'What would I do?'" Kelly said Borderline had become a safe haven for dozens of Vegas survivors: "It is our home." A few weeks after the Vegas shooting, the bar held a benefit concert for five people from the area who were killed, and now-eerie social media posts show a number of survivors holding up a "Route 91" sign inside the bar at a six-month anniversary event. Kelly said he'll be looking to God for comfort in the coming weeks and months. "I know that, being a religious person, that God is never going to give me anything more than I can handle," he said. "I'm here for a reason." By KATHLEEN RONAYNE and AMANDA LEE MYERS, Associated Press Fox News host Tucker Carlson was at his desk Wednesday evening, less than two hours before his 8 p.m. live show, when he suddenly started receiving multiple text messages. There was some sort of commotion happening outside his home in Northwest D.C. "I called my wife," Carlson told The Washington Post in a phone interview. "She had been in the kitchen alone getting ready to go to dinner and she heard pounding on the front door and screaming. ... Someone started throwing himself against the front door and actually cracked the front door." His wife, thinking it was a home invasion, locked herself in the pantry and called 911, Carlson said. The couple have four children, but none were home at the time. But it wasn't a home invasion. It was a protest. According to now-deleted social media posts shared by Smash Racism DC, a local anti-facist organization whose members have been tied to other demonstrations against prominent Republican figures, activists showed up outside Carlson's home Wednesday and they had a message for him. "Tucker Carlson, we are outside your home," one person could be heard saying in the since-deleted video. The person, using a bullhorn, accused Carlson of "promoting hate" and "an ideology that has led to thousands of people dying." "We want you to know, we know where you sleep at night," the person concluded, before leading the group to chant, "Tucker Carlson, we will fight! We know where you sleep at night!" Roughly 20 people had gathered outside Carlson's residence, said Lt. Jon Pongratz with the Metropolitan Police Department of D.C. Authorities received a call at about 6:30 p.m. Wednesday and responded "within a few minutes," Pongratz told The Post. Carlson said the protesters had blocked off both ends of his street and carried signs that listed his home address. The group called Carlson a "racist scumbag" and demanded that he "leave town," according to posts on Twitter. A woman was also overheard in one of the deleted videos saying she wanted to "bring a pipe bomb" to his house, he said. "It wasn't a protest. It was a threat," said Carlson, who is often denounced by critics, particularly liberal critics, for inflammatory rhetoric about immigrants and minorities on his Fox News show. "They weren't protesting anything specific that I had said. They weren't asking me to change anything. They weren't protesting a policy or advocating for legislation. ... They were threatening me and my family and telling me to leave my own neighborhood in the city that I grew up in." He added that he still does not know who was behind the protest, but plans to find out. On Twitter, Smash Racism DC accused Carlson of spreading "fear into our homes" every night, taking particular issue with his comments about the migrant caravan. "Tonight you're reminded that we have a voice," a now-deleted tweet read. "Tonight, we remind you that you are not safe either." The host's address, as well as the addresses of his brother and good friend Neil Patel, with whom he co-founded the conservative media site the Daily Caller, were shared in tweets from Smash Racism DC's account. In a Facebook post that included video of the gathering, the group wrote, "Fascists are vulnerable. Confront them at their homes!" Following backlash and news reports, Twitter deleted the problematic tweets and suspended the group's account early Thursday morning. The Facebook video was also taken down, but the page is still up. A request for comment made to the group's Facebook page early Thursday has not been returned. Hours after the protesters dispersed, police were still stationed near his home, Pongratz said, adding the block will be under "special attention" for "as long as needed." "We're going to keep an eye on the block and the area because of the earlier disturbance to make sure that nothing escalates," he said, noting that the increased security was a decision made by police. "We wanted to make sure that it stayed safe ... in case they do come back." News of the protest and doxxing, revealing personal information on the internet, prompted widespread condemnation from not just conservative-leaning journalists or Fox News personalities but also media members who are critical of Carlson. Megyn Kelly, the former Fox News personality who is reportedly in exit talks with NBC, called the demonstration "stomach-turning." "This has to stop," Kelly tweeted, sharing a video of the protesters. "Who are we? What are we becoming? @TuckerCarlson is tough & can handle a lot, but he does not deserve this. His family does not deserve this." Fox News senior political analyst Brit Hume decried it as "revolting, and frightening." Daily Wire reporter Amanda Prestigiacomo tweeted that the protesters were "cowards" for going to Carlson's home while he was taping his show. S.E. Cupp, a CNN host, wrote on Twitter that the activists' actions were "not okay," adding, "don't do this." Washington Post columnist Max Boot, who has been critical of Carlson, also spoke out against the protest. "I think Tucker is a terrible influence on modern America but that doesn't justify harassing him at home," Boot tweeted. "Go high, not low." In his nightly newsletter, CNN's Brian Stelter dedicated a section to the protest titled, "Tucker Carlson does not deserve this." Stelter also shared screenshots of the newsletter on Twitter. "You can love or hate Fox's Tucker Carlson, but we should all be able to see that this protester behavior is wrong," the newsletter read. Quoting the responses from Kelly and Boot, Stelter wrote, "I agree. Get a permit for a protest outside Carlson's office if you want. But don't chant 'we know where you sleep at night' outside his home." Carlson, a longtime D.C. resident, said he went to "great lengths" to keep his home address private because of his family, who were all "very upset" by the protesters. He added that he loves his home and neighborhood and does not want to move. "They think of Northwest D.C. as a tranquil sanctuary where they know everyone and everyone is nice," he said. "They think of this as the greatest place in the world." Now, Carlson is worried about leaving his family alone at home. "How can you go out for dinner and leave the kids at home at this point?" he said. "If they're talking about pipe bombs ... how do you live like that?" He added that he also doesn't know what he's going to do about checking the mail. In October, pipe bombs were mailed across the country to high-profile critics of President Trump. "I probably won't open another package sent to our house from now on," Carlson said. Wednesday night's events are the latest in a spate of harassment aimed at prominent politicians and media outlets, ranging from being heckled in restaurants to receiving packages containing explosive devices. While he is no stranger to threats, Carlson said this time things went "too far." "I don't think I should be threatened in our house," he said. "I think I should fight back, and I plan to." He added: Im not going to be bullied and intimidated. A crash on Interstate 283 has brought traffic to a crawl. The multi-vehicle crash is reported in the northbound lanes just north of Exit 2 (PA 441 - SWATARA), according to 511PA.com. It is not immediately known if there are any injuries. A shoulder is closed as a result of the crash. Stop-and-go traffic is reported in the area of the crash. A 14-year-old girl is facing criminal charges for assaulting a younger teen, Lebanon police said Friday. Police said the 14-year-old is accused of grabbing the hair of a 13-year-old girl and dragging her to the ground during a fight in the 200 block of North Eighth Street just after 4 p.m. on Oct. 24. The 14-year-old punched the other girl several times, then stepped on the victims iPad and damaged it, investigators said. Charges of simple assault, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct, in the incident, they said. LEWISBURG - A Harrisburg woman has admitted stealing a pickup truck and leading police on a high-speed chase after signing herself out of a drug treatment facility. Yvette Vega, 43, of Hall Manor, on Thursday pleaded guilty in Union County court to charges of theft of a motor vehicle and fleeing and eluding police. She was sentenced to 215 days to 24 months minus a day. She had served her minimum while jailed in lieu of $75,000 bail, so she was released to a detainer from Dauphin County where she is facing drug charges. Vega admitted stealing a pickup truck in the Lewisburg area on April 8 and refusing to stop for a Buffalo Valley Regional Police officer. A state trooper joined the pursuit on Route 15 and, despite two attempts to induce a stop, the truck continued southbound at speeds reaching more than 100 miles an hour. The trooper, using a pursuit intervention technique, stopped the truck just north of the Route 11 intersection in Shamokin Dam. Vega's sentence includes a consecutive four-year term of probation. She also must pay restitution of $28,472 for damage to vehicles. Vega had told police when arrested she signed herself out of the treatment facility in Allenwood because she wanted to go home. The truck owner had left the vehicle unlocked and the keys in the center console when he went into a sandwich shop, the arrest affidavit states. Ahead of the upcoming holiday, local veterans spoke Thursday evening at an event in Swatara Township, discussing pressing issues and the ways that community members and public officials can help meet their needs. Among them was Jim Ferguson, an Army veteran who served in Vietnam. He spoke about a service offered by the VA called Veterans Choice. The program allows veterans to receive funding to get treatment from non-VA medical professionals when needed, Ferguson said, adding that hed like to see the program expand. They have provided that, but they talk about expanding that It just allow you to go to other caregivers when it isnt easiest or best to go to the VA. Special project: 100 Years of Heroes Noble OShell, another Army veteran who served in Vietnam, also spoke about the program, calling on veterans affairs leaders to find ways to better fund Veterans Choice. What they have right now is far less than what they need, he said. And Bill Jackson, who served in the Army during the Cold War, said hed like for young people, especially millennials, to take a larger interest in veterans and their history. Unless they volunteer for military service, they dont have any idea, and I think theres a need, he said. The veterans were gathered at the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 542 hall along Derry Street in Swatara Township for a showing of the documentary All Were Forgotten And Then Came John. The documentary, which was shown at the event hosted by the Central PA Vietnam Roundtable and the Vietnam Veterans of America, highlights the life of John Travers, a Vietnam helicopter pilot from Harrisburg, who has been called a hero for his rescuing of hundreds of wounded soldiers. Calvin Ligh, the films producer, said the Thursday showing was the first time that specific cut of the documentary was screened. An earlier version debuted in 2016, Ligh said, explaining the newest version was finished just Monday night. The film was screened ahead of the Veterans Day holiday. A Lititz man previously charged with attempted murder has now been charged with homicide after police said a 19-year-old he shot in the face died. The 19-year-old Warwick Township man was pronounced dead at 11:59 p.m. Wednesday at a Philadelphia hospital, according to officials at the Lancaster County District Attorneys Office. Shawn D. Bergman, 23, was arrested Tuesday in Manheim Borough by Northern Lancaster County Regional police. Multiple witnesses saw the shooting, which took place at an apartment in the 400 block of South Main Street in Penn Township, police said. Police said witnesses told them Bergman pointed a pistol at the 19-year-old before shooting him in the face. When police arrived, the victim was slumped over onto a couch. He was struggling to breathe and had obvious head trauma consistent with a gunshot wound, police said. The 19-year-old was transported from the scene to be treated for his injuries and died Wednesday. Bergman is accused of using a stolen 9-millimeter piston in the attack. Online court documents show that multiple related cases have been opened against Bergman, who faces felony charges of theft and aggravated assault, as well as a charge murder of the first degree. He was to be arraigned on the murder charge Thursday afternoon, and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. Nov. 21 before Magisterial District Judge Edward A. Tobin. Bergman is incarcerated in Lancaster County Prison, and he has been denied bail. Earlier this year, when Attorney General Josh Shapiro released the findings of a grand jury investigation into clergy sex abuse in Pennsylvania, he underscored one key recommendation issued by investigators. Victims who had long ago been sexually abused by priests should be given a retroactive reprieve during which they could file lawsuits against predators, the grand jury said. That recommendation seems destined for the dustbin for now. Pennsylvania lawmakers havent been able to agree on changes to state law that would allow victims to go to court. And the decision by virtually every diocese investigated by the grand jury to establish victims compensation funds is drawing the ire of the states top law enforcement official and clergy sex abuse victims. Its now clear that the Dioceses acknowledge the Grand Jury accurately unearthed horrific and extensive abuse and cover up and, as a result, victims deserve compensation no matter when their abuse happened, Shapiro said Thursday. However, the Grand Jury recommended that victims deserve their day in court not that the church should be the arbiter of its own punishment." Shapiro also urged lawmakers to return to Harrisburg and pass legislation to allow victims to sue. The Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg and other dioceses, including Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, announced Thursday that they would create victim compensation funds. The grand jury report implicated six Pennsylvania dioceses in the widespread abuse of children and concealment of crimes. Victims and advocates say that a compensation fund would fall short of addressing the needs of all adult victims who were sexually abused as children. The victims fund does absolutely nothing for the overwhelming majority of child sexual abuse survivors whose abuse has zero to do with the Catholic Church, said Kristen Pfautz Woolley, who was abused for two years starting at the age of 10 by a friend of the family. None of the dioceses have disclosed how much money would be put invested into the compensation funds, but the money reportedly will not be drawn from the donations that parishioners make to their churches regularly. The announcements of the funds follows a failed, months-long effort by victims and their advocates - as well as lawmakers in the Legislature - to reform the statute of limitations to allow victims timed out of the legal system to have a day in court. Under state law, victims must pursue criminal cases by the age of 50 and civil cases by the age of 30. With few exceptions, almost all cases unearthed by the 18-month-long grand jury investigation fall outside the bounds of the statute of limitations. The fund is a way to escape accountability, it simply protects the Catholic Church from lawsuits," Woolley said. "All child sexual survivors deserve their day in court to face their perpetrator and any institution who knowingly and intentionally covered the abuse up. Victims heal from speaking their truth and taking their power back. Benjamin Andreozzi, an attorney who is working with victims from each of the dioceses that were investigated by Shapiros office, said he had spent the day on the phone with victims, explaining to them the compensation program. Many clients have already decided that they want to give the claims program a try, although they are not optimistic that they will be treated fairly by the church, said Andreozzi, who also represents victims in the Archdiocese of New York. After all, the program is an example of the criminal determining his own sentence. He said it was doubtful the compensation program would be totally successful. For some people the fund may help to get them back on their feet, he said. But for many others it feels like the doors to justice are being slammed shut in their face. State investigators found that bishops and church officials for some seven decades had turned a blind eye to some of the most horrific cases of sexual abuse of children by priests, often concealing the crimes from the public and law enforcement. Among their four suggestions, investigators recommended that the statute of limitations be reformed so these victims could have a short window for legal recourse. Shapiro excoriated church officials for bypassing that recommendation with the compensation funds. These undefined compensation funds do not give a pass to lawmakers the Legislature should return to Harrisburg, do their jobs and pass the Grand Jurys four reforms, Shapiro said Thursday in a written statement. Attorney General Josh Shapiro has excoriated Catholic officials for bypassing one of the recommendations laid out by a grand jury investigation. The Legislature this fall failed to reach a compromise on legislation that would have reformed the states child sex crime laws. Victims and their advocates were pushing for a retroactive component in the law, but that proposal met widespread opposition in the Senate. The Republican-controlled state Senate in October came under fire by victims after it advanced a proposal that would have allowed victims only a limited ability to sue predators. Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati, who had earlier said a retroactive window to file lawsuits would be unconstitutional, pushed a proposal that would have reformed the laws but prevented victims from suing institutions, including the Catholic Church. Victims and advocates condemned the proposal and in the end, Senate leaders fell short of rounding up enough votes in the chamber to ratify the measure. By virtually all accounts, any such proposal is now kicked over into the new legislative session that begins in January. In a statement from the Harrisburg diocese on Thursday, Bishop Ronald Gainer explained how the program is slated to be operational early next year. It will be led by attorney Kenneth Feinberg and associates, who administered the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund as well as a similar compensation fund for the Archdiocese of New York. Settlements from victims funds typically come nowhere near the compensation offered to victims out of court settlements. Victims, however, are typically open to the narrower criteria required by victims funds - including considerably lower levels of proof. Woolley excoriated church officials and lawmakers and said she would be willing to share the graphic details of her abuse and the memories that linger to challenge their lack of conscience." I highly doubt they have the courage to hear the truth and what will continue to be done to every child in my perpetrators reach, she said. Stop putting an arbitrary dollar amount on victimization in an attempt to make this all go away. ### A $3.5 million international bribery scheme involving oil pipelines in Siberia has landed a Pennsylvania-based businessman in federal prison. And a panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit has just ruled that Dimitrij Harder should stay there. His 5-year prison sentence is justified, despite Harders claim that his graft had an economically beneficial result for residents of that part of the former Soviet Union, Judge Eugene E. Siler concluded in the circuit courts opinion. This was wide-ranging case. For starters, Harder, 46, is a German citizen, a Russian emigre and a permanent U.S. resident. Investigators said he paid the bribes to an official of the multinational European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in 2008 and 2009. The bribes were to speed approval of financing for clients of Harders who wanted a piece of the pipeline projects, officials said. At the time, Harder was an international financial consultant and president of the Chestnut Consulting Group in Southampton, Bucks County. Harder pleaded guilty in 2016 to violating the federal Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which forbids U.S. businesses from using payola to obtain projects overseas. U.S. Eastern District Judge Paul S. Diamond slapped Harder with the prison term, plus a $2 million forfeiture order, after Harder argued he should receive leniency because there was no intended victim and no actual victim, Siler noted. Siler cited Harders claim that his bribery proved to be highly beneficial in that the pipeline project created 6,500 jobs and led to the uplifting of the entire economy of the (eastern Siberia) region. On appeal, Harder claimed Diamond didnt give enough credence to that contention. Siler found that Diamond did consider Harders argument and rightly rejected it. The circuit judge cited Diamonds observation that Congress has determined that doing business through bribery is an evil that must be punished and prohibitedSaying that people made money as a result of a scheme that began with an illegal bribe doesnt do a lot for me. Diamond also noted at Harders sentencing hearing that one of Harders clients who benefited from the bribery was prosecuted in England and sentenced to 6 years in prison. The driver of a cargo van killed in a Thursday morning crash on I-83 in York County has been identified as Ronald M. Orendi, 63, of Mechanicsburg. Orendi was killed in a crash about 8:53 a.m. in I-83s northbound lane between exits 33 and 34, according to an afternoon news release from state police. Police said the crash was the result of traffic that was backed up due to the morning commute. Traffic cam footage shows traffic remains backed up along a portion of I-83 near Yocumtown, which was the site of an earlier multi-vehicle crash. Orendi was stopped behind a tractor-trailer driven by Anthony E. Green, 30, of Michigan at the time of the crash, police said. Another driver, Alexis Rivera, 34, of Duncannon crashed his semi-truck into the back of Orendis cargo van, pushing it into the rear of the tractor-trailer, according to police. Orendi was injured when his van became pinned between the other vehicles, and later died from those injuries at the crash scene, police said. He was pronounced dead by officials with the York County Coroners office. News Update: @YCoCoroner releases some info on this morning's I-83 crash victim; identity will be released later - https://t.co/ihdDrZiysF York County Coroner (@YCoCoroner) November 8, 2018 All lanes of the interstate remained closed near the crash site as emergency responders cleared and investigated the crash. The road remained closed for hours, but PennDOT officials indicated that it had been cleared and reopened about 4:21 p.m. CLEARED: Incident cleared on I-83 northbound between Exit 33 - PA 392 and Exit 34 - Valley Green. 511PA Harrisburg (@511PAHarrisburg) November 8, 2018 The crash was one of two in the same area of I-83 Thursday morning. A crash in a business' parking lot caused chaos Thursday afternoon when a utility pole severed and live power lines ignited several parked cars. Susquehanna Township Fire Marshal George Drees said the Rescue Fire Company out of Susquehanna Township was dispatched to a electrical hazard in the Builders FirstSource parking lot, in the 3400 block of North 6th Street. When crews arrived, they found a truck backed into an electric line utility pole, severing the pole, Drees said. The power lines had dropped onto the cars below and four vehicles were already fully engulfed in flame. There were no injuries due to the fires. "You can't go ahead and put the fire out because it's energized," Drees said. PPL took about 10 to 15 minutes to get to the scene, Drees said, and during that time they lost power for the whole grid, including about 1,200 people in the area. By the time Drees spoke with reporters, the power had been restored to the grid, and the only buildings still without power were Builders FirstSource buildings. Drees said, in the end, eight cars were fully engulfed with fire, with at least three to four others damaged. Rescue Company was assisted by Progress Fire Company, Drees said. The Susquehanna Police Department was investigating the crash that caused the incident. This story has been updated. State police in Franklin County are searching for a missing 14-month-old baby last seen with his mother. Angel Heinbaugh was last seen in the company of his mother, Jessica Heinbaugh, at a home in the 9000 block of McKean Road in Quincy Township, Franklin County, at 12 p.m. Thursday, according to a news release from state police. Police believe Angel may be at risk of harm. State Police in Franklin County are looking for a baby that may be at risk of harm or injury. They're searching for 14-month-old Angel Heinbaugh who was last seen with mother Jessica yesterday in Quincy Township. pic.twitter.com/1utyblrS1B Jere Gish (@jeregishWGAL) November 9, 2018 Jessica, 33, is described by police as 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighs 170 pounds, and has brown hair and blue eyes. She was last seen wearing a red sweater and blue jeans. Angel is described by police as having brown hair with blue eyes, and was last seen wearing a sleeper with red and white stripes. Anyone with information on their whereabouts is asked to contact state police at 717-264-5161, or call 911. A former midstate store owner who pleaded guilty to using a toddler to produce child pornography will be spending nearly 17 years in federal prison. In addition to that penalty, U.S. Middle District Judge Yvette Kane ordered Patrick B. Reachard, 53, to spend the rest of his life on probation. Reachard, who once owned a second-hand store and had been a volunteer firefighter in Jefferson, York County, pleaded guilty to charges of producing, possessing and distributing child porn. State police said they found the porn on Reachards phone in October 2016 while investigating a report that he had inappropriately touched two girls. Investigators said Reachard shared the images online and swapped photos with a Kentucky man who gave Reachard sexual images of his daughter. In a sentencing memorandum, defense attorney Paul Kovatch urged Kane to sentence Reachard to no more than 20 years behind bars. Kovatch noted the Kentucky man received a 23-year prison term. He argued that Reachards conduct was less significant. Democrats will be making a fatal error if they focus their time and energy on impeaching President Donald Trump, former Gov. Tom Ridge said in Lancaster Friday. Speaking to the Lancaster Chamber at the Star Barn in Elizabethtown, Ridge said Democrats displayed strong message discipline in regaining control of the U.S. House of Representatives. Democrats didnt just run against President Donald Trump, said Ridge. They focused on health care, the top concern of many voters, and it paid off, Ridge said. If theyre smart, theyre not going to mess around with the word impeachment," Ridge, a lifelong Republican, said of the Democrats. Now that Democrats control the House and Pelosi will likely be the speaker, Ridge said Democrats - and the country - would be well-served by staying focused on improving health care and the nations infrastructure. And he said Trump should work to strike a deal with Democrats on improving health care. Ridge noted that he served with Pelosi in the House of Representatives; he was a congressman before being elected governor. While Ridge didnt expect Pelosi to be calling him for advice, he offered some counsel. He said Pelosi should strike a civil tone and make it clear to the president that shes willing to find common ground when possible. Somebody has got to break the cycle," Ridge said. Rather than contribute to the partisan clashes in Washington, Ridge said Pelosi would be well advised to say, "Lets start out in good faith and see if we can get something done. Speaking with reporters afterward, Ridge praised Pelosi for her leadership in helping Democrats take back the House. She had everyone on a disciplined message, Ridge said. Looking at most House Democratic campaigns, Ridge said, It wasnt an anti-Trump message. It was what they were for. Ridge also said Trump would be wise to strike deals with Democrats on areas like health care, infrastructure and immigration. He wrote a book called The Art of the Deal," Ridge said. Cut one with the Ds. Ridge said the president needs to tone down his rhetoric. Trump should also spend less time on Twitter, Ridge said, but he doesnt expect that to happen. Ridge drew some laughs when he called a conversation he had with Rudy Giuliani, asking if he could persuade the president to get off Twitter. According to Ridge, Giuliani said, No way! Ridge, who was a critic of Trump during his run for the White House, said the presidents aggressive tone distracts attention from the strong performance of the economy. He hailed Trumps efforts to cut down on regulations on businesses, which essentially are added taxes. Ridge said its fair to say the midterm results reflect a referendum on Trump. But he said all mid-term elections represent a referendum on the president in office, just as they did for President Barack Obama and President George W. Bush. But he said the surge in turnout in this years election is a story worthy of attention. Early estimates show as many as 113 million people voted in this years midterm election, up from 83 million in the 2014 midterm contests, The New York Times reported. Now thats news, Ridge said. Thats news. Ridge also said Democrats, Trump and Senate Republicans would be wise to focus on a broad infrastructure package to rebuild roads and bridges. He joked that some roads in Washington, D.C. dont even meet the standards of third world countries. But he said a strong infrastructure program would address a glaring need and create jobs. Ridge, the nations first director of homeland security, also said there was too much rhetoric around the issue of illegal immigration. Ridge said the borders need to be secure. But he disagreed with Trumps description of the caravan of thousands of migrants moving through Mexico in an attempt to reach the U.S. I dont think an unarmed caravan is an invasion," Ridge said. By Susan Spicka Public education and how it should be funded - was a core issue in this years elections here in Pennsylvania. Voters chose to reelect Governor Tom Wolf, who ran on his record of investing in education and restoring past cuts in school funding. Now the work fully and fairly fund our public schools must begin anew. Though progress has been made since 2015 with more significant state funding increases and passage of a fair funding formula, more is needed to make sure every student has the opportunity to successfully move on to college or a career. At one time, Pennsylvania shared the cost of educating children equally with local school districts. Today the state pays for only 37% of educational costs, the fourth lowest rate in the country. As a result, most schools are struggling to give students what they need to succeed, and many must hike property taxes to fill the hole left by the state. If there is any question, we need only read what some school superintendents recently reported as part of an ongoing lawsuit about the inadequacy and unfairness of state funding for schools: Lancaster School District eliminated 100 teachers and other staff and reduced their librarians from 20 to five after 2011 cuts in funding from the state. Few of these positions have been restored. The teacher cuts increased the student-teacher ratio to 30 to 1 in high school and 28 to 1 in elementary and middle school classes. The district makes do with desks, chairs, and tables from the 1970s in many of its classrooms. Lancaster is not alone. The Greater Johnstown School District closed a middle school last year because it could not afford to repair it. Since 2010, it has cut 50 teaching positions, causing class sizes to grow. Elsewhere, the Wilkes-Barre School District furloughed 37 teachers in 2016-17 alone. There is not enough money to repair the crumbling facade at one of its high schools. Students must come and go from the building through protective sheds. Rural schools are suffering from the broken state funding system as well. Shenandoah Valley in Schuylkill County furloughed teachers, cut art and physical education for elementary students, and eliminated after-school tutoring. According to Superintendent Brian K. Waite, we have long since cut any fat from our district budget. For many years now, we have been cutting through bone. There have been cuts in staff, courses and student supports in nearby Panther Valley as well. At the intermediate school, there is just one reading specialist serving 450 students. Superintendent Amy Arcurio of Greater Johnstown, which has also faced serious cutbacks, writes: We know a number of programs that are proven to work for our children, from intensive interventions and trauma informed therapy, to smaller class sizes and adequate counselors. But we dont provide them, for one reason only: a lack of funding. It is not surprising that this affects students opportunities and outcomes. When teachers must teach 30 or more students at a time, they cannot provide the personalized instruction that is needed. When students have outdated books and do not have a full range of courses or access to counselors and tutors when they need extra help, they will not reach their potential. That is why PA Schools Work, a non-partisan coalition representing educators, parents and other community members from urban, suburban and rural communities, is convening eight regional education summits on November 17, including one in Mechanicsburg, to continue the work of achieving full and fair funding for schools. The groups non-negotiable positions: Increasing state investment in K-12 public education, including basic, special, and career and technical education. No redistribution of current state education dollars, which could harm many schools and communities. Equitable distribution of all new state funding through the states fair funding formula. No new state tax policies that would eliminate existing local school district funding and strip away local control of public schools. Pennsylvania has an obligation to support all students. To meet that obligation, it must make significant and steady increases in state education funding and distribute those increases fairly, based on where it is most needed. And it must begin now. Susan Spicka is executive director of Education Voters of Pa. She writes from Shippensburg. By Ishaan Tharoor President Donald Trump will join a group of more than 60 world leaders in France this weekend to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. The war lives on in the Western imagination as a hideous (and arguably needless) conflict that killed millions, turned the fields of Europe into moonscapes, collapsed empires and prefigured an even bloodier war a generation later. Its memory and legacy still offer profound lessons for the present. In hosting the ceremonies, French President Emmanuel Macron hopes to score a political point. World War I was a clash of violent nationalist passions, fueled by a coterie of power-hungry elites. Now there's a rising tide of nationalism in Europe, with far-right leaders in Western Europe and illiberal statesmen in countries such as Hungary challenging the liberal ideals of the European Union and the cooperation and multilateralism that once guaranteed its prosperity. Macron wants that story of unilateralism and conflict to be a cautionary tale for his contemporaries. "A survival-of-the-fittest approach does not protect any group of people against any kind of threat," he said recently. "We in the West, in particular, have been extremely lucky. We've lived through an extremely long period of peace," said Oxford historian Margaret MacMillan to my Washington Post colleagues. "The worry is that we take peace for granted and think it's a normal state of affairs. We should reflect that sometimes wars do happen - and sometimes not for very good reasons." That message is unlikely to get through to Trump. His treaty busting and ally bullying have strained trans-Atlantic ties and encouraged Europe's anti-establishment forces. His overt nationalism and embrace of protectionism, critics say, have undermined American leadership and called into question the future of the international order constructed by the United States after World War II. Ivo Daalder, a former U.S. ambassador to NATO and co-author of "The Empty Throne: America's Abdication of Global Leadership," said that while Trump and his counterparts are celebrating the end of what's known as the Great War, they should "also reflect on America's greatest mistake." That is, a decision to eschew the internationalism of then-President Woodrow Wilson for the isolationism of his interwar successors. Trump's "America First" agenda also harks back to that historic withdrawal, when skepticism about foreign entanglements and fear of immigrants defined national policy at home and abroad. This circling of the wagons had significant geopolitical consequences. "In the 1920s, conservative Presidents Warren Harding, Calvin Coolidge, and Herbert Hoover rejected both binding alliances and the notion that America should make economic sacrifices to uphold the geopolitical order," noted the Atlantic's Peter Beinart in an essay earlier this year. "They saw little difference between Britain and France, which were more democratic, and Germany, which was more authoritarian," he continued, "and insisted that America remain independent from them all. They opposed Woodrow Wilson's dream of requiring America to aid European nations threatened with aggression through the League of Nations." In 1919 and 1920, the U.S. Senate rejected signing the Treaty of Versailles and joining the League of Nations, the new international organization intended to stave off future bloody catastrophes. The American absence possibly doomed the project at its birth. "Why would other societies invest in the agreement if one of its leading proponents, also one of the emerging world powers, refused to participate? Many observers appreciated the domestic politics behind the U.S. rejection of the treaty, but that only deepened long-standing perceptions that the United States was an unreliable partner," wrote Jeremy Suri, a historian at the University of Texas at Austin. "Why should others tie their hands if the United States acted as a free rider? In the decade after the First World War, U.S. actions encouraged unilateralism by other powerful actors, especially Japan, Germany, and the newly formed Soviet Union." Donning the steel helmets of the past, Trump has repeatedly championed his right to act unilaterally and sneered at international forums like the United Nations, the European Union and NATO. "For nationalists like John Bolton, Trump's national security adviser, the League's failure has become a byword for the futility of global governance," wrote Gideon Rachman of the Financial Times. "In the 1930s, the League was completely unable to act as an effective check on the ambitions of imperial Japan, Mussolini's Italy and Nazi Germany. The realist-nationalist view is that it was only hard power deployed by nation states - rather than global governance deployed by international institutions - that stood a chance of checking the ambitions of dictators." But this view gets it precisely backward, Daalder argued. It was the effects of American disengagement after World War I that convinced the next generation of U.S. strategists to build the international institutions and security pacts that defined the latter half of the 20th century and brought lasting peace to Europe. Now, as Daalder and his co-author James Lindsay write, Trump's reckless foreign policy is hastening a new era of "ever-growing disarray" or even a "return to the world of the late 19th century" - the tinderbox that exploded into World War I. "My big fear is that the return to nationalism and protectionism is likely to deepen divisions between countries, to erode norms and standards of behavior, and erode the element of cooperation that has been fundamental to U.S. security and prosperity," Daalder told this column. "We know what great power rivalry looks like. We know where it ends up." Ishaan Tharoor writes about foreign affairs for The Washington Post. He previously was a senior editor and correspondent at Time magazine, based first in Hong Kong and later in New York. His work appears occasionally on PennLive Opinion. History museum to host 'market at the museum' for holiday shopping The Harbor Springs Area Historical Society will soon be hosting two holiday markets to help shop local this holiday season. Pork processors and exporters from the UK have arrived in Taiwan this week as part of a three-day mission to explore this exciting new market. Eight delegates from the UK will spend the week visiting local retailers and meeting with leading importers and supply chain distributors to gain valuable insight into future opportunities for pig meat. Organised by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), the visit to Taipei follows an announcement in September that Taiwan had granted access to UK pork imports for the first time. It followed a detailed process of inspections and negotiations led by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) alongside AHDB, the UK Export Certification Partnership (UKECP) and others. With a population of more than 23 million people and some of the highest rates of meat consumption per capita in Asia, Taiwan offers a number of exciting opportunities for the UK pork industry. AHDB head of Asia Pacific Jonathan Eckley said: This is an incredibly important mission for some of the UKs leading processors and exporters of pork. We aim to help them gain first-hand insight into this exciting new market, exploring everything from the local market scene through to high-end retailers and the all-important food service sector. A key part of this trip will be the business-to-business meeting sessions which connects our exporters with key stakeholders in the supply chain in Taiwan. We understand that relationships are key to the international meat business, which is particularly the case in Asian markets. The introductions made by AHDB can be invaluable in facilitating trade. Get Our E-Newsletter - Pig World's best stories in your in-box twice a week See e-newsletter example Will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy 4.2k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY), the incoming chairman of the House Judiciary Committee said that Democrats might block the government funding bill unless it includes protections for Special Counsel Robert Mueller. Nadler told CNN: Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY), the incoming chairman of the House Judiciary Committee said that Democrats might block the government funding bill unless it includes protections for Special Counsel Robert Mueller. https://t.co/nZ7BJfhII0 pic.twitter.com/16lsb9gfbr Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) November 9, 2018 I and the chairman of other relevant committees sent letters to a lot of people in the justice department urging demanding preservation of all relevant documents. Destruction of those documents and serving notice that destruction of those documents would be a crime, which they would which it would be after that notice. We can urge and we will that the bill that I introduced that would protect the independence of the special counsel that would say that he could only be dismissed for cause, that he could that any refusal of his authority could only be for cause, thats been reported out of the judiciary committee and the Senate on a bipartisan basis, that that be passed and the special and the lame duck session starting next week, we could insist that that be a condition of passage of the remaining legislation to fund the government, which has to be done by December 7th. Video: Democrats are already exercising their new standing by giving Trump a taste of what his future holds. If Trump and the Republicans want the government to be funded, they are going to have to include legislation that will protect Special Counsel Robert Mueller from being fired without cause. The days of Republicans and Trump doing whatever they want are long gone. The rules have changed in Washington. Trump and Republicans are going to have to deal with Democrats or suffer the consequences, and their first big test is coming up, and it involves nothing less than the protection of our democracy. For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group. Follow Jason Easley on Facebook. 1k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-MD), the incoming Chairman of the House Oversight Committee vowed that Democrats are going to put a check on Donald Trump. Rachel Maddow asked Rep. Cummings, What should the American people expect from you if and when youre now set to ascend to run the oversight committee? Its a very, very powerful position. Rep. Cummings answered, They should expect us to do what they have basically told us to do by the numbers that were voted in on the Democratic side. What they are asking for is transparency in their government. Theyre asking for honesty, and theyre asking the Congress to simply do its job under the constitution. They understand that every two years we swear to uphold the constitution of the United States of America. And part of that, Rachel, of that oath is about the business of being a check on the executive branch. They should expect that, and I promise you, they will get that. Video: Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-MD), the incoming Chairman of the House Oversight Committee vowed that Democrats are going to put a check on Donald Trump. https://t.co/GhuScwlwLO pic.twitter.com/z5rvvXm4Em PoliticusUSA (@politicususa) November 9, 2018 Democrats know why they were put back into the majority by the American people. Voters put Democrats in charge of the House to act as a check and end the Trump presidential corruption and crime wave. Rep. Cummings is the man who will be on the oversight front line when it comes to checking this administration. Donald Trump is going to have a world of trouble on his hands when Democrats officially take control of the House, but his biggest problem is going Rep. Cummings, who should quickly become a very familiar face to the American people. There is an 18 wheeler of oversight heading for Donald Trump, and the man who will be behind the wheel is Rep. Elijah Cummings. For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group. Follow Jason Easley on Facebook. 643 SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard Billionaire Democratic mega-donor Tom Steyer is now urging Democrats to use their new majority in the House of Representatives to begin impeachment proceedings against President Donald Trump. He also told CBS News that he may run for president in 2020. Steyer has spent over $100 million trying to convince people that Trump should be impeached. And in a New York Times opinion piece published yesterday he called upon newly-elected Democrats to follow through on this goal. An overwhelming majority of people in this country elected new Democratic leadership to hold Trump accountable, and we plan to hold them to it. An overwhelming majority of people in this country elected new Democratic leadership to hold Trump accountable, and we plan to hold them to it. https://t.co/RsbC4o0cRV Tom Steyer (@TomSteyer) November 8, 2018 Here is an excerpt from Steyers op-ed: As President Trump continues to accelerate his lawlessness, the new Democratic House majority must initiate impeachment proceedings against him as soon as it takes office in January. For nearly two years, Mr. Trump has publicly flouted his oath of office. He has turned the presidency into a moneymaking enterprise for a family business he refuses to divest from, in direct violation of any plain reading of the Constitution. He is all but an unindicted co-conspirator in two federal felony cases. He has created an atmosphere of criminality through his hateful, violent rhetoric against political opponents, journalists and private citizens alike. Most egregiously, he has a longstanding pattern of obstructing justice. On Wednesday, he continued this by firing Attorney General Jeff Sessions and installing Matthew Whitaker who has publicly called for curtailing the special counsels investigation as acting attorney general, sparking a constitutional crisis that threatens the rule of law itself. As the list of Mr. Trumps impeachable offenses at least nine and counting has grown, more than 6.2 million people across the country have signed a petition, created by my organization Need to Impeach, demanding that their representatives confront his lawlessness. For months, public support for impeaching the president has been roughly equal to what it was before Richard Nixon resigned. Also yesterday, Steyer told CBS News that he is considering a challenge to President Donald Trump in 2020. CBS political reporter Caitlin Huey-Burns tweeted: Tom Steyer just now on CBSN asked about a 2020 bid: I promise Im thinking of it really hard. Also says, we need transformational leadershipwho will not try to meet in the middle. Tom Steyer just now on CBSN asked about a 2020 bid: "I promise Im thinking of it really hard." Also says, "we need transformational leadershipwho will not try to meet in the middle." @CBSNews Caitlin Huey-Burns (@CHueyBurns) November 8, 2018 Steyer is an interesting possible presidential candidate for the Democrats in 2020. Much like attorney Michael Avenatti, he has national prominence but no political experience. There is no guarantee that he will win, but if enters the battle for the nomination it will surely make it much more interesting. 2.7k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard Democratic Representative Kyrsten Sinema last night took the lead for the first time in Arizonas very tight U.S. Senate race. At last count she had lead of 9,610 votes over Republican Representative Martha McSally in a contest that is still considered too-close-to-call. Sinemas lead is less than one-half of one percent as votes are still rolling in, primarily from Maricopa County. According to new figures obtained from the Arizona secretary of states website an additional 120,000 outstanding ballots were made available from Maricopa County Thursday. Maricopa County includes the capital of Phoenix, as well as Sinemas own congressional district. Votes were also coming in from Pinal, Gila and Pima counties. Pima is a heavily Democratic county thats home to the city Tucson and the University of Arizona. There are still approximately 345,000 ballots that need to be counted per the Arizona Secretary of States office. It could take several days for the process to be completed. The Sinemas lead is a significant shift from McSallys initial 1-point lead as of early Thursday. At that time the GOP congresswoman was up by 17,073 votes. As Sinema slightly pulled ahead on Thursday, a judge rejected a Republican lawsuit challenging the states mail-in ballot counting procedures. Judge Margaret Mahoney set a hearing on the GOP lawsuit for Friday regarding about 5,600 votes from Maricopa County, which has been steadily releasing numbers on mail-in ballots since Tuesdays election. Some county recorders have been calling voters who submitted mail-in ballots with signatures that dont match whats on file to verify their signature. Republicans allege in the suit that this procedure violates state law. But Mahoney on Thursday said it was too soon to tell those counties to stop contacting those voters. The judge also wouldnt tell the counties to temporarily separate mail ballots verified through this procedure. The Maricopa County recorder announced that the next update will be posted on Friday at 5 p.m. local time. Prior to the first batch of outstanding votes being released, Sinemas campaign released a statement expressing her confidence in her chances to win once all the remaining ballots are tallied. Arizonans must have faith that their votes are counted, and we are working diligently to ensure that count proceeds in a fair, transparent, and timely manner that voters can trust, Sinema campaign manager Andrew Piatt said in the statement. He also said that her campaign believes she will be victorious after the remaining uncounted votes are counted. McSallys campaign also expressed confidence in a Thursday night statement. With half a million ballots left to count we remain confident that as votes continue to come in from counties across the state, Martha McSally will be elected Arizonas next Senator, McSally Campaign CEO Jim Bognet wrote in the statement. Although Republicans are guaranteed to remain in control of the U.S. Senate, the prospect of picking up a Democratic seat in the red state of Arizona is a bright spot for Democrats. It shows that there really was a Blue Wave in the 2018 midterm elections. 10.4k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard Nearly two thousand working voting machines sat unused across metropolitan Atlanta on Tuesday, as tens of thousands of African American voters suffered through extraordinarily long lines at the polls. In many cases they were forced to wait in line several hours in order to vote. More than 1,800 machines sat idle in storage in three of the states largest and most heavily Democratic counties. While some voters waited in hours-long lines in Fulton County, 700 of those machines sat in a warehouse in downtown Atlanta. More than 1,800 machines sat idle in storage in three of the states largest and most heavily Democratic counties. While some voters waited in hours-long lines in Fulton County, 700 of those machines sat in a warehouse in downtown Atlanta. https://t.co/ynlcUNi1pI Ava DuVernay (@ava) November 9, 2018 According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, local officials in Cobb, DeKalb, and Fulton counties sequestered the machines due to an ongoing federal lawsuit that argues Georgias electronic voting machines could be hacked or tampered with. But theres a major problem with this lame excuse: the ongoing litigation doesnt demand that voting machines be sequestered in this situation. Bruce Brown, an attorney for some of the plaintiffs in the case of Curling v. Kemp, noted this interesting turn of events in comments to the newspaper. No judge anywhere, at any time, has ever ordered Fulton County or any other county to set aside more machines than they said they could spare. No request was ever made by anyone to plaintiffs or the court suggesting that Fulton or anyone else needed more machines for this or any other election. Obviously, the court and the parties would have immediately entered into some sort of understanding to allow the counties to have enough machines to use for the election. The idea that the litigation caused the shortage of machines is absolute, unmitigated nonsense. There were fewer machines in the affected precincts and thus the voters faced long delays. The shortage of voting machines affected all of the voters in Cobb, DeKalb and Fulton counties, the three jurisdictions covered by the court case. Georgia election officials confirmed that the shortage of voting machines, combined with high turnout, resulted in the longest voting lines in many years. They said that by the time they realized turnout would significantly exceed the last midterm election, there wasnt time to find additional machines. We thought we had enough until turnout started expanding, and with the ballot being long and complicated, the time at the touchscreen was longer, said Cobb Elections Director Janine Eveler. We had voters who called and expressed their frustration. Georgia voting rights advocates accused GOP gubernatorial candidate Brian Kemp (who was also secretary of state) and Republican local officials of disenfranchising thousands of African American voters on Election Day. In addition to the shortage of voting machines, there were also hundreds of complaints about broken equipment and insufficient quantities of printed provisional ballots. Attorney Brown said Kemp was directly implicated in all of Georgias voting problems. The buck stops with him, Brown said. He is in charge of elections statewide. It is his office thats responsible for making sure the counties have the resources they need. The buck stops with Kemp. The buck does indeed stop with Brian Kemp. And he may go down in history as the man who engineered his own election as governor of Georgia by orchestrating a sophisticated and multi-pronged attack on the voting rights of Georgians. 2.4k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard Editors note: this is not normal and would be an abuse of Trumps power if he did so. WASHINGTON (Reuters) U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday he would send lawyers to expose what he said without evidence was fraud in contested voting in Broward County, Florida. In Floridas U.S. Senate race, Republican Governor Rick Scott, with his lead over Democratic incumbent Bill Nelson narrowing, filed lawsuits on Thursday accusing election supervisors in Broward and Palm Beach counties of failing to follow election law. Marc Elias, an attorney for Nelsons campaign, said the Tuesdays results remained unknown. Dont worry, Florida I am sending much better lawyers to expose the FRAUD! Trump wrote on Twitter. (Reporting by Doina Chiacu) 884 SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard (Reuters) Former first lady Michelle Obama will never forgive President Donald Trump for promoting a bigoted conspiracy theory that questioned whether her husband was born in the United States, the Washington Post reported on Friday. In a separate interview with ABC News ahead of Tuesdays release of her memoir, Becoming, Michelle Obama also revealed she suffered a miscarriage 20 years ago, and that she underwent in-vitro fertilization (IVF) to conceive her two daughters. Citing an advance copy of the book, the Post quoted her as saying the so-called birther movement, which falsely claimed President Barack Obama began life as a foreigner, was crazy and mean-spirited and could have put her family in danger. What if someone with an unstable mind loaded a gun and drove to Washington? What if that person went looking for our girls? Michelle Obama wrote. Donald Trump, with his loud and reckless innuendos, was putting my familys safety at risk. And for this Id never forgive him. Asked on Friday about her comments, Trump did not answer directly and instead took a swipe at Barack Obama. I havent seen it. I guess she wrote a book. She got paid a lot of money to write a book, and they always insist that you come up with controversial (material), he told reporters at the White House as he left for a trip to Paris. Well, Ill give you a little controversy back: Ill never forgive him for what he did to our United States military by not funding it properly. It was depleted. Everything was old and tired. And I came in, and I had to fix it, Trump said. Since the U.S Constitution requires that a president be a natural-born citizen, the birther conspiracy was aimed at challenging the legality of Obamas presidency. Ahead of the 2016 election, Trump abandoned those claims about Obama, but he did not apologize. https://reut.rs/2PiUY4m Michelle Obamas memoir chronicles her life growing up on Chicagos South Side through her years inside the White House as a mother of two and the nations first African-American first lady. In the ABC News interview airing on Sunday, the former first lady said she felt lost and alone after suffering a miscarriage two decades ago. I felt like I failed because I didnt know how common miscarriages were because we dont talk about them, she said. We sit in our own pain, thinking that somehow were broken. She also revealed how she underwent IVF in order to give birth to Malia, now 20 years old, and Sasha, now 17. The memoir fulfills half of an agreement that publisher Penguin Random House reached with her and the former president after he left office under which the couple will each publish one book, reportedly for a sum worth more than $60 million. (Reporting and writing by Daniel Wallis, additional reporting by Roberta Rampton in Washington; editing by Bill Berkrot) 2.3k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard Yesterday, Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) sent out a series of Tweets implying a vast conspiracy was taking place due to his belief that democratic lawyers are trying to change the results of this past Tuesdays election. Governor Rick Scott continues to hold a slim lead over his opponent, Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL), however, that margin continues to deteriorate as more votes continue to be counted. According to Mr. Rubio, votes still being tallied, should not be counted due to his ignorance of Florida election law. Mr. Rubio cites a portion of the law which requires election officials to report within thirty minutes after the polls close those ballots which are the result of early voting and vote by mail. States Rubio: #Florida law requires counties report voting and vote-by-mail within 30 minutes after polls close. 43 hours after polls closed, 2 Democratic strongholds #BrowardCountry & #PalmBeachCounty are still counting & refusing to disclose how many ballots they have left to count. As Jerry Iannelli, reporter for the Miami New Times reports, Mr. Rubio is engaging in rhetoric that erodes trust in the validity of elections. Iannelli goes on further to argue that Mr. Rubio is entering InfoWars/Trumpian territory with his claim. Iannelli is correct, as he further points out that the election counting is being completed by Republicans when he states: Rubio is also leaving out some really important details. For one, Snipes was a Jeb Bush appointee, so shes not exactly an obvious partisan. Two: The person in charge of election recounts at the state level is Secretary of State Ken Detzner, whom Scott appointed to the job. Detzner and Scott were repeatedly accused of working together to hatch schemes designed to suppressDemocratic votes over the past eight years. It is, frankly, a blatant conflict of interest for Detzner to oversee Scotts recount, but Rubio isnt complaining about that here. Daniel Sweeney, reporter for the Sun-Sentinel, the daily newspaper for Broward County, Florida, chimed in to correct Rubios ignorance of the Florida law by reminding him of the following: Florida law requires all early votes and TABULATED vote by mail to be posted then. Unofficial returns have to be submitted to Sec. of State by noon the fourth day after the electiontwo days from now. Its all there on the Div. of Elections website of the state you represent. But this dosage of reality did not stop conservative commentators and pundits from accusing Florida of being involved in an election conspiracy. As Media Matters reports, a host of these conservatives had taken to the airwaves accusing or intimating that Democrats were trying to steal the election. Sean Hannity suggests Florida is an illegal plot to steal the election. Newsmax host, John Cadillo suggested that the Broward County Supervisor of Elections, Brenda Snipes, will find more votes for Andrew Gillum, due to that race being a mere .02% away from an automatically triggered recount. Hugh Hewitt, from MSNBC, claimed Broward County officials are basically asking Democrats How many [votes] do you need?' Media Matters provides the list of conservative media personalities who are piling on the suggestion that foul play is taking place while stating: Both before and after Rubios tweets, right-wing media have gone into overdrive claiming that Democrats are trying to steal the election. Even Mr. Trump chimed in with his usual voter fraud allegations by stating in a Tweet: Law Enforcement is looking into another big corruption scandal having to do with Election Fraud in #Broward and Palm Beach. Florida voted for Rick Scott! Which leads me to my final point: Words have consequences. Should people believe that their vote was not counted and fraud took place, as Iannelli pointed out, it leads to problems. And now? We have problems in Florida. Late last night, Mr. Scott has announced that he has filed a lawsuit against election officials in the State of Florida. Watch the video here for Scotts appearance on Hannity: Instead of calming the waters, and allowing the election officials to count each and every vote, what began with Mr. Rubio as a conspiracy has now turned into litigation reminiscent of the Gore Bush election fiasco. It is one thing for the conservative media to hype up allegations of voter fraud and quite another to have the occupant of our Oval Office cheering the matter on, especially when those tasked with counting each and every vote are Republicans. Instead of expanding the franchise, Republicans have worked relentlessly to disenfranchise voters while consistently portraying Democrats as unethical simply because they want all the votes counted. With several races still too close to call, it appears Republicans will do whatever it takes to win, despite their poor performance on Tuesday night. 372 SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard President Donald Trump has interjected himself into another election controversy. On Thursday evening he said that law enforcement was examining a big corruption scandal regarding Election Fraud in Florida. There are two Florida counties that have found themselves in the middle of an intense fight over vote counts in the states too-close-to-call U.S. Senate race. Trump Tweeted: Law Enforcement is looking into another big corruption scandal having to do with Election Fraud in #Broward and Palm Beach. Florida voted for Rick Scott! Law Enforcement is looking into another big corruption scandal having to do with Election Fraud in #Broward and Palm Beach. Florida voted for Rick Scott! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 9, 2018 It is not clear, however, that there really is a corruption scandal in these two counties. The vote counts have been slow and irregular, but that is probably due to incompetence and antiquated voting systems instead of corruption. Yesterday the GOP senate candidate, current Florida Governor Rick Scott announced that he is suing Broward County Supervisor of Elections Brenda Snipes. Scott has alleged that Snipes office withheld critical voter information. As votes slowly came in after Tuesdays election Scotts initial lead has disappeared. This means that the nationally prominent Senate race against his Democratic opponent, current U.S. Senator Bill Nelson is headed for a recount. The presidents tweet came less than two hours after Scott sued Snipes. The lawsuit was filed in the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida Thursday evening. Scott is charging that Snipess Broward County elections office withheld critical information about vote counts, such as how many people voted in the midterm elections, and how many ballots remain to be counted in Broward County. The governor held a news conference Thursday in which he requested that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) open an investigation into Broward County election records. He maintained that the request to the FDLE was made in his capacity as a senatorial candidate and not in his official capacity as governor of Florida. However, at his news conference on Thursday night, Scott said there were unethical liberals trying to steal this election from the people of Florida. He also said there were incompetence and irregularities in vote tabulations in Broward and Palm Beach. Every Floridian should be concerned there may be rampant fraud happening in Palm Beach and Broward Counties, Scott said. And the Broward Supervisor of Elections Brenda Snipes has a history of acting in bad faith. A spokesman for Senator Nelson, Dan McLaughlin, issued a statement saying that the Nelson campaign wants to make sure that every legally-cast vote is counted. He rejected Scotts charges that Nelson is trying to steal the election. The goal here is to see that all the votes in Florida are counted and counted accurately, McLaughlin said in a statement. Rick Scotts action appears to be politically motivated and borne out of desperation. There is no question that everything Rick Scott does is politically motivated. But there is an open question concerning whether or not he actually won his senate race against Bill Nelson. Like everyone else, the governor is going to have to just wait and see how things shake out after all votes are counted and recounted. 1.8k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard Prosecutors have evidence that Donald Trump was involved in every step of the felony criminal cover-up of his affair with Stormy Daniels. The Wall Street Journal reported: The Wall Street Journal found that Mr. Trump was involved in or briefed on nearly every step of the agreements. He directed deals in phone calls and meetings with his self-described fixer, Michael Cohen, and others. The U.S. attorneys office in Manhattan has gathered evidence of Mr. Trumps participation in the transactions. . When Mr. Cohen pleaded guilty that month to campaign-finance violations, prosecutors filed a 22-page charging document asserting that Mr. Cohen coordinated with one or more members of the campaign, including through meetings and phone calls, about the fact, nature, and timing of the payments. The unnamed campaign member or members referred to Mr. Trump, according to people familiar with the document. Forget Mueller, Trump Has An Even Bigger Problem Robert Mueller and the Russia investigation is an ongoing obsession for Trump, but the presidents bigger issue is the Stormy Daniels related felonies that Trump linked to. Trump ran the cover-up operation to hide his affair with Daniels during the 2016 campaign. The president made the deal that violated campaign finance law and also was federal fraud felonies. No one knows what evidence Robert Mueller has collected in the Russia investigation against Donald Trump, but much more is known about the Michael Cohen case. Trump is wide open to a variety of state charges that cant be self-pardoned away or restricted by his status as president. The White House has always been more concerned about the Michael Cohen case because there is clear and direct evidence of Trump criminal behavior that is grounds for impeachment. Many Americans thought that Trump would be impeached for crimes related to the Russia scandal, but it might be Stormy Daniels, not Vladimir Putin who sends this president packing. For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group. Follow Jason Easley on Facebook. 1.9k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard Former first lady Michelle Obama said that she could never forgive Trump for his birtherism. The president responded with a series of lies about both Obamas. Michelle Obama wrote in her new book, What if someone with an unstable mind loaded a gun and drove to Washington? What if that person went looking for our girls?Donald Trump, with his loud and reckless innuendos, was putting my familys safety at risk. And for this Id never forgive him. Trump responded with lies, Michelle Obama? She got paid a lot of money to write a book. They also insist you come up with controversial. Ill give you controversy back. Ill never forgive him for what he did to our United States military it was depleted. Everything was old and tired. I came in and had to fix it. Im in the process of spending tremendous amounts of money. So Ill never forgive him for what he did to our military. Ill never forgive him for what he did in many other ways, which Ill talk about what he did at a later time. What he did to our military made this country very unsafe for you and you and you. Video: Former first lady Michelle Obama said that she could never forgive Trump for his birtherism. The president responded with a series of lies about both Obamas. https://t.co/GSMWGJXEWZ pic.twitter.com/oShgOGIyX3 PoliticusUSA (@politicususa) November 9, 2018 The Washington Post fact checked Trumps claim of a depleted military in 2017 and found, But his claim is both an exaggeration and an oversimplification. According to an analysis by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, the Department of Defenses base budget grew by 31 percent between fiscal 2000 and 2014, with an annual average growth rate of 1.9 percent. The growth is a reflection of the fact the U.S. military entered two wars during that time period: The war in Afghanistan in 2001 and the Iraq War in 2003. Obama didnt cut the military budget. Republicans in Congress did with the sequester. Presidents do not have the power to set the militarys budget. The other key point is that even in Obamas last year in office, the military budget was still bigger than it was before the Iraq and Afghanistan wars began. Trumps military depletion crisis is imaginary, but even as president, his lies and attacks against Barack and Michelle Obama are unrelenting. For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group. Follow Jason Easley on Facebook. 16k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard Trumps installed Attorney General Matthew Whitaker is under criminal FBI investigation for scamming millions of dollars from customers in an invention promotion scheme. According to The Wall Street Journal: The Federal Bureau of Investigation is conducting a criminal investigation of a Florida company accused of scamming millions from customers during the period that Matthew Whitaker, the acting U.S. attorney general, served as a paid advisory-board member, according to an alleged victim who was contacted by the FBI and other people familiar with the matter. . World Patent Marketing, based in Miami Beach, shut down last year after being accused by the Federal Trade Commission of scamming customers out of $26 million. The company charged would-be inventors thousands of dollars to patent and promote their inventions, but provided almost no real services and threatened those who complained, the FTC said. The FTCs action was a civil proceeding. The existence of a continuing FBI investigation suggests authorities are also looking into potential criminal charges. Trump Adds A New Member To His Criminal Administration Whitaker is another example of Trump hiring the best people, and by the best people, we mean people most likely to end up behind bars in an orange jumpsuit. It has been clear from day one that only the most corrupt of the corrupt would choose to work for a president and an administration that is the most overtly criminal in modern US political history. Trump Top Law Enforcement Officer In The Country Is Under Criminal Investigation The fact that the person that Trump installed to be the top law enforcement officer in the country is under criminal investigation says everything about the Trump administration. Trump isnt just trying to escape justice. The President Of The United States is trying to corrupt an erode national institutions that deliver justice. Mark Whitaker should be nowhere near, much less running, the Department of Justice. For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group. Follow Jason Easley on Facebook. Correction: A previous version of this article misidentified Matthew Whitaker as Mark Whitaker. 289 SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard By Rod Nickel and David Gaffen (Reuters) A U.S. judge in Montana has halted construction of the Keystone XL pipeline designed to carry heavy crude oil from Canada to the United States, drawing a sharp rebuke on Friday from President Donald Trump. The ruling out of a U.S. Court in Montana late on Thursday dealt a major setback to TransCanada Corp , whose stock dropped 2 percent in Toronto. Shares of companies that would ship oil on the pipeline also fell. TransCanada said in a statement it remains committed to building the $8 billion, 1,180 mile (1,900 km) pipeline. The ruling drew an angry response from Trump, who approved the pipeline shortly after taking office. It also piles pressure on Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to assist the countrys ailing oil sector. It was a win for environmental groups who sued the U.S. government in 2017, soon after Trump announced a presidential permit for the project. The ruling also rewarded tribal groups and ranchers who have spent more than a decade fighting the planned pipeline. U.S. District Court Judge Brian Morris wrote that a U.S. State Department environmental analysis of Keystone XL fell short of a hard look' at the cumulative effects of greenhouse gas emissions and the impact on Native American land resources. It was a political decision made by a judge. I think its a disgrace, Trump told reporters at the White House. The Trump administration tried to force this dirty pipeline project on the American people, but they cant ignore the threats it would pose to our clean water, our climate, and our communities, said the Sierra Club, one of the environmental groups involved in the lawsuit. Representatives of Trudeau and Canadas Natural Resources Minister Amarjeet Sohi did not immediately comment. The U.S. State Department was not immediately available for comment. The pipeline would carry heavy crude from Alberta to Steele City, Nebraska, where it would connect to refineries in the U.S. Midwest and Gulf Coast, as well as Gulf export terminals. Shares of Canadian oil producers Canadian Natural Resources Ltd and Cenovus Energy shed 3 percent. Canada has long sought more arteries to move oil out of Alberta, where the tar-like bitumen is extracted. Several pipeline projects have been scrapped due to opposition, and the Trans Mountain line project still faces delays even after the Canadian government purchased it this year to move it forward. You have to wonder how long investors will tolerate the delays and whether the Canadian government will intervene again to protect the industry, said Morningstar analyst Sandy Fielden. Ensuring at least one pipeline is built is critical to Trudeaus economic and environmental plans, with a Canadian election expected next autumn. Canada is the primary source of imported U.S. oil, but congested pipelines have forced oil shippers to use costlier rail and trucks. Alberta has felt the financial pressure, and an industry source said the provincial government last month solicited proposals from companies on ways to move crude faster by rail. The source said proposals included ideas such as buying rail cars and investing in loading terminals. Ive never seen (the Alberta government) so active on this front, said the source, who asked not to be identified because the matter is politically sensitive. That is a shift. The Alberta government did not immediately comment. In a statement to Reuters on Thursday, a spokesman for its energy ministry declined to specify options under consideration. Morris, in his ruling, ordered the government to issue a more thorough environmental analysis before the project can move forward. He also said the analysis failed to fully review the effects of the current oil price on the pipelines viability and did not fully model potential oil spills and offer mitigations measures. Former U.S. President Barack Obama rejected Keystone XL in 2015 on environmental concerns. (Reporting by Rod Nickel in Winnipeg, David Gaffen in New York and Brendan OBrien; Additional reporting by Roberta Rampton in Washington, Julie Gordon in Vancouver and David Ljunggren in Ottawa; Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe and David Gregorio) Get the SC business stories that matter. Our newsletter catches you up with all the business stories that are shaping Charleston and South Carolina every Monday and Thursday at noon. Get ahead with us - it's free. So, now its Mark Sanfords fault that Katie Arrington lost? In her defiant concession speech Wednesday, the perpetually victimized 1st Congressional District candidate blamed her defeat on the incumbent congressman. Who, you may remember, she beat in the Republican primary in June. We lost because Mark Sanford could not understand this was about the conservative movement and not about him, Arrington said. Funny she would put it that way, because throughout the campaign Arrington made it clear she believes everything is about her. This was her dream. She was destined for Congress. The president signed her cast! She couldnt even talk about downtown Charleston flooding without pointing out that it was a problem chiefly because floodwaters might have prevented her from getting to the hospital after that horrible car accident in late June. Narcissism much? True to form, Arringtons concession was filled with venom toward poor ol Sanford. She was outraged that he wouldnt endorse her, upset when her campaign ran low on funds and the congressman wouldnt share his bountiful war chest (which suggests she asked). So, entitled and scorned, Arrington urged Sanford donors to request that he return their contributions. Its hard to imagine why voters in the 1st District didnt want this petty egomaniac representing them in Washington. A one-way trail Throughout the campaign, Arrington supporters constantly lamented Sanfords selfish refusal to endorse her. Why, they asked, wouldnt he get with the program? Perhaps it had something to do with this: During the primary, Arrington aired an amazingly nasty attack ad on Sanford that evoked the former governors infamous affair and the Appalachian Trail scandal. Mark Sanford and the career politicians cheated on us, she says in the spot. We sent him to do a job but he left his post and set off down a long trail of obstructionism. Bless his heart, but it is time for Mark Sanford to take a hike for real this time. Give Arrington credit. It takes gall or something alliterative of that to hit a man below the belt and then get offended when he doesnt respond like a supplicant. You know, like Ted Cruz did after President Trump called his wife ugly and linked his dad to the JFK assassination. Sign up for our new opinion newsletter Get a weekly recap of South Carolina opinion and analysis from The Post and Courier in your inbox on Monday evenings. Email Sign Up! Sanford has far too much dignity for that sort of groveling. And of course, he was his usual no-drama self about all this. Hes become quite philosophical since the life-changing events referenced in Arringtons insidious ad, and often talks like a spiritual guru. I respect the fact that its a normal enough, very human reaction to blame someone else or something else for something that doesnt go right in our lives. I get that, Sanford said Wednesday. Which is Sanford-speak for, Katie, bless your heart. Wanted: civility Arrington didnt lose because Sanford refused to kneel by her side like a whipped dog. This is why she lost: On Wednesday, congressman-elect Joe Cunningham talked to reporters about his victory. He thanked Sanford for his service, called him a patriot and true defender of the environment. He said he was eager to work with both sides of the aisle and that his campaign was about unity, something sorely lacking in this country right now. Amen. Cunningham even thanked Arrington. He called her a fighter who ran a spirited campaign. He said he admired his opponent for soldiering on after a horrific accident and the death of her mother, and promised to keep her family in his prayers. That display of empathy, of basic human decency, is something that has largely gone missing in America of late. And Cunningham campaigned respectfully while Arrington ran bad, cartoonish attack ads and carelessly tossed around terms like good and evil. A lot of people, including a sizable number of 1st District Republicans, are sick of the name-calling, the fear-mongering and the general nastiness of politics these days. Arrington embraced all that, just as she did Trump, and it reminded a lot of people of exactly whats wrong with politics. So if Arrington wants to blame someone for her humiliating defeat in Tuesdays election, she should fall back to her default setting. It was all about her. Reach Brian Hicks at bhicks@postandcourier.com. 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. More than 150 kayaks and paddleboards surrounded Crab Bank in Charleston Harbor in September to show support for restoring it as a rookery. Drone photo by Adam Boozer You are the owner of this article. 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. Editorials represent the institutional view of the newspaper. They are written and edited by the editorial staff, which operates separately from the news department. Editorial writers are not involved in newsroom operations. LONDON China is set to overtake France as the worlds number one tourist destination by 2030 as a growing middle class in Asia looks to spend more on travel, according to experts at market research group Euromonitor International. In a report published Tuesday at an industry conference in London, Euromonitor said it is predicting there will be 1.4 billion trips made in 2018, up 5 percent from last year. Stronger growth in many major economies mean industry receipts will rise by an estimated 11 percent. By 2030, international arrivals are expected to have risen by another billion, corresponding to around $2.6 trillion in receipts. China is expected to have overtaken France by then to become the worlds number one destination. Much of the sustained boom in travel and tourism, which has outpaced growth in the global economy for eight years, is centered in the Asia-Pacific region, where trips are expected to grow by 10 percent this year. The region has benefited from rapidly growing economies as well as an expanding middle class that seeks to spend disposable income on leisure. Euromonitors senior travel analyst, Wouter Geerts, said the gradual process of loosening visa restrictions has made traveling in the region easier, with 80 percent of arrivals in Asia originating from the region. He also said sporting events will likely further boost the region, with Tokyo hosting the 2020 Summer Olympic Games and Beijing the 2022 winter event. "Tourism is a key pillar of the Chinese economy, and much investment has been made to improve infrastructure and standards, in addition to tourism-friendly policies and initiatives," he said. Other bright spots in the forecast are countries like Egypt, Tunisia and Turkey, which have seen sharp falls in tourist numbers over the past few years linked to security concerns. Egypt, in particular, appears to be doing well, following a long period of decline largely linked to the political upheaval since a popular uprising in 2011 and the downing of a Russian passenger plane over Egypts Sinai peninsula in 2015 by an affiliate of the Islamic State group, killing 224 people. Though Egypts bookings were up 134 percent in 2017-18 from the year before, according to Euromonitor, the industry is still short of where it was in 2010. Egyptian government figures show 8 million tourists visited the country last year, way down on the 14 million recorded in 2010. Euromonitor also warned that the U.S. tourism industry could face a hit if the trade tensions between the U.S. and China escalate. Theres a new California State Park trail at Lake Tahoe, but for this one youll have to put away your hiking boots and grab a dive mask to explore it. Californias first maritime heritage underwater trail showcases historic recreational boats and barges that have sunk to the bottom of Emerald Bay in Lake Tahoe. Emerald Bay Maritime Heritage Trail opened Oct. 1. Divers could previously explore two large barges at the Historic Barge Dive Site established in 1998, according to Tahoe Weekly. The new underwater trail allows exploration of three new sites and the ships that rest under the surface of the lake, including a wooden fishing boat dating back to the early 20th century, according to Travel + Leisure. Travel + Leisure said a 27-foot-long vessel, known as Florence M, sits under Emerald Bay. Built in 1915, the boat was used for excursions around the lake. Traces of its paint are still visible on its hull, the magazine said. California State Parks has released videos of divers exploring the barges at the site. The watercraft rest 10 to 40 feet below the surface, the director of underwater science at Indiana University told the Sierra Sun. "Whats most exciting on the trail are the large ponderosa pine barges ," Charles Beeker told the Sierra Sun. "These were probably used in the building of Vikingsholm, we think, and were also used before the highway was built in 1926 to cross the mouth of Emerald Bay." Vikingsholm is a historic 38-room Scandinavian mansion on the shore of Emerald Bay. Several small vessels that were likely sunk at their moorings sit 30 to 60 feet deep in the water, too, Travel + Leisure said, including a kayak, wooden fishing boats, rowboats and motorboats. Scuba divers are advised to use caution and adhere to safe diving practices at all times, according to California Diver. With Lake Tahoes altitude over 6,000 feet, divers should be prepared for extreme cold water temperatures year round. Eight cool facts about one of Rochesters most interesting houses (and its owner). A little slice of homebuilding history sits quietly in a northeast Rochester neighborhood. Invented in the 1940s to solve the housing need created by returning GIs from WWII, Lustron homes were "the House America Has Been Waiting For." The 1,000-square-foot homes were constructed entirely of enameled steel, made on a production line, and bolted onto a concrete slab for around $10,000 eachcompared to $12,000-$15,000 for comparable stick-built homesplus the land and concrete pouring costs. Renee Thoresons house, built over the course of two days in 1950, was one of the last Lustrons constructed. Upon completion, the Westchester Deluxe-style Lustronin the 700 block of 13th Avenue northeastserved as a model home for the area. In a one-day public showing, Rochester Realtors Stan Mohn and Haven Hodge (of Mohn and Hodge Realtors) received more than 100 home orderswith $100 depositswhile sitting at a desk set up in the Lustrons dinette. None of the homes, though, would ever be delivered, they told us for a previous story. The Lustron Corporation was bankrupt by the end of 1950 after producing just 2,560 homesof which an estimated 1,950 still stand. That said, Thoresons home features many 1950s features that are useful todaylike built-in storage, soap-and-water cleaning, and ahead-of-its-time copper plumbing. Read on for more cool features. What do Lustron homes have in common with Harry Potter? Well, both ideas were scrawled on a napkin at the very beginning. Carl Stradlund, the Swedish immigrant who moved to Moline, Ill. at age four, sketched out the idea for an assembly-line home on a table napkin shortly after learning about the post-WWII housing crisis. Whats your number? Originally, each home had a serial number located in the utility room. Sadly, Thoresons not sure exactly when her home came off the assembly line. The plate was removed by a former owner sometime before shethe homes fifth ownermoved in (1989). "The squiggle," a fanciful built-in trellis next to the porch, is also lost from one side of Thoresons house. She did, however, find a 1951 fishing calendar stuck behind some furniture, which has joined her vintage-inspired decor. Weathering the storm. Ease of maintenance was a huge selling point for the Lustron homes. "They were considered durable, washable," Thoreson says. "Rodent-proof." Thoresons Lustron home still has its original roof, which has "never once leaked," she says. "If Im somewhere else and its bad weather, I feel not as safe as when Im at home." The house includes pocket doors, which "slide right into the wall and disappear," and built-in metal closets, shelving, and vanities. And as far as washing the exterior, "you just get a hose," Thoreson says. 4,000 parts? Joseph and Judith Foss, according to Thoreson, purchased the Lustron in October of 1949 from Peter Nelson & Son Inc. in La Crosse, Wis. for approximately $9,900. A crew assembled the houseand its more than 12 tons of steel and approximately 4,000 partsin just over two days in January 1950. Its all in the details. Thoreson had a vintage decorating scheme to match the outside of her house, but shes added Scandinavian and Norwegian touches to reflect her heritage in the last few years. She enjoys Norwegian handcrafts like hardanger (embroidery), svidekor (wood burning decoration), and kolrosing and kroting (incised wood decoration). The whole house is coordinated. Magnetic Scrabble tiles spell out "Lustron" on the walk in. Andlast but not leasta Little Free Library sits in her front lawn, painted to match that surf blue-and-gray exterior. Speaking of paint, remodeling a Lustron is a trick. New doorways would have to be cut into the metal, and expansions obviously wont look the same. Lustrons werent made with modern technology reliance in mind, either. Thoreson got the whole house rewired when she moved in. She added AC and a water softener in 96. Her kitchen was redone with wood cabinets and counters. One of her walls in the living room was redone in drywall to cover over an inset bookcasenow it houses a television and collection display (of head vases, which used to be sold with small floral arrangements). After all that, getting the house back to original condition is basically impossible. Thoreson texture-painted the walls cream and gray in some rooms "before (she) knew better." "Sometimes I get purist and I would like to get down to the original," she saysthats a porcelain enamel on steel, in case you were wondering. And the original built-in kitchen dishwasher converted into a clotheswasher, but that was removed long ago. Magnets? Magnets. Thoresons walls are all metal. So if she wants to hang anything relatively light on the wall, she can turn to magnets to do the trickwhich is way easier than trying to hammer a nail into enameled steel. "If I want to remind myself of something, the dining room is good," Thoreson said. "Ill just stick something here." Join the club. Being a Lustron owner is more than a personal milestoneits a ticket into a super-exclusive club. Lustron owners meet up, make Facebook pages, and register their locations online. Many of the homes have names, as well, like the Lunchbox, Heavy Metal House, Aqua Villa, Bomb Shelter, Lego House, the Jetson House, and Metal Mansion. Until recently, Thoresons nickname was the "Lustron Lodge." Shes since changed it to the "Koselig Cottage" (koselig is Norwegian for "cozy"). Want to stay in a Lustron house? Theres a Lustron for rent just an hour away in La Crosse, Wis. Bluff View House Rentals has a Lustron house (Model 02, Serial No. 01752) for rentand, according to the website, "the exterior still has a shine." It runs from $115-$150 per night. bluffviewhouserental.com/lustron-history Across two spending packages being offered by the federal government, Guam could stand to receive anywhere from $1.5 billion to nearly $2 billion. Read more The U.S. Army is investigating the death of a soldier from Guam. Sgt. Marcos John Aguon, 28, died after being found unconscious at a base in South Korea, the Army announced in a statement on Wednesday. He joined the Army from Talofofo in January 2015, according to a report in the Stars and Stripes. Aguon was found unconscious at Camp Hovey and pronounced dead Sunday at Joongang St. Mary's Hospital in the surrounding city of Dongducheon, which is near the border with North Korea. The details surrounding Aguon's death are under investigation, according to the Army's statement. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to Sgt. Marcos Aguon's family for their loss," said battalion commander Lt. Col. Jason Carter. "Sgt. Aguon was a noncommissioned officer that everyone looked up to, and an integral member of the Defender battalion. His unfortunate passing will be felt by us all." Aguon was a cannon crew member with the Fort Bliss, Texas-based 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, which rotated to South Korea last month. He was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 1st Field Artillery Regiment. He is survived by his wife and three children. Ousted Attorney General Jeff Sessions has received an outpouring of praise from conservatives whose focus is public policy. I quoted some of that praise last night. Theres a lot more I could add, but instead Ill confine myself to this article by Heather Mac Donald. She argues that by firing Sessions, President Trump has put key portions of his agenda at risk: Trump won the presidency by promising to restore the rule of immigration law after decades of bipartisan neglect. Sessions, serving as a senator from Alabama in 2016, was uniquely positioned to do so. No politician had devoted as much time to documenting the corrosive effects of low-skilled mass immigration on the countrys working class. Sessions was a nationalist long before Trump came on the scene. He knew the myriad tactics through which the nations career bureaucrats and immigration advocates had abetted mass illegal entry, and set out to block them. As attorney general, he used every lawful tool available to his office to fight the sanctuary-city movement, whereby local jurisdictions openly defy the federal governments efforts to protect the public from illegal-alien criminals. Scofflaw cities and states across the country responded with a spate of lawsuits against Sessions; left-wing judges slapped the Justice Department with questionable nationwide injunctions to protect the sanctuary jurisdictions. Sessions sued right back. Sheriffs, the closest to the ground when it comes to public sentiment about law enforcement, understood what was at stake. Jeff Sessions has probably been the most effective attorney general in the eyes of law enforcement in our nations history, National Sheriffs Association executive director Jonathan Thompson told the Huffington Post in August 2018. (Emphasis added) Mac Donald continues: The Obama administration had declared domestic violence a ground for asylum, even though asylum is a response to state oppression. Sessions restored its original meaning. He declared an end to catch-and-release at the border, instead ordering the detention of all illegal crossers until they could be processed for deportation. . . . Sessions added new immigration judges to speed deportation cases, and was instrumental in the recent decades-overdue initiative to abolish birthright citizenshipsomething almost no other country on earth grants to illegal aliens. While Trump called MS-13 murderers animals, Sessions actually did something about the vicious gang by ordering U.S. attorneys to pursue prosecutions aggressively. Sessions was also outstanding on crime and criminal justice: The phony mass incarceration meme would no longer be used to limit the federal prosecution of drive-by shooters, armed robbers, and predatory drug dealers, as it had under the Obama Justice Department. Sessions halted the reflexive use of crippling federal-consent decrees against the nations police departments, and eloquently articulated the value of law enforcement to the law-abiding residents of high-crime communities. Mac Donald also praises Sessions for resisting calls to punish Trumps political enemies. For conservatives, Mac Donalds argument is controversial, but I agree with it: Sessionss most valuable service to America was protecting the integrity of the justice system against Trumps efforts to politicize it. Trump publicly pressured Sessions to use the fearsome powers of the Justice Department to punish his political enemies, starting with the Clinton Foundation and Hillary Clinton, concerning her e-mail server. Also on Trumps target list were James Comey, former Deputy FBI Director Andrew McCabe, and former FBI agents Peter Strzok and Lisa Page. Trump complained that Sessions had asked the Justice Departments inspector general, rather than DOJ lawyers, to investigate charges that the FBI had abused the FISA process in the Russia investigation. But Sessionss decisions to let the ongoing investigations run their course, and to abide by the findings of previous investigations, were both correct and in accord with the rule of law. Absent conclusive findings of corruption and malfeasance, the workings of our justice system must be respected. Trumps impulse to interfere when the outcome of an investigation is not to his liking would, if realized, end this countrys primary advantage in the global realm: an independent and professional justice system. . . . Moreover, such matters as the Clinton emails are trivial compared with the effect of unchecked low-skilled immigration on the nations social fabric. A wise leader would look forward, not back, and proceed full-speed ahead with his political agenda. Mac Donald defends Sessions decision to recuse himself from the Russia investigation. I agree with her on this, too. As for possible replacements for Sessions, Mac Donald says this: The Wall Street Journal has published a list of possible replacements for the new attorney general allegedly under consideration. None of them comes remotely close to possessing Sessionss knowledge of immigration or determination to usher in a rational immigration policy based on American needs. Among the namesAlex Azar, William Barr, Pam Bondi, Rudolph Giuliani, Chris Christie, and acting AG Matt WhitakerGiuliani has the deepest understanding of policing and crime. Yet Giuliani, its worth noting, defended New York Citys sanctuary law while he was mayor. Im more favorably disposed than Mac Donald to some of the people on this list. However, I agree that none matches Sessions. As I wrote yesterday, Trump will be hard-pressed to find a replacement who can match Jeff Sessions accomplishments on behalf of the Trump agenda. And I question whether finding such a replacement is Trumps primary objective. I understand why the Post wants to keep banging the drum over the killing of Jamal Khashoggi. Hes one of their own. Trying to cause the U.S. to reverse its foreign policy in the Middle East over one more killing in the region, however heinous, seems rather ambitious and, from the point of view of U.S. interests, misguided. But the Post has every right to try. However, the Post crosses a line when it provides Turkeys president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a platform to bang his drum, ostensibly in the name of freedom and transparency. Under Erdogan, Turkeys human rights record is deplorable. Its treatment of journalists is atrocious. The Post itself recently ran a story called Under Erdogan, journalists in peril. The Posts Chico Harlan cites the finding by the Committee to Protect Journalists that Turkey jails more journalists than any other nation. Indeed, it jails more than China, Russia, and Egypt combined. In its 2017/18 report on Turkey, Amnesty International found: Dissent was ruthlessly suppressed, with journalists, political activists and human rights defenders among those targeted. Instances of torture continued to be reported, but in lower numbers than in the weeks following the coup attempt of July 2016. Any effective investigation of human rights violations by state officials was prevented by pervasive impunity. Abuses by armed groups continued, including two attacks in January. (Emphasis added) Yet, here is Erdogan on the Posts op-ed page demanding transparency from Saudi Arabia regarding the murder of Khashoggi journalist and family man. Are not many of the legion of journalists Erdogan has jailed family men? Are not many of those he has had tortured? Of course they are. Erdogan isnt concerned about the killing of a journalist, family man or not. And though hes obviously displeased about a Saudi-ordered and executed murder of a friend in Istanbul, thats not what his op-ed is really about either. Erdogans goal is to discredit and defeat the faction of the Saudi royal family thats currently ascendant. Thats also a goal of the Post. But this confluence of interests cant justify running a transparently phony op-ed by a serial human rights violator and opponent of a free press. The Posts op-ed page, once the jewel of the newspaper, has become a joke a festival of Trump bashing in which mediocrities try to outdo one another on a daily basis with the sky is falling screeds. With the Erdogan piece, the op-ed page risks becoming a sick joke. Its great that the Republicans picked up Senate seats in North Dakota, Missouri, and Indiana. However, these states wont decide the 2020 presidential election. Judging by 2016, the most important states in two years will be Florida, Iowa, Wisconsin, Ohio, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. What did we learn about these states from Tuesdays election? In Florida, the Republican candidates for governor and senator appear to have prevailed, though the Democrats are still fighting. However, the margins were extremely narrow. Thus, there was no Trump-inspired blue wave in Florida, but the state very probably will be hotly contested in two years. In Iowa, the Republican candidate for governor, Kim Reynolds, defeated her opponent by 3 percentage points. As in Florida, the Republicans hold both Senate seats and the governors job. There was no Trump-inspired blue wave in Iowa. The state probably will be hotly contested in two years, but seems to lean Republican. In Wisconsin, the Democrats finally claimed Scott Walkers scalp. However, the margin was only 1 point. On the Senate side, the Democratic incumbent, Tammy Baldwin, was reelected. She defeated a relatively weak opponent by 11 points. Given the tightness of the governors race, I dont think there was a Trump-inspired blue wave in Wisconsin. It may be that the state leans slightly Democratic, but its not difficult to imagine President Trump outperforming Scott Walker by more than 1 point, especially against a left-wing Democratic nominee. In Ohio, left-liberal incumbent Sherrod Brown defeated Rep. Jim Renacci by 6.5 points. The race probably would have been considerably closer if Josh Mandel, the GOPs preferred candidate, hadnt dropped out of the race due to his wifes health problems. Meanwhile, Mike DeWine defeated Obama/Elizabeth Warren favorite Richard Cordray by 4 points in the gubernatorial race. I think that race is more indicative than the Senate contest of where Ohio is. In any case, there was no Trump-inspired blue wave in Ohio this year. In Michigan, incumbent Democrat Sen. Debbie Stabenow defeated John James by around 6.5 points. James, an African-American, was an attractive candidate in some ways, but also a political novice. In the governors race, which I didnt follow at all, the Democrat won by almost 10 points. In 2014, a good Republican year, the Democratic candidate for the Senate in Michigan won by 13 points. Thus, I wouldnt describe what happened this year in Michigan as a Trump-inspired blue wave. Republicans are in better shape in Michigan now than they were pre-Trump, in my view. Its still a blue state to be sure. But substitute Trump for James and, say, Elizabeth Warren or Kamela Harris for Stabenow, and its anyones guess who would win in Michigan. Id probably bet on Trump. In Pennsylvania, the Democrats won the Senate and gubernatorial races by big margins. The Democratic governor increased his margin from 2014, albeit as the incumbent rather than the challenger to an incumbent. Sen. Bob Casey also his increased his margin of victory. In addition, the Democrats picked up three House seats. Thus, there is evidence of a Trump-inspired blue wave in Pennsylvania. Still, we can only conjecture about how Trump himself would have fared had he been on the ballot. Overall, compared to 2016, Trumps position seems neither significantly to have eroded nor significantly to have improved in the states that are likely to decide the 2020 election. Trump better hope the economy stays strong. Democrats better hope they nominate a non-hard left candidate who is more attractive than Hillary Clinton. Scott has been all over the fact that the respected Southern Poverty Law Center (which seems to have little to do with either poverty or law) ought to be understood as a hate group, and finally someone in the mainstream media is having second thoughts about whether the SPLC deserves the high regard it receives. The Washington Post Magazine this weekend offers a long feature article by David Montgomery entitled The State of Hate: Researchers at the Southern Poverty Law Center have set themselves up as the ultimate judges of hate in America. But are they judging fairly? The article is very long, and extremely wishy-washy on the subject of extremism and the SPLCs handling of various conservative groups, but in the context of the mainstream media it might be read as a mild probation for the SPLC. Since the Post has a robust paywall, here are a few key excerpts: [T]he SPLC undermined its own credibility with a couple of blunders. In 2015, it apologized for listing Ben Carson as an extremist (though not on the hate list), saying the characterization was inaccurate. Then, this past June, the group paid $3.4 million to Muslim activist Maajid Nawaz and his Quilliam organization to settle a threatened lawsuit. The SPLC had listed them in a Field Guide to Anti-Muslim Extremists (again, not on the main hate list). The SPLC apologized for misunderstanding Nawazs work to counter Islamist extremism. . . . About the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) that the SPLC labels a hate group: Does an alliance of lawyers with conservative Christian leanings that has won nine cases before the U.S. Supreme Court in the past seven years meet that criteria? According to Heidi Beirich, director of the SPLCs Intelligence Project which produces the hate list the decision to put the Alliance Defending Freedom on the list for 2016 was a judgment call that went all the way up to top leadership at the SPLC. . . Which means it was a political decision. Probably because ADF has such a good track record at the Supreme Court. (It won a couple of its cases on 9-0 and 7-2 votes, which hardly looks like getting the favor of a right-wing Court.) More: The SPLCs stated goal is to create an unbiased hate list, but forays into political activism by other parts of the organization could certainly hurt the lists reputation. For the first time, the SPLC recently took a stand on a Supreme Court nomination, urging Alabamas senators to vote against Brett M. Kavanaugh. It also just formed a political arm called the SPLC Action Fund that can lobby and support ballot measures. I asked Cohen if those advances onto political ground threaten to erode the SPLCs credibility as a nonpartisan arbiter of hate. We think its important to protect our integrity, the power of our brand, you might say, Cohen said. But we also think the issues that were advocating for are important. Translation: Yup, were left-wing partisans. In the end, it seemed to me that the four groups I visited contained unequal quantities of what even the SPLC calls hate. Yet by its nature, the hate list draws no distinctions, and the SPLC is unapologetic in its view that hate is hate: I dont see gradations with these organizations, [SPLCs] Beirich says. Weak stuff, but better than nothing. The SPLC thrives in part because of the deference paid to it by the media. If other media decide to give it more scrutiny, things might change for the better. PR-Inside.com: 2018-11-09 23:18:01 Building on the experience of the 7 existing Water Funds in Colombia, the Water Coalition for Colombia will contribute to sustainable development and improve the capacity for climate change mitigation and adaptation in Colombia. The goal for 2022 is to increase the protection of watersheds and water security for 15 areas that represent Colombia's cities, agricultural and energy zones at greatest risk, benefiting 22 million people and in areas where more than 48% of the countrys GDP is generated. The Coalition will promote collective action at the national level on several fronts, through the National Accelerator of Water Funds. A National and Multisectoral Coalition is Established in Colombia to Improve the Water Security of the Watersheds The Nature Conservancy USA: Marcelo Moura mmoura@tnc.org Cell: (434) 632-5029 The Water Coalition for Colombia, which includes more than 300 partners from various sectors of government, industry, the financial sector, civil society, and non-governmental organizations, co-led by the Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development of Colombia, Ricardo Lozano, and the President of Andesco (National Association of Public Services and Communications Companies), Camilo Sanchez, had its first meeting at the Casa Medina hotel, in Bogota, Colombia, yesterday. The event was promoted by the Latin American Water Funds Partnership and the Latin America Conservation Council (LACC) and coordinated by the environmental organization The Nature Conservancy (TNC). This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181109005 Water Funds in Colombia (Photo: Business Wire) Latin America is abundant in water (1/3 of the world's fresh water), but it is unevenly distributed and 36% of Latin America is under water stress. Most of the areas that provide drinking water to cities are also important areas for biodiversity. Unfortunately, these areas are threatened by deforestation or habitat degradation due to the expansion of agricultural and pastoral practices, and infrastructure development. Climate change aggravates the risks of water scarcity, encourages water of poor quality and causes floods; at the same time, deforestation intensifies climate change creating a vicious cycle. In addition, in the last 15 years, the urban population in the region has grown by 21%. Given that almost 80% of the population lives in urban areas, Latin America is the most urbanized region of the world (UN-Habitat). This puts a lot of pressure on water resources for human consumption, food and energy production, among other uses. With the objective of promoting water security and the development of Latin American cities, TNC with the support of its strategic partners such as the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), FEMSA Foundation and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) has promoted 24 Water Funds in Latin America over 18 years, a model based on science, that seeks to reconcile both interests. The Water Funds channel public and private resources towards scientifically-proven and successful strategic conservation projects, in addition to promoting public policies that help improve water governance. The protection of strategic ecosystems improves water security for nature, people and the economy. "Ensuring a clean and sustainable water supply for our growing cities is the most critical challenge in the region. The business case is clear: investing in nature to strengthen water security, especially in our larger metropolitan areas", says Juan Pablo del Valle, Co-Chair of the LACC. Based on this successful experience, TNC, the Latin American Water Funds Partnership and the Latin America Conservation Council announced the creation of the Water Coalition for Colombia, a national accelerator of Water Funds, which seeks to strengthen the governance of the water resource, strengthen the existing Water Funds and promote the implementation of other Water Funds in the country. There are currently seven Water Funds in Colombia, and a total of fifteen Water Funds are planned by 2022 in the following cities: Bogota, Bucaramanga, Cali, Cartagena, Cravo Sur, Cucuta, Ibague, Neiva, Manizales, Medellin, Pasto, Santa Marta & Cienega, Valledupar, Valle del Cauca and Villavicencio, which together represent 48% of the national GDP and 43% of the country's population. The Water Coalition for Colombia also marks the creation of the first pilot of the National Accelerator of Water Funds in the world, an ambitious project supported by six strategic pillars: Science, to model scenarios and estimate the benefits of innovative solutions; Technology and innovation, for the management of water resources, early warning systems, monitoring of impact indicators; Public policies to define the necessary regulatory and legal modifications; Engagement of the private sector, to encourage investment in water security and the promotion of green or natural infrastructure; Financial innovation, to develop a financial market to face the challenges of water security; Marketing and communications strategies that allow fostering a fruitful dialogue with communities about the vital importance of water resource management for our social and economic development. By 2020, the creation of five National Accelerators of Water Funds in other countries of the region is contemplated. "With the experience and achievements obtained with the Water Funds, we are ready to take a step forward. The Water Fund Accelerator will generate positive changes in the system that will catalyze the implementation of Water Funds worldwide. Through the Water Funds and its Accelerator, TNC brings together the efforts of various public and private actors to work with a common and systemic vision, highlights Santiago Gowland, TNCs Vice-President for Latin America. The Nature Conservancy (TNC): is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. Working in 72 countries, we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit www.nature.org or follow @nature_press on Twitter. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181109005 Building on the experience of the 7 existing Water Funds in Colombia, the Water Coalition for Colombia will contribute to sustainable development and improve the capacity for climate change mitigation and adaptation in Colombia. PR-Inside.com: 2018-11-09 13:39:01 Appirio Expands Europe Operations with Office in Porto, Portugal Wipro Limited Prathibha Das Prathibha.das@wipro.com Wipro Limited (NYSE: WIT, BSE: 507685, NSE: WIPRO), a leading global information technology, consulting, and business process services company, today announced that its acquired entity, Appirio, has launched a new office in Porto to expand its European operations and meet growing business requirements in the region. Appirio is a global services company that helps clients create next-generation Worker and Customer Experiences using the latest cloud technologies. Currently, Appirio has offices in Amsterdam, Dublin, London, Paris, Stockholm and now Porto. The new Porto office houses a Commerce Cloud Digital Centre of Excellence, a Delivery Center and an Innovation Hub. The new office will hire local talent both laterally and from universities, for delivery roles such as functional consultants, technical leads and integration architects. Erik Duffield, Global Business Head Appirio Cloud Services said, Europe offers a great opportunity for Appirio. Our new office in Porto reflects our growth, development and investment in Europe. The team in Porto allows us to serve our growing customers based in this region and support our partners better. We will be hiring local talent and be actively involved in building and sustaining technology growth in Porto and surrounding communities." About Appirio Appirio, a Wipro Company, helps customers improve worker and customer experiences with outcome-oriented consultants who bring the latest digital thinking and unmatched cloud experience. We create actionable strategies that deliver results quickly, and help organizations adapt to a new experience-driven era. We do this by harnessing the power of one of the worlds largest crowdsourcing communities and thousands of pre-built solution accelerators. Appirio is a trusted partner to some of the worlds largest brands, including YP, Cardinal Health, Coca-Cola, eBay, Facebook, Home Depot, Sony PlayStation, Moen, and IBM About Wipro Limited Wipro Limited (NYSE: WIT, BSE: 507685, NSE: WIPRO) is a leading global information technology, consulting and business process services company. We harness the power of cognitive computing, hyper-automation, robotics, cloud, analytics and emerging technologies to help our clients adapt to the digital world and make them successful. A company recognized globally for its comprehensive portfolio of services, strong commitment to sustainability and good corporate citizenship, we have over 175,000 dedicated employee serving clients across six continents. Together, we discover ideas and connect the dots to build a better and a bold new future. Forward-looking and Cautionary Statements Certain statements in this release concerning our future growth prospects are forward-looking statements, which involve a number of risks, and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties relating to these statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding fluctuations in our earnings, revenue and profits, our ability to generate and manage growth, intense competition in IT services, our ability to maintain our cost advantage, wage increases in India, our ability to attract and retain highly skilled professionals, time and cost overruns on fixed-price, fixed-time frame contracts, client concentration, restrictions on immigration, our ability to manage our international operations, reduced demand for technology in our key focus areas, disruptions in telecommunication networks, our ability to successfully complete and integrate potential acquisitions, liability for damages on our service contracts, the success of the companies in which we make strategic investments, withdrawal of fiscal governmental incentives, political instability, war, legal restrictions on raising capital or acquiring companies outside India, unauthorized use of our intellectual property, and general economic conditions affecting our business and industry. Additional risks that could affect our future operating results are more fully described in our filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. These filings are available at www.sec.gov. We may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the companys filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. We do not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that may be made from time to time by us or on our behalf. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181109005 PR-Inside.com: 2018-11-09 18:46:58 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 509 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / November 9, 2018 / DIGATRADE FINANCIAL CORP. (OTCQB: DIGAF) an OTC digital asset trade desk for institutions and financial technology company today announced that during fiscal 2017 and up to the Q3 reporting period ended September 30, 2018 and subsequent to November 8, 2018; funds raised via Convertible Promissory Notes "CPN'S" totalled approximately US$1.4m. The principal balances of all current notes of maturity have been fully repaid and have a zero balance. Any new Notes will have a term to maturity equal to a minimum of six months and as a result no further conversions or dilution is anticipated until late Q1.2019 from any of these third-party lenders.In addition, the Company reports that the development of the new Digatrade OTC Trade Desk website; featuring newly implemented trade features has commenced and is expected to go-live early Q1.2019 Additional information will be provided as it materializes.ABOUT DIGATRADE:DIGATRADE is an OTC digital asset trade desk for institutions and financial technology company located in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The Company is owned and operated 100% by Digatrade Financial Corp which is publically listed on the OTC.QB under the trading symbol DIGAF. DIGAF is a reporting issuer in the Province of British Columbia, Canada with the British Columbia Securities Commission "BCSC" and in the United States with the Securities Exchange Commission "SEC". Digatrade operates as a registered Money Service Business "MSB" in Canada with FINTAC under Registration Number: M15954395.CORPORATE CONTACT INFORMATION:Digatrade Financial Corp.1500 West Georgia Street, 1300Vancouver, BC V6G-2Z6 CanadaTel: +1(604) 200-0071Fax: +1(604) 200-0072Forward-Looking InformationThis press release contains certain "forward-looking information". All statements, other than statements of historical fact, that address activities, events or development that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future constitute forward-looking information. This forward-looking information reflects the current expectations or beliefs of the company based on information currently available to the Company. Forward-looking information is subject to a number of significant risks and uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking information, and even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on the Company. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to, the possibility of unanticipated costs and expenses. Any forward-looking information speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Although the Company believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking information are reasonable, forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such information due to the inherent uncertainty therein.SOURCE: Digatrade Financial Corp. PR-Inside.com: 2018-11-09 13:17:44 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 471 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Dr. Cook and His Wife Kia are the Parents of Young Twins Who Have Been Diagnosed with Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal InfectionsLOA ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / November 9, 2018 / Dr. Briggs E. Cook, a board certified eye and facial plastic surgeon, is pleased to announce that he and his family were recently honored by Mayor Rusty Knox in Davidson, NC announcing PANDAS Awareness Day.To learn more about PANDAS and the Cook family's personal connection to the disorder please visit https://drbriggscook.net/briggs-cook-pandas/ In honor of PANDAS/PANS National Awareness Day, Mayor Knox of the Town of Davidson read and signed a proclamation in honor of Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) and Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome Awareness Day. Dr. Cook also detailed his efforts to raise awareness and head towards a bill that would mandate coverage for PANDAS/PANS treatment. Dr. Cook is meeting this week with a North Carolina House of Representatives member (Greg Murphy R) to raise awareness and establish a Council for Awareness of PANDAS/PANS."We are so thankful to live in a community that supports its citizens and constituents," Dr. Cook noted, adding that he and his wife Kia have a deeply personal connection to PANDAS.When Dr. Cook and Kia welcomed their twins into the world 7 years ago, the babies were happy and healthy. A few years later, the Cooks noticed some unique behaviors that they had never seen in any of their other children. After going to numerous doctors, the twins were finally diagnosed with PANDAS.PANDAS is caused by streptococcal infections (strep throat) where antibodies mistakenly attack proteins in the brain, resulting in neurologic or psychiatric symptoms. As Dr. Cook noted, common symptoms include the dramatic onset of OCD, tics, anxiety, irritability, aggression, sleep disturbances, and motor abnormalities."PANDAS was first officially identified in 1998, thus there is still a lot of research to be done and awareness to be raised," he said, adding that oftentimes, PANDAS is misdiagnosed as mental illness, and in younger children the symptoms are often ignored as something they'll just "grow out of"."This not only delays treatment, but it can be a very stressful and emotional time for all involved." Dr. Cook said he and Kia encourage other parents of children with PANDAS to support each other, as well as to conduct their own research, join support groups both online and in their communities and to spread awareness about the condition.About Dr. Briggs E. Cook:Dr. Briggs E. Cook and his wife encourage other parents of children with PANDAS to unite and support each other. For more information and to learn more about PANDAS please go to: https://drbriggscook.net/briggs-cook-pandas/ Contact:Clark Fieldsadmin@ rocketfactor.com (949) 555-2861SOURCE: Dr. Briggs E. Cook PR-Inside.com: 2018-11-09 00:18:09 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 497 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / November 8, 2018 / Findev Inc. ("Findev" or the "Corporation") (TSX-V: FDI), is pleased to announce that it has obtained approval to extend the expiry date of its warrants that were to originally expire on October 7, 2019. The revised expiry date will now be October 7, 2021. With all other terms remaining unchanged.There are currently 11,542,665 warrants that are issued and outstanding and were to expire on October 7, 2019. Each warrant gives the holder the right to purchase one common share of the Corporation at an exercise price of $0.70, on or before the expiry date.About FindevFindev is a publicly traded real estate finance company focused on financing real estate developers with shorter-term loans of one to five years during the development or redevelopment process. Loans are secured by investment properties and real estate developments throughout the Greater Toronto Area. Findev's unique market advantages include its expertise in real estate development and access to its real estate development partners. As a result, Findev is uniquely suited to assist developers engaged in challenging projects. For further information please visit Findev's website at www.findev.ca On behalf of the Company,Sruli Weinreb, CEO(647) 789 - 5188sweinreb@ findev.ca NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.# # #Forward-Looking StatementsCertain statements in this document may constitute "forward-looking" statements, which involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. When used in this document, such statements use words like "may", "will", "expect", "continue", "believe", "plan", "intend", "would", "could", "should", "anticipate" and other similar terminology. These statements reflect current assumptions and expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date of this document. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not such results will be achieved. A number of factors could cause actual results to vary significantly from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the factors discussed under the "Risk Factors" section of the Corporation's the most recently filed Annual Report which is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com Although the forward-looking statements contained in this document are based upon what we believe are reasonable assumptions, we cannot assure investors that our actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. We assume no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by securities law.SOURCE: Findev Inc. Photo: Google Street View A 27-year-old man is facing numerous charges after allegedly assaulting three police officers during an altercation at the Canadian Wholesale Club in Vernon. Const. Kelly Brett said on Nov. 6, RCMP responded to the store at 2501 34th Street when Kyle Larue refused to leave the store property despite being asked to do so several times. Larue allegedly became violent with a police officer who responded to the call. A Vernon North Okanagan RCMP officer attempted to speak with the male, however, when doing so the male became violent with the officer and a struggle ensued, said Brett. During the altercation, the suspect male allegedly attempted to disarm the officer and produced a knife and bear spray. A multiple unit response was required and two officers were injured in the execution of the arrest. Brett said three officers were assaulted, with two being injured. Even after being injured, the responding officer was able to retain his weapon, keep himself, along with the public safe and take the male into custody, said Brett. Larue, of no fixed address, is facing charges of assault with a weapon, attempt to disarm a police officer, assaulting a police officer, resisting arrest, obstructing a police officer and possessing a weapon for a purpose dangerous to public Larue appeared before a judge on Nov. 7, and was released from custody on a recognizance with numerous conditions and a future court date. MRRSE PR-Inside.com: 2018-11-09 13:21:14 Press Information MRRSE State Tower 90, State Street Suite 700 Albany, NY - 12207 (United States) Abhishek Budholiya Marketing Manager +1-518-730-0559 email https://www.mrrse.com/ # 618 Words State Tower90, State StreetSuite 700Albany, NY - 12207(United States)Marketing Manager+1-518-730-0559 Self-monitoring of blood glucose levels has gained significant traction in the recent years owing to substantial rise in the number of diabetes instances across the globe, thus favorably impacting the growth curve of blood glucose test strips market. High prices associated with blood glucose test strips could however dampen market growth. Such insightful market details have been meticulously gleaned in a recent business intelligence report titled, Blood Glucose Test Strips Market Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2018-2026included in the burgeoning database of Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE).For More Information Request Free Sample on Blood Glucose Test Strips Market Report @ https://www.mrrse.com/sample/17103 Leading Market Players Invest in Commercialization and Promotional ActivitiesOwing to widespread demands from end-user segment, coupled with stiff market competition in the light of market consolidation, leading market participants are likely to focus on technological enhancements to attain portfolio differentiation in a bid to remain industry specific.Use of extensive metals such as gold and palladium remain primary for accurate reading. Significant investments continue to be driven in order to retain unique design and maintenance of device machinery. Further, significant investments towards commercialization and promotion of products also remain core business strategies amongst leading manufacturers. Additionally, government initiatives towards health and welfare schemes across regions further lend impetus to the growth of blood glucose test strips market.Wicking Technology to Remain Dominant Technology Segment through the Forecast SpanThis research report on blood glucose test strips market commences with an exhaustive summary of prevalent drivers and restraints that impact market growth. Additionally, to aid readers understanding as well as aid their subsequent investment decisions, this section of the report also offers a brief description of market dynamics, an overview of opportunity assessment, as well a deep-dive analysis of existing market segments comprising, technology and distribution channel. Wicking technology and channel technology constitute two major segments in blood glucose test strips market in terms of technology. Based on distribution channel, blood glucose test strips market is further classified into retail pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, and online retailer.Browse Complete Detail on Blood Glucose Test Strips Market Research Report with TOC @ https://www.mrrse.com/blood-glucose-test-strips-market Asia-Pacific Emerges as a Potential Lucrative Region in Blood Glucose Test Strips MarketFurther in the course of the report, readers are also presented with a detailed snapshot of regional diversification, based on which blood glucose test strips market is demarcated into Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, and Middle East and Africa.Competition Overview: Blood Glucose Test Strips MarketIn the trailing section of this report on blood glucose test strips market, readers are provided with firsthand information on the efficacy of several winning strategies implemented by leading market players across regions and their eventual implications on holistic market growth as well as on enticing favorable consumer response such as their purchase decisions. Some of the leading market players in blood glucose test strips market benchmarked in the report include, Abbott Laboratories, LifeScan, Inc., Sanofi, B. Braun Holding GmbH & Co., and Trividia Health, Inc amongst others.Enquire about this Report @ https://www.mrrse.com/enquiry/17103 About (MRRSE)Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of Market Research Reports. MRRSE is driven by a stellar team of research experts and advisors trained to offer objective advice. Our sophisticated search algorithm returns results based on the report title, geographical region, publisher, or other keywords. MRRSE partners exclusively with leading global publishers to provide clients single-point access to top-of-the-line market research. MRRSEs repository is updated every day to keep its clients ahead of the next new trend in market research, be it competitive intelligence, product or service trends or strategic consulting. PR-Inside.com: 2018-11-09 02:05:46 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 795 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, CA / ACCESSWIRE / November 8, 2018 / Nexus Gold Corp. (''Nexus'' or the ''Company'') (TSX-V: NXS, OTCQB: NXXGF, FSE: N6E) is pleased to report that its wholly owned subsidiary, Nexus Gold Corp. Burkina SARL, has acquired the Dakouli 2 gold concession, a 198-square kilometer gold exploration permit located in central Burkina Faso, approximately 100 kilometers due north of the capital city Ouagadougou.The Dakouli 2 property is located on the Boromo-Goren Greenstone Belt and is bordered to the north by granitic rocks. It is also bisected by the Sabce shear zone, a major structural fault proximal to multiple gold deposits which trends southwest-northeast and bisects the entire long axis of the property. The Sabce is the dominant feature at the 3M+ ounce Bissa deposit, currently being mined by Nordgold approximately 20-kms to the northeast of the Dakouli 2 permit.The Company has identified a large orpaillage situated on the permit's eastern border which is being actively exploited by artisanal miners.The 198-square kilometer property lies immediately south of the Company's 178-sq km Niangouela concession (see figure 1) which has been explored over the past two years. Sampling at Niangouela returned bonanza-grade gold values, including 2,950 grams-per-tonne (''g/t'') gold (''Au''), 403 g/t Au, and 49.8 g/t Au (see Company news releases dated January 11 and 24, 2017). The maiden drill program at Niangouela returned significant high-grade intercepts, including 26.69 g/t Au over 4.85m, including 1m of 132 g/t Au (see Company news release dated March 7, 2017).Figure 1: Dakouli 2 borders the Company's Niangouelagold concession along its northern boundary''Dakouli is a promising addition to our portfolio,'' said Alex Klenman, President & CEO. '' Our crew knows the area well as our Niangouela project is adjacent directly to the north of Dakouli and has provided some high-grade results in the past. We feel Dakouli may also present some higher-grade opportunities. The property contains some highly developed artisanal sites, which we believe is indicative of significant mineralization. We are immediately going to start testing these zones and get a good idea of what we're dealing with,'' continued Mr. Klenman.Figure 2: Nexus projects located along the Boromo-Goren Greenstone Belt, bisected by the Sabce shear zoneThe addition of Dakouli 2 increases the Nexus Gold land holdings in Burkina Faso to over 664-sq kms (66,000+ hectares) or over 256-sq miles of highly prospective ground along proven gold belts.Figure 3: Gold mines/deposits in Burkina Faso, in relation to Nexus Gold project locations. Dakouli 2 is located on the southern boundary of the Niangouela project.In addition to the newly-acquired 100% owned 198-sq km Dakouli 2 project, Nexus has three other gold projects in Burkina Faso in various stages of exploration development.Bouboulou - The 38-square km Bouboulou project comprises no less than five established gold zones contained within three separate 5km gold trends. Over 60 holes have been drilled to date showing widespread mineralization.Rakounga - The 250-square km Rakounga gold concession is adjacent to and extends the Bouboulou gold trends and currently contains three drill-tested zones of gold mineralization. Over 15-kms of gold trend has been established between the eight known Bouboulou and Rakounga gold zones. Drilling at the Koaltenga zone has produced some lengthy gold intercepts, with several higher-grade intervals.Niangouela - The Niangouela gold concession is a 178-square km project featuring high-grade gold occurring in and around a primary quartz vein and associated shear zone approximately one km in length. The Dakouli 2 project is 198-sq km concession adjacent to Niangouela's southern border.Burkina Faso is home to several multi-million-ounce gold deposits and operating mines, under the control of some of the world's largest gold producers.About the Company:Nexus Gold is a Vancouver-based gold exploration and development company operating primarily in Burkina Faso, West Africa. The company is currently concentrating its efforts on establishing a compliant resource at one or more of it's four current projects.Warren Robb P.Geo., Vice-President, Exploration, is the designated Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and is responsible for the technical information contained in this release.On behalf of the Board of Directors ofNEXUS GOLD CORP.Alex KlenmanPresident & CEO604-558-1920info@ nexusgoldcorp.com Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially because of factors discussed in the management discussion and analysis section of our interim and most recent annual financial statement or other reports and filings with the TSX Venture Exchange and applicable Canadian securities regulations. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws.SOURCE: Nexus Gold Corp. PR-Inside.com: 2018-11-09 05:47:45 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 451 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 North Dublin oven cleaning specialists, ''Green Cleaning For You'', have announced they can provide local customers with high quality green and safe services. The specialist team is known for its great service, and removes the oven door glass for a thorough clean.DUBLIN, IE / ACCESSWIRE / November 7, 2018 / ''Green Cleaning For You'', a leading professional cleaning company in North Dublin, have announced they can provide local customers with green and safe proven washing solutions. For anyone looking for the best affordable oven cleaner in Dublin, ''Green Cleaning For You'' can help.More information can be found at: http://gcfy.ie The site explains that ''Green Cleaning For You'' (GCFY) has been providing professional cleaning services since 2010, and the team prides themselves on high quality service. Many people don't have the time for cleaning, and GCFY aims to help clients get their home looking its best.For many people, it can be highly frustrating to have to do cleaning jobs in their own time. Most people are pressed for time, and have a million other things they could be doing.This tends to lead to rushed cleaning jobs, or even worse, the house or apartment being left dirty. Whether it's carpets, upholstery, the oven or a full house clean, the frustration is always there.That's why GCFY strives to provide clients with great service for all manner of cleaning solutions, so that local Dublin homeowners can enjoy the benefits of a clean house without having to do it themselves.Whether it's the floor, oven, window or a large office space, ''Green Cleaning For You'' has an experienced and specialist team that can get the job done. The company enjoys taking the strain out of cleaning for its clients, and has a reputation for great service.Dublin residents looking for affordable oven cleaners will find that ''Green Cleaning For You'' provides oven cleaning for a range of different oven types. The company is an industry leader when it comes to oven cleaning, and has a satisfaction guarantee with all of its services.The company states: ''We replace your bulb free of charge, check all seals and remove the oven door and glass for a truly exceptional deep clean. We don't even use you sink, all trays and removable oven parts are cleaned in our specialist vans.'' Interested parties can find out more by visiting the URL above. A booking form is available on site, and anyone can get in touch on (01) 839 7730.Contact Info:Name: Adrian KonarskiEmail: Send EmailOrganization: Green Cleaning For YouAddress: Unit 63, Grange Close Baldoyle Industrial Estate,, Dublin, Dublin D13 W568, IrelandPhone: +353-1-839-7730For more information, please visit http://www.gcfy.ie SOURCE: Green Cleaning For You PR-Inside.com: 2018-11-09 08:25:11 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 476 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 SENTOSA ISLAND, SINGAPORE / ACCESSWIRE / November 9, 2018 /Billionaire tech investor Tim Draper is all set to address a global audience at the United Conference of Internet Money (UCIM), Singapore. The conference is scheduled for 26th and 27th November 2018 with a vision to "catalyze decentralization in its true essence." "It took us eleven emails with our team's best creative ideas to get a yes from Mr. Draper," shared Rohan Sharma, Professor X (event head) at UCIM. "Some were about the event, some from the cryptoverse, some raps, and others simply honest. We spent a lot of time as we all idolise Mr. Draper for the amazing person that he is," added Sharma.UCIM is based on a unique concept of 'cryptoverse' as can be seen from the theme of their website. They plan to reflect the same at the conference venue as well. On the first email from the cryptoverse, Draper replied "Best email ever. Thank you." This was the third outreach and after the response, there was no looking back for the UCIM team."Mr. Draper inspired me to be something beyond a writer, and reach out to him as the cryptoverse- the parallel of our universe in the space of cryptocurrencies and blockchain. We would spend hours reading and researching about him, and the more we knew, the more efforts we put in. With two raps already written, we look forward to more," added Sukriti Leekha, Chief of Pun(ctuation) at UCIM.Additionally, after the team found out that the Robinhood founders let go of their salaries for a while to have Draper's trust and support, they did something similar. UCIM will now host 100 students from the top colleges of Singapore to empower the future leaders to be believers of decentralization.The conference is also hosting some other prominent speakers, including Pillar Project CEO David Siegel, Global Boost CEO Bruce Porter Jr, Smart Valor CEO Olga Feldmeier, and trading expert Tone Vays. UCIM will also feature a panel dedicated to the women in blockchain in an attempt to transform the drastically low representation. As per the data available with them, there are less than 5% women in the industry that's predicted to surpass 16 billion by 2024.The crypto space is known for anonymous contributors, and the global conference will celebrate such privacy and freedom by presenting an anonymous panel. Mr. Backwards, an anonymous and popular crypto name on Twitter, recently shared that he will be joining UCIM for the panel.Singapore is known to be a hub for technology enthusiasts, startups, and investors. With UCIM kickstarting the Singapore Blockchain Week, there's a lot to be leveraged by various stakeholders.To participate in UCIM as a speaker, sponsor, media partner, or delegate- reach out at hello@ ucim.io SOURCE: United Conference of Internet Money President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday pledged the commitment of his administration to reviving the good old days when the cotton and textile industry employed hundreds of thousands of Nigerians. The president stated this when he received the Chief Executive Officer of Vlisco Group, David Suddens, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Friday. President Buhari welcomed the proposed investment of $200 million by the company in Nigeria, which would, in turn, create 700,000 jobs. I am very much aware of your companys effort especially your investments in the textile industry, and it is one area that we are trying to develop because it will create employment and boost agriculture. To get cotton to grow again in the country is like going back to the good old days when the textile industry used to employ hundreds of thousands of people. I am very excited about the prospects of reviving the industry because it will keep farmers busy, create employment which brings more security, help the economy, transfer of technology and of course we have a large market to absorb the products, he said. He reiterated Nigerias commitment to forging a stronger economic partnership with the Netherlands, assuring the Dutch investor that the Nigerian authorities would continue to do the utmost to keep smugglers at bay at borders. In his remarks, Mr Suddens told the president that the 172-year-old company plans to use cotton grown in Nigeria for production. He said: I want a new strategy that brings Vlisco manufacturing to Nigeria. I want to change the supply chain from Asia to Nigeria. For the total supply chain for cotton, textile and garment industry from weaving, spinning, printing to retail, we want to use Nigeria cotton and we have already started to encourage the creative industries in the country to find a voice and give them a platform across the world. I am convinced that it is time for the textile industry to move from Asia to Africa. Also speaking, the Dutch Ambassador to Nigeria, Robert Petri, told President Buhari that the companys visit was a follow-up to his successful visit to the Netherlands in July, during which he met with chief executive officers of Dutch companies. Also during that visit, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between our two countries seeking more intensified cooperation. After that visit, there were more successive visits by top Dutch officials to Nigeria. This shows that we are seriously committed to furthering our collaboration, Mr Petri said. (NAN) The federal government has finally inaugurated the governing council of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, over a month after the ultimatum given by the professional association expired. The Nigerian Medical Association had given the government until end of September to appoint the board, failure which it vowed to approach the court to force the government to do so. The inauguration of the council on Friday came over three and half years after the previous one was dissolved by President Muhammadu Buhari along with the boards of other federal agencies on July 15, 2015. Medical doctors repeatedly complained not having a board was affecting the operations of the MDCN, the council regulating medical practice and training in Nigeria. According to a press release signed by the director, Media and Public Relations, Federal ministry of Health, Boade Akinola, on Friday, the governing council was inaugurated by the Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole, in Abuja. The statement said the minister at the ceremony charged the chairman and members to work towards achieving the responsibilities bestowed on the council. As you are aware, governing councils are creations of statutes, and their responsibilities are to give policy direction, effective oversight and strategic guidance to the management of the institutions. I therefore wish to emphasis that government expects no less from this council, Mr Adewole said. Your council is critical to the achievement of developmental goals of government being implementing entities of the health sector. You are all enjoined to commit to achieving this mandate and to live above board, he said. The minister urged the council to study and strictly adhere to the laid down laws that define its roles and responsibilities. He said the council should determine the standard of knowledge and skill to be attained by persons seeking to become members of the medical and dental profession and review those standards from time to time as circumstance may permit. The minister explained that the council shall review and prepare from time to time a statement as to the code of conduct which the council considers desirable for the practice of the professions in Nigeria, amongst others. Mr Adeweole said the mission of the ministry was to ensure that the Nigerians have universal access to comprehensive, appropriate, affordable, efficient, equitable and quality essential health care through a strengthened health system. I must inform you that our job is to a take our nation to a brighter future in spite of challenges that confront us, Mr Adewole said. In his remarks, the permanent secretary of the ministry, Abdulaziz Abdullahi, called on members of the new council to see their appointment as a call to national service, which should be given full sense of responsibility. He also urged them to do everything possible to reduce professional rivalry in the health sector. Responding on behalf of other members, the chairman of the Council, Abba Hassan, who holds the traditional title of Wazirin Mubi in Adamawa State, pledged to give their best in improving the Nigerian health system. Our principal task is to ensure high quality medical and dental training, curtail unethical medical and dental practice and stamp out quackery, Mr Hassan said. He called on patients affected by unethical practice to always come forward and complain to the council. The NMA had decried the absence of a governing council to govern the activities of the MDCN, the statutory body regulating the activities of medical doctors and dentists in the country. President of the association, Francis Faduyile, said the failure to appoint a regulatory body for the council has increased quackery in the medical profession. He said the MDCN had become handicapped and ineffectual without a governing council, giving rise to incidences of quackery and professional misconducts among doctors. The governing council monitors, disciplines and adjudicates on cases of alleged quackery and non-renewal of licence by doctors, among others. The absence of the council also stalled tribunal process of cases of unethical conducts by doctors reported to MDCN as it requires a governing council to sit on the cases. The police in Ondo State have said efforts have been scaled up to ensure that the kidnapped candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Jide Ipinsagba, and three others are rescued unhurt. Mr Ipinsagba, his driver, the chairman of the ADC, Bisi Ogungbemi, and a female politician were on Wednesday kidnapped along Owo-Akoko expressway by unknown gunmen. Mr Ipinsagba recently dumped the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for ADC in his bid to contest the 2019 senatorial election. The police spokesperson, Femi Joseph, told PREMIUM TIMES on Thursday that the anti-kidnapping unit of the commands mobile police force has been dispatched to the area and the scene of the incident, adding that they have begun combing the forest around the place. He also said that other regular police officers were also deployed to the area in an attempt to hasten the arrest of the culprits. What we are doing now is that we have deployed a unit of mobile force anti-kidnapping unit to the area and they have started combing the nearby bush, Mr Joseph said. We will ensure that the abductors would be arrested and brought to book, while the (victims) would be rescued unhurt. The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum on Wednesday accused the Buhari administration through the vice president, Yemi Osinbajo, of engaging in advance(d) vote buying ahead of the 2019 general elections. The group, which met in Abuja to deliberate on the state of the nation, noted that the Tradermoni scheme of the government was an avenue to corrupt the electorate ahead of the general elections next year. In a communique jointly signed by leaders of the zones, namely, Yinka Odumakin, South West; Bassey Ewa-Henshaw, South South, Isuwa Dogo, Middle Belt and Chigozie Ogbu, South East, the group demanded the stoppage of the scheme as it shames the anticorruption campaign of the present administration. Meeting expressed utter disappointment in the Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Prof Yemi Osinbajo for his continued corruption of the electorates in a funny scheme named Tradermoni, read the communique. We noted his odious outing with this corrupt act shortly before the Osun governorship election when he went to dole out cash to would -be voters and distributing forms in which beneficiaries were asked to fill in their PVC details and phone number. A few days back, he took the perverse scheme to Lagos accompanied by the Governor of Lagos and the APC governorship candidate in Lagos state, an act that totally betrayed the political manipulation of the polity with pecuniary tools. It is rather unfortunate that a Professor and Senior Advocate of Nigeria is not ashamed to be doing this open see and buy ahead of elections while he continues to preach virtues when convenient. We demand immediate suspension of this scheme in the manner the VP is going about it presently as it shames the whole anti-corruption campaign of the administration. It is pure bribery of voters. The Buhari administration launched a new initiative under the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), called the Trader Moni, which it said, will empower two million petty traders before the end of the year. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (R), inspecting food items at the Utako Market, during the launch of TraderMoni in Abuja on Thursday (6/9/18). 04819/6/9/2018/Ibrahim Sumaila/JAU/NAN The scheme would grant a minimum of 30,000 loans in each state of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory. TraderMoni is designed to help petty traders expand their trade through the provision of collateral free loans of N10,000. The loans are repayable within a period of six months. Under the scheme, beneficiaries can get access to a higher facility ranging from N15,000 to N50,000 when they repay N10,000 within the stipulated time period. Ekweremadus attack The forum also addressed the issue of the attack on the deputy senate president, Ike Ekweremadu, and condemned the response of the police on the attack. The police said interim investigations show the attack was a case of burglary, a response that had received flaks from Nigerians. Meeting condemned the irresponsible response of the police to the recent terror visited on the home of the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweramandu, the communique highlighted. Accounts by the DSP showed that police did not respond to (the) distress call and visited the scene of crime several hours after the attackers struck at his residence. We were shocked to see police spokesman concluding the incident was a burglary attack within a few hours of little or no investigation in the order the current IGP dismissed the arsonist attack that claimed the lives of Kano REC and his family in 2015 as mere accident shortly after visiting the scene of crime. With the invasion of the Senate months by security operatives and the sealing of Ekweremadus home the day (the) Senate President beat police cordon, the police are making inquiring minds to wonder if this was not a state terror. Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu We strongly advise the police to stop behaving like a partisan outfit and embrace professionalism in handling matters like this. We demand a thorough investigation of the incident. The group also expressed its displeasure over the spate of violence going on in different parts of the country without adequate response from the state. We are worried by the Killings in Kaduna, Plateau, Shiites in Abuja as well as kidnappings in Delta State and other parts of the country, the leaders said. We are not shy to say that the government has failed in its primary responsibility of securing the lives and property of citizens. A Government that cannot rise up to the challenge of securing the polity is not fit to be in office. Efforts to reach the vice presidents spokesman, Laolu Akande, were not fruitful as he would not pick several calls made to him on the phone. He also did not respond to a text message sent to him, which requested his response to the allegation made by the forum. The police on Friday arraigned Inagozie Godwin, who allegedly shot and killed Anita Akapson, a niece of former Minister of Finance, Nenadi Usman, in an FCT High Court in Zuba. In a criminal charge filed by the Commissioner of Police against Mr Godwin, police stated that Anita Akapson, 31, was shot to death on October 13, at about 9.45 pm, at Katampe, Abuja. The accused pleaded not guilty to the one-count charge of culpable homicide contrary to section 22(3) of the penal code and punishable under section 22(4) of the same code. The court noted that the offence is a culpable homicide and is not punishable by death, but carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Consequently, Donatus Abah, the prosecutor requested a date for commencement of trial of the accused police officer. The counsel to the defendant, Paul Samson, however, informed the court of his clients bail application, dated October 30, and filed same day. He claimed that the defendant was going through health challenges, presenting a medical report from National Hospital, a travel visa and a certificate of clearance for the accused to travel for medical treatment. Mr Samson also presented a medical report that the defendant has a sickness. He relied on section 162 of ACJA to persuade the court to grant the accused bail which applies in offences that carry not more than three years sentence. After taking submissions by both counsels on the bail application, the presiding judge, A.O Ebong, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N50 million with two sureties in like sum. Mr Ebong ordered that the sureties who must be serving public servants who must not be below the position of directors, must be resident in their personal houses and must equally swear an affidavit of means respectively. The judge ordered that the identities and particulars of the sureties must be verified by the court. Mr Ebong, in his ruling, held that the court did not grant the accused bail based on the submissions made by the defence counsel with respect to the ill health of the DSP. He further ordered that the accused must not travel without leave of court and should deposit his international passport and other relevant travel documents to the registrar of the court. Mr Ebong ordered that the court ordered that the accused be remanded in prison custody pending the perfection of the bail conditions. The judge adjourned the case until November 29 for trial. Reacting after arrangement, human rights activist and counsel to the plaintiff, Kayode Ajulo, kicked against the bail granted the defendant. According to Mr Ajulo, the issues canvassed and argued in the counter-affidavit of the prosecution were so watery, porous and riddled with incompetence. One can only wonder if the lawyer went through the four walls of Nigeria Law School. The case of the gruesome murder of Akapson, before the FCT High Court makes the heart of a reasonable man bleed, leaving so much to be desired of a legal practitioner. (NAN) A former aide to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Doyin Okupe, has said his son joined the campaign for the reelection of President Muhammadu Buhari to spite him. Mr Okupe was in the campaign team of Senate President Bukola Saraki in his failed bid for the presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). But his son, Ditan Okupe, has asked to join the campaign team of Mr Buhari, a few days after the son of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Olujonwo, also joined the team. In a letter to the Buhari campaign organisation, Ditan Okupe described President Buhari as the best candidate for the top job, adding that everything must be done to prevent the PDP and its cohorts from returning to power next year. Reacting to the development, Mr Okupe, in a tweet, said his son was supporting President Buhari to spite him over an issue they had in the past. Ditan Okupe is my son. He is a very brilliant young man. He went to Kings College, Lagos, Burkingham University, UK and did postgraduate in law at d London School of Economics. We both have had serious issues in the last five years.This may be his way of getting back at me. I wish him luck. The spokesperson of the Buhari Campaign Organisation, Festus Keyamo, on Thursday gleefully tweeted the development. Breaking ranks with their fathers for PMB: Ditan Okupe, 1st son of Atikus man, Doyin Okupe, a UK-trained lawyer of 12 yrs post-call in Nig, volunteers to work 4 PMBs campaign team just like OBJs son. Nigerian youths note: Atikus salesmen cannot even sell him to their children pic.twitter.com/U5QPiQVQ3X Festus Keyamo, SAN (@fkeyamo) November 8, 2018 Breaking ranks with their fathers for PMB: Ditan Okupe, 1st son of Atikus man, Doyin Okupe, a UK-trained lawyer of 12 yrs post-call in Nigeria, volunteers to work for PMBs campaign team just like OBJs son. Nigerian youths note: Atikus salesmen cannot even sell him to their children. Photo: Wayne Moore - File Photo UPDATE: 9:35 p.m. The strike at four Southern Interior casinos is over barely. Castanet News has learned casino workers, members of the BCGEU, narrowly accepted a new deal by a margin of 259 to 252. Workers at four Gateway Casinos in Kelowna, Penticton, Vernon and Kamloops have been on strike since June 30. A tentative deal was reached a week ago after 10 days of bargaining. No other details are available at this time. It's not known yet when the four casinos will resume regular operations. ORIGINAL: 4:18 p.m. The final round of voting on a tentative agreement that could end a strike by Southern Interior casino workers is wrapping up. Nearly 700 BCGEU workers at Gateway Casinos began voting on the tentative agreement Tuesday. Workers in Kelowna and Penticton wrapped up voting Wednesday, while those in Vernon and Kamloops are completing their vote this evening. Results could be made public later tonight or Friday morning. The BCGEU and Gateway reached a tentative agreement late last Wednesday. If ratified, it would end a strike that has stretched into its fifth month. Workers have been without a contract since September of last year. The national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, has departed London to Nigeria, PREMIUM TIMES has learnt. Multiple sources familiar with the ruling partys chairman said he boarded a British Airways flight bound for Lagos from the British capital, and is expected to arrival later today. The former Edo State governor met with the partys national leader, Bola Tinubu, in London within the last two days. Mr Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos State, has been receiving medical treatment for undisclosed ailments in London, PREMIUM TIMES also learnt. It was not immediately clear when Mr Oshiomhole left Nigeria, but his departure was largely speculated as being prompted by an investigation into how he handled the APC primaries across the country. The exercise held between September and October, producing the partys candidates for presidential, governorship and legislative offices. Several APC governors whom Mr Oshiomhole apparently blocked from nominating successors have been publicly fuming with the party chairman. Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha and Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun have been particularly furious with Mr Oshiomhole, publicly accusing him of disregarding partys constitution in the conduct of primaries and demanding his immediate removal. Both Messrs Amosun and Okorocha believe Mr Oshiomhole has the backing of Mr Tinubu, whose influence over party affairs is widely acknowledged even though he does not hold a formal position. Mr Oshiomhole has denied all allegations of fraud against him, and challenged whoever has issues with his leadership to leave the party. But law enforcement and intelligence sources have told PREMIUM TIMES Mr Oshiomhole has become a person of interest in recent weeks. We have received strong new materials which suggested him as an interesting individual who should be thoroughly investigated, an intelligence source said. We have commenced work in that regard. Mr Oshiomhole, who became the partys chairman amidst controversial atmosphere in June, has been accused of taking bribes through political allies and blood relations to admit some politicians as the partys candidates in 2019. Some of his alleged proxies have been identified by law enforcement officers, but the political undertone of the probe has made it difficult to determine when they would be called in for questioning, especially as it would require approval up to the Presidency level to move against those involved, sources said. Gotel Communications, one of the ventures owned by Peoples Democratic Partys presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has reacted to news reports that it has begun implementation of the new minimum wage structure. The firms management said in a statement Friday night that workers would start receiving N33,000 effectively from November 2018. But it denied claims the policy was implemented across all the firms owned by Mr Abubakar, contradicting media reports that said the policy was adopted and up to 100,000 workers stand to benefit. The details of the report alluding that the minimum wage of N33,000 is to cover 100,000 staff under the Atiku conglomerate is mere fabrication intended for mischief, Mohammed el-Yakub, Gotels managing director, said in the statement. Mr el-Yakub also debunked reports that Mr Abubakar has up to 100,000 workers on the combined payroll of his numerous business interests, although the official avoided stating specifically the Gotels staff strength. He insisted that the N33,000 applies only to Gotel employees. Gotel is the largest media organisation amongst Mr Abubakars group of companies. It operates television, radio and other multimedia platforms, covering largely the northern parts of the country. Mr Abubakar has full or partner ownership in at least eight businesses ranging from haulage to education, including Adamawa Plastics, Faro Bottling Company, Gotel Communications, Prodeco, Intels, Rico Gado, Gese Derdirabe Farms and American University of Nigeria (AUN). While Mr Abubakar has for years claimed to be the largest private employer of labour in Nigeria, he has kept the number of his staff members across board to 50,000. The reports that Mr Abubakar has approved N33,000 for 100,000 employees, which PREMIUM TIMES did not publish, followed claims the Nigerian government and the organised labour had reached an understanding to hike minimum wage of workers to N30,000 from N18,000. President Muhammadu Buhari was initially reported as having agreed to the amount, but the presidency later issued a statement clarifying that there were still more areas to be addressed before a full implementation could commence. The Nigerian Labour Congress, largest amongst workers unions in the country, abruptly called off its nationwide strike under assurances that the Buhari administration had agreed with the N30,000 they both negotiated. Borno State governor, Kashim Shettima, on Thursday evening, met with leaders of the retired pensioners who protested in the early hours of the day over unpaid wages. At the meeting, which took place in the governors main office, Mr Shettima did not only explain the benefit of the workers verification exercise that was being blamed for the delay or stoppage of the retirees pension, but he also revealed how discharged workers have been involved in defrauding the state, even in retirement. PREMIUM TIMES, yesterday, reported how unpaid pensioners stormed the state secretariat and locked up the gate in protest over unpaid wages of about two years. It took the visit of the state deputy governor, Usman Durkwa, to the scene of the protest to make the demonstrators back out and agreed to nominate representatives that would meet with the governor at the government house. At the meeting which was opened by the state labour leader, Titus Abana, the aggrieved pensioners explained how they had to resort to the protest after exhausting all channels of diplomacy. Mr Shettima sympathized with the workers even as he took exception to pensioners staging a protest in a state where security is still very fragile, which he said could give Boko Haram the leverage to infiltrate crowd and carry out attacks. The governor who immediately set up a committee to look into the remaining untreated cases of pensioners verification within two weeks, however made startling revelations on how even the pensioners had been deeply involved in ghost-worker fraud. Fraud Reeling out data collated by the Workers Verification and Biometric Data Capturing Committee, Mr Shettima said several retired workers have been involved in what he described as double pay fraud. According to him, he has a dossier of thieving retired civil servants that have been collecting salaries for up to 25 years even after such persons had collected their gratuities and are still collecting their monthly pensions. So far, the biometric data capturing committee have screened and captured 20, 514 as genuine workers on the payroll of government. Those yet to get their verification and biometrics done are only 1, 512, Mr Shettima said. I have a list here of 120 retired workers who are collecting both pension and salary. Among them, we have a retired worker, Mr Mayami (who has) have been collecting both salary like those in service, to the tune of over N8.7 million (N8, 769,151) for the 23 years. We have one Mshelia from the ministry of agriculture who has been collecting salary and pension (to the tune of N4.6 million), the past eleven years. We have one Kurama who had been receiving both salary and pension for the past eight years; and one Ibrahim from the judiciary had had also been taking double payment to the tune of N3.7 million for the past six years. There is one Abu from Bama secondary school, who defrauded the state in his retirement to the tune of N3.6 million. We have on our list one Shettima from the Judiciary, who corruptly took N3.2 million as double salary Also, there is one Gadzama from the ministry of health who collected N3.3 million. Similarly, there is another Ibrahim who took N3.1 million. There is also a woman, Mrs Halima, who fraudulently took N2.3 million in salary even though she was retired from the hospital management board. We have a long list of these fraudulent retires about 120 of them (who) have engaged in double salary taking until they were exposed by the verification exercise. This was the reason we were slow in handling the issue of pensioners verification, but as a government that is responsible we have no option that to plead with you for patience because every labourer deserves his or her wages. But we want the pensioners to understand that the past government had not been paying pensions as at when due, they were only paying N10,000 to each retiree pending when their pensions are sorted out; but when we came on board we insisted that all that is due in monthly pension should be paid to our retired workers. But what do I get in return? Insults? We also deserve some level of fairness on your path; what you take in the past was just N10, 000 now we are paying full pensions to all retired workers! Whether we like it or not, the verification and workers biometric data capturing had saved us well over N600 million monthly in salary that used to go to ghost workers in the past. In the past we had 33,000 workers excluding pensioners on our payroll; but now, thanks to the biometric exercise, we now have about 20, 000 genuine workers. I was also made to understand that 2, 000 of them have gone into retirement, so we only have about 18, 000 workers on our payroll. It was a result of the bogus figure of workers that we could not make employment for many decades in the Borno State. The last time major employment was made in this state was 1985 and 1992. Now we have the space to make employment of 1, 000 teachers to fill into our various schools in the state. When we came on board we only had 38 medical doctors in Borno State, but now we have employed more and we have over 200 doctors in the state. All these employment opportunities would not have been there if ghost workers and ghost pensioners continue to choke up our wage bills. We are going to set up a committee to look into the cases of the remaining pensioners especially the deceased pensioners who had not collected their dues in pension before they passed on. Of the 500 remaining deceased pensioners, 170 of them have been cleared but could not come with the benefitting bank accounts. This category of pensioners is plagued with all kinds of sharp practice. But I want the 500 of them to be treated in two weeks so that we can all put this behind us. Mr Shettima said he would have conveniently ignored the protest because he has all the facts and figures about the payment status of all workers and pensioners; and that he has been fully briefed by the verification committee about the ongoing verification exercise. But I have decided to sit in this meeting with you here not because you have genuine cases to fight for, but because I respect the ages of the elderly ones amongst you, he said. If not, as the chief security officer of Borno, I would not tolerate any form of demonstration especially when I have expressly made my door accessible to your leaders. We are in a serious state of insecurity and I would not tolerate any form of protest or demonstration that will breach peace in this state. Responding, the leader of the aggrieved pensioners thanked the governor, for listening to them, even as he said they had also acted in ignorance and lack of information about the efforts of government. We are leaving here with mixed feelings of happiness that our grievances have been addressed and also with the saddening information that some of our colleagues in retirement are also part of the criminality that have contributed to our plight, he said. We thank you for the openness and we too will take the message to our colleagues out there so that all of us can rally round and support government in sanitizing our system and rid it of all kinds of corruption that will further plunge innocent persons into hardship and sufferings. The police in Gombe State has arrested a 26-year-old Quaranic teacher, Bilyaminu Halilu, for allegedly raping a five-year-old girl who is his student. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Halilu is a teacher at Raudatul Quaranic Primary and Secondary School by-pass Gombe. The Commissioner of Police in Gombe State, Mohammed Mukaddas, told reporters in Gombe on Friday that the suspect was arrested on November 1. According to him, the suspect took the girl to his office laid her on the table and had unlawful carnal of her. He said the mother of the girl noticed blood in the girls private part while bathing her in the evening the same date and when she asked the girl, she said the teacher was responsible. The commissioner said the teacher was arrested and confessed to the crime and would soon be arraigned in court for prosecution. Similarly, the commissioner added that on October 28, the police arrested one Zakari Shehu of Dawaki quarters in Gombe in connection with a case of homosexuality where he allegedly lured a 12-year-old boy into his shop located at Tashan Dukku and abused him. He said the suspect had confessed to the crime and he would soon be charged to court. (NAN) Rob Gibson A first in Canadian military history may have been achieved in West Kelowna on Thursday. "As far as our military historians can tell, this is the first time a Canadian military tactical armoured patrol vehicle has been given an Aboriginal name," said Capt Jeff Daley of the B.C. Dragoons. "It was really touching to hear the B.C. Dragoons reaching out to our staff to honour their tactical vehicle with a Syilx name," said Westbank First nation's councillor Tom Konek. The unveiling coincided with National Aboriginal Veterans Day, and the ceremony was held at the Westbank First Nation community core multi-park. The actual name given the beefy TAP-V is a literal translation of "Dragoon," but is unpronounceable in the English language. As many as 4,000 Indigenous people served with the Canadian Expeditionary Force in the First World War, according to estimates from the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the number in the Second World War was similar. This is the fifth year the WFN has held a remembrance service beside a sculpture depicting three warriors. "Today is about honouring the contributions that our ancestors made. They have been involved in all of the major conflicts that Canada has been involved in, in the 20th century," said Konek. Daley said the Dragoons felt they needed to do something as an act of reconciliation. It's a small step, but an important one that was much appreciated by Konek. "it's a pretty rare honour," he said. Photo: Pixabay The statistics are troubling. According to Stats Canada, of the more than 93,000 victims of intimate partner violence reported in 2016, 79 per cent were women. Intimate partner violence was the leading type of violence experienced by women in 2016. November is Domestic Violence Awareness month in Canada and the Vernon Women's Transition Society wants women to know help is available to escape the nightmare of domestic abuse. Paxton Bruce, with the society, said the VMTS offers eight programs for women, including a 24-hour hotline for women who are facing violence in their own home. Bruce said women can call 250-542-1122 whenever they need help. They can call that number at anytime and talk to anybody to debrief, to share, to ask questions or if they are looking for a safe space, said Bruce, adding the society will work with women in need and quickly move them into the transition house. We have about 25 beds available, but the numbers are always changing, she said. Women and children are welcome in the home. We work with women and children only. Bruce said men can be victims of domestic violence, but by far the majority of victims are women and other agencies offer support for men. The length of time a woman can stay at the transition house is looked at on a case-by-case basis and there is no set length of time they can stay. From there, the society helps women and children move into a safe space. Bruce said there is an outreach worker within the transition house to help women find those accommodations as well as securing other needed items. The society also has outreach workers in Falkland, Enderby, Armstrong and Lumby. We have eight programs and we serve more than 1,300 women and children, she said. A full list of services and information can be found online. For the New World Order, a world government is just the beginning. Once in place they can engage their plan to exterminate 80% of the world's population, while enabling the "elites" to live forever with the aid of advanced technology. For the first time, crusading filmmaker ALEX JONES reveals their secret plan for humanity's extermination: Operation ENDGAME. Jones chronicles the history of the global elite's bloody rise to power and reveals how they have funded dictators and financed the bloodiest warscreating order out of chaos to pave the way for the first true world empire. Watch as Jones and his team track the elusive Bilderberg Group to Ottawa and Istanbul to document their secret summits, allowing you to witness global kingpins setting the world's agenda and instigating World War III. to Ottawa and Istanbul to document their secret summits, allowing you to witness global kingpins setting the world's agenda and instigating World War III. Learn about the formation of the North America transportation control grid, which will end U.S. sovereignty forever. Discover how the practitioners of the pseudo-science eugenics have taken control of governments worldwide as a means to carry out depopulation. View the progress of the coming collapse of the United States and the formation of the North American Union. Never before has a documentary assembled all the pieces of the globalists' dark agenda. Endgame's compelling look at past atrocities committed by those attempting to steer the future delivers information that the controlling media has meticulously censored for over 60 years. It fully reveals the elite's program to dominate the earth and carry out the wicked plan in all of human history. Endgame is not conspiracy theory, it is documented fact in the elite's own words. CMA released the hatchlings in a healthy floating sargassum seaweed line 6 miles off the coast. After hatching and emerging from their nests at night, sea turtle hatchlings crawl to the water and fight to swim to the weed line. Sargassum seaweed provides camouflage and an abundance of food for them to grow safely. However, it is estimated only 1 in 1,000 sea turtle hatchlings make it to adulthood due to predators and other threats. "The loggerhead sea turtle is an endangered species, and they have the odds stacked against them for survival," says David Yates, CEO of Clearwater Marine Aquarium. "That is why our nesting conservation and rescue/rehab work with these sea turtles is essential to the species' existence." Many sea turtle hatchlings become entangled in garbage on the beach, fall in holes dug by beachgoers, become disoriented from coastal property lighting, and more. Beachgoers can help protect sea turtles by picking up trash and other objects left on the beach, filling holes in the sand and knocking down sand castles, and avoiding the use of any lights after dark when near the beach. To learn more about Clearwater Marine Aquarium's sea turtle conservation program, click here. Media Resources: Click here to download video of the hatchling rescue and rehabilitation. For video and photos of the release contact Julia Anderson : [email protected] or 727.686.3499. About Clearwater Marine Aquarium: Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working marine rescue center dedicated to inspiring the human spirit through leadership in education, research, rescue, rehabilitation and release. CMA is home to rescued dolphins, sea turtles, river otters, stingrays, nurse sharks and more. Winter the dolphin's story of survival, after an injury that caused her to lose her tail, has impacted millions of people around the world. A major motion picture, Dolphin Tale, highlighted her life story in 2011. The sequel, Dolphin Tale 2, was released in September 2014 and features the incredible story of Hope, a young resident dolphin of CMA. The mission and potential to change people's lives differentiates Clearwater Marine Aquarium from any other aquarium in the world. WE BELIEVE in preserving our environment while inspiring the human spirit through leadership in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine life, environmental education, research and conservation. 249 Windward Passage | Clearwater, FL 33767 | 727.441.1790 | SeeWinter.com A Florida non-profit 501(c)(3) SOURCE Clearwater Marine Aquarium Related Links http://www.seewinter.com NORTH CHICAGO, Ill., Nov. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV), a research-based global biopharmaceutical company, today announced it will present data from two studies that assessed HCV screening and diagnosis practices and linkage to care in the United States (US) at The Liver Meeting 2018, the Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), in San Francisco. The two studies, which highlight gaps in the care cascade, are part of a comprehensive dataset that can now be accessed through MappingHepC.com, a new interactive online resource that features national and state-level data on HCV screening, diagnosis and treatment. "Until now, the HCV patient landscape has been poorly understood, with out-of-date data sources and under-reporting of HCV infections," said Sammy Saab, M.D., David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA. "The availability of this epidemiology data provides a clearer picture of where the most concentrated populations of people with HCV are located, which is a crucial step towards eliminating the virus in the US." To address the need for more accurate HCV patient landscape data, AbbVie analyzed two large national laboratory datasets including over 17 million HCV antibody tests and 1.5 million HCV RNA tests in US patients between 2013 and 2016.1 Unlike other sources for national HCV estimates, MappingHepC.com relies on actual patient HCV antibody and confirmatory RNA test results. The findings of AbbVie's analysis include: Washington D.C. and West Virginia had the highest number of HCV RNA positive patients per 100,000 population in 2016. and had the highest number of HCV RNA positive patients per 100,000 population in 2016. West Virginia and Kentucky had the highest percentage of HCV RNA positive patients between the ages of 30-52 in 2016. "As a leader in the fight against chronic liver disease, we strive to provide healthcare professionals with the most current education and information on chronic liver disease," said Marcelo Kugelmas MD, Board of Trustees Member of the Chronic Liver Disease Foundation. "MappingHepC.com will help physicians navigate the HCV landscape, understand the epidemiology of their specific geographic area and hopefully, be a resource for action towards the elimination of HCV." HCV is the most common chronic infectious disease in the US with an estimated 3.4 million people infected.2 While highly-effective treatments are available for the majority of patients today, addressing the societal and behavioral barriers that prevent people with HCV from accessing treatment is the biggest challenge to eliminating the disease. "We are excited to provide the HCV community with up-to-date information on the evolving HCV landscape," said Vipan Sood, vice president, Health Economics and Outcomes Research, AbbVie. "The accessibility of this data will allow stakeholders to focus resources and expertise to their specific communities and to come together to maximize our efforts." Complementing the launch of the website, two AASLD abstracts from the same dataset highlight gaps in the care cascade.3,4 Data show that while overall rates of HCV screening are improving, there is an increase in the number of young adults from 2013-2016, specifically between the ages of 18 39 years old, who were antibody positive (2.8-3.9 percent). In addition, there was a decline in the rate of antibody positive baby boomers between the ages of 48-71 years (9.1-8.1 percent). When patients were examined longitudinally in a second study, differences persisted with young adults less likely to see an HCV specialist (9.2 percent vs 23.4 percent) and receive treatment (22.6 percent vs 32 percent) than baby boomers. The website will be updated in 2019 to include information from the two AASLD abstracts. Study Methods "National Estimates for HCV Screening and Diagnosis Rates in the United States (2013-2016) Based on Large Real-World Dataset" The study on screening and diagnosis rates included 17,149,480 unique patients who were screened based on an antibody test between the years of 2013 and 2016. Active HCV infection was defined as having a positive HCV RNA after a positive antibody test. Antibody screening rates, antibody positive rates, RNA follow-up testing rates and RNA positive rates were assessed descriptively by year and stratified by baby boomers 48-71 years old and young adults 18-39 years old, to reflect the evolving disease epidemiology.3 "National Examination of HCV Linkage to Care in the United States (2013-2016) Based on Large Real-World Dataset" The study on linkage to care included a care cascade defined as: screening (HCV antibody test), diagnosis (HCV RNA findings), seeing an HCV specialist (i.e., gastroenterologist/hepatologist/infectious disease) and receiving HCV treatment (based on an algorithm). This analysis was limited to patients that had undergone HCV antibody screening. Patients who tested positive for HCV antibodies were longitudinally assessed to determine the steps of the care cascade they completed. Given the evolving disease epidemiology with the influx of young, newly infected people, the analysis was stratified by two age cohorts: baby boomers 48-71 years old and young adults 18-39 years old. The care cascade was additionally delineated within each year between 2013 and 2016 as well as by individual states and payer types (commercial insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, out-of-pocket).4 About AbbVie AbbVie is a global, research and development-based biopharmaceutical company committed to developing innovative advanced therapies for some of the world's most complex and critical conditions. The company's mission is to use its expertise, dedicated people and unique approach to innovation to markedly improve treatments across four primary therapeutic areas: immunology, oncology, virology and neuroscience. In more than 75 countries, AbbVie employees are working every day to advance health solutions for people around the world. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn or Instagram. Forward-Looking Statements Some statements in this news release are, or may be considered, forward-looking statements for purposes of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "project" and similar expressions, among others, generally identify forward-looking statements. AbbVie cautions that these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, challenges to intellectual property, competition from other products, difficulties inherent in the research and development process, adverse litigation or government action, and changes to laws and regulations applicable to our industry. Additional information about the economic, competitive, governmental, technological and other factors that may affect AbbVie's operations is set forth in Item 1A, "Risk Factors," of AbbVie's 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. AbbVie undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to forward-looking statements as a result of subsequent events or developments, except as required by law. _____________________________ 1 Chirikov, V.V., Marx, S.E., Manthena, S.R. et al. Adv Ther (2018) 35: 1087. 2 Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Hepatitis C Questions and Answer for Health Professionals. https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hcv/hcvfaq.htm Last accessed November 6, 2018. 3 Sulkowski et al. National Estimates for HCV Screening and Diagnosis Rates in the United States (2013-2016) Based on Large Real-World Dataset. AASLD The Liver Meeting 2018. 4 Reau et al. National Examination of HCV Linkage to Care in the United States (2013-2016) Based on Large Real-World Dataset. AASLD The Liver Meeting 2018. SOURCE AbbVie Related Links abbvie.com NEW YORK, Nov. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- BetterCloud , the leading SaaS operations management platform, and Dropbox, Inc. , a leading global collaboration platform, today announced an expanded partnership and technology integration for enterprise organizations to secure their business-critical data with Dropbox. Joint customers can now define, execute and manage policies to meet day-to-day operational management and security requirements within their Dropbox application environment. "There's no question that SaaS has made employees more productive, and companies like Dropbox want to further empower IT teams with advanced security features to expand adoption of tools like Dropbox Business across their organizations," said Shreyas Sadalgi, Chief Business Strategy Officer of BetterCloud. "This is precisely why our partnership with Dropbox is so important. As more applications create more dispersed data, our integration with Dropbox allows IT departments to better manage who is accessing data without sacrificing the ease of use that make people more productive." BetterCloud and Dropbox are already providing hundreds of customers with robust data security and operations management capabilities. Additionally, in a step to further extend its partnership, Dropbox has selected BetterCloud to join their new security, operations and governance ecosystem of strategic technology partners as a premier partner. Dropbox will also be offering a special edition of " BetterCloud for Dropbox " to all of their customers for $2 /user/month. New features available today through this partnership and special edition pricing include On-Demand Workflows and Time-Based Roles . With On-Demand workflows, Dropbox admins can run customizable, automated sequences of Dropbox admin actions directly from the Users and Files grids of BetterCloud, taking advantage of built-in filtering and bulk options to easily target the right set of users or files, and run workflows on many users at once. Time-based roles give Dropbox admins access to BetterCloud only at specific times, ensuring that access to govern Dropbox data is turned on only when necessary and when it aligns with the least privilege model of security. "This deeper partnership with BetterCloud will allow our joint customers to empower their employees to use the tools they love like Dropbox with seamless security built in," said Billy Blau, Global Head of Business Development and Partnerships for Dropbox. "We've been impressed with the capabilities of the BetterCloud platform and look forward to offering these new integrations to our customers." This expanded partnership comes on the heels of momentous growth in 2017. Since securing its $60M funding round earlier this year, BetterCloud has established a partnership and technology integration with identity access management leader Okta and significantly expanded its long-standing partnership with Google. The company has also made significant additions to its SaaS Operations Management platform with the introduction of Activity-Based Alerts for G Suite and the many other applications the company supports. BetterCloud was also recently recognized by Gartner, Inc. in its inaugural Cloud Office Management Market Guide and by 451 Research as a pioneer in the SaaS Operations Management market. About BetterCloud BetterCloud is the first SaaS Operations Management platform, empowering IT to define, remediate, and enforce management and security policies for SaaS applications. Over 2,500 customers in 60+ countries rely on BetterCloud for continuous event monitoring, quickly remediating threats, and fully-automated policy enforcement. To further guide customers on their SaaS strategy, the company established the first-ever "SaaS Application Management and Security Framework" in its newly published book, Controlling Your SaaS Environment . BetterCloud is headquartered in New York City with an engineering office in Atlanta, GA. For more information, please visit www.bettercloud.com . SOURCE BetterCloud Related Links http://www.bettercloud.com It is not the NDP and Greens who want to hold on to power, but Mr. Wilkinson and his followers. They seem to think proportional representation will unleash a hoard of socialists, communists, radicals and extremists. The Liberals seem to want all the power most of the time instead of some power all the time. They want it all and can afford it. Second, to be elected, a candidate must have five per cent of the popular vote. All Canadian extremist parties amount to less than one per cent. Suppose an extremist won a seat, the other parties would just refuse to co-operate with him/her. Extremist views are better debated than allowed to evolve secretly. Third, if the Greens, a mere three MLAs, were the tail wagging the dog, Site C dam, LNG and ride-sharing would have been dealt with differently. Fourth, why is Italy, one of about 87 developed nations, always an example against proportional government? Italy is hardly a failed state. Proportional representation eliminates safe ridings, lack of discussion, and swing ridings." No one will lose their local MLA. Most local MLAs will be elected as they are now. Voters in the Urban part of the RUP option will have a wide choice of MLAs, all in their riding. Only the DMP system is new. Both parts of RUP are widely used. All proportional systems are adjusted for population distribution and geography. Taxes would be wasted to fine-tune a system before it's instituted. Elections BC and the Boundaries Commission will not be skewed by anyone. Let proportional representation prove itself. No country has ever gone back. Nancy Leathley, Sechelt "We are thrilled to have HoMedics as a cornerstone Brookstone licensee. Our mutual objective is to capitalize and expand upon Brookstone's brand legacy in rest, relaxation and wellness," noted Bluestar Alliance CEO Joey Gabbay. "HoMedics has the superior product development capabilities and the strong retail relationships necessary to fully realize the Brookstone brand's potential." "Brookstone is an iconic American brand with tremendous positive consumer awareness," said Alon Kaufman, CEO of HoMedics. "We are very excited about how the Brookstone brand can further enhance our leadership position in personal health, wellness and relaxation products by offering compelling quality products synonymous with the Brookstone brand." The Brookstone brand and intellectual property were acquired by Bluestar Alliance in October 2018 and the brand is being licensed to a host of best-in-class licensees. "The addition of HoMedics to our growing roster of quality licensees is a testimony to the enthusiasm for the Brookstone brand by both manufacturers and strategic retailers alike," said Bluestar Alliance COO, Ralph Gindi. "Moreover, there will be additional announcements of strategic partnerships over the coming weeks." HoMedics plans to introduce its first collection of Brookstone licensed products at the International Home + Housewares Show in Chicago in March 2019. Products are to be selectively distributed through the retail, e-commerce and hospitality industries across the United States, Canada and Latin America. About Bluestar Alliance LLC Founded by Joseph Gabbay and Ralph Gindi in 2006, Bluestar owns, manages, and markets a portfolio of consumer brands that span across many tiers of distribution from luxury to mass market. This portfolio consists of major department store retail brands including Tahari, Bebe, Kensie, Catherine Malandrino, Nanette Lepore, Joan Vass, Michael Bastian, English Laundry, Limited Too as well as Brookstone. The firm's investment mandate is to identify and purchase consumer brand companies where it can leverage the brand equity and expand its current categories to a broader consumer base. To facilitate the overall strategy Bluestar relies on its branding/marketing knowledge, extensive retail management relationships, strategic partnerships and brand licensing manufacturing entities. Bluestar Alliance's current international and domestic partners offer the opportunity to take a niche brand to a visible worldwide lifestyle brand. Since its inception, the company has acquired select brands with retail sales expected to exceed $3.0 billion in 2019. Bluestar Alliance manages a current portfolio of over 275 licensees and a growing branded retail platform of over 800 stores worldwide throughout North America, Europe, Australia, South America, Asia, Middle East and India. About HoMedics As the innovative leader in self-care, wellness and personal health products, HoMedics strives to provide products that promote overall well-being. Founded in 1987, their extensive line of personal wellness products allows you to relax your body, renew your spirit, and simplify your life. SOURCE Bluestar Alliance Related Links http://bluestaralliance.com/ NEW YORK, Nov. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Capgemini today announced it has launched a Security Operations Center (SOC) within the recently expanded Advanced Technology and Development Center at the BullStreet District office in Columbia, S.C. The SOC further strengthens the capabilities of the Columbia, S.C. center to help clients drive business differentiation, innovation, transformation and operational efficiency across their organizations while protecting data, assets, identities and overall customer trust. It also supports Capgemini's commitment to building and shaping the workforce of the future, offering clients a broader set of capabilities to address the fast-growing areas of digital strategy, cloud, artificial intelligence, customer experience innovation and other emerging technologies. The opening of this SOC represents the continued expansion of Capgemini's operations in Columbia, S.C., as well as its cybersecurity services and solutions across the region to help meet increased customer demand. It's the 10th center of its kind in Capgemini's global cybersecurity network of managed SOCs. "Companies must view cybersecurity not only as risk mitigation, but as part of their broader growth strategy and a way to gain competitive advantage by becoming more data and customer-centric," said Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet, Head of Cybersecurity and Cloud, North America Cloud Infrastructure Services, Capgemini. "Our progressive as-a-service delivery model provides flexibility for companies to scale cybersecurity services based on their needs, while also evolving to identify and pre-empt the most sophisticated attacks." Services offered through the SOC help companies integrate cybersecurity into broader growth initiatives and digital transformation efforts. Whether it's the start of a new division, acquisition, product launch or IoT deployment, organizations can leverage the SOC to protect sensitive data and assets along with their brand and customer trust. End-to-end cybersecurity capabilities include security watch, vulnerability management, fraud monitoring, advanced threat detection, analytics, incident response, forensics, and governance risk management and compliance. Capgemini's global network of connected SOCs provides a range of delivery options that can be tailored based on investment level and scale. Programs are created based on sector-specific business requirements, risk profiles, critical data assets, and current security strategies and levels of protection. At Capgemini's Advanced Technology Development Center in Columbia, S.C., diverse teams of industry-leading innovators will develop and implement new technology and digital experiences. It provides a forum to train team members in deep skill areas of advanced technology such as cybersecurity, in addition to cloud, digital manufacturing and intelligent automation, among others. Teams at the Columbia office work with global organizations to accelerate their digital technology innovations and transform their customers' experiences. "Capgemini's decision to expand their operations in Richland County with this state-of-the-art Security Operations Center is further evidence of the vitality of the Columbia market and the growth of young talent," said Joyce Dickerson, chair of Richland County Council. "The goal of Richland County Council is to continue to build a better community to support the growth of successful employers such as Capgemini." About Capgemini A global leader in consulting, technology services and digital transformation, Capgemini is at the forefront of innovation to address the entire breadth of clients' opportunities in the evolving world of cloud, digital and platforms. Building on its strong 50-year heritage and deep industry-specific expertise, Capgemini enables organizations to realize their business ambitions through an array of services from strategy to operations. Capgemini is driven by the conviction that the business value of technology comes from and through people. It is a multicultural company of 200,000 team members in over 40 countries. The Group reported 2017 global revenues of EUR 12.8 billion (about $14.4 billion USD at 2017 average rate). Visit us at www.capgemini.com. People matter, results count. SOURCE Capgemini Related Links http://www.capgemini.com RYE, N.Y., Nov. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Harvey Building Products ("Harvey"), a portfolio company of Dunes Point Capital, LP ("DPC") has acquired Northeast Building Products ("NBP"). Located in Philadelphia, PA, NBP is a manufacturer of vinyl windows and entry doors for residential applications. Harvey, acquired by DPC in 2015, is a leading manufacturer and distributor of high quality building products, with a deep presence in the Northeast. NBP represents the third acquisition Harvey has made in the last two years. About DPC: Founded in 2013, DPC is a family office and private investment firm, pursuing control investments in companies operating in the general industrial sector. DPC targets companies with enterprise values of up to $500 million. For more information, please visit www.dunespointcapital.com. About NBP: Located in Philadelphia, PA, NBP is a manufacturer of vinyl windows and entry doors for residential applications. For more information, please visit www.nbpwindows.com. About Harvey: Founded in 1961, Harvey is a leading manufacturer of high quality building products sold under the Harvey, Soft-Lite, and Thermo-Tech brands. Harvey also distributes siding, roofing, decking and trim. Headquartered in Waltham, MA, Harvey sells directly to contractors, builders, general contractors and other building industry professionals. The company has approximately 1,800 employees and operates four manufacturing facilities, 36 distribution centers and 13 product showrooms that are open to the public. For more information, please visit www.harveybp.com. SOURCE Dunes Point Capital, LP Related Links http://www.dunespointcapital.com MINNEAPOLIS, Nov. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- HighJump, a global provider of supply chain solutions, announces its ranking within the four highest in all use cases spanning simple to highly automated warehouse operations in Gartner's August 2018 Critical Capabilities for Warehouse Management Systems report. To HighJump, the results exemplify the company's dedication to empowering companies worldwide with the digital, connected and automated supply chain of the future. Today's consumer has ever-higher expectations for purchasing convenience, delivery speed, choice and adaptability. This spells greater complexity for warehousing and logistics. As a result, supply chain professionals need solutions to handle new business models, stressed traditional logistics systems and deconsolidating networks. HighJump makes this possible. HighJump's Warehouse Management System (WMS) scales to meet the unique needs of small-to-medium-sized businesses to complex global enterprises. This includes seamlessly integrating with existing systems, while providing a foundation and control for new automation technologies like artificial intelligence, robotics, blockchain, IoT and machine learning. Simplicity, usability, analytics, implementation tools and supporting technologies were some of the critical capabilities evaluated by Gartner. "The future of supply chain is coming at us faster than ever, and HighJump is assuring our customers across the globe rise to the occasion," said Chad Collins, CEO of HighJump. "Simply fulfilling demand is the past HighJump enables customers to anticipate it, predict, and make smarter, faster decisions to adapt, grow and succeed today and tomorrow." The Gartner Critical Capabilities report for warehouse management systems focuses specifically on WMS products. Results are based on nine critical capabilities - core and extended functionality, usability, agility, technology, decision support capability, implementation and support competencies and overall simplicity of use and operation - in correlation with the level of complexity of operations. Since inclusion in this report, HighJump has made a series of innovative moves to propel supply chains into the future. This includes the launch of the HighJump Warehouse Control System. More is on the horizon as part of Korber Logistics Systems. Current and prospective customers can learn more at HighJump's annual user conference, Elevate, March 3-6, 2019 in San Antonio, Texas. Register here. Gartner Disclaimer Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. About HighJump Today's consumer has ever-higher expectations for purchasing convenience, delivery speed, choice and adaptability. More options for consumers spell greater complexity for the supply chain. It's no longer enough to fulfill demand you must anticipate it, predict it and make smarter, faster decisions. In a high volume, complex logistics environment, the shift to an on-demand model can be challenging but failing to adapt poses even greater risks. You need a technology partner with a proven track record of delivering efficiency and a lower cost of ownership today, plus the flexibility and innovation to help you realize your strategic roadmap tomorrow and beyond. At HighJump, we're integrating our proven solutions for the warehouse, transportation and logistics ecosystem with emerging technologies from around our company and around the world to build the supply chain of the future. Leveraging advanced cloud technology, we can help you ride the wave of data to achieve greater efficiency, uncover actionable insights, and stay ahead of the curve. HighJump: Supply Chain of the Future. For more information, visit http://www.highjump.com. About Korber Korber AG is the holding company of the internationally operating technology group Korber, which has around 11,000 employees all over the world. The Group unites technologically leading companies with 140 production, service, and sales companies. At locations around the world, Korber combines the advantages of a globally represented organization with the strengths of highly specialized and flexible medium-size enterprises that offer their customers solutions, products, and services in the Business Areas Automation, Logistics Systems, Pharma Systems, Tissue, Tobacco, Corporate Ventures, and Korber Digital. About Korber Logistics Systems The Business Area Logistics Systems, belonging to the international technology group Korber and based in Bad Nauheim, Hessen (Germany), is the leading provider of fully integrated applications for the optimization of complex internal and external logistics processes. Under the umbrella brand Korber Logistics, the Business Area provides digital solutions for the smart factory (production logistics), the warehouse, distribution center, e-commerce, and management of the entire supply chain. In three Business Units, the umbrella brand unites the companies Aberle GmbH and Consoveyo S.A. (System Integration), Langhammer GmbH and Riantics A/S (Product Solutions), Aberle Software GmbH, Cirrus Logistics, DMLogic, HighJump, Inconso AG and Voiteq (Software). They offer an extensive range of products and services, from system integration to technologies for storage, palletizing, de-palletizing and conveyor systems, through to software. Media Contact Heather K. Smith HighJump 1-800-328-3271 x 2717 [email protected] SOURCE HighJump Related Links http://www.highjump.com "When we saw the amount of damage that Hurricane Florence did to the Camp Lejeune Community we knew we had to step in and help," stated James Curtis, Hunt Heroes Foundation Board Member and Resident of Onslow County. "While we don't directly have residents who live in that area, Hunt has quite a few employees who have worked, currently live or have lived in that community so we felt it was the right thing to do. Students have been out of these schools for weeks now, so we hope this donation helps ease a small burden for the students, faculty and staff." Hurricane Florence was a powerful and long-lived hurricane that caused severe damage in the Carolinas in September 2018, primarily as a result of freshwater flooding. Florence dropped over 35 inches of rain in parts of North Carolina, becoming the wettest tropical cyclone recorded in the Carolinas, and also the eighth-wettest overall in the contiguous United States. "On behalf of Northwoods Park Middle School, I want to thank the Hunt Heroes Foundation for the donation," stated Angela Garland, Principal of Northwoods Park Middle School. "We really have been fortunate despite the devastation Hurricane Florence wrecked on our school because of an outpouring of generosity. Your assistance ensures our teachers and students have the supplies they need to teach, to learn and to grow. Thank you for supporting us. Thank you for helping us. Our journey is ongoing and there are still challenges, but you have made a difference in how we will handle the hurdles ahead." For information on helping Onslow County schools log onto: https://www.onslow.k12.nc.us/Page/26233 About Hunt Heroes Foundation Formed in 2018, the Hunt Heroes Foundation proudly serves military families, partners and communities through opportunities and ideas generated by our people and partnerships. Together, the HHF will discover new ways to ensure we help bring a positive change to the communities in which we live and work. www.huntheroesfoundation.org About Hunt Military Communities As the most experienced and largest owner of military housing in the nation, Hunt Military Communities offers unsurpassed quality and service to more than 200,000 residents in over 52,000 homes on Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Army installations throughout the country. With a 50-year legacy and a partnership with the Department of Defense, Hunt strives to build communities characterized by three clear promises: 5-star service, connectedness, and a culture of trust. For more information, visit www.huntmilitarycommunities.com . SOURCE Hunt Heroes Foundation Related Links http://www.huntheroesfoundation.org CALGARY, Nov. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - Representatives of Kinder Morgan, Inc. (KMI), which owns a controlling interest in Kinder Morgan Canada Limited (KML), intend to participate in investor meetings at the RBC Capital Markets Midstream Conference on Tuesday, November 13, 2018 in Dallas, Texas, to discuss the business and affairs of KMI. In addition, representatives of KMI intend to participate in investor meetings at the Bank of America Merrill Lynch Global Energy Conference on Thursday, November 15, 2018 in Miami, Florida, to discuss the business and affairs of KMI. Both of these events may include discussion of KML's business. Interested parties will be able to view the materials presented on the day of the event by visiting KML's website at https://ir.kindermorgancanadalimited.com/presentations-and-webcasts or KMI's website at: https://ir.kindermorgan.com/presentations-webcasts. About Kinder Morgan Canada Kinder Morgan Canada Limited (KML) manages and is the holder of an approximately 30 percent minority interest in a portfolio of strategic energy infrastructure assets across Western Canada. Kinder Morgan, Inc. (NYSE: KMI) holds an approximately 70 percent majority voting interest in KML and a corresponding 70 percent economic interest in KML's business and assets. KML focuses on stable, fee-based energy transportation and storage assets that are central to the energy infrastructure of Western Canada. We strive to promote shareholder value by increasing utilization of our existing assets while controlling costs and operating in a safe and environmentally responsible way. For more information visit kindermorgancanadalimited.com. SOURCE Kinder Morgan Canada Limited Related Links www.kindermorgancanadalimited.com "This is extremely prestigious recognition, as the list is difficult to make and is highly coveted by organizations across the country," says Brad Carr, CEO of Mattamy Homes Canada. "This award is a wonderful testament to the kind of company and culture that our people have built together and is also an opportunity for us to look forward to an exciting future, one that continues the work of being an employer of choice." This national recognition is a validation of what Mattamy Homes employees have known for a long time: that Mattamy is a special place. The company celebrated its 40th year in business in 2018, having grown from humble beginnings the building and sale of a single home to become the largest privately owned homebuilder in North America. "At every level of the company we are so energized about our bright future and eager to carry this momentum into what's going to be an exciting next 40 years," says Carr. Now entering its 20th year, the Canada's Top 100 Employers competition recognizes leading employers across Canada, who are selected from a wide pool of applicants, following a comprehensive review of their operations and HR practices. This year saw a record number of employers take part in the selection process. For more information: About Mattamy Homes Mattamy Homes is the largest privately owned homebuilder in North America, with a 40-year history of operations across the United States and Canada. Every year, Mattamy helps 7,000 families realize their dream of home ownership. In the United States, the company is represented in 10 markets Charlotte, Raleigh, Phoenix, Tucson, Jacksonville, Orlando (where its US head office is located), Tampa, Sarasota, Naples and Southeast Florida and in Canada, its communities stretch across the Greater Toronto Area, as well as in Ottawa, Calgary and Edmonton. Visit www.mattamyhomes.com for more information. SOURCE Mattamy Homes Limited Related Links http://www.mattamyhomes.com/ Geoscape provides unparalleled details about all 15 million buildings in Australia extracted using artificial intelligence and machine learning WESTMINSTER, CO, Nov. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - DigitalGlobe, a Maxar Technologies company (NYSE: MAXR) (TSX: MAXR), today announced it has mapped the entire continent of Australia at a unprecedented level of detail using the cutting-edge techniques of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and crowdsourcing. DigitalGlobe produced data layers for PSMA Australia to create Geoscape, a commercial location intelligence dataset about the Australian built environment that will enable end users to make business decisions with confidence. PSMA Australia is an organization that offers authoritative geospatial data sources to public and private institutions across Australia. Geoscape accurately describes the physical attributes of every building across all 7.6 million square kilometers of Australia, transforming workflows for monitoring, growth and optimization across a broad spectrum of industries, allowing organizations to focus on the end result instead of manually gathering the data themselves. Customers now have access to this comprehensive, geospatial dataset without the need to hire GIS experts or perform costly rounds of site visits. When these data layers are combined to custom-fit the end user's needs, they provide key insights for accomplishing projects faster, such as infrastructure planning for the next generation 5G networks, insurance risk modelling and improved urban planning and taxation activities. The completed Geoscape dataset reveals previously unknown statistics about Australia's built environment including: 15,243,669 buildings 1,279,438 buildings with swimming pools 1,251,083 buildings with solar panels DigitalGlobe supplied the industry-leading satellite imagery, analytics and content ecosystem partners that enabled PSMA Australia to produce a state-of-the-art, innovative dataset. DigitalGlobe tasked its WorldView-3 satellite to collect new imagery of the entire continent with its shortwave infrared (SWIR) sensor, allowing DigitalGlobe to identify materials on each property. Employing its advanced cloud computing-based analytics platform called GBDX, DigitalGlobe leveraged its own algorithms and those from its content ecosystem partners to extract 105 different attributes about properties from the imagery, such as the precise location and height of trees and buildings, existence of swimming pools, land use, roof complexity and distribution of solar panels. Additionally, Radiant Solutions, another Maxar company, produced a continent-scale Land Cover map created using artificial intelligence and a team of trained image analysts. "PSMA Australia is proud to be the first organization to offer a single, national dataset describing buildings and their features, trees and land cover for every address in Australia," said Dan Paull, PSMA Australia's Chief Executive Officer. "This innovative dataset is only possible thanks to DigitalGlobe's industry-leading satellite imagery, analytics and content ecosystem partners." "This opportunity demonstrates the value of information available inside DigitalGlobe's high-resolution satellite imagery that can be unlocked using advanced analytics, cloud computing, artificial intelligence and big data processing," said Dr. Shay Har-Noy, DigitalGlobe's Vice President of Unified Platforms. "DigitalGlobe collaborated with PSMA Australia to create Geoscape, and this detailed dataset is transforming businesses with actionable insight to enable faster and better decision-making." PSMA will continue to update Geoscape over the next two years with fresh data layers from DigitalGlobe. Please visit this website to see a sample of the Geoscape data. About DigitalGlobe DigitalGlobe is the global leader in commercial high-resolution satellite imagery used by decision makers to better understand our changing planet in order to save lives, resources and time. Sourced from the world's leading constellation, our imagery solutions deliver unmatched coverage and capacity to meet our customers' most demanding mission requirements. Each day customers in defense and intelligence, public safety, civil agencies, map making and analysis, environmental monitoring, oil and gas exploration, infrastructure management, navigation technology, and providers of location-based services depend on DigitalGlobe data, information, technology and expertise to gain actionable insight. DigitalGlobe is a Maxar Technologies company (NYSE: MAXR) (TSX: MAXR). For more information visit www.DigitalGlobe.com. About Maxar Technologies As a global leader of advanced space technology solutions, Maxar Technologies is at the nexus of the new space economy, developing and sustaining the infrastructure and delivering the information, services, systems that unlock the promise of space for commercial and government markets. As a trusted partner, Maxar Technologies provides vertically integrated capabilities and expertise including satellites, Earth imagery, robotics, geospatial data and analytics to help customers anticipate and address their most complex mission-critical challenges with confidence. With more than 6,500 employees in over 30 global locations, the Maxar Technologies portfolio of commercial space brands includes MDA, SSL, DigitalGlobe and Radiant Solutions. Every day, billions of people rely on Maxar to communicate, share information and data, and deliver insights that Build a Better World. Maxar trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange and New York Stock Exchange as MAXR. For more information, visit www.maxar.com. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements and other information included in this release constitute "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") under applicable securities laws. Statements including words such as "may", "will", "could", "should", "would", "plan", "potential", "intend", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate" or "expect" and other words, terms and phrases of similar meaning are often intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Forward-looking statements involve estimates, expectations, projections, goals, forecasts, assumptions, risks and uncertainties, as well as other statements referring to or including forward-looking information included in this release. Forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results or expectations expressed in this release. As a result, although management of the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. The risks that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to, the risk factors and other disclosures about the Company and its business included in the Company's continuous disclosure materials filed from time to time with Canadian and U.S. securities regulatory authorities, which are available online under the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com , under the Company's EDGAR profile at www.sec.gov or on the Company's website at www.maxar.com . The forward-looking statements contained in this release are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statements. All such forward-looking statements are based upon data available as of the date of this release or other specified date and speak only as of such date. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements in this release as a result of new information or future events, except as may be required under applicable securities legislation. Investor Relations Contact Jason Gursky Maxar Technologies 1-303-684-2207 [email protected] Media Contact Kristin Carringer DigitalGlobe 1-303-684-4352 [email protected] SOURCE Maxar Technologies Ltd. Related Links www.maxar.com WASHINGTON, Nov. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- LUNGevity Foundation, the nation's leading lung cancer-focused nonprofit organization, today announced a partnership with Patient True Talk, a free patient-to-patient platform where patients and their caregivers can search for others with the same diagnosis or recommended treatment protocol to connect via email or phone. The new partnership supports people diagnosed with lung cancer by allowing them to engage with other patients and caregivers to share their experiences. With this partnership, LUNGevity survivors, caregivers, and patient advocates have the opportunity to register for PatientTrueTalk.com at the LUNGevity portal. Patient True Talk allows users to create personal profiles and find matches based on a variety of parameters, including diagnosis and treatment, to answer questions based on their needs. A secure message can be sent directly to volunteers who represent the closest match. Once a connection is made, the two parties can speak off-line and form a supportive relationship. Like LUNGevity's LifeLine Mentor Program, connections made through Patient True Talk can be vital to a new patient and their family and can help them navigate the logistics and emotions of a lung cancer diagnosis. Patient True Talk offers another option for people who prefer to seek out their own support online rather than through LifeLine's hands-on approach to connecting mentee and mentor. Patient True Talk builds on LUNGevity's current support services by providing users from across the globe opportunities to connect based on their closest situational match. This allows users to plug in to a community otherwise unreachable. "LUNGevity is thrilled to be able to offer a new service to our patients that will provide peer-to-peer support and community," said Katie Brown, Vice-President of Support and Survivorship at LUNGevity. "LUNGevity provides important resources and robust support services to patients and their families, and Patient True Talk is a great resource to help them." "Patient True Talk is excited about this partnership with LUNGevity," said Dan Engel, CEO and founder. "We hope that every lung cancer survivor, caregiver and patient advocate who is willing to pay it forward registers as a 'patient advocate' on PatientTrueTalk.com so that those newly diagnosed have the largest support community possible from which to find matches. I wish that I had a resource like Patient True Talk when I was undergoing my treatment for metastatic melanoma!" LUNGevity offers the largest online network of support and in-person survivorship programs for all people affected by lung cancer. LUNGevity recognizes the need for an online support program that would offer patients and caregivers timely, one-on-one contact with individuals who have experienced a similar lung cancer journey. About LUNGevity Foundation LUNGevity is the nation's leading lung cancer organization investing in lifesaving, translational research and providing support services and education for patients and caregivers. LUNGevity's goals are three-fold: (1) accelerate research to patients, (2) empower patients to be active participants in their treatment decisions, and (3) remove barriers that patients face in accessing the right treatments. LUNGevity Foundation is firmly committed to making an immediate impact on increasing quality of life and survivorship of people with lung cancer by accelerating research into early detection and more effective treatments, as well as by providing community, support, and education for all those affected by the disease. LUNGevity's comprehensive resources include a medically vetted website, a toll-free HELPLine in partnership with CancerCare, a unique Lung Cancer Navigator app, peer-to-peer mentoring for patients and caregivers (LUNGevity LifeLine), and survivorship conferences. LUNGevity also helps patients find and navigate clinical trials through our Clinical Trial Finder tool, a Clinical Trial Ambassador program, and participation with EmergingMed. Our vision is a world where no one dies of lung cancer. For more information about LUNGevity Foundation, a four-star Charity Navigator organization, please visit www.LUNGevity.org . About Lung Cancer in the U.S. About 1 in 16 Americans will be diagnosed with lung cancer in their lifetime More than 234,000 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with lung cancer this year About 60%-65% of all new lung cancer diagnoses are among people who have never smoked or are former smokers Lung cancer takes more lives than the next three leading cancers (colorectal, breast, and prostate) combined Only 19% of all people diagnosed with lung cancer will survive 5 years or more, BUT if it's caught before it spreads, the chance of 5-year survival improves dramatically SOURCE LUNGevity Foundation Related Links http://www.lungevity.org LONDON, Nov. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Orange Extract Market (Form - Powder, Liquid; Nature - Organic, Conventional; End User - Food and Beverages, Cosmetics & Personal Care, Pharmaceuticals; Distribution Channel - Business to Business, Hypermarkets/Supermarkets, Specialty Stores, e-Commerce, Other Retail Formats) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2018 - 2028 Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/5611711 Orange Extract Market: Introduction This TMR report on the global orange extract market analyzes opportunities in the market, and presents updates and insights relating to various segments of the global orange extract market over the forecast period 20182028.The report also provides historical data of 2013, along with the estimated data for 2018, and forecast data up to 2028 in terms of value (US$ Mn) and volume (MT). In terms of value, the orange extract market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 5.1% over the forecast period. The current study reveals the orange extract market trends and market dynamics in five major regions - North America, Latin America, Europe, Japan, Asia Pacific except Japan, and the Middle East and Africa. The report also comprises the study of current issues with consumers and opportunities for the orange extract market. Orange Extract Market: Report Description The report explores the global orange extract market for the period 20182028.The overriding goal of this report is to provide insights into the developments in the global orange extract market that are progressively helping to transform worldwide businesses that are associated with the same. It is essential to consider that, in the wavering economy, we provide the estimated (Y-o-Y) year-on-year growth rate along with the Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for the overall forecast, to understand the better analysis and evaluation of the global orange extract market, and to discover the equitable opportunities. Yet another key feature of this report is the analysis of the global orange extract market and the corresponding revenue forecast is also carried out in terms of absolute dollar opportunity.This is generally neglected while forecasting the overall market. Absolute dollar opportunity analysis is highly essential in determining the degree of opportunity that a provider can observe to execute, as well as to distinguish the potential resources from a sales perspective in the global orange extract market. The global orange extract market report starts with an executive summary, and the definition of various segmentations involved and their respective shares in the global orange extract market.The report also includes the major macroeconomic factors with an outlook of orange extract in the global extract market. The report further highlights the market dynamics which covers the drivers, restraints, opportunities, and trends in the global orange extract market.The report also highlights the study of current issues with processing, and opportunities for orange extract market. It also includes value chain analysis that provides a detailed structural view of profitability from the manufacturer to the end user.In order to provide users with a comprehensive view of the global orange extract market, we have extended the competitive analysis of key market players and their strategic key developments. The competitive dashboard provides a detailed comparison of orange extract manufacturers on valuable parameters such as total revenue, key product offerings, key strategies, and key developments. The study emphasizes the global orange extract market attractiveness analysis by form, nature, end user, distribution channel, and region. To estimate the overall market size of orange extract, the report considers various preliminary aspects based on secondary research.Furthermore, it highlights quantitative analysis such as region-wise market shares, and market shares by form, nature, end user, distribution channel, and other qualitative inputs from primary respondents, which have been incorporated to arrive at accurate market estimations. The forecast presented in the orange extract market report arrives at the total revenue being generated, and expected revenue contribution in the future by the global orange extract market. Detailed profiles of global orange extract manufacturing companies are also included in the report to evaluate their long- and short-term strategies, key product offerings, and recent developments, as they have a significant effect in the global orange extract market. Major market competitors covered in the orange extract market report are Dohler GmbH, McCormick & Company, Inc., Southern Flavoring Company, Inc., Cook Flavoring Company, LorAnn Oils, Nature's Sunshine Products, Inc., Nielsen-Massey Vanillas, Inc., etc. Orange Extract Market: Segmentation The subsequent sections analyze the global orange extract market on the basis of form, nature, end user, distribution channel, and region, and presents a forecast for the period 20182028. The market is segmented as follows: Orange Extract Market by Form Powder Liquid Orange Extract Market by Nature Organic Conventional Orange Extract Market by End User Food and Beverages Cosmetics & Personal Care Pharmaceuticals Orange Extract Market by Distribution Channel Business to Business Hypermarkets/Supermarkets Specialty Stores e-Commerce Other Retail Formats Orange Extract Market by Region North America U.S. Canada Latin America Brazil Mexico Argentina Rest of LATAM Europe EU5 Russia BENELUX Nordic Rest of Europe Japan Japan Asia Pacific except Japan China India Australia & New Zealand ASEAN Rest of APAC Middle East & Africa GCC Countries Egypt South Africa Morocco Turkey Rest of MEA Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/5611711 About Reportbuyer Reportbuyer is a leading industry intelligence solution that provides all market research reports from top publishers For more information: Sarah Smith Research Advisor at Reportbuyer.com Email: [email protected] Tel: +1 (718) 213 4904 Website: www.reportbuyer.com SOURCE ReportBuyer Related Links http://www.reportbuyer.com What a wonderfully robust debate swirls around the pro rep question. We are formally challenged to consider changing B.C.s election system. There is some devilry at play in any democracy the worst of all systems except for all the others," quipped Winston Churchill. Better the devil we know is a common phrase given play in defence of the status quo. First past the post plainly depicts the status quo, and proportional representation plainly depicts an alternative. The devil we know is a FPTP system that delivers governments where the actual vote takes a back seat to outcomes in our 87 districts. The party that wins in more districts than the others gets 100 per cent control even with as little as 35 per cent of the popular vote. The devil we dont know is PR. We know it is a system at work in Scotland, New Zealand, the Netherlands and elsewhere. We know that it turns out governments in which the different political parties tend to work harder to sort through legislation. In a proportional system, sudden sharp shifts in policy are less common. Voters dont have to burn down the house to clean the carpets as one commentator put it. The balance of power shifts between parties who are continuously challenged to work together to get things done. Negotiation and compromise are the watchwords. The referendum options are set out in our mail-in ballots. As usual, watch out for statistical subterfuge, fear mongering, bandwagons, special interests, conspiracy theorists and political hack packs. Consider that both leading B.C. parties have presented the proportional representation alternative over the past 20 years. Evidently, both see something worthwhile in it. Dig as much as you can here and there to inform your referendum vote. Whichever way you vote, get your ballot included before Nov. 30. Dave Cursons, Cawston CHARLOTTE, N.C., Nov. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Piedmont Natural Gas is educating customers on how to recognize Piedmont service technicians as part of an awareness campaign to protect customers of the Charlotte-based natural gas distribution company from utility scammers. Fall is typically a busy time for Piedmont's technicians, who are a common sight in neighborhoods as they perform routine maintenance, conduct safety inspections and respond to service requests. Unfortunately, customers in past years have been victimized by scammers posing as utility workers. "The safety of our customers is Piedmont's No. 1 priority, and we want to give them the information they need to feel safe when one of our service technicians comes to their door," said Jared Lawrence, vice president of customer operations for Piedmont Natural Gas. "Although we have no recent reports of scammers impersonating Piedmont employees, our goal is to prevent even one customer from falling victim to a scam." Piedmont's awareness campaign, which also includes information in customers' bills and on its website at piedmontng.com, is part of a nationwide effort called Utilities United Against Scams (UUAS) to help customers distinguish scammers from actual utility workers. Here are four easy things customers can keep in mind to help them identify a Piedmont Natural Gas service technician: Service technicians always wear the company's blue uniform with the Piedmont logo when making a service call. logo when making a service call. A worker making a service call will arrive in a Piedmont Natural Gas vehicle with the company's name and logo clearly displayed. All Piedmont workers are required to carry their company ID badge, which has the Piedmont Natural Gas logo at the top, along with a photo of the employee and the employee's first and last names. workers are required to carry their company ID badge, which has the Piedmont Natural Gas logo at the top, along with a photo of the employee and the employee's first and last names. Technicians will never ask for cash or any other form of payment from customers during a service call to their home or business. Customers who have any doubts about the identity of an individual claiming to be a Piedmont employee can call Piedmont Natural Gas at 800.752.7504 to find out if the company is working in their area and if there is a work order for their address. Customers can also visit the company's website at piedmontng.com for additional information. UUAS has made available a "Consumer's Guide to Impostor Utility Scams," which provides descriptions of the many scams that target utility customers and tools they can use to protect themselves. This guide can be found on the coalition's website, utilitiesunited.org. For more information on how to spot a utility scam and protect personal information, visit Avoid scammers: How to recognize a utility employee. Piedmont Natural Gas Piedmont Natural Gas is an energy services company whose principal business is the distribution of natural gas to more than 1 million residential, commercial and industrial customers, as well as power plants, in North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Piedmont is routinely recognized by J.D. Power for excellent customer satisfaction and was named by Cogent Reports in 2017 as one of the most trusted utility brands in the U.S. Piedmont Natural Gas is a subsidiary of Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK). Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is one of the largest energy holding companies in the U.S., with approximately 29,000 employees and a generating capacity of 49,500 megawatts. The company is transforming its customers' experience, modernizing its energy grid, generating cleaner energy and expanding its natural gas infrastructure to create a smarter energy future for the people and communities it serves. The company's Electric Utilities and Infrastructure unit serves approximately 7.6 million retail electric customers in six states North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky. Its Gas Utilities and Infrastructure unit distributes natural gas to approximately 1.6 million customers in five states North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. Its Commercial Renewables unit operates a growing renewable energy portfolio across the U.S. A Fortune 125 company, Duke Energy was named to Fortune's 2018 "World's Most Admired Companies" list and Forbes' 2018 "America's Best Employers" list. More information about the company is available at duke-energy.com . The Duke Energy News Center includes news releases, fact sheets, photos, videos and other materials. Duke Energy's illumination features stories about people, innovations, community topics and environmental issues. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter , LinkedIn , Instagram and Facebook . Jennifer Sharpe Piedmont Natural Gas 24-Hour Media Line: 877.348.3612 [email protected] SOURCE Piedmont Natural Gas MOSCOW, November 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), the sovereign wealth fund of Russia, has been awarded the title of the Knight of the National Order of the Legion of Honour, by the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron for his paramount contribution to strengthening cooperation between Russia and France. The award ceremony will be held on November 19, 2018. The award will be presented by the French Ambassador to Russia, Sylvie Bermann. The Order of the Legion of Honour (Ordre national de la Legion d'honneur) is the oldest French national order, established by Napoleon Bonaparte on May 19, 1802. Belonging to the Order is the highest distinction and honour in France; it is awarded by the President of the French Republic for outstanding service. Since 2013, RDIF has been actively working with French partners to jointly implement investment projects, promoting the development of French companies in Russia and the entry of Russian companies into the French market. In addition to mutual investments, there is continuous dialogue between Russian and French companies and trade associations, while prospects for further interaction are also being discussed. In 2017, by the decree of the President of Russia, Kirill Dmitriev was also awarded the Order of Alexander Nevsky, for his great contribution in facilitating international investment projects and his contribution to the socio-economic development of Russia. Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), noted: "I am grateful to the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, for his recognition and such a high appreciation of RDIF's contribution to strengthening bilateral relations between Russia and France. This award is a reflection of the progress we have achieved through investment cooperation in recent years, as well as an incentive for further proactive work. Over the next five years, we intend to quadruple the volume of investment in the Russian-French investment platform, created jointly with CDC International Capital. This will enable to surpass the record amount of foreign direct investment reached at the beginning of 2018, when the total amount of accumulated French direct investment in Russia reached 16.3 billion dollars." Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) is Russia's sovereign wealth fund established in 2011 to make equity co-investments, primarily in Russia, alongside reputable international financial and strategic investors. RDIF acts as a catalyst for direct investment in the Russian economy. RDIF's management company is based in Moscow. Currently, RDIF has experience of the successful joint implementation of more than 70 projects with foreign partners totaling more than 1.3 trillion rubles and covering 95% of the regions of the Russian Federation. RDIF portfolio companies employ more than 700,000 people, and generate revenues which equate to more than 5% of Russia's GDP. RDIF established joint strategic partnerships with leading international co-investors from more than 15 countries that total more than 40 billion dollars. Further information can be found at http://www.rdif.ru For additional information contact: Arseniy Palag Russian Direct Investment Fund Press Secretary Tel: +7-495-644-34-14, ext. 2395 Mobile: +7-916-110-31-41 E-mail: [email protected] Andrew Leach / Maria Shiryaevskaya Hudson Sandler Tel: +44(0)20-7796-4133 SOURCE Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) PHOENIX, Nov. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- sweetFrog Frozen Yogurt, the nation's leading frozen yogurt chain, named America's #1 Best Frozen Yogurt in 2017 and #2 Best Frozen Yogurt in 2018 by The Daily Meal, is kicking off the holiday season with a fantastic offer to thank veterans and active military personnel. sweetFrog will pay tribute to those who have served our country on Veterans Day, Sunday, November 11. All active and retired servicemen and women are invited to visit their nearest sweetFrog location with their military I.D. to receive a free 12-oz. yogurt. Morgan Harrison, senior national marketing manager for Kahala Brands, parent company of sweetFrog, says this Veterans Day deal is sweetFrog's small way of saying thank you to our nation's heroes. "sweetFrog has been celebrating Veterans Day for years and 2018 is no different," said Harrison. "Everyone at sweetFrog appreciates what our servicemen and women do for our country and we are proud to serve them a free treat on November 11th. It's an excellent opportunity for each of them to enjoy their favorite yogurt or try out a fun fall flavor, like the Baked Apple Stack flavor and the Apple Crumb Cake swirl, on the house. Come join us as we salute and celebrate our veterans on November 11th!" For more information about sweetFrog Premium Frozen Yogurt and other in-store promotions, please visit www.sweetfrog.com. To learn more about sweetFrog Frozen Yogurt franchise opportunities, please visit http://sweetfrog.com/franchise. About sweetFrog sweetFrog, one of the country's top frozen yogurt concepts, prides itself on providing a family-friendly environment where customers can enjoy premium frozen yogurt, ice cream, gelato and sorbets with the toppings of their choice. In 2018, sweetFrog was acquired by Scottsdale, Arizona-based Kahala Brands one of the fastest growing franchising companies in the world with a portfolio of nearly 30 fast-casual and quick-service restaurant brands with approximately 3300 locations in roughly 30 countries. For more information about sweetFrog, please visit: www.SweetFrog.com . For more information about Kahala Brands, please visit: www.KahalaBrands.com . SOURCE sweetFrog Frozen Yogurt Related Links http://www.sweetfrog.com NEW YORK, Nov. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2018 Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Culture International Development Symposium, hosted by the Sino-American Culture and Arts Foundation (SACAF), with support from the Sino-American Friendship Association (SAFA), and Vital (US) Life Regeneration, Inc., was successfully held at the United Nations (UN) headquarters in New York this week. Chinese medicine experts and scholars from the United States, China and other countries, as well as UN officials, leaders of SACAF, SAFA and senior executives of the Vital (US) Life Regeneration, Inc., attended the event. Congresswoman Grace Meng, vice chair of the Democratic National Committee and member of the US House of Representatives for New York, also sent a greeting letter to the event. In an opening address, Li Li, President of the Sino-American Culture and Arts Foundation (SACAF), said: "We will continue promoting Chinese medicine and collaborating with global Chinese medicine industry experts." Holly Shaw, Representative to the United Nations DPI & ECOSOC; vice chair of UN NGO Committee on Mental Health, in her remarks, noted that the ultimate vision is to use traditional Chinese medicine and life science to benefit human beings, which is closely related to the UN's goal of promoting sustainable development. Zou Zhongquan, chairman of Vital (US) Life Regeneration, Inc., said: "Building a community of shared future for human health is a good goal, which requires inheriting traditional Chinese medicine culture and discussing how to integrate advanced life technologies into the future development of traditional Chinese medicine culture." Dr. Jin Gang, vice chairman and president, of Cloud Health Medical Technology Group, along with the company's CTO, Winston Kuo, joined other experts and scholars in endorsing the difference Chinese medicine can make in public health management in the United States. Both panels of the symposium aimed to promote the strong integration of modernization of Chinese medicine and modern biomedical technology in the new era and to make the supply of traditional Chinese medicine health services more diversified, multi-levelled and multi-category. During the symposium, the newest product, GI Vital Softgel by Vital (US) Life Regeneration, Inc., was also premiered to the world at the event. The Softgel has received a FDA free sales certificate and has met the highest quality of American national and international standards. MEDIA CONTACT: Cimagine Media Group, LLC [email protected] SOURCE SACAF SEATTLE, Nov. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today introduced the 2019 Mazda CX-5 Signature at the 2018 Seattle Auto Show. The show is open to the public from November 9-12. 2019 Mazda CX-5 Signature Makes North American Debut at 2018 Seattle Auto Show As Mazda's best-selling vehicle, with over 2 million units sold worldwide, the compact crossover SUV takes its next step with the unveil of the new 2019 Mazda CX-5 Signature top-tier trim level, which includes the turbocharged SKYACTIV-2.5T engine and new G-Vectoring Control Plus. The development team listened to customer wants when setting their goals for this update and wanting to create an SUV that enlivens all who ride it. They focused on improvements of a premium high-quality interior, refined powertrain and enhanced chassis. The new CX-5 Signature model incorporates premium materials, such as Caturra Brown Nappa leather, genuine layered wood trim, that are chosen with the closest attention to detail. Other features in the 2019 CX-5 that support comfort, convenience and safety include Apple CarPlayTM and Android AutoTM compatibility, a reconfigurable 7.0-TFT gauge display, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, BOSE 10-speaker premium sound system, windshield-projected Active Driving Display head-up unit and a 360 View Monitor with front and rear parking sensors, amongst others. Overall these updates help realize a feeling of a higher quality vehicle. The powertrain lineup adopts the SKYACTIV-2.5T direct-injection turbocharged gasoline engine that is also found in the Mazda CX-9 crossover SUV and Mazda6 sedan. This engine's strong torque helps provide a smooth ride with an effortless feeling of acceleration to create a refined and exhilarating driving experience. Additionally, refinements to the suspension system and addition of G-Vectoring Control Plus technology further embodies Mazda's Jinba Ittai - "horse and rider as one" - engineering philosophy in the 2019 CX-5. Improvements like this are what continue to help make the vehicle feel like an extension of the driver. While the 2019 Mazda CX-5 Signature is the main focus, it will be on display alongside Mazda's full lineup of vehicles and be available as part of the Mazda Drive Experience during three days of the 2018 Seattle Auto Show. Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at InsideMazda.MazdaUSA.com/Newsroom. Follow MNAO's social media channels through Twitter and Instagram at @MazdaUSA and Facebook at Facebook.com/MazdaUSA. SOURCE Mazda North American Operations Related Links http://www.mazdausa.com PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. (NYSE American: FAX) (the "Fund"), a closed-end fund, today announced that it will pay on November 28, 2018, a distribution of US $0.035 per share to all shareholders of record as of November 19, 2018 (ex-dividend date November 16, 2018). Your Fund's distribution policy is to provide investors with a stable monthly distribution out of current income, supplemented by realized capital gains and, to the extent necessary, paid-in capital. Under U.S. tax rules applicable to the Fund, the amount and character of distributable income for each fiscal year can be finally determined only as of the end of the Fund's fiscal year. However, under Section 19 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act") and related Rules, the Fund may be required to indicate to shareholders the source of certain distributions to shareholders. The following table sets forth the estimated amounts of the sources of the distribution for purposes of Section 19 of the 1940 Act and the Rules adopted thereunder. The table has been computed based on generally accepted accounting principles. The table includes estimated amounts and percentages for the distribution to be paid on November 28, 2018, from the following sources: net investment income; net realized short-term capital gains; net realized long-term capital gains; and return of capital. The estimated composition of the distributions may vary from month to month because the estimated composition may be impacted by future income, expenses and realized gains and losses on securities and currencies. Estimated Amounts of Current Monthly Distribution per share ($) Estimated Amounts of Current Monthly Distribution per share (%) Estimated Amounts of Fiscal Year to Date Cumulative Distributions per share ($) Estimated Amounts of Fiscal Year to Date Cumulative Distributions per share (%) Net Investment Income $0.0154 44% $0.0154 44% Net Realized Short- Term Capital Gains* - - - - Net Realized Long- Term Capital Gains - - - - Return of Capital $0.0196 56% $0.0196 56% Total (per common share) $0.0350 100% $0.0350 100% *includes currency gains The Fund estimates that it has distributed more than its income and capital gains; therefore, a portion of your distribution may be a return of capital. A return of capital may occur for example, when some or all of the money that you invested in the Fund is paid back to you. A return of capital distribution does not necessarily reflect the Fund's investment performance and should not be confused with "yield" or "income." Shareholders should not draw any conclusions about the Fund's investment performance from the amount of the Fund's current distributions or from the terms of the distribution policy (the "Distribution Policy"). The amounts and sources of distributions reported in this notice are only estimates and are not being provided for tax reporting purposes. The final determination of the source of all distributions in 2018 will be made after year-end. The actual amounts and sources of the amounts for tax reporting purposes will depend upon the Fund's investment experience during the remainder of the fiscal year and may be subject to change based on tax regulations. The Fund will send you a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year that will tell you how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes. The following table provides the Fund's total return performance based on net asset value (NAV) over various time periods compared to the Fund's annualized and cumulative distribution rates. Average Annual Total Return on NAV for the 5 Year Period Ending 10/31/20181 0.14% Current Fiscal Period's Annualized Distribution Rate on NAV2 9.15% Fiscal Year to Date (11/01/2017 to 10/31/2018) Cumulative Total Return on NAV1 (7.27%) Cumulative Distribution Rate on NAV2 9.15% 1 Return data is net of all fund expenses and fees and assumes the reinvestment of all distributions reinvested at prices obtained under the Fund's dividend reinvestment plan, with the exception of the most recent distribution which is using an estimated reinvestment price. 2 Based on the Fund's NAV as of October 31, 2018. While NAV performance may be indicative of the Fund's investment performance, it does not measure the value of a shareholder's investment in the Fund. The value of a shareholder's investment in the Fund is determined by the Fund's market price, which is based on the supply and demand for the Fund's shares in the open market. Pursuant to an exemptive order granted by the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 30, 2010, the Fund may distribute any long-term capital gains more frequently than the limits provided in Section 19(b) under the 1940 Act and Rule 19b-1 thereunder. Therefore, distributions paid by the Fund during the year may include net income, short-term capital gains, long-term capital gains and/or a return of capital. Net income dividends and short-term capital gain dividends, while generally taxable at ordinary income rates, may be eligible, to the extent of qualified dividend income earned by the Fund, to be taxed at a lower rate not to exceed the maximum rate applicable to your long-term capital gains. Distributions made in any calendar year in excess of investment company taxable income and net capital gain are treated as taxable ordinary dividends to the extent of undistributed earnings and profits, and then as a return of capital that reduces the adjusted basis in the shares held. To the extent return of capital distributions exceed the adjusted basis in the shares held, capital gain is recognized with a holding period based on the period the shares have been held at the date such amount is received. Shareholders should not draw any conclusions about the Fund's investment performance from the terms of the distribution policy. The final determination of the source of all distributions will be made after year-end. The actual amounts and sources of the amounts for tax reporting purposes will depend upon the Fund's investment experience during the fiscal year and may be subject to change based on tax regulations. The Fund will send you a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year that will tell you how to report distributions for federal income tax purposes. The payment of distributions in accordance with the Distribution Policy may result in a decrease in the Fund's net assets. A decrease in the Fund's net assets may cause an increase in the Fund's annual operating expense ratio and a decrease in the Fund's market price per share to the extent the market price correlates closely to the Fund's net asset value per share. The Distribution Policy may also negatively affect the Fund's investment activities to the extent that the Fund is required to hold larger cash positions than it typically would hold or to the extent that the Fund must liquidate securities that it would not have sold, for the purpose of paying the distribution. The Fund's Board of Directors has the right to amend, suspend or terminate the Distribution Policy at any time. The amendment, suspension or termination of the Distribution Policy may affect the Fund's market price per share. Investors should consult their tax advisor regarding federal, state and local tax considerations that may be applicable in their particular circumstances. Circular 230 disclosure : To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the U.S. Treasury, we inform you that any U.S. tax advice contained in this communication (including any attachments) is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein. Aberdeen Standard Investments is a brand of the investment businesses of Aberdeen Asset Management and Standard Life Investments. In the United States, Aberdeen Standard Investments is the marketing name for the following affiliated, registered investment advisers: Aberdeen Asset Management Inc., Aberdeen Asset Managers Ltd., Aberdeen Standard Investments Australia Limited (formerly known as Aberdeen Asset Management Ltd.)., Aberdeen Standard Investments (Asia) Limited (formerly known as Aberdeen Asset Management Asia Ltd.)., Aberdeen Asset Capital Management, LLC, Standard Life Investments (Corporate Funds) Ltd., and Standard Life Investments (USA) Ltd. Closed-end funds are traded on the secondary market through one of the stock exchanges. The Fund's investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor's shares may be worth more or less than the original cost. Shares of closed-end funds may trade above (a premium) or below (a discount) the net asset value (NAV) of the fund's portfolio. There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. Past performance does not guarantee future results. If you wish to receive this information electronically, please contact [email protected] aberdeenfax.com SOURCE Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. Related Links http://www.aberdeenfax.com DUBLIN, Nov 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Aerospace Coating Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Resin (Epoxy, PU), By Product, By Application (Exterior, Interior), By End User, By Industry Category, And Segment Forecasts, 2018 - 2025" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global aerospace coatings market size is projected to reach USD 2.48 billion by 2025., progressing at a CAGR of 6% during the forecast period. Increasing air passenger traffic is one of the key factors driving the aviation industry, which translates into greater demand for aerospace coatings. Aerospace coatings offer aesthetic appeal and resistance towards corrosion, chemical, electrical and erosion. They are designed and formulated to obtain extended aircraft life. The growth of the aviation industry due to increasing per capita income and rising air cargo transports is expected to fuel the demand for the product. The demand for polyurethane resin is anticipated to be high throughout the forecast period as they hold very low VOC content and are chromate-free in nature. North America was the largest market for aerospace coatings in 2017. It is poised to retain its position through 2025. The region is likely to register a healthy growth rate during the forecast period, owing to substantial demand from the U.S. Countries in Europe have been investing in manufacturing of commercial aircrafts, aiming to reduce imports of aircraft from the U.S. This, in turn, has resulted in considerable demand for these coatings in countries such as Germany, France, U.K., and Italy. Surging demand for air travel from countries such as China and Japan is estimated to drive the market in Asia Pacific over the forecast years. Presence of various long airline routes in Asia Pacific is boosting the demand for aerospace coatings. Several government initiatives in countries such as encouraging private investments in the aerospace industry to allow domestic aerospace companies to compete globally are expected to foster the demand for aerospace coatings in Asia Pacific. Key Findings In terms of volume, the polyurethane resin segment is expected to witness steady growth of 5.4% over the forecast period, owing to increasing demand from commercial aviation OEMs. The liquid product segment dominated the global market in 2017, with a revenue share of 74.1%. In terms of volume, the military end-user segment is projected to witness the highest CAGR of 5.5% from 2018 to 2025. There will be a high demand for aerospace coating from the MRO industry in Asia Pacific , owing to surging demand in countries such as Singapore , China , and South Korea . , owing to surging demand in countries such as , , and . The exterior application segment dominated the market, with a revenue share of over 70.0% in 2017, owing to its increased use in the commercial and military end-user segment. The U.S. aerospace coatings market is anticipated to exceed 9.72 kilotons by 2025, owing to increasing military spending and higher demand for passenger travel. The market has intense competition among key players owing to the fact that the products offered by manufacturers have low differentiation. Topics Covered Chapter 1 Methodology and Scope 1.1 Research Methodology 1.2 Research Scope and Assumptions 1.3 List to Data Sources 1.4 List of Abbreviations Chapter 2 Executive Summary 2.1 Market Summary Chapter 3 Market Variables, Trends & Scope 3.1 Market Segmentation 3.2 Penetration and growth prospect mapping 3.3 Value chain analysis 3.3.1 Raw Material Trends 3.3.1.1 Resins 3.3.1.2 Pigments 3.3.2 Technology overview 3.4 Market opportunity assessment 3.4.1 Identification Of Potential Customers 3.5 Market variables analysis 3.5.1 Market Driver Analysis 3.5.1.1 Increasing air passenger traffic 3.5.1.2 Increasing investments in the defense sector 3.5.1.3 Defense spending of major countries (2011 to 2017) (USD Billion) 3.5.2 Market Restraint Analysis 3.5.2.1 Volatile raw material prices 3.6 Aerospace coatings market: Porters five forces analysis 3.7 Aerospace coatings market: PESTEL analysis 3.8 Regulatory and political forces 3.8.1 List Of Regulations 3.8.1.1 United States Published Standards 3.8.1.2 British/International Standards 3.8.2 List Of Regulations, By Raw Material 3.8.2.1 epoxy resin 3.8.2.2 aluminum 3.8.2.3 CHROMIUM 3.8.2.4 Mica Chapter 4 Aerospace Coatings Market: Resin Estimates & Trend Analysis 4.1 Aerospace Coatings Market: Resin Movement Analysis, 2017 & 2025 4.1.1 Polyurethane 4.1.2 Epoxy 4.1.3 Others Chapter 5 Aerospace Coatings Market: Product Estimates & Trend Analysis 5.1 Aerospace Coatings Market: Product Movement Analysis, 2017 & 2025 5.1.1 Liquid 5.1.2 Powder Chapter 6 Aerospace Coatings Market: End user Estimates & Trend Analysis 6.1 Aerospace Coatings Market: End User Movement Analysis, 2017 & 2025 6.1.1 Commercial 6.1.2 Military 6.1.3 Others Chapter 7 Aerospace Coatings Market: Industry category Estimates & Trend Analysis 7.1 Aerospace Coatings Market: Industry Category Movement Analysis, 2017 & 2025 7.1.1 OEM 7.1.2 MRO Chapter 8 Aerospace Coatings Market: Application Estimates & Trend Analysis 8.1 Aerospace Coatings Market: Application Movement Analysis, 2017 & 2025 8.1.1 Exterior 8.1.2 Interior Chapter 9 Aerospace Coating: Regional Estimates & Trend Analysis 9.1 Aerospace Coating Market: Regional Movement Analysis, 2017 & 2025 9.2 North America 9.3 Europe 9.4 Asia Pacific 9.5 Central & South America 9.6 Middle East & Africa Chapter 10 Competitive and Vendor Landscape 10.1 Competitive Environment 10.1.1 Market Leader 10.1.2 Innovator 10.2 Participant Categorization Chapter 11 Company Profiles 11.1 AkzoNobel N.V 11.2 Hentzen Coatings, Inc. 11.3 PPG Industries, Inc. 11.4 Sherwin Williams 11.5 Mankiewicz Gebr. & Co. 11.6 Axalta Coating Systems Ltd. 11.7 Saint-Gobain S.A. 11.8 Henkel Corporation 11.9 IHI Ionbond AG 11.10 Zircotec Ltd. 11.11 LORD Corporation 11.12 AHC Oberflchentechnik GmbH 11.13 BryCoat Inc. 11.14 NV Specialty Coatings For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/3w6b3x/aerospace?w=5 Did you know that we also offer Custom Research? Visit our Custom Research page to learn more and schedule a meeting with our Custom Research Manager. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com LOS ANGELES, Nov. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- French born, U.S.-based modern artist Fabrice Spies is revealing his oeuvre of 20 specially selected works to celebrate his 20 years as a painter in America with Urban 20/20 , a public online auction that will conclude with a private event in Los Angeles on December 13th. Public bidding is OPEN ONLINE NOW through December 13 at 9pm (PST) To browse and bid, text "urban2020" to 88793 Select paintings also on view at Atmosphere Mar Vista throughout November Since his move from the South of France to the United States in 1998, Fabrice has refined his signature style of photo-like realism to create his most notable works to date. To commemorate this anniversary, the artist is donating five percent of all sales plus the full amount of the "Viva Las Vegas" painting, valued at $10,500 to the international humanitarian organization Stop Trafficking Of People (S.T.O.P.) , founded by Celhia de Lavarene. Funds raised will go toward S.T.O.P.'s initiative to build a new rescue center for victims who have been forced into human trafficking for sexual exploitation. Social Media links: Live Auction: https://www.charityauctionstoday.com/auctions/urban-20-20-6101# STOP Website: www.stoptraffickingofpeople.org Fabrice Art Gallery: www.fabricespies.com Fabrice Instagram: @fabricespiesfineart Fabrice Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Fabrice-Spies-Fine-Art Artist represented by SpLAshPR Agency 1450 2nd Street, Suite 185 | Santa Monica, CA 90401 Office: (310) 526-0805 www.splashpragency.com SOURCE Fabrice Spies Related Links http://www.fabricespies.com NEW YORK, Nov. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Benefits administration company, Clarity Benefit Solutions, discusses why employee engagement matters. Studies show that employee engagement is extremely impactful to a company's bottom line. Engaged, motivated employees are productive and successfulwhich can lead to a great deal of customer satisfaction and repeat business. The following reasons are why employee engagement matters to a business. Improved retention rates. Employees who are engaged with their career are less likely to search for a new job than their disinterested coworkers, which equals less turnover rates. This also results in companies spending less time recruiting new talent and more time spent investing in their current employees. Increased happiness in the workplace. Employers who keep their employees engagedand actively recognize their achievementswill see that they are more satisfied with their jobs. They will also boost overall company morale. Higher levels of productivity. Studies have also demonstrated that employees who are highly engaged with their jobs outperformed those coworkers that exhibited disengagement. More customer loyalty. Employees that are highly engaged result in satisfied customers. Since engaged employees exhibit higher levels of energy and productivity, customers will want to return. Fiercer management teams. If employees are not engaged, it will impact how management is perceived. Lower levels of employee engagement can result in management being viewed in a negative light. Highly motivated employees indicate that management is effectively leading and supporting employees' efforts. Enhanced innovation. Employees who are actively engaged with their careers display more openness to innovation and possess the proper tools to carry out innovative concepts. They want to succeed beyond simply doing their jobs. Better communication. It's no surprise that employees who are engaged with company happenings will communicate with their peers over those who are disenchanted. Greater commitment to the company. Engaged employees tend to stick with companies through both good and bad times, resulting in greater efficiency and continuity. Connected colleagues. When employees are engaged in their workplace, they nurture connections with their peers, which enhances communications and results in a lift in productivity. About Clarity Benefit Solutions: Clarity Benefit Solutions provides technology that makes the health insurance plan selection process fast, easy, and straightforward. For over two decades, we have provided clients with industry-leading technology, compliance, and exceptional customer service. Our offering is designed to save time and lower the costs of managing benefits while also promoting employee self-service and automated ACA compliance. SOURCE Clarity Benefit Solutions Related Links http://www.claritybenefitsolutions.com SAN DIEGO, Nov. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Bridgepoint Education (NYSE:BPI), a provider of postsecondary education services, today announced its results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018. Financial Results for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 Revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2018 was $114.9 million, compared with revenue of $119.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. Operating income for the three months ended September 30, 2018 was $3.5 million, compared with operating loss of $1.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. Net income for the three months ended September 30, 2018 was $4.3 million, compared with net income of $39,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2017. Diluted income per share for the three months ended September 30, 2018 was $0.16, compared with diluted income per share of $0.00 for the three months ended September 30, 2017. The Company recognized an income tax benefit of $0.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared with an income tax benefit of $1.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. Non-GAAP Financial Results for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 Non-GAAP operating income for the three months ended September 30, 2018 was $7.4 million, compared with non-GAAP operating income of $6.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. Non-GAAP operating income for the three months ended September 30, 2018 excludes restructuring and impairment expenses of $1.2 million, as well as separation transaction costs of $2.6 million. There were restructuring and impairment expenses of $8.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. Non-GAAP net income for the three months ended September 30, 2018 was $8.0 million, compared with non-GAAP net income of $7.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. Non-GAAP net income for the three months ended September 30, 2018 excludes a restructuring and impairment expenses of $1.2 million, separation transaction costs of $2.6 million and an income tax benefit of $0.2 million, primarily associated with a non-recurring income tax audit examination settlement. There were restructuring and impairment expenses of $8.0 million as well as the related income tax benefit of $0.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. Non-GAAP diluted income per share for the three months ended September 30, 2018 was $0.29, compared with non-GAAP diluted income per share of $0.25 for the three months ended September 30, 2017. Financial Results for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $353.7 million, compared with revenue of $373.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Operating income for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $15.5 million, compared with operating income of $14.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $23.8 million, compared with net income of $16.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Diluted income per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $0.87, compared with diluted income per share of $0.47 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The Company recognized an income tax benefit of $7.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared with an income tax benefit of $0.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Non-GAAP Financial Results for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Non-GAAP operating income for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $24.3 million, compared with non-GAAP operating income of $22.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Non-GAAP operating income for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 excludes a legal settlement charge of $0.1 million, restructuring and impairment charges of $3.8 million, as well as separation transaction costs of $4.9 million. There were restructuring and impairment charges of $8.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Non-GAAP net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $25.0 million, compared with non-GAAP net income of $23.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Non-GAAP net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 excludes a legal settlement charge of $0.1 million, restructuring and impairment charges of $3.8 million, separation transaction costs of $4.9 million and an income tax benefit of $7.7 million. The income tax benefit is primarily associated with a non-recurring income tax audit examination settlements as well as tax deductions for refund claims for qualified production activities. There were restructuring and impairment charges of $8.0 million, as well as the related income tax benefit of $0.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Non-GAAP diluted income per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $0.91, compared with non-GAAP diluted income per share of $0.69 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Balance Sheet and Cash Flow As of September 30, 2018, the Company had combined cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and investments of $190.7 million, compared with combined cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and investments of $207.6 million as of December 31, 2017. The Company used $10.7 million of cash in operating activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared with $16.7 million of cash used in operating activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Student Enrollment Total student enrollment at the Company's combined academic institutions was 39,584 students at September 30, 2018, compared with total student enrollment of 42,132 at September 30, 2017. About Non-GAAP Financial Measures This press release contains non-GAAP financial measures for non-GAAP operating income, non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP diluted income per share, which exclude legal settlement expense, restructuring and impairment charges, separation transaction costs, as well as certain income tax adjustments, as applicable. These non-GAAP financial measures are not prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and are not based on a comprehensive set of accounting rules. Management believes non-GAAP financial measures are useful in providing investors with an understanding of how specific line items in the consolidated statements of income are affected by items that may not be indicative of the operating results of the Company's core business. To the extent that other companies use similar methods in calculating and reporting non-GAAP operating results, the Company believes provision of supplemental non-GAAP financial information allows for a meaningful comparison of the Company's performance against the performance of other companies. The Company further believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information regarding its ongoing operating activities and business trends related to its results of operations, as well as a meaningful comparison with historical financial results. The Company's management and board of directors utilize these non-GAAP financial measures, together with the Company's financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP, in developing operating budgets and evaluating the Company's performance. These non-GAAP financial measures are intended to supplement GAAP financial information, and should not be considered as a substitute for, or superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. In addition, these non-GAAP financial measures may be different from non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies. Refer to the accompanying tables for a detailed reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures. Earnings Conference Call and Webcast Bridgepoint Education will host a conference call at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (2:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time) today to discuss its latest financial results and recent highlights. The dial-in number for callers in the United States and Canada is 866-859-7412, and the dial-in number for other callers is 832-900-4623. The access code for all callers is 7157708. A live broadcast of the call will also be available on the Company's website at http://ir.bridgepointeducation.com. A replay of the call will be available via telephone through December 8, 2018. To access the replay, callers in the United States and Canada should dial 855-859-2056 and other callers should dial 404-537-3406, and enter the access code 7157708. About Bridgepoint Education Bridgepoint Education, Inc. (NYSE:BPI) harnesses the latest technology to reimagine the modern student experience through programs, technologies, and resources representing a unique model for advancing education in the 21st century. Bridgepoint stands for greater access, social learning, and exposure to leading minds. For more information, visit www.bridgepointeducation.com or www.facebook.com/BridgepointEducation. Forward-Looking Statements This news release may contain forward-looking statements which are not statements of historical fact and are subject to the Safe Harbor provisions created by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, without limitation, statements regarding management's intentions, hopes, beliefs or expectations, and statements regarding the Company's outlook for the remainder of 2018 and beyond. These forward-looking statements are based on current information and expectations and are subject to various risks and uncertainties. The Company's actual performance or results may differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by such statements due to various factors, including without limitation: our ability to convert Ashford University into a not-for-profit university; the impact of the proposed conversion, and separation of the Company from its academic institutions to to become a technology services provider; the success of our marketing, technology and new program development initiatives, the success of our Education Partnership programs, the impact of our ongoing cost-reduction initiatives; our ability to comply with the extensive and continually evolving regulatory framework applicable to the Company and its institutions; adverse administrative, economic, legislative or regulatory changes affecting the Company and its institutions; the imposition of fines or other corrective measures against the Company's institutions; the impact of competition in the postsecondary education market; recruiting costs and tuition rates; reputational and other risks related to potential compliance audits; regulatory or legal actions; negative publicity or service disruptions; and our ability to attract, recruit and retain students or develop new or expanded programs in a timely and cost-effective manner. Additional information on factors that could cause actual plans implemented and actual results achieved to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements is included from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including, but not limited to, the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 filed with the SEC on February 21, 2018, the Company's quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and the Company's current reports on Form 8-K which are available at www.bridgepointeducation.com. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are made on the basis of management's good faith beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding future events based on information available at the time such statements are made. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. The Company assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results or any changes in assumptions, expectations or other factors affecting such forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable securities laws. BRIDGEPOINT EDUCATION, INC. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) (In thousands, except per share amounts) Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Revenue $ 114,858 $ 119,367 $ 353,723 $ 373,438 Costs and expenses: Instructional costs and services 54,470 57,756 165,318 181,943 Admissions advisory and marketing 41,902 43,669 129,971 132,133 General and administrative 13,731 11,441 39,028 37,019 Legal settlement expense 141 Restructuring and impairment expense 1,225 8,004 3,795 8,004 Total costs and expenses 111,328 120,870 338,253 359,099 Operating income (loss) 3,530 (1,503) 15,470 14,339 Other income, net 367 381 899 1,165 Income (loss) before income taxes 3,897 (1,122) 16,369 15,504 Income tax benefit (408) (1,161) (7,464) (718) Net income $ 4,305 $ 39 $ 23,833 $ 16,222 Income per share: Basic $ 0.16 $ 0.00 $ 0.88 $ 0.49 Diluted $ 0.16 $ 0.00 $ 0.87 $ 0.47 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding used in computing income per share: Basic 27,061 29,123 27,131 33,333 Diluted 27,589 29,671 27,532 34,193 BRIDGEPOINT EDUCATION, INC. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (In thousands) September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 163,091 $ 185,098 Restricted cash 25,444 20,428 Investments 2,203 2,065 Accounts receivable, net 33,566 27,077 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 20,361 22,388 Total current assets 244,665 257,056 Property and equipment, net 14,715 10,434 Goodwill and intangibles, net 13,332 14,593 Other long-term assets 3,030 5,456 Total assets $ 275,742 $ 287,539 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 58,369 $ 71,165 Deferred revenue and student deposits 53,870 68,207 Total current liabilities 112,239 139,372 Rent liability 4,790 7,001 Other long-term liabilities 9,835 12,708 Total liabilities 126,864 159,081 Total stockholders' equity 148,878 128,458 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 275,742 $ 287,539 BRIDGEPOINT EDUCATION, INC. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (In thousands) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 2017 Cash flows from operating activities: Net income $ 23,833 $ 16,222 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities: Provision for bad debts 18,538 24,440 Depreciation and amortization 5,200 6,821 Amortization of premium/discount 20 Deferred income taxes 54 25 Stock-based compensation 3,590 2,834 Net gain on marketable securities (63) (193) Reassessment of lease charges 1,864 5,829 Loss on disposal or impairment of fixed assets 334 66 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable (27,713) (32,286) Prepaid expenses and other current assets 2,027 (1,081) Other long-term assets 2,082 (3,164) Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (14,743) (13,920) Deferred revenue and student deposits (14,801) (12,952) Other liabilities (10,870) (9,405) Net cash used in operating activities (10,668) (16,744) Cash flows from investing activities: Capital expenditures (1,696) (2,876) Purchases of investments (1,050) (83) Capitalized costs for intangible assets (700) (438) Sales of investments 975 Maturities of investments 22,725 Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities (2,471) 19,328 Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from exercise of stock options 455 3,799 Tax withholdings related to net issuance of stock options (1,097) Proceeds from the issuance of stock under employee stock purchase plan 98 141 Tax withholdings on issuance of stock awards (884) (1,762) Repurchase of common stock (2,424) (152,000) Net cash used in financing activities (3,852) (149,822) Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (16,991) (147,238) Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period 205,526 332,335 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period $ 188,535 $ 185,097 BRIDGEPOINT EDUCATION, INC. Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures (Unaudited) (In thousands, except per share amounts) Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Operating Income (Loss) Reconciliation: GAAP operating income (loss) $ 3,530 $ (1,503) $ 15,470 $ 14,339 Legal settlement expense 141 Restructuring and impairment expense 1,225 8,004 3,795 8,004 Separation transaction costs 2,615 4,878 Non-GAAP operating income $ 7,370 $ 6,501 $ 24,284 $ 22,343 Net Income Reconciliation: GAAP net income $ 4,305 $ 39 $ 23,833 $ 16,222 Legal settlement expense 141 Restructuring and impairment expense 1,225 8,004 3,795 8,004 Separation transaction costs 2,615 4,878 Income tax impacts (159) (590) (7,695) (590) Non-GAAP net income $ 7,986 $ 7,453 $ 24,952 $ 23,636 Diluted Income Per Share Reconciliation: GAAP diluted income per share $ 0.16 $ 0.00 $ 0.87 $ 0.47 Legal settlement expense 0.01 Restructuring and impairment expense 0.04 0.27 0.13 0.23 Separation transaction costs 0.10 0.18 Income tax impacts (0.01) (0.02) (0.28) (0.01) Non-GAAP diluted income per share $ 0.29 $ 0.25 $ 0.91 $ 0.69 Contact: Dori Abel, VP of Investor Relations 866.475.0317 x11619 [email protected] SOURCE Bridgepoint Education Related Links http://www.bridgepointeducation.com Chelsea Powrie Not early, not late, just right Penticton's snowfall Friday might feel a little early to those of us who aren't quite ready for winter, but it's nowhere near the earliest ever first snow, or the latest. It was just a sprinkle Friday morning, falling heavily for roughly an hour before succumbing to a burst of sunshine just before noon, but the flurries marked Nov. 9 as the first official snowfall of this season. According to Environment Canada meteorologist Bobby Sekhon, Penticton has seen much earlier snows. "The earliest recorded snowfall in Penticton was 2.5 centimetres on the 17th of October, 1930," Sekhon said. And as recently as 2016, Penticton didn't see snow until Dec. 1, despite November being the typical month for snowfall action to start. "For October, the average snowfall is just 0.1 centimetres," Sekhon said. "November is really where things start to get going, and the average snowfall for November is 7.5 centimetres for Penticton." Last year, the first snow fell on Nov. 3. For now, though, the burst of snow should be mostly over for the weekend. Sekhon said to expect maybe a few patches of flurries mixed with rain, but mostly clouds heading through to Sunday. OAKLAND, Calif., Nov. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Cal/OSHA is advising employers that special precautions must be taken to protect workers from hazards from wildfire smoke. Smoke from wildfires contains chemicals, gases and fine particles that can harm health. The greatest hazard comes from breathing fine particles in the air, which can reduce lung function, worsen asthma and other existing heart and lung conditions, and cause coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing. Guidance for employers and workers on working safely in conditions with heavy smoke caused by the wildfires is available on Cal/OSHA's web page, including information for protecting outdoor workers, details on how to protect indoor workers from outdoor air pollution, and frequently asked questions about N95 masks. When employees are working outdoors where the air is affected by wildfire smoke, employers are required by Cal/OSHA's standards on Control of Harmful Exposure to Employees and Respiratory Protection to determine if the outdoor air is a "harmful exposure" to employees. Exposure is harmful when the pollution or contaminants in the air cause (or are likely to cause) injury, illness, disease, impairment or loss of function. Local air quality districts provide information on outdoor air that can assist employers in determining if the outside air is harmful to employees. Employers should pay special attention when the outdoor air quality for airborne particles is "unhealthy," "very unhealthy," or "hazardous." The outdoor air quality is posted at the U.S. EPA website airnow.gov. When exposure to wildfire smoke is considered harmful, employers are required to take the following measures to protect workers: Implement feasible modifications to the workplace to reduce exposure. Examples include providing enclosed structures or vehicles for employees to work in, where the air is filtered. Implement practicable changes to work procedures or schedules. Examples include changing the location where employees work or reducing the amount of time they work outdoors. Provide proper respiratory protection equipment, such as disposable respirators, if the previous measures are not feasible or do not prevent harmful exposures. To filter out fine particles, respirators must be labeled N-95, N-99, N-100, R-95, P-95, P-99, or P-100, and must be labeled as approved by the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Cal/OSHA helps protect workers from health and safety hazards on the job in almost every workplace in California. Cal/OSHA's Consultation Services Branch provides free and voluntary assistance to employers to improve their health and safety programs. Employers should call (800) 963-9424 for assistance from Cal/OSHA Consultation Services. Employees with work-related questions or complaints may contact DIR's Call Center in English or Spanish at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734). The California Workers' Information line at 866-924-9757 provides recorded information in English and Spanish on a variety of work-related topics. Complaints can also be filed confidentially with Cal/OSHA district offices. Members of the press may contact Erika Monterroza or Frank Polizzi at (510) 286-1161, and are encouraged to subscribe to get email alerts on DIR's press releases or other departmental updates. https://www.facebook.com/CaliforniaDIR https://twitter.com/CA_DIR http://www.youtube.com/CaliforniaDIR http://www.dir.ca.gov/email/listsub.asp?choice=1 The California Department of Industrial Relations , established in 1927, protects and improves the health, safety, and economic well-being of over 18 million wage earners, and helps their employers comply with state labor laws. DIR is housed within the Labor & Workforce Development Agency . For general inquiries, contact DIR's Communications Call Center at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734) for help in locating the appropriate division or program in our department. SOURCE California Department of Industrial Relations; Cal/OSHA Related Links http://www.dir.ca.gov NEW YORK, Nov. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- CBS Corporation (NYSE: CBS.A and CBS) today announced the commencement of its offer to exchange outstanding unregistered senior notes for an equal principal amount of new registered senior notes with substantially the same terms. Under the exchange offer, the Company is offering to exchange up to: $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company's 2.900% Senior Notes due 2023 (the "2023 Exchange Notes"), which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), for an equal amount of its outstanding 2.900% Senior Notes due 2023 (the "2023 Original Notes"); and aggregate principal amount of the Company's 2.900% Senior Notes due 2023 (the "2023 Exchange Notes"), which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), for an equal amount of its outstanding 2.900% Senior Notes due 2023 (the "2023 Original Notes"); and $500,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company's 3.700% Senior Notes due 2028 (the "2028 Exchange Notes" and, together with the 2023 Exchange Notes, the "Exchange Notes"), which have been registered under the Securities Act, for an equal amount of its outstanding 3.700% Senior Notes due 2028 (the "2028 Original Notes" and, together with the 2023 Original Notes, the "Original Notes"). The Company will accept for exchange any and all Original Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn prior to the expiration of the exchange offer at 5:00 p.m. New York City time, on December 12, 2018, unless the exchange offer is extended or terminated. The terms of the Exchange Notes will be substantially the same as the terms of the Original Notes, except that the offer of the Exchange Notes is registered under the Securities Act, the Exchange Notes will bear a different CUSIP number from the Original Notes of the same series, and the transfer restrictions, registration rights and related additional interest terms applicable to the Original Notes will not apply to the Exchange Notes. This exchange offer is being made in accordance with the registration rights agreement entered into with the initial purchasers of the Original Notes. The terms of the exchange offer and other information relating to the Company are set forth in a prospectus dated November 9, 2018 which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The written prospectus providing the terms of the exchange offer may be obtained from Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, which is serving as the exchange agent for the exchange offer. Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas can be contacted at: By Registered or Certified Mail, Overnight Delivery, Courier or Electronic Mail: DB Services Americas, Inc. MS: JCK01-0218 Attention: Reorg. Department 5022 Gate Parkway, Suite 200 Jacksonville, FL 32256 [email protected] By Facsimile Transmission: (615) 866-3889 To Confirm by Telephone: (877) 843-9767 This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the Exchange Notes or any other security, nor shall there be any offer or sale of the Exchange Notes in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer or sale is not permitted. Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this news release are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts, but rather reflect the Company's current expectations concerning future results and events. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that are difficult to predict and which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these statements. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include, among others: changes in legislation, tax rules or market conditions; other domestic and global economic, business, competitive and/or regulatory factors affecting CBS Corporation's businesses; and other factors described in CBS Corporation's filings with the SEC including, but not limited to, its most recent Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the time of this news release. We expressly disclaim any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, except as otherwise required by applicable law or the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC. About CBS Corporation CBS Corporation (NYSE: CBS.A and CBS) is a mass media company that creates and distributes industry-leading content across a variety of platforms to audiences around the world. For more information, go to www.cbscorporation.com. SOURCE CBS Corporation Related Links http://www.cbscorporation.com Company invites individual and institutional investors, as well as advisors, to attend interactive, real-time virtual event NEW YORK, Nov. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- China Online Education Group (COE) based in Beijing, and focused on online education, today announced that China Online Education Group, Co-CFO Min Xu will present at the dbVIC - Deutsche Bank American Depositary Receipt (ADR) Virtual Investor Conference on 2018. This virtual investor conference is aimed exclusively at introducing global companies with ADR programs to investors. DATE: November 14, 2018 TIME: 10:00 a.m. EST LINK: https://tinyurl.com/111415dbVICprepr This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask international companies their questions in real-time and to download a company's information in their "virtual trade booth" in the Exhibits section. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an on-demand archive will be available for 90 days. Participation is free of charge. It is recommended that investors pre-register to save time and receive event updates. Second Quarter 2018 Financial and Operational Highlights Net revenues were RMB281.7 million ( US$42.6 million ), a 46.9% increase from RMB191.8 million for the second quarter of 2017. ( ), a 46.9% increase from for the second quarter of 2017. Gross billings were RMB420.0 million ( US$63.5 million ), an 18.3% increase from RMB355.1 million for the second quarter of 2017. ( ), an 18.3% increase from for the second quarter of 2017. Gross margin was 65.7%, compared with 62.9% for the second quarter of 2017. Percentage of gross billings contributed by K-12 students was 83.5%, compared with 71.9% for the second quarter of 2017. About China Online Education Group 51Talk, or China Online Education Group (NYSE: COE), is a leading online education platform in China, with core expertise in English education. The Company's mission is to make quality education accessible and affordable. The Company's online and mobile education platforms enable students across China to take live one-on-one interactive English lessons with overseas foreign teachers, on demand. The Company connects its students with a large pool of highly qualified foreign teachers that it assembled using a shared economy approach, and employs student and teacher feedback and data analytics to deliver a personalized learning experience to its students. SOURCE China Online Education Group The event took place at Alief Independent School District (ISD) Center for Advanced Careers and in celebration of National STEM Day, which was established to encourage children to explore and pursue their interests in STEM and includes a variety of workshops centered around STEM education. Breakout session topics included food science, the science of smell, live animal interaction, robotics and more. Also during the event, before an audience of students and teachers from Alief ISD, CITGO revealed the STEM Teacher of the Year, Tanya Onwuchuruba, Olle Middle School eight grade science teacher. "STEM education is the key to the future of energy. As part of many other initiatives CITGO participates in to inspire and teach young minds, our STEM Day event provides us with the opportunity to encourage students to pursue STEM education through engaging and fun interactive activities," said Larry Elizondo, CITGO General Manager of Community Relations, CSR and Legislative Affairs. "Nearly all of the fastest growing jobs projected by the U.S. Department of Labor are STEM-related. We hope that by inspiring young minds today, we can affect their future success tomorrow." CITGO is also celebrated National STEM Day beyond Houston. Each CITGO refinery hosted its own event to spread the importance of STEM to students in their local communities and nominate the Teacher of the Year in their regions: The CITGO Lemont, Ill. Refinery welcomed educators, elected officials and students to Lemont High School , where students engaged in interactive STEM activities. The Ocean Exploration Trust also made a special presentation. Refinery welcomed educators, elected officials and students to , where students engaged in interactive STEM activities. The Ocean Exploration Trust also made a special presentation. The Lake Charles, La. refinery hosted a friendly competition known as the CITGO/MSU College of Engineering and Computer Science Design Challenge between local Engineering is Elementary (EiE) schools. The Corpus Christi, Texas refinery invited local students and teachers to celebrate STEM at the CITGO Skyline Venue inside the Texas State Aquarium with interactive activities and presentations. CITGO launched the CITGO STEM Talent Pipeline program in 2016. This initiative partners with educational organizations near the company's operational areas to increase access to educational opportunities in STEM. The program promotes the importance of STEM education to the socioeconomic development of our communities and highlights the numerous pathways to rewarding careers, including those in the energy industry. It provides grants to schools and educational organizations to support programs that increase student interest, retention and graduation rates particularly at the high school and post-secondary levels and those that prepare students for STEM technical and university level curriculum. The program also provides scholarships for students pursuing higher degrees in STEM fields. To date, the CITGO STEM Talent Pipeline has already benefited more than 35,000 students and educators across the CITGO operational footprint, strengthening the communities where the company has a presence. About CITGO Headquartered in Houston, Texas, CITGO Petroleum Corporation is a recognized leader in the refining industry with a well-known brand. CITGO operates three refineries located in Corpus Christi, Texas; Lake Charles, La.; and Lemont, Ill., and wholly and/or jointly owns 48 terminals, nine pipelines and three lubricants blending and packaging plants. With approximately 3,400 employees and a combined crude capacity of approximately 749,000 barrels-per-day (bpd), CITGO is ranked as the sixth-largest, and one of the most complex independent refiners in the United States. CITGO transports and markets transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals and other industrial products and supplies a network of approximately 5,200 locally owned and operated branded retail outlets in 30 states and the District of Columbia. CITGO Petroleum Corporation is owned by CITGO Holding, Inc., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A., the national oil company of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. For more information, visit www.CITGO.com . SOURCE CITGO Related Links http://www.CITGO.com FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Nov. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Coastline College is rated as one of the Best for Vets Colleges for 2019 in their Online and Nontraditional Schools category which designates that more than half of the students attend classes online or in another setting away from the physical campus. Coastline is one of only two community colleges to make this Online and Nontraditional Schools list among the four-year colleges and universities. In their ninth annual survey, Military Times' Best for Vets for 2019 rankings are based on the results of their analysis comparing the most comprehensive school-by-school assessment of veteran and military student services and rates of academic achievement, in addition to a detailed review of public data collected by federal agencies. According to Joycelyn Groot, Executive Dean, Military and Corporate Education at Coastline College, "We are very grateful to receive this recognition particularly at this time, as our nation will observe Veterans Day on November 11, honoring those who have served our country. Coastline has a dedicated military education team that delivers dedicated support to this deserving and hardworking population of students." Coastline College was the first college in California to recognize the value of military training and experience for applicability toward college certificates and degrees and continues to be the leader in California and nationally, in evaluating and awarding college credit toward a college degree. Coastline offers 8-week online courses and 12-week self-paced non-internet distance learning courses, leading to degrees and certificates. Coastline's programs are approved for DoD tuition assistance, MyCAA (military spouse tuition assistance), and VA education benefits. Through innovation, technology and education, Coastline has been at the forefront educating service members, military families, and veterans. For more than a decade, Coastline College in Southern California has been the recipient of numerous military program-related awards. About Coastline College: Coastline College is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The past 8 years, Coastline College has been selected as one of the top 150 colleges by The Aspen Institute for Community College Excellence which is considered the most prestigious prize for community colleges. For a higher rate of success in transitioning from the military to civilian life, Coastline College should be considered as a leading candidate as Coastline truly understands and respects military training, experience, deployment, and transition. Contact: Dawn Willson Marketing & Communications Director Coastline Community College [email protected] (o) 714-241-6186 SOURCE Coastline College SANTA MARIA, Calif., Nov. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The fourth annual Growing Together Latino Farmer Conference is being held today, in Santa Maria, Calif. More than 200 farmers, along with representatives from local agriculture businesses, are in attendance. "Hispanic farmers and ranchers are a growing demographic in California and on the Central Coast, so I'm thrilled that this year's annual Latino Farmer Conference is being held in Santa Maria," said Congressman Salud Carbajal (CA-24). "The conference gives Latino farmers support, education, and networking opportunities that help them thrive in the agricultural industry." Congressman Carbajal's remarks kicked off the event, followed by an opening keynote address by farmers from Rancho La Familia Farm, vegetable and strawberry growers from Santa Maria. Hosted by the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the conference is open to all farmers and ranchers, yet is uniquely tailored towards Spanish-speaking growers. The program will be translated into English, with translation headsets. Conducting the conference in Spanish will provide an enriched learning experience. Six different, educational workshops are following the opening remarks. The courses will be held in two, 90-minute blocks. This allows each attendee to choose two different subjects of interest throughout the day. The workshop topics will cover: Access to Capital and USDA Resources; Soil Health; Efficient Use of Water; Food Safety Requirements; Regulations for Farmworker Health and Safety and Marketing. The conference will conclude with a buyer panel representing a diverse cross section of California agriculture. NCAT, a national nonprofit organization with offices in six states including California has been promoting sustainable living for over 35 years. In recent years, their agriculture work has focused on underserved small-scale intensive farming, urban farming, and local foods; assistance to small farmers and beginning and new farmers. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service is the lead USDA partner in this conference. NRCS has provided leadership in a partnership effort to help America's private landowners and managers conserve their soil, water and other natural resources since 1935. For more information on NRCS, visit www.nrcs.usda.gov . SOURCE USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Related Links http://www.usda.gov LAVAL, QC, Nov. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - Crescita Therapeutics Inc. (TSX: CTX) (Crescita or the Company), a commercial dermatology company with a portfolio of non-prescription skincare and prescription drug products for the treatment and care of skin conditions, diseases and their symptoms, today reported its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2018. Q3-F2018 and Subsequent to Quarter-end Highlights Revenue of $4.5 million , including $1.1 million in royalty revenue on the net sales of Pliaglis and a $1.3 million ( US$1.0 million ) sales milestone, an increase of $1.7 million or 64.1% versus Q3-17; , including in royalty revenue on the net sales of Pliaglis and a ( ) sales milestone, an increase of or 64.1% versus Q3-17; Operating expenses down $0.1 million versus Q3-17 and $1.5 million on a year-to-date basis; versus Q3-17 and on a year-to-date basis; Adjusted EBITDA 1 of $0.8 million , up $1.8 million versus Q3-17, an improvement of $2.1 million on a year-to-date basis; of , up versus Q3-17, an improvement of on a year-to-date basis; Total cash utilized during the quarter was $0.9 million , resulting in an ending cash and cash equivalents balance of $8.2 million as at September 30, 2018 compared to $9.1 million at June 30, 2018 ; , resulting in an ending cash and cash equivalents balance of as at compared to at ; Reported favourable results from a skin permeation study using our patented technologies, MMPE and DuraPeel, demonstrating significantly increased transdermal permeation of Cannabidiol ("CBD") over the control formulation by up to 14 and 6-fold, respectively. Launched five product innovations on November 5 in our non-Rx business, leveraging our patented MMPE technology and Ecobiotys,2, a new award-winning prebiotic. Due to our expertise and product development speed, Crescita is one of the very first companies worldwide to release a product formulation using Ecobiotys,2. "In Q3, we focused on our growth strategy and are proud to report our second EBITDA-positive quarter of 2018," said Serge Verreault, President and CEO of Crescita. "We generated $2.4 million of revenue from our lead prescription product, Pliaglis, and continued to drive down our SG&A costs. In addition, we launched five new product innovations under our Laboratoire Dr Renaud skincare line, harnessing innovation as the driving force behind the brand. We remain committed to paving the pathway to sustained growth through innovation, strategic acquisitions, as well as through the expansion of Pliaglis sales in the United States." ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 1Please refer to the Non-IFRS Financial Measures and EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation sections of this press release. 2ECOBIOTYS by Silab is an innovative biomimetic ingredient developed to address skin complexion improvement. ECOBIOTYS won the Gold Award of the Innovation Zone Best Active Ingredient at the in-cosmetics Asia show as well as the Best Active Ingredient Bronze Award at in-cosmetics Global 2018. To find out more, please visit https://www.silab.fr/produit-105-ecobiotys_usa.html. Q3-F2018 Financial Results Note: All figures are in Canadian dollars. The third quarter 2018 MD&A, Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements and accompanying notes can be found on www.crescitatherapeutics.com/investors and have been filed with SEDAR. In thousands of CAD dollars except earnings per share and number of shares Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 Change 2018 2017 Change Expenses 4,464 2,720 1,744 10,424 9,658 766 Total Operating 4,081 4,227 (146) 12,193 13,715 (1,522) Total Other (Expenses) Income (14) 1,050 (1,064) 1,078 1,008 70 Net income (loss) from continuing operations 369 (457) 826 (691) (3,049) 2,358 Net (loss) from discontinued operations - (56) 56 (25) (157) 132 Net income (loss) 369 (513) 882 (716) (3,206) 2,490 Net income (loss) from continuing operations per share $ 0.02 $ (0.03) $ 0.05 $ (0.04) $ (0.22) $ 0.18 Weighted Average number of common shares outstanding 21,016 14,003 7,013 19,265 13,958 5,307 Selected Cash Flow Information Cash and cash equivalents, end of period 8,213 8,755 (542) 8,213 8,755 (542) Cash (used in) operating activities (787) (1,237) 450 (2,095) (5,715) 3,620 Cash (used in) provided by investing activities (92) 7,915 (8,007) (115) 7,844 (7,959) Cash (used in) provided by financing activities - (2,035) 2,035 3,426 (3,159) 6,585 Revenue Total revenue, composed of product sales, out-licensing and services revenue, was $4.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $2.7 million in the corresponding quarter of the prior year, representing an increase of $1.7 million or 64.1%. The increase came primarily from out-licensing activities almost exclusively related to the commercialization of Pliaglis in the U.S. During the quarter, the Company recognized a sales milestone of $1.3 million (US$1.0 million), as well as $1.1 million in royalty revenue. In the third quarter 2017, the Company had recognized a $0.6 million (US$0.5 million) milestone payment from Taro following the issuance of a patent by the United States Patent and Trademark Office in relation to the Flexicaine composition, which did not repeat this quarter. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, total revenues were $10.4 million compared to $9.7 million in the corresponding nine-month period of the prior year, representing an increase of $0.8 million or 7.9%. The increase was mainly from out-licensing activities, as described above, while product sales were ahead of the prior year by $0.4 million, mainly driven by the incremental revenue from Alyria. The corresponding nine-month period of 2017 included $3.3 million of non-recurring revenue: the up-front payment of $2.7 million (US$2.0 million) related to the out-licensing of Pliaglis in the U.S, as well as the milestone payment of $0.6 million (US$0.5 million) as described above. Operating Expenses ("OPEX") Total operating expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 were $4.1 million and $12.2 million, respectively, representing decreases of $0.1 million and $1.5 million when compared to the corresponding periods of the prior year. The improvements were mainly driven by savings in SG&A as a result of the reorganization of various corporate functions and the centralization of the Company's operations to its Laval facility; a reduction in professional and accounting fees in connection with regulatory matters involving the INTEGA Acquisition as well as savings in logistics costs. Net (Loss) Income from Continuing Operations Net income from continuing operations for the quarter ended September 30, 2018 was $0.4 million, compared to a net loss of $(0.5) million in the prior year's quarter. The year-over-year improved profitability was mainly due to the combined effect of: 1) the recognition of a $1.3 million sales milestone upon the achievement of the first tier of the cumulative U.S. sales of Pliaglis by our licensee; 2) the incremental royalty revenue on the U.S. net sales of Pliaglis of $0.9 million; 3) the reduction of $0.3 million in SG&A expenses, partly offset by these non-recurring benefits recorded in Q3-17: 4) the $0.6 million (US$0.5 million) milestone related to the Flexicaine composition and 5) the gain on the renegotiation of the Knight loan of $1.1 million. For the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, net loss from continuing operations was $(0.7) million and (3.0) million, respectively. The year-over-year improvement was primarily a result of 1) the incremental royalty revenue on the U.S. net sales of Pliaglis of $2.7 million; 2) the recognition of a $1.3 million sales milestone, as described above; 3) the non-recurring benefit of the gain on settlement and Other Income of $1.1 million recorded in Q2-18; 4) the reduction in operating expenses of $1.5 million versus the prior year, mainly SG&A, resulting from the Company's sustained efforts at rationalizing its cost structure; partly offset by the same non-recurring benefits recorded in 2017, as described for the quarter, as well as 5) the up-front payment of $2.7 million received upon the signing of the out-licensing agreement with Taro in Q2-17. Cash and Cash Equivalents Total cash utilized during the quarter was $0.9 million, resulting in an ending cash and cash equivalents balance of $8.2 million as at September 30, 2018 compared to $9.1 million at June 30, 2018 and $8.8 million at September 30, 2017. The current quarter's cash balance includes $3.5 million in net proceeds from the Company's Rights Offering concluded in March of 2018. Non-IFRS Financial Measures The Company reports its financial results in accordance with IFRS. However, we use certain non-IFRS financial measures to assess our Company's performance. We believe these to be useful to management, investors and other financial stakeholders in assessing Crescita's performance from both a financial and operational standpoint. The non-IFRS measures used in this press release do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and are therefore not comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. These measures should be considered as supplemental in nature and not as a substitute for the related financial information prepared in accordance with IFRS. The following are the Company's non-IFRS measures along with their respective definitions: EBITDA is defined as earnings (loss) from continuing operations before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as earnings (loss) from continuing operations before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, gain on settlement, other income, equity-settled stock-based compensation ("SBC"), gain on debt renegotiations, goodwill and intangible assets impairment, accretion on the fair value of inventory and foreign currency gains (losses), as applicable. Management believes that Adjusted EBITDA is an important measure of operating performance and cash flow and provides useful information to investors as it highlights trends in the underlying business that may not otherwise be apparent when relying solely on IFRS measures. A reconciliation of EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA to their closest IFRS measure can be found below. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation In thousands of CAD dollars Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 Change 2018 2017 Change Net (loss) income from continuing operations 369 (457) 826 (691) (3,049) 2,358 Add: Depreciation and amortization 285 297 (12) 864 853 11 Interest expense, net 125 148 (23) 380 206 174 EBITDA 779 (12) 791 553 (1,990) 2,543 Add: Equity-settled stock-based compensation 53 88 (35) 197 202 (5) Accretion on fair value of inventory - - - - 371 (371) Foreign currency loss 21 29 (8) 24 71 (47) - Less: Total Other income, net 7 1,079 (1,072) 1,102 1,079 23 Adjusted EBITDA 846 (974) 1,820 (328) (2,425) 2,097 Caution Concerning Limitations of Summary Financial Results Press Release This summary earnings press release contains limited information meant to assist the reader in assessing Crescita's performance, but it is not a suitable source of information for readers who are unfamiliar with Crescita and is not in any way a substitute for the Company's consolidated financial statements, notes thereto, MD&A and Annual Information Form ("AIF") reports. About Crescita Therapeutics Inc. Crescita (TSX: CTX) is a publicly traded, Canadian commercial dermatology company with a portfolio of non-prescription skincare products for the treatment and care of skin conditions and diseases and their symptoms and prescription drug products for the treatment of pain. Crescita owns multiple proprietary drug delivery platforms that support the development of patented formulations that can facilitate the delivery of active drugs into or through the skin. For additional information, please visit www.crescitatherapeutics.com. About MMPE The MMPE technology uses synergistic combinations of pharmaceutical excipients included on the FDA's Inactive Ingredient Guide for improved topical delivery of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) into or through the skin. The benefits of this technology include the potential for increased penetration of APIs with the possibility of improved efficacy, lower API concentration and/or reduced dosing. Issued U.S. patents provide intellectual property protection through March 6, 2027. About Peel and DuraPeel The Peel and DuraPeel technologies are self-occluding, film-forming cream/gel formulations that provide extended release delivery to the site of application. The cream/gel contains a drug, that when applied to a patient's skin, forms a pliable layer that releases the active ingredient into the skin for up to 12 hours. The benefits of the Peel and DuraPeel technologies include proven compatibility with a variety of active pharmaceutical ingredients ("APIs"). A self-occluding film reduces product transference risk, provides fast drying time, facilitates easy application and removal, and enables application to large and irregular skin surfaces. While the Peel technology typically involves a single solvent that dries to form a pliable film, the DuraPeel technology involves a two-solvent system which includes: 1) a volatile solvent component that dries to form a self-occluding film and 2) a non-volatile solvent component that remains in the formulation to facilitate prolonged release of the active from the formulation into the skin. Peel technology patents have been issued in 21 countries including the US, with the latest expiring in 2031. Patent applications are pending in 3 countries. DuraPeel patents have been issued in Australia, Canada, Japan and the U.S. with the latest expiry in 2027. The European patent application is pending. About ECOBIOTYS ECOBIOTYS by Silab is an innovative biomimetic ingredient developed to address skin complexion improvement. Obtained from the yeast Metschnikowia reukaufii, isolated from the nectar of the porcelain flower Hoya carnosa, ECOBIOTYS specifically rebalances the microbiota of mature skin by reinforcing the immune and mechanical barriers of the skin and acting on the distribution of bacterial communities. The quality of the skin barrier is thereby improved, and the complexion is enhanced. Only a few months after having received the Bronze Award at in-cosmetics Global, ECOBIOTYS won the Gold Award of the Innovation Zone Best Active Ingredient at in-cosmetics Asia (Bangkok, Thailand). The honor was awarded by a panel of worldwide experts from the cosmetic industry, this prize distinguishes the development of a new active principle that combines innovation and substantial benefits for the end-users. To find out more, please visit https://www.silab.fr/produit-105-ecobiotys_usa.html. Forward-Looking Statements This Press Release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as: "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "goal," "seek," "believe," "project," "estimate," "expect," "strategy," "future," "likely," "may," "should," "will" and similar references to future periods. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on the Company's current beliefs, expectations and assumptions, the future of its business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of the Company's control. Crescita's actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, readers should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause Crescita's actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, the risk factors included in Crescita's most recent Annual Information Form dated March 27, 2018 under the heading "Risks Factors", and as described from time to time in the reports and disclosure documents filed by Crescita with Canadian securities regulatory agencies and commissions. These and other factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on Crescita's forward-looking statements. As a result of the foregoing and other factors, no assurance can be given as to any such future results, levels of activity or achievements and none of Crescita or any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of these forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement made by the Company in this Press Release is based only on information currently available to it and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, Crescita undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. SOURCE Crescita Therapeutics Inc. Related Links http://www.crescitatherapeutics.com DETROIT, Nov. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Detroit-based Waymark, an online platform for making premium video ads in seconds, took home the "Best New Tech" award at the Digital Dealer Conference held earlier this month in Las Vegas. Eight-hundred of the highest-grossing auto dealers from across the country attend Digital Dealer to discover new technology each year. Waymark's CEO Nathan Labenz pitched Waymark to attendees in a "Shark-Tank" style showdown, winning a "People's choice" award against stiff competition that included Lyft and 7 other companies serving the auto dealer market. Lyft presented their concierge product that enables dealers to schedule rides for their customers, but ultimately the audience found Waymark's video solution to be more appealing. "We were thrilled to be selected over such stiff competition," said Waymark's Labenz. "Our goal is to empower businesses of all sizes and industries to make exceptional video ads. From small businesses that have never made a video to large brands that are already investing heavily in production, video is a massive pain point. We offer a new approach that has achieved buzz and excitement among advertisers. Instead of commissioning original work, advertisers can visit Waymark and shop for exactly what they need, right from their computer or phone." Labenz added, "The digital dealer award validates our work in the auto space. We are focused on bridging the gap between small business and the future of video. The line between traditional TV and internet video is disappearing, and the world's largest telecom, cable, and content companies are investing heavily and competing fiercely to own the content and advertising platforms of the future. By solving the key challenge of scalable video production, our product puts us at the center of the action and positions us to help advertisers reach customers through whatever platform suits them best." The Digital Dealer award caps an eventful 18 months for Waymark, during which the startup: Launched their video creation platform; Won the Google Demo Day "Game Changer" award in June 2017 ; ; Became an official Facebook & Instagram marketing partner; Were named finalists for ProductHunt's B2B Product of the Year; Won the Ad-to-Action Award for "Best Creative" from the Local Search Association. More information about Waymark can be found at https://waymark.com. SOURCE Waymark Related Links https://waymark.com The product is available in yellow, blue, green, red, white and black -- children will be able to mix and match different colors in any way they want, further increasing the freedom of playability. The previous clay materials were thrown away after it dries, but this product can be re-used and kept as drawing material, while the lifespan of the product can be prolonged by keeping it in a sealed container, making it different from the other products on the market. The producers explained that it has drawn a lot of attention from overseas buyers, including ones from the US, as the company utilized new materials to create the brand-new art education material. A spokesperson of Dong-A stated, "The product is drawing in a lot of attention for incorporating new materials to an environmentally friendly educational product, which is why it is being rated so highly." The company is also famous for their Gel-Marker Glass Colour, Line-Clay, Non-dry Signpen as well as many other functional children's art materials being sold worldwide. Dong-A Pencil has been nominated as a "Hi-Seoul Brand" by Seoul City's program to envigorate the city's small and medium-sized companies for their excellence in technology and business competency. SOURCE Dong-A SUNRISE, Fla., Nov. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. Stem Cell, Inc. (OTC: USRM), a leader in the development of proprietary, physician-based stem cell therapies and novel regenerative medicine solutions, today announced its Chief Science Officer, Dr. Kristin Comella, has appeared on the Robert Scott Bell Show to talk about health freedom and autologous stem cell therapy. The interview can be listened to in its entirety here . Autologous (a patient's own) stem cell therapy is currently being researched in autoimmune, neurological, orthopedic and degenerative conditions. As one of the world's leaders in autologous stem cell therapy, Dr. Comella is extensively published in peer reviewed scientific publications indexed on Pubmed in the field of regenerative medicine. This year thus far, she has published several peer reviewed papers demonstrating the benefits of autologous stem cell therapy for chronic conditions, including decubitus ulcers (perpetual sores common in spinal injury patients and the elderly); meniscal tears , and psoriasis . Chronic conditions can cause chronic pain -- the source of a national opioid epidemic which The New York Times reports is the leading cause of death for Americans under the age of 50. Through Dr. Comella's leadership, she and her team have trained and certified more than 700+ physicians worldwide in stem cell therapy. She was named number 24 on Terrapin's list of the Top 50 Global Stem Cell Influencers and no. 1 on the Academy of Regenerative Practices ' list of Top 10 Stem Cell Innovators. She also made the list of Top 50 Functional and Integrative Medical Doctors/Scientists in the country by DrAxe.com, one of the most visited natural health websites in the world. "Dr. Comella is taking an important stand to ensure your stem cells are not declared a drug," said Robert Scott Bell. "We will continue to monitor the FDA's and Dr. Comella's efforts in this endeavor." "It is important to continue informing Americans about adipose-derived, autologous (a patient's own) stem cell therapy and its availability -- today -- for managing the repair of tissue damage, chronic pain and other conditions," said Dr. Comella. "Robert is a voice for health freedom, and it was great to have the opportunity to share with him our concerns in attempting to prevent Americans from having access to the healing cells in their own bodies." Autologous stem cell therapy involves taking a small sample of patient's fat and separating the healing stem cells from the fat or adipose tissue. Fat tissue has a higher amount of stem cells than bone marrow and is much less invasive to retrieve. The healing stem cells are then re-injected locally into a joint or used intravenously for systemic circulation where they may repair damaged tissue in the body. Once the stem cells are separated out from the patient's own fat, they are simply relocated in their body. Six days a week, Robert Scott Bell empowers his listeners with healing principles. He hosts two hours of informational radio dealing with everyday health issues from the perspective of alternative/holistic health care. He also fearlessly tackles the tough issues including confronting government and corporations who would stand in the way of health freedom. Bell has personally overcome numerous chronic diseases using natural healing principles, and has dedicated his life to revealing the healing power within all of us. He is a well-known and respected member of the health community and has access to guests from every specialty and practice to better equip listeners to heal themselves from the inside out. U.S. Stem Cell, Inc. is a leader in the regenerative medicine / cellular therapy industry specializing in physician training and certification and stem cell products including its lead product Adipocell, as well as veterinary stem cell training, stem cell banking, and the creation and the management of stem cell clinics. To management's knowledge, USRM has completed more clinical treatments than any other stem cell company in the world. Forward-Looking Statements: Except for historical matters contained herein, statements made in this press release are forward-looking statements. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, words such as "may", "will", "to", "plan", "expect", "believe", "anticipate", "intend", "could", "would", "estimate", or "continue", or the negative other variations thereof or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements and represent our management's beliefs and assumptions only as of the date hereof. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future. The Company's business and the risks and uncertainties of the business are described in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission which can be found at sec.gov . Media Contact: U.S. Stem Cell, Inc. 13794 NW 4th Street, Suite 212 Sunrise, Fl 33325 Phone: 954.835.1500 Email: [email protected] SOURCE U.S. Stem Cell, Inc. Related Links http://us-stemcell.com Ten new research projects announced by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) will address issues facing Colombias transition from conflict to peace. This includes a project led by academics from the University of Bristol to support community members in some of Colombia's most marginalised municipalities to produce creative pieces of memory work. Creating memory work means using the pain of the past to create something useful for working towards peace in the present and future. Working with a set of national partners (including the National Library of Colombia, the Ruta Pacifica de las Mujeres womens group, and the National Network of Memory Sites) the project will enable victims to develop the skills, networks, and confidence to share their memories on a national stage, including with Colombia's Truth Commission. The project aims to contribute to a sustainable, inclusive reconciliation process in Colombia, after Peace Accords ended the long-running armed conflict between the FARC-EP guerrilla group and the Colombia state in 2016. In doing so, it also aims to generate important knowledge which might be applied globally about the potential for localised processes of reconciliation to be connected with formal initiatives like Truth Commissions and shared in schools using co-production and digital methodologies. These lessons will be valuable for global policy discussions around transitional justice and for academic debates across our disciplines. Professor Matthew Brown from Bristols School of Modern Languages, will lead the UK-side of project along with Dr Julia Paulson from Bristols School of Education. He said: This is a big, international project which aims to co-produce new knowledge about Colombias difficult past. By working directly with some of the people who have been most affected by the armed conflict, but whose histories are not widely known, we hope that the project will have a significant effect in producing an inclusive reconciliation process. We are delighted to be working in collaboration with the National University of Colombia, and our colleagues Fabio Lopez de la Roche and Maria-Teresa Pinto Ocampo, and to building upon the trusting working relationship between Colombia and Bristol. The ten projects, launched by UKRI in partnership with Colombias Administrative Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (Colciencias) have been funded with 2.8 million through the Newton Fund. UK researchers will collaborate with colleagues in Colombia on projects designed to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development using the arts, humanities and social sciences. Professor Andrew Thompson, UKRI Champion for International and Executive Chair of the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), said: These projects will contribute to a more just and peaceful world,assess the causes and effects of long-term conflict and promote sustainable development by starting a dialogue based on understanding and respect. It is heartening to see, in the Colombian context, research projects that take fresh approaches to tackling development challenges. As well as being insightful in themselves, I hope they will also open up new corridors of research practice within the arts, humanities, and social sciences. Dr Eduardo Rojas Pineda, Colciencias Director of Research Development, said:This initiative promotes the consolidation of a scientific community across different research areas and the promotion of the transfer of knowledge in ways that will contribute to the economic and social development of Colombia in collaboration with UKRI. These are internationally competitive, transformative and high-quality collaborative projects which address a broad range of areas related to peace transitions in Colombia. The new projects, being led by UKRIs AHRC and Economic and Social Research Council, address a broad range of areas relating to post-conflict transitions in Colombia. This announcement is an example of UKRIs vision that international collaboration is key to ensuring world-leading research and development, and global challenges require global solutions, across nations and disciplines. Find out more about our international work by following the hashtag #UKRIGlobal on Twitter. Photo: District of Summerland Summerland council will get its first look next week at a pair of six-storey residential buildings proposed for the old Cannery property on Lakeshore Drive South adjacent to the hatchery. The District has received an application to rezone the property to allow for a three phase development, starting with two terraced buildings with a dozen 1,500-square-foot units each. A second and third phase would construct street level commercial space and between 27 and 30 resort condo units. City staff say a developer has applied for a comprehensive development zone essentially customized zoning used for unique developments but plenty of discussion still needs to take place. The property was last before council in April 2017, when owner Summy Holdings was asking the district for a break on tipping fees associated with the demolition of the condemned cannery building. At the time, company president Jackson Friesen said they hoped to turn the remaining cannery structure into a community centre of sorts for Lower Town. However, the recent plans submitted to council have scrapped that concept in favour of the terraced condos. The new development proposal is being managed by Kirk Chamberlain of the Chamberlain Property Group in Penticton. Residents with questions about the concept are invited to contact him. Council will vote Tuesday to receive the application and direct staff to examine it further. SUNNYVALE, Calif., Nov. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- DriveScale, the leader in delivering Composable Infrastructure for data-intensive workloads and a 2018 Cool Vendor by Gartner for Cloud Infrastructure, today announced that Chief Scientist and Co-founder Tom Lyon will be presenting Composable Infrastructure with two key DriveScale partners, Western Digital and Dell EMC. Lyon will be presenting "Composable Infrastructure with DriveScale and Western Digital" at SC18: International Conference for High Performance Computing in Dallas on November 13th at 5:00pm CT and 14th at 2:00pm CT and 5:00pm CT in the Western Digital booth (# 3901). His talks will cover why data-intensive applications have unique behaviors and require a new infrastructure approach, how to achieve cost-effective agility at scale and how the DriveScale and Western Digital solutions work together to deliver Composable Infrastructure. Lyon will also be presenting "Composable Infrastructure with DriveScale and Dell EMC" on November 15th at 12:00pm CT in the Dell EMC booth (# 3218). In this talk, Lyon will discuss how DriveScale and Dell EMC products work together to provide an ideal Composable Infrastructure solution for enterprise and cloud data centers. Lyon is a computing systems architect, a serial entrepreneur and a kernel hacker. You can find him behind the microphone at the " TechNow with Tom Lyon" podcast , interviewing industry luminaries. Prior to founding DriveScale, he was founder and Chief Scientist of Nuova Systems, a start-up that led a new architectural approach to systems and networking and was acquired by Cisco to become the UCS Product Line. He was also founder and CTO of two other technology companies. Netillion, Inc. was an early promoter of memory-over-network technology. At Ipsilon Networks, Lyon invented IP Switching. Ipsilon was acquired by Nokia and provided the IP routing technology for many mobile network backbones. As employee #8 at Sun Microsystems, Lyon was there from the beginning, where he contributed to the UNIX kernel, created the SunLink product family, and was one of the NFS and SPARC architects. He started his Silicon Valley career at Amdahl Corp., where he was a software architect responsible for creating Amdahl's UNIX for mainframes technology. Lyon holds numerous U.S. patents in system interconnects, memory systems, and storage. SC18 is one of the largest high performance computing conferences in the world. Connect with DriveScale at the show: When: Nov 11, 2018 - Nov 16, 2018 Where: Dallas, Texas Who: Tom Lyon, Chief Scientist, DriveScale Session Title: "Composable Infrastructure with DriveScale and Western Digital" Time: November 13 at 5:00 CT, November 14 at 2:00 CT and 5:00 CT Location: Western Digital booth #3901 Session Title: "Composable Infrastructure with DriveScale and Dell EMC" Time: November 15 at 12:00 CT Location: Dell EMC Booth #3218 About DriveScale DriveScale is the leader in Composable Infrastructure for enterprise and cloud data centers. The DriveScale Composable Platform disaggregates compute and storage resources, and quickly and easily composes them into infrastructure optimized for dynamic, data-intensive workloads such as big data, analytics and AI. IT leaders can perform capacity planning in real time, accelerate infrastructure deployment and optimize resource usage, while reducing costs. DriveScale's platform is open and works with a large ecosystem of alliance partners. Founded and led by technologists with deep roots in IT architecture who built enterprise-class systems for Cisco, Sun Microsystems and NetApp. DriveScale is based in Sunnyvale, Calif. Investors include Pelion Venture Partners, Nautilus Venture Partners and Ingrasys, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Foxconn. Visit www.drivescale.com or follow us on Twitter at @DriveScale_Inc. Media Contact Jocelynn Stidham Bhava Communications (703) 863-1277 [email protected] SOURCE DriveScale Related Links http://www.drivescale.com PETALUMA, Calif., Nov. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Many entrepreneurs prioritize customer satisfaction when they should consider employee satisfaction. Treating employees exceptionally well can improve the functions of the businesses beyond where they could ordinarily go. If a business's value is already set, then improving the working conditions and safety for employees may be a keystone to success. Brandon Frere, CEO of Ameritech Financial and other ventures, believes focusing on employees may create a stronger company. "Prioritize employees first, then customers," said Frere. "If you treat your employees well, they'll want to do all they can to help your company." If employees don't feel like their company is valuing them, it can influence how much employees are willing to care about the organization. Improving an employee's working conditions can influence employee retention and create a positive workplace, which leads to increased productivity. Increased employee satisfaction may also lead to less stress and can result in fewer sick days and a better work experience overall. All of these things can allow the employee to act their best and help out the company as though it was family. Organizations can express the desire to improve employee satisfaction in many forms. They can encourage an employee to maintain their physical health by giving them access to ergonomic equipment or encouraging mild exercise to preserve their body. Additionally, letting employees tackle new challenges or taking a suggestion box seriously can show them that an entrepreneur cares about their ideas. By a company being vulnerable to employees and showing them how they matter in the big picture, employees may start to care about the big picture. Most companies may want to show employees their satisfaction through their benefits; however, a company may only want to grant those benefits when they are affordable in the long-term. Benefits may become a larger issue when it is clear the company is producing value and needs to start paying attention to its employees as well as its clients. After a company introduces benefits, they may want to be aware of potential abuse of those benefits. Employees can abuse a company's free food policy or any resource like free paper, which could result in a lower return on investment for hiring that employee. While companies should do as much as they can in providing benefits to their employees, they should examine their benefits to make sure that the company will not suffer and that the benefits cannot be abused. Companies may want to consider benefits that add to employee satisfaction without removing too much value from the company. This means many benefits may be closed off to earlier companies, as new companies often must be born from the value that they offer their users, and the employees must take a back seat until later. Once a business is instituted and its value becomes clear, that is when employee satisfaction can come into focus. As with all things in business, an entrepreneur will need to decide what the right thing to focus on is at any given time. However, no matter what a company was created for, the company culture should consider employee satisfaction. "Treating your employees right is the first step in creating a great workplace," said Frere. "The product or service needs to create something of value for the customers to thrive and the workplace needs to create something of value for the employees to thrive." About Brandon Frere Brandon Frere is an entrepreneur and businessman who lives in Sonoma County, California. He has designed and created multiple companies to meet the ever-demanding needs of businesses and consumers alike. His website, www.BrandonFrere.com, is used as a means of communicating many of the lessons, fundamentals and information that he has learned throughout his extensive business and personal endeavors, most recently in advocating on behalf of student loan borrowers nationwide. As experienced during his own student loan repayment, Mr. Frere found out how difficult it can be to work with federally contracted student loan servicers and the repayment programs designed to help borrowers. Through his efforts, he gained an insider's look into the repayment process and the motivations behind the inflating student loan debt bubble. His knowledge of the often confusing landscape of student loan repayment became a vital theme in his future endeavors, and he now uses those experiences to help guide others through the sometimes daunting process of applying for available federal repayment and loan forgiveness programs. BrandonFrere.com Related Images image1.png teamwork.jpg Teamwork AntonioGuillem/Bigstock.com Related Links Brandon Frere website SOURCE Brandon Frere Related Links http://www.BrandonFrere.com ARLINGTON, Va., Nov. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Legal experts, financial authorities, innovators, and government officials will come together to explore the growth and legal implications of financial technology and regulatory technology at an event hosted by Bloomberg Law and the Berkeley Center for Law & Technology taking place Thursday, November 15 from noon 5 p.m. at the Bloomberg L.P. offices in San Francisco. For a full agenda and to request an invitation, please visit https://go.bloomberglaw.com/2018fintechevent. The event will provide practical insights into the rapid changes in law, finance, regulation, and technology. Topics to be covered include how businesses are leveraging the latest innovations to mitigate risk and ensure compliance, how startups are using ICOs, new blockchain-based methods to raise capital, and how regulators are responding to these new developments and related business practices. "The evolving and uncertain nature of the fintech frontier presents increasing legal and regulatory challenges, which require global perspectives and technological innovations to solve," said Alex Butler, vice president of analysis and content for Bloomberg Law. "Bloomberg Law is excited to collaborate with the Berkeley Center for Law & Technology to be at the forefront of these issues and this event will arm attendees with the perspectives they need to operate in this rapidly shifting technical, legal and compliance environment." The event begins with a keynote conversation with Tom Brown, a partner in the litigation department at Paul Hastings whose practice focuses on competition law and legal issues affecting the financial services industry. Additional speakers include: Kirsten Albers-Fiedler , Legal Engineer, Open Law , Legal Engineer, Open Law Raj Aji , General Counsel and Compliance Officer, bill.com , General Counsel and Compliance Officer, bill.com Mason Borda , CEO & Co-Founder, Tokensoft , CEO & Co-Founder, Tokensoft Alex Davidov , General Partner, Abstract Ventures , General Partner, Abstract Ventures Nicole Farrar , Senior Manager, Regulatory Affairs, Coinbase , Senior Manager, Regulatory Affairs, Coinbase Daniel S. Friedberg , Chair, Payment Systems and Counsel, Technology Transactions, Fenwick & West LLP , Chair, Payment Systems and Counsel, Technology Transactions, Fenwick & West LLP Hailey Lennon , Director of Compliance, bitFlyer , Director of Compliance, bitFlyer Margaret Liu , Senior Vice President & Deputy General Counsel, Conference of State Bank Supervisors , Senior Vice President & Deputy General Counsel, Conference of State Bank Supervisors Nima Maleki , Corporate Counsel, Velton Zegelman PC , Corporate Counsel, Velton Zegelman PC Neal Reiter , Director, IdentityMind Global , Director, IdentityMind Global Joe Robinson , Co-Founder & CEO, Hummingbird , Co-Founder & CEO, Hummingbird Daryl E. Shetterly , Director of Orrick Analytics, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe , Director of Orrick Analytics, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe Nancy Wojtas , Partner, Cooley LLP About Bloomberg Law Bloomberg Law helps legal professionals provide world-class counsel with access to actionable legal intelligence in a business context. Bloomberg Law delivers a unique combination of practical guidance, comprehensive primary and secondary source material, trusted content from Bloomberg BNA, news, time-saving practice tools, market data and business intelligence. For more information, visit www.bna.com/bloomberglaw. SOURCE Bloomberg Law Related Links http://www.bna.com/bloomberglaw (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/780571/Johnnie_Walker.jpg ) (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/780572/Johnnie_Walker.jpg ) (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/780573/Johnnie_Walker.jpg ) The exciting new space, which promises to become a leading destination for Scotch lovers and whisky novices alike, plays host to a wide variety of immersive experiences, including whisky appreciation classes and tastings designed to help people explore the world of Johnnie Walker and Scotch. Visitors will be able to choose from a special collection of Johnnie Walker whiskies, purchase some of the rarest and most exceptional single malts from which Johnnie Walker is crafted and explore limited edition curated collaborations exclusive to the new store. Among the experiences on offer is an interactive hosting area where guests can discover the craft of cocktail making, a tasting table where they can deep dive into the flavours that lie at the heart of Johnnie Walker and a personalisation station where people can find unique gifts and add bespoke engravings and labels to purchases. The cutting-edge store offers virtual experiences such as Discover Scotland through Johnnie Walker allowing visitors to discover Johnnie Walker by taking a tour to the four corners of Scotland, discovering the breathtaking Highlands, the intrigue of the Islands, the lush Lowlands and the secrets of Speyside, culminating in a taste of Johnnie Walker. There will also be seasonal offerings, with a Johnnie Walker cocktail-expert in-store this festive season to demonstrate how you can impress guests with a pairing of frozen Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve and a taste of hand-made, award-winning Scottish chocolate as well as show the cocktails and techniques that will turn your party drinks into showstoppers. John Williams, Johnnie Walker Global Brand Director, said: "We're always looking for new ways to surprise and engage our customers and this kind of experiential Johnnie Walker flagship store does just that. It also adds a sense of fun and discovery to shopping and is a whole new way of experiencing the diversity and rich heritage of Johnnie Walker." The launch of the new retail experience follows the announcement of a 150 million investment in Scotch whisky tourism by Diageo throughout Scotland - including plans for the opening of a new state-of-the-art Johnnie Walker visitor experience in Edinburgh, as part of the biggest concerted programme ever seen in Scotland's whisky tourism sector and is the latest announcement from Johnnie Walker as the brand prepares to celebrate its 200th anniversary year in 2020. Notes to the Editors About Johnnie Walker: Johnnie Walker is the world's number one Scotch Whisky brand (IWSR), enjoyed by people in over 180 countries around the world. Since the time of its founder, John Walker, those who blend its whiskies have pursued flavour and quality above else. Today's range of award-winning whiskies includes Johnnie Walker Red Label, Black Label, Double Black, Green Label, Gold Label Reserve, Aged 18 Years and Blue Label. Together they account for over 18 million cases sold annually (IWSR, 2017), making Johnnie Walker the most popular Scotch Whisky brand in the world. About Diageo Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan's whiskies, Smirnoff, Ciroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness. Diageo is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at http://www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo's global responsible drinking resource, http://www.DRINKiQ.com , for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice. Celebrating life, every day, everywhere SOURCE Johnnie Walker DUBLIN, Nov. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Certificate in Employee Relations Law Seminar" conference has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Certificate in Employee Relations Law Seminar provides the most comprehensive, practical, up-to-date employment law training available. This is a 4 day seminar geared to the real-world needs of human resource professionals, attorneys, and managers. The seminar provides "best practices" insights and information on the full range of employee relations law issues. This seminar has been presented hundreds of times to tens of thousands of professionals since 1979, undergoing continuous improvements, updating and refinement. The seminar is presented by prominent employment law attorneys who are also excellent presenters. They focus is on the practical implications of the law and what steps participants can take on the job to cope with the complex requirements of the various laws and regulations. Since 1979, the Certificate in Employee Relations Law Seminar has been widely regarded as the professional's choice for employment law training. The Certificate in Employee Relations Law Seminar is designed to provide participants with a broad base of practical knowledge in all facets of employment law. The Seminar Provides Participants with: A comprehensive understanding of all of today's significant employment laws and regulations, and the ability to know what to do about them in their own workplace. The skills to recognize and deal with problem situations. Subjects include coping with federal and state regulatory agencies and their requirements, compliance reviews and agency injunctions, negotiating and settling complaints, and minimizing exposure to litigation by learning what steps and policies to implement in the workplace. Complete information regarding current and expected future regulations, enabling your organization to anticipate and plan for the future. Agenda: Block I - Labor Law in the Union & Non-Union Workplace - (Monday and Tuesday) Overview of Laws Governing the Employer-Union Relationship Analysis of the provisions of the Labor Management Relations Act and other applicable laws. Practical guide to understanding and successfully dealing with the National Labor Relations Board. Practical Guidance for Managing Non-Unionized Employees How to minimize legal risk through good hiring practices Identification of the most important employment policies How to use performance evaluations effectively The keys to avoiding an employment-related lawsuit How to conduct effective internal investigations Managing leaves of absence effectively Why employees unionize-recurring problems in the non-union workplace. Preventive measures to avoid union organizing efforts. Changes in the Law and How they Affect You - The Election Process Examination of election procedures-statutory provisions and NLRB processes. How to conduct a legal and effective campaign against unionization. Collective Bargaining What should management want in a collective bargaining agreement? How to get what you want out of the collective bargaining process. Extent of responsibility to bargain in good faith. The correlation between collective bargaining agreements and employee handbooks. Strikes and Picketing Activity Legal limits on strikes, picketing, and employer responses. Legal remedies and best strategies for dealing with actual or threatened strikes, picketing, and boycotts. Operating Under a Collective Bargaining Agreement Living with a collective bargaining agreement. Making effective use of the grievance procedure. Preparing for and winning arbitration cases. Successorship and the Law Buying a business whose employees are unionized. Understanding your rights and liabilities in mergers and acquisitions. Ending the Union Relationship The decertification process. Other non-election means through which to legally end the relationship. Block II - Employment Discrimination Law - (Wednesday and Thursday) A survey course that examines legal theories under Title VII and other Civil Rights Acts, including discrimination and harassment based upon race, sex, religion, national origin, age, and disability. Analyzes race, color and national origin discrimination claims under Title VII and the Post-Civil War Civil Rights Acts. Examines the various theories of sex discrimination, including such issues as pregnancy discrimination, employee benefits design and equal pay. Discusses sexual and other types of harassment, investigations and policies employers need to mitigate their risk of liability. Reviews trends in protecting the rights of persons based on sexual orientation. Updates religious discrimination issues, including employer obligations to accommodate employees' religious practices. Strategies and Practical Advice for Dealing with Issues Under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Family and Medical Leave Act A thorough examination of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the effective handling of the disabled employee, including a discussion of the changed standards under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendment Act. An analysis of current decisions interpreting an employer's rights and responsibilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act. An examination of the Family and Medical Leave Act, its regulations, and recent cases dealing with leave issues. An Update on Developments in the Law Under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act An examination of developing legal issues, including disparate impact claims and defenses. A review of issues associated with employee benefits designs, especially severance benefits. Resolving Discrimination Claims Without Litigation Resolving complaints internally and encouraging employees to use your procedures. Avoiding litigation through binding arbitration. A discussion of recent court decisions concerning the enforceability of agreements to arbitrate employment claims and class claims. Litigating Discrimination Claims A review of the case handling process under EEOC regulations. How to win your case at the administrative level. An examination of effective litigation strategies. Avoidance of retaliation claims. Settlement strategies, including pre-charge settlements as well as settlements in conjunction with agencies. An Examination of Affirmative Action A detailed discussion of voluntary affirmative action trends. An examination of the requirements of Executive Order 11246 for government contractors. How to prepare affirmative action plans. Dealing with the OFCCP effectively. Update on judicial opinions regarding affirmative action and "reverse discrimination. Block III - Special Issues in Employee Relations Law - (Friday) This block will address specific employment law/labor law issues of interest to participants not covered in Blocks I and II plus up-to-the-minute laws, regulations and court decisions. Topics may include: Wage and Hour Issues An examination of the Fair Labor Standards Act and regulations affecting the categorization of employees as exempt from minimum wage and/or overtime premium pay and calculating overtime premium pay under various pay arrangements. Wrongful Discharge Litigation An examination of the various theories of recovery arising from employee discipline and discharge. An examination of litigation prevention techniques including practical suggestions regarding employment policies, internal review procedures, and discipline/termination decision making and implementation. Assessments of effective litigation strategies in response to these developments. A discussion of post-employment inquiries and the use of separation agreements as a litigation avoidance tool. Employment-Related Tort Litigation Defamation claims arising from communications to employees, other employers, customers and others. Intentional infliction of emotional distress. Intentional interference with contract or prospective business advantage. Fraudulent or negligent misrepresentation. Negligent hiring, supervision entrustment and supervision. Alternative Dispute Resolution Pros and cons. Utilization of arbitration agreements. Features of an effective ADR System. Substance Abuse in the Workplace Legal restrictions and considerations in developing and implementing effective policies and programs. Workplace Privacy Claims Workplace searches and related issues. Employee monitoring and pending legislation. Emerging types of claims. Protecting Confidential Information What is protectable. How to protect it For more information about this conference visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/3dg5dh/four_day_seminar?w=5 Did you know that we also offer Custom Research? Visit our Custom Research page to learn more and schedule a meeting with our Custom Research Manager. Media Contact: Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com OAK BROOK, Ill., Nov. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- In 2017, California had its most destructive wildfire season with widespread power outages impacting garage door operation, leaving some homeowners trapped because they were unable to open their garage door manually. In reaction, the State of California introduced and signed into law Senate Bill 969 on September 21, 2018, requiring all new garage door and garage door opener installations to include garage door openers equipped with battery backup technology designed to operate in the event of an electrical outage. The law will go into effect on July 1, 2019. LiftMaster and Chamberlain offer several battery backup solutions for residents who may be replacing their garage door openers, including the WLED DC Battery Backup LED Wi-Fi Residential Garage Door Opener. Chamberlain's Corner to Corner Lighting Smart Garage Door Opener comes fully integrated with battery backup and smart home capabilities. As California residents look to comply with this new legislation, Chamberlain Group, makers of LiftMaster and Chamberlain brand garage door openers, outlines four things homeowners need to know before an emergency happens. Understand your garage door opener's safety features. In accordance with UL standards, all garage door openers are required to have a safety release device a red cord that hangs down from the track inside the garage that manually disconnects the opener from the door in case of an emergency or power outage. Pulling the release cord and manually opening the garage door can prove to be challenging for the elderly or people with disabilities, which is why having a garage door opener with battery backup can be helpful. We recommend testing this safety feature before an emergency happens to make sure you are able to manually disconnect and open your garage door. Check to see if your current garage door opener has battery backup. If it is a LiftMaster or Chamberlain Garage Door Opener, it will say "Battery Backup" on the opener. Having a garage door opener with functioning battery backup will enable the garage door opener to open and close the garage door when the power is out. Understanding how your battery backup system works is important. For example, a brand new, fully charged LiftMaster or Chamberlain battery will open and close a garage door a limited number of times for up to 24 hours after a power disruption. To test your garage door opener with battery backup, unplug the opener and open and close the garage door with the remote control or wall control panel. Remember to plug the opener back in once you have tested the battery backup to avoid draining the battery. Know when the operator's battery is running down. To help homeowners understand when these systems are functioning properly, manufacturers may use different signals. For example, LiftMaster and Chamberlain Garage Door Openers with Battery Backup use green, orange and red LED lights located on the opener to indicate the following: - Solid Green indicates the battery is fully charged - Flashing Green indicates the battery is charging - Solid Orange indicates the opener has lost power - Flashing Orange indicates the battery power is low - Solid Red indicates it is time to replace the battery Also, an audible beep can be heard every two seconds when the opener is operating on battery power and every 30 seconds when the battery power is low and needs to be charged or replaced. Learn how to replace your battery. Even though battery backup systems work without electricity, these systems will require homeowners to replace the batteries every 1-2 years or more frequently depending on opener usage and environmental conditions. If your system is showing a red LED light, it might be time to replace the battery. For support and/or step-by-step instructions on how to replace the battery on a LiftMaster or Chamberlain Garage Door Opener go to LiftMaster.com/485LM or Chamberlain.com/4228 for more information. Think ahead. Even though the law will not go into effect until July 1, 2019 , it is important to think ahead if you are replacing your garage door opener. Since the law will require all new garage door and garage door opener installations to include garage door openers equipped with battery backup technology, we recommend you consider purchasing one now if you are in the market. This will ensure that you are compliant if you need to replace your garage door once the law is in effect. "Safety is always a priority when developing new products," said Chamberlain Group's Chief Technology Officer, Mark Karasek . "Although battery backup can be a valuable safety feature, as with most technology, it's up to the homeowner to conduct regular maintenance checks to ensure it is functioning properly." LiftMaster and Chamberlain offers several battery backup solutions for residents who may be replacing their garage door openers and expects to have a wider suite of offerings available next year to help equip California homeowners as the law goes into effect. Some of these include: - LiftMaster 8500W, WLED, and 8550W - Chamberlain B1381, B970 and C870 LiftMaster garage door openers (LiftMaster.com) are available through professional installing dealers. Visit LiftMaster.com/Locate-A-Dealer to find your nearest dealer. Chamberlain garage door openers (Chamberlain.com) are sold at home improvement stores nationwide. About Chamberlain Group Chamberlain Group (CGI) is a global leader in access control solutions with its LiftMaster and Chamberlain garage door opener brands and myQ smart technology. Providing the power of access and knowledge, CGI's broad line of state-of-the-art residential and commercial access solutions are designed to fit any lifestyle or application, providing the latest technology and innovations in safety, security and convenience. Media Contacts Kelly Shumaker [email protected] 630.501.2017 Cassandra Marrero [email protected] 312.233.1379 SOURCE Chamberlain Group, Inc. Related Links http://www.chamberlaingroup.com BOCA RATON, Fla., Nov. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Hair Club, the leading provider of total hair solutions in North America, is celebrating Veterans Day by providing free haircuts* to veterans during the month of November. In addition, the company is offering half price off select hair restoration solutions** to all veterans, active military and first responders, including Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS). "This is the perfect time of year to pause and reflect on what makes us grateful," said Anne Springstead, field marketing manager. "I'm personally thankful for the service of all veterans and proud to work for a company that gives back to them year after year." Hair Club client and U.S. Army veteran Justin Lane shares his hair restoration story to let other veterans know there is hope for hair loss due to injuries sustained while serving the country. "I served in the U.S. Army for five years. While on a mission to clear improvised explosive devices (IEDs) from the road so other soldiers could do their jobs, an IED hit my truck," said Lane. "It took off both my legs, snapped my right arm and pelvis in half and knocked out several teeth, among many other injuries." Lane's hair did not grow back after his traumatic experience. After a coma lasting more than a month, Lane endured a full year of hospitalization. He was fit for prosthetics and learned to walk again. But, he still wasn't where he hoped to be personally. "I wanted to build my confidence back up, so I looked into hair restoration options at Hair Club," said Lane. "It's been the best decision I've made. Seeing myself with a full head of hair was like a miracle and my confidence has grown exponentially." With nearly 120 locations, veterans and first responders all over the country can learn which proven solution will help restore their hair. "We encourage all men and women who are suffering with thinning hair to learn what they can do to get their hair back," said Springstead. "At Hair Club, we have a comprehensive suite of solutions that work for anyone, at any age, with any level of hair loss." *Offer valid for Veterans and Active Military only through 11/30/2018. Military ID or other proof of service required. Limit one Hair Cut per person. Can only be combined with the Veteran's Day 50 percent off select solutions offer. **Valid through 11/30/2018 and on day of initial consultation only. Offer valid for Veterans, Active Military and First Responders only. Official ID, Military ID or other proof of service required. Offer is non-transferable and cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion. Discount offer not valid on surgical solutions or towards the purchase of a laser device. Offers are valid only at purchasing location and applicable towards solutions offered at said location. Information subject to change without notice. Additional terms and conditions may apply. The testimonial provided herein is based on the experience of the individual providing same. Other experiences with the service may vary. All testimonials are provided with the express written consent of the client(s). Hair Club protects the confidentiality and records of all clients. About Hair Club Founded in 1976, Hair Club is North America's number one provider of total hair solutions. For more than 40 years, Hair Club has helped hundreds of thousands restore their hair and transform their lives. Today, Hair Club has nearly 120 locations throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tokyo-based Aderans Co. Ltd., the world's leading provider of total hair loss solutions. Aderans brands in the U.S. include Bosley. Media Contact: Hair Club Marketing Dept. Phone: 561.361.7600 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Hair Club NEW YORK, Nov. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Harris Poll, in partnership with Finn Partners, unveiled the Societal Return on Investment (SROI) Index, a newly formalized index designed to measure a company's corporate reputation for social good. It is the first-ever metric to score and rank 100 of the most visible companies according to the public's perception of their impact on society. The model was released along with new survey data that found a majority of Americans do not believe companies are making a very positive impact on key social issues. "In today's world, companies are finding themselves being judged against a new yardstick by investors, employees, policymakers and the public when it comes to social good," said Wendy Salomon, managing director of corporate reputation, The Harris Poll. "This new metric provides business leaders with an unprecedented read on what aspects of their social good performance might be most helpful or harmful to their growth," she added. The Societal ROI Index brings together elements of leadership, citizenship and real-world engagement to create a holistic assessment, with insights into perception across many demographics by age, gender, region, income and party affiliation. The model, which can be applied to any company, was developed to show the causal relationship between how a company performs in these areas and how they may influence business outcomes. "Our new data shows that the public has a definite opinion about what issues they feel companies should address and the social impact bar has been set high," said Amy Terpeluk, senior partner in the CSR & Social Impact practice, Finn Partners. "Societal ROI is an opportunity to provide companies with a new diagnostic tool to better track their social good activities and inform their business strategies in a meaningful and measurable way." The Inaugural 2018 Societal ROI Index: Top Performers and Top Social Issues As part of the inaugural 2018 Societal ROI Index, Harris Poll and Finn Partners released the list of the top 20 companies and the top social issues that Americans believe companies should be addressing. The annual social issues survey will provide context for the SROI index with Americans' priority issues for companies to address and the public's perception of the impact companies are making. Salomon and Terpeluk previewed the new model and the social issues findings at the 3BL Forum on Brands Taking Stands, which brought together major business, policy and NGO leaders to share insights and advance corporate social responsibility and philanthropy efforts to solve the most pressing challenges in society. Table 1: Top 20 Performers on SROI Index (in alphabetical order) Aldi L.L. Bean Amazon LG Corporation Berkshire Hathaway Lowe's Boeing Microsoft Chick-fil-A Patagonia HEB Publix IBM Tesla Kellogg Company UPS KraftHeinz Wegmans Kroger Whole Foods The 2018 survey revealed that data privacy is the number one issue that Americans (65%) believe companies should be addressing, followed by access to healthcare (61%), supporting veterans (59%), education (56%) and job creation (56%). However, fewer Americans hold companies accountable for solving equality, civil rights and social justice issues with only 30% of Americans believing companies should be addressing LGBTQ Rights, followed by drug addiction (41%), climate change (44%) and gender equality (46%). More importantly, less than one in five Americans believe companies are making a very positive impact on pressing social issues from job creation to drug addiction. Table 2: Snapshot of Social Issue Ranking Top Issues and Bottom Issues Americans said it was very important for companies to work to truly make a positive difference on these issues Americans said companies were making a very positive impact on these issues Privacy of Data 65% 16% Access to Healthcare 61% 18% Supporting Veterans 59% 22% Education 56% 18% Job Creation 56% 24% Gender Equality 46% 16% Climate Change 44% 12% Immigration 42% 12% Drug Addiction 41% 13% LGBTQ Rights 30% 13% For more information, visit www.SocietalROI.com. ### Social Issues Survey Methodology The Harris Poll conducted a survey to identify what issues Americans thought companies should be addressing and if they were making a positive impact. The survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll from July 10-12, 2018 among 2,012 U.S. adults ages 18 and older. The sample was nationally representative. This online survey is not based on a probability sample, and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. For the complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, contact [email protected]. Societal ROI Index Methodology The Societal ROI survey was conducted online in English and took place among the general public, adults 18+. Respondents were randomly assigned to rate two of the companies with which they are "very" or "somewhat" familiar. After the first company rating was completed, the respondent was then asked to rate the second company. Each interview lasted approximately 20 minutes. This year's rating interviews took place online between December 11th and January 12th, 2018 among 25,800 U.S. adults to obtain an average of approximately 300 ratings per company. Data informing the 2018 scores were collected as part of Harris Poll's 2018 Reputation Quotient. The SROI model was then developed to show the causal relationship between how a company performs on selected attributes and common business outcomes. About Harris Insights and Analytics The Harris Poll is one of the longest-running surveys in the U.S. tracking public opinion, motivations and social sentiment since 1963 that is now part of Harris Insights Analytics, a global consulting and market research firm that strives to reveal the authentic values of modern society to inspire leaders to create a better tomorrow. We work with clients in three primary areas; building twenty-first- century corporate reputation, crafting brand strategy and performance tracking, and earning organic media through public relations research. Our mission is to provide insights and advisory to help leaders make the best decisions possible. To learn more, please visit theharrispoll.com. About Finn Partners, Inc. Founded in late 2011 on the core principles of innovation and collaborative partnership, Finn Partners has more than tripled in size in six years, becoming one of the fastest growing independent public relations agencies in the world. The full-service marketing and communications company's record setting pace is a result of organic growth and integrating new companies and new people into the Finn Partners world through a common philosophy. With more than 600 professionals, Finn Partners provides its clients with global access and capabilities in the U.S., Europe and Asia, in addition to PROI Worldwide. Headquartered in New York, Finn Partners' other offices are located in: Chicago, Detroit, Fort Lauderdale, Frankfurt, Jerusalem, London, Los Angeles, Munich, Nashville, Paris, Portland, San Francisco, Shanghai, Singapore and Washington D.C. Find us at finnpartners.com and follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @finnpartners. Media Contacts: Renee Martin Tawny Saez Partner, Finn Partners Head of PR, Harris Polls [email protected] [email protected] +1 646-307-6334 +1 339-206-7838 SOURCE Finn Partners; Harris Poll Related Links http://www.finnpartners.com "Each year, we provide two $10,000 Hormel Heroes Scholarships to show our appreciation for students who serve or have served our country and are pursuing careers in the foodservice industry," said Mark Ourada, group vice president of Foodservice, Hormel Foods. "Hormel Foods has a long history of supporting the military and this program is just one example. Congratulations to this year's scholarship recipients, Nelson Lister and Marie Stimpson, and thank you for your service." Lister serves in the U.S. Navy. He attends Ashford University and is pursuing a degree in supply chain management and operations. Lister would like to become a materials manager of a major company and would also like to open his own restaurant. "I would like to thank Hormel Foods for seeing the potential in me and allowing me to use this scholarship to achieve my goals," Lister said. "Words cannot express my joy and appreciation. Thank you for your kindness and generosity." Stimpson is a retired Master Sergeant with more than 30 years of service in the U.S. Army. She is currently pursuing a degree in culinary management at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College and dreams of becoming a chef and opening her own pastry/homemade candy store. "Thank you for lifting my financial burden so I can focus more on the most important aspect of school: learning," Stimpson said. "Your generosity has inspired me to one day give back to the community by helping other students achieve their goals just as you have helped me." "We'd like to congratulate Nelson Lister and Marie Stimpson for winning the 2018 Hormel Heroes Scholarships," said Rob Gifford, executive vice president of the NRAEF. "Thank you to Hormel Foods for making this scholarship possible, and for the opportunity to invest in the future of our industry with these incredible men and women who have served our country." Additional information about the company's philanthropic efforts can be found in the company's corporate responsibility report at https://csr.hormelfoods.com/. About Hormel Foods Inspired People. Inspired Food. Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minn., is a global branded food company with over $9 billion in annual revenues across more than 80 countries worldwide. Its brands include SKIPPY, SPAM, Hormel Natural Choice, Applegate, Justin's, Wholly Guacamole, Hormel Black Label, Columbus and more than 30 other beloved brands. The company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, was named one of "The 100 Best Corporate Citizens" by Corporate Responsibility Magazine for the 10th year in a row, and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts. In 2016, the company celebrated its 125th anniversary and announced its new vision for the future Inspired People. Inspired Food. focusing on its legacy of innovation. For more information, visit www.hormelfoods.com and http://csr.hormelfoods.com/. About the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) As the philanthropic foundation of the National Restaurant Association, the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation's mission of service to the public is dedicated to enhancing the industry's training and education, career development and community engagement efforts. The NRAEF and its programs work to Attract, Empower and Advance today's and tomorrow's restaurant and foodservice workforce. NRAEF programs include: ProStart a high school career and technical educational program; Restaurant Ready partnering with community-based organizations to provide "opportunity youth" with skills training and job opportunities; Military helping military servicemen and women transition their skills to restaurant and foodservice careers; Scholarships financial assistance for students pursuing restaurant, foodservice and hospitality degrees; and the Hospitality Sector Registered Apprenticeship Project a partnership with the American Hotel & Lodging Association providing a hospitality apprenticeship program for the industry. For more information on the NRAEF, visit ChooseRestaurants.org. Contact: Kelly Braaten 507-434-6352 [email protected] SOURCE Hormel Foods Corporation Related Links http://www.hormel.com "This award validates our decision to consolidate our private sector activities in the IDB Group in order to maximize their development impact and offer more efficient services to clients," says Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) President Luis A. Moreno. "The development solutions of the future will come from the private and public sectors working strategically together, mobilizing more capital and supporting more projects to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals for all." "We are pleased to receive this award as it shows we are getting our business model right. We are diversifying our portfolio and customizing our solutions beyond the traditional US-dollar loan," says James P. Scriven, IDB Invest CEO. "By putting ourselves in our clients' shoes, our experts can tailor a high-quality, client-centric experience that is good for business, and more importantly good for our development impact in the region." IDB Invest is on track to closing the year with $3.5 billion in approved projects with an emphasis in infrastructure, energy, agribusiness, telecommunications and manufacturing. Since 2016 the number of projects that offer financial innovative products, such as capital markets, to finance renewable energy operations has increased from 45 percent to 70 percent. About IDB Invest IDB Invest, the private sector institution of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Group, is a multilateral development bank committed to supporting Latin America and Caribbean businesses. It finances sustainable enterprises and projects to achieve financial results that maximize economic, social and environmental development for the region. With a current portfolio of $11.2 billion under management and 330 clients in 23 countries, IDB Invest works across sectors to provide innovative financial solutions and advisory services that meet the evolving demands of its clients. As of November 2017, IDB Invest is the trade name of the Inter-American Investment Corporation. About LatinFinance Awards LatinFinance's Banks of the Year Awards celebrate the financial institutions in Latin America and the Caribbean that best demonstrated excellence in retail, commercial and investment services in the last year. The 2018 awards evaluate banks on their efforts between July 1, 2017, and June 30, 2018. Media Contact: Ana Lucia Escudero, [email protected] SOURCE IDB Invest SUZHOU, China, Nov. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Innovent Biologics, Inc. (Innovent) (HKEX: 1801), a world-class China-based biopharmaceutical company that develops and commercializes high quality drugs, today presented clinical research data on cohort E from a Phase Ib clinical trial at the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) Asia Conference on Lung Cancer 2018 (#ACLC18). In this cohort of the Phase Ib clinical trial (NCT02937116), patients with first-line squamous non-small cell lung cancer (sNSCLC) were treated with sintilimab, a fully human anti-programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) monoclonal antibody, in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin. The combination demonstrated an objective response rate (ORR) of 64.7% and disease control rate (DCR) of 100.0%, based on data from 17 patients with at least one radiological assessment among a total of 20 patients in this cohort. As of the data analysis cutoff on September 1, 2018, after median follow up of 6.6 months, the data of median duration of response (DOR) and median progression free survival (PFS) were not yet mature, the preliminary results of which were 6.0 months and 6.8 months, respectively. Twelve-month overall survival (OS) was 87.0%. The study shows evidence of anti-tumor efficacy and an acceptable safety profile. Based on the efficacy and safety profile from this early phase clinical trial, we have initiated ORIENT-12, a randomized, double-blinded, multicenter, phase III study of sintilimab versus placebo, both in combination with gemcitabine and platinum-based chemotherapy as first-line treatment for advanced or recurrent sNSCLC in China. Patient recruitment for this study is currently under way and Innovent plans to enroll 348 patients. The first patient dosing has been accomplished recently. "Immune checkpoint inhibitor has brought hope to patients suffering from squamous non-small cell lung cancer, who are unfit for either target therapy due to its lack of driving gene mutation, or anti-angiogenic therapy in first line setting," said Professor Kejing Ying from Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine. She expressed her great expectation for the result from phase III clinical trial and the approval of sintilimab as first-line treatment for NSCLC. "Lung cancer has the highest morbidity and mortality among malignant tumors in China. Despite breakthrough in recent years, treatment for squamous lung cancer is still limited, and the effect is unsatisfying," said Michael Yu, Founder, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Innovent, "At present, Innovent has launched phase III clinical study of squamous lung cancer. We hope these clinical trials will benefit squamous lung cancer patients as quickly as possible, bringing patients and their families hope for extended vitality." About advanced or metastatic squamous non-small cell lung cancer (sNSCLC) Lung cancer has the highest incidence and mortality among all malignancies in China. NSCLC accounts for about 80% to 85% of all lung cancer cases, and about 70% of NSCLC patients have locally advanced or metastatic disease at first diagnosis. In addition, many patients with early-stage NSCLC after undergoing potentially curative surgery eventually die from disease progression after disease recurrence or distant metastasis. Squamous NSCLC (sNSCLC) accounts for about 30% of all NSCLC patients in China. Due to its unique epidemiological, histological and molecular biological character, sNSCLC still lacks effective treatment modality, with platinum-based chemotherapy as the first-line treatment. However, platinum-based chemotherapy only obtains an objective response rate (ORR) of 30%, progression free survival (PFS) of 5.5 months and overall survival (OS) of 10.8 months, which is far from satisfying. The unmet medical needs in this patient population are high. About ORIENT-12 ORIENT-12 is a randomized, double-blinded, multicenter, phase III study of sintilimab versus placebo, both in combination with gemcitabine and platinum-based chemotherapy as first-line treatment for advanced or recurrent sNSCLC in China. Patient recruitment for this study is currently under way and Innovent plans to enroll 348 patients. The first patient dosing has been accomplished recently. About Sintilimab Sintilimab is a fully human anti-PD-1 antibody. It binds to the PD-1 receptor on T cells, blocking the PD-L1 ligand from interacting with PD-1 to help restore T-cell response and immune response, thus destroying the tumor cells. Sintilimab is an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody jointly developed by Innovent and Eli Lilly and Company in China. National Medical Products Administration (NMPA, successor to CFDA) accepted the New Drug Application (NDA) submitted by Innovent for sintilimab on April 16, 2018, and granted it priority review status on April 23, 2018. The indication for the first new drug application is relapsed/refractory classical Hodgkin's Lymphoma. About Innovent Inspired by the spirit of "Start with Integrity, Succeed through Action", Innovent's mission is to develop and commercialize high quality biopharmaceutical products that are affordable to ordinary people. Since its establishment from 2011, Innovent has developed a fully-integrated platform which includes R&D, CMC (Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls), clinical development and commercialization capabilities, and a pipeline of innovative and commercially promising monoclonal antibodies and other biologics in the fields of oncology, ophthalmology, autoimmune and metabolic diseases. Innovent has built up a pipeline of 17 antibody drug candidates, with four core products in late-stage clinical development in China and one that has a New Drug Application (NDA) accepted by the NMPA with priority review status. Innovent has a highly talented international team, including many expert returnees with experience in innovative biopharmaceutical drug discovery, development, production and commercialization. The company has also entered into various key strategic alliances with Eli Lilly and Company, Adimab, and other biopharmaceutical companies. Innovent wishes to work with all relevant parties helping the advancement of China's biopharmaceutical industry, so as to improve drug availability to people and address their aspiration for a healthy, happy life. About the partnership between Innovent Biologics and Eli Lilly and Company Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly) and Innovent Biologics (Innovent) in March 2015 announced one of the largest biotech drug development collaborations in China to date between a multi-national and domestic company. Under the terms of the agreement, Lilly and Innovent shall collaborate to provide support to the development and potential commercialization of at least three cancer treatments over the next decade. In October 2015, they announced an expansion of their drug development collaboration. These collaborations represent that Innovent has struck one of the most comprehensive strategic partnerships of any Chinese company with a multinational partner in terms of the scope and breadth ranging from discovery to commercialization and involving up to six therapeutic antibodies for cancers. For inquiries, please contact: Email: [email protected] Tel: +86-512-6956-6088 SOURCE Innovent Biologics, Inc. DUBLIN, Nov 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Laser Processing Market - Technologies, Market Share and Industry Forecast to 2024" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The report estimates that the global laser processing market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 6.15% during the forecasted period of 2017-2024. The market is mainly driven by rising demand for high quality and genuine end-products, increasing demand in industrial and medical applications and laser-based material processing preferred over the traditional approach. However, the key restraints for the global laser processing market are lack of technical expertise and high investment. Moreover, the key opportunity for the global laser processing market is growing application areas. The global laser processing market report covers segmentation by its type, application, and end-user. Based on type segment the market is classified into solid laser, liquid laser, gas laser and other lasers of which solid lasers held the largest share of the global laser processing market in 2017 as it is widely used in medical applications such as endoscopy and in the military for targeting. However, application segment is classified welding, cutting, drilling, marking & engraving, microprocessing and advanced processing. Further, on the basis of the vertical segment, the market report is classified into machine tools, microelectronics, medical & life sciences, automotive, aerospace & defense, and other verticals. Geographically, Asia-Pacific dominates the global laser processing market due to rising adoption of laser systems across multiple applications areas. Further, there are various growth opportunities for the laser processing market in Asia-Pacific due to rising adoption of liquid, solid and gas lasers mainly YAG (Yttrium Aluminum Garnet), CO2, semiconductor, excimer and dye in microelectronics and machine tools sectors. Moreover, North America is expected to be a fastest growing region during the forecast period 2017-2024 due to the strong presence of key market players in this region such as Coherent (United States), Rofin-Sinar Technologies Inc., (United States), Epilog Laser (United States) and IPG Photonics Corporation (United States). Some of the key market players of the laser processing market are Amada Co. Ltd., Coherent Inc., Newport Corporation, Laser Star Technologies, IPG Photonics Corporation, Epilog Laser (United States) and others. These companies are using various strategies such as expansion, merger & acquisitions, collaboration, partnership, and product launch to hold large market share. Market Dynamics Drivers Growing Demand for High Quality Products Rising Demand in Industrial and Medical Applications Increasing Need for Miniaturized Microelectronic Devices High Adoption of Laser-Based Material Processing Over Traditional Approach Restraints High Cost of Laser Processing Technique Lack of Skilled Worforce Opportunities Increasing Application Areas Challenges Growing Environmental Concerns Regarding the Rare Earth Elements Complexities Related to High-Power Lasers Key Topics Covered 1. Introduction 1.1. Executive Summary 1.2. Estimation Methodology 2. Market Overview 2.1. Global Laser Processing Market: Evolution & Transition 2.2. Market Definition & Scope 2.3. Industry Structure 2.4. Regulatory Framework 2.5. Total Market Analysis 2.5.1. Top 5 Findings 2.5.2. Top 5 Opportunity Markets 2.5.3. Top 5 Companies 2.5.4. Top 3 Competitive Strategies 2.6. Estimation Analysis 2.7. Strategic Analysis 2.7.1. Investment Vs. Adoption Model 2.7.2.360-Degree Industry Analysis 2.7.3. Porters 5 Force Model 2.7.4. See-Saw Analysis 2.7.5. Consumer Analysis And Key Buying Criteria 2.8. Competitive Analysis 2.8.1. Key Strategies & Analysis 2.8.2. Market Share Analysis & Top Company Analysis 2.9. Strategic Recommendations & Key Conclusions 2.9.1. Investment Opportunities By Regions 2.9.2. Opportunities In Emerging Applications 2.9.3. Investment Opportunity In Fastest Growing Segment 3. Market Determinants 3.1. Market Drivers 3.1.1. Growing Demand For High Quality Products 3.1.2. Rising Demand In Industrial And Medical Applications 3.1.3. Increasing Need For Miniaturized Microelectronic Devices 3.1.4. High Adoption Of Laser-Based Material Processing Over Traditional Approach 3.2. Market Restraints 3.2.1. High Cost Of Laser Processing Technique 3.2.2. Lack Of Skilled Worforce 3.3. Market Opportunities 3.3.1. Increasing Application Areas 3.4. Market Challenges 3.4.1. Growing Environmental Concerns Regarding The Rare Earth Elements 3.4.2. Complexities Related To High-Power Lasers 4. Global Laser Processing Market By Type 4.1.1. Market Definition And Scope 4.1.2. Decision Support Database & Estimation Methodology 4.1.3. Comparative Analysis Across Market Segments 4.1.4. Opportunity Matrix 4.1.5. Market Segmentation 4.1.5.1. Global Solid Laser Market 4.1.5.1.1. Adoption Scenario & Market Determinants 4.1.5.1.2. Market Estimations And Forecasts 2015-2024 ($ Million) 4.1.5.1.3. Key Conclusions 4.1.5.1.4. Market Sub Segments 4.1.5.1.4.1. Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Yag) Laser 4.1.5.1.4.2. Semiconductor Laser 4.1.5.1.4.3. Thin Disk Laser 4.1.5.1.4.4. Fiber Laser 4.1.5.1.4.5. Ruby Laser 4.1.5.2. Global Gas Laser Market 4.1.5.2.1. Adoption Scenario & Market Determinants 4.1.5.2.2. Market Estimations And Forecasts 2015-2024 ($ Million) 4.1.5.2.3. Key Conclusions 4.1.5.2.4. Market Sub Segments 4.1.5.2.4.1. Excimer Lasers 4.1.5.2.4.2. Co2 Laser 4.1.5.2.4.3. Chemical 4.1.5.2.4.4. Argon Lasers 4.1.5.2.4.5. He-Ne 4.1.5.3. Global Liquid Laser Market 4.1.5.3.1. Adoption Scenario & Market Determinants 4.1.5.3.2. Market Estimations And Forecasts 2015-2024 ($ Million) 4.1.5.3.3. Key Conclusions 4.1.5.3.4. Market Sub Segments 4.1.5.3.4.1. Dye 4.1.5.3.4.2. X-Ray 4.1.5.4. Global Other Lasers Market 4.1.5.4.1. Adoption Scenario & Market Determinants 4.1.5.4.2. Market Estimations And Forecasts 2015-2024 ($ Million) 4.1.5.4.3. Key Conclusions 5. Global Laser Processing Market By Application 5.1.1. Market Definition And Scope 5.1.2. Decision Support Database & Estimation Methodology 5.1.3. Comparative Analysis Across Market Segments 5.1.4. Opportunity Matrix 5.1.5. Market Segmentation 5.1.5.1. Global Cutting Market 5.1.5.1.1. Adoption Scenario & Market Determinants 5.1.5.1.2. Market Estimations And Forecasts 2015-2024 ($ Million) 5.1.5.1.3. Key Conclusions 5.1.5.2. Global Welding Market 5.1.5.2.1. Adoption Scenario & Market Determinants 5.1.5.2.2. Market Estimations And Forecasts 2015-2024 ($ Million) 5.1.5.2.3. Key Conclusions 5.1.5.3. Global Drilling Market 5.1.5.3.1. Adoption Scenario & Market Determinants 5.1.5.3.2. Market Estimations And Forecasts 2015-2024 ($ Million) 5.1.5.3.3. Key Conclusions 5.1.5.4. Global Marking & Engraving Market 5.1.5.4.1. Adoption Scenario & Market Determinants 5.1.5.4.2. Market Estimations And Forecasts 2015-2024 ($ Million) 5.1.5.4.3. Key Conclusions 5.1.5.5. Global Micro-Processing Market 5.1.5.5.1. Adoption Scenario & Market Determinants 5.1.5.5.2. Market Estimations And Forecasts 2015-2024 ($ Million) 5.1.5.5.3. Key Conclusions 5.1.5.6. Global Advanced Processing Market 5.1.5.6.1. Adoption Scenario & Market Determinants 5.1.5.6.2. Market Estimations And Forecasts 2015-2024 ($ Million) 5.1.5.6.3. Key Conclusions 6. Global Laser Processing Market By Vertical 6.1.1. Market Definition And Scope 6.1.2. Decision Support Database & Estimation Methodology 6.1.3. Comparative Analysis Across Market Segments 6.1.4. Opportunity Matrix 6.1.5. Market Segmentation 6.1.5.1. Global Machine Tools Market 6.1.5.1.1. Adoption Scenario & Market Determinants 6.1.5.1.2. Market Estimations And Forecasts 2015-2024 ($ Million) 6.1.5.1.3. Key Conclusions 6.1.5.2. Global Micro-Electronics Market 6.1.5.2.1. Adoption Scenario & Market Determinants 6.1.5.2.2. Market Estimations And Forecasts 2015-2024 ($ Million) 6.1.5.2.3. Key Conclusions 6.1.5.3. Global Medical & Life Sciences Market 6.1.5.3.1. Adoption Scenario & Market Determinants 6.1.5.3.2. Market Estimations And Forecasts 2015-2024 ($ Million) 6.1.5.3.3. Key Conclusions 6.1.5.4. Global Automotive Market 6.1.5.4.1. Adoption Scenario & Market Determinants 6.1.5.4.2. Market Estimations And Forecasts 2015-2024 ($ Million) 6.1.5.4.3. Key Conclusions 6.1.5.5. Global Aerospace & Defense Market 6.1.5.5.1. Adoption Scenario & Market Determinants 6.1.5.5.2. Market Estimations And Forecasts 2015-2024 ($ Million) 6.1.5.5.3. Key Conclusions 6.1.5.6. Global Others Market 6.1.5.6.1. Adoption Scenario & Market Determinants 6.1.5.6.2. Market Estimations And Forecasts 2015-2024 ($ Million) 6.1.5.6.3. Key Conclusions 7. Competitive Landscape 7.1. Key Strategies 7.1.1. List Of Mergers And Acquisitions 7.1.2. List Of Joint Ventures 7.1.3. List Of Product Launches 7.1.4. List Of Partnerships 8. Geographic Analysis 8.1. Decision Support Database & Estimation Methodology 8.2. Comparative Analysis Across Market Segments 8.3. Opportunity Matrix 8.4. Global Laser Processing Market By Region 2015-2024 ($ Million) 8.4.1. North America 8.4.1.1. Industry Analysis 2015-2024 ($ Million) 8.4.1.2. Top Country Analysis 8.4.1.2.1. U.S. 8.4.1.2.1.1. Market Estimations And Forecasts 2015-2024 ($ Million) 8.4.1.2.1.2. Key Conclusions 8.4.1.2.2. Canada 8.4.1.2.2.1. Market Estimations And Forecasts 2015-2024 ($ Million) 8.4.1.2.2.2. Key Conclusions 8.4.2. Europe 8.4.2.1. Industry Analysis 2015-2024 ($ Million) 8.4.2.2. Top Country Analysis 8.4.2.2.1. UK 8.4.2.2.1.1. Market Estimations And Forecasts 2015-2024 ($ Million) 8.4.2.2.1.2. Key Conclusions 8.4.2.2.2. France 8.4.2.2.2.1. Market Estimations And Forecasts 2015-2024 ($ Million) 8.4.2.2.2.2. Key Conclusions 8.4.2.2.3. Germany 8.4.2.2.3.1. Market Estimations And Forecasts 2015-2024 ($ Million) 8.4.2.2.3.2. Key Conclusions 8.4.2.2.4. Spain 8.4.2.2.4.1. Market Estimations And Forecasts 2015-2024 ($ Million) 8.4.2.2.4.2. Key Conclusions 8.4.2.2.5. Rest Of Europe 8.4.2.2.5.1. Market Estimations And Forecasts 2015-2024 ($ Million) 8.4.2.2.5.2. Key Conclusions 8.4.3. Asia Pacific 8.4.3.1. Industry Analysis 2015-2024 ($ Million) 8.4.3.2. Top Country Analysis 8.4.3.2.1. China 8.4.3.2.1.1. Market Estimations And Forecasts 2015-2024 ($ Million) 8.4.3.2.1.2. Key Conclusions 8.4.3.2.2. India 8.4.3.2.2.1. Market Estimations And Forecasts 2015-2024 ($ Million) 8.4.3.2.2.2. Key Conclusions 8.4.3.2.3. Japan 8.4.3.2.3.1. Market Estimations And Forecasts 2015-2024 ($ Million) 8.4.3.2.3.2. Key Conclusions 8.4.3.2.4. Australia 8.4.3.2.4.1. Market Estimations And Forecasts 2015-2024 ($ Million) 8.4.3.2.4.2. Key Conclusions 8.4.3.2.5. Rest Of Asia Pacific 8.4.3.2.5.1. Market Estimations And Forecasts 2015-2024 ($ Million) 8.4.3.2.5.2. Key Conclusions 8.4.4. RoW 8.4.4.1. Industry Analysis 2015-2024 ($ Million) 8.4.4.2. Top Country Analysis 8.4.4.2.1. Latin America 8.4.4.2.1.1. Market Estimations And Forecasts 2015-2024 ($ Million) 8.4.4.2.1.2. Key Conclusions 8.4.4.2.2. Middle East & Africa 8.4.4.2.2.1. Market Estimations And Forecasts 2015-2024 ($ Million) 8.4.4.2.2.2. Key Conclusions 9. Company Profiles 9.1. Alpha Nov Laser (France) 9.1.1. Overview 9.1.2. Product Portfolio 9.1.3. Strategic Initiatives 9.1.4. Scot Analysis 9.1.5. Strategic Analysis 9.2. Altec Gmbh (Germany) 9.2.1. Overview 9.2.2. Product Portfolio 9.2.3. Strategic Initiatives 9.2.4. Scot Analysis 9.2.5. Strategic Analysis 9.3. Amada Co., Ltd. (Japan) 9.3.1. Overview 9.3.2. Product Portfolio 9.3.3. Strategic Initiatives 9.3.4. Scot Analysis 9.3.5. Strategic Analysis 9.4. Bystronic Laser Ag (Switzerland) 9.4.1. Overview 9.4.2. Product Portfolio 9.4.3. Strategic Initiatives 9.4.4. Scot Analysis 9.4.5. Strategic Analysis 9.5. Coherent Inc. (United States) 9.5.1. Overview 9.5.2. Product Portfolio 9.5.3. Strategic Initiatives 9.5.4. Scot Analysis 9.5.5. Strategic Analysis 9.6. Epilog Laser, Inc. (United States) 9.6.1. Overview 9.6.2. Product Portfolio 9.6.3. Strategic Initiatives 9.6.4. Scot Analysis 9.6.5. Strategic Analysis 9.7. Eurolaser Gmbh (Germany) 9.7.1. Overview 9.7.2. Product Portfolio 9.7.3. Strategic Initiatives 9.7.4. Scot Analysis 9.7.5. Strategic Analysis 9.8. Han's Laser Technology Industry Group Co., Ltd. (China) 9.8.1. Overview 9.8.2. Product Portfolio 9.8.3. Strategic Initiatives 9.8.4. Scot Analysis 9.8.5. Strategic Analysis 9.9. Ipg Photonics Corporation (United States) 9.9.1. Overview 9.9.2. Product Portfolio 9.9.3. Strategic Initiatives 9.9.4. Scot Analysis 9.9.5. Strategic Analysis 9.10. Jenoptik Laser Gmbh (Germany) 9.10.1. Overview 9.10.2. Product Portfolio 9.10.3. Strategic Initiatives 9.10.4. Scot Analysis 9.10.5. Strategic Analysis 9.11. Laserstar Technologies Corporation (United States) 9.11.1. Overview 9.11.2. Product Portfolio 9.11.3. Strategic Initiatives 9.11.4. Scot Analysis 9.11.5. Strategic Analysis 9.12. Newport Corporation (United States) 9.12.1. Overview 9.12.2. Product Portfolio 9.12.3. Strategic Initiatives 9.12.4. Scot Analysis 9.12.5. Strategic Analysis 9.13. Prima Industrie (Italy) 9.13.1. Overview 9.13.2. Product Portfolio 9.13.3. Strategic Initiatives 9.13.4. Scot Analysis 9.13.5. Strategic Analysis 9.14. Rofin-Sinar Technologies Inc. (United States) 9.14.1. Overview 9.14.2. Product Portfolio 9.14.3. Strategic Initiatives 9.14.4. Scot Analysis 9.14.5. Strategic Analysis 9.15. The Needham Group (United Kingdom) 9.15.1. Overview 9.15.2. Product Portfolio 9.15.3. Strategic Initiatives 9.15.4. Scot Analysis 9.15.5. Strategic Analysis For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/vdff6p/laser_processing?w=5 Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com UBM Malaysia will hold its biggest built industries exhibition in the ASEAN region -- ASEAN SUPER 8. Eight top regional industry exhibitions will be held together for the first time under one roof on 19 till 21 March 2019 at the country's biggest trade venue, Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC). Industries will have the opportunity to showcase innovations, source for suppliers, make valuable contacts with top industry players and stay updated with the latest developments in everything built environment related in this unique business trade platform. ASEAN Super 8 is the largest regional exhibition for the construction, engineering, energy, heavy machinery & equipment and security industries. The mega event will comprise eight power-packed industry leading events including ASEAN M&E, TENAGA, ASEAN SOLAR, ASEAN ECOLIGHT, ASEAN LIFT, IFSEC Southeast Asia, HEAVY MACH and ECOBUILD SEA. "The ASEAN Super 8 mega exhibition will enable construction industry stakeholders to be introduced to new products and technologies, as well as explore the innovations available in the market. This includes new sustainable materials and energy sources, innovative design approaches, as well as advances in digital technology, in line with the ICW 2019 theme of "Construction Beyond 2020", said Tan Sri Dr. Ir. Ahmad Tajuddin Ali. ASEAN SUPER 8 is expected to attract 20,000 trade visitors, 1,150 exhibiting companies, and 15 country group pavilions, 300 group visits from corporate, government bodies, associations and universities. ASEAN SUPER 8 will feature more than 200 sessions to conduct Business Matching by MATRADE and CIDB Trade Visitors. General Tan Sri Dato Seri Panglima Mohd Azumi (RTD), Co-Chairman of UBM Malaysia said, "ASEAN SUPER 8 will be one of UBM Malaysia's biggest events showcasing the latest developments across the entire spectrum of construction in one venue." ASEAN SUPER 8 will be held at The Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC) which is Malaysia's largest and most innovative exhibition centre with over 13.1 acres of flexible function or exhibition space and fully equipped state-of-the-art facilities. It is the first component and flagship venue of the new KL Metropolis, a 'city within a city' development that is envisioned to be Kuala Lumpur's "International Trade and Exhibition City" and will play a key role in the building of a sustainable and inclusive economy. The ASEAN SUPER 8 event is endorsed by Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and supported by Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Malaysia. About UBM Asia -- the show organiser (www.ubm.com) We Create Business For You Owned by UBM plc listed on the London Stock Exchange, UBM Asia is Asia's leading exhibition organiser and with a track record spanning over 30 years. UBM Asia operates in 21 market sectors with 160 dynamic face-to-face exhibitions, 75 high-level professional conferences, 28 targeted trade publications, 18 round-the-clock vertical portals and virtual event services for over 1,000,000 quality exhibitors, visitors, conference delegates, advertisers and subscribers from all over the world. We provide a non-stop diversified global service for high-value business matching, quality market news and online trading networks. In ASEAN, UBM Asia operates from its offices in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam and the Philippines with over 50 events in this region. For media enquiries, please contact Shyan Tan at [email protected] SOURCE UBM Malaysia Related Links http://www.ubm.com STAINES-UPON-THAMES, United Kingdom, Nov. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Mallinckrodt plc (NYSE: MNK), a leading global specialty pharmaceutical company, today announced results of a pooled analysis1 of terlipressin clinical trial data in patients with hepatorenal syndrome type 1 (HRS-1) at The Liver Meeting 2018, the annual meeting of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), held Nov. 9-13 in San Francisco. The post-hoc pooled analysis of data from two previously completed Phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies conducted in North America showed that treatment with terlipressin was associated with improved overall and transplant-free survival in HRS-1 patients with lower baseline mean arterial pressure (MAP). This effect was seen independent of HRS reversal, and may relate to a marked improvement in MAP and renal function in this patient group following administration of terlipressin. MAP is calculated using systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and can ascertain whether there is enough blood flow, resistance and pressure to supply blood to all major organs. Low MAP is common in patients with decompensated cirrhosis and HRS-1 in the absence of overt shock, and indicates a more progressed liver disease. Terlipressin is being investigated for the treatment of HRS-1, a rare, acute, rapidly progressing and life-threatening complication of liver cirrhosis that leads to renal failure. The safety and effectiveness of terlipressin have not yet been established by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There are no currently approved drug therapies for HRS-1 in the U.S. or Canada. "Patients with HRS-1 have an extremely poor prognosis and often progress to life-threatening renal failure within days,2 and we remain committed to investigating the potential clinical utility of terlipressin for these patients," said Steven Romano, M.D., Chief Scientific Officer and Executive Vice President, Mallinckrodt. "This pooled analysis of data from these two previously completed Phase 3 studies of more than 300 patients provides additional insights regarding the potential effect of terlipressin on key outcomes in patients with low baseline MAP. We also continue to evaluate terlipressin in our ongoing Phase 3 trial, the CONFIRM study." "Terlipressin Treatment Is Associated With Significantly Increased Survival in Patients With Hepatorenal Syndrome Type 1 (HRS-1) and Low Baseline Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP), Independent of HRS Reversal" the Mallinckrodt-sponsored analysis sought to characterize the relationship between low baseline MAP and improved survival in patients with HRS-1 treated with terlipressin in the REVERSE and OT-0401 trials, which both showed that terlipressin improved renal function when administered concomitantly with albumin compared with placebo plus albumin in patients with HRS-1 and cirrhosis. Low MAP was defined as < 65mmHg. Study Methods Data from the two Phase 3 studies, REVERSE and OT-0401, of 307 patients with HRS-1 were pooled and analyzed. In both studies, patients received terlipressin or placebo plus albumin intravenously every six hours for up to 14 days. This pooled analysis compared terlipressin and placebo in two groups of patients: one with MAP <65 mm Hg; and a second group with MAP 65 mm Hg. The analysis included an assessment of overall survival; transplant-free survival; HRS reversal, defined as serum creatinine (SCr) value of 1.5 mg/dl; and change in SCr from baseline through end of treatment. Key Findings The pooled analysis of REVERSE and OT0401 clinical data showed: Overall survival at 90 days in the MAP <65 mm Hg group was significantly higher among patients receiving terlipressin (17/25 [68.0%]) versus placebo (6/25 [24.0%]): survival estimate was 0.680 versus 0.209, respectively; P =.005. =.005. No difference in overall survival at 90 days was observed between terlipressin (66/128 [51.6%]) and placebo (72/129 [55.8%]) in the MAP 65 mm Hg group: survival estimate was: 0.515 versus 0.554, respectively; P =.429. =.429. Transplant-free survival at 90 days in the MAP <65 mm Hg group was significantly higher among patients receiving terlipressin (17/25 [68.0%]) versus placebo (7/25 [28.0%]): transplant-free survival estimate was: 0.618 versus 0.083, respectively; P =.015. =.015. In the MAP 65 mm Hg group, no difference in transplant-free survival at 90 days was observed between terlipressin (67/128 [52.3%]) and placebo (76/129 [58.9%]): transplant-free survival estimate was: 0.404 versus 0.444, respectively; P =.291. =.291. Rates of HRS reversal among patients receiving terlipressin were similar between the MAP <65 mm Hg and 65 mm Hg groups; the proportion of patients with HRS reversal in the MAP 65 mm Hg group was significantly higher among patients receiving terlipressin than among those receiving placebo. Improvement in SCr from baseline to end of treatment was significantly greater with terlipressin than with placebo in both MAP groups; however, the degree of improvement was lower in the MAP 65 mm Hg group. Study Limitations This study is a post-hoc pooled analysis of completed clinical trials. Results were based on a statistical model that was not specified before the data were seen. Appropriately designed randomized, prospective studies are needed to determine the efficacy of terlipressin in this patient population, such as the company's ongoing Phase 3 study of terlipressin in HRS-1, known as The CONFIRM Study. Details on The CONFIRM Study can be found on clinicaltrials.gov. Find The Liver Meeting study abstract online (abstract #959). Details on the analysis can be found on Mallinckrodt's website. About Hepatorenal Syndrome Type 1 Hepatorenal Syndrome Type 1 (HRS-1) is a rare condition characterized by the development of rapid kidney failure in patients with advanced chronic liver disease.3 HRS-1 has a very poor prognosis, with a median survival time of less than two weeks and greater than 80 percent mortality within three months.2,4 At present, there are no approved drug therapies for HRS-1 in the U.S. or Canada.5 The only curative treatment for the underlying end-stage liver disease (cirrhosis) is liver transplantation.3 However, many patients will not survive long enough to receive a liver transplant.6 About Terlipressin Terlipressin is a V1 selective vasoconstrictor being investigated for the treatment of HRS-1 in the U.S. and Canada. Safety and efficacy have not been established with, nor has approval been granted by regulatory authorities in either country. Terlipressin is approved for use outside the U.S. and Canada, including in Europe, Latin America, Asia and Australia. ABOUT MALLINCKRODT Mallinckrodt is a global business that develops, manufactures, markets and distributes specialty pharmaceutical products and therapies. Areas of focus include autoimmune and rare diseases in specialty areas like neurology, rheumatology, nephrology, pulmonology and ophthalmology; immunotherapy and neonatal respiratory critical care therapies; analgesics and gastrointestinal products. To learn more about Mallinckrodt, visit www.mallinckrodt.com. Mallinckrodt uses its website as a channel of distribution of important company information, such as press releases, investor presentations and other financial information. It also uses its website to expedite public access to time-critical information regarding the company in advance of or in lieu of distributing a press release or a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) disclosing the same information. Therefore, investors should look to the Investor Relations page of the website for important and time-critical information. Visitors to the website can also register to receive automatic e-mail and other notifications alerting them when new information is made available on the Investor Relations page of the website. CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS RELATED TO FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This release includes forward-looking statements concerning terlipressin, including potential benefits associated with its use. The statements are based on assumptions about many important factors, including the following, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements: satisfaction of regulatory and other requirements; actions of regulatory bodies and other governmental authorities; changes in laws and regulations; issues with product quality, manufacturing or supply, or patient safety issues; and other risks identified and described in more detail in the "Risk Factors" section of Mallinckrodt's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings with the SEC, all of which are available on its website. The forward-looking statements made herein speak only as of the date hereof and Mallinckrodt does not assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events and developments or otherwise, except as required by law. CONTACTS Media Rhonda Sciarra Senior Communications Manager 908-238-6765 [email protected] Meredith Fischer Chief Public Affairs Officer 908-997-9294 [email protected] Investor Relations Daniel J. Speciale, CPA Investor Relations and Strategy Officer 314-654-3638 [email protected] Mallinckrodt, the "M" brand mark and the Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals logo are trademarks of a Mallinckrodt company. Other brands are trademarks of a Mallinckrodt company or their respective owners. 2018 Mallinckrodt. US1800654. 11/18 1 Pappas SC, Wong F, Escalante S, Teuber P, Jamil K. Terlipressin Treatment Is Associated With Significantly Increased Survival in Patients With Hepatorenal Syndrome Type 1 (HRS-1) and Low Baseline Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP), Independent of HRS Reversal. Presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) (The Liver Meeting 2018), November 9-13, 2018, San Francisco, CA. https://plan.core-apps.com/tristar_aasld18/abstract/3b9b2f3af8aefb4e9fba71511d9ba603 2 Colle I and Laterre PF. Hepatorenal syndrome: the clinical impact of vasoactive therapy, Expert Review of Gastroenterology & Hepatology. (2018) 12:2, 173-188, DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2018.1417034. 3 National Organization for Rare Disorders. Hepatorenal Syndrome. Available at: https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/hepatorenal-syndrome/. Accessed October 29, 2018. 4 Gines P, Sola E, Angeli P, et al. Hepatorenal syndrome. Nature Reviews. (2018) 4:23. 5 Boyer TD, Medicis JJ, Pappas SC, et al. A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study to confirm the reversal of hepatorenal syndrome type 1 with terlipressin: the REVERSE trial design. Open Access Journal of Clinical Trials 2012:4. https://www.dovepress.com/a-randomized-placebo-controlled-double-blind-study-to-confirm-the-reve-peer-reviewed-article-OAJCT. 6 Rice JB, White AG, Galebach P, et al. The burden of hepatorenal syndrome among commercially insured and Medicare patients in the United States, Current Medical Research and Opinion (2017), DOI: 10.1080/03007995.2017.1331211. SOURCE Mallinckrodt plc Related Links http://www.mallinckrodt.com BATON ROUGE, La., Nov. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- MasteryPrep announced today that Appalachian State University-GEAR UP (Boone, NC) has entered into an agreement to provide digital access to ACT Mastery Online for 10,900 North Carolina high school students. Appalachian's GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) is a federally funded college access program designed to increase the number of students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education immediately after high school. "The Appalachian GEAR UP partnership works with 11 school districts to support 15,000 students across western North Carolina. We're very pleased to work with MasteryPrep to offer ACT Mastery Online. The high quality of the materials will help prepare our students to achieve their postsecondary education goals," says Dr. James Beeler, director of Appalachian GEAR UP. ACT Mastery Online, powered by Acrobatiq, is an online digital resource portal built for today's on-the-go student. Through predictive analytics and innovative adaptive learning software, the content reacts to student responses and adapts to their skill level in real time. Students "learn by doing" through a series of multimedia course material, content, and practices tests. The zero-prep teacher resource includes online monitoring of student and class progress through an extensive data analysis dashboard. "The Appalachian GEAR UP partnership is leveling the playing field by providing quality test preparation to thousands of low-income, first-generation families who traditionally cannot access premium college readiness supports. This directly translates to more western North Carolina students preparing to win scholarships and gain entrance into four-year institutions," says Craig Gehring, founder and chief executive officer of MasteryPrep. With ACT Mastery Online, students gain access to 70 self-paced modules in English, Math, Reading and Science, 1,000 ACT-style practice questions, extended practice drills, and one full-length practice test. The software and licenses are provided at no cost to students, families, districts, or schools. About MasteryPrep Founded in 2013, MasteryPrep is the fastest-growing college and career readiness company in the country, earning a spot on the Inc. 500 in 2016 and 2017 and the Inc. 5000 in 2018. We are a mission-driven organization that focuses on average- and low-performing students, preparing them for college rigor and giving them the boost they need to qualify for college admissions and scholarships. With our ever-evolving full suite of programs and innovative specialized trainings, MasteryPrep aspires to equip all teachers with the right tools and strategies to prepare their students for college. Our scaffolded approach to skill retention helps underperforming students develop the ability to manage questions of ACT and SAT rigor. MasteryPrep serves over 1,000 schools and districts in 21 states and has helped more than 300,000 students improve their ACT scores. For more information or to find out how your district or school can partner with MasteryPrep visit www.masteryprep.com. For media inquiries, please contact: MasteryPrep Trey Truitt, Marketing Director 855-922-8773 ACT is the registered trademark of ACT Inc. Ring Publications LLC has no affiliation with, and is not approved or endorsed by, ACT Inc. Photo(s): https://www.prlog.org/12739258 Press release distributed by PRLog SOURCE MasteryPrep Related Links http://www.masteryprep.com WASHINGTON, Nov. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- NASA's commercial partner Northrop Grumman is scheduled to launch its Antares rocket, carrying the Cygnus cargo spacecraft to the International Space Station, at 4:49 a.m. EST Thursday, Nov. 15. The launch, as well as briefings preceding and following the launch, will air live on NASA Television and the agency's website. Loaded with 7,500 pounds of research, crew supplies and hardware, this 10th commercial resupply mission for Northrop Grumman will launch from Virginia Space's Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility. Northrop Grumman's Antares rocket for its 10th commercial resupply mission to the International Space Station is seen on the left Nov. 4, 2018, in the Horizontal Integration Facility at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility on Virginia's Eastern Shore. The CRS-10 Cygnus spacecraft is shown in the middle of the facility, and the Antares CRS-11 rocket scheduled to launch in spring 2019 is on the right. About 70 minutes after launch, an automated command will initiate deployment of the spacecraft's solar arrays. Full deployment will take approximately 30 minutes. The Cygnus spacecraft, dubbed the SS John Young, will arrive at the space station Sunday, Nov. 18. At about 4:35 a.m., Expedition 57 Flight Engineer Serena Aunon-Chancellor of NASA will grapple the spacecraft using the station's robotic arm. She will be backed up by Alexander Gerst of ESA (European Space Agency), who will monitor Cygnus systems during its approach. After capture, ground controllers will command the robotic arm to rotate and install Cygnus on the bottom of the station's Unity module. Complete coverage of launch activities is as follows: Tuesday, Nov. 13: 2 p.m. What's on Board science briefing What's on Board science briefing Tara Ruttley , associate chief scientist for Microgravity Research in NASA's Office of the Chief Scientist , associate chief scientist for Microgravity Research in NASA's Office of the Chief Scientist Diane Risdon , In-Space Manufacturing Refabricator project lead at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center , In-Space Manufacturing Refabricator project lead at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center Liz Warren , associate program scientist for the station's National Lab , associate program scientist for the station's National Lab Allison Porter , flight mission manager at Tethers Unlimited , flight mission manager at Tethers Unlimited Michelle Lucas , founder and president of Higher Orbits , founder and president of Higher Orbits Student researchers with Higher Orbits Wednesday, Nov. 14: 11 a.m. Prelaunch news conference Prelaunch news conference Joel Montalbano , International Space Station Program deputy manager at NASA's Johnson Space Center , International Space Station Program deputy manager at NASA's Johnson Space Center Tara Ruttley Doug Voss , deputy chief of the Range and Mission Management Office at Wallops , deputy chief of the Range and Mission Management Office at Wallops Frank DeMauro , vice president for Human Space Systems and Logistics at Northrop Grumman , vice president for Human Space Systems and Logistics at Northrop Grumman Kurt Eberly , Antares vice president at Northrop Grumman Thursday, Nov. 15: 4:15 a.m. Launch coverage begins Launch coverage begins 5:45 a.m. Cygnus solar array deployment Cygnus solar array deployment 7 a.m. Postlaunch news conference Postlaunch news conference Joel Montalbano Frank DeMauro Kurt Eberly Sunday, Nov. 18 3 a.m. Grapple of Cygnus with the space station's robotic arm Grapple of Cygnus with the space station's robotic arm 6:15 a.m. Cygnus installation operations Media registration for the launch and associated activities is closed. However, media may participate via phone in the What's on Board briefing and prelaunch and postlaunch news conferences. Media interested in participating must contact Stephanie Schierholz at [email protected] for call details. Media already registered to attend launch activities at Wallops can get more information on schedules, facility hours of operation, remote camera setup, and more at: https://go.nasa.gov/2z4Oj3k The Cygnus spacecraft is scheduled to remain at the space station until Feb. 12, 2019, when it will depart, taking with it several tons of trash, and deploy several CubeSats before its fiery reentry into Earth's atmosphere. Learn more about the Northrop Grumman CRS-10 mission by going to the mission home page at: https://www.nasa.gov/northropgrumman SOURCE NASA Related Links http://www.nasa.gov LONDON, November 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Research study reveals the two hubs are leading in the development of Artificial Intelligence, Fintech and Cybersecurity technologies London and Silicon Valley are two of the world's leading hubs for tech start-ups, according to an in-depth Innovation Mapping Report released today by intelligence platform, Quid. The two regions are often cited as top global destinations for innovation, but this comprehensive study offers concrete proof to their claims, revealing that they top the charts for start-up growth, global investment and research into the development of cutting edge technologies. The research illustrates the attractiveness of both London and Silicon Valley to global investors, with the findings showing that the two regions tech companies are receiving significantly higher levels of total funding and more investment deals than other global tech hubs such as Paris, Berlin and Tel Aviv. Over the past ten years, Silicon Valley has dominated the start-up investment landscape, receiving over $110bn worth of venture capital and private equity funding. London is also showing strong growth, attracting $34.2bn in growth capital, more than three times the amount of total funding received by other tech hubs such as Paris ($8.9bn), Berlin ($9.1bn) and Tel Aviv ($3.5bn). So far in 2018, London start-ups have raised $5.6bn worth of VC and private equity investment, significantly more than the total amounts raised in Paris ($2bn) and Berlin ($1.6bn). Silicon Valley (32) and London (16) also lead the way for the number of start-up IPOs over the past ten years when compared with the likes of Berlin (5), Paris (4) and Tel Aviv (4). According to the report, the two tech hubs are increasingly creating companies across some of the most exciting areas for innovation, with almost half (47%) of all start-up companies in Silicon Valley and London falling into seven fast growing technology sectors - MedTech; Fintech; AI; Gaming; AdTech; Cybersecurity and Smart Cities. London and Silicon Valley are also at the forefront of developing new ideas and innovations, with the research showing that both hubs have seen a marked growth in the volume of patent applications for new technologies and products across the seven key sectors identified in the report (Fintech, AI, MedTech, Cybersecurity, Gaming, Smart Cities, AdTech). The strength of the two innovation hubs for research and development are also highlighted in the report, with the findings revealing an increasing number of research papers have been published by the two hubs' world-class universities. Both hubs' universities have a particularly strong research focus in areas such as MedTech and Artificial Intelligence. The innovation report has been released to coincide with this year's Silicon Valley Comes to the UK - a series of events taking place across London, Oxford and Cambridge this week, bringing together investors, entrepreneurs and business leaders from both ecosystems. Other key findings from the report include: While Silicon Valley continues to lead the way for total amount of investment across all sectors, London has seen huge growth in investment levels with a CAGR in investment of almost 50% between 2014-2017 - see slide 10 Fintech is the dominant area for investment across both hubs - London fintech companies have raised $9.3bn over the past 10 years, with investment levels reaching a record high of $2.3bn in 2017 - see slide 21 and 22 While the number of new companies from Silicon Valley has stagnated during the last few years, the percentage of new companies emerging in London across the seven sectors identified has increased. London's market share of the start-up landscape across both hubs peaked in 2016 at 38%, compared with 27% in 2008 - see slide 24 The volume of new patent applications in both innovation hubs has increased over the last seven years across the seven sectors analysed. In 2018, the total number of patents stemming from both London and Silicon Valley for the sectors identified has already surpassed 700, compared with just under 200 applications five years ago (2013) - see slide 32 There has been an increasing number of technology focussed academic papers published annually by London and Bay Area universities and educational institutions - London consistently outperforms the Bay Area in terms of number of academic papers published - see slide 36 Rajesh Agrawal, London's Deputy Mayor for Business said: "London and Silicon Valley are leading the way in generating cutting-edge ideas and creating world-beating companies in the fields of Artificial Intelligence and MedTech. The success of our tech communities are built on the shared values of openness and diversity, so it's vital we continue to work together to encourage the flow of business, talent and investment between our two regions." Bob Goodson, CEO of Quid and guest speaker for SVC2UK added: "Our research demonstrates that London and Silicon Valley share strengths in a number of exciting sectors such as Cybersecurity and AI and it shows there are lots of opportunities for collaboration. While Silicon Valley has a strong tradition of producing some of the world's leading tech companies, the research also suggests that London is gaining ground and should also be considered a leading global destination to scale a tech business." With its global financial centre, London is particularly strong in this field, with Fintech start-ups accounting for 48% of all London tech companies across the seven sectors identified. Almost 50% of all investment made into the UK capital's tech businesses since 2008 in the seven sectors analysed went into London's Fintech companies. 2018 has already seen large investment deals for London's fintech businesses including Monzo ($110m) and Revolut ($250m). Both hubs also have fast-growing AI and machine learning communities, with the report showing that the growth of AI companies in London and Silicon Valley has outpaced other tech cities such as Berlin, Paris and Tel Aviv over the past 10 years. AI also emerged as one of the largest sectors for new products and services and represented 31% of all innovation patents filed over the last five years. SOURCE London & Partners JINAN, China, Nov. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- On October 16-19, 2018, the Information Office of the People's Government of Shandong Province hosted a successful event with the theme of "Shandong-New Start, New Development". Reporters from the mainstream media, such as the Associated Press (AP), Agence France-Presse (AFP), the Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK), the European Pressphoto Agency (EPA), the Korean Broadcasting System (KBS), ORF, Japan's Tokyo Newspaper, etc., traveled to Jinan, Qingdao, and Yantai in quick succession. They visited scientific research institutions, factory buildings and workshops, and port docks where they interviewed various people, going on to report some of the new development initiatives in Shandong. During the interviews, world-class "Made in Shandong" achievements elicited great praise from the reporters. When it comes to assembly density and performance per watt, the Sunway Bluelight Supercomputer System in the National Supercomputer Center in Jinan is one of the world's most advanced computer systems. China's largest white goods manufacturer, Haier, has whole-heartedly embraced artificial intelligence. The Bright Moon Seaweed Group (BMSG), the world's largest seaweed biological product enterprise, has witnessed extraordinary growth. Qingdao port, a year-long sludge- and ice-free deep-water port, ranks the first in the world in terms of container loading and unloading efficiency at the unmanned automated dock. The world's most advanced deep-water double drilling tower semi-submersible drilling platforms -- Bluewhale I and Bluewhale II -- showcased their immense power. The Yantai Changyu Pioneer Wine Company has long focused on becoming a large, modern, world-class wine production region. All these initiatives vividly reveal the speed and prosperity of development in Shandong Province. In recent years, implementing the concept of new development, Shandong Province has pursued high-quality development and has made notable achievements in the replacement of old growth drivers with new ones, marine technology research and development, opening up trade, etc. Image Attachments Links: http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=324051 http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=324061 http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=324063 http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=324064 SOURCE The Information Office of the People's Government of Shandong Province SEATTLE, Nov. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading fashion retailer Nordstrom reopened its store to customers at the Mall of San Juan in Puerto Rico today. The store which originally opened in March 2015 had been closed since fall 2017 as a result of severe damage from Hurricane Maria. "The San Juan community has been very supportive of us and we appreciate their patience while we rebuilt the store," said Yazmin Rivera, Nordstrom Mall of San Juan store manager. "We are thrilled to be serving customers again and reopening the store just in time for the holidays. We look forward to being the ultimate gift-giving destination with curated gift ideas for everyone in the family." Nordstrom reopened its two-story, 138,000 square-foot store which features three shoe departments, an expansive cosmetics and accessories areas, and a comprehensive offering of popular brand names for women, men and children. Customers can shop the latest styles from Good American, Tory Burch, Alice + Olivia, Frame, Ted Baker London, Robert Rodriguez, Vince Camuto, MCM, Marc Jacobs, Kate Spade New York, Rebecca Minkoff, Nike, Hugo Boss, Levi's, Psycho Bunny and more, as well as beauty brands like MAC, Estee Lauder, Chanel, Giorgio Armani, Clinique, La Mer, Tom Ford, Jo Malone, Diptyque and Creed. The Puerto Rico store also offers many services to make shopping fun, easy and serve customers on their terms, including Buy Online & Pick Up in Store, Curbside Pickup, on-site alterations and tailoring, Beauty Stylists, Anastasia Beverly Hills brow services, The Nordy Club loyalty program, cell phone charging, complimentary gift boxes, as well as through three food offerings: an Ebar, for handcrafted coffee beverages, house-made smoothies, pastries and grab-and-go food items; Habitant, an in-store bar serving wine and cocktails, as well as freshly prepared appetizers; and Bazille, a full-service restaurant featuring a contemporary American interpretation of bistro cuisine. Nordstrom hired 130 employees in sales and support positions for the reopening, including 40 employees who were rehired or transferred back from the states. Rivera added, "We hope our customers will enjoy seeing some familiar faces, as well as meeting the newest members of our team." When the store reopened Friday, customers were invited to help celebrate with donuts, coffee, beauty activations and a DJ spinning the latest music. About Nordstrom Nordstrom, Inc. is a leading fashion retailer based in the U.S. Founded in 1901 as a shoe store in Seattle, today Nordstrom operates 380 stores in 40 states, including 122 full-line stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico; 244 Nordstrom Rack stores; three Jeffrey boutiques; two clearance stores; six Trunk Club clubhouses; and three Nordstrom Local service concepts. Additionally, customers are served online through Nordstrom.com, Nordstromrack.com, HauteLook and TrunkClub.com. Nordstrom, Inc.'s common stock is publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol JWN. CONTACT: John Bailey Nordstrom, Inc. (206) 303-3018 SOURCE Nordstrom, Inc. Related Links http://www.nordstrom.com SECAUCUS, N.J., Nov. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Quest Diagnostics (NYSE: DGX), the world's leading provider of diagnostic information services, announced today that it will present results of three studies at the 2018 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions in Chicago. Researchers from Quest Diagnostics and the company's recently acquired Cleveland HeartLab performed the studies. The research covers topics ranging from best practices in laboratory testing for aiding the detection of non-functioning HDL (good cholesterol) to identifying individuals through employee wellness programs who may benefit from cholesterol reduction efforts. Additional research, presented in an oral presentation, evaluates the effectiveness of genetic risk scores in aiding the identification and management of atrial fibrillation (AF) in high-risk patients in the prospective REVEAL study. These individuals are undergoing continuous monitoring with an implantable cardiac monitor. The study also identified the patient characteristics most predictive in developing AF. "Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, but it is often preventable with appropriate prevention and intervention efforts aided by diagnostic insights," said Jake Orville, General Manager, for Quest Diagnostics Cardiometabolic and Endocrinology Franchise, which includes Cleveland HeartLab. "Our research at this year's AHA Scientific Sessions demonstrates the essential value of genetic and other forms of laboratory diagnostics in helping patients at risk for cardiometabolic disorders achieve the best possible health outcomes." Quest is a leader in cardiovascular diagnostic information services. In 2017, Quest announced the creation of its Cardiovascular Center of Excellence through the acquisition of Cleveland HeartLab. The Center of Excellence, based in Cleveland, combines Cleveland HeartLab's personalized evaluation of heart disease risk based on inflammation and other markers with Quest's Cardio IQ portfolio of lipid particle analysis and genetic and metabolic testing leadership. Conventional laboratory tests to assess cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, such as lipid panels, may not identify risk in all patients. New inflammation, genetic and other biomarkers may help physicians identify at-risk patients and guide treatment protocols to improve outcomes. Abstracts can be accessed on the AHA 2018 Scientific Sessions website at: http://www.abstractsonline.com/pp8/#!/4682 The Quest Diagnostics data being presented at this year's annual meeting are: Sunday, November 11, 2018 7:45 a.m. - 7:55 a.m.: "Genetic Risk Score Associated With Atrial Fibrillation Detected by Insertable Cardiac Monitoring in High Risk Patients: A Reveal AF Trial Sub-Study" (Oral: 215) 2 p.m. 3:15 p.m.: "Employee Wellness Program Can Identify Those Who May Benefit From Cholesterol Reduction Efforts" (Poster: Su1173 / 1173) Monday, November 12, 2018 10:30 a.m. 11:45 a.m.: "A Novel Proteomic Predictor of Cholesterol Efflux Capacity Demonstrates Inverse Association With Cardiovascular Disease" (Poster: Mo3114 / 3114) About Quest Diagnostics Quest Diagnostics empowers people to take action to improve health outcomes. Derived from the world's largest database of clinical lab results, our diagnostic insights reveal new avenues to identify and treat disease, inspire healthy behaviors and improve health care management. Quest annually serves one in three adult Americans and half the physicians and hospitals in the United States, and our 45,000 employees understand that, in the right hands and with the right context, our diagnostic insights can inspire actions that transform lives. www.QuestDiagnostics.com. SOURCE Quest Diagnostics Related Links http://www.questdiagnostics.com BEIJING, Nov. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- RYB Education, Inc. (NYSE: RYB) ("RYB" or the "Company"), a leading early childhood education service provider in China, today announced that it will hold its annual general meeting of shareholders (the "AGM") at 4/F, Building 28, Block 1, Fangguyuan, Fangzhuang, Fengtai District, Beijing 100078, People's Republic of China on December 14, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. (Beijing time). No proposal will be submitted to shareholders for approval at the AGM. Instead, the AGM will serve as an open forum for shareholders and holders of the Company's American depositary shares ("ADSs") to discuss Company affairs with management. The Board of Directors of the Company has fixed the close of business on November 21, 2018 (Eastern Time) as the record date (the "Record Date") for determining the shareholders entitled to receive notice of the AGM or any adjournment or postponement thereof. Holders of record of the Company's Class A or Class B ordinary shares, par value US$0.001 per share, at the close of business on the Record Date are entitled to attend the AGM and any adjournment or postponement thereof in person. Holders of the Company's ADSs are welcome to attend the AGM in person. Shareholders and ADS holders may obtain a copy of the Company's annual report on Form 20-F, free of charge, from our website at http://ir.rybbaby.com/, or by writing to Investor Relations Department, RYB Education, Inc., 4/F, No. 29 Building, Fangguyuan Section 1, Fangzhuang, Fengtai District, Beijing 100078, People's Republic of China, or by sending an email to [email protected]. About RYB Education, Inc. Founded on the core values of ''Care'' and ''Responsibility,'' RYB Education, Inc. is a leading early childhood education service provider in China. Since opening its first play-and-learn center in 1998, the Company has grown and flourished with the mission to provide individualized age-appropriate education to stimulate and nurture children so they can realize their full potential. During its nearly two decades of operating history, the Company has built "RYB" into a well-recognized education brand and helped bring about many new educational practices in China's early childhood education industry. RYB's comprehensive early childhood education solutions meet the needs of children from infancy to 6 years old through structured courses at kindergartens and play-and-learn centers, as well as at-home educational products and services. For investor and media inquiries, please contact: In China: RYB Education, Inc. Investor Relations Tel: 86-10-8767-5752 E-mail: [email protected] The Piacente Group, Inc. Ross Warner Tel: +86 (10) 5730-6200 E-mail: [email protected] In the United States: The Piacente Group, Inc. Brandi Piacente Tel: +1-212-481-2050 E-mail: [email protected] SOURCE RYB Education, Inc. Related Links www.rybbaby.com The California Priorities Summit is a continuation of conversations sparked by The Sacramento Bee Influencer Series -- an unparalleled project that put a sharp focus on policy issues most pressing for voters, and offered insight and perspective on those issues from influential leaders from across the state of California. "We're proud to have ignited meaningful discussions about issues that were front-and-center on voters' minds in the midterm election," said Lauren Gustus, editor of The Sacramento Bee and regional editor of McClatchy's West region. "Our Influencer Series and this summit represent The Bee's commitment to finding innovative ways to engage our readers and leading voices in the state, and to catalyze meaningful conversations that are focused on building a better California." The California Priorities Summit will be composed of live interviews, panel discussions, live/social media Q & A and participant-generated recommendations. This event will be livestreamed on SacBee.com. Participants will tackle a number of policy areas at the California Priorities Summit: Living in California -- Where we can afford to live and how we'll get there (a discussion about housing and transportation) -- Where we can afford to live and how we'll get there (a discussion about housing and transportation) Pushing the Ball Forward on the Big Issues: Education | Jobs/Economy | Environment/Energy Gearing up for Governor -- Former Governor Gray Davis weighs in on what's next for California's new governor weighs in on what's next for new governor Getting Stuff Done -- How the new governor can make change happen Complete event agenda and confirmed speakers can be found at this link . About the Sacramento Bee The Sacramento Bee is a daily newspaper published in Sacramento, California. Founded in 1857, The Bee is the flagship of McClatchy and is among the five largest newspapers in California. The Bee has won six Pulitzer Prizes, along with numerous other recognitions for excellence in journalism. About McClatchy McClatchy operates 30 media companies in 14 states, providing each of its communities with strong independent local journalism in the public interest and advertising services in a wide array of digital and print formats. McClatchy publishes iconic local brands including the Miami Herald, The Kansas City Star, The Sacramento Bee, The Charlotte Observer, The (Raleigh) News & Observer, and the (Fort Worth) Star-Telegram. McClatchy is headquartered in Sacramento, Calif., and listed on the New York Stock Exchange American under the symbol MNI. #ReadLocal SOURCE The Sacramento Bee "Long-acting muscarinic antagonists are recognized by international COPD treatment guidelines as a cornerstone first-line therapy for COPD, regardless of the severity of disease. To date, however, there have been no once-daily nebulized options available to patients or to prescribers. We believe that YUPELRI, discovered and characterized in our laboratories, is well positioned to address this need. With this approval, COPD patients who require or prefer nebulized therapy can access a once-daily nebulized bronchodilator for the first time," said Rick E Winningham, chairman and chief executive officer of Theravance Biopharma . "This approval, which comes during National COPD Awareness Month, is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the Theravance Biopharma and Mylan teams and their dedication to bringing an important treatment option for adults that suffer from COPD." "The approval of YUPELRI represents a key milestone in advancing and expanding our scientific expertise regarding respiratory care. YUPELRI provides COPD patients with access to a nebulized LAMA therapy that offers consistent 24-hour lung function improvement with the convenience of once-daily dosing delivered through any standard jet nebulizer. We are proud to be part of this important approval and pleased to add YUPELRI to Mylan's expanding portfolio of respiratory therapies," said Mylan President Rajiv Malik. "Mylan and Theravance Biopharma's shared commitment to address an important need in the COPD treatment paradigm has served as the driving force behind the success of the clinical development program and ultimate commercial approval of YUPELRI." "YUPELRI is a welcome new option for the COPD community, including patients and clinicians," said Sanjay Sethi, M.D., Professor and Chief, Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine and assistant vice president for health sciences at the University of Buffalo. "With its approval, clinicians will be better able to treat a broad range of COPD patients once-daily, including those who are not able or choose not to use handheld bronchodilators." In two replicate pivotal Phase 3 efficacy studies, YUPELRI demonstrated statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements as compared to placebo in trough forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV 1 ) and in overall treatment effect on trough FEV 1 (OTE FEV 1 ) after 12 weeks of dosing.2 YUPELRI had comparable rates of adverse events (AEs) to placebo, low rates of serious adverse events (SAEs), and no clinically meaningful differences in blood parameters or electrocardiogram (ECG) data, across all treatment groups (active and placebo). YUPELRI should not be used in acutely deteriorating COPD or to treat acute symptoms. YUPELRI use should be discontinued if paradoxical bronchospasm occurs. As previously reported, the most commonly reported adverse events, across both trials and across all treatment groups, were cough, nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, and back pain. Additionally, the companies completed a 12-month Phase 3 open-label safety study versus tiotropium in which no new safety issues were identified. Rates of AEs and SAEs in the study were low and comparable to those seen in the tiotropium treatment arm. Theravance Biopharma and its affiliates have partnered with Mylan and its affiliates on the development and commercialization of nebulized revefenacin products for COPD and other respiratory diseases. YUPELRI is a once-daily, nebulized bronchodilator for the treatment of patients with COPD and is compatible with any standard jet nebulizer. For more information on National COPD Awareness Month, please visit the COPD Foundation here. Conference Call and Live Webcast Today at 4:30pm ET Theravance Biopharma will hold a conference call and live webcast today at 4:30 pm ET. To participate in the live call by telephone, please dial (855) 296-9648 from the US, or (920) 663-6266 for international callers, and use the confirmation code 3360289. Those interested in listening to the conference call live via the internet may do so by visiting Theravance Biopharma's website at www.theravance.com, under the Investor Relations section, Presentations and Events. Please go to the website 15 minutes prior to the start of the call to register, download, and install any necessary audio software. A replay of the conference call will be available on Theravance Biopharma's website for 30 days through December 9, 2018. An audio replay will also be available through 8:00 pm ET on November 16, 2018 by dialing (855) 859-2056 from the U.S., or (404) 537-3406 for international callers, and then entering confirmation code 3360289. About Theravance Biopharma and Mylan Strategic Collaboration Theravance Biopharma and Mylan N.V. and their respective affiliates have established a strategic collaboration to develop and commercialize nebulized revefenacin products for COPD and other respiratory diseases. Under the terms of the agreement, Theravance Biopharma is leading the US development program for the revefenacin inhalation solution product, with all costs related to the registrational program reimbursed by Mylan up until the approval of the first new drug application, after which costs will be shared. Mylan is responsible for ex-US development and commercialization. Theravance Biopharma is eligible to receive up to $220 million in development and sales milestone payments, as well as a profit-sharing arrangement with Mylan on US sales and double-digit royalties on ex-US sales. Additionally, Theravance Biopharma retains worldwide rights to revefenacin delivered through other dosage forms, such as a metered dose inhaler or dry powder inhaler (MDI/DPI), and the rights to nebulized revefenacin in China. About COPD COPD is a growing and devastating disease that is the third leading cause of death in the US.1 Nearly 15.7 million Americans (6.4%) report that they have been diagnosed with COPD and more are believed to be undiagnosed.3 There were more than 700,000 hospital discharges related to COPD in the US reported in 2010. The costs of managing COPD in the US were estimated to be nearly $50 billion in 2010, including $29.5 billion in direct healthcare expenditures, $8 billion in indirect morbidity costs and $12.4 billion in indirect mortality costs.3 About YUPELRI YUPELRI (revefenacin) inhalation solution is a novel once-daily nebulized LAMA approved for the maintenance treatment of COPD in the US. Market research by Theravance Biopharma indicates approximately 9% of the treated COPD patients in the US use nebulizers for ongoing maintenance therapy.4 LAMAs are a cornerstone of maintenance therapy for COPD and YUPELRI is positioned as a first-in-class once-daily single-agent bronchodilator product for COPD patients who require, or prefer, nebulized therapy. YUPELRI's stability in both metered dose inhaler and dry powder device formulations suggest that this LAMA could also serve as a foundation for novel handheld combination products. About Theravance Biopharma Theravance Biopharma, Inc. ("Theravance Biopharma") is a diversified biopharmaceutical company with the core purpose of creating medicines that help improve the lives of patients suffering from serious illness. In our relentless pursuit of this objective, we strive to apply insight and innovation at each stage of our business, including research, development and commercialization, and utilize both internal capabilities and those of partners around the world. Our research efforts are focused in the areas of inflammation and immunology. Our research goal is to design localized medicines that target diseased tissues, without systemic exposure, in order to maximize patient benefit and minimize risk. These efforts leverage years of experience in developing localized medicines for the lungs to treat respiratory disease. The first potential medicine to emerge from our research focus on immunology and localized treatments is an oral, intestinally restricted pan-Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, currently in development to treat a range of inflammatory intestinal diseases. Our pipeline of internally discovered product candidates will continue to evolve with the goal of creating transformational medicines to address the significant needs of patients. In addition, we have an economic interest in future payments that may be made by Glaxo Group or one of its affiliates (GSK) pursuant to its agreements with Innoviva, Inc. relating to certain programs, including Trelegy Ellipta. For more information, please visit www.theravance.com. THERAVANCE, the Cross/Star logo and VIBATIV are registered trademarks of the Theravance Biopharma group of companies. Trademarks, trade names or service marks of other companies appearing on this press release are the property of their respective owners. This press release contains and the conference call will contain certain "forward-looking" statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding, among other things, statements relating to goals, plans, objectives, expectations and future events. Theravance Biopharma intends such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Examples of such statements include statements relating to: the Company's strategies, plans and objectives, the Company's regulatory strategies and timing of clinical studies, the potential benefits and mechanisms of action of the Company's product and product candidates, the Company's expectations for product candidates through development, potential regulatory approval and commercialization (including their potential as components of combination therapies) and the Company's expectations for product sales. These statements are based on the current estimates and assumptions of the management of Theravance Biopharma as of the date of the press release and are subject to risks, uncertainties, changes in circumstances, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results of Theravance Biopharma to be materially different from those reflected in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements include, among others, risks related to: delays or difficulties in commencing, enrolling or completing clinical studies, the potential that results from clinical or non-clinical studies indicate the Company's product candidates are unsafe or ineffective (including when our product candidates are studied in combination with other compounds), the feasibility of undertaking future clinical trials for our product candidates based on FDA policies and feedback, dependence on third parties to conduct clinical studies, delays or failure to achieve and maintain regulatory approvals for product candidates, risks of collaborating with or relying on third parties to discover, develop, manufacture and commercialize product and product candidates, and risks associated with establishing and maintaining sales, marketing and distribution capabilities with appropriate technical expertise and supporting infrastructure. Other risks affecting Theravance Biopharma are described under the heading "Risk Factors" contained in Theravance Biopharma's Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on November 7, 2018 and Theravance Biopharma's other filings with the SEC. In addition to the risks described above and in Theravance Biopharma's filings with the SEC, other unknown or unpredictable factors also could affect Theravance Biopharma's results. No forward-looking statements can be guaranteed and actual results may differ materially from such statements. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Theravance Biopharma assumes no obligation to update its forward-looking statements on account of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. About Mylan Mylan is a global pharmaceutical company committed to setting new standards in healthcare. Working together around the world to provide 7 billion people access to high quality medicine, we innovate to satisfy unmet needs; make reliability and service excellence a habit; do what's right, not what's easy; and impact the future through passionate global leadership. We offer a growing portfolio of more than 7,500 marketed products around the world, including antiretroviral therapies on which more than 40% of people being treated for HIV/AIDS globally depend. We market our products in more than 165 countries and territories. We are one of the world's largest producers of active pharmaceutical ingredients. Every member of our approximately 35,000-strong workforce is dedicated to creating better health for a better world, one person at a time. Learn more at Mylan.com. We routinely post information that may be important to investors on our website at investor.mylan.com. This press release includes statements that constitute "forward-looking statements", including with regard to the companies expecting YUPELRI to be available to COPD patients in the U.S. in before the end of the year; and that the approval of YUPELRI represents a key milestone in the advancement of respiratory care by providing COPD patients with access to a nebulized LAMA therapy that offers consistent 24-hour duration of effect with the convenience of once-daily dosing. These statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Because such statements inherently involve risks and uncertainties, actual future results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to: success of clinical trials and our or our partners' ability to execute on new product opportunities; any regulatory, legal or other impediments to our or our partners' ability to bring products to market; other risks inherent in product development; the scope, timing, and outcome of any ongoing legal proceedings, including government investigations, and the impact of any such proceedings on our or our partners' businesses; actions and decisions of healthcare and pharmaceutical regulators, and changes in healthcare and pharmaceutical laws and regulations, in the United States and abroad; the impact of competition; strategies by competitors or other third parties to delay or prevent product introductions; the effect of any changes in our or our partners' customer and supplier relationships and customer purchasing patterns; any other changes in third-party relationships; changes in the economic and financial conditions of the businesses of Mylan or its partners; uncertainties and matters beyond the control of management; and the other risks detailed in Mylan's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Mylan undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release. Contact Information: Theravance Biopharma Alexander Dobbin Head of Investor Relations 650-808-4045 [email protected] Tim Brons Vida Strategic Partners (Media) 646-319-8981 [email protected] Mylan Christine Waller (Media) 724.514.1968 Melissa Trombetta (Investor Relations) 724.514.1813 References 1 American Lung Association. "Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)" http://www.lung.org/lung-health-and-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/copd. Accessed on September 29, 2016. 2 "Clinically meaningful" is defined by industry established Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) for lung function (100 mL improvement in FEV 1 ). 3 Center for Disease Control, COPD https://www.cdc.gov/copd/index.html. Accessed on January 3, 2018. 4 TBPH market research (N = 160 physicians); Refers to US COPD patients SOURCE Theravance Biopharma, Inc.; Mylan N.V. Related Links http://www.theravance.com TORONTO, Nov. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - The Board of Directors of TMX Group Limited today declared a dividend of $0.58 on each common share outstanding, payable on December 7, 2018, to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 23, 2018. TMX Group hereby advises that this dividend is designated as an "eligible dividend" for Canadian income tax purposes. For the results of the quarter ended September 30, 2018 for TMX Group, please click on the following link: http://www.tmx.com/investor-relations/ About TMX Group (TSX-X) TMX Group's key subsidiaries operate cash and derivative markets and clearinghouses for multiple asset classes including equities and fixed income. Toronto Stock Exchange , TSX Venture Exchange , TSX Alpha Exchange , The Canadian Depository for Securities , Montreal Exchange , Canadian Derivatives Clearing Corporation, Trayport and other TMX Group companies provide listing markets, trading markets, clearing facilities, depository services, technology solutions, data products and other services to the global financial community. TMX Group is headquartered in Toronto and operates offices across North America (Montreal, Calgary, Vancouver and New York), as well as in key international markets including London, Beijing and Singapore. For more information about TMX Group, visit our website at www.tmx.com. Follow TMX Group on Twitter: @TMXGroup. SOURCE TMX Group Limited Related Links http://www.tse.com WASHINGTON, Nov. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- According to reports by The Washington Post and other media, the Food and Drug Administration plans to announce limitations on the sale of certain flavored electronic cigarettes in convenience stores and gas stations, restricting the sale of the affected products to tobacco and vape shops. The Post reports that the FDA's plan would include e-cigarettes that use prefilled flavor cartridges (sometimes called pods), such as the Juul e-cigarettes that have become wildly popular with kids. It would exempt mint and menthol-flavored e-cigarettes, and the restriction would not apply to so-called "open tank" e-cigarette systems. The Washington Post also reported that FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb plans to propose prohibiting menthol cigarettes. Ending the sale of menthol cigarettes is long overdue and is one of the single most important steps the FDA can take to further reduce cigarette smoking and save lives in the United States. The FDA and Commissioner Gottlieb should move forward as quickly as possible to propose, finalize and implement regulations to remove menthol cigarettes from the market. We urge the FDA to issue a concrete timeline for doing so. E-Cigarettes It is a positive step that the FDA recognizes the critical role flavors play in the skyrocketing youth use of e-cigarettes and is planning action to reduce the widespread availability of flavored e-cigarettes. But the details will be critical, and the FDA needs to go further. To reverse the epidemic of youth e-cigarette use, the FDA needs to stop the sales of all flavored e-cigarette products that have not been subject to public health review by the FDA as the law requires. There is nothing to prevent the number of vape shops from rapidly expanding and there is no solid evidence that vape shops do a good job of preventing illegal underage sales. In addition, youth use of e-cigarettes is not limited to Juul and other pod-type products. Even before the introduction of Juul, e-cigarettes had become the most commonly used tobacco product among kids and research found that 81 percent of youth who ever tried e-cigarettes started with a flavored product. The FDA has reported that youth e-cigarette use increased by more than 75 percent this year and reached "epidemic" levels (the 2018 data is expected to be released soon). The FDA must respond with a comprehensive approach and mandatory regulations that apply to all manufacturers. In addition to stopping the sale of all flavored products, the FDA should 1) restrict marketing that appeals to kids; 2) prohibit online sales of e-cigarettes until stronger safeguards are in place to prevent sales to kids (The Washington Post reports that the FDA plans to impose age verification requirements for online sales); and 3) enforce current rules prohibiting the sale of new or changed products after August 8, 2016, without prior agency review and reverse its decision allowing e-cigarettes introduced by August 8, 2016, to stay on the market until 2022 without FDA review. This premarket review requirement is one of the FDA's most important tools to stop the introduction of products that appeal to kids, rather than dealing with them after they have become popular with kids, as in the case of Juul. The FDA has rightly declared that youth e-cigarette use is a public health crisis. The agency's proposed actions, as reported, are a positive step forward but not sufficient. Menthol Cigarettes We welcome reports that the FDA plans to end the sale of menthol cigarettes and urge the FDA to move forward quickly with finalizing the rule to do so. There is overwhelming scientific evidence that menthol cigarettes have had a profound adverse effect on public health in the United States, resulting in more death and disease from smoking. Action on menthol cigarettes is long overdue. A comprehensive FDA report on menthol cigarettes, issued in 2013, concluded that menthol cigarettes lead to 1) increased smoking initiation among youth and young adults; 2) greater addiction; and 3) decreased success in quitting smoking. "These findings, combined with the evidence indicating that menthol's cooling and anesthetic properties can reduce the harshness of cigarette smoke and the evidence indicating that menthol cigarettes are marketed as a smoother alternative to nonmenthol cigarettes, make it likely that menthol cigarettes pose a public health risk above that seen with nonmenthol cigarettes," the FDA's report concluded. SOURCE Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids Related Links http://www.tobaccofreekids.org MILL VALLEY, Calif., Nov. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Ubiquity University is pleased and honored to announce the appointment of Mr. Jamal Qaiser as the University's "Special Liaison to the United Nations." Mr. Qaiser is an OPM Graduate of the prestigious Harvard Business School, Post-Graduate of The Globe Business College Munich and has completed a course in "Transition to Leadership" from Oxford University. A pioneer in global commerce and a career philanthropist, his many accomplishments and renowned global standing render him the ideal candidate to assist Ubiquity in leading the charge towards a transformative, global education that fuels positive change in the world. Ubiquity University Ubiquity University is a global university designed for social impact and is centered around meeting the challenges detailed by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Mr. Qaiser's long-standing interest, involvement and success as an academic, an entrepreneur and a philanthropist is well aligned with Ubiquity's core philosophy. As a published academic and renowned business and social-political consultant, Mr. Qaiser's contributions to global organizations such as the United Nations, The WTO, The German Federal Ministry of Commerce and ASEAN have been significant. He has also worked tirelessly as an entrepreneur and an innovator, driving multi-million dollar business ventures as the CEO of Qaiser Equity Investments. Perhaps most telling are his life-changing contributions to humanitarian and philanthropic efforts in Pakistan and around the world through the charity "Humanity First." Jim Garrison, Founder and CEO of Ubiquity University, states: "Jamal Qaiser is an example of what can be achieved at the intersection between academic, entrepreneurship and positive social impact. We are honored that he has chosen to serve Ubiquity's mission as our Special Liaison to the United Nations." In this role, Mr. Qaiser will bring his experience and expertise to bear in Ubiquity's global expansion. In particular, he will liaise and promote Ubiquity's work around the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals and will help to develop and diversify The Ubiquity Sustainability Challenge a worldwide initiative that challenges students around the world to solve the UN SDGs and earn $25,000 to execute their winning idea. Mr. Qaiser states: "I believe that the most important goal for UN SDGs is an education for all mankind, and that is why I am delighted to work for Ubiquity University, a worldwide platform." For more information on this appointment and further details about Ubiquity University's work around the world, please visit www.ubiquityuniversity.org. Media Contact Rajinda Jayasinghe [email protected] SOURCE Ubiquity University SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The University of San Francisco (USF) will celebrate 50 years of leadership from the USF Black Student Union at events featuring alumnae London Breed, mayor of San Francisco, and City Administrator Naomi Kelly on Friday, November 9th. The events will also commemorate the launch of the university's Black Achievement Success and Engagement ( BASE ) program, a new initiative building on USF's commitment to inclusive excellence and diversity. "For five decades, the Black Student Union's strong tradition of campus activism has brought the voices, experiences, and perspectives of Black students to the fore and shaped USF into a more inclusive and just university," stated Associate Professor of History and BASE Faculty Director Candice Harrison. "The new and dynamic BASE program stems from this activist tradition and is the next step in honoring USF's commitment to an academically challenging, personally supportive, and empowering educational experience for Black-identified students." The Black Student Union movement started in 1968 at San Francisco State University, where a student strike to institutionalize minority curriculums lasted five months -- the longest campus strike in U.S. history. USF's Black Student Union was founded that same year on the recognition that pluralism and diversity add value to the college experience and society as a whole. The BSU seeks to educate and involve the university community in the African American experience, focusing on exploring and examining the identity, history, issues and culture of the African Diaspora. It also works to create a sense of community among students of color at USF. For the anniversary event, Mayor Breed will be welcomed back to campus for the first time since her historic election earlier this year as the first African American woman to lead the city. A San Francisco native, she received her master's degree in public administration from USF in 2012. She will be recognized at the 50th anniversary celebration by USF's Board of Trustees and President Fr. Paul J. Fitzgerald, S.J. at a reception followed by a dinner. The events will recognize the vibrant and active Black Student Union, the group's impact throughout the years, a look ahead at future goals and initiatives, and a look back at its past leadership with founding member and Trustee Emeritus Dr. Joseph E. Marshall, Jr. '68, co-founder and executive director of Alive and Free , and Trustee Emerita Adrienne M. Riley '71, MA '74, president, board of directors of Alive and Free. The event will include young people from Rosa Parks Elementary School, Project Level, Alive and Free, and John Muir Community School, as well as USF leadership and alumni including University Trustees, the Alumni Association Board of Directors, the San Francisco Regional Council, and the Black Alumni Society Executive Board. USF students attending will include Getty Scholars and Black Scholars from the new Honors College, Muscat Scholars, the Associated Students of USF Executive Board, transfer students from San Francisco City College, the Graduate Student Association Executive Board, and Graduate Students from the MPA Program. Event Details: Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of USF's Black Student Union All events will take place on Friday, November 9, 2018 Panel Discussion: Bending the Arc Toward Justice - 50 Years of Black Student Activism at USF 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. (open to the USF community) Fromm Hall, Berman Room Panelists, including past BSU presidents and officers, will address and reflect upon the long history of student protest, activism, and achievement that has helped shape USF into a more inclusive and diverse community. Reception: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. (invitation only) Monihan Atrium at Gleeson Library - Geschke Center Black Student Union 50th Anniversary Celebration Dinner: 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. (invitation only) Fromm Hall About the University of San Francisco The University of San Francisco is located in the heart of one of the world's most innovative and diverse cities and is home to a vibrant academic community of students and faculty who achieve excellence in their fields. Its diverse student body enjoys direct access to faculty, small classes, and outstanding opportunities in the city itself. USF is San Francisco's first university, and its Jesuit Catholic mission helps ignite a student's passion for social justice and a desire to "Change the World From Here." For more information, visit usfca.edu About the Black Achievement Success and Engagement Program ( BASE ) BASE is a dynamic, comprehensive initiative that seeks to build on USF's commitment to inclusive excellence and diversity. By offering high-impact, academic and extracurricular programs for undergraduate and graduate students that center on the unique and yet varied experiences of students of African descent, the BASE Program will provide black students with a critical sense of belonging, opportunities for engagement in all aspects of university life and in the broader Bay Area community, and the resources, skills and support necessary to achieve academic excellence and pursue rich and rewarding careers after graduation. This will be accomplished through the creation and student participation of a Black Living Learning Community, Black Resource Center, and a Black Scholars Program. SOURCE University of San Francisco Related Links http://www.usfca.edu ANNVILLE, Pa., Nov. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) has extended the deadline for the 2018-19 Veterans' Trust Fund (VTF) grant cycle. Grant applications under the new deadline must be received by 3 p.m. EST Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. The original deadline for applications was Nov. 30, 2018. Up to $800,000 in VTF grant funding will be competitively awarded for programs and services benefiting Pennsylvania veterans in the following manner: Up to $150,000 is available to counties for new, innovative or expanded programs or services operated by county directors of veterans affairs or to the Pennsylvania Association of County Directors of Veterans Affairs. Applicants in this category may request up to $20,000 per county with a priority focus on veterans' outreach and veterans' court programs. is available to counties for new, innovative or expanded programs or services operated by county directors of veterans affairs or to the Pennsylvania Association of County Directors of Veterans Affairs. Applicants in this category may request up to per county with a priority focus on veterans' outreach and veterans' court programs. Up to $650,000 is available for veterans' service organizations with 501(c)(19) status and non-profits with 501(c)(3) status under the Internal Revenue Code that have a mission of serving Pennsylvania veterans. Applicants in this category may request up to $50,000 for programs focusing on veteran homelessness, behavioral health initiatives and veterans' courts. Eligible applicants from either category may also submit applications for programs addressing newly identified, unmet or emerging needs of veterans and their families. Since the VTF's inception in 2013, 126 grants totaling $2,932,860 have been awarded to organizations providing services to veterans in Pennsylvania. The VTF is funded by generous Pennsylvanians who voluntarily donate when applying for or renewing driver's licenses, photo IDs, or motor vehicle registrations; purchasing Honoring Our Veterans license plates; or making private donations. State employees can also donate to the VTF during the annual State Employee Combined Appeal (SECA) campaign. Tax-deductible donations can be made online at www.donate.dmva.pa.gov or mailed to: Veterans' Trust Fund, Bldg. 0-47, Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville, PA 17003-5002. To learn more about the VTF and the grant application process, visit www.vtf.pa.gov or follow DMVA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/padmva. MEDIA CONTACT: Joseph Butera, DMVA, 717-861-2178 SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Related Links http://www.dmva.state.pa.us WASHINGTON, Nov. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- In what has become an alarmingly growing trend, there has been another racist attack on federal property most recently at the African Burial Ground National Monument in New York City. We must stand united against these acts and work to be the inclusive country and government we strive to be, says J. David Cox Sr., national president of the American Federation of Government Employees. Last week it was discovered that someone had written a racist slur that African-Americans should be killed on the "oldest and largest known excavated burial ground in North America for both free and enslaved Africans." The discovery has led to community leaders denouncing the attack and the increase in racism the city has seen, and it has struck a nerve with union leaders who are calling the rise "endemic in the current administration." "This abhorrent act should offend all Americans, and sadly it's becoming commonplace for federal public servants many of whom are minorities to see in the workplace," said American Federation of Government Employees National President J. David Cox Sr. "Racism and anti-Semitism have no place in our country, and it disgusts me that we continue to see them rise under this administration." "We must stand united against these acts and work to be the inclusive country and government we strive to be," Cox added. In the last two years, AFGE has seen an increase in reported racially motivated attacks on federal workers, and in the federal government. Those include: a noose hung on a black employee's desk at the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia; a VA manager displaying a portrait of a notorious Confederate general, KKK founder, and slave trader; a "spat of racist messages" at EPA facilities; and Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke telling staffers that "diversity isn't important." "Our members are livid, and sadly, are afraid right now," said AFGE Labor Relations Specialist Doug Meyer, trustee of AFGE Local 236, representing National General Services Administration (GSA) Locals. "They are disgusted that we continue to see these racist and anti-Semitic attacks, especially on federal property. Nobody can believe that in 2018 we're being subjected to such vile acts of vandalism and outward racism. It must be stopped" Last year, after the events in Charlottesville, Virginia, AFGE called for unity in the country and President Cox said, "Unions are about strength in numbers and standing up for all workers, regardless of their race, color, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or political views. As one of the most diverse unions in the country that represents workers from all walks of life and various backgrounds, we are infuriated by what occurred this weekend." These incidents are increasing in frequency and show no signs of going away, the union is now doubling down, calling on the administration to distance itself from white nationalism, anti-Semitism and all types of prejudicial extremism, and condemn these acts. "The 2.1 million workers who keep this country running deserve to have their boss the President make a definitive statement about the rise in racist and anti-Semitic attacks we see here in New York and across the country," said AFGE District 2 National Vice President Vincent Castellano. "America's core belief is that we are all created equal, and we all deserve to not live in fear of attacks based our race, religion, or gender. Now, maybe more than ever, we need our elected leaders to come to the aid of the women and men who are being subjected to these attacks on a daily basis. We can't accept anything less." The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is the largest federal employee union, representing 700,000 workers in the federal government and the government of the District of Columbia. For the latest AFGE news and information, visit the AFGE Media Center. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. SOURCE American Federation of Government Employees Related Links http://www.afge.org Now in its ninth year, the need for SnowCare for Troops volunteers is still tremendous. With military deployments occurring regularly across the U.S., new volunteers are needed in all states to provide snow removal service to the families of deployed military personnel. Volunteers are matched with families within their service area. "SnowCare for Troops provides military families in need with peace of mind and lifts a significant burden from their plates," says Cindy Code, executive director of Project EverGreen. "We're very grateful for the commitment of our dedicated volunteers and the continued support from BOSS Snowplow. The leadership they have demonstrated in support of military families goes above and beyond the call of duty." November 11-17, 2018 is National SnowCare for Troops Awareness Week and is intended to raise the profile of the program and spotlight the efforts of the initiative's loyal volunteers and the military families they help. SnowCare for Troops is more than clearing driveways and sidewalks of snow and ice. It's a means to help military families maintain their independence and go about their daily routines taking care of family, work, school and more. "BOSS Snowplow supports the SnowCare for Troops program as a meaningful way for our employees and our customers to give back to military families," said Mark Klossner, director of marketing, BOSS Snowplow. "Our customers have great pride for their country and our armed forces and want to help others, so we are proud to lend our support." It's easy to register and rewarding to volunteer. For more information or to register to be a SnowCare for Troops volunteer, visit the Project EverGreen website. About Project EverGreen Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Project EverGreen is a national non-profit committed to bringing people together to make a difference in how yards, parks and communities create a greener, healthier, cooler Earth. Additional Project EverGreen initiatives include GreenCare for Troops, SnowCare for Troops and Healthy Turf. Healthy Kids. SOURCE Project EverGreen Related Links http://www.projectevergreen.org ST. LOUIS, Nov. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Enterprise Holdings has been awarded multiple contracts to provide vehicle rental services at U.S. military installations through the United States Marines Corps, Army & Air Force Exchange Service and Navy Exchange Service Command. The new contracts provide active and retired military members and their families on-base access to affordable and reliable transportation options to meet a variety of travel needs. Enterprise Holdings, the world's largest car rental provider, owns the Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car brands. With rental facilities located on military bases throughout the U.S. and in Germany, Enterprise is uniquely positioned to provide U.S. military members and their families with unmatched convenience and world-renowned customer service through every step of the car rental process. As a result of its newly awarded contracts and existing service at multiple military installations, Enterprise Holdings has a presence on over 50 military bases. "Our work to expand car rental services to military bases across the country is an important part of our commitment to support U.S. service members and their families," said Bryan Scott, director of federal government business for Enterprise Holdings. "These contracts allow us to better serve members of the Marines, Army, Air Force and Navy, whether they're renting for official duty-related activities or personal travel needs. We're proud to offer them the convenience and flexibility required in a dynamic, fast-paced environment like a military base." As part of the newly awarded contracts, the following U.S. bases will receive transportation services through Enterprise Holdings' brands: Marine Corps: Camp Allen (Va.), Henderson Hall (Va.), Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (Calif.), Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort (S.C.), MCAS Cherry Point (N.C.), MCAS Miramar (Calif.), Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune/MCAS New River (N.C.), MCB Camp Pendleton (Calif.), MCBH Kaneohe Bay ( Hawaii ), MCB Quantico (Va.), MCRD Parris Island (S.C.) Camp Allen (Va.), (Va.), Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (Calif.), Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort (S.C.), MCAS Cherry Point (N.C.), MCAS Miramar (Calif.), Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune/MCAS New River (N.C.), MCB Camp Pendleton (Calif.), MCBH Kaneohe Bay ( ), MCB Quantico (Va.), MCRD Parris Island (S.C.) Army & Air Force Exchange Service: Fort McCoy (Wis.), Fort Jackson (S.C.), Shaw Air Force Base (S.C.), Fort Knox (Ky.), MacDill Air Force Base (Fla.), Ellsworth Air Force Base (S.D.), Andrews Air Force Base (Md.), Fort Belvoir (Va.), Nellis Air Force Base (Nev.) Fort McCoy (Wis.), Fort Jackson (S.C.), Shaw Air Force Base (S.C.), Fort Knox (Ky.), MacDill Air Force Base (Fla.), Ellsworth Air Force Base (S.D.), Andrews Air Force Base (Md.), Fort Belvoir (Va.), Nellis Air Force Base (Nev.) Navy Exchange Service Command: NEX San Diego (Calif.), NEX North Island (Calif.), NEX Pearl Harbor ( Hawaii ), NEX Fallon (Nev.), NEX Jacksonville (Fla.), NEX Key West (Fla.) Military Support Enterprise has a strong track record of supporting a variety of U.S. government agencies. The company was awarded the car rental industry's very first General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule Contract to provide supplemental rental vehicles in 2006. Enterprise is also a provider of vehicle rental services under the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) Official Government Travel Program. These partnerships continue the longstanding relationship with the U.S. government that goes back to Enterprise's founding. In fact, the company is named after the USS Enterprise (CV-6), one of the aircraft carriers Enterprise founder Jack Taylor served on as a U.S. Navy pilot during World War II. The USS Enterprise is widely recognized as the most decorated warship in U.S. military history. Today, Enterprise Holdings' support of the military and their families focuses on three key areas recruitment and hiring, local operations, and community relations. Enterprise has been named a Military Friendly Employer from the publisher of G.I. Jobs magazine for the past four years, Top Veteran-Friendly Company by U.S. Veterans Magazine, "Best for Vets: Employers" by the Military Times publishing organization and Most Valuable Employer for Military by CivilianJobs.com. Currently, military veterans and members of the Guard and Reserves make up more than 10 percent of Enterprise's total U.S. workforce. Enterprise Holdings also honors current and former military personnel through charitable contributions. In 2017, the Enterprise Rent-A-Car Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Enterprise Rent-A-Car brand, renewed its initial three-year, $3 million commitment to the Fisher House Foundation with a second three-year, $3 million donation. Fisher House is a nonprofit organization that provides no-cost lodging to the families of veterans receiving treatment at military medical centers. For more information on Enterprise Holdings' military heritage, visit careers.enterprise.com/military-veterans-jobs. About Enterprise Holdings Enterprise Holdings through its integrated global network of independent regional subsidiaries and franchises operates the Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car brands at more than 10,000 fully staffed neighborhood and airport locations. Combined, Enterprise Holdings and its affiliate Enterprise Fleet Management accounted for $24.1 billion in revenue and owned 2 million vehicles throughout the world in fiscal year 2018. Enterprise Holdings' regional subsidiaries and Enterprise Fleet Management currently employ 100,000 worldwide. Enterprise Holdings currently is ranked as one of America's Largest Private Companies. Furthermore, if it were publicly traded, Enterprise Holdings would rank on Fortune's list of the 500 largest American public companies. SOURCE Enterprise Holdings Related Links http://www.enterpriseholdings.com San Francisco, Nov 9 : Google CEO Sundar Pichai has said the company has worked out a new comprehensive policy to address diversity and sexual harassment that became a great concern of Google employees. In an email to Google workers, Pichai on Thursday admitted that Google has "not always gotten everything right in the past," for which he felt "sincerely" sorry and vowed to make some changes, Xinhua news agency reported. Pichai's disclosure came after over 20,000 Google employees worldwide walked out last week in protest of sexual harassment at the company and its improper handling of sexual misbehaviour allegations against top executives. Google "will provide more transparency on how we handle concerns. We'll give better support and care to the people who raise them," said the Google CEO. He said Google will take more powerful steps to address sexual harassment, including making arbitration optional for individual sexual harassment and sexual assault claims. "We're revamping the way we handle and look into your concerns... we will update and expand our mandatory sexual harassment training," he said. "We will double down on our commitment to be a representative, equitable, and respectful workplace," Pichai promised. The new policy changes unveiled by Google have virtually met most of the requirements by Google protesters, except the one that demanded a place for an employee representative on the company's board. Organisers of last week's massive protests called for more transparency in handling sexual harassment, employee empowerment, and inequality over pay and work opportunities. The global walkout spread to many countries in Europe, North America and Asia, including Britain, Singapore, Japan, Germany, and Google's headquarters in Mountain View in northern California. London, Nov 9 : The heir to the British throne, Prince Charles, has said in a birthday interview he will not be a meddling king when he replaces his mom, Queen Elizabeth II. Charles, who as the monarch's eldest son is the Prince of Wales, is about to celebrate his 70th birthday on November 14, and made the comment in a media interview, Xinhua news agency reported on Friday. He has a reputation of making his views known on a range of subjects ranging from architecture, the environment, climate change to natural health remedies such as homeopathy. In a documentary for the BBC, the prince said he will stop speaking out on topics he feels strongly about when he becomes king, adding that "he is not that stupid". Prince Charles said the idea he would continue making interventions as king was nonsense, adding he would have to operate within constitutional parameters. Queen Elizabeth never comments on political matters, though what she says at her regular meetings with serving prime ministers is never reported or publicly disclosed. According to the BBC, in the documentary, Prince Charles was asked about his campaigning, which some people described as "meddling". Documentary film-maker John Bridcut, who followed the prince for 12 months, said Prince Charles "bridled a bit" at the use of the word "meddling" and instead preferred to think of his interventions as "motivating". The heir to the throne said: "If it's meddling to worry about the inner cities as I did 40 years ago, then if that's meddling I'm proud of it." He added the roles of Prince of Wales and king were completely separate. New Delhi, Nov 9 : President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday greeted the people of Uttarakhand on their Statehood Day. "Greetings and best wishes to the people of Uttarakhand on foundation day. May the state continue to prosper and develop in the years to come," the President tweeted. Greeting the people of Devbhumi (God's land), Modi tweeted in Hindi: "The confluence of nature, progress and rich culture will continue to establish new records on the path of development." After a long-drawn agitation, Uttarakhand was carved out of Uttar Pradesh as the 27th state under the Bharatiya Janata Party government on this day in 2000. San Francisco, Nov 9 : Google has finally confirmed that dark mode on Android phones uses less power and saves battery life. "Google revealed a bit of information on how your smartphone spends its battery life. They did this at this week's Android Dev Summit, speaking to developers about what they can do in their apps to avoid consuming massive amounts of battery life. "But this isn't just about that. This is about the biggest factor in battery consumption: screen brightness! And not only that, but screen colour, too," Slash Gear reported late Thursday. Dark mode essentially changes the overall colour theme of an operating system (OS) or applications to the colour black. During the presentation, the Internet giant added how dark mode can use 43 per cent less power at full brightness than "normal mode" in the YouTube app which traditionally uses a lot of white, according to Business Insider. The tech giant reportedly acknowledged its mistake of encouraging app developers to use the colour white for their applications, including its own apps. Since the inception of Google's "Material Design" initiative, the company had been pushing for the use of colour white, thus, encouraging designers to use white as their primary colour for all apps and interfaces. Kolkata, Nov 9 : Over a month after taking over the West Bengal Pradesh Congress presidency once again, veteran leader Somen Mitra says the party high command has kept the door open for an electoral alliance in the state for the 2019 general elections. But this alliance would not at the cost of its ideology or internal unity. Amid speculation about the Congress aligning either with the state's ruling Trinamool Congress or the opposition Left Front in the general election, Mitra said he preferred contesting the polls alone as that would help assess the party's strength in the state, but would abide by the Congress high command's decision. "Congress cannot be a parasite; it is always a banyan tree. If a coalition happens, we will not act in a way that would compromise the party's image and ideology. I prefer fighting the elections alone. It would help us assess our strength," Mitra, known for his organisational acumen, told IANS in an interview. He said Congress President Rahul Gandhi has asked the state leadership to ensure the party stands on its own feet. "He has told us no political adjustments will be allowed by compromising the party's internal unity...I am no one to decide about the alliance during 2019 elections. However, the AICC has kept the options open," he said. "I am part of an all-India party. So we will go by whatever the party high command decides," aded the 76-year-old leader, who took over as state Congress president in September after a gap of two decades. Mitra pointed out that the Congress' electoral understanding with the Left Front for the 2016 assembly polls did not work. "During our alliance with the Left, we failed to send across the message to the people. Two forces that had fought each other for 34 years (during LF rule from 1977-2011) , suddenly became friends three months before the elections. Everyone felt it was a marriage of convenience," he said. Mitra, who joined the Congress in the 1960s and acquired the image of a firebrand leader, is a seven-time legislator from Sealdah. He rose to become the state Congress chief in 1992, but resigned in 1998 in the wake of the party's decimation in the Lok Sabha polls. In 2008, however, Mitra left the Congress, and formed the Pragatisheel Indira Congress, which merged with the Trinamool -- led by his erstwhile rival Mamata Banerjee -- in 2009. Mitra became a Trinamool MP, but resigned in 2014 and returned to the Congress. While the Trinamool has declared its aim of winning all the 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state and the BJP has set a target of bagging 22 seats, Mitra refused to hazard a guess about the numbers. "I am not an astrologer. I cannot predict the number of seats," he said. Admitting that the Congress had become weaker in Bengal amid the rise of rightist forces like the BJP, Mitra, affectionately called "Chhorda" (youngest elder brother) by the Congress rank and file, claimed building a strong connect between the workers at the grassroots level and the party leadership can stop the erosion. "There has been a major shift towards rightist forces in Bengal politics. So, naturally the Congress has become weaker here. Again, many leaders were forced to leave the party out of fear as they came under immense political and administrative pressure from the ruling party. In some places, Congress has even become non-existent," Mitra admitted. "The first thing that is needed is to revamp the party infrastructure. However, it is easier said than done. But if we can create a solid connect between the activists at the grassroot level and the party leadership then this erosion can be stopped to a large extent. We are currently working on that," he contended. According to Mitra, the BJP's meteoric rise in Bengal over the past few years and the politics of minority appeasement by the Trinamool Congress have significantly shrunk the secular space and fuelled a religious sentiment that was unthinkable in the state even a decade ago. "We never thought the BJP would get more than 5-6 percent vote here. But they have now emerged as a formidable opposition. It is definitely a matter of concern. It has certainly impacted the Congress' support base. But the impact is not just on political parties but on the whole state," he said. "If the ruling party in the state constantly pampers a particular community, naturally the other community's sentiments get hurt. This is what is happening here. Religious sentiment is on the rise which was unthinkable in Bengal's history. The ruling party and its actions are somewhat responsible for it," he added. He also accused Trinamool of "playing with fire" by trying to split the opposition votes and claimed that its action would eventually come back to haunt the party. (Milinda Ghosh Roy can be contacted at milinda.r@ians.in ) New Delhi, Nov 9 : Popular south Indian actress Nithya Menen says she is against sexual harassment and that she has a different way of countering it. She chose not be a part of a grouping as she prefers to fight it "silently". Last February, an actress had been kidnapped and assaulted in Kochi. Then it emerged that the abduction was allegedly masterminded by Malayalam superstar Dileep. Later, actresses like Parvathy and women behind the scenes such as director Anjali Menon got together to launch the Women in Cinema Collective to identify the problems faced by women in the Malayalam film industry and explore ways to address them. Nithya, who has starred in Malayalam films like "Akasha Gopuram", "Apoorvaragam" and "Ustad Hotel", was not a part of it. In a previous interview, she had stated that she had never faced sexual harassment. But after reading about women from Malayalam cinema getting assaulted and some of her fraternity members forming a collective, didn't she feel like joining them? "I completely understand the thing that people are facing. I do everything possible to counter it. Just because I am not doing it one way, doesn't mean that I am not countering those things or I am not against it. I am, but I have a different approach," Nithya replied after a long pause during a telephonic interview with IANS. "I believe that my way is only through my work. The way that I work and the kind of things that I do, the way that I approach people when I am working... all of this gives a strong message to people that I am working with, and to people who are watching my films. "I have the same view as everybody else, but I prefer doing it my way. I don't think that somebody is doing anything wrong or I don't want to be a part of it. I am very much part of it. It's just that I have a different way of countering the whole thing," she added in the interview from Thiruvananthapuram, where she will be shooting for the upcoming Malayalam film "Kolambi". Will she walk out of a film if someone from it gets accused of sexual misconduct? "Absolutely, and I have," said the young actress without naming the film. "I do it, but I do it silently. I have said 'no' to a film because of something like that," said Nithya. She has many films lined up, including "Mission Mangal" which will mark her debut in Bollywood. Director Jagan Shakti and producer R. Balki had called her, saying: "We would love you to play a scientist in a really interesting film that we are doing. They also told me that (actor) Akshay Kumar was keen on me being a part of the film," she said. "In the past also, I was offered plenty of Hindi films. I just wanted to be as choosy with Hindi as I was with films in other languages that I have done. I wanted it (debut Hindi film) to be a really nice film. I found this a nice character. I don't think we have done a film like this... you know, a space film," said Nithya, who made her debut as a lead actress with Kannada film "7 O'Clock" over a decade ago. The upcoming film, for which she will begin shooting from November-end in Mumbai and Bengaluru, will also star actresses like Taapsee Pannu, Sonakshi Sinha and Vidya Balan. "I don't think 'Is it just me? Am I the central character?' I always look at the bigger picture. I don't look at it as something that's only for me. I look at it from the movie's perspective -- is it a good film? Would I want to watch the film?" Vidya and Nithya will also be seen together in a biopic on the legendary actor-politician NT Rama Rao. "I met her (Vidya) at the shoot of NTR's biopic. We have one scene together. She said she had watched my films 'OK Kanmani' and 'Bangalore Days'," said Nithya. Nithya will star in another biopic, playing late politician Jayalalitha in "The Iron Lady". "I am doing so many other films before that. I am doing another Malayalam film about a national level athlete. It's going to be like 'Dangal'. After that only, I will be getting into the biopic," she said. "The film on Jayalalitha is very heavy. I was very impressed when the film's director Priyadarshini came with the film to me. She was so focussed. I told her that if we are doing a biopic, we should ensure complete justice to the character. She was going in the right direction and was extremely confident. I am really looking forward to do that film. That will be interesting to explore as an artiste," she said. (Natalia Ningthoujam can be contacted at natalia.n@ians.in ) Rome, Nov 9 : Italian Parliament has come out in support of Asia Bibi, a Pakistani Christian woman acquitted of blasphemy, and sought protection for her and her family. The Foreign Affairs Committee of Italy's lower house of Parliament on Thursday unanimously approved a resolution calling for protection for Asia Bibi. "In backing this resolution, the Italian Parliament has demonstrated its support for international efforts and to the serious and constructive commitment of Italy's government towards a positive outcome to these events," said committee chairwoman Marta Grande. Asia Bibi was released from jail in Multan, Pakistan, on Thursday following her acquittal of blasphemy last week by the Supreme Court after eight years on death row. Asia Bibi's husband Ashiq Masih had said the family was in danger from Islamists and pleaded for asylum. Several Western countries are understood to have held discussions with Asia Bibi's family about granting them asylum. Masih has reportedly asked the Italian government for help. Jagdalpur (Chhattisgarh), Nov 9 : Kickstarting his election campaign in Chhattisgarh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday accused the Congress of sympathising with Maoists and calling them "revolutionary" and ruining the lives of tribals. "You people must have seen the Urban Maoists, seated in air-conditioned rooms in cities, who look good, are in good company and enjoy status. Their children study abroad," he told a public rally here ahead of the first phase of the two-phase election in the state on Monday. "But while seated there, through remote control, they ruin the lives of the tribal children here," the Prime Minister said, adding that a bunch of such people were contesting elections this time. Modi accused the Congress of supporting the Urban Maoists with statements and said: "If the government acts against them, then you (Congress) try to save them." Modi said that when the Congress comes to Chhattisgarh, "they speak about freeing the state from Maoists". "Should we forgive such people? Those who ruin your life, should we forgive them?" Modi asked the crowd. Slamming the Congress for describing the Maoist as revolutionary, Modi said: "A cameraman from Doordarshan news named Achutyanand Sahu was killed here a few days ago. "He had come with a camera and not a gun. He came to share your dreams to the world through his camera but he was killed by Maoists. Three of our troopers were also killed by the Maoists here. But shamefully the Congress calls them revolutionary," he alleged. "What kind of language they are speaking. The country will never forgive them. They are only speaking lies and misleading the people of the country," he said. Modi also targeted the Congress for considering the tribals, marginalised and Dalits as their vote bank and said they don't consider them as "humans". He said the Congress, despite ruling the country for long, never thought of a tribal ministry. "It was late Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee who made a separate tribal ministry and made a separate budget for them," Modi said. The Prime Minister pointed out that before he came to power in 2014, for 10 years, the Congress ruled the Centre. "They did not pay any attention towards the needs of Chhattisgarh. They never thought of the region's progress. They tried to halt the work of development in the state. "But despite all obstacles, (Chief Minister) Raman Singh has brought development to the state," he said. In the last four years, the state had got funds that were not given in 10 years. Speaking about the time when Madhya Pradesh was ruled by the Congress and when Chhattisgarh was its part, Modi said: "Everyone knew what the people had to suffer. The Congress never thought about the aspirations of the people. "We are sparing no efforts to develop Bastar. We are making efforts to enhance the quality of life of people here." In an apparent jibe at Congress President Rahul Gandhi, Modi said: "Those who were born with golden spoon never understood the problems of tribals." The first phase of Assembly elections in Chhattisgarh will see polling in 18 seats in eight Maoist-affected districts. The ruling BJP had lost 12 of the 18 seats in the 2013 Assembly polls. The remaining 72 constituencies will go to polls in the second phase on November 20. San Francisco, Nov 9 : Some 30,000 people were evacuated after a wildfire broke out in California and engulfed houses and public buildings such as churches and schools in the town of Paradise. The blaze named "Camp Fire" has burnt more than 8,000 hectares in less than 24 hours since it began on Thursday morning and continues to grow because of the dryness of the terrain and strong winds in the area, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Calfire). No casualties have been reported yet but there are several people missing while some people have suffered serious burns, reports Efe news. Evacuation orders were given on Thursday in the small towns of Pulga, Magalia and Concow in Butte County, as well as in the town of Paradise, with a population of about 26,000, and in the rural areas of Butte Creek Canyon and Butte Valley. In the early hours of Friday, local authorities issued evacuation orders for parts of Chico, which has a population of 90,000, as flames were moving towards the city. The area is about 140 km from state capital Sacramento and about 280 km from the San Francisco Bay area, where the smoke from the fire is visible. The fire spread rapidly through very dry terrain, helped by strong winds of up to 80 km per hour. Acting Governor of California, Gavin Newsom, requested the federal government for a presidential emergency declaration for physical and financial resources for the affected area. Serious fires in California are increasingly frequent and violent, as evidenced by the fact that four of the five most destructive fires in the state's history have occurred in the past six years, according to official records dating back to 1932. In September, firefighters finally contained the Mendocino Complex fire, active since July and considered the largest in California's history. Mumbai, Nov 9 : Key equity indices settled lower on Friday despite a sharp rebound in the domestic currency and a decline in global crude oil prices, as investors turned cautious ahead of key state assembly elections this month and the next. The rupee climbed 36 paise to Rs 72.64 per US dollar, prompting investors to sell export-dependent stocks. The S&P BSE IT fell 1.12 per cent. Metals, realty and energy counters also came under a heavy selling pressure. However, the financials managed to cling on to their gains, howsoever meagre. The benchmark Brent Crude also slipped below the $71 a barrel mark. "The benchmark Brent crude hit a 7-month low of $70.07 a barrel earlier today," Anuj Gupta, Deputy Vice President, Angel Broking told IANS. "The market is lacklustre due to a lack of FII inflow and uncertainty ahead of elections," he added. The Sensex fell 79.13 points to 35,158.55. It had opened at 35,258.13 from its previous close of 35,237.68. It touched an intra-day high of 35,287.29 and a low of 35,011.23. The NSE Nifty closed 15 points lower at 10,582.90. Manila, Nov 9 : A Philippine anti-graft court on Friday sentenced former First Lady Imelda Marcos to at least 42 years in prison after she was found guilty of graft for creating private foundations in Switzerland and having "financial interests" in companies while in office from 1968 to 1986. Neither Imelda Marcos nor any of her lawyers were present during the promulgation of the decision, reports Xinhua news agency. The Sandiganbayan court also ordered the arrest of the 89-year-old widow of ousted Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos for violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. Imelda Marcos, nicknamed the "Iron Butterfly", was sentenced to a minimum of six years and one month to a maximum of 11 years for each of the seven counts of the graft. The court barred Marcos from holding public office as part of the sentence. The Office of the Ombudsman filed the 10 graft cases in 1991. The court acquitted her in three counts of graft. The court said Imelda had "financial interest" in the seven Swiss foundations they created pegged to amount to $200 million. Imelda was Minister of Human Settlements from 1976 to 1986 and concurrent Metro Manila governor from 1978 to 1984. The court said Imelda, now a member of the Philippine House of Representatives, can have a provisional liberty if she posts a cash bond while appealing the conviction. Imelda is running for governor in Ilocos Norte, a province in the northern tip of the Philippines' main Luzon Island, in the 2019 midterm elections. She can still appeal the conviction. Imelda is known for her ostentatious lifestyle, her thousands of expensive shoes and her collection of jewelry. Ferdinand Marcos was elected as the president of the Philippines in 1965, but declared martial law in 1972 heralding a dictatorial regime. Millions of Filipinos took to the streets in February 1986, deposing Marcos and his wife Imelda. The Marcoses were forced to flee to Hawaii where the elder Marcos died in 1989. Imelda returned to the Philippines in 1992 and campaigned for the presidency, but lost it. However, in 1995, Imelda won election to the House of Representatives, representing the first district in her home province of Leyte. The Philippine government is fighting dozens of suits abroad to claim art and property owned by Ferdinand Marcos and his cronies. New Delhi, Nov 9 : India on Friday said its participation, albeit at a non-official level, at a meeting on peace process in Afghanistan in Moscow, where the Taliban are also in attendance, is in line with New Delhi's policy towards the strife-torn South Asian nation. "There are two-three things here," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said at a media briefing here. "One is that we fully support peace and reconciliation efforts in Afghanistan," Kumar said. "(it is) to preserve unity and plurality, to bring security, peace and prosperity in the country. "The third important priority, which we have been repeatedly emphasising, and which is India's consistent policy, is that India will support any effort which is Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled and also with the participation of the government of Afghanistan." Stressing that India is doing nothing out of compulsion, Kumar said: "Whatever effort is made which we feel will continue the process, and which is consistent with our policy on Afghanistan, I think we will participate in that process". Amar Sinha, former Secretary in the External Affairs Ministry who also served as India's Ambassador to Afghanistan, and T.C.A. Raghavan, former Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan, are representing New Delhi at the talks in Moscow on Friday. This is the first time that India is sharing the talks table with the Afghan Taliban on issues of peace and stability in Afghanistan. The Indian move comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to New Delhi last month for the annual bilateral summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A joint statement issued following the summit said that both India and Russia supported the Afghan government's efforts towards the realisation of an Afghan-led, and Afghan-owned national peace reconciliation process. "Concerned with unabated violence, the (two) sides resolved to work through the Moscow Format, SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation) Contact Group on Afghanistan, and all other recognised formats for an early resolution to the conflict in Afghanistan," the statement said. New Delhi and Moscow also resolved to launch joint development and capacity building projects in Afghanistan. Russia sent invitations for what is called the Moscow Format talks to Afghanistan, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, the US and the Afghan Taliban. Colombo, Nov 9 : Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena dissolved Parliament late on Friday amid a political crisis that erupted in the island nation since October 26, local media reported. Sirisena signed a special gazette notification, dissolving the Parliament from Saturday , Xinhua quoting a report said. The island nation has been facing a political turmoil since October 26, when President Sirisena dissolved his cabinet and sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and appointed former president Mahinda Rajapakse to the post. Wickremesinghe, who called his sudden dismissal illegal, has urged Parliament to convene immediately to prove his majority in the 225-member unicameral chamber. President Sirisena suspended Parliament till November 14. Lucknow, Nov 9 : Bharatiya Janata Party lawmaker in Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Som created a flutter on Friday when he said the state government will soon be changing names of many other cities in the state after Allahabad was named Prayagraj and Faizabad, Ayodhya. The firebrand BJP leader said there has been a "long-pending demand of people to change the names of various districts" and revert to their original names. "There will be changes (in the name of) of many other cities in the state," he said while adding that Muzaffarnagar, which was named after Nawab Muzaffar Ali, will be changed to Laxminagar soon. Som is a legislator from Sardhana in western UP. He said the Yogi Adityanath government was trying to correct the "distortion done by the Mughal rulers who plundered the country and harmed the Hindus". "We are only trying to restore the lost culture," he said. Bengaluru, Nov 9 : Security has been stepped up across Karnataka in view of the birthday celebration (Jayanti) of the erstwhile Mysuru ruler Tipu Sultan on Saturday by the ruling coalition partner Congress despite protests by the opposition BJP. "We have tightened security across the state and deployed additional forces in Bengaluru, Mysuru, Kodagu and Mangaluru for peaceful celebration of Tipu Jayanti," a police officer told reporters on Friday. The other alliance partner, the Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S), is staying away from the state-sponsored event, as evident from the absence of its Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy's name in the official invitation. The Chief Minister's office clarified that Kumaraswamy would be taking rest for three days from Saturday on the advice of his doctors. "Kumaraswamy will spend time with his family on these three days and there will be no official engagements till November 11," said an official statement. Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara of the Congress will inaugurate the Jayanti at the state secretariat in the city centre in the presence of special invitees and dignitaries, including cabinet ministers from Congress side. The Congress began celebrating the birth anniversary of the 18th century controversial ruler on November 10 since 2015 to honour him as a patriot and for his yeoman service to the people in the southern region. Eldest son of Sultan Hyder Ali, Tipu (1750-1799) is also hailed as the 'Tiger of Mysore' for fighting against the British East India Company to protect and enlarge his kingdom. Tipu was killed in a battle with the British army in 1799 while defending his fort at Srirangapatna near Mysuru, about 120km from Bengaluru. Accusing the Congress of indulging in appeasement of minorities for vote-bank politics, the BJP said it was opposed to the celebration of a tyrant, who allegedly killed hundreds of Hindus and Christians in his kingdom. "We are opposing Tipu Jayanti. Nobody will appreciate this celebration. In the interest of the state, the sate government must stop it. Government's intention behind celebration is to satisfy the Muslim community," tweeted BJP's state unit president B.S. Yeddyurappa. Defending the celebration, Parameshwara said Tipu was a patriot who fought against the British and protect the people from the invaders. "I have directed the police to maintain law and order and ensure peaceful celebration. Pro and anti-Tipu Jayanti processions will not be allowed. The event will be held only in community halls and auditoriums," said Parameshwara, who also holds the Home portfolio. Lucknow, Nov 9 : Former Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) Mukul Upadhyaya on Friday alleged that the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati had sought money to give him the Lok Sabha ticket from Aligarh, a charge refuted by the BSP. Hours after he was expelled from the party, he said the four-time chief minister had sought Rs 5 crore to give him the party ticket. The former BSP leader is the younger brother of senior party leader and former power minister Ramveer Upadhyaya. The former MLC has also alleged that his brother plotted against him for political ambition. He also threatened to "expose" his brother and other BSP bigwigs. He also claimed that Ramveer Upadhyaya wanted to get the Aligarh Lok Sabha ticket of the party for his wife Seema and therefore conspired against him. The rebel leader also alleged that party coordinators had asked him a few days back to deposit Rs 5 crore for the party fund in lieu of the Aligarh parliamentary constituency ticket. The big infighting in the Upadhya clan has jolted people in western Uttar Pradesh. Four brothers of Upadhyaya are in active politics while the other two work for the state government. The BSP has trashed the allegations and said that the party had expelled him because he was trying to defect to the Bharatiya Janata Party. Chief zonal coordinator of the BSP for Agra-Aligarh division Sunil Chittor clarified to reporters that Upadhyaya was "rattled" by his expulsion and was making wild and baseless allegations. Scandic has signed an agreement to establish a new hotel in Kirunas new city center. The hotel property will be owned by Swedish mining company LKAB and built by Skanska. The new hotel will be Kirunas largest, with 230 rooms, a restaurant and Kirunas first sky bar. The project is [] Downsizing Jan Logan, who recently celebrated 28 years as one of Australia's most sought-after jewellers, has snappily sold her Paddington terrace. The three level terrace has been her home since paying $533,000 in 1993. Denise Cameron at Raine & Horne had it listed in conjunction with Georgia Cleary at BradfieldCleary who expected around $3 million. Logan, born in outback Narrabri, opened her first boutique in Double Bay in 1989 after having gone into business with Narrabri's main jeweller. This article first appeared in The Daily Telegraph. DomaCom have been selected by developers CWP Renewables and Partners Group as their partner to implement the community co-investment initiative of Sapphire Wind Farm in rural New South Wales. The Sapphire Wind Farm, in Kingsland New England in Northern New South Wales, will be an Australian first for its community co-investment. DomaCom's fractional property platform will allow local community members to invest alongside institutional investors. The platform allows multiple investors to aggregate their investments into an asset, typically a real estate asset, but now also renewable energy projects. Andrew Dickson at CWP Renewables, the company behind developing and constructing the wind farm, said DomaCom is a great fir for the community co-investment initiative. "Their online platform makes it very easy for people to establish and manage their investment," Dickson said, adding that after testing the community's interest late last year, he was surprised with the level of interest. With over $7.3m of pledges received so far from the local community, we are pleased to now be delivering on our promise to the community, to open up the project for co-investment. Ross Laidlaw from DomaCom said the company are excited about the partnership. We are very excited to be partnering with CWP Renewables and Partners Group in the Community Co-Investment Sapphire Wind Farm. DomaCom has been a pioneer in fractional investment in Australia now in its 5th year of operation. "The Sapphire Wind Farm Community Fund is a clear demonstration of the vision of DomaCom taking large institutional assets and breaking them down into fractional components to allow retail investors to obtain exposure to an asset class not previously available. Construction of the wind farm began in January, and the final turbine was installed in October. Ben Haan from Partners Group, the investment fund manager that co-owns the project, said community investment is integral to the business. "What we are pioneering at Sapphire will be applied to future Grassroots projects, allowing our communities to share the benefits and to invest in Australias renewable energy future," Haan said. For more information on DomaCom click here. The 116th Congress will have new opportunities to address an issue that enjoys strong bipartisan support and impacts Americans across the country. Telehealth allows Congress and the Administration to work together to improve Americans access to healthcare and plays a critical role in solving public health crises, including the opioid epidemic. Members of the American Telemedicine Association (ATA) are eager to build on recent successes, including multiple bipartisan legislative and regulatory initiatives that support the ATA's goals. Thanks to H.R. 6, the bipartisan opioids legislation passed into law last month, people with substance use disorders will have access to medication-assisted treatment and other substance use disorder services remotely using telehealth. Earlier this year, Congress worked to include provisions in the Bipartisan Budget Act (BBA), which CMS is now implementing, to allow Medicare patients access to telestroke and end stage renal disease (ESRD)-related clinical assessments via telehealth. Also due to the BBA, telehealth will be more available in Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) and Medicare Advantage plans. Lastly, CMS has recently finalized rules to expand access to virtual check-ins and remote evaluation, without the traditional restrictions imposed by section 1834(m) of the Social Security Act. We still face statutory and regulatory barriers at the federal and state levels that hold us back from providing the full range of services we believe are necessary to advance healthcare for Americans. However, ATA members are working every day to increase access to technology-enabled care. We're hoping to leverage legislative and regulatory progress as we continue to break down barriers that prevent the use of technology to reduce health disparities and improve health outcomes. About the American Telemedicine Association (ATA) Established in 1993, ATA is a non-profit, membership-based association located in the greater Washington, DC area. Comprised of a membership network of more than 10,000 industry leaders and healthcare professionals, ATA is the leading telehealth association helping to transform healthcare by improving the quality, equity, and affordability of healthcare delivery throughout the world. To learn more about ATA, visit http://www.americantelemed.org. Integr8 Industry 4.0 Conference The Smart Technology Expo brings the future of manufacturing to life today, with forward thinking companies eager to explain how their new technologies help manufacturers strategically adopt Industry 4.0 practices and approaches, Tom Kelly, Automation Alley CEO, said. Automation Alley, Michigans Industry 4.0 knowledge center and the states leading technology and manufacturing business association, is pleased to announce additional details about its second annual Integr8 global Industry 4.0 conference taking place in Detroit on Wednesday, November 14. The conference is focused on the eight core technologies of Industry 4.0: the Industrial Internet of Things, robotics, artificial intelligence, Big Data, cloud computing, cybersecurity, advanced materials and additive manufacturing, and modeling, simulation, visualization and immersion. Joining the speaker line-up are representatives from national and global companies including: -Accenture -Fraunhofer USA -General Motors -Google -Kelly Services -Magna International -Robert Bosch LLC -Steelcase -Whirlpool Helena Leurent, Head of Shaping the Future of Manufacturing and Production and Member of the Executive Committee - World Economic Forum, will present the lunchtime keynote address. A complete speaker line-up can be viewed at https://integr8conference.com/allspeakers. . Integr8 breakout sessions include: Artificial Intelligence Think, Reason, Proceed: Removing Bottlenecks and Barriers with Artificial Intelligence Big Data Big Data from Big Machines: Using Analytics to Improve Availability, Performance and Security Cloud Computing Moving Zettabytes: Revolutionizing Networks for Industry 4.0 Industrial Internet of Things Industry 4.0 Journey/Lessons Learned/Provider and Lead User Viewpoints; Maximize Your OEE with IIOT Modeling Simulation, Visualization and Immersion- Smart Connected Test Labs: Accelerating Concepts to Production; Inception: Making Dreams a Reality through MSV Logistics -Delivered! The Digital Thread in Your Supply Chain Robotics Not Your Fathers Automation Workforce - #DitchtheScript: Designing Talent Strategies to Meet the Future of Work A complete list of breakout sessions can be viewed at https://integr8conference.com/schedule/breakoutsessions. Additionally, Fraunhofer USAs Germany Innovates - Beyond Industry 4.0 - Life-Long Learning Careers event will take place at Integr8 in partnership with the Fraunhofer Academy and Automation Alley. It is part of the Year of German-American Friendship initiative in 2018/19. The Year of German-American Friendship is a comprehensive and collaborative initiative of the Federal Foreign Office, the Goethe-Institute, and with support of the Federation of German Industries (BDI), highlighting the decades-long relationship grounded in common values, interests, and goals. Recently added to the event, keynote speaker Helena Laurent will join Rodney Rusk, Industry 4.0 business leader for Bosch Rexroth, Carrie Uhl, vice president of purchasing and supply chain for Magna International, and Automation Alley CEO and Executive Director Tom Kelly for an engaging discussion moderated by an Accenture executive on how Michigan can win the global Industry 4.0 battle by creating a stronger supply chain through integrated technology between OEMs, Tier 1 and other tiered suppliers. Also taking place at Integr8 is the MEDC Smart Technology Expo, showcasing Industry 4.0 technologies shaping the manufacturing industry. All conference attendees will be able to engage with technologies critical to the advancement of Industry 4.0, including robots and augmented reality. A list of exhibitors and sponsors can be found here. The Smart Technology Expo provides a hands-on experience for conference attendees that helps visualize manufacturing in the emerging smart factory era, according to Automation Alleys Tom Kelly. The Smart Technology Expo brings the future of manufacturing to life today, with forward thinking companies eager to explain how their new technologies help manufacturers strategically adopt Industry 4.0 practices and approaches, Kelly said. For registration information on Integr8 and Integr8 Luminate, a strolling dinner and cocktail VIP reception on November 13 at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center, visit integr8conference.com. Sponsorships for Integr8 are still available. For a complete list of sponsors and to learn about sponsorship opportunities, please visit https://integr8conference.com/allsponsors. About Automation Alley Automation Alley is a nonprofit technology and manufacturing business association and Michigan's Industry 4.0 knowledge center, with a global outlook and a regional focus. We connect industry, academia and government to fuel Michigan's economy and accelerate innovation. We offer programs and services in business growth, entrepreneurship, talent development, defense and international business, providing resources and knowledge to help our members grow and prosper in the digital age. The mission of Automation Alley is to position Michigan as a global leader in Industry 4.0 by helping our members increase revenue, reduce costs and think strategically during a time of rapid technological change. 2019 Hooters Calendar Girls and Military assembling care packages as part of Operation Calendar Drop. I love our country so much. It is important to let our Troops know we are thinking about them. I dont think we can ever show enough appreciation and gratitude, said 2019 Hooters Calendar Girl Rachael Swartz November kicks off the annual Operation Calendar Drop program at all Hooters restaurants. The program includes Hooters Calendar Girls assembling care packages for the Armed Forces to send overseas and guests of Hooters writing a personal note of thanks included with the calendar to send to our Troops. Operation Calendar Drops goal is to let our Armed Forces know we are thinking of them during the Holidays. Supporting our troops has a special place in the heart of Hooters Calendar Girls year round. For 2019 Hooters Calendar Girl Rachael Swartz the cause is extra special, as her husband is currently serving in the Air Force. I love our country so much. It is important to let our Troops know we are thinking about them. I dont think we can ever show enough appreciation and gratitude, said Swartz. Swartz, who has appeared in the calendar the last five years and placed as the runner-up in the Miss Hooters International Pageant, has been able to send her husband and his squad calendars in addition to the many branches of the Armed Forces. She is featured on this years calendar on the back cover. The Operation Calendar Drop initiative, provides a way for guests of Hooters Restaurants to purchase a 2019 Hooters Calendar and attach a personal note of thanks to our troops. Through Operation Calendar Drops partnership with Support The Troops http://www.supportthetroopsusa.org/ many of the Hooters Calendars are shipped in care packages to soldiers overseas. The care packages are assembled in Wesley Chapel Florida, six days a week, often by volunteers that are troops that are back and want to come help. Care package are sent to Special Forces at Operating Bases all over the world including Afghanistan, Iraq, Yemen, Jordan, Africa and the Far East and consists of items such as coffee, tooth brush, tooth paste, Girl Scout cookies, tube socks, wet wipes, candy and 15 of the 2019 Hooters Calendars. Since 2005, Operation Calendar Drop has distributed over 150,000 Hooters Calendars to our men and women stationed around the world. The 2019 Hooters Calendar features Miss Hooters International and Hooters Calendar cover girl Laiken Baumgartner from Georgia. There are also 12 feature girls from around the country and one calendar centerfold. Over 200 Hooters Girls from 6 Countries are in this years calendar. The calendars are also available online. For a full list of 2019 Hooters Calendar schedule of events or take part in Operation Calendar Drop visit, hooters.com/locations or follow Twitter.com/Hooters, Facebook.com/Hooters, Instagram.com/Hooters, Twitter.com/HootersCalendar, Facebook.com/HootersCalendar, Instagram.com/HootersCalendar. axle ai, Inc. is launching a funding round on SeedInvest axle ai has seen strong growth since our founding due to worldwide adoption of our radically simple software to search and manage video content, said Sam Bogoch, axle ais CEO. Weve found SeedInvest to be an ideal partner and are excited to welcome investors to be a part of our growing company. axle ai, Inc., a pioneering leader in video search and management software, today announced it is launching a funding round on SeedInvest, the leading crowdfunding platform. The site is live today at http://www.seedinvest.com/axle.ai/seed. As a result of the passage of the JOBS (Jumpstart Our Business Startups) Act in 2012, both accredited and non-accredited investors are able to invest in private companies. SeedInvest makes this possible in practice and axle ai is excited to welcome outside investments through the platform. axle ai has sold its intelligent video search and management software solutions to over 500 companies worldwide, from media conglomerates such as Turner, CBS and Paramount, to multinational corporations like REI, Reebok, Coca-Cola and Price Waterhouse Coopers. The software, leveraging the latest advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning, allows customers to tag, search, manage and collaborate with their media in ways that were previously too complex or cost-prohibitive. As video based content continues its global reach as an essential communications medium, axle ais software solutions provides content creators with a cost-effective and easy-to-use toolset to help manage their video creation process. axle ai has seen strong growth since our founding due to the continuing worldwide adoption of our radically simple software solutions for searching and managing video content, said Sam Bogoch, axle ais CEO. Weve found SeedInvest to be an ideal funding partner and are excited to welcome investors to be a part of our growing company. ### About axle ai, Inc. axle ai is the pioneer in developing radically simple video search and management software that takes full advantage of ongoing developments in artificial intelligence and machine learning. As social media drives massive growth in video capture and postproduction, axle ai uniquely addresses a burgeoning need and has caught on rapidly among video professionals in post-production, education, broadcast, corporate, sports, house of worship, non-profit, advertising-marketing, and government organizations worldwide. At its introduction, axle software was recognized with the IBC 2012 Best of Show award and at NAB 2013 with the prestigious DV Magazine Black Diamond and Post Picks awards. axle ai is a privately held company, based in Boston; its founders have extensive industry experience in media software for creative applications. Learn more at http://www.axle.ai. About Seedinvest SeedInvest is a leading equity crowdfunding platform that provides individual investors with access to pre-vetted startup investment opportunities. SeedInvest has funded over 150 startups and boasts a rapidly growing network of over 200,000 investors. SeedInvest has had over 25,000 startups apply to raise capital since inception and has only accepted 1% of those companies to feature on the platform. For more information, visit http://www.seedinvest.com. How to buy and sell a smart city - procurement models to make every city smart James Blackman, editor of Enterprise IoT Insights, commented: Smart cities are stuck in a procedural tangle as the market hammers out the terms for a new value exchange, which organises and calculates the softer returns the technology delivers." The problem with smart cities is no one wants to buy them. Because no one knows how to sell them. The technology is proven, but the commercial models are only just emerging. A new report, published this week by Enterprise IoT Insights, an Arden Media Company, publication, examines how city authorities and technology companies are coming together to fund smart city solutions. The report, entitled How to buy and sell a smart city - procurement models to make every city smart, considers both existing and future business models for smart cities. Limiting global warming will require rapid, far-reaching, and unprecedented changes in all aspects of society, according to the United Nations. Cities are at the crucible for this change. More than half the global population lives in cities; at least two thirds are expected to do so by 2050. To a greater extent, the worlds problems must be solved in the worlds cities. Digital technologies, reaching early maturity, can help. Technology presents cities with a chance to refine and redesign their operations. In the case of smart cities, the drugs do work, we are told; it is just the patient is reacting in new ways, and businesses cannot agree on a value and a cost for these new prescriptions. This new report from Enterprise IoT Insights seeks to address the ultimate challenge for smart cities, big and small, to deliver on the promise of technology: how to buy it in the first place. It tackles the same question for the vendor community, destined to shoulder the capital burden at the outset: how to sell it. James Blackman, editor of Enterprise IoT Insights, commented: Smart cities are stuck in a procedural tangle as the market hammers out the terms for a new value exchange, which organises and calculates the softer returns the technology delivers. This negotiation is happening between the gaps in commercial PPP arrangements. The work is urgent. Until the trade is resolved, progress will be dictated by state handouts and energy savings. The report is available here. A webinar to attend its release, featuring the City of Cardiff, as well as analyst house Navigant Research, and leading smart city vendors AT&T, Cisco, Cradlepoint, is available here. For more information on the funding and rollout of smart cities, explore the following pieces: About Arden Media Company Through RCR Wireless News, Enterprise IoT Insights and In-Building Tech, Arden Media Company has one of the industrys largest and most engaged communities of ICT decision makers. We offer a full list of turnkey lead generation and marketing programs, including editorial sponsorships, webinar, white paper syndication, trade show optimization, dedicated emails, custom written and video content, event product and talent acquisition. Since 1994, the Watoto Childrens Choirs have toured the world annually as advocates for the 18 million African children currently orphaned by AIDS. Experience the Choir! https://www.watoto.com/choir/ The choir of 18 orphans from Uganda will continue its six-month U.S. tour in the Pennsylvania, Maryland, Washington DC, and Virginia areas from November 10 through December 2, 2018 featuring a brand new concert, We Will Go! Since 1994, the Watoto Childrens Choirs have toured the world annually as advocates for the 18 million African children currently orphaned by AIDS. The experience of traveling on a choir helps the children to develop confidence and boldness, as well as broadening their worldview. Along with energetic singing and dancing, the children will share inspiring stories of how their lives have been changed and how they have been called into a life of purpose to transform their communities. The show is an expression of joy from children who have been rescued after losing one or both parents to live in one of three Watoto villages. Their stories are journeys from despair to hope and from fear to faith. Since 1994, Watoto Childrens Choirs have traveled the world, shining a light on the plight of Africas orphaned children. Each year, the choirs advocate for millions of African children currently orphaned by AIDS, poverty, and war. The children have performed before royalty and world leaders at venues including Buckingham Palace and the White House. The choirs are part of the leadership training program of Watoto Child Care Ministries, which currently cares for more than 3,000 children living in family settings rather than an institution. I am excited to be a part of We Will Go, said Esther Kahangi, who was abandoned at a hospital and rescued by Watoto as a premature baby and spent her first weeks in critical care. I know that I am a wonder because I am chosen by God as His child. What an extraordinary experience it is to see the Watoto Childrens Choir, said Brian Houston, Senior Pastor of Hillsong Church. It lights up the place to see these beautiful kids, and when you hear their stories and learn about where they have come from, you cant help but think of all God has done. The upcoming schedule of the Watoto Childrens Choir in the Pennsylvania, Maryland, Washington DC, and Virginia areas includes the following performances: PENNSYLVANIA: 10-NOV Philadelphia Church International at 5:00 PM 100 Sharon Avenue, Sharon Hill, PA 19079 Contact: 215-729-8225 11- NOV Grace Assembly of God at 10:00 AM 1271 W Bridge Street, Spring City, PA 19475 Contact: 610-495-5270 11- NOV Germantown Christian Assembly at 6:00 PM 610 E. Mt. Pleasant Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19119 Contact: 215-242-5550 MARYLAND: 13- NOV Virginia Avenue Church of God at 6:30 PM 17306 Virginia Avenue, Hagerstown, MD 21740 Contact: 301-582-2243 14- NOV The Church of St. Michael & All Angels at 7:00 PM 2013 St Paul Street, Baltimore, MD 21218 Contact: 410-685-3129 15- NOV First Alliance Church at 7:00 PM 14500 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20904 Contact: 240-593-7628 16- NOV Oakdale Church at 7:00 PM 3425 Emory Church Road, Olney, MD 20832 Contact: 301-774-2030 17- NOV Metropolitan SDA at 6:00 PM 6307 Riggs Road, Hyattsville, MD 20783 Contact: 301-853-2224 18- NOV Tabernacle Church at 11:00 AM 11601 S. Laurel Dr. Laurel, MD 20708 Contact: 301-490-3838 18- NOV United Christian Church at 7:00 PM 4610 W. Frankfort Drive, Rockville, MD 20853 Contact: 301-844-5513 WASHINGTON DC: 21- NOV Brighter Day Ministries at 7:00 PM 421 Alabama Avenue SE, Washington DC 20032 Contact: 202-889-3660 24- NOV Embassy Churcha t 6:00 PM 3855 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington DC 20016 Contact: 202-363-4090 VIRGINIA: 25- NOV Christ the King Lutheran Church at 9:30 AM 10550 Georgetown, Pike Great Falls, VA 22066 Contact: 703-759-6068 25- NOV Airborne Church at 7:00 PM 172 Creative Place, Martinsburg, WV 25401 Contact: 304-260-0600 27- NOV Grafton Baptist Church SBC at 7:00 PM 5440 George Washington Mem Hwy., Yorktown, VA 23692 Contact: 757-898-6412 28- NOV First Baptist Church at 6:15 PM 401 N 2nd Avenue, Hopewell, VA 23860 Contact: 804-458-2752 29- NOV Prince George Christian Church at 7:00 PM 7605 Prince George Dr., Prince George, VA 23875 Contact: 804-732-5625 30- NOV Portico Church at 6:30 PM 981 2nd ST SE Charlottesville, VA 22902 Contact: 434-466-8851 1-DEC Immanuel Baptist Church at 6:00 PM 1012 N. Battlefield Blvd., Chesapeake, VA 23320 Contact: 757-547-3974 2- DEC Wave Church at 9AM & 11AM & 6:00PM 1000 N Great Neck Road, Virginia Bch, VA 23454 Contact: 757-481-5005 https://www.watoto.com/choir/ For a complete choir tour schedule, please visit https://www.watoto.com/app/choir/calendar About Watoto Child Care Ministry In 1994, Watoto Church founded Watoto Child Care Ministry, an international holistic care program that was initiated as a response to the overwhelming number of orphaned and vulnerable children and women in Uganda. It is positioned to rescue an individual, raise each one as a leader in their chosen sphere of life so that they in turn will rebuild their nation. The model involves physical care, medical intervention including HIV/AIDS treatment, education - formal and vocational, counseling and emotional well-being as well as moral and spiritual discipleship. "We are excited to offer easy to use K-12 crowdfunding solutions through LivingTree, a proven partner." Aeries Vice President, Brent Lloyd California School Board Association recently released a best practices article CSBA Fundraising Oversight Guidelines designed to provide direction to districts in understanding the requirements needed from district policy and the vendors they choose. Despite the obvious benefits of online fundraising, districts need to be aware of all such campaigns conducted in the name of the district, a district school or a district employee. Its important that the district set ground rules that ensure transparency, fiscal integrity and effective use of the funds, CSBA Senior Policy Manual Consultant Diane Greene suggested. Aeries, the leading provider of Student Information Systems in California has partnered with LivingTree Give to provide a full solution for K-12 crowdfunding, Aeries Financials. This new offering by both companies offers all the oversite and considerations that any district requirement would need. California districts can be comfortable that any campaign has been approved and is appropriately displayed in your Aeries Parent Portal, District Website and public facing social media. There is no other combination of solutions that can provide a single point of access to approved campaigns and fundraising site for a district in California, Aeries Software Vice President Brent Lloyd. Combined with the power of data from Aeries, targeted campaigns can be created so there is no fundraising or campaign fatigue. The product line of Aeries Financials, powered by LivingTree Give includes transactions for fees and fines, tuition billing, fundraising and donation management all in one solution. The fundraising and donation management solution powered by LivingTree offers an easy way to align the district vision, goals and priorities while conforming with the boards goal to provide equity in resources across all student populations. The built-in transparency for district policy is an easy task through the Aeries Financials, online fundraising campaigns, regardless of whether the campaign is proposed by a district employee or a parent organization. said Gary Hensley, CEO of LivingTree Give. About Aeries Software Aeries is the most widely used Student Information System in California and continues to evolve to meet the ever-changing data management needs of school districts throughout the state. Aeries is the only Education Success Platform designed to provide tools for student success. Located in Anaheim, California, Aeries Software supports over 570 school districts and LEAs throughout the state. About LivingTree Give, a LivingTree Company LivingTree Give is not just a product we are a response to a problem: Americas educational funding gap, and the lack of technology resources designed for the parents who are tirelessly working to improve the lives of our nations students. LivingTree Give is the user-friendly online platform designed to bring parents, corporations and districts together to fill this funding gap. As the nations first platform designed specifically for PTAs and PTOS, districts, and educational foundations, LivingTree Give makes fundraising, donor management and parent communication easier than ever before. http://www.LivingTree.com For more information on Aeries Financials powered by LivingTree Give, please visit our website https://mkt.aeries.com/products-financials. Managing Partner Jennifer L. Friedland The Influential Women in Business Award honors suburban Chicago woman executives who excel in the business, civic, and personal arenas. Momkus LLC is proud to announce that Partner Jennifer L. Friedland received the Daily Herald Business Ledgers Influential Women in Business Award. The publication recognized 20 women at a Nov. 2 reception. The Influential Women in Business Award honors suburban Chicago woman executives who excel in the business, civic, and personal arenas. Peers nominated the award recipients, who were then selected by a panel of Daily Herald Business Ledger executives. The Business Ledger will profile Friedland in its Dec. 17 issue as part of the award. Attorney Jennifer Friedland recently became a Managing Partner at Momkus LLC. She focuses her practice on business and trust litigation and appellate practice. Friedland has successfully argued cases before the Appellate Courts of Illinois and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. She has represented her clients in bench and jury trials. Friedland is a member of several legal organizations, including the DuPage County Bar Association, the Illinois State Bar Association, and the Womens Bar Association of Illinois. She previously served as the chair of the DCBAs Appellate Law Committee and on the Board of Directors of the National Association for Down Syndrome. Frieldland received her juris doctor from the Tulane University Law School in 2006. While in law school, she earned an Environmental Law Certificate and received the Community Service Award for Commitment to Public Service. About Momkus LLC: Momkus LLC is a full-service law firm located in Lisle, Illinois, with clients nationwide. Our attorneys provide legal representation in many practice areas, including commercial and civil litigation, appellate practice, business law, commercial real estate, family law, and estate planning. To schedule an appointment with one of our attorneys, call 630-434-0400 or complete our online contact form. Bio-Logic Aqua Research Water Life Science announces dry eye discovery water evaporation. The new eye mist for dry eye that restores lipids and proteins to the aqueous layer of the eye is the subject of an entertaining and educational animated film available on Youtube from founder Sharon Kleyne and Bio-Logic Aqua Research Water Life Science in Grants Pass, Oregon. What causes dry eye? Bio-Logic Aqua Research Water Life Science says evaporation dries out the tear film. Yet, the companys Natures Tears EyeMist, consisting of 100 percent Trade Secret tissue culture grade water and no additives, provides longer relief of dry eye symptoms than conventional eye drops. The animated film from Kleyne and Bio-Logic Aqua Research Water Life Science explains the causes of dry eye and the results of using the new add-on discovery, Natures Tears EyeMist, the only long-lasting product of its kind in the world for the relief of dry eye syndrome. More than 30 million Americans will be afflicted with dry eye syndrome in 2019, and twice that many will suffer from dry eye in China. In fact, dry eye is out of control worldwide. If left untreated, dry eye can eventually result in blindness, which is also out of control worldwide. The human eye has three layers. The mucin layer is the deepest layer. The aqueous layer is the middle layer. The lipid layer exists on the surface of the eye. Dry eye begins with the evaporation of the aqueous layer. This evaporation dissolves electrolytes, proteins and other beneficial substances. Popular eye drops (artificial tears) as a 40-microliter drop, which is 10 times the necessary amount of moisture needed in the eye. The drop floods the tear film and flushes away beneficial lipids and proteins. At the same time, the mucin layer thins out and is replaced by a chemical flood containing chemicals and no antibodies! The lipid layer is washed away. The eye mist for dry eye demonstrated in the film, educational animated film featuring Kleyne consultant ophthalmologist William Mathers, M.D. reveals how Natures Tears EyeMist, more than just a mist, penetrates and restores the aqueous layer because of its patented micron-size mist that is designed for maximum absorption. Think of adding a drop of vinegar to a cup of oil and vinegar. On the surface, the lipid layer parts to accept the eye mist then reseals and the eye is restored to optimum health. As Dr. Mathers asserts in the film, Natures Tears EyeMist is easy to use. It can be applied as many times a day as it is needed for dry eye relief. It can be applied in any position. Drivers, for instance, have found that Natures Tears EyeMist is much easier to apply than conventional eye drops. If you suffer from dry eye symptoms, says Kleyne, take a look at our animated film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0gOr8TB45U Natures Tears EyeMist is available on Amazon, Walgreens and other major outlets. Sharon Kleyne is also host of the Sharon Kleyne Hour, an internationally syndicated weekly radio show with a global reach of 3.5 million listeners on VoiceAmerica produced by Rose Hong, founder/director of Global Dragon TV (http://www.GlobalDragonTV.com). Natures Tears EyeMist, the unique dry eye solution is the sponsor of the Sharon Kleyne Hour Water Life Science/Natures Pharma, The Power of Water & Your Health, is the perfect eye care product for people experiencing somatic awareness. Brad and Deanna Schmett Deanna and I are extremely proud and grateful to be a part of eXp Realty and its ICON Agent Program. The eXp Realty ICON Agent Program recognizes agents and teams who achieve certain production goals and represent a good cultural fit for the brokerage. At eXp Realty, core values shape the companys culture, so they look at a number of factors such as how ICON agents make a positive change in our company and their local community. The eXp Realty ICON Agent program provides each qualified ICON with up to $16,000 in publicly traded eXp World Holdings, Inc. common stock upon the achievement of certain production goals within an agents anniversary year. The companys cap is presently set at $16,000. Through the program, ICONs effectively can earn up to their entire $16,000 cap amount back in the form of stock. Deanna and I are extremely proud and grateful to be a part of eXp Realty and its ICON Agent Program. eXp Realty ICON Agents from all over the US and Canada exemplify our core values and are an example of the thousands of eXp Realty agents who excel at being productive business leaders and active in their communities, said Schmett. Brad Schmett Real Estate Group, brokered by eXp Realty of California, Inc. is an exclusive, elite and sophisticated group of real estate consultants raising the bar for service in the Greater Palm Springs Area real estate market. About eXp Realty eXp Realty provides 24/7 access to collaborative tools, training, and socialization for real estate brokers and agents through its fully-immersive, virtual campus environment. As a public company subsidiary, eXp Realty uniquely offers real estate professionals within its ranks opportunities to earn company stock for production and contributions to overall company growth. eXp Realty is one of the fastest growing real estate brokerages in the United States with more than 15,000 agents in all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian provinces. After a thorough search of available knowledge management systems, we selected Panviva because of its easy-to-navigate interface and unique approach to presenting the information to the end-users." Jim Lavery, Vice President Contact Center Operations and Credit Services Panvivathe premier provider of cloud-based knowledge management solutions and real-time performance supportannounced today that Desert Financial, a local Arizona credit union serving the community for almost 80 years, has selected Panviva to provide exceptional customer service to their members through their cloud-based platform. Credit Unions undertake extensive member journeys with their clients, from greeting them at the front door to managing important transactions in the back office. Access to relevant information at each point is critical to meet and exceed service expectations, as is achieving regulatory compliance requirements. Desert Financial is on a mission to improve the resources we use to help our team members create exceptional experiences for our members, said Desert Financial Credit Union Vice President, Jim Lavery. After a thorough search of available knowledge management systems, we selected Panviva because of its easy-to-navigate interface and unique approach to presenting the information to the end-users. We believe the Panviva system will help our front-line team members be able to more successfully find the information they need to best serve our members in a timely manner, he added. It was a pleasure working with Jim Lavery and his Desert Financial team, said Panviva Sales Director Joe Rigano. They were in search of a knowledge management solution and instantly recognized the value our guided navigation approach has over traditional search and store solutions, he added. Additionally, our ability to keep messaging consistent across channelsin person, onsite, and digitallymatched their overall goals and makes us a perfect fit for one another. The Panviva Omnichannel Knowledge Cloud will enable Desert Financial Credit Union to deliver consistent, accurate relevant answers, on demand, to members at every connection point in their networkproviding consistency of content across all channels and will help: Cut training time and accelerate time to competence for member service agents Improve overall member satisfaction Lower the cost of each interaction with faster, accurate agent responses Ensure accurate information is provided to members by guiding staff through each step Increase profitability by improving the outcome of each interaction We are moving from a mostly SharePoint interface to the Panviva system and expect to see significant savings by doing so. The time to retrieve information and the ability to zoom into exactly the right part of a procedure should improve our call center talk times, our wait times in the branches and the confidence levels by all member facing team members, noted Lavery. About Desert Financial Credit Union Desert Financial is a local Arizona credit union serving Maricopa, Pinal and Gila counties offering hundreds of financial solutions including: credit and debit cards; checking, savings and money market accounts; mortgages; auto refinancing and auto loans; investments; insurance; lines of credit and more! Since 1939, Desert Financial has helped thousands of Arizonans save money and achieve their dreams. They have grown from a small credit union serving the educational community to the Valleys largest credit union, dedicated to serving all Valley residents. Learn more at http://www.DesertFinancial.com. About Panviva Panviva is a content and knowledge-management (KM) system providing on-demand, real-time answers that solve customers most immediate problems. Panviva organizes and manages contentpolicies, procedures, technical documentation, FAQsinto simple bites of information that customers can easily understand and customer service reps can easily explain. Panviva provides a better experience for customers because they receive the help they need from customer service reps faster. It provides a better experience for employees because they have confidence that the information they are providing is current, accurate and timelyallowing for more time spent caring for the customer rather than hunting for information. Learn more at http://www.panviva.com. It has been an absolute pleasure to represent AstraZeneca and to work with Adam and Warren, its dynamic and commercially driven legal team, Maher said. We are proud to have been able to help them achieve AstraZenecas strategic divestment goals. The London office of global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP represented AstraZeneca AB on its agreement with Grunenthal to divest the European rights to Nexium for an upfront payment of USD700 million with further sales-related and milestone payments of up to USD90 million. Nexium (esomeprazole) is a proton pump inhibitor that decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach. The law firm also represented AstraZeneca AB on its agreement with Grunenthal to divest the global rights to Vimovo in all markets excluding the US and Japan for an upfront payment of USD115 million and further payments up to another USD17 million. Vimovo combines the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug naproxen with esomeprazole, the active ingredient in Nexium, for patients a risk of developing ulcers. AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialisation of prescription medicines, primarily for the treatment of diseases in three therapy areas - Oncology, Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism and Respiratory. AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. Grunenthal is a science-based pharmaceutical company specialised in innovative pain management and related therapies. These divestments are part of several transactions in which Greenberg Traurigs London office has represented AstraZeneca over the past eight years. The deal was led by Adam McArthur and Warren Brown, in-house lawyers at AstraZeneca AB. Greenberg Traurig team members involved in these latest transactions included: Paul Maher, Vice Chair of Greenberg Traurig; Fiona Adams, Co-Managing Shareholder of the London office and the Co-Chair of the firms Global Corporate Practice; shareholders Henrietta Walker and Sarah Moyles; associates David Hirschman, Charlotte Irvine, Miles Daly, Eleni Pittas, and Declan Grady; and IP Consultant Ewen Mitchell. It has been an absolute pleasure to represent AstraZeneca and to work with Adam and Warren, its dynamic and commercially driven legal team, Maher said. We are proud to have been able to help them achieve AstraZenecas strategic divestment goals. About Greenberg Traurigs Corporate Practice Greenberg Traurigs Corporate Practice comprises more than 450 lawyers in the United States, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America who regularly advise public and privately held companies, entrepreneurs and investment funds on global mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructurings, private equity and venture capital, underwritten and syndicated offerings, commercial finance and syndicated lending, cross-border transactions, and general corporate matters. The groups industry experience includes transactions in a wide range of fields, from the pharmaceutical, medical devices, and life sciences fields, to representations involving clients in the aviation, banking, consumer products, energy, food and beverage, health care, manufacturing, media, technology, and telecommunications sectors. About Greenberg Traurigs London Office: Greenberg Traurig, LLP in London has established itself as a multidisciplinary law firm, with more than 80 lawyers and growing. The London office provides partner-led advice to domestic and international clients on a range of matters across the legal spectrum. Lawyers at Greenberg Traurig in London advise U.K. and multinational clients operating in many different sectors, including chemicals, pharmaceuticals, life sciences, energy, real estate, financial services, automotive, retail, and communications. About Greenberg Traurig: Greenberg Traurig, LLP (GT) has more than 2,000 attorneys in 38 offices in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. GT has been recognized for its philanthropic giving, was named the largest firm in the U.S. by Law360 in 2017, and is among the Top 20 on the 2018 Am Law Global 100. Web: http://www.gtlaw.com; Twitter: @GT_Law. O.C. Welch Ford Lincoln publishes latest model research page about the 2019 Lincoln Navigator Theres no doubt that when it comes to the car-buying process that drivers have options. Especially when it comes to the overly-crowded and competitive large SUV class, there are no shortage of choices for drivers to choose from. The downside to so many options, though, is that it can be difficult to remember what each one brings to the table. O.C. Welch Ford Lincoln, however, is trying to help drivers with its latest model research page. The Ford Lincoln dealership hopes that by publishing these online reviews customers can get a thorough and precise look at exactly what a model offers and if its right for them. The dealerships latest review takes a look at the 2019 Lincoln Navigator. The Lincoln Navigator has been a popular mainstay in the large SUV class for years, and the 2019 model continues that tradition. Drivers who are interested can learn more about the 2019 Lincoln Navigator by reading the model research page, here. In it, customers will learn about the 2019 Lincoln Navigators engine specifications, interior dimensions, technology features and more. Then, those who are interested in the 2019 Lincoln Navigator can browse O.C. Welch Ford Lincolns inventory of the Lincoln large SUV while on the dealerships site, http://www.goseeoc.com. While there, customers are also encouraged to check out the dealerships blog, which updates regularly with posts about the latest Lincoln and Ford vehicles, as well as information about the local Hardeeville and Savannah, Georgia, community. Drivers are also encouraged to stop by the O.C. Welch Ford Lincoln dealership in person at 4920 Independence Blvd., Highway 278 in Hardeeville where they can talk to a sales representative about any questions they may have. Those interested can also contact the sales staff at O.C. Welch Ford Lincoln to schedule a test drive by calling them at 843-288-0100. This grant from the Hearst Foundations will enable us to provide more high-impact learning experiences and continue our mission of preparing students to be engaged, empowered, and energized learners and leaders," said Debbie Ricker, VP for Academic Affairs. Hood College has been granted $100,000 by the Hearst Foundations to enhance its Summer Research Institute (SRI) grants. Since 2001, Hoods SRI has offered 186 student/faculty teams the chance to conduct high-impact research in a variety of academic disciplines. Such experiences provide Hood students with valuable hands-on experience in science, humanities and the arts, which prepares them for a multitude of professional opportunities following graduation. Time and again, research has confirmed that such high-impact practices with faculty are key predictors of college success and learning, and have the greatest impact on student success, particularly for students from underrepresented groups and students of color. For many students, socio-economic challenges often prohibit their participation in summer research experiences because of the need for summer employment. To address this challenge, Hood will use resources from this grant to expand its SRI program, thereby involving more students (up to 13 per summer), more faculty and providing an increased stipend of $3,500 per student. Hood College is so fortunate to have a wonderfully diverse and talented student body, said Debbie Ricker, provost and vice president for academic affairs. This grant from the Hearst Foundations will enable us to provide more high-impact learning experiences and continue our mission of preparing students to be engaged, empowered, and energized learners and leaders. Hoods overall student body is currently composed of 37 percent students of color and ethnic minorities. For the first time in its history, Hoods fall 2017 first-year class was majority minority, with 52 percent of students identifying as an ethnic or racial minority. The Hearst Foundations are national philanthropic resources for organizations working in the fields of culture, education, health and social services. The Hearst Foundations identify and fund outstanding nonprofits to ensure that people of all backgrounds in the U.S. have the opportunity to build healthy, productive and inspiring lives. Find more information at http://www.hearst.com. Hood College is an independent, liberal arts college, offering 32 undergraduate majors, four pre-professional programs, 17 graduate programs, two doctorates and 11 post-baccalaureate certificates. Located in historic Frederick, near Washington, D.C., Baltimore and the I-270 technology corridor, Hood gives students access to countless internships and research opportunities. Car shoppers in the Austin area who are interested in the latest from the Honda brand will find the updated 2019 Honda Civic and redesigned 2019 Honda Pilot in stock at Howdy Honda. Many car shoppers are drawn to the latest and the greatest that a brand has to offer and Austin-area families who have come to love the Honda model lineup may be excited for the arrival of the 2019 Honda Civic and 2019 Honda Pilot at Howdy Honda. Armed with updated designs, expanded model lineups, additional technology and more standard safety features, the Honda Civic and Honda Pilot will cater to interested drivers. Perhaps the most-recognizable nameplate in the Honda stable of vehicles, the Honda Civic gets an update for the new model year that is expected to intrigue car shoppers. An updated exterior style is designed to create a more premium feel with a retooled lower bumper, blacked-out headlight treatments, a signature Honda grille and gloss black exterior accents. Honda Sensing safety technology is standard for all Honda Civic models and is complemented by an updated Display Audio infotainment system and an all-new Civic Sport trim level. New 2019 Honda Civic models are for sale or lease at Howdy Honda. Families on the go who need more passenger or cargo space than the average sedan can provide may find themselves drawn to the updated 2019 Honda Pilot available at Howdy Honda. A redesigned midsize SUV, the Honda Pilot makes room for seven or eight passengers in a spacious cabin that will now feature standard Honda Sensing safety technology. Highlights of the 2019 Honda Pilot include an aggressive style that employs updated front fascia, LED low-beam headlights, an updated bumper design, chrome exterior accents, a redesigned grille and refreshed taillights. A refined Display Audio infotainment system with onboard Wi-Fi is an added asset for select Honda Pilot trim levels. Car shoppers in the Austin area who would like more information on updated 2019 Honda Civic or redesigned 2019 Honda Pilot editions at Howdy Honda can visit the dealership website, http://www.howdyhonda.com. Individuals who prefer a more personal interaction can contact a dealership representative directly by calling (512) 443-4300. The first-ever Clean Cooking Investment Forum convened over 250 business leaders, investors, donors, and government representatives from over 40 countries to collaborate on the development of a global, sustainable clean cooking industry at scale. Co-hosted by the Clean Cooking Alliance and Energy Private Developers Rwanda, the Forum amplified efforts to identify, support, and de-risk investment into businesses with the potential to massively expand the still-nascent clean cooking sector. Marking the start of Rwanda Sustainable Energy Week 2018, the event featured targeted panel discussions, an exhibition of clean cooking technologies, and a matchmaking session that resulted in more than 200 one-on-one meetings between leading businesses, market development organizations, investors, and policymakers. Representatives from across the public and private sectors expressed their optimism and support for increasingly prominent efforts by the Alliance and others to create a sustainable, profitable market for high-impact clean cooking solutions. We all know that supporting clean cooking solutions makes common sense, but it also needs to make business sense, said Frederique de Man, Ambassador of The Netherlands to Rwanda, in her opening remarks at the launch of the Forum. My expectations for the next two days are high. What I find particularly stimulating is the mix of people in the room. Lets convincingly make the business case for clean cooking. There is a real chance for growth in the clean cooking sector, and thats why investors attended the Forum; this is patient capital at work, said Leslie Labruto, Global Energy Lead at Acumen, an organization that boasts over $110 million in impact investments since 2001. Acumen is always looking to connect with ambitious local entrepreneurs, and this Forum was the perfect opportunity for that. The sector has been patient in its evolution, and now we believe the sector is ready to run. It is important that governments and the private sector develop clean cooking solutions as a matter of urgency, said Ambassador Claver Gatete, Minister of Infrastructure in Rwanda. I wish to reiterate the Government of Rwandas support for developing renewable energy. While maintaining our longstanding commitment to evidence, research, and global advocacy, the next years of the Alliances work will increasingly focus on accelerating the growth of the clean cooking market, and doing so at scale, said Clean Cooking Alliance CEO Dymphna van der Lans. This first Investment Forum has been a remarkable and visible start to that effort, but much more needs to be done. We look forward to ramping up our private sector engagement in the coming months, using our convening power to support models which can ultimately attract the billions of dollars in investments required to make clean cooking accessible to all. The Forum was supported by the Ministry of Infrastructure in Rwanda, the European Union, the Rwanda Development Board, GIZ Energising Development Programme, SNV, Shell Foundation, BFZ, and the Africa-EU Renewable Energy Cooperation Programme. **** About the Clean Cooking Alliance The Clean Cooking Alliance works with a global network of partners to build an industry that makes clean cooking accessible to families around the world. Established in 2010, the Alliance supports the development, sale, distribution, and consistent use of clean cooking solutions that transform lives by improving health, protecting the environment, creating jobs, and helping consumers save time and money. Learn more about our work at http://www.CleanCookingAlliance.org. Im excited to travel and fix wind turbines and to work with renewable energy - giving energy to people from something thats free, Josh Trudgeon said. Kalamazoo Valleys Wind Turbine Technician Academy (WTTA) provides students with a fast track to high demand jobs in an exciting field. With the push in this country to generate 20 percent of our energy with wind by 2030, the demand for highly trained technicians will only increase as one wind turbine technician is needed for every ten turbines. Wind turbine technicians install, inspect, troubleshoot and repair wind turbine components. Kalamazoo Valleys WTTA program is the nations leading training program for wind turbine technicians. Focused on specific, hands-on competencies, the unique training model moves students from the classroom to the learning labs and into the field quickly. The non-credit, full-time program allows graduates to be job-ready in less than six months. Students attend class Monday through Friday, eight hours each day for 24 weeks. They also take turns as the on-call technician to accompany a wind instructor to turbines if a problem occurs on a weekend. Tom Sutton serves as Kalamazoo Valleys director of wind energy and technical services. He studied aircraft engineering and earned an automotive engineering technologies degree from Western Michigan University. He worked for Harold Zeigler Lincoln/Mercury as a senior master technician, and later worked with Ford Field Engineering. He taught at WMU as an adjunct engineering faculty member before coming to Kalamazoo Valley 12 years ago. In addition to his roles as an administrator and trainer for the WTTA, Sutton is a senior trainer for Wisconsin-based ENSA North America, the nations premier work-at-heights training organization. He travels internationally to train other wind energy trainers. He is also on the steering committee for the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) and is active with the Workforce Development Committee and chair of the Operations and Maintenance subcommittee. Internationally, Sutton is a member of the International Technical Committee where he works to develop the international training standards for worker safety. A wide variety of students have enrolled in the WTTA since it first opened in November 2009. Students in the current class include Josh Trudgeon, who is funding his studies with a Kalamazoo Promise scholarship, an Army veteran Zachary Trinkle who is utilizing the GI Bill to pay for tuition, and Niles native Kaitlyn McDonald is the only woman in the current class. She loves the hands-on work and is mechanically inclined. Trudgeon said it was easy to use the Kalamazoo Promise to cover his tuition. Going through high school, the process is ingrained in us on how to apply, he said. I think the hardest part was I had to email the Promise Program Manager at Kalamazoo Valley, Monteze Morales, and schedule a meeting to talk about what I wanted to do and how to get it done right. From there it was all good. They made it really easy. Trudgeon attended Michigan Tech for a year before working in carpentry and as an electrician. He has loved the training so far. He enjoys electrical work and decided that it would be even more exciting atop a wind turbine. Every day is a new challenge, he said. It keeps me engaged and excited. Trinkle, from Buffalo, New York, is using the benefits of his G.I. Bill to help pay the $14,000 tuition fee. The process for Trinkle was also very simple, but he still recommends that veterans have all their documentation in order and that they be organized to save time and help prevent mishaps. Trinkle says he chose Valleys academy over others because it has been around longer than others and has more available certifications. Trinkle is impressed with the academy so far. I like it a lot. Its very fast paced. It can seem overwhelming, but they give you plenty of time to catch up. And youre never really alone. If someone is struggling, then more than likely there is someone who is in the same boat. You can move at your own pace, but still have a certain number of days to get things done. In addition to his military experience, Trinkle has attended college before. Ive learned more here in the past three months than I learned in four and a half years of college, he said. The course does a good job of building off of itself. Women are also making great strides within the industry. The program encourages hands-on, mechanically inclined women such as McDonald to join them as wind technologies advance. McDonald is due to graduate in December, but has already had two job interviews with companies within the industry and is currently waiting to set up a third interview. When asked if she was intimidated to enter a field where men are dominate she said, Yes and no. I grew up with an older brother so I was always around the guys. Ive always worked in tire shops and took three years of automotive classes in high school so being around the guys is natural for me. But, it does get intimidating because you get those guys who say oh youre a girl, you cant do the same as me. One of her biggest concerns is being hired based on her skill, not gender. I dont want to be chosen because Im a woman in a mans industry. I want to be chosen because I have the skills to do the job they need me to do and I have the work ethic they want, she said. Program Coordinator Delia Baker said the academy is ideal for students who are mechanically inclined or have a background in electrical technology. We look for experience that can be verified by a reference, Baker said. We need to know that people are good with their hands. The training is fast-paced so students need to be self-directed. Most students quickly become comfortable working at heights, which is a must since the wind turbines are more than 300 feet tall. A passion for travel also makes the job enticing for many, including Trudgeon. Im excited to travel and fix wind turbines and to work with renewable energy - giving energy to people from something thats free, he said. The Wind Turbine Technician Academy runs for six months with the next academy starting January 3, 2019. Classes are small with only 12 students and are held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information, contact careeracademies@kvcc.edu or visit https://www.kvcc.edu/academics/wind. leftvhannel Motion Graphics Studio Were animators at heart and we love the topic When the Walt Disney Company made plans to celebrate Mickey Mouses 90th birthday around the world, celebration campaign partner Sunglass Hut turned to leftchannel, an eminent Columbus, Ohio-based motion graphics and animation studio, to create the experiential animation befitting such a milestone anniversary. Disney and Luxottica's Sunglass Hut are collaborating to launch a new line of Disney-branded Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses during Mickeys nonagintennial celebration in New York City Nov. 8, 2018. Leftchannel created the experiential animation that brings both the productRay-Ban sunglassesand the Disney brand to life. Utilizing the Mickey Mouse graphic adorning the inside of the Wayfarer shades, sketched by Disney Master Artist Jeff Shelly, leftchannels founder and Creative Director Alberto Scirocco says the challenge was adapting their animation to multiple formats, a complex effort that Scirocco says is part of the foundation on which he and his creative team have built a highly-regarded reputation for experiential animation. According to Scirocco, leftchannels animation for the celebration on the massive Times Square billboard will be more complex than the other formats because of the sheer size of its panels, which means it needs to be much more active and dynamic to make the level of noise necessary to achieve the intended impact. With two major vintage, iconic brands collaborating, another challenge was to design 22 seconds of animation that would meet the expectations of both companies. Its a delicate dance and youve got to make it fun and playful but you still have to satisfy two completely different brand voices at the same time, Scirocco says. Sixteen years of growing with the technology give leftchannels creative team both the intuitive and practical expertise to adapt experiential animation to virtually every application in use, for any project large or small. To create successful experiential animation, you have to understand the core of what makes one form of communication work versus another, and once you do you can make the applications work, he says. Its also important to understand the goal of your message. Getting a reaction doesnt necessarily mean youre getting the right reaction. Make the message memorable. The Disney-Sunglass Hut Mickey Mouse birthday celebration project is a perfect fit for leftchannel, according to Scirocco. Were animators at heart and we love the topic, he says. Leftchannels Ray-Ban + Disney celebration animation will continue to play at a variety of venues including the web and in stores for months to come. Disneys Mickey Mouse birthday celebration coincides with the launch of a three-month, immersive experience called Mickey: The True Original Exhibition" in Chelsea that will run through Feb. 10, 2019. The exhibition will pay homage to Mickey Mouses influence on pop culture and art over the past 90 years. The Disney-branded Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses will be available at Disney theme parks and Sunglass Huts beginning November 8, 2018. To learn more about leftchannels experiential animation, visit the leftchannel website, email Candy Stoer at candy(at)leftchannel(dot)com, or call +1 (614) 221-6911. About leftchannel: Established in 2002 by founder and Creative Director Alberto Scirocco, leftchannel is celebrated for iconic work across platforms, specializing in content that surprises and delights. Leveraging 16 years of working in the advertising space, leftchannel translates business goals into messages that audiences want to watch. With their work having been featured by Cannes, SXSW, ComicCon, HOW, lynda, Communication Arts and more, leftchannels work resonates with audiences worldwide. Lerner and Rowe Logo Our law firm was built on the principles of going the extra mile and positively making a difference in lives of those in need. That is why we decided to up our charitable donations this Thanksgiving holiday by personally giving away 1,000 frozen turkeys to Albuquerque families. The law offices of Lerner and Rowe host their first annual Albuturkey Giveaway on Monday, November 19th, in The Pit north parking lot at the University of New Mexico located at 1414 University Blvd. SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106 in partnership with Cumulus Media. Families are invited to stop by to pick up one frozen turkey between 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm. Plus, there will be live radio remotes and for each of the 1,000 frozen turkey handed out, a family receives a FREE drawstring bag! Our law firm was built on the principles of going the extra mile and positively making a difference in lives of those in need. That is why we decided to up our charitable donations this Thanksgiving holiday by personally giving away 1,000 frozen turkeys to Albuquerque families that may otherwise not have the option to purchase one on their own, stated attorney Kevin Rowe. We are also grateful for our community partners at Cumulus Media for their help coordinating the event and for introducing us to enthusiastic volunteers that share our passion to give back! To learn more about Lerner and Rowes Albuturkey Turkey Giveaway, please go to lernerandrowe.com/albuturkey-giveaway/. Or, contact Cindy Ernst via email at cernst@lernerandrowe.com. More and Lerner and Rowe For additional information about Lerner and Rowes Albuquerque personal injury attorneys call (505) 544-4444. In addition, do you need help filing an application or appeal for Social Security benefits? Then contact the law firms other legal partners at Social Security Disability Advocates by calling (602) 952-3200 or online at socialsecuritydisabilityadvocatesusa.com. To connect with the law firm socially, follow Lerner and Rowe on Twitter. Or, become a fan of their Facebook page. Also visit lernerandrowegivesback.com to learn more about the community services that the lawyers and legal support team of Lerner and Rowe actively support. Jesus Christ: Money Master Money Doctor Neil Gallagher, founder, president, and CEO of Gallagher Financial Group Inc., as well as successful entrepreneur, radio personality, and financial retirement planning specialist, is re-releasing his acclaimed book: Jesus Christ Money Master: Four Eternal Truths that Deliver Personal Power and Profit. In his book, Dr. Gallagher discusses the advantages of someone putting Christ in the center of spending habits. With Jesus guiding ones financial decisions, theres no guess-work, no collapse to fear, no impulsive leap to grab the next hot investment, states Dr. Gallagher, there is a divinely anointed strategy to grab investments that are prudent and profitable. His book seeks to guide readers towards finding profitable solutions that are in line with Gods plan. It does this by applying the teachings of Jesus and translating biblical principles into modern financial wisdom. His goal? To teach others how to take responsibility for their future and secure a safe, happy, and early retirement. Neil Gallagher has worked in the financial field for more than two decades, managing over one billion in assets and serving over one thousand clients world-wide. In addition, he also hosts weekly radio programs covering financial communication, the psychology of investing, wealth creation, family enrichment, and the importance of estate planning. He was recently awarded the Best of Los Angeles Award - Best Financial Planner - 2018, according to Aurora DeRose, award coordinator for the Best of Los Angeles Award community. Through it all, faith has always been one of his most important values. With God, there is always a solution, explains Gallagher, when you consider that water is wet, rocks are hard, and fire is hot, they are all facts. It isnt up for opinion or debate. The same can be said for God. With Him, there is always a solution. Dr. Robert Jeffress, an American pastor and a reader of Dr. Gallaghers book, praises, Dr. Gallagher reminds us that when we follow Gods instructions for money management, we can experience his blessings now! I highly recommend this book. MyWay Mobile Storage of Salt Lake City, the leading provider of moving and storage solutions, was honored to donate their quick and easy to do-it-yourself moving and portable storage containers to meet the Alzheimers Associations needs during their annual Walk to End Alzheimers fundraiser. The Alzheimers Association walk to end Alzheimers goal is to raise funds, awareness and research to fight Alzheimers. Laura Wall the Development Director of the Alzheimers Association, Utah Chapter had this to say about the 2018 walks, Every one is affected by Alzheimer's at some point in their lives. It is so heartwarming to watch a community come together, led by businesses like MyWay Mobile Storage of Salt Lake City, to support finding the end to this horrible disease. The annual Walk to End Alzheimers took place in multiple locations around the state of Utah and MyWay Mobile Storage of Salt Lake City provided their convenient portable storage containers to support the walks needs the day of the event. Wall said, This year, the Walk to End Alzheimer's campaign will raise nearly half a million dollars in Utah to help support families, those affected by the disease, and to fund research. To find out when these walks are happening in Utah, go to the Alzheimers Association website. If you are in need of a moving and storage solution, visit our website, on Facebook or call 1-888-33-MYWAY to speak with a friendly and knowledgeable Moving & Storage Consultant. About MyWay Mobile Storage Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, MyWay Mobile Storage is the leading franchise for do-it-yourself moving and portable storage solutions with facilities in Utah, Colorado, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, and Pennsylvania. The flexible packaging market continues to see an influx of change Proactive Worldwides Senior Vice President for Consumer and Industrial Goods, Jeff Mansfield, is slated to unveil the firms most recent research findings targeting leading-edge flexible packaging solutions currently gaining traction in the market during PMMIs annual meeting in Tampa, Florida. PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, will conduct its annual meeting themed, Charting Your Operational Course, at the Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel and Marina from November 12 14, 2018. Because PWWs multi-year market intelligence monitoring for PMMI has been tracking advancements and latest trends in both packaging materials and packaging process technologies since 2010, Mansfield said the firm is in a unique position to help the consumer-packaged goods industry, their manufacturing partners, and those in industrial technology stay current and competitive in their respective spaces. Mansfield noted this session will highlight those findings from its most recent market data on the flexible packaging industry and assist impacted organizations in 1) understanding how things are changing and 2) provide actionable items to help organizations stay ahead of changes and disruption. The flexible packaging market continues to see an influx of change and opportunity as organizations look for new and inventive ways to maintain food/product safety as well as make it attractive to consumers, he added. For more information about PMMI, go to pmmi.org About Proactive Worldwide Proactive Worldwide, Inc. is a global research and strategic intelligence consulting firm that provides evidence-based, constructive information within the competitive intelligence, market intelligence, and customer insights domains. Anchored by primary source research for over 22 years, Proactives multilingual professionals assist our clients with offerings that include but are not limited to competitive research and monitoring services, competitor assessments, market entry and defense strategies, war gaming workshops and scenario planning events, and customer experience and user experience studies. To learn more, visit http://www.proactiveworldwide.com This was a great opportunity to get a non-partisan group of professionals together to discuss how election results will impact businesses on a local and global level, said Jonathan Frutkin, Principal Attorney at Radix Law. Radix Law partnered with Global Chamber Phoenix to host an election results impact event for businesses both locally and globally. They discussed the elections results with a group of 75 business professionals tonight at Tanzy in Scottsdale Quarter. Principal at Radix Law, Jonathan Frutkin hosted a conversation between Arizona Republics political reporter, Dustin Gardiner and Founder and CEO of Scottsdale based GlobalMed, Joel E. Barthelemy. This was a great opportunity to get a non-partisan group of professionals together to discuss how election results will impact businesses on a local and global level, said Jonathan Frutkin, Principal Attorney at Radix Law. Frutkin has significant experience as an attorney, a business executive and business owner. Over the course of his career, he has owned a website design business, a software company, a real estate development company, and served as the developer for a national ice cream chain. Frutkins legal practice focuses on providing general counsel, including legal advice on capital formation, mergers and acquisitions, litigation strategy and intellectual property. State politics reporter for the AZ Republic, Gardiner, covers Arizona Legislature, state agencies and the statewide elections systems. Gardiner received 2017s Story of the Year award from the Arizona Newspapers Association for his coverage of the citys land ownership practices. As CEO/COO of Globald Med, Barthelemy has spent the last 16 of his 30 years in the technology industry focused on the development of connected health systems. Under Barthelemys leadership, GlobalMed uniquely stands as the only telemedicine provider to complete all parts of the process in-house, from inception to distribution. Global Chamber Phoenix is a thriving and collaborating community of CEOs, executives and leaders in metro Phoenix and 525 metros around the world, everywhere, growing global business. We help members connect, reduce risk and grow across metros and borders. Dickinson Wright PLLC is pleased to announce that Attorney Michelle Puricelli has joined the firms Troy office as Of Counsel. Ms. Puricelli focuses her practice in real estate law. Among other things, she assists clients with drafting, reviewing, and negotiating real estate and loan documentation and counsels clients with respect thereto. Ms. Puricelli is a former in-house counsel for The Taubman Company LLC, where she handled various real estate and commercial matters, including assisting the company with the financing of its regional shopping centers, and was an integral member of the companys Foreign Corrupt Practices Act committee. Ms. Puricelli is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and is recognized as a leader by her peers in DBusiness Top Corporate Counsel. Ms. Puricelli received her B.A. from the University of Michigan and her J.D. from Wayne State University Law School. About Dickinson Wright PLLC Dickinson Wright PLLC is a general practice business law firm with more than 475 attorneys among more than 40 practice areas and 16 industry groups. Headquartered in Detroit and founded in 1878, the firm has 19 offices, including six in Michigan (Detroit, Troy, Ann Arbor, Lansing, Grand Rapids, and Saginaw) and 12 other domestic offices in Austin and El Paso, Texas; Columbus, Ohio; Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; Lexington, Ky.; Nashville and Music Row, Tenn.; Las Vegas and Reno, Nev.; Phoenix, Ariz.; Silicon Valley, Calif.; and Washington, D.C. The firms Canadian office is located in Toronto. Dickinson Wright offers our clients a distinctive combination of superb client service, exceptional quality, value for fees, industry expertise and business acumen. As one of the few law firms with ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certification, Dickinson Wright has built state-of-the-art, independently-verified risk management controls and security processes for our commercial transactions. Dickinson Wright lawyers are known for delivering commercially-oriented advice on sophisticated transactions and have a remarkable record of wins in high-stakes litigation. Dickinson Wright lawyers are regularly cited for their expertise and experience by Chambers, Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, and other leading independent law firm evaluating organizations. This award is a great honor for us. It clearly shows that our game-changing, deep learning technology is the best available solution all over the world. China is one of our key markets, and this distinction will help mark our presence in the Asia region, said Daniel Surmacz, COO at RTB House. RTB House, a global company that provides state-of-the-art retargeting technology for top brands worldwide, today announced the company won the award for Best Ecommerce Service Provider during the ninth China Cross-Border Ecommerce Conference & Exhibition 2018. China Cross-Border Ecommerce Conference & Exhibition is one of the most prestigious e-commerce events in the Asia region. During the summit, numerous companies in various industries were presented with awards for outstanding achievements. RTB House received the "Best Ecommerce Service Provider" award. Among other winners were Microsoft for the "Best Cross-Border Ecommerce Cloud Service Award" and ZOODMALL, which received the Best New Cross Ecommerce Platform Award during the conference. According to Forrester Research, China surpassed the U.S. to become the largest e-commerce market in the world in 2015. Now it accounts for 83 percent of all online retail sales in the Asia Pacific region. This year, the e-commerce market in China will reach $1.1 trillion, making it the worlds first trillion-dollar e-commerce market. Moreover, according to the China Ecommerce Association report, China's cross-border e-commerce is forecast to top more than nine trillion yuan ($1.3 trillion) in 2018. Shanghai-based Westwin, formerly known as Microsoft Online (MSN China), reported that 53 percent of cross-border consumers in China spent more than 10,000 yuan ($1,468) and 15 percent of them spent over 20,000 yuan ($2,936) during the past 12 months. This award is a great honor for us. It clearly shows that our game-changing, deep learning technology is the best available solution all over the world. China is one of our key markets, and this distinction will help mark our presence in the Asia region, said Daniel Surmacz, COO at RTB House. RTB House is the first retargeting company in the world to develop and implement its own technology that is 100 percent based on deep learning for purchasing ads in the RTB model. With this tool, the firm is able to increase the overall performance of retargeting campaigns by up to 50 percent compared to those without deep learning. RTB Houses deep learning algorithms are changing the e-commerce branch, which has resulted in continued revenue growth and rising interest from some the worlds biggest brands. Earlier this year, the company was ranked 2nd in the Big Five category in the Deloitte Technology Fast 50 Central Europe and was listed among the fastest developing tech companies in The Fast 50 category. Moreover, RTB House was ranked 8th in the tech industry in the Financial Times 1000: Europes Fastest Growing Companies 2018, named the winner of a Silver Stevie Award as the Most Innovative Company of the Year and it received the AIconics Award in Best Application of AI for Sales & Marketing, and Big Innovation Award by The Business Intelligence Group. About the China Cross-Border Ecommerce Conference & Exhibition 2018 Under the guidance of Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce and Shanghai Putuo District People's Government, the summit was hosted by PTP International and Shanghai Cross-service Enterprise Management Co., Ltd. More than 500 high-level representatives from more than 20 countries attended the event. Well-known brands, retail e-commerce, e-commerce platforms and merchants, B2B trading companies, and more from different branches, like postal logistics, cross-border payments, e-commerce technology innovation, venture capital, etc. which cover the entire industry chain. About RTB House: RTB House is a global company that provides state-of-the-art retargeting technology for top brands worldwide. With its proprietary ad buying engine, powered entirely by deep learning algorithms, RTB House helps advertisers multiply sales to reach their short, mid and long-term goals. Founded in 2012, RTB House serves over 1,500 clients in over 70 countries in EMEA, APAC and the Americas regions with main locations in New York, London, Tokyo, Singapore, Sao Paulo, Moscow, Istanbul, Dubai and Warsaw. The team consists of more than 400 professionals and growing. Learn more at http://www.rtbhouse.com Media Contact: Scott Samson (415) 781-9005 scott(at)samsonpr(dot)com As the Society to Improve Diagnosis in Medicine continues to drive the diagnostic quality and safety agenda, we are excited to bring new leadership and new perspectives to our board of directors, said Paul Epner, MBA, MEd, CEO and Co-founder of SIDM. Jen Campisano JD, Gurpreet Dhaliwal MD, and Tom S. Lee PhD, MBA elected to the SIDM board Evanston, IL(November 8, 2018) The Society to Improve Diagnosis in Medicine (SIDM) announced new board leadership at the organizations annual business meeting during the 11th Annual International Diagnostic Error in Medicine Conference (DEM2018) this week in New Orleans. David Newman-Toker, MD, PhD, became SIDM president; Tim Mosher, MD became Secretary; and Jen Campisano, JD, Gurpreet Dhaliwal, MD, and Tom S. Lee, PhD, MBA joined as new board members. As the Society to Improve Diagnosis in Medicine continues to drive the diagnostic quality and safety agenda, we are excited to bring new leadership and new perspectives to our board of directors, said Paul Epner, MBA, MEd, CEO and Co-founder of SIDM. Our northstar continues to be reducing harm from diagnostic error, and the experience and expertise of this group of leaders will help us continue that singular strategic focus. David Newman-Toker, MD, PhD became President of SIDM during the meeting. Dr. Newman-Toker is Director of the Armstrong Institute Center for Diagnostic Excellence at Johns Hopkins Medicine, and Professor of Neurology, Ophthalmology, & Otolaryngology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Newman-Toker also serves as Director of the Division of Neuro-Visual & Vestibular Disorders in the Department of Neurology. He co-chaired the SIDM Diagnostic Error Conferences in 2010, 2011 and 2012, served as the inaugural chairman of the SIDM Research Committee, and served as the inaugural chairman of the SIDM Policy Committee. Tim Mosher, MD is the Kenneth L. Miller Chair of Radiology and Distinguished Professor of Radiology and Orthopedic Surgery at the Penn State University College of Medicine. He served as Deputy Editor for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, and is currently an Associate Editor for the journal Radiology. Dr. Mosher is a frequent NIH study section reviewer and has served on the Scientific Advisory Board for the Canadian Arthritis Network. Jen Campisano, JD is a writer, lawyer and a six-year breast cancer survivor, who was misdiagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. Campisano lends her legislative experience to advocacy groups such as YSC and METUP. She is also a member of the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorships Cancer Policy & Advocacy Team. Gurpreet Dhaliwal, MD is a clinician-educator and Professor of Medicine at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF). Dr. Dhaliwal is a member of the UCSF Academy of Medical Educators and the UCSF Department of Medicine Council of Master Clinicians. He writes for The Wall Street Journals The Experts healthcare blog, and he has published over 100 articles in leading medical journals including the New England Journal of Medicine and the Journal of the American Medical Association. Dr. Dhaliwal has also served as Chair of SIDMs Education Committee since 2012. Tom S. Lee, PhD, MBA is CEO and Founder of SA Ignite, a cloud-based technology company whose mission is to help healthcare providers successfully navigate the transition to value-based care. Dr. Lee is a serial entrepreneur and leading expert in healthcare value-based programs such as Merit-based Incentive Payment Systems (MIPS) and Advanced Alternative Payment Models (APM). His interest in diagnostic error stems from personal and family experiences and a belief that reducing such errors are vital to improving patient outcomes and the financial sustainability of health care. DEM2018 is the only conference dedicated to the topic of diagnostic quality and safety. About the Society to Improve Diagnosis in Medicine (SIDM) The Society to Improve Diagnosis in Medicine (SIDM) catalyzes and leads change to improve diagnosis and eliminate harm from diagnostic error. We work in partnership with patients, their families, the healthcare community and every interested stakeholder. SIDM is the only organization focused solely on the problem of diagnostic error and improving the accuracy and timeliness of diagnosis. In 2015, SIDM established the Coalition to Improve Diagnosis, to increase awareness and actions that improve diagnosis. Members of the Coalition represent hundreds of thousands of healthcare providers and patientsand the leading health organizations and government agencies involved in patient care. Together, we work to find solutions that enhance diagnostic safety and quality, reduce harm, and ultimately, ensure better health outcomes for patients. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. On November 7, 2018, more than 4,600 high school student leaders from over 33 school districts and 89 campuses gathered inside the Berry Center in Cypress, TX for LeadWorthy Live an initiative bringing leaders, students and educators to a stadium-sized classroom to learn, be inspired and challenged to #BeRemarkable! Keynote speaker and event founder Flip Flippen joined with other special guests to inspire these young leaders to make each of the 86,400 seconds we have every day count. The greatest need we have is for our youth to grow as leaders and to become someone who makes a difference in the world, Flippen said. LeadWorthy teaches students the hard work of learning self-discipline and being personally responsible for their own actions, attitudes, and behaviors. For the first time ever, LeadWorthy Live was emceed by local LeadWorthy students. Master illusionist Vinh Giang and former Harlem Globe Trotter Joyce Ekworomadu captivated students with personal stories, inspiring them to be deliberate in setting and achieving their goals. Exciting performances from Cy Fair ISD drum lines and East View High School's show choir Glee joined by choir members from Cypress Park High School brought the audience to their feet! Students departed after a farewell challenge to #BeRemarkable by making every second count. Flippen established LeadWorthy as an initiative with a goal of encouraging students to pursue excellence in their relationships, leadership positions, and future careers. The LeadWorthy initiative includes LeadWorthy The Course (formerly Teen Leadership), a curriculum for growing middle school and high school student leaders, as well as LeadWorthy Online, an online community to engage and challenge students, and the LeadWorthy Live events that connect students, teachers, and leaders in person. LeadWorthy Live is coming to Dallas, Texas in March 2019. http://www.leadworthy.org We are honored and humbled to win the Peoples Choice award with our 2016 Zinfandel, Said Damian Doffo, CEO and Winemaker, Doffo Winery. We are constantly striving to produce premiere wines in our valley and put forth a tremendous amount of effort and care into both the farming of our Zinfandel vi The Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association (TVWA), today announced the winners of the third annual Peoples Choice Blind Tasting. This unique annual event invites consumers to taste through what Temecula Valley winemakers believe to be their best whites, roses and reds blind that is, without knowing the identity of each wine they are tasting and rate them to determine the years fan favorites. This years event took place on Sunday, October 28, 2018, at Fazeli Cellars, and featured a walk-around blind tasting and an awards reception offering pours of the 2017 Peoples Choice winning wines, gourmet bites prepared by Fazeli Chef Anthony Bartolotta and the musical stylings of Michael LeClerc. Doffo Winerys 2016 Zinfandel was named 1st Place Peoples Choice Red, followed by Fazeli Cellars 2015 Shiraz in 2nd Place, and Wiens Family Cellars 2016 Refugio Cabernet Sauvignon in 3rd Place. The 1st Place wine in the White or Rose category went to South Coast Winery for their 2017 Sauvignon Blanc, followed by Avensole Winerys 2016 Melody Twins, a blend of 60%% Gewurztraminer, 22% Sauvignon Blanc, 18% Muscat Canelli, and Maurice Carries 2017 Sauvignon Blanc in 3rd Place. This is the third year in a row that Doffo has taken a top spot in the competition, claiming 2nd place in 2016, and 1st place in 2017, all for their Zinfandel. We are honored and humbled to win the Peoples Choice award with our 2016 Zinfandel, Said Damian Doffo, CEO and Winemaker, Doffo Winery. We are constantly striving to produce premiere wines in our valley and put forth a tremendous amount of effort and care into both the farming of our Zinfandel vineyards and the production process of this wine. Thank you to all the guests that enjoyed the fruits of our craft. I am honored and humbled by this award, and appreciate that our wine was selected by everyone in attendance as having a quality that they could recognize and enjoy, said Jon McPherson, Master Winemaker, South Coast Winery. Over 200 guests tasted 50 wines (23 whites and roses and 27 reds) without knowing any of the wines identities, and rated them on a scale of 1-5 during a walk-around wine tasting. Final scores were tallied to determine the top 3 Peoples Choice wines in each category. Wines could be any variety or a blend, at any price point, as long as they were from the Temecula Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA). Entries ranged from just $14 per bottle to well over $100, and represented a veritable A-Z of grape varieties, from Arneis to Zinfandel and everything in between. Event sponsors included Gosch Ford, 34 Crisps, American AgCredit and Visit Temecula Valley. The top ten scoring wines in the white and rose category in alphabetical order were as follows: Avensole Winery 2017 Melody Twins, $24.95 Baily Winery 2016 Montage, $30 Danza del Sol 2017 Vermentino $28 Falkner Winery 2017 Chardonnay $34.95 Hart Winery 2017 Arneis, $28 Maurice Carrie 2017 Sauvignon Blanc, $13.99 South Coast Winery 2017 Sauvignon Blanc, $16 Thornton Rose, $28 Wiens 2017 Vermentino, $30 Wilson Creek Viognier, $26.99 The top ten scoring red wines in alphabetical order were as follows: Avensole Winery 2014 Solea, $46.95 Baily Winery 2015 M&M, $30 Doffo Winery 2016 Zinfandel $72 Fazeli Cellars 2015 Shiraz, $42 Masia de la Vinya 2016 Orchestra, $36 Maurice Carrie 2014 GPS, $24 Monte de Oro 2014 Simplexity, 43 South Coast Winery 2015 Wild Horse Peak Cabernet Sauvignon, $40 Thornton Winery 2016 Malbec, $42 Wiens Family Cellars 2016 Refugio, $46 Wilson Creek 2016 Family Reserve GSM, $49.99 Most wines can be purchased directly online through each winerys website. ABOUT THE TEMECULA VALLEY WINEGROWERS ASSOCIATION Temecula Valley is the largest and most commercially successful winegrowing region in the South Coast AVA, the viticultural zone spanning more than 2 million acres from Riverside County to the San Diego border. The Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association has long served as a steward of the Southern California wine community. Comprising 36 wineries and more than 60 winegrowers, the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association is a nonprofit regional organization dedicated to increasing awareness of the quality wines and wine grapes grown in the Temecula Valley and South Coast Appellations. Established in 1984, the Temecula AVA consists of 33,000 acres, of which approximately 2,500 acres are currently planted to commercial vineyards. Known as Southern California's wine country, the Temecula Valley is located in Riverside County just one hour from San Diego, Orange County and Palm Springs and 90 minutes from Los Angeles. WWI Armistice Headlines CREDIT: Roger Butterfield https://www.flickr.com/photos/roger/8231013958 On the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day, Carnegie Councils 'The Living Legacy of the First World War' project joins other centennial initiatives that help rising generations to understand the weight and gravity of this moment in global history and the War's lasting imprint on the present. Sunday, November 11, 2018 is the 100th anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I. With the passing of the last veterans of the Great War, active public remembrance is essential. Carnegie Councils "The Living Legacy of the First World War" project joins other centennial initiatives that help rising generations to understand the weight and gravity of this moment in global history. Launched in the summer of 2017, the goal of The Living Legacy project is to publish original research on the war, its long-term impacts on societies around the world, particularly the United States, and its lasting imprint on the present. This fellowship program is led by Senior Fellow Col. Reed Bonadonna (ret.), Nine research fellows were selected: see below. The project was made possible by a grant from the Richard Lounsbery Foundation. In September 2018, Bonadonna and four of the fellows attended the Carnegie Peacebuilding Conversations, a three-day program at the Peace Palace in The Hague, presented by Carnegie institutions worldwide and other partners. They were the panelists for a session titled Education for Peace: The Living Legacy of WWI. Access the transcript and video here: https://www.carnegiecouncil.org/studio/multimedia/20180925-education-for-peace-living-legacy-first-world-war. As part of the citys commemoration, of the World War I Centennial, the five other fellows will travel to New York and present their work at a Carnegie Council luncheon on November 13 at 12 noon EST. Watch the live webcast here: https://www.carnegiecouncil.org/live. Here are the nine selected fellows and their research themes. For interviews with all the fellows about their work, go to: https://www.carnegiecouncil.org/programs/WWI/resources. Katherine Akey, artist, Washington, DC: Collective Memory and the Hidden Photographic Narratives of World War I Mary Barton, Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) Historical Office: European and American Counterterrorism Strategies in the Aftermath of World War I Christopher Capozzola, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): Merchants of Death? The politics of Defense Contracting, Then and Now Philip Caruso, Harvard University: Airpower During World War I: Transforming International Law Zach Dorfman, investigative journalist and Carnegie Council Senior Fellow: Chemical Weapons from the Great War to Syria and Beyond Tanisha Fazal, University of Minnesota: The Politics and Medicine of Treating Post-Traumatic Stress Since World War I Richard Millett, University of Missouri-St. Louis: The United States, the Western Hemisphere, and World War I: Forgotten Aspects Seiko Mimaki, Takasaki City University of Economics, Japan: World War I as a Key Moment in the History of Humanitarianism: Jane Addams and Her Cosmopolitan Ethics Charles Sorrie, Trent University, Canada: The Legacy of American Press Censorship During the First World War ABOUT CARNEGIE COUNCIL Founded by Andrew Carnegie in 1914, Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs is an educational, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that produces lectures, publications, and multimedia materials on the ethical challenges of living in a globalized world. Go to https://www.carnegiecouncil.org/. ThinkEDU already serves millions of learners. Given ThinkEDUs leadership and extensive reach, we know they will provide our Authorized Training Partners with the tools, resources, expertise, and support they need to enable creators to thrive. - Anuja Dharkar, Head of Learning at Global Education, ThinkEDU, the leader in online academic technology, announced today that it has been selected by Unity Technologies as its North American Learning Services Distributor. ThinkEDU is the first company in the U.S. to be recognized as part of the Learning Services Distribution Partner program: a program designed to provide Unity Authorized Training Partners with the tools needed to ensure Unity training is accessible to aspiring real-time creators everywhere, across all regions in local languages and learning cultures. Having ThinkEDU as our North American Learning Services Distribution Partner lays the foundation for increased regional access to Unity training opportunities, said Anuja Dharkar, Head of Learning at Global Education, Unity Technologies. ThinkEDU already serves millions of learners. Given ThinkEDUs leadership and extensive reach, we know they will provide our Authorized Training Partners with the tools, resources, expertise, and support they need to enable creators to thrive. As the first Learning Services Distribution Partner in North America, ThinkEDU will support Unitys Authorized Training Partners efforts to train its global community of creators. ThinkEDU will ensure Unitys Authorized Training Partners can supply the various high-quality training materials needed to prime creators for future success. We are delighted and honored to be selected by Unity, commented Michael Fischler, CEO of ThinkEDU. Our vast experience focused on educational and commercial training channels gives us a unique perspective on assisting partners who wish to expand their business into these channels. We also look forward to welcoming new partners who wish to join the Unity Authorized Training Program. About ThinkEDU Based in Frisco, Texas, ThinkEDU operates over 1,000 online technology stores for college bookstores, academic consortiums and schools. We also manage some of the worlds leading training channels. Our company can help you deliver expert instructor-led training across your product portfolio. For more information on how to become an Unity Authorized Training Partner Program, contact Rebecca Abrams, ThinkEDUs Education Program Manager, at unity@thinkedu.com or go to http://www.corp.thinkedu.com/uatp to learn more about our company. About Unity Technologies Unity is the creator of the worlds most widely-used real-time 3D development platform, giving developers around the world the tools to create rich, interactive 2D, 3D, VR and AR experiences. The companys 800 person engineering team keeps Unity at the bleeding-edge of technology by working alongside partners such as Google, Facebook, Oculus and Microsoft to ensure optimized support for the latest releases and platforms. Games and experiences made with Unity have reached ~3 billion devices worldwide and were installed more than 24 billion times in the last 12 months. Unitys renowned flexibility gives developers the power to target and optimize their creations for 25+ platforms including Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Gameroom (Facebook), SteamVR (PC & Mac), Oculus, PSVR, Gear VR, HoloLens, ARKit (Apple), ARCore (Google) and more. Unity also offers solutions and services for connecting with audiences including Unity Ads, Unity Analytics, Unity Asset Store, Unity Cloud Build, Unity Collaborate, Unity Connect and Unity Certification. For more information, visit: http://unity3d.com ThinkEDU Media Contact: pr@thinkedu.com Several Unanet employees attended the Greater Washington Government Contractor Awards gala on November 5, 2018. Our customers are simply the best, and to see so many as winners at this years Greater Washington Government Contractor Awards is such a huge accomplishment for them. The Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce and the Professional Services Council (PSC) held the 16th Annual Greater Washington Government Contractor Awards this week. The gala for honoring the winners is widely considered one of the premier awards events for the Washington area government contracting community. Unanet CEO Fran Craig commented, "Our customers are simply the best, and to see so many as winners at this years Greater Washington Government Contractor Awards is such a huge accomplishment for them. The government contracting marketplace is highly competitive, and they stand out as the best in their fields. This year's winners include the following Unanet customers: Contractor of the Year (up to $25 million) - InCadence Strategic Solutions Contractor of the Year ($25-75 million) - Ad Hoc, LLC Executive of the Year ($75-300 million) - John Wood, CEO and Chairman of the Board, Telos Corporation Executive of the Year (Up to $75 million) - Marybeth Wootton, CEO, Berico Technologies Program of the Year (Small Business) - Evans Incorporated Unanet congratulates all the nominees and winners and salutes the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce and the Professional Services Council for their unwavering support of the government contracting community. About Unanet Over 1,000 professional services organizations trust Unanets Cloud or On-Premise ERP platform to scale their businesses while drastically reducing G&A in a Single Source of Truth. Professional services organizations include government contractors, technology, digital agencies, life sciences, and management consulting. Unanet optimizes skills management, resource scheduling, budgeting & planning, time & expense reporting, billing & revenue recognition, real-time project management analytics and dashboards, and GL, AP, AR, cost pool calculations, and indirect allocations. A recent benchmarking report of over 200 organizations with similar-size revenue shows customers running Unanet have a 50% lower G&A headcount than those running legacy systems and can reduce effort on administrative processes by 90%. Unanet has several videos available if you would like to learn more about our firm and capabilities at http://www.unanet.com/videos. Additional press inquiries may be directed to Jessica Primanzon, Director of Marketing at Unanet. She can be reached at 703-429-1821 or at jprimanzon@unanet.com. The Holy Scriptures give a clear picture of the modern computer. Its here a little and there a little, so its not obvious to the average person. You have to be inspired and guided in order to piece it together and get the accurate understanding Yisrayl Hawkins, Pastor and Overseer at The House of Yahweh in Abilene, Texas, has written a new post this week that reveals where the Bible describes the modern computer and how it relates to this current generation. Yisrayl says a new generation was born in 1934, and along with it came many advances in technology that was all clearly part of a Biblical Prophecy. He says the Prophecy is described in the Bible and directly involves current generational events and conclusions. The Holy Scriptures give a clear picture of the modern computer. Its here a little and there a little, so its not obvious to the average person. You have to be inspired and guided in order to piece it together and get the accurate understanding, Yisrayl explains. Yisrayl says there are many Biblical Prophecies taking place right before the very eyes of the world, but most are not obvious to them. He says there are many times when news events, which seem meaningless to most people, have a huge significance in the prophetic timeline to the scripturally trained eye. He writes about these events, their prophetic meanings, and significance in each of his letters. Yisrayl says the best way to gain a better understanding of Bible Prophecy is to watch their weekly service live streams on Sabbaths every seventh day of the week at 9:00am CST on their website and Facebook live. To read the article and get more details, go to http://www.yahwehsbranch.com About Us: The House of Yahweh, fully recognized in 1983 as a non-profit organization in the United States of America, continues to this present day to fulfill its commissioned work of preaching and publishing the True Message of Salvation. The House of Yahweh has correctly restored the Heavenly Fathers Name and the Saviors True Name in the translation named in Scripture as The Book of Yahweh. Media Contact: Rebekah Mathews or Teshua Schoenheinz (800) 613-9494 Natasha Ngans Girls of Paper and Fire is a rich, Asian-influenced fantasy set in the realm of Ikhara, where every year, an anthropomorphic animal known as the Demon King claims eight young women to be his concubines. Although Ngans protagonist, 17-year-old concubine Lei, is terrified of being summoned by the savage ruler, she treasures the friendship of fierce fellow courtesan Wren, with whom she begins a forbidden romance. PW spoke with Ngan by phone at her home in Paris as she prepared to embark on her U.S. book tour. You majored in geography at Cambridge University. Did your studies in any way inspire Girls of Paper and Fire? I cant say exactly which came first, whether it was studying geography or having an interest in culture, societies, and how humans interact with each other across the world in different wayshow we are capable of doing such amazing things for each other, and also such awful things to each other. I think Ive always had an interest in that, but studying geography really opened my eyes a lot more to it, and to understanding the historical context of that sort of thing. You were born in the U.K. but your mothers side of the family is from Malaysia, and you spent a lot of time there growing up. How much of that country and its culture are reflected in Ikhara? So much! Basically, Malaysia is a nexus of different cultures. The three main ethnicities that we have in Malaysia are Malay, Chinese, and Indian, and you can really feel those three elements influence in Ikharan culture. [I also tried to capture] that sense of different cultures coming together in one place and then having political issues. Forced assimilation, things like thatthese are things that were still struggling with in Malaysia. And there is a lot of racial tension. So those parts affected it as well. You tackle some heavy topics in Girls of Paper and Fire, from the commodification of women and their bodies, to homophobia and sexual assault. Why do you think it is important for young adult fiction to deal with these issues, and how do you address them in a meaningful way while still leaving readers with a sense of hope? I think we need books that are light, but we also need books that are dark, because its how the world is. We can censor what we expose teens to through books, but we cant be protecting them from everything in the real world, so I think its important that there are books that tackle deeper, darker issues. As for how, I think the most important thing for me was not to use violencenot to use the sexual abuse or any of those momentsfor shock value, or to be graphic. I am a sexual abuse survivor, so I think having some sort of connection, personally, to the content helped. But it was more about not focusing on the exact what of what was going on, but more [on] how the girls reacted to ithow they felt, how they talked about it, the narrative surrounding that, and how they all reacted in different ways. I think thats really important, because there is no one right way to react. Even if you havent experienced that, you can see how certain things can impact people in different ways, and that just helps everyones empathy, I think. Why do you think diversity is important in young adult fiction? Because we live in diverse societies, and I think theres a power in representation. If youre seeing your story told, its validating. If youre not seeing your story told, theres almost a sense that theres something wrong with it, or its not important, and no young person should feel like that. Also, like I was saying earlier, reading about other peoples cultures and experiences, thats great for young people developing empathy, which is just super importantin todays political climate, especially. In addition to being a writer, youre also a fashion blogger. Did you enjoy conceptualizing the elaborate costumes worn by the Demon Kings concubines? That was so fun! I have a very visual imagination, and I love to see whatever Im reading or writing as a film playing in my head. With Girls, a lot of the outfits had an importance, a relevance to that characters actual character. These were costumes culturally significant to me, as well, so that was really nice to be able to introduce them to readers. What message do you hope readers take away from Girls of Paper and Fire? I hope that they feel empowered, and that they know that even in the darkest times, there is hope to be found. It may not come in a guise that you expected. It may come from within you, and you may need help from others, but no matter how dark things get, if you stay true to yourself and listen to your heart, you can come through those sorts of situations. Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan. Little, Brown/Patterson, $18.99 Nov. 6 ISBN 978-0-316-56136-5 This season brings big anniversaries for several childrens books: from YA novels that have remained in print for almost a century, to picture books that have inspired legions of fans for decades. In response to these milestones, publishers are celebrating in myriad ways, including repackaged, redesigned editions, and revitalized retellings of these enduring stories. Read on for new ways to reconnect with old favorites. Johnny Tremain 75th Anniversary Edition By Esther Hopkins Forbes (Sept. 11, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $14.99, ISBN 978-1-328-48916-6). First published in 1943, the historical fiction bestseller and Newbery Medal winner tells the story of a boy caught up in the American Revolution, and is now refreshed with a new cover and illustrated foreword from graphic novelist Nathan Hale. The Kissing Hand: 25th Anniversary Edition By Audrey Penn, illus. by Ruth E. Harper and Nancy M. Leak (Sept. 11, Tanglewood, hardcover, $19.99, ISBN 978-1-939100-18-4). Penns story of Chester the Raccoon turns 25 this fall; the picture book has become a classic bibliotherapy selection for children reticent to start school. The new edition features an additional booklet, Letters to Chester, featuring fans letters to the raccoon, as well as stickers. The Knife of Never Letting Go By Patrick Ness (Sept. 11, Candlewick, $24.99, ISBN 978-1-5362-0053-9). Ten years after it was originally published, the opener to Nesss dystopian Chaos Walking trilogy is reissued in a new hardcover edition. The film adaptation of the book hits theaters March 2019. Go Away, Big Green Monster! By Ed Emberley (Sept. 22, Little, Brown, $24.99, ISBN 978-0-316-23653-9). Caldecott Medalist Emberleys interactive picture book has helped kids sleep since it was first published 25 years ago. The book now boasts over one million copies in print, and it remains Little, Browns fourth bestselling backlist title, nearing Twilight. The publisher says Happy 25th! with a reprint of the original. Graceling By Kristin Cashore (Sept. 25, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, paper, $10.99, ISBN 978-0-547-25830-0). Cashores bestselling fantasy debut takes place in a land of seven kingdoms, where people with special talents, called Gracelings, are identified by their eyes, and 18-year-old Katsa was identified at a young age for her talent for killing. Cashore followed up her story with two companion novels, Fire and Bitterblue; Gracelings 10th-anniversary edition features reimagined cover art, a new afterword, and a Q&A with the author. The Graveyard Book By Neil Gaiman, illus. by Dave McKean (Sept. 30, HarperCollins, paper, $8.99, ISBN 978-0-06-053094-5). The 2009 Newbery winner and spooky retelling of The Jungle from Kiplings The Jungle Book gets a new 10th-anniversary edition including a foreword by Margaret Atwood, and extras including Gaimans medal acceptance speech, answers to fan questions, early versions of McKeans art, and more. The Giver By Lois Lowry (Oct. 2, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $18.99, ISBN 978-1-328-47122-2). For the 25th anniversary of Lowrys Newbery winner, Houghton is reissuing the book in a newly designed hardcover edition with additional material. Lowry contributes a new afterword, as well as her medal acceptance speech. The dystopian novel has been adapted into a film, and next year a graphic novel adaptation of the book will be published. The Popcorn Book By Tomie dePaola (Oct. 16, Holiday House, $7.99, ISBN 978-0-8234-4060-3). For the 40th anniversary of dePaolas picture book about two brothers making the popular snack, updated information and illustrations are included. The Skin Im In By Sharon Flake (Oct. 16, Disney/Jump at the Sun, paper, $9.99, ISBN 978-1-368-01943-9). Originally published in 1998, Flakes novel about a teen bullied at school because of her race is reissued for its 20th anniversary with a new cover and a new foreword by Jason Reynolds. The Little Prince: 75th Anniversary Edition By Antoine de Saint-Exupery (Oct. 23, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $24.99, ISBN 978-1-328-47975-4). The international bestseller about a boy who sees the world with a unique perspective is beloved by children and adults, and for its 75th year in print, HMH reissues it in a redesigned, deluxe hardcover edition including bonus material about the making of the book, photos, and early reviews. The Hunger Games: Special Edition By Suzanne Collins (Oct. 30, Scholastic, paper, $12.99, ISBN 978-1-338-32191-3). The dystopian YA novel that launched a sensationa successful trilogy of books and filmsnow celebrates its 10th anniversary. The special edition includes an interview with Collins, material about how she wrote the series, and a conversation between the author and the late Walter Dean Myers that centers on writing about war. My Family Plays Music By Judy Cox, illus. by Elbrite Brown (Nov. 20, Holiday House, hardcover, $18.99, ISBN 978-0-8234-4039-9). For its 15th year in print, the Coretta Scott King New Talent Award winner is reprinted, celebrating a multi-talented and musical family. The book includes back matter about music genres, instruments, and improvisation. A Childs Calendar: 20th Anniversary Edition By John Updike, illus. by Trina Schart Hyman (Jan. 15, 2019, $18.99, ISBN 978-0-8234-3956-0). The collaboration between Updike, Pulitzer Prize-winner and acclaimed writer for adults, and Caldecott Medalist Hyman features poems and illustrations carrying a multiracial family throughout the year, and is reissued in a hardcover edition for its 20th year in print. Paddington at St. Pauls By Michael Bond (Jan. 15, 2019, HarperCollins, $17.99, ISBN 978-0-06-288785-6). The 60th anniversary of the first book featuring the teddy bear from darkest Peru, who finds himself in England, heralds what Harper deems the last book by Michael Bond, a new picture book featuring Paddington in an adventure at St. Pauls Cathedral in London. It was a decent election for libraries across the nation, although library supporters this week have mixed feelings about the resultshappy that a fairly high number of local library projects were approved; disappointed that some high profile measures were defeated; and many left to worry about a troubling trendare library supporters losing steam at the ballot box? EveryLibrarys John Chrastka observes that despite some good outcomes on Tuesday, he remains concerned by "a real softness in the level of support voters have for library funding. Of the 79 library-related elections EveryLibrary tracked (the full list is here) 48 (72%) passed their measures; 13 (20%) failed; four (6%) remain too close to call as of this writing. The remaining measures had no reliable information available at press time. And while there were some big wins in that bunch, the results look "significantly less positive for libraries than the 2017 elections," Chrastka observed, suggesting that library supporters need to change their approach to advocacy. Last year, library-related ballot initiatives posted a 94% success rate. Heres Library Journals take on how libraries did at the polls. And here is American Libraries roundup of ballot initiatives, broken down by state. And, on the EveryLibrary blog, Chrastka offers the best analysis I've seen yet, via these 10 takeaways from the election, including this opening analysis: "When you combine a hyper-divided Congress and the dysfunctional political climate in D.C. with an overall approach of the Trump Administration to diminishing or dismantling the federal governments funding, regulatory, and rulemaking role, then add in the still-coming impact of the 2017 Tax Act, we foresee that most of the major policy and funding decisions over the next several years will be coming from states and by cities. Library leaders need to pay close attention to what is happening in their state houses, city halls, county seats, and school boards. And we need to we prepared to work on influencing that local and state level policy and funding picture for library." AAP: Plan S 'Disrespects' and 'Devalues' the Publishing Industry In a strongly-worded press release this week, the Association of American Publishers lodged its opposition to Plan S, the European open access initiative supported by a coalition of major funding bodies. It is the strong view of the U.S. publishing industry that Plan S is ill-conceived and unsustainable, said Maria A. Pallante, president and Chief Executive Officer of AAP. Plan S is a violation of academic freedom to publish and is a disservice to all who rely upon credible research literature. Plan S devalues and disrespects the publishing industry threefold: it imposes strict regulations on an innovative private sector marketplace; it creates market access barriers for American publishers; and it places unreasonable constraints on individual researchers. The AAP release cites an "open letter" being circulated (now with some 850 signatures) which raises unanswered questions about the recently introduced plan, and questions whether it is too risky. Chemistry World (which is published by the Royal Society of Chemistry) has a good report on the open letter, which includes a response from Plan S organizers, and even a response from Emma Wilson, the Royal Society of Chemistry's (RSC) director of publishing (RSC is one of the society publishers referred to in the letter, and is a signatory). Wilson comments that the RSC "agrees with many of the principles outlined in Plan S," and supports "a sustainable transition to open access." Also this week, Nature reports that two major funders, The Wellcome Trust, and the Gates Foundation, have come out in strong support of Plan S. In a press release, The Wellcome Trust said that its policy supports the proposals in Plan S. Among its new policy changes, the Wellcome Trust is now requiring immediate open access (no more six-month embargoes) and is no longer supporting publication in hybrid journals. If you're curious to see how they came up with their policy, the Wellcome Trust has also made its "Open Access Policy Review" available, which includes this rather interesting conclusion at the end of the executive summary: "While it is appreciated that the onus now falls on the publishers to respond reasonably and fairly, the appeal of the Fully OA proposition is caveatedas most of the ideas must beby what is expected to be a rather intransigent journal response." While the AAP's release sounds like fighting words, in Health Europa, Robert-Jan Smits, the European Commissions Senior Adviser on Open Access, said OA advocates are prepared for the pushback. "I expected resistance because Plan-S is a radical plan, Smits said. "I still wait and hope for the first big publisher to go full open access. Reserve Reading From the Thomson Reuters Foundation, a disturbing report on how LGBT+ people are being "erased from books in Russia" because of a new "gay propaganda'" law. The BBC has a report on an exhibit at Oxford University's Bodleian Libraries' featuring works once deemed too obscene to put on the open shelves, including Lady Chatterley's Lover, The Joy of Sex, and a range of 17th Century pornography. The Guardian meanwhile, writes about the ways librarians are heroes: "whether theyre saving books from censorship, or sheltering their community from danger, theres nothing new about librarians choosing actions alongside words..." Also from The Guardian, a report on Tim Berners-Lee's opening talk at the Web Summit in Lisbon, in which he outlined a new Contract for the Web that aims to protect peoples rights and freedoms online. Humanity connected by technology on the web is functioning in a dystopian way," he said. "We have online abuse, prejudice, bias, polarisation, fake news, there are lots of ways in which it is broken. This is a contract to make the web one which serves humanity, science, knowledge and democracy. Readers may remember the outcry that came when the University of Texas began removing books from its Fine Arts Library for a renovation project? Well, The Daily Texan reports that the renovation is complete...and sounds pretty cool. Devastating news from the Poughkeepsie Journal, which reports that the Pleasant Valley Library has been "ravaged" by a fire. Architectural Digest has a beautiful spread featuring "the worlds 8 most futuristic libraries." In the Denver Post, this story suggests that Colorado millennials are using to their public libraries, mirroring a national trend. From EdTech, a report on how "new education technology solutions are making K12 library media centers more comfortable and collaborative than ever before." Prima Games, the U.S.-based DK imprint publishing strategy guides to video games, will stop commissioning new titles immediately, and will be discontinued in spring 2019. As a result, its Roseville, Calif., Indianapolis, and New York offices will all be closed. Prima, founded in 1990, is the largest publisher in the video game strategy guide sector of the industry. Its demise augurs poorly for other publishers in that space, which has declined significantly since the proliferation of game guide websites over the past decade. The publisher's Roseville office will close mid-November, while some members of the Prima Games team, based in the Indianapolis office, will stay until March 2019 to publish any remaining books. "During a year-long extensive review, many new ways were explored to diversify Prima Games publishing; however, the dynamics for us of this fast-paced landscape have continued to prove difficult," Ian Hudson, DK's CEO, wrote in a memo. "This enormously dedicated team has made every effort to turn the business around, but challenging market conditions have unfortunately worked against them." Bill Asamoah explained that, the family were preparing the body of the deceased for burial. He said The news of the death of Blinks is such a sad one and we are here to console and share our sympathies with the family. As you know, he is a Muslim and as it is demanded of them, he has to be buried today so the family is readying for that. He also condemned the tragic act that took place by saying This act of cowardice is condemned, and must be condemned in no uncertain terms by all and sundry. The tendency of people taking the laws in their hands to meet capital punishment to their perceived enemies must be nipped in the bud, and, the time is now. ece-auto-gen READ MORE: Late Kumawood actor Abass laid to rest, prime suspect arrestedLate Kumawood actor Abass laid to rest, prime suspect arrested Segments of a statement signed by him read; We are still in shock and just cant tell why this round artiste in the person of our brother should have his life snuffed out of him at his budding age and career. We still cant fathom on what premise this heinous perpetration was perpetrated by these unscrupulous and coward individuals. The actors called on security operatives to quickly attend to the issue and bring the culprits to book. We would like as a matter of urgency, call on the security services to nap out every strategy within their reach to hunt down these cowards to make them face the full rigours of the laws of the land. We cant live in a country where such atrocities are allowed to flourish to the detriment of innocent and defenseless citizens. We would like to take this opportunity to ask all industry players, artists, in particular, to remain calm as we look forward to seeing the security agencies, and for that matter the Police Service, in particular, to carry out their duty to its logical conclusion by apprehending those murderers. A total of six suitor reportedly engaged in a contest of wealth after in which one of them emerged as the highest bidder to marry Nyalong Ngong Deng after two weeks of fierce contest. Some of the bidders included South Sudanese tycoon Kok Alat who offered 520 heifers, three Toyota V8 cars and KSh 1 million, David Mayom Riak came third with 353 cows in addition to a parcel of land as well as Mawut Agorok who also offered 187 animals, according to Tuko.co.ke. Although, Kok Alat emerged the highest bidder and teenager was presented to him, acting executive director the National Alliance for Women Lawyers, Monica Adhiue argues that the practice is not only demeaning to womanhood, but also amounts to commoditisation of women. READ ALSO: Girl commits suicide after father caught her having sex on his bed She emphatically stated that: "The practice is a gross human rights violation and violates the rights of a girl. It does not only deprive the girl child from education and limit her future opportunities in her life, but also increases the risk of violence, jeopardises her health, reduces the girl child to a property, and deprives her from the right to choose." Monica Adhiue did not leave the South Sudanese government officials out. She called on the state to bring those of them who played any role in the auctioning to be brought to book. "They need to be suspended from their office and this case to be investigated and, of course, whoever is involved in this auctioning also later needs to be properly investigated and held accountable because this is a violation of human rights," the lawyer said. According to the BBC, US oil is at $60.42. This has fallen by more than a fifth since early October, officially putting it in bear-market territory. READ ALSO: Here are the sitting allowances for board members of public institutions Stephen Brennock at London brokerage PVM Oil told the BBC that there is no slowing down the bear train. Instead, the energy complex has extended a route driven by swelling global supplies and a softening demand outlook. There is now a sense of inevitability that the European crude benchmark is poised to revisit the $60s per barrel. The price fall is coming after it hit four-year highs at the beginning of October. In Ghana, this may mean a further reduction of fuel prices by the Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs). READ ALSO: Here are 6 entities BoG doesnt want you to deposit money withHere are 6 entities BoG doesnt want you to deposit money with The reduction follows a previous increase in prices of petrol and diesel by all 3 major OMCs to GHC 5.21 pesewas per litre in the last pricing window. Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with visiting Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel here on Thursday, calling on the two countries to cherish their traditional friendship and write a new chapter in China-Cuba friendly cooperation. Chinese President Xi Jinping (2nd R) and his wife Peng Liyuan (1st R) pose for a group photo with Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel (2nd L) and his wife in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 8, 2018. Xi held talks with Miguel Diaz-Canel in Beijing on Thursday. [Photo: gov.cn] Xi extended welcome for Diaz-Canel's first state visit to China and asked Diaz-Canel to convey his cordial greetings to Raul Castro, first secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba. Hailing Cuba as a great country, Xi said it has won the respect of the world by insisting on its own development path despite difficulties and obstacles over the past half a century. As socialist countries, China and Cuba are good friends, comrades and brothers, said Xi, adding this is a proven fact and the relationship has withstood the test of time and international situation changes. "Chinese people will never forget that Cuba, led by Comrade Fidel Castro, was the first nation in the western hemisphere to forge diplomatic ties with China 58 years ago," Xi said, expressing gratitude to the Communist Party of Cuba and Cuban people for their firm support toward China in safeguarding sovereignty and developing the country. Xi recalled his two visits to Cuba and in-depth conversations with Fidel Castro, calling on the two countries "to double cherish the friendship forged and cultivated by the older generations of leaders, inherit and develop it and jointly write a new chapter of bilateral friendly cooperation." Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) holds a welcome ceremony for visiting Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel before their talks in Beijing, capital of China,Thursday, November 8, 2018. [Photo: Xinhua] Speaking highly of the unswerving determination of the Cuban party, government and people to develop bilateral ties, Xi said both sides need to have an overall plan from a long-term perspective so as to promote the in-depth development of China-Cuba ties. He called on both countries to further consolidate mutual trust and support, conduct win-win cooperation and enhance exchanges on governance. The two countries should continue to support each other on issues concerning core interests and major concerns, said Xi, adding that China firmly backs Cuba on safeguarding its national sovereignty and choosing a socialist path that suits its national situation. China believes that with the strong leadership of Raul Castro, Diaz-Canel and other leaders, Cuba will surely score new achievements, said Xi. He said China appreciates Cuba's contribution to the relations between China, Latin American and Carribean countries and would like to maintain close coordination with Cuba on major international and regional issues. China welcomes Cuba's participation in the Belt and Road construction, said Xi, calling on both sides to enhance cooperation in areas of trade, energy, agriculture, tourism and biopharmaceutical manufacturing. Noting that Diaz-Canel visited the first China International Import Expo held in Shanghai prior to his arrival in Beijing, Xi encourages Cuba to make the best use of the expo to expand exports to China. "China's cooperation with Cuba follows the principle of upholding justice and pursuing shared interests," said Xi, adding that China will "support Cuba in all aspects that we can support." He also called for people-to-people and cultural exchanges so as to boost mutual understanding and friendship between Chinese and Cubans, especially for the young people. Diaz-Canel, who arrived in Shanghai Tuesday to start his three-day state visit, said that Cuba appreciates China's lasting support and the new generation of Cuban leaders will staunchly continue the traditional friendship with China. He said Cuba admires the achievements China has scored and highly agrees with the development ideas put forward at the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. Cuba is willing to learn from China to update its domestic economic and social model and promote the cause of socialist construction, said Diaz-Canel, calling on the two countries to maintain high-level exchanges and political dialogue, strengthen exchanges in trade, education and culture and enhance communication and coordination in international affairs. Prior to the talks, Xi held a welcoming ceremony for Diaz-Canel at the Great Hall of the People. After the talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of a series of documents. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (R) meets with visiting Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 8, 2018. [Photo: gov.cn] Earlier on Thursday, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang met with Diaz-Canel. Noting that China always upholds an open attitude and win-win principles to promote cooperation with Cuba, Li said China stands ready to strengthen bilateral cooperation in major areas including new energy, information communication and biological pharmacy. The Chinese government supports its enterprises to invest and develop in Cuba and is willing to import more products with Cuba's unique advantages, Li said, also expressing the willingness to promote knowledge cooperation and development experience communication with Cuba. Li Zhanshu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, also met with Diaz-Canel on the same day, calling for more cooperation between the two countries' legislatures. With Accra experiencing ever-increasing road traffic congestion, with its detrimental effects on economic activity, pollution and the quality of life, the SkyTrainO project, Hon. Joe. Ghartey emphasized, is the solution to these problems. There is confidence in the project. The promoters (Ai SkyTrain Consortium) are very serious, and that is why we invited the President, himself, to witness the signing. This should assure the investors that Government is solidly behind it. The economics of this project are also good. We are very excited about the prospects, he said. ece-auto-gen Today, we have signed an MoU which will last nine (9) months, where they (Ai SkyTrain Consortium) can do their feasibility into detail. After which, we have given ourselves 45 days to take our concessionary agreements for approval by Cabinet and also by Parliament. By January 2020, we should start the construction of the project, the Railways Minister said. He continued, We are exceptionally excited also by the fact that a lot of the construction works will be done in Ghana. It will create a lot of jobs in Ghana, because the fabrication and construction will all be done in Ghana. South Africas Deputy Minister for Transport, Sindisiwe Lydia Chikunga, who was present at the signing ceremony stated that we are very excited, and we hope that, in due time, we will witness the construction in 2020. We wish you all the best in the feasibility period. ece-auto-gen On his part, President Akufo-Addo stated that after the deterioration of Ghanas rail infrastructure over the years, it has become a priority of our government to rehabilitate, revive and expand, and get us a railway infrastructure that is fit for purpose. The exciting bit about the project, he explained, is that it is a good example of intra-Africa co-operation. It is Ghana-South Africa co-operation, meeting and coming together to deal with the problem of urbanization, which is facing all our countries. I express my deep condolences to the family of the student who lost her life yesterday at Adenta, after being knocked down by a taxi, as she attempted crossing the road on her way from school. READ ALSO: Exclusive Photos: Burnt tyres, blocked roads and Police brutality engulf Adentan protests The Ministry of Roads and Highways is ensuring that work begins on completion of these bridges in the course of the coming week, and has put together a comprehensive plan to address systematically all these infrastructural problems, which are legacies of a past decade of neglect.I would urge drivers and pedestrians to obey and respect the laws on our roads. All of us, Government and the citizenry, have a collective responsibility to safeguard and preserve life. My condolences, once again, to the family. Reports indicate that three officers in the company of a policeman first visited the house. They left when told he had travelled only to return at dawn demanding to see him again. Confirming the incident to MyNewsGh, A Plus said: I was in town when my brother-in-law called to tell me that three guys in mufti and a police officer came to look for me. When they got to the main security gate at the estate they claimed they were going to C1. At our estate you have to call the person before you enter but some reason they were allowed in. According to the security, they noticed they had gone pass C1 so they followed them. He continued that, "My brother-in-law told them I am not at home and they left promising to return. I called the National Security Minister and asked if anyone was looking for me and he asked me to give him some time to check. He later called and said he had checked through the system and there is nothing like that so I should beef up my security because he suspects they could be bad guys. A Plus has been in the news from last week for exposing the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Maritime Authority. He accused him of spending GH135,000 on a staff end-of-year party in 2017. He said the hotel, Luxe Suites Hotel, where the outrageous expenses were incurred and paid for with the approval of Kwame Owusu is fully owned by the boss himself. This led to a protest by the youth in the area as they are burning tyres on the main road to block cars from accessing the route. Deputy Information Minister, Pius Enam Hadzide, after another accident on the highway on Thursday, November 8, said former President John Mahama and the NDC should be blamed for failing to fix the six footbridges it have been left uncompleted. He was not forgiven for his comments that appeared to sympathise with victims of the road fatalities. ece-auto-gen Pius Enam Hadzide in a Facebook post wrote "My condolences and sympathies to the families of all the accident victims of the Madina-Adenta road. Government commitment to fixing this and many other challenges that it inherited remains resolute. We shall fix this in the shortest possible time. Meanwhile, we must call out the NDC for attempting to take undue advantage of this unfortunate incident and engage in opportunist politicking. We are where we are today primarily due to their 8 years of inaction." The comment which has caused massive outrage on social media especially on Facebook where the backlash has been particularly harsh. The driver was arrested by the Ghana Police Service and placed in Police custody pending further investigations. The incessant deaths on the Madina-Adenta highway keeps increasing as another pedestrian got hit by a speeding vehicle. The victim, reportedly died instantly as she was trying to cross the road near the 'uncompleted' footbridge. READ MORE: Demonstration looms on Tema motorway over deadly potholes The incident, which happened Thursday afternoon sparked a spontaneous protest again on the highway by residents in the area. This has led to a protest by the youth in the area as they are burning tyres on the main road to block cars from accessing the route. In a statement assuring the residents of the area of their safety, the Director-General of Public Affairs of the Police Service, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) David Eklu, said "the driver who knocked down the student has been arrested and placed in Police custody." The statement also revealed that a media centre for the cross-checking of facts regarding the protest has been set up at the Adenta Police Station. The Police also discounted assertions that it used excessive force in restoring calm to the area after a 14-year-old boy sustained a suspected gunshot wound in the incident. ece-auto-gen According to the police, preliminary investigations into yesterday's rioting indicate that the appropriate riot control methods was employed. "Preliminary investigations into yesterdays rioting show that Police employed the appropriate riot control methods. However, in the process, a boy of fourteen years was injured and was treated and discharged at the Nyaho Clinic in Accra. There is no record of any other injuries related to the riot control," the statement explained. READ ALSO: Bad roads affecting sex drives with our wives - Drivers complainBad roads affecting sex drives with our wives - Drivers complain On Thursday, residents took to the streets burning lorry tyres and blocking the road in protest of governments unwillingness to complete works on the footbridges. The demonstration led to the inter-ministerial Committee on Roads and Highways, Transport and Interior holding an emergency meeting to find a way forward. ece-auto-gen Following the crunch meeting, the government has assured that works on the uncompleted footbridges on the Madina-Adenta highway will begin by next week. A statement from the inter-ministerial Committee on Roads and Highways, Transport and Interior said multiple contractors will be deployed to ensure the footbridges are fixed immediately. Work is to be done on an accelerated basis with multiple contractors to ensure quick completion, sections of the statement read. this is in accordance with already commenced processes prior to the unfortunate incident that occurred on Thursday, it added. Meanwhile, government also said it will in the meantime deploy officers of the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service to oversee that traffic is reduced on the stretch. The statement added that traffic lights will also be fixed immediately to improve visibility on the highway. The MTTD [Motor Traffic and Transport Department] of the Ghana Police Service has deployed men on the stretch to enforce the relevant road traffic regulations on speeding limits. Traffic signal lights and street lighting are also to be fixed to improve visibility on the corridor. His statements come at the back of a 22-year old student of the West Africa Senior High School (WASS) who was killed on the Madina-Adenta highway by a speeding vehicle. The incessant deaths on the Madina-Adenta highway keeps increasing as another pedestrian got hit by a speeding vehicle. READ MORE: Driver who killed WASS student on Adenta highway arrestedDriver who killed WASS student on Adenta highway arrested The victim, reportedly died instantly as she was trying to cross the road near the 'uncompleted' footbridge. The incident, which happened Thursday afternoon sparked a spontaneous protest again on the highway by residents in the area. This has led to a protest by the youth in the area as they are burning tyres on the main road to block cars from accessing the route. ece-auto-gen In a series of on his Facebook wall, he wrote: "Listen to the Roads and Highways Ministry fumbling on Adom Fm. He is a total disaster and a failure. Running a ministry isnt childs play and propaganda. Dissolve the government like KNUST Governing Council". "The government heard the complaints about the accidents on the Madina-Adentan road and did nothing until the people demonstrated and there were casualties including loss of lives and injuries inflicted by the police on people who were drawing attention to their plight. "Can we call for the dissolution of the government?" he asked. READ MORE: Deputy Minister 'slapped' for blaming NDC over Adenta highway accidentsDeputy Minister 'slapped' for blaming NDC over Adenta highway accidents He urged Ghanaians to be "empowered to abandon their Fama Nyame docility to ensure that governance focuses only on their interest". "The office wishes to state that Flt. Lt. Rawlings did not meet former Sierra Leonean Vice-President Chief Sam Sumana over the weekend' as reported. "The last time Chief Sam Sumana called on former President Rawlings was in late 2017," Communications Director at the Office of Rawlings, Kobina Andoh Amoakwa said in a statement. READ MORE: Asiedu Nketia is a dictator - NDC manAsiedu Nketia is a dictator - NDC man Reports by the Daily Guide newspaper stated that Rawlings had said President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo took over from Mahama in 2017, the country was already drowning in practice of corruption with impunity. 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! Renters in New York City and the Washington, DC, area could soon be paying more in housing costs if Amazon splits its new headquarters between the two cities. Amazon is said to be in the late stages of negotiations to build campuses in Long Island City, New York, and Crystal City, Virginia, just outside of Washington, DC, The New York Times reported on Monday evening. Renters' costs could increase more than $200 annually in both cities if Amazon brings offices to those locations, according to an analysis conducted in April by the real estate siteZillow. If the new campus is built in New York, rents in the area could rise 0.7% next year, up from a projected 1% decline. That translates into about $17 more monthly, or $204 annually, on New York's median monthly rent of $2,401. That translates into about $24 more monthly, or $288 annually, for those paying the city's median rent of $2,146. The increases in rental costs will kick off next year, assuming Amazon starts hiring for its second headquarters in 2019, according to Zillow. It's important to note, however, that Zillow's forecast was based on the assumption that Amazon would build a single campus for its new headquarters. It's possible that splitting the campus between two locations could alter the impact to each city's rental costs. More on Amazons HQ2 project: The academy made the announcement on Friday, November 11, 2018 in statement sent to Pulse. LFA also disclosed that the Global Philanthropy Alliance endowed the project with the sum of $5000 in connection with its aim at developing young social entrepreneurs in Africa by funding youth-led or youth-engaged organizations that unleash the power of youth to advance the economic and social health of their families and communities. ALSO READ: Chris Ihidero 2018 edition of StoryStory Masterclass series Film for Life project berthed in 2011, when Chris Ihideros short film about rape; 'Big Daddy,' was made and premiered to raving reviews and awards. ece-auto-gen 'Big Daddy' is currently the most watched Nigerian short film on YouTube presently, with over 600,000 views. Speaking on the grant, the founder of LFA, Chris Ihidero, it is delightful to kick off the 2018 edition of the project. It's really delightful to kick off the Film for Life series this year, thanks to GPA's grant. I have always wanted to help young filmmakers make their first films, knowing what making Big Daddy in 2011 did for my own career. "A short film is a call card, something that says: Hey, I can do this! My hope is that the participants, whether they win or not, go away with a sense of understanding of what it means to be a filmmaker and to be socially aware as individuals interested in making the various societies they live in, a better place for all, Ihidero noted. In the same vein, the Lagos Film Academy called for applications from youths based in Lagos, Nigeria; between the ages of 18-30 who are interested in making their first film. The pair reportedly cheated a former teacher Nor Faizah Othman, a 48-year-old woman of the amount. According to the New Straights Times (NST), the alleged scam occurred between April 21 and June 12, 2017. The Nigerian duo are reportedly students studying in Malaysia where they have been arraigned. NST confirms that the accused "were charged under Section 120(B)(1) of the Penal Code, read together with Section 411 of the same Act, which carries a maximum penalty of five years jail and a fine." ALSO READ: Suspected Nigerian fraudster arrested for scamming international companies During their arraignment presided by Nurunaim Abdullah a court magistrate, Egwuasu Bernard Nnaemeka and Egwuasu Chimiezi Benjamin pleaded not guilty to the charge read against them. The pair who reportedly entered Malaysia for their studies in 2016, have been denied bail. The angels flew back in town for the undefinedafter spending two years around the world; namely Paris and Shanghai. The show is a lavish event with elaborate costumed lingerie, varying music by leading entertainers, and set design depending on the theme of the year. The show attracts a plethora of celebrities and entertainers, with special performers and acts every year. The show generally features a mix of seasoned Angels, high-profile names and a fortunate batch of newcomers or lesser-known faces. This year regular Angels such as Adriana Lima, Candice Swanepoel, Martha Hunt, Stella Maxwell, Lais Ribeiro, Sara Sampaio, Cindy Bruna and Taylor Hill strutted down the runway in addition to newcomers like Duckie Thot, Winnie Harlow and Mayowa Nicholas. Every year, the Victoria's Secret show brings its famous bejewelled Angels together for what is consistently a glittery catwalk extravaganza. It's the most-watched fashion event of the year with over 800 million people tuning in every single year. Often less is more when it comes to the VS show, with models typically showcasing little more than lingerie, heels and a pair of wings. There are always 'themes', like 'sexy sportswear' or 'sexy nightwear' or 'sexy pixies' with the lingerie taking centre stage. Last year, brand collaborated with Balmain on some one-off looks for the show, marking the first time that VS had teamed up with a high-fashion brand to produce pieces that will actually be made for retail. This year, the company collaborated with Mary Katrantzou. Speaking about the collab, Mary said, "Everything that Victorias Secret creates is about a woman feeling confident and empowered, and also having fun with what she is wearing. This collaboration is going to be bold, fun and playful." Fantasy Bra This year, the Fantasy Bra will be designed by Altelier Swarovski and modelled by Elsa Hosk. The Swedish model was made an official Angel in 2015 and has walked in the show since 2011. The bejewelled bra is adorned with more than 2,100 Swarovski diamonds and has been valued at $1 million. It took over 930 hours to create and has over 71 carats. For the first time ever, customers will be able to purchase a version of the fantasy bra (made with real Swarovski crystals). It will cost $250 and will go on sale later on in November. The calm before the storm The Victoria's Secret Show is one of the most anticipated shows in the world and every girl knows that half the fun is getting ready. Backstage at th VS show is absolute chaos with angels getting ready for the big show and press running around trying to get pictures and exclusives. Angels including Jasmine Tookes and Stella Maxwell courted the media and frolicked with their fellow angels as they prepared for the biggest night of their lives. A group, Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum, recently called for the suspension of the programme, one of the microcredit schemes of President Muhammadu Buhari administrations Social Investment Programmes (SIPs). Akande, Prof. Yemi Osinbajos Spokesman, in a statement on Friday in Abuja, described the call as both unbelievable and unfortunate. Akande, who was reacting to a news report credited to the group, noted that such an attack on the SIPs was a direct confrontation with the millions of Nigerians benefitting from all the schemes. He said it would be deceitful for anyone or group to accuse Osinbajo of advance vote buying through TraderMoni, a micro-credit scheme designed to assist the bottom of the pyramid petty traders nationwide. This was the false claim contained in a communique jointly signed by the leadership of a group called Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum recently. We do not think the Nigerian people are up for sale, nor can they be bought. Such suggestions are an insult on our collective identity. And calling for the suspension of a scheme that improves the businesses of ordinary, hardworking Nigerians, like petty traders, is not only unfair, but an attack on the common man. The Social Investment programme of the Buhari administration started in 2016, and the TraderMoni scheme is a part. So, it is false to even insinuate that the scheme was meant for advance vote buying when it was conceived two years ago. TraderMoni, which is part of the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) under the SIPs, is designed to assist petty traders across the country expand their trade through the provision of collateral and interest-free loans from N10,000. The loans are repayable over a period of six months. Akande said that it seemed naysayers could not withstand the fact that the administration was fulfilling its promise. He asked if they would rather share the funds among themselves instead of supporting petty traders. After all, in some few instances, a combined sum of N100 billion was shared under the former administration. If that N100 billion had been given to petty traders as loans, like the Buhari administration is doing now at N10,000, 10 million petty traders nationwide would have been beneficiaries. We will not choose to engage with the notion that Nigerians and their loyalty are for sale. This administration has proven over and over again that it is committed to the welfare of everyday Nigerians, the common man. That is why we started the largest Social Investment Programme in the history of our country. And we will not relent in staying connected with our people. This is a major reason why TraderMoni, which has since been formally launched in 33 states and the FCT, will continue nationwide as we intend to reach two million Nigerians by the end of the year. Over 809,000 Nigerians are currently beneficiaries of the microcredit scheme. Akande noted that it was a season of upcoming elections and desperate politicians resorting to desperate measures. However, he said it was irresponsible for any group to play politics with the welfare of ordinary Nigerians. Besides the fact that petty traders are major contributors to the informal economy, most of them do not have access to loans from commercial banks which require collateral or interest, which would help them grow their business, and so the countrys economy. He said that through TraderMoni, the Buhari administration was empowering ordinary Nigerians by improving financial inclusion at the grassroots. Akande clarified further that beneficiaries of TraderMoni were not required to show their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) or any document to qualify for the interest-free loans. This is why the enumeration is done in the open markets and wherever the traders ply their trade. The Social Investment Programme includes the Home Grown School Feeding Programme (HGSFP); Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT); Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) (MarketMoni, FarmerMoni and TraderMoni) and the N-Power job scheme. According to a statement from the presidency, Buhari will join the United Nations Secreteray-General, Antonio Guterres, and other world leaders in discussing contributions towards global peace while underscoring the imperative of collective action. The forum is a first of its kind that'll take place between November 11 and November 13. It is organised by the French government and a number of non-governmental organisations, and is based on the idea that international cooperation is key to tackling global challenges and ensuring durable peace. "While in Paris, President Buhari will also join other world leaders to commemorate the centenary anniversary of the Armistice signed on November 11, 1918 between the Allied Forces and Germany in the forest of Compiegne in France to end the First World War," the statement read. President Buhari will also attend a luncheon hosted by French president, Emmanuel Macron, in honour of visiting heads of delegations. He will also participate in an interactive session with the Nigerian community in the European country. Katsina State governor, Aminu Masari; Anambra State governor, Willie Obiano; and Ekiti State governor, Kayode Fayemi, are part of the president's delegation to France. Oyetola made the remarks during a special thanksgiving organised in his honour by civil servants on Thursday in Osogbo. He said there was the need for civil servants, who are the engine room of government to drive the state to an economic sustainable status. Oyetola, who expressed gratitude to the entire workforce in the state for voting for him massively during the governorship election, urged them to put more efforts in generating more IGR to make the state financially sufficient. He said increase in IGR would enable the government to carry out its statutory function of payment of workers salaries and other emoluments. The governor-elect commended civil servants in the state for their efficiency, sacrifices and support for the outing administration. Oyetola maintained that his administration would redouble efforts at further smoothening relationships between the government and workers. He however urged the civil servants to support his administration wholeheartedly, saying their services and support is too important to be ignored. In her remarks, Mrs Titi-Laoye Tomori, the outgoing Deputy Governor, described the governor-elect as humble, amiable, gentle, brilliant and approachable. Earlier in his remarks, the state Head of Service, Dr Oyebade Olowogboyega, said the programme was organised to express workers solidarity and support for the incoming government. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Oyetola, an All Progressive Congress (APC) won the Sept. 22 governorship election in the state. He scored 255,505 votes to defeat Sen. Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who polled 255,023 votes. ece-auto-gen ALSO READ: World Banks rates Nigeria 146 on ease of doing businessThis is a major reason why TraderMoni, which has since been formally launched in 33 states and the FCT, will continue nationwide as we intend to reach 2 million Nigerians by the end of the year. Over 809,000 Nigerians are currently beneficiaries of the microcredit scheme.Despite this being a season of upcoming elections and desperate politicians resorting to desperate measures, it is irresponsible for any group to play politics with the welfare of ordinary Nigerians - hardworking petty traders, who are simply making honest living and trying to support their families - and a microcredit scheme which is meant to help improve their businesses and means of livelihood.Besides the fact that petty traders are major contributors to the informal economy, most of them do not have access to loans from commercial banks which require collateral or interest, which would help them grow their business, and so the countrys economy.Again, through TraderMoni, the Buhari administration is empowering ordinary Nigerians by improving financial inclusion in the grassroots. 'PVCs not needed for TraderMoni' Akande clarified further that beneficiaries of TraderMoni are not required to show their Personal Voters Cards (PVCs) or any document to qualify for the interest-free loans. This is why the enumeration is done in the open markets and wherever the traders ply their trade.The Social Investment Programme includes the Home Grown School Feeding Programme (HGSFP); Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT); Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) (MarketMoni, FarmerMoni & TraderMoni) and the N-Power job schemeThe Home-Grown School Feeding programme is now feeding over 9 million primary school pupils a free meal a day in 26 states nationwide; while almost 300,000 Nigerians are beneficiaries of the Conditional Cash Transfer.So far, over one million Nigerians are beneficiaries of GEEP schemes - MarketMoni, FarmerMoni and TraderMoni, while 500,000 young Nigerian graduates have been employed under the N-Power job scheme.Thus, we urge the group to halt its needless attack on the largest and most ambitious social investment programme in Nigerias history, and rather join hands to help our people.The Buhari administration remains committed to the welfare and upliftment of the common man and all Nigerians, regardless of party affiliations, and the Social Investment Programme is one of the major planks of this administration to improve their livelihood. In a statement signed by Mr Sani Datti, Head of Media and Public Relations and made available to journalists,on Thursday in Abuja, the agency expressed shock at the findings and conclusions of the committee on the issues raised. Datti stated that report of the committee did not reflect the facts and documents NEMA had submitted to it. He stated that while, the agency would, in due course, present a more comprehensive response to all the points raised, it was important to make some clarifications. On the port clearance and transportation of emergency food assistance, Datti said that the Federal Government had received 6,779 tonnes of rice for IDPs in the North-East as donation by the Chinese Government. This amounted to 271 containers, which arrived Apapa Ports between June and October 2017. The processes of securing duty exemption, waivers and other related issues took several months, but the total quantity was subsequently cleared from Apapa Port, transported and delivered to NEMA warehouses in the Nort-East. It was thereafter distributed to the IDPs in the states of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe. He said that documents on the transaction, including distribution to the IDPs were made available to the committee. According to him, the correct total value of the rice is about N2.25 billion (50 million Chinese Yuan) and that the amount spent on clearing, demurrage and storage was about N450 Million, not N800 million as alleged by the committee. On the suspension of six NEMA officers, he explained that the agencys Governing Council took that decision based on the Interim Report of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which investigated the matter. The EFCC indicted them for financial misappropriation. The suspension was in line with Public Service Rules and the extant Guidelines on Appointment, Promotion and Discipline, Datti further made clarification on the approval of N1.6 billion grant by the Federal Government for the procurement and delivery of relief items to 16 flood-ravaged states in 2017. He explained that due process was observed in the procurement of the relief items and that all items meant for the 16 states were received and acknowledged by the respective state governments. According to him, documents showing acknowledgement of the items were made available to the House Committee. Datti statted that the Federal Government Emergency Food Intervention in the North-East (EFINE), was a project implemented by a Presidential Committee comprising relevant ministries and agencies of government. He explained that the implementation of EFINE was in response to the threat of hunger and starvation in the North- East as reported by the agencies of government and corroborated by the United Nations (UN) in April 2017. He said that all approvals were secured in accordance with due process, while the committee and the UN World Food Programme worked collaboratively in the sourcing and distribution of the food items. He stated that the originating memorandum on the project was submitted by NEMA on June 2, 2017, for Presidential approval. All suppliers in EFINE were selected following due process with copies of all relevant documents in respect of the project made available to the House Committee. The head of media also explained that the evacuation of stranded Nigerians from Libya was a multi-agency operation undertaken jointly by all relevant stakeholders including Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Interior. It listed other organisations involved as Federal Ministry of Health, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Intelligence Agency, Department of State Security, NAPTIP, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and IDPs (NCFRMI) and relevant state governments. According to him, 2,130 Nigerians were evacuated in the operation. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the House of Representatives had called for the sack of the NEMA Director General, Mr Mustapha Maihaja, for the alleged mismanagement of N33 billion following the committees findings. The committee also indicted other government officials allegedly involved in the processing, release and diversion of N5.8 billion emergency intervention fund of food security in the North-East. Col. Aminu Iliyasu, Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, disclosed this in a statement in Port Harcourt on Friday. Iiiyasu said that the army made the donation to give succour to the flood victims displaced from their homes in the two most affected states. On Oct. 31 and Nov. 2, 3,112 victims were presented with relief materials at Internally Displaced Persons camps at Igbogene, Yenagoa, Bayelsa and in Ogbe-Ijoh, Warri South-West, Delta, respectively. Similarly, on Oct. 25, no fewer than 2,817 victims at IDP camps in Community Primary School and St. John Parish, both in Igbogene, Yenagoa, also got received relief materials. Also on the same day, troops of Army 5th Battalion conducted a free Medical Outreach at Oporoma Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa. The donation was made from Oct. 25 to Nov. 2 as part of our civil-military relation activities in the ongoing Operation Crocodile Smile III. He said that the donations came at the instance of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai. Meanwhile, Iliyasu said that troops had arrested several alleged criminals since it launched Operation Crocodile Smile III in Bayelsa and Delta. He said that troops, acting on intelligence, arrested a serial kidnapper and armed robbery suspect, who had been on the Nigeria Police Force wanted list. In another operation, troops of 16 Brigade, Yenagoa, on Nov. 6, located and destroyed four illegal bunkering camps, five ground reservoirs and 25 storage tanks laden with crude oil. Troops also foiled an attempt to sabotage oil production by miscreants who wanted to set fire to Riser 01, in Gbaraun, Southern Ijaw Local Government Areas of Bayelsa state. Similarly, troops of Sector One Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe, arrested two suspected drug peddlers along Asaba, Delta, with large quantities of suspected cannabis and other hard drugs, he said. Iliyasu said 15 wooden boats, five pumping machines, 17 rubber hoses, 30 iron pipes, two outboard engines were destroyed at Otumara and Ugboegugun in Warri, Delta. In the video published by Sahara Reporters, Shekau praised his fighters and also boasted about recent attacks carried out in Kumshe, Gulumba and in other areas in the northeast region. In the video, Shekau was seen wearing military camouflage surrounded by four bodyguards all holding AK47 riffles. Speaking in a mix of Arabic and Hausa, he said, "I will not say a lot, whatever you wish to say, Allah is sufficient for you. "We are a people that detached ourselves from others to wage war because of Allah, and preach because of Allah to ensure that the flag of Islam is raised, to ensure that Islam spreads, until we are no longer active. Those that said I have died, I will only die when it is my time. "The war we waged in Kumshe, Gulumba and some of the villages in the region that you have heard of recently, were carried out by us and the victories given to us was by Allah alone, it is not by our power or weapons. He also spoke about his mother for the first time since she spoke during an interview with Voice Of America (VOA). "Those that had whatever to say between me and my mother, Allah is the knower of all things," he said. What Shekau's mother said about him In her interview, Falmata Shekau, revealed that the Boko Haram leader was an almajiri boy in search of Islamic education when he joined the Islamic sect that later became a terrorist organisation. She added that she has not seen her son since he joined the sect and disclosed that she prays to God to touch his heart to put an end to his atrocities. She said, "I don't now if he's alive or dead. I don't know. It's only God who knows. For 15 years I haven't seen him. "Since Shekau met with Mohammed Yusuf, I didn't see him again. Yes, he's my son and every mother loves her son, but we have different characters. "He brought a lot of problem to many people. Where can I meet him to tell him that these things he is doing is very bad? He brought many problems to many people, but I am praying for God to show him the good way." Atiku, a former vice president, is the candidate of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), the main opposition party, contesting the presidency against President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at next year's polls. The 71-year-old took to his Twitter account on Friday, November 9, 2018, to challenge Nigerians to question themselves on if the current administration has improved the nation for the better during Buhari's tenure. The PDP cnadidate urged Nigerians to focus on getting the country to work again. He posted, "The most important question in this election is 'Are you better off today than you were 4 years ago?' Are we richer of poorer? This is why our primary focus is on getting Nigeria working again." Atiku was pivotal to Buhari's electoral victory in 2015 after he dumped the PDP for the APC before losing the party's ticket to the current president. However, he dumped the APC to return to the PDP in 2017 after accusing the ruling party of mismanaging the nation's democracy. 2019 presidential election While next year's election, scheduled for February 16, 2019, is expected to be keenly-contested between President Buhari and Atiku, they both face competition from other candidates including Donald Duke of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Kingsley Moghalu of the Young Progressive Party (YPP), Obiageli Ezekwesili of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), Fela Durotoye of the Alliance for New Nigeria (ANN), and Omoyele Sowore of the African Action Congress (AAC). Others are Tope Fasua of the Abundance Nigeria Renewal Party (ANRP), Eunice Atuejide of the National Interest Party (NIP), Olusegun Mimiko of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Adesina Fagbenro-Byron of the Kowa Party (KP), Chike Ukaegbu of the Advanced Allied Party (AAP), Hamza Al-Mustapha of the People's Party of Nigeria (PPN), Obadiah Mailafia of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and many more. The chairman, Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions, Senator Rafiu Ibrahim, said this in a statement on Friday, November 9, 2018. The lawmaker explained that the red chambers decision to rescind and revise the methods of funding of the supplementary budget of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for the conduct of the 2019 general elections, was done in good faith, after due consultation with the Executive. He said that on Tuesday, October 16, 2018, the Senate had already passed the N242, 245, 050,100 virement request with the stipulation that it should be funded from the Service Wide Vote, but had to rescind, reconsider and revise its position following pressure on members of the Appropriations Committee by the Executive. The insinuations being peddled that the Senate single-handedly and unilaterally cut the budgets of critical MDAs is false. Such actions are uncharacteristic of this 8th Senate, Ibrahim said. The facts remain that on Tuesday, October 16th, the Senate approved a Report that stipulated that the supplementary funding for INEC and security agencies to conduct the 2019 election should be sourced from the Service Wide Vote of the Executive through virement. This information is out everywhere. However, the Executive came up with a counter-proposal that asked that the election be funded through both the Service Wide Vote and the budgets of 30 MDAs on a pro rata basis. This is why, the Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Danjuma Goje, had to come up with a Motion to rescind, reconsider and revise the source of funding contained in the original approval granted by the Senate. So, if you take a close look at the Senates Order paper of Wednesday, November 7, 2018, you will see that N121,122,525,050, which represents half of the entire supplementary budget, was sourced from 30 MDAs chosen by the Executive, while the other N121,122,525,050 was taken from the Service Wide Vote. As always, all Senators remain committed to ensuring that Nigeria has free, fair and credible general elections next year, and they will continue to collaborate with the Executive, members of the public and all other stakeholders to ensure that this happens", Ibrahim stated. APC diverting SIP funds for 2019 election Meanwhile, the Senate Minority Leader, Biodun Olujimi, has accused the APC-led government of diverting funds meant for the Social Intervention Programme (SIP) for the 2019 general elections. The spokesperson for the President Muhammadu Buhari Campaign Organisation, Festus Keyamo, announced on his Twitter account on Thursday, November 8, 2018, that Ditan had joined the president's re-election campaign despite his father being a vocal voice in the opposition People's Democratic Party (PDP). Okupe was the chairman of the Media Council for the campaign organisation of Senate President, Bukola Saraki, when he contested for the PDP's presidential ticket. However, since he lost the ticket to former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, Okupe has been a vocal supporter of the party's candidate to defeat Buhari in the 2019 presidential election. ece-auto-gen While announcing Ditan's involvement with Buhari's campaign on Thursday, Keyamo mockingly stated that Atiku's salesmen cannot sell the candidate to their children, clearly also referring to the case of Olujonwo, the son of former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, also an Atiku supporter for 2019, who met Buhari last week to pledge his support. Keyamo posted, "Breaking ranks with their fathers for PMB: Ditan Okupe, 1st son of Atiku's man, Doyin Okupe, a UK-trained lawyer of 12 yrs post-call in Nig, volunteers to work 4 PMB's campaign team just like OBJ's son. Nigerian youths note: Atiku's salesmen cannot even sell him to their children." In response to Keyamo's taunt, Okupe revealed that he has had serious issues with his son for the past five years. He took to his Twitter account to suggest that joining Buhari's campaign might be his son's way of hurting him. He posted, "We both have had serious issues in the last 5 years. This may be his way of getting back at me." He disclosed in another tweet that Ditan had been trying to contact his political foes like the national leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, to pull a similar stunt. "...Ditan who also has been trying for months to get the contacts of people he considers my political foes, incl Tinubu, Kashamu, OGD etc. For him, this is his finest hour." While explaining his reason for backing President Buhari in a letter he addressed to his campaign organisation, Ditan indicated that there's no better candidate to take Nigeria forward other than the president. ece-auto-gen "It is my opinion that there is no better candidate aside from the current President, to take this great nation forward, into its predestined place. I also believe that the nation must do everything possible to prevent the opposition party and its cohorts back into the corridors of power to safeguard the future of this great country," he wrote. 2019 presidential election While next year's presidential election, scheduled for February 16, 2019, is expected to be keenly-contested between President Buhari and Atiku, they both face competition from other candidates including Donald Duke of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Kingsley Moghalu of the Young Progressive Party (YPP), Obiageli Ezekwesili of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), Fela Durotoye of the Alliance for New Nigeria (ANN), and Omoyele Sowore of the African Action Congress (AAC). Others are Tope Fasua of the Abundance Nigeria Renewal Party (ANRP), Eunice Atuejide of the National Interest Party (NIP), Olusegun Mimiko of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Adesina Fagbenro-Byron of the Kowa Party (KP), Chike Ukaegbu of the Advanced Allied Party (AAP), Hamza Al-Mustapha of the People's Party of Nigeria (PPN), Obadiah Mailafia of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and many more. There are rumours that Oshiomhole fled the country and that he is on the run. But why exactly would he do a thing like that? First, there are a couple of state governors who cant stand Oshiomhole right now. Three of these governors are Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State, Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo and Rochas Okorocha of Imo. All three have gone on the record to label Oshiomhole one of the worst things to ever happen to the APC in recent times. Amosun fell out with Oshiomhole after his preferred candidate to succeed him, Abiodun Akinlade, wasnt handed the APC governorship ticket for Ogun. Instead, the Oshiomhole led APC National Working Committee (NWC) settled for Dapo Abiodun. Okorochas grouse with Oshiomhole has been well documented as well. The APC favoured the governorship candidacy of Hope Uzodinma over Uche Nwosu, who is Okorochas son-in-law. Thereare also reports that the Department of State Security (DSS) grilled Oshiomhole before he fled the country. and Punch extensively reported how President Buhari gave his blessings for Oshiomhole to be questioned for allegedly receiving bribe money from aspirants during the primaries. quotes a DSS source as saying: The comrade (Oshiomhole) is expected to return for further interrogation when he returns to the country. Thats why we released him on administrative bail. We are still looking at his statements and also carrying out further investigations. This type of operation is not meant for the members of the public. adds that presidency sources told one of our correspondents that the president actually asked the secret police to go ahead and do their job when he was told about the allegations of the party chairman". There have also been strident calls for Oshiomhole to resign as APC Chairman. APC chieftain, Osita Okechukwu, has asked the DSS to probe Oshiomholes call logs for the period the partys primaries lasted. I, therefore, once again stridently call on Comrade Oshiomhole to instead of pontification, grandstanding and running away from the country, do the needful by honourably resigning the chairmanship of our great party", Okechukwu says. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has also typically waded in. According to PDP spokesperson, Kola Ologbondiyan: It is ludicrous in its lying proclivities, believes that by dismissing Oshiomholes arrest as a rumour and aiding him to momentarily flee the country, it would succeed in getting him off the DSS hook as well as sweeping the matter out of public discourse with its famished broom. There is a huge possibility that Oshiomhole is being hounded by the powerful toes he stepped on and that the governors whose handpicked candidates were overlookedby Oshiomhole, would stop at nothing to kick him out. There is a sense that governors who were so used to having their way and who imposed candidates however they deemed fit in the past, can't stand an Oshiomhole who is now putting them in their places and cleaning up the party. The one interesting thing about this whole story is that Oshiomhole hasnt uttered a word about being grilled by the DSS or fleeing the country. Which begs the question: for a man who never misses the opportunity to rant, blare, and spit invectives in people's faces, why has the APC Chairman gone quiet? Instead, pictures of Oshiomhole having drinks with his wife in an exquisite restaurant abroad, have suffused the internet. "Everyone was going crazy, screaming, crying for their lives, everything," said passenger Invor Bedessee, describing how some people were injured getting off the flight. "There were (some people) injured because of coming down the slide or not getting off the flight fast enough, so the people behind them were kicking them," he told Canada's public broadcaster CBC. "There was a lot of chaos." Bedessee said takeoff had been delayed by about 45 minutes because one of the left-side doors had "not closed properly" and a maintenance crew was called to fix the problem. Patterson said the injuries were not life-threatening and the wounded were taken to a hospital near the airport in the country on South America's North Atlantic coast, which shares its northwestern border with Venezuela. Spinal injuries Guyana's Chief Medical Officer, Shamdeo Persaud, said five people had been referred to another hospital for "further investigation" for spinal injuries. AFP The 118 passengers on board the Boeing 757-200 included 82 Canadians. There were eight crew members. "To date, we have no reports of any Canadian citizens being injured," said government spokesman Philip Hannan in Ottawa. "Canadian consular officials are in contact with local authorities and stand ready to provide consular assistance to Canadian citizens if needed." After departing at 2:10 am (0610 GMT), the pilot reported a problem with the hydraulic system 10 minutes into the flight. "We flew about 10, 15 minutes in the air, just over the Atlantic ocean, and we were circling around a few times and the captain announced there's some hydraulic problems, and we had to return to the airport," Bedessee told CBC. "When we landed on the ground, the wheels were still spinning, they were not braking, there was no hydraulic brakes to brake the wheels and then we overshot the runway," the still-shaken passenger said. Pictures showed the plane had ground to a halt in the sand just short of a steep incline. "One of the wings came apart and the engine on the right side actually flipped over and we crashed into a big sand pile at the edge of a cliff. There's a big drop about 30, 40 feet (nine to 12 meters) on the other side," said Bedessee. "If we had 10 more feet, we would be down in the cliff, down in the ditch. It was a miracle." 'A lot of chaos' Bedessee said the incident had left him "very shaken and very, I don't know, nervous." "It's like all of my goose bumps are going crazy, just it's a shock and awe, more or less," he said. AFP Guyanese police and soldiers secured the crash site for investigators to begin working. The US National Transportation Safety Board was alerted. "We can confirm that Fly Jamaica flight OJ256 bound for Toronto has returned to Georgetown with a technical problem and has suffered an accident on landing," the airline said. "The people of Florida deserve fairness and transparency," Rick Scott told reporters. "Every Floridian should be concerned there may be rampant fraud happening in Palm Beach and Broward Counties." Scott, who is the state's sitting governor, said he was ordering an official investigation into his own race. The dramatic announcement prompted a tweet from President Donald Trump alleging a "big corruption scandal" while fellow Republican Marco Rubio accused Democrats of a coordinated effort to "steal the election." Florida was also the site of bitterly-fought legal battles in the 2000 presidential election. Those were halted by the US Supreme Court, and George W. Bush defeated Al Gore by 537 votes in Florida, giving him the edge in the electoral college and handing him the White House. Both Scott's race for the Senate -- against Democrat incumbent Bill Nelson -- and the state's governor election appeared headed for mandatory recounts. Meanwhile, the Democratic candidate for governor in neighboring Georgia was threatening legal action to ensure all votes were counted in her contest. Another Senate race in southwestern Arizona that was previously called in favor of a Republican candidate was tilting toward the Democrat on Thursday night, official results showed. The developments looked set to raise partisan tensions to fresh highs 48 hours after polls closed in US midterm elections that saw Democrats seize control of the House of Representatives, while Republicans maintained their grip on the Senate. 'Ready for any outcome' Scott's lawsuits alleged a lack of transparency over the counting process and asked that further details be made public, as his lead continued to shrink to around 15,000 votes. President Donald Trump, under fire over his sacking of his attorney general, leapt on the news. AFP "Law Enforcement is looking into another big corruption scandal having to do with Election Fraud in #Broward and Palm Beach," he tweeted. "Florida voted for Rick Scott!" Rancor was also spilling into governors' races, where Andrew Gillum in Florida and Stacey Abrams in Georgia were aiming to become the states' first African-American leaders, but the contests were tilting in favor of their Republican rivals. Unofficial results show Gillum trailing Ron DeSantis, a Trump-endorsed Republican, by just 38,515 votes out of 8.1 million cast, or 0.47 percentage points. Since Tuesday's election, "it has become clear there are many more uncounted ballots than was originally reported," Gillum spokeswoman Johanna Cervone said, amid reports that ballots had yet to be counted in Democrat-leaning Broward County. Gillum is "ready for any outcome, including a state-mandated recount," she added. State law says a recount is mandatory if the difference in a race is within 0.5 percent. If the margin is within 0.25 percent, as it stood Thursday in the Senate race, a hand recount -- slower and more thorough than by machine -- is ordered. Ballot discrepancies Unusual voting discrepancies were also being reported in Broward County. The South Florida Sun Sentinel said it analyzed voting patterns and found that of Broward ballots already counted, 24,700 residents voted for a governor candidate but did not pick a candidate for Senate. AFP The unusual pattern appeared in no other Florida county, the newspaper reported. Meanwhile, Abrams trailed Georgia secretary of state Brian Kemp by 1.3 percent in their governor's race, but her campaign complained that Kemp proclaimed victory prematurely. "All the votes haven't been counted," Abrams lawyer John Chandler told reporters, adding there were outstanding absentee and provisional ballots. "We will litigate until we have determined that every person's vote has been counted," Chandler said. Kemp is currently on 50.3 percent of the vote. Under Georgia law if that share falls below 50 percent it would trigger a run-off vote in December, the New York Times reported. Amid mounting concern over Kemp's oversight role in elections, Kemp resigned Thursday as secretary of state, but repeated his assertion that he defeated Abrams. "The votes are not there for her," he said. In the Arizona Senate race, meanwhile, Democrat Kyrsten Sinema -- currently a congresswoman -- had pulled ahead to 932,870 votes against 923,260 for her opponent, Martha McSally, a Republican congresswoman. Ma, who now lives in London, writes dark and satirical works depicting life in China and his books are banned on the mainland. He was due to promote his latest novel "China Dream" later this week, a title that plays on Chinese President Xi Jinping's rhetoric of national rejuvenation and is described by publisher Penguin as "a biting satire of totalitarianism". The author announced on Twitter that his two speaking events had been cancelled by Tai Kwun arts centre, where the festival is held, not by festival organisers who he said were trying to find an alternative venue. "Just been told that my two events at the Hong Kong International Literary Festival this week can no longer be held at Tai Kwun, where all the other events are taking place. An alternative venue will have to be found. No reason has been given to me yet," he said in his tweet. Hong Kong's government says it wants to turn the city into an arts and culture hub, with Tai Kwun the result of a multi-million-dollar renovation of a colonial-era prison and police station, led by the government and the Hong Kong Jockey Club. Tai Kwun and the Hong Kong International Literary Festival were unable to immediately comment. Hong Kong has rights unseen on the mainland, protected by an agreement made before the city was handed back to China by Britain in 1997, but there are fears they are being steadily eroded. A highly anticipated art show by Chinese political cartoonist Badiucao was cancelled last week with Hong Kong organisers citing safety concerns due to "threats made by Chinese authorities relating to the artist". Hong Kong authorities also faced a major backlash when they denied a visa without explanation last month to a Financial Times journalist who had chaired a press club talk by a Hong Kong independence activist. But several hundred in the group decided to hit the road again at dawn, while the remainder chose to wait in hopes that someone would provide them buses, at least for the elderly and those traveling with small children. The caravan set out on October 13 from San Pedro Sula, Honduras, and has covered more than 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) so far. Along the way, it has drawn a flurry of vitriolic tweets from US President Donald Trump, who sought to mobilize his conservative base with anti-immigrant rhetoric ahead of Tuesday's elections, in which his Republican party lost control of the House of Representatives. AFP Hitch-hiking and walking, often in plastic shoes or flip-flops, the migrants still have up to 2,800 kilometers to walk to the border, if they take the safest route -- to Tijuana. Most of those who packed their meager belongings and set out again before sunrise were young men, though there were some families, too. "We couldn't just wait there. People just kept spreading lies, saying someone was going to give us buses. We were hungry and cold," said Socorro Diaz, a 32-year-old Honduran woman traveling with her two children, ages four and seven. Mexico City authorities provided a subway train to give the group a free ride to the last stop on the line. From there, they headed to the highway toward the city of Queretaro, 220 kilometers away. "Thank you, Mexico!" they shouted as they streamed out of the subway. The migrants are mostly fleeing violence and poverty in Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador, where street gangs rule their turf with bloody brutality that has given the region some of the world's highest murder rates. AFP "I'm carrying clothes, toys for the kids and a picture of my late wife," said one migrant, Justin Cortez, who decided to make the journey with his twin 10-year-old sons after his wife was killed by a gang. The date carries extra weight this year as it marks 100 years since the end of the monarchy, as well as the 80th anniversary of the infamous "Kristallnacht" night of Nazi attacks against Jews. Here's a look at four times history was made on November 9 -- not always by coincidence. 1918: The last emperor With Germany on the brink of defeat in World War I and a revolutionary mood sweeping the country, the unpopular emperor Kaiser Wilhelm II was forced to abdicate, ending Germany's monarchy. On November 9, 1918 the Social Democrats' deputy chairman Philipp Scheidemann rushed to the balcony of Berlin's Reichstag parliament to announce the birth of what would become the Weimar Republic. "Long live the German republic!" he shouted. Two days later, Germany agreed to sign an armistice that ended the Great War against the Allied forces. The terms of Germany's surrender were deemed so humiliating that historians believe they helped sow the seeds for World War II. 1923: Hitler's 'beer hall' putsch Adolf Hitler, the then relatively unknown Nazi Party leader, and his cronies tried to seize power with a coup that started in a crowded Munich beer hall on November 9, 1923. After climbing onto a chair and firing into the ceiling, Hitler proclaimed the end of "the government of the November criminals", a term used by critics of the 1918 surrender. But police and soldiers quickly crushed the attempted putsch, and Hitler was arrested. He used his trial to gain notoriety and spread anti-Jewish hatred, and ultimately spent barely nine months in prison. It was in his cell that Hitler began writing "Mein Kampf". 1938: Night of Broken Glass Nazi thugs torched synagogues, smashed Jewish-owned shops and rounded up Jewish men across Germany on November 9, 1938, in what became known as "Kristallnacht" or the "Night of Broken Glass". The timing was no coincidence -- that evening senior Nazi figures like Joseph Goebbels had riled up crowds at events honouring Hitler's 1923 coup bid. At least 90 Jews were killed and 30,000 deported to concentration camps in the outbreak of violence, which historians say ushered in the start of the Nazis' drive to wipe out Jews. Today, Germans remember the Kristallnacht pogrom by polishing or placing flowers on "Stolpersteine", small brass plaques on cobblestones commemorating Nazi victims. In Berlin last year, 16 plaques were dug up and stolen just before the anniversary, fuelling alarm about a resurgence in anti-Semitism. 1989: Berlin Wall comes down The fall of the Berlin Wall in a bloodless revolution on November 9, 1989 is a joyous milestone in German history, ending 28 years of Cold War separation. But because of the dark chapters associated with the date in the past, it was considered an ill choice for a public holiday. Germans instead celebrate October 3, 1990, the official reunification of East and West Germany. The wall came down almost by accident, after communist East German bureaucrat Guenter Schabowski was caught off guard during a live press conference on the question of when exactly new, more relaxed travel rights would take effect. They were later released, after South Africa intervened. South African foreign ministry spokesman Ndivhuwo Mabaya told AFP their release came about "after a lot of calls". "We need to understand the circumstances... (we) must get all the facts in order to engage the Tanzanian authorities," Mabaya added. In a later statement, the foreign ministry said the two women's passports had been returned and they were "free to leave Tanzania". "We are happy that this matter has been resolved, the two journalists have their passports and they can travel today," foreign minister Lindiwe Sisulu said. New York-based CPJ said that Quintal, a former editor of South Africa's Mail and Guardian newspaper, and Mumo were legally in Tanzania "on a reporting mission" when they were detained. "Quintal and Mumo were detained yesterday at their hotel in Dar es Salaam by immigration and security officials, taken to an unknown location, and interrogated about their work," it said in a statement Thursday. "They were allowed back to their hotel after several hours of questioning," and their passports were seized. The CPJ said its staffers' phones and computers were also seized. "While they were detained, a false tweet saying they had been released was sent from Quintal's personal Twitter account and repeated attempts were made to access Quintal's email," the CPJ said. Increasing repression Tanzania government spokesman Hassan Abbasi said he did not know why the two had been taken for questioning. "My office is monitoring why the so-called CPJ journalists were allowed to enter the country but later were interviewed by immigration and released," he said on Twitter. However, an immigration official alleged Quintal and Mumo had violated the terms of their entry by meeting with local journalists. "They engaged in activities different from those announced when they entered on October 31. They held meetings with Tanzanian journalists' associations when they had officially come for a simple visit," the official said on condition of anonymity. The CPJ's executive director, Joel Simon, said Quintal and Mumo were in Tanzania to try to understand the challenges journalists there are facing. "It is deeply ironic that through their unjustified and abusive detention of our colleagues, Tanzanian authorities have made their work that much easier. It is now abundantly clear to anyone who followed the latest developments that Tanzanian journalists work in a climate of fear of intimidation," Simon said. Since his election three years ago, President John Magufuli has cracked down on independent media, closing down critical newspapers while rights groups have protested against the imposition of restrictive laws on freedom of expression. Reporters Without Borders, a pressure group, ranked Tanzania 93rd out of 180 countries worldwide in its 2018 World Press Freedom Index, down 10 places on the previous year. Maltese journalist Matthew Caruana Galizia, who has carried on the work of his mother Daphne, murdered for exposing corruption on the Mediterranean island, was also honoured at the ceremony at the Getty Images Gallery. Established in 1985 to defend and promote press freedom, Paris-based RSF has been presenting its yearly awards since 1992. Previous winners include the late Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo, imprisoned Saudi blogger Raif Badawi and the Turkish newspaper Cumhuriyet. Chaturvedi won the Prize for Courage, awarded for journalism in a hostile environment. AFP She has faced online harassment campaigns after exposing what she calls a "troll army" operating for the governing Bharatiya Janata Party of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "I get a dozen death threats every day and around 15 to 20 rape threats," she told AFP. "The whole idea of a democracy is that you are allowed to have a dissenting view. "Unfortunately, the way politics has panned out across the world, journalists are really under threat. "It is sad that you are called courageous just for doing your job." Sexist attacks Veteran journalist Espina-Varona founded a social media women's rights campaign in response to Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's comments on women. "After a particularly hard-hitting column, I find 50 to 80 private messages calling me a liar, an ugly woman, and mostly these are sexist attacks," she told AFP. AFP "The slurs don't really bother me but the threats that say 'we know where you live, we'll see if you are as brave as you think' -- that bothers me because it also happens to other journalists." She won the Prize for Independence, awarded to reporters for resisting pressure in carrying out their work. "Independence is very important for citizen journalism. I teach young people to be critical minded and I hope this award will inspire them," she said. Some 63 journalists, 11 citizen journalists and four media assistants have been killed so far in 2018, RSF said, including Washington Post contributor Jamal Khashoggi, who was murdered in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. A total of 55 journalists were killed in the whole of 2017. Caruana Galizia won the Prize for Impact, awarded for work that has led to an increase in awareness of journalistic freedom. His mother, Malta's pioneering anti-corruption blogger, was assassinated in a car bomb attack in October 2017. 'Fight for the right thing' "It's a recognition that what we're fighting for is right," he said of the award. "It's about continuing to fight for the right thing: justice for my mother and for her stories. Everything else will follow. AFP "Hope is a word for people who have already given up." Daphne Caruana Galizia's murder remains unresolved. Afghanistan is currently the world's deadliest country for journalists, with 14 killed this year. RSF said 90 percent of violent crimes against journalists go unpunished. The organisation's secretary-general Christophe Deloire said journalists were facing a climate of distrust, fuelled by politicians denigrating them. The removal of CNN correspondent Jim Acosta's White House press credentials was "clearly dangerous for democracy", he said, adding that US President Donald Trump's way of dealing with reporters was "beneath the dignity of the office he holds". Marking the ceremony being held in London, The Observer newspaper's Carole Cadwalladr won a special one-off L'Esprit de RSF award for a British journalist, for her work exposing data harvesting in the Trump election and Brexit campaigns. "We've had companies and billionaires threatening us with legal action, trying to stop us publishing," she told AFP. "It is hard to publish stories. It's become increasingly difficult. There is a hostile environment for journalists now." Beijing still claims self-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory awaiting reunification, by force if necessary, even though the two sides have been ruled separately since 1949 after a civil war. China has also been incensed by recent warming ties between Washington and Taipei, including the US State Department's approval of a preliminary licence to sell submarine technology to the island. The two Perry-class guided missile frigates were officially commissioned in a ceremony at Zuoying base in southern Kaohsiung city. "We want to send a clear and firm message from Taiwanese people to the international community that we will not concede one step in defending... Taiwan and protecting our free and democratic way of life," Tsai said after inspecting the ships. China's "military actions in the region not only attempt to weaken Taiwan's sovereignty but will also damage regional peace and stability," Tsai warned. She vowed to continue enhancing the navy's capabilities as part of the military's goal to maintain what it calls "solid defence and multi-layered deterrence" to guard the island. Navy chief of staff Vice Admiral Lee Chung-hsiao had said previously the warships' anti-submarine capabilities are more advanced than the island's existing eight Cheng Kung-class frigates and could have "deterrent effects" against China's submarines. The US de facto embassy in Taipei, the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), said the sale would "improve Taiwan's capability in current and future defensive efforts" as well as stability in the region. The ships will be deployed to patrol the Taiwan Strait, the narrow waterway that separates the island and China, according to the navy. AFP Beijing has stepped up diplomatic and military pressure on Taiwan since Tsai took office two years ago, as her government refuses to acknowledge that Taiwan is part of "one China", unlike the government of her Beijing-friendly predecessor. In September, Washington irked Beijing when it announced plans to sell Taiwan $330 million in spare parts for several aircraft. Washington remains Taipei's most powerful unofficial ally and its main arms supplier despite switching diplomatic recognition to Beijing in 1979. Built in the 1980s, the two frigates were originally named USS Taylor and USS Gary and were part of a $1.8 billion US arms deal to Taiwan announced in 2015 under the administration of US president Barack Obama. They have been renamed Ming Chuan and Feng Chia. It said he had apparently made the threats against Sanchez because he was furious at the prime minister's move to exhume late dictator Francisco Franco from his high-profile resting place near Madrid. The man, who "wanted to kill the President of the Spanish Government", was detained in the northeastern city of Terrassa in Catalonia, the region's Mossos d'Esquadra police force said on Twitter. "The arrested, who had an arsenal of weapons at home, is in prison," it added. Catalonia's high court said he is suspected of "conspiring to wage an attack against authorities using weapons", without identifying him. The man is also accused of making "serious threats," illegally owning a "cache of weapons, munitions and explosives," and of a hate crime. AFP A spokeswoman for the court told AFP the man had made threats online and was detained in mid-September. "When his home was searched to check if the threats were real... an arsenal was found, which reinforces the credibility of the threats," she said, adding there were a lot of weapons. She said he did not have an arms licence. The Spanish government said in a statement that the prime minister's security "had never been compromised." Sanchez has made exhuming Franco's embalmed body from the grandiose Valley of the Fallen basilica where he currently rests near Madrid one of his priorities since he came to power in June. The issue has taken centre stage in Spain and the government is due to announce Thursday its final arrangements to move the body. But despite the "intense attacks", loyalist forces, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, made fresh advances in eastern sectors of Hodeida. Eight days into the renewed offensive, civilians reported relentless air strikes, low-flying jets and Apache helicopters, mortars and missiles on the outskirts of the city and within five kilometres (three miles) of its strategic port, the Norwegian Refugee Council said in a statement. The Iran-backed rebels, for their part, said their fighters had cut off government supply routes in four sectors of Hodeida province, although there was no confirmation from the loyalist side. On Friday medical sources said that 110 Huthi rebels and 22 pro-government forces had been killed in 24 hours of violence, bringing to at least 382 the number of combatants killed since the battle for Hodeida intensified on November 1. Backed by Saudi air raids, loyalist troops for the first time entered residential neighbourhoods on Thursday, using bulldozers to remove concrete road blocks installed by the rebels. AFP Nearly 80 percent of Yemen's commercial imports and practically all UN-supervised humanitarian aid passes through the port. The Huthis have controlled Hodeida since 2014 when they overran the capital Sanaa and swept though much of the rest of the country, triggering the intervention by the Saudi-led coalition the following year and a devastating war of attrition. The rebels have since been driven out of virtually all of the south and much of the Red Sea coast. Coalition to 'capture' port Government forces launched their offensive to retake Hodeida in June backed by significant numbers of Emirati ground troops. Their advance into the city of some 600,000 people has been slowed by rebel-dug trenches and minefields. AFP The Norwegian Refugee Council warned further fighting could cut off roads between Hodeida and Sanaa. "There is now only one viable overland route from Hodeida city to Sanaa, and a very high risk that further aerial or land attacks on roads or bridges could sever access roads between the cities entirely," it said. This would result in "cutting the last remaining supply route for food, fuel and medicine to many of the estimated 20 million Yemenis who depend on imports through Hodeida". IHS Markit Middle East senior analyst Ludovico Carlino said he expected Saudi and UAE coalition forces to step up their assault in the coming days and "capture" the port before any talks start. "Saudi Arabia and the UAE consider the capture of Hodeida as an essential precursor to any peace talks with the Huthi movement, as this would allow the Yemeni government to have much more political leverage at the negotiating table," he said. "As such, fighting for control of the port will probably begin in earnest over the coming days, and intensify thereafter," Carlino said, warning the Huthis could "sabotage" facilities at Hodeida port if forced to retreat. Both the United States and the United Nations are pushing for peace talks on Yemen to take place by the end of the year. 'Mass starvation' AFP Salem Jaffer Baobaid, an aid worker for Islamic Relief charity in Hodeida, painted a bleak picture of daily life in an account published by the humanitarian news agency IRIN. "Lately the fighting is edging closer to the city centre and I can hear it. Few people sleep through the night, and I can see the exhaustion and anxiety on my neighbours' faces," he said. Food packs last only two weeks and "sallow skin and sunken eyes -- both signs of malnutrition -- are clear indications that the people of Hodeida and Yemen can't take much more," added Baobaid. UN agencies say some 14 million people are at risk of famine in Yemen -- described as the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with the World Food Programme saying it will nearly double food aid to the country to avert "mass starvation". Unless the war stops immediately Yemen "will become a country of living ghosts, its people reduced to sacks of bones", it warned. Nearly 10,000 Yemenis have been killed in the conflict since 2015, according to the World Health Organization. Human rights groups say the real death toll may be five times higher. Dr Matiang'i elaborated that the new unit will be charged with three key mandates. First, to receive and investigate complaints against the police, promote consistent standards of discipline and order in the National Police Service and finally to keep a clear record of any complaints received and processed by the unit. IAU kicked off its operations with 56 members drawn from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the Administration Police Service (APS) and the Kenya Police Service (KPS). ece-auto-gen Real-time Police Surveillance The unit will also partner with IPOA, KNHRC and Noordin Haji's ODPP. The Interior CS also commissioned the unit's offices at the KCB Towers in Upper Hill, Nairobi. "This symbolizes the dawn of a new era in so far as police accountability is concerned; and shall deepen the transformation of the NPS. "The transformation will include the adoption of a digital Human Resource Information System bearing accurate, real-time data on our officers including, among others details, their recruitment, training, career progress, deployment and family records. "This is the first time that such a record has been created within the services history; and we believe that it will infuse accountability, efficiency, honesty and professionalism amongst our officers," Matiang'i noted during the launch. He further directed all police officers to register electronically at their respective sub-counties throughout the country from December 3, 2018. A former Black Power member has said goodbye to his past convictions in order to help those who are still behind bars. Paora Raharaha, 25, decided that gang life was no longer for him in 2016 while serving time in prison. If I was going to be with a gang, I sort of felt that what was going to be the rest of my life was jail, Raharaha told RadioLIVE. And I didnt want that. About two months later, Raharaha completed his three and a half year sentence for assault, burglary and driving in a dangerous manner. He got at job at Z service station in Ngatea, where hes been working steadily ever since. While some perceive exiting a gang to be a dangerous affair, Raharaha said he still has life-long mates who are still in Black Power. For me, I was fortunate enough to just tell them [he was quitting], and that was it, he said. Not even a scratch." People think that once you leave the gang, thats it. You might get a bash or repercussions... Ive actually seen other people come unscathed. I think that gangs are changing. Since spending his sentence in prison, Raharaha has flipped his role by partnering with the Department of Corrections in order to encourage employers and CEOs to hire ex-inmates. He told RadioLIVE that if people with convictions can get jobs, theyre less likely to reoffend and hurt people. If we can help them switch and live a straight life, obviously theyre not going to hurt people, he said. And for those New Zealanders who may be struggling to get out of the system, Raharaha has a simple message. If youre listening and need some help with something, especially along the crime lines, Im happy to talk and help where I can. Listen to the fulle interview with Paora Raharaha above. The Long Lunch with Carly Flynn in for Lynda Hallinan, 12pm - 3pm on RadioLIVE and streaming live to the rova app on Android and iPhone. RadioLIVE. The Warriors legend talks to The Long Lunch about the end of his rugby league career, his new book Warrior (and why he hasnt read it yet) and what the future holds. If you want to catch Mannering at one of his book signings you can check times here. 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 , We're sorry, this article is not currently available Porterville, CA (93257) Today Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 41F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 41F. Winds light and variable. The state of Georgia has been holding its breath since the night of Nov. 6 when neither Brian Kemp nor Stacey Abrams definitively took home th Brian Kemp, Republican candidate for governor of Georgia, delivers a victory speech to a crowd of supporters at the Brian Kemp election night watch party on Wednesday, November 7, 2018, at the Classic Center in Athens, Georgia. The event went into the early hours of Wednesday morning as supporters and candidates alike closely watched the polling numbers. The Kemp Campaign claimed victory at the end of the night despite their opponents, democratic candidate Stacy Abrams, decision to not concede, citing alleged voter suppression. (Photo/Christina R. Matacotta, crmatacotta@gmail.com) A lot goes on around Athens and UGA campus and sometimes it can be hard to keep up. From Geo Veterans Day, which fell on Nov. 11 but is observed this year on Nov. 12, is a chance for everyone to recognize the sacrifices made by the men LITCHFIELD The mass shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh happened on Oct. 29, and residents across the country are still reeling from the inexplicable event that left 11 people dead. The shooter, a loner named Robert Bowers, was arrested and is facing charges. For Rabbi Joseph Eisenbach, leader of Chabad Lubavitch of Northwest Connecticut, there are no answers that can ease the pain of such a loss. His solution: Celebrate the light. The rabbi invited residents to a memorial vigil at the Litchfield Firehouse Wednesday night, as well as clergy from area houses of worship. The vigil, he said, was his way of helping people find comfort, together. Were here to celebrate the light that is in all of us, Eisenbach said, addressing a group of about 30 people who attended. Where does the darkness go? Its not real. Light is real .. it fills the darkness. Chabad members were contacted by a church in Cornwall, asking what could be done to remember the shooting victims, Eisenbach said. So we decided to hold a vigil, Eisenbach said, addding that since the shooting, strangers have approached him and offered their love and support. I have been blown away by the support we have received here in this community since this happened, he said. In the grocery store, on the street ... Its just been amazing. The Rev. Deacon Amy Reichman of St. Michaels Parish in Litchfield, the Rev. Tuesday Rupp from St. Pauls Episcopal Church in Woodbury, and Sisters Joann Ianotti and Rosemarie Greco were among the guests who attended Wednesdays vigil. Other ministers came from Litchfield, Norfolk and other surrounding towns. I wanted to show my support and be part this, Reichman said. For the vigil, the Chabad set up a long table decorated with flowers and signs, each bearing the names of one or two of the victims: Joyce Feinberg, 75, Richard Gottfried, 65, Rose Mallinger, 97, Jerry Rabinowitz, 66, brothers Cecil Rosenthal, 59, and David Rosenthal, 54, Bernice Simon, 84, and Sylvan Simon, 86, Daniel Stein, 71, Melvin Wax, 87, and Irving Younger, 69. After prayers, Eisenbach asked guests at the vigil to read a short biography of each person and then light a candle. He also encouraged people to take a few candles with them to light when they returned to their homes. The service ended with a prayer in Hebrew. We live in the greatest country in the world, butwhy and how are questions we cannot answer, Eisenbach said. Sadly, were limited its impossible to understand how this could happen. Its a time to reflect and remember. Its a wonderful thing that the rabbi did this, the Rev. Rupp said, as she greeted people after the service. I think people wanted to have something to go to, so it was a good idea. Im happy I was able to be here. Congregation Bnai Israel in Southbury hosted vigils immediately following the Oct. 29 shooting, and they were well-attended by residents from surrounding communities, Rupp said. As the service ended, the rabbi encouraged people to do a mitzvah, or a good deed, to connect with others. He also talked about Noah, who took his family, built an ark and left civilization behind as the flood waters rose, and compared him to Abraham, who went out into the world and connected with others. Lets not live in this world like Noah, he said. Lets live like Abraham, making a connection. GOSHEN The ability to be resilient is a practical necessity for residents of rural areas. But the long-practiced goal of self-sufficiency now has a broader definition that calls on residents in the region to adapt to change, regional planning experts note. Resiliency could be be applied to land use practices, according to a proposed regional program, such as expanding maple sugar operations and the ability to grow new varieties of fruit trees. Called the Rural Resiliency Community, the program was discussed Wednesday with members of the Northwest Hills Council of Governments. Regional planner Joanna Brown presented draft information to the members, which included a vision statement and a 16-item action plan. It calls on regional governments and residents to implement strategies to manage change while maintaining and celebrating its rural character. Strategies could be applied to changing weather patterns, which affect farming, the management of natural resources or the simple act of neighbors helping neighbors, Brown noted in the proposal. We encourage the protection of farmland. This project is a step in the right direction, said Rick Lynn, the councils executive director. There is the whole issue of food security. We get our food resources from the Midwest or California, Lynn said. What if the distribution system is disrupted? More for you White Flower Farm finds success with solar panel array Additional support for local farmers began in 2017 through a nonprofit program called the food hub. A distribution system delivers produce to the farmers clients, eliminating the need for the farmer to drive from place to place. Agriculture is one of the key adaption strategies, the project states. Other focus areas are natural resources, infrastructure, cultural resources and public health. Damage to infrastructure is also top concern, she noted. The proposal suggests towns should consider a zero net growth in roads, parking lots and other impervious surfaces, which can add increase the risk of flooding. A water restriction ordinance could also be implemented, the proposal notes, for conservation during periods of water shortage. The councils project was supported by a $55,000 grant from the Connecticut Institute for Resilience & Climate Adaptation, based at the University of Connecticut, and the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. A website containing the resiliency project information will be available in mid-December, Brown said. Its internet address will be resiliencerural.com. Implementation of the project, and the support of communities in the region could significantly change the daily life of rural residents. It would allow customers to go to a farm year-round, Lynn said. There are exciting things going on. A South African protester holds a sign and a fake rhino horn during a demonstration outside the Chinese embassy in Pretoria, calling on the government to stop poachers from killing rhinos for their horns, in file photo. Chinas decision to lift a ban on rhinoceros horn and tiger bone imports may now make the animals easier targets for poachers and black marketers, a number of wildlife conservation experts say. The Chinese government said that it is lifting the ban so that approved hospitals can use the imported bones and horns for medicinal research or in healing. In announcing an end to the ban, Chinas State Council said on October 29 that only animals in captivity would be used in the research and that this would exclude zoo animals. Peter Knights, CEO of the San Francisco-based nonprofit organization WildAid, said that while tiger populations have stabilized, the danger is this policy change could invigorate demand for tiger parts and also lead to an increase in poaching. Tiger bones and other parts of the animals such as their teeth have been sought over the centuries in China and several Southeast Asian countries for their alleged healing value. Tiger parts are said to cure many maladies, and this belief supported an underground trade in poached tigers even while the 25-year-long ban was ostensibly in effect. Government officials said, however, that the use of imported horns and bones will now be strictly regulated and that tiger bones will come from government-sanctioned tiger farms. Environmentalists have countered that Chinas state-sanctioned commercial tiger farms have served to provide cover for the illegal trading in tiger bones, which is highly profitable. The farms pose a risk, they say, to an estimated 5,000 to 6,000 tigers currently held in captivity in China as well as to the countrys few remaining wild tigers. From cures to status symbols In a blog written for the National Geographic in 2015, Sharon Guynup described how over the centuries in China almost magical powers have been attributed to tigers. Tiger bone powder, sometimes made into tiger-bone wine, is believed to help cure everything from liver and kidney diseases to eczema, epilepsy, baldness, toothaches, and joint pain. No scientific evidence has been produced to verify this, and leaders among traditional Chinese medicine practitioners have tried to discourage the use of both rhino horns and tiger bones, but to no avail. The Economist magazine recently interviewed Zhu Meng, a practitioner of traditional medicine in Beijing, who was cheering the lifting of the ban on the bones and horns that was imposed 25 years ago in 1993. Ms. Zhu asserted that tiger bone mixed with alcohol can cure arthritis and that rhino-horn powder can help in the treatment of cerebrovascular disease, among other things. Meanwhile, as some Chinese have grown wealthier in recent years, tiger bones and pelts have become status symbols, which is another factor contributing to the underground trade in tiger parts. Tiger-bone wine has become yet another status symbol, with an eight-year-old wine selling for around $290 a bottle as of 2015, according to the writer Lauren Rothman. Promoting traditional Chinese medicine New York Times China correspondent Javier C. Hernandez, reporting on Oct. 29, cited experts as saying that the move to lift the ban on rhino horn tiger imports was likely related to the Chinese governments efforts to encourage the growth of traditional Chinese medicine. Traditional Chinese medicine, with more than 500,000 medical practitioners, constitutes an industry valued at more than $100 billion. Chinas President Xi Jinping has used Chinese medicine as a way to expand Chinas overseas influence, and his government has promoted it in places like Zimbabwe and Nepal, Hernandez reports. In contrast with his predecessors, Xi has been heavily promoting traditional Chinese culture as part of what he calls the Chinese Dream. The Chinese government hopes that Chinese medicine will gain global acceptance alongside Western medicine, according to Hernandez. Some environmentalists were shocked by Chinas decision last month to lift the ban on tiger bones and rhino horns, partly because it appeared to be a step backward from a widely applauded Chinese decision in 2016 to ban all imports of elephant ivory. One of the strongest statements on the lifting of the import ban came from the Swiss-based World Wildlife Fund (WWF), which said in a statement that the move would have devastating consequences and would be an enormous setback to efforts to protect the animals in the wild. The WWF said that even if restricted to antiques for cultural exchanges or research and healing use in hospitals, imports would increase confusion by consumers and law enforcers as to which products are and are not legal, and would likely expand the market for other tiger and rhino products. The science journalist Rachel Nuwer, author of a the recently published book titled Poached: Inside the Dark World of Wildlife Trafficking said on Twitter that lifting the import ban could mean game over for the remaining tigers and rhinos in the world. Meanwhile, the word appears to be spreading to people in nations capable of providing tiger bones to Chinese consumers that many Chinese are currently willing to pay high prices to obtain tiger bones. Only a few days after China rescinded its ban on tiger bones and rhino horns, the wildlife department of the Indian state of West Bengal issued a red alert to counter the possible poaching of tigers. Jose Louies of the Wildlife Trust of India told The Indian Express newspaper that inquiries from China seeking tiger bone deliveries had been pouring into India since the lifting of the ban on imports. Tiger bones are in high demand in China, Louies said. More than 2,000 Bengal tigers are believed to have survived in the wild in West Bengal, constituting todays most numerous of all tiger subspecies. The New York Times reported in a Nov. 4 dispatch from New Delhi published that closer monitoring of tigers, new technology, and stricter wildlife laws have led to a sharp increase in Indias tiger count, from 1,411 in 2006 to an estimated total of 2,500 today. Still, as Rachel Nuwer has written, its difficult to be optimistic. Some 100,000 tigers roamed the world in the 19th century. Fewer than 4,000some say a few more than 3,800remain in the wild today. Rhinoceros horns are displayed in Hong Kong's Customs and Excise Department Offices, Nov. 15, 2011 AFP Rhinos caught in the crosshairs But protecting rhinos after the lifting of the ban on rhinoceros horn imports could prove to be more challenging in the long run than protecting tigers. Few rhinos are known to exist in captivity in China. So the use of rhino horn for whatever purposes in China may encourage more illegal rhino horn imports from Africa, long a source for the underground trade in the horns. Rachel Nuwer has written that rhino horns have been used as antidotes and health tonics for millennia, but, thanks to skyrocketing demand, extinction looms for all five remaining rhino species. In Vietnam, where the demand has been highest, Nuwer reports in her new book that rhino horn has morphed into a status symbol, hangover remedy, and miracle cancer cure. In the meantime, Chinawhose market for rhino horn seems to be quickly growing to rival that of Vietnamtreats rhino horn carvings, jewelry, and whole specimens, as smart investments, says Nuwer. Unfortunately, South Africa, the main source for smuggled rhinos horns, has a reputation for corruption when it comes to monitoring illegal wildlife trafficking. Criminal gangs in South Africa have been skilled at bribing officials and smuggling rhino horns into Asia. And some of the gangs have now come up with a new twist on how to evade the detection of their illegal exports, which are mainly destined to be shipped to Vietnam and China. In 2017, the nonprofit monitoring organization TRAFFIC revealed that criminal networks of Chinese origin operating in South Africa were processing rhino horn locally into beads, bracelets, bangles, and powder in order to evade detection. The emergence of a new market in China is particularly worrying development and poses increased challenges to already over-stretched enforcement agencies, TRAFFIC said. According to the National Geographic, South Africa is home to about 80 percent of the worlds rhinos, which are estimated to number roughly 29,000 in total. In January of this year, the South African government released statistics showing that while poaching was down slightly in 2017, some 1,028 rhinos were nevertheless illegally killed last year. The slight dip in poaching last year didnt count for much, and still left the rhinos in critical danger. Cambodias Prime Minister Hun Sen has implicitly admitted to controlling the countrys courts by saying that Kem Sokha, the head of the now-dissolved opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), will not be freed from house arrest within the first two months of 2019, the partys former president said Friday. Early on Friday, Sam Rainsy, the former chief of the CNRP who is living in self-imposed exile in France to avoid a string of convictions widely seen as politically motivated, posted a message to his Facebook account challenging Hun Sen to a bet that Kem Sokha would be freed between Dec. 29 and March 3, 2019. Dec. 29 marks the 20-year anniversary of Hun Sens Win Win Policy taking credit for the ending in 1998 of a long-running civil war. Sam Rainsy proposed that if Kem Sokha is freed within the time period, Hun Sen should step down from power, but said that if the CNRPs current president remains under detention, he would willingly surrender himself to Cambodian authorities and accept the terms of his conviction. I am only asking [Hun Sen] to step down, but if I lose, I will walk into jail and be detained with Kem Sokha, he wrote. Kem Sokha is being held under house arrest after being released from prison on Sept. 10, 2018a year after he was detained for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government. The release of the 65-year-old opposition leader from pre-trial detention carries the conditions that he must stay within a block radius of his home, cannot meet with CNRP officials or foreigners, and cannot speak at or host any rallies or political activities. He still faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted of treason. In a report published Friday, pro-government media outlet Fresh News quoted Hun Sen as saying he had agreed to bet with Sam Rainsy, adding that if Kem Sokha is not freed within the proposed timeframe that Sam Rainsy must acknowledge that he has lost the bet and surrender himself so that his can be immediately arrested. The public can be witness to this bet, the prime minister concluded. In an interview later on Friday, Sam Rainsy told RFAs Khmer Service that Hun Sen had fallen into my trap and revealed himself to be a dictator who is using the court as a political tool. It is beyond belief that Hun Sen said he would not release Kem Sokha, and that I should wait until pigs fly, Sam Rainsy said. Hun Sen always claims he respects the decisions of the judiciary, but as he is an individualeven though he is the prime ministerhow can he make a decision on behalf of the court? he asked. When Hun Sen dared to bet with me [over Kem Sokha], he lost. [By doing so] he has acknowledged that he is the court. UN expert Sam Rainsy stepped down as head of the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) in February last year to prevent a state-ordered dissolution of the party. But the Supreme Court dissolved the CNRP anyway in November, saying the party had played a role in the alleged plot by Kem Sokha to overthrow the government, and opposition candidates were banned from taking part in the countrys July 29, 2018 general election, which Hun Sen's ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) won handily in the absence of a viable political opposition. The bet between Sam Rainsy and Hun Sen played out a day after Rhona Smith, the U.N. Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia, wrapped up an 11-day fact-finding mission. Smith, who was not permitted to meet Kem Sokha, called for the swift conclusion of the investigation into his case to ensure his right to a fair trial within a reasonable time or for the charges to be dropped, her post-visit report said. I call on the Ministry of Justice and judicial institutions to be more transparent in relation to their operations, to take more steps to combat corruption and to strengthen judicial independence and impartiality, the U.N. human rights office quoted Smith as saying. Hun Sen, who secured another five-year term to add to his 33 years in office after official election results were announced on Aug. 15, has made a practice of heavy-handed crackdowns on his critics, followed by a relaxation of restrictions after facing international condemnation. Reported by RFAs Khmer Service. Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Joshua Lipes. Student activists from several of China's top universities staged a small protest outside the Beijing Apple Store on Friday over a controversial internship scheme involving the company's suppliers. "So this morning some Beijing students took a picture in front of an Apple Store to demonstrate their support to students forced to work in Apple's suppliers factories in South China," Liu Zhifan, a French freelance journalist based in Beijing, tweeted. "A student was taken away by the police!" the journalist tweeted, including a photo and video of the incident. "We protest the use of illegal student labor by Apple suppliers," read a slogan held up by the students in the photo. "We support the workers in their bid to form their own union," a second slogan said. Video posted to the account showed police coming over to the students after the photo was taken and detaining at least one person. The Hong Kong-based activist group Scholars Against Corporate Misbehavior (SACOM) confirmed the incident in a later Tweet. "This morning, in Beijing, 10 students from Peking, Renmin, and Peking Language [Universities] staged a small demonstration in front of Apple Store to protest against student intern and ... union issue[s] in its supplier[s]," the account tweeted. Jasic workers The ruling Chinese Communist Party has been quick to clamp down on student support for workers' rights in recent months, detaining some 50 student activists in the southern city of Shenzhen after they supported a campaign by workers at Jasic Technology to unionize. "Since July, more than 70 workers, activists and students had been harassed, assaulted or detained," according to the text of a petition on the overseas site Action Network. It said four workers have been charged with criminal offense awaiting trial while two workers and six activists are in detention and "at high risk" of facing criminal charges. "Released student supporters are disciplined by their colleges, under police surveillance at home," the petition said. It said the crackdown was the worst to target workers and labor activists in China since a crackdown on labor rights organizations in 2015. Marxist and Maoist activists, many of them students, had flocked to Shenzhen to support the Jasic workers' cause, with some of them taking jobs in the factory. However, dozens of members of the Jasic Workers' Solidarity Group (JWSG) were themselves detained in a mass raid on their temporary accommodation on Aug. 27. According to Hong Kong labor groups, many were subsequently released, but 11 remain under some form of house arrest. The ruling Chinese Communist Party has responded with a clampdown on student activism on campus, banning Marxist study groups, and punishing students at Peking University, Renmin University and Nanjing University. Nanjing protest Last week, a rare protest on the campus of Nanjing University in the eastern province of Jiangsu over the authorities' banning of a Marxist study group sparked beatings by the authorities. The protesters said they were attacked by unidentified men as they tried to meet with Nanjing University party secretary Hu Jinbo on Nov. 1. Several students were injured and their banners and flyers destroyed, they told RFA at the time. Student protester Yang Kai was later detained. Independent journalist Bei Feng said the "unidentified" people were likely hired by the government to stifle dissent on campus. "I suspect that those people in the video were the personnel of the local stability maintenance office," Bei Feng said. "The university party committee must have communicated with certain government departments to assist in these matters." A similar fate has befallen the Marxism-Leninism Society at Peking University, while Cornell University recently withdrew from a partnership with Renmin University, citing the punishment of students who had supported the Shenzhen labor movement. 'No different interpretations' Hu Ping, editor-in-chief of the Chinese political magazine Beijing Spring, said that the Chinese Communist Party is acting according to its own internal logic in stifling student labor movements inspired by Marx and late supreme leader Mao Zedong. "In a country dominated by ideology, you not only have to show that you believe in this ideology, you have to be consistent with the central government, and believe only in its set of explanations," Hu told RFA. "There can be no different interpretations." "All communist countries have this problem ... the first thing they want to suppress is those people who actually believe in communism," he said. U.S.-based Li Qiang, who heads the group China Labor Watch, said the administration of President Xi Jinping, who began an indefinite term in office in March, has targeted left-wing students in particular. "Real communism, according to its original meaning, means caring about the people," Li said. "But this creates a contradiction between the original and basic Marxism, and the politics of Xi Jinping's 'new era'," he said. "That's why the students' respect for Marxism must be curbed," Li said. Reported by Wang Yun for RFA's Mandarin Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. A second venue in Hong Kong pulled out of hosting a literary event by dissident Chinese author Ma Jian, after immigration authorities in Hong Kong allowed him to enter the city under its visa-free visitor program. "I was let through. No problem," Ma said via his Twitter account after landing in Hong Kong on Friday. But he added: "Just heard that the second venue has pulled out of hosting my talks." Hong Kong's Tai Kwun Arts and Heritage Centre canceled Ma's Hong Kong International Literary Festival (HKILF) event, in which Ma plans to discuss his latest book China Dream, a biting satire of President Xi Jinping's concept of a resurgent China. But the venue apparently changed its mind and reinstated the event on Friday after a public outcry, the HKILF said in a statement on Facebook. "The Festival is pleased to announce that ... Tai Kwun are now offering to host the events as scheduled. We are delighted to be able to hold our events with Ma Jian tomorrow as planned," it said. "The principles of free speech and cultural expression are central to our mission as an international literary festival," it said. Tai Kwun said it had "reconsidered our position in light of the possibility that these events might be prevented from taking place altogether." Ma said: "I am pleased that Tai Kwun has reconsidered, and I am looking forward to speaking about my book, China Dream," according to the HKILF statement. Ma, who is described in the festival's promotional material as "China's answer to Orwell, Swift and Solzhenitsyn," had earlier tweeted that he had no political agenda other than freedom of speech, and Tai Kwun said this "clarification" had contributed to its change of heart. Entry to Hong Kong refused But the reinstatement of Ma's event will likely do little quell concerns over vanishing freedoms in Hong Kong. The cancellations came as Hong Kong immigration authorities refused a visitor entry stamp to the Financial Times' Asia news editor Victor Mallet, who had had his work permit revoked after hosting a discussion event featuring pro-independence politician Andy Chan in August in spite of requests to cancel from ruling Chinese Communist Party officials. Mak Yin-ting, former chair of the Hong Kong Journalists' Association (HKJA), said the refusal of entry to Mallet was unprecedented. "If Mallet isn't even allowed in as a visitor, then that suggests even more strongly that there are political considerations at play in the background," Mak told RFA. "It gives the impression that Hong Kong is pretty similar ... to the rest of mainland China." "Maybe I could even be refused entry illegally to Hong Kong at some point in the future," Mak said. "Maybe they will seek to punish any dissenting voices in that way." Meanwhile, Democratic Party lawmaker Ted Hui hit out at Tai Kwun's decision, which he attributed to the venue's ultimate owners, the Hong Kong Jockey Club. "It seems that in its management of Tai Kwun, the Jockey Club is willing to sacrifice freedom of speech and expression in Hong Kong," Hui told reporters on Friday during a protest outside the arts venue on Friday. "The Jockey Club has shown it is subject to political pressure and interference, because it wouldn't allow Ma Jian's event to go ahead at this venue," he said. "The Jockey Club itself also self-censors in order to minimize its political risk." Decisions made 'according to law' The Hong Kong Jockey Club, which dates back to the dawn of colonial era horse-racing in 1884, is the city's largest community benefactor, operating as a not-for-profit organization and funding venues, clinics, and community projects. Hong Kong's secretary for security John Lee declined on Friday to comment on individual cases, but said immigration officers make their decisions "according to law." "The Immigration Department will always consider the specific circumstances of each case, and make decisions based on Hong Kong laws and established policies," Lee told journalists in response to the decision to refuse entry to Mallet. "The number of overseas visitors is almost 60 million [annually]; some are approved for entry, and some are not," he said. "It is normal for the immigration department to carry out immigration controls." Democratic Party lawmakers protested the decision on Friday, saying Lee's explanation was unacceptable. "We protest political pressure! We want freedom of the press back!" they shouted, calling on the city's chief executive Carrie Lam to apologize and explain the decision to deny Mallet entry. Democratic Party lawmaker Andrew Wan said the decision had dealt a severe blow to freedom of speech in the city, which was promised the continuation of its existing freedoms under the terms of the 1997 handover to China. "I think that this is very bad news that will cause huge concern in the international community over whether Hong Kong really has free speech, and whether the immigration regime will be used to suppress it," Wan said. "Are foreign correspondents terrorists, or some kind of scourge, that they should be treated in this way?" Veteran journalist Claudia Mo said the latest developments show that Beijing is keen to turn Hong Kong into just another Chinese city sooner rather than later. "The Mallet incident, the cancellation of the exhibition by [satirical cartoonist] Badiucao [last week], and the cancellation of Ma Jian's literary event are similar in that they are effectively a ban on their speech," Mo said. "These red lines, that exist in the imagination of Carrie Lam, have clearly been drawn by Beijing, and we know for sure now that they can be moved," she said. "Hong Kong is getting closer and closer to the end [of free speech]." Reported by Wen Yuqing for RFA's Cantonese Service, and by Gao Feng for the Mandarin Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. Ei Myat Thu, a Rohingya resident of Thandwe township in Myanmar's Rakhine state, faced trouble completing her remote university studies this year when local authorities stopped issuing permits to travel to Yangon to sit for examinations. Muslims in western Myanmars multiethnic Rakhine state are still being squeezed by tightened restrictions on their movements, suggesting that the government has yet to make tangible progress on loosening controls on the religious minority in the Buddhist-majority nation. Ethnic Rakhine Buddhists, Christians, and Rohingya and Kaman Muslims have lived together in the multiethnic state for generations, but authorities subject the Rohingya, who were stripped of their Myanmar citizenship in 1982 and are seen as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, to routine discrimination and deny them access to basic services. Many Rohingya say that one of the greatest obstacles to their ability to make a living and get health care are draconian restrictions on their movements. Those who live in townships or in displacement camps are usually confined to local areas and must receive permission from authorities to travel. Ei Myat Thu, a Rohingya resident of Thandwe township in south Rakhine state, found herself in such a situation this year when local authorities stopped issuing her permits for her periodic trips to Yangon where she was enrolled in distance-education studies. After high school, Ei Myat Thu was accepted to study law at Taungup Degree College in the town of Taungup, north of Thandwe township. But she chose instead to pursue legal studies through a distance education program at Dagon University in Yangon, because she feared that sectarian tension and violence between Buddhists and Muslims might flare up again in the costal township. A mob of mostly Buddhist ethnic Rakhine people beat and killed Muslims traveling on a bus near Taungup township in June 2012, after blaming some of them for the gang rape and murder of a young Buddhist woman in another part of Rakhine state. They then torched the bus. The attack reflected growing sectarian and ethnic tensions in the state that culminated in communal violence between ethnic Rakhine Buddhists and Muslims that year in Rakhines capital Sittwe, which left more than 200 people dead and displaced tens of thousands of mostly Rohingya who were sent to live in displacement camps. Five years after the Sittwe violence, deadly attacks on police outposts by a Muslim militant group known as the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army in northern Rakhine state in August 2017 sparked a military crackdown on Rohingya communities. The campaign, which included indiscriminate killings, sexual assaults, and village burnings, drove more than 720,000 Rohingya across the border to Bangladesh. Ei Myat Thu, who studied law for two years before switching her major to Myanmar literature, routinely submitted applications for travel permits to Thandwe township authorities to go to Yangon to take exams. She had no problem getting the permits until this year. When I applied for my travel document, the officials said it would take a week and I waited, but I didnt get it when I later went to the immigration office a week later, Ei Myat Thu said. Employees there told her that she had to call the Rakhine state government office for more information, but they refused to make the call on her behalf. A month had passed, and she still hadnt heard anything more about the status of her application for the travel permit. Anxious about not receiving the permit in time to go to Yangon to sit for an exam, Ei Myat Thu wrote about her dilemma on her Facebook page. After a reporter from RFAs Myanmar Service read her account and contacted Thandwe immigration department officials, she received the travel permit at the last minute in October and was able to make it to Yangon in time to take the exam. A security guard stands by a camp near the Rakhine state capital Sittwe for Rohingyas displaced by ethnic violence in 2012, in file photo. Credit: RFA Extensive paperwork required Other Muslims in Thandwe who have applied for National Registration Cards (NRCs), which are issued to those who had been considered full citizens under Myanmar's 1982 Citizenship Law, reported difficulties when trying to obtain travel permits to get necessary health care in other locations. In some cases, people have died before the permits were issued, they said. Thandwe resident Mu Mu Naing said she applied for a travel permit at the local immigration department so she could get treatment for an eye problem in Yangon. She had to submit recommendations from her ward official and police station along with a list of her family members and a letter from her doctor stating that she had no mental health problems. We [Rohingya Muslims] need recommendations from two NRC holders, from our ward head, and from the local police station, she said. Immigration officials asked Mu Mu Naing for the address where she would be staying in Yangon and for copies of the NRC cards of all her relatives who live at the Yangon address. They had to be NRC holders, and they had to go to their township immigration office and sign a form saying that they were aware of my visit and accepted me, she said. All the information and copies of documents she submitted were sent to Special Branch officials investigators under the Ministry of Home Affairs who interviewed her after they checked them, she said. Mu Mu Naing finally received a 30-day travel permit two months after she submitted all the paperwork. When she went to Yangon General Hospital, she told her doctors that she would be in danger if she stayed in the commercial city for more than a month. At the end of the four-week period, the doctors gave her some prescription medication and let her return home. Other Rohingya Muslims in Thandwe complain of social and financial losses due to lengthy waiting times for travel permits. Ohn Lwin, a former employee at the Department of Commerce and Agriculture office in Thandwe, said that when he was transferred to the Cooperative Department, state government officials did not grant him permission to travel to serve in another town. I was waiting for seven years for permission, but hadnt heard anything, he said. After that, I sent a petition letter to President [Win Myint] to allow me to travel, and I finally got it. But the seven years that I had waited were wasted. Those who do receive travel permits say they are restricted to using specified roadways. Following the communal violence in 2012, Muslims with travel permits have had to use the Ann-Yangon highway instead of Taungup-Yangon highway for safety reasons. There are four checkpoints along the highway, and people with travel permits who dont have NRCs have to pay 5,000-10,000 kyats (U.S. $3.13-$6.26) at each checkpoint, said a Muslim woman living in Thandwe township who declined to give her name. Unlike Rohingya Muslims, Kaman Muslims are included among the 135 distinct ethnic groups officially recognized by the government. Yet they also face discrimination. We really need an NRC Khin Ohn Shwe, the Kaman Muslim head of Kyaungtike village in Thandwe township, said that whenever Kamans travel with infants, officials take photos of them with the children and ask them to provide a letter from the township administrator verifying that the babies are children of the person bearing the travel permit. Even though we take along our list of family members showing the names of all the relatives, including those of the children, we are still discriminated against, she said. Sandar Tun, a Rohingya student from Thandwe township, said she has lost several opportunities because she does not have an NRC. We dont mind whatever they call us, but we want National Registration Cards, she said. Even if we are identified as Bengalis or Kamans, it will not pose a problem for us. But we really need an NRC. Because we dont have the cards, we have lost out on many opportunities, she said. Most Kamans in Thandwe have NRCs because local immigration officials helped them register for the cards in 2017, though some who have one parent who is a Rohingya from northern Rakhine state cannot obtain a card. Because Myanmar does not recognize the Rohingya, disparagingly referred to as Bengalis, as one of its official national races, many have been denied NRCs unless they can prove that both of their parents were full citizens and possessed NRCs. Ko Lay Aung, an immigration department official in Thandwe township, said that his office usually issues travel documents in one day for non-NRC holders who need to leave the area for urgent health care. But it takes 10 days to issue travel permits for students who must leave the area to meet with professors and take exams. It was only after RFA interviewed Ko Lay Aung that Ei Myat Thu received her travel permit to go to Yangon. Reported by Kyaw Lwin Oo for RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khet Mar. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. Police in Vietnams Central Highlands set fire to the store room of a Cao Dai priests coffee plantation this week, angered that he had escaped their surveillance in order to meet with U.S. diplomats in Saigon, the priest said on Friday. Speaking to RFAs Vietnamese Service, Hua Phihead of the Cao Dai Church in Lam Dong provinces Duc Trong districtsaid that he discovered the damage after he returned from his meeting in Saigon, also called Ho Chi Minh City. I visited my coffee plantation, but when I entered the storage area, I saw the door had been broken in and all three rooms set ablaze. All the equipment there was damaged, he said. District police had come to ask about him while he was away, and learned that he had gone to Saigon, Hua Phi said. Even though they were supposed to watch me night and day, I was still able to get out, and they were so angry that they burned all my tools, he said. The arson attack followed an assault by police on June 22, when uniformed and plainclothes officers burst in Hua Phis home, covered his head with clothes, and beat him unconscious, the Vietnamese rights group Defend the Defenders said in a June 23 report. Family members said that three hours before the attack, two police officers had arrived to deliver a summons requiring him to report to authorities because of an administrative fine imposed on him for his activities, Defend the Defenders said. 'I refused to go' In January, Hua Phi had ignored similar calls to meet with police, he told RFA in an earlier report. The Communist Party has established an official branch [of the Cao Dai faith] in order to control us, the unofficial one, Hua Phi said. From Jan. 12 to Jan. 28, I received a total of seven summonses from the police requiring me to meet with them related to my having offended the nation, Hua Phi said. But I refused to go, because the charges are untrue. On Jan. 29, police arrived in a taxi to take him to their station, where they accused him of having communicated with international media and foreign delegations, Hua Phi told RFA. There were eight provincial police officers there, along with four district police officers, and some communal police officers. In the end they put me under so much pressure that I fainted and they had to call a cab to take me home, he said. Vietnams government officially recognizes the Cao Dai faith, which combines elements of many religions, but imposes harsh controls on dissenting groups who do not follow the state-sanctioned branches. Reported by RFAs Vietnamese Service. Translated by Viet Ha. Written in English by Richard Finney. Bulgaria has arrested a Russian man on an arrest warrant issued by the United States, Russia's Consular General in Varna, Vladimir Klimanov, told Russian media. Klimanov said on November 9 that the police in the Black Sea port arrested a man with dual Russian-Bulgarian citizenship, making known only his first name and a surname initial -- Aleksandr Zh. Bulgarian media reports said on November 9 that the 38-year-old man is wanted in the United States for causing $7 million worth of damage to advertisement agencies. According to the reports, the arrest warrant was issued by a court in New York. The man will remain in custody pending a decision on his extradition to the United States. According to the reports, the suspect has lived in Bulgaria for eight years and owns an apartment in Varna. Based on reporting by Trud and TASS GROZNY, Russia -- The Supreme Court of Russia's North Caucasus region of Chechnya has rejected the ruling of a lower court that granted early release to a jailed independent journalist. Alaudi Musayev, a lawyer for journalist Zhalaudi Geriyev, said on November 8 that the regional Supreme Court canceled a ruling of the Naur district court in September to release his client early after serving three-quarters of his three-year prison term. Geriyev was sentenced to three years in prison in 2016 for drug possession, a charge he has denied from the very beginning. The Moscow-based human rights center Memorial has recognized Geriyev as a political prisoner and New York-based Human Rights Watch has said he is being "punished" for his work as a journalist. Geriyev, a contributor to the website Caucasian Knot, has been known for his reporting on human rights in Chechnya, which is tightly controlled by Kremlin-backed Ramzan Kadyrov. Rights activists have blamed Kadyrov and his paramilitary forces for serious rights abuses, including the widespread use of kidnapping, torture, and extrajudicial killing. With reporting by Caucasian Knot The EU commissioner in charge of enlargement has urged Ukraine to move forward on reforms, warning against any retreat from such efforts, especially on fighting corruption. Johannes Hahn made the remarks in Kyiv on November 9. He was in the Ukrainian capital to deliver a fresh EU report on Ukraine to Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Hroysman. Hahn said it's "crucial to maintain the reform momentum and to make these changes irreversible" in the run-up to March's presidential vote and the parliamentary elections in late 2019. Hahn stressed that "there can't be rollback on issues such as anticorruption efforts." In the report, the EU noted there have been only a few convictions in high-level corruption cases in the country. However, it said Ukraine has taken steps to reform its judiciary system. The EU emphasized that the establishment of a dedicated anticorruption court is crucial and that Ukraine's authorities must properly investigate attacks against civil society activists and punish the perpetrators. The fresh warning comes days after a prominent Ukrainian anticorruption activist died on November 4, three months after she was injured in an acid attack. The death of Kateryna Handzyuk sparked outrage in Ukraine and elsewhere. Several dozen local NGOs signed a letter earlier this week criticizing the "apparent failure" of Ukraine's law enforcement system to investigate attacks on civil society activists. INFOGRAPHIC: Ukraine's Impunity Problem: Unsolved Attacks On Journalists And Activists (click to view) They also called on Interior Minister Arsen Avakov and Prosecutor-General Yuriy Lutsenko to resign amid charges they have blocked the investigation. Lutsenko on November 7 did tender his resignation, but the bloc of President Petro Poroshenko did not support the call in parliament. Five suspects, including a police officer, have been arrested on suspicion of involvement in the attack, but authorities have not described a specific potential motive for the attack. In September, Handzyuk posted a video in which she urged Ukrainians to fight rampant corruption. Yes, I look bad now, but Im being cured by good Ukrainian doctors. And I know this: I look a lot better than the state of Ukrainian fairness and justice today. On October 3, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Freedom House, and Frontline Defenders said more than 50 attacks on activists and human rights defenders in Ukraine had been recorded by local human rights organizations in the the last nine months. AQTOBE, Kazakhstan -- Five Kazakh men have been imprisoned over a bus fire that killed 52 Uzbek citizens in Kazakhstan in January. A court in the northwestern city of Aqtobe on November 9 found three drivers of the bus guilty of involuntary manslaughter and violating fire-safety regulations in vehicles, and sentenced each of them to five years in prison, depriving them of driving licenses for seven years after they complete their sentences. Two employees of Asia Transit Service, the Kazakh company that owned the bus, were found guilty of using a technically unfit vehicle for commercial purposes, and one of them was also found guilty of forging technical documents. Each of them was sentenced to 3 1/2 years in a colony settlement, a penitentiary in which convicts live close to a factory or farm where they work. All five men pleaded not guilty when the trial started on September 3. The fire occurred in the Aqtobe region on January 18 as the bus was en route from Shymkent in southern Kazakhstan to the Russian city of Samara. Investigators later determined the cause of the fire was an open flame on a portable gas cooker that was being used by passengers for heat during the long journey. Officials have said the bus was a 29-year German-built Setra that did not have a license to transport passengers. Authorities also said the vehicle's technical safety certificate had expired in 2016. Many migrant workers from Uzbekistan travel to Russia along several lengthy routes passing through Kazakhstan. The Islamic State (IS) group has claimed that one of its "fighters" was responsible for starting the deadly prison riot in northern Tajikistan on November 7. The IS statement was carried by its Amaq news agency on November 8. It said the riot erupted after an IS member attacked a prison guard late on November 7. Sources close to the Tajik government and security officials told RFE/RL on November 9 that the riot at the prison in the city of Khujand was organized by IS supporters convicted of religious extremism and terrorism. The sources also said that at least 24 people, including two guards, were killed in the riot. Security sources earlier told RFE/RL that the fighting began after an inmate attacked and killed a prison guard. Almost two days after the incident, there has still been no official reaction from the government. The local administration only confirmed there had been a riot, without offering further information. Security forces were on high alert and Justice Ministry and other officials flew to Khujand immediately after the incident, the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to media on the issue, told RFE/RL. They also said that six police officers hospitalized in Khujand with gunshot wounds. The high-security prison in Khujand mostly houses inmates convicted on charges related to terrorism and extremism and other serious crimes, and is located some 300 kilometers north of the capital, Dushanbe. The sources said many of the inmates in the Khujand prison were convicted of membership or affiliation with banned extremist groups, including IS, Hizb ut-Tahrir, and others. Latvia-based Russian news website Meduza says its editor in chief, Ivan Kolpakov, has resigned amid accusations of sexual harassment. Kolpakov announced he was stepping down on November 9, the website said. "It is the only way to stop the crisis engulfing the website and minimize the damage to its reputation," Meduza quoted Kolpakov as saying. Kolpakov's resignation comes after accusations of sexual harassment brought forward by the spouse of one of his colleagues. In October, Kolpakov was suspended for two weeks after one his colleagues accused him of sexually harassing his wife at a party. The colleague and his wife claimed that Kolpakov was drunk at the party and groped the colleague's wife, saying, "You are the only one here at this party I can harass and get away with it." Kolpakov said he did not remember the incident but apologized to his colleague in person and to his colleague's wife in written form as she did not want to speak to him in person. According to Meduza, the woman accepted Kolpakovs apology. The website's management then allowed Kolpakov to return to work from November 6. The decision prompted the colleague who accused Kolpakov of harassing his wife to resign in protest. Kolpakov is one of the founders of Meduza, which was established in 2014. He has worked as editor in chief since 2016. Meduza is run by a team of around 20 Russian journalists who resigned from their jobs at Lenta.ru following their editor in chief Galina Timchenko's unexpected removal from her post by the website's owner, tycoon Aleksandr Mamut, who is an ally of President Vladimir Putin. Women in Russia and other former Soviet republics often say they are routinely the targets of harassment in the workplace but can do little to prevent it, with their protests often falling on deaf ears. Earlier in March, when three female journalists accused a Russian lawmaker, Leonid Slutsky, of sexual harassment, the speaker of the Russian State Duma, Vyacheslav Volodin, suggested that female journalists who report from the legislature should change their jobs if they can't cope with the behavior of lawmakers. An attempt by the leaders of Serbia and Kosovo to move closer to an agreement on long-standing disputes that would further their bids to join the European Union has sputtered after less than an hour of talks. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic told reporters after the EU-sponsored talks in Brussels broke up late on November 8 that for his negotiations with Kosovo counterpart Hashim Thaci to continue, Kosovo must first reverse its recent imposition of tariffs on Serbian and Bosnian imports. "There is no dialogue until Kosovo withdraws its decision on customs of 10 percent" tariffs, he said. Vucic later told Serbian national broadcaster RTS that "none of our people will show up here until they withdraw their illegal decisions." Vucic then referred not only to the 10 percent tariff on Serbian agricultural imports but to Kosovo's vow -- which Serbian media attributed to Kosovo's Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj -- to begin forming an army within a month. The Serbian president told RTS that the tariffs violated the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA), while he maintained that Haradinaj's plan to build an army -- and particularly to deploy a garrison in the Serb-dominated north of Kosovo -- breached earlier agreements. Vucic also spoke out against Pristina's aspirations to join Interpol at the organization's general assembly later this month. "Serbia is always ready for dialogue, but before that one has to behave responsibly, fulfill one's obligations, not to threaten Serbs by sending troops, not to introduce new tariffs contrary to the CEFTA agreement," Vucic told RTS. "From any agreement we are miles, miles away," he said. Thaci after the talks accused Serbia of being "aggressive and arrogant." "If Belgrade thinks it will be easy with the Kosovar side, it is wrong," he said. "These are difficult topics, but the interest of both countries is that dialogue ends with an agreement that ensures mutual recognition." The EU's top diplomat and mediator in the normalization talks, Federica Mogherini, said in a statement after the talks that the two sides are expected to swiftly deliver on their commitment to reach a binding agreement. Mogherini said she urged Serbia and Kosovo at the meeting to "refrain from words, actions, and measures that are contrary to the spirit of normalization." She added that "they discussed the necessary steps for the way forward." It was "decided to remain in constant contact in the coming days to assess the follow-up of today's meeting," Mogherini said. Kosovo, with a 90 percent Albanian majority, declared independence from Belgrade a decade ago. The United States and more than 110 other countries -- including all but five EU member states -- have recognized Kosovo. But Serbia refuses to acknowledge the independence of its former province and is -- with the help of its ally Russia -- blocking it from UN membership. Still, Serbia has agreed to try to normalize ties with Kosovo as part of an EU-brokered process, which if successful would enable Belgrade to begin EU accession talks. Kosovo's prospects for joining the EU also have been linked to reaching agreement with Serbia on their outstanding disputes. Now Brussels is pressuring both sides to reach a binding agreement in order to allow both to move closer to membership. Vucic's lashing out after the talks on November 8 follows a break in the talks in September after he refused to hold face-to-face talks with Thaci. With reporting by dpa and AP Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has formally refused to accept the resignation of the countrys prosecutor-general, who has been criticized for the handling of a probe into the death of an anticorruption activist in an acid attack. Calls for Yuriy Lutsenko to step down intensified after Kateryna Handzyuk died on November 4, three months after she was injured in an acid attack. Lutsenko on November 7 formally submitted his resignation to Poroshenko, a day after parliament -- namely, the presidents bloc -- refused to back the move. In a statement on November 9, Ukraines presidential press service cited the parliaments vote of confidence in Lutsenko as the reason why Poroshenko had refused to accept his resignation, adding important tasks are ahead of Lutsenko, a presidential appointee. The announcement by Poroshenkos office comes just hours after a top EU official said in Kyiv that the international community was deeply shocked by the death of Handzyuk. Its something we cannot accept, EU Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn told a press conference in the Ukrainian capital on November 9. He urged the Ukrainian government to identify and punish those behind the attack, saying The international community pays attention. Hahn also delivered a fresh EU report on Ukraine to Prime Minister Volodymyr Hroysman. In that document, the EU emphasized that Ukraine's authorities must properly investigate attacks against civil society activists and punish the perpetrators. Five suspects, including a police officer, have been arrested on suspicion of involvement in the attack on Handzyuk, but authorities have not described a specific potential motive for the attack. Several dozen local NGOs signed a letter earlier this week criticizing the "apparent failure" of Ukraine's law enforcement system to investigate attacks on civil society activists. They also called on Interior Minister Arsen Avakov, as well as Lutsenko, to resign amid charges they have blocked the investigation. With reporting by AFP and Pravda.ua Austrian authorities have questioned a recently retired military officer under suspicion of spying for Russia for almost 20 years, Chancellor Sebastian Kurz has said. Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl has summoned the Russian charge d'affaires over the matter and canceled an upcoming trip to Russia scheduled for December 2-3, Kurz added. "We demand transparent information from Russia," Kurz said on November 9, adding that the Russian diplomat currently in charge at the embassy in Vienna was summoned to the Austrian Foreign Ministry. "If the suspicion is confirmed, such cases, regardless of whether they take place in the Netherlands or in Austria, do not improve relations between Russia and the European Union," he said. Kurz was referring to the expulsion of four Russian agents by the Netherlands in April for allegedly planning a cyberattack on the world's chemical-weapons watchdog in The Hague. "Russian spying in Europe is unacceptable and to be condemned," Kurz added. In response, Russia's Foreign Ministry summoned Austria's ambassador on November 9 to demand an explanation about the accusations, Russian news agencies reported. Later in a statement on its website, the Russian Foreign Ministry said the allegations were harming hitherto positive bilateral relations. The ministry said the allegations were based on suspicions rather than actual evidence and that it had expressed its protest to Austria's envoy when it summoned him earlier in the day. Austrian Defense Minister Mario Kunasek told the news conference that the case came to light "a few weeks ago" as a result of information from another European intelligence agency. Kurz said Austria was not going to withdraw its envoy from Moscow yet or expel Russian diplomats. "We will discuss our further steps with European partners as soon as we receive more accurate information. In such a situation it is necessary to make gradual steps," Kurz said. Austria is one of the few European countries that maintains close diplomatic contacts with Moscow despite Russia's actions in Ukraine, and even after the poisoning of ex-Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in Britain, which London has blamed on Russia. Austrian Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl said she canceled her visit to Russia scheduled for December 2-3 due to the espionage case. Vienna, home to multiple international organizations such as the IAEA, OSCE and a branch of the United Nations, is known as a European espionage hub. The city also used to be a gateway to communist countries during the Cold War because of its proximity to Eastern Europe. With reporting by Kronen Zeitung, Reuters, Kleine Zeitung, dpa, AFP, and Die Presse The Taliban are not ready to negotiate with the Afghan government, a Taliban member said at talks in Moscow on November 9. A Taliban delegation attended a diplomatic conference in Russia for the first time, but the Kabul government sent no official representative, and the sides reported no progress. At the end of the talks in the Russian capital, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanakzai, who led the Taliban delegation, was quoted by the Interfax news agency as saying the militants are not ready for direct talks with Kabul and will negotiate with the United States instead. Opening the meeting earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Russia hopes "through joint efforts to open a new page in the history of Afghanistan." The first Russian initiative to hold the conference in September was abandoned after the Afghan authorities refused to attend. This time, the Afghan government sent only members of the government-appointed High Peace Council to attend the event. Afghanistan's Foreign Ministry on November 9 issued a statement stressing that the High Peace Council is taking part in the talks "in its own capacity as a national but nongovernment institution, with a view to discuss the dynamics and details of initiating direct negotiations." The High Peace Council (HPC) is a body of the Afghanistan Peace and Reintegration Program, established by former President Hamid Karzai to negotiate with elements of the Taliban. Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said the militant group was sending five representatives, who will not hold "any sort of negotiations" with the Peace Council delegation. Informal contacts between the Taliban and members of Afghanistan's Peace Council have taken place at various forums in the past. Based on reporting by AP, TASS, and Interfax Olga Shalina, an activist of an ultraleftist unregistered political party who publicly challenged conditions in Russian prisons, has been sentenced to five days in jail. On October 25, Shalina cut her veins on her left hand at the Interpolitekh exhibition of police and military equipment in Moscow to protest conditions faced by inmates in Russian prisons. Shalina also spread leaflets criticizing the Russian police and penitentiaries for violating the inmates' rights. Shalina's lawyer, Sergei Badamshin, said that a court in Moscow found his client guilty of minor hooliganism and sentenced her on November 9. Shalina is a member of The Other Russia party, formed by firebrand Russian writer and politician Eduard Limonov in 2010 after his National Bolshevik Party was outlawed. The violation of inmates' rights in the Russian penal system is an issue that has been in the spotlight since July when a video showing at least 17 guards beating an inmate in the Yaroslavl region was released on the Internet by the Novaya Gazeta newspaper. Based on reporting by TASS and Interfax The United States has blocked an attempt by Russia to ease UN sanctions on North Korea in what it claimed was an effort to deliver humanitarian aid to the impoverished nation. But U.S. Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley on November 8 accused Russia of cloaking an attempt to lift sanctions on North Korea's banking sector as a "humanitarian" gesture, and vowed to keep Moscow from succeeding. "What they're looking for is to lift banking restrictions," Haley said after a closed-door UN Security Council meeting sought by Russia to discuss its proposal. "So now we know what their agenda is. We know exactly why they're trying to do it, and we're not going to let it happen," Haley said. "They talk a lot about how they are concerned about the humanitarian situation in North Korea, but the truth always comes out at the end," she said. Haley accused Russia of "cheating" and not adhering to the sanctions imposed by the United Nations last year. "We have given a lot of carrots up until now. We're not going to get rid of the stick because they [North Korea] havent done anything to warrant getting rid of the sanctions," she said. China and Russia have both publicly called for a relaxation of restrictions to recognize concessions North Korea has made to the United States in negotiations aimed at ridding the Korean Peninsula of nuclear weapons. But Britain and France have backed the United States in saying the sanctions should stay in place until North Korea actually starts to dismantle its nuclear-weapons program. Haley said that North Korea canceled talks that were scheduled to be held this week with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo "because they weren't ready," and said she expected the negotiations to be rescheduled. "I don't think there was some major issue" derailing the talks, she said. Pompeo was expected to meet with North Korean negotiator Kim Yong Chol in New York on November 8 to discuss the North's commitment to eliminating its nuclear weapons and arrangements for a second summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Russia denied Haley's claim that it is violating the UN sanctions and said it was seeking exemptions from the sanctions on Pyongyang for the delivery of tractors, spare parts, and other goods needed for humanitarian relief. It said the exemptions would allow deliveries of plumbing parts needed to repair North Korean health facilities as well as the farm equipment needed for harvesting food in a country that has experienced chronic food shortages. Around 10.3 million people, or 41 percent of North Korea's population, are undernourished, according to UN estimates. AFP, citing UN documents, reported that the humanitarian projects delayed by the United States are sponsored by European organizations such as Ireland's Concern Worldwide, Italy's Agrotec Spa company, and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, which AFP said was requesting sanctions waivers for water sanitation projects. AFP quoted a Red Cross official as saying that 40 percent of North Koreans lack access to safe water and are in danger of being exposed to water-borne diseases. U.S. officials maintain that any request for sanctions exemptions must be thoroughly reviewed to ensure that any equipment or goods shipped to North Korea are not diverted by the government, which has been accused of siphoning off food aid in the past. "Our goal is to make sure that we don't do anything if it's going to be compromised and not go to the people," Haley said. "If it can be used in a different way, if we think they'll use if for another purpose, we are taking our time in vetting that very carefully." With reporting by AP, AFP, dpa, and Reuters The United States has voiced concern over Bahrain's sentencing of the head of the country's Shi'ite opposition movement to life in prison, a move which was also condemned by Iran. "The United States is concerned by the verdict sentencing Ali Salman to life in prison," State Department spokesman Robert Palladino said on November 8. Washington will not seek to impose sanctions over the matter, he said, but it will continue to raise concerns when human rights issues arise in the Persian Gulf ally. Bahrain, an island state across the gulf from Iran, is home to the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet. "The United States will continue to engage regularly with the government of Bahrain on a range of shared interests, including the importance of safeguarding fundamental freedoms and human rights," Palladino said. Bahrain on November 4 sentenced Salman, who headed the now-banned Al-Wefaq movement, for allegedly spying on behalf of rival gulf state Qatar. Bahrain has been ruled for more than two centuries by the Sunni Al-Khalifa dynasty, but has been hit by waves of unrest since 2011 among its Shi'ite majority population. During the so-called Arab Spring uprisings in 2011, Bahrain's security forces crushed the protests, which were demanding creation of a constitutional monarchy and an elected prime minister. Bahrain provides vital facilities not only for the U.S. Navy but for other Western military forces that patrol the oil-rich gulf region. It houses a permanent British military base. Despite human rights abuses documented among U.S. allies in the gulf region, U.S. President Donald Trump has argued against restricting arms sales, saying they provide the United States with jobs and security benefits. The Trump administration lifted restrictions on arms sales to Bahrain that former President Barack Obama imposed on human rights grounds. Based on reporting by AFP U.S. President Donald Trump has criticized French President Emmanuel Macron for suggesting that Europe should create its own army. Very insulting, but perhaps Europe should first pay its fair share of NATO, which the U.S. subsidizes greatly," Trump said on Twitter as he arrived in France on November 9 to meet with Macron. Macron said on November 6 that Europe needed a real army to reduce reliance on the United States for defense. "We have to protect ourselves with respect to China, Russia and even the United States of America," Macron said on French radio, according to the Wall Street Journal. Trump has often complained that NATO member states are not living up to the commitment they made at their Wales summit in 2014 to spend two percent of their gross domestic product on national defense. Based on reporting by Reuters Hundreds of protesters have taken to the streets of major U.S. cities to call for protection of the special counsel charged with investigating ties between Russia and President Donald Trump's 2016 election campaign. The protests late on November 8 came as Democrats in Congress sought emergency hearings into Trump's ouster of Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who Trump had criticized for recusing himself and refusing to interfere with Robert Mueller's investigation into alleged Russian efforts to influence the election. Several hundred demonstrators gathered in New York's Times Square and chanted slogans, including "Hands off Mueller" and "Nobody's above the law" before marching downtown. In Chicago, Democratic Senator Dick Durbin joined several hundred protesters at Federal Plaza, while some 500 demonstrators gathered at a park near the White House in Washington. Crowds also turned out in Greensboro, North Carolina, Chattanooga, Tennessee, Las Vegas, Nevada, and many other places, AP reported. Protest organizers said Trump's naming of Matthew Whitaker, Sessions' chief of staff, to be acting attorney general on November 7 was a "deliberate attempt to obstruct the special counsel's investigation." Trump asked for Sessions' resignation and then replaced him with Whitaker, who has criticized Mueller's probe and called for limits on it. Trump, who has repeatedly said he has the authority for fire Mueller, an independent counsel appointed by the Justice Department, has frequently called the Russia investigation a "witch hunt" and complained that Sessions had done nothing to rein it in. White House counselor Kellyanne Conway earlier on November 8 said Trump has not instructed Whitaker to limit the Russia investigation. But those assurances did not appease the protesters or Democrats in the House of Representatives who are slated to take control of the chamber next year. In a letter saying Trump's ouster of Sessions has put the country "in the throes of a constitutional crisis," House Judiciary Committee Democrats demanded emergency hearings on the change of command at the Justice Department and called for bipartisan legislation to protect Mueller from any effort to stymie his investigation. A spokesman for the panel's Republican chairman, Bob Goodlatte, declined to comment on the letter. In the Senate, Democratic Senator Chris Coons and Republican Senator Jeff Flake said they would try to force a vote next week on legislation to protect Mueller from White House interference. The Senate Judiciary Committee already approved a bipartisan bill to do so in April. Meanwhile, a coalition of 18 state attorneys general has sent a letter to Whitaker calling on him to recuse himself from the special counsel probe like Sessions did, in light of his "widely circulated public comments criticizing" Mueller. The state attorneys said Whitaker's recusal is "necessary to maintain public trust in the integrity of the investigation." They said Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein should "continue to supervise" the Mueller probe as he has since last year. The letter was signed by the attorneys general of Massachusetts, New York, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and the District of Columbia. With reporting by AP, AFP, and Reuters Editor's Note: To receive Steve Gutterman's Week In Russia each week via e-mail, subscribe by clicking here. President Vladimir Putin doubles down amid laughter and concern over the missions and missteps of the GRU, hailing its officers as examples to emulate, while accidents on land and at sea point up deep-seated problems in Russia and Kremlin-watchers try to puzzle out what the U.S. midterm election results mean for Moscow. Here are some of the key developments in Russia over the past week and some of the takeaways going forward. GRU Q: What do you do when your military intelligence agency is facing ridicule and rumors of a purge over what some see as unpardonable and embarrassing mistakes? A: Double down. At least, that's what Russian President Vladimir Putin did in an address to staff of the GRU, as it is known despite dropping the "R" in 2010, on what the spy outfit -- once secretive but now in the spotlight because of accusations that it meddled in a U.S. presidential election, poisoned a former double-agent in England, and tried to hack the global chemical-weapons watchdog in The Hague, among other things -- celebrates as its 100th anniversary. "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 of the GRU, which has been skewered for a series of perceived blunders both large (an alleged assassination attempt that failed to take the target's life but ended up killing a bystander) and small (taxi receipts that helped cybersleuths track down its operatives.) Putin thanked the agency for playing a "huge role" in Russia's military campaign in Syria and said its operatives -- ready to make the ultimate sacrifice "for the motherland" -- set an example for a future generation of military spies. The remarks seemed to put paid to speculation that Putin would send the opposite message by sending heads rolling in the GRU. In addition to wondering whether the GRU would ditch its dime-a-dozen double-headed eagle, dragon-slaying St. George insignia and "regain its cool bat logo," analyst and author Mark Galeotti said Putin's speech which was certainly not kept secret -- seemed to confirm that "the GRU has not, as some claim, angered Putin." Galeotti raised and more or less dismissed the possibility that Putin's public praise was "part of the maskirovka, deception, keeping any recriminations behind closed doors," concluding: "Sure, Putin may feel an obligation to demonstrate his loyalty to his spooks -- but that is primarily because they are doing what he wants them to do." Yulia Latynina, a journalist and analyst who skewers the Kremlin in a weekly show on Ekho Moskvy radio, hears a different message in Putin's words. It's that of a president whose response to mistakes by people who are part his system of rule -- "he always supports his own when they have screwed up," she said, and this "leads to the total incompetence and total incapacity of the system." 'News From A Superpower' A glaring example of this incompetence, according to Latynina, was the collapse of a massive floating dry dock being used to repair Russia's only aircraft carrier, on October 30. The structure sank and a crane crashed down on the Admiral Kuznetsov, puncturing the deck and raising questions about how -- and when -- it will be lifted and removed. One worker is missing and presumed dead. Authorities said the accident occurred when the ship was leaving the dry dock. But the aircraft carrier had been slated for many months of repairs and Latynina, without citing specific sources, said it was setting out on a mission to "answer" NATO's biggest military exercise since the Cold War -- centered in Norway and off its coast -- by making a show of Russian force. The Russian military has not confirmed that, and Moscow has said little or nothing about what NATO and Norwegian officials said was a Russian Navy plan to test missiles off Norway's coast on November 1-3, in the middle of the "live-field" phase of the Western alliance's two-week Trident Juncture drills. Putin and the Kremlin often portray the 1990s as a chaotic time of troubles that has faded into a bad memory since he became president in 2000. But critics like Latynina say that his failure to hold officials to account means corruption and corner-cutting have in fact flourished, leading to deadly accidents and errors of judgment. Likening the Russian state to worm-eaten wood that is crumbling into dust, she said: "I'm not even talking about protecting one's citizens -- that's what democratic states do. But just being a strong, capable structure -- this state is not that." The sinking dry dock was not the only recent example. A bridge being built in the Khanty-Mansiisk region of Siberia collapsed on November 5, killing two workers. It was at least the fourth bridge to fall in Russia since the beginning of October. Meanwhile, in a post describing "news from a superpower," a Facebook user put together six headlines from recent years -- three from 2018 about children drowning in cesspits. And following reports that a gunman fired shots at multimillionaire businessman Oleg Burlakov's Cadillac Escalade as he sat in the vehicle, Galeotti -- an author and expert on crime in Russia -- tweeted that "the relatively peaceable status quodoes seem under increasing pressure these days." Glory Days When Putin turns to times past in hopes of instilling patriotism, he turns much further back than the 1990s. On November 4, which he made National Unity Day in 2005 to replace the Revolution Day holiday three days later, Putin and Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill Patriarch Kirill met on Red Square and laid flowers at a monument celebrating the expulsion of Polish troops in 1612 -- the beginning of the end of the 15-year Time of Troubles that wracked Russia between two dynasties. On November 7 -- the date of the former holiday celebrating the Bolshevik takeover in 1917 -- troops in World War II uniforms marched across the square outside the Kremlin in an elaborate homage to a 1941 parade whose participants marched straight to the front outside Moscow to fight the Nazis in World War II. On November 11, attention will turn to a different war -- and Putin will be in a less isolated/domestic/Russia-centric setting, joining dozens of leaders in Paris to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. But amid the crowd, Putin may be more isolated than he would like to be: A meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, which two weeks ago seemed certain to happen, may not take place. In Moscow on October 23, White House national-security adviser John Bolton said he told Putin that "President Trump would look forward to meeting with him in Paris." We'll Always Have Argentina At first it appeared that the two might hold substantive talks, but the Kremlin later said they would probably touch base briefly "on their feet" or at a luncheon -- and Trump said on November 7 that while they would both attend the lunch, they are not set to have a conversation. "I don't think we have anything scheduled in Paris and I'm coming back very quickly," Trump said at a White House press conference a day after the midterm elections in the United States. "I don't think we have time set aside for that meeting." Trump -- who faced criticism over his comments at a July 16 summit that was his only major meeting with Putin since he took office -- said he expects to sit down with the Russian president at a November 30-December 1 gathering of the Group of 20 (G20) in Buenos Aires. One reason the optics of a meeting with Putin on Armistice Day would be ugly for some is that Russia-backed separatists who control parts of eastern Ukraine are holding elections -- denounced as "fake" by Kyiv and as illegitimate by the United States and European Union -- on the same day. That would expose Trump to accusations that, while solemnly marking the end of World War I, he was ignoring the only war being fought in Europe today and one that is widely seen in the West as the result of a Russian attempt to grab land and carve new borders. But the uncertainty over a meeting in Paris -- however brief -- also underscores the sensitive situation in Russian-U.S. relations following the latter's midterm elections, in which Trump's Republicans lost their majority in the House of Representatives but retained control of the Senate. The day after the vote, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that it would be hard for the relationship to get much worse -- but that the prospects for improvement don't look too great either. For Peskov, that prognosis seems remarkably straightforward. But Kremlin-watchers digging deeper have come up with some varying versions of what the results mean for Russia -- and what Putin really thinks about it. 'Rancor And Division' On the one hand, Democratic control of the House could put more moxie into policies meant to pressure Russia, and certainly does not seem to bring the prospect of easing sanctions any closer. Many Democrats in the lower legislative chamber want to dig deeper in a bid to determine whether there was any collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia in the 2016 presidential election, which could potentially put Trump on the defensive when it comes to his stated desire to improve relations with Russia -- particularly given that many Republicans also favor a tough stance. That's what Peskov may have been thinking about, primarily, when he said that "rosy prospects for the normalization of Russian-American relations are not visible on the horizon." But, if one of the Kremlin's main goals since the 2016 campaign has been to create conflict and sow discord in U.S. society, the outcome of the vote looks pretty good. "The split result of the U.S. midterms has divided Russian media outlets too," Coda Story said in an article on November 7. "While none are celebrating the Democrats winning back the House of Representatives, there are some commentators who see a potential upside for Russia -- if the United States sinks further into rancor and division." That rancor was on display less than 24 hours after polls closed, when Trump's dismissal of Attorney General Jeff Sessions -- and his appointment of an acting chief prosecutor who has criticized Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into the alleged Russian meddling -- prompted dismay among Democrats and protests in several cities. Mayor of Cancun announces state government to take over municipal police force Cancun, Q.R. In a press conference, the mayor of Cancun said that from this point forward, the state government will be in charge of the municipal police force of Cancun. Benito Juarez municipal president Mara Lezama, announced that through an agreement, the Government of the State of Quintana Roo through the Ministry of Public Security will be responsible for the security of the municipality. She also announced that the process to formalize the Single Police Command has begin. She explained that within the municipal police, certain groups are resisting the internal changes. She said that because of this, the decision was made that the state should lead security strategies. Cancun Mayor, Mara Lezama From today it will be the state government, and in particular the security secretary Jesus Alberto Capella, that will be responsible for executing the security strategy so that each region and Supermanzana of Cancun can recover peace and tranquility. It will be also the responsibility of the secretary to make known the progress on this issue, she added. In her public address, she explained that for this reason, city council will begin with the legal process that leads to the Single Command to recover security which will include adding resources so that security can return to the destination. She also stated that Jesus Perez Abarca, the commander who was forcefully removed from the building earlier this week by officers, will continue with his position as municipal secretary of Public Safety and Transit of Benito Juarez. The State Prosecutor Generals Office reports that an investigation has led to criminal charges against 15 municipal police officers involved in the forceful removal of the Municipal Public Security Secretariat, Jesus Perez Abarca. A large majority of the municipal police of Cancun who were involved in the Monday dispute have since returned to work. Two senior citizens surrender their pet crocodile after 30 years Acapulco, Guerrero The Federal Procurator for Environmental Protection of Acapulco says that two senior citizens voluntarily surrendered their pet crocodile after having it for 30 years. The couple, both over the age of 80, gave up their unnamed pet which now weighs 250 kilos. The three-meter river reptile lived in a pond in the couples back yard for its entire life in the city of Acapulco. In a statement, the environmental agency reported that personnel went to the home to get the reptile at the request of the couple. When they arrived, they found the river crocodile inside a pond located in the back of the house. Environmental officials say the reptile was in good health. They explained that the reptile was raised and cared for by them for 30 years and that they were no longer able to care for it. They surrendered the animal under the condition that its survival was guaranteed. The large adult river crocodile (Crocodylus acutus), was delivered to a provisional depository in a Management Unit for the Conservation of Wildlife which has the proper conditions for its care and survival. The river crocodile is a protected species in Mexico. Michael Fletcher-Flint A SCHOOL site manager used dating app Grindr to send explicit pictures to a 12-year-old boy - who was actually an undercover cop. Michael Fletcher-Flint (48), of Bonet Lane, Brinsworth, used the name Hung and Horny on Grindr and sent images of his genitals and sexual messages to Liam, who was actually an officer working as part of a South Yorkshire Police sting operation. Fletcher-Flint, who was sacked from his job at Outwood Academy, Sheffield, thought he had arranged to meet the boy at a supermarket but was greeted instead by police officers and arrested. He was jailed for two years at Sheffield Crown Court yesterday and given a five-year sexual harm prevention order. Fletcher-Flint was tracked by cops using Grindr in various locations between August and September, including his home in Brinsworth, as well as at Outwood Academy, Ms Zaiban Alam, prosecuting, told the court. The defendant opened the conversation by saying, Youre f***ing gorgeous. I would like to help you try other things, Ms Alam told the court. The conversation continued in a very explicit and sexual nature. Fletcher-Flint sent the boy images of his exposed penis and asked him to state his sexual preference. Liam told Fletcher-Flint in reply: Im only 12. Fletcher-Flint arranged to meet the boy at Asda in Crystal Peaks, Sheffield, and waited for him in the public toilets, Ms Alam told the court. He was arrested by officers and told them: I wasnt going to do anything. Mitigating, Ms Emma Hodgson said Fletcher-Flints behaviour was out of character. She added: He presents as someone who is deeply ashamed of his behaviour and racked with remorse and regret. Fletcher-Flint pleaded guilty to counts of attempting to engage a child in sexual communications, attempting to meet a child following sexual grooming and possession of a bladed article at an earlier hearing. Police found a Stanley knife on him when he was arrested, however, the prosecution did not seek to link it to the other offences. Sentencing, Judge Michael Slater said the fact Fletcher-Flint was a school site manager at the time of his offending was an aggravating factor. He said: Whilst its true that you werent involved in teaching the children, you were employed with a responsibility to ensure they came to no harm, rather than seeking out children on the internet for sexual purposes. A POSTAL worker who stole gift vouchers from a mail bag and used it to order an iPhone could face a jail term. Herod Ncube (42), of Beeston Square, Barnsley, was working at the Parcelforce depot in Rotherham when he stole 1,400 worth of vouchers and spent them online. He appeared at Sheffield Magistrates Court on Tuesday where chairman of the bench Mr Horace Tinsley deemed the offences were so serious he should be sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court. Red Letter Days, which offers days out and experiences, contacted Parcelforce in December last year to report that a parcel containing eight vouchers had not been delivered to the customer, Ms Andrea Fitzgerald, prosecuting, told the court. Tracking showed it had arrived at the delivery office but there was no stamp to show it had moved out of the office - at least legally, Ms Fitzgerald told the court. Red Letter Days confirmed that all the vouchers had been activated online on December 10. One voucher, worth 100, had been spent at River Island, Ms Fitzgerald added. Red Letter Days was unable to stop that particular purchase. Another voucher, worth 800, was used to buy an iPhone 7 worth 603 from Currys PC World, Ms Fitzgerald said. The orders were placed by an M. Fowler, with the same address as Ncube. Ncube was interviewed under caution and denied stealing the vouchers or activating any of them online. When he was arrested, he told police what you are looking for is in my car and a search found a parcel with M. Fowlers name on it. Ncube admitted charges of theft from a mail bag and fraud at an earlier hearing at Sheffield Magistrates Court. Mr Tinsley committed the case to Sheffield Crown Court because he deemed the punishment to be beyond the maximum sentence he could impose - six months in prison for each charge. Because theres a serious breach of trust, with theft from a mailbag, and fraud by false representation, and, in antecedence, theres a previous theft from an employer, which aggravates this, I feel its beyond my powers to sentence you, Mr Tinsley said. Ncube was released on unconditional bail and is due to be sentenced at the crown court on November 27. Pic courtesy of PA THE Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will visit Rotherham next week to officially open the new 50m McLaren factory. Prince William and Kate Middleton will open McLaren Automotives new Composites Technology Centre on Wednesday. The new McLaren centre will be used to innovate the process of designing and constructing lightweight carbon fibre tubs, which form the internal shell of all McLaren cars. Their Royal Highnesses will be shown the prototype manufacturing line that includes industrial processes for cutting and fitting carbon fibre. The carbon fibre car chassis produced here will then be assembled at McLarens site in Woking, which The Duke visited last year. Their Royal Highnesses will meet emplpyees and hear about plans for the centres expansion that will create 200 new jobs. Some of McLarens STEM Ambassadors will speak to The Duke and Duchess about their work encouraging children to get involved in science-based learning and careers. The Duke and Duchess will then travel to Barnsley where they will visit one of Centrepoints services, which supports over 60 homeless young people from the area every day. Ongoing FEMA has closed some of its Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC), established last month to assist residents and businesses whose property was damaged by Tropical Storm Ida. However, face-to-face assistance is still available. Residents can find their nearest DRC online at fema.gov/drc,... Mrunal Thakur Singapore, Nov 9 (PTI): Actor Mrunal Thakur, who will star as a young Sivagami in Netflix's ambitious live-action series "Baahubali: Before the Beginning, says it would be challenging to measure up to Ramya Krishnan's portrayal of the queen. Krishan was a the parallel lead in Baahubali: The Beginning and its sequel The Conclusion apart from Prabhas. Now the team behind the Telugu blockbuster has reunited for a series in the same universe. Speaking at a session during the See What's Next: Asia event here, Mrunal said she is aware of the expectations from her. "For me, when I gave the audition, it was not easy. When I saw both the films, the benchmark was there. To match up to Ramya who played Sivagami was a challenge. It's a big treat to work with this team. When I got to know that it was a Netflix project, I was even more excited. I was very fascinated with the dialogue Mera Vachan, Mera Shasan'. That really attracted me," she said. Advertisement Sivagami Mrunal said she is living a dream through the project. "The process wasn't easy as well. It was a little difficult but somewhere down the line in my head, I knew I was going to be Sivagami because she is a strong character who rules the entire Mahishmati. She's got the sense of motherhood at the same time she is got the sense of what is right and what is wrong. She treats everybody equal no matter who it is. Through this project I'm living my dream, she said. The live-action series, based on Anand Neelakantan's book, will also feature Rahul Bose, Atul Kulkarni, Vaquar Shaikh, Jameel Khan, Siddharth Arora and Anup Soni in pivotal roles. The series, being co-directed by Deva Katta and Praveen Sataru, will trace the dramatic rise of Queen Sivagami and her empire. The story backtracks about 50 years from the beginning of Baahubali story. Advertisement The movie was a singular emotion and singular conflict, now we are exploring it in a deeper way.You will also get deeper into the street level life and multi-layer life in the kingdom, Deva Katta said. He also said that being a Netflix project allowed them the opportunity to explore different characters and their individual stories, "When we have consciously evolving characters throughout unpredictable eventualities, we relate to those stories a lot. Baahubali: Before the Beginning Those are epic stories like Ramayana and Mahabharata. They stand in time and are relevant to us. When you dig deeper and make the characters more dimensional with root stories and root psyche, that's what this platform gives us. We grew up watching a lot of Hollywood films and that's what ignited our passions to become storytellers. Co-director Praveen Sataru said the series is being shot in different locations in India and stressed that the show will have a pan-India appeal. Advertisement "We are covering the length and breadth of India. This is not just a south or north series. It's a pan-India series and you have characters from all across India. "Baahubali: Before the Beginning , which was announced by the streaming giant in August, has already been given a two-season order. Punjab Minister Captain Amarinder Singh Spokesman News Service: Chandigarh, November 9: Punjab Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has urged Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj to take up with the Government of Pakistan the issue of opening of the corridor from Dera Baba Nanak to Sri Kartarpur Sahib. In a letter to Sushma Swaraj, the Chief Minister said Kartarpur Sahib was one of the most revered religious places for Sikhs as Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji spent a large part of his life there. Advertisement Sushma Swaraj Pointing out that the Gurdwara lies around 4 km westwards from Dera Baba Nanak, District Gurdaspur (Punjab), on the Pakistan side, he said the Government of Punjab had, time and again, requested the Government of India to take up with the Government of Pakistan the issue of opening a corridor from the International Border to Kartarpur Sahib. Referring to the 550th Birth Anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, being observed in November 2019, the Chief Minister apprised the External Affairs Minister that the Punjab Vidhan Sabha had passed a unanimous resolution on August 27, 2018, seeking uninterrupted opening of corridor from Dera Baba Nanak to Sri Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan. Advertisement Sri Kartarpur Sahib It may be recalled that the Chief Minister had earlier also requested Sushma Swaraj, through a D.O. letter on August 20, 2018 to take up the matter with the government of the neighbouring country. CM Capt Amarinder Singh and PM Narendra Modi Spokesman News Service: Chandigarh, November 9: Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to ensure that the status quo in the Punjab and Haryana share in Chandigarh UTs administrative posts is not maintained. Seeking his personal intervention, the Chief Minister has requested Modi to advise the Ministry of Home Affairs, GoI, for early steps to maintain the ratio of 60:40 between Punjab and Haryana in filling up civil posts in the UT, as achieved over a period of time. Advertisement In his letter, Captain Amarinder Singh mentioned that it was heartening to note that the Government of India (GoI) had agreed to keep in abeyance its notification of September 25, 2018, merging the posts of DSPs of Chandigarh Police with Delhi, Andaman, Nicobar Islands Police Service (DANIPS), in response to his letter of October 1 this year. Chandigarh The Chief Minister further pointed out that, currently, of the 14 IAS Officers posted in Chandigarh Administration, only three belonged to Punjab and two belonged to Haryana, with the remaining officers were from UT cadre. Similarly, of the 7 IPS Officers posted in Chandigarh, only one each belonged to Punjab and Haryana, whereas the remaining five were from UT cadre. Advertisement Apparently, the ratio of 60:40 was also not being maintained in placing the officers in Chandigarh Administration, he said, adding that the situation was similar with respect to other categories of employees, such as teachers, doctors and other civil officers posted in Chandigarh Administration. Given the fact that the Government of India had appreciated the need to maintain the ratio of 60:40 between Punjab and Haryana in filling up the posts in Chandigarh Administration, the imbalance created during the last few years needed to be rectified as well, said the Chief Minister. Chandigarh Administration Advertisement Captain Amarinder Singh also impressed upon Modi to advise the Chandigarh Administration not to curtail the role and responsibilities of the officers of Punjab and Haryana, as assigned to them in pre-determined ratio and posts. The agreement was announced after talks with Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala about redeveloping land around the 80,000-capacity Giuseppe Meazza Stadium. The clubs have shared it for 71 years. The Ad Age story also featured an Instagram photo of a bikini-clad dancer hired for a 2017 Chicago office Halloween costume party held at Havas sister agency, The Annex. The dancer was one of several character actors hired to portray roles from the Quentin Tarantino vampire movie, From Dusk Till Dawn, which was the theme of the party, sources said. A 37-year survey of monarch populations in North Central Florida shows that caterpillars and butterflies have been declining since 1985 and have dropped by 80 percent since 2005. This decrease parallels monarchs' dwindling numbers in their overwintering grounds in Mexico, said study co-author Jaret Daniels, program director and associate curator of the Florida Museum of Natural History's McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity. "It's alarming in a number of different ways," said Daniels, who is also an associate professor in the University of Florida's department of entomology and nematology. "This study shows the tight connection between monarchs and milkweed and highlights very dramatic losses in abundance in Florida that further confirm the monarch is declining." While the drivers of the decline are not clear, the researchers said shrinking native milkweed populations and a boost in glyphosate use in the Midwest are part of the problem. Glyphosate, an herbicide often applied to agricultural fields to eliminate weeds, is lethal to milkweed, the monarchs' host plant. Less milkweed means less habitat for monarchs, said study co-author Ernest Williams, professor emeritus of biology at Hamilton College in New York. "A broad pattern is that 95 percent of corn and soybean products grown in the U.S. are Roundup Ready crops that resist glyphosate," Williams said. "That has a national impact. What's really needed are patches of native vegetation and nectar sources without pesticides. It's not just for monarchs but all pollinators." In the longest location-based monarch monitoring effort to date, a multi-institute team led by world-renowned monarch expert Lincoln Brower, who died earlier this year, closely followed spring monarch numbers in an herbicide-free cattle pasture in Cross Creek, about 20 miles southeast of Gainesville. The team examined milkweed plants for caterpillars and captured adult butterflies for 37 years, a period spanning more than 140 generations of monarchs. advertisement They found that monarchs' springtime departure from Mexico is timed to coincide with optimal growth of milkweed in the southeastern U.S. While adult monarch butterflies can feed from a variety of plants, their young depend on milkweed as their sole source of nutrition, storing up the plant's toxins to ward off predators. Monarchs lay hundreds of eggs on milkweed over their brief lifetimes, but just over 2 percent of eggs survive to become fully grown caterpillars. If monarchs get to their breeding grounds too early, they run the risk of their host plants being killed by frosts -- too late and the plants may not be able to support their young. To maximize their offspring's chances of survival, the butterflies must time their arrival in the U.S. within a three-week window, Daniels said, an impressive feat for insects with lifespans between six and eight weeks. This delicate matchup could be disrupted by climate change, which can skew plants' springtime schedules. "Since it's such tight timing, it would be devastating to the monarch," he said. advertisement Florida is an important stopover for monarchs returning north from Mexico, as spring breeding in southern states leads to the butterflies' recolonization of the upper U.S. and Canada. Monarchs rely on Florida for its abundance of milkweed and warm climate to lay the eggs that will help replenish the eastern population in the U.S., Daniels said. "Florida is kind of a staging ground for the recolonization of much of the East Coast," he said. "If these populations are low, then the northern populations are going to be at a similar abundance level." But although monarchs are a well-studied species, consistent long-term studies of changes in their spring breeding are rare, Williams said. "Long-term studies like this are important because they point to larger trends," he said. "Before 2005, there was more fluctuation in the data. Since 2005, the rate of decline has been steady." Daniels said that increasing pesticide-free native milkweed populations in Florida yards and on roadsides is a step in the right direction to prevent monarchs from requiring protection under the Endangered Species Act. But, he emphasized, not any milkweed will do. Asclepias curassavica, or tropical milkweed, is a commercialized, non-native tropical species that has become popular with growers because of its color and year-round vegetation. But tropical milkweed can become an "ecological trap" for monarchs, coaxing them into breeding in unusual areas during the winter months -- areas far enough north of Mexico to remain prone to freeze events throughout the winter and early spring, Daniels said. Prolonged breeding can also lead to an increase in a protozoan parasite that infects monarchs. "It's not a hard-and-fast rule of not using that plant, but we want to be cautious about potential implications," Daniels said. "It's invariably better to use natives across the board." Florida is home to about 21 native species of milkweed. Daniels recommends either Asclepias incarnata, also called swamp milkweed, or Asclepias tuberosa, commonly known as butterflyweed. Asclepias humistrata, or pinewoods milkweed, is also common throughout northern Florida and essential to monarch recolonization. "It's not as simple as saying, 'we plant milkweed and the monarch will be saved,'" he said. "We should think of this as an ecological issue. There are a lot of complexities to any organism and any system." Daniels said the team will continue monitoring monarch populations in Florida. He highlighted the willingness of Cross Creek property owners to give the research team access to the pastures each spring for 37 years as a key factor in the study's success. "It shows the importance of the public and private relationship when it comes to research," he said. "They've been fantastic collaborators." The study's lead author, Brower, died shortly before its publication. A lifelong butterfly expert, Brower was instrumental in finding monarch overwintering colonies in Mexico, the researchers said. This is his final publication. "He really was the grand old man of monarchs," said Williams. "Nobody has done more for monarchs." Williams said Brower had a knack for bringing people together and worked with more than 160 collaborators throughout his career. According to his obituary in The New York Times, Brower began studying monarchs in the 1950s and made his first trip to the fir forests in Mexico where the butterflies spend the winter in 1977. In the 1980s, Brower worked with the Mexican government to protect these forests from deforestation. "The best thing we can do is to continue his mission and continue to study and work to conserve the monarch," Daniels said. "I think he would be proud of that mission." The sequence of genes passed on to daughter cells or offspring isn't the only factor that determines the traits of cells and organisms. Chemical changes in the genetic material that do not alter the underlying DNA sequence also play a role in controlling which genes are active or inactive. Methylation is one such epigenetic mark, which involves the addition of small chemical groups to specific bases in the DNA. The role of the inheritance of epigenetic variation in humans and mammals is controversial; however, there are several examples of epigenetic inheritance in plants. Adaptability thanks to epigenetics Plant biologists at the University of Zurich have now demonstrated that naturally occurring epigenetic variation in mouse-ear cress (Arabidopsis thaliana) is subject to selection. The team of Ueli Grossniklaus at the Department of Plant and Microbial Biology also showed that newly selected traits -- which are important for seed dispersal -- are passed on for at least two to three generations even without selection. "Epigenetic variation thus contributes to the ability of plants to quickly adapt to changes in the environment without sequence changes in the genome," explains Grossniklaus. Selection of plants with effective seed dispersal In their experiment, the plant biologists simulated a rapidly changing environment. They selected Arabidopsis populations over five generations according to how far they dispersed their seeds. Only seeds that spread to locations a certain distance from the mother plant were used for the subsequent generation. The researchers then took the seeds of three independent populations featuring effective seed dispersal and grew them together with seeds of the original, non-selected population -- but this time in an environment without selection pressure. The plant populations were examined in depth after a further two generations. Analysis of genetic activity, genome, and epigenome "We were able to show that in the selected plants, two traits that are important for seed dispersal were different compared to the original population. The plants flowered later and had a higher number of branches," says Grossniklaus. These changes could not be traced back to mutations in the genome of the plants. However, the researchers found significant differences in the epigenome: The state of methylation was altered at about 50,000 bases in the DNA. Differences were also found in the activity of genes that controlled flowering, for example. New opportunities for crop breeding Even under normal environmental conditions without selection, the new traits were maintained for at least two to three generations. "Like genetic variation, epigenetic variation is subject to selection and contributes to the diversity of plant traits. Since the genetic basis of crops is often very limited, epigenetics could be used to expand the material for plant breeding," emphasizes Grossniklaus. Climate change is likely to alter the environmental conditions in many of the world's regions within a short period of time. Plant species that can quickly adapt to changes are thus becoming increasingly important. How predictable is evolution? The answer has long been debated by biologists grappling with the extent to which history affects the repeatability of evolution. A review published in the Nov. 9 issue of Science explores the complexity of evolution's predictability in extraordinary detail. In it, researchers at Kenyon College, Michigan State University and Washington University in St. Louis closely examine evidence from a number of empirical studies of evolutionary repeatability and contingency in an effort to fully interrogate ideas about contingency's role in evolution. The question of evolution's predictability was notably raised by the late paleontologist Stephen Jay Gould, who advocated the view that evolution is contingent and unrepeatable in his 1989 book Wonderful Life. "Replay the tape a million times ... and I doubt that anything like Homo sapiens would ever evolve again," Gould mused, noting that being able to "replay the tape" and give history a do-over would be impossible. Yet since the publication of Wonderful Life, many evolutionary biologists have taken up this challenge and conducted their own versions of Gould's experiment, albeit on smaller scales. In doing so, they have reached different conclusions about the interplay between randomness of mutations, chance historical events, and directionality imparted by natural selection. "How history plays out isn't really predictable. Historical outcomes are contingent on long chains of events loaded with tiny little details. A dropped packet of cigars wrapped with the Confederate army's marching orders was found by a Union soldier, which led to the Battle of Antietam, which led to Lincoln announcing the Emancipation Proclamation. What if those cigars hadn't been dropped, or if they hadn't been found by a Union soldier? Evolution is similar, in that it plays out over vast periods of time with long, unique chains of events involving a lot of chance. Unlike history, though, evolution has the deterministic force of natural selection, but that determinism is always in tension with the chanciness. How does that tension affect what evolves? Which is more important: contingency on details of history, or determinism?" said Zachary Blount, a senior research associate at MSU and visiting assistant professor of biology at Kenyon College who served as lead author of the review. Blount was joined in his work by Richard Lenski, the Hannah Distinguished Professor of Microbial Ecology at MSU, and Jonathan Losos, the William H. Danforth Distinguished University Professor at Washington University in St. Louis. "The idea of replaying life's tape -- having a fresh start -- is something almost everyone has thought about at some point in their own lives. It's also something that has long interested biologists, but on the grand scale of the history of life on Earth," Lenski said. "Since Gould introduced the metaphor of replaying life's tape, many studies have tried to characterize the repeatability of evolution. What our review shows is that there's no easy answer: Sometimes evolution produces strikingly similar solutions, and other times evolving lineages take very different paths even under the same circumstances. I think that's part of the fascination and beauty of evolution, that it produces both the expected and unexpected, perhaps like in our individual lives, but on a vastly larger scale." Gould's thought experiment still stimulates robust debate, in part due to inconsistencies Gould introduced in how he described his replay metaphor, as well as confusion around the concept of contingency. Gould often conflated two common meanings of "contingency": as dependence on something else, and as a chance event. advertisement "There are multiple, different literatures on Gould's idea, and these literatures are not talking to each other," Losos said. "There are microbial evolution studies. There are all the studies of convergent evolution, or lack of convergent evolution. And there's also a philosophical literature on what Gould meant when he said, 'replay the tape.' That is, more generally, when you talk about the role of contingency -- which is the term Gould used -- what does that actually mean?" Their review of existing empirical studies focused on primarily on three types of "replay studies": laboratory evolution experiments with fast-evolving organisms; experiments carried out in nature; and natural experiments that compare lineages that evolved under similar conditions. The comprehensive analysis revealed a complex picture of evolutionary change in which both contingency and determinism are evident. Blount, Lenski and Losos examined a number of different types of laboratory experiments, including parallel replay experiments, in which identical populations of an organism are separately evolved under identical conditions, and analytic replay experiments, in which specimens are frozen from a parallel replay experiment and then resurrected and re-evolved from different points in time. This review included study of the long-term evolution experiment with Escherichia coli (LTEE), started by Lenski in 1988. The LTEE has followed 12 populations of E. coli, founded from a single clone, for more than 70,000 generations. Samples of each population were frozen every 500 generations, allowing researchers to directly compare the evolving bacteria with their ancestors. Blount, Lenski and Losos also examined experiments that attempt to replicate evolution in natural settings. Only a few such experiments exist to date, and their review of these experiments indicated a high degree of repeatability in evolutionary responses to different historical conditions. Their review of comparative studies of "natural experiments" further illuminated evidence of evolution's predictability. Similar features can independently evolve in multiple species -- for example, anole lizards of the Caribbean, which separately evolved traits such as the length of their legs and tails to ease their life in their specific habitats. Yet convergence in evolution does not always occur, as their review shows; contingency can play a strong role in divergent evolution of various traits. "What we clearly see is that both convergence and lack of convergence occur a lot in the natural world," Losos said. "It's not useful just to keep adding to the two lists. The real question that people are now turning to is: Why does convergence occur sometimes and not others? That is where research is now headed. That's the question we need to focus on." Their review was supported in part by a grant from the National Science Foundation, the BEACON Center for the Study of Evolution in Action, Michigan State University and Harvard University. Schizophrenia, a brain disorder that produces hallucinations, delusions, and cognitive impairments, usually strikes during adolescence or young adulthood. While some signs can suggest that a person is at high risk for developing the disorder, there is no way to definitively diagnose it until the first psychotic episode occurs. MIT neuroscientists working with researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and the Shanghai Mental Health Center have now identified a pattern of brain activity correlated with development of schizophrenia, which they say could be used as a marker to diagnose the disease earlier. "You can consider this pattern to be a risk factor. If we use these types of brain measurements, then maybe we can predict a little bit better who will end up developing psychosis, and that may also help tailor interventions," says Guusje Collin, a visiting scientist at MIT's McGovern Institute for Brain Research and the lead author of the paper. The study, which appears in the journal Molecular Psychiatry on Nov. 8, was performed at the Shanghai Mental Health Center. Susan Whitfield-Gabrieli, a visiting scientist at the McGovern Institute and a professor of psychology at Northeastern University, is one of the principal investigators for the study, along with Jijun Wang of the Shanghai Mental Health Center, William Stone of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, the late Larry Seidman of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and Martha Shenton of Brigham and Women's Hospital. Abnormal connections Before they experience a psychotic episode, characterized by sudden changes in behavior and a loss of touch with reality, patients can experience milder symptoms such as disordered thinking. This kind of thinking can lead to behaviors such as jumping from topic to topic at random, or giving answers unrelated to the original question. Previous studies have shown that about 25 percent of people who experience these early symptoms go on to develop schizophrenia. advertisement The research team performed the study at the Shanghai Mental Health Center because the huge volume of patients who visit the hospital annually gave them a large enough sample of people at high risk of developing schizophrenia. The researchers followed 158 people between the ages of 13 and 34 who were identified as high-risk because they had experienced early symptoms. The team also included 93 control subjects, who did not have any risk factors. At the beginning of the study, the researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to measure a type of brain activity involving "resting state networks." Resting state networks consist of brain regions that preferentially connect with and communicate with each other when the brain is not performing any particular cognitive task. "We were interested in looking at the intrinsic functional architecture of the brain to see if we could detect early aberrant brain connectivity or networks in individuals who are in the clinically high-risk phase of the disorder," Whitfield-Gabrieli says. One year after the initial scans, 23 of the high-risk patients had experienced a psychotic episode and were diagnosed with schizophrenia. In those patients' scans, taken before their diagnosis, the researchers found a distinctive pattern of activity that was different from the healthy control subjects and the at-risk subjects who had not developed psychosis. For example, in most people, a part of the brain known as the superior temporal gyrus, which is involved in auditory processing, is highly connected to brain regions involved in sensory perception and motor control. However, in patients who developed psychosis, the superior temporal gyrus became more connected to limbic regions, which are involved in processing emotions. This could help explain why patients with schizophrenia usually experience auditory hallucinations, the researchers say. advertisement Meanwhile, the high-risk subjects who did not develop psychosis showed network connectivity nearly identical to that of the healthy subjects. Early intervention This type of distinctive brain activity could be useful as an early indicator of schizophrenia, especially since it is possible that it could be seen in even younger patients. The researchers are now performing similar studies with younger at-risk populations, including children with a family history of schizophrenia. "That really gets at the heart of how we can translate this clinically, because we can get in earlier and earlier to identify aberrant networks in the hopes that we can do earlier interventions, and possibly even prevent psychiatric disorders," Whitfield-Gabrieli says. She and her colleagues are now testing early interventions that could help to combat the symptoms of schizophrenia, including cognitive behavioral therapy and neural feedback. The neural feedback approach involves training patients to use mindfulness meditation to reduce activity in the superior temporal gyrus, which tends to increase before and during auditory hallucinations. The researchers also plan to continue following the patients in the current study, and they are now analyzing some additional data on the white matter connections in the brains of these patients, to see if those connections might yield additional differences that could also serve as early indicators of disease. The research was funded by the National Institutes of Health and the Ministry of Science and Technology of China. Collin was supported by a Marie Curie Global Fellowship grant from the European Commission. To battle the summer heat, office and residential buildings tend to crank up the air conditioning, sending energy bills soaring. Indeed, it's estimated that air conditioners use about 6 percent of all the electricity produced in the United States, at an annual cost of $29 billion dollars -- an expense that's sure to grow as the global thermostat climbs. Now MIT engineers have developed a heat-rejecting film that could be applied to a building's windows to reflect up to 70 percent of the sun's incoming heat. The film is able to remain highly transparent below 32 degrees Celsius, or 89 degrees Fahrenheit. Above this temperature, the researchers say, the film acts as an "autonomous system" to reject heat. They estimate that if every exterior-facing window in a building were covered in this film, the building's air conditioning and energy costs could drop by 10 percent. The film is similar to transparent plastic wrap, and its heat-rejecting properties come from tiny microparticles embedded within it. These microparticles are made from a type of phase-changing material that shrinks when exposed to temperatures of 85 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. In their more compact configurations, the microparticles give the normally transparent film a more translucent or frosted look. Applied to windows in the summer, the film could passively cool a building while still letting in a good amount of light. Nicholas Fang, a professor of mechanical engineering at MIT, says the material provides an affordable and energy-efficient alternative to existing smart window technologies. "Smart windows on the market currently are either not very efficient in rejecting heat from the sun, or, like some electrochromic windows, they may need more power to drive them, so you would be paying to basically turn windows opaque," Fang says. "We thought there might be room for new optical materials and coatings, to provide better smart window options." Fang and his colleagues, including researchers from the University of Hong Kong, have published their results in the journal Joule. advertisement "A fishnet in water" Just over a year ago, Fang began collaborating with researchers at the University of Hong Kong, who were keen on finding ways to reduce the energy usage of buildings in the city, particularly in the summer months, when the region grows notoriously hot and air-conditioning usage is at its peak. "Meeting this challenge is critical for a metropolitan area like Hong Kong, where they are under a strict deadline for energy savings," says Fang, referring to Hong Kong's commitment to reduce its energy use by 40 percent by the year 2025. After some quick calculations, Fang's students found that a significant portion of a building's heat comes through windows, in the form of sunlight. "It turns out that for every square meter, about 500 watts of energy in the form of heat are brought in by sunlight through a window," Fang says. "That's equivalent to about five light bulbs." Fang, whose group studies the light-scattering properties of exotic, phase-changing materials, wondered whether such optical materials could be fashioned for windows, to passively reflect a significant portion of a building's incoming heat. advertisement The researchers looked through the literature for "thermochromic" materials -- temperature-sensitive materials that temporarily change phase, or color, in response to heat. They eventually landed on a material made from poly (N-isopropylacrylamide)-2-Aminoethylmethacrylate hydrochloride microparticles. These microparticles resemble tiny, transparent, fiber-webbed spheres and are filled with water. At temperatures of 85 F or higher, the spheres essentially squeeze out all their water and shrink into tight bundles of fibers that reflect light in a different way, turning the material translucent. "It's like a fishnet in water," Fang says. "Each of those fibers making the net, by themselves, reflects a certain amount of light. But because there's a lot of water embedded in the fishnet, each fiber is harder to see. But once you squeeze the water out, the fibers become visible." In previous experiments, other groups had found that while the shrunken particles could reject light relatively well, they were less successful in shielding against heat. Fang and his colleagues realized that this limitation came down to the particle size: The particles used previously shrank to a diameter of about 100 nanometers -- smaller than the wavelength of infrared light -- making it easy for heat to pass right through. Instead, Fang and his colleagues expanded the molecular chain of each microparticle, so that when it shrank in response to heat, the particle's diameter was about 500 nanometers, which Fang says is "more compatible to the infrared spectrum of solar light." A comfort distinction The researchers created a solution of the heat-shielding microparticles, which they applied between two sheets of 12-by-12-inch glass to create a film-coated window. They shone light from a solar simulator onto the window to mimic incoming sunlight, and found that the film turned frosty in response to the heat. When they measured the solar irradiance transmitted through the other side of the window, the researchers found the film was able to reject 70 percent of the heat produced by the lamp. The team also lined a small calorimetric chamber with the heat-rejecting film and measured the temperature inside the chamber as they shone light from a solar simulator through the film. Without the film, the inner temperature heated to about 102 F -- "about the temperature of a high fever," Fang notes. With the film, the inner chamber stayed at a more tolerable 93 F. "That's a big difference," Fang says. "You could make a big distinction in comfort." Going forward, the team plans to conduct more tests of the film to see whether tweaking its formula and applying it in other ways might improve its heat-shielding properties. This research was funded, in part, by the HKUST-MIT Consortium. Mosquitoes of the genus Anopheles are well known as primary vectors of malaria. But a new study suggests that Anopheles species, including some found in the United States, also are capable of carrying and transmitting an emerging pathogen, Mayaro virus, which has caused outbreaks of disease in South America and the Caribbean. Mayaro virus -- which can cause fever, joint aches, muscle pains, headache, eye pain, rash, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea -- first was isolated from the blood of five symptomatic workers in Mayaro County, Trinidad, in 1954. Since then, it has caused sporadic outbreaks and small epidemics in several South and Central American countries. In addition, imported cases may be on the rise, with several reported recently in the Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland, according to researchers. "Because the symptoms of Mayaro infection are similar to those caused by other arboviruses [arthropod-borne virus] such as dengue and chikungunya, its prevalence in areas where these other viruses circulate may be higher than reported," said the study's senior author, Jason Rasgon, professor of entomology and disease epidemiology, College of Agricultural Sciences, Penn State. Rasgon explained that Mayaro virus is thought to be transmitted primarily by canopy-dwelling mosquitoes of the genus Haemagogus. Human infections are sporadic, he said, because Haemagogus species tend to live in rural areas in proximity to forests -- where they cycle the virus among nonhuman primates and birds -- and do not typically prefer to feed on people. However, when the virus is introduced into urban areas, other mosquito species potentially could trigger epidemics in human populations. "With the recent increase in imported cases, there are invasion concerns similar to those associated with Zika and chikungunya viruses," Rasgon said. "But little is known about the range of mosquito species that are capable vectors of Mayaro, so our aim was to address that knowledge gap." In this study, the researchers tested six mosquito species -- Aedes aegypti, Anopheles freeborni, An. gambiae, An. quadrimaculatus, An. stephensi and Culex quinquefasciatus -- for their ability to transmit two strains of the Mayaro virus. The four Anopheles species were selected to cover different geographical regions: North America (An. freeborni and An. quadrimaculatus), Africa (An. gambiae) and Southeast Asia (An. stephensi). advertisement Mosquitoes were allowed to feed on human blood spiked with the virus via a glass feeder. Researchers then assessed each species at seven and 14 days after infection to determine infection rate (rate of mosquitoes with infected bodies among those analyzed), dissemination rate (rate of mosquitoes with infected legs among those with positive bodies), transmission rate (rate of mosquitoes with infectious saliva among those with positive legs), and transmission efficiency (rate of mosquitoes with infectious saliva among the total number analyzed). They found that Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus were poor vectors of Mayaro virus, with either poor or null infection and transmission rates. However, the results, reported today (Nov. 7) in PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, demonstrated that all four Anopheles species were competent laboratory vectors of the virus. "The capacity of the two North American species of Anopheles to transmit Mayaro is particularly relevant to the United States, because the estimated geographic distribution of these species covers the entire country," Rasgon said. "The transmission cycle of Mayaro involves mostly nonhuman primates and birds, although there is some evidence of circulation in rodents and marsupials," he said. "We don't know about the capacity of North American mammal species to act as vertebrate reservoirs, but it's possible that Mayaro virus could be maintained in a human-mosquito-human urban cycle similar to what we've seen with chikungunya." In addition, the researchers noted, Anopheles mosquitoes tend to take multiple blood meals between egg-laying events, and this bite frequency increases their capacity to transmit viruses. "Despite the fact that Anopheles mosquitoes are widely dispersed worldwide, they currently are neglected as potential vectors of arboviruses," Rasgon said. "Our results suggest that Anopheles species may be important vectors driving the emergence and invasion of Mayaro virus across geographically diverse regions of the world, and more research is needed on their epidemiological role in virus invasions." Other researchers on the paper are Marco Brustolin, postdoctoral scholar in entomology, Sujit Pujhari, assistant research professor of entomology, and Cory Henderson, doctoral candidate in biology, all at Penn State. The National Institutes of Health supported this work. As climate change causes ocean temperatures to rise, coral reefs worldwide are experiencing mass bleaching events and die-offs. For many, this is their first encounter with extreme heat. However for some reefs in the central Pacific, heatwaves caused by El Nino are a way of life. Exactly how these reefs deal with repeated episodes of extreme heat has been unclear. A new study from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), has uncovered the history of bleaching on a reef in the epicenter of El Nino, revealing how some corals have been able to return after facing extreme conditions. The study was published Nov. 8, 2018, in the journal Communications Biology. "These huge marine heatwaves, which are being exacerbated by global warming, are equivalent to an atomic bomb in terms of impact on coral reefs -- they kill millions of corals across huge areas of ocean in a very short time" says WHOI scientist Anne Cohen, who was principal investigator on the work. "We've seen this play out now globally for the past 30-40 years, and bleaching events have become more frequent and more severe." When water temperatures rise even slightly, symbiotic algae that live inside the cells of the live coral start to create toxic substances and are ejected by the corals. The algae normally provide the corals with food and energy, as well as their bright colors. Without them, the corals appear to be "bleached" white, then starve and die. In their study, Cohen's team traveled to Jarvis Island, a tiny, unpopulated coral reef island 1,400 miles south of Hawaii, to study the effects of extreme climate on the corals there. Because Jarvis is both remote and part of a marine protected area, it has been home to stunningly rich coral reefs -- but with its location in the middle of the Pacific, it also experiences more extreme heat waves caused by periodic El Nino events than coral reefs elsewhere. "The fact that it's placed right at the equator in the central Pacific puts it at epicenter of El Nino dynamics." says NOAA researcher Hannah Barkley, who was a graduate student and later a postdoctoral fellow in Cohen's lab at the time of the study, and is the paper's lead author. "It's subject to incredible variability and extremes in temperature.." Because there is no observational record of bleaching on the reef at Jarvis before 2015, Cohen and Barkley turned to massive old corals that had lived on the reef for more than 100 years. They took core samples from the corals, creating a sort of skeletal biopsy that records the history of the reef. After running the cores through a CT scanner, they found for the first time evidence of multiple bleaching events preserved in the physical structure of the reef. The longest cores revealed bleaching as far back as 1912. advertisement "We found that when the reef bleaches, these big old corals lay down "stress bands," or a dense layer of calcium carbonate, the bonelike material that make up the structure of corals. Those bands appear clearly in the CT scan, and correspond with historical heat waves," says Cohen. The memory of past bleaching events on Jarvis is locked into these corals -- they can tell us what has been going even though we weren't there to see it for ourselves." Jarvis has experienced above-average temperatures every four to seven years, going back decades or even centuries. The team discovered that with each heat wave, the reef experienced severe bleaching, yet seems to have bounced back fairly quickly each time. Based on their samples, the group thinks that one major reason for the reef's recovery is the currents nearby. The topography of the ocean floor, combined with the force of trade winds on the surface, brings cold, nutrient-rich water up from the deep. That upwelling feeds a dense array of fish and other aquatic life around the reef, which in turn eat away grassy algae that compete with the corals. In the process, they leave room for new, young coral polyps to eventually settle. "These reefs are resilient, having bleached and recovered many times, " says Dan Thornhill, program director in the National Science Foundation's Division of Ocean Sciences, which funded the research. "But the 2015-2016 bleaching event was particularly severe, so the island is providing us with new insights into how some of the world's most resilient corals are faring in the face of severe bleaching stress." Understanding how coral reefs like Jarvis are able to recover after extensive bleaching will be essential for understanding how other reef ecosystems may grow back in the future, says Barkley. advertisement But the 2015 Super El Nino caused Jarvis to heat up more than it ever did before, and the bleaching that ensued was the worst on record. 95 percent of island's corals died. "The big question for us is whether the reef can bounce back at all this time," says Barkley. "Even reefs like Jarvis that have regrown in the past have a threshold beyond which they may not recover. What happens over next few years will really help us understand severe bleaching." Still, she's guardedly optimistic. "It's easy to look at a place like Jarvis after the 2015 bleaching event and feel depressed. But the historical record we got from our core samples says we're not beyond hope. Jarvis is just one example: even though we are seeing signs of accelerated bleaching and mortality worldwide, we have a narrow window to address the effects of climate change on corals. Some reefs may be able to persist through huge stress events." "The initial signs of recovery are there," says Cohen. "Now we wait, watch and learn." Also collaborating on the study was Kathryn R. Pietro and Pat Lohmann of WHOI, Cohen Lab graduate students Nathaniel R. Mollica, Hanny E. Rivera, Thomas M. DeCarlo, Elizabeth J. Drenkard, and Alice E. Alpert of the MIT-WHOI Joint Program in Oceanography; Russell E. Brainard and Thomas A. Oliver of the NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center; Charles W. Young, Bernardo Vargas-Angel, and Kevin C. Lino of NOAA and the University of Hawaii at Manoa; and Victoria H. Luu of Princeton University. Funding for the study was provided by National Science Foundation awards OCE 1537338, OCE 1605365, and OCE 1031971 to A.L. Cohen, and the Robertson Foundation to A.L. Cohen; National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships to T.M DeCarlo and A.E. Alpert; and a National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship to H.E. Rivera. I think Discovery Partners Institute has real promise, Pritzker said. What I criticized was the fact that the governor had promised that he was going to go get private resources to match the public resources that he would ask for, but he never did that. Under the FDA's planned restrictions, online sales will be allowed, but only by retailers who verify the buyer's age, just as alcohol can be sold on the web as long as there's someone 21 or older to sign for the package, said the agency official. The regulations, which are expected to be announced next week, will take effect in the coming months. All of Warby Parkers glasses, for example, come standard with impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses. The company doesnt allow customers to measure the distance between their pupils themselves an important measurement for making accurate glasses. Instead, that measurement must come from an eye doctor, be taken in one of their physical stores or be measured by a staffer using a photo of the customer submitted online. Though Warby Parker is known for selling glasses online, it also has more than 80 bricks-and-mortar stores, including three in Chicago and one in Oak Brook. On October 30, 2018, the principal of a Mississippi company charged by the Securities and Exchange Commission with fraud for allegedly bilking at least 150 investors in a multimillion dollar Ponzi scheme was sentenced in a parallel criminal action to 19.5 years imprisonment. The parallel criminal action arose from the same facts and circumstances alleged by the SEC. The SEC alleged that Arthur Lamar Adams lied to investors by telling them that their money would be used by his company, Madison Timber Properties, LLC, to secure and harvest timber from various land owners located in Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi, and promised annual returns of 12-15%. But Madison Timber never obtained any harvesting rights. Instead, Adams allegedly forged deeds and cutting agreements as well as documents purportedly reflecting the value of the timber on the land. Adams also allegedly paid early investors with later investors' funds and convinced investors to roll over their investments. According to the complaint, Adams used investors' money for personal expenses and to develop an unrelated real estate project. In the SEC action, Adams has consented to a permanent injunction, an asset freeze, and expedited discovery. The court overseeing the SEC action has appointed a receiver. The receiver has established a website, which contains information on the receiver's progress and on any relevant federal or state proceedings. The SEC's investigation is ongoing. The SEC strongly encourages investors to check the backgrounds of people selling them investments by using the agency's Investor.gov website to quickly identify whether they are registered professionals. Getting into colleges is also a way for Pepsi to advertise its new brand, particularly with the captive consumers on campuses who are forming their buying habits, Fink said. Bubly was released in February as part of Pepsi's pivot to drinks with less sugar. The company put its marketing muscle behind the brand in a bid to compete with LaCroix, which is produced by National Beverage Corp. Smoke from the Camp Fire in Butte County blanketed the Bay Area on Friday, making the air more hazardous than notoriously smoggy Beijings and prompting officials to warn people to avoid going outside. Schools in several districts canceled classes because of the smoke. Pedestrians wearing masks and scarves on their faces were common sights on city streets, as people did what they could to avoid breathing the small, hazardous particles contained in wood smoke. Were going to have smoke throughout the day and probably into early next week due to the weather pattern, said Kristine Roselius, a spokeswoman for the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. Forecasters see no fundamental shift in the weather over the next several days, and in fact warned of a possible return of fire-watch weather in the Bay Area this weekend. The agency rated Bay Area air quality as unhealthy. It advised people to limit their time outdoors, keep windows closed and set air conditioners to recirculate. Winds from the north-northeast will continue to push smoke from the Camp Fire to the Bay Area for several days, officials said. The air will be smokiest in the North and East Bay and in San Francisco, Roselius said. Dr. John Balmes, who studies air pollutants and their effects on respiratory health at UCSF, said the bad air puts everyones health at risk, but especially those with heart and lung diseases. Children also have increased risks because they breathe more rapidly than adults, leading to higher exposure to the polluted air, he said. The tiny particles in wood smoke are what make it especially dangerous, Balmes said. Those fine particles can make it down into the deep lung and they can cause harm to people with pre-existing heart and lung disease, people with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, he said. Those conditions are exacerbated by air pollution like this. Now Playing: Ace Hardware manager, Art Grassi, discusses respirator masks. Video: San Francisco Chronicle If going outside cant be avoided, N95 respiratory masks offer some protection, Balmes said. The name comes from the fact that the masks can filter out 95 percent of the fine particles in wood smoke. Balmes said he recommends them for those with heart and lung problems and people who must be outside for an extended time. Children, and men with facial hair, might have trouble sealing the masks around the nose and mouth. But Balmes said that even so, wearing them is better than nothing. Schools in the most heavily affected areas were taking no chances Friday. All schools in Butte and Sonoma counties closed to keep children and staff from being exposed to the dangerous air. Santa Rosa Junior College, California State University Chico and Butte College also closed and canceled all weekend events. The local air quality district banned Bay Area residents from using fireplaces, wood stoves or other wood-burning devices through at least Monday. Fire Tracker Follow wildfires across the state Latest updates on wildfires burning across Northern and Southern California We dont want residents to add to the already polluted air that we have out there, Roselius said. Air quality fluctuates depending on the wind, but on Friday it was bad by any standard. The air quality index, a number that measures air pollutants, hovered between 105 and 152 around the Bay Area on Friday. A healthy level is 50 or lower. The Bay Areas numbers were similar to those during the 2017 North Bay fires, which were far closer than the Camp Fire. By contrast, in Beijing, one of the worlds worst places for air pollution, the rating was 21 early Saturday. Ashley McBride is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: ashley.mcbride@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ashleynmcb Left in the dirt As tons of toxic soil piled up around them, San Francisco assured the cops at Hunters Point shipyard they were safe. But the city never knew, and still doesnt. Left in the dirt As tons of toxic soil piled up around them, San Francisco assured the cops at Hunters Point shipyard they were safe. But the city never knew, and still doesnt. Lewis Fong didnt know what was happening next to his office building in summer 2007, only that it involved a lot of dirt. Just dirt, Fong recalled recently. Mounds and mounds. The dirt sat in a giant yard surrounded by a chain-link fence. Trucks kept dumping soil inside, spewing clouds of dust, truck after truck. At the time, Fong, a San Francisco police officer, was one of more than 100 police employees stationed at Building 606, a warehouse in the former Hunters Point Naval Shipyard. The city has leased Building 606 from the Navy since 1997, using it as a training base and headquarters for units that require a lot of space (SWAT, K-9, the crime lab). Although the shipyard is a Superfund site, contaminated with radioactive materials and other toxins, the city has always assured police it is safe to work there. Fong trusted the city. In 2007, hed been accepted into the Honda Unit, a prestigious squad of cops on light motorcycles, and when his training began at Building 606, he was more worried about falling off a bike than breathing dust from the mysterious yard next door. Youre just stressed out from being trained, so you dont notice whats out there, he said. Fong and the other cops may not have understood what was going on next to their office, but the city did. The area was a radiological screening yard, one of the most hazardous locations on any Superfund site a place that processes large amounts of contaminated soil. And it was managed by Tetra Tech, the Navy contractor now at the center of a ballooning scandal over falsified and suspect shipyard cleanup records. Officials with the city health department had known about the yard for some time, according to emails and memos recently obtained by The Chronicle through a public records request. About two months before the yard opened, an industrial hygienist with the health department questioned whether the yard would pose a danger to the employees in Building 606, potentially exposing them to unsafe levels of radioactivity. What would happen if we found an exposure? Karen Heckman wrote in an email to her boss on May 24, 2007. The danger was dust. Radioactive dust. The yard was a place where Tetra Tech brought soil from tainted areas of the shipyard, dumped it on pads and examined it for long-lasting radioactive elements dating to the Cold War. Some of the radioactive substances were birthed by a pair of plutonium-bomb tests in 1946 that went horribly awry, contaminating hundreds of gathered ships. Jonathan Weisgall, who wrote the definitive book about those tests, called it the worlds first nuclear accident. Seventy of those highly radioactive ships then carried that disaster back to Hunters Point, spreading unfissioned particles of the bomb core itself (plutonium-239) as well as hazardous substances forged in the sun-like fires of the explosions (strontium-90, cesium-137). The soil that now was being piled next to the police might have contained any of these substances, as well as radium-226, which the Navy once used in large quantities to make signage glow in the dark. The risk to city employees at Building 606 was real and invisible. Plutonium emits alpha particles, which are easily stopped by a piece of paper or the skin. But just one-millionth of an ounce of plutonium-239 breathed into the lungs will cause cancer with almost 100 percent certainty, according to a 1992 study by a group of international physicians and energy experts. Cesium-137 and strontium-90 are also dangerous if inhaled or ingested, able to irradiate the body from the inside. With the shipyards brisk winds, radioactive particles in the soil were likely to go airborne, and if anyone inhaled dangerous levels of radioactivity, they could get cancer years later and die. Recognizing this risk, the health department told police commanders it would monitor the air next to Building 606. But records show that the health department wasnt capable of verifying the cops safety. The agency didnt gather air data of its own, and though it asked Tetra Tech and the Navy to provide air-monitoring reports, these requests were deflected or ignored. Tetra Tech belatedly gave the city a single snapshot of air samples for a six-week period in summer 2007. The firm never provided any information after that. Even if the company had sent the city more data, it wouldnt have protected the police, because there was a more fundamental problem. According to an analysis of public records and an expert consulted by The Chronicle, the air safety standards at the yard set by the Navy and approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency were profoundly inadequate, allowing police and members of the public to breathe potentially dangerous levels of airborne radioactive particles. The radiological screening yard next to the police closed sometime around 2012, but two smaller screening yards continued to operate nearby for several years. The city didnt monitor those, either. As a result, for all the years these yards were running, the city had no way of determining what radioactive particles might have been in the air near Building 606, or at what levels. And, according to experts and shipyard whistle-blowers, this means that police may have been exposed to dangerous levels of radioactivity. The employees in Building 606 never knew. No one ever told them that hazardous radiological work was going on right next door. All that time I was out there, we didnt hear shit, said Richard Tong, a former Honda Unit officer at Building 606. If these allegations are true, we would be deeply troubled about the conditions to which police officers, including myself, were exposed, and an apparent total disregard by city officials for their safety, said Tony Montoya, president of the Police Officers Association. Montoya, 51, was stationed at 606 as a K-9 officer from 2005 to 2008. Eight years later, doctors diagnosed him with a cancerous brain tumor that required emergency surgery. It was like a kick to the gut, he said. Like other officers who have become sick since working at the shipyard, Montoya now wonders if theres a connection. Its anybodys guess, he said. The poor or nonexistent monitoring of air quality at the shipyard isnt just an issue for city employees who work there. In the neighboring Bayview-Hunters Point community, where a child can expect to live an average of 14 years less than a child in well-off Russian Hill, residents have complained for years about dust that blows from the shipyard. The same potentially toxic air that police breathed for years could have affected those neighbors too, as well as artists who have long rented studios at the shipyard. And the same flawed air-quality rules from years ago are still in effect at the shipyard today, affecting the air that San Francisco residents are breathing now and will be breathing for years to come. In response to questions from The Chronicle, government agencies involved in the shipyard cleanup insisted that police and members of the public are protected by Navy procedures for controlling dust. Today, the city still leases Building 606; the Police Departments crime lab remains there, along with 40 public employees. A previous Chronicle report outlined other potential health risks at the building, including high levels of lead in the tap water and radioactivity in the surrounding soil. In response to that story, the city said it would perform tests of the tap water, air and soil; results are expected later this year. In the meantime, the health department, which is supposed to serve as a watchdog and advocate for the public at the shipyard, continues to say that people who work at the building and members of the public are safe. But the new records call the departments credibility into question. Throughout the multidecade history of the cleanup, the department has told many groups with a stake in the shipyard not to worry about toxic exposure: The Bayview-Hunters Point community. Artists. Visitors. Homeowners. Supervisors. Mayors. To my knowledge there has never been a case where we felt that health and public safety was at risk, the departments point person on the cleanup, Amy Brownell, told city supervisors in May. But in the case of Building 606, at least, this is a statement of faith, not science. A true scientific analysis would require data that the city never gathered. Ive never heard anything back from Bill, Karen Heckman wrote. Bill was Bill Dougherty, Tetra Techs top official at the shipyard. Throughout 2007, Heckman repeatedly tried to get information from him about any airborne radioactivity next to the police building. She needed it to do her job. Ever since police units were transferred to the shipyard in 1997, the health department has played a key role in monitoring their safety. In April 2007, Heckmans superiors asked her to study plans for Radiological Screening Yard 2 (RSY2), the new soil-processing facility that was scheduled to begin operating next to Building 606 in July. Heckman met with Dougherty, who explained the yards dimensions and function. In an email, Heckman relayed the information to her bosses. The yard would be quite large, she wrote, covering the asphalt area to the East of bldg 606 and extending all the way out the pier a 13-acre footprint. Tetra Tech would eventually install 37 soil pads there, each 1,000 square meters, covering about 9 acres, an area more than three times the size of the field at AT&T Park. Dougherty also told Heckman he thought the most contaminated areas at the shipyard have yet to be excavated and material from those excavations would be directed to the new pad yard, she wrote. Indeed, over the next five years, Navy records show, Tetra Tech would bring more than 6,000 truckloads of soil there from some of the most radioactive portions of Hunters Point. Heckmans email also noted that Tetra Tech planned to dig trenches around Building 606, pulling up old, contaminated storm drains and checking them for radioactivity. The potentially tainted soil from these trenches also would be screened at RSY2. At some point, Heckman pointed out, building 606 will be surrounded by the remediation activity on three sides of the building. Her email ended with a list of questions for her supervisors, one asking point-blank: Should the Police continue to operate Building 606 during the activity? Contacted by The Chronicle, health department spokeswoman Rachael Kagan described Heckmans 2007 email as a standard form of due diligence, part of her role as an SFDPH industrial hygienist. Though Heckman still works for the department, Kagan would not make her available for an interview. Kagan added that monitoring the soil yards was never the health departments job, and that it has never had any regulatory authority over the cleanup process itself. But the department wields significant formal and informal power at the shipyard. Its Occupational Safety and Health section is charged with keeping city workers safe by eliminating employee exposures to avoidable hazards. Hygienists and environmental engineers can coordinate air or water monitoring. They often attend community meetings about the shipyard and Board of Supervisors hearings, explaining the convoluted cleanup process. And behind the scenes, department officials talk constantly with the Navy and other agencies involved with the shipyard, advocating the best possible approaches to ensure community health and safety, Kagan said. In short, the departments staffers are supposed to be the citys experts on health issues. So its not surprising that in 2007 the department played a crucial role in deciding what to do about the radiation work around Building 606. First of all, someone at the city concluded that the police didnt need to be relocated. Its unclear who made that decision. But records show that in spring 2007 the health department went looking for a way to track the air quality next to Building 606, to make sure police werent breathing harmful radioactive dust. The department began by asking Tetra Tech to provide data from its air monitors at the yard. On May 31, 2007, Heckman sent Dougherty a letter. After a few weeks of silence, he eventually replied that he would forward her request to the Navy, but she didnt hear anything else for a while. Through his lawyer, Dougherty declined to comment for this story. Meanwhile, Tetra Tech and the Navy moved forward. On July 19, 2007, the new soil yard lurched to life. A week later, according to a transcript of a community meeting, Dougherty and Navy officials described RSY2 as a boon to the cleanup. Were very proud of this, said Laurie Lowman of the Navys Radiological Affairs Support Office, a unit based in Virginia that makes decisions about radioactive waste disposal at Navy sites. Its a beautiful screening yard, and it really increases our capacity significantly, she said. We are rolling. Lowman and Dougherty explained that they would control dust at the yard by spraying piles of soil with Rhino Snot, a bright-green fibrous material that forms a crust atop the dirt. They would also spray some areas and roads with water. However, they could spray only so much water, Lowman said, because the soil had to be dry to be screened. Navy documents show that in July 2007, during the first week of the yards operation, Tetra Tech brought 76 truckloads of soil from a single trench in a contaminated area where sailors once sandblasted the hulls of radioactive ships brought from the Bikini Atoll plutonium-bomb tests. Plutonium-239 remains radioactive for hundreds of thousands of years. If the soil brought to RSY2 contained plutonium, it was still emitting radiation just yards away from the police. Heckman, though, still couldnt get Dougherty to respond to her requests for RSY2 air samples. So she tried writing directly to the Navy. Can you provide the air sampling results, taken at the soil screening area, to me on a weekly basis? she asked in an email to Ralph Pearce, a Navy project manager. Pearce directed her back to Tetra Tech: Please contact Bill Dougherty. New dirt kept arriving at the screening yard almost daily, according to Navy project records. Nine truckloads on Aug. 9. Nineteen truckloads on Aug. 10. Forty truckloads on Aug. 13. Highlights of key shipyard documents Michael Cohen, Mayor Gavin Newsoms chief negotiator on large city development deals, writing to a group of city officials on Oct. 16, 2007. Amy is Brownell of the health department. PowerPoint created for a Nov. 28, 2007, presentation by the city health department to Building 606 employees. The presentation, written by Wells, told them that the air was safe, the building was safe, and they shouldnt worry. Karen Heckman, industrial hygienist with the city health department, writing on May 24, 2007, to her boss Vickie Wells (then chief of Occupational Safety and Health section) and another health department colleague, laying out for them what she has heard from Tetra Techs Bill Dougherty about the new screening yard next to the police building. Later email from Heckman, on Nov. 27, 2007, to a health department colleague, saying that Dougherty hasnt given her the updated air sample information the city had been asking for. The cops in Building 606 couldnt help but notice. RSY2 was very close, just across a wide street, and the dust from the yard was unavoidable, police said. A few of them saw the radiation warning signs on the fence, but that wasnt an unusual thing at the shipyard, where cops jogging in shorts and T-shirts would sometimes cross paths with Navy contractors in hazardous material suits. But the city never told them that the yard had anything to do with radioactivity that could go airborne, police interviewed by The Chronicle said. No one explained that, for sure, Fong said. I would have headed for the hills, said Montoya, now the head of the police union. Mark Madsen, then a SWAT Team member, assumed the yard was a construction area of some kind. After a while, we couldnt really see what was going on back there, because they put up tarps, Madsen said. The tarps around the fence didnt stop the dust. It coated the cops cars, motorcycles and clothes; it stuck to the fur of their K-9 dogs. Dirt bike cops remember tasting the grit in their teeth. Many cops were worried. They may not have known what RSY2 was, but they knew they were working on a Superfund site with a radioactive history. Some wrote memos to their bosses, arguing it was unsafe for them to stay at Building 606. They were concerned about bringing hazards home to their families. They wanted to know about air testing. Were not Rhodes scholars, but the little bells start going off, Montoya said. Unknown to the police, the health department was still struggling to get air data from RSY2. In late August or early September 2007, after months of delays, Tetra Tech finally sent the city a snapshot of air samples collected between July 19 and Aug. 30. These data sheets were recently obtained by The Chronicle through its records request to the health department. Each sheet was a confusing grid of numbers and jargon. At the top of one, someone wrote a question that any member of the public might have: What is this? By the end of the month, the health department claimed to have decoded the data. On Sept. 28, 2007, Vickie Wells, then director of Occupational Safety and Health, sent a memo to a deputy police chief, saying the air data showed no elevated levels of radioactivity. She was wrong to give that assurance, according to an academic expert consulted by The Chronicle. Reporters recently shared the data sheets with Daniel Hirsch, retired chair of environmental and nuclear policy at UC Santa Cruz and an expert on Superfund cleanups. Hirsch, who has recently published several reports that are critical of the shipyard cleanup, said the information was not sufficient to confirm the cops safety. You cannot tell the police based on this that they are OK, Hirsch said. And frankly, the environmental people at the Department of Public Health should have caught this. For one thing, the reports appear to show few specific measurements of airborne alpha or beta particles, the types of radioactive substances that pose the most risk if inhaled. In columns labeled % DAC alpha and % DAC beta, the data sheets listed percentages and less-than signs instead of precise values. More concerning, according to Hirsch, was the reference to DAC. DAC stands for Derived Air Concentration, a safety standard used for workers in the nuclear power industry, who are legally allowed to receive higher doses of radiation than the rest of the population doses linked to significantly increased risks of cancer. According to the EPAs shipyard rules, if the level of airborne contamination at a soil yard is less than 10 percent of the DAC limit, the air is safe for shipyard workers to breathe. But the EPAs rules are far more rigorous when it comes to protecting the rest of the population. For a cop at a Superfund site or a crime-lab employee, or a member of the public the EPAs usual limits are up to 10,000 times stricter than what the agency allows for shipyard workers. While the DAC standard might have made sense for cleanup workers, Hirsch said, it wouldnt have protected anyone else who might have breathed that air. Asked why the EPA allowed such high limits for airborne contamination next to a busy city office building, agency spokeswoman Soledad Calvino said that dust-control measures by the Navy and Tetra Tech would have protected the police. She also shared details of a calculation performed by EPA staff, purportedly showing that the air was safe for police to breathe. The EPA performed this calculation recently in response to questions from The Chronicle, not years ago, when the soil yard was operating. The calculation is based on a string of optimistic assumptions about the wind, the contents of the soil, the management of Tetra Techs soil yard and the way people at 606 spent their days. For instance, the EPA assumes that the wind mostly blew across RSY2 in the opposite direction from Building 606, and concludes that police were exposed to air from the yard for just 7.2 minutes per day. The EPA also claims that nearby soil pads processed soil for only 40 days per year. But the wind at Hunters Point is unpredictable, work at the soil yard took place year-round and many cops trained outdoors for hours each day, multiple days per week. Also, the EPA calculation does not account for plutonium-239, a known contaminant at the shipyard that is toxic at lower levels than other radioactive substances. Regardless of what Tetra Techs air samples showed in summer 2007, the information the company gave to the city was only a snapshot. And the yard next to the police was in constant flux. On Oct. 8, 2007, 10 days after the health departments Wells wrote the memo that told the deputy police chief not to worry, 44 new truckloads of potentially contaminated soil were dumped in the yard. The next day, 27 more truckloads arrived. Operating in the dark, without current radiological data, city leaders kept telling the police they were safe. Hygienists tested the dust inside Building 606 for asbestos and heavy metals and reported nothing concerning. Airborne radioactivity wasnt mentioned. On Oct. 16, 2007, the manager of the crime lab emailed four city employees, including a top deputy of then-Mayor Newsom, Michael Cohen, the citys chief negotiator on shipyard agreements and other large developments. The crime-lab manager said that vehicles at Building 606 were covered with mud (the cars are a mess) and asked the city to bring a knowledgeable scientist out here to speak to us about environmental concerns/risks/exposures. Cohen replied the same day, copying the health departments Brownell and three others. He suggested the department set up a briefing for Crime Lab staff to help allay their dust fears. He added, Is there anything we can do to give staff car wash tickets or something? Cohen, now the principal of Strada, a private-equity firm that finances real estate development, told The Chronicle recently that he had very little direct involvement with building 606. A spokesman for Newsom, who was elected Californias governor Tuesday, said he does not recall a discussion about Building 606. The day before the Nov. 28 Informational Meeting at Building 606, the city still didnt have current air safety data from Tetra Tech. Yet when health department officials visited 606, they told the police that the air they were breathing was definitely safe. Air sampling data indicates exposure to contaminants is well within acceptable levels, went a PowerPoint presentation authored by Wells. The talk did not mention radioactivity. Wells declined to comment for this story, and the health department did not make Brownell available for an interview. Is Bldg 606 Safe? read the title of one slide in the presentation. Wells answer on the PowerPoint: Yes. In fact, the cleanup around Building 606 was spiraling out of control, according to former employees of Tetra Tech or its subcontractors, who have said the company repeatedly cut corners and failed to properly remove radioactive waste. Seven of these people detailed their claims in recently unsealed whistle-blower lawsuits against Tetra Tech and a handful of its subcontractors. Six of the plaintiffs also filed sworn statements last year with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the agency that licenses companies like Tetra Tech to perform radiological work. Tetra Tech has said the whistle-blowers are lying. But some of their claims have already been confirmed by government investigations, and in late October the Department of Justice announced it was joining the three whistle-blower suits against Tetra Tech, a rare move that allows the government to sue the company for fraud. The whistle-blowers stories boil down to this: The cleanup wasnt what it seemed. People in charge of the radiation surveys were not qualified to oversee them. People who were supposed to be managing tainted soil were releasing it into the air. Soil samples said to be from one place were actually from elsewhere. Control was an illusion. The problems extended to areas next to the police building, according to multiple whistle-blowers who have alleged serious safety breaches at RSY2 that could have exposed workers and anyone nearby to radioactivity. The Tetra Tech supervisor in charge at RSY2 didnt seem to know what she was doing, multiple whistle-blowers said. In their sworn declarations and lawsuits, they said the supervisors inexperience had a direct impact on RSY2, turning the soil yard next to the police into a chaotic and potentially dangerous area. Archie Jackson, 54, said in a recent interview that he saw the supervisors laborers performing sensitive tasks for which they had no training, like running radiation scans on the soil pads and operating the air-monitoring machines. Another technician, Art Jahr, noticed the laborers slinging soil around during sampling so as to create an airborne hazard, and a third, Bert Bowers, said he sometimes discovered that machines at RSY2 and other soil yards were shut down because the gasoline generators that powered them had run out of fuel. In October 2012, during a routine quality check, the Navy noticed flaws in Tetra Techs soil measurements taken from an area close to Building 606, about 100 yards to the southeast. Because these inconsistencies might indicate bigger problems, the Navy asked Tetra Tech to investigate what went wrong. The resulting report, sent to the city health department and other agencies in April 2014, concluded that Tetra Tech employees had collected faulty soil samples at multiple shipyard locations. Tetra Tech blamed employee error, not fraud, and said it had fixed all problems. The Navy signed off. And the city didnt investigate further, records show. On internal email threads, the health departments Amy Brownell downplayed the significance of the bogus soil samples. In one email, she wrote to a group of city shipyard consultants prior to a Navy conference call about the findings. Please plan on being on mute and not asking any questions during the call, Brownell wrote to the consultants. Navy is trying to keep this as low key as possible. The purpose of the call, she said, was for other agencies to get all their questions answered. She added that if the consultants had concerns about the faulty soil samples, they could discuss after the call, but based on everything Ive heard it is just a documentation issue at this point but it is sensitive because a contractor made an error which then got fixed later. In another email, Brownell suggested that the effort to investigate the skewed data had been a waste of money: your tax dollars hard at work As far as Im concerned, Brownell wrote in the same email, for our purposes, this issue was a contractor error that has been corrected and has no implications for future. In a statement, department spokeswoman Kagan defended Brownell, saying she has applied her expertise and dedication to the project for some 25 years. As for Brownells 2014 reaction to the faulty soil samples, Kagan said, It seemed then, based on the information we had, as though the issues were identified and being corrected. Instead, it was only the beginning of the problem the first loose thread in a larger unraveling. Tetra Tech remained in business at the shipyard and continued to perform radiological work next to Building 606 in 2014, digging up old storm drains and processing the soil. By that time, Navy documents show, RSY2 had apparently closed, but Tetra Tech had built a pair of smaller soil yards a bit farther away from Building 606: RSY3 was about a fifth of a mile to the south, and RSY4 sat an eighth of a mile to the northwest. The new yards also handled significant amounts of tainted soil. Although the health department told The Chronicle that these yards werent a concern because they were farther away from Building 606, the fierce wind at the shipyard has a way of compressing distance. Throughout 2014, the health department continued to tell employees at Building 606 that they werent at risk. On April 21, Dougherty emailed Tetra Tech and Navy officials that a pregnant woman working at the police building had raised concerns to her management after noticing radiation-warning signs near the building. Fetuses are particularly sensitive to radiation. The Navy looped in the health department, and Brownell offered to meet with the woman, who apparently worked at 606s crime lab. In the past, Brownell emailed colleagues, I have found the crime lab personnel very receptive to understanding the science and accepting of our assurances that there are no public health risks once were able to explain the concepts to them. Today, due to the lack of oversight by the city and other agencies, its difficult to know if police in Building 606 were exposed to harmful radioactivity. The only way is to look at the cleanup data: What was in the soil, at what levels? What was in the air? But because of questions about fraud and mismanagement, the data cant tell the story. In the past year, the Navy and EPA have said they found signs of possible fraud in soil and building measurements across much of the shipyard, including the soil yards near the police, and, according to the whistle-blowers, the companys air monitoring was flawed as well. (Tetra Tech disputes the EPA and Navy analyses.) Its impossible to give an answer, Bowers said. This leaves the police who worked at Building 606 in a frustrating sort of limbo: No one can say they were definitely exposed to harm, no one can say they werent, and its too late to prevent any exposure. All that veterans of the building can do now, says the police unions Montoya, is research city policies on medical claims, in case more cops get sick in the future. There needs to be accountability on some level, Montoya said. I dont know anybody whos looking to make money on this. People just want to know, and make sure that if somebody comes up with an illness, that they are being taken care of. Jason Fagone and Cynthia Dizikes are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: jason.fagone@sfchronicle.com, cdizikes@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jfagone, @cdizikes The latest round of closings include the last Kmart in Chicago, at 3443 W. Addison St. in the citys Avondale neighborhood, and a store in Springfield. Also slated to close is a Sears store in Marquette Mall in Michigan City, Ind. Liquidation sales at the stores are expected to begin next week. UPDATE: On Sunday, Sierra Nevada announced that it would begin reopening portions of the brewery on Monday, starting with the pub and gift shop. The brewery also released a statement of support: "We welcome the public to a free event in the Big Room this Thursday night, our 38th anniversary. "Many of our employees, friends and family-members have been severely affected by the Camp Fire. We have started the process of identifying and establishing long-term community support and look forward to rebuilding our beloved home. We are in this with you and will get through it together." Original story below: Sierra Nevada Brewing Company in Chico has voluntarily evacuated their Chico, Calif. brewery Friday as wildfires rage through Northern California. The decision was made out of "an abundance of caution," company spokesperson Robin Gregory explains. The brewery is not currently in an evacuation zone, but many employees do live in areas threatened by flames, as the Camp Fire rages through the outskirts of Chico after devastating the town of Paradise. "At the Chico facility we have just over 500 employees," Gregory says. "Most of the employees live in the Chico area but quite a few live in Paradise and in other areas that were more severely impacted. We also have a number of Chico employees who were evacuated last night and this morning too." Despite not being in an evacuated area, the smoke is heavy near the brewery; Gregory notes that "it looks like it's evening." The company's second production brewery, in North Carolina, is able to pick up the Chico brewery's production if needed, but Sierra Nevada is confident that operations will resume "shortly." Its stock of barrel-aged beers which can be badly affected by smoke damage are not of concern either. "Most of our barrels that do have beer are at a separate enclosed facility warehouse across town," she says. "It's in a closed warehouse so the barrels aren't a great concern at the moment." Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more. Fires continue in Northern California in Butte County. Flames grew substantially overnight, reaching 70,000 acres by Friday morning. More than 52,000 people have been evacuated from the Paradise area. Follow SFGATE's fire coverage here. Ted Andersen contributed to this story. Alyssa Pereira is an SFGATE staff writer. Email her at apereira@sfchronicle.com or find her on Twitter at @alyspereira. Google will expand its San Francisco offices in one of the citys largest deals of the year, underscoring techs seemingly endless appetite for expansion. The company said it has leased 300,000 square feet room for more than 1,500 employees at the Landmark at One Market building, which was formerly the headquarters of Salesforce. Salesforce formally changed its headquarters to Salesforce Tower on Nov. 1, according to corporate filings. The deal raises Googles office space in San Francisco by 30 percent to 1.3 million square feet, according to data from brokerage Cushman & Wakefield. Google is the third-largest tech tenant in San Francisco, behind only Salesforce and Uber, according to the data. Yet San Francisco is only about 5 percent of the Mountain View companys entire Bay Area holdings, which total 20 million square feet, or the equivalent of 14 Salesforce Towers. Big tech deals pushed San Franciscos office market to record-high rents this year. In the past 12 months, Google, Facebook and Amazon all have signed new leases or expanded existing offices in the southern part of the Financial District, which includes the area around the new Transbay transit center named after Salesforce. Younger, well-funded tech companies such as DoorDash, Twilio and SoFi have also expanded by millions of square feet in the city this year. The 1916 Landmark at One Market building was previously the headquarters of Southern Pacific Railroad. It was later connected to two towers on Spear and Steuart streets, buildings where Google is already a tenant. The companys other San Francisco locations include 345 Spear St., 121 Spear St., 2 Harrison St. and 188 The Embarcadero, according to Cushman & Wakefield. American Assets Trust owns the Landmark. The firm did not respond to requests for comment. Google is growing around the world. The company is reportedly in talks to occupy 1.3 million square feet in Manhattan, according to the New York Post. The company also expanded in Chicago and signed a small deal in Tel Aviv. In the Bay Area, Google has major plans for new offices in Mountain Views North Bayshore district and in San Jose near Diridon Station. Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes At the same time that they expand locally, Bay Area tech giants and startups have also been growing out of state as they seek different talent pools and cheaper markets. Editors note: This story has been updated to correct the owner of the Landmark. Roland Li is a Chronicle staff writer. Email: roland.li@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @rolandlisf The Silicon Valley Community Foundation on Thursday named Nicole Taylor, a former top administrator with Arizona State University, Stanford University and the East Bay Community Foundation, as its president and chief executive officer. The nations largest community foundation had been without a permanent president and CEO since Emmett Carson resigned in June after a law firm hired to investigate allegations of workplace bullying issued a scathing report. The foundation said it clearly failed to provide a safe and inclusive workplace environment for its employees. Taylor has deep Bay Area roots, but since May 29 she has been a vice president for strategic fundraising at the ASU Foundation. She joined Arizona State in January 2017 as dean of students. Before that she was associate vice provost of student affairs and dean of community engagement and diversity at Stanford University, after serving as president and CEO of Thrive Foundation for Youth in Silicon Valley. She also spent more than 15 years with the East Bay Community Foundation, the last six as its president and CEO. Taylor, 49, has a masters degree in education and a bachelors in biology from Stanford and started her career as a teacher in Oakland. She currently serves as a board member for Common Sense Media and the Rogers Family Foundation. Taylor has large and controversial shoes to fill. The foundation was created in 2007 by the merger of the Peninsula Community Foundation and the Community Foundation Silicon Valley. Under Carsons leadership it grew into a fundraising juggernaut, targeting Silicon Valleys elite. Most of its contributions went into donor-advised funds, which are individual accounts set up at a public charity including some run by arms of large brokerage firms. Donors get an immediate tax deduction but the money can stay in the account, where it generates fees for sponsors and investment advisers, until they make grants to operating charities. Donors can recommend how the money is invested. Critics would like to see donor-advised funds distributed more quickly. In its 2018 rankings published Oct. 30, the Chronicle of Philanthropy said the Silicon Valley Community Foundation was the nations largest community foundation in terms of private support ($1.37 billion) and the third largest charity overall. However, the vast majority of that support was in donor advised funds; if you exclude them it ranked 79th overall. The foundations board put Carson on paid leave April 26 after a report in the Chronicle of Philanthropy quoted former employees who said the foundations top fundraising executive at that time, Mari Ellen Loijens, harassed and bullied them. Loijens resigned April 19, the day after the report came out. Greg Avis, a Silicon Valley investor, became the foundations interim CEO and president while recruiting firm Spencer Stuart searched for a permanent replacement. Taylor will begin her new role on Dec. 19 and work with Avis during a transition period. Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes The foundation declined to make Taylor or its leadership available for an interview. Gretchen Buhlig, CEO of the ASU Foundation, said in an email that Taylor has a keen ability to take big, complex ideas and strategically shape them into partnerships that promote philanthropy and improve society. She worked on a range of issues there, including education, space exploration, entrepreneurship and innovation. She is a true champion of the ASU charter, promoting inclusivity and access at every chance she can, Buhlig said. Fred Blackwell, CEO of the San Francisco Community Foundation, said he has known Taylor for many years. She knows the community, is from the field, and has the right experience and temperament to be successful in leading this important institution. I look forward to working with her, he said in an email. Kathleen Pender is a San Francisco Chronicle columnist. Email: kpender@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kathpender PARADISE, Butte County The Camp Fire that devastated this bucolic Butte County town has claimed the lives of at least nine people, grown to 90,000 acres and destroyed more buildings than any other wildfire in California history. By Friday evening, the fire had incinerated 6,453 homes and 260 commercial buildings in and around Paradise. The blaze was only about 5 percent contained and was threatening another 15,000 structures. Some 52,000 people remained evacuated from various towns. Authorities expect the death toll to increase in the coming days. Before the Camp Fire, last years 36,807-acre Tubbs Fire was the most destructive wildfire in state history for destroying 5,636 structures in Napa and Sonoma counties. Twenty-two people died in that fire. The nine people killed in the Camp Fire included four victims found in vehicles burned by the blaze in the area of Edgewood Lane, according to the Butte County Sheriffs Office. Another individual was found outside a vehicle there. Three bodies were found outside homes and one was found inside a home. None of the victims has been identified. In addition to the lives lost, three firefighters have been injured. It took less than 48 hours for the Camp Fire to hit historic levels of devastation. The worst of the destruction was in Paradise, a town of 27,000 about 90 miles north of Sacramento that was overwhelmed by flames so quickly that many residents were barely able to grab car keys in their rush to escape. It was only as the sun came up Friday that the full scope of the damage was exposed. Now Playing: The Camp Fire burns in Paradise on Nov. 8, 2018. Video: San Francisco Chronicle The burned walls of churches poked through ash. The blackened skeletons of gas stations, fast-food restaurants and supermarkets wobbled amid strong winds. Block after block, entire neighborhoods lay in ruin. Abandoned cars, charred to their frames, lined the two-lane roads in and out of town. Beneath the smoke-filled sky, sheriffs deputies continued to search for bodies amid the rubble while residents, scattered across the region at evacuation centers or in the homes of family and friends, wondered how they could possibly recover from such loss. I guess there wont be much of my town left, said Scott Lotter, a Paradise Town Council member and former mayor. Its too soon to tell how much weve lost. The cause of the fire, which started Thursday morning, remains under investigation, but Pacific Gas and Electric Co. informed regulators Friday that a high-voltage power line near the area experienced a problem prior to the first flames. Meteorologists were anticipating a lull in the extreme fire conditions Friday night to Saturday afternoon, but the winds were expected to pick up again Saturday and continue through the weekend. The number of people battling the blaze increased to 3,223 by Friday evening, the 67 fire crews helped by 440 fire engines and 23 helicopters, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or Cal Fire. Help was requested from nearby states, including Oregon, Nevada, New Mexico, Wyoming and Washington. We are at a pivotal moment, said Cal Fire Division Chief Todd Derum. We are trying to take advantage of this moment and make the most progress we can. But the red flag warnings will come. It will kick this fire up, start new fires, or a combination of both. Dense smoke blanketed much of Northern California, including the Bay Area, nearly 200 miles away, where air quality was so bad that flights were canceled at San Francisco International Airport and residents were advised to stay indoors. The blaze has been an extremely challenging fire and has resulted in significant and catastrophic loss in that community, said Mark Ghilarducci, director of the state Office of Emergency Services. We are literally in a statewide red flag weather. We are basically looking at a very significant dangerous weather pattern through the rest of this weekend. Named the Camp Fire because of its proximity to Camp Creek Road near Highway 70 in the Feather River Canyon, the inferno started at 6:30 a.m. Thursday and quickly barreled through Paradise. Many of the evacuees had to leave without cell phones or identification, and have had difficulties reconnecting with friends and family. On social media, scores of people have posted photos and last known addresses of missing relatives, many of them older or disabled individuals who may have had a hard time evacuating on their own. Officials did not not have any immediate numbers on how many people were unaccounted for, though the Butte County Sheriffs Office said it had 35 official missing person reports. The American Red Cross issued an alert for residents to register as safe and well on its website. Im pretty sure my home is burned to the ground, said Debbie Teter, 53, who was at work at her real estate office Thursday before she hastily evacuated to nearby Chico. Im pretty sure I wont have a job either. My workplace is probably gone and selling property just wont be happening. At my age, she added, I dont want to have to start from scratch. The tree-lined houses and familiar shops and businesses that made Paradise a draw for retirees and a magnet for lifelong residents were hardly recognizable after the flames tore through town. Most of the business district along Skyway, the main drag, and the surrounding neighborhoods of single-family homes were burned. Only the street-side signs of a Burger King and Jack in the Box revealed what the nearby piles of twisted steel and soot had once been. The First Assembly of God church and a Mormon church were charred. The Atria Paradise retirement community was destroyed. A few motels, a muffler shop and a used car lot were among the many other losses. The magnitude of the destruction we are seeing is really unbelievable and heartbreaking, Ghilarducci said. Our hearts go out to everybody whos been affected by this. Some residents already were talking about rebuilding their tight-knit community. Others, though, were less confident. Theyd lost not only homes, but the places where they shopped, got a cup of coffee or met friends for lunch. Many people said they wouldnt know how to begin to recover what theyd lost. Donny Veteto, 43, had moved to Paradise only a month ago. The home in which hed rented a room burned down while he was at work in Chico. He was lucky he happened to be driving his motor home that day but he lost everything else. Id like to go back to Paradise, but I dont know when that will happen, Veteto said. Nobody can go back right now. Lotter, the former mayor, evacuated with his wife, daughter and son-in-law, along with their pet rabbit and two dogs. As he drove away with his family, flames were just 50 feet from City Hall, Lotter said. It took him nearly two hours to go a half-mile. Fire Tracker Follow wildfires across the state Latest updates on wildfires burning across Northern and Southern California He learned on Friday that hed lost his home to the fire, and found little consolation in news that the movie theater he owns in town survived. He said it was easier to count the number of homes and businesses that were untouched than those that were destroyed. If you have a perfectly good business in the middle of a desert, it really doesnt do you any good, Lotter said. Butte County schools were closed Friday and will remain so through Nov. 23, according to the county Office of Education. Officials said they need time to assess the damage to school buildings and determine how best to support families affected by the fire. November is remarkably late in the fire season for such an intense blaze, fire officials said. And at least two more massive fires were threatening communities in Southern California, including one that forced evacuation of the entire city of Malibu. The late-season wildfires fueled by dry conditions represent Californias new normal, officials said. Every day is fire season somewhere in California, Cal Fire Director Ken Pimlott said. Bob Schofield, 54, has lived in the Paradise area for 26 years and spent 23 of those years as a volunteer firefighter. Among the worst blazes he responded to was the Humboldt Fire in 2008, which burned 23,000 acres in three days, he recalled. The Camp Fire burned three times that in 24 hours. I dont have much hope that the house is there, Schofield said Friday from a friends house in Marysville, where his family was staying after evacuating Paradise. If it was there it would be by the grace of God. It was right in the path of the fire. Schofield, a music teacher, was at the middle school campus Thursday morning when the district announced it was shutting down all Paradise schools. He turned on a radio to learn more about the fire and heard that his home was in an area being evacuated. Students whose parents couldnt get to them quickly enough were put on buses or in teachers own cars and taken to a shelter in Chico. Schofield called his wife and 15-year-old son, both at the high school, and told them to meet at their house on Woodglen Drive. They were packing when someone knocked on their door and told them the fire was close. They left with their three dogs and two rabbits around 9:15 a.m., leaving behind keepsakes such as photos, school awards and Schofields collection of nearly 300 fire engine replicas. The first one had been a gift from his grandmother when he was 4. You cant replace the awards or the photos, you cant replace all of that, he said. But we have insurance on everything else. Santa Rosa Fire Capt. Jack Thomas, who on Thursday led a strike team against the Camp Fire, couldnt help but have flashbacks to last years deadly Wine Country fires, which flattened entire neighborhoods. When I got here, I thought, Oh my God, this is exactly what we saw in Santa Rosa, he said. We got churches down, a mobile home park burned and a retirement home halfway involved. Its really the same situation. Chronicle staff writers Lizzie Johnson and Kimberly Veklerov contributed to this report. Kurtis Alexande, Sarah Ravani and Erin Allday are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: kalexander@sfchronicle.com, sravani@sfchronicle.com, eallday@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @KurtisAlexander @SarRavani @ErinAllday A startling satellite image shows the incredible heat emanating from the Camp Fire in Butte County. The wildfire exploded Thursday morning and by Friday had scorched a startling 70,000 acres. Officials have confirmed five fatalities and the fire is only 5 percent contained, according to CalFire. Pierre Markuse located and processed the conflagration on Landsat 8 satellite data from the U.S. Geological Survey. His imagery shows a massive plume of smoke wafting southwest from Butte County toward the coast. ALSO READ: Camp Fire devastates Paradise near Chico Markuse overlaid the imagery with highlighted infrared emissions (the orange and red tones), showing just how much heat was pulsating off the massive blaze. Infrared radiation is electromagnetic radiation with longer wavelengths than that of visible light, meaning it is generally invisible to the human eye. NASA satellite imagery shows the smoke from the Camp Fire drifting west into the Pacific Ocean and then south past San Jose. More than 52,000 people in Northern California have been ordered to evacuate, including the 27,000 residents of Paradise. The towns of Pulga and Concow, and residents of Magalia, Butte Creek Canyon and Butte Valley had also been ordered to leave. New evacuations were ordered Friday for Stirling City and Inskip. Residents were told to exit through Butte Meadows and down Highway 32. Close to 10,000 people were without power in the area, according to Pacific Gas & Electric Co. For The San Francisco Chronicle's full wildfire coverage, click here. Fire Tracker Follow wildfires across the state Latest updates on wildfires burning across Northern and Southern California Sarah Ravani, a Chronicle staff writer, contributed to this report. 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. In less than 24 hours, a fast-moving Northern California wildfire exploded into a raging monster that devoured nearly an entire town 15 miles east of Chico. The Camp Fire barreled through Paradise with towering flames, some rising 200 feet into the air, torching businesses, churches, a school, a gas station, a hospital and dozens of homes. Many of buildings are now piles of ash. Images in the gallery, including before-and-after-views, reveal the scale of the devastation and tragedy. "This thing went crazy," said Josh Edelson, a photojournalist who captured the fire from the frontlines. "It exploded super fast. "Yesterday, pretty much the entire town of Paradise was on fire. Firefighters for the most part were just kind of letting it happen because the wind was blowing flames everywhere, and it was unstoppable." MORE: Toxic wildfire smoke suffocates Bay Area: 'Any relief is going to be minimal' So far, the wildfire has killed 29 people. Some of the victims were found in burned vehicles. Many are still missing. Twenty-five percent of the blaze was contained as of Monday morning. More than 113,000 acres have been scorched and an estimated 7,000 structures destroyed. Over 52,000 people have fled their homes. "There was really no firefight involved," said Capt. Scott McLean of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, explaining that crews gave up attacking the flames and instead helped people evacuate. "These firefighters were in the rescue mode all day yesterday." The blaze started in the Feather River Canyon on the western edge of the Plumas National Forest at 6:30 a.m. and spread at a terrifying pace, leading acting Gov. Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency. Within three hours, it had torn through 5,000 acres and reached Paradise, a town of about 27,000 residents. The entire town was ordered evacuated, setting off a desperate exodus in which many motorists got struck in gridlocked traffic and abandoned their vehicles to flee on foot. People reported seeing much of the community go up in flames, including homes, supermarkets, businesses, restaurants, schools and a retirement center. McLean estimated that the lost buildings numbered in the thousands. "Pretty much the community of Paradise is destroyed. It's that kind of devastation," he said. Fire Tracker Follow wildfires across the state Latest updates on wildfires burning across Northern and Southern California With ash falling and the sky darkening to a menacing shade of black, evacuees from Paradise sat in stunned silence Friday outside a Chico church where they took refuge the night before. They all had harrowing tales of a slow-motion escape from a fire so close they could feel the heat inside their vehicles as they sat stuck in a terrifying traffic jam. When the order came to evacuate, it was like the entire town decided to leave at once, they said. Fire surrounded the evacuation route, and drivers panicked. Some crashed and others left their vehicles by the roadside. "It was just a wall of fire on each side of us, and we could hardly see the road in front of us," police officer Mark Bass said. CalFire reports more than 4,000 firefighters and other personnel are involved in fighting the Camp Fire. Butte College, in Oroville, is serving as a staging area and strike teams from as far away as Oakland are on the scene. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Noah Berger / SFC Pacific Gas and Electric Co. has lifted warnings of a preemptive power shutdown in eight Northern California counties, utility officials said. Texts, emails and automated phone calls this week told 70,000 customers that the utility might turn off electricity to prevent downed power lines from sparking new wildfires. A former San Francisco tenants rights attorney either aggressively attacked, robbed and killed a man outside a bar near the Tenderloin, or he was defending himself and accidentally stabbed the 61-year-old during a drunken 2015 clash. Those were the conflicting arguments presented Thursday during opening statements in the murder trial of Carlos Argueta a twisting legal saga that has played out for years and recently prompted Public Defender Jeff Adachi to take on the case himself. The gallery in Judge Samuel Fengs courtroom was overflowing with family members of the 34-year-old defendant, along with prosecutors and defense attorneys observing the complex case and recent pretrial jousting from competing sides. The district attorneys office has charged Argueta with murder and robbery. Hes since been released on bail, and he said nothing Thursday as he sat in court wearing a suit and tie. Adachi and Assistant District Attorney Adam Maldonado each pointed to the abundance of available security video some of it unclear or incomplete to argue their theories about why Argueta stabbed James Thomas through the heart on Sept. 3, 2015. The defendant took a life after a heavy night of drinking, Maldonado said. He took a life after robbing the victim of his bag. He took a life after pursuing him with a knife, and he took a life when he caused his knife to puncture the chest cavity of a 61-year-old man. But Adachi said the tragic episode happened out of self-defense. His client, who could be mistaken for a tech bro, was unfamiliar with the Tenderloin and the dangers that were posed there, he said. He didnt want anyone to get hurt, Adachi said. He acted in order to defend himself and his friend. The nights events began when Argueta met several colleagues for happy hour around 5 p.m. at the Showdown bar on Sixth Street around the corner from his office at the Eviction Defense Collaborative on Market Street. In video from inside the bar, Argueta and law intern Pascal Krummenacher were seen drinking numerous shots of liquor over several hours and becoming visibly intoxicated. Argueta, Adachi said, had 10 shots, while Krummenacher, a Swiss national who had just finished his internship, had 16 drinks. Adachi admitted that Argueta had a buzz on, but said he was not overly drunk. Argueta and two people inside the bar eventually had to drag the semiconscious Krummenacher outside, where the two men gathered themselves, and after 10 minutes began walking north toward Market, where Thomas was sitting. There are two realities happening, Maldonado said. Mr. Argueta was inside the bar drinking shot, after shot, after shot, after shot, after shot of liquor, while Mr. Thomas was sitting on the corner, making a living selling merchandise on the street. As Argueta and Krummenacher approached Thomas, Maldonado said the men grabbed Thomas red bag, and all three got into a tug-of-war, bumping against a car parked along Sixth Street. During the fracas, Argueta lost his black messenger bag, prosecutors said, and eventually gave up on the tug-of-war. Adachi, though, said Argueta was simply trying to help Krummenacher, who grabbed the red bag because he thought it was his. Krummenacher eventually broke away from the fracas with the red backpack, only to get smashed on the head by a man with a skateboard, Adachi said. Thomas recovered his bag and pursued the two men down Market Street with three others. Argueta was shown on video pulling a knife, causing the group to retreat. He then followed them back to the site of the first run-in, knife in hand. Carlos then decides to go back and get his bag probably one of the worst decisions of his life, Adachi said. But going back to reclaim your property doesnt make you guilty of murder. Obstructed security video showed Argueta approaching Thomas on Sixth Street before the two face each other. 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. Thomas then threw a punch while Argueta plunged his knife into the mans chest, Maldonado said. Surveillance video showed Thomas stumbling backward with Argueta continuing to pursue him with the knife. Argueta then retreated into the nearby Tu Lan restaurant as a crowd began to gather. Stabbed and bleeding profusely, Thomas took a knee before he eventually fell over with a fatal knife wound in the heart. Police took Argueta into custody at the scene, and later documented an abrasion on his left ear. Adachi said the injury was from Thomas, who had many silver rings on his hand when he landed the blow. Adachi argued that Argueta accidentally stabbed Thomas while trying to push him away. Thursdays opening came after years of legal proceedings that continued until the weeks leading up to the trial. A judge previously tossed the case in 2016, saying the evidence was insufficient to prove murder. That prompted the previous prosecutor in the case, Assistant District Attorney Andrew Ganz, to take the case to a grand jury to secure an indictment. But Adachi has alleged that Ganz committed misconduct by not presenting exculpatory evidence to the grand jury. Adachi pointed to a 2013 Solano County case where Ganz was accused of misconduct. The State Bar Court has since recommended Ganz be suspended for the Solano County matter, and he has not been prosecuting cases since. Maldonado was later assigned to the case. Evan Sernoffsky is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: esernoffsky@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @EvanSernoffsky When a Danville police officer fatally shot a fleeing driver near that citys downtown last weekend, department officials quickly said the officer opened fire out of fear that the vehicle would run him down. But experts on police use of force say theres rarely a good reason for an officer to shoot into a moving vehicle an action that has grown increasingly controversial because it may unnecessarily take a life while turning the vehicle into an uncontrolled missile. Instead of turning to deadly force, these experts point to another option: moving out of the path of the vehicle. Its not brain science, said Geoffrey Alpert, a professor of criminology and criminal justice at the University of South Carolina who has been researching police tactics for decades. Get out of the way. The encounter in the affluent East Bay suburb of Danville happened Saturday morning and is under investigation. Officer Andrew Hall, a five-year department veteran, shot Laudemer Arboleda, a 33-year-old Newark resident, as the driver fled police through city streets, officials said. Arboleda, who was pronounced dead at a hospital, had no apparent criminal history. And police have not said he was suspected of a crime at the time officers responded last weekend. There is no indication that Arboleda was armed. There were no reports about him committing a crime, and now you have a person who is dead because they want to talk to him, said Adante Pointer, an attorney hired by Arboledas family. He said Arboleda did accounting and billing work for companies including Amazon, and had recently struggled with mental health issues. Bad police work is what it seems like, beginning to end, Pointer said. But attorney Michael Rains, who is representing other Danville officers in the incident and has reviewed some video depicting it said there was very clearly an attempt to hit the officer at a very significant rate of speed. The Contra Costa County Sheriffs Office, which contracts with the town of Danville to staff its police force, has not responded this week to questions about the investigation. Ultimately, the county district attorneys office will have to decide if the shooting was justified or merits criminal charges. The incident began when police got a call about a man acting suspiciously near Cottage Lane and Laurel Drive around 11 a.m., officials said. The reporting party said Arboleda exited his car, walked toward several homes with bags in his hands, returned to his car and circled the neighborhood, said Jimmy Lee, a sheriffs spokesman. As officers pulled up, Arboleda fled in his silver Honda sedan, prompting a chase. He pulled over twice, Lee said, as if to surrender, but sped off when officers got out of their patrol vehicles. At Front Street and Diablo Road, Arboleda steered his vehicle toward an officer and accelerated his vehicle, Lee said. He said Hall was in immediate fear that he was going to be run over by the suspects vehicle and fired his weapon at the driver of the vehicle. The officers involved in the chase and shooting were wearing cameras, and their cars were outfitted with dashboard cameras, said Geoff Gillette, a spokesman for Danville. Police and prosecutors will review the video as part of their investigation, the results of which will be presented during a coroners inquest, a public hearing in which a jury determines the manner of death, which has yet to be scheduled. Rains, the officers attorney, said Arboleda probably didnt know where he was, and was clearly disoriented. In their earlier efforts to get him to stop, officers approached the vehicle in a low-key manner, approaching the car from the front and waiving their hands, he said. Finally, Rains said, Hall and another officer tried to box Arboleda in, with their patrol cruisers facing the Honda side by side. But Arboleda accelerated through the gap between the vehicles, the attorney said, and headed toward Hall, who opened fire. We know the car didnt strike Hall, but it came close, Rains said. My suspicion is the direction of the car changed, and Officer Hall took measures to avoid being struck, which all occurred simultaneously. Within seconds this has to happen or Hall would have been struck. After Arboleda was shot, his vehicle continued on, crashing farther down the road. The Sheriffs Office does not have a policy explicitly prohibiting deputies from shooting at moving vehicles, Rains said. However, many law enforcement agencies around the country do have such policies. In San Francisco, officers are barred from shooting at the driver of a moving vehicle unless that driver is a threat due to a gun or a weapon other than the vehicle. 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. Still, San Franciscos policy includes language allowing for an exceptional circumstance, and notes that shootings are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The exemption theoretically would allow officers to fire in situations such as where a driver is intentionally plowing through a crowd. San Francisco passed its policy after a recommendation by the Department of Justice following several controversial police killings, which included unarmed drivers being shot while fleeing police. Similar policies have spread among major departments since the first was adopted in New York in 1972, said Chuck Wexler, executive director of the Police Executive Research Forum, an independent group in Washington, D.C. Thats become the gold standard over time, he said. The policy dissuades officers from standing in front of a speeding vehicle and ordering the driver to halt like in a movie, he said and reduces the number of police shootings overall. It has saved the lives of officers, who dont stand in front of a car, and its saved the people in the car, Wexler said. Its been a win-win situation. Why some departments dont recognize that is puzzling. Kent Scheidegger, legal director of the Criminal Justice Legal Foundation, a tough-on-crime nonprofit group in Sacramento, disagrees. He said policies restricting officers from shooting at vehicles can potentially lead to officers getting injured or worse. If a guys bearing down on you, about to run you down, the officer has no choice, he said. It illustrates the fact that you cant have simplistic rules that cover every aspect of the situation. Evan Sernoffsky and Michael Cabanatuan are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: esernoffsky@sfchronicle.com, mcabanatuan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @EvanSernoffsky @ctuan Bernadette Bray was such a Willie McCovey fan she once left her moms house in South San Francisco as a Giants game began and walked to Candlestick Park to see him play. She strode through Brisbane and arrived in the fifth inning. Clearly, Bray was not going to let the miles between her current San Joaquin County home and AT&T Park deter her from attending Thursdays celebration of life for McCovey. I had to be here, said Bray, 61. I live in Tracy and left the house at 7:30 a.m. I didnt get here until 10:30. I drove three hours. After the 90-minute remembrance, she clutched the heart-shaped 44 sign she created and said, Im blessed to be here. The crowd that sat in the lower deck was not large. Those who could get away from work saw it as a necessary pilgrimage. Now Playing: Barry Bonds at Willie McCovey celebration (San Francisco Giants) Video: San Francisco Chronicle Many folks at AT&T Park choked back tears as they spoke about McCovey, including those who knew him, played alongside him and broke bread with him, and those who only watched him play. Asked why he was one of the first in line to enter the ballpark, San Francisco native Phil Farrelly said, Him, a word he barely uttered as his throat constricted. The 78-year-old ex-Marine, who drove from Petaluma, knew how much McCovey ached in life, not just in his later years, but when he played. Farrelly and some friends once went to a Giants game toward the end of McCoveys career and saw it in his legs as they sat behind the home dugout. He comes out. Hes a big dude, Farrelly said. Hes got those tight uniforms on, and I could see how much his legs were wrapped up. I never really realized how much pain he played with. That stuck with me. It still does. Now Playing: Mike Krukow at McCovey celebration (San Francisco Giants) Video: San Francisco Chronicle As the fans watched from the stands, a raft of former and current Giants players, team executives, owners and employees sat in two sections of folding chairs on the field. Buster Posey was there, walking ably two months after his hip surgery, joined by fellow Willie Mac Award winners Dave Dravecky, Nick Hundley, Marvin Benard, Tiny Felder, Jack Clark and Shawon Dunston, who were asked to come to the podium in front of the mound as another Willie Mac winner, Mike Krukow, spoke. Dravecky brought the stadium to tears when he praised and thanked McCoveys wife, Estela, for the sacrifices she made over the past several years to take care of him and ensure he got the medical attention he needed. Dravecky also got one of the bigger laughs when he said he hopes to pitch to McCovey in heaven someday, and I can watch him hit a hanging slider into the universe. Now Playing: Larry Baer at McCovey celebration (San Francisco Giants) Video: San Francisco Chronicle There were more laughs. Those who attended learned from Orlando Cepeda that McCovey was a neat freak who even spread all of the ashtrays in his house the same distance apart. Giants President and CEO Larry Baer revealed that when he was 7, his folks took him to a McCovey appearance in San Francisco and the big man had Baer sit on his lap. When Baer relayed the memory to McCovey years later, Mac responded, Thats why I had all those knee surgeries. Baer pointed out the wreath that the Giants had encircled around McCoveys retired number down the left-field line and said, Willies persona is chiseled in our collective souls. Barry Bonds sat in the front row of the VIP section with Willie Mays. Bonds spoke briefly. Mays did not, although he eulogized McCovey at a private graveside service Thursday morning. Now Playing: Dave Dravecky at McCovey celebration (San Francisco Giants) Video: San Francisco Chronicle Hall of Fame President Jeff Idelson relayed conversations he had over the past week with Ozzie Smith and Billy Williams, two of the three living enshrinees from McCoveys hometown of Mobile, Ala. McCovey and Satchel Paige were the other two. The fans cheered at times, not too loudly, and it seemed appropriate. Some, such as 47-year-old Erin Wild of San Francisco, never saw him swing a bat. But she had to attend. Now Playing: Jeff Idelson at McCovey celebration (San Francisco Giants) Video: San Francisco Chronicle When I heard about Willie Macs passing, I realized that life is really short, she said. Even though I never saw him play, I do remember seeing him in the tunnel after games at times and wanted to pay my respects today. Henry Schulman is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: hschulman@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @hankschulman ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images Mass shootings have become all too common in this nation, but the death toll, human stories and details can still shock. Thats certainly the case for a nightclub massacre in Thousand Oaks where a gunman killed 12 people and died himself. The shooter, identified as a former Marine, used a handgun equipped with an extended magazine to kill patrons on a dance floor and a sheriffs sergeant who responded to trouble and bravely stepped in to stop the bloodshed. Every once in a Veterans Day, I write a piece about the years I spent in the military and how theyve affected my life beyond the time I was required to salute anything that moved. Not many of my high school and college friends found their way into uniform. Ive always been happy that I did. Im not saying I am proud or honored to have served or that I was particularly civic minded. Mine was the Vietnam War era. I was restless. Conflicted. Also curious. The official record describes my four-year hitch in the U.S. Navy as sea duty, but that was only because being attached to a construction battalion in a war zone, wearing fatigues and toting an M-16 rifle counted as sea duty even though it took place on solid ground. Hopefully, I did some good for our country. But to be quite honest, the America I thought I was defending didnt look like the one we are living in today. Though there were huge demonstrations throughout the Vietnam era, everyone assumed they took place within a context, within a system of laws and procedures. The system can no longer be taken for granted. Back then (and right now), America was experiencing civic turmoil. In the 1960s, the kids were messed up. Today, Id give that distinction to the adults. Is this the place I risked my life to defend? There are common threads to serving: You have to leave home and move into the military world. Its kind of fraternal. A bunch of strangers required to train together, people from an assortment of backgrounds, ethnicities, sections of the country, with a variety of regional accents and preferences, suddenly turned into a unit that performs in a singular fashion. Inductees leave their comfort zones, stow prejudices and act with equanimity, informing every thought with a context that asks if what they are about to do is good for the cohort. Initially, its a game. Reluctant acquiescence, then a going through the motions. Eventually, an authentic bonding occurs within ranks. Though Im sure familiarity can breed contempt, it can also breed respect and acceptance. When you eat, sleep and work together, encountering an assortment of unique individuals, you discover that the winners and losers cannot be determined by stereotype. As it turns out, the people you learn to depend upon come from ghettos, from upscale white parts of town, from a variety of religious and secular backgrounds. They have all kinds of accents, ridiculous (by your own standards) assumptions and belief systems, strange codes of honor, even different ways to broach a subject or walk down the street. You march together. You work in a proscribed manner. You wear the same outfits, and though a smidgen of attitude can be expressed in the tilt of a hat, by and large, you and those with whom you serve begin to mirror one another. While serving, you become a veteran of more than potential danger, more than the often rude awakening brought on by separation from home, from challenges to your assumed wisdom and preconceptions. You become a veteran of an expanded, more inclusive, perspective. Vets are many things. Perhaps a little more macho than the rest of the population. Perhaps more inclined to see the world through a government-issued point of view. Beyond that, most are apt to judge people by the individual talents, skills and deportment they bring to the scene. Charles E. Kraus received a Bronze Star for his service in Vietnam and will remember all veterans on Sunday, Veterans Day. He lives and writes in Seattle. Every year on Veterans Day, Americans thank those who have served. What Ive noticed recently is that some talking heads on TV have attempted to speak for all veterans, whether it is in an attempt to show disapproval for Colin Kaepernicks activism or to claim misleadingly that the intake of refugees harms funding for veterans services. But veterans are not the monolithic group that so many want us to be. During my time in the Air Force, I served with Americans and allied partners from all walks of life. We were from vastly different backgrounds, held different political beliefs, and had different initial motivations for joining the service. During our service, we were bound by one common thing: an oath. We all swore to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America. It is significant that our military does not pledge loyalty to a king or a commander in chief. We pledge loyalty to Americas foundational texts and to the values and ideals that the country represents. If there is to be one official veterans perspective, then this should be it: that Americas greatness rests upon our willingness to continue to strive toward a more perfect union. I became enamored of this idea when I was in the service. I learned about the courageous members of the Women Airforce Service Pilots, who valiantly contributed to the war effort, despite professional and societal barriers against female professionals. I was amazed by the heroic service of the Tuskegee Airmen, Navajo Code Talkers, and the 442nd Infantry Regiment all units that endured the indignity of segregation, but triumphed, and taught America some valuable lessons. While serving in Iraq, I had the opportunity to become friends with several local interpreters. I became particularly close with Sura, a local from Baghdad, who began serving as an interpreter on U.S. Army patrols at age 19. She overcame societal norms, which dictated that such work was unsuitable for women, and taught all of us that despite our different cultures, we share the same values: security, community, family, laughter, hope. When serving alongside U.S. troops became too much of a risk for Sura and her family, she sought the refuge of America. Today, she is a proud U.S. citizen and graduate student in San Diego, and is looking forward to a career serving others. We are at a critical moment for refugees like Sura: Last month, President Trump set the U.S. refugee admissions cap at a historic low, threatening the ability of people like my friend to find safety in the United States and signaling our departure from global leadership at a time when that leadership is greatly needed. Our society is formed not around a set ethnic identity, but around shared ideals. Thats why, this Veterans Day, I call on our elected leaders, including the president, to remember why, and for what, veterans served. We did not serve for the interests of a single person or political party. We served to protect the founding principles that, for centuries, have made the United States a beacon. These principles have attracted many talented and hardworking people to our shores, have made us more prosperous and revered, and have won us allies and kept us safe. We must start by raising the cap on the number of refugees. Stop vilifying the vulnerable people around the world who believe in the promise of the United States, so much so that they risked their lives in their quest for refuge here. Do not retreat from the world stage, but instead demonstrate that, even in the most difficult of times, the United States will remain steadfast to our ideals and our role as a global leader. I also encourage my fellow Americans to, yes, thank a veteran. But more importantly, recognize that the duty and privilege of service to our national ideals is not reserved only for those who don the uniform. It belongs to all Americans. Call your members of Congress and tell them to take steps toward ensuring that the United States does not abdicate its responsibilities. This Veterans Day, honor our veterans by living out the values for which we fought. Kelsey L. Campbell is a U.S. Air Force veteran, third-year law student at UC Hastings College of the Law, and a member of the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Commission. She is a member of Veterans for American Ideals, a project of Human Rights First. While there are still 118,000 ballots left to count, the new San Francisco Board of Supervisors is taking shape. By Thursday, five candidates held a clear lead over their opponents: incumbent Supervisor Catherine Stefani in District Two, Gordon Mar in District Four, Matt Haney in District Six, incumbent Supervisor Rafael Mandelman in District Eight and Shamann Walton in District 10. The results are based on Thursdays tally under San Franciscos ranked-choice system, which allows voters to designate their second and third choices. The department had counted 242,704 ballots by Thursday. Stefani held the lead Thursday with 53 percent of the vote to BART Director Nick Josefowitzs 47 percent. There were 1,383 votes separating them. In District Four, longtime labor activist Mar led Jessica Ho, who conceded Thursday. Mar captured 56 percent of the vote to her 44 percent. They were separated by 1,720 votes. Haney, a school board member, trounced his opponent, Christine Johnson, a former planning commissioner, in District Six. Haney received 63 percent of the vote, compared to Johnsons 37 percent. Nearly 4,000 votes stood between them. Mandelman won handily in District Eight, with 92 percent of the vote. In District 10, Walton, former school board president, held 63 percent of the vote over Tony Kellys 37 percent. There were 3,223 votes separating them. The Department of Elections is unsure when it will finish counting all the ballots. But by law, it must complete the count by Dec. 6, which is 30 days after the election. Trisha Thadani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: tthadani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @TrishaThadani The Planning Commission preliminarily turned down a proposal to locate a Whole Foods 365 store in the former Lombardis sporting goods store at the corner of Polk and Jackson streets by a 5-1 vote Thursday. After a four-year fight that focused on everything from housing to the impact chain stores have on mom-and-pop businesses, the Planning Commission rejected a stripped-down version of the Whole Foods concept for 1600 Jackson St., which housed Lombardis until 2014. Under the latest version of the plan, the store would have occupied the entire first floor about half of the 43,900-square-foot building and half of the second floor, about 11,000 square feet. The rest of the second floor would have contained eight residential units. The commission had previously asked the developer to include some housing in the project, and several members expressed concern Thursday that eight units were not enough. Its president Rich Hillis, cast the lone vote in support. The commission will take a formal vote on the project Nov. 29. But while the project in its current form is probably at a dead end, the commission indicated the developer could approach the site in a different way. Including more housing would require tearing down the current structure and building a new one. But the areas zoning prohibits commercial spaces larger than 4,000 square feet, not big enough for a full-service grocery store. Its possible, though complicated, to change the zoning for a specific site. Known as spot-zoning, this could open the possibility of a commercial space big enough for a grocery store topped with additional the housing units both the commission and many public speakers at the hearing said they favored. The approval process started in 2015 when Whole Foods first proposed opening the store. While grocery stores are typically popular even in neighborhoods that resist chains, a collection of small business owners and some residents opposed the Whole Foods, arguing it would dilute the character of Polk Streets retail community and hurt long-standing operators such as Cheese Plus and the Jug Shop, a wine and spirits store. Michael Priolo, owner of the nearby Jug Shop, called the proposed store a retail killer during public comment. But proponents of the plan which included many immediate neighbors argued that the neighborhood lacked a full-service grocery store and that the foot traffic generated by the store would help nearby independent stores. Others opposed to the project, including several commissioners, said the site should be used for housing instead. I could not in good conscience let this be a supermarket for the next 25 years in a time of a housing crisis, Commissioner Milicent Johnson said. The Planning Commission had delayed a vote several times, asking the property owner, Village Properties, to explore the feasibility of adding some housing units above the store, which resulted in the project presented Thursday. The commission also voted 5-1 to approve legislation rezoning a roughly 5 acre parcel at 1550 Evans Ave. in the Bayview so the property can become the site of a new and long-awaited community center. The parcel is being used as surplus office space for the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, which owns the property. The legislation, which will require the approval of the Board of Supervisors, includes a provision that would allow for below-market-rate housing to be built as part of the community center project. The housing provision was written by President Malia Cohen, who represents the Bayview. In May, the parcel became a political flash point that exposed tension between the need to build affordable housing in the neighborhood and community autonomy. Many in the Bayview were incensed to learn that, after working with the utilities commission for years to design the community center, city officials were working behind the scenes on an alternative proposal that included about 250 units of affordable housing. Commissioner Dennis Richards cast the lone dissenting vote, siding with many in the Bayview who believe that the development of 1550 Evans should hew to the plan the community created with the utilities commission. Commission General Manager Harlan Kelly has repeatedly stated that there are no plans to build housing as part of the 1550 Evans development, which is slated to begin next year. Dominic Fracassa and J.K. Dineen are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: dfracassa@sfchronicle.com, jdineen@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @dominicfracassa, @SFjkdineen Crying baby at Alinea puts controversy on menu Kim Hartmann and her son, Liam, 14 months, dine at Scoozi in Chicago. (Chris Sweda, Chicago Tribune) You're out to dinner at one of Chicago's most acclaimed restaurants. It cost $470 to reserve a table for two several months ago, and you're reveling in such elaborate menu items as "Woolly Pig," otoro and squab when you hear it: A baby crying. What should or should not happen next remains a fiery debate on Twitter, Facebook, and parenting blogs three days after Alinea owner Grant Achatz shared the real-time example and his own uncertainty on the issue with this provocative Tweet: Advertisement Tbl brings 8mo.Old. It cries. Diners mad. Tell ppl no kids? Subject diners 2crying? Ppl take infants 2 plays? Concerts? Hate saying no, but.. Achatz did not ask the parents to leave, noting that the baby's presence was prompted by a last-minute baby sitter cancellation. But since the tweet, the situation has prompted discussions on NBC's "Today" and ABC's "Good Morning America," and a popular new Twitter handle, @alineababy. Advertisement Award-winning chefs and parenting experts have called for new restaurant policies and more understanding. And parents and nonparents in Chicago and across the country are searching for reasonable guidelines on what is acceptable or not when it comes to bringing children to fine-dining establishments, theaters and other public spaces. "On one hand, if I want to go out to a nice meal, I'd get a baby sitter. But on the other hand, a night out isn't easy to come by when you have young children and the couple was left with few options," said Meghan Poulsom, of Highland Park, the mother of two preschoolers. Alinea, the 64-seat restaurant with a coveted three-Michelin-star rating and repeated rankings as one of the best in the world, carefully outlines its guidelines on its website. Drinks and gratuity are not included in the $210$265 pre-paid tasting menu. Arrive 15 minutes before your ticket time. Tickets are non-refundable, but transferable to friends, neighbors or anyone who can take your place. But Alinea lists no special rules about children. In an email Tuesday, co-owner Nick Kokonas said the restaurant has no plans to change its policy. "We welcome children of all ages who can enjoy the meal there probably isn't an age limit," he said. "And we've had babies that have slept right through the dinner happily. However, like all guests, we ask that a level of decorum is followed that at a minimum does not infringe on the ability of other patrons to enjoy their meal at Alinea." And the public appears divided on the proper level of decorum. "That style of restaurant and that price point is something I wouldn't ever feel comfortable bringing a baby to," said Cathy Subber, owner of Naperville Moms Network and a mother of two. "If you're having this fantastically romantic, wonderful dinner, it would seem that there'd be an expectation that there wouldn't be kids there." Bre Alberico, of Yorkville, concurs. She said she doesn't take her 3-year-old son to expensive restaurants, but observed many kids during a recent dinner at RPM Italian, a trendy new downtown restaurant owned by celebs Giuliana and Bill Rancic. Advertisement "We weren't annoyed, but we were surprised," said the stay-at-home mother. If a sitter hadn't shown up for parents with tickets to some other Chicago cultural institutions, they may have been out of luck. The Lyric Opera does not allow babies. The Goodman Theatre notes in its program book under the heading "In Consideration of Other Patrons": "Babes in arms are not permitted." Don't think about bringing your infant to the new "Phantom of the Opera" production at the Cadillac Palace either, as Broadway in Chicago states: "As a courtesy to our patrons, it is the policy of the theatre not to admit children under the age of 5." And the Chicago Symphony Orchestra does not permit children under 2 at concerts. Except for special programs for young children and families, CSO concerts are also not recommended for children under the age of 8. A child who is disruptive, "will be asked to leave the hall and watch on a monitor," said Celeste Wroblewski, the CSO's vice president for public relations. Advertisement In some ways, the strict no-children policies follow a shift in the way family relationships have evolved in recent years, suggested Steven Mintz, a professor of history at the University of Texas at Austin and author of "Huck's Raft: A History of American Childhood." "We live in a pretty age-segregated world, which is different from the past," he said, noting that kids spend time mostly with other kids, while adults and the elderly also tend to be with their peers. "So we are very sensitive to intrusions, such as on airplanes." Lindsay Pinchuk, a Chicago mother of two and founder and CEO of Bump Club and Beyond, said she usually encourages moms to be adventurous and unapologetic about allowing children to experience the many opportunities available in the Chicago area. The social event company for parents goes as far as to address dining out in its monthly New Mom's Brunch, where expert panelists offer tips. These include going early, taking advantage of known kid-friendly spots or choosing venues that are noisy. "There are so many options there, I sometimes think that parents don't seek them out," Pinchuk said. Still, in recent conversations with parents over the Alinea controversy, the response has been overwhelmingly against bringing baby, she said. Advertisement "If I am going to go out to any kind of fine-dining experience, I don't want to go with my children," Pinchuk said. "I want to relax, have a break and enjoy myself." Subber said if a parent takes the chance of bringing a baby to a nice restaurant, knowing when to call it quits should be part of the arrangement. "At some point, you just say to yourself that it's going to be OK, even if you may have to have everything wrapped up to go and leave," Subber said. For restaurant owners, where pleasing the public is big business, the rules are not as clear-cut. At Chicago restaurants Naha and Brindille, chef Carrie Nahabedian calls the issue of kids at a restaurant a touchy subject. Management encourages diners with infants to come at an earlier hour, when it's easier to accommodate a stroller, Nahabedian said. "Problems develop when guests arrive at the middle of a very heavy dinner service and then complain about the noise for their children," she added. "We have had a few times where we offered mothers the private dining room for them to entertain their kids, nurse or just quiet time." Advertisement For every 300 guests that pack Scoozi restaurant in Chicago's River North neighborhood on Sundays when children dine for free general manager Luis Garcia has come to expect one table of guests that complains about screaming kids. Garcia, a father of two, is never quite sure if he's giving the right response. "I tell them, I wish I can help you. I'll try to move you to another table, but I cannot ask them to leave," said Garcia. "We try to accommodate everybody." vortiz@tribune.com bruin@tribune.com mcaro@tribune.com Democratic leaders in California and Washington joined Thursday in a renewed call for national action to stem the flood of mass shootings, hours after an attacker with a handgun killed 12 people in a Southern California bar. The massacre and others like it cant continue to be seen as just something that happens, Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom said Thursday in San Francisco. Its a gun culture, he said. You cant go to a bar or a nightclub? You cant go to church or a synagogue? Its insane, and thats the only way to describe it. Its been normalized. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., who saw a landmark assault weapons ban she pushed through Congress in 1994 expire 10 years later because of Republican opposition to a renewal, called out her GOP colleagues. We dont know all the details of this latest shooting, but we do know how to start to reduce the frequency of these murders, she said. What were missing is Republican willpower to get it done. Without action by elected officials, she added, the nation will see more bodies lying at the foot of failed Republican leadership. Newsom, two days after his election, was at St. Anthonys Dining Room in the Tenderloin, where he had planned to talk about putting together his administration and serve lunch to needy people. But when a 28-year-old Marine veteran walked into the Borderline Bar and Grill in the Ventura County city of Thousand Oaks late Wednesday and opened fire, his discussion topic changed. Newsom led the push for a 2016 state gun control initiative that requires people to undergo background checks before buying ammunition, bars possession of high-capacity magazines and bans people from bringing in ammunition from outside California. He said too many politicians are satisfied not to even try to deal with mass shootings. The response is not just prayers, he said. The response cant just be excuses. The response sure as hell cant be more guns the idea advanced by President Trump and others that law-abiding, armed citizens can thwart attacks in schools, churches and other public places. This doesnt happen anywhere else on the planet, and we cant let people forget that, Newsom said. In a pair of tweets after the Thousand Oaks killings, Trump said he had been briefed on the shootings and praised the actions of the sheriffs sergeant killed responding to the attack, Ron Helus. Newsom called for the National Rifle Association to be held to account for their rhetoric and their actions. He noted that the NRA has gone to court to challenge his initiatives ban on high-capacity magazines, such as the one the Thousand Oaks shooter reportedly used. The irony of that is not lost on me, he said. He admitted that he doesnt have much sympathy for gun advocates who argue that they are unfairly linked to every mass-shooter attack. Newsom said that he absolutely and unequivocally supports the Second Amendment and the right of people to bear arms. But I also think people have a right not to get a phone call at 2 a.m., just praying that their daughter has survived a mass shooting, he said. California Democrats in Congress were quick to call for action to make it harder for people to get the type of weapons that can be used to kill a large number of people quickly. The American people deserve real action to end the daily epidemic of gun violence that is stealing the lives of our children on campuses, in places of worship and on our streets, said House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi of San Francisco, who may be in position next year to advance gun legislation as the chambers speaker. House Democrats will fight to pass bipartisan, commonsense solutions to prevent gun violence in communities across the country, Pelosi said. In a tweet, Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., said, Leaders in Congress must act not some day, but now. There are plenty of things that can be done quickly, Feinstein said. A renewed ban on military style assault weapons ... is ready for a vote. A bill to ban high-capacity ammunition magazines is ready for a vote. A bill to ban bump stocks, which Republicans agree should be illegal, is ready for a vote, Feinstein said in a statement. We could hold these votes next week and have bills on the presidents desk by Thanksgiving. Instead, Republicans refuse to take any action at all. While federal action might not stop all gun violence, Republicans failure to act is cowardice of record proportions, the senator added. What were lacking is intestinal fortitude from congressional Republicans and President Trump to say enough is enough, Feinstein said. Unless they can stand up to the NRA and the gun lobby, she added, well see more Thousand Oaks, more bodies lying at the foot of failed Republican leadership. California isnt going to wait for action from Congress that may never come, Newsom said. In the absence of them doing their job, California will do its job. I have all the confidence in the world, he said. We have an extraordinary Legislature ... and a governor who wants to raise the bar. John Wildermuth is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jwildermuth@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jfwildermuth Aptly located across from a redwood grove in the middle of San Franciscos Jackson Square area, the first thing you notice about True Botanicals new flagship store is the intoxicating scent essential oils like jasmine, angelica and frankincense dancing together with the warm aroma of reclaimed wood used for the shelving and center console. The space, designed by Los Angeles interior designer Jeremiah Brent, screams California in every detail sky-high whitewashed wood cabinets, random pieces of driftwood, giant slabs of selenite (potent crystals known in the metaphysical world for cleansing energy and bad juju), and blown-up photos of beautiful women with hydrated skin shot by glossy magazine-favorite photographers Inez and Vinoodh. Since the luxury nontoxic skin-care brands inception in 2015, True Botanicals founder and CEO Hillary Peterson knew she wanted to eventually bring it to life by giving it a brick-and-mortar home in San Francisco. That dream manifested in what Peterson calls a self-care sanctuary an 1,800-square-foot sensorial playground complete with a bathtub-size rustic marble sink hosting an army of testers, a reclaimed wood center console populated with products for play, an aromatherapy bar, a lab, and three skin-care treatment rooms where customers can receive custom facials. The brand has come a long way from its humble beginnings in Mill Valley, where it had four employees working out of a small storefront. Now at 35 heads and after closing its Series A Round funding earlier this year when the company raised $8 million, led by Sonoma Brands, including prior investors Unilever Ventures and Cue Ball Capital, True Botanicals is leveling up its direct-to-consumer model by pulling its product from all third-party retailers (excluding Goop, of course) to own the conversation. We want to have a direct relationship with our customers, said Peterson. Having that relationship makes it possible for us to help them select the most impactful products for their skin type and then to offer support as needed to ensure they achieve the results that they are seeking. True Botanicals is expecting its new space, which includes almost 2,000 square feet of office space above the store, to act as an incubator. By having a windowed research and development lab behind the aromatherapy bar, customers are able to be part of the development process. Every product we make is based on customer feedback, Peterson said. As a direct business, weve been able to have a conversation with our customers that influences the products, content and experiences that we are creating; and as a result, our customers are helping us build a community that inspires them. Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more. Janna Mandell is a Marin County freelance writer. Email: style@sfchronicle.com. Last month, San Francisco Public Works tweeted a photo of a Mission District sidewalk that looked like someones bedroom had just exploded. Household items that included mattresses, dressers and clothes were dumped across a good stretch of the block. It was soon cleaned, but its a scene far too commonplace in San Francisco. Between Oct. 2017 and Sept. 2018, Recology and SF Public Works collectively responded to more than 82,000 abandoned waste, or illegal dumping, service orders around the city. Its an issue that blights a neighborhood, Rachel Gordon, director of communications and public affairs at SF Public Works, told SFGATE. I think theres that mentality now where some dont care about taking care of their city, Gordon said. For some reason, some people think that its OK to use the public space as a garbage can. SF Public Works defines illegal dumping, in its basic form, as putting garbage in the public right-of-way. It can be anything from an old couch that someone doesnt want to kitchen garbage that people put next to a public garbage can. Dumping is a citywide issue but some parts of the city fall victim more than others. SF Public Works shared a map with SFGATE that highlighted these affected areas and determined that Districts 9 and 10 were at the top of the list. SF Pubic Works Click on the slideshow above to see the streets with the most service orders made to Recology. District 10, which includes the Bayview-Hunters Point, Potrero Hill, Dogpatch, and Visitacion Valley neighborhoods, had the most 311 service orders made to SF Public Works during this period. Recology also heavily responded to District 9, which includes the Bernal Heights, Dogpatch, Inner Mission, Mission Bay, Potrero Hill, South Beach and SoMa neighborhoods. Gordon says one reason people are dumping trash into District 10 is because theres a lot of undeveloped land, industrial areas and warehouses where people think theyre more likely get away with it. In the past, illegal dumping ran rampant in areas with less foot traffic, and widespread development has now reduced the chance of dumping because theres a higher risk of being caught, Gordon notes. In the case of one illegal dumper a few years ago, a Peninsula party planner threw a large gig and needed somewhere to dispose his trash. He came to District 10 and dumped a pile of plastic cups there but got caught on surveillance cameras, which helped SF Public Works locate him. Illegal dumping can result in a fine of $250. Gordon says the city relies on surveillance cameras that are in known dumping hotspots, but they also rely on other means to catch offenders: Weve done stings where well have someone in an unmarked vehicle just kind of waiting overnight to see if they catch someone coming to dump. When someone reports illegal dumping, it could be through 311, San Francisco's official site for information and complaints, which alerts Recology and SF Public Works. A crew is dispatched as soon as the complaint comes in. Both entities work together, but Gordon says it's Recologys main gig is to address abandoned waste. Since SF Public Works operates 24/7, theyll step in to address the late night to early morning concerns. Well also go and do illegal dumping runs during the day," Gordon said. "If there are abandoned homeless encampments well generally take care of those, not Recology. So why are people dumping illegally? Arent there enough garbage cans to go around in the city? That's not always the case, Gordon says. The problem is that dumpers either dont have garbage service to their home or business, or theres insufficient garbage service for those blue, black and green bins. In such cases, the city or Recology send an inspection team to these folks to verify they have enough bins. Theres also a mindset the city has to work against. Gordon says that when people see a heap of garbage that has lingered on the street, others will be more inclined to put their own trash there and add to the pileup. The end of the month also has a bad reputation with the city since theres always a spike in abandoned waste when people move out of their apartments. Oftentimes, theyll leave unwanted furniture or items behind on the sidewalk. Theres plenty of opportunity to do the right thing, Gordon says. For instance, those who need to get rid of a couch or large item can file a request to Recology through their bulky item pick-up service. Those looking to make some cash or grab free items can turn to platforms like Craigslist or the nonprofit Freecycle. If you spot illegal dumping in your neighborhood you can visit 311 online, use the mobile SF311 app or call 311. Follow Susana Guerrero on Twitter and email her at sguerrero@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. Bay Area residents woke to a strong, sickening smell of smoke inside their homes Friday morning as thick, sooty air from the Camp Fire near Chico poured into the region. After an Election Day largely free of viral social media misinformation, and with little trace of the kind of Russian troll stampede that hit its platform in 2016, executives at Facebook may be tempted to take a victory lap. That would be a mistake. Its true that Facebook and other social media companies have made strides toward cleaning up their services in the past two years. The relative calm we saw on social media Tuesday is evidence that, at least for one day, in one country, the forces of chaos on these services can be contained. But more than anything, this years midterm election cycle has exposed just how fragile Facebook remains. Want a disaster-free Election Day in the social media age? You can have one, but it turns out that it takes constant vigilance from law enforcement agencies, academic researchers and digital security experts for months on end. It takes an ad hoc war room at Facebook headquarters with dozens of staff members working round-the-clock shifts. It takes hordes of journalists and fact checkers willing to police the service for false news stories and hoaxes so that they can be contained before spreading to millions. And even if you avoid major problems from bad actors domestically, you might still need to disclose, as Facebook did late Tuesday night, that you kicked off yet another group of what appeared to be Kremlin-linked trolls. Ive experienced Facebooks fragility firsthand. Every day for the past several months, as Ive covered the midterms through the lens of social media, Ive started my day by looking for viral misinformation on the service. (Ive paid attention to Twitter, YouTube and other social networks, too, but Facebook is the 800-pound gorilla of internet garbage, so it got most of my focus.) Most days, digging up large-scale misinformation on Facebook was as easy as finding baby photos or birthday greetings. There were doctored photos used to stoke fear about the caravan of Latin American migrants headed toward the United States border. There were easily disprovable lies about the women who accused Justice Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault, cooked up by partisans with bad-faith agendas. Every time major political events dominated the news cycle, Facebook was overrun by hoaxers and conspiracy theorists, who used it to sow discord, spin falsehoods and stir up tribal anger. Facebook was generally responsive to these problems after they were publicly called out. But its scale means that even people who work there are often in the dark. Some days, while calling the company for comment on a new viral hoax I had found, I felt like a college RA telling the dean of students about shocking misbehavior inside a dorm hed never visited. (The freshmen are drinking what?) Other days, combing through Facebook falsehoods has felt like watching a nation poison itself in slow motion. A recent study by the Oxford Internet Institute, a department at the University of Oxford, found that 25 percent of all election-related content shared on Facebook and Twitter during the midterm election season could be classified as junk news. Other studies have hinted at progress in stemming the tide of misinformation, but the process is far from complete. A Facebook spokesman, Tom Reynolds, said that the company had improved since 2016, but there is still more work to do. Over the last two years, weve worked hard to prevent misuse of Facebook during elections, Reynolds said. Our teams worked round the clock during the midterms to reduce the spread of misinformation, thwart efforts to discourage people from voting and deal with issues of hate on our services. Facebook has framed its struggle as an arms race between itself and the bad actors trying to exploit its services. But that mischaracterizes the nature of the problem. This is not two sovereign countries locked in battle, or an intelligence agency trying to stop a nefarious foreign plot. This is a rich and successful corporation that built a giant machine to convert attention into advertising revenue, made billions of dollars by letting that machine run with limited oversight, and is now frantically trying to clean up the mess that has resulted. As the votes were being tallied Tuesday, I talked to experts who have paid close attention to Facebooks troubles over the past several years. Most agreed that Election Day itself had been a success, but the company still had plenty to worry about. I give them better marks for being on the case, said Michael Posner, a professor of ethics and finance at New York Universitys Stern School of Business. But its yet to be seen how effective its going to be. Theres an awful lot of disinformation still out there. On the surface, for Facebook in particular, its better because some of the worst content is getting taken down, said Jonathan Albright, research director at the Tow Center for Digital Journalism at Columbia University. Albright, who has found networks of Russian trolls operating on Facebook in the past, has written in recent days that some of the companys features in particular, Facebook groups that are used to spread misinformation are still prone to exploitation. For blatantly false news, theyre not even close to getting ahead of it, Albright said. Theyre barely keeping up. Jennifer Grygiel, an assistant professor at Syracuse University who studies social media, said that Facebooks pattern of relying on outside researchers and journalists to dig up misinformation and abuse is worrying. Its a bad sign that the war rooms, especially Facebooks war room, didnt have this information first, Grygiel said. Its worth asking, over the long term, why a single American company is in the position of protecting free and fair elections all over the world. But that is the case now, and we now know that Facebooks action or inaction can spell the difference between elections going smoothly and democracies straining under a siege of misinformation and propaganda. To Facebooks credit, it has become more responsive in recent months, including cracking down on domestic disinformation networks, banning particularly bad actors such as Alex Jones of Infowars, and hiring more people to deal with emerging threats. But Facebook would not have done this on its own. It took sustained pressure from lawmakers, regulators, researchers, journalists, employees, investors and users to force the company to pay more attention to misinformation and threats of election interference. Facebook has shown, time and again, that it behaves responsibly only when placed under a well-lit microscope. So as our collective attention fades from the midterms, it seems certain that outsiders will need to continue to hold the company accountable, and push it to do more to safeguard its users in every country, during every election season from a flood of lies and manipulation. Kevin Roose is a New York Times writer. As an undergraduate at Harvard, Sorvino majored in East Asian literature and culture, writing a thesis about racial conflict in China. Although she loved academics, she occasionally auditioned for film roles and sometimes felt conflicted about which path to follow. She was visiting her father in California during summer vacation when she found out, in the same day, that shed been passed over for parts in Mystic Pizza and Dead Poets Society. As she did laps in her fathers pool Sorvino has an uncanny memory for these kinds of details she went back and forth about what to do next: stay in school or take a semester off to focus on her career. The elder Sorvino had his friend, Warren Beatty, call and tell her to stay in school. She listened. This article was first published on NerdWallet.com. NerdWallet is here to help you win Black Friday, while leaving your budget intact. We spend the time, you save the money. Visit regularly for tips and announcements about the best holiday deals from your favorite retailers. Black Friday is Nov. 23. Costco Black Friday deals 2018 The 2018 Costco Black Friday ad has arrived! While stores are closed on Thanksgiving, the wholesale club will offer exclusive savings online throughout the day. The Black Friday sale lasts from Nov. 23 to Nov. 26, but some online deals are available as early as Nov. 22. It mainly features electronics but also includes food, clothing and furniture. See store hours and example deals below. Hours: Opens at 9 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 23. Check out some highlights from the eight-page ad: $50 off the Fitbit Versa. $100 off the Xbox One S Minecraft Creators bundle. 40-inch Vizio Class 1080p LED LCD TV for $199.99. $30 off the Google Home Mini three pack ($69.99). Up to $620 off a Whirlpool washer-dryer set. $100 off the Nikon D3500 DSLR camera 2-lens bundle ($499.99). $300 off the HP Pavilion 15.6-inch 1080p touchscreen Windows 10 professional laptop ($799.99). $35 off the Instant Pot Nova Plus 6-quart 9-in-1 pressure cooker. Visit NerdWallet to view the full Costco Black Friday ad Weve got another 13 pages of Costco savings, all available between Nov. 16 and Nov. 26. Make sure to read the fine print, as some deals are offered only in stores or only online. Here are some of our favorites: 43-inch Samsung class 4K UHD LED LCD TV for $279.99 (in store only). Get a $300 Costco Cash Card via online redemption with purchase of the Samsung Galaxy Note9, S9 or S9 Plus (in store only). HP Envy x360 15.6-inch 2-in-1 touchscreen laptop for $699.99 (regularly $899.99, online only). $200 off Microsoft Surface Pro bundles. $100 of the Casper king-size memory foam mattress (online only). Costco Black Friday deals 2017 Costcos 2017 Black Friday sale started on Thanksgiving online and at 9 a.m. Black Friday in stores. The deals featured discounts on a range of home electronics. Heres a quick look back: $50 off the Google Home Voice-Activated Speaker. $100 off the DJI Mavic Pro Aerial Drone Camera Bundle. $80 off the Xbox One S Bundle. $100 off the Playstation 4. Check out our list of 2018 ad leaks for up-to-date deal news from a wide range of retailers. Lauren Schwahn is a writer at NerdWallet. Email: lschwahn@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @lauren_schwahn. The article Costco Black Friday 2018 Ad, Deals and Store Hours originally appeared on NerdWallet. From the front lines of the Camp Fire, photojournalist Josh Edelson captured images of towering walls of flames that devoured Paradise, Calif., in a day. A hospital, a Safeway, a Grocery Outlet, schools, gas stations, a hospital, a KFC, a Taco Bell, a Burger King and McDonald's are among the structures Edelson saw burn in the town east of Chico. "This thing went crazy," he said. "It exploded super fast. Yesterday, pretty much the entire town of Paradise was on fire. The firefighters for the most part were just kind of letting it happen because the wind was blowing flames everywhere and it was unstoppable. They did structure protection where they could." Edelson has photographed California wildfires for more than 10 years and says the fast-pace of the Camp Fire resembled the Carr Fire that blackened 229,651 acres near Redding in the summer. "I've been doing this a long time, and they wildfires have gotten a lot crazier," he says. "It used to be relatively predictable. Now, you don't know what to expect. Every year, a new fire breaks out that defies all the rules and behavior of fires. Every year is the new normal, the new extreme. More deaths. More destruction." ALSO: Suffocating smoke blankets Bay Area, not expected to clear until Saturday The Camp Fire is becoming known for its fast-moving pace, blackening more than 70,000 acres in less than 24 hours. The fire started Thursday morning at 6:30 a.m. and within three hours had spread across 5,000 acres. By Friday morning, the raging inferno had torn through most of the town of Paradise, burning hundreds of buildings. The Butte County Sheriff's Department has confirmed nine deaths and says there will be more. More than 52,000 people have evacuated and Thursday night parts of east Chico were ordered to evacuate. Reports on the scanner Thursday said people were evacuating on foot as the traffic grew to a halt and Edelson saw those abandoned cars around the Paradise area. "There were abandoned cars littered all over the place...in ditches, just parked in the middle of roads, burned," he says. MORE: Strange thing fell from the sky when Chico resident went to look at smoke from Camp Fire When SFGATE checked in with Edelson Friday morning he was trying to get a little sleep in the back of his Toyota 4Runner parked in an open field in Chico, planning to return to the fire today to capture more of the devastation. "The thing that's scariest is the power lines coming down," he says. "Often you'll be driving and then there's a power line suddenly right at eye level and you just can't see it until its in your face and then you have to slam on your brakes." With California fire season well underway, it's clear that people and pets will need help in the days, weeks and months to come. If you're looking to assist, we've broken down some ways you can help both right now and any time: HOW TO HELP RIGHT NOW: People interested in volunteering or donating as-needed may sign up with the Red Cross. The Red Cross has a volunteer page here. Do not call emergency services unless you see active, unattended flames or a life-threatening situation. Emergency services around the state are overwhelmed right now, and do not need more calls unless you have an immediate emergency. Stay off the roads, if possible. You are hindering emergency vehicles and urgent evacuees from getting through. HOW TO HELP ANY TIME: You can donate to the Red Cross, which helps distribute disaster relief aid. In addition to online donations, you can also call all 1-800 RED CROSS or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Facebook has launched a "Crisis Center," where users can donate to a number of fundraisers and offer direct help to survivors. Airbnb is offering some free accommodations to wildfire evacuees. For more information, see their website. SHELTERS: (Call beforehand to make sure they're not full) Oroville Church of the Nazarene at 2238 Monte Vista Ave. in Oroville, Calif. Butte County Fairgrounds at 199 E Hazel St. in Gridley, Calif. Please note that many shelters have sufficient supplies. Monetary donations may be best, as families can use them to purchase what they need. In airport news, Southwest is trying out a new procedure for boarding and deplaning at four California airports; Los Angeles approves a $2 billion contract for LAX's big new consolidated rental car center; Packing and leaving new Mexico City airport; Atlanta travelers will have more places to catch a nap at the airport; and biometric passenger processing is coming to Dallas/Ft. Worth and London Heathrow. Did you know passenger aircraft still have rear doors? If you're going to be flying out of Mineta San Jose, Sacramento, Burbank or Long Beach on Southwest Airlines, you might get a chance to use one. The airline has been testing new boarding and deplaning procedures at those four airports over the last year that involve using both the front and rear aircraft doors for passengers to get on or off, with the expectation that it will speed things up. The carrier recently created a page on its website to explain the process. The option will be available at select gates only, and gate agents will make an announcement if it is. "Opting to board or deplane through the back means you may be going up (or down) a set of stairs and walking on the tarmac outside. If you have trouble with stairs or chose to bring heavy carry-ons, you may want to board in the front of the plane through the jetbridge as you normally would," Southwest said. Pre-boarding will still be done via the jetbridge and the front door, and the airline's policy of open seating will still apply. Have you tried this yet? Let us know how it went in the comments. Construction of that long-planned Consolidated Rent-A-Car (ConRAC) facility at Los Angeles International will finally be getting under way (is there anything at LAX that isn't under construction these days?) after the city council awarded L.A. Gateway Partners a contract valued at up to $2 billion to build the 5.3 million square foot structure, which will be linked to the passenger terminals by the new people-mover system coming to the airport. Don't change your LAX routine yet, though the giant new rental center won't open until 2023. The ConRAC site is bordered by Aviation Blvd. on the west, Arbor Vitae St. to the north, La Cienega Blvd. on the east and the new 98th St. extension to the south. It will provide parking stalls for 6,600 rental vehicles; LAX is the nation's second-largest market for airport rentals after Orlando. Airport officials say it should make the LAX traveler's experience less of a hassle by eliminating all those rental car shuttles constantly circling the terminal roadways. What once was a busy construction site, with many thousands of workers building an airport on land the size of Manhattan, is slowly becoming a ghost town since Mexicos's incoming president, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, pulled the plug on the project late last month. Cranes are coming down; teams are packing up. Even though the construction won't be officially canceled until Dec. 1, when Lopez Obrador takes office, some companies have started preparing for the inevitable. Bloomberg News photographer Brett Gundlock took his third trip to the construction site, where he estimates that only about 25 percent of the workforce remains. Check out this slideshow from Bloomberg. Minute Suites, which provides private spaces at airports for weary travelers to catch some Zs, must be doing well at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson because its planning to increase its presence there from the current two locations to six, with a combined total of 42 sleep suites and six showers. Minute Suites are currently available in two locations on Concourses T and B. Those concourses will get two more locations in 2019 that are part of a new Traveler's Oasis concept that also features a mini-spa and a Chiroport location for chiropractic treatments. Additional Mini Suites sites will be coming to ATL's Concourse E (with 16 sleep units and two showers) and Concourse F (with six suites and one shower). Suites can be booked for periods ranging from 15 minutes to eight-hour day rates or overnight; showers can be booked separately or with a suite. The company has a new mobile app for reservations. The biometrics binge is coming to Dallas/Ft. Worth International next year. The airport is working on a project with American Airlines, Hilton and the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) along with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the U.K. Border Agency. It will first be introduced for passengers traveling between DFW and London. The effort will rely on biometric technology "to conduct all airline security, airport and border processes before accessing car rental and hotel check-in using the same biometric information," WTTC said. "Our vision is that the traveler won't need to provide the same information or passport multiple times. Instead, their experience will be seamless, faster and more enjoyable throughout their entire journey. Biometrics will work at every touchpoint of the journey to make travelling easier for the passenger while providing border services with greater security," said WTTC President Gloria Guevara. That DFW biometrics project could be small potatoes compared with one that's coming to London Heathrow starting in 2019. The airport has been testing biometric technologies here and there, but it now says that in 2019 it plans to roll out "the world's largest deployment of biometrically enabled products including bag drops and self-boarding gates." It will rely on facial recognition for passenger check-in, baggage drops, security lanes and boarding gates, eliminating the need for any hand-carried IDs like boarding cards and passports. Heathrow said the $65 million effort could reduce the average passenger's processing time at the airport by one-third. "The long-term aim of the technology will be for passengers to be able to walk through the airport without breaking their stride," an airport spokesperson said. Read all recent TravelSkills posts here Get twice-per-week updates from TravelSkills via email! Sign up here Chris McGinnis is the founder of TravelSkills.com. The author is solely responsible for the content above, and it is used here by permission. You can reach Chris at chris@travelskills.com or on Twitter @cjmcginnis. Muti convened a superb quartet of vocal soloists for the occasion, but one of them came closest to matching the ardor of the conductors approach. Soprano Vittoria Yeo, making her CSO debut, offered impeccable pitch and a piercing tone that carried far above the eruptions of an enormous orchestra and double chorus (the latter prepared by Duain Wolfe). Yeos operatic turns of phrase, extraordinarily subtle rubato and from-the-gut lamentations thoroughly suited the character of this Requiem and Mutis conception of it (the work will be included in the CSOs Asia tour early next year). The Satanic Temple, a non-theistic group that advocates for individual freedom, is squaring off against a witch or rather, against the television production companies behind her. Last month, Satanic Temple co-founder Lucien Greaves told SFGATE he was "distressed" to hear that a statue design strongly resembling their own statue of the medieval deity Baphomet, appeared in Netflix's "The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina." Initially, after watching portions of the show, Greaves and the Temple's lawyer sent a cease and desist letter to Netflix. After it went unanswered, the group decided to take action; on Thursday, the Temple sued Netflix and Warner Brothers for $50 million for copyright infringement. The Satanic Temple's statue depicts Baphomet a winged deity with a goat's head and human's body seated, with a pentagram on his forehead, flanked by two children looking up at him. As Greaves told CNBC, the design is "a central icon that has come to represent us [Satanists] as a people." In the Netflix and Warner Brothers' "Sabrina" show, a similar statue appears at the school Sabrina Spellman (Kiernan Shipka) attends. "It's distressing on the grounds that you have to worry about that association being made where people will see your monument and not know which preceded the other," he told SFGATE, "and thinking that you arbitrarily decided to go with the Sabrina design for your Baphomet monument, which rather cheapens our central icon." The Temple's primary concern pertains not just to copyright issues, but also the disconnect between what the Temple's Baphomet represents to its members and what the statue is associated with in the Netflix show. In particular, Greaves took issue with the "evil" practices he feels "Sabrina" tied to the statue image. The filing details that the Temple's statue design was created to promote the group's "First Amendment values of separation of church and state." Netflix's use of the image, they allege, blurs that meaning. "Defendants' prominent use of this symbol as the central focal point of the school associated with evil, cannibalism and murder blurs and tarnishes the (The Satanic Temple) Baphomet with Children as a mark of (The Satanic Temple)," it reads. The Temple is seeking $150 million in damages and additional reimbursement of attorney's fees. Edit: This article originally stated that the Satanic Temple was seeking $50 million in damages. That amount has been corrected to $150 million. SFGATE has reached out to the Satanic Temple for further comment. Alyssa Pereira is an SFGATE staff writer. Email her at apereira@sfchronicle.com or find her on Twitter at @alyspereira. Scott Mcintyre / New York Times LAUDERHILL, Fla. Recount mania overtook Florida on Friday, harkening to the national drama of the 2000 presidential election as lawyers marched into courts on two ends of the state, protesters demanded the ouster of a local elections official in the states second-largest county and a trickle of ballots continued to be tallied. Protesters, many of them carrying signs supportive of President Trump, gathered outside the office of the Broward County supervisor of elections in Lauderhill as the local canvassing board prepared to meet. The demonstrators called for the removal of Brenda Snipes, an elected Democrat whose office has a history of problematic elections, chanting, Lock her up! WASHINGTON Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was hospitalized Thursday morning with three broken ribs after falling in her office Wednesday evening, a spokeswoman said. Ginsburg, 85, went home after her fall, but experienced discomfort over the night. She was admitted to George Washington University Hospital, where doctors found three broken ribs on her left side, Kathy Arberg, a Supreme Court spokeswoman, said in a statement. The next sitting of the Supreme Court begins on Nov. 26, and Ginsburgs history suggests the injuries are not likely to keep her away. She broke two ribs in 2012, without missing work. And she returned to work quickly after undergoing a heart procedure in 2012. She is also a cancer survivor and returned to work less than three weeks after having surgery. Even as Ginsburg has shown she bounces back quickly from health setbacks, liberals have become jittery about how much more time she will be able to serve, particularly with the balance of the Supreme Court shifting to the right because of President Trumps appointment of two conservative justices. Broken ribs are usually painful, and could puncture the lung, depending on the specifics of the break. Arberg did not provide additional details about how Ginsburg fell or whether she fell because of another medical condition. Broken ribs typically take six weeks to heal, but it varies from case to case. By midmorning, Trump had not publicly commented on Ginsburgs hospitalization. The president was at the Supreme Court on Thursday morning for a ceremony for Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who was sworn in last month. Ginsburg was appointed in 1993 and is the oldest justice on the panel. She has said that she will stay for as long as she is healthy and mentally sharp. Originally from New York, Ginsburg is known for her lifetime of work fighting for womens rights and gained social media popularity in recent years with her own meme and nickname, Notorious R.B.G. She was the subject of a documentary over the summer, and Hollywood is making a movie from her life story. Eileen Sullivan and Adam Liptak are New York Times writers. ATLANTA Republican Brian Kemp resigned Thursday as Georgias secretary of state, a day after his campaign said he had captured enough votes to become governor. His Democratic rival, Stacey Abrams, refused to concede and her campaign demanded that state officials count every single vote. As the states top election official, Kemp oversaw the race, a marquee contest in the nations midterms. His resignation Thursday morning came as a hearing began for a lawsuit in which five voters asked that he be barred from exercising his duties in any future management of his own election tally. Abrams campaign had repeatedly accused Kemp of improperly using his post as secretary of state and had been calling for him to step down for months, saying his continuation in the job was a conflict of interest. Kemp made clear that he wasnt stepping down in response to that criticism, but to start on his transition to the governors office. His resignation took effect just before noon Thursday. He said an interim secretary of state had been appointed to oversee the rest of the vote count. The Associated Press has not called the election. Shortly after Kemps announcement, Abrams campaign and its legal team held a news conference to announce that they would not give up the fight to have all ballots counted. They insisted enough votes remained uncounted to affect the outcome of the election. This is all public information, ladies and gentlemen, public information, said campaign manager Lauren Groh-Wargo. We demand that Secretary of State Kemp, his campaign ... they need to release all the data, all the numbers, and they need to count every single vote. The lawyers said they planned to file a lawsuit against officials in Dougherty County, where they said absentee ballots were delayed because of Hurricane Michael, which devastated parts of south Georgia. Also Thursday, Republican Rep. Karen Handel conceded her long-red House seat in the Atlanta suburbs to an African American gun control advocate making her first run for public office. Handel said her careful review of the vote count shows she narrowly lost to Democrat Lucy McBath. McBath won in the 6th district the seat former House Speaker Newt Gingrich held when he led a GOP congressional takeover in mid-1990s by campaigning as a mother on a mission to strengthen gun control laws. Her 17-year-old son, Jordan Davis, was fatally shot at a Florida gas station in 2012 by a white man who was angry over the loud music the black teenager and his friends had been playing in their car. She later became a national spokeswoman for the group Everytown for Gun Safety. Bill Barrow and Kate Brumback are Associated Press writers. NEW YORK The White House has suspended the press pass of CNN correspondent Jim Acosta after he and President Trump had a heated confrontation during a news conference. They began sparring Wednesday after Acosta asked Trump about the caravan of migrants heading from Latin America to the southern U.S. border. When Acosta tried to follow up with another question, Trump said, Thats enough! and a female White House aide unsuccessfully tried to grab the microphone from Acosta. White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders released a statement accusing Acosta of placing his hands on a young woman just trying to do her job as a White House intern, calling it absolutely unacceptable. The interaction between Acosta and the intern was brief, and Acosta appeared to brush her arm as she reached for the microphone and he tried to hold onto it. Pardon me, maam, he told her. Acosta tweeted that Sanders statement that he put his hands on the aide was a lie. CNN said in a statement that the White House revoked Acostas press pass out of retaliation for his challenging questions Wednesday, and the network accused Sanders of lying about Acostas actions. (Sanders) provided fraudulent accusations and cited an incident that never happened. This unprecedented decision is a threat to our democracy and the country deserves better, CNN said. Jim Acosta has our full support. Journalists assigned to cover the White House apply for passes that allow them daily access to press areas in the West Wing. White House staffers decide whether journalists are eligible, though the Secret Service determines whether their applications are approved. The post-midterm election news conference marked a new low in the presidents relationship with journalists. Its such a hostile media, Trump said after ordering reporter April Ryan of the American Urban Radio Networks to sit down when she tried to ask him a question. The president complained that the media did not cover the humming economy and was responsible for much of the countrys divided politics. He said, I can do something fantastic, and they make it look not good. His exchanges with CNNs Acosta and NBC News Peter Alexander turned bitterly personal, unusual even for a forum where the nature of their jobs often put presidents and the press at odds. I came in here as a nice person wanting to answer questions, and I had people jumping out of their seats screaming questions at me, said Trump, who talked for nearly 90 minutes despite the run-ins with reporters. Acosta asked Trump why the caravan of migrants was emphasized as an issue in the just-concluded midterm races, and he questioned Trumps reference to the caravan as an invasion. You should let me run the country, Trump said. You run CNN and if you did it well, your ratings would be much better. After Acosta asked about the investigation of Russias involvement in the 2016 election, Trump tried to turn to Alexander, but Acosta continued to ask questions. CNN should be ashamed of itself having you work for them, the president said to Acosta. You are a rude, terrible person. You shouldnt be working for CNN. The way you treat Sarah Sanders is horrible. The way you treat other people is horrible. Alexander came to his colleagues defense. Ive traveled with him and watched him, Alexander said. Hes a diligent reporter who busts his butt like the rest of us. Im not a big fan of yours, either, Trump replied. Trump also turned on reporter Yamiche Alcindor of PBS NewsHour. She said that on the campaign trail, you called yourself a nationalist. Some people saw that as emboldening white nationalists. Trump interrupted her, calling it a racist question. David Bauder is an Associated Press writer. And also the fertility issue, people don't talk about miscarriages. And I asked her, what was said to her to help her through it? And she said it was just such a great loss, and you feel like, as a woman, that you made a mistake of some sort, but she has this wonderful community of friends and when she was talking to them about it and they all were sharing too that they had gone through it. And its something that she just wants to lift the veil and let people be able to discuss it and be able to know that theyre not alone when theyre going through something like that. THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. Firefighters in opposite ends of California fought back fast-moving blazes Friday morning as wildfires raged out of control near major cities, forced tens of thousands of residents to flee their homes and damaged hundreds of buildings. In Northern California, firefighters in Chico lined up on the outskirts of the city Friday morning to try to push the Camp Fire away from homes and subdivisions. The fire erupted Thursday with towering flames and thick smoke as it quickly scorched 20,000 acres and swallowed buildings in its path. The destructive wildfire tore through Paradise, a town of about 26,000, Thursday as it barreled toward Chico in Butte County. It forced a hospital to evacuate and expanded with such ferocity that some people in their cars jumped out to flee on foot. In Southern California, the Woolsey Fire near Thousand Oaks had consumed 8,000 acres and destroyed at least 75 homes as of Friday morning, state fire officials said. Residents in 75,000 homes in Ventura and Los Angeles counties have been told to evacuate immediately. The blaze began as a brush fire late Thursday and rapidly transformed into a racing inferno. The Woolsey Fire delivered a one-two punch for Thousand Oaks, igniting just hours after a gunman opened fire inside a popular country music bar in the city Wednesday night and killed 12 people. On Friday morning, people who had fled their homes gathered in a shelter set up at the Thousand Oaks Teen Center, which was used the day before as a meeting place for families and friends of shooting victims. Some slept on cots, while others huddled around a television to watch the latest news about the fire. High winds and dry conditions fueled the Camp Fire and Woolsey Fire through the night and presented tough conditions for the nearly 3,000 firefighters deployed to both blazes. Residents in two cities in the north, Inskip and Sterling, were told Friday morning to evacuate. And after the Woolsey Fire jumped the freeway and quickly expanded up a hill on the other side, authorities in Ventura County shut down a section of Highway 101, a major artery in the region. Two colleges whose campuses are near that fire, Pepperdine University in Malibu and California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, canceled classes. Californias governor-elect, Gavin Newsom, declared a state of emergency Thursday afternoon and asked President Donald Trump for federal assistance for Butte County and Ventura County. This article originally appeared in The New York Times Like Wiesel, Burger combines stories and questions in his writing. For example, Burger tells us about a Faith and Heresy class, when he saw a student named Nadia raise her hand and then lower it several times. Nadia was the granddaughter of a former SS officer. In class, Burger writes, she is extremely shy and has not yet spoken up, but now she clearly has a burning question to ask. I catch her eye and nod encouragingly. Go ahead, I think. She raised her hand and this time she keeps it up. Professor Wiesel smiles and calls on her. The National Legislative Assembly on Friday submitted proposed amendments to the Health Ministry that would put marijuana and the plant kratom, popular locally as a stimulant and painkiller, into a legal category that would allow their licensed possession and distribution under regulated conditions. The ministry will review the amendments before forwarding them to the Cabinet, which will return it to the legislature for a version that will then be voted on. The process may be completed before the end of the year. Anthony Bourdain, the late, great food and travel writer and celebrity chef host of the CNN series "Parts Unknown," may have done more than anyone else to awaken America to the savory delights and unique cultural significance of Cajun food. Bourdain cherished southern Louisiana and he visited the region many times, beginning with a 2003 episode of his early Food Network show, "A Cook's Tour." His last visit, to join a boisterous Cajun Mardi Gras celebration in 2018, aired on CNN June 17, little more than a week following his tragic death. Typical of his reporting style, Bourdain's Cajun Country coverage was as much about the place and its people as it was about food. "Cajuns do things their way, always have, always will," Bourdain says on "Parts Unknown." "Whether it's hanging on to the French language of their ancestors, their music traditions, or food, Cajuns fiercely keep it all alive." And now, one Louisiana parish is doing its part to keep alive for visitors the special appeal of Cajun cuisine and the unique culture that surrounds it. Located about an hour's drive south of New Orleans, Lafourche Parish is a 1,500-square mile swath of saltwater marshes, bayous and crossroads communities strung out between parish seat Thibodaux (pop. 14,567) and Port Fourchon on the Gulf of Mexico. It is a region authentically and unapologetically Cajun to its roots, going all the way back to its 17th century settlement as a district of New France. Seeking a plan designed to promote its wealth of Cajun eateries, the parish tourist office Louisiana's Cajun Bayou Tourism earlier this year launched the Cajun Bayou Food Trail. The Trail is comprised of 18 restaurants and six festivals and events, all of which focus on helping visitors understand how the region's food and culture are so deliciously and forever intertwined. "Here along the Bayou, Cajuns use what's around them, pulling from the water and plucking from the land to find the freshest ingredients and then they tend to mix it all together in one big pot," says Timothy Bush, president and CEO of Louisiana's Cajun Bayou Tourism. "Our food has a story that's rooted in traditions and expressed by the wonderful storytellers who own and operate restaurants along the Trail." Navigating the Trail is simple. If you wish to participate, first go to the Trail's website, www.lacajunbayou.com/foodtrail, to download a Trail map and a passport. Visit at least seven of the 18 participating eateries, ask your servers to stamp your passport, and then drop by Louisiana's Cajun Bayou Tourism Visitor Center on Highway 1 in Raceland to receive a free T-shirt that reads "I Wandered Up & Down the Bayou." Alternatively, you can mail the passport to Louisiana's Cajun Bayou Tourism, P.O. Box 340, Raceland, LA 70394 to receive your shirt. I was pleased to accept an invitation from Bush and staff members Melissa Durocher and Kellie Walters to take a spin along the Trail shortly after its inauguration in May. This wouldn't be my first visit to Cajun Country. I've authored a number of articles on the region dating back to the mid-1980s. The most memorable of them was a profile of the internationally renowned Cajun chef Paul Prudhome for American Airlines' American Way magazine. My appetite was nonetheless primed for this return visit, with taste buds tingling in anticipation of such down home "Loosiana" delights as gumbo, etouffee, jambalaya, boiled crab and crawfish, red beans and rice, poboys and pecan pralines. Most of the 18 restaurants on the Cajun Bayou Food Trail are strung out along Louisiana Highway 1, a two-lane blacktop that runs for 72 miles from Thibodaux south to the Gulf at Port Fourchon. Following that route south, my first stop on day one of a four-day itinerary aimed at sampling 10 of the Trail's eateries found me at Harry's Poboys, a no-frills roadside food stand in the rural community of Larose. It was a timely arrival, just ahead of the lunchtime crowd that assembles every weekday to feast on oversized shrimp, chicken or beef sandwiches turned out by Chas and Nicole Cheramie. A second-generation member of Lafourche Parish's most prominent food family, Chas purchased the shop two years ago from its original owner of 26 years, Harry Herbert. Beef is a rarity on most Cajun menus but it was Harry's roast beef poboy, seasoned with a highly secret concoction of spices, that became the region's long-standing sandwich sensation. So, of course, I had to try one. It was a messy, two-fisted task, but the zesty flavor of this super-sized sub more than delivered on its promise. It was drip-down-your arms delicious and by far the best roast beef sandwich I've ever tasted. Next stop on my agenda, about a dozen miles down Highway 1, was Galliano, a town of about 7,500 people nestled alongside Bayou Lafourche, where I would meet up with Anthony Goldsmith, owner and chef at Kajun Twist. Another long-established enterprise, this restaurant, smartly decorated in 50's style, was founded 32 years ago by Goldsmith's grandfather, Anthony Toups. Although he's best known for his fried chicken, Goldsmith, an articulate 28-year-old with a business degree from LSU, likes to dabble in more traditional Cajun fare and wanted me to try his shrimp boulette. A sandwich of sorts, it features a deep-fried patty made up of shrimp, potato, pepper and onion that harkens from an original Cajun specialty known as a boulette de crevette frite. Piquant and comfortably crunchy, I'd take one of these over fried chicken any day. Although I'd eaten twice in the last couple of hours, the prospect of trying some seafood at Leeville Seafood Restaurant, a highly rated restaurant right on the edge of the Gulf near Port Fourchon, seemed promising. Greeting me was owner and manager Sue Cheramie, mother of Chas (of poboy fame), and grande dame of the Cheramie family of restaurateurs. Chas' brother Norah and his wife, Donna, operate a seafood eatery of their own, Cher Amie's, another of the Food Trail restaurants, located in the nearby town of Cut Off. All of them grew up in the business under Sue's tutelage. None of the Cheramies had any culinary training. "It just came to us from cooking for the family," said Sue as she served me a sampling of her specialties: a bowl of shrimp, crab and corn chowder, soft shell crab and a platter of fried oysters. All of Sue's seafood is delivered fresh daily by local fishermen a big reason why it is way beyond delicious. Realizing that a boy can't eat all day long even with an appetite like mine my plan included time here and there to engage in some of Lafourche's non-gastronomical activities and attractions. Fishing would be the first of them, and from what I'd read, Port Fourchon was the right place for that. I'd chosen to hook up with Chris Moran, one of the area's top guides, who also owns and operates a marina conveniently flanked by a restaurant and a motel where I'd spend the next two nights. It was early to bed and early to rise in order to join a Virginia family on a charter trip aboard Moran's Venture 39, a sleek, speedy offshore fishing machine that would accommodate six of us quite comfortably. While I knew that Fourchon was home to some oil and gas activity, the massive scale of the operation only became apparent to me as we motored out of the marina through a pre-dawn mist. The magnitude of it was breathtaking like a scene from a science fiction movie with hundreds of vessels lining row upon row of marine docks and a vast web of pipelines connecting to towering oil storage tanks. As Chris explained it, Port Fourchon is the country's largest base for offshore oil support, servicing 90 percent of the Gulf's deep-water oil production from more than 600 oil platforms extending some 50 miles offshore. The area supplies nearly 20 percent of the United States' entire oil production. In a sense, this huge petro-complex seems invasive to the natural world of the Gulf, but ironically enough the fish love it. Dozens of saltwater species swarm about the oil platforms and within a matter of hours we were netting fish as fast as we could reel them in. On this day, the catch included dozens of cobia, ranging up to 20 pounds, mangrove snapper, amberjack and grouper. Having consumed only a banana and a bag of trail mix all day, I was grateful for an invitation to sample some of my catch a snapper filet smothered in creamy shrimp and crab sauce and a blackened slab of grouper served up in grand style that evening at C Moran's Restaurant. Back on the eatin' path next morning, I made my way north on Highway 1, stopping again in Galliano at Rose's Cafe. Judging from the jam-packed parking lot, it was apparent this is the go-to place for breakfast in these parts. Operated with resounding success for more than 30 years by Rose Duet, the restaurant was purchased by Gina Griffin and her family in 2014 and they've clearly managed to keep the buzz going. "Its not just the food," says Gina, "it's the love we put into cooking it." And believe you me, I was feeling and tasting the amour with every forkful of my man-sized breakfast consisting of a fluffy shrimp omelet, biscuits 'n gravy and grits. It was time now to head to the "big city" of Thibodaux for a scheduled visit at the Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center, part of the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. The center traces the history and culture of the Acadians (Cajuns) from the 1600s to the present through exhibits, artifacts, videos, films, music events and ranger- narrated tours of local historic and natural sites. A visit to the center is a perfect adjunct for anyone following the Food Trail. Back to the business of eating, I made my way to Bubba's II Poboys, the city's most popular lunch spot for going on 30 years. Counter service keeps things moving quickly here and I had to think fast as I surveyed owner Neil Swanner's lengthy menu that lists far more seafood dishes than poboys. I went for a bowl of gumbo and a Super Seafood Salad a sizeable creation overstuffed with boiled shrimp, crawfish and crabmeat and topped with a savory remoulade dressing. I was particularly impressed with the gumbo and when I told Swanner so, he said that gumbo is often the subject of friendly competition among Cajun chefs, adding, "Like I usually tell the others, 'Your gumbo is great but mine is just a little better.' " Taking a break from my hyperactive schedule, I checked in at the Carmel Inn, a modest, family-owned motor inn situated a few blocks from the city center on the site of the 1855 Mount Carmel Convent. It would prove a comfortable and convenient spot to roost during the final two days of my Food Trail odyssey. That evening I walked downtown to join Melissa Durocher from Cajun Bayou Tourism at The Venetian. Housed in one of Thibodaux's oldest buildings, it's something of a Cajun nightclub, featuring Acadian food and music. On this evening, Quenton Fontenot, who heads up the Cajun Music Preservation Society, had assembled a group of eight local musicians to pick and play as Melissa and I devoured an enormous pile of boiled crawfish (a Cajun delicacy seasonally available from roughly March to June) and a platter of duck tenders. It was the consummate finale to another great day on the bayou. For centuries, boats have served as the primary means of travel on the bayous, bays and marshes of South Louisiana. Wanting to learn something about the various watercraft so essential to the Acadian way of life, I drove the next morning to Lockport, located on Highway 1 about 20 miles south of Thibodaux, to visit The Center for Traditional Louisiana Boat Building. Housed in a century-old brick building on Bayou Lafourche, this unique organization comprised of local craftsmen and historians preserves, exhibits and builds replicas of wooden vessels ranging from canoe-like pirogues to flat-bottomed bateaux and skiffs traditional to the region. With lunchtime looming, I made my way north again to U.S. Highway 90, then headed east toward New Orleans for a few miles, destined for Spahr's Seafood Restaurant in Des Allemands. Surviving hurricanes, recessions and a destructive 2002 fire, this bayouside restaurant and lounge has reigned as a regional icon and seat of aquatic culinary eminence for 50 years under the direction of founder Bill Spahr and his family. "Spahr's has always been proclaimed as the place where 'Catfish is King,'" says chef Ryan Gaudet, "but we're quite well known for our gumbo as well." Taking the hint, I obligingly ordered fried catfish fillets and a bowl of gumbo. Normally I don't order catfish since so much of it these days is farmed, but this fish, wild caught right here in Des Allemands (a town declared to be the "Catfish Capital of the Universe" by the Louisiana Legislature in 1980), was definitely superior to any I've ever eaten. As for the gumbo, I'm so crazy about this dish that every one of them I try seems better than the last. The Spahr family also operates a restaurant in downtown Thibodaux and another in Galliano, so there's no excuse for your Food Trail passport to be missing a Spahr's stamp. Bayou Des Allemands also is home to a number of companies offering swamp tours and airboat rides far and away the most popular visitor activity in the region so it was only fitting that I get out on the water, joining a 2 Da Swamp tour with Clyde McCulley. Although new to the tour business, Clyde is a lifelong resident and veteran crab fisherman who knows the bayou like the proverbial back of his hand. During our two-hour tour, McCulley demonstrated the use of crab traps, spotted various birds eagles, osprey, herons and egrets and paused to feed an alligator. The 'gator, clearly expecting us, clambered aboard the transom platform of Clyde's boat to snap up chunks of raw chicken. Landing on a mangrove-lined islet, we examined a shell midden, evidence of earlier human occupation, probably by the Houma or Chitimacha tribes who lived here in large numbers prior to European settlement. A curious whitetail deer, peeking out from the underbrush, observed our visit. With little time left and two restaurants still remaining on my Food Trail list, I returned to Thibodaux to chill out for a couple of hours and dress up for a final night on the town. The evening got underway with appetizers at Flanagan's, a layout of classy contemporary design, consistently rated as one of the region's premier dining rooms and located in an upscale residential neighborhood near Nicholls State University. Asking if I like crab (yes indeed!), Chef Randy Barrios, a veteran of 42 years in the food service industry, suggested I try a couple of his favorite starters. First, Bayou Crab Medallions, a dish consisting of crab meat rolled in panko crumbs, deep fried and topped with Hollandaise sauce, followed by Crab St. Francis en Croute, a saute of crab meat and spinach, hand-rolled in puff pastry and broiled. Two different takes on the leggy arthropod both delectable. Primed now for dinner, I headed back downtown to Fremin's, a sister restaurant of Flanagan's, operated by the Fremin brothers, Dale, Francis and Barry. Approaching the place, housed in a beautifully restored 1878 drug store, my first impression was French Quarter, New Orleans, and it was a semblance that held sway as I entered the dining room with its high pressed tin ceiling, dark woods and porcelain tile floors. Inside and out, Fremin's exudes an atmosphere quite befitting a restaurant highly rated for its gourmet Cajun/Creole/Italian cuisine. Realizing this would be my last shot at you know what for a long while, I opened with a bowl of gumbo, and however gauche it may have appeared, I unabashedly dipped chunks of Fremin's fabulous homemade French bread into the dark, steamy synthesis of smoked duck and andouille sausage. Going all out, I ordered Chef Kevin Templet's signature entree, Seafood Napoleon. This is one extravagant dish, composed of layers of fried eggplant medallions and seafood mornay, topped with sauteed shrimp, crab meat and oysters then draped with herbal infused cream and homemade tomato sauce. Whoa! I couldn't come close to finishing it, but as the saying goes saving the best till last this clearly was the most creative dish I'd yet encountered. In conclusion, I hope I've managed to whet your appetite for some of the most tantalizingly tasty food this side of France. If so, don't just sit there drooling and dreaming head on down to Bayou Lafourche and try it for yourself. You dont need another media study to tell you what you already know about Trump and his media coverage. Most of the American media are on the left and loathe him. TV journalists gnashed their teeth when Trump was elected. And many have joined the resistance. And CNN fashions itself as the political network of resistance. Trump knows this and hates them right back and calls them fake news. By virtue of their chosen profession, chefs arent usually able to embark on ambitious travel plans to see family for Thanksgiving, since at most their restaurants might be closed for a mere 24 hours over the holiday weekend. As such, a Friendsgiving tradition closer to home is more likely. This year, Rupert and Carrie Blease, chefs and co-owners of Lord Stanley, a one-Michelin star modern-European restaurant in Russian Hill, invited their local chef friends, Jason Fox of Commonwealth, and Brandon Jew of Mister Jius, to an easygoing holiday celebration for their families. For one night only, Lord Stanley turned into a no-composed-plate zone: First-of-the-season Dungeness crab, basted in garlic-parsley butter and smoked over wood chips in a Green Egg barbecue, takes all of 25 minutes to prepare. The sourdough loaf is left over from last nights service at Lord Stanley. The centerpiece is fashioned from dried wheat sheaves that are always on hand at the restaurant and a mini-squash vine pilfered from a pumpkin patch by the tiny, grabby hands of 1-year-old Hazel Blease. John Lee / Special to The Chronicle With Foxs smoked-oyster creamed nettles (a fast dish that uses canned smoked oysters and comes together as soon as the nettles, foraged with his young daughters, wilt in the hot cream) and Jews roast duck (basted with a mixture of brown-rice syrup and dark soy and blasted in a 450-degree oven for 30 minutes) also on the menu, this holiday dinner is a long way from the Bleases first Thanksgiving together, 11 years ago in London. Rupert Blease, who is English and was raised in the south of France, had no appreciation for the holiday, although he found himself to be skilled at roasting a turkey, given the English tradition of Christmas goose. Canned cranberry sauce was present, as was homemade pumpkin pie, the beloved trappings of an all-American Thanksgiving. I remember Rupert saying, What are we going to do? Theres no Cool Whip here, says Carrie Blease, who grew up in Southern California. This year, shes made a simple persimmon galette, still nary an iconic blue tub of frozen whipped topping in sight. The absence of a roast turkey at this Friendsgiving speaks to the off-duty nature of the gathering who wants to man the oven for six hours or more? Plus, theres Foxs indifference toward turkey. Its bland, he says, further validating a widely held truth. Last year, my family and I had dim sum for Thanksgiving. My daughters go crazy over the shrimp dumplings at Wing Lee on Clement Street. With help from their mother, Shawna, the Fox girls (Emma and Lily) set the Friendsgiving table with the vintage gold-rimmed china and antique coupes that belonged to Carrie Bleases grandmother. John Lee / Special to The Chronicle And yet, if the presence of a shellacked bird completes a Thanksgiving table, it might as well be an incredibly flavorful roast Peking duck. Jew, who is constantly working to polish the dish at his acclaimed Chinatown restaurant, views its perfection as something of a holy grail such a lengthy, earnest pursuit making it a celebration-worthy platter. (But for ease, he also recommends that home cooks pick up a takeaway duck from Hing Leung Co. in Chinatown.) Jew carves the bird at the table, while his dog, Roux, looking on, hopes for a wayward piece. His wife, Anna Lee, serves up the duck with homemade sourdough pancakes, smoked and seared gizzards, duck liver with plum sauce, and tendrilly greens. John Lee / Special to The Chronicle Rupert Blease cracks crab for the guests with whacks of a large knife. Carrie Blease pours the wine, a Mas Candi Tinc Set, a Spanish white. A rustic squash salad with pomegranate and puffed grains makes its way around the table. And just like that, a new tradition dawns the Chefsgiving. I love potluck holidays because people contribute dishes to the table that are special to them, says Jew. You are reminded of the power of food to bring people together. Leilani Marie Labong is a freelance writer in San Francisco and The Chronicle's contributing home editor. Email: food@sfchronicle.com. Instagram: @leilanimarielabong She also believes that the Second Amendment the words on which gun lovers hang their belief in a right to bear arms is outdated. She sees it as an artifact of a distant time when our new government relied on state militias because it couldnt afford an army. Living in this world as a black man, its dangerous, he said. Because youre constantly living in a state of uncertainty. I want to be able to allow people to see us and see us as human beings and hear us and hear our voices. And that is the work I want to do and that is the work Ive been blessed to do so far since moving here to Chicago. SAN FRANICSCO (BCN) A federal appeals court ruled in San Francisco today that President Donald Trump's administration must keep a program protecting undocumented young immigrants from deportation in place for the time being. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a preliminary injunction issued by U.S. District Judge William Alsup in January that blocked the administration's decision last year to end Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA. DACA, established by President Barack Obama in 2012, has enabled nearly 700,000 undocumented immigrants who arrived in the United States as children, known as Dreamers, to apply for renewable two-year work permits and postponements of deportation. Circuit Judge Kim Wardlaw wrote that the Trump Administration's action was "arbitrary and capricious" because it was based on an mistaken conclusion by former Attorney General Jeff Sessions that the program was illegal to begin with. Sessions told then-Acting U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Elaine Duke in a letter on Sept. 4, 2017, that the previous administration did not have the authority to establish DACA. Duke ordered a phased termination of the program the next day. In fact, Wardlaw said, "DACA was a permissible exercise of executive discretion." She said deferred action of various types "has been a feature of our immigration system" for decades and "has been recognized as a practical reality by both Congress and the courts." The court ruled in five lawsuits that were filed by entities including the University of California and the state of California and were handled jointly in Alsup's court. The university, which filed the first of the cases, said in a statement, "Today's decision is yet another strong message from our nation's courts that the government's attempt to rescind DACA was unlawful. "The government's only justification for rescinding DACA - that the program itself is legally flawed - is unfounded. Now that the appellate court has definitively rejected this argument, the university calls on the administration to stop its efforts to rescind the program," UC said. California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, who led a lawsuit joined by Maine, Maryland and Minnesota, called the decision "a tremendous victory for our young immigrant Dreamers and the rule of law." The U.S. Justice Department has already appealed Alsup's ruling to the Supreme Court. On Monday, the department filed an unusual petition asking the high court to take up the case without waiting for the 9th Circuit's decision, citing a need to obtain an "appropriately prompt resolution of this important dispute" during the court's current term, which ends in June. Spokespersons were not immediately available to comment on whether the Justice Department will now keep that petition in place or replace it with a normal appeal of the 9th Circuit decision. The other lawsuits ruled on by the 9th Circuit were filed by the city of San Jose; six individuals; and Santa Clara County together with the Service Employees International Union. Several similar lawsuits challenging the DACA termination have been filed in other federal courts around the country. In two cases, preliminary injunctions by U.S. district judges in Brooklyn, N.Y., and Washington, D.C., are being appealed by the government to the 2nd and 4th Circuit Courts of Appeal. The 9th Circuit was the first appeals court to rule in the cases. The Justice Department on Monday asked the Supreme Court to bypass the other two circuits and take up the other cases immediately as well. If the 9th Circuit decision is upheld by the Supreme Court, the preliminary injunction will remain in effect until a full trial is held in Alsup's court. All three judges on the 9th Circuit panel voted to uphold the injunction in a 99-page decision. Judge Jacqueline Nguyen joined Wardlaw's reasoning that the DACA termination was based on a mistake of law. In a concurrence, Judge John Owens based his decision on a different argument by the plaintiff groups - a claim that the Trump administration's action violated the constitutional guarantee of equal protection because it was aimed at people of Mexican and Latino heritage, who account for 93 percent of DACA recipients. Owens said the plaintiffs had "some likelihood of success" that they might win that argument. Wardlaw and Nguyen also agreed the groups should be allowed to pursue that claim in future proceedings. Wardlaw said in the majority decision that deferment was within the executive branch's authority to prioritize enforcement resources. She wrote, "In a world where the government can remove only a small percentage of the undocumented noncitizens present in this country in any year, deferred action programs like DACA enable DHS to devote much-needed resources to enforcement priorities such as threats to national security, rather than blameless and economically productive young people with clean criminal records." 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. Some San Francisco kindergarten and first grade students this morning will learn how to write letters to Santa Claus, U.S. Postal Service officials said. At 9 a.m., students at George Washington Carver Elementary School at 1360 Oakland Ave. will get instructions from San Francisco Postmaster Abraham Cooper. The event is part of the USPS's annual Operation Santa program, in which children write letters to Santa and others make those wishes come true. The annual letter-writing operation is 106 years old and for many who want to make a child's wishes come true, the event has become a holiday tradition. Families, businesses and other groups can participate by responding to the letters to Santa. A federal appeals court has ruled in San Francisco that President Donald Trump's administration must keep a program protecting undocumented young immigrants from deportation in place for the time being. The ruling was made Thursday. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a preliminary injunction issued by U.S. District Judge William Alsup in January that blocked the administration's decision last year to end Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA. DACA, established by President Barack Obama in 2012, has enabled nearly 700,000 undocumented immigrants who arrived in the United States as children, known as Dreamers, to apply for renewable two-year work permits and postponements of deportation. Circuit Judge Kim Wardlaw wrote that the Trump Administration's action was "arbitrary and capricious" because it was based on an mistaken conclusion by former Attorney General Jeff Sessions that the program was illegal to begin with. Sessions told then-Acting U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Elaine Duke in a letter on Sept. 4, 2017, that the previous administration did not have the authority to establish DACA. Duke ordered a phased termination of the program the next day. The Napa County Sheriff's Office and the Napa Valley Unified School District has confirmed that a Vintage High School graduate was among the 12 people who were fatally shot at a country music bar in Thousand Oaks Wednesday night. Sheriff's officials confirmed the death on Thursday. "We are heartbroken today by the news that one of our own, 2018 Vintage High School graduate Alaina Housley, was killed in a mass shooting in Southern California," district Superintendent Rosanna Mucetti said in a statement Thursday. Housley was a freshman at Pepperdine University, according to Mucetti. "Her parents Hannah and Arik and brother Alex are well loved and connected to many of us," Mucetti said. Counselors, chaplains and other supporters have been at Vintage High School, Silverado Middle School and Vichy and Yountville elementary schools that Housley attended, according to Mucetti. "There are no words that are sufficient at a time like this, but we remain a strong, caring community who will join together to enfold the Housleys and their friends with support, Mucetti said. A Google employee who was hit and killed by a shuttle bus at the company's headquarters in Mountain View on Monday evening has been identified by Google as 27-year-old Emily Hong. Hong lived in Sunnyvale and worked in Google's finance department, according to the Santa Clara County medical examiner's office and Google spokeswoman Gina Scigliano. "She brought an incredible spark to Google. Inquisitive, creative, analytical, positive, generous and kind -- our deepest condolences are with her family and friends," Scigliano said in a statement. Hong was hit by the bus at Charleston Road and Huff Avenue at 6:45 p.m. Monday. Police arrived and began administering CPR to Hong, but the efforts were unsuccessful and she died at the scene. The shuttle bus driver remained at the intersection and cooperated with police, who don't believe drugs or alcohol were factors in the collision. After thousands of Google employees last week walked out of their offices in protest of sexual harassment in the workplace, the Mountain View company has announced it will make several changes to bolster its system of reporting abuse. Over 20,000 protesters demanded the company improve its reporting process, ensure equal treatment for all demographics and positions, create a sexual assault transparency report and bring an end to forced arbitration, which requires employees to waive their right to sue. Google executives responded Thursday with a report that addresses some of these demands, namely making arbitration optional, creating a sexual assault report and yearly training for sexual harassment policies. Members of the walkout said the companywide changes are a testament to collective action, but do little to address the rampant inequality between full-time and contract workers, which results in a "modern day Jim Crow class system," and different playing fields for minorities. On Nov. 1, employees had suggested the company create an employee representative on the board of directors and allow the chief diversity officer to answer directly to the CEO. Multiple extension cords connected together and plugged into one outlet was probably the cause of a one-alarm fire in an Oakland home, a fire captain said. The fire sparked Thursday evening. Capt. Tracy Paganelli said firefighters arrived at the single-family home in the 1500 block of 90th Avenue at 7:14 p.m. A smoke detector had alerted the three occupants of the home to the fire and they all got out safely. Paganelli said the fire was in the front bedroom of the home and firefighters had it under control at 7:27 p.m. The damage "was mostly to the contents," Paganelli said. No firefighters were injured. The cause is not officially determined yet, but Paganelli said three to four extension cords were connected and plugged into a single outlet. The 2015 fatal stabbing of a street vendor in San Francisco's South of Market neighborhood by an attorney was a "tragic accident," Public Defender Jeff Adachi said in court as opening statements got underway in the murder trial for Carlos Argueta. The trial started Thursday. Argueta, a former attorney for the tenancy advocacy group Eviction Defense Collaborative, has been charged with murder and second-degree robbery for the September 2015 stabbing at Market and Sixth streets, which killed 61-year-old James Thomas. Argueta's case has been mired in controversy after a judge in 2016 initially dismissed the murder charges against Argueta and his co-defendant Pascal Krummenacher. However in 2017, a grand jury decided to recharge Argueta but not Krummenacher. Then last month, Adachi, serving as the defense attorney for Argueta, filed a motion to disqualify Judge Ethan Schulman from the case, alleging that in previous cases Schulman has expressed bias against Latinos, exhibited racial insensitivity and showed a preference for the prosecution. Adachi also filed a motion seeking to dismiss Argueta's charges altogether, alleging prosecutorial misconduct by prosecutor Andrew Ganz, citing that Ganz had been accused of six counts of misconduct connected to a 2012 murder case he worked on as a Solano County prosecutor. Just last week, a judge with The State Bar Court of California found Ganz culpable of four of the six counts of misconduct. 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 Army was) looking for ways to give the Americans an advantage once they hit the beach, Beyer said. Were going to be there, were going to be fighting in Europe and were going up against the Nazis, and theyre really great soldiers and what can we do to give our men every advantage? The answer was a multimedia tactical deception unit set up to fool the eyes and ears of Nazis and their sympathizers. SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) Matt Haney appears to be the winner in the race for supervisor in San Francisco's District 6, which covers the city's South of Market, Civic Center and Mission Bay neighborhoods, as well as Treasure Island, according to Thursday's election numbers. Haney, a San Francisco Unified School District board member, has received 63 percent of the vote, while his opponents Christine Johnson received 37 percent, after several rounds of ranked-choice voting, which saw candidate Sonja Trauss eliminated. Haney will take over for Supervisor Jane Kim when he's sworn-in in January, making the 36-year-old Tenderloin resident the youngest person on the Board of Supervisors. "I didn't run to push an ideology or be part of a clique in City Hall," Haney said in a statement Wednesday. "I ran because the people of our district need a supervisor that is wholeheartedly and unabashedly fighting to get my neighbors the resources they deserve." Haney said he has spoken to both opponents Johnson and Trauss, who have both offered to help him in any way moving forward. "I greatly appreciate it. We're focused now on how we can get the ground running in January," he said. In a statement, Johnson thanked her supporters and donors. "The results weren't what we wanted but I am proud of the campaign we ran," she said. In District 10, another school board member has been chosen as Supervisor. According to Thursday election results, Shamann Walton received 63 percent of the vote, beating out opponents Tony Kelly, with 37 percent in the ranked-choice voting. Human Rights Commissioner Theo Ellington was eliminated from the race Wednesday through the ranked-choice system. In districts 8 and 2, two incumbent supervisors will remain in their seats. Supervisor Rafael Mandelman has received more than 91 percent of the vote, beating out Lawrence "Stark" Dagesse for supervisor of District 8, which represents the Castro District and other nearby neighborhoods. Mandelman, a former deputy city attorney for Oakland, won in a special election for the supervisor's seat in June, replacing former Supervisor Jeff Sheehy. Sheehy was appointed by the late Mayor Ed Lee to take over for former Supervisor Scott Wiener, who was elected to the state Senate. Supervisor Catherine Stefani, also an incumbent, retained her seat for District 2 after winning 53 percent of the vote, beating out BART board of directors vice president Nick Josefowitz. John Dennis and Schuyler Hudak were eliminated in earlier rounds of ranked-choice voting. Stefani was appointed to District 2 supervisor earlier this year by former Mayor Mark Farrell after he had to leave the supervisor's seat himself when the board appointed him as mayor following Lee's death. In District 4, Thursday's results showed that Gordon Mar, executive director for Jobs With Justice San Francisco, has won with 56 percent of the vote, after several rounds of ranked-choice voting, beating out Jessica Ho, legislative aide to outgoing Supervisor Katy Tang. "We're declaring victory not for me, but for us--nurses and teachers, seniors and students, and all the working people, families, and communities who call the Sunset home," Mar said in a statement today. Mar added that he's already working on a plan to bring City College of San Francisco to the Sunset neighborhood. "I'm ready to hit the ground running and get to work for the people of the Sunset," he said. The terms for the new batch of supervisors will begin in early January and last for four years. 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) The Oakland Police Department said today that it has activated a new hate crime hotline to help combat and investigate hate crimes that might occur in the city. The Oakland Police Department said in a statement that it "will not tolerate any hate crime against anyone in our community." Police said if a community member is a victim of, or a witness to, what they believe to be a hate crime they should call the hate crime hotline at (510) 637-4283 or the department's non-emergency phone number at (510) 777-3333. The hotline provides a direct reporting tool for victims and witnesses of hate crimes, the department said. Messages that are left on the hotline are checked daily by police staff and will be returned as soon as possible. "There is nothing more important than the Police Department's responsiveness to potential hate crimes and the community's awareness and assistance in the pursuit to keep Oakland safe," Deputy Police Chief Oliver Cunningham said in a statement. City Councilman Abel Guillen, who serves on the council's Public Safety Committee, said, "Oakland is united against hate. That's why I responded to recent displays of bigotry and threats of violence by working with city departments to find strategies to more effectively track and prevent hate crimes in our community." Guillen said, "Our new hate crime hotline is a vital first step that gives every resident a direct, easy-to-use way to report hate crimes and related activity." The Police Department said a "hate crime" is defined by California Penal Code Section 422.55 as a criminal act committed, in whole or in part, because of one or more of a number of actual or perceived characteristics of the victim. Those are disability, gender, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, association with a person or group with one or more of those actual or perceived characteristics. The penal code says such criminal acts can include, but are not limited to, physical assault, threatening phone calls and vandalism to property. 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. Activists across the Bay Area this evening are protesting President Donald Trump's replacement of his attorney general after embattled former Attorney General Jeff Sessions resigned on Wednesday. Trump has since appointed Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker, who protesters claim is a Trump "loyalist" who will stifle the U.S. Department of Justice's investigation into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia. They are calling for a "rapid response" to protect Special Counsel Robert Mueller, who is overseeing the investigation, and they are organizing in hundreds of United States cities as well as Amsterdam, Rome, Toronto and other international locations. Protests were expected begin at 5 p.m. Pacific time in Monterey, San Jose, Santa Clara, Mountain View, Palo Alto, San Mateo, San Francisco, Berkeley, Oakland, Alameda, Richmond and smaller cities. The activists have identified themselves as NobodyisAbovetheLaw.org, a community-built movement that has organized the international protests. "The Nobody Is Above the Law network demands that Whitaker immediately commit not to assume supervision of the investigation," the group said in a news release. "Our hundreds of response events are being launched to demonstrate the public demand for action to correct this injustice." 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) The 2015 fatal stabbing of a street vendor in San Francisco's South of Market neighborhood by an attorney was a "tragic accident," Public Defender Jeff Adachi said today in court as opening statements got underway in the murder trial for Carlos Argueta. Argueta, a former attorney for the tenancy advocacy group Eviction Defense Collaborative, has been charged with murder and second-degree robbery for the September 2015 stabbing at Market and Sixth streets, which killed 61-year-old James Thomas. Argueta's case has been mired in controversy after a judge in 2016 initially dismissed the murder charges against Argueta and his co-defendant Pascal Krummenacher. However in 2017, a grand jury decided to recharge Argueta but not Krummenacher. Then last month, Adachi, serving as the defense attorney for Argueta, filed a motion to disqualify Judge Ethan Schulman from the case, alleging that in previous cases Schulman has expressed bias against Latinos, exhibited racial insensitivity and showed a preference for the prosecution. Adachi also filed a motion seeking to dismiss Argueta's charges altogether, alleging prosecutorial misconduct by prosecutor Andrew Ganz, citing that Ganz had been accused of six counts of misconduct connected to a 2012 murder case he worked on as a Solano County prosecutor. Just last week, a judge with The State Bar Court of California found Ganz culpable of four of the six counts of misconduct. Although Argueta's trial has begun, the two motions are pending. In the meantime, Judge Samuel Feng has been assigned to the case. During today's opening statements, prosecutor Adam Maldonado showed jurors several surveillance videos from the area, which captured the five-minute timeframe leading up to the killing. According to Maldonado, Argueta and Krummenacher had been drinking heavily at the now-closed Showdown Bar on Sixth Street, celebrating Krummenacher completing his internship at the defense collaborative. But when Krummenacher passes out at the bar, the bar's staff directs Argueta to leave with Krummenacher. The pair ends up outside and when Argueta leaves, a visibly inebriated Krummenacher stumbles behind him. As they walk north on Sixth Street toward Market Street, Krummenacher suddenly appears to grab a red bag from Thomas, believing that the bag had been stolen from him. Thomas, a complete stranger to the pair, was sitting on the ground and immediately got up to confront Krummenacher. But Argueta quickly put himself in between the two and a struggle for the red bag between the trio ensues. Although Krummenacher is able to get away from the struggle, a friend of Thomas then strikes him in the head with a skateboard, causing Krummenacher to drop the red bag. Also at this point, Argueta somehow loses his own black backpack. Thomas is able to get back his red bag and the fight appears to be over, with Argueta and Krummenacher walking away, heading east on Market Street. According to Maldonado, however, Thomas was "not happy he just got jumped by two people he didn't know" and proceeds to follow Argueta and Krummenacher onto Market Street, with at least three of his friends following. Now outside of Krummenacher and Argueta's place of employment, the collaborative's former location at 995 Market St., Thomas and his friends again confront Argueta and Krummenacher. Two of the men push Krummenacher to the ground while Thomas confronts Argueta, striking him with the red bag. Argueta then produces a 3.5-inch butterfly knife and he's somehow able to grab Thomas' red bag and hands it to Krummenacher. According to Adachi, Argueta produced the knife in order to defend himself and his colleague Krummenacher. Seeing the knife, Thomas and the three men retreat back to Sixth Street. At this point, Krummenacher and the red bag disappear, but Argueta follows Thomas and the three other men back to Sixth Street. According Maldonado, the fighting between the two groups should have ended there. But, Adachi said, Argueta was simply returning to Sixth Street to look for the black backpack that he lost during the initial struggle, which allegedly contained client files and confidential information. When Thomas again sees Argueta, Thomas punches Argueta, striking him in the ear. The knife in Argueta's hand enters Thomas, going in about 2.5 inches, grazing Thomas' lung and puncturing his heart. While Maldonado alleged that the stabbing was intentional, Adachi claimed the stabbing was an accident and partly caused by the fact that Argueta was looking for his black backpack and was caught off guard by Thomas' punch. "He (Argueta) didn't intend for anyone to get hurt," Adachi said. After the stabbing, several bystanders confront Argueta, but Argueta's able to retreat into a nearby restaurant and waits for police to arrive. An injured Thomas kneels to the ground, clutching his chest. Thomas was eventually taken to San Francisco General Hospital where he died from his injuries a short while later. Krummenacher, a law student who was visiting from Switzerland, is not expected appear at the trial, as he was not recharged by the grand jury in 2017. Argueta, who is out on bail, will testify at some point in the trial, Adachi said. The trial is set to resume on Tuesday. 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 Napa County Sheriff's Office and the Napa Valley Unified School District confirmed today that a Vintage High School graduate was among the 12 people who were fatally shot at a country music bar in Thousand Oaks Wednesday night. "We are heartbroken today by the news that one of our own, 2018 Vintage High School graduate Alaina Housley, was killed in a mass shooting in Southern California," district Superintendent Rosanna Mucetti said in a statement. Housley was a freshman at Pepperdine University, according to Mucetti. "Her parents Hannah and Arik and brother Alex are well loved and connected to many of us," Mucetti said. Counselors, chaplains and other supporters have been at Vintage High School, Silverado Middle School and Vichy and Yountville elementary schools that Housley attended, according to Mucetti. "There are no words that are sufficient at a time like this, but we remain a strong, caring community who will join together to enfold the Housleys and their friends with support, Mucetti said. Ian David Long, 28, of Thousand Oaks, a former Marine, shot and killed 12 people, including a Ventura County sheriff's deputy at the Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks before killing himself. The Napa County Sheriff's Office said Housley was a beautiful young woman full of life and ambition. "She moved to Southern California to further her education so she could contribute to society, however her dreams were destroyed by a senseless act," the sheriff's office said on Facebook. "Our condolences go out to the Housley family, the family of Ventura County sheriff's Sgt. Ron Helus and the families of the other 10 victims who died during this horrible tragedy in Thousand Oaks," the sheriff's office said. Copyright 2018 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. A 37-year survey of monarch populations in North Central Florida shows that caterpillars and butterflies have been declining since 1985 and have dropped by 80 percent since 2005. This decrease parallels monarchs dwindling numbers in their overwintering grounds in Mexico, said study co-author Jaret Daniels, associate curator and program director of the Florida Museum of Natural Historys McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity. Its alarming in a number of different ways, said Daniels, who is also an associate professor in the University of Floridas department of entomology and nematology. This study shows the tight connection between monarchs and milkweed and highlights very dramatic losses in abundance in Florida that further confirm the monarch is declining. While the drivers of the decline are not clear, the researchers said shrinking native milkweed populations and a boost in glyphosate use in the Midwest are part of the problem. Glyphosate, an herbicide often applied to agricultural fields to eliminate weeds, is lethal to milkweed, the monarchs host plant. Less milkweed means less habitat for monarchs, said study co-author Ernest Williams, professor emeritus of biology at Hamilton College in New York. A broad pattern is that 95 percent of corn and soybean products grown in the U.S. are Roundup Ready crops that resist glyphosate, Williams said. That has a national impact. Whats really needed are patches of native vegetation and nectar sources without pesticides. Its not just for monarchs but all pollinators. In the longest location-based monarch monitoring effort to date, a multi-institute team led by world-renowned monarch expert Lincoln Brower, who died earlier this year, closely followed spring monarch numbers in an herbicide-free cattle pasture in Cross Creek, about 20 miles southeast of Gainesville. The team examined milkweed plants for caterpillars and captured adult butterflies for 37 years, a period spanning more than 140 generations of monarchs. They found that monarchs springtime departure from Mexico is timed to coincide with optimal growth of milkweed in the southeastern U.S. While adult monarch butterflies can feed from a variety of plants, their young depend on milkweed as their sole source of nutrition, storing up the plants toxins to ward off predators. Monarchs lay hundreds of eggs on milkweed over their brief lifetimes, but just over 2 percent of eggs survive to become fully grown caterpillars. If monarchs get to their breeding grounds too early, they run the risk of their host plants being killed by frosts too late and the plants may not be able to support their young. To maximize their offsprings chances of survival, the butterflies must time their arrival in the U.S. within a three-week window, Daniels said, an impressive feat for insects with lifespans between six and eight weeks. This delicate matchup could be disrupted by climate change, which can skew plants springtime schedules. Since its such tight timing, it would be devastating to the monarch, he said. Florida is an important stopover for monarchs returning north from Mexico, as spring breeding in southern states leads to the butterflies recolonization of the upper U.S. and Canada. Monarchs rely on Florida for its abundance of milkweed and warm climate to lay the eggs that will help replenish the eastern population in the U.S., Daniels said. Florida is kind of a staging ground for the recolonization of much of the East Coast, he said. If these populations are low, then the northern populations are going to be at a similar abundance level. But although monarchs are a well-studied species, consistent long-term studies of changes in their spring breeding are rare, Williams said. Long-term studies like this are important because they point to larger trends, Williams said. Before 2005, there was more fluctuation in the data. Since 2005, the rate of decline has been steady. Daniels said that increasing pesticide-free native milkweed populations in Florida yards and on roadsides is a step in the right direction to prevent monarchs from requiring protection under the Endangered Species Act. But, he emphasized, not any milkweed will do. Asclepias curassavica , or tropical milkweed, is a commercialized, non-native tropical species that has become popular with growers because of its color and year-round vegetation. But tropical milkweed can become an ecological trap for monarchs, coaxing them into breeding in unusual areas during the winter months areas far enough north of Mexico to remain prone to freeze events throughout the winter and early spring, Daniels said. Prolonged breeding can also lead to an increase in a protozoan parasite that infects monarchs. Its not a hard-and-fast rule of not using that plant, but we want to be cautious about potential implications, Daniels said. Its invariably better to use natives across the board. Florida is home to about 21 native species of milkweed. Daniels recommends either Asclepias incarnata , also called swamp milkweed, or Asclepias tuberosa , commonly known as butterflyweed. Asclepias humistrata , or pinewoods milkweed, is also common throughout northern Florida and essential to monarch recolonization. Its not as simple as saying, we plant milkweed and the monarch will be saved, he said. We should think of this as an ecological issue. There are a lot of complexities to any organism and any system. Daniels said the team will continue monitoring monarch populations in Florida. He highlighted the willingness of Cross Creek property owners to give the research team access to the pastures each spring for 37 years as a key factor in the studys success. It shows the importance of the public and private relationship when it comes to research, he said. Theyve been fantastic collaborators. The studys lead author, Brower, died shortly before its publication. A lifelong butterfly expert, Brower was instrumental in finding monarch overwintering colonies in Mexico, the researchers said. This is his final publication. He really was the grand old man of monarchs, said Williams. Nobody has done more for monarchs. Williams said Brower had a knack for bringing people together and worked with more than 160 collaborators throughout his career. The New York Times , Brower began studying monarchs in the 1950s and made his first trip to the fir forests in Mexico where the butterflies spend the winter in 1977. In the 1980s, Brower worked with the Mexican government to protect these forests from deforestation. According to his obituary in, Brower began studying monarchs in the 1950s and made his first trip to the fir forests in Mexico where the butterflies spend the winter in 1977. In the 1980s, Brower worked with the Mexican government to protect these forests from deforestation. The best thing we can do is to continue his mission and continue to study and work to conserve the monarch, Daniels said. I think he would be proud of that mission. Journal of Natural History. The team published its findings in the Funding from the National Science Foundation and the October Hill Foundation supported the research. Authors In his 19-page plea agreement with prosecutors, Zambada-Niebla, 43, who was at one time regarded as a top El Chapo protege, admitted he trafficked thousands of pounds of cocaine and heroin into the U.S. using speedboats, submarines and jumbo jets, records show. Known as Mayito after his father, Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, he also acknowledged the cartel used military-caliber weapons to enforce their shipments as well as violence and threats of violence to rivals, informants and law enforcement. Sandberg, the DEA agent, testified that in September 2016 he asked Reyes Arzate to assist in the surveillance of several targets of the probe in Mexico City. He said he sent Reyes Arzate a surveillance photo that had been taken in Cancun to help him identify the players and gave him the name of a restaurant where they often met. Sponsors plan to introduce a new legalization bill in January, and hope to get it passed before the session ends in May. The proposed measure would allow the commercial sale and regulation of marijuana, similar to alcohol, for adults 21 and over. There would probably be a six-month waiting period for officials to draw up rules before issuing licenses for growing and selling it. Sponsors say existing medical marijuana companies would likely get the first crack at sales. The members of the Old Town School of Folk Music community are walking around in shock and in mourning, said the letter, signed by 117 teachers who comprise about half of the teaching staff. Had we been consulted, had the idea been floated or even sold to us, we would, perhaps, not feel this way. We would perhaps have recognized the hard-earned wisdom that brought you to the decision. But we see no wisdom. The site has been ignored and under-utilized for a decade; its potential has been squandered and bled away. Hundreds of people gathered in Federal Plaza and marched through downtown streets to Trump Tower on Thursday evening to protest President Donald Trumps decision to force the resignation of U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions and replace him with an official who has been critical of Robert Muellers investigation into possible Russian interference in the 2016 elections. The commission was created by an act of Congress in 2013 to protect and share the legacy of World War I, 100 years after its end, in part because there are no longer any living veterans of the war. One of the groups major goals is to establish a World War I Memorial in Washington, D.C., where monuments dedicated to most other major conflicts the United States was involved in over the last century already exist. Theyre set to have one built by Veterans Day 2021. Bay Area residents woke to a strong, sickening smell of smoke inside their homes Friday morning as thick, sooty air from the Camp Fire near Chico poured into the region. Meteorologists forecast the eye-stinging smoke will linger through the weekend as winds push the polluted air into the region ALSO READ: Paradise lost: Before-and-after photos show a town devoured by a raging wildfire "It appears we're going to continue to have northwesterly and northeasterly winds. Any relief is going to be minimal," says Carolina Walbrun, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service Bay Area. "As the fire continues to burn, the winds are going to continue to push that smoke aloft over San Francisco and the Bay Area."Air quality levels were "unhealthy" in numerous locations early Friday including San Francisco, San Rafael, Richmond, Alameda and Livermore, according to the Air Now map managed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. "We are seeing very elevated levels of particulate pollution throughout the region, especially in the North and East Bay but also parts of the Peninsula and San Francisco," said Kristine Roselius, a spokesperson with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. Roselius says meteorologists with the district are predicting the smoke will persist through the weekend, with air quality levels fluctuating suddenly. "Wildfire smoke can be very unpredictable. Sometimes it can be aloft and then suddenly drop down," she says. "If you smell smoke, you should stay inside." The most polluted air was in the North Bay and Sonoma County schools closed and Santa Rosa Junior College cancelled classes. "I'm a building contractor in Sonoma County working where the Tubbs Fire started last year near Calistoga," says Rick Sundberg. "Today the smoke is so thick there we had to cancel work due to air quality." Many received special alerts on their phones early in the morning advising them to limit outdoor activities, and schools announced they'll keep kids inside at recess. San Francisco Unified School District delivered a robocall alerting parents students' absences will be excused if they stay home today. MORE: Desperate search for the missing after fire sweeps through Paradise The Camp Fire ignited and quickly exploded out of control Thursday morning, and by afternoon the Bay Area was bathed in an eerie brownish-orangish glow. Many residents reported the smoke was stinging their eyes and hurting their throats. Parents kept their children indoors. It's not unusual for smoke from wildfires hundreds of miles away to reach the Bay Area, but with this one, the pollution reached the region in only six hours. Looking from San Francisco across to the East Bay Thursday afternoon, the hills and Mount Diablo were obscured by the brown haze. "The Bay is not visible now," Christine Virdee shared in an email to SFGATE written from the top of Mount Tamalpais. "It's just white." ALSO: Strange thing fell from the sky when Chico resident went to look at smoke from Camp Fire The Camp Fire is becoming known for its fast-moving pace, blackening more than 70,000 acres in less than 24 hours. The fire started Thursday morning at 6:30 a.m. and within three hours had spread across 5,000 acres. By Friday morning, the raging inferno had torn through most of the town of Paradise, burning hundreds of buildings. The Butte County Sheriff's Department reports there have been deaths in the fire, but they have yet to release a number. More than 40,000 people have evacuated and Thursday night parts of east Chico were ordered to evacuate. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District has issued an air quality advisory for Friday and suggests people stay indoors and close windows if they smell smoke. Elderly persons, children and individuals with respiratory illnesses should take extra precautions to avoid exposure. JERUSALEM Israeli police on Thursday recommended the indictment of one of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus closest confidants and three others from his inner circle in a sprawling bribery case involving the multibillion-dollar purchase of submarines and missile boats from Germany. Netanyahu was not a suspect in the naval-acquisition scandal, which has been called Case 3000, and in fact he was cleared months ago, though he was questioned. The police have recommended criminal bribery, fraud and breach of trust charges against Netanyahu in two other corruption investigations. The police said they had sufficient evidence to charge David Shimron, Netanyahus second cousin as well as his personal lawyer, with bribery and money laundering. Shimron, they said, had exploited his status and closeness to the prime minister to promote the submarine purchase on behalf of Michael Ganor, an Israeli agent working for ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, the shipyard that builds the vessels. In exchange, Shimron was paid a reward for success of nearly $75,000 for opening doors and influencing officials in favor of the deal, police said. Ganor turned states witness in 2017. Also accused is David Sharan, who was chief of staff to Netanyahu from late 2014 to 2016. The police said Sharan received about $35,000 from Ganor from 2013, when Sharan was an aide to the minister of finance, until 2016, though the money was paid through other businessmen to conceal the connection. The police recommended indicting two others from Netanyahus inner circle: Avriel Bar-Yosef, a reserve brigadier general and former deputy head of the National Security Council, who was Netanyahus nominee to be his national security adviser until the scandal broke; and Eliezer (Modi) Zandberg, who was Netanyahus appointee as chairman of Keren Hayesod, an organization that leads fundraising efforts for Israel in dozens of countries. Bar-Yosef is accused of helping Ganor get hired to represent ThyssenKrupp and then taking a cut of his fees. Zandberg is accused of using his influence to help Ganor with access to officials and inside information in exchange for payoffs of about $27,000. With elections expected early next year, it is unclear how the police recommendations in the submarine case will affect Netanyahus standing. The growing list of people close to the Israeli leader who face possible criminal charges could be used against him by his challengers. David M. Halbfinger is a New York Times writer. Doug Mills / New York Times MANILA One of the founding members of a Philippine lawyers group at the forefront of opposing President Rodrigo Dutertes lethal war on drugs was gunned down Tuesday, killed by three bullets as he was leaving his office for the night. The lawyer, Benjamin Ramos, 56, was the 34th lawyer killed since Duterte became president two years ago. His group, the National Union of Peoples Lawyers, specialized in doing no-cost work for poor clients whose families have been targeted by police, soldiers and death squads associated with the presidents drug war. Nepal celebrated the 'Day of the Dog' on Wednesday (November 7), honouring dogs from every walk of life, including stray and abandoned dogs, who were fed and treated by vets. To celebrate the Nepalese Hindu festival of Kukur Tihar or 'Day of the Dog', dogs from everywhere in the country are adorned with garlands and vermilion, and also receive delicious foods or treats as sacred animals. The animal welfare organisation Animal Nepal took this further by taking care of stray and abandoned dogs, by feeding, decorating and treating them for injuries. The festival day of Kukur Tihar falls on the second day of a five day religious holiday, and honours dogs who are considered messengers of Yamaraj, the Hindu god of death. Stunning drone footage shows a humpback whale mother and her calf breaching off the coast of Costa Rica. The incredible clip was filmed back in September. I was flying my drone, capturing the landscape when I noticed two whales. It was a mother and its calf. They were both very playful as they would breach quite often. it was hard to follow them though, as the water clarity wasn't great, said filmer David Diez. Exactly why whales leap from the water isn't known although there are several theories which may explain the behaviour, including removing parasites from their bodies and stunning their prey. Scientists also don't rule out the idea that breaching is just a form of play. Madigans victories come despite millions of dollars in advertising fueled by Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and GOP congressional candidates aimed at blaming most of the states ills on the longtime speaker, who called the tactic a clear failure in a post-election memo. The wins also follow a year in which his political and government organizations were beset by sexual harassment allegations, about which Madigan in September wrote he didnt do enough. CITY HALL -- Will Mayor Bill de Blasio run for president of the United States in 2020? Hizzoner isnt ruling the possibility out, and said he wants to continue in elected office if the opportunity arises. On Thursday evening, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, (D-New York), who was re-elected to her post on Tuesday, said she is considering running for president in 2020. During his weekly appearance on WNYCs The Brian Lehrer Show, the mayor was asked if he is planning to run in 2020 too. I am mayor of New York City, its one of the best public service jobs anywhere in the world, and obviously, were getting a lot done here in the city, which Im proud of, thats what Im focused on, de Blasio said when asked by Lehrer if he is planning to run for president. Ive got three years and two months more, and thats what Im doing When pressed by Lehrer to give a more definitive answer on whether he plans to run, the mayor said he intends to continue in elected office if there is an opportunity to do so. But he stressed that his main focus is to finish out the remainder of his term as mayor of New York City. De Blasio won his second term as the citys mayor after beating East Shore Republican Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis on Nov. 7 with 66 percent of the vote citywide. However, Malliotakis beat de Blasio on Staten Island with 70 percent to de Blasios 25 percent of the vote. FOLLOW SYDNEY KASHIWAGI ON TWITTER. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Victor Abraham wanted a jury to determine his guilt or innocence, his lawyer said, and it turned out to be the right move. On Wednesday, jurors acquitted the 21-year-old Clifton resident of robbery and attempted robbery stemming from separate incidents two years ago in Port Richmond. He cried. I cried, attorney Robert (Bob) Walters said Thursday in a phone conversation, describing the reactions of his client and himself when the verdict was announced. This was a textbook case of mistaken identification, said Walters. The lawyer said Abraham had rejected plea offers from prosecutors that came with a three-year prison sentence in favor of going to trial. Prosecutors alleged Abraham, then 19, and an accomplice displayed a handgun and snatched a 33-year-old victims wallet at about 9:30 p.m. on Oct. 9, 2016. They contended Abraham warned the man to keep quiet about the mugging, which, they said, occurred on the 200 block of Heberton Avenue. Eighteen days later, on Oct. 27, Abraham and two other accomplices tried to mug a 16-year-old boy on Port Richmond Avenue, throwing the teen to the ground and punching him, prosecutors alleged. They said the would-be mugging was captured on surveillance videotape. In his opening statement last week, Walters said there often are problems with cross-racial identification. Abraham is black. He told jurors there was no doubt the victims had some unfortunate thing happen to them. But he maintained the victims were under emotional duress during the incidents, which carried over to their identification of Abraham as a perpetrator. The evidence will show that the likelihood of mistake was high, said Walters. Mistakes happen. We know they happen. In the phone interview, the attorney said there were problems with the accuracy, reliability and fairness of the photo identifications in the case. I could see how there was some honest mistakes that snowballed, he said. The jury saw through it. The jury got it immediately. Abraham, who did not testify, was acquitted of one count of first-degree robbery and two counts of attempted second-degree robbery. Walters said the jury deliberated less than two hours before returning a verdict. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Two borough residents busted last year in a multimillion-dollar pill-mill ring allegedly fueled by an Eltingville doctor have pleaded guilty to federal drug-conspiracy charges. Vito Gallicchio, 49, of Willowbrook, and Daniel Garcia, of Graniteville, who is in his late 50s, were among seven defendants ultimately charged in the scheme, which centered on prescriptions written by Dr. David Taylor, 75. Gallicchio and Garcia worked with Taylor from January 2012 through June 2017 to illegally distribute millions of dollars of pain medicine, authorities allege. Taylor allegedly wrote prescriptions for oxycodone, oxymorphone and alprazolam, an anti-anxiety medication sold as Xanax, without examination, according to a law enforcement source. The doctor didnt perform MRIs or maintain medical records and kept oxycodone prescriptions at the same level for every refill, the source said. FAKE PATIENTS SENT, SOURCE SAYS Gallicchio sent fake patients to Taylor to get prescriptions filled, said the source. Many patients were believed to be addicts, authorities said. More than four million pills with a street value of $40 million were diverted to Staten Islanders, said officials. The prescriptions were filled in Staten Island and New Jersey. The doctor allegedly exchanged prescriptions for services, the source said. Taylor traded the pills for bottles of Glenlivet, a single-malt Scotch whisky, as well as construction work at his home, alleged the source. The three men were indicted on one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. Gallicchio and Garcia each recently pleaded guilty to that charge in Manhattan federal court. Taylor has denied the charges, and his trial is scheduled for next week. Garcia is scheduled to be sentenced on March 5, 2019; Gallicchios sentencing is set for March 8. They face a sentence of up to 20 years in prison. We hope that the judge will sentence Mr. Garcia in a way that takes into account that he accepted his responsibility and doesnt have any convictions like this, said Xavier R. Donaldson, Garcias lawyer. Hes intending to put this behind him and getting back to take care of his family. Galliccios lawyer did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kiersten Ann Fletcher, Justin Rodriguez and Nicolas Landsman Roos are prosecuting the case. The day after the midterm elections, President Donald Trump caused a frenzy when he announced the forced resignation of Jeff Sessions from his role as attorney general. Trump has been irate at Sessions ever since the former senator and campaign aide recused himself from overseeing the Mueller investigation. Sessions was replaced by his chief of staff, Matthew Whitaker. Whitaker has been a vocal supporter of the president and a harsh critic of Mueller's investigation. Many people believe these prior statements should also preclude him from overseeing the Mueller investigation. What do you think? PERSPECTIVES Within hours of Trump announcing Whitaker's ascension to the role of acting attorney general, prominent Democrats began making noise, calling for Whitaker to recuse himself due to his previously publicized positions on the Mueller investigation. Nancy Pelosi, presumed by many to be the incoming Speaker of the House, said not only should Whitaker recuse himself, but Congress should take action to protect the investigation moving forward. Per Lawfare Blog: Given his record of threats to undermine & weaken the Russia investigation, Matthew Whitaker should recuse himself from any involvement in Muellers investigation. Congress must take immediate action to protect the rule of law and integrity of the investigation. #FollowTheFacts Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) November 7, 2018 Whitaker has been vocal about his disdain for the Mueller investigation. Per NPR: However, Whitaker does not have carte blanche to end the Mueller investigation. Per Vox: Ryan J. Reilly, the Huffington Post's justice correspondent, warned that the Department of Justice's ethics office has yet to rule on whether or not Whitaker should be allowed to oversee the investigation. DOJ official says ethics officials have yet to examine whether Whitaker has to recuse on anything Mueller related given his prior commentary and role. Ryan J. Reilly (@ryanjreilly) November 7, 2018 Yet, even if the ethics committee rules that Whitaker should recuse himself, there is no way for the body to enforce that ruling. Per Reuters: Whitaker does not have to fully shut down the investigation to throw a wrench in it. Vox explains that the attorney general has the ability to keep any report generated by the Mueller investigation confidential, rendering the investigation ineffective. That said, it's unlikely Mueller was unprepared for something like this to happen. His investigation has been imperiled since it began and Mueller has been nothing if not tactical about the amount of information he has released to the public. Lawfare Blog detailed the many ways Mueller could have protected his investigation against possible outside meddling. Even if Whitaker attempts to meddle with the investigation, or goes so far as to fire Mueller, it is unlikely that would be the end of the Russia probe. 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. STATEN ISLAND. N.Y. -- Students at St. Adalberts School in Elm Park came together to honor more than 100 veterans and their families on Thursday for the annual pre-Veterans Day breakfast and assembly. The students prepared handmade cards and hearts to give to the veterans. Our schools mission became to promote patriotism and awareness of veterans' issues, so how better than to do that than to get so personally involved with them. In those breakfast conversations over these years a light bulb kind of went off and it was that was these ladies and gentlemen were getting older and we wanted to preserve their stories, said Principal Diane Hesterhagen. The kids also performed patriotic songs, and took part in the White Table Ceremony, which recalls members of the Armed Forces missing in action (MIA) or held as prisoners of war (POW). Students have been interviewing and writing veterans' stories in a series of published hard-covered books titled Hometown Heroes. There have been over 250 stories published about local veterans. The school also hosted a campaign to raise funds for a life-sized statue of Father Vincent Capodanno, the Navy chaplain who was killed during Operation Swift in Vietnam while tending to a wounded Marine. Thousands of dollars were raised with the help of the SSG Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation and other local organizations. The statue is close to becoming a reality. And, in the meantime, veteran and sculptor Denny Pizzini created a bust statue of Capodanno for the school. Veterans from all wars were invited to the event, including 80 year-old Leon Wallace -- who was on active duty during the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Bay of Pigs invasion. When asked about the event Wallace said: This is the only school reminding [students] what red white and blue stands for. Donations from the Northfield Bank Foundation and other local organizations helped to fund the event. District Attorney Michael McMahon attended the breakfast, where he spoke with and thanked the veterans. The veterans becoming part of our school family has left such a mark on the students and made them better people," Hesterhagen said. Theyre just so proud of the country they live in. They have that awareness when they see veterans on the street and say thank you for their service. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A Port Richmond woman is in hot water with authorities after admitting she set fire to the door of an occupied Elm Park house two months ago. Iyana Caldwell, 40, of Slaight Street, started the fire at about 11:11 a.m. on Sept. 20, said a criminal complaint. The defendant lit some paper and placed it near the exterior of a basement door at a home on the 300 block of Morningstar Road, the complaint said. The door and doorframe caught fire, said the complaint. Caldwell then ignited some fabric, which was hanging over the top of the door, the complaint said. No injuries are alleged. The defendant knew a woman who lived at the location, said police. Fire marshals investigated the incident and arrested the defendant on Oct. 4. Caldwell was indicted on charges of third-, fourth-, and fifth-degree arson, along with criminal mischief. She pleaded guilty Wednesday in state Supreme Court, St. George, to fourth-degree arson, a felony. In exchange, shell be sentenced on Nov. 29 to one to three years in prison. Anthony Katchen, Caldwells lawyer, declined comment on the case. Assistant District Attorney Mark Palladino is prosecuting. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Police allege that a person was slashed with a box cutter and another person was punched in a violent robbery in Mariners Harbor. Suspects Stefon Webb, 23, and Ibrahim Dimson, 19, both of Holland Avenue, were apprehended this week in connection with the incident that occurred at about 11 p.m. on Oct. 27 on Spartan Avenue, according to the criminal complaint and police. Webb allegedly held a box cutter to one victims throat and, according to the criminal complaint, said: Give me your s--t. You cannot run. Webb then allegedly slashed the victim across the right side of his torso, causing an injury that required 12 staples, the criminal complaint said. Dimson allegedly punched the second victim multiple times in the face, causing injuries that included bruising and swelling in the right eye. Both victims injuries required hospital treatment, the criminal complaint said. The suspects allegedly fled with an iPhone and a pair of iPhone headphones, the criminal complaint said. Webb was previously convicted of assault in September 2015 and sentenced to a conditional discharge, the criminal complaint said. Webb, who stands 6 feet tall and weighs about 165 pounds, was arrested at the 121st Precinct stationhouse on Tuesday, according to police and public records. Dimson, who stands 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighs about 220 pounds, was arrested on Wednesday at the 120th Precinct stationhouse in St. George, according to police and public records The victims were strangers to the suspects and Dimson is thought to have followed them along the street, according to a source with knowledge of the investigation. Both suspects have been charged with multiple counts of robbery, assault and criminal possession of stolen property, according to the criminal complaint. Following the sudden death of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia on Feb. 13, 2016, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg fondly recalled her colleague as a "treasured friend," a man who had been her polar opposite ideologically, but with whom she nonetheless had been "best buddies." "We are different, we are one," she mused, "different in our interpretation of written texts, one in our reverence for the Constitution and the institution we serve." Therein lies a powerful message for today's bitterly divided country. People can be passionate about their political beliefs and they can vigorously advance them. But they can also, if they wish, pause for a moment to recognize that the great issues of the day wouldn't be so great or so contentious if there weren't credible arguments and informed advocates on both sides. Whether they realize it or not, the great majority of people on opposite ends of the political spectrum have something very fundamental in common. They love their country; they want to promote its interests; and, they're committed to defending its constitutional underpinnings. So, while political opponents certainly need not be treasured friends or best buddies, they really ought to refrain from calling each other morons, idiots or similarly disparaging names. Retired Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy addressed today's hostile political climate during an Oct. 26 appearance at Stanford University, his alma mater. Asserting that "we've hit a low point in our civic dialogue," he expressed the hope that responsible Americans would somehow summon energy from it to turn things around. Judicial confirmations To that end, Kennedy said "it's our duty to use freedom of speech in a responsible way." While that would certainly be ideal, the essence of that First Amendment freedom contemplates no such duty because it imposes no corresponding restraint. So, libel and slander laws aside, the improvement Kennedy calls for will have to come from people of all political stripes seeing virtue in civility and voluntarily embracing it. During a July visit to Israel to promote "RBG," a documentary about her life, Justice Ginsburg recalled the bipartisanship that saw her 1993 nomination to the Supreme Court approved by an overwhelming 96-3 vote. "I was considered by some a controversial person because of my affiliation with the American Civil Liberties Union," she said, and yet, "There wasn't a single question asked of me during the hearings about my ACLU connections." Then, after noting that "my biggest supporter was Orrin Hatch, the Republican senator from Utah," she continued, "I hope someday we will get back to the bipartisan spirit prevailing with respect to the confirmation of judges." What ensued instead, was the white-hot fury surrounding the Supreme Court nomination of Brett Kavanaugh. During a tribute to retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, who recently however, announced that she's in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, Ginsburg referenced the raw political manner in which the Kavanaugh nomination had been handled, commenting, "to me, the obvious culprit is Congress." Kagan's observations On Oct. 24, yet another Supreme Court Justice, Elena Kagan, lamented the deep divisions in the country. Interviewed by American Bar Association President Bob Carlson at Georgetown Law School, the Obama appointee worried that, as a consequence, the court itself is being perceived as just another partisan political organ. This occurs most frequently, she observed, when a case with major political implications is decided by a 5-4 vote. Yet, she said, such results are best explained not by rank partisanship but, rather, by fundamental differences among the justices as to how the Constitution should be interpreted. Hence, for instance, Scalia's originalism as opposed to Ginsburg's "Living Constitution." Kagan opined that a search for common ground is important both for the country and for the court, adding, "I think we could in this country be doing a better job on that." Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas also addressed how incivility affects people's perception of the court. Speaking at a justice center dedication in Covington, Georgia, on Oct. 19, he observed that advocacy groups often campaign so aggressively for a particular outcome that "advancing a narrative all too often becomes more important than the rule of law." But, he said, "In our great country, the judiciary is not a puppet of those in power, nor is it the engine for pioneering social change." Rabid partisanship has gotten so bad that it's ending life-long friendships and causing irreparable divisions within families. Even more worrisome, it's the catalyst for crackpots to target people for death or serious injury. Unfortunately, the knee-jerk reaction to observations like these is to agree in principle but then promptly blame the discord on one's political opposites . Which ironically only exacerbates the problem. Four Supreme Court justices are sufficiently alarmed by the political climate in this country today that they've gone public with their concerns. The question now, however, is whether anybody is listening. 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! Energy utility Alinta Ltd has defended its endorsement of a $7.4 billion takeover by a Babcock & Brown Ltd (B&B) consortium as the war of words heats up with failed bidder Macquarie Bank. Alinta on Wednesday reiterated concerns about the potential value of a newly listed company proposed by the Macquarie syndicate and the default option of its offer. Macquarie's proposal included an option for Alinta shareholders to receive cash for their shares, but the default option stated they would receive only scrip in the newly listed company if they did not fill out a form indicating their preferred option. Alinta endorsed the B&B cash-and-scrip proposal that involves the investment bank, three of its funds and Singapore Power International, which valued Alinta shares at $15.00. With the addition of 40 cents of franking credits, the B&B proposal increases to $15.40 per Alinta share. The regeneration of the Rialto Towers on the corner of Collins and King streets started 10 years ago, with a series of discussions with architects Woods Bagot. An icon for its time, the two towers built by Grocon and St. Martins Group in the early 1980s (completed in 1986) were, at one stage, the highest in Melbournes CBD. Although the blue glass angular towers remain elegant today, its atrium didnt really connect or activate the streetscape along this prized commercial strip. Woods Bagot designed the Rialto's new atrium. Credit:Trevor Mein The former atrium was overwhelming in terms of its scale and wasnt being used to its full potential, says architect Peter Miglis, a principal at Woods Bagot. Cryptocurrency fans describe ICOs as a cross between a crowd-funding campaign and the traditional finance option of an initial public offering (IPO), which companies use to raise money from the public ahead of floating on a stock exchange. A big difference is that an IPO offers you a share of a company. Shareholders end up with something tangible. In a regulation-free ICO environment, investors - who are often referred to as token holders - end up with a virtual coin, or token, with no underlying value or rights. A case in point is Block.one, a blockchain startup which raised $US4 billion in a year-long auction process, and also recruited former Commonwealth Bank chief financial officer Rob Jesudason. Rob Jesudason left Commonwealth Bank. Credit:Jessica Schapiro It told potential investors its "tokens do not have any rights, uses, purposes, attributes, functionalities or features, expressed or implied, including, without limitation, any uses, purposes, attributes, functionalities or features on the EOS Platform." But this is not top of mind in a gold rush. Especially when US crypto players looked to celebrities like Paris Hilton, and boxer Floyd Mayweather, to sell their ICOs last year. GlobalTech wanted $50 million, and it took a punt on Clarke. I am really excited to be involved with GlobalTech. Their ambition and drive is something that I resonated with straight away and I cant wait to learn more about blockchain technologies, said Clarke in the stage managed Tweet that Wednesday evening in August. If theres one thing that Clarke has now learnt about blockchain and the cryptocurrency gold rush, its that making money in this space is harder than it looks. And it has not done his image any good. Soon after the tweet, the respected fund manager, Bronte Capital founder John Hempton, wrote: "You are tossing your reputation just as surely as if you used sandpaper on the ball." Another Hempton statement proved prescient. Whether Michael Clarke is breaking Australian law regarding advertising investments with this tweet I will leave for ASIC and their lawyers to decide. The high profile tweet did indeed get the attention of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), which came knocking on the door of the GlobalTech founders Andrew Mclean and Marlon Donaire. The corporate watchdog had already issued warnings about the unregulated ICO market, which had raised tens of millions from the public with none of the safeguards of the regulated capital markets. GlobalTech folded within two months. Not that it had much to close. The formation of its actual business was dependant on GlobalTech completing its ICO which never succeeded. Global Tech Exchanges Initial Coin Offering (ICO) has now ceased in accordance with ASIC requirements, the company said on its website last month. As a result of this Global Tech has issued full refunds to all investors. Any chance that Clarke had of cashing in on what insiders describe as a lucrative gig, disappeared with it. "We would also like to inform you that Michael Clarke is no longer associated with Global Tech Exchange and the Global Tech Exchange Blockchain education and awareness program," said the notice on the company's website. Michael Clarke was contacted for comment. Global Techs scalp was the most public declaration of intent by ASIC to join the global crackdown on a market described as the wild west. There is a certain level of opportunism including businesses or people looking to undertake an ICO because it is seen as an easy, low-regulation and low-cost option to bring an immature business to market, ASIC commissioner John Price tells Fairfax Media. He expressed concern about the negative impact this is having on investor confidence for the rest of the sector. If you are acting with someone elses money, selling something to someone, or seeking to raise funds by issuing digital tokens or coins, this comes with certain obligations, he says. The bottom-line is clear: there is a fundamental obligation, whatever the structure, not to mislead or deceive through any offers or marketing. It isn't just ASIC which has woken up to the issue. The development of ICOs has exposed a regulatory loophole that is being exploited to the detriment of ordinary investors, said a report to the UK parliament in September calling for regulation of the sector. It might not be a coincidence that ASIC launched its most vocal warning to the crypto sector the day after the British report was made public. ASIC has stopped as many as five ICOs since April to stop them raising money from the public without the appropriate investor protections. And the ICO crackdown comes on top of some particularly scathing verdicts on the cryptocurrencies these public cash raisings spawn at a prodigious rate. Nouriel Roubini, the economist who famously predicted the global financial crisis, described these virtual currencies as the mother of all scams and (now busted) bubbles, in a submission to the US senate in October. The report to the UK parliament in September was not favourable either. Currencies act as a medium of exchange, a store of value, or a unit of account. There are currently no cryptocurrencies that perform these functions. And in the words of British MP Nicky Morgan, Chair of the Treasury Committee which produced the report: "Bitcoin and other crypto-assets exist in the Wild West industry of crypto-assets. This unregulated industry leaves investors facing numerous risks. Surprisingly, there are ICO hopefuls in Australia who would agree with this assessment. We were a little aghast at the beginning at the way that the ICO markets were being run, and to us it was only a matter of time before regulators stepped in, said Ian Jones the executive director of NaturesCoin. Jones and his fellow directors are veterans of traditional capital markets - with all the regulation that goes with it. They are not pursuing an ICO of NaturesCoin next year for the lax regulatory environment that these markets have enjoyed. Like other believers, he sees the focus on the cryptocurrency itself as putting the cart before the horse. Its really about blockchain and the potential this has to unleash what is commonly described as Version 2.0 of the internet. For players like NaturesCoin, blockchain and the cryptocurrency the company will offer, are just the mechanism for linking its investor clients with the sustainable development projects it champions. We are using blockchain to solve the real world problem which is how do we attract businesses to sustainable causes, he says. The company is targeting large corporations, fund managers and retail investors. The key to its business plan is the role played by blockchain in converting the corporate environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) spend of big corporations from a cost on the balance sheet to an asset. Instead of the corporate ESG spend disappearing into a black hole, the company could track where the money is going with complete transparency via the token generated from their spend on sustainable development. So can the company's shareholders. These tokens can then be donated, or traded, at a future date. Jones describes the cryptocurrency market itself as the frothy story that has created a lot of money for some. We could see it was a replay of the dotcom boom in the 90s. Power Ledger co-founder Jemma Green also sees an analogy with the dotcom boom, but is more upbeat about the collision of funding and ideas. Jemma Green, chair of Power Ledger. Credit:TREVOR COLLENS While some of them "will turn to dust," she says,"the validation of some of the ideas will be tested over the next three to five years." Green was more sanguine about the ups and downs of the crypto rollercoaster but also a believer in the transformative power of blockchain. Power Ledger, a Perth-based peer-to-peer energy start-up, is a veteran of the sector having raised $US27 million in Australias first ICO way back in October last year. "It was quite a challenge because a lot of people because a lot of people hadn't heard of cryptocurrencies before," she says. But Power Ledger was not just another Bitcoin peddler. The company promises to deliver the democratisation of power by using blockchain to enable neighbouring homes, and businesses, to trade surplus energy they generate rather than selling it off cheaply to their local energy supplier. "The work we're doing is really mission focussed. I think that is why people have responded to us," she says. But Green is seeing the promise of of blockchain developing in all sorts of areas. "Buying fractionalised assets is a big area of opportunity." Imagine millennials buying into a house in fractional increments, much like Power Ledger's corporate cousins at BitCar. It is offering the ownership of luxury cars in micro increments via its virtual coins. "We effectively are tokenising the car," said Bitcar's William Foster. He says this is only possible because blockchain provides that "high level of security and transparency" need for this to work. "It's effectively a ledger which can be read by everyone." Ironically, for a business that sells its digital currency/tokens on the fact it is anchored to valuable real world assets - like luxury cars - Bitcar has run into financial trouble due to the fall in the price of Ethereum the popular cryptocurrency it received from some subscribers to its ICO. But the growth of ICOs from companies offering asset-backed coins/tokens with a focus outside of the cryptocurrency market might explain why the money raised from ICOs has defied the crypto downturn. The amount of money raised from ICOs is now starting to rival the amounts raised on Wall Street. According to research site CoinDesk, $US20 billion was raised in the 18 months ending August this year. But an ICO is not for everyone. Cryptocurrency mining company Bitmain Technologies surprised the financial markets by announcing plans for a multi billion dollar listing on the Hong Kong stock exchange via an IPO. "For a company of this size like Bitmain, it's probably going to get a better valuation on a huge deal like this in the traditional markets than in an ICO, especially in today's market," Blockforce Capital chief executive Eric Ervin told the Wall Street Journal when Bitmain's plans were announced. What is blockchain? What is blockchain: If Bitcoin crashes and burns, it will still have an enduring legacy through blockchain technology that provides the virtual currencys digital magic. Blockchain is a database that is replicated across the internet. This means its records are public, easily verifiable and - so far - impossible to corrupt. NBN Co says 855,000 homes and businesses are due to switch to the NBN access network between January and March next year, but it is urging small businesses to get ready. Once a business address is ready for an NBN connection, a company has 18 months to switch its services before its ADSL connections are switched off for good. John Massetti runs the Perfume & Skincare Company and is waiting for the NBN for his phone line to come back in action in Robertson, NSW. Around three quarters of the users whose services will turn to NBN-only next year already have broadband services connected. But those that don't contact service providers to change to the NBN before ADSL is switched off could see periods of disconnection. According to NBN Co, a number of key areas in Australian capital cities will start this process at the start of next year, including Bentleigh East and Vermont in Victoria, and Hornsby and Paddington in New South Wales. With many challenges facing teachers in the STEM space, Dr Simon Crook says there is an urgent need to make STEM teaching more attractive for graduates. Crook, founder of CrookED Science and a former high school physics and science teacher, says there is so much emphasis on numeracy and literacy in primary schools that science is often the least catered-for subject. He says there is going to be a massive brain drain in high schools when more experienced teachers retire, leaving less experienced colleagues without valuable mentors. This problem is already affecting regional, remote and poorer areas. Dr Simon Crook founder of CrookED Science. We need to ... rethink how we can spread available expertise across multiple schools, perhaps leveraging technology where appropriate, Crook says. If we just sit on our hands, the gap between the haves and have-nots will only get wider. Crook says he is fascinated by the use of technology in the classroom and how it can improve student outcomes. He was asked by the University of Sydney to help develop multimedia resources for HSC physics, a task he enthusiastically dug into, designing a simulation for Thomsons experiment, a mandatory part of the physics syllabus that 95 per cent of Australian schools dont have equipment for. The university was so impressed, Crook was offered a PhD in physics education research. ACT Policing's Taskforce Nemesis have seized drugs, cash and ammunition from a Monash residence. The operation saw a search warrant executed on Friday, where a significant quantity of a substance suspected to be cocaine was found, along with ammunition. The substance, with an estimated street value of $100,000, the ammunition, cash and a prohibited item were seized by ACT Policings Criminal Investigators in an operation targeting criminal gangs. A 36-year-old Monash man was arrested and has been charged with trafficking a prohibited substance, possessing ammunition, proceeds of crime and possessing a prohibited item. He will face the ACT Magistrates Court on Saturday and police will oppose bail. ACT Policing Detective Superintendent Scott Moller said Fridays operation is another positive result for the Canberra community. Ninety-two-year-old World War II veteran Don Haggarty just happened upon the official opening on Friday of a carpet of poppies installed in the Parliament House forecourt to mark the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice, ending World War I. The approximately 270,000 poppies on the forecourt at Parliament House have been handmade by men, women and children across Australia and overseas, as a tribute to Australians who have served in wars, conflicts and peace-keeping operations. Credit:Sitthixay Ditthavong The former navy man rested his walking frame in a break between the 270,000 hand-made poppies and contemplated the sight. "It's lovely,'' he said. "My dad was in the First World War, a bugler in the Light Horse. He came home, but he was a mess.'' ABC journalist Sean Nicholls has described a claim made in The Australian newspaper that he provided information to a Liberal Party minister about an allegation the NSW Labor leader had groped a fellow journalist at a function as false and defamatory. A spokeswoman for the ABC said the organisation had asked The Australian for an apology and correction but had not had a response at the time of writing on Friday afternoon. Asked if the ABC would pursue legal action she declined to comment. Journalist Sean Nicholls says a claim he provided information about allegations against Luke Foley are false and defamatory. Credit:Peter Rae A News Corp spokesperson told Fairfax Media The Australian stands by the story and has nothing to add. Rumours about the allegations began circulating over recent months, but the alleged victim, ABC journalist Ashleigh Raper, made it clear she did not want to make a complaint or go public. If Chris Minns wins the Labor leadership contest on Saturday and topples Gladys Berejiklians government in March he will be the youngest premier in the 162-year-old constitutional life of the NSW Parliament. Minns, it would seem, would be comfortable with the record. The 39-year-olds bid for the Labor leadership is an unashamed bid for generational change, from a politician marked for leadership from an early age. The member for Kogarah since 2015, Minns is both an ALP candidate from central casting, but also potentially a harbinger of a different way of doing things. Labor MP Chris Minns announcing he will run in Saturday's leadership ballot. Credit:Janie Barrett A former Labor assistant state secretary, Minns worked as a staffer for former ministers Carl Scully and John Robertson. Hes worked for the fire brigade and studied for a masters in public policy from Princeton University. Emma Husar, the Labor federal MP forced from her seat over unsubstantiated allegations of sexual impropriety, says the scandal that has engulfed former opposition leader Luke Foley reveals significant failures within the NSW branch of the Labor Party. Ms Husar said she was furious at how the allegation that Mr Foley had groped a journalist appeared to have been used for political gain by the state government, and that the journalist had been drawn into the controversy against her will by elements of the media. Mr Foley denies the allegations. Emma Husar and Luke Foley at a rally at Nepean Hospital in August. Credit:Fairfax Media But she noted that rumours about Mr Foleys behaviour had been openly discussed in Labor circles for many months, and that the organisation had failed to act on them. By contrast, she said Labor went to extraordinary lengths and great expense investigating claims made about her by a staff member she had sacked. Some of those allegations had already been dismissed by Fair Work Australia. A Lake Macquarie man will face court charged with fraud and intimidation offences related to a fundraising scheme to help drought-stricken farmers. Fairfax Media reported in August that Shane Worrall had been collecting items as part of a Fill A Truck For a Farmer campaign. Boolaroo truck driver Shane Worrall has been charged with fraud and intimidation. Credit:Marina Neil Were going to take it to their doorstep, Mr Worrall said at the time. The farmers Ive spoken to havent had any relief whatsoever. They are the people Im trying to get in contact with. The barrister for a Chinese movie star charged with sexually assaulting a woman in a Sydney hotel has questioned whether or not she invented the story to "avoid a situation with her husband". John Korn, acting for Yunxiang Gao, told Central Local Court magistrate Beverley Schurr there were stark inconsistencies in the alleged victims claims against the celebrity. Chinese actor Yunxiang Gao arrives at the Sydney Central Local Court on Friday. Credit:AAP Mr Korn drew attention to the womans behaviour, captured on CCTV as she left the room at the Shangri-La Hotel, where the alleged incident occurred in the early hours of March 27. "She appears to be preening herself or looking at herself in the mirror," Mr Korn said. Whitaker said on CNN that he could envision a scenario where Sessions was replaced and his successor "just reduces [Mueller's] budget to so low that his investigation grinds to almost a halt." He also wrote in an online column for CNN - under the headline "Mueller's investigation of Trump is going too far" - that the president was "absolutely correct" to suggest that Mueller would be crossing a red line by examining the finances of Trump and his family. Yet Mr Foley's fate was only decided on Thursday when ABC journalist Ashleigh Raper came forward and gave a detailed account of the incident which was very damning to Mr Foley. Mr Foley's future had been in doubt since he was accused last month by Corrections Minister David Elliott under parliamentary privilege of inappropriate behaviour towards an ABC journalist at a Christmas function in 2016. Under pressure from Senator Eric Abetz, the ABC launched an internal investigation. The events at Macquarie Street in the past two days that culminated in the dramatic resignation of Luke Foley as Opposition Leader have stunned all NSW and left many people, especially women, angry. In resigning to clear the air, Mr Foley could have chosen to defend himself in many ways. He could have explained the incident as a moment of drunken weakness or argued some of the details were different or he could simply have expressed regret. Instead, he has chosen to launch defamation proceedings and say the entire accusation is false. The Herald agrees with Labor MP Michael Daley, who is now a candidate to replace Mr Foley: we believe Ashleigh. It is unclear exactly why Ms Raper chose to make a statement on Thursday. It may relate to the ABC investigation. She says Mr Foley contacted her on Sunday and promised to resign. Perhaps when he failed to do so, she thought it was likely that the details would come out anyway. It must be said that we have not heard Mr Foley's side of the phone conversation. One thing that is clear, however, is that Ms Raper has only very reluctantly been dragged into this mess. Like many women, she initially decided that making a complaint would be a lot more trouble than just keeping quiet and swallowing her pain and embarrassment. Her reluctance to speak out only adds to her credibility. If Mr Foley expected any sympathy, he has lost it by launching this sort of attack. As women influenced by the #MeToo wave have come forward to complain about past acts of sexual harassment, their probity has come under frequent attack. In the Senate confirmation hearings about allegations of sexual assault against US Supreme court judge Brett Kavanaugh, his defenders chose to attack his accuser's character. Prominent Australian swimming coach Scott Volkers has been committed to stand trial over a string of historical child sex offences. Mr Volkers appeared in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday where it was deemed there was enough evidence for his matter to be heard by a jury in a higher court. He did not enter a plea. Scott Volkers leaving the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday after being committed to stand trial for historical child sex offences. Credit:Shae McDonald/AAP The former top swimming coach is accused of indecently dealing with two girls under the age of 16 in the 1980s. A man who had fallen four metres down a manhole at a Nundah work site has been taken to hospital after emergency services worked to recue the him for more than one hour. Queensland Ambulance Service are on scene following reports of a patient, believed to be in his 50s, with a lower leg injury reportedly trapped in a hole at 12.48pm at Union Street. A Queensland Fire and Emergency Services spokewoman said four crews were at the site trying to rescue the person just before 2pm. "They haven't been able to get the person out just yet but they are assisting QAS," she said. Geoffrey Rush "may never work again" and should be awarded "substantial" damages totalling millions of dollars if the Federal Court finds the Oscar winner was defamed by The Daily Telegraph, his barrister told the court on the final day of his defamation case against the newspaper. The high-stakes court battle between Mr Rush, 67, and Rupert Murdoch's Nationwide News, publisher of the Telegraph, concluded on Friday after a three-week trial featuring a roll-call of famous actors including two-time Oscar nominee Judy Davis and veteran stage actress Robyn Nevin. Justice Michael Wigney said he would "dearly love" to hand down his decision this year but it would not be possible owing to his workload. He aims to deliver his judgment early next year. Bruce McClintock, SC, for Mr Rush, told the court there was a "significant risk Mr Rush would not work again", both because the phone might not ring and he might never recover his confidence and desire to work again in the wake of articles accusing him of "inappropriate behaviour" towards an unnamed co-star during the Sydney Theatre Company's 2015-16 production of King Lear. Premier Daniel Andrews praised police and bystanders who desperately tried to stop a terrorist in Melbourne's CBD, saying the city will not be defined by "this act of evil". "This is an evil, terrifying thing that's happened to our city and our state," the Premier said in the hours after the attack on Friday. "These are traumatic events. They are terrifying. And many people will have seen them first hand. Many others will witness them through social media." Premier Daniel Andrews with Police Commissioner Graham Ashton. Credit:Joe Armao Mr Andrews thanked the police officers who confronted and shot the attacker on Bourke Street. The Coroner's office will investigate the 2013 death of a Melbourne man shot three times during a routine traffic stop by a police officer, who was acquitted last year of his murder. During a brief directions hearing in the Coroners Court on Friday, Coroner Audrey Jamieson said she intended to hold an inquest into the fatal shooting after former leading senior constable Timothy Howard Baker, 46, was acquitted of murdering Vlado Micetic, 44, at Windsor following a trial in the Supreme Court. Ms Jamieson said she would examine significant safety issues for both police and the public as part of the inquest. Timothy Baker (left) outside the Melbourne Supreme Court in 2017. Credit:Luis Enrique Ascui I intend to proceed with an inquest as I always had done, she said. There shouldnt be any surprise that Im considering an inquest. I didnt think he was, Dr Odell said. Mr Gargasoulas made a "no comment" interview with police after the examination. The court has already heard that the prosecution and defence agree that Mr Gargasoulas was in a drug-induced psychosis when he killed six people and injured 27 others after ploughing into crowds of pedestrians in Bourke Street last year. Justice Mark Weinberg has previously instructed the jury that the use of drugs such as ice provide no defence to any criminal charge and do not affect criminal responsibility. In later testimony on Friday, a witness in Bourke Street described how Mr Gargasoulas was seen smoking a cigarette as he drove into a crowd of pedestrians. Loading Solicitor Joshua Baldacchino was standing near the McDonalds next to Hardware Lane on January 20 last year, when he saw the maroon Holden Commodore race through the Elizabeth Street intersection. The car hit them just like it would hit an insect, he told the Supreme Court on Friday. The gentleman driving the car seemed like he was going for a regular drive. He had both hands on the steering wheel and what looked like a cigarette in his mouth. Another witness described Mr Gargasoulas as a skilful driver who was totally in control of the car as he turned into Bourke Street Mall from Swanston Street. Six pedestrians died and 27 others were injured. Mr Gargasoulas, 28, is standing trial and has pleaded not guilty to six charges of murder and 27 counts of reckless conduct endangering life. On Friday, the prosecution called three non-police witnesses who were in the street that day to describe their experiences. None were injured during the incident. All provided graphic descriptions of the cars impact with pedestrians and the injuries sustained by the victims, which The Age has decided not to publish. In earlier testimony on Friday, one of the police officers who pursued Mr Gargasoulas as he drove into Bourke Street told of the chaos when police realised pedestrians were being hit. Detective Senior Constable Adam Burnett told the Supreme Court that he drove near the stolen car Mr Gargasoulas was driving in Swanston Street, until the maroon Holden Commodore turned left into Bourke Street. I just could hear screaming straight away. It was madness, the detective recalled in the witness box. I could actually see pedestrians flung into the air. As the Commodore continued hitting people along the street, Detective Burnett recalled hearing police communications over the radio. I remember hearing a voice on the police radio saying The car is hitting pedestrians, it must be stopped at all costs, he said. After a police vehicle rammed the Commodore and it came to a stop outside a travel agency, the trial heard, Mr Gargasoulas was arrested and officers began helping the injured. James Gargasoulas is taken into court on Friday. Credit:AAP Detective Burnett said he ran to a young girl and asked a man nearby how old the child was, but the man replied: Its not my child, I just found her in the street. In the hours before the tragedy, police searched for Mr Gargasoulas as he was suspected of stabbing his brother Angelo in Windsor. Detective Burnett said he and a colleague were driving when they saw the Commodore by chance and followed it through St Kilda, Windsor, Prahran and Toorak before Mr Gargasoulas, realising he was being followed, stopped in South Melbourne and beckoned the officers over. But he took off again, the court heard, and police pursued him but quickly called off their chase due to traffic in the area. Asked why police didnt try to block or ram the Commodore at that stage, Detective Burnett said: Ramming cars with police vehicles doesnt always have a good outcome, so thats why we decided to sit back in the traffic. Mr Gargasoulas girlfriend, Akiir Muo, told police she saw him stab Angelo with a large silver-coloured knife and then flee. When she next saw James, early on the morning of January 20, he hurried her into the car and drove crazy. The way he was driving I just thought my life was gone. There was no way he was going to stop, Ms Muo, 26, said in a statement read to the jury by a prosecutor. She said Mr Gargasoulas told her: If the cops come and find me I will run everyone down in the city. He also spoke about a comet hitting Earth and him being the saviour, she said. After Mr Gargasoulas drove away from police, he pushed Ms Muo out of the car on Kings Way and drove towards the West Gate Bridge. Maria Butler, who was pregnant with Mr Gargasoulas' child at the time of the tragedy, said he rang her that morning admitting stabbing Angelo. In another call to Ms Butler, he said he felt alone and that the world would end when the comet hit. "He said 'I want to kill myself, I am not going to let them get me and go down like a bitch'," Ms Butler said in a statement read by prosecutor Georgina Coghlan. A Melbourne man who murdered his girlfriend by striking her with a barbell at least five times should be sentenced with the "brutal and savage" nature of the killing in mind, prosecutors say. Shane Robertson murdered his 29-year-old girlfriend, mother-of-two Katherine 'Katie' Haley, on March 9 this year after their relationship broke down. Robertson, 28 at the time of the fatal attack, hit Ms Haley at least three times to her face and at least twice to her head following an argument at their Diggers Rest home. Ms Haley's one-year-old daughter was in a neighbouring bedroom at the time. According to court documents previously obtained, Robertson murdered Ms Haley after she told him she didn't love him anymore. Paul Cohrs has been charged with the murder of his mother in Red Cliffs last week. Detectives charged the 58-year-old on Friday, and a remand hearing was held in his absence at Melbourne Magistrates Court on Friday. Alleged shooter and former Wentworth Shire councillor Paul Cohrs. He was charged with one count of murder over the death of his mother Bette Schulz, 82, who was found dead at her home on Snowy Avenue in Red Cliffs, near the Victorian border town of Mildura, about 12.30pm on October 30. The court heard Mr Cohrs remains under police guard in hospital where hes likely to remain for some time. Mrs Blunden says her grandmother, a woman all of five feet tall who always wore a black dress, was awarded a World War I Mothers and Widows Badge after six of her sons went to fight in the war, and another went to World War II. This was a state record at the time. Mrs Johnson had 17 of her own children, and was known to take in others in need. She lived in the Wheatbelt town of Darkan, and is set to be the centrepiece of the new Darkan pioneer museum. She said there was heritage value in preserving her gravesite. She said the discovery that the headstone had been destroyed left her and her sisters, both widows, totally devastated. A new burial section after renewal. Credit:Karrakatta Cemetery Metropolitan Cemeteries Board chief executive Peter Deague said renewal was a complex issue and sections were only renewed based on need. Cemetery renewal means new graves located between old graves, with the old graves' headstones removed. There is no disturbance of the grave below the surface. "We have got very detailed steps to go through, that takes up to two years before we even start any construction on site," Mr Deague said. "And even then when information comes back to us we'll alter the project plans to review any graves." Mr Deague said the process had evolved since Mrs Blunden's experience. The board had apologised and given her a family plaque which was placed where her grandmother was buried. "What we have now is a very respectful program where the aim is to retain any monuments that have been moved," Mr Deague said. "Of course, a lot of them are very old and made out of marble and when you touch them they just break and of course we just can't retain those sorts of ones." The action group is also concerned about the protection of graves of heritage value. While the government confirmed war graves were safe, that definition only related to those who died because of service, during the conflict or shortly afterwards, the group said. Service personnel who opted to be buried with family, or survived a war did not qualify for protection. The plan to renew a section of the cemetery is advertised at the site. Credit:Karrakatta Cemetery Activist Carolyn Trigwell said in a statement on behalf of the protest group that all memorials and markers, including the grave number, were removed from graves not retained in the cemetery renewal process. A new site, consisting of the walkway between those graves and strips of about 300mm from adjacent existing graves is then offered for sale for a maximum of 25 years, she said. New headstones are erected, but nothing marks the original graves even the cast-iron grave markers are removed. Member of Parliament Aaron Sonehouse said his office had received complaints that families were not being properly notified when headstones were to be removed. He told parliament he was not convinced there were adequate safeguards in place to secure the heritage value of some graves. Mr Deague said an independent survey of about 400 people across Perth had found more than 80 per cent of people were in favour of the cemetery's renewal process. People wanted the option of a family grave in the cemetery, and wanted plots to be available. Mr Deague said he was cognisant of societal changes in attitudes towards death, burial and cremation. "The more times families register their details with us, we can say 'did you know you have a family grave which you can reuse if it's in grant' a lot of people are very appreciative of that because they can have a burial plot or placement of their ashes either with their relatives and amend the headstone accordingly," he said. Local Government and Heritage Minister David Templeman told parliament in March the redevelopment was being done in a sympathetic and sensitive manner. He said the situation at Karrakatta Cemetery was unique because space at the cemetery was becoming scarce. A new burial section after renewal. Credit:Karrakatta Cemetery The site is more than a century old and has a total area of 100 hectares, he said. The site is in close proximity to the CBD and has reached capacity. It is important for all Western Australian citizens that we ensure the continued use of Karrakatta as an active cemetery. New graves were located alongside existing graves. Although remains are not disturbed, the surface environment is modified to accommodate new headstones that are compliant with modern construction standards, he said. Renewal is undertaken only in cemetery areas in which most of the 25 or 50-year grants of rights of burial plots have expired. No official war grave would be affected by the renewal process, Mr Templeman said. The MCB has had a lengthy and positive collaboration with the Office of Australian War Graves on the issue of military graves. We acknowledge the significance of those loved ones who lie in cemeteries like Karrakatta. "Each attack against one of our compatriots because he or she is Jewish resonates like new broken glass," the prime minister said, in reference to the mass crackdown on Jews throughout Germany and Austria on Nov. 9, 1938 known as the Night of Broken Glass, or Kristallnacht. "It is up to each French person to mobilize 'for' something: for life together, for France's identity, for the values of the Republic." Six people have been charged after a group of teenagers on a beach camping trip in Perth's southern suburbs were allegedly assaulted and ordered to lie on the ground as their belongings were raided. The teenage boys, aged between 15 and 18, set up camp on Horse Beach in Naval Base, just north of Kwinana, on Sunday, May 13 to spend the night fishing. Horse Beach, Naval Base Credit:Facebook About 6.30pm, police allege a group of six men walked into the camp site and threatened the teenagers, demanding their fishing rods. A police spokeswoman said an 18-year-old man was struck on the head during the altercation, while another boy was threatened with a knife. At the traffic lights the other day, I was next to a young man in a very expensive car. It was a Maserati, as it happened. I had the chance to see the brand name as he accelerated away from my battered Hilux ute. Perhaps he felt a surge of sympathy for me, this middle-aged fellow in a car worth a little south of $10,000. (Actually, I've just looked up my car online. I cannot bring myself to report its tragic real value.) I'd love the Maserati Man to know what everyone else thinks of him. Credit:Hannah Elliott Here's the thing: I'd love the Maserati Man to know what everyone else thinks of him. Small penis, obviously. But also: "Must have rich and indulgent father." Or, alternative theory: "Drug dealer." Perhaps this is unfair. He may be a 25-year-old scientist whose breakthrough malaria drug will save millions of lives, as well as providing the inspiration for an innovative start-up due to be listed on the New York stock exchange. His one passion aside from working in the lab day and night helping humanity is this one, good, car. A federal MP and former Victorian detective is calling for new control orders that family members and police can take out on known extremists, following Friday's deadly terror attack on Melbourne's Bourke Street. One man is dead along with the suspect, Hassan Khalif Shire Ali, who came to Australia from Somalia in the 1990s, and two others remain injured following the stabbing attack. La Trobe Liberal MP Jason Wood. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Shire Ali was known to Victoria Police and federal intelligence authorities by way of his family associations, and the Counter Terrorism Command along with the Homicide Squad are investigating. The federal Liberal MP for La Trobe, Jason Wood, a former detective and member of the Victoria Police counter terrorism coordination unit, said the incident showed authorities need more powers to help them deal with extremists before they commit crimes. What is now certain is that Foley, despite his declared intention on Thursday to remain the member for Auburn and fight the case from the backbench, will not be permitted by the party to do so. There were tense negotiations between the left and right of the party over Thursday evening as to whether to refer Foley to the Candidate Review Committee, where he would face the threat of disendorsement. Foley is from the left, and that is where his personal friendships within the party lie. Some of those who retain sympathy for him were hoping he could be persuaded to give up the seat without a fight. Loading They seem to have succeeded. Late on Friday, the party's head office put out a statement confirming that "Mr Foley has sought permission to resign as NSW Labor's endorsed candidate for Auburn". Party officers had accepted his resignation, the statement said. Indeed, it was apparent throughout Friday that the tide was running out for Foley. ABC journalist Ashleigh Raper Credit:Twitter On his own side, telling words came from both federal Opposition Leader Bill Shorten and Foleys likely successor as state Labor leader, Michael Daley. The behaviour that Ashleigh described is clearly improper, inappropriate, it cannot be tolerated Mr Shorten told ABC radio in Perth. Whatever the details, Ashleigh I think needs, deserves, our support and understanding at this time. Modern politics, Shorten added, was not some sort of episode of the 1960s Mad Men series, the world has moved on. Daley was blunt. I believe Ashleigh ... If Im the leader of the Labor party I would not be comfortable about Luke Foley coming back to Parliament. Daley said he had insisted Foleys candidacy for Auburn should be referred to the Candidate Review Committee (a position insiders say Murnain had adopted from the outset) and said Foley should reconsider taking legal action as it would be damaging for everyone, particularly Ashleigh Raper. Loading Speaking from the Central Coast, shadow transport minister Jodi McKay tipped as a potential future leader- spoke for many Labor women when she, too, called on the fallen leader to rethink the pursuit of defamation proceedings. Sam Dastyari, whose own highly promising career in the federal Senate came to a shattering halt over dealings with Chinese donors to the party, wrote that party members had told him, we wanted to be there for him. But, Dastyari wrote, they no longer can. Even Foleys friends have been scratching their heads over his motivation for wanting to take the issue to court. Equally, those friends have concerns for his emotional well-being. Those with a decent memory remember the near-tragic ending of former Liberal leader John Brogdens time in politics in August 2005. Brogden, like Foley, had also appeared on the threshold of electoral success when he was brought undone by what he later described as uninhibited behaviour at a mid-year drinks hosted by the Australian Hotels Association. Loading Again, unacceptable behaviour towards women one a female journalist whom he pinched on the bottom was involved. He was also heard calling Bob Carrs Malaysian-born wife a mail-order bride. When the details came out several weeks later, Brogden, overcome by shame, attempted to take his own life. What the party wants for Foley now is a dignified retreat to private life and no compounding of the damage to him, his family, to the journalist involved, or to his party. The sheer abruptness of this seismic upheaval for Labor will throw the party, organisationally at least, into disarray for weeks. TV ads had been filmed, with Foley front and centre. These are costly, and will now have to be re-shot. Websites will have to be redesigned. The party has dropped a lot of money on the TV advertising in particular, according to several sources. Its going to cost a significant chunk of the spend, we are going to have to do all of that pretty quickly, one said. We have 130 or so days to go, every day we lose now is one per cent of the campaign. Compounding the partys money woes is that unions can no longer tip in so generously for Labor campaigns in the way they once could before state donations laws were tightened up. And there remains the hole left by the $230,000 donated to the party between 2003 and 2007 by Ron Medich, which Foley insisted the party had to give up once Medich was convicted of murder. In a statement, former NSW Opposition Leader Luke Foley came out swinging at ABC journalist Ashleigh Raper. Credit:AAP As for Foleys successor, the party machine has locked in firmly behind deputy Opposition Leader Michael Daley to take the post, though this will not be formalised until this afternoon. Daley, a former customs officer and corporate lawyer for the NRMA, had extensive ministerial experience in the short-lived Labor governments of Nathan Rees, Kristina Kenneally and Morris Iemma which followed the long reign of Premier Bob Carr in the decade up to 2005. In mid 2005, following Carrs retirement from parliament, Daley stood for preselection in Carrs seat of Maroubra and won the hotly-fought contest, leading to his subsequent victory in the byelection. The seat, as he noted in his inaugural address to parliament, has already produced two Labor premiers: Carr and Bob Heffron, (1959-64). He may take that as a favourable omen. But Daley will have his work cut out to cement his authority as the new Labor leader in the time remaining before the state poll, and to establish himself in the public mind as a credible alternative to Premier Gladys Berejiklian. Unlike Foley, Daley is from the right of the party, the dominant faction in NSW, and this is likely to stand him in good stead with party secretary Murnain, whose relations with Foley had been rocky earlier in the year. Loading A strike against Daley, in the eyes of some, is that he singled out since-disgraced MPs Joe Tripodi and Eddie Obeid for thanks in his inaugural parliamentary speech. His defenders say this overlooks the fact that neither of the disreputable pair had accusations being openly levelled against them at the time, and that Tripodi was still serving as a minister. They argue that there was a long list of others that Daley thanked. Daley might do well to emphasise that he is the grandson of a prominent dairy farmer, given that part of the election strategy Foley had been planning was to focus on a handful of rural and regional seats where the Nationals might be vulnerable. Daley has stellar credentials on climate issues, telling parliament in 2005 that I nominate global warming as the most pressing environmental threat of our times. However, Daley was tarnished in 2012 when he was accused of being under the influence of alcohol during a late night parliamentary debate. Asked about this recently, he told the Herald he had sworn off alcohol completely during parliamentary sitting weeks since then. Bob Carr, for one, is talking up Daleys chances and insisting there might be some kind of silver lining to Foleys political demise. I think [Daleys] judgment is pretty good Carr told the Herald on Friday. Daley knows the electorate, he knows the politics of suburban NSW, when Ive heard him in interviews he has sounded forceful and strong, he can burrow in to issues, and get to the nub of something. As sad as this is for Luke, I think getting a ... fresh voice, a fresh face, could be advantageous to them. Carr said he had been sceptical when the Victorian party dumped then leader John Brumby for Steve Bracks in 1999 shortly before an election, but it had worked, with the party trouncing Jeff Kennetts government which was more popular than this one. The risk of shark attacks in the Whitsundays will be tackled with research, a ban on swimming and education, but not drumlines. The Queensland government has announced a five-point plan to improve safety following a roundtable meeting with tourism operators and researchers in Airlie Beach on Friday. The Queensland government has announced a five-point plan following a shark roundtable held in Airlie Beach on Friday. Credit:AFR It came after the death of 33-year-old Victorian doctor Daniel Christidis in Cid Harbour on Monday, and two shark maulings 24 hours apart in September at the same location. The five point plan will include: Premier Daniel Andrews says ABC journalist Ashleigh Raper showed courage in coming forward with her complaint against former NSW opposition leader Luke Foley. Speaking on the election campaign trail in Bendigo on Friday, Mr Andrews said Mr Foley, who had led Labor in NSW since 2015, had done the right thing by resigning on Thursday. He has resigned and that's the appropriate thing to do. His position was untenable, Mr Andrews said. Mr Foley quit less than five months before the NSW state election, hours after the ABC released a statement from Ms Raper outlining an incident allegedly involving Mr Foley at a Sydney bar in late November 2016. It's hard out there for a Liberal leader these days. Little wonder, Matthew Guy ordered the Coalition campaign bus to drive all the way through the suburbs to the early 2000s, a comfortable and relaxed time for the men in blue. Former prime minister John Howard wows the fans at Fountain Gate Credit:Luis Enrique Ascui We're at Westfields Fountain Gate in Narre Warren, and it feels like 2003. Prime Minister John Howard is here, championing the cause of his beloved Liberal Party. An audit of WA Labor's 'Local Projects, Local jobs' election cash scheme has uncovered "shortcomings" in how the project's $38 million in grants have been handed out. A report by WA Auditor General Caroline Spencer tabled in Parliament yesterday found some of the grants had been used for "a purpose that differed from the agreement". In some cases, there was no documented approval of the change in purpose or changes had been signed off by a local MP instead of a minister. The Auditor General has found "shorcomings" in how the state government's 'Local Projects, Local Jobs' grant scheme has been implemented. Credit:WAtoday The Auditor General "audit tested" 40 of the program's 858 projects to determine if funds had actually been spent for the purposes of the grants. GAZA CITY, GAZA STRIP Gaza's Hamas rulers lauded on Friday what they described as a gain of their weekly protests along Gaza-Israel perimeter fence, which have often turned deadly, after receiving $15 million from Qatar to help pay the salaries of the territory's civil servants. "Today, we see some fruits of the protests the partial breaking of the siege on Gaza," Khalil al-Hayya, a senior Hamas official, told reporters at a protest in east Gaza City, referring to the grant. "We are still waiting for the implementation of all other understandings." Since March, the Islamic militant group has orchestrated weekly demonstrations along the fence, in large part against a blockade Israel and Egypt imposed when it seized Gaza in 2007. Qatar, Egypt and the United Nations, acting as go-betweens for Hamas and Israel, intensified their shuttle diplomacy in recent weeks after a full-blown war between Hamas and Israel appeared imminent. The Qatari grant is part of indirect Hamas-Israel understandings to improve living conditions for Gaza's 2 million people and subsequently scale down the border protests, in which 170 Palestinians and an Israeli soldier have been killed since they began in March. The closure squeezed Hamas financially. Recent budget cuts by the West Bank-based administration of President Mahmoud Abbas have worsened the situation for Gaza's rulers, preventing them from paying complete salaries to their 40,000 employees. But on Thursday, a Qatari envoy brought the money through Israel in three suitcases. They were the first installment of $90 million that Qatar has pledged to cover salaries and other humanitarian operations for six months. Employees reporting to the group lined up outside Hamas-affiliated banks and post offices typically shut for the weekend on Fridays to receive 60 percent of their long-overdue salaries. In recent months, they had instead received smaller stipends every 40 days. Hamas says the monthly disbursements will gradually increase. Alongside the cash deliveries, Hamas demands an expansion of the permissible fishing zone off Gaza beach, uninterrupted flow of fuel to mitigate chronic power shortages and the lifting of Israeli restrictions on exports and imports, a Hamas official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly. For the second week in a row, the Palestinians kept Friday's protests carefully restrained, burning fewer tires and refraining from breaching the fence to avoid drawing a lethal response from the Israeli military. However, a 28-year-old who was seriously injured by Israeli fire during the marches later died at a hospital, according to the health ministry. It added that 37 Palestinians were wounded from live gunfire. The Qatari mediator, Mohammed Al-Emadi, visited a protest camp in east Gaza City, where he was welcomed by Hamas officials. Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. For these businesses and many others, Paynes very productive and very constructive meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday, the fifth Australia-China foreign and strategic dialogue, could not come soon enough. The meeting signalled a much-anticipated thaw. Credit:AP It was the highest-level meeting between the two governments this year, and the first time a foreign minister had visited China Australias largest trading partner - in almost three years. The 'new' Australian government The Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, its vast park-like surrounds golden-hued with autumn's gingko leaves, was opened for visiting Australian diplomats. Staff attendants, women in blue qipaos, men in bowties and white gloves, waited on the red plush carpet of the wood-panelled meeting halls for Payne and her delegation, including ambassador Jan Adams and secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs Frances Adamson, a former ambassador. Media were ushered out of the meeting room after opening remarks that laid out how the two parties had come to sit down together after so long. Mr Wang noted the positive comments of the new government in Canberra which had decided to view Chinas rise as an opportunity and not a threat. Beijing was ready to rebuild mutual political trust, he said. Loading Senator Payne highlighted Prime Minister Scott Morrisons speech four weeks earlier to the Chinese community in Hurstville, in which he praised the contribution of Chinese-Australians, Chinese students and tourists. She noted the large Australian delegation of 150 companies to the Chinese International Import Expo in Shanghai this week, an event Chinese President Xi Jinping had attached great importance to. (It was also the first government event an Australian minister, Senator Birmingham, had been granted a visa for this year.) The two foreign ministers emerged from the meeting to declare they had agreed to work more closely together and that it would be a respectful relationship in the future. The mood was warm, and the length of the meeting which ran over by an hour attested to what Senator Payne said were full and candid talks. Uncomfortably respectful Lowy Institute senior fellow Richard McGregor believes challenges will undoubtedly lie ahead. "Australias China policy will not be cost-free," he says. "Beijing could decide tomorrow, next year or in 10 years to exact some form of punishment, as they have done with other countries which displeased them. Just because it is all smiles and handshakes this week doesnt tell you anything." McGregor says the federal government was right to be upfront with Beijing in its policy announcements during the week on potentially difficult issues such as a decision to block a Hong Kong company investing in Australia's major gas distributor, and an infrastructure fund for the Pacific. This was better, he said, than "surprising people later". "In any case, as Beijing clearly recognises, we dont need anyones permission to strengthen ties in our region." The overwhelming feeling in Canberra is that the diplomatic thaw represents a vindication of Australias insistence on standing its ground on key issues of national interest: guarding its democracy against foreign interference, protecting its critical infrastructure such as the 5G network, maintaining freedom of navigation in trade routes such as the South China Sea. Given differences over these sorts of issues will keep arising in future, the lesson that China needs a positive relationship as much as Australia does should be well remembered, some experts have said. A key lesson is weve got to stop agonising over how Australian actions will play in Beijing because ultimately China will respect a country that is prepared to argue its national interest case, said Peter Jennings, executive director of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute. Marise Payne and Wang Yi asserted the warmth of the relationship. Credit:AP That doesnt mean, Jennings stresses, that China wont put us in the freezer again some time, rather that it is something we can learn to manage. Others have pointed out that Japan and India have both managed to maintain steady diplomatic relations with Beijing while having some very sharp points of difference, including quite serious territorial disputes that could easily become flashpoints. Rory Medcalf, who heads the Australian National University's National Security College, told Fairfax Media that Australia's positions on issues of substance remained the same even if rhetoric had moderated under both Mr Morrison and his predecessor Malcolm Turnbull. "This [visit] shouldn't be misinterpreted as a sign that Australia is breaking ranks with other regional democracies," he said. "Its consistent with Japanese and Indian diplomacy. No country has actually fundamentally changed its position. Were all still uncomfortable with Chinese assertivenesss, but we want a mutually respectful relationship." Jennings added that sometimes diplomatic niceties will conceal underlying differences - the most obvious current case being the emphasis on co-operation in the Pacific when in fact there is clear competition going on there. Theres lots of talk on co-operation in the South Pacific. The truth is that were in a more competitive phase in the South Pacific, he said. Talking about co-operation may be acceptable for ministerial statements but it doesnt really reflect the underlying strategic reality. I think the government accepts that, so were dealing with the difference between what we say for diplomatic purposes and how things will actually play out. Staking out their positions There are multiple reasons why the thaw is happening now. New faces, from the Prime Minister to foreign minister, may have given Beijing an opportunity to more quickly bury the hatchet after China took offence at Mr Turnbulls handling of foreign interference legislation. The Morrison government has privately said, however, that there was no back-tracking by Australia in the meeting in Beijing on issues such as national security. Rather, sources say, Mr Wang showed a sophisticated appreciation of the changed times that many countries in the region were facing as China rose. Senator Payne, a former defence minister, has had frequent contact with US counterparts that the Chinese leadership is struggling to deal with, after the Trump administration this year labelled China a strategic threat. But the Chinese didnt question Australia about its US security alliance, nor condemn it. There was instead a high-level staking out of positions from both sides about the Australia-China relationship in a newly uncertain global environment. The worsening relationship between China and the US, and the multibillion-dollar trade war, provided another reason for Beijing to end the freeze with Canberra. Mr Morrison's strategic interview with Chinese business magazine Caixin, in which he said Australia sought independent relationships with the US and China and came from a position of friendship with both, helped. Cooperation on free trade and the World Trade Organisation was discussed at length in Thursdays meeting, with Canberra encouraged at Beijings support for the need for WTO reform to protect the global trading system. Earlier in the week, Senator Birmingham had made clear statements to Chinese media in support of Chinas economic growth and against trade protectionism. Trade Minister Simon Birmingham trying vitamin drinks at the Swisse stand on day one of the China International Import Expo in Shanghai this week. Credit:DFAT It is an easy area of cooperation for two economic partners who have already struck a free trade agreement that has lowered or axed many tariffs. But there was a barrage of more difficult issues between the two countries in the lead-up to the meeting. Some, such as the ban on Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei participating in the 5G network, failed to produce fireworks. Huawei wasnt raised. And Mr Wangs only comment to the media about Treasurer Josh Frydenbergs decision to block the takeover of APAs gas pipeline by Hong Kong company CKI Group was to say a single case would not affect Australias attitude to Chinese investment. Chinas contentious Belt and Road Initiative was a focus of domestic political debate this week, after Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews signed a memorandum of understanding with China on the issue and then refused to release it, earning a rebuke from Mr Morrison. That also was not mentioned by either foreign minister in comments to reporters in Beijing. And on the same day that Mr Morrison unveiled a plan for a $3 billion Pacific infrastructure and assistance fund, the conversation with China was not about competition in the region but about trilateral aid cooperation. The Australian assistance fund, a mixture of aid and long-term loans to help Pacific countries build telecommunications, transport and water infrastructure, was a strong move by Australia to reassert its influence in an area that China has designs upon under its South-South policy. On this, Mr Wang said he had reached an important common understanding with Senator Payne. "Australia and China are not competitors, not rivals, but cooperation partners and we have agreed to combine and capitalise on our respective strengths to carry out trilateral cooperation involving Pacific island states, he said. Health and education were two areas where such cooperation could occur, Senator Payne said at a later doorstop. We think there are some powerful opportunities for us to share skills and experience, she said. There appeared to be echoes of what Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe termed "win-win-win during his visit to Beijing last month. Then, Tokyo agreed to development cooperation and joint infrastructure projects with China in other countries, but stopped short of signing up to the Belt and Road Initiative. China also sought to dispel Canberras concerns about debt diplomacy under the Belt and Road Initiative by setting up a meeting between Senator Payne and the chairman of the Chinese International Development Cooperation Agency, Wang Xiaotao. It is the new oversight agency for BRI. "Debt diplomacy" is the accusation that China has used large debts on infrastructure projects in countries such as Sri Lanka to gain control over ports, and was cited by Senator Payne's predecessor, Julie Bishop, as a key fear arising from the Belt and Road. Loading Senator Payne said separately that she had made clear what Australia expected to see from development assistance in the region, prioritising three key issues security, stability and prosperity. The new tone of the relationship with Beijing didn't see Canberra shy away from human rights issues in its dialogue with China. The mass detention of Uighur Muslims in the far-western Xinjiang region was raised by Australia, a member of the UN Human Rights Council, in the meeting. Senator Payne said the two sides had exchanged views on Xinjiang when asked by Australian reporters at a press conference. Mr Wang told reporters - unsolicited - that China would prevent the spread of terrorism on its soil. London: Moscow has named a square in the city in honour of British double agent Kim Philby, in a seemingly provocative response to the Skripal affair. Sergei Sobyanin, the mayor of Moscow, who is one of President Vladimir Putin's closest allies, personally made the request for an obscure intersection in the south west of the city be renamed Kim Philby Square. The decree was published on Moscow city's local government website on Tuesday. Former British diplomat and journalist Harold "Kim" Philby faces the media at his parents' London house in 1955. Credit:AP Local residents expressed astonishment that the junction was being renamed after Philby, when he never lived in the area. A city hall spokesman declined to comment on why the road junction was being renamed. THE VALLEY:---The Royal Anguilla Police Force is investigating the circumstances surrounding a shooting incident which occurred in Garlin Bottom, Island Harbour on Wednesday 7th November 2018 around 5:45 pm. As a result of the incident the victim Kittian National 35yr. old Lofton Foreman who resided in Sachasses received gunshot wounds to his upper body. He was transported to the Princess Alexandra Hospital for medical attention where he was later pronounced dead. As the Police continue their investigation into this matter they are soliciting the publics assistance in locating 31 yr. old Salim Richardson of The Copse, East End and 23 yr. old Shaquille Gumbs of Garlin Bottom, Island Harbour who are persons of interest in this ongoing investigation. The public is been asked to report any sighting of either person to the police department. They are also advised not to approach any of them since they are both considered armed and dangerous. POND ISLAND:---The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), has decided to continue with its Caribbean Is Open/Caribbean for Everyone campaign, which began in September 2017 after the devastating hurricanes Irma and Maria. The campaign since its establishment has generated more than 5.77 billion impressions and shown a measurable improvement in Caribbean cruise bookings, the FCCA announced recently. Minister of Tourism & Economic Affairs Stuart Johnson welcomes the news as this will further promote cruise travel to the Caribbean. The FCCA is the trade association that represents the mutual interests between cruise destinations and stakeholders in the Caribbean and Latin America and FCCA Member Lines, which operate 95 per cent of the global cruising capacity. The initiative launched by the FCCA back in September 2017 without a doubt as played a role in the recovery of cruise to the Caribbean and St. Maarten in particular. It is very important for cruise destinations like ours to work closely with the FCCA, and I must say, I have seen the synergy between Port St. Maarten, local stakeholders and others with the FCCA. This mutual beneficial relationship is what helps grow cruise tourism, and the extension of the Caribbean Is Open/Caribbean for Everyone campaign further consolidates that partnership and shows unity between the partners involved. I have been able to see at the FCCA Cruise Conference & Exhibition currently taking place in Puerto Rico, the synergies that exist and we can only build upon the long-established foundation that exists between destination St. Maarten and the FCCA, Minister of Tourism & Economic Affairs Stuart Johnson said on Thursday. According to the FCCA, the campaign has reached more than 12,000 media placements and 18,500 shares of news stories. It featured a satellite media tour with 22 TV and three radio interviews; featured Public Service Announcements with more than 30 celebrities; included media calls in October 2017 and September 2018 with Arnold Donald, president and CEO, Carnival Corporation & plc, and chair, CLIA Global, Adam Goldstein, vice chairman, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., and chairman, FCCA, and Michele Paige, president, FCCA. The campaign has created an advertising campaign activated in digital spaces and targeting potential travel consumers in the US and UK through such channels as YouTube, Facebook, TripAdvisor, Cruise Critic and non-branded searches. The campaign also gained the support of and promotion by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) and U.S. Travel Association (USTA). The campaign also showed a measurable improvement in terms of those who would not delay booking/taking a Caribbean cruise vacation, and it won a Gold SABRE Award. PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Egbert Jurendy Doran, says that is high time that the Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication, Stuart Johnson appears in Parliament to give an update, pertaining to matters in all areas of his Ministry. For the past months, Parliament has been awaiting the visit of this Minister but so far the members of Parliament have only been receiving reasons after reasons why the Minister had to be constantly postponing one meeting after the other. MP Doran identifies the recent mention of the intent to dismiss a large number of employees at the Princess Juliana International Airport, as this is a very serious matter, which has caused a lot of concern and worries among P.J.I.Employees and their families. In addition, MP Doran eagerly awaits the answers from the Minister to questions regarding various topics, for instance; The Airport, as since assuming his post as Minister of TEATT Parliament has yet to get an update from the Minister to give an overview and a status update on the airport, as far as it relates to the conditions of the terminal building, the operations and working conditions of the employees. The Harbor, which is also one of the largest ports of entry to Sint Maarten and one of the main pillars of our economy. Establishing a Calibration department within the Ministry of TEATT is the last agenda point for this urgent meeting request. This department will function in accordance with the Calibration law (Ijkwezen wet) Tourism is our main source of income and thus, proper development and management of these facilities and departments are pertinent to the optimal progress of St. Maarten. Parliament and by extension the people need to be properly informed about the statuses. MP Doran would like to highlight the fact of all the recent travels by the Minister to lobby and meet whichever entity over the past months, it is hard to understand why the Minister finds it so very difficult to take the one minute drive to Parliament, and speak to the Members as well as to the people of this country whom he represents. GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Healthcare providers are being asked to register to attend the Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Information Session. The information session will be held on Tuesday, November 13 at 6.45pm at the Vineyard Office Park, Philipsburg, Conference Room at the Ministry of Public Health. Health care providers are asked to RSVP by sending an email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. The information session will cover some local data and will be presented by Microbiologist from the St. Maarten Laboratory Services (SLS) R. Steingrover and a presentation of a case scenario by Internist Samay Nadery from the St. Maarten Medical Center. The United Nations (UN) health agency, the World Health Organization (WHO), has embarked on a campaign to make antibiotic resistance a globally recognized health issue and to raise awareness of the need to protect antibiotics through appropriate use. The information session is being organized by the Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department in the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour (Ministry VSA), in connection with World Antibiotic Awareness Week (WAAW) which is from November 12-18. AMR happens when microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites change when they are exposed to antimicrobial drugs such as antibiotics, antifungals, and antivirals. Microorganisms that develop antimicrobial resistance are sometimes referred to as superbugs. Medicines become ineffective and infections persist in the body, increasing the risk of spread to others. Antimicrobial resistance is a global concern because new resistance mechanisms are emerging and spreading globally, threatening our ability to treat common infectious diseases, resulting in prolonged illness, disability, and death. Without effective antimicrobials for prevention and treatment of infections, medical procedures such as organ transplantation, cancer chemotherapy, diabetes management and major surgery (for example, caesarean sections or hip replacements) become very high risk. ST. MAARTEN:--- Effective Monday, November 12, 2018, American will be going cashless at Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) in St. Maarten. Passengers will be required to use a credit or debit card to make any transactions at the airport, including purchasing tickets and paying for checked baggage. American has transitioned to a cashless airport environment at many locations around the world, allowing our team members to assist our customers in a faster and more efficient manner, said Oliver Bojos, Americans Country Director for the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Bermuda, and St. Maarten. Cashless transactions reduce the complexity of work for our agents who will no longer have to worry about finding exact change or closing out a cash drawer at the end of the day. This is positive news for our customers and for our team members at the airport. American offers nonstop service to St. Maarten from its hubs at Miami International Airport (MIA) and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) as well as seasonal service from New York (JFK). Service from Charlotte International Airport (CLT), which was suspended in 2017 due to hurricane damage, restarted on Nov. 4. ~ MP Luc Mercelina requests figures on each fund, ask for a breakdown on the amount paid as consultancy fees.~ PHILIPSBURG: --- Minister of VSA Emil Lee and the director of SZV Glen Carty tried their best to confuse Members of Parliament when they reported to Parliament on Friday for a Central Committee meeting to discuss the current status at SZV. However, some MPs are sharp and seemingly are well informed as to what takes place at SZV. MP Luc Mercelina asked the Minister to provide parliament with the exact figures on how much money SZV loss since the passing of hurricane Irma. Mercelina made clear that the presentation was not complete as they did not provide figures since the passing of hurricane Irma and Maria. The Minister told parliament that SZV direct, control and manage a few funds. Mercelina said what he realized is that in the presentation SZV consolidates the funds and did not give parliament the exact status of each of the fund. Mercelina said he is very much concerned with the consolidation of the various funds each of which has a specific task. He asked the Minister to inform parliament which fund is servicing another fund. Mercelina made clear that each of the funds that SZV manages has a separate task, and already four of those funds have a negative balance. He asked the Minister to tell parliament which of the fund is under supervision by the Central Bank. Mercelina a medical specialist by profession asked the Minister to explain parliament which of the fund is filling the gap since government is not up to date with the OZR payments. Mercelina said he hopes that SZV is not touching the AOV (pensioners funds) to fill this gap. The Member of Parliament asked the Minister to give him a full breakdown on the amount of money paid over the past 4 years on consultancy fees. He asked the Minister to give him a detailed breakdown of how much each consultant was paid and for what services. He also asked the Minister to provide parliament with a breakdown spent on referrals and if any proper checks and balances are done on the patients traveling overseas for medical. Mercelina went on and gave the Minister some stern warnings one being the increase on the tariffs. He said the focus should not be on the tariffs but on the premium. He also warned the Minister about the National Health Insurance (NHI) that he wants implemented on St. Maarten. He told the Minister that the NHI was developed for the rich Scandinavian Countries and these countries are struggling to maintain the NHI. He also told the Minister that even Aruba cannot get a handle on the NHI thus he wants the Minister to know that whatever he is doing should be something that is feasible for St. Maarten. He also warned the Minister about his idea that having specialists on St. Maarten would save SZV money. He said that all specialists come at a huge cost. He said that with each new specialist comes salaries and more expenses for tests. Member of Parliament Tamara Leonard zoomed in on the recruitment process that was stopped by Minister Lee. Leonard wants to know whose responsibility it is to recruit a director and does the Minister have the responsibility to stop such a process. Leonard also asked the Minister to bring parliament up to date on the payment to doctors and pharmacies and other healthcare providers that works with SZV to provide healthcare services. MP William Marlin also questioned the reasoning to stop of the recruitment process of a new director. He said the current director was appointed on a part-time basis. He asked why SZV is not recruiting an adjunct director since SZV is working on several projects. Marlin also expressed concerns to the health of the different funds. He said some of the funds are healthy while others may go bankrupt. He said the Minister wants to synchronize the funds to eliminate the bankruptcy. Marlin asks who approves the cross-financing from one fund to the other. As for the New General Hospital Marlin said during elections there were photo ops and signing of contracts for the New General Hospital. He asked for the total cost and breakdown for the construction. Marlin also asked how much money SZV committed to on this project. Marlin also questioned the number of court litigations filed against SZV. He also asked which of the funds the money was taken from to pay out VAMED. Marlin also asked about of consultants working for SZV. Marlin asked about the Human Resource Director is working as a consultant and if this person is paid tens of thousands of guilders per month. He also questioned the fact that there is no cap on the directors spending. He said that he remembers when the director loaned a large sum of money to Zebec. Marlin said Ministers do not have that kind of spending power. Marlin explained that while Ministers is responsible for their Ministries, they cannot sign off on anything that costs more than NAF.50,000.00. Marlin also asked about the Operational Audit that was requested. He also asked if it is true there was a request to conduct an Operational Audit was stopped by the Minister of VSA and why that was done. MP Brison wants to know why a representative of SZV board was not present in parliament. He asked what is the role of SZV board and also what is the chain of command within SZV. He asked if SZV board members were consulted when SZV has to report to parliament. Brison asked the Minister if he has in his budget means to ensure that governments debts are paid to SZV. He said he does not want to see the day when people that are insured by SZV are called to paying cash to see a doctor. He asked the Minister to provide the investment policy if they have one, he also wants to know what the role of the board is when making investments. Brison asked the Minister for a breakdown on the cost for litigations against SZV. He asked the Minister to provide information on the NAF 1.4M that E-Solutions won thru a court litigation. He asked who is the proprietor of E-Solutions and if that person is now working in the cabinet of the Minister of Justice. Brison also wants to know if E-Solutions is still working as a consultant for SZV or the Ministry of VSA. Brison asked about the financing of the New General Hospital, he asked the Minister to explain what happens if SMMC is in default in paying its loan. He said he understands that SZV will be financing the project, but he wants to know what is in place to protect SZVs funds. He also asked about the famous photo that was taken when the Minister signed off with the stakeholders just prior to the 2018 election. He asked the Minister to inform parliament what is the role of NIB bank (Andy Wescot) in the construction of the New General Hospital. Chairlady of Parliament Sarah Wescot Williams unexpectedly adjourned the meeting while there was five MPs still wanting to speak. This was contested but the chairlady adjourned themeeting to accommodate a meeting scheduled for 3 pm. Basseterre:--- The four men taken into custody for the armed robbery and shooting of prominent Nevis hotelier, John Yearwood of Oualie Beach are said to be from New Castle, according to reliable reports. Police in an update did not name the suspects arrested or their addresses as the investigation continues. Two of the four persons who were taken into Police custody on Thursday, November 8, are currently receiving treatment at the Alexandra Hospital (in Nevis) for gunshot injuries, the statement said. It said the four were taken into custody in relation the armed robbery early Thursday morning that resulted in Yearwood being shot and injured. His wife escaped injury but is said to totally traumatised. Police have confirmed that hotelier was able to shoot both intruders during the robbery. Police along with members of the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force in Nevis, acting on information, intercepted a vehicle on the Sea Bridge ferry that was preparing to leave for St. Kitts. The four persons were inside the vehicle and two of them had injuries consistent with gunshot wounds, the police statement on Friday said. It added that following a medical examination, the wounds were confirmed to have been gunshot wounds. Information circulating on social media and believed to be credible names the two injured as Mikey Mills, who received two gunshot wounds, and Patrick Monzac, with a single gunshot wound. Mills was shot in his right upper shoulder and the bullet is said to be lodged close to the spinal cord. The second shot caught him in his left buttocks and is lodged close to the lower spine. Monzac was shot in his right lower abdomen and that bullet is lodged close to the spine. The doctors cannot operate because of swelling, perhaps not until next week, said the information. In the wee hours of Thursday (November 8, 2018) while the Yearwoods were asleep in their Jones Estate residence, two armed, masked individuals entered the home. Yearwood, alerted by a moving light, shot both intruders. He was shot in the leg by one of the intruders. The assailants escaped the scene with a sum of cash using Yearwoods motor pick up. Yearwood was transported to the Alexandra Hospital where he was listed as being in a stable condition. Police later recovered Yearwoods vehicle in the Mount Nevis area. As investigations continue, Police are urging persons with information regarding this incident to call the Charlestown Police Station at 469-5391/5392 or their nearest Police Station. People can say, Well, what about Superfund sites? but he understood that illegal dumping was an affront to people across the city, particularly people of color, and that the only way to really improve the environment of the city was to make sure you did it for everybody, Abolt said. He had a unique set of perspectives and a unique and engaging leadership style that really created some unbelievable success and a group of people who followed him who had that impact on the city for a long time. Students of all ages in state schools are entitled to a safe learning environment. If students don't feel safe, they are not able to stay focused during classroom lessons and activities. Thats why Narre Warren South. P-12 College has upgraded its security with the installation of a sophisticated SALTO access control and ID pass system. Located south east of Melbourne, Australia, Narre Warren South P-12 College is a unique school on one campus with two sub schools, Primary, (Prep to Year 6) and Secondary, (Years 7 to 12). It follows the P-12 Curriculum which is designed to provide diversity and pathway opportunities, ensuring students maximise opportunities that exist after school and ensure people achieve their learning goals in a fun and supportive learning environment. Mechanical key system The College previously used a mechanical key system for its security needs Home to over 2000 students and 200 staff, cultural diversity is a feature of the College with at least 50 ethnic groups being represented speaking 68 languages. A third of the Colleges student population come from families where the language background is other than English. The College previously used a mechanical key system for its security needs; however this was increasingly complicated to manage as keys multiplied, and it was difficult to guard against key duplication and copying. Another negative was the cost of re-keying and replacing locks to maintain security if keys were lost or not handed back. Security arrangements The College also had a number of challenges when it came to managing and limiting traffic flow through the staff car parks, both inside and outside school hours. To alleviate such problems, the College decided to look into upgrading its security arrangements and called in local security specialists Eclipse Security Systems. Director Greg Flood takes up the story. We met with Brett Dyer, (the Colleges Property and Maintenance Manager), and explained how SALTO solutions are in use around the world in educational environments including universities, university housing, schools, research institutes, academies, kindergartens and more where they provide security, access control and campus management. Cost-effective package Brett liked the fact that SALTO could offer a solution that was education proven" Replacing keys with smart access control would give the school much more control over its security. For instance installing smart online wireless locks on main entrance doors would enable the school to incorporate these doors into its lock down procedure. At busy student drop off and pick up times in the morning and afternoon, the school gates could be automated to improve traffic flow and ease congestion. And since Narre Warren South P-12 like almost all state schools hire out their sports, meeting facilities etc to third party groups outside of school hours, the new access control solution would make it much easier to manage access for such short term visitors. Brett liked the fact that SALTO could offer a solution that was education proven and offered a secure, flexible way to have all the above benefits and more in a versatile, cost-effective package that was future proof and gave a great return on the schools investment dollars. Scheduled automatic locking Most external doors have a mix of offline and online SALTO XS4 escutcheons" The removal of the old system and the upgrade to smart locks was smooth and straightforward, and weve now retro-fitted in excess of 100 doors and automated a number of perimeter gates. Most external doors, plus the addition of a number of internal office doors across all the blocks, have a mix of offline and online SALTO XS4 escutcheons, as well as control units and wall readers. The most important thing for us is to ensure that we are doing everything we can to safeguard our children. Our new access control system furthers this goal says Brett Dyer. We went with Gregs recommendation of SALTO for its functionality and value for money. We particularly like how easy it is to use and program, especially the issue and management of contactless smartcards for external user groups." "The scheduled automatic locking and unlocking of external doors and gates is a huge time saver, and so far were pleased with the product and the capabilities it now gives us. Pegasus is a prominent constellation in the northern sky, named after a winged horse in Greek mythology. The constellation is one of the older ones known in the night sky: It is one of the 48 constellations listed by the second-century astronomer Ptolemy. Today, Pegasus is one of the 88 constellations officially recognized by the International Astronomical Union (IAU). In the Northern Hemisphere, the constellation is high in the sky starting near the end of summer and continuing through autumn. If you are below the equator, look for Pegasus in late winter and through spring. The constellation is famous for hosting the first exoplanet ever found around a normal star, as well as a galaxy known as M15. Major stars When observers look at the constellation Pegasus, the part that stands out is the Square of Pegasus a major asterism, or group of stars that is smaller than a constellation. The square is made up of four stars that are of nearly equal brightness, when seen from Earth. These four stars are named Scheat, Alpheratz, Markab and Algenib. The brightest star in the constellation is Epsilon Pegasi, which forms the nose, according to Jim Kaler, an astronomer and professor emeritus at the University of Illinois. Another star in this constellation, 51 Pegasi b, is the first sun-like star known to have a planet orbiting around it. The planet is roughly 50 light-years away from Earth and is classified as a "hot Jupiter" a planet that is Jupiter-size and orbits close to its parent star. The visible light spectrum of 51 Pegasi b's atmosphere was observed in 2015. In that same year, the IAU announced that it would also call 51 Pegasi b by the name Dimidium, following a public vote. Clusters of galaxies Among Pegasus more remarkable features are its numerous galaxies and objects. Pegasus contains a Messier object, named M15, which is a cluster of stars that are about 34,000 light-years from Earth. M15 is one of the most densely packed clusters in the Milky Way galaxy. NGC 7331 is a spiral galaxy within Pegasus that is between 36 million to 46 million light-years from Earth. In 2014, astronomers spotted a supernova in this galaxy that released more hydrogen and heavier elements than expected, shortly before it exploded. Michael J.I. Brown, an observational astronomer at Monash University in Australia, wrote that NGC 7331 is close to the Milky Way in shape, which makes the galaxy an interesting object when astronomers make comparisons with our own neighborhood. The Einstein Cross, a quasar, is an excellent example of gravitational lensing the process by which distant objects are magnified by the gravity of closer objects. The quasar is about 8 billion light-years from Earth and sits behind a galaxy that is 400 million light-years away. Four images of the quasar appear around the galaxy because the intense gravity of the galaxy bends the light coming from the quasar. Pegasus is easy to find when you spot the Great Square. (Image credit: Akira Fujii / HubbleSite.org) Pegasus' position Pegasus is best seen in October, at 9 p.m. local time. Right ascension: 22 hours Declination: 20 degrees Visible between latitudes 90 and -60 degrees Mythology The name comes from the winged white horse that was the sire of Poseidon in Greek mythology. The story of Pegasus begins with a battle between Perseus and Medusa. One day, the warrior Bellerophon tried to ride Pegasus to Mount Olympus, enraging Zeus so much that he sent a gadfly to bite Pegasus. When the horse was stung, Bellerophon fell to the Earth. Pegasus made it to Olympus. [How the Night Sky Constellations Got Their Names] This article was updated on Nov. 9, 2018, by Space.com Contributor, Elizabeth Howell. Justin Ng led a group of eight first-time eclipse photographers when he captured the images for this eclipse collage early on March 9 in Palu, Indonesia. He took the photos with a Canon 7D at 400mm with a DIY solar filter. If you long to see the Earth from an astronaut's perspective, explore the wonders of the cosmos, delve into space history or capture your own vivid views of the sky, a book about space photography could hold just the picture. Here are Space.com writers' and editors' picks for photo collections and astrophotography books that will transport you to other worlds. (We are constantly reading new and classic space books to find our favorite takes on the universe. Our recently-read books in all categories can be found at Best Space Books. You can see our ongoing Space Books coverage here. If you capture a spectacular image of the sky that you'd like to share with Space.com and our news partners for a possible story or photo gallery, send an email to Space.com Editor-in-Chief Tariq Malik at spacephotos@space.com.) 'Picturing Apollo 11: rare Views and Undiscovered Moments' (University Press of Florida, 2019) By J.L. Pickering and John Bisney (Image credit: University Press of Florida) In the new book Picturing Apollo 11: Rare Views and Undiscovered Moments, (University Press of Florida, April 2019), spaceflight historian J.L. Pickering and journalist John Bisney paint an incredible, vivid picture of what it was really like to be a part of the Apollo 11 mission. The book features a wealth of images from 1969, primarily from January through the lunar landing in July, which show lesser-seen scenes from the Apollo program. From difficult training moments to mundane meetings, the images in this book really humanize the larger-than-life Apollo 11 astronauts. It is easy to look back at Apollo 11 through a romanticized lens, but this book makes it clear just how gritty, funny and real the mission really was. ~Chelsea Gohd Read more about "Picturing Apollo 11" and page through some of its photos here. 'Infinite Wonder' (Knopf, 2018) By Scott Kelly (Image credit: Knopf) Scott Kelly spent a record-breaking 340 days on the International Space Station, taking tens of thousands of images of the planet spinning below making him the perfect guide to show off the wonders of Earth. This new large-format photobook combines images he took of the Space Station and Earth with super-zoomed-in views of unusual parts of the planet's surface, as well as photos of his launch, landing and other parts of the historic mission. The book combines large, colorful images with Kelly's descriptions of the mission and interesting Earth features, and it makes a great companion to his recent memoir "Endurance" or a good stand-alone showpiece. ~Sarah Lewin Kelly guides Space.com through some of his favorite photos and talks about the book here; look through a short gallery of photo picks here. 'Hello, Is This Planet Earth?' (Little, Brown and Co., 2017) By Tim Peake (Image credit: Little, Brown and Co.) British astronaut Tim Peake's photo book takes its name from an unusual moment during his six months on the International Space Station he tried to call his family on Christmas Eve in 2015, but dialed the wrong number instead, confusing the answerer with an unusual greeting: "Hello, is this Planet Earth?" The book is filled with Peake's favorite photo selections of night and day, oceans and rivers, mountains and deserts, towns and cities, and the Earth overall, as well as the satellites, cargo craft and other gear that made appearances during his time on the space station. His images are interspersed with descriptions of how he captured the photos and anecdotes about his time in space. ~Sarah Lewin Read more about the book here, and see a gallery of some of the book's images here. $12.10 from Amazon You can buy "Hello, Is This Planet Earth?" for $12.10 from Amazon! 'Spaceborne' (Press Syndication Group, 2016) By Don Pettit (Image credit: PSG) NASA astronaut Don Pettit's stunning space photographs fill the pages of "Spaceborne," a glossy photo collection that spotlights the ever-changing Earth, streaking stars and the details of the International Space Station. Over the course of Pettit's three space missions, he captured hundreds of thousands of photographs documenting an astronaut's view and the best of them are collected here. Pettit's photographs of cities at night feature alongside Earth's natural wonders, auroras and glowing atmosphere, often framed by the space station's outstretched solar panels and modules. Long-exposure photos create psychadelic streaks on Earth and whirling star trails above, taking full advantage of an astronaut's unique vantage point, and Pettit talks readers through the sights and how he captured them. ~Sarah Lewin Read Space.com's Q&A with Pettit on space photography here, and see a gallery of "Spaceborne" images here. 'Abandoned in Place' (University of Mexico Press, 2016) By Roland Miller (Image credit: Roland Miller) In "Abandoned in Place," photographer Roland Miller takes readers on a tour of abandoned facilities that once served NASA's human spaceflight program. The images of unused launch towers, empty science offices and antiquated technology are visually striking, and carry the ghosts of long-gone missions. Miller is a photographer and teacher by day, but he has been photographing unused NASA facilities for thirty years as a side project. Some of the sites featured in the book particularly those at Cape Canaveral, Florida are being quickly eroded by saltwater, and Miller, a child of the Apollo era, said he started to feel a sense of obligation to preserve these monuments, which stand as a symbol of one of humanity's greatest accomplishments. ~Calla Cofield Read more about the book and see its haunting images here, and read an op-ed by the author here. 'Infinite Worlds' (Simon & Schuster, 2014) By Michael Soluri (Image credit: Michael Soluri/Infinite Worlds) Packed from cover to cover with stunning images taken on the ground and in space, "Infinite Worlds" tells the story of STS-125, the last crewed mission to repair the Hubble Space Telescope. Photographer Michael Soluri was granted nearly unrestricted access to the mission program leading up to the launch, and the behind-the-scenes images will thrill NASA fans. These masterful photographs capture the bare reality of preparing for a crewed space mission. The book's text includes essays by the astronauts and other mission staff. It also features images taken by the crew during the mission, and of course, images by the Hubble telescope. This is a fantastic addition to any spaceflight book collection. You can see photos from "Infinite Worlds" here or watch a video of Soluri discussing the book and Hubble. 'You Are Here: Around the World in 92 Minutes' (Little, Brown, 2014) By Chris Hadfield (Image credit: Little, Brown and Company) Chris Hadfield made a name for himself on social media during his five-month stay on the International Space Station in 2012-2013 by tweeting from space, recording humorous videos and even playing guitar. The Canadian astronaut, like most visitors to the space station, also took innumerable photos looking back down at Earth. In "You Are Here: Around the World in 92 Minutes," Hadfield has compiled his favorite photos into one tour over the surface of the Earth as seen from space. Besides describing what's happening in the photos, he also compares them to more commonplace sights: desert sand like the storms of Jupiter, sprinkled icing over Australia, the "Eye of the Sahara" and more. On the heels of "An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth" (Little, Brown, 2013), which offers advice and anecdotes from space, this book takes a step back and lets an astronaut's view (mostly) speak for itself. ~Sarah Lewin Watch a video interview with Hadfield about the book here. $12.99 from Amazon You can buy "You Are Here: Around The World In 92 Minutes" for $12.99 from Amazon! 'Planetfall' (Abrams, 2012) By Michael Benson (Image credit: Abrams) "Planetfall: New Solar system Visions" is an oversized tome filled with page after page of alien landscapes its pages tour Earth, the moon, the sun, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and the asteroids and comets that inhabit our solar system. Author Michael Benson, who published two previous books of celestial images, created the images by processing raw spacecraft data to reproduce what the human eye would see from each viewpoint in space. The book is a celebration of the robotic probes and astronaut photographers that have set out to explore the solar system, and the enormous images put the viewer right among the dunes of Mars, on the Moon with Earth peeking over the horizon and alongside a tiny, steam-ejecting moon among the rings of Saturn. And as alien as those vistas look, it's surprisingly easy to feel like you're standing right there. ~Sarah Lewin Read a Q&A with author Michael Benson here. $95.08 from Amazon or $16.23 for Kindle You can buy "Planetfall" for $95.08 from Amazon or $16.23 for Kindle! We're adding to these lists all the time; check back later for the latest space photography books! Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. European Space Agency astronaut Alexander Gerst captured the space station's view of an atmospheric phenomenon called a glory on Sept. 14, 2018. European astronaut Alexander Gerst was surprised to see a circular, rainbow-like gleam a phenomenon known as a glory in the clouds below the International Space Station on Sept. 14, 2018. He snapped a couple photos of the colorful glow, posting the shots to Twitter on Tuesday (Nov. 6). In a statement, the European Space Agency (ESA) explained the rarity of a glory, which results from sunlight bouncing off droplets of water in a particular way. See more Because the phenomenon relies on specific atmospheric conditions, it's most commonly reported at relatively high altitudes by mountain climbers and pilots, but not usually quite as high as the space station. While they're living in the orbiting laboratory, astronauts are about 250 miles (400 kilometers) above Earth's surface. ESA didn't provide any additional details about how a glory could form so high up, but Gerst's image could prompt deeper investigations. "Sometimes, a simple photograph can spark scientific investigation or even full-blown scientific research," the ESA statement said. "Alexander's pictures of aurora[s] from his last mission in 2014 are adding extra information for researchers analyzing these beautiful atmospheric displays of light." Analysis aside, let's all take a moment to glory in the beauty of this atmospheric phenomenon. Email Meghan Bartels at mbartels@space.com or follow her @meghanbartels. Follow us @Spacedotcom and Facebook. Original article on Space.com. Natalya Bailey was always interested in space, but it wasn't until she was sitting in a university class on propulsion that she realized what she wanted to do with her life. She was struck by how little engineers know about electric propulsion systems compared to the traditional chemical fuel-powered equivalents. In 2014, she co-founded her own company, and if all goes well, the first rocket carrying her technology will launch later this weekend. Bailey's company, Accion Systems, is starting with a modest science project, thanks to the help of a team of high school students from Irvine, California, who built a cubesat using Accion technology. "Building a cubesat is now a high school homework assignment," Bailey said. "That blows my mind whenever I think about that." [Superfast Spacecraft Propulsion Concepts (Images)] That satellite is due to launch from New Zealand overnight on Nov. 11 EST (early Nov. 12 GMT) on board Rocket Lab's Electron rocket. Once deployed, the satellite will photograph Venus and other targets. We talked with Bailey about anticipating her first launch and the appeal of electric propulsion. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Space.com: It seems one of the real benefits of ion propulsion is that it gives you a lot more flexibility as to where you go. Natalya Bailey: You kind of hit a wall with chemical propulsion, because it still is so expensive and consuming of your mass and volume to launch a chemical propellant. Whereas, with electric, you get much more bang for your buck, although it does take longer to accelerate using electric propulsion, so you have to have the time. That's kind of the caveat. Space.com: NASA's Dawn mission to the asteroid belt, which ended Nov. 1, was driven by ion propulsion. Did that mission influence you in any way? Bailey: Reading the papers and looking at the qualification testing and talking to the people involved in that process actually helped me figure out how to lead that at Accion because of the engine that they flew. The end is one thing, but the beginning I used as a jumping-off point for Accion. Space.com: Why did you want to go into the commercial side of space? Bailey: Because there was the infusion of private venture capital, it made it possible to do the types of things I wanted to work on in a private setting. If I had graduated 20 years ago, I would have definitely gone to work at NASA or a research lab, because there wasn't that option [of the private sector]. I think it's a really cool way to marry something that is very [research and development]-intensive and inspirational, vision-driven and that has a real commercial application, so I feel like it's fortunate timing for me. Space.com: What size missions are you looking at right now? Bailey: Commercially, Accion's bet is on the 100-400-kilogram [220-880 lbs.] spacecraft size. That's kind of broad, but I'm trying to capture most of the communications buses and constellations, and they fall in that. That's what I think is most commercially interesting in the next 10, 15 years. Cubesats have been for us and for the world a fantastic way to demo technologies or to build up space capabilities within new organizations or countries, but commercially, it's a hard sell to go after a lot of cubesat missions. My co-founder and I started Accion because, at the end of the day this sounds a little like a science fiction novel but we believe if humans are going to be around for the long haul, in 400 years, it will be because we've learned how to live off of Earth, maybe on other planets, maybe on other space stations. Ultimately, we hope to be providing the transportation for those types of missions. So there, you're talking about much larger spacecraft, much longer missions. That's the big picture of why we started the company. It's nice to have that kind of a North Star, because when everything's going wrong with the near term maybe it's a launch, something goes wrong, something fails on orbit it's really nice to have that longer-term vision. [NASA Apollo Moon Rocket Engines Recovered by Jeff Bezos (Photos)] Space.com: What would it be like to be a human on board an ion-propulsion vehicle rather than a traditional vehicle? Bailey: Most probes we've launched without any sort of propulsion whatsoever, and they've relied on things like gravity assists or maybe an initial insertion using a bigger rocket. Most of the rest of the mission has been no propulsion at all. So, electric propulsion like an ion engine could speed that up significantly, but it's still fairly gentle. You probably wouldn't actually notice a big difference, but you would just get there in a 10th the time as you would have previously. Space.com: Is there any kind of robotic mission you'd particularly like Accion's technology to be a part of? Bailey: Something like taking off from landing on a smaller planetary body with less gravity. If we send a robot down and perform some kind of exploration mission using an ion engine. Where it's possible because the gravity isn't as high as it is on Earth, to lift off from the surface of that I think that would be really exciting. Space.com: Accion's first launch is scheduled for later this month. What's that like for you? Bailey: I think it's probably the coolest thing I've ever been a part of. [The launch is] from New Zealand. I keep checking flight prices. I don't think I'm going to go, because it's just so long, but it's the coolest thing Accion will have done to date. Hopefully, it becomes not the coolest thing eventually, but it's very exciting. Space.com: The launch has been delayed by about six months is that at all concerning you? Bailey: When you're designing systems and testing them and looking at the environment in particular during storage and prelaunch, you design to averages. You don't design to possibly be sitting on a launchpad for six months. We're a little bit nervous because of that, but overall, very excited and hopeful. Email Meghan Bartels at mbartels@space.com or follow her @meghanbartels. Follow us @Spacedotcom and Facebook. Original article on Space.com. MOFFETT FIELD, Calif. Government agencies may not have a monopoly on life-hunting space missions for much longer. Breakthrough Initiatives, which already scans the heavens for possible signals from faraway alien civilizations, is considering looking for E.T. on worlds close to home, founder Yuri Milner said. "We are thinking very seriously about solar system-based initiatives," Milner said here Sunday (Nov. 4) at the seventh annual Breakthrough Prize ceremony at NASA's Ames Research Center. "We're thinking, within our foundation, is there something we can do, privately funded, which will supplement the government-funded projects?" [6 Most Likely Places for Alien Life in the Solar System] Milner, a billionaire tech investor, founded Breakthrough Initiatives in 2015 with his wife, Julia. The organization already funds the $100 million Breakthrough Listen project, which is hunting for pings from intelligent aliens, and the $100 million Breakthrough Starshot effort, which aims to develop tiny laser-sailing spacecraft for the exploration of nearby exoplanetary systems. A potential Breakthrough mission to a destination in our own solar system would probably have a budget in that neighborhood as well; Milner said program funds are an order of magnitude lower than what governments can provide. (For perspective: NASA's 2020 Mars rover, which will look for signs of ancient Red Planet life, has a price tag of around $2.1 billion.) "But we can take more risk," Milner said. So, where might this putative Breakthrough mission go? Milner cited as possibilities Jupiter's moon Europa and the Saturn satellite Enceladus, both of which have oceans of liquid water beneath their icy shells, as well as Venus. Venus may seem like an odd choice, given that its surface is bone-dry and hot enough to melt lead. But conditions in the clouds, about 25 miles (40 kilometers) up, are much more life-friendly, Milner noted. Milner also mentioned Mars as a potential abode for life, but he said the Red Planet is a less "realistic" Breakthrough target. "On Mars, you probably have to go deep underground, many people believe probably meters, if not dozens of meters, to see something potentially interesting," Milner said. "And Mars, most of the experts agree that if you find something, it will most likely be some historical artifacts of life, rather than a living organism. But you never know." Enceladus' inclusion on the list shouldn't come as a big surprise. Last November, Milner said that Breakthrough Initiatives was investigating the feasibility of launching a probe that would look for signs of life in the plume of water vapor and other material wafting from Enceladus' south polar region. This stuff comes from the 313-mile-wide (504 kilometers) moon's buried ocean, scientists say. Sunday's ceremony honored winners of the Breakthrough Prize, which is given out every year for ground-breaking research in physics, mathematics and life sciences. Seven $3 million awards the richest in science were given out this year, along with a handful of other prizes, which brought the total purse to $22 million. Mike Wall's book about the search for alien life, "Out There," will be published on Nov. 13 by Grand Central Publishing. Follow him on Twitter @michaeldwall. Follow us @Spacedotcom or Facebook. Originally published on Space.com. In 1985, Vanest retired from International Harvester. The same year, he joined the DuPage County Health Department as director of administration. During his time in that role, which was retitled deputy executive director in 1992, Vanest expanded the departments mental health services through the purchase of several buildings in Lombard. He also oversaw expansion of the Health Departments main building in Wheaton and was the point person for the departments transition to computers in 1991. SpaceX's workhorse Falcon 9 rocket can now launch NASA's most expensive and highest-priority science missions. NASA's Launch Services Program (LSP) has certified the two-stage Falcon 9 as a "Category 3" rocket, SpaceX representatives announced Thursday (Nov. 8). "LSP Category 3 certification is a major achievement for the Falcon 9 team and represents another key milestone in our close partnership with NASA," SpaceX President and Chief Operating Officer Gwynne Shotwell said in a statement. "We are honored to have the opportunity to provide cost-effective and reliable launch services to the countrys most critical scientific payloads." [See the Evolution of SpaceX's Rockets in Pictures] The LSP certification ladder only goes up to Category 3, which is reserved for the most dependable launchers. These rockets are expected to have a demonstrated reliability of 90 to 95 percent, according to LSP officials. For comparison, Category 2 vehicles the level attained by the Falcon 9 in 2015 are expected to ace their missions 80 to 90 percent of the time. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) from Florida's Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on April 18, 2018. (Image credit: SpaceX) Only Category 3 rockets can launch the priciest, most important, most complex NASA missions projects like the Hubble Space Telescope, the Mars rover Curiosity and the James Webb Space Telescope. (Hubble launched aboard the space shuttle Discovery in April of 1990, Curiosity flew atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket in November of 2011 and Webb will ride an Arianespace Ariane 5 rocket in March 2021.) The Falcon 9 debuted in June 2010 and has more than 60 launches under its belt. Only one flight has failed to date a June 2015 liftoff that was supposed to send SpaceX's robotic Dragon cargo capsule toward the International Space Station on a resupply run for NASA. A Falcon 9 also exploded on the pad in September of 2016 during a prelaunch test, destroying the AMOS-6 communications satellite. The Falcon 9 is partially reusable. SpaceX has successfully landed about 30 Falcon 9 first stages during orbital missions, and a number of these returned boosters have been refurbished and reflown. SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk has said he'd like to reuse Falcon 9 second stages and payload fairings (the nose cones that surround satellites during launch) as well, but this has not happened yet. The Falcon 9 already has some experience launching NASA science craft: Falcon 9s launched the agency's Jason-3 Earth-observation satellite in January of 2016 and the planet-hunting Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite in April of this year. SpaceX has also used the rocket to launch uncrewed Dragon cargo ships to the International Space Station for NASA, and will also use the booster to fly astronauts on its Crew Dragon spacecraft. Mike Wall's book about the search for alien life, "Out There," will be published on Nov. 13 by Grand Central Publishing. Follow him on Twitter @michaeldwall. Follow us @Spacedotcom or Facebook. Originally published on Space.com. Meet the Expedition 57 Crew NASA In 2018, three astronauts flew the 57th mission to the International Space Station, a trip that included much science, dazzling views and a harrowing launch abort for other crewmembers. See photos of the mission here. This photo shows the core Expedition 57 crew: From left, Sergey Prokopyev of Roscosmos, Serena Aunon-Chancellor of NASA and Alexander Gerst of ESA, pose for a photo inside the ISS's cupola with the Solomon Islands visible through the windows. Earth's 'Glory' ESA/NASA European Space Agency astronaut Alexander Gerst captured the space station's view of an atmospheric phenomenon called a glory on Sept. 14, 2018. Halloween in Space NASA/ESA/Alexander Gerst via Twitter From left to right: Russian cosmonaut Sergey Prokopyev, European Space Agency astronaut Alexander Gerst and NASA astronaut Serena Aunon-Chancellor dressed up for Halloween at the International Space Station on Oct. 31, 2018. Peek-a-boo ESA/NASA Expedition 57 Commander Alexander Gerst peers out of the Soyuz MS-09 spacecraft mostly hidden by cargo bags and the hatch itself. A Peek at the Views NASA This Oct. 7, 2018 view from the ISS displays the Milky Way over Earth's Atmospheric glow from above South Australia. European View NASA On Oct. 13, 2018, the ISS' orbit took the orbital complex over the Swiss Alps and Mediterranean coasts of Italy and France. Northern European Sightings NASA At about 257 miles above the Earth, the International Space Station flew past, and over, Denmark, Germany, Sweden and Poland and the English Channel. Splendid Scenes of Earth NASA From above the African continent, this still of a time-lapse imagery sequence depicts north Africa and the Mediterranean Sea. On the right, Japan's Kountori H-II Transfer Vehicle-7 is visible attached to the Harmony module and parts of the ISS's solar arrays and radiators are on the left side of the image. Thumbs Up NASA Following completion of necessary maintenance of a Life Support Rack inside the U.S. Destiny laboratory, Expedition 57 Commander Alexander Gerst of ESA gives an all good sign. Near and Far NASA In an ISS image showing Alaska's Aleutian Islands and the North Pacific Ocean, several parts of the ISS are highlighted. Japan's robotic manipulator system, attached to the Kibo laboratory module sits at right. In the upper left part of the Canadarm2 is visible. Regular Maintenance Needed NASA Inside the U.S. Destiny laboratory, Expedition 57 Flight Engineer Serena Aunon-Chancellor of NASA removed an Air and Water Management Drawer from a Life Support Rack for routine maintenance work. In "OUT THERE: A Scientific Guide to Alien Life, Antimatter, and Human Space Travel (for the Cosmically Curious)," (Grand Central Publishing, 2018), Space.com senior writer Mike Wall tackles the most pressing questions about alien life. For example, how are scientists searching for ET? What might aliens look like, would they want to kill us, and are they likely to have sex? The book, which comes out Nov. 13 and was illustrated by Karl Tate, also talks about humanity's quest to get off its natal rock and spread out into the solar system. You can read an excerpt below. Chapter 1: Where Is Everybody? In 1950, Nobel Prize-winning physicist Enrico Fermi who led the team that created the first-ever nuclear reactor, the inadequately named Chicago Pile-1 and a few of his colleagues were discussing UFOs during their lunch break. The conversation prompted Fermi to ask his companions, "Where is everybody?" [13 Ways to Hunt Intelligent Aliens] Fermi meant that the lack of visits by ET is distinctly odd. The Milky Way harbors hundreds of billions of stars and is about 13 billion years old, so there has been plenty of time and opportunity for alien civilizations to rise and spread throughout the galaxy. By some estimates, a colonization-minded species with propulsion technology not much more advanced than our own could island-hop its way to every corner of the Milky Way in just a few million years. The physicist's simple question is enshrined now as Fermi's paradox one of the two coolest paradoxes of all time, along with the crocodile paradox and it continues to puzzle scientists to this day. Indeed, the mystery has deepened considerably over the years. For one thing, we're not just talking about the lack of visitation anymore. In 1960, 6 years after Fermi's death, astronomer Frank Drake pointed a radio telescope at West Virginia's Green Bank Observatory at the nearby sun-like stars Tau Ceti and Epsilon Eridani, kicking off the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI).Nearly 60 years later, SETI scientists are still hunting for the first confirmed peep from ET. Then there's the exoplanet revolution. Alien worlds were purely hypothetical objects in Fermi's day and for decades afterward; scientists didn't announce the first confirmed detection of a planet beyond the solar system until 1992. But in the last decade or so, NASA's Kepler space telescope and other instruments have revealed that the cosmos is teeming with possibly life-supporting worlds. Kepler's discoveries suggest that about 20 percent of the Milky Way's sun-like stars host an Earth-sized world in the "habitable zone" that just-right range of orbital distances that would allow you to walk around in flip-flops pretty much year-round. The proportion appears to be similar for red dwarfs, the small, dim stars that dominate our galaxy. (About 75 percent of Milky Way stars are red dwarfs, whereas just 10 percent or so are similar to our sun.) "There's a lot of real estate out there, and we now know that," said radio astronomer Jill Tarter, who co-founded the SETI Institute in Mountain View, California, and served as the inspiration for Ellie Arroway, the lead character in Carl Sagan's novel Contact and the movie based on it. Not all of this real estate is way out in the boonies, either. The sun's nearest neighbor, the red dwarf Proxima Centauri, hosts an Earth-size planet in the habitable zone. Seven rocky planets circle the dwarf star TRAPPIST-1, which isn't much farther away from us in the cosmic scheme of things and three of those worlds may be able to support life as we know it. (Proxima Centauri and TRAPPIST-1 lie about 4.2 light-years and 39 light-years from Earth, respectively. The entire Milky Way is about 100,000 light-years wide.) [The 7 Earth-Sized Planets of TRAPPIST-1 in Pictures] So, again: where is everybody? Nobody knows. The Fermi paradox is tougher than a Brazil nut, and scientists haven't cracked it yet. But it's not for lack of trying. They've advanced hundreds of hypotheses to explain it. As varied as these ideas are, they all encompass just a few basic possibilities, as physicist Stephen Webb noted in his book If the Universe Is Teeming with Aliens, Where Is Everybody? Let's take a look at each of these three explanation families. Possibility 1: What paradox? Intelligent aliens have already messed with us You may already have wandered off, irritated or incensed that I put the Fermi paradox on equal footing with the beloved crocodile paradox. Perhaps you're now thumbing through a dog-eared copy of Chariots of the Gods? or watching YouTube clips of that "alien autopsy" TV special that Fox aired in the 1990s. Indeed, one possible resolution of the Fermi paradox is that it's no paradox at all, because ET has already journeyed to Earth. Adherents of this explanation often point to UFO sightings and alien abduction stories, topics that you can read about in chapter 10. For our purposes here, suffice it to say that scientists generally don't regard any of these reports as convincing evidence of alien life. (If they did, you definitely would have heard about it.) There are more subtle possibilities in play as well. For example, what if ET came to our planet long ago, before people were around to be probed? Unless the voyaging aliens were particularly interested in us, this is much more likely than a documented visit, given that our species has existed for just the last 200,000 years of Earth's 4.5-billion-year history and has been capable of capturing encounters on blurry, low-light video for only a few decades. Let's indulge in some wild speculation, because it's fun! Say Earth has been colonized many times over the eons by greedy, grabby alien civilizations, each of which ground the planet's native species into the dust in the process. (Don't get too high and mighty: pioneering humans have tended to wreak ecological havoc as we've explored the globe.) As astrophysicist and sci-fi author David Brin has pointed out, a history of such oppression could explain why it took intelligent life so long to arise on our planet as well as the radio silence in our galactic neighborhood. Maybe Earth is the only planet for light-years around to have recovered from the ravages of invasion. If you squint a little, this scenario lines up with the five mass extinctions that scientists have identified in the fossil record. These great purges occurred about 450 million years ago, 375 million years ago, 251 million years ago, 200 million years ago, and, most famously, 66 million years ago, when an asteroid strike wiped out three-quarters of all Earth's species, including the dinosaurs. "It may not be preposterous," Brin wrote in a seminal 1983 paper, to compare the intervals between these extinction events and the time it might take for different waves of invasion to wash over Earth. The dino-killing asteroid could even have been a weapon of war, slung by a space-dwelling alien faction with a beef against their brethren on Earth. Brin didn't mean to suggest that any of this actually happened, and neither do I. There's no evidence that it did no spacecraft entombed in ancient amber, no ruins of a 200-million-year-old city and I certainly wouldn't put any money on it. But it's possible. [5 Bold Claims of Alien Life] Credit: Karl Tate/Grand Central Publishing Possibility 2: They're out there, but we haven't found them yet As scientists and other logically minded people often point out, absence of evidence isn't evidence of absence. It's entirely possible that intelligent aliens are (or were) out there, and we just haven't spotted any signs of them yet. For example, maybe ET hasn't visited Earth because getting here is just too hard. The distances involved in any interstellar trek are mind-boggling. Proxima Centauri is "just" 4.2 light-years from the sun. But that's almost 25 trillion miles equivalent to circling Earth 1 billion times, going to Pluto and back 3,450 times, or jogging around the track at your local high school 100 trillion times. It would take a spacecraft about 75,000 years to get to Proxima Centauri using today's rockets. There aren't enough honey-roasted peanuts and Sudoku books on Earth to make that trip bearable. Even if we assume that aliens, with their pulsating and extravagantly veined brains, have developed super-fast propulsion tech that puts our puny human gear to shame, there's still a big problem: energy. Say the aliens, like Starfleet engineers, know how to build matter-antimatter engines that can accelerate a ship to 75 percent the speed of light. Just making an Earth-Proxima Centauri round trip with this craft would require 100,000 times more energy than the United States uses in an entire year, physicist Lawrence Krauss wrote in his book The Physics of Star Trek. Is the aliens' desire to probe us, or to give the ancient Egyptians some killer pyramid blueprints, really that strong? Or maybe ET just doesn't want to interfere with the development of life on other worlds and has hewed to this noble "prime directive" far more successfully than Captain Kirk and his crew have managed to do in the Star Trek universe. (Remember when the Enterprise gang took it upon themselves to destroy the machine-god Vaal in an original series episode? Vaal seemed like a jerk, but still.) It's even possible that aliens are watching us right now, to monitor our technological progress, figure out how we tick, or keep their bratty kids occupied for a few hours. Some thinkers take such reasoning a step further, suggesting that we and everything else in the observable universe yes, even love may be part of a simulation run on a very fancy alien computer. Before laughing this off, consider how much cooler Fortniteis than Burger Time. Those two games were released just 35 years apart, and the hypothetical aliens have had billions of years to come up with amazing graphics and compelling yet believable storylines. Indeed, philosopher Nick Bostrom has argued that the odds we're trapped in a Matrix-style pseudo-existence are actually quite high provided there are a decent number of super-advanced civilizations out there and at least some of them are keen to create convincing virtual worlds, for fun or profit. Given these two assumptions, the number of artificially created universes, or patches of universe, will far outstrip the number of real ones, according to this line of thinking. Along similar lines, perhaps ET's technical mastery has driven its focus away from the real world and into the virtual, sapping its desire to explore the cosmos or meet any potential neighbors. (Humanity may well succumb to this fate when high-quality virtual reality porn hits the marketplace.) There are other reasons why advanced aliens may be keeping their heads down as well. Self-preservation springs to mind: what if they're trying to avoid being destroyed or enslaved by big-time cosmic jerks, like the Borg from Star Trek or the Galactic Empire in Star Wars? Scientists have even suggested that evil aliens may have sent fleets of intelligent, self-replicating "berserker" probes out into the galaxy to hunt for radio transmissions and other signs of intelligent life and to exterminate any civilizations they find. [The Evolution of 'Star Trek' (Infographic)] Extinction is another possibility. Maybe those berserkers have done a lot of exterminating over the eons. Or perhaps alien civilizations tend to off themselves in relatively short order. Humanity has come perilously close to a nuclear holocaust several times, after all, and we've recently spurred a global mass extinction that may end up claiming our species as well. And yet, with all that, we've been capable of sending signals to other stars for only a century or so. If a 100-year messaging life span is the norm for civilizations, "then it's as if there are two fireflies that each flick on once during the course of a long night," said Douglas Vakoch, president of METI International, a San Francisco-based nonprofit dedicated to astrobiology and SETI research. (METI stands for messaging extraterrestrial intelligence the controversial notion that humanity should reach out to potential alien civilizations, rather than just passively listen.) The odds that these cosmic fireflies will flash at the same time are, of course, not good. That's sad for them, and sad for any giant space monsters that want to catch them and put them in jars. It's also possible that ET is trying to get our attention, and we just haven't noticed yet. After all, humanity has been searching for alien transmissions for less than 60 years the last 0.000001 percent of Earth's history and always on a shoestring budget. How shoestring? Well, the US government hasn't bankrolled a SETI operation for a quarter-century. NASA began an ambitious observing project in 1992 but had to stop a year later when Congress cut off the money. (The leader of the defunding push, Nevada senator Richard Bryan, painted the SETI effort as a Mars safari for some reason. "The Great Martian Chase may finally come to an end," Bryan said in 1993. "As of today, millions have been spent and we have yet to bag a single little green fellow. Not a single Martian has said, Take me to your leader,' and not a single flying saucer has applied for FAA approval.") The SETI Institute and other such groups generally rely on private donations to keep the lights on and the telescopes listening. These donations don't always come through. The SETI Institute had to idle its main ear to the universe, the forty-two-dish Allen Telescope Array in Northern California, for four months in 2011, and the original plan called for the ATA to consist of 350 telescopes, but there hasn't been enough cash to complete the build. Given this situation and the huge scale of the Milky Way galaxy, scientists have not yet been able to mount a comprehensive SETI survey. They haven't even come close. Tarter often relies on an analogy to get this point across: imagine that you're searching for fish across the entirety of Earth's oceans, and you wade into the surf and scoop up a single glass of seawater. "If you did that experiment and your glass didn't contain a fish, you probably would not conclude that there aren't any fish," Tarter said. "Well, numerically, the amount of searching that we've done versus the amount that we might have to do is equivalent to that one glass of ocean." We may not even be looking for the right kinds of signals. The SETI search to date has focused heavily on radio waves and to a lesser extent laser-light pulses, because those are technologies that humanity has mastered. But we're already weaning ourselves off radio-wave transmission just a century after inventing it; when's the last time you sharpened your TV's picture by crumpling some tinfoil onto rabbit ears? Would a billion-year-old alien civilization really still be communicating like this, or in any way we could understand? Maybe ET sends messages via neutrinos, the bizarre and unfathomably numerous particles that zoom through planets unimpeded like subatomic Houdinis. (Trillions of solar neutrinos passed through your body in the time it took to read that last sentence.) Maybe the aliens are telepathic. Who knows? Our current strategy may be akin to trying to eavesdrop on people via walkie-talkie, according to astrobiologist Dirk Schulze-Makuch, who's a professor at the Technical University of Berlin in Germany and an adjunct professor at Arizona State University and Washington State University. "You probably won't get anything, because everyone is on Facebook," Schulze-Makuch said. As this discussion shows, many of the ideas bandied about to explain Fermi's paradox basically amount to ET psychology. And that's not the most promising path for a breakthrough: getting inside the heads of super-advanced aliens is beyond us, at least until we stop devoting most of our creative energies to meme generation. (Thank you for indulging this "get off my lawn" moment.) Credit: Karl Tate/Grand Central Publishing Possibility 3: We are alone The last alternative is the most depressing: the cosmic silence speaks volumes. Maybe Earth is the only inhabited world in the entire galaxy. God loves us that much! Or, if you want to get all science-y about it, the jump from complex organic chemicals to wriggling microbe may be so improbable that it occurred just once, and we hit the jackpot. This could be a stretch, given how quickly life got a foothold on Earth. Microbes were here by at least 3.8 billion years ago, and perhaps even earlier; some evidence pushes life's emergence back to 4.1 billion years ago, pretty much as soon as Earth had cooled down enough to be habitable. But even if microbes are common throughout the cosmos, intelligent life could still be vanishingly rare. (Astronomers and astrobiologists do actually crack the obligatory joke from time to time: "Hey, we're still searching for intelligent life on Earth!" or "You won't find it on Capitol Hill!") Why? Well, maybe not many planets can offer the long-term TLC required for complexity and smarts to evolve. For example, Earth boasts a large moon that stabilizes its tilt (and thus its climate), and it enjoys the protection of a giant outer planet (Jupiter) whose powerful gravity nudges some dangerous comets away. Perhaps such characteristics are rare for rocky worlds in the habitable zone. Also, forget what those cartoons showing apes marching toward a proud, pants-wearing future may suggest; there's no "arrow of progress" inherent in evolution. Natural selection favors whatever works, so if simple is successful, simple stays simple. Indeed, that was the story for most of Earth's history. Multicellular organisms don't show up in the fossil record until nearly 600 million years ago meaning single-celled microbes had the planet to themselves for at least 3 billion years. And there was another long gap before super-smart animals modern humans came along. So it might take a really special set of circumstances to jolt life out of its simple, slimy origins and eventually reach the point where it can invent radio transmitters, spaceships, wheely shoes, and other cool stuff. After all, Earth might still have reptilian overlords if not for that asteroid strike 66 million years ago, which allowed our mammalian ancestors to scurry out from the shadows. [Images: Potentially Dangerous Asteroids] There are some other important things to keep in mind as well. For example, not all intelligence is the same, as the diversity of life on Earth clearly shows. Chimps, ravens, dolphins, sea otters, octopi, and a number of other species are smart enough to use tools, but only humans have built radio transmitters, spaceships, and wheely shoes. (As far as we know. But if chimps had wheely shoes, you'd think Jane Goodall would've said something.) We can't assume that every intelligent alien species would be technologically smart or able to communicate with us. The circumstances of their birth may cut many smart aliens off from the rest of the universe. If our own solar system is any guide, the most common life-supporting worlds in the galaxy may be frigid moons and planets with liquid-water oceans beneath their icy shells places like Saturn's moon Enceladus and the Jupiter satellite Europa. If complex, intelligent life has evolved in such environments and that's far from a sure thing, given the likely dearth of energy in those dark depths we might never hear from it. "How long would it take sentient beings, confined to their pitch-dark liquid habitat by a solid sky hundreds of kilometers thick, to discover that there was a vast universe beyond their world's apparently impenetrable roof?" theoretical physicist Paul Davies wrote in The Eerie Silence, his 2010 book about the Fermi paradox. "It is hard to imagine that they would ever break out' of their ice prison and beam radio messages across space." Getting an answer You've made it through the Fermi Paradox Hypothesis Sampler Platter! Did any of the ideas jump out at you? Perhaps the berserkers, for violence and action, or the buried-ocean dwellers, for poignancy? (I picture sallow, eyeless mercreatures sadly strumming lutes.) If so, that's nice, but you probably shouldn't get too attached. We just don't have enough information at the moment to know what's actually going on. "I find it silly that so many people leap to shout, Aha! I know the answer!'" Brin said. "All we can do is catalog them for now, and maybe rank a Top Ten.'" But we could start getting at that answer, and soon. Say scientists discover a "second genesis" of microbes tiny organisms completely unrelated to any kind of life as we know it on Mars, Enceladus, or another solar system body. We would then know that life is not a super-lucky one-off affair, and we'd strongly suspect that it's widespread throughout the galaxy. This news, combined with a continued SETI silence, would also be troubling for anyone who cares about humanity's future, for it would suggest that the bottleneck limiting the number of intelligent civilizations still lies ahead of us. (There could be a benefit, though: if we think we're the only technologically smart creatures in the galaxy, the resulting sense of responsibility may provide the nudge we need not to destroy ourselves.) By the same reasoning, getting even a single SETI ping would be a real pick-me-up. "The detection of a signaleven a cosmic dial tone, with no information goes on to tell us that we can have a long future," Tarter said. "If somebody else made it through, we can, too." You can buy "Out There" at Amazon.com. Excerpted from "OUT THERE: A Scientific Guide to Alien Life, Antimatter, and Human Space Travel (for the Cosmically Curious)." Copyright 2018 by Michael Wall, PhD. Illustrations by Karl Tate. Reprinted with permission of Grand Central Publishing. All rights reserved. Follow us @Spacedotcom or Facebook. Published on Space.com. Apollo-era flight controllers gathered at Ellington Airport in Houston to be among the first to see NASA's newly-restored Mission Control consoles on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. The 50-year-old hardware was delivered from the Cosmosphere in Kansas onboard NASA's Super Guppy cargo aircraft. HOUSTON NASA's efforts to restore its Apollo-era Mission Control has given new meaning to "We're go, Flight!" The call, which 50 years ago was in reference to the flight director at the head of the Mission Operations Control Room (MOCR), could now also apply to the newly-refurbished consoles that returned to Houston on Wednesday (Nov. 7), by way of NASA's Super Guppy cargo aircraft. The delivery, from a restoration facility in Kansas, marked the first time that the ground control hardware had taken flight. "In our outfit, we have the Mission Control room, the iconic foundation for human spaceflight, but we also have aviation operations, along with our astronauts," said Brian Kelly, director of the Flight Operations Directorate at NASA's Johnson Space Center. "So this is a great day to blend a couple of those things: one, this gigantic, beautiful airplane, our Super Guppy transporter [and] the restored consoles." [Thank You, Houston: Unsung Heroes Star in New 'Mission Control' Doc] On Thursday, 10 of the push-button and screen-lined cabinets were unloaded from the bulbous-nosed aircraft at Ellington Airport, not far from Johnson Space Center, after spending the past 10 months being cleaned, repaired and equipped with new internal electronics. "We are celebrating the arrival of the first group of restored consoles from the Cosmosphere in Hutchinson, Kansas. Truly, these consoles represent the crown jewel and centerpiece of our restoration efforts," said Jim Thornton, manager of NASA's Apollo Mission Control restoration project. Apollo-era Flight Activities Officer (FAO) Spencer Gardner inspects the restored Capsule Communicator (CapCom) console at Ellington Airport in Houston on Nov. 8, 2018. (Image credit: collectSPACE.com) "It is a great opportunity to honor our legacy," added Thornton. "We are coming up on the 50th anniversary, the golden anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, and we want to return this National Historic Landmark to the glory of those days and preserve it for the generations to come." A group of Apollo flight controllers, including flight director Glynn Lunney, INCO (Instrumentation and Communications Officer) Ed Fendell, EECOM (Electrical, Environmental and Consumables Manager) Bill Moon and electrical power systems controller Jim Kelly, were on hand at Ellington to get a first look at their former work desks. As conservators from the Cosmosphere's SpaceWorks restoration division unwrapped the CapCom (Capsule Communicator) and Flight Surgeon stations, the retirees crowded around to inspect them. "They are beautiful," said Lunney in an interview with collectSPACE.com. "I didn't appreciate at the time [of the Apollo missions] the color. I didn't remember that we had tones of green, but lo and behold we did. It looks very nice." Lunney said he did not expect to feel as he did seeing the consoles revealed. "I must admit, I didn't have the same outlook coming in here," he said. "I thought it was going to be a routine thing, but just standing around looking at the consoles with the guys who were there was a very wholesome feeling. It really felt good more than I thought it would feel coming in today." NASA is hoping the public has a similar reaction. "The Apollo program, and more importantly the men and women who made it happen,& should be remembered for the historic accomplishments they made," said Mark Geyer, director of the Johnson Space Center. "It's terrific that we're restoring the Apollo MOCR to that time, back to the Apollo time, so people can see it. Let it be a fitting reminder of that historic time." EECOM (Electrical, Environmental and Consumables Manager) Bill Moon joins other Apollo-era flight controllers checking out the newly restored Mission Control consoles on Nov. 8, 2018. (Image credit: collectSPACE.com) The consoles were to be loaded onto trucks for the short trip to Johnson, where they will be held in temporary storage as work inside the MOCR is completed. Meanwhile, a second set of consoles will be trucked to the Cosmosphere for their similar restoration. "If you could see the room today, the ceiling has been ripped out, the last two rows of consoles are still there but they're going to be removed and sent to Kansas for restoration, and then we will slowly start building the room back up," Thornton told collectSPACE.com. "We will reinstall the lighting in the ceiling and then we will work on the wallpaper, get the carpet installed and then we will reintroduce the consoles." "All of this will take us up to June or July to get everything done," he said. NASA and Space Center Houston, the visitor center for Johnson Space Center, is planning to debut the fully-restored Mission Control in July 2019 as the highlight of a month-long "Defying Gravity" celebration. The general public will be able to visit the room to experience what it was like on July 20, 1969. "We have things like this so that people know what was done and come to appreciate and learn from it," said Lunney. "What could people learn from the fact that a bunch of guys got together and landed another bunch of guys on the moon? I mean, that is really something." See more photos from the Super Guppy delivery of NASA's restored Mission Control consoles at collectSPACE. Follow collectSPACE.com or Facebook and on Twitter at @collectSPACE. Copyright 2018 collectSPACE.com. All rights reserved. A Rocket Lab Electron rocket lifts off from New Zealand on Jan. 20, 2018, on the booster's second-ever spaceflight. The Electron delivered four small satellites to orbit on the mission, which was called "Still Testing." Rocket Lab's Electron Rocket Lab Rocket Lab aims to make space far more accessible via its Electron booster, which is designed to launch small payloads to orbit for about $5 million per liftoff. See photos of Electron in action here. In this photo, a Rocket Lab Electron launches the company's second test flight, called "Still Testing," from the company's Mahia Peninsula launch site in New Zealand on Jan. 21, 2018 local time. The Electron rocket carried three small satellites into orbit for Rocket Lab customers. Rocket Lab Humanity Star Rocket Lab Rocket Lab founder and CEO Peter Beck stands with his creation, "The Humanity Star," which launched aboard "Still Testing" in January 2018. Rocket Lab Electron Booster Stage Separation Rocket Lab A Rocket Lab Electon booster upper stage separates from its first stage (bottom) during its second test flight, called "Still Testing," on Jan. 21, 2018. Rocket Lab Electron Still Testing Rocket Lab Rocket Lab's second Electron rocket stands on its New Zealand pad prior to the "Still Testing" liftoff. Rocket Lab's Electron Rocket on Launch Pad Rocket Lab Close-up view of the Electron on the pad. Rocket Lab's Electron at Night Kieran Fanning/Rocket Lab Rocket Lab launch team member Kieran Fanning took this photo of the company's Electron rocket at night ahead of a planned "It's Business Time" launch attempt from Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand on June 23, 2018. It's Business Time on the launchpad Rocket Lab The private spaceflight company Rocket Lab postponed the first commercial launch of its Electron rocket from New Zealand on June 23, 2018 due to a tracking system issue. An American Launch Site Rocket Lab In October 2018, Rocket Lab founder and CEO Peter Beck unveiled the first U.S. launch site for the company's Electron booster. It will launch from a new pad at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility on Wallops Island, Virginia, which is also home to the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport. Here, Beck and others celebrate the official groundbreaking ceremony. William Shatner at Rocket Lab's New Facility Rocket Lab "Star Trek" icon William Shatner checks out an Electron at Rocket Lab's new manufacturing and control facility in New Zealand in October 2018. William Shatner at Rocket Lab Rocket Lab Shatner signs a piece of hardware. Electron Rockets Rocket Lab Electrons on the floor at the manufacturing facility. STAMFORD Wanted: Hard-working people with high energy levels. Those are some of the characteristics the Stamford Police Department is looking for when considering candidates to fill up to 25 positions over the next two years. We are just looking for people who want to be energetic, who are good people and hard workers, Sgt. Kelly Connelly said. It is a fast-paced job that changes at the drop of a hat. It is a unique job that is different day to day. It is exciting and rewarding and good for those who want to meet and help people. Connelly is working with Capt. William Mullin, a 45-year veteran, to recruit new officers. Mullin, who leads the departments training division, said 90 candidates have applied for jobs, while 10 others are looking to transfer from other towns. Mullin said he was hoping to attract at least 600 applicants for the jobs. The more we have, the better it is for us, Mullin said. Mullin said the department, which has 282 officers, has five openings and expects to have 20 more in the next couple of years due to retirements. The starting annual salary for a Stamford police officer is $62,295. Candidates are required to pass a physical ability test and submit an application by Dec. 21. Candidates must have no felony convictions or convictions for serious misdemeanors. Stamford residents and military veterans are given preference and candidates must have a high school diploma or its equivalent and be at least 21 years old. Connelly said there are numerous opportunities in the department, including in the Youth Bureau, Narcotics and Organized Crime, Marine Unit, Crime Scene Unit, Motorcycle Unit, K-9 Unit, Bomb Squad, financial crimes and crimes against property. Anyone who wants a fulfilling and rewarding career and to get out into the community and be a part of it, this job is for you, Connelly said. For more information, visit www.policeapp.com jnickerson@stamfordadvocate.com Tony Pavia is at it again. No, hes not returning from retirement once more to fill in as a principal at Stamford High School or Trinity Catholic, as he has in the past. He will again conduct a program involving Stamford veterans Friday at Trinity Catholic. He and his son, Matt, also will conduct a Veterans Day program at Darien High School Monday and then launch their mini book tour by speaking and signing books at the Harry Bennett branch of Ferguson Library on Vine Road at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. They will make an appearance at Darien Library on Dec. 5. About 20 Stamford veterans of the Vietnam War are expected to attend the Bennett event, including two who now reside in New Mexico and Alabama. Tony Pavia, who also served as principal at New Canaan High School, is believed to have been the only educator to have been principal at all three schools. Pavias latest return is as the co-author with Matt, also an educator (his other two sons are also teachers), of his second book about Stamfordites who went off to war in this instance the Vietnam conflict in which 29 Stamford men were killed. An American Town and the Vietnam War, follows the pattern of Pavias gripping An American Town Goes to War, with Stamford GIs reciting their experiences, often life-threatening and heroic, and how in many instances they were treated as pariahs when they returned home and often endured years of nightmares and post-traumatic stress. Though he never served in the military, much of Tony Pavias adult life has been spent honoring veterans, in large measure because as a young man he would hear his father, a chief petty officer in the U.S. Navy during World War II, talking to friends about their war experiences. For years he has held tributes to veterans at schools around Memorial Day, starting off by commemorating the 50th anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941 at Stamford High when he was chairman of the history department. Matt, who teaches English and American Studies at Darien High, shares his fathers passion for veterans, especially ones from Vietnam. I became fascinated about the Vietnam era and the war after seeing movies about it, Matt Pavia said. Interviewing the 38 veterans featured in the in the book there are also individual segments about GIs who were killed was not easy since many were conflicted about their service, although none expressed regrets about having served, Tony Pavia said. The youngest Stamford GIs to die in Vietnam were Norman Spenard and Richard Broadhust, both 19, who were born on the same New Years Eve in 1945 at Stamford Hospital. The oldest was 41-year-old Richard Rich, a U.S. Navy fighter pilot who was married with a wife and four children. Rich also served in World War II and the Korean War. Two others who were killed, Alfred Bankowski and Stuart, both members of the U.S. Air Force, also served in Korea. Most of those from Stamford enlisted, whereas during World War II most were drafted, Tony Pavia pointed out. In a book filled with stirring stories about young men who represented a variable cross-section of Stamford, Richard Flahertys bittersweet story stands out. Though only 4-feet, 6-inches tall, four inches below the required minimum height, and weighing less than 100 pounds, Flaherty, with the aid of U.S. Thomas Dodd, was able to enlist in the army. Flaherty, with only a high school education from Stamford Catholic High School (now Trinity Catholic) attained the rank of lieutenant with the famed 101st Airborne where he led his paratroopers in jumps into enemy territory and earned the Silver Star for carrying wounded comrades during battle. Later, he fulfilled a dream by serving in the elite Green Berets where he was decorated with a Bronze Star, the Vietnamese Gallantry Cross and several Purple Hearts for wounds suffered in battle. During a star-crossed post Vietnam life, matters worsened dramatically and ended tragically when a homeless 69-year-old Flaherty was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver in Florida. Familiar Stamford names abound in the book such as Rich, Romaniello, Sparrow, DeLeo, Melzer, Burke, Weisel, Passero, Munger, Connors, Romano and Davis. We talked about writing a follow-up to my dads World War II book for years, this time on the Vietnam War, Matt Pavia said recently. We finally decided to commit to it when my dad retired and I realized that we had just passed the 50th anniversary of the start of combat operations in Vietnam. The time seemed right. Their effort produced a mesmerizing number of tales involving young men from Stamford who mainly believed the governments claim that U.S. forces were fighting for a just cause, which soon became questionable and problematic and in the eyes of many Americans a tragically wasteful loss of lives in what, like the Iraqi War, became unwinnable. Jack Cavanaugh, a Stamford native and resident, is a Stamford Advocate columnist. Hes a veteran print and network reporter, college professor, sportswriter and the author of six books One of the most frequent comments we get in marketing is that, because of the pervasiveness of access to brands, consumers are in control and brands must adapt to that power shift. If marketers are just now shifting to the world where consumers have the power, they may be reacting to something that is already beginning to pass. We are embarking on a new era in the supply chain where the power, and thereby the opportunity, is shifting again. Consumers are less in control than they once were, and the marketers who want to influence purchases must adapt again. Related: The Scariest Thing About AI Is the Competitive Disadvantage of Being Slow to Adapt Mobility of power. As fast as intermediation became a way to connect those who sell with the consumers who buy, disintermediation has ever since been a perpetual threat to middlemen. Brands at every point in the process scramble to adapt to shifts in power, match demand, realign costs and defeat competitors. At various times in history, the supply chain wielded the power and thereby concentrated wealth in this country into the pockets of those in powerful positions. It isnt hard to see where that wealth accumulated. Just look at the names on buildings, universities, and even todays lists of wealthy people. A brief history of the industry. In the beginning, those who dug raw materials out of the ground had the power. Then, steel barons. They are household names -- Rockefeller, Carnegie. From there, logistics enabled raw materials to get to the people who made things, including the railroads. These were names like Vanderbilt. Financiers, such as JP Morgan, enabled investment and innovation throughout the supply chain; power shifts began to accelerate. Then, emboldened innovators changed how things, like cars, are made. Assembly lines were introduced so we could manufacture at scale. Power shifted again to people with names like Ford and Wrigley, the manufacturers. Then, as the country broadened and manufacturers needed their products to reach the corners of our country, power transitioned to the distributors who could deliver to momandpop shops across the country. Prohibition disappeared. The National Automotive Dealers Association reemerged. Consolidating the momandpop general stores shifted power to those who could purchase at scale. The catalog company Sears emerged, and that gave way to the most powerful retailer in the world -- Walmart. Fast track to today. Nearly that entire family is on the Forbes list of wealthiest people. Then emerged the internet. Transactions and information became democratized and shifted power to the consumer. Parts of the supply chain became disjointed while simultaneously giving rise to new intermediaries closer to point of transaction. Financial tools like PayPal and TurboTax emerged, UPS and FedEx exploded, and Amazon was born. Today, with only the effort it takes to move a thumb, we can find the lowest price on any item using our phone, order it through an ever-connected financial mechanism and have it delivered within hours. Consumers feel powerful; they feel in control. But, are they? What is influencing what you see, how you select items, how you feel about brands and, ultimately, what you buy? Introducing you to the era where machines are in control. Related: Debunking The Myth: No, AI Will Not Take Your Jobs The power of the machines. Consider one of the most common marketing tactics, search engine optimization (SEO). This entire practice is focused on chasing the algorithms of search engines to influence what is displayed to the consumer or buyer. Time is focused on optimizing machines, not directly communicating with the consumer themselves. As some say, if you cant find it on the first search page on Google, it may as well not exist. Then, with the ongoing maturity of the Internet of Things (IoT), the machines learn behaviors which then can create and reinforce habits. When you run out of groceries, the item and brand already in your refrigerator will get priority based on your established shopping patterns. The machine will reinforce these habits as the path of least resistance. This is the machine learning reinforcing your habits. Finally, imagine your Netflix account and how it recommends shows or movies to watch based on things youve already watched that you may like. It may even autoplay episodes back-to-back encouraging midnight binge-watching sessions. If a consumer ever wants to make a change to what theyre receiving from their machines, it will take considerable effort. Imagine unwinding your preferences on Netflix, recommended products on Amazon, your search history on Google, your travel patterns consumed by airlines, your departure and arrival patterns on your Nest, your refrigerator inventory -- and the list goes on. But, as a brand that wants to be included in a machines consideration for a particular consumer, youre going to have to learn how to make or break machines habits by getting adept at making people want to go through the effort to make a change. Making and breaking habits to win. How do you, as a marketer, break through to become the consumer preference, or even just an option to buy? If you sell milk, and want a consumer to switch to your brand, you have to convince them to make the change. You need to give them a significant reason to go through the effort of switching. You have to make them believe that the previous brand theyve chosen is nearly killing them and that your grass-fed, organic brand is going to save their life. That is an extreme case, so thank goodness consumers have set preferences that are far more basic. If instead of buying the milk already in their fridge, they want the cheapest milk, so the machine will adjust to automate that choice and wont conform to any kind of brand loyalty, but rather devolve to product characteristics. Then, the machine will build on that habit and likely suggest and scale to other products similarly because of that particular preference. Related: Entrepreneurs Should Pay Attention to How Kylie Jenner Is Growing Her Company There are far more ways to cut this idea that will unfold as the machines take on more of our daily tasks, however, at the most basic level, marketers will have to adapt their skill sets and awareness to understand how the machines think in order to influence them to their favor. Then, at the consumer level, we will still have to appeal to them emotionally, but we will have to do so in a way that encourages them to overcome the effort barrier set upon them to catalyze a change. Subtle differences or funny commercials may no longer be enough. It will require true evolutions that resonate and motivate the effort to change. The power has moved and those who adapt will be prepared for the new future. Related: How 2 Entrepreneurs Are Helping Brands Make Millions Tu negocio no tiene Facebook e Instagram? Estas perdiendo la oportunidad de venderle a mas de 70 millones de personas The Evolution of Power: Marketer vs. Machine Copyright 2018 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved The increase in racist attacks and voter suppression across the country prompts many whites to claim that this ugliness is not who we are as Americans. Sadly, these events merely reinforce how pervasive racism is in American society and policy. A new book, Ghosts in the Schoolyard: Racism and School Closings on Chicagos South Side, describes how African-American communities experience education reform policies, particularly school closures, in the context of the history of racial segregation and discrimination in Chicago. The author, Eve Ewing, is a professor at the University of Chicago, and a graduate of and former teacher in the Chicago public schools. In 2013, Mayor Rahm Emmanuels administration closed 49 schools, on the pretext that the schools had low test scores and were under-utilized. The closures disproportionately affected African-American students in the intensely segregated district. The questionable standard used to determine under-utilization was large class size 30 children per class. When predominately white Chicago neighborhoods suffered large population declines, CPS never considered school closures there. CPS claimed it would send students to better schools, but the receiving schools had test scores just a few points above those slated for closure. From 2000 to 2015, CPS closed 125 neighborhood schools in communities of color, while opening 149 charter schools and selective admission public schools. I feel like Im at a slave auction ... Because Im like, begging you to keep my family together. Dont take them and separate them. This plea was uttered by a Chicago public school principal at one of the public hearings in 2013. Professor Ewing reviewed the testimony of the throngs of community members who came out to oppose gutting their schools. The schools, which had educated generations of the same families, were community institutions. Parents, teachers and students described them as families that provided continuity and stability for the entire neighborhood. The analogy to a slave auction was not far-fetched. As Ewing notes, the intentional disruption of the African-American family has been a primary tool of white supremacy. In Chicago, this is not the first time African-American communities were torn apart by government policy. Wooed to the north by labor recruiters during the great migration, African-Americans were confined to one neighborhood, eventually dubbed Bronzeville, by violence, restrictive covenants and, later, housing policy. The community turned this forcibly segregated neighborhood into a vibrant place a hub for music and the arts. Public housing policies favored families. Consequently, Bronzeville had a dense concentration of children. Local officials refused to integrate schools, so these children attended predominately African-American neighborhood public schools. Moreover, CPS consistently failed to invest in these segregated schools. Despite local activism and federal intervention over the years, Chicago has done little to address school or residential segregation. In the late 1990s, Chicago demolished much of Bronzevilles public housing, ousting many of its residents. Parents who were able sent children to live with relatives who remained in Bronzeville in order to preserve vital school relationships. As Ewing observes, the loss of student population in Bronzeville was the result of overt government policy. To Bronzeville residents, the 2013 round of school closures was the continuation of a pattern of segregation, displacement and underfunding by Chicago officials. One resident described CPSs attitude as I poured gasoline on your house and then its your fault its on fire. There is extensive evidence showing that the 2013 Chicago school closings diminished educational opportunities for the children whose schools closed. Ewing demonstrates that the accompanying loss of relationships, identity and sense of history was just as devastating. The community mourned lost connections with teachers, staff, students, and something larger. Ewing details some of the personalities behind the names of the closed schools notable African-American professionals from the same community. As one student noted, Thats how you get black history to go away. Closing schools (especially those named for prominent African-Americans). In the rare instance where a school slated for closure, Dyett High School, was saved after a community-wide hunger strike, a student declared that (w)e value our education more because of what people sacrificed. Ghosts in the Schoolyard illustrates how supposedly objective metrics officials use to judge a schools quality and fate are far from neutral and fail to account for a host of considerations critical to the community affected. As Ewing concludes, if we fail to consider history, community, race, power and identity when framing and investigating the problems facing our public schools, we will fail to find solutions that serve the best interests of children and communities. Wendy Lecker is a columnist for the Hearst Connecticut Media Group and is senior attorney at the Education Law Center. So long as Fox continues to identify or, misidentify itself as a news organization, neither its pundits nor its reporters have any business rallying with Trump or any other political figure. That's a bright red ethical line, yet Hannity and Pirro stomped across it in muddy boots. Both should be on the unemployment line. Yet these two are what Trump thinks journalists should be: his cheering section. It is now more than a month since the murder of the Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi - and I am starting to have an appalling suspicion. I don't have any doubt about what happened: the plot to lure him to the Saudi consulate; the savage attack by heavies from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's own security team; the dismembering of the body. Nor do I doubt for a second that this disgusting assassination was ordered at the highest levels of the Saudi regime. But it is not the forensics that bother me. There is another reason for my nagging anxiety. After more than a month, we still have no body, and no credible account of how and when an explanation might be forthcoming. We have no clear understanding of how it is proposed that those responsible for this atrocity will be brought to justice, or in what forum this might take place. For all the talk of sanctions for the guilty, it is far from clear how they will be identified, or where they will be tried. It is all too easy to see how Khashoggi's case could end up in a murky netherworld in which the straightforward requirements of criminal justice may be warped by the expedients of geopolitics and diplomacy. My awful suspicion - and I pray I am wrong - is that for one reason or another, the killers, or at least those who ultimately gave the order, may get away with it. There are simply too many powerful people who would frankly prefer that the whole business be brushed under the carpet. There are too many people who look at the state of the Middle East - and think that we simply can't afford to take this investigation to its logical conclusion. They look at the pivotal role of Saudi Arabia, and they think about what might happen if that government were seriously destabilized - and they shudder. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke for this school of thought when he said that of course the killers of Jamal Khashoggi should be brought to justice - but the real problem was Iran. And Netanyahu is certainly right that Iran is a serious problem. The government in Tehran remains a disruptive force, bent on expanding its role in the region. We see excessive Iranian influence in Lebanon, in Iraq, in Syria and in Yemen. That influence needs to be diminished. But we will not put Iran back in its box unless we accept that the Iranians are also highly skillful at exploiting the consequences of the policies of the West and its allies. In Lebanon, the Iranians made the most of resentments that followed the Israeli invasion of 1982. In Iraq, they found the whole country was virtually handed to them on a plate after the removal of the Sunni regime of Saddam Hussein in 2003. In Syria, they poured into the gap left by the West's limp-wristed and ultimately abortive attempts to remove Bashar al-Assad. And as for Yemen - the Iranians had virtually no influence in Yemen at all, and no real strategic interest, until the Saudi-led coalition began its ill-fated campaign of aerial bombardments against the Houthi rebels. Let us be in no doubt: There is a sense in which the Saudis and their allies are in the right. The Yemeni government was illegally overturned. The actions of the coalition are supported by a U.N. resolution. But the plain fact is that the campaign has not been successful. In the three years since the Saudis launched their offensive, Yemen has been brought to the brink of starvation - and the Houthis have been driven so far into the arms of Iran that in the past year they have actually started firing Iranian-built missiles at Saudi Arabia. This war needs to come to an end - and it can. The excellent U.N. special envoy to Yemen, Martin Griffiths, is proposing a deal that would bring an end to the conflict, give the Houthis some say in the government of Yemen, and ensure that Iran is constitutionally precluded from having a role in the country. That is why it was right that last week both Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo decided to increase the pressure on Saudi Arabia. We need a cease-fire. And at this critical moment, it is vital that the long-term strategic partners of Saudi Arabia - both Britain and the United States - are frank in the way that friends are entitled to be frank. The war in Yemen is turning out to be bad for Saudi Arabia - and, alas, is boosting, not reversing, Iranian influence. The murder of Khashoggi has been terrible for Saudi Arabia - and if there is one way to boost Iran, and all regional critics of the Saudi regime, it would be to hush it all up. Jamal Khashoggi's killers must be found, and justice done, though the heavens fall. - - - Johnson is a former foreign secretary of the United Kingdom. It should be welcome news for Iran that the Trump administration has granted eight countries Significant Reduction Exemptions (SREs) from U.S. sanctions against the Islamic Republic. These allow Iran to sustain oil exports at levels higher than many analysts had predicted when Trump first announced his withdrawal from the nuclear deal in May. Iran's exports may remain above 1.1 million barrels per day. At first glance, it would appear that the Trump administration's decision is merely a recognition that suppressing Iranian exports too aggressively would drive up oil prices while also compromising American diplomatic relationships worldwide. But a closer examination of the waivers suggests that the Trump administration has deployed its concessions tactically. The inclusion of China, Italy, and Greece among the waiver recipients will complicate the politics around Iran's oil exports, and undermine the broader international effort to defy the extraterritoriality of U.S. sanctions. With its trade war with the U.S. still raging, China's push for a waiver - rather than an open defiance of the sanctions that the government in Tehran was hoping - points to a more cautious approach to the Islamic Republic among Chinese government and business stakeholders. The waiver request is consistent with the reports from earlier this month that Bank of Kunlun, which facilitated most of the China-Iran trade in the previous sanctions period, would cease facilitating transactions with Iranian banks. These two measures indicate Chinese authorities want to avoid adding the disagreement over Iran sanctions to their existing confrontations with the Trump administration. In a press conference on Monday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying skirted the issue of the waiver, offering only the bromide that "China is always opposed to unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction." Iran is a lucrative market for China, and it is possible that, in time, Chinese authorities will find a new, more isolated banking channel to resume non-oil trade. But at least for now, the waiver - which covers financial transactions relevant to the oil purchases - could weaken Chinese resolve to find a purpose-built banking mechanism for other trade. And what of Europe's resolve? The inclusion of Italy and Greece were among the recipients of waivers was a surprise, because it was assumed the U.S. had rejected all European waiver requests. In a letter sent to Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in June, the governments of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, along with the EU, asked for "exemptions to allow for economic relationships in key sectors," including energy. The response from Mnuchin and Pompeo made it clear that the only carve-outs would be for humanitarian trade. During a briefing last Friday, Pompeo told reporters that the "European Union" would not be receiving a waiver. In hindsight, Pompeo's comment was a knowing one. The decision to grant waivers to Italy and Greece, two eurosceptic countries, looks like a deliberate attempt to undermine European unity in the response to U.S. sanctions. During his successful visit to Washington in July, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte described the U.S. and Italy as "twin countries," united in a populist outlook. Though Italy remains a supporter of the Iran nuclear deal, in part because it has historically been among Iran's largest European trading partners, the Italian endorsement of Trump's views on issues like NATO and immigration may have helped earn the waiver. While Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has been a vocal critic of Trump, the two leaders held productive meetings in Washington in October 2017. Being the top European spender in NATO (on a GDP percentage basis), may also have earned Greece the Trump administration's good graces. It is instructive that Spain, which has stuck to the EU line, was not granted a waiver, even though Spanish refiners Repsol and Cepsa - like their Italian and Greek peers - are geared to process Iranian crude. The waivers for Italy and Greece put the European Union - and especially the E3 of Britain, France and Italy - in an awkward position. Sustaining energy imports from Iran was a key goal of the European effort to protect the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, as the 2015 Iran nuclear deal is known. The EU and E3 have insisted that the proposed "special purpose vehicle," a financial mechanism intended to facilitate trade with Iran in the face of U.S. sanctions, would include provisions for oil purchases. Now the EU is caught between welcoming waivers for some members and displeasure that the collective request was previously rejected. The Trump administration bowed to the global oil market in issuing the waivers. But by seeking to exploit European divisions and Chinese diffidence about defying the sanctions, the administration's concessions are not as straightforward as they seem. - Batmanghelidj is the founder of Bourse & Bazaar, a media company that supports business diplomacy between Europe and Iran through publishing, events and research. S ir Martin Sorrell is back with a vengeance. Within months of being booted from his advertising giant WPP over cringeworthy allegations not fit for a family newspaper, he has snapped up one forward-looking agency and is now poised to buy another. The first was MediaMonks, a company making online ads for the likes of Adidas, Netflix and Shell. That deal set up Sorrells new company, S4 Capital, as a rival to WPPs creative agencies. Now hes hunting for whats known as programmatic ad companies. These replace with algorithms the human beings who buy advertising space. How? When content a news story, say is loaded up onto a website, reams of data about the kind of people likely to view it are sent to an online marketplace. Potential advertisers can assess how likely those folks are to be potential customers, then bid to place an ad. The evaluations and bidding are done in milliseconds by computer programs using vast amounts of data. In theory, Joe Public only gets shown ads relevant to their interests, while the advertiser saves money by no longer spraying ads around at the wrong people. Programmatic advertising is one of the reasons old-fashioned media buying agencies are struggling. T he man who sells Big Macs and other McMeals to four million people every day proudly declares he has a 1% chance of a heart attack. And a cholesterol ratio of 3.2 (Dr Google says this is good). Thats despite eating two meals from the Golden Arches every working day, plus the odd McDelivery youve got to test everything out. Oh, and weekend trips to Maccy Ds because my boys love it, according to Paul Pomroy, chief executive of McDonalds in the UK. The worlds most popular fast-food chain may be public enemy number one in the battle against obesity, but I eat it twice a day and Ive just flown through my health check, says Pomroy. Do I have a Big Mac and fries every day? Of course not. I treat myself once or twice a week. His daily orders include porridge or a bagel for breakfast and a wrap or salad for lunch. So not the typical order from the temple of Ronald, I counter. But Pomroy wont be cowed: after serving up a portion of corporatese about calorie declarations and treats, he waves at a Big Mac in the staff kitchen behind us: Its under 500 calories! I challenge you to find a sandwich in a High Street chain thats less than that! Perhaps 22 years as a McCorporate leaves you seeing things in red and yellow. Pomroy even has a McWife: he first got together with Nathalie who worked for the company for 14 years and is now head of marketing at Whitbread at a McDonalds Christmas party: we were an office romance. She left because she didnt want to work for me. He arrived in 1996 after studying accountancy, followed by four years on Smith & Williamsons insolvency team. Hed spotted a McDonalds ad in Accountancy Age. It showed the bottom of Ronalds legs, with big red shoes and stripy socks. The headline was, like all other blue-chips we expect our accountants to wear pinstripes, which I found quite funny, and applied. Pomroy met Steve Easterbrook, now McDonalds global chief executive, secured a job in real estate finance, opening about 100 restaurants a year, moved onto strategy and then became finance director. He joined the board and took the UK helm in 2015. I came into the job on the back of nearly 10 years of consecutive growth. I really didnt want to muck up the momentum, Pomroy admits. He hasnt, so far: latest results show 50 consecutive quarters of rising sales, led by international growth including the UK, where McDonalds has a 10% share of the 40 billion informal eating-out market. McDelivery, via Uber Eats, didnt exist 16 months ago, but took 200 million in the past year. We expect that to be 400 million by the turn of the year. Pre-tax profits filed for McDonalds Restaurants Limited in 2017, the last reported results, were 341 million, up 19% on the year before. The chains structure means more than 80% of its 1370 restaurants are franchised, with owners paying somewhere between 150,000 and 400,000 to take over a site, and McDonalds owning all its freeholds. While mid-market restaurants such as Byron and Jamies Italian struggle, Maccie Ds is pulling in the punters. Because its cheap, surely? Were not cheap, were great value, Pomroy hits back faster than you can say McFlurry. Thats the same thing, I counter. No, the chicken breast in our chicken sandwich is the same as the chicken youll buy in Waitrose. Its great value. Hmm. Were squeezed into one of McDonalds fake wooden booths in the staff canteen; Pomroy indicates the kitchen behind us, pushes his Ray-ban glasses higher up his nose and says: I get very irritated when people wrongly assume theres a bank of microwaves back there. We cook proper food. We dont take stuff out of a freezer and zap it. We have the shortest supply chain of any retailer. The doubts about McDonalds culinary provenance, says Pomroy, are because Donald Trumps favourite restaurant is a victim of fake news. That pink slime video of us making chicken nuggets. The story that made from 100% British beef, means we created a company called 100% British beef its not true. The only thing that makes him crosser is the word McJob. It really, really irritates me, he says. Google gets the credit for things weve done for ages free staff food, free private healthcare after two years, phone contracts, driving lessons. The hospitality sector gives people a great start in life. I know. I started at Sainsburys pushing trolleys and Ive done very well. Pomroy posits himself as a man of the people (albeit one with a glittering Rolex), but his stewardship has seen the first McStrikes, over a lack of union recognition and zero-hour contracts. He plays it down: fewer than 30 people over the past 18 months have been part of strike activity. We have 128,000 people. Of course some are going to be unhappy and not every manager handles every grievance right. Pomroy says staff can now choose contract type and 85% chose fully flexible; he dismisses the political storm that is the unions. Despite the strike-related bad publicity, Pomroy says McDonalds job applicant numbers are soaring: its hired 10,000 more workers in the past 18 months. Thats despite Pomroys tech overhaul in restaurants: the arrival of giant iPad-like kiosks for self-service orders. McDonalds is also trialling services for driverless cars: its still a long way off but were making sure we can handle different channels that are going to come into our drive-thrus. Pomroy is the most relaxed-sounding chief executive around on Brexit. Hes also possibly the only person in Britain to trust politicians to strike a decent deal. Amid reports of contingency plans involving the M26 being turned into a lorry park because of epic border queues, Pomroy reckons: Not one government minister will sit there and allow food to go off in stranded lorries, or not flow between borders. Theres no point me lying awake at night worrying about that. I trust them to work it out. Did he vote for Brexit? My wifes French shes given me two beautiful boys. Im pro-European. At 45, Ive only ever grown up in a world where weve been part of the EU. But the vote is the vote. Hes opposed to calls to go back to the polls. We need a practical solution. Im not sure a second vote gets us to one. Some 11% of McDonalds staff were born on the Continent. That soars to 70% in London. But again, Pomroys unfazed: Weve seen an increase in job applicants in recent months; touch wood, having enough people in our restaurants is not a problem. At HQ, he promotes flexible working and leaves the office loudly at 5.30 each evening. I say goodnight to everyone. With so many working mums and dads, we dont want a culture of working late. Hes home by six for bathtime and bed with his four and six-year-olds, then its the gym before an hours work on emails later on. It sounds, I say, as though he has the home and corporate life cracked but then Pomroy quite emotionally says: actually, I feel like Ive failed my friends. My biggest work regret, he adds, is that Ive given up my mates. Theres 16 of us from Bromley and Petts Wood. Ive known them since school and uni but Ive only seen them once this year. They rib me Ronalds your boss, Is your company car red?, Is Hamburglar sitting outside your office? but I love seeing them: when I walk into the pub Im just Paul. Not the chief executive of McDonalds. They couldnt care less. And I love that. Surely they care when someone needs to foot the bill? Nah, he laughs. We have a whip round. Im still an accountant. So whats next? A move to the US to follow in the footsteps of Steve Easterbrook? Instead of the fake bluster most FTSE (or equivalent) bosses proffer, Pomroy doesnt shy away. O n Sunday, Londoners and many others across the globe will mark the end of the First World War. They will do so with solemnity, mindful of the 880,000 British and imperial service personnel who lost their lives. This, after all, is Remembrance Sunday, and although that day is now associated with the commemoration of all wars since 1914, its symbols the poppy, the Cenotaph and even the timing are the products of how the nation decided to mourn in the immediate aftermath of the Great War. We should not, however, be too po-faced. For us, Remembrance Sunday is about the dead. But this year it coincides with Armistice Day, when the Germans signed the terms of surrender in 1918. It was a day of celebration. It was more about the living than the dead. Over the wars centenary we have done more to commemorate the latter than recall the former. They were the vast majority: 88 per cent of those who put on uniform came home. Men who had given up hope of seeing the wars end now realised that they would survive, that they would be reunited with their families, and that citizen soldiers could become citizens once again. Beatrice Webb, the Fabian and socialist, writing her diary in London on November 11, 1918 could hear a pandemonium of noise outside. A New Zealander, John Lee, who had won a Distinguished Conduct Medal at Messines in 1917 and lost an arm in the German offensive the following spring, was convalescing at Brockenhurst in Hampshire. Hearing of the armistice, he caught a train from Weybridge to Waterloo and partied for three days. I can scarcely remember whether I slept in a bed, on a couch or on a carpet or with whom, he said. During the 1920s the nation was divided on how best to mark the end of the war. Many veterans thought the appropriate way to remember their fallen comrades was to live life to the full. Ian Hay, the author of a popular account of the volunteer armies, The First Hundred Thousand, described it as a restaurant orgy. The British Legion established the Festival of Remembrance precisely so that old soldiers could have a drink and a sing-song, separate from the solemnity of the Cenotaph. Hew Strachan is Emeritus Professor of All Souls College, Oxford, and author of The First World War: A New History (ES local feed ) / ES local feed In contrast, grieving mothers and bereft wives were anxious to institutionalise mourning. They set the tone for much of what we do today, and we forget the extent to which it was initially controversial. Widows found it hard to accept that the bodies of their husbands should be left in the hands of the Imperial (now Commonwealth) War Graves Commission rather than returned home to their families. The Church was unhappy with the secular and even pagan aspects of many memorials. Mourning came to prevail over celebration partly for these reasons, but there was another. The First World War did not end at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month. What ended were hostilities between Germany and the Allies fighting on the Western front. The armistice was a temporary cessation in the fighting, initially fixed for a period of 36 days, and not a peace settlement. On land the terms were designed to give the Allies the power of strategic manoeuvre, through the control of railways and bridgeheads, should the fighting resume. At sea, the war continued because the blockade was maintained. The Germans protested, pointing out that women and children were starving as a result. "In 1918 it was a day more about the living than the dead 88 per cent of men who put on uniform came home" On the other fronts fighting had formally ended up to six weeks before November 11. The first of Germanys allies to seek an armistice, Bulgaria, did so on September 29. Its defeat opened a route into Austria-Hungary from the south and cut the line of communications between the so-called Central Powers and the Ottoman Empire. Erich Ludendorff, the First Quartermaster General of the German army, attributed his urgent demand for the negotiation of an armistice to the events in the Balkans, and he did so because the German-led alliance was unravelling. Russias acceptance of the punitive terms of the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk in March 1918 meant that Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria and the Ottoman Empire had met their principal ambitions. None of them had any interest in Germanys war in the West. The Ottoman Empire signed an armistice with the British at Mudros on October 30 and the Austrians followed suit with the Italians on November 3. So the war had ended for other nations and on other fronts before November 11. But here, away from western Europe, the fighting also went on. The conflicts that had piggy-backed on the original war or had grown out of it continued. The collapse of four empires the German, Habsburg, Russian and Ottoman produced competition between aspirant states divided by ideology, between Reds and Whites, and by ethnicity. The offer by the US President, Woodrow Wilson, of national self-determination served to prompt violence more than resolve it. While the peacemakers met in Paris to settle borders, the realities were constantly shifting on the ground from the Baltic to the Balkans and across Central Asia. By the time the last peace treaty was signed, that with the new Republic of Turkey in 1923, perhaps four million deaths had been added to the wars toll. Britain was exempt from none of this. Few of its soldiers were home for Christmas, as they intervened in Russia, and confronted threats to the empire from Ireland through the Middle East to India. The remit for the war of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission ended in 1921, not 1918. Those who celebrated on November 11, 1918 were about to discover how hard it is to end a war. The amendment would remove politicians from the process and instead put a 16-citizen commission in charge. The commission would reflect the political, geographic and demographic diversity of our great state and utilize a set of nine criteria to ensure Illinois legislative and congressional maps keep communities together, increase competition in elections, and provide people of color with a greater ability to participate and elect candidates of their choice. I n 1974, a White House correspondent rose to ask President Richard Nixon a question in a town hall debate. Dan Rather, CBS News, he said. Some of the audience broke into spontaneous applause, countered by boos from others. Are you standing for election? Nixon inquired from his podium. No sir, Mr President, replied Rather, adding afterwards: Are you? And so goes one of those stories told long afterwards by smug hacks of the journalist who put the President in his place, with the elected politician reminded that his platform is a temporary one. Turn it on its head and it is the politician asking why the reporter has so many supporters. Its easy in the age of Donald Trump to find that every enemy of his is your friend. So when CNNs Jim Acosta, known for his confrontational style, rises to challenge the President, asks him one too many questions and brushes off the intern trying to get the microphone back, it is all part of the skirmish and we want him to be victorious. But if we are rooting for the reporter automatically, are we even listening for an answer or just using Acosta as a proxy for our rage against the President? And are we then lying to ourselves when saying Acosta was just doing his job of interrogating power? Stripping him or, indeed, any journalist of his White House pass is an abuse of power. Acosta has a right to be there. Journalists are voted for by eyeballs rather than on the ballot paper. But lets not pretend that they are all neutral any more than we are. They are fighting a cause, in particular in the US at the moment. Dan Rathers questioning of Nixon came in the midst of the Watergate scandal. Five months later the President was gone. Thirty years later, Rather, by then a heavy-hitting news anchor for CBS, was mired in a scandal about fake documents used in a report on George W Bushs military service. Seven months later, Rather was gone. Journalists, if they are combatants, dont win every battle. New Yorks in a flap over roast chicken Well Ill be plucked roast chicken is the hot new thing. In New York, where Ive been this week, a woman drinking a glass of chardonnay in Barbuto exhorted me to try their bird, cooked with herbs. A whole chicken also topped the menu at Leuca, cooked with peppers and salsa verde. Both were amazing. In London, roast chicken is what your mother cooks, not for dining out on. But then again, maybe New Yorkers need comfort food in these trying times. Science deserves a turn on the red carpet How do you make science sexy? Give it a red carpet. Thats what the Breakthrough Awards do. Funded by Silicon Valley names including Yuri Milner and Mark Zuckerberg, it awards $3 million prizes, twice the Nobel Peace Prize. But its trick is to get celebrities to the ceremony. Lupita Nyongo / Peter Barreras/Invision/AP This year Pierce Brosnan hosted and Eddie Redmayne was among the A-listers presenting prizes. Actress Lupita Nyongo sent the flashbulbs popping as she went in. This wasnt just dressing for the cameras. Because scientists arent usually household names and are rather camera-shy, you have to shine a light on their achievements. The awards love this mismatch. A friend of mine reported how surreal it was having film stars reading out the jargon of scientific achievements as the glamorous audience tried to keep up. And If you want to know about the winners, Google the achievements of Jocelyn Bell Burnell. America sparks up the cannabis debate Getting high this week were cannabis share prices. The Canadian pot company Tilray jumped 30 per cent on the resignation of US Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who opposed its legalisation at federal level. Some 33 states in America approve the use of cannabis for medical purposes, and now Michigan is the 10th state to say that its now fine to spark up for fun, after the midterm ballots. I applaud Tom Tugendhat and Jitesh Gadhia for linking Armistice Day services in London and Delhi (Armistice link can strengthen Anglo-Indian relationship, Comment, November 6). Too often the contribution of soldiers from British India in the two world wars has been overlooked. But how sad that they use the Brexiteer global Britain spin to promote this. We should be celebrating the Indian contribution to our armed forces whether we stay in or out of the EU, and politics should not be mixed with Armistice commemoration events. John McHugo THIS coming Remembrance Sunday is of course poignant, the centenary of the end of the First World War, but for me personally, a veteran of the conflict in Afghanistan, its the last that I shall attend. On Sunday afternoon I will respectfully place my white poppy beside my veterans badge. After the official ceremony that pays lip service to the dead and the survived in front of the great and the good who couldnt give a damn, I shall for the last time fall in behind my former comrades in Veterans for Peace and pay tribute to all victims of war and those betrayed by the state. John Boulton EDITOR'S REPLY Dear John and John, THE wearing of poppies, or not, is a deeply personal choice. Those of us who do, do so in remembrance of the dead, the injured and those who grieve. Taking inspiration from the John McCrae poem that starts: In Flanders fields the poppies blow, an American schoolteacher thought of making and selling poppies to help the wounded, the widowed and bereaved. She sold the idea as a charity to Douglas Haig and it is now a symbol of remembrance in more than 50 countries. It does not signify militarism or triumphalism for me at least. Other nations and people use other flowers for remembrance: India adopts the magnolia. A number of events have been held in France, England and India to mark the huge contribution of Indian forces and Labour Corps. At Basra, steps are being taken to name and register the 30,000 Indian troops and followers hitherto mentioned as anonymous on the memorial there. I think we must reserve the space for all to remember the dead and suffering from wars past and present. Robert Fox, Defence Editor UKs university system is flawed IN HIS passionate defence of this countrys exorbitant university fees, Alistair Jarvis forgets Germany, whose dynamic economic success is closely linked to its free university education [Cut university fees and risk putting a cap on aspiration, November 7]. And Germany, moreover, also takes care to provide an extensive system of technical education something this country, with its obsession with the supposedly superior academic path, has never seriously considered. The chief executive of Universities UK might do well to compare Britains current achievements and educational system with those of countries that follow quite different traditions. Carla M Wartenberg ANY spare cash the Treasury might find would be better spent on a review of our flawed higher education system. James Holyfield The Marxists who are leading RMT I WRITE further to the apparent hypocrisy displayed by the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers, which has a 20 million portfolio of stockmarket-related investments while some of its senior leaders publicly state that they wish to overthrow the capitalist system [Hypocrisy of Tube strike militants, November 7]. It would seem that certain union officials are avowed Marxists who wish to abolish our system of parliamentary democracy. The Meghan Effect. And while this is hard to quantify, theres no doubt that when it comes to the smaller, lesser known brands, the impact on their fortunes can be dramatic. We never thought it could happen, says Leeanne Hundleby, who founded luxury Scottish handbag brand Strathberry with her husband Guy back in 2013. A phone call came into the office and the team said there must be something going on. It started ringing and it just never really stopped. The day was December 1, 2017 and Meghan had just been seen strolling along a packed Nottingham street on her first public engagement with Prince Harry, carrying a tri-colour leather midi Strathberry tote. Meghan Markle on her first official engagement in Nottingham carrying a Strathberry bag, December 2017 / Getty Images The bag, which cost 495, sold out within minutes. And within hours, the Hundlebys had fans and press knocking on the door of their townhouse office in Edinburgh. There were people all over the street. It was all a bit crazy, says Hundleby, but amazing at the same time. Utterly amazing to be honest. The lucky break came about thanks to Meghans stylist, to whom Hundleby had sent a selection of handbags a few months prior. Meghan Markle was, at the time, still an actress living in New York and was, as far as the public was aware, not yet engaged to a prince. Two weeks later and global newswires were flooded with images of the royal-to-be holding Prince Harrys arm in one hand, and a Strathberry in the other. Prince Harry & Meghan Markle visit Terrence Higgins Trust, Nottingham 1 /28 Prince Harry & Meghan Markle visit Terrence Higgins Trust, Nottingham Meghan Markle greets well-wishers during a visit a Terrence Higgins Trust World AIDS Day Charity Fair in Nottingham Jeremy Selwyn Prince Harry and his fiancee US actress Meghan Markle greet wellwishers on a walkabout as they arrive for an engagement at Nottingham Contemporary AFP/Getty Images Meghan Markle is greeted with flowers by well-wishers Jeremy Selwyn Meghan Markle arrives at the Contemporary Centre for a Terrence Higgins Trust World AIDS Day charity fair Reuters People hold USA and British flags as they wait for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Reuters Meghan Markle is greeted with flowers by well-wishers Jeremy Selwyn Meghan Markle arrives at the Contemporary Centre for a Terrence Higgins Trust World AIDS Day charity fair AP Meghan Markle is greeted by well-wishers Reuters Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visit a Terrence Higgins Trust World AIDS Day Charity Fair in Nottingham AP Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visit a Terrence Higgins Trust World AIDS Day Charity Fair in Nottingham Rex Features Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are greeted with flowers at Terrence Higgins Trust World AIDS Day Charity Fair in Nottingham Reuters Prince Harry and his fiancee Meghan Markle arrive at the Terrence Higgins Trust World AIDS Day charity fair in Nottingham AP Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visit a Terrence Higgins Trust World AIDS Day Charity Fair in Nottingham Jeremy Selwyn Meghan Markle is greeted by well-wishers AP Crowds gather outside the Nottingham Contemporary in Nottingham PA Meghan Markle arrives at the Contemporary Centre for a Terrence Higgins Trust World AIDS Day charity fair AP Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrive at Nottingham Station ahead of their first official engagement together. PA Meghan Markle greets well-wishers AFP/Getty Images Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrive at Nottingham Station ahead of their first official engagement together PA Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrive at Nottingham Station ahead of their first official engagement together PA Police outside the Nottingham Contemporary in Nottingham, ahead of a visit by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle PA Britain's Prince Harry greets well-wishers on a walkabout as he arrives AFP/Getty Images Crowds gather outside the Nottingham Contemporary in Nottingham, ahead of a visit by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to a Terrence Higgins Trust World AIDS Day charity fair on their first official engagement together PA Meghan Markle greets well-wishers during a visit a Terrence Higgins Trust World AIDS Day Charity Fair in Nottingham Jeremy Selwyn Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during a visit to the Nottingham Contemporary in Nottingham PA Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during a visit to the Nottingham Contemporary in Nottingham PA Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend a Terrence Higgins Trust World AIDS Day charity fair, during a visit to the Nottingham Contemporary on their first official engagement together PA Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend a Terrence Higgins Trust World AIDS Day charity fair, during a visit to the Nottingham Contemporary on their first official engagement together Reuters Its an image Leeanne and Guy Hundleby could never have pictured four years earlier, when they left their jobs (hers as a finance consultant, his in stationery distribution) to embark on a mission to start Scotlands first luxury accessories line from their kitchen table. The brand was born when the couple were living in Southern Spain with their three children (now four) in 2011. "We stumbled upon these amazing families who had embraced working with leather down through the generations," says Humbleby. "We were super impressed by their skills and high attention to detail. Their understanding of leatherwork, in many ways, is unparalleled." Strathberry Nano Tote Tri Colour in Ember and Cinnamon, 375, Shop it here / Strathberry Inspired to share the regions craft, they flew home and honed their vision for a Scottish handbag line that showcased quality leathers at an affordable price. There was a lot of talk about Scottish brands and Scottish whiskey in particular at the time, but we didnt really have a luxury leatherwear brand, says Hundleby, who despite having no formal design training, felt she understood what it was a woman looked for in a handbag. A guiding principle was to make bags that her friends, who couldnt always afford Chanel or Gucci, would be able to afford. When we were thinking about our finished product part of our strategy was our bag had to be within an accessible price point maybe two or three pay packets but it had to be accessible, she says. East West Mini Petrol Embossed Croc, 475, Shop it here / Strathberry Strathberry bags, which cost between 225 and 795, are designed in Scotland and handmade in Southern Spain (each midi tote takes approximately 20 hours). They are all functional in shape and minimal in aesthetic, and come with no logos or branding other than a simple signature gold bar, inspired by the music folios the Hundlebys picked up in charity shops when researching the brand. We wanted our bags to be a little bit different and have their own DNA that ran through them so that people could always recognise the brand, says Hundleby. Mini Crescent Ivory Embossed Croc, shop it here Sales remained largely local to Scotland until 2015, when they launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund international expansion. We said if we can get 25,000 then thats a bit of money to make some extra bags and start working with influencers more globally, remembers Hundleby. In fact, they raised 125,000. From then it spiralled, and they built up a strong network of influencers in Asia and the USA. By the time Meghan carried Strathberry for the first time in December 2017, Strathberry employed a team of 20 people in Edinburgh. Their annual turnover had more than tripled since 2015 to reach 6 million and they were already selling in Saks, Lane Crawford, the Middle East, Harvey Nichols and Bloomingdales. In fact, ironically, the month before, theyd had their best month on record and, as a result, were desperately low on stock. It had been a brilliant November, so it meant we had low product from December. If Meghan carried it in August when people are on holidays and dont buy bags it would have been even more amazing, says 46-year-old Hundleby. Meghan sporting a crossbody bag by the Scottish brand in Edinburgh, February 2018 / Chris Jackson/Getty Images Luckily for Strathberry, it transpired that wasnt their only shot. Just two months later, on her first ever visit to Scotland; Meghan arrived for an engagement in Edinburgh with a Strathberry bottle green East/West Mini Crossbody bag slung over her tartan coat. Again, we had no idea and it was just amazing, says Hundleby. Once photos of the bag hit social media, Strathberry immediately saw sales of the style increase by around 200% to 300%. It quickly sold out and soon had a waiting list in the thousands. Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, in Dublin, Ireland, 10 July 2018 / Getty Images A similar scenario played out once again in in July this year, when Meghan took the brands Tan Bridle Midi Tote to Dublin, on her first international tour as member of the royal family. Three outings (and counting) for a lesser-known brand are unusual; Strathberry is evidently a personal favourite of Meghans. We were already starting to take the brand international and her championing us has really helped to spread the Strathberry name globally, says Hundleby. That said, I dont think the Meghan effect guarantees long term success, thats about the brand and your product. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive in Dublin 1 /12 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive in Dublin 10 July, 2018 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive at Dublin City Airport Getty Images 10 July, 2018 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive at Dublin City Airport Getty Images 10 July, 2018 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive at Dublin City Airport PA Wire/PA Images 10 July, 2018 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive at Dublin City Airport PA Wire/PA Images 10 July, 2018 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive at Dublin City Airport Getty Images 10 July, 2018 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive at Dublin City Airport Getty Images 10 July, 2018 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive at Dublin City Airport Getty Images 10 July, 2018 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive at Dublin City Airport PA 10 July, 2018 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive at Dublin City Airport PA 10 July, 2018 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive at Dublin City Airport PA 10 July, 2018 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive at Dublin City Airport PA Wire/PA Images 10 July, 2018 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive at Dublin City Airport PA Wire/PA Images With or without the Duchess, Strathberry's product is popular, as evidenced by the fact this week the brand opened its first ever standalone store (after the Edinburgh showroom) in Londons Burlington arcade. The super sleek new boutique will host events (on selected dates in the festive season, for example, illustrator Jennifer Darr will be in store, personalising bags with customers initials or other painted designs) and stock a variety of exclusive colours in the East/ West collection: Blossom Yellow, Petrol, Lilac, Orange, Sage and Navy. The Strathberry boutique in the Burlington Arcade / Strathberry While Meghan, as a resident of Kensington Palace, is no longer allowed to accept gifts of any kind, including handbags, theres nothing to say she wont pop into the new store to purchase one for herself. Plus, the store will also stock Strathberrys new range of clutch bags, which could well be popular with the newlywed as, according to royal protocol, she is no longer allowed to wear a crossbody bag. If one day she had a Strathberry clutch in her hand, Id simply love it, says Hundleby. A merican painter Kerry James Marshall has been named as the most influential artist in a new list of powerful figures in the contemporary art world. The list, composed by ArtReview, put Marshall in the number two spot of the 17th edition of its Power 100 list. The ranking comes in the year that the artist set the auction record for the most expensive artwork ever sold by a living black artist. Marshalls four metre wide painting Past Times was sold to Sean Combs the musician previously known as P. Diddy for $21.1 million in May of this year. The list is decided by a panel of 30 artists, critics and curators who consider those who have had the most impact on art produced and exhibited over the previous year. Marshall, who has also recently had a work acquired by the Tate, produces work that regularly addresses issues of whitewashing throughout art history. The number one place on the list went to gallerist David Zwirner, who is Marshalls dealer. Last year Marshall appeared in the list at number 68, and Zwirner at number 5. The third place on the list went to the #MeToo movement, the first time a movement has ever been put on the list instead of an individual or group. Fellow new entries on the list include photographer Nan Goldin, British artist John Akomfrah and text artist Jenny Holzer. Review at a glance R amberts mixed bill is a study in endurance and determination and were not talking about the dancers. The first chance for London to meet the companys new junior troupe, Rambert2, made up of fledgling professionals aged 19 to 25, this is programming with youth in mind: bass notes pound, lights fade to a club-like gloom, plus there are costumes likely to confuse anyone who no longer goes to Topshop. Some 800 hopefuls auditioned to win a place; 13 were chosen. Theyre talented and versatile, attacking the material with gusto; whats on offer isnt always worthy of their efforts. Starting proceedings is Grey Matter by Benoit Swan Pouffer, Ramberts guest artistic director, then Rafael Bonachelas E2 7SD, named after the Hoxton postcode where its original dancers lived. Both are set to relentless scores that will have you reaching for ear plugs. While Grey Matter sees all 13 dancers moving in slick, synchronised succession, E2 7SD is a meditative duet that starts quietly before growing more frenzied. The night ends with its weakest work, Killer Pig, a long, preening piece by Sharon Eyal and Gai Behar, which hurts the ears and tries the patience. For 45-plus minutes Rambert2s dancers (notably the excellent Conor Kerrigan) strut about on demi pointe, chests pumping, faces gurning. It gets tedious quickly. An interesting, if flawed night. Which makes it all the more strange that Rambert would choose this bill to bid farewell to Ghost Dances, Christopher Bruces feted 1981 tribute to Pinochets victims. Performed by the main troupe, its full of choreographic richness its rivals can only pale in comparison. Until tomorrow (020 7863 8000; sadlerswells.com) B rixton's food scene is incredibly multicultural, with plenty of treats from around the world on offer from the Caribbean and India, to the Middle East and beyond. It can't be denied that gentrification has changed the face of Brixton over recent years, but it's also brought a uniqueness to the area, mixing the old with the new. Despite rising rent prices, the area is home to a number of independent restaurants and, being such a sought-after place, many existing restaurants have opened sister branches in SW2. Whether you're looking for a cheap eat or want to try something unusual, here's a round up of our favourite spots to dine at. Boqueria Exceptional tapas outside of Spain can be hard to find. The name of this place will be familiar to anyone who has travelled to Barcelona as its the same as the citys bustling food market one of the largest in Europe. Located on Acre Lane, youll find Spanish staples on the menu here. Great small plates include the gooey croquetas stuffed with Iberian ham and chicken and the cider-soaked chorizo. Noteworthy mains include a suckling pig with a crispy top and tender meaty layer underneath, as well as the grilled king prawns doused in garlic parsley for an authentic touch. Both food and wine is excellent value, with plates coming in below 9. 192 Acre Lane, SW2 5UL, boqueriatapas.com Salon This spot is a tale of two halves; downstairs lies a casual bar with snacks and sharing plates while upstairs is home to a more formal dining room without any pretentious fussiness. Seasonal European plates are on offer with either four or seven courses to choose from. Dont miss the signature dish which is the nduja croquettes bite-sized little bundles that combine substance, crispness, heat and sweetness. 18 Market Row, SW9 8LD, salonbrixton.co.uk Elephant Back in 2011 chef Imran Bashir set up this Pakistani cafe in Brixton Village Market. Seven years on and the food is everything you want Pakistani street cuisine to be. The compact menu oozes home-style touches from the thick, rich and perfectly spiced dhal to the creamy raita. Brixton Village Market, SW9 8PS, Naughty Piglets The best food is made with love and theres plenty of that at this joint. The owners of Naughty Piglets, wine enthusiast Margaux Aubry and head chef Joe Sharratt, met when they worked together at Trinity in Clapham. The pair married and used their complimentary interests to set up this restaurant. The unassuming Brixton hotspot offers small sharing plates that celebrate the best of British but also nod to other worldly cuisines, like the Korean spiced BBQ pork and the Middle Eastern inspired grilled pear with Jerusalem artichokes. On the drinks list youll find natural and organic wines. 28 Brixton Water Ln, SW2 1PE, naughtypiglets.co.uk Kricket (Hugh Johnson ) / Hugh Johnson Rik Campbell and Will Bowlbys Kricket started in Brixton but not at this Atlanta Road location. The site was originally located in a shipping container at Pop Brixton. Now, three years on, the restaurant family is made up of three siblings, with branches in Soho and White City. You cant mention Kricket without samphire pakoras springing to mind they feature on the menu here alongside old favourites like the Keralan fried chicken. The Indian-inspired roasts are also worth making the trip for, they change every week but always include beautifully spiced meat with a whole host of inventive sides a twist on traditional roasties and gravy. 41-43 Atlantic Rd, SW9 8JL, kricket.co.uk Okan Okonomiyaki Cheap eats in an area undergoing gentrification can be hard to come by, but this no-thrills Japanese joint specialises in Osaka street food at affordable prices. The menu is stripped back, offering just three mains yaki soba, udon noodles and okonomiyaki (a traditional Savoury Pancake) but there are roughly 10 different flavours to choose from for each. The must-try dish here is the pork Okonomiyaki which is filled with tender pork belly and comes with a punchy Japanese mayonnaise and seaweed flakes. Brixton Village, SW9 8PS, okanbrixtonvillage.com The best dishes in Brixton for under 10 - In pictures 1 /8 The best dishes in Brixton for under 10 - In pictures Keralan Fried Chicken at Kricket - 7 Hugh Johnson Jerk bowl at Rum Kitchen - 9.50 Jerk chicken wrap at Mamas Jerk - ? Gambas at Seven at Brixton - 7.75 Truffle pizza at Made of Dough - 9 Okan Special Okonomiyaki at Okan - 10 Spaniard crepe at Senzala - 9.80 The Dip & Flip Burger at Dip & Flip - 9.95 Nanban This Kyushu-style ramen bar is the brainchild of former MasterChef winner Tim Anderson and specialises in Japanese comfort food. The term deep-fried pops up time and time again on the menu, offering an alternative to the miso soup and raw fish that many associate with Japanese cooking. The menu certainly doesnt hold back, boasting hearty, belt-loosening dishes like the fiery crispy chicken wings with a scotch bonnet honey ponzu butter and the nose-to-tail pork broth ramen. 426 Coldharbour Ln, SW9 8LF, nanban.co.uk Fish, Wings & Tings Brixton is a hotbed of authentic Caribbean food and this restaurant located in the Granville Arcade is a great spot to lay your hands on some lesser-known treats. Trinidadian chef Brian Danclair brings his 'Nouvelle Caribbean cuisine' to the menu, merging techniques to offer regional dishes and street food. Traditional favourites like the meaty curried goat and the fiery reggae chicken wings will leave you full-bellied but also wanting to order more. Brixton Village, SW9 8JL, fishwingsandtings.com Agile Rabbit Nothing quite warms the heart like pizza a winning combination of gooey melted mozzarella, tangy tomato base and the airy dough hits the spot every time. This independent pizzaria housed within Brixton Village Market is a favourite amongst locals. Guests have two options either pizza, which comes large, thin and crispy, or an airy calzone. W ar Horse star Thomas Dennis is preparing for Sundays special performance but says those who made the ultimate sacrifice should be remembered all the time. The cast of the stage show, which is currently back at the National Theatre where it was launched more than 10 years ago, will perform in front of an audience packed with veterans and serving soldiers on Armistice Day. Dennis, who leads as Albert, said although it would be his 400th appearance in the show, it was set to be an emotional night. He said it promised to be a very different performance because of the audience and the significance of the date. Obviously we should remember those who died all the time, he added. Its not about a select date where we all go, Oh lets remember them. I think whats important about Sunday is it marks the end of four years of serious remembrance of a specific period and a specific conflict. The story of the Devonshire farm boy and his horse facing the horrors of the First World War is based on Michael Morpurgos best-selling book and has been seen by more than seven million people since it premiered in 2007. The 22-year-old actor has dedicated each show to a victim of the war and has travelled to the Somme to visit the battlefield for research. He said: When I received the role I decided I should follow in my characters footsteps Albert is a fictional character but he represents so many stories and what I think he represents is the undying hope and love and friendship. Its all the things that people fight for. S aturday, November 10 marks Equal Pay Day. The date symbolises how far into the year women must work to earn what men earned in the previous year, with the exact date differing both by year and by country. New data released by the Fawcett Society, a group which campaigns for gender equality and women's rights, showed 1 in 3 men and women do not know that pay discrimination is illegal. Spurred on by the #MeToo movement, the gender pay gap has been one issue that has continued to hit headlines, putting pressure on the government and employers to act. Here's everything you need to know about equal pay, the gender pay gap and what's being done to close it: When is Equal Pay Day? This year Equal Pay Day in the UK is acknowledged on November 10. The Fawcett Society said: "The current Gender Pay Gap means women effectively earn less than men in Britain today. This day is referred to as Equal Pay Day and the date varies according to the pay gap each year." What is the gender pay gap? The gender pay gap is the percentage difference between the hourly earnings for men and women. As of June 2018, the gender pay gap in the UK for both full and part-time employees stands at 18.4%. What is the Equal Pay Act? In 1970, the Equal Pay Act was passed, which prohibited unequal pay and working conditions between men and women. The Act itself did not come into force until 1975. The Equality Act 2010 replaced previous legislation on equal pay, including the Equal Pay Act 1970. The Equality Act brought together several pieces of old legislation to provide the UK with a new, overarching discrimination law. What's the difference between equal pay and the gender pay gap? The gender pay gap and equal pay are often confused, but it's important to make the distinction. The gender pay gap is the difference between what men typically earn in an organisation compared to what women earn, regardless of their role or seniority. For example, an organisation that has predominately men at senior levels and more women in junior roles will have a gender pay gap. Equal pay is the legal requirement for men and women to be paid the same for performing the same or like work or work that has been rated of equal value. How does the UK compare to other countries? According to data published by the World Bank Development Indicators (WBDI) and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), countries like Greece and Luxembourg are winning in terms of gender pay, with gaps of 4 and 3 per cent retrospectively. Meanwhile, South Korea is at the top of the scale, with a 37 percentage point difference in wages between men and women. Why is there a gender pay gap? Discriminated against: Women are more likely to take on caregiving roles, leaving many working part-time jobs which are lower paid (Alexander Dummer/Unsplash ) / Alexander Dummer/Unsplash There are a multitude of factors at play when it comes to the gender pay gap. The Fawcett Society cites a divided labour market as one reason, as women are still likely to work in lower-paid and lower-skilled jobs. In skilled trade occupations, the gap is at 20.3% compared to 8.3% in sales and customer service occupations. Women are also more likely to have to adopt caregiving roles, such as looking after children and the elderly. As a result, more women work part-time in jobs that are typically lower paid with fewer opportunities for progression. Research by the Institute of Fiscal Studies shows that the gender pay gap rises after the birth of a first child. Although women's employment rates do start to rise again once the first child is around school age, they still remain below male employment rates. There is also the issue that men sit in the majority of senior roles, which are higher paid. In 2018, only seven Chief Execs in the FTSE 100 were women. What is being done to close the gender pay gap? In response to pressure to address the gender pay gap, the government required UK companies with 250 or more employees to publish their gender pay gap data by April 2018. According to the Equalities and Human Rights Commission, 1,557 firms missed the deadline. The data from companies that did meet the deadline suggests more than three-quarters of UK companies pay men on average more than women. Andrew Bazeley, Policy Manager at Fawcett, said that whilst the gender pay gap reporting requirements are an important step forward, more still needs to be done. "To close the gender pay gap we need to crack down on illegal pay discrimination by introducing greater transparency," he said. "We need to make caring for children more equal by reforming fathers' leave, we need to make flexible work a route for women (and men) to progress at work, and we need to end 'girl jobs and boy jobs' across the board. What can I do to help? This Equal Pay Day, Fawcett are calling on people to be a part of its campaign to fight unequal pay by taking '3 steps to #GetEqual': I celand's Christmas advert has gone viral after it was banned from TV for being "too political." People all over social media, including TV presenter James Corden, have been praising the supermarket giant for its Christmas campaign highlighting the environmental destruction caused by producing palm oil. Iceland is a committed enivronmental campaigner, and earlier this year announced they would be banning palm oil from their own brand products by the end of 2018. Their reason behind the decision to campaign for an "orangutan friendly Christmas" is because of palm oil's harmful environmental impact.' The production of it has devastating impacts on wildlife and tropical forests. Forest being cleared for palm oil plantations / AFP/Getty Images What was Icelands Christmas advert? Unlike most other retailers, Iceland planned to use their Christmas advert this year to raise awareness with its short film Rang-tan. Rang-tan is an animation telling the story of rainforest destruction caused by palm oil production and its devastating impact on the critically endangered orangutan. It was hoped that the advert would improve shoppers understanding of the widespread rainforest destruction for palm oil production, which appears in more than 50% of all supermarket products. The advert would have seen Iceland committing over half a million pounds of media spend to ensure that it was seen by millions of consumers a bold move away from the usual commercial, product-led advertising in order to highlight an important issue causing climate change and biodiversity loss. It ends with: "Dedicated to the 25 orangutans we lose every day." Ulet Ifansasti / Stringer / Getty Images Richard Walker, managing director at Iceland, said: "The culmination of our palm oil project is offering our customers the choice of an orangutan friendly Christmas, and we wanted to reflect this in our advertising. Our commitment to help protect the home of orangutans remains extremely close to our hearts. We are proud to be encouraging consumers to make more sustainable choices, even without the support of TV advertising, ahead of the Christmas shopping season. Why was Icelands palm oil advert banned? By law, political advertising isn't allowed on TV. Iceland initially said the advert "may have proven a brave step too far as the advert was banned by advertising regulators", suggesting it was because of the message. But Watchdog Clearcast says it wasn't approved because the advert was originally the brainchild of environmental organisation Greenpeace. For the ad to be approved, Greenpeace needed to prove it wasn't a "political advertiser" - which Clearcast says it wasn't able to do. Chris Mundy, managing director of Clearcast, said: "The case made by many of the people who have contacted us is that they feel it is wrong that the ad is considered to be political and that it makes important environmental points. However, for the reasons above, that is not the issue here." How have people reacted to the advert? Iceland decided to launch its campaign on social media instead, which has been hugely successful, with over 13 million views on its Facebook page alone. However, Clearcast's banning of the ad has been called an "injustice" and sparked outrage. An online petition has been set up to "release Iceland's banned Christmas advert on TV". It states: "The ad holds an important message - one that is emotional, touching and helps to spread a message about saving the environment and so must be broadcasted." How to sign the petition to overturn the ban T his weekend marks Remembrance Sunday, when people across the UK honour those who have lost their lives in war. Millions of red poppies are sold each year in the build-up to the day to commemorate the war dead, while the nation fell silent at 11am in tribute. Remembrance Sunday is always held on the second Sunday in November, while Armistice Day is always held on the eleventh day of the eleventh month to commemorate the signing of the armistice. Here is everything you need to know. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex at the Field of Remembrance 1 /19 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex at the Field of Remembrance Prince Harry and Duchess of Sussex at The Fields of Remembrance in Westminster Abbey Jeremy Selwyn The Duchess of Sussex pays her respects Jeremy Selwyn The Duchess of Sussex at The Fields of Remembrance in Westminster Abbey Jeremy Selwyn The Duke and Duchess of Sussex at the Field of Remembrance in Westminster Abbey Reuters Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex pays his respects Reuters Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attends the 91st Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey Jeremy Selwyn Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex salutes Jeremy Selwyn The Duchess of Sussex on her arrival PA Prince Harry and Duchess of Sussex at The Fields of Remembrance in Westminster Abbey Jeremy Selwyn The Duke and Duchess of Sussex during a visit to the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey PA Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attends the 91st Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey Getty Images The Duchess of Sussex bows her head and pays her respects Getty Images The Duke and Duchess of Sussex during a visit to the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey Getty Images Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attends the 91st Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey Getty Images AFP via Getty Images The Duke and Duchess of Sussex during a visit to the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey PA Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attends the 91st Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey Getty Images Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attends the 91st Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey Getty Images Meghan, Duchess of Sussex leaves after paying her respects during a visit to the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey AFP via Getty Images What is Remembrance Day? Remembrance Day is a national day of memorial to remember and honour service men and women who lost their lives in WW1. A two-minute silence is held at 11am on November 11, which marks the day the armistice was signed between the Allies and Germany that brought the end of WW1. PA It was a tradition first started by King George V in 1919, and initially called Armistice Day. The armistice took place on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918, which is why the UK holds two minutes of silence at 11am every November 11. It was signed in Compiegne in Northern France and forced Germans to evacuate invaded countries within a two-week period. PA Archive/PA Images However, after the outbreak of WW2, many countries changed the name of this day, with some members of the Commonwealth choosing to call it Remembrance Day. In the UK, it is now known as both. In the UK, Remembrance Sunday is held on the Sunday nearest to Armistice Day and marked by ceremonies at war memorial across the country. A National Service of Remembrance, which is attended by members of the Royal Family, the Government and representatives from the armed forces, is held at 11am at The Cenotaph in Whitehall. The Royal Marine buglers signal the start of the silence by playing The Last Post and The Rouse, and it is ended by a gun salute by the Royal Horse Artillery. PA When is Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday? This year, Remembrance Sunday falls on Sunday, November 14. Armistice Day is on Thursday, November 11. What time is the two-minute silence? The two minute silence was held at 11am. What is the Poppy Appeal? Getty Images In the lead-up to Remembrance Day, you will see veterans all over the country selling poppies. The reason the poppies are worn is because they are the flowers which grew on the battlefields after WW1 ended. The Royal British Legion is the charity which runs the poppy appeal each year and it gives the money to the service women and men who are still alive and whose lives have been changed by war. Thousands of people in the pasted opted for white poppies over the traditional red. What Remembrance Day and Remembrance Sunday events are happening? The Remembrance Sunday Cenotaph Service takes place at 11am on Sunday, November 14. For Remembrance Day events in your area, visit the British Legion. On Sunday 14 November, the National Service of Remembrance will be held at the Cenotaph on Whitehall, London. Starting at 11am, the service will commemorate the contribution of British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and women involved in the two World Wars and later conflicts. Here are the order of the events: 08:00 : Whitehall opens to the public. The public is advised that space is limited. Please allow time to clear the police security procedures and you are advised not to bring large bags. : Whitehall opens to the public. The public is advised that space is limited. Please allow time to clear the police security procedures and you are advised not to bring large bags. 09:00 : The Royal British Legion (TRBL) detachments form up on Horse Guards Parade and in Whitehall. : The Royal British Legion (TRBL) detachments form up on Horse Guards Parade and in Whitehall. From 10:30 : All detachments form up on the Cenotaph. : All detachments form up on the Cenotaph. From 10:50 : Participants process out onto the Cenotaph. : Participants process out onto the Cenotaph. 11:00 : National two minutes silence marked by the firing of guns from Kings Troop on Horse Guards Parade. Cenotaph Service commences. : National two minutes silence marked by the firing of guns from Kings Troop on Horse Guards Parade. Cenotaph Service commences. 11:25: Cenotaph Service concludes and The Royal British Legion detachments disperse past the Cenotaph. Do I need tickets to attend the Remembrance Sunday events? But what would happen if those relationships were to wither? Thats the question explored in Daalders book. President Donald Trump may not be an isolationist, but he certainly doesnt see teamwork with allies as crucial to advancing Americas interests. Trump places little value in loyalty to others; he likes negotiating deals and claiming victory. Thats how he came to slap steel tariffs on Canada and question the value of NATO as he badgered Europeans countries to increase defense spending. Berate your closest friends often enough and they may become less willing to spend time together and cooperate. More Trump-induced choppiness seems inevitable, given his penchant for picking fights. A teenager was rushed hospital after being attacked with a bottle attack in the latest violence to hit London. Police were called to Gresham Road in Brixton to reports of a male injured in an assault. Officers and paramedics attended and found the boy with a number of injuries caused by a bottle. The weapon was recovered from the scene. He was treated by paramedics and taken to hospital. His injuries were not life threatening. A video still of police and paramedics responding to the attack in Brixton / @999london/Twitter The attack happened just after 9.30pm on Thursday. No arrests have been made. It came as the Met was facing increasing pressure to get a grip of Londons crimewave over the past 10 days. It has seen five people stabbed to death, while there have been other instances of knife victims sustaining life threatening injuries. On Thursday, Met commissioner Cressida Dick declared war on the capitals 190 gangs fuelling the crimewave, promising to relentlessly target them. A man and a woman have been arrested in north London on suspicion of terror offences, Scotland Yard said. Officers arrested a 57-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman at an address in north London on Friday. The man was arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation and instigation of terrorist acts contrary to section five of the Terrorism Act 2006. The woman was arrested on suspicion of possessing money or property for the purposes of terrorism contrary to section 16 of Terrorism Act 2000. The pair, who were arrested as part of an investigation by the Metropolitan Police's Counter Terrorism Command, were detained under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act. They have been taken to a south London police station where they remain in custody. T his is the moment a teenager jailed in connection with the murder of an innocent chef attacked police during a riot months before the killing. Footage shows Alexis Gabriel Da Costa Varela shouting abuse and launching glass bottles and a traffic cone at riot police in east London. Six officers were injured in the rampage which saw dozens of people start fires and petrol bombs being thrown on the night of June 25 last year. On Wednesday Varela, 19, was jailed for his part in the riot and was one of five men sentenced at the Old Bailey in connection with the fatal stabbing of Romanian chef Beniamin Pieknyi in March. Custody image of Costa Varela / Met Police During sentencing Judge Rebecca Poulet QC said Varela does not distance himself from violence. Footage shows him attacking police in what started as a peaceful Black Lives Matter protest between Forest Gate police station and Stratford. Prosecutor Duncan Atkinson told the court: By 7.30pm the protest had returned to Forest Gate police station and that is where the violence started. Bottles were thrown and a firework was thrown at the police station along with bricks and other missiles. Varela threw missiles at police, threw a traffic cone and other objects. Crowds had gathered to demand answers over the death of Edir Frederico Da Costa, Varelas cousin, in police custody. Rumours had spread that Mr Da Costa, 25, had been assaulted by officers during his arrest on June 15 last year. He died in hospital after attempting to swallow a number of bags which were later found to contain crack cocaine and heroin. The police watchdog last week ruled the force used against him was proportionate. Judge Poulet said: The protest had become very violent. There was a petrol bomb and at least one officer was seriously hurt. Your own actions included throwing a traffic cone at the police. Varela, of Dagenham, was jailed for a year after admitting violent disorder during the riot and for a further 40 months for violent disorder in the run-up to Mr Pieknyis murder in the Stratford Centre in March. Mr Pieknyi died when he was knifed through the heart by Vladyslav Yakymchuk, 23. A manhunt has been launched after a girl, 12, was repeatedly sexually assaulted in a Primark store. The young girl was groped from behind by her attacker inside one of the clothing chains shops in Bury, Greater Manchester. Detectives have released a CCTV image for a man they are trying to trace in connection to the horrifying incident. The offender followed the girl around the store and when she stopped for a second time she felt her skirt being lifted. Police are trying to trace this man following the attack in the Primark store / PA She turned around to notice what is believed to be a mobile phone in the mans hand, officers investigating the case said. The girl ran to a family member who she was out shopping with and told them what had happened. The man reappeared and attempted to approach the girl again but was challenged by the family member fled out of the main entrance. Police issued the CCTV image as they appealed for information following the incident at about 4.30pm on Tuesday, September 11. PC Stephen Raine, of Greater Manchester Police, said: "This was a blatant and repeated sexual assault of a young girl when she was simply out shopping with family. "We are determined to find who has committed this offence. "We would ask anyone who recognises the man in this picture, or has any information, to get in touch immediately." Y oung Londoners have been put in serious danger after details from a secret Scotland Yard gangs database were leaked online, the Standard has been told. Pages from the Mets Gangs Matrix, which includes the names and suspected gang affiliations of more than 3,000 people, were photographed and circulated on social media. The force launched an investigation into the leak but failed to identify how the information became public. It refused to confirm how many identities were revealed, saying only that officers have risk-assessed every individual on the list and taken appropriate action where necessary. The Information Commissioner also launched an inquiry. Malcolm Mide-Madariola was stabbed to death earlier this week Sheldon Thomas, a former gang member and founder of training organisation Gangsline, said that hundreds of lives could have potentially been put at risk, saying: It is dangerous for a young person if their name is attached to a gang. Rival gangs could see it and say I didnt know so and so was running with them, lets sort them out. He added: Young people could also be stigmatised when trying to find employment or in education. Someone should have lost their job. The matrix, set up after the 2011 London riots, has information on about 3,800 people, including a harm score of green, amber or red to denote how deeply they are thought to be engaged in gang-related activities. Figures from 2016 showed that most of those on the database were aged between 12 and 24. The data breach, by an unknown professional working in Newham, was revealed in a report into police failings related to the gangland murder of Corey Junior Davis, 14, who was shot in Forest Gate last September. He was first listed on Newhams gangs matrix in December 2016 as a green nominal because authorities believed he was easily influenced and associating with troublemakers. Seven months later he was raised to amber. The independent report found pages of the January 2017 Newham matrix were shared on social media and accessed by a number of young people before Coreys death. Investigators said there was no evidence to suggest a causal link between the data breach and the murder but added that there are lessons to be learned. Tanya OCarroll, lead researcher on a separate Amnesty International report into the matrix, said the breach was shocking but not surprising. She added: The police share the gangs matrix with hundreds of partner agencies some dont understand the importance of it. A lot of the young people on the list may not have had much interaction with police a leak like this puts them in serious danger. A criminal investigation into how the information came to be made public was inconclusive, a Met spokesman said. He added: In May 2017, the Metropolitan Police Service was made aware that a page from the document Newham Gang Matrix 10th January 2017 was in the public domain. In September 2017 we were made aware that further information from the document was being circulated on social media. This is a restricted document but it is shared with those trusted agencies that have a role to play in safeguarding, rehabilitation of offenders and public safety. Police have risk-assessed every individual on the list and taken appropriate action where necessary. He also said the Met has reviewed its local data-sharing practices as a result of its investigation. S adiq Khan today unveiled plans for a trade mission to Berlin and Paris and help for EU citizens wanting to stay in London after Brexit. The Mayor was hosting ambassadors and high commissioners from 27 EU nations at City Hall before a three-day trip to Berlin and Paris next week. Todays meeting focused on Brexit and the welfare of the one million people from other EU nations who live in London. City Halls website is to include an EU Londoners hub to help them apply for settled status from next year. Barts Health, the capitals biggest NHS trust, today performed a U-turn and said it was joining the many other London hospitals willing to pay the 65-per-person administration cost of EU staff applying for settled status. Mr Khan will meet German finance minister Olaf Scholz and Berlin mayor Michael Muller on Monday, before flying to Paris to speak to 250 representatives of the UK and French tech industries at the British Ambassadors residence. L ondon City Airport is going to fine airlines for breaching noise limits after a surge in complaints from residents. The airport, based in the Royal Docks, has launched a penalty and incentive scheme for planes breaching its rules, and will name and shame them online. Bosses revealed the airport had seen a spike in complaints since launching concentrated flight paths in February 2016. The paths were changed after new air traffic control technology was brought in to cut carbon emissions flights follow streamlined routes to burn less fuel. Hundreds of residents, from Leyton to Lewisham, have complained that the changes caused an increase in noise pollution, so the airport is now fining airlines 600 per rule-breaking flight. Tessa Simpson, environment manager at the airport, told the London Assembly yesterday: We have set noise levels that are some of the most stringent in the country. If they exceed those, we fine them a certain amount. "That money then gets put into a community fund and thats shared amongst community projects. The airport is restricted by planning laws as to when it can operate, including an eight-hour closure overnight. Planes also have to fly in at a specific angle to minimise noise impact. Liam McKay, director of corporate affairs, said the community fund would launch in a few weeks and be given to groups living under the flight paths. Asked if there had been an increase in complaints following the introduction of the concentrated flight paths, he said: In 2016 its fair to say that complaints spiked. I believe last year we had less than one noise complaint per day. We finished on around 320 noise complaints and [in the] year to date I think were tracking 390 so an increase. But for context I believe there is a number from a single resident. He added that the airport was determined to minimise the effects of our operation on local communities. Jennette Arnold, Assembly Member for Hackney, Islington and Waltham Forest, said residents had constant noise, adding: When you talk about one or two persistent complainants they have every right to be persistent. H undreds of Londoners stood in silence as the iconic Piccadilly Circus adverts were switched off as part of a tribute to more than one million servicemen and women who were killed during the First World War. For one hour, from 6pm on Friday, the billboard's vibrant advertising in central London was replaced by a commemorative film that aimed "to bring home the scale of the conflict 100 years ago". Boots representing soldiers killed in the conflict marched through the screen as the heart of the West End was bathed in red light. The film also told eleven personal accounts from the conflict, while a tally at the bottom of the screen will count the number of lives lost during the war. Created by Westminster City Council in collaboration with TMW Unlimited, it marked the beginning of Remembrance events being held throughout the weekend to commemorate the centenary of the end of WWI. According to the film's creators, it would take more than 10 days and 19 hours for all of those who lost their lives to march through the billboard. Boots representing those who died during the war will march through the screen / Westminster City Council in collaboration with TMW Unlimited Ahead of the screening, Westminsters Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Rachael Robathan said: It is hard to imagine how anyone could cope in the circumstances facing the young men and women caught up in World War One. 100 years on it remains truly humbling to hear the stories of bravery and resilience that we remember today. The thousands of marching feet combined with the very personal stories featured in this poignant film conveys the scale of the tragedy. "Over the last four years people across the city, in our schools, archives, libraries and community groups, have taken part in touching tributes. "This screening is a fitting end to Armistice centenary events in Westminster. Michael Richards, The Unlimited Groups MD said: We are very proud to collaborate with Westminster Council to commemorate such a poignant moment in time. "We hope this unique film, from our Agency TMW Unlimited, will remind us all of the incredible and selfless bravery that people showed during such a nightmare time. "We must never forget the sacrifices made. D owning Street has been forced to play down suggestions a Brexit deal is imminent after Donald Tusk appeared to indicate a breakthrough was just days away. Senior ministers are poised to meet as soon as a deal is ready to be signed off, with speculation mounting over a special Cabinet meeting as early as this weekend. But a senior UK Government source said reports circulating that an agreement could come within this timeframe should be taken with a very large pinch of salt. Michael Barnier, the EUs chief negotiator, and Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab could meet in the next few days to seal an agreement, Austria's Der Standard newspaper reported. European Council President Donald Tusk and Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May talk / REUTERS This would pave the way for a special summit of EU leaders in Brussels on November 25. And asked about the prospects of a breakthrough in the coming week, Mr Tusk told Channel 4 News: "I hope so ... but still we need maybe five, maybe six, maybe seven days." A Downing Street source stressed that no agreement had yet been reached and no Cabinet meeting scheduled. "We are still in negotiations, and on that basis we don't know when and if this will conclude," he said. Mr Coveney told the Irish Canada Business Association conference in Dublin: "I would urge caution that an imminent breakthrough is not necessarily to be taken for granted, not by a long shot. Barnier: EU's Brexit negotiations not driven by spirit of revenge "Repeatedly people seem to make the same mistake over and over again, assuming that if the British Cabinet agrees something, well, then that's it then, everything is agreed. "This is a negotiation and needs to be an agreement of course between the British Government, but also with the European Union and the 27 countries that are represented by Michel Barnier and his negotiating team. "So while of course we want progress to be made and we want it to be made as quickly as possible because time is moving on, I would urge caution that people don't get carried away on the back of rumour in the coming days." Theresa May last month told MPs that 95 per cent of the deal had been agreed, although the key sticking point of the "backstop" to prevent a hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland remained unresolved. The Prime Minister's plan would see the whole UK effectively agree to remain in the customs union to help avoid a hard border with Ireland as a backstop if no other arrangement can be found. T heresa May was today desperately fighting to keep her fragile Government together amid fears of ministerial resignations and accusations from the Democratic Unionist Party of total betrayal over Brexit. The Prime Minister faced fury from DUP MPs who believe No10 is giving in to Brussels and agreeing a backstop which could see Northern Ireland treated differently from the rest of the UK after Brexit. Mrs Mays Chequers Brexit blueprint has effectively been abandoned but a loosely-worded future trade plan is being seen as paving the way for a potential U-turn on her Lancaster House speech. Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright this morning sought to placate the DUP, which is propping up Mrs Mays government. He insisted: There will not be a deal where we accept a border down the Irish Sea. That is the reassurance that we can offer to the DUP. Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright at 10 Downing Street / Getty Images The row exploded as Mrs May appeared to be entering the most perilous weeks of her premiership. The Government is frantically seeking a solution to the Northern Ireland border row which the EU will accept and will not be rejected by the Cabinet or the Commons. Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey is seen as the most likely Cabinet minister to resign but Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab is also understood to not be fully signed up to No10s proposals. With the time window for reaching a deal this year closing fast, Mr Raab could make a dash to Brussels to seek EU approval for the Governments proposals if they are backed by the Cabinet at a meeting pencilled in for Tuesday. But they could still be blocked in the Commons by a revolt, expected to be led by Boris Johnson and ex-Brexit Secretary David Davis, which would intensify if the Government agrees to give EU fishing fleets wide-ranging access to British coastal waters after Brexit. The parliamentary numbers look stacked against the Government given that dozens of Tory Eurosceptics could rebel, the DUPs hard line, and doubts over whether Mrs May could win over enough Labour MPs. But MPs will be presented with a stark choice to back Mrs Mays proposals or risk chaos with either a no deal Brexit increasingly seen as possible or a second referendum. The proposed trade deal is expected to be sufficiently loosely worded to allow the Canada-style free trade arrangement, championed by Eurosceptics, or the Norway-style model of closer ties to the EU, to remain on the table. Rebel Tory MPs will be buoyed if Speaker John Bercow calls votes on a second referendum, or rival Brexit plans, before the main, meaningful vote on the Governments proposed deal. The DUP was up in arms after the Prime Minister wrote to leader Arlene Foster, insisting she would never allow a split between Northern Ireland and Britain to come into force. S ome 55 MPs have written to US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urging him not to allow far-right activist Tommy Robinson to enter America for a fundraising tour. The cross-party group raised "grave concern" at reports that the US authorities might grant Mr Robinson - real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon - a waiver on his current ban on entering the country. They warned that the English Defence League (EDL) founder would use any visit to "promote his violent and extremist agenda" and was expected to raise about 1.1million through speaking appearances. Robinson has gained a high profile in the US after right-wing websites took up his cause when he was jailed for 13 months for contempt of court. The sentence was later quashed and the case has been referred to the Attorney General. Mike Pompeo has been urged not to allow Tommy Robinson into the country / AFP/Getty Images Labour MPs make up the bulk of the letter's 55 signatories, including frontbenchers Valerie Vaz and Gloria de Piero as well as former Home Office ministers Vernon Coaker and George Howarth. MPs from other parties included Conservative Michael Fabricant, Liberal Democrat frontbenchers Tom Brake and Wera Hobhouse, and the SNP's Martyn Day. Mr Robinson is currently barred from the US after attempting to enter the country using a friend's passport in 2012. He had been blocked from travelling under standard arrangements because of "multiple criminal convictions, including several for violent conduct and assault as well as mortgage fraud". Tommy Robinson, pictured on Tuesday, reportedly could earn 1.1million from a tour of the US / EPA Any money raised by a US visit could be expected to be used to "organise further disruptive demonstrations in communities across the UK", the MPs said. The letter stated: "We hope you agree that it would send a terrible signal if a convicted felon deemed inadmissible to the United States, such as Yaxley-Lennon, were allowed to travel to your country and speak before a prominent audience despite his conviction for previously entering the United States illegally. "Clearly the gravity of his criminal serious record, his brazen violation of US immigration law and the threat he poses to the American public will ensure that he isn't granted admission to the US." The MPs asked Mr Pompeo to assure the US will not grant a waiver to allow Mr Robinson to accept invitations to speak in Washington DC on November 14. J eremy Corbyn has said we cant stop Brexit from happening, adding that he believes the Labour party would do a better job in the ongoing negotiations. Asked if he would stop Britain leaving the EU if he could by German magazine Der Spiegel, he said: "We can't stop it. "The referendum took place. Article 50 has been triggered. What we can do is recognise the reasons why people voted Leave." Following on from this, he said that Theresa May and the Conservative government were taking the wrong directions in the plans to separate from the EU. Theresa May has freshed further criticism for how she is handling Brexit / REUTERS The Labour leader also iterated that his party was not seeking a new vote on any referendum on the withdrawal. Asked if he felt sorry for Mrs May due her struggles in reaching agreement with Brussels and uniting the Tory party, Mr Corbyn said: "I am a decent human being, I feel sorry for anyone in distress. "But the best way for anyone to alleviate distress is to take yourself away from the source of it." Speaking hypothetically, he said that he would not face the same issues Mrs May and her colleagues are. Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab is continuing to negotiate with the EU / EPA He said: "No, because we wouldn't be trying to face towards the deregulated economy of the United States, which the one wing of the Tory party is trying to do all the time. "We would want to make a new and comprehensive customs union with the European Union, one that would obviously protect the Irish border - that's crucial - but also ensure that our supply chains worked in both directions. "People voted Leave, or they voted Remain, but nobody voted to lose their job. Nobody voted to reduce their living standards or working conditions." Regarding issues in his own party, he said he would be against Blairite MPs trying to break away and form a new centre party. Jeremy Corbyn has said his party would not face the same issues the Conservative government has (Reuters ) / Reuters He said: "No, I don't want the party to be split because any split would be dangerous for the future of all of us. "I want them to stay together and recognise that, unless we offer an inclusive radical alternative to what this Tory government is doing, we're not going to win the election. We're offering that radical alternative." As well as these comments from Mr Corbyn, the Prime Minister has faced fresh criticism from the DUP over her Brexit proposals thus far. DUP leader Arlene Foster urged the Prime Minister to reflect on her Brexit stance and she warned her party will oppose her current proposals if they go to a parliamentary vote. D onald Trump has used emergency powers to deny asylum to immigrants who enter the US illegally as caravans of Central Americans march towards their borders. The President invoked powers tightening security at the border with Mexico this afternoon before flying off to Paris to meet world leaders at commemorations for the centenary of the First World War. The order he signed will mean thousands of migrants, most of whom are travelling on foot, will not be able to seek asylum in the US for the next 90 days at least. The proclamation signed by Trump, said the US expected the arrival "of a substantial number of aliens", and is likely to be challenged in court. He announced the signing of the document with a tweet linking to the full terms of his proclamation. Second migrant caravan arrives in Mexico 1 /14 Second migrant caravan arrives in Mexico REUTERS REUTERS REUTERS REUTERS REUTERS REUTERS REUTERS REUTERS REUTERS REUTERS REUTERS REUTERS REUTERS REUTERS He used the same powers which helped him push through a version of the travel ban that was upheld by the Supreme Court - this time circumventing US laws stating that anyone is eligible for asylum no matter how they enter the country. As the order was passed with effect from tomorrow, thousands of migrants departed from Mexico City on their way to the northern city of Tijuana, opting for the longer but safer route to the US. Trump signed an order denying normal asylum rights to Central American migrants / Reuters/Kevin Lamarque "We need people in our country but they have to come in legally and they have to have merit," Mr Trump said. He tweeted the proclamation at 3pm GMT (7am Washington), and has already attracted a whirlwind of criticism from users, with some branding the order "Republiporn". Migrants had a day of rest in Mexico City yesterday as they travel to the United States. Thousands of Central Americans have started their journey to Tijuana today as they head for the US border. / REUTERS But the busy ports of entry already have long queues, forcing immigration officials to tell some migrants to turn around and come back to make their claims. The proclamation said the US expected the arrival "of a substantial number of aliens... who appear to have no lawful basis for admission into our country" "Many entered Mexico unlawfully some with violence and have rejected opportunities to apply for asylum and benefits in Mexico," said the White House, also warning that the mass migration: "Will contribute to the overloading of our immigration and asylum system and to the release of thousands of aliens into the interior of the United States." According to the White House, an average of 2,000 "inadmissible aliens" have entered the states each day from the south, and 124,511 over 2018. Another 396,579 were apprehended. It is not known whether those in the caravan, many fleeing violence in their homeland, plan to cross illegally. It is believed most were pushed by political instability and rising poverty. Administration officials said those denied asylum under the proclamation may be eligible for similar forms of protection if they fear returning to their countries, though they would be subject to a tougher threshold. Those forms of protection include "withholding of removal" - which is similar to asylum, but does not allow for green cards or bringing families - or asylum under the United Nations Convention Against Torture. During yesterday's heated argument in Washington which saw CNN reporter Jim Acosta ousted from White House press corps, Mr Trump said he "considers it an invasion". He denied demonising immigrants. I want them to come into the country but they have to come in legally. We need the people." He admitted using campaign images which showed migrants climbing over walls, but said "It's true. They're not actors, they didn't come from Hollywood." The announcement today punctuated Mr Trump's hardline stance on immigration through regulatory changes and presidential orders, bypassing Congress. Those efforts have been largely thwarted by legal challenges and, in the case of family separations this year, stymied by a global outcry that prompted him to scrap them. The new changes are likely to be met with legal challenges too. Omar Jadwat, director of the American Civil Liberties Union's Immigrants' Rights Project, said they were clearly illegal. "US law specifically allows individuals to apply for asylum whether or not they are at a port of entry. It is illegal to circumvent that by agency or presidential decree," he said. Curbing immigration has been a signature issue for Mr Trump, who pushed it hard in the days leading up to Tuesday's midterm elections, railing against the caravans that are still hundreds of miles from the border. He has made little mention of the issue since the election but has sent troops to the border in response. On Thursday, there were more than 5,600 US troops deployed to the border mission, with about 550 actually working on the border in Texas. R elatives of servicemen who fought in the First World War say it will be an honour to take part in a tribute procession on Remembrance Sunday. A Nations Thank You the Peoples Procession will see 10,000 members of the public, chosen by ballot, join veterans for a march past the Cenotaph in honour of the Armistice centenary. Many will be wearing the medals of the relatives they will be remembering, in what will be the largest Remembrance Sunday service in decades. Kate Nicholls, 48, is joining in honour of three of her relatives. Her great-grandfather John Waugh died aged 28, just three weeks before the Armistice was signed. Armistice 100th Anniversary Events- In pictures 1 /34 Armistice 100th Anniversary Events- In pictures British Prime Minister Theresa May, center, and French President Emmanuel Macron, right, stand together next to flag bearers at the World War I Thiepval Memorial in Thiepval AP British Prime Minister Theresa May (L) and French President Emmanuel Macron visit the Thiepval Memorial, northern France AFP/Getty Images British Prime Minister Theresa May and French President Emmanuel Macron visit the Thiepval Memorial, in Thiepval Reuters British Prime Minister Theresa May and French President Emmanuel Macron, second right, prepare to lay a wreath of flowers at the Thiepval Memorial, in Thiepval, northern France AP Prime Minister Theresa May and French President Emmanuel Macron lay a wreath during a ceremony at Thiepval Getty Images Staff line the atrium as poppies fall during a Armistice commemoration service at Lloyds of London, in the City of London EPA Staff line the atrium as poppies fall during a Armistice commemoration service at Lloyds of London, in the City of London EPA Wreaths are laid at the base of the clock during the annual Remembrance Day Armistice commemoration service at Lloyds of London, in the City of London EPA Staff line the atrium as poppies fall during their annual Remembrance Day Armistice commemoration service at Lloyds of London, in the City of London EPA Workers stand for a poppy drop during a Remembrance Service at the Lloyd's building in the City of London Reuters French President Emmanuel Macron and Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May arrive for a meeting at the city hall in Albert, France, November 9, 2018 as part of a World War One commemoration tour. Reuters French President Emmanuel Macron, right, welcomes British Prime Minister Theresa May wave before their meeting in Albert, northern France, Friday, Nov. 9, 2018. Macron will welcome British Prime Minister Theresa May and pay respects to the French and British soldiers killed during WWI at the Thiepval war cemetery. AP Children wave French and British flags before British Prime Minister Theresa May's arrival in Albert, northern France, Friday, Nov. 9, 2018. French President Emmanuel Macron will later welcome Theresa May and pay respects to the French and British soldiers killed during WWI at the Thiepval war cemetery. AP French President Emmanuel Macron and Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May arrive for a meeting at the city hall in Albert, France, November 9, 2018 as part of a World War One commemoration tour. Reuters A message is left on the wreath left by Prime Minister Theresa May at the grave of John Parr, the first British soldier to be killed in 1914 Getty Images British Prime Minister Theresa May (L) and Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel during the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War at the Saint-Symphorien Military Cemetery, in Saint-Symphorien, Mons Belgium EPA Prime Minister Theresa May walks with Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel before laying a wreath at the graves of John Parr, the first British soldier to be killed in 1914, and George Ellison, the last to be killed before Armistice at the St Symphorien Military Cemetery Getty Images Prime Minister Theresa May at the St Symphorien Military Cemetery in Mons, with Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel, laying a wreath at the grave of George Ellison, the last British soldier to be killed before Armistice in 1918. PA Prime Minister Theresa May at the St Symphorien Military Cemetery in Mons, where she is laying wreaths at the graves of John Parr, the first British soldier to be killed in 1914, and George Ellison, the last to be killed before Armistice. PA Prime Minister Theresa May at the St Symphorien Military Cemetery in Mons, with Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel, laying a wreath at the grave of John Parr, the first British soldier to be killed in 1914. PA Prime Minister Theresa May at the St Symphorien Military Cemetery in Mons, with Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel, laying a wreath at the grave of George Ellison, the last British soldier to be killed before Armistice in 1918. PA Prime Minister Theresa May at the St Symphorien Military Cemetery in Mons where she is laying wreaths at the graves of John Parr, the first British soldier to be killed in 1914, and George Ellison, the last to be killed before Armistice. PA Prime Minister Theresa May at the St Symphorien Military Cemetery in Mons, with Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel, laying a wreath at the grave of John Parr, the first British soldier to be killed in 1914. PA Wooden crosses at The Fields of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey Jeremy Selwyn Prince harry, Duke of Sussex visits The Fields of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey Jeremy Selwyn Prince harry, Duke of Sussex visits The Fields of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey Jeremy Selwyn Chelsea pensioners at The Fields of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey Jeremy Selwyn Prince harry, Duke of Sussex visits The Fields of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey Jeremy Selwyn The Fields of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey with HRH Prince Harry Jeremy Selwyn The Fields of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey with HRH Prince Harry Jeremy Selwyn The Fields of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey with HRH Prince Harry Jeremy Selwyn The Fields of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey with HRH Prince Harry Jeremy Selwyn Beyond the Deepening Shadows at the Tower of London Beyond the Deepening Shadows at the Tower of London A year earlier, he had been injured and taken to a Belgian field hospital where he discovered his sister Violet was a nurse. By coincidence, his older brother Tommy was recuperating in the same ward and the siblings were briefly reunited. She said the story of their reunion has been passed down through her family. The generations who lived through the wars are dying out and we have to make sure the sacrifice of these men and women are recognised, remembered and passed on to the next generation. Mrs Nicholls, who will be joined at the procession by her daughter Sophie, 16, remembers stories Tommy told following his return from the frontline. She said: Tommy survived three days in No Mans Land at the Somme by hiding under bodies and playing dead after he was injured by shrapnel. He passed on the stories to the family and Im trying to pass it on to my daughters. Ruth Dooks, 63, from Chingford, will be honouring her grandfather John Corrin, who returned from the conflict aged 19 after being injured in a shell explosion. She is also walking for her great uncles, George and John Schofield, who were killed during the Great War. She said: The procession is a chance to pay our respects to those who died during the First World War. It was a horrific time but its a real honour to be a part of the commemorations. T he late owner of a west London funeral parlour played a major role in the nations tribute to the fallen in the First World War by arranging the casket for the Unknown Warrior. Horace Kirtley Nodes, who ran John Nodes Funeral Service in Ladbroke Grove, was asked by the government in October 1920 to create a coffin for an unidentified British soldier. Mr Nodes, who was president of the British Undertakers Association at the time, wanted to gift the casket to the nation and asked all members to donate one shilling to the appeal. One week later Mr Nodes accompanied the casket to France, where the remains of the soldier were placed inside. It was brought back to Westminster Abbey in a battle-scarred military ambulance on November 11, 1920. Armistice 100th Anniversary Events- In pictures 1 /34 Armistice 100th Anniversary Events- In pictures British Prime Minister Theresa May, center, and French President Emmanuel Macron, right, stand together next to flag bearers at the World War I Thiepval Memorial in Thiepval AP British Prime Minister Theresa May (L) and French President Emmanuel Macron visit the Thiepval Memorial, northern France AFP/Getty Images British Prime Minister Theresa May and French President Emmanuel Macron visit the Thiepval Memorial, in Thiepval Reuters British Prime Minister Theresa May and French President Emmanuel Macron, second right, prepare to lay a wreath of flowers at the Thiepval Memorial, in Thiepval, northern France AP Prime Minister Theresa May and French President Emmanuel Macron lay a wreath during a ceremony at Thiepval Getty Images Staff line the atrium as poppies fall during a Armistice commemoration service at Lloyds of London, in the City of London EPA Staff line the atrium as poppies fall during a Armistice commemoration service at Lloyds of London, in the City of London EPA Wreaths are laid at the base of the clock during the annual Remembrance Day Armistice commemoration service at Lloyds of London, in the City of London EPA Staff line the atrium as poppies fall during their annual Remembrance Day Armistice commemoration service at Lloyds of London, in the City of London EPA Workers stand for a poppy drop during a Remembrance Service at the Lloyd's building in the City of London Reuters French President Emmanuel Macron and Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May arrive for a meeting at the city hall in Albert, France, November 9, 2018 as part of a World War One commemoration tour. Reuters French President Emmanuel Macron, right, welcomes British Prime Minister Theresa May wave before their meeting in Albert, northern France, Friday, Nov. 9, 2018. Macron will welcome British Prime Minister Theresa May and pay respects to the French and British soldiers killed during WWI at the Thiepval war cemetery. AP Children wave French and British flags before British Prime Minister Theresa May's arrival in Albert, northern France, Friday, Nov. 9, 2018. French President Emmanuel Macron will later welcome Theresa May and pay respects to the French and British soldiers killed during WWI at the Thiepval war cemetery. AP French President Emmanuel Macron and Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May arrive for a meeting at the city hall in Albert, France, November 9, 2018 as part of a World War One commemoration tour. Reuters A message is left on the wreath left by Prime Minister Theresa May at the grave of John Parr, the first British soldier to be killed in 1914 Getty Images British Prime Minister Theresa May (L) and Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel during the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War at the Saint-Symphorien Military Cemetery, in Saint-Symphorien, Mons Belgium EPA Prime Minister Theresa May walks with Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel before laying a wreath at the graves of John Parr, the first British soldier to be killed in 1914, and George Ellison, the last to be killed before Armistice at the St Symphorien Military Cemetery Getty Images Prime Minister Theresa May at the St Symphorien Military Cemetery in Mons, with Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel, laying a wreath at the grave of George Ellison, the last British soldier to be killed before Armistice in 1918. PA Prime Minister Theresa May at the St Symphorien Military Cemetery in Mons, where she is laying wreaths at the graves of John Parr, the first British soldier to be killed in 1914, and George Ellison, the last to be killed before Armistice. PA Prime Minister Theresa May at the St Symphorien Military Cemetery in Mons, with Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel, laying a wreath at the grave of John Parr, the first British soldier to be killed in 1914. PA Prime Minister Theresa May at the St Symphorien Military Cemetery in Mons, with Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel, laying a wreath at the grave of George Ellison, the last British soldier to be killed before Armistice in 1918. PA Prime Minister Theresa May at the St Symphorien Military Cemetery in Mons where she is laying wreaths at the graves of John Parr, the first British soldier to be killed in 1914, and George Ellison, the last to be killed before Armistice. PA Prime Minister Theresa May at the St Symphorien Military Cemetery in Mons, with Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel, laying a wreath at the grave of John Parr, the first British soldier to be killed in 1914. PA Wooden crosses at The Fields of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey Jeremy Selwyn Prince harry, Duke of Sussex visits The Fields of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey Jeremy Selwyn Prince harry, Duke of Sussex visits The Fields of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey Jeremy Selwyn Chelsea pensioners at The Fields of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey Jeremy Selwyn Prince harry, Duke of Sussex visits The Fields of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey Jeremy Selwyn The Fields of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey with HRH Prince Harry Jeremy Selwyn The Fields of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey with HRH Prince Harry Jeremy Selwyn The Fields of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey with HRH Prince Harry Jeremy Selwyn The Fields of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey with HRH Prince Harry Jeremy Selwyn Beyond the Deepening Shadows at the Tower of London Beyond the Deepening Shadows at the Tower of London More than one million people turned out to pay their respects. Afterwards, Mr Nodes received a letter from Sir Lionel Earle of HM Office of Works, praising him for his work. The grave of the Unknown Warrior became a powerful symbol of the nations grief, and remains in Westminster Abbey today. The role of Mr Nodes was revealed when the funeral directors, which is still in operation, conducted research for the centenary of the Armistice. Regional development director John Cheeseman, who worked with Mr Nodess grandson, Michael, said: Mr Nodes was immensely proud of the family connection with the Unknown Warrior. He was passionate about serving the community and about the familys long tradition of military service. Designed to look like a 16th century treasure chest, and made from oak from the grounds of Hampton Court Palace, the casket was created by Ingall, Parsons, Clive and Co of Wealdstone, which is no longer in existence. P rince William warned of the huge impact humans having on the environment saying we are ticking towards a tipping point which will become dangerously irreversible. Speaking at the 2018 Tusk Conservation Awards in London on Thursday, he mirrored Sir David Attenboroughs speech at the same event two years ago when he warned that man is losing his own connection with nature. Referring to a recent report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), [This] was the loudest warning bell yet from the scientific community that we must act now. The clock is ticking towards a tipping point when the impact of what we are doing will become dangerously irreversible. Whether we are living in an urban or rural environment, nature matters to us all. We have a responsibility and an obligation to the next generation to drastically reduce the extent to which we plunder the planets natural resources. I am convinced that we have it in our power to reverse this trend. As the late Paul Allen, a great conservation philanthropist, said: As long as we work together with urgency and determination there is no limit to what we can achieve. The Duke of Cambridge, who is a royal patron of the charity Tusk, presented four awards to people who have strived to protect Africas natural heritage. He praised the work of the worlds conservations which was left him inspired and humbled. William also heralded the global commitments at the Illegal Wildlife Trade Conference in London last month but criticised the move by China to reintroduce the availability of rhino horn for sale. He said: For the tide to really turn on the trade, we require consistent, global political leadership and action. Recent announcements that weaken commitments on rhino horn and tiger parts are deeply concerning. We must fiercely protect the fragile gains we have made. These gains are even more important in the face of last weeks Living Planet Report. This was a stark reminder that in just 40 years we have destroyed 60% of the worlds mammals, fish, birds and reptile species. Our own survival is reliant on our ability to reverse the terrifying decline in the worlds biodiversity. Modern human society as we know it depends on natural resources to survive and thrive. As the report says - nature is not just a nice to have. William arrived at the event at Londons magnificent Banqueting Hall with his wife, the Duchess of Cambridge who wowed in a teal floor length Jenny Packham gown. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge talk with guests during the Tusk Conservation Awards (Jeff Spicer/PA) / Jeff Spicer/PA Wire Fashion watchers observes that Kate wore the stunning dress back in 2012, over a year before the birth of her first child, Prince George, for a gala at the Royal Albert Hall hosted by the British Olympic Association. She completed her look with a matching clutch bag and wore her hair down in a wavy hair-do. One of the people who most impressed the couple before the awards presentation was wildlife ranger Julius Obwona from Uganda. He was praised for his bravery and dedication in leading the fight against poaching on Ugandas frontline. The warden in charge of law enforcement at Murchison Falls National Park has seen his work directly lead to the prosecution of 720 suspects involved in wildlife-related crimes, with 620 being successfully convicted. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attend the Tusk Conservation Awards (Jeff Spicer/PA) / Jeff Spicer/PA Wire Before being presented with the Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award by the Duke, Julius said: Prince William has shown he is a man of honour who is very dedicated to the world of conservation and for that we are very thankful. He shares my views and passion that we must empower the communities to share the burden of protecting our wildlife and our lands. We need to work with the stakeholders and empower the communities. I think the help he will give people like me and the other rangers to shine a light on what is happening every day. It is often dangerous and we need to educate the people around us and encourage love for our world around us. World leading and highly respected wildlife veterinarian Pete Morkel from Zimbabwe was handed the The Prince William Award for Conservation in Africa. The lifelong conservationist who practices across the African continent, said he had been incredibly impressed with Prince Williams passion for conservation. He said: We first met in Tanzania many years ago and from that moment I have always been incredibly impressed with his attitude and passion for conservation. Many people in Africa have the utmost respect for both William and his brother Harry for their continued efforts. Thank God there are people like them in the world who continue to shine a light on the issues of conservation and the environment around the world. Kate and William at Tusk Conservation Awards 1 /8 Kate and William at Tusk Conservation Awards Jeff Spicer/Getty Images PA PA PA PA Getty Images for Tusk Trust PA PA Without them the vital work that is carried out by incredible people in Africa on the ground would not get the help or the respect it deserves. Dr Morgan has been instrumental in repopulating areas of Africa in recent decades. His work including collaring forest elephant across the Congo Basin, assisting with the relocation of six black rhino from South Africa to Zakouma National Park in Chad, moving giant sable in Angola and giraffe in Murchison National Park in Uganda has been heralded worldwide. Awards presenter, BBC newsreader Kate Silverton said: Each year I am humbled and inspired by the people we are here to celebrate. They work undeterred in often challenging conditions and it their dedication to our environment that should be honoured. Tusk has pioneered successful conservation action in Africa for almost 30 years. From the plains of the Serengeti to the rainforests of the Congo Basin, the organisation works to build a healthier, fairer and more productive continent. The charity says it does this by protecting wildlife, empowering communities and advancing the frontline in the fight against the illegal wildlife trade. Founded in 1990 and under the Royal Patronage of HRH The Duke of Cambridge since 2005, Tusk has supported local partners and communities on the ground with over 40 million of investment. More than 6,000 local people are employed through Tusks partner projects, while more than a million others benefit from greater security, infrastructure, healthcare, and the wider livelihood options that they present. Over 100,000 children currently attend schools and education centres supported by Tusk, and our Pan African Conservation Education (PACE) programme has already reached over 500,000 schoolchildren in 33 different countries. The Duke also presented Vincent Opyene the Tusk award for conservation to for his work single-handedly changing how Uganda tackles wildlife crime. Mr Opyene used his field patrol experiences for the Uganda Wildlife Authority, and work as a state prosecutor to establish the Natural Resource Conservation Network (NRCN). The NRCN is a partnership between civil society and government to improve how wildlife laws are enforced. Mr Opyene said the Duke told all the finalists he appreciated the work they were doing. A lifeboat from Dover was launched at 2.30am to rescue people in the dinghy, according to earlier reports. A Home Office spokesman confirmed the incident and said seven migrants were intercepted in a small dinghy. "On the morning of 9 November 9, HM Coastguard and the RNLI intercepted a group of migrants in the Channel in a small dinghy," the Home Office said. "A Border Force vessel was deployed and Border Force maritime officers assisted with moving the migrants ashore. "Seven migrants, who also presented themselves as Iranian, were found. "They have been given a medical assessment and do not require treatment. They will be interviewed shortly by immigration officials." H eavy rain has been forecast in the UK over the weekend with weather warnings already place in across swathes of the country. Brits can expect days of downpours, with warnings amber and yellow alerts in place on Friday and Saturday. London can also expect plenty of rain throughout the weekend. A yellow weather warning for rain is in place on Friday for parts of south-west England and Wales, as well as parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland. An amber warning is also in place in south-west Wales. The amber warning is for heavy rain with the Met Office warning that the area could see 20 to 40mm of rain within nine hours. Bonnie Diamond, a forecaster at the Met Office, said: There is a band of heavy rain coming across the UK with weather warnings in place in south west England, Wales and Scotland." On Saturday, rain will also fall in south-east England, with temperatures reaching a maximum of 15C. There will be heavy showers in London tomorrow afternoon and evening, Ms Diamond added. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for rain and wind for south east England / PA/Aaron Chown Another yellow weather warning is in place for south-west Wales. On Sunday, London will be busy with numerous Armistice Day commemorations however those attending can expect downpours with sunny interludes. Sunday will have clear spells with some areas receiving heavy showers. Temperatures should reach a maximum of around 12 to 13C, Ms Diamond said. Moving ahead to next week, Monday will be the same as the weekend with sunny spells and scattered showers however it will start to clear up on Tuesday and become drier. B etween 1914 and 1918, around 70 million people were mobilised to fight in World War One. The conflict became a turning point for warfare as soldiers began to truly document the horror of life at the frontline. Today, we take a look a five soldiers whose remarkable stories from the Great War hammer home the bravery of those who fought. Flora Sandes: The only British woman to fight on the frontline in WW1 Flora Sandes became a national hero in Serbia Born and raised in Yorkshire, Flora Sandes was the only British woman to serve on the frontline in WW1 - fighting for the Serbian army. Sandes, who died in 1956, volunteered for the St John Ambulance when she was 38-years-old and travelled to Serbia, where she enrolled in their army. The reported tomboy was promoted to the rank of Sergeant-Major but severely wounded by a grenade in 1916. She later received the King George Star by the Serbian government and is still a Serbian national hero. John Parr: The first British soldier killed during WW1 John Parr is believed to be first British soldier killed in WW1 Private John Henry Parr is believed to be the first British soldier killed during the war. Born in July 1897 in Finchley, he was just 17-years-old when he died but the circumstances of how he died and who shot him still remain a mystery. It is believed that he was shot by a German cavalry patrol during a reconnaissance mission on the eve of the Battle of Mons in August, 1914. George Ellison: The last British soldier to be killed in WW1 George Eillison died just six days before his son's birthday Private George Edwin Ellison was the last British soldier to be killed in action in WW1. Born in York and raised in Leeds, he was shot by a sniper aged 40 while on patrol in woods just outside Mons in Belgium. He died 90 minutes before the Armistice came into effect at 11am on November 11, 1918 and just six days before his son James' six birthday. Henry Gunther: The last soldier to die in WW1 Sergeant Henry Gunther was the last soldier killed in WW1. He died on November 11 at 10.59am - just one minute before the ceasefire. The 23-year-old, from Baltimore, Maryland, charged at a German machine gun nest with his bayonet near Verdun in France. Despite his friend Sergeant Ernest Powell ordering him to stop, and the German soldiers reportedly trying to wave him away, he continued running at the post and started shooting. The Germans reportedly only fired back when he was within yards of the post. Sidney Lewis: The youngest British soldier to fight in WW1 Sidney Lewis was the youngest British soldier to fight in WW1 after he enlisted in August 1915 aged just 12. Lewis, who was only 13-years-old when he fought at the Somme, was a machine gunner on the Western Front. A stocky boy standing at 6ft 2inches, he managed to fool commanding officers because of his size, until his mother sent his birth certificate to the War Office demanding he be sent home. He re-enlisted in 1918 and died in 1969. Khudadad Khan: The first Muslim soldier to receive the Victoria Cross Khudadad Khan was the first Muslim to receive the Victoria Cross / UIG via Getty Images Khudadad Khan was the first South Asian person and the first Muslim to receive the Victoria Cross after his small team of machine gunners stalled a German advance long enough to allow for British and German reinforcements to arrive in October 1914. Two companies of Baluchis, outnumbered and outgunned, bore the brunt of a major German offensive in the First Battle of Ypres. They kept on firing at the advancing Germans but before long only Khan and one gun remained. Despite suffering several wounds, Khan continued to man the machine gun until he was eventually overrun. Feigning death the Germans left him and under the cover of darkness he crawled back to his company. Noel Godfrey Chavasse: The only WW1 soldier to be awarded Victoria Cross twice Noel Godfrey Chavasse received the Victoria Cross twice in WWI / PA Captain Noel Godfrey Chavasse is the only person to have been awarded the Victoria Cross twice in WW1, and is still one of only three people to have received it twice. The Royal Army Medical Corps Captain received his first medal after attending to the wounded all day during the Battle of the Somme while under heavy fire. His second he received posthumously after he continued to care for the wounded during the Battle of Passchendaele in August 1917, despite being severely injured by shellfire. He died from his wounds at a Casualty Clearing Station two days later. Henry Johnson: Soldier of the first ever African American unit of the US army American soldier Henry Johnson was part of the first ever African American unit of the US Army to fight in the war. Standing at just 5ft 6inches, the diminutive soldier became famous for single-handedly fighting off a German raid in hand-to-hand combat. Johnson, who was on night watch with another soldier when the attack happened, was severely injured but managed to save his fellow soldier from the raid. T heresa May today marked the centenary of the Armistice by laying a wreath honouring the first and the last British soldiers killed in the First World War. She visited St Symphorien Military Cemetery in Mons, Belgium, which holds the graves of more than 500 soldiers, most of whom died during the Battle of Mons in August 1914. Joined by her Belgian counterpart Charles Michel, Mrs May laid a wreath at the graves of John Parr, from Finchley, believed to be the first British soldier killed during the war, and George Ellison, who died 90 minutes before the Armistice came into effect at 11am on November 11, 1918. Their graves lie opposite one other, in what the Prime Minister described as a poignant symbol that brings home the eternal bond between them and every member of the armed forces who gave their lives. She said: We remember the heroes who lost their lives in the horror of the trenches. As the sun sets on one hundred years of remembrance, we will never forget their sacrifice. May laying a wreath at the grave of George Ellison, the last British soldier to be killed before Armistice in 1918. / PA At the grave of Private Ellison, in blue pen on a headed Downing Street card attached to the garland of poppies, Mrs May wrote: They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted we will remember them. During the brief visit, she and Mr Michel then met British and Belgian serving members of the armed forces. As she left she thanked organisers for what had been a moving visit. She was then travelling to Albert, France, in the heart of the Somme region, to meet French president Emmanuel Macron. The pair were expected to lay a wreath at the Thiepval Memorial, which bears the names of more than 72,000 members of the British and Commonwealth armed forces who died in battle. Mrs May said the visit would be a chance to reflect on the time that the countries spent fighting side by side in Europe, but also to look ahead to a shared future, built on peace, prosperity and friendship. A wreath combining the poppy and le bleuet the cornflower the nat-ional emblems of remembrance for Britain and France, was made for the occasion. The Prime Ministers visit comes ahead of a series of commemorative events to mark 100 years since the end of the First World War. Armistice 100th Anniversary Events- In pictures 1 /34 Armistice 100th Anniversary Events- In pictures British Prime Minister Theresa May, center, and French President Emmanuel Macron, right, stand together next to flag bearers at the World War I Thiepval Memorial in Thiepval AP British Prime Minister Theresa May (L) and French President Emmanuel Macron visit the Thiepval Memorial, northern France AFP/Getty Images British Prime Minister Theresa May and French President Emmanuel Macron visit the Thiepval Memorial, in Thiepval Reuters British Prime Minister Theresa May and French President Emmanuel Macron, second right, prepare to lay a wreath of flowers at the Thiepval Memorial, in Thiepval, northern France AP Prime Minister Theresa May and French President Emmanuel Macron lay a wreath during a ceremony at Thiepval Getty Images Staff line the atrium as poppies fall during a Armistice commemoration service at Lloyds of London, in the City of London EPA Staff line the atrium as poppies fall during a Armistice commemoration service at Lloyds of London, in the City of London EPA Wreaths are laid at the base of the clock during the annual Remembrance Day Armistice commemoration service at Lloyds of London, in the City of London EPA Staff line the atrium as poppies fall during their annual Remembrance Day Armistice commemoration service at Lloyds of London, in the City of London EPA Workers stand for a poppy drop during a Remembrance Service at the Lloyd's building in the City of London Reuters French President Emmanuel Macron and Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May arrive for a meeting at the city hall in Albert, France, November 9, 2018 as part of a World War One commemoration tour. Reuters French President Emmanuel Macron, right, welcomes British Prime Minister Theresa May wave before their meeting in Albert, northern France, Friday, Nov. 9, 2018. Macron will welcome British Prime Minister Theresa May and pay respects to the French and British soldiers killed during WWI at the Thiepval war cemetery. AP Children wave French and British flags before British Prime Minister Theresa May's arrival in Albert, northern France, Friday, Nov. 9, 2018. French President Emmanuel Macron will later welcome Theresa May and pay respects to the French and British soldiers killed during WWI at the Thiepval war cemetery. AP French President Emmanuel Macron and Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May arrive for a meeting at the city hall in Albert, France, November 9, 2018 as part of a World War One commemoration tour. Reuters A message is left on the wreath left by Prime Minister Theresa May at the grave of John Parr, the first British soldier to be killed in 1914 Getty Images British Prime Minister Theresa May (L) and Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel during the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War at the Saint-Symphorien Military Cemetery, in Saint-Symphorien, Mons Belgium EPA Prime Minister Theresa May walks with Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel before laying a wreath at the graves of John Parr, the first British soldier to be killed in 1914, and George Ellison, the last to be killed before Armistice at the St Symphorien Military Cemetery Getty Images Prime Minister Theresa May at the St Symphorien Military Cemetery in Mons, with Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel, laying a wreath at the grave of George Ellison, the last British soldier to be killed before Armistice in 1918. PA Prime Minister Theresa May at the St Symphorien Military Cemetery in Mons, where she is laying wreaths at the graves of John Parr, the first British soldier to be killed in 1914, and George Ellison, the last to be killed before Armistice. PA Prime Minister Theresa May at the St Symphorien Military Cemetery in Mons, with Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel, laying a wreath at the grave of John Parr, the first British soldier to be killed in 1914. PA Prime Minister Theresa May at the St Symphorien Military Cemetery in Mons, with Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel, laying a wreath at the grave of George Ellison, the last British soldier to be killed before Armistice in 1918. PA Prime Minister Theresa May at the St Symphorien Military Cemetery in Mons where she is laying wreaths at the graves of John Parr, the first British soldier to be killed in 1914, and George Ellison, the last to be killed before Armistice. PA Prime Minister Theresa May at the St Symphorien Military Cemetery in Mons, with Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel, laying a wreath at the grave of John Parr, the first British soldier to be killed in 1914. PA Wooden crosses at The Fields of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey Jeremy Selwyn Prince harry, Duke of Sussex visits The Fields of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey Jeremy Selwyn Prince harry, Duke of Sussex visits The Fields of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey Jeremy Selwyn Chelsea pensioners at The Fields of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey Jeremy Selwyn Prince harry, Duke of Sussex visits The Fields of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey Jeremy Selwyn The Fields of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey with HRH Prince Harry Jeremy Selwyn The Fields of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey with HRH Prince Harry Jeremy Selwyn The Fields of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey with HRH Prince Harry Jeremy Selwyn The Fields of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey with HRH Prince Harry Jeremy Selwyn Beyond the Deepening Shadows at the Tower of London Beyond the Deepening Shadows at the Tower of London The Queen and senior members of the royal family will attend the annual Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall tomorrow night, commemorating all those who have lost their lives in conflicts. On Sunday, the Prince of Wales will lead the nation in honouring the countrys war dead during the national Service of Remembrance. The Queen has asked Charles to lay a wreath at the Cenotaph in Whitehall on her behalf the second successive year he will perform the duty. She will watch the service from the balcony of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office building, as she did last year. The Duchess of Cornwall, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Duke of York will also be in attendance. For the first time, a German leader will lay a wreath, with President Frank-Walter Steinmeier representing his nation in a historic act of reconciliation. Big Ben will chime at 11am to signify exactly 100 years since the war ended. At 12.30pm, bells will ring out from churches and cathedrals as they did at the end of the war to give thanks for peace and those who returned. In London, bells will ring out from St Mary-le-Bow, while veteran crewman Ron Yardley will ring HMS Belfasts bell. On Sunday evening the Queen and other members of the royal family will attend a service at Westminster Abbey. Other events include a concert at Cadogan Hall in Belgravia with The Royal Choral Society and the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Hyde Park Chapel in South Kensington will host Voices Of The Great War, organised by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The musical production dramatises the letters sent home by servicemen and women in the First World War. North London Military Wives Choir will perform at the RAF Museum in Hendon while the Imperial War Museum will hold its own ceremony of remembrance. The exhibition Shrouds Of The Somme by artist Rob Heard will feature a short service at the Olympic Park at 11am. Tomorrow also brings the end of the 100-mile Long Walk Home from Ypres, which has seen 100 veterans travel from the Belgian battlefield to the Cenotaph. Serving members of the forces have been granted free rail travel this weekend to attend services, while the same offer has been made to Royal British Legion volunteers. I dont want to go down the path of talking about any free agents or individual players, Hahn said. Weve been in contact with a wide variety of agents and certainly other clubs since weve been down here, gathered together as much information as we can, head back to Chicago and circle back over the weekend and next week and hopefully make some progress toward some acquisitions. D onald Trump has branded the gunman who killed 12 people in California a "very sick puppy" as he blamed the tragedy on the ex-Marine's mental illness. The President said Ian David Long, who was found dead in the office of the Borderline Bar where he killed a dozen of those inside, had a "lot of problems". Former marine Long opened fire at the country music bar in Thousand Oaks, California, on Wednesday He was seen by a mental health specialist in April who worried the 28-year-old might have post-traumatic stress disorder. David Long carried out the attack in Thousand Oaks A law enforcement official told the Associated Press that Long posted to social media during the attack. They reported that Long had Facebook and Instagram accounts and posted about his mental state as well as whether people would believe he was sane. Investigators have not formally commented on a motive for the shooting nor have they stated whether mental illness was a factor. President Trump also touted his efforts to fund PTSD support among veterans. However, he declined to engage on questions as to whether the nation needed stricter gun control laws. Long used a Glock 21 .45 calibre handgun and a smoke bomb in the shooting, for which his motive is still unclear. On Thursday, President Trump ordered flags at the White House to be flown at half-mast after the tragedy. However, he was criticised for failing to reign in US gun culture after posting words of condolence on Twitter. A hero police officer Sgt Ron Helus was identified by police as being among those killed in the mass shooting, after rushing to the scene Thousand Oaks victims - In pictures 1 /12 Thousand Oaks victims - In pictures Sheriff's deputy Sergeant Ron Helus REUTERS Justin Meek Telemachus Orfanos Alaina Housley Daniel Manrique Kristina Morisette Noel Sparks Sean Adler Cody Coffman Jake Dunham Blake Dingman Marky Meza Jr The husband and father-of-one had been a policeman for 29 years and was a professional firearms instructor. He was due to retire next year. The eleven other victims were enjoying a night out in the bar at the time of the killing. The dead also included a man who had survived last year's massacre in Las Vegas, Telemachus Orfanos, 27. Thousand Oaks Shooting - In pictures 1 /42 Thousand Oaks Shooting - In pictures Teylor Whittler (L) is hugged by her father after she fled the Borderline Bar and Grill where a gunman injured 11 people in Thousand Oaks, California EPA People comfort each other as they sit near the scene AP Sheriff's deputies speak to a potential witness as they stand near the scene AP Sheriff's deputy speaks to a potential witness as they stand near the scene AP A witness talks to reporters outside a country music bar and dance hall in Thousand Oaks AFP/Getty Images A woman who fled the Borderline Bar and Grill where a gunman injured 11 people EPA People walk away from the scene Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, in Thousand Oaks AP People comfort each other as they stand near the scene AP Law enforcement officers secure the road leading to the Borderline Bar and Grill where a gunman injured 11 people in Thousand Oaks, California EPA This handout video grab obtained on November 8, 2018 courtesy of Jeremy Childs twitter account shows people gathering outside a country music bar and dance hall in the Los Angeles-area after a gunman barged into a large, crowded venue and opened fire late November 7, wounding at least 11 people including a police officer, US police said. AFP/Getty Images An FBI agent talks to a potential witness as they stand near the scene Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, in Thousand Oaks AP People comfort each other as they stand near the scene Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, in Thousand Oaks AP This handout video grab obtained on November 8, 2018 courtesy of Jeremy Childs twitter account shows people gathering outside a country music bar and dance hall in the Los Angeles-area after a gunman barged into a large, crowded venue and opened fire late November 7, wounding at least 11 people including a police officer, US police said. AFP/Getty Images Distraught onlookers at the scene Women who fled from the shooting at the Borderline Bar and Grill pass by a sheriff's deputy after a gunman injured 11 people in Thousand Oaks, California EPA Emergency services outside the Borderline Bar and Grill ABC Ambulance at the scene KABC SWAT police preparing to raid the restaurant ABC7 Google Streetview of the Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks where the shooting has taken place Google EPA Emergency services ABC7 A victim receives treatment ABC7 Emergency Services ABC7 Thousand Oaks Shooting ABC7 Thousand Oaks Shooting KABC Thousand Oaks Shooting ABC7 News Thousand Oaks Shooting ABC7 News Thousand Oaks Shooting ABC7 News Thousand Oaks Shooting ABC7 News Thousand Oaks Shooting ABC7 News Thousand Oaks Shooting ABC7 News Thousand Oaks Shooting ABC7 News In this image made from aerial video, officials tend to a person on the ground in the vicinity of a shooting in Thousand Oaks, California AP First responders are seen outside Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks, California, U.S Reuters Friends of attendees at the Borderline Bar and Grill where a gunman injured 11 people wait to hear news of their friends in Thousand Oaks EPA Law enforcement officers secure the road leading to the Borderline Bar and Grill where a gunman injured 11 people in Thousand Oaks EPA Law enforcement officers secure the road leading to the Borderline Bar and Grill where a gunman injured 11 people in Thousand Oaks, California EPA Women who fled from the shooting at the Borderline Bar and Grill pass by a sheriff's deputy after a gunman injured 11 people in Thousand Oaks, California EPA First responders are seen outside Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks, California REUTERS This photo obtained on November 8, 2018 courtesy of Jeremy Childs twitter account shows police officers interviewing people outside a country music bar and dance hall in Thousand Oaks, in the Los Angeles-area, after a gunman opened fire AFP/Getty Images An FBI agent talks to a potential witness as they stand near the scene Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, in Thousand Oaks AP A woman who fled the Borderline Bar and Grill where a gunman injured 11 people is hugged by relatives in Thousand Oaks, California EPA "I don't want prayers. I don't want thoughts," said his mother, Susan Schmidt-Orfanos. "I want those b******* in Congress - they need to pass gun control so no one else has a child that doesn't come home." "Sister Sister" actress Tamera Mowry-Housley and her husband Adam Housley, a former Fox News correspondent, said their 18-year-old niece Alaina Housely, was also among those killed. "Alaina was an incredible young woman with so much life ahead of her, and we are devastated that her life was cut short in this manner," the couple said in a statement. It was the deadliest such gun attack in the US since 17 students and teachers were killed at a Parkland, Florida, high school nine months ago. The house of the shooter has been investigated / AFP/Getty Images The shooting also came less than two weeks after a gunman massacred 11 people at a synagogue in Pittsburgh. Democratic Governor-elect Gavin Newsom, in his first public appearance since winning office on Tuesday, shared his disdain towards the violence that has returned to California. A Boeing passenger plane has crashed in an emergency landing in Guyana. At least six passengers were injured when the Fly Jamaica plane, which was headed for Toronto, crash landed at Cheddi Jagan International Airport on Friday. It had been in the air for about 20 minutes when the pilot indicated it was experiencing problems with its hydraulic system, Guyana officials said at a news conference. Fly Jamaica said all 118 passengers and eight crew members were safe. It said in a statement: We can confirm that Fly Jamaica flight OJ256, bound for Toronto, returned to Georgetown with a technical problem and has suffered an accident on landing. At this time, we believe that all 118 passengers and eight crew members are safe. We are providing local assistance and will release further information as soon as it is available." The Boeing 757 plane returned to Cheddi Jagan about 45 minutes after it had departed. R yanair has handed 457,000 to French authorities after a standoff on the tarmac that forced 149 passengers to disembark from an impounded plane. The French Civil aviation authority said it seized the plane at Bordeaux Merignac airport as a last resort. It claims that it had repeatedly tried to get Ryanair to pay back regional funds to the airline in 2008/09 after the European Commision found the funds to be illegal. The flight was bound for Londons Stansted Airport. According to reports, the flight took off five hours later on another Ryanair aircraft. The aviation authority said: It is unfortunate the state had to take such action, which led to the invaluable inconvenience of the 149 passengers onboard. Vicki Olverson, whose husband was on the disrupted flight told the Independent that her husband had not seen any representatives for the airline. She added: Maybe they have been hoping to glean enough funds from all the extra charges for hand luggage. The passengers were given a voucher worth five euros to purchase food and drink. Aviation authority spokesman Eric Heraud said the airline had paid back the funds and the plane would be released. Ryanair has not commented on the incident. This has been a turbulent time for the airline. In October, the airline warned on full-year profits in the wake of a surge in the oil price and disruption caused by strikes. While it has reached deals with several unions, it faces resistance from staff in a number of countries. The European Commission in October opened an investigation into whether Ryanair had benefited from illegal state aid at Germany's Frankfurt-Hahn airport, and this week Italy's antitrust agency opened a probe against Ryanair's new hand luggage policies. T his harrowing video footage captures the moment a couple flee for their lives in their car as killer wildfires sweep across parts of California. The terrifying Facebook video shows the motorist's car fleeing as flames encroach on the highway near the town of Paradise where five people died. In the clip, the driver can be heard saying: "That sucks, people are going to lose some houses." A woman's voice can then be heard. She says: "Heavenly father, please help us. Please help us to be safe. I'm grateful for Jeremy and his willingness to be brave." The clip, which lasts one minute and eleven seconds, was filmed by a resident of the town as he fled for his life through the flames. The bodies of five victims were found in vehicles torched by the flames in the town of Paradise, north east of San Francisco, officials confirmed earlier this evening. Paradise fire Another evacuee, Mariah Keri, shared footage of her car passing through the flames and wrote: "Trying to evacuate paradise and theres a fire you have to drive through to get to safety. Trying to think good thoughts." Speaking to the Standard, she said: "Im safe and healthy but Im not okay." In the footage she said: "Oh, oh my god. "I'm so scared right now, so terrified." California wildfires 1 /8 California wildfires A fire fighting aircraft releases water as firefighters battle the thousand-acre plus 'Fish' wildland fire that erupted near the Angeles National Forest, Duarte, Califonia EPA Smoke from wildfires burning in Angeles National Forest fills the sky behind the Los Angeles skyline Ringo H.W. Chiu/AP Jimmy Romo, 73, leads the horses leaving his ranch as a wildfire is burning in Azusa, Calif., Monday, June 20, 2016. New wildfires erupted Monday near Los Angeles and chased people from their suburban homes as an intense heatwave stretching from the West Coast to New Mexico blistered the region Ringo H.W. Chiu/AP A television cameraman shoots a thermometer sign which reads 126 degrees in Palm Springs, California Sam Mircovich/Reuters A wildfire burns around homes built near a hilltop in Azusa, California Nick Ut/AP A water bomber makes a drop on a wildfire as it attacks the flames near Campo, California Mike Blake/Reuters A column of smoke is seen rising, viewed through a windshield, from one of two wildfires in the Angeles National Forest above Azusa, California Gene Blevins/Reuters Flames flare up from a wildfire behind a house along a hillside in Duarte, California Ringo H.W. Chiu/AP Captain Scott McLean of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said the fire near the town of Paradise has grown to nearly 110 square miles. The blaze has devastated the town of 27,000 people and is moving north into Sierra Nevada foothill communities. Butte County Sheriff's Office said an evacuation ordered had been issued for the small communities of Stirling City and Inskip. California Fire Captain Bill Murphy said winds have calmed down in the valley but there are "shifting, erratic winds" with speeds of up to 45mph along ridge tops. Getty Images The blaze also reached the edge of Chico, a city of 90,000 people. Oncoming flames have also forced a mandatory evacuation of the beachside city of Malibu. More than 150,000 people across California have been forced to flee their homes. The fire which forced the exodus broke out on Thursday north west of Los Angeles and roared south, jumping the US 101 freeway early on Friday and sweeping into the Santa Monica Mountains. Loading.... Malibu, known as the home of many Hollywood stars, has about 13,000 residents and lies along 21 miles of coast at the southern foot of the mountain range. Los Angeles County Fire Department tweeted that the fire is heading towards the ocean, punctuating the message with the declaration: "Imminent threat!" Butte County Sheriff, Kory Honea, said: "It's a very dangerous and very serious situation. "We're working very hard to get people out. The message I want to get out is: If you can evacuate, you need to evacuate." A fire official said the fire has put 15,000 homes and 2,000 commercial buildings at "imminent danger of burning. The evacuation was initially for the whole city, but is now for the western two-thirds. Some 75,000 houses are said to have been evacuated. Protective masks have been issued to stop people inhaling the smoke and a number of schools have been closed in the surrounding areas. As the flames raged, another fire was burning farther west in Ventura County, which was also moving towards the ocean. The wildfires, raging across California, have prompted evacuations elsewhere prior to this. Getty Images Overnight, one of the blazes apparently "quadrupled" in size. The burning area by the Camp Fire near the town of Paradise is nearly 110 square miles in size. A police officer described the community there as being "destroyed". "We were surrounded by fire. We were driving through fire on each side of the road," Mark Bass said. "It was just a wall of fire on each side of us, and we could hardly see the road in front of us." Smoke billowed over Malibu as the huge flames consumed areas. The gigantic grey cloud could be seen for miles around. Authorities have issued an unhealthy air quality alert for parts of the San Francisco Bay Area, due to smoke polluting the air. Multiple office workers nearby saw clouds of smoke rising from their buildings. Another person who could view the smoke called the situation "beyond scary". People sent their "prayers" to those affected while others urged friends they had in the area to "get out". Paradise is 'destroyed' after flames / AFP/Getty Images If you live in Malibu take this seriously. Get out. It is hard getting in and out so please don't get stuck," wrote one on Twitter. The LA Sheriff's Department said it was receiving a lot of calls due to the situation. A post on Twitter said: "Please Safely move over for emergency vehicles!! We are receiving many emergent phone calls in the Malibu area for residents that need our help to evacuate." A reporter from CBS Los Angeles also spoke of wildlife being "terrified" by the blaze, with some rabbits captured on camera cowering from the smoke. AFP/Getty Images She said: "I've seen about half a dozen bunnies running around. "There are quite a few of them we've seen, trying to escape the flames and get out, get to safety, because their home, their habitat, is on fire." I SIS has claimed responsibility for a knife attack in Melbourne which left one person dead and two wounded. The group said on its Amaq news website after the attack that one its fighters was responsible. It provided no evidence for the claim. A man launched the attack at about 4.20pm (5.20am UK time) on Friday, after his pick-up truck loaded with "barbecue-style gas cylinders exploded on a busy shopping street. Police shot him after he lunged at officers, trying to stab them. The three victims were stabbed before police arrived. One died at the scene, while the other two were rushed to hospital. Melbourne Stabbing - In pictures 1 /9 Melbourne Stabbing - In pictures A screenshot taken from a supplied video made available to AAP shows an incident n which a man armed with a knife attacked several people on Bourke Street in Melbourne, Australia EPA A screenshot taken from a supplied video made available to AAP shows an incident n which a man armed with a knife attacked several people on Bourke Street in Melbourne, Australia EPA A screenshot taken from a supplied video made available to AAP shows an incident n which a man armed with a knife attacked several people on Bourke Street in Melbourne, Australia EPA Emergency workers are seen on Bourke street in Melbourne EPA Police respond to an incident at the intersection of Bourke Street and Swanston Street in Melbourne EPA Policemen block members of the public from walking towards the Bourke Street mall in central Melbourne Reuters Policemen stop members of the public from walking towards the Bourke Street mall in central Melbourne Reuters A burning car is seen near the Bourke Street mall, in Melbourne Reuters A burning car is seen near the Bourke Street mall, in Melbourne Reuters The knifeman also died of his gunshot injuries in hospital. Police confirmed it was terror related and that the culprit was known to officers. Jean-Charles Brisard of the Centre d'Analyse du Terrorisme posted that Amaq described the attacker as an "Islamic State fighter". "The one who executed the ramming and stabbing operation in Melbourne (...) is one of the fighters of the Islamic State and he executed the operation in response to (a call) to target the citizens of the coalition," Amaq said. The text was referring to a call in August by Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi to "use bombs, knives or cars to carry out attacks" in countries taking part in the US-led coalition that put an end to the caliphate he declared in 2014 over parts of Iraq and Syria. The so-far unnamed shooter is said to be Somalian and arrived in Australia in the 1990s. He lived in Melbournes north-west suburbs and possible links to known terror plotters and extremists in Australia were being investigated, it was reported. Dramatic footage of the attack emerged on social media showing the truck on fire, and the man swinging a knife at police officers. One of the officers raised a weapon, before a shot was heard and the man fell to the ground clutching his chest. The man reportedly threw an explosive into the vehicle, before allowing it roll down the road and explode. The scene was cordoned by police after officers shot a knife-wielding suspect / William West/AFP/Getty Images Supt David Clayton said at a press conference at the scene: Police quickly responded to the incident. As they got out of the car, they were confronted by a male brandishing a knife and threatening them. At the same time, passers-by were calling out that members of the public had been stabbed. "Police shot the male in a chest and he is now in a critical condition in hospital. Three people have been stabbed. Unfortunately, one is deceased at the scene. The burnt-out pick-up truck in Bourke Street. The attacker had tried to stab police officers yards from the vehicle / James Ross/AP "Two other victims are currently in hospital. Police are not looking for any other offenders at this stage. Victoria State premier Daniel Andrews said the incident was an evil and terrible thing that has happened to our city. S audi journalist Jamal Khashoggi's fiancee has expressed "shock and sadness" over reports suggesting that his body may have been dissolved with chemicals. Mr Khashoggi, who was a fierce critic of the Saudi regime, was murdered in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul last month. Hatice Cengiz said on Twitter that Mr Khashoggi's killers had deprived his loved ones of conducting funeral prayers and burying him in Medina, Saudi Arabia, in accordance with his wishes. Media reports have suggested that his body, which has not been found, could have been chemically dissolved. Ms Cengiz said she has not received information from officials to confirm those reports. P olice in Ethiopia have discovered a mass grave containing at least 200 bodies. It was found along the country's border between the strife-torn Oromiya and Somali regions. Ethiopia's state-affiliated media reported authorities had been investigating a former administrator of the Somali region when it made the discovery. Abdi Mohammed Omer is facing trial on charges of human rights abuses and stoking clashes. He was forced to resign in August and was arrested weeks later after violence broke out in the provincial capital, Jijiga. Rights groups have routinely accused his administration of abuses such as torture, while some witnesses claimed he had ordered paramilitary raids on civilians in the neighbouring Oromiya province after ethnic clashes there in September last year. The region has been plagued by violence for decades as the government fought the secessionist Ogaden National Liberation Front - before both sides signed a peace deal last month. O ne person has been killed and two others injured after a knifeman went on a stabbing rampage in a terror attack in central Melbourne. The man launched his attack at about 4.20pm (5.20am UK time) on Friday, after his pick-up truck loaded with "barbecue-style gas cylinders exploded on a busy shopping street. Police shot him after he lunged at officers, trying to stab them. The three victims were stabbed before police arrived. One died at the scene, while the other two were rushed to hospital. The knifeman also died of his gunshot injuries in hospital. Police confirmed it was terror related and that the culprit was known to officers. Chief commissioner Graham Ashton said at a press conference: "What we know so far about this person, we are treating this as a terrorism incident. An ongoing investigation is being conducted by the counter terrorism command. He is known to police mainly in respect to relatives that he has who are certainly persons of interest to us. At this stage, thats all were prepared to say about the individual." Melbourne Stabbing - In pictures 1 /9 Melbourne Stabbing - In pictures A screenshot taken from a supplied video made available to AAP shows an incident n which a man armed with a knife attacked several people on Bourke Street in Melbourne, Australia EPA A screenshot taken from a supplied video made available to AAP shows an incident n which a man armed with a knife attacked several people on Bourke Street in Melbourne, Australia EPA A screenshot taken from a supplied video made available to AAP shows an incident n which a man armed with a knife attacked several people on Bourke Street in Melbourne, Australia EPA Emergency workers are seen on Bourke street in Melbourne EPA Police respond to an incident at the intersection of Bourke Street and Swanston Street in Melbourne EPA Policemen block members of the public from walking towards the Bourke Street mall in central Melbourne Reuters Policemen stop members of the public from walking towards the Bourke Street mall in central Melbourne Reuters A burning car is seen near the Bourke Street mall, in Melbourne Reuters A burning car is seen near the Bourke Street mall, in Melbourne Reuters It is believed the man arrived in Australia in the 1990s from Somalia and lived in Melbournes north-west suburbs. His possible links to known terror plotters and extremists in Australia were being investigated, it was reported. Mr Ashton added there was "no ongoing threat to the public" in wake of the attack, but that security of public events in the city was being re-assessed. Police at the scene of the incident in Melbourne's central business district / William West/AFP/Getty Images One dramatic video posted on social media showed the man swinging a knife at police officers responding to the incident. One of the officers raised a weapon, before a shot was heard and the man fell to the ground clutching his chest. Supt David Clayton speaks at a press conference, where he confirmed one person had died / Reuters It happened yards from the truck, which was in flames. The man reportedly threw an explosive into the vehicle, before allowing it roll down the road and explode. Supt David Clayton said at a press conference at the scene: Police quickly responded to the incident. As they got out of the car, they were confronted by a male brandishing a knife and threatening them. The scene was cordoned by police after officers shot a knife-wielding suspect / William West/AFP/Getty Images At the same time, passers-by were calling out that members of the public had been stabbed. "Police shot the male in a chest and he is now in a critical condition in hospital. Loading.... Three people have been stabbed. Unfortunately, one is deceased at the scene. "Two other victims are currently in hospital. Police are not looking for any other offenders at this stage. A video still of a man attacking police officers responding to the incident in central Melbourne / EPA/STR Australia The man was also arrested, and taken to hospital under a police guard before he died. Some images from the scene showed a body lying in the road, covered by a sheet. A pair of shoes were next to the body. The burnt-out pick-up truck in Bourke Street. The attacker had tried to stab police officers yards from the vehicle / James Ross/AP There was a huge police presence in the area, as Victoria Police urged people with further video footage to come forward. Victoria State premier Daniel Andrews said the incident was an evil and terrible thing that has happened to our city. The attack happened on a busy shopping street in Melbourne / Benita Kolovos/EPA Melbournes lord mayor Sally Capp said: Its at times like this when we need to be incredibly supportive and empathetic of all Melburnians. M ichelle Obama has revealed that she suffered a miscarriage 20 years ago which left her feeling lost and alone. The former First Lady, 54, told ABC in an interview that she felt like she had "failed because I didn't know how common miscarriages were, because we don't talk about them". She said that she and former president Barack Obama used IVF to conceive their two daughters Sasha and Malia, now aged 17 and 20. Speaking about her miscarriage, she said:" We sit in our own pain, thinking that somehow we're broken. "I realised that as I was 34 and 35, we had to do IVF." Michelle Obama with husband Barack and Malia and Sascha / Pete Souza/The White House Mrs Obama is preparing for the release of her memoir Becoming, which is released on Tuesday. In the book, she writes openly about everything from growing up in Chicago to confronting racism in public life and becoming the countrys first black first lady. She also denounces President Trumps birther campaign which questioned her husbands citizenship, calling it bigoted and dangerous. The former First Lady also expressed disbelief over how many women would choose a misogynist over Clinton in 2016. She remembers how her body buzzed with fury after seeing the infamous Access Hollywood tape, in which Trump brags about sexually assaulting women. Last month, she launched a programme to help empower girls worldwide through education. The Global Girls Alliance aims to support more than 1,500 grassroots organisations combating the challenges girls encounter in their communities. P olice in North Carolina have responded to reports of an active shooter at a high school. At 8am on Friday, officers confirmed that there was no shooter and that a malfunctioning water cooler on the school's roof was the cause of reports. Pender County's Emergency Management Director Tom Collins said that the series of malfunctions "sounded like an AR-15 going off." Tensions are currently running high after 12 people were killed when a gunman opened fire inside a country and western themed night at a bar in Thousand Oaks. Topsail High School in Pender County, North Carolina / Google StreetView Pender Schools told WECT News: "At this time, all campuses on the eastern side of the county are on lockdown. Buses are being staged at Lowe's Foods across from Topsail Elementary. All staff at Topsail Elementary, Topsail Middle and Topsail High please report to Lowe's Foods." The Whilmington Star-News reported that the high school went into lockdown earlier this year after a student brought a semi-automatic rifle onto the campus. I went over to join them because there were a lot of residents there who supported me, and it was my turn to support them, said Gillespie, a Democrat. I share their concerns. The truth needs to come out, and the Muller investigation needs to be completed. T wo motorbikes in Theresa May's convoy were involved in a crash with a car during her visit to France and Belgium to mark Armistice Day, according to local media. The Prime Minister was in a convoy with Belgian prime minister Charles Michel when the collision occurred on Friday. Two police motorcycles were knocked over in the incident, Belgian media reported. The two motorcyclists, who were escorting Mrs May and Mr Michel after they laid wreaths at World War One British graves, were taken to hospital. No one else was injured, according to La Libre Belgique newspaper. C alifornia bar mass shooting victims identified The first victims of a mass shooting at a bar in the US which left 12 people dead have been identified. Among victims named was hero police officer Ron Helus, who was due to retire next year. "Sister Sister" actress Tamera Mowry-Housley said her 18-year-old niece Alaina Housely was also among those killed by the ex-marine shooter. The gun attack took place in the town of Thousand Oaks, California, yesterday. Downing Street plays down idea Brexit deal imminent Downing Street has played down suggestions a Brexit deal is imminent after Donald Tusk appeared to indicate a breakthrough was just days away. Ministers are poised to meet as soon as a deal is ready to be signed off and speculation is mounting over a possible special Cabinet meeting this weekend. But a senior UK Government source last night said reports that an agreement could come within this timeframe should be taken with a large pinch of salt. Tommy Robinson banned by PayPal PayPal has banned Tommy Robinson for violating its terms and conditions and it will no longer process payments on his behalf. It comes after online petitions with thousands of signatures called on finance firms to sever ties with former English Defence League leader Mr Robinson. PayPal told the Standard it would not comment on individual customers but added that it would not help promote hate, violence or discrimination. Trumps plan for asylum crackdown Donald Trumps administration last night took a huge step in its plan to limit the rights of migrants seeking asylum at the US-Mexico border. The presidents team put forward a regulation that makes people ineligible for asylum if they cross the southern border illegally. Under the proposals migrants would only be eligible for asylum if they come to official ports of entry. The plans are expected to be come into effect in the coming days. Memorial for cop murdered in Westminster terror attack A memorial to the police officer murdered in last year's Westminster terror attack is to be erected at Parliament by the end of 2018. Keith Palmer, 48, was stabbed by Khalid Masood while on duty outside the Palace of Westminster and died despite an MP's attempts to save him. PC Palmer was one of five killed in the attack on March 22nd last year. The memorial will be a reminder of the officers sacrifice and heroism, the Police Memorial Trust said. Oldest Victorias Secret Angel gives up her wings Veteran supermodel Adriana Lima looked tearful as she last night made her way down the catwalk at a Victorias Secret fashion show for the final time. The Brazilian beauty, 37, received a standing ovation as she strutted her stuff after confirming this years glamorous New York event would be her last. She was honoured with a video montage of her standout moments and walked a victory lap of the stage to a cheering crowd. The model thanked the lingerie brand in a message on Instagram. She said: "Thank you for showing me the world, sharing your secrets, and most importantly not just giving me wings but teaching me to fly." On this day 1812: One of the worst winters on record began - and caused the defeat of the Napoleon. During his retreat from Moscow, troops endured temperatures as low as -37C for 27 consecutive days. 1859: Flogging in the British Army was abolished. 1922: The SS - Schutzstaffel or 'Protection Squad' - was formed in Germany. B eauty addicts everywhere are on the hunt for the best UK deals for Cyber Monday 2018. But where to start? If you are on the hunt for a special beauty gadget, Cult Beauty and Amazon have some of the most competitive bargains out there. In this Back Friday Beauty Guide we will take you through the best websites to shop your favourite products or stock up on Christmas gifts. Big discounts on makeup, skincare, haircare, fragrance and beauty tech are offered across many brands but will have varying prices on Amazon, Boots and Debenhams - but don't worry, we've sorted through the fuss to bring you the best real deals to shop today. There's no better time for bit of self-indulgence to stock up on your every day essentials as well as invest in gifts ahead of the festive season without putting too much of a strain on your bank account. We've rounded up the top bargains and on sale gems to make the shopping process that extra bit easier. Best Websites If you don't know exactly what you're looking for but still want to save big, shop the best deals directly from online retailers Cyber Monday pages. Full of discounts on skincare. makeup, hair care and styling tools, everything you could want will be housed under one of these beauty-best offers. Cult Beauty Easily one of the best beauty deal Cyber Monday destinations for 2018, Cult Beauty is offering a massive saving across the website with even bigger discounts on select products. Amazon The online retailing giant is offering an extensive range of products all discounted in honour of the mega deals day. With a whole host of beauty must-haves given the Cyber Monday treatment, from tools, to skincare, you can shop the best of the deals from brands like Yankee Candle, Foreo and many more from November 16-25. Shop the full Amazon Cyber Monday Beauty page here. John Lewis In line with the department store's 'Never Knowingly Undersold' motto, John Lewis will even respond to Cyber Monday offers at other retailers to find you the best price. Beauty Bay The online beauty retailer is kicking off its Cyber Monday mega sales extravaganza a bit early this year with savings of up to 30% off the entire site, including the brand new Beauty Bay Going Out Out Palette as well as its extensive offering of skincare, serums and sparkles. Glossybox The beauty box site offers five products each month to its subscribers filled with makeup and skincare must-haves. For Cyber Monday, Glossybox is unveiling a mystery box with 90 worth of products for only 10. But it doesn't stop there, the site also has a Cyber Monday deal in the form of the 'All I Want' Box at 25 for subscribers and 30 for non-subscribers. This limited edition box is filled with 11 products; four full sized and six minis worth 140 plus a 35 makeup voucher from Kat Von D worth 25. Look Fantastic Exclusive to Cyber Monday, Look Fantastic has gathered beauty deals so you can stock up on your Christmas gifts - or just treat yourself. The online beauty retailer has deals in all sectors, from skincare, to makeup and for every price bracket with an additional 25% off the entire site. You can also expect savings of up to 50% of your favourite brands and 3 for 2 across brands such as Elemis, REN, Christophe Robin & Elizabeth Arden. Feel Unique Feel Unique has dropped exclusive beauty deals at purse-friendly prices so you can shop the best beauty deals on a range of brands and products without breaking the bank. Expect the likes of 15% off fragrances and some of your favourite labels like Bioderma, La Roche-Posay and Rimmel offering reductions. Debenhams Your favourite brands are being heavily discounted over at Debenhams, but it's the beauty offering where we are paying particular attention. From November 20, you can shop real bargains on the retailer's whole range in the lead up to Cyber Monday and on the day itself. Boots Treat yourself on Cyber Monday to a beauty deal extravaganza at Boots with fragrances, gadgets, aftershave and gifts as well as staples like skincare all on sale. The retailer is offering exclusive discounts on must-have brands like Soap & Glory, Liz Earle, Isle of Paradise and CYO that begin on November 17 till Cyber Monday on November 26. Boots is also offering the chance for customers to earn 10 worth of Advantage Card points when spending 60 online on November 22. Space NK From haircare, to skin via makeup and bath and body essentials, Space NK promises a plethora of beauty offers to indulge in ahead of the party season. Superdrug Avoid the crowds with a stress-free shopping spree at Superdrug. Prepare to save on makeup, perfume, grooming must-haves and styling tools. And this year is set to be bigger than ever before for both Health & Beautycard members and all customers. The former are able to shop the Cyber Monday deals a week early, from November 13, on a range of products from brands like Braun, Tresemme, Babyliss, Oral-B and Phillips as well as Revolution, Pinky Goat, Real Techniques and I Heart Revolution. Escentual The online beauty retailer has revealed its Cyber Monday deals where the premium range of skincare, fragrance and beauty for both men and women will be offered with deals of 50% and over. Think Michael Kors fragrance discounts as well as box sets from the likes of Benefit. Brands Foreo The Swedish beauty-tech brand is offering up to 30% off its range of skincare and oral. Including the brand's latest UFO, the Luna and its mini variations as well as the Issa electric toothbrush. These will all be discounted from November 23-30. GHD Specialising in all stylish tools, the brand are offering 30% off its original styler, 20% off the curve range and 15% off the gold style during the Cyber Monday deals. Tweezerman Is it time to invest in new tweezers? Stock up this Cyber Monday with 30% off the entire Tweezerman range at Beauty Bay. Makeup Fenty Beauty Morphe From the must-have palettes to the coveted brushes, the Cyber Monday Morphe sale is on and for a limited time you can get 25% off with the code GIFTPARTAY. Fenty Beauty Shop the entirety of Rihanna's Fenty Beauty range at 10% from November 23-26. Available exclusively at Harvey Nichols, Cyber Monday is the ideal time to stock up on the highly coveted Christmas range as well as some of the hero and best-selling products. Bare Minerals The skincare label that specialises in skin-friendly mineral makeup is offering up to 25% off its range at Look Fantastic. Bobbi Brown The make up and skincare label has announced its Cyber Monday deals and fans of the brand are going to be very excited. From November 23-26, Black Friday to Cyber Monday, Bobbi Brown will have 20% off everything with the added bonus of a free full-sized Smokey Eye Mascara when you spend 65 online. Eyeko Specialising in all things eye, you will be able to shop London-born brand Eyeko's entire range of mascaras, liners, shadows, brows and kits including the best-selling Lash Alert and Skinny Liquid Eyeliner with a 30% discount across the entire site. Illamasqua The Cyber Weekend is the gift that keeps on giving at over at Illamasqua. The brand is offering savings of up to 50% on the site with some lines even up to 70%. Included in the offer is the label's new limited edition Reign of Rock collection that includes must-have products for eyes, lips and face. Zoeva In honour of the mega savings day, Zoeva will be offering 25 per cent across its entire website with permanent free shipping launching on Cyber Monday. Diego dalla Palma The Milan label is participating in the Cyber Monday sales with a 20 per cent discount off its range of high-performance products to shop exclusively at M&S. Sleek MakeUP Beauty lovers everywhere, Sleek is offering an impressive Cyber Monday discount so you can stock up on your Christmas goodies. On Feel Unique, you can shop the brand for 1/3 off on November 23, while on Amazon, there will be a 30 per cent discount on the label's hero products from November 16-23. Glo Skin Beauty The makeup and skincare label Glo Skin Beauty is composed of products with active ingredients and nourishing minerals to leave you with healthy and glowing skin. The brand is offering 25% off every order with the code 'BlackFriday' from November 23-26. Beauty BLVD Step up your party look with Beauty BLVD's face and body glitter that is offered at more than 50% off this Cyber Monday. The best-selling Stardust kit in Supernova and Drops of Jupiter, as well as the On The Rocks jewels will be available at 15 instead of 33. Nails Inc. Stock up on your favourite nail shades this Cyber Monday with up to 20% off the range of Nails Inc products at Look Fantastic. Skincare Elemis Renowned for its range of expert products, Elemis will be offering a 25 per cent discount on its full-sized body and skincare from November 22-26. Gallinee The probiotic skincare label is offering 20 per cent on its entire website from Black Friday to Cyber Monday in honour of the mega sales event. But it doesn't stop there. The brand is also offering a free hand cream when you spend 30. Elizabeth Arden Over the Cyber Weekend, Elizabeth Arden will be available to shop with a 3 for 2 offer, so you can put the brand's range of innovative and quality skincare, makeup and fragrance to the test. Omorovicza Save up to 30% off your favourite skincare from Budapest-born label Omorovicza with the code BLACK and revolutionise your skincare regime. Glamglow Ensure your skin is primed, prepped and ready for the party season with up to 25% off Glamglow and its range of best-selling masks, mud and more. Yes To The Yes To range of face, hair, body and lip that contain almost all natural ingredients will be available to shop with a 3 for 2 across the range. Aveeno The intensely moisturising skin and haircare brand has been hit with the Black Friday treatment and will be available to shop with a 20% discount. Crabtree & Evelyn The skincare label kicked the Black Friday sales off a touch early this year with 70 per cent off its Outlet section. But from November 21, the brand is offering up to 30% off across its body care essentials with an extra 10% off on the discount day itself, November 23. Even the retro Christmas gifting collection has been given the BF treatment with 20% off selected products and there is even free delivery on Cyber Monday. Green People Green People are bringing its all-natural and organic skincare range to the Black Friday mega deals table with a 3 for 2 offer on the entire range. Shop its extensive range of products, from the baby collection, to its skincare and haircare offering from November 19-26 inclusive. La Roche-Posay The French Pharmacy skincare brand designed for sensitive skin is offering its cult range including the hero La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo[+] with a 1/3 reduction. Shop the entire range from November 19-26 with the impressive discount. Mio Skincare With its range of skincare designed specifically for pregnancy and beyond, Mama Mio has become a firm favourite for new mothers and for Black Friday, the label is offering 30% off its site with 25% off single SKUs, 30% off bundles and an extra 10% saving on kits. Tisserand Aromatherapy Tisserand Aromatherapy has announced a Black Friday flash sale where the brand is offering 25% off on November 23. But it doesn't stop there, one in every 20 orders will get their baskets completely free of charge on Cyber Monday on November 26. The label is composed of hero products that use 100% natural and pure essential oils at the heart of its products as part of its holistic approach to beauty. Jurlique From November 22-26, the Aussie-born label Jurlique is offering 30% off selected lines. Using organic ingredients, the brand offers luxurious formulas to create at-home spa treatments for your face and body. L'Occitane The French label is offering 20% off all full priced items as part of its Black Friday sale that has been redefined as Yellow Friday. Shop its best-selling and hero items from November 22-25, including its Shea Butter Hand Cream, Immortelle Diving Cream and the Almond Milk Concentrate. Colorescience UK Offering post-procedure focused skincare and makeup, Colorescience, the leading dermatologist-trusted brand from the US has recently launched here in the UK. The collection is designed to treat, correct and protect skin and has 25% off the entire order with the code 'BlackFriday' from November 23-26. Clarks Botanicals Created without any toxins, Clarks Botanicals was designed to heal, restore and rebalance skin using the power of nature and science. The brand is offering a 30% discount on all purchases on its website from November 23-29. Tanning It might be November but you can still look all the bit July with one of Cyber Monday's best tanning offers. Isle of Paradise The vegan tanning label Isle of Paradise is offering 50% off its entire collection from November 23-26 with the code BLACKFRIDAY. Tanologist Step up your tanning game this Black Friday thanks to Tanologist who is offering up to 75% off its must-have Insta Glow Instant Tan Illuminator, plus 50% site wide from November 23-27. Vita Liberata Organic tanning brand Vita Liberata will be available to shop this Black Friday with up to 25% off. Bondi Sands Not going on holiday this winter? No problem! Bondi Sands is offering 30% off its entire website so you can get your glow on. Sienna X Rarely putting its tanning offering on sale, make the most of Black Friday with 50% off the 1 Hour Mist, 1 Hour Mousse and Deep tanning Lotion at Sienna X. Haircare Kerluxe Born on the belief that your hair and scalp should be treated with the same care and quality as skincare, Kerluxe is a premium haircare label that is offering 30% off in its Black Friday sale that last from November 19-26. Grow Gorgeous This Christmas, treat that someone special - even if it is yourself - to healthy, shiny and smooth locks with Grow Gorgeous and the impressive Black Friday deal where you can shop the haircare range with 25% off single SKUs, 30% off bundles and 50% off Mini Bundles. Individual Beauty Deals Makeup Lip Save at least 15% on selected Revlon Up to 50% off Real Techniques, Foreo, Olay and more beauty bestsellers Nails Seche Vite Professional Top Coat 14ml now: 4.28, was: 7.65 available until November 23 Foundation and Concealer Hair Up to 50% off Toni & Guy, Lynx and VO5 Up to 50% off Real Techniques, Foreo, Olay and more beauty bestsellers Skincare Up to 30% off Bomb Gift Sets Up to 50% off Real Techniques, Foreo, Olay and more beauty bestsellers Fragrance Up to 50% off on best selling fragrances including Calvin Klein,Hugo Boss and Paul Smit Brow Up to 50% off Real Techniques, Foreo, Olay and more beauty bestsellers WUNDER2 WUNDERBROW Long Lasting Eyebrow Gel for Waterproof Eyebrow Makeup, Brunette Color now: 9.98, was: 19.95 available until November 23 Tools Up to 50% off Real Techniques, Foreo, Olay and more beauty bestsellers 25% off the ghd Gifting Bundle and BaByliss Grooming Up to 50% off Toni & Guy, Lynx and VO5 L'Oreal deals T om Felton has sent Harry Potter fans into a frenzy yet again by reuniting with fellow wizarding cast member Emma Watson. The 31-year-old appeared in a post on Watsons social media, with her congratulating him on his role in new Youtube original series Origin. In a sweet snap, 28-year-old Watson appeared cosied up to the actor on a beach. She captioned the image: Toms @OriginSeries is out on 14th November. Congrats dear friend. The Beauty and the Beast actress beamed as she channelled her inner skater with a snapback and rolled up sleeves on her t-shirt. Watson then followed up the post with an incredibly adorable video of her riding on the back of a skateboard with Felton, holding on to him for support. In the clip, Felton mocked: Easy with the wobbling, keep your feet still. Youre dancing around on the board like a clown. Hang on tight. Flocking to the comments excited fans declared the pair so cute. One user wrote: Hahaha this is amazing as hell. Another commented: THEY'RE SO CUTE! OMG! A third added: Im sorry but when are you guys gonna start dating though you look perfect together haha. He gave fans of the wizarding franchise a slice of nostalgia by posing side-by-side with his former co-star during a night out. The snap showed the pair looking like best friends rather than worst enemies as Felton stopped by to watch Radcliffes Broadway show The Lifespan of a Fact. He captioned the image: Go see it. Hes fantastic as per @lifespanofafact. V ictoria Beckham was never actually asked to join the Spice Girls on tour, they just presumed she wouldn't want to. Emma Bunton, Geri Horner, Mel B and Mel C delighted fans on Monday with the news that they were reuniting for a six-date UK tour next year. But Baby, Sporty, Ginger and Scary wont be joined by Posh a.k.a. Beckham after the fashion designer declared her Spice Girl days over. Mel C has now revealed that Beckham pointed out that she was never invited to reunite. Minus 1: Victoria Beckham will not be joining the Spice Girls on tour / Getty Images Speaking to Jonathan Ross she said: Do you know what is actually quite funny? I saw Victoria recently and obviously weve all been in contact. She is still very much a part of the Spice Girls, she really supports us and we really support her. Spice Girls on The Jonathan Ross Show 1 /4 Spice Girls on The Jonathan Ross Show Brian J Ritchie/Hotsauce/REX Brian J Ritchie/Hotsauce/REX Brian J Ritchie/Hotsauce/REX Brian J Ritchie/Hotsauce/REX But she did raise the point that she was never actually asked. We just presumed. But Bunton claimed they did ask Beckham but that she was busy with her fashion and shes moved on, adding that they are a band on and off the stage who support each other in decisions. TODO: define component type apester Horner added: I spoke to her two days ago, before the announcement and she has said it for years that she just doesnt want to do it anymore, so we knew that. No [she didnt enjoy performing] and you dont want to make somebody do something they dont want to do. The Jonathan Ross Show airs Saturday November 10 at 10.35pm on ITV. The movie had its premiere at the BFI London Film Festival last month, but its small screen debut will be on Armistice Day. Jackson used archived footage that has been hand-colourised, digitalised and restored for television to capture life on the frontline. Here is everything you need to know: Archive footage of soldiers on the frontline was colourised for the film / BBC/Wingnut Films with Peter Jackson/IWM How did Peter Jackson make the WW1 film? The ambitious documentary took a lot of planning and work, taking silent footage and restoring, colourising and converting it to 3D for television. Artillery fire, marches and a general soundtrack was then added over the top of the images to bring the footage to life. Using lip reading analysis, speeches between soldiers have been reconstructed for stories that can finally be told 100 years on, in partnership with the Imperial War Museum. Renewal: Life after the First World War in Photographs, IWM 1 /15 Renewal: Life after the First World War in Photographs, IWM Armistice Celebrations in Birmingham, 1918 IWM the first released British prisoners of war to reach Tournai PA A refugee family returning to Amiens, looking at the ruins of a house, 17 September 1918 IWM 32,000 destroyed German rifles PA See the World, British Army Poster (1919). Two British infantrymen walk through a crowded Near Eastern bazaar, both in khaki uniform. IWM ( Captain Francis Derwent Wood puts the finishing touches to a cosmetic plate and compares it to the face of a disfigured patient for whom the plate is being made, 3rd London General Hospital IWM Patients being taught to use their new artificial limbs PA A shearing machine cutting sword blades in half PA German battleship SMS Bayern sinking at Scapa Flow PA demobilised British men handing in their rifles before boarding the Rhine steamer at Cologne, which took them to Rotterdam, on their way home to England PA The dismantling of defences on the German island of Heligoland. The image is amongst a series of 130 black and white rarely seen photographs that are going on display as part of an exhibition on the aftermath of the First World War conflict PA Armed civilians leading members of the Red Guard away during the liberation of Munich. The image is amongst a series of 130 black and white rarely seen photographs that are going on display as part of an exhibition on the aftermath of the First World War conflict PA Horses and men of 1st Anzac Corps on their way past the ruins of the Cathedral and Cloth Hall in Ypres following the end of the First World War PA A heap of fuselages from dismantled German planes at Cologne. The aircraft in the foreground is a Pfalz Scout. The image is amongst a series of 130 black and white rarely seen photographs that are going on display as part of an exhibition on the aftermath of the First World War conflict PA Workers breaking up a Mark V Tank, probably at the Steelbreaking and Dismantling Company of Chesterfield, following the end of First World War PA A 30-minute special as part of the What Do Artists Do All Day? will air on Monday November 12 showing Jackson and his team at work. Is there a trailer for They Shall Not Grow Old? A trailer, just shy of one minute, was released in September, promising viewers that the film would be unlike anything they have ever seen before. How to watch They Shall Not Grow Old The 98-minute film had its televisual premiere on Sunday November 11 at 9.30pm on BBC 2. You can also watch it on iPlayer for the following week. It will be available online until Sunday November 18, at 11.05pm. At work: Peter Jackson / BBC Is They Shall Not Grow Old in cinemas? After its premiere at the London Film Festival on October 16, the film was screened in selected cinemas periodically. Illinois State Police conducted an independent investigation into the use of force, which was reviewed by Kane County States Attorney Joe McMahon. The review determined the use of force was justified and there was reasonable belief for the officer who fired the shot that hit Kemble to use force to prevent death or harm to the other officers. Having the support of additional volunteers to knock on more doors definitely helped. It would have been difficult for me to knock on every door in the county, Vickers said of the backing from the Underwood campaign. We came together in the end and worked together. 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 With the help of our entire District 21 team administrators, teachers, and support staff we shared a compelling vision for the district with a comprehensive plan to accomplish that vision. Our parents, led by a steering committee of five moms, brought that vision to the community through their advocacy efforts. The community responded in this incredibly gratifying manner. In that vein, maybe the board could consider expanding their well meaning and previous attempt at filling South because that building is still clearly under utilized. Then, they could decrease the amount of projected, padded and exorbitant fees from the referendum wish list. Romanian Defence Minister Mihai Fifor said on Friday during a visit to the 57th Mihai Kogalniceanu Air Base that the region finds itself in a "complex security situation" amidst "the aggressive attitude of the Russian Federation displayed in its intention of militarising the Black Sea and by increasing the military forces in the region and the deployment of new capabilities.' Accompanying Fifor on his visit was his Canadian counterpart Harjit Singh Sajjan, whom he told that the presence of Canadian partners in Romania as part of the NATO air policing mission sends a message of solidarity and contributes to the implementation of reinsurance measures in a regional context. He also commended his Canadian counterpart for the constant support provided by Canada and for the contribution of the country to the implementation of the measures related to the enhanced forward presence adapted to all dimensions: air, navy and land. "I want to thank you once again for your country's contribution by taking up positions at the Multinational Division Command and the Command of the Multinational Brigade Southeast in Craiova. I am pleased to reiterate our appreciation for the presence of the Canadian Air Force, namely about 135 military deployed at the air base of Mihail Kogalniceanu and CF-18 airplanes performing enhanced air police missions between September and December 2018. I also want to point out the professionalism and dedication with which they carry out their missions in Romania as they implicitly contribute to the maintenance of a climate of peace and stability, both in the region and in the Euro-Atlantic area," said Fifor. He added that people in the Black Sea region "are going through difficult times." "We are going through difficult times in this region where we find ourselves in a complex security situation and facing an aggressive attitude on the part of the Russian Federation which intends to militarise the Black Sea and increase its military capabilities in the region while deploying new capabilities. These are the things that both Romanian and Canadian soldiers can notice every day on Romania's soil," Fifor said. He also said that meeting his Canadian counterpart Harjit Singh Sajjan is also an opportunity to address issues such as strengthening a deterrent and defensive posture, effective in countering threats to NATO security, as well as Romania's bid to host a NATO army corps and to identify concrete co-operation ways for the commissioning of such capability to contribute to the architecture of a coherent command and control structure for NATO's south-eastern flank. "I want to use this opportunity to reconfirm our desire to continue collaboration that is very valuable to Romania, which, along with an intense programme of joint exercises, the affiliation of forces and personnel with the NATO command and control bodies in Romania, will enhance the architecture for bilateral co-operation," said Fifor. He also referenced the importance Romania will attach to transatlantic dialogue while holding the six-month rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2019. "On a different note, the importance of intensifying the dialogue between our countries is all the more relevant as Romania will take over the presidency of the Council of the European Union from January next year. Particular attention will be paid to strengthening the transatlantic relationship as a priority of our presidency as well as of the intensification of the NATO-EU cooperation. One thing is certain: that we cannot think of the whole architecture of European security without a strong transatlantic link and I am convinced that we will be able to co-operate on this issue as well," concluded Fifor. AGERPRES . Romania's Defence Minister Mihai Fifor said on Friday during a visit to the 57th Air Base with Canadian counterpart Harjit Singh Sajjan that incidents such as the recent one when an American military aircraft was intercepted by a Russian airplane in the Black Sea international airspace, are frequent. "Such incidents, unfortunately, are relatively common; I do not mean this type of interception, it indeed did not happen in a long time and it was at least a bizarre attitude on the part of the Russian Federation. It was an obvious challenge, and we believe such actions have no place in such situations, because there are challenges that can have unpleasant consequences. There can be accidents and no one wants such a thing," the minister explained. Fifor reiterated that the role of air policing is to prevent the violation of NATO airspace and that no incidents of this level have been recorded so far. "We believe that there is enough space to be able to carry out our missions. We have repeatedly shown that we are ready for these missions with our allies. We all know that there have been reports from Canadian colleagues of Russia's aircraft approaching the NATO airspace. Once again, they did not enter the NATO airspace, but it is precisely the role of air policing missions to prevent such things and that is why we are prepared and carry out these missions (...) I cannot put an exact number on these incidents. Our aircraft take off whenever needed and they carry out the air policing missions. Once again, that is their role, that is why we are here with our partners," said Fifor. Fifor reiterated that the procedure for the acquisition of corvettes is almost complete and hopes that by November 15 he will be able to announce the completion of the procedure, the object of which is the construction of four corvettes at a shipyard in Romania under a partnership, industrial cooperation and know-how transfer, so that the offset under this programme may help upgrade two frigates purchased from the British Navy. He also said that acquiring submarines for the Romanian Navy is still on the agenda. "The concept phase of the submarine acquisition project is complete and we hope to be able to take it as soon as possible before the Supreme Council for National Defence (CSAT)," said Fifor. AGERPRES . The Romanian artillery distinguished, since its establishment, through heroic sacrifices for defending the national identity, reads a message of National Defence Minister Mihai Fifor delivered on the celebration of 175 years since the foundation of the Artillery service branch in Romania's Army. "Romania's Army celebrates on 10 November 2018, the Artillery Day, thus marking 175 years since the first artillery battery was established in Wallachia, through Ruler's Command No.185 on 10 November 1843. Throughout its existence, the Romanian artillery distinguished, not rarely, through heroic sacrifices and valiant acts for defending the national identity. On the battlefield, the artillery soldiers defended the Romanian soil with courage and the sense of debt was a source of strength in the most difficult moments. Honor, discipline, boldness have always been values that define the Romanian artillery servicemen. On this anniversary day, we bow before the past having the obligation to pay homage to the artillery heroes who dedicated their lives to serving the motherland, for fulfilling the liberty and independence ideals of the Romanian people," Mihai Fifor underscored in his message. He added that the artillery represents a basic element in the architecture of any modern army and Romania's accession to NATO also brought major opportunities for the artillery soldiers to modernize their fighting techniques and operating procedures, based on the principle of interoperability with the allied forces. "The strategic acquisition programmes planned and carried out by the National Defence Ministry also took into account the development needs of this service branch. Thus, worthy to be brought to mind here is the 'High Mobility Artillery Rocket System' (HIMARS), which aim to earmark three such systems for accomplishing 'the Indirect Fire Support Capability.' Through this programme, complementary to those already completed or in the final stages of implementation, the artillery service branch will ensure its full compatibility with similar structures inside NATO. At the same time, this capability will significantly increase the role of the Land Forces in defending both the national soil and that of the North Atlantic Alliance. (...) You distinguish yourselves dear artillery servicemen, through very good results and efficiency in the activities that you conducted, and all this represents the fruit of your professionalism and commitment both in missions on the country's territory and abroad," Minister Fifor added. AGERPRES . Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister of Hungary Peter Szijjarto gave assurances that his country will not endorse in the European Parliament any kind of attacks on Romania. The Hungarian official stated that Romania is seen by Hungary as a strategic partner and its goal is to build of a strategic relation and friendship between the two countries, because it's obvious that both states are confronted with similar challenges. He went on saying that both countries are put under pressure by foreign attacks, thus Hungary will not endorse in the European Parliament any kind of attack on Romania. After meeting Speaker of the Deputies' Chamber Liviu Dragnea, at the Palace of Parliament, the Hungarian Minister expressed the wish for a tight cooperation in terms of energy, with Hungary counting on the opportunity to buy gas forom Romania after the start of exploitation of the Neptun gas field, as well as on the strong cooperation in terms of infrastructure at the border crossing points. When asked how he sees the amendment to the Justice Laws made by the Romanian politicians, which was criticised by the European Commission, Peter Szijjarto mentioned that it's the Romanian MPs' right to legislate in their country. He brought to mind that there were many complaints with the European Parliament and the European Commission regarding the situation of the rule of law in Hungary, very similar to Romania's case. AGERPRES . The Government is meeting its commitments to taking measures that lead to an increase in Romanians' incomes, a fact confirmed by official data, Prime Minister Viorica Dancila said on Friday. "The Government is meeting its commitments to taking measures that lead to an increase in Romanians' incomes, a fact confirmed by official data. According to data recently published by the National Institute of Statistics, in September the gross nominal average wage increased to almost 1,000 euro and reached the level of 4.482 lei The increase in the net average salary in September 2018 compared to the same period last year exceeded 13.1pct. Romanians' purchasing power in September compared to the same period of last year increased by almost 8pct, namely 7.7pct," Viorica Dancila said at the opening of the Government sitting. The prime minister underscored the importance of "these indicators rising from month to month"."In September 2018, as compared to August this year, gross average wages and net wages increased by 0.7pct, and the purchasing power also increased slightly, namely by 0.2pct," said Dancila. Prime minister Viorica Dancila said in the opening of the gov't sitting on Friday that the official visit she has paid this week to the Sultanate of Oman and Qatar were an important political signal in the sense of boosting relations with the Gulf states, a goal included in the ruling programme. "This visit had an economic side as did the visits I paid last month to Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, with the purpose to back the development of the cooperation with the Arab world. During these visits, I aimed to promote the public-private partnerships Romania's gov't wishes to implement in the following period, alongside with drawing the foreign investments to Romania, priorities of the Romanian gov't. The two visits were an important political signal in the direction of developing relations with the Gulf states, which is an objective included in the 2017-2020 ruling programme," Viorica Dancila said. The premier mentioned that the talks she had in both countries aimed at deepening the bilateral cooperation in common interest fields, such as "health care, infrastructure, agriculture, tourism, education, culture"."Therefore, three bilateral cooperation agreements were inked between Romania and Qatar, in agriculture, tourism and the diplomatic institutes from both countries, as well as an agreement between Romania and the Sultanate of Oman. We have thus set solid premises to extend sectoral cooperation with the two states," Dancila specified. The National Rural Development Program (PNDR) is the program with the greatest absorption at the level of the European Union member states, with a rate of over 40 percent, and for the next year we expect a 55-percent absorption, Camelia Iliescu, director of the Rural Development General Directorate - AM PNDR within the Ministry of Agriculture stated on Friday. "We have reached an absorption rate of 40.2 percent from the National Rural Development Program, in relation to payments, but if we are to take into account that pre-financing of 325 million euro, the absorption rate reaches 44.2 percent. For the next year, we forecast a payment amount of about one billion euro, which would raise the absorption to over 55 percent of the program. The allocation through the PNDR is 9.46 billion euro, of which 8.12 billion euro the contribution of the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and 1.34 billion euro from national contribution," Camelia Iliescu told the Romanian Food & Agribusiness Conference. She stressed that Romania will have a major contribution to the Common Agricultural Policy, given that it will take over the presidency of the Council of the EU next year and "the future budget of the European Union not only on development rural will be debated and cast in stone."At the end of last week, the Secretary of State in the Ministry of Agriculture, Alexandru Potor, stated that Romania exceeded the target of 1.2 billion euro, money absorbed in 2018 from the European funds for rural development."The total amount we will receive by the end of 2018 from the PNDR is 1.2 billion euro. The money will certainly enter the country because it is the subject of payment requests that have been sent to Brussels. Our plan for 2018 is to finish the year by exceeding the 50 percent of the financial envelope that we have at disposal through PNDR, envelope that amounts to 8.1 billion euro," Potor specified.He said that "besides the very honorable percentage" we are heading towards, of over 50 percent, this will place Romania at the top of the European absorption level in terms of nominal value. Chairman of the National Liberal Party (PNL) Ludovic Orban asked for the resignation of Calin Popescu-Tariceanu from his office as President of the Senate and called on the senators to vote, just as the Liberals will vote, namely in favour of the National Anticorruption Directorate (DNA) request, for the commencement of the latter's criminal prosecution. "I request the resignation of Calin Popescu-Tariceanu from the President of the Senate office. (...) The decision whether or not a citizen is guilty is made by courts. Any political victimisation attempt, following the request for the commencement of criminal prosecution, doesn't do anything else, but to show, once again, that Dragnea and Tariceanu are using the political power not to improve the citizens' lives, not to put in practice the governing programme they presented to the citizens, but to make use of the political power acquired only for their personal purposes, and in view of getting rid of the criminal investigations or the consequences of the acts they committed. Moreover, we ask the senators to vote just as the PNL will vote - namely in favour of the request to start the criminal prosecution," the PNL Chairman told a press conference on Friday. The Prosecutor's General Office sent the Senate, upon being notified by the DNA, a request to start the criminal prosecution for the bribe taking offense, which was allegedly committed by Senate President Calin Popescu-Tariceanu. The National Anticorruption Directorate (DNA) argues that Senate President Calin Popescu-Tariceanu would have received indirectly, between 2007-2008, back when he was in the Prime Minister office, benefits worth approximately 800,000 US dollars from an Austrian company. AGERPRES . As the men left the store, Basilio followed them outside to the parking lot as he continued to yell slurs, prosecutors said. Basilio then pulled out a long-handled knife and the men fled on foot, abandoning their car, according to prosecutors. Romania's President Klaus Iohannis attends a series of events in Paris dedicated to the Centennial of the WWI Armistice that ended WWI hostilities, on Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday, on his visit to Paris, Iohannis will attend an event hosted by the Embassy of Romania in Paris dedicated to the Romanian contribution to the development of science and technology in the Centennial Year of Romania's Greater Union. He is scheduled to meet professor Gerard Mourou, the 2018 Nobel Prize winner in Physics, with Romanian students, masters and doctoral students in the Paris region involved in scientific research. He will also attend the events at the Orsay Museum on Saturday and visit the 'Picasso Bleu et Rose' exhibition and take part in a dinner extended by his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron in honour of the heads of state, government and international organisations. On Sunday, Iohannis will join the other leaders of the WWI belligerent countries, as well as those of the countries that supported the war effort, at the Arc de Triomphe, where the ceremony of the Armistice Centennial ceremony will take place. Also on Sunday, he will attend the official lunch offered to heads of delegations Macron at Elysee Palace and the opening of the Paris Peace Forum. This forum is an initiative of the French President designed to generate concrete projects in the spirit of multilateralism and contemporary co-operation in support of peace. President Iohannis's participation in the Armistice Centennial events takes place at the invitation of his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron. More than 60 political leaders from all over the world, presidents and heads of government, including US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, as well as other leaders of the belligerent countries, will be attending events at the weekend in Paris celebrating the 100th anniversary of the signing of the armistice that ended World War I, according to news agencies. The Armistice Day is commemorated each year on November 11 to celebrate the peace treaty signed between the Entente and the Central Powers in Compiegne, France, that marked the end of the hostilities on the West Front in WWI. Initially, this truce ceased after a 36-day period. The treaty on the definitive cessation of hostilities was formally signed in Versailles in 1919. AGERPRES . Romania is supporting the efforts of the European Commission (EC) in the negotiation over the reformation of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Stefan-Radu Oprea, Romania's minister for the business environment, trade and entrepreneurship, told a formal meeting of the EU's Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) in Brussels. According to a press statement released by the ministry, the meeting in Brussels aimed at exploring the latest developments in and future prospects of the multilateral or plurilateral trade negotiations conducted under the auspices of the WTO in the current difficult context marked by the crises facing the organisation and the trade tensions between certain WTO members. "Romania is supporting the European Commission's efforts in the process of negotiating the reform of the WTO as an essential tool for free trade that generates development, sustainability and trust in international relations," said Oprea. On the side-lines of the FAC-Trade meeting, Oprea had a series of meetings with counterparts from other member states to discuss topics of common interest from the perspective of the future Romanian presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2019. "In the same context of promoting multilateralism and strengthening trade relations globally, the trade ministers of the EU member states looked into the state of play in current trade negotiations between the EU and third countries and the implementation of already agreed agreements, based on the presentation of the European Commission's annual report on the implementation of the free trade agreements for the period from January 1 to December 31, 2017 by Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom." The meeting in Brussels also tackled EU-US trade relations, with emphasis on the implementation of the EU-US Joint Declaration adopted on July 25, 2018 by European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and US President Donald Trump. AGERPRES . Chairman of the Save Romania Union (USR, opposition, ed. n.) Dan Barna, considers that the head of the National Personal Data Processing Supervision Authority (ANSPDCP) Ancuta Gianina Opre must resign because "she is threatening the press with mafioso-style intimidation," after the institution requested that Rise Project disclose the identity of the sources for the pieces of information in the Tel Drum (company for infrastructure repairs in Teleorman county that was supposedly allocated funds without tender, ed.n.) case. At the same time, Barna argues that Social Democratic Party (PSD, major at rule, ed.n.) chairman Liviu Dragnea is trying to intimidate the press. "Liviu Dragnea through his PSD lackeys at the head of the state institutions is trying to intimidate the Rise Project and stop them from revealing the filth in #TeleormanLeaks. He wants to intimidate the prosecutors and the judges dealing with his cases, he wants to intimidate the Romanians denouncing the theft and abuses with tear-gas and batons, and now the press' turn has come. The National Personal Data Processing Supervision Authority is calling on the journalists from Rise Project to disclose the identity of the sources who provided the information in #thesuitcase, under threat of fines as big as the Teldrum damage (...) The ANSPDCP head has to resign! She is being prosecuted for abuse of office, that crime PSD-ALDE [Alliance of Liberals and Democrats, minor at rule, ed.n.] has attempted in the last two years to remove from the collective vocabulary and the law. And now she is threatening the press with mafioso-style intimidation!" wrote Dan Barna on Thursday, in a Facebook post.The Rise Project platform announced on Saturday having come into the possession of a "suitcase with vital insider information from Dragnea's Tel Drum corporation", information the prosecutors did not have access to when they searched the company's offices in 2017. According to Rise Project, the suitcase was found in rural Teleorman, on the property of a local. Lincoln-Way Central High School Auto Shop students performed vehicle safety inspections for about 25 senior citizens recently in a program that teamed the school with the village of New Lenox. They checked fluid and antifreeze levels, belts, hoses, tested the battery, and inspected tires for unusual wear or cracking/dry rot between the treads or on the sidewall. Additionally, they checked lights, turn signals, and wipers, items that don't always get checked but are sure to create issues if neglected. These are the regular inspections Lincoln-Way auto students are taught to make when performing oil changes on vehicles, said auto teacher Tony Ogarek. Once the inspections are completed, we will be making recommendations based on our findings. This is the first year for the partnership between the Village of New Lenox and Lincoln-Way Central. Seniors sometimes dont know where to take their car. They dont want to go to an auto shop and think they may get taken advantage of, said Dan Martin, Safe Community Coordinator for the Village of New Lenox. This is good training for the students, and its a nice way to give back and help the seniors. NAPA Auto Parts in New Lenox donated the parts used by the students. Dolton Police Chief Robert Collins said he had not seen the autopsy report and did not wish to comment on it. At the time of the incident, Collins said the officer who used the stun gun had done everything by the book, and reiterated that he stood by his earlier remarks. I think he and I even played in an orchestra together when I was still playing oboe when I was younger. I probably conducted an orchestra that he played in but for the first time we will be working in a soloist-conductor relationship. The American political scientist known for promoting the end of history fish tale following the collapse of the Soviet Union and the spread of Liberal-capitalist values around the world now appears to be angling for ways wittingly or unwittingly to curtail the freedom of speech. Writing in The American Interest as the virtual crackdown on Alex Jones was underway, Fukuyama argued that the usual suspects of the social media universe Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Apple, and all of their vast subterranean holdings need to come clean by entering a two-step rehabilitation program where they must: (1.) accept the fact that they are media companies with an obligation to curate information on their platforms, and (2.) accept the fact that they need to get smaller. I think we can safely skip the need to get smaller suggestion with a hearty chuckle and focus our attention instead on the question of social media being held to the same rules as those that regulate Americas squeaky clean media divas, like The Washington Post, CNN and MSNBC. The social media monsters argue that since they do not create original content, but rather mindlessly provide the clean slate, as it were, for third-party developers to post their own thoughts, opinions, news and of course wild-eyed conspiracy theories, they cannot be bound by the same rules and regulations as the mainstream media, which must bear ultimate responsibility for its increasingly damaged goods. Were not a media company, the late Steve Jobs of Apple fame told Esquire in a rough and tumble interview. We dont own media. We dont own music. We dont own films or television. Were not a media company. Were just Apple. On that note, Jobs reached over and switched off the interviewers tape recorder, bringing an abrupt end to the strained conversation. Thanks to the provisions laid out in Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996, the social media platforms are granted immunity from liability for users of an "interactive computer service" who publish information provided by third-party users. The act was overwhelmingly supported by Congress following the verdict in the 1995 court case, Stratton Oakmont, Inc. v. Prodigy Services Co., which suggested that internet service providers that assumed an editorial role with regards to client content thus became publishers and legally vulnerable for any wrongdoing (libel and slander, for example) committed by their customers. At the time, when alternative voices on the social media frontier had not turned into actual competition for the legacy media, legislators deemed it more important to protect service providers from criminal proceedings than to nip freedom of speech in the bud. Honorable? Yes. But I wonder if theyd have made the same decision knowing the powerful forces they had unleashed. At this point, Fukuyama summarizes the plight regarding the social media platforms with relation to their independent creators, who wish to express their freedom of speech. Section 230 was put in place both to protect freedom of speech and to promote growth and innovation in the tech sector. Both users and general publics were happy with this outcome for the next couple of decades, as social media appeared and masses of people gravitated to platforms like Facebook and Twitter for information and communication. But these views began to change dramatically following the 2016 elections in the United States and Britain, and subsequent revelations both of Russian meddling in the United States and other countries, and of the weaponization of social media by far-Right actors like Alex Jones. Despite being a learned and intelligent man, Fukuyama jumps headfirst into the shallow end of a pool known as Blame Russia, while, at the same time, blames the far-Right for the weaponization of social media, as though the Left isnt equally up to the challenge of waging dirty tricks, in a crucial election year, no less. Next, he genuflects before the Almighty Algorythm, the godhead of Silicon Valleys Valhalla, which, as the argument goes, was responsible for attracting huge audiences to particular channels and their messages, instead of the other way around. Their business model was built on clicks and virality, which led them to tune their algorithms in ways that actively encouraged conspiracy theories, personal abuse, and other content that was most likely to generate user interaction, Fukuyama surmises. This was the opposite of the public broadcasting ideal, which (as defined, for example, by the Council of Europe) privileged material deemed in the broad public interest. In other words, had Mark Zuckerberg and friends not toggled their algorithmic settings to conspiracy theories, then the easily manipulated masses would never have given a second thought to well-known catastrophes based on pure and unadulterated evil, like the Invasion of Iraq in 2003, which, as the tin-foil-hat crowd constantly crows, was made possible by the fake news of weapons of mass destruction. Here, Fukuyama lays on thick his extra-nutty academic drivel: This is the most important sense in which the big internet platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube have become media companies: They craft algorithms that determine what their users limited attention will focus on, driven (at least up to now) not by any broad vision of public responsibility but rather by profit maximization, which leads them to privilege virality. In other words, internet users are not inquisitive creatures by nature with fully functioning frontal lobe regions like the honorable Francis Fukuyama. They do not actively search out subjects of interest with critical reasoning skills and ponder cause and effect. And lets not even mention the mainstream medias disastrous coverage of current events, which led to the alienation of mainstream audiences in the first place. In Fukuyamas matrix, otherwise normal people subscribe to alternative facts or conspiracy theories because those damn algorithms kept popping up! This more righteous than thou attitude on the part of left-leaning Silicon Valley prompted hundreds of independent channels the overwhelming majority from the right to be swept away by a force known as private ownership where brutal censorship has become the latest fad. Fukuyama, serving as the mouthpiece for both corporate and political interests, shrugs off this noxious phenomenon by arguing: Private actors can and do censor material all the time, and the platforms in question are not acting on behalf of the U.S. government. Lets give Fukuyama the benefit of the doubt. Maybe there really is no cooperation between the most powerful and influential industries for manipulating public opinion and the U.S. government. Yet we would do well to keep in mind some key facts that strongly suggest otherwise. During the two-term presidency of Barack Obama (2009-2016), Google executives met on average once a week in the White House with government officials. According to the Campaign for Accountability, 169 Google employees met with 182 government officials at least 427 times, a Beltway record for such chumminess. What is so potentially disastrous about such meetings is that Google, the chokepoint on news and information, which has the power to actually rewrite history, is fiercely Liberal in its political outlook as some whistleblowers who escaped the well-manicured campus known for employee neck massages and free lunches. What was discussed in the White House? Nobody really knows. However, there is already a treasure trove of publicly available information detailing the intimate relationship between US intelligence and Google (as well as the other usual suspects). Fukuyama tries to conclude with an upbeat, happy message by saying private sector actorshave a responsibility to help maintain the health of [Americas democratic] political system. However, judging by everything in the article that preceded that remark, I would have to guess Francis Fukuyama would fully support yet more intolerance in the world of social media as a means of preserving Americas freedom-squashing status quo. Earlier parts of this intermittent series discussed NATO's projection and gaslighting. Psychology Today defines confirmation bias as: Once we have formed a view, we embrace information that confirms that view while ignoring, or rejecting, information that casts doubt on it. Confirmation bias suggests that we dont perceive circumstances objectively. We pick out those bits of data that make us feel good because they confirm our prejudices. Thus, we may become prisoners of our assumptions. Or, closer to the topic of this essay: This quotation is from an interview of George Kennan by Thomas Friedman published in the New York Times twenty years ago. He was speaking about what was then called "NATO expansion" (later changed to the more anodyne and deceptive phrase "NATO enlargement". (I as a civil servant in the Canadian Department of National Defence used to amuse myself by seeing if I could sneak the forbidden "expansion" an altogether more honest word into briefing notes for the Higher Ups. As I recall, I got away with it about half the time. A trivial pleasure in the evolving disaster.) But back to Kennan, Mr X, the author of the Long Telegram, the founder of "containment", the man who actually lived long enough to see his recommendations, not only followed, but successful. He was right: in the long term, the Soviet system was not sustainable; it was, as Russian President Putin said: "a road to a blind alley". I think [NATO expansion] is a tragic mistake. There was no reason for this whatsoever. No one was threatening anybody else. We have signed up to protect a whole series of countries, even though we have neither the resources nor the intention to do so in any serious way. It was simply a light-hearted action by a Senate that has no real interest in foreign affairs Our differences in the cold war were with the Soviet Communist regime. And now we are turning our backs on the very people who mounted the greatest bloodless revolution in history to remove that Soviet regime. The man who got it right in 1947 also got it right in 1998. a bad reaction from Russia, and then [the NATO expanders] will say that we always told you Could there be a better illustration of the truth of Kennan's percipience than this headline from the New York Times in July 2017: "Russias Military Drills Near NATO Border Raise Fears of Aggression"? The chutzpah of the headline is hard to swallow: Russia hasn't moved anywhere. "The troops are conducting military maneuvers known as Zapad, Russian for 'west,' in Belarus, the Baltic Sea, western Russia and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad." Belarus is an ally of Russia, Russia has a Baltic coastline of more than 400 kilometres, Kaliningrad is part of Russia. So what exactly is the reason what Russia can't do whatever military things it wants to at home? Imagine the reaction if Moscow dared question an American military exercise in the USA. But this reversal of truth is now the propagandistic norm: "New photos show Russia's building up its military on NATO's doorstep, but the alliance says it won't be intimidated" and "Russia Building Up Military on NATOs Borders" in October 2018 (just before a large NATO exercise that actually is on Russia's border). NATO idiotically assures us that Russian notions that NATO is encircling Russia "ignores geography" because of Russia's 20 thousand kilometre border NATO touches only a teeny weeny bit. Well, if it can add Finland, Ukraine and Georgia, it will be a bit more. But I doubt any Russian has said "encircling". Russians know there's no NATO in Asia but they do see NATO moving its doorstep towards it. These are perfect examples of the confirmation bias that Kennan predicted: the NATO expanders are telling us that Russia's actions inside its unchanged borders are exactly why we had to expand NATO's borders. Russia's reaction to NATO's expansion enlargement justifies NATO's enlargement expansion. Here's NATO patting itself on the back: "NATO enlargement has contributed to spreading democracy, security and stability further across Europe." NATO's official enumeration of its sad relations with Russia and Moscow's many unfounded accusations and inexplicable failure to accept the simple declaration that this military alliance advancing every closer to Russia "does not seek confrontation and poses no threat to Russia" may be found here. Parenthetically it is interesting that the specific accusations made against Russia in this apologia, which we are to believe sadly made NATO take other steps, are Crimea and Ukraine which greatly postdate NATO expansion. How clever of the expanders in the 1990s to foresee Russia's actions in Ukraine nearly two decades later! Another clear case of confirmation bias. This sort of thing goes on all the time. From the Washington Post in November 2016, a reliable mouthpiece of the US war party, "Russian warplanes keep buzzing the Baltics. Heres how NATO scrambles." "Russian War Planes Threaten a US Navy Ship in International Waters" (Note the video reconstruction and see if you think it's an accurate representation of what the actual video shows.) "Russia defends sending warships through English Channel". Russias Existential Threat to NATO in the Baltics is a perfect fulfilment of Kennan's observation "We have signed up to protect a whole series of countries, even though we have neither the resources nor the intention to do so in any serious way". And because we can't defend them, the very existence of NATO is threatened. I will agree that there are a few cooler heads around: but they seem to be without much effect in the prevailing weather of Russia Threatens Massive Military Buildup to Counter US, NATO, Vladimir Putins nuclear warships pictured steaming towards the English Channel as Royal Navy prepares to scramble fleet, Latvia faces hybrid threat as EU, NATO boost defenses and many more. The same confirmation bias can be found on the other side of the world in which we are ceaselessly told that China provokes US Navy ships peacefully exercising their free passage in international waters. This can stand for the numerous examples: Imagine the reaction in Washington if Chinese warships patrolled the Gulf of Mexico "to ensure freedom of navigation"! The USN patrols to ensure the safe passage of goods to and from China in the South China Sea; Beijing reacts; proof that more patrols are necessary and justified. So, after two decades of NATO's expanding its doorstep to the edge of Russia, after years of the USN doorstep moving closer to China, where are we in terms of the stability that NATO expansion is supposed to have brought us? At least two wars in Ossetia in 2008 and eastern Ukraine starting in 2014 are consequences of NATO expansion. But, more to the point, we have two announcements, not, I suspect, by coincidence made a few hours apart. 25 October 2018, China The Southern Theatre Command has had to bear a heavy military responsibility in recent years, state broadcaster CCTV quoted him as saying during an inspection tour made on Thursday as part of his visit to Guangdong province. Its necessary to strengthen the mission and concentrate preparations for fighting a war, Xi said. We need to take all complex situations into consideration and make emergency plans accordingly. We have to step up combat readiness exercises, joint exercises and confrontational exercises to enhance servicemens capabilities and preparation for war. 26 October 2018, Russia Speaking at the UN on Friday, Andrey Belousov, deputy director of the Russian Foreign Ministry's Department of Nonproliferation and Arms Control, echoed Putin's comments from last week that Russia is indeed readying itself for war, but only so it can defend its people against American aggression. "At a recent meeting, the US stated that Russia is preparing for war. Yes, Russia is preparing for war, I can confirm it", Belousov said adding that "We are preparing to defend our homeland, our territorial integrity, our principles, our values, our people." No stability, no security. And still the expanders blame Russia and China for responding to what they gratuitously began. The last words go to George Kennan First they were going to meet, then they werent, then again they were. Now they are not. In the space of a few weeks, this has been the dizzying whimsical position of US President Donald Trump towards a proposed meeting with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Paris this weekend. International leaders are gathering in the French capital to mark the centennial end to World War I. November 11, Sunday, is the anniversary of the armistice in 1918. Additionally, French President Emmanuel Macron has convened a peace summit as an appendage to the World War I commemoration. But Trump is reportedly skipping that summit. Last month, during a visit to Moscow, Trumps national security advisor John Bolton had confirmed that a meeting would take place between the American leader and President Putin during the proceedings this weekend in Paris. Earlier this week, in a surprise turnaround, the Trump White House announced that there would be no meeting. Days later, the Kremlin said that a brief encounter between Trump and Putin would take place during a working lunch at the Elysee Palace. The US president will attend the WWI commemoration in Paris, but he is reportedly snubbing Macrons peace summit at which dozens of other world leaders, including Putin and Germanys Angela Merkel, are due to participate in. Trumps zig-zagging over a meeting with Putin in Paris bears the hallmark of electioneering. When he announced earlier this week that a meeting would not take place in Paris contradicting Boltons earlier confirmation it can be averred that Trump was appeasing American critics by presenting himself as being tough on Russia. In that way, diplomacy with Russia is being abused by the American leader in order to neutralize claims by rival Democrats and large sections of the US media that he is somehow beholden to the Kremlin. That harks to the whole so-called Russia-gate scandal that has dogged his presidency for the past two years. Many political observers, including Americans, have noted that this is a contrived scandal for which there is scant evidence. Russia has consistently refuted the claims. Trump himself has often dismissed the notion of collusion with Putin to get elected as president as fake news. Trumps views on a wide range of issues are dubious, but on the clamor over alleged Russian interference in the US elections, he is correct. It is a bogeyman brouhaha whipped up by his domestic opponents to undermine his mandate. The point, however, is this. Despite the illusion of alleged collusion with Russia, it is evident that Trump is being forced to abuse diplomacy with Russia in order to placate domestic opponents who continue to milk this scandal. The White Houses on-off approach to a serious engagement with Moscow is evidently being determined by internal American politics and electioneering. That is an unacceptable, not to say deplorable, way for relations between the US and Russia to be conducted. There are many global issues that the two leaders must urgently engage in through substantive negotiations. Not least the issue of nuclear arms control and the risk of catastrophic war from the deterioration in bilateral relations. The recent decision by the US to withdraw from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, which could gravely destabilize security in Europe, is perhaps top of the agenda for earnest dialogue. Russias Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said this week that a full meeting between Trump and Putin may take place on the sidelines of the G20 summit to he held later this month in Argentina. It remains to be seen if that sideline meeting will indeed occur. Even if it does, it is questionable how appropriate such a venue would be, given the gravity of outstanding issues for discussion between the American and Russian leaders. Nearly four months ago, Trump held his first full meeting with Putin in Helsinki. The two leaders appeared to hold a constructive conservation on a range of matters, with promises of follow-up meetings. Immediately following Helsinki, Trump was assailed with accusations in the US media of being a traitor for merely talking with Putin. Such anti-Russia hysteria in the US is irrational and, moreover, insane. The two nuclear superpowers are being prevented from a normal, rational engagement by political opponents of Trump who are recklessly pushing a myth of Russia threat as a way to cripple his presidency. It is all the more perplexing that President Trump is apparently obliged to abuse diplomacy with Russia as a means to win votes. The tragic irony is that polls show that most ordinary American citizens do not view the Russia-gate issue as significant. They rightly see it as a hobbyhorse flogged by Washington politicians and the media establishment in a futile bid to undermine Trump. The real scandal here is that Russia-gate is not a scandal. It is a phony political stunt. As the US midterm elections showed this week, most Americans seem much more concerned about basic everyday economic issues of jobs and making a living for their families. Alleged Russian interference is a non-issue for most American citizens. Trump was elected by Americans partly because he promised to normalize relations with Russia, not antagonize them. Yet this non-issue is being driven by the American elite political class in a way that is further wrecking relations between the US and Russia, and leading to greater tensions. Renowned Princeton Professor of history Stephen Cohen recently warned that the risk of a nuclear war between the US and Russia is greater than at any time since the Cuban missile crisis in 1962. How grotesquely absurd that on an occasion marking 100 years after World War I the supposed war to end all wars which resulted in up to 20 million deaths and the beginning of industrialized global warfare the two leaders of the biggest nuclear powers are not holding a full weekend of earnest negotiations to secure world peace. It is surely depraved when an American president is being held hostage by political fantasies concerning Russia. Fantasies that stem from elite political machinations that are irrelevant to the concerns of ordinary American citizens and other citizens the world over. The midterm elections went largely as expected. Republicans strengthened their position in the Senate and lost their majority in the House. President Trump was not lucky enough to escape the traditional first-term midterm curse. But the expansion of majority control in the Senate is an important achievement. The party that controls the White House has typically lost Senate seats in midterm elections. That didnt happen this time. Whats more, some staunchly anti-Trump Republicans are no longer there. For instance, two Republican representatives who have been critical of the president Barbara Comstock and Mike Coffman lost their races. Senators Bob Corker and Jeff Flake, other Trump critics, are retiring, which will bolster the presidents position inside the GOP congressional caucus. Control over the Senate gives the president a free hand in foreign policy and diminishes the possibility of impeachment to the point that it can no longer be a serious concern. Since their blue wave was not completely beaten back, Democrats now have a chance to block every initiative put forward by the administration, such as the allocations for the fence to protect the border with Mexico and other steps aimed at curbing migration, the giant tax cuts for Christmas that will be offered to individual taxpayers to continue the tax-cutting trend, and the moves to bid a final farewell to Obamacare. A partial government shutdown over spending for the border wall is possible as early as December. It is true that the Republicans failure to hold on to the House is nothing in comparison with what happened in 2010, when the Democrats lost 63 seats there. But a loss is always a loss. The speaker of the House is a very important position that will be used to promote the Democratic Partys agenda. This could breathe new life into the House Democrats attacks against the president over his alleged ties to Russia. All in all, things have taken a turn for the worse for President Trump and his administration it is always better to have control over both houses than control over just one of them, even if that one has become stronger. Besides, Republicans lost their races for the governors offices in the Great Lakes region Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin states where Donald Trump won two years ago. On the other hand, support for the president was evidently decisive for Senator Ted Cruze who won a surprisingly competitive Senate race in Texas. With the presidents help, GOP candidates won Senate seats in Indiana, Missouri, and North Dakota. The results prove that Donald Trump is apparently much more popular than his opponents believed. Democrats won only a relatively small majority in the House. Despite all of the presidents verbal gaffes and missteps, he clearly has the support of a broad sector of American society. And now this is clear to everyone. By adopting a policy of total obstruction, Democratic lawmakers might be paying only lip service to their party. Many things could change during the next two years, but today Donald Trump is in a strong position to win a second term and lead the Republican Party to success in 2020. The strong economy improves his chances. How does the outcome of the midterms impact US-Russian relations? Even before the election results were known, the State Department had issued a statement saying Russia was to face more draconian US sanctions over the alleged Skripal poisoning. It read, Today, the department informed Congress we could not certify that the Russian Federation met the conditions. The administration knows that anti-Russian, anti-Chinese, and anti-Iranian sentiments are running high in Congress, on both sides of the aisle. Several sanctions bills that will affect the Russian economy will soon be considered by Congress, including the Defending American Security from Kremlin Aggression Act, which proposes restrictions on both purchases by US citizens of Russias sovereign debt as well as investments in Russian energy projects. These rounds of sanctions will continue to mount. With a Democratic majority in the House of Representatives, Russiagate will force the president to adopt a tougher stance toward Moscow. This calls into question the fate of a full-fledged Putin-Trump summit, at least prior to November 2020. It could lower the odds of any progress in arms control. On the other hand, the president would not be putting himself in any danger by extending the New START Treaty or launching negotiations over a new strategic nuclear-arms agreement. The idea of renewing New START in 2021 seems to be fading, but no one would gain if arms control became a historical artifact. Democratic control of the House does not prevent Donald Trump from addressing this problem. With a Republican majority in the Senate, a new treaty has a good chance of being ratified. Extending New START will strengthen, not weaken, the presidents position. No summit is needed for doing something as simple as reviving the forgotten 1972 Incidents at Sea Agreement or the 1989 Prevention of Dangerous Military Activities Agreement. The impasse in the talks on Ukraine does not prevent a dialog on Syria. The situation in Libya is clearly an urgent problem of mutual concern. The deterioration in the relationship does not rule out the possibility of maintaining unofficial contacts, including between groups of experts. If the two countries continue to cooperate in space, they can cooperate in other areas too. The president has his hands tied regarding domestic issues, but he enjoys even greater foreign-policy freedom than before. He could use it to boost his popularity before the 2020 presidential race. Lowering the threat of war is one sure way to gain more voters support. In October 2018 the Russian Navy received the last two of the original order of 14 Raptor (Project 03160) patrol boats. Three more are under construction in the St Petersburg shipyard where all have been built since the prototype was completed and tested successfully in 2013. Patrol boats like this have turned out to be the only successful post-Cold War Russian warship construction projects. Raptor is a 23 ton, 17 meter (54 foot) long, fast (up to 90 kilometers an hour) patrol boat that is manned by a crew of three (or just two in an emergency) and can carry up to twenty passengers. These passengers could be a boarding party, commandos or people rescued at sea. Raptor is armed with a remotely controlled 14.5mm machine-gun with a range of 2,000 meters and an optical fire control system with a max range of 3,000 meters. There are fittings for two more manually operated 7.62mm machine-gun (max range 1,500 meters). Additional weapons, like shoulder-fired anti-vehicle or anti-aircraft missiles can be brought on board as needed. Raptors have bulletproof ballistic panels around personnel areas as well as bulletproof glass already installed in the bridge and the passenger cabin. Navigation systems (including radar and satellite positioning) allow for day and night operation. With internal fuel, a Raptor can stay at sea for up to 24 hours and operate up to 200 kilometers from base. More are expected to be ordered because Raptor has proven reliable and useful. Eight Raptors were delivered by 2015 so they have been observed over time in all seasonal weather conditions. Most of the 17 Raptors built or on order were sent to the Black Sea, to replace the many Cold War era patrol boats there. Some Raptors have been sent to the Caspian and Baltic Seas as well. Most of the older Cold War era patrol boats date back 30-40 years and are inoperable. At the end of the Cold War, Russia had over 400 coastal patrol boats, most of them armed with anti-ship missiles or torpedoes. Nearly all of these are gone and being replaced by less heavily armed patrol boats that can also do search and rescue. Money shortages have meant that many of the Cold War era patrol boats have not been replaced and often patrol/search and rescue duties have been carried out by whatever civilian boats local governments could obtain. The Raptors are being used primarily to protect high-value locations like naval bases or major ports. Export customers are hard to find because Raptor is very similar to the 21 ton Swedish CB90 patrol boat which has been in production since 1989. The CB90 has been a very popular export item and nearly 300 have been exported or built abroad under license. The Swedish Navy bought about 150 so these boats have been a common sight in the Baltic since the 1990s. The CB90s are also equipped to carry and use a few depth charges or naval mines. Ive been doing solo work the last couple of years so its really fun to work with dancers. Theyre such inspiring dancers. Working like this you get to bond with people in a way thats very unique in a short amount of time. Thats really special and Ill carry them with me. Its an awesome kind of connection. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 9) The 2018 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show is underway and Filipino-American model Kelsey Merritt gave her fans a peek. Merritt, the first Filipina model to become a Victoria's Secret Angel, teased her walk in an Instagram post between breaks. "About to do our second show!" she wrote. "The energy here is crazy!" But her Instagram stories show a much more detailed account of what went on backstage including getting her hair done and shuffling to the dressing room. Merritt introduced John David Pfeiffer, another Filipino on set, and Roman Young, the agent who discovered Merritt. The posts show Merritt with other Angels, particularly Josie Canseco, Behati Prinsloo, Candice Swanepoel, and Josephine Skriver. She also showed an exchange with Indian-Australian model Kelly Gale, who was eating chocolate between tapings. "We are preparing for the second show, and we are eating our hearts off," Merritt said in a separate snap. While it will be Merritt's first walk down the runway, it will be Brazilian model Adriana Lima's last. Merritt posted another photo with Lima, who is retiring this year and whom she said was an inspiration to her growing up. Merritt, who studied in the Philippines before moving to New York, shot with Victoria's Secret sportswear line before moving on to become a full-fledged Angel. She is the second Filipina in recent history to work with the brand, after Miss Universe 2012 1st runner-up Janine Tugonon appeared in the lingerie line's Pink ad. The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show airs on ABC on December 2, Sunday. Police spoke with Greens 55-year-old wife who had gone to a neighbors home and told deputies that her husband was very angry and had sprayed her in the face with pepper spray, according to the release. She told police her husband suffered from mental health issues and had not been taking his medication, according to police. Brian Rogers Rogers Rabbits www.sunlive.co.nz Its that time again, when Auntie Roger pulls out her pearls of wisdom and strings them delicately around the nape of our readers dilemmas. If you have a burning question that can only be extinguished by the smothering love of Auntie, write to her via the nephew (brian@thesun.co.nz) and your troubles will be over. Heres some highlights from Auntie Rogers most recent exchanges: Dear Auntie Roger, Id like to travel the world and watch rugby matches and I want you all to pay for it. Freeloader, Wellington. Dear Freeloader, Sure you can! Wed be delighted to pay for that. Better still, we can pay you while youre sponging off us, get you to and from the airport in a swanky Limo and guarantee you a sumptuous retirement package when youre done travelling and freeloading. Enjoy! Auntie Roger. Dear Auntie Roger, I recently saw an advertisement for a travel special to Lapland, to meet Santa. I was wondering, since Im a big boy now, do you reckon I would still get to sit on his knee? Big Boy Bruiser. Dear BB Bruiser, These days, the Health and Safety Act excludes podgies throwing their weight around on frail, defenceless old celebrities. However, since youre in Lapland, I dont think it would be unreasonable to expect a Hot Lap in the sleigh. And Mrs Claus might entertain with a traditional Lap dance. Go ahead, lap it up. Auntie Roger. Dear Auntie Roger, Weve let a bad bloke into the country and now we have to get rid of him. How do we quietly extract ourselves from this mess? Anonymous Immigration Official. Dear AIO, Slap a stamp on his forehead, post him back to his homeland labelled 'cancelled Czech'. Auntie Roger. Dear Auntie Roger, A Russian drinking a ginger beer while riding a Lime e-scooter has just crashed into my mandarin tree. What should I do? Thirsty Gardener, Otumoetai. Dear TG, Just add a shot of Absolut vodka. With ginger beer, mandarin and a squeezed lime you have a Moscow Mule cocktail. Zazdarovje! Auntie Roger. Dear Auntie Roger, Theres a woman here saying I should get my old coat off and asking if I fancy the stripper. Then shes suggesting a thorough rub down all over before we whip the top off, dip it in and slop it on. What should I do? Dodgy Uncle Dave. Dear Dodgy Uncle Dave, Youre supposed to be in your therapy meeting. Get out of Guthrie Bowron. Auntie Roger. Dear Auntie Roger, I recently built my own electric bike. It goes really well until I run out of extension cord. That point is about half way down the driveway, just past the wood shed. Should I be expecting better range from my electric bike? Should I consider getting another extension lead, enough to get to the mailbox? Short Circuit, Greerton. Dear Shorty, You are overthinking the problem. Surveys made up by us to suit these answers show that 96 per cent of electric bike riders really only want to go to the wood shed and back. Be satisfied with that. It does mean you will have to get off the bike at least once a week to walk the last of the distance to the mailbox to get your Weekend Sun, but you probably need a good stretch. There is talk of batteries being invented for electric bikes, which might give them more freedom and range, but that will never catch on. Happy riding. Auntie Roger. Dear Auntie Roger, Ive found a hamster. He looks hungry and a bit aggressive. What should I do? Phobic, Papamoa. Dear Phobic, Get a sleeping bag and put the hamster inside, call a cab, put the sleeping bag in the back seat and ask the driver to take it to the corner of Gravatt and Domain Roads and wait there for 15 minutes. Auntie Roger. Dear Auntie Roger, My pet hamster has run away. Hes been a bit bolshie lately and Im worried about his attitude. What should I do? Perplexed, Papamoa. Dear Perplexed, Go to the corner of Gravatt and Domain Roads. Wait there til your hamster exits a nearby taxi. Hell be tired and maybe a little shell-shocked, but contrite and ready to go home. Auntie Roger. Dear Auntie Roger, My sex life is non-existent. The thrill has gone. Ive tried everything but just cant seem to get the excitement and spontaneity of my younger days. What can I do? Despondent, Papamoa. Dear Despondent, Drizzle your special places in honey, sprinkle grated carrot and grains on top, catch a taxi to the corner of Gravatt and Domain Roads. There will be another cab waiting there. Get in the back and climb into the sleeping bag and zip it right up. Your quest should be answered in less than 15 minutes. Auntie Roger. Janne GuitarGirl Spotlight On For the last six years, The LMM network has been sponsored by Shirley Howe, who has worked tirelessly since the 1980s. Shes written and produced her own original songs and, with the help of some key people around New Zealand, has travelled the country collecting original songs from fellow artists before promoting them via four compilation albums. Work has already begun on Volume 5. Volume 4 is streaming on Spotify, iTunes and Google with several music videos, and a promotional video is available on the Local Musicians Music YouTube channel. This has resulted in two rock bands being signed to publishers. For the past few years, The Local Musicians Music network has held concerts at the Dogs Bollix and Backbeat in Auckland, the Southern Cross in Wellington, and Croucher Basecamp in Tauranga. They now appear every Friday at the Rocker Box in Thames. The next concert will be held on Saturday, November 17, from 11am-5pm on a two-hectare, privately owned lifestyle block at 94a Martray Road, Tahawai, Katikati. Featuring local and international artists, this will be a family day so bring a picnic basket, rug or folding chair as well as sunscreen and some shade. There will be a coffee and burger cart on site and plenty of off-street parking. One lucky ticket holder will be given the opportunity to be gifted an electric guitar signed by LMM Network members. Limited tickets still available at: www.localmusicians.co.nz and www.eventfinda.co.nz 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 The death of kiwifruit sampler Yvonne Rogers in a quad bike accident sent shockwaves through the industry - four companies including Zespri charged with negligence. But only one was convicted, leaving Rogers' daughter feeling frustrated and angry. Stuffs Tony Wall reports. When Yvonne Rogers' quad bike rolled as she drove up a slope on a kiwifruit orchard near Athenree in the Bay of Plenty, pinning and killing her, it shattered her only child Jenelle's world. She'd already lost her father, now her mother and housemate too. "We were best friends," the 26-year-old says. "We did everything together. She would come home from work and I'd just sit with her for two hours as she talked about her day, that was her stress relief. She worked so hard." On May 13, 2016, Rogers, a 58-year-old long-serving St John Ambulance volunteer, went to an orchard owned by Athenberry Holdings to collect samples of kiwifruit for maturity testing. She was using a quad bike provided by her employer, AgFirst Bay of Plenty, now known as Stevens & Stevens. Around mid-morning, having finished work in one of the blocks, she rode up a hill into an area of unmown grass. She hit a lip, the quad bike rolled on top of her and killed her. AgFirst had trained its workers to stick to mown areas and tracks. It's not known why Rogers deviated from that - although it's suspected she thought there was a vehicle track as there were wheel marks nearby. The scene shortly after the accident - Yvonne Rogers was heading towards the gap in the trees when her quad bike rolled. The accident happened just weeks after the introduction of the Health and Safety at Work Act and became a test case for multi-employer prosecutions. It has become a cause celebre in the legal world - several law firms writing articles suggesting it has wide implications beyond the kiwifruit industry. Worksafe charged four companies involved in different parts of the industry. AgFirst was charged with failing to establish a safe work system which identified potential hazards, including ensuring proper maps were received and that workers received a safety induction at each orchard where they worked. The company pleaded guilty and in September Tauranga District Court judge Thomas Ingram fined it $306,000 and ordered it to pay $75,000 in reparation. The directors, Ian and Diane Stevens, declined to comment. They have since sold the business. "Bit of a strange case" Jenelle Rogers says she has developed a special relationship with the couple since her mum's death, going through a restorative justice process with them. "It's a bit of a strange case because I'm really good friends with them, as a result of this. I would even go so far as to put them like parent figures - they've helped me that much." The couple helped pay for the funeral and provided emotional support. "They have done their utmost to make me feel good again, they've tried to give back to me. "It's a shame something like this happened to such wonderful people... they don't deserve this emotional turmoil." Zespri, the monopoly exporter which controls the kiwifruit industry, was also charged with failing to design an effective system to ensure orchard maps recording potential hazards were given to maturity samplers. Worksafe dropped the charge when Zespri accepted an "enforceable undertaking" - an alternative to a prosecution - which included paying $250,000 towards safety measures and $25,000 to Rogers' family. Angus Bell, Zespri's health and safety manager, says Rogers' death was deeply felt in the industry and was a "wake-up call". Since the accident the industry has made significant changes, he says, making it clearer to growers that they are required to provide records of orchard hazards. Yvonne and her late husband Warren - their only child Jenelle has been left alone. Bell says Zespri has started a programme to raise awareness of "fatal risks" across the industry, covering driving, working around mobile machinery and mental health. As part of the enforceable undertaking, Bell says, Zespri has supported research into alternative, safer light vehicles for use on orchards. More prosecutions Worksafe didn't stop there, also charging Athenberry Holdings, the orchard owner, and Hume Pack-N-Cool, a packhouse that handles some of Athenberry's kiwifruit crop, with health and safety failures. Both pleaded not guilty, leading to the first defended hearing under the new Act. The case required the court to consider the ability of a business to influence or direct the activities of workers were there was no contractual relationship. Under Zespri's system for sampling, orchardists would ask packhouses to test the maturity of their kiwifruit, and the packhouse would ask AgFirst to organise it. Athenberry provided a map of the orchard to Hume, which it passed on to AgFirst. The map did not show any hazards. Worksafe argued that Athenberry should have identified all potential hazards that samplers might encounter, including quad bike rollover on steep or uneven terrain. It should have marked these on maps and at the orchard, and inducted workers as they arrived. The defence said the Athenberry directors and managers had no reason to believe that any kiwifruit sampler would ever go near the accident site. Not guilty Judge Ingram found no evidence that Athenberry or Hume had breached any industry standards or norms. "I am satisfied that in May 2016, because of the system Zespri had mandated, no industry participant had any expectation that an orchardist would identify hazards to quad bike samplers which fell within areas of long unmown grass," he said. He acquitted both parties. In an article on the Chapman Tripp website, the lawyers who represented Athenberry said a "lingering concern" was Worksafe's assertion that the orchardist had an obligation to assess every potential hazard on its 160ha property, even though it did not use quad bikes itself and the samplers were appropriately trained. "This is...contrary to Worksafe's guidance material and is a worrying, and plainly wrong, interpretation of the legislation," they wrote. The law firm Hesketh Henry took the opposite view, expressing surprise that the judge found that Athenberry had no duty because it had no capacity to influence or direct AgFirst's workers. "It is difficult to understand how Athenberry could not have influenced the carrying out of the work when it caused the work to be done, and had overall responsibility for who was allowed on to the orchard," an article on its website said. "I'm angry about this" Rogers says her mother was meticulous in her job. "She was so careful, she planned everything. She had a stack of paper about every orchard she went to - what she did, how many bags she picked - everything." She's furious that Athenberry got off. "I feel like they had a duty to cordon off hazardous areas. They were arguing that was an area no-one should have been in - well why were there tracks? "If it had been cordoned off I can 100 per cent guarantee that it never would have happened - she would still be alive. "I'm not an angry person but I'm angry about this. I feel my mum's case has been completely swept to the side." Yvonne Rogers, left, was a long-serving St John Ambulance volunteer. Rogers visited the scene after the accident and found a "flimsy" bit of caution tape tied to a tree. "It didn't feel like they were accepting that 'we did something wrong'. They were like 'oh it's got to be her fault'." Athenberry's management and directors declined to comment. Mike Hargreaves, Worksafe's general manager of better regulation, says the department wanted to appeal the acquittals. "We thought there were some errors in the decision...but ultimately we didn't get consent from the Crown Law Office so there was no appeal." WorkSafe is not concerned that the acquittals will set a precedent, as cases are decided on their own facts. "Irrespective of this decision, all businesses out there have a legal duty to ensure as far as reasonably practicable the safety of their workers and others." Rogers says following the various cases over two years has been draining, but she wanted to be there for her mother. "I feel like me being there represented her. "I developed depression after mum passed - that initial feeling of coming back to an empty house is one of the worst I've ever gone through." She's confident that improvements will be made in the industry - it's just sad that it took her mother's death to bring about change. "The way things get done, is someone has to die, basically." -Stuff.co.nz/Tony Wall A Countdown spokesperson says bananas imported from Mexico and Ecuador are dwindling in number. "Unfortunately there's been a delay in our delivery due to a shipping route change which has put some pressure on the amount of bananas we have. "We're currently working on sourcing some additional bananas, and apologise to our customers for any inconvenience." Foodstuffs, which owns New World and Pak'nSave, is also facing a banana shortage. Foodstuffs head of external relations Antoinette Laird says it could be weeks before banana supplies return to normal. "Banana supplies are short right now due to unforeseen shipping issues, but the good news is we expect supply to be back to normal by the end of the month." She says until supplies stabilise, banana-loving customers will have to make do with other fruit on offer in store. A Farro Fresh spokesperson says they had a "limited shortage" of bananas and ran out of stock on Sundays. The spokesperson says they had experienced lower stock levels for two weeks and expected them to normalise within three weeks. They recommended an avocado as an alternative if customers did find themselves banana-less. "It's difficult to find a substitute for a banana due to the potassium and energy they have but a good alternative is an avocado." The streets were filled with ghosts and goblins of various age, princesses and heroes of various worlds, all holding sacks and plastic pumpkins in anticipation of a sampling of sweets at Trunk or Treat and neighboring homes. The following day, many of those children surrendered all or a portion of their sweetly gotten gains to a program benefiting military personnel on assignment. Operation Gratitude promotes the candy give-back program. The donated candy, a "buy-back" program in Sidney, is sent where it is repackaged to be sent to soldiers overseas. The Halloween Candy Give-Back program... Friday, Nov. 9th-The Oregon Trail Dance Club will have a 50s Dance at the IOOF Hall in Gering from 7:00-9:00 with Lucky Calling. We will have PLUS dancing from 6:30-7:00. Dress in the 50s if you like. We will also have election of officers. The Sidney First United Methodist Church cordially invites all military to worship with us on Sunday, November 11 @ 9:30 am as we will have a special Blessing of the Military Please join us for a potluck dinner to follow 2622 11th Avenue | 254-4505 Veterans Day Supper | Lodgepole Lions Club Ham & Bean Soup with cornbread | Sunda... Wheat Belt Public Power District was among the businesses participating in Creek Valley's Second Annual Career Fair held at the high school gym on Friday morning, Nov. 2. Approximately 60 students attended the fair. Wheat Belt Dalton Area Lineman, Dan Westman, introduced the students to the field of power line maintenance and construction. He also showcased some of the equipment that is used in the position. ... Potter American Legion Post # 291 will host its Veterans Day Program at the Potter-Dix School at the Potter Gym at 11a.m. Monday, Nov. 9. Dr. Steve Davis will be speaking, and several musical numbers by the Potter-Dix High School band and choirs. There will be a free bean feed offered at both Potter-Dix school sites after the program. ... You experienced some of worst conditions that American forces have ever faced, both in country and when you returned, Litko told the group. You have earned a place among the greatest of generations. We thank you, we appreciate you, and we are happy that you are here today among us. A Jamesville man has been arrested after he had "sexual contact" with six male teens, according to Syracuse police. Robert W. Schad, 57, of 3813 Coleman Hill Road, was charged Tuesday with 19 criminal counts, according to a news release Friday. The crimes are: Third-degree criminal sexual act First-degree disseminating indecent material to a minor 10 counts of second-degree sexual abuse Second-degree attempted sexual abuse 6 counts of endangering the welfare of a child The teens were 13 years to 16 years old, police said. Schad is being held at the Onondaga County Justice Center. Police declined to release more details about the crimes at this time. Police said in the news release that Schad drives a 2008 Honda Civic with a license plate number of GEM3513. Police are still investigating. They ask that anyone with information call detectives at 315-435-3016. SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- A Syracuse man pleaded not guilty this morning to raping a 74-year-old woman. Shamik King, 29, is accused of waking the sleeping woman and raping her in August, police said. The rape occurred shortly after midnight on Aug. 19 in the woman's apartment at the Skyline Apartments on James Street. Onondaga County Judge Stephen Dougherty on Friday ordered a mental health examination for King. King told the judge he's already been deemed "non-competent." Dougherty said new exam needs to be done and asked King to cooperate with the doctors. The victim did not know King, police said. King knew someone in the building and they may have let him in, police said. Police also said the victim's apartment was unlocked at the time. King was indicted on first-degree rape, first-degree criminal sexual act, first-degree burglary and second-degree assault. Onondaga County Assistant District Attorney Jarret Woodfork said a plea deal of 25 years in state prison with up to 25 years of post release supervision has been offered to King. King is due back in court on Jan. 18. He is being held in the Onondaga County Justice Center on $150,000 bond or $75,000 case bail, according to county records. OUTDOOR EXHIBITION: URBAN RENEWAL: works by Emanuel Almborg and Crystal Z Campbell Everson Museum Plaza | 401 Harrison St | Syracuse, NY November 8 - December 22, 2018 | Thursday - Saturday| dusk - 11pm INDOOR SCREENING + Q&A Light Work | Watson Theater | 316 Waverly Ave | Syracuse University Thursday | November 29 | 6:30pm CURATOR CONVERSATION with UVP Director, Anneka Herre Everson Museum of Art | 401 Harrison St | Syracuse, NY UVP Everson | Everson Museum Plaza Thursday | November 15 | 5 - 7pm Light Work's Urban Video Project program is pleased to present URBAN RENEWAL, a two person exhibition featuring the work of multimedia artists and Emanuel Almborg and Crystal Z Campbell. Both artists have a research-based practice, using a blend of archival and original material in surreal, unexpected ways to explore the complex legacy of urban renewal and revitalization policies - the question remains: renewal by and for whom? This is the second exhibition in Light Work UVP's 2018-19 season, The Past Keeps Happening. The exhibition will be on view from November 8 - December 22, 2018, at UVP's outdoor projection site on the north facade of the Everson Museum of Art at 401 Harrison Street, Thursday through Saturday, from dusk until 11pm. In conjunction with the exhibition, an indoor screening + Q&A with Emanuel Almborgand Crystal Z Campbell will take place at Light Work's Watson Theater on Thursday, Nov. 29, from 6:30-8:30pm. This event will feature additional work and a conversation with Dr. Emanuel Carter Jr. (SUNY ESF faculty), Lanessa Chaplin (Project Counsel, CNY Chapter of NYCLU), and Yusuf Abdul Qadir (Director, CNY Chapter of NYCLU), exploring how these issues relate to Syracuse's own history and legacy of urban renewal. Reception will follow. The auditorium is wheelchair accessible and CART services are available by reservation. All Light Work UVP events are FREE & OPEN to the public. CURATOR CONVERSATION Join us November 15, during the Everson Museum's FREE Third Thursday event, for an informal Curator Conversation with Anneka Herre, director of Urban Video Project and faculty member of the Department of Transmedia in Syracuse University's College of Visual and Performing Arts. Participants will be able to engage in open-ended discussion about the works that UVP presents. ABOUT THE ARTISTS Still from Every Crack Is a Symbol (dir. Emanuel Almborg,) courtesy of the artist Emanuel Almborg is Swedish artist living and working in Stockholm. His research-based work explores themes of collective action, political economy, and radical pedagogy, manifesting in a range of practices and media, from moving image and installation-based work to publications to participatory programs. He received his MFA from Goldsmiths University in London and participated in the Whitney Independent Study Program. He has exhibited internationally, including shows at Gallery 400 (Chicago), Gasworks (London), Konsthall C (Stockholm, Sweden), Participant Inc. (New York City), and Whitechapel Gallery (London). Still from Go-Rilla Means War (dir. Crystal Z Campbell) courtesy of the artist Crystal Z Campbell is a multidisciplinary artist and writer of African-American, Filipino, and Chinese descent. A former social worker, Campbell's practice incorporates archival material and historical traces to question the politics of the witness. Recent works include investigations of Henrietta Lacks' immortal cell line, the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, and gentrification via a 35mm film relic salvaged from a now demolished Black Civil Rights theater in Brooklyn. Campbell exhibits internationally, including past exhibitions at de Appel Arts Centre in Amsterdam, Project Row Houses in Houston, SculptureCenter in New York City, and Studio Museum of Harlem. Selected honors, fellowships, and residencies include the Flaherty Film Seminar, M-AAA Innovations Grant, MacDowell Colony, Rijksakademie, Skowhegan, Smithsonian, Sommerakademie Paul Klee, Whitney Museum Independent Study Program, and Yaddo. Campbell is a current Drawing Center Open Sessions Fellow, recipient of the prestigious Pollock-Krasner Award, and a third-year Tulsa Artist Fellow. SPONSORS This exhibition was supported by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. ABOUT URBAN VIDEO Urban Video Project (UVP), a program of Light Work in partnership with the Everson Museum of Art and Onondaga County, is an outdoor architectural projection venue dedicated to the public presentation of film, video and moving image arts. It is one of few projects in the United States dedicated to ongoing public projections and adds a new chapter to Central New York's legacy as one of the birthplaces of video art using cutting-edge technology to bring art of the highest caliber to Syracuse. Using a large venue projector and permanently installed all-weather sound system, UVP's outdoor architectural projection venue on the north facade of the iconic Everson Museum of Art transforms the adjoining Onondaga County community plaza into a massive video installation every Thursday through Saturday night all year round. Follow UVP on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. For general information, please visit www.urbanvideoproject.com, call (315) 443-1369 or email info@urbanvideoproject.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. Former Upstate New Yorker and "Lord of the Rings" star Viggo Mortensen is apologizing for using a racial slur at a movie event. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Mortensen said the N-word during a post-screening discussion about his new movie "Green Book," about an interracial friendship. The Oscar-nominated actor was speaking about racial progress in America. "For instance, no one says n----- anymore," Mortensen said Wednesday, according to filmmaker and Film Independent Presents member Dick Schulz. "And that's when he went, 'I'm gonna go off on a tangent here, but it's important, and I don't like saying the word, but, for instance, people don't say'--and then he said the n-word in its entirety--'anymore,' and you could just feel the room immediately tense up," Schulz continued. "And the craziest thing was they had just talked about body language, so I felt like everyone was really attuned to body language, and everyone's body language on the panel immediately tensed up." Was at a screening for #GreenBookthe movie is amazing, but at the Q&A after Viggo Mortensen just dropped the N Word and the oxygen immediately left the room. #movies Dick W. Schulz (@DickSchulz) November 8, 2018 Schulz said one audience member called out at him to not say the word, but the Q&A, hosted by Film Independent Presents at the Arclight Hollywood, otherwise continued. Mortensen apologized in a statement late Thursday. "In making the point that many people casually used the n-word at the time in which the movie's story takes place, in 1962, I used the full word. Although my intention was to speak strongly against racism, I have no right to even imagine the hurt that is caused by hearing that word in any context, especially from a white man," he said. "I do not use the word in private or in public. I am very sorry that I did use the full word last night, and will not utter it again." Mortensen is a graduate of Watertown High School and St. Lawrence University, and frequently returned to his family's farm in northern N.Y. over the years. His mother Grace was from Watertown and met his father Viggo Sr., a Danish farmer, on a trip to Norway; Grace died in 2015 and Viggo Sr. died last year. Viggo Mortensen is best known for playing Aragorn in Peter Jackson's "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, as well as memorable roles in 1985's "Witness," 1995's "Crimson Tide"; 2005's "A History of Violence" and 2009's "The Road." He was nominated for two acting Oscars, for 2007's "Eastern Promises" and 2016's "Captain Fantastic." In "Green Book," he plays a working-class Italian-American bouncer who drives an African-American classical pianist (played by Oscar winner Mahershala Ali) on a tour of venues through the South during the Jim Crow era. The movie opens in theaters nationwide on Nov. 21. Many boatmen of the original Erie Canal joined the Union Army to fight in the Civil War just as the Enlarged Erie Canal was being completed in 1862. Those who returned from the conflict found the Canal's culture changed; harsher, and more difficult. In 1917, the Enlarged Erie Canal closed its gates forever as the newly built Barge Canal system was about to open. Boatmen made their last trips on the Erie Canal in the fall of 1917, and many enlisted in the armed forces during World War I. In a special lunchtime lecture Friday, Nov. 16 at the Erie Canal Museum in downtown Syracuse, historian Pamela Vittorio will discuss the impact that the end of the Civil War, World War I, and two Canal eras had on the lives of these veterans. Her lecture, Veterans of Water and War: Last Season on the Erie Canal, is scheduled for 12 p.m.-1 p.m. in the first-floor Weighlock Gallery of the Museum, located at 318 Erie Boulevard East. Admission is free for Museum members and $5 for the general public. Tickets may be purchased at the door or at https://eriecanalmuseum.org/store/product/lunchtime-lecture/. Pamela Vittorio is from the Erie Canal community of Chittenango, New York. She specializes in research topics including the Erie Canal, the Civil War, migration, and cartography. She is a professional historian and genealogist, and currently resides in New York City. Vittorio also serves on the board of the Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum. This special Veteran's Day week program will include time for questions. Free parking is available in Museum-designated spots in the lot across the street under routes 81 and 690. For more information on this and other Erie Canal Museum programs, email outreach@eriecanalmuseum.org. Established in 1962, the Erie Canal Museum preserves and showcases the 1850 National Register Weighlock Building, the only remaining structure of its kind in the United States, and shares the history and impact of the Erie Canal through hands-on exhibits, interactive displays, and original artifacts. The Museum is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (5 p.m. in December) Sunday. Admission is free with a suggested $5 donation. The Museum is partially funded by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is already "up and working" in the hospital after breaking three ribs in a fall. Ginsburg's nephew, Daniel Stiepleman, told Reuters that his 85-year-old aunt was "doing great." "The last I heard, she was up and working, of course, because what else would she be doing, and cracking jokes," he said, according to Reuters. "I can't promise they were good jokes, but they were jokes." Stiepleman spoke to Reuters at the premier of "On the Basis of Sex," a biopic on his aunt's work as a young lawyer. Stiepleman wrote the script with input from Ginsburg herself. Ginsburg fell in her office on Thursday. She had to miss the formal investiture ceremony for new Supreme Court justice Brett Kavanaugh, according to USA Today. Armie Hammer, who plays Ginsburg's late husband Marty in "On the Basis of Sex," told USA Today that the fall exemplifies how strong she is. "She has beat tougher things than this, so I have no doubt she'll beat this too," he said. The film will debut in U.S. theaters in December. It depicts Ginsburg as one of just nine women at Harvard Law School in the 1950s and portrays her struggles finding a firm that would hire a Jewish woman, according to Reuters. It also focuses on a landmark discrimination case that she and her husband argued in 1972. Director Mimi Leder described the movie as Ginsburg's "origin story," Reuters said. Felicity Jones plays Ginsburg. "I wanted to show someone who, when they're younger, didn't have all the answers," Jones said, according to Reuters. "She was making mistakes, finding out who she was, had a very young family, her husband wasn't very well. She was juggling a lot of difficult things at the same time, but always (had) this absolute commitment to the law." Contact Kevin Tampone anytime: Email | Twitter | Google + | 315-282-8598 U.S. Rep. John Katko said Friday he sees no new reason for Congress to protect special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Katko dismissed Democratic claims that President Donald Trump has created a "crisis moment" by forcing out Attorney General Jeff Sessions and replacing him with a loyal Republican skeptical of Mueller's authority. "If we get any indication from Mueller or anyone else that the investigation has been impeded, we will act," Katko told syracuse.com. "But make no mistake, we have heard this hyperbole before and nothing has happened." Katko, a former federal prosecutor, has been consistent in his support for Mueller's investigation. He said in August, "I think we have to see this investigation through. It's not a witch hunt." The congressman, who was elected to a third term Tuesday, promised to work with like-minded Republicans and Democrats to make sure Mueller can continue his investigation unimpeded. Some House Democrats have raised concerns that Trump's appointee to succeed Sessions, Acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker, will try to rein in the investigation. Whitaker has called Mueller's probe "ridiculous" and "fishy." He also said Mueller would cross a "red line" if he investigated the finances of the president's business, the Trump Organization. Katko said he's aware of Whitaker's previous comments. But he said that's not a strong enough reason to pass legislation that would protect the investigation, or to demand that Whitaker recuse himself from oversight of the probe. For now, Katko said, it's effective for Republicans like him to place public pressure on the president, making it clear that Congress will not tolerate any effort to block Mueller's probe. "If there is reason to act, we will definitely act," Katko said. "But there's nothing to indicate that we need to act now." Two bipartisan groups of senators have introduced bills that would make it difficult for Trump to fire Mueller. One bill would require the attorney general to go to court to remove the special counsel. If Mueller is dismissed, Congress could also rehire him to serve as counsel for one of the committees investigating Russian interference. Katko said he believes Trump knows where the GOP-controlled Congress would draw the line. "We have repeatedly and vocally supported the investigation, and that in and of itself sends a strong message," Katko said. "We've done a lot by our public statements, and we're going to do a lot to keep the pressure on." Trump lashed out at reporters who questioned him about the Russia investigation on Wednesday and called CNN reporter Jim Acosta a "terrible" person. "I am not concerned about anything with the Russian investigation because it is a hoax," Trump told Acosta, while demanding that the reporter put down a microphone and stop asking questions. The White House later revoked a credential that gives Acosta access to White House grounds. Katko said he wasn't aware the credential was revoked, but he was concerned about the exchange between reporters and Trump. "It was a circus-like atmosphere and there were no winners in that one," Katko said. "I was stunned at the disrespect shown to the president. I don't pretend to know the details, but it is pretty amazing the disrespect shown to him." Contact Mark Weiner: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 571-970-3751 WASHINGTON - Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., said Thursday she would give a 2020 presidential bid "a long, hard thought of consideration," marking a shift in posture from how she addressed questions about her ambitions during her just-concluded reelection campaign. Gillibrand, who was initially appointed to fill Hillary Clinton's Senate seat and won reelection Tuesday, addressed the issue during an appearance on CBS's "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert." The host asked if there were "another election that you might be concentrating on." Gillibrand called that "an important question." "I believe right now that every one of us should figure out how we can do whatever we can with our time, with our talents to restore that moral decency, that moral compass and that truth of who we are as Americans," she told Colbert. "So I will promise you I will give it a long, hard thought of consideration." During her campaign for reelection, Gillibrand brushed off questions about 2020, pledging in one debate to serve out her full six-year term representing New York. If she runs, Gillibrand is expected to be part of a crowded field of Democrats, including several of her colleagues from the Senate. During her Senate tenure, Gillibrand has been outspoken on issues such as sexual assault in the military, sexual harassment, equal pay for women and family leave. In the wake of Wednesday's mass shooting in Southern California, Colbert introduced Gillibrand as someone with "an F rating from the NRA," a reference to the powerful gun-rights lobby, the National Rifle Association. "It is extraordinarily heartbreaking, and it's infuriating because Congress literally has done nothing in the face of gun death after gun death in communities all across this country," Gillibrand told Colbert. "And it is because of the greed: the greed of the gun manufacturers and the greed of the NRA." She added that there is hope for change, based on the success of several candidates who stood up to the gun lobby and prevailed Tuesday. Ithaca, N.Y. - At first glance, Coltivare looks like another modern restaurant and bar in a city with a deliciously outsized food scene for its 31,000 residents. The fall menu includes mulled cider glazed chicken with whipped brie and fried shallot ($25), autumn pasta with house-made fettuccini with smoked beet cream sauce, spinach, winter squash and chevre cashew crumble ($22), and a brisket sandwich with coffee-rubbed beef and whipped goat cheese ($16). But Coltivare is also a mini-college campus, a nexus for about 100 students who are studying four different programs: farming, wine marketing, hotel management and culinary arts. "This is the hub where it all comes together," said Jason Sidle, director of operations at the culinary center. "All the students filter through here." Coltivare opened in December 2014, at the tail end of a semester during which Tompkins Cortland - called TC3 - expanded its longtime hotel and restaurant management program, said Sue Stafford. That expansion included a $7 million investment into Coltivare, a 10,000-square-foot culinary center at 235 S. Cayuga St. The money came in thirds: from state funding, a private donation and financing, Stafford said. The curriculum expanded as well. Now students can focus on one of four tracts: farming, wine marketing, culinary arts or hospitality management, said Sue Stafford, a professor who oversees three of those four programs at the school. Coltivare (Col-ti-VAR-ay) is Italian for cultivate, a nod to both the school's study abroad program in Italy. And the investment is paying off, she added. Since opening, graduates have gotten jobs at local restaurants, a Manhattan hotel, Finger Lakes wineries and even a hotel in Taiwan, Stafford said. A handful have transferred to four-year schools, including Cornell University (which has a well-known hotel administration program) and the Culinary Institutes of America. At Coltivare, students remain students. They work beside professional staff to learn the basics, from knife skills and butchery to wine pairing and menu planning. The restaurant, bar and event space all rely on a full-time staff. The students supplement the work and earn college credits, rather than wages or tips, that go toward an associates degree. Students seeking degrees pay the regular state community college tuition. Other fees - such as a $500 cost for chef's whites, knives and a text - are required for culinary students, for example. The center has a commercial kitchen for the restaurant and event space, which can host dinners of up to 165 guests. But there are also nine kitchen stations for students taking classes. The center has a wine-tasting and cooking demo classroom, which opens to the public for community classes each month. The fourth component of the program is the school's farm, in Dryden. The restaurant and event space at Coltivare gets about 40 percent of its local ingredients from local farms, including 10 percent from the community college farm, Sidle said. Sidle said he expects the restaurant, bar and event space to start breaking even in 2019, in the program's fifth year. The school hopes Coltivare's revenues will start to put money back into the students' program, Stafford said. The community college also hopes to replicate the program at other campuses. Many other schools offer culinary and hospitality programs that include restaurants and hotels. Sidle said he thinks TC3 might be the only two-year campus offering all four areas of study in one place: culinary, hospitality, beverage and farming. "I have yet to find another community college doing this," he said. "We'd like to be able to create a blueprint for other community colleges to do this." WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump distanced himself Friday from his new acting attorney general, Matthew Whitaker, whose past business ties and comments on the Russia investigation and other topics have drawn scrutiny. Trump elevated Whitaker to the post on Wednesday after forcing out Attorney General Jeff Sessions, installing a Republican Party loyalist to oversee the special counsel investigation into possible ties between Russia and the president's 2016 campaign. Since then, Whitaker, who had been Sessions' chief of staff, has faced pressure from Democrats to recuse himself from overseeing special counsel Robert Mueller, based on critical comments he made about the investigation before joining the Justice Department last year. Those include an op-ed in which he said Mueller would be straying outside his mandate if he investigated Trump family finances and a talk radio interview in which he maintained that there was no evidence of collusion between the Kremlin and the Trump campaign. There have also been reports about past comments questioning the power and reach of the federal judiciary, and about his ties to an invention-promotion company that was accused of misleading investors. Asked about Whitaker on Friday, Trump told journalists: "I don't know Matt Whitaker. Matt Whitaker worked for Jeff Sessions, and he was always extremely highly thought of, and he still is. But I didn't know Matt Whitaker. He worked for Attorney General Sessions." President Trump: "Well, Matt Whitaker, I don't know Matt Whitaker..." pic.twitter.com/OHVZxbjwdq CSPAN (@cspan) November 9, 2018 Trump, today: Well, Matt Whitaker. I dont know Matt Whitaker. Trump, on Fox & Friends, October 11: I can tell you Matt Whitaker is a great guy, I know Matt Whitaker. Peter Alexander (@PeterAlexander) November 9, 2018 Trump today: "I don't know Matt Whitaker. He worked for Jeff Sessions ... but I didn't know Matt Whitaker" Trump on Fox & Friends a month ago: "I can tell you Matt Whitaker's a great guy, I know Matt Whitaker" It's almost like he lies about everything. pic.twitter.com/uw5KSMwLML Lis Power (@LisPower1) November 9, 2018 He said he had not spoken with Whitaker about Mueller's investigation, which until now has been overseen by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein. Of the scrutiny Whitaker is facing, Trump said: "It's a shame that no matter who I put in they go after." "He was very, very highly thought of, and still is highly thought of, but this only comes up because anybody that works for me, they do a number on them," Trump said. Trump has not said who he will nominate to permanently replace Sessions. That candidate, unlike Whitaker, would have to be confirmed by the Senate. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is said to be a candidate, along with Labor Secretary Alex Acosta and Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar, among others. Trump told reporters he has not discussed the post with Christie, who he said was "a friend of mine" and "a good man." A new bombshell report says President Donald Trump was involved in "nearly every step" of hush-money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels and Playboy model Karen McDougal before the 2016 election. The Wall Street Journal, citing dozens of interviews and documents, says Trump may have violated federal campaign finance laws over the agreements to keep quiet about his alleged extramarital affairs. Trump's lawyer Michael Cohen allegedly paid Daniels $130,000 at Trump's direction, and American Media Inc., the parent company of the National Enquirer chaired by longtime Trump friend David Pecker, allegedly bought McDougal's silence for $150,000 in a tabloid scheme known as "catch-and-kill." Trump had a central role in both, multiple sources told the WSJ. Prosecutors in the U.S. attorney's office in Manhattan have gathered evidence of Trump's participation in the transactions, the newspaper added. According to Newsweek, a 22-page document shows federal prosecutors assert that Cohen "coordinated with one or more members of the campaign, including through meetings and phone calls, about the fact, nature, and timing of the payments." According to the WSJ, the "campaign member" is Trump. Cohen pleaded guilty in August to eight federal charges, including campaign finance violations, and said Trump directed him to arrange the payments. Cohen, a self-described "personal fixer," said the payments were made to influence the outcome of the 2016 presidential election. Trump has repeatedly denied knowledge of the payments. CNBC suggests Trump could be charged with violating campaign finance law, as companies and individuals are barred from contributing more than $2,700 to a federal candidate. Donations of any kind must be disclosed, but it's unclear if the deal with Cohen or Pecker would fall under that umbrella. Daniels' lawyer, Michael Avenatti, shared the WSJ article on Twitter, calling it a confirmation of their claims against Trump. "This further confirms what we have been saying and alleging for months. There can be no question now as to the validity of our allegations. I look forward to the apologies directed at my honest and heroic client," Avenatti tweeted. Trump and the White House have not yet commented on the article. Malaysia Announces Corporate Tax, Sales Tax Reforms In Budget by Mary Swire, Tax-News.com, Hong Kong 09 November 2018 Malaysia's 2019 Budget contains plans for an overhaul of sales and service tax rules and a corporate tax cut for small- and medium-sized enterprises. The lower corporate tax rate of 18 percent will be reduced to 17 percent. This rate is offered to those companies with paid-up capital of up to MYR2.5 million (USD600,000) or limited liability partnerships with a total capital contribution of not more than MYR2.5 million. The 18 percent rate is charged on income up to MYR500,000. The rate will be cut starting the 2019 year of assessment. The remaining chargeable income is subject to an income tax rate of 24 percent, which remains unchanged in the Budget. The Government has also announced a review of existing tax rules and incentives. It will place a time limit of seven years on carried forward business losses, unabsorbed capital allowances, unabsorbed reinvestment allowance, and pioneer losses, and it has announced plans to review group relief rules. The Government will also carry out a "thorough review" of over 130 types of fiscal incentives that are intended to promote investment, with the intention of removing those incentives that are no longer relevant or overlap with others. The Government has also announced changes impacting Labuan, the offshore international financial center. While the corporate tax rate of three percent will be maintained, the election to instead pay a flat tax amount of MYR20,000 under the Labuan Business Activity Tax Act 1990 will be repealed. Many of the most significant changes announced concern the sales and service tax regime, which replaced the Goods and Services Tax regime in Malaysia on September 1, 2018. The Budget announces that the provision of specific taxable services of a business to another business registered for the same service will be exempt from service tax beginning January 1, 2019. Further, a credit system for Sales Tax deduction will be introduced from January 1, 2019. This is intended to assist manufacturers who purchase input materials and components from importers, instead of other registered manufacturers, and is intended to prevent cascading taxation and cut the cost of doing business, the Government said. Next, the Government has announced that imported services will be subject to service tax from January 1, 2019, to ensure that domestic businesses are not at a competitive disadvantage to foreign competitors. Currently, service tax is only imposed on services provided by service providers who are located in Malaysia. The Budget proposes that services imported by businesses (B2B) be implemented from January 1, 2019; and services imported by consumers (B2C) will be implemented from January 1, 2020. Foreign suppliers who provide such services will be obligated to register and charge service tax, from January 1, 2019, for services provided to taxable persons in Malaysia, and from January 1, 2020, for services provided to Malaysian consumers. The Government has also announced in the Budget that it will launch an amnesty for taxpayers to regularize undisclosed income, including amounts in offshore accounts. The Special Voluntary Disclosure Program will be offered from November 3, 2018, until June 30, 2019. Taxpayers availing themselves of the opportunity to regularize their tax affairs will benefit from reduced penalty rates. If a disclosure is made by March 30, 2018, the penalty rate will be 10 percent of the tax payable. If a disclosure is made by June 30, 2019, the penalty rate will be 15 percent of the tax payable. After the amnesty ends, penalties for taxpayers will range from 80 percent to 300 percent of the tax due, as provided for in current legislation, the Government said. The Budget also includes plans to introduce a departure levy starting June 1, 2019, with a MYR20 charge for those departing to ASEAN countries and a MYR40 levy for fares to countries outside ASEAN. Real property tax changes are also proposed in the Budget. A 10 percent rate will apply for real property companies disposing of property in the sixth year or subsequent years of holding an asset, up from five percent, for companies, non-citizens, and non-permanent residents. For Malaysian citizens and permanent residents, a new rate of five percent will be introduced, in place of the current zero percent rate. Property transactions valued below MYR200,000 will be exempt. Stamp duty on the transfer of property worth more than MYR1m will be hiked from three percent to four percent. Finally, the Government has announced that a new tax will be introduced on sugar-sweetened beverages from April 2019, of MYR0.40 per liter. No Agreement Yet On EU Digital Services Tax by Ulrika Lomas, Tax-News.com, Brussels 09 November 2018 European Finance Ministers have failed to reach an agreement on the EU's proposed digital services tax, following opposition from some member states. The European Commission has proposed the introduction of a temporary three percent excise tax on turnover from certain online activities. The Commission has said that the measure should be temporary, pending a long-term international agreement on how to tax the profits of digital companies. An agreement must be reached on the proposals by all member states. The proposals were discussed at a November 6 meeting of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN). According to the Council, the discussion focused on two key issues: the scope of taxable services covered by the proposed regime and the length of time any new tax would be in operation. The Council said that progress has been made on a number of issues, including definitions, tax collection, and administrative cooperation. It explained that member states agree that any new tax should expire once a comprehensive solution to taxing the digital economy has been found at an international level, through the OECD. Nonetheless, the Council stated that "there are still differences between member states on several issues, including the precise scope of services which would be subject to the future tax." According to reports, Ireland, Sweden, and Denmark were all critical of the measure during the meeting. Kristian Jensen, the Danish Finance Minister, told ministers that it is "very difficult to see an agreement on the digital tax because so many technical issues are not solved." Jensen's Irish counterpart, Paschal Donohoe, raised concerns about basing the tax on where consumers are located rather than on where services are provided. "We are net exporters. What kind of reaction would we have if this model was imposed on us?", Donohoe said. Austria, which currently holds the presidency of the Council, remains determined to broker a deal. Hartwig Loger, Austrian Finance Minister and Chair of the ECOFIN Council, said after the meeting: "We need to adapt our rules to the digital transformation of the economy and digital companies have to pay their fair share of taxes. The Presidency wants to achieve concrete results by the end of the year. Time is short but I'm convinced that with the appropriate political will, we can get there." Additional work will now take place at a technical level, with the aim of reaching an agreement at the Council's December 4 meeting. EU Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis told a press conference: "Reaching [a] deal as soon as possible is important for two reasons. First, our taxation system needs to be updated to reflect [the] economic realities of the 21st century. Our economies are increasingly digital and this trend is here to stay." "Second, there is a risk of fragmentation in the single market along the lines of digital tax. Some member states have already introduced [a] digital tax. Others are working towards this. Still others are not planning anything at this stage as they wait for [a] European or international solution." Now more than ever our lives seem to be dominated by abstract political jargon. One of the most enduring phrases is the so-called special relationship between UK and the United States. After a contested debate at the Union on Tuesday night, members rejected the proposition that this relationship is over. The hall was packed, more so than in a long time. People were, whatever their opinions, eager to hear about and discuss the UKs relationship with our American allies. It was an undeniably impressive panel, featuring the former French prime minister Bernard Cazeneuve from the Socialist Party; as well as the Liberal Democrat leader and former Fitzwilliam student Vince Cable; and the Unions debating officer Joy Jia (Queens) proposing the motion. Facing them was the Shadow Foreign Secretary Emily Thornberry, Obamas Secretary of Homeland Security; and history finalist Lewis Thomas (Sidney Sussex). Throughout the evening, the debate tended towards Trump and his effect on the relationship. Yet on this point the two sides could almost agree. They both saw his effect as detrimental but differed on what the overall outcome of this would be. Those proposing the motion opining that Trump has destroyed this relationship, with Cable suggesting that Trump is transparent he says what he thinks you know exactly where he stands, and he has used this to expose the weakness of the United Kingdom. While the opposition insisted that the relationship could survive his presidency, with Thornberry tweeting afterwards despite @realDonaldTrump and his antics Cambridge Students voted against the motion that the Special Relationship is over. If we are really so concerned about the effect that one president, one person can have on a relationship that has apparently endured since Churchill first coined the phrase 72 years ago, then surely that exposes the fragility of our position. This is where the crux of the problem lies, in suggesting that we have had a meaningful, special relationship since 1946. In reality any special rapport with the US has been transient. The first two decades after Churchills speech in Fulton Missouri were marked by intense, acrimonious competition over power and oil in the middle east, and the US pressuring the UK into conceding it prized empire. Since then relations between our countries have fluctuated massively, and while we saw a coziness between Thatcher and Regan; and Bush and Blair, the actual relationship has only ever been as special as successive leaders have been willing to make it. In the debate, many cited the cultural ties that we have. With a British mother and an American father, am I product of this special relationship? Perhaps I should feel more viscerally attuned these cultural bonds. But I dont. In the same way that any other dual-nationals may not feel an irrevocable bond between their two respective nations. Yes, our screens are filled with American dramas, but so are the screens of many others, especially English speakers, across the world. Yes, we share a common language, but so do millions, if not billions of other people. Besides, the special relationship has historically been political and diplomatic rather than a cultural or social. It comes down to whether each government will prioritise the other in its strategic decisions. Over the last seven decades, very often neither party has done so. Without taking on the role of a humanities student too much: given our shared recent history, its hard not to question the premise of us ever having a continuously special relationship. However, leaders on both sides of the Atlantic continue to cite it through good times and bad, past and present; and it seems in diplomacy that the said, not done prevails. In this way, the mere fact that both sides agree to use the term validates it. At the end of the debate I, like many, abstained. The night before last, 19 Zero Carbon activists shut down Shells annual lecture at Emmanuel College. The event, hosting Shell chief executive Andrew Brown among others, lasted only 12 minutes before being shut down by University staff. Having snuck past two security personnel outside the Queens Building, the protestors entered the event whilst waving banners and attempted to engage in debate with the speakers. Zero Carbon also told TCS that despite there being plenty of empty seats, out of their 16 members that formally applied to attend, only 1 was granted a ticket. The event itself, aiming to discuss the role that traditional oil and gas companies could play in the Energy Transition, turned into an open discussion between Brown and the activists. The latter highlighted the alleged role of the company in the human rights abuses of the Nigerian Ogoni people, something at least years event Brown denied, arguing he was fundamentally proud of Shells activities in the region. While Brown spoke about Shells role in the renewable energy transition, the campaigners were quick to point out the giant invests less than 10% in renewables; their sky scenario fossil-free transition plan also aims for completion by 2070, decades later than he IPCCs recommendations. As the speakers were ushered out of the auditorium, Zero Carbon members were seen chanting, keep your coal in the hole; keep your oil in the soil. Later on, a spokesman for the society said that the science is clear; were in a climate emergency and that a company who in 2017 spent $1.8billion in continuing to explore for fossil fuels has no place in a liveable future. No one is above the law, not even the president of the United States, she said. We need elected officials wholl be accountable to the American people and their Constitutional duties. President Trump has taken another step showing he is more interested in protecting himself than getting to the truth of the Russian interference in the 2016 election. To get to the truth, an independent investigation must continue. Features: Run any virtual machine. Run virtual machines created by VMware Workstation, GSX Server or ESX Server. VMware Player also supports Microsoft virtual machines and Symantec LiveState Recovery disk formats. Access host PC devices. Use host CD/DVD drives, network adapters, and plug-and-play USB devices. Copy and paste. Copy text and files between the virtual machine and the host PC. Drag and drop. Drag and drop files between a Windows host PC and a Windows virtual machine. Multiple networking options. Virtual machines can share or obtain new IP addresses or be isolated from the network and host. 32- and 64-bit host and guest operating system support. Run a wide variety of virtual machines containing 32- and 64-bit operating systems simultaneously on the same physical PC. Compatible 64-bit guest operating systems include select Microsoft Windows, Red Hat, SUSE, and FreeBSD distributions. Adjustable memory. Tune virtual machine memory for optimal performance. Configurable shutdown. Power down or suspend the virtual machine when closing VMware Player. Integrated Google Search. VMware Player includes Google search capabilities, fully integrated for conveniently searching the web without launching a browser. What's New: VMware Workstation 16 Player is a free upgrade for all VMware Workstation 15 Player users. It includes the following updates: Support for new guest operating systems: Windows 10 19H2 Debian 10.0/10.1 Debian 9.11 Oracle Linux 8.0 SLE 15 SP1 FreeBSD 12.0 PhotonOS 3.0 Jumbo frame support: Virtual networks can now be configured with MTU sizes of up to 9000 bytes. Open VM Tools is the default VMware Tools for applicable Linux virtual machine Previous release notes: This release of VMware Workstation Player is a free upgrade for all VMware Workstation 15 Player users. Support has been added for the following host operating systems: Windows 10, version 1809 Windows Server 2019 Support has been added for the following guest operating systems: Windows 10, version 1809 Windows Server, version 1809 Windows Server 2019 This release contains bug fixes and security updates: Important Fixes This release of VMware Workstation Player addresses the following issue: VMware Workstation Player contains an integer overflow vulnerability in the virtual network devices which may allow a guest to execute code on the host. The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures project (cve.mitre.org) has assigned the identifier CVE-2018-6983 to this issue. See VMSA-2018-0030 for further information. This release of VMware Workstation Player is a free upgrade for all VMware Workstation 15 Player users. Support has been added for the following operating systems as both host and guest. Ubuntu 18.10 Fedora 29 RHEL 7.6 This release contains bug fixes and security updates. Important Fixes: This release of VMware Workstation Player addresses the following issue: VMware Workstation Player has an uninitialized stack memory usage vulnerability in the vmxnet3 virtual network adapter that might allow a guest to execute code on the host. The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures project (cve.mitre.org) has assigned the identifier CVE-2018-6981 to this issue. Previous release notes: Windows 10 2018 Spring Creators Update (Version 1803) as host and guest Ubuntu 18.04 support as host and guest VMware Workstation Player provides the following support for Windows 10 Creators Update: Run Windows 10 Creators Update as a virtual machine Run Windows 10 Creators Update as a host operating system Windows 10 Creators Update Auto Detect and Easy Install Unity support for Windows 10 New Guest operating systems support Support has been added for the following operating systems: Ubuntu 17.04 Fedora 26 CentOS 7.4 RHEL 7.4 Debian 9.1 Oracle Linux 7.4 SLE 12 SP3 OpenSUSE 42.3 New CPU enablement Intel Skylake and AMD Ryzen CPU support is enabled. Virtual NVMe support Workstation 14 Player introduces a new virtual NVMe storage controller. NVMe devices require virtual hardware version 13 / ESXi 6.5 compatibility and later. Secure Boot Workstation 14 Player introduces Secure Boot support for Virtual Machines to ensure only trusted code is loaded by the UEFI firmware prior to the OS "handoff" process. Network Latency simulation With new Network Latency Simulation feature, you can simulate a specific network environment along with existing network speed and packet loss simulator. Native OVF support With improved OVF/OVA support, Workstation Player provides an effortless walkthrough to deploy the VMware VCSA (vCenter Server Appliance) OVA package for testing and experimentation within Workstation. VCSA6.0 and 6.5 are supported. New GTK+ 3 based UI for Linux Google's stripped-down "Android Go" operating system designed for budget phones is still going strong, and Samsung's upcoming Galaxy J4 Core is the latest example of that. The device, as noted by Android Police, is the next generation of Samsung's Galaxy J2 Core, which was first released back in August. The J4's specifications are certainly nothing to write home about, but it seems like a perfect fit for emerging markets which haven't yet become accustomed to the high-powered specs common in flagship smartphones. Design-wise, the J4 Core probably won't blow your mind. It's top and bottom bezels are relatively thick compared to other modern smartphones (even budget options), but it still appears to be quite thin. It's not clear what level of dust/water resistance the device has (if any), and we don't know what sort of glass it's using. The J4 houses a quad-core CPU (clocked at 1.4Ghz), 1GB of RAM, 16GB of micro SD storage (upgradeable to 512GB), an 8MP F2.2 rear camera, a 5MP front-facing camera, and a 720x1480p screen. Though the screen is low-res, the device itself is only 6", so it likely won't be as noticeable as it may be on a higher-end smartphone. The J4's battery capacity is decent for a low-end phone at 3,300mAh, but it's still far from industry standard. Specifications aside, we don't know what the Galaxy J4 Core's cost will be, nor is it clear precisely when the smartphone will launch. However, you can take a quick look at its full spec sheet, as well as a few images of the phone on Samsung's official website. Palau is the first country to ban types of sunscreen that can harm coral reefs. Anyone found distributing the sunscreen after the ban takes effect may be subjected to a fine. Reef-Toxic Chemicals Legislative findings in Palau showed significant sunscreen chemical contamination of the countrys aquatic environments, including the tourist spot Jellyfish Lake. Such chemicals from sunscreen can cause serious harm to both the coral reefs as well as aquatic creatures living in the area. Specifically, chemicals such as oxybenzone and octinoxate can cause coral bleaching, reduce coral resiliency, prevent the growth of new corals, and even cause genetic damage to both corals and marine animals. As such, the government of Palau has signed a reef-toxic sunscreen ban into law, making the archipelago the first country to enforce a ban on certain types of sunscreen with chemicals such as oxybenzone, methyl paraben, ethyl paraben, and other reef-toxic chemicals. Palaus Sunscreen Ban The Responsible Tourism Education Act of 2018, which was signed into law last Oct. 25 and is set to take effect in 2020, states that anyone who is found selling or distributing the banned products will have the products confiscated and be subjected to not more than $1,000 in civil penalties per violation. Furthermore, anyone entering Palau with the banned sunscreen will have the items confiscated. The bill also requires businesses to educate tourists on the environment protection policies of the country, and encourages them to provide more environmentally friendly options for their customers. Education is an essential tool in keeping our environment safe, and I thank the OEK for once again going above and beyond in ensuring that our pristine paradise is prioritized above all else, said Palau President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. Olbiil Era Kelulau (OEK) is the name of Palaus National Congress. Officials of the state of Hawaii also signed a bill banning reef-harming sunscreen chemicals earlier this year, making it the first state to ban such chemicals. The Hawaii sunscreen chemicals ban is set to take effect starting Jan. 1, 2021. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Scientists from Harvard University are not ruling out the possibility that 'Oumuamua, the cigar-shaped interstellar object, was actually an alien spacecraft. Was 'Oumuamua A UFO? Last fall, 'Oumuamua (meaning: a messenger from afar) zipped through the inner Solar System. It was first spotted by astronomers at the Panoramic Survey and Rapid Response System (Pan-STARRS) in Hawaii in October. 2017. 'Oumuamua is the first ever confirmed interstellar object in the Solar System. Scientists are yet to pinpoint where exactly in the universe the passerby has come from and identify the circumstances that led it to travel the cosmos. However, Avi Loeb and colleagues have proposed an idea: 'Oumuamua might actually have been an alien spacecraft. The chair of the astronomy department at Harvard authored a new study that explains their crazy hypothesis that answers why the interstellar object was, in many ways, extraordinary. "That is a prejudice that we shouldn't have," Loeb told Space. "Science should be open-minded." 'Oumuamua Continues To Baffle Loeb and his colleagues have so many reasons why they would think 'Oumuamua is an alien spacecraft that visited the solar system. For one, its shape is unique from anything that anyone has seen before. Because it was traveling so fast, scientists had not been able to capture a resolved image of the object before it flew out of the solar system. Its measurements at 1,300-feet long and 30-feet wide suggest that it is extremely long and narrow, much like a cigar. However, no one knows what it looks like. Scientists also classified the object as a comet but because of its lack of tail, they reclassified it as an asteroid. Then, earlier this year, another study argued that 'Oumuamua is actually a comet after scientists detected nongravitational acceleration that might have resulted from cometary outgassing. However, Loeb argued that cometary outgassing would have altered the object's rotation period, something that can easily be identified by astronomers on Earth. Sailing To The Sun In the study that will be published in The Astrophysical Journal later this month, Loeb and team presented two possibilities: 'Oumuamua is a light sail that was ejected from an advanced technological equipment created by an intelligent alien race or it is a probe that was meant to check out the solar system. There is a possibility that 'Oumuamua is an alien space probe. The study pointed out that the visitor's discovery alone was an anomaly because it was among the million other interstellar objects ejected by stars in the Milky Way. In addition, its motion is almost in line with the average motion of material in this region of the galaxy like it was trying to blend in. "If I created an instrument whose identity I would like to hide, I would put it at the local standard of rest," Loeb added. The study is now free to read in the online preprint website arXiv.org. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Dark Mode may be more than just an aesthetic preference. According to Google, turning it on saves battery life compared to using a default white theme. That's not really surprising. Most people have known for quite a while that dark themes can prolong battery life on smartphones with OLED screens. That's true on both Android and iOS. Why? Well, individual pixels on OLED displays have to do less work when displaying black, even less so when displaying "true black." It's Official: Dark Mode Saves Battery Google confirmed as such during the recent Android Dev, showing several slides that compared the power draw of several different color modes. At maximum brightness, white uses the most battery. However, black uses the least. Those results prompted Google to acknowledge the prominence of white on most of its apps and Android in general. Although Google doesn't seem intent on switching over to Dark Mode completely, the company at least acknowledges its value. Some of its apps, including YouTube and Android Messages, already offer an option to toggle it. In addition, Google is also bringing the feature to its Phone app and is currently testing it in the mobile Google Feed. Similarly, Android bears splashes of Dark Mode as well. Users can set the quick settings pulldown and app drawer to a darker theme, although Google has yet to offer a system-wide implementation. Why the option isn't there remains to be explained, although considering Google's attitude toward Dark Mode now, it wouldn't be surprising if it eventually came via future updates. Dark Mode On Phones Other manufacturers are at least seriously considering it. Samsung, for instance, has recently unveiled its revamped user interface called One UI, and not only will it support Dark Mode, it'll also come on various flavors that'll correspond with the color of the handset. To be clear, the above-mentioned power draw differences are courtesy of testing phones with OLED panels. Whether the same can results can be said for phones with LCD displays remains to be seen. LCD and OLED are entirely different technologies, so there's bound to be differences. But the message is clear. For OLED phones, turning on Dark Mode not only gives the entire interface a visual oomph, but also drains battery slower. Thoughts on Dark Mode? Have you personally noticed your battery life being longer because of it? As always, if you have anything to share, feel free to sound them off in the comments sections below! 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Obviously the board is looking at a lot of issues and were going to try and resolve them all, he said. Thats why we havent voted on this yet. Theres still a lot of work to do. A lot of the things youre thinking about weve been thinking about. Waitr Inc. reported $77.7 million in gross food sales during the third quarter, more than doubling its year-over-year total, and a 230 percent increase in revenue, the company announced Thursday morning. Waitr, which recently announced it would go public following its deal to merge with publicly traded Landcadia Holdings Inc., is now projecting to bring in $65 million to $68 million in revenue for 2018, up from its earlier prediction of $62 million to $67 million. The increase in revenue was the result of the Waitr entering 32 cities in six new markets and further expansion into existing markets, CEO Chris Meaux said in a statement. Waitr announced last month it expanded into New Iberia along with Athens, Georgia; Auburn, Alabama; Little Rock, Arkansas; and several other cities. The momentum we experienced in the first half of the year continued into the third quarter, Waitr CEO Chris Meaux said in a statement. We remain excited about the pending merger with Landcadia as well as the financing agreement to be provided by Luxor Capital Group. Inside info on doing business in Acadiana We'll keep you posted on the Acadiana economy. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Both are highly qualified partners who will further enable us to accelerate our growth in our current markets, expand into new markets and take advantage of potential opportunistic acquisitions. Waitr is now available in 40 markets (235 cities), up from 34 markets on June 30 and just 13 on Sept. 30, 2017. It recorded more than 7,700 restaurant partners on Sept. 30, an increase of 168% from the year prior. The company released the data ahead of the mergers expected completion on Nov. 15. Waitr will then trade under the stock ticker symbol WTRH and become a subsidiary of the combined company. Purchases made via links on our site may earn us an affiliate commission A list of Roman Catholic clergy credibly accused of sexual abuse within his diocese should be released within the next few months, Bishop of Baton Rouge Michael Duca said Friday in offering the greatest details yet of how he'll disclose information about problem priests. Duca released his first column Friday for the dioceses Catholic Commentator newspaper and wrote that this moment in our lives demanded reflection on the sexual abuse crisis that has pummeled the church for decades. He will head next week to Baltimore for an assembly of U.S. bishops, in which he and others will vote on a series of reforms to investigate abuse accusations against bishops. +8 How a priest accused of abuse preyed on the deaf community in Baton Rouge, New Orleans A Catholic priest who ingratiated himself with the deaf community and who helped to open Catholic deaf centers in both Baton Rouge and New Orl While Duca had previously pledged to release a list of Catholic clergy credibly accused of sexual abuse in Baton Rouge and surrounding civil parishes, the column was the first time he explained both who will be included and the time frame he hopes to follow. He said he would name priests, deacons and bishops who have served in the diocese if there is a credible accusation against them. Calls for the Catholic Church to release names of abusive clergy have rained down since a Pennsylvania grand jury released a report in August that found Catholic leadership there, over a number of decades, protected more than 300 predator priests while more than 1,000 victims suffered. Duca said the pain of the grand jury report has challenged the church bishops, especially to review their responses to sexual abuse. He said he determined that releasing a list of credibly accused clergy in Baton Rouge is a required action needed. I hope first of all that this will affirm and give credence to the voice of the victims of this tragedy, the bishop wrote. Also, it is my hope that this accounting will be an important help to build a deepening trust between you and myself as your bishop, and you with my diocesan staff. He went on to describe reforms that Catholic bishops adopted in 2002, which required bishops to immediately remove priests and deacons from ministry if they were credibly accused of sexual abuse. Duca said that response to the abuse crisis was exceedingly strong, but wrote that recent accusations of abuse have revealed its loopholes namely, that the set of rules did not apply to bishops. +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 For example, ex-Cardinal Theodore McCarrick climbed the Catholic hierarchy despite abuse allegations that dated back decades and often involved seminarians. McCarrick was only removed from ministry in June, and Duca wrote that his case revealed a different kind of wound in the church that needs to be straightforwardly addressed. 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 When they meet, the U.S. bishops will consider concrete ways to investigate accusations against bishops, such as through an independent review board, holding a bishop accountable for his actions and/or to prove an accusation true or false, Duca wrote. This is a measure that I will wholeheartedly support at our bishops meeting next week, he added. This will hopefully be another crucial step taken to rebuild trust where it has been lost within the church community. One of Baton Rouges former bishops, Joseph Sullivan, was credibly accused of sexual abuse after his death in 1982. The Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge has settled at least two lawsuits related to Sullivans abuse, one from a man who said Sullivan abused him in 1975 when he was a teenager and another from a man who said Sullivan abused him between 1978 and 1982. +36 New BR bishop on his priestly calling, Shreveport and stamping out church sex abuse SHREVEPORT Walk into a Roman Catholic church in this north Louisiana city along the Red River and ask a parishioner, a nun, a priest, a secr The diocese settled the first lawsuit against Sullivan in 2004 and the second lawsuit against him in 2009. Other Baton Rouge priests who were removed after accusations of sexual abuse include Christopher Springer, Daniel Lemoine and John Berube. The Archdiocese of New Orleans on Nov. 2 became the first in the state to release the names of clergy credibly accused of sexual abuse. Its list said 57 clergy members over a century in New Orleans were credibly accused, including eight priests with ties to Baton Rouge. Those eight priests included Pierre Celestin Cambiaire, John Franklin, Lawrence Hecker, Gerard Jerry Howell, Michael Hurley, Ralph Lawrence, Malcolm Strassel and John Weber. +11 List of clergy sex abusers in New Orleans archdiocese leaves gaps, questions for survivors The list of alleged clergy sex abusers that New Orleans Archbishop Gregory Aymond released on Friday has foisted difficult questions on local In his letter, Duca pleaded for the people of Baton Rouge to not lose heart and asked for prayers. He reminded them that the Gospel always seeks to bring what is in darkness out into the light. More than a year after Maxwell Gruvers hazing-related death, LSUs fraternities continue to rack up misconduct allegations leading to suspensions. The probe into the abuse of public office and money in Clinton has expanded to the East Feliciana Parish School Board, where investigators believe the board may have illegally diverted their materials for private use and allowed a conflict of interest to influence financial agreements, according to a new court documents. Investigators say they have "reasonable suspicion" that building materials dedicated for the East Feliciana Parish School System and School Board were actually used privately following the August 2016 flood and that a lease with a local health care company may violate state laws on public fund donations, according to a subpoena filed Friday by the East Feliciana Parish Sheriff's Office and State Police. "The subject property and materials were not used to repair School Board property as reported to the School Board," the subpoena reads. +3 Clinton police chief, mayor turn themselves in; duo wanted for abuse of office claims The Clinton mayor and police chief were arrested Friday on abuse of office and illegal contract allegations after an investigation into how th The subpoena alleges that the board's lease contracts with private healthcare company Primary Care Providers for A Healthy Feliciana, Inc., may violate the Louisiana Constitution's prohibition against donation of public funds and that a former board member who was employed for the healthcare company improperly voted on matters involving the board and his employer. "The fair market value of the lease contracts between the School Board and Primary Care Providers for A Healthy Feliciana, Inc., ... is approximately $48,000 per year, but the actual dollar amount paid to the Board is $2,500," the subpoena says. The documents do not describe the exact nature of the lease contract. A current School Board member told investigators "that former School Board member Broderick Brooks Sr., while an employee of Primary Care Providers for A Healthy Feliciana, Inc., illegally voted on matters involving the (company) that came before the board." Criminal probe into financial practices by Clinton police chief, other town officials underway The East Feliciana Sheriff's Office and Louisiana State Police are investigating the Clinton police chief and other town officials for possibl Brooks served on the school board for 5 1/2 years, until he was fatally shot in May 2016 in what police believe was an armed robbery in a neighborhood in the city of Baton Rouge. He was in his second term. The subpoena requests all internal documents about any building materials ordered, delivered or purchased by the East Feliciana school system in the months after the August 2016 floods, all bank accounts for the school system, the current lease contract between the board and Primary Care Providers for A Healthy Feliciana, Inc., and minutes from board meetings where any contracts with the healthcare company were discussed or voted on. 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 East Feliciana Superintendent Carlos Sam said Friday that he had not yet seen the subpoena so he could not comment on the specifics, but he denied the allegations. "I can assure you that the East Feliciana Parish School Board and its employees are diligent and upstanding stewards of the public funds that are entrusted to our care and that we will cooperate with law enforcement as required to refute these baseless allegations," Sam wrote in a statement Friday. This subpoena is the latest in a string of arrest warrants and other subpoenas filed in the last month over the mishandling of public funds and abuse of office in Clinton, which come amid mounting financial challenges for the town. Mayor Lori Ann Bell and Police Chief Fred Dunn were arrested in October on abuse of office and illegal contract allegations, after an investigation into the town's contract to lease four Chevrolet Tahoes as police units. The lease led to significant debt for the town and the vehicles have since been returned because the town could not afford to pay the costs. Dunn has since resigned. However, documents show that investigators are also looking into the Clinton Police Department's narcotics fund and the mayor's court, where they believe money may have been illegally funneled out of the fund and the court may have been overcharging residents, according to other subpoenas filed. It is unclear if more arrests will follow these investigations. But both Bell and Dunn have now acquired attorneys, who both say the charges against their clients are fruitless. Shes not resigning as mayor," said attorney Niles Haymer, who is representing Bell. "There has been absolutely no criminal activity." Haymer called the allegations against Bell "shameful," and believe they are the outcome of a political attack from the small faction of her opponents. He called Bell a public servant who he said has represented the town to the best of her ability. Jim Holt, who is representing Dunn, said he's aware of further allegations that could still come down against Dunn, but said there has been no wrongdoing by his client. "Fred Dunn is completely innocent, and as the case unfolds that will be proven in court," Holt said. A Baton Rouge man charged with burning down his Prairieville restaurant in 2015 to collect insurance money was accused this week of setting fire to his Jones Creek Road eatery last year to pocket more insurance proceeds. Jonathan Paul Marino, 37, of 14310 Meadow Ridge Way Drive, was indicted by an East Baton Rouge Parish grand jury Thursday on arson with intent to defraud and injury by arson. The charges involved a March 2017 blaze at The Cast Iron Kitchen. Marino was already facing arson-related fraud charges in Ascension Parish as a result of a blaze three years ago that destroyed his Prairieville restaurant, The Italian Bowl. +4 Businessman accused of torching his BR restaurant to collect insurance money A Baton Rouge man is accused of purposely setting fire to his new restaurant on Jones Creek Road in March 2017 and fraudulently collecting ins The Cast Iron Kitchen had been open only seven months in the 5400 block of Jones Creek when it was destroyed. The fire sent one firefighter to the hospital with minor injuries when part of the ceiling collapsed. Marino's attorney, James Rothkamm, said Friday that Marino has pleaded not guilty in the Ascension case. The restaurateur has not been arraigned in the Baton Rouge case. We want to wait and let all the facts come out before anyone makes a rush to judgment, Rothkamm said. We disagree with a lot of the allegations made by the state fire marshal. 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 Marino was arrested in February and accused of purposely setting fire to The Cast Iron Kitchen on March 12, 2017. Video surveillance shows Marino leaving the restaurant, which was closed, and within 10 minutes passing motorists and neighboring tenants noticed the building was on fire, an arrest warrant states. Marino was four months behind on his lease rental payments in February 2017, the warrant says. At this time, in lieu of eviction, there was another lease issued with an increased rent compensating for missed payments with a demand for eviction if these payments were not met, Deputy State Fire Marshal Eric Johnson said in the warrant. Less than a month later the structure suffered a catastrophic fire. The fire originated in the restaurants office area, according to the warrant, and the cause was determined to be the result of human intervention and incendiary in nature. During the investigation into the fire at the Jones Creek restaurant, the warrant says, it was discovered that Marinos previous restaurant, The Italian Bowl, burned down in October 2015. Witnesses came forward during the investigation and provided recorded statements that they had been propositioned by Marino to burn the Italian Bowl for insurance money and had also observed him attempt to set the Italian Bowl on fire on several, separate occasions, Johnson states in the warrant. Rothkamm said Ascension Parish prosecutors have charged Marino with arson with intent to defraud and three counts of attempted arson with intent to defraud. A Baton Rouge man is accused of purposely setting fire to his new restaurant on Jones Creek Road in March 2017 and fraudulently collecting insurance money on the destroyed building, according to the Louisiana State Fire Marshal. Jonathan Paul Marino, 36, was arrested Wednesday after a months-long investigation. He is alleged to have purposely torched The Cast Iron Kitchen, destroying that restaurant, damaging other nearby businesses and injuring a St. George firefighter, said State Fire Marshal Chief Deputy Brant Thompson. Officials also believe Marino attempted to commit arson three other times on another restaurant he owned in Prairieville before it actually burned down in 2015. Investigators are also looking into other incidents in which Marino might have purposely damaged his property to collect insurance money, Thompson said. "It's very clear (Marino) was in a financial bind over the years and we believe that is, in fact, what motivated him to set these fires," Thompson said. Thompson would not say how Marino started the fire at The Cast Iron Kitchen. +3 St. George firefighter suffers minor injuries in blaze at restaurant on Jones Creek Road Sunday A fire left heavy damage inside The Cast Iron Kitchen, a new restaurant at 5441 Jones Creek Road, and sent one firefighter to the hospital wit Marino has made a number of insurance claims in the past few years, and has collected more than $227,000 on three separate losses, Thompson said. Marino has already collected fraudulently $12,000 in partial insurance payments from The Cast Iron Kitchen fire, Thompson said. After the March fire, someone in the Marino family started a Go Fund Me webpage to raise money for their recovery. The goal for fundraising was listed at $5,000 but only $440 was raised, according to the website. 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 Marino had also collected $145,000 after his Prairieville restaurant, The Italian Bowl, burned down in 2015, Thompson said. That fire was ruled a grease fire by local officials, though Thompson said they are continuing to investigate if Marino was involved in it. Investigators also learned that Marino attempted on three previous occasions to torch The Italian Bowl in order to collect insurance money, Thompson said. Marino also collected $70,000 in insurance money after the interior of his home flooded, though he told investigators it was an accident, Thompson said. Marino has not been linked criminally to the house flood or to the Prairieville restaurant fire, but Thompson said both incidents remain under investigation. "The fact of the matter is the consumer foots the bill for insurance fraud such as this," Thompson said. "It impacts everyone. We pay for it." Video surveillance from the March 2017 fire shows smoke coming from the The Cast Iron Kitchen, which was closed, minutes after Marino left the building, Thompson said. While combing through other video from the area, investigators also saw Marino stealing assorted grocery items from an area Walmart shortly before the fire. While firefighters were inside battling the flames, the restaurant's roof collapsed, injuring a St. George Fire Department firefighter, Thompson said. That firefighter went to the hospital for treatment of the injury. Marino, of 14310 Meadow Ridge Drive, was booked into East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on a count of arson with intent to defraud, injury by arson, and one count of theft. He will also be booked in Ascension Parish on three counts of attempted arson with the intent to defraud. A former Louisiana State Penitentiary guard convicted twice in the 2014 beating of a handcuffed and shackled Angola inmate has seen one of his Could Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry be in the running to replace Jeff Sessions, who resigned from his post as U.S. attorney general earlier this week? Speculation swirled on Thursday -- two days after Sessions submitted his resignation at the president's request -- that Landry may have made it onto the White House's short list of candidates to take the reins as attorney general. At least some close to Landry, who is is president of the National Attorney General Association and on the executive committee of the Republican Attorney General Association, believe he's under consideration, according to multiple sources. Attorney General Jeff Sessions submits resignation letter to President Trump Attorney General Jeff Sessions has resigned as the countrys chief law enforcement officer at President Donald Trumps request. Landry, a Republican, referred The Advocate to the White House for comment. The White House didn't respond to The Advocate's request. Landry is thought to be a long-shot for the job, as no national reports have suggested President Donald Trump is considering Landry for the job. CNN reported that former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi are Trump's top picks. The scoop on state politics in your inbox Get the Louisiana politics insider details once a week from us. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Meanwhile, Politico reported that Kansas secretary of state Kris Kobach, who lost a bid for governor this week, and former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani are among potential top-tier candidates. Additionally, acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker might be considered for the permanent post. CBS News also reported that Christie is under consideration, but the list is expected to grow in the coming days. Donald Trump Jr.'s alligator hunting in Louisiana today with U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise Donald Trump Jr. likes to hunt things that can't hunt back a quick Google search will come up with images of the presidential adviser holdin Landry has been invited to the White House multiple times since Trump became president. In September, Trump's son, Donald Jr., attended Landry's annual alligator hunt fundraiser in Louisiana. Landry, who has been Louisiana attorney general since 2016, previously served in Congress and remains close with ex-U.S. Rep. Mick Mulvaney, now Trump's cabinet as the director of the Office of Management and Budget. In 1995, when a Democratic developer in New York had delusions of grandeur about business and politics, a little-known state senator from Franklin ran for the open seat of Louisiana governor. In that race, we reached back to Abe Lincoln, the alleged railsplitter who was, in fact, a corporate lawyer, to compare the image makeover of Mike Foster, a south Louisiana planter in a welding helmet, in Roy Fletchers commercials. That extraordinary race ended with Foster narrowly edging Mary Landrieu for a runoff spot, then being elected over the spoiler candidacy of Cleo Fields. Foster won two terms and arguably changed Louisiana for the better. If American politics is part improbable image-making, todays makeover of the Republican Party by the former developer from New York is far deeper, Fletcher said Monday. It is not just the pace of campaigns and social media, although at one time some preposterous charges could be dismissed as beneath a reply. Nowadays, you dont respond at your own peril, Fletcher told the Press Club of Baton Rouge. Donald Trumps presidency he sees as being rooted in the 2010 activism of tea party Republicans across the country and in Louisiana, leading a fascinating realignment of the stuffy pro-business GOP. It started in 2010 and has not now run its course. Those enthusiasms may run their course in eight or 10 years, because they always do, but Fletcher said that it's drastically remade the base of the GOP. He put it as representing a change of the underlying economic base of the party: The blue-collar goods-producing economy is in revolt against the purported knowledge economy of the future. He recalled that in 1988, the late Baton Rouge Mayor Pat Screen held a fundraiser for a Democrat running for president, Richard Gephardt, and his big issue was trade. Now, a GOP president has taken up the issue of the union-backed Democratic hopeful of 30 years ago. Right now, there is this energy in American politics, Fletcher said. That talk was before the polls closed Tuesday, but Fletcher unquestionably noted an impact on the race from its dominant personality. The other atmospheric that has defined this election is Donald Trump, Fletcher said. There is no better closer in American politics. The president is a message freak, the consultant said, and like the importance of instant reply to attacks, that is an important asset in a job where the attention span is quicker and more textured reporting and analysis might not catch up with Twitter and Facebook. Is this better or worse? Certainly one cannot imagine Dwight Eisenhower or George H.W. Bush dashing out angry tweets at 4 a.m. from the White House. Fletcher recommended a Pew polling study for its discussion of the new era in politics. Anything in American society is seen through a partisan worldview lens, he said of its conclusions. If so, that doesnt mean that Fletcher has lost sight of the eternal verities of politics. When asked about the future of Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards in a Republican state, he said that absent a challenge from U.S. Sen. John N. Kennedy, a formidable potential candidate, the 2019 rule might be one from Earl K. Long, you cant beat somebody with nobody. Frank Donze: The death at 64 of the former New Orleans reporter meant the loss of a colleague and friend of many journalists. He was one of the all-time experts in the Crescent Citys Byzantine political scene. Email Lanny Keller at lkeller@theadvocate.com. I am responding to Richard Cohen's opinion, "An American Nero threatens the Republic." Cohen asserted that President Donald Trump had "anti-im Attention all area hatchet-wielding Juggalos, Juggalettes, Juggalas and Juggalx: time to check on those Faygo and facepaint reserves. Insane Clown Posse Detroit poet laureates Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope returns to New Orleans on a two-night stand at the House of Blues on Feb. 16-17, 2019, which the duo has declared Juggalo Weekend. The weekend festival falls on the same weekend as Krewe du Vieux, aligning ICP's conceptual Dark Carnival with Carnival itself. +4 "Deviant," Southern Mississippi Juggalo rappers in love, bring killer clown music to New Orleans Are you living your dreams? Ratchet and Sukkew are living theirs. Together they're Deviant, a married Juggalo rap duo from a small town in Sou The Psychopathic Records co-founders landed in Baton Rouge earlier this year, and they packed Southport Hall in New Orleans in 2016 during a 20th anniversary tour for their third album "Riddle Box." Last year, a massive crowd of hatchet family members descended on Washington D.C., in part as a protest of the FBI's ludicrous designation of ICP's fanbase as a "gang" and a politically minded version of ICP's Gathering festival, bringing thousands of down-with-the-clown fans together as a powerful front against the -isms it has denounced. Juggalo Weekend will follow the release of ICP's 15th studio LP, "Fearless Fred Fury," set for release on Feb. 15, 2019. Tickets are $30-$115 and are on sale now. Joe Cook, the cowboy hat-wearing American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana leader who battled school-sponsored prayer by quoting Jesus and rebuilt his organization after Hurricane Katrina, died Tuesday in Virginia. He was 73. The cause was complications from surgery, said Steve Clayton, a friend. Cook led the ACLU group based in New Orleans as executive director from 1994 to 2007. An Arkansas native with a tall, lanky frame, Cook was known for his Southern drawl and uncompromising stance on constitutional rights, especially the separation of church and state. Joe was highly principled, said Ron Wilson, an ACLU of Louisiana board member and longtime friend. He was fearless, and he never backed down from anyone or anything. Cook attended the University of Arkansas, worked in the electronics industry and led the ACLUs branch in Dallas before he came to New Orleans, according to a 1994 article in The Times-Picayune. Within a year he made a splash in the Louisiana Legislature with a speech against a bill that would have allowed student-led prayers before school events. And when thou prayest, thou shall not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men, Cook said, quoting Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. Cook rapidly expanded the staffing of an organization that previously had only an executive director and an office administrator to include a staff attorney, a fundraiser and a contract lobbyist. He mounted battles against drug testing for school students, restrictions on panhandling in New Orleans, and a dog cage that the Abbeville Police Department used for holding suspects. Although not a lawyer himself, Cook was known to cover drafts of legal briefs with suggestions written in red ink, said Katie Schwartzmann, a civil rights attorney who worked for the ACLU in Cooks final years there. Marjorie Esman, his successor at the ACLU of Louisiana, said his uncompromising positions turned off some while attracting others. 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 He didnt suffer fools gladly. Lets put it that way, she said. His greatest challenge may have come after Hurricane Katrina. While other New Orleanians were concentrating on getting back to their homes, Cook was fixated on recovering the ACLUs records, Schwartzmann said. In early September 2005, the pair slipped into the quarantined city with the help of a friends Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office badge. They drove to the organizations headquarters building on Loyola Avenue, which had been devastated by wind and rain. Joe and I parked his pickup truck out in front, and walked up and down nine flights of stairs in the pitch black for hours, carrying out the ACLU hard drives and the ACLU files and everything else we could salvage from the office that hadnt been ruined, she said. Afterward, they retreated to Mollys at the Market in the French Quarter for beer. For several months, Cook ran the ACLU out of a temporary Baton Rouge headquarters. He also contributed to a report on the dismal conditions in the Orleans Parish Prison during and after the storm. Upon retirement, Cook moved to Norfolk, Virginia, where his wife, Hueiwang Anna Cook, was a professor at Old Dominion University. Wilson said his friend would return to New Orleans every spring for the Jazz and Heritage Festival. In Norfolk, he became an outspoken Sierra Club activist. He just kept raising hell everywhere he went, Schwartzmann said. He was a real firebrand. Clayton said he is survived by his wife; a son, Clay Cook, of Tokyo; a sister, Sylvia Higgs, of Arkansas; and two grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are pending. One person was killed and two others injured in Slidell in a series of three shootings late Thursday and early Friday that also involved a fatal drug overdose and that Slidell police said they believe are all linked. The dead man was identified late Friday by the St. Tammany Parish Coroner's Office as 38-year-old Christopher Evans, of Slidell. The complicated series of events began late Thursday night when police responded to a suspected drug overdose on Gwen Drive involving a 43-year-old woman, who later died. Her son, 29-year-old Joshua Cox, learned of her death and asked his wife to drive him to the hospital to see her, according to a Slidell Police Department spokesman, Detective Daniel Seuzeneau. But on the way, the two began to argue, and Cox shot her in the chest, Seuzeneau said. He then dropped her at the hospital and fled. Cox's wife is in stable condition and is expected to survive. 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 Later, while investigating a report of gunshots at an apartment building on Lee Street about 4:30 a.m. Friday, police discovered Cox lying on the ground, the victim of an apparent gunshot wound. He was taken to the hospital in critical condition, police said. The suspect in his shooting is cooperating with the investigation, according to police. During the investigation of that shooting, police also discovered Evans' body inside a vehicle. His death was ruled a homicide by Coroner Dr. Charles Preston, who said it resulted from a gunshot wound. Investigators believe the incidents are all related. This is a very complex investigation with a lot of moving parts. At this time, we believe all suspects, including their whereabouts, have been identified," Police Chief Randy Fandal said Friday. "Our investigators are still piecing together all events that happened last night and early this morning," he added. "We will release more details as soon as we are able to do so. We have no higher priority than the safety and security of our students and the wider community, Bruce Lewis, Northwestern University police chief, said in a message sent to students, staff and faculty Friday afternoon. As university police increases its vigilance, it is important that we work together to ensure a safer environment for our community. Prevention starts with awareness, and we encourage students, faculty and staff to use extra caution when walking, especially at night, and to walk with others when possible. The second man convicted in the strangling, shooting and burning death of a young mother in New Orleans East was sentenced to life in prison on Thursday after the victim's mother gave an emotional statement in court. My heart tells me your family did not raise you to be this evil person, Jolene Dufrene told Troy Varnado. But I dont have one ounce of compassion for you. A jury in September convicted Varnado, 30, of second-degree murder, second-degree kidnapping and obstruction of justice in the death of Lindsay Nichols. His co-defendant Thayon Sansom had earlier pleaded guilty to manslaughter and received a 40-year sentence under an agreement with prosecutors. Investigators said that a series of incriminating letters sent from jail by Sansom, also known as Samson, proved that the two men acted in concert. Cellphone location data also showed that Varnado was in the area of Downman Road and Chef Menteur Highway just before Nichols made a 911 call for help from there. Prosecutors said Varnado became enraged after Nichols refused to have sex with him when she went to Sansom's apartment after a night out at clubs. The mandatory punishment for second-degree murder in Louisiana is life without parole, so there was no suspense as to how Criminal District Court Judge Robin Pittman would sentence Varnado. However, a gallery full of Nichols loved ones listened intently as Dufrene put on glasses and read a statement to her daughters killer. Nichols, 31, worked as a timekeeper at Texas construction sites before her death. She was the mother of a young son. 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 Dufrene said the 911 call that her daughter made in the moments before her death in which she pleaded with an operator for help would haunt her for the rest of her life. I hope that it will haunt you too, but I doubt it will, Dufrene said. She added that she wished the law would allow Varnado to face the same violence her daughter did: being shot and strangled, then dumped in the trunk of a car on Michoud Boulevard that was set on fire on June 21, 2015. Instead, Dufrene said, she hoped Varnado will live a miserable life in prison. Afterward, she added, I hope you burn in hell. Varnado gave a brief statement before the judge announced the sentence, telling Nichols family that he knew how they felt because the mother of his children recently died. This isnt justice for Lindsay, he continued, because the real killers are still at large. After Varnado spoke, Assistant District Attorney Tiffany Tucker took the rare step of invoking his status as a habitual offender to further increase the sentence he faces a symbolic step, since he has already received a life term. Defense attorneys John Fuller and Marcus DeLarge represented Varnado. Louisiana State Police troopers on Thursday said they caught a man suspected of stealing casino chips after a car chase that stretched from Metairie to New Orleans. Eldridge Brown, 33, faces allegations of felony theft and traffic violations following his arrest, troopers said. A 31-year-old woman named Marquise Alexander, who was his passenger and owned the car he drove during the case, was also arrested. According to State Police, gaming enforcement troopers learned a man stole $7,000 in chips from the table of an unspecified local casino on Sunday. He fled the casino in a 2015 Chrysler 200, which troopers spotted Thursday morning. Troopers also spotted Brown driving the car, and he matched the description of the casino theft suspect, State Police said. Brown, with Alexander in the passenger seat, sped off as troopers to pull him over on Interstate 10 near Bonnabel Boulevard, according to State Police. Troopers pursued him until he exited I-10 at Louisa Street about eight miles away, where his car became disabled in a muddy area, State Police said. Troopers arrested both Brown on counts of felony theft, reckless operation and flight from an officer. Alexander was booked on an outstanding warrant from Jefferson Parish. Some agencies, such as the New Orleans Police Department, do not allow officers to engage in high-speed chases with suspects of non-violent crimes because such pursuits can endanger members of the public. State troopers, however, do not have that same restriction. In other matters recently handled by local authorities: New Orleans police investigated at least three robberies at gunpoint and an attempted one at knifepoint between Wednesday morning and early Thursday. About 8:20 a.m. at the corner of AP Tureaud Avenue and North Galvez in the 7th Ward, a 37-year-old man walking his son to school was approached by a man wielding what appeared to be a knife and demanding the victims belongings, police said. The victim raised his arm, and the robber cut him with a knife as he fled. About 5:55 p.m. in the 200 block of North Broad Street in Mid-City, a man branding a gun in his waistband stole money from a cashier at a Dollar General store, police said. Police later released a photo of a suspect in the case. Some 45 minutes later, in the 8600 block of Scottsdale Drive a 28-year-old man and a 43-year-old woman were robbed of the car they were in at gunpoint during what they believed was going to be a drug deal in the Little Woods area of New Orleans East, police said. About 12:55 a.m. Thursday at the corner of Marais and Columbus streets in the 7th Ward, two men robbed a 48-year-old man of his belongings after approaching him, police said. New Orleans police investigated two rapes reported on Wednesday. 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 About 11:35 a.m. in the 5300 block of Cartier Avenue in Gentilly, police said they spoke with an underage girl who reported being raped by a man she knew. Police later booked James Mealey Jr., 35, on counts of first-degree rape and molestation of a juvenile. Then, about 5:40 p.m. in the 10700 block of Roger Drive in the Little Woods section of New Orleans East, a 16-year-old girl reported being raped by a man she knew, police said. A 28-year-old woman named Racheal Menard is wanted on allegations that she stabbed a 31-year-old woman with whom she was arguing in the 3200 block of Canal Street in Mid-City about 1:10 p.m. Wednesday. Menard had been arguing with the victims boyfriend and then pushed the victim before stabbing her in the right bicep, police said. There were at least two other stabbings, both early Thursday. About 2:05 a.m. at a hotel in the 700 block of Canal Street in the Central Business District, a 46-year-old man was stabbed four times by one of two women whom he claimed followed him up to his room and entered without permission, police said. He claimed the stabbing happened after he told the women to leave, police said. About 3:30 a.m. in the 6800 block of Parc Brittany Boulevard in New Orleans East, a 20-year-old woman was stabbed in the leg with a kitchen knife by a man who was upset that she was texting another man, police said. She took her own ride to a hospital for treatment. A 30-year-old man was shot in the hand about 6 p.m. Wednesday at the corner of Crowder and Lake Forest boulevards in New Orleans East, police said. The victim took his own ride to the hospital. A 48-year-old man kicked in a 51-year-old womans door in the 2200 block of Cobblestone Lane in Algiers about 8:05 p.m. Wednesday, began strangling her until she lost consciousness and apparently stole her wallet, New Orleans police said. He was gone when she regained consciousness. Police didnt identify him, and they described the incident as a domestic one. The St. Bernard Parish Sheriffs Office informed the public it was investigating the discovery of a dead man near woods in the 5400 block of East Judge Perez Drive in Violet about 11 a.m. Thursday, but foul play is not suspected in the case. An autopsy to determine the mans cause of death was pending later in the day. A man was robbed at gunpoint in the 6300 block of Riverside Drive in Metairie, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office said about 1:35 p.m. Thursday. No one was physically injured. A man received a prison sentence of more than 28 years Thursday following his pleading guilty to murder and carjacking charges in New Orleans federal court. Michael Brown, 24, admitted last year that he killed Jacquez Young, the father of two young children, on June 1, 2015, in Terrytown, out of revenge for being ripped off in a drug deal, prosecutors have said. As part of his guilty plea, he acknowledged firing from a carjacked Dodge Ram into a 2008 Audi A4 on Whitney Avenue, killing the 24-year-old Young and wounding a second person. Brown also admitted he joined others in a robbery spree that crossed into Mississippi and involved stealing drugs and guns inside a house while they held a woman at gunpoint. He had faced life in prison when U.S. District Judge Eldon Fallon sentenced Brown in New Orleans on Thursday. Marvin Armstrong, 32, pleaded guilty in New Orleans federal court on Thursday to two charges related to heroin dealing, U.S. Attorney Peter Strassers office said. He faces up to 20 years in prison on each charge during sentencing, which is tentatively set for Feb. 7. White House trade adviser Peter Navarro warned Wall Street bankers and hedge-fund managers to back down from their push for President Donald Trump to strike a quick trade deal with China's Xi Jinping. "As part of a Chinese government influence operation, these global billionaires are putting a full-court press on the White House in advance of the G-20 in Argentina," Navarro said in a speech at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington on Friday. Their mission is to "pressure this president into some kind of deal" but instead they're weakening his negotiating position and "no good can come of this." White House Trade Council adviser Peter Navarro. Credit:AP Navarro said investors should be re-directing their "billions" of dollars into helping rebuild areas hit by job losses in the manufacturing sector. "Wall Street, get out of those negotiations," Navarro said. "Bring your Goldman Sachs money to Dayton, Ohio, and invest in America." Navarro didn't offer more details on how Wall Street bankers or investors are pressuring the White House. But his comments came two days after former Goldman Sachs President and ex-Trump economic adviser Gary Cohn took a thinly veiled shot at Navarro, saying that Trump had found "one economist on Amazon who thinks trade deficits matter, and he listens to him." Written and directed by Australian Joel Edgerton, Boy Erased has been adapted from a memoir by Garrard Conley, who was determined that his story and the wrong-headed treatment he received not be written off as an aberration confined to America's fundamentalist backwaters. In his view, conversion therapy is "a tragic practice" born of a prejudice both longstanding and widespread in American society. At first 19-year-old Jared Eamons goes along with the idea that homosexuality can be cured. Trusting in the parents he loves and the faith they follow, he's willing to give it a try. Lucas Hedges and Nicole Kidman in Boy Erased. Credit:Kyle Kaplan It's a sentiment that also shaped The Miseducation of Cameron Post, a small but equally perceptive and understated film on the same theme starring Chloe Grace Moretz. Moretz's Cameron was no more rebellious than Lucas Hedges' Jared, although she was more overtly sceptical. She just wanted to get through the months of brainwashing and get back to what was left of her old life. Jared is more confused. While he has no doubt that he's gay, he's not sure that he wants to be. The college room-mate to whom he was attracted has betrayed him and his father has made it clear that life as a homosexual will cut him adrift from home and family. How to make such a parent lovable? It's not easy. Marshall Eamons is a stolid figure whose taciturnity is habitual. The only time he fires up is when he's preaching to his congregation about their need to rid themselves of their sins. Russell Crowe battles against the odds to invest him with a troubled inner life and a discernible love for his son. As usual, he did his homework, paying a surprise visit to the preacher's church, causing him to pause, speechless, mid-sermon. Conley's mother is easier to fathom. Blessed with a sense of humour resilient enough to survive both her religion and her marriage, she is embraced by Nicole Kidman, whose performance as Nancy Eamons defines her as an irrepressible optimist. The film's few grace notes belong to her. With a bubbly manner and a head of blonde curls, she looks as if she's landed in the wrong life yet is intent on making the best of it. It's plain that she and Jared have a close bond. She drives with him to the camp and stays in a nearby hotel during his initial two-week trial, trying to make it sound like a shared adventure. My great-grandfather, Charles Hooper, fought at Gallipoli, a fact that my father discovered nearly a century later, checking his war record online. Charles was killed, aged 32, the following year at Pozieres and the records include the inventory of objects sent home to his widow, Muriel: letters, a pipe, a Bible, a silk handkerchief, gloves, a walking stick and a "quantity of military books". There's also a copy of the letter notifying her that his body, "despite the most searching enquiry and investigation", could not be found. Charles was not often mentioned in my father's childhood, or in mine. This subject was still painful for my grandfather, a toddler when his father died. His remembrance was silent. Now, every year friends take their children to Anzac memorial services. They find these ceremonies a powerful and moving tribute to their forebears. I adored my grandfather, but I'm not sure if pinning Charles' medals on my own small children would please him were he alive. (And no one living knows what pleased Charles.) My grandfather was a man of his generation who found emotional matters difficult, and disliked anyone being "showy" or drawing attention to himself. It is hard to imagine he would have felt much enthusiasm for us inserting ourselves into the story. (My children on the other hand, still bewitched by costumes and any kind of pageantry, would love it, while I know I'd be there photographing them on my phone, tearing up too.) As the American writer David Rieff has suggested, "Lest We Forget" really means "when we forget", because inevitably with each generation the memory fades how can my children experience the pain my grandfather carried or replicate his stoicism? And for how many generations should this collective remembrance last? As Rieff observes: "Everything must end, including the work of mourning. Otherwise the blood never dries, the end of a great love becomes the end of love itself, and long after the quarrel has stopped making any sense, the memory of the grudge endures." Will our marching do anything to stop the rise of fascism internationally, or en masse do our personal tributes play into the glorification of all things militaristic? Also, unlike the smartphone's Memories, we can't just turn off the dates we'd rather not commemorate. It is important to honour bravery and personal sacrifice, but what about the history of which we're ambivalent or ashamed? Charles' grandparents, who were early settlers in the colony of South Australia, presumably witnessed in some form, and benefited from, violent frontier wars. How far should my remembrance go back? "Lest We Forget" will take on new meaning in an age of artificial intelligence. The clumsy intrusion of Memories is surely just the limbering up of technology as it colonises our brains' limbic system. Our own attention spans have never been so desiccated, but the machinery we use has the ability to store our meta-data ad infinitum. Google's DeepMind uses a mathematical process called "backpropagation", sifting through data to supply a "memory matrix" with information that could hypothetically stretch remembrance all the way, through the recorded and imagined histories of bloodshed and victory, past Shelley's Ozymandias, to The Iliad. Two woman accused of running an illegal brothel in a Reid apartment were in Canberra on a holiday, their lawyer told a court on Friday. The Perth women say they have gambling problems and had rented the unit so as to be near the casino, but during the trip lost a significant amount of money, the court heard. Police uncovered a brothel in a Reid apartment complex. Credit:ACT Policing They apparently met some shady characters at the casino, and did some sex work to recover the cash. Police raided the Reid unit on September 4 and warned the two Chinese nationals, aged 51 and 46, that it was illegal to work as a sex worker except in prescribed places, court documents say. With myriad concurrent careers, Morna Sturrock's 65-plus-year career encompassed so many fields of endeavour. Still working up until the age of 90, Morna was a pioneering perfectionist in all she did. Clever, humble, and enthusiastic, she was so prolific and ahead of her time that she exhausted nearly everyone she influenced. An inspiring mentor to people of all ages, she offered wise counsel to leaders in diverse areas. Morna generously shared her practitioner wisdom in journalism; public speaking; author of many books, historian, academic, spear-header of the ordination of women, creator of the Embroiderers Guild and ecclesiastical vestments for all denominations, local councillor and political agitator, and the list is too long. Morna Sturrock AM Cathy Condell, her niece, organised behind the scenes work for her Order of Australia for her contribution to embroidery if Morna had received an AM for every outstanding contribution, she would have required 100. Morna authored many books, including the history of the Brigidines, and was the editor of Gesher. Her legacy for all denominations was gratefully stressed at her funeral by Walter Rapoport and Sister Cecilia Merrigan c.s.b. A man charged over the murder of mafia lawyer Joseph "Pino" Acquaro, who was gunned down near his Brunswick East cafe two years ago, has remained in his cell and refused to face court. Homicide squad detectives charged 69-year-old Vincent Crupi from Reservoir on Friday in relation to Mr Acquaro's death in 2016. Mr Acquaro was gunned down not far from his Lygon Street cafe Gelobar in 2016. Joseph 'Pino' Acquaro was gunned down in Brunswick in March 2016. Mr Crupi was arrested in Ringwood about 9.45am on Friday, following an extensive investigation, police said. Miguel A. Ortega, 33, of the 11300 block of 72nd Street, Burr Ridge was charged at 2:34 a.m. Nov. 3 with driving under the influence of alcohol, improper lane use and not signaling when required at Ogden Avenue and Route 83. Police have said it was always a matter of when, not if Melbourne was placed on terror alert. A police officer at the scene of the Bourke Street attack. Credit:Stuart Gaut For the first time the sirens of war were set off to warn those in the city of imminent danger. Anti terror police were called into action but, as usual, it was street cops who led the citys defence. And, as usual, ordinary citizens showed extraordinary bravery. The man with the knife in Bourke Street was confirmed by police to be a terrorist less than four hours after the attack. A large utility crashed and burst into flames near the entrance to the Mall, forcing police using the bomb squad to make the area safe. So I cautiously went back to the unhelpful woman, who thankfully this time appeared to be on the phone, and explained to a new worker my situation. In less than five minutes, I was booked on the next ferry, handed a new ticket and put in a car that took me directly to the terminal where the boat was actually leaving from - no fee. As I was being taken between terminals, the driver told me this wasn't necessarily a new practice. He said the island was determined to get you over at any cost or convenience. "If you miss your ferry, don't worry we'll get you on the next one. If you can't get on one today, don't worry, we'll get you on one the day after. We want you to come, we'll make it happen," he said. After a short ferry ride, I was off the boat and on Google Maps. Karma Rottnest. Credit:Hannah Barry My last time on Rottnest was about three years ago for a day trip but the last time I'd been on Rottnest to stay was nearly a decade ago. Internet on the island is patchy, and my phone dropped to 3G almost immediately. But thanks to some helpful signs, I eventually made my way to the Karma Resort, formerly known as the Rottnest Lodge. Like many West Australians, I have memories of the Rottnest Lodge being the island's "best of the best". In this sense, the lodge hasn't changed. It still has the characteristics that make it stand out from other island accommodation: the pool, the lakeside rooms and the popular restaurant. But renovations of the hotel has definitely made an impact. A revamped reception area with driftwood and metal fittings set the scene, and when it came to the accommodation I was given the changes were evident. It was a sprawling, cool room with a small verandah opened up onto the lake, with a huge bathroom. The huge double bed to myself also made it difficult to actually get up and go explore the island - overall it was very different from sharing a bunk bed with my brother in a Thomson Bay cottage. Inside one of the Lakeside rooms. Credit:Hannah Barry Very few children seemed to stay at the resort, with the front desk dominated by foreign tourists, couples and friends on holiday. A cocktail bar that opened just after 12pm and a bar willing to serve beer around 10.30am also cemented the hotel's desire to go after more adult clientele. A new addition to the Karma Resort was also the Karma Spa. Just next door to cool Italian pizza joint Frankies, the spa is detached from the resort itself and sits close to the beach. When you go in for a massage, you're given the choice of six essential oils, ranging from those apparently designed to make you feel energised and active, to ones that were supposed to promote relaxation and be a mood boost. Karma Spa. Credit:Hannah Barry I was led into a quiet room to leave my things, and then into the massage room itself. Maybe it's because my only experience of massages come from Bali where I spend most of the time riddled with anxiety about being topless on a tourist beach, but my masseuse was amazing at making me comfortable and relaxed. I had some knots worked out of my shoulders, and came dangerously close to falling asleep on the table - which I hear is a sign of a good massage. When I finished up, I was quietly moved into another room, given a cup of herbal tea and sent on my way feeling like jelly. And when you're in that kind of mind set, it's very easy to head over to Hotel Rottnest for a beer and to watch the sun go down. Waking up in the morning wasn't much different in terms of laziness - I ventured out of my room for an 8am buffet breakfast included in the room rate, and soaked up the sun lying by the pool drinking some orange juice. Hotel Rottnest. Credit:Hannah Barry I then wandered down to Thomson Bay, sprawled out on the sand for a good hour, nearly fell asleep again, and was on the ferry home by 11.30am, still feeling like jelly. While my trip didn't involve KitKats, bike-riding or taking Quokka selfies, it was definitely an eye-opening experience into what Rottnest actually can be for adults - including being the sole person responsible for rocking up to the wrong ferry terminal. One of WAs longest serving child sex offenders will continue to remain behind bars indefinitely despite completing his prison sentence in 2000. Robert Bruce Newland, 57, has by his own admission touched more than a hundred, even two hundred children since he was a teenager, however he has only been convicted of offences relating to around 10 victims between 1978 to 1997. Robert Newland will remain in custody on an indefinite order Credit:John Donegan As a child himself, Mr Newland sexually abused several children younger than him including his four-year-old neighbour who he invited into his house for ice-cream before assaulting her in his bedroom. In his twenties he was convicted of abusing five children a 10-year-old boy he lured into a toilet after standing behind him on an escalator, two children a boy, 3, and girl, 4, who he took from a Balga park and abused in his car and later at his home, a five-year-old boy he lured into a Balga swimming pool toilet cubicle and a five-year-old boy waiting for his mum at a Highgate park who he lured into his car and drove to a motel. Finance Minister Mathias Cormann - whose shift in support was crucial in the coup against former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull - has conceded the Coalition had improved its electoral position just before he and his colleagues knifed their leader. Senator Cormann said he had not seen internal party polling showing the Coalition ahead 52 to 48 in key marginal seats - polling Mr Turnbull revealed in his appearance on the ABC's Q&A program on Thursday night. But the senior minister - who was one of Mr Turnbull's key protectors before throwing his support behind Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton - admitted things had improved for the government just before the coup gathered steam. "There's no question, in my mind, the government had worked very well as a team and that we had got ourselves back into a more competitive position than we had been," Senator Cormann told Sky News on Friday morning. Labor has promised to build new law courts in Bendigo, replacing the outdated heritage buildings and creating local jobs. Speaking on Friday, Premier Daniel Andrews said the Bendigo Law Courts would be the centrepiece of a planned construction blitz for the city. In a statement, the Labor Party said the courts were no longer meeting the needs of the community, with just six courts spread over three buildings including two heritage ones and no ability to separate offenders from victims, jury members and staff. "We will invest $152.4 million to completely rebuild the Bendigo Law Courts on the former Bendigo TAFE site on the corner of Mundy and Hargreaves Street," Mr Andrews said. The project includes the courts co-location with a planned education precinct that is currently in the process of a major renewal. Loading This sums up Andrews' political persona as neatly as you could hope for: he thinks long-term, has learnt to back his instincts, is relentlessly focused and disciplined enough to stick with a plan, for as long as it takes. He has needed every bit of that discipline in his four years in the states top job. For a first term outfit, this Labor government has been uncommonly scandal-prone. He's lost a minister, Steve Herbert, to a scandal over using a taxpayer-funded car to chauffeur pet dogs around the state, while another man, Adem Somyurek, went overboard amid bullying allegations while protesting the whole thing was a factional stitch-up. Andrews lost two MPs, speaker Telmo Languiller and deputy speaker Don Nardella, who were busted claiming lucrative second-home allowances. Backbencher Khalil Eideh is being investigated over claims his office siphoned money from the MPs' parliamentary printing allowance to pay for Labor Party memberships. Yet another minister, Jane Garrett, once considered a potential future premier, walked away from her job over Andrews handling of the ongoing disputes around the Country Fire Authority. The Premiers relationship with the volatile leader of the United Firefighters Union, Peter Marshall, continues to dog his government. And then theres the red shirts affair, where hundreds of thousands of dollars in MPs entitlements were channelled into Labors 2014 election campaign in what Victorian Ombudsman Deborah Glass labelled an artifice aimed at bolstering ALP electoral resources. Police are still investigating and it is beyond strange that a government with 21 of its MPs, six of them ministers, facing possible charges two weeks out from an election doesnt appear to be under undue pressure. The Andrews' government has in fact opened up a handy lead on its opponents in the polls and the bookmakers have him as a warm favourite. Most Spring Street observers have assumed that the scandals must weigh on voters minds, just a bit, when they approach the ballot boxes. But Andrews doesnt see it like that. You have good days and bad days, that's the nature of any work, particularly when its important work, he says. My view is that if youve got the stuff done that weve committed to do, that would be the most important thing. Ive also got a family that keep me very well grounded and lots of real people, as in civilians, who are not involved in this contest who become a wonderful barometer of things that are very big on Spring Street but mean very little on main street. You can get yourself caught up in something and think its the biggest thing ever when it isnt. If you let it, it will distract you and knock you off course from the main agenda, which is the building, the reforms, the investments, the agenda, the delivery. So Andrews' pitch to the electorate is simple: state government is about delivering services and infrastructure, in contrast to the soap opera that has consumed federal politics in recent years. Its an appeal to the head, not the heart, from a leader who has not quite managed to define a clear-cut political persona in a business where personal brands can be important. Andrews does not present like a natural retail politician. He leans into camera with the watchful demeanour of a bloke who misses nothing but doesn't give much of himself away. It's a presentation that, on TV at least, does not quite close the deal. But the people around Andrews sense that Labors frontman is consolidating his brand as somebody who is going to get a job done, even if you're not desperate to join him for a beer afterwards. It wont put Andrews in Bob Hawkes league as a Mr Popularity, but if the can-do image sticks, it will be more than enough for the ALPs hard heads to work with. The irony of a Premier whose government has fielded constant attacks over questions of integrity, building a political brand as a man who does what he says he is going to do wont be lost on Andrews detractors. It's gone down in Spring Street folklore how Andrews gathered his inner circle immediately after the 2014 victory and vowed to not die wondering, the pledge thats driven the frenetic pace of infrastructure building that has characterised his government. Cynics point out that Andrew and his colleagues had to do a lot of building, to avoid being defined by their first major act in government, the messy and expensive process of extracting the state from the deal to build the controversial East-West link signed in the dying days of the Napthine government. But 29 level crossings have been removed, the $11 billion Melbourne Metro rail tunnel is well underway, the $6.7 billion West Gate tunnel is in the ground, and a hyper-ambitious program of road and rail works is promised if they win, so Labor figures it has done enough since 2014 to make East-West a distant memory for voters. It is hard to miss all of the construction and disruption around town and that is exactly how Labor likes it. The post-election gathering of Andrews' inner-circle gives us a glimpse of another stand-out trait of this group; their ability to play the long game. Treasurer Tim Pallas was at that meeting. His fourth budget earlier this year looked like a document drafted with an eye on this years election and also like something that had been in the works for four years. Andrews says that he is pitching for re-election now with policies, ideas and achievements that have been in the pipeline for even longer, going back to the mid-point of Labors four years in opposition. So while Andrews says he takes nothing for granted on November 24, you sense he likes his chances, because hes been preparing and working for this for eight years and he does not feel that much has been left to chance. Not a day should be wasted and thats why so much has been able to be achieved [in government], in fact a long time before that in the policy development work, the Premier says. We have pushed and pushed and pushed colleagues, bureaucrats, private sector partners to catch up because so much of this stuff should have occurred a long time ago. But like the man himself, some of his signature projects have not been to everybody's taste such as the sky rail solution to level crossing removal But when your priority and your campaign slogan is "delivering", consensus can be overrated. If you wait around for a universally popular project, that literally 100 per cent of people say oh yes, thats wonderful then you will get exactly nothing done because there is no such thing as a universally popular project, Andrews says. There will always be differences of opinion and youve got to be respectful of that, youve got to be inclusive of that. But I wasnt elected to find reasons not to do things, I wasnt elected to be too weak to risk being unpopular with some. Youre paid on results, youve got to be able to get things done and if that means some people disagree with you, whats the alternative? As a newly elected government, if you become paralysed by always wanting to be absolutely popular, then by the end of however long you are in office, you will be very unpopular because you will have achieved nothing. So Andrews is happy with his record of getting things done but the questions remain about the way he runs his cabinet, his party, the state. The Premiers internal critics, and he has plenty, have long complained that Andrews personal style alienated some in his caucus and exacerbated the political crises around the departures of Somyurek and then Garrett. Decision-making was kept within Andrews inner-circle, the dissidents said, and the Premier himself could be harsh and at times disparaging, sometimes to the point of cruelty. But then, there are not many disgruntled former Andrews employees out there and people who have worked for the Premier throughout his career speak of a boss who stands up for his people, even when they have made mistakes, even when its been politically painful for Andrews. I think loyalty matters, he says. If you believe in someone, if you believe in things, then be clear about it. Im not a screamer, Im not a difficult person to work for. I require people to work hard, I require people to be good at what they do." In the broader party, MPs report a more inclusive approach from the Premier in the past 18 months, speculating that the harsh lessons of the early to mid-term dramas have been taken to heart. The longer youre in this job, the more you appreciate the toll that it can take on people," Andrews says. "Some support is important, but also as much as you can, providing a professional environment where people can have their say and be heard and contribute to the different decision that have to be made. And the mean streak? There will always be some who spend a bit of time speculating on these things and getting a bit creative. Thats not who I am. Its hard work trying to get Andrews to reflect on the past and what he might have done differently in his first four years in office; the man is just too on-message for that. Besides, theres a long game to play. Planning Minister Richard Wynne has lost a high profile supporter as he battles to defend his inner city seat of Richmond from the Greens at the state election. Barrister and asylum seeker advocate Julian Burnside QC, a long-time supporter of Mr Wynne, has defected to the Greens and written to Richmond residents calling on them to vote for the party's challenger in the seat Kathleen Maltzahn. Julian Burnside, QC, a long-time supporter of Richard Wynne, has written to Richmond electors asking them to vote for the Greens' candidate. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Mr Burnside will not be voting for either candidate in Richmond, because he lives across the river in Hawthorn, but the Greens believe the barristers endorsement of their candidate will be a vote-winner in the seat where nearly three-quarters of first preference votes went left-of-centre in 2014. The human rights activist told The Age that he had supported Mr Wynne in previous elections because of the ministers record of advocating for asylum seekers. Construction of a key Andrews government transport project, the West Gate Tunnel, is in industrial strife after the toll road's builders failed to strike a deal with the states powerful building unions. Having failed to reach agreement with unions after more than a year of talks, the consortium of construction firms building the $6.7 billion road went to the Fair Work Commission on Friday. They want to force through a workplace agreement for the project using controversial federal coalition laws. Unions have accused the project's builders, John Holland and CPB Contractors, of using the federal government laws to cut industry conditions and pay on the massive project. The quest to make curly hair straight, straight hair curly, and the in between just do something (anything) has been a constant since the ancient Egyptians started using flat iron plates to manage their unruly curls. The next big advancement in hair difference wasnt until some Parisian guy in the 1800s started using heated rods to style hair. That started the mainstream trend of burning your hair (and sometimes hands) while trying to tame hair to suit whatever the style was at the time. Aside from whatever crimping was aiming for in the 1970s and 80s, not a lot evolved in how people changed the waviness of hair, until Dyson came along. The production of Dysons new hair styler, the Airwrap, actually started at the same time as their Supersonic hair dryer, but it took them an extra two years to get it right because it turns out hair requires more finesse than our previous just burn it into submission attitude would suggest. Also, being Dyson, its $699. After besieging Hodeida over the summer, the coalition launched a new offensive a week ago, two days after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called for a ceasefire and peace talks within 30 days. An array of militias, aligned with the UAE and the embattled Yemeni government, pushed forward into the city, backed by airstrikes and heavy artillery. The coalition of Sunni Muslim countries is seeking to oust the Shiite rebels and restore Yemen's internationally recognised government, not least because the Houthis are widely said to be backed by Iran. The US is aiding the coalition by refuelling its warplanes and through intelligence and billions of dollars in arms sales. A senior Yemeni government official said the goal of the Hodeida offensive was to militarily weaken the Houthis and push them into negotiations. Hodeida's port is a vital source of funds and supplies for the rebels, and losing control over the city could deliver a hard blow to their military operations. A family at a shelter in Aslam, Hajjah, Yemen. The country's humanitarian crisis is deepening, aid agencies have warned. Credit:AP The goal is to take over Hodeida before the 30 days, said Moammar al-Eryani, Yemen's minister of information. If Hodeida is freed, the Houthis will be forced to come and sit with us at the table. On Wednesday, the rebels' top leader, Abdulmalik al-Houthi, vowed in a televised address to fight back at whatever cost and urged supporters to move seriously to counter the aggression on all fronts. The rhetoric and escalating bloodshed are alarming the United Nations and Western aid agencies, which in most parts of Yemen are the sole institutions assisting the 14 million people nearly half the population who are on the brink of famine. More than 3 million Yemenis have fled their homes; hundreds of thousands more could soon follow if the battle for Hodeida continues, aid workers said. The upcoming talks cannot be an excuse to disregard the laws of war that protect the lives of the Yemeni people, Carboni said. Wars have rules, and parties to the conflict must respect them, even in the fiercest battles. This new attack on Hodeida is brushing away the hope sparked by the recent announcement of the peace talks. Inside Hodeida, anxiety is growing. The clashes have largely unfolded in the southern and eastern parts of the densely populated city, residents said. In the affected areas, shops are either closed early or shuttered altogether. Movement is limited. There is a sense of fear among people from being hit by mortars or airstrikes, said Mazen Mujammal, a 21-year-old resident. In the first six days of the new offensive, Doctors Without Borders treated 24 civilians for war injuries in Hodeida and 50 in the town of Mokha, the medical charity said. The aid agency Save the Children said that more than 150 people had been killed in recent days. Soon, aid workers worry, there could be fewer places to assist the population. The fighting is increasingly edging toward hospitals and health centres. On Wednesday, Save the Children reported that clashes damaged a pharmacy at one of its health facilities, adding that shelling also hit residential areas. The lives of hundreds of thousands of people, roughly half of them children, are in danger, Save the Children said . Artillery shelling is being used heavily by all sides. Of particular concern is al-Thawra hospital, the biggest medical facility in the city. It is mere yards from a front line where clashes are erupting daily, aid workers said. The United Nations Children's Fund said this week that the fighting is putting 59 children at the hospital, including 25 in the intensive-care unit, at imminent risk of death. Medical staff and patients in the hospital have confirmed hearing heavy bombing and gunfire, UNICEF said in a statement. Access to and from the hospital, the only functioning one in the area, is now imperiled. More children could be endangered. Hodeida and neighbouring provinces are at the centre of the hunger crisis, accounting for 40 per cent of the 400,000 children who suffer from severe malnutrition in Yemen, UNICEF said. The sickest are often taken to al-Thawra. At Hodeida's 22nd May Hospital, there have been interruptions in medical services because of fierce fighting, the ICRC said. Now, there's a fresh concern. Last week, Houthi rebels arrived at the hospital and took up positions on its roof, making it a potential target of the Saudi-led coalition, said Amnesty International, the watchdog group. Scores of hospitals and health clinics have been destroyed or damaged by airstrikes or shelling since the war in Yemen began more than three years ago. The hospital is full of injured civilians who have nowhere else to go for lifesaving medical care, said Samah Hadid, Amnesty's Middle East director of campaigns. Anyone attacking a hospital under these conditions risks responsibility for war crimes. The laws of war demand that hospitals are not used for military purposes. More than half of Hodeida's 600,000 residents have fled the city, mostly in the summer before the initial offensive. But many of those who remain are finding it difficult to leave. According to Save the Children, temporary roadblocks erected by the warring parties were preventing people from leaving or entering the city overnight, in effect trapping them in an active conflict zone. Clashes on shifting front lines also have blocked escape routes to the south of the city, while the rebels have planted mines along other paths out of the city, Amnesty said. That leaves only one northern road out. But with fuel prices rising, and the Yemeni currency collapsing because of the war, many residents don't have the means to escape. Among them are those who returned last month during a lull in the fighting, residents said. Those who have come back cannot afford to leave again because they have exhausted their financial reserves, said Nabil Almahdi, 44, a resident. Loading The civilians in Hodeida are completely powerless and can only stay put to await their fate, Hadid said. Their lives are in the hands of warring parties who have shown little or no regard for their duty to protect civilians. Lise Grande, the top UN humanitarian official in Yemen, said: The most vulnerable people in the whole country are sitting there in Hodeida. These are the poorest of the poor. And they can't get out. If the offensive continues, she added, many of the sickest could die not only of hunger but also disease. New York: Prince Turki Al-Faisal, Saudi Arabia's former spy chief, says the country is proud of its judicial system and will never accept an international investigation into the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres, human rights groups and some government leaders have called for an independent probe into the October 2 killing of the Washington Post columnist at the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul. Jamal Khashoggi. Credit:AP Turki said he expects the kingdom to live up to its promise "to put all of the facts on the table" and answer questions including what happened to Khashoggi's body. Turki told the International Peace Institute think tank on Friday that Khashoggi was the Saudi embassy spokesman when he was ambassador to the United States and Britain, and they had been "very friendly over the years". AUTO LAB RADIO Saturday November 10, 2018; WNYM Radio AM 970 7-9 AM - Helping You Enjoy The Drive Auto Lab Talk Radio on New York City's WNYM Radio AM 970 Is Streamed Worldwide On TheAutoChannel.Com Car Question or Concern? Automotive Career Opportunity, Call Toll Free 888-692-7234 To Speak With An Auto Lab Expert Auto Lab is a 28 year old interactive automotive-focused New York City radio call-in show hosted by Professor Harold Wolchok. Featuring an in-studio panel of experienced hands-on automotive experts sharing accurate, honest, practical and street-smart car repair, automotive career opportunities and vehicle and repair buying advice. Auto Lab is also about the automotive industry, its history, and its culture, presenting the ideas and advice of leading college faculty, authors, and automotive practitioners in a relaxed, conversational interactive format. Listeners can find audio recordings of the past 20 years of archived Auto Lab shows as simulcast on The Auto Channel; The Auto Lab Index Page includes; Audio-on-Demand Archives, Community College Auto Program Database, Guests Pictures This Weeks Show: November 10, 2018 IN STUDIO PANEL: Real World Auto Experts, Educators, Technicians, Shop Owners, Insurance Experts, Lawyers Will Answer Your Automotive Questions: Repairs, Second Opinions, Regular Maintenance, How To's, Safety, Used and New Car Buying, Insurance, Ombudsmen Suggestions Harold Bendell - Major Auto Tim Cacace - Master Mechanix Libby Demarco - Broadway Sunoco David Goldsmith - Urban Classics Jerry Pastore - D & J Diagnostics Johanna Pastore - D & J Diagnostics Nicholas Prague - MTA Auto Lab Interviews: Featuring Auto Safety News, New Car Reviews, Technology and Latest Auto World Information That Will Effect You! Robert Erskine, Senior European Correspondent, Suffolk England Lewis Horne, CEO UNITI - THE SWEDES ARE COMING John Russell Senior Correspondents BUICK ENVISION Russ Rader,Senior Vice President Insurance Institute for Highway Safety REDESIGNED RAM 1500 CREW CAB OFFERS BETTER PROTECTION Robert Sinclair AAA Northeast MORE THAN 54 MILLION AMERICANS TO TRAVEL THIS THANKSGIVING, THE MOST SINCE 2005 First Sergeant Alberto Pena, US Army Recruiter AUTOMOTIVE & TECHNICAL TRAINING IN THE US MILITARY Join the RKA Wine Country Motorcycle Ride to Benefit Sonoma Raceway Thanksgiving Food Drive SONOMA, Calif. (Nov. 8, 2018) - Motorcycle riders can enjoy a beautiful Northern California ride and a lap around the Sonoma Raceway road course, while also giving to a good cause, as part of the 18th annual Sonoma Raceway Thanksgiving Food Drive. RKA, a Windsor-based manufacturer and retailer of motorcycle equipment and luggage, will host the 100-mile motorcycle ride through Guerneville and down the coast on Highway 1 on Sunday, Nov. 18; riders of all skill levels are invited. Riders are encouraged to bring five or more non-perishable food items or make a $10 cash donation to the food drive, which benefits Friends in Sonoma Helping (F.I.S.H.) and the Redwood Empire Food Bank (REFB) in Santa Rosa. The ride will depart from RKA at 8 a.m., with registration from 7-7:50 a.m. at their Windsor location. The ride will conclude at approximately 11 a.m. at Sonoma Raceway, and all riders will be invited to take a few laps around the Sonoma Raceway road course. "We are so proud that Sonoma Raceway lets RKA and their friends do this year after year," said RKA Motorcycle Luggage owner Richard Battles. "Giving back and helping others is most important, but the rides we do every year to get to the track are so much fun, and then to see the smiles on everyone's face as they come off the track is very special. There is nothing that can compare to riding around Sonoma Raceway." The Redwood Empire Food Bank (REFB) is Sonoma County's largest hunger-relief organization, serving 82,000 individuals and families. In response to the great need of rebuilding Sonoma County, the REFB launched the Gallaher Challenge whereas the Gallaher family will match all new and increased giving to the REFB through Dec. 31, 2018. The family has committed to matching up to $1 million dollars. To learn more about the Gallaher Challenge In Support of Redwood Empire Food Bank, please visit www.refb.org. FISH (www.friendsinsonomahelping.org) has been helping Sonoma Valley residents in times of need since 1970 and provides not only food, but clothing, transportation and emergency rental assistance to Sonoma Valley residents in need. F.I.S.H. helps keep families in Sonoma Valley from becoming homeless or going hungry and has been a beneficiary of the raceway's food drive since its inception in 2001. In addition to the ride, all participants are invited to purchase raffle tickets to win Sonoma Raceway race tickets, a GoPro HERO4 Black camera, Sonoma Raceway wine gift sets, riding gear and more. Tickets are $1 each, seven for $5 or 15 tickets for $10 and can be purchased the day of the ride. RKA has also added a 25% off gift certificate for anything RKA offers over $100 for everyone who participates in the ride or donates food. For more information on the RKA motorcycle ride, visit http://www.rka-luggage.com or SonomaRaceway.com. Michelle Obama. Photo: Shannon Finney/Getty Images Michelle Obama got candid in an interview with Good Morning Americas Robin Roberts, saying she felt lost and alone after undergoing a miscarriage 20 years ago; she also revealed that in vitro fertilization allowed her to give birth to her two daughters. In the interview, which aired Friday morning, Obama said she felt like she failed because I didnt know how common miscarriages were because we dont talk about them. We sit in our own pain, thinking that somehow were broken I think its important to talk to young mothers about the fact that miscarriages happen. She added that when she was around 35, she and Barack had to do IVF to conceive Sasha and Malia. Michelle Obama on her miscarriage 20 years ago: I think its important to talk to young mothers about the fact that miscarriages happen. pic.twitter.com/STuPcGjBDz Philip Lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) November 9, 2018 While the exact numbers are hard to parse, miscarriage is common among women, occurring in at least one in five pregnancies. Women have been having miscarriages and openly discussing them since the beginning of time, but by the end of the 20th century, with advancements in prenatal care and legal triumphs over reproductive control, the topic entered the realm of taboo. Only recently, with social-media campaigns (#ihadamiscarriage) and celebrities like Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan opening up about their three miscarriages, has the cultural silence been somewhat challenged. This will be an incredibly moving piece of news for a great number of women who have struggled to conceive. What a brilliant woman Michelle Obama is. https://t.co/Ke58akjZu0 Basia Cummings (@basialcummings) November 9, 2018 In her upcoming memoir, Becoming set to be released Tuesday Obama opens up about her childhood in Chicago, racism in public office, early marriage struggles with Barack, and what its like to be Americas first black First Lady. She will kick off her nationwide speaking tour next week. Manila (CNN Philippines Life) With the recent announcement that Filipino comics series Trese, created by Kajo Baldisimo and Budjette Tan, is being adapted into an animated series by Netflix, wed like to bring up some other Filipino comics properties that would be great for animated adaptations in their own right. But before we dive into the list, I feel like there is a discussion to be had about comics and adaptations into other media. Some people mistakenly see comics as a stepping stone or a lesser medium. But I dont want to encourage the idea that when a comic is adapted into a film or a T.V. series, that it means that the adaptation is the superior or better version. The truth is that some stories in comics were meant to be told in the comics medium itself. Comics has its own rules and tricks that help elevate the story the creators might want to tell, and the experience of reading these stories in comic form will differ from when it is adapted into animation, live action, or novelizations. I tried to keep this in mind with this list, and considered which Filipino comics would be easier or more open to reinterpretation or adaptation into animated series and what stories lend themselves to that. In the process, I also hope to give you some new books to check out while we all wait for the Trese Netflix adaptation. Here are some comics that desperately need to get their own animated adaptations. Photo from ELLA ARCANGEL/FACEBOOK Ella Arcangel by Julius Villanueva Julius Villanueva is one of the most prolific and interesting comic creators in the local comic book scene today. His work consists of dinosaur comics, slice of life condemnations of normies, a comic strip about the mundane goings on of young people, a story about a child aspiring to be a comics creator and her yaya trying to support her however she can, and a dystopian science fiction set in the ruins of Manila where alien entities have changed the natural order of things, among many other out there smart concepts in his body of work. Ella Arcangel is his take on the paranormal investigation genre, but rooted in a far more grounded reality, way more than most other fantasy genre comic books dealing with mythological creatures and monsters of the week. Here, we see people from the slums, people victimized by these supernatural entities in brutal and horrifying ways, and our hero Ella, a child barely scraping by against these horrifying monsters. Body horror is prevalent, as well as really fascinating monster designs, making Ella Arcangel feel like the freshest take on the tired paranormal genre. You can buy a copy from Haliya Publishings website. Photo from CARLOROZY CLEMENTE/FACEBOOK Darwins Association of Delicious Evilness by Carlorozy Clemente Carlorozy Clemente is a really good artist. He works fast and his comics have an energy to them that makes his work stand out from the local comics scene. Manic and oftentimes beautiful, Carlorozy Clemente is a pretty dang good creator. His brainchild, Darwins Association of Delicious Evilness (DADE) is about Darwin, an elementary student who has aspirations to start an evil organization so he can build a bomb inside the earth. He aspires to be a dictator, you see. He recruits different students to his side and we see his adventures trying to survive bullies, older kids, con artists, betrayal, childhood, and so on. I can say that this is one of the most fun, bombastic, kinetic, out of this world experiences you will ever have reading a comic. Carlorozys energy is infectious and DADE is just awesome. Currently, the collected edition of DADE is out of print, but you can contact Carlorozy through his Facebook page and see if you can convince him to release another print run. Photo from ADARNA HOUSE/FACEBOOK Sixty Six by Russell Molina and Ian Sta. Maria Sixty Six is about Celestino Cabal aka Mang Tino, a retired senior citizen who runs a sari-sari store. His daughter works abroad, and he spends his days taking care of a wife who suffers from Alzheimers. When he turns 66, he finds out he has super powers. Where this book really shines is in its treatment of its characters all of them could be people who live across the street from you. Theres a humanity in this book that is admirable. The superhero genre mainly is focused on young or middle aged people coming to grips with great power and great responsibility. With Sixty Six, we see an old man having to deal with great power thrust upon him. Its a unique take to see a senior citizen fight crime while dealing with getting old. This book will surprise you and make you cry. The two volumes are available through Anino Comics and in bookstores near you. Photo from CRIME-FIGHTING CALL CENTER AGENTS/FACEBOOK Crime-Fighting Call Center Agents by Noel Pascual and AJ Bernardo Noel Pascual and AJ Bernardo are a match made in heaven honestly. The two have been collaborating on komiks for as long as Ive known them, and they havent disappointed me ever. (Maybe as people, never with their work). Theyre currently working on Patay Kung Patay, another really good comic, but Crime-Fighting Call Center Agents is what I would say works as a potential animated adaptation. CFCCA is about, well call Center Agents, a group of friends who find themselves in absurd situations fighting zombies, the paranormal, and never really getting around to fighting crime (its funny!). AJ Bernardo is one of the greatest comic artists around the comics scene. From his panel compositions, the way he can choreograph a fight scene, his attention to the facial expressions and body language on each of the characters, he puts everything into the series. Noel Pascual is one of the dumbest smartest writers I know, able to just come up with these absurd scenarios for AJ to play in and the wittiest dialogue you will find anywhere. With Crime-Fighting Call Center Agents episodic nature where the gang finds themselves fighting a new monster of the week and how it deals with it in the most gleefully absurd way possible, I would love to see it as an animated show. You can read the first three issues here as a free PDF, and you can buy copies of different issues at conventions where AJ and Noel or just AJ or just Noel show up. Check out their Facebook page to see where they might end up. Photo from HALIYA PUBLISHING/WEBSITE "Ugh" by Hulyen Hulyen aka Julienne Davidas work is unique. My pitch for this is how Hulyens comics would work in the same way as shows like Aggretsuko or Pop Team Epic. Her slice of life vignettes and sense of humor could go well with short animated segments, and I just really feel like Hulyens unique take on the world needs to be seen by more people. You can find a collection of work in UGH Volume One here. Photo from I'M A LEGAL ALIEN/FACEBOOK Im a Legal Alien by Francis and Patrick Concepcion Im a Legal Alien is ambitious for one thing. It tells the story about immigrants from another planet living here, in Manila, dealing with all the discrimination, political turmoil, and all sorts of ugly things that are born out of it, but it also deals with family and how that is important to us, how a racial identity often is a thing to be reckoned. It definitely paints an interesting realized world and reflects the real life tensions of immigrants dealing with other cultures, mixed races, and bigotry. Definitely one of the more thoughtful series of comics since Elmer by Gerry Alanguilan. You can check out the first few chapters here. Photo from DOORKEEPER/FACEBOOK Doorkeeper by Ethan Chua, Scott Lee Chua, Gia Duran, Aaron Felizmenio, Allen Geneta, Bow Guerrero, Bianca Lesaca, Jap Mikel, Brent Sabas The Doorkeeper is an entity that travels through time and space to reveal to mortals the consequences of their choices. He does not interfere, as described by the blurb at the back of the book. The premise explores this concept and we then see different stories in different eras past, present, and future of people reckoning with the consequences of their actions, and the butterfly effect each one has on them. Written by brothers Ethan and Scott, it makes for a fascinating anthology with each story being drawn by an artist playing to their strengths, genres change, and tone changes. Its a hard balance to strike, and some stories are stronger than others, each with their own interesting take on the Doorkeepers appearance. It may all seem disconnected, but all of it builds towards something. I wont spoil what. Id definitely love to see it explored more with other characters and stories that the Chua brothers could come up with. Itd make a great animated anthology series, say with different animation styles and approaches. Doorkeeper is available in your local bookstores and is published by Summit Books. Id like to highlight some notable mentions just to cover some bases: Skyworld, Andong Agimat, Terrorium, Tanod and Kubori Kikiam are some comics properties that would also make for great animated adaptations. Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah, The Mythology Class, and Tabi Po would make for great animated shows but they are being or have been developed into animated and live action adaptations at this time. There are also 1,000 provisional votes that need to be processed. Some of those ballots will not be counted if people do not go into the clerks office with identification to validate their ballot. Results will be tabulated 14 days after the election, at the end of the day Nov. 20 to make sure all mail-ins are in, she said. I can certainly understand why people voted against it, Hucker said. People were afraid. This is the state of Illinois, but it was never our intention to raise property taxes. Even if they trust the board today, they dont know what future boards will do. Well company 'Audible' have come to our doggo's rescue, releasing a range of stories specifically for them when they're home alone. Stories centred around dogs (eg. 'Red Dog'), and ones that have a calming and comforting effect have been chosen. And they're been scientifically proven to reduce your dog's stress while you're away. We think this adorable, and are willing to try anything to keep our besties happy. You can read more about the whole thing here! File photo of a man holding up a copy of "Pravda" in front of the entrance of the building of the Soviet newspaper in Moscow on Aug. 28, 1991. (GERARD FOUET/AFP/Getty Images) Americas Ministry of Truth, Part I: The Narrative Commentary A decade before the collapse of the Soviet Union, Hungarian journalist Paul Lendvai wrote the book The Bureaucracy of Truth: How Communist Governments Manage the News, a fascinating overview that revealed totalitarian methods of thought control. He quoted an item from the USSRs main newspaper, Pravda (which means truth in Russian), that mandated how news industry workers must carry out their duties: A journalist is an active fighter for the cause of the party. It is not enough for him to have good intentions; he must also have clear views, a knowledge of life, and the ability to present his thoughts convincingly and brilliantly from Leninist positions. No room for argument there. Pravdas decree is better understood in the context of a stress-relieving practice inspired by the Soviet commitment to planning. The newspapers editors usually didnt have to worry about annoying interruptions that required squeezing breaking news into their daily schedules. Journalist Robert G. Kaiser wrote in his 1976 book Russia: The People and the Power, When the editors of Pravda come to work each morning, the next days Pravda is waiting for them in proofstomorrows paper today. Thus, Tuesdays paper needed just a little tweaking, so the rest of Monday could be devoted to fleshing out Wednesdays paper. Now, thats one handy way to manage the news cycle, and another advantage derived from journalists lifelong immersion in the official narrativefrom the first time their fingers scamper across a keyboard to the point where theyre in a newspaper office putting finishing touches on the next edition of Pravda. The Soviet Narrative Specialists in Soviet studies learned from countless repetitions the main themes of The Narrative. These included affirming the Soviet Union as a rich and powerful country whose citizens were enthusiastically building communism, the aspiration of toiling masses throughout the world; that Vladimir Lenin, a prince among men, grasped historys direction and built the Vanguard of the Proletariat, which embodies the will of the people and leads them into a future that will culminate in the earthly paradise of full communism; and opposing the Party makes you the enemy, deserving to be crushed by those whose progress cant and wont be hindered. Best simply to keep your mouth shut, get out of the way, and parrot points from the narratives template. George Orwell based Nineteen Eighty-Four on the Soviet experience and fashioned Oceanias Ministry of TruthMinitrue in Newspeakon the huge bureaucratic establishment whose work permeated every aspect of Russian life during Stalins era. What was the narrative in Orwells dystopia? Big Brother had guided the Party since the 1940s, make that the 30sdeep into timewhen the world was dominated by greedy capitalists wearing strange cylindrical hats perched atop tilted heads, sporting faces that exuded smug expressions as their owners traveled inside flashy motorcars, parading their decadence throughout the streets of London. The Revolution launched by Big Brother destroyed all that, ending exploitation forever and inaugurating an era of continuous prosperitycheck Miniplenty statisticsin the face of constant war waged by Oceanias jealous enemies, Eurasia or Eastasia. Throughout such time, the Party concocted marvelous inventions to protect the countryairplanes, tanks, guns, shipseverything. Loving Big Brother comes naturally to a grateful population, as does punishment for failing to do sotorture in Room 101, death, or worst of all, nonexistence. All of this is depressing and familiar, of course, leading to the question, what do such examples tell us about Americas mainstream media? Certainly, these totalitarian horrors are irrelevant, arent they? After all, were talking about a free press, herethe freest in the worldand comparisons with the USSR and Orwell is beyond far-fetchedits insulting. Americas Ministry of Truth? I mean, really! However, these reservations likely wouldnt deter a former Soviet observer from marveling at the consistency of Americas so-called mainstream media in the conduct of journalists everyday activities. Indeed, Orwells Winston Smith might even raise an eyebrow in astonishment, especially considering that no central apparatus exists to enforce media commitment to a narrative. And what narrative are we talking about, anyway? The American Narrative It goes like this: America was never great. It is a country characterized by its horrible treatment of minorities, based on race, class, gender, ethnicity, and religion. Indeed, Americas record of oppression has few parallels in history, from the era when European invaders waged war against indigenous peoples to the current time, dominated by assaults against minorities and women at home and innocent victims abroad. Forces of progress include all minorities, as well as women who pledge fealty to their own gender and reject cultural appropriation by non-members of self-described, exclusive groups. Progressives from all tribal interests emphasize inclusion, diversity, and respect for cultures who agree with such values, while excoriating those who dont. Enemies of humanity include Republicans, gun owners, Christians, nonconforming individuals from designated minorities, and white males. The current president is an illegitimate deplorable who acquired office by foreign machinations, and worst of all, he is a racist and white supremacist. In fact, white supremacism is the great issue of our time and whiteness must be abolished forever. Along with Fox News. And the Heritage Foundation. Throw in Hillsdale College, and we have a perfect trifecta. Think this is an exaggeration? Perhaps it is; then again, perhaps not. Several avenues of inquiry allow us further to explore the power and reach of The Narrative fostered by Americas Ministry of Truth. Which brings up the question, what do we mean by the term Americas Ministry of Truth? Further, what exactly is the news? Our next task is to address these questions. Marvin Folkertsma is a retired professor of political science and a fellow for American studies with The Center for Vision & Values at Grove City College. The author of several books, his latest release is a novel titled The Thirteenth Commandment. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Border Patrol Apprehends Nearly 450 Illegal Aliens in Western Arizona The Border Patrol apprehended nearly 450 illegal aliens over a 48 hour period in western Arizona. Agents assigned to the Yuma Sector apprehended the migrants, who surrendered to them on Nov. 6 and Nov. 7. The action started just before midnight on Tuesday when a camera operator saw a group of 82 illegal aliens crossing into the United States by clambering over a border wall east of the San Luis Port of Entry. After agents apprehended the group, they found that the majority of the illegal aliens were from Guatemala. Three hailed from El Salvador. They ranged in age from 2 to 48 years old. Just four hours later, a group of 83 illegal aliens dug a shallow hole underneath the same portion of the wall, which is an older version, and entered near where the first group did. This old portion of wall lacks the improved concrete footer that new wall prototypes have which prevents easy digging underneath, the Border Patrol said. The second group was mostly Guatemalans, with 14 El Salvadoreans. They ranged in age from 2 to 40 years old. More illegal aliens entered throughout the day on Wednesday; by the end of the day, agents had apprehended a total of 449. The agency has said that agents are encountering more large groups this year, with groups consisting of dozens of peopleand sometimes over 100regularly entering the United States outside of official ports of entry. Such entry was already illegal, but President Donald Trump made people who entered illegally ineligible for asylum in a proclamation signed on Nov. 9, partially in response to the migrant caravans that are getting closer and closer to the southern border. They are traveling in large, organized groups through Mexico and reportedly intend to enter the United States unlawfully or without proper documentation and to seek asylum, despite the fact that, based on past experience, a significant majority will not be eligible for or be granted that benefit. Many entered Mexico unlawfullysome with violenceand have rejected opportunities to apply for asylum and benefits in Mexico, Trump wrote. The continuing and threatened mass migration of aliens with no basis for admission into the United States through our southern border has precipitated a crisis and undermines the integrity of our borders. I therefore must take immediate action to protect the national interest, and to maintain the effectiveness of the asylum system for legitimate asylum seekers who demonstrate that they have fled persecution and warrant the many special benefits associated with asylum. From NTD News Celebrities Forced to Flee as Calif. Fire Scorched Famed TV Site A fast-moving wildfire in Southern California has scorched a historic movie site recently used by the HBO series Westworld and forced numerous celebrities to join the thousands fleeing flames that have claimed homes and prompted the total evacuation of the celebrity enclave Malibu. Sad for fans of @WestworldHBO and shows like Dr Quinn Medicine Woman, the Paramount Ranch western town movie set has burned to the ground in the Woolsey Fire @CBSLA #westworld #Woolseyfire pic.twitter.com/DhZWaGbr6g John Schreiber (@johnschreiber) November 9, 2018 Kim Kardashian West, Scott Baio, Rainn Wilson and Guillermo del Toro are among numerous celebrities forced to evacuate their homes, in some cases hurriedly trying to arrange transport for their horses. Some, like del Toro and Caitlyn Jenner, did not know the fate of their homes, but the wind-driven wildfire has destroyed the home of Dr. Strange director Scott Derrickson and the historic Paramount Ranch where shows like HBOs Westworld and Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman were filmed. Evacuated last night. Bleak House and the collection may be endangered but the gift of life remains. Thousand Oaks and Agoura are still in danger. Malibu is being evacuated. Guillermo del Toro (@RealGDT) November 9, 2018 Some famous celebrities were forced to evacuate their homes on Nov. 8 in Southern California, as fast-burning wildfires threatened local communities. Actress Alyssa Milano, star of the hit television shows Whos the Boss? Melrose Place, Charmed, My Name is Earl, and Insatiable, had to leave her home due to the Woolsey fire near Calabasas on Thursday night, according to People. She said she grabbed her kids, her dogs, her computer, and a pair of boots. Her husband was out of town in New York. I just had to evacuate my home from the fires. I took my kids, dogs, computer and my Doc Marten boots. (Husband is in NY. Horses are being evacuated by my trainer.) Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) November 9, 2018 Actor Rainn Wilson, best known for the television show The Office, also had to evacuate due to wildfires. The Woolsey fire and another nearby fire dubbed the Hill fire both threatened the area surrounding the city of Thousand Oaks, where a gunman shot and killed 12 people and himself at the Borderline Bar & Grill on Wednesday night. My House has been evacuated due to nearby fires in Thousand Oaks. (The pigs & dogs are fine, thank you) Please send your prayers to the people of Thousand Oaks and the victims of the shooting that are now having to evacuate their homes and neighborhoods. Then send them some cash. RainnWilson (@rainnwilson) November 9, 2018 Actress Adrienne Janic, who starred in television shows such as Las Vegas and House, uploaded the above-featured video to Twitter. She said, Firefighters arrived to fight the fire from my cul de sac. Using my house as a command center since they have a good vantage point from my deck. A few hours later, Janic uploaded another video, saying she was up all night. The firefighters saved my home, Janic said in the video, but my whole neighborhood is gone. UPDATE. Its 5:30am. Ive been up all night. We lost power at 4am. Just came back on. Here is video I just took from my upper deck. Everything around me is gone #WoolseyFire #VCFD #LAFD Thank you to the firefighters who saved my home pic.twitter.com/OAiZ0EpY9o Adrienne Janic (@AdrienneJanic) November 9, 2018 Kim, Kourtney, Khloe, and Rob Kardashian all rushed to escape the flames of the wildfire near Calabasas on Thursday, reported Us Weekly. Pray for Calabasas, wrote Kim Kardashian-West, star of Keeping Up With the Kardashians, on a video she uploaded to her Instagram stories. Just landed back home and had 1 hour to pack up & evacuate our home. I pray everyone is safe. At least 75,000 homes were evacuated in Los Angeles and Ventura counties on Thursday and Friday, with much of the city of Malibu under mandatory evacuation orders, officials said in an alert. More than 20 million people were under red flag warnings in California on Friday morning. Kardashian-West acknowledged the local law enforcement officers and firefighters on site, who were helping with the evacuation. Fire fighters are arriving. Thank you for all that you do for us!!! she wrote. Her sister, Kourtney Kardashian, also posted in her Instagram stories, including a photo of the trunk of her vehicle packed full of supplies. I pray that everyone is kept safe and protected from these fires, she wrote. No calabasas tonight. Khloe Kardashian tweeted that she was with her daughter True, her brother Rob, and his daughter Dream, and she was up at around 1:30 a.m. keeping watch on the fire. Saying prayers and thanking all of the brave firefighters who risk their lives for us, she wrote. I am with Rob, Dream and True and I am up keeping watch! Saying prayers and thanking all of the brave firefighters who risk their lives for us https://t.co/eVlJgWSqVd Khloe (@khloekardashian) November 9, 2018 Another major fire dubbed the Camp Fire destroyed the town of Paradise in Northern California on Thursday night, where more than 40,000 people were forced to evacuate. The Associated Press contributed to this article I entered Northwestern University as the Class of 1918, but of course the war came, and I had to quit that for a couple of years, he told me just before Christmas in 1999 in his room at the Terrace Nursing Home in Waukegan, where I went to interview him as one of the News-Suns Voices of the Century. Chinas Red Opera Sparks Boycotts in Australia As soon as Chinas controversial opera Lake Honghu arrived in Australia, it met with protesters from the local Chinese-Australian community who are concerned about the silent invasion of the Chinese Communist Partys (CCPs) ideology in Australia. Protest banners and boards calling on Australians to boycott Lake Honghu were on full display outside the iconic Opera House in Sydney on Nov. 4 as well as outside the Melbourne Recital Centre on Nov. 7. The two arts precincts were the selected venues for the performance of the revolutionary red opera. Zhang Xiaogang, founder of the Australian community group Australian Values Alliance (AVA) that made up the mainstay of protesters, said he wanted to alert his fellow Australians to the red poison that is seeping into Western society through such CCP-funded artistic propaganda events. This is not an ordinary opera, but rather the Chinese Communist Partys infiltration of Australia through propaganda that glorifies the Communist Party, he told The Epoch Times. To someone whose family lived through Mao Zedongs red terror China, Zhang said, Its not appropriate to perform Lake Honghu at the Sydney Opera House. Presenting this show is the same as praising Adolf Hitler. Ms. Yang, who co-organized the protest in Sydney, was there among the protesters handing out information pamphlets about the history of Lake Honghu to passers-by. It is not right for a western society like Australia to allow the spread of an ideology promoting seizing power by force, Yang said, referring to the operas revolutionary theme in which Maos murderous communist forces are depicted in a positive light. The CCP exploits Australian democracy to export lies to Australia, rather than presenting art. Another protester, Grace Chen, told the Epoch Times, After talking to us, at least two groups of Chinese audience had their tickets refunded. Lake Honghu: Glorifying a Dark Side of History According to Li Yuanhua, a former associate professor in history education at Beijings Capital Normal University, the story that the performance describes is of the CCP establishing a Chinese Soviet Republic around the Lake Honghu region in the 1930s where it engaged in armed separatism, intent to overthrow the Republic of China through uprisings and violent revolution. The CCP led the Red Guards to spread misinformation about the ROC in the Lake Honghu area, inciting hate among the populace, with the goal of gaining support for a revolution among the people. The Red Guards seized land and set houses on fire, extorted money and forced confessions using torture. They beat up and shot dead landlords and the wealthy, and raped the daughters and wives of their victims. They shouted that they would spread the Red Terror, and kill off all the wealthy landlords, evil gentry, and counter-revolutionaries. Wherever the Red Guards went, they left a trail of blood and corpses behind, Li said in his op-ed. Li believes the purpose of CCP funding red operas like Lake Honghu overseas is to promote a positive image of communism and promote violent revolution. He added, Its a product used to brainwash. Silent Invasion in the Name of Cultural Exchange In an open letter to the NSW Minister for the Arts and the Victorian Minister for Creative Industries, AVA organizers bemoaned that the Lake Honghu production had been granted use of Australias most respected arts venues to present revolutionary songs that glorify the communist Red Guards. The Red Army killed massively during the long march especially targeting the land-owners, many of whom were innocent peasants. The killings remind us of the brutal acts of the Nazi Germany that targeted Jews for massacre, the letter read. The Honghu opera is not about freedom or hope; it is more about promoting class struggle and hatred, glorifying violence under communism and undermining the existing regime. The performances went ahead as scheduled after nearly 3,000 people signed petitions to both the NSW and Victorian ministers for the arts to Stop the Red Opera. South Australian Senator Cory Bernardi, leader of Australian Conservatives Party, told The Epoch Times, The Lake Honghu opera performance, is yet another attempt, through Chinas soft diplomacy, to positively influence Australians view of China. I have called for a royal commission into Chinese Communist Party influence in Australia but, despite overwhelming evidence, the federal government has rejected that call. I fear that Chinas persuasive and insidious influence may already extend to our government benches, Bernardi said on Nov. 5. Clive Hamilton, a professor of public ethics at Charles Sturt University, says the CCPs invasion of Australia is a silent invasion because it has been done secretly, covertly, underneath the radar. So I think that any Chinese scholars who say that Beijings influence is really a spread of Chinese culture, thats something we can welcome But not if its Chinese Communist Party culture. And not if its the political power of the Communist Party thats being veiled behind so-called Chinese culture as a way of manipulating this country and the way that Beijing tries to manipulate other countries, Hamilton told Radio Free Asia on April 24. One Belt One Road, Culture First Lake Honghu is presented by the Hubei Symphony Orchestra, Hubei Provincial Opera, and Dance Drama Theatre. On Oct.14, Chinese-language Sohu News published a report on Lake Honghus debut in Australia. In recent years, the (Hubei) Provincial Performing Arts Group has adhered to the practice of One Belt One Road, Culture First and has organized a series of classic repertoire programs. Hubei provincial Opera & Dance Drama Theatre has undertaken the main tasks, the report read. According to Zhang Guozuo, the former deputy director of the Theoretic Bureau in Propaganda Ministry of China and director of the National Planning Officer for Philosophy and Social Sciences, the success of the One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative depends on how well we publicize contemporary Chinas standpoint, views, policy ideas, and strategic intentions. And all these propaganda requires culture. Zhang made this point in a 2017 article published on the governments official OBOR website entitled, Cultural soft power is the soul that runs through the Belt and Road. If culture goes first, everything will be smooth and victory a breeze, Zhang said in his final line. John Garnaut, senior adviser to former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull who was invited to testify to a U.S. House Armed Services Committee in March 2018, said: The Communist Party institutions, ideologies and methodologies involved are so alien to our systems that we have been having trouble seeing them let alone responding. The party has been winning without fighting, to borrow some of its terminology. According to Hamilton, the CCP has long been committed to the political infiltration of Australia because Australia is a very valuable prize for the CCP. If Beijing can control Australia, theyve won an enormous strategic advantage against the United States, Hamilton told RFA. Safeguard Australian Values Gao Jian, the coordinator of the Melbourne protest, said he cherishes Australias universal values of freedom and equal opportunity after having witnessed his family suffer persecution at the hands of the CCP. Gaos father was a famous Guomindang Major General during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Gao emigrated to Australia more than 20 years ago from Hubei province. As an Australian citizen, I pledged allegiance to the Australian flag to defend Australian values, Gao told The Epoch Times. Gao says he is concerned to see how over the last few decades, the CCP has been openly in pushing its communist values in Australia. Now he said, fortunately Western countries are aware of it. They are just somewhat slow to react, but they are already alert. But dont turn a blind eye, he warned. Youll regret when youre in trouble. Gao hopes that with international voices of support, the Chinese people will also be able to wake up to the true nature of the CCP. Neither the NSW Minister for the Arts nor the Victorian Minister for Creative Industries responded to The Epoch Times requests for comment. Florida Governor Rick Scott Sues Over Delayed Ballot Updates Gov. Rick Scott (R) has filed lawsuits against the election supervisors in two of Floridas Democratic strongholds over the lack of transparency in vote counting for the midterm elections. Two separate lawsuits were filed on Nov. 8 against Broward County Elections Supervisor Brenda Snipes (pdf) and Palm Beach County Elections Supervisor Susan Bucher (pdf) 48 hours after the midterm election polls closed. Scott says both Snipes and Bucher have failed to provide information about outstanding ballots that have yet to be counted. Every Floridian should be concerned there may be rampant fraud happening in Palm Beach and Broward Counties. And the Broward Supervisor of Elections Brenda Snipes has a history of acting in bad faith, Scott told reporters at a late night press conference. I will not sit idly by while unethical liberals try to steal this election from the great people of Florida. Every day since the election, the leftwing activists in Broward county have been coming up with more and more ballots out of nowhere, he said from the Governors Mansion in Tallahassee. We all know what is going on. Every person in Florida knows exactly what is happening. Their goal is to keep mysteriously finding more votes until the elections turn out the way they want. On Nov. 7, Scott had declared victory in the Senate race over three-term incumbent Bill Nelson (D). However, Scott said late Nov. 8 that the election offices in Broward and Palm Beach had been failing to provide updates about the number of ballots to be tabulated since polling closed and were mysteriously finding more votes, which had narrowed his winning margin. Soit has been over 48 hours since the polls closed and Broward and Palm Beach Counties are still finding and counting ballotsand the SupervisorsBrenda Snipes and Susan Buchercannot seem to say how many ballots still exist or where these ballots came from, or where they have been, he said. Under Florida law, if the margin is closer than 0.5 percent, a recount is required. Scott held a 0.21 percentage lead Nelson on Nov. 8 afternoon. Nelsons campaign released a statement saying Scotts action appears to be politically motivated and borne out of desperation as he tries to win the Senate contest, according to AP. More than 100,000 New Votes Found Scott relayed how his win had been projected on election night to be around 57,000 votesonly to find that number has drastically decreased to 15,000 two days later. He also pointed out the phenomenon of new votes being found since election nightsome 78,800 in Broward County and 15,000 in Palm Beach County. On election night (Nov. 6), Broward County said there were 634,000 votes cast And we just learned, that the number has increased to 712,840 ballots cast on election day, he said. In Palm Beach County, there are 15,000 new votes found since election night. Scott pointed out how the two counties failed to adhere to Florida law. Both Broward and Palm Beach Counties have failed in their duty to follow Florida law which requires that vote by mail and absentee ballots are accounted within 30 minutes of polls closing, Scott said. The lawsuit filed against Snipes also said the Broward County elections office had allegedly violated public records laws by not providing voter and ballot information as per Scotts campaign request. For Palm Beach County, the election office had failed to update the Department of State since 10:19 a.m. yesterday (Nov. 7). This is in complete violation of Florida law which requires updated reports every 45 minutes until results are completely reported, Scott said. Palm Beach County is also refusing to provide information to the public. And they are illegally refusing to allow official party representatives into the ballot counting area and forcing people to stand behind a glass wall with limited visibility and no ability to hear what is going on. This is a clear violation of Florida lawand we have just filed a lawsuit. There are 67 counties in Florida, only these two counties are involved in these shenanigans, Scott pointed out. There are no other other countiesRepublican or Democratthat are trying to steal this election, or who are still finding ballots. President Donald Trump posted to Twitter within hours of Scotts press conference, alleging that Palm Beach and Broward counties are involved in election fraud. Law Enforcement is looking into another big corruption scandal having to do with Election Fraud in #Broward and Palm Beach. Florida voted for Rick Scott! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 9, 2018 Earlier in the day, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) had raised his concern about Palm Beach and Broward counties, as they were still counting votes. Broward Elections Supervisor Brenda Snipes isnt reporting hourly or regularly, but rather releasing thousands of additional votes, often in the overnight hours, that are chipping away at GOP leads, Rubio said in a tweet. Now democrat lawyers are descending on #Florida. They have been very clear they arent here to make sure every vote is counted. They are here to change the results of election [and] #Broward is where they plan to do it, he said. This video,posted by an Independent Cong candidate in 18 (who was endorsed by Bernie Sanders in 16) purports to show BrowardCounty ballots being transported from polling places in private cars. Has anyone in local media looked into this claim or asked elections dept about it? https://t.co/1JztfdRudn Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) November 9, 2018 Poor Record Broward County Elections Department has a record of repeatedly breaking state laws and was successfully sued for it. In 2016, Republican poll watchers found out that the departments staff were opening absentee ballots in private, which is illegal, and then disposing the ballots. By law, absentee ballots must be able to be made public to citizens who want to check that the ballots were cast correctly. A judge ordered that Snipes change the way the process is handled so the violation wouldnt happen again. In May, a judge also found Snipes guilty of prematurely destroying ballots from the 2016 congressional primary between Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz and then-Democratic rival Tim Canova. After the August primaries, Broward was also the last county in the state to post results. Petr Svab of The Epoch Times contributed to this report. From NTD News A bee is seen on saffron flowers in a field in the town of Krokos, Greece, on Oct. 27, 2018. (Reuters/Alkis Konstantinidis) Greeces Red Gold: Saffron Trade Blooms in Wilted Economy KROKOS, GreeceEvery autumn, Zisis Kyrou is more often found plucking flowers in northern Greeces purple saffron fields than in his office as a civil engineer. Saffronthe spice so expensive its called red goldhas brought jobs and money to a region better known for coal mines and unemployment. A year ago, its producers began exporting to the United States. Now theyre looking to China. Most are young Greeks who were shut out of the job market during Greeces nine-year economic downturn. They returned to the countryside to make a living off the land. It was hard to find work in your field during the crisis, particularly in civil engineering, because there was no construction, said Kyrou, 34, as he harvested with pollen-stained hands. In 2012, he returned to Greece from London with two university degrees. He eventually opened an engineering office in his village of Krokos, but most of his income comes from his four acres of land, which he hopes to increase. I didnt imagine Id return, he said. But it was a decision I dont regret. Greeks have been cultivating saffron for three centuries in the countryside surrounding Krokos, which takes its name from Crocus, the saffron flower. Alexander the Great is said to have used it to heal battle wounds. But until 2000, production was limited to 30 kg (66 lbs) a year for domestic consumption, said Nikos Patsiouras, who heads Greeces Cooperative of Saffron. That changed in 2008, when the crisis hit. Greece now produces about four tons a year, 70 percent of which goes abroad. The Cooperative has doubled its members from 494 to 1,000. It also has increased its land from 592 acres in 2008 to 1,349 acres. A lot of young people found work in the fieldsscientists, Patsiouras said. I believe more will join. Signs of the crisis are visible across Krokos, where shuttered shops line the streets. Unemployment in northwestern Greece is 23.5 percent, three points higher than the national average. But the fields are abuzz. We have God on our side, who gave us such a unique product, Patsiouras said. We hold on to it like the apple of our eye. Saffron grows only in this region of Greece. Marketed as Krokos Kozanis, one gram costs about four euros ($4.50) in Greek shops. It takes 150,000 flowers to make a kilogram (2.2 lbs) of the spice, which sells for about 1,500 euros ($1,700). Flowers are handpicked, and at the cooperative women in blue overalls weigh and package it. They are forbidden to wear make-up and perfume, to protect its flavor. Iran is by far the worlds biggest saffron producer, but demand for the Greek variety is rising, Patsiouras said. Greece is in talks with China for exports in 2019. In the Patsiouras household, three generations have gathered after a day of harvesting to remove the saffron strands from the flowers and dry them. If we dont transfer this tradition to the next generation, we will fail, said his daughter-in-law, Maria Patsioura. By Karolina Tagaris Victor Mallet, a Financial Times journalist and first vice president of the Foreign Correspondents' Club (FCC), speaks during a luncheon at the FCC in Hong Kong, China on Aug. 14, 2018. (Paul Yeung/Pool via Reuters) Hong Kong Bars British Editor From Visiting City Following Visa Ban HONG KONGHong Kong has barred a Financial Times journalist from entering the city as a visitor, after authorities refused to renew his work visa in October, in a move a British official said undermined free speech. Asia news editor Victor Mallet attempted to enter Hong Kong on Nov. 8 as a visitor but was turned away at the border after several hours of questioning by immigration officers, the Financial Times said. Mallet did not comment further when contacted by Reuters. Hong Kongs government said it was acting in accordance with the law and the prevailing immigration policy to make a decision. Analysts have cited the FT editors case as the latest of a series in which Hong Kong officials have taken a tough line on dissent in the former British colony. Mark Field, British Minister of State for Asia and the Pacific, now visiting Hong Kong, said the visa denial undermines freedom of speech and freedom of the press. Authorities declined to renew Mallets work visa last month after a speech he hosted at the Hong Kong Foreign Correspondents Club by an independence activist was strongly condemned by officials in China and Hong Kong. They gave no reason for the visa denial. Beijing has said any advocacy of independence will not be tolerated in Hong Kong, which it considers an inalienable part of China. The city was returned from British to Chinese rule in 1997. Hong Kongs mini-constitution guarantees Hong Kong a high degree of autonomy not allowed in mainland China, as well as the freedom of speech, of the press and of publication. In a statement Friday, the Hong Kong Journalists Association said that in barring Mallets entry, the government was severely violating the freedoms of press and speech, and further damaging the reputation and status of Hong Kong as an international city, according to the newspaper South China Morning Post. Pro-democracy legislators on the city council also expressed worries over the incident, saying the erosion of basic legal rights could harm Hong Kongs ability to attract foreign investment. The denial of a visa to Mallet had been widely condemned by journalists, human rights and civic society groups in Hong Kong, who saw it as a sign of Chinas growing encroachment on freedom of speech in the Asian financial hub. Critics point to recent incidents including the barring of young activists from elections, disqualifications of pro-democracy lawmakers and mainland-style tactics to smother dissent. Chilling Effect Joshua Rosenzweig, East Asia Research Director for Amnesty International, tweeted that the effective blacklisting of Mallet would have a chilling effect on freedom of expression. Chinese dissident writer Ma Jian has struggled in recent days to find a venue for two talks he plans to give as part of the Hong Kong International Literary Festival. Ma, who lives in Britain, was told by the Tai Kwun arts center, which was set up with government support, that his events would no longer be hosted. Tai Kwuns director Timothy Calnin said in a statement it did not want to become a platform to promote the political interests of any individual. But in an about-turn after Ma arrived in Hong Kong from London on Friday, the arts center said his events would go ahead as planned and apologized for the confusion. We have reconsidered our position in light of the possibility that these events might be prevented from taking place altogether. With this in mind, Tai Kwun has made its venues available to the Festival for Mr Mas two appearances, it said in a statement. Ma said he had been unable to find a Hong Kong publisher for his darkly satirical new novel, whose title echoes one of Chinese leader Xi Jinpings slogans. Im a novelist, not an activist, and am attending the Festival to discuss my new novel, China Dream. My politics are simple: I believe in free thought and free speech. Without them, life has no meaning, Ma wrote on Twitter. Concerns have also been raised by the apparent kidnappings and prosecutions in China of independent booksellers and legal cases brought against pro-democracy legislators and organizers of large-scale anti-government protests in 2014. By Farah Master & James Pomfret. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Terrorists make use of numerous methods to communicate with each other across the world, including YouTube and encrypted messaging services. (Relaxahotels/pixabay.com) How Terrorists Communicate Through Social Media Commentary Tradecraft is defined as the methods used in clandestine operations such as espionage. Establishing a secure form of communications is tradecraft 101. A common tradecraft communications tactic used by terrorists was to video, from the back seat of a car, someone driving around listening to loud music, perhaps in Syria or elsewhere. The perspective shows only the side of the driver and the front seat with a newspaper lying on the seat next to the driver, with nothing to identify the location. You cannot see the drivers face, so only the newspaper provides a date and location, which identifies the particular message. After several minutes of driving around, the driver picks up the newspaper to reveal a handwritten note. After leaving sufficient time to read the note, it is covered by the newspaper again, and shortly thereafter the video is posted to YouTube. Its a boring upload to YouTube that no one will watch all the way through other than the person for whom the note is intended. Under these circumstances, current algorithms are not capable of reading the handwritten notes, and an actual human would have to review each and every posting to detect such communications, which is simply not practical. The person receiving the message merely surfs YouTube and, even if later investigated by the FBI, no records of these sorts of communications are detectable. To YouTubes credit, they have been able to eliminate most of these videos, but as soon as one form of communication is detected, terrorists change tactics and another method pops up. Lone Wolf In 2017, Bjorn Stritzel a reporter for Bild, a German-language news magazine, pretended to be an Islamist willing to carry out an attack. Over several months, the reporter was given videos and received detailed instructions and motivational speeches on how to conduct a lone wolf attack by his two English-speaking ISIS handlers. To cover his communications with ISIS he was advised not to communicate via Telegraman encrypted instant messaging servicebecause ISIS uses it for spreading propaganda; better to use the similar messaging service Wickr for planning the attack. They also instructed that just before the attack he was to set the self-destruction timer for the messages to one minute. That way they could remain in contact until right up until the moment of the attack, and then all sent messages would be deleted on both devices and proof of their contact destroyed. By its nature, social media lends itself to be used as part of terrorist communications tradecraft. Social media is everywhere, and two people located on opposite sides of the planet can routinely talk to each other and exchange information in complete privacy. Terrorists worldwide take full advantage of this fact to employ solid tradecraft in their communications. ISIS, Al-Qaeda, and Hezbollah have routinely used YouTube and other social media in such a way that their communications are extraordinarily difficult to detect. They use social media to securely spot, assess, develop, and recruit susceptible individuals worldwide to conduct attacks. The official policy of the U.S. government remains that lone wolf attacks are just that, acts of unstable individuals with no ties to terrorist groups or anyone else. This is in spite of a long laundry list of nearly identical attacks taking place all over the world, and in spite of clear evidence that these attacks are driven by ISIS and other terrorist groups. How is it possible that our official policies in this regard remain the same? Brad Johnson is a retired CIA senior operations officer and a former chief of station. He is president of Americans for Intelligence Reform. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Judge Rules in Rick Scotts Favor, Says Broward County in Violation of Constitution A judge found Broward County violated the constitution by not following open records laws and ordered election officials to comply by 7 p.m. on Nov. 9. The ruling did not address the allegations of fraud, reported NBC6s Jamie Guirola. The ruling is in favor of Florida Gov. Rick Scott, a Republican who is running for the U.S. Senate seat against incumbent Sen. Bill Nelson, a Democrat. Broward Supervisor of Elections Brenda Snipes now must allow immediate viewing and copying of records that were requested, CBS Miami reported. This information Supervisor of Elections should have already compiled and saved, one of Scotts lawyers said to CBS Miami, It should take 10 minutes to do. Snipes violated that law by not turning over the information to attorneys for Scotts Senate bid as well as the National Republican Senatorial Committee, Broward County District Court Judge Carol Lisa Phillips ruled, WESH-TV reported. Once again this court finds that Broward County is under the nations microscope because of an election, Phillips said in the ruling, according to a WFTV reporter Field Sutton. She added: This court finds that there has been a violation of the constitution and the public records act in the withholding of public records. Scott also filed a second lawsuit against Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Susan Bucher, saying shes refused to allow his representatives to personally witness the ballot counting process. The suit also accuses her of preventing county canvassing board officials from performing its duties, the WESH report said. Scott holds a slim lead over Nelson in the race. Under Florida law, a recount is mandatory if the winning candidates margin is less than 0.5 percentage points. Scott has argued in a court filing earlier this week [t]wo days after voting has concluded, the Supervisor of Elections is unwilling to disclose records revealing how many electors voted, how many ballots have been canvassed, and how many ballots remain to be canvassed, Law and Crime reported. The lack of transparency raises substantial concerns about the validity of the election process, Scotts filing continued. An emergency hearing is necessary as the Canvassing Board is obligated to submit the unofficial elections results to the Division of Elections by noon November 10, 2018. A recount in at least two, possibly three, of the statewide races appears likely. President Donald Trump weighed in on the controversy on Nov. 9. Scott, he tweeted, was up by more than 50,000 votes on Election Day. Now they found many votes and he is only up 15,000 votes. The Broward Effect. How come they never find Republican votes? he said. Local media outlets reported that protesters and large trucks showed up in front of the Broward County elections office. Some of the protesters accused county officials of trying to steal the election. And Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Florida) contended that under Florida law, a county has to upload by 7 p.m. a day before all early votes are tabulated and canvassed by the end of early voting and report the results within 30 minutes of the polls closing. But Broward County is still counting early votes 60 hours after that deadline, and its the only county in Florida to do so, Rubio tweeted. Justice Ginsburg Up and Working After Breaking Ribs, Nephew Says U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is up and working and making jokes after being hospitalized with rib fractures, her nephew said on Nov. 8, at the premiere of a new movie about her early career. Daniel Stiepleman, who wrote the script for the Ginsburg biopic On the Basis of Sex, told Reuters Ginsburg was doing great. The last I heard she was up and working, of course, because what else would she be doing, and cracking jokes, he said. I cant promise they were good jokes but they were jokes. Ginsburg was hospitalized after fracturing several ribs after falling in her office. The court made the announcement on Nov. 8, saying that the 85-year-old went home after the fall but had discomfort overnight and went to George Washington Hospital in the morning, according to a statement. After tests, it was revealed that she was admitted for observation and treatment, according to the statement. Tests showed that she fractured three ribs on her left side and she was admitted for observation and treatment. Updates will be provided as they become available, the court statement reads. Other details about the incident are not clear. Ive known her for many, many years got to see her just a few weeks ago here at the swearing-in of Justice Kavanaugh, White House counselor Kellyanne Conway told reporters about Ginsburgs hospitalization. She added, I hope she has a full and speedy recovery. Ginsburg is the courts oldest member and is considered most senior of its liberal minority. She was appointed in 1993 by President Bill Clinton as the second woman to serve on the Supreme Court. In 2014, she underwent a heart procedure to have a stent placed in her right coronary artery, CNN reported, and in 2009, she was treated for pancreatic cancer. She also had surgery to treat colon cancer in 1999. Ginsburg said she wants to stay on the bench until 2020. Im now 85, she told the New York Times. My senior colleague, Justice John Paul Stevens, he stepped down when he was 90, so think I have about at least five more years. The film about Ginsburgs early career, which is said to have had input from the justice herself, saw its world premiere on the same day she fractured her ribs. Initial reviews of On the Basis of Sex, which is now making its rounds on the film festival circuit, are mixed. Eric Kohn of Indiewire said the films sunny approach is out of touch with the times, adding that had it been made 30 years ago, it would be a cheesy tearjerker with purpose, but that the non-fiction treatment is forced into heavy-handed dramaturgy and becomes an antiquated soap opera. The Guardians Benjamin Lee called the film, which is due for a Christmas Day release in the United States, a familiarly wrought, intermittently effective drama [that] benefits from retelling a fascinating backstory. Reuters and Epoch Times reporter Jack Phillips contributed to this report. Macron and May Pay Tribute to Fallen Fighters of the Somme SOMME VALLEY, FranceFrench President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Theresa May laid a wreath at a memorial in the Somme valley on Nov. 9, honoring fallen World War One soldiers on the eve of the centenary of the wars end. The Somme Offensive, waged in 1916, was intended to hasten a victory for the allies against the German empire, but after four months of trench warfare, more than a million men were dead or wounded and the Great War would go on to last another two years. In a solemn ceremony at the Thiepval memorial in northern France, Macron and May honored allied soldiers who died at the Somme. The wreath they put down combined the poppy and le bleuet flowers, national emblems of remembrance in Britain and France. Thiepvals memorial stands on high ground overlooking the Somme river and commemorates more than 72,000 British and South African soldiers who died and have no known grave. May said the days ceremonies were a time to reflect on our shared history, but also look ahead to our shared future. We remember the heroes who lost their lives in the horror of the trenches. As the sun sets on 100 years of remembrance, we will never forget their sacrifice, she said. The two leaders had first held a working lunch in the town of Albert, in the heart of the Somme region, at a time May is intensifying efforts to secure European support for a Brexit deal. A Macron aide declined to comment on the nature of the discussions. To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of the war this weekend, Macron will welcome world leaders including U.S. President Donald Trump, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and Russias Vladimir Putin. Macron then hosts an inaugural Paris Peace Forum, which Trump will not attend. Earlier on Friday, May laid wreaths at the graves of the first and last British soldiers killed in the war at the St Symphorien cemetery near Mons in Belgium, accompanied by Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel. More than 500 German and British Commonwealth soldiers are buried at the war cemetery. Among them is Private John Parr, a reconnaissance soldier who was killed on Aug. 21, 1914, when his commanding officer sent him into enemy territory on his bicycle to gather intelligence on German military moves. He was 17 years old. Parrs headstone stands opposite that of George Ellison, who died 90 minutes before the Armistice came into effect on Nov 11, 1918. At Parrs grave, May left a note: In that rich earth a richer dust concealed, words taken from a sonnet written by Rupert Brooke at the start of World War One. By Richard Lough Main Migrant Caravan Departs Mexico City in Push to Reach United States The first migrant caravan departed Mexico City on Nov. 9, as the migrants push to reach the United States, despite escalating preparation undertaken by President Donald Trumps administration. The main caravan is currently estimated at between 4,000 and 5,000 people, around which 75 percent are men. The migrants voted late Thursday night to leave Mexicos capital in a bid to reach Queretaro, about 120 miles north, reported USA Today. The caravan had paused in Mexico City since Nov. 3, allowing some migrants to catch up or join the primary contingent, although its not clear whether the second caravan was able to catch up. Four caravans have entered Mexico in recent weeks, with one staying in southern Mexico and agreeing to the countrys recently announced asylum program, which provides jobs, education, and healthcare. The other three clashed with Mexican police officers and largely ignored the asylum program, claiming it didnt meet their needs. Christopher Gascon, the Mexico representative for the International Organization for Migration, said that there are an estimated 4,000 migrants between the two caravans behind the first one. Trump has escalated his response to the caravans, first threatening to cut aid to Central American governments and ending up doing so after presidents failed to stop the caravan. He then ordered troops to the border to help strengthen it and support Border Patrol agents. On Nov. 9, Trump signed a proclamation that makes migrants who enter the United States illegally, outside official ports of entry, ineligible for asylum. Asylum Many migrants wouldnt qualify for asylum because theyre only fleeing poverty and/or violence from gangs, conditions that dont qualify for asylum under policy guidelines updated by the Trump administration earlier this year. A number have admitted in interviews with various news agencies that they were previously deported from the United States. Asylum-seekers have always needed to prove that they have suffered past persecution or have a well-founded fear of future persecution in their home country because of their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Persecution is generally only considered if it is state-sanctioned or condoned. Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions said in October that half of the illegal aliens who plead credible fear at the border dont file a claim. This suggests they knew their asylum claims lacked merit and that their claim of fear was simply a ruse to enter the country illegally, Sessions said. Under catch-and-release, migrants could disappear within America and not show up for court, an option many take. Trump has worked to restrict that option. Sessions said that the system is being gamed. Our asylum laws are meant to protect those who, because of characteristics like race, religion, nationality, or political opinions, cannot find protection in their home countries. They were never intended to provide asylum to all those who fear generalized violence, crime, personal vendettas, or a lack of job prospects, he said. From NTD News Malibu Evacuated Due to California Woolsey Fire Video shows Cam Fire in Northern California Evacuations were ordered Malibu, California, along with at least 75,000 homes in Los Angeles and Ventura counties were evacuated due to wildfires. A mandatory evacuation is in effect for the entire area south of Highway 101 from Ventura County line to Las Virgenes-Malibu Canyon and southward to the Pacific Ocean. Much of the city of Malibu is under mandatory evacuation orders, officials said in an alert. However, The Associated Press reported that the entire city of Malibu was under mandatory evacuation. The Woolsey Fire jumped Highway 101 at Liberty Canyon Road and Chesebro Road and the freeway is closed in both directions from Las Virgenes to Reyes Adobe. The fire broke out Thursday northwest of Los Angeles and roared southward, jumping the U.S. 101 freeway early Friday and sweeping into the Santa Monica Mountains. Malibu has about 13,000 residents and lies along 21 miles of coast at the southern foot of the mountain range. The Los Angeles County Fire Department tweets that the fire is headed to the ocean, punctuating the message with the declaration: Imminent threat! Fire has jumped the 101 freeway at Liberty Canyon and is well established on the south side of the freeway.Avoid 101 of commuting, large back-ups behind closure pic.twitter.com/1BbrDUPgSj VCFD PIO (@VCFD_PIO) November 9, 2018 Its a mandatory evacuation, what that means is, you dont have to leave, we want you to leave, Ventura County Fire spokesman Rich Macklan told The Independent on Nov. 9. But people know they cant get back in once they do leave. We want people to leave early, when firefighters ask you to, because firefighting equipment needs to come in and do their work. He added, If you leave early, it helps us tremendously. Ventura County Fire Department spokesman Scott Dettorre told the station that dozens of homes have been destroyed or damaged by the fire. The fire has progressed down into the city of Thousand Oaks, Dettorre told the CBS affiliate. The Woolsey Fire and the Hill Fire both broke out on the afternoon of Nov. 8. Both fires are being fueled by strong Santa Ana winds, the National Weather Service said. There will be a bump-up of wind speeds around dawn through noon before winds diminish slowly this afternoon, NWS officials stated. Northern California Threatened by Fires More than 40,000 people were ordered to evacuate on Nov. 8 when a fire tore through Paradise, California. The Camp Fire has destroyed businesses, homes, restaurants, supermarkets, and a retirement home, USA Today reported. California Fire Capt. Scott McLean stressed that most of the city of Paradise was pretty muchdestroyed. Pretty much the community of Paradise is destroyed, its that kind of devastation, he also told The Associated Press. The wind that was predicted came and just wiped it out. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Raymond A. Treasure, 31, of the 2300 block of West Nichols Road in Arlington Heights, was charged Nov. 4 with driving under the influence of alcohol, driving with a blood-alcohol concentration greater than .08, driving without insurance and improper lane use following a traffic stop near Route 12 and South Old Rand Road. Treasure was released on $3,000 bond with a notice to appear in court Dec. 4 in Waukegan, police said. Melbourne Terror Attack: Man Shot Dead After Fire and Fatal Stabbing An attacker who stabbed a man to death in Melbourne, Australia, has died after being shot by police in what authorities are calling a terrorist attack. Police have identified the attacker as 31-year-old Mohamed Khalid. Born in Somali and from Melbournes northwestern suburbs. The knifeman was shot as he tried to stab two officers on a central Melbourne street after he had stabbed three people on Friday, Nov. 9, according to Australias Perth Now. He died at Royal Melbourne Hospital on the same night. Knife Attack Police initially responded to reports of a vehicle on fire. Victorian police chief commissioner Graham Ashton said Khalif was known to counter-terrorism authorities, at both national and state levels. Ashton told a press conference that the the suspect drove a pickup truck to a location on a busy Melbourne street and set the vehicle on fire. Khalif wasnt confirmed as the attacker at the time. He got out of the vehicle, engaged with some members of the public at that location. Almost within a minute, Victorian Police officers were in attendance in an unmarked vehicle, Ashton said. He assaulted one of the police offices through the vehicle window by punching him. At that time other police were starting to arrive. He at that time produced a knife and attempted to attack the police officers. One of the officers fired his firearm and shot the offender once in the chest. The attacker had barbecue-style gas cylinders inside the car and set it alight, according to The Guardian. We are treating this as a terrorism incident, Ashton said, and added that the attackers identity is not being released due to the ongoing investigation. The police chief said the suspect came to Australia from Somalia in the 1990s and was known to police. He had a minor offending history of drug, theft, and driving offenses, according to the report. Witnesses said the attacker stabbed the victim, believed to be aged in his 60s, in the face. Three people have been stabbed. Unfortunately, one is deceased at the scene, two other victims are currently in hospital, police Superintendent David Clayton told reporters at the scene, according to Perth Now. A white sheet covered the victim as he lay on Bourke Street. One witness said the man was stabbed in the face and desperate efforts were made to save him. Because he was on his stomach, they turned him over to see if hes alright, he was still alive, nearby KFC worker Markel Villasin told AAP. He was breathing and he was bleeding out. Footage from the scene shows a man earlier swinging a knife at two uniformed officers near a burning car before he was shot. [Officers] were confronted by a male brandishing a knife and threatening them, Clayton said. Villasin said bystanders were screaming at police to shoot the knifeman. They were around him trying to take the knife out of his handIm pretty sure it was a kitchen knife, he said, according to Perth Now. Police have said they believe the attacker acted alone and they are not searching for other suspects. The prime minister, Scott Morrison, released a statement: I condemn the act of terrorism in Melbourne today that has tragically taken the life of a fellow Australian who has died as a result of this evil and cowardly attack. The attack is being treated as a terrorism incident, Morrison said. Victorian premier Daniel Andrews office sent out a statement following his press conference. Today, an act of terror struck the heart of our city, in a place where past wounds have still not healed, the statement reads, according to The Guardian. To all of our first responders, we extend our utmost gratitude. And to the victims and their loved ones, we offer our prayers, support, and deepest sympathies. We wont be defined by this evil act. Migrants from Central American countries -mostly Hondurans- heading in a caravan to the U.S., on board a truck at the Mexico City-Puebla highway in San Marcos' toll, Mexico, on Nov. 5, 2018. (Rodrigo Arangua/AFP/Getty Images) Migrants Who Cross Border Illegally Now Ineligible for Asylum: White House Migrants who attempt to cross illegally into the United States from Mexico wont be eligible to claim asylum, the White House said in a new rule. The announcement was made by The Department of Justice (DOJ) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Nov. 8. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation issuing the rule on Friday. The United States has a long and proud history of offering protection to aliens who are fleeing persecution and torture and who qualify under the standards articulated in our immigration laws, including through our asylum system and the Refugee Admissions Program. But our system is being overwhelmed by migration through our southern border, Trump said. Failing to take immediate action to stem the mass migration the United States is currently experiencing and anticipating would only encourage additional mass unlawful migration and further overwhelming of the system. Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker and DHS Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen said in a statement late Thursday that Trump has the power to make such a change. Consistent with our immigration laws, the President has the broad authority to suspend or restrict the entry of aliens into the United States if he determines it to be in the national interest to do so. Todays rule applies this important principle to aliens who violate such a suspension or restriction regarding the southern border imposed by the President by invoking an express authority provided by Congress to restrict eligibility for asylum, they said. Our asylum system is overwhelmed with too many meritless asylum claims from aliens who place a tremendous burden on our resources, preventing us from being able to expeditiously grant asylum to those who truly deserve it. Today, we are using the authority granted to us by Congress to bar aliens who violate a Presidential suspension of entry or other restriction from asylum eligibility. Opposition to the rule by groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union has already risen. U.S. law specifically allows individuals to apply for asylum whether or not they are at a port of entry, the group said on Twitter. It is illegal to circumvent thatby agency or presidential decree. The two top officials cited section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, saying the act states [w]henever the President finds that the entry of any aliens or of any class of aliens into the United States would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, he may by proclamation, and for such period as he shall deem necessary, suspend the entry of all aliens or any class of aliens as immigrants or nonimmigrants, or impose on the entry of aliens any restrictions he may deem to be appropriate. Justification for the new rule was also found in section 215(a) of the act, which states that it is unlawfulfor any alien to depart from or enter or attempt to depart from or enter the United States except under such reasonable rules, regulations, and orders, and subject to such limitations and exceptions as the President may prescribe. Anyone who illegally enters the United States from Mexico is ineligible for asylum, according to the interim rule (pdf). From NTD News Salvadorean migrants wait to enter the Guatemala-Mexico international border bridge in Ciudad Tecun Uman, Guatemala, on Nov. 2, 2018. According to the Salvadorean General Migration Directorate (DGME), over 1,700 Salvadoreans left the country in two caravans and entered Guatemala Wednesday, in an attempt to reach the United States. (MARVIN RECINOS/AFP/Getty Images) New Yorkers Asked About the Caravan of Central American Migrants Heading Toward US With a caravan of about 7,000 Central American migrants streaming north toward the United States, the issue of immigration has been in the news recently. The issue has been embroiled in controversy as the U.S. government has been taking preventative measures to prevent the migrants, which are currently traveling through Mexico, from entering the country. The Epoch Times asked a selection of people in Manhattan whether the people should be let in. Heres what they said: Charisma The Epoch Times: Should the migrants be allowed into the United States? Charisma: Weve got our own crisis going on with housing, where are they going to go? If we cant find anywhere to go, theyre definitely not going to find anywhere to go. The Epoch Times: Should they go through the proper legal channels? Charisma: I dont think they should come in illegally. Were overcrowded here, so if they can fix the problem over there, then fix the problem. Alex in New York City on October 19, 2018. (Stuart Liess/The Epoch Times) Alex The Epoch Times: Should the migrants be allowed into the United States? Alex: I know Honduras is not the greatest place to be in right now, so I understand why people from Honduras would want to come here. Immigration is cracking down in the U.S. so how do you decide to choose to let people from Honduras versus people from other countries; thats when it becomes a very difficult question. I honestly dont think we can take everybody, but its hard to be able to decide when its a person, who should be able to come in and who shouldnt. It becomes very difficult. Camille in New York City on Oct. 19, 2018. (Stuart Liess/The Epoch Times) Camille The Epoch Times: Should the migrants be allowed into the United States? Camille: Politically speaking, I would appreciate if the country does its best to protect its own people, but also if it helps the situation, then maybe a halfway point could be met somewhere. The Epoch Times: Should they go through the proper legal channels? Camille: Of course, the proper channels. There also must be a little bit of compassion involved here, especially considering what the situation is, but also we must secure our borders. Evan Doherty in New York City on Oct. 19, 2018. (Stuart Liess/The Epoch Times) Evan Doherty The Epoch Times: Should the migrants be allowed into the United States? Mr. Doherty: I just moved back from Nicaragua, I know a lot of it is in turmoil right now. It depends on what their intentions are. If theyre escaping being killed, then its great to help people. I guess it depends on what theyve come to the United States to do. Sierra in New York City on Oct. 19, 2018. (Stuart Liess/The Epoch Times) Sierra The Epoch Times: Should the migrants be allowed into the United States? Sierra: If the conditions are that bad, that they have to come here, then yes. If theres no reason for them to be here, then I feel that maybe they are just looking for something different. The Epoch Times: Should they go through the proper legal channels? Sierra: They would have to go through the proper channels to come here. Carlos Figeuria and Amanda Cruz The Epoch Times: Should the migrants be allowed into the United States? Mr. Figeuria: I feel they should be allowed in. Ms. Cruz: I feel like there is a reason theyre fleeing. Were so helpful and were always trying to help people. We might as well, because theyre most likely running from a corrupt government of some sort. The Epoch Times: Do you think they should go through the proper legal channels? Ms. Cruz: We want to help, but to a certain extent, we shouldnt get taken advantage of, either. Korcan in New York City on Oct. 19, 2018 (Stuart Liess/The Epoch Times) Korcan The Epoch Times: Should the migrants be allowed into the United States? Korcan: Its a very sensitive issue. I myself am an immigrant, but I came here legally. I guess if they can get in, they should. I feel that the United States has always been open about accepting others, and I feel like they should have an opportunity. Ivan in New York City on Oct. 19, 2018. (Stuart Liess/The Epoch Times) Ivan The Epoch Times: Should the migrants be allowed into the United States? Ivan: The best way is to help these people. They need help. We just cant really force people to go back to misery. Im from Colombia. I came here about 56 years ago, but the thing is theres no way to make a living, the situations in those countries are very different than here. This country is big, there are plenty of places to work to make a living. Trey Wilson The Epoch Times: Should the migrants be allowed into the United States? Mr. Wilson: Everyone should be allowed to go anywhere as they please. There should be no restrictions. Nicole in New York City on Oct. 19, 2018. (Stuart Liess/The Epoch Times) Nicole, volunteer for New Sanctuary Coalition Epoch Times: Should the migrants be allowed into the United States? Nicole: YES, in capital letters. Theyre fleeing a difficult situation, and theyre fleeing violence. We are a very wealthy country, and I think we should open our doors to them. Thats what the United States is made of: immigrants and refugees. Epoch Times: Should they go through the proper legal channels? Nicole: I think for them, fleeing violence, they should open the doors and let them come in. Supporters of Senator Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) with signs that say vote wait for the senator to arrive for a campaign stop at The Royale bar in St. Louis, Missouri, on Nov. 5, 2018. (Scott Olson/Getty Images) Nine People Arrested After Officials Bust Illegal Voting Scheme in Texas The Texas attorney general said that nine people were arrested for allegedly participating in an organized illegal voting scheme. The scheme involved political workers recruiting people who agreed to fraudulently claim residential addresses so they could vote in specific races in the city of Edinburgh. Illegal voting, particularly an organized illegal voting scheme orchestrated by political operatives, is an affront to democracy and results in corruption at the highest level, Attorney General Ken Paxton said in a statement. Each illegal vote silences the voice of a law-abiding registered voter. My office will continue to do everything in its power to uncover illegal voting schemes and bring to justice those who try to manipulate the outcome of elections in Texas. The arrested were named as Hidalgo County residents Guadalupe Sanchez Garza, Araceli Gutierrez, Brenda Rodriguez, Rosendo Rodriguez, Cynthia Tamez, Ruby Tamez, Belinda Rodriguez, Felisha Yolanda Rodriguez, and Jerry Gonzalez, Jr. Under Texas law, its a second-degree felony to vote in any election using a fraudulent address. A conviction carries up to 20 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Per a new law, engaging in organized election fraud activity is a first-degree felony. The attorney generals office said that more arrests are expected as the investigation into the scheme is ongoing. Voter Fraud Investigations The arrests came about six months after four people were charged with voter fraud in the 2017 municipal election in Edinburg. The attorney generals Election Fraud Unit has prosecuted 33 people for voter fraud violations in the past year alone, including a case in Forth Worth where officials identified a former Democratic Party leader paying others in a voter fraud scheme. The woman, Leticia Sanchez, allegedly faxed applications for mail-in ballots that were obtained fraudulently in an effort to harvest those ballots for specific candidates in 2016. There was also a case in the 2018 midterms where a poll worker admitted to having many non-citizens voting in the election. When an undercover journalist said that her boyfriend wasnt a citizen and wanted to vote, a worker said: Dont pay any attention to that. Bring him up here. Another worker said: From early voter, Weve got tons of them. Tons of DACA voters. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott responded to that vide, saying the case would be investigated and if it is accurate, illegal votes will be tossed out and wrongdoers will be prosecuted. From NTD News North Korea Postponed Meeting With Pompeo Because They Werent Ready, Says Nikki Haley U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley said on Nov. 8, that North Korea canceled this weeks talks between Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and a senior North Korean official, but a meeting between the two nations leaders is still on for after Jan. 1. I dont think there was some major issue for the postponement, she said. I have talked with the administration and basically what were looking at is they postponed it because they werent ready. Pompeo was supposed to meet with Kim Yong Chol in New York on Nov. 8, to discuss the Norths commitment to eliminating its nuclear weapons and arrangements for a second summit between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. I do think the talks are going to be rescheduled, Haley said of the Pompeo-Kim Yong Chol meeting. And it doesnt change the fact that that summit is still scheduled for the president and Kim to meet after the first of the year. Haley spoke to reporters ahead of U.N. Security Council closed consultations called by Russia to discuss exemptions from U.N. sanctions on North Korea. We have given a lot of carrots up until now, she said, pointing to the Kim-Trump summit in Singapore and follow-up meetings as well as stopping military exercises. While there havent been any nuclear or ballistic missile tests by North Korea, Haley said its government hasnt allowed inspectors into its nuclear and missile facilities. Were not going to get rid of the stick because they havent done anything to warrant getting rid of the sanctions yet, she said. Haley accused Russia of trying to earn brownie points with North Korea and I think they are also just trying to go ahead and talk about lifting sanctions because theyre already cheating. She accused Russia of bringing in North Korean laborers and providing Pyongyang with refined petroleum, in violation of U.N. sanctions. And she added, We know theyve been doing some things with the financial aspect of it. As she left the closed council meeting, Haley said humanitarian exemptions were discussed. She said earlier that the U.S. goal is to make sure aid goes to people in need, not the regime, so it is investigating technical aspects of a number of requests to make sure aid is not re-routed. So were going to take our time to do that, she said. But Haley said Russias real aim came out at the end of the council consultations. What theyre looking for is to lift banking restrictions, which are exactly some of the things we know theyre not following through on appropriately, Haley said. So now we know what their agenda is. We know exactly why theyre trying to do it. Were not going to let it happen. By Edith M. Lederer Official: Entire Town of Paradise, California Pretty Much Destroyed in Camp Fire More than 40,000 people were ordered to evacuate on Nov. 8 when a fire tore through Paradise, California, according to reports. The Camp Fire has destroyed businesses, homes, restaurants, supermarkets, and a retirement home, USA Today reported. California Fire Capt. Scott McLean stressed that most of the city of Paradise was pretty muchdestroyed. Pretty much the community of Paradise is destroyed, its that kind of devastation, he also told The Associated Press. The wind that was predicted came and just wiped it out. He estimated that several thousand structures were burned in the city, located about 180 miles northeast of San Francisco. The Camp Fire has burned at least 20,000 acres in Northern California, forcing the evacuation of 40,000 people. Currently, about 15,000 structures are being threatened by the wildfire, fire officials told AP. Its a very dangerous and very serious situation, Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea told the paper. Were working very hard to get people out. The message I want to get out is: If you can evacuate, you need to evacuate. Evacuation orders were sent out for the communities of Paradise, Magalia, Concow, Butte Creek Canyon, and Butte Valley. Evacuation zones were posted on Cal Fires website. Two firefighters and several residents were injured, and its not clear if there were any fatalities, Butte County Cal Fire Chief Darren Read told AP. We were surrounded by fire, we were driving through fire on each side of the road, said police officer Mark Bass, who is a Chico police officer who lives in Paradise to USA Today. It was just a wall of fire on each side of us, and we could hardly see the road in front of us. Ominous Piece of Burnt Paper Falls From Sky Amid Fast-Moving California Fire Video shows cars trying to escape massive blaze A California woman discovered an ominous burnt piece of paper that fell from the sky, just miles from a fast-moving wildfire in Northern California. Nicole Kowalczyke, of Chico, said she saw a very ominous outside her house. Then, this piece of paper came from nowhere, Kowalczyke told the San Francisco Chronicle. It was kind of like a leaf how they fall down. The Camp Fire has destroyed thousands of acres, and according to one local official, the fire has pretty much destroyed the entire town of Paradise, which is about 15 miles east of Chico. The paper looked like it was from a book, she said. I thought, If this is a piece of the Bible, this is going to be crazy,' she told the Chronicle. But when she inspected it, Kowalczyke realized it was from a fire manual that includes information about fire hoses and the proper pressure. #DEVELOPING I dont use the word massive very often, but this huge black plume of smoke is jaw-dropping over the #CampFire near #Paradise #abc7now pic.twitter.com/8twUKNxMAN Laura Anthony (@LauraAnthony7) November 8, 2018 The Camp Fire destroyed businesses, homes, restaurants, supermarkets, and a retirement home, USA Today reported on Nov. 9. California Fire Capt. Scott McLean stressed that most of the town of Paradise was pretty muchdestroyed in the fire. Pretty much the community of Paradise is destroyed, its that kind of devastation, he also told The Associated Press. The wind that was predicted came and just wiped it out. He said that several thousand structures were burned in Paradize, which is located about 180 miles northeast of San Francisco. The Camp Fire, meanwhile, has burned at least 20,000 acres in Northern California, forcing the evacuation of 40,000 people. Currently, about 15,000 structures are being threatened by the fast-moving fire, fire officials told AP Its a very dangerous and very serious situation, Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea told USA Today. Were working very hard to get people out. The message I want to get out is: If you can evacuate, you need to evacuate. Evacuation orders were sent out for the communities of Paradise, Magalia, Concow, Butte Creek Canyon, and Butte Valley. Evacuation zones were posted on Cal Fires website. The National Weather Service also issued red-flag warnings for fire dangers in many areas in California due to low humidity and strong winds. One Dead, Two in Hospital After Stabbing Rampage in Melbourne, Australia UPDATE: Victoria Police said that the attack in the Melbourne CBD is now being treated as a terrorism incident. The attacker has since died in hospital. A man has been shot by police after he stabbed three people and set a car on fire in Melbournes CBD, Victoria Police said at a press conference on Nov. 9. The incident occurred between Swanston and Russell Street along the pedestrian strip of Bourke Street mall around 4:20 p.m. local time, according to eyewitnesses, in what has been described as a distressing scene. The exploded car was inside a designated pedestrian area. The City of Melbourne is in the process of installing bollards to block traffic access to pedestrian malls. Eyewitnesses told the ABC that a man was seen throwing somethingperhaps a bombinto what was allegedly his car, which then exploded into flames. On Bourke St. Roads blocked. pic.twitter.com/wimeJLNXWy mike yang (@fayfayang) November 9, 2018 An unidentified witness then approached the alleged driver and was stabbed in the neck. That witness died at the scene. The suspect attacked and stabbed two other people, with one reported to have suffered a head wound. Both are currently in hospital. Police who were in the area arrived promptly on the scene after reports of the burning vehicle. They were immediately attacked by the suspect wielding his knife. Witnesses then described that the police attempted to disarm the man with the help of two witnesses as the suspect kept lunging at them. Superintendent David Clayton told the media at a press conference that passersby were calling out that members of the public had been stabbed. One witness told the Herald Sun that bystanders were calling to police, shoot him, shoot him. Were live with Superintendent David Clayton following an incident on Bourke Street in the CBD this afternoon. Victoria Police Police then shot the male in the chest and he is now in a critical condition, under guard at hospital, Clayton said. Witness Drew Hair told AAP that the suspect was dressed in a black tunic and white pants, was about six foot four inches tall, and of African appearance. Police said that there was no known link to terrorism at this stage and that well keep an open mind as to whether theres any link. No police officers were injured in the attack and police have confirmed that they are not pursuing any other individuals in relation to the incident. Clayton added that the bomb squad had cleared the area and deemed it safe, and that fire crews had extinguished the burning car. Clayton said that the public is still advised that the area remains closed as investigations are ongoing at the crime scene. We ask the public, unless youve got a purpose to be here, please avoid the area, well provide regular updates through the media in relation to when the area is safe and clear, he said. Bourke Street in Melbourne CBD remains closed following an incident. Closures have been set up with no access from Swanston St to Exhibition St. Russell St remains open to traffic. Trams not operating on Swanston or Bourke St around closure. Updates at @VicTraffic pic.twitter.com/YQahS9Z0kh Victoria Police (@VictoriaPolice) November 9, 2018 Yarra Trams advised that a temporary diversion of trams would be in place Friday night following the incident. Update: please avoid the area if possible and follow instructions by @VictoriaPolice . You may consider Elizabeth St trams and City Loop trains to connect with diverting trams and other services. Details: https://t.co/fHPX5JE8xG Yarra Trams (@yarratrams) November 9, 2018 Police are calling for witnesses to come forward. Witnesses can make a statement at Melbourne West Police Station. Any witnesses who caught footage of the incident are also asked to upload their files to the Victoria Police Facebook page. Watch Next: How They Brainwash You: Government, Media, and Special Interest Group Tactics A false reality is being painted by news outlets, governments, activists, and special interest groups that is warping psychology and concepts. Tucker Carlson speaks onstage during Politicon 2018 at Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, California, on Oct. 21, 2018. (Rich Polk/Getty Images for Politicon ) Police Investigating Vandalism at Tucker Carlsons House as Possible Hate Crime Police officers in Washington are investigating the protest, vandalism, and alleged attempted breaking-and-entering conservative political commentator Tucker Carlsons house as a possible hate crime. The video above shows the same group harassing Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) at a restaurant in September. A group of far-left extremists went to Carlsons house on Nov. 7 and started shouting. Some pressed the doorbell and one, according to the wife of the Fox News host who was home at the time, tried to break down the front door. She thought her home was being broken into and rushed into the pantry, locked herself in, and called the police, according to Carlson. Around 20 harassers were at the scene, where they also spray-painted an anarchy symbol on the driveway. Carlson was at Foxs Washington office at the time. Now the police are investigating the so-called protest and vandalism as a possible hate crime, the Metropolitan Police Department told the Associated Press. The police report notes there were no arrests but officers confiscated several signs and list the incident as a suspected hate crime on the basis of anti-political bias. Far-left extremist group Smash Racism DC go to Tucker Carlson's house and harass his family. (the same people who went after Ted Cruz at a restaurant while he was eating dinner with his wife) pic.twitter.com/k3JJYOjS2X Nick Monroe (@nickmon1112) November 8, 2018 The department said that defacing private property is not an expression of free speech and the First Amendment. We will work to hold those accountable for their unlawful actions. There is currently an open criminal investigation regarding this matter, the statement said. Carlson hosts one of Americas most popular cable television shows, with millions of viewers tuning in each night. He frequently supports President Donald Trumps policies, including border security and combatting illegal immigration. The group, Smash Racism DC, posted videos of them at Carlsons house on Twitter, including with one the caption: Tonight, we remind you that you are not safe. Their chants included Tucker Carlson, we will fight! and We know where you sleep at night! In another chant, the group said: No borders! No walls! No USA at all! People feel like they have to shut up. That they can't say what they think because they'll be punished. This has a chilling effect on everyone's ability to speak and think freely. pic.twitter.com/YOAtTAhMNc Tucker Carlson (@TuckerCarlson) November 9, 2018 Twitter eventually took down the videos and suspended the account. Carlson told Fox that the group broke his oak front door and that one of them was caught on security footage mentioning a pipe bomb. I called my wife. She had been in the kitchen alone getting ready to go to dinner and she heard pounding on the front door and screaming, he added to the Washington Post. Someone started throwing himself against the front door and actually cracked the front door. The couple has four children, none of whom were home at the time. Carlson told Fox he doesnt mind being confronted in public but told the Washington Post that this time the radicals had gone too far. I dont think I should be threatened in our house. I think I should fight back, and I plan to, he said. Im not going to be bullied and intimidated. From NTD News Protesters, Trucks Appear Outside Broward County Elections Office in Florida Four trucks appear and block view into building Protesters showed up at the Broward County elections tabulation center in Florida on Nov. 9. It comes after President Donald Trump, Sen. Marco Rubio, and others highlighted what they say may be election fraud. Rubio, a Florida Republican, tweeted on Nov. 9: How can anyone have confidence that the #BrowardCounty election supervisor will be fair when last night she made clear her personal animus toward Gov. Scott & towards the states top law enforcement agency when she claimed he owns the #Florida Department of Law Enforcement? So the @abcactionnews Facebook page is showing a video where #Broward SOE has blockaded the entrance with four trucks.#Sayfie #FloridaRecount2018 pic.twitter.com/4IelqnS7nG StateOfSunshine (@StateOfSunshine) November 9, 2018 Meanwhile, Trump issued several tweets on the matter, saying the world is now watching Broward Countys election counting effort. Thank you @marcorubio for helping to expose the potential corruption going on with respect to Election Theft in Broward and Palm Beach Counties. The WORLD is now watching closely! he tweeted. Brenda Snipes, with @BrowardSOE, dodges questions and leaves after repeatedly saying she would take questions after this meeting. Reconvening tomorrow at 1pm to have canvassing board review 238 provisional ballots (205 in dispute + 33 provisional early votes) pic.twitter.com/oiG1d5CFg7 Alex Harris (@harrisalexc) November 9, 2018 Look, look, bad things have gone on in Broward County. Really bad things, the president also said at a press conference. Locals who showed up at the protest said what was happening is tantamount to election theft. Theyre angry that the Republican Senate candidate Rick Scott and Republican gubernatorial candidate Ron DeSantis victories are in question. Its election theft, one protester, Janet Klomburg, told Local10. Our level of frustration is beyond what you can even imagine. On Nov. 9, around four box trucks showed up and blocked the publics view of the election headquarters, Local10 reported. This is insane. All of this is insane, Klomburg said. It needs to be stopped. All of it needs to be stopped. I call for firing Brenda Snipes, getting rid of her whole crew and doing the election over without her being a part of it. Scott filed a lawsuit against officials in Broward and Palm Beach counties. I will not stand idly by while unethical liberals try to steal an election, Scott said, Florida Today reported. Broward Supervisor of Elections Brenda Snipes said the unusually high turnout caused delays in the vote counting. But in May 2016, a judge ruled that Broward officials had illegally destroyed ballots in a 2016 congressional race. In the August primaries, Broward was the last county to report results and claimed there were equipment problems. You mean they are just now finding votes in Florida and Georgiabut the Election was on Tuesday? Trump asked on Twitter. Lets blame the Russians and demand an immediate apology from President Putin! Under #Florida law county must upload by 7 p.m. day BEFORE election ALL early votes canvassed & tabulated by end of early voting & report results within 30 minutes of polls close 60 hours after that deadline only 1 of 67 counties is still counting early votes, #BrowardCounty pic.twitter.com/oP7HdpZcTk Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) November 9, 2018 On Nov. 9, Rubio tweeted that under Florida law, a county has to upload by 7 p.m. a day before all early votes are tabulated and canvassed by the end of early voting and report the results within 30 minutes of the polls closing. But in Broward County is still counting early votes 60 hours after that deadline, and its the only county in Florida to do so, Rubio tweeted. Two women, one from Elmwood Park and the other from Oak Park, were charged Nov. 4 with disorderly conduct after they reportedly fought while in line at the Mini Donut Factory in the Harlem Irving Plaza Mall. Sandra Rahman, 51, of the 7700 block of West Westwood in Elmwood Park, and Raven Fnu, 33, of the 800 block of South Austin Boulevard, Oak Park, are due in court Dec. 6. A police officer was dispatched at 4:23 p.m. Rahman told police the fight started after she walked between a friend and Fnu to help the friend, who was having trouble with a purchase. She told police Fnu shoved her with her lower body and she shoved back. She said that Fnu called Rahman names, then struck her in the face and pulled her down by her braided hair before they were separated by mall security. Fnu told police that as she was in line with her children, Rahman was behind her. She said when Rahman bumped her, she positioned her body to avoid her youngest son from being bumped. She said Rahman bumped her and struck her in the face and pulled her hair. She said she grabbed Rahman by her braids and held her head to restrain her. Both women received local ordinance violations for disorderly conduct. Report: California Bar Suspect Made Facebook Post Around Time of Shooting The U.S. Marine veteran who is accused of shooting and killing 12 people at a bar in Thousand Oaks, California, this week is believed to have made a social media post around the time of the attack on Nov. 7. Ian David Long, 28, is accused of gunning down a dozen people before turning the gun on himself. I hope people call me insane (laughing emojis) wouldnt that just be a big ball of irony? a person believed to be Long wrote on Facebook around the time of the shooting, officials told CNN. Its not clear if he made the post before or during the attack. Yeah Im insane, but the only thing you people do after these shootings is hopes and prayers.. or keep you in my thoughts every time and wonder why these keep happening, the writer of the Facebook post says. Officials told CNN the post was likely made by Long, but his Facebook account and posts havent been previously reported. Long also was a frequent visitor to the Borderline bar, his friends said. We would go to Borderline together. He really liked it, said one woman who was friends with him for five years. I would make fun of him, because he would drag me there. Sometimes wed go there to have a drink, sit and talk, listen to music, she said. Another friend said he was part of a community there who would frequent the bar. There was a community there. He was a part of that community. The whole bar is line dancing. People do choreographed dances for hours, cowboy boots and hats in the middle of the suburbs of Thousand Oaks, the friend told the network. Meanwhile, another unnamed friend said theyre shocked he turned out to be a mass shooter. I dont know what the hell happened. He was always happy. I never thought this would ever come from him. We used to go snowboarding all the time. He was a good guy, the friend told the network. He wasnt unhinged, he wasnt violent. He was a sweet guy who served his country and was using his GI Bill to go to college and get a degree to help more people, added another friend. Out of our group of friends I thought the highest of him. Victims Identified The victims in the bar shooting were identified on Nov. 9, and many were in their 20s. One of the victims included a survivor of the Las Vegas massacre last year that left 58 people dead. Telemachus Orfanos, 27, survived the 2017 shooting in Las Vegas. Its particularly ironic that after surviving the worst mass shooting in modern history, he went on to be killed in his hometown, he told the Ventura County Star. Scientists Observe Final Stage of Merging Supermassive Black Holes for the First Time A team of researchers has for the first time captured what it looks like when two galaxies are in the final stages of merging together, with the powerful collision of their two supermassive black holes causing ripples in the very fabric of space-time. This kind of collision is expected to happen to our own Milky Way galaxy and the nearby Andromeda galaxy in a few billion years, as shown in the video above, which was released by NASA in May. Research scientist Michael Koss and astronomers from the University of Maryland observed hundreds of galaxies using images from the W.M. Keck Observatory in Hawaii and NASAs Hubble Space Telescope, according to a news release. They published the results in the journal Nature on Nov. 8. Seeing the pairs of merging galaxy nuclei associated with these huge black holes so close together was pretty amazing, Koss said in a statement. These black holes grow very quickly during the last 10 to 20 million years before the collision, as they feast on gas kicked up by the galaxy merger, according to the release. As two galaxies finally merge, their black holes emit gravitational waves, which are a form of powerful energy that causes ripples in space-time. These waves were only recently discovered in 2016 by Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) detectors. A Difficult Search The research team was first inspired by an image from the Hubble telescope that showed two galaxies nearly combined into one, and it was used as the model for the study. Such imagery is difficult to find. Most other images of merging galaxies have been captured at earlier stages, with their black holes relatively far away from each other. This is because when the merger of a pair of galaxies is nearly complete, they are surrounded by thick clouds of dust and gas, and only very high-resolution imagery can isolate the two galaxies colliding nuclei. To find other good examples, the team searched for active black holes through 10 years of NASA X-ray data from the Burst Alert Telescope (BAT) at the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory. The advantage to using Swifts BAT is that it observes high-energy, hard X-rays, said study co-author Richard Mushotzky, a professor of astronomy at UMD and a fellow of the Joint Space-Science Institute (JSI). These X-rays penetrate through the thick clouds of dust and gas that surround active galaxies, allowing the BAT to see things that are literally invisible in other wavelengths. The team then looked through the Hubble archive for images of those same merging galaxies from the X-ray data, followed by the use of the Keck telescope to find galaxies that werent in the Hubble imagery. The resulting pictures were part of the largest-ever survey of the cores of nearby galaxies using high-resolution images in near-infrared light taken by the Hubble and Keck observatories, according to the news release. People had conducted studies to look for these close interacting black holes before, but what really enabled this particular study were the X-rays that can break through the cocoon of dust, said Koss. We also looked a bit farther in the universe so that we could survey a larger volume of space, giving us a greater chance of finding more luminous, rapidly-growing black holes. The Final Stages of Galaxy Collisions The scientists were able to find a number of pairs of galaxies with their black holes only about 3,000 light-years apart, which is very close when discussing cosmic measurements. These supermassive black holes shown in the images above will likely combine to form even more massive black holes within the next 10 million years. The research team looked for galaxies had active, luminous black holes obscured by large amounts of dust and gas. They studied a total of 96 galaxies with the Keck telescope and 385 from the Hubble, all around 330 million light-years from Earth. More than 17 percent of these galaxies included a pair of black holes at the center, which was a surprisingly large percentage, because most simulations suggest that black hole pairs spend very little time in this phase, according to the press release. They then compared those galaxies with a control group of 176 from the Hubble images, which only had one percent that included pairs of black holes in the last stages of merging together. These direct observations had not been made before. Computer simulations of galaxy smashups show us that black holes grow fastest during the final stages of mergers, near the time when the black holes interact, and thats what we have found in our survey, said Laura Blecha, assistant professor of physics at the University of Florida and a co-author of the study. The fact that black holes grow faster and faster as mergers progress tells us galaxy encounters are really important for our understanding of how these objects got to be so monstrously big. These merging galaxies and supermassive black holes are believed to have been even more common in the early universe than now. Scientists hope to gain a better view of these collisions with the launch of NASAs highly sensitive James Webb Space Telescope in 2021. Senator Marco Rubio introduces Republican candidate for Governor of Florida Ron DeSantis at a rally in Orlando, Fla., on Nov. 5, 2018. (Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) Rubio Concerned About Two Florida Counties Still Tallying Votes Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) has raised concern about two Florida counties that are still counting votes two days after the Nov. 6 election. One of the counties, he pointed out, has a record of election-law violations. Florida law requires counties report early voting [and] vote-by-mail within 30 minutes after polls close. 43 hours after polls closed, 2 Democrat strongholds #BrowardCounty [and] #PalmBeachCounty are still counting & refusing to disclose how many ballots they have left to count, Rubio said in a Nov. 8 tweet. Republicans won closely contested gubernatorial and Senate races in Florida, based on the ballots counted so far. But the two counties are still updating their results. Broward Elections Supervisor Brenda Snipes isnt reporting hourly or regularly, but rather releasing thousands of additional votes, often in the overnight hours, that are chipping away at GOP leads, Rubio said in a tweet. Now democrat lawyers are descending on #Florida. They have been very clear they arent here to make sure every vote is counted, he said in another one. They are here to change the results of election [and] #Broward is where they plan to do it. Caught On Video: Concerned citizen sees ballots being transported in private vehicles & transferred to rented truck on Election night. This violates all chain of custody requirements for paper ballots. Were the ballots destroyed & replaced by set of fake ballots? Investigate now! pic.twitter.com/GUPZnz7Gny Tim Canova (@Tim_Canova) November 8, 2018 Bad Rap Broward County Elections Department has been caught repeatedly breaking the law and was successfully sued for it. In 2016, Republican poll watchers found out that the Departments staff was opening absentee ballots in private, which is illegal, because the process must be open to citizens who want to check the ballots are properly cast. A judge ordered that Snipes change the way the process is handled so the violation wouldnt happen again. Also in 2016, Broward posted early voting results a half hour before polls closed, which is against the law. In May, a judge found that Snipes illegally destroyed ballots from the 2016 congressional primary between Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz and then-Democratic rival Tim Canova. Canova sued and the judge agreed the ballots were destroyed prematurely. After the August primaries, Broward was the last county in the state to post results. We have consistently been the bottom of the barrel getting our voting results in, Broward County Commissioner Nan Rich said in September, the Miami Herald reported. I dont want to be 67th in 67 counties again in voting. To prevent delays, the county added three new high-speed scanners to process the midterm ballots. The new system should allow for results to be sent in more quickly than ever before, since they electronically transfer results, the Herald stated. Now, two days after the polls have closed, the county is still counting. Broward election supervisors ongoing violation of #Florida law requiring timely reporting isnt just annoying incompetence, Rubio said in a tweet. It has opened the door for lawyers to come here [and] try to steal a seat in the U.S. Senate [and] Florida Cabinet. Recount So far, in the gubernatorial race, Democrat Andrew Gillum lost with 49.2 percent of the vote to Republican Ron DeSantis with 49.6 percenta margin of 39,600 votes. In the Senate race, Democratic incumbent Bill Nelson lost with 49.9 percent of the vote against current Florida Gov. Rick Scott with 50.1 percent. Scott won by about 17,400 votes. Both results are close enough to trigger recounts under Florida law. On Nov. 7, Nelson retained the Democratic Partys lawyer of choice, Marc Elias of the Perkins Coie firm. Elias has expressed confidence in Nelsons eventual win. I firmly believe that at the end of this process Senator Nelson is going to prevail, he said, Talking Points Memo reported. Gillum at first conceded the race, but then released a statement saying he may be interested in a recount too. Florida GOP chair Blaise Ingoglia said the results would end up the same regardless of recounts. The margin may change by a couple thousand, but its not going to change the outcome of the election, he told CNN on Nov. 8. Broward Countys Elections Department didnt respond to a request for comment. U.S. Vice President Joe Biden (C) presides over the counting of the electoral votes from the 2016 presidential election during a joint session of Congress, on Jan. 6, 2017, in Washington, DC. It was confirmed that President-elect Donald Trump won the election with 304 electoral votes to Hillary Clinton's 227. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images) The Electoral College Works Commentary The off-year elections have ended, and the long campaign for the presidency will now begin in earnest for those hopefuls who have not already begun laying the groundwork for their campaigns. That election will be conducted along the same basic constitutional ground rules that have successfully given us 45 presidents over more than 200 years. Despite its excellent track record of producing presidents and contributing to a stable and balanced constitutional order, the Electoral College is again under assault. In an article in The Atlantic, for instance, former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton said that American democracy was in crisis and that she passionately believes it is time to abolish the Electoral College. Congresswoman-elect Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez recently said in a tweet that it was beyond time to abolish the Electoral College, calling it a shadow of slaverys power on America today that undermines our nation as a democratic republic. Though the institution has been challenged for nearly as long as America has existed, the opponents have gotten particularly strident since Donald Trump was elected two years ago. Some of the renewed fervor can be traced to the resistance to Trumps presidency. But we should be clear that animus toward the Electoral College has long preceded our current political troubles and will outlast them. Indeed, hundreds of constitutional amendments have been offered over the years that would abolish the institution. Why? Undemocratic? Though some, such as Ocasio-Cortez, have taken to painting the institution with the indelible stain of racism, there is no good case to be made on that front. More seriously, opponents argue that the Electoral College is undemocratic or, put in other ways, it violates the sacred value of one-man-one-vote, or is unfair, disenfranchises voters, or violates the principle of democratic equality. Its easy to see why they argue this way. After all, we think of ourselves as a democracy and have been taught that democracy requires all votes to count equally. At the surface level, there seems to be something wrong with a system where the candidate who got fewer votes won the election. But lets look just beneath that surface. Did Clinton win 2.8 million more votes than Trump in 2016 but lose the presidency? Yes. Is that undemocratic? No. The Electoral College is simply a way of counting votes by state and doing so democratically. In each and every state that Trump won, he got more votes than did Clinton. By winning the democratic election in the state, he was given that states electoral votes. That is a democratic election by any possible definition. Those who argue that only one national undifferentiated election across the nation can count as being democratic are just not thinking constitutionally. Our constitutional system of federalism ensures the states are the locus of elections, and there is no single national constituency enshrined in the Constitution to elect anyone. There is also no national bureaucracy for vote counting to come up with an official and legal national vote total that could be the basis for an election. And, there has never actually been a presidential campaign run with the goal of winning more votes nationally than the other candidate. Would Clinton have won more votes than Trump if the race was actually constructed to win a national popular vote? We cant say either way, as all the decisions of both campaigns in 2016 were geared toward winning 270 electoral votes, not a national plurality. Since both campaigns spent more time in places like Grand Rapids, Michigan, or Raleigh, North Carolina, than they did in all of California, to argue that the national vote winner was not elected president is senseless. Consequences National democratic equality is the prime value promoted by those who would abolish the Electoral College, and they assume they could get their reform without consequences to other values we might hold dear. But, rather than a small tweak, we should understand the abolition of the Electoral College for the radical change it would mean for American political life. Those who value diversity, for instance, should remember that Clinton won her national popular vote margin on the basis of massive margins in major U.S. citieswinning more than 1.6 million more votes than Trump in Los Angeles County alone. It is only the Electoral College that gives rural voters any influence at the presidential level. Those who fear the concentration of power should remember that major urban centers are already home to the three major forces in U.S. politicsmoney, media, and votes. The slight offset the Electoral College gives smaller states and rural areas is some check on the concentration of urban power that would be obliterated if the Electoral College were dismantled. Those who value competitive elections should remember how competitive the Electoral College makes our presidential electionsthe party in power having changed every time but once that an incumbent was not on the ballot since 1952! The Electoral College is a democratic way of electing presidents through constitutional math. It works in producing competitive elections that both sides have a chance to win. It provides some influence to small and rural states that otherwise would be ignored because of the concentration of power and people in and around urban centers. And, it works to produce presidentshaving produced 45 without a serious constitutional crisis, and most of those havent been bad at all. Can those who wish to radically transform our elections promise to do more than that? Gary L. Gregg is director of the McConnell Center at the University of Louisville and editor of Securing DemocracyWhy We have an Electoral College. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar speaks at the Research!America, National Health Research Forum, in Washington, on Sept. 6, 2018. (Holly Kellum/NTD) Trump Admin Expands Exemptions for Mandatory Coverage of Birth Control The Trump administration issued two final rules Nov. 7 that would expand the number of exemptions for businesses, organizations, and individuals that object to certain contraceptives from having to carry health insurance that covers them. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, insurance plans that were grandfathered in were not required to provide contraceptive coverage, exempting tens of millions of people, according to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The ACA has required any new plans since 2012 to cover birth control, and it also required that those serviceswhich had to be FDA-approvedbe offered at no cost to the patient. There was an exemption in the law for religious and religious-affiliated organizations, and later for closely held for-profit organizations after the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Hobby Lobby, which sued HHS in 2012 to prevent it from having to cover certain abortive medications it objected to based on religious grounds. With the new rules, the Trump administration is expanding the exemptions. One of the rules would exempt people and entities like houses of worship, nonprofits, and for-profit companies, from this mandate based on religious grounds, while the other rule would provide an exemption to nonprofits and small businesses that have a moral objection not tied to any particular religious belief. Publicly traded businesses and government entities would not be covered by this exemption. HHS estimates this will exempt fewer than 200 employers and fewer than 127,000 women from the mandate. What the rules dont do is take away government programs that provide free or subsidized contraceptive coverage to low-income women, such as through community health centers, HHS said in its announcement. The news was hailed by pro-life groups like Susan B. Anthony List and the Catholic League for upholding the religious values that Trump ran on. When Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, he pledged to undo the damage that his predecessor did to conscience rights. Now he has made good on his promise, Catholic League president Bill Donohue said in a statement. Kudos to President Trump. President Trump and HHS Secretary Azar delivered a huge victory for conscience rights and religious liberty in America, said SBA List President Marjorie Dannenfelser in a statement. No longer will Catholic nuns who care for the elderly poor be forced by the government to provide abortion-inducing drugs in their health care plans. The ACLU, which has filed lawsuits against the Trump administration for its rulings on abortion, warned that the new rules would allow virtually any employer to claim a religious or moral exemption. The proposed rule was the subject of multiple lawsuits with two courts deciding against the Trump administration, Louise Melling, deputy legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union, said in a statement. We continue to stand with women and those who use reproductive health care services and will do so in the streets and in the courts. The ACLU did not respond to a request for comment by the time of publication if it planned to challenge the rules in court. The rules will go into effect in 60 days. Also on Nov. 7, the administration proposed a rule that would require health insurance companies to send separate bills for abortion services that cannot receive federal funds. Payees would also have to pay them separately. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act already requires health insurance providers to send a separate bill for the portion of the premium that goes to abortion services. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services said the rule will fully enforce that portion of the act and will add new compliance reviews to monitor the fed-run exchanges. UK Government Warns Telecom Firms on Risks in 5G Rollout, in Letter Directed at Huawei The United Kingdom government is expressing concern about Chinese telecoms giant Huaweis 5G rollout, even as the UK early on had embraced the use of companys wireless, internet, and mobile services. Two officials at the National Cyber Security Centre, a government advisory body, and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, recently wrote letters to several UK telecom companies, warning them that their 5G supply chain could be affected by the results of a government review of the countrys telecom infrastructure that began in July, the Financial Times (FT) first reported on Nov. 5. The outcome of the review may lead to changes in the current rules, the FT reported the letter as saying, and companies will need to take the review into consideration in any procurement decisions. The letter didnt mention Huawei by name, but telecom company executives who received the letter said they perceived the government to be pushing companies to not simply rely on Huawei, and use other 5G suppliers as well, FT said. On Nov. 6, The Wall Street Journal reported about a similar-sounding letter sent last month, saying it would review whether the country was too reliant on a single hardware provider. The letter didnt single out any specific company by name, but executives at businesses that received the letter said it was clear to them that Huawei was the target, according to the report. This suggests Huawei is under renewed scrutiny. Unlike the United States and Australia, where concerns about Huaweis ties to the Chinese regime and the potential risks for espionage have led their respective governments to effectively shut out the company, UK carriers have long used Huawei equipment and services. With the companys aggressive development of 5G mobile technologybacked by Beijing, it has sought to dominate the global market to become the primary provider of 5G network equipment and services. In July, a report released by the Huawei Cyber Security Evaluation Centre (HCSEC) Oversight Board revealed that the company would indeed pose security risks. The board is an advisory panel set up by the UK government to monitor HCSEC, which itself was created and funded by Huawei, in order to address British government concerns about possible security threats to national infrastructure. The report cited repeated discovery of critical shortfalls in the Huawei engineering practices and processes that will cause long-term increased risk in the UK. The oversight board concluded that it couldnt assure that threats to UK national security have been sufficiently mitigated. Since then, Huaweis 5G ambitions have encountered roadblocks in other countries. Canadian officials and security experts have called for the government to stop the company from getting involved in the countrys 5G rollout. In South Korea, SK Telecom, the countrys largest mobile carrier, announced that it would not use Huaweis equipment for its 5G Network. Indias government department in charge of telecoms also announced in September that it has excluded Huawei and ZTE, Chinas other major telecom giant and Huaweis chief competitor, from a list of partners for the countrys 5G development. The latest letter is an indication that the UK government may also be wary of Huaweis 5G advancement. Chinese leader Xi Jinping (R) waves to the press as he walks with U.S. President Donald Trump at the Mar-a-Lago estate in West Palm Beach, Fla., on April 7, 2017. (Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images) US Midterm Results Dash Beijings Hopes, but Trump and Xi Can Still Make Deal Economist predicts US-China trade agreement to be signed in 2019 The results of the 2018 U.S. midterm elections have failed to match the geopolitical aims of the communist Chinese regime, which deployed its overseas propaganda arm to sway voters in key regions across America. Beijing may find itself compelled to make concessions when Chinese leader Xi Jinping meets U.S. President Donald Trump at a summit scheduled for later this month, due to pressure mounting as a result of internal economic pressure and the SinoU.S. trade war. As of Nov. 8, the Republicans controlled 51 seats in the Senate versus the Democrats 44, while the Democrats wrested a majority in the House of Representatives, with 225 seats to the Republicans 197. In the early morning of Nov. 7, the second day following the election, Trump wrote in a tweet: Received so many Congratulations from so many on our Big Victory last night, including from foreign nations (friends) that were waiting me out, and hoping, on Trade Deals. Now we can all get back to work and get things done! Many Republicans who held or gained their positions are backers of Trumps toughening China policies. The Trump administrations aim to secure Chinese concessions on trade relations is slowly gaining bipartisan support from a number of Democrat leaders who are coming out in favor of Washingtons increased tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminum, despite their opposition to the president on other issues. Vice President Mike Pence addresses the Hudson Institute on the Trump administrations policy toward China in Washington on Oct. 4, 2018. (JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images) Sherrod Brown, incumbent Democrat senator from Ohio who won over Republican challenger Jim Renacci, said he has supported steel tariffs from the beginning, because Chinas cheating has cost too many Ohio steelworkers their jobs. Ohio is an industrial state, and manufacturing contributes to a significant portion of the local economy. In Iowa, where the Chinese Communist Party-controlled China Daily ran an insert in the Des Moines Register that slammed Trumps trade policies as detrimental for the regions farmers, Republican governor Kim Reynolds prevailed against Democrat challenger Fred Hubbell. Republicans held onto their majorities in both the state House and Senate. Democrat Abby Finkenauer, who defeated Republican Rod Blum for a House seat, said during the campaign that her sister and brother-in-law were corn and soybean farmers. According to her, they were impacted by the U.S.-China trade war after China imposed 25 percent tariffs on U.S. agricultural products. Finkenauer spoke out against Trumps trade policy, saying that tariffs should be fair. In July, the Chinese regime-run CGTN published an English-language animation, Monologue of a Soybean, claiming that Trump had been responsible for causing China to shift its soybean procurements to Brazil and Argentina. The animation encouraged American viewers to choose the right person in the midterms. The animation also urged American voters to choose the right person in the midterm elections. U.S. vice president Mike Pence, citing intelligence officials, said in an October speech that China is targeting U.S. state and local governments and officials to exploit any divisions between federal and local levels on policy. Its using wedge issues, like trade tariffs, to advance Beijings political influence. But the overall results of the midterms do not suggest the CCP has been successful. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) holds a news conference following the 2018 midterm elections at the Capitol Building on Nov. 7 in Washington. (Zach Gibson/Getty Images) Forbes published a Nov. 5 analysis by Kenneth Rapoza, senior business reporter, with the headline Dear Chinese Government, The Democrats Wont Save You. In the article, Rapoza said that both Republicans and Democrats support fair tariffs on Chinese goods. He cited House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, who is likely to become its speaker after leading the Democrats to a majority. In a press release, Pelosi said: The report of the USTR (United States Trade Representative) investigation on Chinas intellectual property theft is a good first step, but far more is need [sic] to confront the full range of Chinas bad behavior. Beijings regulatory barriers, localization requirements, labor abuses, anticompetitive Made in China 2025 policy and many other unfair trade practices require a full and comprehensive response. The tariffs announced today should be used as a leverage point to negotiate more fair and open trade for U.S. products in China. Larry Kudlow, the White House economic advisor, said in July that: Xi seems to think if he waits out the November elections, Trump will be weakened and therefore will lighten the bite. Thats a very bad bet. With Republicans and prominent Democrats roughly aligned on China policy, Trump is looking to go into his G20 summit with Xi with bipartisan confidence. Allan von Mehren, a Danske Bank chief analyst and China economist, said that he believes there is a 60 percent chance to see a positive TrumpXi meeting in which the two leaders would reach a clear framework for negotiation with a list of demands and a plan to go work on them one by one. Von Mehren predicts that Beijing and Washington will sign a trade agreement in 2019. War Bride Portraits Capture Strength, Frailty of Women Who Left Home for Love For Bev Tosh, it began as a labour of love: creating a portrait of her mother as a 1940s war bride on the occasion of her 80th birthday, a likeness rendered in oil from a decades-old photo. But that single painting took the Calgary artist down a path she could never have foreseen. Eighteen years later, Tosh has amassed more than 150 portraits of women from around the world who married Second World War airmen, soldiers, and sailors and left their home countries to start new lives with men they often barely knew. So I did this painting, never really thinking it would go anywhere because it was for me, it was not for my mom, says Tosh, 70, whose parents met at a 1944 New Years dance in Saskatchewan, where her mother lived and her father, a Royal New Zealand Air Force pilot, was stationed as a flight training officer. That was going to be it. But fate, it seems, had other ideas. Toshs parents married in June 1944, before her father was sent back to England for active duty and subsequently shipped home to New Zealand at wars end. Her mother, who had remained in Saskatoon, set sail from Vancouver in 1946 to join her husband in New Zealand, where Tosh and her sister were born. But the marriage lasted only six years, and the two girls and their mother returned to Canada. About seven years ago, as an established artist and fine arts teacher, Tosh was asked to come to New Zealand to teach painting classes, and a local newspaper wrote an article about the expat. It all happened accidentally, she says, recalling that she had brought slides of her mothers portrait, which was projected on a wall behind her as her photo was taken for the front-page story. Word of the artist spread and war brides living in New Zealand began contacting her: The phone where I was staying never stopped ringing. War brides came to me on breaks during my classes. I realized that these were very, very multi-layered stories. They were stories of leaving home and adaptation and heartbreak and love and riches and loss. There was no way back from New Zealand for these women, says Tosh, explaining that the government tried to discourage the marriages and provided only a one-way passage to the servicemens Canadian wives, about 4,000 of whom took ship for such countries as Australia, New Zealand, England, and Scotland. Many thousands more emigrated from their overseas homes to Canada, the U.S. and elsewhere. One of those women was Kay Patterson, an English war bride whose Kiwi husband was killed in action, but who chose to travel to New Zealand with their young son after the war. Patterson had a premonition of his death when she lost her sweetheart wings a tiny pin or pendant given as a love token by airmen to their wives or girlfriends. Thats why her story still gives me goosebumps, says Tosh, who etched tiny wings inside a gold-painted knothole in the plywood base of Pattersons portrait. Her story had a really profound effect on me. When the artist returned home to Calgary, she started telling stories about the New Zealand women and the portraits she had painted and then the local war brides came, says Tosh. Theyve welcomed me hundreds of them, she says. Theyve opened their photo albums, poured me cups of tea. So compelling were their stories that Tosh gave up teaching and stopped showing her art in galleries to dedicate herself full-time to immortalizing war brides from their wedding-day photos. Its taken over my life Other artists often said You know this is a career-killer. And it didnt matter, because something in me needed to do it. The portraits have an ethereal quality, almost as if seen through the mists of time, featuring a limited palette in keeping with the era of ration books and the threat of death always on the doorstep. Asked what she wanted to capture in the paintings, Tosh said: I wanted a sense of their strength and their frailty at the time. They know life is uncertain. Theyre losing loved ones no matter where they are. But theyre still teenagers or young women and they still want to be stylish, rationing or not. They still want to dance. Boarding a ship for a strange country took a huge leap of faith, she says. They were not falling in love to go elsewhere, or even to get away. In fact, the hardest thing for all of them was to walk up that gangplank. Everything theyd ever known was gone or going and they were coming to a man they hoped would be waiting for them on a station platform in a land they didnt choose, and sometimes knew nothing about. As it turns out, Toshs choice was anything but a career-ender. The artist is internationally recognized for her portraits, for which she was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal by the Governor General earlier this week. And in the run-up to Remembrance Day, 40 of her portraits were put on exhibit at the RAF Museum in London, where they will remain until mid-September 2019. Others will be on display in France next year for the anniversary of the June 6, 1944, D-Day landing by Canadian forces on Juno Beach. Among those at the RAF Museum is a portrait of Hazel (Walker) West, a Londoner who met her husband Russell, an RCAF pilot, on a blind date. The couple tied the knot in February 1945, a few months before VE-Day. She was 20, he was three years older. Her wedding day portrait shows a woman happy and smiling, though the 94-year-old admits that inside she was scared spitless I kept saying to myself, what am I doing? In 1946, after having been separated from her groom for 10 months following his return to Canada, West travelled by ship to Halifax and train to Calgary, to be met by a man dressed in civvies instead of a crisply smart uniform, who seemed like a stranger. And she wasnt prepared for the bleak vastness of the Prairies or small-town living in Raymond, Alta., where the couple lived for four years before moving permanently to nearby Taber. All in all, Ive had a good life, West says. Its had its rotten, rocky moments, its had sadness, its had fear and stress, but dont we all in life at sometime? Having her portrait painted by Tosh, with whom shes become friends, was a gift: I was thrilled beyond belief that it would be possible that she would do that. As for the artist, she had thought she might be done with her series of war bride paintings with the opening of the London exhibit last month, but whenever she hears another of their stories, the hair stands up on my arms. Its not finished yet. And when its finished with me, itll be finished. But its not me deciding its finished. Yemeni soldiers loyal to the Shiite Huthi rebels during a parade in the capital Sanaa on Oct. 16, 2018. (Mohammed Huwais/AFP/Getty Images) Yemen President Appoints New Minister of Defense, Chief of Staff CAIROYemeni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi appointed Mohammed al-Maqdishi as minister of defense, state news agency SABA reported on Nov. 7. Hadi appointed Abdullah Al-Nakhi as new Chief of Staff, the agency said. Saudi Arabia is leading a Western-backed alliance of Sunni Muslim Arab states to try to restore Hadis internationally recognized government, ousted from the capital Sanaa by the Iran-aligned Houthis in 2015. The United Nations has no up-to-date estimate of the death toll in Yemen. It said in August 2016 that according to medical centers at least 10,000 people had been killed. The humanitarian situation has worsened sharply since 2015, putting millions on the brink of starvation and ravaging the already weak economy. On Oct. 30, U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called for a cessation of hostilities in Yemen within the next 30 days. He made the statement during a discussion at the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP). The Epoch Times staff contributed to this report. Charged were Shaheer Muhammad, 19, of the 3800 block of West Street, Grenshaw, Chicago, with bond set at $30,000; Lezzerick Webster, 24, of the 43000 block of West Maypole Avenue, Chicago, with bond was set at $75,000; Trentiss McClinton 23, of the 600 block of North St. Louis Avenue, Chicago, with bond set at $100,000; and Dewayne Powell, 22, of the 1100 block of North Keystone Avenue, Chicago, with bond was set at $75,000. NORWALK Private parcels on the west side of the Norwalk River and the citys desire to steer near Route 136 on the east side are among the reasons behind Eversource Energys plan to run two 115-kilovolt electric cables beneath the Visitors Docks at Veterans Memorial Park. One of the requests of us from the city was to land in the park as close to Fort Point Street/Route 136 as possible, and then we would continue underground down Route 136 over to the Fort Point Street Bridge where we would reconnect to the railroad corridor, said Eversource Senior Project Manager Marcia Wellman. We believe that this is the best proposed route, balancing all those different elements that we need to in terms of minimizing community impact, environmental impact, meeting all of our reliability standards, having enough space to construct, like at the police station, for example, or these undeveloped parcels at Water Street, Wellman added. Her comments came during a press briefing at Eversources work center on Tindall Avenue Thursday afternoon. The utility company wants to get word out about a public open house, scheduled for Nov. 13, from 5 to 8 p.m., at Norwalk City Hall, 125 East Ave., on the cable-relocation project. The two cables provide electricity to the Third Taxing District and southwestern Connecticut. Eversource must remove them from the Walk Bridge by 2020 as part of the state Department of Transportations replacement of the bridge. DOT, Eversource and consultants will be at the public information meeting to explain details of the project. The beauty of the open house is that a property owner, whether a homeowner or a business owner, can be face to face with an engineer who is designing the project, said Eversource spokesman Frank J. Poirot. And their questions can be just as specific as that location, like what are you doing with the dirt coming out of the trench, how long are you going to be there, are you working day or are you working night? Wellman said Eversource considered seven relocation routes and arrived at its proposed route after considering electrical reliability, constructability, project costs, and community and environmental impacts. Under the proposed route, the cables would go underground at the Norwalk Police Department headquarters parking lot at 1 Monroe St., run below Elizabeth Street, go under the harbor from 70 and 90 Water St. and emerge at the north end of the visitors docks parking lot. Under the harbor, the cables would be placed 8 feet below the bottom of the pilings of the newly built Visitors Docks at the park. The Norwalk Harbor Commission opposes the route, based upon its placement of cables beneath the newly rebuilt Visitors Docks. Such placement, according to the commission, would leave any future work on the docks subject to Eversource approval. The commission would prefer the cable cross the river south of the docks. According to Eversource, thats not practical given the citys desire to stay near Route 136 on the east while not impeding future use of the undeveloped parcels at 70 and 90 Water St. on the west side of the river. While the cables will be underground, the area above them must be kept open as a permanent easement, according to Wellman. One of the other considerations for the angle of this (below-river) horizontal directional drill is the impact it would have on these currently undeveloped parcels on Water Street, Wellman said. If we were to land further south in (Veterans) Park our footprint on one of these undeveloped parcels would change significantly and what could be built there, post-project, would be significantly different. The permanent easement across the parcels, above which nothing could be built, stands to be approximately 35 feet wide and 100 feet long, according to Eversource. The parcel at 90 Water St. is owned by 90 SONO Landing Associates, LLC, an affiliate of Spinnaker Real Estate Partners. Spinnaker had an approved redevelopment plan for the parcel but the economy got in the way, according to company President Kim Morque. Weve just had interim uses on the site for a number of years, Morque said. The state has indicated what their routing is, but they havent engaged in any discussions with us on what that might involve. Were going to come to the public information session and learn like everyone else what the plans are. Mayor Harry W. Rilling, asked about the proposed cable route, said the city asked Eversource to explore all possibilities. We werent specific (such as) please do it there or please do it there, Rilling said. We wanted minimal disruption to the park, and when they came up with the last iteration regarding being close to the pilings for the new city docks, we said, if thats where they needed to be, they needed to go down as deep as possible so there would be minimal interference. NORWALK Johnnie Mae Weldon has idyllic memories of growing up in Norwalk. Weldon, 63, spent the first 11 years of her life in the Roodner Court housing projects in South Norwalk in the 1950s and early 1960s. The average black kid, thats where we grew up, in the projects, Weldon said. That was the best place in the world to grow up. She moved with her family in the 1966 to Orchard Street, near the Carver Center and dead in the center of the Waypointe District, on which construction began in 2013 with the affluent couples and families of Fairfield County in mind, according to its website. She watched, over the course of several decades, how her neighborhood and much of Norwalk began to change. With upscale apartments in Waypointe came expensive bars and restaurants, and the demolition of large parts of the neighborhood. In South Norwalk, too, young urban professionals have swarmed in droves, bringing with them businesses, art galleries, music and increased traffic in what has become the citys epicenter for nightlife. But do rising tides lift all boats? Weldon thinks not. In the years since her childhood, she has seen these central parts of Norwalk become less safe and, in more recent years, less affordable and less welcoming to the families that for many decades called them home. Her understanding, supported by a recent study, of the situation that many longtime Norwalk residents face is that poor people stay poor in Norwalk, or are ultimately forced to leave, as the city around them evolves. The study, known as the Opportunity Atlas, is comprehensive census-tract analysis conducted by a team of scholars at Harvard and Brown universities and U.S. Census Bureau staff. Its an interactive map that predicts childrens outcomes in adulthood, including earnings distributions and incarceration rates, among others, by parental income, race and gender. In essence, it depicts a childs social mobility. In Norwalk, the map shows how across racial divides, children in the poorest parts of the city specifically South Norwalk, Wall Street, and the area southwest of Washington Street, bounded roughly west to east by Martin Luther King Drive and Water Street likely have less social mobility than children growing up elsewhere in the city. The three neighborhoods comprise a red slab in the center of the city. Children born there, to parents of all incomes, are expected to make well below the citywide and nationwide median household income (even in areas like South Norwalk around Washington Street, where median household income exceeded $70,000 between 2012 and 2016 and median rent was $1,300 from 2006 to 2010), and have higher rates of teen pregnancy, incarceration and eviction. They are also less likely to leave Norwalk than children born in other neighborhoods. Citywide, the median income is just over $80,000 according to U.S. Census data. The Atlas projects that children raised in these three neighborhoods will make no more than $30,000 as adults. A national trend These are trends seen nationwide, according to Sacred Heart University Sociology Professor Gerald Reid, and are not particularly novel. Poverty is, through laws and policies, concentrated and then passed down. Those confined to it often suffer. But the interactive map allows policy makers and members of the public to view the unjust trends in more vivid, and hopefully, more instructive ways. As an area becomes more desirable for social and cultural reasons, demand for housing goes up, then the cost of housing and rental rates go up as well, Reid said. What often happens is the process ends up pushing out lower income people. They get moved into areas where those social and cultural opportunities, that do play an important part in life outcomes, are less accessible. The result is often relocation into communities that havent yet been gentrified. You got a lot of people who used to live in Norwalk who cant afford it anymore. They live in Bridgeport, or Stratford, or even further up, Weldon said. You still have a few who are able to hang in there, but the majority of those who lived here most of their lives are no longer here. Brenda Penn-Williams, president of the Norwalk chapter of the NAACP, grew up on Merwin Street. She said it was once a vibrant community thats now been bisected by the development, which brought expensive dining establishments and bars that those still hanging on cant afford to use. Everybody knew everybody, from Commerce Street to Harbor Avenue. It was just like one big family, Penn-Williams said. Thats no longer the case. New residents and old residents rarely interact, she said. Fixing the problem Important in predicting the success of any child is the economic situation in which he or she is raised. But also predictive are access to social and cultural capital. Social capital, Reid said, refers to access to social networks and role models in a community, and across communities in the form of diverse social networks. Cultural capital includes access to experiences, museums, stores, leisure opportunities, parks and recreational programs. In theory, the kind of development happening at Waypointe and in South Norwalk could provide more opportunities for social and cultural capital. But lower income residents are often excluded. Reid said access to affordable housing and to education are two of the more crucial problems to address if we want to reverse that trend of segregation. What needs to happen along with social and cultural development, is attention paid to affordable housing, so people can remain in those areas, the SHU professor said. And greater educational, or more equal educational opportunity, I think is one of the key areas where inequality might be addressed. On the education front, Norwalk Schools Chief Communications Officer Brenda Wilcox Williams said the district has worked to provide more educational opportunities to students and families, and that the districts Strategic Operating Plan was drafted in part with the goal of closing achievement gaps in mind. District programs like the Norwalk Early College academy, the Marine Science Academy that is in development, the Health Sciences Academy, or magnet schools that rely on applications and lotteries are designed to help even the field. The district has also devised a new technology initiative in which all incoming ninth-graders are given a laptop, which they keep with them during their high schools years. Students in need can also receive Sprint WiFi hotspots for internet access at home. More than 400 have been distributed. This is one of those efforts around developing equitable access for all students, said Ralph Valenzisi, chief of technology, innovations and partnerships for Norwalk Schools. Similar efforts are being made in housing. Adam Bovilsky, executive director of Norwalks Housing Authority, said the city has long used similar data from the Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity to guide policy. For a long time theres been a drive to help our tenants to deconcentrate poverty and move into neighborhoods of greater opportunity, Bovilsky said. In many regards that is the purpose of the housing choice voucher program (known as Section 8). That program says instead of building more public housing in concentrations of poverty, we want our low-income families to be able to move into neighborhoods of less poverty concentration where they have more opportunities. Deconcentrating poverty does appear effective. According to the Atlas, children born to low-income parents in neighborhoods in affluent northern Norwalk neighborhoods like Silvermine or Cranbury are projected to make $48,000 annually as adults. In every other neighborhood in Norwalk, low-income children are expected to make more money as adults than would their counterparts in the three poorest census tracts. The ability for residents to make these kinds of moves, however, is limited. Since 2007, only 34 percent of voucher participants moved to lower poverty areas. From April 2016 through March 2017, 72 of 128 total movers relocated to higher poverty tracks. Among other things, Bovilsky said there needs to be increased efforts to build public housing in suburban communities in the area. Plus, the Housing Authoritys reach is limited. Bovilsky said there is a wait list of roughly 700 people waiting for public housing. Those who dont receive vouchers must find other housing options in the private housing market. If we want to make sure every child in Fairfield County has a bright future and good opportunities, we need to make sure that we build family affordable housing in these communities, Bovilsky said. But, from Weldons perspective, not only is there not enough affordable housing being built in the suburbs, there are increasingly less reasonably priced units in urban neighborhoods. Theres no developers that are being sympathetic to the people whove lived here all their lives, the longtime Norwalk resident said. As a result, a significant segment of the population is feeling squeezed, which, as Reid said, is not a new phenomenon. But data like the Opportunity Atlas does provide new visuals for these very American trends of inequality. I think what it really brings into relief is something I knew before, Reid said. You can have significant poverty and significantly reduced life opportunities, right next door to significant wealth and incredible opportunity. j ustin.papp@scni.com; @justinjpapp1; 203-842-2586 The Trump administration is ending the practice of refueling Saudi coalition aircraft, halting the most tangible and controversial aspect of U.S. support for the kingdom's three-year war in Yemen, people familiar with the situation said. The move comes amid escalating criticism of Saudi Arabia's conduct in the war. Lawmakers from both parties have demanded that the United States suspend weapons sales to Riyadh and cut off aerial refueling of aircraft flown by the Saudi coalition, which monitoring groups have accused of killing thousands of unarmed civilians. While the individuals familiar with the discussions said a decision is expected to be made public in coming days, Col. Robert Manning III, a Pentagon spokesman, said: "We have ongoing discussions with our partners, but have nothing to announce at this time." Analysts said the move would limit Saudi Arabia's ability to conduct bombing missions. "This marks the first time that the United States has taken a concrete measure to rein in the Saudi war effort," said Bruce Riedel, a former CIA officer and scholar at the Brookings Institution. "Two administrations have basically given the Saudis a blank check to do whatever they wanted. Now it will be harder for the Saudis to carry out airstrikes deep into Yemeni territory, going after the capital for instance." It wasn't immediately clear whether the move was initiated by Washington or Riyadh, both of which are anticipating a tougher congressional stance on the war. Several of the individuals, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a decision that had not been made public, said the move was prompted at least in part by the Saudi military's increased aerial refueling capability. The decision is not expected to have a significant effect on air operations by the United Arab Emirates, a member of the coalition, which are flown from just across the Red Sea in Eritrea and primarily target al-Qaeda militants rather than the Houthi rebels. The U.S.-Saudi relationship has come under closer scrutiny since Saudi Arabia's acknowledgment that a prominent Saudi journalist was killed by Saudi agents last month. Democrats, bolstered by a string of midterm victories in the House, have also called for greater oversight of the war. While military officials have continued to publicly defend the Saudi-led coalition's efforts to avert civilian casualties, privately they have expressed a feeling of being stuck between a rock and a hard place. Military leaders, many of whom have years of experience working closely with Gulf allies, see Saudi Arabia as a key partner in the counterterrorism fight that has dominated Pentagon operations since 2001. They also share Riyadh's concern about Iran's reach through proxy forces and want to show support for the kingdom as it grapples with repeated missile and other attacks from the Houthi rebels. But the officials are also frustrated that they are blamed for atrocities in a conflict in which they believe they have a minor supporting role and often little ability to shape. U.S. tanker activity represents only about a fifth of overall refueling activity for the coalition's campaign over Yemen, according to the Defense Department. The decision to halt refueling occurs as the Trump administration seeks to throw its support behind efforts by the U.N. envoy for Yemen, Martin Griffiths, to initiate discussions that might lead to a peace deal. Griffiths had hoped to bring the Houthis together with representatives of Yemen's internationally recognized government this month but, in a recognition of the challenge negotiators will face, now hopes to do so by the end of the year, U.N. officials said Thursday. Critics have said the administration's attempt to foster a peace process is undermined by its failure to exert adequate pressure on Saudi Arabia. "The United States has the clout to bring an end to the conflict - but it has decided to protect a corrupt ally," Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, a senior Houthi official, said in an opinion article in The Washington Post. On Friday, Sens. Todd Young, R-Ind., and Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., renewed their calls to suspend the refueling in a war that has killed at least 10,000 people. "We must send an unambiguous, immediate, and tangible message that we expect Riyadh to engage in good faith and urgent negotiations to end the civil war," the lawmakers said. "Riyadh must also understand that we will not tolerate the continued indiscriminate airstrikes against civilians and civilian infrastructure that have helped put 14 million Yemenis on the verge of starvation." U.S. military officials have said their refueling program seeks to enable defensive missions conducted by coalition planes - targeting a Houthi site, for example, that is believed to have launched a missile into Saudi Arabia - but acknowledge they do not track what occurs once those planes are refueled. In March, Gen. Joseph Votel, head of U.S. Central Command, told Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., that U.S. forces did not track whether U.S. fuel or munitions had been used in coalition operations that resulted in civilian deaths. Warren condemned the actions of Iranian-linked forces in Yemen but said the United States must insist on accountability from Saudi Arabia because it provides the kingdom aid. "That means we bear some responsibility here and that means we need to hold our partners and our allies responsible for how those resources are used," she said. In the past, military leaders have argued that an end to aerial refueling could have a dangerous effect. This spring, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said in a letter to lawmakers that legislation seeking to force an end to military support "could increase civilian casualties, jeopardize cooperation with our partners on counterterrorism and reduce our influence with the Saudis - all of which would further exacerbate the situation and humanitarian crisis," he wrote. The U.S. government also shares intelligence with coalition forces and has continued to facilitate massive arms sales, including of precision-guided munitions that U.S. officials have argued enable the coalition to conduct more precise air operations. U.S.-manufactured munitions have been found repeatedly at the site of strikes on Yemeni civilians. U.S. military officials say Saudi Arabia has taken steps to improve its air operation, particularly in the wake of an Aug. 9 strike that killed more than 40 Yemeni children. During the final years of the Obama administration, the U.S. military had a more substantial footprint in the coalition air command center in Saudi Arabia. But it reduced the number of personnel there following a temporary cease fire in 2016 and since then has sought to maintain its distance from coalition targeting operations. - - - The Washington Post's Karen DeYoung contributed to this report. This (annual hayride) is always a good time for everyone, Armstrong said, as he headed to the drivers seat of the tractor. Although its always a little chilly this time of year, no one seems to mind, especially if the sun is shining, like it is today. Rep. Jim Himes excitement about Democrats regaining the House of Representatives majority is tempered by apprehension that the party might overplay its hand. This is a two-year audition, Himes said in an interview. We had better produce results. In nearly 10 years representing Connecticuts 4th Congressional District on Capitol Hill, Himes has been both in the majority and minority and theres no question which he prefers. At the same time, hes hitched his wagon to the centrist-Democrat mantra as head of the New Democrat Coalition a position he will relinquish come January. In the age of Democratic pushback on Presidential Donald Trumps perceived violations of presidential norms, Himes believes the party has to walk a fine line between needed oversight and investigations that appear purely political. We have to be the adults in the room, he said. The interview took place just hours before President Donald Trump fired Attorney General Jeff Sessions and assigned oversight of the Trump-Russia investigation of special counsel Robert Mueller to a loyalist, acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker. The long-rumored dismissal sent shock waves across Washington and the nation, prompting Democrats to warn of an impending Constitutional crisis unseen since the Watergate era. Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., incoming chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, pledged to investigate the firing and said people will be held accountable. The firing of Jeff Sessions is a blatantly transparent attempt by the president to derail the Mueller investigation, Himes said in a subsequent statement. The new Democratic majority in the House is not going to stand by idly while our institutions are under attack. (We) have a duty to act as a check to the president and provide oversight. But in the earlier interview, Himes pointed to none other than Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who warned Wednesday that Republicans pursued what he called presidential harassment against President Bill Clinton in the 1998 Monica Lewinsky scandal only to see it backfire at the polls. While he disavows the characterization of House Democrat investigations involving Trump as presidential harassment, Himes does feel the crafty Senate leader has a point. If the administration gives us probable cause for investigations, youre darn right (the House will pursue it), he said. But if its perceived that Congress is using its power to score partisan points, well pay a price for that. Himes position may be nuanced. But ultimately his view may not be much different than that of his Connecticut neighbor, Rep. Rosa DeLauro, a veteran left-leaning progressive. Democrats will exercise their oversight responsibility to make sure our federal agencies are doing their job and hold the Trump administration accountable where necessary including protecting the Mueller investigation, DeLauro said. As a member of the House intelligence committee, Himes could play an influential role in whatever posture the House chooses to take in opposition to Trumps encroachment. Under Republican leadership, the committee conducted a half-hearted investigation of Trump 2016 campaign connections but brought the curtain down early with a finding there was no collusion. Himes said he believes that with Democrats in charge, the committee should wait for Mueller to complete his investigation and then conduct oversight if significant questions are left unanswered. Himes is second in seniority behind the committees senior Democrat, Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif. Under traditional Democratic rules, a House intel chairman or ranking member is limited to two terms four years total. But Schiff has provided a calm but assertive voice on cable news shows as the committee investigation proceeded, and then fell apart. Since the election restored control of the House to Democrats, Schiff has been anointed by television interviewers as the incoming chair of House intelligence. Should the prospective Democratic House speaker, Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., choose Schiff over Himes, Ill support him 200 percent, Himes said. But Himes is not bashful about acknowledging his own interest in the job. And down the road before the 116th Congress convenes in January, he said he intends to make his interest in the position known to Pelosi. For Democrats, success or failure in the next two years may depend less on investigations and more on their performance on bread-and-butter issues like taxes, infrastructure, health care and regulation of financial markets. Himes, a former Goldman-Sachs executive, could see his role on the House Financial Services Committee expanded. That would include ending Republican efforts to chip away at the 2010 Dodd-Frank law, passed in the wake of the 2007-2008 Great Recession. Keeping protections in place is key to preventing another financial meltdown, Himes said. Weve seen this movie before, he said. dan@hearstdc.com The animals were removed and will be housed and cared for by Griffith Animal Control, Humane Indiana in Munster and the Humane Society of Hobart, police said. Treasured Friends Animal Rescue and Adoption also assisted with cleanup and intake at the animal shelter, according to Martin. ALTON The Grandpa Gangs annual Christmas Wonderland in Rock Spring Park is still on as planned, thanks to the overnight protection of a Grinch Patrol. There was talk in late October at the groups board meeting of cancelling the event this year, due to ongoing copper wire thefts. In October, 2,000 feet of it went missing. Now that the city is providing security, everything is progressing great and on schedule, Al Cowgill, president of the Christmas Wonderland board, said Thursday. Ive been asking for security for years so Im happy about it. While Cowgill says he is happy this years event was not cancelled, he does stand by his comments that the wiring should be buried to prevent pillaging. However, it can wait until after the holidays are over, and can be done during the offseason. We are really proud to help out the (Grandpa) Gang and happy to make sure they receive whatever security they need, Alton Mayor Brant Walker told The Telegraph Thursday. Walker says that new park security, provided by the city, is overseeing the light display from dusk til dawn everyday running Grinch Patrol. The Grinch will not steal Christmas this year, Walker said. The display runs in Rock Spring Park from Nov. 23 through Dec. 26. Monday through Friday the lights will be open from 6-9 p.m. and from 5-9 p.m. on the weekends. Admission is $7 for cars and small vans and $1 per person for 10-plus passenger vehicles. GODFREY The long process of selling off Godfreys wastewater system took a few steps forward with the passage of an ordinance and agreement Wednesday, and village officials continued to move ahead with plans for improvement to the system. Ordinances approving an asset purchase agreement between the village and Illinois American Water Co., and the actual agreement, were approved by the village board. At its last meeting, the board approved the actual sale of the wastewater sewer system. Village Clerk Pam Whisler said Thursday that the latest actions are part of the process. There are several steps we have to take, she said, adding the latest documents are part of what are sent to the Illinois Commerce Commission for approval. The process is expected to take at least 10 months, and another ordinance will be passed at the end of that time. The village will receive $13.25 million for the system, with $5 million of that going into a special fund to abate future rate increases. The remaining money can be spent at the discretion of the village board, with the approval of two-thirds of the members. There will also be guaranteed sewer rates, and the company will also pay for mandated improvements to the system. As part of the meeting a public hearing was held on plans for improvements to the Warren Levis Sanitary System Flow Equalization Basin. The village had sought a low-interest loan from the state for the project, and recently received approval. As part of that, a public hearing had to be held. Charlie Juneau of Juneau Associates, the engineering firm in charge of the project, gave a brief description of the project. The problem is the need to increase capacity and prevent erosion. As part of the project capacity will increase to 13.58 million gallons from 6.1 million gallons, and numerous other improvements are planned. The cost is estimated at about $2.2 million, with construction estimated to start in late February and be completed by November 2019. Juneau noted the project has been approved by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Illinois Historic Preservation Act, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Southern Illinois Planning Commission. The board also approved repairs totaling $53,635.09 for three Warren Levis lift station pumps, with Vandevanter Engineering of Kansas City, Missouri doing the work. Reach reporter Scott Cousins at 618-208-6447. EDWARDSVILLE Authorities are attempting to take possession of a car and cash from a suspect after an anonymous caller told police he and a passenger were in the car, smoking marijuana. Charged with unlawful possession of marijuana with intent to deliver is Antonio G. Cortes, 21, of Washington, Missouri, who was driving a 2012 Toyota Corolla when an officer made a traffic stop. Authorities have filed suit to take possession of the car and $839 found in his possession. EDWARDSVILLE A St. Louis woman charged for escaping from a Madison County deputys squad car Thursday near Bethalto, while handcuffed, was under arrest for failure to appear on a previous charge of escaping arrest, as well as drug charges. Tricia K. Grass, 27, was charged Friday with escape, a Class 2 felony and criminal damage to government property, a Class 4 felony. When the alleged escape occurred Thursday off Route 159 in Midway, she was in custody for skipping out while on bond for a 2017 charge of escape or attempted escape from custody while under arrest for a felony, as well as possession of 35 grams or less of marijuana. Its unclear the circumstances of the first escape charge, which occurred in February 2017 while in custody of St. Louis Metropolitan police, but it may have served as practice for Thursdays getaway. Madison County Sheriffs Lt. David Vucich told The Telegraph Friday that she went to great lengths to perform the escape, before eluding officers from multiple departments and a police K-9 tracker for nearly an hour. He declined to detail the manner in which she freed herself, but said the deputy had briefly left Grass secured in his vehicle to tend to a matter. The criminal damage charge alleges less than $500 in damage was done to the squad car. Grass was eventually spotted and captured after a short foot chase in the back yard of a home near where she was originally arrested, at the intersection of Route 159 and Midway Avenue. She was immobilized by an Alton Police K-9 unit that responded to assist. Vucich said its unclear where she was hiding for that time, but said there was no indication that she entered any homes in the small, rural neighborhood. When Grass was apprehended, it appeared to a Telegraph reporter on the scene that she had slipped out of one of her cuffs and had attempted to had the remaining cuff by putting socks on her hands to resemble gloves. Vucich declined to confirm or provide many details regarding the incident, saying there remain other related aspects under investigation. Grass was taken to an area hospital for evaluation and to be treated for minor injuries. It appeared she suffered a cut to her hand. She was treated and released. Bond for Grass Madison County charges is set at $80,000. Bonds for her previosly pending St. Louis County charges total $12,000. Previous story: MIDWAY A woman just arrested by Madison County Sheriffs deputies slipped out of police custody in Midway, just east of Moro, and evaded a multiple-agency manhunt for nearly an hour before an Alton police K-9 sniffed her out. According to Madison County Sheriffs Department Chief of Detectives Capt. T. Mike Dixon, the incident occurred at approximately 3 p.m. Deputies had arrested a woman at a location near the intersection of Route 159 and Midway Drive on drug-related warrants out of Missouri. Dixon said the suspect was handcuffed and placed in a squad car before she escaped. He could not give details, pending an investigation. The woman, who was not named Thursday pending further criminal charges, disappeared in an unknown direction. Officers from Bethalto, Alton and Illinois State Police assisted in a widespread search of the small town, surrounded by thick woods and a lake. Officers thoroughly searched homes and garages. An Alton police K-9 tracked a scent for a time, but it eventually ran cold. At approximately 5 p.m., as the sun and temperatures fell, the K-9, along with his Alton officer and a county deputy, spotted the woman just off the intersection where she had originally escaped. The suspect ran from the officers, to be quickly immobilized by the police dog in the backyard of a home at Route 159 and Midway Drive. It appeared to a Telegraph reporter on the scene that the woman had slipped out of one of her cuffs, and had attempted to cover the remaining cuff with a sock, fashioned over her hand to resemble a glove. Dixon said he expected numerous charges to be filed against the woman Friday. The incident occurred just steps from Midway Elementary School, just as classes were dismissing. Dixon said officers communicated well with school staff to ensure safety of the students and faculty. Several area residents also assisted in the search, including use of an off-road vehicle. Proof of the offense, much less the return of an indictment based on a probable cause standard, does not necessarily require that the prosecution prove the identity of the propertys owner, but only that Morrison himself did not own the transported metal and had no ... claim to it, Simon wrote, in his order. It explores a longer tradition of American believers who have seen inequality as a sin and who therefore understood participation in the fight against it as an essential part of the Christian life, Carter said. The book will bring to light a cast of characters some famous, others not who have much to offer church and society today, as we navigate what scholars are calling a New Gilded Age an era marked by historic levels of inequality. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 8) Police officials in Western Visayas said authorities are looking at two angles behind the killing of a human rights lawyer in Negros Occidental. In a statement, Western Visayas Police Regional Office Director John Bulalacao said they are exploring the angle that the killing could be linked to Atty. Benjamin Tarug Ramos' professional practice as a lawyer. Ramos was gunned down Tuesday by unidentified men on motorcycle in Kabankalan, Negros Occidental. He sustained three gunshot wounds on his chest and was declared dead on arrival at the Holy Mother of Mercy Hospital, authorities said. READ: Human rights lawyer, founding member of NUPL killed The lawyer, a founding member of the National Union of People's Lawyers (NUPL), was said to have represented members of the National Federation of Sugar Workers who were massacred in Sagay, Negros Occidental. Local officials said they have gathered information that Ramos provided legal assistance and counsel to farmers allegedly involved in land grabbing issues. Bulalacao added authorities are looking at the deceased lawyer's alleged involvement in gambling as another possible angle. However, the regional police chief said they "cannot divulge material information (in the) meantime so as not to jeopardize the ongoing efforts" for the case. 'A blow to human rights movement' Ramos was the 34th lawyer killed under the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte, the NUPL said. International rights group Human Rights Watch denounced the killings, calling it "a blow to the human rights movement in the country." "Ramos was a human rights defender who took on pro bono cases representing some of the most marginalized sectors in the Philippines. His murder is a further indictment of the impunity that has worsened under the administration of President Duterte," it said. The Integrated Bar of the Philippines also condemned the murder, noting the "quick succession of violent attacks" against lawyers. "Our pens and typewriters are helpless against guns and bullets that have tilted the scales of justice alarmingly in favor of impunity and lawlessness," the group said in a statement. The PNP said investigation is underway, and that authorities are doing their mandate to ensure arrest of the suspects. The National Bureau of Investigation is also conducting a probe on the incident, according to Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra. One of the greatest assets of our Public Safety Department is their quick response to emergency situations. We will continue to serve, but this may have to be done with amber lighting (a yellow colored light) instead of what we have been accustomed to (red and blue), the post states. Under normal circumstances, the board of commissioners would have never suggested anything like that. I think Karens conduct after Tuesday night is what convinced us that something had to be done, said Commissioner Jim Biggs, R-North. Being MIA at a time when her leadership was at its highest need short of someone taking my legs from me, I would have been there. I would have had to be there. It was unfortunate but it needed to be said. Beyioku made three fraudulent transactions the morning of Oct. 13, 2017, at the Walmart, receiving $1,200 in cash, according to the complaint. He left the store driving a white Chevrolet Uplander minivan, court records state, then around 3:15 p.m. that day, he returned to the Walmart in a Ford Freestar minivan and made one fraudulent transaction for $400. Beyioku sat in his vehicle before returning to the store about 30 minutes later to make another three fraudulent transactions for $1,200 in cash, the complaint states. The pantry served 600 clients a month before the flood and now, with a new mobile unit, the Project 64 van, the pantry can go out into the community to deliver food, Wright said. The van is named for the number of hours a child may go without a meal between Friday and Monday. This is probably not going to be the last event like this here, she said. If he keeps stepping over our red lines, we are going to make sure he knows we are here and he cant do that. On Oct. 29, 2017, Wiersma used the name John Doe and email address jdoe@aog.org on an online form at the Chicago clinics website to send a message that began, I will do anything and everything to stop the unmitigated murders of fetuses. I will do anything to stop the atrocities committed by your clinic every minute of every day at your clinic, the deal states. Heavy rain warning for Phuket, South PHUKET: The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a weather warniing for Phuket and the Andaman coast, as well as elsewhere throughout Southern Thailand, for heavy rains and possible flash floods. weather By The Phuket News Friday 9 November 2018, 05:56PM Floods struck Prachuap Khiri Khan and Chumphon provinces earlier today (Nov 9). Photo: Radio Thailand Chumphon The active low-pressure cell covers the Andaman Sea, and the active northeast monsoon still prevails across the Gulf, said the warning, issued earlier today. From 9-10 November, some torrential downpours are forecast for the South. People should beware of the severe condition that may cause a possible flash flood and the overflow of river. The rough seas will be likely in the Gulf and the Andaman Sea, said the warning, noting that waves may reach up two to three metres, and more than three metres in thundershower areas. All ships should proceed with caution, the warning noted. The National Disaster Warning Centre in Bangkok has issued a separate warning for possible flash floods and landslides in risk areas in Phuket and elsewhere in the South. Chayapol Thitisak, Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), said flooding, runoff and mudslides were possible in many southern provinces. Today floods had already wreaked havoc in Prachuap Khiri Khan and Chumphon provinces, affecting local hospitals and the southern highway. Flooding was reported on Highway 41 in Sawi District of Chumphon. Flood levels were 30-50 centimetres this morning with runoff flowing over several kilometres of the highway in Moo 12 village of Tambon Kharon, causing a traffic tailbacks, with the queues stretching back several kilometres, reported the Bangkok Post. (See story here.) In Phrachuap Khiri Kan province, health officials started evacuating patients from Bang Saphan Hospital to Prachuap Khiri Khan Hospital as parts of Bang Saphan and Bang Saphan Noi districts were inundated. At least five schools were closed there. Parts of Hua Hin district were also flooded. Many local roads including a section of Phetkasem Highway, the main southern highway, were under water in the municipal area. Flood water averaged about 20cm deep and traffic was slow. Phuket Police investigate rape report by British tourist PHUKET: Police are investigating a report by a British tourist saying that she was raped, after Chalong Police were called to the Banana Coffee House on the road to Nai Harn Beach at 9:06am today (Nov 9). crimetourismviolencepolice By Eakkapop Thongtub Friday 9 November 2018, 03:51PM The owner of the coffee shop, Wartsana Sukkaew, 27, and Thipa Yothasuth, 49, were at the shop when the British woman arrived, crying and overwhelmed with emotion. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub The owner of the coffee shop, Wartsana Sukkaew, 27, and Thipa Yothasuth, 49, were at the shop when the British woman arrived, crying and overwhelmed with emotion. She cried and said that she had been assaulted and raped, Ms Wartsana said. Said she had a stomachache and asked to go to the restroom. That's when we called 191, she said. Officers from the Tourist Assistance Centre soon arrived and had an ambulance take the British woman first to the Accident & Emergency Centre at the yet-to-open Chalong Hospital and then transfer her to Vachira Phuket Hospital in Phuket Town. According to the initial report by Chalong Police, the woman, 24 years old, was staying at hotel in Karon. She told police that she went to a bar in Karon last night and was drinking with a Thai man, who she later asked to take her back to her hotel because she was drunk. The woman did not remember anything else after that, said the report. The woman said she woke up in the Rawai area and found scratches on her body, and ran to ask for help. Chalong Police and Tourist Police said they were checking CCTV in the area in the hope of identifying the man while waiting for results of a medical examination of the woman by doctors at Vachira Hospital. World-renowned Buddhist scholar offers free seminar at UWC Thailand United World College Thailand (UWCT) is increasingly known on the island and within the global UWC movement for its commitment to a mindful, sustainable and peaceful education. CommunityCulture By The Phuket News Friday 9 November 2018, 02:00PM As awareness of the schools program spreads, the school community continues to attract some of the worlds foremost minds on meditation, happiness and mindfulness including the worlds happiest man Matthieu Ricard and one of the most progressive Buddhist scholars in the West, B. Alan Wallace, Ph.D. Ordained by the Dalai Lama after spending 14 years training as a Buddhist monk, Wallace (Stanford University) has dedicated the last 40 years to philosophical study, Buddhism, and teaching. His translations, popular publications, talks, and academic essays give testimony to his fervent desire to share knowledge. Wallace continually seeks innovative ways to integrate Buddhist contemplative practices with Western science to advance the study of the mind. In a rare opportunity, Wallace will be in Phuket to give a complimentary two-day lecture hosted by UWCT from November 17 to 18. The seminar will focus on four types of intelligence that are essential for bringing about optimal mental health and balance: conative, attentional, cognitive, and emotional intelligence. Over the two days, Wallace will explore how mental illness occurs when one or more of these mental faculties is hyperactive, deficient, or dysfunctional, while also discussing how exceptional levels of mental health and well-being can be developed by cultivating each of these four kinds of intelligence individually and synergistically. To clarify how this may apply in the context of our daily lives, Wallace explains: For many people most of the time, our default mode is rumination, or semi-conscious mind-wandering, and this has been found to be exhausting, unsatisfying, and counterproductive. To counteract this habit, I encourage people to cultivate a sense of ease, stillness, and clarity in their body-mind, and sustain this with a flow of mindful, discerning presence. This prevents stress, rather than treating it, like a band-aid, for it addresses the underlying causes of stress, rather than just treating its symptoms. Wallaces visit underpins the schools perspective that mindfulness is integral to a 21st century education. While on campus, Wallace will also participate in the official opening of UWCTs very own Mindfulness Centre. The centre is used each day for secular mindfulness practice by classes ranging from Nursery to Grade 12, where students explore how to pay attention to the present moment, on purpose, with kindness and curiosity, with the schools Mindfulness Mentor Kru Lucy Keller. UWCTs boarding students also use the space for meditation and yoga in the evenings to ready themselves for a restorative nights sleep. To attend the two-day seminar at UWCT, which runs from 9am to 3pm each day, please book a seat by emailing the school on rsvp@uwcthailand.ac.th. Please note that the seminar is free of charge so seating is limited. UWC Thailand International School is located adjacent to the events co-sponsors Thanyapura Health & Sport Resort. Akin to what UWCTs Mindfulness Centre offers to parents and students, Thanyapura offers members and guests access to a bespoke Mind Centre. The resorts team of Mind Trainers is led by Pierre Gagnon, who has experience coordinating concentration and insight meditation retreats, and teaching the relationship that exists between Buddhism and neuroscience. For more information on Thanyapura, visit Thanyapura.com. For more information on UWC Thailand, please visit www.uwcthailand.ac.th South Dakota qualifies for FCS playoffs for first time since 2017 What have our legislators done to stop any of these mass murders? What have they done to regulate gun purchases? With every second that you dont do that, the gunman is going to pull the trigger and someone is going to die. In the absence of any effective plan to separate disturbed individuals from high-powered weapons, officers are rushing headlong into horrific violence in order to save lives. One thing is certain, doing nothing, will never end mass shootings. One Veteran suicide is one too many, said VA under Secretary of Health, Dr. David J. Shulkin in 2016. Veterans Community Network (VCN) co-founder, Glen Miller, Army Ranger Vietnam veteran agrees with this statement. Veteran suicide rates are still higher than the rest of the population, particularly among women. (Nikki Wentling) VA National Suicide Data Report shared in STARS AND STRIPES, Published June 20, 2018. This report includes data from 2005 through 2015. According to this new report in Stars and Stripes, the VA Press Secretary Curt Cashour said, The average daily number of veteran suicides has always included deaths of active-duty service members and National Guard and Reserve, not just veterans. Of the total 20.6 suicides each day, 16.8 were veterans and 3.8 were active duty troops, Guard and Reserve. Initially says Cashour, only 21 states were reporting. California and Texas are now reporting creating a level of accuracy we did not have. I think this is all good. We still have to ask why? I am Glen Millers spouse of 42 years. We met after he served in Vietnam as an Army Ranger team leader 1969-1970. Army Ranger teams are small, 5-9 team members at a time going out on patrols. He became team leader after the sergeant was killed during my husbands fourth combat patrol mission at the age of 22. Glen has PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). There are psychotherapists beginning to understand veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress that it isnt a disorder. PTSD has had many names all through history. During the Greek times it was called Nostalgia. The Civil War it was Soldiers Heart. Our two World Wars we called it Shell Shock and Battle Mind. If you didnt have PTSD you would NOT be normal, shares Dr. Ed Tick, a psychotherapist and author of War and the Soul. Coming home from multiple deployments, readjusting to civilian life, witnessing atrocities is a normal reaction to trauma. The Vietnam War ended in 1975. It has been 17 years of war in Iraq and Afghanistan. Fewer than 1 percent of the eligible population is serving our country in military uniform around the world. My husband and I along with a Dr. Ann Marie Donohue, Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) started a non-profit Veterans Community Network (VCN) here in the Delaware Valley area. We offered education, resources, and advocacy bringing the larger community together to support veterans families through awareness of their needs in returning to civilian life. One of these projects is The Witting Tree. We are in our fifth year this November started in this area at St. Andrews United Church of Christ, (UCC) Perkaise. Its founders are Roger Kessler, a veteran and Medic in Desert Storm and their Pastor the Rev. Scott Hutchinson. Witting means to bring awareness, consciousness to an issue. We hang 20-22 dog tags on a tree at churches, local businesses, and families homes within community to represent the number of veterans that have taken their life. The Rev. Steve Hamilton, St. Peters Tohickon UCC on Nov. 1 hung one more dog tag to represent the unknown military person that took their life on that given day. Rev. Steve Hamilton was the guest speaker this year at Grandview Hospital at their Witting tree ceremony by the flagpole on Friday Nov. 9. The Reporter shared a schedule of Witting Tree ceremonies on Sunday, Nov. 4. We have a schedule at our Facebook page The WittingTree@gmail.com. My husband and I at 71 along with our Board of Directors are formally closing down VCN administratively. We are NOT going away. Partnering with us is an all-volunteer Veterans Community Coalition. Many churches as well as our local Veterans Affairs office Veterans Outreach Center in Norristown and Bucks Mont Collaborative with 90 human service private and county agencies, businesses, schools) have offered Trauma Informed workshops and courses. They are helping to educate all of us about the effects of trauma in our lives and they include veterans. You can help us. Do you know a veterans family? Do you know how they are really doing? We often say, Thank you for your service. We have Memorial Day parades and wave flags. We welcome them home. We clap for them now in airports. Its a long way from Vietnam when my husband was spat upon in his return home. He had to take his uniform off in the restroom to feel safe in America. We ask you to join us at a Witting Tree ceremony over the next few days. Come to a church listed on the schedule. I will be at Salford Mennonite Church in Harleysville this Sunday. My husband will be at Spring Mount Mennonite. A board member will be at Plains Mennonite Church in Lansdale. Think of giving respite to any family in trauma or illness for their children. We have a Veterans Repair project we are starting to help anyone who may need outside safety projects to enter their home. Veterans who are contractors are doing it. The Mission Continues as they build a ramp for a man waiting to come home from rehab. We have a support group for veterans and their spouses and we have Strong Hearts, strong enough to hear the stories of the veterans. We sit in community and talk and learn from each other and take responsibility as community for privileges we have. We hope to start a second one in the next year. Through our daughters here in Souderton and East Stroudsburg they helped with teachers to choose childrens books to read in the classrooms that reflect Character Counts, (Honesty, Integrity, Empathy and Compassion) and safety in the community. They are in several of our local libraries, Indian Valley, Lansdale, Red Hill, Schwenksville, Whitemarsh and all elementary schools in Souderton, North Penn, Perkiomen Valley, Upper Perkiomen Valley, Colonial School District and in and in some Philadelphia schools, veterans outreach centers as far as Lehigh County, Temple University and MCCC. This has happened with grant money, but also you as parents, grandparents, Home and School Associations and Retired Teachers sororities. I said we were closing down, but not going away. That is because community, our communities are picking it up and walking along side of us. ARE YOU a part of it? My husband speaks of peace now. He worries about our men and women in harms way. Are our reasons for war a JUST one? May we pray for Major Brent and his family today from Utah being returned home after four deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan? And say a prayer for all others that have lost their lives and are still serving our countrys freedom. Its only less than 1 percent. Mary P. Miller Harleysville WittingTree@gmail.com VeteransCommunityNetwork@gmail.com ARTHUR, N.D.This is harvest season in the rich farmlands of the eastern Dakotas, the time of year Kevin Karel checks his computer first thing in the morning to see how many of his soybeans Chinese companies have purchased while he was sleeping. Farmers in Cass County have prospered over the last two decades by growing more soybeans than any other county in the United States, and by shipping most of those beans across the Pacific Ocean to feed Chinese pigs and chickens. But this year, the Chinese have all but stopped buying. The largest market for one of the United States largest exports has shut its doors. The Chinese government imposed a tariff on American soybeans in response to the Trump administrations tariffs on Chinese goods. The latest federal data, through mid-October, shows American soybean sales to China have declined by 94 per cent from last years harvest. Karel, the general manager of the Arthur Companies, which operates six grain elevators in eastern North Dakota, has started to pile 1 million bushels of soybeans on a clear patch of ground behind some of his grain silos. The big mound of yellowish-white beans, already one of the taller hills in this flat part of the world, will then be covered with tarps. The hope is that prices will rise before the beans rot. Were sitting on the edge of our seat, Karel said. President Donald Trump sees tariffs as a tool to force changes in the United States economic relationships with China and other major trading partners. His tough approach, he says, will revive American industries such as steel and auto manufacturing that have lost ground to foreign rivals. But that is coming at a steep cost for some industries, such as farming, that have thrived in the era of globalization by exporting goods to foreign markets. China and other trading partners hit with the tariffs, including the European Union, have sought to maximize the political impact of their reprisals. The European Union imposed tariffs on bourbon, produced in Kentucky, the home state of U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, and on Harley-Davidson motorcycles, from Wisconsin, the home state of House Speaker Paul Ryan. Chinas decision to impose tariffs on soybeans squeezes some of Trumps staunchest supporters across the Midwestern farm belt. Like most successful American exports, soybeans are produced at high efficiency by a small number of workers using cutting-edge technologies, like tractors connected to satellites so the optimal mix of fertilizers can be spread on each square foot of farmland. The United States exported $26 billion (U.S.) in soybeans last year and more than half went to China. Some farmers in North Dakota say they trust Trump to negotiate in the nations interest. Karel said many of his customers wear red Make America Great Again caps and insist that the pain of lost business and lower profits is worthwhile. They say they will suffer now so their children benefit later echoing the argument Trump has made. Others are less enthused. Greg Gebeke, who farms 5,000 acres outside Arthur with two of his brothers, said he struggled to understand the administrations goals. Im trying to follow and figure out who the winners are in this tariff war, Gebeke said. I know who one of the losers are and thats us. And thats painful. North Dakotas soybean industry was created by Chinese demand for the beans, which are crushed to make feed for animals and oil for human consumption. China is by far the worlds largest importer of soybeans. The country consumed 110 million tons of soybeans in 2017, and 87 per cent of those beans were imported the vast majority from either Brazil or the United States. While soybeans are grown throughout the Midwest, the soybean fields of North Dakota are the part of soybean country that is closest to the Pacific Ocean, and so its beans are mostly sent to China. In the mid-1990s, there were 450,000 acres of soybeans in the state. Last year, there were 6.4 million. As the states production of soybeans increased, companies spent millions of dollars on larger grain elevators, on the 110-car trains that carry the soybeans west to the Pacific Coast, on bigger terminals at the ports. A few years ago, Gebeke traded his grain drill, used to plant wheat, for a second machine to plant soybeans. The Arthur Companies in 2016 opened a shiny drying, storage and loading facility that can hold 2.7 million bushels of beans waiting for the next train. Soybean farmers also spent millions of dollars cultivating the Chinese market. Farmers in North Dakota and other states contribute a fixed percentage of revenue to a federal fund called the soybean checkoff that pays for marketing programs like trade missions to China and research intended to convince Chinese farmers that pigs raised on American soybeans grow faster and fatter. In 2015, North Dakota soybean farmers footed the bill for an event in Shanghai honouring the 10 most loyal buyers of American soybeans. The soybean industrys sales pitch emphasized the reliability of American infrastructure and the political stability of the United States. The message was that the Chinese could be confident that American farmers would deliver high quality soybeans. Ive been to China 25 times in the last decade talking about the dependability of U.S. soybeans, said Kirk Leeds, the chief executive of the Iowa Soybean Association. By undermining that reputation, he said, We have done long-term damage to the industry. The last two decades were a fat season in the soybean belt. The grain silos and pickup trucks in Cass County are shiny and new. Karel said a significant number of the farmers who sell crops to his company had done so well they purchased winter homes around Phoenix. But the mood is souring quickly. Gebekes wife, Debra, a retired psychologist, has returned to work at North Dakota State University, to counsel distraught farmers. Public health officials in North Dakota, already confronting a recent rise in suicides, are concerned about the impact of falling prices, particularly on younger farmers with high levels of debt. Gebeke, 65, recalled President Jimmy Carters decision to suspend wheat sales to the Soviet Union in 1979. The embargo ended two years later but, by then, the Soviets were getting more of their grain from Ukraine. Speaking of the soybean standoff, he said, They could get together tomorrow and iron this thing all out and I dont think well ever get all of our market back. As China swallows the worlds supply of non-American soybeans, other countries are buying more beans from the United States, especially European nations that usually import beans from Brazil. Some nations that grow soybeans, such as Canada, are shipping their own beans to China at high prices and then buying American beans at lower prices to meet domestic demand. Taiwan, seeking to curry favour, signed a deal to buy more American soybeans over the next two years. None of this is nearly enough. During the first six weeks of the current export year, which began in September, American soybean exports to China are down by about 6 million tons from last year, while soybean exports to the rest of the world are up by only 3 million tons. Some analysts predict China will be forced to buy more American beans after it exhausts other sources. Others are hopeful that China and the United States will reach a deal to remove the tariffs. But waiting carries risks. Soybeans can spoil and Brazil harvests its crop in the spring, creating fresh competition for American beans. Hope is unfortunately a terrible marketing plan, said Nancy Johnson, executive director of the North Dakota Soybean Growers Association. The industry continues to seek new markets. Jim Sutter, chief executive of the U.S. Soybean Export Council, said he was focused on persuading Indians to eat more chicken. The council, which already provides funding to Indian trade groups, is planning to back an advertising campaign. People in India will eat more protein as the economy grows, but our job is to speed that up, Sutter said. The Trump administration said in August that it would distribute $3.6 billion to soybean farmers to offset the decline in market prices. The subsidy rate of 82.5 cents per bushel, however, covers less than half of the losses facing North Dakota farmers at current market prices. Brandon Hokama, whose family farms 3,500 acres near Ellendale, North Dakota, estimates that they need a price of $8.75 per bushel of soybeans to break even. Last year at this time, soybeans could be sold for almost $10 per bushel. Now, local elevators are offering prices below $7. Farmers typically begin to purchase seeds and fertilizer before the end of the year, so the low prices are shaping next years crop. The Hokamas divided their land evenly between soybeans and corn this year; next, they plan to plant half as many acres of soybeans. Instead they will devote more land to corn, and also to some wheat for the first time in two decades, and perhaps specialty crops like peas and black beans. Hokama knows that other farmers are likely to make similar decisions and that the corn market next fall may be glutted. Specialty crops like peas and edible beans command higher prices, but also require more work and specialized equipment. Also, unlike the big cash crops, specialty crops cannot be hedged. That means the farmer carries all the risk of a bad year. The goal for next year, Hokama said, is just to break even. VANCOUVERB.C. labour activists are celebrating the impending repeal of two bills theyve fought to quash for almost two decades. Minister of Health Adrian Dix introduced legislation on Thursday to repeal Bill 29 and Bill 94, which gave employers in the health-care sector broad licence to lay off employees and restrict employment-security language in collective agreements with unions. The acts came into effect in 2002 and 2003. Labour advocates, and especially the Hospital Employees Union, have long argued the acts create unfair working conditions that disproportionately impact women of colour. These women comprise a large share of care-home employees performing duties like cleaning facilities and looking after seniors in long-term care. Contract flipping which occurs when contracted employees who unionize are laid off and replaced with workers under another contract is common in the health-care sector in B.C. and can result in low-wage workers losing whatever protections theyve gained through unionization. An expert panel that reviewed B.C.s labour code for the first time since 1992 released recommendations last month aimed at ending contract flipping in certain sectors, including health care. In a statement released by the government Thursday, Dix is quoted saying: This legislation will help to enhance the team-based care environment people count on at every level, from hospitals to care homes and in the community. Irene Lanzinger, president of the BC Federation of Labour, said in a statement Thursday that the repeal will be a positive move for both workers and patients who rely on their services and companionship. Repealing the legislation is a positive step that will end rampant contract-flipping in health care and make for more stable care especially for seniors, Lanzinger said. The legislation introduced Thursday will come into effect through regulation in 2019. Read more: Labour Code review panel recommends rules to end contract flipping in B.C. Hospital Employees Union rallies to stop care home staff layoffs in B.C. Community service and health workers win $100 million in redress funding for low wages Read more about: OTTAWAThe Constitution allows Ottawa and the provinces to set up a national securities regulator, the Supreme Court says in a ruling that could help advance a plan for countrywide oversight of capital markets. In its unanimous ruling Friday, the high court also found that federal draft legislation for national regulation of the trade in stocks, bonds and other investments falls within Parliaments powers, as it does not tread on provincial turf. The decision provides long-sought legal clarity for an idea under discussion since at least the 1930s. However, the court stressed it is up to the provinces and territories to decide whether participation in a national regulatory system is in their best interests, calling it a political choice. Quebec Finance Minister Eric Girard swiftly reaffirmed the provinces opposition to a national regime. We acknowledge the Supreme Court of Canada ruling, but intend to retain our autonomy and keep our expertise in Quebec. The division of constitutional powers has made Canada an anomaly a leading industrialized country with a patchwork of provincial and territorial regulators instead of a national one. Supporters of a pan-Canadian regulator say it would eliminate duplication, reduce red tape and ensure more consistent enforcement and investor protection. In an earlier ruling, the Supreme Court said in 2011 that a draft bill to create a national regulator strayed beyond federal jurisdiction, as the provinces and territories have constitutional authority over most elements of securities regulation. Still, the court said it was open to Ottawa and the provinces to exercise their respective powers over securities harmoniously, in the spirit of co-operative federalism. With that in mind, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Ontario, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Yukon and the federal government signed a memorandum of agreement to create a new regulatory system. The plan includes a common regulator, a council of ministers to play a supervisory role, a model law that provinces and territories could pass, and federal legislation to manage systemic risk, allow for data collection and address criminal matters. In July 2015, the Quebec government asked the provinces Court of Appeal to consider the proposals constitutional validity. The Quebec appeal court said last year the Constitution does not authorize creation of a Canadian securities regulator under a single body as envisioned in the memorandum of agreement. It also flagged concerns with aspects of the draft federal legislation on the proposed role and powers of the council of ministers. The federal government appealed to the Supreme Court on both matters. In its decision Friday, the high court said the proposed co-operative system does not improperly fetter the sovereignty of legislatures. The council of ministers, to be composed of provincial ministers responsible for regulation of capital markets and the federal finance minister, would not have power to unilaterally amend provincial legislation. In addition, the high court concluded, the draft federal legislation falls within Parliaments trade and commerce powers under the Constitution. The federal role in regulating capital markets would be limited to the detection, prevention and management of risk to the stability of the Canadian economy, the decision noted. While provinces have the capacity to legislate in respect of systemic risk in their own markets, they do so from a local perspective. The preservation of the integrity and stability of the Canadian economy is quite clearly a matter with a national dimension, and one which lies beyond provincial competence. The court cautioned that its ruling is limited to the constitutionality of the planned system, and does not take into consideration many of the political and practical complexities. The provinces and territories have an unquestioned and equally sovereign right to join or reject the plan, the decision said. When and whether to relinquish a degree of autonomy over the regulation of securities for the purpose of achieving national uniformity is entirely a matter of political choice. One of John Lems first hints that the technology behind his DNA testing company Spartan Bioscience could be a hit with cannabis users came years ago when an executive asked him if genetics could have caused a bad reaction to pot. The question intrigued Lem so much that he eventually applied Spartans technology to a new Toronto-based venture called Lobo Genetics. Through Lobo, he created a genetic testing device that fits in the palm of a hand and uses cells obtained through a cheek swab to measure a persons ability to metabolize THC the main psychoactive component in cannabis and determine someones predisposition to short- and long-term side effects. Lobo believes it could be a hit with health-care practitioners and medical marijuana users, but has also recently experienced a flurry of interest from the recreational industry. We thought the med pool was going to be first in terms of adoption, but dramatically on the rec side, there are a lot of potential opportunities, Lem said. The boom Lem is seeing puts Lobo Genetics among a wave of tech companies benefiting from the Oct. 17 legalization of recreational cannabis in Canada. Already the pot tech industry has seen the debut of Toronto start-up Strainprint Technologies Inc., which makes it easy to track and manage the dosage and effects of pot, and California-founded Weedmaps, which helps users find locations throughout Canada where they can buy the substance. Also cashing in on the pot tech rush are Ottawa-based Shopify, which powers provincial and private marijuana e-commerce offerings, and cannabis companies like Lift & Co., which runs a reviews app. Read more: A road map to Canadian pot-stock earnings There has been no shortage of entrepreneurs getting out there, said Dan Skilleter, Lobos director of policy and communications. The last year has been so busy for cannabis and certainly Lobo saw the opportunity. Skilleter and Lem said Lobo has only launched on a pilot basis, but is already seeing enthusiasm. Those high hopes have spread to Winnipeg, where Save the Drive is readying a platform that allows people to hire a personal shopper to buy and deliver weed. Its chief executive officer Chanel Graham said it has yet to launch because of weed shortages and required changes to legislation, but legalization has already brought a spike in interest. I am surprised how many people reached out right on Oct. 17, hoping that we were in operation, said Graham. We have had quite a few customers contacting us. The same is true for cannabis-centric social networking platform High There! The Florida-based venture, which helps users find buds to, well, smoke buds with, said it has seen a 300 per cent increase in sign-ups since legalization and plenty of those new users are based in Montreal, Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver. Over at Strainprint, chief executive officer Andrew Muroff said users in Calgary, Vancouver and Toronto have flocked to its product the most. Strainprint, which has focused on medical marijuana users but works just as well for recreational users, launched the day before legalization to take advantage of the attention pot would garner. However, with its launch and legalization lining up, Muroff said, We did see a lift, but it is hard for me to know if it came from legalization. CALGARYDecades ago, Montreal found itself staring down a problem all too familiar to Calgary: head offices fleeing downtown and an economic downturn. An expert said Calgary might want to explore how Montreal pulled through. For much of the 20th century, Montreal was a prime economic engine of Canadas economy. The head offices of Sun Life Financial, CP Rail, and other corporate juggernauts filled its downtown. But throughout the 1960s and 1970s, some of them were lured west to Toronto, a city growing faster than Montreal and receiving more business investment. Concerns about political instability thanks to the Quebec independence movement, as well as pro-French linguistic laws such as Loi 101, also played a role in their departure. Montreal lost a lot of well-heeled downtown office tenants and suffered an economic slowdown until the early 1990s. But the citys solution wasnt to try to wrangle them all back at once. Raphael Fischler, dean of the faculty of environmental design at the Universite de Montreal, said it changed tack instead. I would say that the strategy of Montreal was to really turn its downtown into a multi-functional entity, rather than a just a central business district, he said. And I think that has been successful. This stands in stark contrast to Calgarys traditional boom-bust attitude to economic conditions. When the oil and gas industry crashed in 2014, corporate head offices in Calgary slashed staff or fled the city entirely. Today, many of these tenants have not returned, and city council is still wondering how to ensure the property tax burden once shouldered by downtown head offices doesnt crush non-residential property owners outside of Calgarys core. Read more: This is our hot potato: No easy solution for Calgarys property tax shift Calgarys downtown offices plunge another $4B in assessed value, city report says As many downtown towers sit empty, other Calgary businesses could end up picking up the tax tab City manager Jeff Fielding told the citys priorities and finance committee on Tuesday that the past three years have seen property values from downtown office space tumble more than $12.5 billion, amounting to a $192-million tax burden that has to be shared between 13,815 commercial properties. And there isnt a clear way forward for Calgary at the moment. This is our hot potato. Ive never seen anything like it, Fielding told the committee. Its unique to Calgary. Montreals situation is somewhat different. The city hosts a variety of major sectors manufacturing, corporate head offices, tech so it hasnt faced the same boom-bust stresses seen by Calgarys ties to the oil and gas industry. But there is one key similarity: both cities have a very strong office presence in their respective downtown cores that doesnt compete with office clusters in their suburbs. In Montreal, although you have office development in the suburbs, you dont have a rival business district, Fischler said. During the 1970s and 1980s, land speculators began demolishing old buildings in Montreals downtown core to build parking lots. But city officials managed to incentivize developers to start building a variety of different structures. Since Montreals economy began bouncing back in 1996, Fischler said, the downtown has seen a lot more condos affordable and luxury. The city and Quebecs government also offered incentives to companies to move in to vacant or underused buildings in Montreals downtown and set up shop. Take the Cite de Multimedia, a neighbourhood just south of Montreals core. Once a derelict site, it filled up after the provincial government offered a 40 per cent tax credit to multimedia companies willing to move in, calculated on the salaries of their employees. Developers, knowing they had potential tenants with subsidized payrolls, could then charge good rent, Fischler said. Calgary may find a blueprint for downtown revitalization in the East Village. In 2007, the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation began pouring money into infrastructure and development programs in the area about $337 million to date. The transformation drew the attention of developers and retailers, who began buying land. According to CMLCs website, only three parcels of open land remain in the area. With the downtown, I think we need to apply something similar, said Councillor Druh Farrell. She also suggested city council should ask the provincial government if they could chip in some cash to offset Calgarys tax shift and office vacancy issues. We need help with enticing people back into the downtown, Farrell said. But I dont believe weve actually asked. Mayor Naheed Nenshi said the province has been helpful in promoting Calgary to potential investors, but said he might want them to get more involved at a policy level. He told reporters that both provincial and federal governments could also contribute money to the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund to support the citys economic growth. The city itself could also deploy an array of tax tools and incentives to try to lure businesses back to Calgary. But he stopped short at the idea of converting underused downtown offices into residential towers, something tried in Montreal and other cities. He acknowledged that it would boost downtown Calgarys vibrancy, but noted the citys current property tax system taxes residential properties at a far lower rate than commercial ones. If we had a wholesale conversion of office buildings, the city would actually have a bigger financial problem, Nenshi said. And Farrell has also repeatedly said the city needs to stop imagining the triumphant return of the oil and gas industrys presence in Calgary to its pre-2014 glory. Diversifying the downtown wont just mean adding more residential and retail space itll also mean diversifying Calgarys economy. Neither is going to be an easy fix. A lot of Calgarians think this is just going to bounce back, she said of Calgarys downtown. This is a long-term, generational shift. Ultimately, Montreals growth was steeped in decades of redevelopment, public investment, and diversification, Fischler said. It no longer holds the economic prominence that it once did in Canadas economy, but it is sustainable. It has learned to live and I think, live well with a slow rate of growth, he said. With files from Madeline Smith Read more about: SHERWOOD PARKPolice have released the name of a 21-year-old who died in hospital after two mysterious explosions in a Sherwood Park community centre. Strathcona County RCMP have identified Kane Kosolowsky as the young man. Kosolowsky died in hospital of a gunshot wound, they said. Its not clear whether the wound was self-inflicted. No further suspects are being sought. This was a singular event, the RCMP said. Kosolowskys family released a statement through police asking the public for privacy. They added they were shocked and devastated by the news. The events that occurred are totally out of character for Kane and we trust that the authorities will continue a thorough investigation to provide the answers we are all seeking, the family said. Core buildings in Sherwood Park remain closed two days after the mysterious explosions rocked the towns community centre Tuesday night, but roadblocks surrounding the area will be removed later in the day, police said. Read more: Man, 21, dead after unprecedented explosions in Sherwood Park parkade RCMP continued to surround the Strathcona County Community Centre, east of Edmonton, on Thursday, with caution tape up at all its entrances. Strathcona County Hall remains closed, as well as one public high school and one Catholic school nearby. The cause of the two blasts remains unknown, as Mounties continue to be tight-lipped about information. Here is a timeline of events and what we know so far: Tuesday, Nov. 6: At 6:30 p.m., Strathcona County RCMP and the local fire department responded to reports of a fire at the Strathcona County Community Centre in the heart of Sherwood Park. Nearby residents and workers reported hearing the sound of an explosion just after 6 p.m. This was followed by an evacuation of surrounding buildings. A heavy police presence was reported, with some officers seen carrying assault rifles. Tammy Gaudet, who lives near the community centre, said the explosion sounded like a single, loud firework pop. At first I thought, Thats a little weird, fireworks shouldnt be going off at this time of year, she said. Bedford Village, a nearby seniors complex housing about 200 people, and the library inside the community centre were both evacuated, as was Festival Place, a theatre across the street. Ida Prefontaine, who lives in Bedford Village, said a police officer with a rifle came down the hall in the complex and told residents, You have to evacuate. The seniors were relocated to St. Theresa Catholic High School, where they remained until just after 1 a.m. At the time, residents said they had no idea why they were being evacuated. At a press conference the following day, RCMP Supt. Dave Kalist told reporters that police found an injured 21-year-old man in the parkade shortly after arriving to the scene. The man was taken to hospital, and later died of his injuries. Kalist referred to the man as a suspect. No other injuries or deaths were reported. As RCMP continued to examine the area, a second explosion went off two hours later in the same parkade, around 8:15 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 7: The RCMP continued to block off the community centre and county hall. Kalist said Festival Place was also shut down to assist police with the investigation. Two schools nearby, St. Theresa Catholic School and Salisbury Composite High School, cancelled classes for the day. Laura McNabb, spokesperson for Elk Island Public Schools, said police advised the schools to close as not to get in the way of the ongoing investigation. We were just asked as a courtesy to assist, McNabb said. RCMP held two press conferences Wednesday at the Strathcona County RCMP headquarters, both of which revealed little information about the cause of the explosions. Meanwhile, the polices explosive disposal unit was in the process of clearing the scene, RCMP spokesperson Fraser Logan said. Media reports emerged, citing unnamed security sources, that the explosive Tannerite was found in a car that belonged to the dead man. Tannerite is a mixture of chemicals often used for target shooting, and produces a loud bang and a puff of smoke when hit. Other reports said the man was found in the car by police. When asked about the reports, Logan said that they were pure speculation, as the scene was still being cleared by the RCMPs explosive disposal unit when the media reports emerged. He was not found dead, and definitely not in a car full of explosives, Logan said. He added the investigation is not a national security matter. Confusion clouded much of Wednesday, as residents of Sherwood Park were eager to learn more from police, but were growing frustrated from the lack of information being released. Gaudet said the incident shocked her small, bedroom community, and that panic has set in due to the lack of information. By not releasing the information, its whats causing the speculation and the worry, Gaudet said. But Strathcona Mayor Rod Frank, who was in his offices at the county hall during the explosion, assured the public at Wednesdays press conferences that the investigation was contained to the community centre, and that there is no further danger to the public. Kalist also apologized for being vague on details. We understand that a lack of information may have been frustrating, Kalist said. But it was critical in order to ensure safety and that the facts received were correct. Thursday, Nov. 8: As of Thursday afternoon, the Strathcona County Community Centre, the county hall, and Festival Place remain closed. RCMP are continuing the investigation at the community centre, Logan said. Both nearby schools remain closed, as well. Read more about: After determining the operational cost for each newly constructed area and what reductions to the current budget would be needed, Patil said the school board will then evaluate which one project would create the best enrollment relief with the most realistic budget changes. EDMONTONPremier Rachel Notley has called a recently turfed NDP MLAs claims that the government caucus is experiencing a culture of fear baseless and unfounded. Her comments came Thursday, after a weeklong protest by Calgary-East MLA Robyn Luff resulted in the backbencher getting kicked out of the government caucus. Luff had refused to sit in the legislature after she made allegations that she was bullied, told she couldnt write her own statements and questions, and worked in a toxic culture. We understand that that member is not a fan of the parliamentary system and would like to have complete independence in all that she does, but thats not the way that the system works, Notley told reporters, who had their first opportunity to speak to the premier about the matter while she was at an unrelated event. Luff had sent two prepared statements to media earlier in the week, and in one she claimed party leadership told her not to bring forward allegations about Opposition members regarding sexual improprieties because our party wasnt completely without fault on the matter. Notley categorically denied this practice within the NDP. As far as the other allegations that she made, weve since determined since her conversations in public that there really is no foundation to them and I can say definitely that there arent, she said. Read more: Turfed Alberta NDP backbencher wont run in next election, cites culture of fear Alberta NDP backbencher protests partys culture of fear and refuses to sit in legislature I cant speak to every conversation that this MLA may have had with people, but what I can say absolutely, and without hesitation, is that under no circumstances would that rule be in place by anyone who answers to, or is accountable, to me, Notley said. Luff had also accused party leadership of being too controlling of her statements. She said she had wanted to say certain things in the legislature, but she was edited from doing so, making it hard to properly represent her constituents. During an interview, Luff told StarMetro that Notleys comments regarding her not being a fan of the parliamentary system were not true. She doesnt want complete independence, Luff said. I want some independence, she said. I also think that part of the problem is that weve modified the parliamentary system so much to a point where if youre in the government caucus, its just assumed that youre going to do what the government wants all of the time. Luff wants to change that, even though political scientists have pushed back on Luffs issues, saying what shes unhappy about is an important part of how the Canadian system works. Melanee Thomas, a political scientist at the University of Calgary, went so far as to call Luffs problems with the parliamentary system hopelessly naive. I am irritated that theres an elected representative thats misrepresenting a feature of the system, said Thomas during a recent interview. But Luff hopes to open up a conversation about how the system works, and next week, will hold a town hall in her constituency to hear from those she represents if she should continue boycotting the legislature or return to her seat. I just want to give an opportunity to explain myself in person and really ask for their input on what it is they want me to do moving forward, said Luff. On the allegations of sexual improprieties being covered up, Luff said she meant to say that she had heard people in the party say they wanted people to go to leadership before going to the media. She heard someone say at a meeting that the party wasnt without its own problems in the area of sexual impropriety allegations. However, she said that she didnt know of any allegations within the NDP. Its just that thats the way that the statement was made and it was a somewhat problematic statement, she said. Because it means that there is the potential that, you know, you want to keep everything in the family, and it sort of raised a flag for me that there might be things in our party that not everyone knows about. Luff has said she wont be running in the 2019 election and wont be sitting with any other party in the legislature. Read more about: EDMONTONA sunken scar runs from the bridge of Tim Senfts nose to the crest of his cheek under his left eyelid. A veteran of the Gulf War, Senfts most noticeable scars are not from combat theyre from scraps on the street. What kind of dumbass would fight a soldier? You know Im gonna get back up, Senft says gruffly while puffing on a cigarette outside the Early Bird Cafe, an Edmonton diner that offers free coffee to local homeless folk in the early morning. Senft is a veteran of the United States Armed Forces who served for five months in Saudi Arabia as part of Operation Desert Storm in 1991. Although he draws his ancestry back to Sturgeon Lake First Nation in Saskatchewan, he was born in Edmonton and spent most of his life in York, Pa., with foster families after social services took him from his home when he was 3 due to his parents heavy drinking. Senft is homeless, and while he survived the war, he still battles demons from his time in combat. After returning to Canada from the U.S. in 2008, he bounced around the country before settling in Edmonton. He worked for some time at the now demolished York Hotel before losing his job and finding himself without stable housing since 2012. Its an issue that affects at least 2,950 homeless veterans nationwide, according to numbers published by VETS Canada based on a shelter count done by the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness in 2015. Read more: Emergency food services could soon be on the way for Calgary veterans Toronto war veteran calls on Ottawa to do more for soldiers with PTSD Tour of Duty walk searches for homeless veterans on the streets of Halifax Thats a really weak number compared to what were seeing, said Jim Lowther, president and co-founder of VETS Canada, a national charity organization and service provider for Veteran Affairs Canada. He estimates the actual number of homeless veterans is likely closer to 6,000 to 7,000, because only a fraction of homeless veterans spend their time in shelters, often couch-surfing or sleeping on the streets or in hotels. Lowther said his organization has received more than 6,000 requests for housing assistance from veterans since 2014. We formed VETS Canada because we noticed there was a gap. We noticed these veterans were falling through the cracks and they really needed help, Lowther said. Veterans often contend with physical disabilities, which can present barriers to employment, undiagnosed mental health issues such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, challenges with substance abuse, and income insecurity. All of these factors contribute to veterans finding themselves homeless. Once they deem you unable to serve in the military, youre done, your career is over. And thats when the spiral starts, Lowther said. When they get out and they wind up homeless or in crisis, its due to their military service, he added. Because they werent like that when they got in. Lowther, who did a tour in Bosnia in 1997, said his own PTSD was triggered five years after returning from combat. He remembers watching Behind Enemy Lines with his son when he suddenly had to run out of the movie theatre to throw up in a garbage can. I thought I dodged a bullet. I thought I was fine You can only bury it for so long, he said. He struggled with nightmares, irritability and anxiety before seeing a doctor and getting diagnosed with chronic PTSD. In Senfts case, he had returned from his service in Saudi Arabia and was attending a parade dedicated to returning soldiers when he realized something was not right with him. Since then, hes wrestled with depression, PTSD, as well as alcoholism. You try to still keep your chin up as a soldier, but you still have all this suffering in your head, he said. A separation from his wife Michelle and his son David is when his life began to really unravel. He turned to alcohol to numb his emotions. That destroyed me, Senft said. My life was falling apart. I was heavy into the alcohol. Seeing (my sons) smile on his little face took away a lot of my pain. But I still kept drinking. Substance abuse is common among veterans to silence the noise in their head, especially when theyre lacking family support, Lowther said. When youre having these nightmares and daydreams and you cant sleep, you just want to try and stop that somehow you want to try and numb that as much as you possibly can, he said. In addition to addictions and mental and physical disabilities, theres also the fact that theres not enough help to assist veterans with transferring their skills from the military into qualifications they can use for employment. When you go through boot camp, you are a highly effective, trained soldier. And when you get out you dont know how to be a civilian. And nor do you want to be one, Lowther said. David Krug, a spokesperson for the Royal Canadian Legions Alberta-N.W.T. Command, said veterans with PTSD can be hesitant to reach out to organizations that request personal information. Part of that may be because of a military culture that teaches soldiers to fend for themselves. Interacting with organizations that might be requesting administrative info about them might put them into a situation theyre uncomfortable with, he said. It can be mentally challenging to swallow ones pride and say, I need help ... And they may not feel they deserve the help, Krug said. Lowther doesnt believe that is the case. He says veterans are more than willing to reach out for help, but government bureaucracy and red tape make it a long, arduous process. Theres just not a lot of help out there, Lowther said. When (veterans) reach out to Veterans Affairs, they get frustrated they need help now, they dont need help in two weeks. VETS Canada tries to fill in the void by helping veterans connect with doctors, look for apartments, fill out resumes, and retrain for employment. Meanwhile, the legion helps facilitate support groups and access to services and benefits they may not realize theyre entitled to. The incidence of veterans not necessarily knowing they may qualify for certain pensions or payouts is actually quite high, Krug said. There are many programs across the country working to help veterans acquire housing, employment and other necessary services. VETS Canada is partnering with an organization called Raising the Roof to renovate vacant and dilapidated properties into affordable housing for veterans. They currently have two projects underway in Ontario and are expanding the program across Canada. In Calgary, the Alberta-N.W.T. Command joined forces with the Calgary Food Bank to operate an emergency food assistance program after a food bank specifically catering to veterans was shuttered. Now theyre working together so the food bank can refer veterans to the legion to address broader issues, such as a lack of mental health services. It allowed for greater interaction between the veterans themselves and the service officers to identify the wider challenges theyre facing, and to address those in a more holistic fashion, Krug said. Lowther said there are three pillars to getting veterans back on their feet: greater accessibility to mental health services, more money directed toward social housing specifically for veterans, and more programs to help equip them with skills for long-term employment. The government is doing better than they were, but they can definitely do more, Lowther said. I think people are busy with their lives and dont realize how many veterans are suffering. In particular, hed like to see the federal government step in and allocate money from the national housing strategy announced last year to housing for veterans. We have a national housing strategy, which is great, but organizations like mine need to have access to that money, Lowther said, pointing out his group is largely volunteer-based and has helped get hundreds of veterans off the street. One project hes excited to be involved with is a newly announced veterans service centre in north Edmonton, located steps away from an apartment building purchased by the provincial government. The building will provide transitional housing for 15 homeless veterans, and is expected to open in 2019. The service centre will be run by VETS Canada, and its the first collaboration of this kind in Canada, Lowther said. Men and women who have served in the military make incredible sacrifices in the line of duty ... This new service centre and transitional housing will be key in helping ensure veterans at risk of homelessness have the supports they need, said MLA Nicole Goehring, Albertas liaison to the Canadian Armed Forces. Everyday Canadians also have a part to play. They can help by volunteering with organizations like VETS Canada, or donating to the many Poppy Funds that operate across the country. Senft said hes been working with local organizations to try to find housing, but so far, they havent been able to find him anything in Edmonton. They want to send me way the heck out to Stony Plain, he said. If I went there by myself, Id be alone. Thats not good for me. Senft said he relies on his friends in Edmontons inner-city and the River Valley to get by, and still depends on alcohol to get through the days. Its the only thing I have left to really keep me going, he said. Senft said he doesnt blame anyone but himself for his circumstances, contending he hasnt done enough to improve his living situation. I hope things get better, but I havent really done anything to make that happen, he said. So its kind of my fault. At the very least, Senft hopes Canadians who hear his story will take a moment to remember veterans more than once a year. Just recall your hard times. Because were still going through hard times. A veteran will never forget. Read more about: For Bev Tosh, it began as a labour of love: creating a portrait of her mother as a 1940s war bride on the occasion of her 80th birthday, a likeness rendered in oil from a decades-old photo. But that single painting took the Calgary artist down a path she could never have foreseen. Eighteen years later, Tosh has amassed more than 150 portraits of women from around the world who married Second World War airmen, soldiers and sailors and left their home countries to start new lives with men they often barely knew. So I did this painting, never really thinking it would go anywhere because it was for me, it was not for my mom, said Tosh, 70, whose parents met at a 1944 New Years dance in Saskatchewan, where her mother lived and her father, a Royal New Zealand Air Force pilot, was stationed as a flight training officer. That was going to be it. But fate, it seems, had other ideas. Toshs parents married in June 1944, before her father was sent back to England for active duty and subsequently shipped home to New Zealand at wars end. Her mother, who had remained in Saskatoon, set sail from Vancouver in 1946 to join her husband in New Zealand, where Tosh and her sister were born. But the marriage lasted only six years, and the two girls and their mother returned to Canada. About seven years ago, as an established artist and fine arts teacher, Tosh was asked to come to New Zealand to teach painting classes, and a local newspaper wrote an article about the expat. It all happened accidentally, she said, recalling that she had brought slides of her mothers portrait, which was projected on a wall behind her as her photo was taken for the front-page story. Word of the artist spread and war brides living in New Zealand began contacting her: The phone where I was staying never stopped ringing. War brides came to me on breaks during my classes. I realized that these were very, very multi-layered stories. They were stories of leaving home and adaptation and heartbreak and love and riches and loss. There was no way back from New Zealand for these women, Tosh said, explaining that the government tried to discourage the marriages and provided only a one-way passage to the servicemens Canadian wives, about 4,000 of whom took ship for such countries as Australia, New Zealand, England and Scotland. Many thousands more emigrated from their overseas homes to Canada, the U.S. and elsewhere. One of those women was Kay Patterson, an English war bride whose Kiwi husband was killed in action, but who chose to travel to New Zealand with their young son after the war. Patterson had a premonition of his death when she lost her sweetheart wings a tiny pin or pendant given as a love token by airmen to their wives or girlfriends. Thats why her story still gives me goosebumps, said Tosh, who etched tiny wings inside a gold-painted knothole in the plywood base of Pattersons portrait. Her story had a really profound effect on me. When the artist returned home to Calgary, she started telling stories about the New Zealand women and the portraits she had painted and then the local war brides came, Tosh said. Theyve welcomed me hundreds of them, she said. Theyve opened their photo albums, poured me cups of tea. So compelling were their stories that Tosh gave up teaching and stopped showing her art in galleries to dedicate herself full-time to immortalizing war brides from their wedding-day photos. Its taken over my life...Other artists often said You know this is a career-killer. And it didnt matter, because something in me needed to do it. The portraits have an ethereal quality, almost as if seen through the mists of time, featuring a limited palette in keeping with the era of ration books and the threat of death always on the doorstep. Asked what she wanted to capture in the paintings, Tosh said: I wanted a sense of their strength and their frailty at the time. They know life is uncertain. Theyre losing loved ones no matter where they are. But theyre still teenagers or young women and they still want to be stylish, rationing or not. They still want to dance. Boarding a ship for a strange country took a huge leap of faith, she said. They were not falling in love to go elsewhere, or even to get away. In fact, the hardest thing for all of them was to walk up that gang plank. Everything theyd ever known was gone or going and they were coming to a man they hoped would be waiting for them on a station platform in a land they didnt choose, and sometimes knew nothing about. As it turns out, Toshs choice was anything but a career-ender. The artist is internationally recognized for her portraits, for which she was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal by the Governor General earlier this week. And in the run-up to Remembrance Day, 40 of her portraits were put on exhibit at the RAF Museum in London, where they will remain until mid-September 2019. Others will be on display in France next year for the anniversary of the June 6, 1944 D-Day landing by Canadian forces on Juno Beach. Among those at the RAF Museum is a portrait of Hazel (Walker) West, a Londoner who met her husband Russell, an RCAF pilot, on a blind date. The couple tied the knot in February 1945, a few months before VE-Day. She was 20, he was three years older. Her wedding day portrait shows a woman happy and smiling, though the 94-year-old admits that inside she was scared spitless...I kept saying to myself, what am I doing? In 1946, after having been separated from her groom for 10 months following his return to Canada, West travelled by ship to Halifax and train to Calgary, to be met by a man dressed in civvies instead of a crisply smart uniform, who seemed like a stranger. And she wasnt prepared for the bleak vastness of the Prairies or small-town living in Raymond, Alta., where the couple lived for four years before moving permanently to nearby Taber. All in all, Ive had a good life, West said. Its had its rotten, rocky moments, its had sadness, its had fear and stress, but dont we all in life at sometime? Having her portrait painted by Tosh, with whom shes become friends, was a gift: I was thrilled beyond belief that it would be possible that she would do that. As for the artist, she had thought she might be done with her series of war bride paintings with the opening of the London exhibit last month, but whenever she hears another of their stories, the hair stands up on my arms. Its not finished yet. And when its finished with me, itll be finished. But its not me deciding its finished. Read more about: Mayor John Tory is urging Torontonians to fill out a federal questionnaire that seeks Canadians input about a potential handgun and assault weapons ban. This push comes with one day left before the surveys deadline and during a particularly violent year for the city. I think its a really important priority for us to register our views about the need to have stronger and stricter gun controls, including, I believe, a handgun ban, Tory said at a Sick Kids charity event Friday. The questionnaire put out by Public Safety Canada in October, asks questions surrounding whether more should be done to limit handguns and assault weapons access, where the government should focus its efforts to limit handguns and what kinds of crimes involving guns should the government focus on. The questionnaire, on the Public Safety Canada website, is set to close to submissions Saturday night. Tory said a handgun ban would reduce the supply of illegal handguns and thereby reduce gun violence. Why do you need a handgun if you live in a city like Toronto? he asked. I dont think you do. Calls for banning restricted weapons come after there have been 88 homicides so far one away from the 1991 record of 89 homicides. Since the beginning of 2018 Toronto has seen 352 shootings, with 45 deaths, according to Toronto police. After the Danforth shooting, in which two people were killed and 13 others injured, city council voted 41 to 4 to request the federal and provincial governments ban the sale of handguns and ammunition in the citys boundaries. Tory said theres a real problem with the supply of handguns on city streets, adding that people can legally buy a handgun and then illegally traffic them to criminals. In a debate on July 24, Police Chief Mark Saunders said 50 per cent of firearms used for crimes were lawfully obtained within the country and then, typically, resold. I think we got to do everything we can to deal with the ones that are being Canadian-sourced and stop that flow of guns into the hands of those criminals, Tory said. Blair Hagen, vice-president of the National Firearms Association, said its offensive that a small, but vocal minority, are demanding a ban on assault weapons and handguns. We're talking about people who comply with the laws in obtaining, owning and purchasing these firearms, he said. They did everything that was required of them by law and now apparently, some segments of society want to use that very law to take their property and rights away. Instead, Hagen said, the government should focus on the misuse and criminal demand for firearms. In Canada, to own a handgun, which is considered a restricted firearm, a person has to obtain a valid Possession and Acquisition Licence, take a safety course and get authorization from the Chief Firearms Officers to transport the weapon. On top of that, handguns can only be used by collectors, for employment or for target shooting practice and competitions. The federal government estimates there are 900,000 guns registered to individuals in the country, mainly used for sport shooting or collecting. In 2014, while campaigning for mayor, Tory said a gun ban would be an empty gesture, as they are strictly regulated by Ottawa and gang members dont obey the law. On Thursday, Supt. Ron Taverner of 23 Division held a news conference to highlight video from three shootings in the northwest area of the city. He said no less than 40 per cent of gun discharges happen in his division. His frustration was evident: Im pissed off that the people of this community have to put up with this. In an August open letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Tory asked the federal government to take a look at legislation, police resources and community investment. Bianca Bharti is a breaking news reporter, working out of the Stars radio room in Toronto. Follow her on Twitter: @biancabharti Read more about: The Canadian government has taken advantage of unsuspecting foreign visitors by charging them more than it cost to process their visa applications, according to a class action lawsuit demanding $194 million in compensation. This is an issue of public accountability. If the law only allows you to charge a fee of what it costs and shouldnt be making a profit, we need to hold the government accountable, said Lorne Waldman, one of the three lawyers for the plaintiffs. On Wednesday, Federal Court Justice Sean Harrington approved a motion for the parties to notify eligible litigants to join the legal action. The lawsuit covers more than two million multiple-entry visa applicants who, between October 2009 and March 2015, overpaid the Canadian government, some by as much as $55 per application, according to their lawyers. Under the Financial Administration Act, the government cannot charge service fees in excess of the actual cost of providing a service. People coming from visa-required countries, such as China, India and the Philippines, are automatically included in the class action whether they had applied to come to visit, study or work in Canada. Non-citizens are definitely more vulnerable, says Waldman. Its much easier to overcharge people who are not in Canada. The government is not accountable to them the same way its accountable to Canadian citizens. Its almost unheard of for immigration-related class actions to be granted by the Federal Court. In fact, the only time such a proceeding was certified was in 2003, when immigrants seeking permanent resident status asked the court to compel Ottawa, which had changed the selection criteria, to process their backlogged applications under the old rules. The case was ultimately settled in 2004. This is so rare to see, but its what class proceedings are for. Who would go to the federal government for a $60 refund? said Richard Kurland, a lawyer involved in the case. This is not about taxpayers money. This is money overpaid by people who came to visit, study or work here. For a long time, Kurland, also an immigration policy analyst, suspected visa application fees were a cash cow for the government. In 2006, he found a couple, Alan Hinton and Irene Popapova of Coquitlam, B.C., who agreed to lead the class action as representative plaintiffs. The couple met in Moscow in 2001 and got married the next year. Hinton paid $75 to get his wife a visitors visa to Canada in 2003, but claimed the actual cost for processing the application was only $36.69, resulting in a profit for the government of $38.31. Since then, more plaintiffs have joined the action and the scope of the claim has expanded to include other visa applicants, including those who came to study or work, but the case couldnt proceed without the data on processing costs, which Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada were finally ordered to hand over two years ago. The government had initially argued that it cost officials more to process visa applications than it collected in service fees and that even if it was less than the fees collected, the excess fees were not recoverable. However, according to the parties recent agreed statement of admitted facts, the application fee for a multiple-entry visa was $150 until February 2014, when Ottawa reduced it to $100. Meanwhile, the processing cost to the government varied from year to year but was always under $150, except in 2009, when it was $165.55. The Financial Administration Act allows the federal government to make money to balance out the costs of its different services, but Kurland said it must first ask for Parliaments permission, which immigration officials did not do in this case. At issue at the trial, said Waldman, would be how costing of the process should be tabulated and whether the plaintiffs should receive refunds if they were indeed overcharged. The estimates submitted to the court by the Immigration Department also included costs that authorities claimed were incurred by other government agencies, such as border and intelligence services for preliminary security and criminality clearance processing or background checks and sending appropriate documentation to successful and refused applicants. Should we include the visa officer (salary), heating and other associated costs? asked Waldman. We need to find out how much it really costs when we go to court next year. Potential litigants who dont want to be part of the class action lawsuit have until Nov. 30 to opt out of the proceeding. Eleanor Green was on her local TTC bus route to her volunteer job at Centenary Hospital in Scarborough recently when she looked around at the other passengers and saw only one white face. Most were Black, like me and there were brown faces too, says Green, 71, a retired dental receptionist. Thats a stark change, she says, from when she moved to her McCowan Rd. and Sheppard Ave. E. area condo 22 years ago. Her observations fall in line with a map of Toronto put together by researchers led by University of Toronto professor David Hulchanski, that shows Black people living in clusters mainly outside the core and very few downtown. Community activist and writer Desmond Cole argues the map clearly demonstrates the city has a segregation problem when it comes to where Blacks live. This is called segregation. Thats what it is. There is no other word for it, Cole told a hushed audience of city leaders, builders, planners, innovators and housing advocates gathered Thursday at the Evergreen Brick Works for the Future Cities Canada Summit, a city-building workshop. He said many young brilliant Black people are leaving the city because we cant get the opportunities we deserve. Cole urged the crowd to consider the lives of people impacted by segregation and discrimination and incorporate their needs into the notion of city building in 21st-century Toronto. Hulchanski, a professor of housing and community development and faculty housing chair, used Canadian census tract information for 2016 to explore inequality in the city. The data was derived from census respondents who self-identified as Black. In 2016, the community was nine per cent of the citys population or 239,850 people. The map shows that Black people predominantly live in the western (old city of York) portion of the city, as well as the northwestern corners including Etobicoke, North York, and Scarborough to the east. Hulchanski, also in attendance at the summit, said in an interview that he does indeed believe segregation and discrimination are playing a role in the maps configuration. Other factors contributing to inequality and income disparities in the city include the loss of well-paying jobs that sustained people in Toronto, as well as government tax policies, he says. But a key factor people are less comfortable talking about, Hulchanski says, is discrimination. He noted that the Jewish community, for example, is highly concentrated in some areas of the city, as are communities such as the Portuguese. But for Black people, skin colour matters when it comes to where they live, Hulchanski says. Thats why more people in Toronto need to recognize anti-black racism, specifically. (Skin colour) still matters to some landlords ... and produces the map you see. It matters to some employers too. Lower incomes equal fewer options in the housing market. Its no surprise to see the Black population highly concentrated, Hulchanski says. We are a segregated city, Hulchanski says, adding the problems also impact Muslims and recent immigrants. He wants to see stiffer monitoring, enforcement and penalties under Ontarios Human Rights Code to punish landlords who are discriminating against Blacks and other visible minorities when it comes to rental housing. Hulchanski said it takes forever to go after landlords who discriminate in the city, and the penalties are very modest. Asked to respond to the map and the argument that segregation and discrimination are factors, a spokesperson for the Federation of Rental Housing Providers of Ontario said the organizations members maintain at their core an organizational commitment to tolerance, (inclusiveness) and the protection of human rights. Without equivocation, FRPO and its members believe that discrimination based on race, colour, creed, gender, sexual orientation or additional factors is wholly unacceptable, is contrary to provincial law and directly contravenes the organizations code of conduct, said spokesperson Danny Roth. FRPO is committed to promoting conduct that complies with the Ontario Human Rights Code, he added. Also present at the summit, Ceta Ramkhalawansingh, a community advocate and former director of diversity management with the city of Toronto, said she doesnt completely agree with the conclusion that the map demonstrates segregation. In my view its more nuanced than that, she said in an interview. Rather than exclusively a factor of race, she said Blacks, brown people and other minorities gravitated to the preamalgamation areas of the city such as Scarborough and Etobicoke because while you needed a car to get around due to poor transit, housing was more affordable. Green says she purchased her 1,000-square-foot unit in Scarborough two decades ago because rents and properties downtown were too expensive at the time and have only become worse since. Shown the map by a reporter, she says she isnt surprised by what it shows and believes segregation could be a factor in the city. She does believe housing and job discrimination against Blacks is an ongoing problem in the city. I have a niece and tell her the colour of her skin is one strike against her, and the fact she is a woman is another strike, Green says. She urged young Black people to get the piece of paper a diploma or degree, without which discrimination is even worse. Convicted killer Shakeil Wheatle received another life sentence Thursday after admitting he fatally shot an unarmed and defenceless stranger who was out walking his dog. Marvin Engelbrecht was killed around midnight on Oct. 29, 2012, after Wheatle and another unknown gunman jumped out of a car and chased him down a street in Lawrence Heights, ending the 24-year-olds life in a hail of bullets. At least eight shots were fired. Wheatle pleaded guilty to second-degree murder last month on the eve of a six-week first-degree murder trial. Superior Court Justice John McMahon on Thursday agreed to a joint submission that Wheatles parole eligibility be set at fourteen years to run concurrently with the 25-year eligibility period he received in January after he was found guilty of first-degree murder in a separate killing. This is yet another case of gun violence taking the life of a completely innocent young man. Another grieving mother, another family destroyed, all because of the proliferation and use of handguns in this city, McMahon said Thursday. Engelbrecht died not for who he was or what he did, or any interaction because Mr. Wheatle did not know him. He was selected randomly because of where he lived. On July 19, 2012, three months before he killed Engelbrecht, Wheatle was one of three men who shot 27-year-old Daniel Davis to death as he hung out with friends behind a Flemington Park elementary school, not far from where Engelbrecht was ambushed. In 2012, these and other shootings prompted Toronto police to start a special project called Sugarhorse. Investigators recruited a lifelong drug dealer to wear a hidden recording device to capture suspects in the unsolved crime wave. Wheatle fell for an elaborate ruse and acknowledged committing the murders, which he described for the police agent. While being secretly recorded, Wheatle told the agent somebody from Lawrence Heights had to pay for stealing drugs intended for a jailed associate from his Jane St. neighbourhood. At Thursdays sentencing hearing, McMahon noted Wheatle was only 18 when he killed both men. His young age and guilty plea are extreme mitigating factors, which the judge said he took into account when deciding the appropriate sentence. There were challenges to the Crowns case, prosecutor Phil Tsui acknowledged in court. On Thursday, Toronto police Det. John Margetson credited the solving of the Davis and Engelbrecht homicides, in addition to another murder, to the agents bravery. He is really serving is own life sentence, Margetson said. Hes got to look over his shoulder for the rest of his life. He realizes that and he accepted it and he did a great job. It was clear by the victim impact statements read in court that Engelbrecht was much adored, admired and missed by his family and friends. I have been left with a void that will always be there no matter what, his mother, Semon Engelbrecht, told court, fighting to maintain her composure. I will never be the same. Nothing will ever be the same. Its one less hug, one less kiss, one less place to set at the table now. One less I love you. Anthony Engelbrecht, holding a framed photo of his brother, called his killer by name. Shakeil Wheatle has made my familys life hell over the past six years, he said. No one will ever be able to fully understand the depths of the pain I feel every day when I think of what was taken from me, from us. Wheatles lawyer, Gabriel Gross-Stein, offered an apology to the Engelbrecht family on behalf of his client. The judge suggested it might have more meaning if it came from Wheatle himself but he declined the opportunity. Buildings, if they can avoid being torn down, can have many lives. Sometimes they can change so much theyre unrecognizable and if theyve become landmarks, it can be a shock. Such was the case when the green construction mesh was removed from the former Bright Pearl restaurant at 346 Spadina Ave., revealing a renovation that dramatically altered the look of the building. Im really disappointed they just ripped out the Chinese architectural features, says author Arlene Chan. There were animal symbols on the eavestroughs. When it was first opened, the whole design was by Taiwanese restaurateur Yen Pin Chen, who brought in artisans and created a real landmark in Chinatown. Chan has written seven books on the history and culture of the Chinese in Canada and often leads tours through Torontos Chinatown. Chens Yen Pin Place restaurant didnt fare well when it opened in the 1970s, and a series of different restaurants followed. Of late, the Bright Pearl was here the longest. The building hasnt had any good luck, she says of this supposedly haunted structure. Theres been exorcisms, and feng shui masters (were) brought in to bring more luck. Currently, the only visual Chinatown elements that remains are one of the two guardian lions that was on Spadina, and a new mural depicting one of the lions out back. Chan says she hopes they return the other lion to the front as there are always supposed to be two. When I lead my tours people ask me why Torontos Chinatown doesnt look like San Franciscos, with all of its architecture features, she says. I remind them that San Franciscos was rebuilt after the 1906 quake and done in a style that imagined what a Chinatown should look like, with exaggerated and unusual details. The Bright Pearl was one of the few buildings we had like that here. Chan points out that after they were evicted from Torontos first Chinatown where the new city hall was built, the Chinese community didnt build from scratch, instead moving into existing buildings at Spadina and Dundas. Previous to this move, the Toronto Labour Lyceum was located in the building, a centre for both the labour movement and the citys Jewish community for years. Its a place with many layers but the renovation has erased much of it, turning it into something that looks like a generic condominium podium. Real estate brokerage firm Metropolitan Commercial is behind the renovations and intends to rent the four-storey building to a single office tenant. To launch the new space, the realtor partnered with former AGO curator David Moos and staged The Invitational, a four-day art exhibition in late October. While the renovation shocked and saddened some, this event angered many in the arts community. The Invitational has branded itself as an international art exhibition but is in fact a poorly disguised real estate ad, reads an open letter signed by dozens of artists and arts organizations. The organizers say that this space is open to the public while its actually being claimed for the wealthy. In an email, Ming Zee of Metropolitan Commercial lamented the bad press theyve received before the project is done and did not want to discuss it in detail until its complete. The female lion was damaged beyond repair and basically fell to pieces while we were assessing the damage, he added. We have plans for two new Lions. Zee said the lion mural on the back and a mural on the front facade is by artist Kwest, who will also be completing more exterior artwork. Kwest, who has worked with Drake, also painted a mural around the entry to 310 Spadina Ave., a warehouse building recently renovated by Metropolitan Commercial in a similar black and white style. The Invitational seems to have come and gone without much of a mark even its Instagram account has been shut down but the fear remains that the slickness of this renovation, and the excitement the realty company is trying to incite around it, will drive up area rents in what remains a relative-for-Toronto affordable area downtown. Were in the early transition, says Chan of the process of Chinatown gentrification. Its bound to happen but so far isnt happening as fast as other communities. Share your thoughts She notes some of the many Chinese family associations in the area organizations formed around people with common surnames are feeling the pinch of rising costs. Shes largely hopeful though, noting there have been many older Chinese businesses in the area replaced by new ones owned by younger Chinese entrepreneurs. I dont see them being changed over to non-Chinese, she says. I find that very promising. With all the new condos going in at end of Spadina its bringing in a whole new group of potential customers back into the city. Correction Nov. 12, 2018: This article was edited from a previous version that misspelled the last name of former AGO curator David Moos. Read more about: Canada has a role to play in fighting international organized crime groups like the Ndrangheta, a senior GTA prosecutor said as he called for stiff sentences against two men convicted in a historic cocaine trafficking conspiracy. These offences occurred in the context of one of the most sophisticated criminal organizations in the world the Ndrangheta, prosecutor Tom Andreopoulos told Superior Court Justice Judge Brian OMarra in Toronto on Thursday. The prosecution marked the first time in Canada the Ndrangheta a notorious crime group with roots in southern Italy has been targeted as an organized crime group since the offence of criminal organization came into effect in 1997, Andreopoulos said in March. The Crown called for a prison sentence of 16 years for grandfather Giuseppe (Pino) Ursino, 65, of Bradford, and 14 years for breakfast grill manager Cosmin (Chris) Dracea, 42, of Toronto. Ursinos lawyer Dragi Zekavica argued for a sentence of seven years while Draceas lawyer Lydia Riva said between five and seven years would be appropriate for her client. Neither Ursino nor Dracea has a criminal record. Read more: Jury finds alleged Ndrangheta crime boss guilty of cocaine trafficking for criminal organization Accused tells court he only posed as a cocaine trafficker for money scam Accused crime boss admits at trial he talked to agent about cocaine trafficking but didnt mean it The case continues Dec. 5. Were talking about structured organized crime, Andreopoulos. Were talking about a political entity, almost. This is serious business with serious people, Andreopoulos said in court on Thursday, calling Ursino a Ndrangheta crime boss and Dracea a professional liar, con man, fraudster. The prosecutor said both men shouldnt be eligible for parole until halfway through their prison terms. Ursino was found guilty of trafficking cocaine, trafficking cocaine related to a criminal organization, possession of property directly or indirectly related to an indictable offence, conspiracy to import cocaine and conspiracy to import cocaine related to a criminal organization. Dracea was found not guilty of trafficking cocaine related to a criminal organization but he was found guilty of trafficking cocaine, possession of $60,000 directly or indirectly related to an indictable offence, conspiracy to import cocaine and conspiracy to import cocaine related to a criminal organization. At the outset of the trial, Dracea pleaded guilty to trafficking a kilogram of cocaine. Andreopoulos said no one should be deceived by the benign appearance of Ursino and Dracea, both of whom appeared in court with their spouses, Ursino with a poppy on his jacket. Riva told court that Dracea is a caring father to his two young children and a kind employer to workers in the restaurant he managed. Hes very close to his children, Riva said. In fact, hes the primary caregiver. Ursino runs a small food distributing company while Dracea is a restaurant manager. The case shows that Ursino and Dracea are serious, experienced criminals, Andreopoulos said in court Thursday. You dont just fall into a criminal organization, Andreopoulos said. You evolve into it. Its a way of life, Andreopoulos said. Its a state of being. The defence lawyers noted the cocaine wasnt actually delivered to the conspirators. He did in fact abandon the conspiracy, Riva said of her client, Dracea. Andreopoulos said Ursino became a GTA Ndrangheta boss in 1996 after the murder of GTA baker Francesco Loiero by Sam Calautti, a Toronto restaurant owner who was later murdered. The Loiero and Calautti murders remain unsolved. Andreopoulos acknowledged Ursino is a grandfather but said that no one should be deceived by his mild appearance or letters of support saying he is a family man. The Mafia is Mr. Ursinos milieu, Andreopoulos said. It defines who he is. Andreopoulos noted that a secretly recorded conversation captured Ursino discussing tying up a mans family to collect a debt. He called Ursino a savvy facilitator who puts together criminal deals, and then fades quietly away. He will retreat into the shadows but his hands are everywhere, Andreopoulos said. Andreopoulos said that although it was never alleged Dracea was in the Ndrangheta, he is clearly respected by the organization and that Ursino vouched for him. In order to vouch for someone, he must know who you are, Andreopoulos said. Mr. Dracea was aware of Mr. Ursinos status as a boss, Andreopoulos said. In North Korea, youre never far from a Kim. Portraits of late leaders Kim Jong Il and Kim Il Sung hang in nearly every office, school and public space, and couples are given a copy on their wedding day. Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il are considered to be gods in North Korea, Je Son Lee, a defector who fled the country in 2011, told NK News. Thats why we have to have their portraits, in order to be with them all the time. Its almost equivalent to having the cross of the statues of Jesus at church. Kim Jong Un came to power in 2011, after the death of his father Kim Jong Il, but he did not have an official portrait until this week. In the painting, unveiled on state television during a visit by the Cuban president, Kim is shown smiling, wearing black-rimmed glasses and a Western-style suit and tie. North Korea expert Soo Kim said the portraits unveiling might suggest that Kim believes hes entering a new stage in his leadership. It suggests hes confident enough in his consolidation of power, she said, and feels he is no longer just in the shadows of father and grandfather. His new portrait could also signal his acknowledgment of a new era in North Korean governance. Unlike his father, who relied heavily on the military, Kim has pursued diplomatic connections around the world. He travelled to South Korea and China, and held a summit with President Donald Trump. In the painting, he looks very jovial and very happy, Soo Kim said. Its a persona he also seems to channel on his trips abroad. Ahead of his meeting with Trump in Singapore, he took selfies with local leaders and smiled for onlookers. Soo Kim believes this carefully cultivated image is meant to help the young leader cultivate relationships and, in turn, favour with foreign leaders. His decision to wear a suit and tie for his portrait, instead of more traditional attire, may also signal his attempt to split from his fathers reclusive image. One picture speaks so many words, Soo Kim said. B.G. Muhn, a Georgetown University professor who studies North Korean art, said Kim took a long time to find an artist for his portrait. Artists had not been approved to paint a portrait of Kim Jong Un for years after Kim assumed power in 2011, Muhn said. Even when I consulted a North Korean artist early this year, he told me approval for Kim Jong Uns portrait has not been issued yet. Muhn predicts the portrait will be produced on a mass scale and up for viewing at locations countrywide. If so, hosts will likely have to follow the same regulations for other Kim portraits. The portraits must be hung high on an empty wall so that no ones head is taller. They also must be cleaned at least a couple of times a week. If dust is found on the frame, the keeper of the portrait is forced to pay a fine. Read more about: BOSTON A legal principle that erased former New England Patriots player Aaron Hernandezs murder conviction after he killed himself in prison is outdated, unfair and should not stand, a Massachusetts prosecutor told the states highest court Thursday. Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn III said it doesnt make sense the former New England Patriots tight end is now innocent in the eyes of the law just because he died before his appeal could be heard. Quinn is urging the court to reinstate Hernandezs conviction and do away with the legal principle for future cases. He goes through a full trial, a jury who speaks for the public convicts him and because he dies, in this case commits suicide, the whole thing is wiped out like it never happened? Its not fair or just and should be changed, Quinn told reporters after the hearing. Hernandez was found guilty in 2015 of killing semi-professional football player Odin Lloyd. Two years later, the 27-year-old was found dead in his prison cell days after being acquitted of most charges in a separate double-murder case. A judge threw out Hernandezs conviction last year, citing the legal principle that holds that a defendant convicted at trial who dies before an appeal is heard should no longer be considered guilty in the eyes of the law, thereby returning the case to its pretrial status. Read More: Ex-NFLer Aaron Hernandez suffered from most severe CTE ever found in a person his age Judge erases Aaron Hernandezs 2013 murder conviction Aaron Hernandez cited Bible passage on forehead, in blood on prison cell wall: police Ex-NFL star Aaron Hernandez hinted at suicide weeks before death in prison: attorney Legal experts say the doctrine, rooted in centuries of English law, requires a conviction not be considered final until an appeal can determine whether mistakes were made that deprived the defendant of a fair trial. John Thompson, Hernandezs appellate attorney, told the Supreme Judicial Court theres nothing wrong with the doctrine and the alternatives floated by Quinn are problematic. The jurys decision is not the end-all be-all, Thompson said. It is an opinion arrived at by 12 people followed by a process that is subject to defect. The Supreme Judicial Court typically takes several months to issue a decision. How other states handle cases such as Hernandezs varies widely. Some states like Massachusetts toss the convictions while others dismiss the defendants appeal and the conviction stands. Other states allow appellate courts to consider a dead defendants case, prosecutors say. Quinn wants court to allow a defendants estate to pursue an appeal, if they wish, otherwise the verdict would stand. Several justices seemed interested in an approach crafted by the Alabama Supreme Court, which directed the state to simply note in the court record the conviction was neither affirmed nor reversed because the defendant died while the appeal was pending. But others seemed puzzled over what to do. Im struggling with this because we dont have any good options, said Ralph Gants, chief justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. Quinn pointed to other high-profile Massachusetts criminals who had their convictions erased after their death, including John Salvi, who was convicted of killing two abortion clinic workers and wounding five other people during a shooting rampage in Brookline in 1994. Roman Catholic priest John Geoghan, a key figure in the clergy sex abuse scandal that rocked the Boston archdiocese and spread across the globe, also had his child molestation conviction vacated after he was beaten to death in 2003 in his cell at the same Massachusetts maximum-security prison where Hernandez died. Read more about: NEW YORKA federal judge nixed Joaquin El Chapo Guzmans plea for some TLC from his American-born beauty queen wife Thursday morning. The jailed Mexican drug kingpin asked that the court grant him permission to embrace his wife, Emma Coronel Aispuro, before opening statements in his trafficking trial kick off next week. U.S. District Judge Brian Cogan wrote Thursday that the court is sympathetic to the request, citing Guzmans exemplary conduct and grace under pressure during the proceedings so far, but ultimately said no. Having conferred extensively with the U.S. Marshals Service about defendants request, the court is constrained to deny it, Cogan ruled. The marshals have stressed that acceding to the request would be contrary to all the security procedures that have been put in place. Guzmans attorney, Mariel Colon Miro, warned in a letter to Cogan that her client might have a mental breakdown if he cant have any physical contact with his spouse. Guzman has been held in solitary confinement in New York for the last two years. It can be a brief embrace in open court with the courtroom railing between them. This entire process should not take more than a few seconds, she wrote. The only human contact Mr. Guzman has had since his extradition has been with the jail personnel when putting and removing his shackles, and a quick handshake from his attorneys when he goes to court. Read more: El Chapo kept moving cell to cell in Mexican prison he has escaped before Mexican president announces the recapture of drug lord Joaquin (El Chapo) Guzman Mexican drug lord El Chapo flown to mountains after tunnel escape: official Cogan said in his order that the denial is meant to prevent Guzman from co-ordinating an escape or directing any attack on individuals who might be co-operating with the government. Guzman has escaped from two Mexican jails. He has pleaded not guilty to 17 counts of drug trafficking, conspiracy, firearms offences and money laundering. Read more about: HONOLULUFrom a distance, the Chinese warship warned the U.S. destroyer that it was on a dangerous course in the South China Sea. Then it raced up alongside. For a few tense minutes, a collision seemed imminent. The U.S. vessel, the Decatur, blasted its whistle. The Chinese took no notice. Only a sharp starboard turn by the Decatur avoided a disaster that early morning in September one that could have badly damaged both vessels, killed members of both crews and thrust two nuclear powers into an international crisis, according to a senior American official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe the encounter in detail. The ships came within 45 yards of each other, marking the closest call yet as the U.S. navy contests Chinas military buildup in the South China Sea. The Sept. 30 encounter signalled what U.S. commanders fear is a perilous new phase in confrontations in the disputed waterway, which are unfolding without even a Cold War-style agreement on basic rules of conduct aimed at preventing escalation. A game of chicken is being played around Asias flash points, said Brendan Taylor, an expert on the South China Sea at the Australian National University. It is only a matter of time before a clash occurs, Taylor said. Chinas defence minister, Wei Fenghe, and Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis are expected to make an effort to calm those rising tensions and reduce the risks of miscalculation when they meet in Washington on Friday. But the trade war and Vice President Mike Pences speech last month declaring that the United States would take a far tougher line on China give the two men little incentive to ease tensions in the waterway. Neither side appears ready to back down. The United States and China will meet each other more and more on the high seas, the chief of naval operations, Adm. John M. Richardson, warned after Septembers near miss. As the Trump administration pushes the Navy to do more in the South China Sea, it is doing so with fewer assets just as the Chinese are increasing theirs. A projection by the Pentagon shows that by 2025, Chinas military will have 30 per cent more fighter aircraft and four aircraft carriers compared to its current two, a senior U.S. military official said. Read more about: JERUSALEMMore than a decade before the Nazis seized power in Germany, Albert Einstein was on the run and already fearful for his countrys future, according to a newly revealed handwritten letter. His longtime friend and fellow Jew, German Foreign Minister Walther Rathenau, had just been assassinated by right-wing extremists and police had warned the noted physicist that his life could be in danger too. So Einstein fled Berlin and went into hiding in northern Germany. It was during this hiatus that he penned a handwritten letter to his beloved younger sister, Maja, warning of the dangers of growing nationalism and anti-Semitism years before the Nazis ultimately rose to power, forcing Einstein to flee his native Germany for good. Out here, nobody knows where I am, and Im believed to be away on a trip, he wrote in August 1922. Here are brewing economically and politically dark times, so Im happy to be able to get away from everything. The previously unknown letter, brought forward by an anonymous collector, is set to go on auction next week in Jerusalem with an opening asking price of $12,000. As the most influential scientist of the 20th century, Einsteins life and writings have been thoroughly researched. The Hebrew University in Jerusalem, of which Einstein was a founder, houses the worlds largest collection of Einstein material. Together with the California Institute of Technology it runs the Einstein Papers Project. Individual auctions of his personal letters have brought in substantial sums in recent years. Read more: Albert Einstein denounced racism, but diaries reveal xenophobic side Armistice Day in Toronto 100 years later Opinion | Shree Paradkar: Massive fascist rally in Poland shows how the far right has perverted the word patriotism The 1922 letter shows he was concerned about Germanys future a full year before the Nazis even attempted their first coup the failed Munich Beer Hall Putsch to seize power in Bavaria. This letter reveals to us the thoughts that were running through Einsteins mind and heart at a very preliminary stage of Nazi terror, said Meron Eren, co-owner of the Kedem Auction House in Jerusalem, which obtained the letter and offered The Associated Press a glimpse before the public sale. The relationship between Albert and Maja was very special and close, which adds another dimension to Einstein the man and greater authenticity to his writings. The letter, which bears no return address, is presumed to have been written while he was staying in the port city of Kiel before embarking on a lengthy speaking tour across Asia. Im doing pretty well, despite all the anti-Semites among the German colleagues. Im very reclusive here, without noise and without unpleasant feelings, and am earning my money mainly independent of the state, so that Im really a free man, he wrote. You see, I am about to become some kind of itinerant preacher. That is, firstly, pleasant and, secondly, necessary. Addressing his sisters concerns, Einstein writes: Dont worry about me, I myself dont worry either, even if its not quite kosher, people are very upset. In Italy, it seems to be at least as bad. Later in 1922, Einstein was awarded the Nobel Prize in physics. Zeev Rosenkranz, the assistant director of the Einstein Papers Project at Caltech, said the letter wasnt the first time Einstein warned about German anti-Semitism, but it captured his state of mind at this important junction after Rathenaus killing and the internal exile he imposed on himself shortly after it. Einsteins initial reaction was one of panic and a desire to leave Germany for good. Within a week, he had changed his mind, he said. The letter reveals a mindset rather typical of Einstein in which he claims to be impervious to external pressures. One reason may be to assuage his sisters concerns. Another is that he didnt like to admit that he was stressed about external factors. When the Nazis came to power and began enacting legislation against Jews, they also aimed to purge Jewish scientists. The Nazis dismissed Einsteins groundbreaking work, including his Law of Relativity, as Jewish Physics. Einstein renounced his German citizenship in 1933 after Hitler became chancellor. The physicist settled in the United States, where he would remain until his death in 1955. Einstein declined an invitation to serve as the first president of the newly established state of Israel but left behind his literary estate and personal papers to the Hebrew University. Tens of thousands of protesters nationwide spent Thursday evening decrying U.S. President Donald Trumps removal of Jeff Sessions as U.S. attorney general, a move they fear threatens the independence of special counsel Robert Mueller IIIs investigation. Those gathered in cities and towns from Boston to Houston to Seattle said Trump crossed a red line when he picked Matthew Whitaker as acting attorney general after asking and receiving Sessionss resignation on Wednesday. Whitaker, a political loyalist, had criticized the special counsels probe into possible collusion between Russia and Trumps 2016 presidential campaign. The progressive group MoveOn.org organized what it said were hundreds of protest events, held at 5 p.m. local time outside city halls and federal courthouses, in parks and on downtown streets and university grounds. This is how some of the protests looked and sounded across the country. Boston With the Massachusetts State House as a backdrop, several thousand people loudly voiced their disapproval of Sessions being forced out. Enough is enough, they chanted, and Hands Off Robert Mueller. Formal speakers were nearly drowned out by the three television news helicopters hovering over the hour-long rally. People held home-made signs with messages such as President, not King and Not above the law. A very unofficial survey suggested that many had made a special trip into central Boston for the rally, rather than happening upon it as they left work. Some of the protesters, including John Pitkin of Cambridge, Mass., referenced the so-called Saturday Night Massacre during the Watergate scandal, when then-president Richard Nixon ordered his attorney general to fire the special prosecutor who was investigating him. It was people who forced Nixon to back off, Pitkin said. We have to do it again. Katherine Sigel of Belmont said she and her husband brought their children, ages 7 and 9, to show them that some things are worth fighting for. I want my kids to see that this is not what we accept, she said. Sean Going of Medford, Mass., carried a home-made sign and attended the protest with his wife, Lisa. Weve normalized this dystopia too much, he said. Lisa Going said she thought the rallies were mostly to buoy the spirit of protesters and wouldnt have much effect on the Trump administration. But she still feels that protesting which shed never done until two years ago is important. Trump turned us into protesters in our 50s, she said. - Karen Weintraub Read more: Trump fires Attorney General Jeff Sessions, endangering Mueller investigation With the mid-terms over, special counsel Mueller faces key decisions in Russia investigation FBI is asked to probe allegations women were offered cash to accuse Mueller of sex assault New York Protesters mingled with tourists in Times Square as the sun set in the late afternoon and the glow of huge electronic billboards instead illuminated the scene. Our America, Not Trumps America, one sign read. Some people wore shirts emblazoned with the words Rise and Resist. By 6:30 p.m., the number had swollen to several thousand people. The protesters chanted exuberantly amid a cacophony of car and taxi horns even louder than usual since traffic was blocked on cross streets. The only reason Trump named Whitaker as attorney general was to muck up the Mueller investigation, said Fran Haselkorn of Manhattan. Im scandalized by the man in the White House. Some out-of-towners joined the demonstration, which then marched south to Union Square and speakers. Jay Sheen, a retired lawyer, said he does not get many opportunities to protest the president in his hometown of Salt Lake City. Utah is a deep red state, he said. I believe in the rule of law, and Trump is trying to destroy that. - Vera Haller Washington, D.C. In Lafayette Park across from the White House, several protesters in the crowd of several hundred held letters spelling out Save Mueller in white lights. They called for the acting attorney general to recuse himself from any involvement in the special counsels investigation. Walter Schaub, the former director of the federal Office of Government Ethics, told those gathered that we are in a full-blown constitutional crisis, and we are here because Donald Trump thinks he is above the law. Whats at stake is nothing less than the rule of law and the integrity of our republic. Mueller must be protected, so lets demand it now. - Clarence Williams Chicago Downtowns Federal Plaza was the scene where 4,000 protesters came on a raw, wet evening. That included Senate Minority Whip Richard Durbin, D-Ill. As an inflatable Baby Trump looked on, Durbin told the crowd that we must hold this president accountable and not let him interfere with Muellers investigation. Trumps decision to replace Sessions immediately after the midterm elections was significant, he said. After about 40 minutes, the protest turned into a march. It went only about five blocks to Trump Tower. - Mark Guarino Seattle People here worried by Trumps action on Sessions kicked off their rally at a park named for Washington states first openly gay legislator, Cal Anderson. Organizers said about 10,000 people had registered. As the event in the park turned into a march to the H. M. Jackson Federal building downtown, the few hundred demonstrators ultimately were joined by a few thousand. Recuse urged one persons sign. Sarah Erickson and her husband, Chris Rogers, who are originally from Californias conservative Central Valley, came with their two-year-old son, Halliday. They echoed the sentiments shared by many at the rally. Though feeling some relief from Tuesdays election results that returned control of the House to Democrats, people said the chaos within the Justice Department and the threat to the Mueller investigation remain deeply disturbing. We wanted to be here to show that people are watching we have to remain vigilant and be ready, Erickson said. Retired nurse Gail Sanderson was at her fifth rally all of them since Trumps election. The election outcome gave her hope for the investigations future, she said. I see the democratic process working now, she said. Gov. Jay Inslee, D, showed up to speak. So did Noah Eden, former branch chief of the National Counterterrorism Center, and Rep. Pramila Jayapal, a Seattle Democrat who sits on the House Judiciary Committee. This president thought that we marched to the polls on Tuesday, took back the majority of the House, that somehow wed be a little tired and he could squeak in a little constitutional crisis on us, Jayapal said. But we have a message for him: We are never too tired to stand up for our Constitution. - Lornet Turnbull Read more about: LAND OLAKES, FLA.A Florida elementary school principal is accused of stealing $900 (U.S.) from a mentally disabled 9-year-old. The Tampa Bay Times reports 50-year-old Edward John Abernathy was arrested Thursday and charged with grand theft. A Pasco County Sheriffs Office release says deputies were told the child brought $2,100 of his parents money to Connerton Elementary School in Land OLakes in October. It says teachers told deputies they found the cash, counted it and locked it in the principals office. It says an investigation showed Abernathy only gave the students mother $1,200 when she went to pick up the cash, pocketing the rest. Pasco County schools superintendent Kurt Browning says Abernathy will be placed on paid administrative leave. Its unclear if Abernathy has a lawyer. Marc and Susan Orfanos awoke at 2 a.m. on Thursday in Thousand Oaks, California, to a call from a relative in New York. The groggy-eyed couple stumbled into a ritual that is familiar to parents in Columbine, Blacksburg, Aurora, Newtown, Orlando, Parkland and, as of this week, also in the quiet outpost of Los Angeles. They waited to find out if their child, who had survived the deadliest mass shooting in modern American history last year in Las Vegas, had perished in another mass-casualty shooting. Youre always holding out hope, Marc Orfanos, 63, said in an interview. He and his wife had raced to the Borderline Bar & Grill, where a line-dancing night for college students ended when a lone gunman opened fire shortly before midnight. As they waited in a crisis centre nearby, several survivors told the distressed couple that they thought they had seen their son flee the bar. It wasnt until noon on Thursday that a police officer told them the news: Their 27-year-old son, Telemachus Orfanos, was dead. That marked the end of one grim ritual, and the beginning of another, as the Orfanos parents channelled their private anguish into a public cry for gun control a cry that has echoed from Aurora to Newtown and beyond. But what distinguished their plea was an utter disavowal of the stock response to the violence that claimed their sons life. Read more: Thousand Oaks mourns in wake of bar massacre Marine combat veteran kills 12 in California bar shooting I dont want prayers. I dont want thoughts. I want gun control, Susan Orfanos said on local TV. And I hope to God nobody else sends me any more prayers, she said, vigorously shaking her head. She emphasized each word, demanding: No more guns. Whether anyone will listen, her husband said, the victims parents know thats in question. If mowing down 5-year-olds at Sandy Hook didnt make an impression, nothing will, said Orfanos, a semi-retired substitute teacher. The bottom line is the NRA owns most of the Republican Party, and probably some of the Democratic Party as well. Until that vise is broken, this is not going to end. (The NRA gave financial backing to a handful of Democratic congressmen this cycle, according to the Center for Responsible Politics, a non-partisan research group.) There was hardly a groundswell of support on Thursday for new measures to restrict access to firearms. A muted debate unfolded along familiar lines. Everytown for Gun Safety, founded and financed by former New York mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, urged the new Congress to take common-sense, strategic actions to reduce gun violence. Gabrielle Giffords, the former Democratic congresswoman from Arizona who was shot in 2011, said she was heartbroken, angry, and never going to accept this as normal. The NRA, meanwhile, pointed to Californias already-tight controls the state was the first to ban assault rifles, nearly 30 years ago. The organizations spokesman, Dana Loesch, aimed to make the debate about mental illness, which is a problem that is not particular to the United States, where the rate of gun homicides is much higher than it is in other high-income countries. Authorities said Ian David Long, 28, had legally purchased the .45-calibre Glock handgun he had wielded inside the bar. He also used an extended magazine, which officials said required additional analysis to determine how many rounds it could hold, and whether it may have violated state law. Democratic lawmakers expressed hope that the new balance of power in Washington, ratified by the midterm election on Tuesday, would shift the debate. There were notable victories for gun control advocates, including Lucy McBath, whose son was killed in a 2012 shooting. The Democrat seized a closely watched House seat in the Atlanta suburbs. It is unfortunately not surprising that on the same day I officially became a congresswoman-elect, other families in this country are receiving the same exact call that I did six years ago when I learned my son had been murdered, McBath said in a Thursday statement posted on Twitter. She said she would work to make our communities safer. In the Colorado district that includes Aurora, the Denver suburb where 12 people were killed in a movie theatre in 2012, Democrat Jason Crow unseated Republican Rep. Mike Coffman. Guns were also a fault line in Northern Virginia, where Republican Rep. Barbara Comstock fell to Democrat Jennifer Wexton. Meanwhile, 60 per cent of midterm voters, including 42 per cent of gun owners, supported stricter controls, according to an NBC News exit poll, while 36 per cent were opposed. But the NRA also had gains to celebrate. Candidates backed by the deep-pocketed organization won many more races than they lost, according to a tracker run by The Trace, a gun-related news outlet. The NRA helped oust Democratic Sen. Joe Donnelly in Indiana, and it helped elevate Sen.-elect Marsha Blackburn, a Republican congresswoman in Tennessee. Blackburn told Fox News on Thursday that the shooting made clear the need to protect the Second Amendment and protect our citizens before shifting the discussion to mental health. The senior Orfanos said his son, who went by Tel, was hardly a critic of the Second Amendment. In fact, the 27-year-old was something of a gun enthusiast. During his time in the Navy, he often visited shooting ranges, and when he returned home to live with his parents several years ago, he asked if he could keep a gun in the house. They wouldnt allow it. My take is that if theres a gun in the house, theres always a possibility of an accident, or of suicide, his father said. It increases the odds. Orfanos had hoped his son would change his mind after the Navy veteran survived last years mass shooting at a country music festival in Las Vegas. His son suffered PTSD from the episode, in which he had helped pull mutilated bodies out of the line of fire, Orfanos said. He still thought people can have their guns, his father said. But even he said they didnt need extended magazines, which is what the person had who murdered my son. He said the countrys gun culture is the cause of his sons death a culture maintained by what he condemned as the fear-mongering of the NRA. I blame flat out the Wayne LaPierres of the world, the Dana Loesches, because they put the fear of God in some of these people who think they need to have guns up the wazoo, Orfanos said, referring to the executive vice president of the NRA and the groups prominent spokeswoman. The only way to change the culture, he said, is to pass rational gun legislation that protects peoples ability to arm themselves in the interest of self-defence but prohibits weapons such as AR-15s and high-power handguns. The victims father said it was time to get real and put an end to this violence. His wife, Orfanos said, remained inconsolable through Thursday. My son was a Navy veteran, and, fortunately, he never faced combat, Orfanos said. Last year in Las Vegas, he survived as his friends were shot all around him, only to come back to our home and be murdered in our hometown. SARAJEVO, BOSNIA The Latest on the flow of migrants to Europe (all times local): 3:40 pm. Macedonia has extended the state of emergency at its southern and northern borders until June 2019 in an effort to reduce illegal border crossings by migrants. Parliament approved the measure for the borders with Greece and Serbia because of increased migratory flows. Balkan states closed their borders in early 2016 to migrants heading from Greece to Europes prosperous heartland, but Macedonian police say more than 6,600 illegal crossings of the countrys borders were recorded in the first half of 2018. Police teams from several EU nations are helping their Macedonian peers to patrol the borders. Macedonia first declared a state of emergency at its border areas in August 2015 after tens of thousands of transient migrants illegally entered the country. ___ 3:30 pm. Some 150 migrants will be transferred back to the Bosnian capital Sarajevo by bus after they were not allowed to get off a train in the northwest of the country, local authorities said Friday. The migrants, who were seemingly looking to cross the border and get into European Union member Croatia, had spent hours stranded on the train in the town of Bihac. The migrants arrived early Friday but the authorities in Bihac have been directing migrants to other areas in Bosnia, saying they cannot accommodate any more people. Last month, about 100 migrants who arrived on a train from Sarajevo, were also transferred back. Bosnia has been struggling with the influx of thousands of people fleeing war and poverty in the Middle East, Africa or Asia. Migrants have turned to Bosnia for a passage to the West to avoid more heavily guarded routes in the Balkans. MULTAN, PAKISTANA Pakistani court has found a woman and her friend guilty of poisoning to death 17 family members and sentenced them each to multiple life sentences in prison. Police officer Zafar Iqbal said Friday that anti-terrorism court Judge Shakir Hasan also fined Aasia Bibi and Shahid Lashari 3 million rupees ($23,000 (U.S.)) each. The court Thursday ordered that the 15 life terms run concurrently. Bibi was married against her will in September last year to Amjad Hussain in the central city of Rajan Pur. A month later, investigators say, Bibi conspired with Lashari to poison a container of milk that was consumed by the whole family of 27. The poison killed 17 family members but Bibis husband and nine others survived. Many parents in Pakistan arrange marriages for their daughters. Read more about: NEW YORKBefore hopping on a plane to Paris on Friday, U.S. President Trump insulted some more reporters, threatened that others may have their White House credentials pulled like CNNs Jim Acosta and disputed reports that his press secretary spread a doctored video of Acostas encounter with a White House intern. During a brief media availability outside the White House, the president gave more fodder to fans who enjoy watching him scrap with journalists. Trump said nobody manipulated a video distributed by White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders that showed Acosta resisting an interns attempt to take a microphone from him during a news conference on Friday. A video expert had told the Associated Press that the video appeared doctored to speed up Acostas arm movement and make his gesture more threatening; the White House used that encounter to justify pulling Acostas credentials. It wasnt doctored, the president said. They gave a close-up view. Thats not doctoring. Abba Shapiro, an independent video producer hired by the Associated Press to compare the footage tweeted by Shapiro with the Associated Press coverage of the news conference, said the alteration made was too precise to be an accident. Two late-night comics, Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel, both said on their shows Thursday that Sanders should be fired for her action. Read more: White House shares doctored video to support punishment of journalist Jim Acosta White House suspends CNNs Acosta after Trump confrontation The fact that the White House press secretary is promoting this doctored video is reprehensible, and grounds for dismissal, Colbert said. While Trump called the reporter who asked about the video dishonest, that was mild compared to his treatment of April Ryan, a White House correspondent for American Urban Radio Networks, and CNNs Abby Phillip. Phillip asked Trump whether he wanted Matt Whitaker, the newly-appointed acting attorney general, to rein in Special Counsel Robert Mueller. What a stupid question you asked, Trump replied. What a stupid question and I watch you a lot and you ask a lot of stupid questions. In response, CNN said through its Twitter feed that Phillips question wasnt stupid. In fact, she asked the most pertinent question of the day, CNN said. Trumps insults are nothing new. And never surprising, CNN said. The attack on Ryan was unprovoked, although the president had appeared upset at Wednesdays news conference when Ryan stood up and asked him, without a microphone, about voter suppression in the midterm elections. Ryan wasnt among Trumps questioners Friday. I watch her get up, he said Friday. I mean, you talk about somebody thats a loser, she doesnt know what the hell shes doing. She gets publicity, and then she gets a pay raise, or she gets a contract with, I think CNN. But shes very nasty, and she shouldnt be. Ryan became a CNN contributor last year. She said on the network that the three presidents she covered prior to Trump may not have liked every question she asked, but understood why she did so. At the end of the day it was part of the American process, it was part of what our Founding Fathers put in place for the accountability of the president of the United States, she said. This president seems not to like it, so therefore Im a loser. Between Ryan, Phillip and Yamiche Alcindor of PBS NewsHour, that makes three Black, female reporters that the president dealt with harshly in the past three days. Trump on Wednesday accused Alcindor of asking a racist question when she inquired about the president receiving support from some white nationalists. Trump said he hadnt made a decision when asked by a reporter how long Acosta would remain in the penalty box. But he said there could be others. When youre in the White House, this is a very sacred place to be, he said. This is a very special place. You have to treat the White House with respect. You have to treat the presidency with respect. Olivier Knox, president of the White House Correspondents Association, said his organizations board met Thursday with Sanders and White House communications director Bill Shine for what it expected to be a series of conversations about Acostas status. Despite losing his White House pass, and the ability to travel with Trump and the rest of the press corps on Air Force One, Acosta went to Paris to cover Trumps meeting with world leaders this weekend. He tweeted a photo of himself standing in front of the Eiffel Tower early Friday. Read more about: PARISFrench President Emmanuel Macron will be trying out for the role of leader of Europe this weekend. As he hosts more than 60 heads of state for a ceremony and peace summit tied to the centennial of the First World Wars bloody end, Macron will have an opportunity to show that he can bring great powers together and give voice to the values that bind them together. Frances young president, just 40 years old, has long advocated a stronger, reinvigorated European Union and regularly condemned nationalism across the continent. He stands ready to continue the fight now that German Chancellor Angela Merkel has signalled she will exit the stage. But Europe at this moment may be too divided to accept a grand vision pronounced by a single leader, and Merkels departure may do more to isolate Macron than to boost his standing. Europeans are too deeply divided amongst themselves and on the fundamentals, said Dominique Moisi, a foreign-policy analyst at the Institut Montaigne in Paris and former Macron campaign adviser. What you have is a Europe that is segmenting into different tribes, said Mark Leonard, director of the London-based European Council on Foreign Relations. These segments are multiplying along an increasing number of fractures, he said. Read more: Chancellor Angela Merkel wont seek re-election in Germany Macron praises divisive First World War general There is a clear north-south division over the euro crisis, and an east-west division over migration and Russia, he said. You also have highly polarized societies in most member states, and that does mean that having a single leader of Europe is kind of utopian at the moment. Perhaps the biggest question for Macrons position in Europe is what will happen after Merkel leaves office. The German chancellor has announced she will not seek reelection as chairman of her political party next month or as Germanys leader when her term ends in 2021. Merkel has been a constant of European politics since she assumed the chancellery in 2005, outlasting many of her opponents abroad and challenges to her leadership from within. Without her, Macron will have less competition as the dominant player in Europe, but he will also lose a key political ally. The Franco-German alliance has been called the motor of the EU, the central connection without which the entire European machine would cease to function. Many of the EUs recent successes have depended on productive partnerships across the Rhine: Helmut Kohl and Francois Mitterand in the 1980s and 1990s, Merkel and Nicolas Sarkozy, dubbed Merkozy, in the early 2010s. Macron and Merkel, too, have had a fine partnership. Internal pressure from the more conservative factions of her shaky coalition government forced Merkel to resist some of Macrons European proposals notably his plans for further economic integration. But she has been a tireless defender of the EU since before Macron emerged onto the scene. Her absence will likely leave Macron on his own in the defence of an ever greater union. The centre doesnt really hold in the same way that it did, Leonard said. It looks more like a Franco-German bunker than a motor. And there may soon be only one man left in that bunker. Even if Merkel is succeeded by someone with a similar ideology, that person undoubtedly would bring less clout. France is a very important (EU) member state, but not strong enough on its own to bring other countries along with it, Leonard added. On the world stage, Macron has already had many disappointments. Despite his efforts to woo U.S. President Donald Trump, he watched helplessly as the United States withdrew from the Paris climate accord and the Iran nuclear deal. Trump will further slight the French president by attending the ceremony but skipping the peace summit this weekend. Within France, Macron has successfully pushed through a host of reforms designed to liberalize a famously regulated labour market and to stimulate economic growth. But he has paid a heavy price in popularity. According to a September poll from Ifop, a leading French polling agency, his approval rating is at 29 per cent, less than half of what it was when he was elected in May 2017. By contrast, Europes leading nationalist voices, whom Macron has publicly challenged on any number of occasions, remain quite popular. Matteo Salvini, Italys interior minister and de facto leader, enjoys an approval rating of 59 per cent, according to a poll released this week by the Italian newspaper La Repubblica making Salvini roughly twice as popular among Italians as Macron is with the French. Hes weakened by the fact that hes orphaned by Merkel, said Moisi. And hes weakened by inside by the spectacular fall of his popularity. A separate Ifop poll, published on Sunday, shows that Macrons party, La Republique en Marche ( Republic on the Move), has less support than Frances far-right Rassemblement National (National Rally) in advance of the 2019 European parliamentary elections. In a way, the summit that opens this weekend comes a bit too late for him, Moisi of the Institut Montaigne said. Macron, nonetheless, has focused his pitch this week on his concern about the resurgence of populist tribalism in Europe and the importance of political integration, which he credits with guaranteeing European prosperity and peace. In a number of rare interviews, he has appealed to the darkest chapters of Europes recent history to underscore his anxieties about its present. Im struck to see two things that resemble terribly the 1930s, Macron told Frances Europe 1 radio. The fact that our Europe was rocked by a profound economic and financial crisis... and the rise of nationalisms that play on fears. The point, he said, is to recognize the fragility of the European enterprise launched after the two world wars. We need a strong Europe, one that protects, he said. The question is how many of his guests agree. Read more about: A year after the Harvey Weinstein scandal and a year after New York Congressman Anthony Weiner was jailed for 21 months for sexting with a 15-year-old girl on Skype, some men still arent getting the message of the #MeToo movement. That is simply this: its not just about rape. Uninvited sexual attention exposure, stalking, harassment, trolling, touching, persistent attention, sexting are in some cases illegal and in others unwelcome, uncivilized and unacceptable. There can be no excuse for any man not to have received this message, loud and clear, by this point. But in the wake of this weeks double-whammy scandal surrounding MP Tony Clement, it clearly bears repeating: men must do better. As readers will know by now, earlier this week it was revealed Clement, a now ex-member of this countrys national security committee and Conservative caucus, was dumb enough to send sexually explicit photos and a video, to boot to someone he didnt even know but says he thought was a consenting female recipient. That person then allegedly turned around and demanded money reported to be in excess of $75,000 to not share the images publicly. Police are investigating the alleged extortion and Clements best hope from this is that that person is of age and it doesnt involve national security. Theres more. In the fallout from that revelation it has become clear that Clement, who is 57, has made numerous women, including much younger women, feel uncomfortable over the years by obsessively liking their Instagram photos or direct messaging them on Twitter late at night with questionable messages. Among the landslide of women who turned to social media to complain about his unwanted attention this week was Claire McWatt. She was a 23-year-old chair of the Toronto Youth Cabinet in 2014 when Clement sent her a direct message on Twitter after midnight expressing a desire to talk municipal politics. He knew how young I was. Thats creepy, she said. Indeed, Rachel Curran, a former senior Conservative aide in the Harper government, told the Globe and Mail that Clement was known for sending multiple unsolicited direct messages to young women, characterizing his behaviour as harassment. But still, with his career if not his marriage and relationship with his three adult children in ruins, Clement continues to claim to be oblivious to how he made women feel. I also apologize to anyone else who felt in any way that I crossed online boundaries that made them feel uncomfortable, even without my knowing, he wrote in a letter to constituents on his web page on Thursday. Really? Women deserve better than this. Men must do better than this. Dont spank your kids, Nov. 7 I read this piece with interest. The issue of spanking has long raised important issues and questions. Without question, many backers of an outright ban would criminalize parents for minor incidents. In Canada, there is continuous pressure to use the Criminal Code as a preventive tool on the premise that criminal penalties act as a deterrent. Indeed, the spanking law in this country is a good example. In 2003, the Supreme Court of Canada did uphold a decision by the Ontario Court of Appeal to allow parents to use reasonable force to discipline children. At that time, some individuals and organizations pushed to have it added to the Criminal Code, in effect, to criminalize spanking. The attempts were not successful. Making conduct criminal is societys ultimate condemnation. The purpose of criminal law was originally to punish the perpetuators of serious deeds such as robbery, rape, assault and murder. The push to criminalize unsafe or potentially harmful behaviour raises important public safety issues which Canadians need to understand. Are criminal penalties a more effective tool than less severe regulatory sanctions to prevent unsafe acts? Is the public better protected when unsafe behaviour is treated as a criminal offence rather than a regulatory administrative matter? Do harsher penalties for unsafe behaviour bring corresponding improvements to public safety? This issue is highly relevant to all those Canadians who want a just and effective justice system. Prevention is a more challenging goal than punishment. Yet, in the long term, it is far more cost effective. Regulatory approaches often provide the most effective tools to prevent unsafe behaviours, provided the measures are well-enforced and supported by public education. To achieve some safety outcomes, legislation may not be needed at all. For example, increased public awareness may lead to the desired outcome. A case in point: In 2000, Sweden embarked on a 10-year public education program aimed at reducing the incidence of spanking in that country. Of course, where there is malicious intent or wanton disregard for safety, criminal law is appropriate. As this debate evolves again, Canadians should support an outright ban on spanking, but certainly not make it a criminal offence. Animal cranks make a good point, badly, Mallick, Nov. 5 Heather Mallick accuses animal activist Jenny McQueen of anthropomorphizing the two piglets she rescued from Canadas factory farm system. Actually, it works the other way around. We humans deny feelings and intelligence to others whether humans or piglets that we wish to slaughter, out of prejudice or because we wish to eat them. Forget the cosy of idea of your meat grazing in meadows. The factory farm system is a government-sanctioned abomination, allowing for the torture of every animal from birth to gassing, to throat-slitting, or to live-skinning. Decades from now, activists such as McQueen, will be seen as virtuous citizens, who fought for the innocent, helped save the planet from the exploitation of land and water and the pollution of animal feces, and who even taught humans to see the connection between the saran-wrapped ribs in their meat counter and diseases such as cancer. We humans have a hard time grasping the slaughter of millions. Perhaps two piglets and one crank activist will help us better understand our collusion and our folly. Sylvia Fraser, Toronto Ann Bradley, Los Angeles Yes, science and the ingenuity of people who are appalled by the cruel treatment of farmed animals will eventually prevail and be instrumental in producing and moving lab grown meat into restaurants and the meat section of food stores. But the issue of animal suffering wouldnt be discussed or reported on without the efforts of groups like PETA, or the compassionate efforts of people who can genuinely empathize with the pain and suffering of individual animals enough to step in and rescue them or shower them with a bit of kindness. Had a chuckle over the headline, GO bus petition tops 11,000 names, in the Thursday GTA section of the Star. The signatories were pleading for a return of their bus service and protesting a new protocol that forces them to ride the new Line 1 subway extension to get to the York University campus. The new extension has two campus stops. So, Metrolinx is ending its GO bus service to campus, forcing 4,300 daily travellers to disembark one long stop away and pay another fare to their campus destination. While many are ecstatic with the new subway service, others are negatively impacted, frustrated, and describe their reality as inconvenient and really unfortunate. The subway, as a silver bullet solution to all commuter transportation woes, is a discredited notion. Commuters believe in its efficacy. Voters subscribe to the doctrine. And politicians, either because of, or as a result of this persistent dogma, propagate it almost as an article of faith. Therefore, if you are running for elected office in north Scarborough, or Richmond Hill, or, heaven help us, Pickering, your platform will undoubtedly include a promise to move heaven and earth to bring a subway to your constituents door. Because, what are we, chopped liver? If Vaughan deserves a subway, so do we in Scarborough, and Richmond Hill, and . . . Read more: Petition to bring back GO bus service to Yorks Keele campus tops 11,000 names York Region leaders back plan to upload TTC subway to province York University, students call for transit services to integrate fares after YRT and Viva cancel routes to campus Meanwhile, a subway may be exactly what you dont need to get to work or school in a reasonably fast and cost-effective way. It may just slow you down. Or price you out of the market. Imagine that. At a time when we should be advocating for multiple options on multiple platforms using the technology and mode of transit that best suits the route and the traveller, we are poised to again descend into a spat over LRT versus subway versus bus versus car. And it doesnt help that so many are so tired of the debate that they have adopted the posture that amounts to, We dont care. Just build something. The fear behind Premier Doug Fords pronouncement that the province will take over subway construction in the GTA is that he is motivated by a stubborn, unrealistic, untested notion that subways are best. Worse is the corollary, stating: LRTs clog up our roads and get in the way of the car. By now you would think that a GTA resident would be wise enough to subscribe to the principle of subways where necessary, but not necessarily subways. We could have had a fully funded rapid transit line on its own right of way, unimpeded by car traffic, linking Kennedy Station to the Scarborough Town Centre. For $1 billion. Brand spanking new. Operating like the Canada Line in Vancouver. And more than sufficient for the needs of the Scarborough RT corridor until 2050. Instead, we have messed it up royally, fighting over LRTs versus subways versus SmartTrack. Just in case you forget, the TTC filed a document saying that a modernized RT was the best way to go. The David Miller regime opted instead for an LRT, paid for by the province. The Rob Ford regime scrapped that in favour of a subway. The John Tory regime got elected on a platform to increase GO transit service right next to the corridor and call it SmartTrack. But SmartTrack and the subway would cannibalize each other. So Tory moved the subway line further east to McCowan Rd. and reduced the number of stops from three to one, at a price tag that could reach $4 billion or more. (Deep breath) And now Premier Ford is poised to turn that into a three-stop subway and if it costs less than $6 billion you will be lucky. The Sheppard subway saga is just as distressing, so lets skip it. Full disclosure here. Ever since I started writing about transit needs in Toronto and reported on the grand plans for four rapid transit lines Spadina subway extension, Eglinton subway, Sheppard subway and the Scarborough RT extension to Malvern the Sheppard subway has been a gleam in my eye. Whats more, I still dream that instead of stopping at Yonge and Sheppard, the line would continue west to link with the Spadina line and complete the loop at the top end of the city, like it does downtown. Now, I understand mine is a long-term dream that will be realized long after Im gone. Im prepared to even pay for it now, through tolls and higher taxes, so my offspring can realize its benefits. And I accept that my pet subway must be weighed and analyzed and compared to other competing projects. The fact that I have zero confidence in the politicians making the decisions has dulled my expectation that thoughtful inquiry and examination will determine what is built and where, but hope springs, yknow . . . So Ford is likely to extend the Bloor-Danforth subway northeast to the Scarborough Town Centre to link with an eastern extension of the Sheppard subway from Don Mills. The masses will be happy. Who looks a gift subway in the mouth? But years hence the actual commuters, going where the subway doesnt go, and bereft of wise, simple transit options that take them where they need to go, will sign petitions and remonstrate. By then the subway-only evangelists will be long gone. Royson James is a former Star reporter who is a current freelance columnist based in Toronto. Follow him on Twitter: @roysonjames Read more about: At least five female Progressive Conservative staffers received sexually inappropriate texts with photos attached from a former top aide to Premier Doug Ford, sources told the Star. Complaints about late-night messages from Andrew Kimber, Fords executive director of issues management and legislative affairs including pictures of him in underwear led to his sudden departure last Friday morning. Breaking his silence for the first time since the allegations surfaced, Kimber said in a Twitter statement Thursday that he is sorry for his unacceptable conduct. I unreservedly apologize for the pain I have caused others by my recent actions, he wrote. Everyone has the right to live and work free from harassment, and Im sorry for those who I have hurt. I am also sorry to my friends and colleagues in the Ford government and the disservice I brought to the office, Kimber added. I take full responsibility for my behaviour. I resigned my position to deal with these issues and will seek the help I need going forward. Read more: Jim Wilsons resignation announcement was delayed to protect accuser, Ford says Investigations launched into allegations against former Tory minister Jim Wilson, key aide Andrew Kimber Opinion | Edward Keenan: Ontario kids don't have up-to-date sex-ed, but they can learn from Conservative politicians The texts from Kimber, who until recently occupied one of the top positions in the premiers office, began during last springs Ontario election campaign and continued until recently, several sources said. They suggested alcohol was a contributing factor. With Kimber in a key job, the power imbalance between him and the subjects of his texts grew wider, raising deeper concerns about the unwanted missives, Conservative sources said. The texts were first flagged by one complainant before four more came forward, one insider told the Star. He lasted about a minute when we found out, said Ford, who has offered to arrange counselling services for any staff requesting it. Kimbers departure was not mentioned in any press release. Associates said he is travelling abroad this week. Ironically, Kimber was ousted last Friday shortly after telling superiors in the premiers office about an allegation that former economic development minister Jim Wilson made a sexually inappropriate remark to a male staffer the night before, Conservative party sources said Thursday. As soon as I found out, within hours, they were done, they were gone, Ford said earlier this week in his first comments about the scandals. An independent firm has been hired to investigate the complaints. Wilsons resignation from cabinet and the PC caucus, submitted at the request of Ford, was announced in a press release Nov. 2 at dinnertime after a dramatic day behind closed doors in the premiers office. Earlier that day, Wilson, a veteran minister from the previous Harris and Eves governments, Ford, then-transportation minister John Yakabuski and Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey were in Sarnia to announce the first open for business border sign. Unbeknownst to Wilson, officials had begun setting the wheels in motion during the Sarnia trip. The premier defended his initial decision not to say Wilson was leaving because of a sexual misconduct complaint, instead approving a press release stating only that the minister had quit to seek addiction treatment, because he wanted to shield accusers of the two men from media attention. Following the sign unveiling, the premier and ministers toured the local raceway and held a round-table discuss with Sarnia-area business leaders before returning to Toronto, where Ford remained tight-lipped for days. He shuffled his cabinet early Monday morning to replace Wilson, moved Yakabuski to natural resources and forestry and did not make any public comments until Tuesday. I have zero tolerance for this behaviour, he told reporters Wednesday in an air force museum at CFB Trenton. I want to make sure that every single person on our team at Queens Park knows theyre going to have a safe environment. When confronted with the staffers allegation by the premiers office officials in Toronto, Wilson said he could not remember making any inappropriate remarks, said Conservative sources. Wilson has not replied to repeated requests for comment from the Star. He has entered a rehab facility for alcohol addiction. At Queens Park, interim Liberal leader John Fraser wondered why it took so long for Ford to act but said the premier has since explained himself. I think the air is cleared, said Fraser. But Fraser said the government should have been straightforward and transparent last Friday instead of issuing a statement that proved to only be half of the story. Deputy NDP Leader Sara Singh called the statement a lie of omission and accused Ford of trying to cover up the scandal. Protecting a victim of sexual misconduct is the right thing to do. Protecting a powerful man accused of sexual misconduct isnt. Pretending that those things are at odds with each other is wrong, Singh said in a statement. Robert Benzie is the Stars Queens Park bureau chief and a reporter covering Ontario politics. Follow him on Twitter: @robertbenzie Read more about: VANCOUVERExperts are warning Canada that working with Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei is a grave mistake after an explosive Australian report last week alleged the company had hacked a foreign network and shared the information with Beijing. The Chinese multinational is currently in partnership with Canadian universities across the country as well as companies such as Telus, with whom it is developing 5G networks in Canada. According to The Weekend Australian, secret intelligence reports show Huawei officials were pressured at some point in the past two years to provide password and network details to infiltrate a foreign system. It is unclear where the pressure came from. But several allied countries have voiced concerns about the company being a high-risk security threat. While the insights of our allies cant be shared for national security reasons, the Canadian government and Canadians alike should be legitimately mindful of the warnings issued by the Australian and American government, Christopher Parsons, a cybersecurity expert with Citizen Lab in the Munk School at the University of Toronto, told StarMetro. Taking their counsel very seriously is an appropriate decision. Read more: Huawei denies storing data after Facebook admitted it shared info with flagged Chinese company Trump denies report of frequent use of unsecure iPhones, allowing spies to listen Apple wipes thousands of gambling apps after China backlash And given Huaweis extensive partnerships with Canadian institutions to develop 5G infrastructure from millions of dollars of research grants at major universities often with rights to intellectual property to agreements with large national telecommunications companies Parsons said there are very good reasons for those concerns. The company has the advantage of selling their products at a reduced rate compared to Western competitors, he added. That has meant that in a time of budget cuts and crises, Huawei is a more cost-effective solution to achieve similar technological objectives with reduced budgets, Parsons explained. StarMetro reached out to Huawei five times for comment but received no response. On Nov. 5, a tech publication reported that Huawei categorically denied it has ever provided, or been asked to provide, customer information for any government or organization. Canadian government officials, the University of British Columbia and Telus also did not respond to StarMetros questions about their arrangements with Huawei on 5G research and development. Meanwhile, both the United States and Australia have banned the company from participating in the construction of the 5G network because of security concerns, and Washington has been increasing pressure on Canada, Britain and New Zealand to join suit. In fact, in a bipartisan letter addressed to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau dated Oct. 12, Democrat Sen. Mark R. Warner and Republican Sen. Marco Rubio urged Canada to reconsider Huaweis inclusion in any aspect of Canadas 5G development and maintenance. Intelligence co-operation between the U.S., U.K., Australia, New Zealand and Canada is often referred to as the Five Eyes. The letter included the warnings of three former Canadian national security officials earlier this year, including the former head of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service. The agency published a report in May 2018 outlining China and the age of strategic rivalry. Some of the first field tests with 5G technology took place in Vancouver in a partnership between Telus Corp. and Huawei. The Chinese firm has committed $600 million (U.S). in research and development for 5G technologies since 2009, according to its website. In 2015, Huawei signed a memorandum of understanding with Telus to establish a 5G Living Lab. The announcement was made when former B.C. premier Christy Clark visited Huaweis headquarters in Shenzhen, a release noted. And this new tech has the potential depending on how the regulatory framework unfolds to be truly transformative, offering increased efficiency and potential life-saving implications in fields such as health care, Parsons said. Thats because networks and devices on 5G will have massive connectivity thereby meaning the telecommunications will play a major role in how the future world will work. Parsons said there will be new services that we cannot yet foresee. Theres some concerns that equipment could be used to disclose information back to Chinese state intelligence, he said. Or could be used in a way to deteriorate infrastructure quality at different times. For instance, as entire electrical grids or oil pipelines enter the 5G network where each piece can communicate and share data analytics malicious actors could delay or tamper with a signal. StarMetro reached out to Telus multiple times for comment via phone leaving voice mails and texts, as well as emails but received no response. But at an international 5G conference held in Vancouver on Wednesday which listed Huawei, Telus, Rogers and Bell as sponsors one Telus employee acknowledged there were security risks with the 5G network but refused to identify specific company names. There are some concerns around who is in the space and how they are handling it, Ryan Walker, Calgary-based director of innovation and strategic partners, told StarMetro. Weve got a very regulated environment thats been called through from the Canadian government. Walker insisted the company is tackling it head-on and that privacy and security concerns are of utmost concern. StarMetro requested interviews with the public safety ministry and was referred to the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (CSE), which was established on Oct. 1. They offered an emailed statement with an attached cybersecurity fact sheet, which noted a review is in place for emerging 5G technology. Scott Jones, the head of CSE, was a guest speaker at the conference on Wednesday, where he insisted that collaboration will be essential in the rollout of 5G. This is where I believe where your reputation and our critical infrastructure is going to depend on us working together as vendors, operators and governments to design and build cyber resilient infrastructures, he said at the panel. We want to make it very expensive to attack us. But the real challenge of the future will be ensuring the integrity of networks are maintained no matter what, he said. Each day the government of Canada defends one billion attempts to scan vulnerabilities in their systems, 25 million direct attempts to install malicious software and more than 90,000 attempts to access and manipulate data, Jones said. Many operators are under pressure to lower costs to consumers, he added. Since Huawei is able to produce equipment at a cheaper cost than competitors, theres a suspicion on the part of intelligence agencies that they can underbid competitors because their product is subsidized by the Chinese state, said Charles Burton, a political scientist at the University of Ottawa. According to Chinese law, citizens of the Peoples Republic of China who are working in sensitive areas are obligated to respond to the requests from government to provide information that will be of use to the Chinese state, Burton explained, noting the company is referred to as a national champion firm. The subsidies to Huawei are in fact paid back by Huawei providing an all-of-government approach to the installation of this equipment, where it will allow the state to gather extensive amounts of data, which they can gain information that is of use to Chinas modernization and military purposes. North American telecommunications are already heavily integrated, Burton said, which means if some aspect of the Canadian system were using Huawei equipment, it could be used as a back door to get to U.S. technologies, including the military, through covert means. Burton said the Canadian intelligence community is sufficiently worried, to the point where they are prepared to speak publicly. Theres considerable concern among security and intelligence professionals that it would be a great mistake for Canada to have Huawei 5G technology in our telecommunications, he said. Read more about: VANCOUVERNo matter how British Columbians vote in the provinces current electoral referendum, they could learn much from the Indigenous people of New Zealand. Thats according to the trail-blazing Maori statistician and political scientist who helped pave the way for mixed-member proportional representation in her country, which has used MMP since 1996. Whetu Wereta was the only Maori person appointed to that three-member Royal Commission in the 1980s; she has since retired after a career as a senior civil servant. Thirty years have passed since the Royal Commission reported, she told StarMetro. I have followed the subsequent referendums, reforms and their results with a great deal of interest, having been a member of the Commission. The number of Maori entering Parliament from the specially designated Maori electorates has been rising slowly Second, the number of Maori coming into Parliament, either as electorate or as party list MPs, has been rising steadily. New Zealanders have voted with a mixed-member proportional system since 1996, after Weretas Royal Commission and two subsequent referenda recommended the change from first past the post. (MMP is one of three options voters in B.C. are asked to rank on the current referendum ballot, which must be received by Elections BC by 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 30). The percentage of Maori MPs in New Zealands Parliament jumped more than threefold since the country adopted mixed-member proportional representation in 1996. And while the numbers had been very slowly rising since the late 80s, they nearly doubled in the first proportional representation election. At the end of last year, 15.2 per cent of New Zealand was Maori, according to Statistics New Zealands population estimates. Of the countrys 120-seat Parliament, nearly 6 per cent of seats (seven MPs) are reserved for Maori thats seven MPs elected by mixed-member proportional from a separate electoral roll. Maori voters choose whether to vote in the Maori or the general roll. Additionally, heading into last years election, one in five MPs were Maori, including the leaders of several national parties. Thats gained the attention of Squamish nation Coun. Khelsilem (Dustin Rivers), who argued in a blog post Monday: Direct Indigenous representation forces the parties to create significant policy promises instead of weak offerings, he wrote. Mixed Member Proportional would be the best system with one important caveat: it needs to be MMP with open list. In New Zealands MMP elections, two different types of MLAs sit in the Legislature: at the riding level, District MLAs are elected using the current first-past-the-post system. The second type, Regional MLAs, are assigned from a list of candidates chosen by political parties and even out the proportion of the popular vote. Whether the regional party list is open (ranked by voters), or party-appointed, remains to be decided raising deep concern from opponents about making such a leap of faith, although both Premier John Horgan and Green leader Andrew Weaver have supported open lists. But for B.C. Liberal MLA Ellis Ross, a former Haisla nation councillor elected last year in the Skeena riding, its hard to compare Maori to First Nations in Canada. In a phone interview, Ross said Maori are far ahead in asserting their rights, whereas First Nations are only beginning to make headway in Canada. Its a very different landscape over there in how they recognize the Maori people, he said. Its fundamental to their society and constitution But racism was institutionalized when Canada was formed. Now were finally getting rid of the remnants of that Canada has come a long way, its not perfect, but a band like mine are now in a position to walk away from the Indian Act That was done through first past the post. While its true that far-right nationalist factions have grown their seat share in MMP parliaments of New Zealand and Germany recently, thats also been the case for first-past-the-post countries such as the U.S. or the U.K., where a Conservative minority only govern with the support of a right-wing Northern Irish party linked to sectarian violence. MMP, and most forms for proportional representation, do invariably allow smaller parties to gain seats proportional to their share of popular opinion. As Wereta explained, in New Zealand, three decades havent just seen Maori increase their share of seats. They have also expanded their political presence much more broadly, she noted. We have seen the rise and demise of a number of smaller parties, including a Maori Party, she said. Maori seem to be much more politically aware and engaged than they were in the past. If Indigenous people were represented proportionally by Indigenous MLAs in the B.C.s Legislature, they would have at least five seats. Yet until last years election, just two MLAs identified as such. That changed in 2017, however, when voters sent a record four Indigenous MLAs to Victoria: Carole James and Melanie Mark (NDP), Ellis Ross (BC Liberal) and Adam Olsen (Green). But even thats still short of full representation if thats the goal. Some important details need to be ironed out in B.C., however. In one version of MMP, voters choose a single candidate, and that vote decides both the winning District MLA and which party gets to be represented with the Regional MLA. In another version, voters have two separate boxes to mark on their ballot: one for a local candidate and one for their preferred party at the regional level. Indigenous voters appear to feel above-average frustrations with voting, according to the Attorney Generals How We Vote report, released May 30, in which 91,725 British Columbians submitted questionnaires, in addition to a 132-response Indigenous-specific survey. On the general population questionnaire, Indigenous respondents combining 3,392 First Nations, Metis and Inuit respondents said 22 per cent felt their vote doesnt count, six points higher than average; 17 per cent dont like the voting system, five points above average; and 8.4 per cent do not feel included, double the average. Indigenous respondents were five percentage points less likely to say they voted all or most of the time (89 per cent) than non-Indigenous people (94 per cent). The MMP became affectionately known as More Maori in Parliament, said Anishnaabe political scientist Sheryl Lightfoot, Canada Research Chair in Global Indigenous Rights and Politics, on a UBC panel Oct. 30. It isnt quite that simple, although that is a truth. She explained that in New Zealands 2017 election, the Maori party and one of its offshoots lost all their seats; but all other parties saw significant Maori MPs from the entirety of the political spectrum, she said. Weve seen a broadening out of representation to an even greater proportion than their population to 24 per cent. I think it gives us something to all chew on and think about as we look forward to this decision (in B.C.s referendum). According to a 2014 study by University of Canterbury political scientist Therese Arseneau, a Canadian appointed to New Zealand Electoral Commissions expert advisory panel for its 2011 referendum on MMP: The bottom line is that PR systems, especially party list systems, pose fewer barriers to achieving representative outcomes than do plurality/majority systems, Arseneau reported. In single-member districts experience shows that women and minorities have difficulty being selected. Thus the stage at which party gatekeepers choose the candidates is the most critical one for achieving diversity. Failure to present balance is both highly visible and potentially damaging. In Australia, another Commonwealth country that abandoned its historic first-past-the-post system in favour of pro-rep, 3.3 per cent of the population was Indigenous in 2016, but there are just five Indigenous parliamentarians a mere 2.2 per cent of seats. Although Australias particular voting system isnt on B.C.s ballot, its Upper and Lower Houses use two variations of single-transferable vote; STV does form a key element of the rural-urban proportional option being proposed for B.C. In the most proportionally elected Australian house, its Senate, Indigenous people are even overrepresented, holding four per cent of seats. But for MLA Ross, the danger of extremist parties potentially gaining seats in Victoria remains top of mind. I dont know what the government would look like under pro-rep, but you have to face it: theres an element out there that doesnt appreciate Aboriginal rights and title, he said. The issue I have with people who dont appreciate my views on extremist parties when it comes to racism: I can take criticism from another minority, but I cant and will not take it from someone in the majority whos never experienced racism. If you bring in parties who want to bring back aspects of that, you start letting in the agenda of extremist parties. They find out they cant get elected until they soften their approach to get a seat but they still have their roots, their agenda. VANCOUVERA group of young men play pool in a dimly lit corner of the hall as veterans Peter Salmon and Reid Lewis enjoy a beer near the bar at the Royal Canadian Legion on Commercial Dr. The pool and foosball tables help attract a new generation to the legion, said Salmon, the branch president. Everyone, civilian or veteran, is welcome. His legion is fighting to survive at a time when several other branches in the area have closed and older veterans are passing on. We know that next year, a few of us wont be here, said Lewis, a service officer at the Grandview-Collingwood legion. Its one of several B.C. legions in transition, adapting in order to continue serving veterans and the wider community. Each legion has its own tactic for achieving that mission, whether that be transformation on a grand scale or simply focusing recruitment efforts on a new generation. The bright blue building on the corner of 6th Ave. and Commercial Dr. has been a landmark in the neighbourhood for decades. It currently has about 340 members, but the bar at the legion increasingly makes its money by selling beer and snacks to young people who have never served in the military. There are no military bases in the Lower Mainland. Read more: For thousands of veterans living on the street in Canada, the battle isnt over CFL to honour Canadas military during Remembrance Day playoffs Project documenting Second World War veterans so their legacy is preserved Tara Sundberg, who lives nearby with her school-aged sons, echoed the sentiment that legions can be important gathering places for the community. Its one of the few places I can go and read my book and not be harassed, she said. The younger crowd generally starts trickling in after 7 p.m. A handful become members, though most dont. Sundberg hasnt signed up, citing tension with her pacifist nature. Still, Lewis argues theres no reason civilians cant contribute just as much as veterans do. After all, Legions need volunteers more than ever, said Salmon. Climbing real-estate prices and the increasing cost of living mean more families in the community need support. There is also an increasing awareness among veterans that legions cant do it all on their own. Giving people a place to chat about shared experiences from conflicts around the world is not enough to fight post-traumatic stress disorder, said Salmon. Thats the old-school way of thinking, said the 72-year-old. Thats why the Royal Canadian Legion BC/Yukon Command and its local branch in Surreys Whalley neighbourhood are partnering with BC Housing and the Lark Group, a developer, to build a $66-million complex that will serve as a centre for excellence in PTSD and mental-health services. Its a one-stop shop for veterans and first responders and the first of its kind in Canada, said Tony Moore, president of the Whalley Legion Branch. The new 20-storey building will boast a medical centre that offers rehabilitation services, trauma counselling and 48 units of social housing for veterans as well as first responders. We are trying to be at the forefront of looking after our veterans, said Moore, who served in the British army and then with the United Nations in Cyprus. The City of Surrey approved the rezoning application for the project, called the Legion Veterans Village, earlier this month. Demolition of the current two-storey legion building in Whalley could start as early as March 2019. Moore is confident other legions across the country will copy this idea; he is already fielding calls from chapters in New Brunswick and Manitoba. Even American veterans in Washington state have inquired about creating their own centre of excellence, he said. Legions need to adapt if they want to continue serving veterans, said Moore. There will always be veterans, and we have to be there for those veterans because there is so much hardship. There needs to be help for them, he said. But Salmon is skeptical about the Legion Veterans Village project. He believes veterans in the Lower Mainland cant afford to see any more legions close and that building a few large ones isnt a good solution. Legions need to have a neighbourhood feel, and each one is unique, he argued. He said a developer also approached him when he first became president at the Grandview-Collingwood branch 14 years ago. The company wanted to replace the legion building with a 36-unit apartment building with retail space on the ground floor. Only three residential units would have been reserved for veterans, Salmon said. I shot it down, he said. Read more about: Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 9) 18-year-old Filipino-American student Alaina Punzalan Housley was killed in the mass shooting in a Southern California bar, the Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Friday. American actress and TV host Tamera Mowry-Housley and her husband journalist Adam Housley are mourning the loss of their niece Alaina, who is a freshman student in Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. "Our hearts are broken," the couple said in a statement released to CNN. "We just learned that our niece Alaina was one of the victims of last night's shooting at Borderline bar in Thousand Oaks. Alaina was an incredible young woman with so much life ahead of her and we are devastated that her life was cut short in this manner. We thank everyone for your prayers and ask for privacy at this time." Pepperdine University also shared condolences with the Housley family. "Our hearts are broken with the news of this profound loss," the school said in a statement. "We offer our deepest condolences to the Housley family and ask that our community join us in keeping Alaina's family, friends, and loved ones in their prayers during this incredibly difficult time." DFA said it continues to monitor the situation to find out if other Filipinos and Filipino-Americans were killed or injured in the incident. At least 12 lives were cut short on Wednesday when a gunman opened fire in the Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks. The gunman was 28-year-old Ian David Long, a Marine veteran who often visited the site of the shooting. You are here: Business The first China International Import Expo opens in Shanghai on Nov. 5, 2018. [Photo By Zheng Liang/China.org.cn] The ongoing China International Import Expo (CIIE) has helped pave the way for Brazilian companies to develop on Chinese e-commerce platforms. During the expo, the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex-Brasil) signed cooperation agreements with Alibaba.com and Tmall.com to facilitate certain Brazilian companies' access to the Chinese market through those platforms. The companies involved can receive technical training in strategic positioning as well as discounts on maintenance fees. Marcia Nejaim, business director of Apex-Brasil said that 500 Brazilian companies are expected to enter the Chinese market through such e-commerce platforms as Alibaba. Apex-Brasil will provide more information and support to help those companies to develop quality products that meet Chinese consumers' demands, Nejaim said. In the first few days of CIIE, about 30 Brazilian companies visited the headquarters of Alibaba Group in Hangzhou to learn how to achieve success on Tmall.com and other platforms. VANCOUVERSurrey RCMP are investigating after a man was found dead in the citys Newton neighbourhood early Friday morning. Police received a call about a man who was on the ground outside a home on the 14200 block of 70A Ave. just before 1:30 a.m. Friday. Officers found a man who was already deceased. The scene was still cordoned off as of Friday morning, said the RCMP. Preliminary information indicates the man was shot, said a RCMP release. Violent crime has decreased by seven per cent in Surrey from July 1 to Sept. 30 of this year, compared to the same time last year, according to statistics the RCMP released on Wednesday. The RCMP confirmed there were 32 incidents of shots fired during those three months compared to 41 during the same time period last year. From July to September, the RCMP also saw a 23 per cent decrease in robberies and a six per cent decrease in sexual offences, compared to the same period last year. Read more about: Sit Down and Shut Up: How Discipline Can Set Students Free By Cinque Henderson St. Martin's. 240 pp. $27.99 --- The massive teenager loomed over the substitute teacher and challenged him with a stream of salty invective, refusing to yield to the teacher's efforts to assert control. The other students leaned in, eager to see where this confrontation would lead. The setting was Countee Cullen High School in the heart of South Watts. And it was Cinque Henderson's first day as a sub in the Los Angeles County school system. The life of any substitute teacher is a precarious one; each new assignment is fraught with the potential for disaster. Prior to my teaching career, I, too, subbed for a time. Some assignments were dream jobs. But others were nerve-racking tests of my composure. One job left me so shaken that when I got into my car at the end of the day, I leaned my head against the steering wheel and sobbed. Teachers value good substitutes. And judging from Henderson's account, that is exactly what he was - motivated and responsible - despite what one might surmise from the deliberately provocative title of his book, "Sit Down and Shut Up: How Discipline Can Set Students Free." He believes that his year of subbing, from the San Fernando Valley to Compton, in troubled and thriving schools, both public and private, provided him with a breadth of experience that qualifies him to analyze and offer solutions for what he feels is the biggest problem in our nation's most imperiled schools: student behavior. Henderson noticed that in schools with few behavioral problems, a system had been firmly established to deal with troublemakers. However, that was not the case in schools where there were many insubordinate students. In examining why these schools fail to deal effectively with student behavior, Henderson explores a number of social conditions and education missteps that he believes have led to the crisis. He points first to the crack epidemic that crippled many poor neighborhoods and upended young people's respect for authority. Henderson also disparages the trend toward championing "kids' rights" at the expense of enacting sensible repercussions for bad behavior. He sees a need for a return to the more stringent measures of detentions, suspensions and expulsions as a means of teaching kids that their bad actions have consequences, though he is quick to add that he is not discounting other solutions, such as mediation and anger management. Many of the ideas Henderson espouses are sound ones - that children should be taught impulse control; that charter schools are "a boondoggle for the rich" that siphon money from the neediest schools; and that more emphasis should be placed on middle schools, where behavior problems are likeliest to emerge. His interest in finding solutions to these challenges, and the evident concern and affection he shows for many of his students, are engaging and draw the reader in. His lively re-creations of conversations he had with kids over the course of his year subbing are realistic, human and often funny. At times, however, he ventures into areas that may strike today's reader as too hard-line. Henderson, who is black, focuses in one chapter on what he perceives to be black boys' need for a physically strong - even intimidating - male authority figure. This reader was taken aback when he began relating a tale of two middle-schoolers discussing their fathers keeping them in line through physical violence. One tells how his father punched him so hard in the chest that it knocked the wind out of him. Henderson writes: "Substitutes, as I understand it, are not mandatory reporters of child abuse, but it didn't matter. Even if we were, I wouldn't have called the authorities. Despite the fearful talk, I was actually charmed." He goes on to tell of another father who hurled a knife at his son when the son was deemed disrespectful. Henderson seems to feel that such assertions of physical dominance from an adult male are what is missing in the lives of too many young black males in single-parent households. He spends many pages on an analysis of how gangsta rap and Mariah Carey contributed to fetishizing black males. It is a lengthy, somewhat convoluted argument that made me wonder if I had wandered into an entirely different book. He follows it with an assertion that in predominantly white schools with small black populations, most of the black boys, brought up on society's elevation of white beauty, are going out with white girls, while the black girls have no one to date. Though this may be the case in some schools, it is by no means true across the board. It is not true of the school where I teach. When I told a colleague that the book I was reviewing was written by a sub, he raised his eyebrows. Many educators have a similar reaction. They question whether a substitute could possibly have the depth of understanding of the school system that a full-time teacher would have. This makes all the more curious why Henderson does not disclose that prior to this year of subbing, he worked as a full-time teacher in a Los Angeles middle school. As he has made clear in a story by Jay Mathews in The Washington Post and his own online post, it was a hellish year in which he struggled to deal with a demanding, seemingly irrational principal. As a first-year teacher, he exhibited perseverance, resourcefulness and a great deal of creativity that was not valued by the school's administration. That experience might have enriched his arguments in this book, but he does not discuss it at all. If teachers struggling with classroom behavior problems pick up this book in hopes of finding practical strategies, they might be disappointed. Henderson's prescription for troubled schools is not written for teachers so much as for school system administrators and lawmakers. He concludes with a brief chapter titled "What Can We Do Now?" that lists 10 suggestions. Only two of them are within the power of a classroom teacher to enact. His ideas are provocative and champion a return to more traditional values. Some of them may indeed be wise moves, but those in a position to follow through on them are a fairly narrow audience. --- McCabe is an English teacher at Yorktown High School in Arlington, Va., and the author of "His Other Life: Searching for My Father, His First Wife, and Tennessee Williams." WASHINGTON - Responding to protests from Washington artists and arts leaders, the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities has reversed a controversial new measure to censor its grant recipients. On Monday, the city's arts agency added sweeping language to already approved grants requiring that artists and arts organizations avoid producing work that could be considered lewd, vulgar or political or be at risk of losing their funds. The arts community protested, saying the amended contract infringed on their First Amendment rights. The DCCAH capitulated. "This was an ill-advised idea. It should not have been sent out," DC Councilman Jack Evans said. The short-lived controversy sent shockwaves through the city's arts community and had many recalling the 1980s culture wars that pushed the National Endowment for the Arts to stop funding individual artists. "My first reaction was just astonishment," said Sarah Browning, co-founder and executive director of Split This Rock, which has been awarded $70,000 in two grants from the commission. Browning herself won a $3,500 grant for poetry. "It's far outside the reach of anything that I've ever seen," Browning said. "To put it at risk is a huge problem for small organizations like ours. That said, we can't possibly sign this." In a rare step made after millions of dollars in public funding was approved last month, DCCAH Interim Executive Director Angie Gates sent an amendment to the grants contract originally sent in early October that said the commission would terminate any grant supporting work that it deemed "lewd, lascivious, vulgar, overtly political, or excessively violent, constitutes sexual harassment, or is, in any other way, illegal." The DCCAH provides grants and other support to city music, theater, dance and other organizations, using money from the District government and the National Endowment for the Arts. Comprised of 15 volunteer members who are appointed by the mayor, the commission approved more than 400 grants to individuals and arts organizations totaling about $12.9 million for 2019, according to its website. The commission was reacting to criticism to an exhibition at the Reeves Center on 14th Street NW last month that was intended to raise awareness of domestic violence. The DCCAH awarded $50,000 to artist Marta Perez Garcia to create the work, which included cloth dolls made by survivors of abuse that were suspended in a way that made at least one visitor upset because it seemed to depict a lynching. The amendment's vague language is troubling for many reasons, said Deepak Gupta, a constitutional lawyer who is working with the American Civil Liberties Union on behalf of local artists. For example, Gupta said an artwork or poem that criticizes President Donald Trump could be considered "overtly political" and thus in violation of the grant contract. "What (DCCAH) is saying is, if you take this money, we reserve the right to essentially censor your work," Gupta said. "That's an affront to basic First Amendment values. If there's one thing we know about the First Amendment, it's that the government doesn't have the right to tell you what you can say regarding politics or sex." Arts groups and other organizations, including the National Coalition Against Censorship, describe the amendment as "an attack on artistic freedom" that could have a chilling effect on artistic expression. Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts President Joel Wachs described the requirement as "a direct threat" to those who produce challenging work. "The DCCAH's revised language defies the First Amendment, censoring artistic freedom in the city in which we live and make our art. This new grant agreement flies in the face of the freedoms that our democracy was founded upon, and we strenuously object to it," Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company leaders Maria Manuela Goyanes and Meghan Pressman said in a statement. Washington Project for the Arts Executive Director Peter Nesbett said his organization could not agree to the amendment even if it jeopardized the almost $113,000 in funding it was awarded for 2019. "Its' a big deal for us to not sign it. It's a lot of money. But as an organization we are totally committed to protecting the rights of artists," he said. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, presides over a seminar and discusses with economists and entrepreneurs about current economic trends and development in the next year in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 8, 2018. [Photo/Xinhua] Premier Li Keqiang on Thursday called for more efforts to maintain stable performance and healthy development of the economy against increasing pressure at home and abroad. Li made the remarks when discussing with economists and entrepreneurs about current economic trends and development in the next year during a seminar. China has taken coordinated efforts this year to stabilize growth, propel reform and prevent risks and ensured the economy to perform stably on a high base, Li said. "New growth drivers are robust, and employment goals are fulfilled ahead of schedule." However, Li admitted that new downward pressure emerged amid complicated domestic and foreign circumstances, and the real economy faced more difficulties, stressing that the problems cannot be underestimated. China will be fully prepared and map out development in the next year, with measures to make better use of economic resilience and potential and foster new economic pillars, Li said, stressing the economy will perform in a reasonable range and advance toward high-quality development. China will maintain the continuity and stability of macro-policies, make its economic policies more coordinated and targeted and create a stable and predictable macro environment, Li said. In an effort to advance the supply-side structural reform, China should fix weak areas, promote industrial upgrading and move more boldly to cut taxes and fees, Li said. The country will introduce effective measures to alleviate the financing difficulties of private and small and micro businesses and place more emphasis on employment in macro-policies, Li said. To facilitate development, Li called for measures to improve business environments and policies according to the demands of enterprises and unleash market vitality and social innovativeness. China will further reduce administrative approvals and expand market access for private businesses, encouraging them to enter the infrastructure sector and ensuring fairness of competition, Li said. Entrepreneurship and innovation will be promoted to create jobs, and businesses will be encouraged to make technological breakthroughs and enhance their competitiveness, Li said. More energy will be channeled into expanding opening-up, Li said. "China will continue to equally treat state-owned, private and foreign-funded businesses, facilitating their investment and operation and better protecting their rights and property." Economists and entrepreneurs shared their viewpoints on economic situation and policy, the private sector, technological innovation and job markets at the seminar. Vice Premier Han Zheng also attended the meeting. CARLINVILLE A frequent contributor to the Telegraph is releasing a fresh look at the life of Abraham Lincoln as well as an updated edition of a work on Illinois in the Civil War. Tom Emery of Carlinville is releasing his full-length softcover The Civil War in Illinois as a second edition in December. The new book is an enhanced compilation of a bi-weekly newspaper column on Illinois in the Civil War that Emery wrote from 2011 to 2014. The latest edition will include additional articles and illustrations as Emery covers all of the leading topics of the Civil War in Illinois, including top leaders, regiments, the states participation in key battles, and life on the homefront. Quotes from dozens of men in the ranks highlight the work, which includes eighty articles, over thirty-five photos, a ten-page bibliography, complete footnotes with annotation, and index. Emerys book is a comprehensive look at the stories that define Illinois in the war, such as support for President Lincoln, Illinoisans who fought for the South, reaction to the Emancipation Proclamation, and the role of Illinois troops in such pivotal battles as Gettysburg, Vicksburg, Chickamauga, Shiloh, and the March to the Sea. The stories of the common soldier, however, are the heart of the The Civil War in Illinois, including the uplifting tales of battlefield angel Mary Mother Bickerdyke and Jennie Hodgers, who spent three years in service posing as a man. The stories of Christmas, family, and faith for Illinois soldiers are also included, and material on the war in the Riverbend is provided. Delivery of The Civil War in Illinois is expected around December 14, and readers are urged to reserve copies in advance. The book sells for $19.99 plus $1.25 tax and $3.76 postage and handling ($25 total). Emery is also releasing Moments in Lincolns Life, a unique look at the stories that helped define the greatness of Abraham Lincoln. This one-of-a-kind work will feature over fifty articles on a wide variety of lesser-known episodes that influenced Lincoln, from the friends, jobs, and events in his New Salem days to his life in Springfield and his incomparable years in the White House. Lincolns first political campaigns in the 1830s are covered, as are his relationships with his wife and family, his early romances, and his greatest speeches. Other key topics include some of Lincolns legendary legal cases, his divided support as President, and how he celebrated Christmas and holiday seasons. Little-known facts about the Lincoln assassination are also featured in Moments in Lincolns Life, including an analysis of the final week of Lincolns life, which fell over Holy Week. Narrative on Lincolns interaction with friends, associates, and White House visitors and employees are also highlighted. Illustrations, a list of sources, bibliographic essays, and index will be included. There are a lot of stories about Lincoln that need to be told, said Emery. Lincoln was a highly complex and fascinating individual, and I was drawn to some of the instances and relationships in his life that havent always been covered before. I wanted to bring out new information and new perspectives on Lincoln, to gain a different understanding. Moments in Lincolns Life will be released in early February, and reserve orders are recommended. The book sells for $19.99 plus $1.25 tax and $3.76 postage and handling ($25 total). A ten-percent discount is offered through December 10 for anyone wanting to reserve both books, as readers may have both selections for a total of $45, including tax and postage. Orders may be placed using PayPal (use the e-mail enjoyhistorytoday@gmail.com) or by mail by sending your name, address, phone, and check or money order to History in Print, 337 E. Second South, Carlinville, IL 62626. For more information, call 217-710-8392. EDWARDSVILLE Voters on Tuesday elected one Democrat and one Republican for circuit judge, and retained two sitting circuit judges by substantial margins. Associate Judge Sarah Smith defeated Republican challenger Mark D. Rabe by a vote of 56,130 to 45,332. Republican Dave Dugan defeated Democrat Marc Parker by a voted of 52,761 to 48,005. Dugan ran as an incumbent, having been appointed to fill a vacancy of John Barberis, who was elected to the Fifth District Appellate Court. Two sitting judges Dave Hylla, the chief judge, and Kyle Napp, who presides in the Criminal Division were easily retained. Circuit judges, once elected on a partisan basis, run for retention on a non-partisan ballot. Both Hylla and Napp are Democrats. The law requires a 60 percent yes vote for retention. Hylla received 68,837 yes votes compared with 21,770 no votes, for an approval rating of nearly 76 percent. Napp received 69,360 yes votes to 21,252 no votes for an approval rating of 76.5 percent. Smith, a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve, said Thursday she was still trying to take it all in. Its a surreal experience, she said. She said she made dozens of public appearances at union meetings, homecomings and other celebrations. I loved it. I loved meeting and making new friends. It was a great thing to tour and get to know people in Madison County, but my underlying message is for people to get out and get involved, Smith said. Dugan said he is honored, humbled and full of gratitude. He noted that, by agreement, the campaign was positive. We made it a gentlemans race. Marc and I agreed to make it a positive campaign and he stuck to his word, Dugan said. Hylla said he is pleased with the vote and noted that he and Napp are apparently recognized for doing a good job. Its nice to be recognized, he said. Hylla noted that the 76 percent yes votes he received was higher than he expected. I think people recognize all parties are getting fair treatment, Hylla said. He said he has not seen a reversal of any decisions or removal of any cases from Madison County, indicating that the judges are making good decisions. Napp agreed. She said she is honored to be retained, but the vote also shows that people believe that litigants in Madison County are on a level playing field. Elsewhere, Republican David K. Overstreet of Mount Vernon beat Democrat Kevin T. Hoerner of Belleville to fill the vacancy of Judge Richard P. Goldenhersh in the Fifth Appellate District of Illinois. The Fifth Appellate District covers 37 counties in Southern Illinois. Reach reporter Sanford Schmidt at 618-208-6449. EDWARDSVILLE An Alton man accused of killing well known Godfrey Village Board member Eldon Twirp Williams was indicted Thursday on first-degree murder and other charges, making his contested preliminary hearing not necessary. Donald M. Nelson, 34, of the 1200 block of Pearl Street, pleaded not guilty before Associate Judge Neil Schroeder. His case was set for a contested preliminary hearing, which would have allowed him a chance to argue that the state does not have enough evidence (probable cause) against him to try him. You are here: Business India will begin exporting raw sugar to China from early next year, an official statement issued by the Ministry of Commerce said Thursday. A contract for exporting 15,000 tonnes of raw sugar has been entered between the Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA) and COFCO, a Chinese government run public sector company. Raw sugar is the second product after non-basmati rice that China will import from India. India is in a position to become a regular and dependable exporter of high quality sugar in significant volumes to China, said the statement. The NationalInformation Platform for Nutrition (NIPN) is an initiative of Government ofUganda and the European Commission supported by the United Kingdom Departmentfor International Development and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation beingimplemented in selected countries including Uganda. Therefore, the Delegationof the European Union in Uganda has funded a project to establish a UgandaNational Information Platform for Nutrition (NIPN). The initiative aims tostrengthen National capacity to make better use of existing information anddata to inform policies, programmes and interventions in all sectors that couldcontribute to better nutrition for the Ugandan population. This processrequires analysis of current policies and programmes to identify issues; asystematic review of existing information both Internationally and Nationallyon the issue identified; and, when useful, the analysis of existing data fromUganda to shed light on nutrition. The project is being implemented by theOffice of the Prime Minister (OPM) in partnership with the Uganda Bureau ofStatistics (UBOS), and in collaboration with all the sectors involved in theUganda Nutrition Action Plan. World Vision Ugandais a Christian Relief, Development and Advocacy Non-Government Organizationdedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome povertyand injustice. We currently work in over 41 districts in Uganda. World Visionis committed to the protection of children and we will not employ people whosebackground is not suitable for working with children. All employment isconditioned upon the successful completion of all applicable background checks,including criminal record checks where possible. Our Vision for every child,Life in all its fullness. Our prayer for every Heart, the will to make it so. Kate Middleton waves as she arrives at the West Door of Westminster Abbey in London for her wedding to Britain's Prince William, on April 29, 2011. AFP PHOTO / ODD ANDERSEN Queen Maxima of the Netherlands wears the Steward Tiara as she attends a State Banquet at Buckingham Palace in London, Britain October 23, 2018. REUTERS/Peter Nicholls/Pool One Use Only. Can only be used in connection with the exhibition A Royal Wedding: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Handout image issued by the Royal Collection Trust of the diamond and platinum bandeau tiara, lent to the Duchess of Sussex by Queen Elizabeth II for her wedding, that will go on display as part of the exhibition A Royal Wedding: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, at Windsor Castle from October 26. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Wednesday August 29, 2018. See PA story ROYAL Outfit. Photo credit should read: Royal Collection Trust/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder. The late Princess of Wales at a Government House reception in Ottawa, Canada, wearing the Cambridge lover's knot tiara, which the Duchess of Cambridge wore to a diplomatic reception at Buckingham Palace this evening. Photo: Ron Bell/PA Wire The Duchess of Cambridge leaves a diplomatic reception at Buckingham Palace, wearing one of the late Princess of Wales's favourite tiaras, with her husband the Duke of Cambridge. Photo: Yui Mok/PA Wire Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attend a State Banquet at Buckingham Palace on day 1 of the Spanish State Visit on July 12, 2017 in London, England. This is the first state visit by the current King Felipe and Queen Letizia, the last being in 1986 with King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images) Princess Diana wearing the same tiara to a visit by Spanish royals in 1986 Meghan Markle (L) in St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle for her wedding to Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, watched by (middle row L-R) Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Britain's Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, Page boy James, Viscount Severn, Britain's Sophie, Countess of Wessex, Britain's Lady Louise Windsor, Britain's Princess Anne, Princess Royal, Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence, (front row L-R) Britain's Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Britain's Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, Britain's Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Duchess of Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and Britain's Prince Andrew, Duke of York Meghan has stepped out in asymmetric hems on numerous occasions, from the navy Roland Mouret she wore the night before her wedding to the double-breasted Prada skirt suit at last week's awards ceremony with the Queen. Photo: Getty Images Anyone who followed the goings-on of the British royals around the time of the Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's big day in May knows that he happy couple saw their fair share of stressful familial situations in their effort to make it up the aisle. From step-siblings' gate-crashing threats to a hospitalised father-of-the-bride, no doubt there was enough on the couples' plate to contend with as they battled their way to St George's Chapel. Expand Close Queen Elizabeth II looks on during the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday May 19, 2018. See PA story ROYAL Wedding. Photo credit should read: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Queen Elizabeth II looks on during the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday May 19, 2018. See PA story ROYAL Wedding. Photo credit should read: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire And until now, it would appear that the well-behaved members of the groom's side of the family were stream of calm in the bride's stormy ocean, offering to step in to see Meghan up the aisle, choosing the couple's music and generally being a pillar of support for the happy couple to cling to. However according to a new book, not everything was as it seemed behind palace doors. Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Meghan Markle departs for her wedding to Britain's Prince Harry, in Taplow, Britain, May 19, 2018. REUTERS/Darren Staples TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY Britains Prince Harry and his wife Meghan wave as they ride a horse-drawn carriage after their wedding ceremony at St Georges Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, Britain, May 19, 2018. REUTERS/Damir Sagolj (L-R) Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, Prince Andrew, Duke of York, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Queen Elizabeth II, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge watch the RAF flypast on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, as members of the Royal Family attend events to mark the centenary of the RAF on July 10, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Meghan Markle departs for her wedding to Britain's Prince Harry, in Taplow, Britain, May 19, 2018. REUTERS/Darren Staples TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY Charles at 70, by reporter Robert Jobson, claims that Meghan and her now grandmother-in-law Queen Elizabeth clashed over an important accessory the bride chose for the day; namely, the tiara. While all was well on the dress front, Meghan's first choice of tiara - which included emeralds - was reportedly vetoed by the Queen, and Harry was none to happy about it. Expand Close Princess Eugenie during her wedding to Jack Brooksbank at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Princess Eugenie during her wedding to Jack Brooksbank at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle "Meghan had her heart set on this tiara with emeralds and Prince Harry hit the roof when they were told it was impossible for her to wear it," a 'well placed' source said, according to The Sun, adding that after a 'very heated exchange' with staff, the Queen stepped in and told Prince Harry: "Meghan cannot have whatever she wants. She gets what tiara she's given by me." According to the source, the tiara was out of bounds for the big day as the royals couldn't be certain of its origin - and were reportedly concerned it may have come from Russia. Expand Expand Previous Next Close The Duchess of Sussex and Queen Elizabeth attend the opening of the Mersey Gateway Bridge in Runcorn, Cheshire, yesterday. Photo: Jim Clarke/Pool via Reuters Meghan and Queen Elizabeth share a joke. Picture: Getty / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Duchess of Sussex and Queen Elizabeth attend the opening of the Mersey Gateway Bridge in Runcorn, Cheshire, yesterday. Photo: Jim Clarke/Pool via Reuters "The provenance of the tiara could not be established. There were concerns it could have come from Russia originally," The Sun quotes the source as saying. It's interesting to note however that Princess Eugenie, who tied the knot with Jack Brooksbank four months after her cousin's big day, wore the Queen's Greville Emerald Kokoshnik tiara for her wedding, which consists of rose cut diamonds pave set in platinum, and six emeralds on either side. Video of the Day So perhaps the piece was earmarked for the Queen's granddaughter's nuptials later in the year? Expand Close The Duchess of Sussex and the Duke of Sussex after the wedding of Princess Eugenie to Jack Brooksbank at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday October 12, 2018 / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Duchess of Sussex and the Duke of Sussex after the wedding of Princess Eugenie to Jack Brooksbank at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday October 12, 2018 Read More The royal source also added that the thinking around the royal camp was such that coming from a 'Hollywood' background, Meghan could be 'difficult' when it came to getting things her way. "The message from the Queen was very much that Meghan needed to think about how she speaks to staff members and be careful to follow family protocols," the source said. Read More Of course, we know Meghan wore a diamond tiara with her Clare Waight Keller boat neck wedding dress, which she had on loan from the Queen's collection, so clearly appearances were well kept up. The bride also opted to wear a long veil with her sparkly headpiece, which featured distinctive flora from the 53 countries of the Commonwealth. George (not his real name) is 24 and single. In the past four years, he has helped three couples get pregnant. The first couple had two sons. The second couple had a girl. And the third couple just found out they are expecting. A participant in my research, he said: Im making a huge impact on these peoples lives. Why not keep helping them out? Like George, an increasing number of men are going online to make arrangements to donate sperm through Facebook or connection websites. Online sperm donation gives donors ultimate freedom in selecting who they will help, engaging with the recipients and negotiating the terms and conditions of the donation. Just as Uber transformed the taxi business and Airbnb shook up the hotel world, online sperm donation is the sperm bank, reinvented. Yet, as more people turn to the accessibility and convenience of online sperm donation, surprisingly little is known about the men who donate. Media portrayals of online sperm donation are often coloured by fiery references to dangerous rogue breeders, super seed and sperm donation scandals, highlighting dramatic cases that would be well-suited for reality TV programs. Certainly, the potential risks of online sperm donation like any online activity should not be understated. However, a more balanced perspective of online sperm donation is important to better understand the practice and its implications for the men, women and children who are part of it. To address this need, I developed a research project with fellow PhD candidate Celine Delacroix as part of our doctoral program at the University of Ottawa. The results are published in the journal Critical Public Health. A way to help others We gathered the stories of six men who participate in online sperm donation. In a Skype interview lasting 45 to 75 minutes, we discussed their expectations, motivations and experiences as donors. The men, aged 24 to 67, were from Australia, Canada, England, France, the Netherlands and the United States. The details of their experiences of donating sperm were unique and personal. However, certain common themes emerged. Overwhelmingly, the men in our study viewed sperm donation as a way to help others. George is on a break from college and works a job at a warehouse. He hopes to eventually transition to another line of work that involves helping people. But for now, hes making an impact during his off hours, meeting potential parents online and helping them conceive. The online forum gave sperm donors a sense of control over the process. This enabled the donor to make the experience personal and meaningful. Simon Watson, a donor from England, said: When you help people privately it makes you feel like a person. You talk to someone on the phone and then you meet up. Alex (not his real name) first began donating sperm about five years ago to help lesbian couples in Europe who were barred from accessing sperm banks. At that time lesbians were somewhat marginalized they didnt have the right to get married and they didnt have the right to access IVF (in vitro fertilization). Up to 1,000 donor children Procreation was a meaningful part of why men chose to donate sperm. The men in our study each had at least two donor children. Simon Watson, who viewed donating sperm as a job, estimated that he had 500 to 1,000 donor children. Donors like George saw sperm donation as a sort of plan B: It satisfied his urge to reproduce without the responsibilities of being a parent. The men spoke about their involvement in decisions surrounding insemination. Insemination occurs either naturally (through sexual intercourse) or artificially (using some variation of a cup and syringe). The men acknowledged that donors who advertise a preference for natural insemination were often viewed as predatory. For this reason, they all preferred the artificial method. Men had complex and sometimes unresolved feelings about their attachment to their donor children. Alex said: Even though I dont consider myself their father I do consider that theres a little part of me, and a little part of my family out there. Risk of disapproval Men accepted some risks in choosing to participate in online sperm donation. They had personal costs and inconveniences, for example, when meeting with the recipients. Men spoke about risking disapproval from others, including their family. Traditional sperm banks have strict requirements and protocols for donors, but online sperm donation is difficult to regulate and track, especially when donations occur across international borders. Unclear or conflicting legal environments may provide online sperm donors with a layer of protection. The men in our study said they were not concerned about the legal implications of donating sperm informally. As societies bid farewell to the traditional sperm bank and increasingly turn online to find the one, we are confronted with important questions about the future of assisted reproduction and how to best protect the interests of everyone involved. Moving forward, lets be sure the answers to these questions reflect the many stories and experiences of online sperm donation. Nicole Bergen, PhD Candidate, University of Ottawa This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. The government on Friday said it is not seeking Rs 3.6 lakh crore capital from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) but is only in discussion for fixing appropriate economic capital framework of the central bank. "Lot of misinformed speculation is going around in media. Governments fiscal math is completely on track. There is no proposal to ask RBI to transfer Rs 3.6 or 1 lakh crore, as speculated," Economic Affairs Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg tweeted. He said the only proposal "under discussion is to fix appropriate economic capital framework of RBI." Exuding confidence about government's fiscal math, he said, it will stick to the fiscal deficit target of 3.3 per cent for the current financial year ending March 31, 2019. "Government's FD (fiscal deficit) in FY 2013-14 was 5.1%. From 2014-15 onwards, the government has succeeded in bringing it down substantially. We will end the FY 2018-19 with FD of 3.3%. Government has actually foregone Rs 70,000 crore of budgeted market borrowing this year," he said. Carlo Dragonetti, an official from the ITA Shanghai, introduces the Italian Pavilion on the Alibaba platform on Nov. 8. [Photo by Guo Yiming/China.org.cn] The Italian Trade Agency (ITA) has signed an agreement with China's e-commerce giant Alibaba to promote Made in Italy products on Tmall as an opportunity to explore China's massive online business. During a roadshow at the Italian Pavilion in the ongoing China International Import Expo (CIIE) on Nov. 8, an official with the ITA Shanghai told China.org.cn that "helloITA", the virtual country pavilion, has officially opened on Tmall on Oct. 15, providing everything from food and beverages to luxury, fashion and lifestyle to China. Carlo Dragonetti said that Italian exports are mostly based on traditional physical channels as the goods and services reach consumers through distributors and then dealers in the country. Having understood the Chinese people's unique shopping habits, Dragonetti said they want to "approach the Chinese market just as the Chinese do" by promoting the products on B2C sites. Currently, "helloITA" has attracted 103 brands, with both big names like Moschino and Missoni as well as many small and medium sized companies. To join the brand hub on the Alibaba platform, all the Italian companies must apply from their headquarters in Italy to the headquarters of the Italian trade agency in Rome. "So, we are 100 percent sure that they are real producers that come from Italy," Dragonetti explained. He said that there will also be special offers at the e-shop during China's Double 11 shopping festival, which is "one of the most important periods for its online sales in the country," and they will try to ensure that the Italian companies can enjoy the possibilities that the festival itself brings to Alibaba. Actor-director Andy Serkis Thursday said it is impossible to tell the story of Mowgli, based on Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book, without acknowledging its Indian roots. The story about a man-cub raised by a pack of wolves in the forests of India has fascinated generations of children and has often been recreated in pop culture. The version by Serkis, known for his films such as Lord of the Rings and Planet of the Apes series, is a darker retelling of the classic. "You can't tell the story in our world now without acknowledging that it is born in India and that Rudyard Kipling was from India. He was the child of the British empire and had a particular set of values. "You have to reinterpret those values and underpin the movie. So it very much deals with notion of belonging, tribe and cultures clashing," the director said at Netflix's See What's Next: Asia event here. Starring Indian-American child actor Rohan Chand as Mowgli, the film will start streaming on Netflix from December 7. The film will also have exclusive limited theatrical engagements, starting November 29 in Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and London. Serkis said unlike the previous versions of Kipling's book, his take is far "more emotional". "I always wanted to make an emotional version of this story. We have seen many versions of The Jungle Book but this to me, was really about understanding the notions of being an outsider and of belonging. "Kipling was a child when he wrote the book. Hindi was his first language and then he was sent to England against his will. So he understood from a personal space. That's really the core of the story is." The film is darker than the earlier versions of the book, Serkis reiterated. "It is darker than what people had perceived... This is a Mowgli-centric story. There is a big reason why it is called 'Mowgli'. It is a young boy's personal journey and it's really an emotional journey. It's a rite of passage," he said. Serkis revealed that Chand was the third child actor to audition for the title part. "He was the third person and he has actually been in the film called 'Lone Survivor'. I just thought there is something remarkable about him. When I met him on Skype, I told him 'This is all about connections. You are not going to be acting with nobody. You will be acting with the finest kind of talent." Serkis, regarded a legend in acting especially in the Performance Capture area, believes that an actor needs to inhabit the character to do justice to it. "Performance Capturing is not just about actors connecting with their live-action characters but also about actors inhabiting their role of beasts and creatures. You are in the scene together and there is no differentiation... "All you have to do is to believe in the character. It's believing yourself into that being and that's what you do as an actor. Use your imagination. You're not restricted or limited by the colour of your skin or height or size, shape or sex. It allows an actor to become anything," he added. -PTI Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will attend a ceremony at Nashik on Friday to induct two different 155mm artillery systemsthe US-built M777 towed gun and the South Korean-origin K9 Vajra self-propelled howitzer. This is the first major induction of artillery by the Indian Army since the Bofors Scandal disrupted the Army's modernisation plans in the late 1980s. Sitharaman will attend a ceremony to induct the K9 Vajra and M777 at the Deolali Artillery Centre in Nashik. The K9 Vajra | Larsen & Toubro The K9 Vajra, a derivative of the South Korean-designed K9 Thunder, is a self-propelled howitzer system, which is being built in India by Larsen and Toubro. The induction of 100 K9 Vajra systems, being procured at a cost of Rs 4,366 crore, is scheduled to be completed by November 2020. The K9 Vajra can fire 155mm shells at a maximum range of 38km and can fire up to 15 rounds in three minutes. The M777 howitzer, designed by BAE systems, is a lightweight towed howitzer, which can even be transported by helicopters. The Indian Army is going to raise seven regiments using 145 M777 howitzers. The M777 is crucial for deployment in mountainous, inaccessible regions, particularly near the China border. India had signed a deal worth Rs 5,000 crore to buy the 145 M777 guns in November 2016. BAE Systems had announced in 2016 that Mahindra Defence would be its Indian partner for building and testing the M777. (With PTI inputs) The adage that failures can teach many lessons seems quite... If you are a woman who happened to arrive in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, on personal or professional grounds without a proper arrangement to stay, you need not worry. The state government has arranged a safe shelter for you to stay. And the best part is that this comes free of cost. Named 'Ente Koodu' (My Nest), this project is conceived and run by the Social Justice Department. Social Justice Minister K.K. Shailaja inaugurated this night shelter on Thursday. Making the access easier for women who reach Thiruvananthapuram by train or bus, the night shelter has been arranged at the topmost floor of the KSRTC bus terminal. Railway station is barely 100 metres away. One just need to cross the road to reach the shelter. If the women are accompanied by children, the latter can also stay here, provided they are under 12 years of age. The space is completely air conditioned and has proper washroom facilities. Apart from facilities to stay, dinner will also be provided to women who come there. And all these come free of cost. We thought of such a facility as there have been many instances when women who arrive here for various reasons are forced to spend their nights at railway stations and KSRTC bus stand. One can imagine the insecurity that women who are stranded there face. Ente Koodu is a solution to all that,'' Sunil Kumar, Joint Secretary, Social Justice Department, told the WEEK. According to him, one can avail the facility up to three days. As many as 50 persons can stay at a time and they all will be provided dinnerchappathy and veg/non-veg curry procured from the Jail Department. According to the official, the project has cost the department Rs 30 lakh. There will be two security guards, two matrons and a manager at a time to ensure the security of the women. The official said that the government plans to start similar shelters for women in Kochi and Kozhikode, too. National Conference leader Omar Abdullah has questioned the Narendra Modi government's participation in a dialogue on Afghanistan in the presence of Taliban representatives while holding no talks with stakeholders in Jammu and Kashmir. "If 'non-official' participation in a dialogue that includes the Taliban is acceptable to the Modi government why not a non-official dialogue with non-mainstream stake holders in J&K? Why not a non-official dialogue centered around J&K's eroded autonomy & its restoration?" Abdullah tweeted on Thursday night. If non-official participation in a dialogue that includes the taliban is acceptable to the Modi government why not a non-official dialogue with non-mainstream stake holders in J&K? Why not a non-official dialogue centered around J&Ks eroded autonomy & its restoration? https://t.co/722SrqKkvo Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) November 8, 2018 India had on Thursday said it would participate in the dialogue hosted by Russia at a "non-official level" in Moscow. The Moscow-format meeting on Afghanistan will be held on November 9 (Friday) and representatives of the Afghan Taliban radical movement will take part in it, the Russian Foreign Ministry had said last week. "We are aware that the Russian Federation is hosting a meeting in Moscow on November 9 on Afghanistan. Our participation at the meeting will be at the non-official level, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said. He said India supported all efforts at peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan that would preserve unity and plurality and bring security, stability and prosperity to the country. According to Russian news agency TASS, this was for the second time, Russia was attempting to bring regional powers together while discovering ways for establishing peace in war-torn Afghanistan. The first such meeting, proposed for September 4 of this year, was called off at the last moment after the Afghan government pulled out, describing its involvement in the Moscow meeting as "unnecessary" as the Taliban had "disrespected internationally-sanctioned principles and rejected the message of peace and direct negotiations". According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, invitations to take part in the event had been sent to Afghanistan, India, Iran, China, Pakistan, the US and some other countries. Within hours of Uttar Pradesh announcing the renaming of Faizabad as Ayodhya, its counterpart Gujarat said it was keen on rechristening Ahmedabad as Karnavati, subject to legal hurdles. This is not the first time that the issue of renaming Ahmedabad, which has a glorious history of over 600 years, has come up. Now with 2019 Lok Sabha elections only a few months away, the talks appear just politically motivated. In 1988, the BJP-ruled Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation had passed a resolution to rename Ahmedabad as Karnavati. After further approval, the state government had forwarded the proposal to the Centre. However, the proposal was rejected. There were two petitions against the renaming in the Gujarat High Court. These petitions, however, were later withdrawn. Vanraj Parghi, a lawyer, who is in the knowhow of the petitions and the developments, tells THE WEEK that then Union minister George Fernandes had said that there was no plan of the Centre to change the name. The petitions were then withdrawn, he said, adding that if any move comes now, it would have to begin again from the municipal corporation level. In the 11th century, the area around Ahmedabad was known as Ashaval, the name of the Bhil king. Karna, a Chalukya king, waged a successful war against the Bhil king and set up a city on the banks of the river Sabarmati. It was Sultan Ahmed Shah who laid the foundation of the walled city in Karnavati in 1411 A. D. and named it Ahmedabad. Renaming Ahmedabad as Karnavati probably will not be as easy as changing the name of Faizabad to Ayodhya. Had it been so easy, the BJP would have done it much earlier, for it has been in power in Gujarat for over two decades. The party has also been in power at the Centre for the last four and a half years under its strongman Narendra Modi, who hails from Gujarat. It is no wonder that the other day, while talking about Karnavati, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani placed a rider. After offering prayers at a temple in Gandhinagar, Rupani said that they were contemplating changing the name of Ahmedabad. He, however, said that concrete steps would be taken after taking into consideration the legal process and other angles. It has been hardly one year since Ahmedabad received the World Heritage City tag from the UNESCO. It was primarily on the basis of the architecture in the walled city, credit to which goes to Ahmed Shah. Changing the name of the city would amount to denying the very thing which the government had once glorified to get the Heritage City tag. Political analyst Hari Desai firmly believes that though the BJP talks about sab ka saath, sab ka vikas, when it comes to elections, it tries to consolidate and please its Hindu vote bank. It only shows that you are changing the name because it is of a Muslim. If you are to see the history, then why Karnavati, Desai asks, pointing out that earlier the city's name was Asahvali. Sociologist Gaurang Jani argues that changing the name is not justified for the simple reason that you do not have much to compare against the history of Ahmed Shah. While changing the name, you are also trying to wipe off the name Ahmedabad with which Mahatma Gandhi's Ashram and the famous textile mills are associated, Jani adds. Noted dancer Mallika Sarabhai said that when Ahmad Shah founded the city, there were some hamlets around. One of them was ruled by a chief called Karna Dev. That was not what became the city. Ahmad Shah planned and executed this city, the forts, minarets, pols and mosques, the Jama Masjid, which is the first in the world to designate a prayer area for women, and much else that is our heritage. The UNESCO tag is largely because of his and Mehmood Begdas vision. And the builders of the modern city from Ranchhodlal Chhotalal to Sardar Patel to Kasturbhai Lalbhai and Vikram Sarabhai envisioned a city where the great minds of the world, from Charles and Ray Eames to Le Corbusier to Buckminster Fuller to Louis Kahn came for an inclusive and international world city, Sarabhai said. She further said that let us not colour it to parochialism by wiping out our proud and syncretic city. You are here: Business Business leaders and experts weighed in on the future of VR technologies during the World Conference on VR Industry held in eastern China's Jiangxi Province. Yesterday, November 8, 2018, America was shaken. Ian Long, a 28-year-old Marine veteran opened fire in a bar in Thousand Oaks, California, killing 12 people and injuring several others. In better times, this would have been treated with horror, a rare incident amongst a sea of good days. For the USA, however, this shooting is just another horrifying statistic, adding to the 300-plus shooting incidents that have taken place in the 312 days of 2018. That is almost one shooting every day. Just a few days prior, a gunman opened fire in a synagogue in Pittsburgh, killing 11 people. Thoughts and prayers do the usual rounds on social media. But when will they yield any practical result? According to the Small Arms Survey of 2017, the USA has a staggering ratio of 120.5 guns per 100 people, making it the highest ratio in the world more guns than people. To put things in perspective, Yemen is second on the list. The poverty stricken, violence afflicted, civil war riddled nation still has less than half that number 52.8 guns per 100 people. When did the American Dream change to hoping your children will still be alive at the end of the day at school? Situations like these often lead to a multitude of articles and opinions flooding the internet. One such article stated research shows that countries with fewer guns have lower homicide rates. You mean to say that countries that have less weapons of mass destruction available to the public have lesser intentional deaths? Who would have thought? The saddest part is that this painfully obvious fact seems yet to occur to the US administration, who continue to push the agenda that guns do not kill people, people kill people. How very convenient, to bypass the glaring truth that people with guns are infinitely more likely to kill people than people without them! As mental health is increasingly being claimed as one of the reasons behind shooters decisions, some say that this association only serves to increase the stigma surrounding mental struggles. Malcolm Gladwell in his 2015 essay addresses this, The problem is not that there is an endless supply of deeply disturbed young men who are willing to contemplate horrific acts. Its worse. Its that young men no longer need to be deeply disturbed to contemplate horrific acts. A chilling example of this occurred just a few days before the Thousand Oaks shooting. On November 6, in Arizona, an 11-year-old shot his grandmother and then himself. Let that sink in for a moment. Eleven. And the reason? He did not like being told to clean his room. Does anyone miss the good old days when the highest form of rebellion was sulking behind a closed door in high dudgeon? This obviously does not mean that nobody has dark and primal thoughts entering their head at all. Human beings are a destructive race after all. But how can legally handing us the weapons of destruction even be considered as an effective solution? Here are some stellar examples that America would do well to imitate in this regard after a 1996 shooting, the Australian government under then Prime Minister John Howard initiated a massive buyback policy, using government funds to buy back and destroy guns and ammunition. Reports show that there have been no school shootings since, and the number of gun related deaths halved. In Japan, laws were reformed to include stringent procedures that hamper unfit people from legally obtaining firearms. These include taking an entire day of classes, scoring above 95 per cent accuracy in a shooting range, a written test, mental health evaluation, and a background check. The tests have to be repeated every three years. As a result, gun-related deaths decreased to under 10 per year, for a population of about 127 million people. Norway believes in maintaining trust and cooperation between the citizens and the police force, leading to a belief that their safety is protected and looked after they do not have to take matters in their own hands. An analysis in 2015 found that the number of fatal shootings by police in Norway in the past nine years was less than the number of fatal shootings by US police officers in one day. Meanwhile, the US federal laws continue to do a loop-holed bare minimum, even worse after Trump repealed the Obama reforms made after the Sandy Hook shooting, and the police force repeatedly mows down black Americans who are simply minding their own business. The midterm elections saw the Republicans retain the Senate, and the Democrats took the House. This means that the Republicans have lost the power to send bills to the President on the strength of their majority alone. Although the Democrats have the majority in the House of representatives, they may not be able to implement major changes as long as President Trump gleefully wields his veto powers. However, it does mean that states controlled by Democrats can now have more liberal federal laws, and can halt the rapid influence of Republican ideologies from impacting an entire generation even in the area of gun control. Meanwhile, all that remains is to wait. And offer thoughts and prayers. About half a million people have died violently in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan due to the US "war on terror" that was launched following the September 11 attacks in 2001, according to a study released Thursday. The report by Brown University's Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs put the death toll at between 4,80,000 and 5,07,000 peoplebut said the actual number is likely higher. The new toll "is a more than 1,10,000 increase over the last count, issued just two years ago in August 2016," Brown said in a statement. "Though the war on terror is often overlooked by the American public, press and lawmakers, the increased body count signals that, far from diminishing, this war remains intense." The death toll includes insurgents, local police and security forces, civilians and US and allied troops. The report's author, Neta Crawford, said many of those reported by US and local forces as militants may actually have been civilians. "We may never know the total direct death toll in these wars," Crawford wrote. "For example, tens of thousands of civilians may have died in retaking Mosul and other cities from ISIS but their bodies have likely not been recovered." The report states that between 1,82,272 and 2,04,575 civilians have been killed in Iraq, 38,480 in Afghanistan, and 23,372 in Pakistan. Nearly 7,000 US troops have been killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. The tally does not include all people who have died indirectly as a result of war, including through a loss of infrastructure or disease. US Vice President Mike Pence would meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his four-nation trip next week, during which he will also attend the US-ASEAN Summit and the East Asia Summit in Singapore, the White House has said. Generally, the summit is attended by the US president. However, this time, Pence would be representing the country at the request of President Donald Trump. Pence will travel to Japan, Singapore, Australia and Papua New Guinea between November 11 and 18 to attend the US-ASEAN Summit and the East Asia Summit in Singapore as well as the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings in Papua New Guinea. Pence will also participate in meetings with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Singapore Premier Lee Hsien Loong, India's Narendra Modi, Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister Peter O'Neill and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, in addition to other bilateral meetings, the White House said. National Security Adviser John Bolton will join Vice President Pence for the US-ASEAN Summit and East Asia Summit in Singapore and APEC meetings in Papua New Guinea. "The Vice President is honoured to represent President Donald Trump at the US-ASEAN Summit and APEC next week, where he will highlight American leadership in the region and reaffirm our commitment to freedom, economic prosperity and security in the Indo-Pacific," Alyssa Farah, Press Secretary for the Vice President, said. This will be Pence's third trip to the region as the Vice President and he will reaffirm President Trump's commitment to the final, fully verified denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula, she said. "He will also deliver the message that authoritarianism, aggression and the disregard for other nations' sovereignty by any nation in the Indo-Pacific will not be tolerated by the US," Farah said. -PTI \R Kolkata, Nov 9 (PTI) The Trinamool Congress on Friday slammed the Narendra Modi government for hiking the price of the domestic cooking gas, describing it as a festive gift by the Bharatiya Janata Party to the people. The prices of the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) have been hiked by over Rs 2 per cylinder after the government increased the commission paid to the dealers. "In the festive season, (the) BJP gifts another price rise to the people! LPG price hiked by over Rs 2 per cylinder," a TMC statement said. PTI SUN KK HMB Guwahati/New Delhi, Nov 9 (PTI) Former finance minister P Chidambaram Friday warned the NDA government against laying its hands on RBI reserves, saying it will have "catastrophic" economic consequences for the country. He also said the minutes of a Reserve Bank of India meeting on November 7, 2016 is a "comprehensive repudiation" of the government's "justification" for demonetisation. Talking to reporters in Guwahati, the senior Congress leader said it is clear that the BJP has no understanding of the role of the central bank and no respect for the independence of its governor. The government has already taken the "extraordinary step" of invoking Section 7 of the RBI Act (that empowers the government to issue directions to the RBI), he said. He alleged that the "immediate goal of the government is to lay its hands on the reserves of the RBI and appropriate a sum of at least Rs one lakh crore to meet its fiscal deficit target and to increase spending in an election year". He also said that "According to reports the BJP government is planning to override the RBI governor through the board of directors in which it has planted its hand-picked nominees". Taking to Twitter, he said the RBI Board had met on November 8, 2016 and "disagreed" with the key reasons given by the government, but "obediently endorsed demonetisation" and that was a "black day" in the central bank's history. Chidambaram also hit out at the government over its claim to "fix appropriate economic capital framework of RBI" after it rejected as speculation reports that it was seeking the reserve bank's approval for release of Rs 3.6 lakh crore. "RBI minutes of 7-11-2016 is a comprehensive repudiation of government's "justification" for demonetisation. "RBI Board, with many members absent, met at 5.30 pm on 8-11-2016 and disagreed with the key reasons given by government, yet obediently endorsed demonetisation. That was a black day in RBI's history," he tweeted. He said that "shockingly, government's paper calculated GDP growth in real terms and growth in money circulation in nominal terms, yet compared the two and reached absurd conclusions. So much for the competence of the government." On Modi government's clarification that it is not seeking transfer of Rs 3.6 lakh crore reserves from the RBI and the only proposal under discussion is to fix appropriate economic capital framework of the central bank, the former finance minister questioned the claim as a "jargon". "What is this jargon put out by the government about "fix the economic capital framework of the RBI"? "You fix what is broke. Which part of RBI is broken that the government is anxious to fix," he asked. Economic Affairs Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg earlier tweeted, "Lot of misinformed speculation is going around in media. Government's fiscal math is completely on track. There is no proposal to ask RBI to transfer Rs 3.6 or 1 lakh crore, as speculated." On the fiscal road map, he said, the government will stick to the fiscal deficit target of 3.3 per cent for the current financial year. Garg further said the only proposal "under discussion is to fix appropriate economic capital framework of RBI". The clarification came amid reports that the government is seeking transfer of at least a third of Reserve Bank's Rs 9.6 lakh crore reserves. In Guwahati, Chidambaram said he fears the worst at the next meeting of the RBI board on November 19. "I consider it my duty to warn the people of the country of the catastrophic consequences of the BJP government's ill-conceived actions." He said, "Our (Congress) immediate concern is the BJP government's determined efforts to wreck or capture crucial institutions of the country. The latest victim is the Reserve Bank of India." Asked if the RBI governor would resign over the standoff with the Centre if the central bank fund is transferred to the government through the resolution, Chidambaram said "Either way - whether the governor resigns or the money is transferred - it will be disastrous". He said if RBI is directed by the government to transfer money from its reserve it will be "way more dangerous than the note ban. No government has till now made such a proposal to the RBI". To a question whether there were legal recourse available to halt the government's alleged move, Chidambaram, also a legal luminary, said, "I don't know. I will have to see." Asked to comment on his tweet that the results of the mid term elections in the US is a lesson for India, he said, "America is becoming one person, one man government. Institutions are being humiliated. The results were a mandate of the people for checks and balances". Referring to India, he said, "In India too it is the same. Cabinet, ministers have no power. Institutions are humiliated. So people of India should vote for checks and balances." PTI ESB/SKC KK ZMN Washington, Nov 9 (AFP) A federal judge on Thursday halted construction of the Keystone XL oil pipeline, arguing that President Donald Trump's administration had failed to adequately explain why it had lifted a ban on the project. The ruling by Judge Brian Morris of the US District Court for the District of Montana dealt a stinging setback to Trump and the oil industry and served up a big win for conservationists and indigenous groups. Trump granted a permit for the conduit meant to stretch from Canada to Texas shortly after taking office. He said it would create jobs and spur development of infrastructure. The administration overturned a ruling by the Obama administration in 2015 that denied a permit for the pipeline, largely on environmental grounds. Thursday's ruling is temporary, and requires the government to do a more thorough review of how the project might affect the climate, cultural resources and wildlife.(AFP) AMS AMS Dushanbe, Nov 8 (AFP) Around 20 prisoners and two guards were killed in clashes at a maximum security prison in Tajikistan's northern city of Khujand, two security sources told AFP on Thursday. The prison in Tajikistan's second-largest city is home to prisoners serving long sentences for serious crimes including extremism and murder. One of the sources said that "around 20 prisoners" died in clashes that also claimed the lives of two guards. The second source confirmed the number of victims and said a further six guards had been injured. The ex-Soviet country's government has yet to confirm the prison riot or the deaths. "A riot involving dozens of prisoners occurred Wednesday night and continued into Thursday," one of the security sources told AFP, requesting anonymity. Another source said the riot had begun when prisoners seized "cutting objects" from a workshop in the prison. The prison in Khujand, located some 300 kilometres (186 miles) to the north of the capital Dushanbe, has seen prison breaks in the past. In 2016, a guard and a prisoner were killed after three inmates initiated a jailbreak. At the time the interior ministry said the prisoners had "planned to join the ranks of ISIS." (AFP) SCY SCY Colombo, Nov 9 (PTI) President Maithripala Sirisena has decided that there will be no snap elections or a national referendum to end the current political and constitutional crisis in Sri Lanka, according to his close aide. "No, no there won't be a dissolution of parliament or a referendum," Rohana Lakshman Piyadasa, the general secretary of President Sirisena's Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), told the party's central committee meeting Thursday night. Piyadasa was scotching rumours that Sirisena may opt for a snap poll with a dissolution of parliament well ahead of its August 2020 term expiry. The island was plunged into a political crisis after Sirisena sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and replaced him with his former rival Mahinda Rajapaksa. Wickremesinghe, however, claims he is still the legally appointed prime minister. His request for a floor test to prove his majority in the House has been turned down and Sirisena has suspended parliament till November 14 - a move believed to allow Rajapaksa muster the 113 seats required in the 225-member House. Parliament Speaker Karu Jayasuriya on Monday slammed Sirisena's "unconstitutional and undemocratic" actions to sack Prime Minister Wickremesinghe and suspend Parliament, saying he will not recognise Rajapaksa as the new premier unless he wins a floor test. The assembly speaker wants the floor test to take place on November 14. Parliament's suspension by the president has come under increasing criticism by the international community. The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association's executive committee said it was watching with concern the ongoing situation in Sri Lanka. "The CPA asserts the importance of upholding the rule of law as well as the essential role of the parliament of Sri Lanka as defined in and protected by the Constitution of Sri Lanka," it said in a statement. The European Union in Colombo said Thursday night that it was essential that parliament be allowed to demonstrate its confidence by voting immediately when reconvened in order to resolve the serious uncertainties currently facing the country. "Any further delays could damage Sri Lanka's international reputation and deter investors," it warned. Wickremesinghe's UNP and its allies have already signed a motion of no confidence against Rajapaksa which the rival camp says will not be taken up anytime soon. PTI CORR ZH AKJ ZH ZH A new airport went into operation on Thursday in Yan'an, a tourist city in northwest China's Shaanxi Province. The first flight arrived at the city's Nanniwan Airport around 8:30 a.m. on Thursday. The other airport in the city is out of service. The new airport is located in the southwestern suburb of the city, 13 km away from the city center. The airport has seven gate positions and a 3,000-meter-long runway with a width of 45 meters. The terminal of the airport covers 13,000 square meters. After 11 years of planning, preparation and construction work, builders have overcome a series of difficulties to successfully build the new airport on collapsible loess area. Xue Zhanhai, mayor of Yan'an, said the new airport will help the city further open to the outside world and promote local economic development. Yan'an, a famous revolutionary base that hosted the Communist Party of China (CPC) headquarters and the center of the Chinese Communist revolution from 1935 to 1948, is a hot tourist destination nowadays. "Red tourism" has blossomed in the city, which boasts over 350 sites related to the revolution. "Red tourism", featuring visits to historical sites with a revolutionary legacy, has gained great popularity in China in recent years. Colombo, Nov 9 (PTI) Sri Lankan strongman and former president Mahinda Rajapaksa remains short of the 'magic number' 113 required to prove his majority in Parliament, his spokesman acknowledged Friday, days ahead of the floor test in the House. Sri Lanka is facing a major constitutional crisis after President Maithripala Sirisena ousted Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and replaced him with Rajapaksa and suspended Parliament. Without specifying the exact figure of the lawmakers supporting Rajapaksa, United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella told reporters, "At the moment we have 105 to 106 MPs." Rambukwella is one of the ministers appointed after the political crisis erupted on October 26. He is currently the incumbent Media and Information Minister. Sirisena had earlier claimed at a public rally that he has the support of 113 parliamentarians in the 225-member House to prove the premiership of Rajapaksa. His comments came after Speaker Karu Jayasuriya slammed Sirisena's "unconstitutional and undemocratic" actions to sack Wickremesinghe and suspend Parliament, saying he will not recognise Rajapaksa as the new premier unless he wins a floor test. With eight United National Party (UNP) and one Tamil National Alliance (TNA) legislators defecting to the Rajapaksa camp, the former president was hopeful of passing the floor test. Sirisena had suspended parliamentary proceedings until November 16 after abruptly firing Wickremesinghe and replacing him with Rajapaksa. However, owing to domestic and international pressure, Sirisena later issued a notice to reconvene Parliament on November 14. The sudden constitutional crisis came amid growing tensions between Sirisena and Wickremesinghe on several policy matters and the President has been critical of the Prime Minister and his policies, especially on economy and security. Meanwhile, Wickremsinghe remains confident of proving his majority in Parliament. Wickremesinghe, whose party dubbed Sirisena's move a "constitutional coup", has refused to vacate his official residence, saying he is the lawful prime minister and that the president has no constitutional right to replace him. PTI CORR SCY AKJ SCY New Delhi, Nov 9 (PTI): Following are the top foreign stories at 2000 hours FGN30 SINGAPORE-ASEAN-MODI PM Modi to attend RCEP, ASEAN summits in Singapore next week Singapore: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the Regional Economic Cooperation Partnership meeting and the ASEAN summit here next week and hold talks with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and other leaders. By Gurdip Singh FGN1 US-PENCE-MODI US Vice President Pence to meet PM Modi next week: White House Washington: US Vice President Mike Pence would meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his four-nation trip next week, during which he will also attend the US-ASEAN Summit and the East Asia Summit in Singapore, the White House has said. By Lalit K Jha FGN16 US-H1B-LD WHITEHOUSE Trump wants H-1B visas in more highly-skilled as opposed to outsourcing roles: White House Washington: The Donald Trump administration wants to make changes in the existing H-1B provisions for it to play a better role in attracting highly skilled foreign workers as opposed to the what it has now evolved into an "outsourcing" role, the White House said Thursday. By Lalit K Jha FGN15 US-H4 Will take public opinion on H-4 visa revocation proposal: Trump administration Washington: The Trump administration has assured lawmakers and the American corporate sector that the public would get an opportunity to respond to its proposal of revoking work authorisation to H-4 spouse visas after they raised their concerns over the move, which will impact thousands of Indians. By Lalit K Jha FGN25 RUSSIA-2NDLD AFGHAN Afghan leaders, Taliban attend peace talks in Moscow; India participates at "non-official level" Moscow: Russia on Friday said no one should play "geopolitical games" in Afghanistan as Moscow hosted a major conference to create "favourable conditions" for the start of direct peace talks with the Taliban whose representatives were present at the meeting which was attended by India for the first time. FGN33 AUS-2NDLDALL STABBING One knifed to death in Melbourne terror attack, IS claims responsibility Melbourne: A Somali-origin man set a car on fire and stabbed three people, killing one of them, before being fatally shot in the Australian city of Melbourne, in an attack claimed by the Islamic State terror group to target foreigners. By Natasha Chaku FGN9 PAK-LD DRONES 2,714 people killed in 409 US drone attacks in Pakistan since January 2004: Report Islamabad: The US has carried out a total of 409 drone attacks in Pakistan targeting suspected militants since January 2004, killing 2,714 people and injuring 728 others, a media report said on Friday. By Sajjad Hussain FGN32 CHINA-MYANMAR-PORT China clinches multi-billion-dollar strategic port deal with Myanmar Beijing: China has clinched a multi-billion-dollar deal to build a port at a strategic town along the coast of the Bay of Bengal in Myanmar, its third project in India's neighbourhood after Sri Lanka and Pakistan. By K J M Varma FGN19 GOOGLE-SEXUAL MISCONDUCT-LD POLICY Pichai announces revamped sexual harassment policies at Google after global walkout by staff San Francisco: Google CEO Sundar Pichai has promised changes to the tech giant's sexual harassment policies, a week after thousands of its employees across the world, including in India, walked out in protest against the company reportedly shielding some top executives accused of sexual misconduct. FGN12 LANKA-POLITICS No snap election, no referendum to end political crisis in Lanka: President's aide Colombo: President Maithripala Sirisena has decided that there will be no snap elections or a national referendum to end the current political and constitutional crisis in Sri Lanka, according to his close aide. FGN27 LANKA-RAJAPAKSA-MAJORITY Lanka crisis: Rajapaksa short of 'magic number' to prove premiership, says spokesperson Colombo: Sri Lankan strongman and former president Mahinda Rajapaksa remains short of the 'magic number' 113 required to prove his majority in Parliament, his spokesman acknowledged Friday, days ahead of the floor test in the House. FGN10 US-IMMIGRATION-2NDLD ASYLUM Trump administration blocks asylum claims by those crossing US southern border illegally Washington: In another controversial move, the Trump administration has decided to restrict the entry of illegal migrants who cross the southern border with Mexico to seek asylum in the US. By Lalit K Jha FGN28 LD OIL Brent oil slides under USD 70 London: Brent crude oil sank Friday to a seven-month low under USD 70 on surging US energy stockpiles ahead of a weekend meeting of major oil producing nations. (AFP) FGN29 GUYANA-LD PLANE Boeing jet crash-lands at Guyana airport, six injured: Minister Georgetown: A Boeing jetliner carrying 126 people crash-landed at the airport in Guyana's capital Georgetown on Friday, injuring six people, the transport minister said. (AFP) FGN8 US-KEYSTONE-COURT US court halts construction of Keystone XL oil pipeline Washington: A federal judge on Thursday halted construction of the Keystone XL oil pipeline, arguing that President Donald Trump's administration had failed to adequately explain why it had lifted a ban on the project. (AFP) RUP RUP Colombo, Nov 9 (PTI) Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena Friday dissolved parliament, paving the way for an early general election in the country which is grappling with unprecedented political crisis after the surprise sacking of Ranil Wickremesinghe as Prime Minister and replacing him with Mahinda Rajapaksa. Sirisena dissolved the Sri Lanka's parliament hours after a close aide of the President said he decided that there will be no snap elections or a national referendum to end the current political and constitutional crises in Sri Lanka. Sirisena signed an official notification dismissing the 225-member assembly well ahead of its August 2020 term expiry, state television reported. The island nation was plunged into a political crisis after Sirisena sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and replaced him with his former rival Mahinda Rajapaksa. Wickremesinghe, however, claims he is still the legally appointed prime minister. His request for a floor test to prove his majority in the House has been turned down. Parliament Speaker Karu Jayasuriya on Monday slammed Sirisena's "unconstitutional and undemocratic" actions to sack Prime Minister Wickremesinghe and suspend Parliament, saying he will not recognise Rajapaksa as the new premier unless he wins a floor test. The assembly speaker wants the floor test to take place on November 14. PTI CORR MRJ MRJ (Eds: Updates with election date, more details,quotes) Colombo, Nov 9 (PTI) Sri Lanka's political crisis deepened Friday after its president Maithripala Sirisena dissolved parliament, paving the way for a general election to be held on January 5, nearly two years ahead of its time. Sirisena signed a gazette notification to dissolve the nation's parliament with effect from Friday midnight, in another surprise move that comes after two weeks of political and constitutional turmoil. According to the gazette notice, nominations to contest the snap election would be taken between November 19 and 26. The election will be held January 5 and the new parliament would be convened on January 17. Sirisena issued a gazette noticing that parliament stands dissolved some 21 months ahead of its schedule in August 2020, amid a worsening constitutional crisis triggered by the surprise sacking of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. The dissolution comes hours after a close aide of the President said Sirisena had decided that there will be no snap elections or a national referendum to end the current political and constitutional crises in Sri Lanka. Analysts said tonight's dissolution was again unconstitutional in terms of the four and a half year term rule in the 19th amendment. "We vehemently reject the dissolution of parliament. He has robbed the people of their rights", Wickremesinghe led United National Party (UNP) said in a statement. Sirisena signed an official notification dismissing the 225-member assembly well ahead of its August 2020 term expiry, state television reported. Sri Lanka was plunged into a political crisis after Sirisena sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on October 26 and replaced him with his former rival Mahinda Rajapaksa. Wickremesinghe, who dubbed the move as a "constitutional coup", has refused to vacate his official residence, saying he is the lawful prime minister and that the president has no constitutional right to replace him. His request for a floor test to prove his majority in the House has been turned down. He cited the 19th amendment to the Constitution in which the president has been barred from sacking a prime minister or dissolving parliament before the expiry of its four and a half years term. After Wickremesinghe's sacking, Sirisena suspended parliament until November 16. It was to allow Rajapaksa to muster the 113 seats required to prove his majority. Sri Lankan strongman and former president Rajapaksa, however, remains short of the 'magic number' 113 required to prove his majority in Parliament, his spokesman acknowledged Friday. Parliament Speaker Karu Jayasuriya on Monday slammed Sirisena's "unconstitutional and undemocratic" actions to sack Prime Minister Wickremesinghe and suspend Parliament, saying he will not recognise Rajapaksa as the new premier unless he wins a floor test. The assembly speaker wants the floor test to take place on November 14. The sudden constitutional crisis came amid growing tensions between Sirisena and Wickremesinghe on several policy matters and the President has been critical of the Prime Minister and his policies, especially on economy and security. PTI CORR MRJ MRJ MRJ New Delhi, Nov 8 (PTI) The Cabinet Thursday approved the signing and ratifying of an extradition agreement between India and Morocco. The decision was taken at the Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The agreement will be signed during a proposed VIP visit from Morocco from November 11-18, an official statement said. The agreement will provide a strong legal base for the extradition of fugitive offenders who are accused of economic offences, terrorism and other serious offences in one state and found in the other state. The Cabinet also approved the agreement between India and Morocco on mutual legal assistance in civil and commercial matters. This agreement between India and Morocco will enhance cooperation in the service of summons, judicial documents, letters of request and the execution of judgments decrees and arbitral awards. PTI ASK ASK ANB ANB Mumbai, Nov 9 (PTI) Top stories from the Western Region at 1630 hrs. BOM 6 CG-POLL-LD MODI Jagdalpur (C'garh): Prime Minister Narendra Modi accuses the Congress of backing urban Maoists; says they have ruined the lives of poor Adivasi youth. BOM 9 CG-POLL-MODI-CAMERAMAN Jagdalpur (C'garh): Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays tributes to national broadcaster Doordarshan's cameraman Achyutanand Sahu, killed by Naxals last month in Chhattisgarh; accuses the opposition Congress of shielding "urban Maoists". BOM 8 DEF-GUNS-LD SITHARAMAN Deolali (Maha): In a boost to the Army's firepower and capability enhancement, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman inducts three major artillery gun systems, including the M777 A2 Ultra Light Howitzers, K-9 Vajra self-propelled gun and and a 'Composite Gun Towing Vehicle'. BOM 7 MH-TIGRESS-REPORT Mumbai: Tigress Avni died due to excessive internal haemorrhage and cardio-respiratory failure and her stomach and intestines were filled with fluid and gas, indicating that she had not hunted or eaten for 4-5 days, says a provisional necropsy report. BES 4 MH-COUPLE-MURDER Pune: A woman and her husband hacked to death at a village in Pune district of Maharashtra on the suspicion that she practised black magic. BES 1 MH-GOODS TRAIN-LD FIRE Mumbai: Two wagons of a goods train catch fire near Dahanu in Palghar district of Maharashtra late on Thursday night; rail services on this route affected. PTI NP NP NP Mumbai, Nov 9 (PTI) The Maharashtra government Friday constituted a four-member committee, comprising wildlife experts and officials, to conduct an "in-depth" probe into the killing of tigress Avni. The state government has come under fire over the death of the tigress, who was believed to have turned a man- eater and killed 13 people in the last two years in Yavatmal district. The big cat was shot dead in an operation in a forest in Yavatmal district last Friday. The killing of T1, as the tigress was officially known, led to an outrage among animal lovers and wildlife organisations. An official statement issued by the forest department stated that the committee has been formed on directions of Forest Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar to conduct an "in-depth" inquiry into the death of the tigress. The committee is headed by Principal Chief Conservator of Forest S H Patil. It will include Wildlife Institute of India member Habib Bilal, Wildlife Conservation Trust chairman Anish Andheriya and Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forest Nitin Kakodkar, the statement said. Kakodkar will also act as the panel's convenor, it said. Union minister Maneka Gandhi had lashed out at the state government over Avni's killing and dubbed it a "ghastly murder". Avni was the mother of two 10-month-old cubs. The Maharashtra government, however, defended itself calling the incident "sad" but necessary after the tigress attacked forest staff trying to tranquilise it. Opposition NCP dubbed the inquiry as an "eyewash". Party spokesman Nawab Malik said the probe is aimed at giving a clean chit to the state government and demanded constitution of an SIT. Asked about the criticism by the opposition, Mungantiwar said he has written a letter to Maneka Gandhi, asking for an independent probe by Supreme Court judges into the killing of Avni. "This inquiry (by SC judges) will happen when it has to happen, but the state government has to probe the issue at the earliest," Mungantiwar said. PTI MM RSY SNE SNE Congress supports urban Maoists, says Modi in Chhattisgarh (Eds: Adding details) Jagdalpur, Nov 9 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday accused the Congress of backing urban Maoists who he said have ruined the lives of poor Adivasi youth. Addressing his first election rally for the state Assembly polls scheduled later this month, Modi also said Congress makes "fun" of adivasis (tribals). "I don't know why Congress makes fun of adivasis. Once I had gone for a rally in North-East India and wore a traditional adivasi headgear but Congress leaders made fun of it. This was an insult of adivasi culture," he said. Modi said he will not rest till he fulfils late Atal Bihari Vajpayee's dreams for a prosperous Chhattisgarh, adding the Congress-led government did not do enough to develop the Naxal-infested Bastar region citing the Maoist menace as an excuse. "The urban Maoists who live in air conditioned homes in the cities, look clean and whose children study abroad, remote control the adivasi children in the Naxal dominated areas," Modi said. "I want to ask the Congress why it supports the urban Maoists when the government takes action against them and come to Bastar and speak against Naxalism," he said. Describing Naxals as "monsters with evil mindset", the Prime Minister said earlier governments did not do enough for development of Bastar region. "Will you forgive such people? These people will not win Chhattisgarh. I appeal to you to ensure that BJP wins all seats in the Bastar region. If anyone else wins, it will be a blot on Bastar's dreams," he added. Modi said no other Prime Minister visited Bastar as often as he did. "I have not come empty handed but given you some scheme and development programme. We are working hard to eradicate unemployment, poverty and hunger from the region. Previously there were resources but nothing happened," he said. Modi said he wanted to serve the people of Chhattisgarh and fulfil Atal Bihari Vajpayee's dreams of a prosperous state. "I will not rest till I fulfil his dreams. Chhattisgarh is now 18 years old. There are different dreams and aspirations of 18 year olds now," he said. Congress speaks of Dalits, deprived sections and tribals but the party considers them as vote banks and not as human beings, he said. "Do you want a government which works or one which stops development works," he said. Modi said his government has never discriminated among people. "Previous governments did that. Our government works for development of all," he said. Elections to the 90-member Chhattisgarh Assembly will be held in two phases on November 12 and November 20. PTI JTR MR VT VT VT VT VT Guangdong police have shut down more than 649,000 telephone numbers across the province that were suspected of being used for telephone fraud and other crimes, after a center to fight telefraud was established in September 2016, according to a statement released by the Guangdong Public Security Department. "Meanwhile, police have retrieved more than 1.73 billion yuan ($254 million) that had been taken by fraudsters. Of the total, about 210 million yuan and $2 million have been returned to the victims," the statement said. In the first nine months alone, police across the province detained 8,370 suspected telephone fraudsters after cracking more than 16,000 cases, the statement said. The center launched 18 special campaigns targeting telefraud and other online crimes between January and September, dealing a heavy blow to operations once active in the southern province, it said. An officer from Guangdong said the police will not relax their vigilance in the months to come, and the province will continue to see a high incidence of cases. Such crimes still threaten social stability and the safety of residents' properties, he said. He urged residents not to transfer any money to bank accounts provided by people they do not know. "People should further improve their awareness to guard against being taken in by scams, as well as actively tip off police to any clues involving telephone fraud and online crimes," said the officer, who asked not to be named. "Fraudsters are seizing every opportunity to con their victims." He said that more new measures will be introducedtechnology and equipment including big data, cloud computing and artificial intelligenceto help combat online and telephone fraud in the coming months, because the fraudsters are upgrading their methods to target victims. "More campaigns will be launched in cooperation with other departments and companies, including banks, internet operators and telecommunication companies, to focus on fighting the crimes," he said. Fang Zhuoming, an office worker in Guangzhou's Yuexiu district, said telefraud is active in the province and police should spare no effort and introduce even more concrete and effective measures to fight it. "Many of my friends and colleagues are reported to have been defrauded, or have been targets of telephone fraud in the past months," she said. No environment for HR development in Bihar: Kushwaha Patna, Nov 9 (PTI) Union minister and RLSP chief Upendra Kushwaha said Friday that there is no environment for development of human resource in Bihar as it lacked quality education. "Nothing can be done without the proper development of human resource especially in a state like Bihar. There is no environment for the development of human resource in Bihar as it lacked quality education. "There is shortage of quality teachers at government schools, colleges and universities as a result of which quality education is being hampered in the state," Kushwaha told reporters here at his party office. Kushwaha, the Minister of State for Human Resource Development, said that his party has launched several social programmes to create awareness among the masses for their participation in improving the education system. "There are teachers in large numbers in the state who cannot provide quality education and hence such teachers should be transferred to some other state government departments," Kushwaha said while asking the state government to implement his party's demands for betterment of education sector, especially government institutions in the state. "We have made certain demands to the state government for improving education system in the state. Apart from transferring the inefficient teachers, the government should recruit teachers through competitive examination which should be either held by Bihar Public Service Commission or similar body created solely for the purpose," he said. "At present, there is no environment for teaching as neither children nor teachers come to school...It requires complete reforms to improve the lot in government schools for which the state government needs to pay heed to our demands," Kushwaha said. PTI AR JM JM New Delhi, Nov 9 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the swearing-in ceremony of Maldivian president-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih next week, the Ministry of External Affairs announced Friday. The prime minister will also visit Singapore to take part in the 13th East Asia Summit and other meetings on November 14 and 15, MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said at a media briefing. The prime minister has accepted the invitation extended by Maldives' president-elect Solih to attend his swearing-in ceremony on November 17, he said. On the US waiver to India from Iran sanctions, Kumar said the US has shown understanding of India's position on the issue. India, China and Japan were among eight countries temporarily allowed to continue buying Iranian oil as they showed significant reduction in oil purchase from the Persian Gulf country after the US reimposed crippling sanctions on Tehran, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had said earlier this week. PTI MPB ASK MIN MIN New Delhi, Nov 9 (PTI) These are the top stories from the northern region at 4.30 pm NEWDELHI DEL7 DL-AIR QUALITY New Delhi: Delhi's pollution level remained 'severe' for the second day as a thick haze engulfed the national capital, even as the authorities said there was significant improvement in the air quality as compared to Thursday. LUCKNOW DES15 UP-LD-DEMONETISATION Lucknow: The Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party on Friday tried to corner the BJP over the demonetisation issue, terming it a failure and demanded an apology from the ruling party. CHANDIGARH DES9 PB-CONG-PROTEST Chandigarh: The Congress Friday held demonstrations across Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh against demonetisation and slammed the BJP-led government at the Centre for "adversely affecting the economy and causing hardships to people" with the "ill-conceived" move. LUCKNOW DEL16 UP-PM-TERMINAL Lucknow: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the first multi-modal terminal on the Ganga river in Varanasi on Monday under a project aimed at promoting inland waterways as a cheaper and more environment-friendly means of transport. SRINAGAR DES6 JK-OMAR-AFGHAN TALKS Srinagar: National Conference leader Omar Abdullah has questioned the Centre's participation in a dialogue on Afghanistan in the presence of Taliban representatives while holding no talks with stakeholders in Jammu and Kashmir. CHANDIGARH DES14 PB-AMARINDER-UT EMPLOYEES Chandigarh: Punjab Chief minister Amarinder Singh has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to maintain the status quo in filling up of civil posts in Chandigarh Union Territory (UT), according to an official statement here Friday. SAMBHAL NRG12 UP-LD BUS Sambhal (UP): Eight people were killed and 11 others injured when a roadways bus collided with a SUV on the Moradabad-Agra Highway on Friday, police said. Kedarnath DES5 UKD-KEDARNATH Kedarnath: The portals of the Kedarnath shrine in the Himalayas were closed for the winter season Friday after an elaborate prayer ceremony lasting for over four hours. JAIPUR DES16 RJ-POLLS-CORRUPTION Jaipur: Harping on a social media allegation that Congress tickets for the assembly elections are on sale, the Rajasthan BJP has charged that corruption is in the blood of the rival party. PTI ASH ASH Kota (Rajasthan), Nov 9 (PTI) The husband and in-laws of a 22-year-old woman were Friday booked for murder after her body was recovered from a well in Jhalawar district of the state, the police said. Bhuribai Bairwa was found floating in the well near Jatamadi village under Asnawar police station, SHO Islam Ali said. A case of murder for dowry was registered against the woman's husband Kailash Bairwa and her in-laws, Ali said, adding that the deceased's body was handed over to her family members after the postmortem examination. Ever since she got married four years ago, she was being tortured for dowry by her husband and in-laws, the members of the woman's family alleged in the police complaint, Ali said. They also claimed that after murdering Bhuribai, her in-laws threw her body into the well, the police officer added. PTI CORR RHL Bahraich (UP), Nov 9 (PTI) Six Chinese nationals, who inadvertently entered India, have been handed over to Nepal Police, police said Friday. SSB jawans had stopped them when they were entering India from Nepal at Rupaideeha border on Wednesday. The Chinese nationals, including two women, entered the Indian side inadvertently on Wednesday while they had gone to see the Bageshwari Temple in Nepalganj in Nepal. All of them had a Nepal visa, Superintendent of Police Gaurav Grover said. "Nothing suspicious was found with them due to which they were handed over to Nepal Police on Thursday evening. Due to language problem, the probe took time. They were kept at a forest guest house" Grover said.PTI CORR ABN DV DV New Delhi, Nov 9 (PTI) Over 400 heavy and medium goods vehicles were returned from Delhi borders due to a ban on their entry as the city's air quality remained severe for the second consecutive day on Friday, an official said. The entry of heavy and medium goods vehicles into the national capital was banned for three days beginning 11 pm on Thursday night. According to Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Alok Kumar, 1,008 vehicles were allowed entry into the city from 11 pm on Thursday till 6 am on Friday because they were carrying essential goods. As many as 445 vehicles were returned from Delhi borders, he added. Another officer said many of the trucks did not come to Delhi borders either by choice or because they were returned by police from the neighbouring districts of Delhi. The Transport Department of the city government had issued a notification regarding the ban. It has also appealed to private diesel car owners to avoid using their vehicles during the period. As per the notification, the entry of heavy and medium goods vehicles into the national capital was banned from 11 pm of November 8 till 11 pm of November 11. However, vehicles carrying vegetables, fruits, grains, milk, eggs, ice etc, and tankers carrying petroleum products are exempted from the ban. PTI SLB SLB SNE SNE (Eds: Combines stories on Yamunotri, Kedarnath) Dehradun, Nov 9 (PTI) Amid special prayers and the chanting of Vedic hymns before hundreds of devotees braving cold winds, the Himalayan shrines of Kedarnath and Yamunotri closed Friday for the winter months. The gates of the Kedarnath temple closed at 8.30 am while those at Yamunotri were shut at 12.15 pm on the occasion of Bhai Dooj, officials of the two temple management bodies said. The deities at the two temples, which form part of the popular Char Dham yatra in Uttarakhand, were being ceremoniously shifted to their winter homes. The idol of Lord Shiva at Kedarnath was placed in a flower-bedecked palanquin, to be taken to the Omkareshwar temple in Ukhimath where it is worshipped during winter, Badri-Kedar Mandir Samiti spokesperson Harish Gaud said. The special puja started at 4 am and lasted for over four hours, he said. The palanquin carrying the Shiva idol will reach Ukhimath on Sunday morning. A record 7,32,241 devotees visited the shrine this year, Samiti CEO B D Singh said. The number of pilgrims visiting the Kedarnath shrine had dropped substantially after the 2013 flash floods. As the gates of the Yamunotri shrine closed, devotees and priests carrying the idol of goddess Yamuna in an ornate palanquin, left for Kharsali village where the deity will be worshipped during winter, Yamunotri Mandir Samiti vice president Jagmohan Uniyal said. Nearly four lakh people visited Yamunotri this year, Uniyal said The shrines close every winter when the area becomes snowbound. PTI ALM AD ASH Jammu, Nov 9 (PTI) Three persons were arrested for murdering a 59-year-old man here, a day before the marriage of his daughter, police said Friday. Dilip Langar was stabbed to death by Shamsher Lal alias Raaku (24), Ashish Saini alias Sethi (25) and Jodh Singh alias Gillu at K K Resorts in Udhaywala area of Jammu city on Wednesday night, they said. We have arrested the three and a murder case has been slapped against them at Police Post Pounichak, a police officer said. On the fateful night, Langar, a Kashmiri migrant living in Jammu's Nagrota, had objected to the accused persons creating a ruckus in the parking lot of K K Resorts, where his relatives were staying for the marriage of his daughter, the police said. In a fit of rage, the three stabbed him and fled the spot. Langar was taken to GMC hospital where doctors declared him dead, they said. His body was kept in the hospital as his daughter's marriage was solemnized Thursday evening at home, relatives said, adding that the cremation will take place Friday afternoon. The relatives and friends of the deceased held a protest in the area blaming the resort management for running a bar within its premises and putting the safety of visitors in jeopardy. Meanwhile, several Kashmiri Pandit organisations including All State Kashmiri Pandit Conference (ASKPC), Panun Kashmir, All India Kashmir Samaj and All Party Migrant Coordination Committee (APMCC) condemned the murder. PTI AB RHL New Delhi, Nov 9 (PTI) With four days left for Chhath Puja, Delhi Development Minister Gopal Rai Friday inspected a Yamuna ghat near ITO and took stock of preparatory works for the festival. Rai said the AAP government has made arrangements for Chhath Puja at 1,000 locations in city. The development minister, accompanied by senior officers of irrigation and flood control department, Delhi Jal Board (DJB) and revenue department, inspected Haathi Ghat at ITO in New Delhi. A government statement said there were only 60 ghats before the formation of the AAP government. It stated that 1,000 ghats are being set up along the banks of river Yamuna for Chhath Puja. Delhi has around 40 lakh 'Poorvanchali' voters, hailing from eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, who play a key role in elections. Last year, the Aam Aadmi Party government had made a special financial provision in the 2017-18 Budget for setting up sufficient numbers of Chhath ghats across the city. PTI BUN IND China holds the potential to lead a global upgrade of sanitation solutions, public health advocates said during the Reinvented Toilet Expo that closed in Beijing on Thursday. The three-day expo, launched by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, aimed to showcase and promote a new generation of toilet technologies, concepts and management systems. China is ready to engage in the $6 billion global market thanks to its "toilet revolution" campaign and domestic companies' investment in developing key technologies, according to public health experts and enterprise representatives at the expo. "In recent decades, China has made great progress in improving health and sanitation for hundreds of millions of people," Microsoft founder and billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates said on the opening day of the expo on Tuesday. He said President Xi Jinping's toilet revolution had underscored China's commitment to accelerating progress on safe sanitation. Gates jolted those listening to his speech in the conference hall by holding a beaker of human feces on stage, pointing out that it could contain 200 trillion rotavirus cells, 20 billion shigella bacteria, and 100,000 parasitic worm eggs. He said it was notable that three of the 20 exhibitors at the expo were based in China, which highlighted the country's interest in adopting innovative sanitation technology for the domestic and global markets. Data from the World Health Organization shows that 2.3 billion people around the world don't have access to basic sanitation facilities. Untreated human waste is responsible for 500,000 infant deaths a year and $223 billion in medical costs, lost productivity and lost wages linked to diseases caused by poor water quality, sanitation and hygiene, according to the foundation. Despite China's impressive improvement of its toilet systems, more efforts are needed in terms of the treatment of fecal sludge, which is usually buried underground, said Liu Dong, a senior program officer at the foundation's China office. He called for a smarter and more technical approach to dealing with fecal sludge as areas for waste burial became harder to find. Since China rolled out the toilet revolution campaign in 2015, more than half the toilets in rural areas have been renovated, and more than 87,000 newly built or renovated restrooms have opened at tourist attractions in the past three years. At a meeting last month, Han Changfu, minister of agriculture and rural affairs, highlighted the need for enhanced technological support to overcome issues hampering the nationwide refurbishment of toilets. Gilbert Ghostine, CEO of Firmenich, a fragrance and flavor company that introduced a malodor-control product at expo, said he is a strong believer in China's capability to commercialize sanitation products. He said the campaign not only benefits residents in rural areas but also improves China's global reputation, as the country is a major tourism destination. The expo, he added, had given his company an opportunity to find partners interested in tackling sanitation together, including a Chinese company in Suzhou, Jiangsu province. Attack on woman; Verification album prepared by police Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 9 (PTI): Police have prepared a verification album with photographs of 150 persons allegedly involved in the attack on a 52-year-old woman pilgrim, when she visited the Lord Ayyappa shrine on November 5. The album has been sent to the Superintendentts of Police of all districts for verification, police sources said. Tension had prevailed at the Lord Ayyappa temple here Tuesday as nearly 200 frenzied devotees tried to prevent the woman pilgrim, whom they suspected to be of menstrual age, from offering prayers at the shrine. Police had also registered cases against 200 "identifiable" persons. The Ayyappa temple had been opened for two days on November 5 and 6 for the "Sree Chitira Atta Thirunal" ritual. It was the second time in three weeks that the shrine was opened amid unprecedented security over apprehension of protests by those opposing the Supreme Court order, allowing women of menstrual age there. Kerala Police Friday informed that all vehicles coming to Sabarimala for the annual Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrim season,starting on November 17 should acquire a police 'pass'. The passes would be available for the vehicles from their concerned police stations. "The pass facility has been started to ensure proper parking for the vehicles of the pilgrims at Nilackal," Police Chief Lokanath Behera said in a release. The pass, which will carry the date of travel to the shrine, must be affixed on the front windshield of the vehicle, police said. Vehicles without a pass would have to wait for a vacant space or would be diverted to a convenient area. The parking facility has been completely shifted to Nilackal after the recent floods. The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation had earlier said that they could ply bus services till Pamba. PTI RRT UD APR APR APR Maha: Mumbai cop arrested for ruckus at Thane police station Thane, Nov 9 (PTI) A Mumbai police constable was arrested Friday for allegedly creating ruckus at a police station in neighbouring Thane, a senior official said. Constable Mahadeo Kamble (29) had reached the Kolsewadi police station in Kalyan here after his wife arrived there to file a complaint against him, Thane police spokesperson Sukhada Narkar said. The accused's wife told Kolsewadi police that he used to assault her after getting drunk, the official said. "The accused came to the police station and started abusing personnel who were attending to his wife's complaint. He broke the jaw of one of the personnel on duty. He has been arrested and a court has remanded him in judicial custody," the official said. Kamble is attached to Shahu Nagar police station in Mumbai, the official said. PTI COR BNM BNM Rajnandgaon (C'garh), Nov 9 (PTI) Congress president Rahul Gandhi held a mega road show Friday in Rajnandgaon, the constituency of Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh, three days ahead of the first phase of assembly polls on November 12. Addressing a public meeting after the road show, he criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Rafale fighter jet deal and a sudden demonetisation of a bulk of the currency in circulation in November 2016, and said he no longer talks about corruption. Gandhi, after landing at PTS helipad in Rajnandgaon town in the evening, hopped on an SUV with an open roof for his road show. He was followed by a cavalcade of Congress leaders. After passing through Gurdwara Chowk, Manav Mandir Chowk and Azad Chowk covering a distance of around 2 km, the road show culminated with a public meeting at Ganj Chowk. Targeting the prime minister, Gandhi said Modi did not fulfil the promises he made to people ahead of the 2014 election. Instead, the common men had to bear the brunt of steps like demonetisation and Goods and Services Tax, he said. "Neither Rs 15 lakh was deposited in bank accounts of people nor two crore youths got employment during the four-and-a-half-year rule of the Modi government. The Modi government made people stand in queues during demonetisation," he said. "Did you ever see Nirav Modi, Vijay Mallya and Mehul Choksi (all accused of committing financial frauds) standing in queues during note-bandi," he asked the people attending the rally and they replied "no". "Modi earlier used to speak about corruption, but he does not do so now. The Modi government has committed scam to the tune of crores in the Rafale fighter jet deal. Modi benefited his close ones in the Rafale deal," Gandhi alleged. The government has repeatedly dismissed allegations of corruption in the Rafale deal. It has also said that demonetisation helped formalise the Indian economy and increased the tax base. The Congress chief sought to know why loans of farmers are not being waived. "If Modi can waive loans to the tune of Rs 3.50 lakh crore of industrialists then why not of farmers," he asked. Modi has divided the country into two different 'Hindustan' one where people travel in airplanes, while the other is inhabited by the poor, farmers and labourers, Gandhi said. Referring to the GST, he said if the Congress comes to power at the Centre, people will get relief from "Gabbar Singh Tax". He sought support for Congress candidate from Rajnandgaon Karuna Shukla, niece of former prime minister the late Atal Bihari Vajpayee who is contesting against Chief Minister Raman Singh. Later, Gandhi went to Post Office Chowk where he garlanded the statue of Congress leader Udaya Mudliyar, who was killed in the Jhiram Valley Naxal attack in 2013. PTI COR TKP RSY ABH ABH The big story on AIM this week was MySQUAR (LON: MYSQ), the Myanmar-focused social media group, which found itself on the brink of collapse. To continue trading, the company will require a cash injection and said it was currently in talks with a creditor but added that there was 'no guarantee' the money would be forthcoming. The firm's chairman, former City spinner Piers Pottinger, has also resigned along with the joint broker SP Angel, leaving the group somewhat rudderless as it attempts to rescue itself. Myanmar-based social media group MySQUAR revealed it paid out around 900,000 to third parties or former directors Meanwhile, around 900,000 appears to have paid out to unnamed former directors and third parties without the approval of the board. The shares, down 97 per cent since hitting an all-time high in 2016, have been suspended. One of the top risers on the junior market was pharmaceutical firm N4 Pharma (LON: N4P), which shot up 72 per cent after extending a collaboration agreement with MedImmune, a subsidiary of UK drugs giant AstraZeneca (LON: AZN). For the past nine months, the two have been exploring the manufacture of a prototype nanomedicine using N4's Nuvec delivery system, which delivers DNA directly into cells in a bid to encourage the production of anti-cancer antigens. Specialist recruiter Gattaca (LON: GATC) was less lucky, dropping 19 per cent as it swung to a loss last year, laying part of the blame on Brexit. AstraZeneca and N4 Pharma have been collaborating throughout the year, working on a new cure for cancer involving nanomedicine The company said the UK's impending exit from the EU next March was still 'clearly a concern' for customers in 'nearly all' of its markets, with the uncertainty affecting employers' recruitment decisions. It wasn't all bad news for recruiters, with digital talent group Nakama (LON: NAK) rising 35 per cent after major telecoms recruitment firm First Point Group took a 24.2 per cent stake in the company. Following behind was technology recruiter Hydrogen Group (LON: HYDG), which jumped 19 per cent after it upgraded its full year profit forecasts. The AIM All-Share (INDEXFTSE: AXX) was stagnant during the week, rising just 0.7 per cent to 998 points, while the blue-chip FTSE 100 (LON: UKX) was similarly flat. Zinc Media (LON: ZIN) saw movement both in its shares and its board, slumping 12 per cent after its chief executive announced his resignation. David Galan, who has held the position since January 2016, said he was stepping down in 2019 to pursue 'a business opportunity in an unrelated sector'. Marketing firm Mirriad Advertising (LON: MIRI) fared better in the week, rising 13 per cent after clinching a two-year contract with TF1 Group, the largest commercial broadcaster in France and most viewed TV channel in Europe. One of the top ten risers this week was software group Pebble Beach Systems (LON: PEB), which surged 41 per cent after inking two significant orders with a combined value of around 2million. The first order was from a large European commercial broadcaster, while the second is for a European broadcast service provider that is building a new facility in Zurich. Elsewhere, online estate agency Purplebricks (LON: PURP) slumped 10 per cent amid the continued slowdown of the UK's housing market. Estate agency Purplebricks took a 10 per cent hit and felt the consequences of the UK's housing market slump In its half year results, the group's chief executive Michael Bruce said the sector was 'challenging' and would highlight 'weaknesses in both some traditional and online agent's business models'. Among the oilers, Cabot Energy (LON: CAB) saw its shares lifted 24 per cent after upgrading its reserves and resources. Proved and probable reserves increased by 26 per cent to 3.6million barrels, which carries a price tag of roughly US$48.3million or US$13.4 per barrel of oil equivalent. Investors were less kind to Anglo African Oil & Gas (LON: AAOG), which sank 18 per cent after pausing its drill programme at the Tilapia field in the Republic of the Congo for maintenance and to avoid damaging the well. The company said it had insisted upon the replacement of two rig parts which were found to be worn as they will be critical for the deeper sections of the TLP-103C well. Plastics maker Symphony Environmental (LON: SYM) saw its shares jump 12 per cent in the week as it has hailed the result of an independent review into its oxo-biodegradable plastic technology. The review, conducted by former High Court deputy judge Peter Susman QC, found that based on various pieces of scientific evidence the case for the technology was 'clear and compelling', which chief financial officer Ian Bristow said had 'vindicated' the firm. Over the last 27 years, Sun Shuxiang, 50, a villager in Gudianzi town of Jilin city, Jilin province, has taken care of her adopted daughter who suffers from cerebral palsy. Recalling the first day she met her daughter, Sun said it was in the winter of 1990. "I found an unattended package at the gate of the village's nursing home," Sun said. "The baby girl was crying loud." Having searched for the girl's family with Sun's neighbors, nobody came to claim her, she said. Out of pity, Sun took the baby home. Some neighbors tried to persuade her to give up the idea of adoption, assuming the abandoned child was ill. At that time, Sun had been married less than one year without her own baby. Her husband supported her decision to take the baby in, and gave her name Chen Xue. Chen has since become a member of the family. At the age of 2, Chen Xue was still not able to walk or speak. A diagnosis at the local hospital revealed the little girl had cerebral palsy, which is difficult to cure. Sun and her husband chose to seek different doctors for their daughter, which cost them almost all their income. "In fact, the situation hasn't become better and she can't take care of herself at all, but I never give up," Sun said. "At the age of 8, when she called me mom for the first time, I was all tears." At the age of 43, an accidental pregnancy presented a new difficulty. "I decided to give birth to my second child, who can continue to look after her elder sister in the future," she told China Daily. In order to support the family, Sun applied for a job as a waitress in a nearby hot spring hotel. After learning her story, the hotel manager decided to hire her. "We took her in as a cleaning lady so she will have time to look after her children and provide for her family," the manager said. Mallinckrodt plc (NYSE:MNK) announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, August, 4th. The company reported $1.89 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the Zacks' consensus estimate of $1.34 by $0.55. The company had revenue of $700.90 million for the quarter, compared to analysts' expectations of $630.19 million. Mallinckrodt had a positive trailing twelve-month return on equity of 34.26% and a negative net margin of 89.94%. Mallinckrodt's revenue for the quarter was down 14.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm posted $2.53 EPS. View Mallinckrodt's earnings history. JPMorgan Alerian MLP Index ETN's stock was trading at $11.98 on March 11th, 2020 when Coronavirus (COVID-19) reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization. Since then, AMJ shares have increased by 53.3% and is now trading at $18.36. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. iShares North American Tech-Software ETF's stock was trading at $211.67 on March 11th, 2020 when Coronavirus (COVID-19) reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization. Since then, IGV shares have increased by 107.6% and is now trading at $439.36. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. A ministerial forum themed, "Bridging the Digital Divide", was held in Wuzhen, East China's Zhejiang province, on Thursday, serving as a sub-forum of the fifth World Internet Conference (WIC). More than 20 speakers from 14 countries, including ministerial officials, heads of telecommunication companies, scholars and experts attended the forum and discussed topics such as "Digital Divide and Economic Development", "Digital Divide and Information Sharing" , and "Role of International Communication on Bridging Digital Divide". The internet has profoundly changed people's work and life, and has strongly promoted social and economic development. The development of internet should benefit everyone, said Zhuang Rongwen, minister of Cyberspace Administration of China, in his speech at the forum. "Various regions should make concerted efforts to speed up internet popularization and connectivity, and enhance the world's network infrastructure, so as to narrow the digital divide existing among different countries, areas and groups," Zhuang said. "We should deepen cooperation in internet applications to poverty alleviation and coordinated development and vigorously develop rural e-commerce to turn the internet into a tool to help people become rich and happy and make their dreams come true. We should deepen cooperation in improving network services and promote information services, while making efforts to build a digital government and a smart society and to provide people with more affordable, more convenient and better quality information services," he said. "We should strengthen cooperation in enhancing people's internet literacy and abilities and strengthen the training of digital skills to help them improve the awareness and capability of network security protection," he added. Zhuang also said that China would like to join hands with the rest of world to promote more inclusive, comprehensive and balanced internet development through expanding win-win cooperation to more people to take the express train of internet development, share the fruits of internet development and create a happy life. In his speech, Zhu Guoxian, member of the Standing Committee and head of the publicity department of Zhejiang provincial CPC committee, said Zhejiang, having conscientiously implemented President Xi Jinping's people-centered philosophy of development and taken improving people's well-being as the starting point and objective of bridging the "digital divide" over the years, has vigorously implemented the "No1 Project" of digital economy, taken the lead nationwide in launching the "At Most One Visit" reform, actively promoted the digital application of people's livelihoods and vigorously carried out the "internet plus targeted poverty alleviation". Zhejiang has become a province veritably strong in the internet industry and a development highland of digital economy, with the proportion of the digital economy accounting for nearly 40 percent of the province's total GDP, and both the total amount and amount per capita of mobile payment in the province rank second in the whole country, according to Zhu. "Internet has brought the people of Zhejiang a more fulfilling sense of happiness and a sense of well-being," he said. Zhou Shuchun, publisher and editor-in-chief of China Daily, said in his speech that in accordance with President Xis proposal of "taking common progress as the driving force and taking win-win as the goal", the "digital divide" should be eliminated in promoting building "a community with a shared future for mankind" to change the "new variable" of the unbalanced development of the internet into a "new increment" in eliminating the gap between rich and poor. Zhou said the "digital divide" should be bridged in the process of maintaining and deepening economic globalization and the formation of a global digital market should be promoted to give the digital economy a new momentum in the new stage of economic globalization. In addition, the "digital divide" should be bridged in promoting the construction of the Belt and Road Initiative to let the "Digital Silk Road" become a road to benefit the people of all countries, Zhou added. During the keynote speech session, Chinese and foreign guests and experts delivered keynote speeches on the topics including "Digital Divide and Economic Development", "Digital Divide and Information Sharing", "the Role of International Communication in Bridging the Digital Divide", and shared their unique opinions and innovative ideas to jointly offer suggestions for bridging the digital divide. In his speech, Zhang Fuhai, member of the Standing Committee and head of the publicity department of Liaoning provincial CPC committee and director of the Liaoning Provincial Office of Cyberspace Affairs Commission, introduced the achievements of Liaoning in promoting the development of the digital economy. He believes that standing at the forefront of internet development, we should accelerate the construction of a new generation of high-speed, mobile, secure and ubiquitous information infrastructure, promote the application of next-generation information technology, foster new industrial development, and release technology dividends, institutional dividends and innovation dividends. He also said we should enhance government governance and promote economic transformation and development. Wu Zhaohui, president of Zhejiang University and member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said in his speech informatization is making education more convenient and inclusive and constructing a new space for running schools through informatization is the key to expanding the coverage of high-quality educational resources and bridging the gap of higher education. Liu Yuzhu, director of the State Administration of Cultural Heritage, proposed that to bridge the divide, the internet's way of thinking should be adopted, which requires the "interconnection" of ideas, resources, information, mechanisms and industries. It is necessary to give new life to cultural relics and let cultural heritage promote idea exchanges, dialogue and communication among civilizations. "I have discussed a lot during the last days with Chinese entrepreneurs, and I was really thrilled to hear how they have ideas. They have also the force to take risks and to put these ideas into practice," said Viviane Reding, member of the Luxembourgish Parliament, former vice-president of European Commission. "I think we have a lot to learn from your entrepreneurs. And I would really wish that in the future we can share our experience, both the positive and negative ones, we can learn from both of those. We can solve the problems and they can be solved very quickly, if we join force," she said. Garba Shehu, senior special assistant to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Media and Publicity, said they are taking concrete steps to reduce digital divide. Chinese Companies like Huawei have played an important role in helping our push at digital inclusion. "The more we use digital technologies, the more we should make sure that every citizen has the knowledge and skills to seize the opportunities provided by the technologies," said Gabriel Lim, permanent secretary of Ministry of Communications and Information of the Republic of Singapore. The forum was hosted by China Daily and co-organized by the China Internet Development Foundation, China Telecommunications Corporation and Zhejiang University. More than 300 people from Chinese and foreign government departments, Chinese and foreign internet enterprises, experts and scholars, representatives of authoritative research institutions, and media reporters attended the forum. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 9) The Department of Justice (DOJ) has found probable cause to charge Rappler Holdings Corporation (RHC), the parent firm of online news website Rappler, and its president Maria Ressa with tax evasion. DOJ undersecretary Markk Perete said Friday in a statement that the National Prosecution Service, in an October 2 resolution, sided with the Bureau of Internal Revenue in its criminal complaint against RHC and Ressa for "willful attempt to evade or defeat tax and willful failure to supply correct and accurate information" under the Tax Code. The resolution penned by Assistant State Prosecutor Zenmar J.L. Machacon-Caparros said that RHC "acted as a middleman" in the buying of shares of stock from Rappler, Inc. for the purpose of underwriting Philippine Depositary Receipts (PDRs) for resale. The BIR said RHC earned close to 162.5 million from the transaction, which it supposedly failed to declare in its tax return. Meanwhile, Caparros said Ressa should be held liable for RHC's alleged non-declaration of the transaction, as Section 253 of the Tax Code makes a corporate president, along with other officers, personally liable for infractions like those. The original complaint filed by the BIR with the DOJ in March included RHC treasurer James Bitanga, but the DOJ dropped him upon Ressa's certification that he "was an inactive and nominal treasurer who did not participate in the management and operations of RHC." The DOJ, however, still found liable RHC accountant Noel A. Baladiang of violating Section 257 of the Tax Code for certifying the financial statements of RHC despite its alleged failure to disclose the purchase of Rappler, Inc.'s shares. PDRs in question The same PDRs also led to the Securities and Exchange Commission's revocation of Rappler's license to operate in January. The SEC said the PDRs gave American investment firm Omidyar Network control over Rappler, in violation of the constitutional ban on foreign ownership. At the height of the issue, Omidyar donated the PDRs to 14 Filipino managers of Rappler, which caused the Court of Appeals to order the SEC to review the legal effects of this move, while upholding its earlier ruling. Ressa, who is also Rappler's chief executive officer, previously called the BIR's complaint "ludicrous," telling it to "check its own records." "This is clear intimidation and harassment. The government is wasting its energy and resources in an attempt to silence reporting that does not please the administration," Ressa said in a Rappler report. Rappler is among the media companies which has drawn the ire of President Rodrigo Duterte, along with The Philippine Daily Inquirer and ABS-CBN. Government officials have denied that the criticisms hurled by Duterte against Rappler have any relation with the cases it is facing. READ: Sociologist: Duterte's media criticism has grave implications on news practice CNN Philippines Correspondent Anjo Alimario contributed to this report. China has confirmed a new outbreak of African swine fever in east China's Fujian Province, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs said Thursday. Among 4,521 pigs raised on a local farm in the city of Putian, 85 pigs were confirmed infected and dead, the ministry said. The ministry has dispatched a working team to Fujian, while local authorities have initiated an emergency response to block, cull and disinfect the affected pigs. The disease has been handled properly and the situation is under control, the ministry said. It was the first swine fever outbreak in Fujian this year. African swine fever is a highly contagious, viral disease that infects pigs. It does not affect humans or other animal species. China reported its first case of the disease in August in the northeastern province of Liaoning. Later outbreaks were reported in several other provinces. WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand will give long, hard thought to launching a 2020 presidential bid, she told Stephen Colbert in an interview broadcast Thursday night. It was the Democrat's clearest indication to date that she's considering a challenge to President Donald J. Trump. On CBS' The Late Show, Colbert asked Gillibrand if, after her re-election to the Senate on Tuesday, she might be interested in any other post making it clear that he was referring to the White House. In an extended response, she said that "the hatred and the division" that Trump had engendered has called me to fight as hard as I possibly can to restore the moral compass of this country. Circling back to Colbert's question, Gillibrand responded: I will give it a long, hard thought of consideration. During the campaign, she insisted she was totally focused on her Senate re-election bid and not looking beyond that. In her lone debate against Republican opponent, businesswoman Chele Farley, Gillibrand said she would serve out her full six-year term. Farley responded, Honestly, I dont believe that. Gillibrand won a hammering victory over Farley (64-33 percent) on Tuesday, racking up big numbers in New York City, Albany and the states other urban areas, and also doing well in some traditionally Republican zones such as the North Country and the stretch between Syracuse and Binghamton. Assured of six more years on Capitol Hill, Gillibrand is now free to encourage speculation at least until next spring, when she would need to start a serious nationwide network if she chooses to run. Gillibrand, who recently authored a children's book on the suffrage movement, is slated to appear on other high-profile television talk shows such as The View in the coming weeks. The 52-year-old, who lives in Rensselaer County, would not be the first presidential candidate to have initially denied having an intention to run. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. As a U.S. senator from Illinois, President Barack Obama denied he had presidential ambitions on NBC's Meet the Press in 2006 two years before he won the White House. Dwight D. Eisenhower similarly said he was too busy as supreme allied commander of NATO to consider a presidential bid in 1952. But the architect of the Allied victory in Europe in World War II ended up running as a Republican that year, and went on to win two terms. On Colbert's show, Gillibrand cast the decision in moral terms. I believe in right versus wrong, and until this election, I thought wrong was winning, she said, referring to Tuesday's Democratic gains such as winning the majority in the House. Whether Democratic gains are enough to embolden Gillibrand remains to be seen. Republicans claim Gillibrand's record is too insubstantial to challenge Trump, who has called her a "lightweight." Shes an empty suit a non-entity, state Republican Party Chair Ed Cox said in an interview Friday. He pointed to her A rating from the National Rifle Association when she served in the House a decade ago, only to get downgraded to an F after her 2009 appointment to the Senate to replace Hillary Clinton. Gillibrand has explained her shift on gun control and other issues as the result of educating herself on issues that weren't as much in focus for her congressional district. She was Annie Oakley and now shes Jane Fonda, playing to the left of the party, said Cox. "Can You Ever Forgive Me?" is about the most twisted rags to riches story you could imagine. And what makes it even better is that this story actually happened. It's about a writer in financial distress who finds a lucrative second career. It's about a writer whose work has become stagnant, who suddenly finds a new and vibrant channel for her art. Indeed, it's about a biographer of artists who discovers that she, too, is an artist. She has just one problem: The art she practices is the kind that can get you a visit from the FBI and a stretch in a penitentiary. This notion of crime as a form of self-realization as a kind of dangerous salvation puts "Can You Ever Forgive Me?" into its own category. It complicates the morals and establishes a rooting interest. It makes us invest in the journey and the well-being of what easily might have been an uncongenial character, the writer Lee Israel, who, in the early 1990s, established a one-woman racket of forging celebrity letters. Melissa McCarthy plays Israel, and it helps to have someone so innately likable in the role of such a sour character. To her credit, McCarthy doesn't play at being likable. She trusts the script and takes the journey, which begins with her career in the skids. A biographer with a best-seller in her past, she is a pariah at literary parties and a charity case for her agent. She says she wants to write a biography of Fanny Brice, something that no publisher wants. The movie layers on the desperation. Her cat is sick. Her rent is overdue. She is well into the process of becoming an alcoholic. She never cleans up after the cat, and so her apartment stinks. She has no friends. Things are getting so bad that, at any point, the absolute worst may happen: She might have to get a job. And then one day, while doing research in a library, she accidentally stumbles onto a real-life celebrity letter that just falls from the pages of a book. She takes it with her and sells it, and in the process, she finds out about the literary letter market; that is, that the most valuable letters are the ones that demonstrate the writer's wit and personality. She soon finds that she has a chameleonic talent for sounding just like Noel Coward, Dorothy Parker, Louise Brooks and other wits of the early mid-century. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. Director Marielle Heller creates an effective bleak atmosphere, like a cloud that follows Lee Israel that she can't escape and perhaps doesn't want to escape. We are always aware of the small sums Lee is getting for her handiwork $400 here, $600 there so we can't start thinking this is someone trying to live big on crime. This is a lonely woman with a cat trying to survive in Manhattan. The loneliness is thick and further emphasized when she starts hanging out with Jack Hock (Richard E. Grant), a fellow alcoholic who might be homeless. The two are like a study in different responses to ongoing, never-ending sadness. She's contained, exuding the subtle dignity of the never noticed. And he's exuberant, his compulsive cleverness becoming poignant, because it seems so forced. After their first day of drinking together, she tells him, "Jack, this was not unpleasant." From her, high praise, but it's really no better than he deserves. The literate script, by Nicole Holofcener ("Lovely & Amazing") and playwright Jeff Whitty ("The Further Adventures of Hedda Gabler"), quietly emphasizes that, however weird the tale, this is about a woman coming into her own as a writer. "Can You Ever Forgive Me?" is a breakthrough for McCarthy and a highlight of the movie year. BETHLEHEM - The winner of a town council seat can say persistence pays off. Democrat Dan Coffey defeated Republican Jim Carriero by a 62-38 percent margin, or 10,061 votes to 6,040 votes in Tuesday's race. "I guess I knocked on about 1,500 doors and Bethlehem residents were always very nice to me even when they were Republicans or didn't agree with me," Coffey said, then added with a laugh, "There were a few who were home and didn't answer the door. I could see them watching TV from the sidewalk. But that's OK, too." Coffey, an attorney, said that from chatting with voters it is clear to him that preserving open space and where to develop will be a top issue for the town board to grapple. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. Coffey and Carriero were running to fill the last year of David VanLuven's term after VanLuven was elected Bethlehem's town supervisor last year. Coffey has served as zoning board chair and planning board member but this is his first elected office. ALBANY - Samantha Hicks huddled with her two young daughters, Amelia (7) and Molly (4) as the crowd chanted and waved their signs. "What do we want?" the speaker asked the crowd. "Justice," they shouted back. "I am here because of my daughters," Hicks said. "I want to teach them that everyone should act with integrity and honesty, no matter who you are, including the president." Nearly 200 people, from all walks of life, gathered at Lafayette Park in Albany, Thursday evening, as part of one of the hundreds of protests across the Nation Thursday evening in an effort to protect special counsel Robert Mueller's ongoing investigation into Russia's interference with the 2016 election. "We have to speak up," Deborah Johnson, a member of the NAACP Albany Branch, said to the protesters. "We can no longer sit in silence and neither can our representatives. We have to hold them accountable." The protests were in response to the resignation of attorney general Jeff Sessions, which was at the request of President Donald Trump. President Trump reportedly named Matthew Whitaker, as acting attorney general. Whitaker has echoed the president's complaints about Mueller's Russia probe, raising concern and questions about the future of the investigation. Hundreds of protests across the US, organized by MoveOn, a non-profit organization that focuses on nonpartisan education and advocacy on important national issues. Organizers said they "demand Acting U.S. Attorney General Matthew Whitaker recuse himself immediately from overseeing the Russia investigation." "Today we join others across the country to say 'Enough is enough,'" Sara Palmer, the organizer of the Albany protest, said. Over 900 protests have been planned around the United States, based on the MoveOn website and hundreds of thousands of people were expected to join the protests. More than 50 communities in New York were holding protests according to MoveOn, along with locally Albany, Cobleskill, Glens Falls, Kinderhook and Saratoga Springs. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. At the Albany protest were adults, children, elderly, locals, people from surrounding community and city officials, including Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan. "We have to recognize the communities, not just Albany, but across the country that are coming together," Sheehan said to the crowd. "Coming together for justice. Coming together to fight tyranny. Coming together to make sure that America remains committed to its values. That we remain committed to one another and that we remain committed to democracy." People carried signs reading "Protect Mueller. Protect America," "You can't fire the truth" and "Trump is not above the law." Richard McGrath held a sign that read, "Obstruction leads to impeachment." I want to get across one simple message," McGrrath said, "justice." ALBANY A 22-year-old man was in critical condition Friday after being shot in the head while he sat in a parked car just blocks from the governor's mansion, police said. The man is the 51st person injured or killed by a shooting in the city in a year, between Nov. 2017 and Nov. 2018, based on statistics provided by the Albany Police Department. There have been 13 homicides. The man was wounded when someone opened fire on the car at about 11:40 p.m. Thursday night near Park Avenue and Philip Street, an intersection in the Mansion District that is within blocks of the Executive Mansion. It is also less than a block away from Bishop Maginn High School. No arrests have been made. Police spokesman Steve Smith said the victim was in a car when he was shot at least once. He suffered serious injuries and was being treated at Albany Medical Center Hospital Friday. "Right now, we're just trying to put the pieces together and continue our investigation," Smith said. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. In 2018 alone there have been 39 people injured or killed by shootings in Albany. In 2017 there were 45 and 2016 there were 32 people injured or killed by gunfire in the city. Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to call detectives at 518-462-8039. Anonymous tips can also be made to Capital Region Crime Stoppers at capitalregioncrimestoppers.com. 3 1 of 3 NYS DCJS Show More Show Less 2 of 3 NYS DCJS Show More Show Less 3 of 3 A 71-year-old man who has Alzheimer's and diabetes is missing from the Finger Lakes region and may be in the Capital Region, authorities said Friday. Franklin J. Herman was last seen at 9 a.m. Thursday in Jerusalem, Yates County, but information gathered by investigators indicates he was on Delaware Avenue in Cohoes at 9:40 a.m. Friday. COLONIE A newly refurbished town park was dedicated Thursday to honor the legacy of a state trooper who died from a Sept. 11-related illness. Trooper Michael J. Anson, a Colonie native and 31-year veteran of the State Police, died in January from an illness that stemmed from his work at the smoldering World Trade Center site in 2001. Town Supervisor Paula Mahan, as well as other town and law enforcement officials, met with the late trooper's family on Thursday afternoon to dedicate Roessleville Pocket Park to Anson's memory. The 56-year-old husband and father of three spent most of his career working in Troop G, which patrols the Capital Region. Capt. Joseph Keane, a childhood friend and State Police colleague, recalled Anson as a "dedicated family man" and "good, hard-nosed trooper" days after he died. "He was so proud of his daughter becoming a nurse and his oldest son becoming a police officer" in Colonie, the captain said. Anson's youngest son turned 14 in December. Anson, who was retired, had most recently stationed at the New Scotland barracks but also worked out of barracks in East Greenbush, Brunswick and Schodack. From 2003 and 2010, Anson was the school resource officer assigned to Averill Park and Brunswick. For the past five years, Anson served at the State Police Academy where recruits called him the "fatherly" training officer, Keane said. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. Read more: Fallen trooper, Colonie native a 'dedicated family man' Thousands of emergency workers who sifted through the debris to find remains of victims have been sickened by the fumes they inhaled. The poisoning has been blamed for a number of deaths. Nearly 70,000 responders, including recovery and cleanup workers as well as emergency responders, are enrolled in the federal World Trade Center Health Program. At the time of his passing, Anson was the sixth State Police member, and the second from Troop G, to die from a Sept. 11-related illness, State Police spokeswoman Kristin Lowman said. SARATOGA SPRINGS (AP) Two musicians who performed in a Leonard Bernstein "Young People's Concerts" in the early 1960s are reuniting at a New York college for a performance celebrating the centennial of the composer-conductor's birth. Classical bassist Gary Karr and clarinetist Paul Green will be performing for the Bernstein tribute Saturday night at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs. State Police LIVINGSTON, N.Y. A Texas man was extradited to Columbia County and arrested on Nov. 9 after two people came forward and accused him of sexually assaulting them as children 10 years ago, The two victims told troopers in August 2017 that they had been victims of sexual abuse when they were both under the age of 11, State Police spokesman Aaron Hicks said Tuesday. THE ISSUE: The president acts to put a loyalist in control of an investigation of his own campaign. THE STAKES: Will Republicans honor their oath to support and defend the Constitution? Donald Trump's firing of Attorney General Jeff Sessions confronts Congress with an inescapable question: Will it stand by as the president brazenly attempts to sabotage an investigation of his campaign, and possibly himself? Mr. Trump on Wednesday fired Mr. Sessions and replaced him with Matthew Whitaker, positioning him to take over supervision of the probe by the special counsel, Robert Mueller, into Russian interference in the 2016 election and possible collusion by Mr. Trump's campaign. Aside from one matter, Mr. Sessions was doggedly faithful to the president. He carried Mr. Trump's water on some of the administrations most abhorrent policies, from a travel ban on Muslims to the separation of children from parents at the U.S. border to the questioning of the citizenship of American-born people of Mexican descent. But Mr. Trump had a beef with Mr. Sessions, one he often voiced: that Mr. Sessions, having been involved in the Trump campaign, and having met in that role with some Russian officials, recused himself from supervising Mr. Mueller. Ethical standards of the legal profession required that move. So what is possibly the most ethical thing Mr. Sessions has done was viewed by Mr. Trump as an act of personal betrayal. Why? Clearly, Mr. Trump wanted a staunch loyalist to keep Mr. Mueller from well, from what? What is it Mr. Trump is so worried Mr. Mueller will find? The president has now put in place the kind of attorney general he wants. Mr. Whitaker last year publicly criticized the probe and speculated on how Mr. Trump could fire Mr. Sessions and appoint an acting attorney general during a Congressional recess exactly as he has now and how that appointee could starve the investigation for funding so that it "grinds almost to a halt." Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. If there was any doubt about how desperately this president does not want to be investigated, one has only to look at his threat Wednesday to have House Democrats investigated if they dare to investigate him. That's a president threatening Congress with a blatant abuse of power. This is not speculation. It all comes, unabashedly, from Mr. Trump. For months, Republicans have paid lip service to the need for Mr. Mueller's probe to continue unimpeded. Well, now they need to act firmly to protect it against undue influence, before any damage is done. Allowing Mr. Whitaker control of the probe, or even access to information about it, would be like letting a mob lawyer rifle through the FBI's files while his client is under investigation. Lawmakers should demand a review by the Justice Department's ethics office of the propriety of any potential involvement by Mr. Whitaker in the matter before he goes anywhere near it. America is not on the verge of a constitutional crisis; it is in one, with a president placing himself above the law. It falls on every member of Congress to do exactly what they swore an oath to do to support and defend the Constitution, and bear true faith and allegiance to it. A highly combative Donald Trump didn't even wait for the dust to settle after the American midterm election before firing the first shot on his Twitter account. On Wednesday afternoon, the president took immediate aim at the Department of Justice by firing Attorney General Jeff Sessions. This seems to herald a new game in the Washington jungle, as Trump fights tooth and nail to hold onto political power. Facing a resurgent Democratic Party regaining control of the House of Representatives, he had already placed the White House on a virtual war footing, threatening instant retaliation if there were any further moves to investigate him. In fact, the word was out that Trump had long wanted to fire Sessions, disappointed that the latter had recused himself from Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into potential collusion between the Trump's presidential campaign team and Russia. He had called Sessions "weak" and "disgraceful," and their relations had become cold and awkward after the president had directly asked his Attorney General to resign. Before this shocking news broke, Trump held a disputatious and hostile press conference regarding the midterm election results, where he couldn't hold back his anger in repeated clashes with reporters. In an earlier tweet, Trump couldn't wait to claim his Republican Party had enjoyed a "tremendous success." When the midterm results picture became a bit clearer Tuesday night, it turned out the Republicans had maintained their Senate majority, but suffered big losses in the House. What Trump is good at is hitting out, with proven ability to survive and even prosper in past "battles." However, it's questionable whether this tactic will continue to work in a totally changed situation with heightened risks. Loss of the House means the rules in Washington are not those to which Trump has become accustomed over the past two years. The Democratic Party has been re-energized and is now a core player on the Washington political stage. The first and biggest risk is that of "subpoena" empowerment through its House majority. That is, the Democrats may issue a subpoena to compel any White House staff member to testify before Robert Mueller's special investigation into the 2016 presidential election campaign. However, right now it's not clear if that card will be played in the coming months. Certainly, it will have some sort of chilling effect. The special investigating team led by Mueller has already charged four Trump campaign or administration team members. If Mueller continues to press others to testify it could change the course of the investigation, and nobody is able to predict the future influence and direction it will take Secondly, in terms of domestic issues, what Trump has been doing in the past two years, if he continues along the same road, will incur many risks depending on what cards Democrats choose to play. For example, the chances of Congress overturning Barrack Obama's "Obama Care" health program seems highly unlikely. Trump's pride and joy, his economic policy and the various measures he has trumpeted as great success, will encounter totally different resistance and technical hurdles as well. The Federal budget will become another battlefield, over such issues as economic stimulus plans and emerging border expenses. For instance, under the current situation, Trump's administration has more spending needs involving the subsidies needed for farmers hurt by the ongoing trade war. This offers Democrats more chances for trade-offs with the administration. More interestingly, the prospects are gloomier over Trump's continued infatuation with an anti-immigrant wall between the U.S. and Mexico. Even when Capitol Hill was totally controlled by the Republican Party the wall couldn't be built. And now, the Democratic Party definitely will not agree, adding to the negative feelings in the White House. Thirdly, Trump's foreign policy is at risk. More strictly, those days when Trump could do what he liked seem to be gone. One of the Democrats' main weapons will be that they can decide which bills they will allow to go forward. Moreover, the Democratic Party has some different ideas with Trump on America's relationship with its allies in Europe and Asia. As one Democratic Congress member said, "There will definitely be a reevaluation of American's engagement in the world." Those fields in which Trump has no interest will return with a vengeance, such as governance of climate change and global poverty alleviation. Here, sensitive issues involving bilateral relations are not mentioned, such as those between America and Russia, North Korea and Iran. How Trump dealt with them had caused a lot of oppositions in the past, and that is likely to reverberate through his foreign policy strategies from now on. As for the trade war with China, though the Democrats and Republicans have some interests in common, they also have some radical differences. For example, farmers in red states are regarded as Trump's power base, but the Democratic Party's supporters mainly gather in the big cities. This raises the issue of how to control the prices of daily economic necessities city dwellers wanting them lowered, farmers wanting them raised. This could well become an important battleground between Congress and the White House. Therefore, after the midterm election, America enters into a new phase, full of uncertainty. Trump's future presidency will meet new challenges in terms of his domestic and foreign policies. If Trump continues to act as a bareknuckle fighter, Washington may be on the way to a much bigger drama than the past two years. Shi Weicheng is a visiting scholar at Johns Hopkins University in SAIS China Studies. His research fields include U.S.-China relations, IPE and emerging global governance. Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn. With each passing day, U.S. policy toward Iran and Saudi Arabia more closely resembles the 1991 film classic "Thelma & Louise." For those too young to remember, the movie starred Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis, two pals whose fishing trip turns dark after Sarandon's character shoots a would-be rapist, which eventually prompts the women to escape the police by dramatically driving their 1966 Thunderbird off a cliff into the Grand Canyon to their deaths. What's this have to do with Iran, Saudi Arabia and the U.S.? Well, if you look back at U.S. Mideast policy over the last decade, what do you see? You see the Obama team looking at Iran and Saudi Arabia and saying: The Saudis will never deliver on Arab-Israel peace or real reform at home, so let's bet on Iran let's bet that the best way to tilt the region onto a better path is by promoting denuclearization and reform in Iran, which is a real civilization, with empowered women and a pro-Western middle class. So, the Obama team forged the Iran nuclear deal, which curbed Iran's development of nuclear weapons for at least 15 years, in return for a lifting of U.S. sanctions and with the hoped-for byproduct of opening Iran up to the world, thereby strengthening moderates there against the hard-line Revolutionary Guards. And how did that work out? Iran denuclearized, but the Revolutionary Guards used the release of pressure and fresh cash and investments from the West to further project their power into the Sunni Arab world. Worse, Iran and its Lebanese Shiite mercenary army, Hezbollah, joined with Syria's pro-Shiite regime in suppressing any chance of power-sharing with Syrian rebels and helped that regime ethnically cleanse Sunnis from key districts in Syria. I thought the Iran deal was a bet worth making. It did curb Iran's nuclear program a big deal but it did nothing to moderate Iran's regional behavior, which was never part of the pact. Indeed, it may have been the price of it, as Iran's supreme leader seemed to compensate for making the deal with the "American devil" by allowing the Revolutionary Guards a freer hand to project their power. Then came President Donald Trump. He tore up the Iran deal, reimposed sanctions on Tehran and vowed to advance U.S. interests in the region by selling $110 billion in arms to Saudi Arabia and betting on the young Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, MBS, who had removed the religious police from the streets in Saudi Arabia a big deal granted women the right to drive and brought cinema and Western-style concerts to the desert kingdom, all while snuffing out any dissent. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. Barack Obama's bet on Iran made sense, but it required the U.S. and its allies to also restrain Iran's malign regional influences from the outside. Trump's bet on MBS also made sense we had a huge interest in his curbing the export of puritanical Saudi Salafist Islam but to get the best and cushion the worst of the impulsive MBS, the U.S. needed to restrain him from the inside. We needed a strong U.S. ambassador in Riyadh or a president to draw red lines for MBS. Trump left MBS' maintenance largely to his son-in-law, Jared Kushner. And so, like the Iranians, MBS used his carte blanche from America to project power: intervening in Yemen, blockading Qatar, abducting the prime minister of Lebanon, cracking down on women driving activists and permitting, if not ordering, his team to kill moderate Saudi democracy advocate Jamal Khashoggi. In both cases the U.S. hoped that limited bets on Iran and Saudi Arabia moderating their most toxic behaviors might lead to better outcomes in the region, and for U.S. interests. Instead, both countries used the additional maneuvering room and resources that we gave them to drive right over the cliff. To put it cinematically, Iran and Saudi Arabia did the full Thelma & Louise. But they did it in separate cars. The whole region is in the grip of an incredibly self-destructive cycle of tribal, political and sectarian madness Persians versus Arabs, Shiites versus Sunnis, Egyptian government versus democracy activists, Saudis versus Qataris, Alawites versus Sunnis, Islamists versus Christians, Israelis versus Palestinians, Yemeni Houthis versus Yemeni Sunnis, Turks versus Kurds and Libyan tribes versus Libyan tribes. So much hate, in so many directions. An American president's job is to understand that all the key players out there have multiple agendas. Some agendas align with our interests did we forget that Iran helped us defeat the Taliban after 9/11? but many conflict with them. We need to extract the best we can from them, curb and offset their worst impulses and get off oil as fast as we can to reduce our exposure to this madness. The following editorial appears in the New York Daily News: The voters of New York have made their choice: Come January, Andrew Cuomo will begin a well-earned third term as governor, tasked with business yet unfinished after eight action-packed years in office that brought the state a minimum wage boost, same-sex marriage and some of the nation's strongest gun laws. Congratulations; well done. But governor, we have to have a talk. Cuomo's road to re-election ran waist-deep in muck from which he must now extricate the state as his most urgent immediate business in 2019. The Cuomo 2018 campaign amassed more than $35 million in contributions, largely in big sums and too frequently from individuals and interests with a stake in decisions from state government. Through the LLC loophole, deep-pocketed donors cued up contributions via multiple companies, each entitled to give up to $65,000, chasing economic development contracts from state authorities and favorable decisions from state agencies. Corruption swirled around those dollars: In Cuomo's second term, federal prosecutors secured criminal convictions against four of those donors and two top advisers to the governor those giving the money had hoped would aid them in exchange. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. Cuomo claims the conniving of Joe Percoco and Alain Kaloyeros came as a grave shock. No more shocking than gambling in Casablanca. Next year, Democrats will take the Senate gavel. Campaigning, Cuomo took care to tamp down expectations that his party would pass campaign finance reforms, telling the Daily News Editorial Board: "As we've learned, painfully, when the minority becomes a majority, they often change their tune." Not this time. A new class of senators clobbered Independent Democratic Conference incumbents on platforms of wringing big money out of politics and will be raring to get the job done. The moment for change has arrived. Cuomo can get on board, or consider his third term a failure. According to its website, Russell Sage College was founded in 1916 in Troy by Margaret Olivia Slocum Sage, who named the college for her late husband. Margaret Sage and Eliza Kellas, head of the Emma Willard School in Troy, were active in the women's suffrage movement and wanted to offer women independence through a liberal arts education with career preparation. Dunlop executives at Sumitomo Rubber South Africa (SRSA) have been celebrating the companys 130th birthday. Since its founding by John Boyd Dunlop, the brand has achieved many significant milestones. Riaz Haffejee CEO of SRSA, said, We acquired the Dunlop brand in 2013 and it has been a privilege to take on a brand with such a rich heritage and continue its amazing journey. Dunlops legacy of quality and reliability is why it has stood the test of time. At SRSA we are committed to serving our customers with excellence, and as the custodian of the #SaferthanSafe initiative, quality and safe products remain our top priority. ') } // --> ') } else { console.log ('nompuad'); document.write('') } // --> ') } else { console.log ('nompuad'); document.write(' ') } // --> ') } else if (width >= 425) { console.log ('largescreen'); document.write('') } else { console.log ('nompuad'); document.write('') } // --> Customers and staff alike shared their enthusiasm for this milestone. Dunlop is the tire brand that took my parents and grandparents places, helped them make memories and is a big part of who we are as a family today. The Dunlop brand is a proudly South African household name to me, said Kenneth Botha of Cuyler Service Centre. The brand Dunlop is more than a tire brand. In most parts of Africa especially in Nigeria and Zambia, Dunlop has achieved an iconic status. Even after decades of existence, it is still among the most trusted brands in Africa. The D of Dunlop is one of the most recognized symbols in the tire industry and we feel privileged to represent the brand in many countries in Africa, commented Govind Ram, DWA Tyre Group. Stephen Orr, group manager for business development at SRSA, has been employed by the company for over 10 years. He said, Under SRSA we have seen the Dunlop brand grow from strength to strength. This is due to the companys commitment to customer service, quality and safety. I am proud to work for a brand that is so passionate about its products. [November 09, 2018] Bringing the world to Canada: 2018 report illustrates BANFF as a bridge to exports, transforming how global business gets done TORONTO, Nov. 9, 2018 /CNW/ - The Banff World Media Festival (BANFF), Canada's leading B2B global media industry gathering, leveraged its international reach this year to provide unparalleled opportunities for Canadian creators, producers and content businesses, bolstering success in the worldwide export market. BANFF's annual report was released today following a successful BANFF Connect LA, an exclusive networking event in Los Angeles that connects producers, broadcasters, distributors, content creators, and executives across the film, television, advertising and digital media industries. The LA event underscored BANFF'S record of success at bringing together far flung production partners and getting new projects showcased and "green-lighted." The 2018 report shows how the annual four-day interactive event represents today's global media business environment and transforms this country's export model by bringing the world to Canada. According to the report, $1.7 billion in business was closed or advanced at BANFF 2018 as Canadian artists, creators, producers, and screen industry entrepreneurs took advantage of networking and relationship-building opportunities to grow their export success. The 2018 BANFF delegate list shows significant participation from the U.S., China, Australia, the United Kingdom, Scandinavia, and other European regions. This year's B2B marketplace attracted 1,500 participants from across Canada and over 250 buyers from 25 countries, including representatives from NBC, HBO, Disney and Netflix. As an example of BANFFs expanding role as an export conduit using B2B interaction in Canada, there were two breakthrough Chinese MOU signings this year. The deals to expand partnerships followed on the success of the Government of Canada's cultural trade mission to China in spring 2018 and the Government of Alberta's agreement with China's Guangdong province to be sister provinces last year. "With the global media business becoming ever more competitive, Canadian content producers and screen media businesses need to be able to do business anywhere at home and abroad. That is what BANFF is all about," said BANFF executive director Jenn Kuzmyk, adding that BANFF provides Canadians with a unique and dynamic environment that successfully increases exports of Canadian culture. "This is the modern export model. It's about doing business everywhere." The report also highlighted the success of the inaugural Netflix-Banff Diversity of Voices Initiative. Launched in 2018 and designed to support and accelerate the careers of underrepresented emerging and established Canadian Indigenous, Francophone and women creators and producers, the initiative provided 88 participants with critical training and networking opportunities with key industry players. Applications for the 2019 edition of the Diversity of Voices Initiative, supported by the Canada Media Fund, Sodec Quebec and the Indigenous Screen Office, are now open to provide even more opportunities for unique Canadian stories to be told. In addition to successful keynotes and master classes from executive producers, directors and screenwriters of hit shows including Game of Thrones, The Handmaid's Tale, and Anne with an E, over 1,000 facilitated meetings occurred at the festival, linking Canadian creators and producers with international buyers, a 20 per cent increase from 2017. Over 600 projects were showcased and more than 90 development executives took meetings with delegates. In 2018, BANFF expanded its export-oriented activities into a year-round endeavour, with two additional events in Toronto and Los Angeles; through the BANFFXchange online networking platform and with the Rockie Awards, an international program competition, which attracts participation from over 45 countries annually. BANFF continues to work to expand export opportunities for Canada's creative industries as it enters its 40th year. The full report and a BANFF by the numbers overview are available here. About BANFF The Banff World Media Festival is one of the world's largest, most important gatherings of entertainment industry executives and creators, dedicated to content development, production, broadcast and distribution within TV and digital media. BANFF provides a platform for the evolving international media industry to develop its creative and business objectives. It is an unparalleled marketplace for over 1500 delegates to connect with new partners, learn from industry leaders and execute new business deals. The 40th annual BANFF World Media Festival takes place June 9-12, 2019 at Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel in Banff, Canada. SOURCE Banff World Media Festival (BANFF) [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 08, 2018] Emera Announces Q3 2018 Earnings and Updates Capital Plans Today Emera (TSX: EMA (News - Alert)) announced financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2018. Q3 2018 and Year-to-Date Highlights: Reported Net Income Q3 2018 reported net income was $118 million, or $0.51 per common share, compared with net income of $81 million, or $0.38 per common share, in Q3 2017. Year-to-date reported net income was $479 million, or $2.06 per common share, compared with net income of $494 million, or $2.32 per common share, in the 2017 period. In Q3 2018 the company recorded a $23 million benefit related to the revaluation of deferred income taxes. This increased reported and adjusted earnings per share by $0.10 in both the quarter and year-to-date periods. Adjusted Net Income (1) Q3 2018 adjusted net income was $191 million, or $0.82 per common share, compared with $118 million, or $0.55 per common share, in Q3 2017. Year-to-date adjusted net income was $504 million, or $2.17 per common share, compared with net income of $387 million, or $1.82 per common share, in the 2017 period. Cash Flow Year-to-date operating cash flow, before changes in working capital, increased $281 million, or 29 per cent, to $1,237 million, compared with $956 million in the 2017 period. (1) See "Non-GAAP Measures" noted below. "In Q3, we saw strong quarter over quarter increases across all of our operating companies, reinforcing our continuing expectation of strong results for the full year," said Scott Balfour, President and CEO of Emera Inc. "Our performance in the quarter reflects how well positioned our businesses are to capitalize on the robust growth opportunities we have within the portfolio. During the quarter, we made significant progress in executing our initiatives in Florida, putting the first 145MW of solar into service with the second tranche of 260MW on track for early 2019." Update on Capital Plan Emera also highlighted that over the 2019-2021 period, its primary sources of funding for its current capital investment profile is expected to consist of internally generated cash flows, debt raised at the operating company level in support of the growth profile of each business, and select asset sales. Together these funding sources are expected to minimize, and potentially eliminate, the Company's external common equity needs beyond the Dividend Reinvestment Plan. Financial Highlights: For the Three months ended Nine months ended millions of Canadian dollars (except per share amounts) September 30 September 30 2018 2017 2018 2017 Net income attributable to common shareholders $ 118 $ 81 $ 479 $ 494 After-tax mark-to-market gain (loss) (73) (37) (25) 107 Adjusted net income attributable to common shareholders(1)(2) $ 191 $ 118 $ 504 $ 387 Earnings per common share - basic $ 0.51 $ 0.38 $ 2.06 $ 2.32 Adjusted earnings per common share - basic (1)(2) $ 0.82 $ 0.55 $ 2.17 $ 1.82 Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding - basic (millions of shares) 234 214 232 213 (1) See "Non-GAAP Measures" noted below. (2) Adjusted net income and Adjusted earnings per common share exclude the effect of mark-to-market adjustments. After-tax mark-to-market losses increased $36 million to $73 million in Q3 2018 compared to $37 million in Q3 2017, mainly due to changes in Emera Energy's existing positions on gas contracts, partially offset by lower amortization of gas transportation assets in Q3 2018. Year-to-date, after-tax mark-to-market gains decreased $132 million to a $25 million loss in 2018 compared to a $107 million gain for the same period in 2017. This decrease, primarily related to Emera Energy, was due to changes in existing positions on long-term natural gas contracts in the first quarter of 2017 and a larger reversal of mark-to-market losses in the first quarter of 2017 compared to 2018, partially offset by lower amortization of gas transportation assets in 2018. The weakening of the CAD increased earnings by $5 million and adjusted earnings by $8 million in Q3 2018 compared to Q3 2017. The strengthening of the CAD decreased earnings by $8 million and adjusted earnings by $3 million year-to-date in 2018 compared to the same period in 2017. Consolidated Financial Review: The following table highlights significant changes in adjusted net income from 2017 to 2018 in the third quarter and year-to-date periods. For the Three months ended Nine months ended millions of Canadian dollars September 30 September 30 Adjusted net income - 2017 (1)(2) $ 118 $ 387 Florida state tax apportionment 23 23 Emera Energy 20 78 Emera Florida and New Mexico 20 25 NSPI 8 (3) Emera Maine 4 (5) NSPML and LIL equity earnings 2 18 Other (4) (19) Adjusted net income - 2018 (1)(2) $ 191 $ 504 (1) See "Non-GAAP Measures" noted below. (2) Excludes the effect of mark-to-market adjustments. Segmented Results: Emera reports its results in six operating segments: Emera Florida and New Mexico, Nova Scotia Power Inc. ("NSPI"), Emera Maine, Emera Caribbean, Emera Energy, and Corporate & Other. For the Three months ended September 30 Nine months ended September 30 millions of Canadian dollars (except per share amounts) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Adjusted net income Emera Florida and New Mexico $ 140 $ 120 $ 327 $ 302 NSPI 15 7 103 106 Emera Maine 17 13 33 38 Emera Caribbean (2) 14 12 31 30 Emera Energy (2) 19 (1) 76 (2) Corporate & Other (2) (14) (33) (66) (87) Adjusted net income (1) $ 191 $ 118 $ 504 $ 387 After-tax mark-to-market gain (loss) (73) (37) (25) 107 Net income attributable to common shareholders $ 118 $ 81 $ 479 $ 494 EPS (basic) $ 0.51 $ 0.38 $ 2.06 $ 2.32 Adjusted EPS (basic) (1)(2) $ 0.82 $ 0.55 $ 2.17 $ 1.82 (1) See "Non-GAAP Measures" noted below. (2) Excludes the effect of mark-to-market adjustments. Emera Florida and New Mexico's net income was $140 million in Q3 2018 compared to $120 million in Q3 2017. This increase was primarily due to higher AFUDC earnings and higher base rates as a result of the completion of the first tranche of solar projects at Tampa Electric, partially offset by higher depreciation and amortization expense. Year-to-date, Emera Florida and New Mexico's CAD contribution to consolidated net income increased $25 million to $327 million from $302 million in 2017. This increase was primarily due to higher AFUDC earnings and higher base rates as a result of the expansion of the Polk Power Station and completion of the first tranche of solar projects at Tampa Electric, partially offset by higher depreciation and amortization expense. The increased contribution year-to-date also included higher sales volumes from customer growth and favorable weather. NSPI's net income was $15 million in Q3 2018 compared to $7 million in Q3 2017. NSPI's net income year-to-date was $103 million compared to $106 million for the same period in 2017. NSPI's net income increased in Q3 2018 as a result of increased sales volume due to load growth and weather and decreased fixed cost deferral expense. Year-to-date, NSPI's contribution to consolidated net income decreased due to increased storm costs in the first quarter and increased depreciation expense, partially offset by increased sales volume due to load growth and decreased fixed cost deferral expense. Emera Maine's net income was $17 million in Q3 2018 compared to net income of $13 million in Q3 2017. Emera Maine's net income year-to-date was $33 million compared to $38 million for the same period in 2017. The increase for the quarter was primarily due to decreased income tax expense. The year-to-date decrease was primarily due to increased OM&G and depreciation partially offset by decreased income tax expense. The year-to-date increase in OM&G was due to lower capitalized overheads, increased storm restoration work, higher medical costs, and regulatory adjustments related to the distribution rate case. Emera Caribbean's net income, adjusted to exclude mark-to-market gains, was $14 million in Q3 2018 compared to $12 million in Q3 2017. Emera Caribbean's net income year-to-date, adjusted to exclude mark-to-market losses, of $31 million in 2018 was consistent with earnings of $30 million for the same period last year. Emera Energy's net income, adjusted to exclude mark-to-market losses, was $19 million in Q3 2018 compared to a $1 million loss in Q3 2017. This increase is primarily attributable to increased capacity prices and the favourable impact of warmer summer weather in 2018 across the Northeast on Emera Energy Services and Generation contributions. Emera Energy's net income year-to-date, adjusted to exclude mark-to-market gains and losses, was $76 million compared to a $2 million loss for the same period in 2017. In addition to the items noted for the quarter, the year-to-date increase is also as a result of the favourable impact of cold weather in early 2018 in several of Emera Energy Services key market areas and an unplanned outage at the Bridgeport facility in 2017. Corporate & Other's net loss, adjusted to exclude mark-to-market, was $14 million in Q3 2018 compared to $33 million in Q3 2017. The decreased loss in the quarter primarily due to increased income tax recovery as a result of a change in Florida state tax apportionment factors and lower OM&G, partially offset by increased interest and preferred share expenses. Corporate & Other's net loss year-to-date, adjusted to exclude mark-to-market, was $66 million compared to $87 million for the same period in 2017. In addition to the items noted in the quarter, the decreased year-to-date loss is also as a result of higher equity earnings from NSP Maritime Link ("NSPML") and Labrador Island Link ("LIL"). The Maritime Link went into service on January 15, 2018. Cash earnings from NSPML were $10 million in Q3 2018 and $40 million for the year-to-date compared to AFUDC earnings of $10 million in Q3 2017 and $26 million for the year-to-date period. Non-GAAP Measures Emera uses financial measures that do not have standardized meaning under USGAAP and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other entities. Emera calculates the non-GAAP measures by adjusting certain GAAP and non-GAAP measures for specific items the Company believes are significant, but not reflective of underlying operations in the period. Refer to the Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of our Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") for further discussion of these items. Forward Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The words "anticipates", "believes", "budget", "could", "estimates, "expects", "forecasts", "intends", "may", "plans", "projects", "schedule", "should", "targets", "will", "would" and similar expressions are often intended to identify forward-looking information, although not all forward-looking information contains these identifying words. The forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements regarding: Emera's revenue, earnings and cash flow; the growth and diversification of Emera's business and earnings base; future annual net income and dividend growth; forecasted capital expectations; and the nature, timing and costs associated with certain capital projects. By its nature, forward-looking information requires Emera to make assumptions and is subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. These statements reflect Emera management's current beliefs and are based on information currently available to Emera management. There is a risk that predictions, forecasts, targets, conclusions and projections that constitute forward-looking information will not prove to be accurate, that Emera's assumptions may not be correct and that actual results may differ materially from such forward-looking information. Additional detailed information about these assumptions, risks and uncertainties is included in Emera's securities regulatory filings, including its Annual Information Form, annual and interim Management's Discussion and Analysis, and in the notes to Emera's annual and interim financial statements, which filings can be found on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Teleconference Call The company will be hosting a teleconference Friday, November 9, 2018 at 10:00am Atlantic time (9:00am Toronto/Montreal/New York; 8:00am Winnipeg; 7:00am Calgary; 6:00am Vancouver) to discuss the Q3 2018 financial results. Analysts and other interested parties in North America are invited to participate by dialing 1-866-521-4909. International parties are invited to participate by dialing 1-647-427-2311. Participants should dial in at least 10 minutes prior to the start of the call. No pass code is required. A live and archived audio webcast of the teleconference will be available on the Company's website, www.emera.com. A replay of the teleconference will be available two hours after the conclusion of the call until December 9, 2018 by dialing 1-800-585-8367 and entering pass code 9565839. About Emera Emera Inc. is a geographically diverse energy and services company headquartered in Halifax, Nova Scotia with approximately $30 billion in assets and 2017 revenues of more than $6 billion. The company invests in electricity generation, transmission and distribution, gas transmission and distribution, and utility energy services with a strategic focus on transformation from high carbon to low carbon energy sources. Emera has investments throughout North America, and in four Caribbean countries. Emera continues to target achieving a minimum of 75 per cent of its adjusted net income from rate-regulated businesses. Emera's common and preferred shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and trade respectively under the symbol EMA, EMA.PR.A, EMA.PR.B, EMA.PR.C, EMA.PR.E, EMA.PR.F and EMA.PR.H. Depositary receipts representing common shares of Emera are listed on the Barbados Stock Exchange under the symbol EMABDR and on The Bahamas International Securities Exchange under the symbol EMAB. Additional Information can be accessed at www.emera.com or at www.sedar.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181108006092/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 08, 2018] Coral Robots, Inc. Named as CES 2019 Innovation Awards Honoree LOS ANGELES, Nov. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Coral Robots, Inc. today announced that it has been named a CES 2019 Innovation Awards Honoree for their Coral One vacuum robot. This prestigious program celebrates outstanding design in cutting-edge technology across 28 product categories. The announcement was made during CES Unveiled New York, an invite-only tech event bringing together top media, exhibitors and industry leaders for a sneak peek of the products and trends expected at CES 2019, which will run January 8-11, 2019 in Las Vegas, NV. The Coral One is the only 2-in-1 vacuum robot on the market, bringing the first true innovation to the category in years with cutting edge technology. Equipped with a handheld component and nozzle accessories, an internal mapping system, cyclonic technology, high power fans and custom-built wheels, the Coral One allows consumers to more easily clean a wide variety of surfaces. We are deeply honored to accept and receive the CES Innovation Award for our first robot. We can't express how excited we are to share the Coral One with everyone at CES. When we were building the Coral One, it was important to us to depart from the status quo. We took a step back and focused on creating a product for how people actually clean and develop an experience that will change the interaction between people and robots in the near future," says Ted Ko and George Ko, Co-Founders of Coral. Coral Robots, Inc.'s Coral One Vacuum Robot will be on display in the Innovation Awards Showcase at the upcoming CES 2019. About Coral Robots, Inc.: Led by co-founders and brothers Ted and George Ko, Coral is a human-centric robotics company that provides an ecosystem of robotics products thoughtfully designed to enable people to live easier lives. Since its inception in March 2018, Coral launched its debut product, a powerful 2-in-1 vacuum robot, the Coral One, which was recognized as a CES 2019 Innovation Awards Honoree in the Robotics and Drones category. It's the only robotic and hand-held vacuum on the market, with features like superior battery life and cyclonic technology to ensure the most powerful suction. The Coral team believes that purpose-driven robots empower people to achieve more and is committed to designing robots for people to enhance their everyday lives. For more information, visit www.coralrobots.com. View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/coral-robots-inc-named-as-ces-2019-innovation-awards-honoree-300747270.html SOURCE Coral Robots, Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP Announces Investigation on Behalf of Dycom Industries, Inc. Investors Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP ("GPM") announces an investigation on behalf of Dycom Industries, Inc. ("Dycom" or the "Company") (NYSE: DY) investors concerning the Company and its officers' possible violations of federal securities laws. If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss, click here to participate. The investigation concerns whether he Company misled investors that Dycom's large projects were extremely dependent on government permitting and other tactical considerations. The Company faced considerable uncertainty specific to permitting. On August 13, 2018, Dycom announced disappointing results for the quarter ended July 28, 2018, and announced it would negatively revise its financial guidance for fiscal 2019 due to problems arising from stoppages on the Company's large projects. Following this news, shares of Dycom fell more than 24% to close at $68.09 per share on August 13, 2018, thereby injuring investors. Follow us for updates on Twitter (News - Alert): twitter.com/GPM_LLP. If you purchased Dycom, have information or would like to learn more about these claims, or have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact Lesley Portnoy, Esquire, of GPM, 1925 Century Park East, Suite 2100, Los Angeles, California 90067 at 310-201-9150, Toll-Free at 888-773-9224, by email to [email protected], or visit our website at www.glancylaw.com. If you inquire by email please include your mailing address, telephone number and number of shares purchased. This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181108006097/en/ Russia was hosting an international conference on Afghanistan on Nov. 9 in Moscow, designed to explore ways to bring an end to the 17-year bloody conflict that has crippled the country. There is some hope of this, as representatives of the Taliban insurgents and Afghanistan's High Peace Council are participating, and officials from the U.S., Pakistan, Iran, China, India and the five Central Asian republics Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are also attending. The conference was initially scheduled to be held in September. However, it was postponed due to domestic opposition to inviting the Taliban. The coming together of key stakeholders in the conflict ahead of Geneva conference on Afghanistan being organized by the U.S. towards the end of November is a good beginning. It offers an opportunity to exchange views and understand the key counter-arguments. The conflict has so far defied all moves to bring much-needed peace to the people of Afghanistan facing violence in its one form or other since the late 1970s. Numerous killings and countless sufferings have not seemingly decreased the ferocious appetite for destruction. As recently as Nov. 5, the Taliban attacked a post held by Afghan soldiers in the western province of Farah, killing around 20. The areas under control of insurgents have steadily increased since the responsibility for security was handed back to the Afghan government at the end of 2014. The international community is providing support through at least 16,000 soldiers belonging to 39 countries. The Resolute Support Mission under the auspices of NATO has been key to government stability. However, there is an element of fatigue and the noise to end the war is getting louder. Multiple tracks and initiatives to end war failed to yield results. The main cause has been Taliban insistence that the international troops it calls "occupation forces" should leave first. It also sought direct talks with the U.S. instead of dealing with the government in Kabul. The United States was not overtly interested in the direct talks for various reasons, one being the opposition by the Afghan government. Former President Hamid Karzai was instrumental in making the policy that Afghan government should lead the peace process. Yet, things have been changing. There have been meetings behind the scenes, and secret missions to bring the Taliban and Americans to the table. Recently, U.S. envoy Zalmay Khalizad reportedly met directly with Taliban leaders in Doha. Now, it seems, there is space for more concerted efforts for peace talks. The Afghan government has adopted a saner approach by accepting the realities and not opposing any direct talks by the U.S. with the Taliban or standing between the rebel leaders attending the Moscow peace conference. It seems the key stakeholders are grudgingly getting ready for serious peace overtures. Though, with different ideas for Afghanistan's future, they all agree that more violence is not in the interests of anyone. Russia has been active on the Afghan front due to fear of a spillover of Islamic State, which is present in Afghanistan and can easily infiltrate Central Asia and from there to the Muslim areas of Russia. This would be devastating after the bloody experiences in Chechnya at the start of this century. The Americans, after spending trillion of dollars, find themselves in a blind alley. There never was a viable exit strategy. The government they supported in Kabul has proven its ineffectiveness on several time. American efforts to shift the burden onto India to help stabilize Afghanistan is also taking the situation nowhere. Pakistan has experienced the worst kind of violence in its history due to involvement in Afghanistan. Its leadership is wiser now, and there is general consensus that permanent peace in Pakistan is linked with stability and peace in neighboring Afghanistan. Most importantly, the Taliban faces a now-or-never dilemma. They can go on killing Afghan soldiers and civilians as collateral, but cannot win total military victory. The stakes for the international community are too high to let the rebels take over Kabul. However, it does have the maximum territory under its command since eviction from Kabul in 2001, so this is now the best opportunity for them to bargain it for political gains. Hopefully, then, the Moscow conference can come up with new ideas for peace. It has already achieved a degree of success by bringing important stakeholders together. Sajjad Malik is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit: http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/SajjadMalik.htm Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn. [November 08, 2018] Ingram Micro Teams with MassChallenge to Identify and Bring to Market the World's Best B2B Startup Companies Ingram Micro Inc. today announced the "Comet Competition," an open-call, software developers' contest funded by Ingram Micro (News - Alert) Cloud and deployed by startup accelerator MassChallenge that is set to uncover, fund and ultimately bring to market the next wave of business-to-business software innovators. The Comet Competition will award 12 independent software vendors (ISVs) through competitions in Boston, Austin, and Tel Aviv, Israel, with critical cash and go-to-market funds totaling more than $1.5 million, and will also leverage Ingram Micro Cloud's industry leading position to help accelerate the adoption of these technologies within the IT and service provider channels. The Comet Competition is the only startup challenge dedicated to helping B2B ISVs find commercial success for their technology and purpose-build for the IT channel. "Our goal is to always be at the leading-edge of technology, and ISVs are the foundation of the digital economy," says Nimesh Dave, executive vice president, Ingram Micro Cloud. "By partnering with MassChallenge, the most startup-friendly accelerator in the industry, we are able to offer ISVs worldwide the opportunity to compete to take their business mainstream as part of our ISV initiative and our industry-leading Ingram Micro Cloud Marketplace." MassChallenge is a not-for-profit global accelerator that focuses on supporting high-impact, early-stage startups at zero cost and for zero equity. Their program has more than 1,500 alumni startups including Ginkgo Bioworks, Flywire, Localytics, and Toro. By teaming with Ingram Micro, MassChallenge is extending its efforts into the high tech industry and attracting the talent and technology of today's emerging B2B startups. "We are thrilled to partner with Ingram Micro to identify and reward the most-promising B2B startups around the world," said John Harthorne, Founder and CEO, MassChallenge. "Leveraging our proven community-driven approach, the Comet Competition offers an incredible opportunity for startups to scale their growth with a forward-thinking partner in Ingram Micro." To participate in Ingram Micro's Comet Competition, ISV applicants will be evaluated on a number of criteria, including future vision, potentia in the channel, and ecosystem readiness. Winners will be selected by a group of distinguished engineers, executives and industry influencers, and all entrants receive expert feedback. Applications are now open at apply.masschallenge.org/comet. "Scaling is one of the biggest challenges facing ISVs today," says Mathias Bjorkholm, CEO, Pickit, a new and innovative solution for easier access to stock photography. "This new contest from Ingram Micro Cloud and MassChallenge is the opportunity of a lifetime for ISVs. With the investments Ingram Micro has made in their easy onboarding technology and programs like this, we now have the opportunity to plug into a built-in ecosystem and scale immediately. We're all in." MassChallenge is set to join Ingram Micro on stage at the upcoming 2019 Ingram Micro Cloud Summit, taking place in San Diego, Calif., March 11-13, to feature the regional finalists and to select one global winner. More information including early registration is available here: https://www.ingrammicrocloudsummit.com/. Ingram Micro has proven to be the fastest route to market for ISVs looking to build and scale their SaaS (News - Alert) or IaaS-based businesses. Once onboarded to the Ingram Micro Cloud Marketplace, ISVs are able to quickly scale, promote, sell and deploy their solutions to channel partners and the customers they serve in more than 50 global markets, including China. More information about Ingram Micro's ISV programs is available here. For more information, or to apply to the challenge by the December 4, 2018 deadline, visit: apply.masschallenge.org/comet. For questions, contact: [email protected]. About Ingram Micro Cloud At Ingram Micro Cloud, we view cloud not just as a single technology, but as a foundational platform to run and drive a whole new way of doing business. By leveraging our platforms and ecosystem, cloud service providers, telecom companies, resellers and enterprises can quickly transform and get up and running in the cloud within minutes, with little to no investment. Our portfolio includes vetted security, communication and collaboration, business applications, cloud management services and infrastructure solutions designed to help clients monetize and manage the entire lifecycle of cloud and digital services, infrastructure and IoT subscriptions. For more information, please visit: www.IngramMicroCloud.com. About Ingram Micro Inc. Ingram Micro helps businesses Realize the Promise of Technology. It delivers a full spectrum of global technology and supply chain services to businesses around the world. Deep expertise in technology solutions, mobility, cloud, and supply chain solutions enables its business partners to operate efficiently and successfully in the markets they serve. Unrivaled agility, deep market insights and the trust and dependability that come from decades of proven relationships, set Ingram Micro apart and ahead. More at www.ingrammicro.com. About MassChallenge MassChallenge is a global network of zero-equity startup accelerators. Headquartered in the United States with locations in Boston, Israel, Mexico, Rhode Island, Switzerland, Texas, and the UK, MassChallenge is committed to strengthening the global innovation ecosystem by supporting high-potential startups across all industries, from anywhere in the world. To date, more than 1,500 MassChallenge alumni have raised more than $3 billion in funding, generated over $2 billion in revenue, and created over 80,000 total jobs. Learn more about MassChallenge at www.masschallenge.org. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181108006099/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 08, 2018] Bioceres and Union Acquisition Corp. Announce Execution of Definitive Share Exchange Agreement Bioceres, a leading Latin American agricultural biotech company (the "Company"), and Union Acquisition Corp. (NYSE: LTN) ("UAC"), a special purpose acquisition company, today announced the execution of a definitive share exchange agreement (the "Exchange Agreement"), pursuant to which Bioceres will contribute its agricultural solutions business in exchange for equity of UAC. This transaction is expected to result in a combined company with an anticipated initial enterprise value of approximately U.S.$456 million, assuming no redemptions of UAC public shares. Immediately upon consummation of the transaction, UAC will change its name to Bioceres Crop Solutions and is expected to continue its listing on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") with respect to its shares and warrants under the new symbols "BIOX" and "BIOX WS," respectively. The transaction, which is expected to close in the first quarter of 2019, is subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of the requisite approval of UAC's shareholders. There is no minimum cash condition to closing. With proceeds from this transaction remaining after any redemptions of UAC public shares, Bioceres will consolidate its ownership interest in key subsidiary Rizobacter up to 80%. Following the completion of the business combination, the combined company will be led by Federico Trucco, Chief Executive Officer of Bioceres. Kyle Bransfield and Juan Sartori, currently serving on the board of directors of UAC, will join the combined company's board of directors. UBS Investment Bank is acting as exclusive capital markets advisor to UAC. Atlantic-Pacific Capital, Inc., Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. and Brookline Capital Markets, LLC, a division of CIM Securities, LLC are acting as M&A advisors to UAC. Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP and Graubard Miller (News - Alert) are acting as legal advisors to UAC. Linklaters LLP and Marval O'Farrell & Mairal are acting as legal advisors to Bioceres. Juan Sartori, Chairman of UAC, said: "As a Global Agriculture investor, having the opportunity to invest in a pioneer in the ag-tech space that has built a market leading position in Latin America is a unique opportunity. We believe the global growth potential of Bioceres' HB4 family of products represents a rare investment opportunity." Kyle Bransfield, Chief Executive Officer of UAC, said: "We are proud to partner with a company whose innovative biotechnology products provide solutions to the growing global food shortage challenge in an environmentally responsible way. We've been extremely impressed with Bioceres' management team and look forward to our partnership." Federico Trucco, Chief Executive Officer of Bioceres, said: "This transaction materializes one very important objective that we had for 2018, which is to become a NYSE listed entity. We believe we are at a significant inflection point in our Companys history, and with proceeds from this transaction we expect to be able to successfully launch our innovative technologies and continue to expand our global footprint. Furthermore, we are very excited to have the sponsorship of UAC in this process and look forward to its contribution to the future of our business." Additional information about the business combination will be provided in a current report on Form 8-K, which will include an investor presentation, that will be filed with Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC (News - Alert)") on November 9, 2018, and will be available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Investors are encouraged to review these materials. Conference Call Information At 12 p.m. EST on November 9, 2018, Bioceres and UAC will host a joint conference call to discuss the business combination with the investment community. Hosting the call will be Federico Trucco, Bioceres' Chief Executive Officer; Kyle Bransfield, UAC's Chief Executive Officer; and Enrique Lopez Lecube, Bioceres' Chief Financial Officer. Participant Dial In: Interested parties may listen to the prepared remarks via telephone by dialing U.S. Toll Free: 1 (877) 637-0581, or for international callers, 1 (470) 279-3841 and entering Pin number: 34124. A telephone replay will be available from 2:00 p.m. ET on November 9, 2018 to 11:59 a.m. ET on November 16, 2018 and can be accessed by dialing 1 (855) 783-9457, or for international callers, 1 (470) 280-0793 and entering replay Pin number: 34124#. About Bioceres Bioceres is a fully integrated provider of crop productivity solutions, including seeds, seed traits, seed treatments, biologicals, high-value adjuvants and fertilizers. Unlike most industry participants that specialize in a single technology, chemistry, product, condition or stage of plant development, Bioceres has developed a multi-discipline and multi-product platform capable of providing solutions throughout the entire crop cycle, from pre-planting to transportation and storage. Bioceres' platform is designed to cost effectively bring high value technologies to market through an open architecture approach. Bioceres' headquarters and primary operations are based in Argentina, which is its key end-market as well as one of the largest markets globally for GM crops. Through its main operational subsidiary, Rizobacter, the Company has a growing and significant international presence, particularly in Brazil and Paraguay. Bioceres leverages its relationship with its historical shareholders, many of whom are agricultural leaders and key participants in Bioceres' end markets, to increase adoption of its products and technologies. Bioceres Investment Highlights: Leading position in large and growing agricultural markets with favorable industry dynamics, with a focus on biological assets aimed at crop protection, nutrition and seeds. Global leader in drought-tolerance technologies, through the HB4 family of products - the only technology of its type available today for soybean production. Through the Rizobacter brand, Bioceres is a world leader in production and sale of soybean biologicals, with over 20% global market share in inoculants. Extensive distribution & commercial platform with over 700 distributors globally and sales in 25 different countries. Proven track-record on delivering strong financial results. About UAC Union Acquisition Corp. is a blank check company organized for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, recapitalization, reorganization, or other similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities. UAC's efforts to identify a prospective target business are not limited to any particular industry or geographic region, although the Company has focused on target businesses located in Latin America. The Company is led by Juan Sartori, Chairman of the Board of the Company and Chairman and founder of Union Group, and Kyle P. Bransfield, Chief Executive Officer of the Company and Partner of Atlantic-Pacific Capital, Inc. Forward Looking Statements This communication includes "forward looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as "forecast," "intend," "seek," "target," "anticipate," "believe," "expect," "estimate," "plan," "outlook," and "project" and other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. Such forward looking statements include estimated financial information. Such forward looking statements with respect to revenues, earnings, performance, strategies, prospects and other aspects of the businesses of UAC, Bioceres or the combined company after completion of the business combination are based on current expectations that are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from expectations expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to: (1) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the Exchange Agreement and the proposed business combination contemplated therein; (2) the inability to complete the transactions contemplated by the Exchange Agreement due to the failure to obtain the approval of the shareholders, or other conditions to closing in the Exchange Agreement; (3) the ability of UAC to continue to meet applicable NYSE listing standards; (4) the risk that the proposed business combination disrupts current plans and operations of Bioceres as a result of the announcement and consummation of the transactions described herein; (5) the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the proposed business combination, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of the combined company to grow and manage growth profitably, maintain relationships with customers and suppliers and retain its management and key employees; (6) costs related to the proposed business combination; (7) changes in applicable laws or regulations; (8) the possibility that Bioceres may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; and (9) other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in the definitive registration statement of UAC in connection with the proposed business combination and the proxy statement/prospectus contained therein, including those under "Risk Factors" therein, and other documents filed or to be filed with the SEC by UAC. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. UAC and Bioceres undertake no commitment to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Anyone using the presentation does so at their own risk and no responsibility is accepted for any losses which may result from such use directly or indirectly. Investors should carry out their own due diligence in connection with the assumptions contained herein. The forward-looking statements in this communication speak as of the date of this communication. Although UAC may from time to time voluntarily update its prior forward-looking statements, it disclaims any commitment to do so whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions or otherwise except as required by applicable securities laws. Additional Information and Where to Find It For additional information on the proposed transaction, see UAC's Current Report on Form 8-K, which will be filed promptly. In connection with the proposed transaction, UAC will file a Registration Statement on Form S-4, which will include a preliminary proxy statement/prospectus of UAC. Once the Registration Statement is declared effective by the SEC, UAC will mail a definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant documents to its shareholders. Investors and security holders of UAC are advised to read, when available, the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus, and amendments thereto, and the definitive proxy statement/prospectus in connection with UAC's solicitation of proxies for its extraordinary general meeting of shareholders to be held to approve the proposed transaction because the proxy statement/prospectus will contain important information about the proposed transaction and the parties to the proposed transaction. Stockholders will also be able to obtain copies of the Registration Statement, including the proxy statement/prospectus, and Form 8-K, announcing entry into the Exchange Agreement, without charge on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov, or by directing their request to: Union Acquisition Corp., 400 Madison Ave., Suite 11A, New York, NY 10017. No Offer or Solicitation This announcement is for informational purposes only and is neither an offer to sell, nor a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or the solicitation of any vote in any jurisdiction pursuant to the proposed transactions or otherwise, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of securities in any jurisdiction in which the offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181108006113/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 08, 2018] Innovators and Leaders in the Science and Technology Community Celebrated at the Arizona Technology Council's 2018 Governor's Celebration of Innovation The Arizona Technology Council, in conjunction with the Arizona Commerce Authority, today announced the winners of the 2018 Governor's Celebration of Innovation (GCOI) Awards. Leaders and innovators in Arizona's booming technology community were celebrated at a prestigious gala attended by the top companies and influencers in the state. "As our economy continues to boom, innovation becomes more important than ever," said Steven G. Zylstra, president and CEO of the Arizona Technology Council. "It is essential that we celebrate the creative spirit of Arizona by recognizing and honoring the state's technology leaders and up-and-comers. We congratulate all the winners and extend our thanks for their part in advancing Arizona as a top-tier technology state." The winners in their respective categories are: Company Award Winners Innovator of the Year - Start-Up Company: BlackBar Engineering, Tucson, AZ Innovator of the Year - Small Company: CampusLogic, Chandler, AZ Innovator of the Year - Large Company: Benchmark, Phoenix, AZ Innovator of the Year - Academia: Dr. Laurence Hurley, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ Chairman's Award Selected at the discretion of the Arizona Technology Council's leadership, the Chairmans Award was presented to Sandra Watson, president and CEO, Arizona Commerce Authority. Watson brings more than 20 years of economic development leadership experience to Arizona. She and her teams have successfully attracted to Arizona more than 750 companies that have committed to invest nearly $10 billion in capital and create more than 125,000 jobs. Watson is a collaborative leader who excels in strategic thinking and relationship building. She worked tirelessly to implement the new vision for the Arizona Commerce Authority, providing invaluable leadership and stability during its transition from the Department of Commerce into one of the nation's first public-private partnerships focused on economic development. Previously announced winners that were also honored at the event include: Individual/Company Award Winners AccountabilIT Lifetime Achievement Award: Jim Armstrong, managing partner, Canal Partners Ed Denison Business Leader of the Year: Heidi Jannenga, WebPT, Phoenix, AZ Judges Award: Al Maag, MaagCommPlus Previously announced "Future Innovators" and "Teacher of the Year" award winners can be found here. Previously announced Tech Champions Legislators can be found here. "The companies and individuals honored tonight represent some of the best and brightest minds in Arizona, and we are fortunate to have them in our state," said Sandra Watson. "Their accomplishments demonstrate why Arizona is consistently recognized as a top market for quality of talent and leadership in innovation. Congratulations to each of the 2018 awardees!" Winners and finalists were evaluated and chosen by a selection committee of experts independent of the Council that included: Islamshah Amlani, Honeywell Aerospace James Goulka, Arizona Tech Investors Dave Higgins, Benchmark Electronics (News - Alert) Doug Hockstad, Tech Launch Arizona Eric Miller, PADT Mary O'Reilly, Ph.D., Flinn Foundation Chuck Vermillion, AccountabilIT About the Arizona Technology Council The Arizona Technology Council is Arizona's premier trade association for science and technology companies. Recognized as having a diverse professional business community, Council members work towards furthering the advancement of technology in Arizona through leadership, education, legislation and social action. The Arizona Technology Council offers numerous events, educational forums and business conferences that bring together leaders, managers, employees and visionaries to make an impact on the technology industry. These interactions contribute to the Council's culture of growing member businesses and transforming technology in Arizona. To become a member or to learn more about the Arizona Technology Council, please visit http://www.aztechcouncil.org. About the Arizona Commerce Authority The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state's leading economic development organization with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona's economy. The ACA uses a three-pronged approach to advance the overall economy: attract, expand, create - attract out-of-state companies to establish operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to expand their business in Arizona and beyond; and help entrepreneurs create new Arizona businesses in targeted industries. For more information, please visit azcommerce.com and follow the ACA on Twitter (News - Alert) at @azcommerce. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181108005972/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 08, 2018] MasteryPrep partners with Appalachian State University (GEAR UP) BATON ROUGE, La., Nov. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- MasteryPrep announced today that Appalachian State University-GEAR UP (Boone, NC) has entered into an agreement to provide digital access to ACT Mastery Online for 10,900 North Carolina high school students. Appalachian's GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) is a federally funded college access program designed to increase the number of students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education immediately after high school. "The Appalachian GEAR UP partnership works with 11 school districts to support 15,000 students across western North Carolina. We're very pleased to work with MasteryPrep to offer ACT Mastery Online. The high quality of the materials will help prepare our students to achieve their postsecondary education goals," says Dr. James Beeler, director of Appalachian GEAR UP. ACT Mastery Online, powered by Acrobatiq, is an online digital resource portal built for today's on-the-go student. Through predictive analytics and innovative adaptive learning software, the content reacts to student responses and adapts to their skill level in real time. Students "learn by doing" through a series of multimedia course material, content, and practices tests. The zero-prep teacher resource includes online monitoring of student and class progress through an extensive data analysis dashboard. "The Appalachian GEAR U partnership is leveling the playing field by providing quality test preparation to thousands of low-income, first-generation families who traditionally cannot access premium college readiness supports. This directly translates to more western North Carolina students preparing to win scholarships and gain entrance into four-year institutions," says Craig Gehring, founder and chief executive officer of MasteryPrep. With ACT Mastery Online, students gain access to 70 self-paced modules in English, Math, Reading and Science, 1,000 ACT-style practice questions, extended practice drills, and one full-length practice test. The software and licenses are provided at no cost to students, families, districts, or schools. About MasteryPrep Founded in 2013, MasteryPrep is the fastest-growing college and career readiness company in the country, earning a spot on the Inc. 500 in 2016 and 2017 and the Inc. 5000 in 2018. We are a mission-driven organization that focuses on average- and low-performing students, preparing them for college rigor and giving them the boost they need to qualify for college admissions and scholarships. With our ever-evolving full suite of programs and innovative specialized trainings, MasteryPrep aspires to equip all teachers with the right tools and strategies to prepare their students for college. Our scaffolded approach to skill retention helps underperforming students develop the ability to manage questions of ACT and SAT rigor. MasteryPrep serves over 1,000 schools and districts in 21 states and has helped more than 300,000 students improve their ACT scores. For more information or to find out how your district or school can partner with MasteryPrep visit www.masteryprep.com. For media inquiries, please contact: MasteryPrep Trey Truitt, Marketing Director 855-922-8773 ACT is the registered trademark of ACT Inc. Ring Publications LLC has no affiliation with, and is not approved or endorsed by, ACT Inc. Photo(s): https://www.prlog.org/12739258 Press release distributed by PRLog View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/masteryprep-partners-with-appalachian-state-university-gear-up-300747353.html SOURCE MasteryPrep [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 09, 2018] Nielsen Reports that Online FMCG Sales Growing 4x Faster than Offline; Global FMCG E-commerce Sector to Hit US$400b by 2022 TAIPEI, Taiwan, Nov. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Global online sales of FMCG products is growing four times faster than offline sales, with Asia setting the pace for growth in the coming years in online FMCG sales, according to a new report by global measurement company, Nielsen. The Nielsen Future Opportunities in FMCG E-commerce Report, which examines the current growth drivers of FMCG e-commerce in 34 markets, highlights the rapid pace at which FMCG e-commerce will grow over the coming years (18.4% CAGR annually) and estimates total global sales will reach as high as US$400 billion by 2022. The Asia Pacific region is expected to provide some of the biggest growth opportunities for online FMCG over the next five years, with 43% of the region's consumers already using e-commerce platforms for home delivery of products, and a further 15% indicating better internet connectivity would increase their propensity to shop online. South Korea is leading the way in e-commerce globally, with nearly one-fifth (18%) of all FMCG sold via online channels, closely followed by China (16% of FMCG sold online). Taiwan, Japan and Australia also rank in the top five markets for share of FMCG sales online (5.6%, 5%, and 3% respectively). Other Asia Pacific markets covered in the report include India, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and New Zealand. According to Nielsen eRetail Measurement Service which tracks key online retailers' sales data, 60 FMCG categories online sales reached 18% growth while offline sales growth rate is 2% in 2017. Health Food, with its 31% online sales share and 15% growth rate, outperformed across food related categories online. Paper related categories, such as Baby Diaper, Toilet Paper and Wet Wipes are also online "star" categories, with double digit performance in both online sales share and growth rate. "Competition in FMCG market is ever so fierce in Taiwan, thus manufacturers and retailers are to focus on two key ecommerce tactics: frequency and conversion The high rotation of fresh food is a key driver to attract different shopper sets and increase shopping frequency -- this strategy has been practiced by both US and China markets," suggested by Terri Kang, director, Ecommerce vertical, Nielsen Taiwan. "True convenience, helping shoppers to save time, creates good reason for consumers to come back and buy more. Therefore optimizing the online assortment, at the same time offering the needed product information, and conveying strong messages on quality are ways to win the hearts of savvy online shoppers." The Nielsen report identifies some of the key future drivers of FMCG e-commerce growth, including: Foundational growth drivers: market size, bank account penetration, internet penetration, smartphone penetration Macro-economic growth drivers: ease of doing business, population density, postal reliability Social growth drivers: trust, savings culture Supply growth drivers: maturity of FMCG e-commerce players The emergence of new e-commerce players is creating an increasingly competitive retail landscape in Asia Pacific. High quality infrastructure and technology innovation support further e-commerce adoption for consumers in Japan (24%) who are purchasing FMCG online for home delivery. Nielsen estimates that Japan's 2017 e-commerce share of total FMCG sales (5%) will increase to 7.9% (US$36 billion) by 2022. Taiwan region has strong technology and internet access for consumers, along with geographical proximity to Mainland China and South Korea, markets leading in FMCG e-commerce. Nielsen estimates that Taiwan market's 2017 e-commerce share of total FMCG sales (5.6%) will increase to 8.1% (US$878 million) by 2022. Meanwhile, in other markets around the Asia Pacific region, Australian shoppers (38%) already use e-commerce for OTC medicines and health-care products. Nielsen estimates that Australia's 2017 e-commerce share of total FMCG sales (3%) will increase to 4.8% (US$ 3.5 billion) by 2022. "Many consumers across Asia Pacific have experienced online shopping in some form, be it travel, apparel, electronics or other similar categories," notes Ji Hyuk Park, Nielsen's Developed Markets Digital Retail Lead. "Developing markets across the region hold much promise for rapid FMCG e-commerce growth in the coming years as consumers make the leap from traditional trade to online marketplace, making the need for omni-channel offerings more critical than ever for FMCG retailers." ABOUT THE NIELSEN FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES IN FMCG E-COMMERCE The Nielsen Future Opportunities in FMCG E-commerce report presents the changing FMCG e-commerce landscape in 34 markets, influenced by foundational, macro-economic, social and supply growth drivers. Smartphone penetration, internet access, online banking, delivery infrastructure and need for convenience has encouraged consumers to buy FMCG online in many markets. This report estimates the percentage e-commerce channel share and market size of online FMCG compared to offline sales for 34 markets, by the year 2022. It provides insights to manufacturers and retailers to pursue FMCG e-commerce strategies that will help sustain and maximise growth opportunities in the coming years. ABOUT NIELSEN Nielsen Holdings plc (NYSE: NLSN) is a global measurement and data analytics company that provides the most complete and trusted view available of consumers and markets worldwide. Our approach marries proprietary Nielsen data with other data sources to help clients around the world understand what's happening now, what's happening next, and how to best act on this knowledge. For more than 90 years Nielsen has provided data and analytics based on scientific rigor and innovation, continually developing new ways to answer the most important questions facing the media, advertising, retail and fast-moving consumer goods industries. An S&P 500 company, Nielsen has operations in over 100 countries, covering more than 90% of the world's population. For more information, visit www.nielsen.com . SOURCE Nielsen [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 09, 2018] FICO Survey: European Telecommunications Providers Lag in Use of Advanced Analytics and AI Global survey from TM Forum and FICO shows need to catch up in customer management, fraud LONDON, Nov. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Highlights: A new global survey from TM Forum and analytics software firm FICO shows that telecommunications providers are lagging in their use of advanced analytics Just 11 percent of European CSPs make full use of their data in real-time to drive customer interactions Only one in five European CSPs uses fraud detection advanced analytics including machine learning that most major banks use A new global survey from TM Forum and advanced analytics software firm FICO shows that telecommunications providers are lagging in their use of predictive models, machine learning and artificial intelligence and European CSPs (communications service providers) are behind the rest of the world. In critical areas such as fraud detection, collections and personalization, fewer European respondents are using advanced analytics to improve results than in other regions. The results were shared today at the 2nd Annual Telecoms Credit Risk meeting, hosted by FICO in London. More information: Read the report Smart Analytics Pays Dividends Across the Customer Lifecycle . "Mobile operators are under pressure to become data-driven to improve their decision-making and profitability," said Mark Newman, chief analyst at TM Forum. "As they start to explore artificial intelligence and machine learning, CSPs need to take a holistic approach and find opportunities and use cases across the customer lifecycle. This is how the battle for customer loyalty will be waged." These sample results show the disparity between CSPs in Europe and the entire survey group: Use of Advanced Analytics European CSPs All CSPs Worldwide We collect and analyze data streams in near real-time, and make full operational use of data across every customer touchpoint. 11% 20% When recovering late payments, we deliver customer engagements that are tailored to their specific preferences and profiles of our customers. 21% 20% When detecting fraud at the point of account opening, we use adaptive models and continuous machine learning. 21% 27% When detecting fraud after account opening, we use self-learning customer profiles that flag up unusual behavior in near real-time. 21% 31% "This survey confirms that CSPs worldwide need to play catch up in their use of prescriptive analytics, machine learning and data driven approach," said Anat Hoida, who oversees FICO's telecommunications practice in EMEA. "FICO works with financial services providers worldwide, and the contrast is stark, particularly in Europe. It's quite surprising to see that only one in five European CSPs is using the advanced fraud detection analytics that are nearly ubiquitous in the payment cards industry." The survey also found that: The biggest driver of advanced analytics investments for European CSPs in the next two years will be optimizing the customer experience (74 percent), followed by improving profitability (68 percent). The results were roughly the same for global CSPs. (74 percent), followed by improving profitability (68 percent). The results were roughly the same for global CSPs. Nearly all CSPs in Europe and around the world use text messaging and call centers to communicate with customers, however fewer are doing so in a data-driven and predictive way. Only about 42 percent of European CSPs use web chat, and just 26 percent use chatbots To learn more, download the Quick Insights report from TM Forum, Smart Analytics Pays Dividends Across the Customer Lifecycle. The report is based on a survey of 64 professionals from CSPs around the world. About TM Forum TM Forum is the global industry association that drives collaboration and collective problem-solving to maximize the business success of communication and digital service providers and their ecosystem of suppliers. Our vision is to help communications service providers (CSPs) and their suppliers to digitally transform and thrive in the digital era. We do this by providing an open, collaborative environment and practical support which enables CSPs and suppliers to rapidly transform their business operations, IT systems and ecosystems to capitalize on the opportunities presented in a rapidly evolving digital world. As a neutral, non-profit member organization, TM Forum represents over 850 member companies generating US$2 trillion in revenue and serving five billion customers across 180 countries. About FICO FICO (NYSE: FICO) powers decisions that help people and businesses around the world prosper. Founded in 1956 and based in Silicon Valley, the company is a pioneer in the use of predictive analytics and data science to improve operational decisions. FICO holds more than 185 US and foreign patents on technologies that increase profitability, customer satisfaction and growth for businesses in financial services, telecommunications, health care, retail and many other industries. Using FICO solutions, businesses in more than 100 countries do everything from protecting 2.6 billion payment cards from fraud, to helping people get credit, to ensuring that millions of airplanes and rental cars are in the right place at the right time. Learn more at http://www.fico.com FICO is a registered trademark of Fair Isaac Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. Logo- https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/153740/fico_logo.jpg [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 09, 2018] JUMORE to work as a digital gateway to China SHANGHAI, Nov. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- On November 7, JUMORE held a business conference themed "YOUR GATEWAY TO CHINA" during the first-ever China International Import Expo (CIIE) held between Nov. 5-10 in Shanghai. The meeting had four sessions and attracted hundreds of attendees from political and business circles from nearly 20 countries, including Russia, Brazil, Mexico, Indonesia, Philippines, Belgium, Columbia and Panama. When addressing the meeting, JUMORE chairman Eric Lu said, China is expected to import around $30 trilion in goods and $10 trillion in services in the next 15 years, in which, e-commerce and digital technology would play foreseeably important roles in trade facilitation. Eric Lu pointed out that, the digital platforms of JUMORE could help foreign enterprises introduce their high quality products to China and build them into leading enterprises involved in the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, thus earning them more opportunities for global cooperation. As of now, JUMORE has cemented cooperation with 157 countries and pooled more than 1 million registered corporate members and a database covering 50 million enterprises, regarding supply and purchase information, projects, global promotion, supply chain finance, certification, and consultation, encompassing the whole process of foreign trade. Based on this, JUMORE could help foreign enterprises spot suitable Chinese partners and effectively align them with purchase orders, thus further enabling foreign products to enter the Chinese market. What's more, JUMORE has specifically launched the "ChinaEasy"service packages for foreign enterprises, with the aim of aiding businesses in the Chinese market by offering them comprehensive digital solutions. During the meeting, ambassadors of foreign countries to China, directors of business associations and representatives from enterprises and institutions spoke highly of JumoreGlobal membership service system, and many of them signed cooperation agreements with JUMORE right after the meeting, including Da Origem, Home Comforts Ltd., and Centrofood Industries Ltd. Please visit www.jumoreglobal.com for more global business opportunities. Photo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20181109/2295369-1 SOURCE Jumore [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 09, 2018] Hyosung Chairman Cho Hyun-Joon Holds First Overseas Road Show in Hong Kong and Singapore Hyosung (KRX:004800) (Chairman Cho Hyun-Joon) announced on Nov. 9 that it strengthened communication with overseas markets through "Corporate Day," its company presentation for domestic institutional investors and analysts, and a "non-deal road show" for offshore institutional investors. The meetings were attended by executives from 17 companies, including Goldman Sachs Asset Management, JP Morgan (News - Alert) and Allianz. They displayed high interest in the business activities and directions of Hyosung Corp. and the affiliates it spun off in June. "Chairman Cho Hyun-Joon's determination to improve communication with markets was highly praised. The presentations will be of much help to the assessment of Hyosung's intrinsic value," an industry source said, suggesting Hyosung should hold a road show abroad regularly. Chairman Cho Hyun-Joon said he would keep trying hard after the spin-off to create values and enhance shareholder value on the basis of Hyosung's technological competitiveness. Hyosung Corp. said tha as a control tower of the group, it is focusing on the preparation of business portfolio and the enhancement of brand value. Four subsidiaries vowed to increase management transparency and at the same time concentrate on promoting corporate value as independent entities. Hyosung TNC (KRX:298020) presented a plan to complete the construction of a spandex factory in India, for which it broke ground in June, and its marketing strategy for the home market of the South Asian nation. Hyosung Chemical (KRX:298000) unveiled a plan to expand its polypropylene business in South East Asia, propelled by Hyosung Vina Chemicals it established in Vietnam early this year. Hyosung Advanced Materials (KRX:298050) vowed to concentrate on tire cord markets in Vietnam, India, Thailand and other Asian countries. Hyosung Heavy Industries (KRX:298040) explained a vision to go beyond domestic energy storage systems (ESS) market it dominates to the global market by fusing power conversion system (PCS) and power management system (PMS) technologies it developed on its own. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181109005174/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 09, 2018] Fibre Centre Opens New Carrier Hotel and Meet Me Room in Canada's Capital City, Ottawa Company's second property in Canada will feature 5,000 square feet of space in Phase One OTTAWA and MONCTON, NB, Nov. 9, 2018 /CNW/ - Fibre Centre, the strategic network interconnection facility owner and operator located in Eastern Canada, today announced it has opened a new colocation facility located at 1335 Michael Street in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. The new site will provide Internet, application and content companies with a secure, carrier-neutral facility for interconnectivity options. "As the nation's Capital, no city is as deserving of having its own network-neutral carrier hotel and Meet Me Room," stated Hunter Newby, Founder of Fibre Centre. "We have spent over two years analyzing the market, exploring options and building consensus within the Internet community in Ottawa and we are very pleased and excited to make this announcement today." "Our Global Expansion team has worked closely with Fibre Centre over the last two years, helping the company to establish operations and grow their team in Ottawa. Fibre Centre's carrier-neutral core network interconnection facility provides strategic infrastructure our city needs to drive innovation. It improves interconnectivity and reduces the cost of data transmission between networks, making Internet access more affordable. This capability will support the growth of existing companies and attract new firms that rely on network services. This will create new opportunity and high-value jobs in our region," stated Michael Tremblay, President and CEO, Invest Ottawa and Bayview Yards. The carrier-neutral facility in Ottawa will provide customers with the ability to access multiple dark fibre as well as Ethernet and Internet Protocol-based networks including an Internet Exchange Point. Fibre Centre currently owns and operates the largest and only carrier hotel in Atlantic Canada with regional, national and global networks, including the major national incumbent aswell as local competitive network operators as customers and is also the host facility for the Moncton Internet Exchange. Fibrenoire GM Jean-Philippe Gagnon stated that "Fibrenoire sees the establishment of a carrier-neutral interconnection facility near the heart of the City as a critical element of a dynamic telecommunications ecosystem which can only benefit Ottawa providers and customers alike. Fibrenoire looks forward to working with Fibre Centre Ottawa and on the opportunities its establishment will make possible." The facility will feature redundant cooling systems, generator and redundant UPS power. The colocation site will also include an electrical AC and DC systems with A and B power options, biometric security and video surveillance monitoring. 16,000 square feet of space will be available at Phase Three of the Fibre Centre Ottawa development. Hydro Ottawa has been working closely with the Invest Ottawa, The City of Ottawa and Fibre Centre to help achieve the vision of a connected city of the future. "Connectivity is key to achieving a smart energy future and the establishment of a carrier neutral center is an important step to achieving this vision by bringing faster internet speeds and data at affordable prices" said Mark Fernandes Chief Information and Technology Officer. Hydro Ottawa is proud to support the electrical infrastructure needed to create a carrier hub that will better serve our communities connectivity needs. About Fibre Centre: Fibre Centre is a network-neutral data centre and meet-me-room located in Moncton and Ottawa. We are the strategic network interconnection facility owner and operator located in Eastern Canada. For more information, please visit www.fibrecentre.com SOURCE: Fibre Centre Tanya Pash, 929-344-1255 [email protected] About Fibrenoire: Fibrenoire is Eastern Canada's premier metro carrier specializing exclusively in fibre optic connectivity services for businesses and institutional organizations in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec. Fibrenoire deploys and operates its own fibre optic network in the cities of Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec and Toronto and is renowned for its consulting-engineering approach. For more information, please visit www.fibrenoire.ca Fibrenoire Ruby Najjar, 613-454-3002 x 150 [email protected] About Invest Ottawa: Invest Ottawa is the lead economic development agency for Canada's Capital, facilitating economic growth and job creation in the City of Ottawa. Guided by a vision to help realize Ottawa's full potential as a globally-recognized, innovative and future-ready city, and the best place to learn, work, live, and play, Invest Ottawa delivers venture development and global expansion programs and services that catalyze the growth and success of entrepreneurs and firms. For more information, please visit www.investottawa.ca Invest Ottawa Sonya Shorey, 613-828-6274 [email protected] About Hydro Ottawa: Hydro Ottawa delivers electricity to more than 332,000 homes and businesses in Ottawa and Casselman. For 100 years, Hydro Ottawa has reliably supplied its customers with power, building and investing in the local electric grid. Proudly municipally owned, Hydro Ottawa contributes to the well-being of the community we serve. Its innovative services help customers manage their account and energy use. For more information, please visit www.hydroottawa.com Hydro Ottawa Daniel Seguin, 613-738-5499 x 2345 [email protected] SOURCE Fibre Centre [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 09, 2018] VRsenal To Debut Fully-Automated Beat Saber Virtual Arcade Cabinet At IAAPA 2018 ORLANDO, Fla., Nov. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- VRsenal, the leader in attendant-free commercial VR systems, has partnered with Beat Games to launch a fully-automated Beat Saber Virtual Arcade Cabinet at the 2018 IAAPA Attractions Expo in Orlando, Florida. Just like a traditional arcade cabinet, VRsenal's Virtual Arcade Cabinet is a single machine that can go from shipping pallet to fully operational in thirty minutes, all with zero technical expertise or prior VR experience. VRsenal's Beat Saber cabinet has a footprint of just 30 square feet (2.8 square meters) and has been optimized for high throughput, high uptime, high ROI, and low maintenance. "We've had commercial VR products operating under real world conditions for over two years, so we've seen what works and what doesn't," said Ben Davenport, Founder and CEO of VRsenal. "Success in this arena requires a product that actually delivers on the high promise of VR, but without any of the hassle and inconvenience that currently comes with most commercial VR systems. It's not enough to simply deliver a fun experience, it also has to be affordable, profitable, easy to operate - and it needs to do all of this while never, ever, making anyone sick. The fact is - there's just no way to accomplish all of these things without a robust, fully-automated VR platform that's been carefully paired with highly repayable world-class VR content. That's why we partered with Beat Games. Beat Saber burst on the scene in mid-2018 and instantly became a music rhythm phenomenon. People from every imaginable demographic love to play this game, and they love to watch their friends play. It's super social, and when you combine our compact, fully-automated Virtual Arcade Cabinet with a brilliant game like Beat Saber, operators are going to see significant revenue-per-square-foot numbers beyond anything ever witnessed in the LBVR space. We fully expect the Beat Saber Virtual Arcade Cabinet to be remembered as VR's PAC-MAN moment. In other words - this is VR's killer app." "VRsenal's design and execution of the Virtual Arcade Cabinet perfectly reflects our goal of making virtual reality approachable, accessible, and entertaining," said Jenna Seiden, LBE lead for Beat Games. "Beat Saber appeals to a mainstream audience, to anyone who likes rhythm, music, songs, or dance, and we want both existing and new fans, as well as our operator friends, to have only the best experiences when playing our game." This is a premium piece of kit. The Beat Saber cabinet's steel frame glistens with neon lighting and strikes a pose like a sleek sculptured piece of modern art. Each cabinet boasts a crowd-drawing 80-inch (203-cm) 4K screen protected by quarter-inch windshield glass displaying everything the player sees in stunning life-size detail. The entire system is powered by HP VR-ready PCs, Intel i7 processors, Nvidia GTX 1080 graphics cards and HTC Vive Pro headsets. The cable management and retraction system provides a near-wireless experience, while the fully integrated ticketing system brings redemption functionality to the table. On top of all of this, the overall unit boasts an impressive 99% uptime record. VRsenal then seals the deal with futuristic holographic signage that projects rotating Beat Saber logos that hover in mid-air just above the cabinet. In short, VRsenal's Beat Saber Virtual Arcade Cabinet is dressed to impress, from the moment you lay eyes on it to the last slash of the last beat of your last song. VRsenal will be at Booth 3886 from Nov 13-16, 2018. MEDIA CONTACT: Jody Green Frame PR [email protected] TO SCHEDULE APPOINTMENTS AT IAAPA: Erin Sherman VRsenal [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vrsenal-to-debut-fully-automated-beat-saber-virtual-arcade-cabinet-at-iaapa-2018-300747181.html SOURCE VRsenal [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Flash The U.S. government said Thursday that immigrants who enter the country illegally would be banned from applying for asylum. Two senior government officials told a conference call that all people who seek asylum from the United States should enter at a port of entry, citing national security concerns. The new rule would bar illegal immigrants "from eligibility for asylum, and thereby channel inadmissible aliens to ports of entry, where they would be processed in a controlled, orderly, and lawful manner," an unnamed official told the conference. The move is widely perceived as a measure targeting a caravan of immigrants from Central American countries moving toward the U.S.-Mexico border. U.S. President Donald Trump has categorized the caravan as an "invasion" and has ordered the U.S. Department of Defense to deploy active-duty troops to the border in assistance to border security forces. [November 09, 2018] BlueShore Financial Named One of Canada's Best Small and Medium Employers for Eight Consecutive Years BlueShore Financial has been named a Best Small and Medium Employer in Canada for eight years running. The Aon Best Employers program recognizes organizations that perform strongly in the areas of employee engagement, leadership, performance, culture, and employment brand. BlueShore is one of only two organizations to receive this recognition for eight consecutive years. Once again, BlueShore has earned the highest honour, Platinum status. "A strategy is only as strong as the employees empowered to deliver it," said Chris Catliff, President and CEO, BlueShore Financial. "Our employees' commitment to delivering excellence and innovation is what drives BlueShore forward, and allows us to help our clients achieve their financial goals." "We strive to make our employees feel richly valued, by fostering a culture of engaging work, investment in learning and development, innovation, community impact, and a dynamic physical work environment," said Marni Johnson, Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Corporate Affairs, BlueShore Financial. Being named a Best Small and Medium Employer in Canada is a testament to the organization's progressive people practices, positive culture and visionary leadership. BlueShore employs over 370 people across its 13 branches and head office. With a high-tech, high-touch approach, BlueShore equips its workspaces with top of the line technology and provides a dynamic Financial Spa work environment. The Aon Best Employers program measures and recognizes leading employers across Canada and worldwide. It is based on more than 15 years of experience in Best Employer studies across the orld, backed with more than 20 years of experience in employee research and a global employee engagement database. Rankings are determined based on Employee Opinion Survey results. More information about the Best Small and Medium Employers in Canada is available at bestemployerscanada.com About BlueShore Financial BlueShore Financial is a boutique financial institution providing a full range of personal and business banking, wealth management, insurance and commercial lending solutions. With 13 branches across the Lower Mainland and Sea-to-Sky Corridor, BlueShore Financial helps clients achieve financial wellness through personalized solutions and expert advice, delivered in a unique Financial Spa branch environment. BlueShore Financial manages over $5.6 billion in assets under administration, is consistently ranked among the top financial planning firms in Metro Vancouver, and has been named one of Canada's Best Small and Medium Employers eight years in a row. As an Imagine Canada Caring Company, BlueShore Financial contributes at least 1% of pre-tax profits annually to charities and not-for-profit organizations within the communities it serves. BlueShore Financial is the operating name of BlueShore Financial Credit Union. To learn more about the BlueShore Financial difference, watch this video. Follow us on Twitter (News - Alert) @blueshorenews or connect on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181109005002/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 09, 2018] Accenture Named to 2019 List of Canada's Top Employers for Eighth Consecutive Year Accenture (News - Alert) (NYSE:ACN) has been named one of Canada's Top 100 Employers for the eighth consecutive year. The national competition determines which employers lead their industries in offering exceptional workplaces for their employees. "At Accenture we strive to be a place where our people can navigate and grow their careers while we collectively help our clients solve their most significant challenges," said Bill Morris, president of Accenture in Canada. Accenture is consistently recognized in Canada and around the world as an employer of choice. For instance, the company has been named to FORTUNE World's Most Admired Companies for 16 consecutive years, DiversityInc's for 12 consecutive years, and the Thomson (News - Alert) Reuters Diversity & Inclusion Index for three consecutive years - placing first this year. "Embedded into our culture and core values is our commitment to inclusion and diversity: Last year, Accenture announced it will strive to achieve gender parity by 2025, and we are actively working to attract, retain, advance and sponsor women on this path," said Claudia Thompson, managing director of Inclusion and Diversity and of Accenture's Health & Public Service practice in Canada. Some new programs and initiatives that contribute to Accenture continuing to be recognized as an employer of choice include: /p> New innovative environment: Accenture moved into a new space in downtown Toronto at Scotia Plaza. This new office accommodates more employees and enables the company's people to work collaboratively with clients using the newest workplace technologies. The space keeps up with Accenture's commitment to promoting environmental sustainability and is uniquely "Toronto," with local art, featuring more than 30 living walls, and breathtaking views of the city. Accenture moved into a new space in downtown Toronto at Scotia Plaza. This new office accommodates more employees and enables the company's people to work collaboratively with clients using the newest workplace technologies. The space keeps up with Accenture's commitment to promoting environmental sustainability and is uniquely "Toronto," with local art, featuring more than 30 living walls, and breathtaking views of the city. Speak Up campaign: Accenture launched its Speak Up campaign in December 2017 to emphasize Accenture's values in creating a space that is inclusive to all. Accenture people wear green buttons and stickers that read "Speak Up - Conduct Counts" that promote the campaign - which serves as a catalyst for conversations to speak up against inappropriate conduct. Accenture launched its Speak Up campaign in December 2017 to emphasize Accenture's values in creating a space that is inclusive to all. Accenture people wear green buttons and stickers that read "Speak Up - Conduct Counts" that promote the campaign - which serves as a catalyst for conversations to speak up against inappropriate conduct. Cleaning up our community: Community involvement is one of the biggest drivers of employee engagement at Accenture. In the past year, 275 Accenture volunteers from the Toronto and Mississauga offices travelled to Humber Bay Park East in Mimico, Toronto, for a community clean-up activity. Partnering with the Toronto Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), the group collected 286 pounds of garbage along the Humber Bay East shoreline to help ensure it was clean and safe for everyone to enjoy its natural beauty. About Accenture Accenture is a leading global professional services company, providing a broad range of services and solutions in strategy, consulting, digital, technology and operations. Combining unmatched experience and specialized skills across more than 40 industries and all business functions - underpinned by the world's largest delivery network - Accenture works at the intersection of business and technology to help clients improve their performance and create sustainable value for their stakeholders. With 459,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries, Accenture drives innovation to improve the way the world works and lives. Visit us at www.accenture.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181109005062/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 09, 2018] AFWERX Partners With Spigit to Fuel US Air Force Innovation SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 09, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Spigit , the worlds leading provider of innovation management software, today announced that AFWERX is using its platform to revolutionize the way it innovates and identifies new solutions to top organizational challenges, by engaging industry experts, academics, start-ups, and the general public at scale. A collaboration between the USAF and non-military contractors, and directly envisioned by Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson, AFWERX was created with the objective of overcoming some of the toughest obstacles facing the US Air Force (USAF). One of the key capabilities of AFWERX is AFWERX Vegas, a non-government entity opened by Vice President Mike Pence in January 2018 to bring together a coalition of entrepreneurs, industry, academia, investors, individual innovators, and Air Force problem solvers to find innovative new ideas and rapidly bring them into use across the Air Force, and enhance a culture of innovation. The partnership with Spigit enables AFWERX Vegas to address these challenges, which include identifying how to expedite the USAF acquisition and contracting process, through surfacing innovative solutions from a diverse population of people around the world, whilst at the same time taking more of a lean startup approach to problem-solving. As the first step in its partnership with Spigit, AFWERX has launched four innovation campaigns, or challenges , on the platform, inviting participants to share ideas that could address specific challenges that the Air Force is facing: New Helmet System Open Challenge: The USAF has allocated up to $20 million to redesign and replace the Fixed Wing (plane) helmet used by pilots and aircrew. The goal is to create the helmet of the future that is lightweight, comfortable, and stable, with improved noise protection, better thermal management, and the ability to tailor the helmet for different needs. This challenge aims to find people with the ideas, components, materials, and technologies to improve the Fixed Wing Aircrew Helmet, enhancing aircrew performance, safety and satisfaction. The USAF has allocated up to $20 million to redesign and replace the Fixed Wing (plane) helmet used by pilots and aircrew. The goal is to create the helmet of the future that is lightweight, comfortable, and stable, with improved noise protection, better thermal management, and the ability to tailor the helmet for different needs. This challenge aims to find people with the ideas, components, materials, and technologies to improve the Fixed Wing Aircrew Helmet, enhancing aircrew performance, safety and satisfaction. Revolutionizing Pilot Training Open Challenge: The US is currently facing a shortage of new pilots, and the USAF is continually striving to make improvements to its pilot training and onboarding program to make this process as quick and efficient as possible. This challenge brings together different collaborators to uncover new ideas and improvements to the Pilot Training Next program. The US is currently facing a shortage of new pilots, and the USAF is continually striving to make improvements to its pilot training and onboarding program to make this process as quick and efficient as possible. This challenge brings together different collaborators to uncover new ideas and improvements to the Pilot Training Next program. Mixed Reality Platform Challenge: MOTAR, or Maintenance Operations and Training Augmented Reality, is a new idea that ould revolutionize aircraft maintenance using augmented reality to reduce human error and increase training speed. The ultimate goal of this process will be to award contracts to deploy the new AR/VR Maintenance, Operations, and Training AR/VR solutions that will be used by all airmen. MOTAR, or Maintenance Operations and Training Augmented Reality, is a new idea that ould revolutionize aircraft maintenance using augmented reality to reduce human error and increase training speed. The ultimate goal of this process will be to award contracts to deploy the new AR/VR Maintenance, Operations, and Training AR/VR solutions that will be used by all airmen. Advanced Microelectronics Design & Prototype Challenge: Part of a $2 billion government initiative and in partnership with the Air Force Research Labs, this challenge seeks solutions to rapidly improve both the capability and assurance of advanced microelectronics in autonomous vehicles (drones or other vehicles relevant for both commercial and military applications). The US Air Force has traditionally generated ideas through lengthy, long-established RFP processes, said Mark Rowland, Innovation Actualizer at AFWERX Vegas. But the world is changing rapidly with the introduction of new technologies, new threats, and new opportunities, and the organization is under pressure to deliver innovative solutions more quickly. By using Spigits platform we have the potential to significantly reduce the time and cost it takes to develop and implement new solutions to many of our long-standing challenges. Weve got to innovate to maintain Americas security, explained General Stephen Wilson, Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force. Weve created the AFWERX Challenge to accelerate inventive solutions from individuals, startups, small businesses, large enterprises, academia and research labs in the most collaborative way and get them to Americas Airmen at the speed of relevance. Whether a government organization, financial services, manufacturing or CPG, all companies have their own unique business challenges and regulations, said Scott Raskin, President and CEO of Spigit. Many of the worlds most successful companies are taking a progressive approach to sourcing innovative ideas by encouraging participation from a large and diverse group of people across a wide variety of specialties and locations, which has been proven to lead to better outcomes. Its great to see the AFWERX and the USAF now leveraging this approach, too. Were incredibly proud to play our part in propelling the Air Force further and look forward to seeing the ideas that will result from these challenges. To learn more about Spigit, please visit www.spigit.com . About Spigit Inc. Spigit is the leader in crowdsourced innovation management software, with more than 6 million users in 500 companies across 170 countries. Our innovation management platform enables organizations to crowdsource breakthrough ideas from employees, partners, and customers. From idea to impact, Spigit enables sustained innovation by driving employee engagement, creating a culture of innovation and providing analytics-driven insights. Spigit has powered innovation programs across all major industries including financial services, manufacturing, healthcare, consumer products, and energy. The worlds most influential enterprises and largest consulting firms have made Spigit a core part of delivering business value to shareholders and customers. To learn more and experience Spigit, click here . Spigits global HQ is in San Francisco, European HQ is in London, and Asia-Pacific HQ is in Sydney. Learn more at www.spigit.com. 2018 Spigit Corp. All rights reserved. Spigit, the Spigit logo, Kindling, the Kindling logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Spigit Corporation and/or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and elsewhere. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners. About AFWERX AFWERX is a product of the Air Force, directly envisioned by Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson. Her vision of AFWERX is to solve some of the toughest challenges that the Air Force faces through innovation and collaboration amongst our nations top subject matter experts. The world is changing quickly new technologies, new threats and new opportunities. AFWERX taps into the power of creativity and empowers intentional innovation that unleashes emergent approaches for the warfighter through a community of entrepreneurs, industry, academia, investors and other non-traditional contributors. AFWERX has the ability to bring together our nations best and brightest to collaborate, innovate, fabricate, and present accelerated results to the United States Air Force to better serve our #1 customer: the warfighter and operators in the Air Force so they can keep us safe. About AFWERX Vegas Opened by Vice President Mike Pence in January 2018, the AFWERX Vegas Innovation Hub is one of the key capabilities of AFWERX. Its primary role is to support an innovation ecosystem, bringing together a coalition of entrepreneurs, industry, academia, investors, individual innovators, and Air Force problem solvers to find innovative new ideas and rapidly bring them into use across the Air Force and enhance a culture of innovation. Spigit Media Contact: Nicola Frazer-Reid [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Hot Topics Recap: Black Friday/Cyber Monday Following are the latest Black Friday/Cyber Monday (News - Alert) 2018 news releases and story ideas for reporters, bloggers and media outlets. These recaps, curated by Business Wire, provide reporters and bloggers around the globe instant access to the latest news releases, providing relevant and trending content to share with their audiences. Discover more news via Business Wire's Hot Topic recaps or create a custom news feed specific to your needs here. This service is provided at no charge to members of the media and financial communities. BOCA RATON, Fla.--Countdown to Black Friday Is On: Office Depot Unveils Hot Black Friday Deals Source: Office Depot, Inc. LIVONIA, Mich.--Valassis Shares Five Key Strategies for SMBs to Win the Holidays Source: Valassis FRAMINGHAM, Mass.--Staples Announces Exclusive Black Friday Deals Source: Staples (News - Alert) NEW YORK--Black Friday Shopping Expected to Be Strong, Consumers to Spend an Average of $554.90 over Thanksgiving Weekend Source: International Council of Shopping Centers LOS ANGELES--Attention Holiday Shoppers: Here Are All the Ways to Save and Earn Money at Swagbucks This Holiday Season Source: Swagbucks MINNEAPOLIS--Black Friday Starts Now at Best Buy; Hundreds of Deals from Just-Released Black Friday Ad Available Today Through Sunday Source: Best Buy NEW YORK--Barnes & Noble Announces New Holiday Ad Campaign Source: Barnes & Noble, Inc. BENTONVILLE, Ark.--Walmart Unveils Plans for Best Black Friday Yet Source: Walmart Inc. NEW YORK--Barnes & Noble Unveils Hottest Toys & Games for 2018 Holidays Source: Barnes & Noble, Inc. SIOUX FALLS, S.D.--Shop, Eat and Celebrate the Stress-Free Way with Cash This Holiday Season Source: ATMIA NEW YORK--Come One, Come All! Carnival Games Available Today Source: Take-Two Interactive SAN FRANCISCO--Square Survey Reveals How Americans Plan to Shop - And Want To Pay - This Holiday Season Source: Square, Inc SAN FRANCISCO--Old Navy to Give $1 to Boys & Girls Clubs for Every $1 Cozy Sock Purchased on Black Friday, Up to $1 Million, to Expand First Jobs Program for Club Teens Source: Old Navy NEW YORK--Barnes & Noble Unwraps the Holiday Season with Exclusive Books, Toys & Games, Gifts and More Source: Barnes & Noble, Inc. NEW YORK--Explore What's New at Macy's This Holiday Season Source: Macy's PIGEON FORGE, Tenn.--Smoky Mountain Christmas Celebrates 11 Years as Favorite Christmas Event with Glacier Ridge, Five Million Lights Source: Dollywood NEW YORK--Macy's Black Friday and Cyber Week Wonder Deals Source: Macy's ALAMEDA, Calif.--Cost Plus World Market Launches Its Golden Bell Scavenger Hunt Source: Cost Plus World Market WESTBOROUGH, Mass.--Thankful for Savings! BJ's Wholesale Club Announces Amazing Deals for Thanksgiving Source: BJ's Wholesale Club PHOENIX & TRIANGLE, Va.--Marine Toys for Tots Welcomes DollarDays as National Partner Source: DollarDays WESTBOROUGH, Mass.--BJ's Wholesale Club Announces Thousands of Black Friday Steals in BJ's Clubs and on BJs.com, Plus Free Shipping for Perks Members Source: BJ's Wholesale Club NEW YORK--Richline Group Brings Grown With Love, Lab Grown Diamonds to Market Source: Richline Group, Inc. SEATTLE--Amazon Expands Free Shipping to Everyone for the Holiday Season Source: Amazon.com, Inc. BOSTON--Unique Holiday Gift Guide Offering Treasures from World's Top Auction Houses, Galleries and Dealers Now on Invaluable Source: Invaluable MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis.--Kohl's Rewards the Gift Giver this Holiday Season, Gifting More Kohl's Cash than Ever Before Source: Kohl's SAN JOSE, Calif.--Adobe Forecasts $124 Billion in U.S. Online Sales This Holiday Season Source: Adobe (News - Alert) SAN FRANCISCO--HARRODS PARTNERS WITH WILLIAMS SONOMA TO LAUNCH EXCLUSIVE COLLECTION AVAILABLE IN THE U.S. Source: Williams-Sonoma, Inc. NEW YORK--Celebrate with your Community this Small Business Saturday Source: American Express (News - Alert) REDMOND, Wash.--Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Nintendo Direct Unleashes New Details Source: Nintendo NEW YORK--Let's Have A Parade: The World-Renowned Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Kicks Off The Holiday Season Source: Macy's BOSTON--Top iPad mini & iPad Pro Black Friday Deals for 2018: Best Early Apple Tablet Deals Revealed by Consumer Walk Source: Consumer Walk NEWARK, Del.--Attention College-Going Families: Put College Scholarships on Your Black Friday Must-Haves ListsSource: Sallie Mae LIVONIA, Mich.--Valassis Research: Consumers Leverage Three Phases to Get the Most From Their Holiday Shopping Source: Valassis AUSTIN, Texas--ShippingEasy Releases Its Popular Annual Holiday Guide Source: ShippingEasy BOSTON--Consumer Walk Share Roomba Black Friday 2018 Deals Predictions Source: Consumer Walk NEW YORK--Online Retailers Gear Up to Deliver Fast, Reliable Holiday Shopping Experiences Source: Catchpoint BOSTON--Innovation and Entrepreneurship Highlighted at Innovate Celebrate Source: Consumer Technology Association (CTA) ARLINGTON, Va.--Holiday Tech Spending to Reach a Record $96.1 Billion in Revenue - TVs Top Wish Lists Again, Says CTA Source: Consumer Technology Association BOSTON--Retailers to Spend More on Black Friday Digital Ads than Cyber Monday in 2018 Holiday Shopping Season, Nanigans Research Finds Source: Nanigans, Inc. MEMPHIS, Tenn.--Merry Maids Shares the List to Check Twice for Less Holiday Stress: Your Pre-Holiday Game PlanSource: Merry Maids SANTA PAULA, Calif.--Limoneira to Launch Two In-Store Promotions to Zest Up Holiday Sales Source: Limoneira Company BENTONVILLE, Ark.--Walmart Brightens Customer Experience and Expands Assortment To Help Customers Light Up Christmas Source: Walmart Inc. BOSTON--The Best 4K TV Black Friday 2018 Deals: Consumer Walk Review Top Early TV Sales Source: Consumer Walk LOS ANGELES--OnlyLeggings.com Releases One of the Largest Collections of Winter and Christmas Themed Leggings and Leg Fashion for 2018 Source: BRAVADA International Ltd MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.--Pirates Voyage Dinner Attraction to Begin Holiday Show Nov. 1 in Myrtle Beach Source: World Choice Investments ROCHELLE PARK, N.J.--Avenue Stores Partners with PredictSpring to Launch New Mobile App Ahead of the Holiday Season Source: PredictSpring SEATTLE--Holiday Hiring: Amazon Paying $15 an Hour or More for 100,000 Seasonal Jobs Source: Amazon.com, Inc. MIAMI--Psycho Bunny Opens First U.S. Retail Store in Miami Source: Psycho Bunny NEW YORK--Introducing the GUESS Holiday 2018 Advertising Campaign Source: GUESS?, Inc. NEW YORK--Dr. Seuss' "The Grinch" Takes Over Barnes & Noble This Holiday Season Source: Barnes & Noble, Inc. WASHINGTON--Consumers Will Spend 4.1 Percent More Than Last Year During Winter Holidays, According to NRF Survey Source: National Retail Federation STAMFORD, Conn.--Pitney Bowes Global Ecommerce Study Finds We Are Shopping Online More Frequently and Frustrated More Often Source: Pitney Bowes Inc. SAN FRANCISCO--Philo Launches Hallmark's Suite of Networks Just in Time for the Highly Anticipated "Countdown to Christmas" Source: Philo NEW YORK--Find the Ultimate Gift for Everyone on Your List at Macy's This Holiday Season Source: Macy's, Inc. ALAMEDA, Calif.--Cost Plus World Market Partners with Hallmark Channel to Celebrate the "Countdown to Christmas"Source: Cost Plus World Market NEW YORK--Marciano Los Angeles Unveils the Holiday 2018 Collection and Advertising Campaign Source: GUESS?, Inc. PIGEON FORGE, Tenn.--Christmas Comes to Life at Dolly Parton's Stampede This Holiday Season Source: Dolly Parton's Stampede Dinner Attraction LOS ANGELES--Give the Gift of Nostalgia This Holiday Season with Popcornopolis' Elegant and Delicious Gourmet Popcorn Source: Popcornopolis About Business Wire: Business Wire, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is the global leader in press release distribution and regulatory disclosure. Investor relations, public relations, public policy and marketing professionals rely on Business Wire to accurately distribute market-moving news and multimedia, host online newsrooms and IR websites, build content marketing platforms, generate social engagements and provide audience analysis that improves interaction with specified target markets. 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View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181109005019/en/ [November 09, 2018] TUV Rheinland Launches White Paper of Blue Light Management for the Display Industry and Health Impacts to Boost the Development of Blue light Filtration Technology SHANGHAI, Nov. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- On November 6, 2018, the leading international provider of third-party testing, inspection and certification services, TUV Rheinland Group (hereinafter TUV Rheinland), attended the first China International Import Expo (CIIE). At Booth 1A1-007 in the Service Trade Zone, TUV Rheinland and Healthe jointly released the Chinese and English versions of the "White Paper of Blue Light Management for the Display Industry and Health Impacts" (hereinafter referred to as the "White Paper"). This refers to the blue light filtration technology for electronic product display screens which TUV Rheinland and Healthe gave priority to after they launched a new standard for Blue Light Filtration Certification of Digital Device Accessory Screen Protection this September. The paper provides manufacturers with perspectives on hazardous high-energy blue light management of electronic devices as well as a health guide for users. Jay Yang, Vice President of TUV Rheinland Greater China Electrical, and Jeffrey Rageth, Senior Advisor of Healthe, unveiled the main contents of the White Paper. Yang said, "Today, people spend more time on electronic devices and electronic displays, which has resulted in widespread attention being paid to the long-term effects of blue light on the eyes and human health. TUV Rheinland and Healthe have jointly released this White Paper based on research and survey results, seeking to provide instruction and guidance for the electronic display industry. It aims to help manufacturers improve the user experience while guiding users to correctly understand the blue light hazards." The White Paper contains five chapters: Human Vision, Lighting and Display Technology Development; Health and Safety Concerns; Display Industry Blue Light Solutions and Electronic Industry Display Options; Low Blue Light Standard Development Progress; and Health Guide for Users. In the first two parts, TUV Rheinland briefly describes the development of display technology and provides comparisons between the human vision system and light perception, artificial lighting, and natural lighting, pointing out the harmful effects of blue light and its potential damage to human health. The third part introduces hree blue light solutions from the display industry pertaining to hardware, software, and protective optical films. The fourth part analyzes the problems existing with these current blue light solutions, and highlights TUV Rheinland's existing testing and certification for low blue light standards as well as the outlook for the next generation of standards. In the fifth section, safety and health recommendations are made in regard to eye strain. In 2014, TUV Rheinland took the lead in introducing low-blue-light testing and certification requirements into the display industry, and has developed two methods to continuously guide the industry in improving management for harmful blue light. In September 2018, TUV Rheinland and Healthe collaborated to develop the world's first blue light filtration standard, the Retina Protection Factor. This standard applies to optical films, anti-blue-light glasses, and other display products that reduce harmful blue light. It summarizes the methods for scientific testing and evaluation of anti-blue-light, and guides consumers in choosing high-quality anti-blue-light film or anti-blue-light glasses. There are thousands of anti-blue-light film or anti-blue-light glasses available for various display products on the market, but most of the anti-blue-light film is not as good as claimed in publicity on existing LED-backlit displays and OLED displays. Some films with strong anti-blue-light effect negatively affect normal use of a display through severe brightness degradation and color shift problems, though harmful blue light is reduced. To this end, Healthe has developed new Eyesafe technology and cooperated with world brands including ZAGG to bring high-quality blue light filtration to the display industry. At the CIIE booth, TUV Rheinland presented gifts made with this blue filter membrane to let visitors experience the new membrane technology. Support of product development for teenagers' eye care During the CIIE, TUV Rheinland issued a low blue light certificate for the Interactive Touch Display of Hisense Commercial Display Company (hereinafter referred to as Hisense). TUV Rheinland's Jay Yang and Hill Lin, General Manager of the Planning and R&D Department at Hisense Commercial Display Company, attended this ceremony. Yang said, "As a leader in the electronic display industry, Hisense has many achievements in the field of protecting the eye from blue light. In the future, TUV Rheinland will persist in supporting Hisense to constantly explore and develop higher quality anti-blue-light products, and protect users' health in the field of anti-blue-light with its advanced technology and rich experience in testing and certification." Hisense's self-developed Interactive Touch Display, featuring interactive all-in-one touch, is the first in the education industry to receive low-blue-light standard certification from TUV Rheinland. Its rating is RG0 (no hazard) in photobiological safety, reaching the low-blue-light level of 2PfG 2383-06.16. Reducing the blue light and uniting the color temperature adjustment in the eye protection mode, it can effectively reduce damage to the eyes caused by viewing a display over a long period. This product is widely used in the multimedia teaching field (especially in the K12 system, from kindergarten through high school), protecting the health of teenagers' eyes while ensuring the optimal effect of multimedia teaching. As the world's leading provider of technical services, TUV Rheinland is committed to ensuring human safety and health in all aspects of life. Since 2014, TUV Rheinland has awarded more than 750 low blue light certificates for various display products, ranging from displays, tablets, smart phones, and notebooks to all-in-ones. At present, TUV Rheinland's low blue light standard is widely recognized as the basic standard for displaying product health and performance certification by most mainstream display brands, including Dell, Hewlett-Packard, Lenovo, BenQ, Samsung, etc. TUV Rheinland also plans to establish a global low-blue-light committee to develop blue-light management standards to boost the development and production of low-blue-light eye-protection products, and to protect the eye health of users, especially teenagers. For more information, please contact: Simon hung 852-21921948 [email protected] Photo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20181109/2295411-1-a Photo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20181109/2295411-1-b SOURCE TUV Rheinland [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 09, 2018] Saint Jean Carbon signs a Consulting Agreement with Curtiss Motorcycles OAKVILLE, Ontario, Nov. 09, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Saint Jean Carbon Inc. (Saint Jean or the Company) (TSX-V:SJL) (OTCQB:TORVF), is pleased to announce the company has entered into an agreement on November 8, 2018, with Curtiss Motorcycles Inc. (Curtiss) (OTCB:CMOT) of Birmingham Alabama to provide Research and Development for Battery Development, Motor and Powertrain Development and other related services. Curtiss was formed to lead a new golden age of sustainable, fun, utilitarian two-wheeled mobility. Their plan is to rapidly and precisely, develop and deploy the highest level battery electric zero emissions technology and innovation to their Curtiss Motorcycles. Curtiss Motorcycles: Warhawk and Zeus Bobber A photo accompanying this announcement is available at //www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/80bc2568-7504-4e63-b395-5cff5c7efff0 The Company, its partners and suppliers will receive Five Million (5,000,000) unvested shares of Curtiss Motorcycles Common Stock (the Shares) (with a deemed value of $0.20 USD equaling a total of $1,000,000 USD) which shall fully vest upon the occurrence, to the written satisfaction of Curtiss Motorcycles, of the following: The project is broken down into four project milestones 1) design 2) engineering 3) prototype completion 4) delivery of final two prototypes. Initially, the Company will supply four finished prototype power systems in the spring of 2019. All intellectual property developed during the design and build will be the property of Curtiss. A number of other partners will work on the project under the management of Saint Jean. The agreement is for one year, however it is expected that the project will complete in the spring of 2019. Paul Ogilvie, CEO, commented: We are pleased to have the opportunity to take raw materials and apply them t a high performance and best in class electric motorcycle; as we lead the team our partners will provide support engineering, electric motor design and system controls. At the heart of each Curtiss motorcycle will be the best technology we can apply to the batteries. We will apply all the know-how, from our many years of research in energy storage, as we strive for extreme range and power. Over the last three years the Company has worked extensively with their academic partners on many projects working towards greater energy density and advanced anode design. The project will center around the Saint Jean Carbon research and development lab in Oakville Ontario. The Company has brought together a great development team to fulfill the mission. Matt Chambers, CEO, of Curtiss Motorcycles Inc., commented: Our long history of building the very best and finest motorcycles with best in class industrial design will continue with our new electric motorcycles. We believe partnering with Saint Jean best facilitates our grass roots, lean approach and keeps us focused on the heart of Curtiss advanced technology - the battery. We have patiently timed our market entry. The pioneers before us have taught our team to be weary of obsolete technology. We will launch our unique bespoke line of best and finest Curtiss Motorcycles with the perfect partner to optimize this great opportunity. The Company will provide project updates as they become available. About Saint Jean Carbon Saint Jean is a publicly traded carbon science company, with specific interests in energy storage and green energy creation and green re-creation, with holdings in graphite mining and lithium claims in the province of Quebec in Canada. For the latest information on Saint Jeans properties and news please refer to the website: http://www.saintjeancarbon.com/ . On behalf of the Board of Directors Saint Jean Carbon Inc. Paul Ogilvie, CEO and Director Information Contact : Email: [email protected] Tel: (905) 844-1200 Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS: This news release contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, concerning Saint Jeans business and affairs. In certain cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as plans, expects or does not expect, intends budget, scheduled, estimates, forecasts, intends, anticipates or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken, occur or be achieved. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, and are naturally subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances that may cause actual results to differ materially. The forward-looking statements in this news release assume, inter alia, that the Company will be able to fund the required cash payments. Although Saint Jean believes that the expectations represented in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that these expectations will prove to be correct. There are risks which could affect Saint Jeans future results and could cause the results to differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements including closing failure or delay, the impact of general economic conditions in Canada and globally and the risk that they will deteriorate, industry conditions, including fluctuations in the price of supplies and the risk that they will increase, that required consents and approvals from regulatory authorities will not be obtained and the liabilities and risks inherent in Saint Jeans operations. Statements of past performance should not be construed as an indication of future performance. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not such results will be achieved. A number of factors, including those discussed above, could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Any such forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information is provided as of the date of this press release, and Saint Jean assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required under applicable securities laws. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 09, 2018] Hex Five adds MultiZone Security to the Andes RISC-V Cores on GOWIN FPGAs SAN JOSE, Calif., Nov. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Hex Five Security, Inc., the creator of MultiZone Security, Andes Technology Corporation and GOWIN Semiconductor Corp announce a collaboration to enable MultiZoneTM Security, the first Trusted Execution Environment for RISC-V on the Andes N(X)25 RISC-V Cores, which is part of 25-series, with the GOWIN GW-2A Family of FPGAs. Hex Five's patent pending technology provides policy-based hardware-enforced separation for an unlimited number of security zones, with full control over data, code, interrupts and peripherals. MultiZone's Configurator takes fully compiled and linked customer code and merges it with Hex Five's nanoKernel to enable rapid adoption without any changes to hardware or customer code basis. Andes 32-bit N25(F)/A25, and 64-bit NX25(F)/AX25 are versatile CPU cores compliant to RISC-V ISA that deliver over 3.5 CoreMark/MHz and 1.3 WMIPS/MHz for single precision floating point. Their common features include dynamic branch prediction, instruction and data caches, local memories, and Andes Custom Extension (ACE) to simplify instructions design for Domain-Specific Acceleration. All cores support User/Machine mode, while the A25/AX25 add Supervisor mode and MMU for Linux kernel and its applications. GOWIN's GW2A Family is designed to offer the best-in-class performance cost ratio FPGA. With abundant logic, high-performance DSP resources and high speed I/O, the family is optimized for co-processing to offload the application processor on intensive computation tasks. The GW2A family is also the first FPGA with embedded pSRAM in the industry, which gives customers more usable device I/O. "The Chinese market will be the first mass adopter of RISC-V," said Dr. Charlie Su, CTO and Senior VP of Andes. "We're happy towork with Hex Five to provide our customers a simple, robust security implementation that based on our RISC-V cores and comprehensive AndeSight, an eclipse-based development environment and optimized toolchains to provide leading performance and reduced development time." "Increasingly, customers in China see security as a core requirement of their products," said Jim Gao, Director of Solution Development, GOWIN Semiconductor. "With MultiZone Security, they can implement a robust security solution on our existing FPGAs without the need for new hardware, deep security expertise or even any changes to their toolset and workflow. This allows a customer to get to market fast, which is the goal of our FPGA solutions." "The cost of a robust security implementation on RISC-V is now negligible - the future of RISC-V is security by default," said Don Barnetson, co-founder of Hex Five Security. "We're very excited to enter the Chinese market with such strong partners and expand access to simple, robust security that any developer can implement." Hex Five, Andes and GOWIN Semiconductor will demonstrate MultiZone Security at Andes RISC-V CON on Nov 13, 2018 at Andes RISC-V CON in Santa Clara, CA. http://www.andestech.com/Andes_RISC-V_CON/2018/ About Andes Technology Corporation Andes Technology Corporation was founded in Hsinchu Science Park, Taiwan in 2005 to develop innovative high-performance/low-power 32/64-bit processor cores and associated development environment to serve worldwide rapidly growing embedded system applications. The company delivers the best super low power CPU cores, including the rising star RISC-V series with integrated development environment and associated software and hardware solutions for efficient SoC design. Up to the end of 2017, the cumulative amount of SoCs containing Andes' CPU IP reaches 2.5 billion. To meet the demanding requirements of today's electronic devices, Andes Technology delivers configurable software/hardware IP and scalable platforms to respond to customers' needs for quality products and faster time-to-market. Andes Technology's comprehensive CPU line includes entry-level, mid-range, high-end, extensible and security families to address the full range of embedded electronics products, especially for connected, smart and green applications. From 2017, Andes expanded its product line and provides a total solution of RISC-V, the RISC-V series as V5 families processors cores include 32/64-bit N25/NX25 for general purpose, N25F/NX25F for floating-point intensive applications and A25/AX25 for Linux-based applications. For more information about Andes Technology, please visit http://www.andestech.com/ About GOWIN Semiconductor Corp Founded in 2014, GOWIN Semiconductor Corp., headquartered with major R&D in China, has the vision to accelerate customer innovation world wide with our programmable solutions. We focus on optimizing our products and removing barriers for customers using programmable logic devices. Our commitment to technology and quality enables customers to reduce the total cost of ownership from using FPGA on their production boards. Our offerings include a broad portfolio of programmable logic devices, design software, intellectual property (IP) cores, reference designs, and development kits. We strive to serve customers in the consumer, industrial, communication, medical, and automotive markets worldwide. For more information about GOWIN, please visit http://www.gowinsemi.com/ About Hex Five Security Hex Five is the creator of MultiZone Security, the first trusted execution environment (TEE) for RISC-V. Hex Five's patent pending technology provides policy-based hardware-enforced separation for an unlimited number of security domains, with full control over data, code, interrupts and peripherals. Contrary to traditional solutions, MultiZone Security requires no additional hardware, dedicated cores or clunky programming models. Open source libraries, third party binaries and legacy code can be configured in minutes to achieve unprecedented levels of safety and security. MultiZone Security is a free and open standard. Download it from the open source repository at https://github.com/hex-five For more information visit https://www.hex-five.com/ View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hex-five-adds-multizone-security-to-the-andes-risc-v-cores-on-gowin-fpgas-300747219.html SOURCE Hex Five Security, Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 09, 2018] Lori's Gifts Selects Mi9 Retail for Merchandise Management, Business Intelligence and Customer Engagement MIAMI, Nov. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Mi9 Retail, a leading provider of omni-channel retail solutions, is pleased to announce that Lori's Gifts has selected the Mi9 Retail solutions for merchandising, business intelligence, and customer engagement to support its retail technology transformation initiative. Lori's Gifts is the nation's largest provider of hospital gift shop solutions currently operating in over 390 locations across 39 states. Since its inception in 1981, Lori's Gifts' exclusive focus has been to provide world-class hospital gift shops that make patients, guests, employees and volunteers feel welcome. Lori's Gifts initiated a software vetting process after realizing that their legacy system was holding them back from reaching their full potential. They knew that they needed to invest in a new merchandising system to support their near-term strategy. "We looked at numerous vendors and Mi9 Retail was the only one that offered a wide range of features, including a powerful built-in allocation engine, an inventory daybook, and more, and that could meet our budget and aggressive timeline," said Mike Kriesan, CIO of Lori's Gifts. "Mi9 Retail showed a strong willingness to partner with us and understood the complex and unique retail environment our brand is evolving into," he added. "Their scalable solutions offer the flexibility needed to fit our needs today, and well into the future." "We are excited to be partnering with Lori's Gifts and are proud to have been selected by them to play a key role in supporting their aggressive near-term strategy," said Neil Moses, CEO of Mi9 Retail. "Our integrated suite was designed to handle the ever-changing needs of the world's most successful retailers and will give them the tools required to further expand their business and achieve a rapid return on investment." About Mi9 Retail Mi9 Retail is the fastest growing provider of enterprise software for retailers, wholesalers, and brands. Mi9 enables the world's leading retailers to automate and optimize their entire Plan-to-Sell process, from planning to executing, influencing, and selling merchandise in-store, online, and on any device. Mi9 corporate retail systems facilitate better planning, master data management, allocation, and replenishment, and Mi9 customer engagement and point-of-purchase systems boost revenue across digital and brick-and-mortar channels. Our solutions are connected via a common analytics framework that serves as the foundation of the system and speeds time to insight with role-based dashboards, KPIs, and governed self-service data discovery. Mi9 Retail is committed to helping retailers on their path to success, so they can maximize revenue and customer engagement while minimizing costs. Visit www.mi9retail.com to learn more. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/loris-gifts-selects-mi9-retail-for-merchandise-management-business-intelligence-and-customer-engagement-300747354.html SOURCE Mi9 Retail [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 09, 2018] Hyundai Mobis to Launch an 'Open Innovation Center' in Silicon Valley Hyundai Mobis (KRX:012330) is launching its first open innovation center, 'M.Cube' in Silicon Valley of the US to make a full-fledged commitment to source and invest in startups possessing new technologies for future vehicles such as self-driving. Also, the company will expand its research branch in Shenzhen, China into M.Cube by adding an investment role to it. M.Cube embodies the company's commitment to open innovation activities, creativity and incubation. Hyundai Mobis will use M.Cube as its core base to discover and invest in startups with strong growth potential in the areas such as self-driving (sensors, logic, software platforms), connectivity (Infotainment, biometrics) and innovative new businesses (AI, vehicle security), to strengthen its technologies for future vehicles. To this end, it has appointed as the head of M.Cube Dr. Sean Ryu, who has more than 20 years of experience in startup investments in the US, and will continue to expand the organization. The M.Cube that is being readied to launch in Shenzhen next year will become its base with a focus on AI and Big Data. Hyundai Mobis is expecting, together with Chinese startups, to secure core technologies for autonomous driving and connectivity optimized for the local market. Shenzhen, which used to be the Chinese mecca of manufacturing industry and has now been transformed into the hub of the 4th industrial revolution, is considered as the best place to discover outstanding startups. Hyundai Mobis believes that M.Cube will be a win-win for both itself and startups. The company will invest in startups possessing creative ideas, and startups can explore their growth potential with the help of the company's expertise in core auto components and infrastructure. "We'll not just simply invest in startups, but also actively support them with our R&D capabilities such as self-driving and connectivity," said Jeong Soo-kyeong, Sr. Vice VP of Hyundai Mobis. "Collaboration will be facilitated so that the ideas of startups can be effectively developed into vehicle optimization." Meanwhile, Hyundai Mobis is actively promoting open nnovation with Korean startups by carrying out events such as M.Start contest. It has recently invested in StradVision which features world-class, deep learning-based image recognition technology and also announced that it is considering engaging in joint research and development with Genesis Lab and Linkflow. ? Strengthening the strategic collaboration with Hyundai CRADLE as many as a dozen investments will be made into global startups by next year Hyundai Mobis M.Cube is strengthening its strategic collaboration with Hyundai CRADLE. Through this, it plans to make around a dozen investments in global startups by next year. Hyundai CRADLE focuses on integration between technologies for future vehicles such as mobility service and smart city and finished vehicles, and M.Cube on investments in startups that possess core technologies such as self-driving and connectivity. It is a strategy where they will establish a value chain that starts from core technologies, auto components, finished vehicles to future vehicles, and increase investment efficiency. Hyundai Mobis will expand its investment in startups by collaborating with Hyundai CRADLE in areas where M.Cube has not been established such as Israel, Europe and Asia. In particular, Israel has many startups that are strong in areas such as vehicle security and sensors, and support from the government and universities there is abundant. In France and Northern Europe, where entrepreneurial activities per capita are higher, auto component and mobility startups are expected to be the main investment targets. ? The synergy between open innovation and research centers in both Korea and overseas are expected to be increased Hyundai Mobis is expecting notable synergy effects between M.Cube and research centers located in Korea and overseas. It aims to integrate R&D capabilities gained from these research centers and core technologies acquired through investment in startups. Of particular note, last August, Hyundai Mobis invested in StradVision which has world-class image recognition technology, and announced that it plans to develop a deep learning-based camera by 2020. It will be an upgraded next-gen AI camera made through integrating ADAS, the self-driving technology of Hyundai Mobis and image recognition technology of StradVision. Hyundai Mobis is currently operating a technology research institute in Korea and a total of four overseas institutes in areas such as North America, China, Germany and India. The institutes, where a total number of 3,000 researchers are working now, play a role in establishing a roadmap for overall R&D of the company. Its leading role is vital in the entire scope of R&D such as self-driving, eco-friendly products and chassis components. The overseas institutes are carrying out customized R&D activities for each region. The institute in North America is developing prior art such as self-driving, the one in China is developing auto components for local vehicles, the one in Europe is making sensors and chassis components and the one in India is increasing its research capability specializing in software. Aside from this, the company also has a research institute in Vietnam that conducts analysis on self-driving data. About Hyundai Mobis Hyundai Mobis is a global tier-1 automotive supplier. It was established in 1977, and is headquartered in Seoul, Korea. The corporate philosophy is to become a lifetime partner with technologies for automobiles and people. Hyundai Mobis currently employs over 30,000 people. Manufacturing operations are in over 30 locations in 10 countries, including Korea, China, and the U.S. Products include automotive modules (chassis, cockpit and front-end), brakes, suspensions, airbags, lamps, and automotive electronics. R&D headquarters are in Korea with 4 technical centers worldwide, Germany, China, India, and the U.S. Hyundai Mobis has mass-produced a great number of ADAS technologies and green car components. For more information, please visit the website at http://mobis.co.kr/. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181109005159/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 09, 2018] Honor and National Geographic Partner to Create Spectacular Night Photos with Honor 8X Through the "Brave The Night" series, world-renowned photographer Robbie Shone explains how users can create breathtaking low-light photos with an Honor 8X smartphone Individuals can also submit their own photos in #Honormade photography contest for a chance to win an Honor 8X and be showcased on National Geographic website HONG KONG, Nov. 9 ,2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Honor, a leading smartphone e-brand, today announced a collaboration with National Geographic to publish articles by visual storyteller Robbie Shone on techniques for taking the best photos using a smartphone. An accomplished photographer with National Geographic, Robbie Shone is sharing his secrets for night-time photography over the partnership -- demonstrating through his own work how users of Honor 8X can shoot amazing photos leveraging the phone's industry-leading technology. The series, entitled "Brave The Night", was announced on the National Geographic website for the launch of Honor 8X. In the inaugural article released on October 1, Robbie travelled to Hong Kong, where he took spectacular photos from the mountains to the city center. This is the first time Honor has partnered with National Geographic, and "Brave The Night" is providing a platform for new photos and stories in the coming weeks. From Robbie's talented perspective, readers can learn first-hand the powerful capabilities Honor 8X enables for its users. In the spirit of promoting creative and inspirational photographs, Honor has also kicked off an online contest, #Honormade. Open now, individuals can submit their best day and night photos for a chance to win an Honor 8X smartphone, and to have their photos judged by Robbie Shone for display by National Geographic. Participate in the #Honormade contest before November 30 at: www.hihonor.com/global/events/day-and-night/ Equipped with dual-lens 20M + 2M, F/1.8 aperture rear camera and artificial intelligence (AI) which recognizes 22 different categories and 500 scenarios in real-time, Honor 8X takes beautiful photos in any environment. These features, and especially the innovative night shot, are showcased in the articles and photos from Robbie which are now available on National Geographic's "Brave The Night" website. The website will also display the winning #Honormade submissions after the conclusion of the contest. George Zhao, President of Honor said, "Every smartphone user understands how important a camera is to their daily experience. For this reason, Honor offers an elite camera with Honor 8X, so that you can take the best photos regardless of where you are, or what time of day or night. We are very excited to partner with National Geographic for this campaign. With the "Brave The Night" series, Robbie Shone is showing the world all the amazing photos you can take when you have an Honor 8X smartphone in your hands." Robbie Shone said, "Cave photography is my personal passion, and I've spent years experimenting and mastering the craft in low light situations. When I received the Honor 8X, I was impressed by its camera capabilities. It's astounding how much technology they can build into this smartphone. I enjoyed finding creative ways to show off Honor 8X's night shooting capabilities, and I was happy to share my experiences for National Geographic's readers." Honor 8X is available for purchase online at: www.hihonor.com/global/products/smartphone/honor8x/ About Honor Honor is a leading smartphone e-brand under the Huawei Group. In line with its slogan, "For the Brave", the brand was created to meet the needs of digital natives through internet-optimized products that offer superior user experiences, inspire action, foster creativity and empower the young to achieve their dreams. In doing this, Honor has set itself apart by showcasing its own bravery to do things differently and to take the steps needed to usher in the latest technologies and innovations for its customers. For more information, please visit Honor online at www.hihonor.com or follow us on: https://www.facebook.com/honorglobal/ https://twitter.com/Honorglobal https://www.instagram.com/honorglobal/ https://www.youtube.com/honorglobal About National Geographic National Geographic inspires viewers through its smart, innovative programming that questions what we know, how we view the world and what drives us forward. With a focus on the core goals of exploration and education that the National Geographic Society emphasizes, National Geographic challenges perceptions and allows viewers to push back against the boundaries of exploration. Globally, National Geographic has effectively used the medium of television to reach 440 million homes in 171 countries with 45 languages. For more information, please visit http://natgeotv.com/asia. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NGCasia Instagram: @natgeoasia About Robbie Shone A cave explorer and visual storyteller, Robbie is recognized as one of the most accomplished cave photographers in the world. He is based in the heart of the Alps in the scenic alpine town of Innsbruck, Austria. Whilst completing a B.A. in Fine Art and Photography, Sheffield, UK, Robbie pursued his love of the outdoors. He developed a strong interest in caving, and in particular the challenges that cave photography has to offer. For more information, visit his website at: http://www.shonephotography.com/. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/honor-and-national-geographic-partner-to-create-spectacular-night-photos-with-honor-8x-300747472.html SOURCE Honor [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 09, 2018] AST (Canada) CEO Margot Jordan Participates in Covenant House Sleep Out to Raise over $1 Million for Homeless Kids AST Trust Company (Canada) is proud to announce that its President and CEO, Margot Jordan, will be among an expected 80 of Toronto's business and community leaders as they sleep out on the night of November 15 to help homeless youth. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181109005112/en/ Margot Jordan, President and Chief Executive Officer of AST Canada (Photo: Business Wire) The 7th annual Covenant House Sleep Out: Executive Edition will see participants spend the night outside with a sleeping bag and piece of cardboard to raise awareness and much-needed funds for the agency. This year's goal is to raise $1.25 million in one night. Last year, participants spent a cold night out to raise a total of $1.1 million, bringing the total to date to more than $6 million for all Sleep Out events. "What we'll experience on the night of the Seep Out is a daily reality for too many youths in our city. What these children need is not only a warm place to sleep, but also warm support from the community," said Jordan. "I'm delighted to support Covenant House's good work. I'd encourage others to show their support by getting involved with the event and contributing what they can." Bruce Rivers, Covenant House Toronto Executive Director, says that as many as 300 young people depend on the agency's support every day. "We are most grateful to the business community for such generous support of this life-changing experience," Rivers says. "Our goal is to help shine a light on the plight of homeless youth and raise funds to help us give our kids the support they need to build better futures." Covenant House Toronto is Canada's largest agency serving at-risk, homeless and trafficked youth, offering a wide range of services and support. To do all this, the agency relies on donors for more than 80 percent of its $30.6 million annual operating budget. Since opening its doors in 1982, Covenant House has served almost 95,000 young people. About AST (Canada) With offices in Toronto, Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver, AST (Canada) provides issuers global solutions through local access points. AST provides fully integrated services that include transfer agent and registrar services, corporate governance, proxy and ownership services, equity plan solutions, corporate trust and structured financial services. For more information, please visit: https://astfinancial.com/ca. Follow AST (Canada) on Twitter (News - Alert): @AST_FinancialCA Linkedin: AST Trust Company (Canada) https://www.linkedin.com/company/ast-trust-company-canada-/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181109005112/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 09, 2018] Tyler Technologies Named One of the Best Workplaces in Lubbock, Texas Tyler Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: TYL) has been named a "2018 Best of Lubbock" winner by the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. The company was recognized as the runner-up for Best Workplace and as the winner for Best Computer Technology Company. "Tyler is honored to receive this award, and we are humbled to be viewed as a great workplace in the local area," said Dane Womble, president of Tyler's Local Government Division. "Awards like this underscore our commitment to maintaining a strong, positive culture in the Lubbock office, and we strive to hire genuine, hardworking, and caring people. We appreciate the Lubbock community very much." Each year, Lubbock residents are encouraged to nominate local copanies and businesses in dozens of categories that represent the "best of" Lubbock. Only the top businesses in each category advance to the final voting stage and are voted on by Lubbock residents. This year, votes were placed between August 19 and September 10, 2018. More than 250 employees work in Tyler's Lubbock office, home to its Local Government Division. Tyler has more than 4,300 employees and approximately 30 offices across the U.S. and Canada. About Tyler Technologies (News - Alert), Inc. Tyler Technologies (NYSE: TYL) is a leading provider of end-to-end information management solutions and services for local governments. Tyler partners with clients to empower the public sector - cities, counties, schools and other government entities - to become more efficient, more accessible and more responsive to the needs of their constituents. Tyler's client base includes more than 15,000 local government offices in all 50 states, Canada, the Caribbean, Australia, and other international locations. In 2017, Forbes ranked Tyler on its "Most Innovative Growth Companies" list, and Fortune included Tyler on its "100 Fastest-Growing Companies" list. More information about Tyler Technologies, headquartered in Plano, Texas, can be found at www.tylertech.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181109005025/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 09, 2018] FedEx Delivers Holidays to Military Families With Trees for Troops FedEx and the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation will spread holiday cheer to service members and their families with the Trees for Troops program, an initiative that delivers farm-grown Christmas trees to domestic and international U.S. military bases. "We are proud to kick off another year of support for the Trees for Troops program. This program is just one way the FedEx Freight team supports U.S. service members and their families," said John Smith, president and CEO of FedEx Freight. "Our work with Trees for Troops really illustrates this company's deep appreciation for the sacrifice these men and women and their families have made for our country." Delivering Trees at Home and Abroad Trees for Troops kicks off Nov. 13 in Thorntown, Ind., as FedEx volunteers prepare to ship 250 Christmas trees to service members stationed overseas. The Christmas trees, donated by members of the Indiana Christmas Tree Growers Association, will be delivered by FedEx Express to service members stationed in Guam and Puerto Rico. Once the international deliveries have taken flight, FedEx Freight will hit the road in the U.S. with more than 17,000 fresh-cut Christmas trees to be delivered to 65 military bases in late November and early December. FedEx Freight drivers have traveled more than 560,000 miles over the past ten years to deliver trees for the program. Help Spread the Spirit Anyone can create new memories for a military family by sharing a holiday greeting and best wishes on Twitter (News - Alert) through the Tag-a-Tree campaign. Tweet a message to @fedex using the hashtag #TreesforTroops hrough Nov. 16. Every tree will be tagged with a message, adding a personal touch to each delivery. You can also support Trees for Troops by donating to the program and/or purchasing fresh trees at dozens of Christmas tree retail locations during Trees for Troops weekend, Nov. 30 - Dec. 2. Donated trees will be added to the program's planned deliveries to U.S. bases in 2018. More information on how to get involved can be found at www.treesfortroops.org. FedEx is involved with the Trees for Troops program as part of FedEx Cares, the company's global giving platform through which FedEx will invest $200 million in more than 200 global communities by 2020 to create opportunities and deliver positive change around the world. For information about the peak holiday season at FedEx, visit the FedEx Newsroom. About FedEx Corp. FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. With annual revenues of $67 billion, the company offers integrated business solutions through operating companies competing collectively and managed collaboratively, under the respected FedEx brand. Consistently ranked among the world's most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 425,000 team members to remain focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities. To learn more about how FedEx connects people and possibilities around the world, please visit about.fedex.com. About the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation and Trees for Troops The Christmas SPIRIT Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization that works to recognize and support the true spirit of Christmas for U.S. troops through the Trees for Troops program. The foundation was established in 2005 and is among fewer than five percent of U.S. charities to be awarded the "Best in America" seal of excellence by Independent Charities of America. Trees for Troops was selected by the U.S. Coast Guard as the recipient of the 2017 Spirit of Hope Award. To learn more, visit www.treesfortroops.org or call (800) 965-1653. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181109005028/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 09, 2018] CITGO Celebrates Second Annual National STEM Day Event HOUSTON, Nov. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- CITGO Petroleum Corporation celebrated its second annual National STEM Day event on Nov. 8, 2018 by honoring the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) community and drawing attention to the progress made in the advancement of STEM education. The event took place at Alief Independent School District (ISD) Center for Advanced Careers and in celebration of National STEM Day, which was established to encourage children to explore and pursue their interests in STEM and includes a variety of workshops centered around STEM education. Breakout session topics included food science, the science of smell, live animal interaction, robotics and more. Also during the event, before an audience of students and teachers from Alief ISD, CITGO revealed the STEM Teacher of the Year, Tanya Onwuchuruba, Olle Middle School eight grade science teacher. "STEM education is the key to the future of energy. As part of many other initiatives CITGO participates in to inspire and teach young minds, our STEM Day event provides us with the opportunity to encourage students to pursue STEM education through engaging and fun interactive activities," said Larry Elizondo, CITGO General Manager of Community Relations, CSR and Legislative Affairs. "Nearly all of the fastest growing jobs projected by the U.S. Department of Labor are STEM-related. We hope that by inspiring young minds today, we can affect their future success tomorrow." CITGO is also celebrated National STEM Day beyond Houston. Each CITGO refinery hosted its own event to spread the importance of STEM to students in their local communities and nominate the Teacher of the Year in their regions: The CITGO Lemont, Ill. Refinery welcomed educators, elected officials and students to Lemont High School , where students engaged in interactive STEM activities. The Ocean Exploration Trust also made a special presentation. The Lake Charles, La. refinery hosted a friendly competition known as the CITGO/MSU College of Engineering and Computer Science Design Challenge between local Engineering is Elementary (EiE) schools. The Corpus Christi, Texas refinery invited local students and teachers to celebrate STEM at the CITGO Skyline Venue inside the Texas State Aquarium with interactive activities and presentations. About CITGO Headquartered in Houston, Texas, CITGO Petroleum Corporation is a recognized leader in the refining industry with a well-known brand. CITGO operates three refineries located in Corpus Christi, Texas; Lake Charles, La.; and Lemont, Ill., and wholly and/or jointly owns 48 terminals, nine pipelines and three lubricants blending and packaging plants. With approximately 3,400 employees and a combined crude capacity of approximately 749,000 barrels-per-day (bpd), CITGO is ranked as the sixth-largest, and one of the most complex independent refiners in the United States. CITGO transports and markets transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals and other industrial products and supplies a network of approximately 5,200 locally owned and operated branded retail outlets in 30 states and the District of Columbia. CITGO Petroleum Corporation is owned by CITGO Holding, Inc., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A., the national oil company of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. For more information, visit www.CITGO.com . View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/citgo-celebrates-second-annual-national-stem-day-event-300747511.html SOURCE CITGO [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 09, 2018] NorthStar Life Services CEO John McFarland Shares Insights on Advanced Technology Systems at Life Insurance Settlement Association Conference John McFarland, chief executive officer of NorthStar Life Services, LLC, a full-service life settlement advisory firm that assists institutional and private investors with each stage of the life settlement investment cycle, shared his insights into the applications of advanced technology systems to the life settlement industry during a recent conference hosted by the Life Insurance Settlement Association (LISA). "We have entered into a new era in business operations, a world in which we can deploy powerful technology systems to model, automate and execute decisions that are determined by business rules," said McFarland, who has worked in the life settlement industry for more than a decade. "Company executives and life settlement servicing experts create the rules and those decisions can then be executed by automated engines. This minimizes the risk for errors and allows for rapid changes in production workflows." LISA's 24th Annual Fall Life Settlement & Compliance Conference, which was held October 21st-23rd in Orlando, Fla., is the longest-running pofessional conference in the life settlement industry. McFarland was joined on a featured panel at the conference by Brian Casey, partner at Locke Lord LLP, and Matthew Sheridan, investment management consultant to QuantRes. The trio of industry experts unpacked the emerging technologies of Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotic Process Automation (RPA), each of which offers the potential for tremendous efficiency gains in life settlement transactions. "AI and RPA are not 'blue sky' concepts, they are very real and powerful business automation technologies that we are integrating into our operation," said McFarland. "For example, we recently mapped out a 15-step process associated with a specific policy task that we routinely perform for our clients. We then created business rules that were modeled by software systems and our team was eventually able to automate 12 of those 15 steps, significantly increasing the accuracy and efficiency with which we can manage policies." McFarland noted that NorthStar utilizes a proprietary technology platform and a core team of professional advisors to provide transaction advisory services, due diligence, portfolio and premium management, and medical underwriting services to life settlement investors. "The application of advanced technologies, such as AI and RPA, enable us to work more efficiently and to take costs out of the process," said McFarland. "Moreover, the automation of routine business processes has allowed us to free up our professional staff to perform higher-value work for our clients by using their experience and invaluable human judgment." NorthStar Life Services, LLC offers a full range of premier services to institutional and private investors in life insurance policies, providing assistance at each stage of the life settlement investment cycle. The firm manages every transaction and portfolio with a personalized solution that considers the investor's goals, budgetary requirements and risk tolerance in order to construct a strategy designed to maximize investment returns. NorthStar is a member of the Life Insurance Settlement Association (LISA) and the company's CEO, John McFarland, is a member of LISA's board of directors. For more information, please visit www.northstarlife.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181109005413/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 09, 2018] The Ubisoft Canadian studios rewarded by GamesIndustry.biz and Canada's Top 100 Employers MONTREAL, Nov. 9, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - The Ubisoft Canadian studios (Halifax, Montreal, Quebec, Saguenay, Toronto and Winnipeg) have won one of four "Best Places to Work" Awards by GamesIndustry.biz. The studios have also made it onto the Top 100 employers' list in Canada. "I'm so proud of this recognition. It is a great testimony to our teams' daily work, and to the creative, innovative and warm culture at Ubisoft. Congratulations to everyone and let's continue to feed this culture that is uniting us and contributing to our success!" Yannis Mallat, Ubisoft Canadian Studios CEO GamesIndustry.biz Best Places to Work Awards This year marks the first Canadian editio of this contest, created in the UK. It rewards the best employers in the video game industry. Out of thirty-two applications, four winners were selected. The application process requires employees to be surveyed anonymously, and the results of this survey represent 75% of the application's overall score. The remaining 25% is based on information provided by the company. Canada's Top 100 Employers The publishers of Canada's Top 100 Employers evaluate applications using the following criteria: physical workplace; work and social atmosphere; health, financial, and family benefits; vacation and time off; employee communications; performance management; training and skills development; and community involvement. About the Ubisoft Canadian Studios The Ubisoft Canadian studios are leaders in creating, editing and distributing video games and interactive services. The group has a rich portfolio of internationally renowned brands such as Assassin's Creed, For Honor, Far Cry, Watch Dogs and Rainbow Six. Ubisoft is committed to providing players with original and unforgettable gaming experiences on all popular platforms, including consoles, mobiles, tablets, PCs and more. Ubisoft Halifax Ubisoft Montreal Ubisoft Quebec Ubisoft Saguenay Ubisoft Toronto Ubisoft Winnipeg SOURCE Ubisoft [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 09, 2018] PWCK Attorney: San Francisco Fertility Clinic That Compromised 2,000 Embryos to Try Today to "Bury" Lawsuit in Closed Arbitration Proceedings Pacific Fertility Center in San Francisco, which faces a class action lawsuit after up to 2,000 embryos in its care were compromised, is asking a federal court today to move its customers' claims to private arbitration. This comes less than four months after University Hospitals (UH) Fertility Center in Cleveland succeeded in getting a court to impose a gag order to shield it from public scrutiny over the destruction of up to 4,000 embryos, according to Peiffer Wolf Carr & Kane, which is representing victims from in both cases. Attorney Adam Wolf, a partner with Peiffer Wolf Carr & Kane, said: "This is a very troubling pattern: these two fertility clinics, whose conduct resulted in the largest embryo destruction cases in United States history, are seeking to shield themselves from public scrutiny." Wolf added: "Hundreds of individuals in the San Francisco debacle have not yet sought out legal counsel. If the Pacific Fertility proceeding shifts to arbitration, Pacific's victims would be well served to obtain guidance from a firm that has extensive experience in handling embryo destruction cases and arbitration. We are ready and eager to assist any individuals requiring our assistance." In July, University Hospitals in Cleveland succeeded in getting a court to grant a gag order to shut down public discussion of the case. UH initially underestimated the scale of the embryo losses at 2,000 and then later doubled that to 4,000. For details on the lawsuit filed by PWCK, go to https://www.uhembryolawsuit.com/. The Cleveland embryo disaster came to light at almost the same time as the losses at Pacific Fertility Center in San Francisco. In March 2018, Pacific Fertility Center acknowledged that it may have destroyed 2,000 embryos and eggs. Pacific Fertility emailed clients a notice informing them that their stored tissue "may have been impacted" when the liquid nitrogen in Pacific's Tank No. 4 fell below necessary levels. The resulting class action lawsuit charges Pacific Fertility Center, its parent company, Prelude Fertility, and the tank manufacturer, Chart Industries, with liability relating to the cryogenic storage tank failure. Pacific Fertility Center is now rejecting its customers' preferred forum for bringing their claims by asking the court to move the matter to private arbitration. For details on the Pacific Fertility lawsuit filed by PWCK, go to https://www.pacificembryolawsuit.com. The lawsuit alleges that the misconduct of Pacific Fertility, Prelude Fertility, and Chart Industries caused panic, confusion, anxiety, devastation, and irreparable damage to hundreds of prospective parents and families. The suit further alleges that since the incident, Pacific Fertility has not provided clear and consistent communication to those affected or offered support services. Instead, plaintiffs and class members have received vague and conflicting information from different staff members, leaving victims confused and even more anxious, during an already emotionally difficult time. At the same time, Pacific Fertility, Prelude Fertility, and Chart Industries have refused to provide information to the public about the cause of the tank failure and the scope of the disaster. The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages, equitable relief, and other remedies as a result of the misconduct of Pacific Fertility, Prelude Fertility, and Chart Industries. ABOUT PEIFFER WOLF CARR & KANE Peiffer Wolf Carr & Kane is a national law firm with offices in San Francisco, Cleveland, New York, Los Angeles, Missouri, and New Orleans. PW is nationally recognized for its handling of a number of cases involving embryo loss and destruction issues. The firm has put together a sophisticated team of lawyers dedicated to representing families and victims of reckless and negligent fertility clinics, fertility medical centers, and fertility doctors. Its attorneys are committed to fighting on behalf of victims and their families. https://www.pwcklegal.com/. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181109005476/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 09, 2018] Toys For Kids Presents First Annual Dave "Hendu" Henderson Educational Scholarship Presented by RedCloud Consulting RedCloud Consulting is proud to announce the launch of the Toys for Kids 1st Annual Dave "Hendu" Henderson Educational Scholarship Presented by RedCloud Consulting, awarded this week to Duerte Mohamed, a senior at SeaTac's Tyee High School. At a ceremony in front of the school's senior class, RedCloud Managing Partner Brett Alston joined Toys For Kids Co-Founder and the voice of the Seattle Mariners Rick Rizzs, along with Nancy Henderson, the wife of the late Seattle Mariner great and Toys For Kids Co-Founder Dave Henderson, to present Ms. Mohamed with a check for one year's college tuition and books. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181109005492/en/ Two scholarship winning students are joined by Rick Rizzs, Co-Founder of Toys For Kids, Brett Alston, Managing Partner of RedCloud, and Nancy Henderson, wife of the late Dave Henderson, the scholarships' namesake and Toys For Kids Co-Founder. (Photo: Business Wire) Chosen from hundreds of tudent essays on the topic "How does getting an education make you smile everyday?", Ms. Mohamed will also have a future internship opportunity with RedCloud to put her college education to work. She will be honored on stage along with three other scholarship winners on Saturday, November 17th at the 18th Annual Toys For Kids Gala at the Bellevue Hyatt. "Duerte's essay detailed her inspiring story of perseverance, mentorship to younger children facing similar challenges, and how higher education will help her build success for herself and those around her. Her story jumped off the page as someone we knew we wanted to support," said Alston. "Toys For Kids is doing some amazing things in our local community, so we're proud to be joining them to help deserving students take the next step in their education. If we can make an impact on one young person, they can pass that along to others, and we believe this ripple will expand far and wide to make a difference in our community." Known for providing underserved children presents at the holidays, Toys for Kids has expanded its services in the third year of its scholarship program to ensure young people have every opportunity to continue their education. "RedCloud has stepped up to the plate allowing Toys For Kids to provide more college scholarships than ever before," said Rick Rizzs, Toys For Kids Co-Founder and the voice of the Seattle Mariners. "We thank their team for their support and can't wait to see to see the positive path Duarte and our other scholarship winners take from here." In additional to supporting Toys For Kids, RedCloud's community program works with organizations to provide prolonged support to those that focus on the physical, cognitive, and emotional development of young people - our region's most important asset. The RedCloud team is proud to provide financial support and in-kind consulting services to other partners including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound, Junior Achievement of Washington, and the University of Washington Foster School Consulting and Business Development Center. About RedCloud Consulting Founded in 1995, RedCloud is a boutique Management Consulting firm based in Bellevue, WA that empowers businesses to realize their potential and reach peak performance. RedCloud executes projects with a complete and unwavering focus on accountability, dependability and results. We are able to achieve this by providing a broad array of both Business and IT Consulting in addition to staffing solutions to Enterprise clients. Red Cloud's professional services include Strategic Planning, Process Improvement, Project and IT Product Management, Sales and Marketing, and Business Intelligence Services. Learn more at: redcloudconsulting.com, or by following RedCloud on and LinkedIn. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181109005492/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 09, 2018] Medical Device, Digital Health and Therapeutic Startups Featured at the Texas Life Science Forum Companies specializing in medical devices, digital health, and therapeutics were among the 59 companies that presented their four-minute business plan presentations at the Texas Life Science Forum hosted by the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship and BioHouston and TMC (News - Alert) Innovation at the BioScience Research Collaborative in Houston, Nov. 8. Companies and investors came from throughout the U.S. this year, including the West Coast, East Coast, and Midwest, as well as from other countries, to showcase their life science startups in Houston, home to the Texas Medical Center, the world's largest medical center in the world. BioHouston awarded BioLum Sciences the Michael E. DeBakey Life Science Memorial Award. BioLum Sciences has developed a personal management device for asthma and other chronic respiratory diseases. Investors at the conference selected the award winner. "The Michael E. DeBakey Memorial Life Science Award was established to honor Dr. DeBakey, one of the brightest luminaries in Houston's history, and to further propel one of our State's Innovative emerging companies toward commercial success," said Ann Tanabe, CEO of BioHouston. In addition, ten early-stage companies were chosen by investors at the event as the "Rice Alliance Most Promising Life Science Companies" from among those having raised less than $2 million in funding to-date, including: Adroit Surgical www.adroitsurgical.com Vie Scope, and simple and effective device to secure the airway AesculaTech www.aesculatech.io AesculaTech makes smart materials for medical devices BioAesthetics www.bio-aesthetics.com BioAesthetics is regenerating the nipple-areolar complex for breast cancer survivors and individuals whom undergo mastectomies. DiaStem www.diastemllc.com DiaStem LLC is a Type 1 Diabetes Treatment Research Company usig autologous (same patient) stem cells. Intelligent Implants www.aesculatech.io Integrating wireless electronics into standard orthopedic instrumentation. Noleus Technologies www.noleustechnologies.com Noleus is a medical device to treat post-operative ileus and accelerate patient recovery. Patients We Share www.patientsweshare.com Patients We Share is an exciting digital health startup with a mission to provide the best workflow communication platform in healthcare, improve provider connectivity, and power a smart healthcare community. PolyVascular www.polyvascular.com Patients We Share is an exciting digital health startup with a mission to provide the best workflow communication platform in healthcare, improve provider connectivity, and power a smart healthcare community. Simergent www.simergent.com/ Simergent is developing an affordable home dialysis device for both developed and emerging markets. VenoStent www.venostent.com/ VenoStent is developing a bioresorbable shape memory polymer wrap to reduce venous access failures in dialysis patients. "Every year the quality of companies improves," said Rice Alliance Managing Director Brad Burke, who announced the winners at the event. "This year we had a diversity of companies, both in offerings as well as maturity. We highlighted 50 startups in addition to nine clinical stage companies. These companies demonstrated the diversity of innovation, talent, investment, potential and success in the life science industry." The event is one of the largest life science venture capital conference in the U.S. and featured more than 40 industry and investment speakers. Among the 500 attendees were venture capitalists and other investors, entrepreneurs, industry representatives, business leaders, service providers, and academic researchers. The event was supported by the Texas Medical Center as the presenting sponsor and Insperity as the platinum sponsor. About the Texas Life Science Forum: The Texas Life Science Forum is the premier life science event in Texas that brings together members from industry, emerging life science companies, academic, and investors. This event represents an opportunity to meet investors, learn about promising life science companies, network and learn about opportunities for entrepreneurs, investment professionals, big pharma, academics and business executives serving the life science industry. The Texas Life Science Forum is supported by the Texas Medical Center, TMC Innovation Institute, Insperity, Houston Exponential, Station Houston, and many other supporters and academic institutions in the Texas Region. About BioHouston: BioHouston, Inc. is a non-profit tax-exempt [501(c)(3)] corporation founded by Houston area academic/research institutions. BioHouston leads a broad effort to establish the Houston region as a vigorous global competitor in life science and biotechnology commercialization. BioHouston's mission is to create an environment that will stimulate technology transfer and research commercialization, thereby generating economic wealth for the Houston region and making it a global competitor in life science commercialization. BioHouston's activities provide the greatest leverage in making the Houston region a world-class competitor in the life science industry. About the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship The Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship is Rice University's globally recognized initiative devoted to the support of technology commercialization, entrepreneurship education and the launch of technology companies. Since inception in 1999, more than 2,300 early-stage companies have participated at the 185+ programs hosted by the Rice Alliance and raised more than $7.1 billion in funding. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181109005520/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 09, 2018] Photo of APS Employees - and U.S. Military Veterans - Paul Rose (Navy), Carmen Sparkman (Army) and Ray Brooks (Marine Corps) Accepting the HIRE Vets Medallion is Available on Business Wire's Website and the Associated Press Photo Network Arizona Public Service and its parent company, Pinnacle West Capital Corp., have been awarded the HIRE Vets Medallion by the U.S. Department of Labor for its commitment to veteran careers. The program, which has rigorous criteria, is based on requirements of the HIRE Vets Act signed by President Trump in May 2017 and recognizes employers' commitment to veteran careers, including hiring, retention and long-term development. The Department announced that 2018 would be a demonstration of the program, prior to full implementation in 2019. APS employees - and U.S. military veterans - Paul Rose (Navy), Carmen Sparkman (Army) and Ray Brooks (Marine Corps) accepted the award on APS' behalf at a ceremony held Thursday, Nov. 8 in Washington D.C. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181109005569/en/ Arizona Public Service and its parent company, Pinnacle West Capital Corp., have been awarded the HIRE Vets Medallion by the U.S. Department of Labor for its commitment to veteran careers. The program, which has rigorous criteria, is based on requirements of the HIRE Vets Act signed by President Trump in May 2017 and recognizes employers' commitment to veteran careers, including hiring, retention and long-term development. The Department announced that 2018 would be a demonstration of the program, prior to full implementation in 2019. APS employees - and U.S. military veterans - Paul Rose (Navy), Carmen Sparkman (Army) and Ray Brooks (Marine Corps) accepted the award on APS' behalf at a ceremony held Thursday, Nov. 8 in Washington D.C. (Photo: Business Wire) View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181109005569/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] DRUG LAWS ARE ONLY ENFORCED AGAINST POOR PEOPLE!!! How will Kansas address Missouri's new medical marijuana law? KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Many Kansas City metro residents cross the state line between Missouri and Kansas multiple times a day. Now that Missouri has voted to legalize medical marijuana, what will those with legal prescriptions need to know when going into Kansas? The rules are very simple . . . If you or your parents or a spouse make more than 250K-a-year then marijuana laws don't apply, you can smoke all you want and if caught then the family lawyer will plead down the charges and there will be no consequences.One example out of many regarding a drug much harder than weed:To be fair, Mr. Kudlow is actually quite brilliant and one of the more astute members of the Trump Cabinet.Nevertheless, here's local media upholding the lie that we're all equal under the law and to make sure thatRead more: Kansas City Drama Cont'd MET cofounder Bob Paisley has resigned as president of the theater's board Last week, The Pitch published a hard look at Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre, where many former actors and technicians described uncomfortable working conditions during the Kansas City company's productions. Today arrives word that MET cofounder Bob Paisley has resigned from his post as board president. Honcho Picks Up Sticks Former Sprint CEO offers Mission Hills home for sale at $10.55M - Kansas City Business Journal With 5 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms, the 12,360-square-foot home doesn't fall short on swanky amenities. Take a look at more than two dozen photos of former Sprint CEO Marcelo Claure's immaculate estate, which is currently the most expensive home on the market. Show-Me Druggie Consequences K2 blamed for more than a dozen overdose cases in Columbia, MO Police say a type of synthetic marijuana, possibly laced with dangerous narcotics or even rat poison, is to blame for more than dozen overdose cases in Columbia. Obamacare Comeback In Kansas??? GOP Kansas state legislator: Medicaid expansion now 'foregone conclusion' A Republican state legislator in Kansas says that Medicaid expansion is now a "foregone conclusion" in the state following the election of Democratic governor-elect Laura Kelly on Tuesday. "I think it's a foregone conclusion that now that will probably go through," GOP state Rep. Kansas City Weather Warning: Gary Only Giving Us A Couple Of Inches Tonight Kansas City's Most Accurate Forecast Share in our weather experience on the weather blog. Click on the blog for more information. For a full list of weather alerts, click here. Snow will be heaviest before 10 PM Accumulations of 1" to 2" of snow is likely Black ice & slick spots look more likely for the commute Friday morning with temperatures falling to the 20s KANSAS CITY'S MOST ACCURATE FORECAST: The roads will range from wet to 1" of slush. Local Good Deeds Tribute Here's how to donate to Heartland Honor Flight KMBC 9 News is teaming up with Heartland Honor Flight to help fly American war veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials. If you would like to donate to Heartland Honor Flight, click the "donate" button. You will then be transported to a secure website hosted by Commerce Bank, where you can enter your information to donate. New Concept: Experience Kansas City Working Social Life Without Booze Coworking leader bringing alcohol-free 'Sans Bar' pop-up concept to KC Entrepreneur events should focus less on alcohol, and more on connections, said Melissa Saubers. "Part of my goal is to help educate and bring awareness to people who are hosting events - and also have alcohol in the workplace - to help them be more sensitive and inclusive for people who don't drink," said Saubers, owner of Cowork Waldo . J-Lo is 49-years-old and still holding things together nicely in all respects. A reminder:Closer to home, we've giving ourto these news links:And this is thefor right now . . . Claire McCaskill Blames Fox News for Missouri Senate Loss: It's 'Now a State-Owned News Channel' Missouri Democrat appeared on Fox News just one week before her midterm defeat. One of the richest members the Senate has ever seen is busy blaming everyone but herself for her defeat. Here's a look for late night laughs: In Missouri, historic number of women candidates doesn't translate to historic number of winners Women candidates across the country made history Tuesday when the highest number of females were elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, but women running for the Missouri Legislature didn't fare as well. The number of women on Missouri's ballot this year was historic. In total, 103 women ran for statewide office and the Legislature. For at least a year we've been encouraging our blog community tobut it looks like we haven't had much of an impact given that gender identity politics has pretty much destroyed the Democratic Party in Missouri. And so, here's more "public" radio journalists blaming everybody else for the mistakes of Claire McCaskill.Read more: Kansas City Activists March Against President Trump's Decision To Fire Attorney General Sessions Protesters in cities across the country marched Thursday evening to decry President Donald Trump's decision to fire Attorney General Jeff Sessions. In Kansas City, protesters said they fear Session's replacement will quash Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. A more formal write-up after the fact . . . We talked about this gathering last night and before it happened and today public radio promoted their efforts. Read more: In an expected turn of events, the largest American car producer GM announced the development and production of eBikes. Electric bikes, designed by GM engineers in Canada, are intended for city use, sport small diameter wheels and still do not have a name. Before GM puts them in production and on sale next year, the company announced a crowdsourcing campaign and challenge where all interested parties can submit their name idea. GM isnt a douche, so it offered $10,000 for the winner of the contest with the runners-up getting $1,000 in awards. You can access the challenge here as you have up until 26th November, 10 AM Eastern, to submit your naming ideas for the new eBike. Electric Two-Wheeled Transport From GM? I dont find it strange that GM wants to enter the eBike world. Car manufacturers from all around the world are entertaining the idea as some preliminary research suggests that worldwide eBike market will grow to 40 million by 2023. Three-fourths are actually linked with the Chinese market as eBikes are hitting all new highs in sales in the area. Nevertheless, the GM did not disclose any meaningful information about the new eBike. Yet, the photographs we have include two bike designs a foldable bike and a compact bike. Taking into account that both feature small diameter wheels, simplistic design and a small electric motor strapped just above the central gear and pedals, one can only assume these bikes will be urban commuters. Director of General Motors Urban Mobility Solutions basically said the same in his statement. As an avid cyclist and urban commuter, I know how great it feels to get where Im going easily and to show up sweat-free, said Hannah Parish, director of General Motors Urban Mobility Solutions. We blended electrification engineering know-how, design talents and automotive-grade testing with great minds from the bike industry to create our eBikes. Now we want to expand our thinking beyond the company walls and hear from people who like to move and have rad ideas. Possible sharing service? Bike sharing services seem to be quite popular in the developed world. As reported by GM officials, nothing is off the table and this implies that GM might entertain the possibility of a sharing service based (I believe) around the new eBikes. As it looks to put them into production next year, we can expect more information on the topic in a year or so. Nothing is official as of yet, but I find it logical that someone with GMs resources, know-how, and market understanding creates a bike-sharing service. GM would compete with a number of other services the most important of which is the Lyft Bikes service. As you may be aware, two years ago, Lyft bought the largest U.S. bike sharing service - Motivate, which, apparently, dominated 80 percent of the market in the country. GM would face an uphill battle against such an impressive competition. Nevertheless, all of this is only a conjecture as it may turn out that the new GM eBikes are mainly focused on the Chinese market. When Will You Be Able To Buy A GM Built eBike? Developed by Canada-based GM engineers, the new eBike is expected to reach the GM dealerships next year. As the launch is planned for the first half of the next year, I am sure you will be able to buy the thing as soon as they are revealed. Apart from having electric motors, bikes will feature LED lights front and back, with rechargeable batteries. I guess via USB. If I am to let my imagination fly, Id say a smartphone app for controlling certain aspects of the bike should be available. It would not be a Eureka moment, of course, but who knows what GM may come up with designing its eBike. Our Name For The GM eBike Winners of the naming competition will be announced on January 31st, 2019. Id name it Louis. Honoring Louis Chevrolet, a man who was so into bicycles and bicycle racing. And he did some other cool stuff. Like founding Chevy. Further Reading Read our full review on the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV. Read our full driven review of the Chevrolet Volt. 2019 BMW 8 Series Convertible vs 2016 BMW 6 Series Convertible Bimmers shiny new toy arrives to take the place of the departed old guard The Parliament of Sierra Leone on Wednesday, 7th November 2018 debated and ratified with unanimity the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement, aimed at promoting trade liberalization in Africa. Speaking prior to ratification, the Minister of Trade and Industry Peter Bayuku Konte highlighted the importance of the free trade Agreement. He also said that the Agreement will cover an African market of 1.2 billion people and a gross domestic product of $2.5 trillion across all 55 Member States of the African Union. He furthered that in relation to a number of participating countries it will be the worlds largest free trade area since the formation of the World Trade Organization. He said the Agreement will progressively eliminate tariffs on intra- African trade, aimed at making trade easier for businesses within the continent. Making his submission on the Agreement, the Leader of NGC, Hon. Kandeh Yumkella said that the Agreement is important for Africa and the African Union. He also said that the AU is moving from a political organization to an economic one. Speaking on the need for ratifying the Agreement, Dr. Yumkella said that it had been debated and deliberated upon in the Pan-African Parliament for enactment and domestication in other national parliaments in Africa. The Leader of C4C, Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina supported the ratification of the Agreement and commended the Government of President Bio for signing it. He recalled that as a Member of the ACP-EU Parliament a lot of deliberations had been done on the Agreement geared towards smoothening bilateral trade liberalization for Africa. In rounding up the debate, the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Chernor R.M Bah welcomed the initiative of the Government by signing the free trade Agreement. He also recalled that the ECOWAS Parliament had spent ten days in Abidjan deliberating on the need for a free trade Agreement for Africa, whilst encouraging the Ministry of Trade to do all within its power to ensure that Sierra Leone derive huge benefits from the free trade Agreement. In concluding the debate, the Leader of Government Business, Hon. Sidie M. Tunis described the Agreement as important for the development of the country, especially in the area of Small and Medium Enterprises. He also said that the Agreement is good for Africa, particularly for the development and promotion of trade in Sierra Leone. 22nd Meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee of Experts of the Sub-regional Office for Eastern Africa In partnership with the Government of Rwanda, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is holding a three-day Intergovernmental Committee of Experts (ICE) Conference on 20-22 November 2018 in Kigali to help reach a regional consensus on how to move forward with the implementation of the AfCFTA. Over 250 participants senior government officials, experts and representatives from the private sector from the 14 Member States served by the Office for Eastern Africa will attend the meeting, which will be held on the theme Implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area in Eastern Africa: From Vision to Action. Africa is already the leading trading partner for the EAC member states. But East African countries need to do more to tap into the dynamism of regional markets, especially at a time when global growth is still precarious and much of the world is concerned about the consequences of trade wars and disputes. ECA simulation work suggests that East Africa exports to Africa would increase by 31 percent if tariffs are eliminated on intra-African trade, and provide a welfare boost of US$1.4 billion. Pointedly, it would provide a significant stimulus to manufacturing sectors, particularly agro-industry. The historic signing of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement in Kigali in March 2018 provides hope that we can consolidate the creation of a truly integrated market across the region and strengthen regional value chains. To fully utilize the opportunities of the AfCFTA, the ICE will focus on the discussion of national and regional AfCFTA strategies complementary to the broader trade policy. Among the themes and topics to be discussed will be: The 14 countries served by the ECA Sub-Regional Office for Eastern Africa are: Burundi, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, Madagascar, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda. Background The ICE is a body set up by the General Assembly of the United Nations and is the statutory organ of the ECA Office for Eastern Africa. It includes representatives of the fourteen member States served by the office, as well as Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs) of the subregion, development partners, research centres and other stakeholders. The composition of the current ICE bureau includes Comoros (Chair), Rwanda (First Vice Chair), DR Congo (Second Vice Chair), and South Sudan (Secretary). The ICE meets annually on a rotational basis in the different countries covered by the office. The objectives are three-fold: To define and review the implementation of the work programme of the SRO-EA; To discuss key issues and challenges pertaining to the economic and social development of the region, with the view to making appropriate recommendations; As a forum to strengthen partnerships and cooperation between stakeholders to sustain regional integration and accelerate the pace of economic development. The last five ICEs were held in Comoros (2017 Accelerating Structural Transformation in Eastern Africa: Catalysts and Constraints), Kenya (2016 Institutions, Decentralizations and Structural Transformation in Eastern Africa), Madagascar (2015 Harnessing the Blue Economy for the Development of Eastern Africa), DR Congo (2014 National Champions, Foreign Direct Investment and Structural Transformation in Eastern Africa) and Uganda (2013 Energy Access and Security in Eastern Africa). About Kenya Airways, a member of the Sky Team Alliance, is the flag carrier airline of Kenya. Established in 1977, their head office is located in Embakasi, Nairobi, with its hub at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Named the Leading Airline in Africa multiple times, Kenya Airways carries over three million passengers annually. In addition to their African destinations, Kenya Airways offers flights to numerous parts of the world. Your clients can relax in their lie-flat business class seats, which are consistently voted among the Worlds Top 10, and know theyre taken care of with Kenya Airlines renowned on-board service. Taking pride for being in the forefront of connecting Africa to the World and the World to Africa, you can rest assured your clients will feel welcomed and right at home on any Kenya Airways flight. At some point we were told not to toss rice at the newly betrothed because of the birds here's the real reason why we shouldn't. While we've been throwing things at brides and grooms since ancient times oh the things we do to ensure abundance and prosperity at some point in the 1980s, tossing rice became a no-no. In 1988 a law was proposed in Connecticut to ban the tradition, and a few years later advice columnist Ann Landers hopped on the no-rice bandwagon as well when replying to a writer about the topic. Somewhere along the line the idea was hatched that when birds eat uncooked rice, it expands in their wee bird stomachs, and then, egads, the poor things explode. We really knew it was true when Lisa Simpson confirmed it all in The Simpsons episode "Rome-old and Juli-eh: Lisa: Dad, don't throw rice, it makes the birds swell up! Homer: Oh, Lisa, that's one of those rumors you get off the Internet. (Behind them, three birds explode) Now on the one hand, it makes sense where the idea came from, given how much rice expands when cooking. But in fact, a bird's stomach is not a pot of boiling water and it is designed to break down hard things like seeds and grains. Landers even published a retraction a few months later in the form of a letter from Cornell ornithologist Steven Sibley: "Rice is not threat to birds," Sibley wrote. "It must be boiled before it will expand. Furthermore all the food that birds swallow is ground up by powerful muscles and grit in their gizzards." The entertaining video below produced by PBS Studios and ACS shows the chemistry debunking the myth and now it all makes sense! If you didn't watch the video, it sets the story straight eating uncooked rice will not make birds' stomaches explode. However, it does point out that instant rice could be a cause for concern. That said, it's expensive and unlikely to be tossed at weddings ... and birds don't seem to like it much anyway. Smart birds. So as far as birds are concerned, newly betrothed couples need not worry about rice. But, there are other things to consider. According to the United Nations, roughly one third of the food produced in the world for human consumption each year some 1.3 billion tonnes is wasted. Food loss amounts to roughly $680 billion in industrialized countries and $310 billion in developing countries. Aside from making a treacherously slippery sidewalk and getting rice in the face, doesn't it seem strange to be promising abundance and prosperity by actively engaging in waste? Treehugger and our third-party partners use cookies and process personal data like unique identifiers based on your consent to store and/or access information on a device, display personalized ads and for content measurement, audience insight, and product development. To change or withdraw your consent choices for Treehugger.com, including your right to object where legitimate interest is used, click below. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page. These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data. List of Partners (vendors) TRENTON Talk about a culture of violence. Unruly psychiatric patients have increasingly attacked staff members at Ann Klein Forensic Center, a state-run medical facility housing dozens of criminal defendants with severe mental illnesses. Its really a jail, an Ann Klein security officer said of his workplace, but you call it an institution or a hospital. The Trenton-based facility houses about 200 inpatients, most of whom come from county jails or state prisons. Ann Klein patient Dwayne Hester, 51, has been indicted on aggravated manslaughter charges on allegations he killed patient Daniel Rodriguez, 55, in a vicious attack earlier this year. At least five patient-on-patient assaults have occurred at Ann Klein during the first six months of 2018, according to substantiated data reports, but employees who work at the facility say they are increasingly becoming victims of patient-fueled attacks. We were dealing with a hostile patient and he had become combative and punched me a couple times, an Ann Klein medical security officer said of a recent incident. He was kicking officers. He spit blood in officers faces. The Trentonian has interviewed multiple Ann Klein Forensic Center employees for this story. They spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of retribution. The newspaper learned of recent attacks on staff, including a doctor being knocked unconscious and a security officer suffering a brain bleed at the hands of a violent patient. You are not supposed to work and feel like a punching bag, an Ann Klein security officer said. Its bad. The average day is gearing yourself up mentally to expect the unexpected. You dont know what to expect from the administration or patients. People in hospitals dont have murder charges or kidnapping charges, another employee said. The population we have, they are very dangerous. David Kensler, CEO of Ann Klein Forensic Center, sent an email on Oct. 17 acknowledging recent assaults at the facility, which resulted in a modified rehab schedule being put into effect. Although we cannot eliminate violence completely, Kensler said in his email, we hope to tighten up existing processes and communication to reduce our risk. A New Jersey Department of Health spokesperson confirmed Kensler has modified scheduling while DOH investigates recent incidents involving problematic patients. Lockdown ends An independent organization known as The Joint Commission was not impressed with Ann Klein Forensic Center when it visited the facility nearly one year ago. The Joint Commission, a nonprofit also known as TJC, accredits and certifies nearly 21,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. The Joint Commission visited Ann Klein Forensic Center in December 2017 and cited the facility for multiple findings in quality of care and patient safety, according to a state report. The Gov. Phil Murphy administration had to resolve the problems and implement significant changes at Ann Klein in order for the state-run facility to receive full accreditation from TJC. Joint Commission accreditation and certification is recognized nationwide as a symbol of quality that reflects an organizations commitment to meeting certain performance standards, according to TJCs website. Ann Klein had a former lockdown policy that helped maintain order, employees say. Under that former policy, Ann Klein inpatients would typically be locked inside their rooms for operational and administrative reasons during three shifts on a daily basis, with the longest lock-in taking place overnight from 9 p.m. through 6:30 a.m. the following day. The forensic center on other occasions would administratively lock patients inside their rooms during any time when the facility was short-staffed. The state eliminated the administrative lock-in policy on all shifts as of June 25, according to a state DOH report dated Aug. 22. TJC asserted that anytime a patient is locked in their rooms and cannot freely leave, it is considered seclusion, according to DOH, which ended the lock-in policy as a condition of maintaining its status as a credible, properly run institution. This policy change was required in order for Ann Klein to maintain its 20-year accreditation, Dawn Thomas, a DOH spokesperson, said Wednesday via email. Two weeks before the Murphy administration began in January 2018, the Joint Commission informed AKFC that it could lose its accreditation if it did not end a long-standing administrative lock-in policy in place on certain shifts. AKFC retained its accreditation by ending administrative lock-ins, hiring 90 medical security officers and making anti-ligature improvements to prevent patients from harming themselves. Ann Klein employees say the workplace has become more hostile ever since the lock-in policy ended, but the DOH spokesperson suggested there is no correlation between the recent increase in patient-fueled assaults and the abolition of administrative lock-ins. Spikes in assaults are often attributed to fluidity of the patient population and the problematic behavior of just a few patients, Thomas said. I am informed that most recent assaults are unrelated and occurred in places that would not have been subject to a lockdown anyway. Incident data fluctuates periodically due to the fluidity of the patient population and the ability of a few particularly problematic patients to skew the data. The transition from a custodial to a therapeutic environment takes time. Adam Hardwick, a DOH supervising official, acknowledged in a recent steering committee meeting that Ann Kleins increase in violence appears to always involve a select group of toxic patients who now have the time to plot and conspire with one another to act out in inappropriate ways and he suggested the lack of structure on the units and boredom could possibly be the reason those patients are becoming more violent. I dont go in there fearing for my safety, an Ann Klein security officer said of the forensic center, but at the same time I do. Maybe today is the day Im getting assaulted. You just dont know. It plays a part in your mind. You worry about how you are going to react. Its definitely stressful. Staff safety Ann Klein security officers feel disrespected and powerless, according to the rank-and-file staff. They say Ann Klein patients commonly file bogus complaints in an attempt to get security officers in trouble. They often refer to themselves as punching bags, saying the state will quickly discipline any security officer who uses body force to subdue an unruly patient. As officers, we need a lot more than they have offered, an Ann Klein employee said. We need job security, job protection, all of that. DOH considers staff and patient safety to be a top priority at the Trenton-based forensic center. In addition to the 90 medical security officers hired over the summer, 34 part-time positions were just made full time. In addition, the facility is hiring nine more full-time and eight more part-time medical security officers, said Thomas, the DOH spokesperson. The department and the hospitals leadership continue to work with staff to ensure a safe environment while meeting standards of inpatient psychiatric care. Medical security officers can intervene, de-escalate and put violent patients in a temporary physical hold to restore safety, Thomas added, but only a nurse can initiate a mechanical restraint. The Ann Klein Forensic Center serves 199 clients who have been determined by the courts to be not guilty by reason of insanity or incompetent to stand trial or who require special security measures due to the nature of their illness, according to the New Jersey Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services. State law requires the Ann Klein Forensic Center to report any assaults on site that result in major or moderate injuries. It could take DOH months to substantiate each assault that occurs at the facility. Consider the assault data from recent years: In 2014, there were 351 substantiated assaults at Ann Klein, which includes over 250 incidents that resulted in minor injuries or no injuries. In 2015, there were 78 substantiated incidents of a staff member suffering a moderate injury at the hands of a patient. In 2016, there were 23 substantiated incidents of a staff member suffering a major or moderate injury at the hands of a patient. In 2017, there were nine substantiated incidents of a staff member suffering a moderate injury at the hands of a patient. The goal of Ann Klein Forensic Center is to deliver the highest quality, therapeutic and evidence-based psychiatric services to its clients, the DOH spokesperson said. A psychiatric forensic center is intended to treat people with severe mental illnesses and reduce risks of violence. Ann Kleins patients, also known as clients or service recipients, are oftentimes deemed incompetent to stand trial. Even so, all patients at Ann Klein are considered competent to give statements and make complaints. A court determination that a person is unfit to stand trial, Thomas said, does not remove the hospitals responsibility to investigate allegations of patient abuse. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 9) Disputes in the South China Sea, including China's weather monitoring stations in the Spratlys, may likely be discussed in the upcoming 33rd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit next week. The Department or Foreign Affairs on Friday said these are among issues that President Duterte may raise during the ASEAN+3 meeting between leaders of the ten Southeast Asian members plus China, Japan, and Korea. Duterte will be in Singapore for the summit on November 12-15. "As you know, the Philippines has assumed the coordinatorship of the ASEAN-China Dialogue partnership from this year until 2021, that's for a period of three years," Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Junever Mahilum-West said during a pre-departure briefing for the 33rd ASEAN Summit. She says it will be up to the President if he will discuss Beijing's recent announcement that it has begun operating weather monitoring stations on the Spratly Islands. "We are quite sure that the South China Sea, as I've mentioned before, would be one of those regional developments that would be taken up in the summit. As to the detail of the discussions, I cannot say," West said. A number of leaders are apparently requesting a bilateral meeting with Duterte. But since arrangements are still being made, West refused to say which particular countries or whether China is one of them. The President has been criticized in the past for his soft stance on the maritime dispute. During the Philippines' chairmanship of the 30th ASEAN Summit in April 2017, the outcome statement on the disputes took it easy on China by avoiding tacit references to its supposed militarization of man-made islands. Last November 1, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang confirmed China is now operating a maritime observation center, a meteorogical observatory and a national environment and air quality monitoring stations in the Spratlys. Despite the announcement, Malacanang said these would still have to be validated. It added that the Philippine government will file a diplomatic protest if it gets official confirmation about the weather stations . editorial@tribune.com London, November 9 Oil prices fell to multi-month lows on Friday as global supply increased and investors worried about the impact on fuel demand from lower economic growth and trade disputes. Benchmark Brent crude oil fell below $70 a barrel for the first time since early April, down more than 18% since reaching four-year highs at the beginning of October. Brent fell 66 cents to a low of $69.99 a barrel before recovering slightly to trade around $70.10 by 1010 GMT, down 3.5% for the week and more than 15% this quarter. US light crude oil was 55 cents lower at $60.12, down 4.7% this week and off more than 20% since early October, putting it officially in bear market territory, borrowing a definition commonly used in stock markets. There is no slowing down the bear train, said Stephen Brennock, analyst, London brokerage PVM Oil. Instead, the energy complex has extended a rout driven by swelling global supplies and a softening demand outlook. Oil peaked in October on concerns that US sanctions on Iran that came into force this week would deprive the oil market of substantial volumes of crude, draining inventories and bringing shortages in some regions. But other big oil producers, such as Saudi Arabia, Russia and shale producers in the US, have increased output steadily, more than compensating for lost Iranian barrels. The US, Russia and Saudi Arabia are all now pumping at or near record highs, producing more than 33 million barrels per day (bpd), a third of the worlds oil. Exemptions offset sanctions impact The US sanctions, meanwhile, are unlikely to cut supply as much as expected. Washington has granted exemptions to Irans biggest buyers, allowing them to buy limited amounts of oil for at least another six months. Reuters pardeepdhull@gmail.com San Francisco, November 9 Google is promising to be more forceful and open about its handling of sexual misconduct cases, a week after thousands of high-paid engineers and others walked out in protest over its male-dominated culture. Google bowed to one of the protesters main demands by dropping mandatory arbitration of all sexual misconduct cases. That will now be optional, so workers can choose to sue in court and present their case in front of a jury. It mirrors a change made by ride-hailing service Uber after complaints from its female employees prompted an internal investigation. The probe concluded that its rank had been poisoned by rampant sexual harassment. Googles leaders and I have heard your feedback and have been moved by the stories youve shared, CEO Sundar Pichai said in an email to Google employees. We recognise that we have not always gotten everything right in the past and we are sincerely sorry for that. Its clear we need to make some changes. Last week, the tech giants workers left their cubicles in dozens of offices around the world to protest what they consider the managements lax treatment of top executives and other male workers accused of sexual harassment and other misconduct. Google will provide more details about sexual misconduct cases in internal reports available to all employees. The company is also stepping up its training aimed at preventing misconduct. But Google didnt address protesters demand for a commitment to pay women the same as men doing similar work. AP What triggered row Google got caught in the crosshairs two weeks ago after a US newspaper detailed allegations of sexual misconduct against the creator of Google's Android software, Andy Rubin. It said Rubin received a $90 million severance package in 2014 after Google concluded the accusations were credible. Rubin has denied the allegations. uttara@tribuneindia.com Smita Sharma Tribune News Service New Delhi, November 9 Amid reports of a significant shift in stance with India being represented in the same room as the Taliban in Moscow, the Ministry of External Affairs on Friday clarified that no direct conversation between the two sides was part of the agenda. India was represented at the Moscow Format of talks on Afghanistan at a non-official level by former high-ranking diplomats TCA Raghavan and Amar Sinha, who also served as ambassadors to Pakistan and Afghanistan, respectively. The Indian representatives, however, did not speak at the deliberations, attended by a delegation from the political office of the Taliban in Doha led by its head Stanakzai. Questions were asked of the government by Opposition leaders, including Omar Abdullah of National Conference, who wrote in response to a tweet, If non-official participation in a dialogue that includes the Taliban is acceptable to the Modi government, why not a non-official dialogue with non-mainstream stakeholders in J&K? Why not a non-official dialogue centered around J&Ks eroded autonomy and its restoration? The process is consistent with our policy of Afghan led, Afghan owned and Afghan controlled and also with participation of the government of Afghanistan. We will participate in any such process and we made it clear that our participation will be at the non-official level, stressed MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar, Where did we say that there will be talks with the Taliban? We just said we will participate in a meeting on Afghanistan hosted by Russia, he added. Indias longstanding position has been to be a participant in any dialogue on Afghanistan only if the elected government in Kabul is at the table and that there is no distinction between good and bad Taliban. The first edition of the talks hosted by Russia earlier this year did not include the Taliban and was attended by an Afghan government delegation and a Joint Secretary-level diplomat from India, among others. This time, though, there was no government minister or official from Kabul. Rather, there was a four-member delegation of the High Peace Council as a national but non-government institution participating in its own capacity, according to the Afghan foreign ministry. A statement from Kabul said that as per its understanding with Russia, it hopes that this meeting leads to direct talks between the Government of Afghanistan and the Taliban. The United States had earlier announced boycott of this meeting previously scheduled for September 4 but postponed as the Ashraf Ghani government pulled out of it. In a changed stance, the United States sent an observer from its embassy in Moscow to the meet attended by Deputy Foreign Ministers and special representatives from 11 countries, including China, Pakistan and Iran. The main topic of discussion was the question of the speedy launch of a direct inter-Afghan dialogue on peace in order to stabilise the situation in this country, said a Russian government release. editorial@tribune.com New Delhi: Domestic passenger vehicle sales rose 1.55% in October, snapping three months of consecutive decline, although low market sentiments affected festive season demand, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) said on Friday. According to the latest data, passenger vehicle (PV) in October stood at 2,84,224 units as against 2,79,877 units in the year-ago month. In July, August and September PV sales have declined by 2.71%, 2.46% and 5.61%, respectively. SIAM Director General, Vishnu Mathur, said positive growth in PV sales witnessed in October is reflective of the overall trend in the automobile industry. PTI RBI cancels registration of 31 NBFCs, majority from WB Mumbai: The RBI on Friday cancelled the certificate of registrations of as many as 31 non-banking finance companies (NBFCs) for unspecified reasons. It also cancelled the certificate of registrations of 17 NBFCs following a request by them for the same. The action comes amid difficulties faced by the NBFCs sector. A majority 27 of the 31 companies which lost their licences are from Bengal,the central bank said. Bengal is followed by Uttar Pradesh, which has seen four NBFC licence cancellations, the RBI said, making it clear that these companies should not carry out business activities from here on. PTI NHPC to consider share buyback proposal soon New Delhi: NHPC on Friday said its Board may consider a proposal to buy back shares at its meeting scheduled on November 14, in line with the government's aim to garner around Rs 80,000 crore from disinvestment this fiscal. The Board may consider the proposal for buyback of the fully paid-up equity shares of the company at its meeting Wednesday, the company said. However, it did not specify the number of shares it proposes to buy back or the size of the transaction. The Finance Ministry is banking on merger and acquisitions among PSUs and share buybacks to meet the disinvestment target. PTI uttara@tribuneindia.com Tribune News Service Chandigarh, November 9 Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging him to ensure that status quo in Punjab and Haryana share in Chandigarh UTs administrative posts is maintained. Seeking his personal intervention, the chief minister has asked Modi to advise the Ministry of Home Affairs, GoI, for early steps to maintain the ratio of 60:40 between Punjab and Haryana in filling up civil posts in the UT, as achieved over a period of time. In his letter, Captain Amarinder Singh mentioned that it was heartening to note that the Government of India (GoI) had agreed to keep in abeyance its notification of September 25, 2018, merging the posts of DSPs of Chandigarh Police with Delhi, Andaman, Nicobar Islands Police Service (DANIPS), in response to his letter of October 1 this year. The chief minister further pointed out that, currently, of the 14 IAS Officers posted in Chandigarh Administration, only three belonged to Punjab and two belonged to Haryana, with the remaining officers were from UT cadre. Similarly, of the 7 IPS Officers posted in Chandigarh, only one each belonged to Punjab and Haryana, whereas the remaining five were from UT cadre. Apparently, the ratio of 60:40 was also not being maintained in placing the officers in Chandigarh Administration, he said, adding that the situation was similar with respect to other categories of employees, such as teachers, doctors and other civil officers posted in Chandigarh Administration. Given the fact that the Government of India had appreciated the need to maintain the ratio of 60:40 between Punjab and Haryana in filling up the posts in Chandigarh Administration, the imbalance created during the last few years needed to be rectified as well, said the Chief Minister. Capt Amarinder Singh also asked Modi to advise the Chandigarh Administration not to curtail the role and responsibilities of the officers of Punjab and Haryana, as assigned to them in pre-determined ratio. Radhika Ramaseshan Radhika Ramaseshan Senior Journalist The national implications of the state elections in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan cannot be underrated. Of the 65 Lok Sabha seats from the three states, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won 63 and the Congress a mere two in the 2014 polls. While 65 is less than the 80 that Uttar Pradesh that the BJP also swept alone brings to the Lower House of Parliament, the Hindi belt that also houses MP, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, has been regarded as a bellwether of sorts for the General Election that will be held less than six months after these states pronounce their verdict. Significantly, in the swathe extending from Rajasthan and Haryana in the west to Bihar in the east, the Congress and the BJP have been pitted in straight fights in the states that vote in November-December, with the regional entities occasionally playing the spoiler, as former Congress heavyweight Ajit Jogi's Janta Congress Chhattisgarh threatens to for the parent party. Importantly too, unlike UP and Bihar where the BJP is a relatively recent player-barring 1967 when it was part of the Samyukta Vidhayak Dal in a coalition government headed by the Socialists in Lucknow-in its previous avatar as the Jana Sangh and the reincarnation, the party drew sustenance and support from its ideological fountainhead, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The RSS created and established formidable networks in MP and Rajasthan and, therefore, its cadre has buttressed the BJP. Equally, for the Congress, its roots run deep because MP was home to its illustrious clans, headed by Ravi Shankar Shukla and Dwarka Prasad Mishra since before Independence. Rajasthan's roll call of eminences was graced by Mohan Lal Sukhadia, Hari Dev Joshi, Jagannath Pahadia and Shiv Charan Mathur. For decades after Independence, the Congress's sway over this large terrain of the Hindi belt remained unchallenged, until the late eighties, when the BJP emerged as a formidable challenger and entrenched itself almost invincibly in MP and Chhattisgarh. Rajasthan predictably oscillates between the two parties. MPs three critical factors Facts speak for themselves. In MP, that has 230 Assembly seats, the Congress will need an 8.5 per cent swing away from the BJP to dislodge Shivraj Singh Chouhan as the Chief Minister and the BJP, in power since 2013. Attaining that figure would assume three critical factors: there is a huge anti-incumbency sentiment against the Chouhan establishment, the Congress recouped well enough to funnel popular discontent and translate the overriding feeling into votes and finally, the "Narendra Modi" factor will be inconsequential. However, every negative counted so far against the BJP is counteracted by a disadvantage bogging down the Congress. It has a bevy of leaders who have been around for years, sniping at one another. The old tensions were equally palpable this year in the prelude to serious campaigning. Kamal Nath, who heads the MP Congress, ensured his cheerleaders were around to root for him as the next chief minister, while sharing the optics was young Jyotiraditya Scindia. Digvijay Singh, the former CM, has been marginalised although his peregrination on the banks of the Narmada river, running through the state, recharged the party's grassroots formations and reconnected the Congress with its out-of-work loyalists. Many in the state Congress regarded Digvijay as their only pan-MP face. Additionally, the Congress' failure to articulate a stand on the Supreme Court's ruling diluting the SC/ST Act (that the Centre nullified) and on reservation for Dalits in promotions caused the upper castes, who tilt the power balance in the Bundelkhand, Mahakaushal and Baghelkhand regions, to look askance on Rahul Gandhi. Gandhi's embrace of "soft" Hindutva, evidenced in the temple stopovers, was intended to please the upper castes, who remained steadfastly with the BJP. The BJP's main concerns were two: an unenthusiastic cadre that was looped out of the power structures and afflicted with the "what's-in-it-for-me" syndrome and farmers' restiveness. Chouhan addressed the latter with a series of measures, notably a price deficit financing scheme called the "Bhavantar Bhugtana Yojana" to hedge price risks and compensate farmers forced to make distress sales at less than the minimum support price. Overnight, as it were, the traders retaliated against the farmers by forming cartels and artificially lowering foodgrains' prices. Despite the evidence, the state government would not act against the traders for fear of losing a crucial core base. Clearer trends in Rajasthan Rajasthan with 200 seats is projecting clearer trends. The Chief Minister, Vasundhara Raje, cleaved the government and the BJP organisation into two autonomous parts, divided by a wall. But she has a committed and sizeable following among the legislators which is why BJP president Amit Shah not only junked an incipient demand to replace her but also acceded to her choice of who would helm the state party. Vasundhara's previous stints in power left a trail of caste conflicts involving the Jats, Gujjars and Meenas. This time, the BJP is up against the threat of losing the support of the Rajputs (estimated to be 12 per cent of the electorate) after serial mishaps, from the killing of an alleged criminal Anandpal Singh to forcing veteran Jaswant Singh out in the 2014 elections. The Shree Rajput Sabha coined a slogan, "Kamal ka phool, hamari bhool" (voting the lotus was our mistake). The Congress has not projected its old hand Ashok Gehlot as its CM candidate and has purposefully confounded the leadership question by according equal space to Sachin Pilot, the Rajasthan Congress president, who is supposedly a part of Rahul's core team. It is useful to recall that in the 2008 elections, when the same circumstances worked against the BJP and Vasundhara (party-government split, caste imbalance, an angry RSS), the Congress barely touched a majority and spirited away six Bahujan Samaj Party legislators to get the numbers while Vasundhara picked up 78 seats against odds. Populism in Chhattisgarh Chhattisgarh votes on November 12 in the first phase under the shadow of guns in Maoist strongholds and the glimmer of hope held out by its CM Raman Singh's populist schemes that were subject to their quota of leakages and irregularities. Tactically, so far, the BJP has not converted these elections into a Modi-centred one or a referendum against the Centre. Its campaign will determine if the Prime Minister or the powerful chief ministers will be the centrepiece. And, thereby hangs a tale: if the Congress, by design or default, wrests two of the three states, will Gandhi walk away with the plaudits and enhance his place on the national canvas before 2019? Lt Gen NS Brar (Retd) Lt Gen NS Brar (Retd) Ex-Deputy chief, Integrated defence staff The year 2018 marks the centenary of the end of World War I. The War to End All Wars or The Great War for Civilisation did not achieve what the belligerents or its protagonists imagined. Neither did it end Before Christmas, as the British expected, nor Before the Leaves Fall, as per the German objectives. The armistice was signed at 11 am on the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 in the railway carriage of Marshal Ferdinand Foch in the Forest of Compiegne, north of Paris. The Treaty of Versailles of 1919 ended the war between Germany and the Allied Powers. November 11 is commemorated as Remembrance Day. Major-Gen Ganga Singh (Maharaja of Bikaner) was a member of the Imperial War Council in 1917. India was a separate signatory to the Treaty of Versailles and a founding member of the League of Nations. It was the only non-independent territory to have this status. Ganga Singh was the sole Indian or non-white representative at the signing of the treaty. The iconic painting, The Signing of Peace, shows an imposing Ganga Singh in uniform with the traditional safa. The Great War was dominated by technological developments of the barbed wire, heavy artillery, magazine-filled rapid-fire rifles and belt-fed machine guns. All contributed towards the butcher work. The industrialised fighting changed the nature of war. About 70 million military personnel were mobilised and 16.5 million killed. Of the million horses employed, only 60,000 survived. India provided 1.73 lakh horses, mules and camels for the war and recruited over 14.40 lakh men, sent more than 13.81 lakh for service overseas, of which 74,187 officers and men were killed and another 70,000 wounded. Of the killed, 13,516 names are inscribed on the India Gate Memorial, New Delhi, completed in 1933. India bore the cost of these men, besides an outright contribution of 100 million towards the overall war effort. Indias contribution was never fully acknowledged by Imperial Britain. Independent India remains indifferent, labelling it as not our war and participating reluctantly in events commemorating the war centenary. An Indian soldier wrote home from the Western Front: And so the war is raging by sky and land and sea,/And underneath the water, five kings are fighting three/The cannon roar like thunder, the bullets fly like rain,/And only the hurt, the maimed and blind will ever see home again. (Shrabani Basu; For King And Another Country.) Renewed interest and research prompted by the war centenary 2014-18 has thrown up material on Indias critical contribution, especially in the initial phases on the Western Front and in the closing stages in the Middle East. While the larger issues of empire, colonialism, class and its effect on an entire generation impacted the world at large, the war also left some memorable terms and phrases on the military and everyday lexicon. Even vernacular languages felt the effect. When the German warship Emden, prowling in the Bay of Bengal, shelled Madras harbour and the city on September 22, 1914, causing mass evacuation, it brought the war to India before Indian troops went into action on the Western Front. The Tamils, evidently impressed with the demonstrated German capability, coined a new word emden, meaning an enterprising, resourceful and meticulous person. Sikh soldiers returning from the war and evidently impressed by officer ranks went on to name their children Kaptan, Major, Karnail and Jarnail Singh. The war produced some outstanding poetry and prose, mostly by young men who saw the horrors first-hand in the trenches. Some are universally inscribed on memorials and cemeteries. The fourth stanza of Laurence Binyons For the Fallen, published in The Times on September 21, 1914, has come to be the universal Ode of Remembrance read at most commemorations: They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old/Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn./At the going down of the sun and in the morning/We shall remember them. Lt Col John McCrae, a Canadian, seeing poppies near the grave of his dead friend, in lament wrote In Flanders Field: In Flanders fields the poppies blow/Between the crosses, row on row,/That mark our place; and in the sky/The larks, still bravely singing, fly/Scarce heard amid the guns below. In Flanders Field struck a chord with the public and poppies soon came to be associated with the war dead. Poppy wreaths are today symbolically laid on war memorials. Some countries like Canada have a poppy imprinted on the car number plate to signify the owner as a veteran. Remembrance Day is also called Poppy Day. In India, we do not have any such symbolic association to remember and commemorate the war dead, though in our tradition and culture marigold flowers find prominence both to celebrate and to mourn. In Indian life, colours hold especial importance. White is widely accepted as the colour of peace and purity. Yellow symbolises sanctity and therefore yellow marigold are used on auspicious occasions while saffron represents courage and sacrifice. The Armed Forces Flag Day observed on December 7, since 1949, is the only official annual event related to the soldier. It is a day dedicated to the collection of funds from people for the welfare of the armed forces personnel. Perhaps it would be appropriate to institute the saffron marigold as our symbol of recognition of the dead soldier and upgrade the Flag Day into Remembrance Day. vinaymishra188@gmail.com New Delhi, November 8 Two children died and two others of the same family sustained severe injuries after their shanty near Desh Bandhu Gupta Road in central Delhi caught fire while they were sleeping, a police official said. The incident took place on the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday. The deceased were identified as Ganesh (10) and Swati (4), said a senior Delhi Fire Service (DFS) official. The injured, Suman (28), with 55 per cent burns, and Munna (5), with 70 per cent burns, are undergoing treatment at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, he said. The victims were sleeping when the shanty caught fire. Police suspect that the fire started from an LPG cylinder and spread to the shanty. A call about the blaze was received at 2.18 am and two fire tenders were rushed to the spot, the DFS official added. TNS editorial@tribune.com Tribune News Service Shimla, November 9 Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC) president Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu today said demonetisation was the biggest scam in India and the BJP must disclose source of money with which it purchased land for constructing its offices all over the state. Addressing a public meeting at Nirmand in Kullu district today, Sukhu said barring BJP nobody else gained from demonetisation. The BJP has used demonetization to turn its black money into white by purchasing land for building its office at various places in the state, he alleged. He said the BJP bought land in Hamirpur despite the fact that the party already had an office in Hamirpur. He said one of the prominent issues that would be raised in the Congress charge-sheet against the BJP would be the source of money for purchase of land for constructing party offices. The economy has virtually been derailed, prices have sky-rocketed and there has been huge loss of livelihood and closure of industry as a result of the demonetization, he remarked. He said none of the objectives of demonetization cited by Prime Minister Narendra Modi had been fulfilled as the black money stashed abroad had not been brought back, no job creation happened or terror funding stopped. All that the BJP did by way of demonetization was to hoodwink people, especially the common man who believed in the dreams shown by the PM, said Sukhu. He said more than 100 people had lost their lives standing in queues to get their own money from banks and ATMs. He accused the BJP-led NDA regime of failing to fulfill the promises make to the people before the 2014 elections. There is no check on the prices of petrol or diesel and all the decisions are aimed at benefitting the capitalists and not for the betterment of the life of the common man, he said. editorial@tribune.com Suhail A Shah Anantnag, November 9 An unidentified militant of the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), suspected to be a Pakistani national, was killed on Friday in a daylong gunfight with security forces in the Tral area of south Kashmirs Pulwama district, some 60 km from Srinagar. A policeman was also injured in the encounter. He was evacuated to hospital with splinter injuries and is stated to be stable. Awantipora SSP Zahid Malik confirmed that the gunfight was over and the body of the militant, along with a weapon, had been retrieved. Efforts are being made to ascertain the identity of the militant. He seems to be a Pakistani national, Malik said. The gunfight erupted in the Daar-Ganaigund area of Tral on Friday about 9:30 am, soon after security forces launched a cordon and search operation in the area. There were inputs regarding the presence of militants in the area, following which the operation was launched jointly, said a senior police officer from Tral. He said the militant was holed up in a residential house and opened indiscriminate fire soon after he realised he was trapped. He managed to sneak out of the house and took position behind a stone wall. His point of certain advantage took us this long to eliminate him, the police officer said. Intense clashes, meanwhile, erupted around the site of the encounter and in Tral town, and continued throughout the day. No one was injured in the clashes. Internet services were also suspended in Awantipora police district and were yet to be restored while this report was being filed. editorial@tribune.com Amit Khajuria Tribune News Service Jammu, November 9 In a major breakthrough in the killings of BJP leader Anil Parihar and his brother Ajeet Parihar in Kishtwar last week, the police have arrested four key suspects who allegedly plotted the assassination and chose the killers. Police sources told The Tribune that the arrest of the suspects from Kulgam would help solve the case, including the conspiracy angle. The Parihar brothers were gunned down in Kishtwar on November 1 night. We cannot divulge all details at the moment due to the sensitive nature of the case, a senior police officer associated with the investigation told The Tribune on the condition of anonymity. He also confirmed that there were links between the conspirators and terrorists based in the Kashmir valley and the Kishtwar-Doda belt of the Jammu region. The senior police officer said the arrested persons, including a government employee who was part of the plot, were being subjected to sustained interrogation. The interrogation is being conducted by the special investigation team (SIT), which was constituted on November 2 to probe the killings. The SIT is headed by Assistant Superintendent of Police Parbheet Parihar. Highly placed sources said over 12 suspects were earlier picked up by the police for questioning from different areas of Kishtwar. After intense questioning of the suspects, the police arrested four persons from Kulgam, a source said, adding that the case would be hopefully cracked soon. Following the killings, an indefinite curfew was imposed in parts of Kishtwar and Doda districts on November 1. Governor Satya Pal Malik had on November 5 confirmed that it was a terror attack and the killers had been identified. Main conspirators uttara@tribuneindia.com Srinagar, November 9 A militant was killed and a policeman injured on Friday in a gunfight in Jammu and Kashmirs Pulwama district. Police sources said the gun battle took place in Darganai Gund village of Tral area during a cordon and search operation. The fighting began when the militants opened fire at the security forces including the Rashtriya Rifles, the special operations group (SOG) of the police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), a police officer said. Authorities suspended mobile Internet services in the area to prevent the spread of rumours. IANS editorial@tribune.com Tribune News Service Jammu, November 9 Days after doctors and paramedical staff went on a strike over the alleged misbehaviour of the Reasi Deputy Commissioner with a senior doctor, the state administration on Friday removed Prasanna Ramaswamy G from the post of the DC and appointed a new DC. The government, however, said the decision had been taken in the interest of administration. Prasanna Ramaswamy G, a 2010-batch IAS officer, and the Deputy Commissioner, Reasi, is transferred and posted as the Additional Secretary, Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction. He shall also hold the additional charge of the Special Officer in the Cell for Monitoring Flagship Programmes and Mega Projects till further orders, an order issued by the general administration department said. Doifode Sagar Dattatray, a 2014-batch IAS officer, who is a Special Officer in the Cell for Monitoring Flagship Programmes and Mega Projects, was posted as the Deputy Commissioner, Reasi. Sources said Ramaswamy G had been transferred following pressure by the medical employees union. They said medical employees had been demanding his removal following a controversy on October 20, the day the counting of votes was held for the Reasi municipal committee. While the Deputy Commissioner had asked the doctor involved in the controversy to stay at the counting centre till the counting was over, he had pleaded that he had to attend to OPD patients at District Hospital, Reasi. After the doctor was detained at a police station allegedly on the DCs orders, the medical staff had gone on a strike. The medical employees unions, including the doctors association, had called off their strike following assurance by Jammu Divisional Commissioner Sanjeev Verma that a detailed inquiry would be held into the incident. Meanwhile, Vinod Sharma, awaiting orders of adjustment, was posted as the Director General, Stationery and Office Supplies, while Yash Pal Suman, Director, Stationery and Office Supplies, was posted as the Director, Employment. Ghulam Rasool Mir, Director, Employment, was posted as the Additional Secretary, health and medical education department. ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM Manpriya Singh Before her wedding to Israeli businessman Adi Ezra, supermodel Bar Refaeli had a whale of a time at her bachelorette in Maldives. I dont need the Maldives, the ocean, champagne or perfect weather to appreciate my girls. But it doesnt harm. Her clever Instagram captions filled in on anything that the pictures missed. By now, Priyanka Chopra has let all of those watching her intently know that there is something which literally falls well in advance of the D-day. Its the B-day. The bachelorette party is the last party as a single that the bride-to-be enjoys. Mehar Mandher, a Chandigarh-based law graduate, organised a bachelorette party for her close gang of four girls. We just wanted to get away and have nothing but fun, she shares of her trip to the US which included Vegas, Santiago and LA, which happened as recently as last month. She adds, Although it wasnt a quintessential bachelorette but there is no denying the fact it made for most memorable moments. Talk of memories and that is something all bachelorette outings make for, even the ones gate crashed by men. Laughs Ishita Ganguly, TV actor, as she recalls, a supposed to be bachelorette party at Darjeeling taken with her school friends from Kolkata. She laughs, The bride was from Kolkata only and we were a group of four girls. Even before we could kick- start the celebrations, the boys crashed in. Someones boyfriend, husband, friend of friend, and of course, the fiance. She adds laughingly, And I was the only single person at that point of time. Boy, did they try to set her up? On a serious note, she has an advice or two for all the brides to be out there. Just calm down, relax, unwind and breathe. Thats the idea. It was only last month that Pavit Singh, third year student at Panjab University went to Phuket for four nights and five days with her gang of four girls. We did all the girlie things. Went to best of clubs at night and had a lot of fun, she says. For her bachelorette she is already decided on Greece. Its beautiful. Plus any time spent with friends you are really close to and can share anything with is cathartic. Living it up the celeb way Sofia Vergara The model-turned-TV actress didnt quite have a traditional bachelorette, but she took some time out enjoying and lounging by the pool with her gang of girls, before the big plunge. Nicky Hilton Now the Hilton sisters cant ever be accused of underplaying things, can they? Nicki Hilton, while accompanied by her heiress cousins and, of course, sister Paris Hilton, wore a sparkly tiara, pink sash and the works at her bachelorette in Miami. Chrissy Teigen If the Instagram feeds are anything to go by, then American model-come-author Chrissy Teigen along with her girl squad took off to Mexico for her bachelorette. Apart from relaxing, activities included cooking classes, tequila tasting among others. Among the many things that she was sure, she did not want her bachelorette to be indecent. Kim Kardashian Before she famously tied the knot with Kanye West, Kim Kardashian with a handful of her closest friends kick-started her wedding celebrations with a Parisian bachelorette party. A dinner as she termed it last supper was followed by a quintessential night out in Paris. Im so lucky! I have the best friends in the whole wide world! #ParisNights #LastSupperNo matter what these girls are always there! sanjiv@tribunemail.com Ajay Banerjee Tribune News Service New Delhi, November 9 A decade after 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, India is still struggling to put tracking devices on almost 2.22 lakh fishing boats, meaning such boats cannot be identified as friendly or hostile when sailing at sea. Ten armed terrorists had sailed in a hijacked boat to simultaneously attack five different locations in Mumbai on the night of November 26, 2008, leaving 166 persons dead in the carnage that ensued. A decade-long coastal security plan now means a chain of coastal radars can pick up live images of all vessels at sea. However, these 2.2 lakh boats do not have a tracking device called an automated identification system (AIS) transponder. All these fishing boats are under 20 metres in length and, thus, do not come under the need for mandatory installation of AIS transponders. These boats form the bulk of vessels for fishing communities that dot the countrys 7,500 km-long coastline. This is unfinished business of the coastal security plan okayed after 26/11. Now, the Indian Space Research Organisation has come up with space-based transponder that will allow signals from boats to shore and even allow transmission of distress messages like incoming cyclones to be sent to fishermen at sea. The issue is who will pay for these transponders the fishermen are small operators and cannot afford the gadget that would cost some Rs 20,000. The AIS is mandatory for vessels bigger than 20 metres. The transponder constantly emits a signal that is unique to the boat and the same is picked up by ground-based radars and AIS receivers. The signal identifies the boat, its owner, its registration etc. Some aspects of surveillance at sea are now backed by high-end technology the very latest. On the positive side, a chain of 46 coastal radars and 74 AIS receivers has been put in place. In February last year, the Ministry of Defence okayed the second phase of 42 coastal radar chain, including four mobile ones, to supplement the existing 46. These will cost Rs 800 crore, with public sector giant Bharat Electronics Limited undertaking the task. The National Command Control Communication and Intelligence Network with the Information Management Analysis Centre at Gurugram is operational. A total of 51 nodes of the Navy and Coast Guard are integrated all to provide a comprehensive maritime domain awareness. Biometrics have been collected from 67.5 lakh people in 3,331 coastal villages. Crucial gadget that keeps tabs monicakchauhan@gmail.com Shahira Naim Tribune News Service Lucknow, November 9 At least 18 people have died in fatal road accidents across the state, in two cases taking several lives from the same family. The worst occurred under Fugana police station of Muzaffarnagar on the Meerut-Karnal road where four brothers died on the stop early on Friday morning devastating the family. The four brothers were returning in their tractor-trolley to their village, Chatele, after selling fodder when a speeding truck hit their tracker-trolley overturning it causing the instant death of the four brothers. The truck driver is absconding. In another accident in Malihabad area of Lucknow, late last night a speeding truck hit a SUV killing three persons from the same family and critically injuring four others. Police said that 75-year-old Tahemul Hussain of Bareilly was travelling to Lucknow when the truck hit their SUV killing him, his wife and granddaughter on the spot. Four other passengers in the SUV are in a crucial state and admitted to the Trauma Centre of King George Medical University. Police have confiscated the truck while the driver managed to escape. Early this morning, six people died in Sambhal district when a state roadways bus collided with a Bolero jeep travelling from Aligarh to Nainital carrying 19 people on board. The overloaded Bolero was trying to overtake the bus. Another five pilgrims died in Bundekhands Lalitpur last evening and another 32 were injured when the pickup in which they were travelling overturned while trying to save a stray cow. They were folk artists who were returning from Orchcha after participating in the traditional dance festival on the occasion of Diwali. The injured have been admitted to the Jhansi Medical College hospital. rajivbhatia82@gmail.com Bengaluru, November 9 A day ahead of 'Tipu Jayanti', the BJP on Friday staged protests against Karnataka government-sponsored celebrations for the birth anniversary of the controversial 18th century ruler of erstwhile Mysore kingdom, Tipu Sultan. The party, which has appealed to the government to drop the celebrations, staged demonstrations at several places including Bengaluru, Mysuru and Kodagu, in the state. The JDS-Congress coalition government led by Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, last week, had said Tipu Jayanti would be celebrated on November 10 in continuation of the previous Congress government's policy, prompting the BJP to announce protests. However, Kumaraswamy is not scheduled to attend main function here to be inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara. The Chief Minister's Office in a statement said Friday that Kumaraswamy would not take part in any official function for the next three days in view of "doctors' advice." On the advice of doctors, the chief minister will take three days rest till November 11. He will spend time with family on these days and there will be no official engagements on these days, it said. Minister for Minority Welfare, Haj and Wakf B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan said the chief minister had told officials before hand that he would be away for medical check-up and hence, his name should not be mentioned in the invitation. Police said security has been tightened at sensitive places, including Bengaluru, Mangaluru and Kodagu. An official said the function in Bengaluru would be held at the Vidhana Soudha, the seat of the state legislature, as the original venue, in view of representations to the government from Mulsim community leaders. Parameshwara, who also holds the Home portfolio, had on November 5 announced that the venue had been shifted to Ravindra Kalakshetra here on advice of the police department owing to security reasons. He had said strict action would be taken against anyone causing riots or disturbing peace. Tipu Jayanti celebration events should be organised indoors and posters and banners would be allowed there only, he had said, adding that social media posts would also be monitored and action would be taken if they were derogatory. The previous Congress government, led by Siddaramaiah, began celebrating "Tipu Jayanti" on November 10 every year since 2015, amid stiff opposition by the BJP, several Hindu organisations and some individuals. Widespread protests and violence had marred the celebrations during the first two years. BJP leaders, including former deputy chief minister R Ashok, B Y Raghavendra and MLC Ravi Kumar, took part in the agitation here and accused the state government of "hurting" the sentiments of Hindus only to appease Muslims. They said Tipu was accused of killing thousands of people in Kodagu and Mandyam Iyengars of Melukote near Mysuru. Tipu was a tyrant and a religious fanatic. Those who tried to exalt him suffered huge losses, BJP MP Pratap Simha claimed. The BJP also took a dig at Kumaraswamy's absence in the event. Party spokesperson S Prakash quipped that the chief minister was avoiding taking part in Tipu Jayanti. Tipu was a ruler of Mysore and considered an implacable enemy of the British East India Company. He was killed in May 1799 while defending his fort at Srirangapatna against the British forces. While BJP and some Hindu outfits see Tipu as a "religious bigot" and a "brutal killer", some Kannada outfits call him anti-Kannada, saying that he had promoted Persian at the cost of the local language. - PTI monicakchauhan@gmail.com Jagdalpur, November 9 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday accused the Congress of backing urban Maoists who, he said, had ruined the lives of the poor Adivasi youth. Addressing his first election rally, he also claimed the Congress made fun of Adivasis (tribals). Elections to the 90-member Chhattisgarh Assembly are to be held in two phases on November 12 and November 20. Once I had gone for a rally in North-East India and wore a traditional Adivasi headgear. The Congress leaders made fun of it. This was an insult to the Adivasi culture, he said. Claiming the Ajit Jogi-led Congress government (2000 to 2003) did not do enough to develop the Naxal-infested Bastar region, the Prime Minister vowed not to rest till he had fulfilled the late Atal Bihari Vajpayees dream of a prosperous Chhattisgarh. The urban Maoists who live in air-conditioned homes in the cities and whose children study abroad remote-control the Adivasi children in the Naxal-dominated areas. I want to ask the Congress why it supports the urban Maoists when the government takes action against them? Describing Naxals as monsters with an evil mindset, the PM appealed to the voters to ensure that the BJP won all seats in Bastar region. Claiming no other PM had visited Bastar as often as he had, he said: I have not come empty-handed but given you some schemes and development programmes. We are working hard to eradicate unemployment, poverty and hunger in the region. Stakes are high for the BJP on the 18 seats that go to the polls in the first phase on November 12 as it had lost 12 of them in the last polls in 2013. In the 2013 Assembly polls, of the total 90 seats, the BJP had won 49 seats, Congress 39, BSP one and Independent one. PTI editorial@tribune.com Aditi Tandon Tribune News Service New Delhi, November 9 The Congress on Friday unveiled its ambitious manifesto in poll-bound Chhattisgarh, promising farm loan waiver, a job per household, special focus to help minorities do business with ease and enhanced pension for the families of policemen killed in Naxal attacks. Party chief Rahul Gandhi launched the manifesto describing it as a peoples document based on interactions with stakeholders across spheres. Congress leaders said they had toured all districts to engage the electorate in the exercise. The first to be released in the current election cycle for five states, Congress Chhattisgarh manifesto twists Prime Minister Narendra Modis famous 2014 Lok Sabha election slogan Ghar ghar Modi, har ghar Modi to read Ghar ghar rozgar, har ghar rozgar. It has 36 focus points but the primary thrust is on farmers. TS Singh Deo, Congress Legislature Party leader who headed the manifesto committee, said immediate loan waiver for farmers within 10 days of formation of the Congress government was the partys top promise. A major thrust on agricultural sector also includes fixing minimum support price for various crops as per the MS Swaminathan Commission report and provisioning of pension for farmers above 60 years of age to support them, Deo told The Tribune. Taking a cue from the Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP government in Delhi, Congress has decided to cut power bills by half for domestic consumption in Chhattisgarh if it wins. Asked how they proposed to create jobs, party leaders pointed to apprenticeship programmes and a proposed Rajiv Gandhi Mitr Yojana for monthly stipend to 10 lakh unemployed youth of Chhattisgarh. For womens safety, the manifesto speaks of providing special conveyance for late night commuting. On minorities, the document says: Minority communities and their interests have been given due importance in the manifesto with proposals in place for their security, job opportunities and special help for ease of doing business. pardeepdhull@gmail.com New Delhi, November 9 Amid a face-off with the RBI, the government on Friday said it is discussing an appropriate size of capital reserves that the bank must maintain but denied seeking a massive capital transfer from the Reserve Bank. The Reserve Bank of India has Rs 9.59 lakh crore reserves and the government, if reports are to be believed, wants the bank to part with a third of that fund an issue which along with easing of norms for weak banks and raising liquidity has brought the two at loggerheads in recent weeks. Economic Affairs Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg took to Twitter to clarify that the government was not in any dire needs of funds and that there was no proposal to ask the RBI to transfer Rs 3.6 lakh crore. The government, he said, was on track to meet the fiscal deficit target of 3.1 per cent for 2018-19. Governments FD (fiscal deficit) in FY 2013-14 was 5.1%. From 2014-15, it has succeeded in bringing it down substantially. We will end the FY 2018-19 with FD of 3.3%. Government has actually foregone (Rs) 70,000 crore of budgeted market borrowing this year. Garg said the only proposal under discussion is to fix appropriate economic capital framework of RBI. Economic capital framework refers to the risk capital required by the central bank while taking into account different risks. Former Chief Economic Adviser Arvind Subramanian had in Economic Survey 2016-17 said the RBI was already exceptionally highly capitalised and nearly Rs 4 lakh crore of its capital transfer to the government can be used for recapitalising the banks and/or recapitalising a Public Sector Asset Rehabilitation Agency. The proposal never saw the light of the day. On Thursday, former Finance Minister P Chidambaram had alleged that the Narendra Modi government was trying to capture the RBI to tide over its fiscal crisis. If RBI Governor Urjit Patel stands his ground, the Centre is planning to issue a direction under Section 7 of the RBI Act, 1934, directing the apex bank to transfer Rs 1 lakh crore to the government, he had claimed. The government is seeking a transparent formula for arriving at a minimum threshold capital reserve needed to be maintained in line with globally acceptable practice, an official claimed. The issue may come up at the next RBI board meeting on November 19. PTI uttara@tribuneindia.com Tribune News Service New Delhi, November 9 In his first visit to the Maldives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the swearing-in ceremony of President-elect Ibrahim Solih next week. Despite all odds, Solih won the September elections that saw people in the small island nation fight the dictatorial approach of outgoing President Yameen. Solih was the joint Opposition candidate and a close relative of exiled former President Nasheed, who has now returned to Maldives. New Delhi breathed a sigh of relief as pro-China and anti-India Yameen was democratically ousted by voters. Modi will be present at the oath-taking ceremony on November 17 at Male. The PM has accepted the invitation with pleasure. In keeping with our neighbourhood first policy, India looks forward to closely work with Maldives in further deepening our partnership. The PM will return to New Delhi the same night, said Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar. Maldives is the only South Asian country that PM Modi, since riding to power in 2014, has not visited. editorial@tribune.com Tribune News Service New Delhi, November 9 Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday fired a fresh salvo at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of betraying his 2014 Lok Sabha election promises to people and cheating them. The party too stepped up its offensive on the government over the two-year-old demonetisation drive, with former Finance Minister slamming his successor Arun Jaitley for defending an ill conceived move. While Gandhi attacked the PM during his election tour in Chhattisgarh, top Congress brass marched in protest against note ban in the Capital and later courted arrest after the Delhi Police rounded up several leaders. Among those arrested were party general secretary organisation Ashok Gehlot, former Haryana CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda, senior leaders Anand Sharma, Mukul Wasnik, Mahila Congress chief Sushmita Dev and Youth Congress president Keshav Yadav. The sharpest attack of the day, however, came from Gandhi who took to Twitter to accuse the PM of mastering the art of conning and misleading. His tweet in Hindi read: 2014 thag vidya 1: Muje pradhan mantri banao, main 2 crore rozgar dilaunga (Make me PM, I will give you two crore jobs); 2016 thag vidya 2: note bandi mein mera sath do, main kala dhan wapis launga (Support demonetisation, I will retrieve black money); 2018 asliyat: suit boot wale doston ko Rafale mein uraunga, naujawano ke sapne mitti mein milaunga (Reality: I will fly my friends in Rafale and crush the dreams of youth). Almost parallel to Gandhis jibes came a series of P Chidambaram tweets that questioned the RBI for failing to stand up to demonetisation. RBI Board, with many members absent, met at 5.30 pm on November 8, 2016, and disagreed with the key reasons given by government, yet obediently endorsed demonetisation. That was a black day in RBIs history, Chidambaram said, referring to reports that the RBI did not buy governments logic that demonetisation would help purge the economy of black money and fake currency. Chidambaram said: Shockingly, the government paper calculated GDP growth in real terms and growth in money circulation in nominal terms and yet compared the two and reached absurd conclusions. So much for the competence of the government. He questioned governments jargon about fixing the economic capital framework of the RBI, saying: You fix what is broke. Which part of RBI is broken that the government is anxious to fix? He also quoted Gita Gopinath, IMF chief economist, as having said that she had not come across an economist who had a good word to say about demonetisation. It was an ill-conceived move inspired by persons totally unqualified on matters concerning the economy, he said. sanjiv@tribunemail.com Lalit Mohan Tribune News Service Dharamsala, November 9 The Rajasthan Government has rejected the claims of 5,442 Pong Dam oustees, it is learnt. The issue cropped up at a meeting of a high-powered committee, comprising representatives of Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan and the Union Government, in New Delhi on November 2. The Rajasthan Government maintained that of the 16,300 oustees recognised by Himachal Pradesh, they had not received claims by these 5,442 oustees. Hence, it was not liable to pay compensation to them. The Himachal Government, on the other hand, maintained that it had submitted the claims of all oustees to Rajasthan time and again. About 51 per cent Pong Dam water goes to Rajasthans Sriganganagar and Bikaner districts. Among the 5,442 being denied compensation are those whose land was acquired for the dam lake, artisans and the landless. They were to be allotted houses or plots in Rajasthan. Manisha Nanda, Additional Chief Secretary, who attended the meeting, said: The Rajasthan Government has rejected the claims of 5,442 oustees. We, however, continue to insist that these claims are legitimate. We have apprised Rajasthan of the recent state High Court order stating that the HP Government must provide land within the state to these left-out oustees and that Rajasthan should contribute towards paying for the land acquired for the purpose. MoU was signed way back in 1970 monicakchauhan@gmail.com Bahraich (UP), November 9 Six Chinese nationals, who inadvertently entered India, have been handed over to Nepal Police, police said Friday. SSB jawans had stopped them when they were entering India from Nepal at Rupaideeha border on Wednesday. The Chinese nationals, including two women, entered the Indian side inadvertently on Wednesday while they had gone to see the Bageshwari Temple in Nepalganj in Nepal. All of them had a Nepal visa, Superintendent of Police Gaurav Grover said. Nothing suspicious was found with them due to which they were handed over to Nepal Police on Thursday evening. Due to language problem, the probe took time. They were kept at a forest guest house" Grover said. PTI pardeepdhull@gmail.com Patna, November 9 RJD chief Lalu Prasads son and MLA Tej Pratap Yadav, who has been in the news for his failing marriage, on Friday said he was currently putting up in Haridwar and would not return home till his family backed his decision to divorce his wife of six months. Talking to a regional news channel here over telephone, he extended his greetings to younger brother Tejashwi Yadav on his birthday, but said he would not be able to join the celebrations in New Delhi, where the RJD heir apparent has gone to meet their sisters. The mercurial RJD leader was last seen in Bodh Gaya on Saturday where he had checked in at a hotel after meeting his ailing father at a hospital in Ranchi. Lalu Prasad is learnt to have been upset over his elder sons decision to seek divorce. Prasad is serving sentences in a number of fodder scam cases. At present, he is lodged at a hospital in Ranchi on medical grounds. Tej Pratap Yadav and Aishwarya Rai daughter of RJD MLA Chandrika Rai and grandchild of former Bihar Chief Minister Daroga Prasad Rai had tied the knot on May 12. Our differences are irreconcilable. I had said this to my parents before the marriage was solemnised. But nobody listened to me then and nobody is listening to me now. Until they agree with me, how can I return home? Yadav said. The former Bihar minister also expressed displeasure over the role played by some of his close relatives, including in-laws, in his marital dispute. In an apparent rebuttal of reports that he has been feeling slighted over the growing clout of his younger brother, Yadav said, I offer my blessings to Tejashwi. May he become the next Chief Minister of Bihar. I would be by his side and help him the way Krishna had assisted Arjuna in the battle of Mahabharata. Meanwhile, party national general secretary and Lalu Prasads close aide Bhola Yadav requested journalists not to make news out of differences within the family. Lalu ji has been not keeping well. The developments have only made the matters worse for him, and the way things are being highlighted in the media is causing him further anguish, Bhola Yadav, who has been by the side of the RJD supremo for most part of his incarceration, said. He also said that Prasads wife Rabri Devi will not be performing Chhatth this year. She has decided to stay away from the festivities as she is also not keeping well. But please do not jump to any conclusions upon hearing this, Bhola told reporters. Chhath is arguably the most popular festival in Bihar and the Lalu Prasad family arranges for fervent celebrations on the occasion every year. The RJD national general secretary also extended his birthday greetings to Tejashwi and expressed hope that Tej Pratap would return home soon. PTI editorial@tribune.com Tribune News Service Amritsar, November 9 Amid the controversy over alleged distortion of Sikh history in textbooks, the SGPC on Friday announced to withdraw the services of Dr Kirpal Singh as chairperson of the Sikh History Resource Editing Project. A renowned Sikh historian, Dr Kirpal Singh was also appointed chairman of the six-member oversight committee constituted by Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh to look into the mistakes and alleged distortion of Sikh history in Class XI and XII books of the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB). Dejected by repeated mistakes and offensive language used for Gurus in the revised syllabus too, the SGPC on October 23 had withdrawn its representation from the committee. Representing the SGPC were Dr Inderjit Singh Gagoani and Dr BS Dhillon as members of the committee that was tasked with making recommendations before finalising the chapters of the books, but they were allegedly never taken into loop. Gobind Singh Longowal, SGPC president, who held a meeting with Sikh intellectuals on Friday on the issue at Teja Singh Samundri Hall, said the SGPC had initiated to take the Sikh History Resource Editing Project under the chairmanship of Dr Kirpal Singh. Under the project, the revision of historical facts up to the Ninth Sikh Guru was already done. Keeping in view the twisting of historical facts and unpleasant addressing of the Sikh Gurus in history textbooks passed by the committee under Dr Kirpal Singh, we were compelled to think twice over his attentiveness and competence. His services as chairman of the Sikh History Resource Editing Project have been withdrawn instantly. Now, we will also have to re-examine the editing work being done under his supervision, he said. Longowal said Dr Gagoani had written a letter to Dr Kirpal Singh pointing out that Guru Nanak, Guru Arjan Dev and Guru Gobind Singh were described in the books in an offensive manner, but he didnt care to respond. Thats why we have withdrawn our members from the committee constituted under him by the chief Minister, he said. Longowal said the next course of action would be finalised during the upcoming general house meeting scheduled on November 13 for appointing the fresh body for the next term. He said the protest by SAD would continue till people responsible for blasphemous act in the Sikh history books were punished. In todays meeting, the malicious agenda of the Congress government targeting Sikhs was unanimously condemned. It was unanimously demanded that the Chief Minister should tender an apology at Akal Takht and action be taken against those responsible for this repeated blunder, he said. editorial@tribune.com Parvesh Sharma Tribune News Service Sangrur, November 9 The Sangrur Sadar police station maintains law and order in 42 villages of the district, but it does not have a mandatory lock-up for women accused. Whenever the police arrest any woman, they have to make temporary arrangements to lodge her in a room. Some senior police officers said since they have been running the police station in the community hall of Balian village, they have not received any funds for its maintenance from the Finance Department. The police there have mainly two rooms where they make temporary arrangements for women accused. One of these rooms is for Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems. Some senior officers said that earlier, the Sadar police station was located near the Sangrur railway station, it was shifted to Balian village around five or six years back when then SAD-BJP government changed the jurisdiction of police stations across the state. Since it was was to be shifted in a hurry, the then authorities shifted it to the community hall. Some residents of Balian said the state government must vacate their community hall and construct a building for their police station. When it was shifted to our community hall, the authorities had stated that it was a temporary arrangement. However, to date, nothing has been done to shift the police station, said Jarnail Singh, a villager. When contacted, Sangrur SSP Sandeep Garg said he would look into the matter. I will seek a report from our DSP and take appropriate action, he said. editorial@tribune.com Ruchika M Khanna Tribune News Service Chandigarh, November 9 A meeting to discuss the state governments plans for the celebrations to mark Guru Nanaks 550th birth anniversary was cut short on Friday after Tourism Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu walked out in a huff over being bypassed by the bureaucracy. Sidhu, who as Tourism Minister was scheduled to chair the meeting, got upset on being told that departmental committees for deciding on arrangements for the celebrations in November 2019 had been set up by the Chief Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister. Sources stated that on hearing that eight of these committees had already been established, he angrily said, Je afsaran ne hi saare faisle laene be, fer assin chhunchhuna bajaon aaye haan (if all decisions are to be taken by officers, are we there just to sit and play along?). Despite repeated attempts to contact Sidhu, he was not available for comments. The minister was earlier peeved with the top officer after he was summoned by the inquiry panel headed by B Purushartha in the Amritsar train tragedy earlier this month. Government functionaries and officers present at Fridays meeting of the sub-committee said Sidhu did not wait for the agenda to be discussed. Officers of the Tourism Department and experts from Guru Nanak Dev University were present. Among the main agenda items was the development of Guru Nanak Dev Marg (name for all roads linking places in Punjab visited by the founder of Sikhism). Official sources told The Tribune that while PWD Minister Vijay Inder Singla, also a member of the sub-committee, was not present as he was busy in Sangrur, another member, Cooperation Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, tried to pacify Sidhu, but to no avail. Sources said Sidhu told Randhawa that the officers could not take over ministers work and it was unacceptable that officers had decided on these crucial committees on their own, including the committee to be made for Sultanpur Lodhi, where Guru Nanak had stayed for some time. If there are lapses in the preparations, these will be blamed on the sub-committee, not on the officers, Sidhu is learnt to have told his colleagues. Sources said it had now been decided to hold the next meeting on November 19, to be presided over by Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh. Officers calling shots Official sources told The Tribune that Cooperation Minister Sukhjinder Randhawa, a member of the Cabinet sub-committee, tried to pacify Tourism Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu, but to no avail. Sources said Sidhu told Randhawa that officers couldnt take over ministers work and it was unacceptable that officers had decided on these panels on their own. If there are lapses in the preparations, these will be blamed on the sub-committee, not on the officers, Sidhu said. monicakchauhan@gmail.com Ruchika M Khanna Tribune News Service Chandigarh, November 9 Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has urged Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj to take up with the government of Pakistan the issue of opening of the corridor from Dera Baba Nanak to Sri Kartarpur Sahib. In a letter to Sushma Swaraj, the Chief Minister said Kartarpur Sahib was one of the most revered religious places for Sikhs as Sri Guru Nanak Dev spent a large part of his life there. Pointing out that the gurdwara lies around 4 km westwards from Dera Baba Nanak, Gurdaspur, on the Pakistan side, he said the Punjab government had, time and again, requested the Union government to take up with issue with Pakistan. Referring to the 550th birth anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev, the Chief Minister apprised the External Affairs Minister that the Punjab Vidhan Sabha had passed a unanimous resolution on August 27, seeking uninterrupted opening of corridor from Dera Baba Nanak to Sri Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan. The Chief Minister had earlier also requested Sushma Swaraj, through a letter on August 20 to take up the matter with the government of the neighbouring country. Meanwhile, MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar, said, I have to check the contents of the letter. We have taken up the matter of opening up of the border with Pakistan for Sikh pilgrims to go and visit the gurdwara on the other side. We have heard from Pakistan this is something they want to do. But we have not received any official communication from Pakistan that they are keen to work with us on this matter. editorial@tribune.com Ravi S Singh Tribune News Service New Delhi, November 9 The Union Government has made the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) the coordinating authority for preparations to commemorate the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, sidelining the Congress government in Punjab. The BJPs ally, SAD, controls the SGPC. The Ministry of Culture will be the supra authority for coordinating with the Union Ministries and various state governments. The decision to delegate authority to the SGPC was announced by Home Minister Rajnath Singh at a meeting of the high-powered Implementation Committee, which he presided on Thursday. Sidhu said the Congress had already submitted proposals to the Centre for funds regarding Guru Nanaks birth anniversary and the Jallianwala Bagh massacre centenary. Rajnath told Sidhu that the state should submit its proposals to the SGPC and the Jallianwala Bagh Trust. monicakchauhan@gmail.com Jakarta, November 9 A suspected Islamic militant's frenzied attack on a police station in the Indonesian capital was thwarted by an officer who shot the man in the hand, police said on Friday. Jakarta police spokesman Argo Yuwono said the knife and machete-wielding man repeatedly shouted "God is Great" as he attacked officers, chasing some through the building and smashing a glass door. One officer suffered light injuries to his arm from a machete blow and another shot the attacker's hand, forcing him to drop the weapon. Police are a frequent target of attacks by militants in Muslim-majority Indonesia, who see them as representing the power of the secular government that they want replaced by an Islamic state. Yuwono said the 31-year-old man, identified as Rohandi, arrived at the police station in Jakarta's north on a motorbike after midnight and tried to attack at least half a dozen officers by throwing his knife and striking out with the machete. He said the attacker's house has been searched and counter-terrorism police are involved in the investigation. In May, two weeks after suicide bombings that used children as weapons, Indonesia's parliament unanimously approved a tougher anti-terrorism law. The suicide bombings at churches and a police station in Surabaya killed 26 people, including 13 members of the families that carried them out. The key perpetrator was leader of the Surabaya cell of an Indonesian militant network that professes loyalty to the Islamic State group. AP vinaymishra188@gmail.com Manila, November 9 The Philippines anti-corruption court on Friday ordered the arrest of former First Lady Imelda Marcos after finding her guilty on seven counts of graft during the two-decade rule of her husband and former dictator, Ferdinand Marcos. But Marcos, 89, can avoid arrest and remain free if she appeals the decision and if denied, she can challenge it at the Supreme Court. Marcos said in a statement her lawyer is studying the decision and he has advised us that he intends to file a motion for reconsideration. The widow of the late dictator is facing dozens of protracted graft cases that have hounded her since her family was toppled in an army-backed popular uprising in 1986. The court ordered Marcos, a congresswoman, to serve six to 11 years in jail for each of the seven counts of graft. She was charged for making seven bank transfers totalling $200 million to Swiss foundations during her term as Manila Governor. The courts decision came nearly three decades after the case was filed. Under the rules of the Sandiganbayan, the former First Lady has 15 days from promulgation of the ruling to file an appeal, and the anti-graft court has 30 days within which to decide on it. Marcos may also go straight to top court to seek relief. She can also file an application for bail. Ferdinand Marcos ruled the Philippines for two decades, placing the country under martial law in 1972, during which time thousands of opponents were jailed, killed or disappeared. He was accused of amassing more than $10 billion while in office and died in exile in 1989. President Rodrigo Duterte enjoys good ties with the Marcos family. Duterte allowed Marcos embalmed body to be buried at a special heroes cemetery in 2016, and the President is often accompanied at official events by Imee. Dutertes spokesman said the ruling was proof that the executive is not in the business of exerting undue interference or influence on courts, and therefore respects the decision. Reuters Marcos family still a political force uttara@tribuneindia.com Kaohsiung, November 8 Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen vowed Thursday that the island would not "concede one step" in defending itself as she inaugurated two frigates bought from the United States aimed at boosting Taipei's naval capabilities against China. Rival China has upped military drills including a live fire exercise in the Taiwan Strait in April, declaring its willingness to confront the island's "independence forces". Beijing still claims self-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory awaiting reunification, by force if necessary, even though the two sides have been ruled separately since 1949 after a civil war. China has also been incensed by recent warming ties between Washington and Taipei, including the US State Department's approval of a preliminary licence to sell submarine technology to the island. The two Perry-class guided missile frigates were officially commissioned in a ceremony at Zuoying base in southern Kaohsiung city. "We want to send a clear and firm message from Taiwanese people to the international community that we will not concede one step in defending... Taiwan and protecting our free and democratic way of life," Tsai said after inspecting the ships. China's "military actions in the region not only attempt to weaken Taiwan's sovereignty but will also damage regional peace and stability", Tsai warned Thursday. She vowed to continue enhancing the navy's capabilities as part of the military's goal to maintain what it calls "solid defence and multi-layered deterrence" to guard the island. Navy chief of staff Vice Admiral Lee Chung-hsiao had said previously the warships' anti-submarine capabilities are more advanced than the island's existing eight Cheng Kung-class frigates and could have "deterrent effects" against China's submarines. The ships will be deployed to patrol the Taiwan Strait, the narrow waterway that separates the island and China, according to the navy. Beijing has stepped up diplomatic and military pressure on Taiwan since Tsai took office two years ago, as her government refuses to acknowledge that Taiwan is part of "one China", unlike the government of her Beijing-friendly predecessor. In September, Washington irked Beijing when it announced plans to sell Taiwan USD 330 million in spare parts for several aircraft. Washington remains Taipei's most powerful unofficial ally and its main arms supplier despite switching diplomatic recognition to Beijing in 1979. Built in the 1980s, the two frigates were originally named USS Taylor and USS Gary and were part of a $1.8 billion US arms deal to Taiwan announced in 2015 under the administration of US president Barack Obama. They have been renamed Ming Chuan and Feng Chia. According to Taiwan's navy, the warships have "high mobility, high sea resistance and low noise" and are fitted with the SQR-19 sonar system currently used by the US navy. AFP A POLICE Constable and a Coastguardsman shot and killed each other yesterday morning in Diego Martin during an alleged dispute over a woman. Police said around 2.20 a.m., PC Jomo Gulston, 37, a soon-to-be father of Endeavour, Chaguanas had just dropped off an unidentified woman at the home of her boyfriend, Coast Guard officer Jabari Francois, 33, at Waterwheel Road, River Estate, Diego Martin. Ive noticed in recent times a series of letters with an anti-vaccination leaning from Kevin Baldeosingh culminating with one published on Saturday. Could Mr Baldeosinghs need to write in the public forum be the result of cognitive dissonance, where he is really trying to convince himself that what he is doing is correct? As AM says, no car in Sydney. You can easily do BM day trip by catching a train. Definitely hire a car at Uluru and Port Douglas. It will be hot at Uluru. However, if you are prepared to get up ad day break and do all your activities before 11 am and after 5 pm, you should be fine. If you plan to sleep in, your time at Uluru won't get mots out of Uluru. For me musts at Uluru are the base walk, guided walk from Mala carpark, The Indigenous cultural centre, which can be done any time of day, Valley of Winds and Walpa Gorge walks at Katat Tjuta and of course sunset at Uluru. Sunrise is not as impressive IMO, but still worth it. Climbing Uluru is another option although it gets closed a lot for just about any reason and the climb is controversial. At Port Douglas, do Daintree Rainforest, Mossman Gorge, Hartlye's Crocodile Adventures and of course GBR. I highly recommend Wavelength if you are reasonable swimmers. They take small groups and stop in 3 different spots fro snorkelling, where coral is in excellent condition. Skip the islands, especially Green Island. You just don't have the time. Besides, a day trip to Atherton Tablelands would be much better IMO. -:- Message from Tripadvisor staff -:- This post has been removed at the author's request. The author may repost if desired. Posts on the Tripadvisor forums may be edited for a short period of time. Once the edit period has expired, authors may update their posts by removing and reposting them. To read more about editing your posts, please follow this link: http://www.tripadvisor.com/help/how_to_edit_your_posts Help me sort the last part of my itinerary please :) Help me sort the last part of my itinerary please :) Hi All With help from you great folks on here have managed to narrow down the places I want to see on the last leg of my trip. I am fine with the first part in the South but to cut it short I will leave Phu Quoc on 27th November after time in Ho Chi/Mekong/Phu Quoc. So after Phu Quoc i would like to visit - Ninh Binh, Halong for a 2 night cruise, Hanoi and Hoi Ann. Hoi Ann probably not more than 2 nights due to weather. I need to be back in Hanoi for my flight which is 7pm on 7th December. Probably better to be cautious I reckon and be back in Hanoi for evening of 6th. Could you help me structure how to fit in Ninh B, Hoi Ann, halong and hanoi. I know there is a night train from Ninh Binh to Hoi Ann (Da Nang) and vice versa which looks good but it takes a night out. Also if you feel it is impossible then your comments would be gratefully received, Thank you so much xx Hey guys, I'm going to Japan in February (14.-24.), since I arrive early in the morning in Tokyo, and depart late in the evening from Osaka,let's consider it a 11 day trip. This is roughly my plan: 14.-18. Tokyo (exploring the city centre) 18.(early in the morning) I plan on going to Kyoto, spending a night there, and then tomorrow evening (19.) going to Osaka. 19.-22. Osaka (I'm going to Universal studios on 21.) 22. early in the morning I would like to go to Hiroshima for a day trip, and in the evening continue to Fukuoka (Cirque du Soleil show on 23.) That means 2 days in Fukuoka and then I go back to Osaka on 24. and board a plane around 10 pm. Is this too squeezed? p.s. Universal studios and Cirque are a MUST for me, eventhough I would like to visit Nara and snow monkeys.. Have you ever been here before? What would you like to see? You can use the Airtrain + subway to go into Manhattan But the best route depends on where you decide to go. You can do things like walk the Brooklyn Bridge and ride the (free) Staten Island ferry 24/7, some bars are open until 4. there are 24/7 diners etc. There are luggage storage places in both T1 and T4 (Not sure if both ae open 24/7 - I'd use the one in your departure terminal if possible) Just back from New York having had a fantastic holiday. Here are a few points: One poster suggested not to bring cash and instead use your Visa card to withdraw money....remember there is a heavy bank charge for withdrawing money from an ATM in a different currency so I would not advise that at all. Yes, use your credit card to make purchases but not for withdrawals. Pay for as much as you can before you go. We bought a City Sightseeing Pass for $88 (76) two weeks before we went which gave us free entry to the Top of the Rock, Intrepid Air and Space Museum, Circleline Landmarks Cruise, Night Sightseeing Bus Tour and Empire State Building. It was, for us, AMAZING value. You can pick any attractions you like from a long, long list. Keep away from Times Square for food. The prices are very high for tourists. We had super meals in Hells Kitchen, just a couple of blocks away, especially along 9th Avenue. Also, remember that the portion sizes are HUGE in the USA (unlike anything we get in Europe) so feel free to ask for one starter to share and a main course e,g, pizza to share. Its not just about saving money, you dont want to waste food either. Price breakfast in your hotel. For us it worked out way cheaper than going to a diner. If you want to go to a show queue for discounted tickets at the ticket booth in Times Square, wait until around 5pm as the lines will be gone. We just walked straight up to the counter! Be aware if the exchange rate before you go. It was very poor while we were there so there was no point in shopping for clothing, or other items, you can get at home. It might actually work out more expensive! Our highlights were all free experiences....Central Park, High Line and Brooklyn Bridge so not everything is about money. Any dollars you dont spend can always be converted back to euro when you come home so take as much as you can afford. You can always leave it in the safe in your hotel. There is nothing like the security of feeling you have money. Enjoy yourselves! Edited: 3 years ago Are you looking for USAID Kenya contacts? Then youre at the right place. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is an agency that primarily focuses on eradication of global poverty by providing foreign aid and development assistance. They achieve this goal by enabling families, communities and democratic societies to realize their potential. The formation of USAID brought together other foreign programs and organizations which then led to significant transformation in different sectors across the globe. Before its establishment, there had never been any other single agency responsible for the development of foreign economies. Considering it's impact to the lives of many across the world, it would be ideal if you get a detailed list of USAID compete contacts Kenya. Whether you rely on the USAID Kenya telephone contacts, post, or email, you can always be sure to reach them whenever you have any inquiries. USAID Kenya office contacts Below are the USAID Nairobi Kenya contacts: Phone 1 : 254-20-862-2000 : 254-20-862-2000 Phone 2 : 020 7125701 : 020 7125701 Email address : usaidke@usaidgov.gov : usaidke@usaidgov.gov P.O Box : 629, Village Market 00621, Nairobi, Kenya. : 629, Village Market 00621, Nairobi, Kenya. Fax: 254-20-862-2680/2682 254-20-862-2680/2682 Website : www.usaid.gov/Kenya : www.usaid.gov/Kenya Facebook: Twitter: USAID Kenya Note that the USAID contacts in Kenya are open for use by anyone. READ ALSO: Coca - Cola Kenya contacts Physical contacts The head office of USAID is located along United Nations Crescent, Gigiri. How does the agency work? USAID works closely with African countries, helping them to shape their development projects, all aiming at eradicating poverty. Kenya has not been left behind, and the organization has brought about significant development in the country. So do not hesitate to talk to them. Apart from fighting poverty, USAID also helps in preventing conflict and violent extremism, which in turn help in reducing political instability that can threaten the general security of any nation. The model of the agency targets expansion and development, both of which deepen the partnership in the continent's governments. Other beneficiaries include businesses, universities, entrepreneurs, and innovators. This is evident in how they support and advocate for human rights, good governance, and democracy to enable governments fight corruption effectively. USAID also provides quick response to human crises that may lead to instability. Climate shocks are also some of the things that the agency works on to increase resilience and help communities adapt to any changes in weather patterns. Notably, the agency works together with the Government of Kenya in providing: Accessibility of education. Quality healthcare services through diverse methods such as: family planning, nutrition, strengthening health products, HIV/AIDS services, malaria and child health. Excellent foundation for economic growth by improvement of infrastructure, trade and agriculture. Benefiting all Citizens by helping achieve devolution goals. This is evident in their support for democracy, conflict programs and governance. These are some of the reasons why you need these contacts of USAID Kenya. The transformation that the organization has brought to different countries in the world is commendable. Reach out to them with the above USAID Kenya contacts for any inquiries. READ ALSO: Registered NGOs in Kenya and registering an NGO in Kenya Apps to make money online Kenya List of foundations in Kenya Source: Breaking News - Pastor Karanja claimed the couple had not met the basic principal standards of the church - The lovers were ordered to undergo pregnancy and HIV tests which first turned negative - Waithaka maintained the controversy had nothing to do with anybody as widely suspected The Nakuru man whose wedding aborted at the eleventh hour after a pastor demanded a medical test is ready reach out to the man of God and make amends for the mishap. Paul Waithaka took to his Facebook page on Thursday, November 8, where he absolved Pastor Jesse Karanja from blame, maintaining the controversy which surrounded his bridal ceremony had nothing to do with anybody as widely suspected. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens. READ ALSO: Nakuru pastor explains why he canceled couple's wedding over HIV test READ ALSO: Nakuru pastor cancels wedding over couples HIV status Waithaka said seeing people insult Karanja was the saddest moment in his life. "It is the most saddest moment in my life to see people insulting the apostle not even minding he is a father in this nation," he replied. It was at this point when one of his friends asked him to get in touch with the man of God and possibly make public gestures of goodwill, to which the groom responded with an emphatic yes. "The events that happened on Saturday, November 3, on my wedding day with Joyce has nothing to do with anybody but battle for destinies," he posted. READ ALSO: Expectant mother gang-raped in turns in front of child, left to deliver in bush TUKO.co.ke understands Waithaka and his fiance Joyce Waithera were instructed to take a HIV test before walking down the aisle and when the results came in, the pastor refused to officiate their wedding. Joyce was also asked to take pregnancy tests. They obliged and did the first test and returned the results but Karanja still insisted on another test and reordered them to get tested again. The first and second tests at two separate hospitals, all were turned negative but a third test at a health facility of the pastor's choice indicated the lovers were HIV positive. The report also showed the bride was pregnant. In his defence, Karanja who runs Mizpah House of Prayer claimed the couple had not met the basic principal standards of Pentecostal ministry including pre-marital counselling. 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. Carolyne Nduti Untold Story: My Husband Left Me for My Cousin - Kenya Untold Stories | Tuko TV Source: Tuko - The animals drowned during a cloudy night as they could not see the river - Botswana Authorities allowed area residents to take home the carcasses for consumption - Over 400 buffaloes drowned in the river on the night of Tuesday, November 6 Residents living near Chobe National Park in Botswana were treated to a rare free buffalo meat after several of the animals drowned in a river passing through the park. Heavily armed with axes and sharp cutting paraphernalia, each one of them carried home the largest piece of meat their energy could allow them. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens READ ALSO: Quack doctor Mugo wa Wairimus parents insist their son is qualified This young lady carried a whole all by herself to consume, whether she finishes or not before it goes stale is a story of another day. Photo: Serondela Lodge Source: UGC READ ALSO: Dad defiles 6-year-old daughter, badly damaging her genitals in Bungoma county According to a report by BBC, the buffaloes drowned into the river while fleeing away from hungry lions that were chasing them. A local lodge owner who talked to BBC said the animals got stuck because the opposite side of the river was too high and they panicked and stampeded. The lodge owner, Simeone Micheletti, said he heard lions roaring a lot in the night and when he went down the river the following morning he saw hundreds of dead animals. The rich also gathered with their high-end vehicles with axes and other sharp cutting objects to get a share of the free meat. Photo: Serondela Lodge Source: UGC READ ALSO: Nairobi lady painfully narrates how hubby dumped her for her cousin Botswana authorities estimated over 400 buffaloes drowned in the river on the night of Tuesday, November 6. The authorities confirmed over 400 buffaloes drowned in the river, the largest number ever recorded in the history of the park. Photo: Serondela Lodge Source: UGC READ ALSO: Outrage as South Sudan family auctions 17-year-old girl for 500 cows, 3 V8 cars Issuing a statement, the country's Ministry of Environment said it was the largest amount of animals ever recorded to have drowned in the river. The government allowed the residents to take home the carcasses for consumption. 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 Carolyne Nduti Untold Story: My Husband Left Me for My Cousin - Kenya Untold Stories | Tuko TV Source: Tuko - According to data at least 103 Kenyans were deported from US in 2017 - Kenya was the sixth country with highest number of deportees from the US - The report shows 67 Kenyans have been detained in correctional facilities in the US - Cameroon has the highest number of inmates with 294 of its citizens locked up in US prisons Kenya has been listed among African countries with the highest number of citizens deported from the US annually due to flouting of immigration laws. This revelation comes even after Kenyans were ranked as the third most skilled, hardworking and marketable immigrants in the US. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens READ ALSO: Outrage as South Sudan family auctions 17-year-old girl for 500 cows, 3 V8 cars Data contained in America's Immigration and Customs Enforcement Detainees report showed 103 Kenyans were deported from US in 2017 alone. Photo: Uhuru Kenyatta/Twitter. Source: UGC READ ALSO: Dad defiles 6-year-old daughter, badly damaging her genitals in Bungoma county According to data in the latest America's Immigration and Customs Enforcement Detainees report covering the year 2017, 103 Kenyans were deported from the US making Kenya the sixth country with highest number of deportees out of 44 African countries. According to the list only Somalia with 521 immigrants, Nigeria 312, Ghana with 305, Senegal with 197 and Liberia with 107 superseded Kenya. Guinea, Morocco, Cameroon, Egypt, Gambia, Ethiopia, Sierra Leone, Eritrea followed distantly with 88, 67, 58, 57, 56, 46, 44 and 41 respectively. Kenya's number of deportees surpassed the sum total of other East African countries Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda which had 11, 13 and 10 respectively. The report showed that 67 Kenyans are also locked up in US prisons after they were convicted with fraud, forgery, assault, domestic violence and drink driving offences. Photo: Uhuru Kenyatta/Twitter. Source: UGC READ ALSO: Nakuru groom whose wedding was cancelled defends his pastor According to the report, 67 Kenyans have been detained in correctional facilities in the US due to failure to observe immigration laws and customs misconduct. Cameroon however, had the highest number of inmates with 294 of its citizens locked up in US prisons followed by Eriteria with 257, Nigeria 250, Somalia 205, Liberia 135, Guinea 113, Ghana 103, DRC 101, Gambia 83 and Ethiopia 69. "Offences with most convictions included forgery, assault, fraud, drink driving and domestic violence," read part of the report. The report showed 94 Kenyans were exiled from the US between January and September 2017 with 15 citizens having been kicked out in May 2017 alone. 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 If there is a government official who has had a busy day, then, that person is the Deputy President William Ruto. The seemingly energetic and tireless Ruto, who is well known in touring the country launching projects, on Thursday, November 8, spent his day in Nairobi meeting leaders and students in the county. The DP's day started with overseeing of national exams at Moi Girls School in Nairobi alongside Education Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohammed and her Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang among many other education officials. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens READ ALSO: Referendum beckons as Parliament confirms receiving six proposed laws that would trigger exercise DP William Ruto and Education CS inspect students examination materials at Moi Girls School, Nairobi. Photo: UGC Source: UGC READ ALSO: DPP directs further investigations into body builder of ill Kericho accident bus that killed 62 DP distributing exam papers to students in Moi Girls after wishing them success. Photo: UGC Source: Twitter He later in the day attended a consultative forum on Bible translation in Nairobi alongside Speaker of the Senate Kenneth Lusaka and other MPs. He also met with MPs and other leaders in a consultative forum on Bible translation, Nairobi County. Photo: UGC Source: Twitter READ ALSO: 11-year-old only son mysteriously takes own life in Nakuru county The DP urged the leaders to ensure communities access the Bible in their local languages. Photo: UGC Source: UGC He also met with governors, development partners and the private sector developers who he said are vital in helping them actualise the Big Four Agenda. The DP met governors and development partners, led by Dr Herbert Perr, Head of EU Development Effectiveness Group, at the Harambee Annex, Nairobi County. Photo: UGC Source: UGC "We are aligning our programmes, employing best practices and giving every push to enable food security, universal healthcare, housing and manufacturing," said Ruto. READ ALSO: Kenya ranks 6 in African countries with highest number of US deportees The Discussion with the European Union leader majorly focused on private sector development and the Big Four Agenda. Photo: UGC Source: Twitter As the Hindu were marking their new year celebrations, the DP joined the faithfuls who welcomed him into their temple. Donned in the same suit, the DP later attended the Hindu New Year celebrations, at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Nairobi County. Photo: UGC Source: UGC "Religion promotes the oneness of humanity, unity and peace. It breeds love, cohesion and enables communication with God," said the DP He was in the company of other Hindu leaders and faithfuls in the celebrations. Photo: UGC Source: UGC 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 Carolyne Nduti Untold Story: My Husband Left Me for My Cousin - Kenya Untold Stories | Tuko TV Source: Tuko Kenya - She said she plotted the murder of husband's secret lover after finding intimate text messages - She decided to contact the woman and set her up with another man who acted as her boyfriend - The man lured her to a lodging in River Road and strangled her to death after she had drunk alot - She later separated with her husband who was among suspects who were arrested after secret incident - The woman said she bribed lodging attendants to switch off CCTV cameras to conceal evidence - Directorate of Criminal Investigations boss George Kinoti said the woman identified as Linda Urandu was arrested in Kasarani estate Police in Nairobi have arrested a woman who recently called a local radio station confessing to killing her former husband's secret lover. The anonymous woman called in during a popular breakfast show in October 2018, and confessed to have committed the offence 6 years ago as a way of meting revenge on the woman for breaking a home she had given her all to build. READ ALSO: Kajiado County Assembly senior employee defiles 12-year-old girl The woman called a local radio station and confessed killing her former husband's side chic who had wrecked her home. Photo:UGC. Source: Facebook READ ALSO: Rais Uhuru akutana na mlinzi wake wa zamani mwaka mmoja baada ya kumpandisha cheo Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) boss George Kinoti told Citizen TV the woman identified as Linda Namukuchu Urandu was arrested in Kasarani estate in Nairobi on Thursday, November 8. In the chilling audio recording from Radio Jambo which circulated across social media, the woman is heard narrating of how she used another man to lure the deceased who used to live in Mombasa to a Nairobi lodging where she strangled her to death. "I noticed there was woman who my husband had started seeing though he denied it everytime. She could boldly call him late at night making my man to forget about me. I secretly took her phone number and when I called she insulted me," the woman narrated. She explained that she hired a man to seduce the woman by lying to her he was interested to be her boyfriend. "The woman who proved to be a home wrecker gave in to the hired man's advances. I financed the man to host her on a date at a joint where I went and secretly identified her. I paid for a second date and directed the fake boyfriend to make sure she was drunk and booked her in a River Road lodging," she narrated. Directorate of Criminal Investigations boss George Kinoti said the woman identified as Linda Urandu was arrested in Kasarani, Nairobi. Photo: DCI/Twitter. Source: Facebook READ ALSO: Referendum beckons as Parliament confirms receiving six proposed laws that would trigger exercise Urandu narrated that she paid the man for getting the woman into the lodging, bribed the attendants to switch off CCTV cameras and went ahead to strangle the helpless woman in the booked room before disappearing and shifting from Nairobi. The woman said she left her husband who was arrested over the killing since his phone contact was among those regularly contacted by the deceased. The police said Urandu's former husband Benson Muthine and his current wife Margaret Tata were arrested and detained at Central Police station. "She will be in custody for 10 days for further questioning over her claims. Meanwhile, we appeal to any family that may have lost a female relative in a manner corresponding to the suspect's narration to report to Central Police station," Kinoti said.s 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. Carolyne Nduti Untold Story: My Husband Left Me for My Cousin - Kenya Untold Stories | Tuko TV Source: Tuko.co.ke We are in the eleven month of the year and the biggest question is to shave or not to shave. I am sure you have heard of the No Shave November movement that has been popular for quite some years now. But what does No shave November represent? When and where did it originate from? What are its rules and how can you participate? To find answers to these questions and more, keep reading. Image: Pexels.com, (modified by author) Source: UGC Shaving or not to shave is usually a personal decision influenced by various factors. But what causes people to drop their razor blades specifically in November and leave their beards grow long? Find out the mutual reason for doing this by reading our 7 facts about No Shave November. No Shave November meaning No Shave November is an awareness drive for men all over the world to drop their razors for the entire month of November so as to grow out their facial hairs. The main purpose of No Shave November campaign is for men to embrace their hair that most cancer patients lose while undergoing chemotherapy. The implication is that the money spent in monthly hair maintenance is donated to No Shave November charities i.e. cancer related centers all over the world so that it can be used to create awareness of prostrate cancer, save lives and help those who are battling with this type of cancer as well as other kinds. Nevertheless, the movement is starting to lose its significance as more and more men battle against who can outgrow the best longest beard forgetting the real meaning behind it. Should girls participate in No Shave November Even though No Shave November movement was mainly aimed at men, the ladies have not been left behind as they too are partaking in the campaign. Most ladies forgo their waxing appointments on their underarms, eyebrows, legs and upper lips. The same concept applies they donate the funds used to groom themselves to the movement! Origin of No Shave November In 2009, a family of eight siblings initiated the No Shave November Charity foundation in Chicago in honour of their dad who succumbed to colon cancer in November 2007. Years later, the movement has evolved in a trending topic not only in the United States but also other parts of the continent. READ ALSO: How to grow a beard fast No Shave November rules The rules are plain and simple, stay away from the razor till 1st of December and donate the money you would have spent on shaving and grooming to the cause. You can clean and groom your beards during this time, so you do not have to be unkempt to show that you are participating. 7 facts about No Shave November Here are facts about No shave November that they dont tell you 1. You are creating cancer awareness Not shaving your beard will get people talking and asking questions, and you can explain why you doing it. The effect is that it will spark a huge conversation on the cancer topic. This will in turn aid more people to go for regular check-ups for prostate cancer among others. Image: Pexels.com, (modified by author) Source: UGC 2. Participation in donations The main reason for the campaign is to create awareness as well as raise funds to help cancer patients offset their huge treatment bills. Are you willing to participate in the No Shave November campaign in Kenya but do not know where to take your money contribution? Well, you can offer your No Shave November donation to various cancer charities in Kenya such as Kenya Network of Cancer Organization (KENCO), Faraja Cancer Support Trust, Africa Cancer Foundation, Eddahs Hope Cancer Foundation. 3. Not all people can grow facial hair The truth of the matter is that not everyone can pull off a no shave and grow facial hair. I am very sorry if you fall under this category but do not even try it out as no one likes a man with uneven patches of facial hair. Moreover, not everyone looks good in beards anyways as it needs a particular face shape and personality to go with it. You can opt to partake in the Movember which is a similar campaign but for growing moustache as opposed to a beard. 4. No Shave November is sexist The other fact I discovering about this campaign is that it is quite sexist. This is because it is fine for men to put the razor to sleep and they are in fact praised for not shaving, but when a woman decides to do the same, it suddenly becomes gross. Remember when Madonna posted a picture on Instagram displaying her armpit hair or when Tyra Banks did not wax her upper lips? Or when Lindsay Lohan was bashed online for not shaving her legs? Very sexist! 5. Not everyone can partake in the campaign Let us just be true to ourselves. In as much as you would love to participate in the No Shave November, some profession will not allow you to. Do not be disappointed as you are not alone in this. There are so many individuals who would love to take part but cannot. Just feel free to donate whatever you can to the cause and that way you would have done a lot. 6. Takes longer than 30 days to grow a nice looking beard Growing a longer beard that most would drool over does not happen in one month, but takes several months. In fact, on average a beard grows half an inch each month. So do not stress yourself so much when it does not grow quite as fast in the 30 days of the campaign. 7. Shave your beard before beginning the challenge One of the No Shave November rules is that one must begin the challenge on a clean face. For this reason, if you already have a beard, you will have to shave it off. There are health benefits of growing a beard. According to research, growing your beard will not only give you a new cool look but is healthier too. It turns out that a beard is a natural toxin filter that prevents pollen and dust particles from entering your lungs as they will cling to your beard. Additionally, shaving exposes your skin to bacteria if not dine correctly; hence, growing a beard helps prevent blemishes resulting from bacterial infections. Beards can also prevent skin cancer by preventing the skin from the harmful UVs. Image: Canva.com, (modified by author) Source: UGC READ ALSO: Best beard styles for black men Besides the No Shave November campaign, we need to come up with other ways to raise awareness and help cancer research. This will mean combating the disease all year through and not just in November. Moreover, let us not allow hashtags, memes or other things get in the way of the true No Shave November meaning. It is not yet late, you can drop your razor even today and save enough to help the cause. READ ALSO: Trendy moustache and beard styles for men in Kenya Halloween meaning, dates, and costume ideas Read Commonwealth scholarships for Kenyan students UEAB online registration Happy Diwali messages, wishes, quotes and images Source: Tuko.co.ke - Hesbon Amboka is reported to have complained of the faulty machine but was asked to continue using it - He was run over by the rubber roller machine killing him on the spot after its brakes failed - His colleagues are then reported to have moved the machine from the scene - A pathologist's report indicates Amboka died from multiple injuries Police have launched investigations to establish whether an equipment belonging to a Chinese construction company was faulty, leading to the death of a Kenyan employee. Hesbon Amboka, a 50-year-old employee of China Machinery Engineering Company (CMEC), was killed when he lost control of a rubber roller machine. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens. READ ALSO: Nairobi woman who confessed on radio to killing husband's side chic arrested It is reported the machine started moving backwards before it finally rolled and ran over Amboka killing him on the spot. Source: Getty Images READ ALSO: Ruto, Obado are small people, ODM MPs can only attend events with Uhuru, Raila - Junet Mohamed According to the police, the deceased was operating machine registration number KHMA 305K along the Kiawara-Nairutia road. It is reported the machine started moving backwards before it finally rolled and ran over Amboka killing him on the spot. This was after its brakes failed and it moved downhill for about 487 metres after running over him. READ ALSO: Kakamega Senator asks William Ruto to state what his father achieved There were reports the deceased had reported to his colleagues that the equipment was faulty but was instructed to continue operating it. The deceased's colleagues are said to have driven the equipment from the scene of the accident to their yard, about 9km away. Police have so far recorded statements from the CMEC staff and witnesses who were at the scene. READ ALSO: Nairobi lady painfully narrates how hubby dumped her for her cousin They also want to establish reports that the deceased had, before the fatal accident, alerted his seniors about the condition of the equipment. A postmortem was conducted by Murimi and was witnessed by Constable Douglas Muthuri and the deceased's wife, Lydia Chirambe. The pathologist noted the cause of death was multiple injuries following work place related injury (road accident) consistent with high impact trauma. Story by Lucky Omenda, TUKO correspondent Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish, please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690 and Telegram: Tuko news. Carolyne Nduti Untold Story: My Husband Left Me for My Cousin - Kenya Untold Stories | Tuko TV Source: Tuko Breaking News - The six had boarded a vehicle which had already reached its capacity in Migori - They were arrested and will be arraigned in court to serve as warning to others - Others arrested included drivers and conductors found to flaunt traffic rules Over 30 people in Migori County have been charged with traffic related offenses as the government embarks on a crackdown to restore sanity in public transport sector. Among the 30 arrested on Thursday, November 8, are 6 passengers who had boarded a vehicle which had already reached its capacity . Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens. READ ALSO: Ruto, Obado are small people, ODM MPs can only attend events with Uhuru, Raila - Junet Mohamed Among the 30 arrested are 6 passengers who had boarded an overloaded vehicle. Source: UGC READ ALSO: Rais Uhuru akutana na mlinzi wake wa zamani mwaka mmoja baada ya kumpandisha cheo Their arrest was confirmed by Migori OCPD Patrick Macharia who said the six are in police custody and are set to be arraigned in court, Citizen TV reported. The OCPD further noted over 25 public service vehicles had also been intercepted as police embark on the enforcement of traffic rules. He claimed the charges will send a warning to people boarding vehicles that have already reached their capacity. READ ALSO: Busy William Ruto graces 4 functions in under 10 hours The OCPD added that the new traffic rules will target both passengers and matatu operators. Other suspects arrested are drivers and conductors found to have flouted traffic rules. The traffic rules demand that all the public service vehicle be fitted with a speed governor, have seat belts for all occupants, no carrying of excess passengers among others. READ ALSO: Nairobi woman who confessed on radio to killing husband's side chic arrested Starting Monday, November 12, traffic officers will be on the lookout for violators of the laws that are largely forgotten by many road users almost 15 years after they were introduced. Owners of PSVs ,excluding taxis and car hire vehicles, as well as commercial vehicles with tare weights exceeding 1 tonne, are required to fit their vehicles with speed governors and not exceed 80kph. At the same time, all vehicles should be fitted with seat belts and passengers who do not belt up will find themselves on the wrong side of the law. READ ALSO: Faulty Chinese machine runs over construction worker killing him on the spot Matatus and taxis are to be painted with a consistent yellow band that is 15cm wide and easily identifiable from 275m away. They must also prominently display notices informing passengers of route details and pricing during rush hour and off-peak times. The owners of matatus found to be in violation of the regulations will be liable for a KSh 500 fine for each seat belt not fitted or not meeting the required specifications. Passengers will be liable for a maximum fine of KSh 600 or a prison term not exceeding two months, or both, for boarding overloaded matatus or not wearing a seat belt. 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. Carolyne Nduti Untold Story: My Husband Left Me for My Cousin - Kenya Untold Stories | Source: Tuko.co.ke Economist David Ndii has strongly criticised Deputy President William Ruto's academic credentials and termed them as "a hallmark of insecure scoundrel". Ndii got into the rant on Thursday, November 8, while responding to a tweet by Ethiopian Prime Minister (PM) Abiy Ahmed who, in the post, included the acronym PhD in his name. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens. READ ALSO: William Ruto is a PhD holder and not academic dwarf like you - Jubilee MP to Joho Ndii got into the rant on Thursday while responding to a tweet by Ethiopian Prime Minister (PM) Abiy Ahmed who, in the post, included the acronym PhD in his name. Photo: David Ndii Source: Facebook READ ALSO: Rais Uhuru akutana na mlinzi wake wa zamani mwaka mmoja baada ya kumpandisha cheo The NASA strategist said it was unnecessary for Ahmed to tell people that he was doctorate degree holder urging that it was a sign of academic credentialism. "H.E. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) is holding discussions with high ranking military commanders this morning, marking the close of deliberations that have been taking place at different levels within the Ministry of Defence," the post by Ethiopian PM read. READ ALSO: Ruto, Obado are small people, ODM MPs can only attend events with Uhuru, Raila - Junet Mohamed Angered by the statement, Ndii responded by branding the post as a bad way of relating with his (PM's) audience. "May I suggest you drop (PhD). Its bad PR. Your PM does not need credentialism - his leadership speaks for itself. Academic credentialism in Africa is the hallmark of insecure scoundrels like Grace Mugabe and William Ruto," the economist reacted Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed held discussions with high ranking military commanders on Thursday. Photo: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's Twitter Source: Twitter READ ALSO: Kakamega Senator asks William Ruto to state what his father achieved TUKO.co.ke, understands that on Wednesday, October 24, Ruto defended his PhD thesis on the influence of pollution on riparian land. Ruto, already boasts of a Bachelors Degree in Botany and Zoology and a Masters Degree in Plant Ecology from the University of Nairobi. The DP failed to graduate in 2017 for his PhD and when asked why, he claimed that he had failed to meet some required minimum threshold. He is set to be conferred with the top degree in the next graduation ceremony at the same institution. Ndii's sentiments were met by mixed reactions and among those who responded castigated him for what they termed as petty criticism. Some, however, echoed his sentiment by pocking more holes in the DP's academic crowns Your hatred and bile actually makes me question your levels of sanity," a tweep identified as Eric Ciuku wrote. READ ALSO: Busy William Ruto graces 4 functions in under 10 hours True Patriot claimed that Ndii was just envious of the DP's social, economic academic and political status. "When will you reach that level of being called deputy president? It seems you are envious of Ruto. Easy ! Easy !Easy! Daktari," tweeted Patriot. Ndii, however, sought to clarify, that he earned his own PhD 20 years ago and that he never uses it to boast. The Economist was emphatic that earning the degree does not make anyone any better but what they do with it. Wilson Shollei contradicted Ndii's onslaught towards the DP by saying that if Ruto earned his PhD honestly, then it was worth being celebrated. "I think no one should be berated for holding a PhD. If acquired legitimately, then it should be celebrated. It is also okay for Ruto to work hard and earn a PhD and it should not be correlated to any leadership position," Shollei wrote. Here are other responses on Ndii's jab towards academic credentialism : 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. Carolyne Nduti Untold Story: My Husband Left Me for My Cousin - Kenya Untold Stories | Tuko TV. Source: Tuko News - Tanzania authorities accuse the journalists of flouting immigration laws, lack of accreditation - They were arrested on Wednesday, November 7, and freed on Thursday, November 8 - Their Twitter accounts were suspended thus throwing into question the circumstances of their freedom Tanzania governmnet spokesperson has come out to clear the air over the arrest of Kenyan journalist Muthoki Mumo and her South African counterpart Angela Quintal. According to the Tanzania authorities, the duo had not complied with immigration laws and requirements for foreign journalists to practice in the country. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens READ ALSO: Economist David Ndii mocks William Rutos PhD qualification READ ALSO: KCSE student arrested for hiding phone with answers in private parts " The Immigration has allowed the two visiting CPJ journalists to continue with their stay as visitors to Tanzania, their passports are back. However, it should be known that they violated immigration as well as press laws. Journalists must take the lead in compliance to rule of law," said the spokesperson. The two were arrested on Wednesday, November 7, and were freed on the morning of Thursday, November 8. Their Twitter accounts, however, remained suspended and thus throwing into question the circumstances of their freedom. Muthoki Mumo (l) and Angela Quintal (r) were accused of flouting immigration laws and requirements for foreign journalists to practice in Tanzania. Photo: UGC Source: UGC READ ALSO: Outrage as South Sudan family auctions 17-year-old girl for 500 cows, 3 V8 cars The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) Executive Director Joel Simon expressed fears that the journalist's phones might be compromised as they had not communicated. The last communication was from Quintal, who tweeted that people who identified themselves as Tanzania Immigration officers had arrested them. READ ALSO: Chinese company forces employees to drink urine, eat cockroaches for under performing Quintal is the CPJ's Africa programme coordinator while Mumo (former Nation Media journalist) is the sub-Saharan Africa representative. The journalists are on a reporting mission in Tanzania and according to the Human Rights Watch, their visit in the country was legal and the arrest was disturbing. 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 Carolyne Nduti Untold Story: My Husband Left Me for My Cousin - Kenya Untold Stories | Tuko TV Source: Tuko Breaking News - Uhuru traveled to China for the second time in less than 3 months to attend China International Import Expo - He was able to sign a deal with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping which clears Kenyan agricultural produce to get to the Chines market - Avocado, flowers, fruits, legumes, hides and skins are among products cleared for export to China President Uhuru Kenyatta's silent tour to China has borne fruits after he successfully managed to sign a deal to allow Kenyan agricultural produce to be exported to the Asian country. TUKO.co.ke understands Uhuru arrived in China on Saturday, November 3 to attend the China International Import Expo (CIIE) and jetted to the back on Wednesday, November 7. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens. READ ALSO: Economist David Ndii mocks William Rutos PhD qualification President Uhuru Kenyatta and China's counterpart Xi Jinping .Uhuru successfully signed deal which will allow Kenya import its agricultural products to the Asian country. Photo: Uhuru Kenyatta/Facebook Source: Facebook READ ALSO: Outrage as South Sudan family auctions 17-year-old girl for 500 cows, 3 V8 cars State House Chief of Staff Nzioka Waita seen by TUKO.co.ke, tweeted on Friday, November 9, the successes of the tour which unlike other international trips by the president had not been highly publicised. Waita indicated the trip by Uhuru on invitation by his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping was preceded with delicate negotiations between the two countries but literally bore fruits. "After a week of delicate negotiations, formal sanitary and phytosanitary agreements have been signed between Kenya and China to allow Kenyan agricultural produce to enter the Chinese market," read part of Waita's tweet. State House Chief of Staff Nzioka Waita confirmed a deal to allow Kenyan agricultural products in China was signed during President Uhuru Kenyatta's recent visit. Photo: Daily Nation. Source: UGC READ ALSO: Nairobi woman who confessed on radio to killing husband's side chic arrested According to Waita, China and Kenya also launched a joint technical working group which would begin negotiations aimed at expanding trade opportunities and review tariff and non-tariff barriers. As earlier speculated avocado, Kenya's popular household fruit, was among Kenya's agricultural products which would legally find its way to the Chinese markets. "The list of approved agricultural products from Kenya that are now cleared to enter the Chinese market are Avocado, French beans, peas, beans, green grams, flowers, vegetables, mangoes, herbs, peanuts, meat and hides and skins," Waita listed. Other Kenyan agricultural products cleared to enter Chinese market are Macadamia nuts, gum Arabica, Myrr and Asian vegetables grown locally. 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. Carolyne Nduti Untold Story: My Husband Left Me for My Cousin - Kenya Untold Stories | Tuko TV. Source: Tuko News - The 21-year-old man from Kinangop went missing and efforts to trace him proved futile - His family positively identified one of two bodies found in Ngumbi forest and buried him - The man who worked as a herdsman was buried by his family a day after a postmortem - He reappeared in his Magumu home village two days after he had been purpotedly buried There was shock and scare in Magumu village, Nyandarua county after a man who had been buried reappeared two days after his burial. The mighty and courageous equally scampered for safety after witnessing the unmoved dead man walking into his home which had a grave mounded with fresh soil and wreath of flowers. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens READ ALSO: Kenyan agricultural produce allowed to enter China after Uhuru 4-day trip The man reappeared two days after his family had interred his body. Photo:UGC Source: UGC READ ALSO: Economist David Ndii mocks William Rutos PhD qualification According to his family, Paul Gichehe, 21, who was working as a herdsman disappeared in September prompting a massive search which bore no fruits. TUKO.co.ke understands after one month of unfruitful search, the family positively identified a body out of two decomposing ones that had been found dumped in Ngumbi Forest in Limuru as that of Gichehe. The family went ahead and conducted a postmortem on Monday, November 5, and buried him the following day. Shockingly though, Gichehe who was presumed dead and buried returned alive and walking but shaken as some of his relatives and neighhbours, some of whom scampered for safety. A body presumed to of 21-year-old Paul Gichehe was buried only for him to reappear at his home causing some of his relatives to scamper for safety. Photo:UGC Source: UGC READ ALSO: Ex-Nairobi beauty pageant winner denied bail in a KSh 300 million hotel ownership row Gichehe who was equally shocked explained that he had moved from the area for greener pastures in Longonot trading centre and never knew his keen had presumed he was dead. "I was shocked when I reached the home market centre only for one of my close friends to keep distance before running away. I had moved to Longonot but I could not access TV, radio or mobile phone in the home I was working in. I reached here only to notice I had been declared dead," Gichehe said. Kinangop deputy county commissioner Peter Nyameti who confirmed the incident said they would investigate the incident further and seek for an order to exhume the wrongly identified body that had been buried. 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. Carolyne Nduti Untold Story: My Husband Left Me for My Cousin - Kenya Untold Stories | Tuko TV. Source: Tuko - Stern action will be taken against parents who let their children roam around beaches past 6pm - The order is to stop minors from being taken advantage of by predators frequenting the places - Security officers will be deployed to conduct regular patrols at the beaches to ensure compliance The government has banned children from going to the beaches past 6pm as parents grapple with the dilemma of the long school holiday. Parents within the county were asked not to let their children roam around the beaches at night as stern actions would be taken against both the parents and children. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens. READ ALSO: Maseno University student arrested sitting KCSE exams at a Kisii school The Kwale County Commissioner warned the children should be kept away from the beach to avoid ugly cases involving minors. Source: Twitter READ ALSO: Ex-Nairobi beauty pageant winner denied bail in a KSh 300 million hotel ownership row The Kwale County Commissioner Karuku Ngumo warned the children should be kept away from the beach to avoid ugly cases involving minors. Children found roaming around the beaches past 6 pm will be disciplined and their parents prosecuted for negligence, he said. Parents have a duty to strictly and closely monitor the behavior of their children to save them from harm, mischief or criminal activities, added Ngumo. READ ALSO: Murang'a man who willingly chopped off genitals seeks help to get replacement The commissioner further noted security officers will be deployed to conduct regular patrols at the beaches to ensure the ban is complied with. He further said there was the need to limit access to the beaches by children since many locals and foreigners will be coming to the county for holidays. We dont want our children to be allowed to walk at night to the beaches or to wedding parties," he said. READ ALSO: KCSE student arrested for hiding phone with answers in private parts "We want children to remain children and for that reason we will firmly deal with the parents if we find minors around such places, he said. Ngumo said that the ban is one of the measures backed by local leaders in a bid to reduce teenage pregnancies that are on the rise in the region. Two candidates gave birth during this years Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) examinations in the county READ ALSO: Six passengers arrested for boarding overloaded vehicle According to a Learning Assessment report by Uwezo Kenya, no girls registered for KCPE in 2017 at a school in Kinango due to pregnancies. The report shows early pregnancies as one of the major causes of poor performance in education in the county. Prior reports by TUKO.co.ke indicated a recent Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) report on teenage pregnancy prevalence, Kwale County was ranked eight with a rate of 24%. READ ALSO: Breakdown of alarming teenage pregnancy rates in Kenya per county This comes even as players in the sector lobby for increased sex education in both primary and secondary schools in a move to deal with the pregnancies. In one of his responses, Kenya National Examinations Council Chairman George Magoha shifted part of the blame to parents whom he castigated for forgetting their parenting roles. Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsanga described the pregnancies as a big problem in the education sector which needed a multi-sectoral approach for it to be solved. 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. Carolyne Nduti Untold Story: My Husband Left Me for My Cousin - Kenya Untold Stories Source: Tuko Kenya - Police Constable Joash Ombati was given a Distinguished Service Award - The officer was guarding a bank when he saw thieves escape after robbing a man - He took a taxi and chased the car while shooting in the air to stop the thieves - The thieves surrendered and KSh 400,000 was recovered from them - Kenyans had called on the government to recognise his dedication and reward him The government has finally bowed to calls from Kenyans to award Administration Police officer Joash Ombati who single-handedly pursued armed thieves and arrested them in Nairobi. Ombati was given a Distinguished Service Award by Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i for his heroic act. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens READ ALSO: Scare as Nyandarua man reappears alive 2 days after he was buried READ ALSO: Government bans children from beach parties in Kwale county amid runaway teen pregnancies "CS Interior Fred Matiang'i has awarded Administration Police officer Joash Ombati a certificate in recognition of his heroic act whereby he pursued two criminals who had robbed a trader," the government Spokesperson said in a statement. On Wednesday, October 17, two suspects, Sameer Abdulaziz Kassim and Peter Kavoli Musili, who had posed as traders of construction materials on OLX, had duped Amos Charo Saroan, an unsuspecting customer from Voi then robbed him. Saro traveled from Voi and met the duo in Nairobi CBD, then drove towards Westlands but he was pushed out of the speeding car after giving them KSh 732,000, an incident witnessed by Ombati. READ ALSO: Dignitaries show up at burial of Kalonzo Musyoka's dad in 32 helicopters The father of two, who was guarding a bank nearby, boarded a taxi to chase after the suspects. The 34-year-old shot in the air forcing the thieves to surrender before he handcuffed them as members of the public watched with many urging him to shoot dead the suspects. Joash Ombati was guarding a nearby bank in Nairobi when he saw the suspects push a man out of a vehicle. Photo: UGC Source: UGC READ ALSO: Economist David Ndii mocks William Rutos PhD qualification The police officer searched the car and recovered KSh 400,000, the suspects were taken into custody at Parklands Police Station. Coincidentally, the incident happened three days to the Mashujaa Day celebrations with many Kenyans calling on the president to award the brave officer for his heroic action. 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 Carolyne Nduti Untold Story: My Husband Left Me for My Cousin - Kenya Untold Stories | Tuko TV Source: Tuko Breaking News Latest - Uhuru hit out at leaders who use non official functions to make job related requests - He said it was uncouth for leaders to take advantage of funerals to lament and request for favours - Uhuru said mature leaders discussed issues among themselves, agree and give the public directions - He challenged leaders with the habit to desist saying all leaders were welcome to his office President Uhuru Kenyatta has told politicians fond of asking for favours in public forums and funeral services to stop the habit. He said there was a better way through which leaders could present their grievances but lamenting in funerals and other public meetings in front of the electorate was not the best approach. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens READ ALSO: Dignitaries show up at burial of Kalonzo Musyoka's dad in 32 helicopters President Uhuru Kenyatta said there was a better way for politicians to present their grievances rather than lamenting in funerals. Photo: Uhuru Kenyatta/Twitter. Source: Facebook READ ALSO: Government bans children from beach parties in Kwale county amid runaway teen pregnancies Speaking during funeral service of Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka's father Peter Mairu in Tseikuru, Kitui county, a visibly agitated Uhuru challenged such politicians to act with decorum and embrace proper avenues of presenting their issues. "We are not in competition as leaders but working together for the benefit of the people. A lot of requests have been made by leaders who spoke ahead of me but I will not mention them. This habit of leaders coming before people to ask for favours looks bad," said Uhuru. Uhuru who did not point out a specific leader over the habit which seemed to have nauseated him counseled politicians to distinguish public and official forums from funerals. The president accused some leaders of using funeral services to try and outshine one another. Photo: Charity Ngilu/Twitter. Source: Twitter READ ALSO: Matiang'i awards police officer who single-handedly overpowered thugs in Nairobi "Leaders need to meet, discuss issues among themselves and come out to give the people the direction. This habit of using funeral services to lament and demand for roads, water and other development projects is unacceptable. Those are office affairs ," Uhuru said. The president was specific that such demands were tied to official functions of the State and needed to be addressed officially through formal or locally arranged meetings. Opposition leader Raila Odinga and Deputy President William Ruto who had earlier addressed the mourners unanimously called for an end to politics, urging their counterparts to focus on improving service delivery to the citizens. 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. Carolyne Nduti Untold Story: My Husband Left Me for My Cousin - Kenya Untold Stories | Tuko TV Source: Tuko.co.ke - The man is fighting for his life at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital - He had predicted a unsuccessful bet worth KSh 8,100 which had a possible win of KSh 49,000 - He was approached by his friend to give the prediction after predicting for his neighbour who won KSh 1.5 million A 25-year old man has been left fighting for his life after his friend descended on him with blows, kicks and cutting him with panga over a unsuccessful bet prediction with a possible win of KSh 49,000. Jacob Owino was rushed to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kisumu County where he was admitted in critical condition. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens READ ALSO: Dignitaries show up at burial of Kalonzo Musyoka's dad in 32 helicopters Jacob Owino was rushed to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kisumu under critical condition. Photo: Citizen Source: UGC READ ALSO: Matiang'i awards police officer who single-handedly overpowered thugs in Nairobi In a report by Citizen, Leonard Omenya accused the victim of convincing him to place a bet with KSh 8,100, the only money he had between him and poverty. Area chief Barrack Oloo said Omenya had sought for help from the victim after he gave a bet prediction to a neighbour which won him KSh 1.5 million. READ ALSO: Muranga man caught robbing from accident victim Irate Omenya frogmarched Owino to the nearest police station where the betting master was rushed to hospital as police arrested the angry man. Betting has become a common activity among youths who have turned to be great investors with Kenya's leading betting firms. 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 Carolyne Nduti Untold Story: My Husband Left Me for My Cousin - Kenya Untold Stories | Tuko TV Source: Tuko Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 9) Fire hit the armory of the Philippine Navy in Naval Base Heracleo Alano in Sangley Point, Cavite Friday morning. The blaze started in one igloo housing ammunition for M14, M16, 9MM and M203 guns at around 5:30 a.m., and was extinguished at 7:53 a.m, according to Philippine Navy spokesperson Jonathan Zata. No injuries and deaths were reported in the incident. Zata said investigation is ongoing to determine the exact cause of the incident, which caused limited damage. "These igloos are designed to withstand internal and external explosions similar to what occurred a while ago. We have approximately four feet in thickness and it has doors that could withstand heavy explosion as well. So the adjacent igloos, even the other facilities were not affected," Zata told CNN Philippines. He added that residents near the arms depot were unaffected by the fire as they were located some two kilometers away. Residents and ships near the naval base were also evacuated to protect them from any possible explosions. CNN Philippines Carolyn Bonquin and David Santos contributed to this report. Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley said, it was only while the Government was making hard decisions on expenditure at WASA, that it discovered certain payments had been made to PSA President Watson Duke. Lyon set up a semi-final with Chelsea and Bayern will take on Barcelona after the last-eight ties ended. Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights Liudmyla Denisova and the Lithuanian delegation met with Commander of the Joint Forces Operation Serhiy Nayev in Donetsk region, the press service of the Commissioner reports. "JFO Commander Serhiy Nayev informed the international delegation about the powers of servicepersons in the JFO area, as well as about the work of checkpoints. According to him, due to a rise in the number of people crossing checkpoints, the decision was approved to raise the number of personnel at all checkpoints. In addition, at two checkpoints, in Marinka and Stanytsa Luhanska, the reconstruction has been carried out. The Commissioner noted the importance of the decision on extending the time of checkpoints work if there is large number of people," reads the report. Also, Denisova said she will petition the Cabinet of Ministers to adopt as soon as possible the Procedure for crossing the demarcation line. iy The Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury has officially announced the introduction of new restrictions against Russia to implement the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act. According to a statement posted on the website of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, three individuals and nine legal entities related to Russia's actions regarding the illegal annexation of Crimea and the occupation of Donbas were added to the sanctions list. Among them is Oleksandr Basov, a native of Ukraine who is one of the leaders of the so-called "LPR Ministry of State Security," Andriy Sushko, a resident of Crimea born in 1974, and Volodymyr Zarytsky, a native of Ukraine born in 1948. The list of legal entities against which the new restrictions are applied includes: - Joint-Stock Company Ai-Petri Sanatorium; - Joint-Stock Company Diulber Sanatorium; - Joint-Stock Company Miskhor Sanatorium; - Joint-Stock Company KrymTeploElektroTsentral; - Garant-SV Limited Liability Company; - Management Company for Infrastructure Projects; - LLC Southern Project; - "Ministry of State Security" of the so-called "Luhansk People's Republic"; - Mriya Resort & Spa. op Ukraine has responded to new U.S. sanctions against Russia imposed in connection with the situation in Russian-occupied Crimea and Donbas. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko welcomed the widening of sanctions and called Washington's decision "a clear message." "This is a clear message that all those involved in the illegal occupation of the Ukrainian peninsula and hybrid aggression in Donbas will not avoid responsibility. I deem that all our partners should follow this example. It is by means of our common transatlantic front that one will be able to make the Kremlin change its behavior, bring its mercenaries out from Ukraine, return the stolen territories and respect the international law!" he said. Poroshenko said that for more than four years now "we were not only preserving, but also increasing the sanction pressure against the aggressor." Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin, in turn, wrote on Twitter that he considered new U.S. sanctions against Russia to be "consistent and tough." On November 8, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control officially announced the introduction of new restrictions against Russia because of the situation around the occupied Crimea and Donbas. Three individuals and nine companies were included in the sanctions list. op Israel considers Ukraine as one of its most important partners, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Israel to Ukraine Joel Lion has said. He stated this at a meeting with Interior Minister of Ukraine Arsen Avakov, the ministrys press service reports. "Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the State of Israel to Ukraine Joel Lion assured that the Israeli side considers Ukraine as one of its most important partners," reads the report. In turn, Avakov noted that the agreement on a visa-free travel between Ukraine and Israel is one of the basic documents of Ukrainian-Israeli cooperation. At the same time, the minister said that Ukraine is concerned about the number of refusals that Ukrainian citizens receive at the airports of Israel. The problem has come to a high political level and needs to be resolved," Avakov said. The interior minister noted that 264,000 Israeli citizens visited Ukraine last year. "We have ensured the easy border crossing and protection for them. Our units provide security during the celebration of Rosh Hashanah in Uman and quickly investigate cases of anti-Semitic manifestations. We are counting on mutual understanding by the State of Israel," Avakov added. iy The introduction of a new package of U.S. sanctions against Russia on November 8 is a confirmation of Washington's partnership with Ukraine and the European Union in their joint efforts to make Russia cease its aggression in Eastern Europe. This is stated in a media note released by the U.S. Department of State on Thursday, according to an Ukrinform correspondent. "The designations underscore the United States' steadfast partnership with Ukraine and the European Union in unified opposition to Russia's illegal purported annexation and occupation of Crimea and use of force to control parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Eastern Ukraine," the Department of State said. The statement notes that the action reinforces the Crimea Declaration of July 25, 2018, which states that "the United States does not and will not recognize Russia's purported annexation of Crimea." On November 8, Washington announced the imposition of sanctions against three individuals and nine entities related to Russian aggression in Donbas and Crimea. According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, all property and interests in property of the designated persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction are blocked, and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with them. op Russias conflict in Ukraine has turned into a humanitarian crisis the size of which the continent has not seen in a generation, and as a result 3.4 million Ukrainian citizens require humanitarian assistance. Acting Deputy Chief of the United States Mission to the OSCE Gregory Macris said this during the meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna on Thursday, an Ukrinform correspondent reported. "As temperatures fall and winter approaches, we call attention to the fact that Russias manufactured conflict in Ukraine has developed into a humanitarian crisis the size of which the continent has not seen in a generation. Estimates are that 3.4 million Ukrainian citizens require humanitarian assistance or protection and over 1.5 million are internally displaced," he said. This conflict wreaks death and destruction on civilians, regardless of what side of the contact line they are on, the religion they profess, the language they speak, or the political views they hold, the American diplomat noted. The United States called on all parties to allow affected civilians to have unfettered access to humanitarian aid, government services, and to guard against further civilian losses and damage to critical infrastructure. ish EU Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn has visited the Public Broadcasting Company of Ukraine (PBC) to express EU support. He wrote this on Twitter. "I visited Ukraine's Public Broadcasting Company UA:PBC to express EU support. Independent information is key in a democracy, especially ahead of elections. This also requires adequate, sustainable financing. The European Commission will continue support, including to the new newsroom," Hahn said. Hahn is on a visit to Ukraine on Friday, November 9. The commissioner is to hold meetings with Ukrainian government officials. Earlier, the European Broadcasting Union called on the Ukrainian government to finance the Public Broadcasting Company of Ukraine in 2019 in full. op Ukraine has made important progress in its reforms over the past year, but more needs to be done, in particular, on the judiciary and fight against corruption. This is stated in the Association Implementation Report published by the EU on Friday, according to the EU Delegation to Ukraine. The report, which was prepared by the European External Action Service and the European Commission, monitors the implementation of the commitments under the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement over the past year - since November 2017. "Ukraine has made progress in a number of important areas over the past year, but several outstanding reforms still need to be reinforced so that Ukrainian citizens can fully reap the benefits of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement and its Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area," reads the statement. At the same time, the report notes the slower pace of reforms in the areas of the judiciary and anti-corruption measures, and emphasizes the need to reinforce the reform momentum. While the renewal of the judiciary continued, there have been only few convictions in high-level corruption cases so far. The establishment of the High Anti-Corruption Court remains a test case in this regard. The EU also stressed that "attacks against civil society activists need to be properly investigated and sanctioned." Other areas, as noted by the report, have seen more positive progress. As a result of sustained economic reforms, for example, many large state-owned enterprises have continued to increase profits under the steering of independent supervisory boards, while hundreds of smaller ones have been successfully privatized. Regarding the energy sector, Ukraine has continued to implement the legislation on energy efficiency. The Energy Efficiency Fund was set up with substantial financial support from the EU. However, the report notes "little progress" in the creation of independent gas and electricity transmission system operators and the need to step up legislative approximation in the transport sector. Progress has been achieved on sanitary and phytosanitary issues, company law, public procurement and environmental protection. The deep and comprehensive free trade area has played a significant role in increasing trade between Ukraine and the EU, which shows the importance of further work to approximate legislation and standards. "The Ukrainian authorities are carrying out difficult but rewarding reforms in very challenging circumstances. The results of these reforms are bringing clear benefits to the Ukrainian people: overall trade between the EU and Ukraine has increased by 24% in 2017, opening new markets for Ukrainian businesses, while over half a million Ukrainian citizens have travelled to the EU under the visa free regime and over 7,200 academic exchanges have taken place under Erasmus+," EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini said. She said that the European Union will continue to accompany and support the Ukrainian authorities to deliver the reforms demanded by the Ukrainian people, whilst fully supporting Ukraine's independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty. "Ukraine has advanced in a number of important and demanding reforms over the past year, including healthcare, pensions, decentralization, public administration, public procurement and the environment. These are all vital for the implementation of the Association Agreement and therefore for a more prosperous and stable Ukraine," EU Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn said. According to him, now, in Ukraine's pre-election period, it is crucial to maintain the reform momentum and to make these changes irreversible. There cannot be roll-back on issues such as anti-corruption efforts, he said. The commissioner handed over the report to Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman in Kyiv on Friday. The Association Agreement between the EU and Ukraine entered into force on September 1, 2017. op Ukraine should ensure the independent functioning of all anti-corruption bodies and restore confidence in the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office, EU Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn has said. He said this at a press briefing in Kyiv on Friday, Ukrinform reports. "Ukraine needs to ensure the independence and effective functioning of all anti-corruption institutions involved in the criminal justice chain. I am very concerned about the loss of credibility of the specialized anti-corruption prosecutor who was found to have seriously violated rules of ethics, but remains in office. I would urge the Ukrainian authorities to take the necessary measures to reestablish that credibility," Hahn said. Hahn said he had a meeting with Director of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) Artem Sytnyk. "I would really like to commend NABU's excellent work and the results it managed to deliver despite well-known strong pressure against it. In particular, I would like to emphasize the work of dozens, not to say hundreds, of detectives who are doing on a daily basis their work, which is not seen, but this is a task of a detective. They are doing a great job, and I think it's important. I would like to use the opportunity to say thank you to them, because very often this is not adequately recognized in public," the commissioner said. In his opinion, Ukraine needs to quickly establish an anti-corruption court since "improvement in this area contributes to greater attractiveness of Ukraine to investors if the level of corruption is going down" and this will help create more jobs. op Chief of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) Vasyl Hrytsak has called on his compatriots not to violate Ukrainian legislation and not to vote in the so-called elections in temporarily occupied territories of certain areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine. He stated this at a briefing in Kyiv on Friday, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. "I want to appeal to residents of Donbas, regardless of whether you go to those elections or not. The 'leaders' scheduled them. By the way, you should not go to them, because it is a gross violation of Ukrainian legislation," Hrytsak said. He recalled that most developed countries in the world said they would not support and would not recognize these sham elections. Earlier, President Petro Poroshenko at the European People's Party summit in Helsinki called for the intensification of political and sanctions pressure on Russia in connection with pseudo-elections scheduled for November 11 in the temporarily occupied territory of the Donbas, as well as for the release of Ukrainian political prisoners of the Kremlin. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry stated that the intentions of the Russian occupation administration to hold "extraordinary elections" in the temporarily occupied territories of the Donbas grossly violate Russia's obligations as a party to the Minsk agreements. op Hahn spoke to civil society representatives in his first meeting in Ukraine. Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn has said all crimes against activists in Ukraine must be prosecuted. "I spoke to civil society representatives in my 1st meeting in Ukraine tonight. The murder of K[ateryna] Handziuk and all crimes against activists must be prosecuted. There won't be a stable, modern, prosperous Ukraine without a strong rule of law and independent judicial institutions," he wrote on Twitter in the early hours of November 9, 2018. I spoke to #civilsociety representatives in my 1st meeting in @Ukraine tonight. The murder of K #Handziuk and all crimes against activists must be prosecuted. There won't be a stable, modern, prosperous #Ukraine without a strong #RuleOfLaw and independent judicial institutions. pic.twitter.com/I3lirAyZWX Johannes Hahn (@JHahnEU) November 8, 2018 As UNIAN reported earlier, Kherson activist, adviser to the Mayor of Kherson and acting manager of affairs at Kherson City Council's executive committee Kateryna Handziuk on July 31 survived an act of acid throwing. Handziuk's injury was over 30% of the total body surface area, and doctors assessed her condition as serious. She was transferred to a Kyiv hospital, where died on November 4 after long treatment. She reportedly died of a blood clot. Police originally qualified the attack on the official as an attempted murder committed with extreme cruelty, then its status was changed to completed murder. Six suspects were detained, one of whom, Mykola Novikov, was later released from custody as charges against him were dropped. Three suspects Vyacheslav Vishnevsky, Volodymyr Vasyanovych, and Viktor Horbunov are now under house arrest. The alleged organizer of the assassination, Serhiy Torbin, remains in custody. His arrest has recently been extended until December 3. Mykyta Hrabchuk is also under arrest. Hahn arrived in Kyiv on November 8, his visit will last until November 9. Volker says the sanctions will be toughened if there is no progress in returning Crimea under Ukraine's control and the implementation of the Minsk agreements. U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine Negotiations Kurt Volker has said the new financial sanctions against Russia announced by the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control on November 8 for the first time officially recognize that Russia has full control over the situation in the occupied part of eastern Ukraine. Also, these are first sanctions that are imposed on individuals who, with their investment, "contribute to the integration of Crimea" and concern those involved in human rights violations in Crimea, RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service reported. Speaking of the new sanctions the U.S. has imposed on Russia, Volker said they concerned both Crimea and Donbas. Read alsoU.S. imposes sanctions against officials, entities over Crimea, Donbas He noted the sanctions are the next step after the Crimean Declaration by U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo of July 25 that the U.S. does not recognize and will not recognize Crimea as part of Russia. According to Volker, these sanctions underline the unshakable partnership between the United States and Ukraine and the European Union and the rejection of the occupation and annexation of Crimea and the use of force to control parts of Luhansk and Donetsk regions in eastern Ukraine. At the same time, the United States places responsibility on Russia for human rights violations in those areas of Ukraine that are occupied or controlled by Russia by force. Read alsoPoroshenko welcomes new U.S. sanctions against Russia over Crimea, Donbas At the same time, he said the sanctions would be toughened if there was no progress in returning Crimea under Ukraine's control and the implementation of the Minsk agreements. According to Volker, the war in Donbas already has more casualties than any other conflict in Europe since the Balkan Wars. And as for people who were forced to leave their homes, these figures are the largest since the Second World War. Over 3 million people left the conflict zone, where more than 10,000 people died, including 450 civilians have died in the last 14 months. More than a million people need help because they live without water, heating or even a roof over their heads. Most of them are elderly people who are not able to leave the conflict zone. In order for loss figures to be understood by foreign journalists, Volker explained that about 3,000 civilian Ukrainians had died in this conflict, and the losses of the Ukrainian troops, which reach 7,000 people, were greater than the losses among the U.S. troops in Afghanistan for all time war in that country. Illegal "local" elections in Donbas, orchestrated by Russia, run counter to the Minsk agreements. Acting Deputy Chief of the U.S. Mission to the OSCE Gregory Macris has said Russia is stalling talks between Special Representative Volker and Russian Presidential Advisor Vladislav Surkov. "The United States greatly appreciates the efforts of France and Germany in the Normandy Format to push for implementation of the Minsk agreements. Unfortunately, Russia continues to impede the peace process and is stalling talks between Special Representative Volker and Russian Presidential Advisor Vladislav Surkov," Macris said in a statement delivered to the Permanent Council in Vienna, Austria, on November 8, 2018. "We call on Russia to engage in serious conversations about how to end the conflict, improve security and humanitarian conditions for the local population, and implement Minsk." Read alsoVolker: New sanctions recognize Russia controls occupied part of Donbas He also said the United States joins with others in condemning the so-called "Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics" that plan to hold illegitimate "elections" on November 11. "These illegal elections, orchestrated by Russia, run counter to the Minsk agreements, obstruct efforts to end the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine, and have no basis in Ukrainian law. The Minsk agreements state that the OSCE is to supervise elections, which are to be held in accordance with OSCE standards. This planned November 11 balloting will satisfy none of these conditions," he said. Macris also said Russia violates Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity by its aggressive actions in the Sea of Azov. "Beyond eastern Ukraine, Russia contravenes OSCE principles and commitments with its occupation of the Crimean Peninsula and its aggressive actions in the Sea of Azov, where it harasses and obstructs international shipping bound for Ukraine's ports. These actions demonstrate Moscow's violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity," he stressed. The announcement says the meeting will take place in the event hall of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra monastery at 14:00 Kyiv time on November 13. Bishops of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP) plan to hold a meeting with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on November 13. Metropolitan of the UOC-MP Oleksandr (Drabinko) confirmed this information to the Ukrayinska Pravda online newspaper, referring to the Kyiv Metropolitan's office. Read also"Go home!" Poroshenko tells Russian army and church The announcement says the meeting will take place in the event hall of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra at 14:00 Kyiv time on Tuesday, November 13. "The participation of all diocesan and vicar bishops of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church is obligatory," the announcement said. At the same time, Metropolitan Oleksandr did not confirm whether Metropolitan Onufriy [head of the UOC-MP] was going to attend the meeting. The Kyiv Metropolitan's office has declined to comment on the information. The journalists turned to the presidential administration's press service for a comment. The department has not yet officially confirmed or denied the meeting. The information is being verified. 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. On November 8, the Verkhovna Rada passed in the first reading a bill on the legal regime of the adjacent zone of Ukraine, which would actually increase the territory of control in the Black Sea - the adjacent zone will be the water area bordering the territorial sea of Ukraine at a distance of 24 nautical miles instead of today's 12 miles. Even before the war in Donbas, Ukraine offered Russia to discuss various options for expanding the adjacent zone in the Black Sea, but this did not suit the Russians, because in this way Ukraine could get an extensive legalized economic zone. For example, an option was discussed, where the water area of the seas would be controlled by the international law of the sea, to which the Russians, of course, did not agree. Indeed, thanks to this approach, Ukraine could have gotten the opportunity to develop the Black Sea shelf without coordination with Russia, requesting international companies' assistance. In addition, in this case, again, without coordination with the Russian Federation, Ukraine would have gotten the right to allow the entry of foreign warships... Given the current difficult situation at sea, a number of American experts believe that the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea have long needed paving a kind of red line and, in case of its violation by Russia, Ukraine would already quite legitimately be able to proceed to military actions. But this is only a view from beyond. As is known, the situation has worsened due to the escalation in the Sea of Azov, because there the use of the sea is based on a treaty signed with the Russian Federation in 2003. Then the position of Ukraine was not the strongest, and therefore the deal was signed with damage to our country. These shortcomings in the treaty are being used by the Russian authorities today, in particular, when they stop and inspect vessels for hours, thereby worsening the economic situation for Ukrainian ports. Given the current difficult situation at sea, a number of American experts believe that the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea have long needed paving a kind of red line and, in case of its violation by Russia, Ukraine would already quite legitimately be able to proceed to military actions As for the first reading of the draft law on the legal regime of the adjacent zone of Ukraine, it is one of the desired ways to overcome problems with Russia. In my opinion, this is an opportunity to gain control for 24 miles, try out such a scenario on the Black Sea, in order to subsequently apply the same division of the sea in the water area of the Sea of Azov. With the help of this law, Ukraine will have the opportunity to increase its naval presence. We can definitely say that the reaction from the Russian side will be negative for example, Russia may try to block access to the Sea of Azov for all ships except the Russian ones, apply regular economic sanctions and, ultimately, try to draw that red line themselves, which will only worsen the situation. As for the first reading of the draft law on the legal regime of the adjacent zone of Ukraine, it is one of the desired ways to overcome problems with Russia I think the possibility of such a bill working out is 60% to 40%, because by adopting a document in the first reading, we will be able to see the reaction not only in Russia, but also by the international community. Thus, it is quite possible that the bill is a kind of testing ground, the case when the reaction to the document itself is more important than the result. Ihor Romanenko is a Ukrainian military expert, ex-deputy chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine According to Klimkin, Russia's idea of holding illegal elections in Donbas during the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War is another provocation. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin says Russia needs the fake elections in occupied Donbas scheduled for November 11 to fragment and weaken Ukraine. "Russians already have occupying administrations that are responsible for everything, relying on military force, military and hybrid aggression against Ukraine," Klimkin told journalists, according to an UNIAN correspondent. At the same time, he says, it is pointless for anybody but Russia to hold another sham "elections" in Donbas. Read alsoBloomberg: Putin tightens his grip in Europe's neglected war zone "Since Russia's entire idea is not only to stop worrying about Donbas, but to forget about it at all. The whole idea is to abuse Donbas to destabilize Ukraine, legitimize the Russian occupation of Donbas, and return it to Ukraine as a kind of a 'Trojan horse' to fragment Ukraine, weaken Ukraine, and so that there is no independent, free, democratic and European Ukraine," the minister stressed. At the same time, Klimkin reiterated Ukraine's position as for the deployment of a real international UN peacekeeping mission to Donbas, which will include the police component and the international administration. He also expressed the conviction that the international community should help Donbas get back to normal life and return to a free, independent and European Ukraine. According to Klimkin, Russia's idea of holding illegal elections in Donbas during the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War is another provocation. As UNIAN reported earlier, sham elections of "DPR-LPR heads" and "members of parliament" are scheduled to be held in the temporarily occupied areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions on November 11. The EU and U.S. warn that such "elections" in the so-called "DPR" and "LPR" violate the Minsk agreements. In turn, Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the issue of who will lead the occupying administrations is of "extreme importance," also claiming that the "elections" do not contradict the Minsk accords. In particular, the EU notes the need to speed up efforts to reform the judiciary and and fight corruption. Ukraine has made progress in a number of important areas over the past year, but several outstanding reforms still need to be reinforced so that Ukrainian citizens can fully reap the benefits of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement and its Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, according to the Association Implementation Report published Friday, Nov 9. The report, prepared by the European External Action Service and the European Commission, monitors the implementation of the commitments under the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement over the past year since November 2017 and feeds into the annual EU-Ukraine Association Council, which will take place in Brussels on Dec 17. "The Ukrainian authorities are carrying out difficult but rewarding reforms in very challenging circumstances. The results of these reforms are bringing clear benefits to the Ukrainian people: overall trade between the EU and Ukraine has increased by 24% in 2017, opening new markets for Ukrainian businesses, while over half a million Ukrainian citizens have travelled to the EU under the visa free regime and over 7,200 academic exchanges have taken place under Erasmus+", said the EU High Representative/Vice-President, Federica Mogherini. "The European Union will continue to accompany and support the Ukrainian authorities to deliver the reforms demanded by the Ukrainian people, whilst fully supporting Ukraine's independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty." Read alsoOrthodox church split just tip of Putin's crumbling "soft power" in Ukraine "Ukraine has advanced in a number of important and demanding reforms over the past year, including healthcare, pensions, decentralisation, public administration, public procurement and the environment. These are all vital for the implementation of the Association Agreement and therefore for a more prosperous and stable Ukraine. Now, in Ukraine's pre-election period, it is crucial to maintain the reform momentum and to make these changes irreversible. There cannot be roll-back on issues such as anti-corruption efforts. Continued reforms in the economic and justice sectors will send a strong signal not only to the citizens, but also to domestic and international investors and help boost the creation of jobs in Ukraine", said the Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, Johannes Hahn. At the same time, the report notes the slower pace of reforms in the areas of the judiciary and anti-corruption measures, and emphasises the need to reinforce the reform momentum. While the renewal of the judiciary continued, there have been only few convictions in high-level corruption cases so far. The establishment of the High Anti-Corruption Court remains a test case in this regard. The selection earlier this week of the international experts who will assist Ukraine in selecting the judges of the High Anti-Corruption Court is an encouraging sign. Civil society has an important role in the fight against corruption and must be able to carry out its courageous work safely and unhindered. Attacks against civil society activists need to be properly investigated and sanctioned, and proper action by law-enforcement authorities to this end is needed. A landmark law on the reform of the security sector was adopted in June 2018, awaiting now follow up. Read alsoUkraine defense official names security areas to be enhanced to effectively counter hybrid threats Other areas, as noted by the report, have seen more positive progress. As a result of sustained economic reforms, for example, many large state-owned enterprises have continued to increase profits under the steering of independent supervisory boards, while hundreds of smaller ones have been successfully privatised. Regarding the energy sector, Ukraine has continued to implement the legislation on energy efficiency. The Energy Efficiency Fund was set up with substantial financial support from the EU. However, the report notes little progress in the creation of independent gas and electricity transmission system operators and the need to step up legislative approximation in the transport sector. Read alsoPM Groysman says US$497.3 mln to be allocated for energy efficiency in 2019 Progress has been achieved on sanitary and phytosanitary issues, company law, public procurement and environmental protection. The DCFTA has played a significant role in increasing trade between Ukraine and the EU, which shows the importance of further work to approximate legislation and standards. As UNIAN reported earlier, the Association Agreement, including a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, between the EU and Ukraine entered into force Sept 1, 2017, after being partially provisionally applied since November 2014. It promotes deeper political ties, stronger economic links and the respect for common values, and is the basis for EU-Ukraine cooperation and EU support to reforms in Ukraine. The president says the parliament has moved with the "vote of confidence" on Mr Lutsenko. President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko refused to approve the resignation letter earlier submitted by Prosecutor General Yuriy Lutsenko, the Presidential Administration's press service told UNIAN. The president returned the Prosecutor General's application in view of the fact that Yuriy Lutsenko had received a vote of confidence in parliament (only 38 MPs in support of the move at the rating vote) while important tasks are ahead of him, the press service noted. Read alsoUkraine's parliament sets up commission to probe into attacks on Handziuk, other activists As UNIAN reported earlier, on November 6, speaking in the Verkhovna Rada, Lutsenko announced that he was stepping down and asked the people's deputies to consider the issue before the end of the plenary week. After that, the Rada held a rating vote on the statement, where only 38 deputies voted in support of Lutsenko's move. The prosecutor general called this the "vote of confidence." Ukrainian diplomats call on Ukrainians in Warsaw to remain vigilant and cautious. The Embassy of Ukraine in Poland has warned Ukrainian citizens that in Warsaw on November 11, radical movements intend to carry out provocations under the guise of allegedly "Ukrainian nationalists." According to the information available, on November 11, certain Polish radical circles intend to carry out provocations, including under the guise of the so-called Ukrainian nationalists. The embassy appeals to citizens of Ukraine - residents and guests of the capital of Poland - on this day to be especially vigilant and careful, primarily during their stay in the city center and not far from the National Stadium, the Embassy wrote on Twitter Friday. Read alsoTop Polish diplomat says Crimea, Donbas main problem in relations with Russia We also appeal to our Polish friends, during the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the restoration of Polands independence, not to succumb to all sorts of provocations that could pursue the goal of consciously inciting hatred towards Ukrainians. Let's not allow anyone to be provoke us, Ukrainian diplomats wrote in Polish. One enemy troop was killed and another 11 were wounded, intelligence reports say. Russia's hybrid military forces mounted 14 attacks on Ukrainian army positions in Donbas in the past 24 hours, with two Ukrainian soldiers reported as wounded in action. Read alsoRussia trying to seize larger areas in Donbas - Ukraine envoy to int'l organizations "Two Ukrainian soldiers were wounded in the past day. According to intelligence reports, one occupier was killed and another 11 were wounded," the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation (JFO) said in an update published on Facebook as of 07:00 Kyiv time on November 9, 2018. The 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 Maryinka and Krasnohorivka. The villages of Krymske, Novoluhanske, Pisky, Opytne, Slavne, Starohnativka, Chermalyk, Pavlopil, and Lebedynske were also under attack. What is more, the enemy resorted to 120mm mortars to shell the Ukrainian positions near Novoluhanske, while 82mm mortars were used near Pavlopil and Krymske. "There have been no attacks by Russian-led forces since Friday midnight," the report said. The military official says that the Joint Forces have been and remain the main component of ensuring peace and security in Donbas. Joint Forces Commander Serhiy Nayev said that the Russian invaders are trying to intensify the escalation in the Sea of Azov, and in this context Mariupol direction remains one of the most important ones in the context of creating preconditions for countering Russian aggression. The statement came as Nayev met in Kyiv with President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, Rasa Jukneviciene, and Ukrainian Parliament Chairman Andriy Parubiy on Friday, the press center of the Joint Forces Operation wrote. Read alsoUkraine's Joint Forces conduct air defense, combat drills in Donbas (Video) It is noted that the meeting took place within the framework of Jukneviciene's Ukraine visit to get updated on the situation in the JFO zone. The Commander noted that the Joint Forces have been and remain the main component of ensuring peace and security in Donbas. As UNIAN reported earlier, Ukraine's Representative to the international organizations in Vienna, Ihor Prokopchuk, said that Russia was trying to seize larger areas in Ukraine, while continuing to violate the Minsk agreements designed to peacefully resolve the situation in Donbas. The conflict in eastern Ukraine is frozen in time and that means there's only one winner. As world leaders commemorate a century since the war that was supposed to end all wars, a conflict on Europe's eastern periphery is getting more deeply entrenched. The breakaway region of Donbas in eastern Ukraine will hold elections on Sunday, the same day as the World War I Armistice event in Paris. Separatists backed by Russia are seeking to legitimize and normalize their control of two self-declared republics, Donetsk and Luhansk, after four years of fighting. The U.S. has called the votes "phony." Russia has called them a necessity, Bloomberg wrote. Billboards in Donetsk are urging people to "vote for Donbas with a Russian heart." Citizens are given promises of a more affordable life and decent pensions in "a peaceful republic." The election is "just another step in what Russia has been doing as a process in Donbas," said Otilia Dhand, an analyst at political-risk consultancy Teneo Intelligence in Brussels. "This is replacing the first order of revolutionaries and separatists" with a group of "political nominees they want to administer the territory." Read alsoOSINT expert: Self-proclaimed republics continue preparations for "elections" Ukraine marks the fault line between Russian power and western influence, particularly since millions took to the streets in two revolutions in 14 years. But in the new world order of Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, the conflict in the former Soviet state is an increasingly forgotten one, frozen in time with no peace in sight and with Russia tightening its grip. The armed confrontation has left at least 10,000 people dead and derailed any vague hope of Ukraine's accession to the European Union and NATO. Daily shelling still occurs. At least 39 civilians were killed and 166 wounded so far this year, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe said last month. Russia rejects calls for a UN peacekeeping force on the border between the two countries. While international sanctions against Russia remain in place, Ukraine hasn't been a priority for Trump in his relationship with Putin. Both men will be in Paris this weekend, though it's unclear if they will hold any talks before a fuller meeting at the Group of 20 summit at the end of this month. Whatever happens, Ukraine is unlikely to be high up the agenda and the country has turned into collateral damage in the shift in U.S. foreign policy. Read alsoVolker: New sanctions recognize Russia controls occupied part of Donbas The man expected to become head of state in the self-declared Donetsk People's Republic is Denis Pushilin, the Kremlin-backed interim leader. In neighboring Luhansk, it's Leonid Pasechnik, who was formerly in charge of the anti-smuggling department at Ukraine's security services and talks about integrating with Russia. Pushilin replaced Aleksandr Zakharchenko after he was assassinated by a bomb at a cafe in August. Unlike Zakharchenko, the 37-year-old doesn't wear army fatigues and doesn't boast about his military abilities. Before becoming a politician, he worked for a successor of a Russian Ponzi scheme company MMM, which cost its clients millions of dollars in the early 1990s. But Russia plays a big role in the daily existence of people living in the separatist areas because it provides pensions, salaries and fuel. The ruble replaced the Ukrainian hryvnia as the official currency in 2015. "It's ridiculous that a former MMM guy is being promoted as a president," said Larysa Fedoruk, 65, a pensioner in Donetsk. "But I am afraid that I will lose my pension if I don't vote." Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko hopes the "illegal elections" will trigger new sanctions against Russia. The U.S. special representative for Ukraine negotiations, Kurt Volker, said on Thursday more are coming. The risk, though, is that the elections only follow a playbook familiar in other breakaway areas such as Transnistria, which was part of Moldova, and South Ossetia and Abkhazia in Georgia. Indeed, it was Russia's formal annexation of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 after a referendum that initially destroyed decades of improving post-Cold War relations. Read alsoEU reiterates non-recognition of illegal elections in Donbas Russia recognized South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent states after the 2008 war with Georgia and signed defense agreements with them, which means Russian troops are based there. In Transnistria, they are there as "peacekeepers" and the breakaway republic isn't recognized by Moscow. Russia insists it has no forces in eastern Ukraine. The elections in Donbas are "extremely important," according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. The U.S., EU and Ukraine said they break the pact signed in Minsk, Belarus, in 2015 that was supposed to stop the fighting. Volker said on Thursday the elections had no legitimacy and what the region really needs is a UN peacekeeping mission. There are 3.4 million civilians in urgent need of protection and access to food, water and shelter, he said. "They are under conditions of occupation," he said on a telephone call with reporters. "There is no freedom of expression, there is no freedom of movement, no freedom of campaigning and therefore genuinely no freedom of choice for the people in electing candidates for legitimate local leadership positions." Allegations 'don't improve relations between Russia and the European Union', says the Austrian chancellor. Austria has arrested a retired army colonel on suspicion of spying for Russia, chancellor Sebastian Kurz has said. The officer is accused of beginning to work for Russian military intelligence in the 1990s and continued to maintain the relationship until 2018, Mr Kurz told a news conference Friday, according to The Independent. The chancellor said the case and allegations of espionage in the Netherlands, dont improve relations between Russia and the European Union. Earlier this year, the Netherlands expelled four Russians it suspected of planning a cyber-attack on the worlds chemical weapons watchdog in the Hague. At the moment were demanding transparent information from Russia," Mr Kurz said. Russian spying in Europe is unacceptable and to be condemned. Austrian foreign minister Karin Kneissl summoned the Russian ambassador over the matter and cancelled an upcoming trip to Moscow, the chancellor added. Read alsoSkripal poisoning suspect's colleague from GRU found in Latvia - media Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said he was unpleasantly surprised by the allegations, Rusian news agencies RIA and Interfax reported, Austrias defense minister Mario Kunasek said Vienna was warned a few weeks ago by a friendly European intelligence agency about the suspected spy. Mr Kunasek said the colonel in question retired five years ago. The mans electronic devices, including a laptop, are being examined. According to Die Presse, when confronted with evidence of his wrongdoings, the detainee confessed to security officials that he had in fact been working for the Russians, contacting his curator, who goes by the name of Yuriy, fortnightly. The Russian intelligence apparently alleged that their man could soon be revealed, and instructed that he destroy all evidence of his spy work. However, the law enforcers prevented the culprit of getting rid of factual evidence. The documents seized suggest that as early as 2006, the man attempted to sever ties with the Russians but he was never allowed to do so, according to Kronen Zeitung. Shortly before his arrest, the retired colonel passed to Russians information on the migration situation in the country and detailed psychological portraits of certain Austrian officials. A high-profile Jordanian delegation will fly to Iraq Saturday to take part in the Baghdad International Exhibition. BAGHDAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Nov, 2018 ) :A high-profile Jordanian delegation will fly to Iraq Saturday to take part in the Baghdad International Exhibition. An Iraqi government source Friday told Petra's correspondent in Baghdad that Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply Tariq Hamouri will lead the delegation to the 45th session of the fair. A number of national trade companies from both the public and private sectors will participate in the event along with Arab and world corporations, a source said. Prime Minister of Iraq, Adel Abdul Mahdi, will patronize the opening ceremony of the fair, which will see theparticipation of 700 companies representing various sectors from 18 countries. (@ChaudhryMAli88) Saudi Aramco, the world's largest oil company, plans to invest about $200 billion in the petrochemical sector within the next 10 years, the firm's CEO, Amin Nasser, said Friday. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 09th November, 2018) Saudi Aramco, the world 's largest oil company , plans to invest about $200 billion in the petrochemical sector within the next 10 years, the firm's CEO, Amin Nasser, said Friday. "Our actions will include purchases, which we are planning with SABIC [Saudi petrochemical manufacturing company]. In this segment [of trade], we are talking about investments of $200 billion for the next 10 years. But this will only happen if we develop the industry together," Nasser said at the meeting with Victor Sadovnichy, the head of Moscow State University. Nasser added that Saudi Aramco was looking for opportunities to use their resources not only in transport and energy but also in other sectors, including petrochemicals. Earlier in the day, Moscow State University and Saudi Aramco signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of research and on the establishment of a joint research center at the university. Board of Intermediate Education (BIEK) Karachi will declare the results of the annual examinations-2018 of Arts Group (Regular) on Saturday at 2:00 p.m at a ceremony to be held at the board office's conference room. KARACHI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Nov, 2018 ) :Board of Intermediate education (BIEK) Karachi will declare the results of the annual examinations-2018 of Arts Group (Regular) on Saturday at 2:00 p.m at a ceremony to be held at the board office's conference room. On this occasion, the position winning students will be given awards and cash prizes to appreciate and encourage them and also other students appearing in the board examinations in coming years, said BIEK release on Friday. The candidates can learn about their results through SMS by writing BIEK and their roll number after giving space. Then, they should send the message on 8583. They will get the result instantly. Besides, the results will also be uploaded on the board's website(www.biek.edu.pk). Mohammed Ahmed bin Abdul Aziz Al Shehhi, Undersecretary for Economic Affairs in the Ministry of Economy, has discussed with Viljar Lubi Deputy Secretary-General for Economic Development at the Estonian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, means of boosting economic relations between the two countries. DUBAI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 09th Nov, 2018) Mohammed Ahmed bin Abdul Aziz Al Shehhi, Undersecretary for Economic Affairs in the Ministry of Economy, has discussed with Viljar Lubi Deputy Secretary-General for Economic Development at the Estonian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, means of boosting economic relations between the two countries. During the meeting, which took place at the headquarters of the Ministry of Economy in Dubai, the two sides reviewed ways to further develop trade and investment cooperation and exchanging expertise in various economic fields of common interest, especially modern technology, information and communication technology. The meeting also touched on the possibility of developing channels of partnership in a number of priority sectors in the future development agenda of the two countries, including advanced industries, clean and renewable energy, civil aviation, logistics, education, health care and tourism. Al Shehhi briefed the Estonian official on the future developments of the investment climate in the country, especially after the issuance of the new Foreign Direct Investment Law, which is considered a qualitative leap in attracting trade and economic partnerships to the UAE, including investment companies and business community in Estonia. For his part, the Estonian official highlighted his country's interest in strengthening economic relations with the UAE, developing trade and investment cooperation frameworks and enhancing the presence of Estonian companies in the UAE's markets. (@ChaudhryMAli88) The UAE Embassy in Sweden has organised a forum on ways to promote direct foreign investment in the UAE. STOCKHOLM, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 10th Nov, 2018) The UAE Embassy in Sweden has organised a forum on ways to promote direct foreign investment in the UAE. The forum announced the establishment of the UAE-Sweden business Council. In his speech, Sultan Rashid Sultan Al Kaitoob, UAE Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden hailed the efforts exerted to establish the Council which will focus on building partnerships and distinguished relations between the two sides. A number of ministers, parliamentarians and members of the Expo 2020 committee in Sweden attended the event. The Yemeni Joint Resistance forces on Friday took full control of the May 22 Hospital, in Western suburbs of Hodeidah in Yemen, amid a major collapses in Houthi militia's defences. (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 10th Nov, 2018) HODEIDAH, The Yemeni Joint Resistance forces on Friday took full control of the May 22 Hospital, in Western suburbs of Hodeidah in Yemen, amid a major collapses in Houthi militia's defences. The Yemeni Resistance forces managed to kill and capture dozens of Houthi fighters who lost their strategic positions within the city of Hodeidah. The Yemeni Joint Resistance forces took full control of new strategic areas in the Western parts of Hodeidah, in addition to the Yemen mobile roundabout, the Red Sea silos and mills and the Faculty of Engineering, while continuing their advance towards As-Saleh city, in the Eastern part of Hodeidah. Meanwhile, the Resistance engineering teams seized and dismantled Iranian made mines and booby traps the Houthi militia elements were planning to use in a desperate attempt o slow the advancing resistance forces. Earlier, the Houthi militias raided the May 22 Hospital and turned it into a military barracks, using patients and medical staff as human shields in a serious violation of the international laws. (@ChaudhryMAli88) The 141st birth anniversary of poet, philosopher Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal was celebrated across the country on Friday with national zeal and enthusiasm.Special prayers were offered in mosques countrywide for development, prosperity of the country from early in the morning. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Nov, 2018 ) :The 141st birth anniversary of poet, philosopher Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal was celebrated across the country on Friday with national zeal and enthusiasm.Special prayers were offered in mosques countrywide for development, prosperity of the country from early in the morning. People paid tributes to Allama Iqbal, who conceived the idea of Pakistan to get a separate homeland in Muslim majority areas of elsewhere Hindustan. The services of a multi-dimensional personality; philosopher, Ideologist and social activist were also admired for his unmatched literary services and character building of the entire Muslim Ummah. Special programmes were arranged by different literary, political, social, educational and cultural organizations to pay homage to poet philosopher besides highlighting different aspects of his poetry and message conveyed of the legendary leader. Kalam-e-Iqbal contest, speech competitions, seminars, symposiums that covered all the aspects of his life and philosophy, were held in different educational institutes including schools, colleges and universities where speakers threw lights on different aspects of his life and poetry work. His best literary work includes Asrar-e-Khudi, Payam- i-Mashriq, Bang-i-Dara, Bal-i-Jibril, Zarb-i-Kalim and Armughan-e-Hijaz. A graceful change of guards ceremony was held at Mazar-e-Iqbal in Lahore Friday morning. A contingent of Pakistan Navy took guards duties from Punjab Rangers. Station Commander Lahore Commodore Niamatullah laid floral wreath on Allama Iqbal's grave and offered fateha. Born in Sialkot on November 9, 1877, Dr Allama Iqbal had foreseen that only solution of problems being faced by the Muslims in the subcontinent was a separate homeland. Allama Iqbal is officially recognized as national poet of Pakistan and known as Muffakir-e-Pakistan, Shair-e-Mashriq and Hakeem-ul-Ummat. President Dr. Arif Alvi in his Iqbal Day message urged the need of understanding the message of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, a great philosopher and poet of the East, and reverting his teachings and philosophy to tackle the multifaceted challenges faced by the country. Prime Minister, Imran Khan in his Iqbal day message said the whole nation and Islamic Ummah pay tributes to the Poet of the East Allama Muhammad Iqbal on his birth anniversary. Senators paid tributes to poet philosopher Allama Muhammad Iqbal on his birth anniversary and stressed that steps should be taken to impart the message of the Poet of the East to the new generation. Chairman Senate, Sadiq Sanjrani in his ruling stated that the government should declare birth anniversary of Allama Iqbal as a national holiday. Speakers at a function held here on Friday at Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) paid tributes to Dr Muhammad Iqbal on his 141st birth anniversary, urging the youth to follow his footprints for a better life. Twitter, Facebook and Whatsapp were the most prominent social sites where this great scholar remained center of discussion and eulogized for his two-nation-theory, especially in comparison of present hardships being faced by the Indian Muslims. Punjab Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar visited the mausoleum of of the Poet of the East Allama Dr Muhammad Iqbal and laid a wreath at the grave. He offered Fateha and prayed for solidarity, security, progress and prosperity of the country. He also documented his impressions in the visitor's book. (@ChaudhryMAli88) The 141st birth anniversary of Allama Muhammad Iqbal was celebrated with due reverence here on Friday at the birthplace of national poet who dreamt of a separate homeland for Muslims of the Sub-continent. SIALKOT, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Nov, 2018 ) -:The 141st birth anniversary of Allama Muhammad Iqbal was celebrated with due reverence here on Friday at the birthplace of national poet who dreamt of a separate homeland for Muslims of the Sub-continent. A special cake cutting ceremony was held at Iqbal Manzil under the auspices of Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) to mark the birth anniversary of Dr Iqbal. The ceremony was attended by students, journalists, teachers, writers, lawyers and members of business community. Addressing the function, SCCI President Khawaja Masood Akhtar said that it was Allama Iqbal who dreamt of and envisioned the idea of a separate state for the Muslims of Sub-continent which ultimately led to the creation of Pakistan. "We can overcome our multifarious problems and difficulties by following the thoughts,ideas of Dr Iqbal and make Pakistan stronger and more prosperous", he said. He urged the teachers to concentrate on promoting the message of Iqbal given by him in his poetry and writings.People belonging to different walks of life attended the ceremony. The day dawned with special prayers for solidarity and prosperity of the country in major mosques of the district. The daylong programmes included a special function held at Scotch Mission Vernacular school the Alma Mater of Allama Iqbal.The institute was established in 1857 and Allama Iqbal had passed his Anglo Vernacular middle examination from this institute. Several literary, cultural and trade organisations on behalf of the citizens laid floral wreaths at the graves of Iqbal's parents and offered Fateha. People belonging to various walks of life including students of various educational institutions visited Iqbal Manzil for paying homage to Allama Muhammad Iqbal. Some rare photographs and a number of books written on Iqbal by various authors were also exhibited at Iqbal Manzil.This historic edifice in Sialkot was decorated with attractive lights and huge portraits of Dr Iqbal. A procession was taken from Iqbal Manzil to the graves of Iqbal's mother and father which was attended by representatives of civil society, journalists, government officers, businessmen, traders, educationists and a number of citizens. LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Nov, 2018 ) :The 141st birth anniversary of the national poet, philosopher Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal was celebrated in provincial capital on Friday with national zeal, fervour and enthusiasm. The day began with special prayers for peace and prosperity of the country followed by cultural, educational and literary programmes held in the city to pay homage to the great poet who envisioned the idea of a separate homeland for the Muslims of the subcontinent. The main event was held at Mazar-i-Iqbal where a graceful change of guard ceremony was held and a Pakistan Navy contingent assumed guard duty. The ceremonial guard mounting was followed by floral wreath laying at the Mazar of Allama Iqbal by Station Commander (Navy), Lahore Commodore Naimatullah on behalf of Chief of the Naval Staff, officers, sailors and civilians of Pakistan Navy. Later, Station Commander offered Fateha and recorded his impression in the visitor's book. Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar visited the mausoleum of poet of the East Allama Dr Muhammad Iqbal and laid the floral wreath at the grave of the great thinker and philosopher. He offered Fateha and prayed for the prosperity and solidarity of the country. Later, he also recorded his impression in the visitor's book and paid rich tributes to the services of Dr Muhammad Iqbal. The Punjab Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar also visited the mausoleum of the great poet. The governor said in his remarks that the ideas of Qauid-i-Azam Muhamamd Ali Jinnah and philosophy of Allama Iqbal were the basis of political vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan. He said: "We, as a nation, may maintain our individuality among the comity of nations and restore our lost glory if we act upon Allama Iqbal's poetry and apply it to our lives." Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Fayaz ul Hassan Chohan while addressing a special function held to commemorate the birth anniversary of Allama Iqbal at Alhamra said that Prime Minister Imran Khan had instructed to commemorate the birth anniversary of Iqbal in the light of his philosophy of Self and 'Ishq-e-Rasool (PBUH)'. He said, "Prime Minister is an embodiment of poet of the East Allama Dr Muahammad Iqbal's concept of Shaheen". Throughout the day number of events were held in different educational institutes to celebrate the day in befitting manner by projecting Iqbal's vision and his important role for the creation of Pakistan. Students with great passion took part in speech and painting competitions held to pay homage to the great poet. Chairman board of Governors (BoG) Lahore Arts Council (LAC) Tauqir Nasir while chairing a meeting held in connection with the birth anniversary of Allama Iqbal said that the Council was dedicated for dissemination of the message of Dr Allama Muhammed Iqbal to the future generations. Justice (retd) Nasira Javed Iqbal in a special event organized by the Punjab Police Integrated Command Control and Communication Center, to pay homage to Allama Muhammad Iqbal said the philosopher father of Pakistan infused the Muslims of subcontinent with the passion to acquire freedom and independence. She said, "if we want our coming generations to attain ascendancy in the comity of nations, the country's youth must focus on acquisition of knowledge and passion for domination to take Pakistan to the heights". She also highlighted Iqbal's philosophy of upright self-consciousness and individual identity vis--vis societal roles and responsibilities to attain grandeur as a focused nation-state. The event was graced by the sage's daughter-in-law Justice (R) Nasira Javed Iqbal who was greeted and attended by PSCA top operations command, COO Akbar Nasir Khan and CAO Muhammad Kamran Khan. The Punjab Safe Cities Authority management also paid homage to the great poet of the East in the most befitting manner. PSCA Chief Operating Officer Akbar Nasir Khan said, "it is important to remember the services of our national heroes in the creation of Pakistan". The Police Communication Officers made the event more colourful by sharing their thoughts and reciting favouriteverses from the poetry of Iqbal. Foreign Office Spokesperson Dr Muhammad Faisal Thursday, while rejecting the speculations about Asiya Bibi's leaving Pakistan, said she was in Pakistan and at a safe place. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Nov, 2018 ) :Foreign Office Spokesperson Dr Muhammad Faisal Thursday, while rejecting the speculations about Asiya Bibi's leaving Pakistan, said she was in Pakistan and at a safe place. "Let me state clearly that Asiya Bibi remains at a safe place in Pakistan," he remarked in a weekly press briefing here and requested the media to confirm the authenticity of the news on such a sensitive issue as any misleading news item might result in unwanted situation. "I would also request all of you to verify such news before issuing them, in line with standards of objective, impartial journalism to prevent needless sensationalism and controversy," the spokespersons said and urged media houses to confirm and reconfirm any news item with him especially those having national implications, before publication or dissemination. However, he regretted to comment on whether Asiya Bibi's lawyer Saiful Muluk had left Pakistan, following any intervention of the European Union and the United Nations. To a question, the spokesperson clarified that Dr Afia Siddiqui's case stayed important. The issue was taken up with the American side very effectively during the recent visit of Ambassador Alice G. Wells. Dr Aafia issue was very sensitive and Pakistan was treading very carefully in the matter. Briefing media about the recent five-day visit of Prime Minister Imran Khan to China, the spokesperson said he had held talks with Li Keqiang, Premier, and met with Li Zhanshu, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, and Wang Qishan, Vice President of China respectively. He said the meetings were marked by traditional warmth, mutual understanding and trust, and the leaders of the two countries had an in-depth exchange of views on bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest. Regarding the situation in Indian occupied Kashmir (IoK), the spokesperson said Indian occupation forces, during the so-called search and cordon operations martyred 19 Kashmiri people including mentally challenged Rayees Ahmad Wani in various areas of the territory. He also strongly condemned the horrific killing of innocent Kashmiris at the hands of Indian occupation forces. He said the report of the UK Parliament's All Party Parliamentary Group on Kashmir (APPKG), on the human rights situation in Jammu and Kashmir coming on the footsteps of the OHCHR report is an important milestone validating Pakistan's position about the Indian atrocities in IoK. The report also recommends an urgent investigation into the identities of bodies in mass and unmarked graves with independent forensic verification, ban of pellet guns, for the opening of IoK prisons to international inspection. He said these reports should serve as a wake up call for India and make it face the reality of its failure to suppress the indigenous legitimate Kashmiris struggle for the right to self determination in line with the UNSC resolutions. The spokesperson also apprised media about the recent visits of a high-level UAE delegation, foreign minister's informal discussion with envoys from D-8 member countries, the visits of Iranian Foreign Minister Dr Javad Zarif, Ambassador Alice Wells, Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan Abdul Aziz Kamilov, Governor of Osaka. He told media that Pakistan won a four year term (2018-2022) for the Administrative Council of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) during elections held in Dubai, UAE on November 5. Moreover, he said the United Nations would posthumously award late Asma Jahangir with the Human Rights Award 2018 on December 10 to recognize her achievements in the field of human rights. To a question on the stranded Zaireen in Iraq who had missed their flight, the spokesperson said with the intensive efforts of Pakistan embassy, 69 Zaireen were put on the next available flight while five had been put on a flight which left early morning on the day (Thursday). The embassy was also looking after the remaining 46 Zaireen and making all out efforts to facilitate their return, he added. Responding to a question, the Dr Faisal said Pakistan had always raised its concerns regarding the worsening security situation in Afghanistan, as it was directly affected by this situation. Asked about the planned trilateral meeting of Pakistani, Chinese and Afghan Foreign Ministers in Kabul, he expected that the meeting could be a step towards lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan. Regarding Indian connectivity projects with Central Asia, the spokesperson said Pakistan's efforts at connectivity were not directed at countering Indian influence but aim at creating an environment conducive to enhancing trade and people to people contacts within the region. To a question, he said Mullah Baradar's release was facilitated by Pakistan at the US request in order to move forward on the shared objective of pursuing a political settlement in Afghanistan. Regarding US sanctions on Iran, the spokesperson said the US had granted concessions to eight different countries who were major importers of oil from Iran including India. Pakistan's import of oil from Iran was quite limited at present. Exports from Pakistan to Iran mainly consisted of food items, textiles etc. which were not affected by the sanctions. Asked about the number of Pakistani inmates Guantanamo Bay, he said as per the information available with the Foreign Office, there were five inmates of Pakistani origin currently detained at the Guantanamo Bay. These include Saifullah Paracha, Majid Khan, Abdul Rabbani, Mohammad Ghulam Rabbani and Ammar Al- Baluchi. (@FahadShabbir) LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Nov, 2018 ) :Governor Punjab Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar here on Thursday called upon the affluent, philanthropists and the private sector to install water filtraton plants to save human lives from fatal diseases. Speaking after installation of two water filtration plants in Shahdra established by the Sarwar Foundation, he said, "We owe healthy atmosphere and safe future to the future generations," adding that millions of children died every year due to absence of clean drinking water in the province. The Governor said the Punjab government had been introducing measures to ensure provision of clean drinking water to the masses in the province. He said he was also working in his personal capacity to provide clean drinking water in different areas of the province. Sarwar said healthy upbringing of the new-born was an important duty, adding that many children died during infancy due to lack of clean water. He said the private sector would have to come forward and play its role in the provision of clean water through installation of water plants. Later, the Punjab Governor visited a private school in Shahdrah and planted a sapling in the school courtyard as part of Prime Minister's national campaign for a Greener Pakistan. Ch Sarwar also invited students from the KPS Cadet School to visit Punjab Governor's House. One tribesman was killed and three others injured when a remote control bomb went off in North Waziristan tribal district on Friday. PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Nov, 2018 ) :One tribesman was killed and three others injured when a remote control bomb went off in North Waziristan tribal district on Friday. An official of district administration North Waziristan told APP that the bomb was planted in a motorcycle that was detonated with remote control device at Edik area. The injured were shifted tohospital. The Khasadar force rushed to the spot and started investigation. (@ChaudhryMAli88) The affectees of PHA Maymar Joint Venture Project Karachi were handed over cheques amounting to Rs 37.328 million after completion of successful investigation by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) here on Friday. KARACHI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Nov, 2018 ) :The affectees of PHA Maymar Joint Venture Project Karachi were handed over cheques amounting to Rs 37.328 million after completion of successful investigation by the National Accountability Bureau NAB ) here on Friday. The cheques were distributed by Director General NAB Karachi Brig (R) Farooq Nasar Awan accompanied with Founder Chief C.P.L.C Jameel Yusuf, in a ceremony held at the office of NAB Karachi, said a statement issued by NAB Karachi. The inquiry against PHA Maymar on the allegations of cheating public at large was conducted by NAB Karachi. The company looted the life savings of general public by a way of non-completion of project / flats. The management of the company despite collection of hefty amounts from the general public failed to handover the flats/plots to real affectees/allottees of the project. Brig. (R) Farooq Nasar Awan while talking to affectees said under the leadership of Chairman NAB Jawed Iqbal with his vision of "Accountability for All and Zero tolerance against corruption", NAB is striving hard to take culprits to task without discrimination and recover maximum looted assets of the affectees as well as of the Federal and provincial governments. (@ChaudhryMAli88) Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) hosted IAEA international workshop on quality and safety practices of radiography in supporting of "Quality Control and Quality Management Programme" at Atomic Energy Cancer Hospital (AECH) NORI, Islamabad. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Nov, 2018 ) : Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) hosted IAEA international workshop on quality and safety practices of radiography in supporting of "Quality Control and Quality Management Programme" at Atomic Energy Cancer Hospital (AECH) NORI, Islamabad The workshop was attended by 34 participants including foreign participants from 10 countries from IAEA member states, a press release said. Technical experts from International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) participated in the workshop to share their expertise and knowledge. The closing ceremony of the workshop was held on Friday. Chairman PAEC, Muhammad Naeem was the chief guest in the ceremony. Chairman said in his address that PAEC is pleased to host this workshop and midterm review meeting of IAEA projects. The five days workshop must have acquainted the participants about the safe and quality practices in the area of radiology. "We hope that participants had a better understanding of the importance of safety culture in patient management," he said. Muhammad Naeem informed the audience that PAEC is working in diverse applicants of nuclear technology in the field like energy, human health, agriculture, industrial research and developments etc. Utilization of nuclear technology in the last 60 years has played significant role in socio economic uplift of the country. PAEC has established 18 cancer hospitals across the country to alleviate the miseries of poor cancer patients. In the end, he thanked IAEA representative Abdul Ghani Shakh as hero for his contribution in the implementation of various TC projects. He also thanked IAEA experts Keith Faulkner from UK and Dr. Pongnapang Napapong from Thailand for coming to Pakistan. He also appreciates Director AECH, NORI, Dr Faheem and Dr Shazia Fatima for their efforts and hard work to host this workshop. ISLAMABAD, Nov 9 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Nov, 2018 ) :Pakistan on Friday reiterated that only a political settlement, fully cognizant of and responsive to the hard core socio-cultural, political and economic realities of Afghanistan, can restore peace in the country. The reiteration from Pakistan came during the Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan held in Moscow. Pakistan delegation was led by Additional Secretary (Afghanistan and West Asia) Muhemmed Aejaz, a Foreign Office statement issued here said. Senior officials from China, Iran and Central Asian Republics also participated in the meeting, which was first of the Moscow Format with participation of Afghan High Peace Council representatives and Afghan Taliban delegation from its Qatar political office. India and the United States were present in the meeting as observers. At the meeting, Pakistan delegation also underscored that all stakeholders had shared responsibility to help create favorable conditions for a result oriented peace process as there was no military solution to the Afghan issue. Pakistan delegation highlighted the brotherly sentiments of the people of Pakistan for their brothers and sisters in Afghanistan. Pakistan's positive approach and consistent efforts to promote peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan through initiatives acceptable to the entire Afghan nation and the futility of military intensive approach which had resulted in colossal human losses and compounded miseries of the people of Afghanistan was particularly highlighted Pakistan delegation noted that the phrase "Afghan-owned, Afghan-led" peace process, coined by Pakistan several years ago, had now been adopted as an international guiding principle in charting the collective way forward to achieving peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan. It also signified Pakistan's respect for Afghan sovereignty and the desire to empowering the Afghan nation to take its destiny in its own hands. Moscow Format was initiated in December 2016. Its membership gradually increased to eleven last year. It signifies a growing consensus among regional countries for jointly promoting peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan. It offers an opportunity to participants to exchange views on the prevailing situation in Afghanistan and its implications for the region, in particular for countries bordering Afghanistan.The participants of today's meeting candidly expressed their views about deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan and the threat it posed to the neighboring countries, which have been most affected by the Afghan conflict. All delegations thanked the Government of the Russian Federation for its initiative and the hospitality extended. (@ChaudhryMAli88) Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) Karachi Division President and Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA- Sindh), Khurram Sher Zaman has called for the appointment of Naazir (Observer) to monitor the ongoing anti-encroachment operation in Saddar area of the city. KARACHI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Nov, 2018 ) :Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) Karachi Division President and Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA- Sindh), Khurram Sher Zaman has called for the appointment of Naazir (Observer) to monitor the ongoing anti-encroachment operation in Saddar area of the city. Addressing a press conference at Insaaf House here on Thursday, he lauded the apex court's directives for the removal of encroachments from the commercial area of the city. However, he questioned the way Mayor Karachi Wasim Akhtar was handling the operation. He said the crackdown was aimed at removing the portions of shops and signboards, which were beyond the legal limits, but every signboard and shop was facing the brunt of the action. He said the local government has been charging tax for these signboards for many decades. Answering a question, he said the PTI stood by the business community. He also said they were with the Mayor Karachi in the removal of encroachments, but, he stressed, only illegal constructions should be demolished. Later in the day, Mayor Karachi Wasim Akthar said the government did not want to deprive anyone of his livelihood, but it would not tolerate encroachments in the city. Talking to journalists outside the Empress Market, the Mayor said the Supreme Court's orders would be implemented in letter and spirit. He warned that action would be taken any resistance against the anti-encroachment action. The Mayor said rent licenses for the places given by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation were being cancelled. Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Interior Senator Rehman Malik on Thursday paid glowing tribute to the martyrs of FC Balochistan and other Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs). ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Nov, 2018 ) :Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Interior Senator Rehman Malik on Thursday paid glowing tribute to the martyrs of FC Balochistan and other Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs). Talking to media outside the Parliament House, he highly applauded their efforts in restoring peace in Balochistan province. He said that the whole nation stands by Pakistan Army in its war against terrorism and anti-state elements. Rehman Malik said that the Committee has taken notice of the on scam of hacking of banking data. He said that the Committee directed the State Bank of Pakistan and Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to submit detail report on the scam of hacking banking data within next ten days. He said that the Committee also sought report regarding jurisdiction of working of Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Metropolitan Corporation. (@rukhshanmir) The participation of a delegation from the political office of the Taliban movement in Doha in the Moscow format consultations on Afghanistan is an achievement for Russia, Additional Secretary for Afghanistan and West Asia at the Pakistani Foreign Ministry Muhemmed Aejaz said on Friday. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 09th November, 2018) The participation of a delegation from the political office of the Taliban movement in Doha in the Moscow format consultations on Afghanistan is an achievement for Russia, Additional Secretary for Afghanistan and West Asia at the Pakistani Foreign Ministry Muhemmed Aejaz said on Friday. On Friday, Moscow hosts the second round of the negotiations on Afghanistan. The talks involve the Afghan High Peace Council and, for the first time, the political office of the Taliban in Doha. Representatives from China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and the United States have also been invited to join the meeting. "I think it's an achievement for Moscow, for the Russian Federation. They must be congratulated for that. It's an unprecedented thing, it's the first time I think, so that makes itself a hallmark of this meeting," Aejaz told journalists on the sidelines of the Moscow format consultations. He pointed out that the Taliban's participation in the new round of talks was important as it provided the parties with an opportunity to establish direct contact with the Islamist movement. "So it's a very welcome development that they [Taliban] are here and we can talk directly," Aejaz added. The first round of consultations took place in mid-April last year, and was attended by deputy foreign ministers and special representatives of 11 countries interested in achieving peace in Afghanistan. (@FahadShabbir) Senate Standing Committee on Water Resources Friday informed that work on the Naulong dam in district Jhal Magsi Balochistn will be started in two months. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Nov, 2018 ) : Senate Standing Committee on Water Resources Friday informed that work on the Naulong dam in district Jhal Magsi Balochistn will be started in two months. The official of ministry of Water Resources and irrigation department of Balochistan province had given assurance to the committee that work on the project will be started within next 45 days after completing procedural process. The committee was informed that feasibility study and detailed design of the project had also been completed. According to irrigation department of Balochisan, total cost of the projects is about Rs 23 billion and it will be completed within three years after the start of work. The committee was informed that the dam had the capacity to store about 242,163 acre feet of water. The dam would also generate about 4.4 mw electricity. The official of the irrigation department informed the committee that Asian Development Bank is ready to finance the project. The committee was presided over by Senator Shammim Afradi. American and Chinese researchers developed a heat-rejecting film that could reflect 70 percent of the sun's incoming heat in a building's windows. WASHINGTON, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Nov, 2018 ) :American and Chinese researchers developed a heat-rejecting film that could reflect 70 percent of the sun's incoming heat in a building's windows. The study published on Thursday in the journal Joule described the material that remained highly transparent below 32 degrees Celsius and could act as an "autonomous system" to reject heat above that temperature. If every exterior-facing window in a building were covered in this film, the building's air conditioning and energy costs could drop by 10 percent, according to researchers from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the University of Hong Kong. The film is embedded with tiny micro-particles, made from a type of phase-changing material that shrinks when exposed to high temperature, turning into a more translucent or frosted look. It can cool a building while still letting in a good amount of light, offering an affordable and energy-efficient alternative to existing smart window technologies, according to Nicholas Fang, a professor of mechanical engineering at MIT. The researchers created a 12-by-12 inch film-coated window. The window turned frosty in response to heat from a solar simulator. They measured the solar irradiance transmitted through the other side of the window, and found the film was able to reject 70 percent of the heat produced by the lamp. They also lined a small chamber with the film and measured the temperature inside. Without the film, the inner temperature heated to about 39 degrees Celsius, while with the film the inner chamber stayed at a more tolerable 34 degrees. "That's a big difference," said Fang. "You could make a big distinction in comfort." Australian Major General Cheryl Pearce has been appointed commander of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), said a UN statement issued in Nicosia late Thursday. NICOSIA, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Nov, 2018 ) :Australian Major General Cheryl Pearce has been appointed commander of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), said a UN statement issued in Nicosia late Thursday. Major Pearce succeeded Major General Mohammad Humayun Kabir of Bangladesh, whose assignment ended on Oct. 6. She is the second woman appointed to command UNFICYP, one of the oldest UN peacekeeping forces established in 1964. The first UNFICYP woman commander was Major General Kristin Lund of Norway, who was appointed to lead the force in 2014. Pearce was the commander of the Australian Joint Task Force Group in Afghanistan in 2016, providing training, advice and assistance to the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces as part of NATO's Resolute Support Mission. She also served as the Australian Army's Provost-Marshal and a military observer with the UN Mission of Support in East Timor in 2002. The Bulgarian authorities have detained a Russian citizen for up to 60 days at the request by Washington over his suspected involvement in cyber-fraud, the man will be later extradited to the United States, the Bulgarian prosecutor's office said in a statement posted on its website on Friday. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 09th November, 2018) The Bulgarian authorities have detained a Russian citizen for up to 60 days at the request by Washington over his suspected involvement in cyber-fraud, the man will be later extradited to the United States , the Bulgarian prosecutor's office said in a statement posted on its website on Friday. "On November 8, 2018, the Regional Court of Varna approved the request of the prosecutor's office for a temporary detention of Russian citizen Alexander Zh. for up to 60 days, followed by his extradition to the US," the statement said. According to the statement, the arrest warrant for the 38-year-old Russian national was previously issued by a New York court in connection with an investigation into a case of online fraud with estimated damages of almost $7 million. The 2017-2018 season, driven by brisk sales to China, an industry group said Thursday SANTIAGO, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Nov, 2018 ) :Chile exported a record 2,781,092 tons of fruit in the 2017-2018 season, driven by brisk sales to China, an industry group said Thursday. According to a report from Chile's Fruit Exporters Association (Asoex), the record marked a 6.7-percent increase over the previous season. Asoex President Ronald Bown said booming exports to Asia, especially China, is a major reason for the record figure. During the 2017-2018 season, Asia was the fastest growing market for Chile's fruit exporters, up 30.7 percent. This increase underlines the great interest the fruit export sector has for the Asia-Pacific markets, said Bown, adding that he believes in the near future, "Asia, especially China, will be the leading market for Chilean fruit exports. " Sales of cherries and cranberries to Asia led the rise in export volume, with cherry sales jumping 96 percent, making cherry Chile's third-leading export fruit. More than 90 percent of the cherry exports were shipped to China. Although sales to North America dipped 2.6 percent, the North American market, made up of the United States and Canada, was still the top destination for Chilean fruit exports (32 percent of the total), followed by China, Holland, Britain and Colombia. "Our objective is to have more people around the world consume Chilean fruit," Bown said. Germany returned cultural property illegally brought into the country from Iraq in 2015 and 2016, but there have not been instances of returning Syria's artifacts so far, a representative of German Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media Monika Grutters told Sputnik on Friday. BERLIN (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 09th November, 2018) Germany returned cultural property illegally brought into the country from Iraq in 2015 and 2016 , but there have not been instances of returning Syria 's artifacts so far, a representative of German Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media Monika Grutters told Sputnik on Friday. "In 2015 and 2016, Germany already managed to return cultural property to Iraq. No returns have been made to Syria so far. An overview of the returned cultural property from all over the world that had been exported illegally from their countries of origin can be found on the UNESCO website," the representative said. As for the Syrian artifacts, German customs follow the EU regulations that prohibit importing and exporting any cultural property from Syria where national museums, libraries and archives face a serious threat of robbery amid the ongoing war, the representative added. The head of the Syrian Directorate-General of Antiquities and Museums (DGAM), Muhammad Nazeer Awad, told Sputnik in October that it was now impossible to estimate the total value of the artifacts smuggled from Syria during the war. More than 4,500 showpieces have been stolen from a museum in the Syrian city of Raqqa alone, Awad said. Illegal antiquities trade was one of the biggest sources of revenue for the Islamic State terror group (outlawed in Russia) when it was active across Syria and Iraq. (@ChaudhryMAli88) Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said on Friday that Vienna's suspicions that a retired Austrian colonel had spied for Russia were likely to be confirmed. VIENNA (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 09th November, 2018) Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said on Friday that Vienna's suspicions that a retired Austrian colonel had spied for Russia were likely to be confirmed. The Kronen Zeitung media outlet has previously reported that a former colonel of Austrian Armed Forces had been detained on suspicion of conducting espionage in favor of Russia for 20 years. Earlier in the day, Kurz confirmed that a retired Austrian colonel was suspected of espionage for Russia. "At the moment, this is a suspicion, it must be investigated and established whether it could be confirmed or not. But given information that we have, as well as taking into account recent events, for example, in the Netherlands, we can at the moment assume that the suspicion will be confirmed," Kurz told reporters. (@ChaudhryMAli88) United Nations, United States, Nov 9 (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Nov, 2018 ) :A national conference will be held in Libya in the first weeks of 2019 to push for elections that could take place next year, the UN envoy told the Security Council on Thursday. UN envoy Ghassan Salame said the conference will provide "a platform" for Libyans to spell out their vision for the future and "no longer be ignored" by those in power in the divided country. Elections in Libya are meant to turn the page on years of chaos following the 2011 overthrow of Moamer Kadhafi that has seen a bitter rivalry emerge between two governments scrambling for control of the north African country's oil wealth. A French-backed plan to hold elections on December 10 fell apart in September when the United States, Russia and other powers at the Security Council refused to back the timetable. Speaking to the council by video conference from Tripoli, Salame said the national conference, which has been under discussion since last year, had been delayed because of ongoing fighting and political divisions. "Now, conditions are more propitious," he said. "The national conference is to be held in the first weeks of 2019. The subsequent electoral process should commence in the spring of 2019." The envoy quoted a poll showing that 80 percent of Libyans insist on having elections and stressed that international support for the conference was crucial. The decision to move ahead with the national conference came ahead of Italian-hosted talks in Sicily next week intended to shore up efforts to bring stability to Libya. World powers and Arab countries have backed rival groups in the battle for influence in Libya, hindering progress toward a common approach. In an interview with AFP, the head of Libya's UN-backed government, Fayez al-Sarraj, appealed for a "common vision" and an end to "negative interventions by some countries."Libya produces 1.3 million barrels of oil per day, generating $13 billion in revenue in just the first half of this year for the country of 6.5 million people. But Salame said Libyans have been increasingly impoverished while billions are being stolen from national coffers. Moldova is discussing with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) the possibility of holding joint drills in the republic, Moldovan Defense Minister Eugen Sturza said on Friday. CHISINAU (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 09th November, 2018) Moldova is discussing with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization ( NATO ) the possibility of holding joint drills in the republic, Moldovan Defense Minister Eugen Sturza said on Friday. "We are discussing with the NATO colleagues the possibility of holding joint drills on the territory of Moldova. There have been no such drills in the republic since 2004 and that will be a significant move," Sturza told the Publika tv broadcaster. The defense minister pointed out that the neutral status of Moldova was not an obstacle for conducting joint drills with foreign partners. He added that the drills could be held at the Bulboaca range. Moldova is a neutral country but the country joined the NATO Partnership for Peace (PfP) program in 1994. NATO opened a civilian Liaison Office in Chisinau at the Moldovan request in 2017. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 10th November, 2018) Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Ukrainian counterpart Petro Poroshenko are not planning any bilaterals in Paris this weekend, media reported Friday. A diplomatic source told a Ukrainian newspaper, the Ukrayinska Pravda, the leaders would likely attend the same events in Paris as it marks 100 years since the end of World War One. Over 60 heads of state and government will gather in Paris on Sunday for a military parade and a peace forum organized by French President Emmanuel Macron. Vladimir Putin is expected to attend both the war commemorations and the Paris forum. Poroshenko's office said the leader would go to Paris on a two-day working visit. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump will see the parade but skip the forum. (@FahadShabbir) A Palestinian shot last month during protests on the Israel-Gaza border has succumbed to his wounds, the health ministry in the Gaza Strip said on Thursday. Gaza City, Palestinian Territories, Nov 8 (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Nov, 2018 ) :A Palestinian shot last month during protests on the Israel-Gaza border has succumbed to his wounds, the health ministry in the Gaza Strip said on Thursday. Ahmad al-Najar, 21, was shot by Israeli fire east of Khan Yunis and was later transferred to the occupied West Bank for treatment, a health ministry spokesman said in a statement. He died on Wednesday, the spokesman added. At least 219 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since months of often violent border protests began in March, according to an AFP tally. WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 09th November, 2018) US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura in a phone conversation discussed the importance of allowing humanitarian groups full access to deliver aid in Syria, State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said in a press release. The US-led Coalition in a press release on Thursday said UN aid workers successfully delivered aid to the Rukban refugee camp in southern Syria for the first time since January. "Pompeo and the Special Envoy also discussed ongoing needs for unhindered humanitarian access and the need to end ongoing violence," Nauert said on Thursday. United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in the middle East and North Africa Bureau Director Amin Awad told Sputnik earlier on Thursday that the situation in Syria's Rukban refugee camp has become "horrible" after several years without sufficient aid. Awad did say that the conditions appear very good on the Syria-Jordan border and hopes refugees can begin crossing it soon. The Nassib checkpoint on the Syrian-Jordanian border was reopened in October for civilians and transit transport, an official told Sputnik. De Mistura announced in October that he would leave the special envoy post at the end of November due to personal reasons. The diplomat has been working as the special envoy for the crisis-torn country since 2014. The return of South Sudan's opposition leader, Riek Machar, from exile will help stabilize the security and political situation in the country, devastated by a five-year long civil war, South Sudan's ambassador to Russia, Chol Tong Mayay, told Sputnik on Thursday. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 08th November, 2018) The return of South Sudan's opposition leader, Riek Machar, from exile will help stabilize the security and political situation in the country, devastated by a five-year long civil war, South Sudan's ambassador to Russia, Chol Tong Mayay, told Sputnik on Thursday. The conflict, estimated to have left nearly 400,000 dead, began in 2013 as South Sudan's President Salva Kiir dismissed Machar as his deputy, suspecting him of plotting a coup. Last week, Machar, who fled the country more than two years ago, returned to the capital of Juba for a peace celebration. "So the return [of Machar] will build confidence among the communities and it will stabilize the security and political situation in the country. Now the government will be able to deliver the basic services to the people and developmental projects will start," Mayay said. The ambassador added that the people's trust in the government would start increasing again. "I think it is a really big achievement and people are really hopeful that this time round there will be peace," Mayay said. Under the peace deal, signed by Machar and Kiir in Ethiopia in September, the opposition leader will return to his former role of the vice president. The agreement aims to include numerous conflicting factions in the government. (@rukhshanmir) WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 09th November, 2018) The situation in Syria's Rukban refugee camp has become "horrible" after several years without sufficient aid, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in the middle East and North Africa Bureau Director Amin Awad told Sputnik. "We just had a mission into Rukban; it was a horrible situation," Awad said on Thursday after UN humanitarian workers delivered aid to the camp for the first time since January. "People did not receive aid for the last four years. I mean receive aid in substantive manner. Of course, they were receiving cross-border aid from Jordan but it wasn't enough." The US-led Coalition Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve said in a press release on Thursday that humanitarian workers from the United Nations had successfully delivered the first shipment of aid to the Rukban refugee camp in southern Syria since January. The Russian Defense Ministry's Center for Syrian Reconciliation said on Saturday that Russian military police had ensured the safety of the UN humanitarian convoy as it moved from Damascus to the Rukban camp. On Friday, US Central Command alleged that Russia had refused to support the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the encampment. Awad said the delivery of badly needed aid was only the first step toward a more permanent solution. "I think the problem of Rukban today is not to continue to give aid, it's to really liquidate the situation and send people back to their homes," Awad said. "The solution has to be found for all these people. They cannot be sitting in that place and we are providing assistance. We have to find for each group, for each person a solution." Awad said that as of now, UN humanitarian workers do not know when they will be able to send another humanitarian convoy to the camp. "I am not sure because we just finished the first convoy and it's very difficult to say when the next one is going to be," he said. Over 100 vehicles reached the camp near the Jordan border on Saturday and delivered 450 tonnes of food, medicine and other necessities. The delivery was initially scheduled to reach the camp on October 27, but was postponed over security concerns. The Rukban refugee camp, which hosts around 50,000 people, lies inside a US-controlled zone surrounding an American military base in At-Tanf, Syria. (@ChaudhryMAli88) The Russian side of the Russian-Turkish commission monitoring the implementation of the Syrian ceasefire has registered two truce breaches over the past 24 hours, while the Turkish side has not recorded any ceasefire violations, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Friday. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 09th November, 2018) The Russian side of the Russian-Turkish commission monitoring the implementation of the Syrian ceasefire has registered two truce breaches over the past 24 hours, while the Turkish side has not recorded any ceasefire violations, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Friday. "Over the last 24 hours, the Russian party of the Russia-Turkey Commission on violations of the Joint Agreement has registered two cases of firing in the provinces of Aleppo. The Turkish side has registered no cases of ceasefire violation," the ministry said in its daily bulletin. The Russian Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Sides has carried out two humanitarian actions over the given period, distributing 900 food sets to civilians in the provinces of Damascus and Homs. The number of areas that signed reconciliation agreements has remained the same and amounts to 2,518, while the number of armed formations claiming to observe the ceasefire has remained unchanged as well, standing at 234, according to the bulletin. Russia, along with Turkey and Iran, is a guarantor of the ceasefire in Syria. The Russian side also provides assistance to Damascus in the repatriation of refugees, the reconstruction of infrastructure damaged during the war and the delivery of humanitarian aid to Syrians. (@FahadShabbir) The Russian consulate in the Bulgarian resort of Varna is aware of a citizen's arrest on US wire fraud charges, a deputy consul told Sputnik. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 09th November, 2018) The Russian consulate in the Bulgarian resort of Varna is aware of a citizen's arrest on US wire fraud charges, a deputy consul told Sputnik. On Thursday, a Varna court approved the request of the prosecutor's office for a temporary detention of Russian citizen Alexander Zh. for up to 60 days, followed by his extradition to the United States. "The consulate is monitoring the situation ... We were informed [about his arrest] by his relatives but not formally," Deputy Consul Alexandra Dergachyova said. The diplomat added the detained man had not yet requested a meeting with consulate officials. He feels fine, she said, and has an attorney. The Bulgarian prosecutor's office said Friday that a New York court requested the man's extradition in connection with a probe into online fraud, with estimated damages of almost $7 million. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Friday said EU-brokered talks between Serbia and Kosovo had failed, citing Pristina's plans to create a regular army. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 09th November, 2018) Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Friday said EU-brokered talks between Serbia and Kosovo had failed, citing Pristina's plans to create a regular army. "EU efforts were obviously in vain because Pristina refuses to stick to any interim agreements reached with the EU's help," Lavrov said at a press briefing in Moscow. He cited lack of progress on EU-mediated commitment by Kosovo to establish an association of Serb-majority municipalities and steps taken by Pristina to set up an army in breach of a 1999 UN decision. "Pristina's intent to create own armed forces is a blatant violation of [UN Security Council] Resolution 1244, a move that is clearly inspired by outside forces, such as the United States," Lavrov said. Serbia has not recognized the 2008 declaration of independence by Kosovo, which it sees as its southern province. The European Union has been mediating between the two nations that both aspire to join it. Tensions rose in 2014 after Pristina said it wanted to transform its security force into a regular army, flouting the UN resolution that ordered the Kosovo armed forces to stand down after the 1999 war. South Korea said Friday it would hold another round of negotiations with the United States next week on sharing the cost of stationing American troops on the peninsula. SEOUL, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Nov, 2018 ) :South Korea said Friday it would hold another round of negotiations with the United States next week on sharing the cost of stationing American troops on the peninsula. The two sides are running out of time for an agreement. The existing accord is to expire at the end of this year. South Korean officials said they aim to strike a deal in the four-day talks to open in Honolulu, Hawaii, on November 13. It would mark the 9th round of negotiations the Special Measures Agreement (SMA). "South Korea and the U.S. plan to have in-depth consultations to coordinate their stances on the basis of what was discussed in the previous session," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. At issue is Washington's call for a sharp increase in Seoul's contribution. Washington has called for Seoul to significantly increase its contribution from the current 960 billion won (US$851 million) a year to support the stationing of the 28,500-strong U.S. Forces Korea. The U.S. wants South Korea to pay, at least partly, for the regular or emergency deployment of so-called strategic assets to Korea. The assets include advanced U.S. weapon systems, such stealth fighters, aircraft carriers and nuclear subs. Senior diplomats of the allies had four days of meetings in Seoul last month. South Korea is represented by Chang Won-sam, a career diplomat who served as ambassador to Sri Lanka, and his counterpart is Timothy Betts, deputy assistant secretary of state for plans, programs and operations. (@FahadShabbir) WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 10th November, 2018) Deputy US Assistant Secretary of State Marik String will travel to Lithuania and Bulgaria November 12-15, US Department of State spokesperson Heather Nauert said in a statement on Friday. "In Vilnius, Lithuania, String will join senior Department of State and Department of Defense officials on the US delegation to the US-Baltic Dialogue with senior government and military representatives from Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania," the statement said. Nauert explained that while in Sofia, Bulgaria, String plans to discuss military modernization plans and other security and defense trade issues with senior Bulgarian officials. Nauert added that an important role of defense trade deals within NATO is promoting modernization and enhancing the military strength of the military alliance. (@rukhshanmir) MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 10th November, 2018) The Russian Center for Reconciliation in Syria said Friday that a serviceman of the Syrian government army was killed in shelling by militants in the Aleppo province. "Over the past day militants have attacked Kudehi, Aleppo province, and western outskirts of Aleppo city. One serviceman of the Syrian Arab Republic was killed in the attack at Kudehi," the statement reads. According to the statement, the center carried out two humanitarian actions in the provinces of Damascus and Homs, delivering 900 food sets to those in need. "There was a working meeting in Hatlah, Deir ez-Zor province with representatives of local authorities and reconciliation committee. During the meeting they discussed topical issues on rehabilitation of social infrastructure," the center added. Syria has been in a state of civil war since 2011, with the government forces fighting against numerous opposition groups and militant and terrorist organizations. Russia, along with Turkey and Iran, is a guarantor of the ceasefire regime in Syria. Moscow has also been providing humanitarian aid to residents of the crisis-torn country. (@FahadShabbir) Turkey's Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Akif Ozkaldi on Friday visited Albania's capital to hold talks on cooperation for flood disaster management. BELGRADE (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Nov, 2018 ) , :Turkey's Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Akif Ozkaldi on Friday visited Albania 's capital to hold talks on cooperation for flood disaster management. Ozkaldi met representatives of Albania-Turkey Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ATTSO) in Tirana. Following the meeting, Ozkaldi told Anadolu Agency that they are visiting Albania to discuss the possible cooperation between the two countries on repetitive floods that have hit the country in the past two years. "Today, we have made an assessment with the Albanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chairman and the members in terms of investments, cooperation opportunities in Albania and the projects that we can do in the coming days," said Ozkaldi. The delegation will also meet Albanian Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Niko Peleshi to discuss issues such as water investments, flood, agriculture and forestry. Ozkaldi recalled that a research team from the ministry visited Albania in April. "They took up the issue of floods, they did a study. Today, we will make an assessment on water, agriculture and forestry in a broader perspective and hope that we will discuss what we can do about cooperation in the coming days," said Ozkaldi. Turkey will mark the 80th death anniversary of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk on November 10. ANKARA, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Nov, 2018 ) :Turkey will mark the 80th death anniversary of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk on November 10. Anitkabir, the mausoleum of the founder of Turkish Republic Mustafa Kemal Ataturk is being seen by the government prior to his death anniversary. Anitkabir, occupies an area of 750 square meters in total, 120 square meters held by the monument itself. The park that surrounds the monument is called a Peace Park in honor of Ataturk's famous expression "Peace at home, peace in the world." It contains around 50,000 decorative trees, flowers and shrubs in 104 varieties, donated from around 25 countries. Turkish people commemorate the death anniversary of their national hero, founder of the Republic of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk who passed away 80 years ago. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk died on November 10, 1938 at the age of 57. A new customs gate along the Turkish-Syrian border has been launched, Turkey's trade minister announced on Friday. ANKARA, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Nov, 2018 ) :A new customs gate along the Turkish-Syrian border has been launched, Turkey 's trade minister announced on Friday. "The Olive Branch Customs Gate crossing to northwestern Syrian city of Afrin became operational on Nov. 8," Ruhsar Pekcan said at the parliament's plan and budget commission. The new customs gate was named after Turkey's Operation Olive Branch, which was launched on Jan. 20 to free Afrin of Daesh terrorists. On March 18, Turkish troops and the Free Syrian Army liberated the Afrin district center. In April, the then Customs and Trade Minister Bulent Tufenkci said the gate will speed up the delivery of humanitarian aid to Afrin and meet the infrastructure needs of the region. Tufenkci also noted its contribution to the promotion of trade in the region. ASHGABAT (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 10th November, 2018) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will visit Turkmenistan in the near future, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said. On Thursday and Friday, Cavusoglu paid a visit to the Central Asian country during which he held talks with Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov. "I have informed [Turkmen officials] that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will visit Turkmenistan in the near future," Cavusoglu said in an interview with a Turkmen tv broadcaster in Ashgabat on Friday. According to the Turkmen Foreign Ministry, during Cavusoglu's trip, the parties discussed the importance of bilateral visits paid by the heads of state and emphasized the significance of expanding ties in trade and economy, transport, energy, culture and the humanitarian area. The Turkish Foreign Ministry, in its turn, said in a statement on Friday that during Cavusoglu's visit, Ankara and Ashgabat signed a Cooperation Program between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey for 2019-2020. (@ChaudhryMAli88) The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is extremely concerned about the recent escalation of tensions in Yemeni Al Hudaydah governorate as civilians in need are unable to leave the area due to intense fighting, UNHCR said in a statement. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 09th November, 2018) The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees UNHCR ) is extremely concerned about the recent escalation of tensions in Yemeni Al Hudaydah governorate as civilians in need are unable to leave the area due to intense fighting, UNHCR said in a statement. "UNHCR ... is extremely concerned about the recent intensification of conflict in Yemen's Al Hudaydah governorate and its impact on the civilian population as well as on humanitarian aid operations. Conflict has escalated significantly around Hudaydah City and eastern and southern areas of the Governorate. Fierce clashes, air strikes and shelling inflicted scores of civilian casualties," the statement said. According to UNHCR, local residents, who need humanitarian assistance, are unable to leave this area as they are trapped by military operations. "UNHCR is also especially concerned that fighting is blocking access to our humanitarian supplies in Hudaydah. A UNHCR warehouse stocked with emergency shelter and essential aid items for conflict affected and displaced Yemenis has been cut off by an active front line, even as the need for these items grows. UNHCR is urgently appealing to parties to the conflict to protect civilians and humanitarian personnel; and to secure humanitarian relief items stored in Al Hudaydah," UNHCR added. The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) warned that the international community would share the responsibility for the deaths and suffering of millions of people in case of failure to stop the current outbreak of hostilities. "Al Hudaydah is at risk of being obliterated. We warned the international community that an offensive on the city was coming, and it has. We warned that the violence would see another half a million people flee their homes, and it did. We are now warning that by allowing this to go on, parties to the conflict and their international backers will be responsible for the death, injury and suffering of millions of people," NRC country director in Yemen Mohamed Abdi said. The country director called the lack of action on the situation in Yemen from the United States and the United Kingdom, in particular, unconscionable. "The humanitarian cost of this war is almost $3 billion this year alone but the cost to humanity completely inestimable. Senseless attacks on civilians, evidence of a starving population and desperate pleas from humanitarian witnesses have done little more than elicit condolences from an international community that could have stepped on the brakes long ago. The lack of action from the United States and the United Kingdom, in particular, is utterly unconscionable," Abdi added. Al Hudaydah is an important entry point for food and humanitarian aid delivered to Yemen, which has particularly been affected by the conflict between the government forces - supported by a Saudi-led coalition - and the Houthi rebels. In June, the Saudi-led coalition launched an offensive on Al Hudaydah, controlled by the Houthis, claiming that the militants allegedly received money and weapons deliveries via the port. Deliveries of food and other humanitarian aid have become all the more urgent since the coalition imposed a blockade on Yemen after the former interfered in the conflict in 2015. As of the end of last year, around 14 million Yemenis face "pre-famine conditions," according to the United Nations. WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 09th November, 2018) US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad is traveling to Kabul and Doha among other stops in the region to make progress on negotiations with the Taliban, the State Department said in a press release on Thursday. "Khalilzad will travel to Afghanistan, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar with an interagency delegation from November 8-20," the release said. "He will meet with Afghan government officials and other interested parties to advance the goal of an intra-Afghan dialogue and negotiations that include the Taliban and lead to a sustainable peace. " During a similar trip last month Khalilzad urged the government of Afghanistan and the Taliban to put together authoritative negotiating teams and noted that both sides took steps in that direction, the release said. On Friday, Russia will host diplomats from more than 10 countries, including the United States, to discuss the situation in Afghanistan. A delegation representing the Taliban movement is expected to participate in such a meeting for the first time. Caracas, Nov 9 (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Nov, 2018 ) :Venezuelan authorities ordered more than 600 arrests over the last eight months for "speculation" on the Currency market, Attorney General Tarek William Saab announced Thursday. Saab told reporters in Caracas that 70 arrest warrants had been issued since August for "illegal transactions." Crisis-torn Venezuela's socialist government has cracked down heavily on perceived breaches of strict currency exchange regulations, in place since 2003. Saab said transactions were driven by "illegal" exchange houses in a dozen countries, mostly in Colombia and the United States "dedicated to attacking" the local currency, the bolivar. President Nicolas Maduro said his country -- where years of economic crisis has sparked an exodus of two million people -- was the victim of an "economic war" waged by opposition and the United States. Saab said 255 people had been brought before the courts and more than 3,000 bank accounts had been blocked. Illegal transactions were stopping up to $200 million from entering the formal economy every month, Saab said. During an audience with Mar Gewargis III, Pope Francis prays for an end to the suffering of Christians in the Middle East, and celebrates the fruits of ecumenical dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Assyrian Church of the East. By Devin Watkins Pope Francis spoke about the great suffering that many Christians are enduring in the Middle East, and prayed for peace in the region, especially in Iraq and Syria. The Pope was meeting Friday with Mar Gewargis III, the Catholicos Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East. He said many Middle Eastern Christians are following in the footsteps of Christ, as they are forced to leave their homelands to escape violence. Pope Francis noted that the Christians fleeing persecution belong to different communities. They are forging fraternal relationships among one another, he said, and thus becoming, for us, witnesses of unity. He joyfully recalled Gewargis presence at the Day of Reflection and Prayer for Peace in the Middle East, held on 7 July in the Italian city of Bari. Listen to our report Thanksgiving for theological dialogue Pope Francis then turned to relations between the Catholic Church and the Assyrian Church of the East. He said the two Churches share a particular reason for thanksgiving to God, which is the Joint Committee for Theological Dialogue. The two Churches signed a Common Statement on Sacramental Life on 24 November 2017, which set out a shared vision of sacramental theology. Pope Francis said the Committee shows that practical and disciplinary differences are not always an obstacle to unity, and that certain differences in theological expression can be considered complementary rather than conflicting. The Committee is beginning its work on the third phase of dialogue concerning ecclesiology. The Pope prayed the next stage of study will help us to take one more step on our journey towards the much-desired goal of being able to celebrate the Sacrifice of the Lord at the same altar. Pillar of Syro-Oriental tradition The Holy Father recalled the 700th anniversary of the death of Abdisho bar Berika, Metropolitan of Nisibis, whom both the Assyrian Church of the East and the Chaldean Catholic Church celebrate as a pillar of the Syro-Oriental tradition. May the study of this great theologian help to make better known the richness of the Syriac tradition and to receive it as a gift for the entire Church, the Pope concluded. Prayer for peace Following the audience, Pope Francis and Mar Gewargis III, along with his entourage, prayed together in the Redemptoris Mater Chapel for peace in the Middle East and for an end to the suffering of Christians, especially in Iraq and Syria. During a meeting on Friday, Pope Francis and Mar Gewargis III sign a common statement appealing for an end to the persecution of Christians in the Middle East. By Devin Watkins Pope Francis signed a Common Statement on Friday with Mar Gewargis III, Catholicos Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East. The two religious leaders signed the statement at the end of their meeting in the Vatican, following a moment of prayer for persecuted Christians in the Middle East. In the statement, the Pope and the Patriarch encourage their ongoing theological dialogue, and call for an end to violence against Christians in the Middle East. They say it is impossible to imagine a Middle East without Christians. This conviction is founded not simply on religious grounds, but also on social and cultural realities, since Christians, with other believers, greatly contribute to the specific identity of the region: a place of tolerance, mutual respect and acceptance. Peace through dialogue Christians risk leaving the region, they note, if peace is not restored through dialogue. A truce maintained by walls and displays of power will not lead to peace, since genuine peace can only be attained and preserved through mutual listening and dialogue. Pope Francis and Patriarch Gewargis also appeal to the International Community to put in place a political solution that recognizes the rights and duties of all parties involved. Finally, the two leaders affirm the need for interreligious dialogue grounded in an attitude of openness, truth, and love. Dialogue, they say, is also the best antidote to extremism, which is a threat to the followers of every religion. Pope Francis welcomes journalism students and faculty from the German Institute for the Promotion of Young Journalists celebrating its 50th anniversary. By Sr Bernadette Mary Reis, fsp A group of students and faculty from the Institute for the Promotion of Young Journalists (IFP) in Germany celebrating the 50th anniversary of its foundation, met in audience with Pope Francis on Friday. The Pope thanked them for their commitment to forming journalists and said that Germany is fortunate to have so many professionally trained Catholic journalists. Germany is fortunate A warm welcome to all of you Pope Francis began. The Pope then thanked the Institutes Directors as well as all the faculty, alumni, friends and supporterspast and presentwho founded and sustained it through its 50 years of existence. Germany can consider itself fortunate, he said, knowing that there are many IFP graduates among the many journalists, that is, both in the secular and ecclesial media. Christian journalism Pope Francis then reminded those present that a Christian journalist stands out for positive attitudes and professional ethics. It is a commitment, he said, rather than just a job. Listen to our report Words of gratitude Thank you, the Pope concluded, because as journalists you focus on people and call unjust what is unjust. Thank you because you also speak about the beautiful things that put people at the center that perhaps appear less on the front page. Thank you because with your Christian style you accompany the work of the Church. I hope you will continue to do a journalism by the people, for the people. And, please, don't forget to pray for me. About the Institute for the Promotion of Young Journalists The IFP is a Catholic school of journalism in Germany. It provides training in order to form critically minded journalists who will reflect Christian ethical principles in their professional work. Many IFP alumni have interned for Vatican News, and its predecessor, Vatican Radio. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 9) Senator Gringo Honasan will be the next Department of Information and Communications Technology chief. A Senate tweet on Friday quoting him read, "For a better Philippines, a better government, for the Filipino people, and for a better future for our most precious children, I have decided to accept the offer of the President to help lead the DICT." Honasan, whose second term ends in 2019, is a former rebel soldier. He currently heads the Senate defense and peace committees. Senate President Tito Sotto said Honasan might be appointed by the Commission on Appointments as early as November 12 when Congress resumes session. Rumors of Honasan's appointment have gone around for months, but Duterte confirmed the plans on Thursday evening. Malacanang said it is glad Honasan accepted the offer to join the Duterte cabinet, in light of the entry of a new major telecommunications player. "We are confident that the senator would provide good direction and sound management to the DICT, consistent with the President's priority programs beneficial to Filipino consumers in the areas of information, communications and technology," Presidential Spokesperson Sal Panelo said in a statement Friday. The senator will replace incumbent DICT chief Eliseo Rio Jr. The District at Green Valley Ranch invites the community to a tree lighting extravaganza featuring a dramatic laser light show with falling snow, performances by the Henderson Symphony and The Las Vegas Young Entertainers, and a selfie-worthy meet-and-greet with Santa himself, Mrs. Claus, Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph, stilt-walking elves, and a life-size holiday-themed Teddy Bear. The evening will begin at 6 p.m. with emcee Gary Fowler introducing Mrs. Claus and the other holiday characters on stage, then inviting the public to a meet-and-greet with these festive holiday icons. The Young Entertainers, a musical marvel led by Sandi Jones and comprised solely of children ages four to 18, will perform the beloved age-old song, I Believe in Santa Claus. At the conclusion of their performance, Santa will come to the stage and light the tree, kicking off an incredible laser light show. The multimedia laser light spectacular will include stunning aerial laser beams, colorful 3D animations, and awe-inspiring lighting effects perfectly choreographed to the sounds of captivating holiday music immediately followed by a beautiful cascade of falling snow. As the snow finishes, The Las Vegas Young Entertainers will perform again, followed immediately by the Henderson Symphony. The light show and snowfall will repeat at 7:30 p.m. This event is FREE and open to the public. For more information, visit the centers website at https://shopthedistrictgvr. com/. WHEN: Saturday, November 24th, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Schedule of Events: 6 p.m.: Emcee Gary Fowler introduces Mrs. Claus and the other holiday characters 6:20 p.m.: The Las Vegas Young Entertainers sing I Believe in Santa Claus 6:30 p.m.: Santa comes to the stage and lights the tree 6:30 p.m.: Laser light show begins 6:45 p.m.: Snow falls 6:55 p.m.: Henderson Symphony performs 7:30 p.m.: Laser light show and snowfall repeat 7:40 p.m.: Gary Fowlers band plays instrumental holiday music 6:30 p.m. 8 p.m.: Meet-and-greet with holiday characters WHERE: The District at Green Valley Ranch Event takes place on Main Street 2225 Village Walk Drive, Henderson, NV 89052 www.shopthedistrictgvr.com Deputy Minister Dang Hoang An working with the representatives of Dinh Vu polyester factory On November 5, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Dang Hoang An paid a working visit to Dinh Vu polyester plant, which is operated by An Phat Holdings JSC (APH), An Son Textile Fiber JSC, and PVTex. On November 1, four months after the first facility resumed its operations, the factory officially doubled the capacity of its drawn textured yarn (DTY) workshop to a total of six manufacturing lines and a capacity of 400 tonnes of DTY per month. The parties plan to increase the number of manufacturing lines to 10 and capacity to 700-750 tonnes per month by the end of this quarter. Furthermore, the operators plan to resume the remaining workshops and start manufacturing polyester staple fibre (PSF) by the end of 2019. A resumed produtction line at Dinh Vu polyester factory Pham Anh Duong, chairman of An Phat Holdings, said, We spent two years studying the feasibility of the project before deciding to co-operate with PVTex to resume the factory. An Phat Holdings saw that for successful co-operation, we have to build comprehensive solutions and mobilise a large volume of both human resources and capital. We will continue to strive to ensure the smooth operation of Dinh Vu polyester factory. On July 24, 2018, PVTex with An Phat Holdings and An Son Textile Fiber JSC signed a contract to process DTY made by Dinh Vu polyester fibre plant. Tax payers and businesses that are completing their dissolution procedures shouldnt be allowed to postpone their late tax payments and charges for late tax payment.-VNA/VNS Photo Doan Tan Thats the message from the National Assemblys Financial and Budget Committee chairman Nguyen Duc Hai yesterday. He also said those that no longer operate business at their registered addresses also have to pay charges for late tax payment. Hai made his comments on the draft law on tax management, which was discussed at the 14th NA sixth meeting and is expected to get approved in the seventh meeting next year. In addition, those that have owed land use and trade taxes for more than 10 years must also finish paying taxes. The suggestions of the committee were made to Government so it can revise the draft law before submitting it to the NAs next meeting for approval. According to Hai, it should be adjusted to make sure there would be no tax losses for the State budget. According to the Minister of Finance Dinh Tien Dung, tax debt was nearly VND83 trillion (US$3.7 billion) as of September-end, 42.1 per cent of which was irrecoverable tax. The amount of irrecoverable tax in the first nine months of the year rose 11 per cent compared to last year. Vietnams percentage of late/irrecoverable tax over total income was 7.5 per cent, while the average percentage in ASEAN countries was 8.5 per cent and 9.2 per cent in OECD countries, Dung told the NA on October 31. The rate has fallen from 7.6 per cent in 2017 and 8.5 per cent in 2016. However, the percentage of recoverable tax over domestic income has also dropped to 4.3 per cent in the first nine months from 4.4 per cent in 2017 and 5.6 per cent in 2016. According to the minister, the ministry has recovered 82 per cent of its late/irrecoverable tax, including VND44.8 trillion worth of late/irrecoverable tax collected in 2017 12 per cent higher than 2016. This picture taken and provided to AFP by Zhifan Liu shows demonstrating students holding placards outside an Apple Store in Beijing. (Photo: AFP/Zhifan Liu) The students were protesting in response to allegations made last month that one of the US company's suppliers was exploiting student workers in southwest China. The two students detained were from Renmin University and Peking University - two schools that have seen a surge of student-led labour activism this year. One of the other protesters, a 21-year-old from Renmin University, told AFP that a group of police ordered the students to show their IDs shortly after they finished taking photos in front of the Apple store. A total of 10 students participated in the protest. "They said we were disrupting the order, disrupting law and order, and asked to check our IDs," said the student, who requested anonymity. After the protesters initially refused to show their identification cards, the police took two students away, she said. Beijing police did not immediately respond to AFP's request for comment. According to photos shared on Twitter by eyewitness Zhifan Liu, a French freelance journalist based in Beijing, the students were holding signs that said "Protesting illegal student employment at an Apple factory, supporting workers to create their own unions", before police dispersed the protest. The students had planned to take photos and shoot a video to raise awareness around the alleged exploitation of student workers at an Apple Watch factory in Chongqing municipality. According to a report published last month by Hong Kong-based labour rights group Students and Scholars Against Corporate Misbehaviour (SACOM), students from a vocational school had to work punishing hours at the factory, assembling Apple Watches - under the guise of "internships" - or else their graduate degrees would be withheld. The Chongqing factory is operated by Quanta Computer, a Taiwanese electronics manufacturer, and also produces for other brands. Apple has said it is investigating the allegations. An Apple spokeswoman declined to comment on Thursday's protest. Student activists from top Chinese schools are rallying behind labour rights and unions despite crackdowns from universities and the police this year. Many belong to Marxist societies or student groups - some of which have struggled to register officially with their schools - as universities try to rein in labour activism. In August, a police raid swept up student activists in Guangdong province, according to the official website of the Jasic Workers Solidarity group. The students were there to support workers from Jasic Technology, a welding machinery company, who were trying to form their own union. According to the Jasic Workers Solidarity group, which the student activists were members of, the police beat students and confiscated their phones during the raid. One Peking University student, Yue Xin, who co-authored a petition demanding details of a sexual abuse case at the school, was detained during the August police sweep and has not been heard from since. According to the Norwegian Coastal Administration, a 10-cubic metre helicopter fuel tank on the frigate was ruptured. (Photo: AFP/Marit Hommedal) Eight people received minor injuries in the accident, which took place shortly after 4am (0300 GMT) in a busy waterway in the Hjeltefjord near Bergen, Norway's military said. The 137 people on board the KNM Helge Ingstad frigate, which was returning from NATO's Trident Juncture exercises, were evacuated after the collision with the Sola TS tanker, the military said. "The KNM Helge Ingstad suffered damage above and below the waterline. The damage was such that the frigate was no longer stable and was not able to float sufficiently," a Norwegian Navy officer, Sigurd Smith, told reporters. "It was therefore decided to force it up on (nearby) rocks," he said. In the early afternoon, the grey 5,000-tonne vessel was listing heavily on its side, its helicopter landing pad at the back of the ship lying largely under the water, television images showed. "It took on a lot of water and there is a real danger that it will sink where it is," an official for the Sola rescue centre told AFP. STABILISING SHIP The Navy fears that the frigate will slip off the rocks and sink, with tugboats trying to keep it in place under the watchful eye of several Navy vessels. "We're trying to stabilise the ship on the rocks" in the hopes of refloating it, Navy Admiral Nils Andreas Stensones said. "According to our assessments, there's no reason to believe that anything, like an accident, could happen with the weapons" on board, he said. The cause of the accident was not yet determined, the Navy said. Meanwhile, the 62,000-tonne oil tanker, which was flying the Maltese flag but is owned by a Greek shipping company, was only slightly damaged and none of the 23 people on board were injured, the rescue centre said. No leak from that vessel was reported. A nearby oil terminal where the Maltese vessel had just loaded its cargo was closed to traffic on Monday, in turn leading to a halt in production at five oil fields in the North Sea, according to business daily Dagens Naeringsliv. Norway is the biggest oil producer in Western Europe. The country's coast guard said meanwhile it had detected small diesel spills in the water and it was trying to contain further pollution. An anti-pollution ring was thrown up near the frigate to contain spills. Norway's Accident Investigation Board, which has opened an inquiry, had initially said a tugboat had also been involved in the collision but the Navy later denied that. Built in Spain in 2009, the KNM Helge Ingstad participated in chemical disarmament operations in Syria between December 2013 and May 2014. US President Donald Trump speaks during a post-election press conference in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC. (MANDEL NGAN/AFP) Nothing provokes the anger of the fiery and unconventional president more than special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into whether his campaign colluded with Russian agents during his 2016 election. Trump has continuously threatened that he has the power to shut down what he calls "a witch hunt" and on Wednesday he took the first potential step when he replaced his attorney general, Jeff Sessions, with loyalist Matthew Whitaker. The switch, announced on Trump's Twitter feed, provoked consternation across Washington, where politicians from both sides of the aisle have long warned that political interference in Mueller's work cannot be tolerated. Democrats, who won the lower house of Congress in Tuesday's midterm elections, now see Trump as close to crossing that line with the ultimate goal of covering up alleged crimes. "The rule of law is disappearing before our eyes," tweeted Sally Yates, a deputy attorney general under Trump's predecessor Barack Obama and briefly in the top job under Trump before he sacked her. "He wants a political crony to protect him from the investigation of his own campaign," she said. FAKED VIDEO? The midterm elections saw the Democrats win control of the lower house of Congress for the first time in eight years, meaning that from January onwards Trump will finally face an opposition that has teeth. However, with Republicans tightening their grip on the Senate, an initially magnanimous-sounding Trump suggested that a divided Congress would bring opportunity for bipartisan cooperation - something in low supply in Washington. "Everybody is in love," he said at a White House press conference. Only minutes later, a series of questions he found overly hostile sent him into a most un-loving blowup. CNN's Jim Acosta, who regularly spars with Trump and his spokeswoman Sarah Sanders, annoyed the president by asking if he'd demonised immigrants during the midterms election campaign and then went on to ask about the Russia probe. An ever-more exasperated Trump ordered him to give up the mic and Acosta refused, with Trump branding him an "enemy of the people" and a "rude, terrible person." The row, carried live on national TV networks, was followed by Trump issuing angry put-downs to several other reporters. Shortly after, the White House took the extremely rare measure of revoking Acosta's press pass. On Thursday, the Acosta incident entered even more bizarre territory when the White House was accused of tweeting a video doctored to make the reporter appear more aggressive in fending off the female press aide who tried to remove his mic. Answering allegations that the White House had used a clip edited by a notorious right-wing conspiracy theorist, Trump spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said: "We stand by our statement." "The question is: did the reporter make contact or not? The video is clear, he did," she said. 'CONSTITUTIONAL CRISIS' Spats between Trump and journalists can sometimes seem circus-like, but critics say the president's hot temper illustrates his deeper disdain for Washington norms - and allegedly for the law. Those concerns are now focused on the future of the Mueller probe, which began as a look into alleged links with Russians seeking to disrupt the election and expanded into an investigation of billionaire Trump's murky finances, including his business ties to Russia. As Mueller has got closer to the heart of the Trump family's closely guarded financial secrets, the president has become more enraged. "It was supposed to be on collusion. There's no collusion," Trump said on Wednesday. "They went after people with tax problems, from years ago. They went after people with loans and other things. Had nothing to do with my campaign." Whitaker now becomes Mueller's new boss and judging by past statements he will be sympathetic towards Trump. Sessions had recused himself from the investigation, because of his own contacts with Russians during the 2016 campaign, instead handing responsibility for Mueller to his deputy Rod Rosenstein. An infuriated Trump responded by repeatedly and publicly seeking to humiliate Sessions. Whitaker has made no public comment since being named, but he has previously shown distinct skepticism about the probe, including calling for its scope to be curtailed. In 2017 he even used Trump's words, warning against Mueller engaging in a "witch hunt." In the House of Representatives, the senior Democrat on the Intelligence Committee - which Democrats will control from January - sounded the alarm. "Interference with the special counsel's investigation would cause a constitutional crisis and undermine the rule of law," Adam Schiff said. "If the president seeks to interfere in the impartial administration of justice, the Congress must stop him. No one is above the law," Schiff said. Republicans, however, have been mostly silent. One of the exceptions, Senator Susan Collins, said non-interference in the Mueller probe was "imperative." UK Ambassador to Vietnam Gareth Ward speaks at a press conference on Inspire Me Festival 2018 The festival, to be held right in the heart of the city, is part of the Inspire Me 2018 series jointly organised by the UK Embassy in Hanoi and the municipal Peoples Committee. Innovation, Gender Equality, and Say No to Single-Use Plastic Products are the three main themes of the festival which comprises of 56 pavilions of British enterprises operating in the fields of culture, education, science-technology, fashion and trade. Visitors to the festival will be able to watch a fashion show with a combination of Vietnams traditional ao dai (long dress) and well-known UK brands, the finale of a music contest, an outdoor screening, a photo exhibition featuring the UKs landscape and culture, and a Premier League livestream. Several talks on Holographic 3D technology, computing technology by 2025, vocational guidance, health, and gender equality at workplace are also expected to take place within the framework of the festival. UK Ambassador to Vietnam Gareth Ward said the event will be an opportunity for people to enjoy the festive atmosphere of the UK right in the heart of Hanoi. The participation of many units in different areas in the event will showcase the creativity and dynamism of the UK, bringing inspiration from the country, he stated. Vietnam tourism captures attention at World Travel Market 2018 Deputy Director General of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) Nguyen Thi Thanh Huong said participants at a press briefing on Vietnam at the WTM were impressed by the growth rate of 20-30 percent of Vietnam tourism, as well as by new tourism products introduced by Vietnamese travel agencies at this years event. Vietnamese travel businesses attending the 2018 WTM said their stalls attracted large number of visitors, noting that they were excited about the results of their meetings with customers and partners during the three-day event. Huong attributed the success of the travel agencies to their efforts to constantly offer new services and products with high quality. She added that the visa exemption for travelers from 24 countries and the grant of e-visa also had positive impacts on tourism development. An important partner of Vietnam tourism is the national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines. A representative of the airline said at the press briefing that Vietnam Airlines is operating seven flights a week between Vietnam and London. The number of passengers on the route increased by 5 percent during January-September this year. Vietnam Airlines holds a 60 percent share in the total passenger volume between London and Vietnam. The WTM is one of the biggest tourism fairs in the world. It is held every November in London. According to the organising board, about 5,000 companies and organisations attended the event this year, which attracted 51,000 visitors. Vietnamese enterprises are among the worlds most optimistic about international trade prospects and most confident when it comes to succeeding in the current environment. Ninety-one percent of Vietnamese respondents, compared with 75 percent globally, believe the outlook for trade is favourable despite geopolitical factors which are curbing enthusiasm elsewhere. They cited a favourable economic environment, decreasing costs of shipping, logistics and storage, and an increasing demand for their products as the top three drivers of trade growth. In addition, 91 percent believe they will succeed in the current environment, compared to 81per cent of businesses globally. Consumer confidence, commodity prices and global economic growth are the top factors for their positive outlook, according to the report. On a global level, respondents are upbeat about their prospects, encouraged by customer demand and favourable economic conditions. However, many Vietnamese firms are revising their strategies for fear that protectionist policies will have a negative impact on international trade. Winfield Wong, head of Wholesale Banking of HSBC Vietnam, said: Vietnamese businesses optimism reflects an economy thats been one of Asias star performers, which has been growing fast. They are optimistic as they consider themselves well-positioned thanks to a strong domestic economy, confidence in the global economy, as well as far-reaching trade deals and burgeoning trade relations with major markets. The majority of Vietnamese respondents are positive about partnerships established with key trading partners, with 69 percent believing ASEAN membership will help their business in the next three years. Similarly, 65 percent of Vietnamese firms believe the forthcoming EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement will have a positive impact on their business. The two sides agreed on a final text for the trade agreement in June. Local firms are also looking beyond these agreements for growth. Over a quarter of businesses are eyeing opportunities in Japan, while 23 percent are looking to expand into China, and a fifth are considering the Republic of Korea for expansion. In an effort to raise standards and boost competitiveness, 45 percent of Vietnamese respondents said that up-skilling their workforce was a key focus for investment while 43 per cent enterprises said they were focusing more on productivity and skills development. Meanwhile, around eight out of 10 companies in the country are using data to optimise their performance, compared with 75 percent globally. Despite the overall optimistic outlook on trade opportunities, four out of five Vietnamese firms (78 percent) said that foreign governments were becoming more protectionist, considerably higher than the global benchmark (63 percent). The Navigator survey shows more than half of companies (51 percent) globally expect that FTAs, where they apply to their country and industry, will benefit them over the next three years. FTAs are particularly popular in emerging markets, with 60 percent of firms saying they will have a positive impact, compared to 45 percent of firms in developed markets. The Navigator: Now, Next and How for Business report, which polled over 8,500 businesses, was based on a global survey gauging business sentiment and expectations on trade activity and business growth from 8,650 decision-makers in 34 markets. Baku appealed a court decision granting bail to Hajiyeva, arguing she was a flight risk. (Photo: AFP/Carl Court) Zamira Hajiyeva, who was arrested last week in London, faces two charges of embezzlement in Azerbaijan. She was held in custody after Baku appealed against a magistrate's court decision granting her 500,000 (US$655,000) bail, arguing she was a flight risk. But judge Jeremy Baker at London's High Court ruled there were not "substantial grounds" to believe she would leave the country. He ordered her release but imposed a curfew under which she will not be allowed to leave her luxury home in southwest London between 9pm and 6am. Hajiyeva, who was not in court, must also report to a central London police station every day, has surrendered her passport and is banned from travelling outside London's M25 ring road. Hajiyev's husband Jahangir was jailed in 2016 for embezzling money from the International Bank of Azerbaijan, where he was chairman. Separately, she is under scrutiny by Britain's National Crime Agency, who issued a so-called Unexplained Wealth Order (UWO) demanding that she explain where she got the 11.5 million to pay for her property in Knightsbridge. The court issuing the order also heard that she had spent more than 16 million at Harrods over a 10-year period. UWOs were incorporated into British law in January 2018 as part of the fight against money laundering. People who fail to account for the sources of their funds are liable to have assets seized. The cosmetic just got political. In California anyway, come 2020, ethical buying, in the sense of choosing cosmetics that are not tested on animals, will no longer be a personal choice. It will be mandated by lawand thats a good thing. And California may just carry enough weight to spur beauty brands across the nation to stop animal testing. Last month, Californias governor signed into law the California Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act. It makes the sale of animal-tested cosmetics illegal within the state after 2020. This is not the first time animal testing has been under the spotlight. The Body Shop was the first global beauty brand to fight against animal testing in cosmetics and the first company to be certified with the Leaping Bunny logo in 1997. In the last two decades, other brands, such as Lush, have become more vocal about their opposition to animal testing. But the California Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act, the first in North America, marks a major turning point: Its the first time a state has taken action to move the needle on such a large scale. What does cruelty free mean? Need a refresher on why animal testing is such a trigger phrase? Every year, the animals commonly used in testingrabbits, rats, mice and guinea pigssuffer in lab tests used to assess the safety of cosmetics. Many consider the practice cruel and unnecessary, given the number of proven safe ingredients and the non animal-tests that are available. Examples of cosmetic testing can include tests for skin and eye irritation, wherein chemicals are rubbed onto the skin or dripped into the eyes of restrained rabbits without any pain relief, as well as lethal dose tests, in which, according to the Humane Society, a major animal protection organization, animals are forced to swallow large amounts of a test chemical to determine the dose that causes death. At the end of a test, the Humane Society says, the animals are killed, normally by asphyxiation, neck-breaking or decapitation. Pain relief is not provided. Many countries (nearly 40) have already made the shift toward banning the use of animal testing, including the member states of the EU, India, Israel, Norway and Switzerland. The California ban includes products that range from makeup to personal hygiene staples such as deodorant, shampoo and conditioner. Coming soon to a drugstore near them, Californians will no longer have to squint at tiny symbols to make sure their beauty routine hasnt come at animals expense. And other states may soon follow, creating a tipping point for cosmetic manufactures, who dont want the hassle of making different versions of the same product. Ideally, as momentum grows, manufacturers will stop selling products tested on animals across the country. Although the ban is promisingly progressive, there are still some disturbing loopholes. For example, as long as animal-tested products are made before 2020, they can still be sold in the state after 2020. But the most alarming exception is that companies can justify animal testing for products and ingredients sold in countries, notably China, where such testing measures are required by law. Manufacturers can even keep selling those animal-tested products in California, as long as the only reason for the animal testing was for foreign regulation compliance. These exceptions dilute the ban and leave too much wiggle room for continued animal testing. However, you dont have to wait till 2020 to start your own private boycott of animal tested products. If youre looking to make your skincare routine cruelty-free, Vitacost has a number of brands that have made the commitment. Check out these companies: Desert Essence, Seventh Generation, Avalon Organics, Ocean Potion, Tints of Nature, Mineral Fusion, and Alaffia. The UNs special researcher on human rights in Cambodia has said the government should allow for more public participation and accountability in order for it to meet its sustainable development goals. At the conclusion of an 11-day visit to the country on Thursday, Rhona Smith said a greater respect for human rights could avert sanctions against the country, such as its removal from the European Unions preferential trade scheme, known as Everything But Arms (EBA). Smith told reporters that the governments development strategy was dependent on a free press and vibrant civil society, as well as fair access to justice and accountability for officials. This means that no-one is left behind, including women, the poor, the near poor, the underrepresented and those living in marginalized or vulnerable situations, she said. If Cambodia is to continue on its path of sustainable economic growth, it needs a government that reflects the will of the people, institutions that respond to peoples rights, and people with the necessary skills, voice, and access to services to participate actively in development and society. This means keeping human rights at the heart of national strategies for sustainable development and durable peace, she added. Phay Siphan, a government spokesman, said the government was committed to sustainable development and that these policies were behind the ruling Cambodian Peoples Partys overwhelming victory at the polls in July. The result of the elections showed the satisfaction and support for the governments measures, he said. He added that the government was in discussions with the EU regarding the EBA scheme, saying it was not really clear yet what the impact of Cambodias possible withdrawal would be. More than 700,000 workers rely to some extent on competitive access to European markets for garment and footwear products produced in the Kingdom. Smith had intended to meet with the former opposition leader, Kem Sokha, but was barred from the meeting by a court. Sokhas Cambodia National Rescue Party was banned by the Supreme Court last year and Sokha was jailed, later to be released under house arrest pending trial for treason. Smith also called for the lifting of charges against several rights activists and two former Radio Free Asia journalists. I call for the lifting of the sentences against Tep Vanny and the ADHOC staff and former staff members. I remain concerned about the charges pending against the ex-RFA journalists. I also call for the release of Kem Sokha from restricted detention and for the swift conclusion of the investigation in his case to ensure his right to a trial within a reasonable time based on a clear and transparent evaluation of the evidence, or for the charges to be dropped, she said. During her visit, Smith also met with several senior officials, including Interior Ministry Sar Kheng, Finance Minister Aun Ponmoniroth, Land Management Minister Chea Sopheara, Justice Minister Ang Vongvathana, and Information Minister Khieu Kannharith. The Afghan government seemingly tried to distance itself from a conference in Moscow in which a Taliban delegation publicly appeared for the first time at an international forum. Despite a Russian foreign ministry announcement a day earlier that President Ashraf Ghani was sending a delegation of the High Peace Council to the meeting, an Afghan foreign office statement said Friday the government has "not sent any representative to the Moscow meeting. The High Peace Council, the statement read, was participating in its own capacity as a National but non-government institution. The conference in Moscow, attended by delegations from 12 countries as well as the Afghan Taliban was an attempt to bring together all parties to the Afghan conflict to try to make a conducive environment to promote a direct dialogue between the government, the Taliban, and wider representatives of other social and political circles of the country, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said opening the meeting Friday morning. The United States embassy in Moscow sent a representative to observe the discussions. Washington and the Taliban had both stayed away from the first meeting led by Moscow last year in which the Afghan government was officially represented. In spite of the Russian government announcing Fridays conference as the second round, the Afghan statement stressed this was not a follow-up of the previous meetings (Moscow Format) held among sovereign states, as in todays meeting the Taliban have also been invited. Afghan reaction to the Moscow gathering may have been prompted by a Taliban statement emphasizing that Kabul was not chairing the conference and that its representatives would not negotiate with the Afghan delegation. The statement that was issued by Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid asserted it was a nod to the groups growing international legitimacy. With participation in the meeting, the international status of the Islamic Emirate will be strengthened even further, he said. Islamic Emirate is a name the Taliban used for its government when they were in power in Afghanistan. Such diplomatic efforts of the Islamic Emirate showcase the active, clear and independent diplomacy and policy of the Islamic Emirate in the political field, the statement said. Meanwhile, Zalmay Khalilzad, the special representative appointed by President Donald Trump to kickstart negotiations with the Taliban, was on a 12-day trip to the region. A state department press release said he intended to visit Afghanistan, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. On his previous trip to the region last month, Khalilzad held direct negotiations with the Taliban in Qatar. A New York Times story said he did not take Ghani into confidence about that meeting. Mr. Ghani and his government heard of that meeting only through news reports, and found out further details not through his American allies even after he asked but through a Taliban statement, according to several officials with detailed knowledge of the developments, the Times story reported. A recent U.S. move against Kurdish militant leaders in Turkey could complicate prospects for peace between the Turkish government and the countrys Kurdish minority, activists and analysts said. The U.S. on Tuesday offered cash rewards for information on three senior members of the Turkey-based Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which Turkey, the United States and the European Union consider a terrorist organization. Washington offered rewards of up to $5 million for information leading to the identification or location of Murat Karayilan, up to $4 million for Cemil Bayik and up to $3 million for Duran Kalkan. The three men have been influential figures in a three-decade insurgency against Turkish armed forces in Turkeys Kurdish-majority southeast region. Tuesdays announcement was made by the U.S. Embassy in Ankara after a visit by U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Matthew Palmer. The move could help ease strained ties between Washington and its NATO ally Ankara. Relations between Turkey and the United States improved last month after Turkey released American pastor Andrew Brunson, who had been imprisoned for nearly two years. Both nations also lifted sanctions on government officials, imposed in August, over the pastors case. But some political groups in Turkey said the recent U.S. move against PKK leaders would hurt chances for peace in Turkey. Offering cash rewards on the PKK leaders is a very clear support to the Turkish government military approach against the Kurds, Giran Ozcan, the U.S. representative of the Peoples Democratic Party (HDP), a pro-Kurdish group in Turkey, told VOA. Peace process In 2015, a two-year peace process between the Turkish government and the PKK collapsed. The two sides were holding talks intended to end the conflict that has killed thousands of people, mostly civilians in Turkey. The peace process was a brilliant opportunity to put an end to civilian deaths, Ozcan said. The U.S. was supportive of that process. So we call on the U.S. government to use its leverage to push the Turkish government to go back to the negotiating table with the PKK. But targeting these figures makes life harder for the PKK in general because it is trying to legitimize itself [and] pushing hard to have itself delisted as a terror organization, said Amberin Zaman, a Turkish columnist at the website Al-Monitor. Zaman added that the recent development is going to seriously hurt the PKK. This is clearly a very big blow to them in that sense that they have been trying to present themselves as a legitimate political organization in the eyes of the world, she said. But Zaman said the governments peace efforts would not be hurt by the U.S. move because Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had already taken a tougher approach toward the pro-Kurdish HDP. I think that the government of Recep Tayyip Erdogan has made a very clear decision to freeze the peace process, stoke up an alliance with the nationalists, with [Devlet] Bahceli [chairman of the Nationalist Movement Party, known as MHP], and its showing no signs of shifting that course, she added. While some Kurdish activists downplayed the significance of the PKK leaders designation, others like Hosheng Ose, a Brussels-based Kurdish affairs analyst, believe the designation marks a significant development on the U.S. part. This is not a symbolic move to appease Turkey, Ose said. The U.S. means business when it puts money from its own budget to find these PKK leaders. This is a serious matter. Ose added that the U.S. objective in the long run is to disarm the PKK in what could be seen as a new attempt to help solve the Kurdish question in Turkey. Turkeys guarded welcome Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said the U.S. move was a positive but very, very late step, and called on Washington to adopt a similar policy toward the Syria-based Peoples Protection Units (YPG). It is not possible for us to accept putting a bounty on PKK leaders on the one hand, and sending trucks of tools, weapons and ammunition to the YPG on the other, Akar told the state-owned Anadolu news agency Wednesday. Turkey has been angered by U.S. support for Syrian Kurdish forces in their fight against Islamic State (IS) militants. The Turkish government views the YPG as an extension of the PKK and has carried out several attacks on their positions in Syria in recent weeks. WATCH: Why Turkey Is Attacking YPG Our position on PKK is clear, but we do not classify YPG as a terror organization. We never did, James Jeffery, the U.S. special envoy to Syria, told reporters during a teleconference Wednesday. We understand Turkeys security concerns. We understand the concern over ties between PKK and YPG. Thats why we are acting very, very carefully. We inform Turkey about what we do and why we do it, Jeffery added. But Turkish officials insist that such measures will remain incomplete as long as the U.S. doesnt sever ties with the Syrian YPG. Turkeys main expectation from the U.S., which is our NATO ally and strategic partner, is to end all its engagements with YPG, the Syrian branch of the PKK terror group, Turkish presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said. It is a futile effort from the U.S. to describe the YPG, which they used to describe as the Syrian branch of the PKK, as a legitimate group which has no links with terrorism and the PKK, he said Wednesday after an official cabinet meeting in Ankara. VOAs Ezel Sahinkaya contributed to this report from Washington. A recently retired Austrian army colonel is suspected of having spied for Russia for several decades. Speaking to reporters Friday in Vienna, Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said that the colonel possibly began spying for Russian intelligence in the 1990s and carried on until 2018. Kurz said that if such cases are confirmed, whether it be in the Netherlands or in Austria, it cannot improve the relationship between the EU and Russia." The parallel refers to the expulsion by the Netherlands in April of four Russian agents who allegedly tried to hack into the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), an international body at The Hague. Speaking at the same press conference, Austrian Defense Minister Mario Kunasek revealed that the case came to light "a few weeks ago" as a result of information from another European intelligence agency. Austrian Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl has summoned the Russian charge d'affaires over the matter and cancelled an upcoming trip to Russia. As Russian media reported, Russia's Foreign Ministry, summoned Austria's ambassador Friday after Vienna demanded an explanation over the suspected spying activity. Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen spoke out Thursday against what he calls the politics of scapegoating on the 80th anniversary of Kristallnacht, the infamous Nazi pogrom against Jews. We can see history as an example of where the politics of scapegoating, incitement, and exclusion can lead, Van der Bellen said at the site where Viennas largest synagogue once stood. Let us be vigilant that degradation, persecution, and the stripping away of rights may never again be repeated in our country or in Europe. Right-wing governments espousing anti-immigrant policies have taken power in several European nations, including Italy, Hungary and Poland. Ultra-conservative lawmakers have also taken seats in many European parliaments, including Germany, where the Alternative for Germany party is the largest opposition party. Kristallnacht is German for Night of Broken Glass. Germans and Austrians are remembering the two-days of extreme violence against Jews that began 80 years ago. The Nazi regime, which had annexed Austria, used the shooting of a German diplomat in Paris by a Jewish student as a pretext. Brown-shirted Nazi thugs spent two nights smashing the windows of Jewish stores before looting and burning them. Synagogues were set on fire. Jews were beaten in the streets while police stood by doing nothing. More than 20,000 Jews were shipped off to concentration camps while thousands of others were arrested. The Nazis forced Jews to compensate the government for the damage and cleanup. At least 91 people were killed, but historians believe the death toll was much higher. The historians also point to Kristallnacht as the beginning of the Holocaust and Hitlers efforts to wipe out European Jewry. "I don't want prayers.I don't want thoughts," said a mother whose son died this week when a lone gunman opened fire in a bar in California. Susan Schmidt-Orfanos' son Telemachus had already survived the onslaught of another lone gunman at a music festival in Las Vegas last year.This week, he went to the Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks, California, along with other survivors of the Las Vegas massacre.Schmidt-Orfanos' son died Wednesday less than 10 minutes away from home.He was at the bar when a shooter fired into the crowd, killing 12 people. Schmidt-Orfanos said Congress needs "to pass gun control so no one else has a child that doesn't come home." The shooter, Marine Corps veteran Ian David Long, 28, apparently killed himself after gunning down customers in the bar. Investigators are looking for clues to Long's "state of mind" before Wednesday's late-night shooting. "It's a gun culture," California's Democratic Governor-elect Gavin Newsom lamented Thursday. "You can't go to a bar or a nightclub? You can't go to church or a synagogue? It's insane is the only way to describe it. The normalization, that's the only I can describe it. It's become normalized." Paul Delacourt, assistant director of the FBI's Los Angeles office, said it appears Long acted alone. "We're going to pursue the leads that develop from that evidence, wherever they take us, to identify any possible motivation, paint a picture of the frame of mind of the subject, identify any possible radicalization," Delacourt said Thursday. Long has had minor run-ins with the law, including a traffic accident and a bar fight, law enforcement officials said Thursday. Earlier this year, police were called to his home after neighbors reported what officers described as a disturbance. At the time, police said Long "was somewhat irate, acting a little irrationally." Officers speculated Long, who had served in Afghanistan for seven months, was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). But a mental health professional who spoke with Long said he did not believe Long needed to be hospitalized. Late Wednesday, the Borderline Bar and Grill was crowded with students who regularly attended its country music dance party. Police say Long was dressed in black from head to toe. He shot a security guard, tossed smoke bombs into the bar and opened fire with a handgun equipped with a device that allowed it to hold more bullets than normal. Stunned, panicked and frightened customers ran for cover and hid wherever they could -- in bathrooms, in the attic, behind a pool table. Some threw barstools through windows to escape. The dead include a sheriff's deputy who rushed into the bar in response to the shooting. Deputy Ron Helus was less than a year from retirement. Police and firemen lined the highways and saluted as a hearse drove his body from a hospital to the country coroner's office. Wednesday night's shooting came less than two weeks after a self-proclaimed anti-Semite allegedly killed 11 people in a Pittsburgh synagogue. That shooting came days after a gunman was suspected of killing two black patrons of a Kentucky supermarket after he apparently failed to get inside a black church. These crimes follow the mass killing of 17 students at a Florida high school in February, and the massacre of 59 people at a Las Vegas music festival in October 2017. The U.S. Marine Corps issued a statement extending "its deepest condolences to the families of the victims in this senseless tragedy." The Marine Corps said Long had attained the rank of corporal after serving nearly five years, including seven months in Afghanistan. He was a machine gunner and the recipient of numerous medals, including the Good Conduct Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon. In a tweet, President Donald Trump applauded the response of police and extended blessings to the victims and their families. He also ordered American flags flown at half-staff in honor of the victims. The top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, Jerry Nadler, said lawmakers would start crafting a gun control bill when the House convenes with a Democratic majority in early January. "We must find a way to stop the senseless, and many times preventable killings that are robbing our country of innocent lives," Nadler tweeted. Shootings are very rare in Thousand Oaks, a city of about 130,000 people about 64 kilometers west of Los Angeles. Thousand Oaks was considered the third-safest city in the U.S. this year, according to Niche, an online company that provides data on neighborhoods, companies and schools. Chadian strongman Idriss Deby has appointed new defense and security ministers in a cabinet reshuffle following sustained rebel attacks in the north bordering lawless Libya, state television said Friday. The Chadian military has carried out several airstrikes in the arid north since August targeting Libya-based rebels as well as illegal miners whose arrival in recent years in an area hit by a gold rush has fomented unrest with locals. General Daoud Yaya, who formerly headed the gendarmerie, was appointed defense minister, replacing Bichara Issa who was dropped from the cabinet. Mahamat Abba Ali Salah, a northerner and the governor of the troubled Lake Chad region which has been ravaged by attacks staged by Boko Haram jihadists from Nigeria, was appointed the new interior and security minister. Oumar Yaya Hissein was named communications minister and government spokesman. Former security minister Ahmat Mahamat Bachir told AFP that the government was battling "miners, arms traffickers and slave traders" adding: "The situation is totally under control." Northern Chad is sparsely populated and home to several rebel groups involved in people trafficking between Chad and neighboring states Sudan, Niger and Libya. With the exit of Jeff Sessions as attorney general, a potential showdown with newly energized congressional Democrats over the investigation of Russia's involvement in the 2016 presidential election appears to be gaining momentum. The Washington Post on Thursday, citing sources close to acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker, reported he has no intention of recusing himself from overseeing the special counsel probe of Russian interference in the 2016 election because of comments he made about the investigation in his private capacity. Whitaker was Sessions' former chief of staff. The same sources also told the Post they do not believe he would approve any subpoena of President Donald Trump as part of that investigation. White House counselor Kellyanne Conway told reporters Thursday she saw no reason that Whitaker should recuse himself. "I don't know why he'd be recused. I'm not recused. You're not recused," she said. But in an opinion piece published online Thursday in The New York Times, Conway's husband, George Conway III, called Whitaker's appointment by the president "unconstitutional." "It's illegal," he wrote. "And it means that anything Mr. Whitaker does, or tries to do, in that position is invalid." 'Following regular order' Asked whether Whitaker planned to consult Justice Department ethics experts on whether he should recuse himself, department spokeswoman Sarah Isgur Flores said, "We're following regular order here." Whitaker served as U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Iowa from 2004 to 2009 during former President George W. Bush's administration. According to his LinkedIn profile, he headed Foundations for Accountability and Civic Trust (FACT), a self-described ethics watchdog, until September 2017, shortly before joining the Justice Department. In an opinion piece for CNN.com in July 2017, two months after Robert Mueller's appointment, Whitaker wrote that the Mueller investigation had "gone too far," and urged Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, then overseeing the probe, to limit the special counsel's authority. John Malcolm, a former federal prosecutor now with the Heritage Foundation, a conservative research group, said he saw no reason for Whitaker to step aside. "He is the acting attorney general. He has no reason to recuse himself," Malcolm told VOA. Malcolm said Sessions did "a solid job of implementing the president's law enforcement priorities." He praised Sessions for "protecting the integrity of the department and trying to keep it above politics." Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, a Republican member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and a close Trump ally, tweeted Wednesday that he looked "forward to working with President Trump to find a confirmable, worthy successor." Graham has been floated as a possible candidate for the top post at Justice. A Twitter announcement In Washington, the firing of Sessions was long a question of when, not if. Trump used Twitter to announce Sessions' resignation, thanked the former attorney general for his service, and named Whitaker as his interim replacement. Trump said he will announce a permanent nominee later. The forced departure of Sessions, a 71-year-old former Republican senator from Alabama, and an early supporter of Trump's 2016 presidential campaign, capped a turbulent tenure that hit a rough patch weeks after he took office in February 2017 and recused himself because of potential conflicts of interest. Trump blamed the recusal for the appointment of Mueller to lead the Russia investigation. Over Sessions' 20-month tenure, Trump frequently castigated him publicly for failing to rein in what he derided as a "witch hunt" led by Mueller and "17 Angry Democrats." While shepherding a repeal of many Obama-era criminal justice policies, and steadfastly implementing Trump's tough-on-crime and immigration agenda, Sessions was increasingly shunned by the president in recent months. Trump told an interviewer in August, "I don't have an attorney general." Previous attorneys general have also been fired. In January 2017, Trump fired then-acting attorney general Sally Yates after she refused to carry out Trump's controversial executive order barring travelers from six predominantly Muslim countries. Congressional probe urged Representative Elijah Cummings of Maryland, the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee and a frequent Trump critic, urged Congress to investigate "the real reason" for the attorney general's "termination." At a testy White House news conference earlier Wednesday, Trump was asked if he could stop the Mueller probe, in light of potential investigations by the newly empowered House Democrats. "I could fire everybody right now," Trump responded. "But I don't want to stop it because politically, I don't like stopping it." On Thursday, Democratic leaders on Capitol Hill, including Cummings, Representative Jerrold Nadler of New York, Representative Adam Schiff of California and Senator Dianne Feinstein of California sent letters to top administration officials demanding that all documents and materials relevant to the work of the Office of the Special Counsel or the firing of Sessions be preserved. Whitaker was appointed under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act, a statute that allows the president to bypass the normal succession process and appoint any senior official of a department to head the agency in an acting capacity. Whitaker would have to step down as acting attorney general if Trump decides to nominate him for the permanent position, said Mary McCord, a former acting assistant attorney general, and now a professor at Georgetown University Law Center. In a statement issued late Wednesday, Whitaker did not address the question of recusal but said, "I am committed to leading a fair Department with the highest ethical standards, that upholds the rule of law, and seeks justice for all Americans." A Philippine court found former first lady Imelda Marcos guilty of graft and ordered her arrest Friday in a rare conviction among many corruption cases that shes likely to appeal to avoid jail and losing her seat in Congress. The special anti-graft Sandiganbayan court sentenced Marcos, 89, to serve 6 to 11 years in prison for each of the seven counts of violating an anti-corruption law when she illegally funneled about $200 million to Swiss foundations in the 1970s as Metropolitan Manila governor. Neither Marcos nor anyone representing her attended Fridays court hearing. No one has issued any reaction on her behalf although her lawyers were expected to appeal the ruling, which anti-Marcos activists and human rights victims welcomed as long overdue. The court disqualified Marcos from holding public office, but she can remain a member of the powerful House of Representatives while appealing the decision. Her congressional term will end next year but she has registered to run to replace her daughter as governor of northern Ilocos Norte province. Jumping for joy I was jumping up and down in joy in disbelief, said former Commission on Human Rights chairwoman Loretta Ann Rosales, who was among many activists locked up after Imeldas husband, former President Ferdinand Marcos, declared martial law in the Philippines in 1972. Rosales said the decision was a huge setback to efforts by the Marcos family to revise history by denying many of the atrocities under the dictatorship, and urged Filipinos to fight all threats against democracy and civil liberties. Millions in stolen funds Imelda Marcos husband was ousted by an army-backed people power revolt in 1986. He died in self-exile in Hawaii in 1989 but his widow and children returned to the Philippines. Most have been elected to public offices in an impressive political comeback. Government prosecutor Ryan Quilala told reporters that Marcos and her husband opened and managed Swiss foundations in violation of the Philippine Constitution, using aliases in a bid to hide stolen funds. The Marcoses have been accused of plundering the governments coffers amid crushing poverty. They have denied any wrongdoing and have successfully fought many other corruption cases. Imelda Marcos was acquitted Friday in three other cases, which were filed in 1991 and took nearly three decades of trial by several judges and prosecutors. She was once convicted of a graft case in 1993, but the Supreme Court later cleared her of any wrongdoing. Duterte an ally President Rodrigo Duterte, an ally of the Marcoses, said last year the Marcos family had indicated a willingness to return an unspecified amount of money and a few gold bars to help ease budget deficits. He indicated the family still denied that the assets had been stolen as alleged by political opponents. Ferdinand Marcos had placed the Philippines under martial rule a year before his term was to expire. He padlocked Congress, ordered the arrest of political rivals and left-wing activists and ruled by decree. His family is said to have amassed an estimated $5 billion to $10 billion while he was in power. A Hawaii court found Marcos liable for human rights violations and awarded $2 billion from his estate to compensate more than 9,000 Filipinos who filed a lawsuit against him for torture, incarceration, extrajudicial killings and disappearances. A federal appeals court is weighing whether special counsel Robert Mueller's appointment to lead the Russia investigation was constitutional. At issue Thursday was whether Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein had the authority to appoint Mueller. The special counsel's office says yes. But lawyers for a former aide to longtime Trump confidant Roger Stone say no. The aide, Andrew Miller, brought the case because he doesn't want to testify before a grand jury as part of Mueller's investigation into whether Donald Trump's Republican campaign coordinated with Russia in 2016. Mueller is focusing on Stone's connection to WikiLeaks. American intelligence agencies have concluded that Russian agents were the source of damaging information on Democrat Hillary Clinton that WikiLeaks released during her 2016 presidential campaign against Trump. Stone has denied any wrongdoing. The German chancellors protege, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, is seeking to step out from her mentors shadow and shed her "mini-Merkel" nickname, saying she wants to restore voters sense of belonging to a German homeland. An era has come to an end. We need to work out a way for people here to feel at home, Kramp-Karrenbauer said this week as she launched her leadership bid to succeed Angela Merkel as chair of the ruling Christian Democrats, or CDU. Merkel announced last week she would step down as party leader in December, ending a two-decade era during which she moved Germanys most powerful party from the right of the political spectrum to more to the center. Her decision followed two regional elections in which the CDU and its center-right allies, as well as the left-leaning Social Democrats, suffered their worst election reversals in decades, benefiting the Greens and the populist Alternative for Germany (AfD). Kramp-Karrenbauer's comments came in the wake of an opinion poll that suggests a majority of Germans feels like strangers in their own country, primarily because of immigration. According to a survey conducted for Leipzig University, one in three Germans thinks the state has been overwhelmed by foreigners to a dangerous degree. Doubts Merkel will finish term The influx of 1.6 million refugees and migrants since 2014 is widely seen as having doomed Merkels fourth term in office. She plans to finish her term as chancellor, due to end in 2021, but there are rising doubts whether she will manage to do so. Many observers dont expect her "grand coalition" government to survive amid mounting signs that the Social Democrats may decide to walk out of the fraying governing alliance next year. A poll published by the newspaper Bild this week shows growing impatience with Merkels decision to stay on as chancellor, with 62 percent saying she should give way for a successor and step down by the end of the year. Kramp-Karrenbauer has been groomed by Merkel, who plucked her in February from the region of Saarland, bordering France and Luxembourg, where she served as chief minister, to make her the CDUs general secretary. She has been slower off the mark than her chief rivals for the party chair job. One-thousand CDU delegates will choose their new leader at a party congress in Hamburg early next month. Kramp-Karrenbauer is considered the most liberal of the contenders and the most in tune with Merkels centrism. So her acknowledgement on the importance of a "sense of belonging" is being seen as an appeal to more conservative party activists, who have long chafed at Merkels march to the center and her wooing of Social Democrat voters. Conservative disrupter A devout Catholic, she will need to court all sections of the party if she is to beat her biggest threat, Friedrich Merz, a politician-turned-businessman and an old Merkel rival. The 62-year-old Merz left active politics in 2009 for a lucrative career in business and finance after losing to Merkel. He has been a conservative darling, fondly remembered by them for arguing that immigrants should assimilate and adopt German culture. He is seen as unpredictable and has been labeled a "conservative disrupter" by the German press. The combative Merz for years rejected any idea of a return to frontline politics, and his announcement last week that he would seek the party leadership wasnt something Merkel had expected, her aides acknowledge. It has also transformed a predictable contest between the clear front-runner, Kramp-Karrenbauer, and Health Minister Jens Spahn, seen as an also-ran. According to business newspaper Handelsblatt, Merz would change the CDU, turning it into the party of law and order instead of friendly selfies with asylum-seekers - the party of churchgoers, entrepreneurs, and, above all, the party of men. Most German commentators accept as inevitable that if Merz is elected, it would be impossible for Merkel to finish her term. Merz has taken an early lead in the race to succeed Merkel; but, he has disappointed some on the right for praising European Union reform plans advocated by Frances president, Emmanuel Macron, which would see the bloc more tightly integrated, and for arguing that Germany must do more to keep the EU together. We have to tell the people in this country that the Germans have to contribute more than others to the success of the European Union, Merz said at an event held by a research group this past week. We have to do more than we are actually doing because if Europe fails - and this is a clear option, no one can deny it, Europe is really at the threshold at the moment - if Europe fails, the Germans will be those who suffer most from that, he added. Voters in the U.S. midterm elections Tuesday weighed in on 155 ballot measures across 37 states, some with serious ramifications for the people voting on them. The proposed laws covered everything from health care to climate change to taxes. Nearly half of the measures were initiatives, meaning citizens bypassed their state legislatures by gathering enough signatures to put a measure on the ballot. Here's how it played out Tuesday: Nevada: Feminine hygiene products Passed: State Question No. 2 allows consumers to buy sanitary pads and tampons without paying the state's 6.85 percent sales tax. Nine other states have specifically exempted feminine hygiene products from sales tax, yet Nevada law requires all amendments to sales tax decisions be put to a voter referendum. Florida: Felon voting rights Passed: Amendment 4 restored voting rights to most people convicted of serious crimes in Florida after they have served their sentences. Florida was one of four states that disenfranchised felons permanently. The Sunshine State will now gain 1.5 million voters, possibly the largest single expansion of democratic rights in the U.S. since the voting age was lowered to 18 in 1971. California: Dialysis profits Failed: Proposition 8 would have limited California dialysis company profits to 15 percent over operating costs. Any payments above that level would have been cycled back to pay health insurance rebates, improve clinic quality and hire more workers. Midwest: Legalized recreational marijuana Split decision: Measures to legalize recreational marijuana passed in Michigan and failed in North Dakota. Maine: Universal home care Failed: Maine rejected a proposal that would have brought universal home care to seniors and those with disabilities, regardless of income level. The measure would have been funded by a 3.8 percent tax on individuals earning more than $128,000 a year. Louisiana: Non-unanimous juries Passed: Louisiana ended its practice of allowing juries with dissenting members to convict people charged with felonies, which many critics said was a remnant of the Jim Crow era. Oregon will now become the last state to allow split juries to hand down felony convictions. Trends Affordable Care Act (ACA) Medicaid expansion The trend: Measures to extend Medicaid coverage to people under the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, passed in Idaho, Nebraska and Utah, but failed in Montana. Redistricting, voting access, campaign spending The trend: Republicans and Democrats across the country mostly succeeded in pushing through measures designed to either reform local politics or nudge elections in their party's favor. With 20 measures on ballots across the country, this was the biggest group of topics facing voters Tuesday night. Voters in Colorado, Missouri and Michigan decided to establish new redistricting systems for their state legislatures. An anti-gerrymandering measure in Utah was still too close to call. Several measures tightened or eased access to voting for citizens by increasing ID requirements or simplifying registration moves that many people saw as partisan tactics. All of these passed. A measure seeking to limit terms in Arkansas' state legislature didnt make the ballot because it was blocked by that state's Supreme Court. Measures to change campaign financing laws passed in Arizona, Florida, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Mexico and North Dakota, but failed in two states: Colorado voters soundly rejected an amendment that would have loosened limits on campaign contributions in which one candidate was spending more than $1 million of his or her own money, and voters in South Dakota rejected an amendment that would have reduced special-interest money and created a system for publicly financed campaigns, among other changes. Abortion Split decision: Initiatives designed to nearly end abortion in their areas if the federal government ends monetary support passed in Alabama and West Virginia but failed in Oregon. Editor's note: We want you to know what's happening, why and how it could impact your life, family or business, so we created a weekly digest of the top original immigration, migration and refugee reporting from across VOA. Questions? Tips? Comments? Email the VOA immigration team: ImmigrationUnit@voanews.com. Pro-Immigrant at the polls With Republicans in control of Congress and the White House, the midterm elections were seen as a referendum on the ruling party. Immigration advocates see the Democrat takeover of the U.S. House of Representatives and victories for pro-immigrant candidates largely Democrats as a major win in the face of an administration focused on dismantling the country's immigration policies. The refugee rep Among the diverse candidates elected from coast to coast this week is Somali refugee Ilhan Omar, now an elected representative from Minnesota. "I stand here before you tonight as your congresswoman-elect, with many firsts behind my name," Omar told the crowd at her victory party. "The first woman of color to represent our state in Congress. The first woman to wear a hijab to represent our state in Congress. The first refugee ever elected to Congress. And one of the first Muslim women elected to Congress." Also repping African-American immigrant families? Joe Neguse, Colorado's first black congressman and the United States' first Eritrean-American representative. Neighbors on the border "I just want a secure border," says one south Texas resident. "I don't feel unsafe because I live on the border," says another. VOA is on the boundary between the U.S. and Mexico talking to locals as border communities prepare for thousands of soldiers ordered there by President Donald Trump coming from one direction, and members of a migrant caravan walking north through Central American and Mexico from another. Immigration court backlog reaches 1 million It would take five years to clear the nearly 1.1 million cases in U.S. immigration court, a figure that's ballooned under Trump administration policy changes, according to data released this week by the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse at Syracuse University. As the pile grows, court dates get pushed further into the future in some cases years despite there being slightly more immigration judges handling cases. Rejected on arrival In the Trump administrations latest move to block certain groups from entering the U.S., the president ordered that would-be asylum-seekers illegally entering on the southern U.S. border from Mexico not be allowed to qualify for asylum. The ACLU, a civil rights watchdog, has already filed a lawsuit. The right to request asylum is part of U.S. and international law. Immigration advocates are measuring success in Tuesday's midterm elections from the state capitals to Washington, D.C., not just by who won, but also by who lost. "We saw these patterns repeat from Maine to California, where anti-immigrant state leaders were rejected in favor of legislators who advance a more inclusive vision of our country," Kamal Essaheb, director of policy and advocacy at the National Immigration Law Center, said during a call with media Wednesday. Republican Eddie Smith of Tennessee, who had voted to block in-state tuition for undocumented students, lost to Democrat Gloria Johnson, a supporter of tuition equality, for a seat in the state's House of Representatives. In Wisconsin, Republican Gov. Scott Walker lost a bid for a third term to Democrat Tony Evers. In recent years, Walker had shifted away from supporting comprehensive immigration reform to a platform he described in 2015 as "anti-immigration because I listened" to the public. Kris Kobach, said to be the dominant voice behind several immigration-reducing plans on President Donald Trump's agenda, lost the race for Kansas governor. Democrat Abigail Spanberger defeated Representative Dave Brat of Virginia, who also aligns with Trump's immigration views on the need for a border wall and on the travel bans. And in Oregon, voters rejected a measure to repeal the state's immigrant sanctuary law a decades-old law that was the first of its type in the country. "We stopped the anti-immigrant movement in their tracks," Andrea Williams, executive director of Causa Oregon, an immigrant rights organization, said during a call with reporters Wednesday. "In a time when Oregon was on display for the whole nation to see, we voted with our values, and we voted on a law that has worked well for our state for many decades now." Democrats largely favorable to pro-immigration laws compared with their Republican counterparts won enough seats in the U.S. House of Representatives to block further attempts through Congress to bolster Trump's efforts to restrict immigration. David Bier, an immigration policy analyst at the Libertarian Cato Institute in Washington, called Tuesday's outcome the "most pro-immigration House of Representatives in over a century." Republicans still maintain control of the U.S. Senate. The House cannot pass any substantive immigration laws on its own, but it can prevent the Trump administration from passing anti-immigration legislation. Polls show most Americans are not anti-immigration. More than at any other time since 1965 when the U.S. overhauled its immigration laws Americans favor increases in immigration from the current level, or at the very least maintaining the status quo, according to polling data from Gallup earlier this year. Adding to the pessimism for those who want to curb immigration is the ruling upheld by an appeals court Thursday blocking the Trump administration from ending the Obama-era program that protects young undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children from being deported. The ruling from a panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals means a nationwide injunction allowing the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program to continue will remain in effect. The ruling came just after the announcement Wednesday evening that U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions would be stepping down. Mark Krikorian, head of the Center for Immigration Studies, which favors lower immigration numbers, tweeted, "Even with a Republican House nothing got enacted, and that will just continue for the next 2 years. But with Sessions gone, not much of note will get done administratively, either." The White House is bracing for the probe of Donald Trump's presidential campaign to fire up again. Trump's advisers are privately expressing worries that the special counsel, who's been out of the news for the past month, has been stealthily compiling information and could soon issue new indictments or a damning final report. Trump abruptly altered the chain of command above Mueller on Wednesday, putting his work under the supervision of a Republican loyalist who has been openly skeptical of the special counsel's authority and has mused about ways to curtail his power. But Trump and his aides are concerned about Mueller's next move with the work that is complete, according to a White House official and a Republican with close ties to the administration. They insisted on anonymity to comment on conversations they were not authorized to describe. Mueller lay low for the past month as voters were mulling their choices for this week's elections. But a flurry of activity during his quiet period, including weeks of grand jury testimony about Trump confidant Roger Stone and negotiations over an interview with the president, hinted at public developments ahead as investigators moved closer to addressing key questions underpinning the special counsel inquiry: Did Trump illegally obstruct the investigation? And did his campaign have advance knowledge of illegally hacked Democratic emails? Irritated by distraction Trump has told confidants he remains deeply annoyed by the 18-month-old Mueller probe, believing it is not just a "witch hunt" but an expensive and lengthy negative distraction. The latest indication of the fury came Wednesday when he forced out his attorney general, Jeff Sessions, whose recusal opened the door to Mueller's appointment. To this point, Trump has heeded advice not to directly interfere, though a new chapter in the relationship with the probe may have begun with the appointment of Matthew Whitaker as acting attorney general. Even if Whitaker, Sessions' former chief of staff, does not curtail the investigation, Trump could direct him to take a more aggressive stance in declassifying documents that could further undermine or muddle the probe, the White House aide and Republican official said. The investigation until now has been overseen by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who appointed Mueller last year and granted him fairly broad authority. "It's very significant because Whitaker's position on indictments or future indictments may be different than Rosenstein's, and Rosenstein had given Mueller a broad mandate to pursue various crimes," said Washington criminal defense lawyer Jeffrey Jacobovitz. The Mueller investigation has so far produced 32 criminal charges and four guilty pleas from Trump associates. But the work is not done. A clear focus concerns Stone, a longtime political dirty trickster. The special counsel's team has been investigating Stone's connection to WikiLeaks during the 2016 campaign and whether he had advance knowledge of the group's plans to release hacked material damaging to Democrat Hillary Clinton. Links to WikiLeaks Stone has said he did not, but emails, Twitter messages and his own public statements show he portrayed himself as plugged into the WikiLeaks orbit. That includes implying he had inside knowledge in separate email exchanges with a Breitbart editor and Steve Bannon, the then-Trump campaign chairman, just days before WikiLeaks began releasing thousands of emails stolen from Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta. Bannon and other Stone associates have been questioned, and multiple witnesses have appeared before the grand jury. One associate, Jerome Corsi, said in a video recording Monday that he's "been involved in a really constant basis" for two months with Mueller's investigation. On Thursday, a federal appeals court in Washington heard a challenge to Mueller's authority brought by Stone aide Andrew Miller, who defied a grand jury subpoena last summer and was held in contempt by a judge. In the president's orbit, there remains some concern about his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., though there are no outward indications that charges are imminent, according to a Republican close to the White House not authorized to speak publicly about private conversations. Beyond Mueller, but also within the Justice Department's oversight, is a federal investigation into Trump's longtime legal fixer, Michael Cohen, who admitted as part of a guilty plea in August to coordinating with Trump on a hush-money scheme to silence a porn actress and an ex-Playboy model who say they had affairs with Trump. The president hasn't been charged with any wrongdoing, but federal prosecutors have said that a grand jury investigation is ongoing and it targets unspecified "others." Court papers show Trump's conduct and that of top executives at the Trump Organization, some of whom have received immunity, have been scrutinized. But it's unclear what additional charges prosecutors are pursuing and how much of it pertains to the president personally. Federal prosecutors have said in court papers that the case involves numerous "uncharged" third parties and have argued against disclosing search warrants and other documents that would "certainly result in a very public guessing game" about their identities. Overseeing it all is Whitaker, a former U.S. attorney from Iowa who was brought into the Justice Department last year to serve as Sessions' chief of staff. In the months before, Whitaker was a familiar presence on CNN, where he questioned Mueller's scope and reach. Defends meeting In one appearance, he defended a June 2016 Trump Tower meeting between Trump Jr. and a Kremlin-connected Russian lawyer, saying, "You would always take that meeting." He also once tweeted a prosecutor's opinion piece that described the Mueller team as a "lynch mob," and wrote his own op-ed saying Mueller would be outside his authority if he investigated Trump's family finances. Trump had enjoyed Whitaker's cable TV appearances including one on CNN in which he suggested that the Mueller probe be starved of resources and the two men soon struck a bond. Trump told associates that he felt that Whitaker would be "loyal" and would not have recused himself from the Russia probe as Sessions had done, according to two Republicans close to the White House not authorized to speak publicly about private conversations. Despite demands from Democrats and ethics watchdogs that he recuse because of his past comments, Whitaker showed no signs Thursday that he intended to do so. And not everyone is convinced he needs to. "Based on my experience with Matt," said John Richter, a former U.S. attorney in Oklahoma and high-ranking Bush administration Justice Department official, "I think he will act consistently with the best traditions of the department and call things as he sees them. Malawi's government is considering a proposal to liberalize the country's abortion laws. Currently, abortion is allowed only when a woman's life is in danger, and many pregnant women turn to risky, unsafe procedures to end unwanted pregnancies. However, the draft law faces stiff opposition from religious leaders who say abortion is a sin. Lameck Masina has the story from Blantyre. The FBI was carefully examining Thursday the car and home of the gunman who killed 12 people at a bar in Thousand Oaks, Calif. The shooter, Marine Corps veteran Ian David Long, 28, apparently killed himself after gunning down customers in the Borderline Bar and Grill. Investigators are looking for clues to Longs state of mind before Wednesdays late-night shooting. Paul Delacourt, assistant director of the FBIs Los Angeles office, said it appears Long acted alone. Were going to pursue the leads that develop from that evidence, wherever they take us, to identify any possible motivation, paint a picture of the frame of mind of the subject, identify any possible radicalization, Delacourt said Thursday. Brushes with law enforcement Long had minor run-ins with the law previously, including a traffic accident and a bar fight, law enforcement officials said Thursday. Earlier this year, police were called to his home after neighbors reported what officers described as a disturbance. At the time, police said Long was somewhat irate, acting a little irrationally. Officers speculated Long, who had served in Afghanistan for seven months, was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. But a mental health professional who spoke with Long said he did not believe Long needed to be hospitalized. WATCH: Officials Identify Suspect in California Bar Shooting Crowded bar, man in black Late Wednesday, the Borderline Bar and Grill was crowded with students who regularly attended its country music dance party. Police say Long was dressed in black from head to toe. He shot a security guard, tossed smoke bombs into the bar and opened fire with a handgun equipped with a device that allowed it to hold more bullets. Stunned, panicked and frightened customers ran for cover and hid wherever they could: in bathrooms, in the attic, behind a pool table. Some threw barstools through windows to escape. The dead include a sheriffs deputy who rushed into the bar in response to the shooting. Deputy Ron Helus was less than a year from retirement. Police and firefighters lined the highways and saluted as a hearse carried his body from a hospital to the country coroners office. Wednesday nights shooting came less than two weeks after a self-proclaimed anti-Semite was charged with killing 11 people in a Pittsburgh synagogue. That shooting came days after a gunman was suspected of killing two black patrons of a Kentucky supermarket after he apparently failed to get inside a black church. These crimes follow the mass killing of 17 students at a Florida high school in February, and the massacre of 59 people at a Las Vegas music festival in October 2017. Some of the Las Vegas survivors, who happened to be at the bar, also survived Wednesdays shooting. Marine Corps offers condolences Its a gun culture, Californias Democratic Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom lamented Thursday. You cant go to a bar or a nightclub? You cant go to church or a synagogue? Its insane, is the only way to describe it. The normalization thats the only way I can describe it. Its become normalized. The U.S. Marine Corps issued a statement extending its deepest condolences to the families of the victims in this senseless tragedy. The Marine Corps said Long had attained the rank of corporal after serving nearly five years, including seven months in Afghanistan. He was a machine gunner and the recipient of numerous medals, including the Good Conduct Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon. In a tweet, President Donald Trump applauded the response of police and extended blessings to the victims and their families. He also ordered American flags flown at half-staff in honor of the victims. The top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, Jerry Nadler of New York, said lawmakers would start crafting a gun-control bill when the House convenes with a Democratic majority in early January. We must find a way to stop the senseless, and many times preventable killings that are robbing our country of innocent lives, Nadler tweeted. Shootings are very rare in Thousand Oaks, a city of about 130,000 people about 64 kilometers west of Los Angeles. Thousand Oaks was considered the third-safest city in the U.S. this year, according to Niche, an online company that provides data on neighborhoods, companies and schools. VOA Pentagon correspondent Carla Babb contributed to this report. A federal judge has brought a halt, at least temporarily, to the construction of the $8 billion Keystone XL Pipeline. U.S. District Judge Brian Morris said in an order Thursday that there needs to be further analysis of the projects potential environmental impact. The judges order was handed down as Calgary-based TransCanada was preparing to begin building the pipeline in northern Montana. Morris said the government must provide new and relevant information regarding the risk of spills. He said the governments analysis did not fully study the cumulative effects of greenhouse gas emissions, the effects of current oil prices on the pipelines viability or include updated modeling of potential oil spills. The 1,900-kilometer-long pipeline is designed to transport up to 830,000 barrels per day of tar sand oil from Alberta, Canada, to Nebraska, where it would then enter existing pipelines to U.S. Gulf Coast refineries. In 2015, the Obama administration rejected construction of the pipeline, saying it would detract from Americas global leadership on issues related to climate change. But the Trump administration overturned the decision, saying that the pipeline is safer than other methods used to transport oil, and calling its completion long overdue. The pipeline construction sparked months of protests by Native Americans and activist groups, who say the project could pollute local water supplies. The mayor of Moscow has decreed that a square near the headquarters of Russia's SVR foreign intelligence service be named after Kim Philby, the Briton who was the most successful Soviet double agent of the Cold War period. Mayor Sergei Sobyanin signed the order Tuesday. The move came amid tensions between Russia and Britain over this year's nerve agent poisoning of Russian former double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter, Yulia, in Salisbury, England. Philby joined Britain's MI6 foreign intelligence service in 1940, eventually heading its counterespionage division and serving as intelligence liaison with the United States. He resigned in 1951 under suspicion that he had tipped off two other double agents, who fled to Moscow. Philby defected to the Soviet Union in 1963, where he died in 1988. Before 9/11 Muslims began to come to the U.S. in sizable numbers after 1965, when U.S. immigration law was changed to admit more non-Europeans. But until 2000, they were not largely engaged in U.S. elections. Rather, many in the community debated whether it should participate in the secular American democracy. But in 2000, 700 Muslim candidates ran for local, state and federal office. Interestingly, 92 of the candidates were from Texas, while todays map (above) shows clusters of Muslim candidates on the west and east coasts as well as in the upper Midwest where there are vibrant immigrant communities. Of the 700, the American Muslim Alliance said, 153 were elected, all of them to local offices. No one won on the statewide or federal level that year. After that high participation point, came 9/11 when 19 al-Qaida terrorists highjacked four planes and deliberately crashed them, killing 2,996 people. It has taken 17 years for Muslims to begin to get active in politics again. Demographics Most of this years crop of Muslim candidates (14) are male although both of the new House members are women in keeping with the historic number of women nationwide who will be going to Congress in 2019. Educated and successful, many (8) have served in public positions before. Four are lawyers. The group includes an engineer, two doctors, teacher, set designer, and best-selling author. Yet, in running for office, they opened themselves up to anti-Muslim attacks, as immigration attorney discovered when she announced her candidacy for U.S. Senate in Arizona last year. In a Facebook post, she wrote about separation of church and state: In their infinite wisdom, the Founding Fathers decreed that this nation would separate church and state, and in doing so protect both institutions. This set off a barrage of invective against Abboud on social media in which she was accused of abandoning her religion. In Michigan, gubernatorial candidate Dr. was accused of having ties to the Muslim Brotherhood by a potential opponent. Michiganders are not asking how I pray, but what I pray for and what I care about, El-Sayed responded. In the pre-election report, Running on Hate, the advocacy group Muslim Advocates noted that both Tlaib and Omar also had been attacked. A joint event they hosted was crashed by an anti-Muslim activist who called them jihadis and screamed numerous conspiracies about Muslims, incest, and genital mutilation the report says. Muslim Advocates concluded that smearing Muslims is not a winning strategy. The results of this study indicate that core anti-Muslim voters are a small and hostile segment of the electorate, and candidates attempts to vilify American Muslims, in an attempt to increase vote totals actually have the opposite effect: they lose more votes than they gain, even among conservatives, the group wrote in its report. Progressive group 19 Democrats 1 Independent 3 Republicans As Muslims re-emerge as candidates and voters, it seems that 9/11 has also changed their thinking. VOAs group of 23 candidates is overwhelmingly Democratic with one Independent. Only three are Republican. And most of the Democrats (11) identify themselves as Progressive, liberal Democrats interested in social reform. Both Tlaib and Omar are in this group. However, in December of 2000, a Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) news release announced, Muslims Congratulate President-Elect Bush. CAIR said it had conducted a poll that showed Muslim voters were 72 percent for Republican George W. Bush and only 8 percent for Democrat Al Gore. CAIR also said 19 percent voted for independent progressive candidate Ralph Nader. A preview of what was to come? Today is one of the proudest moments of my life as a civil rights activist, to see American Muslims engaging the political process, winning and making sure that democracy works for everyone.#ElectionDay #AmericanMuslims#CAIR#CAIR2Vote@IlhanMN@RashidaTlaib Nihad Awad (@NihadAwad) November 7, 2018 2020 and beyond The Pew Research Center released a report in 2017 breaking down the current members of Congress by religion. At over 90%, Congress remains overwhelmingly Christian. While the number of Muslim members in the House of Representatives will increase from two to three when the new Congress is sworn in, this is a tiny percentage of the 435-member body. But it is the most ever. NATO has wrapped up its monthlong training exercise called "Trident Juncture" in Norway. The largest military training by the alliance since the end of the Cold War, the maneuvers have sparked debate over the price of security in Europe's north. Charles Maynes reports from Trondheim, Norway. A new book examining the rise of populist nationalism across Western countries faults traditional, establishment parties for ignoring for too long popular fears about immigration and globalization. By failing to grapple with public alarm early, they allowed both issues to become toxic and build widespread distrust of established elites, the authors say. For mainstream politicians, especially on the center-left, the fact-laden, forensic book National Populism: The Revolt Against Liberal Democracy, by British academics Matthew Goodwin and Roger Eatwell, published just weeks before Americas mid-term elections, will make for uncomfortable reading. The authors, one a sociologist and the other a historian, argue that national populism is here to stay and that the populist revolts in Europe "were a long time in the making." They dismiss the idea populist nationalism is a spasm, or merely a backlash to the financial crisis that erupted in 2008, the austerity that followed, or the refugee crisis that has swept through Europe since 2014. Instead, they say it is an ideology rooted in very deep and long-term currents that have been swirling beneath our democracies and gaining strength over many decades. Eatwell and Goodwins argument about the durability of populist nationalism - that U.S. President Donald Trump, Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban are the new normal - would appear to have received some support from this past Tuesday's U.S. midterm elections, the results of which, many analysts say, were mixed. Democrats surfed a so-called "blue wave" to retake control of the House of Representatives, but the midterms also witnessed a red wave, allowing Republicans to strengthen their grip on the Senate. Since 2016, Europe and the United States have seen a surge of books and studies on the rise of populist nationalism, but few have caught as much immediate attention as Eatwell and Goodwins highly-researched book - or been cited as much by politicians. The book reached Britains Sunday Times top 10 bestseller list two weeks after publication. Unlike many other authors, they say they do not write to condemn or praise, but to understand a movement that seeks, they say, to restore the primacy of the nation over distant and unaccountable international organizations and to reassert the importance of stability and conformity over the never-ending and disruptive instability that flows from globalization. But the authors have attracted criticism and accusations that they are seeking to normalize a dangerous movement. There is undoubtedly some useful information and the authors are correct to point out that opponents of right-wing populists need better answers, but it is quite clear what this book is. It is part of a project to normalize and detoxify the new right, argues Martin Shaw, a political sociologist and international relations scholar. In a review of the book for politics.co.uk, he accuses Eatwell and Goodwin of exaggerating political trends while presenting them as social-scientific fact. Some other critics say Eatwell and Goodwin do in fact sympathize with populist nationalists, leading them to downplay the excesses of the movement. The authors counter that opponents of populist nationalists miss important nuances about the movement. They say the search to identify one type of supporter or one motive for populist nationalism is unhelpful. They accuse their critics of wanting to dismiss the movement as just one of angry old white men Trump and Brexit appealed to a broad and loose alliance of middle-class social conservatives and blue-collar workers, they write. And they note racial and age diversity in the ranks of populist nationalists - highlighting that one in three Latino men who voted in the 2016 White House race backed Trump, while Brexit was backed by one in three of Britains black and ethnic minority voters. Brexit is Britain's decision to leave the European Union. Likewise, far-right politician Marine Le Pen attracted the support of younger voters in her run for the French presidency last year. The tendency to dismiss these movements as a political home for old, white racist men ignores the fact that Le Pen picked up much of her support not only from young men but young women in France, while in Austria, Germany, Italy and Sweden, national populists are strongest among the under-40s or draw their support fairly evenly from across age groups. Goodwin made the comments Thursday in the wake of the U.S. mid-term elections, in an article for Britains The Guardian newspaper. Longer term trends are at play, they say, breaking down the key historic shifts as the Four Ds. They include distrust of established politicians and institutions caused by a sense among large numbers that they no longer have a voice; growing fear among some key groups about the possible destruction of national historic identity and established ways of life; and the stoking by globalization of rising inequalities of income and wealth, which has fueled a sense of deprivation, prompting a loss of faith in a better future. All of those trends, say the authors, have inflamed a fourth one: de-alignment and the weakening bonds between the traditional mainstream parties and the people. Some critics of the book say the authors exaggerate de-alignment and take issue with the authors claim that populist nationalism marks the end of relatively stable politics, strong mainstream parties and loyal voters. In the British election last year Labour and the Conservatives won 82 percent of the vote, their highest share since 1970, notes The Economist magazine. Law enforcement authorities in northern California said Friday night that nine people have died in a wildfire, one of three in the state that have leveled thousands of homes and forced widespread evacuations. The Butte County Sheriff's office earlier Friday said five of the victims were found dead in vehicles as they attempted to flee Paradise, a mountain town north of Sacramento. Paradise has been mostly destroyed in a quick-moving fire that forced thousands of residents to flee. The blaze, which broke out Thursday, had nearly quadrupled overnight and has since grown to 362 square kilometers and was rapidly approaching the outskirts of the nearby city of Chico. Officials said the fire is only 5 percent contained. In addition to the five people found dead in their vehicles, many people were forced to abandon their cars, which got struck in gridlocked traffic, and run for their lives. California fire officials said crews gave up fighting the flames Thursday and instead helped people get out alive. "These firefighters were in the rescue mode all day yesterday,'' said Capt. Scott McLean of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. "The town is devastated, everything is destroyed," he said. Friday night, Cal Fire officials said more than 6,700 buildings have been destroyed, most of them homes. With fires also burning in Southern California , state officials put the total number of people forced from their homes at about 250,000. Evacuation orders included the entire city of Malibu, which is home to 13,000, among them some of Hollywoods biggest stars. President Donald Trump issued an emergency declaration providing federal funds for Butte, Ventura and Los Angeles counties. Paradise, located nearly 145 kilometers north of Sacramento, was home to more than 26,000 residents, according to its website. There were no signs of life Friday on the road to Paradise except for the occasional bird chirp. A thick, yellow haze from the fire hung in the air and gave the appearance of twilight in the middle of the day. "Right now, Mother Nature is in charge," Cal Fire spokesman Bryce Bennet told The Sacramento Bee newspaper. Evacuations were ordered for the east side of Chico, a city of about 93,000 people, as flames from the blaze were being driven by 56-kilometer-per-hour winds. An undetermined number of civilians and firefighters have been injured and Maclean said earlier it could take days to determine the number of fatalities. California's acting Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in the northern part of the state to help facilitate rescue and recovery efforts. The fire, known as the Camp Fire, evolved quickly into the fiercest of the wind-driven fires now plaguing California in what has been one of the worst years for wildfires in the state. Another fire, known as the Woolsey Fire, prompted officials to call for the voluntary evacuation of some 75,000 homes in Ventura County northwest of Los Angeles, the site of a mass shooting this week in which 12 people were killed. The mayor of Thousand Oaks, where the shooting occurred, said three-quarters of his city was under fire evacuation orders and that most likely included people affected by the shooting. The fire was also burning in parts of Los Angeles County. Fire officials said strong Santa Ana winds continued to fuel the Woolsey Fire overnight, doubling its size to nearly 3,248 hectares. "If you've been told to go, get out of there," said Los Angeles County Sheriff Department Chief John Benedict. Also burning farther west in Ventura County was the Hill Fire, which fire officials said burned nearly 4,050 hectares by Thursday night. Fire officials said it was also moving toward the ocean. Some information for this report came from AP. The gunman who killed 12 people at a country music bar in Southern California went on social media during the attack and posted about his mental state and whether people would believe he was sane, a law enforcement official said Friday. Also, one of the possibilities investigators are looking into is whether gunman Ian David Long believed his former girlfriend would be at the bar, the official said. Authorities have not determined a motive for Wednesday's rampage at the Borderline Bar & Grill. The official who was briefed on the investigation but not authorized to discuss it publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity would not give additional details on what the 28-year-old former Marine posted on his Facebook and Instagram accounts. Long, a former machine gunner who served in Afghanistan, opened fire with a handgun in the attack, then apparently killed himself as scores of police officers closed in. As investigators worked to figure out what set him off, President Donald Trump blamed mental illness, describing the gunman as "a very sick puppy" who had "a lot of problems." Investigators have not commented on whether mental illness played a role in the rampage. But neighbors reported hearing frequent loud fights between Ian David Long and his mother, one of them so extreme they called police in April, and authorities at the time worried that the war veteran might have post-traumatic stress disorder, though a mental health specialist concluded there were no grounds to have him involuntarily committed. The dead included sheriff's Sgt. Ron Helus, a 29-year veteran nearing retirement who responded to reports of shots fired and was gunned down as he entered the bar. He and other first responders "ran toward danger," Sheriff Geoff Dean said at a vigil Thursday evening, calling Helus a hero. Also killed was a man who had survived last year's massacre in Las Vegas, Telemachus Orfanos, 27. "I don't want prayers. I don't want thoughts," said his mother, Susan Schmidt-Orfanos. "I want those bastards in Congress they need to pass gun control so no one else has a child that doesn't come home." Dani Merrill, who escaped from the Borderline bar when the shooting began, had also attended the 2017 Las Vegas country music festival where a gunman in a high-rise hotel opened fire and killed 58 people. She was appalled that such bloodshed had come to her community. "I'm super upset that it happened in our home, and I feel awful for the families that have to go through this," Merrill said at the vigil. At the White House, Trump touted his efforts to fund work on PTSD among veterans. He declined to engage in questions on whether the nation needs stricter gun control laws. 'Odd, disrespectful' Julie Hanson, who lives next door to the ranch-style home that Long shared with his mother, described him as "odd" and "disrespectful" well before he left home a decade ago, got married and enlisted in the Marines. She could often hear him yelling and cursing, but several months ago unusually loud banging and shouting prompted her husband to call authorities. "I was concerned because I knew he had been in the military," Tom Hanson said. About 18 months ago, Don and Effie MacLeod heard "an awful argument" and what he believes was a gunshot from the Longs' property. Don MacLeod said he did not call police but avoided speaking with Ian Long. "I told my wife, 'Just be polite to him. If he talks, just acknowledge him, don't go into conversation with him,"' Don MacLeod said. Thousand Oaks is a city of about 130,000 people about 40 miles (64 kilometers) from Los Angeles. It is annually listed as one of the safest cities in America. "Hope has sustained communities, very much like Thousand Oaks, through the exact same triages of mass shootings," said Andy Fox, the city's outgoing mayor. "Tonight Thousand Oaks takes its place with those cities, who in order to move forward will rely on hope. ... We are Thousand Oaks strong." It was the nation's deadliest such attack since 17 students and teachers were killed at a Parkland, Florida, high school nine months ago. It also came less than two weeks after a gunman massacred 11 people at a synagogue in Pittsburgh. Seven Roman Catholic dioceses in Pennsylvania said Thursday that they have taken steps to set up victim compensation funds, nearly three months after a chilling grand jury report documented decades of child sexual abuse by priests in the state. The Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Scranton and Allentown dioceses issued public announcements, and a lawyer for the Greensburg Diocese said it is also involved. The Erie and Pittsburgh dioceses said they were setting up funds but were not ready to disclose details. Altoona-Johnstown said it set up a victim fund in 1999. The announcements did not mention a total dollar amount for the funds or their maximum potential individual payouts. Five of the dioceses have hired veteran compensation fund coordinator Ken Feinberg to design and operate their programs. The Philadelphia fund will begin taking applications next week, setting a filing deadline for claims at the end of next September, said Camille Biros, Feinberg's co-administrator. Harrisburg, Erie, Greensburg and Scranton are expected to begin their programs in January, she said. In statements, the dioceses described sources for the money, including borrowing, property sales, investments and insurers. "For the most part, they're telling us, 'We want to get this done, so whatever it takes to get these resolved,"' Biros said. Payouts and total fund amounts will not be disclosed by the dioceses, and church officials will have no say in decisions about eligibility or payout amounts, she said. A legislative effort to change state law to allow a two-year window for people to sue in abuse cases that are otherwise too old to pursue passed the state House, but it was blocked by Republican state senators last month. Opponents, including Catholic bishops and the insurance industry, expressed concerns about the cost and argued that a retroactive change would violate the state constitution. Representative Mark Rozzi, a Berks County Democrat and leading advocate for the lawsuit window, said negotiations have continued and he sees a possibility of a deal by year's end. "And if not, we're going to be back at it next year," Rozzi said. The landmark grand jury report released in August estimated hundreds of priests in Pennsylvania molested more than 1,000 children since the 1940s. State Attorney General Josh Shapiro, whose office oversaw the investigation, said lawmakers should enact the window along with other changes to state law that the jury recommended eliminating time limits on criminal prosecutions for sexual abuse of children, clarify penalties for failing to report child abuse and banning confidentiality agreements that prevent victims from speaking with law enforcement. Shapiro said the grand jury "recommended that victims deserve their day in court not that the church should be the arbiter of its own punishment. These undefined compensation funds do not give a pass to lawmakers the Legislature should return to Harrisburg, do their jobs and pass the grand jury's four reforms." The announcements come as the chief federal prosecutor in Philadelphia has begun investigating whether Pennsylvania diocese officials broke any federal child exploitation laws. Drawback of funds Ben Andreozzi, a lawyer who represents dozens of people in each of Pennsylvania's eight dioceses who claim to have been abused by priests, said such funds can be helpful. But, he said, they can also avoid full disclosure of what occurred, do not help victims whose abuse had nothing to do with the Catholic Church and typically deliver less money to a victim than a lawsuit. "The biggest drawback in a fund like this is that it does not force the institution to come clean with all the information that it has regarding the abuse," Andreozzi said. "And oftentimes the victims don't get fair market value for their claims." Feinberg and Biros ran victims' compensation funds set up by five New York dioceses in recent years. They put no cap on payouts, but $500,000 is the most paid out to one individual, Biros said. Factors to determine the size of the payouts included the severity of the abuse, the age of the victim and the long-term effect on the victim's life. "I think that the programs in New York have been very well received, and we're hoping the same will be true for the Pennsylvania dioceses," Biros said. Program details The Philadelphia Archdiocese said its program would be overseen by a three-person committee, including former U.S. Senator George Mitchell of Maine, former interim Philadelphia District Attorney Kelley Hodge and Lawrence Stengel, a retired federal judge. It plans to sell properties but will not dip into money for charities, seminaries, donor-designated gifts or donations to parishes, ministries or schools. Allentown, which has not hired Feinberg, said an independent board will oversee an administrator's decision about compensation. It plans to announce a timetable and other details shortly. Erie said its fund parameters were being finalized. Harrisburg said its program will be funded by its reserve, unrestricted accounts, investments and its insurers. Scranton said its fund will be paid with reserves and it will sell assets and borrow money. A lawyer for Greensburg said it planned to release details. Pittsburgh said it will outline its program by the end of the year, and Bishop David Zubik recently scheduled "listening sessions" around the diocese to help determine how the program will operate. Biros said the Feinberg team has been in talks with the Pittsburgh diocese about possibly operating its program. Protesters gathered Thursday in cities from New York to California in a warning to the White House not to derail Robert Mueller's probe into Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Progressive groups hastily organized the marches after President Donald Trump fired Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Wednesday and named Matt Whitaker as his acting replacement. Whitaker will oversee the Mueller investigation. Whitaker has made it known that he is hostile to the probe into whether the Trump campaign colluded with the Russians and the president obstructed justice. "Whitaker must recuse and Congress must act to protect the Mueller investigation," said an organizer of the march outside the White House. Other speakers said Trump thought American voices would be silent after the midterm election and accused the president of attacking the rule of law. The crowd in New York City's Times Square chanted "Hands off Mueller" and waved various anti-Trump signs. A man wearing nothing but red, white and blue underpants strummed a guitar and sang pro-Trump songs. He was quickly shouted down and had anti-Trump signs held in front of his face. The organizers of Thursday's events warned of even more massive street protests if Trump fired Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who had been overseeing the Mueller investigation after Sessions recused himself. Whitaker has given no signs he plans to step back from the probe, saying he is "committed to leading a fair department with the highest ethical standards, that upholds the rule of law, and seeks justice for all Americans." But before joining the Justice Department as Sessions' chief of staff, Whitaker appeared on CNN where he said the attorney general has the power to cut Mueller's budget and bring the investigation to a halt. He has also written that he believes the Mueller probe has gone too far and that Trump's finances should be off limits to the special counsel. Russia hosted a group of Afghan government-linked envoys along with their Taliban rivals Friday, as the Kremlin waded into efforts to end a 17-year conflict where Western efforts have repeatedly failed. "Russia stands for preserving the one and undivided Afghanistan, in which all of the ethnic groups that inhabit this country would live side by side peacefully and happily," said Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, in a statement opening the talks in Moscow. "I am counting on you holding a serious and constructive conversation that will justify the hopes of the Afghan people," Lavrov added, calling for "a new page in the history of Afghanistan." Despite the lofty rhetoric, Russian officials were careful to keep expectations low in advance of the event. Talks were billed as negotiations aimed at merely securing future peace talks with success defined as merely getting the two sides to sit together at all. Two earlier high-profile Russian efforts to organize talks were canceled at the last minute after the Afghan government refused to participate. While this time was no different officials in Kabul again rejected direct participation a face-saving workaround solution came by the inclusion of envoys from the government-appointed High Peace Council. The council does not represent the government but oversees peace efforts. In realistic terms, however, the talks produced little but acrimony. In a statement following the talks, High Peace Council representatives said they had asked Taliban representatives "to determine a place and time for the start of those talks in the near future." Those negotiations, the representatives added, could proceed "without conditions." Yet Taliban officials demanded that foreign forces specifically, the United States and NATO leave Afghan territory before negotiations with the government in Kabul could begin. "If the external dimension is resolved, then we can resolve the internal, including questions about the constitution, questions of human rights, women, problems with narcotics and all internal problems," said an official in a statement following the talks. The council, in turn, rejected the Taliban's "preconditions" outright. Eleven nations were present for the talks, including regional powers China, Pakistan and Iran. The U.S. Embassy in Moscow confirmed it had sent an observer to the meeting. Washington has repeatedly voiced skepticism of the Russian initiative, which some say undercuts the U.S.'s peace efforts, led by special adviser Zalmay Khalilzad. Meanwhile, the Russian effort was the latest sign of the Kremlin's growing role as a powerbroker a role Russian officials seemed to relish as the U.S.-led NATO military operation in Afghanistan, 17 years and counting, has struggled. "It's unacceptable to try to turn Afghanistan into a field of competition for outside players, as it makes for bad consequences," said Foreign Minister Lavrov, in a thinly veiled reference to Afghanistan's reputation, dating back centuries, as the "Graveyard of Empires." And yet, Lavrov's criticism was a cautionary tale for Moscow as well. In 1979, the then-Soviet Union launched an occupation of Afghanistan, becoming a decade-long conflict that ended with the humiliating withdrawal of Soviet troops. Within two years, the USSR was no more. The presidents of Somalia and Eritrea met with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Friday to cement regional economic ties as relations warm between the once-rival nations. Somalia's President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki arrived in the northern Ethiopian city of Gondar for the summit. They also visited a university. The meeting is intended to "cement the outcome of the Horn of Africa economic integration agreement," Ethiopia's state-affiliated Fana Broadcasting Corporate reported. The three leaders had in met in September to lay the groundwork for the agreement, the details of which remain vague. "This is a testimony, this is a witness for everyone that the history of the Horn of Africa has changed," the Somali president told officials during a speech in Gondar. "Now we are moving for regional collaboration in economic development in order to be sure that we fight poverty in this region," he added. A former province of Ethiopia, Eritrea broke away in 1993 but was back at war with its southern neighbor five years later when a border dispute sparked fighting. A peace deal ended the war two years later, but Ethiopia and Eritrea remained bitter foes after Addis Ababa refused to accept a United Nations-backed boundary demarcation. Shortly after his April inauguration, Abiy reversed that policy, leading the two neighbors to sign a peace deal last July. Abiy and Isaias have since met repeatedly around the region, and the speed of the rapprochement has surprised even veteran Ethiopia politicians. "There are things you think are impossible like normalization with Eritrea," Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde told the South African Broadcasting Corporation on Thursday. "For Ethiopia, this normalization is helping a lot, not just for Ethiopia and Eritrea, but the region as a whole," she said. "Our vision is to have the same kind of relationship with all our neighboring countries." The peace deal with Eritrea unlocked a flood of diplomacy in the Horn of Africa, with Somalia and Eritrea establishing diplomatic ties after decades of animosity, while rivals Djibouti and Eritrea have also moved to ease long standing tensions. The Trump administration issued an order Friday to restrict asylum at the U.S. border with Mexico by requiring that anyone who enters the U.S. illegally will not be eligible to request asylum. The American Civil Liberties Union and other legal groups filed a lawsuit Friday afternoon against the administration in federal court in Northern California to block the regulations, arguing the measures were clearly illegal. "We need people in our country but they have to come in legally and they have to have merit," Trump said Friday as he prepared to depart for Paris. Administration officials say the measures are in effect for at least three months, but could be extended. They go into effect Saturday and don't affect people who are already in the country. The Departments of Homeland Security (DHS) and Justice (DOJ) said the president has the authority to restrict eligibility for asylum and can do so by proclamation. The administration is using a section of the Immigration act to justify its action. Section 212(f) says that whenever the president deems the entry of immigrants detrimental to the interests of the United States, he may by proclamation, and for such period as he shall deem necessary, suspend the entry of all aliens or any class of aliens as immigrants or non-immigrants, or impose on the entry of aliens any restrictions he may deem to be appropriate. Section 212(f) is the same law used by the Trump administration to justify its ban on travel to mostly Muslim countries. If they in fact make that rule change, then we at ACLU, along with other organizations, are ready to be in the federal court to immediately challenge that, American Civil Liberties Union of Texas Policy Counsel Shaw Drake told VOA. Drake sees the move as an attempt to stop a caravan of migrants heading up through Mexico to the U.S. border. The caravan has been a focus of Trump, who has called it an invasion and an emergency. Trump cited the caravan and its purported threat often during the run-up to Tuesdays election. Anyone traveling in the caravan should not be treated any differently than any other asylum-seekers seeking protection in the U.S., Drake said. Again, theres a legal process for people to go through and Customs and Border Patrol and all government agencies are required to follow the law no matter whether or not the person is deemed to travel as part of the caravan or not. Calling the situation at the border by any definition, a full-fledged and very large crisis, administration officials said that funneling asylum cases through ports of entry would make them easier to deal with since there are more resources there. U.S. President Donald Trump departed early Friday for his trip to France where he and dozens of other world leaders will mark the centenary of the Armistice, which brought an end to the fighting in World War I. His trip comes as relations between the United States and many of its allies remain tense. French President Emmanuel Macron warned that the geopolitical climate is reminiscent of the buildup to the world wars. Touring wartime battlefields in the east and north of France this week ahead of Sundays Armistice ceremonies, President Macron warned of ongoing threats to Europe, saying the continent must create its own army. We need to protect ourselves from China, from Russia and even the United States. When I see President Trump announcing a pullout from a big disarmament treaty that was taken in the middle of the 1980s in the middle of the missile crisis which had affected Europe, who is going to be the main victim? Europe and its security, Macron told Frances Europe 1 radio station. WATCH: As WWI Centenary Nears, Macron Warns of Threats to Europe Talks with Macron French officials said relations with the U.S. would be unaffected by President Trumps Republican Party losing control of the House of Representatives in the recent midterm elections. The U.S. president will hold talks with Macron Saturday. Its not clear whether a rumored meeting between Trump and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, will go ahead. Donald Trump will later visit Belleau Wood, scene of one of the most ferocious battles fought by U.S. troops in the war. More than 1,800 American soldiers were killed as they attacked German positions. Much of the fighting was hand-to-hand combat. After more than three weeks of fighting, American troops took Belleau Wood on June 26, 1918. Historian Jean-Michel Steg says the bravery of U.S. Marines is legendary. They were confronted as we will see by intense enemy fire, instead of ducking, instead of retreating, which by the time of the war would have been the normal attitude of troops and waiting for the artillery barrage to relieve them, they charged. By the end of the war, more than 116,000 American troops had died defending Europe. More than 14,000 are buried at the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery, the largest on the continent. Relations between these powers, theyre not always easy. And there are reasons for that. But when you get out here, where the people in these villages remember, theres a great respect for the American soldier. The nearby "Romagne 14-18" museum depicts life for soldiers on the frontline using thousands of items recovered from the battlefields, most of them by founder Jean-Paul de Vries. His grandfather fought for four years on the front lines. What I try to show in this museum to the visitors is if you take off these helmets, its all the same. It's all human beings, he told VOA. Forty million people were killed on all sides during the conflict. They will be remembered Sunday at the Armistice Day ceremony at Paris Arc de Triomphe, attended by dozens of world leaders. President Trump will later take part in a separate Veterans Day ceremony at an American cemetery. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is set to meet his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump on the sidelines of World War I commemorations in France. The meeting comes as the two NATO allies seek to reset relations after sustained tensions. A myriad of policy differences has plunged bilateral relations to record lows, but a Turkish court's release last month of an American pastor, Andrew Brunson, and his return home, appears to have been a turning point. Washington granted Ankara a six-month waiver on its Iran sanctions, creating further impetus. And Trump also said the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Riyadh's Istanbul consulate is resulting in close cooperation with Ankara. "We are working with Congress, working with Turkey, and working with Saudi Arabia," he said. Separately, Turkey's neighbor, Syria, is expected to top the talks between the two leaders. U.S. military support of the Syrian Kurdish militia, the YPG, in its war against Islamic State remains an open wound in bilateral ties. Turkey considers the YPG and its political wing, the PYD, affiliates of the outlawed PKK that has been fighting a decades-long insurgency. Turkey, the European Union and the U.S. all have designated the PKK as a terrorist organization. Despite Ankara's intense lobbying for Washington to change its stance toward the YPG and give it the same designation as the PKK, the U.S. appears unmoved. "We have not designated the YPG as a terrorist organization the way we have the PKK, and we never did," said Ambassador James Jeffrey, the U.S. special representative for Syria engagement. "We understand Turkey's concerns about its security," he said in a telephone briefing with reporters. "We understand Turkey's concerns about the links between the PYD and the PKK. Thus we're very, very careful in several areas." In a move widely seen as a gesture to Turkey ahead of the meeting, the U.S. State Department announced a multimillion-dollar bounty on PKK leaders. The step was met with a cool response by Ankara and open derision among pro-government media. "They are supposedly 'putting a bounty' on terrorist 'leaders,' who are already in their hands, who are their 'staff,' and what's more, whom they use as they please, and are actually mocking us," wrote Tamer Korkmaz of the pro-government newspaper Yeni Safak. "Very, very late," Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said in response as he called on Washington to adopt a similar policy toward the YPG. Turkey was also less than enthusiastic about another U.S. move to enhance trust. This past week, the U.S. and Turkish militaries carried out a joint patrol around the Syrian city of Manbij. The patrol is part of a road map agreed to in June between the two countries that ultimately will see YPG forces withdraw from the city it helped liberate from Islamic State. Erdogan, however, has repeatedly accused Washington of being slow to implement the deal. Erdogan is expected to push for expediting the road map and quick withdrawal of all YPG forces from Manbij during talks with Trump. Experts suggest the Turkish president has an opportunity to achieve a critical objective the removal of the YPG militia along its border east of the Euphrates River. "Now in Syria, the strategic priority switches for the U.S. from countering IS to containing Iran," said former senior Turkish diplomat Aydin Selcen, who served in the region. "So Turkey will get the green light to intervene in the eastern Euphrates. They may have already gotten it, or at least a wink." For the last few weeks, the Turkish military has been pounding YPG bases along its border east of the Euphrates. Washington has expressed "deep concern" at the strikes and deployed U.S. forces to patrol with the YPG in a move to deter such attacks. "This is not an acceptable thing," Erdogan told reporters Tuesday. "This can cause serious negative developments on the border. I believe Mr. Trump will stop this." Analysts say Trump will have his own demands. "Trump will ask Turkey to fall in line against Iran and to hold the ground," said Selcen. "This will push Turkey to distance itself from Russia and Iran altogether." But Erdogan has also criticized Washington for the reinstatement of sanctions against Iran. "U.S. sanctions on Iran are wrong," he said Tuesday. "For us, they are steps aimed at unbalancing the world; we don't want to live in an imperialist world." Turkey's relationship with Iran has deepened over cooperation to end the Syria civil war. Trump is expected to raise the ties with Iran during his talks with Erdogan. Undecided races in Tuesday's midterm U.S. elections are keeping the states of Florida, Georgia and Arizona on edge. In Florida, center of controversy over the close presidential election in 2000, Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson and Republican Gov. Rick Scott are locked in an extremely close contest for the Senate, with Scott holding a lead in the vote count of less than a percentage point but Nelson gaining ground. Scott, the challenger, has sued supervisors of elections in both Broward and Palm Beach counties, accusing them of mishandling the ballot count. These same two Democratic-leaning counties proved problematic in providing voter returns in the 2000 presidential election when Republican George W. Bush narrowly defeated Democrat Al Gore in a historic recount. WATCH: Midterms Races Still Undecided in Florida, Georgia and Arizona The race to fill Scott's post as Florida governor also is still too close to call, which may trigger an automatic recount even though Democrat Andrew Gillum already has conceded to Republican Ron DeSantis. Florida is tied with New York for the third-highest number of Electoral College votes (29), so its political landscape will have significant influence on the presidential election in 2020, when President Donald Trump is expected to seek re-election and the Democrats will try to unseat him. In another close vote, Arizona is still trying to determine the winner of the contest between Democrat Kyrsten Sinema and Republican Martha McSally, who are vying to fill the seat left open by retiring Republican Senator Jeff Flake. Officials are still tallying mail-in ballots, with Sinema ahead by fewer than 10,000 votes. As of Thursday night, more than 400,000 ballots still had not been counted, because about 75 percent of Arizona voters cast their ballots by mail. In Mississippi, a runoff election is expected in late November between Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith and Democratic challenger Mike Espy. Regardless of the outcomes in these states, Republicans will hold at least 51 Senate seats in the new term, giving them a majority in the 100-seat Senate. Trump spoke to reporters early Friday before boarding a flight to Paris. Commenting on the Florida controversy, he said Scott "won by a comfortable margin." He also criticized the woman in charge of supervising elections in Broward County, saying, "She has had a horrible history." In the southern state of Georgia, the governor's race is still in dispute, although Republican Brian Kemp, who at present has 50.3 percent of the vote, has declared victory. Democrat Stacey Abrams has 48.7 percent of the vote. But Abrams, the first African-American woman to be named a gubernatorial candidate in Georgia by either major party, has said she will not concede until every vote is counted. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley told reporters North Korea hasn't progressed enough on the denuclearization front to warrant lifting sanctions. She made the remarks prior to entering a closed-door U.N. Security Council session called by Russia to discuss the topic. "If you look at the resolutions, and the way they were set up was they specifically dealt with the threat to peace and security by weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles," she added. "That threat is still there, they still have their facilities, they have still not allowed inspectors to go and inspect the nuclear facility or the ballistic missile facility. And as long as that's happening, we need to stay the course." Haley said Washington had caught Moscow breaking North Korean sanctions and characterized the meeting as an attempt by Russia to strengthen ties with Pyongyang. Margaret Besheer at the United Nations Contributed. A Polish court on Thursday overturned a Warsaw city ban on a march organized by far-right nationalist groups, justifying the decision on constitutional grounds of the freedom of assembly. The decision by Judge Michal Jakubowski is the latest development surrounding contentious, confusing preparations for an Independence Day march on Sunday in the Polish capital to honor the country's 100 years of independence. For the past decade, far-right nationalists have been organizing marches on the Nov. 11 Independence Day in Warsaw, and this year fears of open demonstrations of extremism and possible clashes with counterprotesters threatened to overshadow all other events on the nation's centenary calendar. Last year, marchers carried xenophobic banners proclaiming the desire for a "White Europe" that drew international criticism, especially coming only a few months after a violent rally of white nationalists in Charlottesville, Virginia. Polish government officials had tried for months to persuade the nationalists to make the Warsaw march this year an inclusive affair involving state officials without any provocative banners, but the two sides were unable to agree. On Wednesday, Warsaw's city mayor stepped in and banned the march, citing security reasons. The president and prime minister then quickly announced that an inclusive state march would take place instead Sunday along the same route, led by President Andrzej Duda and including the prime minister, other top leaders and World War II veterans. After the court ruling, it wasn't immediately clear if both marches will go ahead separately, or as one. The uncertainties about security had been heightened by a mass walkout by police officers in recent days over pay, prompting the government to ask the Defense Ministry to help with security Sunday. But late Thursday, a police union announced it was ending the protest after agreeing upon a deal with the Interior Ministry. The Warsaw court ruling follows a similar ruling in Wroclaw on a city ban on a nationalist march there for Sunday. City authorities still have the right to appeal the rulings. Warsaw city spokesman Bartosz Milczarczyk said "we respect the court's verdict." He said town hall officials were studying it before deciding whether to appeal. Crackdown on extremism Earlier in the day, before the ruling, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said authorities would do everything in their power to crack down on any expressions of extremism at the march. "We want the march to be peaceful and not provoke tensions," Morawiecki told reporters. His comments come amid other signs that Poland's conservative ruling Law and Justice party is now seeking to take a firmer stance against ultra-nationalists after a period in which they seemed to be trying to appease them. Extremists from Hungary and elsewhere have in past years joined Poland's Nov. 11 march, which is meant to mark Poland's regaining of its independence at the end of World War I. Saying he expected up to 200,000 participants Sunday at the inclusive Warsaw march, Morawiecki acknowledged it could be hard to control them all, but said "we will try to eliminate all banners which are extremist." He also said there will be no tolerance for foreign neo-fascists or other agitators. Many other World War I centennial events are expected across the country Sunday, with the most emotional expected to be the public singing of the national hymn at noon in hundreds of places. Yemeni rebels launched fierce barrages of mortar fire Friday as they battled to slow an advance by pro-government forces deeper into the port city of Hodeida, military sources said. The Shiite Huthi rebels, whose chief has vowed his troops would never surrender despite being vastly outnumbered, shelled government positions in the south of the Red Sea city, loyalist officials said. But despite the "intense attacks," loyalist forces, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, made fresh advances in eastern sectors of Hodeida. Eight days into the renewed offensive, civilians reported relentless air strikes, low-flying jets and Apache helicopters, mortars and missiles on the outskirts of the city and within five kilometers (three miles) of its strategic port, the Norwegian Refugee Council said in a statement. The Iran-backed rebels, for their part, said their fighters had cut off government supply routes in four sectors of Hodeida province, although there was no confirmation from the loyalist side. Backed by Saudi air raids, loyalist troops for the first time entered residential neighborhoods on Thursday, using bulldozers to remove concrete road blocks installed by the rebels. Nearly 80 percent of Yemen's commercial imports and practically all UN-supervised humanitarian aid passes through the port. The Huthis have controlled Hodeida since 2014 when they overran the capital Sanaa and swept though much of the rest of the country, triggering the intervention by the Saudi-led coalition the following year and a devastating war of attrition. The rebels have since been driven out of virtually all of the south and much of the Red Sea coast. Coalition to 'capture' port Government forces launched their offensive to retake Hodeida in June backed by significant numbers of Emirati ground troops. Their advance into the city of some 600,000 people has been slowed by rebel-dug trenches and minefields in a battle which has intensified since November 1. A total of 250 combatants have been killed this month 197 Huthis and 53 loyalists, medical and security sources say. The Norwegian Council warned further fighting could cut off roads between Hodeida and Sanaa. "There is now only one viable overland route from Hodeida city to Sanaa, and a very high risk that further aerial or land attacks on roads or bridges could sever access roads between the cities entirely," it said. This would result in "cutting the last remaining supply route for food, fuel and medicine to many of the estimated 20 million Yemenis who depend on imports through Hodeida." IHS Markit Middle East senior analyst Ludovico Carlino said he expected Saudi and UAE coalition forces to step up their assault in the coming days and "capture" the port before any talks start. "Saudi Arabia and the UAE consider the capture of Hodeida as an essential precursor to any peace talks with the Huthi movement, as this would allow the Yemeni government to have much more political leverage at the negotiating table," he said. "As such, fighting for control of the port will probably begin in earnest over the coming days, and intensify thereafter," Carlino said, warning the Huthis could "sabotage" facilities at Hodeida port if forced to retreat. Both the United States and the United Nations are pushing for peace talks on Yemen to take place by the end of the year. 'Mass starvation' Salem Jaffer Baobaid, an aid worker for Islamic Relief charity in Hodeida, painted a bleak picture of daily life in an account published by the humanitarian news agency IRIN. "Lately the fighting is edging closer to the city centre and I can hear it. Few people sleep through the night, and I can see the exhaustion and anxiety on my neighbours' faces," he said. Food packs last only two weeks and "sallow skin and sunken eyes both signs of malnutrition are clear indications that the people of Hodeida and Yemen can't take much more," added Baobaid. UN agencies say some 14 million people are at risk of famine in Yemen described as the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with the World Food Programme saying it will nearly double food aid to the country to avert "mass starvation." Unless the war stops immediately Yemen "will become a country of living ghosts, its people reduced to sacks of bones," it warned. Nearly 10,000 Yemenis have been killed in the conflict since 2015, according to the World Health Organization. Human rights groups say the real death toll may be five times higher. In Istanbul on Friday a conference held under the aegis of Yemeni Nobel laureate Tawakkol Karman called for concrete measures to end the war and an international court to judge those charged with crimes during the conflict. Zimbabwes former revenue authority boss Gershem Pasi has appeared in court facing charges of criminal abuse of office for allegedly prejuducing the government about 12 million in an electronic tax deal involving China and local companies. According to the state-controlled Herald newspaper, Pasi allegedly used a third party company for the acquisition of an Information Management System without the authority of the State Procurement Board. State prosecutor Veneranda Munyoro told the court that Pasi engaged a company named Righlux Services instead of Inspur Zimbabwe linked to a Chinese firm for the acquisition of the e-taxation system at a cost of $32,649 939 instead of $11,819 000. The state, according to the Herald, was prejudiced of over $12 million in the deal. Chief magistrate Mishrod Guvamombe remanded him out of custody on condition he pays $2,000 bail, surrender title deeds valued at $150,000 and his passport to the clerk of court, report twice a week at Borrowdale Police Station, continue residing at the given address and not to interfere with witnesses. He is expected to appear in court on November 22. Funeral Announcements A daily list of current funeral annoucements as heard on KXRA 1490 AM/100.3 FM News Updates The daily news, sports, and events delivered daily from Voice of Alexandria. Sports Update This current sports headlines delivered daily from Voice of Alexandria. Upcoming Events This email is the events of the area delivered daily from Voice of Alexandria. Breaking News The big news. Sent only as it happens. This is not Chris Pines penis. Photo: Netfix / David Eustace This years Toronto Film Festival saw many newcomers give amazing performances, but no duo had as much buzz as those that made their debut in Outlaw King: Chris Pines Pubes, and Chris Pines Penis. Unfortunately, like their Juilliard classmate Jessica Chastain in The Life and Death of John F. Donovan, there was a possibility those star turns would go unseen by the world at large: David McKenzies extremely bloody biopic of Scottish hero Robert the Bruce underwent significant edits after its TIFF premiere, and the director says he ultimately trimmed 20 minutes from the film. But fear not having skimmed the version of the film thats currently streaming on Netflix, we can report that those two big scenes remain, well, uncut. As is tradition at Vulture, weve taken the liberty of preparing a guide to this momentous occasion, which is after all the first full-frontal nudity from a Hollywood Chris. (Chris Hemsworth in Vacation doesnt count.) Use it wisely. How to See Chris Pines Pubes 1. Like a great chef, Outlaw King knows not to blow its showstopper on the first course. Accordingly, before the movie will serve you the D, its going to serve you the bush. But even before this, youre going to have to sit through a whole lot of medieval sword stuff first. There are duels to fight, people to stab, and Englishmen to glare at. Amuse yourself by trying to figure out whose Scottish accent is the best. (Its not Pines.) 2. If your eyes have glazed over from all the indistinguishable bearded men, wake yourself up by the time Robert is with his men in the woods, preparing to fight a big battle. This happens around a third of the way into the film; you can tell its different from the other battles because it takes place at night. 3. The signal to keep your eyes peeled is when Pine is in a tent alongside his English wife (Florence Pugh), whom he has heretofore refused to bed out of a strange combination of grief, respect, and national pride. But the time is apparently right, and so tonight is the night. When the two start to embrace, keep your eyes trained at the bottom of the frame. 4. Now, this scene also features female nudity, but thats not what youre here for today. Youre here for pubes. There will come a time when Pine removes his whatever-the-medieval-word-for-pants-is, and this is the moment you need to be ready for. Keep your eyes firmly trained between the royal cum gutters, and gaze at the majesty of this mound. Drink it in on the spectrum of male celebrity pubes, its more Pattinson than Theroux. 5. Alternately, you could also skip the above steps and just fast-forward on Netflix to 45:31. But come on, dont you want some build up? Either way, enjoy a nice intermezzo in the form of Pines butt, which gets some prominent onscreen real estate in the subsequent sex scene. How to See Chris Pines Penis 1. Now that weve handled the pubes, its time to move a few inches south. Just a warning: To see the dick youre going to sit through a lot more movie. Like, basically an entire Heros Journeys worth. Robert the Bruce is going to hit a low point, and then another low point, and then another low point. This is the part McKenzie trimmed, for good reason. 2. However, there will come a point where Robert gets to a particularly bad spot, and comes up with a different strategy to kick the English out of Scotland forever. After that, he takes a cleansing bath in what looks like an extremely cold Scottish firth. Just as the GPS sometimes wont tell you about a turn until youre right about to get to the intersection, you wont have a whole lot of notice after Pine starts swimming, so youll need to get ready fast. 3. This is what youve been waiting for. Keep your eyes peeled on the center of the frame, as Pine emerges from the water fully nude, before quickly putting on his whatever-the-medieval-word-for-underwear-is. When I say its over fast, I mean it: The todger is reportedly only onscreen for a mere 12 frames, or half a second. 4. Again, if you want to skip all that rigmarole, all you have to do is skip to 1:27:53 on Netflix. 5. Luckily, you have an advantage that everyone watching the movie at TIFF didnt have a pause button. Feel free to go back and watch it again and again. Make an event of it. Pop some popcorn. Tell your roommates. Its been a rough week. You deserve this. Conan OBrien. Photo: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images After 25 years in late night, Conan OBrien wants to make sure he never has to run out the clock on his career. With a multi-city live tour, a new podcast in the works, another installment of his internationally famed Conan Without Borders specials in the can, and the announcement that his TBS show Conan is moving to a 30-minute format, its clear that the veteran host is ready to break free from talk show convention. OBrien sat down with CNNs Jake Tapper for a Q&A on Thursday as part of the New York Comedy Festival to discuss the changes to Conan and how hes approaching this latest iteration of his show, which he sees as a much more interactive, digital-friendly production. Let me start by saying Jake was not my first choice. I wanted Jim Acosta, but he and I are fighting, OBrien joked at the top of the talk. This cannot be the most important part of your week, but thank you. OBrien is in town for a live show at the Beacon Theater, part of his Conan & Friends tour, his first time touring since The Prohibited from Being Funny on Television Tour that followed his run on NBCs Tonight Show in 2010 (Its a very different tour. That was a juggernaut This is more like the acoustic, stripped-down version, he said). For the last week, hes been living out of a suitcase, performing in a different city every night with comics who have been on Conan, and directly connecting with fans via audience Q&As something he says will affect how he approaches his leaner TBS show in 2019: I prefer smaller cookie, more chocolate chips, he joked. Were still playing with it a lot because Ive wanted the tour and this experience to inform it, OBrien said, noting that shorter doesnt necessarily mean easier. What Id like to do is shoot the show a little longer than 30 minutes, have it be very loose and playful, put out the best version of the linear show, and put the rest out online, so they work off of each other. Going from a 44-minute show to a 22-minute one will be an adjustment. The shorter version will not feature his old house band (hes looking for something much more informal), and he plans on bringing the audience much closer in. The digital components are key his team won an Interactive Emmy this year and he knows that conventional late-night segments were essentially time killers created in the 50s and arent the clips people today are searching for the next day online. Still, we can expect the same OBrien weve come to know and love in the slimmer episode format. Its still me being funny, so this is not, Check out the whole new Conan, because theres no such thing as the whole new Conan until Im medicated, he said. Part of what were trying to do with this new shift is, you should be able to see what Im up to pretty much 24 hours a day. And if we have something funny that we can comment on in the moment, that should be put out there at 3:00 in the afternoon, he said. I dont want to be killing time. Especially in a world where theres 175 late night shows, and people are experiencing them in a different way [online]. I want the linear show to match what we experience digitally. Because of this approach, Conan has the youngest audience in late night (which is what sparked the change in format). OBrien told a story about running into a gang of young kids while mountain biking in Los Angeles and being surprised that they were fans of his. I wanted to ask, Dont you know how old I am? Look at this rotting pumpkin head! he joked. I have a lot of fans now that werent born when I first went on the air, he explained. They dont know the old references. Or they know them, but its not what theyre passionate about. Theyre passionate about the stuff weve done in the last three years. And this younger generation, they dont want to see the presentation. They really want to see what Im doing throughout the day. When OBrien looks back at his early days on Late Night, he sees a younger but actually much stiffer person. It is funny to look at tapes from 93 now, because they do look like theyre from the late 40s. First of all, I look like a 28-year-old Belgian woman. And in a good way, he said. But I look at it now and my hosting style has become much more, Forget the rules, forget what Im supposed to do. If something interests me in the moment, I drop everything and go for that. In contrast to many of his contemporary late night hosts, OBrien doesnt feel pressure to do political comedy and will continue to stick to his strengths of silly, timeless bits, like Triumph the Insult Comic Dogs trip to the Attack of the Clones premiere in 2002, a viral video predating YouTube. In a weird way, I feel less pressure because its being handled [] by so many late-night hosts, and brilliantly, he added. OBrien is most looking forward to doing more international specials that, as seen in the Haiti and Cuba episodes, are a mix of funny fish-out-of-water moments as well as sincere, borderline diplomacy. In his Japan special, airing on November 28, he rents a Japanese family for the day and makes the father apologize to him for things his father yelled at him for in the 70s, as when he spilled creamed corn on the linoleum floor in 1975. He apologized to me very sincerely, and I felt like I had a breakthrough with my dad. Its one of the weirdest things Ive ever shot, and thats just the tip of the iceberg, OBrien said. Its called glamour, honey! Photo: Geoffroy Van Der Hasselt/AFP/Getty Images When Fashion King Ezra Miller strolled onto the Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald red carpet, it wasnt about looking cute, it was about looking cozy. (He did look cute, however come through, black matte lip!) For the movies Paris premiere on Thursday, Miller wore a Pierpaolo Piccioli x Moncler look: a double floor-length puffer (one part cape, one part skirt?) with matching hat and gloves. No accessories or jewelry not even a rosary, though it kind of seems like Miller is ready to read last rites! the puffer makes enough of a statement on its own. Its a little bit like Lizzie McGuires igloo dress met Missy Elliott in Supa Dupa Fly at a bar and they decided to have a night on the town. Accio, fashion statement! Stop everything you're doing and look at this photo of Ezra Miller on the red carpet for #FantasticBeasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald pic.twitter.com/3T8mdECzg4 Rotten Tomatoes (@RottenTomatoes) November 8, 2018 In the Fantastic Beasts sequel, Miller plays American wizard Credence Barebone, but on the carpet he looked more like the most fashionable Dementor to ever float slightly above this Earth. The devil wore Prada, but Ezra Miller is a dementor wearing Pierpaolo Piccioli. Open invitation to relieve us of our souls! Rebecca ONeal. Photo: Jenni Walkowiak Rebecca ONeal (@becca_oneal) is a comedian, writer, and former host of the stand-up television show WCIUs One Night Stand-Up in her hometown of Chicago. She now resides in Brooklyn, where she was named among TBSs 2018 Comics to Watch, has performed on 2 Dope Queens, and appeared on season two of Netflixs Easy. This week, ONeal spoke with me about posting jokes as a pre-screen for open mics, writing from a millennial perspective, and getting booked for shows via Twitter. Frankenstein was the doctor, not the monster; Tyrone was the fuckboy's friend, not the fuckboy himself. Rebecca O'Neal (@becca_oneal) July 19, 2017 I called this dude Tyrone pejoratively which I thought was a hilarious way to label someone a broke, useless, fuckboy. The roast landed, but a few days later, the song was randomly on and Im like, Woaaaaahhhh, wait, wait. Tyrone was not Ms. Badus titular protagonist at all because how can the fuckboy CALL Tyrone if he issss Tyrone! Then came the tweet because I realized everyone makes this mistake, and Tyrone is the Frankenstein of the black community. Have you ever taken a tweet and developed it into longer material? I treat tweets like an open mic pre-screen. I try new versions of existing material, tags to existing jokes, new material I want to try that night or soon and I also just tweet whatever is on my mind that I find funny or compelling or amusing. At shows sometimes, Ill scroll through my recent tweets while Im coming up with a set list to see if anything jumps out to potentially be expanded upon onstage. Even with 280 characters now, Twitter is very concise, and it makes you work to get your wording right. Onstage, you have more room to flesh out ideas, so tweeting is like when youre diagramming a sentence and youve got the two lines for the subject and verb then onstage youre adding all this language and branches to the diagram that started with a tweet. guess we'll never be free enough for me to admit which black shows im hate watching just to support Rebecca O'Neal (@becca_oneal) June 24, 2018 Black Twitter has turned on me more than once for being too loose with my opinions about Media for Us by Us, so this was my way of subtweeting while maintaining the integrity of my mentions. I will say though that I love Luke Cage and Marvel everything, but one time Luke is investigating a crime, says dude he suspects seems to be doing well financially all of a sudden, and the camera pans to about three pair of Off-Off Broadway brand sneakers. Do you have any favorite topics to tweet about? Myself and how my experiences relate to the larger world? Which is going full millennial, but I do feel perceived narcissism aside the more specific you can get about describing your unique human experience, the more universally relatable it will be, even to people whose lives and experiences are nothing like yours. I do my best to not just talk about whats going on with me but how those things make me feel, how I react to them thats where the comedy is. Moby Dick is one of the top books of all time that American kids of all backgrounds have to read because of its literary and cultural significance, but I dont know anyone who has beef with a whale not that Im cranking out Melville-level tweets. i would like to thank this online form for my new gender identity pic.twitter.com/HnBq2DFZtf Rebecca O'Neal (@becca_oneal) May 26, 2018 This is a form from an astrology website. Id love if outer space and planets were to blame for my weird life, but Im not even that into astrology. So obviously the guy I was dating at the time was and I let him do my natal chart, his natal chart, our compatibility natal charts, etc., and this joke was the only thing of value I got from that whole fling. What do you get out of being on Twitter? Ive been on Twitter for ten years. Which sounds impossible. But before stand-up, I was writing about comedy for different publications and was an editor at Splitsider, and I feel like I got to see a peek behind the curtain before I ever took the stage. I was Twitter friends with a lot of comedians before I worked up the courage to actually try stand-up, so when I started dipping my toe and tweeting jokes before I made up my mind to hit a mic, their positive feedback definitely gave me the push to go through with it. If comics I looked up to thought my jokes were funny, maybe theyre funny! For ten years. [Laughs.] I also get a lot of bookings that way and promote shows, get my news, beg for Venmo donations. [Laughs.] twerk your arrest!!! plz venmo becca_oneal pic.twitter.com/RVF0pC4MQi Rebecca O'Neal (@becca_oneal) August 25, 2018 Got pulled over in Jersey on the way from headlining in Philly at Good Good Comedy Theater. Hid the recreationals under my wig because I knew the white cops wouldnt find it. They took my BFs car overnight, locked him up for a few hours, and we missed the first day of Afropunk. While we were at the station, Im shook because this cop behind the intake glass announces over the PA that my MOM IS ON THE PHONE, and I thought she was just psychic, but then she reminded me that I checked in at the jail on Facebook when I posted this video. Very on brand tbh. Haha! Thats an incredible story. How much of your life do you tweet about? Is there any part of your life that you feel is off-limits or too private? I have an internal code of lines I dont cross, but I like being open and digging into the way I think and my personality. The stuff I enjoy is like that personal essays by Camus and Montaigne are pretty much doing the same thing except a long time ago and in French but they overshared THE MOST, putting everything they thought and believed out there with their unique POV, and its still super relatable in 2018. Montaigne wrote about farts, scammers and cheaters, and fake friends; Camus has this essay thats basically the old-timey version of Dont Feed the Trolls. So this isnt new; its just a new medium for the same type of expression humans have always been compelled to. I dont seek experiences for their comedic value, but if I find myself in a situation that sucks, better believe Im squeezing all the comedy blood from that stone. Even if that just means live-tweeting my arrest and twerking in a rural New Jersey police station. My friends joke that if they want to know where I am or what Im up to and cant get in touch with me, theyll just look at my Twitter since I probably posted my longitude and latitude. Karen Chee is a Brooklyn-based comedian who writes for The New Yorker, McSweeneys, and Shondaland, among other cool websites. The author is more comfortable facing away from the camera. Photo: Synergetic Distribution If you write a Cult book, the essayist Helene Hanff once remarked, the Cult loses no time getting in touch with you. I can confirm that its true. Six years ago, I published a book about the history of Polaroid photography, a medium that appeared to be on the verge of extinction. Polaroid had stopped making film in 2009, and dismantled all but one of its factories. That one last plant had been bought by a couple of entrepreneurs who had struggled mightily to get it up and running again, and at first produced only a dodgy beta-test product when they did. (It has since gotten much better.) But, it turned out, 70 years of birthday parties and smart marketing and Andy Warhol and, yes, nudie pictures had built Polaroid a huge following, and the Cult had found a new generation as well. A lot of the same people who kept vinyl records from going extinct, it turned out, were also interested in cameras and film. Some of them also make documentaries, and one of those, Instant Dreams, gets its New York premiere tomorrow at the IFC Center. Its not the first of its kind. That would be Time Zero: The Last Year of Polaroid Film, made not by a Williamsburg beardie but by Grant Hamilton, a libertarian surgeon from Iowa who shoots very cool photographs himself. Time Zero came out in 2012, and I liked it quite a lot. I also figured that was all there was to say on the subject until 2014, when I got an email from a Dutch filmmaker named Willem Baptist. He was making his own Polaroid-film film, and (he explained) he wanted to get into the subject with a few enthusiasts. I have shot enough news segments as a New York editor that I know the drill: you sit in a chair, they film you answering questions for an hour, they snip out the 180 useful seconds, and if you havent said anything truly dumb, its over and done with. But that wasnt how it was going to go, not this time. Willem gradually made it clear that this was going to be a film in which I was an actual character. My son, who at the time was 5, could be one as well. I didnt quite know what I thought of that idea. Would my son be comfortable on camera? What if he melted down or said something inappropriate and it ended up onscreen? Did I want to put him in a position that could leave him looking foolish later in life? On the other hand, Gore Vidal once said though Im expurgating the real quote here that one should never turn down a chance to be on television, and that goes double for being in the movies. (Triple, when you are trying to get a toehold in the world as an author. Books dont have immense marketing budgets.) In the end, my wife and I decided that it would be nice to have a professional-grade document of our sons childhood. He wont be 5 forever, we thought, and maybe when hes older, hed enjoy seeing a movie in which he and his dad spend time together. We said yes. Willem came over from Rotterdam and pre-interviewed me, making hours of digital audio recordings, and then went back to rustle up more funding and start production. In August 2016, he returned with his film crew. He booked six days here, large portions of which were spent with my family. I walked my kid to school summer camp, really and he filmed it. I went to work, and he shot me going into the elevator, coming out of the elevator, making a phone call at my desk, and doing a few other random bits of business. My Vulture colleagues were, I think, a little nonplussed when Willems crew laid out dolly tracks in the hallway in front of my cubicle and started doing slow pans as I sat there and faux-typed. One of my favorite Vulture neighbors, Jackson McHenry, also has a brief on-screen moment. Most of the filming work, though, was done in the evenings. Willem and his crew shot in our apartment and around our neighborhood, but we also did one long, swirly pass in a taxicab through Times Square at 11 p.m. or so, to get some New York color. It was August, and I had made the tactical mistake of wearing a navy jacket and dark trousers the first day we filmed; each day thereafter, Willem asked me if I could dress similarly so he could cut all his shots together. Which would have been fine, were it not August in Manhattan, and had I not sweated entirely through the jacket the first morning. After two days, I started trying to steam the creases out of it each evening so I didnt look quite so bedraggled. The only time I put my foot down was when we made a few shots on the Coney Island beach at high noon. It was 97 degrees in the blazing sun, and I had to rather firmly explain that I might look a little out of place sweating through a suit jacket. It was the closest I ever came to diva behavior, and it led to what I think of as the Great Dutch-American Polo Shirt Compromise (see photo, above). And there were surprise gifts from the documentary gods. One weekend day, we made our way to the Brooklyn Flea, in Fort Greene, where a vintage camera dealer I like was selling Polaroid cameras. Turns out that a permit we thought had been granted by the Flea had not been, and we were escorted back out through the gate. We were scratching our heads over what to do for about two minutes when we ran into the street photographer Louis Mendes, who shoots on Polaroid film all day long. A few minutes later, we ran into a clutch of cute young women messing with the Polaroid camera and film one of them had just bought at the Flea. And after that, we just set up a tripod and I started asking passersby, Hey, these guys are making a movie about Polaroid photography. Mind if I take your picture? and chatting with a spectacular array of Brooklynites, old and young, cool and not, as they watched their photos develop. Though the whole Brooklyn interlude ended up on the cutting-room floor hey, thats showbiz it went uncannily well. So did the party. Willem had asked me if my office-mates are the types to go out for drinks en masse after work on Fridays, because he was hoping to shoot me in a group of some kind. We arent. But purely by chance, a journalist friend happened to email me that week, saying he was having a birthday-and-housewarming celebration. I sent back the most extraordinarily hubristic RSVP imaginable: Id love to come, and, uhhhh, do you mind if I bring a film crew? For some mysterious and generous reason, he said yes. (Maybe he knew the Gore Vidal quote, too. He is, indeed, in the movie, as are his wife and a whole bunch of their startled friends.) I was wiped out by the end of the six-day stretch. I am not a performer by nature thats why I write and being UP! and ON! for the camera was draining. Also, we were often working till 1 a.m. But I will say that Willem and his crew took pains to keep it gentle, especially with my kid (who is much more of a natural on camera than I am). And then came silence from the team in Rotterdam for a year or so, during which I will admit that I occasionally wondered if it had all come together. It had. I didnt get from New Amsterdam to Old Amsterdam for the world premiere, but a few months ago the film screened at a festival in Jersey. My wife and son had never seen it, and Id watched only a small-screen low-res download (discovering that, yeah, Id said a couple of stupid things, but it wasnt the end of the world). We invited my parents, too. I hadnt quite grasped this going in, even though I knew it, but it turns out to be a movie about three people with connections to Polaroid instant film: a chemist in Germany who worked on its reincarnation, a photographer in Los Angeles who made her lifes work with it, and the writer in New York who tells its story while running around with his son, and appears to own only one wrinkled navy jacket. And also a polo shirt. The kid is the best thing in the movie, of course. Instant Dreams will screen at the IFC Center on Saturday, November 10, at 11:30 a.m. Ill be there for a Q&A afterwards. Tekashi 6ix9ine. Photo: Shareif Ziyadat/WireImage SoundCloud rap has exploded over the last two years with rappers whose criminal pasts have led to uncertain futures. XXXTentacion was murdered last June while awaiting trial on charges that he brutally assaulted and threatened to kill his pregnant girlfriend in 2016, allegations which only heightened his notoriety online during his brief career. (He confessed to the abuse in a since-surfaced secret recording.) Similarly, Tekashi 6ix9ine, whose rainbow hair suits his troll persona, has had his fame come with an asterisk. Last year, 6ix9ine narrowly avoided jail time and having to register as a sex offender for pleading guilty to the use of a child in a sexual performance in 2015; instead, he was sentenced to four years probation. But that was only the tip of his controversies: He went on to dace life in prison on federal racketeering charges related to gang activity and a potential future in witness protection due to his cooperation with the federal government. On December 18, Tekashi met his fate in Manhattan Federal Court when he was sentenced to two years in prison after a whirlwind of chaos. To try to make sense of it all, weve compiled a timeline of his fast rise and even faster fall. Pre-2017 Rise to Fame 6ix9ine, born Daniel Hernandez in 1996, grew up in Bushwick, Brooklyn, New York, and was raised by a Mexican mother and Puerto Rican father. His father was murdered in 2009 when Hernandez was 13 years old. According to his No Jumper interview, 6ix9ine was expelled from school in the eighth grade and did not further his education. I stopped going to school to help my mom pay the rent, he said. Following his fathers death, he worked several jobs and began selling marijuana to help support his mother and brother. In 2014, 6ix9ine begins rapping on a whim. I started rapping for fun to be honest with you. I didnt really want to be a rapper or whatever, he told No Jumper. I just started making music because everybody was like, Yo you look mad cool. He develops an online presence built off his eccentric fashion choices including wearing oversize shirts emboldened with the words Pussy Nigga, his rainbow-colored hair and grill, many face tattoos including a giant 69 over his right eyebrow (he estimates he has over 200 tattoos of the number) and a portrait of Jigsaw, and starting beef with other SoundCloud rappers including Trippie Redd by trolling them on social media. Photos of him also start to become a viral meme. During that time, he begins releasing scream-rap music under the Slovakia-based label FCK THEM, including Scumlife, Yokai, and Hellsing Station, and featuring anime in his music videos. He establishes the 6ix9ine persona, describing it as a lifestyle. I stand up for the kids who cant stand up for themselves, hell later tell Mass Appeal. Kids that get bullied and deal with a whole bunch of cyberbullying and school bullying kids in group homes, detention centers, where they dont have parents there looking out for them. They feel alone, like outcasts, or some type of joke to society. Im the hope for those kids. His song, Scumlife, he explained, stands for Society Cant Understand Me. (It is also a reference to the Flatbush gang; 6ix9ine has also said hes been affiliated with the Bloods set known as 9 Trey Bloods his other nickname, TreyWay, is both a reference to that set as well as his manager of the same name.) He has refused to wear name-brand clothing like Supreme so as to appear relatable to kids who cant afford those designers the way he couldnt growing up. I start my own trends. Im making it cool to be a bum, to be poor, he says. Tekashi is his own character I build my own world and I want my world to look like its on fucking fire. 2015 Sexual-Misconduct Case February 21: Amid his rising notoriety, 6ix9ine is accused of having sexual contact with a minor. On February 21, he attends a gathering at a Harlem apartment where videos are filmed of a naked girl later revealed to have been 13 years old at the time. According to the details of a criminal complaint filed a week and a half after the incident, and later obtained and publicized by Jezebel in December 2017, 6ix9ine, who was 18 at the time, is seen in one of the videos making a thrusting motion with his pelvis and smacking her on her buttocks while she engages in oral sexual intercourse with another man, who was also later arrested. In a separate video, the girl is seen sitting naked on the laps of 6ix9ine and another man; in a third video; a man is seen pouring liquid on the girls breasts while she sits on 6ix9ines lap. The videos are uploaded to Instagram and 6ix9ine reuploads them to his own account, later telling police he did so for my image. 6ix9ine claims to have believed the girl was of legal age at the time. When she came in she asked me how old I was and I told her I was 18 and I assumed she was older. The way she was asking made me think she was older, he told police. March 5: 6ix9ine is arrested and charged with the use of a child in a sexual performance. October 22: 6ix9ine pleads guilty to one felony count of use of a child in a sexual performance. According to Jezebel, the terms of his plea deal state that in the time until his sentencing (originally meant for October 2017, but since continuously postponed until October 2018), he is to complete one year of probation, 300 hours of community service, two years of mental health treatment, not to share sexually explicit or violent images featuring women/children to social media, and write an apology letter to the victim and her family all of which appear to have since been completed. He is also required to obtain his GED and stay out of criminal trouble for two years. District attorneys are now arguing he has violated the latter two requirements. 2017 July: A photo of 6ix9ine on Instagram, displaying his tattoos and colorful hair, goes viral on Reddit, drawing attention to his music. October: 6ix9ine releases Gummo, his official debut single, which rises to No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100. November: 6ix9ine does a widely circulated interview with DJ Akademiks in which he gives his version of the events of the 2015 case, speaking publicly about it for the first time. I dont know her exact age, I think she was 14 or some shit like that, he says. He claims to have been 17 years young at the time of the incident, despite correctly stating to police that he was 18, and denies having any sexual contact with the victim. Im not touching the girl, Im not having sexual intercourse with the girl, Im not doing nothing, she just nude in some type of way, he says. I didnt rape nobody, bro, the girl wasnt even raped I didnt have no sexual contact with the girl but I was in the video. 2018 January 6: 6ix9ine is involved in an alleged altercation with a 16-year-old boy at the Galleria Mall in Houston, Texas. According to the police report obtained by Pitchfork, the boy tries to take a video of 6ix9ine, prompting the rapper to grab him by the neck causing small scratch marks and pain. 6ix9ine and his bodyguards allegedly further threaten the boy to erase the video, which he does to not get hurt again. In July, 6ix9ine is arrested in New York at JFK airport on an outstanding warrant for the incident and is charged with misdemeanor assault. In October, the alleged victim, Santiago Albarran, appears in court to reportedly ask that 6ix9ine not be prosecuted, even posing for a photo with the rapper. The case is ongoing. February 23: He releases his debut mixtape, Day 69. April 19: A woman tells Babe that 6ix9ine knowingly engaged in a sexual relationship with her when she was underage. Martha Gold, now 18, claims that they met in March 2017 when she was 17 and he was 20 and that she repeatedly informed him of her age. She says they had sexual contact in Los Angeles, where the legal age of consent is 18. She does not appear to be pressing charges. Im not tryna put him in jail or anything, but he has to learn to stay in his lane, she says. April 25: 6ix9ines manager, Tr3yway, is reportedly investigated in connection with two shootings, one at Barclays Center on the day of the Adrien Broner fight, and the other hours prior on the streets of Brooklyn. His crew is also reportedly investigated for a shooting on a music video set in Brooklyn days prior. The incidents all reportedly involve rapper Casanova, with whom 6ix9ine had beef at the time. TMZ reports that 6ix9ine has been banned from performing at Barclays due to the alleged incident. May 20: 6ix9ine allegedly illegally parks in front of a fire hydrant in Brooklyn while also allegedly driving with a suspended license. He is reportedly charged with two misdemeanors: operating a vehicle without a license and facilitating aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. May 21, the very next day: The morning after his arrest for the parking incident, 6ix9ine reportedly gets into an altercation with a police officer at the 77th Precinct in Brooklyn. After being instructed to take off his unlocked handcuffs, 6ix9ine allegedly grabs and squeezes the officers hand against the cuffs and refuses to take off the cuffs or let go of the officer, allegedly causing the officer swelling and redness to [his] fingers and, to suffer substantial pain, to fear further physical injury. He is slapped with four more misdemeanor charges due to the incident: third-degree assault, third-degree attempted assault, third-degree menacing, and second-degree obstructing governmental administration. Both cases are still ongoing. June 18: 6ix9ine is reportedly investigated for a shooting in New York involving rapper Chief Keef. He denies any involvement, though the two have beefed online and he insinuated his involvement on Instagram. July 22: He releases Fefe with Nicki Minaj, his biggest and most commercial song to date. It rises to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. Minaj later defends working with 6ix9ine despite his misconduct, saying The thing with me, when I know somebody theres nothing you can tell me about them. Thats just how it is. Also on July 22: 6ix9ine is involved in an attack the same day his Nicki collaboration is released. He is reportedly kidnapped, pistol-whipped, and robbed in Brooklyn. As crazy as it sounds.. yesterday morning I had a feeling that it was my day to die, he later writes on Instagram. He also claims it was not a publicity stunt to promote the single. August 8: 6ix9ine starts beef with rapper YG over a line on YGs song Su Whoop in which he calls out fake Bloods, alluding to 6ix9ine. 6ix9ine taunts YG on Instagram, saying his single Fefe with Nicki is outselling YGs single with Nicki, Big Bank. He added, You a whole bum out here. Stop going on radio stations tryin to promote your album mentioning my name. You a big-ass dummy. August 10: The Manhattan District Attorneys office requests that a judge revoke 6ix9ines plea deal in the 2015 sexual misconduct case, arguing that he violated the terms of the deal by getting into further legal trouble and did not complete his GED in time. They ask that he be required to register as a sexual offender and that the rapper be sentenced to one to three years of jail time. 6ix9ines lawyers are arguing that any arrests that occurred after the original planned October 20, 2017, sentencing date should not count against his plea deal because it wouldve expired by then. Pitchfork reports that postponements to that hearing were due to 6ix9ines lawyers requesting more time for him to complete his GED, which they say he did in April 2018. August 21: Nicki Minaj claims that MTV would not allow 6ix9ine to perform with her at the VMAs. Tekashi, I wanted to perform with me at the VMAs. And somewhere along the line he didnt get approved to perform by the powers that be, she says. I dont want anyone to think for a second that I would not have asked him to come on my stage to perform his amazing hit Fefe. September 1: 6ix9ine performs at Jay-Zs Made in America Festival on the main stage to massive applause despite showing up two hours late. Its his first major U.S. festival performance, which he points out during his set saying no other festival had invited him. Minaj brings him out to perform with her during her headlining set at the festival. September 9: Kanye West hits the studio with 6ix9ine, fueling speculation that hell appear on Kanyes album Yandhi. September 14: YG releases the video for his song Bulletproof, which features a 6ix9ine look-alike in jail. He flashes the word pedophile on the screen, alluding to the misconduct case. October 22: Pitchfork reports that 6ix9ine is due in court for three separate incidents in the same week the 2015 sexual misconduct case, the Houston fan incident, and the altercation with the police officer in Brooklyn. He is expected to appear at a sentencing hearing in the misconduct case on October 26 where he could face jail time; he does not attend the October 25 pretrial hearing for the Houston case but is scheduled to be deposed on December 20; his October 23 for the cop case is adjourned and he is scheduled to be back in court on November 14. In the misconduct case, the D.A. further argues for jail time citing 6ix9ines multiple arrests that violate the terms of his plea deal, his gang affiliations, using his social media presence to perpetuate violence by starting feuds with other artists, as well as the criminal investigations involving the Chief Keef shooting and the shooting involving his manager. The DA writes: [6ix9ine] has failed to mature into the law-abiding adult anticipated by the plea agreement which he signed on October 20, 2015. October 26: 6ix9ine avoids jail time for the 2015 sexual misconduct case involving a minor, sentenced instead to four years probation. Hell get credit for one year served. At his sentencing, 6ix9ine tells the judge, Your honor, sometimes I feel like Im behind a closed door trying to convince the world Im a good man. Im not Tekashi 6ix9ine. Im not committing murders, Im not out there robbing people, and Im not out there raping people. October 26, later that day: According to TMZ, gunfire breaks out at a post-sentencing dinner in mid-town Manhattan following an argument between 6ix9ines entourage and a record executives bodyguard. A third party allegedly fires four shots during the dispute, hitting one of Hernandezs bodyguards in the stomach. He is subsequently taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.. October 28: 6ix9ine makes a surprise appearance at Power 105.1s Powerhouse NYC concert at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. He performs a full set and alludes to how his legal troubles have affected his career, telling the crowd, I never get invited to shit like this. October 29: The Associated Press reports that two men in 6ix9ines entourage are arrested for gang assault in connection with the afterparty shooting following his sentencing. One of the men, Faheem Walter, was the bodyguard shot in the incident; the other is named as Zachary Bunce. According to the report, the two men had attempted to enter the restaurant Philippe Chow on the Upper West Side and, when turned away, they returned and hit an armed security guard with a chair. That guard then shot Walter. 6ix9ine was reportedly not present at the time of the incident. November 4: Tekashi is reportedly involved in a verbal altercation with YG affiliate, rapper Slim 400, at ComplexCon in Los Angeles. According to reports and Slim himself, Slim and his crew barred Tekashi and his crew from entering the venue. November 5: Responding to the incident at ComplexCon in an interview with paparazzi, Tekashi mocks Slim for being lesser known and taunts YG for his affiliation with Slim. If YG was really your friend, you wouldnt be in the hood right now. But YG cant even get himself out the hood, he says. November 7: One of Tekashis managers, Shotti (ne Kifano Jordan) reportedly surrenders to police in connection with the shooting at Tekashis post-sentencing after-party where one of Tekashis bodyguards was shot. Shotti is charged with gang assault and criminal possession of a weapon. Tekashi is snapped out in Los Angeles with an entourage now including at least five bodyguards. Thats him overshadowed in the middle. Tekashi announces hes dropping his debut album, titled Dummy Boy, on Black Friday, November 23. Its cover features a cartoon version of Tekashi peeing out a rainbow onto a checkered floor. Watch me outsell everybody suck my dick, he writes. November 9: TMZ reports that an alleged shooting occurred on the Beverly Hills mansion set of a Tekashi music video featuring Nicki Minaj and Kanye West for a new song off 6ix9ines forthcoming album. It is described as a drive-by shooting where eight shots were fired, but no one was hit. One bullet reportedly struck a bedroom window. According to TMZ, both Tekashi and Kanye were on the set, but Nicki had not yet arrived; Kanye immediately left while production was halted and the crew was shaken up. November 14: TMZ reports that a man was arrested for allegedly robbing and kidnapping Tekashi 6ix9ine back in July. Anthony Jamel Ellison, a former member of Tekashis management team, was detained on November 6 on a federal warrant. He has been indicted on one count of carrying a firearm to commit a crime, one count of conspiracy to obstruct commerce by robbery, and one count of obstructing commerce by robbery. Ellison pleaded not guilty on all charges and awaits trial in Manhattan federal prison. Tekashi claimed at the time of the incident that it was an inside job; it appears he may have been right. Tekashi also accepted a plea deal in the case involving his assault on a police officer in Brooklyn during an arrest back in May. Pitchfork reports that he pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and received a sentence of conditional discharge that requires him to stay out of trouble and not discuss the case on social media. He reportedly faces 15 days in jail if he breaks those terms. According to the Blast, the violation will not appear on his criminal record. November 15: Tekashi fires his entire team, including his manager Shotti, booking agent, and publicist. He also cancels his American tour. November 16: Tekashi appears on The Breakfast Club to explain why he fired his team saying he cant trust nobody and that the shooting on the set of music video with Nicki Minaj and Kanye West was the final straw, insinuating he suspected it mightve been an inside job. He also says he only fears two things: God and the FBI. November 18: Tekashi shares the track list for this debut album, confirming his song featuring Kanye West and Nicki Minaj, MAMA. (Kanye is also featured on another song, FEEFA.) November 19: Tekashi is arrested on federal charges of racketeering and firearms related to organized gang activity as part of the local set Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods, including armed robbery, conspiracy to commit murder, and drug trafficking. Hes taken into custody along with his ex-manager Shotti, bodyguard Faheem Crippy Walter, and three other associates. The arrest is reportedly part of a joint investigation between the NYPD, Homeland Security, and the Justice Departments Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. He is charged with six counts of an eight-count indictment, two of which carry a maximum sentence of life in prison. 6ix9ine is held without bail and reportedly put in general population. It is revealed during his arraignment that his associates might have been planning a hit on 6ix9ine. They were secretly recorded saying they wanted to super violate 6ix9ine and that certain high ranking members of the Bloods had authorized violence. November 21: Two days after Tekashis arrest, Minaj posts to her Instagram saying his album Dummy Boy would be delayed due to reasons beyond music. His lawyer argues that Tekashi was never a gang member but just behaved like one as part of his rap image. An entertainer who portrays a gangster image to promote his music does not make him a member of an enterprise, the statement reads. November 22: Tekashi is reportedly transferred to a federal facility that is said to hold witnesses who are cooperating with law enforcement. His lawyer claims the transfer was for security reasons, after gang members threatened Tekashi at the original facility he was sent to. November 24: His new album Dummy Boy leaks days after its release is indefinitely delayed. November 26: Tekashi pleads not guilty to six counts of racketeering in federal court. November 27: 6ix9ines debut album Dummy Boy is officially released while hes in prison. He reportedly signs a new distribution deal with his publishing company Create Music Group to put out the album, exiting his previous contract with Capitol Music Group and Caroline after a disagreement stemming from the albums leak. The federal government announces it had an informant embedded in 6ix9ines crew who recorded secret conversations with the rapper as well as his associates. November 28: TMZ reports the findings of the wiretaps from the informant working with the Feds. Both Tekashis former manager, Shotti, and associate, Mel Murda, were recorded making violents threats against 6ix9ines life and discrediting him as a gang member. November 29: Complex host DJ Akademiks, who was the first to report 6ix9ines racketeering arrest, denies being the informant working with the Feds in a statement to TMZ. [I have] zero connection to this criminal case against Daniel Hernandez & other co-defendants. I view them as good people to me, he says. All these charges are a shock to me and do not involve me. I have never been questioned or much less cooperated in this. I am just a news reporter. November 30: Rick Ross taunts 6ix9ine over his legal troubles on new song Whats Free with Meek Mill and Jay-Z, using a homophobic slur to mock the rapper. Screaming gang gang now you wanna rap, racketeering charges caught him on a tap/Looking for a bond lawyers wanna tax, purple hair got them f****ts on your back, he raps. December 5: A Manhattan judge revokes 6ix9ines four-year probation in his 2015 child-sexual-misconduct case, giving him credit for time served. He will also no longer have to complete 1,000 hours of community service. The decision was reportedly due to his multiple pending federal racketeering and firearms charges. While awaiting trial in federal prison, it was deemed that the court cant enforce the terms of his probation or community service. The sexual-misconduct case is declared closed. 2019 February 1: Tekashi 6ix9ine pleads guilty to nine counts of federal racketeering, following his November arrest. Its revealed that 6ix9ine is discussing a plea deal with prosecutors involving the disclosure of information regarding multiple violent people associated with the same criminal enterprise. He faces 47 years to life in prison, though he likely wont be sentenced until 2020. March 28: The rappers former manager Kifano Shotti Jordan also pleads guilty to racketeering charges. During the proceedings, Jordan admitted to using and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, related to two assaults in April 2019. June 4: Rapper Kooda B admits to the court that Tekashi 6ix9ine paid him in exchange for getting someone to shoot Chief Keef, almost exactly a year after Keef was shot at in front of a Times Square hotel. Tekashi pleads guilty, saying that he did so in furtherance of the Nine Trey. Kooda B faces up to 20 years in federal prison. September 10: A report that lists the crimes Tekashi 6ix9ine has admitted to and wont be charged for under his plea agreement includes committing domestic violence from 2011 up until he was arrested in November. September 17: 6ix9ine testifies in court against Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods members Anthony Harv Ellison and Aljermiah Nuke Mack, whom he allegedly associated with. He also pointed out any alleged gang members who appear in his music videos, adding that it was his idea to include them. Tekashis witness statements are part of a plea deal with the Feds that may end with him in witness protection. 6ix9ine claimed that his role in the gang was to make music, make money, and in return they would offer protection. September 23: Its revealed that Tekashi 6ix9ines driver, Jorge Rivera, who was driving the car when 6ix9ine was allegedly kidnapped, had been working as a confidential informant following an ICE arrest. September 26: According to TMZ, sources say that Tekashi 6ix9ine has no plans to enter the witness protection program following his prison time. Instead, hell be paying for private security for both himself and his family. October 10: Tekashi 6ix9ine reportedly signs an over $10 million record deal with his former label, 10K Projects. The agreement includes two albums, one in Spanish and one in English. Plans for civilian life are underway. December 4: Prosecutors officially argue for a reduced sentence, calling his testimony both incredibly significant and extremely useful for their racketeering case against the Nine Trey gang. In their letter, prosecutors say they intend on requesting a lower-than-minimum sentence, provided that he continues to comply with the terms of his cooperation agreement. A minimum sentence for Tekashi 6ix9ine is 47 years in prison. December 11: I find it difficult to find the right words to express what my life has been like for the last year, the rapper said in a letter to the court, asking for leniency. It honestly feels like my world is crashing down. December 13: 6ix9ines mother, bodyguard, and girlfriend send their own letters to the court, vouching for him and explaining why he needs a reduced sentence. December 17: The two individuals Tekashi 6ix9ine and his associates mistakenly robbed at Rap-A-Lot Records in April 2018, instead of its CEO James Prince, send victims statements to the federal judge in charge of 6ix9ines fate. One victim described the impact the attack has on his life and asks, Why should this person, who nearly ended my life, be free when I am not free? December 18: Tekashi is sentenced to two years in prison, with credit for time served; hes expected to be released in 11 months and will remain on supervised release for five years. Tekashi addressed the judge at his sentencing, Im not a victim, I put myself in this position. Photo: Getty Images Tim Blake Nelson is extremely hip. When we sit down to discuss his latest role, in the Coen brothers Western anthology film The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, we perhaps inevitably, given that hes playing a singing cowboy end up chatting about what music weve been listening to. The artists he names range from Hank Williams (I just dont think therell be another troubadour like him, ever) to A Tribe Called Quest to Okkervil River to A$AP Rocky. Though he credits his three sons for his awareness of the last, its a breadth of knowledge (and enthusiasm) that stretches to pretty much each topic we cover. Its also a range thats evident in the two characters Nelson has now played for the Coens: escaped convict Delmar ODonnell in O Brother, Where Art Thou?, whom Nelson gently terms not so smart, and now Buster Scruggs. Though they initially seem to be cut from the same yokel-y cloth, it only takes a few minutes of the Coens latest movie (and a very bloody shoot-out) for it to become clear that theyre yin and yang Scruggs is much more dangerous than he looks. The day after its premiere at the New York Film Festival, we spoke about the film, musicals (Western or otherwise), and getting into the Watchmen groove. Were Westerns a genre you grew up with? I grew up in Oklahoma, and Westerns were always on television. They were probably always on television everywhere in the country, but in particular [laughs] in Oklahoma. I constantly watched the Sergio Leone Westerns whenever they were on television. Those are a very different kind of Western from Buster Scruggs. Was the cowboy musical also something you enjoyed? Less so the cowboy musicals, just because, since I loved the Sergio Leone ones, I was bound not really to like the singing cowboy. I understand that the Coens wrote this 25 years ago, and you were sent the screenplay in 2002. What was the conversation between then and now? Occasionally, Joel would mention it. He would say, Someday, were gonna do that Buster Scruggs, so be ready. It was brought up from time to time, and yet I have to say, as the industry started to change, with the rise of Netflix and Amazon and fewer screens for arty movies, I did begin to wonder how they would ever get it made, even Joel and Ethan. The change in the way films are displayed now actually ended up helping them. Did you hear about just the Buster Scruggs part when they first talked to you about it? Yeah, and I was told about Meal Ticket. That one had also been written. They said, Yeah, weve gotta write these other ones. I read it, and I loved it, and I thought, My God, what a great opportunity, to get to do that, thats fantastic but it was so appealing to me that I wanted to put it away, otherwise I would just keep thinking about it all the time, and asking Joel and Ethan about it and annoying them. So I just put it away. And then when they said, Alright, we want you to do it, all I remembered was, Alright, youve got to learn these pistol tricks and youve got to learn to play the guitar, and theres going to be singing. I went to dinner with them and we just started going over what the process of learning all that would be, and I said, But he doesnt really talk much, does he? And Ethan said, Doesnt really talk much? The guy doesnt shut up! [laughs] And then I realized, Oh, there are a lot of words to learn, as well. Are you really playing the guitar in the film? Yes, I learned to play the guitar specifically for this. Have you kept playing it since then? A little bit. I would say that I should play more, because its a skill I want to hold onto. We started shooting in June, and I started preparing for this role in January. Guitar lessons and the pistol stuff that was also tough to learn. Tough, but in a good way. I worked on those skills its like Napoleon Dynamite, [affects voice] my skills every day for months and months, because they have to seem like its easy. Now, understand that Im playing the guitar, but when you hear the recording, its just my voice. Im playing the real chords and playing along with the track, but I dont know who ended up playing the guitar on the recording, but Im really playing the guitar I have there. And the horse was absolutely fine with it? The horse was fine with it, but Im riding a neck-reined horse. Thats one of the other reasons I needed to learn to play really well, because Im controlling the horse with my legs. Do you ride? Not at all. Alright. So you can control a horse with your legs if youre really, really good, and Im not. Im an okay rider, Im not a great rider. Grainger [Hines], in the movie, hes a great rider. But yeah, playing and singing and trying to make the horse hit a mark, I needed to be able to play really well, and not even think about it. It was just second nature. That took a lot. Do you play any other instruments? You played the organ in Minority Report as well. No, not really. I took piano lessons as a kid, but I wasnt very good. Im the parent of a real musician Henry, my oldest boy so I never say that I can play. He taught me to play the guitar for the film, he was my teacher. I think, if you dont really count O Brother, Where Art Thou?, this is the first musical that youve done. Yeah. I did a musical onstage a long time ago Mac Wellmans Dracula. I played Jonathan Harker, and I sang in that. That was really fun. But you wouldnt want to put me in a musical that wasnt a rock musical or a country musical. Im not going to be able to perform Sondheim, that would just be horrible. Have you ever tried? I auditioned for Assassins! When it was at Playwrights? Yeah. Can I ask what part you were going for? I just went in and sang a song. Are you generally a fan of musicals, though? I am. I love musicals, and particularly Sondheim. I love Sondheim. Hes my favorite. Backtracking a little bit, speaking to the change in the way movies are displayed, is the shift in the filmmaking landscape something youve felt on a broader level? Yeah, its profound. Its changed not only what sorts of movies can now get made, but also how many people see them, the types of movies getting made, and also the aesthetic of the movies. Its global. I think, because of streaming platforms, more movies are now getting made, so thats good. I think, however, because of the way that the films are viewed, the cinematic language is different. There are more close-ups now, fewer wide shots, because whether theyre conscious of it or not, I think filmmakers making art films are aware that a wide shot is going to be wasted on a tiny screen. Sound is treated, now, in a different way. Editing is treated, now, in a different way. You really do hear, on sets, now, Well, thats going to be fine, because most people are going to watch this on a small screen. You actually hear that. Or, Why are you caring about that thing over there in the background? Nobodys going to see it on their iPhone. You hear that. And thats just bound to change what gets attention on a movie set. Youve said that one of the things you like to do is to hang around on sets to watch the directors work. Was there anything in particular that stood out to you on Buster Scruggs? I was reminded that Joel and Ethan really dont shoot master shots. They dont shoot complete masters. There was not one complete master on Buster Scruggs, in my section. You get pieces to establish the geography, but because they knew thats where they were going to use that particular piece, there was never a complete master. Essentially, the editing is happening in real time, because theyre not furnishing an opportunity for a master to be dropped [in] later in the scene. Its not there, and theyre not going to have the shots. To think of it in musical terms, everything is notated in that regard. Theres no room for improvisation later in the editing room, or theres little room for that. I marveled at it. I think the results speak for themselves. You always feel, on a Coen brothers movie, that youre where you need to be, as a viewer. That they do that without full masters is breathtaking. That is the work of preternatural filmmakers. In an AV Club interview, you were talking about your role in The Incredible Hulk. Theyve brought William Hurt back for one of the more recent Marvel movies; have you gotten the call yet? I have not. Yeah, the Leader. I would love to do it, so well see. I dont know that Mark [Ruffalo] is going to do his own standalone Hulk movie, and maybe if he does, they would bring the Leader back, Im not sure. Are you much of a comics person? To a degree. You know, Im about to go do Watchmen. I was just about to ask about that. I had not read Watchmen, so I read it when I was offered the show, and it took me a while to understand the vocabulary of a graphic novel. I really didnt get it. It frustrated me. But once I found my way in and no longer needed descriptive words, but could really look at that style of artwork because I feel like I can look at a Delacroix or a Bruegel or a Courbet, or even a Miro, an abstract, and I can find my way in. But I found it really difficult when first reading Watchmen just to find my way in. I just wasnt inured to the way that medium tells stories. It took me a while. But then once I got in, I was really engaged. I found it very smart. I guess comics are somewhat new to me. Was there a particular moment where it clicked for you? I think it was around the character of Rorschach. Seeing him as this unembarrassed, almost Hobbesian cynic about the nature of man, and how we treat one another, I just suddenly realized there are clashing philosophies in this. Once I began to understand that, then the visual shorthand and the lacunae that I was expected to fill in became very exciting. You just dont get words to understand, as an example, that Ozymandias just blew up a whole ship. You have to find it there. And the clashing philosophies of the different characters, that was my way in. So I assume that you hadnt really read that many comics prior to Watchmen. I really hadnt. I hadnt read Hulk, either. Edward [Norton] was a big Hulk fan. But no, I wasnt so familiar with it. My parents didnt encourage that. We could read Doonesbury, we were allowed to read Doonesbury. What was the demarcation? They saw Doonesbury as a cultural phenomenon, because you had a character who was in Vietnam, and then you had that character, Mrs. Caucus, who was an early feminist, you know, a 70s feminist, so my mom said, Yeah, well, you can read Doonesbury. I had a really good upbringing, but it was regimented. We were assigned books, you were always expected to be reading a novel, we had to deliver talks about books at the dinner table. We also wrote five paragraphs a week on the subject of our choice, that were then graded by our parents. That was outside of school. Any chance youd do a romantic comedy again? I was just looking through your IMDb page and remembered youd done Cherish near the beginning of your career. For me to have a title role, it would have to be a Coen brothers movie. It really depends on somebody having that sensibility, to put me in a romantic lead. Finn Taylor is just that sort of director. So, sure, but I really do like playing the supporting roles. I like playing the oddballs. There was an actor who once said to me, But dont you want to be the guy instead of the guy standing next to the guy? And I actually like being the guy standing next to the guy. I really do. I mean, I think youve kind of turned into the guy as well. People know who you are. Thats another great bit of advice I got from Lois Smith a long time ago. I had done a role in Central Park, a really nice role in Shakespeare in the Park, and I was a little down because it had ended. This was very early in my career, way before O, Brother. She said, You sound down today, Tim, and I said, Yeah, I just thought it would be different after I did this role. She said, Tim, no. For a character actor, its not about the one role, its about a lifetime of accumulation of character roles. Thats what you want to think about. You want to think about your whole life doing this, not about a single moment. This interview has been edited and condensed. This whole arranged marriage plan has been going very smoothly for Raj and Anu so far. Of course, Raj is going to throw a wrench into that. R. Kooth shares with his friends that he and Anu are about to have sex for the first time, and the more he talks about it, the more nervous he gets. He builds up such a headful of angst that he cant talk at all, in fact. Yes, the selective mutism makes a return. Anu reserves a beautiful room at the hotel where she works, and Raj arrives first to prepare for their night of romance. He makes a quick call to Penny so she can try to talk him down from the performance anxiety ledge, but when Anu texts about her imminent arrival, Raj really loses his cool. When Anu enters the room, he cant speak to her, and instead grabs a bottle of champagne and heads to the bathroom. The situation, thankfully, is not played off in typical sitcom form; Anu does not pretend she doesnt notice that something is very wrong. When Raj finally exits the bathroom several minutes later and with that champagne bottle at least half empty she demands to know whats going on with her suddenly babbling, frisky fiance. Raj wisely fesses up about his history of nervousness with the ladies. Well, he didnt really have a choice Anus first guess was that he had a drinking problem. No, I have a talking problem, and a drinking solution, Raj clarifies. She asks why he hasnt told her about this, and when he admits he was too embarrassed, she offers up something uncomfortable about herself: she doesnt like music. Not just certain music, but any music. Not even Beyonce?! Raj wonders. Not even Single Ladies! Sharing their quirky embarrassments leads to a kiss, and when the two wake up in bed together the next morning, we learn the sex was nonexistent. They spent the whole night talking. Sharing their vulnerabilities with each other has allowed them to bond in a way that suggests, for the first time, that they may really be a good love match. Just to be sure about that other thing, though, Anu announces her intentions to take a shower, and tells a still sometimes clueless Raj he should join her. Lest we think the groom-to-be is the only one focusing on building a good relationship, newlywed Sheldon takes note when Raj mentions to his friends that hes already friendly with Anus parents. This leads Sheldon to decide hes going to spend the day with Amys dad, taking Mr. Fowler to his favorite haunts and allowing him the pleasure of a day spent listening to Sheldons many (many) theories and factoids about everything. Ol Larry is a good sport, but when he and Sheldon hit the comic book shop, Howard woos Larrys attention away with a magic trick. Amys papa is fascinated with Howards amateur skills (cute, given that Larry is played by magician Teller, of Penn & fame), annoying Sheldon and sending him to the Fowler homestead to click with Mrs. Fowler instead. Amys mom is more visibly annoyed than her husband with Sheldons single-minded focus on his particular interests, but when the mother and son-in-law figure out theyre irritated by the same things like the fact that both Amy and Mr. Fowler put ketchup on their eggs they warm up to each other. When this new connection leads to the discovery that Amy has been using Sheldon as an excuse to avoid spending time with her mommy dearest, their new link strengthens: Sheldon defends Amy, even though she threw him under the bus with her mom, which finally convinces Mrs. Fowler that Sheldon loves her daughter and is loyal to her. Sheldon simply finds his new in-law delightful (in no small part thanks to the chemistry between Jim Parsons and deadpan guest star Kathy Bates). Oh, they also both dislike magic, and have a similar opinion about Howard or, that odd little friend you have with the haircut, as Mrs. F. describes him. I may have married the wrong Fowler, Sheldon remarks about his new BFF. Theor-ems Raj also reveals big wedding news: He and Anu will be getting married on Valentines Day, in India. Raj assures Anu hes had no complaints from his past sexual partners. Ive had questions, comments, some constructive criticism, but no complaints, he says. Sheldon is fascinated that Amys dad calls her Pumpkin. Hes been calling Amy Spaghetti Squash, and so concludes that everyone in the Fowler-Cooper family should be given vegetable nicknames. Larry becomes Turnip, and Mrs. Fowler is Old Lady Green Beans. Howard informs Stuart that all the candy at the checkout counter in the comic book store is expired. Stuarts unconcerned: You buy candy in a comic book store, you get what you get. Rajs go-to sexual move is the Screaming Locust. Its a fake Kama Sutra move, something he says is really a cover for when he gets leg cramps while getting his swerve on. Okay, but back to Anus hatred of music does that seem like a pretty big issue to anyone else? Presumably, if she hates music, she isnt going to want to have it playing in her house or in her car unless youre also someone who hates music, isnt that going to be a constant source of tension, maybe even fights? Or its going to demand what Id consider a pretty big sacrifice, for someone to give up listening to music. Thoughts? The Good Place The Worst Possible Use of Free Will Season 3 Episode 8 Editors Rating 4 stars * * * * Previous Next Photo: Colleen Hayes/NBC Before I fired up this weeks The Good Place, The Worst Possible Use of Free Will, I mentioned to my viewing companions that itd been a while since the writers had thrown a big, game-changing curveball at us yknow, the kind this show usually tosses our way every three or four episodes. Then, for the next ten minutes or so, I watched with mild but mounting dismay as chapter 34 stubbornly edged backwards, rather than leaping ahead. The episode begins in an Arizona library or more specifically the Tostitos Presents Public Library, Presented by GoDaddy where Michael has promised to use Janets detailed records of every Neighborhood reboot to prove to Eleanor that she was once openly in love with Chidi. After an inoculating three-second sample memory (which leaves Eleanor with her hair burned off and her teeth falling out, at least temporarily), were whisked back to some scenes from the Neighborhood weve never seen before and Well, honestly, its like were back to watching one of the more fumble-y season one Good Places, in which creator Michael Schur and his staff were still playing around with the limitless possibilities of the afterlife, and hadnt yet started blowing everything up willy-nilly Yknow, back before The Good Place became great. Its not that there arent some funny jokes in those Neighborhood scenes. The big storyline in this flashback involves the humans enjoying (at least at first) Pick-a-Pet Day, on which they get to choose an animal, real or mythical, to bond with for eternity. Tahani picks a mirror centaur, which looks and acts like a haughtier version of herself, and gives her a withering stare when she asks if she can ride her. Jason claims a penguin (not mythical, no matter what he thinks), which he dresses up in a Jacksonville Jaguars jersey and names Blake. Eleanor takes a lizard, which crawls all over her head while shes trying to talk, and which Tahani thinks is perfect for her because it, too, has combination skin. And Chidi has trouble picking between two heaven puppies, and so is stuck with an owl that scratches him. But theres something old-hat about the dilemma the heroes find themselves in with their pets from Eleanor worrying that losing her lizard will expose her as a fraud, to Chidi opting not to take advantage of the opportunity to attend a party where he can fly like his owl, so he can instead help his soul mate with her crisis. Its nice to take a little nostalgic trip back to the early days of The Good Place, and a Neighborhood full of novelty restaurants like Kabob Patch Kids, where one of the potential pets the humans could choose was something called a tarantula squid. But its been done. The second half of The Worst Possible Use of Free Will, though, shakes the episode up, and makes the first half look better in retrospect. (As I usually do, I rewatched the whole thing before writing this recap, and found the first part much more enjoyable once I understood its purpose.) Michael tries to cut off the flashback after Eleanor kisses Chidi, insisting thats enough for her to understand that shes capable of love. But she insists he keep going, showing her how this reboot ended after sarcastically saying that shes fine with moving on, snapping, Just watching myself fall in love for the first time in fake heaven, what else is on? Immediately, the story changes, and the episode becomes another enjoyably freewheeling The Good Place that jumps around in time, on the way to making a sharper, larger point. First, Michael reluctantly catches Eleanor up on the rest of that reboot, which ended with him telling her and Chidi that their love would never be stronger than his demonic power, because if he wanted to, he could throw an elephant at them. You think a thrown elephant wouldnt crush you because of love? Even metaphorically, its lame. Back in the present (or wherever we are in this Jeremy Bearimy timeline), Michael admits that he didnt want to show Eleanor any of the above, because hes ashamed of how cruel he used to be and of how cool he thought French cuffs looked back then. What follows is a fun dialectic between Michael and Eleanor, the latter of whom refuses to believe that shes ever felt or expressed love for Chidi of her own free will. Pulling down the librarys not-so-well-thumbed copy of Philosophy for Dingdongs For Morons, she explains to Michael what shes learned from her classes with Chidi about the concept of determinism, arguing that shes never actually made a free choice. Shes always been a puppet, yanked around by people like Michael a demon whom she describes as being like an afterlife reality TV producer, getting the participants drunk in the hopes that theyll screw. Michael pulls out all the stops in trying to illustrate the myriad ways that Eleanors acted on her own in the centuries that hes known her. He shows her the time she confessed to being a fraud, to protect Chidi, in the first version of the Neighborhood; and he pops in the reboot in which he confessed everything about the Bad Place experiment in the first minute, in hopes of learning more about what makes such a historically terrible person as Eleanor so hard to torture. (By the way, its been a while since weve had a blink-and-youll-miss-it Good Place matrix like the one Michael pulls up, listing Eleanors many sins and shames. Highlights include: Mom Once Made Mac N Cheese With Wine Instead of Milk, Dad Forgot Birthday, Changed Birth Certificate So He Wasnt Wrong, Cant Remember How To Spell Calendar No Matter How Many Times She Learns, and, of course, Sexual Attraction to Sam the Eagle. Eleanor explains the latter: Hes very authoritative and I find that reassuring.) For her part, Eleanor suggests that maybe Michaels been manipulated himself throughout his whole existence, by some kind of mega-demon, which in turn is being controlled by super-intelligent tarantula squids. That makes much more sense to her than the notion that she could freely fall in love. And so, finally finally we get the first good The Good Place twist weve gotten in a few weeks. To put Eleanors mind at ease, Michael promises to take the humans to one of the only free beings on Earth, who lives in rural Canada, and could potentially serve as a blueprint for humanity. Simultaneously, Michaels afterlife arch-nemesis Shawn un-cocoons the insufferable Vicky, and sends her through an illegal portal to Earth, with Shawn himself close behind. The mid-season break is approaching. And whether The Good Place writers are freely making this choice or not, the time has come for this show to get back to being super strange, and unpredictable. Soul Patrol: The title of this episode, by the way, refers to Michaels picking up the rest of his human friends at the airport. Hard to refute that assessment. The Good Place writers are just as savage to Arizona as theyve been to Florida. At the local library, the most popular book in the poetry section is Jeff Foxworthys Roses Are Red and So Is My Neck; and the only book in the sex-ed section is the Bible. Also, if you stay in any place of business past closing time, theres a good chance youll catch someone shooting a porno. Tahanis centaur troubles are surprising, given that her family owned horses, though she admits that the animals in the Al-Jamil stable only pulled our carriages or performed in horse ballets. Its too bad we didnt spend more time in reboot 444: the one in which Chidis trapped in a purple space-bubble, almost certainly in pain. My wife, a theologian, especially enjoyed Eleanor calling Saint Thomas Aquinas Tommy Quine-Quine. Waitress: Want something to drink? Eleanor: Maybe I do, maybe I dont. But whatever I choose will be the result of millions of biological, genetic, and societal factors that are entirely outside my control. Michael: Iced tea. Eleanor: Oh, that sounds good! Ill have one, too. The Romanoffs Panorama Season 1 Episode 6 Editors Rating 2 stars * * Previous Next Photo: Justina Mintz/Amazon Panorama, the peculiar new episode of The Romanoffs, seems straightforward enough. A muckraking Mexican reporter named Abel (Juan Pablo Castaneda) is investigating a ritzy medical clinic in which grievously ill, extravagantly wealthy, generally contemptible patients are being sold snake oil by a shifty doctor. During the course of his investigation, he unexpectedly falls in love with Victoria (Radha Mitchell), the concerned mother of a 12-year-old kid who inherited hemophilia along with her Romanoff genes. Both the expose and the love affair end up unconsummated. But then, as Adam Curtis might say, a strange thing happened. As a street performer sings a cloying tune to the general effect of you take the good, you take the bad, you take them both and there you have the facts of life, Abel ends the episode by walking through a magical-realist live-action recreation of artist Diego Riveras massive mural The History of Mexico, flanked by Rivera, Frida Kahlo, her sister (and Riveras lover) Cristina, Marx, and Lenin as they stroll off into the proverbial sunset. Its audacious, Ill give em that! Im not gonna sneer at the audacity, either. Directed, like every episode, by Weiner from a script he co-wrote with Dan LeFranc, Panorama aims for the effect referred to in the title: a sweeping portrait of haves and have-nots, rich and poor, white and brown, predator and prey, with Abel and Victorias short, sweet, sad relationship at the center the same position Rivera occupies in his massive mural, as Abel points out to Nicky earlier in the episode. Driving this point home with a rupture in the fabric of reality that feels nothing like whats come before isnt the kind of move you see from highly lauded, allegedly surreal shows like Legion or Maniac, shows so larded with explanations for their inexplicable events that the dreamlike life is often crushed right out of them. Whatever else it is, the ending of Panorama is weird in a way that even shows that aim for surreal weirdness rarely manage. But lots of things can be weird without being, yknow, good. And things can be weird without being earned, too. The recreation of Riveras mural by extras in period costumes has only the most tenuous connection to anything that actually happens during Abels investigation (theres a rich vs. poor angle well get to in a minute), to Victorias parenting of Nicky (Rivera lionized the Marxist-Leninist tradition that led to her ancestors execution), or to Abel and Victorias courtship (he takes her and Nicky to see the mural as a way of finagling a date with her after their meet-cute at the clinic). Their story is really rather a small one, with no pretensions to being anything bigger right up until actors dressed as ancient Mexica and armor-clad consquistadores start strolling past the camera. Its only when Abel talks to the staffer (an apparent ex-flame of his), who helped him smuggle his bogus blood samples into the clinic when he posed as a patient, that he stumbles across the darkest part of the story, the one with some real sociopolitical heft to it. Its not just the degenerate patients and Dr. God that caused her to hate her job badly enough to help destroy it from within, the technician says: The doctor sources the fetal stem cells he uses in his bogus experimental treatment from a maternity clinic that treats poor indigenous pregnant women and their babies. When Abel briefly visits the place and sees the people literally getting the life sucked out of them, his voiceover narration speaks of the rich harvesting his countrys poor like the trees the conquistadors pulped to make the Bibles they forced on the people they conquered. The most chilling part of the story is the doctors off-screen reaction when Abel returns to confront him with what he knows. Instead of being cowed into an interview to defend himself, he simply has one of his minions tell Abel he has nothing to say, and is fine with the story running as-is. Why shouldnt he be? No one will give a shit, least of all the obscenely wealthy sociopaths who fund the practice, and as the presence of a heavily armed security guard to escort Abel off the premises indicates, the cops will be on his side as well. Which makes the reaction of Abels editor to his reporting all the more baffling. Its not a story, he says after reading it. Its a poem or something. Its godawful. The editor wonders aloud if Abel is trying to get fired, but Abel says no, hes decided to just go ahead and quit and start over again anyway. Smiling, the two toast to the fact that Abel is, or I suppose was, a terrible journalist. But even if the doctor thinks he can get away with it and the editor doesnt like Abels purple prose, surely the underlying facts are the stuff of blockbuster exposes regardless, right? Especially given the editors interest in doing dangerous reporting about the disappearance of student activists, his indifference to this story of the depredations of a global network of rich and powerful people makes no sense. Neither does Abels behavior when he finally reveals his ruse to Victoria. By then, hed already come clean to Nicky, only to discover that the kid had him pegged all along: Hes seen a lot of sick people, after all, enough to know Abel isnt one of them. Victoria, by contrast, is taken by surprise, though fortunately for them both her reaction is mostly relief that Abel isnt terminally ill. Yet this reaction isnt instaneous, and for a painfully prolonged period it seemed like she felt genuinely betrayed and taken advantage of. This, youd think, would be the perfect time to follow Im not sick with Im actually a crusading reporter trying to uncover medical fraud by the doctor to whom youve entrusted your son. If it were me, Id have made that clear in the very same breath where I admitted the deception to begin with. But like last weeks episode, in which Ron Livingston telling a whole long story about getting reprimanded for accepting gossip among local bullies at face value without noting that the bullies happened to be right, The Romanoffs once again glides right past believable human behavior to wring more drama out of a scene. Its such a strange thing to say about a show from the creator of a series as observant as Mad Men, but here we are. This tiny miscalculation, like the not-so-hot music cue that accompanies the climax, gives us all the more reason to be skeptical of that final swing for the fences. The Romanoffs has its moments, and sometimes whole episodes worth of them, but even though I enjoy the show overall Id be hard pressed to argue that this is Weiner working at the top of his game. Which is fine artists dont have to constantly do their best work, or else how would we know what their best work was to begin with? But if youre gonna appropriate a Marxist masterpiece for your sad love story, you have to put in the work to justify it. As a wise man once said, from each according to his ability, to each according to his need. Lacking the ability, Panorama also lacks the need. Four Alabama A&M students claim they were denied voting rights in the 2018 midterm election. The students, Jordan Jackson, Kendra Jones, Terry Matthews III and Simeon Sykes filed the lawsuit Friday morning against the Madison County Board of Registrars, Lynda Hairston, Chairman of the Board of Registrars and Secretary of State John Merrill. The students say they were registered to vote in the election, but that on Tuesday, November 6, they were told they were not in the system. They say poll workers told them they must cast provisional ballots. However, the students say the day after the election, when they checked the Alabama Secretary of State's website, it showed them as registered to vote at that polling place, the gymnasium at AAMU. According to the lawsuit, the students' provisional ballots were rejected. They say the rejection of their provisional ballots violates the 14th, 15th and 26th amendments, as well as the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The students are requesting that their ballots be counted. The university is not named in the lawsuit. A vendor, Jobscience, that Huntsville Hospital has used for online job applications since 2006 experienced a data breach in May 2018, which may have involved information from people who have applied to jobs at the hospital. The hospital was notified from the vendor about the breach in October 2018. Huntsville Hospital will be sending letters out to about 15,000 applicants from the past 12 years letting them know that their information could have been reached in the data breach. The hospital is also offering identity protection to anyone whose social security number was compromised. ID protection includes credit monitoring for a year. Burr Ingram, a spokesperson for Huntsville Hospital, says there is no indication that any information has been misused in any way, but there is a possibility. The hospital no longer uses this vendor's services. The Alabama Secretary of State's office said Madison County has work to do to fix the ballot swelling issue that happened at several polling locations on Tuesday. WAAY 31 did some digging to find out what Frank Barger, the next probate judge for the county, plans on doing to solve the problem. There are several trailers parked behind a fence topped with barbed wire that held the ballots before the election. Barger said the ballots did not sit through the rain on Monday night, but they did get loaded into the trailers in rain. That could have contributed to the ballot swelling, which caused concern for some Madison County voters. Millie Dempsey is one of the voters who didn't have her vote tallied right away because her ballot was swollen and she was worried by the situation. "To me those ballots are like gold or money. They have to be protected, and I just didn't feel that I was sure mine was," said Dempsey. The Alabama Secretary of State's office told WAAY 31 the ballots were protected and counted later, but the issue still came up. Barger said the ballots were loaded into the trailers the Thursday before election day in the rain. "I would have done what I could have to avoid that, but if you don't have the man power the next day, I don't know if they had another option," said Barger. Barger said he plans on being fully committed to fixing the issue, "Is it a staffing issue? Can we work better with our county departments on that? Do we have a backup or a contingency plan? Are other machines available? Do we hold a portion of the ballots back in our storage area if this is an issue in the future? There's several things we can look at to make sure this doesn't happen again." Dempsey said hearing that makes her happy, "That makes me feel a lot better. A lot better." Barger said Madison County wasn't the only place in the country where this was a problem. He said part of the solution might come from the company who prints the ballots and what sort of paper they are made from. There were also some areas where Trumps tariffs may have helped rather than hurt his partys candidates. Minnesotas Iron Range, in the northern part of the state, is in the midst of an economic revival, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported this summer, in part because Trumps tariffs have pushed up the cost of domestic steel and driven up profits. That revival played a large role in helping Republican Pete Stauber win a seat that Democrats had held since 2011, according to Stauber staffers.